Archive for the 'Interviews' Category

Author, Author Tell Us More

May 23, 2007 | Interviews

ST: We’re back with Jennifer Loy author of RODEO DRIVE. Good morning, JLo and thank you for being available for us.
JL: Glad to be here, Sloane. What’s on the agenda today?

ST: First I’d like to tell the readers to check out your website for information on your upcoming books.
JL: I’d love everyone to take a look.

ST: How about telling us more on your writing habits? Are there any quirks you have or do before or while you’re writing?
JL: I have a CD compilation for every novel I write. Music is my muse. I listen to a song in my car or on my headphones until the scene is complete in my head and then I write it all down.

ST: Who or what encouraged you to write erotica?
JL: I have only written one erotic and it hasn’t been accepted. It was a dare to myself to see if I could write it at all without giggling. It turned out pretty good actually. I mostly write romantic comedy and romantic suspense. I have written a romantic fantasy involving Mermen. It turned out very creative.

ST: Where do you get the ideas for your novels?
JL: I get my ideas from people around me and things that happen in my life. The fantasy and erotic were just stories I created to challenge myself.

ST: How do you research your books?
JL: Mostly the internet. The internet holds all the information I’ve needed so far.

ST: Who is your support group?
JL: Well originally my support group was the RWA Aloha chapter in Hawaii. Now that I’m living in Las Vegas, I have turned to the fabulous group of Triskelion authors that continue to coach me though my questions and problems as they arise.

ST: Thanks for your time, Jennifer, and we’ll see you in the morning.
JL: I’ll be here bright and early.

ST: Please join us again on Wednesday for more on spunky Jennifer Loy. In the mean time check out JLo’s site and of course feel free to post questions or comments here.

Happy Writing!
Sloane

The Write Side of Life

May 22, 2007 | Interviews

ST: Good Morning! We’re back with Jennifer Loy to learn more. Hi Jenn, thanks for stopping in today.
JL: Glad to be here.

ST: What made you decide to be a writer?
JL: Three years ago a tragedy hit my family that devastated me to say the least. My mother was murdered. After a year I just couldn’t stay in California anymore. I needed a change of scenery. I could barely drive past the church that we had her funeral in. So I moved to Hawaii and that is where my writing career began. I sat on many beaches and stared out at the ocean trying to figure out why things turn out the way they do. Hawaii is a paradise that I’ll never forget. It’s a place of healing, at least it was for me. I only lived there a year, but in the third month of being there, I purchased a laptop and decided to write my feelings down. Want to know what I wrote? Not about pain, not about guilt, and not about heartache. I wrote the funniest damn story I could think of. I surprised myself. Writing novels became a way of escape for me. I put myself in a happier place even for a moment and it has helped me move on in a positive way without forgetting my mother’s memory. I wrote five full length novels in Hawaii. RODEO DRIVE was #5.

ST: Jennifer, I’m so sorry you and your family had such a tragedy. You’ve certainly honored your mother with your fine writing.
JL: Thanks, Sloane.

ST: How long have you been writing?
JL: I wrote poetry as a teenager but now I just write novels.

ST: Do you find writing to be fulfilling? And in what way?
JL: I find it therapeutic. I can express whatever I want when I write and unlike talking to someone face to face if it comes out the wrong way, I can rewrite it so it’s understood properly.

ST: What’s a normal day like for you?
JL: I wake up and get my kids off to school and then I check my emails hoping that I’ll get word on another contract. Then I’m off to editing my work or writing a work in progress.

ST: With your busy life how do you find time to write?
JL: Whenever I get a moment of peace, ha ha, I write as much as I can. Whether it’s a scene or a few chapters. It’s definitely a struggle when you have young children but I don’t give up and I have no problem stopping and upon returning pick right up where I left off.

ST: I know you’re in a hurry today because of the big day on the Triskelion Books and Fever loops sharing excerpts from RODEO DRIVE. Will we see you back here on Wednesday?
JL: Bright and early!

Thank you all for coming out today. Remember, if you have any questions feel free to ask and Jennifer will be happy to answer. Until tomorrow then…

Happy Writing!
Sloane

Jennifer Loy Tells All

May 21, 2007 | Interviews

Good Morning Everyone!

We have spunky Jennifer Loy, lovingly known as JLo among her friends and colleagues, front and center all week. Below is the cover for her August release, RODEO DRIVE, from Triskelion Publishing. It so fits this amazing book.

ST: Hi, Jennifer Loy, welcome and thank you for visiting with us this week.
JL: Well thank you for asking me here this week.

ST: Tell us about yourself.
JL: Hmph… I was born and raised in Southern California. Graduated from high school and became a mom. I try to be fun wherever I go. People love to laugh and it’s easy for me to make friends that way. There is a serious side to me but I don’t like to let her out much.

