10 Questions for Rhea Rhoden

The Olypmics may have had a closing ceremony, but we're still talking about it, or at least we are on my blog. Up next for Musaling Monday is Rhea Rhoden. Rhea resides in Minnetonka, Minnesota and has been telling herself stories since long before she could write. She attended the University of Minnesota with a focus on Journalism, then Brown Institute for Broadcast Journalism. After many adventures, misadventures, and a couple of short marriages, she found the love of her life in Regensburg, Germany, and has been living happily ever after since.

1.      First the easy one. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Actually, this is a difficult question for me. I think of blogging as a social interaction, and I'm an introvert--although a friendly one. In a social situations, I can (and do) talk to almost anyone about almost anything. Then I rush back to my cave and rest with my wonderful husband and Keeper, our (huge) malamute puppy. I'm probably the least Zen-like person you'll ever meet. Instead of living in the moment, I spend an inordinate amount of time telling myself stories, many of which work their way into my writing--especially the characters.

2.      If you could compete in any Olympic sport, what would it be?
Rhythmic gymnastics. Since I can't do it (by any stretch of even my vivid imagination), I had to make it happen through the heroine in Finding Grace (my slightly-paranormal contemporary romance available from Musa Publishing). She does a routine that includes it as part of her workout regimen. She has cooler music than most of I've heard at the Olympics, though.

3.      What sport would you add to the Olympics (need not be a real sport)?
Malamute-walking in a Minnesota winter. It not only tests upper body strength, but balance, reaction time (can you say "squirrel"?), flat-boot skating skills, and lung capacity (insert expletive of your choice). Oh, and there should be a doubles event, as well (try walking two at once, I dare you).

4.      If you were stranded on a desert island, what five things (other than books) would you take with you?
My husband, my dog, my iPad (that's kind of cheating, because of the book-thing), my knitting, and dark chocolate (the last two insure the first two remain living).

5.      What about books? If you could only have one book on that island, what would it be?
Really mean question. The only book I've read three times is Hermann Hesse's "Siddhartha" (twice in English--first time when I was fifteen--and once in the original German), so that probably qualifies as a DIK. If I start in on romances, or sci-fi, or any of that, I could never pick.

6.      We all know the Olympic theme music. What would be your book’s theme song?
Although Grace Thorne has an incredibly eclectic taste in music, I'd have to say that the Stone's classic, "Gimme Shelter" would be the theme song she'd pick for both herself and Dagger. She does one of her rhythmic gymnastic-type workouts to it in the book.

7.      Can you caption this photo?

Once I get this spell right, it's gonna bye-bye Bowser, hello Minnie Mouse.

8.      What was the first story you remember writing?
I distinctly remember creating a long-running Black Beauty-type fan fic series before I learned how to read, although I do remember vague stuff from even earlier. I think it helped that I grew up with a ghost of a young girl in the house to amuse, in hopes that she would remain out of sight (think Scheherazade-ish thoughts). Anyway, the first couple of stories that weren't class assignments were written just a few years ago. They're good enough that they deserve better writing skills than I had at the time, so once I've submitted my current WIP, I'm going to dust them off and edit them.

9.      Give a gold medal to someone special. Other than your own efforts, to whom do you attribute your success as a writer?
Without question, my husband. He's read every word I've ever written for a story, argued plot points, bullied and cajoled me into writing the next scene so he could read it, lived on far too many frozen dinners, chased food down when the freezer was empty, and, well, you get it.

10.   You know what time it is: Rejection haiku time. No one gets on the blog without a rejection haiku.

My stuff not her taste
So I'm free for your fine house
That's so much better.

Where can we stalk you--I mean find you-- around the internet?

My website  http://www.rhearhodan.com/
Join me on Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/rhearhodan
and/or Goodreads  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6152084.Rhea_Rhodan

Okay, and before I let you go, just a bit more about Finding Grace:

Kidnapped by human monsters, Grace Thorne was ripped from her quiet intellectual life and left deeply scarred. She’s hidden herself for five years, but there’s no escape from the nightmares of the past, or visions of the future. When one foretells tragedy, she gambles her fragile defenses on a haunted man to prevent it—only to discover love is the biggest risk of all.

Jack Daggery doesn’t need a mirror to know why people avoid him, but he doesn’t really care. After years working deep undercover, immersed in betrayal and death, all he wants is some peace and the quiet security company he co-owns.

Dagger has no idea why the foul-mouthed little server of questionable gender bothers him. But he does know that living with the ghosts of his past was hard enough without being tormented by the mysterious thorn in his side—or finding how much he needs her.


