Wednesday, May 30, 2012

TBR welcomes Dee Julian

TBR: Welcome to TBR, Dee. Will you share a little bit about yourself?
Dee: Hello. Well, I've lived in Memphis, Tennessee for twenty-six years. I have two grown children and as of March 5th, my husband and I have been married thirty-four years.

TBR: Tell us about Promise Me and where it's available.
Dee: Promise Me is an e-book, and it's available through Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook. Here's a short blurb:

After a hasty promise to her dying fiancé jeopardizes the future of his illegitimate child, Lady Leah Sheridan vows to make amends for the gentleman’s lack of honor by personally seeing to his son’s financial needs. When the boy’s heartless mother abandons him, Leah finds herself nearing a disastrous scandal. To make matters worse, her fiancé’s older brother returns to England demanding answers she swore never to divulge.

As soon as the Duke of Chase meets the woman his deceased brother had intended to wed, he is unexpectedly captivated by the lady’s beauty, but he quickly suspects she is hiding a secret, making him more determined than ever to seek the truth behind his brother’s fatal accident.

Will Leah break her promise and confide in the only man who can keep her safe?


TBR: Please tantalize us with a story excerpt.
Dee: Certainly.

Chase closed the door and faced Leah, his expression angry but controlled. “You almost got away with it, did you not?”
“Got away with what?” she inquired.
“You almost buried Adrian’s shameful secret so deep no one would’ve ever discovered it. What were your plans for the boy?”
“Certainly not what you’re implying. I kept Edwin’s existence a secret because Adrian begged me to.”
“Do not blame this on my dead brother. You kept that child away from his family for your own selfish reasons. Adrian would’ve never considered hiding his son if his beloved fiancée had not issued an ultimatum.”
“The only request I made to Adrian was that he not abandon his child. I certainly never threatened him. Yes, I kept Edwin from his family, but my intentions were not what you think. I never meant to cause anyone pain. Especially your grandmother.”
 “Save your worthless excuses for the next eager gentleman who knows nothing of your character. I came back for one reason.” His hot gaze flicked over her. “Where can I find Maria Santiago?”
“Surely you don’t intend to contact Edwin’s mother.”
“That is none of your concern. Do you know where I can find the woman or not?”
“No. I have no idea what’s become of her.” Heat rose up Leah’s neck. “It’s the truth.”
After a slight hesitation, he turned to go but changed his mind. “One more thing. You, Miss Sheridan, are no longer welcome at Chase Manor. Edwin is not now nor will he ever again be your responsibility. Do not speak of him or ask about him. Do not send messages. And if you value your friendship with Lady Ashburn, do not ask her to check on the boy.” His eyes narrowed. “Have I made myself clear?”
“Perfectly.”
“While you may not be Edwin’s mother, you are certainly not an innocent bystander. Edwin appears to be fond of you, but he’s a child incapable of proper judgment. Within a month, he’ll forget you entirely. In fact, I’m counting on it.”
“You have everything figured out, do you not? I am the villain...the cause of your brother’s death. We both know Adrian’s accident would not have occurred if not for me. I’ve already assumed the blame, but that isn’t enough, is it?”
“If you hope to elicit sympathy--”
“You’ve had your say,” Leah snapped. “Now I’ll have mine.” She balled her fists to keep her hands from trembling. “How bloody dare you! You’ve accused me of being both a liar and a strumpet. Yes, I’m guilty of making poor decisions, beginning and ending with Adrian, but you were determined to despise me from the very moment we met. Perhaps because your own guilt presses unbearably upon your conscience?”
“Miss Sheridan--”
“Kindly shut up, your Grace, and allow me to finish. Hear this and hear it well. My period of mourning is over. With the numerous balls this time of year, my dance card should be filled to overflowing.”
His mouth opened.
Leah cut him off. “I still mourn for Adrian, but I’m no longer obligated to his memory. And if I never see your arrogant face again, rest assured I will lose no sleep over it.” She crossed her arms. “You may leave now, your Grace. You are no longer welcome at Greyson Manor.”      

