Spotlight Author with Linda Wisdom

In Central California, where I live, spring can’t decide whether to stay or go. That’s good and bad for me. I love the winter as well as the spring, but know the longer this weather holds out the worse my chances are of having a nice long spring, with coastal breezy days. Last week it hailed in my neighborhood for thirty minutes. By the time the storm had passed it looked as if it had snowed. It was super cold too. Two days later the sun is shining and I am planting flowers in my yard! Next week it will be hotter than heck and I will be dying to turn the air conditioner on. ;-) Go figure!

Speaking of hotter then heck, my guest Linda Wisdom has witchy books that are just that. She has dropped into my blog today to tell us all about what she has stewing.

Linda, you have written for a couple of different lines, with different genre’s. Is it hard for you to shift from one to the other?

In some ways it is, Micole, but in other ways it’s not. I think my brain is set up in compartments that allow me to shift. Plus, it’s a nice way to write something very different.

Tell us about, DEMONS ARE A GIRLS BEST FRIEND.

Maggie is my kick ass witch who’s with the Hellions, the security force that protects all the supernatural creatures. Right now, she’s battling her attraction to a super sexy half fire demon named Declan and discovering that an ancient Mayan curse is meant to destroy the world. Her major headache is the fate of the world rests on the shoulders of a snarky teenager. Maggie also has a diamond-encrusted tattoo of a black widow spider named Elle who’s very French and irritated that she can’t keep a boyfriend for long. Elle also helps protect Maggie and searching the World Wide Web for a spell to ensure her lovers don’t die after she has sex with them. It was a totally fun book to write.

What makes your writing unique?

I don’t know if I’d call it unique. I love writing characters that I hope my readers can identify with. Want to hang out with. I have a demented sense of humor and that tends to show up in my work. Luckily, my readers like it.

Can you tell us what you are working on now?

I finished up my next witch book, A Demon Does It Better, which will be out in January 2012 and I’m reworking a Young Adult Urban Fantasy along with a Young Adult paranormal and plotting out a new book.

What do Linda Wisdom fans have to look forward to in 2011?

Along with Demons Are A Girl’s Best Friend out this April, I’ve been putting up my backlist books at Amazon, B&N, Smashwords, and Allromanceebooks. I’ll also be putting up an enovella starring witchy Thea.

How many books do you have published?

Close to 80.

What is your writing process? Are you a plotter or a panzter?

Definitely a pantser and sometimes that’s not good when I write myself into a corner that I wonder if I’ll get out of! Luckily, I do.

When you aren’t writing steamy romances, what do you do with your time?

I’ve got an energetic white mini Schnauzer named Barney who loves walks. He’ll be showing up in a future book. Naturally, I love reading and getting together with friends.

Do you have any advice on writing, getting published, or finding an agent?

With writing, make sure your work is super clean and believe in it. Do your research, see where your work best fits and above all, be professional!

What’s the one thing you know now that you wished you would’ve known when you started your journey as a writer?

LOL! Probably a lot. There was nothing out there for writers. No Internet, no way to check on agents unless you knew someone with an agent. I flew blind for awhile and I paid for the ride. Sharing of information is very important, but you also have to follow your own instincts.

Thank you Linda, for a being a guest. Where can we find out more about you and your work?

Definitely my website www.lindawisdom.com, http://linda-wisdom.blogspot.com, www.facebook.com/lindawisdom, www.twitter.com/lindawisdom

If you haven’t read Linda’s books make sure to check her out. Again thanks for stopping by y blog. See you on Thursday when my guest will be Debra Salonen. Until then…

Micole Black

Acquiring Editor Donna O'Brien from Crescent Moon Press

Hey Donna, I am so happy to share my blog space with you today. Can we start off by having you tell the readers a little bit about yourself?

Thanks so much for having me Micole! Let’s see condensed version…I’ve got four kids, and two grandgirls. My husband and I will celebrate our 25^th Anniversary this year and he is my real life hero.

Tell us about the publishing house that you work for, Crescent Moon Press.

Short version: Completely awesome! A little longer version: Crescent Moon Press was formed as an independent boutique publisher and prides itself on writing out of the box story lines as well as its professionalism. We support our authors and provide assistance with marketing, publish simultaneously in print and digital formats and allow considerable input as far as cover design and titles.