ST: Your debut novel, RODEO DRIVE, releasing in August, is an exciting hot read. Please tell us about the book.
JL: Here’s a blurb on RODEO DRIVE…Starving artist, Lauren Hunter, creates a new business as a Purchase Consultant, a gift saver. Lauren gets calls all day long from desperate, busy, hard-working, or just plain lazy men. Most have procrastinated to the last minute to buy gifts for their wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, even their fiancés. Lauren gets the details of the woman, knows the situation and occasion, buys the gift, and delivers it. She gets a high from shopping, a rush from the lack of time, and finds pleasure in the women’s faces when she pretends to be the delivery person as she drops the gift off at their door.
Lauren Hunter’s favorite place to shop is of course, Tiffany & Co. on Rodeo Drive, where she meets the sharp-dressed jeweler, Nick Bennett, who quickly has an eye on her. As Lauren and Nick’s relationship heats up, two of their old flames return. As the summer temperature rises in Southern California, so does the anticipation of which path Lauren will take. Follow Lauren on her hilarious and surprising adventure.

ST: How did you come up with the story line?
JL: Well let’s just say I’ve been given some pretty lame gifts from men and many of my friends have told me of past gifts that they’ve received. I’m rolling my eyes. Candy bars for Valentine’s Day, a tea pot for an 11th wedding anniversary, a vibrator for a birthday gift, and the topper of all, absolutely NOTHING. What the heck? So I thought of a story line that would save men from the wrath of bad gift giving and sent in Lauren Hunter. I pitched the storyline to my sister and she loved it. My sister wants a job just like this. Who wouldn’t? Anyway, so I wrote it and here we are.

ST: And where and can we buy RODEO DRIVE?
JL: You can purchase RODEO DRIVE from www.triskelionpublishing.net as an ebook. It is due to release August 2007.

ST: Thanks, JLo, for spending time with us today. We’ll see you again tomorrow morning, Okay?
JL: I’m looking forward to it.

Thank you all for stopping by. Feel free to post and questions or comments. JLo will check back and be happy to answer. Until Tuesday morning,

Happy Writing!
Sloane

You’re Invited

May 20, 2007 | Interviews

to join spunky

JENNIFER LOY
For five entertaining days

Starting May 21

Learn JLo’s secrets to success.

See you in the morning,
Sloane

Gazing into the Crystal Ball

April 20, 2007 | Interviews

ST: Good morning! We’re back for our last day with Lizzie T. Leaf, an author you will all want to check out. So Lizzie, tell us what you want to happen in your future?

LTL: Strive to improve the quality of my work and of course, get that six or seven figure contract that all authors dream about…LOL

ST: I certainly hope you achieve that coveted contract and the New York Times Best Sellers List. But if you had one wish that would be granted, no matter what it was, what would you desire?

LTL: World peace? Seriously, this world is in a real mess and if the people spent the energy put into wars, on helping each other during hard times, we’d all be a lot better off. There would be fewer children (and adults) homeless and dying of hunger or disease.

ST: You’re very right. At some time in the near future we’ll all have to do more then contribute to the local soup kitchens.

LTL: I agree.

ST: Lizzie, what’s in the works for us readers?

LTL: I have a contract with Aspen Mountain Press to complete four more books for the Again and Again series. Also, have a contract for a novella with Triskelion for a Halloween anthology coming out this year and I’m working on another Sexy Ladies. Had to set it aside to complete some of the contracted obligations, but it’s back on the work board to be done around the end of Feb.

From there, I have a couple of ideas that fall outside the erotic genre that I want to work on…one being, my heart book.

ST: If you were busy before, you’re going to be swamped now!

LTL: Yes, but I love what I do and want to keep at it for many years to come.

ST: Thank you, Lizzie, for being so open and honest. I appreciate it. And a huge thanks 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.

LTL: I will and thanks so much for having me.

ST: Don’t forget to check out Lizzie’s website. Have a wonderful weekend and see you all next week. Until then…

Happy Writing!
Sloane

The Soft Side of Lizzie T.

April 19, 2007 | Interviews

ST: Good morning! Below is Lizzie’s gorgeous cover for AMONG THE STONES, a book you’ll definitely want to read.

ST: Welcome back, Lizzie. Tell us how you research your books?

LTL: Books on the subject, googling around on the internet, and sometimes I need to visit an area or talk to people in a profession. For Struck by Lightning, I spent several hours with the weather gurus at local television stations.

ST: Who is your support group?

LTL: My critique group and my family.

ST: And how do they help you?

LTL: My critique partners have no problem in telling me when I get off on the wrong direction. My family, well the kids encourage me and in addition to the encouragement from my husband, he now also does the last read through after edits before it’s returned to the editor. He’s very good at catching things missed by all of us. The more eyes, the better.

