Interview Nancy Thorne Author of Victorian Town
Give a warm welcome to Nancy Thorne, Author of Victorian Town.
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Nancy Thorne and her Victorian Town.
Pssst…. don’t miss the Rafflecopter give away at the bottom of this post!
I’ve a few questions for you. Lets start with what inspired you to write?
I’ve held a love for words since grade school: their spelling, meaning and sound. I felt at a young age that I had a better grasp of words than even some of the adults around me.
I looked forward to spelling bees and writing assignments. I honestly have no idea where the inspiration to write came from – it’s always been there. It took me many years to become a serious, full-time writer. But it was an inspiration I couldn’t avoid forever, like a scratch that would never go away.
Did you tell friends and family members you were writing a book?
It definitely took me a long time to disclose to my friends that I was writing a book. Only my family knew I’d begun to write my novel, Victorian Town. Even though I’d had quite a few short stories published before writing the book, it was an endeavor I decided to keep as secret as possible until I knew I could fully turn my dream into a reality. And there was something special about keeping it to myself for a while, like a happy secret you know you’ll reveal one day, but not quite yet. It wasn’t until I had a dinner party that I spoke of my novel, and by then I’d completed the entire first draft.
Where do your story ideas come from? If they come to you in the middle of the night, do you get up and write them all down?
Wow, I love this question. I often have my best ideas right before I fall asleep. I keep a pen and pad of paper beside my bed so I can write down these thoughts. I’ve learned that I don’t remember my pre-sleep ideas, even if they seem unforgettable at the time.
Once, I wrote an entire short story immediately after waking from a dream. I went directly from my bed to my writing room to scribble it all down before sunlight could dissolve it from my brain.
Why do you write what you write?
I believe that I write what I write, which is the Young Adult genre, because a pivotal part of me stayed behind in the past, when I was a teenager. Events of my youth remain clear and easy to recall. Even the smallest details of the emotional struggles, hurts, romance, friendships and excitement of that time remain with me, refusing to fade, So, I believe this is why is seems natural for me to write about, and for, young adults. I love revisiting the past. And with my writing, I can change the way things really did happen!
Wow I love that! Thanks for indulging me and my questions.
Now she must solve a Victorian mystery without getting herself killed, or worse, spend a lifetime trapped in the past, leaving behind everyone she loves and altering their lives forever.
me. As I struggled to think of how best to offer an explanation, he turned to
me. Gently but deliberately, he moved his hand up my arm, stopping at the nape
of my neck beneath the ribbon of the bonnet.
modest pressure of an indecisive act. A warm energy coursed through my body,
but the strangest thing was that everything felt unbelievably familiar, like it
had all been rehearsed before that moment. I held onto this profound feeling,
not wanting it to leave, until Ben removed his lips from mine.
silence felt awkward. It persisted, and I assumed Ben was already regretting
kissing me.
Street: coaches lined the front of the Royal Hotel as travelers zipped in and
out of the main entrance; horse carts delivered goods in dashes of haste; store
merchants hurried beyond their open doors; street sellers sold goods out of
baskets; helpers swept the boardwalk; ladies could be seen purchasing last
minute necessities behind the windows of each shop.
reached the front door. I peered through the window. Martha arranged
long-stemmed flowers in a vase on a table at the side of the ballroom. A young
man placed a candelabra on a table and then another on top of a piano. Ben had
already started back to the street when I turned. He waved. I waved back. Still
a chance he’ll change his mind.
button, on the ledge of the window and took off the ring.
her chin, which now rested on her knuckles. It was obvious it had taken longer
for me to return this time. It made sense to me right then that the ring held
within it a finite amount of energy with which to transport me to the past and
back home, like a battery depleting its energy with each use. And, I had no
idea how to recharge it.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39085555-victorian-town
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Mystery, Nancy Thorne, Paranormal Romance, Time travel, Victorian Town by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Interview Anna Taylor Sweringen author of One Breath Away
Give a warm welcome to Anna Taylor Sweringen, Author of One Breath Away.