Does Crescent Moon Press accept non agented writers?

Yes we do. We believe that diamond in the rough deserves a chance as well as the polished gem. So both agented and non-agented writers are welcome at CMP.

Is there something specific you are looking for in a manuscript?

I am actively seeking urban fantasy, sci-fi, time travel, high fantasy, a great new twist on an old myth, anything dark, dangerous and full of beings with that something extra that bring make believe to life, fast paced YA, and New Adult (17-25 y/o protags) with more on their mind than school and dating. If the premise is powerfully unique, the voice unforgettable, and the writing pristine, then I want to see that story.

What do you not want to see?

I do not want to see the same old, same old or a fabulous plot poorly written. That’s sooo disappointing.

Once you have fallen in love with a manuscript, where does it go from there?

I send a desperate plea to my publisher to let me buy the manuscript with a description of the story and why I think it would be marketable. If I get the approval, then I send an offer to the author.

What does a day in the life of an acquiring editor look like?

BUSY!!! LOL Reading submissions and queries, requesting fulls if I like the query. Editing manuscripts. Responding to authors questions about the progress of their book. Calming their anxieties if they are a new author. Rejecting queries. E-mails galore! Attending a conference here or there to accept pitches. Approving blurbs and bios. Um….I’m sure I left something out. Maybe eating something once and a while and then there’s the mom stuff too. ;)

Thank you Donna, for spending the day with us here at Micole Writes Romance.

Thanks again for having me Micole! I’d also like to invite any of your readers out there who are going to attend the RT Convention in April, to look me up. I’ll be available at the Crescent Moon Press Publisher’s Spotlight as well as taking pitches on Wednesday!

And because I had such a busy week and didn’t get a chance to pick a winner for the contest yet, we are going to extend it until Friday!! So if you haven’t entered yet, get your first and last line entered!! Good luck!

Make sure to get those pitches in readers. I can’t wait to announce the winners!!! Thank you all for spending your precious time with Donna and I today. Take care and I will see you her tomorrow when we announce the winners!

Until then. Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Micole

CONTEST ALERT!!!!!!!!!

Good morning friends… WOW two blogs in two days!!! Pretty exciting right??? Well I thought you all might be interested to hear about a contest that is going on right here on my blog. My good friend, and acquiring editor, Donna O’brien has agreed to do a contest. The entrances must be ROMANTIC TALES OF FANTASY, SCIENCE FITCION, OR PARANORMAL stories. One lucky entrance will win a read of their full manuscript by Donna. Two lucky writers will get to submit their first three chapters. You will find all of the details below. And if you lose track of this blog post you can always check the side bar of my blog. All of the important stuff will be there! ;-) I am so excited. All of you writers out there get your first and last lines ready! Make sure to share the contest details with all of your writers friends and tell them to stop by the blog and enter. Good luck!!!!

How important is that first sentence? Extremely! But so is your final sentence because it’s the last thing your readers take away from your novel. Your final chance to make a lasting impression, if you will. ;) So enter your First Line AND your Last Line for a chance to submit the full manuscript to Crescent Moon Press!

1. Submit the first and last sentence only of your manuscript to Crescent Moon Press Acquisitions Editor, Donna O’Brien via e-mail: donna@crescentmoonpress.com by midnight on March 22, 2011.
2. Check the Micole Writes Romance blog @ http://www.micolewritesromance.blogspot.com/ on March 24, 2011, to see if you won.
3. There are three chances to win: 2nd and 3rd place will be able to submit their first three chapters and a synopsis and 1st place will be able to submit their full manuscript to Editor Donna O’Brien.
4. Crescent Moon Press publishes high quality fantasy, futuristic, and paranormal romantic fiction. See their website @ http://www.crescentmoonpress.com/ for more details.

If your full has that all important first line that will hook a reader and make them want to continue and a last line that will keep them coming back for more, then what are you waiting for? Submit them to Donna O’Brien, Crescent Moon Press Acquisitions Editor today!

