Reed Stirling is visiting and talking about writing Shades of Persephone #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Mystery #Literary

 

Day 1

1.What is your latest book or the one to be featured? what genre?

Shades of Persephone is the novel I wish to feature. It is best described as a literary mystery, although it can also be classified as mythological, espionage, and romance.

 

2. Where did the idea arise?

While travelling around the Mediterranean, I fell in love with the old Venetian harbour of Chania, a city on the north coast of Crete, reputed to be the oldest site of western civilization in Europe. What a setting for fiction! What plots might have unfolded here given the fascinating history of the island! Why not a contemporary one?

Inspired by ubiquitous mythical signage, but especially by Lawrence Durrell’s The Alexandria Quartet and John Fowles’ The Magus, novels I was reading at the time, I began sketching out plausible characters of varying backgrounds, foremost among whom, Steven Spire, a young expat as narrator and central character of artistic temperament in need of purpose. Bar and café conversations led to hints of foreign intrigue. Ancient ruins gave way to Nazi runes. Crooked laneways led to mountain retreats and buried secrets. Hydra-headed truth demanded a place on the table along with the ouzo and artichoke hearts. And love, naturally, raised all expectations with the birth, mirroring Aphrodite’s rise from the sea, of Magalee De Bellefeuille.

 

3. How much research was involved? Did you stay on point or get distracted by wanting to look at one thing more?

 

Research into local and European history was time consuming. So much to understand as far as story background was concerned. I also needed to appreciate the significance of Greek mythological characters and how they might influence the characters I was bringing to life. Easy to be distracted in that world for sure. Most enjoyable is research done in situ, Greece with respect to Shades Of Persephone,

 

4. How long did it take to write the book?

It took a good year to bring all elements of the story together. However, the writing is never finished. Improvements are always possible. But then we move on to other themes and other plots.

 

5.How long have you been writing? Sun sign?

I have been involved in serious writing since retiring in 1999. Aries motivates me in my efforts to write about the world I inhabit and the one I imagine.

 

 

 

6. Do you write in a number of genres or stick to just one?

I attempt to write literary fiction that entertains while being socially relevant. I lean towards mystery, with romantic entanglement an integral part of the action. Greek mythology and literary allusion underpin plot development. Irony is pervasive. 

 

7. Where on the internet can you be found?

reedstirlingwrites.com

reedstirling@gmail.com

http://bwlpublishing.ca

https://bookswelove.net/stirling-reed/

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/bookswelove

Amazon Author central: https://authorcentral.amazon.comgp/home

Barbara White Daille is visiting and talking about her books #MFRWAutor #Romance #Western #Rodeo #Return home

 

 

1. Tell me about the book you wish to feature? Genre?

 

All my books are short, sweet, contemporary romances on the lower end of the sensuality scale. On my visit here at Eclectic Writer last month, I’d talked about some of my first-in-series books, including A Rancher’s Pride, book one in the Flagman’s Folly series. Today I’d like to share a bit about book two in that series, The Rodeo Man’s Daughter.

 

Though I’ve said it before, I’m saying it again: I love all my characters. This book felt extra-special to write, though, as the hero and heroine are part of one of my all-time favorite romance tropes, the reunion story. (More on that below.) And to top things off, there’s a young secondary character who completely stole my heart and readers’ hearts as well.

 

His Rodeo Career Is Over...

When Caleb Cantrell left home as a dirt-poor teenager, he never thought he’d return as a wealthy rodeo star. As a matter of fact, he didn’t think he’d return at all. The accident changed all that. It ended his career, nearly ended his life and rekindled a bitterness he thought he’d left in the dust long ago.

But A New Life Begins

To rebuild, Caleb has to go back to where it all began—back to Flagman’s Folly, New Mexico, and back to his high-school sweetheart, Tess LaSalle. But a ten-year-old secret stands between them, one that could hurt everyone Tess loves, especially her daughter…their daughter…the one Caleb never knew existed.

No rodeo ever required the courage Caleb needs now—to forgive, to forget and to start over again...if it’s not already too late.

