The Dog Dish with Kriffle

We have a slightly different Dog Dish interview today -- for the first time, Dakota interviewed a fictional character!

We're welcoming Australian author Jonathan Gould to the blog today on his tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. He's a humor author and has written two fun books: "Flidderbugs" and "Doodling". He'll be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to someone who comments during the tour, so make sure you leave a note!

And now ... please welcome Kriffle, the central character in Flidderbugs

It’s lovely to talk to you today, Kriffle. Firstly, can you tell me exactly what is a Flidderbug?

That’s a good question. Well firstly, I guess we’re bugs. That bit's pretty easy. We have six legs, and big, googly eyes, and long, wiggly antennae, and we live on the Krephiloff Tree. Secondly, we flidder.

Ok, that’s not very helpful. Can you tell me what is a…flidder?

I don’t know. I never really thought about it before. It’s just what we do. Maybe it’s a bit like a flittery fiddle. Or perhaps it’s more like a fiddly flitter. Come to think of it, it could be more like a fluttery dither. One of my friends thought it might be a little bit like a twittery twitter but I don’t think it’s anything like that at all.

Maybe it’s best if we move on to more interesting things. What do Flidderbugs like to eat?

Klummerflies are our very favourite food. They’re crisp and savoury and very crunchy. My mother makes the finest tasting Klummerfly broth on our side of the Krephiloff Tree. Flidderbugs come fliddering from faraway branches just to breathe in the aroma.

That’s the second time you’ve mentioned the Krephiloff Tree. What on earth is a Krephiloff Tree?

The Krephiloff Tree is our home. It’s the only place where you’ll ever find us Flidderbugs.

What’s it like?

I don’t know what it’s like. It just is. It has a big trunk, and in the middle of the trunk is the Fleedenhall where the Fliddercouncil meets. I’ve been there lots, because my father is head of the Triplifers – that’s one of the two main tribes of Flidderbugs. The other tribe is the Quadrigons, but we won’t mention them. They’re our arch-enemies.

Why don’t you like them?

Because they’re horrid and rude and they have no idea how many points there are on a leaf.

How many points there are on a leaf? Is that important?

Of course it is. It’s the single most important thing in the world to us Flidderbugs. Not that it’s a complicated question. We all know the answer is three, don’t we?

I’ll take your word for it. I have just a few more questions to ask if you don’t mind?

Sure. Go ahead.

Six legs or four – which is better?

Definitely six. I don’t know how you possibly cope with so few legs. With all the leaves around here, I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere.

Which is worse, flyspray or a bug-catcher?

They both sound pretty nasty. I think I’d have to go with the bug-catcher. At least flyspray would be quick. Being stuck in a bug-catcher would be like being exiled from the Krephiloff Tree. I don’t think I could live with that.

Have you ever owned a pet?

Well once I had a pet Klummerfly. Actually, I’ve had a number of pet Klummerflies. They never seem to survive for long. I guess it’s because they just taste so good.

Again, I’ll just have to take your word for it. Kriffle, it’s been a pleasure talking to you. Thank you for your time and all the best for the upcoming election.

Thank you. We’ll need it.

As Kriffle the Flidderbug investigates why his fellow 'bugs find it impossible to agree on the pressing issue of how many points there are on the leaves of the tree on which they live, he finds that the truth is more complicated, and ultimately more terrifying, than he ever could have imagined.

Flidderbugs is a political satire, a modern fable, or maybe just a funny little story about a bunch of insects with some very peculiar obsessions.

Neville Lansdowne fell off the world.

Actually, he did not so much fall off as let go. The world had been moving so quickly lately and Neville was finding it almost impossible to keep up.

Doodling is an engaging comic fantasy which relates the events that befall Neville after he finds himself abandoned by the world and adrift in the middle of an asteroid field. Douglas Adams meets Lewis Carroll (with just a touch of Gulliver's Travels) as Neville wanders through his new home, meeting a variety of eccentric characters and experiencing some most unexpected adventures.

He calls his stories "dag-lit" because they're the sort of stories that don't easily fit into the standard genres. Some might think of them as comic fantasies, or modern fairytales for the young and the young-at-heart.

Over the years, his writing has been compared to Douglas Adams, Monty Python, A.A. Milne, Lewis Carroll, the Goons, Dr Seuss and even Enid Blyton (in a good way).

http://www/daglit.blogspot.com

And he's only just entered this world of social networking - so if you meet him somewhere out there, please be nice to him.

https://twitter.com/#!/jonno_go

https://www.facebook.com/jonathangouldwriter

Purchase Doodling from:
Amazon
Amazon UK
Smashwords
Barnes and Noble
iBookstore
KoboSony Bookstore

Purchase Flidderbugs from:
Amazon
Amazon UK
Smashwords
Barnes and Noble
iBookstore
Sony Bookstore
Kobo

Guest Blog and Giveaway: Tracey Cramer-Kelly and the Making of a Music Video

Tracey Cramer-Kelly is here on a stop for her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for the military romance, "True Surrender". She's giving away a FALLEN SOLDIER T-Shirt to someone who comments on her tour stops, so don't forget to let her know you stopped by!

In the meantime, I was fascinated by the fact she made a music video and asked her to share her experience with us.

THE MAKING OF A MUSIC VIDEO

I was an MTV junkie. I especially liked the music videos that told a story. But when I first thought about doing a music video myself, I was curious: how would my passion for singing, writing and the power of the visual come together?

THE MUSIC

Here’s where it all starts, of course. I could have used a stock song, but I’m a singer and I’ve done some recording … and it just so happened that friends from the Mark Cameron Band had recently helped me record what I call the “Surrender Version” of Bette Midler’s classic song, “The Rose.” (It’s got a bluesy feel and a more upbeat rhythm.)

THE ACTORS

To find actors to enact scenes from True Surrender, we posted a project summary and request on craigslist.com. We conducted two auditions. From those, we choose Zac and Jennifer … and luckily they were both available when we wanted to shoot. We gave them a script and a week to prepare…

THE PLANNING

I handled props, clothing, makeup arrangements and timing issues; my co-director took care of shooting scripts, lighting, locations and the camera folks. Thank goodness I didn’t have to do everything myself, because I had no idea how many details needed to be covered!

THE FILMING

We spent one exhausting 12-hour day shooting scenes at a Physical Therapy department, a cemetery and a friend’s condo. For me, it was amazing seeing my words come to life - and without any dialogue! (I am still in awe of the actors.) The following morning we were up early to shoot video of singing (and guitar) along the Rum River near my home, and we wrapped it up later that week when we shot video of my 4-year-old daughter (whose cameo appearance is at the end of the video).

THE AFTERMATH

My co-director had to get all 140 minutes of footage onto disks (called “dailies”) … and then my sleepless nights began. I watched scenes for hours - evaluating the best parts of each, looking for those seconds when the camera caught something special. Once I had my favorite ‘bites,’ it took another two full days to pull it all together.

THE FALLOUT

I could not have had a better experience creating my first music video. I was blessed with a great group of people to work with (I really enjoyed the creative interplay). This was truly a collaborative effort and I was both humbled and exhilarated. I love the video - and I hope you do, too.



When Major Aaron Bricewick is rescued from Afghanistan terrorists, he thinks the worst is over. But his personal journey is just beginning...

The first surprise is the amputation of one of his legs.

The second is the woman he left behind, now a widow with a 4-year-old son - and his new prosthetist (artificial limb maker).

He vows that losing his leg won't derail his career. But maintaining his outward appearance as a got-it-together officer becomes increasingly difficult as he faces one personal demon after another - and sees his career aspirations slipping away. And though he has no intention of expanding his life to include a woman, his heart has other ideas - and he finds himself questioning the very foundation of his personal beliefs.