TBR: What inspired you to write about the theme?
Dee: I get asked this question a lot in regards to both my historical romances. Honestly, I don't know what inspires me other than history. I guess I enjoy writing and reading about a time when life was a little less complicated.

TBR: Are you a plotter or pantser?
Dee: Actually, I think I'm a little of both. I usually plot the general idea of the story and get a good feel for the characters before I turn into a panster. 

TBR: How do you develop your characters?
Dee: Most of the time they develop as I'm writing, but I normally follow a set plan. Hero and heroine have to be well-rounded. Both must be likeable, sensible, honorable, and trustworthy individuals, otherwise readers won't care to invest their emotions.

TBR: Do you have a favorite quote you’d like to share?
Dee: 'Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.' It was written by an unknown author, and I believe it offers hope where sometimes there is none. 

TBR: Did any music inspire your book? Do you have a playlist?
Dee: I do have a playlist, and I love music, but it plays no part in my writing.

TBR: Which of your characters would you most/least like to invite to dinner, and why?
Dee: This might sound odd, but the character I'd like to invite to dinner most is Grandmother Margaret of Promise Me, because she is the daughter of the hero and heroine of my debut novel, The Macgregor's Daughter, and there are lots of questions I'd eagerly ask. As for who I'd least like to invite, that would have to be Grandmother Margaret's old friend, Irma Crandle. You see, Irma is the writer of a weekly gossip column, and she is very good at her job. She would make me terribly nervous.

TBR: While creating your books, what was one of the most surprising things you learned?
Dee: That characters often have a mind of their own, and they talk to you at night when you're trying to sleep. They want to know why you changed that last scene or wrote it the way you did, because it didn't fit or it was out of character for them. It should be written this way or that way. My characters seem to object to the oddest things...like the color of a gown. (It clashed with the heroine's eyes) One villain refused to die in a certain way. He argued it was too undignified. He was right.
                
TBR: Tease us with one little thing about your fictional world that makes it different from others.
Dee: I can't think of anything that sets my fictional world apart from others except that I live mainly in historical romance, and history has already been written and rarely changes. For me, there is no evil boogie man hiding in the closet, no vampires and werewolves threatening to annihilate one another before taking over the world, and no hooking up with sexy aliens of another galaxy. 

TBR: What's next for you?
Dee: I intend to take the summer off from writing and get back to reading. For years I devoted most of my free time to crafting my own stories, and I miss getting completely lost in someone else's romantic creation.

TBR: Any other published works?
Dee: Yes, my debut novel, The Macgregor's Daughter. It has a solid connection to Promise Me.

TBR: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Most rewarding?
Dee: For me, the most challenging, and therefore the most frustrating, was getting published. I was starting to think 'rejection' was my middle name. There were several rewarding moments. Finally being offered a publishing contract, having a hand in creating the perfect book cover, seeing the finished product for sale on your publisher's web site or other sites, and of course getting awesome reviews.


TBR: What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?
Dee: Promise Me is fairly young in the review department, so I'd have to say that one belongs to The Macgregor's Daughter. Snapdragon of Long and Short Reviews said, "The shining star here is the simply fantastic dialogue. It is always fast-paced and believable, sometimes heartfelt, sometimes full of innuendo, and always always revealing."

TBR: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
Dee: I haven't started any new book yet. For years I enjoyed reading everything Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney wrote, but my favorite author of all would have to be Jill Tattersall. Her historical romances left me breathless and wanting more.

TBR: Where can readers find you on the web?
Dee: At www.deejulian.com or they can friend me on Facebook.

TBR: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Dee: Yes. Next to a book's genre, how do you chose what you read? Do you select familiar authors? Does a great cover pull you in first or do you turn straight to the blurb to see if the story is for you?

