Author S.B. Roozenboom: Keep On Writing

 

I’m always delighted when I meet a ‘new-to-me’author and am able to introduce them to you as well. Today I’d like to welcome author S.B. Roozenboom to Thoughts.

S.B. (Sarah) is the author of the paranormal young adult novel, PREDATOR GIRL. Here’s a brief description of it: Strange and unusual beasts that few people are aware of roam our world. Jared Ferlyn is one of these few—a Finder, born with the gift for detecting and tracking paranormal beings. Tagging these Otherworlders for the government, he’s had his share of keeping fey, nightlings and other creatures from human sight. But when a strange new girl comes to town, Jared is unable to classify her despite his training and experience. 

Tracking her, he is pulled into a dangerous environment that not even a Finder is prepared for.

Sarah was born to the great northwest, where she grew up submerged in fairytales and make-believe. As a teen, when the stress of reality got to her, she turned to writing to create her own worlds. At seventeen, she completed her first young adult fantasy novel, and by twenty years old she has completed three with four and five on the way. 

Sarah has graciously answered a number of questions about her writing for me.

Mason - Have you always wanted to write or was there an event that lead you to writing?

Sarah - I have been writing since I was a kid. My parents own a repair shop which they once both worked at, therefore I spent many evenings after school stuck there in the office with little to do. Writing and drawing was how I spent my time there. I used to draw and write on old, used computer paper, then staple all the pages together like a booklet.

My success with novels, however, came in high school. I had just gotten out of my first real relationship, which ended very badly, and I felt really broken by it. My high school peers were passing rumors about me as they did not like the person I had been dating, and my best friend in the whole world was so mad at me for dating him that she had changed schools. I felt like the lowest person ever, therefore I started reading a ton of young adult books and writing a lot. 

After reading the Twilight series (the first book series I had ever finished) I said to myself, “You know, you love books. You love writing even more… why are you not writing your own?” So I spent my entire summer before senior year writing. In the fall, I came back with 900 double-spaced pages of my first book, called MARKINGS (which actually, after cutting it down and editing it to a hair over 300 double-spaced pages, got picked up for publication by my current publisher, WiDo, and is due for release fall 2013).

Mason - Of all the authors (past and present) you enjoy reading, has any one (or more) been an influence in your writing?

Sarah - There are three authors who really inspired me. Stephenie Meyer definitely got my ball rolling, you could say. Before reading Twilight, I had a lot of difficulty with reading a whole book. I’m kind of a go-go person, so if I’m actually going to sit down and read something, it has to hold my attention nonstop, or I won’t come back to it. I got hooked on these books within a couple of chapters, mostly because some of the things said or done by Bella Swan reminded me of myself. And then she meets Edward, this sexy, dangerous vampire that anyone who has read the Twilight series will fall in love with (I’m sorry, but Rob Pattinson is nothing like the Edward in the book in my opinion) so of course I plowed through in about twenty-four hours. 

My other two favorite writers are Suzanne Collins and Becca Fitzpatrick. I can almost say that I love The Hunger Games more than Twilight, but it’s a tough call. Then of course I’m terribly in love with the Hush, Hush saga, and I’m dying for the last book to come out! 

These three ladies know how to tell a darn good story, and I can only hope to one day be as popular as they are!

Mason - What is an average writing day like for you? Do you write longhand and on the computer, have a favorite place to write, a favorite time to write?

Sarah - I used to write for six hours straight or until my eyes were twitching and dry! My mother used to come downstairs and tell me to get my butt off the computer and go eat something because I would forget to eat or drink water—that’s how crazy obsessed I was. Now days it’s a little harder, as I am out of high school and have work alongside a new and wonderful boyfriend keeping me busy. I don’t really have a favorite place to write—our computer is in the creepy basement, so I can’t say it’s my favorite place. It’s just the only place there is right now. Ha, ha. 

Mason - Do you just jump right into a story or do you plan and outline?

Sarah - It depends. Usually I get an idea in my head—God, I feel so bad for people who are with me when I get a new story idea because it can happen at any time in any place and I freak out cause I’m so excited—then I just shoot through the first few chapters. After that I have to pause and think, “Okay, what is the point of this story? Where do I want it to go?” Then I have to draft an outline so I don’t lose ideas or get messy and drawn-out with the plot.

Mason - What is the worst advice you’ve ever received concerning writing?

Sarah - Hmmm, I’m not sure. Most of the information I’ve gotten from people is good. I guess the only bad advice I ever took was using a vanity press for one of my novels a couple years ago. The company was very nice and they are all about getting kids into reading, but my book really needed more help than it got, and the process was much more drawn out than what they told me it would be. 

The book got published with a number of errors that I sent revisions for over a year ago that my so called “editor” was supposed to fix. She didn’t. The whole thing broke my heart and discouraged me because that book was my baby, and I wanted it perfect. My friends and family and friends of family etc. had to see it full of mistakes… Lesson learned. I was so grateful when I sold my next finished work, PREDATOR GIRL, to WiDo, who did an amazing and beautiful job!

Mason - How would you encourage someone who has never read your genre to give it a try?

Sarah - If I was going to encourage someone to read young adult, I’d first hand them a copy of my book, PREDATOR GIRL, then copies of The Hunger Games, Twilight, and Hush, Hush, then say, “Read these.” I guarantee you wouldn’t come out the same person. Ha, ha!

