Contest Winner

I'm pleased to announce the winner of my latest contest . . .

Stacy~

Stacy, send me an e-mail with your address, and I'll send you a copy of Sharon Cullars' The Object of Love.

Thanks, everyone, for entering and sharing your recent enjoyable reads.

Contest Winner

I'm pleased to announce the winner of the latest contest. This person will receive a Kelley Armstrong book of her choice . . .

Kerry!

E-mail me (the addy is in the left column) with your choice of books and your mailing address, and I'll get it sent out to you.

13: Questions for Kelley Armstrong

Thirteen Questions for Kelley Armstrong

I'm a huge fan of Kelley Armstrong's writing, so I was thrilled when she agreed to do an interview. Here are the 13 (+1) questions I asked her.

Alyssa: You host a very active message board on your site. How did that get started, and how has it evolved?

Kelley: I started the site back when Stolen came out. I'm a former programmer, so using the Internet for promotion comes naturally to me. The discussion board started life as a simple "leave a message" page. That was unwieldy, so I switched to a full blown discussion board. It started with forums for each book, writer forums and book recommendations and slowly grew.

Alyssa: Since you have a message board, I imagine you get a lot of reader input. How do you balance that with your need as a writer to be true to the story?

Kelley: It's something I've had to learn to deal with. I firmly believe that an author has to listen to her readers. That's who I'm writing for and who pays my bills. However, while I recognize that I'm creating a product, I don't see it the way a manufacturer would--give the customer whatever they want. I have to balance what readers expect (and want) with what keeps me happy as a writer. If I completely followed my feedback, I'd be writing nothing but werewolf novels and I'd burn out after a few years. It can be frustrating when I'm talking up my latest book at an event...and getting "that's great, but when's the next werewolf book?" But so long as sales are good, I know I'm satisfying my average reader, so I'm happy.

Alyssa: What is your favorite thing about writing? Least favorite?

Kelley: Most favourite? Storytelling in general. That's what I love. Least favourite? The parts of the job least related to writing. Accounting, business, promotion...

Alyssa: Do you have a writing schedule (number of hours per day, days per week)?

Kelley: My youngest goes to school every other day. So I have 2-3 days a week of solid writing (or editing). Then I squeeze in bits on the other days.

Alyssa: No Humans Involved came out this month. I'm sure I'm not the only one who was eager to see Jeremy again. Do you have a favorite scene from it?

Kelley: Hard to answer without giving parts away because my favourites are later in the book! There's a scene near the end where Jaime explores her powers that I really liked writing.

Alyssa: Do you read your books once they've been published?

Kelley: No. I'd only find parts I wish I could change!

Alyssa: You recently sold a trilogy to Harper Children's. Can you tell us about that? Will it be set in the Otherworld?

Kelley: It's young adult. It will be set in the Otherworld, but without any overlap of characters. So the same concepts, races etc with all new characters.

Alyssa: Characterization is one thing I really love about your books. What's your secret for creating unforgettable, complex characters?

Kelley: Best advice I ever got was to know your characters. Really, really know them...and don't feel obligated to show it all in they story. For example, with No Humans Involved, I loved showing other sides of Jeremy, but they have all been part of his character since the beginnning--there just wasn't a way (or a need) to show them until now.

Alyssa: I have to ask about Clay, because I think he's so completely fascinating. How did you come up with his character?

Kelley: Honestly? No idea. I started Bitten in the early nineties, so it's been over a decade since I created him. The process is long since lost to time! I know he evolved a lot over the writing of the first book, but that's all I remember.

Alyssa: You have another book coming out this year: Exit Strategy. It's for a new series. Can you talk about that?

Kelley: It's a crime novel about an "ex-cop turned ethical hitwoman." No supernatural elements at all. I don't know whether it'll become an actual series. Right now I'm contracted for two books, so I'm only counting on that.

Alyssa: In your books, bad things happen to good characters. Is it hard to write these scenes?

Kelley: LOL. I should probably say "yes," but it's not as tough as it might seem. If it's the death of an innocent character, then I feel bad about that. But if it's a bad turn of events for a good character (Paige getting booted from the Coven, Clay hurting his arm) then I tend to see it as fodder for books to come, rather than a tragedy. I don't enjoy doing it, but I see it as giving my characters a challenge that will be good for the series.

