Please welcome Karoline Barrett, romance author!

JCS: What was the first story you had published?

KB: My first story was a piece called Chinese Noodles,  published in The Storyteller in 2006.

JCS: If you had to pick one reason why you write, what would it be?

KB: I love seeing my ideas and characters go from my imagination to growing and developing on paper.

JCS: When you’re writing, is there anything you do out of habit (listen to music, sit in a particular spot, etc)?

KB: I sit at my desk, which faces a window so I can look outside.  Sometimes I listen to music, but usually I have to have quiet so I can concentrate.
JCS: If there was anything you could say to potential writers out there, what would it be?

KB: Do a lot of reading in the genre you want to write in; don’t be afraid to put your words on paper; know how to present a professional manuscript; and submit, submit, submit!
JCS: What is your current work in progress? 

KB: I am currently working on two short stories. I am also working on my first novel, which I hope to have finished before this summer is over!
JCS: When you were selecting a publisher, what were you looking for? Would you do anything differently?

KB: A romance publisher that would publish a smaller piece as opposed to a full-length novel. No, I don’t think I would have done it differently. 
JCS: Can you tell us a little about your latest release or upcoming release?  When will it be available?  Where can people purchase it?

KB: My latest release is a paranormal romance titled Between Here and Ever After, published by Wild Horse Press on January 12th, 2010.  You can get it from Wild Horse Press; Amazon (Kindle version); 1RomanceEBooks; All Romance EBooks; and Coffee Time Romance.
JCS: Would you like to share an excerpt from one of your stories?

KCS: Sure! 

EXCERPT FROM Between Here & Ever After:

 Brian’s face floated in front of me, the way he looked the last time I’d seen him. He’d been on my mind a lot since the invitation to my 10th year college reunion arrived last week. As I inched my Mini Cooper through Manhattan morning rush-hour, my heart fluttered and goose-bumps rose on my bare arms as I thought of him.
I tried a couple of times to find Brian despite our unhappy parting, but he had dropped from the face of the earth. His parents had retired to Florida, so I couldn’t ask them where he was. I suppose I could’ve hired a detective, but that seemed a little obsessive, even to me, especially since he didn’t want me in his life

JCS: Is there anything else you would like to say?

KB: I hope everyone enjoys my story and I want to thank everyone who buys it!

JCS: Thank you for taking the time to complete an interview with me Karoline.  I look forward to reading your story and I’m sure others will be too.

For more information on Karoline Barrett’s works, you can visit her at http://karolinebarrett.weebly.com/.

JCS: Thank you for joining me today!  I know you have a busy schedule.

J.L. OilerWell Thanks for having me.

JCS: If you had to pick one reason why you write, what would it be?

J.L. Oiler: Writing is sort of my escape from the world.  It allows me to be anyone, anywhere, with the only limitations being my own imagination.

JCS: When you’re writing, is there anything you do out of habit (listen to music, sit in a particular spot, etc)?

J.L. Oiler: I have this old beat-up recliner that I like to curl up in with my laptop and write, usually late in the evening or night.  As far as listening to music, it actually depends what scene I am working on.  If it is a fight or something that needs a lot of energy, I like the adrenaline that a nice hard rock tune has.  Just seems to get my imagination kick started.   

JCS: If there was anything you could say to potential writers out there, what would it be?

J.L. Oiler: Don’t be discouraged if others don’t view your story with as much enthusiasm as you do.  There are so many different likes/dislikes out there that it is impossible to create something that everyone will immediately fall in love with.  Just be true to yourself and your style.  What one person hates may be exactly what sells to someone else.  

JCS: What was the first story you had published?  What is your current work in progress?

J.L. Oiler: My first story to get published is Blood Dance.  It is part of my Seeds of Oden Series.  As for work in progress I have two that are currently in the mix.  The third in my series which is currently titled Blood Denial, and an untitled piece. 

JCS: When you were selecting a publisher, what were you looking for? Would you do anything differently?

J.L. Oiler: There are a lot of publisher out there now and I scouted around reading the mission statements and looking at their sites, authors, and promotions.  What I was looking for was someone I could be myself with and who was not afraid to get a little mud on their hands.   I think Wild Horse Press was a perfect fit.  They encourage me to be exactly who I am and help empower me to be the best author I can be without being condescending or indifferent.  

