Just Released! Charity's Heart is now on sale.

So pleased to announce the release of my latest novel, Charity's Heart!

Marriage, murder and mayhem in 1888 London. Who could ask for more in a book? Well, if you love a little suspense mixed in with your romance, then Charity's Heart is the book for you.

Click here to buy now from Amazon!

Today I'm thrilled to have a guest blog from author Susanne Matthews, or whatever her name is (you'll

understand this when you read her blog!). 

Welcome, Susanne!

About the author: Susanne Matthews grew up as an avid reader of all types of books, but always with a penchant for happily ever after romances. In her imagination, she travelled to foreign lands, past and present, and soared into the future. Today, she has made her dreams come true. A retired educator, she now gets to spend her time writing, so she can share her adventures with her readers. She loves the ins and outs of romance, and the complex journey it takes to get from the first word to the last period of a novel. As she writes, her characters take on a life of their own, and she shares their fears and agonies on the road to self-discovery and love.

Susanne lives in Cornwall, Ontario with her husband. She has three adult children and five grandchildren. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, chatting on the Internet with her writer friends, and hearing from her readers.

What’s In A Name?

When I wrote, Just For The Weekend, I wanted to make it harder for the characters to find one another after the weekend was over. The old “What happens in Vegas…” idea influenced that, but I needed a conflict that would keep the hero/heroine apart for a couple more chapters. I’d done a lot of research on sci-fi conventions and was surprised to learn some of the things I did. Women have been sexually harassed and raped, and it’s a growing problem. I also learned that people frequently use false names in Vegas. So, I chose to let my heroine use a pseudonym—not completely false, but similar and yet different from her own. She needed to answer to it, right? Cleopatra James, became Cleo Jones. You don’t want to confuse the reader by having too many names for the same character. It never occurred to me how such a little thing could blossom into an enormous real-life boondoggle.

In Canada, we have an extremely complex health care system, one that enables all Canadians full access to whatever medical services they might need, without having to pay an arm and a leg. We pay for it in our taxes, and while we might gripe about wait times and such, the bottom line is we are so grateful it’s there when we need it.

Until a few years ago, the province of Ontario had a red and white card with your name on it and your OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) number on it. Because hospital and medical care were being illegally obtained using fraudulent cards, the provincial government moved to issue new photo identification cards. My name came up last month.

I got the letter in the mail telling me to present myself, with the three requested pieces of identification to have my card converted. Bam! What a surprise I got. The long and the short of it is, I don’t know my own name. Well, all my life, I’ve used Susanne, or some variation of it, as my name. When I looked at my wonderful pieces of ID, my name was different on each one. My Ontario birth certificate had my full name, including my maiden name, old health card had the name I use, and  my driver's license and ownership had my current name preceded by the initials of what the genius at the counter said were my first and second name. Apparently, the name I use is my third name, and I use it incorrectly because it’s a hyphenated name. Now, the woman wants more ID—my SIN (Social Insurance Number) has my maiden name, but Susan, the shortened version of Susanne I used in high school when I was 16. Here I’m thinking I’m going to have to go back home get my passport and a notarized letter to prove I’m me. Panic is setting in, and I’m almost in tears. Her supervisor took pity on me. I got the health card and with it, a new first name—now, I just have to learn to answer to it. 

Follow Susanne on her:

Website

Blog

Facebook page

Twitter @jandsmatt

Amazon author page

Goodreads author page

Susanne Matthews

Today we have an interview from romance writer Susanne Matthews. It's wonderful to have you stop by for a visit.  

Brief bio: where you live, any other writing, job related or education info.

Good day. I live in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada. I’m a retired educator. For most of my career, I taught high school English, but I’ve also taught French at both elementary and secondary levels. I finished my career working as a Special Education teacher helping hard to serve students. Prior to becoming a novelist, I wrote and edited curriculum for the Ontario Ministry of Education’s online courses.

SDG: What inspired you to write this book?

My husband is a huge trekker. He has a room full of Star Trek memorabilia—movies, magazines, posters, action figures, tree ornaments, etc. We went to see Chris Pine reprise the role of Captain Kirk in Star Trek a few years ago in costumes. When my husband turned 60, friends and family threw a surprise Star Trek themed birthday party and many of the guest came dressed as aliens and Star Trek personnel of all sizes and shapes. We had a great time. Attending a sci-fi convention is on my bucket list, so I decided to set a book exactly where I’d like to be—in Vegas at a sci-fi convention

SDG: I love that your book is set at a Star Trek Convention! What was your approach to writing it (did it just flow or did you use an outline or other preparatory method)?

