Interview of Lily Harlem, Author of 'Candy Canes and Coal Dust'

Scribal Love Welcomes Lily Harlem

Lily Harlem is an author of contemporary erotic romance. Her newest work ‘Candy Canes and Coal Dust’ is available from Total-E-Bound.

What inspired you to write this book?

If I’m really honest I saw the call for submissions on www.erotica-readers.com.  Total-E-Bound wanted some super-hot Christmas stories so I set my imaginative cogs into action. I started by searching the recesses of my mind for a perfect location and remembered when I went to Finland on a ski trip. I hadn’t wanted to go originally but once I got there I was totally blown away by Finland’s magical beauty. The long dark days and the thick carpet of sparkling snow created such a unique atmosphere and everywhere I went it was so cozy and smelt so divine, although I have to admit I didn’t spend much time on the floodlit slopes – the sauna and bar kept calling!

Once I had the location in my mind I set about dreaming up my characters. I knew I wanted to write a ménage so it was fun to orchestrate the plot so Bridget got what she wanted for Christmas!

Do you have a specific writing style?

I write contemporary romance and often in the first person which is a little unusual for my genre. I also tend to write about places I know which means many of my stories are set in the UK since I lived here all my life. Although like ‘Candy Canes and Coal Dust’ foreign places I’ve visited often star as locations.

In terms of plots I like something fast paced, plenty of dialogue to keep the story moving and of course lots of bedroom action! One reviewer wrote earlier in the year; which perhaps gives you a clue to my style – “From the first paragraph I knew I would enjoy reading ‘Shared’ by Lily Harlem. Harlem's prose and phrasing is artfully wrought and shocker…” (Night Owl Reviews)

What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?

‘Candy Canes and Coal Dust’ - the title came easy for this one (it doesn’t always). I was thinking about my heroine, Bridget and how she’s such a good, obliging girl. Always trying to do the right thing by everyone and hoping for sweet little Christmas presents. Until this year, this year, dumped and depressed she heads off on a solo holiday and ends up discovering that actually she’s not a good girl at all, in fact she’s so naughty, so bad and her secret desires are so filthy she doesn’t even deserve a lump of coal for Christmas – just the coal dust at the bottom of the sack. Needless to say she has a fabulous time, being naughty is always so much more fun than being good!

What is ‘Candy Canes and Coal Dust’ about?

‘Candy Canes and Coal Dust’ is a Lust Bite short story about a highly erotic, very public dream which shows Bridget what she really wants deep down. A fantasy she has never been able to admit– unfortunately for Bridget it’s also pretty clear to everyone else on board the flight from London to Levi what she wants!

Luckily for Bridget thought the hot, Irish guy sitting next to her proves to be very obliging in fulfilling her fantasy. That sounds like I am giving the story away, I’m not!

What books have most influenced your life most?

I adore Jane Austin and the Bronte sisters. To Kill a Mockingbird and Lord of the Rings are top of my favorite list. In the genre I write I like Maya Banks, Kristina Lloyd and Lucy Monroe, from reading these three I developed a clearer understanding of writing erotica.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Probably out of the above Kristina Lloyd. Her book ‘Asking for Trouble’ is somewhat controversial, she puts the sex right there on the table amongst danger and criminal activity. One of her other novels ‘Split’ had me up all night reading. She really is a master of her game.

What books are you reading now?

I am reading ‘Best Women’s Erotica 2010’ edited by Violet Blue. I have a spankingly naughty story in it called ‘Stable Manners’, but there are seventeen other very hot stories which have been keeping me entertained!

What are your current projects?

I’m writing a series for Ellora’s Cave called ‘Hot Ice’ all about those bad boys of ice hockey and the women who tame them, or don’t as the case maybe. The first novel, ‘Hired’ is due out very soon. ‘Hot Ice’ is proving to be enormous fun. The sexy characters are getting it together, breaking up and making up all over the place. There’s just something about hockey players that really does it for me. (Phew! I get a little hot and flushed just thinking about them.) I’ve found myself getting so immersed in these full length novels that the housework, ironing, Christmas shopping etc. has really fallen by the wayside. I just can’t seem to drag myself away from my description of these hot, sexy men with their sticks and their pucks and their… see there I go again!

Do you see writing as a career?