When violence - and unexpected redemption - touch his life again, Aaron must make a stand. Which will he choose: duty or love?

About Tracey: Tracey’s work fuses writing, music and visual imagery whenever possible, and includes novels, short stories, essays and music videos. True Surrender is her second novel. Her first, Last Chance Rescue, is an Indie Award finalist. Her first full-length music video, The Rose (Surrender Version), includes scenes from True Surrender. Her writing draws from her experience as an Army Reserve paramedic and helicopter pilot. When not managing the family business, Leader Motorcycle Accessories, she enjoys motorcycling and outdoor activities with her husband and two young children.

Web site/blog: http://www.TraceyCramerKelly.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TraceyCramerKelly
Twitter: http://twitter.com/TraceyCramerKel

Interview with Gordon Kessler

Folks, I asked Gordon to my blog because I love his work. He was here earlier in the year talking about his thriller, "Brainstorm" and today he's sharing a bit about his horror/thriller, "Jezebel". Since it has dogs as central characters, it was a no-brainer to have him on the blog.

His post is also part of a Goddess Fish Promotions tour, so everyone who comments is eligible to win a $50 Amazon GC.

AND!!! All his eBooks are only $0.99 right now from Amazon, iBook, B&N, Kindle and Smashwords.com. I highly recommend you give his work a try if you're at all fond of the thriller genre. You won't be disappointed. I'm buying his books for one of my friends who's terribly hard to Christmas shop for. I know she's going to love them.



Gordon, welcome back! Tell us a bit about yourself for those who might have missed you last time.

A former US Marine recon scout, parachutist and Super Squad team leader, I teach novel writing and am president of the Kansas Writers Association. I try to stay connected to writers and the writing industry by doing speaking engagements at writers conferences and for writers organizations, and do my own "The Storyteller" seminar in Wichita, Lincoln (Nebraska), Kansas City, and other Midwestern cities based on my Novel Writing Made Simple book.

What is the most interesting fact about you?

Maybe that I like to pull things from my real life and use them in my thriller novels. I've been privileged to go many places and do many exciting things in my life.

What got you into blogging?

I've found it a great way to get in touch with readers and to promote my writing, especially my thriller novels Jezebel, Dead Reckoning and Brainstorm as well as my book on the novel writing craft, Novel Writing Made Simple.

What is your favorite genre of books?

Thrillers, because there's usually a good mix of drama, romance, suspense and intense action. Where else can you have it all?

Name an achievement that you are most proud about? Why?

I was a founder of the Kansas Writers Association, a group of about 150 writers, back about 15 years ago. It's still a thriving organization and I'm privileged to come back and be their president this year after being away for some time.

What is your favorite hobby?

Writing is top on my list. I have a "real" job that keeps me extremely busy, so writing is my "getaway" when I'm home. Second on my list is teaching new or struggling writers how to write better. When I find the time and the place, I also enjoy snow skiing, sailing and SCUBA diving.

What way is the industry going? EBooks or Books? Which one do you like? Why do you think the industry is going this way?

EBooks are definitely the future. Still, there's something to be said about the inviting feel, look and even the smell of a paperback or hardcover. However, I travel a lot, and being able to carry thousands of books on my tablet makes it very convenient. Also, with the new eBook readers and applications for PCs, they're made it as easy or easier to read from the screen than from a paper book inside a dim airplane.

The industry is quickly going to the eBook—but don't get me wrong, there will always be a place for paper. Still, I know that not only brick and mortar chain bookstores, but also the independent mom and pop stores, and even libraries are having to diversify to stay viable. I say, patronize your neighborhood library and local indie bookstore often. But when you have to go with convenient....

Bloggers, how about giving me your comments on the Halloween season; what makes a good scare for you?

Here’s how to find out more about my novels:

The book videos on YouTube:

Jezebel -- http://youtu.be/_zHD9pmHOzk

Brainstorm -- http://youtu.be/6eDjWJFbRdI
.
Thanks again for hosting me on your wonderful blog!

Sleep lightly tonight…

A madman has come to town seeking a diabolical revenge and large dogs begin attacking their masters for no apparent reason and with heinous results.

Animal Control Director Tony Parker must find out why and stop the murderous attacks. Meanwhile, Jezebel, a huge black Great Dane has killed her master and is loose, terrorizing the city and stalking Parker and his family. Parker and Sarah Hill, his beautiful and seductive young assistant, attempt to unravel the mystery and stop the terrible carnage while dealing with their own demons and lusty desires.

The attacks must be stopped. Jezebel must be found-and soon, you see--there is one other complication. Parker seems to have come down with an annoying little virus. No, it's not one of those irritating summer colds. It's certain death.

She's a murderess, huge and black as a hell-bound night.

Beware. Jezebel is on the loose!

Read an exciting excerpt:

In the grayish soup, a dark vision appeared. Floating down the middle of the street, it slowly formed into a recognizable shape.

An animal. A large black animal. A huge Great Dane. It walked with confidence. Long, thin legs. Mouth closed, head and eyes fixed straight ahead. Occasionally, its feet splashed one of the pools. Light from the streetlights caused a sparkle from underneath its neck with every step of its left forefoot. A large diamond, set on a gold tag, captured the light and shot it out like a laser. The dog maintained its pace for what seemed like minutes.

Finally, it stopped. With its body still pointing down the street, it slowly turned its head to the right and looked up a sidewalk leading to the front door of a house. It stared, still emotionless, at the door. At Tony Parker’s door.

Visit Gordon online:

http://www.ReadersMatrix.com
http://www.Twitter.com/GordonKessler
http://www.Facebook.com/GordonKessler1
http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/GordonKessler
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The Dog Dish welcomes authors Mina Carter and BJ Barnes (and their critters)

Hi all! This is Dakota... my mom was busy today, so asked me to introduce our guests. Seems like there's a new book out called "Taming the Vixen", and the authors are busy touring the internet to promote it. Since they're owned by their own critters, so I asked to talk to them. Oops, I've just been told that Mina has fish, and they aren't talking, so BJ asked her four-legged family to visit instead. I hope you'll all make them feel welcome!

I hear that if you leave a comment, you'll be entered to win a cool prize: a $10 Amazon GC. It's no meaty bone, but it'll have to do. If you click that purple banner under here, you'll get to see all the other neat places they'll be on their tour.



So, your human writes books. Does this mean she is home all day and easy to access? Elaborate if necessary.

Queenie: Thanks for having “us”. “Us” includes myself, Queenie (Domestic Shorthair tabby & white kitty - constant indoor and writing companion of Bethany J. Barnes), Devon (Thoroughbred/Quarter Horse cross - longtime trail riding, team penning companion), Tristan (Friesian horse – tall, dark & handsome, newest member of the Barnes family) and Nika (spastic ball chasing, Frisbee catching Australian Shepherd dog). My sisters, Tig and Zoe, declined to participate in this interview. They are too busy taking naps. Ransom, our third horse “sibling” is sunbathing. He’s got to look good for the ladies. I’ll be doing the typing, since my paws are the smallest.

Devon: Tristan’s hooves are too big. He would have crushed the entire laptop. (snickers)

Tristan: Sounds like someone has hoof envy.

Devon: Shut up, I do not! (swishes tail and pins ears back)

Tristan: (satisfied horse smirk)

Queenie: Knock it off you two. It’s bad enough that you kick your stall at all hours, Devon. Sheesh! Yes, our human – Bethany J. Barnes – is home all day and we have access to her 24/7. I usually sit next to her while she’s writing. I love that she’s able to spend so much time at home. More cuddles and pets for me.

