Category: LSFW Create Something Magical Speaker Interview

Today the Liberty States Create Something Magical Conference Speaker Interview Series continues with author Gwen Hernandez:

1.     What made you want to become a writer?

I’ve always been an avid reader—like 14 books a week during summers as a teen—so maybe that was the spark. Writing came pretty easy for me in school, and I always have stories in my head, but I didn’t seriously pursue it until I quit my job to have more time with my boys in 2008. Best decision ever. I enjoy the mental challenge, the research, and the creative side of both fiction and nonfiction writing.

2.     Is there one piece of advice you would give an aspiring writer?

Writers write. Even when you feel stuck, find a way to keep writing something for that story/piece. Backstory, character interviews, freeform writing about where you’re stuck. Anything. Eventually, the ideas will start to flow again.

3.     If you could co-write a book with any author, dead or alive, who would it be?

Suzanne Brockmann

4.     Who is on your bookshelf?

Suzanne Brockmann, Laura Griffin, Ken Follett, Joanna Bourne, Elizabeth Hoyt, Courtney Milan, Mary Stewart

5.     Can you tell us about one of the most memorable moments in your writing career thus far?

My first fan e-mail. There’s nothing better than having a reader you don’t know take the time to send you a message about how much they enjoyed your book. It’s magical.

6.     Tell us about your newest release/current work in progress:

My latest release, Blind Ambition, is the second book in my Men of Steele romantic suspense series. Former pararescueman Dan Molina’s mission to rescue a kidnapped aid worker from St. Isidore’s rebels falls apart when the woman—who once shattered his heart—refuses to leave the island.

Alexa Alyssandratos won’t leave until she’s certain the orphans she cared for are safe from the rebels. On the run from ransom-hungry soldiers, old passions reignite as she and Dan race to save the children before they disappear forever.

I look forward to meeting everyone at the Create Something Magical Conference next month. Thanks for hosting me today!

Gwen Hernandez is the author of Scrivener For Dummies, Productivity Tools for Writers, and the “Men of Steele” series (military romantic suspense). Formerly a manufacturing engineer and programmer, she teaches Scrivener to writers all over the world through online classes, in-person workshops, and private sessions. In her spare time, Gwen likes to travel, read, run, practice Kung Fu and yoga, and spend time with her family. Learn more at gwenhernandez.com.

Today the Liberty States Create Something Magical Conference Speaker Interview Series continues with author Diana Cosby:

1. What made you want to become a writer?

-An avid reader throughout my life, when I retired from the Navy, I decided to follow my dream and try to write.  Over sixteen years have passed, and I still love telling stories.

2. Is there one piece of advice you would give an aspiring writer?

-My advice to aspiring writers is to believe in yourself and dare to go after your dreams; only YOU can tell YOUR story!

3. If you could co-write a book with any author, dead or alive, who would it be?

-An amazing dream for me is to co-write a book with Nora Roberts.  She has the innate ability of writing amazing and complex stories that touch your heart.

4. Who is on your bookshelf?

-I’m currently reading Sweet Talk by Julie Garwood, The KNIGHTS TEMPLAR and SCOTLAND by Robert Ferguson, and Edward II The Unconventional King by Kathryn Warner.

5. Can you tell us about one of the most memorable moments in your writing career thus far?

-I’ve been blessed with numerous memorable moments in my writing career.  I’m humbled to share that for my very first book signing, I was invited to sign with Nora Roberts at Turn The Page in Boonsboro, MD.  As well, I was honored to speak at the Library of Congress.

6. Tell us about your newest release/current work in progress.

-I write Scottish medieval romantic suspense during Scotland’s Fight for Independence.  In December 2015, An Oath Sworn, the third book in The Oath Trilogy was released.  I’m currently working on Forbidden Legacy, the first book in the Forbidden Series, which will be release in August 2016.  The Knights Templar have fascinated me over the years, and woven within the Forbidden Series are my thoughts of what happened to the Knights Templars.

About the author:

A retired Navy Chief, Diana Cosby is an international bestselling author of Scottish medieval romantic suspense.  Her award-winning books are translated in five languages.  Diana has appeared at Lady Jane’s Salon, in NYC, and in Woman’s Day, on USA Today’s romance blog, “Happily Ever After,” MSN.com, and in Texoma Living Magazine.

After retiring as a Navy Chief, AGC(AW), Diana dove into her passion – writing romance novels. With 34 moves behind her, she was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people she’s met throughout the world.

