Monday, January 27, 2014

Ink Motions with Alyssa Cole

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Interview with Alyssa Cole!


Alyssa Cole_photo

Alyssa Cole is a Brooklyn-based science editor, pop culture nerd, and romance junkie. In addition to writing, she hosts a romance book club and teaches romance writing at a local library. When she's not busy traveling, learning French, and, of course, writing, she can be found curled up in bed with her favorite books, Skyping with her fiancé, and watching cat videos on the Internet.


https://www.facebook.com/AlyssaColeLit


www.alyssacole.com


https://twitter.com/AlyssaColeLit


 

How do you get an idea for your novel?

In general, I like drawing on real world situations (both present day and historical), and then fictionalizing them and adding a romantic theme. Eagle’s Heart is a combination of a few different things. My minor in college was Political Science with a concentration in post-communist democracies. I was interested in the region, and when I met someone who had grown up in Albania and blithely mentioned playing with weapons as a child, the seed for the novel took root. I eventually started reading up more on the Albanian mafia and how hard it was for the FBI to take them down, and that led to Julian and Bardhyn’s relationship. Salomeh’s story was based, in part, on a real-life situation. Someone I know was accused of something terrible and, with no other evidence, the media pounced on her. Around the same time period, there were a lot of stories in the news about teachers seducing students, and I had to wonder how many were real and how many were driven by the titillation factor.

What is your writing style? Do you just sit down and write or do you create character sketches, outlines, or notes?

Any story with me usually starts with a very vivid line of text. Something that pops up in my head when I’m in the shower or just falling asleep. That one line is the beginning of an avalanche, rolling along and picking up more mass as it goes. I create a basic outline in my head, and then I do a ton of research. I take notes that will be useful to the story, but in general I’m a pantser—I know which plot points I want to hit, so I just sit down and write and see what happens. I can draw on the research that I;ve done when I get stuck or to spice up the story.

Who is the "Writing Muse" in your life? I.E., who gets your juices flowing when you are blocked?

Google! As I said, I love to do research, and many of my ideas are sparked by random things that pop up during a search. Wikipedia is my side muse.

How many novels have you written including all work in progresses you are currently working on?

I have written three novels (including Eagle’s Heart) and one novella. They all have elements of suspense but are in varying subgenres (dystopian, Civil War historical, Irish fantasy contemporary).

Who is your "writing idol"? I.E., who do you like and what is it about their writing that captures your soul?

My writing idol is hands down Stephen King. I started my first adult novel when I was in second grade. It was Stephen King’s The Shining. Needless to say, it scared the crap out of me. When I got to the scene where Danny is going into room 237, I jumped down from my bed (I was a top bunk kid) and hid the book under a pile of clothing in my older sister’s room. A couple of years later I was reading every King book I could get my hands on. I had always loved reading, but King showed me the true power of writing. It was more than just words, it was the power to invoke deep feelings and unexpected reactions in readers.

What is your favorite plot line type?

I really love a romance where the hero and heroine have to learn to trust each other. I think giving someone your trust is much more intimate than giving them your body, and I love when a book explores that theme well.

What is a good villain?

Well, I think this is common knowledge, but a good villain really needs to be a complete well-rounded character. No one wants to read about Snidely Whiplash twirling his mustache after tying a woman to the train tracks. What motivates Snidely? Did he have a good relationship with his parents? Has he ever experienced loss? Or is he just someone searching for a connection with another human being, like everyone else?

Is there any advice you can offer to anyone who would like to write?

The advice is don’t put the act of writing on a pedestal. For so many years I saw writing as something that I would have to wait to do. There’s no need to wait because you have it in you to start immediately. The first thing you write may not be good, but just keep powering ahead and you’ll get there.

 

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Here’s the summary:
Salomeh Jones is a Brooklyn high school teacher whose attempt to aid an abused student ruins her career and puts her life in jeopardy. Julian Tamali is a special agent hot on the trail of the Albanian mafia boss responsible for a slew of crimes, including the death of Julian’s family. When Julian finds a connection between the mafia boss and the disgraced school teacher, he sets into motion a series of events that will change their lives forever.

