Sandra Sookoo Paranormal Romance Author

Romantic Journey welcomes paranormal romance author Sandra Sookoo! Multi-published, Sandra’s take on paranormal is a fresh break from the usual darkness. Here’s your chance to get to know her and check out her stories.

1. How did you first get published?

It was during a period of time when rejections were plentiful from both publishers and agents alike. I had convinced myself that being an author was an insane dream but I still had submissions out there. Simultaneously during Thanksgiving week last year, I was offered a contract for two short stories. Things pretty much took off from there and I haven’t stopped since. I can’t wait to see where 2010 takes me.

2. Do you have another job – what is it?

I do not have a job. I was laid off from the real estate industry and decided that since we could handle life (barely) on hubby’s paycheck, I’d work on my writing full time. In 2010, I might need to go back to work at least part time, but we’ll see. Until then, I’m learning everything I can about writing and how to make my work better. I wouldn’t change a thing about the past few years. One step closer to the dream.

3. Who’s your fantasy man? If it’s not a particular person, then what blend of qualities do you appreciate?

Hmm, that’s a tough question. I don’t that there’s one specific person, but I like these qualities in a guy: honesty, humor, loyalty, the ability to take care of his woman and lay down the law occasionally even if he knows his woman’s really the one in charge

4. Are you a chest or buns woman?

Totally the chest, especially with a bit of a furry mat. It’s pretty darned sexy.

5. If you were stranded on a desert island, what two things would you need with you?

A big pile of money and some sort of device that will connect me to the nearest passing ship to get me the heck home (which is where the money comes in to secure the pick up)! I’m not a nature girl and being stranded is way worse than camping.

6. Did you have a certain song or inspiration that prompted this book?

Yup. A good friend suggested I write a story about a firefighter, but what really sent it over the top was Elvis’s song “Burning Love”, the version sung by Wynona. That’s when I decided to put a paranormal twist in the story. I hope it was a good gamble.

Blurb: Darren Kaestle wants nothing more than to do his job. Putting out fires and keeping the community safe is his idea of a good time until he finds an unconscious woman in an abandoned house fire. Only then does he get a glimpse of her paranormal abilities.

Hadyn Bernson has harbored anger and fear deep inside herself until it manifests in a rare phenomena. She can burst into flames whenever her emotions get out of control, and they threaten to do just that when she opens her eyes and finds a sexy firefighter staring back.

Together, these two people from opposite ends of the spectrum must find a way to settle their differences and quench the flames inside before the real terror of a dangerous blaze ends one, or both, of their lives.

Excerpt

“Ma’am, can you hear me?” Unwinding a green scarf from her head, masses of wavy red hair tumbled into his gloved hands. “Ma’am, are you hurt?” He yanked off his helmet, throwing it to the ground and did the same with the heavy gloves. He brushed his fingers over her cheeks, which were cool to the touch, and streaked with soot. “Talk to me.” Darren leaned closer and put an ear to her chest. Her heartbeat was strong and steady. Nothing like he would have expected from a woman who’d just been through a traumatic fire. He lifted his head, scanned the area for the EMTs “Medic!”

Relief surged through him as effective as a rush of air conditioning when she stirred. He always hated losing at the rescue game. Nothing crushed his spirit more than reaching a body and realizing they were dead upon arrival. When her gaze met his, it pinned him in depths so blue he could almost feel their coolness.

Time slowed down for him in that one moment, and it seemed that destiny barreled into him with the force of a Mack truck. He felt as if his entire life had been training for this moment, but he couldn’t explain why.

He shot to his feet when a couple EMTs arrived, jostling for position around the woman.

“Move Kaestle. We need to work.”

“She’s fine, no smoke inhalation, and no burns, just exhausted. Better keep an eye on her just in case.”

“Yeah, we got it. You did your job now let us do ours.”

Prick.

As he gazed down at her face, saw the splash of freckles over her cheeks and nose, he made a spur of the moment decision. Like the gut instincts that had saved his life countless times during countless jobs, that same unexplainable feeling told him this woman needed his help. He didn’t understand it, but there was no way in hell he would ignore it either.

Kneeling down, regardless of the annoyed looks from the medical personnel, he smoothed the sweaty hair back from her forehead. “What’s your name?” The pale flesh of her exposed midriff as her tank top rode up drew his gaze. He quelled the urge to touch her with less than professional attachment. Not appropriate, Kaestle. “Any identification?”

One of the EMT workers shook his head. “Nope.”

Darren frowned as his gaze raked the legs of her snug jeans. “What’s your name?” This time, his request was more forceful.

“Hadyn Bernson”

“Hi, Hadyn. I’m Darren. You’re gonna be just fine.”

