Mac Rome, Author with Midnight Frost Books!

Today on the blog, I'd like to welcome fellow Crimson Frost/Midnight Frost author, Mac Rome!

Mac's written several short stories, one of which I have the privilege to read, 11th Month Inn. 

It was a great take on the months of the year! My review can be found here.

Thanks for being today Mac!

Thanks to Lillie for giving me the chance to share this blog post.

“Where do your characters come from?”

“Are your characters based on anybody in your life?”

“What is the inspiration for your characters?”

I’m never entirely sure how to answer such questions. I never set out to base characters on anyone, although I sometimes find I’ve written aspects of a person into them. (That’s especially true of my wife. Pieces of her personality or elements of her mannerisms have a way of getting written into my work without my realizing it.)

“Who’s your favorite character in this book?”

You might as well ask, “Who’s your favorite child?” I’m sure my children wouldn’t want me to answer that, and how would I choose between them to do it?

But some characters are easier to let go than others. Some live while I write them, in my mind and heart and on the digital page. But others won’t let go.

I had that experience in writing Eve’s Thieves, my novel coming out in November from Midnight Frost Books.

There’s a character in the book called BeBe in Eve’s Thieves. In my original outline for the book, BeBe was going to appear in one chapter, early on. But BeBe captured my imagination at some level.

When I needed a means for Peri, one of the lead characters, to accomplish something, BeBe simply made logical sense. But then she just kept cropping back up.

It was as if I could hear BeBe, with her Appalachian foothills dialect, whispering in my ear, “Hey, Mac, you really need me here, y’know.” “Hey, Mac, you need someone to fill this function in the book, and, hon, you know I’m perfect for the job.” “Hey, Mac ...”

(Thankfully, I wasn’t literally hearing BeBe. If I had, I would have sought medical attention!) 

(*snort* I've been there Mac!)

The story is written now, but BeBe is one of several characters to stay with me from Eve’s Thieves. She’s also the one I’ve had rumbling through my mind the most. As I understand her more and more, I realize her hopes and dreams, as well as her strengths and shortcomings. All those things were always there, but they were buried inside me, waiting to come out ... kind of like BeBe herself.

Where do characters come from? From unplumbed, uncharted places in the heart, the soul, and the imagination. And the best find ways to stay with you, regardless of whether they’re heroes, villains or somewhere in between.

Eve’s Thieves tells the story of a group of six women, victimized by magical thieves who’ve stolen aspects of the women’s physical beings, rather than money or property. The women find the means to band together and restore what was stolen, but it comes at a price. Little is as it seems. Not everyone can be trusted. A loss can mean death, but each victory brings them closer to an inevitable confrontation with an ancient and powerful evil.

Thanks again, Lillie!

Mac Rome

Thanks again for being here today Mac! Can't wait to read Eve's Thieves!

The Undead Pool by Kim Harrison... Most Excellent Cover

If you've been watching Kim Harrison's cover reveal for her new book, The Undead Pool, you know she unveiled it, piece by piece. I loved it!

So, here's the cover with all the pieces put together... I can't wait to take a peek inside!

From the Cover:

Witch and day-walking demon Rachel Morgan has managed to save the demonic ever after from shrinking, but at a high cost. Now strange magic is attacking Cincinnati and the Hollows, causing spells to backfire or go horribly wrong, and the truce between the races, between Inderlander and human, is shattering.

Rachel must stop the occurrences before the undead vampire masters who keep the rest of the undead under control are lost and it becomes all-out supernatural war. However, the only way to do so is through the ancient elven wild magic, which carries its own perils.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 512 pages
• Publisher: Harper Voyager (February 25, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061957933
• ISBN-13: 978-0061957932
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
  
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,486 in Books 
(already in a best seller!! It will reach the top 100 when it's released in February 2014!)
 Pre-orders are available!
I'll be waiting (im)patiently to read....

If You Want Me by Tara Mills

Publisher: Crimson Frost Books
Pages: 62 (estimate)

(Release Date: September 19, 2013)

From the Cover:

An irresistible woman.  An undeniable proposal.

Even the unthinkable can sound reasonable when you mix alcohol, sexual frustration, and a bachelorette party—especially a bold proposition. Now in the light of day, Naomi’s hung over, horrified, and anxious about facing this complicated man again and the unexplored feelings their encounter brought with it.

She called, he came, but Ryan didn't exactly conquer. Is it too much to hope that Naomi will give him a do-over? She can’t avoid him, not when he’s walking her down the aisle. But who ever heard of a bridesmaid getting cold feet? 

