JANE'S JOTTINGS
JULY 2007
SUPER DUPER BUMPER ISSUE!
CELEBRATING
HIRING CUPID IS OUT!!!!
AND IT'S GETTING RAVE REVIEWS
Hiring Cupid by Jane Beckenham is one of the most entertaining books I've read recently. It is a delight, and I know I'll read it again in the near future, just to experience this love story again.
Reviewed by: Carly - Fallen Angel Review – 5 Stars - Recommended Read - Read the full review
And… Wow here is a new author that is now a favorite for this reviewer for Jane Beckenham has such an imagination that is wild to believe. Somehow she has created a woman that we can all see ourselves always working never having time to enjoy life especially men like Marco. Now talk about a man who you wish you had. I loved both of them and the way the author brings them together is explosive that none of them thought would happen in their lives. Great job and can't wait for more from this author. 5 stars! Read the full review
Check out HIRING CUPID
Buy the book
COMING ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
NOT JUST ONE, BUT THREE EXCERPTS OF HIRING CUPID
Interview with Cheryl Wright… super writer, super woman
AND super busy… she tells us how she does it all, and what's coming next
Interview with Kelly Wallace – writer of fantasy and seriously hot sexy men!
Interview with Phyllis Marie Campbell – award winning and multi-published – How does she do it?
Interview with Samantha Sommersby – writer of hot, sexy and yummy heroes… and a writer who knows where she's going.
AUTHOR NEWS
Yvonne Eve Walus's latest book, "Interview with a Dragon" is a July Spotlight e-Book at Echelon Press? Says a reviewer: "Witty dialogue and slightly different take on dragons make this an interesting insight into a dragon's point of view." See here for more details: echelonpress.com.
HIRING CUPID
www.lindenbayromance.com
Excerpt One
Parachute or not, Carly Mason wanted to jump. Too bad the helicopter soared two thousand feet above Auckland and the stranger at her side held her elbow in a vice-like grip.
Okay, so he was a hunk from heaven, but what on earth had she been thinking? She must be nuts.
Fear of the unknown, intense and pungent, ricocheted up and down her spine, her nostrils flaring a fraction as she swallowed a barely audible groan. As the helicopter lurched upward, caught in the updraft, Carly sat rigid, fingernails digging into her palms and blinked back the onslaught of tears.
She chanced a swift glance at the stranger.
Yep, he was one hundred percent pure hunk. There was a twinkle in his eyes. Bedroom eyes. But the man was a chameleon. Hard. Lean. Powerful. Then he smiled, the corner of his mouth curving upward.
Killer smile.
Carly eyed the man at her side. He gave her a smooth, nothing-could-be-wrong, I-do-this-everyday sort of grin. His dimples puckered.
Oh, hell.
Her heart palpitated and a fine layer of sweat sheathed her body. She yanked at the neckline of her blouse. It was choking her.
Liar! It was him. The hunk. Mr. Gorgeous. She gasped for oxygen. Look at her. She was acting like some Victorian uptight spinster. Get a grip.
Okay, so she'd stipulated no hanky panky. What could go wrong? They had separate bedrooms for heaven's sake. But she couldn't deny the facts. She had hired a gigolo.
Excerpt Two
Marco leveled his gaze on Carly Mason's long legs as she strode over the cobbled street, racing as if the devil was after her. He grinned. He may not be the devil, but he was after her—in a sense.
She was some woman. All woman, and unknowingly, the woman who had kept him awake all night, something that had never happened to him before. Marco smiled. Their chance meeting was a blessing from on high. Ordering another coffee, he eased his large frame back into the chair and let out a heavy sigh, frowning as he spied a wedding magazine in the free-to-read pile in the cafe. He dragged a hand through his tousled hair. Sleep deprivation was not good for his mood and meeting Carly had turned his emotions upside down. Hell, her proposal was incredulous, but that he'd accepted without a second thought socked him a punch he found inexplicable.
