TUESDAY TALKS

Spotlight Author:  DEBBIE DADEY

I'd like to introduce you to my Spotlight Author, Debbie Dadey. 

Before we get started talking about your books, tell us a little about yourself.  Where are you from?  What is your occupation outside of writing?  I am from Henderson, KY (western KY.) and I am a full time writer.  I used to be a first-grade teacher and then became a librarian.  My favorite part of the teaching day was sharing stories.  It was my dream to write a book.

Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert?

I’ve always thought of myself as more of an extrovert, but I think every writer is a bit of an introvert.  I just love tucking myself into my little home office and creating new worlds.

Do you have any pets?  Yes, I have three dogs.  Bailey is a mix, Skip is a Maltese, and Shadow is a Schipperke (I’m sure I spelled that wrong!).  They are my writing assistants as they lay all around me while I write.

What are your favorite books to read?  Right now I’m reading The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest, which is way out of my comfort zone as far as language and such, but I loved the character so much in the first two books I had to read on.  I really enjoy reading children’s stories. 

Where is the most unique place you have traveled?  I went on a school visit to Cairo, Egypt and took along my son.  The Cairo American College mothers were such wonderful hosts and made sure we had a lovely time.  I hope they are all well now.  My son was in eighth grade and I promised my daughter I’d take her along on a school trip to someplace like that, but I haven’t gone anyplace as exciting (no offense to Kansas and other states).  So if you live in a unique place I hope you’ll invite me!

Aside from your successes in the writing industry, what in your life has given you the greatest sense of accomplishment? My marriage to my husband and my three wonderful children are blessings beyond my wildest dreams.

How many books have you written and how many of those are published?  I have sold 151 stories to be made into books.  I have written many, many more stories that weren’t and probably will never be published.  My first book was Vampires Don’t Wear Polka Dots which turned into The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids series.  My most recently published book was The Wrong Side of Magic, part of the Keyholder series.  A complete list of my books can be found on my website, www.debbiedadey.com.

Do you have one particular genre that all your books fall under (i.e. suspense, romance, etc.)  or do you write in many different genres?  I like my children’s books to have humor, suspense, and some mystery. 

How much character and plot detailing do you plan out before you begin writing a novel, or are you a “pantser” (fly by the seat of your pants) ?  I am definitely a planner.  I do character sketches and an outline.  I have some examples on the writing page of www.debbiedadey.com.

Prior to becoming a published author, how many rejections did you receive?  How did you handle the rejections?  Way too many!  First, I cried-then I got mad.  In the back of my head, I always had this idea that they’ll be sorry when I win the Newbery!  I’m ever hopeful!

How and when do you write? Do you keep yourself on a schedule or do you work while the muse is with you?   I usually write in the morning and early afternoon before the kids get home from school.  It is a bad day when I don’t get to write.  Except, I never write on Sunday as that is my day of rest.

If you have a new release coming out, tell us about it.

I am so delighted to have been working on a new series that comes out in the summer of 2012 with Simon and Schuster.  It is a chapter book series that I’m having great fun writing and researching.

If you could give one piece of advice to writers trying to get published, what would that advice be?  Persistence.
What's up next for you and your writing? I love writing chapter books, but I also have this longing for writing novels.  So I’ll keep writing!

Anything else you'd like to share with my blog readers?   My favorite part of writing is the actual writing; it’s the rewriting that I hate.  But I know that’s the difference between an okay story and a much better one.  So, I’ll do my best to keep rewriting!  Reading my story out loud is a great way to find mistakes.

Where can we read more about you and your work?  www.debbiedadey.com

Debbie, it has been a pleasure getting to know you and your work a little better.  Thank you for being my spotlight author today.  God bless you in your future endeavors.  J

TUESDAY TALKS

SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR:   CHARLENE WILSON

Before we get started talking about your books, tell us a little about yourself.  Where are you from?  What is your occupation outside of writing?  I live in a small community in Arkansas with my two daughters.  They are my biggest supporters and giggle partners.  And, of course, I can’t forget my bird.  She enjoys chattering at me while I write.  I’m fortunate to be able to be a stay at home mom.   It allows me time to do what I love.  Spend time with my family and write.

Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert?

I think this depends on the circumstances.  Lol.  When it comes to my girls, I can be very outgoing.  But I’m what you’d call a shy writer.  I tried my hand at a radio interview and thought I was going to faint.  Thank goodness it was prerecorded and they were able to edit out my jitters. J

Where is the most unique place you have traveled?

I was able to spend some time in England and visited some beautiful places.  At the time, there was a Tall Ships race and I got to see the entrants pull in to dock on the Mercy river by Liverpool.  It was amazing!

How many books have you written and how many of those are published?  I’ve written several.  Cornerstone Deep is my debut novel and was published in November of 2010.  It is book one in the series, The Chronicles of Shilo Manor.  Book two, Echoes, is soon to follow.  I also have a series called Aumelan that has four completed books;  World Beneath the Rock, Horizons, The Waters of Tiger Rod, and Kingdom, Rise.  Two young adult novellas, Treacle Tart and Tam, are outlined and their characters are impatiently waiting for their turn to shine.

Do you have one particular genre that all your books fall under (i.e. suspense, romance, etc.)  or do you write in many different genres?  My stories tend to fall under fantasy/paranormal romance.  I enjoy diving into the feelings surrounding relationships and love how magic adds to romance.

How much character and plot detailing do you plan out before you begin writing a novel, or are you a “pantser” (fly by the seat of your pants) ?  The characters in my books tend to introduce themselves and their lives.  Lol.  So, I let them guide my fingers as I type out the story.  When I go back to revise, I shake the “marble cage” until they fall into the right order and I fine tune it all. 

If you could give one piece of advice to writers trying to get published, what would that advice be?  Never, never give up.

What's up next for you and your writing?  Book two:  Echoes of The Chronicles of Shilo Manor and Aumelan are neck in neck for my next publications.  So, keep an eye out for them.  ;)

Anything else you'd like to share with my blog readers? Thank you for joining me today.  I hope you enjoy my worlds as much as I enjoy sharing them.  Do drop buy Cornerstone Deep.  They’d love to have you visit. 

Where can we read more about you and your work?  You can visit my website at http://charleneawilson.com to catch sneak peaks of what I’m working on along with a book trailer of Cornerstone Deep.  Cornerstone Deep is available in paperback and e-formats at classactbooks.com or Amazon.com.  Thank you so much for having me, Susan.  It was a real treat.

Thank you for sharing your work with us, Charlene.  J

ALL THINGS ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

FEATURED AUTHOR:   Jerri Drennen

Before we get started talking about your books, tell us a little about yourself.  Where are you from?  What is your occupation outside of writing? 

I was raised in a tiny town in Minnesota. I married and moved to Missouri where I've lived for the past 20 plus years with my husband and 4 kids. I've had outside jobs here and there but raising my children has been my full-time gig.

Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert?

Total introvert. Writing and raising kids in a solitary lifestyle and easy to disappear into.

Do you have any pets?  If so, what kind and tell us their names.

Do I. I have an ivory retriever named Max and a windowsill filled with cats.

What are your favorite books to read?

I used to love historical romance, but anything contemporary now.

Where is the most unique place you have traveled?

I've never been out of the States but we lived in San Antonia for about a year and the Riverwalk there is so beautiful.

Aside from your successes in the writing industry, what in your life has given you the greatest sense of accomplishment?

I'd have to say my children.

How many books have you written and how many of those are published?  I've written over 20 books. Six are published, one is just waiting for a release date.

Fire & Ice.

Inventing the Abbotts,

Mauvelous.

Caddy-Did,

Grace Under Fire

Untouched.

Do you have one particular genre that all your books fall under (i.e. suspense, romance, etc.)  or do you write in many different genres?

Most are romantic suspense/action-adventure, but I have one contemporary, a time-travel and right now I'm working on a paranormal romantic suspense.

How much character and plot detailing do you plan out before you begin writing a novel, or are you a “pantser” (fly by the seat of your pants) ?

Not a thing. I'm a panster and the story just writes itself.