What are your techniques for distracting your human during crucial writing moments, just because it's fun? Whose primary job is it? What do the rest of you do to support the one doing the main distracting?

Queenie: I like to meow at her a lot and try to crawl into her lap when she’s writing. It’s not very easy, since she’s using a laptop.

Devon: I kick the inside of my stall to make noise to get her to come out to see me…

Tristan: Yeah and then she yells at you to stop kicking.

Devon: So – it works. She’s MY human.

Tristan: Insecurity is such an ugly thing.

Devon: Shut up. You’re nothing more than the horse version of Fabio.

Tristan: (smiles and poses for the camera)

Queenie: (rolls eyes and looks bored) *yawn* They can do this all day long. Moving on…

What indignities and neglect have you suffered because of your human's writing career?

Devon: She doesn’t take me out for trail rides in the mountains as much as she used to. Heck, she doesn’t ride any of us horses as much as she used to.

Tristan: I’d have to agree.

Devon: She doesn’t ride you because you outgrew your bridle, you big, long-haired bas –

Queenie: (cuts off Devon’s tirade and bad language) I haven’t suffered at all. She’s been in the house more than she used to because of her writing.

Tell me about the animals in your human's fiction. How often do they appear and how big a part do they play?

Queenie: Bethany and her co-author of “Taming The Wildcat”, Mina Carter, didn’t write about real animals in their book. They made up some nasty tempered beast called a wild “Hasang” and mentioned it in passing.

Tristan: Nasty tempered? I wonder who they based that on? Any ideas, Devon?

Devon: (glares and bares teeth) Certainly NOT me.

Queenie: I do know that Bethany has two horses in one of her works in progress. I’m sure she’ll add a pretty tabby and white cat before the books is up. (feline grin)

Nika: (comes running in) Someone throw the Frisbee for me! Play, play, play!

Queenie: Silly dog. Why don’t you go back outside and chase your short, stubby tail until you get dizzy and fall over?

Nika: That sounds like fun! Thanks. (runs out to do just that)

Queenie, Devon and Tristan: (all rolling eyes)

On the off-chance your human has yet to incorporate animals into a story, what are your plans for making sure she rectifies this egregious error and demonstration of poor writing skills?

Devon: Well, she’d have to write something that isn’t set in outer space for one. I just plan on taking her for some great trail rides in the mountains this summer. That will spark her imagination to write a sweeping epic romance that the heroine also happens to have this great looking bay colored horse –

Tristan: It will be a big, long-haired black Friesian horse, not some spindly-legged bay horse.

Queenie: Moving on again. (bored cat sigh)

What movies involving animals does your human enjoy sharing with you? Books with animals?

Tristan: She doesn’t let any of us horses in the house.

Devon: (snickers) Yeah, I think she’s worried we’ll scratch up the hardwood floors.

Tristan: And perhaps leave a big stinky present…

(both laughing at that one)

Queenie: She loves watching movies that have horses in them. A few of the movies she watches have the same breed of horse featured as the hero’s horse as what Tristan is.

Tristan: Baby, I’m a star.

Devon: It wasn’t actually you in those movies, bonehead. You wish!

Tristan: True, I’m better looking than those horses. I’ve been featured on the Cowboy Magic Facebook page more than once.

Devon: So have I.

Tristan: Only once.

If you could make one change to your human, what would it be?

Devon: That she’d spend more time with me and take me out for long rides.

Tristan: Ditto.

Queenie: I’m perfectly happy with her.

Are you happy with your human? If you could tell your human one thing, what would it be?

Devon: Yes, I’m very happy with her. I’ve been with her the longest. Eighteen years. Beat that, Tristan. She trained me herself and we’ve spent countless days riding in the desert around Tucson, Arizona. We moved two years ago up to Idaho. I tell her I love her all the time now, by hugging her.

Tristan: I’m very happy with her. She loves all of her horses, but I give the best hugs. I’d tell her I’m glad she picked me out of all the Friesians she had to choose from. She drove all the way from Idaho, through Arizona first to visit a friend, to eastern Kansas to pick me up. All by herself! I, too, tell her I love her.

Queenie: I already answered…I’m happy. I’d tell her to get off the damned computer and pet me more. Just kidding. I’d tell her how much I like cuddling with her.

Nika: (barking from outside) Very happy! Happy dog. (pants) I’d tell her to throw the Frisbee! Or even a ball. A ball would be good too! (gets distracted by small furry animal) SQUIRREL!

What things does your human do that would mortify her it if known? What does your human do that most annoys?

Queenie: We’re sworn to secrecy. She feeds us and takes care of us, so we’d never tell anything too embarrassing. Um…she makes faces when she’s writing or reading. It’s quite funny.

What’s most annoying about Bethany? How she sometimes has to get up to do something right after I’ve made myself comfortable on her lap. It’s so rude to make me move after I’ve found the perfect, comfy position.

Devon: When she gives Tristan or Ransom apples, carrots or treats before me. She doesn’t do it often though. Seniority rules!

Tristan: Seniority drools! Senior is right, old man. Didn’t you just turn 20 this month?

Devon: Yes, I did. You know what you need, Tristan?

Tristan: No. What’s that?

Devon: (kicks Tristan and watches him falls down) Respect for your elders! (snickers)

Tristan: (groans)

Has your human named a character for you? Are you pleased? If not, why?

Tristan: Yes, she has. (big horsey grin) In her work in progress that she’s taking her own sweet time writing, she has a horse that is a dead ringer for me. I’d have to say it IS me, since she even named it Tristan…after yours truly. I’m very pleased.

Devon: Braggart! She hasn’t named one after me yet, but I know for a fact that she based the other horse in that book on me and my sparkling person…er…horsenality. Even though it doesn’t look like me, it’s me.

And did your human name you for a fictional character? Hate it or love it? If you could rename yourself, what would your name be?

Tristan: Yes, she named me after Tristan Aragon, from “Tristan and Isolde”. Also after Tristan Ludlow from “Legends of The Fall” and Tristan from a movie called “Stardust”…and of course, let’s not forget Tristan of Camelot and the legend of the knights of the Round Table. I love the name she gave me. It’s easier to pronounce than my registered name, which is Thijs. I was born in The Netherlands in 2006 and imported to the United States in July 2009. Wow…I’ve been in America for two years now!

Devon: Do you ever shut up? I wasn’t named after a fictional character, but a place. Two places actually. Devon, England…because Bethany would love to go there some day to see the countryside there and Devon, Pennsylvania…because there are a lot of horse shows there that she’s watched on TV for years. I love my name.

Queenie: Okay, before Tristan starts talking about how beautiful he is again, I’d better thank you for allowing us to stop by and visit with you. It’s really cool that your human lets you interview other author’s pets. For the readers of Marianne’s blog (your very cool and hip human) Please check out our human’s book, “Taming The Wildcat” that she wrote with her friend and co-author, Mina Carter. We hope you like Bethany and Mina’s book.

Devon: Oh gross! Tristan farted. Time to go.

Tristan: I did not!

Queenie: (wrinkles nose) Oh dear…and on that note, we’ll be leaving now. I’m off for a cat nap and these two nags have to get back to the barn...but if your human’s friends have any questions for us, I’ll be back after my nap to answer to the best of my ability. We’ll make sure that Tristan chews up a few boxes of Gas-X before we bring him into an enclosed area again. Meow for now. =D

Fresh out of a disciplinary that almost ruined her career and landed her in jail, Summer King is out for a much needed night on the town...or bar district in her local space station. It seems this King girl can't stay out of trouble though, causing a bar brawl within minutes of her arrival.

