Sunday, December 27, 2009

Last few days to enter contest for copy of Erin's books + My Unfair Lady


Just sending out the word--my contest featuring the wonderful Kathryne Kennedy will be closing on New Year's eve.  Of course each month I offer a new contest, but you won't have the chance at Kathryne's book. To enter my contest, go to http://www.erinquinn.info/ and click on the contest link. It's that easy.

I'm looking for new topics to blog about in 2010.  If you have a question you'd like answered by an author--let me know and I'll see if I can answer it myself or find an author who can.  If you would like me to interview YOUR favorite author, drop me a line.  I love talking to new authors and would love to bring fans together with writers.

And don't forget....HAUNTING WARRIOR available for preorder now!  I'll be posting a contest for preorders soon so just hang onto your proof of purchase to enter.

Sending wishes for the happiest new year ever your way!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays!


It's hard to believe it's that time of year again, but whether we believe it or not, the time is here.  I have all my Christmas shopping done, my cards are in the mail (and a day earlier than last year which means they MIGHT arrive in time for Christmas, ha ha).  I have a page count to hit today and then I'm officially on vacation!  I'm hoping to do some baking and spend some quality time with my amazing family. 

I find myself feeling overwhelmed by the many blessings I have in my life.  I hope you find yourself in the same, humbling, wonderful place.

Whatever your religion, whatever customs you celebrate, I wish you the happiest, merriest of times.  May your life be filled with love, respect and many rewards.  And to all a very Happy New Year!

PS:  Don't forget it's cold out there, even if you have a fur coat.  Bring your pets indoors!  Pictured above, Nala (the Wonder Lab), Buttercup (aka Bean from HAUNTING BEAUTY) and Pixie (the 8 pound, 14 year old toothless Alpha of the pack)

Erin

Monday, December 14, 2009

Welcome Kathryne Kennedy!



I'm so excited to have one of my all time favorite authors on the site today.  Kathryne Kennedy is the author of the Relics of Merlin series, acclaimed for her world-building and best known for her historical paranormal romances. Her latest release, MY UNFAIR LADY combines her wonderful characters that are her trademark with a delightful glimpse into Victorian England. 

Welcome, Kathryne!

Kathryne:  Hi Erin! Thanks so much for having me here on your blog today! I’m really looking forward to visiting with you! So, let me just jump right in to the questions that you asked me:

Erin:  Works for me.  First question:  Most authors have an original idea that sparks the creation of a novel. For MY UNFAIR LADY, what was that spark?



Kathryne:  The movie, MY FAIR LADY, based on Shaw’s PYGMALION. Being a romantic at heart, I was kinda disappointed in the ending. I wanted a true happily-ever-after! But it was the theme of the story that inspired me more than the plot itself. Must a woman transform herself to find a man to love her? Will changing your outward appearance have any effect on what’s truly inside of you? And more importantly, do we place too much emphasis on outward appearances, and not enough on an individual’s character? I wanted to explore all those questions in MY UNFAIR LADY, and had fun exploring them with my outrageous, knife-wielding heroine, Summer Wine Lee.

Erin:  I loved Summer Wine Lee.  She had such personality and energy.  I loved her gusto for life.  Next question:  You know I'm a huge fan and one of the things I love best about your books is the breadth and depth of your imagination. You think of things I'd never even dream of. Does that creativity just come from brain to fingertips, or do you have some process for finding such fresh and creative ideas?

Kathryne:  I was blessed (or cursed, depending on your point of view! My poor husband…if he’s late 10 minutes, I’ve got him in a car crash, laying on a street somewhere bleeding from several wounds…you get the idea) with an over-active imagination. Thank heavens I had my writing to turn my imagination to!


So, I start out with creating the world, which is always such fun, and then once I start writing, all the details just start to flow through. A lot of it comes from my characters. For example, in my upcoming Georgian Fantasy romance series (THE ELVEN LORDS, book one, THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER), I had two secondary characters pop up in the book, and I gave each of them an extraordinary magical ability.

(Erin:  Unscheduled break from your station sponsor--THE FIRE LORD'S LOVER is FABU-LOUS!  I got to sneak preview and love, love, loved it!  Comes out in July 2010 if you're wondering....  Okay, back to the interview.)

Kathryne (continued):  And then later on, those abilities actually affected the plot. It wasn’t planned, it just happened through the story and characters. Now the hero’s abilities, that of fire magic, was planned from the beginning, as were the heroine’s ability to perform death dances. So I guess it’s half planned, and half not. :}

Erin:  What inspires you?

Kathryne:  Phew! I wrote an entire blog post for Fresh Fiction on all the things that inspire me! They come from anywhere and everywhere. But, I’m so glad you asked the question, because there was one thing I forgot when I listed them. Music. Now, I don’t listen to music when I’m writing (I’ve heard a lot of authors do) because I have to visualize myself in the world, and then I tell my reader what I’m seeing. But, songs do inspire me. For THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER, there’s a song by the rock band HEART called MAGIC MAN, which inspired my hero, General Dominic Raikes (He’s got magic hands, mama.)

Erin:  Did I mention that I was in love Dominic.  :-)  Okay, next question, Favorite recent books that you've read and have stuck in your mind long after you put them down?

Kathryne:  HAUNTING WARRIOR, by Erin Quinn (I’m one of your biggest fans, and feel honored to have read it before its release!),

Erin:  Yay!  You just made my whole darned month!!  Thank you!

