Author Hot Seat Welcomes Mackenzie Williams

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 Mackenzie Williams to the hot seat. She's currently promoting her second book, The Orchard: Save Me. You can find an excerpt from the book after her interview. Now, lets see what Mackenzie 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? 

My latest book is the second in a series about a BDSM club.  This one is called The Orchard: Save Me.  Megan's past is interfering with her chance to have a happy future with Master Brad. 

About your writing:

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

I am fairly new to writing.  I have two books out now and I am writing my third.  I don't think I have a favorite but my first book is very special to me.

Have any of your books received negative reviews and how did you handle the situation?  Thankfully I haven't read a really negative review, yet.  It is hard not to take those kinds of things personally, though.

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

I think writer's block can happen.  I haven't been really blocked but I have had times where it seems like I can't see the path where the story is headed.  I try to just force words out and usually after a while, they start to come faster.

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

I don't know about never but I think it would be difficult for me to write historical fiction.

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

No, not yet.

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

I would tell them to go for it.  You never know how far you can go unless you try.

About you:

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

A typical writing day includes a quick run and then lots of coffee.  I try to write for a few hours before lunch.  Usually after that, my brain has trouble staying focused.

What sort of things put you in a bad mood?  

Being too busy to write, slow drivers when I'm in a hurry, being bored.

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

I don't have a list but one thing I'd love to do is more traveling.  More international traveling.

What makes you laugh?  

I like a wide variety of stand-up comedians.

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

No comment.  :)

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

I do love to read but currently I've been too busy to start any books.  I have a few books by Cherise Sinclair on my "to read" list.

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

Maybe I would try my hand at being an editor.

Fun Stuff:

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

I would have to say Channing Tatum.  We would go dancing.  Well, I might just watch.

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

They would say talking about my writing too much.  :)

In your opinion, what makes a person attractive?  

Confidence and humor are big.  Physically I would say their eyes.

What is the strangest food you’ve ever eaten?  

I've tried rattlesnake.  That is pretty strange for me. 

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

Both!  A lot of people in my family own Mustangs but I do love the beach.

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?
Uummm, survive.  Even though it wouldn't be fun, I am a nosy person.  I would want to know how things ended up.

Excerpt: 

After Megan was finished dressing, Brad leaned down and kissed her. The kiss was gentle and probing. He wanted to feel her emotions. She did not disappoint. Megan returned his kiss with a tenderness that spoke of more than just lust.

“Did I mention how cute your ass looks in those panties?” He lightly ran his fingers over the ruffles.

“Thank you.” Megan shimmied her butt.

“Sweet, shall we go have a drink before I rip them off again?”

Megan wrapped her arms around her Master’s waist and smiled up into his face. “Yes, please, but can I ask for a favor?”

“You can ask but I can’t promise anything.” Brad smirked.

“Can we sit near Master Jesse and Kellie, if they’re still here?”

Brad’s eyebrow cocked up in a question. “So you, too, have the hots for Master Jesse?”

Brad could see Megan’s cheeks blush instantly. “No, I just wanted to talk to Kellie.”

Brad smiled with mischief. “I know. I was teasing you. I’m confident where I stand in your eyes.” He bent down for another sweet kiss and wrapped his arms around her.

Megan pulled back with a more serious look. “I just hope I’m as important in your eyes. I see how certain subs look at you.”

“Who?” Brad’s face twisted into confusion.

“That girl from last time.”

“Who, Mia?”

“Yes, but she’s not the only one.”

Brad gently pushed Megan’s head down so it was resting on his chest. He rested his chin on the top of her head and took a minute to just feel how good she felt in his arms.

“Little one, I have no intention on playing with anyone else anytime soon or letting you fall for someone else.”

Brad could feel his sub relax into his hold. Is this what others feel with their long-term subs?

After a minute of hugs, Brad was leading Megan through the main room with drinks in tow. His sweet had tensed when they first entered the room, presumably because she was still shy about walking around in her underwear. After a few minutes, she had relaxed.

It didn’t take him long to spot Master Jesse and his necklaced sub sitting nearby.

“May we join you?” Brad spoke to his fellow Dom. He noticed right away that Kellie shot her gaze down the minute he had started to speak. Master Jesse had such an obedient one but maybe too boring, Brad thought.

“Of course. Please.” Master Jesse gestured to a neighboring couch.

Brad signaled his sub to take a seat but before he could sit next to her, Master Nathan came up and put a hand on his shoulder.

