Guest Interview with Author Bonni Sansom: 29 April

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Guest Interview with Cassandre Dayne

Today I have the pleasure in inviting the much published Cassandre Dayne to speak about herself and her life. So let's welcome her here.

Well hello there Cassandre, come in out of the cold. It looks like rain. Take a seat while I fix us drinks, what do you fancy?

Hmm Merlot please.

Hang on I’ll open a bottle and bring it over with some glasses.

 See the microphone? The stage is set for you. Speak to your public LOL.

Hang on, press the button – testing 123 and action!

I am Bethany Halle writing as Cassandre Dayne, Dakotah Black and DH Black. I live in the United States – in my forties and I have a background in writing from when I was a kid but sadly real life intervened and ended up taking up a career of managing community associations – for those not in our country they are communities where governing documents rule the land telling you what you can and can’t do from planting flowers to the color or your house. When I was about 4 – I started writing poems. I wrote 18 novels by the time I was 16 and then college and life set in. I started writing seriously again three years ago.

My husband went from this is a hobby to an internship and then he knows how serious I am – too bad it’s not paying the bills yet. The rest of the family does shy away from the erotic part.

Mmm nice wine. And is erotic what you prefer?

I write heavily in erotic because I enjoy reading and I seem to be good at it but getting more into gritty crime and also do a series based on the community association world called Pinked – it’s campy murder mystery.

 I get ideas in my sleep and sometimes after having a glass of wine or so.

Ah, so you may get another idea if I ply you with enough wine. J

LOL

Do you have any favourite books?

I was thinking about telling you of favourite books, but there are just too many to name. As for  writers influencing me, well, from Bentley Little to Carl Haissen – I love the wacky ones. J

 I'm enjoying the genre I'm writing with no plans to diverse at the moment. I considered myself a writer the day I put the first thing on paper. I have several favourite characters from my books

 However  I love my Russian vamp in Red Fire Surrender because he has so many layers.

I’ve noticed you have a lot of books out at the moment. I suppose its best to check links and your website for what you’ve done and future works.

Good idea. There you go.

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Cassandre+Dayne

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Cassandre+Dayne&x=16&y=24

http://www.cassandredayne.com

http://wwwdakotahblack.com

http://dhblack.wordpress.com/

Cool.

What was your big break?

I had a friend on FB email me asking if I would consider trying Rebel Ink Press. He’d seem my naughty postings and blogs and the rest they say is history.

I have an office in my loft complete with everything including satellite radio and I stay focused because that’s my personality.

And what if you weren’t a writer? Sorry, your glass is empty. More wine to feed the Muse?

Be a veterinarian – animals are so much better than people are.

Do you have any hobbies?

Reading, cooking, gardening – I also play the piano

Another drink? Always  J

I would describe myself as Bold, Opinionated, Wicked, Honest, Caring

What are you writing at present?

Wow – so many things. The sequel to the Pinked Series, the third in the Retribution Collection, about four Dirty Little Lunches and assorted other goodies too.

Are we allowed to see an excerpt?

You bet…

(Hey – why don’t we pick one as we get closer)

Ooops that’s the last of the wine. I think I can find some more if you like.

How about this one. Done. Sounds hot and you have a cover for it already.

Blurb

Simon Preston loved his life. Between his job as a highly paid architect and his lover, Chad Murphy, things couldn’t be better. And since adopting the precocious little girl who was the love of their life, he was ready to take the next step - marriage. It didn’t matter who the biological father was. Having a child together was their dream. After a grueling day at work Simon decided to surprise his melded family with a home made dinner and a selection of the finest Disney movies available. He also had another surprise in mind. Gay marriages were legalized in the state of New York and even though their relationship wasn’t perfect Simon knew it was time to take the next step. The feast prepared, he waited. And waited.

Excerpt

"By this point it was just past seven thirty. His fingers shaking he fumbled as he dialed and when the damn voice mail came on again he resisted tossing his phone. “Chad, please call me. Now I’m worried.” While he realized his voice was terse, he could imagine all the horrible things in the world having happened. This wasn’t at all like Chad. For a brief second he thought about going inside the store but instead drove slowly toward the exit. Should he go to Chad’s work? Yeah, that would be perfect. He’d be there and Chad and Ashley would think the worst when they got home. No, it was time to go back and wait. He knew Chad would call soon.