Find the book:

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Rodeo-Mans-Daughter-Fatherhood-ebook/dp/B006IIX7JE/
Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-rodeo-mans-daughter-barbara-white-daille/1105027958 
Harlequin https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781459221062_the-rodeo-mans-daughter.html
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-rodeo-man-s-daughter

2. Where did the idea arise?

 

As I mentioned above, reunion stories are some of my favorites, and that’s true whether I’m reading or writing them. In this case, the added layer of a high-school sweetheart story became the cherry on my literary ice cream sundae.

 

The hero of this book came to me first, with Caleb walking into my imagination as a full-fledged tortured hero, a man who had everything he could possibly want but lost it. Or so he thinks. Sometime what we believe we want isn’t what we’re meant to have at all, and Caleb has a few surprises in store on the way to that happy-ever-after.

 

3. How much research was involved? Did you stay on point or be distracted by wanting to look at just one more thing?

 

This book didn’t require a lot of research. While looking for the details I did need to verify, I managed to stay on point. As usual my goal was to weave in the bits and pieces so that—fingers crossed—they fit seamlessly into the plot.

 

4. How long did you take to write the book?

 

I usually spend about three months on multiple drafts, then another month or so for edits and full reads. That was the case this time around, although I gave those final stages a bit more time as I was tying together details from the connected books before and after it.

 

5. Now a bit about you. How long have you been writing?

 

For as long as I can remember! I wrote my first stories in crayon when I was five. At the time, I had a fairly good vocabulary for my same-age audience but limited spelling skills. LOL

 

In fourth grade, I illustrated the cover of my first “published” short story. And in eighth grade, I typed my first full-length novel on my grandpa’s ancient Underwood typewriter. This was a teen mystery—with a touch of romance, of course!

 

6. Do you write in a number of genres of stick to one?

 

I was first published in short fiction, both romance and mystery. Currently, I’m focused on contemporary romance novels on the sweet- to lower-sensuality scale. My books all lean toward family, quirky characters, small towns, and lots of reader-fave romance tropes, including those mentioned above.

 

7. Where on the internet can you be found?

 

Readers can learn more about me here:

 

Website https://www.barbarawhitedaille.com

Newsletter https://www.barbarawhitedaille.com/newsletter

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/barbarawhitedaille

Twitter https://twitter.com/BarbaraWDaille

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/barbara-white-daille

 

Thanks for stopping by to check out the post. Feel free to leave questions or comments below.

 

Tina Donahue is Visiting and Talking about her latest release. #MFRWAuthor #Anything You Want #romance #witty #Playful #Caribbean resort

 

1. Tell me about your latest release or the book you wish to feature? Genre?

 

My latest release is Anything You Want, a witty, playful, and oh-so-sexy menage at a Caribbean resort. An erotic romance.

 

At a hedonistic resort, her indecent cravings are about to be sated…

 

With the big three-o only days away, Jamie’s had it with dieting, exercise, and being alone. Off she goes to Wicked Desires, a decadent Caribbean resort where clothing is optional, carnal appetites rule, and food, especially chocolate, is celebrated. If only she had a guy to indulge with…

 

How about two? Billionaires Creed and Tav are checking out ideas for their new video game. The play features a resort where anything goes and an unlikely heroine as the star. Jamie’s luscious curves and sweet vulnerability make her the perfect type to base their game on. Since she’s also in IT—having put her dream to create candy on hold—she understands their lingo.

 

Hell, their desires are perfectly in tune with hers, whether it’s food play during meals, punishment in the discipline room, or a romantic evening on the beach.

 

When it comes to sweet delights and these two hunks…who says she can’t have anything she wants?

 

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/b/mYxJ0w

 

 

2. Where did the idea arise?

 

Since I adore chocolate (yeah, I’m an admitted chocoholic), and since I love hot romances – especially with two guys and one lucky lady – Anything You Want was the perfect combination of the two.

 

 

3. How much research was involved? Did you stay on point or be distracted by wanting to look at just one more thing?

 

I had to research Caribbean resorts that cater to an ‘anything goes’ attitude in terms of hookups between guests, food play, etc. Believe it or not, there are a ton of those resorts around. I had a great time looking at all the sexy pictures.

 

 

4. How long did you take to write the book?

 

I’m a fast writer – generally averaging 4000 to 4500 words daily. I also plot thoroughly before I begin writing. Given those two things, Anything You Want didn’t take long at all to write.

