Interview with Erica Manfred, Author of Interview with a Jewish Vampire

Interview with a Jewish Vampire

by Erica Manfred

December 2011 

by Fredonia Communcations

The last thing zaftig middle-aged journalist, Rhoda Ginsburg, expects when she signs up for JDate is to fall for a vampire. But when she meets drop-dead gorgeous Sheldon, a Hasidic vampire, she falls hard. She rationalizes that he may not be alive, but at least he’s Jewish. Desperate to save the life of her terminally ill mother, Rhoda comes up with the crackpot idea of getting Sheldon to turn her and her little old Jewish lady friends into vampires. Who knew that they would “go rogue” and start preying on the young?

Interview with Erica Manfred:

If you could invite any 5 people (living or deceased) to dinner, who would you choose?

Whoopie Goldberg, Joy Behar, John Stewart, Judd Apatow, Tina Fey. Should be a riot.

What inspired you to want to become a writer?
Desire for fame and fortune. Who knew writers didn’t make any money, or get famous? By the time I found out it was too late. I was hooked.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
Having Jacqueline Lichtenberg, an award winning sci-fi writer rave about my book and offer to help me plot the next one.

How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?
Went out for expensive dinner with my then husband. I actually made a lot of money on that book, which was a consumer medical book. Novels don’t sell so well.

What is one book everyone should read?
The dictionary. I get so tired of illiterates.

What was your favorite book when you were younger?
There were so many, it’s hard to choose—or remember.   I do remember adoring Green Mansions.   Hardly anyone remembers that one. 

Who are your favorite authors?
Keeps changing depending on what I’m reading at the moment. Right now I adore George RR Martin and Diana Gabaldon

If you could have a signed copy of any novel what would it be and why?
I really couldn’t care less about signatures. But if I had to choose it would be something by Shakespeare that was worth a lot of money

What is one book you wish you had written?
Interview with the Vampire, no contest.

In one sentence only, please tell us why we should read your book.
It’s really funny and good laughs are hard to come by these days.

Please tell us a fun, random fact about yourself that most people don't know.
I heard Janis Joplin sing in person.

About the author:

Erica Manfred is a freelance journalist, humorous essayist, and author. Her most recent book is the novel,  Interview with a Jewish Vampire.  She’s also authored two non-fiction self-help books, including most recently He’s History You’re Not; Surviving Divorce After Forty. Her articles and essays have appeared in Cosmopolitan, The New York Times Magazine, Ms., New Age Journal, Village Voice, Woman’s Day, SELF, Ladies Home Journal, and many other publications.  Erica lives in Woodstock, New York with her Chihuahua, Shadow, and her daughter, Freda. Brought up by Jewish parents who spoke Yiddish but avoided religion, she got her Jewish education at the Woodstock Jewish Congregation which welcomes Jews from all backgrounds, from atheist to Orthodox, to vampire.

Her website is www.ericamanfred.com or visit www.jewishvampire.com. 

Disappear by Mary Martinez - Interview & Giveaway

Disappear by Mary Martinez

March 2, 2012 by Canyonland Press

After two years undercover as an FBI agent to infiltrate a crime organization and discover the identity of a hit man, Tyler Beckett’s cover is blown. Tyler’s new assignment is to protect the only witness who can identify the mysterious killer. If only he didn’t find her so attractive. Each day it becomes harder to keep his objective, especially since he knows the interest is mutual.

Keira Cavanaugh is the only witness to a hit ordered by a crime boss. The safe house is compromised and the same hit man shoots Tyler. Fearing Tyler is dead, Keira plans revenge on the crime organization. She must fake her own suicide in order to survive.

When Tyler discovers what Keira plans, he realizes he must stop her before he loses her for good.

Interview with Mary Martinez:

1. If you could invite any 5 people (living or deceased) to dinner who would you choose?

Let’s see, there are so many people I’d love to invite. Are these all at the same time? Sort of a round table discussion type thing? Going with that being a ‘yes’, here are my choices; I’d invite Stephen King, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Redford, Albert Hitchcock and Nora Roberts. And why? Because could you imagine the book and screenplay we’d come up with. It would have you on the edge of your seats, there would be a love interest, and you’d never know what would happen next. It would appeal to a very wide audience.

2. How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?

I had a book signing party at our favorite restaurant/club. Nothing fancy, but we had a great time.

3. What is one book everyone should read?

There are so many good books, but I think everyone should read The Secret by Rhonda Bryne.

 4. What was your favorite book when you were younger?

I had two. The Boxcar Children, and every time I eat or make a stew I think of when they gathered their own vegetables to make one. And then also Harriet the Spy, I guess I was always into mystery.

5. Who are your favorite authors?

Well I’m sure you can guess a couple of them. Nora Roberts, Stephen King, Sandra Brown, Brenda Novak, and the list goes on and one.

6. If you could have a signed copy of any novel what would it be and why?

The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. And why? Because that was my first Historical romance and it is still my favorite.

7. Please tell us a fun, random fact about yourself that most people don't know.

This isn’t something most people don’t know, I’m a HUGE University of Utah Football fan. We tailgate every game, and often go with them on away game. But most people—well maybe they do because it’s on my bio, is that my husband and I got married at a tailgating.

Okay, how about this. Every Wednesday night my husband and I host Papa and Nana night. We have all the grandkids come over, and we even let their parents come. And we have dinner and the kids play and run all over the house. It’s total chaos and we love it. They’re usually all there before I get home from work but that’s okay. In the summer it’s the best because we can all sit and visit on the patio while the kids play.

About the author:

Mary lives in Magna, a little town west of Salt Lake City, Utah. Together with her husband, she has six grown children, and five wonderful grandsons and 2 beautiful granddaughters.

Mary and her husband love to travel, especially to the Caribbean for relaxing and Italy for the wine. With the experience from the exotic places she has visited, she is able to fill her books with colorful descriptions of cities, painting a colorful backdrop for her characters.

Mary and her husband are avid college football fans. They have season tickets to the UTES, University of Utah Football and they tailgate every game. They love tailgating so much, that they were married at a tailgating in 1999.

Mary is a member of the Romance Writers of America and several sister chapters. She has published several articles for her local Utah RWA newsletter. They have appeared in several other chapters’ newsletters.

Find out more about Mary Martinez and how to connect with her on marymartinez.com.

Giveaway:

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Perigee Moon by Tara Fuller - Author Interview

Tara Fuller writes novels. Some about grim reapers. Some about witches. All of course are delightfully full of teen angst and kissing. Tara grew up in a one stop light town in Oklahoma where once upon a time she stayed up with a flash light reading RL Stine novels and only dreamed of becoming a writer. She has a slight obsession with music and a shameless addiction for zombie fiction, Mystery Science Theater, and black and white mochas. Tara no longer lives in a one stop light town. Now she lives with her family in a slightly larger town in North Carolina where they have at least three stoplights.

