• Paranormal

    Grab Eternity with @Tmoniquebooks

     

    Tmonique Stephens, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s
    talk about your book, Eternity
    Genre: Paranormal Romance
    Buy links:
    Amazon http://amzn.com/B00943FVG2
    Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/eternity-tmonique-stephens/1112725622?ean=2940015097443
    Publisher: Soulmate Publishing
    Cover artist: Steena Holmes at The Authors Red Room
    Length: 271 pages
    Heat rating: 4
    Tagline: Only a cursed man would wait 2000 years for one woman
    Blurb: Cursed for 2000 years, Roman Nicolis has tracked his lovers’
    soul through each reincarnation only to lose her horribly every time. Reclaiming
    their love is his only salvation. He’s been her friend, her father, her neighbor,
    but never again her lover until now.
    A late night walk home throws Stella Walker into the path of
    a killer. The last thing she remembers are the deep blue eyes of the man trying
    to kill her—and the first things she sees after a seven day coma are the same blue
    eyes in the handsome face of the man hired to protect her. Is he truly the owner
    of a security firm assigned to protect her or the man who wants to finish her off?
    Is it fears she feels when Roman touches her or the memory of something sweeter?
    She will have to push past her fears and reclaim a love that has lasted two millennia.
    Past secrets haunt them. An angry demon stalks them.
    Roman will do anything to recover what they had. Though Stella’s
    ruined childhood has made her close her heart and body to any man, he must get past
    the walls around her to gain her love and trust, for it will take their union to
    defeat an unexpected enemy sent from the Egyptian Gods. A man Romans respects, and
    Stella trusts.
    Two hearts – one soul. For all eternity.
    What are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations?
    Roman Nicolis: 35ish, CEO of Nicolis Security/Mercenary
    Stella Walker: 24, Waitress/Student

    Interview

    Where do you start when
    writing? Research, plotting, outline, or…?
    Tmonique Stephens: I always start with an idea. What if… Those
    two words takes my imagination down the Yellow Brick Road to my hero and heroine,
    my opening scene, plot, conflict and ultimately my story’s happily ever after.
    Tell us about your latest
    book, including its genre. Does it cross over to other genres? If so, what are they?
    Eternity is about a group of men who descend from the Egyptian
    gods. Their heritage has been hidden, but slowly come to light along with a multitude
    of consequences. Though Eternity is a paranormal romance, there are elements of
    suspense and mystery as the two lovers are hunted by an unknown enemy.
    How do you come up with
    ideas?
    Tmonique Stephens: My ideas usually come to me right before I
    fall asleep. My mind seems to be more open and relaxed. I get my best ideas that
    way. I just have to remember to record or write them down before I pass out.
    What did you learn from
    writing your first book?
    Tmonique Stephens: I learned technique, conflict and my writing
    style. I’m still working on trusting my instinct, but I believe that will come with
    time.
    Would you consider self-publishing?
    Tmonique Stephens: Yes, I’m working on a novella which will tie
    into my Egyptian series that I plan on self-publishing. I’m looking forward to getting
    my feet wet.
    How many hours a day to
    you spend writing?
    Tmonique Stephens: Since I work full-time during the week I usually
    write three hours per day after I get home from work and six to ten hours per day
    on the weekend.
    If you could give the
    younger version of yourself advice what would it be?
    Tmonique Stephens: I wrote consistently until I graduated from
    college in the late 1980’s. After graduation life and all its complexities interfered
    with my writing and I didn’t writing anything until I got serious in 2007. I would
    tell the younger me to not be afraid of rejection and to keep writing even when
    I didn’t feel like it.
    List two authors we would
    find you reading when taking a break from your own writing.
    Tmonique Stephens: My favorite authors are JR Ward and Stephen
    King. I will always pick them first to read. I also love Kresley Cole and Karen
    Marie Moning.
    If money were not an object,
    where would you most like to live?
    Tmonique Stephens: I would love a house in Atlanta,
    an apartment in Manhattan
    and a time share in St. Thomas USVI.
    What song would best describe
    your life?
    Tmonique Stephens: Different songs apply to me at different times
    in my life. Currently, the song that best categorizes me is Gym Class Heroes The Fighter and Phillip Phillips Home.
    Picture yourself as a
    store. Considering your personality and lifestyle, what type of products would be
    sold there?
    Tmonique Stephens: Walmart would be a good depiction of my current
    lifestyle, but at heart I’m a Neiman Marcus kinda girl.
    As a child, what was your
    favorite thing about school?
    Tmonique Stephens: I learned to love reading and writing in school.
    Books have always taken me to another place or world where my imagination could
    break free from the confines of reality.
    If you came with a warning
    label, what would it say?
    Tmonique Stephens: Addictive reading hazard. Read at you own
    risk.
    Tmonique Stephens

