Mar 2, 2018 | Authors Dish, Barbara Devlin, Blog, Harper Kincaid, March 2018, Rebecca Norinne
Welcome to Authors Dish where your favorite authors are sharing what they are reading. C’mon, even authors have a stash too!
In addition, if you enjoy reading their books they have suggestions for similar book adventures by other authors. It doesn’t get better than that!
Today in the cafe are USA Today Best Selling Author Barbara Devlin, Harper Kincaid, and USA Today Best Selling Author Rebecca Norinne.
Rae: Who are you reading?
Barbara Devlin: Currently on my bedside table is dog-eared copy of Marcel Proust’s Swann’s Way, specifically Part II, Swann in Love. I read Part I, Combray, and Part III, Place-Names, in grad school, but I’d never gone back and read the second part.
Harper Kincaid: My TBR list is ridiculous. An easier question is whom did I leave out? I read almost everything, in and out of romance.
Just finished Lynne Silver’s The Breeder – her new title with Carina. I don’t usually like dystopian anything, and I still really liked this one. But Lynne can write about love in a prison and it would work!
Rebecca Norinne: I can’t believe I’m admitting this, but I currently have 642 unread books on my Paperwhite. I used to read over 100 books a year, but that’s slowed down quite a bit with my current writing schedule. Still, I do love reading and try to carve out time for it whenever I can. My favorite reads from 2017 included books from Melanie Harlow, Kristen Callihan, Emma Chase, and Sierra Simone. More recently, I loved Sarina Bowen‘s Man Hands and Billionaire, and I can’t wait for Penny Reid‘s Marriage of Inconvenience. I also have a not-so-secret love of Regency romances, and I will pre-order anything Maya Rodale ever writes.
Rae: If readers are a fan of your books, who should they consider reading?
Barbara Devlin: Well, that depends on the context. If you’re asking me for recommendations based on books similar to mine, I’d say there are none, because I’m the only Barbara Devlin, and no one writes like me. My voice is my own. However, I do have some very close author friends who are like me in that they are self-assured women with a strong sense of themselves, which shines through their stories. Of course, I have to recommend anything by Kat Le Veque, because she has a unique voice and prose, which fills her medieval worlds. Then there’s Tina De Salvo, who puts so much of her soul into her wonderful Second Chance novels that you can hear that Louisiana twang as you flip the pages. Then there are the Dog Walker Mysteries by the late Judi McCoy. Judi was my longtime mentor and critique partner, and I loved her dearly. I still miss her weekly phone calls, and the last book she dedicated to me, Till Death Do Us Bark, still sits on my desk, as inspiration.
Harper Kincaid: If your a fan of Harper Kincaid consider these authors… Lucy Parker, Vi Keeland, Melanie Moreland, Penelope Ward :).
Rebecca Norinne: People who are into my sports romance series also pick up books by Sarina Bowen, Amy Andrews, Sawyer Bennett, and Sara Ney, to name a few. Since these are all authors I personally enjoy reading, I consider myself in good company. Because my non-sports books jump around a bit in subject matter, it’s a bit harder to nail down just a few recommendations, but you can’t go wrong with Lauren Blakely, K. Bromberg, Christy Pastore, and A.L. Jackson. My latest series is set in a small, fictional wine country town, so if that’s more your thing, you’re in luck!
Rae: Thank you so much authors! Let me know dear readers if you try any of these books. I’ll see you next week – same time for new authors and more fun!
** Author Bios **
Barbara Devlin: USA Today bestselling, Amazon All-Star author Barbara Devlin was born a storyteller, but it was a weeklong vacation to Bethany Beach, Delaware that forever changed her life. The little house her parents rented had a collection of books by Kathleen Woodiwiss, which exposed Barbara to the world of romance, and Shanna remains a personal favorite.
