Showing posts with label featured author. Show all posts
Showing posts with label featured author. Show all posts
Blurb:

I wasn't always in love with Colton Calloway; I was in love with his younger brother, Kyle, first. Kyle was my first one true love, my first in every way.

Then, one stormy August night, he died, and the person I was died with him.


Colton didn't teach me how to live. He didn't heal the pain. He didn't make it okay. He taught me how to hurt, how to not be okay, and, eventually, how to let go.

                         
 Buy from Amazon  | Barnes & Noble | Kobo


Interview with Ms. Jasinda Wilder


Can you tell us something we don’t know about Jasinda?

I play the flute and the piano.

When did you first realize that you wanted to become a writer?

I published Preacher’s Son as something to do for fun and to see if I could actually sell any of them. Then I started writing Big Girls Do it Better as a cathartic journal entry (it is semi-autobiographical, but I’m not telling which parts!). When that turned into a series, I realized how much I loved writing. Then that sort of took off and found its audience, and the rest is history. 

So let’s talk about the book. Why do you feel you had to tell this story? Is there something in this book that is based on real life experience? 

I actually started with the title first, and tried a few other ideas to go with it. Then I remembered a friend of mine who went through something very much like Nell’s experience with Kyle’s death. That turned into an exploration of the effect such an experience would have on Nell. My friend did not react the same way as Nell, just FYI. She grieved and is doing okay, now.

What was your inspiration in creating the characters? Was it hard to do a story about 2 broken souls?

Nell and Colton are…all of us. They are everyone who has felt such pain that we have to take life one breath at time (wasn’t that a line in Sleepless in Seattle?) The inspiration for them was to explore the effects of their individual experiences, i.e. Nell’s refusal to grieve, Colton’s dyslexia and being alone in New York at seventeen. Was it hard? Yes. I came to think of them as real people, friends. To see them go through such terrible experiences was very hard. But we are all broken, in some way, aren’t we? And that, as I said at the beginning, is the inspiration.

There were a lot of good songs incorporated in the story, was it something planned or you just thought of it while writing it?

It wasn’t planned, actually. I’d been wanting to do a book with a playlist, since I’d read a few other great books with playlists or music incorporated into them. I always listen to music when I write and these songs inspired me.

Among all the books that you have read, which of these has significantly contributed to your writing style?

Oh god. All of them. Every book I read influence my writing style. One book may give me an idea for a character, another may influence my use of certain words or phrases. Bella Andre was one the first writers in my overall genre that I read, so I have to give her credit for inspiring me. I believe in the power of love to bring two people together and past any obstacle. I believe in the healing power of love, and the wonder that accompanies sex between two amazing people.

The book was out in just a few days and we have been receiving incredible feedback about it, did you ever expect that people would have such a warm reception over the book? How do you feel about it?

I never expected this kind of reception. I knew as I was writing, and after I read the first draft, that I had what seemed to me to be a powerful story that would likely touch a few people. I never, ever expected the amazing, overwhelming outpouring I’ve gotten.

Let’s do our fast talk:

• Coffee or tea? Coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

• Lights on / lights off? ON! I gotta see my man.

• Boxers or briefs? (For your man) Yes! I like my man in boxer briefs.

• Favorite male body part? Do you have to ask? LOL!

• Do you believe in love at first sight? Hmmm. I believe that there can be an instant chemistry, a unique connection established immediately. I think real, true love has to be developed. You have to have trust and friendship and respect for there to be love.

• 3 things you never leave home without? (apart from keys, phone and money)
You said except keys phone and money, so I’m guessing that means my purse counts? What woman ever leaves home without a purse? Not this one. I almost always have mints or gum. The third thing? My husband. 

• Sleep in or get up early? Which do I do, or which do I wish for? I’d love to sleep in, but I’m up early. 
• Ever slapped a guy? Slapped, punched, kicked, broken pools cues and beer bottles over heads…Anna from Big Girls is a DJ, and that’s one of the autobiographical bits. I’ve had some crazy experiences. 
Any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Stop aspiring and start writing.

Any message to us, your fans?

I love you! You make this career so amazing.

And lastly, if I put my magic mirror in front of you, what would you tell yourself right at this very moment?

