Author Speed Dating – Anna Sugden

May 31, 2017May 31, 2017 by Dana Nussio

I love discovering new authors, so I wanted my blog to be a place where readers and my author pals could come together. Only we like to do this Speed-Dating style. Check out a new author and her work here every Wednesday, and if the spark is there, you’ll have a match.

This week’s guest: Anna Sugden

15 Questions

1. If you had the chance for front-row tickets AND backstage passes with any band, past or present, which one would you be jamming with? Explain your choice.

Queen – always regret I never got to see them before Freddie Mercury passed away. They are rock gods, and I think it would be one heck of a party!

2. What is the one thing you wish someone else had told you before you published your first book?

It took me so long to get published that I think I’ve heard it all, and it’s all true! I think what I would tell people is that nothing really changes – you still get rejected when you’re published!

3. Keith Urban or Adam Levine?

Don’t know either of them well enough to choose, though as eye candy … yum!

4. What are your go-to meals for the final week before deadline?

Anything my lovely husband makes for me!

5. Give the title of the first manuscript (published or unpublished) you ever wrote. What was the story about?

“Paws for Love” – about a woman who owned a cattery and hated an arrogant businessman who boarded his cat with her! Included were some fun secondary characters — matchmaking elderly neighbours, a nasty ex- and some precocious cats.

6. Books by George Orwell or Kristin Hannah?

Definitely Kristin Hannah!

7. At which time of day are you more productive as a writer, mornings or nights, and is caffeine a friend or foe?

That’s changed recently – I’ve learned I’m best first thing in the morning (before my mind gets distracted) and last thing at night because I’m a night owl. Friend – especially hot tea with milk (English breakfast – definitely not Earl Grey!) or Coke Zero.

8. Which WIZARD OF OZ character were you most like during your junior high years?

It’s a bit corny, but I was very much a Dorothy – a dreamer, wanting adventures, living vicariously through books, especially romances. I was also a bit of a fish out of water in that I lived in the US (in northern Virginia), because my Dad was in the World Bank, but went to posh boarding school back in England. Two very different cultures and I didn’t really fit in the posh boarding school one. If only I’d had a Toto with me! To this day, I have a split soul that misses the US when I’m living in England and vice versa. I’m lucky enough that I can still get the best of both worlds and consider both countries my home. And there really is no place like my two homes!

9. In addition to writing, what are your other outlets for your creativity?

I love craft projects – cross stitch, crochet, knitting – as long as they’re not too big.

10. What type of shopper are you: mall rat, online shopper, bargain sleuth, or none of the above?

These days, I’m more of an online shopper. It’s so easy to click and have things delivered, which you can then try on in the comfort of your own bedroom (and not those horrid communal changing rooms!). The main exception to that is a new pair of shoes – which I may have a bit of a passion for – prefer to do that in a real shop. Plus, most places do free returns now too, so you don’t have the hassle of driving and parking and dealing with the mall crush. We even have our groceries delivered! However, you can’t beat a day pottering around the shops with a girlfriend.

11. Have you ever experienced misgivings as an author, and, if so, what are some of the ways you’ve tried to keep those feelings at bay?

Always – I don’t think there is an author out there who doesn’t. “Am I good enough” haunts us all. My support crew (lovely hubby, dear writer friends, fab agent) boost me through the doubts. But at the end of it, writing is what I enjoy, so I write for myself and try not to worry.

12. Scandal or Pawn Stars?

I haven’t watched either, but Pawn Stars intrigues me.

13. How many books have you published, and how many are still tucked in a drawer somewhere?

Five books and 1 anthology of short stories. As for those “in the drawer” (it’s a virtual drawer – a special file on my computer) probably another 8-10 across contemporary and romantic suspense (my other love).

14. What was the most challenging revision you ever had to make in a manuscript?

All big revisions are challenging! Usually you get good direction as to how your editor wants you to go, but when you get a one line, broad comment, that’s very hard. Finding the perfect beginning for A PERFECT DISTRACTION was probably the hardest to get right – I lost count of the number of different versions. I still have my favourite deleted scene – I should put it up on my website some time!