Her fingers gripped his arm so hard he could feel them dig into his skin through the heaviness of his coat. “Please don’t take me to the hospital. They won’t understand what I am.” Her lips twitched as if she intended to smile, but then her eyelids fluttered closed and she fainted with a tiny sigh.

The first emergency worker detached her fingers from his arm. “Sorry, sir, we have to get her to the hospital now.”

“Sure. Sorry.” Darren stepped out of the way as the EMTs lifted her body onto a stretcher. “Which one? Which hospital?” Once he had the vital information, he nodded and promised himself he would drop by for a visit. He wanted to know why she was so adamant that she not end up under professional care.

Visit Sandra Sookoo on the Internet:

Website: http://www.sandrasookoo.com

Publisher website: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com

Personal blog: http://sandrasookoo.wordpress.com/
Group blogs: http://paranormalromantics.blogspot.com/
http://embracetheshadows.wordpress.com/

Guest Interview with Romance Writer Mima

Today, we welcome Mima, who has published quite a few Bonded Fantasies stories with Liquid Silver, including her most recent release Spirit Within.

Her final purpose was to save him. The slave woman never flinched from releasing the hawk in her care. If the only way out was to become a darkmage, then that’s what she’d do. Her entire goal was his freedom. When her goal was achieved, she was left nameless, tainted, lost.

The hawk named Tydus endured believing he must reveal the darkness’s hidden depths to his people. The slave who cared for him became his partner, one he wouldn’t leave behind. When he finally stood free of his chains, he looked down to recognize his mate … and a darkmage.

Friends help them find a way back to civilization, but no one who hasn’t lived through what they did can understand it. Clinging to each other, their connection saves their sanity. Struggling to shed the emotional poison they were infected with, they discover passion can transcend fear. In order to heal, there can be no lies between them, especially in bed. He thinks it’s his task to heal her, but she knows what he’s hiding.

How does a shattered woman face a dominant man’s needs?

How does a guilty man fight through his wounded woman’s fear?

Hope born in darkness glows brighter from the shadows.

Romantic Journey: How did you first get published?

Mima: I suppose you could say I took my courage in both hands and researched some epublishers and went for it. Tina Burns at Liquid Silver contracted my first story, Wild Within, and the Bonded Fantasies were born.

RJ: Do you have another job? If so, what is it?

M: I’m a children’s librarian in a public school. I adore my day job. I laugh all day long, in between challenging students to discover new facts and books.

RJ: How does a typical work day unfold? Do you clean first or write first? How do you let your family know when you are in serious writing mode?

M: Up at 7, half hour drive through beautiful country to work. Talk to the kids about their gerbils and how cool tanks are, lead some reading workshops where kids blow me away with their thinking about stories, guide creative and nonfiction writing lessons, or instruct research lessons with some new technology like jing and pebblego. I’m often at work until 5 or 6.

Home and visit Romance Divas, a writer’s forum, and either read, write, or edit for a few hours. I can write with a certain level of filth, yes. My husband gets home at 9. On the weekends, we often assign “cave time” where we’re each on our own doing our own thing, but since it’s the only time I get to see him, it’s hard to write on the weekends. Sometimes he’ll try to talk to me when I’m at my desk in a scene and I’ll just say, “Can’t talk.” He’s generally supportive, except at 2am on work days.

RJ: What are your five favorite books? What lessons have you applied from them to your own writing?

M:

1. Jayne Ann Krentz/Castle/Quick. She’s not a book you say? Well, her stories are like potato chips to me. I can’t stop. No one does dialogue like Ms. Krentz. I reread her stories to study how she can do characterization in three words or less.
2. I just recently finished The Flame and the Shadow by Denise Rossetti. It had been a very long time since I was bowled over by a story. I laid down after I finished it and just… savored. It is a genre mashup, the kind that first drew me to epub, the kind that made me pick up my pen, and the kind I have very, very rarely seen in mainstream press. It has made me reconsider my opinion of my place in NY publishing.
3. Voices in the Park by Anthony Browne. It’s a brilliant, simple, direct depiction of deep POV. Every year I teach it, it rejuvenates my desire to get into characters’ heads. When I write, I’m not me. I’m them.
4. Humor is hard. I do better with sex and emo so when I read funny, I’m always curious how the author pulled that off. Stephanie Plum novels really rock my world because they bring together characterization, wit, and situational humor. I especially remember Lean Mean Thirteen. I can picture myself on my porch, laughing until my face hurt and my cat ran away from my flailing limbs.
5. Fox by Margaret Wild and Ron Brooks. It’s the most heart breaking romance. I adore it. I’ve read it every week for three months. I can’t get it out of my mind. I’m always reminding myself not to be too nice to my characters.

