Archive for 2007

WISHING YOU ALL

December 24, 2007 | Holidays

A Merry Christmas

and

Beautiful New Year!

Sloane

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Gazing into the Crystal Ball

December 21, 2007 | Interviews

ST: Hi everyone, we’re back for our last day with Elaine Charton. Elaine, tell us, what does the future hold for you?
EC: Hopefully lots of books to be written.

ST: I’ll support that! If you had one wish that would be granted, what would it be?
EC: Enough money so I could quit my rent paying job and stay home and write full time.

ST: What’s in the works for the future?
EC: I’m in the process of reformatting Pandora’s Justice and Mac’s Man and submitting them to Swimming Kangaroo. I just finished the first draft of a ghost story about a haunted bed and breakfast called The Pink Lady. It’s a very rough draft and needs more work before it can go anywhere. Plus, I have a few more ideas on the burner. Some Paranormal, some suspense and some both.

ST: Thanks, Elaine, for spending so much time with us. It’s been a great week and I’ve enjoyed learning more about you. The very best to you in the future and keep us posted on your future releases.
EC: Will do, Sloane. Thanks for having me. I’ve enjoyed it immensely.

ST: I’ll be back tomorrow with a nice announcement. Until then…

Happy Writing!
Sloane

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Author, Author, Tell Us More

December 20, 2007 | Interviews

ST: We’re back with Elaine Charton this morning. Elaine, please describe your writing space.
EC: Right now it’s a folding table in the office I share with my husband. Or at the kitchen table. Thank god for laptops. I do have a marvelous old fashion wooden desk that belonged to a family friend who was a journalist. It doesn’t fit into the office but I want to redo our back room and put it in there. That will be my writing space.

ST: Do you find writing to be fulfilling? If so, in what way?
EC: Yes. To see your characters come to life on paper is the best.

ST: What’s your favorite part of writing?
EC: When the characters won’t shut up and then take the story somewhere you least expect it to go.

ST: What do you absolutely hate about being an author?
EC: The blank screen.

ST: In your opinion what’s the most important thing for a new writer to learn?
EC: Basics, grammar, spelling, punctuation. I know because I am the most grammatically challaged writer around.

ST: Your website is cool. I recommend everyone cruise over to www.elainecharton.com and check it out. How did you decide on the content and design? And please tell us more about your “emcee”.
EC: I had someone help me with that, but the final decision was all mine. As well as the decision to include Miss Lucy, my black cat, as guardian of my website. She gets lots of comments. 🙂

ST: Why do you think a website is important for authors?
EC: It’s a way to connect with readers and other authors to find out just what is going on out there.

ST: Thanks for all the information. Hopefully we’ll see you tomorrow?
EC: Definitely, bright and early!

ST: Until then…

Happy WRiting!
Sloane

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The Write Side of Life

December 19, 2007 | Interviews

ST: Good morning, Elaine. Tell us what’s a normal day like for you?
EC: I’m up at 430 am. My husband and I work close to each other and we have to be in at 6am so we drive together. I get out at 2:30, pick him up and come home. Except for those days I go to work out. After dinner I try and write. If I have time before dinner, I’ll try and answer emails. Otherwise, I’ll do those before going to bed. Weekends is when I get most of my writing done.

ST: With your busy life how do you find time to write?
EC: Very careful planning and understanding friends and family.

ST: Are there any quirks you have or do before or while you’re writing?
EC: I do like to have music to listen to and I try and specify it to the book. For instance, with EZ Lovin’ it was almost nonstop George Strait.

ST: Who or what encouraged you to write?
EC: My husband, my friends. my mother-in-law, yes my mother-in-law.

ST: Where do you get the ideas for your novels?
EC: Everywhere really. I actually got an idea for one story in a furniture store!

ST: LOL. Now that’s creative. How do you research your books?
EC: Very carefully. 🙂 I don’t go nuts but I try and be as accurate as I can be. My husband is a former reference librarian so he is a great asset if I have trouble researching something.

ST: Who is your support group?
EC: My husband, my friends Linda Wisdom, Susan Baxter and Linda Parisi. Also the members of both the Tucson and New Jersey Romance Writers.