She had taken him by surprise, but one look at her long legs, spiky high heels, and a dress which clung to every delicious curve set his blood pumping and his nether regions reacting as if he was a schoolboy on fire. He found himself imagining what lay beneath that dress. Visions of frothy bits of lace and silk teased his senses, and despite the mid-day activity in the café, his eyes closed for a moment as his imagination ran wild.
It didn't last. A sharp cackle of laughter nearby dragged him back to reality and his eyes snapped open. What the hell was he doing, mentally undressing a woman he barely knew? But, he smiled, nevertheless. Four days on an island, albeit surrounded by her friends, would give him ample opportunity to get to know Carly Mason.
Oh, yeah.
BUT WAIT… THERE'S MORE….
INTERVIEW WITH CHERYL WRIGHT…
Cheryl Wright is an award-winning Australian author, freelance journalist, and editor. In addition to an array of other projects, she is the owner of the Writer2Writer website and the Writer to Writer monthly ezine for writers.
I don't know how you fit it all in Cheryl. Tell us how you juggle your life as a writer, versus all the other calls on your time.
With great difficulty sometimes!
Seriously, I try to prioritize and do the most important or time-pressed items first. I also use a very large year planner, which hangs on the wall of my office. Without that, I don't know where I'd be. This is the first year I have one, and it's really been a god-send.
Why writing Cheryl? What is it that draws you to this profession?
Writing is not something you choose; it chooses you. It's an inbuilt need, something you simply can't do without.
You write not just novels and anthologies, but poetry and short stories, along with how to books. Is there any one medium you prefer?
Very difficult question! Since I have to choose, I'd probably say I prefer to write how-to books. That's because I get to learn new things while writing, and also to teach others in the process. As much as I love writing fiction, how-to books can literally change a person's life, so they bring a bigger sense of satisfaction as well.
What got you into writing the how to books?
Funny story…. I decided to write a short autoresponder course for the Writer2Writer website. And since short stories are one of my strengths, I decided to use that as my subject matter.
The course was to be three parts. But once I sat down to write, I found I simply couldn't condense the information into three short lessons, so it suddenly became a how-to book!
The most interesting part was I had no idea – up till that point – that I was talented in the area of non-fiction. The decision to write that course was literally life changing for me.
I know you're a marketing guru, with your writer2writer site and ezine, plus now you're part of the Aussie Authors site. What was the reason to start this site, your aims and dreams?
The site was begun because of an idea that my business partner Sarah Cook had. She realized that Australian writers were getting a raw deal when it came to publicity.
I had previously owned another publicity site for writers, but it was a co-operative and simply didn't work out. As a result, I decided to close it down. Sarah's idea for AussieAuthors came at a time when the other site was winding down. We hadn't opened the site very long when it occurred to us that New Zealand writers were in exactly the same boat, so we invited them to utilize the site as well.
The site is less than a year old, and already very popular. We've recently faced the situation where we've had to knock people back for the dates they want (because they're already booked), so we've had to sit down and make some decisions about the site's future.
So, we now have a lot of plans for expansion, but some parts will take several months to implement. Our aim is to bring exposure to as many Australian and New Zealand writers as possible, and to introduce them to readers –from these countries and overseas as well.
Of all your books you've written so far, which story is the story of your heart?
Saving Emma is my favorite to date, and I'd definitely call it the book of my heart. But I'm putting the finishing touches on another book I love as well. It's called Arms of a Stranger, and is also a romantic suspense.
What makes a good character for you?
A good character is one that is full-bodied and realistic. When I read a book, I want to feel for the characters, I want to ride along with the characters, and I want to be part of their lives.
If the character has not been created well, none of those things can happen.
Are you a career planner? And if so, what guidelines can you give aspiring writers for planning their futures?
