Lots coming up on TBR!

This week, TBR welcomes three wonderful authors:

M - 1 - Carolyn Brown

W- 3  - Theresa Danley

F - 5  - Natalie Anderson

A new month begins tomorrow! Which means a new featured author, or in this case, authors - the 13 contributors to the Spirited anthology, perfect for this month because it's all about haunted houses, haunted hearts and a past that refuses to die. I've read it, and all the stories are excellent! Don't let the YA label fool you.

As usual, TBR will hold two blurb fests - Paranormal on Oct. 13-14, and Halloween-themed stories on Oct. 27-28. Lots of spooky fun! So mark your calendars.

Thanks, as always, for your support.

Cate

TBR welcomes Kathy L. Wheeler

TBR: Welcome to TBR, Kathy L Wheeler. Will you share a little bit about yourself?
Kathy: I grew up in Texas, Colorado and somehow ended up in Oklahoma. I’ll admit I was not wild about it in the beginning, but NBA Thunder basketball turned my head after being here almost twenty years. So it’s no surprise I hold season tickets. I also adore theater, karaoke, jazzercise and the NFL. Freaky, I know!

TBR: Tell us about Quotable.
Kathy:  Quotable is the story of a very shy, nerdy-braniac whose college boyfriend really did a number on her. As a result, when people venture to close to heart, obscure quotes pop out, trying to keep those people at bay. In the meantime, someone is trying sabotage her business for reasons unknown to her.

TBR: Please tantalize us with a story blurb or excerpt.
Kathy: Genna Lyndsey is not a people person.  Short, too-skinny, wild haired waif , she wears sturdy nerdy glasses lives through books.  She reads books, buys books, trades books.  So what does a girl do when people venture too close for comfort?  She resorts to communication through obscure quotes, of course.

Rick Johnson, Insurance Fraud Consultant, suspects the owner of Renewed Interest Used Books of sabotaging her own business for insurance money.  But instead of fraud he finds frustration and irresistible attraction in an absent minded, yet brainy, adorable woman.

TBR: What inspired you to write about the theme?
Kathy: I was walking through Border’s Book store a few years ago, when I saw this big fat book, Quotationary. That was my inspiration.

TBR: Are you a plotter or pantser?
Kathy: I start out as a panster, for sure. But in the process, I find myself typing questions and statements at the end of the document just to make sure I’m covering the nuances that arise. Answer questions that my characters seem to have.

TBR: How do you develop your characters?
Kathy: The characters tend to develop themselves. I’m not sure if that good or bad.  I definitely feel like Sybil…

TBR: Do you have a favorite quote you’d like to share?
Kathy: As a matter of fact, I do. “The more I get to know men, the more I love dogs.” By Jeanne-Marie Roland. Through my research, I found that Charles deGaulle sort of took it from Jeanne-Marie

TBR: Did any music inspire your book? Do you have a playlist?
Kathy: I love musical theatre.  Not that I can listen while I write, mind. But my absolutely favorites are Phantom of the Opera, Jekyll & Hyde, Wicked…the theme here is “love triangle.”

TBR: Which of your characters would you most/least like to invite to dinner, and why?
Kathy: This question is two-fold, surprisingly.  I have a Cinderella series, indie published, where in Book II Prince Charming’s irresistible cousin, Sir Arnald, is a teeny bit jealous. Unfortunately for the man sitting next to his attraction, due to Sir Arnald’s little known compellation power, the man in question dumps his glass of wine on himself, through no will of his own. So I would love to invite Sir Arnald to dinner, but only if I know he is on MY side.

TBR: While creating your books, what was one of the most surprising things you learned?
Kathy: The most inspiring thing I’ve learned is that I can finish what I’ve started. And numerous times over. It’s a very encouraging feeling.

TBR: What's next for you?
Kathy: I never know what is next for me. I started singing at 34, graduated from college at 39, started writing at 42. Who knows what’s next! The world is my oyster.

