Stepping into the Past
When I went to Humboldt State University, nearby stood a two story Victorian home converted into a tightly drawn, wonderfully stocked used book store.
They didn’t sell coffee and muffins. They didn’t host artists selling their wares. They didn’t have big, comfy chairs or fluffy pillows. They had used books. From the floor to the rafters, they had texts of all shapes, sizes, and genres.
I remember spending hours in that store, so long my neck would hurt from bending it sideways to discern titles. I loved the dusty smell, the reverential feeling in the utter silence of the place. The wooden floors creaked, so patrons tended to move slowly, absorbing as much as they were able before moving along or navigating to a new section.
The proprietors wrote the asking price on the inside cover in pencil. Ten cents, a quarter, sometimes a few bucks—the books were intended to sell, and their rock-bottom strategy worked: one was never alone in the aisles. We’d crawl over each other, mouthing a quiet “pardon me,” and it wasn’t unusual to see someone sitting cross-legged in front of the stacks, reading a passage before deciding to buy.
I studied literature, so each time a professor mentioned a book they’d read or a book they admired or a book they thought might be over-rated, I rushed to find it at The Tin Can Mailman. If I located the mentioned item, I felt like an explorer discovering a hidden gem. I visited the establishment at the start of each semester to see if any required textbooks could be found cheap. I went when I had a few minutes before work. I checked in as often as I could, and I always found something exciting, moving, unique. Something unexpected and worth my visit.
As I watch my students buy their books online, or even “rent” them online, I wonder why they don’t go to a bookstore. Then I realize there aren’t any. Well, not many, anyway. It makes me nostalgic. It makes me feel old. Mostly, it reminds me to hold dear to what we have now because it too might become a thing of the past.
If you get a chance to visit a college town and you happen by a used bookstore, do stop. You’ll find lost treasure.
In fact, you’ll likely find gold.
Congratulations Mandi Casey
She won a copy of MOON OVER ALCATRAZ. She chose a Nook version, and I sent it posthaste. Thanks to everyone who hopped on by “Love Triumphs” and all the other fantastic blogs featured. Musa appreciates the love, and so do I…
xo,
–Ann Montclair
Guest Author Susan C. Muller “The Secrets On Forest Bend”
Today, we welcome Susan C. Muller, author of paranormal/suspense/thriller romance novel (yes, really!) The Secrets On Forest Bend.
Susan, tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a native Texan, complete with Southern drawl, and live in Spring, a suburb of Houston. I’m a mother, grandmother, and long time hospital volunteer. I enjoy traveling and have been to every continent except Antarctica. I also like to snorkel, swim, and take walks. I love to read and will never be found without a book nearby. I used to keep two books close by, just in case I finished one, but with the invention of the Kindle I’m always well stocked. Now I only have to worry about forgetting to charge my Kindle.
Good for you. It sounds like you live a very interesting life. I’m especially intrigued by your world traveler status. With so much experience, you must have many sources of inspiration. Who do you read for insight and motivation? Who are your influences?
I read anything I can get my hands on. I love Janet Evanovich, John Sandford, Lee Child, Bernard Cornwell, Jodi Picoult, and Donald E. Westlake.
Eclectic tastes. Excellent. I’m the same way.
What’s The Secrets On Forest Bend about?
The Secrets on Forest Bend is a paranormal romantic suspense. Detective Adam Campbell is chasing a serial killer when he stumbles across a crooked cop, an intriguing woman, and a vengeful ghost. Can he stay alive long enough to catch the cop, win the woman, and destroy the ghost?
Here’s the blurb from Soul Mate Publishing:
Another day. . . another dead body.
When Detective Adam Campbell learns that a WWII gun is connected to several murders he’s investigating, he hopes that tracking down the killer will be as easy as tracing the gun’s history. When he meets Jillian Whitmeyer, the last known owner of the weapon, the case becomes anything but simple.
Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t real.