Until about a year ago I would never have said I was a career planner. But I definitely am. I have long-term plans in place, and they're starting to come to fruition. I've learned to make business decisions based on how they affect my writing career. I'm a deep thinker from way back, so rash decisions are not for me. For example, I own a membership site for writers (www.resources4writers.com) and that site was `on the drawing board' for well over a year before it was up and running. I find that by jumping in to projects, I usually end up in the deep end, but taking it slowly produces more positive results. Whereas I used to see myself as a writer, I now look at myself as a businesswoman who just happens to be a writer. For aspiring writers my advice would be to take it slowly. Don't rush to get published. Hard to do, I know, but once you are published, the pressure is on. You are expected to roll out book after book, and each of those books must sell. So perfect your style and your voice. Learn as much as you can about your craft, and write as much as you can. Both of these will strengthen your writing, and in the process make it easier to get published when you are at the right standard. I would also suggest you read your contract with a fine-tooth comb. Know exactly what you are signing away before you do it. Don't get burned by a greedy publisher. (Yes, it happened to me!)
Tell us about your WIP.
As I mentioned earlier, I'm just finishing off Arms of a Stranger. It's a `woman in jeopardy' story, as most of my novels tend to be. (I love romantic suspense!) The main character, Kareena Ellis, has witnessed a murder and is being pursued by the killers. She is physically attacked in her car while waiting at the traffic lights, and flees the scene. She is found - covered in blood and splinters of glass - by local gym owner Mason Bradshaw, but Kareena is not convinced he's on her side. I won't give too much away, but as soon as the book is finished it will hopefully be snapped up for publication.
With such a variety of tasks that pull at your time, how do you schedule your writing and promotional time?
When I first began marketing, I found it to be hell. But over time the two have simply melded into one. I don't even notice I'm doing it anymore. Really. In addition to the writing and marketing, I also edit for QPN Press. That takes up a lot of my time, so being organized is crucial. When I get up in the morning, I check my planner, and see where I need to start. Just to give you an idea, over the next five to six weeks I need to edit eight short stories (about 8,000 words per story) and return them to their writers for their feedback. Most of them are going into an anthology that I'm solely editing, so I'll have organize and prepare them for publication. Plus two other stories need to be ready for publication in QPN's magazine. We've already started looking at next year's schedule, so I'll have to factor that into my schedule for 2008. This is all done in between my writing novels, how-to books, and magazine writing. Oh, and I coach writers as well. Phew!
Marketing is sometimes labeled a dirty word for writers. They just want to write and not get out there and sell themselves. What would you say to those that are just starting out, and also what do you think is the single most best marketing tool you've used?
Don't do it!!! Do not ignore the marketing aspect of your writing! If you don't market yourself, no one will know who you are, and that includes publishers. I've had one publisher contract a novel because she'd heard my name all over the internet. She also loved the book (<g>), but the marketing aspect was the clincher. Another publisher (non-fiction) contacted me to write a book for him! And that would never have happened without marketing. It's difficult to say what the single best marketing tool is, because I use several methods. Writing articles that ezine owners can use is extremely good, but I also produce giveaway ebooks that are mini-ecourses, and I've found them extremely effective too. There are way too many methods to mention, but I did put together a little giveaway book that your readers are free to grab if they're interested. Here's the link:
http://www.writer2writer.com/FreeDownload/MarketingForWriters.pdf
Here's a list of all my sites, in case your readers would like to check them out:
www.cheryl-wright.com http://www.resources4writers.com
www.aussieauthors.com
www.writer2writer.com
www.write-essentials.com
AN INTERIVEW WITH KELLY WALLACE…
Kelly, you're writing paranormal. Tell us what you love about this genre?
Although I write in many sub-genres, paranormal is my favorite. Since I was a child I've always been fascinated with vampires, ghosts, even zombies--though zombies aren't quite sexy enough for a romance! Flesh falling off and the whole brain-eating thing is a turnoff for most people. Lol. I enjoy writing paranormals because I get to explore worlds that are so different from our everyday lives. They're a little bit scary, creepy, and sensual. They play upon our fears and fantasies of a dark, mysterious stranger taking control and us loving every minute of it!