RJ: Are you a chest or buns woman?

M: Buns if I had to pick, but thighs, actually.

RJ: Who’s your fantasy man?

M: I’m pretty crazy in love and lust with my guy. However, Viggo pretty much lights up my world. He’s a total package.

If your ship were sinking and you could grab one thing on the way to the lifeboat, what would it be? Go on instinct here; don’t let common sense interfere with you as you grab your hairdryer or laptop instead of food to take to the desert island.

M: (mima is laughing at jen. hairdryers on boats? really?) I’m a practical person. My first grab, if it wasn’t my people, would be a life jacket since I wouldn’t be wearing one (lifelong boater). Now if the boat was my home, and I was trying to save my most precious possession that wouldn’t be ruined by water… probably my jewelry case. I’m a girly girl and I’ve got good taste. I have some damn fine jewelry. But this question reminds me of one of my favorite movies: Waterworld. There’s not a whole lot that would be possible to take with you on the long slog to shore. When your ship goes down, you’re pretty much sunk.

RJ: Thanks again for stopping by, Mima. It was great getting to know you and your stories.

Readers, you can find out more about Mima’s Bonded Fantasies and other stories at her website.

Our Christmas Gift to You: An Interview with Debbie Mumford and a Contest

We’ve got another contest for you this Christmas. Debbie Mumford stopped by to tell us a little about herself. And, she has agreed to give one lucky reader a copy of The Silver Casket.

Cat Logan, a young American with a recent degree in medieval literature, travels to Scotland to discover her roots. She finds more than she bargained for when a mysterious silver casket (rumored to hold the desiccated heart of a long dead Scottish laird) transports her back in time to the 1400s and the man whose heart she holds in her hands.

Romantic Journey: Thanks for taking a few minutes out of your holiday preparation to chat with us. How did you first get published?

Debbie Mumford: My first published piece was a children’s story in an ezine. I actually published several short stories in online venues before I found Freya’s Bower. Credit for that connection goes to Romance Divas! I joined RD, and a couple of weeks later saw an announcement of a new e-publisher that was asking for writing samples. I sent one in and was contacted in a matter of hours. Talk about thrilling!

Freya’s Bower asked me to write two related short stories to help them launch. After that, I submitted a novella, Sorcha’s Heart, and the rest is history.

RJ: Do you have another job? If so, what is it?

DM: Well, I did until the current recession hit *sigh* I’ve been a technical writer in the land use / land planning field.

RJ: How does a typical work day unfold? Do you clean first or write first? How do you let your family know when you are in serious writing mode?

DM: When I was employed, I got up at 5:30 a.m., wrote for an hour, and then prepared for my day at the office. Now my schedule is a bit more relaxed, but I’m still a morning writer. I prefer to get my pages done before I move on to other things.

RJ: What is the biggest blooper you’ve written?

DM: Oh! My first published novel, Second Sight, was a nightmare. I wrote it during NaNoWriMo one year, and almost gave up on it before it was in marketable condition. I have my Freya’s Bower editor to thank for its continued existence. If she hadn’t encouraged and poked and prodded, I’d’ve given up on the sucker.

RJ: And what line that you’ve written continues to amaze you?

DM: I love this one from near the end of a YA book my agent is currently shopping:

Being bodiless, I was beyond the rush of chemicals we understand as emotion, but I watched with sublime awe as the dragon who had taught me to accept myself transformed into the faery I would have loved.

RJ: What are your five favorite books? What lessons have you applied from them to your own writing?

DM: Oh, wow. You’re limiting me to five?

1. Any of the Pern novels by Anne McCaffrey – I love dragons and Anne taught me that they could be intelligent, caring, and heroic. [RJ: Look for a photo of Debbie with Anny McCaffrey--also one of my formative writers--on her website.]
2. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien – Tolkien taught me that faery stories aren’t just for children, that fantasy is ageless.
3. The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling – Rowling taught me to accept the magic in my soul.
4. White Lies by Linda Howard – one of her early romances that caught my heart and taught me to love the romance genre.
5. Any of Nora Roberts’ fantasy trilogies – Nora has taught me many things, but I love how she manages to blend fantasy with romance in a contemporary setting. Amazing.

Yes, I know. I cheated. That’s a lot more than five books, but honestly! I was a reader long before I was a writer.

RJ: The Silver Casket includes time travel. What drew you to the concept of time travel? What inspired the love story?

DM: I love time travel stories. I think the first one I ever read was “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” by Mark Twain.

I love them when the heroine is taken back in time, as she is in The Silver Casket, and I love them when the hero comes forward in time, as in the movie Kate & Leopold. The imbalance in societal values and general knowledge of the world provides such wonderful intrinsic conflict. I’d always wanted to try my hand at one.

