Author Hot Seat Welcomes, Aleigha Siron.

The author hot seat specials are designed to help readers get to know both popular, and up and coming authors, a little better. The questions are broken into sections - About your writing, about you, fun stuff and finally. Some of the questions are easy, others may need a little more thought and some may cause our author friends to hesitate before answering—still, they all answer. 

Today I have Aleigha Siron, author of Finding My Highlander sitting in the hot seat. Welcome, Aleigha, we can't wait to hear what you have to tell us. 

Aleigha - Hi everyone. Another stop on my blog tour, and I want to thank Jan for hosting this interview.

Hot Seat Interview:

Getting Started:

Tell us about your latest book. What was your inspiration for writing it, is it part of an ongoing series, the characters, the genre etc?

I enjoy historical romance novels, and Scottish romances in particular. This will sound ridiculous, but about three years ago, I had a dream about these characters. We won’t go into Jungian dream analysis on the story, but that is when I penned the first lines and developed the character sheets.

I did not start the story as an ongoing series even though that’s usually what you find in this genre. However, as the story developed the possibility for sequels emerged. By the end, I knew there would be a prequel. Now, many months later, I’m developing characters and plot direction for a sequel as well. So far, I only have location, and the primary characters. I have not completed the plot points.

About your writing:

How many books have you written during your career so far and which is your favorite?

This is my first published fiction novel. I’ve written and published in a number of non-fiction arenas.

Have any of your books received negative reviews and how did you handle the situation?

Not yet. I think it is inevitable to get a few negative reviews. Not every one likes the same things in their reading material. Everyone’s entitled to his or her opinion. If the review is well intended, then perhaps I’ll learn something. However, if it’s just spiteful, I’ll ignore it. That type of negativity serves no one, not even the reviewer.

Do you believe in writer’s block and if so, how do you overcome it?

Writer’s block and I are well acquainted. I’ve found the best way to handle it is to step away from the work. Write something else for a while, poetry, journaling, even letters (yes, I still write old-fashioned letters - occasionally on paper,) anything that keeps you writing but not stuck in the current story. If I’m still stuck when I go back, and I can’t find a new direction, then I move on. Sometimes you just have to abandon the work. That’s why every writer has a drawer full of might-have-been stories.

What is the one genre you would never write and why?

Due to a close, personal experience with a murder, I don’t think I could ever write graphic murder mysteries. That doesn’t mean I exclude murder from my writing, as you’ll see in Finding My Highlander. But as a genre, it isn’t a topic about which I could spend months researching and writing.

 

Have you ever written a book that you’ve regretted publishing and why?

Not yet. Even stories I’ve written that will never see a publisher or an audience were not a waste of time. If you’re writing, you’re honing your skills.

If a reader said they wanted to write a book, what advice would you give them?

Be realistic. It is a lonely, time-consuming endeavor. It may never be extremely lucrative, but if you love to write, then go for it with gusto. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s impossible. It’s not, and you can start at any age. First though, you must read, read, read!

About you:

Tell us what a typical day in your life is like?

Coffee first. Morning mayhem! Dog walk. Mornings are usually hectic. I’m not even sure why, but I always have more on my daily plate than I can manage. As the day progresses I push the non-urgent things to the side. Right now, afternoon or early evening are my favored writing times. Next week or next month, that may change.

What sort of things put you in a bad mood?

Technology. I have a love/hate relationship with technology. There’s a staggering amount to learn, and it’s constantly changing. Unlike younger writers, I didn’t cut my teeth or learn my ABC’s using a computer.

Do you have a bucket list and what’s one thing you still want to do that you haven’t done?

I’m laughing here! My bucket list is immense! I could not do all of it if I lived for two hundred years, perhaps another reason I’m so fascinated with time-travel. One thing definitely on the list is a trip to Venice.

What makes you laugh?

My husband and my best friend, and thank God for that because I have a rather serious outlook even though I consider laughter a must have quality to survival.

What is the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done?

Oh dear, that’s another rather long list. One event that sticks out occurred when I addressed an audience of sixty-five professionals (CPA’s and Financial Planners,) and discovered I’d picked up the wrong bag at the airport and someone else had all my instructional materials.

Do you like to read and what are you reading at the moment?

I read constantly and a wide variety of material. I’m always reading more than one book, however, only one fiction novel at a time. In fiction, I just started Suzan Tisdale’s The King’s Courtesan. In non-fiction I’m reading Sacred Stories, A celebration of the Power of Stories to Transform and Heal (a collection of essays,) and In the Palm of Your Hand, the poet’s portable workshop, by Steve Kowit.

If you couldn’t write anymore, what would you do instead?

That’s very hard to answer. The day will come, but I hope not until my mind is gone. If I go blind before that event, I’ll listen to books on tape and drive everyone around me bonkers.

