Apr 18, 2017 | April 2017, Blog, Coffee With, Xio Axelrod
Rae: Thank you Xio for hanging out with me today.
Xio: My pleasure! Thanks for having me.
Rae: First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop, I’d be drinking a mocha latte with Coconut milk. What would you order?
Xio: I’m not a big coffee drinker, but I do drink a ton of tea. Probably a leftover from living in the UK. I’d probably order a Chai Latte or some other frothy, creamy drink.
Rae: I am thrilled you are here today. Congratulations on Hot on Ice being on the USA Today bestselling list!
Xio: Thank you! We’re all pretty stunned and, of course, thrilled. The support for this project has been tremendous.
Rae: The collection was fantastic. What was it like to work with 17 authors collaborating and writing about hockey?
Xio: Thanks! It was an amazing experience, and I have to give a shout out to Avery Flynn for inviting me to be a part of it. I learned so much from each one of those ladies.
Rae: Are you a hockey fan?
Xio: I am a HUGE hockey fan, actually. (Go Flyers!) Even if the anthology hadn’t been filled with some of my favorite authors, I still would have jumped at the chance. Sports romance isn’t my forte, but I loved combining two of my favorite things: hockey and romance.
Rae: Readers…check out my review of Hot On Ice for this fabulous story! You also write erotic romance, is it easy to switch genres?
Xio: Yes and no. Erotic romance is where I let my hair down, so to speak. I basically throw the rules out the window and weave rather lyrical stories when I’m playing in that particular sandbox. They tend to be a bit more abstract if that makes any sense. It’s something I’d like to do more often and hope to do again soon, time permitting.
Rae: I understand that you write music and perform, when do you have time to do everything?
Xio: That’s the million dollar question. I was a full-time singer and songwriter until 2013. There was a mini-recession in Europe, where I toured the most, and it decimated the Indie music venues that I frequented. Places either closed, changed hands, or stopped booking original music. I knew it would eventually recover, but it forced me to take a break. It was during that break that I learned about Romance Writers of America and started to pursue (what was supposed to be) a secondary career as an author. Of course, it’s all reversed now. I don’t tour much anymore, but I still record and perform. And I’ve found a way to incorporate music into my books, recording soundtracks/singles for some of them. Still, it’s a juggling act.
Rae: Do you have the same creative process for writing books and songs?
Xio: I suppose I do, yes. I’m fascinated by what-ifs. With a song, I might hear a guitar lick or a bit of harmonized vocals and wonder “what if I build a chorus around those few notes?” My books often start the same way. I’ll read an article or overhear a conversation and think “what if…?”
Rae: What can we expect to see in 2017?
Xio: The Warm Up, from Hot On Ice, comes back to me soon, so I will be releasing that with some bonus scenes. After that comes Camden, and I am crazy excited about that book. Later in the year, I’ll have the long awaited follow up to The Calum, a/k/a “the book that will be the death of me,” and also a story I co-wrote with Kim Golden called Crossing Paths. I have some other things on tap, including my first LGBTQ series, but I’m not sure what will come this year and what will get pushed to 2018.
Rae: If readers want to find you, where will you be in the upcoming months?
Xio: I’ll be at the RT Booklovers Convention in Atlanta in May, and then at RWA’s Literacy Signing in July. That’s in Orlando. I’ll also be at the Baltimore Book Festival in September, though I’m not sure if I’ll be on a panel or just hanging around. Either way, it’s a great event.
Rae: You have posted that you’ll be at RT in Atlanta next month with Stu Reardon attending as your guest. Please tell me how that evolved. 🙂
Xio: Six months ago, I was in Dublin, Ireland for an author event and ran into Stu. For those who don’t know, Stuart is an ex-rugby player-turned-fitness guru and cover model. (He’s a sweetheart, by the way.) Anyway, Stu asked me about my career as an author and joked that I 
should put him on the cover of one of my books. Well, I thought it was a joke, but Stuart wasn’t joking. So we exchanged info, chatted a bit, and viola – Camden was born. It’s very different from anything else I’ve released, and I’m anxious to see how Camden’s story will be received. After Stu had planted the idea of being on one of my covers (actually, he’ll be on two), he offered to come to RT with me to help promote it. Again, I thought he was kidding. One thing I’ve learned in my budding friendship with Stu is that he’s a very serious business man. He loves to have fun, but he’s all business when it matters. I’ve learned a lot from him and hope that some of his drive rubs off on me. He would be a great life coach.
Rae: I am thrilled you were able to join me today and look forward to your next release.
Xio: Thanks again for having me! I had a blast.
Rae: Thank you again
***** 8 Tantalizing Tidbits *****
1. What is a must-read book and why?
Maybe Baby by Kim Golden is a book I return to again and again. I’ve known Kim for years, but we’d lost touch. When we re-connected, she’d just released Maybe Baby, and I bought it as a friend. I totally fell in love with Mads and Laney. Kim’s writing is so intimate and descriptive, and the story is so unique. I think I’ve read this book six or seven times.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown?