Roz Taren is a mercenary, leader of the Wildcats, and a man who knows what he wants. Right now, that's the pretty girl in the purple dress. Rescuing her from the unwanted attentions of a bunch of drunks lands her right in his bed for the hottest weeked he's ever experienced.

Then she's recalled and Roz discovers his little firebird is a fleet pilot aka insane crazy with a side of total fruitloop. Fleet pilots live fast, die young and leave legends behind. When he receives word her ship is lost with all hands, Roz must bury her along with his heart.

Only this firebird isn't your garden variety. This bird is a Phoenix...one out to tame a Wildcat

.

BJ Barnes -

A fiery-tempered stay at home mom by day, Bethany J. Barnes is really a superhero in disguise. Equally at home creating fantastical worlds and the men and women who inhabit them or driving armed across county to collect a hot male (her gorgeous horse, Tristan), she'll happily wrestle rattlesnakes, rescue baby owls or perform strenuous casting tests for male leads in her stories. An active RPGer, B.J. is equally happy writing hot paranormal or steamy sci-fi and is the mainstay of many online games. An accomplished photographer, B.J.'s specialties are concert and equine photography. She’s dabbled in wedding photography, but has no patience for Bridezillas.

PS – She’s been known to shoot a bumble bee hovering in midair. Not a lady to be messed with!

Mina Carter - Mina Carter was born and raised in Middle Earth (otherwise known as the Midlands, England). After a slew of careers ranging from logistics to land-surveying she can now be found in the wilds of Leicestershire with her husband and young daughter…the true boss of the family.

Suffering the curse of eternal curiosity Mina never tires of learning new skills which has led to Aromatherapy, Corsetry, Chain-maille making, Welding, Canoeing, Shooting, and pole-dancing to name but a few. A veteran Star Trek RPGer, she’s run both games and groups of games but now finds her home in Bravo Fleet, one of the internet’s oldest Star Trek simm groups.

She juggles being a mum, working full time and writing, tossing another ball in the air with her cover artwork. For Mina, writing time is the wee hours of the morning before anyone wakes up and starts making demands, or any spare minute that can be begged, bought or conned.

Her first stories were penned at age 11, when she used a stationery set meant for Christmas thank you letters to write stories instead. More recently, she wrote for her own amusement and to save on outrageous monthly book bills. Now she’s totally addicted and needs her daily writing fix or heads roll!
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Virtual Book Tour: Lure of the Wicked by Karina Cooper

We have a special surprise today -- a visit from Karina Cooper, a paranormal romance author who's latest release is "Lure of the Wicked" -- released by Avon/HarperCollins this week! She'll be giving one lucky commenter a $25 Amazon.com GC -- so make sure you enjoy her post and then leave a comment for her. She's at the RWA conference this week, but is stopping in when she can and I know she'd love to hear from you!

1. If someone were writing a story about Karina Cooper what would your blurb say?

In a world where one woman hears the voices of the unwritten…

Wait, is that too epic? I keep hearing the Movie Guy. What a unique question! Okay, let’s see… Probably something like this: Every girl has a story. For some, it’s tea parties and dolls, trips to the mall and school dances. For Karina Cooper, it’s more. More stories, to be precise.

Raised all over the country and independent at an early age, Karina is a woman whose struggles, failures and tears are as character-shaping as her accomplishments. Seeking a place, she tries—and often fails—to fit into pre-determined boxes too structured, too small, too narrow to contain a personality as bright and sometimes abrasive as hers. This is her journey into greatness—into the world of fiction.

Hey, nobody said we couldn’t tart it up a bit, eh?

2. Can you tell us a little about your newest release, Lure of the Wicked that isn't in the blurb?

Oh, there’s so much that isn’t in the blurb! We can talk about the fact that the rogue agent Naomi’s trying to catch has some secrets of his own that should shake up a few long-held beliefs. We could talk about the fact that poor Naomi, on the verge of a psychological break, might not be in the mood—or have the right presence of mind—to hear it. We can talk about plot-threads left dangling mysteriously, or about the fact that Phin has been raised by two mothers.

Each of the characters in Lure of the Wicked have so much going on. The rogue agent, Joe Carson, is a little insane, Naomi West is trying so hard to find her mental footing, and Phin just wants to do what’s right by everyone he’s responsible for. It’s a muck-up of the highest order, with secrets and lies and politics gumming up the engine.

It’s also my favorite of the two so far, though not everyone agrees.

3. What was your inspiration behind the creation of Lure of the Wicked?

A Korean spa.

Seriously! I’d gone to this lovely spa inspired by Korean bath houses and I was hanging out with a couple friends who very graciously didn’t call me insane for wanting to go. We were soaking in one of the amazing heated pools when it hit me: a spa would be the perfect place to lock down a bird desperate to fly.

Phin came to me in the same flash of inspiration, and then I realized there was only one character so over the top that she’d chafe under such constraints, and that’s how I paired the two together.

4. What was your favorite scene to write in Lure of the Wicked?

I call Phin my “alpha-beta”: a man raised by women, so he doesn’t resort to brute strength or aggressive demand when he wants something. He actually is quite sensitive, which I love, but his disciplined determination is what allows him to force things into his own way. He’s not rude, and he really doesn’t swear beyond “hell” and “damn” (his mothers would never allow it!).

So, the scene that really drove this home for me is also my favorite scene. Without giving too much away, Naomi has just come face to face with someone that gets under her skin and makes an already brittle psyche crumble. Before she can make a scene, Phin intercepts her and gets her into a quiet room to break down in peace. Only she’s not the type to kick her and feet and cry, so what he does next was so perfect—so Phin—that I cackled the whole time I was writing it.

He’s sensitive, I said. That doesn’t mean he isn’t manipulative.


5. Are there any other genres you want to tackle?

There are! Gosh, so many. I really love Paranormal romance, and I’ll write in it for as long as the market allows me to. But I’ve also just completed a Steampunk urban fantasy that is decidedly not a romance.

I also have some other “flavors” of paranormal romance that I’m saving for something along the way, and then I really want to tackle a serial killer series. How fun would that be? Well, on paper, I mean. Ahem!

6. If you could trade places with one of your characters, would you want to and who?

Oh, grim! Let’s see… If I had to choose, I’d trade places with Jonas Stone. He’s the best tech analyst in the Mission, and because of that, he has a certain amount of freedom, but he’s also one of my favorite, most surprising characters. Complex, really. I hope you’ll like what you see as he shows up in future books.

But really? I don’t want to trade places with anyone in the Dark Mission world. It’s too dark!

7. What accent is sure to make you swoon?

Australian, every time. There’s something about it that makes me snap to attention—right before I lose all cognitive reason. I love the inflections.

8. What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?

So far, all of my research has been comfortable. Even my various piercings, although painful, were things I wanted and therefor didn’t really see as out of my comfort zone. But I can, however, speak for something that will happen in the future.

See, I’m terrified of zombie movies. I can’t make it through one. Even in Resident Evil—which, as we can all agree, is basically the most expensive music video ever made—I had to walk out. But eventually, I’ll be dealing with zombie-like creatures (new series? future Dark Mission? not telling!) and I figure, the best way to know the tropes is to watch them all.

So… I’m arranging to have a zombie movie night with as many people as possible so that I don’t have to do it alone. And this concept scares me so badly, I can’t even tell you.

9. Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.

You mean aside that I’m terrified of zombies? Okay, let’s see… I have two microdermal piercings on the back of my neck. Not surprising? Hmm. I…

Oh, here we go! I am a complete and total Star Wars freak. I read the Wookiepedia and Databanks for fun. I will play Star Wars games (with plot) all day long, and if I could be a Jedi, I would. In a heartbeat. My rabbit is named after Juno Eclipse, the love interest and pilot from The Force Unleashed video game. Miralukans are my favorite species, with Twi’leks a close second,a nd I sob like a little baby every time the tragedy that is Episode III is playing and the Order 66 is given.