Kathryne:  SOULLESS, by Gail Carriger (Fun, amazing and romantic), KUSHIEL'S MERCY by Jacqueline Carey (all of her books astound me), SLAVE TO SENSATION by Nalini Singh (a dreamy, passionate romance).

Erin:  I have SOULLESS on my nightstand and can't wait to read it.  KUSHIELL'S MERCY I haven't read yet, but am adding it to my list.  Love Nalini Singh--big fan of her too!

Kathryne:  Thanks so much for asking such great questions, Erin! I’ll be giving away an autographed copy of the first book in my Victorian Fantasy romance series, THE RELICS OF MERLIN, ENCHANTING THE LADY, to one lucky reader. 

Erin:  And I'll throw in an autographed copy of ECHOES OR WHISPERS (readers choice) and a $10 gift card!  To enter the contest, go to http://www.erinquinn.info/Contest.htm

Bonus!!!  Leave a comment for Kathryne and be entered twice in the contest!

Kathryne, thank you so much for stopping by and chatting!  Readers, if you haven't yet read Kathryne Kennedy, you don't know what you're missing.  Her books are amazing!  Hope you have enjoyed this interview.  Don't forget to stop by www.erinquinn.info and click on CONTEST to enter to win!

To learn more about Kathryne's books, visit http://www.kathrynekennedy.com/

In stores December 2009:



My Unfair Lady

By Kathryne Kennedy

Victorian Romance
Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN: 978-1-4022-2990-9
December 2009
$6.99 US/MM Paperback

Purchase from publisher: http://www.sourcebooks.com/

Purchase from Amazon: http://astore.amazon.com/kathkennauth-20

For multiple links to purchase from your favorite on-line retailer: http://www.kathrynekennedy.com/




He created the perfect woman…


The impoverished Duke of Monchester despises the rich Americans who flock to London, seeking to buy their way into the ranks of the British peerage. So when railroad heiress Summer Wine Lee offers him a king’s ransom if he’ll teach her to become a proper lady, he’s prepared to rebuff her. But when he meets the petite beauty with the knife in her boot, it’s not her fortune he finds impossible to resist…






For the arms of another man


Frontier-bred Summer Wine Lee has no interest in winning over London society—it’s the New York bluebloods and her future mother-in-law she’s determined to impress. She knows the cost of smoothing her rough-and-tumble frontier edges will be high. But she never imagined it might cost her heart…

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Dreams


Do you ever have dreams where you can't understand what the person you're talking to in the dream is saying?  I had one of those last night and I woke up with a headache from trying to figure it out.  Wonder what my subconcious was trying to tell me.  I'm a confused mess, maybe?  LOL.

Hope you're having a great weekend. 

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Check out MY UNFAIR LADY--on bookshelves now


Wonderful regency with a flair for the American west.  How can you go wrong?  I highly recommend Kathryne Kennedy's MY UNFAIR LADY.  Kathryne will be my guest author later this month so be sure to check back!

A wild west heiress, Summer Wine Lee knows that she's not an acceptable bride for her fiance's knickerbocker family. She grew up in an Arizona mining town, cares more for critters than people, carries a knife under her skirts, and, worst of all, she has a highly improper secret from her past. But she also has high hopes that a real English Duke can teach her how to be a lady…


Were it not for his father's gambling debts, the Duke of Monchester would never have stooped to civilize Summer. But the more time he spends with her, and the more social scrapes he has to rescue her from, the more he finds it impossible to change her into a proper lady. How could he, when he's falling in love with her just the way she is?

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Autographed books make great stocking stuffers....


I'm going to be signing books at Borders Bookstore, Scottsdale Fashion Square

When:  Saturday, December 5, 2009. I'll be there from 11am-3pm so stop by and say hi!

Where:  Borders Books, Scottsdale Fashion Square, 7135 E. Camelback Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (directions to the store: http://www.borders.com/online/store/StoreDirectionsView_641)

Phone: 480.423.0700

Autographed books make great stocking stuffers....

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Scottsdale Library--FREE event

Today I'm going to be at the Scottsdale Library and Civic Center:

Desert Rose is Proud to Announce our Fourth Annual Fall Writers' Workshop


It's FREE and open to all fiction writers - no registration necessary!



Where: Scottsdale Civic Center Library

3839 N. Drinkwater Boulevard

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

DOWNSTAIRS



Schedule:

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.:

Free coffee and tea from Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. Workshops:

Thinking Like an Editor, by Tina Gerow

Genres, by Gini Koch

It's All About the Emotion, by Linda Style

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Workshops:

New Authors, by Kris Tualla

Red Carpet Writing, by Amber Scott

Get Happily Published in a Changing Market, by Vijaya Schartz

12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.: LUNCH ON YOUR OWN - close restaurants avail. within the Civic Center Mall

1:30 p.m. - 2:20 p.m. Keynote Speaker:

Seeing the Hero in Your Own Journey of Writing, by Erin Quinn

2:30 p.m. - 3:20 p.m. Workshops:

Psychology for Creating Characters, by Laurie Schnebly Campbell

Promotion, by Kim Watters, Carol Webb, and Tina Lavon

The Dance of Plot and Character, by Connie Flynn

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Workshops:

Point of View, by Donna Hatch and Vicki Gaia

Writing the Synopsis, by Cathy McDavid

Suspense: Fact and Fiction, by Pamela Tracy and Kerry Drogan



CLICK HERE FOR THE FALL WRITERS' WORKSHOP BROCHURE IN WORD FORMAT.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FALL WRITERS' WORKSHOP BROCHURE IN RTF FORMAT.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FALL WRITERS' WORKSHOP BROCHURE IN PDF FORMAT.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Welcome Sharon Hooper!