Some writers start a new book with an idea from say a newspaper, where do you get your ideas from?
I get my ideas from many places. It could be a bit of dialog I hear while out somewhere, or an article I read in the National Geographic about some hidden place in the world that I find intriguing. Many times I'll get my ideas from movies. I'll see a movie and think the premise is great, but many times I'm disappointed. So, I write a story with the same theme in mind, but work it to my liking. For instance, my Liquid Silver novel Love Immortal was based on a vampire movie I saw back in the 80s'. I didn't like the way it ended, but I liked the premise and decided to write it "my way." I got the idea for Reaching for the Stars, which is coming out soon through Wild Rose, from a book I read on UFO eyewitnesses. The Chosen One, coming out this fall through Mojocastle, came about due to an article I read in National Geographic about stone sculptures in the Mexican jungle of Xilitla. As you can see, I get my ideas from many places.
The world of paranormal novels has really increased in popularity, particularly since Harry Potter. Do you think these books have influenced your writing at all?
As ashamed as I am to say this, I've never read a Harry Potter novel. My kids have to drag me along to see the movies. Not that they aren't wonderful, they just aren't my cup of tea. Most of my novels were written 15 years ago and sat on old Brother Word Processor disks until I finally had the time, courage and energy to send them out to publishers. I'm glad JK Rowling has been such a huge success with the Harry Potter series because it has awakened more people to the world of the paranormal. I feel this in turn has helped writers, such as myself, become published with our tales of magick, witches, vampires, and such, which weren't as hugely popular years ago.
However, you write very sensual. How do you explain that to your five daughters LOL!
Sensual writing is very hot right now. (Pardon the pun!) The public likes explicit love scenes, no more being left at a closed door, so that's what I give them. I have a VERY vivid imagination. ;-) Whenever I have another book out I tell my kids, "Don't read the dirty parts!" lol. They know what I write and we all laugh about it. They tell their friends, "Yeah, my mom writes smutty romances." They're actually very proud of me. Being published has been a dream of mine for the past 15 years.
You write, and love, strong characters, wanting your readers to really fall in love with them. Tell us about how you go about creating your characters.
As I mentioned before, I have a very vivid imagination. I get an idea for a book and the characters just act it out in my mind. I simply write down what's going on. I jump into their heads to see how they feel and what they're thinking, I get up close and personal--both in the bedroom and out--to see what's going on and I relay that to my readers. I know I have good characters when they take over the story. Makes writing much easier! At times I've had a character that is limp and robotic. I have to move her every step of the way. That's when I give her an attitude adjustment. I put something in her past or something she wants badly that makes her tougher and gives her more life. I have a much easier time writing male characters than female. Probably because I find men so fascinating. I always want to get into their heads! Besides, I've always gotten along better with men than women. So, being around males more, perhaps this comes naturally?
You're published with several publishers. Was this a specific career decision?
I love to write, and one publisher can only take on so much. If one publisher of mine can't take any more submissions or they'd like to but are backed up for a year or so, I go to another. My main goal is getting my work out there and read. The more publishers I'm with, the more readers see me. And that's what it's really all about. Okay, big royalty checks would be nice too!
You've five books out there. Is there any one a favorite, and why?
At this moment I have six books under contract and one on the way. Yeah! As for my favorite, I honestly couldn't choose just one. I love each book I write, and I love the characters in them. When you've spent so much time with "people" they become a part of you. Theron in Love Immortal is one hot vampire, I have to admit! Whew! The boy has an attitude but you can't help loving him and wanting him to take just a little nibble.
Tell us about what you're working at the moment.