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Anna and One Breath Away.
Why did you choose the cover concept you did?
I had a fabulous cover artist named Angela Anderson. I wanted something to capture the erotic tone of the story and I think she did a great job by focusing on the heroine. I loved the look so much that I asked my publisher if they could come up with something similar for my next novella – although a stand alone – could have a look to tie them all together
Why should we read this book/series and what sets you apart from the rest and makes your book/series unique?
There’s African-American historical romance out there (Beverly Jenkins is my queen) and African-American Christian historical romance (the fantastic Piper Hugley), but mine may be the first African-American historical romances that are also a Christian erotic romance, i.e. is an erotic romance written from a liberal Christian worldview of sexuality.
Tell us something about yourself and allow us to get to know you
I’m a retired United Church of Christ and Presbyterian Church USA minister (hence the liberal Christian worldview) whose interest in romance and social justice have combined in the second chance romances I write. I grew up in the 60’s, shaped by Black is beautiful and a love for Black history.
What secret do you use to blast through writer’s block?
Listening to music. Sometimes classical provides the relaxation I need to start the muse flowing. Other times it’s the words of Gershwin or Cole Porter that stoke my imagination.
Why do you write what you write? Contemporary, paranormal, suspense, etc.
I’ve always loved history in general, but Black history in particular. As a minister I’ve witnessed the power of love and forgiveness. So when I started writing romance I wanted to write stories that shined a light on the history that has shaped me as an African-American while also emphasizing what I believe to be the power that has enabled African-Americans to survive and thrive.
SPEED ROUND FOR A LITTLE ADDED FUN:
Speed Round (one word only answer): Yep, I know torture for a writer!<evil laugh>
Favorite movie: Casablanca
Favorite book: Topaz
Last book read: Midnight
Favorite color: Purple
Stilettos or flipflops: Flipflops
Coffee or tea: Tea – Earl Gray
Ebook or audiobook or paperback: Paperback
Pencil or pen: Pencil
Favorite song: Always
Streak or not: Not
Favorite dessert: Pie
Favorite junk food: Smashmallows
Favorite thing to do to relax: Sleep
Champagne or gin: Champagne
Paranormal or Historical: Historical
Wonder Woman or Top Model: Wonder Woman
Favorite TV show: X-Files
Hot or cold: Hot
POV: Third
I’d die if I don’t have: Fun
Review or Not: Review
Tell us a little more about One Breath Away.
Sentenced to hang for a crime she didn’t commit, former slave Mary Hamilton was exonerated at literally the last gasp. She returns to Safe Haven, broken and resigned to live alone. She’s never been courted, cuddled or spooned, and now no man could want her, not when sexual satisfaction comes only with the thought of asphyxiation. But then the handsome stranger who saved her shows up, stealing her breath from across the room and promising so much more.
Wealthy, freeborn-Black, Eban Thurman followed Mary to Safe Haven, believing the mysteriously exotic woman was foretold by the stars. He must marry her to reclaim his family farm. But first he must help her heal, and to do that means revealing his own predilection for edgier sex.
A peak between the page of One Breath Away:
“Why not you, Mary?”
“Because someone like you only looks at someone like me out of pity.”
Of course. His aunt put him up to this. Anger warmed Mary’s ears.
“Let me go.” She made to pull away. “I want to sit.”
“Please. Not before the music stops.” He timed his plea to the rhythm of the waltz. “I’ve waited all week for this moment.”
Mary gritted her teeth. Heart hurt joined her injured pride. She needed no one’s charity.
“That was cruel of you, sir. No one counts the days until they can ask me for a dance.” Tears pooled behind her closed eyelids. “Anyone in town could tell you that.”