Spotlight Author with Larrisa Ione

I have New York Times Bestselling Author, Larrisa Ione visiting my blog today. Even though she is a very busy woman she has agreed to answering a few short questions for us. And I am ecstatic. I have to say that I have been blessed with all of the amazing authors that have given me the privilege of interviewing them. Larrisa being one of them. You may also know her as the multi-published Sydney Croft. She's here today to talk to us about her latest release SIN UNDONE. Here's a sneak peak.

HER TOUCH IS DEADLY As the only female Seminus demon ever born, master assassin Sinead Donnely is used to being treated like an outcast. She spent decades enslaved, and now vows she'll die before she'll relinquish her freedom again. then Sin's innate ability t kill her enemies goes awry: She creates a lethal new werewolf virus that sparks a firestorm of panic and violence. HIS HUNGER CAN'T BE DENIED Half-werewolf, half-vampire Connell Dearghul is charged with bringing in Sin to face punishment for the plague. And she's no stranger: He's bound to her by blood, and the one sexual encounter they shared has left them hungering for her raw sensuality. Worse, Sin is the underworld's most wanted and Con soon learns he's the only one who can help her... and that saving her life might mean sacrificing his own.
Wow! It sounds amazing! Where does your inspiration come from?

Everywhere really. I get ideas from TV, the news, real life. And I find inspiration to actually sit down and get the book written when I read a great novel.

Can you give us an idea how long a completed manuscript takes from start to finish?

It generally takes me 6 months to a year to write a book. I tend to be a slow writer, and I always need a lot of revision and rewrites, both before I turn in the book to my editor, and after.

What are you reading right now? If nothing at the moment then what do you like to read when you have time?

Actually, right now I'm re-reading The Marshall Plan for Writing A Novel, by Evan Marshall. See. I'm currently plotting the second book in the Lords of Deliverance series (a spin off of the Demonica series about the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse,) so I always go running back to the basics when I start a new novel. And yet, I never write a book the same way. It's weird! For fun, I'm not reading anything, sadly. But when I get the time, I love paranormal romance, historical fiction, and fantasy. Can't get enough of any of those genres!
What is the most important advice you can give to aspiring authors?

Don't sweat the small stuff. Learn the craft, learn to write well, but don't obsess about the little things. It's very easy to edit your voice right out of your work if you go over every sentence looking for the perfect word, the perfect structure. Before I got published, I spent a lot of time editing my stories to death before sending out to editors. i got SO close to selling, and it wasn't until I finally just let myself go, let my voice fly and be a little raw, that I got The Call.

Larissa, can you give a glimpse into a writers life. Your writers life!;-)

Coffee, coffee, and more coffee!!! Oh, and pajamas. Yep, it's a glamorous life. *g* Seriously, that's about what it's like. I get up in the morning, get my son off to school, sit down with coffee, and write. I usually work out at ome point during the day, but after my shower, I get right back into my pajamas. And drink more coffee...

Where can we find out more about you and your books?

At www.LarissaIone.com where you can check out all my books, upcoming releases, and you can read free short stories. I also have pages dedicated only to animals, since I am a huge animal lover. I have a especially large interest in feline diet and diabetes, since I've had more experience with that than I'd have liked. You can also check out my alter ego, Sydney Croft, at www.SydneyCroft.com. Sydney is a name I share with author Stephanie Tyler, who writes military romance. We blended together our interests to write erotic paranormal action-adeventure, and we're just finishing up our ACRO series under the Sydney Croft name.
Larissa, thank you for being a guest here at Micole Writes Romance. It has been a pleasure!

Thank you so much for having me! I really enjoyed it!
Faithful readers, I will see you next week!

Hugs

Micole

Spotlight Author with Lynda K. Scott

Hello friends,

Another week has passed and with that we have another author here at Micole Writes Romance. This week Lynda K. Scott has stopped by to tell us about her book HEARTSTONE.

HEARTSONE is the story of one man's quest to find a legendary weapon to save his people from an insidious invader who feeds on the minds and souls of his victims. But that weapon can only be used by one person, the woman who is his promised soul mate. And he must sacrifice her and their love to save the galaxy.

Also it's the story of a woman who's coming into her own power as she discovers who she really is and what she's capable of doing--that's a lot like women the world over!

