Once Written, Twice Shy

Q & A with author Michele Hart

2012-01-25T07:32:00.000-08:00

Thanks for being here today, Michelle.

AThank you, Shy Writers, for having me. Hi, shy readers out there!

Q Would you please share a short bio about yourself?

AI spent my childhood on a lone piece of property with no one around, babysat bya TV and a set of World Book Encyclopedia. StarTrek and Batman were the bestparts of my day. Along the way, I studied a lot of myth, my first love infantasy fiction. Then I met a young man who convinced me I could be creative.He put a pen in my hand. Well, not a pen, a keyboard. It was the best gift togive to another person, creativity.

Q Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person?

AOh, yes. I can talk myself into not going everywhere.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted hindered your writing career?

AIt’s not easy for me to get out and sell. An author really must learn how topromote herself. There’s no substitute for it. If she hid behind a keyboard tostay lone and protected, it’s a rough revelation to learn she must sell herbooks one at a time. The days of authors “just writing” are over, if they everexisted.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted helped your writing career?

A I’ve developed the good discipline it takes to stay at the computer until thestory is told.

Q What’s the hardest part of this business for you?

A Everything that isn’t about writing. :-) Although it’s great to reach thereaders.

Q Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either inyour writing career or in your personal life?

A Checking the mail is out of my comfort zone. But I recently joined an actiongroup to help people with foreclosures, and we’ve planted a city garden.

Q What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helpedyou?

A Do what I do. Pack a gun wherever you go, and if things go wrong, you can shootyour way out of there! I’m just kidding, of course. Or am I…?

Q Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buyit?

AHere’s the blurb for my latest angels & demons/Sci-Fi Romance, Gangbusters:

Daniel Tierney and his fellow I-Marshals take down theorganizations producing the most dangerous substance in the Alliance. Butreporter Faith Vedder turns up at the worst times, including Danny’snear-assassination. He’s had enough of her interference and requires her sourceof information.

Faith won’t tell him anything that compromises herPulitzer-worthy story, not even under the magic of hot attraction. She doesn’tknow she’s surrounded by fallen angels at war. Danny’s not finished makingdemands. She doesn’t understand until a giant, snorting, winged monsterslobbers down her back, threatening to flay her.

The gangbusters can’t delay in their mission to shut downgangs until Danny learns the new criminal kingpin of their world is a man whoonce held Faith’s heart. In the guise of a gangland executioner named Heretic,Danny will destroy him. Even if it destroys Faith.

Angels are watching. Demons are plotting. Faith is thekey.

***

Gangbusters can be found here: http://www.BookStrand.com/gangbusters

Readhot, peril-packed excerpts, watch a woe-filled book trailer here:

http://www.MicheleHart.com/b28-book.htm

Q Where can my readers find you on the web?

A Find me at http://www.ILoveShape-Shifters.com/.Come over to my place in space. Watch a few book trailers under the stars, reada steamy, action-filled excerpt or two. Check out the reviews. I have worlds ofadventure awaiting you.

Twitter: @MicheleHart

Facebook: MicheleHartBooks

LinkedIn: MicheleHart

Thank you, Rebecca and Shy Writers! I wish you love and adventure in 2012!

Thanks for coming on today, Michele.

Many sales to you!

Q&A with romance author Jami Gray

2012-01-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

Q Thanks for being here today, Jami. Would you please share a short bio about yourself?

A Let me see if I can expand beyond the ‘I was born, grew up, and here I am’ status. I hit the world on an Air force base on the southeast coast and within twelve months had moved to the Northwest, where I remained until age six. Then it was southward bound to drier climes. I bounced around the Southwest until age twelve when I became the fifth eldest in a very, very large family (think double digits for kid amount). After graduating high school, I did the college thing for so long friends and family thought I’d be a professional student. I’ll admit there were days when I thought the same thing. In my late twenties I married by best bud from high school after we reconnected. We tried living back in the Northwest but it was way too damp so we ended back down in the desert where we now live with our two boys and a lab who doubles as a mini-pony. Yes, I do have a job that pays the bills on top of writing, but lucky for me, it’s a position that allows me to telecommute.

Q Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person?
A I do, but some friends disagree. Here’s the thing, I am much more comfortable staying at home or in the background and watching others. I find it intriguing to people watch, but once I’m comfortable around a group, I’ll start to peek out of my corner or from around my very social hubby.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted hindered your writing career?
A For me it was finding a critique group and putting myself or my writing out there. It was one thing to submit works if I could mail it in and no one would ever know who I was, but it was a whole other bag of worms if I had to physically sit there and listen to a critique. I always, always over think things and receiving a critique was like running razors over my soul. It took me years of trial and error to find my current critique group, The 7 Evil Dwarves. What worked for me was keeping my critique group small with like minded individuals. If they could get my twisted sense of humor, then it was less likely I would end up being carted off in a straight jacket. In the six years we’ve been together, they are a huge reason I was finally published. If I hadn’t had their constant threats…I mean encouragement…I don’t think I would have had the guts to keep submitting my writing to editors and publishers. Even now when I attend conferences and do those editor/agent pitches you would think I was going in to be skinned alive and my critique partner is pretty much dragging my shaking, nervous wreck in behind her.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted helped your writing career?
A This is probably easier to answer than any other question. I live so much in my head that transferring those worlds spinning around in there to paper is the easy part. For me, the fact that I tend to sit back and watch the world around me, allows me to create detailed characters and worlds for my stories. Delving into what motivates my characters and causes them to react they way they do in various situations makes them more “real”, which in turn draw readers deeper into a story. Life and people are naturally complex, and that complexity should be reflected in your writing.

Q What’s the hardest part of this business for you?
A Pitching in person. Doesn’t matter if it’s an editor, agent or my next door neighbor, trying to creatively explain my books verbally is hard. My work around is to write out various pitches or blurbs so I’m not caught flatfooted when I’m asked, “So, what’s your book about?”. Even though I’ve spent years doing theater, I still stutter when I’m not prepared. Maybe it’s being introverted, or maybe it’s being OCD, but either way I find myself doing mental rehearsals of what to say in case I’m faced with this situation.

Q Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone, either in your writing career or in your personal life?
A I was attending a writer’s conference a couple years ago with my critique partner and I had two pitch sessions. One with a big name New York editor and one with a large e-pub house editor. I spent days before hand writing up various pitches, word for word. Then I would torment myself with the “what-if” scenarios…what if they ask this question? I wanted to be prepared and not sound like an airhead. I have the unfortunate tendency to sound spacey when I’m nervous. It didn’t help that little voices in the back of my head were going on about how these very important people had heard it all and what if your idea was trite, or that I would appear to be a very obvious newbie writer. It took a great deal to block out that annoying little twit. I had to offer it lots of chocolate to get it to shut-up.

The pitch session with the New York editor was not good. Nerves had my words spilling out at a hundred miles per hour, my hands shook so bad I had to hide them under the table, and we just didn’t connect. I had a few minutes in between pitch sessions and as I went over to my second session, I was almost in tears. I pulled up my big girl panties, took a deep breath and sat down making sure my smile was in place. This time I would treat the pitch as if I was talking to someone in my critique group. Boy did it help. I made a real connection to the second editor as we talked. Strangely enough we ended up discussing a possible story idea I had been tossing around for few minutes and then I was able to get some great answers to questions I hadn’t realized I had about the whole publishing industry overall. It was lovely as I realized that even the editors and publishers can be just as nervous as the writers sitting across from them.

Q What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?
A Wow, that’s a tough one. Shy writers tend not to want to put their writing out there because it’s such a piece of them, but remember your readers don’t know you, but they get to share in your stories. How are they going to enjoy the worlds and characters you create if you don’t set it out there? When it’s been too hard for me to do on my own, I wrap my shaky, cold fingers in a death grip on my critique partners’ hands and hold on. They’re there to stand beside me regardless of how the reader winds blow. They haven’t steered me wrong yet, so I think I’ll keep holding on, because I’ve learned it’s okay to lean on my friends as they push from behind!

Q Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it?
A I’d love to! Shadow’s Edge is the first book in the Kyn Kronicles and can be bought e-format or trade paperback at Black Opal Books (www.BlackOpalBooks.com ). It’s also available at Amazon, ARe, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble.

It takes a monster to hunt one, and for Raine McCord, forged in the maelstrom of magic and science, she’s the one for the job. In a world where the supernatural live in a shadowy existence with the mundane, a series of disappearances and deaths threatens the secrecy of her kind and indicates someone knows the monsters are alive and kicking. Partnering up with the sexy and tantalizing Gavin Durand proves to be a challenge as dangerous as the prey she hunts.

When the trail points back to the foundation which warped Raine’s magic as a child, her torturous past raises its ugly head. Gavin and Raine sift through a maze of lies, murder and betrayal to discover not only each other, but the emerging threat to them and the entire magical community.

Q Where can my readers find you on the web?
A You can hunt me down at:

Website: http://jamigray.com/

Blogs: http://7evildwarves.wordpress.com/ or http://jamigray.wordpress.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jamigray.author

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/JamiGrayAuthor

Thanks for being here today, Jami!

Don't Leave Me

2012-01-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

Guest blogger: Katherine Grey

I’ve always been shy around large groups of people. Put me in a crowd where I don’t know anyoneor just one or two people and I immediately become part of the wallpaper.

I’ve always wanted to overcome my shyness but would chickenout at the last minute when invited to group events or in the case of writingconferences, no matter how much I wanted to go, I wouldn’t register out of fearof not knowing anyone and being placed at a table full of strangers that I’dhave to make small talk with.

Then I met a fellow writer at a local writer’s group. Jane was a wonderful writer, easy to talk to,and made me feel comfortable within minutes of meeting her. A couple of years after we met, she talked meinto attending New Jersey’s Put Your Heart In A Book conference. I agreed to go if she promised me one thing– not to leave me alone during the conference. She promised and I registered for the conference, booked the hotel roomwe’d share, and made travel arrangements. For the first time, I was going to attend a writer’s conference and Icouldn’t wait.

Finally, it was time to go to the conference. During our trip to NJ, Jane must have pickedup on my nervousness. She touched me onthe shoulder and said, “I haven’t forgotten my promise. You’ll be okay.” Her words calmed me a bit, but I still feltlike bats were playing ping pong in my stomach.

The evening we arrived, there was a meet and greet gatheringfor all of the conference attendees. Wewalked into the hotel ballroom and Jane began talking to everyone and anyoneshe came in contact with from the other attendees to the hotel staff. She seemed so comfortable with them; it wasalmost like she’d known them for years. Meanwhile, I hovered at her shoulder like a shadow, barely managing toutter a word.

An hour later, she pulled me aside and said, “I have to goto the lady’s room. I’ll be rightback.” I instantly responded with, “I’llgo with you.” She looked me in the eyeand said, “No, you mingle.” I opened my mouth to protest when she cut me offwith, “I haven’t forgotten my promise. You’ll be okay.” I nodded butreally wanted to throw my arms around her legs like a toddler and cry, “Don’tleave me.” She gave me a smile andheaded toward the door without a second glance.

Not wanting her to come back and still find me standing inthe corner, I gravitated toward the dessert table. It was loaded with different types ofchocolate confections. One thing I didknow was that chocolate always made me feel better. As I stood at the table, deciding whichdessert to try, a woman walked up and stood beside me. “I hate these things,” she muttered. “You hate chocolate?” I asked, the thoughtunfathomable to me. She laughed, “God,no. I hate these ‘get to know you’things. I never know what to say to acomplete stranger.” I smiled, probablymy first real smile of the night. “Me too.” We chatted for a few minutes beforewe were approached by a young woman who looked pale. Sweat beaded her upper lip. “Hi,” she said before we could utter a word.“I promised my critique partner I’d introduce myself to two people tonight. Myname’s Amy.” Her words came out in jumbled rush. She pressed a hand to her stomach. “Oh, justsaying that makes me feel like I’m going to pass out.”

My new friend scooped up a plate of chocolate truffles andhanded it to me, took Amy by the arm, and said, “Chocolate will help.” She ledthe way to a small unoccupied table where we all sat down and ate thetruffles.

A short time later, I glanced at my watch and realized ahalf hour had passed and Jane hadn’t come back from the restroom. I looked around the ballroom and found herchatting with a group of women. She gaveme a thumbs up sign, but didn’t come join me. I was a little angry. She promised she wouldn’t leave me alone. It was the only reason I agreed to attend theconference.

I held onto my smile and prepared myself to endure the restof the evening until I could politely leave and hide out in my hotel room. The funny thing was that the remainder of theevening wasn’t something to endure. Istarted feeling more comfortable, my nervousness melting away. I had fun. I met Amy’s critique partner and two of her friends. I met Carrie’s (the first woman to join me atthe dessert table) roommate and found out most of us planned on attending thesame seminars.

The rest of the conference passed in a blur of seminars,meals, and meeting more new people with Jane always at my side. Not wanting to make either of us feeluncomfortable I hadn’t mentioned how upset I’d been that first night that she’dleft me to my own devices, thinking I would bring it up on our way home.

The funny thing was that as I sat there during our triphome, trying to figure out how to broach the subject without soundingaccusatory, and ok, I didn’t want to sound like a spoiled brat either, Irealized Jane had never really left me alone during the meet and greetgathering. She may have not been by myside but she was there in the room and if I needed her, I could have gone andjoined her even if it was only to be her shadow. Instead, she’d given me space to meet newpeople while having the safety net of her presence in the room.

Unfortunately, our local RWA chapter disbanded a couple ofyears later. Though we tried to stay incontact, I lost touch with Jane not long after that. I never told her but I’m immensely gratefulto her for talking me into attending that first conference. I’m still shy around large groups of people,but I know I can hold my own in a crowd. I’d still rather have a friend beside me though.

You can learn more about Katherine on her blog and her Facebook page.

Katherine Grey's newest release, Impetuous,

is available now.

Amazon|The Wild Rose Press|Barnes & Noble

Blurb:

Mateo de Montayas, an impoverished Spanish count, comes to England to recover a stolen family heirloom and to satisfy his hunger for revenge against the man who destroyed his family. Arriving in London, he learns his hated enemy died three years before but has left behind a daughter. What better way to retrieve the heirloom and exact revenge than to use her to his advantage?

Teresa Darlington will do anything to keep scandal away from her frail mother and prove her father wasn't a thief, even risk her reputation in a race to find the missing heirloom before the Count does. But she didn't count on falling in love with the man determined to ruin her family. Can she find the heirloom before he does and protect her family, or will her heart lead her in a different direction?

GLENYS O'CONNELL: A little Q & A

2011-12-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

Q. Thanks for being here today. Would you please share a short bio about yourself?

A.A Short bio? What to say? What to say? I write romantic suspense and have several novels published. But I regard myself as a writing "Jill of all Trades" and have also written children's fiction and non-fiction, and following my interest in counselling and psychology, I've had two books on mental health issues published.

Back to fiction -- I've written two or three one-act plays -- two of them have been produced on stage, and one has won several awards, including a best drama award as the author of a play translated into Irish Gaelic! I've written many articles, web content, and a series of hypnotherapy scripts as well as ghostwriting several books. I started out my working life as a journalist and covering the crime beat for a large daily paper in Ontario fed my interest in psychology, so I took a degree and further qualifications as a counselor.

I'm also putting together a book on novel writing based on my online writing course: Naked Writing - the No Frills Way to Write Your Book, and I'm excited to be taking the plunge with Indie publishing on that one! But romantic suspense and mysteries will always be my first love - they fulfill my craving for romance, crime and excitement! I've lived and worked in the UK., Ireland and Canada -- all countries which provide excellent settings for novels. Now I'm back home in very rural Ontario, Canada, and at work on a series of novels about a psychotherapist turned amateur detective and on a non-fiction book about relationships.

Q. Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person?

A. Yes, I am both shy and introverted -- in another age I'd probably be a hermit living deep in the woods, or a witchy woman living alone with my cats....

Q. In what ways has being shy or introverted hindered your writing career?

A. It's a two-edged sword, really. I'm not shy when I'm interviewing people as a journalist, or teaching as a creative writing instructor (I taught law, creative writing and did life coaching in Ireland and worked with disadvantaged children and adults, too). I'm able to stand in front of a class and talk for as long as I need to -- but put me on a stage promoting one of my plays or in a bookstore doing a book signing, and I'm instantly tongue tied. Promotion, especially in person, when I'm required to talk about my own work, is really difficult and I know that shyness has prevented me from taking up promotional opportunities.