ST: In your opinion, what’s the most important thing for a new writer to learn?

LTL: Discipline (which I continue to work on daily) and believe in yourself, even if you’re not getting the support from your family. I let this sideline me earlier and if I had hung in there and continued to learn and grow my abilities, my career would be further along.

ST: How do you handle promotion?

LTL: I’m sure if you ask my editors, they’d say “not very well” since I’m not on the loops a great deal…LOL. I have a monthly chat the 2nd Monday of each month at Realms of Love ; I have a yahoo group, Lizzie’s Tea Room and have group days there from time to time. I also have a MySpace home page, and of course there is my website , which has covers and links for my books, in addition to reviews and a bio on me.

ST: Your website is gorgeous. I recommend everyone cruise over to Lizzie’s site and check it out. How did you decide on the content and design?

LTL: My husband did it all. He thought we should keep it simple and easy for visitors to get around in.

ST: You’re also involved with other sites. Please tell us about them.

LTL: I’m one of the authors at Realms of Love and a moderator at Romance Excerpts Only.

ST: Lizzie, I see it’s time for you to go but I hope you’ll join us again tomorrow.

LTL: Happy to be here, Sloane.

ST: Until then…

Happy Writing!
Sloane

Author, Author, Tell Us More

April 18, 2007 | Interviews

ST: Good morning, everyone! Here is another of Lizzie’s fantastic covers to perk you up on this fine spring morning. Enjoy.

You can click onto Triskelion Publishing to pick up your very own copy of Boy Toy!

ST: All set to get started, Lizzie?

LTL: Fire away.

ST: You write erotica. Who or what encouraged you to write that specific genre?

LTL: My critique partners, Lena Austin and Lucynda Storey, challenged me with a ‘bet you can’t’, which of course I couldn’t pass up.

ST: How hot are your books?

LTL: The heat level varies. Among the Stones is more sensual than hot and doesn’t have humor. Pretty hard to be funny about someone getting sacrificed. lol. Call Me is pretty hot with all the phone sex and the heroine’s real life connection in the shower and received a 5 star rating from JERR. Night Nurse is pretty much a setup and sex, so it’s hot. Other than Stone, my books also have a lot of humor…I hope.

ST: What’s a normal day like for you?

LTL: Lately, I’ve been a little distracted. A good day for me, is getting a few chores out of the way around the house, answering e-mail and then writing until noon (during the week I get up at 4:45 am). Some days I have to run errands and I’m trying to get back into a workout routine.

ST: With your busy life how do you find time to write?

LTL: I try to treat it like a job. Sometimes, to accomplish this, I have to leave the house and go to a coffee shop or something and pretend it’s my office.

ST: Please describe your writing space.

LTL: I share the workspace with my husband. He’s into genealogy and has crap everywhere. Of course, he promises to file it, but I’m still waiting. Probably one of the reasons I work more and more on my laptop, as I find the clutter distracting a lot of times.

ST: Are there any quirks you have or do before or while you’re writing?

LTL: Music. I have music on and try to gear it around what I’m writing. For emotional scenes I like the sad, heart break songs.

ST: Rats! Our time is up for today. Are you ready to join us tomorrow for the Soft Side of Lizzie T. Leaf?

LTL: I’ll be here!

ST: Just a reminder to everyone, check out Lizzie’s website to find out more about here well written and exciting books. Until tomorrow…

Happy Writing!
Sloane

The Write Side of Lizzie T. Leaf

April 17, 2007 | Interviews

ST: Good morning, everyone. I thought you might like to see Lizzie’s cover for NIGHT NURSE from Aspen Press. Looks good.

ST: Before we begin, Lizzie, let’s tell everyone where they can find out more about your books and ordering them. Just click on to Lizzie’s website for all the info.

ST: Lizzie, what made you decide to be a writer?

LTL: Writing is a dream I’ve carried in my heart and head since I discovered I could put stories on paper.

ST: How long have you been writing?

LTL: In my head, most of life. At various times, I’ve worked on short stories or started books that never saw the light of day. Seriously, about four years ago I became part of a critique group and with their encouragement and my husbands, things began to happen for me.

ST: Do you find writing to be fulfilling?

LTL: Yes, most days.

ST: And in what way?

LTL: It keeps me semi-sane. I love getting the constant barrage of ideas out in the open and get very excited when I hear from someone who has read on of my books and liked it.

ST: What’s your favorite part of writing?

LTL: Creating the characters and their lives. Developing the worlds that I can escape into.

ST: What do you absolutely hate about being an author?

LTL: The fact that I now have commitments, instead of just writing for my own pleasure. There are times I’d rather be reading someone else or napping.