I love meeting new authors and so it's exciting to introduce Sharon Hooper, author of THE DIARIES OF AVALON ROSE: FIRST BLUSH.  FIRST BLUSH is the highly sensual first volume in the series about Avalon's adventures, and her lineage that goes back generations.  Romantic Times calls THE DIARIES OF AVALON ROSE: FIRST BLUSH "a promising debut" and Night Owl Romance says "Sharon Hooper has written a great story that is both titillating and scorching. It also leaves the reader eagerly turning the next page."


Sharon stopped by to chat with me and answer some of my typically probring questions....  So, welcome, Sharon!  It's great to have you as my guest.  Let me start this interview with question about childhood....


Erin:  What was your favorite thing to do as a kid?


Sharon:  As a kid, growing up in Portland, Maine, most of my favorite activities revolved around being outside--ice skating in the woods, tobogganing, hay rides, camping at the lakes and going to orchards to pick apples in the fall. In the summer, the beach was the thing! As teenagers, my friends and I thought nothing of biking ten miles to the nearest stretch of sand, but I have to admit, we did call our fathers now and then, begging for rides home. I also loved to read and created hideaways at home with signs pinned to the blankets, daring anyone to disturb my privacy.


Erin:  I think I had my nose buried in a book from the time I learned to read until...well...still do...  Next

Question....Do you believe in ghosts?

Sharon:  Absolutely, I believe in ghosts. When I was younger, my imagination (or maybe not) used to play tricks on me in the house where I grew up. It was a lovely three story Victorian, which was divided into two homes. The house was built in 1898 for a family with five daughters. When I lived there, one of the daughters (then quite elderly) still lived there on the first floor, but slept on the third floor. We lived in the middle floor. Every night at 9 p.m. we could hear her walking up the back stairs to the empty “attic,” still to sleep in the room she had been born in. Many times, in the dead of night, I was sure that I heard a swishing sound that echoed through the stairwell, but I couldn’t convince anyone that there might be a ghost.

When we lived in the Northwest woods for 12 years recently, I had many magical experiences. Indian voices frequently spoke to me. I even found myself in occasional trances which all involved Northwest Native American episodes. About ten years ago, before we moved to Sedona, we intermittently stayed in various cottages up Oak Creek Canyon. One night, I was sound asleep and I felt warm air blowing in my left ear. I sat straight up thinking my husband was playing a joke, but he was still snoring. Looking quickly to my left, I saw the form of a statuesque and handsome man with almost copper- colored skin, smiling, his body just beginning to disappear. I asked the proprietor about it the next morning. She said that a few women had had encounters with this person, who she believed was her father (and quite the ladies man) who had built the cottages.

Erin:  Wow!  My ghosts are mostly in my head--not complaining about that, though!  Next question, If someone made a movie of your life would it be a drama, a comedy, a romantic-comedy, action film, or science fiction?



Sharon:  Hmmm….My life has been so diverse, it would have to be a combination of drama, comedy, romance and action. I love having lived all these segments! I’ve never been accused of being a “drama queen” but have lived through much drama, including your usual challenging childhood, then the first marriage that was more drama than romance. However, I was blessed with my father’s sense of humor and indulged in more of a comedic/adventurous lifestyle once I got through therapy  One can choose to excel through life’s adversities or cave in. I love being of service to others…and also being balanced and tending to my own diverse needs.

I’ve been madly in love with my second husband for 25 years and absolutely adore my two sons and three grandsons. I facilitate retreats, love being on retreat by myself, hike, travel, play African drums, am passionate about helping women succeed in life and business, carry books with me everywhere and love love love evening fires with marshmallows at the beach. Except for my own solo retreats, my head is always in action, thinking up new businesses, ideas and stories. And my other profession as a life and business coach allows me to indulge in all these concepts without having to personally make them happen! However, I am also blessed with reading wondrous unpublished books since my husband and I have our own publishing company. Yes, I am busy…and I know there is a special place in heaven for entrepreneurs.

Erin:  I think my life would definitely be a comedy--the kind that makes you laugh so hard that you pee your pants.  Can't complain about that.  I've been married only once and to the same man for almost 22 years.  Sometimes it feels like forever, but in a good way.  Now, onto the most important question.... tell us about your latest release and why you think we’ll love it!




Sharon:  My latest release, The Diaries of Avalon Rose—First Blush, was quite an adventure! I have to admit this “first” Avalon Rose is kind of quirky, but definitely captivating. All the characters have strong and amiable personalities. The book describes events that take place in 1877 at an English country estate southeast of London. When Avalon takes up employment as a domestic, she discovers that the staff is made up of unusually attractive men and women whose duties require more than just cleaning and cooking. She quickly falls in love with two men and leaves the estate after only one week when she receives a huge surprise!