Alyssa: Which of your characters is most like you? Which character would you spend free time with?

Kelley: Most of my main characters share some traits with me. I could say that Eve is least like me. Most like me? Not so easy to answer. We share things in common, but I don't see myself in any of them--like my friends rather than my children. You could say that when I create a character, I intentionally make someone I'd like to hang out with because we will be hanging out together, as I write their stories. But there aren't any I'd want to be with 24/7 either!

Alyssa: If you were given an extra hour in each day, how would you spend it?

Kelley: Reading. I don't do nearly enough reading these days. Too much of my work involves reading (editing, research etc) than when I sit to read, it's probably for business, and that makes it harder to do so for pleasure.

Alyssa: What’s the last book you read and enjoyed?

Kelley: Speaking of reading... Ha! Last book I read was an advance copy of Linwood Barclay's mystery/thriller No Time for Goodbye and I really enjoyed it.

Alyssa: Thanks so much, Kelley! I appreciate it.

To celebrate the release of No Humans Involved, I'm giving away one of Kelley's books--winner's choice! All you need to do to be entered is post here and tell me either which of her books is your favorite and why, or which one you'd like to try and why (if you haven't read her yet). I'll draw a random winner from everyone who enters here. Feel free to enter through May 17, 2007. I'll announce the winner May 18.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It's easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Contest Update

Two prizes from my last two contests have gone unclaimed, so I'm posting new winners. The new winner for the Lush bookflat and bookmarks is Crystal G!

The new winner of Megan Frampton's A Singular Lady, plus Megan's special bonus prize is Wylie Kinson!

These winners have until May 12 to e-mail me (at the address in the left sidebar) their address and claim their prize. If either of these prizes go unclaimed, I'll run a new contest beginning May 13.

Lush . . . and a Contest

I enjoy Sasha White's books, so I was excited to read Lush. I had an interesting reading experience and thought I'd report it in a way I've seen Rosario do.

"The Principles of Lust"
Sleek and sexy erotic art gallery owner Teal Jamison knows what she likes and isn't afraid to let carpenter Zack Dillon know that her current fantasy features him in all his masculine glory. But Zack has a deliciously different game in mind for a woman accustomed to taking charge . . .

"Passion Play"
Quick to follow where passion leads, then back off when things get too close, jewelry designer Mia Jones's sensual odyssey with singles columnist Dominick Jamison is perfect: hot, sweet, and with no risk of complications. But how long can her heart stay cold--when she's lost in the heat of a man devoted to every forbidden pleasure her body craves?

"Sexual Healing"
When massage therapist Caitlyn Ellis shows photographer Jack Lowell the joys of sensual self love for the camera, he can't resist the erotic invitation to take pleasure in her lush curves--or deny himself the hands-on ecstasy of loving a beautiful woman determined to heal his battered soul . . . by setting his body on fire.

Before opening the book: Love the cover. Wish I had hair like that. LOL!



"The Principles of Lust"

Page 3: The prologue for "The Principles of Lust." Whew! This one jumps right in to the erotic. That's Sasha for you. I like the heroine's unusual occupation: opening an erotic gallery.

Page 7: Teal (interesting name) knows what she wants. I like that, and I like the fact that she's not a repressed woman who is all show. That's an all-too-common scenario in romance novels.

Page 13: I definitely want to know more about Zack. Like Teal, I'm curious about why he backs away when he so obviously wants her.

Page 14: Enter another woman . . . uh oh. The word "Master" makes me stop reading. This is apparently a hot button for me. I read on to the end of the chapter, but the scenario doesn't do much for me. I set the book aside.

"Sexual Healing"

Before reading: OK, I'm skipping ahead to this story.

Page 179: Another heroine with an interesting occupation, this time a massage therapist. The story gets off to a sensual start. I'm intrigued . . .

Page 183: The first chapter offers a strong introduction to Caitlyn. It's clear what she wants and where her lines are.

Page 203: Jack is a wounded hero; I'm a sucker for those. He and Caitlyn are definitely generating sparks . . . and a lot more. Good stuff.

Page 208: Ah. Caitlyn wants to help Jack heal. This could be a recipe for disaster, but so far it's working.

Page 217: It's working really, really well.

Page 224: This is a great chapter. Yeah, Jack says he just wants to "f*ck," but it's clear there's a deeper connection between these two.

