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21 November 2014

Did you know that THE BUTCHER is out now? 

Therian Secrets Book 3
Add it on Goodreads

Polar bear Therian, Rufus Ramanui, is one of Redcliffe’s most dangerous ISIC agents. He swore an oath to protect the innocent and serve the greater good. Now, he wants to retrain as a Phoniás – an assassin – believing it necessary to help his comrades in the ongoing conflict with the Lycans. 

The only problem with that plan, is pretty bartender, Summer Matthews. She and Rufus have definite chemistry, but she’s currently dating someone else. Will it be too late to win her heart by the time he returns home? 

Siblings, Jodie and Luke Fletcher, also intend to train as agents. With Rufus and the two Fletchers out of the country, Danny Archer, Captain of Redcliffe’s Urewera Unit, will have his hands full. Already Rufus’ boss, and Jodie’s boyfriend, Danny has a lot invested in their success. When things start to get complicated, both at the academy, and back in Redcliffe, will Danny be able to spread himself thin enough to avoid disaster?





The book cover and all teaser graphics 
are courtesy of 



10 November 2014

The Butcher (Therian Secrets 3)





Can you believe it's only THREE days until The Butcher (Therian Secrets 3) is released? So very exciting! Here's a little more info for those who have been waiting patiently. 


There is a release party on Facebook, with prizes and giveaways from several awesome authors. 





So what's the fuss all about? Here's a peek at the cover and synopsis:

Polar bear Therian, Rufus Ramanui, is one of Redcliffe’s most dangerous ISIC agents. He swore an oath to protect the innocent and serve the greater good. Now, he wants to retrain as a Phoniás – an assassin – believing it necessary to help his comrades in the ongoing conflict with the Lycans. 

The only problem with that plan, is pretty bartender, Summer Matthews. She and Rufus have definite chemistry, but she’s currently dating someone else. Will it be too late to win her heart by the time he returns home? 

Siblings, Jodie and Luke Fletcher, also intend to train as agents. With Rufus and the two Fletchers out of the country, Danny Archer, Captain of Redcliffe’s Urewera Unit, will have his hands full. Already Rufus’ boss, and Jodie’s boyfriend, Danny has a lot invested in their success. When things start to get complicated, both at the academy, and back in Redcliffe, will Danny be able to spread himself thin enough to avoid disaster?




Haven't read the first two books yet? That's okay - you can find those here:




Graphics  and cover kindly supplied by Soxsational Cover Art



15 October 2014

PIPER KAY (Interview)

     

This week, please join me in welcoming Piper Kay to the blog!


     1.  Have you always had a passion for writing? No. Probably not the correct response, but it’s true. If letter writing counts, then yes since about nineteen yrs. old. Ha.

2. Does what you read influence what you write and what are some of your favourite authors/books? OMG, yes it does, and it is the reason I cannot read while writing. I will shift and take on someone’s voice and lose mine. I had to start an almost complete story behind that. It’s not intentional, and not every time, but if it’s an author I love, before I know it I’m using phrases or words they did without even realizing it. My favourite authors: Well, Poppet is one, the woman has no clue how to write a bad story. She’s awesome, her whole entire Pravus Series and Gods and Thurs series rock. Kindle Alexander is another. She writes scenes that wrap around you and pull you into the characters. You are feeling those emotions and seeing everything they do, as they experience it. I’m dying to read her latest, Full Disclosure, but I just can’t go there-lol

3.  What are your biggest inspirations? Music is the top on my list, it’s something I have always felt this way about. It doesn’t matter if it has words or doesn’t, it’s the beat behind it all, the instruments. Surprisingly, I don’t like classical or country. I like screeching guitars and bass beats, anything with drums really. Between the two, I usually end up in heavy metal/ rock genre or hip-hop/rap/pop style.

4.  Do you have a technique in how you choose characters and/or locational settings? No, not anything specific. Most of my characters end up in the same place as me, Spring, which is just outside of Houston., Texas. Somewhere close by at least. I have absolutely no technique to choosing characters. I will usually pick one that is an underdog in some way, so I can help them find happiness, give them a chance at love and peace.