ST: I know linda. She’s a great author too. Thanks for stopping in this morning, Elaine.
EC: My pleasure. I’ll see you in the morning!

ST: Until then…

Happy Writing!
Sloane

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Elaine Charton Tells All

December 18, 2007 | Interviews

ST: Hi, Elaine Charton, welcome and thank you for visiting with us this week.
EC: Thanks for having me Sloane,

ST: Tell us about yourself.
EC: I grew up the only girl in a family with five brothers. I live in Arizona with my husband of almost 24 years and our two spoiled cats. Yerbalot aka Yerbie and Miss Lucy. Miss Lucy is the guardian of my web site. We have no children but between his sisters and my brothers we have 14 nieces and nephews and one great-nephew.

ST: With Christmas just around the corner you must be one busy lady! Let’s take a minute from your schedule and show everyone your gorgeous cover for your latest novel, EZ Lovin’.

ez-cover-only.jpg

ST: I love a man in a moustache! EZ Lovin’ looks to be an exciting read. Please tell us about it.
EC: Glad to!

Ezechial Zachariah McAllister is a true Texan from the top of his Stetson to the tip of his leather boots. Known to his friends as EZ, he works for U.S. Customs out of Boston. Abigail Fairfax is a very proper Bostonian and the owner of the newest art gallery in the city. She agrees to let EZ use her townhouse for a stakeout to try to catch an art smuggler, but letting him masquerade as her lover proves to be more than she’d bargained for. How long can Abigail resist until she succumbs to EZ’s Texas charm and the masquerade becomes real?

ST: How did you come up with the story line?
EC: Actually it was the character who came to me first. Believe it or not I had a dream of this man leaning against the wall, smiling. Imagine a Sam Elliott clone. All he said in the dream was “Evening Ma’am.” I couldn’t get him out of my mind and it went from there.

ST: And where and can we buy EZ LOVIN’?

EC: It’s available on my Publishers Web Site Swimming Kangaroo Books in both electronic and print format. I am also very excited to announce it is also available in print on Amazon.com

ST: How did you and your publisher come together?
EC: Actually, it was my husband who introduced us. He has a book coming out next year with them. When I decided to leave my previous publisher, he mentioned me to his publisher. I sent her EZLovin and the rest as they say is history.

ST: What made you decide to be a writer?
EC: Well, I had always been making up stories, usually revising the end of books and movies if they didn’t end the way I wanted them to end. I was taking a college English course that ended up being more of a creative writing class. Both my professor and my husband encouraged me to continue with my writing.

ST: How long have you been writing?
EC: A little over 15 years

ST: How many books have you written?
EC: Five books and one novella

ST: Which is your favorite and why?
EC: I get asked that a lot and it’s a hard question. I like the characters in EZ and the two books after it. But I think I have to say Man in the Mirror is probably one of my favorites. It was my first paranormal and basically wrote itself. Unfortunately, it’s no longer available. However, it may find another home in the future, you never know.

ST: I for one hope it does. I enjoy your books and don’t want to miss one.
EC: Thank you! I have to go now. It seems Miss Lucy is demanding I get back to work. LOL

ST: Thanks, Elaine. We’ll see you in the morning to learn more about your writing. Until then…

Happy Writing!
Sloane

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A Good Man

December 14, 2007 | Remembering

Eleven years ago today a good man left for a better place. On that day our lives changed more than I ever thought possible. It’s important for him to know how the world has righted itself without him. Maybe this letter will wing its way to him via cyber space.

Hey Honey,

I don’t know if you’re still watching over us. Sometimes I think you are. Just in case you have moved on, I’m sending up a pray this little note will find you.

You’d be so proud of your daughter. “B” has come a long way from teenager to woman. Do you remember how she wanted to be a teacher when she was in fourth grade? She’s accomplished that dream and teaches preschool at a Montessori close to her home. She’s so beautiful. The pureness of her soul shines bright in her eyes everyday. What’s really important, “B” remembers the good things you taught her and practices them.
Your two granddaughters would bowl you over. They’re a pair alright. And so damned cute you’d have to spoil them rotten.

Kid dances her heart out in a zillion classes a week, not to mention special performances, competitions and recitals. At ten she’s taking life by storm. She’s intelligent, creative and a gentle soul. You keep watching over her. There’ll be a time when she’ll need your help.