As he drove down the streets his heart felt heavy. There was something much too odd about this and he couldn’t put his finger on why he was so bothered but he was. The anger rising he headed back to the house and just didn’t know what to think. Pulling into the driveway he was almost hopeful he’d see Chad’s car but instead an empty space remained. Simon moved into the house, checking the answering machine and then filling his wine glass. The last thing he needed to do was to drink like a fish in case he had to go out and…  And what? Like Chad was going to call and say come here to a club. This was either about some work thing or a surprise and while he remained pissed he knew that Chad wouldn’t do anything intentional to hurt what they had so he calmed his nerves and gulped his wine. And gulped more.

When he’d finished the glass he finally turned on the news to see if there was anything. As the beginning of a cooking show came on indicating it was eight p.m. he was about ready to jump out of his skin. He paced floor and stared at his phone and paced some more. Pouring another glass of wine he mumbled and hissed. “Fuck this shit!”

Half looped, when nine rolled around he was over it. At this point no matter what the excuse he was fucking pissed and going to give Chad a piece of his mind. “What the hell is going on here?” Staring at the television screen nothing registered and while his heart thumped in his chest he wasn’t sure he could feel anything but almost blinding anger. Simon simply wasn’t used to being treated this way. It was time for another glass of wine.

The bottle just about finished he eyed the clock and could barely focus. His hand shaking, he wiped a tear from the corner of his eye and prepared himself for the call from the police telling him his entire family had been wiped out. “Why are you doing this to yourself?“ Because your gut instinct is working in overdrive. Too many bad things had happened in his life and he was always prepared for the worst. Unfortunately he knew better than to call the police but God he wanted to. Sadly he realized the only recourse was to wait."

Sounds really good.

Thanks for that and for popping round. Now where’s that wine LOL

****

Guest Interview with Gemma Parkes: 25 April

Today I am lucky enough to have Gemma Parkes drop by.

Come in, come in Gemma. Let me take your coat. Sit yourself down. Now what can I get you to drink?

How about a nice J20, white grape and kiwi please.

There you are honey, straight from the fridge.

Mmm, that’s really nice! 

So, any time you’re ready, there’s the microphone. We’d love to find out about the ‘real’ Gemma.

Well by day l am mild mannered Gemma Parkes. Respectable, (sort of) calm, laid back observer of life. I am based in England. By night l turn into ‘Naughty Gemma’. A writer of explicit tales of sexual adventures!

Hmm, a woman leading a double life! Do go on. When did the second Gemma emerge?

I started writing from a very early age, influenced by the many books I read. These were mainly classics and well-written children’s stories. But l always stretched myself and wrote many things, including poetry, plays and children’s stories.

A woman of many talents.

Luckily I get support from all my family, but the only person who reads my work and knows my pseudonym is my partner. He helps and encourages me 100% and loves reading what I write.

I’m pleased you get encouragement. Some writers don’t.

At the moment I only write Erotica. This is really just because I find it relatively easy to write. It also seems to be a popular genre amongst readers. I used to write these stories purely for my own satisfaction.  I’ve always been interested in human sexuality.

However, I would like to have more success with children’s stories. That way l could be more open about my writing and not feel as though I need to sneak around. Maybe I will return to that genre eventually.

My ideas just pour into my head, seriously.  I am a very sensuous person and l fantasise a lot so l tend to see sensuality and possible story ideas all over the place! I am inspired by real life situations, but also purely imaginative ones. It’s difficult to get them all down in writing as there are never enough hours in the day as I’m sure you know yourself Naomi.

LOL tell me about it!

Do you have any favourite books, and is there a particular author you feel has influenced you.

I love reading the classics, especially Dickens. I am a huge fan of the ‘Harry Potter’ books. I love most well – written stories. I can’t really get into crime though, but l do have a huge respect for anyone who writes in that genre as it seems to be particularly difficult.

Dickens, Jane Austen, and for different reasons, Dr.Seuss have been big influences.

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.” (Dr. Seuss)

Oh I love that saying!

