Nancy Lee Badger Interviews Author Chris Marie Green

Please welcome Chris Marie Green. We have a treat because she talks about not one but TWO books! 

RED WEDDING (sequel to TERROR ISLAND) is a mystery thriller with a touch of romance and will be released widely on February 16.  

TERROR ISLAND, the first book in Chris’ “Final Girls” series, was released in June, 2015. Please tell my readers more.

Chris- When I wrote TERROR ISLAND, it was in the spirit of a slasher horror movie where the “Final Girl” is strong, smart, and always the last one standing. I wanted there to be a lot of action, creepy atmosphere, and a mystery that would hopefully keep the readers guessing as a group of people are stranded on a remote island, only to face a killer in their midst. I loved the heroine, Katsu Espinoza, and knew that she had many more scary adventures to experience, so that’s how RED WEDDING was born. This book features a psycho who lures Kat to an eerie old house that holds bloody secrets…and another murderous scenario. Readers will also meet a second Final Girl in this book. As the series goes on with more mysteries, other Final Girls will join them.

Nancy- Describe the genre of this particular title, and is it the only genre you

write in?

Chris- I started off describing this series as a “mystery romantic thriller” one, but RED WEDDING really puts the emphasis on “mystery” and “thriller.” In fact, since I am such a freak for old slasher movies (usually from the 80s!), I’d like to add that aspect to the description. So “slasher mystery thriller” it is!

This isn’t my only genre. I also write paranormals and urban fantasy as Chris Marie Green. I also write romances as Crystal Green, my “sunny side.” <G>

Nancy- Having achieved your goal to be a published author, what is the most rewarding thing?   

Chris- I love when the worlds I create come alive for readers and they respond to that. As a reader myself, I know what it’s like to be inspired by books and to completely lose yourself in them. It still surprises me that I’ve been able to do that for some people. I once wrote a series called Vampire Babylon, and I still get emails about those books, and every single one is a thrill to me.

Nancy- I recently met you at a Romance Writers of America chapter's conference. Are you a member of any writing organizations and, if so, have they helped

Chris- I owe so much to RWA. Without them, I would’ve never learned to hone my craft or take the business more seriously. They changed everything about the way I was approaching writing. Novelists, Inc., is also an incredible organization; it brings novelists of all genres together. I feel like they are leaders in the publishing industry.

Please Share three fun facts about you that most people don’t know. 

1) Once upon a time, I would watch the first STAR WARS everyday, and I made my brother watch with me.

2) I have some awesome Princess Leia t-shirts, including one that says, “Don’t mess with a Princess.” <G>

3) I have a treasured letter from Valerie Sherwood, who responded to a fan letter from me when I was 19 and writing my first book.

Nancy- What’s next for you?

Chris- I’m writing a couple of projects for Crystal Green right now, but after that, I’m going to dive in to the third Final Girls book. I’ll be watching lots of horror movies to get in the groove!

BOOK BLURB for TERROR ISLAND, out now

It all started with a good-time cruise at sea…

When diver Katsu Espinoza is invited on a shark-cage expedition by her billionaire mentor, she’s definitely up for some adventure, even if it means spending time with his greedy heirs. Then she sees who the captain is—Will Ashton, the betraying ex-boyfriend who’d once shattered her heart. And as if that isn’t unexpected enough, her mentor decides that she’s going to inherit the millions of dollars that were supposed to go to his family!

…and turned into hell on earth when they got to the island.

Suddenly, Kat is the girl who swept in to steal a frail old man’s inheritance. Then a storm hits, stranding all of them on a deserted island, forcing them to survive in a paradise gone deadly, because it seems that someone here hasn’t forgotten the money; they’re murdering victims with gruesome precision—and Will, with his secretive ways, is at the top of Kat’s growing list of suspects. And that list is getting horrifically whittled down one…by one…by one…

Read an Excerpt from TERROR ISLAND

HERE

Buy Links for TERROR ISLAND:

AMAZON   iBooks

Amazon Print

NOOK   Kobo

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chris Marie Green is the author of the Vampire Babylon series (which includes the spin-off Lilly Meratoliage urban fantasy romance series), the Final Girls Books, and the Jensen Murphy: Ghost for Hire series. She also wrote THE SHE CODE, a New Adult Single Girl (AKA Geek Lit) novel with artwork by Billy Martinez of Neko Press Comics. She also writes romance as RITA-nominated Crystal Green.