Mason - What can readers look forward to next from you?

Sarah - MARKINGS, my very first novel ever written, will be coming out next year—though I have a feeling the name is going to change so check my website frequently. That one is also a paranormal romance for teens. Then I just finished my first teen sci-fi novel, which may have a literary agent interested in it. Not sure yet. I have a couple other projects in the works including a teen paranormal comedy, but my life is shifting a bit, so I don’t know if I’ll finish them this year or not.

Mason - What advice would you give to unpublished/new writers?

Sarah - I would tell them never EVER give up! If you love to write, and you want to write a book, I’m telling you that you can do it. Just don’t stop writing, and don’t start telling yourself your book is worthless and no one would want to read it. Study and read your genre, take your ideas to paper, and you’ll be amazed what can happen. I was barely seventeen when I sat down and told myself that no matter how crappy life got or how busy or wonderful etc., I would finish it and it would be published… and look where I am now. I’m not even twenty-two yet and I’ve got five books written and three in publishing!

Sarah, thanks so much for joining us today and talking about your writing. I especially like the fact that you didn’t give up on your work. That’s good advice for everyone, no matter what they are undertaking.

For more about Sarah and her writing, visit her website at www.theofficialsbboom.yolasite.com or write to her at Diane.boom@yahoo.com

PREDATOR GIRL can be purchased through WiDo Publishing’s online bookstore and it will soon be available on Amazon.com, Books-A-Million, and Barnes & Noble as well.

Has there been a book that inspired you to do something - write, cook, travel? Are you a reader of all genres including young adult? Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have a great Monday and share a book with a friend.

Sunday Salon: A Game Show, A Book, A Giveaway

Here we are back enjoying another Sunday Salon where we discuss the latest books we’ve discovered and read. Make sure your cup is filled with your favorite beverage, get comfortable and relax.

Today I’m going to be a bit different and give you my thoughts on an upcoming new game show. Now wait before you click off, it does involve a book - the Bible. You see the new game show is THE AMERICAN BIBLE CHALLENGE which premieres on the Game Show Network at 8/7c Thursday, Aug. 23. It will be hosted by Jeff Foxworthy. 

In addition to telling you about this intriguing new show, I also have a giveaway to offer. Thanks to the good folks at FlyBy Promotions/Propeller, I have a THE AMERICAN BIBLE CHALLENGE tee shirt and a Zondervan Quest Bible to giveaway. Please see the end of the post for the guidelines.

First a little about the show and the host. Comedian and author, Jeff Foxworthy hosts this studio-based game in which contestants compete based on their knowledge of the Bible. Utilizing current, as well as historical references, questions will be drawn from the rich, dense narrative found in the world's best-selling book. The contestants will share their compelling back-stories and each team will be playing for a charitable organization. 

THE AMERICAN BIBLE CHALLENGE is produced by RelativityREAL for GSN, with RelativityREAL’s Tom Forman (“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”) and Embassy Row’s Michael Davies ("The Newlywed Game," "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire") serving as Executive Producers on the project. Nick Stuart and Maura Dunbar of Odyssey Networks are Consulting Producers.

Comedian Jeff Foxworthy is the largest selling comedy-recording artist in history, a multiple Grammy® Award nominee and the best-selling author of 11 books. Widely known for his redneck jokes, his act goes beyond that to explore the humor in everyday family interactions and human nature. 

Even though the show doesn’t air until later this week, I was fortunate to watch a sneak preview video of it. So here are my thoughts on it.

While this game show is faith-based, it is also fun, entertaining, informative, and provides funds for worthy causes. It’s a show the entire family can watch together and play along at home. It takes facts from the Bible and uses them in trivia-type questions with teams competing against each other for cash prizes not for themselves, but for their favorite charity or ministry. The subject matter is handled with respect and done in a manner that is fun and enlightening, but not overbearing. 

The teams have fun names like Drama Mamas, Minnie’s Food Pantry, Suburban Saints, Gospel Geezer, and Victorious Secret. Some of the categories will include: Biblical Greeting Cards, Man Has Fallen And He Can’t Get Up, My Tweet Lord, The Real Housewives of the O.T., and Jesus Christ Superstar Wars. There is also a small choir that provides uplifting musical interludes throughout the show.

Jeff Foxworthy as the show’s host just adds another layer of entertainment to the mix. He combines humor with the questions keeping the contestants and audience laughing throughout the show. 

THE AMERICAN BIBLE CHALLENGE is a fun way to spend some quality time with your family, have a few laughs, share a bit of knowledge, and cheer for a deserving charity.

For more about the new game show visit their website at http://gsntv.com/shows/the-american-bible-challenge/, find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/theamericanbiblechallenge, and on Twitter at #TheAmericanBibleChallenge and @GSN.

To view a trailer about the game show to give you an idea of what to expect click on this link.

Now the giveaway guidelines. To enter, just leave a comment (with your email address) by 8 p.m. (EST) Sunday, Aug. 26. Tell us if you enjoy watching game shows, if so which one(s). Do you plan to watch this show? If it’s after Thursday, did you watch this show and what are your thoughts on it? As always, thanks so much for stopping by and spending a little time with us. Hope your Sunday is calm and enjoyable. May you have many books to read and listen to this week.