15. Sure, it’s like picking a favorite child, but which one or two of your titles do you secretly love just a little more?

Ooh mean question!! A PERFECT DISTRACTION will always be special as it was the first book I sold and the one I fought so hard to have published, despite being told repeatedly that sports heroes don’t sell. And who doesn’t love Jake “Bad Boy” Badoletti? <swoon>. A PERFECT TRADE is also special as it features a heroine who used to be a puck bunny. Jenny has had a special place in my heart since she strode into a scene in the first Ice Cats book, and writing her story was tough! But my favourite is one that hasn’t been published … yet. It’s about a Texas cowboy who inherits half of an English sheep farm (and was a two-time Golden Heart finalist). Some day …

***

A Perfect Strategy

By Anna Sugden

As Sapphie made her way across the room, she spotted Scotty Matthews at the bar, nursing a drink. Sapphie had always had a fan-girl crush on the former Ice Cats captain. Her favorite player since she’d started following the team, he’d been a powerhouse on the ice and, from what she’d heard, a great leader and a mentor in the locker room. He was a nice guy but hard to get to know. She’d seen him at several Ice Cats parties and he’d seemed pretty self-contained. Watching everything, saying little.

She’d found it hard to be her usual chatty self with him. He’d look at her with those serious blue eyes and she’d become tongue-tied. Because she’d never been fazed by a gorgeous man before, she’d assumed it was because he was older than her—in his early forties. Though he’d never said anything overtly disapproving, she’d felt she never quite measured up to his standards.

Tonight he looked lonely.

He’d obviously come to the reception on his own. She’d heard about his divorce last year; hard not to when it had been splashed across the media.

As if he felt her studying him, Scotty looked up and their gazes met.

There was something about the recently retired captain that drew her to him. His dark hair, flecked with gray, was still short, like it had been when he was playing. His tanned face bore the scars of his career. The one that had always fascinated her was the white line that marred his otherwise perfect lips. Left side, near the corner. The result of a high stick—one that hadn’t been penalized—it had taken twenty-five stitches to close the cut.

He gave a half smile, raised his glass to her, then returned his attention to his drink.

Suddenly, she wanted to make that half smile full-blown.

Sapphie sauntered to the bar and settled on the stool next to him. She was pleased to notice him checking out her legs as she crossed them.

“I suppose a dance is out of the question, Captain?” Her question came out slightly husky, giving it an unintentionally sultry note.

***

A PERFECT STRATEGY, a February 2017 release from Harlequin Superromance and part of The New Jersey Ice Cats series, may be purchased through these retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and Harlequin.

***

About Anna

A former marketing executive and primary school teacher, award-winning author, Anna Sugden, loves reading and writing happy endings as much as hockey (where she prefers a happy ending for her team)! When she’s not researching hockey players (for her books, of course), she makes craft projects and collects penguins, autographs and memorabilia, and great shoes.

Anna lives in Cambridge, England, with her husband and two bossy black cats. Learn more about Anna, her books and her shoes at www.annasugden.com . You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

***

Bonus!

For lovers of The New Jersey Ice Cats series, or those who’d just like to meet the guys, Anna Sugden offers a collection of bite-sized romances featuring popular players from the series. The anthology is offered for free until the 2017 Stanley Cup is won. Get y0ur copy here.
Save

Save

Author Speed Dating – Sarah Morgan

May 24, 2017 by Dana Nussio

This week’s guest: Sarah Morgan

15 Questions

1. If you had the chance for front-row tickets AND backstage passes with any band, past or present, which one would you be jamming with? Explain your choice.

Beyoncé! Because she’s Beyoncé. Enough said.

2. What is the one thing you wish someone else had told you before you published your first book?

That being published isn’t the end of the journey.

3. Keith Urban or Adam Levine?

That’s a tough question. Probably Adam Levine.

