Category: Valentines

Valentines

2/1/2014

Valentines were always a source of anxiety for me growing up. First, I had to talk my mom into buying the pre-printed Valentines depicting a non-embarrassing cartoon character. Heaven forefend I end up with Snoopy Valentines. Everybody knew only losers gave out Peanuts cards. It had to be Garfield or Strawberry Shortcake or the mean girls would giggle and whisper and run from me feel like I had cooties.

Even if I did get the proper cards, I had to sort through the 24 count set and throw out any that hinted at romantic love. Anything that said, “Be Mine” or “Hugs and Kisses” was definitely out. If the wrong person received a “Forever in my Heart” card from me, I could be sure that the mean girls would have the card-bearer and myself ‘sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g’ until the cows came home.

One year, after sorting through my Tweety Bird cards (seriously, Mom, were they out of Garfield or what?), I came up one short. I made sure the mean girls and my friends got the ‘good’ cards, but I needed one more card for a boy I'll call Ted. I didn’t feel right about leaving Ted out entirely, so I made him a card in the shape of a whale out of construction paper hearts. There was nothing romantic about a whale, but it was made of hearts so it counted as a Valentine. Problem solved.

A funny thing happened. Ted sought me out after the class Valentine party. He thought my whale Valentine was really cool. I explained that I had run out of my store-bought ones. This was my elementary school way of informing him that I was not in love with him. Of course, he never assumed I was. Romance is probably the farthest thing from an eight-year-old boy’s mind. He just thought it was clever, and thoughtful, unlike the store-bought cards everyone else passed out.

It stuck with me, all these years. I wonder what would have happened if I had spent less time and energy trying to impress the mean girls, and more time being creative, and thoughtful. I’m pretty sure the mean girls would have invented new ways to make my life miserable, but maybe it would have been worth it.

Thanks to J.A. Garland for inviting me to join her Love-Struck blog hop. The big blog-hop giveaway ran from Feb. 10- 14th. Congrats to Lori, the grand prize winner!

You can still enter to win a free e-book of Watcher from me (See Rafflecopter giveaway below)!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Interview with Judy Griffith Gill

2/24/2013

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For my last Romance author interview, I’ve invited Judy Griffith Gill, author of a lot of romance novels from sweet, sexy contemporary, futuristic and fantasy and even one futuristic erotica, to be my guest star. Thanks for stopping by, Judy!

It's my understanding that you’ve recently made some of your backlist available as ebooks. From where did you draw inspiration for all of these love stories?

There's a direct connection between my brain and my fingertips. I put the latter on the keyboard, the former kicks in, there you go--a story happens. Okay, that's the glib answer. Seriously, like most authors, I really have no
idea where the inspiration comes from. Sometimes, a dream triggers an idea. Other times, it's a snippet of overheard conversation, or a flower or a poem or random thought or something I read in a newspaper. It's all imagination, and
wondering, and the question "What if...?" then finding the answer. People often ask about writers' block. I don't think I've ever suffered it, but while some of my books flowed, others, I felt like I was chipping them out of a block of stone
with the corner of a dry sponge.

What’s one thing you consider to be an essential ingredient for a good love story?

A happy ending. Period. Like you gave readers in Watcher.

What was the best valentine you’ve ever gotten?

Um, you said this is a PG site, Audra, so I'm not going there. But the second best valentine I ever got was a card from the man who's been in my life for probably longer than you've been around this earth in your current form. It's a beautiful card, with pink roses and a glowing candle, and the corner of a box of chocolates. On the inside, it says "Feliz
cumpleaños a mi hija". I received it on Feb. 14th, 2002, the first year we were in Costa Rica when my husband knew about three words of Spanish and didn't know it was a birthday card for his daughter. But truly, it is the thought that
counts and I'll keep it forever.
　
If the main character in your latest novel were to write a valentine to his/her lover, what might it say?

Wherever you need to be--that's my home, too.

What’s your latest novel about, in 25 words or less?

Joanna, pregnant, long divorced, no mate, fights for respect of family and community--and finds it in Joanna--Jinxed.

Where can we find out more about your books?