“Master Brad, would you please come with me to the office? Security needs to speak with you briefly.”

“Security?” Megan spoke out of turn.

Brad turned and gave his slave a disapproving glare. Megan turned her head to look at the floor. At least she has the courtesy to look guilty, Brad thought. The Dom returned his stare to Master Nathan.

“Certainly.” Brad then turned to his friend. “Master Jesse, will you please keep an eye on my little one for me?”

“Yes, of course.”

Brad gave Megan a reassuring squeeze on the back of her neck. She looked up at him with a little concern in her eyes. Brad managed a small smile and then turned to follow Master Nathan. Truthfully, he was a little concerned as well. What did security want with him?

The two men walked up the back stairs and entered the office. There were two security personnel inside the office. One was sitting at the computer.

“Master Brad, we just wanted to advise you about something we saw earlier in the parking lot,” the man at the computer said.

Confusion spread through Brad. “OK.”

“On camera we have your sub arriving and exiting her car. The thing that concerned us is that she was followed.”

You can purchase The Orchard: Save Me via the links below.

http://www.bookstrand.com

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

To keep up with what Mackenzie is up to you can follow her on Facebook at 

www.facebook.com/mackenziewilliams.author

Author Hot Seat Welcomes, Michelle Roth

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 four 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 I have fellow Siren Author, Michelle Roth sitting in the hot seat. Not only is Michelle answering our questions but she also provided me with not one, but two excerpts from her new release to share with you. Information about her book, Just a Taste, and the excerpts appear at the end of the interview. Now, Let's see what Michelle 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?

I've just wrapped up the third book in my Private Relations series. It's a contemporary erotic romance called Unexpectedly Yours. It follows Jim and Elle (my favorite out of all of the characters, because they're both just so earnest) as they discover one another and then immediately jump into the deep end of the pool together. It was incredibly fun watching that relationship develop.

About Your Writing

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

I've written three books so far, and it's a really hard thing to say.. which my favorite would be. I love each of them for very different reasons. If I had to pick, I'd say Lip Service. The story is steamy and the characters are vivid. It's my favorite kind of story to tell.

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

None that I know of. I've only made it to bookstrand so far, so I'm absolutely certain someone will say something negative about it once it's more mainstream. It makes me sad that not everyone will love what I write, but it's an unavoidable fact. I will probably grumble or pout for a bit and then move on.

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

Every case of writers block I've ever had was entirely due to being unhappy with a plot point or not planning well enough. I overcome that by starting over and pushing through until it's right.

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

Paranormal. Shape shifter romance just doesn't do it for me.

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

I regret nothing. :)

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

Do it. You will be so amazed at what comes out of your mind.

About You

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

Busy. I work a full time job, do school online, and write. Sometimes I sleep. It's about 50/50 ;)

What sort of things put you in a bad mood?

Traffic. It's a huge waste of time and completely unavoidable in LA.

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

I'd love to train as a le Cordon Bleu chef.

What makes you laugh?

The show Archer cracks me up consistently.

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

I do so many embarrassing things, it would be hard to narrow this down.

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

The entire Sinners on Tour series by Olivia Cunning. I'm re-reading it. LOVE IT.

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

Probably go back to making ridiculous messes in my kitchen. Prior to writing, one of my favorite things to do was to make a huge, elaborate meal and then make someone else do the dishes. :)

Fun Stuff

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

Ryan Gosling. He's hot and he just seems like a nice guy, ya know?

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

I have laser focus, so I tend to be a little self absorbed. My boyfriend frequently grumbles.

In your opinion, what makes a person attractive?

Intelligence, honesty, being a nice person. Rock hard abs help though.

What is the strangest food you’ve ever eaten?

Sea Urchin (so good)

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

Condo. I would go hide out on the weekends and write.

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 rather survive. It would be tough to deal with the eventual or immediate loss, but I'd rather know.

Thanks for being here today, Michelle. Now it's time to take a look at Michelle's new release, Just a Taste. I hope you  find the excerpts enjoyable.

When Sara Westing needed signatures for a new catering contract, she had no idea that Deacon James would be the man holding the pen. Thrown into a last-minute meeting together, they both very quickly realize this isn’t the first time they’ve met. They’re left to negotiate the final details of a contract while pretending they didn’t share a night of incredible passion, followed by a decade of awkward radio silence.

