Tuesday, July 31, 2018

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Pam Labud + giveaway

Pam Labud and I have been friends for years. We've shared a hotel room at RT and been in contact almost daily almost twelve years ago. I am always honored to go through her manuscripts. She is an engaging writer as you'll see from her newest release- THE IMMORTAL WIFE - part of the Nocturne Falls Universe series

We're happy you stopped by TheWritersStudio. Pam is giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky person leaving a comment. Winner will be drawn on Friday August 3rd!


Let's meet Pam:


Bio

An avid reader since childhood, Pamela Labud had dreamed of being a novelist.  At age 13 she begged her parents for a typewriter for Christmas and started creating romantic stories of her own.  Now, many years later she’s realized her dream, and become a multi-published author.  In 2005, her first novel was a double finalist in the RWA’s prestigious RITA contest.  She has since published many books in print, ebook and audio books.  In January 2017, she released her first Contemporary Paranormal book, which is set in Kristen Painter’s Nocturne Falls Universe—Reaping the Immortal is available in ebook, print and audio.  The Immortal Takes A Wife is her second book in the Nocturne Falls Universe.


Writing in the genre of Regency, Fantasy, Time Travel, Contemporary, Medical and Historical Western romance (the last one under the pen name of Leigh Curtis)

These days Pamela has a full life as a romance author and high school C.N.A. teacher, having previously worked full time as a registered nurse for 35 years.  She and her husband have raised two talented daughters and now manage a busy house with six dogs, a mini-pig, a Guinea pig, 3 Cockatiels, 5 Lovebirds and a Conure Parrot. 

In addition to reading romance novels obsessively, Pamela enjoys visiting the beach and local theme parks.  When she’s not doing that, she spends her down time watching crime shows on TV, old movies, and anime.   

Here's my FIVE questions for Pam:

I’m always asked ‘where do you get your ideas’. So, where do you get yours?
That’s a hard one, because ideas can literally come from anywhere.  Usually, though, it’s all about people.  People in your life for sure, but also what you hear about others.  And, moreover, people with problems.  You think, if that were me, I’d do this…

Which comes first, the story, the characters, or the setting?
For me, it’s always the characters.  Sometimes, it’s a matter of what if they did this or that.  Or, how would I handle that situation…It’s all about personality and asking ‘what if’ questions.

Which of your heroines most represent you, or the ‘you’ you’d like to be? Why?
I think to some extent, all of them do.  But, years ago I wrote a book, Grave Danger, a post apocalyptic love story—it was in first person, and that heroine is my true, snarky, sappy self.

What is the single most important part of writing for you?
Closing your eyes and discovering your story.  It takes me places that I have no idea I’d want to visit and poses problems that I’ve no idea how to solve.  That’s the fun of it.

What’s the most romantic thing a guy can do (or has done) for you?
My husband does romantic things for me every day.  Like, loading the dishwasher or helping me care for all our animals.  He’s been 100 percent behind my writing and basically doing whatever I want career wise.  He’s dependable, a hard worker, and lets me watch Law and Order and CSI shows over and over, and never complains.

Here's Pam's THREE:

How long have you been writing - have you always wanted to be a writer?
I have wanted to be a writer since about age 13.  I lived in a small, small town and with only 3 TV channels, there wasn’t very much child’s programming, let alone a young teen. I fell into books at an early age then, then later would make up pretend stories about all the books and TV shows I loved.  (So many Star Trek fan fics!)  I’d written poetry and Sci-fi and when I was 30 years old, a friend at work gave me her copy of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander to read, and I was forever hooked on romance. 

If I was a first time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with
       and why?
I would recommend Spirit Away, which is my first mass market published romance novel, a Regency set ghost story.  The hero of that book stole my heart and I love him to this day.   (Hmmm, his name is William—just like my real life hero!)

Favorite TV show 
My favorite show of all time is Firefly.  I loved Sci-fi growing up as a kid and though I totally missed the first run, when I watched it 10 years later it became my favorite of all time!