Damn it, Aayla Secura. You should have survived!

10. How can the readers stay in touch with you online?

I’m all over the place! You can visit my website at www.karinacooper.com, and for you Facebook lovers, I’m at http://www.facebook.com/romanceauthor. Most of my internet chatter is done over on Twitter, @karinacooper, but be warned: I’m not adverse to coating the walls of your eyelids with my glistening spammeats. Prolific Twitterer is prolific!

11. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?

If you could only pick one thing, one single thing, and you had to flee your home, what would you choose and why?

How about sharing the blurb for Lure of the Wicked?

Plucked from the no-frills interior of a stark jail cell, missionary Naomi West has been buffed, polished, and shined to topside perfection. Bitterly resentful, she is imprisoned within the city’s premier spa and resort and forced to pass as one of the topside elite to hunt down an agent gone rogue. The plan is simple: kill him, before the gilded cage she hates so much gets to her first.

Phinneas Clarke has put heart and soul into the spa, turning his family’s secrets and dreams into a successful business that hides the operation he runs behind the scenes. When the beautifully untouchable Naomi checks in, everything starts to unravel, and he must choose between protecting his investment, his family, or a woman too damaged to be any good for his heart.

Remember, folks -- you can visit with Karina at ALL her stops this week:

June 27: Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
June 28: Book of Secrets
June 29: Black Velvet Seductions Reader's Blog
June 30: Marianne Arkins
July 1: My Bookish Ways

Every comment earns you an entry into the $25 Amazon.com drawing!

Thanks for visiting.

====================

The Dog Dish Goes to the Birds!

Today Dakota interviews Petri Lender (and did so without drooling -- not an easy task, considering her opinion of birds :::nom nom:::). Petri Lender is a sun conure extraordinaire and owner of Fantasy Author Sandy Lender. You can visit his facebook page at “Petri the Parrot” on facebook.com.

This interview is part of Sandy's virtual tour celebrating the release of her Young Adult fantasy book, "Problems on Eldora Prime" ... but more about that (and about her cool giveaway) at the end of the interview.

Without further ado, welcome Petri!

Dakota: So, your human writes books. Does this mean she is home all day and easy to access? Elaborate if necessary.

Petri: “My mom (Sandy Lender) is home all day and pretty easy to access, but not because she’s writing books. She’s an editor for a magazine, which is what she says ‘pays the bills and buys the toys.’ She tells me that the royalty checks should start showing up now that she has six books out there in the world. Three have been released during October and November, so I’m ready for the cool toys to start pouring in.”

Dakota: What are your techniques for distracting your human during crucial writing moments, just because it's fun?

Petri: “I try not to disturb my mom too much when she’s writing because she looks so peaceful and content. Of course, there are times when I require attention. If a hawk flies by outside, she’s GOT to deal with that. Hawks are natural predators; therefore evil. I need her to close the blinds immediately so it disappears. To get her attention, and get it fast, I scream. If she doesn’t respond immediately, I fly down off my playgym in her general direction, but that’s really a last-ditch effort. Flying takes so much energy.”

Dakota: What indignities and neglect have you suffered because of your human's writing career?

Petri: “I’m the center of the universe, so I don’t tolerate any type of neglect. If my water gets too warm or if my food dish contains only the yucky green pellets that I don’t care for, I let my mom know that something’s wrong and she tends to it. What’s nice is she usually anticipates these problems and rectifies them before they get out of hand. Now, I will tell you that she goes on these writing binges sometimes that leave me alone for 12 or 14 hours at a time. I can only tolerate that for so long. I mean, I can nap and play with my toys and climb around on my playgym for a while…I’m very smart and good at entertaining myself…but we all have our limits.”

Dakota: I know the feeling... that's when I start bringing over my toys, one by one, and dropping them at my mom's feet. She usually responds.

So, tell me about the birds in your human's fiction. How often do they appear and how big a part do they play?

Petri: “My mom’s only included one falcon in the Choices Meant for Gods series. It’s supposed to be very pretty and all, but, you know, after looking at me, I don’t know how she can think a plain ol’ brown bird is pretty.”

Dakota: I'm with you on that, being rather colorful myself.

What movies involving birds does your human enjoy sharing with you? Books with birds?

Petri: “Oh. This is a sad question. My mom watched a movie called ‘Paulie’ with Tony Shaloub in it that had a parrot who was separated from his person. She saw it at the movie theatre and cried and cried and cried. She won’t ever watch that movie again. Then there was a movie called ‘The Parrots of Telegraph Hill’ that she sat down to watch with me. We were really enjoying all the conures and their antics, but it started to get sad, too, and she wouldn’t let me watch the end of it. She got rid of that DVD. Now we just share the hardwood floor commercial with the naughty macaw who cages the cat. :::Hee hee:::. I think that’s pretty funny.”

Dakota: My mom won't watch sad movies, either. Especially if the dog dies. If you could make one change to your human, what would it be?

Petri: “I’d get her to stop using the evil vacuum cleaner.”

Dakota: ::::shudders and nods emphatically::::

Are you happy with your human? If you could tell your human one thing, what would it be?

Petri: “I’m very happy with my mom. She’s awesome and liberal with the treats.”

Dakota: What things does your human do that would mortify her if known? What does your human do that most annoys?

Petri: “Oh! The thing that annoys me to death is when she hands out treats to the other birds before me. She has this idea that she needs to be ‘fair,’ so she makes us take turns being first each day. I don’t get that. I’ve been with her since forever. I should always be first. Always.”

Dakota: Has your human named a character for you? Are you pleased? If not, why?

Petri: “I don’t know if the name ‘Petri’ works in the fantasy worlds my mom creates. She comes up with names for dragons and faeries and that kind of thing, and ‘Petri’ doesn’t quite fit in there.”

Dakota: She invents the worlds, right? Then she decides what's right or wrong there. I think you need to talk to her about that. She might include a smart, beautiful character named 'Dakota', too. Just a thought.

And did your human name you for a fictional character? Hate it or love it? If you could rename yourself, what would your name be?

Petri: “Yes, I’m named after Petri, the young pterodactyl in the movie ‘The Land Before Time.’ In the movie, he saves the day when he finally flies. It’s an awesome moment. I think it’s a great name for me because I’m important like that and I like the idea of being named after a ferocious pterodactyl.”

Dakota: Thanks for visiting today! Good luck to your Mistress with her new book. Can you share what it's about?

Problems Mount! When 17-year-old pilot Khiry Okerson crashes on Eldora Prime, alarms still ring in her ears. She might have solved one problem, but she courts more danger than she realizes when she liberates some unexpected hostages on a foreign planet. Will the dragons she releases become her allies? It’s more likely they’ll join the inhabitants of this unforgiving world to hunt terraformers and the Instigator’s dwindling crew.

Khiry must find a way off this rock and into the United Society for Peace and Strength’s good graces. She’s got a capable marksman on her team in the handsome and renown Kor, but Khiry still wonders how her people can escape with a captain’s treason on her hands and a political leader’s sister in her care—care she can’t guarantee.

As part of her tour, She will also be giving away magnets to several randomly drawn commenters and a dragon ornament to one randomly drawn commenter. So leave a comment and let Petri know you were here -- he LIVES for comments. Don't let him down!

===========================

Firsts with First Time Author, Nana Malone

More from me tomorrow folks, but today I want to introduce debut author Nana Malone! Please give her a warm welcome as she shares some firsts while celebrating the release of her first novel, "Game, Set, Match".