Despite everything working against them, the attraction between them is still stronger than ever. Deacon will have to lay his heart on the line in order to convince Sara that he is a risk worth taking. Sara will have to let her guard down and learn to trust him.

Together, can they navigate their way through a maze of professional risk, blazing passion, and personal baggage to prove the old saying wrong? Maybe with the right incentive people can change.

Available for purchase at: http://www.bookstrand.com/just-a-taste

About the Author:

Michelle Roth is a novelist from Los Angeles, California. Previously a free lance writer, Michelle recently made the leap to published author. The first two books of her series Private Relations come out in May 2014.

When she’s not escaping to far away lands through her writing or making two perfect strangers she invented fall in love, she’s hanging out with her boyfriend and two cats. She enjoys random road trips, cooking elaborate meals and letting other people do the dishes, and reading in her spare time.

Excerpt One:

Sara froze in her seat upon hearing the name. Deacon James? She mentally crossed her fingers that this wasn’t the same Deacon James she had slept with during her junior year of college who never even bothered to call her afterward. Ridiculously mind-blowing sex, followed by complete radio silence. While she wouldn’t categorize the incident as heartbreaking, it was still pretty freaking rude.

She smirked a bit with the memory of his exit strategy. It was actually pretty comical, looking back. There had been no “Hey. So um…thanks for dropping the panties. I’m gonna go now” or “Later. I’ll call you sometime” for Deacon. Nope. No words at all afterward. He just got dressed, gave her a somewhat detached smile and a handshake as he left.

To be fair, she hadn’t really expected a phone call after his magnificent exit. He had literally disappeared. She still wondered what exactly had prompted the whole thing, but decided now wasn’t the best time for a trip down memory lane.

Biting back a small giggle, she tried to focus on the moment at hand. Even two thousand miles away from where she’d gone to school, odds were, this had to be the same guy. Deacon wasn’t exactly a common name. Ugh. This could complicate things.

She was startled out of her reverie by a low male voice at the reception desk. She glanced up. Yup. That was totally him. Even with his back to her, there was no mistaking the broad shoulders, the lean lines of his body, and that dark hair. It was a bit shorter now, but yeah. It was totally him.

Not sure what to expect, she just pasted a professional smile on her lips and waited for him to turn around and face her. When he finished the exchange and turned around, he stood stock-still. He blinked and then his eyes slowly lit with recognition. He had the good grace to look somewhat embarrassed for a second. Then, almost as if a switch had flipped, his features went immediately and impressively blank. By the time he had reached the middle of the lobby, the expression on his face had morphed into a bland, professional smile.

Gauging the situation, Sara knew exactly what she had to do. For the sake of the contract and for the sake of her pride, she stood up. Stepping toward him, she extended her hand and said, “Hello. Mr. James? It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Sara Westing from Edible Innovations.”

His eyes squinted almost imperceptibly as he surveyed her face. He cocked his head slightly for just a moment, as if to say, “You’ve got no idea who I am?” Then, quick as a blink, he schooled his face back into that bland smile and took her outstretched hand, shaking it firmly.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Westing,” he said. “Please call me Deacon. I hope you found our offices easily enough?”

After receiving her nod to the affirmative, he continued on, “I apologize for the confusion. Chris was pulled into a meeting, but he filled me in on the details. Right this way.”

With another nod and a smile, she said, “Certainly,” and followed him back to what she presumed would be his office. While she was walking behind him, she was able to fully appreciate just how very kind time had been to Deacon James.

Back in college he had been an attractive guy. He was tall, lean, and always had this perpetual smirk on his face that made you want to know what he found so funny. It had given him a boyish charm. His hair had been a bit longer. Sara could still remember the feel of it on her fingertips.

Shaking her head and bringing herself back to the present, she noticed that his suit jacket was tailored in such a way that it displayed the fact he was anything but lanky now. With the beginnings of a five o’clock shadow looming, there was nothing boyish about him anymore. Deacon James was all man. He was fucking hot.

As he came to stop, he opened the door to an office. It was decorated similarly to the lobby area. It was warm and inviting. He gestured to the sitting area, as if to indicate she should have a seat. Closing the door, he walked to his desk to pick up a bottle of water. Looking over at her, he asked, “Would you like anything to drink? Coffee? Tea? Water?”

She smiled and shook her head. “No,” she said, “your receptionist offered when I arrived. Thank you, though.”