TBR: Any other published works?
Kathy: I have several published works to date. I am part of the Oklahoma Romance Writers who have a project with The Wild Rose Press, Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll series.

The Color of Betrayal, released June 13, 2012;

A fourth in my Cinderella series: The English Lily, (no release date yet);

Quotable, to be released and Maybe It’s You, following soon thereafter.

The Wronged Princess – Book I [http://amzn.to/RQpdJM; http://bit.ly/MrKEd6];

The Unlikely Heroine – Book II [http://amzn.to/UI768F; http://bit.ly/Mm3uGG];

The Surprising Enchantress – Book III — coming soon.

TBR: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Most rewarding?
Kathy: The most challenging aspect of writing is finding time. I work full time outside of writing. I am an active member of OKRWA. Member of a terrific critique group, and am even delving into one or two speaking engagements. But, surprisingly, when something is important to one, one will find the time.

TBR: What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?
Kathy: One friend said: “Have you ever thought about doing a thing on YouTube, talking about your books? You just get so animated, it’s hard to tell if you are speaking about a real person or a character in your stories…” hmmm.

TBR: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
Kathy: My favorite all-time author is Jayne Ann Krentz. All of her single titles work for me. Albeit, historical, contemporary or futuristic. Other faves include: Teresa Medeiros, Elizabeth Boyle, Sabrina Jeffries, Madeline Hunter, Susan Elizabeth Phillips. . .well, you get the picture.

TBR: Where can readers find you on the web?
Kathy:  http://klwheeler.com/

http://kathylwheeler.wordpress.com/

TBR: Readers, Kathy will give away a $10 Amazon gift card to one lucky commenter. She'll pick a winner on Thursday, September 27 and announce the winner here. Be sure to leave your email address so she can contact you.

Thanks for visiting TBR, Kathy! All the best to you.

TBR welcomes Barbara Ann Wright

TBR: Welcome to TBR, Barbara Ann. Will you share a little bit about yourself?
Barbara Ann: Hi, everyone! I write fantasy and science fiction novels and short stories when not adding to my enormous book collection or ranting on my blog. My short fiction has appeared twice in Crossed Genres Magazine and once made Tangent Online's recommended reading list. I am a member of Broad Universe and the Outer Alliance and helped create Writer's Ink in Houston. I currently live in Austin, and The Pyramid Waltz is my debut novel.

TBR: Tell us about The Pyramid Waltz and where it's available.
Barbara Ann: It's a traditional fantasy novel about two women in love: a skirt-chasing princess and courtier unhappy in her role. It's available in print or ebook form from Amazon, boldstrokes.com, or you can order it at your local bookstore.

TBR: Please tantalize us with a story blurb or excerpt.
Barbara Ann: To most, Princess Katya Nar Umbriel is a rogue and a layabout; she parties, she hunts and she breaks women's hearts. But when the festival lights go down and the palace slumbers, Katya chases traitors to the crown and protects the kingdom's greatest secret: the royal Umbriels are part Fiend. When Katya thwarts an attempt to expose the king's monstrous side, she uncovers a plot to let the Fiends out to play.

Starbride has no interest in being a courtier. Ignoring her mother's order to snare an influential spouse, she comes to court only to study law. But a flirtatious rake of a princess proves hard to resist, and Starbride is pulled into a world of secrets that leaves little room for honesty or love, a world neither woman may survive.

TBR: What inspired you to write about the theme?
Barbara Ann: Even though The Pyramid Waltz is billed as a lesbian fantasy romance, the word lesbian is never used in the book. In my made-up universe, no one cares about sexuality. When consenting adults have sex, no one is keeping track of which genitals touch. I wanted to show that this is completely possible, that everyone can be "normal" when it comes to sexuality, and that lesbian love can be just as complete and beautiful as any other kind of love.