Adam soon learns that people who get close to Jillian have a bad habit of turning up dead. Jillian claims that the spirit of her sister, accidentally killed with that same gun, is responsible for the deaths. She warns Adam that he is likely to become the next victim. Adam’s been a lousy judge of women in the past, and this one’s obviously a nut case. Or is she? How does a just-the-facts detective deal with a ghostly serial killer and the sexy-as-hell sister she won’t set free?
Where can we buy your book?
It is available from Soul Mate Publishing, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.
Can you share with us a bit about your road to publication?
The Secrets on Forest Bend is my second novel. My first will never see the light of day but was a good learning experience. The classes I’ve taken through RWA (Romance Writers of America) and the contests I entered also helped me work on my craft. In addition to my novel, I have a novella, Redeeming Santa, inspired by Texas’ most notorious bank robbery.
Redeeming Santa is available at Amazon, too. The blurb reads–
December 23, 1927. When a man disguised as Santa robs the local savings and loan, he takes eight-year-old Wilber Jenkins as a hostage. Frozen and starving, Wilber needs all of his wiles to stay alive. He escapes after three days on the run, but eighty-seven years later, can he overcome his hatred of all things Christmas for the sake of his family?
That story sounds like a lot of fun as well. Intriguing that it’s based on an historical event. Given your success with your two available titles, what are your writing goals? Any new projects?
My goal is to be a multi-published author with books on the New York Times bestseller list. If you’re going to have a dream, it might as well be a big one.
I agree wholeheartedly, Susan!
Until then, I’m working on the first book of a four-part series. It is straight mystery/suspense without the paranormal element.
Terrific news. I look forward to reading your next novel.
Thank you so much for visiting my blog, Susan. I wish you success and joy as you travel and write and live your exciting life.
You can follow Susan by visiting her website: http://susancmuller.com/
Until next time, be well, readers and writers!
xo,
–Ann Montclair
Musa Books that I love: a Musa Publishing Blog Hop
Musa Books that I Love
Hi Everyone!
I’m part of a Musa Blog Hop taking place February 16-18th, 2012.
Weston and Brandy’s marriage splinters beneath the burden of sorrow following the death of their child, and after an accidental meeting with her high school friend, Brandy ends up carrying more than just the weight of grief inside her heart.
Following the death of their baby during a difficult birth, Brandy and Weston Chambers are grief-stricken and withdraw from each other, both seeking solace outside of their marriage; however, they vow to work through their painful disloyalty. But when the man Brandy slept with moves back to their hometown, three lives are forever changed by his return.
Be sure and leave a comment for your chance to win Moon Over Alcatraz before you follow the links below to hop on over to another great blog post.
Good luck, everyone! Have fun!
|
3.
|
||
|
5.
|
||
|
10.
|
12.
|
|
|
13.
|
||
|
16.
|
17.
|
|
|
20.
|
21.
|
|
|
23.
|
||
|
28.
|
Valentines Past
I’m a lucky woman—in love and loved by the same man for nearly two decades—we’ve celebrated Valentine’s Day with dinners out, fine wines, short trips, and thoughtful gifts. Blessed with solid careers and the ability to splurge a little, we always treat each other especially well on holidays. Yesterday proved no different except our son became ill in the wee hours of the morning. After several hours in the ER, we returned home and proceeded to celebrate in our own quiet way. Nice coffee, a few gifts, and a special dinner we enjoyed while watching a pay-per-view movie with our ill child. Simply lovely.
When I think back on all the happy Valentines we’ve shared then think back further to the days of my youth, I have to admit, I’ve always loved Valentine’s Day. As a child, my dad offered me the same gift every year: a dozen baby red roses that I’d lovingly arrange in one of my mother’s crystal vases. He’d also give me a Russell Stover’s red foil heart box filled with chocolates. I’d typically pick all the chocolate off each morsel and leave the gooey centers in the brown wrappers. I also recall I’d spend the days prior making meticulous lists of children to whom I’d give cards. Each year I’d take hours writing notes on white paper (drafting) before I’d carefully print my greetings upon the back of each tiny store-bought Valentine.