When Chris isn't knee-deep in creating fantasy worlds, she spends her time devouring all the pop culture available to her and avoiding international incidents while traveling. For news about Chris's releases, sneak peeks, and giveaways, join her newsletter and contact her here:

Website    Blog

Twitter    Facebook   

Goodreads

Amazon Author Page

Nancy Lee Badger Interviews Author Caroline Lee

Caroline Lee stopped by to share intimate details of her life, and to talk about her book. Where They Belong is a sweet historical romance and was released before Christmas, 2015. Please tell my readers a little bit about your book.  

Caroline- The Sweet Cheyenne Quartet is my Western holiday series. It follows the Barker/Murray family and their friends, as each finds love in unexpected places. In A Cheyenne Thanksgiving, for instance, family friend and neighbor Cam McLeod rescues a beautiful Chinese woman wandering across the Wyoming plains—talk about unexpected! But this book (it’s really a long novella) is a particularly special holiday story; it’s the story of the youngest Murray sister, Annie, who is deaf. Since the very first book, I had readers asking me when Annie was going to get her story, but I hesitated, because I was concerned about how to build a relationship (in 1890) when one character couldn’t hear. It took me a while to write, but I think I did her (and the relationship) justice. Both Annie and Reggie (who was introduced as the wastrel younger brother in A Cheyenne Celebration) are struggling to choose between two worlds and two futures. It’s a Christmas story about finding one’s place, and about figuring out Where They Belong. Reviewers tell me that they’ve laughed and cried multiple times while reading it, which is a grand compliment to an author.

Want to know a secret? I wrote the story, and I still cry every single time I read the big “grovel” in the final scene. Reggie is such a sweetheart, and I love how he really “gets” her.

Nancy- Readers do not understand that authors love their characters, and how much their stories affect even them. Describe the genre of this particular title, and is it the only genre you write in?  

Caroline- I have a Master’s Degree in social history, with a focus on the history of marriage. When my colleagues asked me if I was going on to get my doctorate, I laughed and showed them my first book. I love putting my degree to use this way! I only write historical romance, but I’m not limited to sweet western holiday stories. I’ve got a wonderful book out (Brothers of Baird’s Cove: Renegade) set on an island off the coast of Charleston, SC during Reconstruction, and I’ve been working on the other two books in that series.

Nancy- I love the Charleston area. I am originally from New York, raised a family and started writing in New Hampshire, and have now fallen in love with my new home in the southern United States. When did you start writing toward publication?

Caroline- In 2013 I answered a prompt from Avon for Christmas romances. My story didn’t get into that anthology, but I thought that it was pretty good, so I decided to share it online. Amazon was obviously the best choice for distribution, and I had to choose a nominal fee to publish. I didn’t even realize that what I was doing was called “Independent Publishing”, but I loved it. The next year I did it again, and The Sweet Cheyenne Quartet was born.

I’m a huge proponent of self—or independent—publishing (and I’m happy to chat with anyone about it!). There’s nothing a publisher can do for me that I can’t do myself (or hire someone to do, rather). That’s really liberating… but it can be lonely too. A publisher offers a support network and a marketing team that, while I can hire, I can’t really match. So there are real benefits to both routes to publication, but I’m still firmly in the independent camp. I love the control!

Nancy- Will you share some encouraging words for authors still struggling for that first contract? 

Caroline- Write. Write write write. Write because you love it, because you have a story in you that needs to be told. After that one has been told, tell another and another. Then join a writing organization (I’m a member of my local Romance Writers of America chapter) that will help you become a better writer, through workshops and seminar and critiquing. Even joining a local group that meets at the nearest Starbucks is helpful; the support and accountability will do wonders for your word count and your skills. Then write some more. And remember that a contract with a publisher isn’t the only path to publication. We think of it as validation, to receive that contract… but your first monthly paycheck from Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publication will be just as validating, I promise.

Please Share three fun facts about you that most people don’t know.

1) I cry/laugh/sigh romantically over my own work. Even my old stories.

2) My youngest son inherited my collection of stuffed hedgehogs, which all have “H” names.

3) I work for George Mason University’s LIFE Program, a post-secondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Nancy- What’s next for you?

