My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Heart of a Warrior by Margaret West was "OMG" phenomenal! Becoming enthralled from the first sentence I couldn't put this book down until I finished it!Belinda Carter escapes to Arizona looking for some comfort from her father as she is going through a nasty divorce. Upon her arrival, she finds a distaste for several people who claim to be helping her father and that her dad is actually in the hospital recovering from a heart attack.Though her dad has told her much about the Navajo that live on a Res nearby her fathers home, Belinda seems to keep putting her foot in her mouth when she meets Yuma, the Navajo Chief.She is worried about her father and wanting at the same time for the Navajo Clan to like her for her, not because she is her Harry's daughter. She finally gets to see her dad after a fight about visiting hours, where she was going to sleep, and apologizing for making the Chief angry.While trying to keep the peace with Yuma, Belinda is also worried about her fathers store, which she is sure that is on its downfall and that the current caretakers are running it, and her fathers good name into the desert ground. She doesn't trust Jez Landsdowne any farther than she can throw him and he continually proves his actions to be dishonest.When Aponi, (Yuma's niece) and Belinda go for a night swim, Jez once again proves his ill intentions and Yuma must come to the rescue. This is when their relationship begins to flourish, even though they are continually butting heads.West did a fantastic job with The Heart of a Warrior. The plot was perfect, with added humor I found myself laughing at times, angry at others while rooting for Belinda to come out on the winning side. I really liked Yuma's stubborness and Belinda's feistiness, West did a great job mixing the chemistry between these two.The only thing I was left with was wanting more at the end of this title.West did a superb job capturing the essence of Native Americans and it will definitely capture your heart! I give it ***** (5) Stars, BK Walker, http://bkwalkerbooks.weebly.com/
Today I'd like to welcome Kristin Roisin. Kristin is the author of NyteBeauti, a fantastic fantasy novel. Welcome Kristin. Please take a seat at the round table, and let's talk books.
Thank you so much for taking time out to chat with us today. Your favorite drink me friend? Tantalizing Tea, Captivating Coffee, Irish Brew, or Magical Mist?
I would have to say Irish Brew… but I’m biased.
Certainly...Here's a nice frothy Guiness :)....
This ought to be mighty refreshing on such a hot day. Enjoy.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself...
This is the one question I have the hardest time with. Any other topic, and I can talk for hours.
Haha! Well.. I’m a stay at home, of two beautiful little boys. I’m married to my best friend, and
The love of my life, who is patient (Most of the time) and loving, who allows me to recluse into
My imagination when I need to, at any hour of the day or night, for as long as I need to, to get
The next chapter on paper.
What inspired you to pen your first novel?
I used to role play online, on a few different forums. It was the stories that we came up with as a group, that inspired me to put pen to paper.
Role playing? Now that is very interesting.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
I think so. Writing became a very powerful outlet for me, in my early teens, when I didn’t
Otherwise have a voice of my own. It wasn’t long before I realized that I not only had a
Knack for it, but I really loved it as well.
Tell us a little about NyteBeauti...
NyteBeauti was the culmination of many years of role play, dreams, fantasies, and even one or
Two personal heartbreaks, all combined together to create the story of Desta, and her search for Identity, acceptance, and eventually, true love.
How did you come up with your characters?
Most of the characters were created using a Role play character sheet, to give them their basic
Attributes, weakness, abilities, etc. Some I came up based on that. Others were inspired by a
Picture, or a piece of art I saw online. (Usually Luis Royo or other Fantasy Artists.) Morrigan was actually “born” first. She was to be completely different from who she turned out to be. The strong , feisty Irish woman, was never meant to become a vampire, and yet she’s become the break out character, because of what, and who, she is.
The rest, were characters I ran into, or created for atmosphere purposes. Some I fell in love with
Enough to create their histories and give them a future. Other’s remained ‘eye candy’ with a
Specific purpose of propelling a storyline along.
How did Desta come to be?
