#MFRWauthor Interview with @AngelaDrakeA

Who is Angela Drake?
Angela Drake believes in happy endings, the magic of 'what if' and in second chances. When not living vicariously through her characters, Angela writes about and promotes Texas and classic country music. She is an active member of two local writer's organizations. Angela enjoys time with her granddaughters, gardening, journaling, and a myriad of artistic pursuits. She shares a home in the Ozarks with her husband, three dogs and two cats. She loves networking with readers and writers through her Facebook, twitter and blog.

Want to know More? We do... so we asked!
How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing? 
Quite a bit. Since I live and breathe the music business, I have the opportunity to let my readers behind the scenes.

What kind of research do you do for a book? 
Mostly for settings. If I can’t travel to where I want the story to take place, then I look through travel brochures, websites and network with people who live in the area. I also listen to music that my characters like – even the secondary characters help add to the fabric of the story.

When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms? 
I’ve been writing short stories and poetry since about the age of twelve. I wrote my first full-length novel in the late ‘90s.

What genre is it?
A Christmas to Remember(o riginally titled Ozarks Angel) is a contemporary romance set in Eureka Springs Arkansas. This was my first ‘second chance at love’ story.

Where did the idea come from? 
Somewhere Down the Line came from an experience I had a couple of years ago. I was about to see someone for the first time in 25 years. I sat in his driveway, gripping the steering wheel thinking, what am I suppose to day? How am I suppose to act? How will he react? This was not a relationship reunion but on the drive home later that ‘what if’ question popped into my head. What if my heroine were reuniting with someone for the first time after a long period apart? What if they had feelings for one another they never acted on before? When a fan crushes on an artist, don’t they often think what it would be like to be with them – even married to them?

What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing - or are there constant interruptions? 
My husband of over thirty years has always been my most supportive person. He understands how important this is to me and will often ask if I’ve written anything that day.

What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries? 
I watch TV or create art. I love classic black and white movies as well as family movies like The Waltons. Quality shows with a moral compass. I am also a paper crafter and mixed media artist. I love getting my fingers in paint and playing with rubber stamps

Who are some of your other favorite authors to read?
I read every Vicki Lewis Thompson story that comes out. She’s a neat lady and great with creating characters you care about. I love Jodi Thomas’ contemporary ‘homespun’ stories and J.D. Faver. J.D.’s Bad series is one of my favorite collections. I also enjoy W.C. Jameson’s treasure hunting books and his books on historical figures such as Billy the Kid. He has one coming out about Amelia Earhart I’m anxious to read.

Angela Drake released Somewhere Down the Line, an Erotic Contemporary Romance,

with Boroughs Publishing Group in June 2014.

It all began twenty-five years ago on the road: a charming crooner with a boyish grin fronting an up-and-coming Country/Western band, an entertainment journalist with everything to prove, and a love that could never be. A love that was wrong.

Things have changed. Trey Morison and Alana Cozins are finally free to act on their desires, but is it really possible after all this time? From the Abilene Fairgrounds to a storm-swept beach on Galveston Island, from a reunion of friends to a fast-and-furious realization of their passion, Trey and Alana will test the boundaries of what they think they know—and what they know they want. They’ll find a renewed career, a deeper understanding of themselves, the past and each other. And it all begins with a hit song that’s a heartfelt prayer that unwavering love might finally be rewarded…

BUY LINKS
http://www.amazon.com/Angela-Drake/e/B00L701Z9C/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
http://www.boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/somewhere-down-line
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-somewheredowntheline-1547421-149.html
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/447433

What Reviewers Are Saying...
"Every perfect country song put into a perfect happy ever after story!
I couldn't put it down! Looking forward to more books by one of my new favorite authors!" ~ Joyce (Amazon)

"This book is a great addition to your Kindle library. I was so determined to finish the book I fell asleep only to be woken by my Kindle hitting me in the face - twice!" ~ Susan (Amazon)

#MFRWauthor BOOK SPOTLIGHT: To Snarl or To Snuggle @KatyaArmock

MFRW Author Katya Armock released To Snarl or to Snuggle, Hidden Lines #3, an Erotic Paranormal Romance, with Etopia Press in June 2014.