Since it’s my first romantic enterprise, I was delighted when it got terrific reviews from Romantic Times Book Reviews, and even a “top pick” from Night Owl Romance. I had great fun letting the character lead me on a merry romp through my imagination and the keyboard. The book actually wrote me once Avalon’s name came to light in my mind. And when I decided to add illustrations throughout the book, it made the story feel more alive.

I labeled the book “Victorian erotica” because there are sexy scenes with women together and also many hot settings with men…and, well, maybe a few men and one or two women. There will be several books in the series, all diaries and journals from Avalon’s heritage dating back as far as the middle ages. I’m working on the second diary now, Entwined Desires (April distribution), the continuation of Avalon’s story in 1877 and her mother’s narrative of daring love and adventure which begins in 1840. Okay, a little hint about book two…the mother is sent to a convent in Italy for misbehavior, and then the fun begins—in fact, it leads her all the way to the Vatican!



Subsequent books will be much longer than First Blush. I’m excited about deepening plots and correlating more history with the Avalon Rose lineage…intelligent, empowered and merry women of romance and intrigue…and sometimes downright dangerous. Who knows which diary will take up the threads after Mother’s spicy exploits?!

Erin:  Sharon, thank you so much for stopping by!  It's been such a pleasure to meet you and learn more about your books!

Readers, don't forget to enter the contest at http://www.erinquinn.info/Contest.htm.  If you leave a comment for Sharon, you'll double your chance of winning!

Don't forget to stop by my site to see my new cover for HAUTNG WARRIOR.  My OH MY, it's a beautiful thing. http://www.erinquinn.info/index.htm

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Another day in paradise....

Well sorta, ha ha.  A lot to do on a limited schedule today.  Hey, don't forget to stop by and say hi at these upcoming events:

Tuesday, November 10, Valley of the Sun RWA General meeting, Ironworks Restaurant, 17233 N. 45th Avenue, Phoenix. 602.843.0909. More information.  VOS allows guests to attend 2 meetings before joining as members, so come be a guest!


Saturday, November November 21, Scottsdale Library Civic Center, Desert Rose Fall Writers Conference. Erin Quinn will be the keynote speaker at this free event! More information.


Saturday, December 5, 11am - 3pm Book signing at Borders Scottsdale Fashion Square (Camelback & Scottsdale Rd.)

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Find me in the cavern


Romance Junkies is doing a fun contest this month.  Come find me in the cavern :)  Hover over items to see the contest name and click for more information.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Welcome Nancy Henderson



I'm so pleased to be spotlighting Nancy Henderson today on my blog. Nancy is the author of historical and paranormal novels and her latest THE STRANGER IN HIS BED. As usual, I've prepared some amazing questions to learn more about Nancy!


So let's get started....


Erin: Nancy, inquiring minds want to know... What Internet site do you surf to the most?


Nancy: I'm a blog addict. I can't start the day without reading all about what my favorite authors are doing.


Erin: Okay, so your a blog lurker. I can relate. I do that too. Next up, weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?


Nancy: Eel. Eel soup to be exact. It was terrible. At least, I think it was terrible because I knew what it was. Perhaps if I hadn't known, it would have tasted more like chicken. LOL


Erin: For me it was snail, and I'd never actually seen a snail until years later when I lived in California. After looking at that slimy thing crawling on my window, I almost passed out. Next, what would you do if you didn’t have to work? (If you don’t have to work already, tell us what you do. J)


Nancy: Write a lot more. Or maybe procrastinate about writing a lot more!


Erin: You know, I have that fear too! If I didn't have a million things to do, would I still be doing a million things? Who knows. What is your pet peeve in traffic?


Nancy: People who don't use their turn signals. Also, all this talk about people driving while texting is beginning to scare me. I recently heard a teenager was killed locally just the other night from this. Very, very scary.


Erin: I have teenagers and it scares me every day of my life thinking that they might be doing that. Allllrighty.....let's get to the good question! Tell us about your latest release and why you think we’ll love it!



Nancy: I'm so in love with my latest historical romance, Stranger In His Bed.
Here's a blurb:
A spy for the British, Cat Sterling is used to living dangerously. Despite having a bounty on her head, she never expects to be shot in the line of duty and left for dead.

Angus French has enough problems without finding a near dead woman on his property. A Revolution was coming and British sympathizers have just burned down his tavern. The last thing he needs to do is to be caught housing a woman who's working for them.

The price on Cat's head will more than pay for the damage done to his business. He never expects Cat to see him as kindness and security, two things she's never had. And he never expects to learn that Cat has a few secrets of her own...

Thanks for reading about me and my books. Be sure to check out my website at: http://www.nancyhenderson.com/ or my blog: http://www.nancyhenderson.blogspot.com/ I love hearing from and chatting with readers!


Thanks for stopping by Nancy. Don't forget to go to http://www.erinquinn.info/Erin_Quinn/Contest.htm to enter this month's contest for books and a stationary set with goodies inside!

Painfully late on updates, but writing, writing, writing


I have so much to do and not enough time. I know, the mantra of just about every person on the planet. I will be updating my contests soon and sending out my newsletter. Hopefully tonight. :) In the meantime, one more day to enter the great contest I have posted now! Go to www.erinquinn.info and click on contests for more details.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Are you anywhere near Scottsdale Arizona?


If so, come see me at the Manuscripts and Munchies event on October 5. That's right, tomorrow. Make it your fun last-minute thing to do on a Monday night.