Available in many formats for your e-reader from Musa Publishing. http://musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=299 Also at Amazon, http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Grace-ebook/dp/B0089Y2ZQG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1340222886&sr=1-3&keywords=finding+grace Barnes & Noble, All Romance e-books, and other fine e-tailers.

And now you can go.

Go on.

Why are you still here?

It's the cover, isn't it? The hot hero with the tatts?

M'kay, stay here and stare if you must but the blog post is done.

No, seriously. Leave a comment and go home.

10 Questions with Cordelia Dinsmore

Cordelia Dinsmore has been writing since she was four years old and her brother taught her to write her name. She immediately began practicing her autograph. In anticipation of the days when she would be a famous author, Cordelia began signing everything in reach, including the garage door. She was already composing fiction in her head, however, and blamed the boy next door. That worked well, until her mother discovered her name written across her stomach in magic marker. By that time, Cordelia had perfected her signature and moved on to bigger projects. By second grade she had written a new ending for the Three Billy Goats Gruff, and made a lifelong enemy of Stephen Schultz, who ran screaming from the room when he discovered his character had been sacrificed in an act of poetic license. By high school, Cordelia had put new twists on several well-loved tales, but kept her skills within the confines of her alma mater. Today, she is finally coming out of her shell and sharing her stories with the world.

:

1.      First the easy one.Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m really old, but I love to act like a kid. What’s the point of living a long life if you can’t embarrass your children occasionally? I write under several different genres, from rhyming picture books to young adult. When I’m not writing, I love to play with my kids and granddaughter, work in the yard, trainmy dog, groom my horse, and dig for fossils.


2.      If you could compete in any Olympic sport, what would it be?

Oh, it would definitely be gymnastics. I love the balance beam. Don’t you? It would be so amazing to twist my body into contortions and flip upside down with nohands and not even hit my head on the floor, or dangerous objects like a narrow wooden board. And those parallel bars! I tried them once. I was able to hold myself suspended for several seconds, but could never find the strength to pull myself up in order to actually somersault over the top.

Unfortunately,all of my weight and strength is confined to the lower half of my body, so in reality, I would be much more suited to something like Indian Leg Wrestling, but I don’t think they’ve made that an official sport yet. At least, not in the Olympics. (sigh) I will wait.

 
3.      What sport would you add to the Olympics?

Indian Leg Wrestling, of course. I was the champion of that in high school gym class. I could even throw Denise Trotman (fictitious name, of course) halfway across the gym on a good day, and she was built like Mrs. Trunchbull from Matilda. I think that was her name, wasn’t it? Love that woman. She’s so maternal.


4.      If you were stranded on a desert island, what five things (other than books) would you take with you?

A toothbrush would be the most important item. I can’t abide grungy teeth, and if I had to resort to eating raw insects or sea creatures, I’d want to get all the little chunks out from between my teeth. The second item would be clean underwear. My mother always cautioned me to have clean underwear just in case of an accident, and you never know when that might happen. If a huge cruise ship hit the island and I got in its path, I’d definitely want clean underwear. Next I would want my pillow. I take it with me whenever I travel, because it’s used to my head, and those hotel pillows give me a headache like you wouldn’tbelieve.  I would absolutely want ashovel, because I would want to dig for fossils while I was waiting to be rescued. You never know what you might find once you start digging. I’ve found prehistoric shark teeth in the middle of Kansas! Just imagine what I might find on an island. Last of all, I would have to bring my teapot. My grandmother left it to me, and it’s beautiful. If a cruise ship DID crash into my island, Iwould want to share a cup of tea with the survivors and learn all about their favorite books.


5.      What about books? If you could only have one book on that island, what would it be?

Hmm.I think there might be an Idiot’s Guide to Island Stranding Survival, but I could be mistaken. If not, then I would want my Bible. There are many, many stories of survival in there, and it’s nice and thick, so I would have plenty to read while waiting for rescue.


6.      We all know the Olympic theme music. What would be your book’s theme song?

It may seem a bit odd, because the lyrics can be interpreted differently foreveryone, but it would have to be In My Life by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. That is one of my favorite songs. In my book there is a lot of silliness, but there is also an underlying theme of love, and I believe this song addresses that.


7.      Can you caption this photo?

Sure. I know that look well from my own childhood when my mother was curled up in her rocking chair with a gothic romance.

“I don’t smell smoke, so if someone isn’t bleeding or already dead, go away.”