4. What are your go-to meals for the final week before deadline?

Whatever my husband decides to cook for me 🙂

5. Give the title of the first manuscript (published or unpublished) you ever wrote. What was the story about?

WORTH THE RISK – it was a medical romance, opposites attract, and it was the first book I completed (I had written several partials before that) and the first book that was published.

6. Books by George Orwell or Kristin Hannah?

Kristin Hannah. I love the way she writes about friendship and relationships.

7. At which time of day are you more productive as a writer, mornings or nights, and is caffeine a friend or foe?

I’ve trained myself to be productive whenever I need to be, but I definitely need the help of caffeine.

8. Which WIZARD OF OZ character were you most like during your junior high years?

Glinda, the Good Witch of the South. I used to be good at solving other people’s problems (my own, not so much!)

9. In addition to writing, what are your other outlets for your creativity?

Photography. I also love music.

10. What type of shopper are you: mall rat, online shopper, bargain sleuth, or none of the above?

Usually online because I don’t plan far enough in advance.

11. Have you ever experienced misgivings as an author, and, if so, what are some of the ways you’ve tried to keep those feelings at bay?

All authors feel doubt at some point. The only cure is to keep writing.

12. Scandal or Pawn Stars?

Scandal.

13. How many books have you published, and how many are still tucked in a drawer somewhere?

I’ve written 82 books, and I don’t have any completed manuscripts in a drawer, just a few stray first chapters that didn’t feel right when I wrote them.

14. What was the most challenging revision you ever had to make in a manuscript?

I can’t remember. Revisions often seem challenging to begin with, but I’ve learned that I need to take a couple of days to let them percolate before attacking the manuscript.

15. Sure, it’s like picking a favorite child, but which one or two of your titles do you secretly love just a little more?

SLEIGH BELLS IN THE SNOW, because it was the first novel I wrote after writing series romance. It marked a change in direction for me, and that book is special to me for that reason.

***

New York, Actually

By Sarah Morgan

“You don’t need to worry.” He leaned in and lowered his voice. “I promise to be gentle with you.”

“Oh please—did you really just say that?” Because her hand shook, she sloshed tea over her leggings. “Ow!” She sprang to her feet and his smile turned to concern.

“Take them off.”

“You’re not funny.”

“I’m not trying to be funny. I’m serious. Basic first aid for burns. The fabric will carry on burning your leg.”

“I am not removing my pants in the park.” But she tugged the Lycra away from her skin and sure enough the burning eased.

“I’m sorry.” He sounded genuinely contrite.

“Why are you sorry?” She grabbed a handful of napkins and pressed them against her thigh. “I was the one who spilled my tea.”

“But only because I made you nervous.” His voice was soft, his gaze intimate, as if they’d shared something personal.

“You didn’t make me nervous,” she lied. “I’m not used to sexual innuendo this early in the morning. Or men like you. You’re—”

“Cute? Irresistible? Interesting?”

“I was thinking more of annoying, predictable and inappropriate.”

His smile promised fun and sin and a thousand things she didn’t dare think about while she had hot tea in her hand.

“I made you nervous. And flustered. And if I were to analyze you, I’d say you’re a woman who hates to feel either of those things.”

Flustered? Oh yes, she was flustered. Being close to him made her feel light-headed and dizzy. She was agonizingly aware of every single detail, from the dark masculinity of his unshaven jaw, to the wicked glint in his eyes. But beneath the humor was a sharp eye for detail and that worried her more than anything.

She had a feeling he saw far more than people usually did.

It was like hiding in a cupboard and knowing that someone was right outside the door waiting for you to reveal yourself.

And that was closer than she ever let anyone step.

“Thanks for the tea.” She threw the cup away and reached for Valentine’s lead.

“Wait.” He reached out and caught her hand. “Don’t go.”

“I have to work.” It was true, although that wasn’t why she was leaving. She knew it. He knew it. Conversation, a light flirtation—that was all fine. She didn’t want more. “Goodbye, Daniel. Have a great day.” She whistled to Valentine, put him back on his lead and took off through the park without looking back.

Tomorrow she was going to take a different route.

There was no way she was going to risk bumping into Daniel again.

No way.