Much consideration went into choosing my box of Valentines. I picked cards to match my maturing interests: Bugs Bunny, Disney princesses, Scooby-Do. I remember one year I delivered KISS Valentines cards, and some of my friends preferred The Bay City Rollers… They thought my cards were ugly, and I thought theirs were nerdy. That might have been the last year I handed them out.
My son doesn’t pass cards. He never has. Are handwritten notes a thing of the past? Maybe he sends text messages, or when he’s older, will post an update to a Facebook page. My daughter gave Harry Potter cards one year, but Valentine’s Day was never a big deal to her either. She is not a romantic, and neither is my son. I’m the sap in the family, and my husband is compliant with my need to make February 14th a holiday. Good man.
Maybe Valentine’s Day has become a nostalgic holiday for older couples who remember the way it used to be, or for young couples who want to make something theirs alone. That’s what I love about the day: it’s about love and lovers, about celebrating the closest relationships in our lives. Either way, I’m grateful to be in love, today, yesterday, every day.
How about you? 
Guest Author Anne Holly “V-Day”
So nice to have another author named Anne visiting.
Today we welcome Anne Holly, author of V-Day–a funny, erotic, and ready-to-sizzle-up-your-holiday romance!
Hi Ann. I’m glad to be here. Thanks for having me!
You’re quite welcome. Let’s start with a little introduction. Who is Anne Holly?
I am a teacher at a university and a mother to a three year old. Oh, and I am also an adopted cat mother, as my feline friend is reminding me at the moment by attacking the pen holder on my desk. I come from the east coast of Canada, and I love the water. Film is a major interest for me.
Love hosting an international guest and a fellow cat-lover. What inspired you to write V-Day?
The book I’m promoting now, V-Day, is an erotic romantic comedy. V-Day came about without warning. I was on Facebook, chatting with some other romance writers about virgin heroes – somehow, V-Day ended up getting written on a dare to write a virgin hero story from the male perspective. It turned out rather nicely, so I decided to publish it.
Sounds unique. Can you share more about the premise?
It’s the Valentine’s Day installment of a series of stories each focusing on a different mismatched couple on a different holiday. In this one, my somewhat nerdy hero, Daniel, a musical prodigy who has no luck with the ladies, finally convinces the woman next door he’s not just a neighborhood kid.
Tell us about your major characters and their conflicts.
Daniel, the main character, is a “nice guy.” One of those guys who has romance in his soul, but who can never convince any woman to give him a shot, because they all want Bad Boys, or so he has concluded. Now, he can’t make any moves, because he doesn’t want to lose their friendship, but he doesn’t want to be a “nice guy” or “just a friend” all his life. The story is about his one act of daring-do, and how that works out for him.
His love interest, Bronwyn, is a toughie – a jock, and independent. But, she’s always fallen for the Bad Boys, and is paying the price. She has to convince herself that a guy who seems like a “nice guy” may actually be as nice as he seems – as well as worth trying out romantically.
If you had to provide a theme for your book, what would it be?
Seeing things or people in a new way. That’s sort of a main interest of mine. Seeing beyond the categories we tend to place people in. Bronwyn must see Daniel in a new light, and he has to see himself in a new way, as well. He also has to attack his music in a more intimate way, as well, which is an obstacle he faces in the book.
In terms of a musical theme for the book – Beethoven’s Romance No 2 sums it up quite nicely.
Lovely. Please share the blurb and an excerpt of V-Day. We’d like to know more.
V-Day, an erotic romantic comedy for Valentine’s Day
By Anne Holly
It all started with a serenade…
A family like Daniel’s and the solitary pursuit of musical excellence is enough to make a young man crazy. No wonder all Daniel Vouks dreams of is getting away. He knows his violin will take him places in life, but the only place he really wants to be is next door. He’s been in love with his neighbor since he was fourteen, but can he ever make her see him as more than just a lovesick kid?