TBR: Do you have a favorite quote you’d like to share?
Barbara Ann: This is from one of Starbride's chapters, when she comes to court in a foreign land and finds that neither the attitudes or the fashions are to her liking: "The thought of using another person for her own gain turned Starbride's stomach as much as the current fashion—layers of petal-like, pastel, gossamer fabric, a trend credited to the current Farradain queen. Petite, thin women carried it off. Tall, slender women could wear it well. Even tall and curvy could manage, but the layers turned short curvy women like Starbride into special-occasion cakes. She fought not to cross her arms over one of her mother's custom-designed dresses. At least there wasn't a mirror handy; she didn't have to see how much like a cupcake she looked. She blamed her mother's sweet tooth as much as her mother's fashion sense."

TBR: Did any music inspire your book? Do you have a playlist?
Barbara Ann: I listened to a lot of love songs while I wrote this book, particularly "Meet Me Halfway" by The Black-Eyed Peas. For my action scenes, I love to listen to techno and more industrial music. KMFDM is perfect. For my emotional scenes, I always go to Adele first. Her music is just so beautiful that I can't resist her.

TBR: While creating your books, what was one of the most surprising things you learned?
Barbara Ann: I'm always amazed by how close-knit the online writing community is and how they're so willing to share information. Through blogs, Facebook author pages and sites like Goodreads and Amazon, we can all stay so connected. The writing community is one of the reasons I'm so thankful to be a writer.

TBR: Tease us with one little thing about your fictional world that makes it different from others.
Barbara Ann: Some of my characters, like Princess Katya, carry monsters inside of them that come out when they're enraged. Since Katya and her family are royalty, rage isn't hard to find. I like to pile on the conflict for my characters, so I'm hoping this extra trial makes them that much more interesting. Not only does Katya have to worry about leading a secret organization, she also has to carry around the knowledge that at any time, she could turn into a monster and attack her friends.

TBR: What's next for you?
Barbara Ann: Sequels! I hope to keep writing stories about these characters and this world. I plan to keep writing until I drop. After I finish their current adventures, I'd like to write some stories from earlier in the history of my fantasy universe, maybe some origin stories for the secondary characters.

TBR: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Most rewarding?
Barbara Ann: The most challenging aspect of writing is definitely actually doing the writing: Marking off the time, putting my butt in the chair, and getting it done. I think this is true for many people. What's wonderful is that overcoming this challenge is also the most rewarding aspect of writing, a feeling that snowballs when I actually finish something! That's a moment every writer should celebrate, no matter how long they've been writing.

TBR: Where can readers find you on the web?
Barbara Ann:  Absolutely everywhere! I have a blog http://barbaraannwright.wordpress.com/, an Amazon page, http://www.amazon.com/Barbara-Ann-Wright/e/B008O8HPU8 and a Goodreads page http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5810276.Barbara_Ann_Wright. My twitter handle is @zendragandt and I also have a book trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN07WCQw5Vs&feature=youtu.be and a facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Barbara-Ann-Wright/214899301886781 as well as a home page on the Bold Strokes Book site http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com/categories.php?category=Paperback-Books/Lesbian-Fiction/Browse-by-Author/Wright%2C-Barbara-Ann

TBR: Thanks so much for visiting TBR, Barbara Ann. All the best to you.

Coming up on TBR

Two wonderful authors are confirmed for this week:

M - 24  - Barbara Ann Wright

W- 26  - Kathy Wheeler

 

Wow, this weekend's blurb fest drew 80 unique visitors and as of 6:00 p.m. Sunday, 32 authors had posted blurbs. So cool. :) Thanks to all who participated, and I hope you readers found some new titles to add to your TBR list. If you haven't posted your blurb, there's still time - just add it to the comments section of the post below.

Do you believe only one week is left in September? That means one thing: only one week left to visit with the TBR Featured Author for September, Susan Gourley. Don't miss out!

Thanks for your support,

Cate

A blurb fest for all genres this weekend

TBR invites authors to share their blurbs this weekend - any and all genres. But, as always, please keep your blurbs suitable for general audiences.