Philadelphia is America’s best-kept secret, lol. Everyone knows about the Liberty Bell and all the historical stuff, but when people come here, I take them to the Art Museum area. The scenery is gorgeous, with the Schuylkill River snaking its way through the heart of the city. You get a taste of what makes Philly so unique. It’s a naturally, almost sumptuously green city.
3. What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you.
I read my first romance novel in 2013.
4. Hard Rock or Classical? Favorite Band or Artist?
Hard rock though I love classical too, especially Bach and Debussy. I have way too many modern favorites to pick one, but I’ve recently discovered a Norwegian artist named Cezinando. He’s sort of a cross between Die Antwoord and Eminem. Such a clever lad.
5. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go?
Right now, Oslo, Norway. My current muse is a Norwegian actor named Henrik Holm. He inspired my new work-in-progress, so I’m obsessed with all things Norwegian at the moment. I’m even learning the language.
6. What is your guilty pleasure?
I’ve learned not to feel guilty about my pleasures. 😉
7. Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one?
I have three, with two more planned. My first was the Cyrillic letter D (a nod to my husband).
8. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)?
My DVR is heavily used, and I tend to binge between manuscripts. Faves include The Walking Dead, Outlander, Colony, Game of Thrones, Preacher, and Sense8. But my absolute favorite show is SKAM. It’s Norwegian, lol. See a pattern there?
9. What play or musical do you want to see next?
Like everyone else on the planet, I’m dying to see Hamilton. I’m still kicking myself for not going it when it was in preview. The annual RWA conference was in New York that year, and the theater was right next door.
Rae: Thanks again for hanging out! Time for another Latte 🙂 Happy Reading Dear Readers.
Happy Writing Xio
Xio: Thanks!
** To leave a comment for Xio be sure to click the Title of the post – Coffee With USA Today Best-selling author and then you will be able to comment. At the moment there are technical difficulties with the comment feature. We are working to correct this.**
Author Info:
Xio Axelrod is a USA Today bestselling author of love stories, contemporary romance and (what she likes to call) strange, twisted tales. She also writes erotica as Xio Nin.
Xio grew up in the music industry and began recording at a young age. When she isn’t writing stories, she can be found in the studio, writing songs, or performing on international stages (under a different, not-so-secret name). She lives in Philadelphia with one full-time husband and one part-time cat.
Author Links:
Website: https://www.xioaxelrod.com/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Xio-Axelrod/e/B00JCFOOHY Email Signup: https://eepurl.com/SunFL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XioAxelrod Twitter: https://twitter.com/xioaxelrod Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/xioaxelrod Google+: https://plus.google.com/+XioAxelrod Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/xioaxelrod/ Instagram: https:// https://instagram.com/xioaxelrod/
Book info:
Title: Camden
Blurb: Sometimes there’s a moment when you know you’ve screwed up. For Camden Skinner, it’s the night a dead pop star walks into his pub.
As one-half of Skin, an agency which specializes in cleaning up behind the ultra-rich and infamous, Cam has gotten used to getting his hands dirty. A little too used to it. After the young singer at the center of a client’s controversy is found dead, Cam decides he’s out. He walks away from Skin in search of a simpler life. Maybe even a shot at redemption.
Redemption arrives in the form of Yara Bujold.
The singer’s meteoric rise to the top surprised no one more than Yara herself. All she ever wanted was to make music. Caught up in the dark underbelly of the industry, Yara is forced to fake her own death. But she can’t hide forever.
Yara tracks down one of the principals at Skin, the very people that helped to tear her down. She’ll force Camden Skinner to make it right, whatever it takes. What she doesn’t expect is remorse from the man that helped to ruin her. And she certainly doesn’t expect to lose herself in him.
Cam finds himself sucked right back into a world he’d hoped never to step foot in again, but he can’t walk away. He has to fix this. Not only for himself, but for her. For Yara. Because she might just be everything he didn’t know he needed. She just might be everything.
**Blurb provided by Xio Axelrod
Get your copy of Hot on Ice before it disappears forever on April 21st….here:
Apr 6, 2017 | April 2017, Blog, Coffee With, Scott Nova
Rae: Thanks so much for hanging out with me today. First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking an iced Coffee with coconut milk. What would you order?
Scott: I would order a large spice chai tea.
Rae: I am always fascinated with how a cover model got their start. How did you landed on your first book cover? Was it for a stock photo or did an author request you?
Scott: It was a request, by Cindy Holby, who had met me at RT-LA in 2011 after Cindy Walker recruited me into the ranks of the cover models.
Rae: Have you ever had a request that was out of your comfort zone during a photo shoot? If so, how did you navigate through that?
Scott: Yeah I was requested once to cup a woman’s bare breasts, and I was married and so that was off the table. It was easy to navigate around, as the photographers that I work with are top-notch and very professional, so it was an easy thing to work through. I like boob’s as much as any man (maybe more than usual) but I only enjoy Lesleys lol.
Rae: I recently read that you are available to model with your wife for cover photos, is that more or less stressful than with a model you don’t know?
Scott: You read correct, and it’s very fun and easy to do. Authors are always saying that couples on covers have to have chemistry, and even though it’s a still photo on a book, chemistry comes through, and we have so much chemistry that it’s easy to get as sexy, or contemporary as needed.