V-Day is the story of a Valentine’s Day weekend Daniel fears he may regret, but will never, ever forget.
Excerpt:
Daniel retreated to the music room, thankful he didn’t have a class or a practice scheduled on campus today. He didn’t even have to give any lessons until next week. The weather really didn’t look all that welcoming and he was grateful he could huddle inside as his family bustled off to their various destinations. After school, his parents would be off for the weekend, dropping his sister and her flotilla of luggage off at Kayley’s so the girls could get ready to go to the dance together, which meant leaving Daniel officially on his own until at least Sunday afternoon. Glorious.
Allowing the noise of their departures to roll off him as he sat absently at the piano, he plucked out a few strains and watched the sun glint off the fresh snow in the backyard. It was really beautiful when you could view it from a cozy place.
Blah! Another Valentine’s Day. His nineteenth one as a single guy. And, he thought ruefully, his nineteenth year as a confirmed virgin.
Jesus, even his baby sister had more going on than he did. Selby, his girlfriend in tenth grade, had been about as close to any action as he’d ever gotten. Her pathological fear of pregnancy made it absolutely essential that he keep his pants on at all times. Other than that, any girl he’d ever liked had tossed him into the “friend” basket and never bothered to reassess him.
Kelly, his best friend, did that. After Daniel followed the cute redheaded soprano around for weeks like a puppy, she finally took pity on him and explained he was simply too nice to attract her. After that, they formed an easy relationship through which both had a pal, and a no-fuss “emergency date” when necessary.
Flipping open his phone, he hit Kelly’s number.
“This better be good,” she grumbled after the fifth ring.
“Hey early riser,” he chuckled.
“Well, if I had my mom bringing me my morning coffee in bed…”
“Okay, truce,” Daniel winced. “And my mom doesn’t let me drink coffee.”
“Why not? Afraid it’ll stunt your growth, stretch?” Kelly asked with a crystal clear laugh despite having just woken up.
“Something like that,” he said, flecking a flower petal off the top of the piano. “Listen…You’re probably…I dunno…busy tonight, right?”
“Are you trying again, Danny?” she groaned.
“Well, no. I just thought if you weren’t, maybe we could do something.”
“I have a date.”
“Right,” he forced a chuckle. “Yeah, I figured you would.” He straightened in his chair. “Being Valentine’s and all. No problem, just wanted to check.”
“Ahhh, Danny,” she sighed. “What about you?”
“I got a hot date all weekend,” he said over a grimace. “With that friggin’ tango, I guess.”
“Danny, do yourself a favor,” she said firmly. “Go get yourself laid. I told you that’s what’s missing from your tango.”
“Well then,” he quipped. “Support the arts and break your date. I can be there in an hour.”
“Har har har,” she said and then laughed for real. “Seriously, go fall for someone. Preferably someone who will fall for you back.”
“Okay,” he agreed. “For you, I’ll try my best.”
Daniel hung up and pounded out a few more notes on the keyboard in front of him, contemplating Kelly’s method music theory that said you could only sing or play what you’d experienced. If that were the case, his tango would remain a virginal one if his luck so far was any indication.
Great excerpt. I love the mood and the tension here. Where can we buy your book?
You can visit my holiday stories website: http://annehollyholiday.webs.com/valentinesdaytales.htm
We will! What are your writing goals? Any new projects?
I am always writing something! Right now, I am writing a novel set in the immediate aftermaths of World War II, particularly the immigration and the way the world changed after D-Day, as seen in a small town liberal arts college. It includes a romance, but that’s not really the emphasis this time. I hadn’t planned on writing it, but it started nagging at me, so here I am. This summer, though, I have a new contemporary sensual romance novel coming out, Textbook Romance.
Thanks, this was fun. I appreciate you introducing me to your readers. Feel free to come by my blog any time!
Thank you, Anne. I wish you success with your holiday stories.