The grip on her hand tightened, forcing her eyes open. The light in his gaze darkened. “Anyone who’d lie to me like that would be taking their life in their hands.” He leaned in so his mouth nuzzled her ear again. “And if you use that I’m-not-worthy tone of voice again, I’ll be forced to prove you wrong with a kiss.”
Alarm shuddered up Mary’s back. “Is—is that a threat?”
“A certainty.” He winked.
A chilly thrill replaced the alarm. She blew out a breath to steady herself. Threat or certainty, both treated her to a delicious revelation—she wanted that kiss. She eyed his lips, imagined their soft yet demanding press against hers. Once more the voice of caution repeated its warning.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Oh, to be forced to flee from such a devil as he. She sighed. What a wonderful problem to have.
“May I visit you at Harvest Home?”
Eban’s voice overpowered her thoughts. She frowned out of her musing. “You know where I live?”
“I have an authoritative source.”
She glanced toward Widow Hawthorne who gave a favoring nod. That kiss no longer seemed a flight of fancy. Her belly quivered. Her lips pursed in a thoughtful pout.
“Why would I let you visit me at Harvest Home?”
“You know better than I.” He stroked the back of her hand as he eyed her throat. She swallowed hard as excitement and fear rippled across the flesh his thumb caressed. Her head swirled, whether from the dance or the danger posed by her partner she couldn’t tell. “It—it would cost too much to say.”
He bent his elbow, pulled her forward again. “Am I not worth the price?”
This time his chest crushed hers. The pressure imitated the closeness of that threatened kiss. A closeness she could no longer deny she desired. Would she let him? Should she let him? Her throat tightened.
“You’re worth the price, but I can’t afford you.”
He smiled that nether-lip-tickling smile again. “I accept gifts in kind.”
Buy links: The Wild Rose Press Amazon
About the Author:
Rev. Anna Taylor Sweringen writes erotic romance under the penname Michal Scott. History has been an old passion of hers. Romance a recent one. The opportunity to combine the two came in the publication of One Breath Away. Michal has been writing professionally since 2008 and belongs to the inspirational, gothic and erotic romance chapters of Romance Writers of America. An unexpected, but intriguing combination of genres for a retired minister.
Author Contact:
Website: www.michalscott.webs.com
Twitter: @mscottauthor1
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with One Breath Away!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged African-American, Anna Taylor Sweringen, Historical Romance, One Breath Away by Tena Stetler with 8 comments.
Ilona Fridl Author of A Balancing Act
Give a warm welcome to Ilona , author of A Balancing Act!
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Ilona and A Balancing Act.
Thank you, Tena, for inviting me to visit you today. I’ve brought along my two main characters, Dr. John Mallory and Lenora La Rue, with me. Hope you don’t mind.
Oh, not at all! The more the merrier! Welcome John and Lenora! Lets start with John.
Tells us about the real you—
I’m a surgeon, who was inspired by my father. He was a surgeon in the War between the States, and I worked under him at a hospital in Milwaukee when I finished medical college. Now I have a practice in Waukesha.
What event in your past has left the most indelible impression on you?
Seeing pain and suffering in others. I always was rescuing injured animals as a boy, and trying to nurse them back to health.
What do you most value?
Treating all people with dignity. I’ve seen too many doctors look down on the sick and injured as not really human.
What is the type of woman you want to spend the rest of your life with?
John glances at Lenora and takes her hand. The woman I had pictured was a quiet, unassuming girl who grew up in the domestic arts. I guess you never know.
What do you consider most important in life?
To live your dreams to their fullest.
What is your biggest secret?
John reddens a bit. I loved watching Nora at the circus in her skimpy costume. Lenora hits him on the arm.
All right Ms. La Rue, it your turn.
All my friends call me Nora.
Who are you really?
Pauses. I was a circus bareback rider traveling with my family’s show until a cyclone caused me to lose my leg. My family abandoned me, and made me learn how to live on the outside with ordinary people.