Barbara writes heartfelt historical romances that feature not so perfect heroes who may know how to seduce a woman but know nothing of marriage. And she prefers feisty but smart heroines who sometimes save the hero before they find their happily ever after.
Barbara is a disabled-in-the-line-of-duty retired police officer, and she earned an MA in English and continued a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric. She happily considered herself an exceedingly eccentric English professor, until success in Indie publishing lured her into writing, full-time, featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast.
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Harper Kincaid: Born in California and raised in South Florida, Harper Kincaid has moved around like a gypsy with a bounty on her head ever since. For years, she was a jill of all trades and a master of none, but is now tickled hot pink to pen stories that break and mend people’s hearts for a living. Kincaid believes seduction occurs from the neck up, which is why her characters are smart, sexy, and slightly quirky – and definitely worthy to be your next hard-core book crush.
When not writing, she adores listening to indie, lo-fi, complaint rock played on vinyl, the theater, well-informed optimism, happy endings (both kinds), and making those close to her laugh ’til they snort. She is a self-admitted change junkie, loving new experiences and places, but has now happily settled in the cutest lil’ town, Vienna, Virginia.
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Rebecca Norinne: USA TODAY bestselling author Rebecca Norinne writes steamy contemporary romance featuring strong, determined heroines and sexy, dominant heroes. If you love books filled with heart, heat, and happily-ever-afters, she’s got a story for you.
When not writing, Rebecca is watching rugby, drinking craft beer, and traveling the globe in search of inspiration for her next story. She lives in Dublin, Ireland, with her husband, but is originally from California.
You can reach Rebecca at email@rebeccanorinne.com or at any of the social media sites listed below. You can also subscribe to her newsletter by clicking here.
Feb 28, 2018 | Blog, Coffee With, February 2018, Lori Ann Bailey
Rae: Thank you for hanging out with me. First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking a spiced Latte with Coconut Milk with caramel drizzle, what would you order?
Lori Ann: Black coffee and an ice water.
Rae: First, the Olympics were amazing. In my house we DVR’d everything else, it was all about the Olympics. What about you, did you catch any amazing sports events? What about the opening ceremony?
Lori Ann: I always enjoy the opening ceremony. This year, I especially felt emotional when the Korean artists sang Imagine and the people around them formed a dove. I tried to record the events I enjoy watching, but I didn’t go out of my way to see the rest. We did have it on it the back ground each night as we got ready for bed. I’m so impressed by all the amazing athletes.
Rae: Did you sit and watch any of the events as a family?
Lori Ann: With four kids, it’s hard to coral them all to watch at one time. We had moments with all of us watching at different times.
Rae: A few months ago you had your first Facebook live and took us inside your writing lair, are there plans for another video? I loved the peek inside your writing corner and sharing with fans where you sit so your characters can come to life.
Lori Ann: I have plans to do another Facebook live video soon. I want to do a reading because I’ve not yet had a chance read a passage from one of my books in front of others. I’ll probably do it in my office too, I just have to build up the courage, although I am finding it easier to put myself out there now that I’ve done it a couple times.
Rae: How has writing full-time changed your life?
Lori Ann: I’ve had to learn to let go of control of a lot of things. My dishes aren’t always done right away, the laundry sometimes sits in a basket for a couple days before I can fold it, but I think the biggest change is positive. My children are learning to take on more responsibilities, something I realize now, I should have encouraged earlier on.
Rae: Can you tell readers a little bit about your Highland Pride series?
Lori Ann: Yes, the Highland Pride series is centered around the clan Cameron and a few characters outside the clan who have direct contact with them. The series takes place around the English Civil War and involves the political dynamics of the time and how Scotland was ripped apart and forced to choose sides, those loyal to King Charles or those faithful followers of the Protestant Parliament.
Rae: How many books do you have planned for the Highland Pride series?
Lori Ann: I am contracted for five books, but there are endless possibilities for new stories running around in my head.
Rae: What is next in your writing world?