JCS: Can you tell us a little about your latest release or upcoming release?  When will it be available?  Where can people purchase it?

J.L. Oiler: This is actually a busy year for me, I have three releases scheduled for this year with Blood Dance being the first on January 26th (wow that is now).  It is available from all the vendors that carry Wild Horse Press, including All Romance e-books, Coffee Time Romance, and 1romance e-books.

JCS: Would you like to share an excerpt from one of your stories?

J.L. Oiler: Sure, here is little excerpt from Blood Dance:
 
“What is going on?” Cere asked Loki as they both peered around the wall leading into the small kitchen, then ducked back just as a large serving plate burst into a million pieces against the wall. 

“Suckers attacked Ares and Andrea.  Turns out that Andreas boyfriend was one of them.”  Loki began to explain as another crash sounded nearby and a few stray pieces of glass slid out into the hallway.  “Andrea is dead, and from what I understand the bastards shot Ares up pretty good.”  

“Is she alright, shouldn’t we be in there trying to heal her?” Cere asked, the concern for her sibling obvious in her worried expression, as she absently stroked Cerberus, their pet cat, who had come to see what all the commotion was about.

“I think that’s part of the problem,” the freckle faced red head said as she chanced a peek around the corner.  “Kaden showed up and killed off all the suckers and gave her his blood.” 

The small kitchen was silent for a moment until a flood of obscenities and the sounds of silverware striking the wall filled the air once again.  “Oh.” The small blond smiled, “So she is bloodmated.” 

When she finally ran out of things to throw in her tantrum, Ares collapsed in the only chair left upright.  Her entire body shook in rage as she put her face in her hands and attempted to regain some thread of self control.  She could still taste him on her lips, and it only added to her torment. How could she have allowed this to happen?  Her own arrogance in her ability to protect herself and Andrea had now left her bound by blood to the large Nicaea male that had been stocking her.   

Cerberus arched his back and rubbed against her leg, demanding her attention.  Picking him up Ares dropped him into her lap and rubbed behind his small ears until he began to purr loudly.  

How could this have happened to her?  This was the last thing she had expected or wanted.  Yes sure, he was sexy as hell and just being near him made her panties wet, but he was also domineering and arrogant.  Anyways she still had things that she had to do, she had made a blood pledge to find and reunite her sisters, a task she had truly only begun.  No, she could not accept this there had to be a way out of this.

I know, off topic for me, but why not… 

Did you know that Freud started out studying neurology?  He was studying under Dr. Charcot in Paris when he came up with the idea that hysteria didn’t stem from biological issues but from emotional ones.  Rather radical idea for that time.  However, because of Freud’s sudden interest in the mind from a psychological standpoint, we have psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, and several other ideas/therapies that came about from his original ideas.  Actually, we have Freud’s followers to thank for several of those forms of therapy (such as his daughter, Anna, and Carl Jung).

OK… so Freud was a little obsessed with inappropriate sexual thoughts and feelings.  Obviously he had some personal issues to work through, but aside from that, he really did have great insight into the mind for that period of time.  After all, we wouldn’t have “talking therapy” today if it weren’t for him. 

Now… you may ask, why on earth is a romance writer interested in psychology?  Simple.  How can you have well-rounded characters if you don’t understand the psychological make-up of personality?  It’s hard to create a person from scratch if you don’t first understand what makes a person tick.  Another thing we can thank Freud for — defense mechanisms.  And let’s face it, at one point another in just about every romance novel, someone uses a defense mechanism for something (repression, denial, etc.).  It’s easier to write those scenes and provide actions for your characters if you know a little more about the subject matter. 

At least, that’s this author’s humble opinion.

I had an radio interview with Phoebe Jordan this evening on Blog Talk Radio.  Did you miss the show?  Don’t worry, you can still listen to it!  Just click the link below and select show #16.

Listen to Phoebe Jordan on Blog Talk Radio

Want to know what I’m currently working on?  Want to know about my upcoming release, Vicus Luna?  Be sure to listen to the show!  🙂

Julie Kimbrell, a new up-and-coming author, agreed to do an interview with me.  She’s published both YA and Adult Romance with two e-publishers and is currently seeking an agent.

When did you first become interested in writing? 