And, as a special treat: I recently received a few copies of "Case File: Canyon Creek Wyoming" the first book in a series from one of my fave suspense authors, Paula Graves. Leave a comment today and be entered to win a copy.

Now, Nana, take it away!!!

1. First car? Best memory of it?

A hand me down Mitsubishi Mirage. The oil leaked. It shook when the wind blew. Not ideal for east coast living, especially in the snow, but I could make it to school and back for 5 days on an eight of a tank. I loved that car…until it left me stranded at King’s Dominion (a local amusement park). Damn thing died right there. Not to mention, I also wasn’t supposed to drive it that far. The parental units were none too pleased.

2. First kiss? What do you remember about it?

I was fifteen. A boy named Kevin. Lol. I remember being terrified that I wasn’t going to do it right. Leading up to the kiss, I remember getting a book on how to kiss “right” I believe it advocated practicing on your hand. Yes, I was sheltered and a very late bloomer.

3. First dance? Do you remember the song? Why?

Are we talking with a boy? In that case, I think it was with Jay O. in the eighth grade. He was so sweet to even ask me to dance as I was the second tallest girl in the class at the time and towered over him by several inches. The Song, I believe was Stairway to Heaven. And I only remember that because I was nervous and kept thinking, wow, this is an awfully long song.

4. First romance book?

I don’t remember the title, so much as the clandestine operation to be able to read it. My first ten year old foray into the romance aisle at the bookstore didn’t go well and I was not eager to repeat the experience. Curious about the bright glossy covers with half naked men on them, I picked one up. Let’s just say my mother was not amused. The tongue lashing I received was enough to make me stay away from that aisle for a good long time. So anyway, that summer I was in Ghana and my cousin gave me a Harlequin Suspense to read. She’d already read it so I could do what I wanted with it. I had to strip the cover so my mother wouldn’t know what I was reading. To be extra specially careful, I also used to hide to read it just in case and keep it under all my CDs where I knew she wouldn’t look.

5. First pet?

Snoopy. I was about four years old in Ghana and a family friend gave him to me. He was spotted just like his namesake and much like a little butterball. Alas Snoopy met an untimely demise when he got into the chicken feed. I was devastated. Still miss the little guy.

6. First heartbreak?

Real or imagined? If you’re talking imagined, then my high school best friend Tim. I was so in love and he had not one single clue that I was a girl. Turns out he knew about the crush, but had no interest. Crushed. I think I cried for days.
As for real heartbreak, my now husband and I had been dating for about two years and he broke up with me just before finals. He said he needed to find himself. I think I told him to “Find this.” It took us another couple of years to get back together, but holy devastation. I thought my heart would literally fall out of my chest.

7. First story you ever wrote?

That I don’t remember, but I do remember the first story I wrote where I thought I could be a writer. I wrote a piece for my English class about growing up in Ghana, throwing in as much visual imagery as I could find. I think it might have been overkill and used too many adverbs, but I did get an A on that paper.

8. First writing rejection?

My first pass on a novel. I still cringe when I think about it. To protect the innocent, we’ll call her “Agent A.’ She said, and I’m quoting here “Your characters lack depth. And your choice of setting in Ghana makes this an un-relatable story line.” Ouch. Still makes me hiss in pain. To be fair though, maybe the characters did lack some depth. I had a lot to learn. Still do.

9. First love?

That one’s easy. *G* His name is Erik. I met him on our first day of freshman year of college. I saw him across the room at a party and I said to myself, “That one. I want that one.” Ten years later we were married.

If you want to find out more about me and my upcoming books, you can find me here:

www.nanamalone.com
www.twitter.com/nanamalone
www.facebook.com/nanamalone

Off the court, tennis star Jason Cartwright’s playboy image is taking a public beating. On the court, he’s down forty-love. A knee injury is shutting down his game, and the paparazzi are splashing his love life on every magazine. A comeback is in order, but the makeover he needs to save his faltering career is in the hands of the woman he loved and left fifteen years ago.

While single-mom, Izzy Connors, sees people for who they really are through the lens of her camera, even without it, she knows Jason isn’t the star he appears to be. Although his charm and good looks haven’t dimmed since he broke her heart, all she sees is his wasted talent and playboy lifestyle.

Can Izzy put the past behind her and help Jason get his game, and his image, back on track? Or will the click of her camera shatter his world as well as his heart?

=========================

A List of Firsts With Jacqueline Paige

Folks, I hope you'll give a warm welcome to author Jacqueline Paige, author of the paranormal murder mystery novel, "Mystic Perceptions". I love a good psychic story, and this one sounds like a winner.

Jacqueline will be giving away a Mystic Perceptions tote bag stuffed with goodies for one randomly drawn commenter, so leave her a comment (maybe share a "first" of your own!!).

Take it away, Jacqueline!

1. First car? Best memory of it?

My first car was a 1978 Pontiac Parisienne. It was very used when I got it, and it was also the size of a small apartment. Actually, thinking back I probably could have packed my entire apartment into it and still had room for a few friends.

The memory that stays with me the most may not be the ‘best’ memory of it but it is most definitely one that will never leave me. It was the middle of winter and my grandfather was ill, so my fiancé and I packed the cat … by cat I mean my large mixed breed kitty that measured almost three feet long – not including his tail – and weighed in at forty pounds! I never did find out what he was crossed with but I suspect it was not an ordinary domesticated cat. I named him Mork … anyway, we packed Mork into the car and headed back up North to see my grandfather.

I had never been to the house they’d moved into during the winter months so I didn’t know that the road was only open on one end during the snowy season. We turned onto the road and headed towards the steep graded hill that was only a half mile from their home. A snow drift near the top looked a bit deep so my fiance accelerated to make sure my enormous car didn’t have any problems getting through it. We made it through and then discovered the road was not plowed from that point on! Did I mention right after the snowdrift the road dropped off on that steep down grade?

We were literally airborne in my faded blue car. The only thing I remember at this point was the car bouncing, twice, on the frozen over snow and me turning around to see my big kitty airborne and very unhappy about being bounced in the backseat.

After the final thud, the car stopped, Dolly Parton resumed singing I will always love you, the cat howled in disgust at being disturbed and my fiancé and I laughed until our sides hurt.

I wasn’t laughing long when I had to crawl through snow up to my waist – in the areas that were soft enough for me to sink – while carrying an angry cat all while wearing a skirt!

My father still tells this tale to everyone he sees, how his crazy daughter dragged the township plows out to clear the road and get her car. The snow banks, after the plows and blowers cut their way through were over fifteen feet high.

2. First kiss? What do you remember about it?

This question has made me feel old! I can’t remember my very first kiss … I’m not sure if this reflects on the lips on the other end, but I’m sure who ever he was he has improved since then.

3. First dance? Do you remember the song? Why?

My first “official” dance would have been in high school – during the eighties when I understood the music. Even though the song was from the late seventies, it was still going strong during my time, Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin. I was dancing with my boyfriend at the time, and the part I remember the most was the fact that he was taller than me! A very big deal in my world at that time where I had been the ‘tall girl’ for far too many years. Six feet tall is great when you’re on the basketball team, not so great for young girls and their love life.

4. First romance book?

I have always been a reader, as long as I can remember and when I was finally old enough to read the books my mom did, I was thrilled. I read so many, but the first one that still now sticks in my mind is Danielle Steel’s Palomino. After that I was hooked on her stories and for the newly discovered genre of romance.

5. First pet?

Hmm, I was farm girl – so I annoyed my parents by making pets out of the animals that weren’t intended to be ‘pets’. I had a pig that you could lead around on a leash, a huge steer that would let me comb his belly … basically when I walked into the barn all the animals wanted my attention.

