• Science Fiction Romance

    Plausible Futures By Lisabet Sarai

    Quarantine by Lisabet Sarai.
    Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved science fiction. In grade
    school and high school, I devoured everything I could find by Bradbury, Asimov
    and Heinlein, immersing myself in the worlds they created. As I grew older, I
    discovered new authors: A.E van Vogt, Robert Silverberg, Neal Stephenson,
    Sherri Tupper, Bruce Sterling. My hunger for startling, enlightening future
    visions was never sated, though as time went on I became frustrated by the
    difficulty of separating the wheat from chaff.
    I fantasized about writing my own scifi, but aside from a
    few short stories, I never dared. I could visit the worlds of others, but I
    wasn’t confident enough to create my own. Then I became Lisabet Sarai, a
    published author. Nevertheless, it has taken almost thirteen years for me to
    undertake a full length science fiction novel.
    Quarantine was
    released last week. It’s a dystopic M/M erotic romance, set in a near future America  ravaged by disease and natural disasters and
    ruled by a shadowy cabal known as the Guardians of American Greatness. Half the
    population is illiterate. American technology is ridiculed the way Japanese
    tech was derided in my youth. And homosexuality is a capital crime.
    I prefer “soft” scifi to the “hard” rockets-and-robots
    stuff. I’m most interested in stories that begin with a simple premise about
    future society and then explore the ramifications. I’ve tried to do that in Quarantine.
    I have to admit, however, that writing this book was the
    toughest thing I’ve attempted since I began publishing. About half way through
    the book, I lost faith in my vision. I didn’t write a word for nearly six
    months. Mostly it was stubbornness that made me pick it up again – along with
    some instructive conversations with my crit partner. I’d already invested so
    much time and energy in the darn thing, I couldn’t stand the thought of not
    finishing it.
    But I still worry – not about the romance or the sex but
    about the science fiction backdrop. In writing scifi, there’s a constant
    tension between originality and believability. You want to demonstrate radical
    changes in technology and their societal impact – but go too far and you’ll tip
    over into fantasy, where everything is magic and there are no constraints. (I
    view the fantasy genre as quite distinct from science fiction). Actually,
    though, in the case of this book, I’m concerned that my view of America thirty
    years from now doesn’t show enough change. I really wonder whether my future is
    plausible. 
    Of course, my readers will likely treat Quarantine first and foremost as a romance. I’m on less shaky
    ground there, I think. But the book is still the most serious thing I’ve
    written, and the most political, too. I’m hoping that at least some readers
    will appreciate more than the tender kisses and the hot sex.

    Blurb

    When love is forbidden, the whole world’s a prison.
    Dylan Moore will do anything for freedom. Seven years ago, a
    gay plague spread to heterosexuals, killing millions and sparking brutal
    anti-gay riots. The Guardians rounded up men who tested positive for the
    homogene and imprisoned them in remote quarantine centres like desolate Camp Malheur.
    Since then, Dylan has hacked the camp’s security systems and hoarded spare bits
    of electronics, seeking some way to escape. He has concluded the human guards
    are the only weakness in the facility’s defences.
    Camp guard Rafe Cowell is H-negative. He figures the lust he
    feels watching prisoner 3218 masturbate on the surveillance cameras must be due
    to his loneliness and isolation. When he finally meets the young queer, he
    discovers that Dylan is brilliant, brave, sexy as hell – and claims to be in
    love with Rafe. Despite his qualms, Rafe finds he can’t resist the other man’s
    charm. By the time Dylan asks for his help in escaping, Rafe cares too much for
    Dylan to refuse.
    Dylan’s plan goes awry and Rafe comes to his rescue. Soon
    they’re both fugitives, fleeing from militant survivalists, murderous androids,
    homophobic ideologues and a powerful man who wants Dylan as his sexual toy.
    Hiding in the Plague-ravaged city of Sanfran,
    Dylan and Rafe learn there’s far more than their own safety at stake. Can they
    help prevent the deaths of millions more people? And can Rafe trust the love of
    a man who deliberately seduced him in order to escape from quarantine? 
    I want to thank Kayelle for having me as her guest here at Romance
    Lives Forever. 