 

 

5. Now a bit about you. How long have you been writing? What is your Sun Sign?

 

I’ve been writing since I was a kid and actually wrote my first book Dimples the Adventurous Flea when I was nine years old. I even illustrated the book, made copies, and sold them to my friends’ parents in the neighborhood. My first book tour.

 

I haven’t a clue what my sun sign is, but it sounds like a fun thing to explore.

 

 

6. Do you write in a number of genres or stick to one?

 

I’ve written everything from sweet/clean romance to erotic (menage and reverse harem), romcom, paranormal, suspense, chick lit, urban fantasy, contemporary, historical, Regency, adult, new adult, forbidden romance, scifi, dark mafia, military, and sports.

 

 

7. Where on the internet can you be found?

 

MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/tinadonahue

Website/Blog: https://tinadonahuebooks.blogspot.com/

Newsletter: https://tinadonahuebooks.blogspot.com/p/newsletter.html

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tina-donahue

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinadonahuebooks/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/146988.Tina_Donahue

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tinadonahue

Triberr: https://bit.ly/1CE2ec7

Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/tinadonahue

Amazon author page: https://amzn.to/1ChWFkO

Sweet ‘n Sexy Divas: https://sweetnsexydivas.blogspot.com/

Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/AuthorTinaDonahue 

 

Friday Tena Stetler isVisiting and Talking About Who She Was Before #MFRWAuthor #paralegal #Paranormal Romance/Mysteries #magic

 

Day 1

1. What were you before you became an author? I was a paralegal for a criminal law firm for almost 14 years.  Then I was a IT Manager for an electrical contracting firm for 14 years also. Did this influence your choices as a writer? Sometimes.  I’ve written a book about lawyers, A Witch’s Quandary, they just happened to be in Scotland. LOL I’ve written a few books involving computers, cyber security. Security Force of Two, etc.

 

2. Are you genre specific or general? I don’t mean major genres but subdivisions or romance, mystery or paranormal. I write Paranormal Romance/Mystery. Recently l’ve dabbled in western, historical, timetravel, in addition to romance. But there is always a bit of mystery and magic in all my novels. 

 

3. What is your latest release? Security Force of Two - A former CIA agent and a Special Forces vet return to their small hometown for different reasons none of which includes involvement in an investigation of the new police chief’s murder. Release March 20, 2023.

 

Set for release July 10, 2023, Raven’s Hollow Spring Magic - Spring is in full bloom in Raven’s Hollow, a unique, small town in the Colorado Rockies when a powerful witch’s mother goes missing and her dragon shifter fiancé travels back in time to find her.  Was the antique jelly bean machine to blame? 

 

 

4. What are you working on now? The second book in the Mountain Town Mystery Series.  Security Force of Two was the first book.

 

5. Does your reading choices influence your choice of a writing career? No I don’t think so.  I am kinda eclectic in my reading choices.  I love a good mystery, some contemporary romance, but usually whatever it is has to have magic. Reality is over rated.

 

6. Where can we find you?

Website: https://www.tenastetler.com

Authors’ Secret’s Blog - https://www.tenastetler.com/category/authors-secrets-blog/

My Say What Blog - http://www.tenastetler.com/category/my-say-what-blog/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/tenastetler.author

Twitter Page: https://www.twitter.com/TenaStetler  

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14187532.Tena_Stetler

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/author/tenastetler

Newsletter: https://www.tenastetler.com/newsletter-signup/

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/tenastetler

Tribber - http://triberr.com/TenaStetler

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tena-stetler

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenastetler/

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tena-stetler-10057978/

 

 

Friday Vijaya Schartz is Visiting and talking about being a Panster or Plotter #BWLAuthor #science fiction #cats #writing schedule

 

1. Are you a panster or a plotter or perhaps a bit of both?

Long ago, when I started writing, I trusted my inspiration and wrote whatever the story wanted me to write. It seems ideal, but when you write for publication, on a strict deadline, you cannot afford to get stuck and have to rewrite the whole thing fifteen times. It would take a decade to write a book. Nowadays, I take the time to figure out where the story and the characters are going before I write chapter one. Then, after writing the first five or six chapters, I brainstorm again… usually because by that time I know a lot more about my characters, and can devise a better story.