Page 232: Love this section.

When he's snapped a dozen pictures and showed no sign of stopping, she clued into something. He was a photographer. A man who made his living looking through a camera, and she bet he saw a lot more clearly through a lens than he ever did with the naked eye.

Words didn't mean a lot to this man. What he saw did. Actions did.

A wonderful description of Jack.

Page 248: I love the way this chapter ends.

Page 250: Oh, that was terrific. This is a great story--I just wish it had been longer. Still, it makes me excited to read another story.

"Passion Play"

Page 91: Interesting. This story is told in first-person (the other two are third-person stories). This heroine is a jewelry designer.

Page 95: Oh, good. We get the hero, Dominick's point of view as well, also told in first-person.

Page 101: OK, the first meeting of Mia and Dominick is terrific. They've got energy, heat, and fun banter.

Page 105: Hmm. She's left him behind. Should be interesting to see how he tracks her down.

Page 117: He tracked her down. :)

Page 135: I like these two together, and I'm invested in the characters.

Page 138: Oooh, I like the direction Dominick is going with his writing.

Page 150: The sex-only relationship is becoming something more . . .

Page 176: Another terrific novella. Dominick and Mia are memorable characters, and this ends up being a sweet love story. With a lot of sex, of course. :)

"The Principles of Lust," Take Two

Page 19: I've liked the other two stories. I'm brave. I can go back to this one.

Page 23: Now there's a mystery--who is sending the notes against the gallery?

Page 29: Teal confronts Zack about his interest in her. Good for you, girl. Now he's going to make her dinner.

Page 37: Zack shows Teal his basement. (No, that's not a euphemism.) I like that they don't immediately get revving. Instead, it's back to dinner.

Page 43: I'm liking Zack and Teal more. They're good together.

Page 46: Love the fact that they don't even get to the basement this first time. ;)

Page 51: Another memorable passage.

Brina was looking at her like she was crazy. "What's wrong with regular sex? There's a reason missionary is the most popular position, Miss I-know-everything-about-lust."

"Yeah?" Teal smirked at her. "And what is the reason?"

"It's the most intimate."

It hit her right between the eyes. That was why she was so freaked-out by Zack. Somehow, someway, he'd managed to control their whole night, without using any physical restraints, and it had been extremely intimate.

Now I understand the point of the earlier scene that kind of turned me off. It serves to contrast with the simple intimacy Zack and Teal share.

Page 88: I like this story more than I thought I would. Much more.

The novellas in Lush are trademark Sasha White--the stories make you think and the characters make you care: 4 out of 5.

Now, for the contest. I have an autographed copy of Lush to give away, and I want to do it this week. One thing I liked about Lush is the unusual jobs the characters have. To enter, post a comment here about an unusual occupation you'd like to see in a romance novel. I'll accept entries through April 15, 2007. You can list as many occupations as you like, although you'll be entered only once. I'll choose a random winner on April 16.

13: Questions for Megan Frampton

Thirteen Questions for Megan Frampton

Here, at last, is my interview with author Megan Frampton. Her first book, A Singular Lady, was published in 2005.

Alyssa: Hey, Megan. Thanks so much for joining us! I received several interesting questions, so let's get started. Gram wants to know what you think of living in NY vs. New Hampshire.

Megan: Well, I haven't lived in NH since sixth grade, but the town we lived in was tiny--only about 1,000 people--and the nearest McDonald's, even, was thirty minutes away. It was very quiet, very conducive to reading a lot. Which I did, since we didn't have a TV. I love NY, but I'm not living the typical "NY" life: I'm home every night, I don't eat out, I'm just a stay-at-home mom who happens not to own a car.

Alyssa: Joelle asks a similar question--how did you decide to settle in Brooklyn?

Megan: I used to live in Manhattan, and when my boyfriend and I broke up, I could only afford Brooklyn. I love it--it's like Manhattan without the tourists. Very diverse, and culturally interesting, and there are, indeed, trees.

Alyssa: Kristie's question is one I've wondered about, so I'm glad she asked! She says, "I love reading about your life with your son and husband. My question is what is the story behind your real life romance and how did you meet your husband?"

