Interview with thriller author Russell Brooks

Today’s guest is thriller writer Russell Brooks to share a little about himself, his writing projects, and his novel Chill Run.

Welcome, Russell. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I've been fortunate to have had the opportunity to be an Indiana Hoosier Track Champion and Canadian Track Team member in the 100 and 200 metres. My BS in Biology has given me a leg up to help write my first thriller novel, Pandora's Succession, Unsavory Delicacies, and Chill Run. I have a series of Op-Ed style essays that I post regularly to my blog, some of which have been featured in the Canadian media and on MySpace. Although my goal is to keep readers in suspense with my novels, I may occasionally entertain viewers with my dramatic readings or play my violin.

I currently live in Montreal, Quebec.

Please tell us about your current release.

It's my first attempt at writing a thriller that leans more towards mystery as opposed to action.

In my first novel, Pandora's Succession, I attacked the story from a broad scope—making it international with a professional as a protagonist. The story was driven by a situation.

In Chill Run, I chose a different path. Rather than go international, I went local—focusing the story around Montreal, my home city. Instead of the story being seen from the point of view of someone who has military training and is backed by a government agency, I chose the Peter Parker (aka Spiderman) approach. My protagonist, Eddie Barrow, Jr., is the regular guy you would never notice in the supermarket. He's written one book but cannot get it sold to a publisher nor get an agent to look at it. To make matters worse, he doesn't have the support of his parents who keep telling him to get a 'real job.' And if life couldn't get any worse for him, he lost both his job and his girlfriend in the same day.

Eddie's roommate and best friend, Corey, won't even look for a job. His dilemma is that he can't leave the house without someone recognizing him as the FAILED Canadian Idol contestant who became known as the world's worst singer—after falling apart when a certain British judge made an unexpected surprise visit to the panel. Consequently he spends his days boozing or hanging out in the strip club where his girlfriend, Jordyn, works as a barmaid. As a result, both of them are behind on their rent and facing an eviction. What pisses Eddie off is seeing celebrities who leak their own sex tapes, become famous, and get book deals.

Meanwhile, an honest, hard-working individual like him can never be taken seriously. That's when Jordyn comes out to Eddie as a part-time Dominatrix, and suggests that he do the same thing with a female celebrity she can hook him up with. Then, deliberately have the media bust them so that he could become famous the same way former call girl, Ashley Dupré, became after she was caught with former New York State Governor, Elliot Spitzer. Eddie would be so well known that agents would be knocking on his door to sign him on. Figuring that he has nothing to lose, he eventually agrees to do the publicity stunt. Only one problem. The plan backfires when the client is killed and Eddie's framed for the murder. Now Eddie, Corey, and Jordyn are on the run from the law—and the real killers who want to shut up Eddie.

What inspired you to write this book?

I wrote this right after the Norbourg scandal that rocked Quebec the same way the Bernie Madoff ponzi scheme rocked the USA. The Norbourg scandal hit an emotional chord with me when I saw how the company's CEO, Vincent Lacroix, swindled his clients blindly. Many of them who were retired and having to seek employment—most likely for life. What also inspired me were celebrities and politicians who became famous or infamous because of publicity stunts or bad behavior. So, I thought of having a starving author as the protagonist, and you have the perfect mash-up.

Excerpt:

Author's Note: This excerpt is taken from the prologue and from the first chapter. Although you may see typos within some of the dialogue, please be mindful that this was intentionally done to reflect the broken English that is typically spoken among people of West Indian decent and also French Canadians.

Prologue

North Hatley, Quebec

Eddie Barrow, Jr. didn’t remember feeling the bullet tear into his shoulder. From where he lay on the hardwood floor, the ceiling spun in and out of focus. God, I can’t even lift my arms and legs, let alone move my wrists. The bullet may have been small, but he felt that it had blown a hole in him the size of a golf ball. Now a chunk of his shoulder was gone. It was surely splattered on the wall somewhere, oozing towards the floor and leaving a trail of blood and tissue.

Eddie could barely open his eyes, but he heard several voices all at once. It wasn’t too long after, that he felt himself lifted onto a slightly softer surface and tied down. The frost gnashed into his cheeks and chin as he felt a wintery wind-chill seconds after being wheeled outside. He caught glimpses of men and women in burgundy jackets, shouting orders and calling out words in French that he barely caught. Eddie soon felt himself being jerked upwards and hoisted into the belly of the ambulance, the doors slammed shut.

The warm air inside was a welcome relief as it chased away the chill on his face. This was followed by the jarring, unpleasant screaming of the siren. Although he was strapped in, he still rocked from side to side as the ambulance raced off.

Through partially opened eyes, he saw one of the burgundy jackets—a woman in her forties—staring down at him.