***

NEW YORK, ACTUALLY, Book 4 in the From Manhattan With Love series, is a May 30, 2017, release from HQN Books. It may be pre-ordered through these and other retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and Harlequin.

***

About Sarah

USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction, and her trademark humor and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. She is a 2-time RITA^® winner, has written more than 80 books and has sold more than 15 million copies globally. Sarah lives near London, England, where the rain frequently keeps her trapped in her office.

Find out more about Sarah at her website, www.sarahmorgan.com, or follow her through these social-media channels: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Save

Author Speed Dating – Lenora Bell

May 17, 2017 by Dana Nussio

This week’s guest: Lenora Bell

15 Questions

1. If you had the chance for front-row tickets AND backstage passes with any band, past or present, which one would you be jamming with? Explain your choice.

Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings – I’m an alt-country girl at heart and their music is so hauntingly poetic and heartfelt.

2. What is the one thing you wish someone else had told you before you published your first book?

Don’t sweat the Goodreads reviews. Seriously – I stopped reading them because my mood would swing with the good and the bad opinions. So I just stopped. I have enough critical voices in my own head.

3. Keith Urban or Adam Levine?

I steer more country than pop, though I do like a man with lots of tattoos, and I’ve been known to have the moves like Jagger while I’m vacuuming.

4. What are your go-to meals for the final week before deadline?

Um, meals? More like grabbing fistfuls of chips and chocolate and washing it all down with wine.

5. Give the title of the first manuscript (published or unpublished) you ever wrote. What was the story about?

I honestly can’t remember the title of my first manuscript, but here’s the elevator pitch: A bad boy opium trader falls for a missionary’s daughter in Victorian-era Shanghai.

6. Books by George Orwell or Kristin Hannah?

I’m going with Orwell. Very relevant for the uncertain times we live in.

7. At which time of day are you more productive as a writer, mornings or nights, and is caffeine a friend or foe?

I’m a night owl and my favorite time to write is after 10pm. Coffee is my BFF, the stronger the better.

8. Which WIZARD OF OZ character were you most like during your junior high years?

I’m going to have to go with Dorothy since I played her in a grade school production of the Wizard of Oz. My family dog, a miniature schnauzer named Pepper, portrayed Toto, to great critical acclaim.

9. In addition to writing, what are your other outlets for your creativity?

My husband and I are musicians and we like to sing and play instruments together. We’re always hunting for country/rock/jazz/blues on vinyl, and our record collection is getting out of control.

10. What type of shopper are you: mall rat, online shopper, bargain sleuth, or none of the above?

I navigate every city I visit by the location of the thrift and vintage stores because I love hunting for treasures.

11. Have you ever experienced misgivings as an author, and, if so, what are some of the ways you’ve tried to keep those feelings at bay?

I experienced the dreaded second book syndrome. I felt like the book would never get written, would never be good enough, and I’d have to give up writing. I dedicated the book “To all the girls who doubt themselves” because that’s exactly what I was doing. What helped me get through that dark time was the advice of fellow authors who had been through it themselves, and the book BIG MAGIC by Elizabeth Gilbert.

12. Scandal or Pawn Stars?

Marvel’s The Defenders.

13. How many books have you published, and how many are still tucked in a drawer somewhere?

I’ve published a three-book series, and I have at least four half-finished books and two novellas languishing on my hard drive.

14. What was the most challenging revision you ever had to make in a manuscript?

Book two of my debut series was challenging all around. I had to completely rewrite it twice. Thank heavens my editor, Amanda Bergeron, was so very patient and brilliant. I never would have made it through without her.

15. Sure, it’s like picking a favorite child, but which one or two of your titles do you secretly love just a little more?

My debut novel featured a strong heroine who knew jujitsu and had a tattoo. Not your garden variety Regency heroine, and probably always my favorite.

***

Blame It on the Duke

By Lenora Bell

“What are you thinking about, Miss Tombs?” Lord Hatherly asked in a deep, sonorous voice that harbored a rumble of amusement.