5.  Do you listen to music while you are creating your masterpieces? Oops, sort of answered it already. Absolutely, it is a must. Without it, I stare at a blank screen, dumbfounded.

6.  What do you do to stay motivated and avoid writer’s block? I keep typing. Doesn’t matter if it makes sense or not, I keep pushing it. Whether it be on social media typing a message or update, I keep my music on and my fingers clicking on keys.

7. How has becoming a published author (independent or traditional) changed your perspective on life and is it everything you expected it to be? (If you are not published yet – what changes do you foresee?) That’s kind of a loaded question. Becoming a published author exposed me to so many types of people, from all over the world that I wouldn’t have met and are now close friends. For a very long time, I was a hermit. I dropped off the face of the planet. I stayed at home and didn’t go out, didn’t have anyone to talk with except my kids. I died basically. Forgot how to laugh and smile, literally. Without that, you’re nothing. Becoming an author gave me that back, I will never forget when I found friends from high school. I was a nervous wreck, worried what everyone would think, and went through a list of self-doubts a mile long. They wouldn’t give up on me though. One of them actually pointed out when I got my laugh back, isn’t that weird. He was so excited about it, all he could get out was “Welcome back.” Well anyone that knows me now gets that I hold onto a lot of that shyness, and I’m pretty meek and mild. Okay, I can’t even keep going with that line, tears of laughter making it blurry. Lol. I’m really not shy at all via internet, but in person is a different story, and even then I’m fairly blunt. And say what is on my mind. Oh, and I have a potty mouth on occasions.

8.  What are your biggest challenges as an author? Time, just never is enough of it in a day. Who knew you could change one sentence about ten billion ways, taking hours of your time. I didn’t. This is not easy at all, so whoever said that was so wrong. Lol

9.  Do you have any pets? A dog.

10.  What hobbies do you have outside of reading and writing? Don’t have time for hobbies. LOL. No, I do little arts and crafts type things.

11.  Where is the most exciting/memorable place you have been in the world? When I lived in Hawaii, I loved it there. Of course it’s pretty much the only other place besides Spring that I have been. Sad huh? One day though.

12.  Tell us about your latest work in progress or most recent published work…That would be my Invicta Series. Book 2 releasing the 14th, titled Invicta: Sanctuary. This is my M/M erotic romance series that centers around a gay go-go dance club named Invicta. Invicta is the title of it and everything they have together and help others to find as well. Book One, Invicta Salvation focuses on the owners Kade and Holt who had a rough go of it. They look back over their lives together and the things they went through growing up. It’s their story, and comes to the current time when they celebrate their anniversary, and opening day. Book Two Invicta Sanctuary, also includes Kade and Holt, but now the dancers are included and one other that just need a sanctuary, some place safe. His name is Mickey, and he’s in a fix. This is his story, journeying to Invicta and finding love. That love comes from one of the pole dancers named Toryn and begins and journeys into Book Three as well. Most of the characters move into each book of the series. It’s a very sexy story, but it also shows some attitudes and misconceptions of what it’s like to be a gay man. It’s watching these characters learn lessons the normal way, and some of them the bad. It’s a journey of growth and acceptance, love and family.



Bio:
Piper Kay is a homegrown country girl straight from the outskirts of Houston, Texas, USA. She is a #1 International Best Selling author of LGBT Erotica, and an International Bestselling author of LGBT Erotica romance, gay romance, specifically in the male/male (m/m) erotica genre, and LGBT drama. Piper is bringing her passion of storytelling straight to the pages, most times served with a super-sized sprinkle of sexy, a slice of sarcasm and a carafe of crazy.






Links:

LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/pub/piper-kay/95/7a9/496/          
Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChQcM-y0AvDtn6YO9PY7lxg

Hot Ink Press: 
Website: http://www.hotinkbooks.com/            

Blurb:
What is your sanctuary? For Mickey, he never needed one, he was his own. Until now. In a situation spinning out of control, Mickey is forced to make a move and he's not sure how to handle it. He's an intelligent, self-reliant man who never depended on anyone for anything, but now he is alone for the first time in his life, scared. By accident, he ends up at Invicta, the hottest new male go-go dance club in town. Owners, Kade and Holt, know the behavior all too well, but Mickey's trust factor is leveling out on zero, until he spots Toryn. Sometimes sanctuary can be found in the strangest of places. 