8.      What was the first story you remember writing?

I don’t actually remember writing it, but my mother kept everything we made when we were young, so I guess it would be a poem titled, “The Tree In My Backyard.” My older brother dug up a tiny maple tree that came up from one of the seeds that fell from our larger trees. He let me observe as he transplanted it to the middle of our backyard. It grew beautifully, and is still there, although my parents sold the house many years ago. I have photos of my brother’s oldest son, my sister’s oldest daughter, and my oldest daughter, all sitting in the branches of that tree. The photos were taken several years apart, but are all quite similar.



9.      Give a gold medal to someone special. Other than your own efforts, to whom do you attribute your success as a writer?

My mother deserves all the gold. She was always reading and writing, and encouraging me to do the same. She praised everything I ever created, and told me countless times to write everything down and keep it safe. Of course, I didn’t heed her advice for many years, so all of those pieces are gone. I used to dream in rhyme, and I finally began writing them down when they’d wake me up in the middle of the night. That’s what finally got me in the habit of actually writing rather than creating in my head and leaving it there.


10.   You know what time it is: Rejection haiku time. No one gets on the blog without a rejection haiku.

Winter in my heart.
Another ‘no’ feeds the flames.
Rejections burn well.



Fortunately, life hasn't been all rejection slips for Cordelia! You can buy her novel Micheala's Gift from the Musa store, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.

10 Questions for Emma J. Lane

So, it's August and the world has gone Olympics mad. Me too. I love, love me some Olympics. I'll watch anything if it's an Olympic sport. Rowing? Bring it on. Diving? I'm there. Equestrian? Sign me up. How better to celebrate the London games than featuring a Regency author for this Musaling Monday.

Emma Lane lives in Western New York near Lake Erie on a few picturesque acres with her ever patient husband. They own and operate a small herbtique which keeps their days busy and interesting during the summer months. They have two brilliant grown-up children and a wonderful pair of grandchildren. In one way or another, the entire family contributes to her stories. They are her biggest fans and she is ever thankful for it.

And what would we do without fans?

1.      First the easy one. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I'm a native of South Georgia but have lived in Western NY for many years. Hubby and I have two brilliant children and two very handsome grandchildren. Although we traveled quite a bit in the past, I'm sort of a stay-at-home author now. We go south for a few weeks to catch up with relatives in the winter. I think they call us 'snow birds.' Oh, yeah and I'm an avid birder. I like hot fudge sundaes. 

2.      If you could compete in any Olympic sport, what would it be?

Olympic sport? Well, I used to play a very lot of tennis so if they still have tennis teams I'd sign up for that. Otherwise, swimming.

3.      What sport would you add to the Olympics?

Since it’s the summer Olympics, how about corn shucking?

4.      If you were stranded on a desert island, what five things (other than books) would you take with you?

Desert Island, huh? I'd take my husband, my two children and my two grandchildren. Nothing is more important than my family.

5.      What about books? If you could only have one book on that island, what would it be?

Choosing one book is painful, but it would probably be the Bible with Shakespeare a second.

*Interviewer note* Ooh, now the  geek in me wants to know which version of each. Revised Standard and Riverside?

 

6.      We all know the Olympic theme music. What would be your book’s theme song?

My latest Regency is all about returning soldiers so perhaps a marching song. "Yankee Doodle Dandy" Is that a Regency song?

7.      Can you caption this photo?

"Research, research! Didn't I see something in here about lives 10, 11 and 12?"

8.      What was the first story you remember writing?

Short stories for Magazines. I wrote what I thought they wanted to hear (and obviously didn't). Vignettes of women at home and their 'adventures.' As if housewifery could be exciting. Okay, there was the time I tried to make cornbread and had to bury the results in the back yard and the damn dog dug it up and showed it to my new husband. But other than that…well, there was the time I made tuna noodle casserole and served it without the noodles. Nothing very exciting. Disconcerting maybe. I wonder if that's when my hubby developed that poker face.

9.      Give a gold medal to someone special. Other than your own efforts, to whom do you attribute your success as a writer?

My mom was my best audience. Trite, but true. When I was far away from home (with various degrees of homesickness)  I would write long, highly exaggerated stories of my adventures. They were meant to amuse. My mom had this engaging chuckle we kids (7 of us)  all loved to hear so we would try to make her laugh. As I wrote nonsense in my letters home, I could hear her laughter. She always encouraged me to write. I wish I had started earlier, but I can still hear her laughter in my head.

10.   You know what time it is: Rejection haiku time. No one gets on the blog without a rejection haiku.

Surging hope

dashed into

starting over. 

