West Midlands Attending Author: Laura Morgan

January 10, 2017January 9, 2017 gibbsdreamLeave a comment

1.Can we start with your name and where you’re from?

I’m Laura Morgan, originally from Essex but I now live in the West Midlands.

2. Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?

Oh absolutely. I love reading anything dark and powerful. I found there was a real gap in that market a few years ago and that was what inspired me to write my first dark novel. They say if you can’t read the book you’re trying to find, then you have to write it, and that’s exactly what I did!

I do have a few big influences though. JR Ward is one of my all time favourites, as is Pepper Winters and Colleen Hoover.

3. What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?

I’m one who crosses over. I have a dark paranormal series, a contemporary romance duology and a crime novel coming out soon. I also write dystopian science fiction under another pen name too. I just write what comes to me, regardless of genre.

4. If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?

I’d have to say Rhage from the Black Dagger Brotherhood. I’ve always had a thing for the bad guy with a heart and he was the one character who stayed with me long after reading about him. I’d love to take him and make him my own. To pop him in my worlds and see what happens!

5. When did you first start writing?

I’ve always made up stories since being a child, but I only started properly writing them down around four years ago. I hadn’t even realised that coming up with stories in my head wasn’t what everyone did. I figured it was the norm to conjure up characters and storylines, but got the shock of my life when I realised that wasn’t quite the case. That realisation gave the push I needed to finally put pen to paper.

6. Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?

Both really. I plan some, usually at night while I tell myself a story to fall asleep. Then the next day, I type up what I came up with and then some more.

7. Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)

My favourite character has to be Cate, the Dark Queen in my Black Rose series. She’s dealt some pretty bad cards in the first book and is pushed in directions she doesn’t want to be, but then she finds her strength and turns it all around. She becomes a force to be reckoned with and I absolutely love her for every moment of it.

8. Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?

Not really. There are a few real moments I have added along the way. Secret scenes only those who know me really well will spot, but most of all I will see a real-life scenario and ask ‘what if?’ That’s what makes it into the story rather than a real event as such.

9. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?

I’m about to release a new story called Rough Love. This one is a modern day tale of both the good and bad in our world. A world where love can conquer all, but at the same time the monsters can also win a few of the battles along the way. It’s a contemporary crime with elements of romance, but fundamentally it’s a mystery and a dark one at that!

10. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?

Don’t get too swallowed up in sweating the small stuff. Just sit down and write. Blurt out an initial draft and don’t give up. It’s better to have a rough draft you can work on a million times than nothing at all.

11.What do you do when you’re not writing?

I love to sing and am part of the Military Wives Choir, through which I’ve had some great opportunities to sing with famous artists and even go on the radio with the amazing Chris Evans. I’ve written poems and songs for them as well and hope to have even more input as time goes on. It’s something I hadn’t thought I’d love so much when I started out doing but now couldn’t live without!

12. What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?

The marketing. I’m too nice and don’t like to bombard people or shove my cards under anyone’s nose I find. I’m awkward like that, but I guess it comes with the territory or being a loner who sits in front of a computer for hours on end talking to imaginary people lol!

13. We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?

Because I write romance, the amount of people who tell me random stories about their lovelife is unreal! But then they almost always follow up their story with a, ‘but don’t put that in your book!’ Really?! I think you fail to comprehend the complexity of the writers’ imagination if you think I’m going to put you in my next book 😉

14. What is your idea of happiness?

Being able to write and do what I love for the foreseeable future. I truly love what I do and would adore being able to write full time. My family are incredibly supportive and it’d also be amazing not to have to sacrifice my family time so much.

15. For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.

I love to sit down in my nice and warm writing cave with my coffee brewed to perfection and perhaps a biscuit or two for dunking. Next, it’s on with the writing playlist and I choose whichever one ties in with my current piece of writing. With (ideally) no distractions, I then close my eyes, focus on the story, and begin to type. The words are then not simply black and white symbols on a page, but the narration of the movie playing out in my head. They flow perfectly and only stop when I say so…

16. What makes you laugh/cry?

I’m a sucker for love. I cry at the sweetest of stories and the heart-warming ones. Laughing wise, I’m like a twelve year old. A good fart joke or someone falling over will get me giggling every single time!

17. You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.

I’ve got a serious fan-girl situation going on with a singer/writer called Corey Taylor so he’d be first on my list for shooting the breeze, singing together and having some fun (he also comes across as a hilarious guy.) After that, I’d have to go with some eye candy—the one and only Tom Hardy. He’s a great actor and has been the inspiration behind many of my leading men so he’d have to come along to keep on inspiring me 😉 Then, I’m thinking some more eye candy and my other inspiration, Henry Cavill. He seems so nice and gentlemanly, but also like he’d fun and perhaps let me ogle him while he’s swimming and hunting 😉

18. What is your most annoying habit?

I don’t think I have one really? My hubby might tell you differently though, but I do know I can be quite annoying with grinding my teeth at night. I sometimes wake myself up with the noise it’s that bad, oops!

19. Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)

I have quite an extensive collection now! The Black Rose series is my dark paranormal collection. They have angels and demons galore, and of course all the dark deeds you might expect given the setting. I cover controversial and taboo subjects, as well as the age-old concept of balance between the worlds of light and dark. I drag the reader kicking and screaming through both the good and bad in this and other worlds.

My contemporary romances Forever Lost and Forever Loved are set in the real world, but one just as dark in its own way. You have hookers and gangsters, but also the story of a young woman who’s overcoming her own history via their world. Plus, you have a hot alpha lead you cannot help but fall in love with haha!

With my science fiction, I wrote from another perspective. One of a futuristic society where the human race is no longer in charge of the earth. Following an alien invasion, the series begins with the story of a young woman who has been brought up under their reign, but she has a bright future ahead of her, if only she can overcome the obstacles in her path first.

Lightning round
Tea or Coffee? Both! Earl grey tea for me though, if you please
Cash or credit? Cash
Cats or Dogs? Dogs – I have a furry friend who sits by my feet as I type
Beach or Mountain? Beach, but always in the shade otherwise I melt haha
Summer or Winter? Winter
Sweet or Savoury? Savoury – I’m a crisp monster
Early riser or late riser? Late riser for sure!
Morning or Night? Night
Christmas Tree – real or fake? Fake
Sex – Lights on or off? On!