Monday, September 28, 2009

popculturedivas--check us out

Hi All, I've joined popculturedivas--it's a great blog with a cool perpective. Come by and say hi!

popculturedivas

Shared via AddThis

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Like lightning, only better


Two nights ago, a 3 am alarm went off in my head. I didn't set my alarm, so it was a shocker when it started screaming like a siren. I was tired and had to work in a few hours, so I wasn't too thrilled to be awake, but then one of those amazing things happened. My brain, which has been sadly dysfunctional of late, started working.


I've been struggling with this new story idea for weeks now. I've titled it, re-titled it, written chapters one, two and three, deleted chapters one, two and three, retitled the book again, rewrote the chapters and still...nothing. None of that blossoming feeling of rightness. None of that excitement to get back to it. Just an idea--a pretty good idea--and a bunch of crappy pages that don't come close to defining it.


And then, the alarm.


Suddenly this new idea just filled my head from corner to corner. (Yes, sometimes my head is very fat and very square.) And just like that, I have a living, breathing, exciting concept that is so anxious to get out it's beating against the tin pan I call a brain and demanding attention. In four days it's gone from shadows to living color to page one.
Woo hoo! I love it when that happens!


PS: Don't forget my Win 1 For the Pets contest. It only has a few more days....

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Exciting week for Haunting Beauty!


I've been recieving some exiting reviews of late. Check them out:


From CK2S Kwips and Kritiques—5 out of 5—Recommended Read: “HAUNTING BEAUTY is far above your typical run-of-the mill paranormal romances. I savored every page and still wanted to reread it when I reached the end. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for HAUNTING WARRIOR!”


From: Fresh Fiction: "Quinn has written a terrific debut novel in HAUNTING BEAUTY. It's difficult for a novel to stand out from the rest [ . . . ] but Quinn has risen to the challenge with HAUNTING BEAUTY, a story that boasts both a complex plot and a new spin on the paranormal elements. I look forward to reading the sequel HAUNTING WARRIOR as soon as possible.”


From: Good, Bad, and Unread--Grade A+: "I love it when an author gives me something so different than what I’ve ever read before, and Ms. Quinn definitely does that. This is one of the best books that I have read lately. I’m looking forward to the next book, which features Danni’s twin, and I know time is going crawl before I have it my hands."


From: R&B Reading and Blogging: 4 1/2 stars "Erin Quinn has the ability to draw her audience with her through the normal and the paranormal fluidly. Her ability to slip through time and space in her writing captured me and catapulted me into a place I’d never been. Be assured it is provocative and seductive, a very satisfying read. It also appears to be the beginning of an exciting series. I really enjoyed reading this book."


From: Romance Book Wyrm: 5 stars: "Complex and fascinating to say the least!5 stars! Loved this book!"


Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Welcome Allyson James (aka Jennifer Ashley)


I'm excited and honored to have bestselling author Jennifer Ashley (and all her numerous personalities) to Quinn's Essentials! For those of you who don't know, Jennifer is a powerhouse writer and this month alone she has THREE, count them THREE, releases.

Erin: So Jennifer, as you know, I like to jump right into my interviews because, well, inquiring minds do want to know and with this busy month you've got ahead, we want to know NOW.

Tell, us, please: What is your guilty pleasure?

Jennifer: Sitting around watching DVDs of British mysteries (Last Detective, Cracker, Rosemary and Thyme, Lewis, Poirot, Miss Marple... ) If it's a cozy with a British accent, I'm there! I know English actors far better than I know American ones. One of the most recent shows, Wallander, with Kenneth Branaugh, was extremely well done. Want more...


Erin: I should have guessed at that one, but instead i was thinking reading, bathtub, champagne, chocolate.... oh wait, that's me. :)

Okay, another hard hitting question coming.... What is the best bumper sticker or t-shirt slogan you've ever seen?
Jennifer: Can't remember exact wording but: "A woman who wants to be equal to a man has no ambition." (hee hee hee)

Erin: *smirk* Like that one. When I asked you that question, I had a favorite of mine in mind which I was going to add as part of our witty repartee. Unfortunately, I have the short term memory of a gnat and I can't remember what the damned thing said. So I'll just quickly segue into my next question.

You have three releases in September! How do you keep all the books you write straight?



Jennifer: I don't. I figure the booksellers keep straight what's coming out when and have the books available (the awful thing is, they don't always!). I just write and turn in the manuscripts. I like each book for a different reason, and when I'm focused on a ms., none of the others exist. So I don't bother to try to keep them straight. It makes my head hurt. :-)

Erin: Well it makes my head hurt just thinking of how many words you must write a day. I've said it before but must say it again--you are amazing. I can't even IMAGINE publishing as many great books in as a short amount of time as you have.

Tell me something about each of the releases and what you loved about writing them.


Jennifer:

1. Mortal Seductions, by Allyson James (Berkley Heat): What I loved: Sexy shapeshifting guys! Demetri is a son of Apollo and a goddess, and he can become a tiger. Leon is a Cajun shapeshifter who can shift into any animal he's touched. Valerie gets to have them both (lucky lady). Valerie was a lot of fun to write; she frequently becomes her own evil twin!

2. Tales of the Shareem: Calder, by Allyson James (Ellora's Cave). What I loved: Shareem are men genetically created in a factory to be the ultimate pleasure slave. What's not to love? :-) Calder is a special guy, though. Tortured and scarred, he's sought after by women for his unique skills. Until he finds a lady who loves him for *him* of course.