I like to read something and just be blown away by the way a sentence may have been written. I think l am a person who just loves the written word. Sometimes l will read through the dictionary, just to familiarise myself with lesser used words and think about their heritage.

When did you consider yourself ‘a writer’?

I think l have always considered myself a writer, because of writing all the time. But I now consider myself an author, because l am published and my books sell. I am not where l want to be and l still have a lot to learn and improve on. But l am getting there!

Good for you, and with your attitude, you’re bound to get there!

Do you have a favourite character from one of your books?

I am working on a novella at the moment. The main character is a male called Scott who thinks about things too much and does all he can to please the woman in his life. I like him very much and identify with him quite a lot!

Hmm he sounds very interesting.

Have you a recent release, or one due out?

My last release was a short story ‘Master Me, Master You’.

 At the same time I published an anthology of my earlier writing in print form. It’s called ‘Short ‘n Sexy’ and it is very naughty!

Ooh sounds tempting lol.

Also I have two stories in anthology releases, one just out, ‘Back Door Lover’ by Ravenous Romance and one came out April 12th for Cleis press ‘Girl Fever’.

 My included stories are ‘Access all areas’ and ‘Train Whore’ consecutively.

You have been a busy girl.

Can you give appropriate links please.

My work is available to purchase from:

All Romance

Kindle

Smashwords

Xcite Books

Also Yellow Silk Dreams and, of course, directly from my blog

http://gemmaparkes.blogspot.com/

What was your big break?

With the encouragement of my partner l reached a point where I thought ‘Go for it’. I only started writing/publishing in this genre last May. The acceptances in the anthologies, including a Halloween special ‘Wicked and Wanton all Hallows Eve’ by Naughty Nights Press, have been a massive boost, to be included in work alongside many of the great erotic writers is a huge honour!

Where do you do most of your writing and how do you stay focussed?

I always write directly from my head onto my net book, l don’t think about it first, l just write when the mood takes me. This is always at home away from distractions. I need silence to write. I can be focussed while l have something l need to get out. If l have to do something else (eat, sleep etc) l will stop and return later.

Sounds like you were born to be a writer. J

Do you have any hobbies?

I dance, Latin and ballroom. I would love to be able to paint, but I can’t!

Wow, multi talented. Another drink?

Yes please, l think it might be time to break open the rosé!

You read my mind lol There you go, not too large a glass is it?

How would you describe yourself?

Thoughtful, considerate, passionate, loving, and funny.

I like to think I put others before myself. I know I find humour in most things.

Humour is never a bad thing. I mean, what’s the alternative. Here’s your rose. Bottoms up.

Oh, now that’s something to bring an image to the mind of an erotica writer lol.

What are you writing at present?

My current work in progress is a novella called ‘Pleasing Mia.’ It’s a love story really but there are plenty of sexual encounters along the way! It is the longest work l have written in this genre and is therefore more of a complete story. It’s about a wild girl who attracts the attention of a loving, somewhat intense man. I am still doing the final edits before considering which publisher it would suit. Fingers crossed they like it!

Are we allowed to see an excerpt?

“He began to stroke her hair, giving short little tugs that made her head tilt back and her body shudder, he lifted a handful of it and watched it fall back into place in soft waves cascading down her curved, slender back. A slight scent of almonds wafted up and stimulated his nostrils. Scott loved Mia’s hair, the silky feel of it running through his fingers, the scent so subtle and tantalising and the way her body moved towards him with sensual response every time he touched it. For a moment he was lost in the moment wanting to fall to his knees behind her and kiss the small curve of her back before smoothing the blushing cheeks of her bottom.

But he could sense her deep arousal. This new state of genuine passion that he had built within her was really exciting him. Mia needed this. Mia needed him to take control. With this realisation a new sense of power began surging through him, filling him with burning desire, leaning in he bit her neck, sucking the blood to the surface and causing her to writhe against him, pushing her ass against his cock.”

Future plans are to write another novella and l would like to write more stories for anthology inclusion. It’s much more of the same really!

You can follow me on

http://gemmaparkes.blogspot.com/

Ok, let’s switch the microphone off, and finish this wine off. Seems a shame to leave it lol, You can help me with a scene I’m stuck on. We can find you transport to get home.