Megan: I met him when I was working at a music magazine and he was the music director of his college station. He ended up interning for me, and we were friendly then, although we were both living with people. Then I moved out to Brooklyn, ran into him at CBGB's, and invited him to my housewarming party. We started dating soon thereafter, and we've been together since--18 years later. We've been married for 12 of those years now, and our son is seven.

Alyssa: Ellie asks if you intended to write when you were pursuing your education. What motivated you to write?

Megan: I always loved reading romances, and (to respond to Sharon, below) I read Regency romances in particular. I got laid off after 9/11, and decided if I was going to be a stay-at-home mom, I'd be a SAHM who wrote. I thought if not now, when? And it was as simple as that. I had no intention of writing when I was in college, although I did major in English literature.

Alyssa: Sharon's question: How did you decide to write romances and to write about that particular era?

Megan: See answer above.

Alyssa: Jackietoo asks this question: "I've been wondering about Regency romance heroine beauty/hygiene habits. I mean, the ladies always have skin like rose petals, sweet breath, and hair like sunshine. What's up with that? They have no AC and they're all stuck together in those ballrooms under hot candles or riding behind stinky horses. How do they do it?"

Megan: The magic of fiction! Nobody smells, unless it's manly musk-type smell, and our heroes and heroines always have the oddball habit of bathing every day. The one that always throws me is when the hero runs his hand up the heroine's leg--all that leg hair! I just open my suspension of disbelief eyes and move along.

Alyssa: Pearl wonders how much reading you do now that you are writing. What is your favorite kind of book?

Megan: Romance, especially Regency and paranormal. I read a lot still, which probably means I'm not writing as much as I should be.

Alyssa: On a similar note, Principessa wants to know your favorite classic book.

Megan: Jane Eyre or Pride And Prejudice. Very standard for a romance writer.

Alyssa: Bamabelle asks if your heroes are inspired by people you know or celebrities.

Megan: Both; my characters always look like celebrities in my head, but their character flaws are drawn from people I know, including me.

Alyssa: Traveler's question is whether an author or mentor influenced your writing.

Megan: Yes, several; Jessica Benson helped me when I was just starting to figure out how to write Regencies, Marianne Stillings got me on the path to finding my voice (and remains a good friend), and along the way I've been helped by many, many authors, including Eloisa James, who gave me a cover blurb for A Singular Lady.

Alyssa: Wylie Kinson poses this scenario: there are only two male models left in the world. Who do you pick for your cover - McDreamy or McSteamy?

Megan: You know, I don't know because I don't watch TV that much. I probably seem like a snob, but I've been watching Rome on Sunday nights--I know who McDreamy is, but not McSteamy. I'd pick Lucius Vorenus for his hard-assed attitude.

Alyssa: Now, I'd love to hear what you're working on now.

Megan: I'm in the midst of writing Road To Passion, a Regency-set historical with an opium-addict hero, a Marquess, and an illegitimate vicar's daughter. She's of high morals and low-class, while he is the opposite. It's a marriage of convenience/road romance, and it's a boatload of fun to write. I hope to be finished with the first draft in a couple of months.

Alyssa: Oh, this story sounds terrific! I hope it's picked up by a publisher so I can read it.

And finally, share a little about the mystery prize you're giving to the contest winner.

Megan: Well! It is a movie based on a Barbara Cartland novel called The Lady And The Highwayman, and it is quite possibly the worst movie I've ever fast-forwarded through. It stars a young Hugh Grant, who's got this weird high-pitched voice, and acting as bad as a second-grade pageant. It is a hoot, if just to horrify yourself at how bad it is.

Alyssa: LOL! I may have to see if I can get it through my local library so I can have the pleasure of fast-forwarding through it.

Thanks, Megan, for taking time to answer our questions.

Megan: Thanks for asking the questions, all, and thank you, Alyssa, for hosting the contest!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It's easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Healing

I had an allergic reaction to my anti-nausea medicine that sent me back to the emergency room. Benadryl is my new miracle drug. I'm doing better, sitting up for longer periods, and feel like I'm slowly getting back to myself. I appreciate your good thoughts and wishes. They mean a lot to me.

I've closed the latest contest for entries, and I'll be sending Megan a list of questions to answer shortly. Come back to read her answers and learn who won the contest.

Reviewed Regencies

Since my latest contest features a Regency romance, I thought I would include links to the Regency romances I've reviewed on this blog.