* FTC Notice Per FlyBy Promotions/Propeller: Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Casablanca Classics: Bringing Books Back And A Giveaway

Don’t you just hate it when you discover a ‘new-to-you’ author and search for their books only to find out they’re out of print?

Well, Sourcebooks has created a line of books called Casablanca Classics - these are beloved books by fabulous authors that have gone out of print and they are returning them to print. One such book is THE TROUBLE WITH MAGIC by Patricia Rice, part of her classic Magic series that is returning to stores this month. 

Rice’s bestselling Magic series featuring the clash between science and magic has been off the market over 5 years. In THE TROUBLE WITH MAGIC, sparks fly when Ewen, the itinerant rake and adventurous inventor of the Ives family, catches Felicity, the most fey of the Malcolms, who is fleeing to Scotland to discover a way of ending her dangerous gift…

I am delighted to be able to offer 1 copy of THE TROUBLE WITH MAGIC here today, thanks to the lovely Danielle and Sourcebooks. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only. To enter the giveaway, just let a comment answering one of the following questions or anything related to magic. Be sure to leave your email address with your comment, if it’s not included in your profile. The deadline to enter is 8 p.m. (EST)  Saturday, Aug. 25. Now the questions:

* What magical power would you have if you could choose?
* What is your favorite magical story?
* Are there different forms of magic- real, emotions, spiritual, make-believe?
* What do you consider magic?

Even if you don’t want to enter the contest, I’d still love to know your take on these questions and/or the topic of magic.

Now here’s a synopsis of THE TROUBLE WITH MAGIC:
Is Her Magic a Gift or a Curse...? 

All the Malcolms have some magic, but Lady Felicity's ability to read people's emotions simply by touching them or their possessions overwhelms her. She's reached a marriageable age, but how can she ever wed when she can see so clearly a man's guilty secrets? 

Only He Can Tell the Difference... 
 
Ewen Ives, itinerant rake and adventurous inventor, knows better than to underestimate the mischief of the Malcolms. But sparks fly when he encounters Felicity, and Ewen can't seem to refuse her plea for assistance... 
 
Here’s what some have to say about the author and her writing:
“Rice's enchanting book is truly spellbinding.” — Booklist
  
“You can always count on Patricia Rice for an entertaining story with just the right mix of romance, humor, and emotion.” — The Romantic Reader
  
“Patricia Rice's historicals are deliciously fresh, sexy fun. Never has the battle of the sexes been more charming!” — Mary Jo Putney, New York Times bestselling author

With five million books in print and New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists under her belt, Patricia Rice’s emotionally-charged contemporary and historical romances have won RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice and Career Achievement Awards and have been honored as Romance Writers of America RITA finalists in the historical, Regency and contemporary categories. 

A former CPA, Rice is a native of Kentucky and New York, a past resident of North Carolina, and currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri. For more information on the author’s current releases, visit her website at www.patriciarice.com.

What’s your thoughts on magic? Do you have a favorite TV show that has a magic element? Thanks for much for stopping by. Be sure to comment by Aug. 25 for a chance to win a copy of THE TROUBLE WITH MAGIC.
 

Author Joanna Campbell Slan Debuts New Series

 

With the release of DEATH OF A SCHOOLGIRL this month, author Joanna Campbell Slan debuts a new series. I’m delighted to welcome Joanna here today to talk about her new series, The Jane Eyre Chronicles.

First, here a brief description of her current release:
DEATH OF A SCHOOLGIRL begins where the iconic classic left off: Jane has married her beloved master, Edward Rochester, and they have a son. When word arrives that Rochester’s ward Adèle is in danger, Jane races to London to check on the girl’s safety at the boarding school where she is enrolled. Upon arrival, Jane is mistaken for an errant German teacher. This case of mistaken identity proves useful when Jane learns that one of Adèle’s schoolmates has died under mysterious circumstances. Jane decides to go undercover to protect the other children. Thus begins Jane Eyre’s “career” as an amateur sleuth. 

 
Rarely has an existing literary figure been so ideally suited for the role of a snoop. By her own admission, Jane is plain and insignificant, so she blends in well and she does not call attention to herself. Jane is also a keen observer, a skill she’s honed through her work as a sketch artist. Most importantly, Jane has an innate, unquenchable thirst for justice, and this drives her to be daring and curious even in situations where she might face personal risk.

Now Joanna has graciously answered some questions for me.

Mason - What led you to begin a new series and why not use a pseudonym as many authors do when writing something different?

 
Joanna - If you aren’t growing, you’re getting stale. I’m always up for a new challenge, and as a reader, I never wanted Jane Eyre to end. So, returning to a book that I loved and that shaped my life was a natural development. As for the pseudonym, I’m known for writing about spunky women who are underdogs. I’ve been a book author since 1998, as well as a frequent contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Soul books, so I am confident my long-time readers will want to see my newest offering. 

 
Mason - What is the most difficult aspect of beginning a new series? 

 
Joanna - You have to build a world, a universe for your characters to inhabit. Getting those details right takes time and a great deal of thought. Oh, and having a fantastic editor is very helpful.

  
Mason - What do you think is the appeal of all things Jane Eyre? 

 
Joanna - Most of us know what it feels like to be insignificant. Many of us were/are/or consider ourselves plain. A great number of us have felt unloved and unwanted. That Jane survives all of this and goes on to triumph is a victory we can savor.