I’m a pantser/reviser. I have a general idea of what I’d like to say in the story, the direction I want to take it, and how I’d like to set it up—nothing is written down. Then I start to write. When I finish a section, I go back and revise it. Sometimes, I’ll move sections around, add story or delete things to use later. I research as I go along—basically when the idea strikes—but I do thorough research for all of the information in my books.

SDG: How long did it take to write the complete novel from first draft to edited final?

It took me six weeks to complete the manuscript I submitted. Since I’m retired, writing is my current full-time job, so I devote at least 8 hours a day to it, although some of that time is reserved for blogging and promotion.

SDG: Are your family members supportive of your writing and what do they think about your writing career?  

Yes, my family is very supportive of my career. They’ve all read at least one of my books and are very proud of me. My husband carries around my business cards and hands them out to his clients all the time. The few sex scenes in one of my books surprised my father—he’s 86! 

SDG: Have you written any other novels?

I have written several romance novels in other subgenres. These include Fire Angel and In Plain Sight which are romance/suspense, and currently available.

I have also written a historical novel, The Captains’ Promise, and two contemporary Christmas stories, Holiday Magic and The Perfect Choice. Unfortunately, there books will no longer be available in May because, for health reason, that publisher will cease publication as of May 1, 2014. The books may be reissued in the future, but at this time, I have no definite plans to do so.

I also co-write under the name Misty Matthews. My writing partner lives in Newfoundland, Canada. We have a novella, Grand Slam, available. At the moment, our book, Coming Home, is also a victim of the publisher’s shut down. We aren’t working on anything new just yet and have not made a decision on how to proceed with our previously published novel.  

SDG: Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for budding writers?

Keep at it. Don’t let a rejection stop you. Know your grammar, spelling, and punctuation rules, and sentence structure. Go through your manuscript several times before you submit it. Look for head hopping and plot holes. Last, and definitely most important, research your publisher thoroughly. A place to start is here: http://accrispin.blogspot.ca/  Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the publisher. I wish I had. 

SDG: What are you working on now? Is it in the same genre?

Just For The Weekend is a contemporary romance. At the moment, I am working on the edits for a paranormal/romance/suspense due to be released July 14, 2014, called Echoes Of The Past, set in the present, but based on a Mohawk legend. The newest manuscript I’m currently writing is also romance/suspense.

SDG: Is writing, to you, a lonely occupation?

Not really. I have a huge online support group, and I can always find someone to chat, answer a question, commiserate over a disappointment, or offer advice. I have friends around the world at my fingertips, and consider myself blessed. As well, when you have people in your head waiting for you to get the words onto the computer screen, you don’t have time to be lonely.

SDG: We have a blurb and excerpt pasted below for our readers. Can you also provide your website and places where readers can purchase your book?

My books are available from Amazon, Kobo, iTunes, Barnes and Nobles and ARe.

You can find these links on my website.

Book Blurb for: JUST FOR THE WEEK-END.

Sometimes, you have to step out of the box.

Kindergarten teacher, Cleo James, needs a break. For the past three years, she’s put her life on hold to help her father deal with grief, but now she’s ready to move on. A weekend in Vegas at a sci-fi convention may be just the place to start. She’ll be costumed as an alien and no one will recognize her. What could go wrong? Things get complicated when she’s attracted to a conventioneer whom she believes is a gorgeous Chippendale dancer.  Can Cleo set her strict moral code aside and enjoy what promises to be a once upon a time weekend?

Multimillionaire real estate developer, Sam Mason has sworn off serious relationships. In Vegas to visit family and friends, he’s talked into attending a sci-fi convention for the night. Dressed as an alien, he’s confident he can elude the usual gold diggers looking to star in the role of Mrs. Sam Mason. When he spots a beautiful woman dressed as a green-skinned slave girl, he’s captivated by her and changes his plans to leave Vegas in the morning. The more time he spends with her, the more he realizes she’s unlike any woman he’s known. Fantastic sex and too much alcohol find him married to his alien siren, but before he can tell her the truth about himself and see if they can make their marriage work, the bride vanishes.  Finding her is going to be a challenge.

Excerpt from Just For The Weekend:

“Holy crap! You could have warned me.”

Mitch wore a long black wig, heavy brown makeup, and the facial ridges of a female Klingon warrior. Her body was shoved into a tight, black leather corset-styled top that accentuated her breasts and a long, leather skirt paired with heeled boots with silver toecaps. She had a knife of sorts shoved into her belt.

“Wow! You look fantastic. I could use one of the push-up bras from hell if I ever wanted to look sexy.”

“What are you talking about? You’re one of the sexiest woman I know, and you’re completely oblivious to it. Get your nose out of your father’s ancient history books and look at yourself in the light of the twenty-first century. I love you, girl, but sometimes you frustrate me.”