I’ve always had an interest but no time or initiative. About a year ago, I had an idea and mentioned it to my mother who told me to write it down. I wrote it down and began to add to it and a couple weeks later, I had my first YA book.

What made you decide to become a published author?  What process did you go through when selecting your publisher(s)? 

I felt so proud that I actually wrote a whole novel.  I mean, 50,000 words is a lot. I thought I’d never be able to do it, and I did. That motivated me to write query letters and mail them to different agencies in an attempt to find an agent to represent me. I haven’t found one yet, but I’m not giving up.  After I finished my next two books, I decided to try e-publishing. It seemed to be the latest technology in writing. When I submitted my first Adult Romance, A Knight in Shining Tow Truck, Hearts On Fire Press picked It up so I went with them. They took all the books I had written up to then, which were all YA Romance.

If you could give advice to someone interested in writing, what would it be?

Don’t give up. Sometimes it feels like you’re stuck. Put it aside and come back to it later. You’re mind and ideas change all the time. Stick with it until you find what you’re looking for.  Every book will be better than the last.

Could you tell us a little about your latest work?

My latest book which is an Adult Romance due out Spring 2010. Mr. Irresistible is published by Wild Horse Press.

Mr. Irresistible Blurb: This story is about Kate Simon, a sensible, independent young woman, who’s thrown for a loop when Gage Morgan steps into her life.  She’s not ready for the feelings that result every time they’re together, which is often since she’s helping him run his friend’s new bar.  For some reason, he’s irresistible. Gage is so motivated to make the business successful for his friend, he struggles with his feelings for Kate as well. Does he have time for a relationship? Could it be love?  And what will happen when Gage’s selfish friend, Charlie decides he wants Kate for himself. Can Gage keep his so-called friend from ruining everything?

What inspired you to write Mr. Irresistible? 

Nothing in particular. I had several ideas about how I wanted to begin the book and one morning while I was at Wal-Mart getting groceries, I heard someone’s name being called over the intercom and it hit me.

Are you currently working on something?  If so, can you tell us a little bit about it?

Yes, I am currently finishing up on another Adult Romance that I’ve named “Hiding Hope”. It’s about a woman named Kinley who just lost her grandmother who was all the family she had left. Her friend Mia convinces her to move back to the town she grew up in where she meets Grayson. He’s alone, just like Kinley and they begin to hit it off. Kinley finds a stray dog and she and Gray hide it until they get caught and she gets evicted from the apartment she just moved into. They begin to spend time together and realize they have feelings for each other, but Kinley isn’t ready to deal with them. She wants to focus on herself and starting a new business. Gray loves her and becomes a very good support system for her. Can Gray break down the barriers around her heart? Will Kinley find that she feels the same way about Gray? 

If you could go back and change anything in your writing/publishing career, would you? And if so, what would it be and why?

I wouldn’t change anything. It’s been a fun and exciting process for me. I will continue to try and find an agent although it is becoming apparent that might not happen. I will not give up on the idea of having a mass market paperback, but until then, I want to share my work with anyone who will be willing to read it and the web is the best way to do that. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us today? 

I’d like to say that I have a couple books due out in print in the next couple months.  Look for them at Heartsonfirebooks.com and amazon.com  I would love for anyone that has read my works to email me with their comments. juliekimbrellbooks@yahoo.com and I have a website www.juliekimbrell.com 

Thanks for having me, Jessica!

Wild Horse Press is releasing a new short story on Tuesday called The Amorous Weekend, by Kathryn Gerbert.  You can find it for pre-sale at All Romance Ebooks for $3.98.

Check out your exclusive 25% discount on custom printed products at VistaPrint. Order today!

A 5 Star Rating!

I recently read this book and posted a review on it over at The Novel Blog… If you’re interested in YA paranormal stories, you should give it a try! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed…

There was a surprise around every corner and you never knew just what would happen next. A page turner to the very end, Dead is the New Black has a permanent home on my bookshelf!

Be sure to visit The Novel Blog for my full review!

MAGNOLIA MAGICK
By Jessica Coulter Smith
Release Date: March 17, 2009
Publisher: Wild Horse Press

Magnolia Magick was recently reviewed by Coffee Time Romance!