Author Interview with Tara Fuller

1.) How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?

I bought myself a new desk and a chocolate milkshake. It's not a celebration without some form of chocolate.

2.) What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen?

My very first favorite book when I was little was Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein. I also loved Night of the Twisters in middle school. High school...I'd have to say anything Christopher Pike wrote.

3.) What is one book everyone should read?

The Time Travelers Wife. That book is a work of art. From the voice, to the structure and characters. I adored it and would recommend it to anyone. One of my favorites.

4.) If you could have a signed copy of any novel what would it be and why?

Any book by Maggie Stiefvater. I'd love to have my copies of Shiver,Linger, and Forever signed and doodled with her signature wolves someday.

5.) What five authors (living or deceased) would you most like to invite to dinner?

Karsten Knight, RL Stine, Maggie Stiefvater, Jackson Pearce, and Gena Showalter. I love all of these author's work, but they are all super funny and interesting too. I'm pretty sure this would win the award for funnest dinner party ever. ;)

6.) If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?

Organized Chaos

7.) What is a fun, random fact about you that most people don't know?

I played basketball in school, from fourth grade to senior year. I still love to play.

Perigee Moon by Tara Fuller

Published: January 12, 2012

Publisher: Crescent Moon Press

After a horrific fire claims the life of her mother, seventeen year old Rowan Bliss finds herself in the miniscule town of Ipswich, Massachusetts. It’s here that she meets Alex, a deliciously mysterious boy who holds the key to unlocking her family’s dark secret.

As Rowan falls helplessly over the edge for Alex, the secrets that he insists on keeping refuse to be contained, and the truth that she uncovers challenges everything she has ever believed. Alex is a witch. And now he’s awakened something within her she never even knew existed. But out of all of this, the one thing Rowan won’t accept is the fact that Alex is destined to die.

Now Rowan must unearth the buried power she harbors within to escape a deadly prophecy, defy the very laws of time, and prevent the hands of fate from taking yet another person she loves.

You can find Tara on her website, Twitter, and Facebook.

Mandi Tillotson Williams, author of Mortimer Crump books - Interview & Reviews

Mandi Tillotson Williams is a 34 year old author/illustrator/mother of 3 from Florida with an imagination that is FAR from tame. She loves her family more than anything in this world. She enjoys doing anything that involves creativity. She also has a photography business as well. After experiencing a personal family tragedy-turned-miracle, she has decided to pursue her lifelong dream of writing for children.



You can find Mandi and Mortimer on their site, blog, Twitter, and Facebook.

Interview with Mandi:

Are you the illustrator for all of the Mortimer books? When did you start drawing?
Yes, I am the illustrator as well. I have always loved to draw since I was a kid but never really considered drawing my own illustrations or even pursuing publishing my books for that matter until after my youngest son was born. I want to share my poem and true story... this is WHY I am pursuing this dream of writing. (I attached the pic of my author page with the poem and pics of my son from the NICU and now)

How did you get the ideas for the Mortimer books? 
Actually as a child I had a HUGE imagination. At daycare I would tell my friends that I was from an undiscovered candy coated planet and that I came to Earth on an enormous bubble gum slide. I had some of the kids actually believing my story, LOL. This is where the idea stemmed from and Mortimer's last name Crump I used because I loved the movie Nutty Professer and their last name was Klump which I thought was funny so I somehow came up with Crump. Mortimer was just a name that matched the little boy I had pictured before writing the story.

When/how did you decide you wanted to be a writer? 
As I stated above, I have always loved to write and draw but my inspiration to move forth with the publishing process and getting my work out there came from the desire to share my miracle story of my son's birth with as many people as possible and I intend to do just that through my writing. My youngest was born 12 weeks early and had a Grade III IVH on his brain (bleed on both sides of his brain.) We were told devastating news one week after his birth that he may not walk or talk and would most likely have cerebal palsy. He had a 73 day long battle in the NICU but he is now 6 years old and thriving in so many ways. While in the NICU he overcame his brain bleed, he had 4 blood transfusions, 2 spinal taps, a hole in his heart, feeding intolerance, pneumonia, staph invention from being on the ventilator so long, apnea, hernia surgery and a few more standard preemie issues.  Looking at him now, you would never know he was a preemie. He does wear cute little blue glasses and he doesn't have stereo vision (3D vision) and still struggles with asthma but these are minor compared to what we were told in the NICU. I am so thankful.

Besides the two Mortimer books reviewed here, do you have other books or are you working on others?
Yes, actually the second book in The Many Adventures of Mortimer Crump is written but I have to do the illustrations which is the hardest part for me. It is a really cute book though and I am sure Moritmer fans will enjoy it so I am going to get to work on it soon. I have also written another story as well about a little shape named Henrietta Hexagon. I am planning a shape series geared toward the younger kids and have gotten wonderful feedback on it thus far. I have illustrated 2 pages of it at this time. Last but not least, I am in the 3rd chapter of a chapter book as well.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a cartoonist for Disney World, so maybe I'm not too far off base. Lol.

What was your favorite book when you were a child?
I absolutely LOVED Shel Silverstein's poem books!! I also loved the Fudge Series. :o)

What is the best thing that has happened since your books were published?
I have been able to share my story of my son with a larger crowd and if I am able to help just one person that is dealing with this type of terrible ordeal I am more than happy to do so. I have also met several new author friend that I wouldn't have met otherwise.

What advice would you give to someone else who wanted to write children's books?
I say if it's something you are passionate about, GO FOR IT!! You can do anything you put your mind to! Also, I would go ahead and begin social networking and building a fan base now as that has been my best advertisement for my books.

What is a random fact about yourself that most people don't know?
My favorite cartoons as a kid were the smurfs and garfield and I still love them, also I LOVE to make up songs to well known music. I made up a rap to ICE ICE BABY for my brother's Lawn Business. It begins,
Alright, STOP listen to this factor
Micah's back with his brand new tractor
Something grabs ahold of me tightly
Mowin them yards daily and nightly
Will he ever stop?
YO! I don't know...
Fill up the tank ... and lets go.
(I won't write the whole thing here but you get the idea.)

The Many Adventures of Mortimer Crump: Mortimer's Sweet Retreat
(Barnes&Noble/Goodreads)

Review:
Mortimer's Sweet Retreat is a children's story about friendship with whimsical rhyming. This book has a moral lesson, and is also a funny story. It has very cute hand drawn illustrations. I think young children would love Mortimer and this magical "candy land."


Mortimer's Book of What-Ifs (A Children's Rhyming Picture Book) (Goodreads)

Review:
What if you don't clean behind your ears? What if you hear a noise in the tub? These questions and more are humorously considered. Some of the answers may surprise you. Mortimer is hidden on each page for your child to find. Cute and funny with great hand drawn illustrations. Another Mortimer book that I think would be a favorite among young children.