Little “K” is three now and a pure tiger. You can’t help but love her, even when you want to wring her neck. She has a charm and a laugh that will win her the world. She adores her big sister and imitates her all the time. “K” is so bright for her age and aggressively seeks to learn more.

Our son-in-law is great. He has the ethics and morals you’d treasure, along with being a sports fiend. He works long hours to do right by his family and always manages to laugh. You couldn’t have asked for a better man to love our daughter.

“B” and her gorgeous husband have done a marvelous job of parenting in this age of high costs and peer pressure. The girls lack for nothing, especially love.

Last night we had dinner in their new home. The interaction between our daughter and her family filled me with joy. Yeah, I know I’m old and sentimental. They have so much love and consideration for each that I hope God lets you look down occasionally to share in their lives.

As for me, I’m writing and published. Can you believe that? Who’d have thought my life would make such a big change.

We talk about you and the good times when you were with us. It seems like a lifetime ago now. I love you and continue to hold you in a most private part of my heart, the part that’s reserved for A Good Man.

You take care, Honey. Don’t be ordering those angels around like you’re still a plant manager. St. Pete’s in charge up there.

Until we meet again,
S

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Virtually Tabitha Shay!

December 13, 2007 | General

Hi Everyone and welcome to the Tabitha Shay Virtual Book Tour.

ST: Good to have you here, Tabitha. Why don’t we get right to the questions since we all know how busy authors are when they’re working on a deadline and you’re on a stiff one.

TS: Fire away!

ST: Anyone who has read your debut novel, Witch’s Brew, released in September by Eternal Press in E-Format, knows about those hot and steamy love scenes. What I want to know is were these burning scenes inspired by the relationship with your hubby?

TS: Well, of course. All the heroes I create are in some way based on my husband and our relationship. Need I say more? wink

ST: No Ma’am. I believe in open bedroom doors, but only in books. LOL. What are plans for future books?

TS: Right now, I’m working hard on my contemporary western romance, In The Arm’s of Danger due out in 08. No release date yet, then it’s back to my witches, with Witch’s Moon the third release in the Winslow Witches of Salem series. I can promise readers a whole new batch of problems for these witchy ladies.

ST: Sounds great. Do you have any new novels that have a release date and can you tell us a little about it??

TS: Yes. The second novel in the witch series, Witch’s Heart will be released in Feburary. It’s the story of the waken, Sage and the human female, Hannah he’s been sent to terminate. This book is chocked full of surprises. Giggles. Heck, even I was wowed by some of the surprises. It’s action packed and the love scenes are smokin’. Be sure to get your copy at Eternal Press.

ST: Where can our readers find you?

TS: I welcome you all to visit my website www.tabithashay.com and learn more about my work. bg
ST: Thanks, Tabitha, for dropping by. I appreciate you taking time away from your edits.

TS: No problem, Sloane, but I have to scurry. Deadline you know. Thanks for the coffee and questions. Bye everyone!

ST: See you all in the morning with a new blog. Unitl then…

Happy Writing!
Sloane

2 Comments

The Witch’s Brew Book Tour Continues!

December 11, 2007 | General

Tabitha Shay started her extensive book tour at Sally Odgers’ Spinning Pearls blog

Wednesday you can catch her at Ginger Simpson’s for another short interview.

See you all Thursday when Tabitha makes an exciting appearance here!

To buy Witch’s Brew, visit Eternal Press.

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YIPPEEE!

December 10, 2007 | Contests

The Christmas Awards 2007 is up at Red Roses For Authors check it out – you might want to vote!

French TART is listed under the short stories. I sure do appreciate your support.

See you on Thursday with an exciting Book Tour starring the one, the only, Tabitha Shay. Until then…

Happy Writing!
Sloane

2 Comments

IMAGINE

December 8, 2007 | Remembering

for the last twenty-seven years John Lennon, Buddy Holy and Elvis sitting on a cloud debating today’s music. They sure would have a lot to talk about. Some good along with too much that goes against their high standards of rock ‘n roll.

Every year on this day I think of John Lennon and the wonderful music he created. The joy of the times and how he influenced my life. He is sorely missed.

Sloane

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