    Bio

    More than a
    decade ago LISABET SARAI experienced a serendipitous fusion of her love of
    writing and her fascination with sex. Since then she has published four single
    author short story collections and seven erotic novels, including the BDSM
    classic Raw Silk. Dozens of her
    shorter works have been released as ebooks and in print anthologies. She has
    also edited several acclaimed anthologies and is currently responsible for the
    altruistic erotica series COMING TOGETHER PRESENTS.
    Lisabet holds more degrees than anyone needs from
    prestigious universities who would no doubt be embarrassed by her chosen genre.
    She loves to travel and currently lives in Southeast Asia
    with her highly tolerant husband and two cosmopolitan felines. For more
    information on Lisabet and her writing visit Lisabet Sarai’s Fantasy Factory (http://www.lisabetsarai.com)
    or her blog Beyond Romance (http://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com).
  • Author Marketing

    It’s MFRW Summer Camp Day 2

    Coffee Time Romance

    Romance Junkies

    Our sincere thanks to the Friends of Romance – Coffee Time Romance, Romance Junkies, and The Romance Studio for their generous participation in this weekend seminar. Over 1500 signed up for the program, and in one twelve hour period there were well over 1000 messages posted on the site – questions, answers, workshop info, links, reminders, and some hilarity as well. Good thing Karen Cote’ brought her water pistol to guard the camp! Although at one point some filled theirs with cyber-vodka it wasn’t entirely out of control. ^_^

    Join us today for another fun event. Here the links.

    Camp
    Schedule: http://is.gd/mfrw_camp_hours
    Camp
    Giveaways: http://is.gd/mfrw_giveaways
    Sponsors: http://is.gd/mfrw_sponsors
    10:00 – 10:50
    Open Forum – General Topics — Kayelle Allen
    11:00 – 11:50
    Overcoming
    F.E.A.R.S. (Finish, Edit, Analyze Market, Research Pubs, Submit)
    — Tina
    Holland
    12:00 – 12:50
    Using the
    Marketing for Romance Writers Newsletter for Promotion
    — Rochelle Weber
    1:00 – 1:50
    Helping Your
    Publisher Promote Your Books
    — Mary Caelsto (Jupiter Gardens
    Press)
    2:00 – 2:50
    Niche Marketing
    — Marcia James
    3:00 – 3:50
    Finding Your
    Audience
    — R. Ann Siracusa
    4:00 – 4:50
    Preparing for
    Interviews
    — Kayelle Allen
    5:00 – 5:50
    Role Playing Your
    Way to Good Scenes
    – Janet Elizabeth Jones
    6:00 – 6:50
    Blogging 101
    – Rochelle Weber / Lynn Crain
     Coffee Beans and Love Scenes (CBLS)
    Promotions
    7:00 – 7:50
    Open Forum
    – Blog Tour Questions
    8:00 – 8:50
    Romancing your
    Audience
    — Maryann Reid
    9:00 – 9:30
    Final Cyber
    Campfire – S’mores for Next Year
    The Romance Studio

    Come check out our camp today. You’ll be glad you did!

  • Author Marketing

    MFRW Summer Camp Day 1

    This is day one of the MFRW Marketing Summer Camp. Check out the schedule below. Please join us when you get the chance. Membership is open – and F R E E