Yes, I write every day now. Not all day, I do have a part time job to pay for bread, butter and wine, but I usually get a few hours a day to let my imagination run riot. It’s when I’m happiest, writing, and getting those words and stories out of my head is very cathartic. I get peace and quiet from my characters once I’ve got their scenes down on paper – or on a memory stick as the case maybe. It’s like they rest up and go to sleep once I’ve given them some attention. 

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Mmm, no not in the book itself, but it would be nice to write a sequel and see how it pans out for all the characters and maybe introduce a few more girls into the mix – I can’t say too much or I’ll give the end away. But yes, you’ve got me thinking now. Perhaps I will write the sequel ready for next Christmas, or even Easter.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

Reading. I’ve always read and read and read. One day, several years ago, I finished reading a light romance, it was sweet, there was some sex and the characters were likeable and I remember thinking – I could do that – it was like a light bulb above my head.

Anyway, I had a go and it was terrible, like really, really bad. That’s when I realized writing was going to take a little more work than I thought. Not to be deterred by hard work I enrolled on a part time creative writing course at the local university and spent the next two years doing a whole range of weird and wonderful assignments. Eventually, when I felt I’d mastered the actual art of writing I had another go. The first story I wrote was called ‘Madam President’ an American inspired tale about the first female president of the US having a clandestine affair with the British Prime Minister (don’t worry, unlike in real life my fictitious PM is gorgeous!) I spotted a competition at Love Honey and added, as they requested, one of their sex toys into the story. I submitted and crossed my fingers that Love Honey would enjoy the naughty goings on in the Oval Office – they did! I won first place in the long story section! I was so happy to have my writing recognized and realized I’d definitely found my genre – you can read the award winning story for free by following the link on my website, it’s a hoot.

So, after my win I kept on writing and my sexy short stories proved to be a hit. I got accepted by several anthologies, kept on writing and writing and then the big publishers started saying yes, Total-E-Bound, Ellora’s Cave and Xcite. The rest, as they say, is history.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Apart from making the time to write I find the blurb incredibly difficult to come up with. It’s silly I know, but when I’ve had up to 80,000 word to tell a story I find squeezing the essential elements into a couple of hundred words has me banging my head against the wall. I write it all out, hit delete, re-write, hit delete, have a glass of wine, write, hit delete, eat chocolate, write, delete… you get the idea, not fun!!

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Did I learn anything from writing ‘Candy Canes and Coal Dust’? Mmm, well, let’s see, I guess I’ve learnt I never want to have an erotic dream on a plane, especially since my resident hunk tells me I do talk and moan a lot in my sleep as it is!

Casting my mind back, as I was writing this first part of the story my toes were curling for poor Bridget – the whole plane can guess what she’s been dreaming about! Oh, cringe!

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Okay, here goes, maybe I’m a bit kooky but this is what I do…

When writing dialogue just go for it, let it flow out of your fingers as fast as you would speak. Don’t even think about speech marks and punctuation, or if he is scratching his head and she’s licking her lips, you can add all that in afterwards – dialogue moves the story forward and if you can get it flowing naturally then you’re onto a winner.

Don’t get bogged down with adverbs, eg. he groaned ‘loudly’, she panted ‘heavily’, it’s considered much less lazy to write ‘his groans were loud in her ear’ or ‘her heavy pants filled the small space’. There’s usually a way to describe your scene better if you circle around the adverb and it will make the story meatier.

Let a story brew in your head. Have the idea, jot it down if you need to, and then sit quietly and play out the scenes like watching a film in your imagination. It will give you a clear picture of what you want to achieve in your writing and help you with the tiny details.

If the house is quiet make the most of the peace and get busy getting those words down. You can iron and dust and cook with everyone around chattering and demanding help with homework and lifts to friends and clubs. Writing, for me at least, requires silence, so silence has become a very valuable commodity in my life.

Incubate the final product. When it’s written tuck it aside, for a few days, longer if you can, then go back to it. I can guarantee you’ll spot silly mistakes, inconsistencies or simply find better word choices to slot in. There’s nothing worse than sending a manuscript off and then on a re-read seeing stupid errors. In fact now, when something has gone I refuse to look at it again unless it’s with an editor.

Thanks so much for having me, it’s been fun hanging out.

Lily x

You are Welcome Lily!  And thanks for dropping By!

