Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a proud born-and-bred Jersey Girl with Brooklyn roots. And I still live where it all started – I married my very own alpha male many eons ago, and have an amazing college-bound daughter and a 10 year old son who charms and frustrates me at every turn. Free time is always a luxury and I spend the bulk of what time I manage to scrounge up lost in the worlds of my own making. I love to read and write hot, sexy and emotional stories about people both glamorous and not-so-glamorous. Be warned – some of my characters are even downright un-heroic, which is part of what makes them so interestingly sexy, in my opinion!
On the rare occasions I’m not taking advantage of that valuable free time by writing, you can catch me poking around in my other favorite twisted historical worlds of Sleepy Hollow, Reign and the History Channel’s Vikings. I’m also a huge fan of Harry Potter, Highlander, Charmed, and DragonBall Z! Yeah, a strange fandom medley, but each one features some of the sexiest villains ever. Did I mention I love villains? And of course, let’s not forget my beloved NY Rangers.
Currently, I have several erotic romance books available – Books 1 through 4 of the Bayou Magiste Chronicles, a paranormal/fantasy series of books, are available through Renaissance Ebooks Sizzler Editions. All of the books feature Magically Kinky! love scenes – Books 1 to 3 are set in an alternate modern-day New Orleans area, while Book 4 goes back in time to tell the tale of how the Magiste, a magical society, settled in the New World – in the 13th century! There are more books to come in this series, and they’re sure to rock your socks off!
My other series, the Medieval Warrior’s series is set in 13th and 14th century England, Wales and Scotland – all three books feature A Kinky Twist on History! Go back in time and see how lords tamed their ladies, teaching them all about the dark side of pleasure. Again, there are more books planned for this series.
Keep an eye out for my next series – the Norseman’s series features A Kinky Twist on History as well, and some deliciously dominating Vikings!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I actually have two new releases – Claimed by the Zyndevine is Book 4 in the Bayou Magiste Chronicles, and was released in May 2015. I speak about my inspiration on my blog – the Harry Potter series sparked my imagination and set me on a path I’d never imagined when I first started writing.
My second new release is Warrior’s Possession – Book 3 in the Medieval Warrior’s series. Possession came out in June. I can’t say specifically what my inspiration was, other than I love the medieval period, especially the events that took place in England, Scotland and Wales.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really – as long as I get my butt in the chair, it doesn’t matter what time or day it is. Most of my writing is done in the mornings and late nights, though I’ve been known to squeak in some time midday or early evening, when the opportunity arises.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The writers who inspired me to write romances are many – Nora Roberts, Catherine Coulter, Johanna Lindsay, Judith McNaught, Julie Garwood were all idols I looked up to when I first started – back in the 1980’s and 90’s. Since then, there are many others – Cherise Sinclair, Carly Phillips and JK Rowling. A diverse combo for sure, but they all sparked something in me that contributed to my choices of genre.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on the second book in the aforementioned Vikings series. Book 1 should be available in the near future. I also have started another series – featuring Pirates in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. I also have begun outlining the fifth Bayou Magiste Chronicles book, and there are at least two more planned for my Medieval Warrior’s series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, I can’t say for sure – I promote heavily on Facebook and Twitter, I use advertising at some of the biggest romance novels review sites, and have recently begun branching out to some other avenues that focus on putting great reads in the hands of readers. I’m still trying to determine which are the most effective – my 25 years in corporate marketing has taught me a lot about targeting the right audiences, so I’m applying that now and studying the results.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Learn. Learn. learn, learn. I’ve been at this for over 20 years. Early on, I aligned myself with professional organizations – RWA, EPIC, etc., and I absorbed everything I could, wherever and however I could. I attended conferences & workshops, entered contests and eagerly read the feedback. Grow a thick skin, you really need it in this business, and don’t think it’s weak to sit back and just listen to what experienced authors have to say. I wouldn’t be where I am now if I had ignored the solid advice and constructive critiques of my writing friends.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up – I had many moments I was ready to toss it in, including one in particular thanks to the scathing slams from someone I thought was a friend who would support me. But I took that last shot and it paid off, because I just refused to go down quietly.
What are you reading now?
Slow Burn by Sascha Illyvich, How to Train Your Knight by Stella Marie Alden, Dare to Touch by Carly Phillips.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Just to keep on writing and reaching readers (hopefully lots of them lol!) who will find my books as gripping to read as I found to write them. I will be at the NJRW Put Your Heart in a Book conference in October 2015, and will be signing all three of the Medieval Warrrior’s books at the literacy fundraising bookfair. Keep an eye on my blog for other events – my local RWA chapter and some of my critique partners are booking some fun events, including Wine and Signs at local wineries, fairs and other fun places.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Hmmm, some of these might sound strange together – Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by JK Rowling, The Story of O by Pauline Reage, The Reluctant Dom by Tymber Dalton, and Master of the Mountain by Cherise Sinclair
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