Mason - Was research a difficult or easy task for this book? 

 
Joanna - I love doing research. History was my best subject in school. The trick is not to let yourself use research as an excuse to quit writing. I find it best to research a book at four different stages: 1.) Before I start 2.) As I write 3.) When I’m done and 4.) In the editing process.  

Mason - What can readers look forward to next from you?

  
Joanna - I plan to die with my fingers on a keyboard, tapping out a new story. I’ve turned in DEATH OF A DOWAGER, the second book in The Jane Eyre Chronicles, and I have a lot of ideas for other series. That said, my readers can always expect that I’ll give every book my very best. All I ever wanted was to write books. I know how lucky I am to be an author!

Joanna, thanks so much for answering my questions. I think we, the readers, are the lucky ones that you are an author and provide us with use intriguing books.

Here’s a bit of background on Joanna. She is the author of 11 non-fiction books, as well as the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series, which began with PAPER, SCISSORS, DEATH, an Agatha Award finalist. RT Book Reviews has called Joanna a “rising star” in the mystery genre. 

The Slans lived briefly in Sunningdale, Berkshire, UK, less than a mile from Agatha Christie’s house. She and her husband David live on Jupiter Island, FL, with their two dogs, Victoria and Rafferty, a three-legged rescue pup. 

For more on Joanna and her writing, visit her online at www.JoannaSlan.com. You can also find her on Facebook at: http://Facebook.com/JoannaCampbellSlan.

Are you a Jane Eyre fan? Doesn’t that book cover just draw you in? Do you think authors should use a different pen name when they write a different series? Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have a wonderful Friday and remember sharing books is a good thing.  

Author Nancy Martin: How The Publishing Industry Has Changed

It is my pleasure to welcome author Nancy Martin here today to talk about her writing and her latest release in the Blackbird Sisters Mystery series, NO WAY TO KILL A LADY.

Here’s a brief synopsis of NO WAY TO KILL A LADY: The Blackbird sisters are back—and as witty and wonderful as ever!

For richer,  for poorer...              

Nora Blackbird, the Bucks County ex-debutante with a haute couture wardrobe, a hot job as a glamorous society columnist and a stone cold bank account, might finally have her own life just right, but everyone around her is going down in flames. Her sister Libby seems destined to be the lead character in a tabloid sex scandal.  Her sister Emma is expecting a mysterious love child.  Her best friend, Lexie Paine, is serving time in the slammer.  And now her mobbed-up boyfriend, Mick Abruzzo—who might actually be her husband—is conducting clandestine capers from Blackbird Farm while under house arrest. What’s a good girl to do? 

Find a killer, that’s what!  Word arrives that the sisters’ great aunt, Madeleine Blackbird, has died in a volcanic eruption on an Indonesian island and left her fabulous country estate, worth millions, to the three of them.  But when the Blackbird sisters show up to claim their windfall, they find the house in a state of disheartening decay and all of Madeleine’s to-die-for treasures gone. Worse, the mansion has been hiding a grisly secret: the body of a woman who died there many years ago.  All the evidence points to a high society murder...

Nora’s special bond with flamboyant Aunt Madeleine compels her to seek out the truth.  With her aunt’s amorous stepson dogging her footsteps, her unscrupulous lawyer acting like a skunk, and her devoted housekeeper not to be found, Nora’s investigation is going nowhere.  Good thing Mick’s close by to offer Nora distractions both dark and delightful.  And, as ever, her irrepressible sisters provide some unexpected... and highly unorthodox... assistance when she most needs it.

Please join me as Nancy answers some questions about her writing and her series.

Mason - For someone who hasn’t read your series, how would you summarize it and do the books have to be read in order?

Nancy - The Blackbird Sisters came about when I was feeling jaded and looking to fulfill some fantasies. What if I inherited a whole lot of money? What if my grandmother left me a closet full of vintage haute couture? What if the man in my life could cook like a dream, take me to bed in a romantic whoosh, then disappear before he left his socks on the floor? But after starting with that rough idea for a character, things fell apart for my heroine, Nora Blackbird. Her parents ran off with her trust fund and left her with a decrepit old mansion . . . and a two million-dollar tax bill.  

Yes, she might live in the glittering world of Philadelphia high society, but she’s flat broke. To keep body and soul together, she gets a job reporting on the social scene for a Philadelphia newspaper. And that romantic boyfriend of hers? Turns out he’s a criminal, the heir to his father’s gambling empire. Oh, and Nora keeps stumbling over dead bodies, too, so she ends up solving crimes on the Main Line. The fun never stops for the Blackbird Sisters.

I’m a big believer in characters who grow and change, so if you’re a fussy reader, yes, you’re going to want to read them in order.  Here’s the list: http://www.nancymartinmysteries.com/blackbirds.html

 

Mason - What is a typical writing day like for you? Do you have a favorite place to write and/or a favorite time?

Nancy - For me, writing looks a lot like Nancy sitting in a recliner reading Vogue magazine. I believe in doing lots of research. ;-)  

Mason - What type of research did you do for your latest book?

Nancy - Did you know that tickets to a museum exhibit can be tax deductible for a writer? And lunch in the café was lovely. Our table had a view of the fountain, and that bottle of Pinot noir was delish.

 

Mason - How has the publishing industry changed since you wrote your first Blackbird mystery?