Lots! Cowboys Make Better Lovers is coming out in September through Linden Bay. Raif Manning is one sexy cowboy with a snappy sense of humor. The verbal sparring in the story was a heck of a lot of fun to write! Braving the Storm will be coming out through Liquid Silver. Melony Shepherd is a high powered attorney by day and emotional recluse by night, so decides to take Hunter McFadden's wilderness survival course in the Alaskan outbacks to toughen herself up. He's one sexy Scotsman and there's no way she can resist sharing his sleeping bag! Reaching for the Stars will be coming out through Wild Rose Press and includes one sexy spaceman who learns all about love from an emotionally wounded model who vowed to give up men for good. But who could resist a virginal spaceman who looks as delicious as JT does? The Chosen One will be coming out this fall though Mojocastle and is about a woman whose son started exhibiting psychic powers and is at her wits' end until Noel Posas, the Dream Master of a secluded Mexican village, arrives on her front steps with the answers she needs and passion she craves. A Bitter Pill is about childhood friends who get together to make a baby. But what starts out as "business only" soon turns into days and nights of wild passion and the two of them falling in love. Which really scares the heck out of them!
Once I get these edited and out, I'll begin working on some other projects I've started.
What are the elements of paranormal you favor most, and perhaps always try and include in your novels?
I love telekinesis and telepathy. Moving things around without lifting a hand and reading another person's mind has always fascinated me. I used these in Love Immortal and The Chosen One. I used psychometry and clairvoyance in Invisible Evidence. Mostly I favor very hot and sexy heroes and very normal heroines with a bit of an attitude. I think the reader wants to put herself in the woman's place, so having a female in the story who isn't "Robo-blonde in a thong" really appeals to them. (Thank you to my friend, Denyse Bridger, for that wonderful title! lol)
Marketing is on top of the list for writers. We can't get away from it. What do you do for marketing, and is there any one thing that you think works better than others.
Ah! I hate promo work and I suck at it. lol The more books you have out in the world, the more you're known to your fans. Other than that, having a Myspace profile is essential. I get far more traffic there than on my own website! Posting blogs, inviting other authors and readers in your genre, posting information about your new books, posting comments and bulletins, all of this can be done from Myspace. I think it's the single most effective advertising tool, and it's free!
You're a certified counselor, natural health consultant, and successful psychic advisor through eBay and your website. Do you find that you bring bits of these other skills to your writing?
Definitely the psychic part. When writing paranormal or suspense I always have psychic elements going on. I feel that by being a psychic advisor for nearly twenty years it has helped me to tune into feelings and details I might not otherwise.
You can check out Kelly's web site at www.KellyWallace.com
and blog at myspace.com/author kellywallace
INTERVIEW WITH PHYLLIS CAMPBELL….
Phyllis Campbell is an award-winning, multi-published and best selling author of romance; from the dark and mysterious hero who sends shivers up your spine to the feisty heroines who somehow manage to keep them in line.
Phyllis…tell us about your road to publication, when you began to write, what is it that drives to do so?
I have been an avid romance reader since 1985. Romance is in my blood, and I need that 'happily ever after'. About ten years ago, I saw a really good romance movie with a bad ending. It disturbed me so much I dwelt on it until I decided to write my own romance. Well...that's all it took. Once I finished that story, I started another one, and just before I was finished with that one, another idea hit me. It was like I couldn't write fast enough. (I had a notebook and pencil back then) Finally, after a couple of years of doing this, I hooked up with a woman who wrote romance and she took me under her wing and taught me. From there, I bought a computer and found the fascinating world of the internet... I joined critique groups and realized this was heaven! I have learned so much from my crit partners. So I submitted stories to the big NY publishers and was turned down time and time again. So I thought I'd try my hand at electronic publishing. My luck turned for the better when I found some really great companies. Now all my books are electronic and print--and are available in bookstores and on Amazon.com. I'm still trying with the big guys, but I'm definitely enjoying my way to the top.
You're published by several different publishers. Tell us a little about them?