Watching him move with practiced ease, Sara placed her slim briefcase down and made herself comfortable on the sofa. Sitting on the end nearest the armchair, she fully expected him to sit in the chair, but was somewhat nonplussed when he sat next to her on the sofa. While his proximity wasn’t exactly inappropriate, it was a little unnerving.

And now for something a little Steamy... Excerpt Two: 

When Deacon finally made it into the city and checked into his hotel, it was almost 11:30 p.m. He was wiped out, and he missed Sara. Desperately. Realizing it was only 8:30 p.m. on the west coast, he called her.

After a few rings, she picked up and said, “Wow. It’s late. Did you make it into the city okay?”

Grumbling, he said, “Yes, finally. The last couple of days were a total waste of time.”

Running his hands through his already messy hair, he said, “I’m whining. Sorry. How was your day? Do you have time to talk?”

“Yeah. I’m home for the night. Thank god. It was a long day. My focus was terrible.”

“Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, I was thinking about you all day.”

Raising his eyebrows, he said, “Oh really? Tell me more!”

Laughing, Sara said, “Not like that. Okay, maybe a little bit like that, but mostly, just missing you.”

Softly, he said, “I’ve missed you, too. We’ve seen each other almost every night for the last couple weeks.”

Dryly, he added, “And for the record, I’m pretty much always thinking of you like that.”

“Oh really? Tell me more,” Sara said, repeating his own words back to him.

Grin stretching across his face, he settled back onto the bed and asked, “So, is this the part of the conversation where I ask you what you’re wearing?”

After a moment, he heard her exhale, then softly say, “It could be.”

He could picture the look on her face. Her biting her lower lip.

“Of course, you understand what my next question has to be. So what are you wearing?”

“A black tank top and a pair of black boy shorts with pink polka dots. You?”

Closing his eyes for a minute, he imagined her, then asked, “Mmm. Where are you right now?”

“Laying down in my bed.”

Shifting, Deacon laid down on his hotel bed, and said, “Me too. My hotel bed, anyway. Navy-blue boxers.”

Obviously interested, Sara said, “No shirt?”

“Nope. Just a pair of boxers and a smile.”

After a moment, Sara said, “You’ve got no idea how sexy your chest is, do you? One day I’d like to run my mouth over every inch of it.”

Feeling a surge of pure lust, he said, “That feeling is entirely mutual. Your breasts and those perfect pink nipples. They drive me crazy. I could suck on them for hours. Would you touch them for me?”

“Yes. I slid my tank top up just now.”

He heard the phone being adjusted, then her slightly breathy voice saying, “I’m stroking them. They’re getting tight now. God, I wish these hands were yours.”

Groaning slightly he said, “Fuck. Me too. That’s so hot. Cup your breasts and rub your thumbs over your nipples for me.”

After a moment, he heard her breathing change as she complied with his request.

Then she said, “Mmm. That feels good.”

Hearing her begin to draw in shuddering breaths, he said, “Will you wet your fingers and pinch them for me?”

After a sharp intake of breath, Sara was quiet for a moment, then continued, “Yes. I’m pinching them lightly now. Oh god. This is making me so fucking wet, Deacon.”

Reaching down, he slid his boxers off and started to lightly stroke his cock.

“Is it? Why don’t you put your hand in your panties and tell me just how wet you are, dirty girl?”

After a slight laugh, he heard her comply, gasping at the intimate contact.

“I’m soaked.”

Giving a more audible groan this time, Deacon continued to stroke himself and asked, “Tell me how you make yourself come. Describe it for me as you’re touching yourself.”

“I like to play with my clit. I’m rubbing slow, tight circles around it now with my index finger. Oh god, that feels so good.”

Breathing a little more heavily now, Sara said, “Mmm. Tell me what you’re doing right now.”

“Laying on my hotel bed, listening to your sexy fucking whimpers and stroking my cock. God, you’re so sexy, Sara.”

Whimpering slightly, she said, “I wish these were your hands on my body.”

Hearing her pant, he could tell she was getting more aroused.

“Fuck, Sara. I want to slide my cock into that tight little pussy. Tell me you want that too.”

Now whimpering with each pant, he heard her say, “Mmm. Yeah. When you first slide it in, I love how that feels. You filling me up, stretching me. I need you to slide your thick cock into me.”

Biting back another groan, Deacon said, “You’ve got a filthy fucking mouth.”

“It’s your fault,” she panted, heavily. “You make me an insensibly horny mess. I can’t help it.”