Chloe thinks her life is just about perfect. She’s finally got her psychic abilities under control, her relationship with her father has never been better, and she’s finally marrying her shape-shifter boyfriend Jorge. But when a teenage shape-shifter in need of help leads Jorge’s rival to their door, Chloe’s perfect life deserts her. Chloe’s mother and grandmother find themselves in a psychic feud that leaves Chloe caught in the wake, and a woman with suspect motives insinuates herself into Chloe’s life. Throw in a shocking revelation about the origins of her family’s extrasensory abilities, and she’s not sure she’ll make it down the aisle in one piece, let alone live long enough for a happily ever after…

And she thought meeting her in-laws was tough. She just wants to make it through her whirlwind wedding. Too bad life isn’t cooperating.

BUY LINKS

Etopia: http://bit.ly/etopiaKA  |  Amazon: http://bit.ly/tsots

BN: http://bit.ly/tsotsbn  |  AllRomance: http://bit.ly/tsotsar

Excerpt
“So what was up with your lack of cake enthusiasm?” My best friend Naomi peers at me over her latte.

We’re taking a wedding planning respite at our favorite coffee place.

She clearly knows something is wrong. Usually I love cake, food, all things with sugar and fat. And, of all the tedious parts of planning my wedding, tasting the cake was supposed to be the highlight.

Naomi starts tapping her fingers and her blue-eyed stare means business. I’m not getting out of spilling the beans. Time to woman up.

“I found an old letter I wrote to my mom.” I stare down into my Earl Grey latte and try not to let my emotions run away with me.

“From when?”

“I was sixteen. Wrote it the day I tore up every picture of her I had.” I didn’t need to say more.

Before Naomi can say anything, there’s a commotion at the entrance. A boy, maybe twelve or thirteen, careens into an empty table just inside the door, almost knocking it over. I know puberty can have its awkward gangly growth spurt phases, but this is no ordinary stumbling. At first, I assume he’s drunk or stoned or something—sad, I know, for a young teen— but then I notice some awfully shaggy hair sprouting from his neck and spreading under his shirt.

Shit. He’s a shape-shifter, and by the looks of it, one who isn’t prepared to be going through a transition. Given his age, this is probably his first shift or close to it. Odds say he’s an orphan shifter—born into a family who doesn’t know shape-shifters exist but have some rogue genes in their DNA. Puberty takes hold, and boom, you find out you’re a shape-shifter.

About Katya Armock
I like books that are funny and fun to read (and hot!) but also make me think or look at the world in a new way. These days you’ll find me writing, pet sitting, juggling a number of freelance gigs, and reigning as my home’s domestic goddess. I live in the Midwestern U.S. with my husband, dog and cats. Alas, I have, as of yet, been unable to teach my husband how to purr. I love to hear from readers.

• Website: http://katyaarmock.com/
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/katyaarmock
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KatyaArmock
• Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/katyaarmock
• Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/katyaarmock
• Tumblr: http://katyaarmock.tumblr.com/

#Thursday13 Items To Save In Disaster @VictoriaPinder #MFRWauthor

For Thursday 13, MFRW Victoria Pinder shares 13 Items She'd Save When Disaster Strikes.
Victoria Pinder grew up in Irish Catholic Boston then moved to Miami. Eventually, found that writing is her passion. She always wrote stories to entertain herself. Her parents are practical minded people demanding a job, but when she sat down to see what she enjoyed doing, writing became obvious. The Zoastra Affair, Chaperoning Paris, Borrowing the Doctor, and Electing Love, Mything the Throne and Favorite Coffee, Favorite Crush will be published in 2014.

CONNECT with Victoria
Website: http://www.victoriapinder.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoriapinder1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/victoriapinder
Blog: http://victoriapinder.com/?cat=6
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8120316.Victoria_Pinder

13 Items I'd save
in my house if the house were to catch fire, or some terrible disaster was about to unfold.

1: New Husband.
2. My computer. (How else am I to write?)
3. Drivers license
4. Credit Cards
5. Do I have time to hit up the ATM? In disaster scenerio the ATMS would stop working... however for a fire this might seem excessive, but who knows zombies might be coming next.
6. Keys to the car
7. Wedding DVD/Picture
8. My pillow. (I do like to sleep and my head like soft things)
9. Top shelf of my food pantry that I used for hurricane supplies
10. Flashlight
11. A change of underwear
12. Extra pair of shoes besides the ones on my feet.
13. Printer... if the internet doesn't work how else do I communicate with my agent to keep writing more novels?

HER LATEST BOOK
Favorite Coffee, Favorite Crush

Erotic Contemporary Romance
Jupiter Gardens Press

Penny moves back to Miami to start her a job with a list of things to accomplish.

