Talking On A Tuesday

Today I'm chatting with author Jena Galifany. Welcome Jena.

Can you tell us about your latest release?
My upcoming September release from Red Rose Publishing is "Her Perfect Man". It is an historical dark romance, with a hint of paranormal. Anna Scott can see bits of the future, and knows that she will have the perfect life with the perfect man. Unfortunately, she can't see just who that perfect man is.

Where do you take your inspiration from?
This particular story was based on a short story I wrote out of anger at my ex-husband. Lol It gained a few fans that wanted me to expound on the original work. It took eighteen years for me to finally get it written so I truly hope it does well.

Most of the time I take inspiration from a song, or a phrase. Now and then, I've written, based on a person whose looks I happen to like. I see my stories as movies in my head before I write them most of the time.

Do you like to work with music playing in the background? And if so, do you listen to a specific type to evoke certain moods?
I have made CDs with the particular songs that make me think about a particular story. I'm currently working on about 12 storylines, bits at a time. I will focus on one and run with it, while continuing to make notes on the others as the music provides.

What was it that gave you the final push to submit your first story? And how did you feel when your work was accepted?
The real push came from two friends at my day job. I was off work for a month with an injury and had a story rolling around in my head. I used the time to write it out. When I returned to work, they wanted to know what I did on my "vacation". I said I wrote a book. Not believing me, they wanted to read it. Once they did, they compelled me to continue the story and several months later, after I had two more books nearly completed in the series, they convinced me to publish.

I found Whiskey Creek Press through my reviewing site and liked their books. I send the first book to them and forgot about it, not expecting to hear anything about it. In two months, I had a contract and was dancing on the ceiling for around three days. I couldn't believe I was accepted on my first try. That was a blessing from God, I'm sure. The contract said any sequels should be submitted to them first. I had two more ready to go and sent them along. A month later, I had contracts for the first three books in the ShadowsForge series in hand. I was totally amazed.

Can you describe to us a typical day in your life as an author?
I wish I had a day as an author. My day begins at 4am when I get up and get ready for my day job at 5am. Throughout the day, I write in my head, and make notes on a notepad lying open on my desk while I process internet orders. I spend my two breaks reading books for reviews I write or for a publisher for acquisition.

Up until this week, I'd get off work at 1:30pm and head home where I'd work a little as editor for a review site, write a report for the publisher, and read emails. Now and then, I'd get some time to write what I'd thought about at work and made notes on. I don't like to work on my stories unless I have a couple of hours to do so.

Beginning this week, when I get off of work, I'll be heading over to my used book store and work there for a couple of hours, until my mother comes in to relieve me to go home and turn into a wife around 5:30. It's a life long dream so I hope it is a success. I will be helping to promote ebooks through the store as well.

What is the best thing about being a writer?
Having the ability to take a story in any direction I want to. I love to travel with my characters. The Ethereal Edge tour with ShadowsForge took me all over the US and England, so to speak. Her Perfect Man took me back to 1910 in Southampton, England and Shyanne's Secret, coming soon from Whiskey Creek Press, took me to 1880 Oregon. It's the only way to travel.

What does your work space look like? Neat as a new pin? Or area of mass destruction?
Mass destruction pretty much says it all. LOL I have notes and projects and reference books all over. I have pictures for visual aids posted around the monitor as well.

Which, if any of your stories, has been the most emotionally difficult for you to write?
Probably Her Perfect Man as Anna Scott is somewhat based on me in my younger years. I actually learned a lot about myself and had to take a step back and apologize about some of the things I'd done. It was an emotional eye-opener for me.

Most authors that I've spoken with have at least one finished or nearly finished project that they've held onto for a number of years. Do you have any such work?
And if so, what has stopped you from submitting it?
The Ice Child. It was one of the first books I set out to write in the mid 1980s. It is a fantasy story based on an old Dungeons and Dragons ® quest that I made up myself and lead a group through as Dungeon Master (aka narrator for the game). It was fun and a lot of silly things happened during the game so I wrote it all down. I think I was always afraid to share it because, a) I was afraid of copyright issues. TSR was never very forgiving, and, b) it's too silly for adults but had a few moments that were not suited for children. I need to work on it when I get more time.

Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task?
I have several works in the fire at any given time. My mind moves from one to another depending on the music I come into contact with or a situation that comes to mind. I try to focus on one, but it doesn't always work that way.