Desta, believe it or not, was simply meant to be an expendable, gateway character. She started
Out as nothing more than a dying body, at the bottom of the stairs. She was created for the sole
Purpose and nothing more, than to pass a message to Logan. Haha. But the scene was just so
Heartbreaking, and so emotional, I had to keep her. So, I rewrote her a bit, and reinvented her
History, and thus, Lady Desta was born. I am so glad you didn't off her, so to speak. Even though Morrigan tends to be the one I lean to more as a favorite character, Desta definitely helps make the story.
How did you develop your plot?
Through the role play of the characters, I was able to tweak and adjust different aspects of each
Character. Once they were complete, it was a pretty easy process. They told their own stories. I
Was simply their voice.
Was there a lot of research involved?
There was, actually. Between time periods, to accurately describe their attire, maps to
Accurately describe villages or regions. Even vampire lore, so that I didn’t cross ‘too many’ lines
In trying to keep some originality with my own breed of vampires. I wanted them to be familiar,
So that my readers could identify and say, “Oh yeah, I knew that.” But at the same time, not
Give them a churned up, mulchified version of something they’ve already read.
Why Vampires? What draws you to write in this genre?
Honestly? Obsession. I love all things vampire, supernatural and preternatural. It started with
Anne Rice, and my initial mental image of Louis. After that, I was hooked. I loved how Louis,
Lestat, Claudia and Armand could bring out so many different emotions all in the course of
A half hour, and how I could releate to each one, in their own little way. Vampires also opened up
The door to allow me to explore different time periods, without being locked into a “Historical
Romance’ genre writer.
How do you keep your writing different from all the other novels in this particular genre?
I stick to what I know. My Characters. It’s starting to become apparent to everyone who’s
Been able to read bits and pieces that this isn’t first and foremost, a Vampire Story. It’s a
Story about people, who just happen to be vampires. Instead of focusing on their vampirism,
I focus on what motivates them, what moves them, what propels them forward, and that
Seems to work for my little ragtag bunch of vampires.
What was the hardest part about writing this particular novel?
Wow. I think the hardest part for me, was remembering to not go off on tangents, or commentary
About the individual characters, and their behaviors. In otherwords, trying to keep in my role as pure storyteller, without my own emotion and thoughts embedded in the story. I am simply here To tell their story, not comment on it.
What dreams have been realized as a result of writing NyteBeauti?
I have an actual and honest to God real book in my hand, that has MY words on the pages. I
Have something that I can pass to my boys, something tangible, that I can say to them, “Look,
I had a dream, and with hard work, and perseverance, I made it come true. So can you.” What a wonderful thing to be able to pass on and prove that you can do anything you put your mind to.
If you could possess any Vampire power, what would it be?
Oh my. My husband and I have had this discussion many times. Haha! I’m currently at a toss up
Between two lesser known disciplines. Melpominee and Temporis. For those unsure of the terms Kristin used, Melpominee is the ability to speak to the soul as well as to the ears, sort of like throwing your voice, it can enlighten or damage. Temporis is about controlling time, which may come in handy when a Vampire is seducing one or trying to feed without the donor remembering what happened. A day can last forever, or fly by.
What do you hope your readers will take away from your book?
My greatest hope, is that they walk away, having as deep a love for these characters, as I do.
I hope that they finish the last chapter, wishing to know more about a particular character that I
Didn’t expand on. My last hope, is that there is a character out there for everyone. That everyone
Finds a single character that they can relate to, and say, “I know just how s/he feels!” I know I love your characters, so from my point of view you are well on your way to getting your hope.
What advice can you give to new aspiring writers?
Write what you know, not what is popular. Readers can tell if you’re passionate in what you write
About, or if you’re simply writing to jump on a bandwagon. And never let anyone tell you that
Your dreams are silly, or worthless.
Are you working on any projects right now?
Book Two, Echoes of Rayne is in the works right now. It continues with Desta’s tale, and
Introduces a couple of new characters, that I think my readers will REALLY love.
Where can your readers connect with you? Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Website, Blog?