Wow, seven kids? Your mom does deserve a gold medal! To read an excerpt of Emma's new Regency, Beloved Soldier Returns, check out her page on the Musa Publishing website. Emma's books are also available on Amazon. Amnesia, a forgotten fiancee, a Napoleanic War veteran, and family shennanigans. Do you really need to know more?

10 Questions for Sharon Ledwith

Sharon Ledwith is the author of the middle-grade/YA time travel series, THE LAST TIMEKEEPERS,available through Musa Publishing. When not writing, researching, or revising,she enjoys reading, yoga, kayaking, time with family and friends, and singlemalt scotch. Sharon lives in the wilds of Muskoka in Central Ontario, Canada,with her hubby, a water-logged yellow Labrador and moody calico cat.

Sharon is also blessed with my favorite Musa Publishing cover ever. So gorgeous. I love this cover. I love it so hard and long and...cough...YA. Right. YA fans. I'm better now. Ignore the Interviewer in the corner. How about some Musaling Monday questions?

1. First the easy one. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Honestly,I have to admit I was a late bloomer when I decided to jump ship from my lifeas a graphic trade business owner into the murky waters of the writing world. I didn’t start writing seriously until 1995. That’s when I took two college courses that changed my life. The first one was called Planning your Novel, which was an introductory workshop for, Writing your Novel. I met a couple of wonderful would-be writer gals, and we formed a writing circle after the classes were done. Years of practice, patience, and perseverance has beamed me up to where I am now, and trust me, it’s a pretty awesome place to be!

2. If you were a superhero, what would be your power?

Okay, I used to imagine I had bionic powers when I was a girl. Really. Thewhole Steve Austin scenario. The funny thing is that one of my characters in myThe Last Timekeepers series kind of has a creepy bionic connection. So, WTH –I’ll go with the whole bionic gal super hero type power.

3. Would you wear a cape and tights?  Describe your costume and give yourself a cool super name.

No capes! Did you not see The Incredibles? Definitely no capes! Tights maybe a bit of a stretch (no pun) since I hate wearing panty hose. Unless all skin imperfections are hidden! As for my costume – let’s face it, The Six Million Dollar Man and Bionic Woman never wore costumes, and they did just fine keeping they’re identity secret. Though, with today’s surveillance the way it is, I may stash a black leather suit and mask in my car trunk just in case, and call myself Bionic Babe. 

4. Pimp it if you’ve got it. What’s new or next for you?

Besides promoting The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, I’m currently working on the prequel to the Last Timekeepers series, entitled The Legend of the Timekeepers. I also have a completed manuscript of the second book in the series entitled, The LastTimekeepers and the Dark Secret, but there’s the fun job of revising itinto Jordan Jensen’s point of view.
Here’s the blurb for The Last Timekeepers and the Arch ofAtlantis:

When 13-year-old Amanda Sault andher annoying classmates are caught in a food fight at school, they're given a choice: suspension or yard duty. The decision is a no-brainer. Their two-week crash course in landscaping leads to the discovery of a weathered stone arch in the overgrown back yard. The arch isn't a forgotten lawn ornament but an ancient time portal from the lost continent of Atlantis.
Chosen by an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers--legendary time travelers sworn to keep history safe from the evil Belial--Amanda and her classmates are sent on an adventure of a lifetime. Can they find the young Robin Hood and his merry band of teens? If they don't, then history itself may be turned upside down.

5.What evil villain would be your archnemesis?

Belial. He’s the evil entity in The Last Timekeepers series. He’s one nasty magus.

6. Would he have a cape and tights?

No, but he would wear a long robe. Tights would just make him look silly.One can do a lot of mean things to someone wearing a robe. Especially if I use my bionic arm to hang him up in a tree.

7. What author or book influenced you the most as a writer?

Hmm, I would have to say Diana Gabaldon, author of the wonderful and well-plotted Outlander series, definitely inspired me to go with the time travel genre. J.K Rowling is another author who rocks my reading world.

8. What was your favorite meal as a child? Do you still like it?

Whenever I went to a restaurant as a little girl, I would always order the same thing: hot dog, fries and corn. Always. And yes, I still love it! Though, I tend to lean more toward steak now!

9. Your arch nemesis has attacked yourhometown, oh noes! You are in Marrakesh settling a zombie uprising. The fastestway to travel is this:

Does your hometown die while waiting for you to hop a commercial flight?

Hell, no! I’d be there to save the day pronto. Love snakes and snails. Actually have eaten both too, but that’s for another interview.