Q. In what ways has being shy or introverted helped your writing career?

A. In my professional life, particularly as a journalist, I learned to adopt a 'professional personna' which lets me put a shield between myself and what I'm doing, if that makes sense. I am learning from that experience to 'fake it until you make it' and I think I'm becoming better at going out to readers and talking or promoting my work. At least, I hope so!

Q. What’s the hardest part of this business for you?

A. Promotion and book signings - see the answers above!

Q. Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?

A. Oh, my -- there are a number of answers to that one.

How about the time I was invited to cover a Women's Institute convention, with hundreds of attendees, for my newspaper -- and no one told me I was on the slate as a speaker! I was pretty young at the time, and I did give a talk on writing club reports that would interest newspapers. Apparently, I spoke for the required 20 minutes and everyone clapped and said it was great. Me? I don't remember a word I said....

Then there was the time I was invited to do a series of workshops at an elementary school about my children's book, The Pebble People Save the Day....30 little boys, full of questions and with short attention spans, waiting expectantly, and the teacher left me alone in the room. I survived, though....and the kids didn't riot!

And possibly some of my worst moments have been when women readers have commented that they really thought the sex in my books was hot...and went on to ask me if I had any tips for them.

Q. What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?

A. Don't take things personally. People are usually genuinely interested in the work you do, or they wouldn't want to hear about it. Your readers are the people you are writing for -- do them the honor of respecting that and do your best to treat them as special people in your world. And if you get a rejection, or the reviews don't come in (or worse, aren't as good as you'd hoped!) or a store won't carry your books, or some other disappointment occurs in your writing, don't take it personally. Books are very much subjective -- a rejection or a poor review isn't a personal judgement on you! Remember when you learned to ride a bike? You kept falling off and then all of a sudden, there you were -- riding with the wind! Well, keep on doing what you love, and the things you fear will get easier and actually become (almost) enjoyable!

Q. Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it?

A. This is from Resort to Murder, a romantic suspense/police detective novel set in Yorkshire. England.

Disgraced police detective Ellie Fitzpatrick is prepared to face a vicious killer to redeem herself but is she also brave enough to make peace with the man she loves? Her meteoric career crashes and burns after she is falsely accused of accepting bribes from thugs running a protection racket. Suspended from the job she loves, she believes herself abandoned not only by police colleagues but by her lover, Detective Liam Reilly. Then she is called back to work when a biography of a serial killer she arrested suggests the man may be innocent. Reilly vows to protect Ellie from the gang who tried to frame her and the killer who's stalking her. But can she trust him with her life?

The Wild Rose Press|Amazon|Barnes & Noble

ISBN: 1-60154-652-1

Q. Where can my readers find you on the web?

A. I have a web page at www.glenysoconnell.com under the 'brand' Romance Can Be Murder! I also blog with The Roses of Prose and on Amazon. I'm also on Twitter @GlenysOConnell.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to be here today, Rebecca, and special good wishes to shy writers everywhere!

Doing Your Own Thing -- by Lynn Crain

2011-12-21T14:01:00.000-08:00

The first thing I have to do now is thank Rebecca for being so patient with me. She had to remind me that I was supposed to be blogging here...see...I was out doing my own thing. My family has always had to drag me out of doing my own thing as it has always eclipsed doing their thing. LOL!

Seriously, when I read the blog posts, trying to get a fix on what I should be writing, I noticed several folks were talking about being shy and introverted. I’m not...as long as it’s online...and that makes me incredibly outgoing. However, it wasn’t until I moved to Vienna, Austria, that I found out just how introverted I really am when trying to learn a new culture and meet new people.

In April of this year, 2011, my husband of many years decided he wanted to go on an adventure. He wanted to run away from home, so to speak. All my friends told me moving would be the adventure of a lifetime. I told myself sure, it would. It would be my adventure on how not to be depressed or want to behead my beloved. Yes, I have a snarky sense of humor, so sorry if I offend any of you, but the simple fact is what I’m typing is true. I did want to do those things, as I couldn’t understand how this man I had lived with for a long, long time knew me so little.

I had lived all my life, with the exception of eleven years, in Nevada, in the good ole US of A and nowhere else. I had visited Scotland twice, along with England, and decided I wanted to have a summer home there. Note I said summer home. I also wanted to visit Europe, maybe even visit for a month or two, but never in any dream did I think we’d ever be there for more than a few weeks.

In May 2011, we packed up a home of nearly thirty years and moved to Europe. We’re here for somewhere between three to five years. I honestly think it depends on my tolerance of being away from home, family and friends. My impression from my dear husband was that like-minded people would surround us. We’d be entertaining or going to public parties and other venues for his job. I braced myself for this as I can be very good with my social butterfly guy. I have learned through my many years with various writing groups just how to be ‘on’ for an event. I had always told my friends that it was different from how I usually was, but it was still me...just a very social me...or so I thought.

In all my other social gatherings as I writer, I had never felt judged from just a look. Sure, those looks were there as were the feelings sometimes, but I had never let them bother me or even noticed at all. Here, maybe it’s because I don’t understand the culture as well as I thought, I feel practically naked in the public eye. All around me, people speak in different languages, and since I’m a control freak, it makes me feel very out of control. My controlling nature has mellowed over the years, but this had it zinging.

It was in those early days here that I understood just how shy and introverted I was. I really didn’t like crowds. I didn’t like everyone looking at me as if I were a commodity on my husband’s arm. And no, I’m not sexy or anything but a plain Jane intelligent woman who wonders just why people are so political when they should all just be getting along. Here I feel that everyone is jockeying for a place within my husband’s social sphere while I’m just trying to keep my head above water, and to figure out just where I might fit in. To be honest, it wasn’t going well at all for me.

So, how was I going to get over these feelings of inadequacy I’d never had before? They seemed to reach all the way to my soul. First, I turned to my online friends, as they ‘knew’ me based upon who I felt I was and not what I could give or even do for them. They like me for me. In various discussions, I came to realize that I had to relax, to loosen up and let the sunshine in so to speak.

The other item I did was to study people for nearly a month here in Vienna and made some conclusions. Viennese are an extremely standoffish people who have a decidedly different mindset than the average American. It’s hard to explain and even harder to deal with if you have a friendly nature. I tend to smile a lot, and suddenly, I found myself with a perpetual frown on my face. I was going to be here a long time and needed to figure out some way to be fairly happy.

I decided to embrace the history of the country and believe me there is plenty. I studied artists, art and the emperors and empresses of the historical times. I found that I remembered some bits and pieces and now, stood in places where history was made. I visited palaces, towns, and the countryside to see Roman ruins. All of this made me realize that this can be an adventure as long as I start putting myself out there and seeing how it all fits with doing my thing as a writer. I guess I'd forgotten the writer part for a while.

Then, I did something I thought my husband was going to put his foot down against. I told him I needed companionship for when he was gone on business trips, and for the fact that I had no family around. I went online and picked out a pup named Harry Potter from a list of Parsons Russell Terrier breeders. I thought he’d die but when I explained my reasons, he acknowledged they were sound: Harry would provide the companionship for when he was away on travel, Harry would also force me to exercise and thus help me to get healthy by losing weight and I could do my own thing again without having to call him at least three times a day because I didn’t understand what was happening around me. In addition, as much as the Austrians seemed to be stoic, I had noticed they loved dogs.

Next, I told him in no uncertain terms he needed to help me construct a safety net of sorts. I needed to know who to call when I needed help when he wasn’t around. I needed to know all the emergency numbers and even contacts at the US Embassy should I find myself in a bind when he wasn’t there. I needed to know there were others I could depend on if he were unavailable. It took us a little bit, but the list came together quicker than I thought possible.

The last thing I did to put myself out there was in my writing career. In September, I received the rights back for a story that had been in an anthology. It wasn’t something that I wanted to market again. It was a short story, but I did want to put it out there. There had been some other ideas in the back of my mind and I thought they would do well in the scheme I had planned. There are a few stories out there that I wanted total control over, so with a friend, I decided to start my own publishing house called Shooting Star Books. This little indie press will publish books for my friend and me pretty exclusively as well as those things I have in what I call my overflow bin. Those are the stories that don’t fit any mold with a traditional publisher but still should see the light of day. I don’t know how well we’ll do, but the fact that I’m putting myself out there and doing my own writing thing again is very good.

Apparently, these were just the right ideas for me to do as since I put myself out there, doing my own thing again, I also started the creative juices that had stopped flowing while adjusting to my new life. I’ve almost completed three more books. I’ve started a new blog called The Log Line Blog where writers can get exposure for their log lines, the one-liner that sells their story, as well as their book. I’ll also have that first short story out with Shooting Star out in late December just in time for the Christmas rush.

The addition of Harry has people smiling at me when I’m out on my walks and conversing with me in my fledgling German. There isn’t a day that hasn’t gone by when I don’t get a comment about the little guy. And while it may be strange that Austrians seem to like dogs more than they like people, at least he’s getting them to interface with me on a new and different level. I’ve even decided to do a blog for him called ‘Just Call Me Snarky Boy’ because of his somewhat snarky nature.

All this because I love to do my own thing! See you around on the net!

Lynn Crain realized at an early age she wanted to write. She took the long way to being published by doing a variety of things like nursing assistant, geologist, technical writer and computer manager all of which have added to her detail-oriented stories. Now she’s a full-time storyteller and weaves fantasy, futuristic, and paranormal tales, as well as erotic stories for various publishers. She is a past national board member of the RWA; founding president of Las Vegas Romance Writers Chapter of RWA. Her latest adventure has taken her to Vienna, Austria, with her husband as he works for a UN-affiliated organization. You can find her hanging out at A Writer In Vienna Blog and various other places on the net (http://www.theloglineblog.blogspot.com/; http://www.twitter.com/oddlynn3;%20www.lynncrain.blogspot.com ).

Still, the thing she loves most of all is hearing from her readers at lynncrain@cox.net.

Channeling Your Inner Rock Star/Overcome Shyness in Public Speaking

2011-12-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

I'm delighted and honored to welcome Kim Hornsby to the blog today. Kim Hornsby is a legend in her own mind (her words, not mine). A former singer, she opened shows for Jamie Foxx, Jay Leno, Bob Hope, even Maya Angelou in the Hawaiian convention circuit and was the star of an international infomercial. An award winning stage actress for Evita and Annie Get your Gun, Kim is no stranger to self-promotion. Her thirty-year career in show biz prepped her to teach the online course Channeling Your Inner Rock Star, with a unique approach to abolishing shyness.

Here's Kim:
No one is born a rock star, complete with over-the-top confidence and leather pants. An individual has to work for that. (And grow into the pants.) Ever heard the Nickelback song “We all just want to be big rock stars, live in hilltop mansions, driving fancy cars”? Well some actually live this way but most celebrities do not.

These days we use the term Rock Star to mean someone who’s achieved success in their field. Eg) Wow, kids, you finished homework. You are a Rock Star.

We tend to look at those who’ve achieved enormous success performing in a rock band as beyond ordinary. But remember, even Pat Benatar and Tommy Lee have baby pictures. They put their pants on one leg at a time and catch colds.

My Point: One must work at developing an image to fool the public into believing that you are special. It’s referred to as Smoke and Mirrors. And it’s human nature to want to believe it true, to see someone as super-talented, uber-wonderful. That’s not to say if you follow the advice I’m going to give you, you need to be so conceited your head won’t fit through the book store door. Believing in your own PR (public relations) is a slippery slope. A true Rock Star can take out the garbage when not in black leather and chains.

Under the costumes, tattoos, makeup, piercings and hair gel, a Rock Star is simply another person in the world who has insecurities-- a human being who probably feels more comfortable in a larger-than-life personality when greeting the public. I bet Pat Benatar made lots of PB and J’s for neighborhood kids between tours and Tommy Lee played Little League before he joined Metallica.

In my life I have known a few rock stars, celebrities, and movie actors of enormous proportions and I’m here to tell you that off stage and out of makeup, most are a bit shy--Steven Tyler, for example. I took him snorkeling in Hawaii once and he is a quiet man. Jamie Foxx, whose name is actually Eric was raised by his Grandma and is extremely humble. These people created a stage persona and you must too. If shyness is holding you back, you must dig deep to find that inner celebrity that we all have hiding somewhere behind the spleen. Once you find her she will help get through public events that would’ve otherwise leave you shaking in your boots, quivering in your Victoria’s Secrets, sweating through your sweat suits. (Note: Unless you are a sports star, I highly recommend you refrain from wearing sweat suits when trying to be a Rock Star.)

On that note, the first step to Rock Stardom is physical presentation. Go into your closet and find yourself an outfit that says “__”. You must insert your celebrity/pen name here and if you don’t have one I suggest you find one because this is how you will refer to yourself when it’s ‘ShowTime!’

My stage name used to be Kimberley Horn because there were too many syllables in my real name for my former talent agent. Now my pen name is Kim Hornsby. I did not deviate too far from the truth but you see where I’m going with this.

Once you have a few killer outfits that make you feel special, check that the rest of you is ready for the spotlight -- hairstyle, shoes, jewelry. What makes you feel successful enough to have a Lear jet to fly to San Fran for breakfast on the pier? This is the side of you that does not scrub toilets, make school lunches, clip coupons. She takes her pool boy (or husband) to South Beach on Saturday night to dance and sleeps until three the next day. After your have the look, you must make yourself believe how wonderful you are. If you skip this step you’re in trouble. Affirmations, self talk, call it what you want, but do it just before called upon to speak in public.

As you look out on the sea of faces, just remember, do not read your audience too closely. It’s the kiss of death. Just plough through, if you’re giving a key note speech, talking to a group at a book signing, whatever. Don’t assume you know what they are thinking. The expressions on their faces may not reflect their thoughts. Probably won’t if they are listening intently. Take your glasses off, look over heads but don’t read their faces.

I want to introduce to you a character I love to laugh at on SNL, called Shy Ronnie. He is played by Andy Samberg and the only reason he is so drop-dead funny is that we know Andy is not actually shy. The link to see him is at the end of the blog. Were Shy Ronnie a real person, it would be excruciatingly painful to watch him try to rap alongside Rhianna. When asked to speak up, his voice is so miniscule it’s painful to watch. But when his beautiful co-singer leaves the room in frustration, Shy Ronnie takes off. His shyness in front of Rhianna makes him not only unable to do his job but makes him look silly, due to lack of confidence.

Remember this when you are in front of an audience – the people who have paid money or taken time out of their busy lives want to like you. When you open a book, you are hoping that the protagonist is someone to relate to. Likewise, an audience member wants to like you and will give you every possible chance to be worth their time. If they don’t like you (and you will probably never know this), it might be their own problem. Maybe they’re distracted, closed-minded, too focused on their own lives or not ready to listen.

In recap, you must create a celebrity side to yourself complete with a celebrity look (and name) -- an outward appearance that says ‘Someone Special is in the House’, practice self talk and remember the audience wants to like you.

Good luck to all the shy people reading this. Now click on Shy Ronnie and tell me you aren’t this bad!

http://www.hulu.com/watch/113207/saturday-night-live-snl-digital-short-shy-ronnie

You can learn more about Kim here:

http://www.kimhornsby.net/

http://www.kimhornsby.blogspot.com/

mailto:www.kimhornsby@yahoo.com

https://www.facebook.com/#!/kim.hornsby1

http://twitter.com/kimhornsby

Q & A with Avon author Candis Terry

2011-12-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to have one of my very favorite people on the blog today. I've known Candis for many years--she was my very first critique partner.

Thanks for being here today, Candis! Would you please share a short bio about yourself?

It’s amazing to be here with you today, my friend!

For those who don’t know me, here’s a brief rundown of what planet I come from. I was born and raised near the sunny beaches of Southern California and now make my home on an Idaho farm. I’ve experienced life in such diverse ways as working in a Hollywood recording studio to wiping sheep noses to working as a graphic designer. Only one thing has remained constant: my passion for writing stories about relationships, the push and pull in the search for love, and the security one finds in their own happily ever after. Though my stories are set in small towns, my wish is to give each of my characters a great big memorable love story rich with quirky characters, tons of fun, and a happy ending.

In February 2011, after 22 years of working at becoming a published author I sold my first contemporary romance, SECOND CHANCE AT THE SUGAR SHACK, to Avon Impulse.

Q Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person? (I already know the answer to this, and I'm trying not to laugh...)

A Anyone who knows me is probably laughing because they would say I’m as far from an introvert as possible. The truth is I’m not as much of an extrovert as I would like everyone to believe. Yes, I can talk to anyone I pass on the street (and usually do!), but when I step into a crowd of people I don’t know, I do have to muster up some Cowardly Lion courage.