Both books were provided by the author for review.

You can find both books on Mandi's Amazon page.

Interview with Terri Giuliano Long - In Leah's Wake

In Leah's Wake by Terri Giuliano Long
Published: October 2010

Protecting their children comes naturally for Zoe and Will Tyler—until their daughter Leah decides to actively destroy her own future.
 
Leah grew up in a privileged upper-middle class world. Her parents spared no expense for her happiness; she had all-but secured an Ivy League scholarship and a future as a star athlete. Then she met Todd.

Leah’s parents watch helplessly as their daughter falls into a world of drugs, sex, and wild parties. While Will attempts to control his daughter’s every move to prevent her from falling deeper into this dangerous new life, Zoe prefers to give Leah slack in the hope that she may learn from her mistakes. Their divided approach drives their daughter out of their home and a wedge into their marriage.

Twelve-year-old Justine observes Leah’s rebellion from the shadows of their fragmented family. She desperately seeks her big sister’s approval and will do whatever it takes to obtain it. Meanwhile she is left to question whether her parents love her and whether God even knows she exists.

What happens when love just isn’t enough? Who will pay the consequences of Leah’s vagrant lifestyle? Can this broken family survive the destruction left in Leah’s wake?

Interview with Terri Giuliano Long:

How did you get the idea for In Leah's Wake?
Years ago, while working for the town paper, I wrote a series of feature articles about families with drug- and alcohol-addicted teens. The moms talked candidly about their children, their struggles. Their heartbreaking stories stayed with me.

When I began writing In Leah's Wake my own daughters were teens. Most families experience conflict during their children's teenage years. As kids grow up and begin to make their own way in the world, it’s natural for them to rebel. We’re no different from most families, though any conflicts we experienced were tame - nothing remotely like the problems and challenges the Tylers face in the book.

As a parent, I knew how it felt to be scared, concerned for your children’s future. I now recognize this as the primary force driving this story. My work with families, my personal experiences and core beliefs – all these things played on my conscious and subconscious mind, and ultimately emerged as this book.

How long did it take you to write In Leah's Wake?
I wrote the first draft in three months. It was my MFA thesis, so I was under the gun. The writing was dreadful, but it was a breathy process; when I finished, I knew the characters and the novel had a general shape. I spent the next several years immersed in the book - revising, developing the characters. I spent all day with these imaginary people, and they took over my dreams. I almost believed they were alive, that Cortland, the imaginary town, was a real place. It was an adventure, and I loved every minute. Total, start to finish, about five years.

Have you written or are you currently writing any other books?
I’m currently at work on a psychological thriller with a historical twist.

Nowhere to Run takes place in the White Mountains in northern New Hampshire. A year after the brutal murder of her six-year-old daughter, Abby Minot, formerly an award-winning writer, accepts her first assignment—a profile of the philanthropic Chase family, kin of the popular New Hampshire senator and presidential hopeful, Matthias Chase.

In her initial research, Abby glimpses darkness under the Chase family’s shiny veneer. Digging deeper, she uncovers a shocking web of lies and betrayal, dating back to the nineteenth century. Abby soon finds herself trapped—between an editor obsessed with uncovering the truth and the town and family who will stop at nothing to ensure it stays hidden. I hope to finish the novel this fall.

How long have you been writing?
I’ve been a writer all my life. As a young child, to entertain myself I made up stories and plays. In high school, I worked as a stringer for the town paper - my first paid writing job - and I loved every minute. They paid me ten cents a word. Within a few months, I was offered a column, called “High school news.” I wrote about anything that occurred to me or that I considered interesting, really. People actually read the column. That was exciting – and it launched my writing career.

When my children were young, I wrote news and feature articles for a local and regional paper, edited technical articles for trade magazines, and wrote marketing and web copy. In 1996, I began teaching at Boston College. In the late nineties, I turned my attention to writing fiction. Early on, I’ve published several short stories in lit magazines. In Leah’s Wake is my first novel. Nowhere to Run will be my second full-length work of fiction.

What is the best thing that has happened as a result of your book being published?
When I first published In Leah’s Wake, I had no clue as to what I was doing. Stupidly, too embarrassed to self-promote, I posted the book on Amazon. That was it. I mean really it – not even my parents knew I’d published the book!

I sold two copies in October, four in November, and thirty-four in December. By March, with sales lagging, and I realized that, if I didn’t do something, my book would die. In early March, I began blogging and activated my Twitter account.

Once I got used to the idea that marketing didn’t have to mean shameless self- promotion, 24/7, I actually began to enjoy it. Since May, I’ve sold over 75,000 books. Getting there took a lot of hard work and dedication, and I’m proud of that accomplishment. Publishing In Leah’s Wake forced me out of my comfort zone. I had to learn to respect and value my work and share it with other people. It was hard and it took time to figure it all out. But it’s the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I’ve also had the great good fortune of meeting many wonderful people!

What are your other interests and hobbies?
Hands down, my favorite activity is spending time with my family. They are the most important people in my life. Without them, nothing else matters.

I enjoy walking and I’m a passionate traveller and foodie. My husband, Dave, and I have had the pleasure of visiting many interesting places over the years. I love ethnic food and I’m fairly gutsy when it comes to trying new dishes. In Beijing, a few years ago, we went to a tiny restaurant with two students. The restaurant was a local hangout, as opposed to a tourist trap. Because the menu was written in Chinese, our friends ordered for us. When the bowl arrived, I dipped my chopsticks into the stew – and pulled out a frog. Its head had been removed, thank goodness, but the body was fully intact. I realize that a lot of people eat frog; this was my first time. And it was green. Dave shot a look my way. A few days before, I’d eaten fish from a lake that was so polluted that the water was a weird fluorescent aqua. (Before the 2008 Olympics, Time magazine published a photo of thousands of people in canoes, clearing algae from that lake.) To his credit, my husband was discreet. I don’t think our friends even noticed “the look.”

If I were not a fiction writer and teacher, I’d might be an international food writer.

If In Leah's Wake was turned into a movie, who would be in your dream cast?
Will Tyler – Matt Damon. Mr. Damon exudes fatherly love and protectiveness and he’s also very intense. If his daughter were in trouble, I can picture him going into overdrive, like Will, and doing whatever it takes to pull her back.

Zoe Tyler – Sandra Bullock. I see her as loving, driven and ditzy, a less strident version of Leigh Anne Tuohy, the mom she played in The Blind Side.

Leah Tyler – For the role of Leah, I’d search for new talent. Caroline Wakefield, as played by Erika Christensen, in the film Traffic, reminded me of Leah, in her all-American beauty and stunning transformation from preppy to drug-addicted prostitute. Ms. Christensen is too old for this role, but she’d be the prototype.