What do Lynda K. Scott fans have to look forward to in 2010?

HEARTSONE will be released in April from Mundania Press and my website will get a new look. I've got my fingers crossed that the sequel to HEARTSONE will make an appearance this year too.

When did you know you wanted to pursue a writing career?

I've always wanted to pursue a writing career, but it hasn't been until the last few years that I've been able to afford a full blown effort. In the near future, I'm hoping to become a full-time writer. That's always been a dream.

How long was your road to becoming published?


Loooonnnnggggg! I've a whole bunch of half-finished manuscripts, several finished and a number of short stories and novellas lying around. The half-finished manuscripts will probably stay unfinished--they weren't that god to start with. I like to think of them as training wheels, useful at first but discarded when no longer necessary.

How many books do you have under your writing belt?

I have 3 noels completed. HEARTSTONE is the first and should be available in April or May. I also have ALTERED DESTINY, which is set in an alternate universe peopled with aliens who resemble elves, dragons, and sexy Scottish men in an America that's far different from what we know.

The third novel is, RIDER, a futuristic romance filled with space travel, aliens and sexy heroes. It's the story of an orphaned girl and what happens when she becomes infected with a life changing parasitic alein.

ALTERED DESTINY and RIDER are still looking for homes.

If you had to pick one character in any of your books, who would be your favorite? And why? Or if you don't want to pick a favorite... which one do you connect with the most? And why?

I'd pick Devyn MacGregor from ALTERED DESTINY. Who can resist a braw, Scottish lad with the devil in his eye, a charming brogue and sexy knees? Especially if he has a really big sword, lol and Devyn, as the Reiver Lord, does have a big sword.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

I love bringing the characters and their worlds to life. I love seeing through their eyes and experiencing their pains and joys, their failures and triumphs. It's like watching your children grow into adulthood and it's wonderful to see them have their happy-ever-afters.

Where can we find Lynda K. Scott and her books?

Your readers can contact me (and I love to hear from the readers) in several ways:

To join my newsletter, send a blank email to:
LyndaKScott-Newsgroup-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Be My Friend: http://www.myspace.com/lyndakscott

My Website: http://www.lyndakscott.com

My Blogs:http://www.lyndakscott.blogspot.com
http://www.star-crossedromance.blogspot.com

Tweet me: http://www.twitter.com/lyndakscott
Be My Friend on Bebo: http://www.bebo.com/lyndakscott
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lyndakscott

Lynda, thank you for stopping by Micole Writes Romance and sharing your books and your story with us. Until next time friends...

hugs

Micole

Spotlight Author with Connie Wood

It's about that time again. Yep, you guessed it, Spotlight Author and this week I have Connie Wood visiting all the way from Australia. So everybody give her a warm welcome while I interview her and we talk about her latest release DARK MOON.

So lets not wait any longer. Connie tell us a little bit about DARK MOON.

DARK MOON is a paranormal romance revolving around Tynan, a venator, a hunter of the shape shifters. He is in exile in Alaska until the death of his brother brings him back to his home town and his past deeds. There are shape shifters of all breeds including, wolves, polar bears, and huskys. There are also those who hunt the shifters, the venators, all sexy, talented and hidden secrets. It is a story of redemption, revenge, blood shed, betrayal and most of all, the strength of true love.

Wow! It sounds very intense!

What do Connie Wood fans have to look forward to in 2010?

I am so excited about 2010! DARK MOON was released on March 4th and there will be much more for the remainder of the year. The world of the DARK MOON will be expanded, with more exciting venators and shifters stories to be told.

Can't wait! :)

So tell us, Connie... what is your writing process?

I am definitely a plotter. My story ideas seem to come from the smallest inspiration, such as, a word or phrase, a picture, a character trait. I then sit down and write out the story outline. True, sometimes the story does change slightly from the plot, but the major plot points always stay the same.

Do you have any tricks of the trade that you are willing to share with us?

I am fairly new to this business, but the learning curve has been very dramatic. Learning the craft can be difficult, but well worth it. Be professional, courteous and always stay true to your heart. Because that is where truly inspirational writing comes from.