Rae: The RT Convention 2017 agenda lists you as appearing in Hotlanta and hosting the Cover Model Meet & Greet. For new attendees, can you explain what happens during those sessions?
Scott: I’m not exactly sure WHAT is gonna happen at the Hotlanta event, could get pretty nuts. The event organizors want me to bring my turn-out gear from my firehouse, but that stuff is very heavy and hard to travel with. So, not sure whatsup yet. As for the Cover Model Meet & Greet, it’s all about just coming to the event and meeting your favorite model. Period. Very simply put, we are eliminating the mess of festivities that sometimes accompanies the models at events, and making it about MEETING the models. You can chat, get photos and autographs and just have fun.
Rae: How often do you attend conferences during the year to connect with readers and fans?
Scott: I tend to go to, now-a-days, about 3-4 events. I just can’t afford to travel like some of these young kids can or folks with regular service jobs. I own my own IT consulting company, and it requires a lot of my time and expertise. I require my guys to be on point, so I have to be as well. So I don’t abuse the power of being the owner, not yet at least LOL /grin.
Rae: Any meet and greet fan moment stand out? Are the fans the same or is a new scene every time?
Scott: YES, the fan scene is different, but it’s also the same for me when I go to the large events like RT or Emerald City Writers Convention. A singular fan moment stand out…hmmm. I’d have to say, no not really. I enjoy all the folks ive gotten to meet through the years, and also who all I’ve gotten to work with. I’ve taken thousands and thousands of photos with fans, and each one I take time for. I also try desperately to remember everyone, but it’s very difficult sometimes. But we guys and gals try.
Rae: When you are not shooting covers, how do you spend you time?
Scott: Well, I truly enjoy my family time, more and more as Jacob gets older. Lesley and I just celebrated our 3yr wedding anniversary, but it seems like forever lol. I also own a IT consulting company, Linear IT Solutions, and with us growing like crazy, it keeps me hoping. I also like to compete as a powerlifter and I still take pride in my physique, so I bodybuild on a regular basis still. Heck, shooting is like middle of the list anymore.
Rae: What is your idea of escape for a bit of relaxation when you want to disappear with the family?
Scott: My wife’s family has a vacation home in North Carolina, and it’s in the mountains near Banner Elk, and so we go there 2-3x a year, and its great. I absolutely feel content there, and alive all at the same time. There’s plenty to still do, but you can immediately hide away in the mountains and be able to breath.
Rae: Time for a little fun. A few authors have sent me questions to ask you….in no particular order 😉
Rae: Robin Covington wants to know “What’s your favorite form of exercise?”
Scott: Favorite exercise….I do a hybrid form of powerlifting, and bodybuilding, it allows me to keep a pleasing physique that allows my narrow waist, and broad shoulders to still make ’em look twice, but also BE STRONG which is paramount to me. I know there are a LOT of guys that want to look strong and don’t care if they can move any weight functionally or not (some are other cover models) but that’s not my cup o tea. I like to “look” like I can move something heavy, and be able to actually do it.
Rae: MK Meredith wants to know “What do you think is the greatest challenge facing male cover models today and how do you think the best models overcome or deal with these challenges? What would be your dream photo shoot?”
Scott: Great question MK, lots of points on that one. This could get to be a long issue in discussion, but I’ll just touch the surface. Male cover models get a stigma of being meat heads. ‘laughing’ now some are, but most are very smart, hard working, and very successful in a lot of ventures. But the greatest challenge I think is that we are under the eye all the time. Now that social media is 100% over top of the book world, anything even possibly taken out of context can potentially ruin a career. Some guys and gals, have needed that. They turn on the gorgeous smile, and want to be all about the fans, but at the end of the day, they aren’t nice people. And eventually, that comes out. I try to keep this as business as possible. I don’t invite authors to my room at events, not only because I’m married to a completely gorgeous and wonderful woman, but out of respect for the author as well. Hate and jealous has many eyes, let me tell you. It’s also what has allowed me to NOT be a shooting star in this industry, but still be around 7yrs later. My dream photo shoot…man, it’d have to be on the rim of a volcano with a world class photographer. To have that immense power, and destruction, but also beauty, right behind me would be amazing to pose with/in.
Rae: Stefanie London wants to know “What’s their favourite type of ‘role’ to play for a cover shoot?’ I.e romantic or sexy or suspense etc.”
Scott: Of course sexy/erotic is fun because it’s easy, just look like your so damn horny you can damn near go nuts, and you nailed it. I like suspense/horror but mainly because I haven’t gotten to do a lot of it. So it’s interesting, and I also love that genre of movies and such, so I would say suspense.
Rae: Kimberly Kincaid wants to know “Do you read the books that you’re on the cover of and what doe thinks of being associated with that hero?
Scott: I haven’t read one book from front to back, not yet. I’ve always just been so busy that it’s difficult. However, Lesley has read a few that I’m on and it’s been funny to have her giggle and say “oh, yeah, you DO do that!” 0.o
Rae: Avery Flynn wants to know “You have a solid reputation as one of the nicest guys in the business. Why do you think it’s important to not just look amazing (speaking truth here) but act it as well?”
