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Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Friday, September 25, 2015
Nancy Lee Badger Interviews Author Alanna Lucas
Alanna Lucas stopped by to share some intimate details of
her life as a writer, and to talk about her new book. Dancing Around the Truth is a historical romance set in the
Regency and was released on July 23, 2015. Please tell my readers a little bit
about your book.
Alanna- Dancing
Around the Truth is the
fourth book in the In His Arms series. After Philippa created all
sorts of havoc by eloping and enlisting her sister to cover for her in When We Dance- the
second book in the series, I decided that Philippa’s story needed to be told.
A little teaser:
Dark secrets, lies, and a far too enticing widow threaten to
destroy the orderly world Benjamin Weston, the illegitimate son of the late
Baron Albryght, has made for himself…and Mrs. Philippa Keates might just also
hold the key to unlocking his heart.
Nancy- Did you have several manuscripts finished before you
sold? If so,did you send them out yourself?
Alanna- I had two
manuscripts finished (which are currently under my virtual bed making friends
with imaginary dust bunnies), which I had sent out * mumbles into her hand * times before
entering Boroughs Publishing Group’s ‘What’s in a Name’ novella contest. My
road to publication began with winning that contest.
Nancy- What is your writing routine like?
Alanna- I am an organized panster. I always begin by journaling
character names, scene ideas, and sketch anything that influences that story.
The journal goes everywhere with me. Once I have a clear picture in mind, I
begin to write- sadly, never in chronological order. My daily writing routine varies depending on kids activities and
real-life obligations, but I am always thinking about the story.
Nancy- Will you share some encouraging words for authors
still struggling for that first contract?
Alanna- Connect with other writers, take classes, enter contests,
and don’t be afraid to take chances. Good luck and happy writing!
Nancy- Please Share three fun facts about you that most people
don’t know.
1) I play the piano
2) I studied Art History in Paris, France
3) I homeschool my two kids
Nancy- What’s next for you?
Alanna- I’m excited to be part of an anthology
entitled Once Upon a True Love’s Kiss with some amazing authors that will be
released in January 2016.
Book Blurbs
SECRETS & LIES
Mrs. Philippa Keates thought she’d found her happily-ever-after
when she eloped, but two years and no children later she is named a widow. Then
a woman claiming to be her late husband’s wife appears, and Philippa demands
answers.
AND LOVE
Benjamin Weston, the illegitimate son of the late Baron Albryght,
has made a name for himself conducting investigations for those willing to pay
a high price for discretion. When a childhood friend shows up on his doorstep,
begging for his assistance, Weston fears most of all that she will discover the
truth…and thus bring further scandal to herself, the only woman he has ever
loved. But as he unravels her mystery, as secrets of his own begin to come to
light, soon it becomes clear that there is more at stake than just Philippa’s
reputation—and nothing less than her heart.
Excerpt
“I...I wanted to...apologize for what happened in the stables.”
“You have no need to apologize,”
Weston said with quiet emphasis.
“But I acted like a child, sobbing because...” Philippa turned
away, she could not bear to look
at him and confess her fears. “I could not muster the courage to ride.”
“You never have to apologize for anything.” She turned back toward
him and met his gaze. Weston took a step closer. “It just might be too soon,
but never believe you are a coward. You can do anything you put your mind to.”
That was not what Philippa was expecting to hear. The sound of her
heart pounding ricocheted in her
ears as his sheer strength surrounded her, comforted her. It was more intense
than what she had felt that afternoon when he held her.
Philippa suspected that the emotions were one-sided. Continuing
with her rehearsed speech, she sputtered at a rapid pace, “It was quite
unladylike for me to make such a mess of your shirt.”
“Philippa,” Weston whispered her name as he closed the distance
another inch. His warm breath caressed her cheek.
For reasons she couldn’t explain, she did confess one of her
fears. “I feel like my life is over,” she murmured into the darkness, unsure
how Weston would react.
“Your life is not over.” He was standing mere inches from her.
Leather and countryside invaded her senses, stirring sensations in places she
did not know existed.
“It’s not?”
“It’s only just beginning.” Weston’s words cascaded across her
cheek; his hot breath was like an aphrodisiac. She wanted more, oh dear lord,
she wanted more.
Nancy- How
can my readers buy your book?
Alanna-
Readers can go to the publisher’s home page HERE
Buy Links
More About the Author
Alanna Lucas grew up in Southern California. From an early age,
she took an interest in travel, incorporating those experiences into her
writing. When she is not daydreaming of her next travel destination Alanna can
be found researching, spending time with family, or going for long walks.
Alanna Lucas is a member of the Romance Writers of America.