Fun Stuff:

If you could go out with one famous person who would it be and why?

Do I have to pick only one? Okay, if restricted to one I’d pick the Dalai Lama. I’m intrigued with the Buddhist philosophy on life and death.

Do you have a habit that drives your partner/friends/family nuts and what is it?

Blabbering on about the newest topic that has snagged my interest—generally something no one else gives a rat’s arse about.

In your opinion, what makes a person attractive?

Intelligence, humor, loyalty, and honesty.

What is the strangest food you’ve ever eaten?

I’m pretty basic with my food choices and avoid strange foods. But I have eaten Haggis, and it wasn’t bad. A rather shocking acknowledgment since I never eat organ meat.

Would you rather have a classic 1969 convertible Mustang or have the use of a beach side condo any time you want?

I’ll take that beach side condo right now, please.

And finally:

Would you rather survive an apocalyptic event (yes, even a zombie apocalypse) or die instantly without knowing what happened to your family and friends?

That question made me fall off my chair laughing. My husband insists I should be writing in the apocalyptic genre. I will readily discuss the next ten possible apocalyptic disasters the world faces. Do I want to survive; it might depend on the disaster. I’ve long moved beyond the realm of “survival of the fittest,” so it’s not likely I’d pick survival. On the other hand, I’m kick-ass feisty and have a lot of fight left, so maybe I’d hang around just to see how much trouble I could stir up.

Thanks for sitting in the hot set Aleigha, it's been fun having you here today and I wish you many sales for Finding My Highlander. 

Aleigha has a giveaway happening as part of her blog tour so after reading the info about her book check out the giveaway info ant the bottom of this post.

Blurb:

On a windswept cliff above San Francisco Bay in 2013, 27 year-old Andra Cameron, the last member of her family, prepares to scatter her family's ashes to the wind. An earthquake catapults her to the Scottish Highlands in 1705. She wakes, aching and bloody, to the sound of horses thundering through the trees. Terrified and with no other options, Andra accompanies these rugged warriors. She can't deny the undeniable attraction that ignites between herself and the handsome but gruff Kendrick. Will she trust him to provide protection in the harsh reality of 18th century Scotland and with her secret, or will she find a way to return home to the 21st century?

Laird Kendrick MacLean and his men, escaping a recent skirmish with their worst nemeses, clan Cameron and their Sassenach allies, are shocked to find an injured, unprotected female in their path. How could she not know her kin and how had she landed in the middle of the wilderness alone? His men suspect she's a spy or a witch. Still, Kendrick will not abandon an injured woman, even if she speaks unusually accented English, and her name is Cameron. Will he ransom her to others or will their closed hearts open to each other? Although he questions her every utterance, this feisty, outspoken woman inflames his desire like no other.

Excerpt: from Chapter Eight

            The old, familiar burn of a good run seared her legs. Something wild and frightening coiled in her gut, but she could not escape the urgent need to run faster and faster. Eventually plumes of dark smoke billowed over the hill ahead. Keeping the upper part of the ridge to her left, she skirted around trees, and through brambles and tangled underbrush that scratched at her limbs.

            When Kendrick had departed last night, she was certain he went in the opposite direction, so she didn’t think he would be at the end of her mad rush. Something beyond reason drove her on.

            Alert to every sound—the pounding of her feet on the soft earth, the late or early movement of wildlife scattering in the undergrowth away from the fire, the sudden cessation of birdsong—all penetrated her awareness with a cloying dread. Then the sound of people struggling and the anguished cries of fear assaulted her. She worked her way through thick brush to the top of the hill and peered down on an unholy horror. Covering her mouth, she choked back the scream that almost escaped her throat.

            Flames engulfed several small crofts and the surrounding fields. The dying shrieks from inside the walls of the burning cottages tore the air and mingled with the moans from those fallen outside. Everywhere she looked lay mangled bodies. A company of English militia and a few men wearing dark, Scottish plaids were viciously murdering the people who struggled to crawl away. A couple of men dragged the limp form of a woman tearing away her clothes.

            Andra’s knees buckled as she ducked down and slunk behind a tree. Bile rose in her throat. The metallic taste of blood flowed over her tongue from biting hard on knuckles jammed in her mouth to prevent a terrified scream from escaping

Buy Links

Amazon us:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DFGYURE

Amazon uk:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01DFGYURE

Nook:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/finding-my-highlander-aleigha-siron/1123595128

Apple:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/finding-my-highlander

Smashwords:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/625227

Kobo:

https://store.kobobooks.com/ebook/finding-my-highlander

Author Bio and Media Links

After more than twenty years writing and delivering management and other training programs for modest-sized to Fortune Five Hundred companies, and ten years developing community crisis-intervention training programs, Aleigha turned her writing efforts to her first loves, fiction, and poetry.  Her poetry has appeared in numerous anthologies and university presses over the past few decades.  Following a difficult period in her life, she discovered solace in romance novels that inspired her to write in this genre.  As she says, "who doesn't desire a guaranteed happy-ever-after scenario?" Always interested in the concept of time-travel, she knew her first few stories would follow that theme.