Prior to becoming a published author, how many rejections did you receive?  How did you handle the rejections?

I haven't kept track of numbers. Heck, I still get them. Only the lucky few don't deal with rejection.

How and when do you write? Do you keep yourself on a schedule or do you work while the muse is with you?

I really don't have a schedule but most of my writing is done early in the morning when my mind is fresh and it's quiet.

If you have a new release coming out, tell us about it.

I don't have a release date yet but just finished edits for the second book in my Men of Jungle series, Unplanned.

Galen Hall wakes in a Ecuadorian jail with a murderous headache, a murder charge, and a memory gap where his alibi should be. How does the jungle guide prove his innocence? His best friend comes to help, only to bring with him the woman whose unplanned love sent him fleeing the Amazon to begin with.  One night of steamy jungle passion has botanist Dana Rutherford carrying a stranger’s baby. While coming to terms with raising a child on her own, she learns of the father’s captivity. In a town where corruption reigns, she unknowingly initiates a jailbreak, and finds herself again face-to-face with the hunky, green-eyed devil who has changed her life forever.

If you could give one piece of advice to writers trying to get published, what would that advice be?  Don't stop writing and submit your work.

Anything else you'd like to share with my blog readers?

Only that I love hearing from readers, though my contact page on my website is totally messed up and if you contact me there, you'll never get through.

Where can we read more about you and your work?

On my website at www.jerridrennen.com 

TUESDAY TALKS

Spotlight Author:    B R I A N     B I A N C O

Before we get started talking about your books, tell us a little about yourself.  Where are you from?  What is your occupation outside of writing?

I'm from Vancouver, BC. , but I live in New Westminster, which is a suburb of Greater Vancouver and the former capital city of BC until 1866, when Victoria was crowned the new provincial  capital. My background is in insurance as a broker but that hopefully is or will change in the near future to something else.

Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert?

From all the tests I've taken over the years using the various forms they use to determine which occupation one is best suited for, the results have always pointed to me being an extrovert. I have no problem talking to people I don't know who may be standing next to me in a lineup or in a crowd waiting for whatever. The only problem sometimes is the fact that we sometimes run out of things to talk about. I spent 13 years coaching kids soccer, working my way through the ranks until I was appointed coach of a boys rep team (the best players for that age group) and stayed with them for 5 years until I retired then spend another 5 referring games. In that time I lived in Abbotsford in the valley and was the PR director of the Abbotsford Soccer Association and then President.

Do you have any pets?

No pets because I live in a condo and work, so I have little time to give to them during the week. I do have an aquarium (70 gallons) though but since my move I haven't restocked it. It's sitting empty right now.

What are your favorite books to read?

I like murder/mysteries, autobiographies, political works (non-fiction) but I also like what I call stories that can relate to the human condition. My favorite authors are John Grisham (but his early novels), Michael Cruz Smith and Garth Stein, especially his novel, 'The Art of Racing in the Rain". It's a really good book. I even mention it on my website as a book to read along with Sidney Poitier's autobiography, "The Measure of a Man", another great book people should read.

Where is the most unique place you have traveled?

I haven't done much travelling abroad because of family and work but I am finally taking my first airplane flight to cruise the Caribbean in the later half of April. It should be great fun since I plan on possibly using this experience to write another novel.

Aside from your successes in the writing industry, what in your life has given you the greatest sense of accomplishment?

My time spent helping others, primarily being a soccer coach, referee, executive. Also as a volunteer with Big Brothers, although it was a short ride, and my time with the Maples programme with kids that had problems within their families that affected their behavior. I was told then by the person in charge that I should make that my vocation in life but I took another path. In retrospect, I should have listened to her since I really get a lot of satisfaction from doing it.

How many books have you written and how many of those are published? 

I've only written the one book, "Dressed for a Kill" but I am working on two others. One is another murder/mystery and the other is based on the human condition titled, "Journey to Destiny". You can read the first 3 chapters on my website: http://www.brianbianco.ca/

How much character and plot detailing do you plan out before you begin writing a novel, or are you a “pantser” (fly by the seat of your pants) ?

