Welcome the fabulous Calista Fox!

I am so excited to be hosting Calista Fox for the rest of this month! Not only is she a dear friend, but she is an extremely talented and versatile author. I had the EXTREME pleasure of reading her new release, OBJECT OF DESIRE before it was released and providing a cover blurb for her. If you like action and excitement, with a side of champagne and caviar, then you will love Calista's new book.

To help spread the word, I asked Calista a few of my deep, meaningful questions. Here's what she had to say:

Okay, first question: If you were to get a tattoo, what would it say or what would the graphic be? Or, if you already have one, where is it and what’s it look like?

Calista: Oh, boy… I actually had a graphic for a lower-back tattoo professionally designed a couple of years ago! I’m a huge Van Halen fan (note to Edward: please learn to Tweet from rehab so I can follow you on Twitter). If I were to get a tat, it would either be the VH logo, or the graphic I had designed, which is two of EVH’s famous guitars (one black with yellow strips, the other red with white strips) leaning against each other, there necks crossed. It’s very cool. Unfortunately, I’m not just a huge VH fan, I’m also a huge wienie. So… no tat as of yet…

Erin: Now that's funny. Planning for a tattoo you're afraid to get. Me, I'm not so afraid of the needles as I am of gravity. I don't want my cute little rosebud to look like a long step bloom by the time I'm 60, ha ha. So, I opt for no ink on the aging bod.

Next question: What do you keep in the trunk of your car?

Calista: Couple of dead bodies, a tire iron with bloodstains and a 12-pack of double-roll toilet paper. Or, the convertible top and the goop you put in a flat tire to get you to the nearest tire station because there’s absolutely no room for a spare in a two-seater convertible sports car. (But a 12-pack of double-roll toilet paper really will fit in there!)

Erin: And I thought THAT would be the boring question in this interview. I should have known better, lol!

Next question: If you were in the "Miss America" talent competition, what would your talent be?

Calista: Wine sampling, of course. I can’t believe you would even have to ask me this. And I would share, thereby winning the judges over with my magnanimous personality and way-cool guitar tattoo.

Erin: Okay, just snorted my coffee out my nose. You are too funny. We are so going to have fun in DC at the Romance Writers of America National conference. So glad I get the CDs to listen to the workshops later, cuz I'm a'thinking I won't be out of the bar much.

Now, for the all important BOOK question! Tell us about your new release and what YOU think we’ll like about it.

Calista: My July 15 single title release is called OBJECT OF DESIRE, and it’s a very fast-paced, action-packed, ultra-sexy novel! And that’s what I think you’ll like about it. Oh, and the H/H, of course. She’s quite the bad-ass and he’s just… dreamy.

Here’s a little about the book: When treasure hunter and spy Laurel Blackwood raids Victoria Peak in Belize to recover a rare Mexican fire opal rumored to evoke dark desires and passions, she unwittingly sets off a sequence of dangerous events—and finds herself in the midst of a battle between good and evil… and lust and love. Laurel must keep the opal from falling into the hands of a deadly terrorist cell, a greedy Belizean dignitary, and one particularly hot and scandalous treasure hunter named Devon Mallory.

For ten years, Devon has had his eye on the $30 million prized opal and his heart set on winning Laurel for keeps. But her web of secrecy and now her betrayal over recovering the legendary stone without him has Devon hell-bent on stealing the opal from her and collecting on the massive payout. But Devon will have to make a choice soon, and decide which gem is his true object of desire... You can read an excerpt and enter to win my contests on my website at http://www.calistafox.com/ and my blog at http://www.calistafox.blogspot.com/. Also, follow me (hint, hint, Edward) on Twitter (www.twitter.com/calistafoxbooks) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/calistafox) for more fun!Thanks for having me!

Hey, the pleasure was mine, Calista. Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to go to http://www.erinquinnbooks.com/Contest.htm to enter this month's contest for Calista's latest Secrets, one of my books, a gift card AND a Haunting Beauty tote bag!

Haunting Beauty Book Trailer

I am so excited! I just got my book trailer ready for prime time! What do you think? Be sure to turn up the sound. I LOVE the music!

Figuring out the whole social network network...

I recently went to speak to a lovely group of readers in Scottsdale (thank you Diana, for inviting me. I had a great time!) and one of the Q&A's that they found interesting had to do with the life of a writer. If you've read my blog before, you know I work full-time in addition to writing. I'm also a mother, although my kids have reached an age when it's more about keeping track of where they are then anything. Still, sometimes keeping track can be a...well...a full-time job. Then there's the marketing.

