Interview with historical romance author Darcy Burke

Today's guest, Darcy Burke, is doing a tour for her historical romance series, Secrets and Scandals. There are blurbs and excerpts for all 3 novels below. The interview highlights the newest novel, To Seduce a Scoundrel.

Darcy will be giving away a $25 Amazon gift card, a copy of the anthology Born to Bite, an ebook of The Runaway Countess by Leigh LaValle, and a Sara Ramsey ebook. If you want to be entered to win, make sure to leave your email address with a comment below or at any of her other tour stops. (If you don't want to enter, you can still comment!)

She is also running a contest on her website: sign up for her newsletter during the tour and you might win a $10 Amazon gift card.

Bio: 

Darcy Burke wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. An RWA Golden Heart^® Finalist, Darcy loves all things British (except tomatoes for breakfast, or any other time of day, actually) and happy ever afters.

A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her devoted husband, their two great kids, and three cats. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. She’s also a fair-weather runner, and her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge. 

Visit Darcy online at http://www.darcy-burke.com, follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/darcyburkefans. 

Welcome, Darcy. Please tell us about your current release.

To Seduce a Scoundrel is the third book in the Secrets and Scandals series. Set half in London and half in Cornwall, it’s the second “fight club” book in the series, following His Wicked Heart, which introduced readers to Philippa and Ambrose. I like to describe the opening of this book as Regency Date Night—that movie with Steve Carrell and Tina Fey. Ambrose and Philippa encounter a series of misadventures that literally change the course of their lives. It’s quite a roller coaster! I call this a “fight club” book because Ambrose, Lord Sevrin, runs a fight club made up entirely of working class men who spend their evenings engaging in pugilistic bouts. They have to audition for Sevrin to gain membership to the club, which is what Jasper does in His Wicked Heart (the first fight club book). The club is a huge part of who Ambrose is at the start of the story. Fighting plays a major role throughout the book, which is funny because I don’t watch boxing, nor do I particularly care for the sport! I did a lot of research and hope the pugilism aspect of the story is as interesting for readers as it was for me to write.

Blurb for To Seduce a Scoundrel:

A LADY ON THE BRINK OF DISASTER

Quintessential debutante Lady Philippa Latham is determined to avoid scandal at all costs so that she may marry well. When her mother’s outrageous behavior threatens their family’s reputation, Philippa unwittingly follows her to a party no unmarried Society girl would risk attending. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Philippa is “rescued” from disaster by England’s most notorious scoundrel, which sets them both on a path to public and personal ruin.

A SCOUNDREL IN NEED OF SEDUCTION

Lord Ambrose Sevrin is infamous for ruining his brother’s fiancée and refusing to marry her. Content to remain among the fringe of the upper ten thousand, he is an intriguing enigma to London’s elite. Philippa thinks she’s met the true Ambrose—a gentleman who would fight to defend her and help her secure a husband before it’s too late. But he can’t be that husband, even for her. He won’t tolerate redemption—or love—for his crimes are far worse than anyone can imagine.

Excerpt from To Seduce a Scoundrel:

“Is that what you’ve been doing with your dance partners tonight? Husband hunting?” The notion filled Ambrose with a disturbing sense of nausea.

“Yes.”

They danced apart again and Ambrose took the opportunity to mentally review the men he’d watched her with. When they came together, he said, “That foreign boy…you danced with him out of obligation, not because you’re considering his suit?”

Philippa smiled up at him, her ale-colored eyes sparkling beneath the glow of hundreds of candles. “Oh, stop. I’m not considering his suit, but he’s perfectly charming.”

“Charm is your chief requirement in a husband?”

Her body moved with precision and grace. “Along with honor and kindness.”

“You might do better with a dog.”

She laughed as they danced apart again. Such a warm, lovely sound. He would miss it.

When they came together, she gave him a contemplative look. “Is there a breed you recommend?”

“Something loyal who’s ready to defend you.”

“Like you?” She gazed at him alluringly and he had to work to focus on the dance steps.

“That is not how I’d describe myself.” Unfaithful, selfish, arrogant…these were far more accurate adjectives.

“But your ability to defend me and my honor is well-established. And here you are with me again tonight.” She shook her head, her lips set firmly together. “I’m dubbing you loyal.”

He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice to just above a whisper. “Please, stop. You’re going to reverse my black reputation. I can’t have that.”

What inspired you to write this book?

I’d wanted to write a story about a man whose passions got the best of him, and so he starts a fight club to better cope with them. That was going to be His Wicked Heart, featuring Jasper, the Earl of Saxton. However, in that story, Jasper ended up joining an already existing fight club—Sevrin’s—and so I found that I needed to write a story about the guy who started the fight club!

What exciting story are you working on next?