When not writing, her trusty four-legged companion/helper, Strider, accompanies her on sunset walks along the shore. During these quiet walks under an expansive sky, with the whoosh of waves across the sand and her gaze drifting over the rolling sea, her best glimmers of inspiration come to mind.  Following the recent discovery of distant Scottish ancestors, she embarked on a trip to the Highlands. Although she had already developed the characters for Finding My Highlander, her trip to the Highlands enriched the characters and enhanced the story direction. This is her first full-length romance novel.  Aleigha is working on a prequel to Finding My Highlander, and another time-travel novel set in a later period.  

WWW (Aleigha’s WebPage)

http://aleighasiron.com/

Aleigha Siron’s  Book page at Tirgearr Publishing

http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Siron_Aleigha/finding-my-highlander.htm

Tirgearr Publishing Home Page

http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/index.htm

@AleighaSiron

#FindingMyHighlander

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/people/Aleigha-Siron/

GIVEAWAY!

Make sure to follow the whole tour—the more posts you visit throughout, the more chances you’ll get to enter the giveaway. The tour dates are here: http://www.writermarketing.co.uk/prpromotion/blog-tours/currently-on-tour/aleigha-siron/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Hot Seat Welcomes - Grace Marshall

The hot seat is very excited to have Grace Marshall here today, Grace is an Amazon best seller with her Executive Decision trilogy and has now expanded that series to include Wade's story. As well as the hot seat interview we have an excerpt from the new book and at the end of the blog a competition that Grace is running as part of her tour.  At the end of the Interviewing Wade Blog Tour, Grace Marshall is giving away a $50/£30 Amazon gift card. All you have to do to enter is use the Rafflecopter at the end of the post to gain entries.

 Now, enough of the preliminaries, lets see what Grace has to say.

Getting Started:

Tell us about your latest book. What was your inspiration for writing it, is it part of an ongoing series, the characters, the genre etc?

First of all, Jan, I’d like to thank you so much for hosting me on the Interviewing Wade Blog Tour and Giveaway. It’s a pleasure to be here and to talk about my reluctant hero.

Actually, I’m SO excited to finally be able to share Wade’s story! Ever since An Executive Decision, the first of Grace Marshall’s Executive Decisions books, came out with Ellis and Dee’s story, readers, who loved the novel were clambering for reclusive, nerd genius, Wade Crittenden’s story. And to be honest, I seriously doubted that Wade would allow me to unlock his secrets and tell his tale. Three books in, and while the readers loved the Executive Decisions books and the reviews were excellent, the unanimous opinion was that everyone wanted Wade’s story.

Wade is the creative genius behind the fabulously progressive, green company, Pneuma, Inc, which he and Ellison Thorne founded together with the late Beverly Neumann.  He is socially challenged and he could teach most recluses a thing or two. While Ellis and Dee work in the light-filled, glass and steel executive suites of the Pneuma Building, which Wade designed, Wade’s realm is the extensive basement and sub-floors of the building affectionately called by everyone else Wade’s Dungeon.

What happens when the Northwest’s most intriguing, and richest recluse reluctantly agrees to be interviewed by the Northwest’s most talented investigative journalist, Carla Flannery? Carla always gets her story, but sometimes that means making enemies. Wade’s ulterior motive for allowing the interview is to keep her safe by keeping her close when her life is threatened by an unknown stalker. And OMG, do the sparks sizzle when the two are forced into each other’s space up close and personal!

About your writing:

How many books have you written during your career so far and which is your favorite?

Interviewing Wade is my 11^th novel, the 4^th written as Grace Marshall. Grace’s novels are a little softer on the erotica than K D’s, but still with LOTS of sizzle, and heavier on the romance. As for my favourite, well it’s always whatever one I’m working on at the time. Though I have to say I’ve had more fun writing Wade’s story, and have had more surprises thrown at me by the characters than in any other novel I’ve ever written.

Have any of your books received negative reviews and how did you handle the situation?