On my website www.judyggill.com. I have an active site with many different pages, some pertaining to my books, others highlighting books I've edited or simply enjoyed, with links to different places, including my blog. I also blog periodically at www.ninc.com. on writing related matters. Open Road Media, who now represents a good portion of my backlist, has opened a page for me at http://www.openroadmedia.com/authors/judy-g-gill.aspx
ORM has placed my titles with all the major e-book sites and made them available at Audible.com.

Thanks for inviting me, Audra. I usually hate answering questions about my work, but you made it easy and fun.

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Interview with Ute Carbone

2/20/2013

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Since February is the month for love & Valentines, I thought I would interview romance writers for their take on such things. This week I’ve invited Ute Carbone, author of Afterglow: A romantic comedy about starting over, The P-Town Queen: A romantic comedy with a shark researcher herione and a hero pretending to be gay, Blueberry Truth: Women’s fiction about a troubled little girl and the teacher who takes her in, The Whisper of Time: a time travel romance novella, to be my guest star. Thanks for joining me, Ute!

What’s your favorite love story of all time?

Romeo and Juliet. I’m a sucker for star crossed lovers.

Is there anything that ruins a good love story for you?

Characters I can’t believe in. I like to feel like I could be friends with
the herione and I like to fall in love with the hero just a little bit.

I’ve been known to consume large quantities of chocolate on Valentine’s Day (okay, most days). What’s your favorite Valentine’s treat?

I’m with you, Audra. I love chocolate, especially dark chocolate. I also have a thing for gummy bears. Go figure.

How would your main character complete this love poem? Roses are red, violets are blue…

Hmm, Mitch, the younger-man hero and love interest in Afterglow is a funny, romantic kind of guy. He might go with something like “my heart dances, when I see you." Marco, from P-Town is is a 'how you doin' kinda guy and a chef. He might go with something like "I love you so much I’ll make you fish stew."

What’s your latest novel about, in 25 words or less?

Afterglow is about a woman of a certain age who discovers that her life doesn’t end with her marriage and that love is terrific the second time around.

Where can we learn more about your books?
Information on all my books is available at my website: http://www.utecarbone.com/
I also have a blog: http://ute-carbone.blogspot.com/
A facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ute-Carbone/234417796596443
And I tweet at: http://twitter.com/Wildwords2

3 Comments

Interview with Mary McCall

2/17/2013

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My Valentine interviews with romance writers continue. There will be two each week, so be sure to catch them all!

This week I've invited Mary McCall, best-selling author of
Historical Romance to stop by. Thanks for being here, Mary!

Thanks so much for having me here, Audra.

Of all of the couples you've 'matched up' in your books, do you have a favorite pair?

For me that's hard to answer because it's whoever I'm writing about at the time, probably because I have an active relationship with them at the time. And I think most of my readers will be glad when I can put this relationship to rest, the book is released and I move on to something else.

What do you think makes for a good romantic pairing? Do you believe opposites really attract?

These are interesting questions. I think the best romantic pairs are those who trust each other so much that intimacy is second nature. And I don't mean just being comfortable in silence. I mean true gut-level intimacy that allows one's spirit to talk to another and a level of trust so great that the only one that could possibly receive more trust is God, Himself. Opposites can attract and the conflict makes for a good book in both reality and in fiction. Then again, sames can attract and I truly think a little sameness is a good thing along with a little difference. That's what makes every relationship unique. When soulmates
are paired, the intimacy will be there whether they partners are alike or opposites.

What is your favorite date movie, and why?

Whatever action movie is the craze at the time. He gets what he wants and after the movie I can demand what I want. Just don't tell him I love action movies.

If they were to make a movie out of your latest novel, who would you choose to play the lead roles, and why?

Truly, I doubt I could pick now. Ten years ago I could have picked perfectly but the actors would be too old now. The one thing I know is that Michael has Sean Connery's voice. As for the heroine, where are we to find a, short tanned-until-bronzed Roman with better gymnastic skills than the entire US women's team? Wait, take that further. She not only has the skills, but she's a woman warrior so uses them to fight on the move.

What's your latest novel about, in 25 words or less?

Luther Pendragon failed. King Author failed. After 800 years, we have a new King Arthur. Along with his wife, he is a world-saving warrior for God.

Where can we learn more about your books?

