How Do You Buy?

How do you choose the books you buy?  Sure, everyone has their favorite authors, those whose books are 'auto-buys', but what about a new or fairly new to you author?  Is it the cover that draws you in?  Do you need to see a great review before you'll pick up a book?  Read an excerpt?

For me, a great cover will be the first thing that catches my eye.  This will get me to pick the book up and read the back cover blurb. (or if I'm on the internet, follow the links to the back cover blurb)  Guess what, I'm still interested...then I open the book to a random page.

Interestingly enough, there are people out there who don't do 'random', but instead chose whether or not to buy a book by looking at page 99.  I'd never heard of this before, but once I was told about it, I decided to give it a try with a few books on my TBR pile.  Then, I decided to try it with my romantic suspense, NOT WITHOUT RISK.

Here's what I found on page 99:

As her legs suddenly went weak, Paige forced away the thought.  She couldn't get involved with him.  Couldn't let herself care.


She dragged in a shaky breath.  "I'm sorry I've wasted your time."


Justin set his jaw.  His hand curled against his thigh.  "I never said you were wasting my time."


She'd been so afraid, coming out of a nightmare then hearing someone move around downstairs.  So sure of what she'd heard, certain someone was in her studio.  Now...


Maybe it had been a dream, or the panicked imaginings of an exhausted mind.  Paige didn't think so, but couldn't be certain.  "I must be overreacting."


"It would be understandable."


She closed her eyes against the kindness she heard in his voice.  They snapped open at the feel of his finger beneath her chin.  He tipped her face to his.  "Then there's the broken bottle in the darkroom.  Imagination doesn't explain that."


Relief filled her, driving away some of her tension.  Maybe she wasn't losing her mind, after all.  "Thank you."


"For what, doing my job?"


"For answering my call, even though you were probably busy with something else.  For believing in me.  Again."


"We aren't going to start this again, are we?  I wasn't busy," Justin explained as he lifted his hand and traced his fingertip along her jaw.  "I had dinner with my mother earlier.  On the way home, I stopped off for a drink.  That's where I was when you called."


Paige took a deep breath, trying to slow her racing heart.  The caress of his fingers across her skin made her pulse trip.  "I'm glad."


Give it a try, it's fun.  Those books on your TBR pile, would you still be interested if it was only page 99 you'd read before buying?  What about your own books?  I'd love to 'see' what's on page 99 of your books.

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Spotlight On...Sloane Taylor

Today I have a very special guest, erotic romance author Sloane Taylor.  Sloane is a fabulous woman, who I'm very excited to have visiting the keyboard today.  Please help me welcome her!

Welcome, Sloane, can you tell us a little about yourself?

Hi, Sarah, thank you for having me out today. My trusty pearls are slung around my neck, so I’m ready to chat. :)

I’m a sensual woman who believes humor and sex are healthy aspects of our everyday lives which carry over into my books.

My stories are set in Europe where the men are all male and the North American women they encounter are both feminine and strong. As a true romantic, my women bring more than lust to their men’s lives.

I was born and raised in Chicago. Studly, my non-husband and mate for life, and I split our time between a home in Illinois and a weekend cottage on the back roads of Indiana…or you can catch up with me as I travel though Europe, researching new material.

Tell us about SULTRY IN SWEDEN and where it’s available.  

Sultry In Sweden is my latest release from Amber Quill Press – Amber Heat.

This is the blurb:

Battered hockey player Colt Coltrane arrives in Sweden with one thing on his mind—victory. A bad spill later, however, and he's at the tender mercies of the sexiest masseuse he's ever seen. From that point, all his good intentions go straight to hell when he strips for the Swedish iceberg.

Disa Ellstrom has had it with sports figures who always expect more from her than a massage. She can't believe her friend Carl sent the American goalie to her. Unable to ignore the man's pain, however, Disa takes on Colt and soon finds her heart melting faster than a spring thaw.