2. Which comes first - characters or plot for you?

A plot is nothing without good characters. Even if sometimes I have a plot idea from the start, I cannot start writing before I find the perfect characters to play their part in it. And often, the characters guide me to figure out the plot. Sometimes, they surprise me and don’t want to do what I expect of them. The ideas coming from them are often better than mine.

3. What are you working on now? Is this a book in a current series or something totally new?

My latest book, ANGEL SHIP, Book One of the Blue Phantom series, was just release two weeks ago. Now, I am in the process of plotting Book Two, scheduled for October 2023, and defining the characters of this second instalment in the series. All my novels are standalones, even if sometimes a secondary character from a previous book becomes the main protagonist of the next one. So, I have to define new main characters for each book. It keeps a series fresh and keeps me excited about the writing.

4. Do you have some kind of object or place that figures in most of your books? I use gems a lot, hospitals and caves.

In most of my science fiction stories, there is a fantasy side. Of course, there is space, spaceships, and alien planets. But there is also some kind of crystal. Crystal (Quartz) is capable of storing energy and knowledge, and could be the future of technology. To a less advanced society, that crystal, manifesting powers beyond understanding, could be considered magical. I also have a strong connection with cats, and don’t be surprise to find big cats with telepathic abilities, natural or technological, in many of my science fiction fantasy books.

5. Do you write every day or just when the spirit hits?

I write every day. A professional author on deadline with a publisher must be organized, and schedule a regular time to write. Defining your best writing time is important. I noticed that I am more productive and better inspired to write in the morning. So, I adapted my schedule to get up earlier and write every morning for a few hours. I schedule my other activities later in the day.

6. Where can we find you?

On my website: http://www.vijayaschartz.com

On Amazon: Amazon.com: Vijaya Schartz: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle

On Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/schartz

On Facebook: (1) Vijaya Schartz Author | Facebook

7. Who are your favorite authors? What about a book you’ve enjoyed?

The author who inspired me to write sci-fi romance is Linnea Sinclair, with her strong women characters. Early in my writing career I met and loved Diana Gabaldon, who since has become a very big name with the Outlander series. Before that, I was in love with the 19^th Century French authors and poets of the romantic movement. As a child, and even later, my favorite books was “The Little Prince by Antoine de St. Exupery,” Later, I discovered DUNE by Frank Herbert, and I was hooked on Science Fiction.  

Friday Joan Havelange is visiting and talking about Characters #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Characters #Heroines #Heroes #Villains

 

Heroes, Heroines, Villains. Which are your favorite to write?

 

I enjoy writing heroines who have to overcome roadblocks; and who are not always perfect in their quest for answers. I also like writing villains; they must have a reason, at least in their mind, to commit the crimes they do.

 

Heroines. How do you find them? Do pictures, real life or imagination create the woman you want the reader to root for? Do they appear before the plot or after you have the idea for the story?

 

I create a plot and weave the story around my heroines. I have an outline, what will happen, when and where. But I must confess, my carefully laid out plot can change when a character, good or bad, becomes fun to write.

 

Villains or villainesses or an antagonist, since they don’t always have to be the bad guy or girl. They can be a person opposed to the hero’s or heroine’s obtaining their goal. How do you choose one? How do you make them human?

 

I have a bible for my cast of characters; their backgrounds, what they look like, where they live. And their quirks, prejudices and jealousies. Confrontation is interesting, but to round my stories out. I do have characters who are kind and generous.

 

6. What is your latest release? Who is the hero, heroine and or the villain?

 

My new release is “The Suspects.”

It is the adventures of Mable and Violet. It is the latest in my series “The Excellent Adventures of Mabel and Violet”. Book #4 continues the hilarity of my intrepid amateur sleuths as they make their way through the European capitals to end up smack in the middle of a murder in Moscow.

 

7. What are you working on now?

 

“Murder Exit Stage Right” I directed little theatre for a great many years, so I have a lot of ammunition.