Q What’s the hardest part of this business for you?

A For me the hardest part is to promote myself, which is completely expected of authors by their publishers more than ever. No longer can we just write a book and stay behind the curtain. I know how I feel when I’m barraged with an author’s self-promotion. It’s often a huge turn-off. So how do we discover that fine line between “Gee, I’d really like you to check out my book. I worked really hard on it and I think you might like it.” Or “Hey, buy my book, buy my book, buy my booooook! Because you know, I’ve got to be able to afford to put dinner on the table.”? And how do we step out of our comfort zone to constantly talk about ourselves and our work? I don’t know the answer. And hey, I live on a farm so shoveling manure is probably not all that interesting.

Q Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?

A The most recent experience was at the Emerald City Writer’s Conference this past October. After 22 years of trying to become published, I decided it might be a good idea to pay it forward and give a workshop on all the mistakes I’ve made over the years. Again, being in front of an audience and talking about myself just makes me cringe. I hope I did okay. The most important thing to me was trying to give new writers some helpful insight. I don’t have all the answers, but I have a couple of really dumb things I’ve done that I know delayed my ability to sell a manuscript. I had to convince myself that the people in the audience were not there to laugh at me. They were there to learn. Which made it totally okay to laugh at myself.

Q What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?

A Don’t take yourself too seriously, just be yourself, and smile. Sorry, that’s three tips.

Over the years I’ve been in many situations that made me say “What the heck am I doing here and how am I going to make it through this?” One example is when I lived in California and I worked for the company who did all the publicity materials for the Jimmy Stewart Relay Marathon which took place in Griffith Park. The president of the company sent a few of us to represent the entire company. Eeek. No pressure.

I found myself at the Beverly Hills Hotel in a room with stars like Jimmy Stewart, Charleton Heston, Robert Wagner, OJ Simpson (pre-murder days) and even Scott Baio (Chachi) from Happy Days. No kidding. I have pictures to prove it! There were assistants working the room that would bring the star to you. You didn’t have to go up to them and ask for an autograph or anything to get a moment with them. Imagine when I found myself shaking hands with Charleton Heston (aka Moses)! Any speck of extrovert I possessed completely vanished. The only thing that got me through that night was knowing those people would never remember me and they didn’t care who I was. So I was able to laugh and enjoy myself (and say stupid things) because, if they weren’t going to take me seriously, why should I?

Q Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it?

A I’m thrilled to share a blurb from ANY GIVEN CHRISTMAS. The story was a blast to write as Dean, the hero, was just bigger than life (not to mention super sexy). You can go to my website http://www.candisterry.com/ for an excerpt of ANY GIVEN CHRISTMAS and also for an excerpt from SECOND CHANCE AT THE SUGAR SHACK, the first book in the Sugar Shack novels. The books are available as an e-book and also as a print book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and most everywhere e-books are sold.

Here’s the blurb!

Dean Silverthorne’s mother may be dead, but she still has matchmaking to do.

When an injury dashes NFL Quarterback Dean Silverthorne’s Super Bowl dreams, he heads back to Deer Lick, Montana with a chip on his wounded shoulder and more determined than ever to get back in the game. He loves his kooky family, but his trip home is nothing but a very brief Christmas visit.

His game plan didn’t include an instant attraction to Emma Hart, a feisty kindergarten teacher who seems to be the only person in Deer Lick not interested in the hometown hero. Or his dearly departed mom popping up with mistletoe in hand and meddling on the mind. Now Dean can’t help but wonder if there’s more to love than life between the goal posts.

Q Where can my readers find you on the web?

A I’d love for readers to visit me at my website http://www.candisterry.com/. I’m also on Twitter @CandisTerry and on Facebook.

Thanks so much for having me here today!

Happy holidays to everyone!

Q & A with author Jane Richardson

2011-11-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

Thanks for being here today, Jane. Would you please share a short bio about yourself?

I'm really pleased to be here, Becky, so thank you! Sure, here's a very short bio. I'm a Scot, though I now live on the lovely south coast of England near the famous historical town of Hastings. I'm an ex-stage manager, used to work mainly in the world of opera, which I absolutely loved. My hubbie and I met while working in the theatre, actually! I'm now a full-time home-educating Mum to our two children, a boy of 13 and a girl of 9. Living here by the coast lets me indulge in lots of my favourite things - walking our dog on the beaches or in our lovely cliff-top country parks, or visiting some of the many fantastic local food producers here so I can cook up feasts for family and friends. I'm a bit of a home-loving gal, really!

Q Now for the questions. Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person?

A A lot of people who know me would say I'm not - they'd call me fairly extrovert, especially because of the jobs I've done and the world I worked in. But the truth is, I'm far happier in a small group of friends than in a crowded room. Look at my previous job - while I did act onstage occasionally in my younger days, it wasn't the limelight I loved but the whole experience of the theatre, and once I began to work backstage, I found that was where I felt happiest and most in control.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted hindered your writing career?

A Not having the confidence to push myself forward when I should have done. That, combined with a British stiff-upper-lip and the sense that it's 'just not done' to push one's-self forward! It took me a long time to have the confidence to say to other writers, 'hey, look, I'm as good as you' - and to say to readers, 'would you like to read my book - I think it's pretty good.' Even now, I find that very, very hard to do.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted helped your writing career?

A Probably because I wasn't confident for a long time in pushing myself forward, I would read a lot about and listen to what other writers were saying. Just sitting quietly and taking it all in helped me see what I needed to do to improve, and to spot who was genuinely worth learning from - and who wasn't. It's not always the one who shouts the loudest that merits the most attention paid!

Q What’s the hardest part of this business for you?

A I find self-promotion very hard and have to work myself up to it - blowing my own trumpet doesn't come naturally to me. I'm not very confident about my writing, even when people say they've loved something I've done, I tend to panic and think well, I'll never be that good again! Which is silly, of course, but when you're a slow writer who doesn't produce a lot of words as I am, it can be very difficult to have the confidence and self-belief to keep at it.

Q Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?

A I did a book sale and signing once, along with a roomful of other writers, and I found that hard going. People came up and wanted to know what the book was about - well, of course they did! But if they'd been in a bookshop, they wouldn't have had to ask me, they'd have looked at the cover and the blurb and maybe read some of the beginning of the book, and then decided whether they wanted to buy it or not. The idea that I somehow had to CONVINCE them to buy it was just awful! I just wanted to shove a copy at them and say, oh, look, just buy it and then if you don't like it, it doesn't matter.....!' By the end of the day, I was exhausted!

Q What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?
A One tip - I'd say, if you're meeting people face-to-face, make sure you smile. It works wonders, and helps you feel more confident. If you're meeting people on-line all the time, as many writers do these days, you can put a smile into your communications, too - simple things like remembering to tell people you're glad to meet them, thanking them when they respond to you, and being genuinely interested in what they're asking or saying. You don't have to be extra-smart or wildly witty - just smile and be yourself, because no-one else is nearly as good as you at being the lovely thing that IS you!

Q Nicely said! Now, would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it?

A My current release is a short story called Edinburgh Fog, which is on US Kindle here and on UK Kindle here.
and in all the other e-formats from the publisher, MuseItUp, here - where you'll also find an excerpt.

Here's the blurb!

When Greg Morton returned to Edinburgh, it was to follow his dream of opening the smartest bar-bistro in town. Now Tellers’ is a huge success—but the truth is, deep inside, it means little without the love of his life.

Four years ago, he left Julia Brady behind in London to realize his business ambitions in his Scottish home town. By the time he’d recognized his mistake and admitted to himself he wanted her back, the grapevine told him Julia had moved on—and Greg had to face the fact that he’d been a fool.

When Julia appears out of the blue in Tellers’, he knows the only thing he should do is walk right up to her and say hello. But it looks like someone else has their sights set on her, and he’s a quick worker. Is Julia about to disappear from Greg's life a second time - this time, for good?

Q Where can my readers find you on the web?

A You can find me at my blog, Home Is Where The Heart Is. That's where you'll get all my news, and I also feature other writers there quite regularly too, so do pop in when you can! I'm also occasionally on Twitter under the name @Gimmeahugyou.

Q & A with Diana Ballew

2011-11-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Q. Thanks for being here today. Would you please share a short bio about yourself?
A.First off, I would like to thank you for having me today, Becky.

I was born in Okinawa, Japan. After spending my early childhood years in Alaska, I moved to Virginia, where my passion for Civil War history began. As a child, I read and wrote poetry. During college, I began filling pages with the characters and stories flooding my mind. While my husband and I raised our three boys, I found a creative outlet devouring American history, reading the classics, and genealogical research.

I’m actively engaged with Romance Writers of America and a member in my local chapters in Seattle, Washington, and Tucson, Arizona. Additionally, I’m a founding member and vice president of Evergreen RWA, located in Everett, Washington.

My writing combines my active imagination with my love of history and research to create vibrant characters in sizzling tales that blend vintage vixens with haunting heroes.

My debut novel, Thorns of Eden, is a steamy and suspenseful tale set in the American Civil War during the Peninsula Campaign of 1862.

Q. Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person?
A. I’m definitely shy, but most people don’t know that about me. I remember sitting at my desk in school, my stomach twisting in tight knots, hoping and praying the teacher wouldn’t call on me for anything. As I think about how I felt back then, it still makes my stomach twist and turn. Sadly, even as an adult, I’d probably still feel like that under the same circumstances.

Q. In what ways has being shy or introverted hindered your writing career?
A. Actually, it’s probably helped my writing career. Because I’m shy, I naturally gravitate toward solitary endeavors. For instance, it turns out that I absolutely adore research; something I discovered over twenty years ago when I began doing genealogical research for my family as well as for other people. I was in heaven! I would spend hours at libraries, at the National Archives, as well as many other places that housed genealogical and historical records. That was the perfect situation for me. I could research by myself all day long and report my findings to others later.

What’s interesting to me now is that I can see how all that research prepared me to be a writer of historical romance. With each historical or genealogical record I uncovered, my imagination would go wild . But with genealogy, facts and accuracy are an absolute must, and while you may imagine all sorts of stories unfolding, unless there’s a valid paper trail documenting the story, you cannot truly say it existed. Enter my imagination: Writing historical romance was a natural transition for me. I could research historical events with accuracy and blend it with my vivid imagination. Writing historical romance was something I could do all day . . . at home . . . and all by myself.

Q. In what ways has being shy or introverted helped your writing career?
A. See question 3 : )

Q.What’s the hardest part of this business for you?
A. That’s a tough question. I’ve found that I enjoy almost all aspects of writing but if I had to pick one thing, I would have to say the waiting game is hard. You finally write your book and then you send it out to agents and editors . . . and then you wait. Promoting my book is a lot of fun but it also takes up a lot of my time. I guess I gave two examples.

Q. Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?
A. There have been many times I’ve stepped outside of my comfort zone. That’s just part of life. I’m really working on tackling my shy demons and forcing myself into more and more uncomfortable situations— like pitching my manuscript to an agent or editor in a group setting. UGH! Just the thought of doing that makes my stomach flip-flop. Well, I finally decided to bite the bullet and pitch my manuscript at a conference. I was terrified, and I felt those same horrible feelings bubbling away inside my stomach that I’d felt while in school all those years ago. But guess what? I survived AND they all asked to see my work. Most recently, I was an author on an author panel at a conference, and I presented a workshop at my local RWA.

Q. What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?
A. I learned long ago that when talking in front of a large group, cast your attention to the people in the last row and convince yourself you’re talking to only them. By doing that, your voice will be loud enough for everyone in the room to hear, and the physical distance makes you feel more comfortable. All in all, I’m getting much better at talking in front of a group. I’m sure most of us are more confident as adults than we ever were as children. Accept the challenge of stepping out of your comfort zone, learn from the experience, and move on to the next challenge.

Q. Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it?
A. Sure!

Blurb: Sometimes fate has other plans . . .

Major Rayce Hampton is the Confederacy’s final hope to turn the tide of war. Haunted by heartache of generations past, love is the last thing he has on his mind when he meets Eden Blair. The emerald-eyed beauty is as headstrong as she is tempting, but Rayce must keep his wits – and his secrets – as he executes his dangerous undercover mission to save the South.

Accomplished nurse Eden Blair has secrets too . . . only she doesn’t know about them yet. Stung by her fiancé’s betrayal, she has no reason to trust the scandalous Major Hampton. But as Yankee troops close in, Eden must take refuge in the major’s mysterious ancestral home, leading her into the shadowy corners of deceit and desire, where endless love lurks within every soft whisper.

Thorns of Eden is available in print and e-book format at most e-bookstores.

For Kindle and Print
For NOOK
The Wild Rose Press

Q. Where can my readers find you on the web?
A. Come visit me at http://www.dianaballew.com/

Facebook ~ www.facebook.com/diana.ballew

Twitter ~ www.twitter.com/#!/DianaBallew

Thanks for having me!!!

Wheel of Fortune

2011-11-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

Guest blogger: Maya DeLeina

I am at a time in my life where I am incredibly comfortable in my skin. I’ve learned to accept they way I look and appreciate who I am. Ok, so I am a bit weird, yet it hasn’t caused me to make a b-line for a darkened corner of a room in a social setting and I am far from being timid. This is me, like it or not.

But I haven’t always been this way.

If I had to pinpoint a time where I first started being uncomfortable with myself, it had to be the moment I got satellite equipment on my face- orthodontic headgear. This was the start to my very awkward-looking stage. I didn’t shy away from doing things completely, but I certainly had reservations that I never had before and I did everything in my power to blend in so I wouldn’t standout. And that is pretty dang hard to do with blinding metal on your face.

All in all, I wasn’t a cute kid. In fact, I remember my younger brother and I took photos together. He was so perfectly adorable in the foreground and then there I was, looming in the background and ruined the portrait. To really paint the picture, at one time, I donned braces with the rubber-band closures, the headgear, pimples and chin-length hair that was so extremely poofy, I looked like a walking mushroom. Then, my nose grew from a cute button as a baby into what looked like a freaky arrow. I remember one kid in school, Jason, would constantly call me “Wheel of Fortune”, you know, because my nose looked like that little white arrow on Pat Sajak’s wheel?

I can’t tell you how many times I heard “Free Spin”.

So this is where my shyness developed. Seems a bit shallow, but this had a real impact on my self esteem and confidence. I didn’t want to get teased, so I stayed low. Although a lot of the adolescent years experience this, for me, I was unable to shake it completely. Later in life, I was still enraptured with the thought of blending, taking it as far as fantasizing about the day I could afford plastic surgery so my nose would look like everyone else.

Then something just hit me like a flash.

If we all looked, thought, dressed like each other, what a boring world this would be. The headgear is gone now, but my nose ever present. The thought of plastic surgery for a new nose is no longer in my thoughts (boob lift, maybe). It’s me. It’s who I am. And suddenly, when I accepted this, everything else started to fall in place.

Acceptance is a powerful tool.

Today, I am an erotic vampire author of all things, unleashing my wicked, twisted and weird creativity in my writing. No reservations or shyness here! And it is all due to acceptance. This acceptance has given me an inner strength I never felt before. This inner strength promoted confidence. This confidence helped breakthrough that wall I built years ago that has allowed me to find my true voice.

It’s crazy when I think back on this.

In Tarot cards, the Wheel of Fortune is all about luck and change. The wheel symbolizes completeness, the rise and fall of fortunes and the message that what goes around comes around. The card indicates happiness and elevation; a change that just happens, and brings with it great joy.

This is where I am now.

Makes me wonder what Jason is up to these days.

***

You can learn more about Maya on her website

and Facebook. Her newest release, Flesh Fantasy

is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble

and Siren-Bookstrand.

Pick me! Pick me...NOT!

2011-11-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

by Tammy Dennings Maggy, guest blogger

Public speaking used to terrify me. Not just getting up in front of a group of people, but any time attention was focused on me gave me cold sweats. I hated being called on in class to answer questions. It didn’t matter whether or not I knew the answers. As soon as I was called upon, I would freeze and feel like every single eye was on me and I was being judged. If I answered correctly, I was called a show off. If I didn’t know the answer, then I was ridiculed for being wrong. It really wasn’t that way all of the time, but that’s how I felt. I even had teachers pull me aside asking me why I didn’t speak up more in class. They knew by my tests and essays that I knew the material. They just couldn’t understand why I “pretended” not to know it in the classroom.