Lori Ann: I’ve already started a new series, but I can’t tell you much yet. I will say that it will be called the Highland Misfits and will be around the time of the clearances in Scotland.
Rae: How many research trips have you made to gather all the bits to give the readers all the real feels in your stories?
Lori Ann: I’ve only been to Scotland twice, but money is an issue or I’d go every time I needed new information. I took lots of pictures and have great memories, but I do have to look up videos and other information to get some of the details I need. Youtube and Wikipedia are always helpful. I can’t imagine how much time it would take to do the proper research without the internet.
Rae: What was it like to walk along the same path as your heroes and breathe the same air? I hope one day to travel to Scotland, for now I will enjoy the pictures and videos from those who have shared their experiences.
Lori Ann: I had been to Edinburgh and fallen in love with it before I started writing. One of my favorite places is the abbey ruins by Holyrood Palace. It was a magical place for me and I included it in, Highland Temptation, book three, which comes out June 25th.
Just before Highland Deception came out, I was lucky enough to be able to go back to Scotland, this time to the Highlands and my husband and I made sure to tour as much as we could of the Cameron lands.
Rae: We’ve chatted a bit about your next trip this Spring to Paris, I hope you have a fabulous time. I loved my honeymoon in Paris and hope to travel back one day soon! Be sure to see all the museums, walk the streets, eat the foods, drink the wine, and take it all in. It’s truly a magical place and life-changing. We walked everywhere and made sure to travel out to Versailles and Chartres, two of my favorite day trips!
Lori Ann: I can’t wait. My husband and I lived in London for a little bit and had the opportunity to go for a long weekend once, but we are thrilled to be able to take the kids and see everything we missed the first time. Thank you for all the Paris advice and I can’t wait to share my pictures.
Rae: There has been a lot of chatter on social media about planning and organizing to stay focused and succeed in personal goals for 2018. How do you keep it all from spiraling out of orbit between the family life and writer life?
Lori Ann: Funny you mention this because some friends of mine informed me that they come up with a “word of the year” each year, so of course, I had to do it too. My word for 2018 is “Succeed.”
First, I try to keep work to the week, so I can spend time with my family on the weekends. I’ve been a stay at home parent for seventeen years, so it’s been a challenge learning to juggle my responsibilities as a caregiver and accomplishing what I want as a writer. As a result, my children have had to learn to become more independent. I think in the long run that will be good for both them and me.
Rae: Are you a planner girl or digital calendar queen?
Lori Ann: I used to use a Franklin Planner, but over the last few years, I’ve used Google calendar. I recently purchased an Erin Condren paper planner to attempt the switch back. I think I’ll need to keep up both for a while, but I’m still working on figuring it out. I’ll let you know at the end of the year how it goes.
Rae: You also blogged about the importance of lists, do you use post-its or paper and do you have separate lists or 
keep it all on one sheet?
Lori Ann: Lists do keep me on track. I write them on paper and keep them all over the place, sometimes having to add from one to the another. But I find the more often I write something down, the sooner I’ll get it done.
Rae: When you sit down to write, do you write the old fashioned way or type away at the keyboard? Writing all the words is a challenge, do you have a writing ritual or secret location to get the work done?
Lori Ann: On the computer, although I’m tempted to try out the Dragon speaking software. I download an album from an artist each time I start a new book. I only listen to it when I’m writing that particular book, so that helps me to focus. Other than that, I can write almost anywhere and sometimes it helps to move around to a new location. When I’m stuck, I go to the quiet room at the library. There, I’m forced to focus and can’t be distracted.
Rae: Are you the writer who has a notebook for all the words that flow while driving or do you dictate into your phone?
Lori Ann: I carry a notepad everywhere because you never know when inspiration will strike. I also keep one by the bed. There have been a couple nights that I’ve had to jump up, sneak out of the room and jot down something.
Rae: How do you tackle plotting your series? Is it on a massive board, sheets of paper or just write as you go with a simple outline?