Great answers! Now, let's talk about the book:


Blurb

Heartsick about her on again, off again boyfriend, Werewolf, Fiona O’Malley is struggling to make the hardest decision of her life—if she should break up with him once and for all.  Though she knows he loves her, is sweet, funny and kind, he’s just not the sort of guy you can depend upon, especially in the romance department. 

Immortal Matthew “Matty” Hyland is crazy in love with Fiona. He’d do anything to make her happy. Though he tries repeatedly to be there for her, things just keep getting in his way.  Broken promises and no show’s for their dates keep happening. He knows Fiona is about at the end of her patience and is on the verge of cutting him loose forever.

Just as he’s about to pop the question, things go from seriously bad to crazy worse. Captured by a bounty hunter, the couple is pursued by an evil gangster bondsman and mysterious Druids.  Fiona is giving her all to help him, all the while not knowing if their love can survive in all the turmoil they’re facing in addition to the issues they’ve had in the past.  Matty is desperate to make it up to her and prove he can change so they can be together forever.  One thing is certain, magic, adventure and true love ensues when The Immortal Takes A Wife!

Excerpt

Leaning back on the sofa, Matty closed his eyes.  He remembered his first days here, how he’d gotten into trouble with the local police, and had ducked into a small boutique and right into the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. 

“Excuse you,” she said, her voice a low, sexy brogue.  “You need to watch yourself.”
He was so enthralled by her presence that he almost missed the fact that already, her wolfish veil had begun to fall.  Thick, crimson hair, eyes the color of brimstone and a face that was both inviting and dangerous.

“I apologize.”

“You should,” she snapped.  “Clumsy oaf.”

She started to turn away, but he slid around to stand in front of her.  “How about I make it up to you?  A cup of coffee, perhaps?  Or, something a little stronger.  You know, coffee, tea or… me?”
He wriggled his eyebrows at her and caught just the hint of a grin tugging at her beautiful mouth.

“Really?  First, you almost knock me down and then you hit on me?”

“I’m not a man who likes to take the long road.”

“Obviously.”  She shook her head.  “You’re cute and all, but I’ve just come off of a bad relationship, and I’m not looking to hook up.”

“Right.  Coffee it is, then.”

She gaped at him.  “You’re really too much.”

“Aren’t I?  So, come on.  What do you say?  You and I, a latte, caramel, whatever you prefer?”

Howlers , and I’m in the mood for a margarita.”





Just released this week, you can purchase THE IMMORTAL WIFE through the following links:


You'll find Pam LaBud at these Social Media hangouts:

WEBSITE     BLOG     TWITTER     FB     INSTAGRAM     PINTEREST     GOODREADS




Monday, July 30, 2018

WINNERS - from past weeks

Good morning, everyone!

Wow! Did you enjoy the presentations from Under A Mulberry Moon authors? The door to this studio was opening a lot.

Before I get to the statistics from those authors, I want to backtrack to a bit when Addison Brae was our guest. You can see her post HERE

By leaving a comment on Addison's post for Becker's Circle, you had the opportunity to win this lovely glass:


I'm wishing I'd left a comment... but then I don't take part in my guests' drawings. 
Here is the Random.org result:


The winner is:  Jessy Yarrell - Congratulations, Jessy.

Please contact Addison through the contact form on her WEBSITE to claim your prize!

Now to, Under A Mulberry Moon

First off, let me say a HUGE Thank You to the fabulous authors of this anthology. Zina, PacJac, Caroline, Carra, Penny, Cissie, Charlene, Jacquie and most of all Keta for taking the time to answer my questions, taking care of the last minute stuff and supporting each other in this project. I hope to be part of such an amazing group one day. You all are my heroes!


I have to say I am sadly disappointed in my readers. As authors, we work really hard on all phases of our books. They are our children. When we put them out into the world we want everyone to see how fabulous they are! When we offer to share a piece of them with you  by way of a FREE copy, is it too much to ask that you leave a comment to let THEM know you stopped by. I know you've been here. I have the statistics. But no one else has a clue until I enlighten them. 