TBR: Readers, Dee will give away one copy of Promise Me and one copy of The Macgregor's Daughter to two lucky commenters. She'll pick a winner in one week and announce the winner here. Be sure to leave your email address so she can contact you.
Thanks for visiting TBR, Dee. All the best to you.

Monday, May 28, 2012

TBR welcomes Dawne Prochilo

TBR: Welcome to TBR, Dawne. Will you share a little bit about yourself?
Dawne: A published erotic romance author, a freelance writer and online journalist, owner of promotional blogs Sex Marks the G-Spot (erotic romance) and Front Seat Romance (sweet romance).

I'm also the Promotions Director for a publisher.

Affiliate partner with After Dark Online- http://afterdarkonlinestories.blogspot.com/

Contributing writer to Good Vibrations Magazine, Cafe Eden and Cafe Fantasys and theirtoys Blog.

Follow my fan page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dawne-Prochilo/111351808934539 I am sarcastic, independent, intelligent (I have papers to prove it), roll my eyes way too many times in a day, am a real blonde, patient and would do anything for those that I love.

I love hazelnut coffee, Mountain Dew, my Jack Russell Terrier, Eddie, my family and White Zinfadel. In no particular order.

I hate peas and carrots, wet socks, liars and fake people.

TBR: Tell us about your latest release and where it's available.
Dawne: I have a new release coming out in June with Secret Cravings Publishing called No Matter What- it is part of their special call for submissions called ‘Special Love”. It is about a man who has a debilitating central nervous system disease and his anger at the world- and how his female neighbor helps him see more clearly.

TBR: Please tantalize us with a story blurb or excerpt.
Dawne: Excerpt from No Matter What

“I need to talk first.” He said, halting her from going into the kitchen. Taylor stopped, looked back at him and must have seen the concerned look on his face.
“What is it?” She stepped closer to him.
“It's...” He choked.
“Chad?” She knelt down in front of him, taking his hands in hers. “Tell me. I can maybe help you.”
“I believe you can.” He smiled at her. Mesmerized by her eyes, Chad couldn't tear his eyes away from her gaze. “Taylor, I know we barely know each other but over the last few weeks, something has happened to me.”
“What?” Her inquisitive innocent face was clueless.
“I've grown very fond of you.”
“You have?” She smiled at his revelation.
“Ever since that night in the back yard...No, before that.” He confessed, running his fingers through his sandy brown hair.
“Really?” Taylor smiled, leaned forward and kissed him on the lips. The way her lush lips touched his, made him hungry for more. The kiss deepened and Taylor wrapped her arms around his neck. When she tried to climb into his lap without breaking their lips apart, Chad placed his hands under her arms and hoisted her up.
“Damn,” She whispered across his lips when they came up for air. “I see your lips work perfect.”
“And like I mentioned earlier, so do all my other parts.” His eyes met hers.
Their passion manifested quick and Taylor sensed it too.
“Show me.” She murmured against his mouth.
“I'd love to.” She slid off his lap so he could stand up.
Taylor lead him up the stairs, holding his hand the entire way, and when they reached her bedroom, Chad stopped.
“What? Having second thoughts?” Her voice wavered.

TBR: Do you have a favorite quote you’d like to share?
Dawne: The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits."

TBR: Did any music inspire your book? Do you have a playlist?
Dawne: Oh yes, I have to have music playing, it enhances my creativity and helps the words flow out of me. Everything from 80’s hair bands to Nickelback and new rock. I am an addict to Metallica, Godsmack, Papa Roach and Rob Zombie.

TBR: While creating your books, what was one of the most surprising things you learned?
Dawne: How creative I can actually be. I can take a simple idea and turn into the most descriptive scene- so vivid in the readers’ minds.  