We’re currently in the process of setting up some local book signings, though no dates have been
Set as of yet. We are also in the midst of planning the Official book release party for this October.
It will be a few months “late” but everything has happened in such a whirlwind, that we’ve had no
Time to plan anything until now.
Any parting comments?
Thank you to all of my friends, family and fans. Without all of them, this roller coaster ride of
A dream would never have gotten out of the gate.
I also want to say thank you for your support, and your advice. Everything you’ve done for me,
To help promote my book, has been just absolutely amazing, and I will never forget it!
Thank you so much for chatting with us today. It has been such a pleasure chatting with you. Please be sure to let us know when the next book is out. You can come back to the round table to tell us about it. I wish you much success and I will be waiting to hear about Echoes of Rayne.
Cheers!
If you would like to purchase NyteBeauti, you can buy it directly from Publish America. It should soon be available on Amazon as well.
NyteBeauti by Kristin Roisin was a fantastic read. A great plot with enthralling characters, you will be anxious to find out what Desta must endure next.
Desta awakens with no memories of her past. Each night the only thing she knows is an unexplainable hunger. Her memories show men with evil eyes and it only causes her an increased sense of fear with each remembering.
Lucky enough to have found a sanctuary in the basement of a church, a priest offers her a wine that helps to quench her hunger. Each night after her meal, she wanders out into the night, hoping to find the answers to her past.
She finds herself at the same tavern each night, and is surprised that it offers her a sense of safety. She ventures to the back of the tavern where she finds a beautiful lake, which gives her a sense of peace. She realizes it is the lake they call "Vampire Lake". She remembers the tale that a great priest blessed the lake and it was where many of the vampire kind, her kind, would meet their demise.
Her thoughts are suddenly interrupted when a man approaches her from her behind telling her that all of her kind should be dead. Startled at first, she slowly uses her finger to remove the sword at her throat. The problem is this vampire slayer feels a strong connection to her, and instantly resolves not to kill her, but protect her.
Sensing a trust in Cyrus, the slayer, she tells of her memories. He swears to keep her safe, and with each night her search continues. That is until one night, she meets a pair of the eyes from her memories.
Scared and without thinking, she runs away. She runs into Cyrus and tells him of her encounter. He takes her to a safe place where they sleep until dusk.
At dusk she ventures out again, only to find herself in a very compromised situation. Beaten and near death, Logan saves her. Is this the first time her and Logan have met? As time goes on you will learn that Logan is actually her maker, without me giving too much away.
Roisin did a fantastic job with this title. NyteBeauti has the perfect plot, with a lot of the vampire lore we are used to with some fantastic originality. Her characters are ones that you will find yourself loving one and angry with the other. I especially liked Morrigan. She is a feisty Irish woman with a definite boldness you are sure to fall in love with. I do hope to see much more of Kristin Roisin.
I give NyteBeauti **** (4) Stars, BK Walker. http://bkwalkerbooks.weebly.com
Please give a warm welcome to Susan Hanniford Crowley. Thank you so much for being with us today.
Please tell us a little about yourself.....
I'm a paranormal romance author, originally a crossover author from science fiction and fantasty. I expanded into paranormal romance which combines everything I love from science fiction and fantasy with romance. I've been married to the same romantic guy for 31 years and have two grown daughters and a dog named Pete. Recently we added two kittens Bella and Buffy to our family.
What do you see as your influences on your writing?
I've been influenced by some classics like Marion Zimmer Bradley (who had been my editor when I wrote fantasy) and Charlaine Harris. Right now I'm more influenced by up and coming authors like Bianca D'Arc, Stella and Audra Price, and a.c. Mason.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Time. I'm an author who still has a day job. I write every possible moment I have, and I usually think that's still not enough.
Where do you hope to take your writing in the future?
I would like have writing as my sole job. I would like to make enough money to travel and do some more research.
How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use any set formula?
I dream all my plots and characters. Sometimes I get it all in one dream or dreaming over a weeks. Sometimes it takes months. I have no set formula. The story is what happens.