Hearing that made him feel like a god. There was something incredibly arousing about the fact he could make this amazing fucking woman an insensible mess. He felt himself get even harder at the thought.

Stroking faster now, he said, “Tell me that tight fucking pussy is mine, Sara.”

On a moan, Sara mumbled, “Yes. Fuck. It’s yours. Only yours. Take it.”

Hearing her so close to the edge, he began to stroke himself more roughly now.

“Come for me, Sara. I need to hear you come for me.”

Her breathing hitched slightly. Her whimpers became louder and more erratic.

A few moments later, on a low moan, she said, “Fuck, Deacon. I’m coming.”

Hearing her cry out in release, he let himself go, his orgasm jetting out all over the comforter of the bed.

Gasping, he said, “Jesus Christ.”

Then on a laugh he said, “Housekeeping is going to hate what I just did to this comforter.”

Laughing, still slightly out of breath, Sara said, “Whoops.”

Author Hot Seat Welcomes Imogene Nix

The author hot seat specials are designed to help readers get to know some of todays popular and up and coming authors a little better. The questions are broken into four 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.

We haven't had a Hot Seat Interview for a while, so I'm pleased to have my fellow author and friend Imogene Nix on here today. Welcome to the hot seat Nicola I hope you find the questions interesting. Imogene has a new book out called Hesparia's Tears and is also running a competition as part of her appearance here to celebrate the book's release. 

About your writing

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

Umm I'm creeping up on 20 books.  15 are released, 2 are in edits and contracted, 2 are in presubmission edits and one I'm working on currently

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

I have had a couple of 2 star reviews, though overwhelmingly I seem to rate from 3 to five. But it's like anything. Not everyone will see your work for the gem it is. J The best thing to do is read them, assess whether you feel the feedback is fair. If it is, take that on board. If not walk away. Nothing positive can be gained from engaging in "post review brain snaps."

If you must have a whinge... do it privately with your best gal pal in a venue that includes chocolate and wine. Then let it go.

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

I don't know. I've never really had writer's block. I won't say it doesn't exist, but my rule of thumb is if the words won't come stressing over it only makes the situation worse.

Do something else. Edit a story that is waiting.  Read through it and honestly ask yourself if it's a case of pushing the character to do something that just doesn't work.

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

I don't have many left! Probably Inspirationals.

I like writing the sexy scenes and to be honest, I find most inspirationals to be very sweet. Sweet is not what my writing is J

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

Not that I've regretted publishing. Maybe given to the wrong publisher though... that I have done.

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

Get the words down on paper, because until you write it, there's nothing to polish and sharpen.

Learn the basics, it makes it easier in the long run than facing rejections.

About you

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

Unfortunately my family didn't get the memo on what a typical day should be like. I wake to a cup of coffee on the bedside table (thanks to hubby)...

6.30am  Wake up and Mr Imogene Nix brings me a steaming cup of coffee (what a sweetheart) I open my eyes and look myopically around the room.  (It's all true... I do wear glasses!)

Usually a quick check of emails and facebook.  Check the publishers website for the first time out of a gazillion times in the day.

Crawl out of bed and start rounding up baby Imogene Nix's... "Have you fed the chickens? And watered them?" Usually the answer is a chorus of Yes Mum! Herding them to make sure breakfast is eaten, lunches and bags packed. Teeth and Hair brushed. (Nothing changes, even at 16 & 17!!)

8.00am Move the computer and download the mail again.

8.30am - 9.00am Herd those baby Imogene Nix's out to the car and drop them off to school. (Usually super pup Teddy is in tow)

Head upstairs after running around the yard after super pup... then make a coffee and settle in. Turn on skype (a real sanity saver there!) Scan through emails, then onto Facebook to catch up with all the other writers I interact with daily. 

9.30am JEWEL EPIC! Because you know I can't get through a day without playing that! 

10.00am Settle in to work.  Edits, Writing or whatever while checking the appropriate publisher website every 5 minutes to see if my book is live yet. 

1.00pm Lunch... scrabble around in the fridge looking for something edible and interesting. Sadly the edible wins over more often than the interesting!

1.15pm Settle in to work - again.  Edits, Writing or whatever while checking the appropriate publisher website every 5 minutes to see if my book is live yet (still!!)

2.50pm School pickup. Joy of joys.  Those baby Imogene Nix's need to be picked up, maybe dropped off to work, the mail collected from the post office.  So I make sure to have my trusty ereader in the car with me.