A night of pleasure throws them into a deadly game of cat and mouse with the man who has kidnapped Salomeh’s student and is possibly providing weapons to terrorists. Caught in a web of passion, danger, and betrayal, Julian and Salomeh must stop the mafia boss or forfeit their chance at redemption—and their lives.

 

Except from Eagle’s Heart:

“Not feeling patriotic?”

“What?” she squeaked, turning to face the man who had somehow crept up next to her while she was preoccupied with mentally flagellating herself.

“I was just observing that you don’t seem very patriotic,” he continued. He stood next to her, arms folded across his chest as he gazed at the fireworks. In the afterglow of the fireworks, all she could make out clearly was a head of shaggy black hair and the profile of a Roman nose and a well-defined jaw. He was tall, much taller than her five-feet-seven inches, and muscled. For a moment, fear coiled in Salomeh’s stomach. Could he be here to hurt her? Did he have something to do with Alexi?

“What are you talking about?” Salomeh snapped, irritated with him for invading her space and at herself for succumbing to distress. The jolt of anxiety segued into anger at the realization that she would have to suspect everyone until she could find Yelena, and hopefully, expose this Bardhyn character.

She took a sip of her gin and tonic and tried to rein in her annoyance, but she was tired of having her privacy invaded. All the people who had harassed her over the past weeks, the reporter with the fake card her neighbor had encountered the day before, the women across the rooftop just moments before, and now this man—all of them seemed to think it was perfectly okay to just barge into her life.

A huge burst of purple and yellow fireworks lit up the night sky, and from other parts of the roof, she could hear people clapping and whistling at the elaborate display. The man turned to her then, and in the glow of the fireworks she could see bright green eyes shining from under the fringe of his hair. His olive complexion provided a contrast that made his eyes seem even more brilliant. A smile touched his full, rosy lips. He was definitely handsome, although that didn’t change that fact that he was a nuisance. A very well-built and overly confident nuisance.

Salomeh watched surreptitiously as he reached up to run a hand through his hair. A thrill went through her at the way his biceps flexed and his pectorals tightened as he moved. His raw power was apparent even in this most casual of motions. Part of her wondered what it would be like to have all that strength concentrated on touching her. That same part, located between her legs, suddenly clenched when he shifted slightly closer to her.

“I’m sorry,” he continued, his accent still unfamiliar to her. It had the melodic but dolorous tone of something not quite European. “It’s just that it’s a beautiful night, the sky is filled with lovely fireworks, it’s the anniversary of your country’s independence, and you seem…unimpressed with it all.”

Salomeh rolled her eyes, although she was fairly certain the action was hidden by the shadow of the water tower. “I wasn’t aware that Homeland Security would be doing patriotism spot checks,” she deadpanned. He stiffened, as if she had offended him somehow. Good, she thought viciously, the scent of elderberry tickling her nose as she took a sip of her drink. “That’s what this is right? I mean, you’re not just some creep who roams the rooftops of Brooklyn, sneaking up on unsuspecting women for no reason, are you? Because that would be kind of weird.”

He raised his eyebrows at her, which she noticed only because the thick locks of hair hanging over his eyes shifted upward.

“You’ve seen through my disguise,” he said with mock severity. “We’re always on the lookout for suspicious characters. A woman lurking in a strategically isolated position such as this during a party merits an investigation. There must be something driving her away from everyone, no?”

He leaned in slightly just as a shower of white light exploded in the sky. Salomeh could see that his eyes were narrowed, his gaze entirely focused on her despite the world-famous light show occurring just above their heads. She had become used to scrutiny since her story had graced the covers of the tabloids. People had looked at her with disgust and disbelief and pity. But the look this man gave her was different. It was teasing and friendly and, most of all, interested.

She felt her cheeks warm. His face was close to hers, and the way he regarded her was comforting and seductive at the same time, somehow.