What drew you to write about vampires/paranormal romance?
I write about vampires and a variety of rare supernaturals. The attraction to vampires has been since my childhood. I loved Dracula and was a big Dark Shadows fan. When I dreamt about Laura and David in THE STORMY LOVE LIFE OF LAURA CORDELAIS, their story was so compelling and so passionate I had to write it.
Here's a little taste:
"It's a funny thing." She paused, one hand resting on her breast. "When you're
near me, my heart feels full. It never felt that way when I was mortal." Laura tangled her hands in his hair. "I feel like I have always known you. I've missed you forever."
He smiled. It was such odd thing to say, but it felt true. "I've loved you forever."
He didn't know how she'd take that admission. How could you love someone you hadn't met yet? But in the darkness of his life, he had loved the thought of her, the hope of her, and the dream of her. Her expression was so enigmatic. Then she smiled and pulled him down to her face. They kissed tenderly at first. Then each breathless caress of the lips became frantic and hungry. He pressed his mouth against hers and his tongue invaded. She moaned. Her hands moved down to his shoulders. He ripped the buttons off the shirt, and his tongue lavished one breast and then the other. Tiny pants shuddered throughout her body. He kissed her stomach and she giggled. He did it again. She giggled like it hurt. David couldn't help but add his tongue.
"No." Laura pulled his hair. "You're breaking the mood."
He tickled her again, and she giggled. But her eyes smoldered begging him to
continue. Please. He loved hearing her voice in his head.
Pulling off her panties, he flung them to who knows where. She gasped, as his
head disappeared between her legs. Each sweet taste of her led to another. Laura cried and whimpered. Please, I need you.
How do you keep your writing different from the vast variety of stories (in your genre) out there today?
It's the interplay of rare supernaturals that make my plots unique. Plus I've centered my vampires around the secret society in New York called the Arnhem Society. The Arnhem Knights, the society's police arm, are dedicated to preventing human deaths by vampires and aiding other supernaturals in trouble. I love have a supernatural world that exists when our contemporary world.
How did your title come into play?
The title of THE STORMY LOVE LIFE OF LAURA CORDELAIS is sort of an inside joke between myself and my readers. To understand the nature of Laura Cordelais and her powers is to get the title. LOL
Can you tell us a little bit about the main characters and/or the plot in your book?
Laura is in a desperate way and ends up clinging to the railing of the Brooklyn Bridge. David has just asked God to take pity on his loneliness. When Laura changes her mind, she slips and falls into the East River. David has a vision of her falling and jumps into the river to save her. But she is mortally injured and he only has one choice.
When David falls in love with Laura, he doesn't know he's doomed them both to an underworld of sorcery and voodoo from which no one escapes. Is he willing to die to save her?
What were your feelings when you first novel was accepted for publication?
I was so excited I cried. THE STORMY LOVE LIFE OF LAURA CORDELAIS is my debut novel. After years of writing short fiction, writing a full length novel and getting it published was a dream fulfilled.
I absolutely love working with the staff at Tease Publishing LLC.
Who is your favorite author? What genre of books do you read?
Are you working on any projects right now?
I have several favorite authors, so it wouldn't be fair to say one. I read paranormal romance, urban fantasy.
I'm working on a steampunk story and a Greek God story. Neither are part of the Vampires in Manhattan series.
If you could leave readers with one legacy, what would you want it to be?
Never give up on a dream, no matter how long it takes. If you truly believe in something and you work at it everyday, don't give up.
What advice would you give to writers just starting out in this genre?
Do your homework. Read your genre like a maniac so you know what's been done. Get Leslie Wainger's book Writing a Romance Novel for Dummies. Join the RWA and a local chapter. The education in RWA is the tops.
Any last comments you would like to add?
My next ebook release will be VAMPIRE IN THE BASEMENT—tentative release date July 15.
