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Contemporary Romance: Winter Harvest @susan_jaymes
Winter Harvest. Susan Jaymes, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk
about your book, Winter Harvest.Genre: ContemporaryBuy links:Amazon: http://amazon.com/Love-Surplus-Book-One-ebook/dp/B00AAODOIGBarnes and Nobel: http://barnesandnoble.com/s/love-in-surplus-book-one-winter-harvest?keyword=love+in+surplus+book+one+winter+harvest&store=allproductsDesert Breeze Publishing: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-373/Love-th-Surplus-Book/Detail.bokPublisher: Desert Breeze PublishingCover artist: Gwen PhiferLength: 50000 wordsHeat rating: SensualTagline: There’s no going back.Blurb:Victoria O’Connor
came home to help run the family farm, not fall back in love with Traye Petersen,
the hired hand. After her mother’s death she takes it upon herself to heal her father
and brother’s hearts.Traye Petersen is
indebted to the O’Connor’s for giving him a home in spite of his nasty past. He
convinces himself he’s part of the O’Connor family and does not intend to lose their
respect. Once he gets a taste of Victoria
at a weak moment, it awakens an unknown desire, testing his honor leaving him to
prove to the O’Connor’s he’s worthy of their love.What are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations?Victoria O’Connor, twenties,
oversees the family farm.Traye Petersen, twenties,
the hired hand.Interview
How did you get your start
in the industry?I always dreamed of being a writer but once I found the right
critique partner who knew the publishing industry, she guided me to publication.If you could choose anyone
to be your mentor who would it be?I believe I already have her as my critique partner, Susan Palmquist.If you could give the
younger version of yourself advice what would it be?Learn about the business, seriously commit yourself to learning
it and never give up.Do things your family
or friends do ever end up in a book?Yes. I use my kids a lot and my own childhood.What are some jobs you’ve
done before (or while) you were a writer?I’m still working full-time as a customer service representative
for an insurance agency.I’ve cleaned offices before and worked for Culligan.What do you think is the
future of epublishing?I think it will be the major source for books for readers. I
think there will still be books but more of a print on demand sort of thing except
for the mega authors.Where were you at midnight,
on December 31st when the new century started?Nothing too exciting. Home in bed I’m afraid to say.What do you like to do
when you’re bored?Read, surf the net or watch a good TV show.If you were a color, what
color would you be?PurplePlease Fill in the Blanks
I love pizza with cheese.I’m always ready for a great story.When I’m alone, I read or watch TV.You’d never be able to tell, but I’m very shy.If I had a halo it would be
crooked.If I could retire from my day job I’d buy a beach house
in Florida and
write.I can never ride in an air balloon because I’m scared
of heights.Find Me Here
Website: http://susanjaymes.com/Facebook: http://facebook.com/susanjaymes/Twitter: http://twitter.com/susan_jaymes/ -
Save Room For Ice Cream @emlynley #gayromance
EM Lynley, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk about your book, Brand New Flavor.
Genre: Gay Romance, M/M, ContemporaryBuy links: http://dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3369&cPath=190Amazon: http://bit.ly/amz-bnfPublisher: Dreamspinner PressCover artist: LC ChaseLength: 150 pages/37,000 wordsHeat rating: RFrom EM Lynley
I’m so excited to be here at Romance Lives Forever to talk about my upcoming release Brand New Flavor. For anyone who’s read more than one of my books, you may have noticed a common thread: I love to write about food and cooking. Even if the character is wandering the streets of Bangkok, as in Rarer Than Rubies, you’ll get a mouthwatering description of the most delectable duck dish that had dozens of readers heading to their local Thai restaurants. I love to cook (and eat) and I’ve taken food writing courses and spent seven years in the Northern California wine industry.Brand New Flavor is all about Jericho “Jay” Brown, an artisan ice cream maker. He’s passionate about his frozen treats and the secret recipe he spent more than a year perfecting. He’s just as passionate about Cameron Clay, a food critic, but their romance hits a rocky road before they can find out whether they belong together or not.Be prepared for plenty of mouthwatering descriptions of ice cream–and hot guys–without the calories or guilt. But I’ll confess, my editors and beta readers all went running for ice cream while they were reading this story. It comes out the day before Thanksgiving, probably the biggest food fest in the United States, so it’s a perfectly fitting date.Research for Brand New Flavor was fun! I visited and sampled ice creams, gelatos, sorbets and other frozen desserts while I was deciding just what would make Jay’s particular ice cream so spectacular. I actually created my own fantasy of what ice cream could be, though as far as I know no one makes anything quite like I’ve described. I even spent some time in the kitchen at Scream Sorbet, a local shop where I watched the staff at work and peppered the kitchen manager with dozens of questions, about their process, ingredients, sourcing, and how to grow a small business. I also spoke with chefs about flavor combinations to make sure the flavors I made up would really work, and taste as good as I think they sound.Along the way I tasted:Hopefully this will whet your appetite for Brand New Flavor (you can pre-order from Dreamspinner Press now and download on release day Nov 21). And if you like that, stay tuned. It’s just the first book in my brand new series, Delectable, which features characters from the food and wine industry.Find Me Here