1. Find a place to live.
2. Avoid her gold-digging mother.
3. Reconnect with old high school friends: her best friend Sandra, the dramatic Eva, the dark Michael, her half-brother Wyatt, and her former crush Jay.

Jay may have kept her firmly in the “friend zone”, but that didn’t stop her from wanting more. Her five friends have stood by her through some difficult times and she’ll need their help now to accomplish her first two goals.

As soon as Jay sees Penny, he puts his plan into motion. His investors need to see him with a stable woman, one who isn’t all flash and no brains; Penny fits the bill perfectly. There’s just one hitch—he wants more.

Their pretend date sets off a whirlwind of plots. From mothers who want to control their children’s lives to the loss of her exciting new job, Penny’s world turns upside down. She knows she can overcome all obstacles except one—she’s falling for Jay all over again."

AMAZON Buy Link

A Short & Sweet Interview with #MFRWauthor Margaret Fieland @MadCapMaggie

We asked MFRW Author Margaret Fieland a few short questions. She gave us a few sweet answers. Read more about Margaret and enjoy an excerpt from her 2013 release.

Born and raised in New York City, Margaret Fieland has been around art and music all her life.  Her poems and stories have appeared in journals such as  Turbulence Magazine, Front Range Review, and All Rights Reserved. She is one of the Poetic Muselings. Their poetry anthology, Lifelines, was published by Inkspotter Publishing in November, 2011.  She is the author of  Relocated, Geek Games, and Broken Bonds, published by MuseItUp Publishing , and of Sand in the Desert, a collection of science fiction persona poems. A chapter book is due out later this year.

Why did I decide to write romance novels?
I didn't *decide* to write one. I wrote a sci fi novel with no intention of writing any sequels, and lo and behold, my characters kept poking at me to answer questions and write more. One of the characters in my first sci fi novel is living alone at the time of the first novel in my Novels of Aleyne series, and I wondered why. I ended up writing a sci fi romance with him as one of the characters in a four-way M/M/M/F relationship.

How much of your life experience ends up in your writing?
An awful lot. For one thing, the things I'm passionate about -- art, music, poetry, politics, computers, relationships -- are things that inform my novels, and then, too, various bits and pieces make their way in.  A couple of my father's old World War Two army stories made their way, suitable modified, as incidents in my sci fi romance, ""Broken Bonds.""

What kind of research do you do for a book?
Whatever I need to. I need to know enough about whatever it is to picture my character moving through the scene. For the novel I'm just finishing up, the fourth Aleyne novel, I picked the brains of my middle son, who was in the army for seven or eight years, as the main character is a colonel in theTerran Federation Guard, and I needed a fair amount of detail about army procedures and the like.

Tell us about your latest book?
My latest book is the fourth in the Novels of Aleyne series, and it does not yet have a real title. I've been calling it ""Rob's Book,"" after the main character, who is a colonel in the Terran Federation Guard. He is posted to Aleyne to arrest Major Brad Reynolds, the main character from ""Broken Bonds,"" for treason. The opening scene occurs in ""Broken Bonds,"" but here it's told from Rob's point of view, and goes on to chronicle his trials in attempting to help negotiate a new treaty between the Federation and Aleyne.

What motivated it?
The characters kept poking at me. I rewrote ""Broken Bonds"" a couple of times, and in one of the versions, I have a meeting between Brad and Rob. That got cut out, but I by then I had  Rob and his two wives and their dicey family situation in my head, so I ended up putting them into their own novel. The politics is the main thrust of this book, but there is a strong romantic sub-plot as well.

Where did the idea come from?
Good question. From the characters and their situation and my desire to know what happens next.

What is my writing routine once I start a book?
I'm fairly linear, so I start writing at the beginning of the book and write through to the end. At that point I have the first draft, and I know the arc of the book, the characters, really what the story is about. Then I go back and revise.  I do have a plot outline and a good idea of where I'm going and the major plot points, but not how I'm going to get there.

Does my family know not to bother me?
Not really, but I have tunnel vision when I'm writing. I tend not to notice interruptions, and when I do, I jump and bark, ""What?"" It tends to lead to relatively few interruptions.

What do I do to relax and recharge?
Walk my dogs, listen to music, pull weeds, do dishes, play music -- I play the flute and the piccolo. And read. I'm a book junky. If I don't have a large stack of reading material, I get very anxious.