I’ll conclude with additional information so my readers can access more information about you and your books.
You may visit Anne Holly at her blog or website, or find her on GoodReads, Facebook and Twitter (@anneholly2010). Sign up for her newsletter here. Email: anneholly2010@gmail
Guest Author Cheryl Yeko “Protecting Rose”
Hi, Cheryl. Thanks for visiting my blog today. Let’s start out with the basics. Who is Cheryl Yeko besides a wonderful new author?
I’m happily married to my hero, with two children and three grandchildren. I love to read, write and play piano. I’m a lucky woman, and my life is filled with a loving family and good friends. I’ve entered a very exciting time in my life with the release of Protecting Rose. With raising a family behind me, I’m looking forward to concentrating on a fulfilling writing career.
You sound like you’re in a very good place to begin your journey.Who do you read for inspiration? Who are your influences?
Lori Foster is one of my favorites. I think she writes with lots of action and emotion. And Karen Rose, I love her! She writes a little darker than Lori Foster. Her bad guys are very, very bad. I would love to write like her someday.
It’s hard to write villains. I haven’t done that yet, so I admire that ability as well. What inspired you to write Protecting Rose?
My husband bought me a Kindle a few years back, and I rediscovered my love of all-things-romance! I especially love Romantic Suspense and Paranormal. I just love me some Alpha-males with a tender heart.
I think I had reached a time in my life where I needed a challenge. I’ve always had a very active imagination, and decided to give a shot to writing a novel. I was soon consumed with it. I basically hibernated with my laptop over the long Wisconsin winter, and came up for air 6 months later with Protecting Rose. It was an exhausting, but rewarding endeavor.
You possess much drive and determination to pull that off. I admire will power. When it meets intention, there’s no stopping a person. What’s Protecting Rose about?
Here’s my blurb:
Rescuing damsels in distress is all in a day’s work for Detective, Nate Stone. After saving a beautiful woman from a burning car and assassin’s bullet, he vows to protect her. But the determined assassin always seems to be one step ahead of the game. Suspecting a leak within his Department, Nate takes her and runs. He soon discovers that the hardest part of the mission is resisting his desire for the woman who trusts him with her life.
She awakes in a hospital with no memory, only to discover that someone tried to kill her. Her only chance to survive an assassin’s game of cat and mouse is the man who saved her and who has promised to protect her. She may not know her past, but she knows her heart, and it longs for her protective warrior who ignites a passion in her she can’t deny.
I’ve read it, and I found it a fast-paced, compelling and sexy read. Where can my readers buy your book?
Readers can buy Protecting Rose at these outlets: Soul Mate Publishing, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.
Readers might want to check out the book trailer for Protecting Rose and visit my Facebook Fan Page.
I have to say your book trailer has attention grabbing music. I love it! Can you share with us a bit about your road to publication?
It was a whirlwind of excitement. After I finished writing Protecting Rose, I submitted it to three publishers. I received an offer from two. It blew my mind. From start to finish, I was published within a year of starting the manuscript.
That’s amazing and should inspire other writers.
I still pinch myself every morning to make sure I’m not dreaming.
Cheryl, please share an excerpt from Protecting Rose. I was riveted by your black moment.
When Nate wakes up in the hospital and believes Rose is dead?
Yes!
Okay, here’s a bit of that scene:
Nate opened his eyes and tried to make sense of his surroundings until his muddled mind finally began to clear. He tried to sit up, only to be stopped by a sharp pain in his shoulder. He reached up to touch his shoulder and frowned at the IV attached to his hand. He bolted upright at the realization he was in the hospital.
What the hell? A sense of dread edged his consciousness as tentacles of fear crawled up his spine. Until his subconscious could no longer deny what it knew to be true.
“Rose!” His anguished cry filled the air.
A killing rage overtook him, blinded by grief and despair as images of Rose flooded his mind. He threw back the covers and clumsily stood up, ripping the needle out of the back of his hand. The monitor beeped loudly in alarm. A wave of dizziness hit, forcing him to reach out and grab the hospital cart.