    09:45 – 9:59
    Building the
    Campfire – Welcome to MFRW!
    — Intro and welcome
    10:00 – 10:50
    Building the
    Paranormal Character
    — Kay Dee Royal
    11:00 – 11:50
    QR Codes
    Rolynn Anderson
    12:00 – 12:50
    Dealing With
    Online Piracy
    — Kayelle Allen
    1:00 – 1:50
    Where to Find
    Readers
    — Dawne Prochilo
    2:00 – 2:50
    Multiple
    Submissions
    — Julie Eberhart Painter
    3:00 – 3:50
    Cyber Campfire,
    Singalong, and S’mores
    – Sharing Opportunities
    4:00 – 4:50
    Open Forum
    – Pinterest Questions
    5:00 – 5:50
    Triberr
    Suzan Butler
    6:00 – 6:50
    Open Forum
    – Twitter Questions
    7:00 – 7:50
    Open Forum
    – Facebook Questions
    8:00 – 8:50
    Open Forum
    – Triberr Questions: Special Guest Dino Dogan, founder of Triberr
    All workshops and Classes are held
    on the Yahoo Group.
    * * * TIMES LISTED ARE EASTERN * * *
    Sign up here / Attend here
  • Gay or MM

    Waves Break My Fall: Kendall McKenna @kendallmckenna #RLFblog #LGBT

    Book title: Waves Break My Fall
    Genre: M/M Erotic Romance
    Cover artist: Reese Dante
    Length (words): 20,573
    Heat rating: NC-17
    Blurb: Kage is a Marine, newly returned from Afghanistan and
    having difficulty adjusting to being home. He tries to decompress with a quiet
    trip to Puerto Vallarta.
    Zach is a new college graduate and facing the realities of adulthood. Will
    their hot summer fling grow into something more?
    What are your main
    characters’ names?
    Kage and Zach
    Ages?
    Kage is in his early 30’s.
    Zach is in his early to mid-20’s. He’s old enough to be
    graduating college.
    Occupations?
    Kage is a Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corps.
    Zach has just graduated college and his new occupation is a
    spoiler.

    Interview

    How did you get your
    start in the industry?
    I started writing. I just started and kept writing. I found
    people to give me critical feedback so I got better at it. About two years ago,
    I was laid off from my day job, so decided to take advantage of it. I got a
    short story and a novella ready and began to submit to e-presses with good
    reputations. At the same time, I started writing articles for an online
    newsletter for a popular television show. Then, I received an offer from Silver
    Publishing three days after I received the offer for my current day job. I
    accepted both!
    What is the most
    important thing you do for your career now, as compared to when you first
    started writing?
    Today it’s all about social media, marketing and ME, instead
    of being about improving the writing. While getting better at the writing is
    always important, now the focus is on putting myself out there as an author. I
    have to market myself and the books through social media such as blogs,
    Facebook and Twitter.
    If you could change
    something about your first book, what would it be?
    That is a particularly tricky question for me! My first
    book, Brothers in Arms, has received two consistent pieces of good natured
    criticism. First, is that it’s too short. Second, there’s not enough sex. Part
    of me would love to go back and fix both of those things. On the other hand,
    fixing either one would make it a completely different story and could
    potentially ruin it. Ultimately, it’s a great story just like it is, so I
    wouldn’t change a thing, even though I do think about it from time to time!
    If you could choose
    anyone to be your mentor who would it be?
    Sherry Lansing. She was a movie studio executive when women
    were still being told their worth was based on their skills as wives and
    mothers. Women were told to stop work when they married so they didn’t take