I’m working on the next book in the Secrets and Scandals series, which is a novella due out at the end of September. To Love a Thief features a character readers met very briefly in Her Wicked Ways, Lord Kersey. A former constable, he’s inherited a viscountcy from a distant relative, which is both a blessing and a curse. A curse because he doesn’t know the first thing about how to be a viscount and a blessing because the title gives him the ability to advocate police reform at the highest levels of Society and in the House of Lords. The only thing he needs is a viscountess to help him navigate his new life, and he thinks he might have found her until he catches her stealing from his mentor. When Jocelyn sees her family’s stolen heirlooms in the possession of a wealthy earl, she demands their return. However, the earl insists they’ve been in his family for generations and Jocelyn realizes it’s her word against his. She sets out to recover the treasures the only way she can think—by stealing them. I can’t wait to share this story with readers! Watch my website—and subscribe to my newsletter—for the latest information on this story, including the cover reveal coming soon!

After To Love a Thief, the final two books of the series will follow. Never Love a Scoundrel about the mysterious Lord Lockwood and the gossipy Lady Lydia Prewitt will be out in December, and Scoundrel Ever After about dangerous bad boy Jagger and wallflower Audrey Cheswick is due in March 2013.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’ve considered myself a writer most of my adult life. I’ve done technical writing for banks and software companies, written marketing creative, and written and edited for a variety of non-profit publications. I started writing romance with a goal of publication about six years ago.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

Yes, I write full time. My work day is a bit haphazard as it’s largely dependent on my kids, ages 11 and 7. During the school year, my schedule is much more regular as I can plan my day around school. Since I work at home, I pretty much work all the time, which can be good and bad. My kids are a priority, but they also understand I have to work and that my job is at home. They don’t mind sharing me with work because they prefer that to me having to go to a job somewhere else (and I do too!).

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I’m not sure I have a quirk, but I spend far too much time herding cats off my desk and/or chair. One of our three cats in particular is a bit of a pest. Love her, but she invariably sits right on top of what I’m trying to look at!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher or a movie star. J I took a class in college that was a prerequisite to pursuing a teaching certificate. The class included practical experience in a classroom, and I wrote a bunch of papers where the more I used the teacher’s favorite buzzwords, the better my grade. I aced that class, but after attending a local school board meeting and witnessing the politics involved in education, I decided teaching wasn’t for me. While I’m not a teacher, I’ve been quite involved in my kids’ schools, serving in the parent support organization (like my bio says: serial volunteer!) and working in the classroom, which I really enjoy. So maybe I could’ve been a teacher!

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I just want to thank everyone who’s downloaded or bought one of my books. I know there are a lot of choices out there, so I’m thrilled when someone decides to curl up with one of my stories. I sincerely hope to provide a satisfying reading experience. Thanks for having me today!

It's been my pleasure to host you as part of your virtual book tour.

Readers, remember Darcy will be giving away a $25 Amazon gift card, a copy of the anthology Born to Bite, an ebook of The Runaway Countess by Leigh LaValle, and a Sara Ramsey ebook. If you want to be entered to win, make sure to leave your email address with a comment below. (If you don't want to enter, you can still comment!)

She is also running a contest on her website: sign up for her newsletter during the tour and you might win a $10 Amazon gift card.

Here are the blurbs and excerpts for the first 2 books in the series:

Blurb for book 1: Her Wicked Ways

SHE WAS HIS SAVIOR

Banished from London for her reckless behavior, Lady Miranda Sinclair is robbed by a dashing highwayman en route to the country. By offering him a kiss in lieu of the jewels she had to leave behind, she commits the very type of act that caused her exile. When her dour guardians extend her punishment to performing charitable work at the local orphanage, she’s further tempted by the home’s owner, a provincial gentleman who stirs her passion in a most wicked way.

HE WAS HER DOWNFALL

Desperate to save his orphanage from financial catastrophe, Montgomery "Fox" Foxcroft leads a double life as a highwayman. The arrival of wealthy, well-connected Miranda, whose kiss he can’t forget, presents a lawful opportunity to increase his coffers. His problems seem solved—until she rejects his suit. Out of options and falling for the heiress, Fox must risk what principles he has left and take advantage of her wicked ways—even if it ruins them both. 

Excerpt from Her Wicked Ways:

She sighed, a sound of deep regret. “I told you, I have no money.”

“You’re lying. You reek of wealth.” Fox sniffed loudly to punctuate his statement and got a nose full of her alluring scent for his trouble.

“I know.” Her lips curved into a small, almost seductive smile. It stole his breath. Literally. When he finally remembered to take air, he did so quite audibly. Her mouth widened then, and her face shone like the sun on the brightest summer day.

What the hell kind of highwayman fixated on some chit like a cheap Byron impostor?

Fox reined in his wayward lust. “You must have something of value. A piece of jewelry? A quizzing glass?”

She arched a brow. “What do you take me for? A doddering dowager?”

Good God, no. Never that. If they’d been anywhere else, he would’ve laughed.

Instead, he called out to Rob, as much to distract himself from her as to determine his steward’s progress. “How are you doing over there?” He was careful to lower his voice lest Carmody determine his identity. Highway robbery shouldn’t be this bloody complicated.

“Coming along. Gent’s being quite accommodating.”

He returned his attention to the girl, disappointed she hadn’t sprouted a wart in the last few seconds. “I don’t have time to discuss the finer points of your doddering or lack thereof. Return to the carriage and retrieve whatever it is you have of value. I’d hate to have to use my pistol.”

Her gaze flicked downward. “Your pistol?”