“Ca va?” You’re doing all right? But Eddie was too weak and drowsy to answer. He guessed that’s what morphine did to a person. “Soyez fort, mon grand. On est presque là.” Be strong, buddy. We’re almost there. He felt the patting on his forearm from the paramedic, which gave him some comfort.

It was only supposed to be a stupid and harmless publicity stunt. No one was supposed to die. How was he supposed to know that he’d be involved in the biggest investment-fraud scandal in Canadian history? As of now three people were dead and his best friend had been shot. He'd dreamed of making it big in the world with his first novel. For now, he’d settle to live long enough to see tomorrow’s sunrise.

Chapter 1

Montreal, Quebec. Four days earlier.

This shit-storm of a day has to end!

There wasn’t a pleasant thought in Eddie’s mind at the time, as puffs of vapour disappeared nearly as fast as he breathed out. He unbuckled his seatbelt and got out of his car, pulling his wool hat over his ears leaving the tips of his cornrows hanging out the back.

He deliberately parked two blocks away from the strip club so that no one there would know that he drove around in a piece of crap. Not only was it old, had rust stains on the bumper and around the wheels, but lately it had started backfiring. He was sure an art dealer would claim that bird drop stains would increase its value. Boy, how he regretted giving $4000 cash to that salesman. He should’ve known the man was a snake.

But the car was the least of Eddie’s problems. Earlier in the day he’d lost both his girlfriend and his job. His roommate and best friend, Corey, still hadn’t paid his share of the rent. This had been going on for weeks, and every time Corey kept telling him that he’d pay him.

Bullshit!

Corey always kept blowing his money on liquor and video lottery terminals. Corey had spent the last three weeks integrating with the other lowlifes at the strip joint his girlfriend, Jordyn, worked at as a barmaid. Eddie knew that she must be getting fed up with him. It was a miracle that she put up with his crap for so long. Eddie figured that it was the thick skin Jordyn developed from serving winos and other lowlifes every night.

He splashed his way through the mixture of gray, inch-high slush and gravel that covered the sidewalk. He couldn’t believe that it was already November—meaning that there was another four to five more months in this freezer box. Why’d my parents leave Barbados for this? What the hell were they thinking—giving up the hot sun, and the beach, just so that I could be born in this? After all, the Barbadian economy’s strong enough, there’s no damn snow to shovel and no icy roads and sidewalks to throw him down. And he didn’t have to put the snow tires on the car every year—a law that was recently enacted in this province.

Eddie didn’t make it five feet inside the joint when a human cement truck blocked him.

“Ton identification,” said the bald-headed bouncer.

Eddie made a face. “What?” He’d only been asked the same question by this bastard the last dozen times he’d come to this strip joint.

“I said, hi want to see your hidee. You make me repeat in henglish, so show it.”

“Boy, move aside. You’ve seen me come here before. You know I’m twenty-four.”

“Rules are rules. I want to see your hidee.”

Screw my ID, I don’t have time for this. “Man, move aside. I’m not in the mood.”

“Patrick,” came a young woman’s voice from the bar. Eddie glanced around the bouncer and saw Jordyn behind the bar counter. He gazed at her, forgetting about the cement truck. Corey sure knew how to pick them. It must have been so easy for him since the best ones were always attracted to him. But Jordyn was somewhat unique, being born to an Italian father and a Jamaican mother. There wasn’t a place that Corey went with her where they didn’t draw stares. She preferred her dark hair to be in locks, showing off her Caribbean roots. And her arms were just as toned as Michelle Obama’s, which she loved to expose. Eddie didn’t recall her ever having mentioned playing any sports while in high school, but she sure knew how to take care of herself.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I'm currently close to finishing the first round of edits of the spy/thriller, The Demeter Code, which is the sequel to my debut spy/thriller, Pandora's Succession.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I began taking my writing seriously when I was 14 years old. It was then that I began the first of several rewrites that eventually became Pandora's Succession.

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?

Right now it's part-time, mostly because my fan base is still growing. Even though I write on a part-time basis I do my best to come out with a novel at least every two years. Like the late Tom Clancy, I started my career selling insurance—except he did casualty whereas I work in health. I still have my license and I still do consultation and sales. Even though I retired from Track and Field I still work out regularly to keep in shape. My writing is done at anytime during the day, it just depends when my muse is firing. I may go a week without writing if the ideas aren't there, then all of a sudden I'd wake up at 5AM on a Saturday morning and write all the way through to 2AM Sunday morning—taking short breaks in between.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I'd say that I tend to edit too much as I write, rather than saving it for the rewrite. That's a habit that I'm desperately trying to break. Sometimes I'll physically act out a scene in order to get a better idea what may be going on in a character's head—what they may see, smell, feel.