It's easy to participate. In the comments section below, just enter:
- Book title and author
- Book blurb
- Buy link

One blurb per author, please.

I'm looking forward to reading some fantastic blurbs this weekend. Post away!
Cate

TBR welcomes JoAnne Kenrick

TBR: Welcome to TBR, JoAnne Kenrick. Will you share a little bit about yourself?

JoAnne: I’m a Welsh lass who has lived across the globe with her hubs and two children, and is now settled in North Carolina. I’ve had various jobs and hobbies, some of which are pretty out there and never made me any cash--Ghost Tour Guide, Color Therapist, Window Dresser, psychic artist and card reader--but thank goodness I finally found my calling. The thing that makes me the most happiest. Writing! Creating people and telling their stories. Yes. I’m where I am supposed to be. And yes, my travel and life experience do inspire stories. You’ll see lots of hints of them in the Tales from the Coffin series especially. My favorite city York, my life as a ghost hunter/tour guide, a romantic getaway near the Black Mountains in Wales. Oh yes. You can experience Britain in my stories, without leaving your seat.

TBR: Tell us about Shamrocked and where it's available.


JoAnne: Shamrocked is Irish Kisses book two, and focuses on Devlin and his reluctance to find love after having his heart crushed by his fiance back in Northern Ireland. Madame Eve has just the woman for him, but the things worth having in life often require a bit of a fight. And boy, has Devlin got his work cut out for him in soap star Liz! Readers of Sweet Irish Kiss already got a sampler taste of Devlin and his naughty side…now get ready to enjoy the full dish! Available in most e-book retailers such as:

kindle http://www.amazon.com/Shamrocked-Night-Stand-Series-ebook/dp/B008LMLNGE   

nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shamrocked-joanne-kenrick/1112118316?ean=2940014622967

Bookstand http://www.bookstrand.com/shamrocked

WhSmiths http://www.whsmith.co.uk/CatalogAndSearch/eBooksProductDetails.aspx?productID=KB00105924617 

and much more!

TBR: Please tantalize us with a story blurb or excerpt.


JoAnne: 

BLURB: Devlin Kinney is focused on his Irish Rock band, Shamrocked. Between that and tending bar at Bell’s Irish Pub, he’s rushed off his feet. Still, he’s envious of Shaun who found his perfect woman through Madame Eve’s exclusive agency, 1Night Stand.

Pushed for time, he follows his friend’s lead and hopes to be matched with a woman ballsy enough to share in his fetish for things that go buzzzz.

At the event of the year for soap stars, Elizabeth Grant meets Devlin and mistakes him for her soon-to-be co-star on The East End. Before she has a chance to confess she’s not his 1Night Stand as he seems to think, the silver-tongued smooth dancer proves irresistible. He seems perfect…for one night of pleasure. She’s ready to play the role of her life!

Will his Irish charm and toys be enough to hold onto his leading lady, or will his heart be shamrocked into next week?

Mini Excerpt:

Surrounded by bridesmaids—the hottest guy in the place. His thick Irish brogue carried over the chattering wedding crowd and bad party songs.

Swallowing any signs of stage fright, she checked her fake hair in a mirrored wall, plumped her boobs, and plastered on a smile before making a beeline for her drop-dead gorgeous, future co-star.

She waded through the rough sea of pink-chiffoned up women, snapped out her arm, and took his hand like one of those shaking weight things. Thought she’d blown it until his mouth tilted up into a tempting smile. Dimples. Oh, my. He would be popular with the ladies. Might even help get her noticed by movie producers. Dating this hottie would get her on every front page known to the British public.

“Liz.” She fought to keep focused on his face rather than his thick muscles and rhythmic movements. She couldn’t recall ever seeing a man who could make dancing to All Night Long by Lionel Ritchie so goddamned sexy. His jig was infectious—her arm swayed in beat with his, their hands still clasped together.

“As in Elizabeth?”