TBR: What's next for you?
Dawne: I have two series I'm working on. One is a four book series of erotic tales about women who are of voluptuous size- I don't feel every heroine should be the 'perfect' size that society has them viewed as.
I also am writing a four book series- historical western romance. I am loving the lingo, the storylines and characters. It is set in 1898 Colorado Territory and is a sweet romance series

TBR: What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?
Dawne: This is part of a review for When We Meet Again-
"My first reaction when I put this book down was WOW! I felt emotionally drained which is one of the best things an author can leave me with…”

TBR: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
Dawne: I love suspense/thrillers by Stuart Woods and Robert B Parker but I also love erotic romance author Maya Banks and Jodi Olson.

I am currently reading tons of historical and western romance novels for my own writing. Reading the lingo and language changes… plus I love the old west.  

TBR: Where can readers find you on the web?
Website: http://dawneprochilo.blogspot.com

TBR: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Dawne: What makes you want to read a book? The cover? The blurb? The reviews?

TBR: Thanks for visiting TBR, Dawne. Best of luck to you.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

This week on TBR

Two wonderful authors are confirmed:

Monday, May 28  - Dawne Prochilo
 
Wednesday, May 30  - Dee Julian
 
Thanks to the authors who posted their blurbs this weekend for the Horror Blurb Fest! TBR had nearly 150 views this weekend.

In June, watch for the YA Blurb Fest on the 9th, and the Women's Fiction Blurb Fest on June 23rd.

As always, thanks for your support.

Cate

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Horror blurb fest weekend!

Pop some popcorn, and keep the lights on this weekend for the first Horror Blurb Fest!

Horror writers, post your blurb in the comments section below:

- Title and author
- Blurb
- Buy link

One blurb per author, please.

Readers, get ready for your TBR list to grow! And whatever you do, don't check that noise in the basement. :)

Cate

Friday, May 25, 2012

TBR welcomes Susan Roebuck

TBR: Welcome to TBR, Susan. Will you share a little bit about yourself?
Sue: Thank you for letting me visit. I’m Susan Roebuck (known to everyone except my mother as Sue) and I’m British but I currently live in Portugal where the sun’s supposed to always shine, but it’s raining like mad just now. My first novel, a non-explicit m/m suspense, is called “Perfect Score” and was published by Awe-Struck Publishing. It was a finalist in the 2012 EPIC eBook Awards in the Mainstream section.
My second novel, “Hewhay Hall” is a dark thriller and has just been published by Etopia Press (on 20th April).

TBR: Tell us about your books Perfect Score and Hewhay Hall and where they’re available.
Sue: Perfect Score can be bought from the publisher here or here at Amazon.
Hewhay Hall is on Amazon, Barnes & Noble,

TBR: Please tantalize us with a story blurb or excerpt.
Sue: OK…here comes some tantalizing.
Blurb of Hewhay Hall:
An unsung hero's destiny--Slater's house of horrors.
Fire-fighter Jude Elliott loses part of his leg trying to rescue a family held hostage during a terrorist attack. He journeys to mysterious Hewhey Hall, where it is told there are wondrous, magical cures. Little does Jude know that his destination is Slater The Prince of Envy's lair where a demon resides and courageous souls are tormented... Can Jude escape Slater's house of horrors, or will he suffer for all of eternity?