I will be participating in the Authors After Dark Romance Unlimited Convention in Secaucus, New Jersey, September 16-19. There 's still time to register. There will be tons of fun events, panels, workshops, parties, and giveaways. Here's the link: http://authorsafterdark.blogspot.com/p/aad-confrence-info.html
Thank you so much for chatting with us today Susan. I absolutely love the covers of all of your books. Susan is also on virtual book tour, so please be sure to leave her a comment here today for your chance to win a copy of one of her fantastic books.
Cate Masters has an amazing writing style, as you will see from the excerpt she is sharing with us below. She writes fantasy/dark fantasy, contemporary and speculative fiction, as well as historical novels. She is one that will surely leave you wanting more. Please give her a warm welcome as she takes time out to chat with us today.
Welcome Cate, thank you so much for stopping in. Please tell us a bit about yourself.
Thanks so much for having me at the Immortal Cafe! Love that title, btw.
Poetry was an early passion, from about age ten. In high school, I wrote for the school newspaper, and later freelanced for our local newspaper. So I love to write anything, but mostly fiction. Though I do have a day job, I consider writing my main job.
What do you see as your influences on your writing?
I grew up in a very artsy community, and my friends were all artists and poets. From grade school on, we nurtured each other and are still close friends, so the initial imprint was strong. Although I didn’t know it until my mom’s funeral, she once won an award in a writing contest. My dad loved to write, too. So in addition to a nurturing atmosphere, I credit good genes. :)
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Revisions are sometimes a challenge, but I know that’s where the real story shines through, so I go through three or four edits on my own before sending out to critique partners, after which I’ll go through at least another round. So by the time I submit it somewhere, it’s as polished and shiny as I can make it.
Where do you hope to take your writing in the future?
As far as I can. My aim is to keep learning and growing, and pushing my writing to its limit.
How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use any set formula?
I usually start out with a basic idea and take off from there. Once I begin, I keep a running outline to map where I’ve been, and sometimes rough out where I’m headed. But basically the characters know better than me!
What drew you to write about fantasy romance?
I actually write across a variety of genres: fantasy/ dark fantasy to speculative, contemporary to historical, sweet to erotic romance.
I’m not quite sure into what category Fever Dreams fits. It’s a mix of contemporary with fantasy dream sequences. I wrote it almost twenty years ago, and it began as a much shorter story but through revisions, I fleshed out the characters and scenes until it became a short novel. The novel contains many fantasy dream sequences that allowed me to delve into the subconscious of the heroine, Diana, in a unique way. Through her dreams, she recognizes her feelings for Cal overwhelm her reason and better judgment. She knows the relationship has wonderful elements, but in almost a sensory overload way.
How do you keep your writing different from the vast variety of stories (in your genre) out there today?
I like to experiment, so I don’t consciously think about genre, or other stories, while I’m writing. The story and its characters dictate where it will go, independent of any other.
How did your title come into play?
Fever Dreams incorporates several layers of meaning – dreams of following your goals to achieve happiness, as well as dreams of finding the person who’s right for you, in addition to the literal fantasy dreams that haunt Diana after meeting Cal.
Can you tell us a little bit about the main characters and/or the plot in your book?
Ah, well – Cal is very sexy. :) He’s also very moody, as poets can be, but the poetry he writes for Diana melts her heart. And he helps Diana realize her own talents as a photographer. She’s very talented but has no self-confidence until she meets Cal. She also learns to recognize what’s best for her, what’s detrimental and most importantly, how to stand up for herself. Diana and Cal are both flawed characters who become stronger after meeting. They challenge and encourage each other, as the best relationships will. Their feelings grow so strong, both become overwhelmed and have to step away, but that, too, is a good thing in the end.
What were your feelings when you first novel was accepted for publication?
Delight, of course, and probably a little shock. In less than two years, I’ve had 17 acceptances! I like to joke it’s to make up for all those years when I had zero, aside from the few literary magazines and web zines here and there. Those are linked to my web site, if anyone wants a free read, and range from speculative to fantasy to contemporary and literary.