Contact Alanna here:
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Only 1 Month to Go! HCRW Workshop with Joshilyn Jackson
Writer's Workshop
October 24th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: the new Hilton Garden located at 3912 Arrow Drive in Raleigh. A book signing, open to the public, will follow the workshop.
The workshop will be conducted by Jackson, who is the author of Gods in Alabama, Between, Georgia, The Girl Who Stopped Swimming, Backseat Saints, and A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty. Jackson will present “No Place Like Mine,” a discussion on how to create richly imagined, evocative settings that can transport readers to the world of your book. Her books have been translated into a dozen languages, won SIBA’s novel of the year, twice been a #1 Book Sense Pick, twice won Georgia Author of the Year, and twice been shortlisted for the Townsend prize.
Registration is now open. The session is expected to fill quickly, so early registration is encouraged.
Full day: $65 for HCRW/CRW members / $72 for non-members
Afternoon only: $35 for HCRW/CRW members / $40 for non-members
Registration fee includes continental breakfast, both workshops and priority at book signing. A convenient box lunch can be pre-ordered and raffle tickets for gift baskets will be available at the event.
For more information email
To register please click here.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Writer's Workshop
Location: the new Hilton Garden located at 3912 Arrow Drive in Raleigh. A book signing, open to the public, will follow the workshop.
The workshop will be conducted by Jackson, who is the author of Gods in Alabama, Between, Georgia, The Girl Who Stopped Swimming, Backseat Saints, and A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty. Jackson will present “No Place Like Mine,” a discussion on how to create richly imagined, evocative settings that can transport readers to the world of your book. Her books have been translated into a dozen languages, won SIBA’s novel of the year, twice been a #1 Book Sense Pick, twice won Georgia Author of the Year, and twice been shortlisted for the Townsend prize.
Registration is now open. The session is expected to fill quickly, so early registration is encouraged.
Full day: $65 for HCRW/CRW members / $72 for non-members
Afternoon only: $35 for HCRW/CRW members / $40 for non-members
Registration fee includes continental breakfast, both workshops and priority at book signing. A convenient box lunch can be pre-ordered and raffle tickets for gift baskets will be available at the event.
For more information email
To register please click here.
Friday, September 11, 2015
Fairies with Sheila Currie
Nancy- Author Sheila Currie stopped by to discuss one of my favorite subjects: Fairies. So I asked her, what Good are the Fairies??
Sheila- The fairies can be useful and kind to human
beings. They bring food when a family is poor, build houses or barns overnight,
and reward favours with gold. However, if they aren't treated with respect, the food will not nourish, the houses or barns
disappear, and the gold turn to stone.
Moral: Treat fairies (and people) right and
you'll be fine.
Parents of young Highlanders warn their
daughters to beware of a handome stranger.
He might be a leannan-sìth or
fairy lover. If he is one of the fairy folk, a Highland girl might find seaweed
or sand in his hair. The parents can also test him with mìosach, fairy flax. A person who can handle the plant without
difficulty, is a human being.
Moral: A new boyfriend should be checked
out by parents.
Children are carefully watched and baptised
as soon as possible to prevent the fairies from lifting the baby and taking it
to a fairyhill. If a child, which was once happy and lovable, cries loudly and
throws tantrums, the real baby may have been stolen. Especially if it eats
enough to feed the whole village. Dead giveaway. A child wasn't left but a bodach, an old man, or changeling as it
is in English.
Moral: DNA is not responsible for a child's
character, the fairies are.
The banshee or ban-sìth in Gaelic means 'woman fairy'. While she has a bad
reputation among English-speaking people, she has a very important purpose--to
warn people of death. She sings her lament outside a house because she cannot
enter the homes of the living. Those who are involved with the care of a sick
or very old person know that they should prepare a funeral sooner than later.
She has fearsome magicial powers. If a man
finds her ivory comb and keeps it, Lord help him, his life will not be
pleasant. An intelligent man, who meets a lone woman calmly combing her hair in
the moonlight, will sprint in the opposite direction to avoid disturbing her.
This tranquility in a seemingly helpless female is the mark of a banshee. Or a
woman who appears to be one. The number of rapes in the Highlands is extremely
low.
My novel The Banshee of Castle Muirn tells the story of this sort of woman
fairy. Needless to say people are frightened to deal with a banshee. Imagine
the thoughts of a young woman who has the potential to become one. Lose her
friends? Be ostracised by the people of her village? Scare off every male in
the wide world? No chance! But an evil man is determined to marry her for her
dowry and finance rebellion with the proceeds. What if her powers as a banshee
are the only thing which will save her family from him? What if the only other
help comes from a man of an enemy clan? Truly she must make decisions which
will change her life.
Nancy- Please share 3 things readers
might not know about you.
--Fairly
fluent in Scottish Gaelic
--Studied
Scottish History and Celtic Studies in Scotland
--Born
on the east coast of Canada of Scottish, Irish and French parentage
Nancy- What’s
next for you?