Combine a hot-blooded American and a Swedish spitfire and they're sure to set Stockholm ablaze...

Read an excerpt HERE

Describe your writing in three words.

I’m a writer, Sarah, three words aren’t enough. LOL How about we go with hot, hotter and hottest!


How did you start writing?

It was the strangest thing. These black and white pictures kept charging through my mind like an old-time silent movie. I had to jot them down just to clear my poor brain. When I started to do that, the images changed to colors. I honestly thought I was losing my mind. It got better, easier, with each book, but it’s still weird. :)


Why did you choose your genre?

I didn’t. It chose me. On the advice of a friend, I took an erotica writing class with the Queen of Hot, Jan Springer. When the session was over, Jan advised me to quit my day job and write fulltime. It was a tough decision, but Studs encouraged me and here I am, six years and thirteen books later still unable to believe my good fortune.


What writers have influenced you the most?

Tough question and one I can’t honestly answer. I read all genres and have learned techniques from each.

How many books have you published? In what order should we read your books?

There are eleven out now. Eight are with Aspen Mountain Press and the other three with Amber Quill Press – Amber Heat. Before the year is out, three more will release.

The only series that really has an order is the Magnificent Men of Munich. It would be best to read them: Teddi Turns On, Lonnie Heats Up, Francine On Fire and Isabella Ignites. The other series aren’t as tied in to one another, so they can be read however a person likes.


How do you think being a published author has changed you?

Unfortunately, I’ve become more reclusive. I enjoy being alone and always had, but now it’s even more so. Instead of going out three nights a week, it’s only one with friends. We do accept invitations, but I find myself being quiet and withdrawn, especially in a new group. This is so unlike the old Sloane who socialized all the time. Now, I prefer to have company and hold dinner parties as often as possible rather than go out.

On the writing side, it’s hard to read a book and not edit it. LOL. I’m not being a snob. It’s just that you notice so much after you’ve had several excellent editors.


What are you passionate about?

Besides Studs and writing? LOL. Cooking. I absolutely LOVE to create new dishes. My site has a dedicated section, “What’s Cooking”, with easy recipes from myself and many talented friends and authors who also love to cook. I’m always looking for new recipes. Hint hint. :)


Where can we find you on the web?

My site is:  http://www.sloanetaylor.com/.
The blog is:  http://www.sloanetaylor.com/blog.
Of course, there’s Facebook:   http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=617411675&ref=ts
and Myspace:   http://www.myspace.com/sloanetaylor


Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?

Yes, Sarah, and thanks for the opportunity. I’m most interested in which media people favor between e-books and print and how readers feel about books written in first person. If anyone is willing to offer an opinion, you’re welcome to email me at sloanetaylor@comcast.net.

This has been great, Sarah. Thank you for opportunity to meet your readers and gab. :)

Thank you, Sloane, for visiting with us. 

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Sultry in Sweden by Sloane Taylor

Battered hockey player Colt Coltrane arrives in Sweden with one thing on his mind—victory. A bad spill later, however, and he's at the tender mercies of the sexiest masseuse he's ever seen. From that point, all his good intentions go straight to hell when he strips for the Swedish iceberg.

Disa Ellstrom has had it with sports figures who always expect more from her than a massage. She can't believe her friend Carl sent the American goalie to her. Unable to ignore the man's pain, however, Disa takes on Colt and soon finds her heart melting faster than a spring thaw.

Combine a hot-blooded American and a Swedish spitfire and they're sure to set Stockholm ablaze...

Warning:
The excerpt that you are about to view is Hot, Hot, HOT! 
It definately contains content only suitable for adults.

There, now that the necessary stuff is out of the way, onto the fun stuff... 

EXCERPT:


Disa ran her fingers along Colt’s deltoids, watching the strong muscles flex under her touch. His shyness had been endearing along with confusing. She wondered if his physical problem went further than the normal aches and pains of a professional athlete. If so, she intended to help him overcome the situation. If not, then he was in for a satisfying surprise. She hoped.