And a short excerpt (I like tantalizing):
Jude stared down the hill at the glint on the water and then across to the fields baked hard by weeks of sun. He’d followed the directions to the letter, so this was the right place. But where was Hewhay Hall?
A row of swallows balanced on a wire stretching overhead, each facing the same way as Jude, who rested against a five-bar gate. They too seemed to be eyeing the fallen tree trunks that littered the overgrown path down the rocky hillside. They were lucky—they could fly, but Jude had to hobble.
The air moved on the other side of the marshland. He didn’t imagine it. A definite ripple, the kind that alters your vision when a migraine’s about to start. Although the shift was fleeting, he had the idea something was down there after all, very faint and hard to describe. The outline of a building? Or maybe just heat haze. Whatever, he’d come this far—he’d go and investigate.
The latch and hinges on the gate were so rusted, Jude couldn’t open it. Nothing for it, then, but to climb over. He propped his crutches against the wooden bars, placed his hands on the top, and hauled himself up so his right leg got a footing on a lower rung. Now he could sit on the top. He bent down, picked up what was left of his other leg, and maneuvered it over until he straddled the gate. It creaked under his weight. As he swung his right leg over, he teetered, tried to grab the top bar but lost his balance and fell headlong into a bramble patch.
Prickles stabbed him as he lay on his back, his whirling gaze locked on a wiggly jet trail in the cloudless sky. Once the world righted itself, he pushed himself up on his elbows and extracted some of the more painful brambles before rolling onto his right knee. His bum in the air, he hoped no one was looking and that he retained a shred of dignity as he balanced on his right leg and wobbled his way upright. As he tried to stand, his knee locked. He was a second away from landing back on the ground but he grabbed an oak tree trunk for support.
Bloody hell. Wasn’t it about time they gave him a prosthesis? He bent to rub his stump, still raw after all this time. Why wasn’t he healing?

TBR: Are you a plotter or pantser?
Sue: A pantser through and through. I really don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing, but it opens up a whole new world of discovery. My first novel, “Perfect Score” has twelve different versions thanks to my tendency to change things half way through. However, having said all that, when I begin I do know where my story’s set, which are the main characters and how the story is supposed to end, even if that does often go awry.

TBR: How do you develop your characters?
Sue: Layer upon layer. Just like when I’m painting – a dab of color there, a patch of white here. My characters have to become like real people to me and the more quirks I can give them, the better as far as I’m concerned. I do have problems with names, though. In “Perfect Score” one of my main characters was called Sam Riverdale and then I realized he had the same initials as me – and I didn’t want people thinking he was based on me (he’s far too good to be me). So he became Sam Barrowdale. I do create profiles for each character using checklists of likes and dislikes, greatest fear, likes to eat, dreams, goals. But I also like to give the main ones certain weaknesses so that they’re flawed in some way. In “Hewhay Hall” there’s a spirit medium called Roma who tends to exaggerate everything and says things like, “how unutterably awful, darling.”
My villains tend to be “unutterably awful” with few redeeming features. In “Perfect Score” there’s sociopath Timothy Finch. “Hewhay Hall” features a foul demon called Slater who you really don’t want to meet. Ever.

TBR: Which of your characters would you most/least like to invite to dinner, and why?
Sue: Jude Elliot, my unsung fire-fighter hero from “Hewhay Hall” would be a great guest to entertain me with his exploits and tales of his call-outs. Sam Barrowdale from “Perfect Score” would enjoy being with him and would be able to match Jude’s daring-do with his own tales of life as a street kid. Sam would also be useful if Slater the demon showed itself as we were serving dessert because Sam wouldn’t be fooled by its chest-pounding for one moment. He’d tell it to “g…get real” before burying its amphibian head in the chocolate mousse.

TBR: While creating your books, what was one of the most surprising things you learned?
Sue: I uncover all kinds of information when I’m researching – sometimes adding it to the plot. For example, I discovered information on genetic crops and additives in our food (especially fast food) when I was researching “Perfect Score”. I was fascinated about the work of firefighters when I was writing “Hewhay Hall” and it opened my eyes as to just what heroes they are. As my themes seem to be injustice, corruption and cruelty I’m constantly horrified by just how much exists in our world.

TBR: What's next for you?
Sue: I’m working on a third novel that’s currently called, “When the Moon Fails”. This one will be a thriller, set in Portugal. Both main characters fish – Leo comes from Alaska US and Piper (short for Philippa) from Norfolk, UK. In Portugal they discover plans to destroy a fishing village by a huge US/UK consortium and they’ll both uncover secrets to their backgrounds that force them to face their insecurities. At the moment the two – who are obviously so suited for each other – never actually meet up, or if they do it’s only briefly. However, being the pantser I am there might turn out to be more romance after all. Let’s wait and see. As usual, my theme will highlight the injustice of this world.