Her years of living in Europe inspired Diana to write in the medieval time frame.  After watching the movie Braveheart and with her passion for writing complex plots, the idea for the MacGruder brothers series was born.

With the release of her 1st book in her new Scottish medieval The Oath trilogy, An Oath Taken, which hit bestseller lists in Canada and the United Kingdom, she’s now preparing for the release of the e Box Set of the MacGruder Brothers series on February 24th, and the last two books in The Oath trilogy, An Oath Broken – 22 June, and, An Oath Sworn – 23 December, 2015!

www.dianacosby.com

The Oath Trilogy: Book #3 An Oath Sworn — 23 December 2015

MacGruder Brother Series

Forbidden Series: Book #1 Forbidden Legacy — August 2016

Today the Liberty States Create Something Magical Conference Speaker Interview Series continues with author Harper Miller:

1. 1. What made you want to become a writer?

    

   Two things: First, my sucky dating life. When I say sucky, I really mean shitty (wait, can I curse? Oopsie). I can’t find the perfect guy, so I write different versions of him. Fewer headaches, of course, since the guy always leaves the toilet seat down, and he communicates effectively. I’m sure somewhere in the world my version of Mr. Right exists. I may never cross paths with him, so I write him instead, a win overall.

   Also, I began writing because there is a significant lack of diversity represented in the romance genre.

   When we see current lists of “Must Reads Romances” rarely if ever do, these lists feature authors of color. If so, it’s always the same author as if that’s the ONLY author writing romance.

   There are many of us, but sadly our stories aren’t being lauded as much as others. I also became tired of seeing the same types of douchey heroes in my reads. The guy is usually borderline abusive but written as the sexy Alpha male. There’s being a dreamy Alpha male and being a douchebag. The douchebags were winning so I wrote what I wanted to see represented in romance. #teamsensitiveAlphaheroeswithgreatbedroomskills

    

   2. Is there one piece of advice you would give an aspiring writer?

    

   Absolutely. Write what you wish to see in books. If it’s not there, create it. Stay true to your vision. Don’t allow what’s popular, what another author is doing, or what you feel you should write to get noticed impact your view. Take risks, it’ll pay off. Readers can feel your authenticity in the pages.

    

   3. If you could co-write a book with any author, dead or alive, who would it be?

    

   Oh wow, living, I’d say Zadie Smith. I love how she incorporates different cultures into her writing. I always end up learning cool British colloquialisms too! Dead, hmm, probably Octavia Butler. I’m nowhere near being as talented as either of these ladies, but a gal can dream.

    

   4. Who is on your bookshelf?

    

   I’m halfway through Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Before that, I read Aleksandr Voinov’s Dark Soul: The Complete Collection. Talk about a crazy ride! I’ve also recently ordered a bunch of paperbacks off Amazon, which include: The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle, Caucasia by Danzy Senna, Black Women’s Lives by Kristal Brent Zook, and The Darkest Child by Delores Phillips. If we were to start talking about my e-book bookshelf, this list would be miles longer. That’s usually a list that includes all of my romance reads.

    

   5. Can you tell us about one of the most memorable moments in your writing career thus far?

    

   Sure. Hitting #1 in my category (Interracial Erotica) on Amazon when I released my debut novel, The Sweetest Taboo: An Unconventional Romance is hands down my most memorable moment. Never happens for a first-time indie author right out the gate as far as I know. I hadn’t expected it, and it was a very humbling and surreal moment. I would’ve been happy if ten people purchased my book but to have that amount of support from complete strangers, ah-may-zing! Authors promote their work tirelessly completely unaware as to how far their reach may be. When things like that happen, you’re overjoyed thinking, “Wow, someone was paying attention after all.” Quickly followed by, “Yay, I don’t suck!”

    

   6. Tell us about your newest release/current work in progress.

    

   My most recent release is the third installment in a series I’ve penned called the Kinky Connect Chronicles. Entwined, was published in November of 2015. If you’re looking for a quick and raunchy little tale, it may be up your alley.

   I currently have three WIPs. I hope to stagger releases in the upcoming months which means a lot less interaction on social media and more writing during these chilly months. My next release, Complexity, is the fourth installment in the Kinky Connect Chronicles. It will also be my first time dipping my toe into the gay erotica/erotic romance subgenre. I’m a bit scared but ridiculously excited. I think at this stage my fan base knows that I’m going to give them something slightly different with each new book I publish. M/M erotica may not be for everyone, but then again, you never know who might suddenly decide to pick up a story simply out of intrigue.