Every writer gets negative reviews. The only way to avoid them is not to write. Of course I have to stroke my ego by saying that I don’t get many bad reviews, but yes, I do get them. In the beginning, I took it personally when I got one. I would do some real soul-searching to see if there was anything useful in the negative review and if my writing was at fault. 99% of the time the negative review was down to the reader’s personal dislike of something. I got a 1-star review once on a BDSM site for not having any BDSM in one of my paranormal novels, which was clearly labeled paranormal erotic romance, with absolutely NO BDSM in it at all … Too much sex, too little sex, dangerous sex, didn’t ‘get it.’ Those are the complaints most erotica writers get most often. For the most part, I’ve stopped looking at reviews. My husband does that for me, and he screens them. I can’t do anything about the bad ones, and I know the quality of my writing, so best to strive to write the best I can and make it my policy to do my part to make sure each novel is better than the one before.

Do you believe in writer’s block and if so, how do you overcome it?

I don’t get writers’ block. In fact my problem is the opposite. I have way more novels in my head than I’ve got time to write. I’m thinking I’ll have to live to be about 130 to manage it all, and that’s IF I don’t get any more ideas … J

What is the one genre you would never write and why?

Though I boarder on horror in some parts of my paranormal writing, I could never write classical horror and I could never write crime centered around serial killers. Because I can’t walk away from a story once I start working on it, and I live, eat, sleep and dream it until it’s finished, I don’t want serial killers and things that go bump in the night being my constant companions for six months at a time.

Have you ever written a book that you’ve regretted publishing and why?

Nope! Never. I have regretted that I had such a limited word-count on several though. I would have loved to have expanded the story and given it more depth.

If a reader said they wanted to write a book, what advice would you give them? 

Knock yourself out! At the least, it’ll be an interesting and insightful experiment, at the most perhaps they’ll find their passion and never look back. BUT they should be warned, writing is a very hard task mistress and definitely not for the faint of heart.

About you:

Tell us what a typical day in your life is like?

I get up around 6:30 and have a leisurely breakfast with my husband. I either go for a walk in the countryside or I go to the gym and work out. I write till lunch time, then do PR while I have my lunch and try to catch up on any social media goings on that have happened while I was occupied. Then I write until it’s time to start dinner. IF the deadline is particularly tight, I write after dinner until bedtime. In between I fit little bits and starts of time for reading, which I find essential to my creativity.

What sort of things put you in a bad mood?

Nothing puts me in a worse mood than having my schedule disrupted or having my time wasted.

Do you have a bucket list and what’s one thing you still want to do that you haven’t done?

I’ve got lots of things I want to do, but I’ve never really thought of them as a bucket list. And nothing really stands out in my mind as more significant than anything else. I’d like to do the Coast to Coast walk across England again, and I’d like to finish walking all the Wainwright fells in the Lake District. I’m only about halfway through the 214 at the moment. 

What makes you laugh?

My husband. He has a wicked sense of humor and he knows that I’m very guilty of taking myself too seriously. He’s the cure for that.

What is the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done?

Once in a restaurant, in a very exuberant conversation, (I use my hands a lot when I talk) I knocked my glass of beer over and splashed it all down the back of an elderly Chinese gentleman sitting at the next table. I was mortified. He was very gracious and forgiving, thankfully.

Do you like to read and what are you reading at the moment?

I LOVE to read! Can’t imagine not doing it. I’ve just started American Gods by Neil Gaiman.

If you couldn’t write anymore, what would you do instead?

Become a recluse and do nothing but walk all day and read all night.

Fun Stuff:

If you could go out with one famous person who would it be and why?

I’ve never had a desire to go out with a famous person because I can’t imagine it ever being anything but awkward … though no doubt, there’s a story in that J

Do you have a habit that drives your partner/friends/family nuts and what is it?

Of course not! My husband has broken me of all of my bad habits, as I have him ;-)

In your opinion, what makes a person attractive?

Intelligence, respect for other people, enthusiasm, curiosity, imagination.

What is the strangest food you’ve ever eaten?

Sheep’s brains. Not too bad, but not something I can’t easily live without.

Would you rather have a classic 1969 convertible Mustang or have the use of a beach side condo any time you want?

Ooooh! Can I have both, please???? Oh, alright L If I have to choose, I’d take the condo because I could go there and read and walk on the beach and be a recluse whenever I wanted.

And finally:

Would you rather survive an apocalyptic event (yes, even a zombie apocalypse) or die instantly without knowing what happened to your family and friends?

Lights out for me! Don’t want to hang out after the apocalypse with a bunch of zombies, thank you very much!

Thanks for sitting in the hot seat today, Grace, it's been a pleasure hosting you as part of the Interviewing Wade Blog Tour. Now let's take a sneak peek at the book.

INTERVIEWING WADE

By K D Grace

Writing as Grace Marshall

Blurb:

The Executive Decisions Trilogy may be over, but the story continues. Intrepid reporter, Carla Flannery, wants to interview Wade Crittenden, the secretive creative genius behind Pneuma Inc. But when, against all odds, Wade actually agrees to the interview, Carla suspects ulterior motives.