Website: http://emlynley.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/pages/Author-EM-Lynley/146199905400403 and http://facebook.com/emlynleyTwitter: http://twitter.com/emlynleyBlog: http://emlynley.com/blogLiveJournal: http://emlynley.livejournal.com -
13 Things I’m Thankful For #thanksgiving
Blessings. As the owner of Romance Lives Forever, I’ve had the opportunity
to interview about two hundred authors this year. I’ve learned some fun things about
them, their books, and their characters. As I thought about what to write for Thanksgiving
Day on the blog, I couldn’t help but be grateful for their friendship and the insights
I’ve gained by knowing them. I decided that would be the best thing to share. There
are more than thirteen things, but in the spirit of Thursday Thirteen, that’s all
I’m listing. Besides, that gives me a good thing to write about on another day!13 Things I’m Thankful For
- I’m in
good company. The authors who interview here are amazing men and and women.
I’m privileged to make their acquaintance. - My characters,
with their idioms and quirks, are no stranger than anyone else’s. I’ve met
characters here in interviews, and I can say mine are normal. (Okay, that’s
a lie, but I’m still going to say it.) - I appreciate
the honest interviews that I get every week. They are a joy to read, and I
love getting to know so many wonderful authors, characters, and books. - I’ve discovered
that no one else is balanced in their writing life either. Writers know the
definition of balance, but seem to have no idea how to implement it. It’s nice
not to be alone. ;) - I’m thankful
that with rare exception, writers who interview here turn in their material
on time. Thank you more than you know. - I’m grateful
for macros that let me format documents in a snap. No two people use the same
formats, and despite a nicely pre-formatted interview, I usually get back text
that’s in a different font, size, or with indentions where I hadn’t planned
them, so the macros help. A lot. - Having
to change all those things has shown me that there are easier ways to do things.
I would never have discovered that if everyone did things the same way. - I’m thankful
for the idea to share blog stats and show the top bloggers. It began in January
of this year, and I’ve kept it up every month. Now I can track trends and see
what works. Wish I’d thought of it sooner! - This blog
has helped me meet some incredible people I’d never have met otherwise. The
Romance Lives Forever Paper.li
ezine that comes out because of the blog has also helped me meet
many cool new friends. - Can’t talk
about things I’m thankful for related to this blog without mentioning Twitter
and Triberr. That combination is powerful. I wouldn’t want to be without either
one. - I’m thankful
for a family that supports me in what I do. I couldn’t help others if I had
no help myself. - Which brings
me to friends again — because I could not run this blog, help other authors,
interview so many people, and post so much if not for them. Thank you. - Finally
— and yet foremost — I’m thankful for my health. I was in the hospital earlier
this year. Thought I was having a heart attack. Although it wasn’t, I did discover
some issues with my heart that have made me be much more careful of my health.
I joke about “balance” — but I do try to rest more, eat well, and
take better care of myself.
2012 has been the most successful year ever for Romance Lives
Forever. It’s because of the people who post here, share their books, their lives,
and the people who come to read about them. I look forward to another wonderful
year in 2013. I hope to be back here next year, sharing a list of good things I’ve
learned. Maybe I’ll even have figured out a little balance.About the Author
Kayelle Allen is the owner of Marketing
for Romance Writers, the Romance Lives Forever blog, and The Author’s Secret. She’s a writer of immortal role-playing gamers,
warriors who purr, and agents who find the unfindable–or hide it forever.Homeworld http://kayelleallen.comFacebook http://facebook.com/kayelle.allenTwitter http://twitter.com/kayelleallenBlog http://kayelleallen.blogspot.com - I’m in
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Contemporary: Texas Wide Open @KCKleinbooks
Texas Wide Open. KC Klein, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk about
your book, Texas Wide Open.Genre: Contemporary RomanceBuy links: http://www.amazon.com/Texas-Wide-Open-ebook/dp/B008H6GJ4K/ref=la_B007378AKK_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1351376884&sr=1-3http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/texas-wide-open-kc-klein/1112026879?ean=9781601830210http://www.booksonboard.com/index.php?BODY=viewbook&BOOK=1410799&TITLE=Texas+Wide+Open&AUTHOR=K.+C.+Kleinhttp://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Texas-Wide-Open/book-l2n-bzRtc02FSXzsGo1bfg/page1.html?s=C8JIWUcVRUGuEpYKe6C4mA&r=1Publisher: KensingtonCover artist: Hot Damn DesignsLength: 80kHeat rating: mediumTagline: Some wild things can’t be tamedBlurb:Katie Harris loved growing up on a ranch. She had her horse,
the beautiful Texas
prairie, and Cole Logan, the cowboy next door. But there are a lot of secrets hidden
under a Texas
sky…Katie always knew she’d marry Cole one day–until he broke her
dreams and her heart. But now that Katie’s father is sick, she’s back home, older,
wiser and nowhere near the love-sick fool she once was.Cole knows Katie doesn’t want anything to do with him. But after
so many years, he can’t pretend she’s no more than a neighbor. Not when thinking
about her cherry lip gloss and hell-for-leather passion is keeping him up all night.