I won't be giving away FREE copies of the anthology for the following reasons:

Keta Diablo - 66 Views - 6 comments ( only 1 that was NOT a member of the anthology group)
Caroline Clemmons - 72 Views - 11 Comments - all from the group
Carra Copelin - 81 Views - 10 Comments - all from group
Charlene Raddon - 44 Views - 12 Comments - all from group
Cissie Patterson - 33 Views - 6 Comments - all from group
Patricia Carroll - 45 views - 9 Comments - all from group
Jacquie Rogers - 23 Views - 6 Comments - all from group
Penny Estelle - 47 Views - 10 Comments - all from group
Zina Abbott - 9 Views - 1 Comment - from the author

I've never seen anyone pass up the opportunity to get something for FREE. 

So here's what I'd like each of you that stopped by but didn't leave a comment... Buy the book and leave a review. These ladies have earned it!

You may purchase your copy and leave a review at one of the following locations:

AMAZON USA           AMAZON INDIA        AMAZON CANADA   

Friday, July 27, 2018

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Zina Abbott + BONUS + giveaway

NOTE from Angela:
Due to taking last weekend off, we are a bit going over our time. 
Winners will be drawn and announced on Monday. Watch Twitter or this blog for Winner Postings!

Thank you all for visiting us over the past 9 days! I hope you'll become a new follower.
Creative Blessings!



UNDER A MULBERRY MOON is a beautifully crafted anthology compiled by talented authors.

Each day for the next nine days, each author will have a turn letting us get to know them. But first... the ladies have a gift for EVERYONE who stops by... a free download of MEDLEYS & MUSINGS - a sampling of every story from Under the Mulberry Moon.  Go HERE to download your copy

But that's not all!!!!   Three of the participating authors will each be giving away a copy of UNDER A MULBERRY MOON to lucky visitors who leave a comment. You MUST leave a comment ABOUT THE ANTHOLOGY to qualify. So comment about one or all of the stories the authors share. Each comment will be assigned a number. Then on Thursday July 26th, I will select 3 winners using Random.org

Let's meet Zina!

Image result for Zina Abbott

I’m always asked ‘where do you get your ideas’. So, where do you get yours?


I attend a heritage society, Daughters of Utah Pioneers. One of our historical lessons dealt with mills from the 1800’s. The instructor said it was not one of her favorite topics, that the manual was full of mill layouts and photos. I asked to borrow her lesson booklet. From that was born Millwright’s Daughter.

Which comes first, the story, the characters, or the setting?

For me, it depends of the book. Sometimes I have a plot in mind. Sometimes it is the setting. For this, it was first the theme, and next I chose the setting for my mill which is based on the Tulloch Mill along the Stanislaus River in California.

Which of your heroines most represent you, or the ‘you’ you’d like to be? Why?

My all-time favorite heroine at this point in time is Delphina Blakewell in Dead Set Delphinia. She is intelligent, understands business and finance, and desires to be independent of the expectations of her family and society.

What is the single most important part of writing for you?

I love telling a good story with an accurate historical setting. I was a family historian before I was a historical novelist. It was the stories of real people in the actual conditions under which they lived that captured my attention.

What’s the most romantic thing a guy can do (or has done) for you?

Understand and laugh at my dry sense of humor.

Here's Zina's Three:

If I was a first-time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with
and why?
I would suggest starting with Kizzie’s Kisses. It is fast-paced, full of action, has some of my favorite characters, and deals with some real challenges faced by those who were not directly involved with the Civil War, but who faced the challenges of civilians of that era.

How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
Quite a bit of my life experiences, and probably streaks of my personality (more or less, depending on the character), end up in my writing. After all, who else’s understanding and internal outlook am I drawing from? I write fiction, not textbooks.

What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
What else? I read. I also enjoy quilting or photoshopping images to promote my books.