Justine Tyler – Abigail Breslin. Like Justine, she’s sweet and dorky and cute. She’s also precocious and strong.

Jerry Johnson – Vince Vaughn. He’s not the guy who walks into a room and gets the girl, but he’s centered and responsible, the rock for the others to lean on.

Todd Corbett (Leah’s boyfriend) – Jordan Masek. Jordan plays the role of Todd in my trailer. Jordan is actually a sweet guy, in real life. But he knows how to channel his inner bad boy. I can’t imagine a more appropriately cast Todd.

Also, please tell us a fun, random fact about yourself. Just anything you would like.
I’m a closet nerd. On the outside, I appear cool and relaxed, but inside I’m actually very shy; before a public appearance, I’m anxious for days. I’m also a choc-o-holic and a shoe whore.


About the author:
Terri Giuliano Long is the bestselling author of the novel In Leah’s Wake. Her life outside of books is devoted to her family. In her free time, she enjoys walking, traveling, and listening to music. True to her Italian-American heritage, she’s an enthusiastic cook. In an alternate reality, she might be an international food writer. She lives with her family on the East Coast and teaches at Boston College. In Leah’s Wake is her debut novel.

You can find Terri on her site, blog, and Twitter.

Check out the rest of the tour stops.

Interview with Shelly Crane, Excerpt from Catalyst & Giveaway

Shelly Crane has been so kind as to do an interview with me and has provided a previously unpublished excerpt from Catalyst, which is planned to be released early 2012. Find out how to win copies of the previous two books in the series below.

In the third installment of the Collide series, we start off with Sherry, taken prisoner in the enforcement facility. The little bunker family must now decide whether it's worth the risk to try to save her or if it would bring doom to them all. Also, Daniel, the Lighter who shocked Lillian with his human emotions will reappear, but for what purpose? Will Sherry be rescued before it's too late? Will Daniel prove to be a genuine miracle? Will Cain be able to fully get over his love for Sherry? And how much more trouble can the new Taker cause for the rebels? Who will make it and who won't as the story continues.


Excerpt

“Mmm, you smell so good,” I told L, nuzzling her neck from behind at the training session. “How do you always smell so good?” “Um, soap?” she said teasingly. “No, it’s not soap. It’s something else. You purposely spray on something to drive me crazy. What is it?” I asked, my voice low. “Jasmine.” “Oh, that’s right. I remember Daniel talking about it. When he was sniffing your neck,” I said sourly. Daniel may have saved us, but he had a rotten start with Lillian when we first met him. He’d tried to take Lillian to the Taker to become one of his girls. Then he’d tried to take her for himself, so he said. Then L offered him a proposition to save me and trade herself and he thought about taking it before he got a freak bout of conscience and saved our lives instead, killing two Lighters. “Oh, don’t be jealous of him. He didn’t know what he was doing. He was just curious.” “Uhuh.” “I don’t have that much jasmine perfume left actually. Won’t be long til I’m back to smelling like any normal person. Then what’ll you do?” “You’ll still smell good,” I assured her. She smiled and leaned back to kiss my lips and- “Hey! I swear,” Miguel shouted and glared at us. “I’m gonna post a sign on the door that says no bloody smooching once you cross that threshold.” “Sorry.” I released L and moved beside her. “Continue.” “Now, Sherry is a prime example of why we need to do this and not kid around here. She was defenseless and caught off guard. We can’t have that.” Lily was chomping at the bit to go sit instead of practice but Merrick was firm. I knew he was thinking his girls needed to know how to defend themselves. It was a full house today. The Keepers and Miguel were adamant about everyone training and apparently everyone had listened. Everyone was there except Danny and Celeste. “Ok, so first things first. Partner up and let’s work on some running-through strikes. I’d prefer you partner with a Keeper or someone who knows what they’re doing if you don’t. I’ve made some practice stakes out of old PVC pipe. Get one and start stabbing someone.” I grabbed two ‘stakes’ for L and me and we moved to the back corner to have room. “Ok. You want to be the Lighter first?” I asked. “I guess. It doesn’t really matter does it? I’m gonna die anyway. I’ll never stand a chance against you.” “Aw, don’t get down in the dumps. We’re just getting started.” “Fine.” She raised her hand. “Lighter.” She watched me carefully as I ran her through over and over again in all sorts of positions and scenarios. She was intense about it. I had to say, it was hot. “I totally feel like Buffy right now. All I need is a girly leather jacket,” L said breathlessly. “And some vampires. Don’t forget that.” “Lighters qualify.” “I guess they do. So, your turn. Stab me.” She took a deep breath and got into the cutest ‘staking’ position, trying to look serious and tough. She turned and twisted to come around and get me from behind. I stopped her. I started thinking maybe this wasn’t so fair. I’d been in the military, had lots of hand to hand, she’d had none. Was it better to let her get some hits in? Or make her work for it so she understands how hard it would be in real life? If this had been a man, I wouldn’t have thought twice about it. I decided to not cheat her out of the experience. It would be better for her that way, safer for her to not get too excited and cocky. Plus, she’d probably know I let her and be upset with me. She tried again and again with the same results. I tried to assure her that it took time, that she hadn’t been to that many sessions and she’d get better. She got me in the arm once but that was out of sheer hysteria. She was so mad and frustrated she just started swinging just to hit anything. I eventually just grabbed her, turned her and muzzled her neck playfully to tease her and hopefully calm her. She giggled and squirmed. Then I told her the hit didn’t count. She agreed and we started again. "You're whipping me at every turn and thoroughly enjoying it, I think,” L said and poked me in the ribs. “Hey! I’m taking it easy on you. I could be slamming your cute butt to the floor, you know.” “You wouldn’t,” she rebutted. “Oh, I would,” I said and winked at her. She blushed and tucked her hair behind her ear making me smile. The day I can’t make her do that anymore would be a sad, sad day. “Ugh! I hope you're enjoying your one sided beat down. I’m not exactly connecting hits here,” Lillian said sullenly. “Baby,” I said sweetly, playing on her good side. “You are doing awesome. It just takes time. I was in the military for four years. You’ve only been at this…oh,” I looked at my non existent watch, “forty three minutes.” “Ok. Ok, I get it. I’m being a baby.” “No, you’re not a baby.” I wrapped my arms around her waist. “But you’re my baby,” I crooned over exaggeratedly. “That’s the sweetest and cheesiest thing I’ve ever had said to me.” “You better get used to it.” “Why? Are you going to continue to strive for cheesiness?” she said and laughed. “No. Because I’m not going anywhere.” She sobered and closed the small gap between us, wrapping her arms around my neck. “Good,” she whispered. “You are so sweet, Cain. I really-” She sighed. “I’m really glad I met you.” “I’m glad you met me, too. I’d miss you, even if I didn’t know you.” She looked at me with her big blue eyes glistening. I started to apologize but she smiled small, then grinned and shook her head, like she couldn’t believe it. Then she pulled me down and kissed me. Her slim fingers on my neck tugged and pulled. She pressed against me and I forgot where I was. What had I said? What did I do that was so great? I thought back but couldn’t think of it. Girls, I’d never understand them. But I didn’t want to understand girls anymore, only one. I pulled her tighter to me and heard her murmur her content. Then, I heard someone talking around us. No yelling. “Bloody h-” He cut his curse off and looked Lily’s way then back to us. “I said no smooching!” Miguel yelled.

