W. Lynn Chantale

What genres and authors would we find you reading when taking a break from your own writing?

When I’m taking a break, I can be found reading mystery/suspense. J.D Robb and Lee Child are a couple of my fave authors. I also read historical romances and I don’t have a favorite author in that genre. Paranormal romances are also fun and I love discovering new-to-me authors.

When writing your description of your hero/ine what feature do you start with? Eyes, age, hair color, etc? 

I begin with the eyes, mouth, and hair. When I visualize a person, this is often the first thing I see and then I go from there.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Definitely a pantser. I tried plotting and in some cases it will work for me, but I do enjoy just going with the flow.

Did you have any other careers before devoting yourself to being a full-time writer?

Yes I did. I worked as a bank teller, call center rep, fast food manager, line cook, and a cake decorator.

When not writing, how do you relax?

Sometimes I forget to do this, but long, hot showers are good. Also any time I can spend with my hubby and children. Family is a joy.

What sound drives you crazy?

Picture this, a large church sanctuary, vaulted ceiling, 1000+ people. Every single one of them picks up a hymnal and flips the pages. The noisy fluttering builds to a deafening crescendo and finally recedes. Just thinking about that sound makes me grit my teeth. *shudders*

What is sexier boxer or briefs?

Boxer briefs. Thinking about stretchy cotton molded to thick, muscular thigh. Yeah, definitely boxers.

Where is the craziest place you’ve ever had sex? Or where is the craziest place you made your characters have sex?

I can’t tell you the craziest place I’ve had sex, my hubby reads these. :-) Now, the craziest place I made my characters have sex was the back of a moving limo. Nothing like a little seatbelt bondage.

What’s your favorite curse word?

Hell

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would be the most essential for you?

Good question. Internet, laptop, and my husband.

*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

I have two, thus far. Both are short sensual erotic stories. One is Mistletoe Mambo and will be featured in a Christmas anthology through Still Moments Publishing and the other is Decadent Seconds through Whispers Publishing.

Please share any links you would like listed in the Interview. Website, Myspace, blog, facebook, yahoo group etc.

Blog: http://wlynnchantale-decadentdecisions.blogspot.com/

Email: wlynnchantale@gmail.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/wlynnchantale

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/W.LynnChantaleAuthor

Haunted by nightmares, Sheridan Sinclair just wants to get through one night without reliving the terrible accident that led to her miscarriage. And she longs for the arms of the man who betrayed her. Matthew Sinclair has always loved his wife, but when she refuses to speak to him after her accident, he's left to wonder what went wrong. When a stolen kiss ignites their forgotten passion, he'll use their love as a means to get her home and in his bed again. Will a husband’s plan of seduction be enough to heal a wife’s broken heart?

Delia has just three rules for dating. First, a man should never assume he’s the only one. Second, he must stick to his day and time. Third, and most important, no sex. Following the rules has never been a problem until she meets the hottie from the pool.

Jace has only days to make every moment count, but the more time he spends with Delia, the more he realizes she may be the one. With the cruise winding down and their attraction growing, there’s only one course of action left to take. Can he convince Delia that rules are meant to be broken?

Releasing: October 7, 2011

Bio: W. Lynn Chantale resides in southeastern Michigan. Married to her high school sweetheart, they’ve been together for the last twenty years, and have three children. She has a mad affinity for milk chocolate, preferably Dove chocolate truffles or the caramel-filled squares (Godiva is acceptable), and plays the bass guitar when the Muse begs for a bit of distraction.

She’s also a member of Romance Writers of America as well Greater Detroit Romance Writers of America, Passionate Ink and Kiss of Death groups. She has one release, Seducing His Wife and a short story, Decadent Seconds under contract with Whispers Publishing. Also look for Breaking Delia’s Rules, from Breathless Press.

S. Evan Townsend

What genres and authors would we find you reading when taking a break from your own writing?
I have a thing for old science fiction, pre-1980s.  I love the way they wrote the adventure and I love reading the speculations before we knew as much about science and space as we do now.  Also, if you remember the context of the times they are written in, they were very socially advanced.  For example, Skylark of Space by E.E. "Doc" Smith was written in the 1910s but has a strong woman character back when women were seen, not heard.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Both.  I start out with a basic plot and story line in mind but I don't let bursts of creativity or strange ideas I have while writing go to waste.  If I deviate from my original plot, that's okay.  It often leads to fun and unexpected plot ideas or twists.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?
I hope they had a good time with the adventure, but learned something along the way about history or other places in the world.  I'm a born teacher and if I can sneak a lesson into the candy-wrapping of a fun read, I will. 