Which of your upcoming projects are you most excited about?
I'm excited to see what happens when Shyanne's Secret comes out. I was known for the ShadowsForge series, the 80's rock band ongoing tour. I want to know if I can write something besides the crazy guys in the band and if Cole and Shyanne will be as popular as Ty and Alexis Synclair were.

When not writing, how do you relax?
Relax? Lol, what is that? I love to read. I love to write book reviews. I love to garden but that has not happened much this year. I love to sew and crochet, but again, I've not had much time for that either. I do hold down a full time job as well.

How do your friends and family feel about your work and do you let any of them read your stories?
If I had not let a couple of friends read my work, I'd have never had the nerve to seek publication. I will forever be in debt to Joyce Anderlik and Brandi Milhon for pushing me to give it a try. My family, on the other hand are about half and half about reading my stories.

Has your life changed significantly since becoming a published writer?
Not a lot. I'm not quite making what Mr. King and Mr. Patterson make so not much change there. I do love it when someone asks about my writing and love it when I get to do interviews like this one. Thank you again, for allowing me to be part of this.

Where do you see yourself in three years time, as far as your writing is concerned?
I hope to have more time to do more writing. I'd like to have a few more books on the market and be better known. I think that each book I write is better than the last, but I still have much to learn.

If you weren't a writer, what else would you be doing?
Probably not very much. I've dreamed of being a writer for many, many years. Now that I can call myself a writer, I can't think of anything I'd even want to do instead. I'd probably just be reading and dreaming.

Which of your books would you love to see turned into a movie?
Shyanne's Secret would make a great movie. The ShadowsForge series would make an interesting television show, since it follows an entire year plus tour.

Can you let the readers know where to find you on the web?
Web site:
http://jenagalifany.bravehost.com
The ShadowsForge Series is at: http://whiskeycreekpress.com/authors/Jena_Galifany.shtml
I'm on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/jena.galifany
Thanks again for letting me share my life with you and thank you to everyone who has read my books. Without you, I'd be nothing!

Thursday Thirteen

New York is one of my favourite places to visit. So, this week, I thought we would look at 13 fun facts that you may or may not know about Manhattan and New York City.

1.In the 1660s New York City's “skyline” was dominated by a two-story-high windmill.

2.When the Dutch still controlled the region, Wall Street was the city limit and there was actually a wall there.

3.Manhattan's Chinatown is the largest Chinese enclave in the Western Hemisphere.

4.Cleopatra's Needle, a 3,000-year-old Egyptian ruin, can actually be found in New York's Central Park. In 1879 it was given to the city as a gift by the Khedive of Egypt. The 220-ton, 66-foot-high monument took a decade to be fully transported.

5.Why are New York Yellow Cabs yellow? Because John Hertz, the company's founder, read a study that concluded yellow was the easiest color for the eye to spot.

6.The first American chess tournament was held in New York in 1843.

7.The Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan is the only school in the world offering a Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing.

8.Dairying is New York's most important farming activity with over 18,000 cattle and or calves farms.

9. New York City has 722 miles of subway track.

10. The "New York Post" established in 1803 by Alexander Hamilton is the oldest running newspaper in the United States.

11.New York's highest waterfall is the 215 foot Taughannock.

12.The Big Apple is a term coined by musicians meaning to play the big time.

13.New York State is home to 58 species of wild orchids.

Talking On A Tuesday

Happy Tuesday everyone. Today I'm talking to best selling author A.M Wells.

Can you tell us about your latest release?

Susanna’s Heart is my first published work. The story is about a young woman, Susanna Moore, who decides it past time she took back control of her life after her sister’s betrayal. She leaves her home in Illinois and takes refuge in a cabin in the fictional North Georgia mountain town of Benton to heal her broken heart. There she encounters Noah Weber who literally knocks her off her feet.

Noah also knows the pain of heartache. He vowed to never involve his heart again in a relationship. However he finds himself instantly attracted to Susanna, which to his amazement is mutual.

The story’s basic premise is this—can two people who meet and fall in instant lust, let go of past hurts to find their happily ever after.

Also, I must give a big shout out and thank you to all the readers who have purchased the book so far and made it such a great success.

Where do you take your inspiration from?

From events, news headlines, family, friends, music, and everyday life. I’m always listening and taking notes in my head or jotting down ideas and dialogue.