As to the love story, well…that one is pure wish fulfillment!

RJ: Christmas-themed romance stories—love them or leave them?

DM: Who doesn’t love a romance involving snow, and holiday lights, and warm, cozy nights curled in front of a crackling fire? I like romance at any time of the year!

RJ: If your ship were sinking and you could grab one thing on the way to the lifeboat, what would it be? Go on instinct here; don’t let common sense interfere with you as you grab your hairdryer or laptop instead of food to take to the desert island.

DM: My laptop, of course! Who cares that the battery will die in hours? I’m sure my own personal Robinson Crusoe will figure out a way to power it once we reach the desert island. I’m nothing if not optimistic!

RJ: Thanks again, Debbie. It was great findingout more about you and your work.

Okay, readers, now for the fun part. Here’s how to enter the random drawing for a copy of The Silver Casket:

• Commenting on this post.
• Tweeting a link to this post in Twitter. You’ll need to comment letting us know that you tweeted. Include your Twitter username for verification.
• Posting a link on Facebook. Again, comment letting us know that you posted the link.
• Following The Romantic Journey in the Facebook Networked Blogs application.
• Adding The Romantic Journey to your blogroll. Comment that you did that and include a link for verification.
• Posting something about The Romantic Journey on your blog. Comment that you did it and include a link for verification.
• Subscribing to the RSS feed or email feed. Comment that you did it to be entered.
• Following The Romantic Journey on Twitter. Again, comment with your Twitter username for verification.

You receive one entry for each action, so you can potentially receive eight entries.

The winner will be announced 2 January. Entry deadline is 11:59 p.m. UTC on 1 January, 2010.

No transfers or substitutions.

What’s the Highest Compliment You Can Give a Book?

I’ve heard a number of authors claim that they would rather have their books elicit a love/hate response from their readers than get a warm, bland reaction all around. Other authors claim they don’t care what the public outcry is, as long as their books sell. Still others crave pure, overwhelming appreciation from the masses (okay, maybe we all want that…).

The truth is, there is no way to get a unified response to a book. Readers are as diverse as snowflakes, and there is simply no way to please everyone. Whether you prefer plot-driven books with plenty of action or slow and steady romances that are all about overcoming emotional barriers, there are enough writers – and readers – for just about everything.

As both a writer and a reader, I find myself in an interesting position when it comes to enjoying fiction. I’m pickier, certainly, than when I was just a reader – not only because I don’t have as much time as I used to, but also because I know how to better appreciate a writer who is really good at his or her craft. I’m also much more analytical when it comes to plot. I can tell when the writer has really thought out all the winding details of a complicated plot versus when he or she has simply tried to make everything fit, logic and reason be damned. It can be difficult to get past poor writing or poor conflict, and I have been known set aside books after a few pages if I just can’t get past these issues.

Sometimes, though, these issues don’t matter at all. And that’s what, in my mind, makes a book great.

I recently finished The Help by Kathryn Stockett and Talk Me Down by Victoria Dahl. I read each one within a span of 24 hours, and wholly neglected things like my own writing, housework, and parenting in order to do so. Both books sucked me in from almost the first page, telling the story almost effortlessly, toying with my heartstrings without me even realizing they were doing it. They were good books, period.

Looking back, however, I can find several issues that should bother me about them. I didn’t necessarily like the way the ending played out in The Help (some farcical humor and too many perfectly tied loose ends), and there was your standard sexually-obsessed supervillain in Talk Me Down that has become just too gimmicky in the romance world for my tastes.

But you know what? I don’t care.

Both books transported me to a different world long enough for me to turn my critical eye off; I skimmed over sections that might not have been as strong as the rest of the book and went along with silly plot devices for as long as I needed to. And that, to me, is the highest compliment of all. If a book can get this writer to turn off her inner critic long enough to just enjoy the ride, that’s a pretty darn good book.

What about you? As a reader or a writer, what is it that make you sigh, clutch the book to your chest, and just beam for a few minutes while you soak in the happily ever after?

Get to Know Erotic Romance Writer Jeanne St. James

Today, we welcome Jeanne St. James, whose most recent book, m/m romance Rip Cord, is available now.

Gil Davis had hated high school. Ever the geek, he had no intentions of attending his 10th year class reunion. The last thing he wants is to relive the taunting and teasing he received during his teenage years. However there is one thing he missed from high school: the star Varsity football player. The one he had a crush on since the first day he laid his eyes on him. But the last thing he expects is the now pro football player to come back to their home town to attend a lame high school reunion. Known as the Bad Boy of the NFL, Ripley “Rip” Cord, not only shows up, but shows up without a date and an eye for Gil.