Nancy - I’ve been writing for thirty years—since the day when romance writers were all asked to use a pen name…because it was just nicer that way. I never thought I’d be nostalgic for a day when I pulled on my warm socks and locked myself in my study to be creative, but I am. Today’s writers have to be marketing geniuses, experienced television performers, experts in the latest technology, and we must be well-versed in all aspects of the business side of publishing, too. It’s a whole new world. (You didn’t really believe that stuff about reading Vogue in the recliner, did you?)

Mason - What can readers look forward to next from you?

 

Nancy - We have re-launched the Blackbird Sisters Mysteries, so there are more adventures for Nora Blackbird coming after NO WAY TO KILL A LADY. I have a single title novel coming out next year, too, plus several revised romances from my backlist. 

And . . . have you read the Blackbird prequels that were re-pubbed this summer in e-book form? Mick Abruzzo’s Story tells how Mick and Nora Blackbird first met . . .and the circumstances are going to surprise longtime readers. And Slay Belles, a novella first published in a paperback anthology called DROP DEAD BLONDES, is a Christmas story that’s sure to please mystery readers. If you like your mysteries a little edgier, try my Roxy Abruzzo series with STICKY FINGERS. 

Nancy, thanks so much for guest blogging today. And here I had pictured you relaxing in your recliner with a glass of Pinot noir and a box of chocolates while your secretary took dictation. I am always amazed at how the publishing industry has changed and continues to change.

For those who haven’t meet Nancy before she is the author of nearly 50 popular fiction novels in the romance, historical and mystery genres. Her most recent title, NO WAY TO KILL A LADY, is the 8th book in her award-winning Blackbird Sisters Mystery series. In 2009, she received the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award for mystery writing. She is a past board member for Sisters in Crime, a founder of Pennwriters, and she prefers to shop at Nordstrom.

To find out more about Nancy and her writing, visit her website at http://www.nancymartinmysteries.com/ where you can also read the first chapter of NO WAY TO KILL A LADY. You can also find Nancy on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/authornancymartin and see her boards on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/nanmart1/

 

If you have any questions for Nancy, please leave them in the comments. She hopes to stop by sometime throughout the day to visit. Do you read books in a series out of order or prefer to read them in order? Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have a great Wednesday and remember to share a book with a friend.

Author Shobhan Bantwal Answers Questions, Offers A Giveaway

I’m delighted to welcome author Shobhan Bantwal here today as she makes a stop on her Premier Virtual Author Book Tour. You may recall, I recently reviewed Shobhan’s latest release, THE RELUCTANT MATCHMAKER.

Thanks to Shobhan and Teddy at Premier, I have a signed print copy of THE RELUCTANT MATCHMAKER to giveaway to a lucky visitor who comments on today’s post by 8 p.m. (EST) Wednesday, Aug. 22. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only. Be sure to leave your email address with your comment, if it’s not included in your profile.

Shobhan has graciously answered some questions for me about her book and her writing. 

Mason - Do you find people are more open to reading books featuring a Indian-American protagonist than they were a few years ago?

Shobhan - Yes, indeed. With the proliferation of Indian authors in recent years and many of them winning prestigious international literary awards, combined with the rising popularity of India-centric movies like Slumdog Millionaire and Bend it like Beckham, American readers and moviegoers have come to accept Indian protagonists as part of mainstream entertainment. 

My books are commercial fiction and not the serious literary novels that most South Asian authors write. The fact that readers are now enjoying my ethnic women's fiction with romantic elements goes to show that American readers have become more accepting of stories with Indian-American protagonists. This trend is very heartening for me as an author.

Mason - What inspired you from what you have read to write?

Shobhan - Since my teenage days, when I first discovered Harlequin Romances and American popular fiction, I had been lamenting that there was no Indian author who wrote books in a similar vein. Later, authors like Judith McNaught, Nora Roberts, and Karen Robards were my inspiration in the 1980s-90s. I was tired of reading serious, slice-of-life novels by South Asian writers and was eagerly awaiting an Indian commercial fiction author to emerge. When none appeared on the literary scene, I decided to write those stories myself, at the mature age of 50. I call my fiction "Bollywood in a Book"—colorful stories filled with emotion, drama, and the unique flavors of Indian culture. 

Mason - What has been the best writing advice you have received?

Shobhan - "Write from your heart and not for the market" has been the best writing advice I have received from a few authors who have done exactly that. My books don't fit into any particular genre, since they are multicultural women's fiction with romantic elements. When I first started shopping around for a literary agent, I was unsure of attracting the attention of any agents or editors because I was swimming in uncharted waters with my outside-the-box, Bollywood brand of fiction. But I was fortunate that a reputable agent loved my unusual novels and signed me on, and later a well-respected, traditional New York publisher was happy to publish my books.

Mason - Do you write using pen and paper or do you compose just on the computer or a combination of the two?

Shobhan - All my writing is done on a computer. It is so much more convenient. Besides, I'm a rather impatient individual, so pen and paper are a little slow for me.

Mason - Is there a favorite time and place that inspires you to write more?

Shobhan - For some odd reason, inspiration seems to strike me when I'm driving alone on quiet roads. But as soon as I sit at my computer, my muse seems to desert me. Nevertheless I try very hard at recapturing my "roadway" thoughts and piecing them together to form compelling tales.

Mason - What can fans look forward to next from you?