Naomi has been longing for love since her boyfriend, Sam, moved out...six long months ago. Not that she's counting or anything. A bridesmaid to her friend, Melissa, she spies Ryan, Sam's ex-best friend. He captures her attention.

Ryan is captured by the lovely picture made by Naomi, he's wanted her for so long. When the guys and girls split to go to their respective parties, he feels the loss of her smile, her voice, the visual feast for his eyes. When she calls, he can't get to her fast enough.

If You Want Me by Tara Mills is a hot romance, finding love that wasn't lost as much as it was misplaced. Ryan was made for Naomi, she just doesn't know it yet. Tara Mills gives us a well-rounded quick little read that I enjoyed very much. She paints a vivid picture of these characters in a short amount of pages. If you love sizzling romance, this is the read for you, it singes the pages. I highly recommend this quick bite of contemporary romance. It's a quick, fun, flirty little read that shouldn't be missed and leaves you begging for more.

Five out of five fairy kisses for this reader.

I received my copy for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Coming Soon.... If You Want Me by Tara Mills

Publisher: Crimson Frost Books
Pages: 62 (estimate)

(Release Date: September 19, 2013)

From the Cover:

An irresistible woman. An undeniable proposal.

Even the unthinkable can sound reasonable when you mix alcohol, sexual frustration, and a bachelorette party—especially a bold proposition. Now in the light of day, Naomi’s hung over, horrified, and anxious about facing this complicated man again and the unexplored feelings their encounter brought with it.

She called, he came, but Ryan didn't exactly conquer. Is it too much to hope that Naomi will give him a do-over? She can’t avoid him, not when he’s walking her down the aisle. But who ever heard of a bridesmaid getting cold feet? 


Review to come soon... sounds so good!

Interview with the fabulous Tara Mills

Today on Tink's Place, I'd like to welcome a fantastic author, Tara Mills!! Her books are so much fun to read!

Hi Tara!!


Why don't you start by telling my readers a little bit about yourself?

Sure. I'm a creative/artistic type. I love words; reading, writing, and rhyming them. Writing comes quite naturally for me whereas math - not so much. I also like sketching, designing anything and everything, coloring, I've even dabbled in painting. In the real world I'm a wife, mom, new grandma, and dog owner.

Are you a pantser or plotter? (some combination of both?)

I used to say I'm a pantser but that's not entirely accurate. I think I'm both. I need my cute meet between my hero and heroine and from there, I can build on it. I'll have specific ideas about some things I'll use to fashion the framework of the story upon, but the real writing itself, fleshing it out and giving it vitality and energy is generally done as a pantser. Imagine each chapter, or even scene, like an individual domino. One falls against the next and propels the story forward and that's how my stories progress.

When do you like to write? Mornings, Afternoons, Middle of the Night, or somewhere in between?

I'm most productive when I'm working in an empty house. I need silence and solitude to maintain my focus. However, I have been known -- on too many occasions to count -- to pop out of bed and start jotting down notes, ideas, even dialogue when it hits me. Nights are great for the creative juices.

What advice would you give to others in the journey to becoming published?

Set up a website, blog, or both and use them! Publishers need to be able to find you, see that you know how to market yourself, and be able to gauge your writing abilities. This is your introductory handshake, your winning smile. Get active on Facebook and join Goodreads. There are so many resources and connections to be made. Meet other writers and don't be shy about asking questions. If there's one thing I've learned, the writing community is incredibly generous with their time and wonderfully supportive of each other. Find out what works for others and tailor some of the advice to suit your own needs.

Did you have a long line of submissions before you “got the call”?

Oh gosh yes. Enough so that it deterred me from submitting for a long time. I continued to write, but I scrapped my goal of being published until I finally made some important changes in my life. I left my longtime job and decided to refocus on my writing. That happened in the winter of 2011 and into 2012. I started pulling my manuscripts off the shelf, dusting them off, polishing them up, and sending them out. I also put a lot of work into getting a website up and running. That was an important move. My first contract offer came in April and they continued to come in. I haven't slowed down since.

Is there any other advice/recommendations you'd like to share?

Continue to read and seek out superior writers, those books that will have you stunned and amazed, not just by the content, but the quality of the writing itself. Learn from them. Always aspire to improve your own writing. Even gifted athletes understand the importance of constant practice. Learn your particular weaknesses and work on them. Challenge yourself to improve. There is an end zone in sports, but a writer will never get to spike the ball or cross the finish line. There simply isn't one. All we can do is refine our skills and continue to grow at the craft. Write because you love it. Write because you have to.