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

I wanted to be a obstetrician. Then I wanted to be a criminal lawyer.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I occasionally post of video of myself playing the violin, and the only way you can see that is if you LIKE my Facebook Page.

Website: www.russellparkway.com

Facebook: Russell Brooks Thriller Author

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4402264.Russell_Brooks

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AuthorRussell

Tumblr: russellparkway.tumblr.com

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/rubrooks/

Buy links

www.russellparkway.com/store.html

Amazon

Kobo

Barnes & Noble

Sony

Diesel

Smashwords

Thank you, Russell! Happy writing.

Interview with urban fantasy author Teresa D'Amario

Today features a short guest-submitted interview with urban fantasy author Teresa D’Amario. She’s currently doing a virtual book tour for her novel Visions of Fire and Ice.

During her tour, Teresa will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky commenter. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit other tour stops and enter there, too. 

Bio:

Born in Atlanta, the daughter of an Army Soldier during the early stages of the Viet Nam war, I spent my childhood traveling from state to state, finally ending up overseas in Germany where I graduated high school six months early.

My writing career however began as a young Airman in the Air Force, writing monthly articles for the weekly base paper. The articles ranged from climatological data to full center fold articles on the destructive forces of hurricanes. As I increased in rank, my writing changed to more technological instruction, including such works as  WSR-88D Doppler Radar Data Interpretation Guide for North Carolina Stations, and Station Operating Procedures.  

But my early writing wasn’t limited only to the technological side. I’ve written multiple dog training and behavior articles for canine websites such as Sonora Canine Freestyle, and also the Ask Blackjack column, a fun training column in the voice of my labrador retriever, then a young pup.

My first book, SheWolf, won 2nd place for Best First book in RWA’s PFF&P Prism awards.

I’m married to a wonderful man named Doug, who is also retired Air Force. We live in North Carolina with our two dogs. 

Please tell us a little bit about Visions of Fire and Ice.

Trapped on a planet not their own, the Petiri spend their lives hiding the natural gifts that set them apart from the world. They live long and unfulfilled lives, unable to find their soul mates on this backward planet known as Earth. That is until the night Ramose comes face to face with Tamara, a woman whose gifts rival his own. Determined to find why this human is in possession of an ancient magical Petiri relic, he arranges a meeting. 

But Tamara, embittered from past events, is wary despite lifelong dreams of Ramose and a sure knowledge he is her soul mate. Before long the couple find themselves ensnared in a battle that has raged for millennia in Egypt’s desert. Set, Egyptian God of Chaos, is determined to take his just due: the throne of Osiris.  

The only way to stop him is for Ramose to put his trust in Tamara, but first must gain the same from her. The ensuing sensual relationship is filled with romance, lust and love. Their relationship is tested by an unnatural evil. Will her powers over fire, combined with his ice be enough to win the day? Or will the ancient gods and goddesses of Egypt destroy more than just their love?

Excerpt:

Tamara stopped with the key halfway in the lock on her door and whirled around. “What did you say?”

“You heard me,” he said.

A twinge of frustrated anger sparked inside her. She didn’t tolerate her younger brother ordering her around, and she surely wasn’t going to tolerate anyone else to either. She raised a finger and pointed it at his chest. “Oh, no, we aren’t even going down this path. Let me stop you right there.” Her finger poked at hard as rock muscles, and his eyes widened, this time in surprise. “I’ve raised three sisters and a brother. Nobody tells me what to do. I make my own decisions, buster. If you think for an instant I’ll let some overgrown child tell me to stay away from the playground bully, you’ve got another thing coming.”

His brow raised, and his oh so heavenly full lips quirked into a smile. “Overgrown child?”

“You know what I mean.” Tamara’s stomach twisted inside. She really hadn’t meant to come on so strong, but, then, she hadn’t expected the sudden humor in his eyes either. That smile did something to her insides, making her muscles quiver like Jell-O.

He softened, leaning toward her, his face so close.

Until now, she’d disregarded how much like her dream man he looked. Well, she’d tried to ignore it. Just like she’d tried not to notice how arousing that small tattoo on his cheek was. But, then, he offered her his crooked half smile, and strange things happened inside her. Damn, he’s sexy.

“Is that how you see me?” He rested one arm on the doorframe, leaning toward her. Despite the casual pose, he reeked of masculine strength. Power rolled over her, pulling her ever closer to his heat, feathering across her body like wings.

The tingle along her skin, so light and so warm, was like magick. Or was it her imagination? But when his breath whispered across her face, his masculine scent drove all inquisitive thoughts from her mind. Her eyes fluttered, though she fought to keep them open.

His scent was hard, edgy, and oh so male. It took all she had to not lean forward and inhale like some drug addict.