   After that, I intend to release a clean and sweet romance. Something my mother can read since she’s always asking me when she can read my work. LOL, I’ll gladly tell my parents I pen erotica but to have them read my stuff? Oh, no no no. Noooooo. Did I say no enough?

    

    

   Bio:

   Harper Miller is a thirty-something native New Yorker. She’s traveled the world and lived in a variety of places but always finds her way back to the Big Apple.
   A lackluster love life leaves time to explore new interests, for Harper it is writing. The Sweetest Taboo: An Unconventional Romance is her debut novel. In her mind, the perfect Alpha male possesses intellect, humor, and a kinky streak that rivals the size of California.

   When she isn’t writing, Harper utilizes her graduate degree in the field of medical research. She enjoys fitness-related activities, drinking copious amounts of wine and going on bad dates.

    

   Social Media Links:

   Email: authorharpermiller@gmail.com

   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorharpermiller

   Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorharpmill

   Google+: http://google.com/+HarperMillerAuthor

   Goodreads Author Profile: http://www.goodreads.com/authorharpmill

   Amazon Author Page (get notified when Harper releases a new book):

   http://www.amazon.com/author/harpermiller

Today the Liberty States Create Something Magical Conference Speaker Interview Series continues with author Samantha Kane:

1. What made you want to become a writer?

I can’t remember not wanting to be a writer. In the 4^th grade I wrote a long poem about a man who murders his wife and it was entered in a city-wide showcase at our local mall. Oddly enough I actually wasn’t a Wednesday Addams kind of kid. Hard to believe, right? Well, then I went on to do Creative Writing and writing and editing for my high school and college newspapers, where I specialized in editorials. I got a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in History, and if you all remember correctly that’s a lot of writing. When I went to graduate school I started writing my first romance novel on the side. It remains in my file cabinet awaiting rewrites. But I’ve really been writing creatively my whole life.

2. Is there one piece of advice you would give an aspiring writer?

Keep at it. I sort of cringe when I look back at my first few books. With each successive piece of writing you get better and better. Like most things in life, you have to practice on a regular basis if you want to improve. And you can always improve. I don’t know any successful writer, at any stage in their career, who cannot improve. Really good writers know this and they are always trying to improve their craft, soaking up advice and technique everywhere they go. Never stop learning.

3. If you could co-write a book with any author, dead or alive, who would it be?

I can’t pick just one. A few would include Ray Bradbury, because he understood that at the center of any story there must be heart and compassion; Robert A. Heinlein because I love his unexpected humor; Martin Cruz Smith because the man can plot the hell out of a story and has such an excellent grasp of deep POV; Larry McMurtry because he understands human frailty and foibles; and Laurell K. Hamilton because she has a gift for imaginative, evocative storytelling.

4. Who is on your bookshelf?See above. Also a lot of Jude Deveraux’s early romances, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, J.R. Ward, Lee Child, Michael Malone, Carla Kelly and a great deal of historical non-fiction.

5. Can you tell us about one of the most memorable moments in your writing career thus far?

Wow. This is actually a really hard question. I don’t have one memorable moment that stands out. I think the most memorable moments for me are when I meet readers who have come to a conference or a book signing specifically to meet me, and they may even bring their own books, tattered from re-reading, for me to sign. I love that. You know, I’ve never made a big splash with a book, or hit a list, or won a lot of awards. I’m the kind of writer who just keeps plodding along and people somehow find my books and enjoy them and ask for more. I do my own thing, I write what I want, and I’m pretty low key on social media. I’m an introvert, so I tend to purposefully try to blend into the wallpaper. I’m always pleasantly surprised when an editor offers me a contract, or knows who I am at a conference. My readers are the real reason I keep writing and still love what I do.

6. Tell us about your newest release/current work in progress.

My most recent release is CHERRY BOMB, the second book in my Mercury Rising series with Samhain books.

Their spark could be too hot to handle…or bring a dying town back to life. 

Mercury Rising, Book 2

Officially, Turnstiles CEO Brian Curland is in Mercury to set up a new data center. Unofficially, he’s using this trip to re-evaluate his life, because for a man who has everything, he’s feeling pretty empty.

He could buy any car he wants. But no, he had to rent a piece-of-crap Chevy—which is now broken down on the side of the road. When he’s rescued by a sexy local, Brian does what he always does. Go for what he wants, even if it’s just temporary.

Evan Michaels stops to help because that’s what good guys do. He grew up in Mercury, eventually becoming minister of the local Unitarian church. Though everyone knows him, being gay and being in a gay relationship are two different things. He wants Brian, but their affair has to be secret or he can’t play.