Scott: Awww again, thank you Avery (and Rae) for the compliments…it helps an old man to keep pushing in the gym 😉
I didn’t set out to specifically have a “nice” guy reputation, it’s just who I am. I wanted to change careers, become a full-time paid firefighter and EMT and help people the rest of my life. Use my God given athletic abilities and will to NEVER GIVE UP to help folks. Alas, that isn’t in the cards for me, I’m not going to be full-time, not now that I’ve decided to take on this IT business, and make THAT my end goal.
But it’s ok, I don’t have many regrets, and that certainly isn’t one now. I look at this way, instead of me giving up something to be a business owner, it’s what I was supposed to do and help make a fun, and intriguing workplace for my guys to be proud of and want to be apart of. We’re going to use Linear IT’s resources to volunteer at the local charities and non-profits to help them with their IT needs.
And it means so much to me, that I have that reputation. I DO wish it equated to more covers and promo work, but I guess you do have a limited shelf-life in this industry, maybe I’m just nearing the end of mine.
Rae: Speaking of photographs do you have a website of the photographs that you take? If you could have a photo session where or whom would it include?
Scott: My website is NOT a very good one, but again it’s time to get it redone. But, its https://www.scottnova.com and a photo session would also be amazing in someplace like Scotland, in front of the castles and landscapes would be amazing.
Rae: It was so much fun having you here today!
Scott: Thank you Rae, and the Coffee shop for such great spice chai tea.
***** 12 Tantalizing Tidbits ******
1. What is a must read book and why? I honestly don’t have an answer for this, I couldn’t tell you the last time I read something that wasn’t pertaining to my training, or with my business.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? Well, if you come to Columbus, certainly must visit Old Man’s Cave, it’s a great little system of hiking, and waterfalls, and caves that are a real pleasure to have fun with for a while.
3. Hard Rock or Classical? Favorite Band or Artist? hm…kind of a mix…I like A LOT of different music and my two favorite bands are Def Leppard and CCR. Artist, Springsteen the boss.
4. What are you afraid of? Spiders
5. Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one? Tats for sure, I’d have WAY more but my wife my kill me. My first ever tattoo was a clown from the band, ICP (Insane Clown Posse) and even though I out grew their clowns on my body (its been covered up, btw) I still love their message.
6. Organized or Free Floating? Organized.
7. What’s on your playlist? I’m listening to Joe Cockers’ “You Can Leave Your Hat On”
8. What play or musical do you want to see next? Chicago
9. Best tip for relaxing? A snuggling wife that likes to hide her cold feet under your leg. It’s nice to be wanted LOL.
10. What’s your favorite TV show and why? NCIS – I want to be like Gibbs when I grow up.
11. What’s your favorite movie of all time and why? WHOA….ROUGH question here.
12. Would you rather see a movie in the theatre or at home on DVD and why? I definitely prefer the theater, as it’s a much larger canvas and the spectacle type movies really belong there.
Rae: Thanks again for hanging out! Time for another Iced-Coffee 🙂
Happy Reading Scott
Mar 30, 2017 | Blog, Coffee With, Ellen Dugan, March 2017
Rae: First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking a Mocha Latte with Coconut milk. What would you order?
Ellen: English Breakfast Tea—I hate coffee!
Rae: Not only are you an author of paranormal romance, you have a backlist of sixteen books in non-fiction, and released a boxed set of Tarot cards. How did you make the leap from non-fiction to paranormal romance?
Ellen: Fiction was my first love. But I found success in New Age non-fiction, and I still am a part of the traditional publishing world.
Rae: What was the biggest challenge you faced?
Ellen: The biggest challenge I faced? Working in the novels around my last two non-fiction titles.
Rae: What inspired you to write The Legacy of Magick book and subsequent series.
Ellen: The Legacy Of Magick series was something I tinkered with for ten years. I always knew it would be a series, and once I let the characters “off the chain” so to speak, they sort of exploded on the page. And I’ve never had so much fun writing.
Rae: I am waiting patiently for your upcoming release with Barbara Devlin that will be released April 4, 2017. How are your stories connected?
Ellen: Sure, Bewitched & Beloved is a crossover book. That features stories from the Pirates of The Coast and Legacy Of Magick series. Barbara wrote the historical tale called The Buccaneer and I wrote the contemporary, which is entitled The Hidden Legacy.
Rae: Can you tell us without giving away too much? I love the cover and am excited to read this collaboration.
Ellen:
Teaser for The Hidden Legacy: A bewitched heirloom is handed down from Francie Osborne (Barbara’s heroine) to her modern day descendant (my heroine) Hannah Osborne Pogue. When Hannah inherits the heirloom she becomes the keeper of a magickal legacy that has been protected for generations.
A practical, modern Witch, Hannah is a single mother sworn to keep her Craft hidden from outsiders. Her well organized world is turned upside down when she meets Detective Henry Walker, a charming southern scoundrel.