A quick scramble across the sheet gave him more room, then she tugged on his shoulders so he would lay back against the pillow. He winced, but continued to draw his legs up onto the bed.

She combed her fingers through the crisp auburn hairs sprinkled across his broad chest, descending to his beautiful hard dick nestled in a curly reddish tuft. She swallowed hard, fighting her desire to suck him until he came.

“You are a fine-looking man, Colt.” She rose onto her knees, then traced a fingernail around his tight balls, her inner muscles clenching with desire.

He laid a hand on her calf and slowly eased it up toward her thigh, caressing her. His fingers climbed higher. A shudder ran through her from his gentle massage over her rear-end up to the small of her back, then down, slipping a finger between her cheeks. Pressure built when he circled her sphincter, dipping his fingertip into the tight circle, out again, then back in.

She nipped at his balls, laving the tight sacs, savoring their salty taste. Her hand pumped his cock, starting slow and increasing the speed. His hips jerked, rocking with her rhythm, thrust along her palm.

Deftly, Colt maneuvered out from under Disa, scooped her up and kissed her with a passion she had never known. She clung to him, loving his strength, savoring his taste. He pulled away, the skin pulled taut over his cheek bones.

“It’s time to make you happy, baby. How about rolling over?” He tugged on her hip until she faced the brass headboard. “A little more to the center, so we can watch in the dresser mirror.”

She scooted across the rumpled linen and glanced into the antique glass. Their eyes met in the reflection and breathe caught in her throat.

"Spread your legs, Disa.” He gently nudged her shoulders to the mattress. “I promise to go easy.”

Kisses rained down her back as he mounted her. His thick cock played against her wet labia, the swollen head teasing into her. After a smooth thrust, he was inside, filling her. One firm palm kneaded her lower abdomen while his long fingers curled through her pubic hair, covering her mons. He stretched a finger further along her nether lips, separating the folds and massaged her fiery clit.

Tingles shot through her, watching their wavy images across the room. His arm muscles bulged as he moved his hands to her hips, gripping them tight, guiding her to him.

He rocked into her, the strokes faster and faster, his balls slapping against her thigh. He clutched her hips, slamming into her, riding her hard. She reared back, keeping pace, clenching her muscles to hold him tight, straining to swallow him in deeper. She gritted her teeth, biting back the scream that tore through her. Her body pulsed with his touch, screaming for release from the magnificent torture that only he could provide. She clutched the sheets, wadding the warm material in her fists, and burrowed into them, inhaling his musky scent.

“Come for me, baby. God, I need you.” His voice rasped…


Whew!  Anyone else need a cold shower?  LOL

Make sure to visit Sloane's website for more information on her books.

You can buy SULTRY IN SWEDEN here.


BUY LINK http://amberquill.com/AmberHeat/SultrySweden.html

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Cover Contest

Just wanted to invite you all to jump on over to Classic Romance Revival and check out the wonderful covers in the July contest.  My cover for Not Without Risk, designed by the very talented Nicola Martinez is there.  I'd love your vote!

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It's official...I think

I signed my contract for AFTER MIDNIGHT today and dropped it in the mail to my publisher. What a fantastic feeling!!! I think I'm more excited about this contract than I was when I signed my very first contract. There's just something about this book that has always made it special to me.

No, not the six weeks of hell I went through while trying to get the words from my head to the page, or the endless amounts of fast food my family had to endure during said weeks. It's just a story that has been in my heart for a long time, and after a few 'tweaks' this past year, I think I finally got it right.

Let's hope.

Which leads me to an interesting side...while filling out the cover art sheets, I had to let the artist know whether the book is part of a series. Good question. You see, I'm currently writing about one of the secondary characters. I knew I wanted to tie the books together somehow, so when I first began writing, I chose to acomplish this by making certain that the second book had 'midnight' in the title. Then I received the art sheets for AFTER MIDNIGHT...