Who is your favorite author? What genre of books do you read?
Wow. I love so many. For their incredible imagination and excellent writing, T.C. Boyle, Margaret Atwood and Michael Chabon definitely rank as my top three. Neil Gaiman and Alice Hoffman follow close on their heels. For jaw-dropping writing, Charles D’Ambrosio and Richard Russo. I’m also trying to catch up on a slew of fellow authors, too many to name. As you can tell from these authors, I read literary, fantasy/urban fantasy, magic realism, contemporary, and any mashup of these.
Are you working on any projects right now?
About a dozen stories are vying for my attention. I’ve nearly finished a first draft of a contemporary fantasy, possibly the beginning of a series. I’m very excited about it.
If you could leave readers with one legacy, what would you want it to be?
Most of my stories center on the idea of following your bliss, and doing what you love. It’s what makes life worthwhile. That’s the positive message I hope my readers take away from my stories.
What advice would you give to writers just starting out in this genre?
The old joke about how to get to Carnegie Hall comes to mind: practice! I once asked bestselling author Ian McEwan the same thing at a booksigning, and he said: keep writing. At the time I thought it was his way of disposing of me to move the line along, but it’s true. The more you write, the better writer you will be. Along with writing books, workshops help, and critique partners are essential.
Any last comments you would like to add?.....(upcoming events, titles, etc. )
I am incredibly psyched about this year’s releases. The Wild Rose Press just released Design for Life, a short contemporary. In August, Whiskey Creek Press is set to release Surfacing, a contemporary fantasy novel about a mermaid and an indie rocker, and contracted The Bridge Between, a contemporary women’s fiction novel. On May 7, Eternal Press released Fever Dreams, and on July 7, will release Winning, a short with elements of magical realism, and on Aug. 7, will release Follow the Stars Home, a historical centered on the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. I’m still waiting for a release date from Freya’s Bower for Angels, Sinners and Madmen, the historical set in Key West, Florida. And because I felt I should give something back to celebrate my good fortune, I contributed a speculative short story, Love and War, to an XOXO Publishing anthology which will benefit charity, and a poem to an anthology Little Episodes released in February, which aims to destigmatize addiction, depression and mental illness through the arts.
I’m also excited to be on my first blog tour, and will be part of the first annual Harrisburg Book Fair the weekend of June 25-26, in Harrisburg, PA. Watch my web site and blog for more details!
Book blurb:
When Diana Taylor changes jobs, she doesn’t expect it to change her life. Meeting Cal opens up a new world of passion. He encourages her to pursue her passion for photography. Her love overwhelms her, blurs the line between reality and dreams. But is it love or obsession?
And here’s an excerpt:
She stood by the bed. “The light switch is to your right.”
He lingered by the door. “We don’t need it. The moon’s still bright.”
Her breath quickened as he stepped toward her out of the shadows. He stopped and took a deep breath. “I have to be careful.”
She tensed. “What do you mean?”
He looked her over inch by inch. “You said you wanted to go slow.” He reached to move her hair from her shoulder, then traced his finger along her collar bone. “That’s going to be very difficult.” His fingers slid down her sweater between her breasts. As he circled around her breast, his palm brushed against her nipple.
Her heart raced and she let out a breath. “I see what you mean.” She touched his chest, ran her hands down his waist and thighs.
He inched her sweater up over her head. She raised her arms and her hair cascaded down her back as he dropped the sweater to the floor.
She unfastened the rest of his buttons and slid his shirt from his shoulders and arms. With a ragged breath, she ran her hands along his smooth chest, resisting the urge to pull him close, to feel his skin against hers. Instead she kissed his nipples, one by one, her tongue teasing them to hardness.
His hands cupped her head, his fingers tangled in her hair. He pulled her away. “You don’t play fair,” he growled. He leaned toward her and she reached her lips to his, but he smiled, holding her inches away. “Not yet,” he whispered.