I have a general idea of who the characters are and who and what I want them to be and how they will fit into the plot but as for anything else, I like to be surprised as much as the reader does so I let them take me to where they want to go but they have to remain within the plot and the storyline so I do have some control as to who they are and what they do.

Prior to becoming a published author, how many rejections did you receive?  How did you handle the rejections?

I received numerous rejections like all authors but the point to writing is to not give up. Critiquing someone else's work is a very subjective process whereby the reader decides whether or not the novel was interesting, thought provoking as to who dunnit in a murder/mystery like mine, were the characters and the plot believable, was the book entertaining enough to keep them reading, did they like the style of writing employed by the author, etc. What one reader likes, another may not but as a writer, we always hope the world will enjoy our novel enough to tell someone else about what they read.

How and when do you write? Do you keep yourself on a schedule or do you work while the muse is with you?

I don't write to a set schedule because I think it puts pressure on the writer to come up with something. I write when I feel the urge to put down on paper what I am thinking about. I spent a lot of late nights, sometimes as late a past three in the morning writing. Other times I didn't start until after five because that's when the literary juices started to flow. I'm trying to set myself on a schedule but so far it isn't working.

From your novel, Dressed for a Kill, which is your favorite character and why?  My favourite character from “Dressed for a Kill" is the PI called Bruno Carboni. He's a rogue who doesn't always go by the book, much like another character in the novel. He's abrasive, short on tact and grumpy at times. I have another favorite character in the book who goes by the name of Shawn O'Shea. He's owns the bar that Bruno frequents. They have a unique relationship which shows in the novel. Shawn along with Bruno practically wrote themselves into the novel.

If you could step into the world of anyone else’s novel or meet with any character, which/who would you choose?  John Grishams' character, Gray Grantham of the Washington Post from the novel "The Pelican Brief". I enjoyed the book but hated the movie since they butchered what Grisham had written.

If you could give one piece of advice to writers trying to get published, what would that advice be?  Stay with it and don't give up. Let your friends read your first couple of chapters and get their feedback. Listen to what they have to say and then decide if the storyline needs work, maybe your writing style, etc., but in the end, you have to decide what fits and what doesn't because it is after all, your story, your characters and your fiction. In the end you have to believe in what you have written. Remember, it’s purely subjective. There is no right or wrong. It’s only their and your perception of what is good and what isn't. Hopefully your perception is on the mark.

Where can we read more about you and your work?

You can visit my website at: http://www.brianbianco.ca/  where you can read the reviews and hopefully purchase my book which is available in digital form also for all you ebook readers.

Anything else you'd like to share with my blog readers?

I just wanted to say thank you to you for having me on your show and to your audience to being here and listening to us. Thank you again. It was fun.

 It was a pleasure getting to know you and your work better.  Best Wishes!

ALL THINGS ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR:   SARAH BALLANCE

Before we get started talking about your books, tell us a little about yourself.  Where are you from?  What is your occupation outside of writing? 

I've lived on the mid-Atlantic coast my whole life, which is fitting because my hubby and I love boating and hanging out at the beach.  We've produced six children in nearly 14 years of marriage, all homeschooled.  But kids and schooling aside, I don't "work." *Grin.* I can claim the distinction of being a full time writer, though, so I'll take it.  ;c)

Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert?

Introvert.  THE introvert.  The people in my computer never believe me, but I am painfully shy and would rather die than have anyone look at me.  Being the center of attention is positively mortifying!

Where is the most unique place you have traveled?

I've been all over the U.S. and have toured Spain, but I think the prize for most unique goes to the Bay of Fundy in Canada.  It was a few years back, but I remember walking across the exposed sand to some rock outcroppings, just looking around in amazement at everything that had so recently been under water.  We were out there just a few minutes, and unfortunately no one turned around.  It seems we stood on a high point, and the tide swept back through so quickly that we had to wade back to shore, water growing deeper with every step.  The power of nature—the force to move all that water—just astounds me to this day.  (I just looked up the stats:  in 6 hrs and 13 minutes, 100 billion tons of seawater flow through the bay—a number topping the flow all of the world's freshwater rivers combined.)