Even as they clash their attraction grows. Leaving Hannah to struggle with the obligations of her family’s legacy, even while Henry is determined to discover whatever it is Hannah’s been hiding.
He’s feeling bewitched and she’s absolutely certain that he’d never be her beloved. Its going to take a special sort of magick to bring these two together.
Rae: What is on your upcoming release list for 2017? Are there any new series in the works that you can give us a tease?
Ellen: Spells Of The Heart: Legacy Of Magick book #7– June 2017
There is a very special holiday project, coming too…and readers should stay tuned because this is BIG. As in epic.
And I’m going to try like hell to get Gypsy Spirit: The Gypsy Chronicles Book 2 out by the end of the year .
Rae: When you are deep in writing, do you sit at your computer all day or put it on paper? Some writers work by daily word count or pages, do you have a daily goal?
Ellen: I work at my computer, and I write until I can’t focus on the screen anymore. I’d say on average 8 hours a day. Every day.
Rae: Not only are you an amazing storyteller but you are a talented artist. I adore your Etsy shop and LOVE my winter sign. I’ll be sad to put that one away soon. If readers have not visited your shop, they should check it out at https://www.etsy.com/shop/EllentheGardenWitch
Rae: I observed that you are very into decorating during the holidays, is there one you favor more? Do you decorate and go all out for all the holidays during the year?
Ellen: Halloween- hands down is my favorite holiday, with Yuletide a close second. Yes, I decorate my home and celebrate all of the seasons.
Rae: If readers want to find you, will you be on the road at any conferences or appearances in 2017?
Ellen: Not this year. I’m staying home keeping my butt in the chair and writing as fast as I can.
Rae: I am thrilled you were able to join me today and look forward to reading Bewitched & Beloved: A Pirates of the Coast/ The Legacy of Magick Crossover. It was so much fun having you here today!
Ellen: Thanks Rae!
****** 9 Tantalizing Tidbits ******
1. What is a must read book and why? The Natural Psychic by Ellen Dugan because it answers lots of questions for lots of folks.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? The Winery!
3. What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you? I’m a Master Gardener
4. Hard Rock or Classical? Favorite Band or Artist? I have VERY Eclectic musical tastes and make different play lists for different books.
5. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go? Ireland
6. What is your guilty pleasure? Dark Chocolate
7. What are you afraid of? Typs I mean typos LOL
8. Organized or Free Floating? Hello I’m a VIRGO. I live for organization
9. What play or musical do you want to see next? You mean I could leave the house? I’ve never seen Wicked- always wanted to.
Rae: Thanks again for hanging out! Time for another Latte 
Happy Reading Dear Readers.
Happy Writing Ellen
Author Info:
Ellen Dugan is the award winning author of 17 non-fiction titles, and the Witches Tarot. Well known for her candor and humor, she is also a Master Gardener. Ellen successfully branched out into paranormal fiction with her first series Legacy Of Magick. Visit her website at www.ellendugan.com
Mar 9, 2017 | Blog, Coffee With, Cora A. Murray, March 2017
Rae: If we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking a Mocha Latte with Coconut Milk. 🙂 ! What would you order?
Cora: I would be drinking a whole milk Chia Tea. It’s my absolutely favorite drink on a cold day or any day I need a pick me up.
Rae: For those who are not familiar with your work can you tell us a little bit about your books?
Cora: Hi Rae, I write a wide range of genres from dystopian/horror to spiritual. I let my characters lead me and I just follow along.
Surviving Earth: Makayla’s Journey is about a young woman faced with the apocalypse, zombies and all. She’s on a journey to find her best friend who was away at college when the world fell apart.
Surviving Earth: Makayla’s Journey Continued, is her continuing journey. Which will be coming soon.
The Dark Brothers, are paranormal romances that follow three brothers. Aiden (The Dark Alpha), Mason (The Dark Omega), and Brody (The Dark Delta)
Beginning Again, is a contemporary romance. It has a touch of mob and a touch of country in it because Breena runs away from he abusive husband and falls into the arms of Jaxson Heath.
Charlotte’s Last Wish, this is my first attempt into spiritual/religious. Charlotte, has pancreatic cancer, and goes on her dream trip with her sister Malinda as a sort of fulfilling her bucket list.
Rae: What inspires you?
Cora:
My grandchildren, their smiles and their never ending faith in me.
My sons, they both have faced adversity and are still going strong.
My husband, he’s an amazing man. He takes such good care of me.
My Mom, she faced so much but told me that I could accomplish anything I put my mind to.
All those other writers out there that seems to just get it. Their work flows and it’s just amazing.
Rae: What is your approach to writing?
Cora: Write as much as I can, when I can and edit later.
Rae: Do you sit in a café all day on the computer or do you write in a block at night or early in the morning?
Cora: I’m usually up late at night writing, or anytime I can find a quiet moment.
Rae: How do you keep connected with your readers?
Cora: I try to stay active on Facebook. I’m open to all of my readers friending me and sending a message. I love to talk to my readers.
Rae: Where can we find you this year?
Cora: Sadly I don’t have any appearances scheduled. Since my accident in March of 2016, it’s thrown all my schedule off. I am available to talk to at any time on my Facebook page.