The Bartered Heart
Miss Wilson's Reputation
Moonlight and Mischief
The Notorious Rake
A Secret Passion
A Singular Lady (Check it out--this is the book the winner will receive)
The Wedding Journey

I should mention that these are traditional Regencies; in other words, I didn't provide links to historical romances set in the Regency period.

Once I stopped reading teen romances, Regencies are what I read for a long time, and I still have a great fondness for them. Later this week, I'll post about other Regencies I've read and loved.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Hope you're enjoying the holiday. If you're headed off somewhere fun, stop by Romancing the Blog before you go to read a post from me.

And don't forget to enter the latest contest! You know you want to.

Coming soon: a review of Innocent in Death.

New Contest

Yep, it's that time again--time for another contest. This time around, the prize is an autographed copy of Megan Frampton's A Singular Lady.



All you need to do to be entered is post here. Megan has agreed to be interviewed, so feel free to ask a question. I'll send her a list of questions on March 24, 2007, so you have until then to enter the contest. I'll announce a winner when I post the interview.

Megan is also sending a prize to the contest winner . . . and you'll learn more about that prize soon. Again, just post a comment here to enter.

13: Interview with Gena Showalter

Thirteen Questions for Gena Showalter

I'm delighted to bring you another author interview. This time, I'm interviewing Gena Showalter, author of Awaken Me Darkly, Playing with Fire, The Nymph King, and many others.

Alyssa: Hey, Gena. Thanks so much for joining us! I've enlisted some help with the questions, so let's get started. Mindy wants to know when you first decided you wanted to write as a career.

Gena: I was about . . . oh, 22, I think. I had already changed my major in college three times because I couldn't decide on a career -- actually, I couldn't see myself doing anything long term. I'd always been flaky, had never held down a job for long and was (allegedly) voted Worst Employee Ever a few times. So one day I just sat down and had a heart to heart with myself. What did I like to do? What could I do? What would I refuse to give up? There was only one answer: Writing.

Alyssa: A question from Catslady: How did you find out and how did you react when your first book was published?

Gena: It's actually a pretty funny story. An editor at HQN faxed my agent saying the phones were down and she couldn't call, but that she was interesting in making an offer for my book, The Stone Prince. By the time their phones were working, the editor was on vacation. And when my editor returned, my agent had just left for vacation. So I had to wait two tortuous weeks before I got the offer. When it came in, my agent called me and I screamed and laughed for about an hour straight.

Alyssa: Joye's question: Do you make a quick outline of events you want to happen in your story or do you have an idea and then just sit down and start writing?

Gena: I get an idea and then sit down and write. I try to let the characters lead me wherever they want to go. Sometimes I'll even be writing a scene and think, "What does this mean? Why do I need to write this? Why are you doing this?" I'll keep writing, though, knowing I can cut it later if needed. But then, a few scenes later, the reason will reveal itself. All I can do is smile and pat my characters on the backs. I love those moments!

Alyssa: Amy S wants to know if you have a set routine that you follow when you write.

Gena: I try to write everyday, a chapter a day. Sometimes life gets in the way, but that's usually my goal.

Alyssa: Now a question I've been curious about. How do you write so quickly?

Gena: One word: obsession. Sometimes it's like I have a ghost standing over my shoulder, whispering into my ear,"Why aren't you writing? You need to be writing. That story isn't finished yet." And so, the book becomes all I can think about. Also, I let the story play inside my mind like a movie as I'm writing, each scene leading into another scene so there is a constant flow of words. I don't stop and worry if I'm using the right words or if it makes sense (during the rough draft stage, that is). I just get the bare bones down on paper, knowing I can fix it all later. That's a huge time saver.

Alyssa: Ashley A asks if you ever get writer's block. And if so, how do you combat it?

Gena: I feel very blessed in that I've never really had writer's block. Once I'd written three chapters of a book (Catch A Mate), and the characters refused to take me to the next scene. I realized it was because I'd written the book in 1st person when it needed to be written in 3rd. I switched tenses, and boom. The story flowed. Other than that, I like to think that the words/scenes are always there, and that sometimes it's just a matter of forcing myself to sit down and write, even when other things are calling my name.

Alyssa: A second question from Amy S: What are the best and worst things about being a writer?