It wasn’t that I was pretending at all. I was just too frightened to speak. The fear of rejection and failure was paralyzing for me. No matter what I did, I couldn’t seem to shake that feeling. It wasn’t until a very popular teacher took me aside one afternoon and told me his secret. He too was terrified of talking in front of people. I didn’t believe him of course. He looked so at ease in front of the class and seemed to speak comfortably for the entire period. He smiled at my doubtful expression and promised to let me in on his secret. He wrote it on a note card and slid it across the desk to me. I gave him my best “you’ve got to be kidding me” expression after I read it and he just smiled. “Trust me. It works every single time.”

“Just Breathe…”

Two little words was all he wrote, but two of the most powerful words that would get me through any situation. Seriously. Whenever I felt that growing panic zip through my body, the first thing I’d do was start looking for a way out. But if I just took a moment, inhaled deeply, and then let the air out slowly, I would find that those voices telling me to run would quiet down. My heart would stop beating so wildly in my chest, and the feeling returned to my fingers after I’d stopped clenching my fists so tightly. I took a few more breaths, closed my eyes for a beat or two and then opened them once again. What do you think I saw?

I saw people looking to me for guidance, for inspiration, for hope, for a laugh or two. They were not there to judge me at all. They wanted to hear what I had to say. They didn‘t always agree with me, but they were interested in what I had to say just the same. Looking a little harder, I found some people who were relieved it was me center stage instead of them. I could always find my cheering section, smiling up at me, encouraging me to continue. And yes, there were a few who were not paying attention at all. All the better for me. I was able to forget about those few and concentrate on those who were paying attention.

Go ahead. Give it a try the next time you have to speak in front of a group of people. Just breathe for a few moments before you have to begin. Speak your mind and from your heart, and before you know it, your time in the spotlight will be over…for now.

Thanks so much for the insight, Tammy!

Tammy's book, For the Love of Quinn, is available now.

What happens in Vegas refuses to stay there for Quinn, who falls in love with two men: Vegas tycoon Steve and classic bad boy Jake. Both have claims on her heart, but only one shares a connection so strong that nothing can keep them apart.

About Tammy: As far back as I can remember I have had two dreams: become a veterinarian and a world famous author. So far I achieved the first one and have enjoyed a wonderful career as a small animal veterinarian, but something has always been missing. I have never stopped writing; that has never an issue. The problem was getting up the nerve to actually finish one of my novels and submit it to a publisher. What a scary thought to send a stranger something I had poured my heart into. Would they like it? Would they see the characters the way I saw them in my head? Writing For the Love of Quinn was like giving birth to my first child…I had to let my characters go to see if they would take off…and boy have they ever!

You can learn more about Tammy on her website, Facebook, blog, and by following her on Twitter @dochappycamper.

An Introvert Doing What Doesn't Come Naturally

2011-10-26T07:32:00.000-07:00

by Wendy Delaney

Thanks, Rebecca, for letting me hang out here with you at Once Written, Twice Shy. Like a lot of writers, I’m a natural introvert. Now that I’m as grown up as I’m going to get, I like to think that I’m not as shy as I used to be -- that maybe with age comes a little more wisdom and a bit more confidence. Or maybe I’m just getting better at pasting a smile on my face and faking that confidence when I walk into a room full of strangers, or when I step up to a podium to present a workshop at a writers conference.

As an unpublished author with dreams of booksignings and public appearances in her future, I know that putting myself “out there” is something I need to get better at if I want to experience success as a published author.

How exactly does one improve at something that doesn’t come naturally? As with most anything, I think the answer lies in practicing, in repetition, in the achievement of small successes that we can build upon. Was the fifth workshop I presented to a group of writers easier (and a better experience for me and them!) than the first? Heck, yes! Not only was I more mentally prepared than the first time, I had a realistic expectation of success as a speaker. Why? Because I’d previously experienced it.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting with blogging. I can’t say that I’ve experienced much in the way of success with it, nor does trying to come up with something interesting to say to the blogosphere come naturally, so I decided to go another direction with it and make it more interesting and relevant for me, personally. That decision is now launching missiles through the boundaries of my comfort zone. And as I write this and remind myself of what the heck I’m about to do, the optimist in me wants to believe (okay, reality check time -- HAS to believe) that’s because it’s the right decision.

Here’s the deal: Starting October 29, which happens to be right after my birthday, my blog at Plotmamas will kickstart a year-long quest for more success -- my commitment to achieving more personal success, more professional success. I’m calling this my year of living dangerously. Really, what seems more dangerous for an introvert than putting herself “out there” each month in a public forum? Do I wrestle with the notion of “going public” with my goals? Of making myself personally accountable to the blogosphere? You bet I do! Are the butterflies in my stomach getting ready for takeoff, just like when I stepped to a podium and spoke into a microphone for the first time? Yep. But if I’m able to position myself for a more successful future and share what I learn along the way with anyone who cares to stop by, isn’t that worth an internal flutter or two?

As Cynthia MacGregor advised here a few weeks ago,

“To make your blog interesting, you have to open up. You cannot be shy and retiring.” I’m taking your advice to heart, Cynthia. Even if my blog is just more interesting to me over the course of the next twelve months, that’s a step in the right direction -- maybe just a baby step, but that’s okay, because whether we’re introverts, extroverts or something in-between, every step on this writing journey counts.

About Wendy: Wendy Delaney writes cozy mysteries but true to her romance roots, no matter how rocky the relationship between her mother and daughter sleuths, she’s determined to give them their happily ever afters. Ideally, at the end of a twelve-book series! A long-time member of RWA and Sisters in Crime, she enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience in workshops throughout the Pacific Northwest and online at Plotmamas.com. Wendy makes her home in the Seattle area with her husband and has two grown sons. You can reach her at wendy(at)wendydelaney(dot)com, or her website.

A Closet Introvert Speaks Out

2011-10-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

by Lilly Gayle

I can talk up a blue streak. I flirt, I joke, and I love to make people laugh. I trade barbs and reply to sexual innuendos with similarly suggestive remarks. When asked for my opinion, I’m not afraid to voice it. And I will defend a friend or relative against a bully or negative remark without fear. I’m brash, and bold and not afraid to stand before a crowd. I’ll even get on stage and sing karaoke with little fear. Those who know me think I’m talkative and “ballsy” without a shy bone in my body.

Those who know me well know better.

I love a good party and hanging out with friends. But I don’t mind being alone either. In fact, there are times when I prefer solitude. I love my alone time for reading or writing. I also enjoying sitting alone on the beach or my front porch to meditate or watch the world go by. And while I love shopping with friends, it turns into a social thing and I get nothing accomplished. So, I prefer shopping alone. But I hate feeling alone in a crowd—even when my husband is with me.

My husband can be a bit antisocial. I love going to social gatherings if I know most of the people invited. He can take it or leave it. But I hate going to a social event where the host or hostess is the only person I know. If these people were just strangers I’d likely never see again, it wouldn’t matter. But in a social setting, I see everyone as a potential friend. Then I worry about what kind of impression I’ll make. And the more I worry, the more introverted I become.

Not so with my husband. He could strike up a conversation with a stop sign and get a response. Even if the stop sign didn’t talk back, he wouldn’t care as long as he enjoyed himself. He’s the only person I’ve ever met who’ll go to a concert or the races alone. He doesn’t need to be with anyone to have a good time. As for me, there are just some places and situations where I hate being alone—or feeling alone. It erodes my confidence to the point where I become almost painfully shy.

I don’t mind eating alone at home or in a park. I just can’t eat alone in public. I’d rather eat alone in my car. My husband doesn’t care about that either and would eat alone at a five star restaurant if he had to. It wouldn’t bother him a bit. I couldn’t do it. For me, it would be like fifth grade all over again, when I was the new girl in school and no one wanted to eat with me. God, I hate that feeling.

I often feel the same way at a book signing. Strangers speak but avoid eye contact and barely glance at my books. Or, they rush by with heads turned as if they’re afraid I’ll engage them in a lengthy conversation about my book and then they’ll feel obligated to buy it. And I never know what to say. Talking too much about my books feels like bragging. But how much is too much? So, I just sit there with a nervous smile on my face, afraid to engage anyone in conversation. These people are potential fans. I don’t want to scare them off. I could lose my “job.”

At my day job, I have all the confidence in the world. I’m even arrogant at times about my skills and knowledge on the job. I’ve been at it a long time and feel assured of my abilities. I get feedback from patients, co-workers, and my employers, letting me know I do a good job.

As an author, there are no employee evaluations. No monthly or weekly pay check as a reward for a job well done. There’s no supervisor or coworkers. Writing is a solitary profession. Even after an author publishes a book, it doesn’t mean it’s a good book or that it will be well-received. Unlike other jobs where a task is assigned and either accomplished correctly or not, writing is subjective. Once completed, who’s to say it was completed well?

So, writers rely on reviews and that ever elusive next contract for validation. Agents and editors aren’t going to hold your hand unless you’re a multi-selling author, in which case, they probably wouldn’t need to. And reviews are often cruel. Friends and family might sympathize but other writers will understand.

Joining a writers group either on line or in person provides an invaluable network of support. No matter the genre, most writers face the same challenges and suffer similar fears. And spending time with like-minded, goal-oriented people who understand those fears is the best way to survive the lonely world of writing. And it’s the best way to keep a closet introvert out of the closet.

Blurb for Wholesale Husband, is available now from The Wild Rose Press.

She needs his name. He needs her money. But can a rich New York socialite and a poor Irish immigrant find true love in the gilded age?

Betrayed by her fiancé and heart sick over her father’s death, Clarissa Burdick is further devastated when she learns she can’t inherit her father’s company—the company she loves—until she’s twenty-five or married. And Clarissa is neither. So she sets out to find a husband strong enough to protect her from her uncle’s thugs, too uneducated to run the company himself, and poor enough to marry a woman in name only. But Irish immigrant Devin Flannery is smarter than he seems and more educated than Clarissa expects. Her Wholesale Husband soon proves a greater risk to her heart than her company.

About Lilly: I write historical and paranormal romance for The Wild Rose Press.

I've been married to the same wonderful man since 1980. We have two beautiful daughters, one terrific son-in-law, a dog, and a crazy beast of a cat who's constantly bringing us "presents" through the doggie door.

When not writing, I work as a mammographer at a local hospital. I am also a member of Romance Writers of America and Heart of Carolina Romance Writers.

You can learn more about my books on my website, http://lillygayle.com/.

If You're Shy and Retiring, You Soon May Be Retired

2011-10-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

by Cynthia MacGregor

The time was when writers, especially poets, but novelists and others as well, were pictured as living and working in garrets (what the heck is a garret, anyhow?), in self-imposed seclusion. If not in a garret, they sequested themselves in little rooms, or in lofts, tucked away from the hustle and bustle, and the intrusion of people.

It was the perfect life for an introvert. Your words would enchant the public…without you yourself ever having to meet the people.

But in those days, all writers had to do was write.

Today, we writers must relentlessly self-promote if we want our books to sell. If you’re writing primarily for e-publishers, you can get away with much of your self-promotion being online. You don’t have to go out and meet the public face-to-face very often; most of your promo is done via computer. But you still have to put yourself out there.

Simply advertising the book won’t do. Just posting notices that such-and-such a book is available, with tantalizing teasers about the plot (or topic, for nonfiction) and info on where to buy the book won’t really cut it. You need to do that, yes, but you need to do more. You need to promote your book(s)—and yourself—as a marketable commodity. You need to try to ingratiate yourself with your public. You need to capture their attention.

One way to do this is through a blog…or should I say, “two ways”? Yes, you can have a blog of your own, and/or you can guest on other writers’ blogs (as I am doing here). And if you have a blog of your own, you will soon find that you are laying your soul bare, or at least reporting on your daily life, from quotidian and mundane matters to the exalted highs of having another book accepted (or published), the nail-biting as you await an expected royalty statement, or the great satisfaction of getting a good review or having a reader tell you how much she or he loved your book.

To make your blog interesting, you have to open up. You cannot be shy and retiring.

What’s more, if your book is in print (as opposed to being an e-book), you will not only need to do promos online, but you will help your sales if you can schedule book-signings, speeches, and other publicity events.

Wave bye-bye to that garret. Seclusion is not an option for a writer these days.

So how do you, a person who is by nature shy or at least introverted, cope with putting yourself in the spotlight?

There’s no single trick that will turn you into an insta-extrovert. But try any or all of these tips to see which ones help you:

• When speaking to a group, pick one sympathetic-looking person in the audience and direct most of your remarks to her or him. Pretend you are speaking one-on-one with that person.

• Remember that all the attendees in a group are readers, just like you, and that they are there to hear what you have to say because they want to be there with you. They care.

• When pouring your life out into an entry in your own blog, pretend you are talking to a friend, but not your best friend. Your best friend really cares about all the ins and outs of your daily life. Your other friends care about your life, but not the tiny details. Write as if you are talking to one of those friends.

• When offered a choice between writing an article as a guest blogger or answering a questionnaire, choose the article. Not only will it feel less intrusive to an introvert, if that’s what you are, but it will be of greater interest to your readers than the typical “What is your favorite color?”/”What is your favorite food” type of questions.

• Be creative. (As a writer, that should come naturally to you.) Have fun you’re your promos! When promoting a nonfiction book on a readers’ loop, don’t just write, “Author So-and-So offers 50 tips for blah-blah-blah in her new book….” Rather, ask a provocative question or make a challenging statement to get the readers’ attention. “How would you feel if your child ran away from home?” “Do you really believe the two-party system serves us best?” “We CAN communicate with our dear departed!” “You CAN teach an old dog…or gerbil…new tricks.” (Use the same technique with press releases!)

• Remember, the more you promote, the better your chances of selling more copies of your book. And, shy or not, introvert or not, you do want to get that book out there, don’t you?

~ ~ ~

Cynthia MacGregor, who has always been an extrovert, has 54 conventionally published books and over 50 e-books to her credit. They run the gamut from self-help to fiction, general nonfiction to cookbooks, and include a number of books for kids as well. You can visit her website at http://www.cynthiamacgregor.com/ to learn more about Cynthia and her books.

Three books she would particularly like to bring to the attention of you, as writers, are The Writer’s Guide to Paying e-Markets, You Can’t Learn to Write Just by Reading, and The Writer’s Answer Book, all of which are available from XoXo Publishing.

SUSAN WINGATE: Spending time writing. Spending time alone.

2011-10-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

In Fantasy: Writing alone = Heaven

In Reality: Writing alone = Heaven

In Fantasy: Being alone = Heaven
In Reality: Being alone = Loneliness

For years I've told people how much I love being alone. And, if you want to know the truth of it, most of the time that's the way I feel if we consider other people--those others "out there," outside my home, those friends, family members not included in my immediate world--those people would never invade my life at all, if I truly desired to remain alone.

The fact is this, when I'm completely alone, without my husband, sister or mother around, without the people I love, my life is empty and sad. I tend to feel this way when it comes to close friends too. Those people, your buddies, you can call at eight in the evening and drink a glass of wine with while you chat.

Still, as we age, we learn the true meaning of loneliness. I never had children as a young woman. Never wanted children of my own. My husband, Bob, has three--a son and two daughters. From these children we now have four grandchildren, soon to be five. A sense of warmth and blessing comes from these kids. Even though they aren't mine. Which makes me wonder how deeply the parent-child feeling goes with your own biological children. Deeper than the earth's core, I think.

Most of my days I spend by myself, working out of the house. Not totally alone, of course. I have my critters about who keep me company--my dogs and cats, my birds and the wild animals that traverse our five acres of country-deep property. But something wonderful happens each day that makes me understand what humanity means. Each day, after leaving nearly ten hours before, my husband comes back home. Sometimes he returns happy, content, silly. Sometimes he returns overworked, laden, sad. Yet, however he returns, my life brightens. The blinders fall off my eyes. I can see the day. Work feels somewhere behind me.

As a writer, we must spend time alone to work, to visualize, to create. But, as human beings? We need people to interact with. And, when we feel the thrumming aversion to social interaction, we humans must put on a character (where without that character we might shrivel) and we must step outside our comfort zone.

Because, honestly, if we don't, how will we write? My best moments, I feel, are moments I've spent watching someone else or with have been with someone else. Sometimes, funny things happen when other people enter the scene. When I think back on times when funny things have happened and I was alone, these moments feel frustrating. I want to call someone, tell someone what just happened. That speaks volumes.

See, people need people. It's a simple truth. We have the same bodies. We are made of the same spirit, if you will, and are completely connected by God, for me, by some other higher being for others. But, we're linked by something much larger than ourselves.