Alice startled, blushing even harder. “Nothing. Nothing at all.” She struggled to calm her rapid breathing.

Regain your composure this instant, Alice Perpetua Felicity Tombs, she admonished sternly. You don’t want to bed him, you want to bedevil him. Inspire him to leave and never come back.

She was immune to his particular type of decadence. Well, wasn’t she? She risked a sideways glance. No one should have a jaw so chiseled or eyes so silver. It made her almost angry how handsome he was.

His appearance is the only agreeable thing about him, and he can’t take credit for what God gave him. Be rid of him quickly and thoroughly.

She must marshal her thoughts to order. Lead the charge. Hunt the hunter.

“Now then, Dimples,” he said. “Why don’t you tell me the real reason you don’t wish to marry.”

Had he just called her Dimples?

He was definitely going down in flames.

***

BLAME IT ON THE DUKE, Book #3 in the Disgraceful Dukes series and an April 2017 release from Avon Books, may be purchased through these and other retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and Harper Collins.

***

About Lenora

Lenora Bell grew up in a small Alaskan town by the ocean that still has no traffic lights or fast food. An English teacher with an MFA in Creative Writing, she travels the globe using music to bring smiles to classrooms. She currently lives in the Midwest with her carpenter husband and two naughty tiger-striped kitties. In 2014, she won the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award for Best Historical, and her first Regency romance was published by Avon Books in 2016. Stay in touch with Lenora through her website, www.lenorabell.com, or through these social-media channels: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Save

Author Speed Dating – Cheryl Ann Smith

May 10, 2017 by Dana Nussio

This week’s guest: Cheryl Ann Smith

15 Questions

1. If you had the chance for front-row tickets AND backstage passes with any band, past or present, which one would you be jamming with? Explain your choice.

Since I’m a smidge older, I’d say Journey or Chicago. I love classic rock. Although I do like current stuff, I always go back to the bands I grew up with, crank up the sound, and sing at the top of my lungs. Who cares what the guy in the car next to me thinks!

2. What is the one thing you wish someone else had told you before you published your first book?

I’d have wanted to know the truth about publishing. It’s not easy and only a small percentage of authors sell their first book and become an instant success. But it’s also fun and fabulous. I’d tell new authors to enjoy the ride!

3. Keith Urban or Adam Levine?

Adam Levine. He was a nerd in high school and now he’s hot. Seriously, Google young Adam Levine. We like to see heroes and heroines grow and change, and Adam did that in his real life. Besides, he fits my bad boy criteria!

4. What are your go-to meals for the final week before deadline?

I’ll cook anything easy, like simple pasta meals, or if I’m stressed, I let my hubby and son fend for themselves. Google is perfect for finding recipes that don’t take much time to fix. As long as I don’t give my family e coli bacteria as a side dish, they’ll eat almost anything.

5. Give the title of the first manuscript (published or unpublished) you ever wrote. What was the story about?

My first book was “Catherine’s Choice”, a historical western. It started from a horse’s point of view (yes, true!). The hero and heroine spent most of the book hunting down bad guys and fooling around. It was really long, thin on plot, and never sold. But it started my love of storytelling.

6. Books by George Orwell or Kristin Hannah?

Sorry George, but I’d have to say Kristin. I do love books of all kinds, but I head for romances (or thrillers) for escape reads. And if the book makes me laugh, I’m all in!

7. At which time of day are you more productive as a writer, mornings or nights, and is caffeine a friend or foe?

I’m an early riser. Sometimes too early. The best time for me to write is when the house is quiet and nothing breaks my writing flow. I immerse in the setting and the characters and hate interruptions, so I work when my family is sleeping. The rest of the day is family time and for doing other things. I’m almost 100% a water drinker, so no caffeine. Thankfully, I can write when in a sleep-deprived coma!

8. Which WIZARD OF OZ character were you most like during your junior high years?

I’d have to say I presented most like sweet and shy Dorothy, but I was feisty beneath my little blue checked dress and lacy socks. I crushed on the pre-teen bad boys and wanted to marry Elvis. Other than growing up and liking bad boys who are old enough to shave and buy beer, nothing has changed!