Do you like to work with music playing in the background? And if so, do you listen to a specific type to evoke certain moods?

Yes. I find music is a great resource for kicking starting my writing time and maintaining the flow. In general, my music tastes run the gambit from classical, R&B, opera, Jazz, country, gospel, and Big Band. What I listen to depends on the scene and setting I’m striving to convey through words. Boney James is usually my go listen for love scene. Corrine Bailey Rae when it’s light and easy between h/h in the getting to know you stage. Classical is good listening when trying to convey tension or suspense on the page.

What was it that gave you the final push to submit your first story? And how did you feel when your work was accepted?

Encouragement from a friend and my daughter were what gave me that bit of confidence I needed to first put up a blog and post my writing. The positive feedback amazed me. This gave that extra shove to start submitting to publishers.

Can you describe to us a typical day in your life as an author?

Up at four, first prayer and meditation then writing for two hours before its off to the nine to five. Most weekends I’ll dedicate either the morning, afternoon, or sometimes all day to writing. It’s very important to me to make the time to write and stick with a schedule of sorts. Whether it is on the computer or handwritten in a tablet, I write.

What is the best thing about being a writer?

Getting that first contract offer, but even sweeter still was how well received Susanna’s Heart has been all thanks to the readers out there who purchased the book.

What does your work space look like? Neat as a new pin? Or area of mass destruction?

On most days I’d say somewhere in between. At the moment, I’m striving to be more organized and keep my workspace free of clutter. So far, it’s working out pretty well.


Which, if any of your stories, has been the most emotionally difficult for you to write?

I have a WIP that is the first story I ever sat down to actually write. It’s not a romance, but more a family saga with romantic elements. I started out writing a story about a young girl who stumbles into the arms of the boy of dreams who ultimately becomes the love of her life, but I found that the secondary characters wanted to have their say and story told also. I would not say that is story emotionally difficult to write, but it has been a challenge to give each of now three female leads a voice without overshadowing the others.



Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task?

I multi-task, I’ll have two on three stories going at once, which makes it really hard to finish just one.

Which of your upcoming projects are you most excited about?

Venus Reveal for the simple fact that I’m this close to having a first draft ready, which in turn means I’ll be submitting to publishers.

When not writing, how do you relax?

Like most writer before I began writing I was and still am an avid reader. I like to spend what little down time I have reading. I also like to draw/sketch and I’m somewhat of armature photographer.

How do your friends and family feel about your work and do you let any of them read your stories?

I have let my twenty year old daughter read some of my writing. But when I finished the first draft of Susanna’s heart I was more comfortable having one of her friends read it which she naturally took offence to. Go figure.

Overall would say I’ve gotten great support from both my family and friends.

Has your life changed significantly since becoming a published writer?

Nope, I’m still working that day job. I’ve changed in that I am more self confident. I joined RWA, launched a website (www.amwells.net), and I’m even more determined now to complete and get more of my writing published.

Where do you see yourself in three years time, as far as your writing is concerned?

At the top of New York Times best seller list. Hey, it can happen.

If you weren't a writer, what else would you be doing?

I would focus on my art. Drawing and painting.

Which of your books would you love to see turned into a movie?

A story that is currently under consideration by Romance Magazine it’s entitled Time Out. I think it would make a cute Hallmark movie of the week. The story is about a couple in crises whose kids decide that rather than a divorce what the parents need is a time out. So they arrange for them to take a vacation.

Can you let the readers know where to find you on the web?

Sure, readers can visit my website, www.amwells.net or email me at am_wells@hotmail.com.

Susanna’s Heart is available from the following book sellers.
Red Rose Publishing
Amazon

Great Review for Happy Birthday To Me

I'm delighted to share with you a great review I received from Emily at sensualreads.com

She has rated Happy Birthday to Me as 4 stars!!!

What photographer Clementine “Tina” Holloway really wants for her birthday is her cowboy fantasy to come true. Tina decides to make her fantasy a reality by enlisting the help of Fantasy Realms that cater to erotic escapism for woman and orders a roll in the hay with a primed cowboy as her adventure. Setting out for birthday fun, Tina loses the address but ends up at Sam Farlowe’s ranch believing she is in the right place. A case of mistaken identity leads to a sizzling time and Sam is not ready to let go of all that she has to offer.