You can visit my website at www.marymccall.net and click on books; or you can visit my website and click on The Stoa and join us for the grand opening which runs from February 15 through 28, 2013 with plenty of prizes. The Stoa is a
'playground' for readers and authors, so when we have enough interaction, we'll start having featured authors. Hope you can all join us.

This has been an enjoyable interview, Audra. I appreciate your invitation. At the end of my time here, I draw a name from all the comments that contain an email address for a $10 Starbucks card. Happy reading and writing!

16 Comments

Interview with author Celia Breslin

2/13/2013

7 Comments

Since February is the month for love & valentines, I thought I’d invite
some romance writers to stop by my blog and share some of their stories. There will be a couple guest interviews each week, so be sure to catch them all! This week I’ve invited Celia Breslin, author of HAVEN, a romantic urban fantasy, to be my guest star. HAVEN releases this July from Burst Books (a Champagne Book Group imprint). Thanks for coming by, Celia!

Hi Audra, thanks for having me over to chat today.

What do you like most about writing a love story?

Ha, that’s easy - the love, of course! Real life has its ups and downs and so does a good love story. I enjoy sinking deep into my characters and riding their ups and downs and ultimately, I relish their happy ending. It’s also quite fun to experience the “first meet” with my hero and heroine, when they’re struck by that initial spark of attraction, along with the suspicion that “Uh-oh, this one is special. Important. A keeper...” I’ve been happily married for eighteen years so it’s nice to relive that honeymoon phase vicariously through my characters. :-)

What is the most difficult part about writing for you?

I have more ideas than time to write. If only there were more hours in a day, or my body could survive on less sleep. ;-)

I was serenaded once. Okay, the song was “The Freaker’s Ball” and I was terrified I was going to end up on display in the guy’s wax museum after, but it was a serenade. What’s the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for you?

Hm, just one moment, eh? There are so many good moments with my husband spanning little things like mixed tapes when we were dating and love emails to grand gestures such as surprising me with a new laptop for Xmas this year. But I’d have to say the all-time greatest romantic moment was when he took me to a beautiful, secluded spot in Golden Gate Park and pledged his love for me. I pledged right back, of course!

If the main character in your latest novel were to buy his/her lover a gift for Valentine’s Day, what would it be?

Carina, the heroine of HAVEN, owns a dance club and her undead, fated soul mate Alexander is an accomplished musician. She would arrange a concert for him at her club, starring his favorite pianist.

What’s your latest novel about, in 25 words or less?

HAVEN: San Francisco nightclub owner discovers latent powers and makes peace with her vampire family, destiny and soul mate, with Team Evil in hot pursuit.

Where can we learn more about your books?

I write paranormal romance and urban fantasy with romantic elements about vampires, faeries, and assorted other sexy and mysterious creatures of the Otherworld. To learn more about my work, please surf on over to my Web site at
http://www.celiabreslin.com/

Thanks again, Audra, for having me visit your blog. And Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! :-)

7 Comments

Interview with author Allison Knight

2/10/2013

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My interviews with romance writers continue!  Please welcome Allison Knight, author of historical romances Heal My Hurting Heart and A Treasure for Sara as well as medieval romances Heartsong, Battlesong, and Windsong, (to name a few).

You’ve got an impressive list of titles to your name. What’s the most unusual
source of inspiration for a story you’ve ever had?

First, thanks for asking me to visit. I love to talk about writing romance. Today we can all use a little bit of love, I think. Now, on to the questions.

Would you believe my most unusual source of inspiration was an opera? I was driving on the interstate, on my way to teach a writing class at a local college one night and I was listening to our classical music station. (Yep, I’m into classical music.) They were playing the last act of Faust. There is a beautiful chorus at the very end as the heroine kills herself. Yeah, I know, most operas end tragically. So I’m driving along listening to this music, and I suddenly a get a clear vision of a woman dressed in medieval garb, kneeling before a knight. She’s crying and saying something about her baby. I was so stunned, I pulled into the service plaza and sat there. At that moment, Heartsong was born because I had to find out why that woman was crying. I went to class and during the coffee break the plot began to form. It took a couple of years and a lot of rewrites, but Heartsong ended up being an award winner and one of my favorite books. From it was born the whole medieval ‘song’ series.

Ever experienced writer’s block? If not, what’s your secret; if yes, what’s your cure?