Excerpts-
1. That young, dark haired, and tatted up hottie grabs me right off the bat. He can’t be more than twenty-four tops. Just right. He’s been poured into those leathers, his ass packed in nice and tight. Firm. They might as well have wrapped the man in saran wrap, not that I’d complain either way. He’s finally announced, but it’s probably a stage name he uses. Who even cares? As long as he keeps shaking himself around, I’m all good. The man rocks to the beat of the music. He pops that majestic ass in perfect tune with the thumps blasting from the speakers. Done like a true power bottom and personally, I’m enjoying the hell out of it. His hips begin to roll in a perfect circle, as he pivots on one foot to his side. He coils himself all the way around twice before facing the front. I’m loving his body movements. Someone stick a fork in me, because I’m sizzling… I think I may have just fallen in love with the man on the stage and those ‘fuck me hard’ hip moves.

2. Somehow, with just one kiss, he plowed right through the thoughts that had me worried sick all evening, and redirected them to one focal point. Him!  Slowly, I reach for Toryn's waist with one hand to see if he'll let me closer or slap me down. God, I feel like I'm in high school on my first damn date again-CHILL Mickey, just calm down. He looks down at my hand, then back to me. Without breaking our eye contact, I feel his hand wrap around mine and tighten. Oh thank fuck!  I yank him into me, lowering my head so our mouths meet. Our kisses, so sloppy, and hungry for each other. I press against him, unable to get enough. Running my hand along his waist to his back, I tightening my grip, and spin him around, slamming him against the wall. He lets out a moan. Before I can stop myself, I bury myself inside his mouth, swallowing every bit of that delicious moan. Fuckenhell.
3. I yank him into me, lowering my head so our mouths meet. Our tongues are so much more aggressive, now that all the unspoken terms and agreements have been cleared. Well, at least they have on my behalf. We dart and chase around each other, so sloppy and hungry for each other. No matter how hard I press against him, I can't get enough of him or fast enough for that matter. Oh my God, the man's mouth feels incredible.

Links:
Book Trailer:

Invicta Series
Book Two: Sanctuary (new release) will send live Amazon link
Goodreads link:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22466840-invicta

7 October 2014

My Book has been Nominated!

One of my readers has nominated my book, The Mercenary, for the After Dark Bookie Awards! If you enjoyed my series, I would greatly appreciate it if you could head on over to the site and add your vote to hers.  Please enter my title The Mercenary - Johanna Rae, in the "Non-Wolf Shifter" category. If you don't want to vote for any other categories please just put N/A in those boxes. Thank you in advance, and good luck to anyone else who is involved in this!

Click here to vote!

1 October 2014

FREE EBOOK (October Promo)

It's monthly promo time on my Facebook page and you could win an ebook by one of the following authors:

PIPER  KAY
JAS  T  WARD
ZOE  LYNNE

To enter, CLICK HERE

24 September 2014

J Nichole Parkins AUTHOR INTERVIEW


Please join me in welcoming J Nichole Parkins to the spotlight!

Have you always had a passion for writing?
Always. My mom tells me I used to harass her mercilessly to write down stories that I’d create as a pre-schooler. I wrote all through school, but never realistically considered pursuing it as a career until last year. Once I discovered self-publishing I’ve been moving ahead at full steam!

Does what you read influence what you write and what are some of your favourite authors/books?
A lot of what I write is inspired by things that I see in everyday life. The struggles that people go through, the stories hidden behind the everyday façade that we all wear. I work with heavy topics because those are the types of stories I see and hear. During my day job I work with at-risk populations and often deal with tough issues: infant mortality, abuse, neglect, women struggling to feed their children. It stays with you. Writing is a way I can deal with it personally and attempt to help others at the same time.