10. Instead of truth or dare, we are justgoing to jump right to the rejection haiku. I enjoyed reading them so much thatI’m making them a regular feature. Hey, rejection is one of the great universalcommonalities as a writer. So, write us a rejection haiku. Please? (see thatlast part was a question. Sneaky, right?)

Groan. This is truly torture. I’ll get you, my pretty! Here it goes:

 My hand smacks my head
Nix. Nada. Nothing. No good.
Chin up and move on.

Nice! Okay, for those who want to cyberstalk Sharon, you can find her at her website, blog, Facebook page, The Last Timekeepers Series Facebook Page, or on Twitter. That's a lot of places to stalk her, but she's there. Promise.

You can buy that book with the gorgeous, gorgeous cover at the Musa Publishing store, on Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.

10 Questions with Cornell DeVille

Up next for Musaling Monday is the very creative Cornell Deville. His writing began in Mrs. Carmichael's third grade class. Cornell's first creation, Flipper the Fawn, was good. Very good. At least that's what Mrs. Carmichael said and he figured she should know. She was the teacher. At that very moment he decided to become a writer. Of course life insisted he detour through the world of corporate business before giving him the go ahead to write, but here he is now. I think Mrs. Carmichael was on to something.

1. First the easy one. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

 I am a child of the Baby Boomer Generation. I have vivid memories of the 50s and 60s. I love that nostalgic era and everything associated with it — you know, rock and roll, muscle cars, black and white television.

2. If you were a superhero, what would be your power?

 That’s easy. Invisibility. Being invisible allows you to know things, and see things, that others think are secret.

3. Would you wear a cape and tights? Describe your costume and give yourself a cool super name. 

No cape and tights for me. I would probably wear a teal leisure suit. My superhero name would be Antimatter Man.

4. Pimp it if you’ve got it. What’s new or next for you?

 Two things. First, the release of a Limited Edition print version of Cannibal Island. I’m looking forward to seeing that and giving some away on my blog. Second, well, I can’t talk about that yet.

*Interviewer note* Oh, a tease. I see how you are.

5. What evil villain would be your arch nemesis?

 The horrible and evil Deleto is my arch nemesis. He’s the guy who erases my computer files after I write the next chapter.

6. Would he have a cape and tights?

Yes he does. But he doesn’t wear them all the time. Sometimes he’s dressed just like a normal office worker. At night, when he does his dirty work, Deleto dons a black cape, and he keeps it over his face so that no one knows what he looks like.

7. What author or book influenced you the most as a writer?

A Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne was very influential for me. I read it when I was twelve or thirteen years old, and I loved it. Also, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, was another one I enjoyed. I think both of those books may have been responsible for portions of Cannibal Island.

8. What was your favorite meal as a child? Do you still like it?

My favorite meal as a child was my dad’s fabulous barbecued ribs. I still love barbecued ribs, but they just don't taste the same as the ones my dad made.

9. Your arch nemesis has attacked your hometown, oh noes! You are in Marrakesh settling a zombie uprising. The fastest way to travel is this:

 Does your hometown die while waiting for you to hop a commercial flight?

 I don’t worry about commercial flights or any other type of transportation. In addition to my invisibility power, I can fly at supersonic speed. So my homies in Skullhaven are never in any danger.

**Interviewer note** Skullhaven is a lucky place. Except for the name.

10. Instead of truth or dare, we are just going to jump right to the rejection haiku. I enjoyed reading them so much that I’m making them a regular feature. Hey, rejection is one of the great universal commonalities as a writer. So, write us a rejection haiku. Please? (See that last part was a question. Sneaky, right?)

Your manuscript sucks

Please revise and send it to
Anyone but us

Nice! I suspect many magazines feel that way about me. Folks, you can find out more about the murky depths of Cornell's brain at his blog, or check out his website. You can snag your own copy of Lost in the Bayou or Cannibal Island at Amazon or the Musa Publishing Website. If you're brave enough to talk to Cornell in person, you can contact him at his Facebook page. Seriously, don't be scared. Just because he talks about danger and villians and all doesn't mean Cornell himself is someone to fear. Much.

 

10 Questions with Susan Rae

So, here we are again for Musaling Monday and I flubbed it. This post is late due to technical difficulties on my end. Mostly that I am a luddite living in the technoage. Now, onto to Susan.