How long have you been a writer? 
Almost 40 years.  I've been writing since I was 12 when I taught myself how to type (on a typewriter).  That early stuff was probably pretty jejune but as I kept writing (and reading) my skill improved and my writing got much better. 

Are any of your characters based on real people or events?
Agent of Artifice is full of real people and events.  Since it involves the CIA in the late 1950s and early 1960s, it has the actually officials at the CIA at the time as characters.  It also has a brief appearance by Bobby Kennedy.  The story revolves around the Cuban Revolution, and includes the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis and Operation Mongoose (the CIA operation to assassinate Catro).

What song would best describe your life?
"Paperback Writer" by the Beatles.

If you could be a paranormal creature, which one would you be?
It would have to be something that flies.  Can I be a were-eagle?  I've always wanted to be a bird.  I watch them ride the thermals and am so jealous. 

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?
WARNING: Will talk your ear off about history, driving and his writing.  Side effects may include nausea, vertigo, and being asked to buy his book.

What’s your favorite curse word?

"Jim Caviezel" It has all the right mouth feel of a good curse word yet will offend no one (unless they get the joke).

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would be the most essential for you?

My idea of "roughing it" is a hotel without 24-hour room service.  If I were stranded on a desert island I'd need a fully-stocked and staffed 5-star resort, someone to talk to, and a pile of good books to read.

*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

Agent of Artifice is releasing 11/1/11. A science fiction novel, Rock Killer, is going to be coming out early in '12.

Please share any links you would like listed in the Interview. Website, Myspace, blog, facebook, yahoo group etc.

www.sevantownsend.com  Twitter: @SEvanTownsend  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Agent-of-Artifice/226539177397391

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Hammer-of-Thor/167924196613007

Agent of Artifice

They live among us.  We know they are there.  No government can control them; no authority can stop them.  Some are evil.  Some are good.  All are powerful.  They inhabit our myths and fairy tales.  But what if they were real, the witches, wizards, and fairy godmothers?  What if they were called "adepts" and were organized into guilds for mutual protection and benefit?  And what if they started mucking around with the affairs of "lessers" (that is, those humans not able to match their powers)? 

During the height of the Cold War, Michael Vaughan is a rogue without a guild.  He survives by working for the CIA as NOC (Non-Official Cover).  Shortly after the funeral of President Joe Kennedy, Jr., he is sent to Cuba to assassinate Castro.  There he finds himself in a cat-and-mouse game with adepts working for Fidel. 

S. Evan Townsend is a writer living in central Washington State. After spending four years in the U.S. Army in the Military Intelligence branch, he returned to civilian life and college to earn a B.S. in Forest Resources from the University of Washington. In his spare time he enjoys reading, driving (sometimes on a racetrack), meeting people, and talking with friends. He is in a 12-step program for Starbucks addiction. Evan lives with his wife and two sons, aged 17 and 20, and has a 22-year old son attending the University of Washington in biology. He enjoys science fiction, fantasy, history, politics, cars, and travel.

RACHEL LEIGH

What is your favorite thing about being a romance writer?

Being able to live in the imaginative world rather than the real world! How many people get to escape life’s stresses and strains all in the name of work? Not many, that’s for sure. I love what I do and hope I can keep writing for many years to come. Writing is not a job for me, it’s a compulsion. I have to do it or otherwise I am extremely unhappy…and really quite savage!

When writing your description of your hero/ine what feature do you start with? Eyes, age, hair color, etc? 

Whenever I start a new story, I immediately scan magazines and the internet for the pictures of my next hero and heroine. I am a very visual writer with regard to characters and I immediately know when I have found the image I want. The pictures seem to call out to me and straight away that picture is pinned to my office wall. I will keep to the characters’ look exactly the same as the photograph.

How do your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in general?

The fact I write erotic romance is a subject of endless fascination to my friends, lol! Every time we go out, they need to tell new people we meet as soon as possible. It cracks me up. Most of us have sex quite regularly but because I write about it, I am the most fascinating woman in the bar!

Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task?

I am usually working on an erotic romance story and a mainstream romance novel at any one time. I enjoy writing the different sub-genres depending on my mood that day. I hope it keeps my writing fresh for readers and my creativity free and flowing for me.

When not writing, how do you relax?