Your contribution to the anthology is MILLWRIGHTS DAUGHTER:



BLURB:
Adventure! Mystery! Romance! Nine award-winning and bestselling authors present sweet western historical stories to ignite your imagination and feed your passion for reading. Let us sweep you away from your daily cares and entertain you with our sigh-worthy novellas set between 1865 and 1900.

EXCERPT: 

You can read an Excerpt HERE from Zina's blogpost.

Make sure to come back here and leave a comment to be eligible for the drawing!


I can't wait to read this and all the stories in the anthology - UNDER A MULBERRY MOON. 
The FREEBIE you've provided definitely has me wanting to read the full anthology.   Remember to download the Free teaser then purchase your full anthology.. I mean - you can't just have one- right? LOL

AMAZON USA           AMAZON INDIA        AMAZON CANADA   
AMAZON AUSTRALIA       AMAZON UK 

You'll find Zina on the following Social Media Channels:

BLOG     TWITTER     PINTEREST     FACEBOOK










Thursday, July 26, 2018

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Penny Estelle + BONUS + giveaway

 

UNDER A MULBERRY MOON is a beautifully crafted anthology compiled by talented authors.

Each day for the next nine days, each author will have a turn letting us get to know them. But first... the ladies have a gift for EVERYONE who stops by... a free download of MEDLEYS & MUSINGS - a sampling of every story from Under the Mulberry Moon.  Go HERE to download your copy


But that's not all!!!!   Three of the participating authors will each be giving away a copy of UNDER A MULBERRY MOON to lucky visitors who leave a comment. You MUST leave a comment ABOUT THE ANTHOLOGY to qualify. So comment about one or all of the stories the authors share. Each comment will be assigned a number. Then on Thursday July 26th, I will select 3 winners using Random.org


Let's meet Penny:


BIO:

Hi everybody! My name Is Penny Estelle. I write for all ages, from the early reader to adults.  My books range from pictures books for the little ones, to fantasy, time-travel adventures for ages 9 to 13.
I also write romance adult stories in many genres.  These include contemporaries, paranormal and historical westerns, written under P. A. Estelle.

Here are my FIVE for Penny:

I’m always asked ‘where do you get your ideas’. So, where do you get yours?

Great question and I wish I had a snappy answer.  The truth is it normally takes me a     while, a few days, to come up with a story idea, and then it’s either the beginning, middle  or end of the story and I write around that.

Which comes first, the story, the characters, or the setting?
Normally the setting, but sometimes the story.  But it’s never the characters!    

Which of your heroines most represent you, or the ‘you’ you’d like to be? Why?
I have a few contemporary stories where the heroines are like me.  These women don’t take a lot of….garbage…..from the heroes. They won’t be walked all over and they stick to their guns!  In all my historical westerns my heroines are very sweet and loving.  I wish I were more like them!  LOL

What is the single most important part of writing for you?
That my story holds the readers’ interest.  I’ve picked up so many books and never finished them.  Not because of editing or offensive language, etc., but because the storyline is just boring. 


What’s the most romantic thing a guy can do (or has done) for you?
It was my birthday and my hubby said, “Come on, let’s go to breakfast.”  He drove me to the airport and we got on a plane and went to San Diego.  There’s a little dive that I have always loved.  Had a breakfast burrito, sat on the beach for an hour and then flew home.  It was awesome!

Here's Penny's Three:

If I was a first time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with and why? 
I would have to say…..Hannah: Bride of Iowa.  Probably because there were so many authors involved, I was extremely focused.  I came up with a great twist in the story and I loved how it all came together.  I also feel it was some of my best writing!

What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
I hike every morning, I play water volleyball and pickleball.  I love being outdoors BUT when I finish a book I treat myself by buying a jigsaw puzzle.  I love putting those together and it relaxes me.

If money were not an object, where would you most like to travel?
UGH, so many places, but I really want to see the northern lights from Iceland (but you have to go in the winter – BRRRRR)  Or be pampered in Bora Bora!