Carla has made a lot of enemies in her work and when Wade discovers she’s being stalked, he agrees to the interview to keep her close and safe. As the situation turns deadly, lives and hearts are on the line, and the interview reveals far more about both than either ever expected.

Excerpt:

Carla nodded to the chair opposite her and Wade sat down cautiously. She offered a dry smile and spoke around a mouthful of toast. ‘Chair’s not booby-trapped, food’s not poisoned. My security system’s not that good.’

When he made no reply but savoured a forkful of eggs, she joined him in devouring the feast, satisfied that after the first bite, he shovelled it in with as much relish and lack of delicate table manners as she did. With her, eating was always done in a hurry to get on with what was always way more work than she had time for, unless she was settling in for a meal with her father. She suspected he cooked for her especially for that reason. And as she watched Wade stuff half a slice of toast into his mouth in one go, she figured he was probably the same, with no one to make sure he got a good meal from time to time. Though possibly Ellis invited him over occasionally, or maybe Harris Walker and his new wife, Stacie Emerson. Apparently her culinary skills were spoken about in hush tones. Strange, but it felt good to be able to offer something to Wade, even if the idiot did show up at three in the morning

‘Good,’ he said, at last, covering his full mouth with the paper towel she’d given him in lieu of the napkins she didn’t have.

‘Thanks. You think this is good, you should see me make Pop Tarts.

‘I like Pop Tarts,’ he said.

‘The secret is,’ she leaned across the table, ‘you’ve got to get the toaster set just right. And then afterwards,’ he leaned closer with wrapped attention, ‘afterwards I put butter on ‘em and stick ‘em in the microwave until it melts.’

Wade’s eyes were huge and very green in the kitchen lighting. He looked dead serious, as though she had just given him her secret for cold fusion. ‘I never thought about melting the butter on them in the microwave,’ he said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. ‘But I find that I do like mine so that the little pastry edges are just beginning to get almost too brown.’

Christ! Were they actually talking about Pop Tarts? She laughed. ‘I like ‘em almost burnt, but I know that’s a matter of personal taste. My Dad likes his just barely warm.’

He lowered his head and went back to shoveling eggs.

She popped the last of her bacon into her mouth and spoke around it. ‘So tell me, is Fort Flannery as unassailable as my father assured me, or are we in need of an upgrade?’

He drained his glass of orange juice and pushed back from the table. ‘Your father did a good job. I didn’t have to do hardly anything.’

‘He’ll be glad to hear that,’ she said. ‘Sorry you had to waste your valuable time in the wee hours. I know how busy you are.’

‘Yes, well, it was on my mind. If you’ll let me see your Android, I’ll give it a little upgrade too.’

‘Will I be able to watch Russian porn on it?’ she asked.

‘Japanese and Chinese porn as well, if you like.’ There was that quirk of a smile that she really would love to eat right off his face.

‘And I’ll assume you’ve given it a test-drive.’

To her delight, the smile didn’t disappear, even though the blush was hot on those chiseled cheeks. ‘I’m my own best guinea pig.’

‘Wade Crittenden, that borders on too much information, but in the interest of consumer protection and all, I thank you.’ The blush grew, but the smile stayed put as she offered him a salute and went into her bedroom to get the device.

She returned to find that he’d shed his hoodie and was filling the sink with soapy water, his broad back mantling the counter like a giant bird of prey. For a second her stomach bottomed at the sight of Wade Crittenden doing dishes at her sink. She stood, Android crushed to her chest, feeling flushed and slightly off-balance. His t-shirt was a loose fit, misshapen and short in the back from too many washings for something that should have migrated to the rag drawer some time ago, and when he reached across the sink to add still more soap, the shirt rode up to reveal the slim line of his back and the muscles where his hips joined his torso just above the swell of his buttocks. The baggy jeans gave enough of an intimation of that swelling to leave Carla breathless and hot enough to want to throw off her own hoodie and splash herself with the soapy water in which he was nearly elbow-deep.

As though he sensed her watching, he turned, slopped water down the front of his shirt and onto his jeans and uttered a surprised curse.

Without thinking she rushed to his side, dropping the device on the table. ‘You don’t have to do that,’ she managed, in a breathless gasp. ‘Sometimes I go for weeks without ever washing so much as a coffee cup.’ She stretched around him, grabbed for a dish towel and offered it to him instead of patting him dry herself, which was what she really wanted to do.