    jobs from men who had families. She was a trail blazer and is still producing
    movies today.
    If you could give the
    younger version of yourself advice what would it be?
    You don’t have to play it safe. Those things you want to do
    but think you shouldn’t because they
    aren’t practical and won’t earn you money? Do them. At least try. You’ll be
    surprised just what you’ll accomplish when you stop playing it safe.
    Do you have a muse?
    Describe this person, please.
    I have many muses. They take the form of my MCs. Sometimes I
    only have one at a time, sometimes both the boys talk to me. They tell me the
    story, and they tell me about their fears and their dreams. They point me in
    the direction the story needs to go. My muses are right there in the stories
    for everyone to get to know.
    What are some jobs
    you’ve done before (or while) you were a writer?
    I worked in one of the first Public Health HIV testing
    clinics in the country. That tells you how old I am! I spent almost a decade as
    a Police Dispatcher. That was an adventure!
    Which of your books would
    you recommend to someone who doesn’t normally read your genre, and why?
    Brothers In Arms. Because it’s heavy on plot and light on
    the sex, I think it would be a great way to give a reader a taste of the genre.
    Once they realize they enjoy it, they can seek out all the other wonderful
    stories with the heat level they find suits their tastes.
    What kind of books do
    you read when taking a break from your own writing?
    The same kind I write! I love M/M erotic romance. However, I
    also like fantasy and sci-fi, contemporary mysteries with strong female lead
    characters, and true history.
    What do you think is
    the future of epublishing?
    I think the future is here! Print books may never go
    completely away, but e-books are so versatile and well-priced (by e-presses),
    they’re here to stay. The technology and the industry are in their infancy, but
    once it shakes out, the NY publishers with either get with the program, or go
    under. The indie presses will continue to rise. Much like we saw Napster and
    iTunes revolutionize the music industry by allowing artists to distribute their
    work without being beholden to a label, we’ll continue to see the influence of
    agents and legacy presses shrink.
    What was the proudest
    moment of your life so far?
    It’s a very small moment that happened recently. My hubby
    was leading his father through the house and I was on the couch doing some
    marketing of a book. As he passed by, hubby told his father, “We have to be
    quiet, she’s working. She’s a writer.”
    Imagine you get to go
    on a dream vacation, but you have only one hour to pack and leave, and it
    starts as soon as you finish this interview. What will you take with you and
    where will you go?
    I would pack jeans, t-shirts and comfortable shoes. My
    Kindle, my iPod and my passport. I’d be on my way to New Zealand to take the Lord of the
    Rings filming tour! Yes, I’m a geek.
    What good book have
    you read recently?
    I just finished Mercy Celeste’s “Beyond Complicated” and I
    highly recommend it.
    Where were you at
    midnight, on December 31st when the new century started?
    At a party, hanging off of a balcony with my then
    girlfriend, banging pots, pans and lids together while cheering drunkenly.
    What do you like to
    do when you’re bored?
    Read and write. You could have guessed that answer, I’m
    sure.
    Which statement is
    more like you:
    “I am a vacation spa because I am laid back and
    relaxed.”
    “I am a ten-countries in ten-days tour vacation,
    because I do things as fast as possible.”
    I am laid back and relaxed. I love lying on a warm beach
    with a drink, listening to my iPod and reading my Kindle. 