Trying to pick favorite authors is like asking me which of my children I love best! I have a constantly evolving list of authors I read but some of my current favorites include Rachel Vincent, Patricia Briggs, Kelley Armstrong, and similar urban fantasy writers. In the indie community I’m currently Facebook stalking Lynetta Halat, Carey Heywood, Lexi Martin, Tijan, Penelope Ward, Penelope Douglass, and Penny Reid. There are so many awesome indie writers out there! I add to my list almost daily. 

What are your biggest inspirations?
My biggest inspiration is the world around me. Even the simplest interaction has a story - you just have to find it. I am inspired by the struggles of the clients at my day job, the fight that a lot of them have to go through just to survive. I’m inspired by their stories, the pain they’ve overcome. The woman on the corner who is waiting for the light to change, the man on the motorcycle weaving erratically through traffic – they all have a story. It’s up to writers to discover it; to coax that story to life.

Do you have a technique in how you choose characters and/or locational settings?
I don’t pick characters, they pick me. They creep out and tap on my shoulder and whisper in my ear. They slowly reveal who they are and what their story is.
Settings are usually inspired by where I’ve lived. But rarely I see something on television or hear about a location from someone’s travels, and use it in a story. I tend to exercise my artistic license when it comes to locations though. For instance, I blurred two cities together to create the location in the Burned series. I set most of the books in Tampa, but I added parts of surrounding cities in to fit my character’s needs in the story. 

Do you listen to music while you are creating your masterpieces?
Always. If I don’t have music I have a very difficult time writing. I use it to set the mood, but also to block out all the extraneous noises. I have three kids so there can be a lot of noise in my house. Depending on the scene I’m working on I can listen to anything from heavy metal, indie rock, country, electronic, to classical. I have very eclectic tastes.

What do you do to stay motivated and avoid writer’s block?
My motivation hasn’t been an issue; I am a very determined person when I set my focus on something. Pretty much a bulldog, I hold on until I reach my goal. I do get stuck sometimes, especially when my characters don’t want to cooperate or do something that doesn’t fit with my plot - which is often. When that happens, I typically go for a swim or a walk or find something physical to do. Sometimes I pace around the house like a crazy person talking to myself, driving helps too. A lot of my ideas occur when I’m driving to pick the kids up from school – you know – when it’s almost impossible to actually write your ideas down. Luckily there is a nifty memo function on my phone. I also bake when I get frustrated or stressed so if I have an abundance of cupcakes around watch out!

How has becoming a published author (independent or traditional) changed your perspective on life and is it everything you expected it to be? (If you are not published yet – what changes do you foresee?)
I’ll finally accomplish a life-long dream: becoming an author. I don’t foresee a lot of changes happening otherwise. I’ll continue writing whether my books are financially successful or not.

What are your biggest challenges as an author?
Making time to write! Like most of us I’m juggling several things at once: a day job, three young children, and a household. I am very fortunate that my job encourages us to have a life outside of work and is very cooperative with my crazy schedule. I work long days so I am able to have at least a day off a week to devote to writing. I also write at night after the kids are in bed and on the weekends when I can squeeze it in. My family has been very supportive, which makes everything easier.

Do you have any pets?
I have two cats, Zeta and Cleocatra. Cleo is almost a year old and loves to “help” me write. More often than not that “help” is attacking me as I type but sometimes she’ll just sleep on my desk. Zeta is an old girl and prefers to lounge by my feet.

What hobbies do you have outside of reading and writing?
Reading! I read almost obsessively. Thanks to the Kindle I bought this year I have hundreds of books at my fingertips. It’s probably my favorite purchase next to my laptop. I also love to swim, go on adventures with my kids, and I used to love riding horses, but there’s not a lot of spare time for that anymore!

Where is the most exciting/memorable place you have been in the world?
I am fortunate to live where most people vacation. I am minutes from one of the best beaches in the world, Siesta Key Beach in Florida. After vacationing here years ago, we ended up relocating. It is stunning. I still can’t get over how beautiful it is.