Rae: When will Beginning Again hit retailers?
Cora: I hope I can get it published by late March early April.
Rae: Can you tell us a bit about it?
Cora: Beginning Again was written for an Romance anthology for women. After my accident the anthology fell apart.
Beginning Again.
Beaten and battered, Breena Reynolds only has one choice; to run.
Her husband of four years is involved in more than she ever thought possible. He isn’t just a
dirty businessman, he is buried deep in the mob.
Running to the small town of Jubilee, she never expects to find more than a job and a place to live. But after meeting Jaxson Heath she feels hope for herself once more. He gives her not only a second chance, but also a family and hope for the future.
When her husband finds her, he promises he’ll never let her go, only by death will she escape from him again.
Will she find love in Jaxson’s arms or will she die trying to escape the husband who wants to own her?
Rae: What can we expect to see in 2017?
Cora: Surviving Earth: Makayla’s Journey Continued, the next journey for my Surviving Earth series which is a dystopian/ horror, A new series I just started writing, Vampire Shifter Council: The Chronicles of Veronica and J, a PNR, Charlotte’s Last Wish, a spiritual/religious book about a young woman with pancreatic cancer and I hope the final Surviving Earth.
Rae: Where can readers find you in 2017?
Cora: I honestly wish I had an appearance or two scheduled, but I don’t. It hasn’t been an easy year. They can always contact me anytime and just talk. I’m open to talking to my readers anytime.
**** Tasty Tidbits ****
1. What is a must read book and why? I love all things Paranormal. My must read is Captured by Erica Stevens. She introduced me to the creatures I know and love.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? My families old mill house and pond (Murray’s Mill) . I love history and this is very near and dear to my heart. It’s been up and operational for over a 100 years.
3. Person or persons you admire and why? My Mom was one of the most amazing people I’ve ever know. She was talented in every facet of her life, she could paint, sew, draw, make up stories. I will forever admire her courage and strength through tout her life. She was my best friend.
Barbara Devlin, she seems to have it all together. She’s tenacious, caring, and she makes me want to be a better writer.
Erica Stevens, she is my fave writer and just seems to have this writing thing down pat. I admire so many things about her. The way she is with her readers, they’ve all become such good friends because she lets them in.
My Husband, I was in a pretty horrific accident in March, he was by my side night and day, making sure I was being well taken care of. He’s amazing in every way.
My Sons and grandchildren, they own my heart and I admire the way they love life.
My family and friends, I admire how they support each other and stick by each other through thick and thin.
4. What is one thing you can’t live without? I cannot live without my iPad. It has all my ideas for books on it, all of my pictures, covers, links, and all of my books. I’d be lost without it.
5. If you could invite 5 people to dinner (not friends and family) – that’s too easy, who would you invite?
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, my first all time fave author. I would love to get her take into her books. I think I would majorly fangirl.
Donald Trump, I have to know if he plans to keep his word. Lol.
Chris Hemsworth, oh my God, why not?
Hillary Clinton, I want President Trump and her at the same table, it should be interesting.
Bruno Mars, because he’s adorable and I love everything he sings.
6. What are you afraid of? I think it’s losing one of my family members or one of my friends. But my biggest fear as a writer is not being good enough or not getting it right.
7. Do you love to cook or go out to eat? I love to cook, I am probably the closest to the way my Mom cooked in the family. But I’d rather have my niece come cook for me, she blows the mind with what she comes up with. There’s a lot of taste in each bite.
8. Castles or Beaches? This question is so hard. I love the ocean, it has such a calming affect over my body and soul, but I love the history and grandeur of a castle. I’d have to choose both. Lol
9. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go? Ooh I think I’d go to Scotland to research their myths and lore. I think I could write an awesome shifter book from there or maybe even vampires.
10. What’s your favorite movie of all time and why? Dirty Dancing. I love Patrick Swayze, the romance. Johnny shows his softer side for Baby. You have this hot man that can dance fall in love and show that he’s in love. I’m getting chills just thinking about it.
12. Organized or Free Floating? I am so unorganized. My husband is OCD and I think I drive him crazy. I am a bit more organized In my writing. I write a few chapters when the book idea hits, just so I have the basics.
13. What’s on your playlist? Everything Bruno Mars, Meghan Trainer, Adele. I love country so there lots of country music on there as well. My fave group, Journey plays through quite a bit. I’m very eclectic. Love so many various artist and bands.
Author Info:
Cora A. Murray is a pen name I devised from the love of two great women, my mother and my sister, who may no longer be with us, but will forever reside in my head and heart. I am the mother of two adult sons and the grandmother of two beautiful grandchildren. I have been married for the past thirty-two years and have always been an avid reader. I decided to turn my love for reading into something more and with the support of my family and friends, I took that extra step and started writing The Dark Alpha, the first book in The Dark Brothers Trilogy.
Mar 2, 2017 | Blog, Coffee With, D.L. Colon, March 2017
Rae: Thank you so much for hanging out with me today.
D.L.: The pleasure is all mine. Thank you for having me around
Rae: If we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking a Mocha Latte with Coconut Milk. 🙂 ! What would you order?