How many books have you written and how many of those are published? 

My first two completed novels, DOWN IN FLAMES and RUN TO YOU, are both published with Noble Romance.  I'm currently working on a series of three suspense novels and a standalone suspense title, but thus far every story I've written (all *both* of them, LOL) has been published.  (You can look over my shoulder as I write by clicking here.) 

Do you have one particular genre that all your books fall under (i.e. suspense, romance, etc.)  or do you write in many different genres?

DOWN IN FLAMES is a romance, but I think I found my niche with my romantic suspense, RUN TO YOU.  I love weaving clues into the plot and coming up with twists and turns for my characters to navigate.  Plus, I think the element of suspense adds a whole new kind of tension to the story. I adore that!

How much character and plot detailing do you plan out before you begin writing a novel, or are you a “pantser” (fly by the seat of your pants) ?

I used to try to plot because it seemed like the right thing to do, but in reality I just jot notes at the end of my manuscript and change them as needed. 

Prior to becoming a published author, how many rejections did you receive?  How did you handle the rejections?

I didn't get a single rejection!  LOL.  DOWN IN FLAMES was my first story and Noble the first publisher I subbed to.  Believe me, no one was more shocked than I when the contract arrived!

How and when do you write? Do you keep yourself on a schedule or do you work while the muse is with you?

I try to carve out at least two hours a day for my writing.  I have to work around the kids—in particular, the ten-month-old baby—but my husband is incredibly supportive.  Not only does he take over house and kid duties every evening after dinner, but he'll even take all six to the store or the park or something just to give me some peace and quiet.  Is he awesome or what?

What's up next for you and your writing?
I'm on a tight deadline for my upcoming romantic suspense series, with a goal of getting all three novels out this year.  If I'm lucky, I'll also take a breath, and I might even amaze myself and get my standalone suspense finished as well, LOL.

Where can we read more about you and your work?

You can visit my website, (http://www.sarahballance.com/)  blog, (http://www.sarahballance.wordpress.com/) follow me on Twitter, or friend me on Facebook.  And – ssshhh – here's a tip.  If you "like" my Facebook Fan Page you are instantly eligible for random giveaways, including gift certificates to Amazon, plus you'll be the first to know about contests and freebies.  Not a bad place to hang out. ;c)  You can also check out my books on Kindle or PDF, EPUB, MobiPocket, and Microsoft Reader.

Thanks so much for letting me hang here for the day! 

TUESDAY TALKS

SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR:   J O H N    W I L L S

Before we get started talking about your books, tell us a little about yourself.  Where are you from?  What is your occupation outside of writing? 

I was born and raised in Chicago where I attended Catholic schools to include college. I served two years in the Army and then joined the Chicago P.D., where I served for more than twelve years. I left the force to become an FBI agent and retired from the Bureau after twenty-one years. I began to write professionally in my first year of retiremeent in 2004. Since then I've had more than one hundred articles published on the subjects of officer survival, training, and ethics. I've also created a book series.

I also work from my home in Virginia for a company in Seattle that deals in training. I check my emails each day to see if they are sending me to teach a class to police departments or military.

Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert?

Definitely an extrovert, I don't shy away from people that's how you get information.

 

Do you have any pets?

We have a one year old Cairn terrier named Missy. She has filled the hole in our hearts that was created when our twelve year old Westie, Angel, passed away last year.   (I’m sorry to hear that.  It’s so hard when one of our furry family members leaves us.)

What are your favorite books to read?

I start each day with the greatest book ever written--the Bible. Talk about great stories! (Totally agree!!  It’s the best book, written by the greatest Author!)  Afterward I read a variety of books, thrillers, mysteries, romantic fiction, true crime. I love reading Richard Paul Evans and Dan Walsh. Since I write book reviews for the New York Journal of Books, I have the opportunity to read a myriad of authors and genres.

Where is the most unique place you have traveled?

Tashkent, Uzbekistan. I spent ten days there teaching an officer survival school to their police force. Each morning before work I like to start the day with a run. I got a lot of strange looks from the locals as I ran past their homes and livestock that grazed just outside the front door.