Lori Ann: I was using three pieces of poster board and taping them together, but my parents bought a white board for me for the holidays and my husband recently hung it in my office. It’s a huge help. I’ll admit though, that I’m a little protective of it and don’t want people in my family to read what I’ve plotted out. 🙂
Rae: A lot of authors use Pinterest and make awesome boards to tease readers, are you one of them?
Lori Ann: I do use Pinterest occasionally, but I find the time it takes to find perfect pictures is better spent writing. I currently have a secret board for another series I’m working on, but that’s because it’s in a new time period and I have more to learn about it.
Rae: When you are not busy writing, you keep readers updated on social media, what are your favorite types of posts, pics, or tweets?
Lori Ann: Anything with kittens or positive uplifting messages.
Rae: Where can readers find you in 2018?
Lori Ann: I’ll be doing the Literacy signing at RWA Nationals in Denver, Colorado
Rae: What can we expect in 2018? Do you have other projects in the works?
Lori Ann: I have a secret project in the works. I’ll make an announcement as soon as I can, but I may not be able to until March or early April. If your readers want to stay tuned for updates, they can friend me on Facebook.
Rae: Thank you for hanging out in the cafe today.
Lori Ann: Thank you for having me.
1. What is a must read book and why?
Scottish Historical Romance – Sweet Revenge by Lynsay Sands – I laughed out loud so many times my husband had to know what was going on.
Non-Fiction – The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker – This book changed my life and the way I look at my surroundings. I highly recommend it.
Suspense – Books by Greg Iles – Most of them took place not far from where I grew up. It’s enjoyable having a connection to the places and events that happen in his books.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? Windsor Ruins. A Southern plantation house that survived the civil war only to be burned down by a guest not long after. The magnificent columns are the only things left standing on the house.
3. Do you take-in or cook? If so, what is your “go-to” dish? A combination, but we try not to order out more than twice a week. My “go-to” would be spaghetti and meat sauce.
4. What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you? When my kids have all made their own lives, I would like to move back to New York City. Although I grew up in small town, Mississippi, I miss the convenience of living in the city.
5. Hard Rock or Classical? Favorite Band or Artist? I’ll listen to almost everything, but my favorite is Country. 😉
6. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go? All of Scotland. I’ve been to Edinburgh and a portion of the Highlands, but there is so much more I “need” to see. I can’t wait to go back.
7. What is your guilty pleasure? Cheez-It Hot and Spicy Grooves. They are so addicting.
8. What are you afraid of? Spiders and ventriloquist puppets.
9. Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one? Not for me, but if you want me to go cheer you on while you get one, I’m happy to do it.
10. Organized or Free Floating? I thrive on organization.
11. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)? Binge watcher. I just caught up on Netflix with Supernatural. I’m thinking about The Marvelous Mrs Maisel next but I haven’t had a chance to start yet.
12. What’s on your playlist? I have a different playlist for each book I write, but the playlist that keeps me motivated is my gym playlist. My favorites on it are Fight Song by Rachel Platten, Hall of Fame by The Script, Brave by Sara Bareilles and I Lived by OneRepublic.
13. What play or musical do you want to see next? I still haven’t seen Hamilton, even though my whole family knows the soundtrack by heart. I’d love to see it, but we are still waiting on the prices to come down.
14. Are you a crafter? I tried, but I failed miserably. I settle for appreciating those that are crafty.
15. What’s your favorite TV show and why? Mysteries at the Museum. I love the tidbits of history and I can have it on no matter what child is in the room and they all learn and are drawn in with me.
16. If you could pick a book you’ve read and make it into a movie, which book would it be (besides yours 🙂 )?
The Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare
17. What’s your favorite movie of all time and why? Romancing the Stone. I love the combination of comedy and romance. This one was one of my favorites when I saw it growing up and I watched it again recently and fell in love again. The hero and heroine are both flawed and their character growth makes the end rewarding.