I thought about it, then thought some more, finally chosing to do what I never expected to do, and officially claim the books as a series. Which makes my next release from The Wild Rose Press, AFTER MIDNIGHT: Midnight Series Book 1, and my work-in-progress, MIDNIGHT HEAT: Midnight Series Book 2.

It's going to take some getting used to on my part. Not because I'm not thrilled, I so am, but it's different. What do you guys think?

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New Contract

I'm excited to announce that I've been offered a contract with The Wild Rose Press for AFTER MIDNIGHT, a contemporary romance with elements of suspense that is close to my heart.

BLURB:  Thirteen years—that’s how long Isabeau Montgomery has been living a lie. After the automobile accident took her mother’s life and left her scarred and incomplete, she hid herself away, surviving the only way she knew how. She is happy in her carefully constructed life. Until Noah Clark walks through her door...

Isabeau fights a need to create music that is nearly as terrifying as her desire for Noah. She knows that to ensure the past remains in its place, she must keep the gorgeous singer at a distance. But with his magnetic green eyes and leanly muscled body, he isn’t easily ignored.

Drawn together by combustible passion, they must face a new threat to Isabeau’s well-being and the lie she’s kept too long. There’s a risk in the truth, but it’s one she must take.

I don't have a release date yet, but I'll be sure to let you know the minute I learn it.

To read more about this story as well as my other book, please check out my website.

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Spotlight On...Elaine Cantrell

Please help me in welcoming Elaine Cantrell to the keyboard today.  Welcome Elaine, tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in South Carolina, I hold a master’s degree in personnel services from Clemson University and am a member of Romance Writers of America, EPIC authors, and Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary society for women educators. I’ve been married for thirty five years to my college sweetheart. We have two sons-a physicist and a fraud investigator. They’ve given us three wonderful grandchildren-one girl and two boys. We also have two mean cats and one sweet, brown dog. In my spare time I enjoy reading, gardening, collecting vintage Christmas ornaments, and discovering new restaurants, not to mention playing Spider Man with my grandson.


How did you start writing?

I've been writing since 2001 when my son asked me to proofread a book he'd written. I figured if he could, so could I. My first published novel, A New Leaf, was the winner of the 2003 Timeless Love contest. If I wasn't sold on writing before, that did it. I've been writing ever since and don't have any plans to stop. Frankly, I don't think I could even if I wanted to. Writing is a strange compulsion that drives me to spend long hours in front of a keyboard when I could be doing important things like napping or eating chocolate. My house isn't dusted as often, I rarely cook, and who cares if the laundry got done or not. Yeah, no doubt about it, I'm addicted.


How many books have you published?

I’ve had 6 altogether. They are:

1.A New Leaf-  http://www.oaktreebooks.com/

2.Grandfather’s Legacy: the publisher died so this one is available from me at  elainecsc@aol.com

3.Purple Heart:  http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

4.The Welcome Inn:  http://www.wings-press.com/

5.The Best Selling Toy Of The Season:  http://www.midnightshowcase.com/

6.Return Engagement: coming in July to  http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/


Where do you get your ideas?

Ideas come from almost anywhere. Sometimes I’ll read a book and wonder what would have happened if one of the characters had made a different choice. Sometimes I’ll hear a song that inspires me. Sometimes even real situations inspire me. I wrote one of my favorite books, the sequel to Return Engagement after I read a book about secret codes. A secret code is the key to that story.


What genre do you read? What are you reading now?

I read all genres, but I guess I read contemporary romance the most. Right now I’m reading Return to Sullivan’s Island by Dorothea Benton Frank.


What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Easiest?

The most challenging aspect is letting go of my characters when I finish a book. I usually fall in love with them and don’t want to let them go. The easiest part is the beginning. I get a good idea and I can’t type fast enough to get the words down.

Tell us about your newest release. Where can we find it?