She’d told Marta she didn’t want to meet anyone. She told herself she had come out tonight just to prove that she could, but under this man’s watchful gaze, she felt that both of those things were lies. She had come out because she wanted to forget, and he seemed like someone who could help her to do just that if only she would allow it.

“I don’t fit the description of a sleeper cell agent, do I?” she asked, the irritation leaving her voice in increments.

“Not necessarily,” he murmured, his eyes still keen and evaluating. “But you are hiding in the shadows as if you’ve done something wrong. Why is that?”

Salomeh mused that the stranger didn’t know how right he was, couldn’t possibly know, or he wouldn’t be talking to her. Tears stung her eyes, sudden and embarrassing, but she blinked them back. She was so easy to read even a stranger could tell she didn’t fit in.

He leaned to his side so he was closer to her ear. “How about this? I won’t reveal that you’re a terrorist sending secret dispatches from this water tower if you promise to start enjoying yourself.”

His breath smelled of sweet dark rum, of summer abandon.

“That sounds like blackmail,” she said, starting to take another sip of her drink and realizing she’d already finished it. The stranger moved closer to her, and Salomeh felt another emotion start simmering in her belly. It wasn’t the fear that had become her everyday companion, but something unfamiliar and infinitely more welcome: lust.

His head dipped toward hers again, and this time when the smell of rum wafted over to her, she allowed herself to wonder what it tasted like on his lips. Her tongue dragged over her bottom lip at the thought, as if engaging in its own private roleplaying session, and she saw his gaze linger on her mouth.

“If I was going to blackmail you, I think I’d have something more interesting in mind than that,” he said drily.

Salomeh thought of Marta’s words to her the previous day.

You can do this, she thought, tugging at her dress absentmindedly. One night of fun.

“I’ve added another clause to our deal,” the man said, and when Salomeh looked at him, he reached out slowly and plucked her hand away from the dress. His touch was no more of the laying of his fingertips on her skin, but her entire body heated in response. “No more pulling your dress down. That hemline is quite perfect right where it is.”

Salomeh laughed at his ridiculous bargain. The sound startled her, as she hadn’t genuinely produced it in weeks. She marveled at the giddy feeling it inspired in her. She had thought she was forever incapable of feeling carefree, but here she was laughing. He hadn’t released her hand, and his rough warmth provided her with an odd sense of protection. It was ridiculous that a stranger should make her feel this way, but the who’s and why’s didn’t matter. She just wanted the sensation to last.

The finale of the fireworks show had started, and the loud bursting of the display nearly drowned out the cheers of the partygoers. The cacophony built and built, each boom resulting in larger bursts of colored light. The beauty of millions of shimmering specks raining down from the sky finally sank in, and Salomeh withdrew her hand from his to clap along with the crowd as they shouted their appreciation. As the raucous celebration quieted and the last embers of fireworks drifted down like tiny shooting stars over the city, she looked up at the stranger beside her.

“So, are you going to have fun, or am I going to have to call in reinforcements?” he asked with a mischievous smile.

“Secret agent man, you’ve got yourself a deal.”

 

Buy it at Loose Id 

Buy it at Amazon

 

 

 

Friday, January 24, 2014

Perfect Fit – Available in Print

perfectfitblogPerfect Fit is now available in print.


Perfect Fit
By: Taige Crenshaw
Total-E-Bound
Available Now
ISBN #: 9781781846889
Series: Singleton, Book # 2
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel
Format: Trade Paperback
Buy Here

When your love for someone is tested, how do you get beyond the silence and pain to get back to what made you become an us…

Regina Jacobs, after a busy day, gets home to the empty house she used to share with her husband. The sight of the divorce papers waiting for her devastates her. She loves her husband, and although they have not lived together for a while, or really talked, she thought they could work it out. She pushes off the hurt and embraces the fury. She would not give up her ‘us’ without a fight. Determined to reclaim the man who she has known was hers from the time she was a teenager, Regina seeks out her husband—the man who knows her heart, soul, and body, lighting each equally aflame.