Champagne Books was a brand new company when I first signed on with them, and they were wonderful. I became an overnight success with them since most of my books were best sellers, and broke record sales. But my publisher only released three of my books a year. That wasn't enough for me, so I went looking for another publisher. I found Vintage Publishing and Highland Press about the same time. So far, I've enjoyed every second with these publishers. Once again, I grew restless and wanted more, so I found yet another publisher, The Wild Rose Press. I think I'm going to be very happy now...while I wait for the NY publishers, of course. <grins>
You recent release, Queen of Hearts, from Vintage Publishing, can you tell our readers a little about the story.
It takes place ten years after the Civil War in Louisiana. Here's the blurb -
Can a woman battle through secrets to win the love of the man who just might take away her home?
Dr. Cecilia Ashby is forced to disguise herself as a man in order to practice medicine in a small southern town after the Civil War. When she stumbles across an injured gambler in an alley one night, will her ruse get the better of them both? Especially when she finds herself attracted to him.
Gambler, James Lawrence has played his last hand and finally has enough cash to buy back his family plantation the carpetbaggers had taken from him…until he's blindsided, robbed and left for dead. After an interesting stay with the town doctor, he finds his stolen earnings in the hands of the young thief and his sister, Cecilia Ashby, who now reside in his plantation.
James and Cecilia both want the plantation, but do they want a long lasting love even more? Battling deceit, betrayal, and disguises, the two must confront their biggest challenge yet – themselves.
Many writers find their ideas for a story come from say a newspaper article, or someone they've seen walking down the street. Where do you get your ideas from?
As strange as this may sound, my ideas usually come from my dreams, and then as I'm writing the story, a character from that story will let me know they want a story, too. That's usually how it happens for me. There's been only one time that I can think about where I actually found my idea by reading an internet article. By the time I was half through the article, my romantic comedy's plot unfolded right before my eyes. It was amazing since nothing has ever happened like that before...or since.
Once the idea has developed, how do you go about expanding it into a fully fledged book?
I figure out my hero and heroine's GMC; goals, motivation, and conflict. Once I do that, my characters start talking to me and I let them tell the story. I'm not a plotter, so I rely on my characters to tell me what they want. They haven't failed me yet.
Are there certain characteristics you think are present in all your heroines?
Oh definitely! My heroines are stubborn. Yup, like me! But they're tender and loving...after they've fallen in love.
What makes a hero, heroic for you?
The way he treats the heroine. I love writing about Alpha heroes, but they also need to have a tender side. They need to treat the heroine like she's a queen. They need to be willing to lay down their life for her if the situation arises.
Tell us a little about what you're working on now?
I'm working on a historical / paranormal titled, Night Music. I will be pitching this story to an agent when I go to RWA Nationals. Here is my short & sweet pitch--
Morgan Thornton has not been human for two years when a witch cursed him. Labeled East Wing Ghost by his family, he seeks to find a way to lift the curse and free himself, and at the same time, he's torn between warning the curious Miss Forester of the dangers lurking in the manor she's visiting, and keeping her in his arms.
I'm also working on a contemporary, which I'll also pitch for a Harlequin Blaze editor. Here's the short & to the point pitch --
Kellie Morris wants to die. Out of all the Adonis's to share a night of sexual fantasy with, why did it have to be the very man trying to buy her auto body shop, Mr. Clean himself, Vincent Drake. And why for the first time in her life, is she thinking of giving in to him body and soul?
Marketing is so important for writers, and something many of us are not comfortable with, unfortunately. What have you found works best for you? Tough question, since I'm still looking for that 'thing' that works. I do enjoy promoting myself on the internet. I'm part of myspace, and a bunch others like it. I enjoy doing author chats, and having author days on the Yahoo loops. I do a lot of book signings around town - and even out of town. I have to rely on word-of-mouth, too.
WHAT'S ON
On July 30, 2007 9:00 est, the authors of Linden Bay will be appearing at The Romance Galleria for Mocha Monday! Hear about their books, get to know their authors, win a free book, and enjoy some excerpts!