Hell’s teeth, had she just looked at his crotch?

“You’re not even pointing it at me.”

She was quite maddeningly correct.

Blurb for book 2: His Wicked Heart

IT’S HARD TO BE RESPECTABLE

Jasper Sinclair, Earl of Saxton, made a bargain with his devil of a father to marry in one month’s time. But instead of shackling himself to an acceptable debutante, he indulges his baser needs. He joins a fighting club and pursues a delectable woman who may not be what she seems. Soon he finds himself battling addictions that threaten his already wicked heart.

WHEN YOU’D RATHER BE WICKED

Orphaned seamstress Olivia West wants the chance to lead an honest, respectable life, but the arrogant Earl of Saxton launches a daunting campaign to make her his mistress. Destitute and desperate, she agrees to one night with the dangerous lord, hatching a scheme to take his money and keep her virtue. However, Jasper uncovers her deception and vows to claim what he's owed—not his money, her.

Excerpt from His Wicked Heart:

Olivia stood taller and thrust her chin at him. “I came from Devon several months ago and took a position at the theatre as a seamstress. I only filled in onstage for an actress who left temporarily to care for a sick relative. It was then I had the misfortune of encountering—and being bedeviled—by you.”

Bedeviled? He’d show her bedeviled. Jasper closed the gap between them until they nearly touched. “And when is it exactly that you came from Devon?”

She tipped her head back, but didn’t shrink from him. An auburn curl loosened and grazed her ivory cheek. “March.”

He took in the graceful sweep of her neck, partially covered from his hungry gaze by the starched collar of her shirt beneath the deep sage green of her riding habit. His lust threatened to destroy any semblance of propriety, which, alone as they were in the gallery, was nonexistent. “So you really are from Devon.”

“Yes.” Her voice deepened, stirring his desire further.

He tucked the stray lock of hair behind her ear. “And your parents died last year. Were they ill?”

Her breathing hitched as his fingers skimmed the outer shell, and he felt a surge of triumph. “A coaching accident.”

“You said you didn’t own any horses.”

The flash of disquiet in her eyes confirmed the lie. She drew back, and his body regretted that his mind had pursued this course instead of kissing her senseless. “They’d borrowed someone else’s carriage.” A plausible excuse, but he still didn’t believe her.

So disappointing—both her dishonesty and his unquenched lust. “Ah, and therein lies the tragedy.”

She turned, quickly, before she showed him any emotion.

Liar.

Interview with debut author Jesse Holder

Today's guest is Jesse Holder to talk about his humorous military novel, Chutes, Beer, and Bullets: Not Your Grandpa's War Story.

Bio:
Jesse Holder (1986) was born in Valdosta, Georgia. He quickly became known as a "class-clown" throughout his school years. After putting college on hold, Jesse joined the United States Army. He graduated United States Infantry and Airborne School in the spring of 2006. He served in the 173rd Airborne Combat Team in Italy from June 2006 to July 2009. He has completed two combat tours, the first being a fifteen month deployment in Afghanistan with the 173rd ABCT; the second being with the 3rd Infantry Division in Iraq. Jesse is very passionate about friends, family, food, beverages, traveling, and University of Georgia football.

Chutes, Beer, & Bullets: Not Your Grandpa's War Story is Jesse's first novel. It is a trail-blazer as it introduces a new genre to the world of literature, Military Humor. It has been described as an un-cut comedy/war film. Some say a hint of Tucker Max, with a dash of Joe Galloway.

Please tell us about your current release.

My book, Chutes, Beer, & Bullets: Not Your Grandpa’s War Story gives an in-depth look at what the Sky Soldier does for training, entertainment, and how close soldiers become with each other. Chutes, Beer, & Bullets: Not Your Grandpa's War Story is a humor-filled narrative that takes place during the peak of The War on Terror. It is an uncut and unscripted adventure that leads you through United States Army Airborne School, Europe, and ultimately to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. It is assured to have you laughing, sighing, looking away, and possibly even shedding a tear as you connect with the real life characters within. "It is a story of men fiercely loyal to their country - some are drinkers and smokers, some are drug users and prostitute seekers. Although they are not your father's patriots, they are all real soldiers. America, this is your army." --Editors Note, Dallas Cowne.

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What inspired you to write this book?

Well, I never set out in life to write a book. My brother gave me a journal right before I joined the Army and said to write down as many memories as possible. At first it seemed a little weird, writing to myself, but I did start doing it in Afghanistan. It started as a way to pass the time.

When I got to Iraq with the 3^rd Infantry Division we worked 12 hours on and 12 hours off. We were there to help everyone get out during the big drawdown. When you weren’t working; aside from eating, showering, and hitting the gym there wasn’t much to do. So I thought hey…why not write a book? Toying around with the first chapter got me rolling. I worked on it a little bit every day until the next thing I knew I had twenty two chapters and was writing the conclusion. The journal, pictures, and memories I had came in handy! 