I think every author I know has experienced writer’s block. I personally either switch genres or take time out and read. If that doesn’t work, then I’ll drag out the crocheting or the knitting. I have an afghan I started 10 years ago that’s not finished, a hooked throw rug, a third of the way finished and during the last batch of writer’s block I knitted a sweater for my granddaughter, then age nine. She’s married now and has just had her first baby. So usually switching genres works for me.

‘Crazy 4 U’ and ‘Hug Me’ are good, but if you could create a new candy heart saying, what would it be?

In today’s society I could probably get away with something gross, but I won’t say what they are. My brain says one should say, ‘Read Me’. I also like ‘Kiss Me’ and ‘Let’s Cuddle’. Would that fit on a heart? As you can see, I have a very simple mind.

What type of gift would the main character in your latest novel like to receive for Valentine's Day?

I take it, we are talking about my last published novel, ‘Windsong’. My heroine in that book was a lovely lady, a bit shy, and she thinks of herself as a coward. Of course, she’s not, and she is not a person interested in expensive gifts or things costing a lot of money. She’d be thrilled with flowers, or time spent with the love of her life. Remember, this is set in the
`13th century and Valentine’s day was not a time for gift giving.

What’s your latest novel about, in 25 words or less?

At the moment, I’m working on the edits for a contemporary, to be released in May. This one titled Betrayed Bride.

Samantha wakes from a coma, her memory of the last year gone. When she remembers, she discovers she's been betrayed by everyone important to her.

Where can we learn more about your books?

You can visit my web site, www.AllisonKnight.com or go to Champagne Books and search for Allison Knight.
You’ll find titles and excerpts of the books in both places. I also have a blog, www.AllisonKnight.blogspot.com and I enjoying posting on several romance loops where I get a chance to talk about the digital market, writing and the curves
life throws your way.

Thanks for having me.

Thank you, for being here!

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Interview with author Pippa Jay

2/6/2013

8 Comments

To help get us in the mood for Valentine's Day, this February I've invited some romance authors to stop by my blog. There will be two guest interviews each week, so be sure to
catch them all!

This week I’ve invited Pippa Jay, author of Keir and Terms
& Conditions Apply to be my guest star. Thanks for being here,
Pippa!

Thanks for having me, Audra!

I recently learned that the majority of books sold are romance novels. Why do you think romance is such an appealing genre?

I think because, no matter how torturous and heartrending the story
itself might be and whatever hardships the characters suffer, in the
end there's always a HEA or at least a HFN, which makes them
a feel-good type of story. They're also very flexible - you can blend
in pretty much any other genre to broaden their appeal. I wouldn't read
a contemporary romance, but mix in some scifi, fantasy or even just
a touch of magic realism and I'll read it.

What would you say are some key ingredients for a good date?

For me personally, it's who I'm spending the time with rather than what we do. There shouldn't be too
many distractions so a quiet dinner or a walk on the beach are perfect. Really getting to know the other
person is more important than the occasion. That's just window dressing. Although I wouldn't turn down
an extravagant party if it's on offer.

I spent many school dances at home eating chips and ice cream, which is a good thing,
considering my dancing skills. Did you ever have to cheer yourself up after a disappointing
date (or non-date)? What was your cure?

Lol, I'm afraid comfort food was my choice of consolation too. Something chocolate for preference.
Or a really good singing session to pour out all the negativity.

What would the main character of your latest book be like on a date? (Shy, life of the party, naughty?)

My male MC was brought up in a medieval-style society, so he's quite reserved, courtly and considerate. He also
doesn't consider himself attractive due to a genetic aberration that made his skin dark blue, and his body is
completely covered in tattoos so he would be a little tentative on a date I think.

What’s your latest novel about, in 25 words or less?

Reviled and outcast by his own people, Keir must overcome his tortured past and master his alien heritage to save
the woman he loves.

Where can we learn more about your books?

You can find them on my blog - http://pippajay.blogspot.co.uk
Or on Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5054558.Pippa_Jay

Thanks so much for being here, Pippa! And here's a look at Pippa's Terms & Conditions Apply:

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Interview with author Rita Bay

2/1/2013

10 Comments

Since February is the month for love & valentines, I thought I’d invite some romance writers to stop by my blog and share some of their stories. There will be new guest interviews each week, so be sure to catch them all!