Caroline- I have three different series I’m working on write now (get it?). Two new (secret) ones and the Brothers of Baird’s Cove Trilogy. You’ll see some of those later this year! And of course, there’s going to be a Sweet Cheyenne Christmas story in 2016, and probably an Easter one in 2017.

BOOK BLURB   

Where They Belong: A Sweet Cheyenne Christmas Novella

Small-town girl Annie Murray is excited about the adventure of a grand coming-out season in New York City over the holidays, but it doesn’t take long to realize that the offer isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Annie is deaf, and has spent years changing herself—how she communicates—to fit in with “proper” society. She’s even learned to speak, for goodness’ sake! But the only thing these people seem to care about is how different she sounds, and it’s darned galling to know that she is still not acceptable. In fact, the only person in New York who tries to make her feel comfortable at all is Dr. Reginald Carderock.

Reggie knows what it’s like to feel like you don’t belong someplace. He was born and raised among the Fifth Avenue elite, but is only barely tolerated these days. His friends and family don’t understand how he can spend all of his time treating the city’s poor at his clinic, or what he could possibly see in his brother’s little deaf student. But the more time he spends in Annie’s company, the more intrigued he is by her strength, determination, and compassion.

Just when the two of them figure they’ve reached an understanding, they get the worst possible news from Annie’s family in Cheyenne. Now they’re stuck together in a mad dash across the country, dreading what they’ll find at the end. It’s a crummy way to spend Christmas Eve, and Reggie knows that he might lose her forever when they reach their destination. He’ll need to figure out a way to show her that he can see her for who she truly is.

Which is good, because all she wants for Christmas is for him to hear the words she’s not saying.

Buy Link:  AMAZON

Contact Caroline HERE

WEBSITE     FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK Author Page

TWITTER     AMAZON Author Page

More About the Author

Caroline Lee is what George R.R. Martin once described as a "gardener author"; she delights in creating interesting and lovable characters, and allowing them to lead their own stories. Often they draw the story along to completely unexpected--and wonderful!--places. She considers a story a success if she can re-read it and sigh dreamily... and she wishes the same for you.

A love of historical romance prompted Caroline to pursue her degrees in social history; her Master's Degree is in Comparative World History, which is the study of themes across history (for instance, 'domestication of animals throughout the world,' or 'childhood through history'). Her theme? You guessed it: Marriage throughout world history. Her favorite focus was periods of history that brought two disparate peoples together to marry, like marriage in the Levant during the Kingdom of Jerusalem, or marriage between convicts in colonial New South Wales. She hopes that she's able to bring this love of history-- and this history of love-- to her novels.

Each one of the books in her Sweet Cheyenne Quartet has reached the Best-Sellers list on Amazon, and all are available in e-book and paperback formats. Caroline is living her own little Happily Ever After with her husband and sons in North Carolina. 

Nancy Lee Badger Interviews Author Mary Morgan

Mary Morgan stopped by to share some intimate details about her life and her latest novel. Her  book, Dragon Knight’s Shield, is a Scottish Paranormal Time-travel Romance and was released on January 8, 2016. Please tell my readers a little bit about your book. 

Mary- This is the fourth book in the Order of the Dragon Knights Series. Angus MacKay is the oldest of the Dragon Knights. He is the last brother to walk the path of redemption after the death of their sister. As the oldest, his journey was the most haunted and it will take a warrior woman to stand beside him. Deirdre Flanagan will turn his world upside down.  

Nancy- Describe the genre of this particular title, and is it the only genre you write in?

Mary- This is a Scottish Paranormal Time-travel romance and the only genre I’m currently writing. I do have plans for a spin-off, which will add a fantasy element to the stories.  

Nancy- Did you have several manuscripts finished before you sold? If so, did you send them out yourself?

Mary- Yes to both questions. I was finishing the third in the series when I got the contract for the first story.

Nancy- Do you have any rejection stories to share?

Mary- Yes! When I received my first rejection letter, I jumped for joy saying, “I’m acknowledged!” Of course afterwards, I got upset, but continued to submit to many more. With each rejection letter I received, the right fit for a publisher was heading my way. I never gave up.

Nancy- What is your writing routine like?

Mary- I’m an early bird, rising before dawn. Breakfast and exercise comes first, and then I spend several hours answering emails, promoting, and social media. The rest of the day is spent writing, and I usually wrap up around 5:30pm, unless I’m doing edits. When I’m ankle deep in edits, my days will last much longer.