Aside from your successes in the writing industry, what in your life has given you the greatest sense of accomplishment?

Family. My wife and I just celebrated our fortieth wedding anniversary. God has blessed us with three wonderful children and four precious grandchildren. The name, "Papa," has been the crown jewel for me. Whenever the grandkids call my name it's a constant reminder that I am rich beyond belief.

How many books have you written and how many of those are published?  My third book, TARGTETD, is set for an April 6, 2011 release. It's the next book in a series I created, The Chicago Warriors Thriller Series. The first two were titled: Chicago Warriors: Midnight Battles in the Windy City, and, Gripped By Fear.

Do you have one particular genre that all your books fall under (i.e. suspense, romance, etc.)  or do you write in many different genres?

My novels are thrillers, but I've had stories published in several other books, both fiction and non-fiction. Obviously the magazine articles I write are non-fiction, so being able to write thrillers helps me to be creative.

How much character and plot detailing do you plan out before you begin writing a novel, or are you a “pantser” (fly by the seat of your pants) ?

It's actually a bit of both. My books have the same two protagonists, but for each story I have to create a supporting cast of characters. I always have a few in mind, but as the story progresses I create others.

Prior to becoming a published author, how many rejections did you receive?  How did you handle the rejections?

I was fortunate to have discovered a small independent publisher right from the start who liked my work and gave me a three book agreement.

How and when do you write? Do you keep yourself on a schedule or do you work while the muse is with you?

If I'm not on the road I write first thing in the morning at my desk on the second floor. I overlook the peaceful cul de sac where we live and stay at the computer for a couple of hours. If I'm travelling I write in airports, onboard planes, and at hotels. I try to write something every day.

If you have a new release coming out, tell us about it.

TARGETED comes out April 6th, and it actually tells two stories simultaneously, either one of which could be the main story by itself. A sniper is killing Chicago cops, leaving no clues or eye witnesses. At the same time, a Catholic priest is arrested for child abuse. He makes bond and then flees the city to a small town on the east coast. The two seemingly unrelated stories merge in an unexpected violent conclusion.

If you could step into the world of anyone else’s novel or meet with any character, which/who would you choose?

I would love to step into the world that author Dan Walsh created in his first two books, The Unfinished Gift, and, The Homecoming. They take place during WW II, when life was simpler and unsullied by political correctness and technology. Family life was at the center of most activities, meal time was a time for sharing not only food but for telling stories and reinforcing character.

If you could give one piece of advice to writers trying to get published, what would that advice be?  Belive in yourself and in your talent. Be tenacious in your effort to share your work, knowing that someone out there will appreciate what you have created.

What's up next for you and your writing?

I have an eBook in the pipeline at Cygnus. It wil be an antholgoy of some of my published articles, and sold through the Officer.com website. I am also working on a non-fiction book called: Women Warriors, Stories from the Thin Blue Line. It's a collection of true stories about women in law enforcement, written by the women themselves. I will edit the stories and place them in a format I've created.

Anything else you'd like to share with my blog readers?

Writing has been a wonderful experience for me. More importantly, it's been cathartic to write stories that I've lived throughout my life. A pretty decent writer once said, "In order to write about life, first you must live it." Ernest Hemingway knew what he was talking about.  (Love that quote!!)

Where can we read more about you and your work?

Visit my website: http://johnmwills.com/ I also have a blog: http://chicagowarriorsmysteries.blogspot.com/

TUESDAY TALKS

SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR:   KELLEY HECKART

Before we get started talking about your books, tell us a little about yourself.  Where are you from?  I moved around a lot as a child, but lived in Southern California for most of my life before moving to Arizona.

What is your occupation outside of writing? 

I’m writing full-time right now so I guess that really translates into being unemployed. I was working part of the year the last two years at a tax preparation company, but was unable to work this year.

Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert? Introvert. I enjoy being a writer and spending time by myself daydreaming.

Do you have any pets?  Yes. I have two dogs. They have names, but I like to make up nicknames for them. Right now I call them Stinky Man and Pretty Polly. Stinky Man is a chi-weenie and Pretty Polly is an American Eskimo. I would say their real names, but I am one of those stupid pet owners that sometimes uses their names as passwords.