9. In addition to writing, what are your other outlets for your creativity?

I can’t paint or sew more than a straight hem, so those are out. I’m a geek for old stuff and like to use vintage in decorating, so that gets my creativity going. For example, my front porch is a fun mix of wood and metal flower planters. If there is a garage or estate sale near my house, I’m there.

10. What type of shopper are you: mall rat, online shopper, bargain sleuth, or none of the above?

Getting a bargain is the best. I shop at the mall for clothes as I won’t buy anything without trying it on. Cute on the rack doesn’t mean cute on my post-three-kids body. Yes, I am an online shopper, too, mostly books, and I impulse purchased a set of vintage car bookends a few weeks ago on eBay. Love them.

11. Have you ever experienced misgivings as an author, and, if so, what are some of the ways you’ve tried to keep those feelings at bay?

It took me 17 years to sell a book, so I had a lot of self-doubt. Fortunately, I’m stubborn and couldn’t give up my dream. I hoped that if I kept writing, eventually I’d get a story that would interest someone. When it finally happened, I think I appreciated it more than if I’d sold too early before I knew what I was doing, how to craft a book, and how to build a career.

12. Scandal or Pawn Stars?

Pawn Stars. I love junk that turns into treasures. Antiques Road Show is so fun to watch.

13. How many books have you published, and how many are still tucked in a drawer somewhere?

Right now I have 8 novels, 1 novella, and 2 short stories out. Another book in my Brash and Brazen series comes out in November. I’ve also pitched a new series and am waiting to hear. There are 5 or 6 full manuscripts and lots of partials languishing in my computer and files. I could probably paper my bathroom in rejection letters.

14. What was the most challenging revision you ever had to make in a manuscript?

I briefly wrote for a small press. I think the editor wanted to write the book herself. She wanted nearly everything changed. My agent had to talk me off the ledge outside my second floor office. Thankfully, she did because I’d have had to revise the book while riddled with broken bones and a body cast. Two stories isn’t high enough up! Seriously though, I’ve never had revisions like that. It was crazy.

15. Sure, it’s like picking a favorite child, but which one or two of your titles do you secretly love just a little more?

Although I have newer books in my Brash and Brazen series that I’d consider favorites, I’d have to say my first published book, THE SCHOOL FOR BRIDES, holds a special place for me. How could I not love the book that made me a published author?

***

The Sweetheart Kiss

By Cheryl Ann Smith

There was one thing guaranteed to get Jess Lucas through a wedding that she didn’t want to be in, with a bride she intensely disliked, and a headache that had spiked through her skull the moment she slipped the hideous bridesmaid dress over her head: Alcohol.

The crystal clear liquid called to her with a sweet siren song from within the bottom of her oversized tote bag.

There had been speculation among her friends that Amelia Earhart — and aircraft — could be found in the tote along with Bigfoot and extinct dodo birds, if the right team of explorers took on the search. Laying that rumor to rest would have to wait until she finished soaking her throbbing brain with fermented potatoes and ethanol.

Jess was certain a quick dash into the changing room wouldn’t be noticed as the groom hadn’t yet taken his position at the altar. Maybe the clueless sap had wised up and was now making a run for the Ohio border.

No luck. She caught a glimpse of him talking to the minister and smiling. She didn’t know him well, but felt sorry for the guy. He was so dumbstruck by love that he couldn’t see past the big teeth and enhanced breasts to the character within his future wife.

But that wasn’t Jess’s problem. The ceremony was not to start for three minutes and she was quick, despite a slight buzz from previous liquor shots. Without any impediments to block her path, she could get to the bride’s room, down the 1.5 ounces of vodka left from a raid on the minibar during a trip to Vegas last summer, and be back in line before anyone noticed her missing. She just had to shake off groomsman number three.

She’d brought a variety six pack of those little booze bottles, knowing that in order to survive the wedding of Mandy Mae Smith — soon to be Jones — she’d need liquid courage.

