Sisters in Crime Blog Hop

During the month of September, members of the Sisters in Crime writing organization are participating in a blog hop. Below are my answers to a few questions.

1. Which authors have inspired you?
As a romantic suspense author, I have been very inspired by Lisa Gardner. Ms. Gardner is my favorite female writer. Her books are well written and always leave you on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what will happen next. I strive to write as well as Ms. Gardner. It's pretty hard to decide which of her books I like the best, but two do come to mind, Alone and Hide. Oh, and I also like The Perfect Husband. Honestly, I have never read a bad Lisa Gardner book and I've just about all of them.

2. What's the best part of the writing process for you? What's the most challenging?
The best part of the writing process for me is when I'm really in "the zone." That's when I'm sitting at my computer typing away on my book and the next thing I know, I look up and I've been writing for hours.
What I find most challenging is dealing with interruptions. For instance, since starting the blog post, my husband has texted me six times. Those types of distractions break up my thought process and I can't get into "the zone" when I am being interrupted.

3. Do you listen to music while writing? What's on your playlist?
Sometimes I listen to music and sometimes I don't. Whether it's music or the television in the background, I have to have some sort of noise around when I write. I cannot write in total silence. Nope, can't do it. My musical tastes are 70's classic rock. My favorites are Boston, Eagles, Steve Miller Band, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. However, lately I've gotten hooked on music by the actor, Christian Kane. His music is classified as country, but has a good southern rock sound to it.

Lastly, I'd like to make a recommendation on an author for you to try. J.M. Madden writes romances between 'combat modified' military men and the women who love them. I met J.M. this past weekend at a writers convention and I'm really looking forward to start reading her books. Please stop by her site and give it a look.

Carol

Sisters in Crime Blog Hop
#SinCBlogHop

Imaginarium 2014

 
I spent this past weekend at the Imaginarium Writing Convention Held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Louisville, KY and what fun that was. Besides meeting so many new and wonderful authors, I made lot of new friends. I helped man the Kentuckiana Authors table, an organization that I am very proud to be a part of.

I was a guest panelist on several of the discussion panels and attending a few others. There were such good topics covered for just about any genre you could think of. Unfortunately, there were too many good panels and I missed a few I would have loved to attend because there was another one at the same time. Scheduling conflicts is something you just have to deal with at conventions and pick the panels you want to attend the most. With any luck, you can meet up with the authors from the panels you missed in the bar, lobby, or at their table and pick their brain a little. My favorite workshop that I attended was "A No-Nonsense, No-Gimmick Approach to Marketing Your Books" presented by Eric Beebe, who was also my neighbor from across the aisle. He gave fantastic information about marketing your book for the most sales. I will definitely be purchasing his book that he has coming out next month about marketing.




In addition to learning so much about writing, so many exciting things can happen, like below. Five minutes into my first panel, the fire alarm sounded and everyone had to evacuate the building. Luckily, it was nothing and we were allowed back inside after a short wait outside. Thank goodness it wasn't raining, hot, or in the middle of the night.

Then, there are just some fun people.

                                                                                           

Per Bastet Publications

Publisher and Author, Tony Acree and myself

Frank Hall, owner of That Book Place and the Gaming Director for Imagininarium

And finally, a big thanks to the Convention Director, Steven Zimmer. He put on an awesome convention and one that I will definitely participate in again and again. Thanks to all that were involved in making this a very rememorable weekend.

Next month, I get to do this all over again at Magna cum Murder in Indianapolis. 

Carol

*I borrowed a couple of the above photos from Facebook friends, but I failed to write down their names to give credit. If you took any of these photos and would like for me to take them down or give you credit, please e-mail me at cpreflatish@yahoo.com

Welcome author Kenzie Michaels

Today, I want to welcome my friend and fellow author, Kenzie Michaels who has a new book out. I'm turning my blog over to her today so she can tell you about it.

Carol

Kenzie: 

What do you get when you take an imaginary friend, a bar, and single girl on the town with friends?

You end up with a girl thinking she’s found the perfect ‘Mr. Rebound’, only with a twist:

He’s an alien who has been in love with her for years.

Here’s an excerpt from Heart’s Last Chance, which arrives Sept 12^th from Secret Cravings Publishing.  This is after a night of passion, and Tricia is out with her friends.  Enjoy!

Everyone has an imaginary friend at some point, right?  Well, what if you discover yours is actually an alien who is fascinated with Earth? 

Tricia Alexander's dreams are haunted by a mystery lover.  When she discovers the man she met in a nightclub is from another planet, will she accept his story or kick him out?

Brock was young Tricia's imaginary friend and confidant, and watched her grow up over the years.  After gaining permission from the leaders of his planet, he sought to bond with her twice before, but with little results.  When he's given a final chance, will he succeed?  Or will a family crisis prove too much?

Excerpt:

"Jayne’s right. You haven’t talked or texted Brock at all. What gives?”

Tricia shrugged. “He said he’d meet us at the restaurant at six-thirty. He had a few things to do today.” Brock, Brock, Brock, please text me in fifteen minutes.

What’s your phone number? You never gave it to me.

346-5124.

Gotcha. Are you okay?

I’ll explain later. Just a moment, please.

Becky gaped at her. “And you trust him to show up? Are you insane?”

“Trish! I can’t believe you let that man get away.” Lara set down her cup. “That’s the oldest trick in the book, next to sneaking out in the middle of the night. I can’t believe you, of all people, would fall for that.”

Tricia’s phone chimed.

Are we still on for dinner? Six-thirty, right?

She smiled and read it out loud. “Told you he could be trusted.” She texted back.

Yes, thank you. We’ll meet you in the lobby.

No problem. Wear something sexy?

What’s your idea of sexy?

“No fair texting at the table,” Lara protested, grabbing the phone from Tricia. “‘What’s your idea of sexy?’ What the hell is that about?”

Tricia grabbed it back. “He wants me to wear something sexy. To some guys, it means no underwear. Others it means low-cut. I just want to know if I should go for the stripper heels and the little black dress, or my new outfit from Banana Republic.” Her phone chimed again.

You bought something with bananas on it?

You said you wouldn’t spy on me.

You seemed to be in distress. Wear the new outfit. I like bananas.

Thanks for hosting me today Carol!  Here is where I can be found:

Website: www.mollydaniels.wordpress.com (The Chosen series now has its own page!)

Blog: http://kenziemichaels.blogspot.com

Face Book Page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Kenzie-Michaels/248105468603737

Twitter: www.twitter.com/kenziemichaels

You can purchase Kenzie's book, Heart's Last Chance at Secret Cravings Publishing, Amazon, Barnes and Nobel, and All Romance eBooks.

Bio:

Kenzie Michaels is the 'wild child' of author Molly Daniels. They cohabitate nicely

inside the brain of a woman in Indiana who's the mother of three and 'Aunt

Molly' to the entire neighborhood. A devout chocoholic, her hubby has learned

to watch out when the characters in her head take over and not get too upset

when the words are flowing and all concept of time is lost. (LOL)