Gena: I love the creativity, the possibilities, and holding the finished product in my hand, but most of all I love knowing I entertained someone. What a rush! The worst is actually a parallel of the best. Sometimes it's crushing to learn you've disappointed a reader and that they'd rather eat maggots than read you again :)

Alyssa: Jennybrat asks if you use real life inspiration for your characters.

Gena: I do. I am a people watcher/listener. I take from life, the stories I hear, the things I see people do. Things that happen to me, things that happen to others. Everything is fodder for my books, nothing is safe LOL

Alyssa: One thing I enjoy about your books is the world-building. Can you talk a little about how you create such vivid worlds and people?

Gena: It goes back to the movie-thing. The story plays in my head and I just write down what I see. And the people, well, I might be a little crazy admitting this, but they become real to me. I love spending time with them and telling their stories.

Alyssa: Chantal wants to know if there will be more Atlantis books?

Gena: Yes!! I'm actually working on Layel's story right now. I've always had a soft spot for him. I'd tell you about the story, but I don't want to give too much away! Let's just say he needs a strong woman to whip him into shape and leave it at that :)

Alyssa: A question from KimW: What is the one thing you've always wanted to do, but never had the courage to try?

Gena: Everything that scares me, I've tried at least once. I don't like fear. It drags a person down. So I try to push myself past it. However, having said that, I hate speaking in public. I'll do it, don't like it, but I will do it.

Alyssa: You've done book tours and book signings. Do you have a favorite book signing experience?

Gena: Absolutely. I had the most amazing time on a book tour through Chicago and Detroit with Levy. I met the most amazing authors. We laughed, talked shop, and just enjoyed each other.

Alyssa: Let's close with this: tell us about the books you have coming out next.

Gena: In June I have two books. One, a contemporary romance called Catch A Mate:

Suspicious wives hire Jillian Greene to smile, flirt and prove that no man can be trusted around a pretty face. Enter Marcus Brody, who’s been hired to prove the same goes for women. And Jillian is no exception! She can’t help breaking her “never get physical” rule when the heart-stoppingly gorgeous Marcus walks into her life. But can she really overcome her cynicism about the opposite sex to trust in Marcus? And can he do the same?

The other, Red Handed, is the first in my young adult alien huntress books. July marks the release of Blacklisted, the sequel to Red Handed. Then, in September, the first in my Lords of the Underworld series will be released. I am soooo excited about that book. The Darkest Night.

Ashlyn Darrow has only to stand in one location to hear the conversations that have taken place there – no matter how many years have passed. These voices are too much, a living nightmare, driving her to Budapest for help. There she finds a man trapped in a hell of his own. A man who has been cursed to die every night in the most painful way possible, only to awaken the next morning knowing he’ll die again. All too soon the pair is caught in a dark passion that might very well destroy them both. . .

Alyssa: Oh, these sound intriguing. Thanks for answering our questions, Gena. I appreciate it!

Gena: My pleasure!

Now, as promised, I've selected one person who submitted questions to receive a copy of The Nymph King. I had a coworker draw a name, and the winner is . . .

. . . Amy S

Amy S, please e-mail me (the address is at the top of the left sidebar) with your address so you can get your copy.

Thanks, everyone, for participating!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It's easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

The Nymph King Contest

I had so much fun with Sasha White's contest and interview that I'm doing another one! This time I'm giving away a copy of Gena Showalter's The Nymph King, in which I make an appearance. No, really! :)

All you have to do is comment here with a question you would like to ask Gena. I'll compile a list of questions and will draw the name of one person who suggests questions. I'll take questions here until February 18.



P.S. I have another couple of authors lined up for future interviews as well.

13: Questions for Sasha White

Thirteen Questions for Sasha White

Author Sasha White graciously agreed to help me with this week's Thursday Thirteen. Since the contest generated so many terrific questions, she answered thirteen instead of ten (which was my original plan).

1. Linda H asked this question: Out of your books, which one was your favorite to write?

Sasha White: So far, I think it's tie between THE CRIB, my novella in the PURE SEX anthology, and DEVIL's JEWEL which will be in my SEXY DEVIL anthology. Both have suspense elements that made writing them a lot of fun.

2. Here's a second question from Linda H: How did you become published? What influenced you to become a writer and what is your story about making it happen?