My very first pet, away from the farm was of course Mork my giant kitty that wore a bandana and growled like a small dog.

There has always been an animal or ten present in my world. At one point I had five birds, a hamster, dwarf bunnies, two retriever dogs and a cat. All in a tiny little house! I’ve had a golden retriever kennel at the same time as I had a ‘stray or abused’ dog kennel. Picture if you will the months leading up to the ‘barn and run’ being completed for these strays and sharing my bedroom (which was quite large with a sliding glass door into the back yard) with 22 dogs of varying breeds, ages, temperaments and sizes…

When I had children and the pets dwindled somewhat or became ones that didn’t need as much attention. Presently I have a golden retriever, Mistique, that smiles and uses her paws like a human would (she doesn’t realize she’s a d-o-g), a turtle named Splash and Casper the friendly hamster.

6. First heartbreak?

My first heartbreak wasn’t the typical kind with a boy of my dreams involved. It was when I realized that John Schneider wasn’t going to write back to me. I was devastated! Did you see him as Bo Duke?

7. First story you ever wrote?

The first story I wrote was when I was in my mid-teens. It was a story about a teen and the way real life can be to many – of course it was probably slightly dramatic as only young teen girls can do. I put a lot of emotion into it and basically told it like it was. What happened to that story? The next question answers that…

In my grown up world the first story would be Beltane Magic – which turned into a five story series. :-)

8. First writing rejection?

I submitted the tragically truthful story to a teen magazine that I read frequently all those years ago only to be told it was dramatic and depressing – but please submit something else sometime.

As an adult my first rejection was last year, but it was an enormously helpful rejection and in turn I managed to make several changes to the story and improve it over all. It’s already been published.

9. First love?

My first love, after John Schneider that is, would be that taller than me boy I was dancing with a few questions ago. He was four years older than I was finished school and lived over an hour away from me. Did he have a name? Yes and he still does, but due to the fact that I still speak to him from time to time and that he has been checking out what I’m doing in my writing world I’ve decided to keep his name out of it so he doesn’t open a web page or news blog and see it on the page.

Thanks so much for having me here!!! The questions were quite different than what I’m used to.

You can find Jacqueline at her website and her blog.

Now ... what's "Mystic Perceptions" about? Check it out:

Jacinda Brown keeps to her safe existence doing investigative research, avoiding people and places with people. To most, it appears she has a normal life; blending completely undetected in her lonely continuation. She doesn’t investigate people; she can’t get that close. Through her hand she can feel emotions, thoughts. With a touch she can see what has been.

Unfortunately fate tosses her into a situation where her carefully guarded secret and her own conscience are at war when she finds herself working with detectives to find a killer. Jacinda clashes with the very strongly grounded detective, Reid Merritt, destiny has forced her to work with. At some point he begins to matter, making her decision harder. Will he look at her with abhorrence, like she’s some sort of freak when she’s through?

When the fifth murder happens, Jacinda makes the decision to use her gift to find the killer. She doesn’t let herself think of how she’s going to suffer afterward, the consequences that will curse her again, the chance she’ll be giving up everything and starting all over. She just thinks of finding some justice and stopping a killer.

What will be the price, this time, for the ability she doesn’t want?

Welcome Guest: Clare Austin

We interrupt our regularly scheduled ramble from me to visit with Clare Austin, author of "Hot Flash", her recently released novel from The Wild Rose Press. Clare is here on her tour via Goddess Fish Promotions and will be giving away the winner's choice of a "Hot Flash" coffee mug or T-shirt to one lucky commenter, so please leave her a note in the comments when you're done reading what she has to say.

Clare... take it away!

Thank you for having me on your blog today.

Hot Flash is a contemporary romantic women’s fiction. The hero is an Irishman, Brandon Sullivan and the heroine is Kate Aiello, first generation Italian-American. I love the combination: “Italian attitude and Irish temper.” It is a tender love story about second chances with a touch of humor to help us all remember to keep perspective.

This was a fun and challenging book to write. It was my third novel in a year and I needed a compelling theme. Horses, competition, danger, and the blending of cultures…I understand these things first hand. Loss, despair, yearning for a second chance to find happiness…we all have history we can pull up to spark our empathy for characters like Brandon and Kate.

I have ridden horses since as far back as I can remember and for many years I competed in the sport of Three Day Eventing. I used this as a background for Hot Flash for many reasons, but one was simply because it is a world I understand. Besides, who can resist a man with a nice bum wearing riding breeches? I couldn’t lose.

As far as heroes and heroines being less attractive with age. This is a commonly held misunderstanding that was my pleasure to correct. Brandon knows how to make Kate feel like the beautiful woman she truly is. He isn’t inclined to rush her and he cares about what she needs and likes in bed. I don’t know about all the readers out there, but, for me, there is something extra sexy about a man who can rock my world and still knows how to cuddle.

Both Brandon and Kate are mature adults, with grown children, parents, siblings and a complex past. They have experienced love, commitment and loyalty in very different ways. They have disparate life goals as well as flaws and insecurities. How does one start over? It’s not that easy to get naked, literally or figuratively. Don’t expect the family to make it a smooth transition or the cultural differences to fade because love is present. These are some of the barriers I wanted to explore in my novel.

I wrote Hot Flash for all the women who feel as Kate does……

It was impossible to grasp the fact that she was old, washed up, or that her life was over in any sense. She felt alive, young and physically unchanged by the years. It comes so gradually, she decided. It’s not like you wake up one day and your face is full of wrinkles and your butt has sagged to the backs of your knees. The metamorphosis from young woman to wizened crone snuck up on you while you were busy living life.

It seemed to Kate that women were meant to be like flowers: beautiful, growing, blooming, reproducing other lovely flora and then fading, and blowing away, as ephemeral as a dandelion on the wind. She wasn’t ready for that. She wanted to continue flourishing, even if she had to do it alone.

With Hot Flash my goal was to write a triumphant story of challenges, new strength, and a deeper appreciation for the value of a mature love relationship. I hope you enjoy it.

Thank you for dropping by this blog today.

My books are available in paperback and digital formats from most online booksellers.

Autographed copies of Butterfly, Angel’s Share and Hot Flash may be purchased from http://www.clareaustin.com/ by PayPal or by contacting AuthorClare@gmail.com

Please go to http://www.clareaustin.wordpress.com/ for updates on my current projects, appearances, and the occasional random thought.

Hungry for a little more? Here's the blurb and excerpt for Hot Flash:

Kate Aiello has spent her entire life trying to please others—her three brothers, her Italian mamma and her husband of twenty-five years. It isn’t insult enough she is turning fifty, and left at the side of life’s road by her philandering husband. Now she has to contend with her body’s betrayal…hot flashes!

The plain truth hits her with each thermostatic aberration—she has never been first in anyone’s life, including her own.

Brandon Sullivan has been on a downward spiral since the death of his beloved wife. Now he is a man desperate to save himself from impending financial ruin, loss of his farm and his life’s dream. He needs to get into the winner’s circle by spring or he’ll be just another poor, landless Irishmen downing his pints and bragging about the good ol’ days.

Sparks fly when Italian attitude meets Irish temper. Add two big crazy families, a barn full of horses and one woman’s menopausal hot flashes and the probability for combustion increases exponentially.

What will Kate and Brandon risk for a second chance at love?

***********

“So, Katie, tell me…why riding lessons?”

“It’s Kate.” She corrected him.

“What?” He looked genuinely confused.

“Kate…my name…it’s Kate, not Katie.” She wasn’t sure why it bothered her he liked to call her that. Maybe it felt a little too personal. Jeffrey had never called her anything but Catherine.