About the author:
Shelly is a YA author from a small town in Georgia and loves everything about the south. She is wife to a fantastical husband and stay at home mom to two boisterous and mischievous boys who keep her on her toes. They currently reside in everywhere USA as they happily travel all over with her husband's job. She loves to spend time with her family and friends, go out to eat at new restaurants and site see in the new areas they travel to, listen to music everywhere and also LOVES to read.

Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn't go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, where her best ideas are born.

Author Interview:
Where/how did you get the idea for Catalyst?
Well, as un-creative as it sounds, this book is a major turning point of the series and therefore, the 'catalyst' for everyone involved. :) 

How long did it take you to write Catalyst?
I try to whip them out pretty quick. This particular book took me about 7 weeks.

How long have you been writing?
Not very long. I started writing at the end of 2010 for fun when I ran into a rut of good books to read. It was just a whim one day and I never dreamed of being published.

Do you have other books published or are you working on any other books?

Including Catalyst, whose release date is a surprise but soon, I have 7 books published and at least 3 more scheduled to release in 21012. I'm a busy bee.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Weirdly, strangely, a cop. Try to figure that one out. :)

What was your favorite book when you were younger?
I never, ever read when I was little or teenager. I know! It's shameful! I hated to read when i was a kid and didn't start reading at all until 2009. I had watched a movie and wanted to know what happened next so I picked up the sequel. That was it, I was hooked!

If Catalyst was made into a movie, who do you see as the main characters?

Oooooh, boy. Well, some fans on my Facebook page make an impromptu cast list including Ryan Reynolds for my main guy but who wouldn't want Ryan Reynolds in their movie!

 

Please include a fun, random fact about yourself or something that most people don't know.
I hate math. LOATHE IT! It disgusts me.

You can find out more about Shelly Crane on her website, Twitter and Facebook.

Giveaway:

Catch up on the series before the release of Catalyst! This giveaway is for Kindle copies of the first 2 books in the series, Collide and Uprising, to two (2) winners.

How to enter:
Be a follower of Krazy Book Lady by at least one method (GFC, Twitter, Facebook or Google+) and fill out the form below. You can also an extra entry if you follow Shelly Crane on Twitter or like her fan page on Facebook.

Giveaway details:
Giveaway will run until midnight on December 19. Open internationally. Must be 13 or above to enter. Winners will be selected on December 20 using Random.org. Winners will be emailed and this post will be updated. Winners will have 3 days to contact me or a new winner will be selected.

Thank you for entering and good luck!

Sorry! This giveaway is now closed!

Winners:

Christina B. and Desiree D. 

Interview with Darian Wilk, author of Love Unfinished

Darian Wilk is the author of Love Unfinished.
(Please see my review.)

About the author:
Darian was born in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the youngest of two children. While still a toddler, her family moved back to their home state of Michigan, where she continues to live today.

Darian married her husband, Steve, in 2005, and is the mother to two wonderful kids. When not writing, she is happiest spending time with her family and friends.

Where did you get the idea for Love Unfinished?
When the idea came to me for Love Unfinished, I was actually working on another project all together. I had sat down to try a free writing exercise to ‘get the juices flowing’, where you write down whatever comes to your mind as it comes to you. I was writing, complaining really, about using an actual pen and paper to write, that I was getting a finger cramp, and had a blue smudge of ink on my finger. I began to wonder if technology was ruining us, if perhaps things were better when they were simpler. As my mind drifted to thoughts of older times, the image of a young couple came to me. I decided it was their wedding day. I wondered how tragic it must be for someone to die on their wedding day, and thus the idea was born.

How long did it take you to write Love Unfinished?
This is a question I am asked often by family and friends, and is probably the hardest to answer. When I started Love Unfinished my mom was on Hospice due to ovarian cancer, and I was her full time caregiver. I worked on it on and off for a few months, depending on the level of care she needed at the time. But after she passed away I set it aside for several months to get grounded again, to find my place in the world as a motherless daughter. Putting all the separate chunks of time together, from first draft to publication was roughly around ten months I would estimate.

How long have you been writing?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve filled countless notebooks, and folders over the years; but I have only taken up writing full time since 2009. The majority of my adult life I was under the assumption that my career choice had to be ‘practical’, with steady paychecks and 401k plans. It wasn’t until caring for my mom, seeing how much she wished she could have done, that I realized life is too short to not do what we love the most. I decided ‘practical’ just wasn’t for me, I was a writer.

Do you have other books published or are you working on any other books?
Love Unfinished is my first published novel, although I did have a few poems published in poetry anthologies when I was a teenager. I always have more ideas than I know what to do with, but right now I am finishing my second novel, Reinventing Claire, which should be out in late spring of 2012.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A writer. I was a very, very quiet child, but I loved words. I could go an entire day without speaking, but give me an empty notebook or a typewriter, and I would write for hours. Sometimes I wish I had listened to that childhood want, and not wasted so many years trying to be something I wasn’t.

What was your favorite book when you were younger?
When I was very young it was tied between Goodnight Moon, and Oh the Places You’ll Go. Both I still know by heart. When I was a bit older, I was in love with Little Women. I read it so many times the binding broke loose and I had to use duct tape to hold it together.

If Love Unfinished was made into a movie, who do you see as Emma and James?
Oh good one! That’s a tough one for me to nail down! James, I think the closest to the man I see him as would be Joshua Jackson, the actor who plays Peter on Fringe (although I know him as Pacey from Dawson’s Creek!). He’s handsome but sort of plain, sweet but flawed. Emma is a bit harder, as far as her looks I see a beauty and softness of perhaps Kate Winslet, but the spunk of Maggie Gyllenhaal.

What is something most people don't know about you?
I love musicals and movies from the 50’s and early 60’s. I can sing Oklahoma by heart, could spend an entire day watching Moon Over Miami, and love anything with Doris Day in it. I’m also mildly obsessed with the 80’s; the music, the corny movies, bad makeup and all. It’s all so bad that it’s great!

You can find Darian Wilk at her website, on Twitter and Facebook.