Any other time, someone so tall and imposing leaning over her like this would set off all kinds of alarms in her head. Yet, with Ramose, she didn’t feel uncomfortable. Was that because of the dream? If so, she was headed for a big disappointment, because there was no way this man was the same one.

She would not let him kiss her. That was so not happening on her first night in Egypt.

Was it?

He waited, with that crooked half smile, his head cocked to one side.

“What?” she finally asked, realizing she’d forgotten his question.

“Like an overgrown child?” His eyes darkened, and the edge of purple energy flashed along the perimeter of his body.

Tamara’s breath hitched, her lips curving into a smile. She’d bet if he could see her aura, it’d be more than edged with purple. Aw, hell, maybe it was going to happen. What was the harm in a simple kiss? “Aren’t all men overgrown children?”

What was she doing? Her voice didn’t even sound like hers. Instead, it sounded like some come-hither sex goddess or something. She bit her lip, but, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t look away.

He chuckled, his gaze never leaving hers. “I have not been called a child for many, many years, Tamara.” His soft, dark curls brushed her cheek, and he dipped his head, drawing closer.

The sound of his laughter did strange things inside her, and her knees trembled. She leaned back against her door. She really should unlock it, go inside, get on the phone, and yell at Julie. But, right this instant, all she could think about was the powerful man leaning over her, his masculine scent teasing her senses.

Sense.

Yep, she needed to find some because every bit of common sense had scattered about the time he’d leaned against the doorjamb. “Maybe it’s time someone reminded you of who you are.”

He laughed again, the sound low in his throat. He brushed aside a stray hair teasing her cheek. She swallowed hard when he let his hand trail down her shoulder to her arm bracelet. His eyes sparked, and, for an instant, she thought she saw anger flicker in his aura, but it disappeared before she could be sure.

“Tomorrow, then,” he said. He leaned forward, and she thought he would kiss her now. She longed for his lips to touch hers, but he merely whispered in her ear. “Nine in the morning. Be ready.”

He turned and moved down the hall.

Tamara was tempted to watch him until he reached the elevator, but that would be just wrong. What the hell? It’s a vacation. She peered down the hall one more time.

Oooh, bad idea. His trousers clung to his butt, cupping each cheek as delicately as a woman’s hands.

With heat burning in her cheeks, Tamara jerked back to her door, twisted the key, and charged inside, slamming the door between them.

What is the first curse word that comes to mind? How often and why do you use it?

Shit. It’s funny, I don’t curse often, but when I was in the Air Force, that little word got out of control. It came everywhere. All the time. So, I decided to break myself of it. Every time I’d start it, I’d say SHHH and draw that part out until I reminded myself how rude it was, and it would end up as SHHHEEPSKINS. I remember someone said “Why don’t you just say shit, you know you want to.” Well, Cuz it’s rude! Other words are a little less rude than shit is, so now all I say is damn, and hell, because it’s more socially acceptable. But truthfully I rarely curse in public.

How would you spend ten thousand bucks?

I’d use it as a down payment on a Can Am Open Air Vehicle. Couldn’t you get me twenty five thousand instead? Then it could pay the whole cost!

What are 5 things within touching distance?

My phone, the TV remote, my Diet Coke, a Pen, and of course my computer.

Do you have a crush on anyone?

Does hubby count? I used to crush heavy on Patrick Swayze, may he rest in peace.

What is your least favorite word?

To hear in public? F**k. To read? C**t. Mostly because they are both used primarily for shock factor and disrespect. Neither need to be there, in my opinion.

Ways to connect:
Facebook | Twitter | Website

Amazon Buy Link

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book blurb for New Adult novel "Good Faith" by Liz Crowe

Welcome to Reviews and Interviews. This is a book blast tour post for the new adult novel, Good Faith by Liz Crowe.

Liz will be having 3 giveaways during her tour:

--One randomly drawn winner will win an e-book or print copy of Good Faith

--One randomly drawn winner gets an e-book or print copy (where available) of their choice of a Liz Crowe (Tri Destiny) backlist book

--And one grand prize winner will receive the ENTIRE Stewart Realty series in e-book OR print.

How great is that? To be entered for a chance to win, leave a comment below (and a way for Liz to get in touch). To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit other tour stops and leave comments there too.

Blurb:  

Strong personalities—volatile marriages—stressful careers—conflicting goals—difficult children.

Contemporary challenges facing close-knit families form the crucible that forges a new generation.

Brandis, Gabriel, Blair and Lillian emerge from the entanglement of their parents’ longstanding emotional connections, but one’s star will burn brighter – and hotter – than the others.

With a personality that consumes everyone and everything in its path, Brandis Gordon struggles to maintain control as he ricochets between wild success and miserable failure. His life proves how even the strongest relationships can be strangled by the ties that bind.