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

http://www.facebook.com/lauramorganauthor

https://www.facebook.com/LCMorgansauthor

www.lauramorgan.co

www.lcmorgan.co.uk

http://www.twitter.com/lauram241

http://www.goodreads.com/laura_morgan

https://www.goodreads.com/LC_Morgan

http://lauramorgan1.blogspot.com

https://instagram.com/lauramorganauthor/

Books · Life · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

West Midlands Book Signing Attending Author Interview: Lucy Felthouse

January 9, 2017January 7, 2017 gibbsdream5 Comments

1.Can we start with your name and where you’re from?

I’m Lucy Felthouse and I’m from Derbyshire.

2. Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?

Oh yes, reading has always been my first love. I used to whizz through all the books in the school library, and ones I’d been given by my older cousins. I particularly loved Enid Blyton. I don’t remember if any author or book in particular inspired me to write, but even as a child I was forever making up stories and scribbling them down in notebooks. I wish I could see those notebooks now!

3. What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?

I write erotica and erotic romance, but find that these themselves encompass a lot of different genres—I write contemporary, paranormal, thrillers, etc…

4.If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?

Harry Potter, because then I would be filthy rich. Not to mention having written a completely awesome world populated with amazing characters.

5. When did you first start writing?

I genuinely can’t remember. Like I said, when I was a child I used to scribble in notebooks, making up stories and things. So probably ever since I could physically write!

6. Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?

It depends. I’d never say I plan every inch of my books, but with some I do have a chapter by chapter plan, or a more general outline to ensure consistency and that I don’t lose my way, especially if the book is longer or more complex. But for short stories and some novellas I just tend to have an idea in mind and run with it and see what happens.

7. Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)

I think Alice from my first full-length novel, Stately Pleasures, is my favourite. Purely because it was my first full-length novel and therefore is my baby. And come on—she gets two smoking hot guys—what’s not to like?

8. Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?

Afraid not—my life really isn’t that interesting!

9. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?

I’m currently working on my first erotic spy thriller! It’s been a genre I’ve wanted to explore for a while, so I’m glad I finally got around to it. The thing is, it’s kind of spinning out into a series…

Here’s a little snippet:

Mallory Scott spotted the people she was looking for as soon as she walked into the hotel bar. Hell, she hadn’t even needed to search, they were being so loud and obnoxious that they were practically screaming for attention.

Stupid, in Mallory’s opinion. If you’re going to run an international diamond scam, then surely you’d want to keep a low profile? But no, apparently these guys didn’t give a shit. Not only were they screaming for attention, and getting it, she noticed, as other patrons of the bar shot them the occasional glare, they were also projecting the fact that they were filthy rich. They were supping on the most expensive champagne money could buy and asking if they could have some oysters and caviar brought in. The overwhelming arrogance made her blood boil, but she consoled herself with the fact that by the time she was done with them, they’d be taken down by more than a peg or two—they’d be at rock bottom.

Heading for a table in a position where she could watch them, but remain partially hidden behind a pillar, she shook her head. She could hardly believe they’d kept their multi-million-pound enterprise going for so long. If they ran their operation as sloppily as their current behavior indicated they might, it was a miracle indeed.

Not that it mattered. They could be running the tightest ship ever known to man, and she would still find a way to take them down. It was what she did. For years now, she’d been successfully infiltrating illegal operations of varying kinds, then gradually dismantling them from the inside. Before the criminals realized what was happening, it was too late, their wrists were practically in the handcuffs, their asses on their way to jail.

10. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?

Read lots in your chosen genre, learn to edit your own work, and if you’re signing contracts with publishers, read them thoroughly. It’s exciting when someone wants to buy your work, but not everyone is trustworthy.

11. What do you do when you’re not writing?

Read, of course! Play with my dog, spend time with my other half, go out walking in the countryside, visit stately homes and historical sites, go to the cinema, go travelling. I love exploring new places.

12. What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?

None of it, really. I’m an editor and a marketer/publicist as well as a writer, so it’s all my day job! I have to do the paid work first, though, having bills to pay and food to buy, so I do often wish I had more time to write.

13. We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?

This isn’t anyone in particular, but I’ve found it a lot—people think that all writers earn a fortune. If only that were true! We have to work damn hard and for very little reward, and then some people complain about paying a couple of quid for an eBook when they spend more than that on a cup of coffee.

14. What is your idea of happiness?

That’s a very deep question, and I’m currently feeling pretty crappy with a cold and therefore woolly-headed, so I’m not even going to attempt it right now. LOL.

15. For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.

See above question! But any setting that is quiet with no distractions is good for me!

16. What makes you laugh/cry?

My other half and my dog make me laugh. They’re both nuts.

17. You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.

Bear Grylls—he’s both practical and kinda hot.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Chris Hemsworth. I think I’ve got a reasonable variety of men there, so I won’t get bored…

18. What is your most annoying habit?

Just one? I’m sure I’ve got loads! Probably you should be asking my other half this… or maybe not 😉

19. Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)

I have tons of books, so I’ll stick with full-length books here, I think!

The Billionaire and the Wild Man

Flynn Gifford is enjoying a simple existence in a rural Derbyshire village when Caroline Rogers crashes into his life, barefoot and panicked.

Their lives could hardly be more different—she owns a successful luxury hotel chain, and he’s a penniless nomad who’s off the grid—yet neither can deny the attraction that burns between them. As Caroline reluctantly starts to open up to him, Flynn finds himself divulging some secrets of his own, secrets he thought he’d take to his grave.

But can a billionaire and a wild man ever make a relationship work, or will their secrets keep them apart?

Buy links: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/the-billionaire-and-the-wild-man/

The Persecution of the Wolves

Werewolf brothers Matthew and Isaac have lived in the peaceful village of Eyam, Derbyshire all their lives. The villagers know what happens every full moon, and have their reasons for keeping quiet. But this secrecy comes at a cost—the brothers can’t risk romantic entanglements.

Then, at the full moon, a sheep is slaughtered on Eyam Moor, by what could only be a large animal. Even the brothers’ staunchest supporters begin to have their doubts about who—or what—could have done it.