Excerpt:

            The door of the C-130 Hercules flew upwards as the hot Georgia air poured into my nervous lungs. The continuous bump of the aircraft was not helping the situation...the sting of diesel nipping at my nostrils. The Black Hat yelled, "Thirty-Seconds," holding up his index finger and thumb. We all replied "thirty-seconds" as was taught to us for the past three weeks. I could feel my right hand tighten around the yellow rip cord. The only thought circulating through my head since I hooked up was, "Is the yellow cord really going to open this parachute that some nut packed?" This was by all means a new experience. 

            "Standby!" the Black Hat barked, and the number one jumper turned to face the rustling Georgia Pines, pissing his pants as he did so...the Black Hat stepped back. I was the #4 jumper, or the fourth person that would jump from the plane. I was just close enough to the door to see the ground zipping by. The planes altitude hit 1,200ft and all I could think was, "What in THE HELL am I doing here?" "Green light go!" The Black Hat responds in a roar, and like ducks following a seemingly retarded mother, we all exited the aircraft.
            What I confused for the wrath of God was actually the prop blast from our C-130, throwing my ragged body through the air much like your cat does with a cheap toy. I felt my T-10 Parachute opening, "Praise the Lord!" too bad Jesus didn't warn me of the opening shock on my gonads. The straps dug into my legs, and the risers were twisted behind my head. As I am bicycle kicking through the open air to untangle my straps, I see the Georgia clay approaching with terrifying speed. Which way am I supposed to pull the risers again? As I am looking toward the horizon, I hear my 1st Lieutenant yell in agony accompanied by a sickening pop, which was his femur snapping. I try not to focus on the ground, staying as loose as possible. Feet and knees together! Then, as if the entire world is quiet except for the breeze though the pines...I hit like a ton of bricks thrown from the Empire State Building. Hey that was easy; only four more jumps, and I'm a paratrooper!
            After one more jump that day, we run back up to the Airborne barracks at Fort Benning, Georgia. I'm in Delta Company 1/507th. Having just graduated Infantry School on good ole Sand Hill, I am with at least a platoon size of my buddies. One in particular, Clark, is a character from Seattle, Washington. The guy had nothing better to do than join the Army and see where that took him. In between serving time for high-speed chases across Washington State, and almost getting killed by his own dad for walking into the family business un-announced (AHEM...meth lab), he figured why not try something a little less dangerous.
Being from Georgia myself, I had my own vehicle there at Airborne School. A black 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee named "darkie", my first ride. Clark and I often took it for a spin to my hometown on the weekend or around Columbus to see what kind of shit we could get in. Clark is notorious for getting to drunk and making outrageous claims about spaceships or how he can beat you in any event you think of. Plus, he likes to walk out on tabs...so usually Captain Shitstorm finds us.
            That evening we decided to go to The Chop house in Columbus. Clark and I frequented this establishment. I heard the food was amazing, but we went for the beverages. The bartender, whose name has slipped my mind, was a hipster kind of guy. He wore a red goatee and one of those damn hemp necklaces, and he drove a 1979 Blue Chevy. Mr. Barkeep claimed he obtained a degree in bartending from one of the wacko colleges that specializes in such things. The steak house was small and sat in the corner of strip mall across from the fabulous Sheraton Hotel, where I had vomited many times in the past and even jumped in the hot tub with my clothes on, but that's a different story.
            Clark and I sat there drinking a beer. He preferred German beer; I'm a Coors Light man myself. A shot was sitting in front of us, Jaeger-bombs no doubt; Clark would stroke the side of his shot glass like some perverted serial killer until it was time to drop the Black Death into Red Bull. I swear God smites a kitten every time one of those is drunk. Conversation in the establishment was entertaining as usual. Clark was trying to hit on a waitress who was way out of his league, hell out of his division; Clark wasn't much of looker back then, even less so now.
            An unusual cat sat down beside us with jet-black hair slicked back and stripped polo on. He obviously knows the bartender as they exchange words, slaps, punches, and play grab ass a little longer. Meanwhile Clark is eyeing me, like "If you so much as slide a hand on me that's going to be it!" I have been known to throw a few lisps on my words to make the gayest man seem straight. Rex, the gelled-Guido grab asser, turns to us and says, "What are you soldier-boys havin?" Now I may have looked young, 19 at the time, but Clark was by no means a boy. Clark, in his usual forward manner, "Well...what are you buying?" I had another Coors, the grab-asser and Clark did shots of Johnny Walker...talk about a lush.
            After some interesting conversation, we found out that Rex was a geologist for some institute that was going out of business, and I thought the business of being a rock whisperer was booming! Of course Clark in his infinite wisdom knew all there was to know about geology from volcanic ash to the sand in his vagina. Then as if Gabriel himself blew the golden trumpet, Rex and Mr. Barkeep looked at each other and wink. Rex turns to us, "Hey...do you guys play poker?" Now I am a hell of a rummy player, I use to beat one of my best buds every Sunday afternoon but I have never played poker; much less gambled for it. As I am sure you are imagining now, Clark once again in his most matter-a-factual tone, "Oh I'll murder ya...my knowledge of the game and the quickness of my hands...c'mon." I sat there pondering on the meaning of Clark's statement. It was too late though, the gauntlet had been thrown. "Well come on over, Mr. Barkeep will be joining us. I have ten beers and Kevin will be there too." Rex informs us.
            I don't know who keeps the count of beers in their fridge, or who the hell Kevin is but before I could swipe my handy-dandy debit card, we were out the door, already at a BP gas station picking up a twenty-four pack of Bud Light; neither one of us keeping in mind that we have to do two maybe three more jumps tomorrow. No that never occurred to us. What a grave miscalculation.
            Clark and I arrive at Rex's one-story brick suburban home. One of the older models you saw built in the 70' and 80's, a nice home for a Guido bachelor. The back door opened up into the outdated kitchen, a large wooden dining room table was in the dining room to my immediate right. The table should have given Rex plenty of room to count his beer on. Speaking of beer, low and behold, ten nicely arranged Bud Lights in the refrigerator. I'm no doctor, but I think someone had a touch of O.C.D. Only about five minutes had passed when Mr. Barkeep arrived. Rex had given Clark and me the grand tour of his lair, surprisingly not brandishing a plate of Fava beans and a nice bottle of Chianti.