Interview with Jeanne Bannon, author of Invisible - Blog Tour

Jeanne Bannon is the author of Invisible, a YA novel.
Published by: Solstice Publishing
Published: September 2011

Lola’s not pretty. Lola’s not popular. Lola wishes she could disappear … and then one day she does just that... For seventeen-year-old Lola Savullo, life is a struggle. Born to funky parents who are more in than she could ever be, Lola’s dream of becoming a writer makes her an outsider even in her own home. Bullied and despised, Lola still has the support of her best pal Charlie and Grandma Rose. Not only is she freakishly tall, Lola’s a big girl and when forced to wear a bathing suit at her summer job as a camp counselor, Lola’s only escape from deep embarrassment seems to be to literally vanish. Soon after, she discovers the roots of her new “ability”. Slowly, with Charlie’s help, Lola learns to control the new super power. The possibilities are endless. Yet power can be abused, too… Then, when tragedy strikes, Lola must summon her inner strength, both at home and at school. She has to stand up for herself, despite the temptations and possibilities of her newfound super power. A coming-of-age story that will warm the heart.

Where/how did you get the idea for Invisible?
I was taking a break from writing my paranormal thriller, Dark Angel when the idea for Invisible struck me. I was watching my daughter at her swimming lessons and knowing that she didn't like her lessons, I thought, "I bet Sara wishes she could just disappear". That, along with an experience I had being bullied growing up, became the story of Lola Savullo, an overweight teen who just wishes she could disappear, then one day she does.

How long did it take you to write Invisible?

Invisible was a dream to write. I always say it was a gift because it only took four months to write from beginning to end.

How long have you been writing?

I've been writing on and off for as far back as I can remember. I wrote as a kid, as a teen, as a young adult. Then stopped for a long time after kids and a mortgage came along. I started to write seriously again just three years ago.

Do you have other books published or are you working on any other books?
I have a short story published in an anthology titled "A Visitor to Sandahl" and I am finishing up my paranormal thriller, Dark Angel.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be many things from a teacher to a lawyer to a journalist, but deep down, I always wanted to write. Writing is my one true passion and it took me 'til mid-life to finally realize my dream, to listen to my heart and to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).

What was your favorite book when you were younger?
Hmmm, this is a tough one first because I cant remember loving any children's books and second because even as a pre-teen, I read whatever novel was laying around the house. I remember reading Sydney Sheldon novels before I was 12 and Jeffery Archer's Kane and Abel at that age as well.

If Invisible was made into a movie, who do you see as the main characters?
I don't picture anyone as the main characters, but I suppose if I were in charge of casting Lola Savullo, I would want a 'normal' sized actress, not some skinny, typically beautiful Hollywood type. I can't think of anyone off the top of my head, but she'd have to be very tall with dark curly hair and on the plump side.

Please include a fun, random fact about yourself or something that most people don't know.
I've seen a ghost. Yes, it's absolutely true. She floated into my bedroom just after I'd fallen asleep. I was awakened by a voice announcing her arrival as a whisper in my ear. When I sat up, I saw her. The strange thing was that she had no legs! She wore a polka dotted blouse and thankfully did not notice me. After floating down the side of my bed, she went right through the window and disappeared.

About the author:
Jeanne Bannon has worked in the publishing industry for over twenty years. She began her career as a freelance journalist, then worked as an in-house editor for LexisNexis Canada. Jeanne currently works as a freelance editor and writer.

Jeanne’s had several short stories published and won first place in the Writes of Caledon Short Story Contest. Her novels, The Barely Boy and Dark Angel were finalists in the 2010 and 2011 Strongest Start Contests. Another of her short stories “Thom’s Journey” is part of an Anthology entitled A Visitor to Sandahl and is available at Amazon.com. Invisible is Jeanne’s debut novel.

When not reading or writing, Jeanne enjoys being with her daughters, Nina and Sara and her husband, David. She’s also the proud mother of two fur babies, a sweet Miniature Schnauzer named Emily and Spencer, a rambunctious tabby, who can be a very bad boy.

To learn more about Jeanne visit her on her website, on Facebook and Twitter.

As a special part of Jeanne’s tour, Invisible is available for $0.99 at Amazon.com and Smashwords from December 5th to 16th!

Stay Tuned Whirlwind Tour 11/28 - 12/2

As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Stay Tuned eBook edition has dropped to just 99 cents this week.

What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes, including lots of Amazon gift cards (up to $100 in amount) and 5 autographed copies of the book. Be sure to enter before the end of the day on Friday, December 2nd, so you don’t miss out.

To Win the Prizes:

1. Purchase your copy of Stay Tuned for just 99 cents on Amazon or Barnes & Noble (You’ll need it for the big contest on Friday)

2. Fill-out the form on Novel Publicity to enter for the prizes

3. Visit today’s featured event; you may win an autographed copy of the book or a $50 gift card!

...And I can win too!

Over 100 bloggers are participating in this gigantic event, and there are plenty of prizes for us too. The blogger who receives the most votes in the traffic-breaker poll will win a $100 gift card as well. So when you visit Novel Publicity’s site to fill-out the contest entry form, don’t forget to say that I referred you, so I can get a point in the poll.

The Featured Events include:

Monday, Radio Interview with Novel Publicity! We’re kicking-off on the Novel Publicity Free Advice blog. We interviewed Lauren on our radio show Sunday night and have embedded the full podcast and blogged about its highlights. Give it a listen and then leave a comment on the blog post. This is a great chance to get to know more about this fun and bubbly author. One commenter will win an autographed copy of Stay Tuned. Don’t forget to enter for the other contest prizes while you’re over there!

Tuesday, Twitter sharing contest! A tweet is tiny,only 140 characters. But on Tuesday, it could win you $50. Send the following tweet across the twittersphere, and you just may win a $50 Amazon gift card. An autographed copy of Stay Tuned is also up for grabs. The winners will be announced Wednesday morning. Here’s the tweet: Take a break from the holiday frenzy, and read Stay Tuned. It's fast, fun, and reduced to just 99 cents! http://ow.ly/7zA1e #whirlwind

Wednesday, Google+ sharing contest! Yup, there’s yet another awesome opportunity to win a $50 Amazon gift card, and this time it just takes a single click! Visit Google+ and share Emlyn Chand’s most recent post (you’ll see the Stay Tuned book cover included with it). On Thursday morning, one lucky sharer will be $50 richer. An autographed copy of Stay Tuned is also up for grabs. Two chances to win with just one click! How about that?

Thursday, Facebook sharing contest! Stop by Novel Publicity’s Facebook page and share their latest post (you’ll see the Stay Tuned book cover included with it). It’s ridiculously easy to win! On Friday morning, one lucky sharer will be $50 richer. An autographed copy of Stay Tuned is also up for grabs.

Friday, special contest on the author’s site! Are you ready for some more fun? Take a picture of yourself with your copy of Stay Tuned either in paperback or on an eReading device, tag Lauren Clark’s Facebook page, and you can enter to win one of three Amazon gift cards! A $100 prize will go to the most creative photo, $50 to the best BFF photo, and $50 to the photo with the most people in it. An autographed copy of Stay Tuned is also up for grabs. If you need help learning how to tag a photo, you can visit Lauren’s Facebook page for detailed instructions.