Where can we find you and your books? (Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Bookstores)

Please visit my website, Tara Mills Romance for all kinds of fun and flirty reading. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest. My books are all on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, All Romance, and so many more. Links for the individual titles can be found at Tara Mills Romance along with blurbs, the first chapters -- or in the case of short stories, excerpts -- and links to reviews.

What are you cooking up next?

Oh boy. I'm midway through a story called, In the Mood, working on the follow-up to my screwball romantic comedy out with The Wild Rose Press, this one called, Soothe Me Baby, and I'm trying to find time to work on a supernatural comedy romance for Beachwalk Press tentatively titled, Sizzle. But my summer schedule isn't very conducive to creative writing. I think I'll get more accomplished once I hit fall. Then, look out! :)


Now for some fun stuff!


Coffee, Tea, or Something Harder?

Coffee--blonde and sweet.

Cake or Ice Cream (or both)?

Ooo ... I think I'll say both, but separate because I don't want the ice cream to make a puddle under the cake. On the side is very big with me.

Favorite all-time read? Movie?

Favorite all-time read is impossible to answer. I have too many favorites, books I reread over and over again. My favorite movie is A Room With A View.

What's your favorite vacation place?

Or do you like to stay close to home? Travel is wonderful and I haven't been to nearly enough places yet to choose a favorite. I can tell you though, I love being home. I really do. I'm quite content here.

If you were stranded on a desert island, which fictional character would you choose to bring with you?

I 've never seen the show but I think MacGyver would be pretty handy to have along. I'll choose him.

If you were going to pick a book/movie character to become...who would it be?

I asked my husband for help on this and he asked, "You mean besides Sally from When Harry Met Sally?" I laughed. Guess that answers that. Weird because I didn't even mention the cake question to him.

Secret desires?

Oh, I'm all about fantasizing, at it constantly. I dream of having one of my books made into a movie. I imagine myself being interviewed by someone big. I also--this might sound a little weird--fantasize about sitting beside someone I really admire and simply having a very engrossing conversation with them. Sometimes we'll be swinging, sometimes we'll be on an airplane together. George Clooney is my number one choice right now, though I wouldn't turn down JK Rowling.


Thanks for being here today Tara!! It was so much fun for my readers and myself to get to know you!  :)

Tara has a new release coming soon, If You Want Me, and recent release, Stolen Moments, both with Crimson Frost Books! Check them out and watch for what's next with this talented author!

(Released: August 21, 2013)

(Release Date: September 19, 2013)
(Isn't this a gorgeous cover? I love it!)

Past releases:

Grading on Curves

(Released June 14, 2013)

Friends & Lovers

(Released: January 18, 2013)

These are only a few of Tara's wonderful books. For more information about Tara's books, please check out her author page (and like it too!).

Jenn Nixon's Virtual Blog Tour & Give-A-Way Contest! Mind: The Beginning

Today on the blog, I'd like to welcome my friend and fellow author, Jenn Nixon!!

Hi Jenn! It's great having you here!

She has a brand new release and it looks absolute fantastic!! We're going to showcase it for her today. I love the look and the feel created, and it sounds pretty darn good too!!

(Publisher:  Crescent Moon Press 

Release Date: September 2, 2013)

From the Cover:

After Dina Ranger loses telepathic contact with her brother, she breaks into his apartment and stumbles onto a special government unit responsible for monitoring the psychic population. She’s offered a job where she can use her psionic gifts to help people.

Stranded on earth over a hundred years ago, Liam of Shria is searching for a metal needed to repair his ship when he finds Dina, a telepathic investigator, and narrowly saves her from an exploding alien pod. Together, they uncover a plot to rebuild an ancient weapon and discover the truth behind Dina’s abilities while unlocking dangerous secrets about the alien presence on earth.

Can they stop a powerful weapon meant to enslave the human race? Can their relationship survive the secrets of the past or will it tear them apart?

Excerpt:

The path is open…

Dina tossed in bed, fighting a dream, the sheet twisting around her legs like an anaconda, 
tightening each time she changed position. She woke up, bolted upright, inhaled sharply. A 
prickling of fear sprinted up her spine. She waved her hand, and the heavy hotel curtains 
parted several inches, illuminating her room.

Nothing.

Dina was alone.