What exciting story are you working on next?

Well, currently I am not working on any projects. I am however embarking on a book tour across the United States. I will hit Valdosta, Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Seattle, and Annapolis

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I do not really consider myself a writer. As I said earlier, I had the time to write in Iraq in 2010 and 2011 so I wrote. I do have a few short stories I have done, but we’ll see about publishing those. I suppose though if the right person read my book, and was willing to pay me to write another one I would.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like?  If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

Well I am a full-time active-duty soldier in the U.S. Army. I am stationed in Savannah, GA at Fort Stewart. May starts at 5:30 am and ends at about 5:00pm. At the moment, I have been focusing all of my time trying to get my book title out there, and putting together my book tour. I have found it takes a good deal of money and connections to get your title out there in the world!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

When I do write I only write in the morning. I have to get up, workout, and get some coffee to start writing. I tried doing it in the afternoon, or after having a few drinks, but that did not work out so well. I also like to listen to music that I remember listening to while whatever it is I am writing about was taking place. I think it helps the memories come back.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Well, I always wanted to be in a paratrooper in the Army. So now that I have done that, I am looking at getting into the culinary world, or maybe professional speaking. The sky is the limit!

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

The book is is dedicated to my best friend, Jacob Lowell, who was killed on June 2nd, 2007 in Afghanistan. It is also dedicated to the other 41 Sky Soldiers we lost in Operation Enduring Freedom 8. Each name and rank is listed in the Foreword.

Also, what makes my book special, aside from any other military genre book you have read is that most military books are written years after a conflict by people that were not there and have tons of co-authors. This book was written by an author that lived it. This book also shows the public what really happens in the military. It isn’t all drill sergeants yelling, training in the mud, and shooting a gun; that’s only about 10% of it. Most of it is like your college campus, but the backdrop is Europe. Sex, drugs, and living like a rock star without the Spandex. 

Thanks, Jesse! 

Readers, Jesse is giving away 3 signed paperpack copies of Chutes through Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | AuthorHouse

Interview with thriller author Theresa Danley

Thriller author Theresa Danley is visiting today to chat about her two novels, Effigy and Deity.

Bio:

Theresa Danley’s interest in history, science, and adventure all come together in her action-packed archaeological thrillers. Her explosive adventures explore the impacts ancient mythologies can have on modern ideologies, extracting answers to the unknown and mysterious through heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat suspense.

Theresa began linking the realms of the ancient world with the present in 2010 with the publication of her first thriller, Effigy. Now, the journey continues with the release of Deity, and the third book which is currently in the works.

Theresa lives along the hi-line of Montana where she keeps busy raising her family, riding her horses and entertaining her imagination with writing and research.

Welcome, Theresa. Please tell us about your current release. 

Deity is the sequel to my first book, Effigy. It continues to follow the same heroes from EFFIGY through another series of twists and mysteries they are challenged to solve. Of course, as in the first book, readers can expect to find Mesoamerican mythology entwined with modern science and history as we understand it today. I call it an archaeological thrill ride through the Mayan Long Count Calendar.

Here’s the cover blurb:

While on the hunt for two missing colleagues in Mexico, anthropologist Anthony Peet barely escapes a cenote collapse with his life while his student, Lori Dewson, is lost to a watery grave. Reeling from the tragedy, he is forced to continue his search, which quickly leads to the trail of a stolen reliquary cross rumored to have direct access to God. Little does Peet realize he’s centered himself between two opposing paramilitaries gridlocked in their own clandestine war.

Combed from the land where even gods are known to fall, subtle clues sweep Peet from majestic Mayan pyramids to Izapan mythology to the Long Count Calendar’s cosmology. Secrets are as entangled as the tropical forests and unraveling them requires wading through the emotional jungle of his own heart. In this world, truths are distorted every step of the way and Peet must determine which friends cannot be trusted, which enemies to befriend, what finds were never lost and which losses should never be found.

What inspired you to write this book?

The inspiration for Deity was years in the making when I was first inspired to write Effigy. When the idea for Effigy came into my head, I saw a large story unfolding around the mythological deity and historical figure, Quetzalcoatl. Of course, I couldn’t cram this epic into one book, so I decided to let the story unfold through a series of three books. The task has been both challenging, and rewarding.