Romantic Journey: Thanks for joining us today, Jeanne. How did you first get published?

Jeanne St. James: Blood, sweat and tears. No, seriously, I just finally started submitting my work. It was that simple for me. So far I’ve submitted three books to three different publishers and all three got contracted in about a six month period. I feel that I am lucky that my work was so well received.

RJ: What led you to electronic publishing rather than print?

JSJ: I was too intimidated to submit to print publishers. I liked the way the erotic romance genre has really grown. And epublishers have opened up a lot of opportunities to us writers. There seems to be limited spots for print publishers. Also, I figure epublishing is the wave of the future.

RJ: Do you have another job? If so, what is it?

JSJ: Yes, I work full-time as an emergency dispatcher. I plan on eventually writing full-time though. I’m heading that direction.

RJ: How does a typical writing day unfold? Do you clean first or write first? How do you let your family know when you are in serious writing mode?

JSJ: Actually I don’t clean or write first. I get on my computer and do my favorite hobby in the morning while I drink my coffee… sweepstaking (yes, I’m a sweepaholic) AND then I go to work second shift. And THEN I write (at work or at home after work or on my days off).

RJ: What are your five favorite books? What lessons have you applied from them to your own writing?

JSJ: I’ll mention three Laura Kinsale’s books: Flowers from the Storm, The Prince of Midnight, and The Shadow and the Star. I actually like all her books. And I’ll mention two Katherine Sutcliffe books: Fire in the Heart and Shadow Play. I like all her books, too.

With those two authors, I learned that I really like dark romances with damaged heroes or heroines. So I try to incorporate those types of characters into my books in one way or another.

RJ: Are you a chest or buns gal?

JSJ: Oh, I have to pick one? Then I am a buns man. Nothing like a nice ass on a man. My husband is a runner and he has a really nice rear end.

RJ: Who’s your fantasy man?

JSJ: I have a few. But really for the complete package I like Mike Rowe (from “Dirty Jobs” and “Deadliest Catch”). He’s sexy, has a great voice, and has a great sense of humor. Not to mention he is very successful.

RJ: If your ship were sinking and you could grab one thing on the way to the lifeboat, what would it be? Go on instinct here; don’t let common sense interfere with you as you grab your hairdryer or laptop instead of food to take to the desert island.

JSJ: My iPhone. So I can Twitter updates from the deserted island, as well as check my email because I’m obsessed with checking my email (sorry to say). And my Facebook account… And I can’t live with out Internet!

RJ: Jeanne, again, thank you for stopping by today and telling us a little more about you.

Readers, Find out more about Jeanne, her other current release, Banged Up, and her forthcoming story, Double Dare at her website. Also, connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and her blog.

Interview with Internet Dating Diva Rachel Goodchild

Today, we welcome Rachel Goodchild, an author and journalist who just released Eighty-Eight Dates, a great book on dating in the Internet age.

Internet dating.  Everyone’s doing it.  Maybe even you?

Whether it’s to find true love, a bit of romance or just a good time, using a computer to connect with other people is now part of everyday life.

The hilarious, painfully embarrassing and poignant stories in this book with remind you to be prepared to kiss a few frogs before you meet the perfect internet date.  But the commonsense dating guidelines will help you avoid disasters.

Eighty-Eight Dates is a fun collection of anecdotes and advice for anyone interested in what it’s really like to date online.

Romantic Journey: Hi, Rachel. Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to stop by and say hello.

I’ve just finished reading Eighty Eight Dates and loved it! It’s scary, funny, downright bizarre in some places and also has a few of those Awww! moments when people met that special somebody they were looking for. It’s also a very practical book full of tips and advice, can you tell us what prompted you to write a book on the do’s and don’ts of Internet Dating?

Could you tell us how you carried out the research for EED including one of your own stories – which are hilarious.

Rachel Goodchild: I researched heavily for six months. I like to think I was taking one for the team I personally went out with over fifty guys in a six month period. The worst moment was when I got banned from one dating site for “researching” and I lost three months of emails! Had to start again.

I just did my taxes–do you know how awesome it is to have a dating service as a tax deduction? I went out with both nice and weird people to help men and women everywhere!

RJ: What’s the worst date you’ve ever been on?

RG: Definitely the one with the guy who was really rude to me about our different political views, then, when I said I didn’t ever “put out” on the first date he said he wouldn’t be paying for dinner then and did I know any girls who DO put out on the first date?!

RJ: If you weren’t a writer what would be your ideal occupation?

RG: I’m doing all my ideal occupations- I believe life is too short to not just give it all a bit of a shot!

RJ: Are you writing anything new at the moment? If so, can you tell us about it?