    Please fill in the blanks

    I love pizza with roma tomatoes, fresh basil and gouda cheese.
    I’m always ready for a party.
    When I’m alone, I write and plot.
    You’d never be able to tell, but I love alternative music.
    If I had a halo it would be slightly
    crooked.
    If I could travel I’d never come home.

    Find Me Here

  • Paranormal

    Awakening the Fire with @ShieldsAlly

    Awakening the Fire.

    Ally Shields, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk about
    your book, Awakening the Fire (Guardian Witch Book One).
    Genre: Urban Fantasy/Romantic Paranormal
    Buy links: Amazon (US): http://amzn.to/Nr8jko
    Amazon (UK):
    http://amzn.to/Rt0zkb
    Barnes and Nobel: http://bit.ly/RPrJ45
    All Romance Ebooks: http://bit.ly/U25Q0G
    Publisher: Etopia Press
    Cover artist: Annie Melton
    Length: 83,000 words, 245 pages (approx.)
    Heat rating: Sexual tension, PG-13, M/F
    Tagline:
    While fire witch cop Ari Calin races to stop the violence triggered
    by an exotic drug, a werewolf pack is intent on starting a supernatural war.
    Blurb:
    Ari Calin has sworn to keep the peace in the Olde Town
    district of Riverdale, and most of the time the Otherworlders cooperate. The vampires,
    werewolves and other magical creatures go about their own business, living side
    by side with humans, until the foreign werewolves arrive and an virtual reality
    drug hits the streets. When violence erupts, Ari needs more than her witch fire,
    weapons and potions to stop the madness.
    Teaming with a human police lieutenant and a way-too-sexy vampire
    singer, Ari hunts for the enemy—from the vampire strip clubs to the caverns under
    the city. Every step draws Ari and her companions deeper into an old feud and closer
    to the brink of a supernatural war.
    Show More
    Show Less
    What are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations?
    Arianna Calin, 23, is
    a fire witch and a cop for the Magic Council, the ruling authority for Otherworlders.
    Andreas De Luca is a
    vampire who sings in a vampire supper club—and so much more. Andreas was born in
    1786 but he was 29 when he became a vampire and will look 29 and yummy forever.
    Lt. Ryan Foster, 34,
    is Ari’s partner among the human cops. They work joint cases for the Magic Council
    and the Riverdale Police Department.

    Interview

    What is the most important
    thing you do for your career now, as compared to when you first started writing?
    I network. When I began writing full time four years ago, my
    friends and family didn’t understand why I was doing this. I felt rather lost until
    I discovered other writers. Now I network for support and promotion, knowing there
    are many out there sharing the same triumphs and frustrations.
    What do you enjoy most
    about life?
    Almost everything. Seriously! I’ve always been curious and enjoy
    seeing and experiencing new things, from climbing the pyramids to horseback-riding
    through the Arizona
    desert. I suppose that’s why writing, reading and traveling top my list of things
    I love to do. It’s a way to experience many new worlds. But sometimes it’s the little
    things that really catch you off guard. The butterfly in the garden, a particularly
    good wine, a sailboat on the lake at sunset.
    If you could give the
    younger version of yourself advice what would it be?
    Get serious about your writing much earlier in life. I wrote
    my first book when I was nine—all about a palomino horse. Imagine how many books
    I could have written if life hadn’t distracted me along the way! It takes time to
    learn the craft. Write, rewrite, and then do it all over again.
    Do things your family
    or friends do ever end up in a book?
    OMG, yes, but they don’t know it! Mannerisms mostly, and sometimes
    parts of funny conversations. I try to disguise them so they won’t guess. :) But
    I even use people on the street. No one is safe.
    What are some jobs you’ve
    done before (or while) you were a writer?
    I began full-time employment as an English teacher, then a practicing
    lawyer and finally a Juvenile Court Officer. The most fascinating years were spent
    as a member of C.A.T.T, the Child Abuse Trauma Team that investigated severe child
    abuse cases.
    What kind of books do
    you read when taking a break from your own writing?
    I can’t read urban fantasy while I’m working on a new book, so
    I usually turn to mysteries like those of J.D. Robb, thrillers like Vince Flynn,
    or a light romance. If I need cheering up, I re-read Georgette Heyer to laugh at
    her witty dialogue.
    In between manuscripts, I catch up with new paranormal releases
    from Laurell K Hamilton, Kim Harrison, Charlaine Harris, and anyone else that catches
    my eye. I tend to like vampires!
    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?
    My laptop, so I could write and check-in by email and Twitter.
    My kindle for obvious reasons. Lightweight clothing and my camera. I would return
    to Egypt for the fourth time,
    do the Nile trip again and see Luxor and Karnak. I love that place!
    What is your favorite
    holiday and why?
    Thanksgiving. Everyone comes home for Thanksgiving just to enjoy
    the good food and conversation. No pre-holiday shopping, fighting through the malls,
    wrapping packages, or holiday programs to detract from family time. And I rather
    like the pumpkin pie, too.
    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’m definitely the ten day tour, and I’ve been on several! If
    something needs to be done, I want it done now. I’ll stay up all night to finish.
    And I have no patience whatsoever with delayed gratification. Now, now, now. As
    soon as this task is done, I can move on to the next challenge, the next fascinating
    riddle to solve.