Tell us about your latest work in progress or most recent published work
I am publishing my first book, Burned, September 30th. It is the start of an urban fantasy/paranormal romance series by the same name. Burned focuses on Kyra, a shifter with some unusual abilities, who has had a rough life and has an attitude to match. She is recruited to help solve a series of unusual murders by diving into the dark underbelly of Tampa. Kyra ends up biting off more than she expected, and has to make some tough decisions. Decisions that might cost her everything.

I also have several New Adult projects and a Contemporary Romance in the works. Check out my website or follow me on Facebook or Twitter to keep up with my progress. I am also on Pinterest where I keep my inspirations for characters, scenes, etc. and Spotify where I keep playlists for each book.  

Thank you for having me Johanna!






12 September 2014

Meg Welch Dendler Interview


This week, please join me in welcoming children's book author - 

MEG WELCH DENDLER!


1     Have you always had a passion for writing?
Absolutely. I used to write stories when I was in grade school, and I won a picture book writing contest when I was in 5th grade. My imagination has often been a bit too big for my reality so I kept it quiet, but stories are always flitting around in my head. We will see a big snake on our property, and my husband will immediately ask what his name is want to hear his story. I’m always happy to oblige.



2     Does what you read influence what you write and what are some of your favourite authors/books?
I think reading books by good writers helps to make my own writing better. If all you read is short, choppy sentences on a blog or website, you are probably going to think in and write in that style. I try to read excellent examples of whatever genre I’m working on and let it help my own words flow better. My all-time favourite author is Anne McCaffrey and all of her varied series of books—but especially the Dragonriders. Right now I’m reading “Noisy Creek” by Pamela Foster, and it has given me a great idea about reworking a middle grade manuscript in the first person narrative. That’s the kind of thing good books do for you. The voice would be totally different from the very specific Southern woman in Pam’s book, but the feeling of that first person, from-the-gut style may be just what my own book needs to kick it the right direction.

3     What are your biggest inspirations?
Inspirations come from the strangest places. For my Cats in the Mirror books, my own cats Kimba and Hiro are clearly the inspirations. But for an adult book I’m talking with editors about right now the inspiration was as simple as mentioning that a diner was “at the corner of Magnetic and Main” and a friend saying “that would make a fantastic book title” and off I went. I had the whole outline by the end of the day. When something like that comes, grab it. Make notes. You may not be able to write it all right then, but it’s easy to lose those ideas if you don’t note them down. I have piles of scraps of paper that I sort through from time to time.

4     Do you have a technique in how you choose characters and/or locational settings?
I routinely just stumble on them. Or I may think through what the main characters represent and who else they need in their world to make the story move forward. A visual image usually comes first. Then I work on a back story and a name, even if none of that comes into the book itself. The author needs to know everything about the character. The reader only needs to know what matters in that moment of the story. In my Cats series, I know what will happen four books down the line. I know where each character comes from. I know where everyone ends up. That helps to drive what they do in the moment where the story is now.

5     Do you listen to music while you are creating your masterpieces?
Never. I am easily distracted. Very easily. Even classical music would make me start choreographing in my head. I may get ideas and make notes with music or a TV or something in the background, but if I’m seriously writing it’s with my door closed and a fan on to block out any household drama.

6     What do you do to stay motivated and avoid writer’s block?
Writer’s block is never a problem because I have lists of ideas waiting for my attention. Getting myself to settle in and find the time to write everything I want to is a different matter altogether. Sometimes it’s just the demands of the world and being Mom and having another job that intrudes at random times. Many times it’s just procrastination. I try to plan writing days and then schedule a set number of words or hours I have to work before I get to play again. That’s the only way I get it done. On my second book I knew exactly what was going to happen, but I had to take three days and hide out to make myself put it all down. Editing and revising is fun. First drafts are like vacuuming. I hate to do it, but I’m grateful once it’s done.

7     How has becoming a published author (independent or traditional) changed your perspective on life and is it everything you expected it to be? (If you are not published yet – what changes do you foresee?)
I don’t know that it has changed my perspective on life at all. I went into this with my eyes wide open. I’m only two years into this publishing journey, so that may change, but I hobnob with lots of other authors at all levels of success. I don’t have any illusions about massive fame and fortune landing in my lap. I would be happy to be Ozark famous.