Shobhan - Family responsibilities during this phase of my life prevent me from writing new books for a while, but hopefully I will be able to get back into the groove very soon. I have several ideas floating around in my mind, but I have to find the time to turn them into viable stories. An Indian publisher has just bought the rights to all my books published to date in the United States, so that is a project I am actively involved in at this time. I am looking forward to seeing my books become widely available in India, the country of my birth.

Thank you, Mason, for a great interview. I enjoyed answering your questions.

Shobhan, thank you for the interview. I hadn’t realized that your books have yet to be published in India. How excited that they will be soon.

Shobhan is an award-winning Indian-American author of five multicultural women’s fiction books with romantic elements, branded as “Bollywood in a Book.” Her articles and short stories have appeared in The Writer magazine, Romantic Times, India Abroad, India Currents, and New Woman. THE RELUCTANT MATCHMAKER is her sixth book. 

To learn more about Shobhan and her writing, visit her online at www.shobhanbantwal.com. You can learn about her books, trailers, contests, photos, recipes, and much more. You can also visit her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ShobhanBantwal.author.

Here’s a brief description of THE RELUCTANT MATCHMAKER, which is available in print and eBook formats:
It starts with a bizarre accident. When young and petite Meena literally collides with her strikingly tall boss, Prajay, she takes a nasty fall, but doesn’t count on falling in love with him. So imagine her dismay when he makes an astonishing request. He wants her to craft a personal ad that will help him find a suitable wife, a statuesque, sophisticated Indian-American woman who will complement his remarkable height. Despite Meena’s attraction to Prajay and the complications of balancing work and her “marriage consultant” role, she can’t refuse his assignment. And yet, she comes to some surprising realizations about love, tradition, and the sacrifices she will—and won’t—make to win over her giant.

Here is a bit of advance praise for the book:
“One of the best [novels] I’ve read this year. I couldn’t put it down…this book is a gem!” – Mary Monroe, New York Times bestselling author on The Unexpected Son

“Compelling and memorable.” — Mary Jo Putney, New York Times bestselling author on The Forbidden Daughter

“Vivid, rich…expertly portrays a young woman caught between love and duty, hope and despair.” —Anjali Banerjee on The Dowry Bride

“Dazzles you with a taste of Desi culture in America.” — Caridad Piñeiro

Have you read any books where the protagonist is Indian or Indian-American? Thanks so much for stopping by today. Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a signed print copy of THE RELUCTANT MATCHMAKER.

Judgment Call by J.A. Jance

Being a high school principal will kill you.

Or so it seems for Cochise County High School Principal Debra Highsmith in author J.A. Jance’s latest release, JUDGMENT CALL. When Highsmith’s body is found in the desert, a ripple effect begins that touches the lives of those around her and the sheriff’s family as well.

Sheriff Joanna Brady’s daughter, Jenny, finds the principal’s body. Jenny is also a student at Highsmith’s school. The investigation takes the sheriff into the world of students and parents on a different level than she’s experienced before. As the investigation continues dark secrets hidden for years begin to surface involving the victim, but also Sheriff Brady’s family.

When a second murder occurs, Sheriff Brady begins connecting the lives of several key players together. In addition, she learns new information about the former sheriff, her father, and what lead him to take the job. Her most disturbing find deals with his death.

Narrator Hillary Huber does a good job bringing the characters to life and giving each their own distinct voice. She brings the turmoil of Sheriff Brady forward playing off her strengths and weakness.

Author J. A. Jance mergers the professional and private life of her protagonist in a realistic way. Listeners/readers can feel when she is torn between the two roles she must play. In addition, the author’s detailed description of the beautiful landscape brings the setting to life making it a character in the story.

Joanna Brady is a strong protagonist making her way in a man’s world, but able to show her softer side where family is concerned. The supporting characters, especially Joanna’s mother, add a nice mix to the story.

JUDGMENT CALL is the 15th installment in the Brady Novel of Suspense series, but can be read (or listened to) on its own.

Author J. A. Jance’s website is http://www.jajance.com/jajance.com

Judgment Call by J. A. Jance, A Brady Novel of Suspense, Performed by Hillary Huber, Harper Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-0062189417, Unabridged, 9 Discs, Listening Time: 11 Hours

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Do you enjoy stories where the female protagonist holds a job normally thought of as a man’s? Thanks so much for stopping by today.

Sunday Salon: Food Family Style by Leigh Oliver Vickery

It’s hard to believe another week has gone by and school is beginning in many areas. Sunday Salon is the perfect time to sit back, relax, enjoy another cup of your favorite beverage and unwind from the week’s hectic schedule. 

Sunday Salon is also a great place to share the latest books you’ve enjoyed and find new ones friends have discovered. The book I’m sharing today is a cookbook that mixes tradition with modern needs. 

FOOD FAMILY STYLE by Leigh Oliver Vickery

Cookbooks come in all shapes, sizes and formats these days containing a vast array of recipes to please any palate.

I’ve found one that is both modern in its offering with touches of tradition my grandmother would have enjoyed. FOOD FAMILY STYLE by Leigh Oliver Vickery features much more than just delicious recipes. It connects food and family in the ways generations did before us.

The cookbook’s 365 tasty recipes fall into the following categories (chapters): snacks and beverages; breakfast; sandwiches, burgers and pizza; soups and salads; main dishes; side dishes; and desserts.