It’s only going to get better!



Jasinda Wilder has taught me a lot! I now know that some stories are made for at home reading and some are not to be read at 30,000 feet in the air. Especial not in first class beside a businessman who keeps asking if you are ok because you keep crying! I know now that the “ugly cry” is better left at home under the covers. Mostly she taught me that even in your darkest hour when you feel that you have nothing left you can always find the beauty of love. To say that this book rocked me to my core is an understatement!

“I can’t be fixed.”
“You’re committed to being broken forever?”
“Goddamit, Colton. Why are you doing this? You don’t know me.”
“I want to.” It’s the answer to both of her statements.”


Falling Into You follows the journey of Nell and her childhood best friend turned boyfriend Kyle. Life doesn’t always turn out as planned. In an instant tragedy rocks Nell’s world and it’s in that moment that Colton, Kyle’s older brother, shows her that she will survive the pain but Nell is not ready.

“I wanted nothing more than to climb into the box with him and quit breathing, find him in whatever came after life.”

Two years have passed and Nell is still living in the same brittle state, lost and still in pain. Meeting back up with Colton brings back old feelings and Nell finds herself fighting what feels right. With thoughts of pain and a life lived on barrowed time Nell begins a new journey to find the person that she wants to be. Colton shows her that she needs to allow herself to feel. That she has to deal with the pain.

“I want you to let yourself be broken. Let yourself hurt.”

As we see the story through both Nell and Colton eyes we are able to fully understand tragedy along with the healing power of love. Anything worth having is worth work for. Both Nell and Colton learn that love is a fine balance of joy and pain but falling into love is never easy.

“I’m not just falling in love with you, Nell. I’m falling into you. You’re an ocean, and I’m falling in, drowning in the depths of who you are. Like you said, it’s scary in a way, but it’s also the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced. You are the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced.”

Jasinda Wilder has done an amazing job of telling a story of sadness while still allowing you to see beauty. It sounds cliché but Jasinda words play out like a beautifully written song. The music becomes the forth character in this story. Emotions are best expressed through song. The playlist for this book is amazing (When you throw The Avett Brothers in the mix you can never go wrong). This book delivered so much with in its 223 pages and is a must read for anyone dealing with death. When the ones we love die it is hard to pick up the pieces. We move on by mourning their life but sometimes that isn’t enough. When your soul attaches to another you are permanently bound to each other and not even death can sever that bond. The hardest part of death is the living. Thank you Jasinda! Your words have moved me to tears and brought me back to joy and that is a gift I cherish!

5 STARS!!!! A MUST READ!!!!!!






Jasinda Wilder is a Michigan native with a penchant for titillating tales about sexy men and strong women.

When she’s not writing, she’s probably shopping, baking, or reading.

Some of her favorite authors include Nora Roberts, JR Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Liliana Hart and Bella Andre.

She loves to travel and some of her favorite vacations spots are Las Vegas, New York City and Toledo, Ohio.

You can often find Jasinda drinking sweet red wine with frozen berries and eating a cupcake.





How about a Winemaker's Dinner teaser?

Who doesn’t LOVE a giveaway?


Come join GROOVY TIMES on Facebook to take part in this giveaway!! There is no greater love for an author than for a reader to post a review of their favorite book...now you can share the love and be entered into a contest to win an exclusive prize. Click on the Rafflecopter widget below to start entering to win. The contest ends 3/31/13. Good Luck!!!!

Groovy Times Facebook Link



Giveaways
a Rafflecopter giveaway



You can't resist that smile...so go buy the book today and review it!  You will be happy you did!


When we hit our 1000 likers last Feb 6, my partner and I decided to run an event as our way of thanking all our followers who have continuously supported us throughout this journey. We decided to run a giveaway that will encourage our followers to express their love and gratitude to 3 of our favorite authors, one of them is Michelle Valentine

The winning post that we have chosen for Michelle is from Wendy Bree Rex. Apart from the paperback copy of The Rock The Heart, we have given Wendy the opportunity to ask questions to Michelle. Let's check out her interview!









New York Times and USA Today Best Selling author Michelle A. Valentine is a Central Ohio nurse turned author of erotic and New Adult romance of novels. Her love of hard-rock music, tattoos and sexy musicians inspires her sexy novels.