My newest release comes out in July from Whiskey Creek Press. It’s called Return Engagement, and I just love it! As usual I fell in love with my hero who in this case is mouth-watering. He’s passionate, handsome, and just a little dangerous, but he has a romantic side and would die for the woman he loves. Here’s a blurb to tell you about the book.

Elizabeth Lane has heard the call of the four most seductive words in the entire English language: what might have been. Would you risk everything you hold dear to find out what might have been? That’s the choice which Elizabeth has to make.

Elizabeth is lucky, for she has it all, money, fame, a satisfying career and a devoted fiancé. Her humble beginnings are all but obscured, but she isn’t the kind of woman Senator Henry Lovinggood wants for his son, Richard. Senator Lovinggood plans to make Richard the President of the United States; he’ll need a woman from a wealthy, powerful family by his side. Ten years ago he broke Richard and Elizabeth up, but this time it won’t be so easy, for Elizabeth wants to know what might have been. This time she’ll fight back, a struggle which ultimately leads to kidnapping and attempted murder and alienates her from the man of her dreams.

You can read an excerpt HERE.


What's next for you?

I’ve started work on a fantasy novel. It’s loads of fun to write whatever you can imagine unhindered by reality.


Where can we find you on the web?

My web site is  http://www.elainecantrell.com/

My blog is  http://www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com/

My My Space page is at  http://www.myspace.com/elainecantrell

My Facebook page is  http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100000153041486

I’d love to be friends on My Space or Facebook or both.

Do you have anything you'd like to ask our readers?


I’d like to ask them to let me know how they liked Return Engagement. Also, if they’ll email or mail me a receipt I’ll send them a PDF copy of Grandfather’s Legacy. This is good for the first 50 readers or 48 hours whichever comes first

Thanks for visiting with me today, Elaine.

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Return Engagement by Elaine Cantrell

NOTE:  Due to computer failure, Elaine's interview, set to post today, is unavailable.  I have my tech guy working on the problem with my laptop.  Until then, I invite you to check out Elaine's new release, RETURN ENGAGEMENT, coming in July from Whiskey Creek Press.

Elizabeth Lane has heard the call of the four most seductive words in the entire English language: what might have been. Would you risk everything you hold dear to find out what might have been? That’s the choice which Elizabeth has to make.

Elizabeth is lucky, for she has it all, money, fame, a satisfying career and a devoted fiancé. Her humble beginnings are all but obscured, but she isn’t the kind of woman Senator Henry Lovinggood wants for his son, Richard. Senator Lovinggood plans to make Richard the President of the United States; he’ll need a woman from a wealthy, powerful family by his side. Ten years ago he broke Richard and Elizabeth up, but this time it won’t be so easy, for Elizabeth wants to know what might have been. This time she’ll fight back, a struggle which ultimately leads to kidnapping and attempted murder and alienates her from the man of her dreams.


Excerpt:


In this excerpt Richard and Elizabeth have reunited on the beach and spent the evening together after a ten year separation.



They rode the Ferris wheel and the tilt-a-whirl two times each. Then they went through the haunted mansion which gave Elizabeth a great chance to scream and cling to his side. She hid her face against his shoulder, savoring the male scent of him. When they left the haunted mansion, they found a place that sold cotton candy and funnel cakes. They bought a huge amount of both and devoured the sugary treats as if they’d never had anything so tasty. I shouldn’t flirt so brazenly with him, Elizabeth thought but who cares? Her obvious joy caused some bystanders to smile as they remembered their own courtships.

She paused when they passed a shooting arcade. “Richard, you’re FBI, so I guess you’re supposed to be a good shot. Win me a stuffed animal.”

Richard groaned. “Those guns are probably all sighted wrong so you can’t win. Couldn’t I just buy you one instead?”

“No, that won’t do at all. Never mind. It’s okay if you don’t think you can do it,” she replied with no hint of a smile whatsoever. Would he try to win a prize for her or not?