Sounds good to me Naomi. I’m glad I dropped by.

Guest Interview with Dawne Prochilo

8 April


Today we welcome the highly talented and respected Dawne Prochilo to talk to us

Dawne,come in honey. If you find a seat I'll bring a drink over to you and hand you the microphone. You must be used to these interviews, so I won't fire questions at you, though you know the sort of thing I was wanting to know. So just tell me your preferred drink  and when you need a top up. The stage is yours!

White Zinfandel with a twist of lime... thank you


I'll leave you the bottle and extra lime, just help yourself honey

Here's the microphone, your public awaits

I am a 42 year old mom to three children, soon to be a grandma for the first time in less than two months. I love in rural Michigan, am a published erotic and romance author, web content writer and lover of all things naughty. Oh yes, and am in a relationship with the love of my life.

I knew I always wanted to be a writer but it wasn't until I was a freshman in high school that the dream hit me. My English teacher forced and pushed me to write, even at that time I resented her for it, I can see she had a vision with me. She pushed, I rebelled. Now I am a published author with 12 novels and five more scheduled for release in 2012 with more in the works.

In my younger years of just the dream of being a writer...none. Now, more than you can imagine. The man in my life is VERY supportive and helpful. My children are supportive as much as they can be considering their mom is an erotic romance author, radio show segment host and... oh so much more that would embarrass them.

My romance writing abilities ranges from sweet and sensual all the way to erotic and F/F. I am still searching for my actual “brand” in the genre. I am leaning toward between F/F and sweet.

Ideas come from every day life and events that happen to me or that I have witnessed. There is a story everywhere, you just need to pay attention.

 I am the reviewer, administrator and owner of three review sites so I have my hands on so many good reads. I can't say just one book has totally won me over in my life. But I will read anything by Jodi Olson, Robert B. Parker, Stuart Woods and Maya Banks.

Jodi Olson in the erotic romance genre most definitely. She is not only a good friend and mentor but a fabulous writer and someone I can bounce ideas off of. We have some collaborations in the works right now and we are hoping to have them accepted and published in 2012 and 2013.

 Is there a specific genre you would like to write but not done yet?

Let's see... I have written sweet romance, romantic suspense, erotic, F/F, menage....hmmm, nope I'm good. I even have a non-fiction book on smashwords full of relationship and sex advice- kind of a compilation of all of my online writing articles.

I became a newspaper writer and staff writer in 1999. As a published author, the day I received an acceptance letter in 2009. When that first royalty check came in it was a joyous day, even though it barely filled my gas tank. LOL

My favorite character is Brynn Saunders in When We Meet Again. So much of her is me and I have a close connection and attachment with her personality. Sometimes it was hard to write her scenes when dealing with abuse and neglect.

Callie's Way: The V.W. Club Book 1 is my most recent release in January. Think a little girl on girl action in the voluptuous way.

Callie's Way- http://noboundariespressstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=6

All my Secret Cravings books-  http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=products_all&filter_author=48&zenid=50a9223aeeb19ad462826f921b558a20

Even though I had two books out in 2009, I have to say my biggest break was connecting with Secret Cravings Publishing. They are exceptional and a great publisher to work with. I submitted to them in the summer of 2010 and have been with them since.

Most of my writing is done either sitting at my dining room table or in the corner of the living room. I like to be amidst the house activity. Staying focused has to do with white noise. I always have my headphones on and rock music guiding me as I write.

I love developing new marketing ideas and watching authors succeed.

I also love to cook, bake and read. I spend my weekends in the kitchen and love to make my family happy with all my new recipes.

Would love another drink.*licks lips*  I am quite parched here.


Don't wait to ask honey - help yourself

Words to describe me - Sassy, disorganized, determined, devoted and a go-getter.

Wow Dawne,there's no disputing that. I'm impressed! You've done so much with no signs of stopping.

I am currently fulfilling five contracted books for Ravenous Romance, No Boundaries Press and a few more secret WIPs. I have two manuscripts out right now being reviewed after being requested by a very BIG name publisher.

We'd love to see an excerpt

Hmmm, sure. This is from my menage, Weekend Retreat.