    Please Fill in the Blanks

    I love pizza with pepperoni and mushrooms.
    I’m always ready for chocolate!
    When I’m alone, I read or play tug-a-war with my miniature
    pinscher, Ranger
    .
    You’d never be able to tell, but I have an earring collection
    in the hundreds!
    If I had a halo it would be tarnished.
    :-D
    If I could be an astronaut, I’d go to the moon or mars.
    I can never watch a movie where the hero or heroine dies,
    because I cry too much. It’s embarrassing!

    Find Me Here

    Book trailer: http://youtu.be/xraKddWGIgM
  • Modern Western

    Why Keta Wrote Holding on to Heaven @ketadiablo #amwriting

    Holding on to Heaven.

    Please welcome Keta Diablo as she takes over Romance Lives Forever for the day.

     – – –

    Hi everyone, and thank you so much for stopping by Romance Lives
    Forever.

    Some readers have asked me why I wrote Holding on to Heaven
    so I thought I’d speak to that here. I’ve always loved history about the Civil War
    – the battles, the thousands of lives lost and the boundaries that were often crossed
    when family members choose sides. It wasn’t uncommon to find cousin fighting against
    cousin or neighbor against neighbor. The Civil War was a deeply personal war for
    many, and yet in the end, many didn’t know why they were fighting. I can’t think
    of anything more horrible than to have our country divided over ideals, beliefs,
    or principles to the point we take up arms against our brethren.
    Dark Night of the Moon
    Imagine drawing a line across the United States – the top half of the
    states fight for one side and the bottom for the other. And suppose you had family
    down in Texas when you live in Wisconsin? I’m sure you can
    see what the Civil War was one of our darkest times in history.
    Holding on two Heaven is, in essence, about a woman
    named Lauren McCain who was raised in the deep South and moves to the North just
    before the war broke out. Her loyalties are divided. She’s fallen in love with a
    Northerner, carries his child, and yet her father and family hail from North Carolina. Now, toss
    in the Dakota Sioux uprising in Minnesota
    at the same time and the entire country is ablaze with fire and terror.
    Holding on to Heaven is an emotional story about
    betrayal, grief, fate, and abiding passion. If you like reading about the Civil
    War, I think you’ll love the story of brothers who love the same woman and yet,
    love each other too (note: this is not a ménage and not a gay fiction). Oh, yes,
    and there are a few twists and turns in the story. There is a happily-for-now ending,
    but here’s the good news: Dark Night of the Moon, the sequel to Holding on to Heaven
    was released January 2012. I promise there is a happy resolution to
    the continuing saga.
    “Comanche Ghost”
    Namaste, Keta
    Buy the book at http://amzn.com/B0073TYAKC/