What exciting story are you working on next?

Right now I’m researching and sketching out the storyline for the third and final book in the series. Again, this book maintains the central ties to Quetzalcoatl while continuing to follow the lives of the main characters we see in Effigy and Deity.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Since I can remember. I was always dabbling with stories throughout grade school and high school. But I didn’t seriously pursue publication until I was well out of college. That’s when I really started picking up on technique and worked hard at developing my craft.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like?  If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

I wish I had time to write full-time, but alas, too much of my life does not hedge on writing. Otherwise, I might be a New York Times Bestseller by now, right? ;-)  Right now I’m at a season in my life where I’m raising a young family which takes up the majority of my time. But I’m also pursuing my other life-long interest in training and showing horses, which can be a time consumer in itself. My writing is sporadic and would probably make a career writer cringe. I write when I can – nap times and late nights – but can only remain in a consistent writing pattern seasonally, which tends to be during the winter months when it’s too cold to do much of anything else. Having said that, writing is never far from my mind. I may not be writing consistently, but I’m quite often working out plots and scenes in my mind, observing the world as it might fit into a story and then jotting them down until I can sit down and concentrate on them more fully. I love to research too, so often my writing time is simply spent reading, searching and observing.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I think I write not for the love of writing, but because I feel compelled to tell a story. Don’t get me wrong, I love watching a story come together, but the passion to write comes in sporadic waves that push me onward along rising tides. I don’t spend much time looking for story ideas just for the sake of having something to write about.  I’m not that passionate kind of writer. I just more or less wait for a story to fall into my lap. But when an idea does come along, I usually grab onto it, research it, plot it out and then catch the next muse tsunami to flesh the story out.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I always thought I would be a teacher when I was a kid. I must have had some wonderful mentors in school!

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I just hope readers will enjoy my archaeological thrillers as much as I enjoy writing them!

Thanks for visiting, Theresa. Write on!

Interview with historical novelist Nickie Fleming

Today's guest is historical novelist Nickie Fleming. She's touring her book The Gold Crucifix with Goddess Fish Promotions.

As part of her tour, Nickie will be awarding two personally autographed print copies of her novel, The Haversham Legacy, to randomly drawn commenters during the tour (international contest). If you want a chance to win, make sure to leave an e-mail address with your comment. And if you'd like to increase your odds, follow Nickie's tour and leave an e-mail address with a comment at other stops.

Bio:

Nickie Fleming is a Belgian author who writes in English. She has a master’s degree in English Literature and has worked as a teacher of languages. She has been fascinated by books since she was a child and no wonder she began to write her own stories at an early age. She finished her first real novel aged 16, which was the first draft of ‘Maria Gonzalez’ (this novel was published later on in a reworked version).

Welcome, Nickie. Please tell us about your current release.

My current release is The Gold Crucifix, a book set in mid 17^th century England. During the civil war which tore England apart, a young woman and a young man fall in love. The result is their love-child, Sarah. This one only learns about it when her mother dies, and she tries to find back the father she has never known. She only has a name – Davenport – and a description of his looks.

Sarah goes to work at the local manor house and the Earl, Walter Carey, takes an interest in her. When his younger brother comes over for a visit and obviously fancies Sarah, Walter realizes he has deeper feelings for the girl.

To escape these problems, Sarah leaves Linfield Grange and sets off to London, where she becomes an actress at the Theatre Royal at Drury Lane. There her many talents are recognized by different men, among whom King Charles II.

I’m not going to reveal how the story ends, you’ll find out when you read the book!

What inspired you to write this book?

I’ve always been fascinated by the 17^th century and its history. King Charles II was one of my favorites, as he lead an interesting life and always was a handsome man, according to his portraits and his wax image at Madame Tussaud’s.

Excerpt: (we meet King Charles II, who plays an important role in the plot)

As Hart had predicted the performance went smoothly. When Sarah appeared on the stage, her armpits were wet with transpiration. Nevertheless she said her first lines without the slightest hesitation and then became fully absorbed with her role.

She not once looked into the auditorium and therefore was not aware of the fact that most of the male audience was paying more attention to her than to the actual play.

In the royal box the king and his brother were more attentive than normal. Charles looked more than once at the leading actress, to his brother’s amusement.

“I won’t pretend Shakespeare is my favorite playwright,” the king whispered into James’s ear. “But this Ophelia… She’s a damned good actress and a pretty wench as well. Is she a new acquisition?”

“I don’t know,” James answered.

“Her name is Sarah Davenport,” George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham, interrupted. The duke was one of the gentlemen in the king’s suit. He also was a frequent visitor of the theatre. “She is one of Hart’s new discoveries and he thinks rather well of her.”

“Davenport? Interesting,” Charles commented

He kept silent for a while, completely forgetting the presence of the others. His thoughts lingered away and a secretive smile curled his mouth.

Oh yes, this could become a special occasion indeed…

What exciting story are you working on next?