Magnolia Magick is an awesome book. Lissa is realistic in all her actions, even down to being a klutz and trying to accept compliments. I love her spunk, to go on with life no matter what she faces. Jesse is my hero and can stay with me anytime…Jessica Coulter Smith pens a story where I sat in anticipation of the outcome of Lissa, Jesse, and Jared. It was a pin and needles, on-edge, page-turner for me.”

Reviewed by Cherokee
Rating: 4 cups

Please visit Coffee Time Romance to see the full review and read about other great novels!

Moonlight Hero
Ashton Grove Werewolves, Book 2

Coming May 2009!

EXCERPT

Kiera ran on silent feet through the darkened alley.  It probably would have been easier to escape if she had shifted into her animal form, but then she would have been stuck without clothes later.  That would have been a little hard to explain to the average human.

Running for all she was worth, she could sense the vampire’s presence not far behind her.  Going into that bar was the dumbest thing she had ever done! Why had she allowed the girls to talk her into it?  Shaking her head, she continued to the end of the alley.  Hopefully she would live to see another day.

When she reached the corner, she looked around.  There wasn’t much nearby except an old Victorian home and an auto repair shop.  Noticing the lights were on in the auto shop, she hurried across the street.  Reaching for the door, she glanced over her shoulder and gasped.  The vampire was standing on the corner under the street lamp.  To a passerby he would seem harmless, but Kiera knew better, knew him for the predator he was.  She was trembling as she watched the vampire; she knew he could smell her fear but was helpless to do anything about it.

Pushing the door open, Kiera rushed inside.  As soon as she closed the door, she turned the lock.  The logical part of her brain was calling her an idiot for thinking a lock would keep out a vampire, but her self-preservation skills were kicking in.  That small piece of metal made her feel a little bit safer, even if her safety was nothing more than an illusion.

Across the room, Gabriel heard the door close and lock.  As he slid out from under the Mustang he had been working on, he noticed the disheveled woman warily watching the street through the glass door.  He got up and walked slowly toward her. Taking in her creamy complexion, petite stature and long ebony hair, his body immediately responded to her.  She was definitely something to look at, curved in all the right places.

“May I help you?” he asked.

Kiera gasped and spun toward the deep voice.  Momentarily startled, she regained her composure, trying to keep her expression as neutral as possible.  “Is it alright if I stay here for a minute?”

Gabriel casually looked her over, appreciating the way her black dress clung to her curves. “Everything okay?”

Kiera glanced back outside.  The vampire was still on the corner, watching her every move.  She knew that he was waiting for her to leave.  It wasn’t fair to involve this stranger in her problems, but she didn’t have much of a choice if she wanted to live.  And she definitely wanted to live!

Looking back at Gabriel, she said, “That man across the street has been following me.  I’m a little nervous about going back outside.”

Gabriel looked through the glass door.  Sure enough, a tall blond man was standing on the corner, watching them.  An inner voice was screaming at him that the man was a vampire and to be wary.  Gabriel shook his head, clearing the ridiculous thought from his mind. Vampires?  He was starting to lose it. Granted, being an alpha werewolf made him believe in the impossible, but he had yet to see proof that vampires existed.

Gently taking her arm, he pulled her away from the door. “You’re safe here.  You can stay as long as you need to.”

Kiera gave him a shaky smile. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that.”

“Since I’m offering sanctuary, mind telling me how that guy ended up following you?”  If he was getting pulled into a domestic dispute, now was the time to find out.  The last thing he needed was an angry husband coming after him.

Kiera sighed, realizing she could only tell him half of the truth.   If she said that a vampire was following her, she had no doubt she would be dragged off to the loony bin.  Granted, that would be the perfect ending to her not so perfect day, but she would prefer to not land herself in a padded cell.

“The short version is that he tried to pick me up in a bar.  I told him that I wasn’t interested, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer.  When I left, he followed me.  He kind of gave me the creeps so I ran.” 

Something seemed a little off with her story.  If she had been running, why wasn’t she winded?    Not that he wouldn’t have enjoyed watching her run in that skin tight dress and heels; it definitely would have been a sight to behold, especially with her being so top heavy. He almost grinned at the image his mind was creating.

Giving himself a mental shake, he asked, “How did you end up here at my garage?  There isn’t a bar for at least three or four miles.”

Kiera hoped the shock didn’t show on her face.  Had she really run that far? “I guess I got lost.  I was just trying to get away from him and didn’t really pay attention to where I was going.” 