Brandis and Gabe Frietag are as close as any brothers, bound by both loyalty and fierce rivalry. The strength of their ultimate alliance is tested time and again by Brandis’ choices.

Companions from birth, Blair Frietag and Lillian Robinson share loner tendencies, but come to rely on each other through adolescence. As they mature, both are forced to confront their feelings for the men they knew as boys.

Somewhere between the tangle of good memories and bad, independence and addiction, optimism and despair, the intertwined destinies of the new generation finally collide, leaving some stronger, others broken, but none unscathed.

As a chronicle of three families navigating the minefields of teen years into the turbulence of young adulthood, Good Faith holds up a literary mirror to contemporary life with joys and temptations unflinchingly reflected. Its fresh, real-life voice portrays the sheer volatility of human nature, complete with the hopes, dreams, and unexpected setbacks of marriage, parenthood and “coming of age.”

Excerpt:

That morning his father had roused him from a sound sleep. He’d blinked, confused, by the angle of the sunlight. He rarely slept much past eight since he usually had some sort of training or the other.

“Let’s go son. Time for lunch.”

Brandis had dragged himself up, his limbs feeling like they weighed a thousand pounds each. His brain buzzed with a strange sort of energy, his typical state, and not at all welcome considering it normally didn’t hit him until later in the day. The conversation his father began as soon as they were seated at their usual diner did not help.

“So, listen, Brandis. These girls…Katie’s friends from college….”

Brandis sipped his ice water, waiting for his father to finish the thought. His heart pounded, and his face flushed hot with embarrassment.

Jack sighed, as if exasperated that Brandis didn’t pick up the thread on his own, leaving him to carry on with the awkwardness about to ensue. Then he leveled his gaze, his face open, not angry or judgmental. “I think that you may be in for some…I mean, they’re…shit.”

“If you are gonna tell me where babies come from again,” Brandis said, after deciding to ease his father’s obvious distress. He cocked an eyebrow and half a smile. Jack seemed to relax somewhat as Brandis continued. “Don’t bother. I already know.”

He flashed his brightest smile up at the middle-aged woman who stood at their table, coffee pot in hand. She blinked rapidly at him, and at that precise moment, Brandis got his first flash of…something…about his power. Up until now he’d merely been “Brandis the trouble maker, the causer of strife.” Suddenly, he felt strong, amazingly so, stronger than even the man sitting across from him, a taller, older version of himself. His body tingled all over, as he tested the smile out again on the woman, making her slop some coffee out onto the table. His father frowned, but then chuckled as the woman walked away after they gave their orders.

“Son,” he said, leaning back and cradling the coffee mug to his chest. “Your adventure has only just begun.”

“Huh?” Brandis picked up his cup but didn’t drink any. He hated coffee, but had ordered it in a burst of need to be more like Jack. As he sipped the bitter stuff, he was transported back years before when he and his dad would spend every single Saturday morning together, eating breakfast at this very diner. He had adored the man, he remembered distinctly. His chest hurt at the simplicity of their relationship then. He looked away from Jack’s deep blue, knowing gaze.

The subject changed of its own accord, and Brandis let it. Although part of him wanted to ask for advice, a much bigger part would not allow the words past his lips.

They ate, discussing the upcoming football season and Brandis’ part in it. The recruiting company Jack had contracted last year to video his every move would start up with the first game. He’d made varsity again, technically as backup quarterback to a senior boy. Brandis didn’t see this as a setback and had every intention of starting under center by the second or third game.

Finally, when they pushed their empty plates back and sat looking at each other, Brandis felt more comfortable in his father’s presence than he had been in a long time. Jack said, “I am pretty sure at least one of those girls sleeping in the basement is determined to change the status of your virginity for you probably as soon as tonight.”

Brandis choked on the last sip of lukewarm coffee. His face burned, and his body tingled again. “I’m…it’s…uh….” He clutched the napkin in his lap unable to meet his father’s eyes.

“No need to say anything. Let’s just say your mother is an astute reader of female intent. While I was busy admiring your sister’s friend’s ass, she apparently read the girl’s mind or something.” Brandis’ face flushed even hotter.

He resisted the urge to protest, to proclaim his innocence of such things. Because he wanted it back—those mornings between them, father and son, man and boy, not this awkward, man and almost-man bullshit. Because while the thought of one of his sister’s college friends popping his cherry remained a pleasant fantasy, it also made him feel older than he wanted to be right then.