Website http://www.michelleavalentine.blogspot.com

twitter username M_A_Valentine

Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michelle-A-Valentine/477823962249268?fref=ts

Goodreads Page http://www.goodreads.com/MichelleValentine



Winner Profile:

My name is Wendy and I have an addiction. To books! I'm a definite book slut and proud of it! I picked up my first romance novel at the age of 12 and haven't put them down. Thanks mom! There are so many amazing authors that I love. Some of my favorite include Julie Garwood, Tara Sivec, Rachel Gibson, Laura Wright, Brei Betzold, Michelle Valentine, CJ Roberts and Jessica Sorensen. I've also become a book boyfriend whore. These authors have got to stop writing about so many fake but damn sexy men! uhhummm...Travis Maddox, Braden Carmichael, Rule Archer, James Cavendish, to name a few. Yes! I am a sucker for those bad boys. 


I'm a 28 yr old stay at home wife and mom of four children that love to keep me on my toes. I'll admit to being the worst domesticated wife EVER. Yes, you read that right. I absolutely hate cleaning and would so much rather make the mess with my two year old than have to clean it up. I don't have a ton of free time, but when I do, you'll find me with an actual book in hand or sitting at my computer reading anything I can get my hands on. 


I want to thank Cris and Pamela for this opportunity. And, Michelle Valentine for agreeing to this interview. *MUAH* to you all!



Interview Excerpt:

Can you tell me what you think your biggest stepping stone has been in life to get to where you are today? Any inspirations?

I think my biggest stepping stone to get me where I am was reading. Really, just developing a love for the written word and falling in love with characters inspired me to want to create a world of my own for readers to love.

Who are your biggest supporters and how do they support you?

My husband and my parents are by far my biggest supporters. They’ve listened to me for years ramble on about my books that went no where, and they never once discouraged me. By far they are my cheerleaders
and the people I lean on in all facets of my life.

Any strange writing habits that you have?

Talking to myself and doing gestures as I write to try and figure out how best to word an action. I probably look crazy doing that.

I'm curious about your nursing job and how it might have led you to choose this genre of writing. Do you think there's a connection somewhere in there?

I take care of pediatric special needs kids, so I don’t think there’s really a connection there. As far as nursing goes, I just wanted to do something totally different from nursing, and writing romance is about as far from the nursing world as I can get.

Is there a piece of you in any of your female characters? If so, can you tell me which character holds the biggest piece of you and what it is?

There are parts of my personality in each female character I create. I
try to put myself in their situation and have them react as I would.

You write some really hot and intense love scenes. Was writing your first sexual scene difficult for you and how did you know for sure that you got the right emotion with it?

It was very difficult. My face was totally red and I felt like I was doing something really bad and hoped no one came to read over my shoulder. The emotions I write in those scenes are what I believe the character is feeling at that particular time.

As you know, I'm a huge fan of Riff's bad boy persona and can't wait to read Rock My Bed. Is there a "Riff" in your real life that you were inspired by for his character?

I love take charge men, guys who aren't afraid to tell you up front what their intentions are. There’s no real Riff…that one’s is one of a kind.

Can you tell us your dream cast for the band members of black falcon?

There have been several different rockers that inspired the guys in Black Falcon. I like to take different traits from each one to create the perfect guys in my mind.

Any future events or book signings?

I’ll be in Columbus at the Wessin for a book signing April 20th with several other authors for “Columbus Authors Event,” and then there’s Las Vegas August 16-20th for the Naughty Mafia event. There’s also been some talk about heading out to Portland in the fall, but that’s not firm just yet.
Ryan O'Leary


Ryan writes the steamiest erotica and most playful, flirty romance around. Please enjoy J's White Tank Top, the first book in my J's Closet series in the Tab beside my pictures.  For 18+ only please!  Rarely will you find Ryan O'Leary in a state of rest; if he's not on the ice or kicking around a soccer ball, he's plotting his next story or out on the town with friends. His fun and flirty nature makes it possible for him to write the kind of romance that makes the reader both smile and tingle.