18. Would you rather see a movie in the theater or at home on DVD and why? In the movie theater, because my kids save their questions and comments until the end of the movie and I can actually watch it.
19. What is the one thing you can’t live without? I’m assuming family is a given, so I’m going to say cozy socks.
20. If you could invite 5 people to dinner (not friends and family – that’s too easy) who would be at your table? Where would you eat? Johanna Lindsey, Hannah Howell, Paula Quinn, Lynsay Sands, and Karen Marie Moning. A tapas bar – I love the variety and the intimacy of sharing with others.
21. If you could try any career for a day, what would it be? Quality control taste tester at the Lindt/Lindor chocolate factory.
22. Person you admire and why? Eliza Knight – She’s an amazing mentor, author, and friend, who gives her time to help others, but somehow manages to juggle multiple publishing projects at one time, all while raising, caring for, and loving her three children and husband.
Feb 23, 2018 | Authors Dish, Avery Flynn, Blog, February 2018, Graceley Knox, Kate Meader
Welcome to Authors Dish where your favorite authors are sharing what they are reading. C’mon, even authors have a stash too!
In addition, if you enjoy reading their books they have suggestions for similar book adventures by other authors. It doesn’t get better than that!
Today in the cafe are USA Today Best Selling Authors Kate Meader, Avery Flynn, and Graceley Knox.
Rae: Who are you reading?
Kate Meader: I’m currently reading super-sekrit contest entries for the RITAs (Oscars for romance).
Avery Flynn: My stash is epic and I’m totally on a historical romance with Tessa Dare kick.
Graceley Knox: Shayla Black is top of my list. Then I’ve got Holly Black, S. Jae Jones, Sarah J. Maas and Jeaniene Frost.
Rae: If readers are a fan of your books, who should they consider reading?
Kate Meader: If you’re a fan of Kate Meader consider reading Lauren Layne, Julie James, and Rachel Gibson (yes, I’m shooting high here!)
Avery Flynn: If your a fan of Avery Flynn consider these authors… Kate Meader, Louise Bay & Lauren Blakely.
Graceley Knox: If your a fan of Graceley Knox consider reading these authors… D.D. Miers, Amelia Hutchins, Laurell K. Hamilton,and Sherrilyn Kenyon.
Rae: Thank you so much authors! Let me know dear readers if you try any of these books. I’ll see you next week – same time for new authors and more fun!
** Author Bios **
Kate Meader: Originally from Ireland, USA Today bestselling author Kate Meader cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Harlequins thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron or a fire hose, and she’s there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with alpha heroes and strong heroines who can match their men quip for quip.
website // facebook // twitter // pinterest // newsletter // reader group (kate’s kittens)
Avery Flynn: USA Today bestselling romance author Avery Flynn has three slightly-wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband and is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip.
She fell in love with romance while reading Johanna Lindsey’s Mallory books. It wasn’t long before Avery had read through all the romance offerings at her local library. Needing a romance fix, she turned to Harlequin’s four books a month home delivery service to ease the withdrawal symptoms. That worked for a short time, but it wasn’t long before the local book stores’ staffs knew her by name.
Avery was a reader before she was a writer and hopes to always be both. She loves to write about smartass alpha heroes who are as good with a quip as they are with their *ahem* other God-given talents. Her heroines are feisty, fierce and fantastic. Brainy and brave, these ladies know how to stand on their own two feet and knock the bad guys off theirs.
Graceley Knox: USA Today bestselling author, Graceley Knox, suffers from a serious caffeine and book addiction-and she’s not apologizing for it. She writes wicked paranormal and fantasy romance with snarky heroines and sexy heroes. By day she works in the publishing industry, and by night, she plots out the many ideas cluttering her mind. Her free time is spent with her fabulous family and Bengal kitties. She loves to connect with fans on social media, so stop by and say hello!
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