Susan Rae received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Columbia College, Missouri with
a concentration in Creative Writing. Romantic suspense is a natural to her, because it allows her
to combine her love of a good mystery with a passionate love story. Her first novel, Heartbeats
earned numerous awards, including Best First Book by First Coast Romance Writers. Freefall
is Susan’s second novel. When she is not writing, she enjoys golfing and traveling around the
country seeking out new settings for her novels with her husband and her empty nest puppies,
Ginger and Nikute. Please visit her at www.susanrae.com.

First the easy one. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I have always been writing something since I was in grade school when I penned a melodrama for the Girl Scout Drama badge—short stories, news articles, poems, novels.  I like writing romantic suspense because it lets me combine a spicy romance with an intriguing mystery—the best of both worlds, in my opinion. And not so much different, really, than that melodrama I penned all those years ago!

2. If you were a superhero, what would be your power?

Flying.  I’d love to soar over the mountains, lakes, and cities, observing all life has to offer, before I swoop down to Earth to do my thing.

3. Would you wear a cape and tights? Describe your costume and give yourself a cool super name.  I’m not sure about the cape and tights.  Instead of a cape, I think wings—the kind where you extend your arms and bring them out, like bat wings, very dramatic. They would also let me do a lot of gliding, like an eagle, except, unlike an eagle’s, they would be red, my favorite color.  As for the tights, maybe...but under a short skirt.  A cool name?  I don’t think of myself as cool so much... I think I’d like something dramatic, to go along with the outfit.  I’ll have to think on it.

4. Pimp it if you’ve got it. What’s new or next for you?

My second novel, Freefall, was just released by Musa.  Freefall is a steamy romantic suspense written in the same vein as my award winning novel, Heartbeats.  When Kate Reynolds’s brother’s plane crashes on takeoff from Milwaukee’s Timmerman Field, Kate flies from San Francisco to be at his bedside and comes face-to-face with suave pilot/mechanic Everett Larsen. His gray gaze ignites in her a passion as powerful as a jet stream, but it also sparks a memory…one she can’t quite reel in.   As for DEA agent Everett Larsen, he has come to Milwaukee seeking answers to his former special ops buddy’s plane crash, but he is unprepared for the torrent of emotion he feels when he sees Kate—after his wife’s death, he thought himself no longer capable of such emotion.  He is afraid to love again; but when Kate gets too close to the truth, he is even more afraid to lose her.

 Fans who have read Heartbeats will be pleased to know that Drake McGuire returns in Freefall to help in the investigation.  I have to admit, I’m partial to the setting in freefall.  The intrigue takes us from a small airfield in the Kettle Moraine Forest to the beautiful vistas and waters of Door County, Wisconsin, one of my favorite places to visit.  You can read an excerpt from Freefall at www.susanrae.com.

As for what’s coming in 2013, I will have two new novels out with Musa Publishing.  ICE Blue and TRUE Blue are both romantic suspense novels that continue the story of the DeLuca family which I began in Heartbeats.

 
**Interviewer's note** You had me at "steamy", Susan. You had me at "steamy."

5. What evil villain would be your arch nemesis?

I’m afraid I don’t do evil villains per se. I think my arch nemeses would be all those real, tortured villains that may appear to be good on the outside, but hide the evil deep within themselves until they perpetrate their evil acts on some unsuspecting person—or worse yet, on a child.  However, given the definition of nemesis, I have to say, it is the evil itself that invades these people that would be my arch enemy, as it seems that no matter how many you take down, there is always one more out there to take his/her place.

 

Would he have a cape and tights?

No, he or she would look just as normal as the next person, which would make them even more evil.

 

7. What author or book influenced you the most as a writer?

I have been influenced by so many writers, but if I were to pick one, it would have to be Louisa Mae Alcott.  When I read Little Women as a preteen, I realized I could be a writer, too, like Jo.  I totally related to Jo.  She was a tough young woman who didn’t take no for an answer.  I even got to play her in our school’s eighth grade production.  Talk about typecasting. Yes, Jo is a fictional character, but I believe she is Alcott’s own vision of herself.

 

8. What was your favorite meal as a child? Do you still like it?

Spaghetti.  And yes, I still like it, but a much more authentic Italian version of it with sausage and meatballs that I make from my husband’s family recipe.

 

9. Your arch nemesis has attacked your hometown, oh noes! You are in Marrakesh settling a zombie uprising. The fastest way to travel is this:

Does your hometown die while waiting for you to hop a commercial flight?

First of all, I don’t see how a snake is going to get me from Marrakesh to my home town.  Second, I am so much larger than the snake, I don’t see how that would work either, unless I could take some pill like Alice in Wonderland and shrink down to the size of that snail.  Third, I have the super power of flying; I don’t need the snake!