Richard stepped up to the counter and inspected the row of guns provided by the arcade. “Okay, I know a challenge when I hear it. I’ll win you an animal if I have to stay here all night.”

The attendant, a wizened gnome of a man with a sour expression on his face, wandered over to them. “Win a prize for the lady, mister? Dollar a shot.”

“Yeah, I’ll give it a try.”

He selected the gun he wanted and shot, but he missed. “Just as I expected, the sights are off, and it pulls to the left.” He adjusted for the bad sights, aimed, and squeezed the trigger. This time he hit the target dead center.

“Hooray,” cheered Elizabeth. “I want that big white cat over there. How many does he have to hit to get it?”

“Ten in a row,” the man sourly replied.

A few minutes later Richard and Elizabeth walked away carrying the big cat with them.

Elizabeth tucked her arm through his. “This is so exciting! Nobody ever won anything for me before. You are such a good shot. I bet you’re one of the FBI’s best marksmen.” Is he blushing? thought Elizabeth. I bet it’s been a long time since a woman made him blush.

She couldn’t resist the urge to tease him. She came to a halt and looked intently into his face. “Why, Richard, are you blushing?”

The color in Richard’s face deepened. “I don’t think so. It’s just the lights.”

“Oh, yes you are! You always used to blush when I teased you. Did I embarrass you?”

Richard ducked his head, a little gesture that probably sent her blood pressure sky high. “All right, my face does feel a little warm” he admitted, “but no, you didn’t embarrass me. It’s… well it’s kind of nice to have you flirt with me and brag on me. I’m surprised how bad I wanted to show off and win that damn cat for you.”

“You are so sweet,” she declared, giving him a warm smile.

“I don’t believe it! Is that what I get for winning the cat? Sweet? I don’t want to be sweet.” Ignoring the crowds of people all around them, he jerked her close which made her breath leave her in a little woof. “I want to be your lover. I want you to say I’m sexy and that you want me. I can’t believe you think I’m sweet.”

Elizabeth willingly threw both discretion and Alex to the wind. What did discretion or Alex matter at a time like this? “Oh, that’s what you want, is it? I’m glad you made your intentions clear, Mr. Lovinggood.” She took a small step toward him and obligingly tilted her face upward.



Make sure to visit Elaine's website for more information on her books:

http://www.elainecantrell.com/

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NOR Top Pick

I've been so busy lately that I'm still wading through all of my emails, trying to get caught up on good news and congrats to all of my friends and fellow authors.  So yesterday, when a little Google alert popped up in my inbox, I was thrilled to discover that Not Without Risk was given a 'Top Pick' review by Melinda at Night Owl Reviews.

Here's what she had to say:

"Sarah Grimm has done it again with a fabulous romantic suspense. Throughout each chapter the killer is one step ahead of Justin and this upsets him. He’s always worked hard and knowing someone is playing with him gets to him. I loved how determined he was and swore he would do anything to protect his woman. Right off the bat you can tell these two had chemistry yet Paige tried to deny it. The way the killer comes out in this story is one that will surprise you. The suspense and attraction was awesome and this is definitely an author that will blow your mind away."

Thank you, Melinda, you made my day!

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Spotlight On...Melanie Atkins

Today I'd like you to help me welcome fellow romantic suspense author and friend, Melanie Atkins, to my blog. Welcome Melanie, can you tell us a little about yourself?

I'm a multi-published author of romantic suspense, I love crime dramas, and I love to read. Writing is more than an escape for me—it’s what I do. I grew up in the Deep South listening to my relatives spin tall tales, and some of it must have rubbed off.

Tell us about CHOSEN TARGET and where it’s available.

CHOSEN TARGET is the third book in my New Orleans Detective series, which is available from Desert Breeze Publishing. It follows CHERISHED WITNESS and PRIME SUSPECT.