Remember, it’s all about the books!

About Stay Tuned: What happens when a #1 news team becomes the top story instead of reporting it? For TV producer Melissa Moore, crisis management comes with the job. From employee disputes to her high-maintenance boss, there’s not much she hasn’t seen or can’t handle. But no one—including Melissa—expects a fistfight during the ten o’clock news. When sexy-but-crazy Alyssa Andrews lands a punch on her co-anchor’s face, Melissa jumps on set to help.
She’s determined that WSGA’s reputation won’t be destroyed on her watch. Both anchors are fired and Melissa agrees to fill in—but not before polishing her look from haircut to heels. While the new Melissa wows WSGA viewers, her personal life starts fraying at the edges. Melissa’s husband is away more than he’s home, leaving cryptic Post-it notes in his wake. Her mother’s antics spiral out of control at the nursing home and a stalker decides Melissa is her next target. What happens next? Stay Tuned to find out… Get it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

About the Author: Lauren Clark has been a voracious reader since the age of four and would rather be stranded at the library than on a desert island. In her former life, she worked as an anchor and producer for CBS affiliates in Upstate New York and Alabama. Lauren adores her family, yoga, her new Electra bike, and flavored coffee. She lives near the Florida Gulf Coast. Visit her on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.

Let's get to know Lauren better through a rousing Q&A...

Did you always want to be a writer?

Yes. For as long as I can remember. Of course, my parents always remind that I also wanted to be an Indian princess named Tiger Lily, but that dream was more short-lived. On a serious note, I do have fond memories of spending my summer days toting stacks of books back and forth from my house to our town’s library. It always seemed like a magical place, with endless stories to get lost in.

You worked as both an anchor and producer after graduate school. How did that influence the writing of Stay Tuned?

So much! It was an accident, really, getting into broadcast journalism. I always thought of myself as a behind the scenes kind of girl, but after my first day on the job, I loved it and stuck with it for the next 6 years. Working in television is never boring. There’s always a story, always the next show. The camaraderie in the newsroom is like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. It’s like living in a big, loud, mostly happy, very
dysfunctional family every day.

What gave you the idea for Stay Tuned?

True story: A few months before I took my first television job as a part- time health reporter, the two main anchors at one of the local television stations (who were romantically involved) got into a fistfight. They were outside the building, in the station parking lot. Shortly thereafter, they were both fired. In the months that followed, the two of them bantered back and forth in newspaper editorials, threatened lawsuits, and fueled all sorts of crazy retaliation stories. I never forgot about that incident and always thought about what might happen if such a fistfight happened on air, during a newscast. What would happen? How would it be handled? Who would fix this kind of mess?

What did you learn from being on air?

It’s very humbling, really. As a producer, especially, you are in charge of what’s being put out there—the news stories people watch and talk about each day. It’s a big responsibility to get it right. Not just sometimes, but all of the time. There were many sobering days—car accidents, house fires, school shootings—and those stories should be told with sensitivity and care. It’s someone’s son or daughter or parent. Everyone matters.

What was your most memorable experience as an anchor or reporter?

I was on set during 9-11. I remember sitting there with our weatherman and waiting to be cued to go back on air after the commercial. CBS cut in and showed footage from a plane crashing into the Twin Towers. It was surreal and awful. We were all in shock. It didn’t seem possible. All I wanted to do was go home and hug my son.

Was it a difficult decision to leave television?

Yes and no. I loved so many parts of broadcasting. I was able to meet fascinating people – Vice Presidential Candidate Geraldine Ferraro, then-New York Attorney General Eliott Spitzer among many others. I adored the people I worked with, especially the folks behind the scenes. I was also fortunate enough to win several AP awards for anchoring and reporting.

On the flip side, I worked crazy hours (2 am – 10 am) and, as is typical in the industry, I received very little vacation time. I anchored every holiday (Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, you name it) and wasn’t able to spend much time with my young son. After more than six years, I “retired” from TV news. It was then that I really started to get serious about writing fiction.

How long did it take to write Stay Tuned?

About five years, all said and done. I wrote several other novels before that—and those manuscripts will never see the light of day! When I began Stay Tuned, I had just given birth to my second son, so my writing time was very limited. After putting it away for several years, I picked it back up about 12 months ago, brushed it off, and had an editor-friend look it over. We made some changes, tweaked the story, and fine-tuned the plot. A few months back, I was offered a contract with a small publishing company. Another friend introduced me to the talented and fabulous Emlyn Chand at Novel Publicity, who helped guide me through the entire publishing process. It’s been a wonderful journey!

What’s next? A sequel or a stand-alone novel?

Dancing Naked in Dixie is next (stand alone title) and I’m so excited to share that it’s been selected as a finalist for the 2011 Chick Lit Writers “Get Your Stiletto in the Door” Contest (Winner will be announced December 20, 2011).

Dancing Naked follows the story of a talented but scattered travel magazine writer who returns from overseas only to find out she’s on the verge of getting fired. To save her job, she reluctantly accepts an assignment in the Deep South. She’ll be writing an article about Eufaula, Alabama's annual Pilgrimage event, which is a long-standing spring tour of antebellum mansions (the location is featured in the Reese Witherspoon’s movie, Sweet Home Alabama). Upon arriving in Eufaula, Julia falls in love with the area, its cast of charming characters, and her handsome tour guide. When she discovers that a developer has big plans to buy up many of the historic homes and turn the area into a tourist site, it’s up to Julia to save the day.

What is your writing schedule like?

With two growing, active boys and a busy husband, finding time to write is like looking for a missing Lego piece in a houseful of toys (Moms should appreciate that!) I often get up very early and write while everyone else is asleep or go to the lovely campus of our local university and shut myself in a study room. I love it there because I have to shut off my phone and I don’t have the password for an internet connection! No
distractions! Of course, I do frequent two or three local coffee shops and draw inspiration from my daily dose of caffeine and good friends!

Who are your favorite writers? Favorite books?

Gosh, there are so many! My all-time favorites include Emily Giffin, Sophie Kinsella, Jodi Picoult, Alice Hoffman, Jennifer Weiner, Chris Bohjalian, John Grisham, Amanda Eyre Ward, and Lisa See. I also love Lisa Scottoline, Janet Evanovich, and James Patterson. Favorite books include: Sue Monk Kidd’s The Secret Life of Bees, Jodi Picoult’s My Sister’s Keeper, and Stellaluna by Janell Cannon (this is a children’s book that I’ve read over and over to my two boys).

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Read. A lot. Write. A lot. Revise. A lot. I’m not joking.