RG: I’m writing a few things. The big two are two books filled with the best advice our parents gave us. I’m planning to release them next year- and all my royalties are going to go to a charity I fully endorse- Shine (www.2shine.org.nz) which helps families experiencing domestic violence.

RJ: Besides writing books, do you have a job? Hobbies?

RG: I have a pile! I am a mum to three amazing girls who are creative and clever and busy! I raise them by myself and love it.

I freelance write for magazines, do a little PR, write my blog askrachel.co.nz, and advice for The Radio Chick website, am the relationships specialist on TVNZ’s website and present a relationships segment on Breakfast with Paul Henry.

I also work in the educational field and provide professional development to Early Childhood Teachers. I also write educational books.

Hmm guess I could have summed this up with- “yep” huh?

Hobbies- reading, walking, food and socialising. love my life nearly all the time!

RJ: What’s the worst/weirdest job you’ve ever had?

RG: Worst was washing windows when seven months pregnant with our third child as we were so unbearably poor. But I fed my kids!

RJ: We know you have a Facebook page, can you give the readers the links to any social networks you have?

I have a facebook fan page (Rachel Goodchild), a twitter account (@rgoodchild), and a blog/website www.askrachel.co.nz.

RJ: How do you juggle your career as a writer with your career as a journalist – do you have a routine? Or fly by the seat of your pants?

RG: I fly by the seat of my pants a bit. I love being busy. I actually like getting up and working between 3-6am, then taking most of the day off to be a mum.

RJ: How do you let your family know when you are in serious writing mode?

RG: If I’m busy I tend to create a writing bunker in my bedroom and come out to throw food together, pass around a few kisses and take kids to school. They actually love what they do- probably because they don’t know anything else! My nine year old has just started her own website www.littlemisspinkhair.co.nz and she wants to work in a creative industry.

My job gives me time where I’m not really in a “good mummy” mood but it also gives me so much flexibility to be a mum when they need it too

RJ: What is the biggest blooper you’ve ever written?

RG: My first book with Penguin- I listed someone’s age and a few other pieces wrong. I was mortified. I was really careful with Mountain Men and the stories in Eighty Eight Dates were anonymous- phew!

RJ: And what line that you’ve written continues to amaze you? This can be in a bad or good way – we really don’t mind.

RG: Oh I really don’t know! I don’t tend to re-read my work once it’s published!

RJ: Are you a chest or buns woman? Please give examples of an ideal chest or set of buns and marks out of ten. We will include a photo if possible, purely for educational/illustrative purposes.

RG: Ha ha GORGEOUS. I am probably neither.

I like men with a certain sparkle in their eye. For that reason, the men I go for tend to be extremely creative, clever, witty, and fun.

Hmm ok- I do like chests better- but not too muscly.

RJ: Who’s your fantasy man?

RG: Ha ha. My type is pretty well the same over and over again. Simply enough, it’s tall, dark, and handsome. But more often than not he’s also really creative, a bit directionless, very witty, and probably not as ambitious as me. He’s best unshaven, and he’s someone I deeply deeply avoid at all costs now. See that type now and I run in the opposite direction. Still gets my heart pumping however

RJ: If your life were ever made into a movie, which actress would you like to play you? Why?

RG: Oh, Catherine Zeta Jones, of course. (And I would look so hot!)

RJ: If your ship were sinking and you could grab one thing on the way to the lifeboat, what would it be? Go on instinct here; don’t let common sense interfere as you grab your hairdryer or laptop instead of food to take to the desert island.

RG: Cellphone. Can still check my email and tweet for 24 hours. But let’s be honest, it’s going to be glued to my hand anyway, so I’m going with sunscreen–there are far worse things than a few months alone on a desert island!

RJ: Thanks, Rachel for answering our questions. Best of luck with your writing–we expect to hear from you when your next book comes out!

Congratulations to the Winner of Insatiable by Roxanne Rhoads

Our friends at random.org selected Tracey D., who said

Thanks for the interview; it was great.

Tracey, Check your email for download instructions from Roxanne.

Everyone else, thanks for visiting and for entering the contest!

The Orphaned Novel

You will probably find that there are as many writing processes as there are writers. We all have different personalities, needs, time expectations, and goals. But, you will find a common thread among many writers: the book they never finished.

Some people quit because they lost faith in the project. Others because a new shiny idea came about and made the previous book seem boring and stupid in comparison. Still others just let other priorities get in the way.

I have the dream project I plan to start once I finish my current WIPs. Yes, I have two, a 25,000-word piece and a full-length novel that needs some serious revision. The dream project was my first idea, but it is so special to me that I have been putting it off until I feel like I can really do it right.