Spencer Jacobs knows he is doing the right thing, taking the step of filing for divorce. It is painful, but he knows it is necessary. He loves Regina, but sometimes love is not enough. When Regina comes to him after receiving the papers, Spencer doesn’t know what to make of her words that he was giving up so easily on them. He’s fought already for them, but is bruised and battered from the loss of the woman who makes him forget all else but being hers. It will take everything he has to return, and this time he knows failure means the end.

Can two people who have let the silence between them linger too long find each other again? It’s going to take opening wounds that led to the silence and getting back to their basic belief in each other, to rebuilding what has been broken. For these two, there is no one else that matches them. Together, they are the other half to a .…Perfect Fit.

Buy Here/Read an Excerpt

Monday, January 13, 2014

Ink Motions with MK Schiller

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Ink Motions - Interview

 

When or what made you decide to become an author?

I’ve always been constructing stories in my head. One day, I decided that I’d put my thoughts on paper and it just grew from there.

 

How do you get an idea for your novel?

Everywhere. I know that sounds broad, but you only have to look to capture a life experience.  For my characters, I’ll often take snippets of traits I see in people I admire and create them. For my plots, I’ll think about how my characters would react to each other and what kind of love story would follow.

 

What is your writing style?  Do you just sit down and write or do you create character sketches, outlines, or notes?

I do generic outlines, but I go with the flow too. I’m not too rigid in how a plot should flow. Sometimes my favorite parts of my books are the ones I changed at the last minute.

 

Who is the "Writing Muse" in your life? I.E. who gets your juices flowing when you are blocked?

My daughter. She’s a brilliant girl with a snarky sense of humor. She never fails to make me laugh or give me ideas when I’m in a slump.

 

Walk me though the way you create a novel from conception to completion.

I think of the idea first – it’s usually some sort of vague general thing like childhood love taken away. Then I think of my characters. In this case, I wanted a small town setting with a southern cowboy Cassanova and a trouble girl. A childhood friendship that becomes more. Then I start writing and flesh out the characters, adding traits and plot points along the way.

 

What is the type of voice you use and why?

I’m still trying to find my voice. It’s snarky, cynical and what I hope is funny. I’ve experimented with first person, third person, muti-pov’s. I like writing from the hero’s pov. Men express themselves in simpler terms I think.

 

How many novels have you written including all work in progresses you are currently working on?

Oh boy, I have to take an inventory. 3 full length and 1 novella are published. 1 novel will be edited and then out in March. I have about 6 works in progress. I also have 2 books that I need to rework

 

Who is your "writing idol"? I.E. Who do you like and what is it about there writing that captures your soul?

I like EL James. Her Fifty Shades Trilogy actually inspired me in many ways. I also love Abbi Glines and Sylvain Reynard.

 

What is you favorite plot line type?.

Hmmm…I think it would be love can heal maybe. Anything that involves angst, hard choices, and troubled souls.

 

What is your current work in progress and how did get the idea for the Work in

Currently, I’m writing a book where my heroine suffers from bipolar. I was watching a show where someone with the illness was shown in a very negative light, which is common. I think the illness is not portrayed accurately in the media and I wanted to show a different side of it. I also strongly believe that everyone deserves a happily ever after.

 

Describe the major conflict between the hero and heroine in your novel?

In this book, Sylvie has secrets, but despite that, her and Cal Tanner become friends. They grow up together and Cal feels Sylvie is part of his heart. When she dies, he refuses to belief it, because surely if you loved someone the way he did Sylvie, he’d feel her passing in his soul.

 

Is there any advice you can offer to anyone who would like to write?

Just do it. Don’t worry about technicality or finding your voice, just start putting words to paper. Also, I do suggest joining a local chapter of The Romance Writers Of America. They can really help you with the in’s and out’s of the business.

 

Where are the bodies buried? IE Is there any old work in progresses you threw aside and decided not to complete and why?

So many, but it doesn’t mean I won’t go back to them. It just means another inspiration hit me that cut in front of them. I have a new adult, road trip novel with suspense elements that I really want to finish.