D.L.: I take cappuccino.
Rae: I read that you moved to the States from Puerto Rico to pursue a culinary career and a writing career. That sounds exciting. Do you have plans to infuse both?
D.L.: To be honest, I was thinking on keeping it on separate, but it seems that I am going to implement the cooking into my writing in the future.
Rae: What inspired you to write your first story?
D.L.: It was thanks to the suggestion of an author. Thanks to that I wrote the main plotline ready for my series, and after consulting with different friends, a very close friend gave me the push I needed.
Rae: Are you a pen and paper writer, or do you type at the keys to get those stories crafted?
D.L.: I guess you could say that I write as I go on my laptop screen.
Rae: For those who are not familiar with your work can you tell us a little bit your books and who designs your covers?
D.L.: My First Series Called the Lost City, is based on the biblical apocalypse, but with a big twist to it, and it takes place around different countries around the world.
My Dragon Empire series, I use the concept of Dragon controlling a whole continent and they Killed the family of the main character, and he is out for revenge.
The Time Travel series is about Roy Hudson a gamer, traveling in time to explore ruin that no longer exist in the future.
Rae: What can we expect to see in 2017? Do you have any new series in the works that you can give us a tease?
D.L.: At the moment I have to say that I have a new series that I am working on, but I don’t have anything official yet, as the priority is the 5th book of the Lost City Series
Rae: Where can readers find you in 2017?
D.L.: I am not going to any event, but they can reach my author page.
Rae: It was so much fun having you here today!
D.L.: It was a pleasure to be here, thank you for inviting me.
***** Tasty Tidbits ****
1. What is a must read book and why? It would be, The Summoner by Gail Z Martin. It’s one of my favorite books that made me love reading.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? It’s sad to say this but there’s not much to visit there, but one must place you must Visit in Puerto Rico would el Yunke, after all is the only tropical rainforest on this side of the world.
3. Hard Rock or Classical? Favorite Band or Artist? A mix of both, I have multiples, Breaking Benjamin, The Outfield, Avenge Sevenfold, Kamelot, The Fray, The Killers
4. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go? Japan with no second thought.
5. Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one? I don’t have any but I want three, each one representing a weapon from one of the main Characters from The Lost city Series.
6. Organized or Free Floating? Organized.
7. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)? Weekly or binge depending on the show, but Game of Thrones, The Flash, and Arrow.
8. What is your best tip for relaxing? Listening to music, play video games, or watch anime.
9. What’s your favorite TV show and why? Game of Thrones its very realistic on the concept of the what people did on its time.
10. If you could pick a book you’ve read and make it into a movie, which book would it be (besides yours 🙂 )? The Summoner by Gail Z Martin or The Ex Boyfriend Handbook by Matt Dunn.
11. Would you rather see a movie in the theatre or at home on DVD and why? Depends on the movie, but I do both
12. Do you love to cook or go out to eat? I rather cook it myself, after all its better.
13. Motorcycle or bicycle? Motorcycle. Always wanted one.
14. If you could try any career for a day, what would it be? Acting on a action movie.
Rae: Thanks again for hanging out D. L. ! Time for another Peppermint Mocha 🙂 Happy Reading Dear Readers.
Happy Writing D.L.
D.L.: Thank you for Having me here once again, I had fun.
D.L.Colon/ Urban Fantasy/ Dystopian/ Science Fiction Author
https://authordlcolon1.weebly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorD.L.Colon
Jan 13, 2017 | Blog, Coffee With, Jamie Farrell, January 2017
Rae: Thank you so much for hanging out with me today.
Jamie: Thank you so much for having me!
Rae: If we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking a peppermint mocha with Coconut Milk. 🙂 ! What would you order?
Jamie: I’m a tea girl. Irish breakfast tea with milk and sugar is delish!
Rae: Congratulations on your new release, tell us everything. Ok, not everything, perhaps where this sets up in your Officers Ex-Wives series. If a reader hasn’t read the other books, will it stand on it’s own or should we start reading the other books now?
Jamie: Thank you! My new release, Sweet Serendipity, is a standalone novella in Melanie Shawn’s Hope Falls Kindle World. It’s loosely related to the Officers’ Ex-Wives series—when Wyatt isn’t vacationing in Hope Falls, he’s in the military, and he’s newly re-assigned to (the fictional) Gellings Air Force Base, where the Officers’ Ex-Wives Club series is set. In Sweet Serendipity, Skye is Wyatt’s best friend’s little sister. He’s had a crush on her forever, but she’s never really liked him at all. But when they end up sharing a vacation house in Hope Falls, anything goes!!
The next official Officers’ Ex-Wives Club romance, Her Rebel Heart, is coming in March! It’s a full-
length prequel novel featuring a sexy military cargo pilot, a feisty and unpredictable physics professor, and some awesome Southern (redneck) fun. (The phrase “Want to touch my catapult?” may or may not be used as a euphemism in Her Rebel Heart… *whistling innocently*)
All of my books can be read by themselves, but I love to put in Easter eggs for loyal readers with crossover characters and world-hopping.