Try and think of it this way, if a friend or family member calls you, it means a few things--one, they thought about you; two, they want to hear your voice; and, three, they love you. But, it also means, when you remove yourself from their lives, they miss you.

For more information about Susan Wingate, Susan's website is: http://www.susanwingate.com/

Susan's workshop schedule is: http://susanwingate.wordpress.com/writing-services/upcoming-writing-workshops/

Susan's blog is: https://susanwingate.wordpress.com/muscle-up-the-gut-of-your-novel-writing-instruction/

Susan's Facebook page is: http://www.facebook.com/susanwingate.author

Susan's Twitter page is: http://twitter.com/#!/susanwingate

Q&A with author Rose Anderson

2011-09-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks for being here today, Rose. Would you please share a short bio about yourself?

First off, thanks for having me, Becky. I’m a new author with two books published through Siren-Bookstrand and several more in the works. Driven to create, I write across genres --everything from children and youth literature, to historicals and erotic romance. In between, I freelance. Yep, driven. :)

Q Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person?

A Oh definitely. A painfully shy girl forced by life to grow into a marginally shy woman. I don’t think we ever really leave shyness behind. I think the truly shy person simply learns how to cope.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted hindered your writing career?

A I don’t yet know if my natural shyness has gotten in the way or not because my career as an author is so new. It gets in the way in my day to day life so it will undoubtedly meddle in one way or another. I do know doing interviews in my quest to become a known author is a bit uncomfortable. :) Every inch of self-promoting is an inch outside my personal sphere of comfort. But self promoting is important so I deal with it and carry on.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted helped your writing career?

A Being a shy child, I always stayed in the background trying to blend in with the wallpaper so no one would notice me. I became a keen observer from the sidelines. I’m usually aware of the smallest emotional details of people when they interact with one another. When I write, I use this detail. My characters are real in their settings. They think. They empathize. They feel. My characters are the sum of my own experiences and these shy observations of others.

Q What’s the hardest part of this business for you?

A I’d hate to admit this, but since this is the shy writer’s blog I’m sure every shy person reading will understand. It’s putting my face out there and looking people in the eye to introduce myself. I have a stack of lovely, perfectly worded, business cards and my shyness keeps me from passing them out! I went out with friends recently and five other women took my cards and passed them out to people without any inhibition. It was like that old TV game show from a zillion years ago -- What’s My Line? -- where each of the three contestants pretended to be the real person from the opening intro. These terrific women were happy to pretend to be me and pass out my cards, while I was busy being uncomfortable being me! It’s crazy.

Q Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?

A I’m very aware of my self-imposed personal limits. To break free of the shackles of fears and discomfort, I regularly throw myself into uncomfortable situations. For example: I’m a tad claustrophobic, so I took up spelunking (cave exploration). Sounds intense, eh? It is, but it’s like getting an inoculation. By living through a situation, I’m protected from full-blown discomfort the next time around. I’ve been forcing things on myself since my late teens.

When I was in college, I carried my shyness with me every day. A DJ radio slot came up at school so I took it to be able to speak. I mean I could speak, but I was all shy mumbles in social situations. Two things at that school helped me so much. The first was my radio show. There I made casual conversation to my microphone and played music. And all of it was done behind a closed door. No one could see me. The second was a speech class. Boy, that was brutal. I had to stand up in front of people and say things like himmel hummel himmel hummel and lalalalalala. We also had to do “spontaneous extemporanea” -- speeches off the cuff. And I’d do it all with a racing heartbeat and sweat. As uncomfortable as that sounds, I recommend it. The organization Toastmasters will help too.

Q What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?

A I do have a tip from that class. Eye contact is hard on shy people. Instead of direct eye contact in a social situation, focus on the eyelids or eyebrows of the person you’re talking to. You appear to be making eye contact but you’re really avoiding the source of pupil-to-pupil discomfort.

Q Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it?

A My recent release is Dreamscape. Written in homage to Agatha Christie, this tale is peppered with clues that hint at the ending long before the last page is turned. From start to end, the story is far more than it appears. It has romance, history, time travel (of sorts), murder and lots of sizzle.

Blurb:

Unable to deny his own translucence, Dr. Jason Bowen determines his lack of physical substance could only mean one thing—he’s a ghost. Murdered more than a century before, Jason haunts his house and ponders the treachery that took his life. When Lanie O’Keefe arrives with plans to renovate her newly purchased Victorian mansion, Jason discovers, ghost or not, he’s still very much a man. Despite its derelict condition and haunted reputation, Lanie couldn’t be happier with her new home, but then she has no idea a spirit follows her every move throughout the day and shares her captivating warmth at night. Jason soon discovers he can travel through Lanie’s dreams and finds himself reliving the days before his murder with Lanie by his side. It took one hundred and twenty years for love to find them, but there’s that insurmountable little matter of Jason being dead.

Dreamscape will be in paperback any day now. The ebook can be found at most online booksellers and here: Buy Rose Anderson's Dreamscape

Q Where can my readers find you on the web?

A I’m all over the place it seems. I love to hear from readers. Drop me a line! Join my Google+ Circle, Follow me on Twitter, or just Subscribe to my Blog for updates, releases and reviews. Any good search will turn me up somewhere! Here are a few of my links:

My Blog CalliopesWritingTablet

See My Book Trailers

Follow me on Twitter!

Join my Circle of Friends on Google+

Q & A with author Sarah Grimm

2011-09-26T06:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks for being here today, Sarah. Would you please share a short bio about yourself?

As a young girl, Sarah Grimm always had a story to tell. At times they were funny, other times scary, but they were always happily-ever-after.

Sarah spent years scribbling in notebooks, filling the pages with partial chapters and the margins with titles and story ideas. She told friends that the characters spoke to her, and she was compelled to get their stories on paper. Eventually, she sat down at a computer and wrote her first tale of dangerously sexy suspense. That book, Not Without Risk, is a 2011 Readers Favorite Award Winner.

Sarah lives in West Michigan with her husband, two sons and three miniature schnauzers. Between mom's taxi service, parts runs, and answering the phone for the family marine repair business, Sarah can be found curled in her favorite chair, crafting her next novel.

Q Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person?
A I have to laugh at this question because my older sister was just telling me the other day how envious she’s always been of my outgoing personality. We moved a lot while I was growing up, and she claims within 24 hours of arriving in a new town, I always had a new best friend. LOL I don’t really recall that, but I do know I’ve never allowed fear or being the “new kid” to stand in my way. Take, for example, my first RWA National Conference.

The year I joined Romance Writer’s of America their national conference was held in Chicago, IL. Since Chicago is only a three-hour drive from my home, I knew I had to go, even though the idea of going solo frightened me. I knew no one. I was a young mother who managed to eke out enough time to complete a manuscript. But meeting other writers? That hadn’t happened. Instead of letting the idea stop me, I got my sister and mother to share a hotel room with me. While they shopped Michigan Avenue, I cruised around the conference, attending workshop after workshop, making certain to talk to as many people as I could.

Q What’s the hardest part of this business for you?
A Promotion. It’s exhausting! I thought the hardest part would be writing the book, getting the story out of my head and onto paper (or the computer screen as the case may be). But after the book is completed and contracted with a publisher, that’s when the real work begins. When I decided to do a blog tour for my current release, I didn’t think too much about it, I just scheduled my appearances. Then I counted up how many blog posts I had to write. YIKES! I panicked a bit at first, and then I pulled on my big girl panties and got down to business. Promotion isn’t easy for me, but it’s a necessary evil.

Q Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?
A At the same RWA conference I mentioned earlier, I attended an editor’s panel. This is where editors from a specific house get together and explain what they’re looking for in manuscript submissions, followed by a question and answer session. At the time, I wanted to be published by this house more than my next breath, so I sat in on the panel, absorbing everything that was said. One editor in particular held my attention. She was looking for romantic suspense, specifically featuring heroes in law enforcement, which was exactly the story I wrote. I desperately wanted to talk to her, but was terrified. I sat in my chair, silently watching as writers approached her at the end of the workshop. I waited and I watched, finally gathered my courage and approached her. And you know what? I survived. She didn’t laugh too much when I stuttered my introduction, and in the end, she invited me to submit. I didn’t sell that book, at least not to that particular publisher, but I was happy I conquered my fear. Especially because when I left the workshop, I passed a woman in the hallway who was in tears because she allowed her own fear to stop her from approaching the editor she was interested in. I’ve always wondered what happened to that woman. If she ever conquered her fear and reached her dream of being published, or if she allowed fear to cripple her?

Q What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?
A Never give up.

Q Would you please share a blurb of your book and let my readers know where they can buy it?
A Here's the blurb:

She wants to forget her past.
He wants to reclaim his.
Sometimes the moment that changes everything comes After Midnight.

Thirteen years—that's how long Isabeau Montgomery has been living a lie. After an automobile accident took her mother's life, Izzy hid herself away, surviving the only way she knew how. Now she is happy in her carefully reconstructed life. That is until he walks through the door of her bar...

Black Phoenix singer/front man Noah Clark came to Long Island City with a goal--one that doesn't include an instant, electric attraction to the dark-haired beauty behind the bar. Coaxing her into his bed won't be easy, but he can't get her pale, haunted eyes nor her skill on the piano out of his head.

Can Noah help Isabeau overcome the past? Or will her need to protect her secret force her back into hiding and destroy their chance at happiness?

AFTER MIDNIGHT is available from The Wild Rose Press:
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=640&zenid=cac8f250e9c9d2f91424ee8492f70370

Q Where can my readers find you on the web?
A Website: http://www.sarahgrimm.com

Personal Blog: http://www.authorsarahgrimm.blogspot.com/
Group Blog: http://www.smutwriterssoapbox.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SarahGrimm.Author
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SGrimmAuthor

Q&A with author Rachel Brimble

2011-09-14T00:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks for being here today, Rachel. Would you please share a short bio about yourself?

Sure! I was born and live in South West England, just a short thirty minute drive from the famous Georgian City of Bath in one direction and a sixty minute drive from the mysterious Stonehenge in the other. I am married with two young daughters (12 & 10) and lucky enough to be able to write full-time right now.

Hobbies are reading, TV, cinema…and white wine ;)

Q Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person?
A Yes! Others might disagree, but I am definitely.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted hindered your writing career?

A I am getting better as I grow older and become more determined to succeed but I know there have been some fantastic opportunities I have missed in the past because of my shyness. I have missed chances to speak face to face to agents and editors alike because I just have not had the courage to approach them.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted helped your writing career?
A I am happy to sit at home on the computer and write all day – in fact, those are my favorite days, lol!

Q What’s the hardest part of this business for you?
A The waiting for editorial decisions, that all important yes or no on a new book you’ve submitted and of course, promotion that is anything other than sitting at my kitchen table completing an interview or writing a blog post.

Q Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?
A I made more of a leap from my comfort zone this summer rather than a step! I attended the Romantic Novelists Association (UK RWA equivalent) annual conference and decided this year I was going to do a pitch even if it killed me! I am pleased to say I am still here and the editor from Mira requested my full manuscript, yay!

Q What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?
A The only advice I can give is, to keep taking baby steps towards getting out of the unnecessary binds of shyness. It is hard and I am the worst offender but each time I’ve made myself do something, it has never, ever been as bad as I thought it would be. Not EVER!

Q Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it?
A Sure – Paying The Piper is my latest release and it is available from September 19th at Lyrical Press. Here’s the blurb & Buy Link:

Nightclub manager Grace Butler is on a mission to buy the pub where her mother's ashes are scattered but the owner wants to sell to anyone but her. And that owner happens to be her father...who has a secret she will do anything to discover.

Social worker and all around good guy Jimmy Betts needs funds to buy a house for three special kids before their care home closes. Time is running out and he's desperate for cash. He agrees to a one-time 'job' for bad-man Karl Butler. But in a sudden turn of events, Jimmy finds himself employed by Karl's beautiful, funny and incredibly sexy daughter, Grace. Their lives couldn't be more different, yet one thread binds them: they're both trying to escape the bonds of their fathers. Maybe the only way they'll be free is by being together, instead of alone.

Q Where can my readers find you on the web?
A http://www.rachelbrimble.com/
http://www.rachelbrimble.blogspot.com/
www.twitter.com/rachelbrimble

Journey of a Shy Writer

2011-09-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

By Debby Lee

(Note: Debby's first published short story just released. Butterflies Are Free is available now here.)

According to Murphy’s Law, the shortest distance between point A and point B is under construction. For my character Lena Thumble, in my short story Butterflies are Free, her point A was a quaint little house down the street for a life of dutiful housekeeping and point B was in Bethel, New York, where she dreamed of performing at Woodstock, the famed music festival. Much to her frustration, the road to Max Yasger's now famous farm appeared as daunting as flying to the moon with the first astronauts.

Life can be a real adventure when we can see the road before us and we’re excited about arriving at our destination. But life is also full of pot holes, speed bumps and detours. Sometimes we struggle to stay on the path we think is best and many times we get lost along the way.

As a writer, when I first began submitting my work, the fear and anxiety was enough to stop my wheels in their tracks. I was scared to put my work out there for the entire world to see. I know that what I write isn’t going to reach everybody in every situation, but the thought of harsh judgment and being laughed at is enough to make me think twice before sending my manuscripts to the editor.

How about those rejection letters? They’re practically enough to derail a seasoned writer, and make this writer want to end the trip altogether. After working so long and so hard on something I think is right, it’s disappointing to reach a proverbial dead end. It’s hard making a U turn, retracing the steps and figuring out how to pick up the trail again.

I know I can’t be the only writer to get bad scores on a contest entry and critiqued chapters that bled so much red ink I was sure the manuscript was dead, dead, dead! Events like this make me feel as lost, scared and confused as a new Army recruit in the jungles of Vietnam.

In spite of all the obstacles on the writing journey, the quest towards publication can be a learning experience filled with personal growth. Polishing manuscripts to a high shine, researching publishing houses and writing awesome query letters helps minimize the anxiety of submissions and can reduce the chances of rejection.

Take heart and allow me to encourage you. Don’t be filled with so much anxiety that you fail to or prolong taking that first step. Don’t let a dead end be the end of your trip. Get a road map and find a different route or find a way to blaze a new trail. If you feel like you’re going the wrong way, don’t be too afraid to stop and ask for directions. If you’re stuck in a rut, or broke down on the side of the road, don’t be afraid to ask for help. My heroine did.

Lena was passionate about being free to sing and express herself through verse and melody. The songs she wrote were poignant to her in controversial 1969. When she struck out on her own to attend Woodstock, little did she know how much that trip would cause her to grow as a person. She discovered that doing one’s duty, even when it was difficult, could be very liberating. It was quite a journey for the free-spirited Lena.

How is the journey going for you? Are there obstacles blocking the road to your dream? Make a comment below and tell me about it. Maybe we can find a way to get you there, one way or another. At the very least, you’ll be entered in a drawing for a free signed copy of Butterflies are Free.

Debby Lee has always enjoyed writing poetry, short stories and in her diary. Her work has been published in numerous newsletters, college journals, e-zine’s and in a book of devotions. Besides RWA, she belongs to the Christian Writers Guild and the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is happily married, has five children and lives in Centralia Washington with her family. Reading is one of her favorite hobbies. Her other interests include traveling, being active in her local church and cheering for the Seattle Seahawks. You can learn more about Debby Lee here.

NOTE ABOUT COMMENTING: Sometimes Blogger can be a bit ornery. Make sure you leave the box UNchecked that says, "Leave me signed in" when you sign in with Google. See if that helps.

Confessions of a Wallflower

2011-09-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

by Anne Marie Becker
(FYI: Anne Marie's debut novel, Only Fear, releases from Carina Press on Monday, Sept. 5! Congratulations, Anne Marie.)

I confess… I’m a wallflower at heart. Circumstances beyond my control have pushed me (shoved, really) into the spotlight repeatedly over the years, but I’m happiest when I retreat to my cave to write about things that only occur in my imagination.

The problem is… I’m precisely 6-foot-1-and-3/4-inches tall, and have been since the ninth grade. It’s hard to fade into the background when the gene pool has dealt me such a strand of DNA.

And I have been president of my local Romance Writers of America chapter for the past three years, and still have one more year to serve.

And having a debut book coming out has forced me into promo-mode.

So, I’ve learned to shove my wallflower-ed-ness aside and step out onto the dance floor when I must. Sort of like an anti-ninja. (Well, I still love wearing black. I mean, it is very slimming and all.) I’ve adapted to fit my circumstances. Instead of stealthy, fade-into-the-background, security-blanket mode, I’ve forced myself to get out there and be seen. To confront my shyness head-on.