“Yeah, well, let’s agree to disagree on that. I don’t want to be noticed that way. There’s more to me than a set of boobs and long legs. I’m much happier out of the limelight. Now, are you going to tell me about your makeup?”

“It’s a mask. My friend Hailey works at Paramount and made it for me last year. It gets a little warm after a while, but it’s a lot easier than putting the makeup on each time.”

“I wish I had something like that. Where’s the rest of my costume? I’d better be wearing more than green body paint, blood red lipstick, and gold eye shadow.”

“It’s on your bed.”

Cleo stared at the scraps of fabric and jewelry on the spread.

“No way! There’s got to be more to it than that.”

The costume consisted of a burgundy silk bikini bra, a matching string bikini bottom with gold-colored sheer skirt panels front and rear, gold muscle bracelets shaped like snakes, and two-inch wide metallic fabric ankle shackles without the chain.

“You’ve got to be kidding. I’ll look like a semi-naked leprechaun. How does that fit into a sci-fi convention?”

“It happens to be one of the most popular women’s costumes. For the record, leprechauns wear green, and unless they’re some kind of mutants, they aren’t green. With my five-foot-four figure, the costume loses something, but on you, it’ll be awesome.” Mitch handed her a glass of wine. “Here, take a drink and relax. You showed just as much by the pool this afternoon.”

“Yeah, and whose idea was that? I don’t see why I couldn’t wear my black swimsuit this afternoon. You seem to forget about the moral turpitude clause in my contract. Lying around in the sun half-naked is pushing it. I certainly won’t be wearing that blue bikini to take the kiddies swimming at the local pool.”

“That clause is archaic, and you worry about it way too much—between your father’s ‘rules’ and the school board’s ‘thou shall not’s,’ you’re living in the past. Besides you needed a new swimsuit. Even my mother doesn’t wear a one-piece bathing suit like the one you had. I don’t even think my grandma would wear it. You chose the bikini—there was that gorgeous leopard one…”

“You mean the one cut down to my navel in front, and so high on the hips my ass hung out? No thanks. At least the bikini covered most of my boobs and butt.”

“Whatever.” Mitch rolled her eyes. “Let’s get you dressed. We need to be downstairs in twenty minutes.”

Mitch helped her put on what was surely the skimpiest alien costume in the universe. Cleo stood before the mirror staring at the creature looking back at her.

“I look like a mutant leprechaun belly dancer.” She took a sip of her wine. “It’s a damn good thing you didn’t show me this when you asked me to come. I’d have said no.”

 “For the record, you’re not a mutant leprechaun; you’re an Orion slave girl. Men are powerless before you. Too bad that cutie from the bar last night can’t see you. You’re worth a dozen of the brunette he was with. Come here so I can spray the glitter on you.”

Two glasses of wine in quick succession were easing her embarrassment, but as she allowed Mitch to spray the liquid shimmer on her hair and body, she couldn’t resist one final complaint.

“Well, I’d rather wear what you’re wearing. If the air-conditioning is turned up as high as it was this morning, I’ll be an Orion slave icicle!”

“Seriously, Cleo, relax. Don’t be a prude. No one’s going to recognize you. I know you’re not used to showing so much skin, but you look fantastic, and the men will be drooling all around you. Every woman in the room is going to envy you. You’ll be the most sought-after slave girl here. ”

“God, I hope not. That’s the last thing I want. I feel like a chunk of meat on display for a starving man. You’re the extrovert, the one who wants to be the center of attraction. I’m not. I think that’s why we’re friends—because we’re so different.” Horror filled her eyes as she thought of something else. “Crap, I hope no one takes my picture. The last thing I need is to have someone see us on the Internet and recognize me. I’ll wear this tonight because it’s too late to find anything else, but we’re going costume shopping tomorrow. I’m sure we can find something a little less revealing.”

“Whatever you say, but I don’t think anyone’s going to recognize you.”

Cleo turned around and stood in front of the mirror. Her mouth dropped open in shock. Good grief. It’s even worse than I imagined. Thanks to the glitter, her skin reflected the light and looked alive, shimmering as she moved. Her hair shone the same way, and she looked alluring and mysterious. Her large, hazel eyes seemed more golden than ever. Mitch was right about one thing: she didn’t look like a kindergarten teacher from Gordon’s Grove. She looked like a sexy, alien siren. Just the look I want around a bunch of half-drunk Neanderthals. She remembered how decent guys had turned into absolute jerks at university costume parties.

“If it makes you feel better, you can stand behind the table replenishing the books as I sign them and handing out the bookmarks and the other swag the publisher provided. Come on, let’s go.”

Cleo followed her best friend out of the room. She shook her head. Why do I let myself get talked into these things?