When Evan unleashes his long-suppressed sexuality, Brian is more than up to handling the heat. Yet even though they fall hard for each other, it might take the whole town to convince them it’s a forever kind of love.

Warning: Contains an inexperienced minister, gay comic-book role play, dirty dancing in antebellum mansions, and some very naughty fireworks. Protective gear recommended.

CHERRY POP, the third book in the series, will be out on April 12.

It was supposed to be for fun. But there was forever in his kisses…

Mercury Rising, Book 3

Ben Heston is secretly glad his boss got a wild hair and dragged him to Mercury, North Carolina. He needed a change after a painful breakup. He never expected his boss to fall over-the-moon, putting-down-roots in love.

Ben has no intention of growing roots in Mercury, but one look at Tripp Lanier makes him consider delaying his departure. Too bad Tripp isn’t gay.

Tripp is next in line to take over the family construction business, yet he can’t shake the feeling something is missing. He and Ben share a sweet connection that fills up that empty space, and Tripp realizes the one fact everyone but him seemed to suspect until now. Tripp is gay.

In spite of himself, Ben begins to love all the things Tripp loves about Mercury—night trains and tall trees, family, friends, and sweet cherry pop. But just as he’s thinking he might be Tripp’s Mr. Right, his past breezes into town, bringing up old hurts and new fears, the one obstacle that might derail happily ever after…

Warning: Contains Good Old Boys, NASCAR references, a reluctant computer programmer, an enthusiastic gay virgin and gallons of sweet cherry pop. Nine out of ten dentists agree it could be dangerously romantic.

After CHERRY POP, look for releases this year in my Birmingham Rebels and 93^rd Highlanders series, and a new spin-off series called Friends of the Devil from my Regency Saint’s Devils series.

About the author:

Reviewers have called Samantha Kane “an absolute marvel to read,” and “one of historical romance’s most erotic and sensuous authors.”  Her books have been called “sinful,” “sensuous,” and “sizzling.” She is published in several romance genres including historical, contemporary and science fiction.  Her erotic Regency-set historical romances have won awards, including Best Historical from RWA’s erotic romance chapter Passionate Ink, and the Historical CAPA (best book) award from The Romance Studio.  She has a master’s degree in American History, and taught high school social studies for ten years before becoming a full time writer. Samantha Kane lives in North Carolina with her husband and three children.

http://samanthakane.us

http://twitter.com/skaneauthor

http://www.facebook.com/AuthorSamanthaKane

http://www.pinterest.com/kane2993

http://www.goodreads.com/SamanthaKane

Today the Liberty States Create Something Magical Conference Speaker Interview Series continues with author Tara Nina:

1. What made you want to become a writer?

From a very young age, I loved to read. I believe it was from the joy reading gave me that I was inspired to write. That and the voices inside my head became stronger as I grew older giving me two choices: Do as they said or Write it down and share it with the world. I chose the latter of the two evils.

2. Is there one piece of advice you would give an aspiring writer?

Join your local writers group. Learn everything they have to offer. Get involved with the author community and never stop learning the craft. It’s not about writing a story. It’s about creating a well-written tale.

3. If you could co-write a book with any author, dead or alive, who would it be?      This is a tough one. There are two that I’d love to have a chance to co-author with and continue on the path of better-written stories. If I had to choose I’d have to lean toward Heather Graham.

4. Who is on your bookshelf?

I have a wide variety of novels. I get lost in Heather Graham’s Krewe of Hunters series and wish to be devoured by Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark Hunters. The list after that is tremendous. I love to read local authors like Rayna Vause, Beth Ciotta, C.H.Admirand, Cris Anson, and Kathy Kulig. But that’s just the tip of the addiction. I have six bookshelves teaming with awesome authors in a multitude of genres.

5. Can you tell us about one of the most memorable moments in your writing career thus far?

I got Fan-Girled at RT in New Orleans—Twice!  First time it happened, I was with one of my best friends, author Cait Miller on a walking ghost tour. The guide knew an author convention was going on in town and asked if any of us were authors. He knew Cait was and she introduced me as author, Tara Nina. The lady beside me grabbed my arm and exclaimed, “You’re not the author of the Cursed MacKinnon’s are you?” Made my night because, yes I am.  The second time it happened, I was with Cait having coffee at the Starbucks in the hotel and a young lady came over asking if I was Tara Nina, because her mother gave her a list of authors she had to locate and I was one of them. Needless to say, Cait teased me about there being no living with me after all this happened. LOL. But it’s never happened again. That was my ‘fifteen minutes of fame’ so to speak.