What are your favorite books to read? I like to read historical fantasy or paranormal books. I do read straight historicals too. I’m kind of a history geek. My favorite time periods are ancient, Dark Ages and medieval, but I will read pretty much any historical.

Where is the most unique place you have traveled? I hate to travel. We do go to Sedona, AZ a lot because it’s not that far and that is a unique place. I am always captivated by the red rock formations and the beauty of the canyons. 

Aside from your successes in the writing industry, what in your life has given you the greatest sense of accomplishment? I was a musician for about fifteen years before becoming a writer and those were some of the best years of my life. My band played a lot of gigs, we met a lot of people, some famous, some really weird and we spent time in a recording studio. I have some songs that I can say give me a sense of accomplishment.

How many books have you written and how many of those are published? 
*Of Water and Dragons,

*Ravenwolf,

*White Rose of Avalon,

*Cat’s Curse

*Beltaine’s Song

All are published with Awe-Struck. Night’s Daughter and Winter’s Requiem are contracted with Awe-Struck but not released yet. I also have a couple of short stories published-- The Enchanted Meadow (Freya’s Bower) and A Winter Solstice Kiss (Noble Romance).

Do you have one particular genre that all your books fall under (i.e. suspense, romance, etc.)  or do you write in many different genres? I write Celtic historical romance with fantasy and paranormal elements.

  

How much character and plot detailing do you plan out before you begin writing a novel, or are you a “pantser” (fly by the seat of your pants)? I am more of a pantser. I do have character sheets and an idea for the plot, but it always changes. I have a notebook that gets filled with random notes on characters and plot ideas for each book I write. Some books have several notebooks full of crazy notes that are in no particular order. If I have time, I put some of the information into a computer doc so that it makes more sense. For my trilogy, I had to create a timeline so that was pretty detailed. 

Prior to becoming a published author, how many rejections did you receive?  How did you handle the rejections? My intitial plan was to self-publish, but I had no idea what I was doing at the time. And then I stumbled on ebook publishing and small publishers on the Internet. I read about some of these publishers and the first publisher I submitted to rejected me. I tried again and Awe-Struck accepted Of Water and Dragons. I was in shock because I really didn’t think I would get accepted on the second try. I can’t say the same for some of my first short stories that received numerous rejections from various fantasy magazines and remain unpublished. 

How and when do you write? Do you keep yourself on a schedule or do you work while the muse is with you? I want to have a schedule but my Muse doesn’t seem to want a schedule. I attempt writing every day. Some days I get a lot written, some days not so much.

If you have a new release coming out, tell us about it.  My latest release is Beltaine’s Song, the second book in my Dark Goddess trilogy.

Here is a short blurb:

For each of them, spring's song has a different meaning.

Aedan and Domelch must battle earthly foes—enemy kings and traitorous allies. For the first time, the arrival of spring heralds the sound of a harsh battle horn as their foes close in. Through all this turmoil, can their love survive?  

For their son, Gartnait, spring brings with it the promise of new love and the thrilling sound of the battle horn, putting those he cares about in danger.

If you could give one piece of advice to writers trying to get published, what would that advice be? My advice to writers trying to get published would be to make sure you are submitting your best work by editing and revising until the book is ready and follow the submission guidelines.

What's up next for you and your writing? I should have a new book out soon—Winter’s Requiem is the final book in my Dark Goddess trilogy. I have also started on a new book set in pre-Arthurian Scotland/Pictland with a Saxon heroine and a Pict hero. I’m playing with the werewolf myth. This could turn into a series. 

Anything else you'd like to share with my blog readers? *Waving hi to your blog readers* Yes. I am part of a free read blog with some talented authors called Truly Madly Deeply Romance Authors and we have a free romance read each week plus some contests going on. The link is http://trulymadlydeeplyromanceauthors.blogspot.com/

Susan, Thanks for having me as a guest on your blog.

Where can we read more about you and your work? I can be found all over the Internet. Here are a couple of my links:

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/ Check out my long hair hotties!

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604