  

10. Instead of truth or dare, we are just going to jump right to the rejection haiku. I enjoyed reading them so much that I’m making them a regular feature. Hey, rejection is one of the great universal commonalities as a writer. So, write us a rejection haiku. Please? (see that last part was a question. Sneaky, right?)

No, like lava, boils

raises the temperature of try

to do...succeed.

If steamy suspense is your thing (and if it isn't, what is wrong with you? Seriously?), you can pick up Susan's books from the Musa Publishing store, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble. Susan has just started a virtual blog tour. For more details, check out her website. Go get you some steamy suspense today. That's not an order, more like a friendly suggestion by a mom with your best interests at heart. Why are you still reading this post and not Susan?

You're still here? Fine. Leave a nice comment for Susan and go read her books.

10 Questions With Vera Jane Cook



So, this week we move from Annie down under to NYC, from Annie's beach ideal to glamour. Meet Vera Jane Cook, writer of award winning Women's Fiction.  Jane worked in the professional theatre for over a decade until a bizarre mid-life crisis forced her into corporate life at the age of 45. Jane is presently an account manager at Triumph Learning and manages the great states of California and Kansas. Triumph Learning publishes Coach products, as well as Buckle Down and Options.  She lives on the Upper West side of Manhattan with her long term partner, her Basenji/Chihuahua mix, Roxie and her two pussy cats, Sassy and Sweetie Pie.

1.     First the easy one. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I live in New York City, which I'm sure explains my paranoia. My first published novel, Dancing Backward in Paradise won an Eric Hoffer Award and an Indie Excellence Award in 2007 for notable new fiction. I have three novels published with Musa and a re-release of my first book in November of this year, also with Musa. I began writing novels later in life and now it's a passion, must write to exist. My dream is to buy a house in the country- a very literary cottage with intense gardens, retire there and write all day. Oh, of course, my books will be selling so I can afford the dog food, cat food, my own food and the mortgage.

2.     If you were a superhero, what would be your power?

 I'd be able to travel in time.

3.     Would you wear a cape and tights? Describe your costume and give yourself a cool super name.

Cape and tights? Heavens, no. I'd have on a long beautiful flesh colored gown designed by Dolce & Gabbana. My name? Oh, something like Vanessa the Valliant

4.     Pimp it if you’ve got it. What’s new or next for you?

I have just completed my third southern fiction novel, my second women's fiction novel, my first spec fiction and beginning the sequel to Annabel Horton, Lost Witch of Salem. Hoping this year's marketing plan will light a fire under my books.

5.     What evil villain would be your arch nemesis?

Count Dracula, he's evil but there is something very sexy about him as well.

6.     Would he have a cape and tights?

 My arch nemesis would just wear a cape, tights are for nerds. He'd definitely dress in Victorian attire. I like ruffled colors on men.

7.     What author or book influenced you the most as a writer?

 There are so many, and I mean many but I love Anne Rice, Nelson DeMille, Anita Shreve, the Bronte's, Nabokov, Oscar Wilde, Tennessee Williams, The Well of Loneliness, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Caleb Carr, A Tale of Two Cities, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, and I could go on and on until I turn another year older……..

8.     What was your favorite meal as a child? Do you still like it?  

Chicken Soup, still love it but it's never been as good as since I was a child.

 

9.     Your arch nemesis has attacked your city, oh noes! You are in Marrakesh putting down a zombie uprising . The fastest way to travel is this:

Does your city die while waiting for you to hop a commercial flight?

I'm afraid so, you won't find me with ten miles of that baby.

*Interviewer's note* But if your super power is time travel, you can go back and fix it! Awesomeness! 

10.  Instead of truth or dare, we are just going to jump right to the rejection haiku. I enjoyed reading them so much that I’m making them a regular feature. Hey, rejection is one of the great universal commonalities as a writer. So, write us a rejection haiku. Please? (see that last part was a question. Sneaky, right?)  

I never really understood haiku nor think I can write it, but here goes:

rejection settles in backyard puddles

and dries away.

welcome sun



You can learn more about Vera Jane Cook's fascinating (and stylish!) journey to becoming a novelist at her website, http://www.verajanecook.com. She also blogs at Reading Out Loud. You can find her novels everywhere quality ebooks are sold including at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and of course the Musa Publishing store.