ST: Where do you get the story lines for your novels?

LTL: Everywhere. Sometimes it has been from snatches of overheard conversation when I’m out and about. Watching television, stories someone tells me, or memories from my past.

ST: Our time is up. Thanks again, Lizzie and we’ll see you in the morning.

LTL: My pleasure!

ST: Remember to post any questions for Lizzie. She’ll check back throughout the day and answer. Until tomorrow…

Happy Writing!
Sloane

Out and About with Lizzie T. Leaf

April 16, 2007 | Interviews

ST: Welcome, Lizzie, and thank you for visiting with us this week. Congratulations on Struck by Lightning being a 2007 Award of Excellence Finalist. You must be very proud.

LTL: Heck yeah, I’m proud of it…my first at making the top grouping in a contest…LOL.

ST: Let’s show everyone your beautiful cover.

ST: Lizzie, tell us about yourself.

LTL: I live in the Denver area with my husband of three years. I’ve been seriously writing for the last four years and very seriously, after we were married and my new spouse told me I needed to focus on my writing. The children are adults with families of their own. Ask me if I spoil my granddarlings??? Dang right, I do. Every chance I get.

ST: How many books have you written to date?

LTL: Nine published books in varying lengths. Currently, working on 3 that will be finished between the first and end of February.

ST: Which is your favorite and why?

LTL: Wow, tough question. The one I’m working on at the moment is usually the way it works with me. I love the Again and Again series, as I can bring my fascination with history into the stories. The Sexy Ladies series is also fun!

ST: Do you also have books in print?

LTL: Yes, Struck by Lightning which is in the Triskelion series, The Still Sexy Ladies Guide Dating Immortals. I’ve done a lot of book signings at Borders and it’s available at Amazon.com. I’m currently working on another contribution to the series.

ST: What is your latest release in print and e-published?

LTL: In bookstore print, Struck by Lightning and e-book at Triskelion. In POD and e-book, I have a short in the Jaded Beasts VI with Midnight Showcase and at Lulu.com for the print. In e-book only, my latest is a “hot” little short with Aspen Mountain Press’ called Night Nurse, in their Brown Paper Wrapper releases. All of my AMP books are also at Fictionwise.

ST: Where can we buy your books?

LTL: Stuck by Lightning, Call Me, Boy Toy and Forget the Mistletoe are all available in e-book at Triskelion Publishing. If you can’t find Struck by Lightning at your local bookstore, then try Amazon.com.

Among the Stones, The Nutcracker Returns and Night Nurse are at Aspen Mountain Press and Fictionwise in e-book only.

The Jaded Beasts VI anthology is at Midnight Showcase. I just received an e-mail from someone commenting on Enchanting, which is my contribution. She said she almost wet her pants she laughed so hard while reading my book. Now, that is a compliment! Studly Service is at Erotique/Echelon Press and available at Fictionwise.

ST: You write for at least five publishers. How do you manage that kind of work load?

LTL: The requests were spaced out over time, so it really wasn’t an issue.

ST: Thanks, Lizzie, for all the time you’ve given us today. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.

LTL: I’ll be here bright and early.

ST: Please feel free to post any questions you have for Lizzie. She’ll check back throughout the day and answer.

See you in the morning with more from Lizzie. Unitl then…

Happy writing!
Sloane

Gazing into the Crystal Ball

March 23, 2007 | Interviews

ST: Good morning! We’re on our last day so please tell us what does the future hold for you, Mary Alice?

MAP: I’ve set up a plan for writing and ultimately, I want to write full time and do the occasional nursing to keep my feet wet. I enjoy nursing. It’s good fodder for the creativity, you know. But, I want to write and plan to be able to do it full time within four years, if not sooner.

ST: How did you and Triskelion Publishing come together?

MAP: A very good friend from my RWA Chapter, Melanie Atkins, writes for them and she encouraged me to submit to them. So, I pitched at last year’s Romantic Times Convention and they asked to read my manuscript. I’m totally excited to be with them!

ST: What’s in the works for the future?

MAP: Besides the Unfinished Business Trilogy, I have four other books started I will be finishing over the next six months and hope to have at least three of them accepted by the end of the year.

One is a contemporary single title and two are paranormal shape shifter manuscripts I can’t wait to get back into. I also have another romantic suspense in the works and a medical romance I’d like to get back to soon. Just watch my blog, and my website for more information on these and I’ll be having some short stories up after I get back from the Romantic Times Convention at the end of April.

ST: I can’t wait to read them. Thank you, May Alice, 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 new releases.

MAP: Thanks so much for having me and I’ve had a great time.

ST: Thank you all for stopping by. I’ll be back next with and until then…

Happy Writing,
Sloane