Not much of a drinker, she’d managed to chug three bottles already, but her duties had kept her from the fourth.

The white crinoline along the bodice of the wide fifties-prom-dress-inspired bridesmaid dress was already rubbing off the top layer of skin on her left arm pit. By the time the evening came to a thank-God-it’s-over close, she intended to be ripping drunk and naked with a groomsman in a vestibule closet somewhere. After all, wasn’t a single woman entitled to be cliché at least once in her life?

“Ready?”

“Er, what?” Jess looked way up at tall groomsman number three, Dodger Drake. Yes, that was his name. His fake tanned orange face grinned down from a foot above her, his teeth so white that she became convinced he ate, slept, and probably had sex while wearing teeth whitening trays.

“It’s time to line up,” Dodger said and his gaze dipped unapologetically to her modest cleavage pushed up under her chin by the bone-corset bodice of the dress.

***

THE SWEETHEART KISS, Book 3 in the Brash & Brazen trilogy and a May 2017 release from Kensington Lyrical Press, may be purchased through these retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and Kensington.

***

About Cheryl Ann

A fan of romance fiction since the dark ages, author Cheryl Ann Smith loves to throw her heroines into danger, just to see what they’ll do. She’s currently working on an exciting a new contemporary romance series that mixes her crazy sense of humor with the adventures of a trio of female PI’s, who are the kick-ass heroines Cheryl has always wanted to be.

Cheryl lives in Michigan with her family, and when she isn’t writing, she dreams of living in a grass hut on her own tropical island. Since that’s unlikely to happen, she looks forward to any vacation that gets her near an ocean. If you’d like to learn more about Cheryl or her books, you can visit her website at www.cherylannsmith.com, or connect with her on Facebook or Twitter.

Save

Author Speed Dating – Shelley Coriell

May 3, 2017 by Dana Nussio

This week’s guest: Shelley Coriell

15 Questions

1. If you had the chance for front-row tickets AND backstage passes with any band, past or present, which one would you be jamming with? Explain your choice.

The Bangles, Destiny’s Child, or the Supremes. As the mother of three daughters and the author of books about “strong women of ALL ages”, I’m all about Girl Power.

2. What is the one thing you wish someone else had told you before you published your first book?

That I wasn’t a writer but a storyteller. It took me a few books to fully understand that the words I put on the page and characters I pull from my heart are not mine. They belong to my readers who complete the storytelling process. In other words, my books mean nothing without readers.

3. Keith Urban or Adam Levine?

Adam Levine, mostly because I adore the movie, Begin Again. Great music, fascinating characters, and a triumphant story of art and the artist.

4. What are your go-to meals for the final week before deadline?

Green smoothies for the win! I’ll boost them with hemp, flax, or chia seeds and mix up texture and taste with everything from avocado and mango to cucumber and ginger.

5. Give the title of the first manuscript (published or unpublished) you ever wrote. What was the story about?

The Popularity Game, a 50,000-word YA novel about a nerdy honors student who finds herself transformed into one of the highest rollers in her high school’s “popularity game.” My tagline for this Cinderella story read, “Games are not a reality. They are play. There are make-believe. And in make believe, no one really gets hurt.” Makes me cringe now.

6. Books by George Orwell or Kristin Hannah?

Kristin Hannah. THE NIGHTINGALE was one of the few novels I’ve read in the past two decades where I literally got lost in a story. I even remember the exact line in chapter one that captured my heart and wouldn’t let go: “The stairs unfolded from the ceiling like a gentleman extending his hand.” (Catch me while I swoon, okay?)

7. At which time of day are you more productive as a writer, mornings or nights, and is caffeine a friend or foe?

Morning glory, here. I do yoga, walk, and prep meals all before 6 a.m. With my head and body engaged, I’m ready to write. Don’t be too impressed. I’m toast by late afternoon. I once told one of my daughters who needed help with homework, “I don’t do math after 5 p.m.”

8. Which WIZARD OF OZ character were you most like during your junior high years?

Junior high? Um, no. Let’s not talk about that.