Holding his ground was hard enough when she was seventeen. Now that she’s her own
woman, Cole’s heart doesn’t stand a chance…“Passionate, gritty
and fast paced…with a hot blooded, honorable hero to make every woman’s knees
go weak.”–Diane WhitesideWhat are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations?Katie Harris, age 21, returning college studentCole Logan, age 29, rancherNikki Logan, age 23, royal pain in the ass and pool hustlerJett Avery, age 29, professional playboyInterview
How did you get your start in the industry?I got my start when I joined RWA close to five years ago. I joined
several critique groups and finally found a critique partner that has stuck with
me through three novels, and one novella, and of course, numerous rewrites.What is the most important thing you do for your career now,
as compared to when you first started writing?That is an interesting question. When authors first start out
the most important thing is the writing. Then after we get the call, go through
editors, agents, and promotions sometimes the actual writing gets pushed to the
side.I have now decided to come full circle. The most important thing
to me is my writing. I still have stories to tell, and at the end of the day that’s
all that matters.What websites do you visit daily?My own blog, Triberr, and my gmail.If you could change something about your first book, what
would it be?Oh, if only I could go back. For me, I would try and add more
world building. I think there is a lot of potential in my Dark Future world that
is untapped.What do you enjoy most about writing?Having had written. JHow do you cope with stress as an author?This is hard. In every stage of an author’s career there is stress.
It could be stress over a contest, getting published, and editor or agent’s remarks.
No matter what people say, writing is personal. The day it stops getting personal
to me is the day I know I need to stop writing.That being said, red wine and lunch with a good friend always
help.Do things your family or friends do ever end up in a book?Absolutely. I always tell my family and friends that nothing
is sacred. A good joke, personal problems, or a therapy session are all fair game.What kind of books do you read when taking a break from your
own writing?I find that reading inside my genre is hard. I have to really
expand from what I normally write in order to have that “get lost in a story”
feeling. That being said, I’ve just finished reading Karen Marie Moning’s latest
book, Iced and totally LOVED it.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?Right now having a family with two small girls, working outside
the home, and trying to write during any free time my dream vacation would include
my kindle, a movie theater nearby, and breakfast in bed. Oh, and a glass of red
wine wouldn’t hurt.Where were you at midnight, on December 31st when the new
century started?I am really embarrassed to say that I was in home in bed. (Even
though I act like one, I’m really not a sixty-year-old woman, I promise.)What do you like to do when you’re bored?Bored? What’s bored? If I am really desperate for something to
do there is always the house to be cleaned.If you were a color, what color would you be?Red, the color of fire and passion.Hotter on the Edge Please underline which statement is more like you:I am more like this…”I am a vacation spa because I
am laid back and relaxed.”But I wish I could be more like this…”I am a ten-countries
in ten-days tour vacation, because I do things as fast as possible.”Please complete the sentences
I love pizza with everything on it.I’m always ready for lunch with a good friend.When I’m alone, I create stories in my head.You’d never be able to tell, but I really am a nice person.