Anyone can write. Writing well is different. It takes focus and tenacity and determination. I've heard Stephen King quoted as saying, "The first million words are practice." Malcolm Gladwell, in Outliers, says, "It takes 10,000 hours of purposeful practice to become expert at anything." Just to be clear, at 4 hours a day (28 hours a week), that’s 7 years. I’m not quoting the experts to scare anyone or be a harbinger of doom. It’s the truth.

Pick up a copy of Stephen King’s On Writing. It’s brilliant and so true and funny in so many sections. If you’re serious about becoming an author, learn as much as you can. Read blogs and books about the craft, network with other writers, or go to a writer’s conference. Above all, write!

Interview with Chris Redding

Chris Redding is the author of several books, including two new books, Blonde Demolition and A View to a Kilt.

About the Author:
Chris Redding lives in New Jersey with her husband, two kids, one dog and three rabbits. She graduated from Penn State with a degree in journalism with an English Minor. When she isn't writing she works part time for her local hospital teaching CPR and running the CPR training center.

How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing since I was ten, but writing for publication about 13 years.

How did you pick the genre you write in?
The genre picked me. I started out as a romance writer, but I always seemed to end up with a crime in it. I also tend to like stories with more than one plot so thriller and suspense lends itself to that.

What was the best writing advice someone gave you?
This applies to any dream. Every day do at least one thing to work towards your goal.

What was the worst?
An early critique partner told me to write for Harlequin. Nothing wrong with Harlequin, my stories wouldn’t fit there.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Do one thing every single day to get closer to your goal.

What was your favorite book when you were a child?
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle. That may seem an odd choice, as it is middle grade, but I was reading 3 grades ahead of my age.

What’s your favorite quote?
From a John Lennon song called Beautiful Boy. Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.

What is your favorite word?
Potential

Tell me one thing about yourself that very few people know?
I’m not fearless.

What are your other interests and hobbies?
I wish I had more time for other things, but writing is very time-consuming. What I used to like to do was cross stitch. The rhythm of it is very relaxing. I also like to hike.

Blonde Demolition
(Available soon in print at Amazon.)

Mallory Sage lives in a small, idyllic town where nothing ever happens. Just the kind of life she has always wanted. No one, not even her fellow volunteer firefighters, knows about her past life as an agent for Homeland Security.

Former partner and lover, Trey McCrane, comes back into Mallory's life. He believes they made a great team once, and that they can do so again. Besides, they don't have much choice. Paul Stanley, a twisted killer and their old nemesis, is back.

Framed for a bombing and drawn together by necessity, Mallory and Trey go on the run and must learn to trust each other again―if they hope to survive. But Mallory has been hiding another secret, one that could destroy their relationship. And time is running out.

A View to a Kilt
(Now available in print at Amazon.)

Waking up next to a dead guy can ruin your whole day.

When a wise-cracking interior decorator wants to put her past behind her, the dead body of the mayor’s son makes it pretty clear that won’t happen too easily.

A conservative former computer geek for the FBI is holding on too tightly to his past. His wife died under suspicious circumstances and he believes the decorator has the information to solve the case. Unfortunately for him, she isn’t talking… until a series of events convinces her she needs protection especially when her biggest secret threatens to destroy both their lives.

You can find out more about Chris Redding at her website and her blog.

Blog Tour: Interview with Cindy C. Bennett

Cindy C. Bennett is the author of Geek Girl. (You can see my review and my teenage daughter's review here.)

About Cindy:
Cindy C. Bennett was born and raised in beautiful Salt Lake City, growing up in the shadows of the majestic Rocky Mountains. She and her husband raised two daughters, two sons, and a plethora of pets.

In addition to writing YA fiction, she volunteers her time working with teen girls between the ages of twelve and eighteen, all of who she finds to be beautiful, fascinating people who constantly inspire her stories. She developed a love of writing in high school English when a teacher introduced her to the joys of escaping reality for ten minutes each day in writing.

When she's not writing, reading, or answering emails (notice there is no mention of cleaning, cooking, or anything domestic), she can often times be found riding her Harley through the beautiful canyons near her home. (Yes, she rides a Harley.)

What has been your most rewarding experience since you began writing?

Definitely my interaction with my readers. I love hearing from them. I’ve gotten some amazing emails from people who maybe have gone through a situation similar to one of my characters, or who just relate to something in the books. I’ve gotten to know some people who have become something of friends through our email exchanges, and I have two readers who write to me fairly regularly who are both so amusing that I look forward to hearing from them. So that has definitely been a most rewarding experience.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I’ve wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember, but it always seemed like a pipe dream—an impossibility—I think because I wanted it so much. I wanted to be a mom more than anything (done) and I also wanted to be a teacher. I haven’t ever had the chance to be an official teacher in a school, but I’ve had chances to teach in other settings, and I always enjoy it very much.

What was your favorite book when you were younger?

As a teen the thing that I remember reading most that I thoroughly enjoyed was Romeo & Juliet. I’m such a sucker for romance, and it’s the ultimate in romance. I also very clearly remember reading Forever by Judy Blume. I don’t know that I’d call it my favorite, but it made an impression because it was somewhat forbidden due to some of the content. I read a lot of VC Andrews and Stephen King as well.

What is your favorite quote?
“Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book.” ~Author Unknown

If Geek Girl was made into a movie, who would be in your dream cast?

I don't really have specific actors in mind. I do have actors that the characters looks are based on, but they are all probably a little old to play high-schoolers. I always imagined Jen looking like Rachel Leigh Cook, and Trevor as Zac Efron-esque, especially after I once saw him describe himself in high school as "cool-geek." A younger Topher Grace would be Brian, and a younger Dakota Fanning would be Jane. It’s clear that I picture Trevor’s mom as anyone who looks like Carol from The Brady Bunch, but his dad would be someone more like Pierce Brosnan. Jen’s foster parents might be Mimi Rogers-esque and John Travolta-ish.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Don’t give up. Be persistent. It takes an amazing amount of persistence and hard work to succeed. It also takes the ability to withstand rejection, never an easy thing to be given. Most of all I would tell them to learn the craft, make sure to understand grammar, punctuation, spelling. I’ve been on some sites where authors are writing comments, or whatever, and their spelling or grammar is horrible (mixing up then and than, for example), let alone not using capitalization correctly, and I just think as a reader if I saw that I would be turned off by them as a writer because I’d be afraid their writing would reflect that. Everything you write anywhere, even on Facebook, should be written sort of as if it were a test of your writing skills.

What is a fun, random fact about you that most people don't know?

I am the holder of a concealed weapons permit, and I quite enjoy going out shooting (targets, not animals). I have a .38 Special revolver that I shoot most of the time, but my husband has quite a gun collection and I think I’ve shot most of them. I prefer revolvers over pistols after taking the skin off the top of my hand once by not moving it out of the way of the slide (my bad).

You can find Cindy on her website, on Twitter, and Facebook.