He reached for the towel, holding her gaze. ‘You cook for me, I do the clean-up for you. Fair’s fair.’ His hand slid into the cloth and around her fingers as he drew it to his chest. His breath caught, his lips parted as though to speak, and God help her, she couldn’t resist, she leaned into him on tippy-toe and planted a kiss firmly on his mouth. She only meant for it to be a friendly peck, a way of saying thanks for checking up on her and for doing the dishes, but his other hand, covered with soapy water, swooped in and grabbed the front of her hoodie reeling her to him. Then he curled his fingers in the tangle of her wild hair and cradled the back of her head, pulling her still further up on her toes. ‘Oh God,’ he whispered, his tongue darting deep, his lips, soft and hard and bruising all at the same time, meeting hers in a clash of wills and a heroic effort to get closer and deeper. ‘Oh God, Carla, why did you do that,’ he gasped against her mouth.

‘Just being friendly,’ she managed, before the tongue sparring got serious. He gave the towel a toss and yanked down the zipper of her hoodie, shoving it off onto the floor, his hands skimming her breasts in his efforts, thumbs lingering to rake her nipples that were already painful in their peaking. His jeans might have been loose, but they were not loose enough to disguise his erection, and he didn’t seem to care. Both hands slid to cup her bottom and he lifted her, settling her onto the kitchen table, pushing her legs apart with his knees and moving in between her thighs as she went to work on his fly.

‘I have lots of friends, ‘ he breathed. ‘None of them do that to me.’

‘How about this,’ she said biting his lower lip and sliding her hand down inside his boxers. ‘Do they do this?’

‘No,’ he returned the nip. ‘Never, none of them.’ For a second he faltered. ‘Carla, I –’

‘Shut up, Wade. I don’t wanna hear it.’ This time she bit his tongue before she took his hand and guided it down into her baggy sweat bottoms and into her own boxers.

Buy Links:

http://kdgrace.co.uk/books-2/an-executive-decision-novel-interviewing-wade/

About K D Grace/Grace Marshall

Voted ETO Best Erotic Author of 2014, and a proud member of The Brit Babes, K D Grace believes Freud was right. In the end, it really IS all about sex, well sex and love. And nobody’s happier about that than she is, otherwise, what would she write about?
When she’s not writing, K D is veg gardening. When she’s not gardening, she’s walking. She walks her stories, and she’s serious about it. She and her husband have walked Coast to Coast across England, along with several other long-distance routes. For her, inspiration is directly proportionate to how quickly she wears out a pair of walking boots. She also enjoys martial arts, reading, watching the birds and anything that gets her outdoors.
KD has erotica published with SourceBooks, Xcite Books, Harper Collins Mischief Books, Mammoth, Cleis Press, Black Lace, Erotic Review, Ravenous Romance, Sweetmeats Press and others.
K D’s critically acclaimed erotic romance novels include, The Initiationof Ms Holly, Fulfilling theContract, The Pet Shop. Her paranormal erotic novel, Body Temperature and Rising, the first book of her Lakeland Witches trilogy, was listed as honorable mention on VioletBlue’s Top 12 Sex Books for 2011. Books two and three, Riding the Ether, and Elemental Fire, are now also available.
K D Grace also writes hot romance as Grace Marshall. An Executive Decision, Identity Crisis, The Exhibition are all available.

Find Grace Marshall/ K D Grace Here: 
                           
Websites: http://kdgrace.co.uk/         
                http://www.thebritbabes.co.uk      
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KDGraceAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KD_Grace

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kdgraceauthor/

GRACE MARSHALL GIVEAWAY:

Use the Rafflecopter below to gain entry options. Be sure to follow the entire tour – as the more posts you comment on, the more chances you’ll have of winning: http://www.writermarketing.co.uk/prpromotion/blog-tours/currently-on-tour/grace-marshall-5/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Hot Seat Welcomes - Charlotte Howard

The author hot seat specials are designed to help readers get to know both popular, and up and coming authors, a little better. The questions are broken into sections - About your writing, about you, fun stuff and finally. Some of the questions are easy, other may need a little more thought and some may cause our author friends to hesitate before answering—still, they all answer. 

Today we welcome Charlotte Howard to the hot seat, her new book The Black Door is out and Charlotte is hitting the blog tour highway in order to get the word out. I'm so happy to have her here today. 

Getting Started:

Tell us about your latest book. What was your inspiration for writing it, is it part of an ongoing series, the characters, the genre etc?

The Black Door is a contemporary romance / light erotic romance novel (it lies somewhere in between!). It revolves around the life of Imogen Pearce, a recently divorced mum of four who is fast approaching 40. She starts working for Ryedale Incorporated, and finds herself having to compete against the younger generation for clients. She’s offered the account for Sean and Cherry Rubin’s adult shop, Wicked Ways. It’s not long before she realises that the shop is a front for a private club called The Black Door, and that she actually knows a few of the members.

  It’s a book about discovery – Imogen sees people she knows in a new light and secrets are revealed, but more than that, it’s about her discovering herself.