JIf I had a halo it would be crooked.If I could never sleep I’d be a millionaire.I can never lie because I always forget what I just
said.Previous Books
Dark FutureHotter on the Edge Science Fiction AnthologyBooks Coming Soon
Texas Wide Open out now!Hustlin’ Texas
coming Dec 2013Contest
Giveaway one free e-book to a random commenter.Find Me Here
Website: http://kckleinbooks.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/kckleinbooksTwitter: https://twitter.com/KCKleinbooksPinterest: http://pinterest.com/kckleinbooksAmazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/KC-Klein/e/B007378AKK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1 -
Scifi: Matter of the Mind @Bellakentuky
Bellakentuky, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk about
your book, A Matter of the Mind.Buy links: Amazon Boroughs Publishing Group SmashwordsPublisher: The Boroughs Publishing GroupCover artist: The Boroughs Publishing GroupLength: 26 PagesHeat rating: 4Tagline: Sometimes
it takes a second glance to appreciate what’s in front of us, then a long revealing
stare to find true love.Blurb: Kathryn Oaks is a beautiful thirty-four years old career
woman, a world-class athlete, MENSA member, and a PhD in Physics and the Medical
Sciences. Her analytical mind is taking her to the pinnacle of her career, she has
been chosen as the Chief Medical Officer aboard Project Pandora, a space ship preparing
to embark on an extended mission to a distant planet. But, Kate isn’t without personal
problems and maintaining intimate relationships is one of them. So her heart sinks,
as the rest of the crew is announced and she learns that the Chief Flight Engineer
is a man she loathes, a man who is her complete opposite, a man who is every bit
as smart as she is, but also is something she isn’t, a person who lives life to
its fullest. But, strange things can happen when hurtling through uncharted space.
And Kate is forced to face her inner demons. Perhaps, she isn’t everything she thought
she was, and he isn’t everything she thought he wasn’t. A Matter of the Mind is
part of The Lunchbox Series, a line of short romance stories published by The Boroughs
Publishing Group. These stories are meant for quick entertainment. They can be purchased
individually as E-books at all major online retailers. They can also be purchased
in groups for a discount at the Boroughs Publishing Group website.What are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations?Kathryn Oaks, 34 years
old, Chief Medical OfficerJeffrey Palladino, 33
years old, Chief Flight EngineerInterview
How did you get your start
in the industry?Bellakentuky I’ve written fiction since high school. Then, about three years
ago I began to market my short stories in earnest.If you could change something
about your first book, what would it be?I would have made it a little longer. Still, it was a personal
triumph to have it published.What do you enjoy most
about life?love my wife. She is the thing I enjoy most about life.If you could choose anyone
to be your mentor who would it be?That’s a tough one. If I really had to narrow it down to one
it would be Janet Evanovich. I love Stephanie Plum and Janet’s writing style.If you could give the
younger version of yourself advice what would it be?Be true to yourself and don’t worry about everybody else so much.Do you have a muse? Describe
this person, please.It is definitely my wife, Clarisa. She is the smartest, funniest,
most creative person I know. She makes me laugh all the time and is a constant source
of inspiration. One of her favorite things to do is to pretend she is dead somewhere
in the house until I find her. And then I say, “You’re not dead.” And
she smiles. She’s done this for years and it still makes me laugh.What does “balance”
mean to you as a writer?It means to write in a style that puts the reader into the story.
They don’t feel as if they’re reading a story, they’re living it.Do things your family
or friends do ever end up in a book?Yes, my most recent story (which is not a romance. I tend to
genre jump from time to time) is loosely based on an event that happened to my son.
If anyone is interested (horror/thriller genre) it is currently a finalist in the
America’s Next Author 2012.What are some jobs you’ve
done before (or while) you were a writer?I have been a professional photographer most of my life.What kind of books do
you read when taking a break from your own writing?HorrorWhat do you think is the
future of epublishing?I’m too new to say. But I do think the industry is going to continue
to evolve rapidly for the next decade.What was the proudest
moment of your life so far?In 2003, I wrote, produced, and directed a satirical short movie.
It was done in a small town in Florida
using local people for actors. It took four months to complete the project. We did
the premiere showing at a large meeting room in a historic building. So many people
showed up that the fire marshall
wouldn’t let anyone else in. At the end of the movie, the cast got me up on stage,
and the applause was thunderous. It lasted so long I was beet red with embarrassment.
There is no other creative experience like making a movie.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 wife, my camera, my laptop, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and
I would go to South Africa.What is your favorite
holiday and why?I love Christmas because it brings up all kinds of warm fuzzy
feelings.Where were you at midnight,
on December 31st when the new century started?Believe it or not, I was DEATHLY sick in bed with the flu. It
was horrible!What do you like to do
when you’re bored?Write…If your life became a
movie, who would you want to play you?Ben StillerIf you were a color, what
color would you be?My favorite color is red.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.”Please Fill in the Blanks
I love pizza with LOTS of cheese.I’m always ready for a movie.When I’m alone, I surf the net.You’d never be able to tell, but according to the medical
profession I’m overweight.If I had a halo it would be dripping
with cheese.If I could do anything for my wife, I’d take her on
a trip around the world.I can never run because I have bad knees.Previous Books
Bella – Affection or AfflictionThe author with his cats Shattered DreamsTwisted LoveBooks Coming Soon
Spring FeverFind Me Here
Website: http://bellakentuky.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/BellakentukyBlog: http://bellakentuky.comPinterest: http://pinterest.com/bellakentuky/ -
Character Interview: Blake @jamidavenport #christmas #romance
Love at First Snow. Jami Davenport, welcome to Romance Lives Forever.