TBR: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Most rewarding?
Sue: As a pantser I often write myself down a dead-end. However, I’m learning techniques to turn that problem around, such as by changing a point of view, or a character – even a character’s sex. I’m such a disorganized person that the jig-sawing of plot gives me incredible headaches when I’m trying to fit it all together. But the best aspect is the actual writing. When I’m in full flow I disappear from this world and inhabit the one in my mind. I’m astounded at how time passes. It’s a sensation that must beat any drug-induced euphoria (I imagine!).

TBR: What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?
Sue: It’s too early for reviews to come in for “Hewhay Hall”. But I was blown away by many of those for “Perfect Score”. Lena Grey – a reviewer for QMO – said:
“The characters in 'Perfect Score' are superbly crafted, each evoking different, but essential emotions which had me embroiled in the story from the beginning, but
Sam influenced me the most. Life knocked him down so much that anyone of lesser moral quality would have given up, but not Sam. Not only did he overcome disparity, he rose like the Phoenix from the ashes. Sam was an amazing combination of strength, intelligence, gentleness and forthrightness; in the face of injustice, whether for a person or an animal, Sam was there on his white horse ready to do battle.” Reviewers amaze me at their ability to “get” exactly what I’m trying to convey.
 
TBR: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
Sue: I read everything. My favorite authors are (deep breath): Charles Dickens (because of his quirky characters), Mervyn Peake’s Gormenghast Trilogy (characters again), Annie Proulx because her descriptions are like an artist’s palette, Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, Terry Pratchett (all of his novels), Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird (love Scout and Attica). I’ve just read Jim Butcher’s Full Moon and Karen Marie Moning’s Shadowfever.

TBR: Where can readers find you on the web?
Sue: I love to meet new people and exchange different ideas. And if you visit me, I promise to return the favor. My blog: http://www.susanroebuck.com
Twitter: @suemonte

TBR: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Sue: I’d like to ask them what their favorite book of all time was. And also, if they usually only read the same genre of books (for example, only romance, or only fantasy) would they ever be prepared to experiment with another kind.
Thank you so much for this opportunity, Cate!

TBR: Readers, Susan Roebuck will give away a copy of her e-book “Hewhay Hall” to one lucky commenter. She'll pick a winner on Saturday May 26 and announce the winner here. Be sure to leave your email address so she can contact you.
Thanks for visiting TBR, Sue! All the best to you.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

TBR welcomes Meg Mims

TBR: Welcome to TBR, Meg Mims. Will you share a little bit about yourself?
Meg:  I’m an author and artist, which is why most of my heroines have artistic abilities. I love writing “blended” genres – historical mystery, or a western romantic suspense with inspirational elements, or contemporary romance with comedy and a twinge of a intrigue. I also write non-fiction articles for a realtor’s website and for Lake Effect Living which is a West Coast of Michigan tourist on-line magazine.

TBR: Tell us about The Key to Love and where it's available.
Meg: It’s a contemporary romance novella, available as an ebook at Astraea Press, Amazon, B&N. I’m hoping to write a sequel with the same characters, Jenn and Steve – we’ll see if these two “tie the knot” as they plan in Key.

TBR: Please tantalize us with a story blurb or excerpt.
Meg: Here’s the back cover (ha, if you can imagine an ebook having a back cover!) blurb.

Artist Jennette Jacobson clashes with a handsome visitor at a gallery show. He claims that artwork is just “more junk to dust.”
Ouch.
When she finds a small metal object on the floor, she uses it later in a new collage.
Her world soon crumbles with family problems and a friend’s betrayal. And wouldn’t you know that the same hunky guy claims he lost an important key the night of the show! When Steve Harmon offers to buy Jenn’s work, she refuses to sell. He’ll just trash it to free his precious key.
Or is it possible that key will unlock her future happiness?