Biography (In Ryan's words)
"I've been writing for years and when I found out that there was a genre where I could put my flirty personality to good use, I jumped on the opportunity and here I am. I try to make myself as accessible to my fans and friends as possible. I've been told that I'm fun to interact with, so hopefully I'll see you around here more often. The only thing I ask is that you don't be shy."


Ryan will be hosting launch party on Facebook this Saturday 



Fast 5 Questions with Ryan O’Leary
1.       Can you describe your write style in one sentence?
“Procrastination with bouts of mania.”
2.       What are your top 5 books
“Fight Club, The Great Gatsby, The Surrender, Any of the Dark Tower books by Stephen King, Playboy (it's a monthly book and I read it for the articles, I swear)”
3.       If you were not writing what would you be doing?
“Anything to do with sports.”
4.       If you had to give up all but one of the following what would you keep.  Facebook, Twitter, your phone or your laptop?
“I could easily do without the first 3, so I'd have to say laptop. Can't write on FB or Twitter and it'd be a pain to do it on my phone.”
5.       Lastly, if you had to recommend one author other than yourself who would it be and why?
“Sable Hunter of course, and not because she and I have worked together in the past and will be in the future, but because her books make you feel every emotion possible, the good one and the bad ones.”
Check out Ryan on Facebook
His blog
Amazon



January 17, 2:02 am.

I was about to go to bed when suddenly my phone chirped. When I opened it up, I saw a message that says...



followed by another one...



I guess you see where I'm coming from. To be noticed by the "Raine Miller" herself is really a God damn big thing for us. We thank Raine for trusting us and for giving us the pleasure of doing it.

So without further adieu, here's the Blackstone Affair Series Book Trailer. Hope you all like it!




Synopsis:


Naked (The Blackstone Affair #1)
by Raine Miller

Brynne Bennett is living the good life. An American art student at the University of London and part-time photographic model, she's putting her life back on track with school and lots of hard work. When ultra successful London businessman, Ethan Blackstone, buys her nude portrait, he isn't taking 'no' for an answer. He wants Brynne in his bed and makes plans to keep her there no matter what. His dominant nature captivates and ensnares despite the demons she carries inside her. But there are secrets in this relationship. Huge ones. Can Ethan free Brynne from the past that has marked her? Will Brynne let him or will the specters tormenting her resurface to destroy them both.

http://www.amazon.com/Naked-The-Blackstone-Affair-Part/dp/1476735247/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_2
-------------------------------

All In (The Blackstone Affair #2)
by Raine Miller

The second part in The Blackstone Affair series! Looming danger. A love worth fighting for. A man  who'll go all in.

Ethan Blackstone has a problem on his hands. He's broken Brynne's trust and she's left him. He's unwilling to live without her and isn't giving up—he's dead-set on getting his beautiful American girl back. The passion between them was explosive, but the secrets they hid from each other are dark and chilling and are powerful enough to destroy their shot at a life together. With political threats now directed at Brynne, Ethan is running out of time and he'll need to gather all his strength and agility to protect her from the dangers that could take her away from him forever. Will Ethan be able to save Brynne from a past that keeps her locked in fear? Will he ever feel the warmth of her touch, the solidity of her trust again? This is a love-struck man who is willing to do whatever it takes to possess the heart of the woman he loves. He'll go to any lengths to protect her. He'll go all in.

Here is the fiery story of what happens when two people surrender to a love so great it can heal the scars of the past and give way to a life of pure, rapturous ecstasy.

http://www.amazon.com/All-In-Blackstone-Affair-Part/dp/1476735271/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1


About the author:

Raine Miller has been reading romance novels since she picked up that first Barbara Cartland book at the tender age of thirteen. And it's a safe bet she'll never stop, because now she writes them too! Granted Raine's stories are edgy enough to turn Ms. Cartland in her grave, but to her way of thinking, a hot, sexy hero never goes out of fashion. A part-time teacher and writer of sexy romance stories every other chance she gets pretty much fills her days. She has a handsome prince of a husband, and two brilliant sons to pull her back into the real world if the writing takes her too far away. Her sons know she likes to write stories, but gratefully have never asked to read any, thank God! Raine loves to hear from readers and to chat about the characters in her books.