3.45pm Home again. Oh My God! Dinner!  Nothing is defrosted. Madly run about the house searching for an idea for dinner, tossing meat into the microwave to defrost and making sure anyone who is home with me is doing homework and asking them to turn off whatever they are watching via youtube or other... (Exhausted yet?) Oh and repetitively requesting the eggs get collected.

6.00pm - 7.30pm Mr Imogene Nix arrives home so the house is in uproar. It's time to start cooking dinner.  So I start running around making sure everyone is showered, the table is cleared off and laid for dinner. Kiss husband and check the computer again very quickly.

9.30pm Start reminding the baby Imogene Nix's that it's time for bed preparation. Feeding cats and super pup. Check emails and chat online.

11.30pm Shut down the computer.  Weary. Roll over and hope sleep comes quickly. Morning will be here again before we know it and it all begins again.

What sort of things put you in a bad mood?

No coffee. (That goes to the top of the list, right along with no milk for coffee)

I'm a Gemini... so it does kind of depend on which face is dominant... interruptions when I've got a flow going.

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

My bucket list is looooong!  It includes lots of travel, buying an MGB (which should happen next year) with personalised number plates (cause... you know... it's advertising!)

What makes you laugh?

Happy times, surprised J  My super pup!

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

Do I have to? Umm it includes..... **voice trails away**

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

I do... but I have Murder in Little Italy (Victoria Thompson) waiting for me to crack the covers.

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

Uhhhh... I don't know. Read more?

Fun Stuff

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

Johnathon Rhys Meyers!  I think he must be a very lonely person and he is super good looking. I'd love to just be friends with him!

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

Hmm I get very cross with people who can't drive! Particularly when they get in my way while I'm driving. I'm also super cautious. Hubs tells me I'm too slow (I just observe the speed limit, dear.)  I also know where the horn is on the car!

In your opinion, what makes a person attractive?

Their attitude. You can be good looking, but if you are interested only in you then you quickly become boring. You need to be enthusiastic about other people, willing to give them kudos where deserved.

What is the strangest food you’ve ever eaten?

I don't know I can really comment on that, but I have eaten in some strange places. The most being a chinese restaurant in Tasmania... It doubled as a tattoo parlor! So the cook was giving quotes while serving the food. True story!

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

Hmm... if it was an MGB it would be a no-brainer. Maybe the condo. I like being able to see and hear the beach.

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?

Gah... I don't know...? Maybe the die instantly - I don't want someone to try to eat me or to see family and friends do that.

Don't forget to pop along to the Not A Release Day Party 9 September 2013.

http://www.facebook.com/events/1404732399743476/?fref=ts

Hesparia's Tears

What will happen when the past catches up?

Galan is from Hesparia, where the females are dying out on his pacific agrarian planet.

Jessa has a past, one she hasn’t earned but cannot escape from.

What will happen when opportunity knocks?

Galan travels to earth, hoping to plead the case for Hesparia. He doesn’t expect Jessa or The Quickening.

Can he make the case for women to migrate to Hesparia and arrange a Diplomatic Alliance? Can they trust one another with their hearts. And can Jessa really escape her past?

Excerpt  - Hesparia’s Tears.

The spaceship entered orbit and Jessa watched the tracking on the television. Since learning of the existence of extraterrestrials, it was about all she wanted to do. See where they were and where they planned to land.

The reporter came back on the screen. “We believe they will make their landing somewhere on the continent of Australia. There have been no further radio communications from the craft, however. So it is, at best, an educated guess right now.”

Jessa giggled at the sober face of the young, twenty-something reporter standing outside the Parkes Observatory and the inane follow up comment made by the thirtyish female news anchor.

“Jessa, it’s time for bed!” her mother yelled again.

She sighed dramatically. At twenty-four she was no longer a child, even though her parents seemed to struggle with that small fact.

Maybe it’s time to move out. As quickly as the thought had crossed her mind, she dismissed it. Leaving home meant more expense than she could possibly afford. The thing that really irked her was paying an outstanding legal bill for something she hadn’t even done. It was a refrain that had played through her mind over and over again since the event had taken place. It may have happened years ago, but she continued to pay for her youthful indiscretion. One she had long regretted.

Jessa stood, before heading down the old hallway to the bathroom. Living at home meant sharing a bathroom with her little brother, Ben. Of course, being a boy of sixteen, he was disgusting. There were used razor blades, splashes of water, foam from his recent shaving experience and hairs in the sink. Knowing it would make no difference complaining about it she carefully picked up the discarded detritus and placed it in the bin beside the vanity unit, wiped away the mess and began her own night-time ritual.