Let’s talk about your book, Love at First Snow.Genre: Contemporary Romance (Holiday Romance, Christmas Romance, Lunchbox Romance)Buy links: http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/love-first-snowPublisher: Boroughs Publishing GroupCover artist: Chris KeeslarLength: 13,050 wordsHeat rating: 3 out of 5Tagline: A Christmas MiracleBlurb:Four years ago, NHL defenseman
Blake Daniels lost his entire family in a floatplane crash. This Christmas a snowstorm
and a small gray kitten will lead him to life, love, and a whole new shot at happiness.What are your main characters’ names, ages, and
occupations?Dr. Sarah Whitney (32) VeterinarianBlake Daniels (34) Former NHL Hockey PlayerInterview With Blake Daniels
Tell us about yourself. What
are you like?For a long time, I was
driven and focused on my hockey career. After the tragedy four years ago in which
I lost my entire family, I spent the next four years floundering like a ship lost
at sea. My career went down the tank, and my personal life was even worse. Meeting
Sarah this Christmas changed all of that. Now I have a direction and a future that’s
bright. I’ll be opening a little bistro on one of the islands (San Juan Islands) because I love to cook.What do you think is your strongest
point?I think my kindness
to animals and others.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?)I think my weakness
is my tendency to close up when things get tough and keep everything inside. I’m
pretty sure she’d agree with that, though she’s better at getting me to open up
than anyone else I’ve ever met except my mother. The only enemies I’ve ever made
were on the ice. They’d say I was a ruthless hockey player in my earlier days.What drives you to do the things
you do? What makes you want to be the “good guy?”I was raised by a loving,
caring family and parents who set a good example for me every day of their lives.
I constantly strive to be the son who would make them proud.Forward Passes What’s your favorite guilty
pleasure?A naked Sarah and warm
chocolate fudge at the same time.If you didn’t know how old you
were how old would you be?About sixteen when I’m
with Sarah.A biography has been written
about you. What do you think the title would be in six words or less?He overcame Tragedy
to Love AgainIf money were not an object,
where would you most like to live?Right where I am (Washington State’s
San Juan Islands)What song would best describe
your life?Garth Brooks’ “The Dance”If you were a tool, what would
people use you to do?I’d be a hammer because
I hope I’d be used to build things and make life better.Picture yourself as a store.
Considering your personality and lifestyle, what type of products would be sold
there?Definitely a grocery
store, but one that sold hard-to-find items and fresh produce.As a child, what was your favorite
thing about school?After the final bell
rang and going to hockey practice.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.My sister had a schnauzer
that had it in for me. One time at family reunion, he peed on my jeans’ leg. I never
noticed it but everyone else did. My brother managed to get it all on video.If you came with a warning label,
what would it say?Beware, this man will
seduce you with whispered promises and great food.Please Fill in the Blanks as Blake
I love pizza with all meat.I’m always ready for dinner and sex.When I’m alone, I like to read or watch sports.You’d never be able to tell, but I’m actually
pretty romantic.If I had a halo it
would be surprising.If I could go back and win the Stanley Cup I’d be
one happy man.I can never forget because they meant
too much.About the Author
An advocate of happy
endings, Jami Davenport writes sexy romantic comedy, sports hero romances, and equestrian
fiction. Jami lives on a small farm near Puget Sound with her Green Beret-turned-plumber
husband, a Newfoundland
cross with a tennis ball fetish, a prince disguised as an orange tabby cat, and
an opinionated Hanoverian mare.Jami works in IT for
her day job and is a former high school business teacher and dressage rider. In
her spare time, she maintains her small farm and socializes whenever the opportunity
presents itself. An avid boater, Jami has spent countless hours in the San Juan Islands, a common setting in her books. In her opinion,
it is the most beautiful place on earth.Jami Davenport Previous Books
Fourth and Goal (Book
1 in the Seattle
Lumberjacks Series)Forward Passes (Book
2 in the Seattle
Lumberjacks Series)Books Coming Soon
Down by Contact (Book
3 in the Seattle
Lumberjacks Series)Find Me Here
Website: http://jamidavenport.comFacebook: http://facebook.com/jamidavenportTwitter: http://twitter.com/jamidavenportOther sites: http://BoroughsPublishingGroup.com