Sheila- To
finish The Banshee of Castle Muirn and two more books in the trilogy.
Nancy- Tell us more about you.
Sheila- I
love research and travelling in Europe--and plan to do more of the same! Connect with me at my WEBSITE
Friday, September 4, 2015
Nancy Lee Badger Interviews Author Angela Quarles
Angela- It’s a medieval time travel romance that throws a
modern woman who likes to have everything planned out into the middle of
Madog’s Rebellion of 1294 in Wales. The first quarter of the book takes place
in Castell y Bere, a now-ruined former Welsh castle. The hero is half-Norman
half-Welsh and is a bit bitter, but is really a sweetheart. I enjoy writing in
this subgenre because I feel like my two major strengths are my modern voice
and my love of history, so I’m able to have at least one character bringing that
modern voice and perspective to explore and reveal the past through that
character’s eyes. It’s not the only subgenre I write. I’ve published a
steampunk romance, and my current project is more mainstream. I also have a
historical mystery that I might be putting out soon. My first publication was
actually a contemporary paranormal geek romance
Nancy- When did you start writing toward publication?
Angela- I would say I really started working with that in
mind in early 2010. I’d written 2 books by then and some Jane Austen fan
fiction, but it wasn’t until that second book came out of me, that I thought I
had something to pursue publication with. That book ended up being by debut
novel release, Must Love Breeches.
Nancy- Having achieved your goal to be a published
author, what is the most rewarding thing?
Angela- Interacting with readers and hearing them talk about which books they loved and why. Especially when they get the themes and what I was trying to convey. Hearing I kept someone up all night? Gold!
Nancy- Please Share three fun facts about you that most people don’t know.
1) I rebuilt a carburetor once in my old ’67 Karmann Ghia
2)
I drove a car in a former President’s motorcade (I won’t say which one)
3)
I once knitted a whole sweater for a college crush and I never gave it to him
Nancy- What’s next for you?
Angela- I’m about to start drafting Must Love Kilts, which will be book 3 in my Must Love Time Travel series
BOOK
BLURB
Trapped in the wrong time, she needs a knight in
shining armor, but this damsel in distress might be the real savior.
A damsel in distress...
With a day planner attached to her hip, the last
thing Katy Tolson wants is a romance that threatens her well-ordered life.
She's set to marry the safe--but bland--guy, but something's not quite...right.
A careless wish thrusts her through time into medieval Wales and into the arms
of...
A knight in somewhat shining armor...
Sir Robert Beucol, half-Norman and half-Welsh, lives
with the shame of his father's treason and vows to reclaim his family's
holdings and thereby his honor. To prove himself to his king, he must be more
Norman than a full-blooded Norman. What better way to show loyalty than to
fight his mother's people? He has no desire to be sidetracked by the mysterious
wench with pink toenails, peculiar habits, and passion smoldering behind her
cool, collected exterior.
A rebellion that challenges both...
The Welsh uprising fits perfectly into Robert’s
plans. Katy’s on the other hand? That’s a no. As they embark on a perilous
journey through the heart of Wales, each passionate encounter pulls them closer
together, but farther from their goals. When everything they value is at stake,
can they save each other and their love?
Excerpt
Excerpt
from Chapter 3 – Meets the hero
Katy slowly closed her eyes, let the cool ground soak into
her hands and butt, let the uncomfortable pebbles make themselves known. She
counted to three and opened her eyes.
Intact castle wall? Still there.
A frantic fluttering whipped through her chest and choked
her throat. “No, no, no!”
Her whole body shaking, she pushed up on a nearby rock and
stood. She tugged on her coat’s zipper and yanked it up to her neck. She gazed
at the castle.
No freaking way. Intact castle walls soared skyward, not
stumpy, crumbling stone courses pockmarked with bird’s nests and tufts of
grass. She whipped around. No deck steps arching over the once-ruined entrance.
She shoved her hand into her coat pocket.
Dread curdled in her stomach.
Shit. No case.
Oh God. The case worked. The case transported her back in
time. Just like it had with Isabelle. Sweat bloomed on her skin in the chilly
air, overheating her in her winter coat.
But she hadn’t made a wish. Had she? Then her whispered
words of a moment ago came back to her: What should I do, Isabelle? I wish I
knew why I’m not as happy as I should be.
Shit. Shit. Shit. She
spun around and raked her gaze along the hillside. This crazy-ass,
zapped-back-in-time thing could all be fixed with a quick wish.
But...she dared not move. Getting turned around and missing
it because she was searching in the wrong spot would suck. Big time.