    Fill in the Blanks

    My favorite type of car is a Mustang.
    A perfect date would be coffee in a Barnes & Noble.
    My characters would love it if I just let them have sex
    without having to examine their feelings
    .
    I think Coldplay is overrated. I prefer Matchbox
    20.
    If all the hot men in the world were mine, I’d
    like it.
    Paying someone else to do it is the best way to clean
    my house
    .
    There is more to writing than typing words.

    Find Me Here

  • Character Interviews

    Character Interview: Dante from Dante’s Flame

    Dante’s Flame.
    Janine, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Tell us about
    your latest book, including its genre. Does it cross over to other genres? If
    so, what are they?
    DANTE’S
    FLAME is a medieval set in Naples, Italy, during the political struggle between the
    French and Spanish kings for control over Naples.
    Dante Santangelo sides with the French and is watching the Valente family for
    signs of Spanish loyalties. Alessandra Podesta is sent to Naples by her parents to get her out of the
    “tempting” Venetian environment, hoping it will stop the illicit tales she
    writes. She lives with her cousins, the Valentes. Dante thinks she was sent
    there to aid the Spanish king. She gets caught up in the politically tense
    situation while looking for adventure to write about. Her curious nature
    befuddles Dante and nearly gets Alessandra killed. She’s a firecracker, and
    he’s very intelligent, serious. Needless to say, they don’t see eye-to-eye.
    What is the single most important part of writing for
    you?
    Research. Because I write historicals, it’s imperative to
    know about the location and time of the story. During the research process, I
    usually discover reasons for conflict between the hero and heroine. Without
    becoming aware of 15th century Naples,
    I wouldn’t have known about the political war. Or about the people and their
    superstitions. All of which factor into the story.
    What do you enjoy most about life?
    1) Spending time with my husband of 40 years; 2) Being a
    grandma, or Nonna, as my 6 grandkids call me. I enjoy all of them, even the one
    who is more stubborn than his mother was, lol. 3) Besides my grandchildren, I
    enjoy my dogs and wish I could have more than just three. Dogs are refreshing,
    loyal, loving. 4) During the summer, I love getting outside and tending to my
    gardens, both floral and vegetable. The string beans, peppers, tomatoes,
    zucchini, fingerling potatoes, and everything else I grow tastes a whole lot
    better than what I buy in stores. 5) I love watching soccer, particularly the
    Serie A, which is Italy’s
    top-flight league. And, of course, I love the Italian national team. My
    youngest daughter began playing soccer nearly 32 years ago when she was four.
    She never looked back, and my husband and I were so proud of her accomplishments
    on and off the field. LOL, I had a difficult time watching her play. She’s a
    goalkeeper (she still plays), and that always made, and still makes, me
    nervous!
    What did you learn from writing your first book? 
    The first book I wrote was in 1980, or there about. I was so
    new to writing and broke every rule in the book. It was such a learning
    experience. At the time, I didn’t belong to RWA, which I joined in 1996. That
    first book, though, made me realize how difficult writing a novel really is. I
    probably would have ended my career there if I hadn’t received good rejections
    from editors and agents. Encouraging rejections. And the wonderful support of
    RWA.
    Would you consider self publishing?
    Yes, I’d love to self-publish. I might one day, but I’m so
    inept with the tech. side of the computer. I can’t even figure out Facebook or
    a blog I started that has only a name to it. It’s mind-boggling to me. I’ve
    taken classes, yet I still cannot figure them out! Twitter, too. But
    self-publishing will give me a chance to have control over every aspect of my
    book. There’s the potential to make a good living selling on my own. Right now,
    I don’t have a manuscript ready to self-publish.
    If you could give the younger version of yourself advice
    what would it be?
    It would be the same as I give all writers, whether starting
    out or advanced: Don’t give up! That was one of the hardest lessons I learned.
    Had I given up, I would have never published and likely would have always
    wondered if I might have achieved that goal.
    Also, read, read, read! Which I did. The only regret I have
    is not finding RWA 10 or so years sooner. The organization opened an entire
    world of insight to the craft, the one thing a writer should never stop
    learning.
    Lily and the Falcon
    If I was a first time reader of your books, which one
    would you recommend I start with and why?
    REBEL HEART. There is something about this book and the
    hero, Beau Hamilton, that has been my favorite ever since I wrote it in the
    80s. He’s irascible, gruff, but underneath it all, there is a man with a soft
    heart for the heroine and others who are important to him. But she drags him
    kicking and screaming all the way to the end before he finally admits he loves
    her. You’ll see his transformation in small degrees, and you’ll understand why
    when you learn his backstory.
    What do you hope readers take with them after reading your work?
    I hope they see that love does conquer all, that it can be
    quick or slow-building, and with an unlikely person. I think you have to
    believe in the power of love, and I hope my stories convey that.
    A biography has been written about you. What do you think
    the title would be in six words or less?
    I posed this question to my family, and they agreed on:
    Proud, Passionate…and Italian
    If money were not an object, where would you most like to
    live?
    Italy,
    of course! I’m not sure what city, but more than likely Rome
    or Milan. My
    favorite soccer team is A.C. Milan. Roma is my second favorite. Plus I’d love
    to live among the history and the medieval feel of thecities. The one time I
    visited Italy,
    I fell in love with the atmosphere and the way of life as well as the ancient
    and medieval architecture.
    Picture yourself as a store. Considering your personality
    and lifestyle, what type of products would be sold there?
    Books, music, Italian and soccer related things, anything
    for and about dogs. I’d also have a café in my store that served Italian drinks
    and pastries. It would be very eclectic but it would be warm and inviting.
    As a child, what was your favorite thing about school?
    I looked forward to writing papers. I think writing novels
    stemmed from that early desire.
    If you came with a warning label, what would it say?
    “Open carefully. Contents under pressure.” Admittedly, I
    have a temper, and it doesn’t take much to set me off, especially if I see an
    injustice being done.
    Please Fill in the Blanks
    I love pizza with cheese and pepperoni.
    I’m always ready for watching Italian soccer.
    When I’m alone, I listen to music and dance around the
    house
    .
    You’d never be able to tell, but I’m Italian. (blonde
    hair and blue eyes fool everyone).
    If I had a halo it would be an angel’s halo with the
    devil’s horns attached
    .
    Surrender to Honor
    If I could become a billionaire I’d help all the
    homeless animals in the world
    .
    I can never travel far from home because I’m
    afraid to fly
    .