Author Links:

Website: http://rainemiller.com

FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Raine-Miller-Romance/192424687520533?fref=ts

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4930653.Raine_Miller



Raine's other Books:




(cover reveal soon)





This week's Author Quick Stop is with AC Marchman, author of Overwhelm Me, first book in the Callahan Series.




Allie Marshall has dealt with a traumatic past that she desperately wants to keep buried. She moved to Atlanta to escape her old life and pursue her dream of becoming a Physician Assistant. With the help of her roommate, Livey, she has finally gotten her life back on track and will be graduating from Emory University with honors.

Then, she meets Donovan Callahan, a sexy and wealthy doctor who Allie cannot resist. Their relationship starts off intense and full of passion. Donovan wants to give Allie the world. But she soon learns he was involved with Claire Dubois, a reality star convicted of murdering her husband. Will she stick by his side when all of his baggage comes to the surface or will she be overwhelmed and turn her back on him?



Fast 5 Questions:



1. Can you describe your write style in one sentence?
My writing style , I think, is quick paced and racy, i dont dwell on things.

2. What are your top 5 books?
Hmmm top 5. They are all by my friends/indie authors and in no particular order. Rock the heart by michelle valentine. The proposition by katie ashley. The valentine arrangement by kelsie leverich, mending by jb mcgee, and tidal by emily snow.

3. If you were not writing what would you be doing instead?
Well, i'm xray tech and mommy first, so i guess thats what i would doing.

4. If you had to give up all but one of the following what would you keep. Facebook, Twitter, your phone or your laptop?
Oh i would have to keep facebook! I can always handwrite my book, then pay someone to type it!

5. Lastly, if you had to recommend one author other than yourself who would it be and why?
Ohhh, i am put on the spot! If i had to choose one, i would choose...oh man, this is hard. I guess it would be Michelle Valentine. I love books about rockers and she does a great job with that. She is also dabbling into the paranormal which i think can be difficult, but I have a feeling it is going to be great!


About this author
AC Marchman lives in Virginia with her husband Dan and their three children, Hannah, Jacob and Sarah. By day, she is a wife, mommy, and an x-ray tech for a doctor's office. By night (and nap time) she is a writer. She loves spending time with her family. She also loves to read. Her favorite authors being EL James, Sylvia Day, James Patterson, and Tess Gerritsen.
Pieces of Lies
Released 7th January 2013

Synopsis:

Passionately driven artist, Norah Ross, has been banished from New York to Morewell for her final semester of graphic design at McLaren University. Her move allows her to reconnect with Josh, her best friend, who is more then thrilled at Norah's appearance back into his life.

At the same time that Norah steps back into Josh's heart, she learns that he is in the process of being accepted into McLaren's uber exclusive secret society, the 'Lappell'. Josh takes Norah to the Lappell's glamorous parties in the hope of taking their friendship to the next level, but when Norah meets the handsome and elusive Clint Weston, a leader in the Lappell, he sweeps her off her feet in more ways then one.

Norah quickly becomes caught up in an emotional tug-of-war between the two guys while also trying to deal with her own secrets that follow her every day. When Norah's past begins to intertwine with her present, what unfolds is a series of dramatic events filled with romance, mystery and dark motivations. She quickly realizes the path to real love can be paved in all kinds of lies.


About the author (GR profile)

"I am happiest when Im writing and am currently writing the sequel to Pieces of Lies due out mid 2013. Im a lover of books, art & fine art photography, movies, rock music, creative vision and imagination, and most of all, I love to find beauty in imperfection. I'm 33 years old, a mother of two, a wife, and a mental artist. I have a ninja cat called 'Slash' (after Guns n' Roses) and a beagle called 'Beagles'. I'm addicted to coffee, coconut macarons and wine, and I'm passionately obsessed with life & love. I am also inspired by the quote by Ernest Hemingway which says, "Live the full life of the mind, exhilarated by new ideas, intoxicated by the romance of the unusual."



Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17213143-pieces-of-lies

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pieces-of-Lies-Official-book-page/137567163058968

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/angeljayne79/pieces-of-lies-book/


Fast 5 Questions

1. Can you describe your write style in one sentence?
I would say it's a little wordy and enthusiastic, but then again, so am I, but it's my artistic outlet, the way I express myself, so I jump in whole heartedly.