Right now I’m working on a story set in Victorian times. It is more gothic than my other books and deals with murder and dark secrets. I got the idea for it when I wrote a short story some years ago, and looking back on it I thought I could bring this further to a book. The working title of this story is ‘The Black Coach’, and I hope to get it finished before the end of this year.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I suppose it was already when I was in primary school! I sat in class, feeling bored to death because our teacher spend so much time explaining sums etc. to pupils who did not understand, and so I took out my little notebook and began to invent stories. The teacher read them to the class later on, so I guess that made me an author.

The older I became, the longer those stories were and my first full length novel was already written when I was 16.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like?  If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

No, I don’t write full time. I am first a teacher, and I have been working in this profession since I was 22 years of age. I still feel good at this job, as it keeps you up-to-date with everything and I do get along well with my students.

I do my writing at intervals (sometimes we have one or two hours free) and during the weekend, and then the holidays. You know, we teachers never work, we only have holidays (!)

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I can write at the most odd places. Sometimes we have a meeting with the other teachers, discussing teaching matters, and suddenly an idea pops up in my mind and I have to develop it. Or I’m sitting in the train, mutating to or from work, and I think of something and then have to find a scrap of paper to note it down.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Oh, I wanted so many things! At some time I wanted to be a princess, and marry one or other king (Prince Charles was one of my favorites…). I also wanted to be a bestselling author, or an archeologist, a lawyer, an accountant… I did not have a clue when I was younger.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Perhaps that I’m a voracious reader, that I like to travel, like to go to the theatre and musical theatre (my favorite being Phantom of the Opera). I also like skiing, horseback riding, biking, and walking.

Readers can connect with me through my website, or my Facebook page.

Thanks, Nickie! Readers, don't forget to leave an e-mail address if you want to be entered to win one of the giveaways.

Interview with romance novelist Dora Hiers

Readers, I'd like to introduce you to Dora Hiers today. She shares a lot about her publishing journey for the Marshals of Journey Creek series, including the newest novel, Journey’s Edge.

Dora will be awarding one $10 gift card for Pelican Book Group to one randomly drawn commenter at every stop during her virtual book tour. If you'd like to be entered to win, leave your e-mail address with your comment. And if you want to increase your chances of winning, visit other stops along the tour and comment.

Bio:

After a successful auditing career, Dora left the corporate world to be a stay-at-home mom to her two sons. When her youngest son didn’t want her hanging out at school with him anymore, Dora started writing heart racing, God-gracing books. Dora belongs to the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Carolina Christian Writers. Her first inspirational romance, Journey’s End, released with White Rose Publishing in 2011, and her second, Journey’s Edge released in March 2012. White Rose also contracted her third book in the Marshals of Journey Creek series, Journey’s Embrace, and her first short romance, Small Town Treasure. Dora and her husband make their home in Kannapolis, North Carolina.

Welcome, Dora. Please tell us about your current release.

Thank you, Lisa. I thought you’d never ask.

Journey’s Edge is a contemporary inspirational romance about an auditor who uncovers fraud and hires a Deputy U.S. Marshal, her ex-fiancé, to protect her and her daughter from a vengeful client. I’m thrilled to introduce Journey’s Edge:

A Routine Audit? Hardly.

Red flags—including some goon who's following her—raise McKinley Frasier's suspicions that numbers don't add up at the insurance firm. When someone tries to snatch McKinley's daughter from school, she turns to police officer and ex-fiance, Renner Crossman—the cop who walked out on her a month before their wedding. But Renner's not the same guy who broke her heart ten years ago. He calls himself a "new man." She trusts the new Renner with her daughter's safety...but what about her heart?

What inspired you to write this book?

Actually, Trey Colton, from Journey’s End, inspired this book. Renner was Trey’s partner. Both Deputy U.S. Marshals, but total personality opposites. Trey was born first: neat, immaculately-dressed, and organized. Relaxed and casual Renner gets on Trey's nerves, but they are best friends. I knew the moment Renner appeared on the page that he would have his own book. I had to dig around in his past to find his sweetheart, but when you meet Kinny, you’ll understand how perfect they are for each other.

Journey's Edge excerpt:

"Honey, if you’re looking for that kind of action, you’ve got the wrong room."

"What?" McKinley gasped. She knew that voice, that rich timbre with just a hint of teasing. Always teasing, forever flirting.

Renner Crossman.

Oh, no! What kind of twisted sense of humor did James suffer from? She didn’t want to see Renner. She only wanted to know that he was in the hotel.

McKinley tilted her head back, inching her line of vision up to Renner’s face. Just to be sure. A lot could change after ten years. Look at her. She was a prime example.

She heard his deep intake of breath. Shock? Yeah, well, she could relate.

"Kinny?"

Ten years faded into yesterday. Those espresso-colored eyes still gleamed with mischief. Or was it something else? Maybe he hadn’t changed that much.

His hands tightened around her arms, pulling her against him. She closed her eyes and leaned into his chest.

Renner.

His heart thumped a tune with hers. His breath whispered against her hair. And the scent of his aftershave was like a dear friend. She sighed.

What was it about him that latched on to her innermost dreams and desires and wouldn’t let go? His grin? His have-no-cares-in-the-world style against her organized, have-to-know-everything-beforehand outlook?