 

What is a good villain?

They have to have good reasoning for their evil. They should be multi-dimensional and interesting. I don’t always succeed in this, but that’s what I aim for.

 

Are there any last comments you may want to include?

Thank you for including me in your blog. Last year, I had an opportunity to put myself out there with my work, and it’s been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I hope everyone has a grand 2014!

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Blurb –

Everyone tells him he needs to move on, but how can a man function without his heart?

Ten-year-old Caleb Tanner wants nothing to do with Sylvie Cranston, the annoying weird girl who moves next door to him and gets him in trouble for swearing. But at twelve, they become friends when he teaches her how to hook a fishing line and she shows him the value of a selfless act. At fourteen, he falls in love with her.

At sixteen, she dies.

Or so he’s told. But Cal never believes it. Sylvie has become part of his soul. He knows her like the steady beating of his own heart. He’d know if she was dead. Cal looks for her, prays for her and finally he just waits for her.

Nine years later, she walks into the community college English class Cal is teaching. Only this girl claims her name is Sophie Becker and she doesn’t know him. Cal knows better. He’s determined to get the girl he loves back—and protect her from the danger that took her away all those years ago.


 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt 

This is an excerpt from my newest novel, A Girl by Any Other Name. I hope you enjoy it.

 

She sat down on her swing again. “I think you’re the smartest boy I know.”

“You’re wrong.”

She blinked her eyes at my goofy grin.

“I’m the smartest person you know.”

“That can’t be, because I’m smarter than you,” she replied, jutting her chin out.

“You’re a smartass. There’s a difference.” I returned to the passage I was reading, doing my best to ignore her.

“Why don’t you want people to know you like to read?”

“I don’t want to talk about it, Sylvie. You’re annoying me.”

“Will you read one to me?”

“We’re supposed to be paying attention to the sermon. The only reason my momma lets me sit out here with you is because she thinks we listen to it.”

“You’re not listening.” She had me there. “Just read me one. Your favourite one. Please?”

I sighed. “Fine.”

I flipped to my favourite poem and quietly read The Raven to her. When I looked up, she was staring at me with wide eyes and a wistful smile. Even my ignorant eleven-year-old self could appreciate that smile.

“It’s so pretty. I wonder what it means.”

“I know what it means. He thought he heard the ghost of some girl named Lenore who he used to know, but it was just some stupid bird screaming that he’d never see her again.”

“That sounds sad and romantic.”

“Romantic? He was crazy,” I said, twirling my finger next to my head.

“I think it is. He had to love her very much if he kept searching for her.”

“Maybe he just went batshit.”

“Cal, don’t swear. We’re in church,” she scolded, wagging her finger at me.

“It’s okay. We’re outside of it,” I said, gesturing to the open space between us and the building.

“God can hear everything.”

I chuckled. “Yeah, but my momma can’t.” She punched me in the arm. “Did you just punch me or was it the wind? ’Cause I can’t tell.”

“Very funny.” She looked off into the woods, and I wondered if she was going to bolt early. “I think there might be a raven calling to me too. Do you think I’m crazy?”

“Heck yeah,” I replied, impressed with myself for not saying ‘hell’. I felt lousy, though, when she looked at me with those big chocolate-coloured eyes full of sorrow. I wanted to make her feel better. I wanted her to smile again. I knocked my knee into hers. “Girl, you’re such a weirdo,” I said, finding the most poetic words my childish mind could muster.

She laughed in that cynical way of hers. “Yeah, you’re right. Bye.” She took off, sprinting into the woods.

“Hey, Sylvie,” I called after her before she blended into the landscape. She stopped and turned, almost out of earshot. “Let’s go fishing tomorrow after school.”

“I knew you’d take me,” she yelled back, giving me a real smile.

 

About MK Schiller

I am a hopeless romantic in a hopelessly pragmatic world. I have a full time life and two busy teenagers, but by night, I sit by the warm glow of my computer monitor, and attempt to conjure up passionate heartwarming stories with plenty of humor.