*

Cleo followed Mitch into the convention hall packed with hundreds of people in various alien costumes, and allowed some of the excitement in the air to calm her fears. She recognized outfits from various sci-fi movies and television shows. There were several Orion slave girls in a variety of shapes, shades, and sizes, and Cleo saw the not-so-friendly glares she got from them—especially when one of their male friends stared admiringly at her. She nodded in return and chuckled when one girl gave the guy she was with a jab in the ribs.

She tried to keep up with Mitch, who barreled across the room as if she were in a speed-walking race. Barefoot as she was, conscious of the icky, sticky carpet, Cleo moved slowly to avoid stomping boots and heels. She’d almost made it to the promised land of booth security when a giant, in snake-like makeup and the dark gray leather and chain mail associated with the Cardassians, grabbed her arm. He spun her around quickly.

“Hey, let go of my …” Her angry words died on her lips.

“What have we here?” He eyed her hungrily. “Are you lost, my pretty little slave girl?”

Familiar chocolate eyes pierced hers, and she couldn’t think straight. His whiskey-smooth voice caressed her; his touch ignited a fire along her spine. Realizing what he’d said, she searched for an answer.

“Lost? No, I got separated from my Klingon friend. She’s over there.”

She pointed to the publishers’ autograph area where Mitch stood.

“Then allow me to escort you safely to her.”

Holding her close to him, he ushered her across the congested convention floor. He bowed to Mitch and gave the Cardassian salute.

“I believe she’s yours, but I’m entitled to a reward for coming to her assistance.”

He smiled wickedly before pulling Cleo into his arms and capturing her mouth with his.

Cleo held herself rigid, but the kiss poured liquid fire through her. Of their own volition, her arms wrapped around his neck both to hold her upright and to encourage the incredible sensations to continue. His mouth devoured hers as if she was his last meal. She’d been kissed before, but never like this. When he slowly pulled away, she was breathless. She read desire in his eyes.

“Later, my Orion beauty.” He turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd.

 “Who the hell is that?”

“I have no idea.” Cleo reached for Mitch’s blue-tinted Romulan ale and drained the glass.

Buy links:

Amazon         Barnes and Nobles       Kobo       ARe

SDG: Author social media sites:   

Blog: Living the Dream                                                      Twitter: @jandsmatt

Facebook                                        Goodreads                    Amazon Author

An Exotic, Romantic Adventure: Holiday in Paradise

I'd like to introduce Holiday in Paradise, an S. Cuppari Romance Mini. For a little romantic adventure, check it out. Purchase links and a book trailer link is listed below.

 

Holiday in Paradise:

 

Sabina Calli is in Vanuatu for a summer holiday. Two of her friends tag along for the week but when they return home to new jobs, Sabina's future is left undecided. That is, until her summer holiday turns into a hunt for treasure - Star of the Sea, a precious diamond that belongs to the Vanuatu people.

Max Callaway is living the bachelor life as he takes in the surf and works at the local bar. But it is not all a bed of roses as he sees suspicious behavior from his boss, Steveo, in connection to the Star of the Sea. He joins forces with Sabina to find it. Can this diamond bring them closer together or is it too hot to handle?

ABOUT THIS SUMMER SERIES

"S. Cuppari Romance Minis" is a new romance line dedicated to reading romances on the go as they are romance novellas jam-packed with romance, mystery and adventure and are based in exotic locations around the world.

AVAILABLE AT:

Print Store: www.scupparipublisher.com
Digital Store: scupparipublisher.selz.com
International store: www.lulu.com/spotlight/scuppari
Facebook Store: http://www.facebook.com/SCuppari

Watch the Book Trailer Here

Front Porch Romance Tailgate Blog Hop

My publisher, Front Porch Romance, is having a Tailgate Blog Hop featuring their fabulous authors, including me. Please check out their blog for information on incredible giveaways!! My book, Charity's Heart, will be one of the prizes, so go to the Front Porch Romance Blog to enter!!

Here's a brief blurb about Charity's Heart:

Charity Llewellyn, 19, looks forward to her wedding, but upon learning that her intended groom is Mathias Baptiste, the immoral son of a wealthy banker, she runs away from home to avoid the betrothal. Angry at her attempt, her father appoints a handsome and mysterious man, Alexander Sutton, as her constant chaperone.

Furious, Charity plots an escape with help from her friend Lillian, although that leads to involvement in an unsolved 20-year old murder and a shallow burial of human bones. As she tries to unravel the secrets of the old murder, she meets a frightening man who could be Jack the Ripper.

But that’s not her only obstacle. As she and Alexander grow closer, she learns a dark secret he’s been keeping and when Mathias finds them together, he’s overcome with rage and will stop at nothing to get her back, not even murder.