            She fell back to her pillow, shut her eyes, and breathed. The voice in her dream seemed so real, vivid. It kept repeating, eerily monotone: the path is open. The words lingered in her mind, images from the dream continued flashing in her head.

            “The Bay Hook Gut,” she said, eyes popping back open. She sat up, kicked her feet off the bed, and rubbed her face. Why does this always happen in the middle of the night? Never two in the afternoon. Dina stretched and groaned, searched for something to wear. She opted for a pair of jeans, hiking boots, and a leather jacket over a tank top.

            Dina stood in the suite’s living room, debating the consequences of going alone. She’d agreed to let Bates lead the investigation, but her gut told her to get to that Gut now. Not wanting to waste more time, she darted out and ran down six flights of stairs to the exit. Before she started the car, she typed up a quick text message.

Went to check a hunch, be back soon. D.
 

She sent it to Bates knowing full well he’d call.

MIND: The Beginning Purchase Link: http://crescentmoonpress.com/books/Mind.html

MIND: The Beginning Amazon Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/Mind-The-Beginning-ebook/dp/B00EVWZ6XO

Jenn's Bio:

Jenn’s love of writing started the year she received her first diary and Nancy Drew novel. Throughout her teenage years, she kept a diary of her personal thoughts and feelings but graduated from Nancy Drew to other mystery suspense novels.

Jenn often adds a thriller and suspense element to anything she writes be it Romance, Science Fiction, or Fantasy. When not writing, she spends her time reading, observing pop culture, playing with her two dogs, and working on various charitable projects in her home state of New Jersey.

Website: www.jennnixon.com

Facebook: facebook.com/JennNixonAuthor

Blog: www.jennafern.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/jennnixon

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Nixon/e/B002BLNBBQ/

Past Release: Romantic Suspense, Lucky’s Charm

Thanks for letting Tink's Place be part of your tour!

***


Jenn  has a surprise for one lucky reader!! She'd like to give away an ecopy of her previous release, and wait for it.... A GRAND PRIZE!!

One commentor from each blog will win an ebook copy of Jenn’s Romantic Suspense E-Book Lucky’s Charm, one GRAND PRIZE WINNER will also receive an E-Book Copy of Lucky’s Charm and a $15 Gift Card to any online book retailer of their choice! Virtual Blog Tour Dates & Locations: September 2:  myblog2point0.blogspot.com and cheriereich.blogspot.com September 3:  lesliestalley.blogspot.com    September 4:  www.louanncarroll.com/blog.html and www.caridad.com/blog September 5:  katieosullivan.blogspot.com and /jodyakessler.com September 6:  dragontargeseries.blogspot.com September 7:  maerwilson.com September 9:  cindyyoungturner.com/blog September 10: constancephillips.com/blog & chrisredddingauthor.blogspot.com September 11:  www.shawnaromkey.com September 12:  cmmichaels.blogspot.com September 13:  www.erindanzer.com/blog September 16:  danielledevor.wordpress.com and interviwingauthors.blogspot.com September 17:  territalleyventers.blogspot.com September 18:  nancysbrandt.com September 19:  www.hunterthehorrible.com September 20: jennafern.blogspot.com

Note:

Author Jenn Nixon is a resident of New Jersey and a member of RWA and Liberty States Fiction Writers. Jenn often adds a thriller and suspense element to anything she writes be it Romance, Science Fiction, or Fantasy. When not writing, she spends her time reading, observing pop culture, playing with her two dogs, and working on various charitable projects in her home state of New Jersey. Past Releases: Lucky’s Charm from Wild Child Publishing. Upcoming Releases: Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian from Hydra Publications.

Cost: FREE!!

Contact: jenn@jennnixon.com or www.jennnixon.com

Past Release: Lucky's Charm

From the Cover:

To protect her family and find a killer, Felicia “Lucky” Fascino assumed her adoptive father’s identity and joined the network, an organization of moral assassins to finish the job he began. Eliminating the man responsible for murdering her mother has consumed her for the last five years.

While keeping her Uncle Stephen and cousin Elizabeth at arm’s length, Lucky begins to feel the weight of her career choice and reclusive lifestyle. Then a chance encounter with an enigmatic hit man, during one of her jobs, turns into a provocative and dangerous affair. Distracted by the secret trysts with Kenji Zinn and mounting tension within her family, Lucky makes reckless mistakes that threaten her livelihood and almost claim her life.

Please leave a comment to be enter in the drawings!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!