He undid her bra and slid it away. His tongue traveled down her cleavage to her belly button as he unsnapped her jeans, pulling the zipper down tooth by tooth. She ran her fingers through the waves of his hair as he pushed her jeans from her hips and down her legs and over one foot then the next, kissing her thigh as he steadied her.
He knelt before her, his breath hot through her panties. She clenched his hair as he lightly ran his fingers from back to front, then slowly tugged her panties away, his tongue following the clearing path.
She widened her stance and bit back a moan. His tongue teased her to near bursting. Her breath quivered as she shuddered, then grabbed his head as spasms shook her body as never before. Her knees gave way and she nearly doubled over.
His arms slid behind her knees and back, and he lifted her to the bed. He kissed her, and she tasted herself on his lips. Her legs instinctively wrapped around his to pull him closer. Feeling fabric instead of skin, she reached for his buckle and undid it as fast as she could; she’d had enough of going slow. She tugged them down, pushed them down his legs with her feet.
He stood to take them off, then took a deep breath as he looked at her. He smiled, kissed her bent knee and ran his hands along her legs. “I’m going to make sure,” he said, putting one knee on the bed, then the other, “you won’t miss even one second of this.” He arched over her. “Are you ready for me?”
She had to have him. Now—or she’d go crazy. “Come here.”
He whispered, “Diana, Diana,” the same as he had in her dreams. She tightened her arms around him, and held him until after the moonlight slid away from her bed.
I love the excerpt. You already know it's on my TBR, as with most of your books. Thank you so much for stopping in Cate. It has been such a pleasure chatting with you.
Please be sure to leave a comment for Cate for your chance to win a copy of her book, Fever Dreams. Follow her along her tour, leaving a comment at her various pit stops for extra chances to win.
I was Born in England and moved to the Kent countryside five years ago to get away from the busy life of London. I’m married with two grown up children and am a Clairknowing medium, Crystal Therapist, Parapsychologist and Psychic Development tutor.
I’ve been writing over 20 years and has numerous short stories, novels and articles published. I write romance and paranormals. Incorporating my spiritual experiences, into my books.
What do you see as your influences on your writing?
I think everything in life influences me. My mediumistic work is incorporated into my novels and situations, that I’m tend to find myself in, offer me other inspirations.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Yes. Finding the time to write. I love to write full time and envy those who can.
Where do you hope to take your writing in the future?
Like every writer I’d love to write a blockbuster or have a book turned into a film. Wouldn’t that be a blast!
How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use any set
Formula?
I don’t really. I do have an idea of how the storyline will go. A beginning, middle and end, but the fleshy parts tend to appear on their own as I write. The characters grow from a single idea, or a person I’ve met, even for an instant. It fascinates me sometimes how they do become so real to me by the time the book ends.LOL
What drew you to write about paranormal/ romance?
I am a true romantic at heart. I love a good love story with lots of twists and turned. As I spend a good part of my talking to spirit people, I thought incorporating that with romance seemed a great combination.
How did your title come into play?
The Heart of a Warrior is a bit bizarre really. It started off a non fiction, full of facts and information. Then one day a Navajo name I found by accident when I was researching, suddenly became a real man in my mind and the book started to change. It became more of a romance than a narration. Yuma had a huge heart and fought hard for the rights of his people and because of this, the book got a name.
Can you tell us a little bit about the main characters and/or the plot in your book?
Yuma is a chief of a fading reservation. To keep his people’s traditions and beliefs alive he decides to close it to the outside world. But when he falls in love with Belinda, a nurse from the UK, he suddenly finds he is questioning his beliefs. The traditions he lives by are now preventing him from being with the woman he loves. When a drugs farm is found on the reservation he is in danger of losing not only his people, but everything he’s ever loved. Can love really survive when two opposite worlds collide? Not all romances end happy, some are bittersweet. But I’ll leave that for the reader to find out for themselves.
What were your feelings when you first novel was accepted for
Publication?
Awe struck. I never really thought I was ever good enough to be published. That feeling has never gone away.