Here is just one of the reviews posted on Amazon:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Purity of "Charity's Heart" June 20, 2013

By Susan Marie Molloy

Format:Kindle Edition

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Charity's Heart
"Charity's bedroom windowpane was chilled and wet from the cold evening air . . .she was locked inside the house like a prisoner . . . [h]er position was to marry well and provide an heir to the Llewellyns."

Sofia Diana Gabel's opening lines to "Charity's Heart" grabbed me and kept me wanting to know more about Charity, her stifling life, her friends, her enemies, and life in 1880s London.
I cannot say enough positive comments about this novel and the author. I wished I could read it through in one sitting, but other components in life forced me to break it up in segments, to read when I knew my time would be interrupted.

Gabel's writing style is perfect for this type of romance novel. She writes with clarity, beautiful descriptions, correct tone, and she conveys her characters' emotions so well that the reader experiences the controlling nature, cruelty, intrigue, heartache, the up-and-down-adventuares, true friendships, and love right along with them. One -- one of many -- passages haunts me, yet is in a way, comforting: "When the clouds, parted, the scant moonlight revealed sadness in Alexander's eyes." I saw this, I felt this. The emotion came through perfectly in the overall description.

Gabel has 1880s London down pat: the societal structure, language, the current events, clothing, and character names. Indeed, this novel briefly reminded me of Anthony Trollope and his novels of British society.

Indeed, I felt I was right there with Charity, Lilian, Hiram, James, Alexander, et al, through good and bad. I did not feel like an intruder to this novel, but rather, an invisible participant.

What I most liked about "Charity's Heart" is how Gabel showed every emotion, every scene, every problem, every resolution with such beauty that the reader is left to form the picture in his/her mind; enough was left to the imagination to make this a truly lovely romance novel -- and the surprise ending was the piece de resistence! I smiled and was happy with that sparkling ending.

I highly recommend "Charity's Heart" by Sofia Diana Gabel. I have it set aside, ready for another reading this summer; but this time, I'm setting aside enough hours to read it through straight!

Interview with author Jane Godman talking about her writing, including her historical romance The Rebels’ Promise.


SDG: Welcome, Jane and thank you for taking the time to do the interview. Can you give a little background about yourself?


JG: I’m delighted to be here. I am an avid reader of historical romances, and have always enjoyed writing (I still have a copy of the medieval novel I wrote, in felt tip pen, aged 14!). 

My romances are set in the Georgian era - from the wild passion of the Jacobite rebellion to the charm and formality of the Regency - with heroes and heroines you fall instantly in love with, fascinating and amusing supporting characters and luscious settings.

I live in England and love to travel to European cities which are steeped in history and romance. Venice, Dubrovnik and Vienna are amongst my favourites. I am a teacher, married to a lovely man, mum to two grown up children and slave to a spoilt-brat cat.


SDG: What inspired you to write this book?


JG: I was ten when I read ‘Murder Most Royal’ by Jean Plaidy and I was instantly hooked on British and European history. 

At the age of twelve, I discovered a tattered Georgette Heyer novel on my mum’s bookshelf. I devoured it in a day and I was spellbound. It was ‘These Old Shades’, which is set in the mid-1700s. As much as I love Regency novels, I find myself drawn to the earlier Georgian era. I think it’s because the characters have more opportunities to misbehave. It was a scandalous time (think Les Liaisons Dangereuses) and I love the fashions! Give me a hero in a cloak and a powdered wig.

I am captivated by the way great writers of historical romance use dialogue to skilfully set the scene. I also love it when the historical setting is so real it becomes another character, transporting you effortlessly back in time. 

I am English but I was born in Scotland and the Jacobite rebellion has always fascinated me. The idea for The Rebel’s Promise arose out of the true historical fact that Bonnie Prince Charlie’s troops marched as far south as Derby. If he had achieved his aim of reaching London and reclaiming the crown, British history would have looked very different. But I also wondered how the arrival of the Jacobites affected the everyday lives of people in Derbyshire. My heroine, Rosie Delacourt, is a country girl whose quiet life is thrown into turmoil when she helps an injured rebel lord to escape the king’s men.


SDG: What was your approach to writing it (did it just flow or did you use an outline or other preparatory method)?


JG: I started with a plan but I always find that the story takes on a life of its own! I always know my hero and heroine well when I start a story but I’m surprised by the way my secondary characters (or supporting cast, as I prefer to think of them) start vying for my attention. That happened very early with The Rebel’s Promise and now I get more questions about Bella and Perry, who were only ever meant to be bit part players, than I do about Jack and Rosie!


SDG: How long did it take to write the complete novel from first draft to edited final?