In CHOSEN TARGET, Jadan Calloway’s latest night out on the town ends in the death of the man who charmed her off her feet. Now the people who killed Kent are after her, and the only man who can save her is Cole McAlister, the rugged, willful detective who believes she is behind his brother’s death. Together they become wrapped up in a web of terrorism and intrigue—and they fall in love.

How did you start writing?

I've written since I was a kid writing stories about my cats. Life got in the way after college, but later I took it up again. I finally got serious about publication in 2001.

How many books have you published? In what order should we read your books?

I can't really say, because a good many came out with a now-defunct publisher, their rights reverted back to me, and now I'm trying to get them back out there. I currently have three books out with Desert Breeze (with five more on the way), five out with Cobblestone Press, and one with The Wild Rose Press.

How does your family feel about your career?

They are very supportive.

What is the most interesting comment you’ve ever received on one of your books?

That SKELETON BAYOU, the book that's out in both e-book and print format from The Wild Rose Press, kept one of my old friends up until two a.m. one night—and then she couldn’t go to sleep because I'd scared her to death. WIN!

Who are your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?

Right now I'm reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett, but I usually read romantic suspense and thrillers. Some of my favorite authors are Lisa Gardner, Tami Hoag, Karen Rose, Tess Gerritsen, John Sandford, Linda Howard, and Greg Isles.

Do you ever become attached to your characters and have a hard time letting them go?

All the time. I get so far inside my characters' heads, I don't want the books to end.

How do you approach your writing, are you a plotter or a pantser?

Usually I'm a pantser, but on my current WIP, a gritty, complicated single title suspense, I'm having to plot using a spreadsheet. It's the only way I can keep up with everything.

What’s next for you?

Trying to sell my single titles. I'd loved to be published by NY, and that is my main goal right now.

Where can we find you on the web?

Website: http://www.melanieatkins.com/

Blog: http://melanieatkins.wordpress.com/

Shades of Suspense blog: http://romanticsuspense.blogspot.com/

Murder, Mayhem & More blog: http://murdermayhemandmore.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.face-book.com/melanie.atkins

Twitter: http://twitter.com/melanie_atkins

Crimespace: http://crimespace.ning.com/profile/MelanieAtkins

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Melanie-Atkins

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/melanieatkins

Yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Murder_Mayhem_and_More

Is there anything you’d like to ask your readers?

Yes: How did you hear about my books?

Thanks, Melanie, it's been great chatting with you.

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Spotlight On...Alison Chambers

Please help me in welcoming Alison Chambers to the Keyboard today.  Alison, tell us a little about yourself.

I have been in marketing and public relations most of my life and was part owner of an association management firm based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin handling national medical and trade associations. I majored in history and political science in college and both topics seem to find their way into my books. I love to travel, play piano and write, of course.

How did you start writing?

When I was fifteen, I read a lot of Nancy Drew books and got interested in mysteries where the girl is the heroine who follows the clues, is smarter than everyone else and saves the day. I started writing short Nancy Drew stories, then branched out and wrote my first novel at eighteen. I have written six more novels since and I’m working on my eighth.
Who are your favorite authors?

I am a fan of thrillers and romantic suspense. I enjoy Alistair MacLean, Clive Cussler, Dan Brown. In the romantic area, I enjoy Danielle Steele, Christina Dodd, and Janet Evanovich.
Why did you choose your genre?

Nothing could be better than marrying the elements of romance and suspense and it’s one of the hottest genres around.

What writers have influenced you the most?

Alistair MacLean and Clive Cussler for the suspense. Danielle Steele for the romance.

How do you approach your writing? Do you plot or go with the flow?

I always have a detailed outline and a detailed character sketch made before I start. Otherwise, I wouldn’t know where to go or I’d get derailed going off in too many wrong directions.

Describe your writing in three words.

Suspenseful. Intriguing. Romantic.

Your first book is releasing on May 7, The Secret Sentinel. Can you tell us a little about it?

Three lost keys to untold riches. A secret society’s deadly plot.