  I was inspired to write it after a reader of my previous books made a comment about heroines always being young, beautiful and rich. They wanted a heroine who was older, and struggling. So I created Imogen.

 Cal Ryedale, the owner of Ryedale Incorporated and sort-of hero, isn’t perfect either. Imogen doesn’t even find him attractive to begin with. He’s married, and uses cheesy lines (“my wife doesn’t understand me”), but as with Imogen, his character develops over the story and we see a kinder side to him.

 

About your writing:

How many books have you written during your career so far and which is your favorite?

I like to say three. My first two, Seven Dirty Words and Four Letter Words are part of a duet, with the first being published in 2013. But I did write a novella back in 2010 and self-publish it. I don’t like that one though – I did it all for the wrong reasons, and it wasn’t all that good.

I don’t have a favourite. That would be like asking me to choose between my children! (I think most writer’s say that.)

Have any of your books received negative reviews and how did you handle the situation?

Seven Dirty Words received a 2-star review on Goodreads, but it was from a man saying he didn’t enjoy it. That doesn’t bother me though because I wasn’t aiming for a male audience when I wrote it!

I think the worst review I’ve had was for my self-published novella – it got a 1-star review on Amazon. Negative reviews don’t tend to bother me because everyone is entitled to their opinion, and you’re never going to please everyone. But, this one did bother me because it was written out of spite. It was from someone I used to work for, who created the review after I quit the team and we fell out. I think that’s very childish. I’ve always said as long as the review is honest I’m happy, even if you do rate it at 1-star, I appreciate that. But if you’re going to slate someone’s work just because you fell out and wanted to upset them, then that’s not fair. However, it was on the SP novella which I took out of print!!

Do you believe in writer’s block and if so, how do you overcome it?

Yes. Yes I do. Every now and then I get completely stumped and don’t know what to do. As a writer, whose career sort of depends on being able to write, I find it quite upsetting when I sit and stare at a blank screen, unable to think of anything.

Sometimes taking the dog for a walk and simply getting some fresh air can help, but there have been times when I’ve committed the ultimate sin and hit delete on the entire manuscript.

When that happens I switch the laptop off and take a break for at least a week. Even if I find myself wanting to write after a couple of days, I refuse to and have a whole seven days off. By the end of it, I’ve got a whole new idea in my head.

What is the one genre you would never write and why?

I never say never. However, I have tried writing children’s stories and can’t do it. I have a lot of respect for anyone who can write for kids! Horror would be difficult for me as well – Stephen King terrifies me (well, his stories do), so writing something along those lines would give me nightmares!

Have you ever written a book that you’ve regretted publishing and why?

Yeah – the self-published attempt. I wrote it when I was pregnant with my daughter, thought it was perfect and refused to edit. I spent nearly 3 years sending it out to agents and publishers (unsurprisingly it got rejected) then decided that KDP made it easy to self-publish and would do that instead. Big mistake.

I was arrogant and naïve to think that it was even remotely ready to be seen in print. Back then, all I wanted was to see my name on the spine of a book.

If a reader said they wanted to write a book, what advice would you give them? 

Do it! But before you consider attempting to get it published, or self-publishing it, join your local writer’s group and ask them to critique it. Constructive criticism is your friend – as long as it is constructive and not just “yeah that’s crap”. Ask how to improve it, take part in writing exercises, and NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK!

I love my fortnightly meet-up with Yeovil Creative Writers. It’s 2 hours where I can talk to like-minded people, read 1200 words out and get some tips on how to improve it. My writing has improved drastically since joining, and I’ve made some life-long friends as well.

About you:

Tell us what a typical day in your life is like?

There’s no such thing as typical in this house! I’m always on the go, and if I’m not running around after the children, walking the dog, or volunteering and doing charity work, I’m glued to my laptop and writing.

  My 5 year old son thinks he’s a werewolf, who climbs EVERYTHING. My daughter is a girly-girl and loves to dance and sing.  I also volunteer at our local primary school and for the Girl Guiding Association, so every day brings something different.

What sort of things put you in a bad mood?

My husband will tell you that’s not difficult to do. Lack of sleep is probably the worst thing. I need a minimum of 8 hours or I am the worst person to live with. That or interrupt me when I’m mid-write. If I’m in the flow of writing a scene and suddenly the phone rings, or the dog barks, or anything, and I get irritated!

Do you have a bucket list and what’s one thing you still want to do that you haven’t done?

Oh yes. I add to it quite a lot. I’d love to play a villain in a film – like an evil witch or similar. I have a great evil witch laugh according to my kids.

What makes you laugh?

My kids. They come out with some cracking lines. Out of the mouth of babes and all that. The other day we were shopping, and a young girl walked past wearing a pair of extremely short hot pants. My son piped up with “Mummy, that girl forgot to put her trousers on. I can see her bum.” I shouldn’t have laughed, but I did.