    About the Author

    Keta Diablo lives in the Midwest
    part of the country on six acres of woodland. When she isn’t writing or gardening
    she loves to commune with nature.
    Keta is a multi-published author in both erotic romance and gay
    fiction. Her latest paranormal novel, Where The Rain Is Made, has been nominated
    for a Bookie Award by Authors After Dark in the Best e-novel category. Keta’s books
    have also received numerous Top Pick, Book of the Month, and Recommended Read awards
    from the top professional review sites.
    You can find her on the net at the following places:
    Keta’s Keep, http://ketaskeep.blogspot.com
    Keta Diablo Books: http://ketadiablobooks.blogspot.com
    The Stuff of Myth and Men, http://thestuffofmythandmen.blogspot.com
  • Gay or MM

    Character Interview: Patrick from Love Comes Silently @andrewgreybooks #gayromance

    Love Comes Silently.

    Andrew Grey, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk about
    your book, Love Comes Silently.

    Genre: M/M Contemporary
    Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
    Cover artist: L. C. Chase
    Length: 61,000 words
    Heat rating: Three Flames
    Buy links:
    Dreamspinner Press http://dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3252&osCsid=98st6d0g478qeoqvdtg7o7s8o0
    Amazon http://amzn.com/B009JXNXS0/
    How do you say “I Love You” when you can’t say the words?
    Caring for a loved one with cancer is tough. Doing it alone is
    overwhelming—especially when that loved one is a child. But ever since Ken Brighton’s
    partner left him, Ken has spent his days at the hospital with his daughter, Hanna,
    hoping for a miracle. Maybe the mysterious care packages that appear for Hanna don’t
    qualify, but they bring a spark of hope into his and Hanna’s tired life—and so does
    Ken’s neighbor, former singer Patrick Flaherty.
    For two years Patrick hasn’t been able to focus on anything but
    the life he should have had. An injury robbed him of his voice, and the idea of
    introducing himself to new people intimidates him. But over the past months, he’s
    watched as his neighbor nursed his sick child, and once he meets Ken, Patrick starts
    to crave a life with him—a life he isn’t sure he can have.
    Ken doesn’t realize he’s fallen in love until the doctors send
    Hanna home, saying there’s nothing more they can do: Hanna will either recover or
    succumb. Ken’s heart is set on a new beginning—with both Patrick and Hanna. But
    Patrick’s silence leaves Ken wondering what Patrick wants.
    What are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations?
    Patrick is in his late
    twenties and makes furniture. He used to be an opera singer until an accident robbed
    him of his ability to speak.
    Ken is an artist, about
    thirty and he’s taking care of his five year old daughter with Leukemia.

    Interview With Patrick

    Tell us about yourself.
    What are you like?
    I used to be outgoing. Now I spend most of my days working in
    my wood shop or taking care of my yard. Julianne, my cousin says I morose and a
    pain in the ass, but that’s because she loves me. Now I stay away from most people
    and try to live my life as quietly as possible.
    What do you think is your
    strongest point?
    I lost my strongest point. I used to be an opera singer. I performed
    all over the country and my career was just beginning to take off when I was in
    an accident. I regained consciousness and was told I was lucky to be alive, but
    I would never talk again.
    Do you have a weakness?
    (If so, what do you think it is? What does your lover think it is? What does your
    enemy think it is?)
    Yes. I suppose you could say I’m a stubborn mule. But a weakness,
    it has to be the little bald girl across the street. She’s been sick for a while
    and I want her to be happy. See unlike most other people in town, she talks to me
    like I’m a regular person.
    What drives you to do
    the things you do? What makes you want to be the “good guy?”
    I wish I knew. I’m just myself. The little girl across the street
    was so sad and I wanted to cheer her up so I brought her things to make her happy.
    I also liked the way her daddy smiles when she’s happy.
    What’s your favorite guilty
    pleasure?
    Probably chocolate. Although if I were truthful, then… Ken is
    probably my guilty pleasure. Winks naughtily.
    If you didn’t know how
    old you were how old would you be?
    Fifty two. I feel like I’ve lived a long time already.
    A biography has been written
    about you. What do you think the title would be in six words or less?
    Learning to Speak Without Words.
    If money were not an object,
    where would you most like to live?
    Tahiti. I’d take Ken and Hanna
    there and we’d lay on the beach. Ken could paint like Gauguin, Hanna could play
    in the warm water to her heart’s content and at night, Ken and I would make love
    to the sound of the ocean.
    What song would best describe
    your life?
    I really try not to think of music. But if I had to pick one
    I’d say The Humming Chorus form Madame Butterfly. It’s the only song I can still
    sing if I concentrate.
    If you were a tool, what
    would people use you to do?
    Julianne would say people would use my head to pound nails.
    Picture yourself as a
    store. Considering your personality and lifestyle, what type of products would be
    sold there?
    It’s not a store but I’d be a library. It’s introspective and
    quiet.
    As a child, what was your favorite thing about school?
    Music
    class. I lived for music and band. Given what I do now, I probably should have taken
    shop.
    If you came with a warning
    label, what would it say?
    Silent but deadly. No, still waters run deep.