This week I’ve invited Rita Bay, author of many fabulous books, including Into The Lyons' Den, to stop by. I just started reading this one and I'm enjoying the strong female protagonist. Thanks for being here, Rita!

Thank you so much for inviting me, Audra. I love to visit, but if I’m to bare
my soul, I’m inviting all your guests to do the same. Share your personal
business and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a copy of my paranormal
shapeshifter, Into the Lyons’ Den. The question’s at the end.

How do you get in the mood to write a love story? Any special music, snacks
or other rituals?

No special music, snacks, or rituals for me. I’m always in the mood to write.
Just put me in front of my laptop or, if I’m away from home, let me pull out my
little notepad and I’m good to go. I prefer to write beside my antique library
desk, kicked back in my chair with my feet propped up on a foot stool with a
glass of water close by. No deep venous thromboses for this writer!!

You’ve got an impressive list of titles to your name! Which of these would make the best
date movie, were Hollywood to get a hold of it, & why?

Historicals aren’t in now, so I would prefer Into the Lyons’ Den for the
story. The heroine is feisty, the hero is arrogant, and it gets plenty hot. If I
were to choose the BEST book-to-movie, that would have to be The Aegis which
will be released by Champagne in April. It’s a vampire story with a twist. Light
Warriors, all of them gorgeous and practically immortal, battle the evil
vampires, who are not-so-gorgeous and smell like road kill. Of course, it’s a
romance, so the heroine is a beauty who has no idea about her heritage as a
vampire hunter, especially one who occasionally sprouts fangs herself.

I once sent a guy on a scavenger hunt around town, leading him to a park where I
ambushed him with squirt guns. (Did I mention we were in costume?) What’s the
most unusual date you’ve ever experienced (or written about in one of your
novels)?

The date was actually part of a trip when I lived in Italy. On a trip to
Sardinia, we had to take an overnight ferry across the Mediterranean to reach
the island. Usually, a ferry ride gets you from one place to another. That ferry
ride became one of those keeper memories.

We had rented a cabin for the night but heard music playing outside. We left
our cabin and ended up the only Americans at a deck party with Sardinians
returning home from the mainland. Everyone knows to bring their own food and
drink on trips like that to avoid the bad wine, non-potable water, and dry
panini on the ferry – same for rail travel. The Sardinians also brought their
musical instruments and livestock. We spent the night listening to the music,
dancing, sharing our meal, and drinking with the friendly Sardinians. A night to
remember!!

If the main character in your latest novel were to plan a date for
Valentine’s Day, what would it entail?

A rare steak dinner for a beginning. Readers first meet Damian at the elegant
Four Seasons restaurant in New York City where he’s dining on a very rare
buffalo steak when The Call comes. When Melinda Kidare has her first contact
with an Aegis stone, the Call summons Damian to New Orleans to rescue his
lifemate whom he has never met. So a rare steak dinner at a nice restaurant
would be apropos. And some jewelry. Melinda likes her jewelry for which she is always VERY
grateful. Since this is a PG blog, I’ll end the evening there.

What’s your latest novel about, in 25 words or less?

You ask a writer to answer a question in twenty-five words or less? OK, here
goes. Light Warrior Damian rescues Melinda from vampires hunting women of power.
Can his erotic courtship convince her to stay with him rather than run? I DID
IT IN 24!!

Where can we learn more about your book? How can readers enter your giveaway?

You can learn more about my books and check out my daily blog on history and
culture at http://ritabay.com. Want to win a copy of Into the Lyons’ Den? I
bared my soul, so now it’s your turn. One random commenter will win a copy of
Into the Lyons’ Den for answering the following before February 7th: What was
YOUR most unusual date?

Thanks for inviting me to visit, Audra. Best of luck with your new release
from Champagne, Watcher. Loved the story. One of the most evocative covers I’ve
ever seen. Who could imagine an artist could do so much with GREEN.
Later,
Rita

10 Comments

Valentines

Interview with Judy Griffith Gill

Interview with Ute Carbone

Interview with Mary McCall

Interview with author Celia Breslin

Interview with author Allison Knight

Interview with author Pippa Jay

Interview with author Rita Bay

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