Who were the biggest role models in your life?
The horses I worked with. Growing up they were my only friends.
What kind of man do you want to spend the rest of your life with?
I thought it was Rico, who I was engaged to before my accident. He was our tight-rope walker. The cad broke our promise when I lost my leg. John is patient and kind. He won me over, because he was the first person who really cared for me.
What kind of man would you never choose?
Anyone like my family or Rico who only cares for themselves.
What is most important to you in life?
Support of family and friends.
What is your biggest fear?
I believe I lived through that already. Being abandoned when I needed help the most. That’s why I love John so much. If he wasn’t there, I don’t know what I would have done.
Ilona, Tell us a little about writing this story.
I lost my ability to stand a few years ago, and I’m now in a wheelchair. It was healing to write about a heroine who lost her leg in an accident, and learned to deal with it. Through her, I could see the disabled aren’t hopeless, and there are still ways you could function.
Was it fun or difficult?
It was difficult, because I could understand the frustration my heroine was going through dealing with the loss of her leg. To keep it from being too depressing, I gave some of my characters a sense of fun.
Do your characters always act as you expect?
No. That’s why I love writing.
Are you a plotter, or fly (write) by the seat of your pants?
A little of both. I write down ideas for scenes, then try to incorporate them into the story
Tell us a little about A Balancing Act.
Lenora LaRue, Bareback Rider Extraordinaire, is the star of her family’s circus—until a cyclone hits. A main tent pole falls on her during the storm, and when her injuries require the loss of her leg, her family abandons her, believing she is of no further use to them.
John Mallory, the young surgeon who does the necessary operation, decides to help her readjust to the real world, against his father’s advice. John takes her to his aunt’s sanitarium in the resort city of Waukesha, Wisconsin, where the two of them undertake to teach Lenora how to live outside the harsh circus culture that has been her whole life. He sets up a practice in the town to be near her, positive that rehabilitation is possible. As a woman doubly cursed by society as both a cripple and a former circus performer, Lenora is not so sure. She struggles to learn social skills…but can she learn what love is, too?
How about a peek between the pages?
The train was already at the depot when they hurried in after bidding Robert thanks and goodbye. John quickly purchased their tickets, and they entered the cozy steam-heated car for their trip. Nora sat by the window and watched the villages and farms on an endless march. She turned to John. “Do you think this could be dangerous, what Will is asking us to do?”
He shook his head. “I think if we just look at the horses, all we have to do is report to Will if we find Chance. Like detective work.”
“When should we do it?”
“I have Thursdays off. I’ll let Will know, and he can talk to his uncle about letting you go.”
“Maybe I should quit at the store and help you set up your practice. The thing is, I still owe on the leg.”
John laughed and kissed her forehead. “Since things are the way they are, I’ll forgive the rest of the debt. You’ve worked very hard, and I’m proud of you.”
Tears welled in her eyes. “Nobody close to me has ever praised me before.”
John pulled her into a discreet hug. “It’s about time. You deserve it.” He hesitated. “Nora, I do love you.”
Oh, she wanted to believe him, truly she did. “John, I want to trust your feelings for me. I have been hurt so much in the past, but I want you to know I’m trying.”
He rocked her gently. “That’s all I ask for now.”
“I’ll tell Mr. Canton I’ll stay on until he can find someone else. By then, you should have the house.”
He pulled back and smiled. “You’re doing it again.”
“What?”
“Changing the subject when we talk about us.” There was a bit of a sparkle in his brown eyes.
She opened her mouth to say something, then closed it again. He returned his arm around her shoulders, and she leaned against him. The southern-slanted sun cut in through the windows of the car, and the passing trees and buildings threw shadows over them.
Back in Waukesha, John rented a carriage from the livery and took Nora to her apartment. He helped her up the steps and set her bag by the door. The reflection of the late afternoon sun from the building windows bounced into the shelter. Nora gazed at the strikingly boyish but handsome face and her breath caught. Deep down, her love for him was overwhelming. Still, she couldn’t quite say the words yet.