He looped his arms around her back and pressed his forehead to hers, just like he used to do. When he’d made her feel loved and cherished. Protected. Special.

A clamp tightened around her stomach, cut off air, and she almost tossed the cookies she’d scarfed down in place of dinner. Gag.

Special.

Yeah, right. More like used and abused. Thrown away with the trash.

She wasn’t safe in here, either. She braced her hands against his chest and jerked a step back, telling her brain to reject his familiar, comforting scent. She would take her chances in the hall.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I couldn’t believe how sad I was to type the end on Journey’s Embrace, to close the Marshals of Journey Creek series. I’d come to love Journey Creek and the characters who found a place to belong, to find love and their happily-ever-after.

But, it didn’t take me long to embrace Promise Lake, a fictional city in the mountains of North Carolina. I just submitted my first sweet novella in this series for consideration with White Rose Publishing. No danger. No suspense. Just a lot of heart-racing romance in When Truth Whispers. Want a peek?

After a humiliating breakup, best-selling romance author Teal Benning flees to Promise Lake to complete her current novel, minus paparazzi and flashing cameras. Suffering from writer's block and a broken heart, Teal accepts the offer of help from neighbor, Hunter Miciver. Hunter longs to be more than the friend who picks up the shattered pieces of Teal's heart. When Teal finds out his secret, will she see him for the man he is, a man of faith and devotion, a man who would cherish her for the rest of her days? Or will she lump him into the same category as all the other men in her life, including her father? Will Teal recognize when truth whispers her name?

Think my editor will like it?

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

After dropping out of the workforce to taxi my two sons around (and to make sure one of them actually attended school, he had a slight problem with that!), the writing seed dug in, took root around my heart with the idea for Journey’s End.

I soaked up online writing courses and attended a writer’s conference. Joined American Christian Fiction Writers, Carolina Christian Writers, and a critique group. But, I didn’t consider myself a writer. Writers received contracts, validation for their work. I had only rejection letters.

With every rejection letter, I would cry, rant, and tuck my manuscript into a corner of the closet for months. With my husband’s encouragement, (more like prodding, I’m so thankful for him!) I would whip out that piece of paper and look at it again with a fresh perspective. I plucked out the pearls of constructive criticism on how to make my writing stronger and better, and dug back in.

On New Year’s Eve in 2010 some five years after I started down this crazy writing road, White Rose Publishing offered me a contract for Journey’s End. Can you think of a better way to end one year and to begin another? Who needs fireworks?

Do you know what it’s taken me years to understand? December 31, 2010, may be the day I received a contract to validate my work. But, the time that I actually became a writer was when I acted on the idea planted in my heart and refused to give up on my dreams.  

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like?

Writing started as a hobby for me, but has since expanded and taken over much of my day. I admire writers who work full-time and must squeeze writing in whenever they can, but I don’t do well with 15-minute blocks. I warm up to it. My speed increases over a three-hour time frame, but drastically declines in the afternoons, so I usually only work on my manuscripts until lunchtime. My goal is anything over 1,000 words. Does that happen every day? No. Edits, galleys and sick grandchildren take priority.

I’m not a writer who spins out an ugly rough draft first to get thoughts on the page, then goes back and edits. I write a scene and layer it many times before moving on. It feels like I’m slogging along, but by the time I finally reach the end, my manuscript is ready to go.

I spend afternoons working on blog posts, library talks, promoting, social networking, housecleaning, working in the yard, catching up on personal phone calls and errands, and watching my grandkids. Oh, and the best part ~ lunch with my husband!

Weekends and evenings are meant for my family, relaxation, and worship. And libraries, where I enjoy talking romance with readers and publishing with writers.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Noise bothers me. I enjoy quiet while I write. No music or distractions, just the soft snores of my golden retriever and the chattering of the birds and the antics of squirrels outside my window. And I tend to go into near panic mode if I don’t have a drink next to me. My faves: coffee, iced tea, diet soda and hot chocolate in the winter.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I didn’t know what I wanted to be or do, even after graduation from high school. I spent my entire life in the job force working my way up from the bottom. After high school, with a major soft drink distributor, from a telephone sales rep to a Sales Secretary. In the apartment industry, from a leasing agent to a Resident Manager. For a School District in Florida, from bookkeeper to Accountant II, where I performed and reviewed hundreds of audits. During that time, I earned an Associates Degree in Accounting.

But, my career screeched to a halt when our oldest son developed an extreme intolerance to school. I dropped out of the workforce to become a stay-at-home mom. When he graduated (thank God!), and my younger son didn’t want me hanging out at school with him anymore, I knew I needed something else to do.

My husband suggested that I should be a travel agent. We could travel around the globe for free or at a reduced cost. Not a good idea for a homebody. My heart said write. So, now, I add writer to that list. Maybe, at 50+ years old, I finally figured it out…

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I enjoyed my visit with you! Thanks so much for allowing me to share.

Purchase Links:

Amazon | Pelican Book Group | AutographedCopies 

Readers can connect with me through:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter 

Thanks for stopping by, Dora! Readers, don't forget about the giveaway. One winner at every stop! If you want to be entered, include your e-mail address with a comment.