2. What are your top 5 books
1. Pride and Predjudice by Jane Austen
2. American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
3. Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
4. The Fifty Shades trilogy by E.L James
5. The Opportunist / Dirty Red series by Tarryn Fisher

3. If you were not writing what would you be doing instead?
Movie Critic. I love movie scripts as much as books. There is so much creative vision in making a script come to life. I spent countless hours growing up analyzing and memorizing scripts in movies by Quentin Tarrantino, Martin Scorsese, Guy Ritchie, John Hughes...to name a few... and at present, I'm currently obsessed with Christopher Nolan's scriptwriting. 

4. If you had to give up all but one of the following what would you keep. Facebook, Twitter, your phone or your laptop?
Laptop. Had a meltdown recently when my laptop broke down and I had to replace it. My family and myself would certainly say laptop! I write on my laptop, surf the net, stay connected with friends and family all over the world. It's part of the family :-) 

5. Lastly, if you had to recommend one author other than yourself who would it be and why?
Tarryn Fisher. I think she is one to watch. I love her writing style. It has an edge and a sense of reality to the characters that I just adore and can relate to on so many levels. Her stories are unpredictable and she doesn't seem to care that her characters are not always likeable. I love that boldness about her work. It's risky and raw and very entertaining.

WATCH OUT FOR TOMORROW'S POST AS WE GIVE AN EXCERPT OF PIECES OF LIES.

I have been meaning to have my favorite authors to visit my blogsite. I wanted to do it ever since, but never really had the guts to approach any of them. I remember stalking at S.C. Stephens blog and fb page every single day (yeah you heard me, I’m a big time stalker)…too scared to post a comment so I would only like all her updates. But until I met this super special Author, who not only write good, well I think its an understatement, so let me rephrase that…who not only writes excellent books but someone who is very genuine and sincere. She knows her readers well and she always finds time to patiently answer every single question, comment or even just to say hi! So since its my birthday today (yeah, I found an excuse), I decided to have her as my first featured author in my blog. I hope you’ll all enjoy our mini conversation. So lemme give you the New York Time’s Best Selling Author of The Proposition, my ultimate favorite and a good friendMs. Katie Ashley.


Me: First, let me say thank you for gracing my blogsite and thank you for being so patient. I know its not easy to deal with a pesky fan like me (lol). So let’s start this party rollin’.

I know that you have been writing since you are about four, (yes, I’ve done my research) but can you tell us more about that story like when did you first realize that you wanted to become a writer?

KA: As a little girl, I was always writing stories. I won the Young Author’s Fair in 8th grade ironically for a poem I wrote. I kept on through my teenage years, but I was so worried about fitting in that I did it in secret, lol. Story-telling was a great part of my growing up. My paternal grandfather loved telling me stories of his life along with making up stories where I was usually the star. My maternal grandmother also loved telling stories about growing up during the Depression. There was always the desire and the knowledge that someday I would be a writer.

Me: Perhaps you’ve been asked about this next question too many times already, but for the sake of others who are really interested to getting to know you, can you tell us about the first book you have ever written? I mean the official one J (well if you would count the story about the three little cats, Mat, Dat & Lat, who am I to disagree?)
***just a little trivia, this is one of  her childhood stories that she created when she was about four years old. It’s a story about three little cats who went on a camping treat with their parents.

KA: The first book I wrote and completed was my adult literary fiction, The Road to Damascus. It will always be a book very close to my heart. It was a story that was with me for years before I finally decided the summer I was twenty-nine that if I was going to write a book, it was now or never. I wrote it before I knew anything about the writing industry, so it was all about enjoying the process and being immersed in my world and characters. I can honestly look back on the writing of it as one of the happiest times of my life. It was greatly influenced by my roots and my raising along with my love of Southern literary fiction like To Kill a Mockingbird, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Café, and Cold Sassy Tree.

Me: Among all the books that you have read, which of these has significantly contributed to your writing style?

KA: I would probably have to say To Kill a Mockingbird. Not only is it my favorite book, but it’s every aspect of the novel. It’s the characters, the setting, the story-telling. (oh, I second the motion!)