The following authors have already been confirmed:
Peter A. Brandt
Denny S. Bryce
Jane Beckenham
Cat Johnson
J.J. Massa
Samantha Sommersby
Shiela Stewart
Kelly Wallace
SO COME AND JOIN US …. http://www.theromancegalleria.com/
Excerpt Three of HIRING CUPID …..
"The island is remote, accessible only by boat or helicopter. A generator will provide power and thankfully there's running water," she said feeling more in control with every passing second.
Control? Who are you kidding, Carly Mason?
"You are a mine of information, cara mia."
She pulled back a bit, pushing herself into her seat to give herself some space from him. "You don't have to do the cara mia stuff, yet."
Marco shrugged. "Perhaps not, but it is the language of love."
"Love?" she croaked.
"Si. We should practice."
Oh, no. No. No. "Over my dead body."
"That's no fun, at all."
"This isn't about fun, Mr. Valente," she countered.
"It's not?" He gave her a teasing frown. "And here I thought I would have four days of fun, sand, and..."
"You're playing a part, Marco Valente. Remember that. Acting. It's not real."
"Then, let us see how well we can act, hmm?"
Carly spun away, riveting her gaze back to the golden sands glittering under the full heat of cloudless February sky. Oh, Lordy. This was going to be harder than she expected.
Remember it's a game.
Tempted… CLICK HERE TO ORDER HIRING CUPID
www.lindenbayromance.com
INTERVIEW WITH SAMANTHA SOMEMERSBY…
Samantha Sommersby was first published in 2005 and has now left what she used to call her "real life" day job to pursue writing and working in the publishing industry full-time.
Sam, tell us about your road to writing, where it started, and what it is about writing that you just can't stop?
I've always enjoyed writing, but I've been writing seriously for about six years. I was reading something one day and thought, I can do better than this. That very afternoon I sat down and started writing As You Wish. After I had about ten chapters finished I started posting them on the Internet. The feedback and the supporting words of that on-line community is what gave me the courage to write that second book and ultimately to seek publication.
Developing stories, writing them down, and sharing them with others brings me joy. I can't imagine life without writing.
Your writing seems to cross the genres, with highly sensual and vampires, plus historical with your book, Blazing Sun, Burning Hearts. Was it something you set out to do, or just found that you had different stories in you that screamed to be told?
I've mostly gone wherever my muse has taken me. I do like to stretch myself and try different things. That was especially true in the beginning. I've written historical, suspense, contemporary drama, and urban fantasy. Urban fantasy is my favorite sub-genre both to write and to read. I'm working on another urban fantasy novel now—Forbidden: The Revolution, it's the third in my Forbidden vampire series.
I notice too that several of your heroes are in social work, just like your husband? Do you base your characters on him? And if so, what does he think of them?
Both my husband and I have Masters in Social Work. Because of my educational background, clinical training, and work in the psychiatric field it's easy for me to weave those elements into my stories. Parts of Maclain Moore from Shelter from the Storm was very much based on my husband, who like Mac is a social worker that works with abused children. That book was, and still is, very important to me.
I began writing it after reading a romance where the heroine, who had been a survivor of sexual trauma, met a guy and after one "good shag" was miraculously "cured" of all that had ailed her. Not only was it completely unrealistic, it seemed almost disrespectful to me in a way.
If I had to boil it down I'd say that Shelter from the Storm is about two people previously burned by love and thrown together by circumstance. The growth of the relationship between the characters is the story. Both characters come into the relationship with baggage, but they overcome it. As they reveal more of themselves to one another they fall deeply and passionately in love. At times it's raw and at times it's rocky, just like in life. Oh, but in the end you can count on that all-important happily-ever-after. It is a romance after all.
Your background, pre being published was in the psychiatric field. Do you think this brings a greater understanding to you when you're creating your characters?