Happy Birthday To Me is an amusing short story that captures the reader from the first page. A few hilarious moments as Tina takes the lead in fulfilling her fantasy and Sam following along not quite realizing he is a stud for hire. I thought the chemistry was sizzling and it was a refreshingly new plot.

Sensuality Rating: Sultry
Star Rating: 4 Stars

http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/happybirthday.htm

Talking On A Tuesday

Today Iam talking to author Carol Preflatish.

Can you tell us about your latest release?

My latest release is called "Love, Lies & Deceit." Against regulations, rookie CIA officer Julie McBride and her training officer, Jason Reid fell in love. But, when Jason is arrested for treason, Julie has to decide whether she believes in him enough to risk her own career and life to help him prove his innocence. "Love, Lies & Deceit" is published by Red Rose Publishing and you can purchase it on their web site, or as a Kindle download from amazon.com.

Where do you take your inspiration from?

I take my inspiration from other published writers. I would love to be able to earn a living writing full time and as long as there are writers out there doing that, I know that someday it could be me.

Do you like to work with music playing in the background? And if so, do you listen to a specific type to evoke certain moods?

I do sometimes listen to my MP3 player when I write. I'm a classic rock person. I love listening to the Eagles, Boston, Queen, Steve Miller Band, and Aerosmith. I have a big variety of songs that I listen to. More times than not, I am writing with the television on. I have to have some sort of sound in the room when I write.

What was it that gave you the final push to submit your first story? And how did you feel when your work was accepted?

There was no push to it. I was anxious and excited to submit my first manuscript. Of course, that first one was rejected all over the place. My second manuscript was the one that finally sold. I can tell you, it was a wonderful feeling. My husband and I celebrated by having a special dinner that night.

Can you describe to us a typical day in your life as an author?

Since I have a full time non-writing day job, my typical weekday is doing that. I do try and write over my lunch hour when I can and in the evening I do a little marketing for my book. Mostly, I write on weekends while my husband is at work. Once I throw a load of laundry in the washer, I sit on the couch with my laptop and start writing. I take a few breaks to stretch and refill my iced tea glass and then it's back to the laptop until about three o'clock when I start making dinner. After dinner, I try to get a couple more hours of writing or research in before going to bed.

What does your work space look like? Neat as a new pin? Or area of mass destruction?

As I mentioned earlier, I write a lot on the couch. But, I do have a desk that I sit at sometimes. Normally, it's as neat as a pin, but right now if you could see a picture of it, you'd see it's piled high with magazines, folders, and papers. Obviously, I haven't worked there for a while.


Which, if any of your stories, has been the most emotionally difficult for you to write?

I supposed that would be the story I am just now finishing. I wrote it loosely based on an unsolved mystery that took place about fifty years ago near where I live. The mystery has always been interesting to me, which is why I used it. But, I also wanted it to be different enough so that was not a complete copy of it. In my story, I do solved who did it.

Most authors that I've spoken with have at least one finished or nearly finished project that they've held onto for a number of years. Do you have any such work?
And if so, what has stopped you from submitting it?

Of course, I have one of those, too. It's the very first manuscript that I wrote, the one that was rejected by everyone. Now when I look at it, I can see how terrible my writing was then. But, I love the plot and storyline so much. I really want to try and get it published someday. What is stopping me now is not having enough time to work on it. I started editing it a few months ago, but realized it's probably going to take a full rewrite to get it where I want it. Someday, maybe not until I retire from my day job, I might just get it finished.

Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task?

Mostly, I work on just one project at a time, but I do keep a journal with me to jot down ideas for future books. When I get close to finishing a manuscript, I sometimes start working on another to get a good start on it.

Which of your upcoming projects are you most excited about?

I actually have two of them. I'm really excited about the project I am just finishing and am looking forward to pitching it to some publishers. I also have a manuscript that I started last year and am anxious to get started on it. It's the first one that I have worked on that isn't a romantic suspense, but a romantic contemporary novel instead.

When not writing, how do you relax?

I love watching old movies and television shows. I also love camping and photography.


How do your friends and family feel about your work and do you let any of them read your stories?

My friends and family have been very supportive of my writing. My husband, who was a counter-intelligence agent in the Army, was my technical advisor for "Love, Lies & Deceit." He's not read it, but his help was invaluable.

Has your life changed significantly since becoming a published writer?