Fury tore through him, and he flipped the cart into the air. It came down against the wall with a loud clatter. The phone and water pitcher fell to the floor, next to the cart. Body tense and fists clenched, Nate braced himself against the anguish ripping him apart.
Taking two deep breaths, he turned and strode to the closet, whipping the doors open to search for his clothes. Finding his jeans, he put them on under the hospital gown. Where he was going, he didn’t know. What he was going to do, he didn’t know. But somehow, he would find out who set that fire. Find out who had put a hit out on Rose…or die trying.
A nurse rushed into the room. “Mr. Stone.” Her voice pleaded with him. “You need to get back into bed.”
He brushed past her, toward the door. Rick blocked the exit.
“Get out of my way, Rick,” he ordered through gritted teeth.
Retribution. He wanted it, and he was going to get it. His fists flexed angrily at his side, he glared at Rick and took a threatening step forward.
Rick gripped him by the shoulder. Nate went taut, his anguish and grief vibrating in the air.
“Stone,” Rick said, his tone low and calm. “We think she’s alive.”
That got his attention. His heart pounded rapidly against his chest, his breathing ragged. “What?”
“When you didn’t call me back with a location to meet, I drove to the farmhouse and found you injured. You were barely conscious and trying to get into the house, which was on fire.” He dropped his hand and stepped back. “There was no body inside, and it looks like the fire was intentionally set.”
“So they took her?” Nate tried to digest the fact that Rose could still be alive. Hope bloomed. There was still a chance to save her.
“Yeah, buddy, we think someone took her.”
I think Nate is such a great guy–with an edge. Just the way we like our heroes.
What are your writing goals? Any new projects, Cheryl?
I’m about halfway through my current WIP. It’s taking a bit longer this time, with all the social media and networking involved with Protecting Rose, I don’t have as much time to write.
My current WIP is based on a jury trial I was recently a juror on. It was a two week double murder trial. It was a fascinating case and touched every emotion imaginable.
Two young men from decent families became drug dealers. Another young man of a local well respected and wealthy family became a user and also stored drugs on his property for his dealer. He then skimmed drugs off the top and was caught. High on drugs and feeling threatened by the men, he planned their murder. Luring them into the woods on his 300 acre sod farm, he shot them with a sawed off shot gun and slit their throats. He wrapped them in chains and moving blankets and dumped them in his private lake on the farm.
It was a very high profile and emotional case. Families were devastated, children were left fatherless. This case had a little of everything.
My goal is to build a romance between the lead detective on the case and the widow of one of the murdered drug dealers.
Wow, That’s sure to be another great story.
I wish you the best of luck with all your projects, hopes, and dreams. Thanks so much for visiting “Love Triumphs Past and Present.”
Cheryl Yeko, I hope you sell a ton of books because readers deserve great stories, and Protecting Rose is certainly a terrific read.
Readers, click those link above and find out how exciting romance can be.
Until next time…
xo,
–Ann
“Love Triumphs Past and Present”
Do you like it? I decided to give my blog a name, to grant it direction, to venture into consistency. (Gotta start somewhere, right?)
Because I write contemporary and historical fiction, I’m going to honor those disparate interests by blogging every Saturday about contemporary topics and each Wednesday about some aspect of the past.
Saturdays I’ll feature new authors, share what’s happening now with my writing life, and generally try to chat about what’s relevant that day. Wednesdays will be reserved for reflection. I’ll host any guests who write in the historical genre, and I’ll share snippets about my past and lessons learned along the way.
Gee, that sounds like a plan, huh?
Hopefully a good one.
Let me start with a brief mention of my own past.
Yesterday I received three communications from distant family members I haven’t spoken to in years. Three in one day! Mind you, my entire family could fit into a tea cup. One shared the news of impending divorce, while another spoke of looming death. The third delivered cryptic messages about lost ties.