3. "The Scotsman and the Vamp," by Jennifer Ashley in The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance, Vol. II. What I loved: This was a bit of fun for me--the Vamp is Claire, a female vampire who decided to run off to 1920s Hollywood rather than wait around for her "true mate." She becomes a silent film star instead! But her Scotsman, her mate, comes right after her. It's a funny story with cocktails, jazz, and HEA. Ok, you asked me to keep them straight, and now my head hurts. :-)

Erin: Holy Cow! Well they all sound wonderful to say the least. (Thinking, you've probably finished writing 2 books in the time it's taken me to put this interview on my blog).

Okay, last question: Will there be another book to follow up The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie? (You know I'm such a fan!)

Jennifer: Of course! I'm writing Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage right now, and it will be available from Berkley Sensation next summer. (The other two brothers will follow soon after that. Plus a shapeshifter series and a contemp. romance fantasy series.)

Thank you so much for stopping by, Jennifer. I know everyone is excited to read your latest and no one is complaining if you can write them fast--except my husband and kids, that is, who never see me without my nose in a book. *grin*

If you want to learn more about Jennifer Ashley/Allyson James, go to: http://jennifersromances.com/!

Jennifer is giving away a copy of Mortal Temptations (the first book in the series) and I'm giving away books and a gift card so go to: http://www.erinquinn.info/Contest.htm to enter!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

And the fun continues....Welcome Cassie Ryan!


For the final week of my celebration month, I am spotlighting the one and only Cassie Ryan. Cassie is both colleague and friend and it's my pleasure to have her here talking about life, time and Miss America. Well...maybe not exactly, but close enough. You know how my interviews go. You may learn something fun and you may not. :)



So diving right into the exciting interview....


Erin: Welcome, Cassie and congratulations on the release of the final book in the Trio of Seduction series! I know you have fans who were anxiously awaiting the conclusion (and will now be morose over knowing there isn't another one coming!)...no pun intended of course.


Okay, to launch into the questions. If you were in the "Miss America" talent competition, what would your talent be?


div>Cassie: Hmm, I think I’d have to do instrumental – something on clarinet or saxophone. I’d suck as a cheerleader, baton twirler, singer, dancer or etc...lol.


Erin: Well I probably wouldn't make it to the talent part. They'd boo me off after the swimsuit show. Lucky for me I'm smart and have a great personality, right? ha ha.


Okay, next question: If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it?



Cassie: A nice hot bath and a good book :)


Erin: There is a reason why we are friends, m'dear. That is my answer exactly. My kids say that I don't bathe, I marinate. I see nothing wrong with that.


Based on something you've already done, how might you make it into the Guinness Book of World Records?


Cassie: Uhhh....number of times I’ve re-read my favorite books, number of times I’ve told my son to pick up his socks off the floor, number of times I can curse at my characters within one scene when they aren’t listening? LOL! Don’t really think I’ve done anything that’ll get me close to record breaking yet :) But who knows, there’s always tomorrow.


Erin: I think I could qualify with the picking up socks off the floor times 2. (two daughters). It's enough to make a person nuts. The cursing my characters--it's more likely they are cursing me. Interesting and totally unrelated world record I recently learned about? Sabering Champagne Bottles. Seriously, there's a record. 21 bottles in 1 minute. I met the guy who broke it (You can watch the video here)

Okay, enough of that. Now for what we REALLY want to know: Tell us about your latest release and why YOU think we’ll love it.



Cassie: Trio of Seduction is the third book in my Seduction Trilogy and released at the end of July.

The moment she lays eyes on him, Dr. Kiera Matthews is mesmerized by the rugged, sexually charged man who is at once her saviour from danger and a sworn enemy of her mother's people. Yet, as he stands before her, pulsing with physical energy, Kiera feels an irresistible longing stirring deep within her. And when he speaks, his voice alone sends waves of desire through her body...a body that will soon discover its own sensual force. For Kiera is destined to reunite their estranged races - by joining herself with this man whose mission it has been to find her...As the 10th Prince of Klatch, an otherwordly clan whose sexual energy is their life force, Ryan has been searching for his future mate - the Healer who will help him restore his dying world. Now he has found her in the form of a fair-haired hellion born of an enemy society. But he has no doubt Kiera is his destiny. As a being who requires sex to survive, Ryan's fantasies were always filled with darkly beautiful women. But now it is this strong-willed blonde whom he craves and is determined to show her the most potent pleasure...

Trio brings back all the characters from Ceremony & Vision including the wonderfully evil bad guys—Queen Sela, her consort & Marco—as well as the Klatch, Tador and all the fun things like ponga and balda :) There’s more kick-butt action, hot, smoking-hot sex, a touching romance, snarky humor and a fast-paced story that all leads up to the final battle of good vs. evil.

Join me to find out what happens!

Erin: It sounds wonderful, Cassie. I big bang to end the series! Readers, leave a comment and stop by my website to enter a contest to win one of the Seduction books and other prizes!

For more information about Cassie Ryan, visit http://www.cassieryan.com/

Check back next week when my spotlight author will be Jennifer Ashley!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Welcome Sylvia Day

I am so excited to have Sylvia Day (aka SJ Day, aka Livia Dare) on as my spotlight author this week. If you read my blog at all, you know that I am one busy woman. But Sylvia makes me feel like a slacker. She has released a dynamite new series this year and two single titles (and I'm sure there is a novella or two in there as well). she is simply amazing! Not only that, but Sylvia is one of the nicest people I've ever met. She has helped me in so many ways that I can't begin to list them.