I'm meticulous about characterization and my characters completely drive my stories. I don't outline or storyboard. When I begin to work on something it's the characters that come first. I get to know them by creating full histories, attributing motivations, giving them flaws and strengths, things that make them unique. They have their dreams and desires, but they also have their secrets and things that they aren't proud of having done. I try to make them as real and I can… Then I like to set them loose.
What is it you love most about writing?
I love it when a character surprises me, especially my heroines. My favorite heroine is June from June in August, one of the short stories in Trilogy No. 101: Turning Up The Heat. I wrote the story from June's point of view and that made it a surprisingly intense and connecting experience. I've written several things since in first person for that very reason.
June is the youngest heroine that I've written. Her story takes place in Texas during 1969. The hero, Wiley Patton just returned from Vietnam and June, his neighbor, is all grown up...and waiting to welcome him home. When Wiley left for war June was fifteen, she's eighteen during the story but she's still naive in many ways. What I like best about June though, is her determination. She's a girl who knows what she wants and she goes after it. Wiley Patton may be a more experienced "man of the world", but he falls madly in love with June. That soul bearing, slow burning, forever kind of love. Who wouldn't want to be on receiving end of that?
And what do you find the hardest?
Promotion and specifically personal appearances are the hardest. I've been invited to speak with some other urban fantasy authors at Comic-Con on July 25th at 2:00 p.m. pst. It's being held at the San Diego Convention center and I'll be sitting on a panel with Laurell K. Hamilton, Jeanne Stein, Laura Anne Gilman, Carrie Vaughn, and Marjorie Liu. I've read and admire their work, and I'm looking forward to the panel, but I'm also incredibly nervous about it.
What is the one thing that you try to bring to each of your books?
Some sense that relationships and people aren't perfect. Some of my favorite love scenes are the ones that are slightly botched. One of my all time favorites is in As You Wish, the first time that the hero and heroine make love.
When you tell friends and strangers you write romance, what reaction do you get?
Normally I tell people that I write steamy romance. I find that people are utterly fascinated by it. Sometimes it earns my husband a pat on the back, an elbow in the ribs, and a provocative comment about "research". But most often people are genuinely interested it what my stories are about, where they're sold, how I got published, etc.
How do you go about marketing yourself?
Gosh, I do all sorts of things—Interviews, Ads, blogging, reviews, book-signings, chats, book trailers, sending out promo, creating banners and wallpapers, maintaining a web-site, networking, going to conventions and attending professional meetings. I'm always on the lookout for ways to promote myself.
Your books are out in ebook, and print. Where do you think the ebook market is heading?
I'm personally a big fan of eBooks. The market is still very young, but it's growing steadily. eBooks aren't mainstream yet, but the market is certainly moving in that direction. More of the traditional print houses have come to play in the eBook pond and the eReader technology is steadily improving. Bill Gates went on record this past May, projecting that in five years all reading will be done on-line. I do believe that in five years reading an eBook as opposed to a print book, will be a common place as using cell phones as opposed to land lines are today. Will people stop reading print entirely? I hate to disagree with Mr. Gates, but that I can't imagine happening in five years time. Maybe not ever.
Websites:
Samantha Sommersby Yahoo Group
Blog MySpace
Backlist:
Blazing Sun Burning Hearts, Linden Bay Romance
In the Still of the Night, Linden Bay Romance
As You Wish, Linden Bay Romance
Trilogy No. 101: Turning up the Heat, Linden Bay Romance
Shelter from the Storm, Linden Bay Romance
Forbidden: The Claim, Linden Bay Romance
Forbidden: The Awakening, Linden Bay Romance
Coming Soon:
Forbidden: The Revolution, Linden Bay Romance
Well, that's all folks… It's been a wonderful year so far with the release of HIRING CUPID and it's fabulous reviews, plus a second contract with Linden Bay Romance for HE'S THE ONE…which promises to be another sizzling read!
Happy reading everyone
Jane Beckenham
www.janebeckenham.com
www.lindenbayromance.com
www.trebleheart.com
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