  

Nancy- Will you share some encouraging words for authors still struggling for that first contract?

Mary- Never, ever give up! With each rejection, believe that the right one for you is heading your way. Make this your daily mantra: “I will become a published author!”   

Please Share three facts about you that most people don’t know. (short answers are best!)

1) I collect stuffed sheep.

2) I wanted to be the first woman astronaut in space.

3) I was the Children’s storyteller for Borders Books.

Nancy- What’s next for you?

Mary- I’m finishing the final book in my series, which I hope to have out in mid-summer. You’ll find out who the fifth Dragon Knight is in Dragon Knight’s Shield. It’s a surprise.  

BOOK BLURB   Angus MacKay, leader of the Dragon Knights, failed his brothers and his clan upon the death of his sister. Now he must fight the darkness of despair tempting his soul. Back on Scottish soil, he comes face to face with Deirdre who can wield a sword as mightily as his warriors, and takes her captive. Yet, with each passing day, the fire dragon inside him roars to claim the one woman fate has destined for him. 

Famed mystery writer, Deirdre Flanagan, is unprepared for the next chapter in her life. On a vacation to Scotland, she steps through the mists and enters into a skirmish alongside a Highlander. However, the fight has only begun, and now she must battle Angus as well as evil in order to claim the love of this Dragon Knight.

Will their love be powerful enough to shield them from danger, or burn them to ashes?

Excerpt 

His look was predatory, lustful, inviting, and she took a step backward. Words failed her as she took another step back.

He arched a brow and his smile became seductive. “Do I frighten ye?”

“No!” she lied. Like hell you do! You’re as gorgeous as sin standing there, and I want to rip your clothes from your body.

Pushing off from the wall, he stepped into the room and silently closed the door behind him, his eyes never leaving hers. His hair hung in soft waves past his shoulders, and her fingers itched to twine within them. Her body ached in places so deep—longing for even the slightest touch. 

“Are ye unwell, my lady?”

The burr of his voice so low—so sexy, she could only stare at him until his words resonated in her mind. “No,” she replied softly, feeling the flames of desire heat not only her face, but also her entire body.

This time when he took another step closer, Deirdre didn’t back away. Now he stood so close she could feel the warmth of his breath across her face—a mix of wine and pure male.

She watched mesmerized as he reached for a lock of her hair, twining it around his finger. “So verra soft.”

Deirdre couldn’t breathe, as he let the curl unravel and cupped her face in his hands. “Ye confuse me. Ye torment me in my dreams,” he whispered against her cheek, sending a wave of pleasure down her spine.

Without thought, she groaned and leaned into him—his beard grazing her cheek. She no longer battled her mind for the man. “Kiss me, Angus.”

 Buy Links….

Amazon    Nook    Kobo     

The Wild Rose Press 

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Scottish paranormal romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Northern California, with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return. 

Mary's passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. She spent far too much time daydreaming and was told quite often to remove her head from the clouds. It wasn't until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling--writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories. You can find more information about Mary Morgan here:

WEBSITE    BLOG    Twitter 

Facebook    Goodreads 

Amazon Author Page 

Hello My Name is Blog Hop & Giveaway

And the Winner is...
see below...

I am Nancy Lee Badger, an author of romance and spicy thriller novels, and want to share some quirky insights into what makes me 'tick'.

1)I get premonitions. Drives my son crazy.

2)I saw a UFO once, with my hubby. We believe!

3)I have two sons, and one son-in-law

4)My Blog has over 97,000 Page views and I am trying to get to 100,000

5)I was born on Friday the 13th

6)I own a kilt and am working hard to fit into it again

7) I enjoy gaining new readers, but I also love all of the folks who have read one of my books. 

My latest release is Medieval Redemption, a four-author Boxed set, is available for a limited time at Amazon for only $.99, and contains My Banished Highlander, a Scottish time travel romance that uses witchcraft to take the reader from a fictional present day New England Highland games to the deep south during the Civil war, and finally to ancient Scotland.

Medieval Redemption includes:

The Honor of a Highlander by April Holthaus:  Blog  Facebook  

Celtic Fury by Ria Cantrell: Twitter  Facebook

My Banished Highlander by Nancy Lee Badger: Website  Facebook

Gavril of Aquina by Aurrora St. James: Website  Facebook

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MEDIEVAL REDEMPTION

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