I started imagining stories in my head at a very young age. In fact, I got so good at it that my best friend asked me to make up stories featuring her as the heroine and the boy she currently liked as the hero. We'd spend hours on the phone while I came up with a series of unrealistic, yet tender events led the object of her desire to finally profess his love. You've heard of fan fiction... this was friend fiction.

Even with that, it took many years to realize I could produce an actual full length book that readers would enjoy. I try to make my stories humorous, realistic, with characters who are flawed but redeeming. I hope you enjoy my stories and never stop searching for your happily ever after.

Author site - http://www.mkschillerauthor.com/

Amazon page - http://www.amazon.com/MK-Schiller/e/B00FE0FGDM/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19231810-a-girl-by-any-other-name

Twitter handle - @mkSchiller

Publisher site - https://www.totallybound.com/a-girl-by-any-other-name?author_id=306

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MKSchillerauthor

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Power of Enticement - Available Now

powerofenticement_800_UKPower of Enticement
By: Taige Crenshaw
Totally Bound
Available Now
 ISBN #: 9781781849002
Series: Blackstone Haven, Book # 3
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Novel
Format: E-Book
Buy Here

A man who encompasses both the world of light and dark will engage your senses before you ever meet. His battered soul craves to match with yours.

Grayson Blackstone sees possible futures but cannot see the outcome of her own. After long months away, she’s returned to Blackstone Haven. She has already seen the man who’s hers and comes to him, cloaking her presence. He’s part of the legend that was foretold from her birth. powerofenticement_800_USARevealing the truth of the prophecy sets off a chain of events that will change the very foundation of what she knows. She will enjoy every moment she has with her mate and to hell with what is to come.

Savage Dubhán knows better than most how fate can change on a whim. For his kind, there is only one shadow that matches their soul. He never expects to find his soul mate, that is, until a woman storms into his office. Her brazenness confuses him until she drops her shield and he’s staggered with his destiny. Her family curse will not get her—she is his and nothing will get in his way. Yet, Grayson isn’t a woman who is seeking protection—she can handle herself. Her strength humbles him while her determination sets his soul ablaze.

When the shadows rise, it overcomes legacies, destiny and prophecy and all that is left is… Power of Enticement.

Buy Here

Sunday, January 05, 2014

Ink Motions with Kate Hill

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An Interview with Kate Hill: 

When or what made you decide to become an author?

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, but when I was sixteen I decided to start polishing my work for possible publication. It took about ten years for me to have a story accepted.

 

How do you get an idea for your novel?

Usually I see something that inspires me. It could be a place, an object or a person. Just about anything can give me an idea for a story.

 

What is the inspiration you use?

Basically it’s the same as how I get my ideas. It’s random every time. Many times inspiration takes me completely by surprise.

 

What is your writing style?  Do you just sit down and write or do you create character sketches, outlines, or notes?

I like to work with a loose outline and I also like to live with my characters for a while before writing the actual story. For instance I spend weeks, months and sometimes years thinking about their hobbies, their likes and dislikes, and how they would react in different situations. I like to know them pretty well before I start writing.

 

Who is the "Writing Muse" in your life? I.E. who gets your juices flowing when you are blocked?

I don’t have one particular person for that. For me inspiration is random. If I get writers block while working on  a particular story, I put it aside for a short time and write something different.

 

Walk me though the way you create a novel from conception to completion.

Usually the characters come first. Then I think about the characters a lot. I write an outline, then think about the characters more! I write a first draft, then rework it several times before sending it to my editor.

 

What is the type of voice you use and why?

I prefer the third person limited point of view because it’s what I like to read. I like to get into the character’s head, but in general I find the first person point of view distracting. That’s not to say I haven’t sometimes written in the first person or read good stories in that point of view, but usually I prefer third person.

 

How many novels have you written including all work in progresses you are currently working on?

I don’t know exactly. I have lots of stories that haven’t been completed and many that were never published. I’ve had over one hundred novels, novellas and short stories published.