How? I forced myself to volunteer. It started with my online RWA chapter, Kiss of Death, where I helped update the Librarian page and coordinate the judging for their annual contest. Then I was elected President of my local chapter, so I had to start standing up in front of a group on a monthly basis. Yikes! Then I began presenting workshops and pitching at conferences.

And it’s totally been worth the risk. Volunteering feels good, and puts you in touch with some amazing people. I’ve come to believe in karma, since the year I started putting myself out there was when I signed with an agent and finaled in and won the Golden Heart.

My mantra became: “Fake it ‘til you make it.” Portraying confidence is everything (even if you’re quaking on the inside). I learned this technique in graduate school as I was studying to be a mental health counselor. When I feel uneasy about presenting, I remind myself that I know my material, and that people coming to see me will want to learn that material. I pretend I’m some super-speaker who everyone is dying to hear, and that what I’ve written to say is the best thing since Shakespeare. (And then, of course, I wear my slimming black outfit that makes me feel confident.)

Wallflowers, unite! Let’s get out there and show them what we’re made of. Standing together, we’ll make very pretty, very smart wallpaper.

And a huge thank you to Rebecca for having me here today, and for providing this support system for wallflowers like me.

You can find more about Anne Marie and what circumstances she’s forcing herself into now on her website. You can also find her on Facebook (Anne Marie Becker, Author) and Twitter (@annemariebecker).

Q&A with paranormal romance author Catherine Bybee

2011-08-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks for being here today, Catherine. Would you please share a short bio about yourself?

I'm a wife and mother... not always in that order. I've been reading romance since I was an early teen and never, ever plan to stop. I've spent most of my working life as an ER Nurse but have taken a break the past few years.

Q Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person?
A Me, shy? Hell no.

Q What's the easiest part of this business for you?
A Writing the book is the easy part. Ideas swim in my head until I get them down on paper.

Q Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?
A I think the first time I did a book signing it was a little outside my comfort. Again, I'm not shy, so sitting there talking to people isn't hard. I love that part of the job, but wondering if anyone was going to come up to me and tell me I write crap somehow crept in the back of my mind.

Q What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?
A Life is to short to spend it sheltered. You probably learned the word NO when you were a few months old. You'll hear it again and again in life, but if you don't try, you'll NEVER hear the word yes.

Q Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it?
A Soul Mate by Catherine Bybee
Available Now
The Wild Rose Press
Blurb: Kari Pearce lives the life of a lone werewolf. No one knows of her affliction, not even her sister. When she hears of a missing child up in the Sequoias, Kari goes on the hunt to find the child and her abductor before tragedy can occur. Saving the child is easy, avoiding the FBI agent associated with the case is not.

Agent Nick Murdock knows he's seen Kari before, but damn if he can remember where. There's one thing he knows for sure. Kari Pearce, with her blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, is hiding something. And Nick is going to find out what.

Download your copy today here.

Q Where can my readers find you on the web?
A http://www.catherinebybee.com/ - I'm on Twitter @catherinebybee and I'm on facebook so look me up. My website has links to all the places I roam on the web.

Q & A with romance author M.S. Spencer

2011-08-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks for being here today, Meredith. Would you please share a short bio about yourself?

Although I’ve lived in Chicago, Boston, New York, France, Morocco, Turkey, Egypt, and England, the last 30 years have been spent mostly in Washington, D.C. as a librarian, Congressional staff assistant, speechwriter, editor, birdwatcher, kayaker, policy wonk, non-profit director and parent. I hold a BA from Vassar College, a Diploma in Arabic Studies from the American University in Cairo, and Masters in Anthropology and in Library Science from the University of Chicago. Once I escaped academia (for which my mother never forgave me) I worked for the U.S. Senate, the U.S. Department of the Interior, in several library systems, both public and academic, and at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Today I divide my time among Virginia, Maine and Florida.

I have two fabulous grown children but only one cat (down from three, plus a dog, a snake and two hamsters). It’s a quiet household now, but since my study window looks on a park and river there is plenty of wildlife to distract me from my writing.

Q Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person?
A Yes, I am shy. Every time I walk into a group I feel little tentacles of fear clutching at me. I can converse happily one on one, but speaking even in a small group fills me with angst. At a large gathering I’ve learned to gravitate toward someone standing by himself and engage him in conversation (once I’ve picked up that glass of wine for fortification & something to hold!). I’m not introverted though—which I think is different from one who enjoys her solitude. I love to be alone—to write or think or walk. But I also like to debate and joke and eat and drink; in short, I like people. Becky, you and your readers probably know more about it: does an introverted person actively dislike people or company?

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted hindered your writing career?
A My fear of public speaking has interfered in more than just my writing career. When I was in graduate school I actually chose courses based on whether or not they required an oral presentation. The shyness extends to attending conferences, which I know can be very useful, but which I find any excuse to avoid. And the thought of doing a reading…well, that’s on a par with having an MRI (see below). So, many of the activities that garner attention for my books I avoid—not a good sales method!

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted helped your writing career?

A I’m not sure introversion is good for a writer under any circumstances. Wouldn’t introversion inhibit a writer from empathizing with others? How can you create believable characters if your only reference point is yourself? On the other hand, while shyness may keep me from connecting with readers in public settings, sometimes it helps me to listen. Rather than be the center of attention and hold the stage, it’s easy for me to sit back and let the other person talk. I can absorb their insights, memories, and tales, and then reconfigure them when I construct my characters and stories.

Q What’s the hardest part of this business for you?
A I imagine most people say promotion, which is certainly hard work, but for me it’s that my books are (so far) ebooks. Potential buyers can’t browse the bookstore shelves and be ensnared by my wonderful covers. Book signings are difficult to do effectively. My friends are almost to a man unable to grasp the concept of an ebook (I have only two with Kindles). And lastly, I don’t have a lovely hardback with my name in gold leaf on the spine to occasionally take off the shelf and dust with contented hands.

Q Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?
A I’ve been sitting here awhile trying to think of a time when I haven’t found a means to escape any uncomfortable situation. Cowardice has served me well most of my life. I pride myself on the odd talent of being able to weasel gracefully out of anything I don’t want to do. Of course, living in a number of different cultures, traveling, and meeting people from virtually all walks of life may have left me more adaptable than some (I can tap a wealth of exotic excuses).

So what is a comfort zone exactly? Is it going into the cave in defiance of my claustrophobia? Or stopping to let a pedestrian cross despite the infuriated tailgater behind me? Or allowing a friend to do an Avon makeover on me? I’m not sure. There are situations where you’re forced to do something you fear—my abortive attempt at an MRI springs to mind—but “stepping outside” implies a voluntary effort. Of course, as a shy person, every time I walk into a crowded room, take a deep breath, and march up to someone and introduce myself, I’ve leapt way outside my comfort zone. So is it a small step? Or a long jump?

Q What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?
A I can only suggest that shy people not follow my example. Don’t—as I did—flee situations that bring the shyness on. At this point in my life I’m sticking with cowardice, but I never should have allowed myself (or been allowed) to get away with avoiding public speaking engagements. It’s said that one gets used to it. If that’s true, get out there—give speeches, go on panel discussions, toast the groom. And when you get to that podium, survey the crowd and imagine the audience is made up of boyfriends you dumped.

Q Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it?
A My latest release is Losers Keepers from Secret Cravings, a tale of love, lust and treachery set on the island of Chincoteague.

Losers Keepers, by M. S. Spencer
Published July, 2011, by Secret Cravings Publishing
eBook, 72,000 words, ISBN 978-1-936653-95-9
Contemporary romantic suspense, M/F, 3 flames

Dagne Lonegan, aka Dear Philomena, advice dispenser extraordinaire, hoped that spending a year on the Eastern Shore island of Chincoteague to write her novel would clear her sinuses, if not her heart, of any feelings for Jack Andrews, erstwhile lover and long-time jerk. It’s just her luck that her first week on the island she’s in the right place at the right time to be involved with a murder. Only she doesn’t know it. Unfortunately, the murderer doesn’t know she doesn’t know. Strange and dangerous things begin happening to her, interfering with her new romance with Tom Ellis, the handsome manager of the National Wildlife Refuge. Complications ensue when her Jack arrives to take charge of the murder investigation.

Will Dagne stick with the tall, cool glass of a Ranger or fall back into the arms of her first tempestuous passion?
Buy links: Secret Cravings, Amazon, allRomanceEBooks.com, Book Strand.

I have two other romantic suspense novels out from Red Rose Publishing. My first novel, Lost in His Arms, is set in the spinning world of 1991 when countries fell like flies and a CIA fixer had his hands full. My second novel, Lost and Found, finds a desperate wife searching the wilds of Maine and Florida for the husband who disappeared. You can find them at Red Rose Publishing as well as at Amazon, Fictionwise, Book Strand and AllRomanceEBooks.
www.redrosepublishing.com/books/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=282&products_id=17 and http://redrosepublishing.com/books/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=282&products_id=654

Q Where can my readers find you on the web?
A Website: http://www.meredithellsworth.com/
Blog: http://mssspencertalespinner.blogspot.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/M.S.SpencerAuthor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/mssellsworth

The Best Small Talk Question Ever for Shy, Open-Minded Readers

2011-08-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

Please help me welcome romance author Kinley Baker to the blog. Kinley's debut novel, Ruined, just came out with Crescent Moon Press. She's generously offered to give away a copy of her book to a random commenter.

Here's Kinley: In person I’m very shy, and one of the things I struggle with is small talk. I grew up in an isolated environment, so I never had to perfect this skill. From age three to eighteen, I was a competitive figure skater, so all I had to do was talk skating. Well, I could do that in my sleep. No problem.

Then college came, and it still wasn’t that tough to manage small talk. I could usually find something to start a conversation, such as partying or studying. That’s playing it pretty safe at any college. But then I entered the work force, and things changed. Suddenly, people (customers, co-workers, the bosses) wanted to small talk. Whaaat?

But have no fear. Are you a shy person with a fear of small talk? Do you like to read? Are you open-minded to all genres? Yes, this may be a small portion of the population, but I still have a solution. The best question ever!

Q: What are you reading?

This question has worked for me time and again. Whether it’s the woman at my work who loves Amish romance, or the closet romance readers who know I write romance so they whisper what they’re reading, or the guy who reads nonfiction, I can always pass by the dreaded small talk by distracting them into telling me all about what they’re reading. For someone like me, this revelation was critical! So I applied what I learned from my skating days: talk about what you know. Well, I know books. I’ve been through so many book phases I can talk about pretty much any genre. But I also like hearing about the variety of books, which I’m sure is important to the effectiveness of asking the question.

Books saved me from awkward small talk. And usually, talking about books leads to other topics. I’ve created friendships out of listening to someone’s opinion on a book, usually about a novel I haven’t read myself.

My only guideline for asking this question is to make sure you know what the person likes. Talking erotica with a nonfiction reader probably won’t alleviate awkwardness. The open-minded part is important because if you’re not respectful of what everyone likes, you’re just going to create tension, and the point of this is to conquer small talk awkwardness.

Are you wondering what to do if the person doesn’t read? Well, yeah, me too. I’m shy too, after all.

So, since some of you might be a little shy...What are you reading? ;-)

----------------------------------------------------------

BLURB for RUINED

Jessa is one healing away from death. Under the thrall of her gift, the Court's Senior Healer risks giving her life in exchange for her patient's.

Vale is a rebel ruler. When his brother is killed, he's given the throne and the decree from the Court to produce an heir or lose his family's hold on the land--and his deceiving advisors aren't afraid to use murder as a weapon if their directive to stay away from the Senior Healer goes unheeded.

But Vale burns to possess Jessa. The heat between them leaves a wake of smoke, and even the powerful forces above want to bind them in a union that lasts forever. Vale taking another would be a betrayal neither could survive.

Their enemies fear a child born of such a powerful Healer and Warrior, but the true threat lies in the bond forged in shadows and fused in fire.

You can buy Ruined here or here.

About Kinley:
Kinley Baker read her first romance novel at the age of thirteen and immediately fell in love with the hero and the genre. She lives with her husband and her dog, Joker, in the Pacific Northwest. As a firm supporter of all supernatural lifestyles, she writes fantasy romance, paranormal romance, and urban fantasy. You can find Kinley at her website, Twitter, Facebook, her blog, Goodreads, and her Facebook author page

Thanks so much for being here today, Kinley.

Q & A with author Marie Tuhart

2011-08-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks for being here today, Marie. Would you please share a short bio about yourself?

Thanks for having me, Rebecca. I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, where I still live, next year I will be moving to Washington State. I'm published in contemporary erotic romance with The Wild Rose Press, I also write Paranormal erotic romance and series contemporary romance targeted for Harlequin Presents.

Q Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person?
A I'm pretty much an introvert although some people who know me wouldn't agree with me.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted hindered your writing career?
A I sometimes have a hard time at conferences with networking.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted helped your writing career?
A It's helped me write characters who are outgoing and will do wild things, things I would never think of doing.

Q What’s the hardest part of this business for you?
A Promotion, I don't know if what I'm doing is working or not.

Q Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?
A I would have to say at the Emerald City Conference last year, they invited e-book authors to their book signing, I didn't have a book to sign so I was way outside my comfort zone. But the book signing chairs made it painless by having a scavenger hunt that involved only the e-book authors and I was seated next to Shelli Stevens who kept me from running out of the room and made me feel welcome.

Q What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?
A Watch for opportunities to show off your writing and don't stress if you've decided to do a talk or a book signing, or whatever. It isn't easy, but in the long run it's fun.

Q Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it?
A Quick Silver Ranch: Saddle Up
Angie Davidson finds herself at loose ends after her best friend's wedding and in need of a vacation, so when sexy yet aloof co-owner of the Quick Silver Ranch, Jared Turner, insists she stay to explore their sexual attraction, she agrees. Though she loves being a submissive in the bedroom, Jared's distant air after lovemaking brings back bad memories. Can she show this strong sexy man he has nothing to fear from her, or will he abandon her like everyone else in her life has?

Sexy yet aloof Jared, co-owner of the Quick Silver Ranch is eager to explore Angie's submissive side with two weeks of toys and other naughty play. However, the last time he was this attracted to a woman—mentally and phyiscally—she wasn't able to put up with his Dominant streak. Can Angie see that her vacation with him can be the perfect way of life?
You can buy Quick Silver Ranch at any of your favorite e-tailers (Amazon, B&N, Bookstrand, Fictionwise) Or you can buy directly from The Wild Rose Press http://tinyurl.com/6jcwda5

Q Where can my readers find you on the web?

A You can find me a number of places:

Website: www.marietuhart.com

Facebook: Marie Tuhart – I'm the only one

Twitter: @marietuhart

Blog: www.escapetoaneroticfantasy.blogspot.com
Group blog: www.wildandwickedcowboys.wordpress.com

Thanks so much for being here today, Marie!

Q & A with author W. Lynn Chantale

2011-08-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks for being here today, Lynn.

Thanks so much for having me here today! Your blog has helped me so much, and I must confess I am a fan.

You're so sweet. I knew I liked you for reasons other than LOVING your cover!!! Would you please share a short bio?

I dread this question because I never know what to say or tell anyone. I enjoy talking about what I do, but not about who I am. So just a few things about me. Last year I became a member of Romance Writers of America as well as my local chapter, and a couple of special interest chapters of RWA. I married my high school sweetheart and we have three children together. One big thing I rarely share is my visual impairment. I’m legally blind and have been since I was 18. Other than that I play bass guitar, or video games on my PS3 when the Muse is fretful. I enjoy knitting and love to bake. Chocolate chip cookies anyone?

Q Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person?
A Yes, I would consider myself a shy person. I’d rather hide behind a computer screen than talk on the phone or meet someone new.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted hindered your writing career?
A When I actually need to speak with a human being, I will procrastinate until the last possible moment.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted helped your writing career?
A One of the biggest assets has been the ability to watch people, listen to conversations, and study how they interact with one another. Being able to conduct Internet searches is a pretty good plus, too. :-)

Q What’s the hardest part of this business for you?
A The hardest part of this business for me is meeting people, or even initiating a phone call.

Q Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?
A Any time I have to face the public is stepping outside my comfort zone. Being in large crowds, or dim, dark crowded spaces is a bit daunting.