As the brothers fight to clear their names, things are complicated by unexpected opportunities to indulge their lust. Isaac is intrigued by a handsome newcomer to the village, and a vivacious visitor is happy to offer Matthew her all.

Can the men prove their innocence, or is their centuries-old secret about to be revealed to the outside world, bringing their carefully-crafted existence crashing down around their ears?

Buy links: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/the-persecution-of-the-wolves/

Grand Slam

California had seduced me with promises of a new life working at Los Carlos Tennis Academy. What I didn’t expect was the dark, brooding number one seed, Travis Connolly, resisting my help. He wasn’t interested in my psychology skills. Instead his attention was drawn to the edgy, sharper corners of my desires, proving that they existed, setting me challenges and driving me crazy to the point of combustion.

I’m the best tennis player in the world—officially—so why would I need a damn woman full of psychobabble to get me on form? Despite my irritation, however, I can’t resist pushing Marie Sherratt’s buttons even though doing that shows her the darkest shades of my lust, the parts of me I buried deep. So I set her a challenge, one she rises to, one that has me rising too, and before long my game relies on her calling the shots, hitting the target and bending to my will. One thing was certain, being not just master of the court, but also of Marie is seriously good for my soul.

Buy links: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/grand-slam/

Eyes Wide Open

An ordinary girl catapulted into an extraordinary world meets two even more extraordinary men—but what will she do when she discovers their sexy secret?

Fiona Gillespie moved to London shortly after graduating to take advantage of the opportunities the capital could offer. However, months later, she’s still living in a horrid flat and working in a grimy East End pub. The problem is, she doesn’t really know what she wants to do, career-wise. So when she happens upon an advertisement for a job at a plush Mayfair hotel, she jumps at the chance. A great deal of determination and a spot of luck land Fiona her dream role.

But working at the Totally Five Star London is just the beginning. She adores the role and flourishes, impressing her bosses and making her increasingly determined to climb the career ladder.

While her career is flying, though, her love life is non-existent. She hasn’t even thought about men, never mind met or dated one for months, so when she bumps into two gorgeous businessmen in the hotel, she’s surprised to find her head has been well and truly turned. Even more surprisingly, they flirt with her—both of them! She’s drawn to James and Logan, despite feeling that they’re way out of her league.

When a misunderstanding leads Fiona to James and Logan’s sumptuous top-floor suite, she has no idea what she’s about to uncover. Scenes of people-trafficking, drug-pushing and wild sex parties all appear in her active imagination. Yet what she actually sees is something she’d never even considered before, something that piques her interest.

After discovering their sexy secret, what will she do with this new-found knowledge?

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of anal play, spanking, sex toys and bondage.

Buy links: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/eyes-wide-open-totally-five-star-london/

Stately Pleasures

Is it possible to have it all?

Alice Brown has just landed her dream job as property manager at Davenport Manor, a British stately home. It’s only a nine-month contract to cover maternity leave, but it’s the boost up the career ladder she needs.

On her first day, Alice finds her boss, Jeremy Davenport, in a compromising position. Jeremy and his best friend Ethan Hayes, Head of Security at Davenport Manor, turn the situation around and give her an ultimatum. Faced with the possibility of losing her job, Alice agrees to their indecent proposal.

When the dust settles and Alice has time to think, she realises perhaps it isn’t such a bad thing after all. But what happens when Alice thinks she’s falling for both men?

Buy links: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/stately-pleasures

20. Lightning round

Tea or Coffee? tea
Cash or credit? cash
Cats or Dogs? dogs
Beach or Mountain? mountain
Summer or Winter? summer
Sweet or Savoury? sweet
Early riser or late riser? neither
Morning or Night? Afternoon!
Christmas Tree – real or fake? fake
Sex – Lights on or off? Depends who it’s with!

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/lucyfelthousewriter

http://www.twitter.com/cw1985

http://www.pinterest.com/cw1985

http://www.goodreads.com/cw1985

http://eepurl.com/gMQb9 (newsletter signup)

Books · Life · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

West Midlands Attending Author Interview: Audrina Lane

January 7, 2017January 6, 2017 gibbsdream1 Comment

Can we start with your name and where you’re from?

My name is Audrina Lane and I’m from Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire.

2. Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?

Absolutely, I’ve been a voracious reader since as early age, devouring classics like Little Women and Gone with the Wind. I guess my main inspiration is Stephen King, because he writes such brilliant characters. I also enjoy Jilly Cooper and Anita Shreve.

3. What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?

I write contemporary love stories but with an erotic twist. However I have plans for branching into the paranormal genre in the future and have been enjoying writing short stories with a horror/supernatural edge to them. Still love though!!

4. If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?

It would have to be Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind, because she is such a complex and feisty female throughout the novel. In many ways I want to shout at her and give her a good shake and in other ways I completely admire her ambition.

5. When did you first start writing?

I started writing short stories for my sisters when I was a teenager. I then wrote my first full length novel in 1992, aged 19. However it languished in a loft until 2013 when I re-worked the idea into my first book.

6. Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?

I’m afraid I just let the words flow although I generally have a rough outline of the story in my head. However this often changes as my characters evolve and shape the story.

7. Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)

It has to be Stephanie from my Heart Trilogy series and my first character. She is kind of based on me and many of my hopes and fears so she’s kind of like my twin sister.

8. Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?

The first book in The Heart Trilogy is very much based on my first love affair and trying to make sense of why something so perfect, ended! My favourite scene in the book is Stephanie’s first kiss with James and this was taken from the memory of my first kiss, strangely enough in the same location, with a lifeguard called James!!

9. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?

I’m currently working on the 2nd part of my two part series called Bloodstained Heart. Part 2 – Revenge. This is the story of Felicity, the evil bitch who causes havoc and destruction in the Heart Trilogy series.

I’m also working on collaboration with another author called Rita Ames called 24 Hours to Love. It’s a love story written by the two main characters. I write as Jackson, the alpha male racing car driver and Rita is writing as Lola the pit board model that he falls in love with during the Le Mans 24 Hour motor race. (See teaser attached)

10. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?

Just do it, don’t worry about it or put it off. I wish I’d started writing years ago as I feel I have so many stories to tell and not enough time to tell them in!!