Your story in the anthology is THE WIDOW BUSY A GROOM:


BLURB:
The year is eighteen sixty-eight. Like every state in America, the Civil War has taken its toll. Mass casualties leave women to survive on their own, raise children without fathers, and run ranches, homes and businesses without help. Meadow Creek, Kansas is no different.
Reverend Strong strives to find a solution for his town. He contacts clergymen in other states and discovers women aren’t the only ones devastated by war. The men fortunate enough to make it home soon realize they've lost everything and must start new lives. .  
Katherine Parnell owns Maggie’s Baked Goods. Ever since her husband was forced to fight for the Confederacy, she and her son, Timmy, have been fighting their own battles. She might need a man, but has no intention of marrying again. She informs the good Reverend of that in no uncertain terms. .
Jim Sutton has demons of his own and comes to Meadow Creek to start over. He has no desire to get married either. On more than one occasion, he comes to Katherine’s aid and finds himself smiling around her and the boy, something he hasn’t done in years. When Jim lands in jail, the woman whose green eyes haunt his dreams at night is the only one who can help him.
Can Katherine and Jim find love again or will ghosts from their pasts keep happiness at bay?


EXCERPT:
    “What has you in such a tizzy?”
    “I had to deliver breakfast to the jail this morning and do you know who Marshal Spearman has locked up? Chester Parnell, that’s who!” She didn’t give her friend a chance to answer. “He got in a fight with some man and broke up some things in the saloon! But that’s not all! I found out after Nathan went for Doc Owens, who was drunk in the saloon, that he got in this fight with a man protecting your honor!”
    Katherine’s face paled. “Why was a doctor needed?” Her voice was almost a whisper.
    “Well,” Becky replied, looking everywhere but at Katherine, “after I threw his breakfast all over him, I sort of yelled at him about things that happened with you and the Parnells.” Kathrine’s mouth dropped open. “Please don’t be angry with me. I just saw red when I noticed it was him standing there.”
    “The doctor?” Katherine persisted.
    “This man, in the other cell, reached through and grabbed Chester’s shirt. He pulled him so hard against the cell, his head got cut. He did it a few more times, knocking Chester senseless, not that that would have been hard.”
    “I’ve never seen him around town before but Nathan told me his name.” She pursed her lips. “Let me try and remember. It was something like…”
    “Jim Sutton.”


I love how you turn the tables and have the Heroine buying the groom. I can't wait to read this one!


You can purchase your copy of UNDER A MULBERRY MOON to read this and the other great stories at the following locations:

AMAZON USA           AMAZON INDIA        AMAZON CANADA   

AMAZON AUSTRALIA       AMAZON UK 

You'll find Penny at these Social Media sites:

WEBSITE     BLOG     TWITTER     FB     PINTEREST


Wednesday, July 25, 2018

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Jacquie Rogers + BONUS + giveaway


UNDER A MULBERRY MOON is a beautifully crafted anthology compiled by talented authors. 

Each day for the next nine days, each author will have a turn letting us get to know them. But first... the ladies have a gift for EVERYONE who stops by... a free download of MEDLEYS & MUSINGS - a sampling of every story from Under the Mulberry Moon.  Go HERE to download your copy

But that's not all!!!!   Three of the participating authors will each be giving away a copy of UNDER A MULBERRY MOON to lucky visitors who leave a comment. You MUST leave a comment ABOUT THE ANTHOLOGY to qualify. So comment about one or all of the stories the authors share. Each comment will be assigned a number. Then on Thursday July 26th, I will select 3 winners using Random.org

Let's meet Jacquie:


BIO:

Jacquie Rogers is a former software designer, campaign manager, deli clerk, and cow milker. Her 2007 release, Faery Special Romances, won the Fall NOR Award for Best Print Sci-fi/Fantasy Romance and finaled several other contests. She also has stories in two other print anthologies--soon to be e-published as well. Her current print release is a short contemporary novel, Down Home Ever Lovin' Mule Blues, which has received several top picks and 5-star reviews.