What is the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done?

Too many to list, and tequila has usually been involved.

Do you like to read and what are you reading at the moment?

I usually have three or four books on the go at any given time. At the moment I’m reading Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs and Not Juliet by Ella Medler.

If you couldn’t write anymore, what would you do instead?

A few years ago I would have said working as a vet nurse, since that’s what I did before kids. But since volunteering at the school I’ve realized how much I love working with children. It’s very rewarding, so I’d probably say working as a teaching assistant.

Fun Stuff:

If you could go out with one famous person who would it be and why?

Will Smith. No contest. I’ve been a huge fan since the late 80s / early 90s and his Fresh Prince days.

Do you have a habit that drives your partner/friends/family nuts and what is it?

Talking. I could win medals for talking. I never shut up.

In your opinion, what makes a person attractive?

The ability to put up with me.

What is the strangest food you’ve ever eaten?

Oh wow. I like to try new foods, and if I’m in a different country I will eat whatever is their traditional dish, so I’ve eaten horse, baby octopus, shark, snails, frog’s legs and stuff that I don’t know what it was!

Would you rather have a classic 1969 convertible Mustang or have the use of a beach side condo any time you want?

Beach-side condo. We’ve been through the “nice car stage” (MR2 – two of, RX8, Rover 220 GSi Turbo, Lexus iS200…) and now have a busy family life, so being able to relax on the beach whenever we wanted would be a welcome change.

And finally:

Would you rather survive an apocalyptic event (yes, even a zombie apocalypse) or die instantly without knowing what happened to your family and friends?

I’d probably die – I’m rubbish at surviving. Even in my dreams when I’m being chased, I’ll hide in a cupboard and then come out just as the baddie is going past! I’d like to survive though.

  We went through a “prepping” phase at one point. We’d been watching DoomsDay Preppers, and decided it would be cool to own our own bunker. We didn’t get that far, but I do have a cupboard full of tins of hotdogs and bags of flour.

Blurb:

Imogen Pearce is a single mum of four children and fast approaching 40, she works at Ryedale Incorporated where she has to battle a younger and smarter generation to get to where she wants to go. If that means taking on the account of Cherry and Sean Rubin’s adult shop, then she will. But what happens when Imogen discovers the private club that they run at the back? And what happens when she realizes she knows quite a few members?

Excerpt:

Men. All the bloody same.
My mind traced back to the day I had given up on one-sided monogamous relationships.
The children were at school or work, and the sun was beating down. It was a glorious day, and I had decided to go home for lunch, rather than spend it in a stuffy office.
I pulled up outside the house and a fleeting thought passed through my mind when I saw Connor’s car sitting in the driveway. My husband of eighteen years had had the same idea.
I crept into the house, hoping to surprise him. But, it turned out that his idea had involved a slutty bottle-blonde.
I wanted to blame the events that followed on a red mist descending over me. The truth is that in the time it took for my mind to register that some tart was riding my husband in what I later found out was known as reverse cowgirl, my mind had calculated the necessary response.
The skank lost a good handful of bleached hair, roots and all. I allowed her to gather her clothes and watched as she tugged her pants on whilst running out of the house. If nothing else, the neighbours got a good show.
Connor yelled at me. But his words were drowned out by the blood pumping in my ears. I marched back up the stairs and into his little study. Opening the window, I saw Miss Slut stood in the middle of the road, screeching obscenities at me. I looked at the Ferrari in our driveway and smiled.
I think his Xbox enjoyed its first and final flying lesson as it sailed out of the window. The fact that it landed in the bonnet of his prized mid-life crisis proved that Karma does exist.
Connor. Holly.
I made a mental note of the two names at the top of my imaginary hit list.
I blinked and I was back in the boardroom.

Buy Links:

tirgearrpublishing.com

smashwords.com

amazon.com 

amazon.co.uk

About the Author and where to find her online

British author Charlotte Howard, was born in Oman and spent much of the first part of her life flitting between Oman, Scotland, and England. Now settled in Somerset, Charlotte lives with her husband, two children, and growing menagerie of pets.

Her career as a writer began at an early age, with a poem being featured in an anthology for the East Midlands. Since then Charlotte has written many short stories and poems, and finally wrote her first full-length piece of fiction in 2010.

During what little spare time she has, Charlotte enjoys reading and writing (of course), spending time with her family, and watching action movies whilst eating curry and drinking tea.

Charlotte is an active member of Yeovil Creative Writers.

www.charlottehowardauthor.co.uk

http://choward2614.wordpress.com

http://facebook.com/charlottehowardauthor

http://twitter.com/Shy_Tiger