    Character Interview

    Tell us about the main character in your current book.
    What is he like?
    Dante Santangelo is a highly educated, intelligent man with
    a secret he hides until the very end. He was born in Naples
    but left at an early age and grew up in Provence.
    His eyes are a captivating blue/violet. He teaches Latin and French at the University of Naples and speaks four languages. Dante
    is fairly easy-going but can get intense over injustices to human or animal. On
    the surface he seems to be quiet, agreeable. But beneath the surface, his
    seldom lost ire lurks.
    If your main character was here today, what would he say
    is his strongest point?
    His patience.
    Does he think he has a weakness? (If so, what does he
    think it is? What does his lover think it is? What does his enemy think it is?)
    Alessandra is his weakness. She constantly tries his
    patience. A man can only take so much!
    What drives your hero to do the things he does? What
    makes him want to be the “good guy?”
    Dante lived a privileged life, but his mother and father
    wouldn’t let him forget that their wealth and lifestyle could be taken away in
    a heartbeat. He was taught to help others, treat women with respect, and to be
    open-minded. His parents had a strong influence in his life. They’re responsible
    for the man he became. But don’t let that fool you. He is by no means a Beta
    male.
    What’s your main character’s favorite guilty pleasure?
    Besides the heroine, lol? Sugared almonds from Rome.

    Answered as Dante Santangelo:

    If you didn’t know how old you were how old would you be?
    Judging by my maturity, knowledge and wisdom, I would
    probably be in my mid- to late 30s.
    A biography has been written about you. What do you think
    the title would be in six words or less?
    The French-Italian Connection.
    If money were not an object, where would you most like to
    live?
    Most likely Naples or Northern Italy.
    As a child, what was your favorite thing about school?
    The pranks I pulled. My teachers did not have a sense of
    humor.
    If you came with a warning label, what would it say?
    Do not provoke. Volatile beneath the surface and may cause
    physical pain.

    Please Fill in the Blanks (as the character)

    I love sweet cakes with thick cream filling.
    I’m always ready for making love to my wife.
    When I’m alone, I’m pensive.
    You’d never be able to tell, but I do know how to have
    fun. I’m not always so serious
    .
    If I had a halo it would be fairly
    straight because of my kind-hearted nature
    .
    If I could have the power I’d end the conflict
    between countries.
    I can never figure out my wife because she lacks
    fear and has a strong sense of adventure
    .

    About the Author

    Jannine Corti Petska was born in New
    York but raised in Southern California.
    Her parents’ first language was Italian, and Jannine was raised in an Old World environment. She began writing romance novels
    when her three daughters were young and she was a stay-at-home mom.
    In-between writing and caring for her family, she tutored Italian, Spanish,
    German, and English as a Second Language at a local college. Although she loves
    placing her stories in medieval Italy,
    she has also written romantic tales of the cowboy in the American West. Jannine
    lives in Southern California with her husband
    of 40 years and three high-energy Rat Terriers. To find out more about Jannine,
    please visit her website. www.jcortipetska.com