You can find Lily on the web at:

www.lilyharlem.weebly.com

And her book 'Candy Canes and Coal Dust' you can buy at: 

 

 

http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=639

Interview of Stacy-Deanne, Author of 'Giving Up the Ghost'

Scribal Love Welcomes Stacy-Deanne


Stacy-Deanne is an award-winning author of Crime fiction/Mystery and Interracial Romance.  Her newest work “Giving up the Ghost” will be available from Peace in the Storm Publishing, April 2011. 

What inspired you to write Giving up the Ghost?


The main characters, Detectives Brianna Morris and Steven Kemp came from my last novel, "Melody."  I fell in love with them and so did my fans.  The minute I finished Melody I knew I had more in store for them and I am so excited about this series.  They are a black woman and white man team that also have a romantic past which brings forth the stepping stone to the interracial romance aspect of the series.


Do you have a specific writing style?  


Just my own style, LOL.  That’s all I can say.   I don’t know how else to explain it.   I think each author has his or her individual style of course and it comes natural.   With me I’m more of a dialogue, fast-paced writer.   You gotta be quick when you write crime and mysteries. That’s not a genre that takes a lot of mulling around to get to the point.   Plus I like to read quick books so that’s what I write.

Author of 'Giving Up the Ghost,' Stacy-Deanne

How did you come up with the title?


I chose “Giving up the Ghost” because it actually fits the description of what happens in the story. When people read it, they will get why I chose the title.


What is “Giving up the Ghost” about?


Here’s a sneak peek:


Albany Detective Brianna “Bree” Morris is having the year from hell.  A sadistic admirer has been stalking her for months and now her friend Cheyenne Wilson has been beaten and left for dead.


With her ex-lover and faithful partner, Steven Kemp, Bree thrusts herself into the case.  It’s not long before they believe two unrelated British men are connected to the attack.  Michael is a womanizing artist with a ferocious appetite for rough sex.   Simon is a wealthy free spirit looking for love in all the wrong places, but has one too many skeletons in his closet.


Bree struggles to determine fact from fiction when it comes to Michael and Simon but her attempts are blurred by Michael's manipulation and her sexual attraction to Simon, who Steven’s convinced cannot be trusted.


Meanwhile the stalker does everything in his power to get close to Bree and his obsession evokes a spiral of violence.


Bree must trust her heart to find answers but her heart leads her to the most dangerous man of all.


What books have most influenced your life most?


Anything by Edgar Allan Poe but one that’s always stood out to me more than others is 'The Portrait of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde.   I think the entire story is genius and it’s the perfect example of good vs. evil.   That’s the foundation for crime fiction and mysteries, the good vs. evil aspect.  This is one of the most brilliant suspense novels I’ve ever read and the creepiest too.   I’ve never read another novel; except for maybe 'The Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' that shows a character having an inner struggle with themselves so powerfully.


If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?


My influences are Edgar Allan Poe and Hitchcock so those would be mentors to me.


If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?


Honestly nope. I am very happy with it. I worked with it long enough, LOL.   Maybe when it comes out for sale and I start getting public feedback that might change but no I am pretty happy with it. I think it’s the perfect start to my new series.


Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?


As a child I always liked to read and I wrote a bit then.  Becoming a professional writer hit me one day.  It’s simple as that.  I got my first computer at nineteen and I just started writing a story.  From that moment I knew I wanted to pursue publication.


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?


Not in writing so much as being a published author.  You go up an entire new level when you’re published in the way that your writing is no longer just yours, you got tons of people who depend on your or expect things from you.  You got fans and others you always think about when you write.  I never write a story now without thinking about readers in the back of my head. Used to not be that way but it is now.   When you become published you gotta remember you’re writing for an audience as well as yourself.  You always have to think of them.


Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?


I learned that sometimes we’re the villain or bad guy and don’t even realize it.  Once folks read the book, they will get what this means.   LOL. 


Do you have any advice for other writers?


Be realistic, research and learn as much as you can about the publishing business and how it works if you intend to make it a career.


Thanks for dropping by Stacy!


Thanks so much for the opportunity!  For more information, everyone can stop by my web site to keep up with what I am doing: http://www.stacy-deanne.net


Also, if you’re on Facebook, add me as a friend.  I’d also like for people to check out the other fabulous authors and titles from my publisher:


http://www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com

Interview with the Author of 'Cat's Curse,' Kelley Heckart

Scribal Love Welcomes Kelley Heckart!