8      What are your biggest challenges as an author?
Finding time to write and not getting discouraged. At least once a week I have that “why in the world am I killing myself over this?” moment. There are a million jobs that pay better and are easier than being a writer. But when I hold my completed books in my hands all of that fades away. When a stranger picks up a copy and loves it and wants to buy it, I get fuel for the next month.

9     Do you have any pets?
I am unabashedly a cat person, and there are three in our house right now: Kimba, Hiro, and Samantha (aka Miss Fatty Cat). Another cat that features in my books is Tabitha (aka Slinky), but she currently is at college with my oldest daughter. We also have a big, goofy dog, Max—known in my books at The Big Black Beast.

10    What hobbies do you have outside of reading and writing?
Watching movies is my favourite escape. I don’t like anything dark and creepy, but I love interesting indie films and would rather curl up with a movie no one else has ever heard of than watch reality television. I also volunteer as a docent at a local big cat rescue facility: Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. I love that place so much it became one of the settings for my third Cats in the Mirror book.

11    Where is the most exciting/memorable place you have been in the world?
I was blessed to travel around Europe with a tour group for two weeks when I was in high school, and Italy was amazing. The art and the people are like nowhere else. I don’t really enjoy traveling these days, but a trip to Italy where I could take my time and see everything at my own pace would be very tempting. I have to admit that my home here at the top of an Ozark mountain is my current favourite place in the world. It is so beautiful and peaceful. That doesn’t leave me much incentive to want to wander far.

12    Tell us about your latest work in progress or most recent published work…
My newest book is Book 3 in the Cats in the Mirror series: “Miss Fatty Cat’s Revenge.” It officially releases on September 12, but it’s already available at amazon.com and at my web site (megdendler.com). By the third book in a series things are really starting to get fun because all of the background, premise, and characters are established and the story can just roll. There are several new characters introduced in this book, and I had a really good time with dumping Kimba in the middle the real-life Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge where she has to count on a Liger and a grizzly bear to help her find her way home.

Links for Meg Welch Dendler:


Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MegDendlerAuthor
https://www.facebook.com/KimbaBabyCat (Kimba fan page)
https://www.facebook.com/WhyKimbaSavedTheWorld (book page)
https://www.facebook.com/VacationHiro (book page)
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6951290.Meg_Welch_Dendler

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/meg-dendler/64/625/315

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/MegWelchDendler
https://twitter.com/KimbaBaby

 Books--
"Why Kimba Saved The World"
http://www.amazon.com/Kimba-Saved-World-Cats-Mirror-ebook/dp/B00BB2S7AG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1395166391&sr=1-1&keywords=why+kimba+saved+the+world

"Vacation Hiro"
http://www.amazon.com/Vacation-Hiro-Cats-Mirror-Dender-ebook/dp/B00FGX6C5S/ref=pd_sim_sbs_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1Y4HFPYB7C0M97MHGW8E

“Miss Fatty Cat’s Revenge”






13 August 2014

CINDY NORD INTERVIEW


Please join me in welcoming the amazing Cindy Nord to the blog!
 

Have you always had a passion for writing?
My passion for writing began many years ago.  As a young divorcee completely disillusioned by romance, I sought enjoyment in reading. Then, finally, on a lonely New Year’s Eve, I tucked my two young son’s into bed, poured myself a glass of wine, then pulled out my old Tower typewriter. With a strong belief in a ‘happily-ever-after’ I began to craft a love story which would contain all the elements I felt a true hero should possess. THAT was the night I gave birth to a Civil War love story, NO GREATER GLORY, which ultimately became a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist, which landed me my fabulous agent. Lo and behold, my journey toward publication began.