11. What do you do when you’re not writing?

I work full-time for Herefordshire Library Service, delivering the service to schools, nursing homes and the elderly within Herefordshire. It can be frustrating being surrounded by books when all I really want to be doing is writing. My writing happens in every other available space and time during evenings, weekends, and lunch hours! I also enjoy walking my dogs, listening to music and dancing.

12. What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?

I think it’s the editing and trying to be more concise and precise with my writing. Luckily I have a great editor and a friend who is really good at spotting spelling and grammar mistakes for me.

13. We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?

My other half when I’m sat on the sofa with my iPad open and he asks “Are you busy?” Apparently this does not look busy to him so always have to make sure that all the relevant chores are complete before I do sit down.

14. What is your idea of happiness?

Having the time to write more!!

15. For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.

I can feel the soft, warm breeze drifting up from the ocean that is directly in front of me. My sun lounger is positioned to shade me as I sip on my cold gin and tonic and let my characters frolic in their story.

16. What makes you laugh/cry?

My dogs playing together or fighting over a chew or toy makes me laugh. As for crying I’ve done a fair bit recently and generally because certain songs come on the radio and remind me of the past.

17. You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.

Mmh, good question! I would take George Michael for his singing and song writing. I’m sure we would be able to shoot the breeze and have a great friendship. Scott Eastwood, because he is so hot and can swim so we’d have some fun together in the waves! Finally my best friend Miriam, because a girl always needs a gossip!

18. What is your most annoying habit?

Biting the skin around my fingers, it’s a nervous habit that I do when I’m stressed or upset.

19. Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)

The Heart Trilogy

Where did your Heart go? – The first book in the series. It’s a story about Stephanie and her daughter Charlotte set in my home town of Ross-on-Wye. When Charlotte’s first relationship comes to an end her Mum gives her the diary from 1988 which is the story of her own first love affair. A great look at first love in the 80’s juxtaposed against first love today, and the possibility of second chances.

Unbreak my Heart – The Second book in the series. It sees Stephanie reunited with her first love James, whilst Charlotte is happy in her relationship with Mitchell. But the evil ex-wife Felicity is on the scene and causing chaos and dancing ambitions may pull Charlotte and Mitchell apart.

Closer to the Heart – The final book in the series finds both couples struggling with their relationships with family deaths and Felicity’s destructive nature. But will it all end happily – I’m afraid I can’t say as it would spoil things!

All the trilogy books are filled with references to fantastic music from the 80’s through to now.

Bloodstained Heart. Part 1 – Passion

The first in a two part series (I’m currently writing the 2nd) this is a dark, erotic romance that tells the life of Felicity (from the Heart Trilogy). The first part starts as she approaches 18 years old in 1978 and then continues and gives a different perspective on the events from all of the Heart Trilogy series. It also gives a more in depth look at some of the other characters from the series.

20. Lightning round

Tea or Coffee? Coffee
Cash or credit? Cash
Cats or Dogs? Dogs
Beach or Mountain? Beach
Summer or Winter Summer
Sweet or Savoury Savoury
Early riser or late riser? Early
Morning or Night? Morning
Christmas Tree – real or fake? Fake
Sex – Lights on or off? Dimmed

Stalker links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/audrina.lane or https://www.facebook.com/AudrinasPlace/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AudrinaLane

Website: http://www.audrinalane.co.uk/

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

Life · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

West Midlands Book Signing Author Interview: T L Wainwright

January 6, 2017January 5, 2017 gibbsdreamLeave a comment

TL Wainwright.jpg

Can we start with your name and where you’re from?
T.L Wainwright (Trace) I live in Leeds, West Yorkshire
Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?
I love reading, I adore being able to escape to some other time and place. Inspirations, too many to list but modern day, Helena Hunting, Debra Anastasia, Emma Hart and JA Huss are just a few that come to mind.
What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?
I wright Adult Romance, Humour, Erotica. I may dip my toe into others in the future.
If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?
Neville Longbottom from the Potter books. It would be set when he’s all grown up and he’d be a bit of a bad boy. Well, have you seen him recently? Peks, Abs and everything.
When did you first start writing?
April 2015 out of the blue.
Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?
I have an idea but then I fly by the seat of my pants.
Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)
Isaac was my first and you know what they say… Your first love is the deepest. He’s also hot as hell with tattoos and a regal piercing.
Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?
Ahh! That would be telling.
Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?
My WIP is very nearly done. It’s a spin off from one of my other books. The title is Tomek – saving angels. Here’s the short version of the blurb…. I’m a soldier, but not in the way you may think. I work for a man who people akin to the devil. My orders? Anything from inflicting a hard beating, to torture that will undoubtedly lead to a painful death. Failing is not an option and I learnt years ago to keep my thoughts and emotions to myself.
Do I choose to live this life? The question is irrelevant, because from being a small boy living in Poland, to where I am now in England, this is all I have ever known.
Then she changed everything.
If someone walks into your life when you least expect it, changing your whole perspective, despite the inevitable risk. Would you take the chance, when potentially they could end up being your saviour?
But then again… who exactly is saving who?
Piece of advice…
Write what you want to write and not what you think they want to read. Be true to yourself. Remember, you’ll never be everyone’s cup of tea.
10. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?
Have faith in yourself and do it. It’s bloody amazing.

11.What do you do when you’re not writing?
Day job as an Export Manager or reading.

12. What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you? Everything. I’m still learning new stuff as I go along. It’s like on the job training.

13.We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?
‘IS IT LIKE FIFTY SHADES?’ My response, I wouldn’t know because I haven’t read it.

14. What is your idea of happiness?
A happy, healthy Family. In book world? Giving up my day job so I can do this full time. Isn’t that everyone’s?

15. For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.
Hotel patio/balcony, blue skies, good laptop, glass of rose, beach view, hot men, volleyball…

16. What makes you laugh/cry?
Awkward situations. Soppy romance.

17. You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.
Debra Anastasia because she just cracks me up. KL Shandwick to I can milk her for all her knowledge on writing. Franggy Yanes because he’s a fabulous photographer and I’m so not photogenic. He’s also one sexy dude, eye candy.

18. What is your most annoying habit?
Interrupting people. The thing is, I hate it but still bloody do it. My excuse is that if I don’t, I’ll forget what I wanted to say.

19. Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect) see below….

My first book Naughty But Rice (Free to download) was released in July 2015 with part 2, Rice Back At You! (99p) in August 2015…
When 26-year-old Amy Reed’s promotion sends her down to London, she gets a lot more than she bargains for. The hot American she meets in the hotel bar, is more than willing to show her exactly what sexploits she’s been missing for the past few years, but will she give into temptation…

Amy

Looking up and meeting his eyes, I can see that his pupils are dilated, and I inadvertently bite my lower lip, unable to look away. He moves in even closer, as his hand takes the back of my neck, pulling me to him and his tongue licks gently across my lips.

“I have wanted to do that since the first time I saw you,” he says softly.

Isaac

She’s not the usual tall, leggy, over confident business women that normally catches my attention, but a small, curvy, soft, skittish vision, with the most fantastic rack. Even though covered with the fabric of her blouse, you could see she had amazing tits, almost fighting to escape the cloth, as her chest moved, while trying to catch her breath.

I could tell she was shy, so I was planning to move carefully but then she fell into my lap. Literally!

Her touch made my body react instantly and I struggled to control my twitching cock. When I walked her to her room, I just couldn’t keep my hands off her.

I want her.

The question is, will Amy be able to refuse him?
NAUGHTY BUT RICE Part 1/2 (REED AND RICE SERIES)
UK Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0117XJOEQ

US Link: http://amzn.com/B0117XJOEQ

AU Link: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0117XJOEQ

https://itun.es/gb/KnPQ8.l
RICE BACK AT YOU! Part 2/2 (REED AND RICE SERIES)
UK Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0139T215U

US Link: http://amzn.com/B0139T215U

AU Link: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0139T215U

https://itun.es/gb/iJfi9.l

A Hole Lotto Loving (99p to download) is a cheeky little novella. October, 2015
Lynnie is a 40 years’ young, single, divorcee who comes into a humongous amount of money. After a lot of persuasion from her best friend Shelley, she decides to place an ad, interview and hire a younger man for errmm… Fun!
“I can’t believe it!” I sit in front of my laptop, stunned. “48 replies. This is madness. What the hell are we going to do?”

“First of all, you need to take some deep breaths or you’re going to hyperventilate,” Shelley chuckles. “We go through them first and weed out the weirdos. Like this one. Has 15 cats and 6 budgies.”

“I like cats,” I mumble.

“Yes, but not bloody 15. Just think of the smell, along with the 6 budgies. Bleurrh! No that’s a definite delete. No, no, no. 45 too old, we want younger, delete. Eew! No way he drives a Reliant Robin, who the hell drivers a Reliant Robin in this day and age. I didn’t think there were any left. Hasn’t he heard of a Smart Car?”

“Oh my God, maybe we should have asked for photos,” I mumble nervously, taking an extremely large gulp of my Rose wine, and even consider just swigging it straight from the bottle.

“You’re the one who said no photos,” Shelley laughs. “All that crap about ‘It’s personality that counts.’ I call bullshit! You need someone that’s going to get your pulse racing, a hottie that’s easy on the eye.”

“They can look like Gerard Butler, but if they are as boring as a Tupperware convention, then they ain’t gonna be a turn on.”

“True. No way! 78 years’ young, who’s he trying to kid. Bless him. D-e-lete. What about this one? Clint HARD, that sound promising. 33, lives in Harrogate, likes fine wine, fine food and only the best in everything. Mmm classy dude. Print.”
A HOLE LOTTO LOVING – Available now for only 99p/99c
UK Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B016H15OQA

US Link: http://amzn.com/B016H15OQA

AU Link: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B016H15OQA

https://itun.es/gb/dWEeab.l

*** On sale soon on run up to release of Tomek. TBA ***

DEACON. SOLDIER. FIGHTER. JACKass! Went live in 14th Feb 16.

Here comes the blurb:-
When Tessa Walker stumbles upon a beat-up lump of muscle in a dark alley, against her better judgement she doesn’t walk away. The obnoxious, foul mouthed, jackass does nothing but piss her off from the get go. It’s not until she cleans up some of the blood and shit from his face while he’s sparked out, that she realises he’s a blast from her past.

‘Jack Deacon, cock of the school, every girl’s wet dream and utter arsehole. He was the most arrogant git all the way through high school, so full of himself he was overflowing, but for some reason everybody loved him. I was no exception.’

‘He was my secret crush, the one that I compared every other guy to. Nobody ever came anywhere near. Yet here he is, right in front of me, and he doesn’t have a clue.’

“What’s your story?”
After leaving the army, Jack Deacon’s life has gone from shit to bone. Running up debts from gambling, owing money to the wrong people. All in an attempt to dampen down the continuous re-run of events in his head, and the feelings of guilt in his gut. When he wakes up battered and bruised on some chick’s sofa, he knows exactly who she is.

‘Tessa Walker, the specky geek with the bright sparkling eyes the colour of cognac and the most spectacular tits. Oh how I’d fantasised about those tits, taking one in each hand and burying my face right in the middle of them. Many a night I’d wanked with that vision in my head.’

‘I bet she’s wondering what this is all about. It’s none of her f**king business, I ain’t telling her shit.’

But hell! This is just the beginning…
Available now only £2.99.

DEACON. SOLDIER. FIGHTER. JACKass!
UK Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01BKU8YAQ

US Link: http://amzn.com/B01BKU8YAQ

AU Link: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01BKU8YAQ

https://itun.es/gb/N4IHab.l https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29091480?source=ebfg_email

Dream F*#ks And Hard Drives was released in July 2016

My latest book started off as a quick office romance novella but while writing it, turned into something, well, a little less conventional. Here’s the blurb…
My names Imogen Lovell and there are currently five things that are relevant in my life.
1. Job – Enjoyable.
2. Family – Parents can be a little embarrassing. The rest of them, pfft!
3. Friends – Limited, but I have two of the very best, Libby and Henry.
4. Sleeping issues – Erotic and sexually heated dreams, causing disruption to normal sleep pattern.
5. Sex Life – In reality… none existent (please see item 4 for further clarification).
At least there was only five, until Finn Burke came to work at my employers on a short-term contract.