ME: Ihave read (oh, well another understatement…I stalked!) somewhere that you love to sing, so which genre do you usually listen to when you’re writing? Have you ever written a book which was inspired by a certain song or singer?

KA: Haha, yes, I was involved in theater back in the day. My YA novel, Jules the Bounty Hunter, was totally inspired by the song Beer for My Horses by Toby Keith—I know that probably sounds odd, but it, coupled with the video and my love for Dog the Bounty Hunter, totally spun the story.

When I’m writing, I prefer movie scores like The Holiday, Meet Joe Black, or Last of the Mohicans.




Now on to the book that placed you on the New York Time’s Best Selling List, The Proposition…

ME: Why do you feel you had to tell this story? Is there something in this book that is based on real life experience?

KA: Back in April, my then Young Adult agent told me I should write what I know. For me, I preferred writing as escapism, not to express my hopes and my dreams. At the risk of sounding like a Mary Sue, lol, there is a lot of me in Emma. I have the same intense desire for motherhood as she does. I’ve also experienced the loss of my parents. Both died of cancer—my dad when I was seventeen and my mom when I was twenty-three.

ME: How do you usually come up with the character’s name? (Aidan’s unique and mmm hell yeah, wooingly sexy, nice pick J)

KA: Aidan is a name I’ve always liked since that sexy Aidan Shaw came into Carrie Bradshaw’s life on Sex and the City! Ironically, there’s a half-finished YA novel of mine with cute brothers named Aidan and Liam Cleary.

ME: Did you ever expect that people would have such warm reception over the book? Did you have any apprehensions that it will make it to the top? (To be honest, the first few chapters alone can prove it will hit big, so I never really had a single doubt)

KA: Honestly, I’m still in shock at how well The Proposition has done. After three years of struggle in the business, it is absolutely amazing to find an audience who appreciates your work, adores your characters, and can’t wait to see where the story goes next.  In a lot of ways, The Propositionfeels like a quiet story—Aidan isn’t your Christian Grey or Gideon Cross. The fact that it rose so fast and went so far is such an amazing blessing to me. I’m still in shock and awe, and I cannot thank my readers, bloggers, and fans enough.





Let’s do fast talk: you can answer with a word, phrase or line but need no elaboration.

  1. Coffee or tea?
Erm, neither? LOL Coke zero in the mornings to get me up and about. But if we’re talking dinner, I’m a Southern gal who is very particular about my Sweet Tea.

     2. Lights on / lights off?
Lights off

     3. Boxers or briefs?

Hmm, I’m not picky.

      4. Favorite male body part?
The v…lol

      5. Worst pick up line you have ever received?

Oh God, there’s too many to list!!

      6. Do you believe in love at first sight?
I believe in lust at first sight, I suppose. (Katie! you seriously crack me up, but that's the way we like it, don't we?)

      7. Paperbacks / ebooks?
Both.
       8. 4 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, phone and money)?
Good music, comfortable shoes,

       9. Sleep in or get up early?
Sleep in…I’m not a morning person.

      10. Ever slapped a guy?
Not literally but in my mind I have many, many times!

Final Part:

ME: Any advice to give to aspiring writers?

KA: It’s corny, but don’t give up and don’t stop believing. There were many times over the last three years between the two agents and two almost deals that I wanted to give up. It looks like I would never have an audience for my work, but you can’t give up. You have to keep on believing for yourself.

ME: Any message to your fans? (I know I couldn’t claim No. 1 as the seat has been taken by big mama, but I would gladly take the No.2 die hard fan title though, and you know that J )

KA: God bless you for your support. I can never tell you how much you mean to me. You restored my faith in writing, myself, and sometimes in humanity!

ME: If I put my magic mirror in front of you, what would you tell yourself right at this very moment?

KATo keep having faith. If 2012 has taught me anything, it’s that when everything looks bleak and dark, you’ve lost all hope, and you’re so ready to give in, just keep believing. Things will change and look up. Most of all, draw on that amazing strength that has been bestowed on you by those you have loved and lost.





And super last:

ME: Was there ever a time your dogs chew on your manuscript? (Awww! Bet Duke and Chance would be grounded)

KA: HAHA, no, but they have chewed through power cords. Does that count?






Thanks Katie! I love you to bits!


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The Proposition Book Trailer