She scrutinized the ravine, keeping her breathing steady. If
she didn’t panic, everything would be okay. Just a little blip she could laugh
about—to herself—later, and get a spike of adrenaline thinking of her narrow
escape. Yep. Mm-hmm. The guy line securing the thin veneer of her control
strained and creaked.
Okay. She’d come along that path, and had, oh God, made that
wish on the stupid case. Smooth, Katy. Then the queasiness. And a gust of wind.
She’d started sliding down the incline and...flung out her stupid-ass hands.
With the case probably sailing away.
So, with the right hand doing the flinging... She charged up
the hill and inched along its edge, on the lookout for a shiny glint of silver.
An odd, pounding noise sounded behind her, and the ground
vibrated slightly. What could...? Oh God, no. She wheeled around, her pulse
beating frantically, and yep, the hugest, scariest war horse she’d ever seen
galloped straight for her. She assumed it was a war horse, well, because it was
so...large, and it had...Jiminy Cricket, it had chainmail on it. And, of
course, some guy on its back, with chainmail and some kind of tunic, as well as
a clothes-iron-shaped shield and friggin’ sword.
Her muscles tightened, shivered, and she almost—swear to
God—peed herself.
She scrambled down the ravine. Find the case. Find the
case. And the scary man on horse would be gone. She slipped and landed on
her ass, sliding the rest of the way, her hands scraping and stinging on the
rocks.
The horse stopped above her, snorting loudly. She scowled
over her shoulder—was she about to get skewered? Cuz she’d want to know. Not
that she could do much against a muscle-bound, medieval guy bent on running her
through with a sword. Or worse. Except find that case. She had maybe twelve
feet of distance on him.
He lifted his helmet free with two mail-clad hands, the
clang of metal against metal loud, and let it fall to suspend from a chain at
his belt. Helmet removal was a good sign, wasn’t it? At least it wasn’t sword
removal. The early afternoon sun shone from behind him. She couldn’t see his
face.
Gibberish popped from the dark shape. Coupled with his arm
pointing away from the castle.
Er, what the hell kind of language was that?
Fear and a bit of oh-shit-what’s-happening slithering
through her, she rose and faced him. “What?” Peering right and left with only
her eyes, she searched for the stupid case. Her only salvation.
He cocked his head and spouted more nonsense. Slower, sure,
but still nonsense. She edged back and continued to search the ground, pebbles
clicking against rock as her shoes scattered them downhill.
More gibberish, but it grew closer. She looked up. He’d
dismounted and was stomping down the hill.
Oh, hell no.
She sprinted along the ravine, praying she’d see her case
but knowing she probably wouldn’t. Blood pounded in her ears, as jarring as her
frantic footfalls along the hard ground. She sucked in short gasps of air as
his steps drew closer. C’mon, all those gym sessions had to count for
something.
A strong arm clamped around her waist, yanked her back
against a solid wall of chainmail-covered man, and lifted. She slid down his
body until his forearm nudged the underside of her breasts. She instantly
stilled, breathing still panicked, because she’d read enough romance novels,
and damned if she’d be one of those annoying heroines who got all feisty
unprovoked. Pissing off someone who hadn’t yet hurt her would be epically
stupid.
He inhaled sharply. Melodic, darkly-rich words vibrated from
his chest to fill her ear, his warm breath sending chills across her skin. She
could hear the question in them, but not knowing what he so softly demanded,
she remained frozen.
She’d need any ally she could get, because yeah, she’d gone
and wished herself back in time. All because she’d second-guessed her plans.
He grunted and marched up the hill, easily carrying her
against him. At the top, he whistled and...his horse came to him. Of course.
Then he draped her in front of a saddle like none she’d ever seen, jumped on,
and galloped across the rocky terrain. But not before she saw her case, winking
in the sun as they passed.
“Hey— Wait! Shit.”
Oh, crap, this was not comfortable. She clamped her
jaw tight, afraid she’d bite her tongue with all the jouncing. Brief flashes of
scenery and activity stuttered by. Flash—a white flower between two rocks.
Flash—a cluster of colorfully clothed people. Flash—a woman with two children,
one on her hip. Flash—a man driving a donkey laden with baskets. And all, all
of them, hurrying. Hurrying in the same direction, into the castle. Behind its
walls.
That
couldn’t be good.
How can my readers buy your book?
Readers can go to my book page HERE
Check out my book trailer HERE
Buy Links…
MORE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Angela
Quarles is a geek girl romance writer whose works includes Must Love
Breeches, a time
travel romance, and Beer & Groping in Las Vegas, a geek romantic comedy in
novelette form. She has a B.A. in Anthropology and International Studies with a
minor in German from Emory University, and a Masters in Heritage Preservation
from Georgia State University. She currently resides in a historic house in the
beautiful and quirky town of Mobile, AL. You can find more information about Angela Quarles
here:
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