Most readers assume that the publisher does all of the leg work in promoting a book. And that may be true for some writers, but for most of it, spreading the word is the writers' responsibility. With the ever changing world, that word spreading can be a challenge.

For example, when my very first book released many, many, many moons ago, the Internet was still in its infancy and only a handful of people knew how to use it. Email was just coming into the spotlight and had yet to change lives and bring the world closer. Social networks weren't even in a twinkle in their PCs eye yet.

Fast forward to today. I have 2 websites I design and maintain (http://www.erinquinn.info/ and http://www.eringrady.com/ ), a blog I try to update regularly, a facebook account, a twitter account and identies on goodreads.com and shelfari.com. I have a myspace account too, but honestly, I hate myspace so I never even go there.

All of these require time to learn, create and maintain. Facebook was easy and I love facebook, but it's taken quite some time to figure out twitter and how to do it and to what purpose. The websites too require some skill, some hit and miss designs, and time to keep it updated.

In the end, I'm always left wondering if I'm wasting my time or it is really connecting me to readers (which is my whole purpose. I love readers. I'm the person craning her neck to see what you're reading when I walk through a park, past a cafe, in an airport. :-)

Anyway, since I just learned to tweet from my phone, I thought, I'd blab about it on my blog.

Welcome Renee Bernarrd

Today I am thrilled to introduce my new featured author, Renee Bernard. I had the pleasure of meeting Renee in San Francisco at last year's RWA Nationals conference and she was so much fun that I new I wanted to host her here!

Renee's novels have won Romantic Times “Best First Historical Romance of 2006” and appeared on the USA Today Bestseller List. Her next book Revenge Wears RubiesI is the first book in her new Jaded Series with the second, Seduction Wears Sapphires releasing July 2010. She is a very busy lady!

If you read my interviews before, you already know that they are a bit unconventional...but then again, so am I. :-) So let's dive right in.

Erin: Renee, tell us, what's the kindest act you have ever seen done (either to/by you or another)?

Renee: Tough one. I seem to be surrounded by incredible people that amaze me every day, and they inspire me to try to keep up. My husband, my friends…No one gets recognition for those well-timed “pot luck dinners” when a friend’s refrigerator is empty, or the loan of a vehicle when a family needs a car, or a box of gently-used toys when a little person’s birthday is around the corner. I’m lucky to be part of a group that just quietly gives and receives, but I think it’s important to do what you can.

I think putting yourself in someone else’s shoes is the first step. I wish I could say I’d done something heroic beyond all the little things, but maybe the little things will add up one day. I remember when I was a college kid in an airport in a foreign country and I met a young American mother with three small children who was in tears. Her husband was military and she was joining him, but her flight had stranded her for the night. The exchange booth had closed and she didn’t have any local currency to buy anything to eat or make do while they waited. I just emptied my wallet and gave her everything I had. I wouldn’t need yen where I was going! It was the most natural thing to do in the world. No big deal. I didn’t give her my name. I just told her how great Japan was and what a wonderful adventure she was about to have! And then I caught my flight.


Kindest act? No way! That’s what anyone would have done!! I believe that. You do what you can, whenever you can, because the next time, it’s you with that empty refrigerator or in tears somewhere out of your element.

Erin: Okay, maybe you weren't throwing your body on a bomb before it went off, but that was a great act of kindness in my humble opinion. She will probably never forget you did that for her and someday she may pay it forward.

Next probing question: What is your worst nightmare?

Renee: I can’t say. It’s too embarrassing and a yearly occurrence at RT conventions. Needless to say, friends of mine will tell you it’s the funniest thing they’ve ever seen, so I am at least grateful to keep my friends entertained.

Erin: This wouldn't have anything to do with the dance floor would it? :-) And if so, yes it was the funniest thing I've ever heard (missed the show but caught the replay, lol). You know my readers are going to be dying of curiosity, right?

And easier question....if you could have had the starring role in one film already made, which movie would you pick?

Renee: “Elizabeth”…Cate Blanchett was wonderful, but what red-head wouldn’t want to play that role? Power, a throne, dresses beyond imagining, surrounded by men and danger… Now, there’s a fantasy role a girl can sink her teeth into!

Erin: LOL. That's funny. But then there's that whole virgin queen thing--or do I have my royals mixed up? I loved the first movie--which now I can't remember the name, but still haven't seen Elizabeth. Will have to watch it and picture you on the throne. :-)

Last question before we talk about your wonderful books! What is the bravest thing you’ve ever done.