I love to read (of course!) and take long country walks with my dog and family. We live in one of the most beautiful and rural places in South West England so the choice of walks is amazing. In the evening, I enjoy watching US comedies such as Modern Family and Friends or US dramas such as Ringer and Big Love. Great shows!

What’s a guilty pleasure you have?

Ridiculously long baths with a book and glass of chilled white wine

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

Do not disturb when working – may well bite!

What’s for dinner tonight?

Nachos

What is sexier boxer or briefs?

Boxers

What’s number one on your list of things you hope to do before you die?

Caribbean cruise or a long trip on the Orient Express

What is your favorite candy bar?

Snickers

Is there anything additional you would like to share with your readers?

My latest release is “Coming Back” available now from The Wild Rose Press. Here’s the blurb:

Kelly Hampton loved once...and lost. After two years of looking for Sean MacKenzie in other men--and failing miserably--she takes a vow of celibacy. No sex until she finds love. Then Sean strolls back into her bar, reigniting old flames. No one has come close to understanding or satisfying her like he did. Her body burns for the passion they once shared, but her heart still remembers the pain.

Sean escaped Jessop Hill and his father's fists in the middle of the night without a word--even to his love, Kelly--to protect his battered mother, but he never forgot the explosively erotic relationship he left behind. Now his father is dead and Sean is back for the only woman he's ever wanted. Their reunion is full of fire – but can sexual attraction and noble intentions overcome years of heartache or will Kelly walk away to protect her heart this time.

Buy:

http://www.wilderroses.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=86&products_id=837

Work In Progress

My next novella will be about a British hero and heroine who both emigrated to Zante in Greece in the hope of a better future. When they meet the connection is explosive! Here’s the working blurb:

Michelle Hutton leaves everything behind and flies from the UK to Greece in search of a new beginning. Her first encounter is with a sexy, pro-bono lawyer with a body that could adorn the cover of Playgirl. When they talk, he tells her his sister has a restaurant that desperately needs a new chef. Sam Clarke seems too good to be true. And Michelle doesn’t trust anyone else after being let down time and again by the people she loves. Including the mother she left behind. But damn, he’s hard to resist…

Sam Clarke is a busy man – a man on a mission to help women in jeopardy. So when a woman with hair like a sheet of gold and eyes bluer than the ocean walks into an airport bar needing help, what is he’s supposed to do? The electricity between them is hotter than a live wire and Sam soon learns Michelle is more than capable of demanding and getting what she wants. She doesn’t need him, he should walk away…yet time and again he goes back for more.

Rachel can be found here:

www.rachelleigh.co.uk

www.rachelleighromance.blogspot.com

www.twitter.com/rachelwriter

Natasha Blackthorne

What genres and authors would we find you reading when taking a break from your own writing?
I read social history and biography the most. I also read psychology and history of fashion. I read historical romance both straight and erotic and some inspirational romance.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The hardest part of writing for publication for me has been to stop fighting my own creative processes.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?
 I hope to craft stories that have deep emotional and sensual expression. I want to create a chance to experience life in someone else's perspective in another place and time. I also hope to show stories of less than perfect people coping with adversity who find a way to new insight and new beginnings.

How long have you been a writer?
I wrote for a very long time but I got serious about learning how to write genre fiction romance about three years ago. Then I found out how much I really did not know about writing craft. I count that as my waking up and becoming a serious writer.

How much time did it take from writing your first book to having it published?
I haven’t submitted my first book for publication nor the two I wrote after it. Those were practice and I learned a lot from writing them.

What’s a guilty pleasure you have?
Jellybeans

What is sexier boxer or briefs?
Boxers

Who’s more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why?
I like gentlemen. I like to be the one who is naughty, well at least relatively speaking.

If you could be a shapeshifter, what form would you take and why?
I would be a cat. Because a cat’s the only cat who knows where it’s at. (Okay, really dated myself there!)

What is your favorite candy bar?
Cherry Mash

*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.
I published a short story with Ellora’s Cave in May of this year titled Waltz of Seduction. It is an erotic regency romance about a young married couple that are very much in love but their preconceptions about sexuality prevent them from expressing their passion. The wife, young Sara, is shy and sweet, sort of plain and totally out of her element with her socially facile, handsome, slightly older husband, Colin. She was a well-dowered merchant’s daughter and her husband is the son of an impoverished duke. Her father wanted a titled son-in-law and his father wanted a wealthy daughter-in-law.