6. Tell us about your newest release/current work in progress:

In November 2015, the sixth book in the Cursed MacKinnon’s series was released. It’s titled, Cursed and Crazy. The Cursed MacKinnon’s series is about seven brothers, who were turned to stone in 1740 Scotland and are being released by the women of their destinies in today’s world. Cursed and Crazy is Aiden and Masie’s story. Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place… Stone by day, man by night, it’s a curse that takes a little bit of crazy and a whole lot of love to conquer.

I have an upcoming release titled Cash’s Cherry. It’s about a man who makes the biggest mistake of his life by walking out on the one woman he can’t get off his mind. Cash Dupree wants a second chance with the voluptuous Cherry Adams, but first he has to find her. At the moment, the release date is TBD in 2016.

I’m also working on the sequel to my sci-fi novel Escape, which was included in the anthology, Alien. I’m striving for its completion and release in the early part of 2016.

Author Bio: 

Tara Nina creates in a variety of ranges from steamy hot to simmering sweet, which includes paranormals, contemporaries, suspense and sci-fi. She’s a Southerner living in the northern wilds of New Jersey complete with grown children, four dogs, six turtles and a mountain man for a husband.

She loves to hear from readers so feel free to contact her via email tara@taranina.com

Please don’t get discouraged if it takes a little while before she responds. Unfortunately, she hasn’t hit the lottery yet and has to work to battle the bills of home ownership. Being a full-time writer is on her bucket list and one day, she hopes to achieve that goal.

Join her Clan MacKinnon Fan Club/Newsletter for updates on what’s new and exciting in her world. http://taranina.com/join-the-clan/

Check out her website http://taranina.com

She is also available on the following media outlets:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaraNinaAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/taranina

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/taranina/

Today the Liberty States Create Something Magical Conference Speaker Interview Series continues with author Tina Gallagher:

1. What made you want to become a writer? I was always a voracious reader, and even as a child would create alternate endings to stories I’d read. I really got hooked on writing in middle school when my best friend and I would create scripts for our favorite soap opera couple. That’s when I started writing every day…it’s also when I got hooked on writing romance.

2. Is there one piece of advice you would give an aspiring writer? Never give up. Don’t let rejections get you down. It’s easier said than done, but it’s important to keep writing and perfecting your craft…eventually the right opportunity will present itself and it will all be worth it.

3. If you could co-write a book with any author, dead or alive, who would it be? That’s a tough one, so I’ll go with the person who first popped into my head when I read the question. Jonathan Maberry. He’s more productive than any writer I know and is a truly inspiring person. I’d love to learn from the master and hopefully a hint of his talent would absorb into me.  J

4. Who is on your bookshelf? Off the top of my head, aside from the classics I’ve had forever (Austen, Hardy, DuMaurier, etc.), off the top of my head, the authors whose books I keep are Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Rachel Gibson, Susan Andersen, Jennifer Crusie, Jill Shalvis, and Susan Mallery.

5. Can you tell us about one of the most memorable moments in your writing career thus far? The day I got “the call.” Well, it was actually an email, but it had the same outcome. I was at work and got an email from my editor at The Wild Rose Press offering me a contract on my first book, …And There Are Girls You Marry. I read the email three times before I was convinced it wasn’t a figment of my imagination. I hadn’t been at my job that long and no one at work knew about my writing habit. Still, I shared the news with the two girls in my office and they took me out to lunch to celebrate.

6. Tell us about your newest release/current work in progress. My latest release is called Prescription for Love, available at Amazon.

Kate Grady has a lot on her plate. She’s living by her father’s rules in order to patch their strained relationship and running the family pharmacy while said father heals his broken hip. His physical therapy doesn’t include breathing over her shoulder but he manages to do it anyway.

Then in walks John O’Brien, the boy next door. The very sexy, seven years younger boy next door. The last time she’d seen him, he’d been a gangly, gawky boy with thick glasses. Oh how he’s grown. Can Kate look past their age difference to appreciate the man John has become? how he’s grown. Can Kate look past their age difference to appreciate the man John has become?

About the author:

Tina Gallagher wears many hats.  She’s a wife, mother, author, and editor…and that doesn’t even include her day job.

After graduating from the University of Scranton with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Tina worked a spectrum of jobs ranging from cake decorator to project administrator and discovered her true passion in writing.  In-between her day job and spending time with her family, she manages to fit in time to write romance novels as well as magazine articles.

Tina lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.

Website: www.tina-gallagher.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tina.gallagher.31

Twitter: @TinaGWrites

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-gallagher-5101782