Connect with Margaret...
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/margaretfieland/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/margaret.fielandAuthor
twitter: http://www.twitter.com/madcapmaggie
goodreads:   http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4417476.Margaret_Fieland

Margaret Fieland released Broken Bonds, Novels of Aleyne Book 2, a GLBT Sci Fi Romance, with MuseItUp Publishing in July 2013.

When Major Brad Reynolds is assigned to head the Terran Federation base on planet Aleyne, the last thing he expects to find is love, and certainly not with one of the alien Aleyni. How can he keep his lover, in the face of political maneuvering and of Ardaval's feelings for his former partners— and theirs for him? When you bend the rules, they may snap back and hit you in the face.

BUY LINKS
MuseItUp  |  Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble

REVIEW

I loved this book. Marvellous. I devoured it in a day.It was so nice to be able to go back and visit with this cast of characters. Aleyni is such a unique place. The scenery there, never ceases to amaze. Ardaval was still my favourite character, there is just something about him that continues to fascinate me. But it was nice to get a window into more of the other characters past and present. Broken Bonds, surprised me. It's a science fiction romance, but it gave me so many things to think about. Poetry, love. relationships. spirituality, family, right and wrong.I think that's what I love most about this series, it's not a heavy book/series but it's not fluff either. I can not think of any other book I could relate to this series, it's so unique and refreshing.
5 stars, can not wait for more from the series!

          Posted by Amazon Reviewer

EXCERPT
Brad took a deep breath of cool night air, inhaling the nutmeg scent of the flowers planted around Ardaval's front door. Before Brad could knock, the door opened and Ardaval stood in the doorway. Brad hesitated before putting out his hands palm up.

Ardaval placed his hands over Brad's. ""My heart, my home, my hearth.""

""My hearth, my home, my heart,"" Brad murmured in response.

Smiling, Ardaval directed his gaze at Brad's eyes; it evoked the same curious flutter in the pit of his stomach as the last time they'd met. Ardaval held open the door and gestured for Brad to enter. ""You've come to discuss Gavin.""

""I have."" Brad followed Ardaval into the front hall where tiles of local stone sparkled on the floor and a padded bench stood under a window. Through a doorway on one side, a glance revealed a kitchen furnished with dark wood cabinets, clean and a bit bare.

""Come."" Ardaval gestured toward the back of the hallway where a doorway led into a center courtyard, open to the cool night air, and motioned to a small table. A red-leafed tree in the center spread its leaves overhead. Brad sat, and Ardaval sat beside him.

Brad needed to talk about Gavin Frey's political views. Views that, as far as he could tell from the records, were the opposite of his own. A breath brought him the scent of Ardaval's skin, musky, with a hint of clove. Was it duty or cowardice keeping him from reaching for Ardaval's hand and kissing the palm?

Ardaval clasped Brad's hand in his. ""Tell me more about why you were posted to Aleyne.""

Should he remove his hand? No. He enjoyed Ardaval's touch and what was the harm, really? When he glanced up, he found Ardaval regarding him with evident amusement.

""I recommended that a man who used psi to save his squad be given a dishonorable discharge."" Brad hesitated. ""Although the soldier deserved a medal rather than a court martial, he was a fool to admit he caught a thought.”

Ardaval nodded.

""About Gavin Frey. Is he your shan?"" The thoughts slipped out.

Ardaval stared into Brad's eyes for a a second or two before he replied. ""As you surmise, he is my son; my shan, because I didn't raise him.""

Might as well ask this, too. ""His mother never told you about him?""

Ardaval shook his head. ""No, she didn't. He spent six months here after she died. Then we disagreed over a matter of ethical principal and he left.""

Given what he understood about Frey, Brad would have been surprised if they hadn't.

""He married, but his wife died. He has a son who is now fourteen by Terran Standard years.""

""His mother possessed a strong psi talent.""

""She contacted you?"" Brad's eyebrows rose to his hairline.

""She did. I suggest you keep an eye on the boy.""

""Do you believe he has gazal?"" If the boy developed Aleyni mind speech abilities, he'd need careful watching. Brad's own family had been fairly accepting but how would Frey react if he discovered his son possessed gazal? And what about the terrorists, who might try to exploit Keth's talent?

Ardaval nodded. ""I do, though of course we've never met. Gavin doesn't, or at least if he does, he keeps his mind so locked down it's the same thing.""

Brad sighed and rose. He'd completed what he'd said he'd come to do.

""It happens this way with us, at times."" Ardaval paused for a moment. ""We'll meet again.""

Brad turned to leave. He couldn't ignore this connection, wish it away, any longer. Only Ardaval's assurance kept him moving out the door.