So they start out with many differences that help keep them from overcoming their hesitation with each other. When she finally gains the courage to wear a beautiful red ball gown, she sets into motion a chain of events that change the course of their marriage. Private waltzing lessons in their bedchambers turn indecent.

My latest release, Grey’s Lady is an idea that came after Grey, the hero, “showed” me the story through his perspective. He was staring out the bookseller’s windows at the rain and the gray sky. He made eye contact with Beth, the heroine and in that moment she touched him deeply with her sadness that mirrored his own feelings that he was disconnected from.

Grey is wealthy, powerful merchant prince from New York City who is visiting Philadelphia. He’s a millionaire in a time when millionaires are rare in the United States. He’s also a very duty-driven, emotionally controlled person. As the owner of a vast shipping company, he’s in control of his whole immediate world. He keeps his life free of messy emotional entanglements.

Beth is a dutiful sister and aunt who works hard in her half-brother’s struggling ship. But she’s so bored and feels out of place there. She’s a really impulsive, sensually driven young woman who needs something more from life than just being a good girl. Yet she doesn’t find the men around her to be the kind of man she wants. Dynamic, enterprising men excite her. She’s excited by power. Yet she has been raised to believe these gentlemen are her social betters and thus unattainable.

Grey’s Lady is the story of two people who have given up on love. Yet they are empty and unhappy inside so they find solace in using sex to gain power. Grey uses his wealth and sexual skill to make women appreciate him. Beth uses seduction to gain the excitement of conquest over the type of gentlemen that excite her yet is forbidden to her

When they come together, their attraction is irresistible and explosive. The question becomes can deep sexual intimacy work a miracle and lead to the opening of their hearts? Can they save each other from their isolation, from their auto-suppression of their true selves?

The second book in the Carte Blanche Series will be coming out from Total E-Bound Dec 26, 2011. It is titled White Lace and Promises and is the sequel to Grey’s Lady. It gets into more depth about the inner demons that trouble Beth and Grey and how they come truly together and overcome them.

The third book in the CB Series is a full-length novel titled Alex’s Angel and it comes out Feb 28, 2012. It is set in Philadelphia, PA 1793. In the wake of a devastating epidemic, sheltered Emily Eliot finds herself alone, making her own decisions for the first time. When desperation leads her to sell her virtue, she walks straight into trouble.

Enter one gorgeous, golden haired gentleman bent on protecting her…Alexander Dalton came to the Blue Duck Tavern seeking to lose himself in sexual pleasure. Yet when he saw the delicate and vulnerable young woman, he couldn’t turn away. But he needs her to believe in him a lot more than she needs his protection…Alex’s charming smile hides a dark secret that could destroy their chance at happiness. Will their passion burn them up or bring them together?

I also have a full length novel set in the English Regency that is scheduled for release from Total E-Bound April 9, 2012.

You can usually find me hard at work researching and writing my next story.
http://natashablackthorne.blogspot.com/Twitter: @Nblackthorne

Book Trailers: http://www.youtube.com/user/Natashasromancevideo

http://www.facebook.com/people/Author-Natasha-Blackthorne/100002385587652
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4878430.Natasha_Blackthorne

Ella Jade – Be My Everything

What is your favorite thing about being a romance writer?

I think it's being able to create so many interesting and sexy characters. I love coming up with new ways to have the two main characters meet. I try to write unique couples who are meant to be together. My favorite part in all of my books is when the hero or heroine has that revelation moment. When they're like, "Oh, it's always been you."

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

This is going to sound crazy coming from an Erotic Romance author, but the steamy scenes often present the hardest part for me. I love setting the scene and writing dialogue, but the sex passages don't always flow as quickly as I'd like them to. I usually leave them for the end of the chapter and then go back in and insert (no pun intended) them. I find that's what works best for me.

When writing your description of your hero/ine what feature do you start with? Eyes, age, hair color, etc? 

Age seems to intrigue me the most when setting up the characters. I've always been turned on by older men, so many of my books feature an older man and a younger woman. I build from there. I like to come up with different plots ideas based on what would make these two find one another. Need, want, desire, financial circumstances…

Is there anything special you do to get in the mood to write?

I really need silence so I can focus and listen to what the characters are trying to tell me. I wait until late at night to write when the kids are in bed and the house is quiet.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I try to be a plotter, but some stories have a life of their own, so I go with it. But, my beginning and ending usually stay where I envision them. The middle gets tricky and I find that I can sometimes deviate from what I initially thought was supposed to happen. I do what the characters tell me to do.

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

Warning…she NEVER shuts up!