Kelley Heckart is an author of Celtic historical romance/fantasy.  Her newest work Cat’s Curse is available from Awe-Struck Publishing. 

What inspired you to write this book?


I wanted to write something with a vampire and I wanted to do something different so I was thinking of a medieval vampire in Scotland.  While I was doing research to find the time period I wanted to set my story, I came across a sixth century Irish warlord name Aedan mac Gabrain.  He had an interesting and mysterious life, and possibly fathered a king of the Picts so I decided to make him my hero.  Then I searched for a vampire and decided on an ancient Greek vampire, a Lamia.  That first book turned into a trilogy mixing history and Celtic mythology.  It was the history and mythology of Scotland that inspired me to write this book/trilogy.


Do you have a specific writing style? 

I do but I’m not sure if I can describe it because I just write.  I don’t really think about it.  I do like to write flowing, descriptive sentences.  Not sure if that’s a good thing, but it’s probably part of my style.  One editor told me that I have an ‘engaging style that draws the reader in.’   I sure hope that’s true. LOL 


What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?


Cat’s Curse is the name of my latest book.  The title comes from the vengeful goddess in the story named Cat Anna who put a curse on the hero’s clan. 


What is Cat’s Curse about?


Cat’s Curse is about two different people that are cursed, and they end of bonding because of this.  They have to fight this vengeful goddess while dealing with their own inner demons. 


Here is a blurb:


Cat's Curse, Book One: Dark Goddess Trilogy, Celtic historical romance/fantasy.  


Enter Dark Age Scotland—a mysterious, dangerous & exciting place…


Cardea is cursed to live an eternity as a blood drinker.  Aedan mac Gabrain, prince of Dal Riata, trusts no one after suffering a curse that keeps him from touching any females.  Can two tortured souls find love while battling a dark goddess determined to destroy them?



What books have most influenced your life most?


There is one book that I read recently that really affected me.  It’s called Confessions of a Pagan Nun and it’s the saddest, most beautifully written book I have ever read.  The book is based on real letters written in the fifth/sixth century found at the Irish monastery called Kildare, which is dedicated to St. Brigit.  The compelling story of this pagan nun revealed how hard life can be, trying to survive and growing old in a harsh world.  Very sobering. 


If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?


I really like Morgan Llywelyn. She writes Irish historical fantasy and that was my first introduction to Celtic mythology. 


What books are you reading now?  


I am on the seventh book in Jack Whyte’s Camulod Chronicles.  He really brings King Arthur’s story to life and his series is probably the most historically accurate.

What are your current projects?


I have three books contracted with Awe-Struck.  The second book in the trilogy, Beltaine’s Song, should be out very soon.  Next is Night’s Daughter, which is the prequel to another series of mine, but can be read alone.  And then Winter’s Requiem, the third book in my trilogy will probably be out next year.  I am working on something new, set in a pre-Arthurian setting with a Saxon/Pict princess and Pict druid.  They aren’t what they appear to be. I would like to do a series on the Picts because they are so fascinating to me.


Do you see writing as a career?


Do you hear me laughing?  At this point, no, I don’t think writing is a career for me, but maybe someday.  I also work as an editor and do okay with that so maybe writing and editing could be a good career for me. 


If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?


I always want to change things in everything I write.  If I think about it too much I will drive myself crazy.


Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?


I started out as a songwriter/lyricist before deciding to write stories.  I wrote my first song lyrics at eleven or twelve so I was young when I started writing.  Before that, I was an avid reader beginning at age four, and I always loved the art of storytelling. 


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?


The biggest challenge is motivating myself.  Writing really is a daunting, time-consuming task. Once I get motivated then I do okay.  Motivation for me varies from simply sitting down and writing to more of a nudge in the form of music.


Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?


I think every time I finish a writing project, I have learned something new to make the process easier.  The more I write, the easier it is to get it polished.  For example, this last time I discovered that by reading the manuscript backwards, I was able to catch errors I didn’t notice before. 


Do you have any advice for other writers?


My advice to other writers is to write from the heart and to write, write and write.  Learn the craft of writing and don’t give up. 


Thank you Kelley for dropping by!