“Ah and why not? Katie suits you well, a good name for a beautiful woman.”

Nervous laughter welled up in her. “You have that ‘charming Irishman’ thing down to a fine science don’t you? Go ahead, call me anything you want.” Obviously, the man had his own opinions. It was most likely fruitless to try and correct him. She should have resented it, but his arrogance fit him like those breeches he wore. From another man, his attitude would have felt patronizing, but coming from him it was...well…titillating.

He said nothing, just looked directly into her eyes and smiled a slow, lazy grin that made Kate shiver deep in her bones.

*********

Remember ... leave a comment to be entered in her contest! Thanks, Clare, for joining us today.

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Welcome Guest: Cindy Jacks!

Cindy is here today as part of her Goddess Fish Promotions tour to celebrate the release of her romantic comedy, "All the Good Men". Not only will you be entertained, but if you comment you'll be entered to win a signed print copy of her book and a branded "Fiction for the Bad Girl in Every Woman" book bag!

Now ... here's Cindy!

Tell me five things I probably don’t know about you and that most folks wouldn’t guess.

I almost always have a song playing in my head which supposedly is a symptom of manic depressive disorder. Yikes! I'm not sure that's the case with me. I like to think of it as my own little psychic phenomenon. Many times, when I turn on the radio, the song in my head matches the current song playing. Wacky, right?

I'm a big NFL fan, but not because I have a particular affection for the game. Don't get me wrong, I like football, but what I like more is potential to construct a weekly party around the event. Food, drink, and pageantry. Not to mention all the young men in oh-so-tight football pants. Plus, it's a chance for the BF and I to bond. There's really no down side to it, lol.

I'm actually really shy which I suppose is why I'm a writer as opposed to an actress or singer. Well, I can't really carry a tune, but even if I could, I don't think I'd seek out the spotlight. I'm perfectly happy behind the scenes. A lot of people are surprised by this aspect of my personality because I'm very friendly and outgoing, but social situations exhaust me. I'm told that means I'm an introvert. Who knew?

I'm most comfortable when I'm in the water. I grew up in places with the most magnificent beaches: Hawaii, Jamaica and Florida to name a few. I can't remember a time that I couldn't swim and didn't love to explore the ocean. For me, water equals peace.

If plants had post offices, my picture would be hanging there as one of the ten most wanted for 1st degree herbicide. I love flowers, herbs and homegrown veggies, but I'm an the worst gardener ever. I can follow plant care recommendations to a tee and still poor things die. I suppose if some folks have 'green thumbs', there must be those of us with 'brown thumbs.' That's me. Brown Thumb Jacks, lol.

Fill In the Blank(s): If I could have any superpower, it would be ______________

If I could have any superpower, it would be x-ray vision because I could see any guy I want naked and it would safe a fortune in healthcare co-pays! :D

Write me a paragraph using the following three words: CABIN, EARPHONES, DIARY

Ana blocked out all distractions with a pair of earphones, playing soft, romantic music. Not that there were many distractions to block out. She loved her Smith Mountain Lake cabin for just this reason. Complete and total solitude in which to contemplate the events of the past month. She'd sat down to make her daily diary entry, to try to make sense of the affection growing inside her. Instead, she drew hearts and flowers like a lovesick teenager. Perhaps the silly doodles said more about her emotional state than any amount of words could.

Any brief news you’d like to share?

In addition to All the Good Men with Moongypsy press, I have another new release, writing as CJ Elliott, titled Hour of the Wolf. Check it out at Cobblestone Press.

You can find Cindy here: http://cindyjacks.com/
http://www.moongypsypress.com/jacks.php
http://cobblestone-press.com/catalog/hourofthewolf.htm

Now... take a look at her cool video for the book! I had to share because ... well.. I made it :-)



And here's a taste of the book for you:

Dahlia is sure the hackneyed platitude is true: After a certain age, all the good men are married or gay. She feels her thirty-eight years put her well past that 'certain age.' Her best friend and her sisters dare her to put her fate where her mouth is. The terms of the challenge? During the month of October, she has to end her five-year-long man fast and go on dates with men of their choosing. Oh, and she also has to go out with anyone else who asks.

As the date disasters pile up, the vindication almost makes the torturous evenings bearable for Dahlia. But a handsome new neighbor, Jackson Carmichael, moves in, changing the rules of the game. Retired after twenty-six years as a pro firefighter in Boston, he volunteers with the local fire department, coaches a youth hockey team, and appears for all the world to be the perfect man. He just might throw a wrench into Dahlia's plan to die lonely and single...that is if she doesn't scare him away first.

EXCERPT:

Skipper's, McGrady's, the Dew Drop Inn. Dahlia didn’t find her father at any of his regular hangouts. As a last ditch effort, she drove home, hoping to find him there. No such luck.

She called Beck. “Hi, it’s Dahlia. I haven’t found him, but if for some reason he turns up at the VFW, please give me a call.”

“Will do, ma’am. Again, I can’t tell you how sorry I am he got away from me.”

“No, no. It’s not your fault. I felt like I should’ve stayed home with him, but with all the orders at work—” The doorbell interrupted her thoughts. “Beck, there’s someone here. I’ll call you back.”

As she clamped the cell phone shut its hinge snarled in a lock of hair. Dahli tugged at the accursed thing as she trotted to the front door. When she opened it, Dahlia abandoned her efforts to disentangle the phone. There stood her father, soaking wet, draped against the shoulder of a man she’d never seen before.

“Hi.” The stranger flashed an apologetic smile. “Does he belong to you? I feel like I've seen him pruning the hedges out front.”

She squeezed her eyes shut. Perhaps if she blocked out the image of her piss-drunk father long enough, he might disappear. Opening one eye she found she’d had no such luck.

“Yes, I’m so sorry. Where did he wind up, Mr…?”

“Carmichael. Jackson Carmichael. I found him floating in my koi pond.”

“Oh, good Lord. I’m really sorry. We’ll pay for any damages.” Dahlia reached for her dad, but Jackson scooped up the old man using a fireman’s carry.

“Not to worry. I’m just glad I found him when I did. Is it okay to set him on the couch?”

“Please. I’ll get some towels.” She hurried from the room if only to hide her flaming embarrassment. Upon return, she made a vain attempt to blot up the water that pooled around the passed out lump she usually called Dad.

“Thank you, Mr. Carmichael. I can’t apologize enough. Daddy’s a bit of a handful.”

“No apology necessary, but may I…?” He reached out a hand.

“Of course.” Dahli thrust a dry towel at him.

“No, no. I meant—” Jackson made a gentle twist and tug that freed the forgotten cell phone from her hair. “There you go.”

“Christ almighty. Lovely first impression I’ve made,” she said and shoved the phone in her pocket.

“Nah, no biggie.” He stripped off his shirt and dried himself. “I meant to come by to introduce myself a couple days ago, but I’ve been swamped trying to get settled.”

Though a half naked man in her living room—and a rather physically fit one at that—was a rare occurrence, Dahlia did her best to avert her eyes. “I’m sure Daddy and I have made you want to run for the hills.”

“Not at all, Ms…?”

“Foster, but please, anyone who finds my father in his fishpond can call me Dahli.”

“A pleasure,” he said and handed her the towel. “Thanks.”

“Would you like something to drink?”

“I’d love something, but I have to get back. Rain check?”

“Sure. Come by anytime.” But I won’t hold my breath...not that I blame you, she added silently. Dahli walked him to the front door, thanking him again. After closing the door behind Mr. Carmichael, she plodded into the living room to check on her father.

“Daddy,” she said to deaf ears and sank into the loveseat. “What am I going to do with you?”