He’s an arrogant arsehole with the body of a Facebook hot hunk posting. I loathed him from the moment I saw him, with his egotistic, la-dee-da attitude. Looking down his nose and trying his best to humiliate me. I will not be the butt of his jokes.

I feel a throat punch coming on!

So, if I dislike him so much, then why has the faceless man in my dreams morphed into him?

I need to add an additional data entry…
1. Finn Burke – Kill him or shag him?
Believe me when I say…This is not your typical office romance!
Dream F*#ks And Hard Drives
by T.L Wainwright
Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01HVYOUIK

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HVYOUIK

http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01HVYOUIK

https://itun.es/gb/tBZzdb.l

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/dream-f-k-s-and-hard-drives

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/mobile/w/books/1124065617?ean=2940153382173
I’ve been involved with two anthology.
Doctrine of Indecency. 18 Coveted Tales of Lust. (Free to download)

18 Authors. 18 short stories. An eclectic mix of erotica, all having one thing in common. They’re a hell of a sexy read.

Where else would you find tales of vampires, aliens, ménage a trois and a baseball player in a sex club? Not forgetting my own little offering called Fruit, Veg and Starfish. It’s amazing what can happen in the fresh produce aisle at your local grocery store. All in one fantastic book.

BONUS it’s free to download. So, what you waiting for…

UK Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01E1QW4W0

US Link: http://amzn.com/B01E1QW4W0

https://itun.es/gb/um60bb.l

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/mobile/w/doctrine-of-indecency-kyle-perkins/1123648567?ean=2940153189666

Love, Lust and Scary Monsters. An Anthology in aid of Muscular Dystrophy (£1.99) December, 2016

9 different short stories. A mixed bag of Romance, Suspense and Horror. Pretty much what it says on the tin.

Annabeth Johnson – B. Sharpe- Author – Eden Rose – Author Ellie Williams – Jess Sims Author – J G Clay – Author Kari Holloway – Author Katie Mayo-Jackson & T.L Wainwright

#MuscularDystrophy #LoveLustAndScaryMonstersAnthology #Anthology #LLSMMDAnthology #MerryChristmas
UK: https://goo.gl/sFUIe7

US: https://goo.gl/UmMonL

CA: https://goo.gl/6xrkib

AU: https://goo.gl/3Qz15S
Why not like our page. Author info, teasers and lots of other stuff.

https://www.facebook.com/LLSMMDAnthology/

20. Lightning round

Tea or Coffee? Coffee
Cash or credit? Credit
Cats or Dogs? Cats
Beach or Mountain? Beach
Summer or Winter Summer
Sweet or Savoury Savoury (Cheese)
Early riser or late riser? Early
Morning or Night? If you’re talking sex, any time.
Christmas Tree – real or fake? On a Christmas Card.
Sex – Lights on or off? Subtle lighting

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

Feel free to check me out, stalk or even PM me. You can find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

FB Author page (you’ll find a book role call showing all my links there too.)

https://m.facebook.com/TL-Wainwright-137891269903535/?ref=bookmarks

Amazon Author page:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/T.L-Wainwright/e/B012PBC6GC

Twitter: @wainwright_tl

Instagram: wainwright.tl

Email: ttdwainwright@gmail.com

Books · Christmas · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

West Midlands Valentine Book Signing Attending Author: Chris Turnbull

January 5, 2017January 4, 2017 gibbsdreamLeave a comment

Can we start with your name and where you’re from?

Chris Turnbull, and I live near York.

Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?

I love reading, being swept up into a new world by an author can be so incredible. I like to feel drawn into the book, I want to feel for the characters and go on the journey they are. As a youngster I was addicted to the Goosebump books by RL Stine, then later got hooked onto the Harry Potter series which was the main reason I wanted to write a book of my own.

What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?

Although my books are seen by many as being very different, often described as (historical fiction, gothic, time-travel and of course I now have a children’s book) I do not see them all as being so different. I am a huge nerd when it comes to history, I love learning new things about the past and all my books are set somewhere in history that I find to be of interest. Whether it be 1889 Paris, the year the Eiffel tower opened, or just Victorian England. My books allow me to explore life in these times, learn and explore new things. My books also connect together with Love, whether that be the love of a partner, a family member or a friend.

If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?

I think without a doubt I would have loved to have created Albus Dumbledore. He is exactly the kind of character that I love. He is the father figure to Harry, a respected man, a humble man, and not to mention he can kick ass when needs be.

When did you first start writing?

I started writing when I was a teenager; I had an English teacher at the time that really inspired me to be creative. She did not tell you things were wrong and allowed you to express your creative side. Sadly she left the school after only one year and I was devastated, as her replacement was all about sticking to textbook work. Thankfully though I continued to write for fun in my spare time, and it was in 2013 that I started work on ‘The Vintage Coat’ which ended up being my first published work.

Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?

I give myself bullet points of things I would like to see happen. I also create character profiles so I know a little bit more about the people I am writing about. Then I just go with the flow and see where the story takes me. I find this way of writing keeps me excited, as I want to find out what happens next. My theory is if the story excites me, then hopefully it should the reader.

Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)

Ooo that’s difficult to pick only one. I think I would choose Charlie from ‘The Vintage Coat’. He is a fun guy, loyal friend and I think I could be friends with him.

My second choice would be Tom from ‘Whitby’s Darkest Secret’ because I think he is adorable and a strong willed young man.

Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?

‘The Vintage Coat’ is based purely on a military coat I purchased in an antique shop in Alston. It immediately sparked my imagination and out came a time-travel story about the coat, and also set in Alston.

Also my children’s book ‘A Home For Emy’ is based on true events as this is the story of my own dog.

Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?

I am currently working on a number of projects, the first being a sequel to ‘Whiby’s Darkest Secret’. I am having so much fun writing this book, and fans of the first book will be very surprised with the turn of events this new book takes.

Also I have been working on a Christmas themed book which I hope to release at the end of 2017. This is a collection of short stories and poems that I have enjoyed writing over the course of a number of years.

Finally (or at least what I will tell you for now) I have begun work on a second children’s book, it again will feature Emy and I hope to release it in early 2018.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?

Don’t give up. Don’t follow the crowd.