Does what you read influence what you write and what are some of your favorite authors/books?
I love historical romance.  The elements I look for in a novel that I read for pleasure are a captivating love story, characters who I can fall in love with, and detailing that sweeps me right straight back into the time period.  I have many romance novels on my keeper shelf, but as I glance at them several stand out to me, and are as timely & moving as they were when I first them:  THE OUTSIDER by Penelope Williamson.  GONE WITH THE WIND by Margaret Mitchell.  LOVE & WAR by Patricia Hagan. Good heavens, the list goes on and on.

What are your biggest inspirations?
People.  So many people inspire me to do better, strive harder, and reach farther.  Their successes are what inspires me to continue in my quest every day.

Do you have a technique in how you choose characters and/or locational settings?
Some of my characters have been born in my mind before I even start writing a book.  And others only after I’m in the process of creating.  They literally ‘talk to me’…lol. For example, Dillon [the hero of my third novel & sidekick of Jackson Neale] just would not take a back seat in my second novel [With Open Arms…the love story of Callie Cutteridge and Jackson Neale] until I promised him he could have his own dang book!! And I always place my characters in settings that I love myself.

Do you listen to music while you are creating your masterpieces?
 Absolutely…especially when I crafting a love scene or writing involved conflict. And my music choices vary so greatly from Enya to Garth Brooks to The Eagles to Beethoven.  See? I’m a writer, so my mood changes with the wind.  

What do you do to stay motivated and avoid writer’s block?
I always run things past my husband and we’ll sit down & discuss upcoming scenes and potential plot twists.  Oh, and bottles of wine….lots and lots of organic Pinot Noir…lol. ♥ 

How has becoming a published author changed your perspective on life and is it everything you expected it to be?
 I didn’t realize how extremely busy my life would become upon being published.  I find myself with less time to actually write, so I must be even more focused than ever before and follow guidelines that I have set for myself.  I love the opportunities and ‘opened doors’ that being a historical romance writer has presented to me. From interacting with so many amazingly wonderful authors that I have admired for years, to meeting incredibly supportive bloggers, readers, and leaders in the publishing industry, I cannot ask for a better ‘career’ than this one. 
 
What are your biggest challenges as an author?
Balancing my time and attention between writing, social media, my family and my friends…and, of course, finding just that perfect word to use in a sentence…after all, it’s all about the emotions.  

Do you have any pets?
Two spoiled-rotten Shetland Sheepdogs….Shelties, of course.  Our oldest boy’s AKC name is Charleston’s Own Captain Rhett Butler Nord, but we just call him Buddy.  And our little girl is Atlanta’s Own Katy Scarlett O’Hara Nord, otherwise affectionately called Katy. 

What hobbies do you have outside of reading and writing?
Gardening. RV camping and traveling. Hiking. Bicycling. And going on luxurious cruises with the hubster.

Where is the most exciting/memorable place you have been in the world?
Too numerous to pick just one…from the Mayan Ruins deep in Mexico’s core to the beauty and splendor of the Grand Canyon to the hauntingly poignant monuments of the bloodstained Civil War battlefields across this nation, each and every place has burned a spot inside our heart.

Tell us about your latest work in progress or most recent published work…
I am currently writing AN UNLIKELY HERO, Book Three of my Four-book THE CUTTERIDGE SERIES for Samhain Publishing. Book One, NO GREATER GLORY, was the #1 Civil War Romance at Amazon for nearly a year.  And Book Two, WITH OPEN ARMS, just debuted on August 5th, and is currently the #1 Bestselling Historical Western at Samhain. 









My webpage:  www.cindynord.com
Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Cindy-Nord/e/B008VJZSPE/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1407793476&sr=1-2-ent
Amazon link (With Open Arms):  http://amzn.com/B00KT23WO0
Amazon link (No Greater Glory):   http://amzn.com/B008GWOI9S
Barnes & Noble NOOK link (With Open Arms):  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/with-open-arms-cindy-nord/1119742281?ean=9781619225435
Barnes & Noble NOOK link (No Greater Glory):   http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-greater-glory-cindy-nord/1112120177?ean=9781619212435
Cindy’s Facebook ‘Coffee Klatch’:  https://www.facebook.com/cindy.nord.9
Cindy’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/cnord2
Goodreads (With Open Arms):  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22441708-with-open-arms