“Shit! I gotta go, Vinnie. I'm being pulled over.”

“What?”

“I'll call you back. I'm being pulled over by a cop.” Rose flung the remote control onto the passenger seat and flipped her phone shut. “Damn it.”

Rose steered her car to the shoulder of road and parked it. She watched the state police officer exit his car behind her and she noticed she had started to perspire. Not profusely, but enough to appear nervous. She was aflutter but not because she had been pulled over. Hell, she'd just experienced two of the best back-to-back orgasms she'd ever had. Who wouldn't be a little spent and sweaty.

Vinnie had, hands off, just made her thong the wettest they had ever been without even touching her. Just his smooth voice, descriptive words and way of turning her on. This little game of his was working wonders for her libido.

Tap!

Rose glanced to her left and saw the police officer hovering outside her window. She rolled the window down and smiled, trying to cover up her state of oblivion.

“Yes officer?” Her eyelashes fluttered.

“Do you know why I pulled you over?” His pensive personality apparent and his authority obvious with the way his tone mocked her.

“Umm... I wasn't speeding was I?” Unsure of the answer to this, Rose tried to remember how fast she had been traveling down the state road.

“No, Ma'am. You were actually swerving all over your lane.” His mirrored sunglasses hid half of his expression but Rose knew he was a hard-ass and she didn't see any way of getting out of a ticket.

“Oh, I hadn't realized.” Quick on her feet, she tossed out there an excuse. “It is quite sunny out today. Don't you think?”

“License and registration.” He leaned down resting his forearm on the car door and glanced in the vehicle, like he was scanning the contents.

“Oh, yes.” She grinned and started rummaging around on the floorboard for her purse. “Well, it is very bright out today.” She began ransacking items in her over-sized purse searching for her wallet. “And I forgot my sunglasses at home so the sun was shining in and...”

“License and registration.” The man's harsh reminder jolted Rose. His voice even closer than a moment ago. She looked over at him and he was staring past her.

“I'm looking for them.” She returned her attention to the task and her hands muddled through the clutter. Grabbing her wallet, she opened it, set aside her purse and dug out her license. “It's not a very good picture.” She handed to his awaiting hand.

He took it, smiling. “Registration?”

“Oh, yeah. Hang on.” She leaned across the car to reach into the glove box when she eyed the remote control sitting on the seat. Her mouth gaped open when embarrassment flushed her face.

Had he seen it? He had smiled.

“Oh, God.”

“Ma'am?”

“Yes.”

“Registration, please.”

“Oh, okay. Give me one minute.” She leaned further over to hide the remote, trying to think of a way to shove it aside and out of sight. Seeing no possible plan, Rose sighed and retrieved her car's registration.

She sat back in her seat and handed the officer the slip of paper. Blowing stray strands of her blonde hair out of her face, Rose avoided eye contact. She couldn't be sure if he had seen the remote control but the humiliation of him even possibly seeing it, and knowing what it was, kept her quiet and distant. No sense in even trying to talk her way out of the ticket. She'd take the penalty for her reckless driving if it meant getting gout of his sight.

“I'll be right back.” He spun on his heels and walked back to his car. As she watched him retreat in her rear view mirror, her cell phone buzzed. She glanced down at the screen to see Vinnie's name flashing.

Glancing in the mirror, she saw the police officer talking on his hand-held radio, probably confirming who she was and that she had no warrants. She grabbed her phone and flipped it open.

“You okay, honey?” Vinnie's voice full of concern. “What happened?”

“Oh man. I got pulled over for swerving. Probably going to get a reckless driving ticket or something.”

“Oh babe.”

“It's okay.” She sighed. “I don't give a crap about the ticket right now.”

“You don't?”

“No.” She looked in the mirror, making sure she had another moment to talk. The police officer nodded his head and continued talking to the person on the other end of the radio. “I think he saw the remote control.”

Future plans and website/blog for us to follow you please.

Well, in 2011, I had 11 books published and I'm hoping to surpass that number this year as well as expand my career more into the behind the scenes of the industry.

http://dawneprochilo.blogspot.com

Well Dawne, it's been wonderful having you visit. Please drop by any time.