SW: Becoming published? Well I just wrote a story and submitted it. I know that sounds simple but it's true. One thing I had going fro me when I started out was I didn't know it was supposed to be hard to get published, so I was intimidated at all. As fro what influenced me . . . I love reading, and I often read stories that I thought could've been better, or where missing something so I thought I'd give it a try.

As simple as my answers are, do not make the mistake of thinking I think writing is easy. It isn't, but I do believe if you want something, anything, all you need to do is go for it.

3. From Ali: Which of your published books do you hold close to your heart? And why?

SW: All of them, because they came from my mind, and my heart. Some were funner than others, some more emotional, some harder or easier . . . but all hold special memories for me.

4. Debby asked: Who are your favorite authors and what books are on your keeper shelves?

SW: Kelley Armstrong, Kay Hooper, Janet Evanovich, JR Ward, Cathryn Fox, Beth Williamson, JJ Massa. Keeper shelf is full of these authors . . . everything I can get from them. :)

5. From Amy S: Have you ever based a character on a family member or friend?

SW: I've given main characters the job or careers of family and friends (makes for easy research) but characters actually based on their personalities, only once or twice . . . and those are secondary characters. I did a contest once last year where I created a secondary character on a reader who won the contest. That character is BRINA JO, she's in the first story in LUSH, my April release from Aphrodisia. :0

6. Aisling asked: What is your favourite romantic pairing of all time, e.g. Ross and Rachel, Bones and Booth, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

SW: Buffy and Angel. from the first three seasons of Buffy . . . after that it sucked. *grin*

[Note from Alyssa: I thought I was the only one who felt this way! Glad to know I have company.]

7. From Caffey: Having written the futuristic books with Amber Quill Press, do you plan to write other genres besides your contemps with Kensington? If so, what genre would you like to write?

SW: I just finished a paranormal for Kensington. It should be out in December (I think) My Berkley HEAT books will always be contemporary, as far as I can think anyway . . . but who knows with the others. I don't plan that far ahead. LOL

I enjoy the futuristics, and paranormals . . . so you never know. :)

8. And a second question from Caffey: If you could invite any five authors to your home to dinner, who would you invite and what would you love to ask them?

SW: Beth Williamson, JJ Massa, Kelley Armstrong, JR Ward, Sydney Croft.

My first question would be . . . What would you like to drink? *grin*

9. MD wanted to know what books are on your TBR list?

SW: Natural Law, Joey Hill
Hard Evidence, Pamela Clare
Children of the Night, Mercedes Lackey

10. From Mary J: What books did you read as a child?

SW: Archie Comics
Sweet Valley High
Har. Temptation

11. Here's a question from Maria: When you're writing your book, do you go out spotting male talent for inspiration, or do you use movie stars, models, etc.?

SW: Actually I do neither. LOL I'm a binge writer. I do nothing for months, then bury myself at home, I usually gain about 10-15 pounds with every book. LOL My heros are from my imagination. Once in a while a magazine ad, or actor will inspire me, but it's not that I go looking for them, it's just like they jump out at me . . . and I think WOW, that's ____ !

12. LindseyAnn wanted to know: Have you experienced any of the things your heroines have experienced in those steamy love scenes you write?

SW: UHmmm Yes. Not everything, but some of them . . . definitely. *grin*

13. Debbie E asked where you get your BDSM ideas.

SW: Some are fantasies of my own. Others I get from talking to people who are either kinksters or 'in the lifestyle'. Or just talking with my friends . . . or listening to the guys sitting at the bar when I'm at work. LOL I'm nosy, I ask all sorts of unPC questions LOL

Sasha, thanks for answering our questions. I appreciate your time and candor.

SW: Thanks Alyssa, for doing this, and thanks for the questions everyone!! This was fun!!

Now, as promised, I've selected one person who submitted questions to receive a copy of Kink. I had a coworker draw a name, and the winner is . . .

. . . Mary J

Mary J, please e-mail me (the address is at the top of the left sidebar) with your address so you can get your copy.

Thanks, everyone, for participating! I have another author review/interview lined up, so watch for it later this month.

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Coming Soon . . . and a Contest!

I've got a bunch of partially written reviews that I need to finish and post. Watch for more in the next few weeks. Coming up: reviews of Linda Howard's Drop Dead Gorgeous, Elizabeth Hoyt's The Raven Prince, and Kink by Sasha White and Saskia Walker.