You are welcome.


You can find Kelley on the web at: 


Kelley Heckart  'Timeless tales of romance, conflict & magic'


http://www.kelleyheckart.com
http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/CelticChick
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604


My book page at Awe-Struck:


http://www.king-cart.com/Awe-Struck/category=Kelley+Heckart/exact_match=exact


Kelley’s books on amazon.com:


http://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Heckart/e/B002BMOQ3C/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Kelly Yeakle, Author of 'The Legacy Keeper's Treasure'

Kelly Yeakle is an author of romance, all kinds.  Her newest work 'The Legacy Keeper’s Treasure' is available from Decadent Publishing. 

What inspired you to write this book?  


I’ve always wanted to write, but could never make it through a story.  Last winter, when there was still snow on the ground and the hope of Spring was just around the corner I started writing TLKT.  I was in the shower one morning and these characters started having a conversation in my head.  The scene played out and I thought I have to write that down, and I did.  Alex and Liam were born, and I branched off that one scene and didn’t stop writing until four months later when the story was complete.


Do you have a specific writing style?  


I’m not sure that I have a specific writing style.  I was once told by a friend that I write the way I talk.  Back then I wasn’t sure if I should take that as a compliment or a criticism.  Now, I definitely think it’s a compliment.  I’m a very animated person, bubbly I’ve been told, and I’d like to think that some of my quirkiness comes out in my writing.


What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?  


I’m working on a story now which I’ve named Timeless, and that will probably stick until I come up with something else.  The main characters have a love that has spanned centuries, hence Timeless.


What is Timeless about?  


Timeless is a book where you get exposed to all elements of the supernatural, vampires, werewolves, demons, and I’m not sure yet but there may be some witchcraft, too.  The male lead, Kane, has been a vampire for centuries.  He’s forced to live life watching his soul mate be born, live, and die.  They’re brought together on the verge of a huge uprising of the underworld, after he told himself he wasn’t going to seek her out in this lifetime.  Together they are going to face some very hard situations.


What books have most influenced your life most?  


I read everything and anything.  As a child I read a lot of Mary Downing Hahn, R.L. Stine, and Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.  I wouldn’t say that any particular book has influenced my life, but they have definitely inspired me to write!


If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?  


I have met so many wonderful women on the Textnovel website, and I would say that they have all mentored me in one way or another.  If I have to choose a famous person, I’d say Nora Roberts.  


What books are you reading now?  


Right now I’m reading Sentinels Of Redemption by Samantha Gail.  I’ve ordered a book called Moon Sworn by Keri Arthur and Demon From The Dark by Kresley Cole.


What are your current projects?  


Right now I’m working on Timeless, and also on attempting a Sci-Fi Christmas short which is untitled at this time.


Do you see writing as a career?  


I could definitely see myself making writing a career, and hopefully in the next few years once my little ones are all in school, I can work harder to make that a reality.


If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?  


If I did anything, I would make TLKT longer.


Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?  


I was that crazy kid in school who actually enjoyed English class, especially when we got to write short stories or fictional pieces.  I didn’t really like research papers, but they had to be done from time to time, too.  I would say my interest in writing really became predominant in high school with poetry and branched out from there.


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?  


Not rushing my ending.  I usually do very well in the first half of what I’m writing, and then tend to rush to the end in the last few chapters.  I need to figure out ahead of time what my plot angles are going to be and work around those.  I tend to just fly by the seat of my pants sometimes!


Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?  


That I still had a lot to learn as a writer, especially from an editing standpoint!


Do you have any advice for other writers? 


Not everyone is going to like your work.  There will be times where you will get frustrated, but don’t give up, keep pushing forward.  Not everyone becomes famous overnight!




Thank you Kelly for dropping by!


You are welcome.


You can find Kelly on the web at:

www.kyeakle27.webs.com

Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter (KYeakle27)

Feature Excerpt "Eden's Hell" by Dawne' Dominique

Scribal Love Featured Excerpt-


Eden's Hell
 by Dawne Dominique

The woman shuddered and wiped a stray tear across her cheek. He leaned forward, more intrigued than ever. Her naiveté tugged at him, and it was obvious that she wasn’t Satrina’s type in the least. So, why did his ex-wife take her?

“Ryder told me just to sign it.” She sniffled again, and ran a finger under her nose.