Very true!

What do you think makes your writing unique?

I hope my writing voice and style is unique. Most story plots have been done, the stories uniqueness comes from the variations the writer can put into the familiar story. the words "once upon a time" are always the same, but what comes next is where a great writer can bring the reader into a new world. Also the characters in my books offer a uniqueness to all my stories. I try to make them as rounded and "real" as I can. I tend to fall in love with them and hope my readers do too.

How many titles do you have available and do any of them have connecting story lines?

DARK MOON, available through Pink Petal Books, will hopefully have a continuing storyline. The entire world created within DARK MOON thrilled and captivated me. I would be honored to be able to tell the story of others within this world.

THE VETERAN is a stand alone romantic suspense available from Pink Petal Books. THE VETERAN was very close to my heart as it was the first book I ever wrote.

FALLEN FAE is a novella available through Freya's Bower, it is a romantic fantasy about fallen angels, fairys and true love.

They all sound amazing Connie. I imagine that every book an author writes has a special place in their hearts. They are much like the children that we have birthed. Can you tell us what you are working on now?

I am currently working on the sequel to DARK MOON. It is the story of Dane, a secondary character in DARK MOON. I am loving his story and where it is taking the characters and the world of DARK MOON.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Inspiration comes from different things. A phrase, a picture, a song, a person, a new story, even a dream. Inspiration comes from the heart and soul, the same place where you need to be when you write.

What do you do when you get stuck?

A walk in the fresh air does wonders. I can't remember who said it, but "angels whisper to you when you go for a walk". Also going back to the initial inspiration can help when I get stuck. Looking at the picture which brought about the entire story idea can help bring back the excitement for the story.

How do you deal with criticism?

Criticism is hard. Most writers are emotional, they have to be, to be able to write well. So when my work is criticized, I let the emotional response work through and then I allow my analytical response. I can then look at the criticism and see if there is a legitimate basis. If there is, then I change my work. Sometimes it is hard, especially for beginning writers to know what criticism to accept and what to reject. Listening to your heart and story is important, but growing and learning as a writer means listening and incorporating.

Any advice for aspiring authors?

First write the story. Don't write part of it, then edit and then go on. You will get so caught up in edits and other opinions of your story that you will confuse yourself and never get it done. Write the story and then you can begin to edit. Don't lose the momentum of your writing.

Writing is hard, as a business and an art. But don't give up. Realize what level of writing and how much time and effort you are willing to give to the craft. there are many differing levels of writing. Not everyone has to be the next big writing star. Even if you write for free reads or for your family, you are still a writer.

If you love to write, YOU ARE A WRITER!!!

Thank you for that, Connie. That is great advice. Sometimes it is hard to remember when you are trying so hard to get that story out.

Now, just for fun I have put together a few quick questions.

Vampires or Werewolves-
Wow, hard question, I so love both f them. But seeing I have shape-shifters in the DARK MOON series I have to say werewolves.

Chick Flicks or Horror Films-
I would love to say horror films, but the more recent ones seem to be getting stranger and a lot more gory. I prefer the scary, suspense...waiting for the axe to drop so to speak.

Love Letters or Serenade-
Definitely love letters. I have been serenaded once, it was rather awkward. It is much more romantic in the stories.

What is your i-Pod loaded with right now?
It is very eclectic. I have Pink's albums along with the soundtrack to Last of the Mohicans.

Warm Sunny Days or Snugly Rainy Days-
Snugly rainy days. Nothing better for curling up in bed, a good book and listening to the rain.

Connie, thanks for stopping by my site for this interview. It's been great having you here.

Thank you so much, Micole for having me here. It has been an honor to be part of your blog. i love your questions, they really made me think.:)

You can find Connie Wood's books at www.conniewood.co.cc or www.pinkpetalbooks.com or www.freyasbower.com Also in order to celebrate the release of DARK MOON, Connie is giving away an 8gb. i-Pod touch!!! In order to be in the drawing you have to send proof of purchase (ie. a copy of the receipt) of the DARK MOON ebook book to her at thedarkmoon@rocketmail.com Thank you all for sharing your time with Connie and I. See you next time.

Hugs

Micole Black