I mentioned the serious revision work my WIP novel needs. Thankfully, author Roz Morris has released her book Nail Your Novel as a free download. I downloaded a copy, and I plan to use it to guide my revisions.

Writers, share your story of the book you never finished. What stopped you? Will you ever pick it up again?

Interview with Erotica Writer Rob Graham

Today, we welcome erotica writer Rob Graham. We hope you’ll enjoy hearing a male perspective on our world of romance–I know we did.

His most recent release is Breaking the Covenants, a tale about a vampire coupling that could lead to all-out vampire civil war.

Romantic Journey: Rob, thanks for joining us today. We’re excited to get to know a little more about you and your work. How did you first get published?

Rob Graham: That depends on how you describe ‘first’.

The first piece I signed, called Discovery, was what I call ‘a quick piece of smut’. It had been up at Literotica for a while when I heard that Phaze was publishing a set of what are known as HeatSheets. Discovery fit into the criteria they were looking for so I submitted it. And it was accepted. That made me smile big, let me tell you.

The first one that hit the market was In The Dark, a collection of short stories and novellas centered around a vampire by the name of Georges Belleveau. I was at a chat promoting Discovery when the publisher of Aspen Mountain Press, Sandra Hicks, mentioned she was looking for vampire stories. So I threw the stories together and sent them off. Sandra really liked them and sent me the contract the next day. That led to some more big smiles.

RJ: Do you have another job? If so, what is it?

RG: I’m on the disabled list I’m afraid, so my time is my own.

RJ: How does a typical work day unfold? How do you let your family know when you are in serious writing mode?

RG: My day is kind of backwards from most people’s. Morning is my slow time. I hang out on line, shower, have breakfast and play games in no particular order. I usually do my promoting in the morning. I’ve got a system where I can do ten Yahoo loops in as many minutes.

After lunch is when I usually write. Brainstorming and research falls under the writing category. I’ll usually take a walk as well.

After dinner will be a little more writing and then I spend a while on the phone with the woman I love.

I’ve got some roommates but we keep to ourselves so I don’t have to inform any one of what I’m up to.

RJ: What is the biggest blooper you’ve written?

RG: According to Mrs. Giggles it was a story I wrote called Buzz Me. *wink*

RJ: It definitely sounds as if there is a story there.

What are your five favorite books? What lessons have you applied from them to your own writing?

RG: Do I have to pick just five? Because I have quite a few authors I love to read again and again. An author is the main reason I’ll pick up a book.

These days my favorite author is Jim Butcher, the guy that wrote the Harry Dresden books. I love those stories. The world building is wonderful and there are so many good characters in them. That’s something I appreciate and try to put into my own writing.

I also love Alan Moore who wrote Watchmen and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. He showed that great stories aren’t limited to genre. So a lot of my work is hard to categorize.

RJ: I couldn’t help but notice that you are a little different than most of the writers we feature here—you are a dude. How did you get into the field? What joys and challenges have you experienced working in such a female-dominated genre?

RG: Well, I had been hanging around Literotica for a while, for just the reasons you suspect. I noticed one day that they had a forum there and I surfed over to it. I ended up in a place called The Author’s Hangout where, you guessed it, authors who had stories posted on Lit hung out. I ended up staying. They were all smart, articulate people that it was a lot of fun to spend time with.

But I wasn’t an author, and I felt a bit guilty about that. So I wrote a story I called Fatima, after the main character in it. I posted it on Lit and it was well received. Best of all my fellow writers on the AH had nice things to say about it.

I enjoyed the experience so much I continued writing. It was fun.

I hadn’t considered trying to be published until I entered a story into Literotica’s Halloween 2005 contest. That story was Abyss and the first of my Georges Belleveau stories. It won. A good trick considering that there were over 160 entries and some were by very good writers. That made up my mind for me and I started looking for publishers.

You can find Fatima in my anthology Gillian’s Place and Abyss in In The Dark, both available from Aspen Mountain Press.

As far as joys go, I’m glad this is a female-dominated genre. I like women better than my own gender. The biggest challenge is being taken seriously. A lot of people don’t think a man can write romance or erotica.

RJ: If they made a movie of your life, who would play you and the important people in your life?

RG: My life’s too boring to be made into a movie. *wink*

RJ: How about if Breaking the Covenants were filmed? Do you have any dream actors or actresses in mind?

RG: Hmmmm. I think Paul Newman, from forty years ago, would be great as Ritter Gunther von Wittershiem.

My choice for Lady Marguerite Giffard would be Vivien Leigh. That’s appropriate as she played Emma Hamilton and Lady Hamilton was my co-author, Celina Summers’, inspiration for Marguerite. The woman I love thinks that Anne Hathaway could play the part well.