10 Questions with Annie Seaton

So, it's another Monday Musaling here. I'm very excited to welcome Annie Seaton.  Annie lives on the edge of the south Pacific Ocean on the east coast of Australia. Recently retired from the world of full time work, she is fulfilling her lifelong dream of writing, and had instant success! Her first two books were both published on the same day!

 She writes across genres: steampunk, historical  and paranormal romance, romantic suspense, but her favorite genre is contemporary romance.
. 
Annie’s working life was spent in education from early childhood through  to teaching trainee teachers at university. She has worked as librarian, teacher, technology consultant and university tutor.  She has now retired and spends her days writing down all the stories in her head.  

When she is not writing she can be found in her garden or walking on the beach... or most likely on her deck overlooking the ocean, a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc in hand as the sun sets. If you don't already know this, you haven't seen the pictures on her blog. I have a serious case of location envy. Her garden, home and dog are gorgeous.

 Hi Marguerite

Thanks so much for having me visit. It is so nice to have a quick visit to the States as it is mid winter and freezing over here in Australia... so some cyberwarmth is good!

Awesome! I forget you guys are topsy turvy to our seasons here. Enjoy a little of our sunshine.

1.                     First the easy question. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I live with my husband, and ‘Bob’ the dog and two white cats, Boy Cat and Girl Cat in a house next to the beach in a small coastal town of New South Wales. Our two children are grown and married and when I’m not writing I love spending time in my garden walking on the beach and spoiling our two wonderful grandchildren.

I started writing just over a year ago after wanting to write all my life! Happy to say I now have three books published and one (Holiday Affair) has been on the Amazon best seller list for three months! Blind Lust, my favourite story has just been released by Musa Publishing and I hope it follows the same success! 

2.                     If you were a superhero, what would be your power?

SuperSpeed, speed, speed.

The mantra is our household is... if it wasn’t for the last minute nothing would get done in this house. That’s because I am always doing three things at once and the important things have to be done quickly if they ever get done.

 

Would you wear a cape and tights? Describe your costume and give yourself a cool super name.

Absolutely. I wear a cape and tights most days! SuperNannie.

3.                     Pimp it if you’ve got it. What’s new or next for you?

Blind Lust, my latest release is the story of a three hundred year old witch who has to choose between lust and love, thanks to a pesky Cupid. I absolutely loved writing it and as I always wanted to be a witch, I could pretend I was Lizzie! And of course there is a very hunky warlock for eye candy.

4.   What evil villain would be your arch nemesis?

Daryl Van Horne  (Jack Nicholson in Witches of Eastwick)

5.   Would he have a cape and tights?

I would love to take on Jack in a cape and tights. We got a glimpse of his butt in Something’s Gotta Give!

6.  What author or book influenced you the most as a writer?

Anya Seton  wrote historical novels in the 1950s  and Katherine is my favorite book of all time. I didn’t consciously choose my pen name to model hers. Annie is my real name and I chose Seaton because I write in a town by the sea. It wasn’t until someone commented that it reminded them of Anya Seton, that I picked up the connection!

7.  What was your favorite meal as a child? Do you still like it?

 

My husband thinks it is gross that I ask for Curried Sausages and Eggs for my birthday dinner

each year...like my Mum used to cook for me.

9.      Your arch nemesis has attacked your hometown, oh noes! You are in Marrakesh settling a zombie uprising. The fastest way to travel is this:

Does your hometown die while waiting for you to hop a commercial flight?

Oh yes... it would. I hate snakes and snails, almost as much as I hate spiders... and flying commercial runs a close third.

10.   Instead of truth or dare, we are just going to jump right to the rejection haiku. I enjoyed reading them so much that I’m making them a regular feature. Hey, rejection is one of the great universal commonalities as a writer. So, write us a rejection haiku. Please? (see that last part was a question. Sneaky, right?)

Self promo alert... I have not had a rejection as a writer! It must have been all those years of practice. So unrequited teenage love that left me free for true love... sweet???

Spring love at fifteen

Thank God for the rejection

Summer love stays true

Want more Annie? Of course you do! You can visit her at her website http://annieseatonromance.com. She also blogs at http://annieseaton.blogspot.com/. She tweets as @annieseaton26 and facebooks, too. So there you go. Plenty of stalking opportunities for you (and Annie is so very stalk-worthy. Just trust me on this.)

Wanna buy some Annie? ZOMG! She's not for sale. What are you a pervert or something? Oh, her books? Yeah, you can buy those. Blind Lust is available at Musa Publishing and Amazon. She has two other books out, Winter of the Passion Flower and A Holiday Affair. So what are you waiting for? Go get you some Annie!