    Please Fill in the Blanks as Patrick

    I love pizza with lots of meat.
    I’m always ready for a quiet evening with Ken and Hanna. I
    know I’m totally boring o=in the wild and crazy department.
    When I’m alone, I build beautiful furniture.
    You’d never be able to tell, but I always wished I could fly.
    If I had a halo it would be
    silver.
    If I could sing again just once I’d sing Hanna to sleep.
    I never learned to sign because I’m too damned stubborn.

    About the Author

    Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories
    and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country
    and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University
    of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.
    Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes
    anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing) He considers himself blessed
    with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and
    loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

    Find Me Here

  • Science Fiction Romance

    All Female Planet? AR Norris Says Yes #scifichat

    Welcome AR Norris to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk about
    your book, End of Eternity (The Telomere Trilogy, #3). Your heroine is from an all female planet. Tell us abou that!
    Genre: Science Fiction Romance
    Buy links:
    Books on Board: http://is.gd/2M7AM4
    Barnes and Noble http://is.gd/bPY1HL
    ARe: http://is.gd/yyp1nN
    Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
    Cover artist: Jenifer Ranieri
    Length: Novel-length
    Heat rating: Sensual
    Tagline:
    Can a woman raised on an all female planet learn to trust and
    open her heart to a man? Can a man living alone with only his duty step into the
    galaxy and acknowledge his feelings for an untrusting woman?

    Blurb:

    Luna thought her journey away from her people’s world was over.
    Now, she’s forced to join the lost daughter in her journey with Captain Noah Bonney’s
    crew to learn why these women coexist with men. Something unbelievable to the all
    woman race. Adding to the confusing change in Dokkaebi directive and teachings,
    is the presence of the gold-eyed man that stirred something in her heart. A forbidden
    attraction that goes against all her teachings and her people’s ways.
    Damani Wassack isn’t happy with the situation either. Telomere
    Watchers lead secluded and separate lives. Yet now, he and the other watchers must
    come to the surface, show all their secrets and work with outsiders. If that weren’t
    enough, he can’t get that sneer from the man-hating warrior woman out of his mind.
    Or her fierce dedication, strong spirit, and sense of duty and honor. The package
    is appealing, and completely impossible.
    What are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations?
    The Dokkaebi, Luna, is in her early 20s and a fierce warrior
    trained from childhood to defend her planet, her people and the all-encompassing
    Essence.
    Damani Wassack is in his mid-thirties and a Watcher, a secret
    society who silently watch the remaining Telomere’s. The moment the Telomere loses
    their soul it is the duty of the watcher to kill the Telomere and see them off to
    the new plan of existence.
    How did you get your start
    in the industry?
    I got my start with short and flash stories contributions in
    ezines and anthologies back in 2009. It wasn’t until 2010 that my first novel was
    accepted by a small independent press of ebooks.
    What is the most important
    thing you do for your career now, as compared to when you first started writing?
    I outline against a plot arch. When I first started, I just blurted
    out the story in a big blob and it took twice as long to organize and revise the
    story into some semblance of logic. It also left me cutting out huge sections of
    content that by that time I’d become attached to, even though it made no sense for
    the story. By learning how to follow a sound plot arch and outline I can get the
    story in my head out on paper with little pain and more success.
    What do you enjoy most
    about life?
    Oh, lots of things. I had a brain tumor in 2011 and it put everything
    in perspective. Mostly I enjoy being able to wake up in the morning and have another
    day of the chaos that is life. My crazy teenagers and their constant woes and victories
    towards becoming adults. My even crazier little boys who are learning the ways of
    kid-dome. Then, of course, there’s the two stupid canine babies and the sadistically
    evil cat. Through all of it is Hubby at my side, my constant partner.
    Do you have a muse? Describe
    this person, please.
    Yes, her name is Anthor and she’s the scary demon that is my
    subconscious. On good days, she’s flirting with me and connecting the research dots
    of documentaries and reports my ideas sparked from.
    On bad days – which are more often than I’d like – she’s glaring
    at me with her purple glowing eyes and fury-wielding whip. She’s beating the crap
    out of me, pushing me along with no reason or end result in sight. If I get off
    track, she gives me this icy silent treatment that often brings me to tears and
    leaves me begging her to speak to me.
    What kind of books do
    you read when taking a break from your own writing?
    I read SF mostly, but love murder mysteries, horror, and contemporary
    paranormal/speculative romance. I have a passion for older works, like stories from
    late 1800s all the way through 1950s. I just love watching the evolution of words
    and story structures.
    What do you think is the
    future of epublishing?
    Will print go extinct? No, but I’m practical about the trend.
    Literature needs to follow the reader’s preferred medium to stay alive. Most people
    use the electronic medium now more than print. Letters have evolved to email. Phone
    chatter has evolved to text/instant messaging. Newspaper distribution is evolving
    to internet. Magazines are evolving to ezines. In line with this trend, print runs
    are evolving to epublishing.
    None of those original things – letters, phones, magazines and
    newspapers – are going away any time soon but they are becoming less important in
    today’s society.
    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?
    Definitely head to a beach along the Mexico coast. I’d
    hollar at hubby and the kids to pack and then grab my Kindle, swimsuits, shorts,
    t-shirts, and my hygiene stuff. The rest of the time would be spent ensuring the
    family has everything they need and making a list of things to buy on the way or
    when we get there.
    What is your favorite
    holiday and why?
    Thanksgiving, without a doubt. It’s always been my favorite because
    it’s the holiday where the only expectation is to gather your family and friends
    to eat and hang out. There’s no stress of gift giving, dressing up to the nines,
    or fulfilling childhood dreams.
    What do you like to do
    when you’re bored?
    I have time to get bored? LOL, in the rare moments I have nothing
    to do and nowhere to go, I usually pick up a book and dive in.