JG: Six months. I’m not a quick writer and I am an absolute perfectionist. Every detail has to be right. I never feel I’ve ‘finished’ a novel. If I’m not really disciplined I could go on forever making changes and editing particular scenes. So I have to be stern with myself and say ‘That’s it. It’s done’.


SDG: Can you tell us a little about your book and if you have had book signings or readings?


JG: The Rebels’ Promise is a love story based around the true events of 1745, when Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite army attempted to reclaim the British crown. It was a turbulent time and the rebels got as far as Derby before they turned back across the Scottish border. 

Rosie Delacourt is an English girl from a well-to-do family, whose quiet life is turned upside down when she rescues an injured Jacobite. Rosie has never met anyone quite like Jack before. He’s handsome, dashing, charming and, even though he is at death’s door when the story begins, he flirts outrageously with her! 

It’s inevitable that they will fall in love, but Jack is wanted for treason and King George’s troops come looking for him. The lovers share one bittersweet night together before he leaves. 

Jack promises to return - “Rosie, my heart, my dearest love. I swear that, once I have secured the king’s pardon, I will come back for you and make you my wife.” – but Rosie doesn’t know if she will ever see him again. 

Momentous events are shaping across the border and Bonnie Prince Charlie is defeated in battle. The rebels are in disarray and the prince himself goes into hiding. Back in Derbyshire, Rosie has her own problems. She is being blackmailed by Sir Clive Sheridan, a man who lusts after her body and her fortune. When the news comes that Jack has been killed at Culloden, she faces a stark choice: marry Clive or she, and her young brother, will go to the gallows as traitors.

Jack, meanwhile, has secured a pardon, and he returns to fulfil his promise. When he hears that Rosie is to marry the very man who betrayed him, he is devastated. But Rosie cannot tell him the truth. To do so would mean certain death for both of them. 

It seems the only feelings which remain between them now are bitterness and anger. However, when danger throws them together again, Jack and Rosie are reminded of tenderness they once shared.

I love Jack and Rosie to bits. Both of them are funny, feisty and likable. But ‘The Rebel’s Promise’ also has a great supporting cast. Sir Clive Sheridan (boo, hiss!) is the dastardly villain you love to hate while Harry, Bella and Perry definitely deserve their own sequels (watch this space …). Even Harry’s dog adds something extra to the story!

I wanted to create a magical world in which the reader feels part so I’ve loved getting comments that tell me I’ve succeeded. Readers have said that it’s like a historical soap opera (or Downton Abbey set a few centuries earlier). There has been some on-line debate about who would play the main characters in a film or mini-series. I’m quite liking the suggestion of Rob James-Collier as the foppish Sir Peregrine Pomeroy!  

I haven’t done any book signings or readings but I have loved doing guest blogs to promote my book, and my favourite promotional activity has been making my own book trailer, which is on Youtube.


SDG: That sounds like an incredible book! Is your family supportive of your writing and what do they think about your writing career?
 

JG: They are really proud of me! I use a pseudonym because of my ‘day job’ so they can’t boast about me as much as they would like to but my husband tells everyone he knows to go out and buy my book. I would love to say that writing is my ‘career’ but I have another, very time consuming career, so I would rather say writing is my ‘passion’.


SDG: Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for budding writers?


JG: What are you waiting for? If you have a story to tell, get it written down and get it out there! I think you also have to ‘tune out’ some critiques. Everyone has their own personal preferences and you can’t please everyone. As a writer, you have to be true to yourself and write what you believe in, not what you think other people want to read.


SDG: What are you working on now? Is it in the same genre?


JG: My next historical romance is close to completion. The Corsair’s Revenge is set about six years after the end of The Rebel’s Promise. It’s not quite a sequel but there are some familiar faces in it! It is book number two in the Powder and Patch Collection.

The story begins when Caro Trelawn is on the way to her wedding. She never arrives. Instead she is kidnapped by a notorious brigand known as Le Corsaire and taken aboard his ship. The story is played out along the wild Cornish coast, into the elegant salons of Paris and ends in the slums of London’s St Giles. 

As in The Rebel’s Promise, there is adventure alongside the main romantic plot, a great supporting cast of characters … and, this time, there is an unexpected twist at the end! 

I’m also working on a novella. In Sir Peregrine’s Wager, we discover what happens to Bella and Perry (two of those great supporting characters from The Rebel’s Promise).


SDG: What is the best time for you to write and does it ever interfere with your day job, if you have one? Also, how long on average do you write each day?


JG: I am a morning person, and I do mean early morning! I think I should have been a farmer’s wife because I’m awake at about 5 am every day. The downside of that is that I’m fit for nothing by 9 pm. The peaceful, early morning quiet is my writing time. 


SDG: Is writing, to you, a lonely occupation?