John gathered her into his arms. “I’ll be in touch with you about the trip to Kenosha. Good evening, sweetheart.”
She placed her hands on either side of his face and kissed him. “Good evening, John.” She felt like melting into his warm embrace and remaining there forever.
Buy Links:
The Wild Rose Press Amazon Barnes & Noble
About the Author:
Ilona Fridl was born in the Los Angeles area of Southern California, where she lived the first twenty-one years of her life. In high school and college, she took Journalism and Creative Writing. She moved with her family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she met her husband, Mark. They started a locksmithing business and raised a daughter to adulthood. All the while, she dreamed about being a writer, but she hated typewriters. In the nineties, they purchased their first computer, and she never looked back. With some articles and short stories under her belt, she started her first novel. The eighth book is just being released by The Wild Rose Press.
Web site: http://www.ilonafridl.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ilona-Fridl/127297334022981?ref=hl
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/author/show/3416410.Ilona_Fridl
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with A Balancing Act.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Balancing Act, Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Ilona Fridl by Tena Stetler with 21 comments.
Romance Writers of America “Readers for Life”
Come out to meet hundreds of your favorite romance authors, buy their books—we’ll happily sign them—and help an adult learn to read.
How? Make your way to Denver, Colorado on Saturday, July 21st for the Romance Writers of America (RWA) “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing. Along with about 300 other romance writers, I’ll be there —signing A Warlock’s Secrets and A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance for charity. Stop by say Hi! As an author and avid reader, adult literacy is an issue close to my heart.
Thanks to awesome readers like you, since 1990, RWA has raised over $1 million for literacy organizations. According to ProLiteracy, that’s enough to help 40,000 adults learn to read!
I hope you can join me to support the cause, and take home some great reads in the process. 🙂
Details:
- FREE admission, open to the public (no advance tickets required)
- 300 romance authors signing books in one place
- 100% of the proceeds go to ProLiteracy and the Literacy Coalition of Colorado
- July 21st, 3-5 pm
- Sheraton Denver Downtown, 1550 Court Place, Denver, CO
Click on cover to read more.
Years ago, a sacred ceremony at the Dragon’s Moon Coven turned deadly. Son of the high priestess, Tristian Shandie’s life changed forever. With a price on his head and revenge in his heart, he has no choice but to follow in his father’s footsteps to a profession shrouded in secrets. Now his skills as an enforcer for the Demon Overlord are second to none. But dangerous secrets he harbors are a liability he can no longer afford.
A chance meeting with a woman he finds irresistible flips Tristian’s world upside down. Hannah is a cyber security specialist with secrets of her own. Bad boys never appealed to her until Tristian, who changes everything. In his darkest hours, she is dragged into his magical world.
If they survive, is she strong enough to heal his heart and tame the warlock? Or will their secrets destroy them?
Click on cover to read more.
****
Stefan is a Native American vampire, former assassin for the Vampire Council. In a twist of fate, he now DJ’s the midnight shift for a small radio station in Whitefish, Montana, on the edge of Glacier National Park where his secret is safe until…
Born in Ireland, Brandy now works as a park ranger and trail guide in the park. During a full moon, Stefan and Brandy’s paths cross in a near physical collision on a trail. Their attraction is immediate and undeniable, almost as if fate demanded it.
Their union was foretold long ago in Irish folk tales where vampires and gryphons, warlocks and demons, witches and faeries must work together for the good of man and magic kind. Is a trip to Ireland the key to unravelling secrets and returning the magic? And even more importantly, will their love survive the trip?
See you in Denver, Colorado on Saturday, July 21st for the Romance Writers of America (RWA) “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Vampire's Unlikely Alliance, A Warlock's Secrets, Literacy Autographing Event, Readers for LIfe, RWA, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