Renee: Brave or stupid? Because I find that sometimes, at least for me, these things seem to coincide… ;-)

Erin: Personally, I think it takes courage to be as stupid as I am, lol.

Renee: Okay, this is NOT a poor me story but seriously, the bravest thing would have to be following my heart and quitting a perfectly wonderful job with benefits to pursue writing full-time. Two weeks later, my husband (who had supported this brave decision) announced out of the blue that he was leaving me. That day. His car’s packed. Thanks for all the fish. (Now, mind you, there’d been “I love you’s” right up until the big surprise and not a single fight…so when I say out of the blue, I mean Out of The Blue.)

But here’s where the bravery/stupidity kicks in! My job had evaporated behind me and the urge to seek the security of another cubicle was beyond measure. Even so, the opportunity and courage to jump off cliffs doesn’t come everyday and I had this strange feeling that it was now or never for me. So I stuck it out. I took hilarious part time jobs to try to keep groceries in the cupboard, sold everything that wasn’t nailed down and tried not to make a face every time someone wisely stated in a seminar “don’t quit your day job!”

So there you have it. I’m poor but happy, and I’d like to think there’s a measure of bravery in that. (And as an end note, I met a fantastic man who swept me off my feet and married me and who demonstrates what real love and loyalty are every single day… so there you go!)

Erin: Now that is a great story and it even has a happy ending. That's beautiful. I dream of quitting the day job every single day of my life. (sorry if any of my co-workers are reading this. Really sorry if my boss is, lol).

Okay, onto the book questions... Your books are set in the Victorian period. How is this different from the Regency period?

Renee: You mean, beyond that silly fifty year difference? ;-) Just kidding.

Erin: See above, re: stupid and me.....

Renee: My last trilogy was late Victorian and my next series is early, but essentially, you have so many developments during the period that make it very fascinating to play with as a backdrop. From the industrial and social changes, and strange schisms in behavior, boundaries were falling and more and more restrictions were being created at the same time. The rules tightened, but behind the scenes, people were naughtier than ever. Ah, joy! Human nature is always a constant, but I love the Victorian eras quest for ideals and reform, allowing them to achieve so much and occasionally fail so spectacularly.

Erin: Okay, that is very cool. I didn't know any of that (not surprising when considering the source). Tell us about what your next release. When does it come out?

Renee: My next books are part of “The Jaded” series, and the first book “Revenge Wears Rubies” will be out in March of 2010 , followed by “Seduction Wears Sapphires” in July 2010. Set in early Victorian London, it’s about the members of an informal gentlemen’s club known as “The Jaded”. The men became fast friends while trapped in India during the Sepoy uprising, and after a miserable year in a raj’s dungeon, they share a bond of suffering and survival that colors their view of the world they return to. To seal their fate, not one woman whose memory they clung to, remained loyal—and so the nickname for the brotherhood is extremely apt.

Erin: That sounds fabulous. I can't wait to read! So why do YOU you think we’ll love this series? (because I know we will)

Renee: I hope the readers will fall in love with these heroes as deeply as I have. The Jaded are each unique, and from different walks of life (so not all blue-blooded playboys this time!) and definitely almost too hot to handle. Second sons of nobility, a soldier, an artist, a doctor, a scholar, a rake—hopefully these books will give historical romance readers a nice new vantage point at the world of Victorian London. And the women who restore and heal them are going to be equally unique and compelling. Add a hint of danger and intrigue and it’s a compelling mix.

Erin: Okay, I am COMPLETELY sold. I just searched on amazon and they aren't available for pre-order yet, but I'm thinking soooon.... right? Please let me know and I will let readers know!

I'm running a contest to celebrate having Renee here. Make sure to check out the CONTEST PAGE on my website to enter. Renee is giving away a copy "A Rogue's Game" or reader's choice from the Mistress Trilogy and I am giving away a copy of one of my previous titles. In addition, I'll throw in a Borders Books gift certificate and a HAUNTING BEAUTY mug!

Thank you, Renee, for stopping by and sharing your stories with us!

At last...at last....

I did it. I finally finished HAUNTING WARRIOR. There were points in there when I really didn't think I would ever hit THE END. But lo and behold, it happened!


I also received my first review for HAUNTING BEAUTY and it was featured on several sites this week.

Berkley featured HAUNTING BEAUTY on the Berkley/Jove authors site. The contest is over, but the review was amazing: http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2009/06/04/berkley-jove-giveaway-for-june-july-august-books/


Leah Hultenschmidt at Dorchester blogged about HAUNTING BEAUTY in the previews section of Romantic Reads: http://romanticreads.net/2009/06/12/aug-previews/


And Kimberley Swan of Darque Reviews gave HAUNTING BEAUTY a great write up: http://darquereviews.com/12612/187712.html.