JG: Yes, because no-one else in my family – except my cat – is awake at that time.


The Rebel’s Promise book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK4w-ci2bU4


Purchase links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Rebels-Promise-ebook/dp/B00BVCZT6G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368564473&sr=8-1&keywords=rebel%27s+promise+jane+godman


All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-therebel039spromise-1053355-160.html

 Front Porch Romance (publisher’s website): 

http://www.frontporchromance.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_20&products_id=188&zenid=m5d8prl7vhiv7i7b9icjk26905


SDG: Do you have anything else you’d like to say?


JG: I’d like to mention the Front Porch Romance team, especially Madison Connors, the CEO, who is really enthusiastic and energetic. She really supports and encourages her authors. There are some great books coming out from Front Porch Romance by a fantastic, talented group of authors and I’m very proud to be part of that.  

SDG: Author website/social media sites:


JG: I love to hear from readers and can be contacted at:


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jane-Godman-Author/

https://twitter.com/JaneGodman

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6923685.Jane_Godman

 My blog is here:

http://georgianromancewriter.blogspot.co.uk/

 

Author Interview: Trista Jaszczak

Interview with author Trista Jaszczak talking about writing her novels, including the upcoming, Little Red.

  

SDG: Welcome, Trista and thank you for taking the time to do the interview. Can you tell me a little about yourself?

 

TJ: I'm Trista Jaszczak and I am originally from Hamilton, Ohio. I'm married to the military and call home wherever the Air Force sends us, which is currently Anchorage, Alaska. I've been writing for about 11 years now and have written close to 30 novels. I have Darkness Falls: Hunted and Loverboy currently out for purchase and the upcoming Believe series.

 

SDG: What inspired you to write this book?

 

TJ: I have always had a great love for fairy tales, even as I near my 30's, I can't get enough of them. A close friend of mine, knowing my love of fairy tales sent me a song (Hey There Little Red Riding Hood, by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs) and as I was listening to it, I couldn't help but to have this little movie play in my head. A young woman, gorgeous, one night in the woods. Then in dawned on me...who said fairy tales are for kids. Right away my brain went into over drive and Little Red and the rest of the Believe series was born.

 

SDG: What was your approach to writing it (did it just flow or did you use an outline or other preparatory method)?

 

TJ: Because my mind kicked in so fast it really poured out of me. Once I started writing I found it difficult to stop. It was unbelievable and completely verged off my normal writing routine but somehow, it has worked out perfectly.

 

SDG: How long did it take to write the complete novel from first draft to edited final?

 

TJ: For Little Red, it took about 10 months with a lot of sleepless nights, from start to finish.

 

SDG: Can you tell us a little about your book and if you have had book signings or readings?

 

TJ: Little Red is a whole new look at the classic children’s tale, Little Red Riding Hood. It’s about one woman’s desperate escape from her past where she finds herself landing in Louisiana and into the arms of an unlikely hero. With lots of passion, a close knit pack of brothers, some old bayou magic and feuding families, Little Red will spark the feeling that fairy tales once created in every woman.

 

Little Red is currently beginning the publishing process with Front Porch Romance but I will definitely plan signings and readings when I can.

 

SDG: Is your family supportive of your writing and what do they think about your writing career?

 

TJ: My family is very supportive of my writing career. For as long as I can remember I have had a wild imagination and my parents always supported me. As I got older and got married, thankfully my husband didn't think I was crazy for sitting around for hours as I scribbled notes in notebooks and pecked away at the keys on my computer. I'm pretty sure that when I'm up at all hours of the night writing, my husband is too. Without my family, I don't think I would be where I am today. I am thankful to have my family and my husband.

 

SDG: Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for beginning writers?

 

TJ: Never give up. Never let a bad day, bad review or bad anything tarnish your dreams. They're your dreams, after all. Just keep writing and keep moving forward.

 

SDG: What are you working on now? Is it in the same genre?

 

TJ: I'm currently working on completing the Believe series, which Little Red is a part of. They're all modern twists on classic children's tales. I currently have The Shoe (Cinderella), Who's the Fairest (Snow White), Only Sleeping (Sleeping Beauty), and Fairy Dust (Tinkerbell). I'm also working on a few other romances that are separate from the series.

 

SDG: What is the best time for you to write and does it ever interfere with your day job, if you have one? Also, how long on average do you write each day?

 

TJ: All of my writing is done at night. For some reason at night when my house is silent, my mind opens up with new ideas that begin playing like movies, screaming for me to write them down. Each night I'll write anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. As long as I write, every single day, I'm happy.

 

SDG: Is writing, to you, a lonely occupation?

