It’s always a pleasure to welcome author Christie Craig back to Thoughts and today she’s touring with BLAME IT ON TEXAS, the second installment in her Hotter In Texas series.
BLAME IT ON TEXAS is a lethal combination, so prepare yourself for a story laced with irresistible charm and undeniable sexiness. Here’s a brief synopsis:
Zoe Adams has always been content with her quiet nights at home, watching TV alone-until her life turns into a real-life episode of Unsolved Mystery Hunters. The story of a kidnapped girl triggers unexplained memories, and Zoe is dead-set on figuring out why. Her search leads her to one of the Lone Star State's richest families-and to sexy PI Tyler Lopez.
Tyler has sworn off women, especially redheads with killer curves who poke their noses into his clients' private lives. Still, he can't deny the attraction any more than he can deny that some of Zoe's crazy story makes sense. But when she becomes a hit man's target, this cold case starts heating up. Suddenly, Tyler will do anything to protect Zoe-even risk his heart.
Thanks to Christie, Brianne and the good folks at Forever, I have 3 copies of BLAME IT ON TEXAS to giveaway. Please see the end of the post for the giveaway guidelines.
Christie has graciously answered several questions for me about her writing.
Mason - What is a typical writing day like for you?
Christie - First, thanks so much for having me at your blog. I love talking about writing. Now to answer your question . . .
Honestly, I’m a bit of a workaholic. I get up around 5:30 or 6 AM every day. I grab my coffee and head to my office which is a converted garage. I spend about an hour sipping coffee and checking blogs and emails. I try to get in an hour of work before I take off to meet my writing buddy/friend for an hour walk. When I get back, I eat a quick breakfast with my hubby, and then I’m back in my office to get pages done. Lunch is a quick sandwich or salad. I usually work eight to twelve hours a day, depending on deadlines. Hubby and I share cooking responsibilities. So, some days he’s in the kitchen fixing dinner and some days I am. Again, if I’m under a tight deadline, I might eat dinner with my hubby and son and then go back in for another hour or two of work. I’m very lucky that my hubby does kitchen clean-up most days. By about eight, you’ll usually find me with a glass of Cabernet sitting in front of the television with my hubby. I try to slip into my hot tub most nights for twenty minutes, and then it’s off to bed with hubby and a good book.
Mason - What type of research, if any, do you do for your books and do you find it fun or just necessary?
Christie - Research? Ugh. I’m a writer, not a researcher. But I have to do it. I have what I call my cop in a pocket whom I call with cop questions, which happens quite a lot because most of my heroes are in law enforcement. I have lawyer friends whom I call with legal questions. If I have a medical questions, I just make an appointment with my doctor. She knows I’m a writer and she’s stopped worrying when I ask things like. “Where could I shoot someone that wouldn’t kill them, but would hurt a lot?”
Mason - Why do you think cowboy themes are appealing to readers?
Christie - I think what defines a cowboy, and a good ol’ boy Texan, is loyalty, honesty, and someone who wouldn’t hesitate to stand up for what he believe in. They speak their mind, which makes for some wonderfully witty dialogue. My heroes aren’t riding horses, or herding cattle, but they are Texans through and through and their loyalty to seek justice for those who have been unjustly accused makes them a true hero.
Mason - What can readers look forward to next from you?
Christie - Oh, thanks for asking. I also write the YA Paranormal Shadow Falls Series for St. Martins/Griffin under the pen name, C.C. Hunter. After BLAME IT ONE TEXAS, which released August 28th, I have my fourth young adult book, WHISPERS AT MOONRISE, releasing on October 2nd. I’m working on the fifth and final book in that series right now. After that, I’m full speed ahead on the third book in the Hotter in Texas series, TEXAS HOLD ‘EM. I’m already brainstorming two new series, a humorous romantic suspense and a new paranormal young adult series for my publishers.
Thanks again for inviting me here to your blog. If your readers want to know more about me and my books, they can find information at my website, www.Christie-Craig.com For a little taste of my Hotter in Texas series, watch the video below. I hope you enjoy! CC
Christie, thank you for returning to Thoughts and talking about your writing. It’s always interesting to see what an author’s day is really like. BTW, great video.
Christie is also sharing ‘Ten Things You Will Learn from BLAME IT ON TEXAS.’
1. Guys don’t like to play dress up; but when one willingly dresses as a clown for their six-year-old niece’s birthday party—because the real clown canceled—he’s one special uncle. And could possibly make a special hero for some lucky lady.
2. Sometimes, fear itself can do much more damage to us than the thing we’re actually afraid of.
3. Any man who doesn’t cuss up a blue streak when you dump a plate of hot grits on him can’t be all bad. (In fact, he might just be The One.)
4. It’s important to remember the lessons of the past so we can use them when making decisions for the future. But those lessons should never keep us from having the future we deserve.
5. Before accusing the sexy guy who pounced, knocked you down, and crawled on top of you of being foreplay impaired; check to see if someone is shooting at you.
6. The southern delicacy of a banana and mayonnaise sandwich may be an acquired taste, especially when a hungry hero chomps down on the delicacy and is expecting ham and cheese.
7. If you think getting caught screaming and dancing on top of a mattress—all while attempting to rescue your cat from an overzealous dog—can be slightly embarrassing, try doing it while you’re wet from the shower, and as naked as a jay bird. Oh, and just to make it even more fun, make sure you're caught by your possible love interest who hasn’t seen you naked yet, and . . . (yes it can get worse) his two best friends.
8. It’s downright amazing how playing a few rounds of Strip Scrabble can spice up an evening.
9. A family doesn’t always have to be the people who share your bloodline; sometimes, the best families are those we make when we gather together all the people we love.
10. Learning to trust yourself is usually a lot harder than trusting another person. But both are generally required before finding true love.
Now the giveaway guidelines. To enter, send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win BLAME IT ON TEXAS.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The contest is open to residents of the U.S. only and no post office box addresses can be accepted. And, just so you know, I don’t share this information with anyone other than the publisher nor use it for any other purpose. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance at one of 3 copies of BLAME IT ON TEXAS will be 8 p.m. (EST) on Thursday, Sept. 13.
If you’re a writer, is your day similar to Christie’s? As a reader, what have you imaged a writer’s day to be like? Thanks so much for stopping by today. Be sure to send an email for a chance to win a copy of BLAME IT ON TEXAS.
Christie, thanks so much for guest blogging today and including Thoughts in your tour. Wishing you much success.
ReplyDeleteMason - Thanks for hosting Christie.
ReplyDeleteChristie - Thanks for sharing the way you combine writing and research, and for letting us know how you fit writing into your day. I wish you much success with Blame it on Texas.
Howdy guys!!!
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to stop in first thing and say thank you so much for hosting the contest and posting my interview. I just love bloggers. They really help us writers by getting the word out about our books. I hope your readers will give Blame it on Texas a try and get lost in the giggles, the mystery and the entertainment.
CC
Opp.....That C.C. Hunter gal is always going around and pretending to be me. LOL.
ReplyDeleteCC
I've recently read 2 of Christie's books and they are so much fun! I definitely want to read this one too :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing today! Love your books! I'm pretty sure writers are just like everyone else maybe a bit cooler! LOL!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new release. This book sounds fantastic, Can't wait to read it. I figured that a writer would just try to fit some writing in to an otherwise busy, normal day, in between working, errands, laundry, etc.
ReplyDeletee.balinski(at)att(dot)net