Emerging from the bathroom, she spied her mother, standing at the end of the hall in her fluffy blue dressing gown with matching slippers, and her blonde hair sitting high on her head in soft curlers. It was the same scene every night. “Night, Jessa.”

“Night, Mum.” What else was there to say? In a funk, Jessa entered her room, before closing the door then sat down on her single bed. She breathed deeply, letting the oxygen flow through her system, before slowly levering herself down across the mattress. Her blinds were open so she had an excellent view of the star-studded sky. It was a major positive to living on the edge of town, the absence of bright lights.

“Whoever you are, I certainly hope you’re friendly,” Jessa muttered, before closing her eyes, rolling onto her side and willing herself to sleep. For some reason, an excited thrill ran through her system.

Finally, visitors from the stars. No longer was it a figment of someone’s imagination or something from a science fiction novel. The time had come for them to have contact with another species. That was a sobering thought. The Prime Minister had sent a radio message to the ship. God, I hope the Prime Minister didn’t act like a pompous dick. Jessa snuggled down under the covers, waiting for the touch of sleep. Her mind wandered and she drowsed.

Her mobile, sitting on the bedside table buzzed and vibrated. Jessa muttered in the dark, groping for the device. She reached out and found the red leather covered item and dragged it to her ears.

“’lo?”

“Jessa, it’s me. Seth. Can you come to the office at the telescope? I need you.” His voice was excited.

She squinted. “I was asleep, Seth. Besides which, I’m off duty until Saturday.” The room was gloomy and she screwed her face up into a scowl, knowing sleep would probably elude her now. “What could be so important that I need to come in right now?” Jessa pushed back the covers, swung her legs over the side then slipped her feet into her old grey slippers beside the bed.

“I can’t tell you over the phone.”

“What?” Something was happening. An agitated thrill filled her chest and for an instant her mind warred with the interest that spiked.

“Jessa…”

He didn’t need to plead. Jessa was already getting up to hunt out clothes. “Sure. Yeah, I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“Thanks. You really won’t regret it.” The delight in his voice was contagious.

Jessa hurriedly tapped the end call button.

* * * *

The land, so alien with hues of blue and green, grew larger as the craft descended. “Captain, do you really intend to land here? After those transmissions?”

Galan sat in his chair, watching the view-screen, hearing the concern and horror in the voice of his second-in-command. “I do, Joras. We must remember our primary objective.” He knew his words sounded unconcerned, yet he too had reservations after the tone of the communications he had received from the…what did they call themselves? Oh right, yes, Earthlings… “It‘s obvious they had no imagination, calling themselves Earthlings. Especially the woman who had called herself the Prime Minister, whatever that is.” He shook his head. “But what did pique my interest was the other transmission I received—the young man, who had called himself Seth. He sounded like he might be a possible go-between for us. Something our people had always found helpful in the past when dealing with new planets.”

Frustration pulled at him as he rose from his seat, making his way to the navigator’s position. “How long until landing?”

“Sir, on our current course, I estimate no more than three horanas.” Galan nodded absently. Three horanas to prepare. It wasn’t much, but it would have to do. “Joras, have your security team ready and fully briefed. We’ll have to treat this as an ambassadorial meeting. I will prepare a communiqué for our Liege, concerning our position and plans.” Galan turned back to his friend, rubbing a hand absently along his hairless jaw. “Joras, when we land, I need you to remain here.”

Buy Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

All Romance EBooks

TotalEBound

About the Author

Wife, mother and nutty bookstore owner all describe Imogene Nix, but the real secret is Science Fiction, Paranormal Romance with a hefty dose of Romantic Suspense is what she adores.

She is dedicated to high quality romance, with a dollop of erotic interactions, and has dipped her toes into Science Fiction, Contemporary Romance and Paranormal Romance featuring feisty headstrong female leads and the odd   Romantic Suspense.

She lives in Rural Queensland where she happily raises 2 daughters, lots of chickens a couple of cats and her super pup Teddy. When she isn’t writing or reading, she’s hanging out with her husband, acting like a techno-geek or cooking and making wine.

Where to find Imogene Nix:

Facebook      Twitter     Goodreads      Google+     Blog    Hotter Than Hades     Website

a Rafflecopter giveaway