 

TJ: Not at all! For some reason all these characters that I create are alive and thriving in my mind. I create new places and people that, to me, feel real. I don't think I could ever consider that lonely.

 

SDG: What is your website and where can readers purchase your book or books?

 

TJ: I can be found on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million (Keyword search: Trista Jaszczak). Both Darkness Falls: Hunted and Loverboy have print and eBook editions. Little Red has a tentative release of June 2013.

 

SDG: Do you have anything else you’d like to say?

 

TJ: I really have to thank my fans who have been following my writing these past few years. I am so thankful for their support and to see people waiting on the release of Little Red is completely mind blowing. I cannot say thank you enough. It means a lot when someone buys a book from an unknown author. Thank you.

 

Author website/social media sites:

 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorTristaJaszczak

Twitter: TristaJaszczak

Tumbr: AuthorTristaJaszczak

Blog: www.tristajaszczak.wordpress.com

 

 

Author Interview: Christy Newton

I will be posting author interviews as I get them. My first interview is with romance author Christy Newton talking about writing her debut novel, Stolen Hearts.


SDG: Welcome, Christy and thank you for taking the time to do the interview. Can you tell me a little about yourself?

 

CN: Hi Sofia, thank you for having me on your blog. I live in Indiana and I started writing seriously about 14 months ago. Writing is my job and I love it.

SDG: What inspired you to write this book?

CN: This was my first book, though it was revised so many times. I wrote about things I would enjoy reading. My characters Cammie and Simon came to me in a dream. I fell in love with them and had to tell their story.

SDG: What was your approach to writing it (did it just flow or did you use an outline or other preparatory method)?

CN:I am a pantser for sure! I didn't do an outline, though I knew where my story was headed the whole time writing it. I am a fan of Post-it notes so those are stuck all over my wall.

SDG: How long did it take to write the complete novel from first draft to edited final?

CN:I am going to guess almost a year. There were other stories written in between the revisions. Happy to say, I've gotten much faster.

SDG: Do you have critique partner and do you think they are important?

CN:Yes! My critique partner, Danielle, is awesome!

SDG: Can you tell us a little about your book and if you have had book signings or readings?

CN:Stolen Hearts is my debut book and is estimated to come out in ebook sometime in June and in print sometime in fall. Stolen Hearts is romantic suspense. Simon is a mysterious ex-jewel thief turned bodyguard. He rescues Cammie, a woman that has had the most horrible things happen to her. They are both broken people that crave adventure and complement each other well.

SDG: Is your family supportive of your writing and what do they think about your writing career?

CN:Oh my goodness, yes! If they weren't I couldn't do this. My husband encourages me to write and my daughters cheer me on. My mom is my biggest fan and keeps me positive. My brother is also supportive.

SDG: Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for budding writers?

CN: My advice is to fit time in to read. You won't get better if you leave that step out. Don't make excuses, just sit your tushie down and write!

SDG: What are you working on now? Is it in the same genre?

CN: I am currently working on the third book in the Cammie and Simon series.

SDG: What is the best time for you to write and does it ever interfere with your day job, if you have one? Also, how long on average do you write each day?

CN: I don't really have a best time. Inspiration can strike at any moment so I just go with it. I try to write a couple of hours a day. The other time is spent on Facebook and Twitter or reading.

SDG: Is writing, to you, a lonely occupation?

CN: No way! My writing friends are what keep me going. I have met so many wonderful people on Twitter. If you think writing is lonely, talk to other writers. I've never met an unfriendly writer.

 

SDG: What is your website and where can readers purchase your book or books?

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christy-Newton/359791990763912

 

You can always check Front Porch Romance for updates:

http://www.frontporchromance.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=24_94

 

Author website/social media sites:

 

CN: twitter @CNewtonAuthor

 

Busy is good

I like being busy, I really do. Not the housework kind of busy, that's no fun at all. In fact, you can't really call me a good, dedicated housekeeper. I figure I have better things to do than sweep or vacuum the floor. Sure, I'll do it when I need to, or when company is coming over, but otherwise, a little dust never hurt anyone. Well, maybe it would hurt an asthmatic, but I don't have asthma so it's okay. Besides, I have three hairless Sphynx cats, so there's definitely no cat hair sticking to the furniture or carpet. This allows me to justify not cleaning every day. I'm good at justifying things. Anyway, back to my main topic here...being busy. The kind of busy I enjoy most is the writer-type busy. And I am writer-busy right now. I am getting an historical romantic suspense novel published very soon and I'm still querying a couple other novels I've finished. And, I'm currently writing a New Adult novel. I'd only recently learned about this new genre, so thought I'd take a whack at writing a novel that falls squarely into the New Adult category. I've also written a few flash fictions, but haven't managed to get them published yet. I'll keep trying thought.