However, author Leigh Oliver Vickery goes a bit further featuring chapters on:
* Kids in the Kitchen - highlighting tasty and healthy recipes youngsters can help prepare with ease.
* Table Talk - meaningful conversation starters to use around the table at meal time. A helpful way for families to reconnect over food.
* Menus for Special Occasions - such as Easter breakfast or Date Night meal.
* Back to Basics - listing kitchen and pantry essentials, along with a chart for healthy food swaps in recipes.
* Proportion Distortion - discusses portions verses servings and how to help your family cut back on unhealthy foods.

Another handy element of this cookbook is various easy to read symbols are associated with each recipes. The symbols indicate if the dish can be doubled easily, if it freezes well, if it’s gluten free or vegetarian, if the dish can be prepared in a slow cooker, if it’s a favorite dish contributed by moms around the country, and if the dish is more health conscious (where fat and calories have been cut). 

Selecting a favorite from among these recipes is difficult, but I couldn’t resist trying a traditional dessert to begin with. I selected the EASY FRUIT COBBLER recipe which can be doubled and is considered a vegetarian dish. 

It was quick and easy to prepare with little mess to clean up afterwards. The recipe works with a variety of fruits so whatever you have on hand can be used. I used peaches and we topped it off with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert the entire family enjoyed. It keeps well in the refrigerator overnight if you’re lucky enough to have any left over. Here’s the recipe:

Easy Fruit Cobbler
1 ¼ cups sugar, divided
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup milk
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups fruit (blackberries, blueberries, sliced peaches), rinsed and patted dry

Preheat over to 350 degrees F. Spray a shallow square casserole dish or pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. Pour 1 cup sugar and flour into a mixing bowl. Add milk and whisk well. Pour in melted butter and whisk well. Pour batter into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle fruit over batter, distributing evenly. Sprinkle remaining ¼ cup sugar over the top. Bake for 1 hour, until golden and bubbly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, if desired.

FOOD FAMILY STYLE is a helpful and easy cookbook that would make a great addition to any kitchen library. The only drawback I found to the book was it contains no photographs of the yummy dishes. However, after reading many of the recipes and helpful hints, I realized the photos are necessary. The book is a delight just as it is.

Author Leigh Oliver Vickery is the creator and founder of Leigh Oliver's, a specialty "fun food" company with numerous products on the market in at least 25 states and grocery chains, including Whole Foods Market and Costco. She is the former food editor of the Tyler Morning Telegraph in Tyler, Texas, and now blogs at www.onebighappytable.com.

Food Family Style: Simple and Tasty Recipes for Everyday Life by Leigh Oliver Vickery, Revell, @2012, ISBN: 978-0800721145, Paperback, 272 Pages 

**Available August  2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Do you have a favorite cookbook? What about a favorite recipe that has been handed down through your family? If you’ve got some fruit handy, take a few minutes and prepare an Easy Fruit Cobbler for you and your family today or make one for a friend. Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have a wonderful Sunday.

A Witch Before Dying by Heather Blake

Living in an enchanted village may sound a bit strange, but for Darcy Merriweather it’s beginning to feel normal - or as normal as can be for a wishcrafter.

Darcy and her sister, Harper, live with their Aunt Velma in the magic-themed town of Enchanted Village. This is a place were witches live and practice their craft without mortals realizing it. Darcy helps out with her aunt’s business, As You Wish, a personal concierge service.

Elodie Keaton’s mother has been missing for over a year. When Elodie hires As You Wish to clean out her mother’s cluttered house, Darcy doesn’t realize what she’s getting herself into. The house is a mess with piles of newspapers, boxes, and other clutter. But before the cleaning begins, Darcy uncovers Patrice Keaton’s decaying body in a suitcase among the clutter.

It seems Patrice owned the Anicula, a wish-granting amulet that may have lead to her death. Between the house cleaning and searching for the truth to Patrice’s death, Darcy places herself in danger when the killer believes she’s found the magical amulet.

While this is a story of murder and mayhem, it’s also sprinkled with humor, romance, and family loyalty. A WITCH BEFORE DYING flows smoothly and is an easy read enticing readers with twists and turns from beginning to end.

Author Heather Blake has created a strong protagonist in Darcy giving her independence and yet still a bit vulnerable when it comes to matters of the heart. The other characters are zany and realistic despite their magical abilities. The detailed descriptions of the village places the reader there with the characters. Readers can practically feel the magical energy around them as they read.

Darcy’s involvement with Nick Sawyer and his daughter, Mimi, gives a feel-good touch to the story. It also lends itself to some laugh-out-loud moments.

This is the second installment in the Wishcraft Mystery series, but can be read alone. However, to find out how Darcy came to be at the Enchanted Village, check out the first installment, IT TAKES A WITCH.

A WITCH BEFORE DYING creates its own magic as it draws you into this mystical world and holds you spellbound till the end.

Author Heather Blake’s website is http://www.heatherblakebooks.com/. She also writes under the name Heather Webber.

A Witch Before Dying by Heather Blake, A Wishcraft Mystery, Obsidian, @2012, ISBN: 978-0451237637, Paperback, 320 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Would you like to live in an enchanted village? Does the delightful book cover remind you of the old TV shows Bewitched or I Dream of Jeannie? Thanks so much for stopping by today.
 