She teaches several workshops both online and in person, and is co-creator of 1st Turning Point, a website where authors come to teach, learn, and share--all about promotion and marketing.

Jacquie has donated all royalties from Faery Special Romances to The Children's Tumor Foundation, ending neurofibromatosis through research.

Jacquie has won FOUR Will Rogers Gold Medallions, a Laramie Award and a Rita. Those are some credentials!


Here's my Five questions for Jacquie:


I’m always asked ‘where do you get your ideas.’ So, where do you get yours?
 Ideas lurk in absurdity.  All you have to do is recognize the absurd and ideas will hurl at you like a tornado.  So where is the absurd?  Just about everywhere.  What if the shoe salesman at Nordstrom had just held up a bank?  Look at people and put them in another setting.  Then again, maybe the ideas help discover the absurdity.

Which comes first, the story, the characters, or the setting?
The situation, then one character, then the setting, then the other characters (which means conflict), and finally the story.

Which of your heroines most represent you, or the ‘you’ you’d like to be? Why?
 Definitely Jake O’Keefe, the heroine in Much Ado About Mavericks (Hearts of Owyhee #4).

What is the single most important part of writing for you?
Jacquie: My favorite part of writing is the initial creation stage, but the most important part of writing is the editing stage.  You didn’t ask, but my least favorite is the marathon to actually get a story written.  I’m not a good crank-turner.

What’s the most romantic thing a guy can do (or has done) for you?

Mr R wakes me up with a kiss and a cup of coffee every morning.  So I feel like a princess first thing in the day.

Here's the Three Jacquie chose:

If I was a first time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with
       and why?
 I think the first Honey Beaulieu – Man Hunter book, Hot Work in Fry Pan Gulch.  This book gives you an idea of my sense of humor without being restricted to romance, although it does have romance in it (more in the second book and even more in the third).  If a reader only reads romance, there’s the first book in the Hearts of Owyhee series, Much Ado About Madams.  Or if the reader prefers 100% sweet and wholesome, then there’s Idaho Fairytale Bride.  And if the reader is as crazy as I am, then there’s always my western fantasy romance, Have Wand – Will Travel.  I’ve written in more genres but that’s what’s readily available now.  I have another Trad Western series that I’ll be reissuing soon, The Muleskinners. 

How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
My characters are all a part of me—the good and the bad.  I’m lucky in that I grew up in a storytelling family.  The stories on my mother’s side (family adventure stories) were very different from those on my father’s side (mostly hunting and farming stories).  But all of them, no matter how serious, always had a funny slant to them.  So that’s a part of me, and I can’t write any other way than that.  Well, I could, but I don’t want to.

What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
I like to read (right now I’m on a fantasy kick), watch baseball and rodeo, and I love traveling around the country to meet my readers, many of whom have become good friends.  And I love meeting my author friends.  Last year would be head to beat—I met Caroline Clemmons.  Twice!

Your book in the anthology is A FAMILY FOR POLLY:


With all the awards you've won, I can't wait to read this one!


The FREEBIE you've provided definitely has me wanting to read the full anthology.   Remember to download the Free teaser then purchase your full anthology.. I mean - you can't just have one- right? LOL

AMAZON USA           AMAZON INDIA        AMAZON CANADA   
AMAZON AUSTRALIA       AMAZON UK 


You'll find Jacquie on the following Social Media locations:

WEBSITE     TWITTER     BOOKBUB     INSTAGRAM     FB     MEWE      


Tuesday, July 24, 2018

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Patricia PacJac Carroll +BONUS + Giveaway


UNDER A MULBERRY MOON is a beautifully crafted anthology compiled by talented authors. 