Q What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?
A Start with hello, and allow the conversation to go from there. At least that’s what my sister tells me. I’ve tried it once or twice and found it really works. :-)

Q Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it?
A Sure, here it is:

Haunted by nightmares, Sheridan Sinclair just wants to get through one night without reliving the terrible accident that led to her miscarriage. And she longs for the arms of the man who betrayed her. Matthew Sinclair has always loved his wife, but when she refuses to speak to him after her accident, he's left to wonder what went wrong. When a stolen kiss ignites their forgotten passion, he'll use their love as a means to get her home and in his bed again. Will a husband’s plan of seduction be enough to heal a wife’s broken heart?

Seducing His Wife can be found at these online retailers:

Whispers Publishing
Amazon
Mobipocket
All Romance e-books

Q Where can my readers find you on the web?
A Readers can find me at my Blog, on Twitter (@wlynnchantale), on Facebook or via email: wlynnchantale@gmail.com

Thanks so much for coming on today, Lynn. Have I told you how much I LOVE that cover????

Lynn will be giving away a copy of her book to one lucky commenter today.

Q & A with author Rochelle Weber

2011-08-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks for being here today, Rochelle. Would you please share a short bio about yourself?

I’m a Navy veteran with a BA in writing from Columbia College in Chicago. I’ve been a member of Mensa, and I edit the Marketing for Romance Writers Newsletter. I have two daughters and four grandkids, and I live with my eldest in Volo, IL, where three cats and a bunny allow us to care for them.

Q Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person?

A Not at all. I’m about as extroverted as you get. Not only am I not afraid of public speaking, I even sing karaoke sober!

Q What’s the hardest part of this business for you?

A Despite being an extrovert, I still have to say that marketing is the most difficult part of the writing business for me. I may be outgoing, but I’m not great at follow-up. I have ADHD and things fall through the cracks. I’m a day-dreamer! My head is never in the present.

Q Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?

A I haven’t always been an extrovert. Much of my life I’ve been morbidly obese and it took years for me to reach a point where I didn’t care whether people thought I was fat when I got up to speak. I can’t tell you when the shift happened. It just did. Somewhere in the course of twenty-plus years of sharing in Twelve Step programs I felt accepted and then branched out to speaking at science fiction conventions and lost all inhibitions.

Q What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?

A You are a writer—a story teller. You have something to say and people are more interested in hearing what you have to say than judging how you look. Speak up. You are the only one who knows how your characters really sound. You are the only one who can truly bring them to life. I once wrote a script for a program at the VA with witty remarks introducing various acts. The Music Therapist in charge gave it to one of the other singers to read. And that’s what he did—he read it. No inflection, no timing, no heart. When I present my book in public, you’d better believe the audience knows what my characters are thinking and feeling, because I become them and give the audience what was in my head when I was writing the book. Do that and you’ll be fine.

Q Would you please share with our readers a blurb from your most recent book and tell them where they can purchase it?

Katie McGowan is bi-polar, and she’s run the gamut of medications. Everyone is telling her she should go to the Moon and have microchip surgery, but she’s afraid she’ll become an automaton. In a last-ditch, tough love effort to force her to get the chip, her husband, Scott takes her to the Moon and divorces her when she decks him. Then she discovers she’s pregnant. She can’t have the surgery or take her meds until after the baby’s born.

Scott is elated when he hears he’s going to be a father and naturally assumes Katie will take him back. He always intended to take her back as soon she had the surgery. He has no clue how badly he hurt her, how thoroughly he’s broken her trust—or that he may not get her back at all.

Buy Link
http://museituppublishing.com/

Q And finally, please tell our readers where they can find you on the web.

A http://www.rochelleweber.com/
http://rochelleweber.blogspot.com/
http://rochellesreviews.blogspot.com/

Thanks so much for being on the blog today, Rochelle!

Q & A with author Lynne Marshall

2011-08-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much for coming on today, Lynne. Would you please share a short bio with our readers?

I live quietly with my husband in Southern California, and I’m a rare native of the state. I worked as an RN for thirty years, I’m a dog lover, a cat admirer, a power walker, an avid reader, and fellow traveler on this wild road called life.

I came to fiction writing after my children were nearly grown, but I couldn’t put it off any longer, I had a story that needed to be told. That book is safely tucked away in my closet. Whew! Now I battle my empty nest (daughter in Boston, son in Okinawa) by writing stories which always include a romance, sometimes medicine, a dose of mirth, or both, but always stories straight from my heart.

I am fortunate to be published by Harlequin, and Mills & Boon in category romance (Special Edition) and Medical Romance with twelve books so far. I am also very happy to be one of the Roses for The Wild Rose Press, with my first long contemporary romance in the Last Rose of Summer line.

Q Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person?

A Not only am I shy and introverted, but I’m a late bloomer! The trifecta of antisocial. Sigh.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted hindered your writing career?

A I believe being shy often stems from feeling unconfident. I never believed in myself or my capabilities. I thought I didn’t have a right to write a book because I wasn’t highly educated, and, let’s face it, I goofed off a lot in English Lit, and only enjoyed about half of the classics I’ve read over the years. This does not bode well for ones aspirations of becoming an author.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted helped your writing career?

A Being introverted helps my writing because I energize myself. When I’m writing a scene and get in the zone, nothing is more exhilarating. I don’t need other people to inspire or motivate me. What I might have trouble putting into words in a social setting, I can easily tell my computer.

Q What’s the hardest part of this business for you?

A The hardest part of this business is schmoozing with professionals. I am absolutely awful at it. My battle with nerves causes me to come off aloof, and I fear I’ve made people think I’m standoffish. I don’t want to take up their time out of consideration for them, not because I don’t like them or don’t want to talk to them. It gets complicated, doesn’t it?

Q Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?

A I made the mistake of submitting a workshop proposal to the Georgia chapter of RWA. AND THEY ACCEPTED IT! I gave a workshop called Riveting Revisions: the Key to Getting Published at the 2008 Moonlight and Magnolias conference with about seventy-five people in the audience. Somehow I did it, and I got good feedback from several attendees. Way outside my comfort zone. What was I thinking? I’ve done the class four times on-line now, and that is much more to my liking.

Q What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?

A Well, we’re all just folks, and being genuine and kind should come easy to us, but for those times it doesn’t? When nervous, smile! People always respond to a friendly face. (Plus it’s a natural facelift!)

Q Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it?

A Here’s a blurb for ONE FOR THE ROAD, TWRP July 2011 (Last Rose of Summer line):

D’Anne Palmer leads a life others dream of until she’s widowed and broke. Now she must return to California by hiring out her deluxe RV. One-hit wonder Tyler White hopes his three-week tour will recharge his career. Journeying from Nashville to Las Vegas, can close quarters help a has-been singer and the widow with California style find love?

Check out an excerpt here.

Q Where can my readers find you on the web?

A The book is available at TWRP website and at Amazon.com in e-book and print.

Your readers can find me on the web. I blog each Monday, post news and articles, and run occasional contests. Also, I draw a name for a free book from my backlist each month from those who sign up for my newsletter. Pop in and have a look around! I’m currently offering the epilogue for One for the Road exclusively to my newsletter enrollees.

JANICE SEAGRAVES: Introvert with a Bad Case of Shyness

2011-08-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Janice Seagraves. I’m a romance writer.

I’m actually more introverted than shy. But unfortunately things do change.

At thirteen I fell in love with books, reading Tolkien and Marguerite Henry, among others. I loved getting lost among the mountain passes along with Bilbo and his friends, or falling in love with the ponies of Chincoteague. In high school, I read the Lord of the Rings and The Tripods novels by John Christopher, after which I progressed to other fantasy and SF books.

Books became my refuge. Books never judge you, or say mean things to you. They are there for you, whenever you want them to be.

I kept my nose firmly and happily buried, for God knows how many hours. But introverted or not, love finally found me. After I graduated from HS, I married my hubby.

When I was twenty, I tried my hand at writing. And found it harder than it looks. I wrote off and on for years as I learned to put my thoughts into words, but sadly never completed that first novel.

Then twelve years ago when my daughter was eight, I decided I would write toward publication. I made it my mission to learn as much as I could about the craft of writing. Hubby was very supportive and bought me a laptop computer. Delighted with the gift, I industriously wore the letters off the keys.

I started out small with short stories. Then I bought the Writer’s Market. Carefully, I studied the publishers and contests listed. I sent off for guidelines so I could send out my shorts, but was unfortunately rejected.

But I kept at it, determined to see something of mine in print.

Eventually, I started writing book length manuscripts. Now I had a much longer word count to work with, so I was able to explore my characters’ personal growth, sexual tension and eventually the moment when my couple falls in love.

Last year, my debut novel was published. My first book is called Windswept Shores; it’s a contemporary erotic romance, published through Pink Petal Books.

I was very excited. But I also had to learn to promote.

The internet is a God send for promotions and reaching out to readers. But when I talk to a stranger in person about my book, I found myself stammering and blushing.

Had I suddenly developed a bad case of shyness?

Oh, God. I have.

Then one day I was at the dentist office, having my teeth cleaned. The hygienist asked what I was doing. I told her I had a book published. As I talked to her, I think I must have been as red as a beet, but I forced myself to continue. She was very excited and wanted to buy my book.

I told myself this is something I must do. I had to get past this shyness problem, so I can talk to people who might be interested in my novel.

It’s hard but I think I’m making progress.

When I see that opening in the conversation, I give myself a mental kick. Do it. Talk about your book. Smile.

“I’m a writer.” My cheeks heat and I know I’m blushing again. But I tell myself to keep going. “I wrote a book about a couple washed up on the same little island in the Bahamas. It’s a romance.” I reach into my purse. “Would you like a magnet? It has my book cover and website address.”

Windswept Shores Blurb:

The sole survivor of a plane crash, Megan is alone on a deserted island in the Bahamas until she finds a nearly-drowned man washed up on shore. Another survivor, this time from a boat wreck. With only meager survival skills between them, will they survive and can they find love?

Janice’s website

Janice’s blog

Windswept Shores buy link

My book trailer

Q & A with author Wend Petzler

2011-07-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks for being here today, Wend. Would you please share a short bio about yourself?

Well, I’m 42 and have a daughter who just 21. Our household includes the ‘triplets’, two brothers and a sister cats we found abandoned, and Bear, whom they think is daddy. I’ve been writing professionally for several years when my first novel, Curse of the Scarab King, was released Halloween 2007. I usually blend historical, paranormal, and fantasy.

Q Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person?

A I am a shy person, more comfortable around my animals than people. Yet, when I get around people who love books and movies as much as me the shield comes down.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted hindered your writing career?

A Book signings. I haven’t worked up the courage to do this. My brilliant daughter is planning to force me to go to a few conventions and become use to be center of a crowd.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted helped your writing career?

A I am more focused, giving more to my characters and the story.

Q What’s the hardest part of this business for you?

A The hardest part of publishing is the promotion. The internet helps a lot, but it still is expensive when the economy is hurting so badly.

Q Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?

A Sex scenes are difficult for me. I can write a battle scene that can make you gasp and cringe, yet sex scenes are more intimate which really has to come from within you and share with the reader. My series, the Borne Vampires, has taught me a lot about stepping out of my shell. They are a bold, passionate lot and they don’t take no for an answer. I am very grateful to them because the fear of writing a terrible scene has faded.

Q What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?

A Never give up. If you want something badly enough and people tell you it’s not possible – study, learn, keep going. It will work out in the end.

Q Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it?

The blurb I’ve included today is for Water Witch. It’s a fun adventure, time travel combined with fantasy. I had an absolute blast writing this story. Here is the blurb:

Some legends should be left buried in the past, others should never be forgotten ….

Ridiculed his entire life because of his name, Anakin Walker finds purpose when he becomes a knight at the Faires. Still, there was something missing in his life and he wants more than just being a weekend warrior. Careful what you wish for because when the Hand of Destiny selects you there’s no telling which century --or world you’ll find yourself in.

Q Where can my readers find you on the web?

A Ok, that’s the scariest part of being a multi-published writer – I’m everywhere now. Google my name and pages and pages pop up. At http://www.wendpetzler.com/ is home, but I spend time on Facebook and at the chat at http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/ where I and many of my fellow writers are holding monthly contests. Come on over for a chance to win free books and meet some really nice people.

Thanks so much for being on the blog today, Wend!

Q & A with author Sharon Noble

2011-07-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks for being here today, Sharon. Would you please share a short bio about yourself?

Thank you for inviting me. I live in Los Angeles with my family, which include two very large mutt dogs. We're not sure what they are, but they take up a lot of space in the bed. I took my B.A. and M.A. at the University of Colorado and taught in the English Department at the University of Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada before moving to Toronto to pursue an acting career. We moved to L.A. to escape the winter snow, and one day I started writing. I'm probably not the usual personality type for writing, but, surprisingly, I really enjoy the process. I still do the occasional commercial or film or TV-- not enough to boast about.

Q What’s the hardest part of this business for you?

A Marketing, without a doubt. I hadn't anticipated that promotion would be the responsibility of the author, so it came as an enormous surprise. But I'm learning ---- gradually. I've approached a couple of local newspapers to review my books, and they responded with a review and photos of the cover art, along with my photo. I'll be conducting a workshop on how to write a romance and get it published at the West Hollywood Book Fair. I'm a dead failure at Facebook and blogging on my own, so I really, really admire those of you who are good at it and who pursue it diligently. I'm computer challenged, so Twitter is out of my league altogether. Sometimes I consider standing on the sidewalk at the freeway exits and just waving my books in the air in an attempt to attract attention to my work.

Q Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?

A Oh, that's easy. I recently began narrating erotica (available on Amazon.com and Audiolark.com) for an audiobook company in Canada, and I thought it would be easy and fun, especially since I've done lots and lots of voiceover work, and I write erotic romance. Boy, what a surprise when I got the first script. There were words that had never before passed my lips and situations that gave me pause. I found myself embarrassed at actually speaking the dialogue, uneasy at the narrative, and stymied at the storyline. But my husband, ever helpful, said , "Just Go For It!" So, I gathered myself together and gave it my absolute best. BUT I use a pseudonym.

Q What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?

A Well, I'm not introverted, but I have two children who are, so I know the stumbling blocks. I think the most important thing that helped me throughout my life was my mother's reminder that "Sharon, the world is not focused on you. They have their own lives to deal with." When we keep that mantra in our heads, we can relax with the knowledge that we're not being scrutinized, appraised, or judged. And if those shy people are writing, they're in a safety zone that's like sitting in a hot tub in the dark under a magnolia tree with a glass of chilled white wine. If they don't want to risk exposure, there are always pseudonyms. It's like protective cloak.

Q Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it?

A Velvet and Topaz is available at Freya's Bower and Amazon.

When Caroline Benning's husband summarily divorces her on the eve of her 40th birthday, she's devastated. Best friend Marjory treats her to a month-long visit to England to visit castles and historical sites. At Hampton Court a bearded cavalier in black leather and velvet moves Caroline to unexpected sexual longing. In a shadowed closet, they make anonymous love unlike anything she has experienced. Adam Carruthers is a high-powered attorney who enjoys reenacting Tudor history. When he sees Caroline, he can't resist her and soon finds himself in an unlikely but highly-enjoyable position. Later, at a protest rally over gentrification of London's East Side, they find themselves on violently opposing sides, fueled by a trauma in Caroline's childhood. Can their passion overcome their differences? Or will their fundamental beliefs keep them apart?

Q Where can my readers find you on the web?

A My highly out-of-date and unfinished website is http://www.sharon-noble.com/. My husband began building it a year ago when I had only one book, then abandoned it when he got very busy. So my other two books are not there, but there are a few of my paintings on the website.

Q & A with author Mary Corrales

2011-07-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks for being here today, Mary. Would you please share a short bio about yourself?

I'm very glad to be here. I live in the southwestern U.S., where all things hot come from. Lol. Sorry, it's 110 degrees outside, so it's hard to ignore the weather. Anyway, I've been writing for over a decade but have only been published for a couple of years. I write erotica and erotic romance in different genres including paranormal and contemporary suspense. Most of my work is short stories, but I do have two novellas out, my latest being Love's Demon Ways.

Q Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person?

A I definitely consider myself shy…an introvert. I mostly resemble wallpaper in social situations. Lol. Especially, if I don't know anyone at a gathering. Moving around a lot in my childhood made it difficult to make friends so I tended to stay to myself and my books.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted hindered your writing career?

A My first writer's conference experience wasn't that great. I attended for one day, but it was so difficult to get up the courage to talk to anyone that I really think I missed out on an incredible experience. It was sad because the ladies were all really nice at the luncheon; my mind was just blank on contributing to the conversation. Thankfully, I was able to go to another conference a few years later with my best friend, and it was a lot less stressful and so much more fun.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted helped your writing career?