I don't think it's changed much. Maybe after I get another book or two under my belt, it might be different. But, unless I make it to the Best Sellers List, I don't look for my life to change much.

Where do you see yourself in three years time, as far as your writing is concerned?

I hope to have a couple more books published and be a more recognized name as an author.

If you weren't a writer, what else would you be doing?

My full time job is in social services, so I would guess that I would still be doing that. Although, I would love to work as a freelance photographer.

Which of your books would you love to see turned into a movie?

I would love to see my first unpublished novel make it as a movie, but I am going to have to get back to work on it for that to ever happen.

Can you let the readers know where to find you on the web?
You can find more about me at my web site, my blog, or on my twitter page.
http://CarolPre.webs.com
http://CarolPre.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/cpreflatish

Thank you so much for having me here today. I have enjoyed it.

Talking On A Tuesday

Today I'm talking with author Madeleine McDonald.

Can you tell us about your latest release?My first romance, ENCHANTMENT IN MOROCCO, has just been published by Red Rose Publishing, an American publisher specialising in electronic books. Readers anywhere in the world can download it now from www.redrosepublishing.com.

Where do you take your inspiration from?
I was inspired by Morocco, a lovely country with friendly, hospitable people. I imagined my modern heroine, Emily, accustomed to running her own life but worried about her credit card debts, coping with a job in a traditional Arab village far from the tourist resorts.

Do you like to work with music playing in the background? And if so, do you listen to a specific type to evoke certain moods?I am a totally non-musical person, although I listen to Radio 4 when I’m cooking.

What was it that gave you the final push to submit your first story? And how did you feel when your work was accepted?
My first published piece, years ago, was a magazine article about my parents’ cat going walkabout while I was looking after him, and my finding him again. When the editor’s letter came, I felt like doing cartwheels down the street. That mixture of disbelief and elation is still there. It will never go away, even if I publish a hundred books.

Can you describe to us a typical day in your life as an author?
I try to do a full day’s writing, then cram everything else into the next day, turn and turn about. Of course, life gets in the way of this simple system.

What is the best thing about being a writer?
Keeping your characters company in your own head.

What does your work space look like? Neat as a new pin? Or area of mass destruction?
I used to work from home as a translator, and have the luxury of my own “office”. This also gets used as a sewing room and spare bedroom, which means I have to keep it tidy. When my son was little, he and his toys invaded the carpet, so I kept my feet out of his way and carried on typing. I learned to screen out irrelevant chatter and shrieks. As a result, I can take a notebook and work anywhere.

Most authors that I've spoken with have at least one finished or nearly finished project that they've held onto for a number of years. Do you have any such work?
I have several half-written and completed radio plays sitting in my drawer. Radio is a limited market, which attracts talented writers, so I’m not surprised my efforts were rejected.

Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task?
Having had one book published, I want to build on that success by concentrating on more romance stories. I also write short opinion pieces for the Yorkshire Post, which are fun to do, and I hope entertaining for readers.

Which of your upcoming projects are you most excited about?
My next book is located in the Swiss city of Basel, where I worked for several years, against the background of the city’s annual art fair. Serious collectors come to buy, but anyone and everyone, from teachers to train drivers, drops in to take a look.

When not writing, how do you relax?
We live on the Yorkshire coast, so I wrap up warm against the ever-present breeze and take walks along the beach. Early morning is the best time, when the crabbing boats are collecting their catch, and the beach is empty apart from dog walkers.


How do your friends and family feel about your work and do you let any of them read your stories?
My beloved husband supports me wholeheartedly. However, he reads newspapers, not books. Having read the first page—under duress—he filed the typescript under his armchair for several weeks until I took it back for safekeeping. He never did finish it.

Where do you see yourself in three years time, as far as your writing is concerned?
Who knows? That will be up to my readers. I hope they enjoy reading the book as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

If you weren't a writer, what else would you be doing?
My husband and I used to have an allotment, which took up all our spare time, and huge amounts of energy. It was a fun time in our life and I miss eating vegetables fresh out of the ground. I even miss the drudgery of weeding and watering. So I’d be tending a vegetable patch.

Which of your books would you love to see turned into a movie?
It has to be ENCHANTMENT IN MOROCCO, for the sun, the Atlantic shore, the scenery and my handsome hero Rafi.

Can you let the readers know where to find you on the web?
www.redrosepublishing.com
http://madeleinemcdonald.blogspot.com