9. In addition to writing, what are your other outlets for your creativity?

Cooking and, more recently, gardening. There’s a surprising amount of creativity required in gardening, like what to do with sixteen heads of cauliflower that ripen at the same time.

10. What type of shopper are you: mall rat, online shopper, bargain sleuth, or none of the above?

I’m an aspiring minimalist, so I don’t do much shopping. My goal: to live more with less. Right now I own about 100 pieces of clothing, including shoes. Light feels so good!

11. Have you ever experienced misgivings as an author, and, if so, what are some of the ways you’ve tried to keep those feelings at bay?

An agent once told me to make a manuscript “perfect”. This advice sent me into a tailspin. After a period of angst and un-productivity, I realized there is no such thing as the perfect word, perfect turn of phrase, or perfect execution of story. What seemed “perfect” one day didn’t cut it the next. I learned that I must stop tinkering, put the story out there, and celebrate.

12. Scandal or Pawn Stars?

Neither. I don’t watch much TV.

13. How many books have you published, and how many are still tucked in a drawer somewhere?

Eight books published, including two young adult books, three romantic thrillers, and three mysteries. In a perfect world, I’d stick with one genre, but my heart tells me otherwise. Books in the dungeon: six. I’m fairly certain a few of those beasts will eventually see the light of day.

14. What was the most challenging revision you ever had to make in a manuscript?

Developmental edits on my third Apostle book, THE BLIND. In THE BLIND, my heroine Evie Jimenez, a fierce and feisty FBI bombs and weapons specialist, tracks down a serial bomber. My beloved Evie was such a strong, fascinating woman, that she took over the story. The hero appeared in only about one quarter of the book. Not good considering this was a romance!

15. Sure, it’s like picking a favorite child, but which one or two of your titles do you secretly love just a little more?

I can’t pick a favorite book, but I can pick a few favorite characters. Favorite villain: The Gravedigger, the serial killer from my romantic thriller, THE BURIED. This villain’s backstory was so heart-breaking that I cried when I learned what turned this particular character into a killer. Favorite heroine: Det. Lottie King from my latest mystery series. Lottie is a hard-nosed homicide detective and a soft-hearted Grandma. She showed up in one of my Apostle thrillers and would not shut up. I finally gave her her own series, which I lovingly call my “Grandma with a Gun Mysteries“.

***

New Shoes: Detective Lottie King Short Stories Vol. 2

By Shelley Coriell

Lottie reached for the shoe box on the top shelf. One shoe tumbled toward her; the other fell behind the shelves.

“Don’t even think about trying to escape,” Lottie told the runaway shoe. “I used to catch serial killers for a living.” She nudged the wood with her hip, inching the shelf away from the old brick wall. She jabbed her foot at the sandal. Wood dug into hip. Rough brick bit into her butt. Her toes stretched and strained. Closer. Closer. Her big toe brushed the sandal strap. Just another half inch and—

Shelves groaned. Wood split. Shoe boxes trembled.

Lottie jumped back just as the shelves careened forward. Bricks loosened and fell to the ground. Shoe boxes rained down on her head and shoulders. The unit crashed to the floor, a cloud of dust and grit peppering Lottie.

“Oh, dear,” the shoe store clerk called out. “Would you like a hand?”

Lottie waved away the dust then froze. “Looks like I already got one.”

For poking out of one of the holes in the old brick wall was a human hand.

***

A 2016 release from White Pear Press, NEW SHOES: DETECTIVE LOTTIE KING SHORT STORIES VOL. 2, may be purchased from these retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Kobo.

***

About Shelley

Shelley Coriell is an award-winning author of mysteries, romantic thrillers, and novels for teens. Her debut thriller was named one of Publishers Weekly’s Best Books of the Year, and her other novels have been nominated for an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Best Paperback Original of the Year from the International Thriller Writers, and a Kirkus Recommended Read. A former magazine editor and restaurant reviewer, Shelley lives in Arizona with her family and the world’s neediest rescue Weimaraner. You can find her at www.shelleycoriell.com or connect with her through these social-media channels: Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Save