Rae: For those who are not familiar with your work can you tell us a little bit your books?
Jamie: I write lighthearted romantic comedies with heart. The Misfit Brides series is set in the “Most Married-est Town on Earth,” where the primary economy of the town revolves around the wedding industry. They’re goofy, campy fun, but they also have some emotional threads that I hope will ring true for readers.
And the Officers’ Ex-Wives Club is a funny look at the reality of military family life. I love my Misfit Brides, but my Officers’ Ex-Wives hold a special place in my heart because they come from so much truth in my life. Including the funny parts – in the name of research for this series, I’ve fired potato cannons and gotten a fire ant infestation in my car.
Rae: What can we expect to see on the bookshelves in 2017? Do you have any new series in the works that you can give us a tease?
Jamie: 2017 is starting with a lot of fun! Both Sweet Serendipity and Her Rebel Heart are coming this winter, and I’m planning another Misfit Brides book for this fall. In the meantime, I’m working on a secret project that I’m not ready to talk about yet. (But I promise it’ll be lots of fun.)
Rae: As a military spouse what challenges do you face as a writer? Is there a favorite city that you hope to return to before your husband retires?
Jamie: Hands down, the biggest challenge is moving, followed closely by missions that take the hubby away for weeks at a time. When we move, I’m typically out of commission for writing for at least a month, if not longer depending on all kinds of variables from timing of the move to the childcare and housing and school situations on both ends of the move.
And I would love to get back to the Gulf Coast one day! My oldest was just a year old when we first moved to Eglin Air Force Base in the Florida panhandle, and my youngest was six months when we left, so we basically had babies the whole time we were there. I’d love to go back and enjoy the beach more. (Plus, they have Publix. I love Publix grocery stores!)
Rae: Your series is on audio-book, were you able to select who narrated your books?
Jamie: Funny story – my narrator, Karen White, actually picked me! When my first book came out, she read a review and reached out and asked if I’d sold audio rights. I listened to some of the samples on her website, and when I realized she narrated for Julie James and Jill Shalvis, I was totally hooked. I’m so thrilled to have Karen narrating both the Misfit Brides and the Officers’ Ex-Wives Club series. Her narration adds a new dimension to the stories, and I absolutely love it.
Rae: I must say I love the jumping brides on the cover of your book. That’s one shot I never took at my wedding – clever idea.
Jamie: Thank you! The covers were so fun to design, and Jaycee at Sweet ‘N Spicy Designs did such a fabulous job with the concept.
Rae: It was so much fun having you here today!
Jamie: Thank you, Rae!! I had a great time stopping by!
***** Tasty Tidbits *****
1. What is a must read book and why? The Count of Monte Cristo. I love the complexity of the plot, the deep human desires, the romance, the ethical questions sparked by Edmond’s quest for vengeance, all of it. It’s such a remarkable book.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? Since I’m in the DC area right now, I’m going to say Mount Vernon. It’s historically rich and it sits on such a beautiful patch of earth.
3. What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you? I was an engineer before I was a romance writer.
4. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go? Back to Morocco. The people and culture and food fascinate me, and I’d love to put it all in a book one day.
5. What is your guilty pleasure? Chocolate. Always chocolate. 🙂
6. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)? Total binge-watcher! I’m binging Mysteries of Laura right now and eagerly awaiting a new season of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. (And now I have the theme song running through my head and I’m giggling.)
7. What’s your favorite movie of all time and why? The Princess Bride! Because it’s inconceivable that I pick any other movie as my favorite. 🙂
8. What is the one thing you can’t live without ? My imagination. I live there more than I live anywhere else.
9. Do you love to cook or go out to eat? I love cooking and eating homemade food, but I also love having someone else chop the vegetables and do the dishes.
Rae: Thanks again for hanging out! Time for another Peppermint Mocha 🙂 Happy Reading Dear Readers. Happy Writing Jamie
Jamie: Thank you so much, Rae! I had a lovely time, and I’m looking forward to another cup of Irish breakfast tea! Happy reading, everyone!
Author Info:
Jamie Farrell writes fun contemporary romances with quirky characters and lots of heart. She believes love and laughter are two of the most powerful forces in the universe, and she infuses both into all of her stories. Her debut novel, Southern Fried Blues, was a finalist for the 2013 National Readers’ Choice Awards and the 2014 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards.
A native Midwesterner, Jamie has lived in the South the majority of her adult life. When she’s not writing, she and her military hero husband are busy raising three hilariously unpredictable children.
CLOSED***GIVEAWAY***CLOSED
Now, I am offering up ONE Kindle Fire 7″ donated by the generous Barbara Devlin in honor of my new site!
All you have to do to be entered is tell me…
If you could invite FIVE people to dinner (friends and family don’t count) …who would you invite?
Click on Comment to enter and then check out the rafflecopter for additional ways to enter (Open to US Residents only!)
Contest ends 1/14/17 at 12:00 AM EST
One winner will be randomly selected from all entries (comments on the blog and rafflecopter) and posted on 1/14/17. Winner will have 24 hours to comment/respond or a new winner will be selected.