I could hardly sleep.
Sometimes the past hits you right in the gut with a big smack of reckoning. “Pay Attention!” it yells.
So I listened.
I found out I can’t counsel a philanderer into fidelity. I can’t delay or sidetrack death, and I don’t have the medicine to heal old hurts. But I can lift my head and listen. I can offer an ear, a shoulder, and an embrace. I can look right into the past and say, “I did the best I could, and I’ll keep trying to do better.” That’s got to be enough because it’s all I have.
Today I’ll be thankful I have people who feel like they can lean on me—even after too many years. It is a blessing of sorts to be the type of person one can call or email or message and say, “I’ve got a problem. Can you help?”
Yes. Yes, I can. Or at least I can try.
Sometimes the past becomes the present, and I’m provided another opportunity to help love triumph.
“Move that body, shake it, shake it….”
That’s the theme refrain from my new “Zumba” DVD. I like it. It reminds me that I need to stand up and get kinetic. 
I’ve found the longer I sit on my butt, the bigger it grows. Big butts are cool if that’s your thing, but mine was already huge to start with, so I’d rather it not occupy its own zip code. So, I am exercising again. Not just walking and stretching, as I’ve always done, but actually sweating. Egads, it’s ugly. But I’m determined to not fall into disrepair.
I have a secret. I’m just several years from fifty. I know that’s not as big a milestone as it once was, but it reminds me I’ve probably already lived the majority of my life, and whatever goals I’ve let linger unattended must now be abandoned or embraced.
My goal: be fit.
It’s not about weight; it’s about confidence. If I can move easily, I feel good. Sitting cross-legged, running to catch the mail carrier, lifting the grocery bags without grunting — little things I want to keep doing for a long time.
Too bad on day two I’m so sore I need a heating pad and an ibuprofen. It’s bound to get easier as long as I keep moving and shaking.
Right?
Guest Author Meggan Connors THE MARKER
Hi, Meggan. Thanks for blogging at Ann Montlcair today! Let’s start out with a little bit about you. What would you like to share?
I’m a wife and a mom, a full-time speech pathologist, on top of being a writer. In the Fall, I coach soccer quite badly, but my team is usually running in the right direction (when they’re not deserting the field because of dragonfly crisis—yes, that has actually happened). My life is busy, but I wouldn’t trade in any one of my jobs for anything.
Sounds very active. In your down time, who do you read for inspiration? Who are your influences?
While Johanna Lindsey and Julie Garwood and Jodi Thomas are influences, honestly, I’ll read anything for inspiration. I’ve gotten inspiration from Karen Moning’s Fever series, though I wasn’t writing a paranormal. It just depends on how I’m feeling at the moment. I think it has more to do with the hero than it does about the genre or the author.
Character driven fiction is my favorite type, too. I’m presently enamored with Lee Child’s Jack Reacher.
What inspired you to write The Marker?
The World Series of Poker and a trip to the Sacramento Train Museum. Honestly, I don’t get it, either.
That’s funny! What’s your book about?
Here’s the back cover blurb.
When her father loses her in a poker game, Lexie Markland is sent to work in the household of Nicholas Wetherby for one year to pay off the debt. Innocent, but not naïve, she is savvy enough to know she must maintain her distance from this man, who frustrates her with his relentless teasing but whose kisses bring her to her knees. Because although she may be just another conquest to him, it’s not just her heart in jeopardy should she succumb to Nicholas’ considerable charms.
Since his brother’s death almost a year before, nothing has held Nicholas’ attention for long—not women, not booze, not even an excellent hand at cards. Nothing, that is, until he meets the woman he won in a drunken night of poker. Intrigued by his prize and her chilly reserve, he makes it his mission to crack Lexie’s cool demeanor. But even as passion explodes between them, the question remains: will Nicholas be able to take the ultimate risk…and gamble on love?
Oh, it is such a fun and sexy concept. I loved the story. Would you share an excerpt with us?