Speaking of which, I'm hosting a contest with the prize being a copy of Kink.



I'll be interviewing one of the authors, Sasha White, and I want your help. So, visit her site, return to this blog entry, and post a few questions for her. I'll compile a list of questions and will draw the name of one person who suggests questions. Sound good? I'll take questions on this post until January 31.

Contest Winners

My apologies for the belated posting of the contest winners. Here they are at last!

BJ
Kim W
Kristie

I will contact you, but you're also welcome to e-mail me your address: alyssa @ scrapseasons.com (just delete the spaces).

My reason for being late is work. It's been a bear lately; the busy season has hit. Still, I'm grateful that things aren't nearly as bad as they were at this time last year. I don't mind working the occasional overtime, but consistently working 60-70 hour weeks isn't something I can do again. (Since I'm a salary employee, I didn't even get to enjoy extra money.) It's just too difficult.

Anyway, if my posts are infrequent, that's why. I will try to post more frequently, though. I've been a book review slacker lately and must do better.

Contest

My author website should go live this week. However, I have a dilemma. I'm trying to come up with some FAQ, but I haven't come up with many questions. What questions would you want answered on a FAQ page for an unpublished author?

Here's where your help comes in. All you have to do is post a question in the comments. If I use it on the site, you'll be entered in a drawing. Three people will receive a set of three votive candles and a candle holder.

Update: I'm extending this contest through March 7. I'll draw three winners then. Until then, ask away!

Kidnapped by Love

OK, folks, do you realize that if you don't give me some title suggestions for my NaNoWriMo project, I am likely to end up with a hokey title like Kidnapped by Love? Please save me from myself and enter my contest. I have extended the deadline to Friday.

There is no official TBR (to-be-read) challenge this month, so I've decided to catch up on review books. I am woefully behind. I just submitted my first review for November, and I hope to write another in the next few days. I've had one book for several months, and I'm trying to decide whether I should read it or just hope no one (namely the TRR editor) notices it's missing.

When I'm not reading and reviewing books this month, I hope to read some books I have started and set aside. That will be my personal TBR challenge.

As for December's TBR challenge? Well, Maili said that she would be back and blogging online in December. To give her some encouragement, I officially announce my intention to read and blog about Scottish romance for the TBR challenge unless she does return. Anyone want to join me? ;)

Name My NaNo Contest

As you know, I'm participating in NaNoWriMo. The trouble with talking about it (and I really will try to keep it to a minimum; I'm sure I'm the only one fascinated by it) is that I don't have a title, even a working title, for the thing. I'm stumped. That's where you come in. I need a title.

So, post your title suggestions in the comments, and I'll pick my top three favorites as winners. Each of the three winners will receive an e-book download of their choice from three futuristics I've enjoyed recently:

• Sylvia Day's Misled
• Ellen Fisher's Never Love a Stranger
• Deanna Lee's Still Waters

Anyone who is wondering: fear not. I will BUY a new download for each winner.

Now, on to the story. I'm writing a futuristic romance with a human hero and a heroine from another planet. They team up on the heroine's home planet to look for a diplomat who has been kidnapped. Both have reasons for not trusting the other, but they are attracted, too (of course). There is a lot of action in the story.

So, I'm ready for your titles. You have until Friday, November 11 at 10:00 PM (mountain time) to submit your titles. I'll pick the winners and post them Saturday or Sunday (depending on how many entries I receive). I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

Contest Winner

I'm pleased to announce the winner of my latest contest. Everyone who commented to this post was entered in a drawing. My coworker just drew the name of the winner:

Megan!

Megan wins an autographed copy of Marjorie M. Liu's Tiger Eye.

Congratulations, Megan, and thanks for visiting!

Celebrating One Year

It amazes me to realize that I have been blogging for one year. I started my blog on September 14, 2004. Click here to read my first blog entry. To celebrate, I'm having a contest. I will give away an autographed copy of Marjorie M. Liu's Tiger Eye. Simply comment to this blog entry, and you'll be entered in a drawing for the book. I will draw and announce a winner on Monday, September 19.

I have a lot of fun with my blog. I enjoy writing book reviews, posting scrapbook pages, and reading your comments. Thank you for visiting! I look forward to continuing for another year and more.