Alphonse de Brunel would be performed by Basil Rathbone. He always made a great villain.

Grigori Volkonsky would be best played by Gary Oldman. He’s done great vampires in the past and he does exceptional villains as well.

Augustin Calmet would be played by Werner Stocker. He had the part of an immortal holy man in the Highlander series and would make a great vampire monk.

The best actor for the role of Marcellin Dautin would Johnny Depp. Mr. Depp would bring just the right tone of debonair power to the role.

Cool questions. Thanks for this opportunity.

RJ: Thank you, Rob. We enjoyed having you.

Interview and Giveaway with Erotica Writer Roxanne Rhoads

Today, we welcome erotic writer Roxanne Rhoads, who is supporting her new release Insatiable from Eternal Press.

Insatiable tells the story of Scarlett, a small town girl whose sexual appetites drive her to the big city where she will be more accepted. In her search for new sexual adventures, Scarlett finds Marcello, a man who could offer her more than just sexual pleasure.

And, Roxanne is giving away one copy to a lucky reader; contest details appear after the interview.

Romantic Journey: Thanks for joining us today, Roxanne. How did you first get published?

Roxanne Rhoads: My very first publication came before I even finished high school. Two poems I wrote were submitted to a local magazine by my writing teacher and they were published. Since then writing has been a part of my life.

My first professional erotica story was accepted by Playgirl Magazine and that gave me the courage and confidence to write in this genre. That was in 2005.

RJ: You mentioned that your first erotic story was published in Playgirl, which is now an online only publication that focuses mainly on pictorial spreads rather than editorial pieces. How have you handle the market shifts in erotic publishing? How do you find new markets?

RR: I just try to stay up to date with what magazines and sites close and which ones open. I am always on the look out for new markets, new publications to write for. I just go with the flow. If you can’t adapt you won’t make it.

RJ: Do you have another job? If so, what is it?

RR: Wife, mother, book keeper, house cleaner — all the jobs that come with being the woman and CEO of a household. Plus I own and operate a small family business, but everything is from home. Writing is the one business I focus most on these days.

RJ: How would a typical work day unfold? Do you clean first or write first? How do you let your family know when you are in serious writing mode?

RR: I get the older kids off for school, get the younger one fed and settled in then work for a bit, then shower, eat lunch, clean house, then go back to writing. That’s a basic day unless I have an appointment or something. I also usually go back to writing after dinner.

RJ: What are your five favorite books? What lessons have you applied from them to your own writing?

RR: I have way too many favorite books. Right now the whole Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost and the Southern Witch series by Kimberly Frost.

Jeaniene does fight scenes so well, and Cat is just so rough around the edges it is endearing and Bones…well I love Bones. I love the way those two characters interact.

In Kimberly Frost’s southern witch series, she injects so much Texas wit and charm along with humor that it is a very winning combo, completely magical. I wish I could make characters jump off the page like she can.

RJ: Are you a chest or buns woman?

RR: I’m actually an arms and abs woman. Though I love a nice set of buns on a guy, who doesn’t love a great butt?

RJ: Who’s your fantasy man?

RR: Tom Welling from Smallville. OMG. Tall, beautiful, dark hair, blue eyes…he’s so damn hawt.

RJ: Definitely a good choice! Now for the last question: If your ship were sinking and you could grab one thing on the way to the lifeboat, what would it be? Go on instinct here; don’t let common sense interfere with you as you grab your hairdryer or laptop instead of food to take to the desert island.

RR: My laptop and I’d pray for wifi. LOL.

RJ: Thanks, Roxanne. It was great getting to know about you and your work.

Readers, you can keep up with Roxanne’s new releases by following her on Twitter or checking her out on MySpace.

Okay, now for the details on our contest. Roxanne is giving away a PDF download of Insatiable to one lucky reader. Here’s how to enter the random drawing:

• Commenting on this post.
• Tweeting a link to this post in Twitter. You’ll need to comment letting us know that you tweeted. Include your Twitter username for verification.
• Posting a link on Facebook. Again, comment letting us know that you posted the link.
• Following The Romantic Journey in the Facebook Networked Blogs application.
• Adding The Romantic Journey to your blogroll. Comment that you did that and include a link for verification.
• Posting something about The Romantic Journey on your blog. Comment that you did it and include a link for verification.
• Subscribing to the RSS feed or email feed. Comment that you did it to be entered.
• Following The Romantic Journey on Twitter. Again, comment with your Twitter username for verification.

You receive one entry for each action, so you can potentially receive eight entries.

The winner will be announced 18 December. Entry deadline is 11:59 p.m. UTC on 17 December, 2009.

No transfers or substitutions.