Lexie placed a hand on the back of a chair to steady herself as she pushed away the idea. She was no fool. One look at Nicholas Wetherby told her he wasn’t the man for her. A man like him wouldn’t be caught dead courting the destitute daughter of a drunk, even if she were available. Too rich, too good-looking, too self-assured, he could have any woman he wanted. He’d probably marry some pale, blond goddess who would bear him a whole passel of pale, blond children.
Strange, how that thought made her sad. Steeling herself, she said, “I assure you, Mr. Wetherby, whatever my father owes you, I will make every effort to repay you.”
Nicholas nodded. “Your father has already generously provided me with his preferred method of payment.”
Startled, her eyes flew to his face. Trying to cover her surprise, she said, “What did he promise?”
Nicholas glanced over at Markland. “Did you not tell her?”
Markland put his head down on the table. “You can’t do this, Wetherby,” he said miserably.
“Oh, but I can,” he said, his lips curving into a wolfish smile, and her heart lurched painfully in her chest. “Having come here, I intend to collect my marker.”
Markland moaned into the table, refused to look up. Temper flaring, Lexie demanded, “Oh, for God’s sake, Father, what did you lose this time? What is this marker?”
Nicholas turned his bright, glittering eyes to her, his lips curling in the ghost of a smile. “He didn’t tell you?”
“Would I be asking you if he had?” she retorted.
He visibly suppressed a smile, as if he found her amusing. “No, I suppose not.”
“So what’s he lost? What did he bet this time?”
Nicholas ran his eyes over her in a way that sent shivers up her spine, and she felt naked under his gaze, as if he saw through her and into her soul. Silent for what seemed like a long time, he handed her the contract and in a low voice said,
“You.”
Great tidbit. Where can we buy your book?
My book is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Soul Mate Publishing.
Can you share with us a bit about your road to publication?
I took the circuitous route to publication. I wrote like a demon in high school and college, mostly short stories and tortured poetry. Then I went to graduate school, and my life became academic papers, professional conferences, and work. But I’d always had stories and characters floating around in my head. I wanted to write. I wanted to be published. But like so many other people, I just never did it.
I had the “I’m going to write a novel” syndrome, emphasis on going to.
In September of 2009, I woke up and decided that today was the day I was going to start a romance novel. Even though I love men in kilts, I decided to be different, so I wrote a western. In four months, I had a completed manuscript.
It was, uh, not pretty. (Sorry, Naomi, for making you read that!)
But it was a start. I joined RWA and the chapter in Sacramento. I went to conferences and kept writing. I entered contests and got feedback. Some of it was good, and some of it…not so much. Eventually, The Marker was born. But the characters from that very first story do show up in The Marker. I loved them too much to let them go entirely, and I think I might go back and revamp that first book once I find the time.
You’ve got to save that orphan–I know the feeling because I’ve got two historical romances sitting in the drawer.
What are your writing goals, Meggan? Any new projects on the horizon?
A couple of months ago, I finished a steampunk. I love this story, and, now that I’ve finished edits and revisions, I’m thinking it might be ready to go out to the world.
As for writing goals, I’ve decided my goals are simple: I want to keep writing, and I want to have fun doing it. I never want to lose the spark that spurred me into thinking I could write a romance novel, and I hope that I never lose that sense of discovery I have every time I write a story and the characters start to speak to me (not in a crazy, I’m off my meds kind of way, I swear). I love it when my characters reveal themselves to me.
So I guess my writing goal is simple: to love what I do and to tell stories I’m proud of. If I could do it full-time, that would be awesome, too!
Exemplary goals, Meggan, and steampunk is all the rage right now. Send it out!
I want to thank you for sharing your wonderful self with us today. You’re one cool woman, and I thought The Marker was a fabulous book. Hot, hot, hot. Best wishes for your continued success.
Readers, spend a few bucks and buy The Marker by Meggan Connors. You won’t be disappointed.