“So, I bought a box of condoms this morning,” Jack went on. “Put some downstairs in the side table drawer and the rest in your room. Use them please.” He sipped the last of his coffee, looked as if he were about to get up, then leaned forward, touching Brandis’ wrist. “Have fun. Don’t be an asshole to women. Let every experience teach you…something. Because you are nothing as a man if you don’t learn from every woman you…love.” Jack looked out the window onto the nearly empty parking lot. Then he turned back, tightened his grip on his son’s arm. “God, you are so…young.” His face fell a moment, then he perked up again, his eyes twinkling. “Okay, so, your mother told me to tell you not to let them corrupt you. But all I’m gonna say is this: always wear protection, no matter what, no matter how much you don’t want to. And don’t let your mom catch you in the act. I’ll handle her otherwise.”

Then he let go, stood and smiled, draping a friendly arm around Brandis’ shoulders as they exited the restaurant.

“You really didn’t tell me you were admiring Katie’s friend’s ass, did you, Dad?”

“No, son. I most certainly did not. You obviously misheard me.” Jack winked as he stood by the passenger’s side of his classic Corvette convertible and tossed the keys to Brandis. “Remember what I told you. Don’t ride my clutch.”

Author information:

Amazon best-selling author, beer blogger and beer marketing expert, mom of three, and soccer fan, Liz lives in the great Midwest, in a major college town. She has decades of experience in sales and fund raising, plus an eight-year stint as a three-continent, ex-pat trailing spouse. While working as a successful Realtor, Liz made the leap into writing novels about the same time she agreed to take on marketing and sales for the Wolverine State Brewing Company.  

Most days find her sweating inventory and sales figures for the brewery, unless she’s writing, editing or sweating promotional efforts for her latest publications.

Her early forays into the publishing world led to a groundbreaking fiction subgenre, “Romance for Real Life,” which has gained thousands of fans and followers interested less in the “HEA” and more in the “WHA” (“What Happens After?”). More recently she is garnering even more fans across genres with her latest novels, which are more character-driven fiction, while remaining very much “real life.”

With stories set in the not-so-common worlds of breweries, on the soccer pitch, in successful real estate offices and many times in exotic locales like Istanbul, Turkey, her books are unique and told with a fresh voice. The Liz Crowe backlist has something for any reader seeking complex storylines with humor and complete casts of characters that will delight, frustrate, and linger in the imagination long after the book is finished.

If you are in the Ann Arbor area, be sure and stop into the Wolverine State Brewing Co. Tap Room—but don’t ask her for anything “like” a Bud Light, or risk serious injury.

Links:

www.lizcrowe.com

www.brewingpasssion.com

www.a2beerwench.com

www.facebook.com/lizcroweauthor

www.twitter.com/beerwencha2

www.facebook.com/groups/lizcrowefans

Interview with women's fiction author Sophia Bar-Lev

Today's guest is Sophia Bar-Lev. She has a new novel, Pasta, Poppy Fields and Pearls, to tell us about, along with future works.

I hope you'll introduce yourself after reading the interview.

Bio:

Sophia Bar-Lev wrote her first story at the age of five in first grade. Since then she has never stopped writing though much of her work sat on a bookshelf for years while she busied herself with raising four children, teaching school and later, as a conference speaker for a number of years on inspirational and self-help topics.

Meanwhile her passion for writing remained very much alive and has been continually nourished by her large and energetic family, by her extensive travels and by her professional experience as an educator and speaker.

Sophia was born and raised in New England, is married and for the last few years has divided her time between the United States and Israel. She loves reading, cooking and baking, and travel, especially cruising.

She is presently working on two novels, one of them the sequel to her recently released work, Pasta, Poppy Fields and Pearls.

Welcome, Sophia. Please tell us about your current release, Pasta, Poppy Fields and Pearls.

Four mature women from different parts of the world have chosen Tuscany as their retirement haven, expecting a quiet and tranquil existence. Little did they realize the adventures that awaited them. As their lively friendship develops, the best and the worst of each woman’s past experiences and memories begin to emerge and just when you think you know what’s next, a completely unexpected twist in the story will keep you turning the pages way past your bedtime. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry with Carmela, Janet, Cecilia, and Paula Jean. You’ll walk through the streets of Florence with them and you’ll swear you can smell the aroma of Italian cappuccinos. You’ll partake of their struggles and celebrate their joys and when you reach the final page, you’ll feel as if they could easily be your next door neighbors, your best friends. This is a real-life book, based on real-life women, who embrace each day with gusto, live their senior life to the maximum, and invite you to do the same.

What inspired you to write this book?

It all started in a coffee shop in northern Israel. Four of us expats from four different parts of the world have become great friends and as we sat together on one of our many coffee shop meetings, having a wonderful, even hilarious time, one of my friends looked at me and said, “This is material for a book. You should write it.”

Thinking about it later, I knew she was right. Moving from one’s native land to a new country, developing new friendships, adjusting to a new culture, dealing with the hundred and one details of assimilating into a new society provides more than enough for several novels, especially when the main characters are as delightful, funny, wise and spontaneous as my friends are.