For the next nine days, each author will have a turn letting us get to know them. But first... the ladies have a gift for EVERYONE who stops by... a free download of MEDLEYS & MUSINGS - a sampling of every story from Under the Mulberry Moon.  Go HERE to download your copy

But that's not all!!!!   Three of the participating authors will each be giving away a copy of UNDER A MULBERRY MOON to lucky visitors who leave a comment. You MUST leave a comment ABOUT THE ANTHOLOGY to qualify. So comment about one or all of the stories the authors share. Each comment will be assigned a number. Then on Thursday July 26th, I will select 3 winners using Random.org

Let's meet Patricia aka  'PacJac':


Thank you for joining me in the studio today. Let's get right to the questions.
Here's my Five:

I’ always asked ‘where do you get your ideas’. So, where do you get yours? No one place. Some attack me and hold me captive until I start the story, some whisper on the wind ~ what if, some make me laugh and I have to write that line down, or a character will march onto the scene and throw a line that I can’t refuse to write.  I love writing and the stories that come my way.

Which comes first, the story, the characters, or the setting? Varies with the story. Since I am a total seat-of-the-pants writer, I would have to say that characters are the driving force. They entice me into their story and then I am along for the ride to discover what is going to happen. I love surprises.

Which of your heroines most represent you, or the ‘you’ you’d like to be? Why? That is a hard one. Although sometimes, the hero is more me than the heroine. But I am sure you can find me in one or the other.  If you see one of my characters say, “How hard can that be?” That is all me.  Just ask my husband who hears it frequently. The first book I published, Liberty Belle, has a lot of me in there. She’s independent and not waiting for others to begin living her life and strikes out on her own.

What is the single most important part of writing for you? I desire to make my readers happy. And as a Christian writer, I want to encourage and give them hope without preaching, just telling the story about characters who are facing their own troubles and trials and how they overcome them.

What’s the most romantic thing a guy can do (or has done) for you? Lay down his life for me.  Not just die but be attentive to my wants and desires.  (My husband is all of that)

Here's your three:

City Girl or Country Girl  ~  A suburb girl in the country.  LOL I love the country, but don’t want to be too far out in the sticks.
Favorite TV show ~ I like to watch TCM and older movies. I grew up watching westerns and still love them.
What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries? I love my family and friends. Time solving the world’s problems with my best friend, or times with my writing friends talking about writing recharge my batteries. The Lord told me as I started this writing career, people come first. So if someone needs to go to lunch, I’m ready.

Your contribution to the anthology is WORTH THE WAIT


NOTE: I'm sorry I don't have any further information. Patricia and I have not been able to connect. However, download the free copy of Medleys & Musings for a complete excerpt.

You can purchase a copy of UNDER A MULBERRY  MOON by clicking one of the links below:


AMAZON USA           AMAZON INDIA        AMAZON CANADA   


You can learn more about PacJac and other books by going to her WEBSITE        
Sign Up for her NEWSLETTER to stay up to date.


Monday, July 23, 2018

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Cissie Patterson


UNDER A MULBERRY MOON is a beautifully crafted anthology compiled by talented authors. 

Each day for the next nine days, each author will have a turn letting us get to know them. But first... the ladies have a gift for EVERYONE who stops by... a free download of MEDLEYS & MUSINGS - a sampling of every story from Under the Mulberry Moon.  Go HERE to download your copy

But that's not all!!!!   Three of the participating authors will each be giving away a copy of UNDER A MULBERRY MOON to lucky visitors who leave a comment. You MUST leave a comment ABOUT THE ANTHOLOGY to qualify. So comment about one or all of the stories the authors share. Each comment will be assigned a number. Then on Thursday July 26th, I will select 3 winners using Random.org

Today we welcome, Cissie Patterson:



BIO:
Born in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Cissie Patterson lives in southeast Michigan with her husband and two children. She is an avid reader of historical western romance and dreams of simpler days gone by. Times were tough, work was hard but community, God and family were the pillars of life.

Cissie spends much of her time in the Pioneer Hearts reader group on Facebook, promoting other fabulous authors of the historical western romance genre. She also maintains the Western Romance Book Babe page on Facebook, letting readers know of any historical western deals she finds. Everybody loves a freebie, right?