In short, love this lady!!!

So, to dive right into my deep and mind boggling questions....

Erin: What is your favorite part of the writing?


Sylvia: Submitting new proposals. There are so many possibilities inherent in the process--from the creation of the new world, to building a relationship with the editor, to entertaining a whole new audience. I'm a sucker for wide open spaces.


Erin: That is so funny. I think that is my least favorite. I live in paralyzing fear that I will run out of ideas and so when I sit down to think of something new, I am always terrified.


Next question... From your books, which hero would you be most likely to fall in love with and why?


Sylvia: It's a tie between Cain (from the Marked series) and Wulfric (from IN THE FLESH). Both men are honorable, but there's a distinct bad boy side to them. They'll go to any lengths to accomplish their goals and they're totally committed when it comes to love. I love confident, alpha males who aren't afraid to cross boundaries to claim what they want. Yummy...


Erin: I'm sorry, Sylvia, but Cain has already promised himself to me. :-) I haven't met Wulfric yet, but if he's in competition with Cain, then I'm already in love with him. You write TO DIE FOR heroes.


Next....Have you been told, you look like someone famous?


Sylvia: Yes, actually. Phoebe Cates. I don't see it, but I've heard that a few times.

Erin: I wouldn't have thought of it on my own, but ya know, I see it. I hear all the time that I look like somebody's sister, cousin, neighbor, distant uncle's wife. I used to get that I looked like Bernadette Peters, but no one probably remembers her anymore and I never thought I did.

This is fun. So, tell me.... Is there a story behind your name? What is it?

Sylvia: My mother wanted to name me Heather Ann. However, when people asked her what name she'd chosen and she'd tell them, they would all have something negative to say. It seems a lot of people knew a Heather or an Ann that they didn't like. So my mom came up with Sylvia June and kept it to herself. No one knew what my name was until I was born. Personally, I'm glad she went with Sylvia. I'm one of those people who loves their name. :)

Erin: I love this question because I think most people do have a story in their name. I was either going to be April or Spring or something like that, and my parents were fighting over it and finally Bing Crosby came on the radio singing When Erin's Eyes Are Smiling. They decided, what the hell, name her Erin. I have still never heard that song, btw.

Last and most important questions....tell us about your fabulous new series and what's coming next....

Sylvia: My latest series in a nutshell: Formerly agnostic Evangeline Hollis is marked with the Mark of Cain and becomes one of thousands of sinners worldwide who act as bounty hunters for God. She’s mentored by Cain, working for Abel, and desired by both men. The Marked series draws heavily from the Old Testament, but is very much an action-oriented, sexy, contemporary fantasy. As for what's coming next, I'm presently working on more historical romances. :)

Sylvia, thank you so much for stopping by and visiting. You can learn more about Sylvia Day and all her books under all her names at www.sylviaday.com.

Readers, be sure to check out my contest for this week. Sylvia is giving away a reader's choice of 3 of her titles and I'm giving away reader's choice of two PLUS a gift card PLUS a HAUNTING BEAUTY coffee mug. Go to www.erinquinn.info for more information.

And check back next week when Cassie Ryan will be up and the week after that....It's Jennifer Ashley!

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Welcome Chris Maria Green


I am so honored to have Chris Marie Green as my guest this week. I met Chris at the Romance Writers of America conference in Washington DC and new I had to coax her to come a'visting. :-) Chris is a powerhouse writer with her Vampire Babylon series now on book 5 and her other titles as Crystal Green. Chris is former school teacher turned full-time writer, gets out of the office by taking long trips to places such as Japan, Italy, and New Orleans. When she’s not causing international incidents, she enjoys yoga, reading just about everything, plus movie-going. She also writes under the name Crystal Green.

So as is typical of my interviews, I asked her some head scratching questions.

Erin: Chris, welcome to Quinn's Essentials. To dive right into our interview, tell me, what do you consider your greatest achievement?

Chris: Being published. I still want to laugh in amazement whenever I tell anyone that I’m a writer!

Erin: You know, as I was pulling these questions from the "think tank" I wondered how I would answer that. I think for me it would be staying published. Sometimes staying in this business is as hard as getting into it in the first place.

Next question, Do you have any phobias?

Chris: Hate snakes. Hate. Them. I’m hoping it’s not a Freudian thing.

Erin: You and Indy Jones. I'd say that's fine company to be in. :-) Since I'm usually only a footstep away from certifiable, I would hardly be one to pass Freudian judgment on you, but...

Okay, the questions get a little deeper now. Are you a morning or night person?

Chris: Definitely morning, although sometimes I have to force myself out of bed because, above all, I’m a sleep person. I love my snoozing time!

Erin: A woman after my own heart. I have friends who think sleeping in is getting up at 6am. SIX IN THE MORNING in case a.m. didn't register. I wonder how we ever came to be friends, lol. I love to sleep in and I love to stay up late. Of course the day job keeps me from indulging too much in my nocturnal tendancies.

If you had to describe yourself using three words, it would be…

Chris: Ambitious, mellow, dorky.

Erin: Ha! Love those. I should have followed that one up with how would others describe you. You struck me as ambitious, together and fun.