Addison squeezed his eyes shut, shook his head, and emitted a disgusted snort. “And if he told you to jump off a mountain, would you do so?” Her stupidity astounded him.  

“Now, see here—"

"No!” He pushed aside disappointment and frustration, and tried to relax. Brushing the pad of his thumb down the sharp crease of his trousers, he reined in his emotions. “You signed an agreement to become a surrogate cow to a vampire who will come to you night after night to steal from your veins. You will live in a cage in a dark, musty hole until you learn to serve her, never seeing the light of day until your ultimate veiling, or your death.”

A frightened whimper followed. “Veiling? This can’t be happening.” She crumpled to the couch and buried her head in her arms, sobbing.

Anger swelled as he watched her weep, but it had nothing to do with her. Rather, he’d just sensed another presence approach. He bounded to his feet, sweeping a hand in front of him to slow down time and create a barrier between this woman and his newly arrived guest.

He made it to the sliding balcony doors just in time to halt Satrina’s entrance. “I don’t recall inviting you in.” He bared his canines and swallowed back a fierce growl as he pushed her outside onto the concrete landing.

She glowered back, tossing aside a thin strand of white-blonde hair. Rising on her toes, she leaned close to his ear and whispered, “She’s mine, Addison. Signed, sealed, and delivered. I’d like her back.”

Satrina’s features looked paler tonight, and the dusting of freckles dotting the thin nose stood out more than usual against the alabaster skin. She hadn’t fed yet either, which meant her mood was foul. He certainly didn’t need this on his plate right now.

The vampiress held herself straighter as she always did in his presence. She hated looking up at him, so he pressed closer. Although petite in stature, Satrina demanded immediate attention, which he refused to give even after all the decades between them.

“She made a mistake. Release her, Satrina. You have her boyfriend.”

A corner of carmine-tinted lips lifted into a sneer. “Addison,” she said, tsking her tongue. “You know as well as I do that she’s my property.” Her hand rose to show him the executed Illy’ra before the parchment disappeared into thin air.

Stealing a quick glance over his shoulder, he knew the woman was nothing more than a mere conquest, and Satrina adored being in the winner’s circle. She’d torture the girl while fucking and feeding off her boyfriend in front of her. Damn her macabre games! He knew from personal experience just how cruel this vampire could be.

Something snapped inside him, and he didn’t wait to reason it out. “No, Satrina,” he said calmly. “I believe I’ll keep her myself.” He gathered the darkness to him, and the air between them sizzled as their respective magic tested each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Addison hadn’t fed either, but his resolve at refusing Satrina something she wanted augmented his powers.

Her features hardened like granite. “You wouldn’t dare—”

“If you didn’t have enough sense to imprison her properly, then suffer the loss.” He leaned closer and gave a derisive sneer. “She didn’t know what she was signing. How many is that now, my dear? Perhaps the Elders Creed might be interested in hearing about this little game you have going on.”

“You have no proof!” she retorted before catching herself. A tight-lipped smile returned. “My, you two have become quite cozy in such a short time, haven’t you?” She ran a long, crimson nail down the front of her slinky dress, both reds matching perfectly. In order to accentuate her breasts, she drew a deep breath, though she had no need for oxygen. Enticing pale flesh pushed up and out of the scant garment; nipples puckered hard.

He shook his head in disgust. “Not tonight, Satrina. I have a headache, and better taste.” He turned away and slammed the entire section of the veranda windows closed, the glass rattling in front of her stunned, furious face. Metal blinds clattered down, sequestering her from his sight. He returned to his chair and pondered his impulsiveness. Reckless decisions like this were not his forte. He wanted that wench out of his life for good, so what did he just do? He pushed aside his thirst, wishing he’d gone out hunting earlier.

End Excerpt...

You want more?  'Eden's Hell' is available in E-Book or Print at www.purplesword.com

You can visit Dawne' on the web at:http://dawnedominique.com
http://dusktildawndesigns.yolasite.com
http://purplesword.com
http://loveyoudivine.com
http://eternalpress.biz
http://damnationbooks.com
http://moongypsypress.com

Elena Bowman, Author of the Science Fiction Romance, 'Sarah's Landing'

Scribal Love Welcomes Elena Bowman.


She is an author of Science Fiction and Mystery Romance Series.  Her series “Sarah’s Landing” Series is available now.  

Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.   


Actually, I do not to write about myself in any my characters, I prefer to use a combination of people I know, have met, or have seen in one place or another.


What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? 


Jumping off a moving train.  Working as a secretary in the State House, a secretary and I were supposed to meet our boss and other secretaries on a train that was going out to another city to visit one of our sick employees.  The thing was, we had the tickets for everyone, and as the train left the station, the others hadn't shown up. So as the train was moving out, we decided to do what our boss said and jump off the train to wait for the next one hoping the others would finally arrive by then.  As the train pulled away we noticed that all the others had caught the end of the train and were moving forward to where we were supposed to be.  They waved to us as we stood there on the railroad tracks watching them disappear from view.  I should add that at the time we were both wearing dresses and high heels. 

When did you first discover that you were a writer?


Probably when I was in Grammar School, I loved to read books and go to the movies.  It was the endings of stories and movies that inspired me to rewrite them so that they all ended happily.  From that point on I continued to write short stories and short plays mostly for my own pleasure. 


Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.


I love to read historical, mystery, romance, and science fiction novels.  Non-fiction books about ancient civilizations, space travel, and the Universe.  I generally like well-written books that have a plot and a story to them.  


What other books have you written, whether published or not?


At present I have ten books published all in eBook and Kindle book formats, nine of which are in print.  The tenth one will be coming out in print in January 2011.  Including in these novels are two series…one, The Sarah's Landing Series, consisting of four-books, which is my science fiction series wrapped around a love story.  And the second is The Legacy Series, a three book mystery-romance series bordering on the paranormal.  Three other books are stand alones.  One is based on a true story, the other two are science fiction/mystery novels. 


How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?


Things have been a bit chaotic lately. When my youngest daughter moved back home, she brought her three cats with her.  Now, I'm not much for cats, I’m a dog lover, but these cats, have finally wormed their way into my heart.  My oldest daughter graduated from Law School, adding another degree on to her repertoire is working pro-bono to keep herself busy, while one of my sons along with my daughters and granddaughter are still searching for work.  My husband and I continue to help the best we can, but as long as everyone is healthy, that's the main thing.  Other than that…I continue to write novels, the world is still turning, the planet is still in its orbit and the sun will shine again. 

How do you choose your characters’ names?


That's the hard part.  Sometimes I take the names of places and things, scramble them around to see what I can come out with.  Other times, certain names seem to be just the right ones for the characters in the stories.


What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?


I suppose as a mother I can only say the way my four children have turned out.  What better accomplishment than to have four beautiful children, who are intelligent, talented and creative.  And a granddaughter as well who has the same attributes.  As to my personal accomplishments — that I am a Software Engineer turned author and have ten published books to my credit as well as the love of a wonderful supportive husband.  What more can one ask for? 


If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?


I haven't the foggiest notion.  Since I can't think of who I might be, then I guess I wouldn't exist…as an animal that is.


What is your favorite food?


I have lots of favorite foods.  Among them are:  Lasagna, meatballs, broiled zucchini, steak, stuffed squash, boiled potatoes mixed with olive oil and salt, scrambled eggs and zucchini all mixed up together…delicious!  


What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?


Time…time is always a problem.  Getting time to myself to write uninterrupted is the greatest roadblock.   I haven't really overcome it, I deal with it.  When I sit down to write now, my family understands that they have to let me be until I stop for a break or for something to drink. 


What advice would you give to an author just starting out?


Be persistent.  Talent alone won't make the grade.  If you believe in your work, others will as well.  Don't despair if you get rejection upon rejection.  Keep at it until someone finally realizes what you have is worth publishing.  Trying to get into the big traditional publishing houses is difficult.  With a few exceptions, most of them want manuscripts submitted by an Agent, they don't want to have to go through a slush pile to find the next JK Rollins.  There is always the small press publishing companies who are more easily accessible to new authors.  But they too, only want the best.  


How can readers find you on the Internet?


I have two websites, http://elenadb.home.comcast.net and http://www.sarahslanding.com


From there you can read excerpts and reviews of all my books and my email address.  I also have a Myspace address and a blog.  


http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/elena.bowman1


My books are available from: www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com , www.cambridgebooks.us, www.ebooksonthe.net, and at your favorite bookstore.