With their permission, I drew upon their personal life experiences, took a bit of ‘poetic license’ at times, gave them fictitious names and developed a manuscript which they unanimously voted should go to press. It really was the most fun I’ve ever had writing a novel and the sequel is well on its way, also with their undying support.

Another purpose I have in writing Pasta, Poppy Fields and Pearls, is that I’d like to create a series of novels whose main characters are women over 50. There’s a huge population now in that age bracket and more women than men. So many of the women’s fiction books feature young women. It’s quite difficult to find contemporary women’s novels that “star” the boomer generation. I’d like to do something about that gap.

What exciting story are you working on next?

Two exciting stories at the moment – Pizza and Promises, the sequel to Pasta, Poppy Fields and Pearls, continues the stories of Carmela, Janet, Paula Jean, and Cecilia with some new characters entering the unfolding plot.

It’s All True is a very different novel which begins in 1942 with two women giving birth to baby girls on the same day in the same hospital. One is a young Army bride whose husband is thousands of miles away, fighting in Europe. The other is also alone; her husband working in a distant state as jobs were scarce in their hometown. When one mother’s baby passes away shortly after birth, her roommate think she finds a way out of her complicated dilemma. But will she be able to live with it? Will her new friend keep her secret?

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

About 15 years ago I began writing seriously, producing inspirational and self-help type books that blended with my public speaking. I took a break for a short time after we came to Israel and spent some time acclimating to our new surroundings. However, I’ve been a long time devotee of “Morning Pages” – I write every morning even if it’s not related to a book I’m presently working on. It keeps the creativity alive.

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 consider myself a full time writer, yes. But I’m also a homemaker and I do some volunteer work so I’m committed to 20 hours per week minimum. It works best for me if I set aside one day per week (Wednesday) to attend to household things like grocery shopping, other errands, volunteer work, etc. and dedicate Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays to marathon writing sessions, which usually ends up totaling a bit more than 20 hours. Friday is cleaning and baking day, Saturday is our Sabbath and Sunday I keep aside for meeting friends at the coffee shop or other social activities.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I can’t stand outlines – they just don’t work for me. Once I have an idea for a novel, I sit down and ask myself, for example, ‘what is Carmela going to do today?’ or ‘where is Janet going on vacation?’ etc. Sometimes I get so caught up in the flow that I feel as if I’m running to catch up with my characters.

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

I remember telling my fifth grade teacher that I wanted to be an author and write lots of books that would make people happy.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

My writing ‘creed’ if you will is this: “The purpose of writing is to create an atmosphere which enables the reader to think and to dream, to believe and to achieve.”

I believe that can apply to virtually all types of writing to one degree or another. As writers, we have the opportunity to inspire and that’s what I hope to do with my books – Inspire my readers to live life to the full, to know the blessing of true friendship, to have the courage to face adversity with dignity and the wisdom to embrace contentment in daily life.

Links:

Website | Facebook | Amazon

Thanks, Sophia!

New interview with contemporary romance author Liza O'Connor

I have a return guest today, author Liza O’Connor, to tell us a bit about her new novel, a contemporary romance titled Ghost Lover. 

You can read her first interview, about her YA novel Saving Casey, here.

Liza will be awarding a digital copy of "Worst Week Ever" to a randomly drawn commenter at every stop, and a grand prize of one $50 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during this tour and her review-only Virtual Book Tour. To enter, use the form below. And if you’d like to increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit other tour stops and enter there, too.

Welcome back, Liza. What would you like readers to know about you?

I’m tired of my Liza behaves bio. I’m an adventurous nut with a bizarre sense of humor that a surprisingly large quantity of people actually gets. The others don’t think I’m funny at all. That hurts my feelings by the way. No matter, it does not stop my muse from writing more silliness. In fact, it only encourages her to be sillier.

Please tell us about your newest release, Ghost Lover.

Two sexy English brothers. One irresistible ghost. Who would you choose as your lover? (I know, that’s not telling, that’s asking. Okay, here’s telling:

Completely broke and with a criminal record to boot, Senna Smith is one day from eviction from her apartment when Brendon, her promiscuous roommate from London, suggests she go to England, marry him, and manage his fortune. With few other options, she agrees to an open marriage. But she’ll never, ever, have sex with him, knowing if she falls in love with him, he’ll break her heart.