Cissie welcomes you to join her on her author journey as each story is a romance to remember. Select that + FOLLOW button on Amazon below my profile pic.  I love being followed. It keeps life exciting!

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cYm74T

Here's My FIVE:

I’ always asked ‘where do you get your ideas’. So, where do you get yours?
I get a lot of ideas from reading. I’ll be in the middle of a story and think “what if someone did this instead of that” and my mind takes a different path than the story. I’ve even had another author ask “you got that from MY story? How did you get that?”

Which comes first, the story, the characters, or the setting?
For me, the characters seem to come first. The people in my head start making noise to be let out of the box and a story develops.

Which of your heroines most represent you, or the ‘you’ you’d like to be? Why?
I believe there is a piece of me in every heroine I write. I want to write a heroine that is compassionate, understanding, helpful and strong. Maybe the ‘me’ that I envision in a perfect world.

What is the single most important part of writing for you?
 Writing a story that isn’t just romantic but also exciting or mysterious. I want the story to be more than just falling in love.

What’s the most romantic thing a guy can do (or has done) for you?
 Be helpful, be considerate, be mindful – a gentleman does for his lady as much as she does for him.


Here's Cissie's THREE:

How long have you been writing - have you always wanted to be a writer?
I have been writing a little over a year now. I didn’t always want to be a writer but I wanted to be a poet. I have many poems stored in my drawers at home and it is how I always used to express my emotions. Poetry and music.

 If I was a first time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with
       and why?
I would recommend starting with Grace’s Hope, book one in the Journey to Freedom series. It’s actually my second book written but it’s the story that stuck in my head and wouldn’t go away. It’s the story that made me start to write because it wanted to get out. It’s a storyline that I hadn’t read about yet and I was excited to share it with readers.

If money were not an object, where would you most like to travel?
At one time I wanted to travel the world but as I’ve gotten older, I would like to see more of the United States. I want to drive and tour the west. I’d like to visit Maine and the New England states. I’ve seen some of the south but I’d see more of it during winter season!

Great answers! Now, let's talk about the book. Your story is Matthew's Freedom


BLURB:
Matthew Burchard hasn’t been able to save those important to him, time and time again.  After delivering his sister to Freedom, he's ready to find his own freedom in the world. Saving a widow and her son isn’t part of his future plans. He’s ready to finally live a life of no regrets.

Widow Brenna Jo Wayne is determined to make it on her own, for her son's sake. Marriage isn't in her plans but neither is giving up. Her son’s happiness is all that matters - if only he would stop fighting her every step of the way. 

Unfortunately, jobs are scarce and men are plentiful in Freedom. Is marriage the only way out of her situation? Will she find what her heart is seeking despite her son’s attitude? Return to Freedom, Colorado, in book two of this mail-order bride romance series

EXCERPT:
Brenna sighed and dismissed them with a curt, “Good day.”
Eddie and Matthew rode away from the homestead toward Charlie’s land. “Thanks for the help.” Matthew said, still smarting from being chastised for his stupidity.
Eddie gave him a wide grin. “Boy, you stepped into a heap of dung right there. I know better than to try to dig you out by your boots until she was good and ready to let you free.” He cackled loudly. “You shoulda’ seen the look on your face as she was letting you have it.”

Matthew gave him a dirty look. Hopefully, that conversation stayed between the three of them. His sister would have his hide if she heard what a donkey’s behind he’d made of himself. But despite the regret he felt, he felt a twinge of something else as he pictured the sparks shooting from Brenna’s brown eyes and the way her chin tilted up in defiance when she was angered. That woman was a force to be reckoned with, and God help him, he longed for a chance to tame her.


Born and raised in Colorado, this story definitely has my attention. Sounds like a great read!

 Remember to download the Free teaser then purchase your full anthology.. I mean - you can't just have one- right? LOL

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You will find Cissie on the following social media sites:

WEBSITE     TWITTER     FACEBOOK      GOODREADS