 

Who is your "writing idol"? I.E. Who do you like and what is it about there writing that captures your soul?

I love the work of Alexandre Dumas, among others.

 

What is you favorite plot line type?.

I love cross-genre romance. My favorite would be paranormal action romance.

 

What is your current work in progress and how did get the idea for the Work in

Right now I’m working on the second story in my Combustion series from Changeling Press. I wanted to write a story about aliens who crashed on Earth. Since Changeling is an erotica publisher, the stories focus on the characters’ monthly sexual cycle. Unless they mate at the right time, their inner heat will destroy them.

 

Describe the major conflict between the hero and heroine in your novel?

In my work in progress, Combustion 2: Dead Heat, two of the main characters have not only crash landed on Earth, but the heroine is suffering from amnesia. The second hero in the story is an undercover agent who suspects they’re aliens. He might be help or he might hinder, but either way he’s very interested in alien sexuality.

 

Is there any advice you can offer to anyone who would like to write?

Decide what you really want out of your writing career and go for it. Success means something different to each person. Don’t let someone else tell you that your idea of success isn’t right. Cliche as it sounds, be true to yourself.

 

Where are the bodies buried? IE Is there any old work in progresses you threw aside and decided not to complete and why?

I have lots of those! Usually when I put something aside it’s because it’s either really, really bad or because it’s a story I’m writing just for pleasure and I need to step away to complete something for a deadline.

 

What is a good villain?

One who has the potential to become a hero. I love a villain who has good reasons for his actions, or at least understandable reasons. Depending on your point of view, a villain can be a hero or vice versa. I absolutely love villains and antiheroes. There’s nothing I love more than a villain redeemed, but who doesn’t completely lose his edge. Great question!

 

Are there any last comments you may want to include?

Thank you for having me as a guest!

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

inheatmed

 

Blurb:

When Zoey temporarily moves in with her friend Justin, the last thing she expects is to find a hunk across the hall. Wyatt is as hot as his red hair, but to a woman whose career has always come first, she isn't sure if she should hook up with him, no matter how badly she wants to. What Zoey doesn't know is Wyatt is a shipwrecked alien whose monthly sexual cycle will literally burn him alive if he doesn't mate.

Wyatt not only desires Zoey, he needs her to survive, but he fears that the scent induced by his cycle is luring her into his arms. Though desperate to survive, he wants a willing partner. When passion finally overtakes them, he knows he must tell her the truth, but will she accept an alien lover?

 

Excerpt

Combustion 1: In Heat by Kate Hill

 

The last thing Zoey expected to see when she stepped out of her friend Justin’s apartment was a hunk.

 

But there he was. Tall. Lean. Sexy. He wore a black T-shirt and snug jeans that hugged the muscular length of his legs and did little to disguise his sizeable package. His hair was dark red, as was his trimmed beard.

 

Unfortunately, he was also quite battered.

 

One of his big green eyes was bruised and swollen half-closed. Scratches crisscrossed his angular face. His wrist was bandaged.

 

Standing outside the door of the apartment across the hall, he fumbled with the key. He dropped it and slowly bent to pick it up, as if moving hurt.

 

“Hey,” Zoey said and his gaze riveted to her. “Are you okay?”

 

“Yes, thank you,” he replied in a deep, smooth voice. She detected a slight accent. Maybe English.

 

“Just a little clumsy at the moment,” he said and straightened.

 

Zoey wasn’t short -- about five feet nine inches -- but she had to tilt her head a bit to meet his gaze. A strange feeling came over her. Maybe it was because even injured he was so damn hot.

 

She was surprised that Justin hadn’t mentioned his neighbor, though this guy wasn’t Justin’s type. He was far too masculine. Justin preferred twinks. Still there was no way he could have missed his handsome neighbor.

 

They stared at each other for a moment, and Zoey got the feeling he wanted to say something. She wished he would. Though she wasn’t the kind of woman who tried to hook up with a guy she’d just laid eyes on, especially not when he lived directly across the hall, she couldn’t deny he turned her on.