    Booklist

    Blurb, DANTE’S FLAME

    Alessandra Podesta writes illicit tales unsuitable for a
    young lady. Exasperated, her father sends her to visit relatives in Naples to curb her wild
    imagination. But in her undying need for adventure, she toys with the
    affections of her tutor and is forced to marry him. When she unknowingly falls
    into a dangerous game of supremacy between two countries, she trusts the wrong
    people and endangers her life.
    French tutor Dante Santangelo is secretly aiding the French
    in maintaining their rule over Naples.
    When he is manipulated into marrying the visiting cousin of the Valente Family,
    he seizes upon the perfect opportunity to infiltrate the family, who are under
    suspicion of helping the Spanish. When Alessandra’s life is in jeopardy Dante
    must choose between love and duty. Will he offer up his life to save
    Alessandra? Or remain duty-bound to the French?

    Buy Links:

    The Wild Rose Press
    Amazon
    http://www.amazon.com/Dantes-Flame-Italian-Medieval-ebook/dp/B008JEEY38
    REBEL HEART, American western
    CARINA AND THE NOBLEMAN, book 1 of my medieval psychic
    sisters trilogy
    CHARLOTTE AND THE GYPSY, book 2 of my medieval psychic
    sisters trilogy
    LOVE’S SWEET WAGER, love along the California Trail
    THE LILY AND THE FALCON, book 1 of my Italian Medieval
    series
    SURRENDER TO HONOR, book 2 of my Italian Medieval series
    DANTE’S FLAME, book 3 of my Italian Medieval series
    Short stories, both Medievals set in Italy
    KNIGHT’S DESIRE
    MINE TO KEEP
    Books Coming Soon
    MINE TO KEEP, release date Aug. 15, 2012
    Janine Corti Petska

    Contests

    I will give away an e-copy of DANTE’S FLAME to one lucky
    commenter.

    Find Me Here

    Blog: No time for one.
  • Contemporary

    Can’t Fake This with Casey Crow

     