Highlights:

Haunting Beauty is the first novel in the Haunting series and introduces readers to the deeply intertwined MacGrath and Ballagh families. Ms. Quinn has created an intricately woven story where each day is touched by magic, and there’s little distinction between the living and the dead. Haunting Beauty is filled with fascinating characters, wonderful detail, and the beautiful scenery of Ireland. Readers will be drawn in right from the start. I would recommend this book to fans of paranormal romance that enjoy mystical elements and edge of your seat suspense. I’ll be eagerly awaiting Haunting Warrior that’s currently due to release in May of 2010.

Life is good again. :-)

Where in the world have I been?

Where have I been? Well I'll tell you the truth. I've been immersed in my new book, HAUNTING WARRIOR. The final, final draft is on my desk waiting for the final, final read through and then it's outta here. After that, I get to have a life again! Woo wooo!

Welcome Kathryne Kennedy

It is my great pleasure to have Kathryne Kennedy as my featured author this month--so much so that I'll be featuring her into part of June to give my readers some extra time to enter my contest for a chance to win DOUBLE ENCHANTMENT, the second book in her exciting series.

Kathryne stopped by the ol' blog pub to chat with me and I asked some probing, earth-shattering questions.

Erin (earth shattering question #1): What thought or message would you want to put in a fortune cookie?

Kathryne (revealing answer #1): Your life will always be filled with family, friends, and laughter.

E: What a great answer. I completely agree. There are too many days that my family, friends and a little maniacal laughter is all that stands between me and insanity.

Okay, so if you had to give up a favorite food, which would be the most difficult to give up?

K: Chocolate! Take anything else away from me, but not my chocolate.

E: LOL. I agree--although it would be a toss-up for me between bread and chocolate. I do love my carbs. What is one item that you really should throw away, but probably never will?

K: Oh, dear. I’m not a hoarder. My husband is, though, and he drives me nuts with the things he will keep because he might need them ten years from now (at which time he forgets he even has them). So, if anything should be thrown away, I do it. No remorse.

E: I come from a long line of hoarders. My grandmother had an entire room in her house that was floor to ceiling boxes. If she needed it again, she'd never find it. My mom tries to be better, but somethings are ingrained. When I married, my husband broke me of that habit. I don't hoard at all anymore--however, I do occasionally toss something and then later wish I hadn't.

Final question, and guess what? It's a book question—favorite hero you’ve ever written. Why?

K: Whenever I finish a book, it’s my favorite. Until I start a new one. So it would have to be Nico in Enchanting the Beast. He’s very earthy and predatory, and at the same time, young and impulsive. He protects those around him possessively, and yet can allow them the freedom to be their selves. He’s a were-wolf, and embraces that side of himself, maybe a bit too much. His inherent humanity is always at odds with his beast. He’s got dark brown hair liberally streaked with blond, which constantly flops over his face, hiding his eyes and thoughts from others. His dark brown eyes have flecks of gold in them, and when he wants something they glitter with determination…sigh. I fell for Nico hard while writing this book. :}

E: Hell, I fell from him just from this paragraph of description. He sounds WONDERFUL.

So other than sexy Nicol, tell us about your new release and why YOU think we’ll love it.

K: ENCHANTING THE BEAST is about ghost-hunter Philomena Radcliff, who is hired to solve the mystery of Sir Nicodemus Wulfson’s haunted castle. Nico is a were-wolf who has more difficulties than a few angry spirits. Phil is a spinster who finds herself extraordinarily attracted to the young Sir Nico, and is soon tangled up with him in more ways than just hunting for his ghosts.

If you love Gothic romances, ghost-hunting, a world of magic, Victorian history, a murder mystery, a love story between a younger man and an older woman and shape-shifters of all sorts and sizes, you should love ENCHANTING THE BEAST.

E: Oh there's no doubt I'm going to love it. I'm one of your biggest fans and I think your books are fantastic. You have been receiving amazing reviews for this one too so I know I'm not alone in loving it.

Readers, if you'd like to win a copy of DOUBLE ENCHANTMENT, Book II in this fabulous series, stop by at http://www.erinquinn.info/Contest.htm and enter. I'll also throw in an amazon gift certificate and a copy of one my previously published titles.

Thank you Kathryne for stopping by. I know you are very busy right now creating your great NEW series which will be debuting in the not too distant future. To learn more about Kathryne Kennedy, visit her website at http://kathrynekennedy.com/