A Thanks to being an introvert, I'm a people watcher. I'm able to read people's body language and therefore it is much easier for me to write scenes and convey emotion non-verbally. I listen to conversations and the way people talk, it's all very useful to file away in the mind.

Q What’s the hardest part of this business for you?

A Promotion. I'm still learning the best ways to do it. I recently got a Twitter account, and it's been fun chatting with people that way.

Q Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?

A In college I had to do a five minute speech. Despite feeling sick to my stomach and blushing for no reason, I got through it. Know your material, because that goes a long way to not passing out. Lol. I'm somewhat kidding about that, but it's very true as well.

Q What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?

A Volunteer somewhere to build a comfort zone. You get to know the other workers, the building, and have responsibilities. This puts you in control, which is what you need in order to talk to people. The purpose is to get you used to smiling and saying hello, which is easier when others are looking to you for guidance.

Q Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it?

A Alexine Coridan is lonely and unlucky in love. Vowing to live her life with no more regrets, she decides to have a one-night stand with the Nightfall Art Gallery’s reclusive owner, Ren Aloysius, but is he more than she is looking for? What forces will be unleashed when she sheds her inhibitions for a man who promises ecstasy with just one touch? Readers can get my book from my publisher, Siren-Bookstrand.

Q Where can my readers find you on the web?

A Readers can contact me via my website and on Twitter.

CHELLE CORDERO: Facing her shyness head on

2011-07-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

Growing up, I always tended to be the shy introvert who was comfortable just being part of “the group”. Maybe that’s why I set my sights on a career in theatre – at least I could pretend to be someone else and could still remain hidden.

I had a steady boyfriend for a while during high school, I met him at a city summer theatre project, we did not go to the same school. Since I didn’t wind up with him for the long haul I’ll just use his first name. Jeff. I remember a date where Jeff (nicely) admonished me for being so shy and he decided to “butt me out of it”; Jeff himself was anything but shy. In the middle of NYC’s Time Square, Jeff stopped in the street, holding my hand so I couldn’t run the other way, and sang (LOUDLY) the song from Fiddler “Do You Love Me?”. All of the bystanders stopped to listen, I turned bright red, and when he finished the song, everyone applauded.

Yep, that was the last time I ever allowed myself to FEEL shy. Since then I try to face whatever I find intimidating head on, I think it works.

I find that I always get a bit nervous before an author event or a live interview. Shortly before the interview I try to organize my thoughts and even re-read the book we’ll be discussing so that I sound as familiar with the subject as I should be. I take my time responding to questions and make sure I understand the question being asked. If things really get beyond my nerves, I resort once again to my acting classes and just pretend that I am an author, lol.

I’ve never had a problem with the actual writing process, I tend to flow once I get started. It’s the selling myself afterward where I hesitate. Luckily, I have a great relationship with my publisher (my novels are published by Vanilla Heart Publishing) so that takes some of the pressure off. A writer must feel very confident in order to promote her work and convince people to read the latest novel.

Fortunately I believe in my work so it’s easy for me to feel right about promoting.

My latest novel: Hyphema
Hyphema: Bleeding in the eye caused by trauma… Matt Garratti, a paramedic from New York, moves his wife and son to North Carolina to work at his dream job as a flight medic. Pakistani born Sudah, his wife, receives frosty stares and insensitive comments from their new neighbors... Matt wonders if he is pursuing his dream or bringing his family into a nightmare from which they may never wake.

My website: http://chellecordero.com/

My blog: http://chellecordero.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chelle.cordero

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ChelleCordero

PUBLIC SPEAKING: Start Small

2011-07-08T07:26:00.000-07:00

by Kelle Z. Riley

Whew. Let me catch my breath. I just returned from the RWA (Romance Writers of America) national conference in New York City. And I totally forgot—until our fabulous moderator Becky reminded me—that I was going to drop by and post a few “words of wisdom” about public speaking. Luckily I just returned from the RWA National Conference (I did mention that, didn’t I?) where I did a ton of public speaking. So I’m ready to go.

Who am I, you ask? I’m Kelle Riley. Kelle Z. Riley, to be specific. (I’m sure fellow author Kelly Ann Riley likes me to be specific so we don’t get confused. Kelly Ann was nominated for a RITA this year, so for my part, it’s kind of cool to be confused with her, but I digress.)

Now that you know who I am, you’re no doubt wondering why I was doing so much public speaking. If you check your conference workshop schedule you’ll have figured out that I’m not a keynote or luncheon speaker. I didn’t emcee or play any role in the awards ceremony, and I wasn’t even picked to give a workshop this year.

So what kind of public speaking was I doing? The best kind. I was talking with fellow conference attendees about things that excite me. Specifically, reading and writing novels. It’s a misconception that public speaking is mostly about standing up in front of a crowd and giving a “talk.” Sure, there are times when you are asked—or allowed—to do that, but most of the time, public speaking is about making one-on-one connections with strangers and finding common ground. It’s about complimenting someone on the awesome pair of shoes she’s wearing (and meaning it). Next thing you know she’s telling you where she bought them and you’re joking about wearing dress shoes when you mostly work barefoot at the keyboard the—voila!—you’re suddenly talking about writing.

Once you start talking about your writing, it’s easy to keep the excitement going. Your new friend will ask what you write (and you’ll ask her the same) soon you’ll be promising to buy each other’s books or cheer on each other’s manuscripts. I came home from the conference with several new friends and most of the getting-to-know-you conversations started out a lot like the one I described above. Sometimes it was awesome shoes. Other times it was a conversation about a great workshop we’d chosen to attend. A couple of times it was even a discussion of the length of the wait for an elevator.

Really, that’s all public speaking is. It’s talking to someone who is interested in the topic you’ve chosen, whether it’s shoes or how to create the perfect plot arc. Once you’re comfortable with one-on-one discussions, you naturally expand to talking to small groups of people, some of whom you know and others you’ve just met. And, like the one-on-one conversation, it’s a discussion about things all of you have in common. Even when you “graduate” to speaking to large groups, such as during a workshop, the dynamics are similar. The larger the group the more you have to plan your topic but in the end it boils down to the same things you’ve always done: you chat about what you love with people who are also interested in the subject.

So, for all you aspiring public speakers out there (even the timid ones cringing behind their computer screens) those are my words of wisdom. Start small. With a conversation. And enjoy yourself.

Oh, and if you want to hear more, join me at the Georgia Romance Writer’s “Moonlight & Magnolias” conference Sept. 29 – Oct. 2 where I’ll be presenting “Public Speaking for Shy Writers” along with my friend and fellow author Michael Charton.

About Kelle: Dr. Kelle Z. Riley is a 2005 Golden Heart Finalist whose first book—a romantic suspense entitled Dangerous Affairs—was published in 2006. Kelle believes in the magical power of storytelling to entertain, educate and enthrall both readers and writers of all ages.

She frequently speaks on women’s issues and writing topics to various audiences. A Ph.D. chemist by day who holds more than 10 U.S. patents she also speaks on science topics at international conferences and seminars.

She is also a third degree karate black belt, and a certified women’s self defense instructor who teaches workshops on safety, self defense and, for her writer colleagues, how to write convincing action scenes.

A list of her other workshops can be found on her website.

Q&A with author Gail Barrett

2011-07-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks for being here today, Gail. Would you please share a short bio about yourself?

Thanks for inviting me!!!! Okay, I’m one of those people who knew from an early age that I wanted to be a writer. It was the only thing I ever wanted to be, although I fell into teaching along the way and spent a lot of years as a high school Spanish and E.S.L. teacher. Once I started actively working toward publication, it took me twelve years to sell a book, so I wasn’t exactly an overnight success . Since that first sale, I’ve had seven books published with Harlequin, and three more are coming out within the next year. I currently write romantic suspense.

Q Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person?

A I’m not shy, but I am definitely introverted. I don’t mind public speaking, for example, which comes in handy in the classroom. But heading into a cocktail party where I don’t know people fills me with dread.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted hindered your writing career?

A Being introverted makes it hard to feel relaxed and network at conferences. I also have trouble remembering names and faces, so I’ve made some gaffes over the years. Fortunately my husband understands this about me, so I rely on him to whisper reminders when he’s around. I really prefer to have an in-depth conversation with someone rather than a short, superficial chat, so I don’t consider this a flaw, just not a useful trait for networking.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted helped your writing career?

A I don’t know that being an introvert has helped me in any way, except that I don’t mind sitting at my computer all day, and I rarely feel lonely. The advent of email and social media has also been a boon because I can feel connected without having to actually go anywhere.

Q What’s the hardest part of this business for you?

A The hardest part of this business for me is maintaining my perspective and not comparing my career path to others. For every success I’ve had, I’ve probably had five set-backs that most people don’t know about. I’ve had more rejections after that first sale than I did before it. I’ve had to learn that my career will unfold the way it’s supposed to, and success will either come or it won’t, so there’s no point comparing myself to anyone else. All I can do is work hard, write the best books I can, and let life happen.

Q Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?

A Okay, this was really embarrassing. We were living in the Bahamas, and my husband was the Coast Guard Liaison Officer at the U.S. Embassy, so we got invited to all the State Department events. One day we were invited to a reception at the British High Commissioner’s residence. Usually at these events I would corner one person I knew and spend the evening with them -- typical introverted behavior. So this time I decided I was going to do something different, really reach out and go beyond my comfort zone. I was going to make an attempt to meet new people and mingle.

We arrived at the British High Commissioner’s residence. My husband started speaking to someone he knew, and I spotted two Bahamian couples standing nearby, chatting. So I took a deep breath, walked over, and introduced myself. And... They snubbed me! They were total snobs. They looked me over as if I were a cockroach, and then turned their backs on me. I was mortified and offended. I slunk back to my husband and didn’t leave his side for the rest of the night.

Q What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?

A You want tips from me after the above anecdote? Seriously, smile and take solace in the fact that the majority of writers are introverts, and that no matter how outgoing they might look, most of them are suffering the same angst you are.

Q Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it?

A Here is the back cover blurb for Meltdown, the book that has finaled in the Rita:

With terrorists hot on her heels, nuclear chemist Zoe Wilkinson races to elude capture. The last person she expects help from is her ex-boyfriend Cooper Kennedy. But when their plane crashes, stranding them in the desert, the stifling heat pales in comparison to the scorching desire Zoe still feels...

On undercover assignment for the navy, Coop can’t believe the woman who ruined his life is back. Zoe’s always been trouble. And nothing’s changed -- not even the consuming lust she sets off in him. But when Zoe’s kidnapped, Coop must race against the clock to protect the woman he loves.

You can buy it online (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.).

Q Where can my readers find you on the web?

A At my website, Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks for the great interview, Gail. I love hearing stories of writers who persevered for years before selling (me, too!).

Q & A with Gabrielle Bisset

2011-06-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks for being here today, Gabrielle. Would you please share a short bio about yourself?

I’m Gabrielle Bisset, and by day I’m a college history professor, but by night and weekends, I’m an erotic romance writer. My first novella, Vampire Dreams, is out now, and my first novel, Stolen Destiny, will be released this Wednesday, June 29 from Siren Publishing.

Q Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person?

A I do consider myself a shy person, although I think people believe because I can lecture to classes all day that I must be an extrovert.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted hindered your writing career?

A I find promoting to be difficult sometimes only because I’m afraid I’m being too pushy. For example, my best friend knows someone who has over 1000 friends on his Facebook page because he’s an entertainer. She immediately set out to ask him if he would mind if she put some information up about my books, but I was nervous he would be put out. I just don’t think promotionally, it seems.

Q In what ways has being shy or introverted helped your writing career?

A Being a writer is a solitary job, and I thrive in that environment. I can sit for hours and write, without talking to another soul, and be quite happy. I imagine very social people would find that almost like sensory deprivation, but I enjoy the solitude.

Q What’s the hardest part of this business for you?

A The promotion. It takes a lot of time and I have to be far more assertive than I feel I naturally am. But I’m seeing great results in my sales, so I guess I’ll just have to keep plugging away.

Q Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?

A Every time I email someone to ask if they’d like to blog swap I step out of my comfort zone. At first, it was actually scary. I know that sounds odd coming from an adult who has a lot of accomplishments behind her, but I’m just not the type of person to knock on someone’s door and say, “Hey, I have this great product! Would you like to try it?”

Q What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?

A The worst anyone can say is no, and then what have you lost? Nothing. But if they say yes, you’ve gained immediately.

Q Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it?

A Stolen Destiny: Released from prison to find a murderer, a prison-hardened Varek Leale is convinced no woman deserves the man he’s become, but his Aeveren destiny makes him succumb to sweet and sexy Callia Reynolds. To catch a murderer, he and Callia must find an Aeveren with the power to control time. But Amon Kalins isn’t a man to trifle with, and when he wants something, he’ll use his powers, devastating charm, and good looks to get it.

When Amon manipulates time and seduces her away, Varek must turn to the people who set him free for help to get her back. But the Council doesn’t do anything without requiring something in return, and what they want is Amon Kalins, one of the most powerful Aeveren ever. Varek will do what he must to capture Amon and find Callia. If he doesn’t, she’ll be lost to him for untold lifetimes.

Readers can buy Stolen Destiny from Siren Publishing.
Q Where can my readers find you on the web?
A Readers can find me at my blog, at my website, on Facebook and on Twitter.

Thanks so much for being here today, Gabrielle!

Nervous about pitching at Nationals? Turn your nerves into enthusiasm.

2011-06-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Please welcome 2011 Golden Heart finalist Ruth Kaufman to the blog.

Whether extrovert or introvert, many authors clam up when someone says, “What do you write?” or “Tell me about your book.” They may have stage fright (like Barbra Streisand) or they may feel uncomfortable talking about their work. In fact, today a published Facebook friend posted that she didn’t like to toot her own horn. These authors look away, hem and haw, and eventually manage to get out something about their genre: “I write contemporary.” Conversely, nerves lead them to babble on and on about plot details. Neither approach is likely to intrigue the listener.

It’s hard for me to understand why anyone who has spent hours and hours writing and submitting would be loathe to discuss her passion at any opportunity. I heard an author say that at the literacy signing (a yearly event at RWA’s National Conference where hundreds of authors sit alphabetically, sign books and proceeds go to literacy) she was too nervous to introduce herself to her senior editor.

Some may fear sounding stupid. Others may fear rejection. Even I get nervous to some degree when the spotlight is on. The key is to learn to control any fears instead of allowing them to control you. Turn your nerves into enthusiasm and make them work for you. If you don’t, at a conference you may miss opportunities to make connections with other authors and industry professionals (IPs). When out and about, you miss opportunities to grow your readership or make contacts.

Tips for talking about your writing with confidence:

Focus on the message and what you’re saying. Think: this is an opportunity I’ve been waiting for for a long time! I’m so excited to talk to EDITOR about my work. Don’t think: OMG, it’s EDITOR. I’ll faint if she doesn’t request something.

Answer these questions:
     1)    What do you fear the most when talking about your work?
     2)    What is the worst that can happen if your fear comes true?
     3)    Do you avoid verbally promoting your writing? If so, why?

Remember that this is a business. You are a professional. Think of yourself as an entrepreneur, a salesperson with products to market. Salespeople would get fired if they failed to promote the benefits of their products to potential clients. Salespeople have thick skins and know that each “no” means they’re closer to “yes.”

Prepare a short (around 15 second) summary of your book that includes a hook. Also know what makes it different from others in its subgenre (Regency-set, vampire, etc.). Practice out loud, preferably with others. This way you’ll be prepared. You’ll know what to say.

Know your hero’s and heroine’s goals, motivation and conflict inside and out.

First impressions mean a lot. Don’t talk too soft or loud, apologize for anything, fidget, giggle. Avoid lots of “like, you know,” ums and ahs. Better to take a breath instead.

Have eye contact and smile.

Have fun! If you enjoy yourself, your audience will too. If you act nervous, your audience picks up on that.The next time someone asks what you write, I hope you can answer with confidence. Don’t let opportunity pass you by.

Ruth Kaufman’s inspirational medieval AT HIS COMMAND is a 2011 Golden Heart® Finalist. An attorney with a Master’s in Radio/TV, Ruth is an on camera and voiceover talent, a freelance writer and editor and workshop presenter. She lives in Chicago and actually thinks pitching is fun. Learn more at www.ruthjkaufman.com and www.ruthtalks.com.