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Grab Eternity with @Tmoniquebooks
Genre: Paranormal RomanceBuy links:Amazon http://amzn.com/B00943FVG2Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/eternity-tmonique-stephens/1112725622?ean=2940015097443Publisher: Soulmate PublishingCover artist: Steena Holmes at The Authors Red RoomLength: 271 pagesHeat rating: 4Tagline: Only a cursed man would wait 2000 years for one womanBlurb: 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/MercenaryStella Walker: 24, Waitress/StudentInterview
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
Website: http://tmoniquestephens.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TmoniquebooksPinterest: http://pinterest.com/tmoniquestephen/ -
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 ParanormalBuy links: Amazon (US): http://amzn.to/Nr8jkoAmazon (UK):
http://amzn.to/Rt0zkbBarnes and Nobel: http://bit.ly/RPrJ45All Romance Ebooks: http://bit.ly/U25Q0GPublisher: Etopia PressCover artist: Annie MeltonLength: 83,000 words, 245 pages (approx.)Heat rating: Sexual tension, PG-13, M/FTagline: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 MoreShow LessWhat 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.
:-DIf 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
Website: http://allyshields.comFacebook: http://facebook.com/AllyShieldsAuthorTwitter: http://twitter.com/ShieldsAllyBook trailer: http://youtu.be/xraKddWGIgM -
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, KetaBuy 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.comKeta Diablo Books: http://ketadiablobooks.blogspot.comThe Stuff of Myth and Men, http://thestuffofmythandmen.blogspot.comKeta on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ketadiablo -
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 ContemporaryPublisher: Dreamspinner PressCover artist: L. C. ChaseLength: 61,000 wordsHeat rating: Three FlamesBuy links:Dreamspinner Press http://dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3252&osCsid=98st6d0g478qeoqvdtg7o7s8o0Amazon 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
Website: http://andrewgreybooks.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/andrewgreybooksTwitter: https://twitter.com/andrewgreybooks -
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 RomanceBuy links:Books on Board: http://is.gd/2M7AM4Amazon http://is.gd/jGVEqfBarnes and Noble http://is.gd/bPY1HLARe: http://is.gd/yyp1nNPublisher: Desert Breeze PublishingCover artist: Jenifer RanieriLength: Novel-lengthHeat rating: SensualTagline: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 -
Character Interview Ben Edwards @charliecochrane
Charlie Cochrane, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s
talk about your book, Tumble Turn.Genre: Contemporary m/m romanceBuy links: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=CC_TMBLTPublisher: MLRCover artist: Deana C. JamrozLength: 84 pages, 28,000 wordsHeat rating: MildTagline: 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
Website: www.charliecochrane.co.ukFacebook: CharlieCochraneTwitter: CharlieCochraneOther sites: Goodreads