The Secret Sentinel is a story about museum curator, Savannah Rutledge, who gets into a lot of trouble stealing her father’s treasure map to lost Confederate gold. She meets a handsome, sexy stranger who wants the gold too, but she doesn’t trust him. Together, they follow a perplexing trail of cryptic clues in a cross-country chase to unlock the mystery. Will she ever find the treasure and love too? Watch for the ad and review in the June issue of Romantic Times!

Do you have any 'must haves' with you while you're writing?

A thesaurus, my notes and outline, and hopefully, a sharp brain that makes the words flow like velvet onto the page.

What's next for you?

I have finished my next book called Preying for Survival and am shopping it around. I’ve started the one after that called The Virgo Stone.

Where can we find you on the web?

http://www.alisonchambersromance.com/
Thanks for visiting with us today, Alison.
Thank you!

Readers, scroll down for a blurb and excerpt from Alison's book.

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The Secret Sentinel by Alison Chambers

The Secret Sentinel
by Alison Chambers
Available Now at The Wild Rose Press

blurb:

Three lost keys to untold riches. Three cryptic rhymes. A secret society's deadly plot. When museum curator Savannah Rutledge steals her father's treasure map to impress her boss, Winston Gale, and his handsome son Eric, she unleashes a Pandora's box of horror. Her father is killed and she is framed for murder. To atone for her father's death, she sets off on a cross-country chase for the treasure that ends with a dangerous showdown in the Superstition Mountains near Phoenix. To get there she and a sexy stranger, Antonio Desada, follow a perplexing trail of clues that lead them to the keys that will unlock the mystery. Constantly moving, they must elude the police and the vicious Gales, hot on their trail once they realize they're missing a critical part of the map. Seductive and mysterious, Desada also provides the keys to a treasure of another kind. Will Savannah find the treasure—and love--before it's too late?

excerpt:

"Do not keep anything from me. Something tells me you are. Still protecting your father?"

"Right, and when did you get your psychology degree?" She got to her feet and stalked off, combing every room of the second floor, bravely opening closed doors, for the moment unafraid of what she would find.

Desada had touched a nerve, accusing her of holding back, and she didn't like it. Not because he said it, but because she believed it herself.

Had she buried something her father had told her in her subconscious? Was she intentionally sabotaging the effort out of cowardice or fear?

The rooms she searched were empty except for cobwebs, lizards, and a few pieces of crumbling furniture--rocking chairs, a threadbare sofa, a urine-stained mattress, discarded beer bottles.

She felt Desada's brooding presence looming behind her. "Don't go off like that again. Wait for me."

"A lot of help you'd be. Probably let me take the first bullet."

"You know that's not true."

"How do I know that? Your'e only using me to get what you want!"

He grabbed her arm. "Listen, if we're going to continue in this together, we need to set a few rules. Rule one, no emotions. Absolutely none. That's one thing we don't need. We need cold detachment. We need to survive, Savannah. Don't you understand what we're up against here? We've got death facing us around every corner. We can't afford to--"

"I don't need you dictating to me. That's one thing I don't need. Do you understand? That's not going to guarantee my allegiance to you. What we need is a little equality, a little fifty-fifty deal. Besides, you're the one who keeps trying to kiss me."

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BLOGMANIA WINNER

Whew, not that was harder than I expected it to be.  So many wonderful comments and followers to add to the hat!  So now, the moment you've all been patiently waiting for...

The winner of my Blogmania 2010 contest is:

Carol L.  a.k.a   LUCKY4750

Congratulations Carol!  Look for an email from me. 

Everyone else, thanks for entering!  And don't forget, Blogmania is twice a year.  More prizes are coming in September!

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Fun Stuff

Wow, was Blogmania fun or what?!  Just so everyone knows, the contest is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  I sure do have a TON of entries to work my way through, which is wonderful!

I have to work all day Saturday and Sunday, but I will be back on Monday, May 3rd to contact and announce the winner.  Make sure to stop in and check it out, you just might be the winner!

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