She knew her excuse sounded feeble, but she couldn’t very well tell him she was a werefox, giving her more agility and stamina than your average human.  There were some things that humans just weren’t prepared for.  The fact that “make believe” creatures really existed ranked high on that list.

Gabriel looked skeptical. There had to be more to her story than that, but obviously she wasn’t going to share the full tale.  “What’s your name?”

“Kiera.”

“I’m Gabriel.”

Kiera smiled. “It’s nice to meet you.  I just wish it was under better circumstances.”

“Do you need to use the phone to call someone?  It doesn’t look like that guy is leaving anytime soon,” Gabriel said, glancing out the door.

“Oh.” Kiera followed his gaze. Sure enough, the vampire was still watching from across the street. “Um, I don’t really have anyone to call.”

Gabriel arched an eyebrow, but didn’t say anything.  Just what kind of trouble was she in?  She didn’t look more than twenty-one or so.  A deep primal instinct arose, making him want to comfort her and protect her.  The wolf in him responded to her soft feminine scent while the man responded to her lush curves.  She didn’t even reach his shoulder, which told him that she was under five-foot two since he was a little over six-feet tall.  She wasn’t bone thin like a lot of woman he’d met, but she wasn’t fat either.  Her elfin shaped face held full rosy lips and beautiful green eyes that were almost almond shaped.  They reminded him of cat eyes. 

Kiera noticed the appraisal.  “I don’t want to keep you from your work.  Please don’t feel like you have to keep me company.”

Gabriel grunted, noting the obvious dismissal.  Evidently mechanics weren’t good enough for her. He should have known that a woman as pretty and as well dressed as this one was would have an attitude.  Paper pushers were probably more her style; wealthy paper pushers.

“Guess I can finish up this job while you wait to see if your admirer goes away.”

Walking away from her, he slowly climbed back under the Mustang.  It was difficult to concentrate on his work, but he managed.  There was something about her that wasn’t entirely human.  He knew she wasn’t a werewolf, but she was definitely something special.  His alpha instincts told him that she was a mate for his pack.  Since Cole was already married, that meant that she belonged to either him or Michael.  Just thinking of Michael being with her made him grind his teeth.

Kiera watched Gabriel effortlessly slide under the car.  She started feeling light headed and realized that she had been holding her breath.  He was the most gorgeous guy she had ever seen!  Easily over six-feet tall, he had medium length black hair, piercing blue eyes, and was well muscled.  It had been difficult to not throw herself into his arms. If he had stood by her much longer, she wouldn’t have been able to keep her hands to herself.  She hoped that he hadn’t noticed the effect he had on her.  Her animal instincts were going to get her into trouble one of these days.

As she glanced back out the door, she realized that the vampire was crossing the street.  Startled, she instinctively started backing toward Gabriel.  It wasn’t fair to ask for his protection, but she had never been so terrified in her life.  She couldn’t put her finger on it, but something about the mechanic made her feel safe and protected.

Hearing her footsteps drawing near, Gabriel slid out from under the car and looked up at her. “What’s wrong Kiera?”

“He’s coming over. I know that I have no right to ask this, but please help me.”  As she looked down at him, her eyes were wide with fear.  Her heart had doubled its rhythm and felt as it would burst from her chest.

Gabriel stood up and drew her close to him.  She trembled against his body.  He absently stroked her back, trying to sooth her.  His extra sensitive hearing told him that the guy was almost to the door. Thinking fast, he came up with a plan; one that she probably wouldn’t like, but he was going to enjoy every minute of it.

“Kiera, I’m going to ask you to trust me. Just go with whatever story I have to come up with in order to get that guy out of here.  Do you think you can do that?  Even if it means being … close to me?”

Kiera looked up into his bright blue eyes and knew without a doubt that she could trust him. “Okay.”

The vampire jerked the door open, tearing the lock apart as the door was torn loose.  While Gabriel tried to process that small fact, he bent his head to Kiera’s and kissed her.  He had only planned on a short kiss, more for show than anything else, but when Kiera responded to him he pulled her roughly against his chest and deepened the kiss.  Every primal instinct in him was yelling for him to claim her as his mate.   Her scent surrounded him and he lost himself in the pleasure of her soft body and warm lips.

Find it on Wild Horse Press and Amazon Kindle websites May 26, 2009!