    Please Fill in the Blanks

    I love pizza with pepperoni.
    I’m always ready for a Bruce Lee movie or a trip to the beach.
    When I’m alone, I know the kids are up to something.
    You’d never be able to tell, but love scenes embarrass me.
    If I had a halo it would be very,
    very crooked and slightly smudged
    .
    If I could do anything I’d take a long nap.
    I can never go on an international trip because I’m
    too picky of an eater
    .

    Find Me Here

    Twitter: not if my life depended on it
  • Gay or MM

    Character Interview Ben Edwards @charliecochrane

    Charlie Cochrane, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s
    talk about your book, Tumble Turn.

    Genre: Contemporary m/m romance
    Buy links: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=CC_TMBLT
    Publisher: MLR
    Cover artist: Deana C. Jamroz
    Length: 84 pages, 28,000 words
    Heat rating: Mild
    Tagline: Winning isn’t everything…except when everything rides
    on being first.
    Blurb: Ben Edwards is the rising star of British Paralympic swimming,
    with a medal at London 2012 firmly in his sights. Love isn’t going to be allowed
    to get in the way — until he meets Nick, who proves to be a big distraction from
    training. With his times sliding, and a family illness, to worry him, it looks like
    Ben’s Olympic dreams are in tatters. Until Nick comes up with the most outrageous
    incentive for winning.
    What are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations?
    Ben Edwards is 21, has
    just graduated with a degree in Psychology from Cardiff University,
    and is a professional paralympic swimmer, on the elite funding programme.
    Nick Prior is 22, in
    his last year studying languages at Warwick
    university.