“Uh-huh.” The swarm of bridesmaids knitted their brows and pursed their lips. One even stamped her foot. Liz couldn’t help but turning on a sweet smile. “Buh-bye, ladies.”

TBR: What inspired you to write about the theme? 


JoAnne: The theme of the series, Irish Kisses, came from a pub scene in a movie; I had outlined a basic idea and blurb for a story I'd had based from my own life experiences that the song 'The Exception' inspired me to write. But when i was approached by Decadent to write a 1Night Stand story, it just so happened  I was watching Colin Farrell in In Bruges. Something clicked and sent my plot bunnies into a frenzy. Before I knew it, my little story switched up pace and was set around an Irish Pub in central London then turned into what would soon become known as the panty bunching book (you can thank the awesome Kat from Page Flipperz for that description)! Readers kept asking me when a certain character would have his own story…. and so the Irish Kisses series was born. There's a little bit of Colin in both Shaun and Devlin's characters. And a bit of me and my life's little struggles in each of the female leads.

TBR: Which of your characters would you most/least like to invite to dinner, and why?


JoAnne: I really wouldn't want to have dinner with Estella from Tales from the Coffin series…if you're at dinner at her place, you better be sure to have a huge supply of garlic and hope to heck she's having an off night. Otherwise she'll be having you for dinner, like on a plate.

And sign me up for dinner at Alec Murray's (from Dracula's Kiss) place for dinner…vampires make me go weak at the knees! Scottish accent and his willingness to please might mean we skip dinner, though.

TBR: What's next for you?


JoAnne: I have some really exciting news. Late November will see my holiday Irish Kisses book released, Hot Winter Kiss. It'll be my tenth book with Decadent Publishing -- be sure to be subscribed to my newsletter for details on my ten book swag spurge. Sign up here: www.tinyletter.com/joannekenrick 

Also, watch out for my Bonfire Night Tales from the Coffin special called Treacle and Treason. Also, the third Irish Kisses book, Threesome Sweetness, releases early winter.

The remainder of 2012 calendar of releases are now waiting in line for edits. Meanwhile, I'm working on a few new projects.

TBR: Any other published works?


JoAnne:

Stand alones

When A Mullo loves A Woman {full length, mainstream paranormal romance}

Rock You Like A Hurricane {novella, 80s rock romance set in Australia}

Dracula's Kiss {short novella, paranormal / vampire 1Night Stand book}

Irish Kisses, 1Night Stand Irish Pub Series, contemporary:

Sweet Irish Kiss, book one

Shamrocked, book two

Threesome Sweetness, book three (coming soon)

Hot Winter Kiss, book four (coming soon)

Tales from the Coffin, The Edge series, paranormal erotica shorts:

Strange and Beautiful, book one

All The Pretty Faces, book two

Bittersweet Symphony, book three

Treacle and Treason, book four (coming soon)

TBR: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Most rewarding?


JoAnne: I find keeping the motivation going the most difficult part, with no boss or anyone to tell me to get back to work and quit chatting on social network sites. I'm finding a schedule keeps me on track…on the days I want to stay on track. As for the most rewarding, that'll be hearing from readers about how much they enjoyed one of my books. I tell you, nothing beats it! Or editor comments of praise or giggles, and the cute smiley faces--they go a long way--in track changes during edits.

TBR: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?


JoAnne: I love many authors, and have hundred of favorite books. I'm going on a major contemporary binge at the moment, and flying through books by Anne Rainey and Shelli Stevens and devouring the new Brazen and Indulgent imprints with Entangled.

TBR: Where can readers find you on the web?


JoAnne:

www.joannekenrick.com

www.twitter.com/joannekenrick

www.facebook.com/joannekenrick 



TBR: Readers, JoAnne will give away any of her backlist 1Night Stand books (Sweet Irish Kiss or Dracula's Kiss) to one lucky commenter. She'll pick a winner on 23rd September 2012 and announce the winner here. Be sure to leave your email address so she can contact you.

Thanks for visiting TBR, JoAnne! Best of luck to you.