Check out my website by clicking here for more about The Key to Love.

TBR: What inspired you to write about the theme?
Meg:   I take an art class once a week, spring through fall, and decided to make a collage – with clocks. I was searching through my “junk” drawer for items to use, and came across a random piece of metal… which got me thinking, “What if?” And then, when Astraea Press asked for Valentine’s Day novellas, I thought, “Why not?”

TBR: Are you a plotter or pantser?
Meg: I’m typically a heavy plotter. However, given the deadline, I wrote The Key to Love totally by the seat of my pants. A scene here, two scene there, skipped back and added a stronger beginning, wrote other scenes near the end, went back to insert another key scene, finished it up, and then rewrote the whole thing at least twice. And still wanted to edit after my editor approved it! I’m such a perfectionist for tight writing. And I love putting vivid details in about food, clothing, etc.

TBR: How do you develop your characters?
Meg:  For a novel, I always develop a “chart” from birthday, family, education, home life, friends, both Western and Chinese zodiac signs, etc. Very intense! But for the novella, I didn’t have time. These characters are still surprising me.

TBR: Do you have a favorite quote you’d like to share?
Meg:  “Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do.”  H. Jackson Brown Jr.

TBR: Did any music inspire your book? Do you have a playlist?
Meg: I tend to write to classical music, so not this time. But I do love soundtracks of my fave movies. Pride & Prejudice is a good one, and I will play all three of the Lord of the Rings too, when I need to ratchet up conflict.

TBR: Tease us with one little thing about your fictional world that makes it different from others.
Meg: I am a strong believer in Vivid Imagery—the details that make a reader LIVE with the characters, make them see/hear/smell things right along with the characters, and taste/touch the food or fabric or the hair on the dog. LOL

TBR: What's next for you?
Meg: Another romance novella or two, plus revisions to an inspirational and my mystery, plus I *must* finish the sequel to Double Crossing, which I’ll explain below. It’s book 2 of the “Double” series.

TBR: Any other published works?
Meg: My western historical romantic suspense, Double Crossing, is what I call “True Grit on a Train” – with over 20 great reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. I took the premise of a young girl whose father was killed, but Lily Granville is sheltered, naïve and yet a fighter as she tracks the murderer on the transcontinental railroad.
Book 2 is Double or Nothing.

TBR: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Most rewarding?
Meg: Getting the research details right, I think. I love reading historical but a major inaccuracy really throws me out of the story – I can overlook minor stuff, but I end up grinding my teeth at modern slang or the woman not wearing a corset. There were no bras, so you had to wear something unless you worked in the fields. And yes, some women laced up too tight for fashion, but not always.

TBR: What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?
Meg: One elderly reader noted that I got the detail right about the commode on the train! She recalled seeing the tracks below, and how cold it felt… ahem. LOL

TBR: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
Meg: I read over all genres except erotica. I loved LaVyrle Spencer’s romances, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books, Tolkien’s LOTR and The Hobbit, Jonathan Maberry’s zombie horror, Ursula LeGuin’s sci/fi books and I am a long-time mystery reader – historical and contemp both. Charles Todd, Will Thomas, Cleo Coyle, Kate Ross, Kate Collins, Candace Robb and Ellis Peters… I keep a huge list on my website.

TBR: Where can readers find you on the web?
Meg:  Twitter (@megmims), Facebook (Meg Mims plus my book fan pages), Pinterest, my website and blog – http://www.megmims.com

TBR: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Meg: What is your favorite genre to read, historical or contemporary, and why?

TBR: Readers, Meg will give away a PDF of The Key to Love to one lucky commenter. She'll pick a winner on May 30 and announce the winner here. Be sure to leave your email address so she can contact you.

Thanks for visiting TBR, Meg. All the best to you.