What genre of books do you read?
I love historical, paranormals. My favourite author was Catherine Cookson. I loved all her books and have seen everyone of the movies they were made into.
Are you working on any projects right now?
I’ve just finished Spirit intervention. A comedy romance that has all sort of ghostly happenings going on.
Any last comments you would like to add?....
Yes. Follow my writers blog http://margaret-paranormalromanceauthor.blogspot.com/ for loads of authors tours, contests and free gifts.
Follow my paranormal blog http://magsx.blogspot.com/ for all types of ghostly goings on.
Is there a website that readers may find you at?
Facebook, Margaret West
Twitter, mwest1962
Thank you so much for stopping in and chatting with us today Margaret. I always enjoy talking with you.
Today my guest is Ami Blackwelder, author of The Hunted of 2060. Thank you so much for being with us today. Please give her a warm welcome.
Please tell us a little about yourself…..I was raised in Florida, but spent the last eight years overseas in third world countries, teaching and writing. I spent six years in Thailand which has become my second home.
What do you see as your influences on your writing?
I am influenced by edgy, innovative writers and I enjoy reading paranormal and historical romance novels which is what I focused on when I write. I tend to accentuate the forbidden aspects of romance in my genres.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Finding the time to write all the ideas spinning around in my head…
Where do you hope to take your writing in the future?
I hope to find a 'big' publishing house or at the very least produce enough books of my own to be an established self publisher.
How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use any set formula?
I begin with a seed of an idea that is bursting to be born and grow. The plot is usually developed a bit beforehand, but as i write, the characters may take the story in directions I never could have anticipated.
What drew you to write about paranormal romance?
I am drawn to the imaginative and innovative aspects of the human personality. Inventing a world that does not exist, except in your own mind is fascinating to me.
How do you keep your writing different from the vast variety of stories (in your genre) out there today?
My writing focuses on the forbidden aspects of romance where culture, religion, gender, age, time, death, and species differences may all become obstacles.
How did your title come into play?
My titles are born usually out of a significant part to the novel. In The hunted of 2060, the title is based on the fact that the species is being hunted and the year is 2060. There are too many novels with hunted, hunting as the title and so I decided later to add the year to distinguish it.
Can you tell us a little bit about the main characters and/or the plot in your book?
The Hunted of 2060 is set in Alaska in the year 2060 after an invading species to earth has been eradicated. The story revolves around a Sophomore at Alaska University as she undergoes changes and learns she is one of the 'eradicated' that survived. The novel is about her coming to terms with who she is, her struggle of survival, and the romance she shares with a human.
What were your feelings when you first novel was accepted for publication?
I was very excited. I wasn't sure I read the acceptance letter correctly. Then, I had a lot of hard work to put forward into making the novel into something more professional.
Who is your favorite author? What genre of books do you read?
I am busy in May re-editing content and grammar in my novels and in June I will begin a sci-fi historical novel entitled: EXIST. It questions what is existence and is a love story that asks would you let time stop love?
If you could leave readers with one legacy, what would you want it to
be?
That I gave my readers something entertaining, educational and gripping to read.
What advice would you give to writers just starting out in this genre?
Write what you love, because in the end there is a lot of rejection and criticism of your work and so what really matters is what you think about your work.
Any last comments you would like to add?.....(upcoming events, titles, etc. )
The Hunted of 2060 may also be seen on Bitten By Books in May, Catch the Drift with Mama Snow in July, immortylrevolution.blogspot.com in August, paulazone.blogspot.com in June, Written in Blood blog in June, and more to come!
Is there a website that readers may find you at?
http://amiblackwelder.com. There are previews and videos to view on my novels as well as many purchasing options.
Facebook, Twitter, or Myspace?
I'm on FACEBOOK and Twitter under Ami Blackwelder!
Well thank you so much for chatting with us today Ami. It has been such a pleasure. Be sure to leave a comment for Ami today for your entry to win a copy of her book during her tour.
Heart of a Warrior by Margaret West
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