 

He nodded at her, then unlocked his door and stepped inside, closing it behind him.

 

Zoey continued down the corridor to the stairs and finally out of the building. She and Justin had decided to meet for dinner at a restaurant not far from the hospital where they worked. Zoey was in research and Justin was a medical social worker. Friends since high school, they had gone their separate ways after, but kept in touch. Though Zoey had spent the past few years out of state, her new job at the hospital had brought her back home. She’d only been in town for a few days and Justin had graciously offered to let her stay with him while she searched for a place to live.

 

Instead of thinking about work or houses, on her way to the restaurant she couldn’t keep her mind off the hunk in the apartment across the hall. What was his story? Had he been in a fight? An accident?

 

When she finally arrived, Justin was already seated. He waved to her and she walked over to the corner booth to join him.

 

Tall and athletic with dark hair and brown eyes, Justin was really good looking. He had no shortage of interested women and men, though he preferred the latter. Still, he wasn’t ready to settle down. Right now his job took up most of his time. He wasn’t the kind of guy to leave his work at the office, but often got emotionally attached. While this was lucky for the patients he worked with, it wasn’t always good for him. Zoey understood, which was part of the reason she’d decided to switch to research. While she enjoyed her career and loved helping people, she found it difficult to distance herself from her patients.

 

“Hey, what’s up?” Justin asked as they settled down to look at their menus.

 

“Why didn’t you tell me about that fine-looking man living across the hall?” Zoey asked, a faint smile on her lips. She lifted her gaze to study Justin over her menu.

 

He blinked. “Pardon?”

 

“I saw him just before I got here. Lean, mean and mysterious. Looked like he was in a fight or something though. Probably got drunk and started trouble. Most guys who look like him are only trouble anyway.”

 

Still, he hadn’t seemed like that kind of guy, but what did she know about him after meeting him for thirty seconds?

 

“As far as I know the place across the hall is empty. He must have just moved in. I’ll have to check him out.”

 

“Get in line,” she teased.

 

“Is he that hot?”

 

“Sizzling.”

 

Justin’s smile broadened.

 

“Down, boy,” she said. “I don’t think he’s your type.”

 

“Oh really? He’s gorgeous and sizzling, but he’s not my type? Convenient.”

 

Zoey laughed. “Let’s forget about him. Like I said, he’s probably nothing but trouble and we have enough of that working at the hospital.”

 

“Too right, but today was very good.” Justin looked genuinely happy. “I got Mrs. Miller connected to an assisted living facility that I think will be perfect for her.”

 

“Great. I know you’ve been worried about her.”

 

At that moment the waitress came to take their order. Throughout the rest of the meal they talked about work and possibly going to the movies at the end of the week, if they had time. Neither mentioned their new neighbor, though to her annoyance, Zoey couldn’t stop thinking about him.

 

From Changeling Press

http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=2124

 

Also at All Romance Ebooks

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-inheatcombustion-1344471-340.html

 

About Kate


 

Always a fan of romance and the paranormal, Kate Hill started writing over twenty years ago for pleasure. Her first story, a short erotic vampire tale, was accepted for publication in 1996. Since then she has sold over one hundred short stories, novellas and novels.

 

When she's not working on her books, Kate enjoys reading, working out and spending time with her family and pets.

 

Kate also writes under the pen name Saloni Quinby. She enjoys hearing from readers and she can be contacted at katehill@sprintmail.com. Visit her online at http://www.kate-hill.com.

Wednesday, January 01, 2014

Happy 2014!

Happy 2014! Here’s to a safe, a little bit naughty and most importantly a fun filled year.

As usual, I'm feeling lots of anticipation for 2014. Very excited about the opportunities that are coming.

This year I am reaffirming my one main goal from which all the others flow out. The main goal:

Write.

Get ready for a sizzling year. (grin) With loads of fun and books to read!

What are your goals for 2014?

Finding me around the web....

This is posted on a monthly basis. In addition to here on my blog or on my website, if you want to find me around the web you can check me o...