Queen of Regency Romance Celebration And Giveaway

Georgette Heyer, the “Queen of Regency Romance,” is one of the most beloved authors of all time and Sourcebooks is the North American publishing home for all 52 of her delightful novels, which are back in print.

In light of what would have been Georgette’s 110th birthday anniversary on Aug. 16, Sourcebooks is hosting a birthday giveaway. I’m delighted to be part of that celebration and be able to offer 1 lucky visitor a surprise grab bag prize pack of 3 different Heyer novels: 1 romance, 1 mystery, and 1 historical fiction (US and Canada addresses only). 

Fans of Heyer’s work all have “Heyer moments”—stories about how they discovered her, which novel is their favorite, how they used to sneak and read their mother’s copies, and so on. Sourcebooks loves hearing these stories from fans and what better time to sing the praises of a favorite author then on the anniversary of her birthday.

Sourcebooks is asking readers: “How did YOU discover Georgette Heyer?” You can participate (and enter the giveaway) by commenting on why you love Georgette Heyer and your own personal “Heyer moment,” or why if you haven’t read her novels why you want to start.

Readers can also join Sourcebooks’ special author page on Facebook to view regular specials and deals, some favorites lists, and tidbits of juicy Regency-era trivia. There will also be a special eBook promotion in honor of Heyer’s birthday.

In addition, readers can visit Heyer’s author page at Sourcebooks for more information on the author and her many books.

How did you come to first read Georgette Heyer? Do you remember the title of the first Heyer book that you read? If you’re not a Georgette Heyer fan, what draws you to her work now?

Be sure to comment by 8 p.m. (EST) Wednesday, Aug. 15, for a chance to win the prize pack featuring 3 of Heyer’s titles. Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope your day is cool, safe and filled with a good book.

Does America Have A Royal Couple?

Between the recent wedding, Queen Elizabeth’s diamond jubilee and now the Olympics, do you have royal fever?

Do you find yourself still Youtube-ing clips of Will & Kate’s big day? Don’t worry, Sourcebooks has you covered with a humorous read and a fun giveaway.

Named a “Cinderella story for the beach bag”, Sourcebooks releases Wendy Holden’s MARRYING UP this month. MARRING UP has all of the crazy love, eye-opening snobbery, and naked ambition to create a juicy cocktail worthy of any royal. After all, what’s a relationship without a title and a tiara?

In honor of Wendy’s new release, Sourcebooks is sponsoring a contest to find out who is America’s very own Royal Couple! Is it old time favorite Brangelina? Or perhaps the new comers Kim Kardashian & Kanye West, aka Kimye?

To enter the contest, just leave a comment as to who you think is America’s Royal Couple. One lucky visitor will receive a copy of MARRYING UP. The contest is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada. Be sure to leave your email address with your comment, if it’s not included in your profile. The deadline is 8 p.m. (EST) Friday, Aug. 10. Even if you don’t want to enter the contest, still pick a royal couple for Americans to cheer and add ‘not entering.’

Here’s what reviewers are already saying about MARRYING UP:
“Holden, a former writer for the Mail on Sunday, certainly knows her way around snarky royal gossip and delivers here a very guilty pleasure.” ―  Kirkus Reviews 

“Anglophiles who stayed up all night to watch William and Kate walk down the aisle will have a lot of fun here, as will readers of Sophie Kinsella’s frothy Shopaholic series.”  ― Booklist 
 
“Readers will rush through this dishy chick lit tale to find the answer. A Cinderella story for the beach bag.”  ―  Publishers Weekly 
 
“Gold-digging tale while providing a brimming bucket of laughs along the way.”  ―   Shelf Awareness for Readers 
 
“Entertaining with a witty and dry sense of humor”  ―  RT Book Reviews
  
Here’s a brief description of MARRYING UP:
As women around the world watched Will and Kate walk down the aisle, many of them were plotting how they could find their own prince charming.

Razor-sharp in its wit and as fresh as newlywed royals, MARRYING UP (ISBN 9781402270673, Sourcebooks Landmark, Fiction, Trade Paperback, $14.99 U.S., Aug 2012) by Wendy Holden reveals how sometimes a rags-to-riches story can rip a girl to shreds—and how sometimes the crown on your head can nearly crush you. 
 
Only a title, a mansion, and a family tiara will do for a scheming social climber like Alexa, and she will go to great lengths to get it. Starting by befriending clueless aristocrat Florrie, who fills her life with parties, texting, and, above all, champagne, means that the grandest doors swing open and the prince of her dreams is within reach. 

But has Florrie’s mother, the formidable Lady Annabel, figured out Alexa’s intentions already?

Meanwhile, beautiful but penniless archaeology student Polly has found herself in love after a chance meeting with a dark-eyed stranger named Max. However, Max is hiding a big secret, a secret that could ultimately ruin any chance of him and Polly living happily ever after. 

Author Wendy Holden (UK) was a journalist for the Sunday Times, Tatler, and The Mail on Sunday before becoming a full-time author. She has now published nine novels, all top 10 bestsellers in the UK. Her novels include BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE, FARM FATALE, and FILTHY RICH and feature sassy humor with a great cast of characters. 

For more information about the author and her writing, visit: www.officialwendyholden.com.

Now who do you think is America’s royal couple? Is there more than one? Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a great Wednesday.