As trustee of Brendon’s family fortune, there is no way Brendon’s older brother, Garrison Durran, is going to let his brother marry a self-professed American gold-digger. As Senna tries to embrace castle life and English society for Brendon’s sake, Gar discovers Senna is the perfect woman for him--beautiful and intelligent, kind and caring. Now, if she wasn’t already engaged to his brother…

The ancestral ghost of Durran Castle has to intervene if the Durran brothers have any chance of an heir. He can’t leave them to fix matters on their own. They are useless buggers when it comes to love. As counselor to Gar, matchmaker for Brendon, and lover to Senna, a ghost’s work is never done.

CONTENT WARNING: Allergy warning: Ghost cat in book.  

What inspired you to write this book?

I had a dream where a ghost made love to me. I sort of fell in love with him.

Excerpt:

Brendon moved to the window and stared out. “I don’t think you realized how bad things became for me when Nan died. I’d lost the only person who cared for me. I had no one left. The million dollars I lost on a roulette wheel wasn’t done just to get rid of the cook. I did it to get your attention. While you didn’t give a shit about me, you’ve always loved money. And it worked. You finally noticed me.”

“And sent you away,” Gar said with remorse.

“Yeah.” Brendon turned and gave him a faint smile. “Not exactly the response I’d hoped for, but it turned out all right. I met Senna and since then life keeps getting easier with each day. Now I find I even like you most of the time.”

“Well, the feeling is mutual. You’re still eccentric, but you’ve a good heart and good intent, and I’m proud you’re my brother.”

Suddenly the door opened and Senna walked in looking at both men with concern. “Are you two having a fight?”

“Not at all.” Brendon smiled. “In fact, Gar told me he’s proud I’m his brother.”

Senna’s eyes filled with appreciation as she grinned at Gar.

Her smile almost broke Gar’s heart. God help him, but Brendon had nailed the truth. He did love Senna, and more than anything, he wanted her to be his wife.

What’s the next writing project?

The next book to be published is the last of the A Long Road to Love series, in which things get serious and Carrie finds her true love. Coming in Feb 2014. Then comes a delightfully funny Late Victorian Mystery series. It’s rather a comic version of Sherlock Holmes meets Victor/Victoria.

But if you really meant ‘writing’ and not ‘publishing’ then the next book I’ll write will occur in Iowa where one of the characters will be a blind man who acts upon the law they recently passed allowing blind people to carry and discharge firearms in public. I’m going to have so much fun with that real law. Thank you Iowa!

What is your biggest challenge when writing a new book? (or the biggest challenge with this book)

Names are my biggest challenge. If I had my way all heroes would be named Xavier and all women would be named Senna. But alas, that would confused the dickens out of my readers. So I have a First published rule. Whichever book is first published gets dibs on the names and all the other books waiting to be published have to give them up.

I also have a problem with not keeping track of minor character’s names. Once I named three characters in the book Davy. Fortunately, I noticed before I sent the book off for submission.

If your novels require research – please talk about the process. Do you do the research first and then write, while you’re writing, after the novel is complete and you need to fill in the gaps?

I do research on the spot. My characters are happily going along when I question something. Sometimes a google will resolve the issue, but sometimes I have to send questions to lawyers and doctors. (I’ve used 5 different lawyers in one book—my characters get into a great deal of legal trouble.) Then during editing, sometimes an editor will question something that I hadn’t and I’ll research further. In one case, I was right, but the editor insisted I change it anyway because it sounded wrong to her. I removed the whole topic instead. I didn’t like the idea of knowingly stating something wrong.

However, my biggest problem lies with legal issues. Different states have different laws, thus I need lawyers for the state in which the situation takes place, which means I need to start searching for a lawyer in Iowa now.

What’s your writing space like? Do you have a particular spot to write where the muse is more active? Please tell us about it.

I have a home office, but the chair hurts my butt, so I moved to the living room where I sit in a giant recliner with my feet up and type on a laptop all day. There’s a huge TV screen on the wall I face, but it’s on only when I’m eating lunch or when I’m thanking Tweeters late at night. Which means I watch mostly recorded shows.

What authors do you enjoy reading within or outside of your genre?

For Contemporaries, Kary Rader’s A Taylor Made Life is one of the best love stories you’ll ever read. (Buy an economy size of tissues, because you’ll cry your eyes out.)

My favorite Werewolf/Shifters novels are Rebecca Royce’s.

My fav vampire novels go to Annie Nicholas’ Angler series, starting with Bait.

For Regencies, it’s Ella Quinn’s Marriage Mart series.

Westerns go to D’Ann Lindun.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers today?

Just that the book I’ll be giving away today, Worst Week Ever, is my best seller and the funniest book I’ve ever written. It is the first book of three book series, so you may feel compelled to read to the end. Book 2 is available, and Book 3 will release in mid February.

Thank you for coming back to Reviews and Interviews!

And thank you for having me.

Liza's Blog and Website | Facebook | Twitter

Buy links:

e-book | Print 

a Rafflecopter giveaway