    Can’t Fake This.
    Christmas in July! Thought we’d heat the summer even more
    with Can’t Fake This!
    Tell us about Can’t
    Fake This.
    Casey: Can’t Fake This started out on a whim. At the last
    minute, I decided to enter this 10,000 word contest. I’d written spicy
    mainstream, but this was my first dive into erotic waters. I didn’t win the
    contest, but after having what I thought was a good start, I added some more words
    and low and behold, this erotic became the first manuscript I sold. It also won
    the 2012 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, a JERR Gold Star, the 2011 Best
    Contemporary at Love Romances Café, and finaled in the 2011 Golden Claddaugh
    book contest. This book definitely has my trademark “Sexy, Sassy &
    Southern” flair.
    The story is about a divorcee ready to reenter the dating
    world. Anna Ryan is determined to be the best “product on the market,” which
    requires a lot more experience so she propositions sexy police officer Chase
    Harris to teach her how to make hot, passionate love as opposed to just having
    sex. He takes it a step further, instructing each lesson based on The Twelve Days of Christmas.
    You’ve long been a
    fan of romance novels. What prompted you to cross over to the writing side of
    things?
    Casey: In high school and college, I only read text books so
    I didn’t even get started on romance until I was twenty-five. Oddly enough, my
    mom, an avid reader of all romance genres first encouraged me to write. About
    the time I started thinking, “I could do this,” she said, “You can.” Thank
    goodness too, because I love it and turned the hobby turned into a serious
    career almost two years ago.
    What are your three
    major addictions in life?
    Casey: Awe, I have to pick just three? Okay, dancing (I used
    to own a dance studio) and working out are major passions and they compensate my
    Barq’s root beer addiction. I also love pageants. Seriously. I’m not kidding,
    but not the Toddlers & Tiara glitz kind. I’ve been an emcee and pageant
    coach for over twenty years, and I still get such an adrenaline rush teaching
    modeling and interview to girls of all ages. My latest girl just won her Jr.
    Miss competition (aka Distinguished Young Woman). It’s incredibly rewarding to
    see one’s self-confidence grow with each lesson. Finally, I’m not a huge TV
    watcher, but I’m addicted to Castle,
    although Revenge is giving my mystery
    writer a run for his money.
    You spent some time
    in pageant life. What was that like?
    Casey: As a dancer and gymnast, I was on stage my whole
    life, but I began competing in pageants at fifteen to prepare for Jr. Miss (now
    Distinguished Young Woman). I’ve done everything from glitz to natural. I
    prefer youth development programs where talent is the primary focus. I’ve
    competed in the Miss America and Miss Universe systems. I have to say it was
    pretty cool being Miss University of Alabama, but my most memorable reign was
    Miss Motorsports, where I got to be a NASCAR spokesmodel and hang out with all
    the famous drivers.
    Pageants typically have a negative connotation, but the
    friendships, public speaking skills, and confidence I gained make me a firm
    believer in the many positive aspects they provide, so much so that my
    eight-year-old daughter has been competing since she was a baby. She has
    performed in Branson, MO,
    opened a concert for CMA recording artist Ashton Shepherd, and is currently
    preparing for America’s
    Got Talent. None of that would have been possible without her pageant
    experience.
    I’ve worked with probably hundreds of girls throughout
    twenty years of pageant coaching. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one’s
    self-confident grow.
    What is one thing
    you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t done?
    Casey: Learn to play the violin, or as we say down South, the
    fiddle. I’ve about convinced myself it should be my Christmas gift this year.
    If you cook, do
    crafty stuff, or have a hobby, please share the details with readers.
    Casey: I do cook and love crafts, but considering I’m about
    four years behind on scrapbooking, I don’t think it counts if it stays in a box
    under the bed. I really enjoy playing pool and golf, but since I’m fairly
    pitiful at both, I stick mainly to taking dance classes. I’m in a class with a
    bunch of other teachers and former dance competitors so it’s not easy by any
    means. The best part is that we rock the house during recital time. Old ladies,
    apparently, still have it.
    What’s next for you?
    Casey: I recently signed with a literary agent and we are
    busy getting HUSTLER’S DREAM ready. It’s about a southern socialite pool shark
    who hustles the wrong guy, or is he? FEELS SO RIGHT is about a country music
    agent and her ex-boyfriend songwriter. I’m also half way finished with FAST
    DREAM, the sequel to HUSTLER’S DREAM, about a female NASCAR tire changer in
    love with the driver.
    My other release currently out is DANCE WITH A MILLIONAIRE,
    which features a ballerina. In it, the stage heats up when Southern belle and
    ballerina Campbell Layne learns more from Rod Carrington than she ever
    expected. I especially the Italy
    scenes in this book.
    I swear these are not autobiographical! But, I’m passionate
    about the things I enjoy, and they invariably make their way into my writing.
    My tagline is “Sexy, Sass & Southern” and all my heroines are just that.
    Casey Crow
    Casey Crow is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from the University of Alabama with degrees in Business
    Management and Dance. She received her Master of Business Administration from
    the University of
    Mobile. A resident of the
    Deep South, Casey stays busy running her two
    children to way too many activities. She also works as a pageant coach of
    twenty years, professional emcee and model, dance choreographer, and certified
    Miss America
    preliminary judge. In fact, she is a former Miss University of Alabama and
    NASCAR spokesmodel. She is addicted to Castle & Revenge and works out
    constantly to compensate for her addiction to sweets. She enjoys playing pool,
    tennis & golf but never has the time and is, therefore, pitiful at all
    three. A member of Romance Writers of America, Casey is an award-winning author
    of “Sexy, Sassy & Southern” erotic and spicy mainstream contemporary
    romances. Her debut, Can’t Fake This, was named 2011 Best Contemporary at Love
    Romances Café, winner of the 2012 Gayle Wilson
    Award of Excellence, and received a Gold Star from Just Erotic Romance Reviews.
    Casey is represented by Nicole Resciniti of The Seymour Agency. Visit her at www.caseycrow.com. Follow her on Twitter –
    caseyecrow and Facebook – Casey Crow.
    Follow on Twitter: caseyecrow
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