I was always told that I needed to read and write every day, but for me (as well as most authors) I work full time. Sometimes I just need an evening off from writing and rest. I work better when I am not tired, so I would always say work at your own pace and do what is best for you.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

I love to travel, whether that is a day out to the coast or a holiday somewhere exciting. Me and my partner have a dog which we love to spend time with.

What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?

Personally I don’t think there is an easy part. The whole process is very demanding if you wish to succeed. Being a writer is a full time job in itself and you have to go through it all, the good and bad bits. I love being in my office and writing, knowing there is no pressure and being able to just write what comes to me. Editing is never fun, and you go over the manuscript so many times you start to fall out of love with your work. However all the hard work is worth it when you finally have a copy in your hand…and even better is when somebody else tells you they like it.

We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?

After the release of my first book I had quite a few people ask me if they were going to get a free copy…erm No! There is no such thing as a free copy…even I don’t get a free copy and it’s my book.

Then you get those who say ‘I don’t know how you find the time to write a book’. These are usually the people who spend their evenings watching every single soap on TV, as well as other mindless television programs. Please note I have nothing against watching things you enjoy…I do it myself, but don’t spend every day of your life sat in front of the television and then question how I find time to write.

What is your idea of happiness?

Spending time with the ones I love. You don’t need a lot of money, or ‘things’ to be happy. Some of my best moments have been the simple one. Walking on the beach with my dog, sitting in the garden with my family, playing a silly game with my best friend and her family. These are the things that I remember more than anything.

For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.

When I finished writing ‘Whiby’s Darkest Secret’ I decided that I wanted a spend a couple of nights away from home so I could focus on finishing the book…

I stayed in a two bed house in Whitby, the large oak wood dining table where I sat writing overlooked the harbour. I could hear seagulls and the sun was shining. In the morning I went for a walk, I soaked in the town atmosphere and even visited the ruined Abbey for the first time in my life. After a bit to eat I returned to the dining table, where my mind was freshly filled with the sounds and smells of the town I was writing about, and I even went back to change certain parts of the book. I sat there for hours until it got dark, the harbour lit up with a row of lights that lined the pathway. I finished the final few chapters that night.

What makes you laugh/cry?

Laugh: I have a very rude sense of humour…enough said.

Cry: Most things as I am an emotional wreck. The worse times though is when I am reading/watching something about a dog that is sick, hurt or dying. I read ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ on the aeroplane back from New York and I started to cry uncontrollably…and I mean really going for it, I couldn’t speak I was in such a state. The man next to me must of wondered what the hell was going on.

You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.
David Attenborough…My hero in life and somebody I would love to meet. Plus he would probably know how to survive the island.
Joel Dommett – He was hilarious in ‘Celeb get me out of here’ so I think he would keep up entertained…plus he survived the jungle so I think he would help us survive an island.
My other half, because I would miss him (and he could try and smuggle the dog with him).
What is your most annoying habit?

Annoying…me?

I have a bad habit of zoning out if I am bored. Which is terrible when your other half tells you something important and you didn’t hear.

Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)
The Vintage Coat: A time-travel story set between modern day Alston and WWII.
D: Whitby’s Darkest Secret: A dark murderous story set in the backdrop of Victorian Whitby.
Carousel: Time-Travel tale. Jonathan is sent back to 1889 Paris, but unfortunately gets stuck there.
A Home For Emy: Children’s book based on true events. Illustrated beautifully by Rebecca Sharp of Dasilvaline.
Lightning round
Tea or Coffee? Tea
Cash or credit? I am really bad and almost never have cash on me
Cats or Dogs? Dogs
Beach or Mountain? Mountain
Summer or Winter – Tough!…I love Winter fashion, but I prefer the warmth of summer
Sweet or Savoury Sweet
Early riser or late riser? Late
Morning or Night? Night
Christmas Tree – real or fake? Real
Sex – Lights on or off? Who cares…

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

www.chris-turnbullauthor.com

www.facebook.com/christurnbullauthor

www.twitter.com/christurnbull20

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chris-Turnbull/e/B00UFW8RB2/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

Books · Life · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

West Midlands Valentines Book Signing Attending Author Interview: Lindsay Jayne

January 4, 2017January 4, 2017 gibbsdreamLeave a comment

Lindsay Jayne

Can we start with your name and where you’re from?

My name is Lindsey, and I am from Wolverhampton in the West Midlands

Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?

Yes, definitely. I started out reading. Initially good old paper backs many moons ago, and then hoards of different things on my Kindle.

If I were to pull out 3 names that inspired me to give it a whirl, they would be Teresa Gabelman, Melissa F Olson, and Ashley Stoyanoff. Love their series’ so much!!! Very good paranormal reads!

What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?

I started off writing Paranormal. They were meant to be Erotic as well, but my first novel kind of veered off into a thriller instead. Which suited the story more than filth. So I wrote the dirty books seperately.

I hope to also branch out into Post-Apocalyptic (though, probably under another name) as well as eventually combining the Paranormal and Erotic genres.

If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?

Oh wow, this is difficult because I have come across so many bad ass characters. It would come down to 3… Jill from Teresa Gabelman’s Warrior series, Scarlett from Melissa F Olson’s Scarlett Bernard series, or Rachel from Maggie Shayne’s Brown and de Luca series, because each are strong, powerful, alpha women and I adore them and how they are written. For me, a good, strong MC makes for awesome reading, and these were no exception!

When did you first start writing?

I’ll need to hazard a rough guess over this one… I would say about 3-4 years ago. It took me a long time to get my first book polished enough for me to be happy with. It took at least 12 months for me to publish it because the first draft was utter rubbish! I had to seek help!

Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?

I’d like to think that I plan, but in reality, it doesn’t always work that way. I get a basic plot and I go with the flow… sometimes even the plot changes a few times before I settle on something I like.

The book I am currently writing, for example, is only 3 chapters in and already I’ve changed my mind 4 times! I have moments where something will just come to me, and then something else will work on top of that, etc., etc., and I have to write it all down before I forget it.

Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)

Hmm, another difficult choice. I have my female fave and my male fave. My female fave is Amelia Ellis from the Faction series. She is a kick ass cop with a feisty attitude, and she takes no crap.