 

8. How can people find you?

 

https://www.facebook.com/mabelmysteries

https://www.bookswelove.com/havelange-joan/

https://twitter.com/JoanJhave

https://www.instagram.com/joanhave/

 

9. Who are your favourite authors?

 

I like Linwood Barclay, a great Canadian storyteller. Rhys Bowen is also a favourite of mine.

 

Maggie Blackbird and is talking about Characters #MFRWAuthor #Heroes #Heroinens #Villains

 

Day 1 Characters

 

2. Heroes, Heroines, Villains. Which are your favorite to write?

 

The villain.  I don’t know why, but villains have always fascinated me, whether books or movies.  There is something fun about creating a person with a lot of…shall we say problems?  LOL.

 

3. Heroes. How do you find them? Do pictures, real life or plain imagination create the man you want every reader to love? Do they come before the plot or after you have the idea for the story?

 

Heroes are in my head.  As for plot or hero first, it all depends.  Sometimes the plot comes first, and I need a hero.  Sometimes the hero comes first, and I need a plot.  It just all depends.

 

4. Heroines. How do you find them? Do pictures, real life or imagination create the woman you want the reader to root for? Do they appear before the plot or after you have the idea for the story?

 

It’s the same answer as heroes.  It all depends.  Sometimes she’s there before I can dream up a plot, and sometimes I have a plot but need a heroine.

 

Your favorite book?

 

Oh gosh, there are too many out there to pick just one!

 

5. Villains or villainesses or an antagonist, since they don’t always have to be the bad guy or girl. They can be a person opposed to the hero’s or heroine’s obtaining their goal. How do you choose one? How do you make them human?

 

Choosing one all depends on the story and the plot.  As for making them human, they are human LOL.  We are all human.  There is no true good or bad man/woman in my novels.  They are just people who are in great opposition to the plot or a character and they hurt others to get their way.  Don’t we all tend to hurt others at some point in our lives?  That’s how I prefer my villains to be.

 

6. What is your latest release? Who is the hero, heroine and or the villain?

 

My latest release is Born for This, book one in the Maizemerized series.  My hero is Thunder Bear, an Ojibway man from the past who’s been waiting twelve years to meet the woman in his vision quest.  My heroine is Edie Whitecrow, a young lady who dreams about her ancestors and tends to romanticize the past too much.  As for the villain, there is no villain.  The villain they fight is their internal battles.

 

7. What are you working on now?

 

I am fast-drafting His Proposition.  It’s a contemporary billionaire romance starring a billionaire naturally, and his limo driver!

 

8. How can people find you?

 

They can check out my web site.  Everything you need to know about me is at https://maggieblackbird.com

 

9. Who are your favorite authors?

 

Too many to name.  Some are Richard Wagamese, Johanna Lindsey, and Rosanne Bittner.

Friday Priscilla Brown is Visiting and Talking about Characters #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Writing #Characters

 Day 1 Characters

 

2. Heroes, Heroines, Villains. Which are your favorite to write?  heroes

 

3. Heroes. How do you find them? Do pictures, real life or plain imagination create the man you want every reader to love? Do they come before the plot or after you have the idea for the story? Magazine ads and editorial style pages, composite creations from various real life sightings and eavesdropping and lots of imagination. They come before the plot since I am a' pantser' not a 'plotter'. See #7 below

 

4. Heroines. How do you find them? Do pictures, real life or imagination create the woman you want the reader to root for? Do they appear before the plot or after you have the idea for the story?  Almost always from imagination.

  Your favorite book? Hot Ticket

5. Villains or villainesses or an antagonist, since they don’t always have to be the bad guy or girl. They can be a person opposed to the hero’s or heroine’s obtaining their goal. How do you choose one? How do you make them human? I think I don't actually choose one, he/she pops up in the plot and gets developed into a villlain possessing some little quirk or attitude or activity.

6.  Sorry Janet, the computer stole the first words of the question.

hero, heroine and or the villain? Dancing the Reel. Hero is a Scottish ferryhand who may be more than he seems. Heroine is a visiting Australian journalist. Villain is his mother.

 

7. What are you working on now? A contemporary romance set in Finland and Italy with a hero based in on a real person I met in a cafe in Helsinki.

8. How can people find you? https://priscillabrownauthor.com

 

9. Who are your favorite authors?  I have many - any writer in any genre who can keep me turning the pages.