Okay, now tell us what we all REALLY want to know. Tell us about your new release and why YOU think we'll like it.

Chris: THE PATH OF RAZORS is the fifth book in the Vampire Babylon series. If you like twists in a story, then I think this might be for you: basically, the series is noir-urban fantasy. I try to make my vampires sympathetic yet still mean, take-no-prisoners survivors in the end. The same goes for my hunters sometimes! Hopefully, you’ll get a roller coaster ride out of it. : )

Erin: Chris, thakn you so much for stopping by! Readers, below is the book one trailer to the vampire babylon series. I know this is going to make you want to see more so go to: http://www.vampirebabylon.com/ to see the very latest trailer!




Monday, August 3, 2009

Welcome Joyce Lamb!

It is my extreme pleasure to welcome the first of my spotlight authors this month, Rita award nominee romantic suspense author, Joyce Lamb. Joyce's latest release, COLD MIDNIGHT, will be on bookshelves August 4th and it looks like a great read. Click here to read a first chapter excerpt.
As is my custom, I decided to ask some incredibly astute and revealing questions, but then good sense kicked in and I went with my norm. :) So, jumping right in.....

Erin: Joyce, inquiring minds want to know...Have you ever been frightened for your life?

Joyce: I'm frightened for my life every day when I drive to work in D.C. traffic! I once read a book in which a character "drove the Beltway" so he could relax and get his head around a problem. (The Beltway is an interstate that loops around the D.C. metro area in Virginia and Maryland.) I knew right then and there that that author had very likely never driven on the Beltway. There's no way you can possibly relax in all that crazy traffic. On the other hand, all the aggression I suppress during those daily drives comes flying out when I sit down at my desk to write. So in this case fear is good, right?

Erin: Hey, I can relate. I'm always scared to death, and sometimes just of myself....

Okay, next (not so) brilliant question...What is your most favorite place on earth?

Joyce: My most favorite place on earth is the beach. Doesn't matter which beach, as long as there's sand, waves and nothing that smells bad. I fell in love with the beach when I lived in Fort Myers, Fla., in the early 1990s. On Sundays, I would take a book and trek to THE best beach spot in Naples, about 30 miles away. Very few tourists and lots of places to park (a huge luxury in that area). Sometimes, I'd stop in at my favorite Barnes & Noble to pick up something new to read. I met Tami Hoag at a signing there once. That was so cool -- even cooler when a decade later, Booklist compared my writing with hers. But I digress. When I get stuck in a story, a trip to the beach can really get the creative juices flowing again. It’s also good for the tan.


Erin: I love the beach as well. I recently took my 15 year old daughter and best friend to San Diego and we spent the best afternoon there. sigh. You met Tami Hoag--huge fan. Dark Horse was one of my favorite books, so dark and tortured. I would be happy dancing around the moon to be compared to her. Well done YOU, girl! Hear that readers? You gotta read COLD MIDNIGHT.


Next question....Do you believe in aliens?


Joyce: I'd like to believe in aliens, as long as they're benevolent space explorers who don't arrive on Earth to dominate the human species. And if they look like Teal'c on Stargate SG-1, even better! All those muscles, oh, yeah, uh huh … where was I? Oh, yes, aliens. A part of me must believe in aliens, because some of my favorite TV shows have revolved around aliens or outer space. Farscape. Firefly. The X-Files. Invasion. The recent Battlestar Galactica. I have no trouble suspending disbelief. I probably wouldn’t write a book that has aliens in it, though. I’d have trouble topping such top-notch writing as what I’ve enjoyed in shows like Farscape and Firefly and BSG and … you get the picture.


Erin: I'm with you there, girlfriend. I LOVED the Battlestar Galactica series (although I've yet to find out who the last cylon is--got the DVDs but haven't watched yet, I dunno why). I have not seen Stargate yet, but it's in my Blockbuster queue. I never manage to watch anything when it first comes out. Again, dunno why. I just recently finished watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer for the first time, if that gives you any indication of how behind I am.


Now, onto the REAL question...Tell us about your new release and why YOU think we'll like it.


Joyce: Cold Midnight is about a woman who was on her way to being a tennis sensation when a brutal attack ended her dream. Unable to deal with the aftermath, she fled everything she loved – including her childhood sweetheart. She returns to her hometown 10 years later to try to reclaim what she’s lost. She’s changed, her ex has changed, and neither knows how to deal with it – and they don’t deal with it well (it’d be no fun if they did, right?).


Erin: No, indeed, it would not. :)


Joyce: It doesn’t help that there’s a killer trying to finish what he started 10 years ago.


At the most basic level, Cold Midnight is about an imperfect couple mired in an imperfect situation. Sometimes they act like jerks, and sometimes you might want to throttle them. But, to me, that’s what makes them human. Oh, and they have some pretty freakin’ hot and sweaty sex. Someone has to have priorities, you know.



Erin: Indeed they do!


Joyce, Cold Midnight sounds like a fabulous book and I can't wait to read it. Cold Midnight will be on bookshevles everywhere on August 4th so run, don't walk to your local bookstore and get your copy now. :)
To celebrate our new releases, Joyce and I are giving away autographed copies of our previous titles. Click here to enter!

Thanks for stopping by and good luck with your new release!

Saturday, July 11, 2009

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!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

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!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

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.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

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!