    Interview with Ben Edwards

    Tell us about yourself.
    What are you like?
    Ben: A bit shy (no, honestly) and a bit lacking in self confidence
    at times. You might think that’s a load of rubbish, if you’ve seen me tearing up
    the pool and punching the air like mad when I win. But if you’ve watched my post
    race interviews and seen how tongue tied I get maybe you’d believe it.
    People tell me I’m good looking, but if I look at myself in the
    mirror first thing of a morning or when I’ve just finished a hard training session,
    I’m not so sure. My physique’s good though, even my dodgy left hand side.
    What do you think is your
    strongest point?
    Ben: Determination. I’ve always believed in having dreams and
    trying to make them come true. Right from when I heard that London was getting the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics,
    I wanted to take part.
    Do you have a weakness?
    (If so, what do you think it is? What does your lover think it is? What does your
    enemy think it is?)
    Ben: I suppose most people would say my cerebral palsy was a
    weakness, but I wasn’t brought up to think of it as that. Nick would agree—it just
    makes me different, in the way he’s different because he can’t spell to save his
    life. I’d say my Achilles’ heel is being too easily distracted, like Nick distracted
    me in the run up to the Paralympics. My coach would have the same opinion. (Don’t
    you make out I’m implying my coach is my enemy!)
    What drives you to do
    the things you do? What makes you want to be the “good guy?”
    Ben: Because what’s the alternative? I guess my mum and dad brought
    me up to think about other people and to always try to do the next right thing.
    Maybe I’m naive but I can’t imagine doing anything different.
    What’s your favorite guilty
    pleasure?
    Ben: Biscuits, especially custard creams or chocolate Hob Nobs.
    If you didn’t know how
    old you were how old would you be?
    Ben: I don’t think I understand the question. Does it mean what
    age would I ideally be? Forever 21 I suppose.
    A biography has been written
    about you. What do you think the title would be in six words or less?
    Ben: Touching First. (Because I always want to be first to touch
    the wall in my races.)
    If money were not an object,
    where would you most like to live?
    Ben: Maybe one of the great big houses at Sandbanks, near Bournemouth, where we used to go on holidays when I was a
    little boy. Or a really posh flat at Cardiff
    Bay, so I could get my swimming
    training in. Either would do, so long as Nick could get over easily enough to visit
    me.
    What song would best describe
    your life?
    Ben: It would be too much of a cliché to go with “I am What I
    am”, although you can’t imagine what a buzz I got when they used that in the Paralympic
    opening ceremony. “Ain’t no Mountain High Enough”, maybe, because I like overcoming
    challenges. Had plenty of practice!
    If you were a tool, what
    would people use you to do?
    Ben: Um, clean their cars because I’m great in the water?
    Picture yourself as a
    store. Considering your personality and lifestyle, what type of products would be
    sold there?
    Ben: I’d be one of those stores that sell all sorts of fun things.
    Like Hawkin’s Bazaar used to. Sports stuff, games, puzzles, jokey things. That’s
    me to a t.
    As a child, what was your
    favorite thing about school?
    Ben: Playtime, of course. I was clever enough that lessons weren’t
    that hard work, but once the bell went and we could let off some steam – playing
    football or just haring around the playground – I was happy as a pig in dirt.
    Tell us an embarrassing
    story that has to do with a pet. If you have no pets, a story about a significant
    other will do. ^_^
    Ben: This is really
    embarrassing. When I was little I tried to shave our dog, because I thought his
    hair was too long. Luckily dad caught me and put a stop to things. The dog was such
    a daft thing he just let me!
    If you came with a warning
    label, what would it say?
    Ben: “Dangerous when wet”?

    Please Fill in the Blanks as Ben Edwards

    I love pizza with ham and pineapple.
    I’m always ready for watching sport. Live or TV, bring it on!
    When I’m alone, I play games on my laptop. I’ve always been a
    bit of a games nerd.
    You’d never be able to tell, but I got straight A grades at A
    level.
    If I had a halo it would be stuck
    on, so I didn’t lose it.
    If I could fly, I’d give up swimming.
    Maybe.
    I can never be a boxer because my left side has a habit of going
    weak on me.

    About the Author

    As Charlie Cochrane couldn’t be trusted to do any of her jobs
    of choice—like managing a rugby team—she writes. Her favourite genre is gay fiction,
    predominantly historical romances/mysteries. She lives near Romsey but has yet to
    use that as a setting for her stories, choosing to write about Cambridge,
    Bath, London and the
    Channel Islands, all of which are places she knows
    and loves well.
    Charlie’s a member of the Romantic
    Novelists’ Association, Mystery People and International Thriller Writers Inc, with
    titles published by Carina, MLR, Noble Romance and Cheyenne. Charlie’s Cambridge Fellows Series,
    set in Edwardian England, was instrumental in her being named Author of the Year
    2009 by the review site Speak Its Name.

    Find Me Here

    Facebook: CharlieCochrane
    Twitter: CharlieCochrane
    Other sites: Goodreads