My male fave is from the same series, and that’s Nate Turner. He’s a sarcastic, scruffy, loveable rogue.

Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?

Without going into too much detail, there are elements of a past life / relationship used in my first book, Invoking the Witch. More specifically, relationship elements, control issues, domestic abuse… I won’t give too much away because I don’t want to ruin anything for anyone who might read it, but I did have to draw on a lot of memories and past hurt / emotions to fully convey what the MC was going through.

Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?

I’m currently working one 3 pieces at the moment. One just loosely, which was originally a short story for an anthology that never happened. So, I am turning it into a novella. It’s an Erotic Spy Thriller.

The 2nd is a carry on from my first full-length Erotic novel, Graceful Damnation. Not so much one of a series, but I am giving each character their own book which usually follows on from where the previous left off.

The 3rd I’m working on, which I am currently focusing on at the moment, is Nate’s series which follows on a little from the Faction series previous to that, but rather than vampires, it’s going to be more about werewolves and packs, though some familiar faces will make an appearance.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?

I’d always tell someone never to give up. Write as though no one will ever read your words, because they come across more raw and honest that way. Don’t let someone tell you you’re wrong, but do let other help advise and polish your work, because some of the best advice I had came from other authors, and I still cherish and use it to this day.

Despite the occasional ups and downs on Social Media, the author world is quite a friendly and tight-knit community. There’s always someone willing to help, because there’s always somebody who’s experienced the same struggles you likely will. Don’t be deterred, just be determined.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

I have a full time job in recruitment currently. I also have my (almost) 5 year old Bedlington who still thinks he’s a puppy to keep me on my toes. Recreationally I love my PlayStation and First Person Shooter games.

On top of that, I also design book covers and other imagery for myself and other authors, as well as Swag and Jewellery. As you can well imagine, I’m kept busy – but I like it that way.

What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?

The writing can sometimes be hard. I will, on occasion, find myself struggling for ideas, or how to connect one piece of the story to another. But, at the same time, it’s the most enjoyable part.

Editing is tedious, but necessary. And it helps when you have a great group of Beta readers, as I do. They point out things I have missed, even after reading it over thousands of times!

Marketing is definitely the hardest. It’s great writing the book and then hitting publish when all the bits and pieces have come together, but the hardest part is definitely trying to get it shouted about.

There are plenty of tools, don’t get me wrong, and I would probably find it so much easier if I spent more time and money on it. But, as you can see, my time is stretched thin as it is, so I do what I can in the hopes that, one day soon, a PA will take pity on me and help me out for free Swag and books!!

The dream is also to do it full time, but it’s swings and roundabouts at the moment – though, I will persevere because I love it so much.

We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?

I’m quite lucky in the sense that my family and friends support what I do. Sometimes, you get the odd one that calls it a hobby, which I understand because, to them, it would seem that way. I mean, I have a full time, paying job and I write in my spare time, which is almost the definition of a hobby in a way. However, it’s so much more than that, but I don’t sweat it. I know what goes into the whole process, and I know how I feel when I get something out of it. I’m just glad there are people that stand behind me while I do it.

What is your idea of happiness?

To feel fulfilled, and for those around me to be content in their lives. No have minimal worries and to be involved in doing things that I love with the people I love.

For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.

A large room, the walls fairly plain, in some off-white colour – not to be boring, but to enable me to fill them with my achievements and accomplishments. One wall with hoards of pictures of family and friends in varying white and oak frames – my inspiration and my happy thoughts. Another wall with glossy, a4 framed photos of all my book covers, in all their glory.

In one corner, a large desk, big enough for my laptop, my storage devices and all my materials for making swag and jewellery. Some of them will even be on shelving, fixed to the wall above the desk.

The desk itself will be fairly minimal, but will have ample lighting and a large notice board pinned at the back, covered in lined paper and Post-It notes with scribbles and ideas on.

In another corner will be a unique, novelty bookcase with all my signed paperbacks that will slowly grow. Somewhere on that shelf, there will be a reserved space for my paperbacks, too.

There’ll be at least two windows, with linen blinds drawn up, allowing in sunshine. Simple bright green plants in white pots will sit on the window sills.

The lighting will be variable, depending on the mood and what I am doing, and, though I prefer the quite when I am writing, there will an iPod on a docking station, ready to blast out my choice of song when I need that inspiration for a difficult scene, or I’m working on swag or jewellery.

And, last, but not least, a black pyramid kettle with an endless supply of Nescafe decaf cappuccinos!!

What makes you laugh/cry?

Usually PMT! Or animal / child cruelty if I see / read about it

You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.

Hmmm… this is a difficult choice. I’d have to have some eye candy, so Andrew England is a must! Or Drew Truckle… I’d be perfectly happy with either. Having met Drew, he would be my first choice in actual fact, because he is a lovely guy who can hold a conversation, so I’d be entertained.

Ray Mears would be another choice because he is an expert on survival in the wild. He would be able to show us how to live off the land

My third choice…gotta be a woman so I’m not the odd one out, so let’s go with Doon Mackichan because I love her sense of humour!

What is your most annoying habit?

As if I have any, lol!! Erm… I can’t think of one off the top of my head. Perhaps leaving my plates and cups upstairs instead of taking them down to be washed!

Please tell me about your books?

My books, so far, are a 3 part Paranormal Thriller series involving Witches, Vampires and Werewolves at the moment. They can be kind of grisly in nature, so not for the faint hearted. I tend to research my subject matter to death to get it spot on, and sometimes it’s a little dark.

The erotic are exactly that, and they will vary depending on the nature. My novella is quite light and breezy, whereas my full length novel includes murder and revenge, and that, too, is a little on the dark side. The opening chapter is certainly not to be taken lightly, and might be disturbing to some.

I like to fully develop my characters, and I always try to fully describe everything – every feeling / emotion, location, scene, so there is a lot of descriptive passages.

Lightning round
Tea or Coffee? Coffee (decaf)
Cash or credit? Cash these days
Cats or Dogs? Dogs
Beach or Mountain? Beach
Summer or Winter? Summer
Sweet or Savoury? Savoury
Early riser or late riser? Late
Morning or Night? Night
Christmas Tree – real or fake? Fake
Sex – Lights on or off? I honestly do not mind – depends on the mood 😉