What’s for dinner tonight?

Its date night!  We try to do that once a month to keep things sane. My mom has the kids and the hubs and I are heading to The Outback. I've got a serious craving for a sweet potato with cinnamon and brown sugar.

Who’s more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why?

The bad boy in a fiction world. Who doesn't live a dark, sexy, and dangerous man or vamp or wolf? When I was younger I was always drawn to the one who wasn't good for me. It's fun and exciting, but it gets old fast. I married the perfect gentlemen in RL and that works just fine.

If you were a superhero, what special power would you have?

I would love to be able to time travel like in Quantum Leap. I think it would be cool to travel back in history making right "what once went wrong." I'm trying to work that into a future story.

What is your favorite candy bar?

I have to choose one?  I'll go with the Chunky.  I love to have one of those when I go to the movies.

*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

I have a pretty busy fall ahead of me with three releases scheduled.

The first two are BSDM romances. The third is my first attempt at a m/m romance.

Be My Everything – available now with Beachwalk Press.

Lucas and Katherine enter into the perfect arrangement to fulfill their sexual needs, but what happens when their hearts get in the way?

Shy, awkward receptionist Katherine Sierra wants to explore her sexually submissive side. Although new to the BDSM world, she’s eager to learn. When she attends a play party and submits an application to one of the most experienced Doms in the room, she has no idea what she’s gotten herself into.

Successful businessman and hardcore Dominant Lucas Cain knows his way around a playroom and doesn’t normally take on brand new subs. He’s apprehensive about training someone so innocent, but the more time he spends with Katherine the more intrigued he becomes. She may be everything he’s been searching for.

But when Lucas requests that Colin, his friend and mentor, join them in the playroom for an evening of fun, it just might change everything.

Has Lucas broken his own rule and fallen in love with his sub?

http://beachwalkpress.com/be-my-everything/

The Lonely Dominant – available 11/14/11 with Noble Romance Publishers

Successful businessman Alec Carter realizes his life is less than fulfilled when he meets beautiful Princeton University senior Clara Whittaker at a local coffee shop. Alec experiments in the BDSM lifestyle but doesn't consider himself hardcore until he crosses paths with the obviously submissive Clara. The more time Alec spends with young Clara, the more his dominant tendencies push to the surface. She could be what has been missing.

After her grandmother's death, Clara ends up a guest in Alec's home until she can finish school. She quickly learns she's a natural submissive and decides she wants to explore this new side of herself with the man of house. Alec shows her a life she never knew existed as they enter into a world of role playing, fantasy, and desire. Alec may be the Master, but Clara holds the key to his heart. 

As the semester comes to an end, so does their arrangement. If Alec doesn't admit his true feelings for Clara, she could walk out of his life forever. But, Alec isn’t sure which she craves more . . . his dominance . . . or his love.

Embracing the Unexpected – tentative release date December 2011 with Beachwalk Press.

 Successful attorney Parker Phillips has always been straight; he's just having some trouble finding the right girl. Dr. Jace Cross is comfortable in his sexuality but has been single for some time. When the two meet in a court appointed anger management course Jace is teaching, sparks fly, but Parker isn't willing to admit his feelings. Can the sexy doctor help him discover who he truly is? 

My blog - http://ellajadeauthor.blogspot.com/
FB - http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100001950837414
Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/ellajade1

Be My Everything

Ella Jade

Lucas and Katherine enter into the perfect arrangement to fulfill their sexual needs, but what happens when their hearts get in the way?

Shy, awkward receptionist Katherine Sierra wants to explore her sexually submissive side. Although new to the BDSM world, she’s eager to learn. When she attends a play party and submits an application to one of the most experienced Doms in the room, she has no idea what she’s gotten herself into.

Successful businessman and hardcore Dominant Lucas Cain knows his way around a playroom and doesn’t normally take on brand new subs. He’s apprehensive about training someone so innocent, but the more time he spends with Katherine the more intrigued he becomes. She may be everything he’s been searching for.

But when Lucas requests that Colin, his friend and mentor, join them in the playroom for an evening of fun, it just might change everything.

Has Lucas broken his own rule and fallen in love with his sub?

Content Warning: strong language, graphic sex, BDSM themes

Links:

Website / Facebook / Twitter

Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the EBooks industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can't be stopped.

Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two young boys. When she's not chasing after her kids, she's busy writing, kickboxing and scrapbooking. She hope's you'll get lost in her words.

You can connect with her at http://ellajadeauthor.blogspot.com/