May Spolight with Miss Mae
Tell us about Lula Thomas aka Miss Mae.
About myself? Oh, dear. I’m as boring as mud, but since you asked, here goes: I’m a stay-at-home wife and mother (although my only child is now married and on her own..boo hoo). Hubby and I are the proud adoptive parents of two orphaned mixed breed dogs, and three weeks ago, another little baby strayed up to our yard. She was so scared and worried that our hearts bled for her. Now we have the excitement of instead of the two o’clock feedings, the two o’clock outings wake us up during the nights. But, she’s worth it!
I’m a southern gal. Though I originally hail from the Appalachain mountains of East Tennessee, I now reside in northern Georgia. That Appalachain line still runs through here though,and we have a lovely range to view right outside our front door! Gorgeous!
If you could be one of your characters – Who would you choose? And why?
Hmm, one of my characters. Well, I’d suppose I’d have to be Dorcy Edwards, the heroine in “See No Evil, My Pretty Lady”. And why? Because she catches the unpatched eye and attentions of the hunky hero, Gareth Davenport. She had quite an adventure in my story and, although it was terrifying for her, it certainly wasn’t boring!
Do you belong to a critique group? If so, how does this help or hinder you?
I’ve belonged to a couple of groups. In 2006, a published author I met online invited me to critique with her and she set up a small group. She, myself, and another author joined. The three of us critted over a major manuscript I had written. Through the both of them, I learned a lot and will always be grateful for their help and input. However, personal life intruded and that small group fell by the wayside. I tried to get a small group going myself, but once again things came up (the bad economy didn’t help either, when one poor lass had to forego the internet) However, through my publisher, The Wild Rose Press, I met a fantastic lady who lives in England and she graciously agreed to become my critique partner. I enjoy the one-on-one closeness of this relationship much more than a “group”. Sometimes too many differing opinions can “spoil the soup” as the saying goes.
In 5 years, where do you see yourself, in general and in your writing career?
God willing, I hope to see myself in five years with a number of published books. I also write freelance articles and I’d like to see more accomplished in that area.
What is your favorite reading and writing genre?
Mystery (I love Sherlock Holmes!), romantic suspense, some fantasy (as The Hobbit). I find myself writing more on the mystery side of the story with a splash of romance added as opposed to writing romance and then spicing it with a hint of mystery!
What would you like to share about yourself that many people wouldn’t know?
My tagline is, “Pure Southern Genteel”. I chose that to convey the message that my stories will always be rated G, appropriate for women and young girls of all ages. So, mothers, don’t fear about withholding my books from your daughters, please!
What do you consider your greatest achievement in life?
I haven’t reached the “greatest” yet. I’ll let you know when that happens…LOL..
What would be the best way for readers contact you? Do you have a website? Email address? MySpace site? Blog? Message Board? Group?
My website is http://www.missmaesite.com and my blog is http://missmaesite.blogspot.com
My email is itshere@inbox.com
Thank you for the interview!
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March spotlight - Liana Laverentz
Could you please start by telling us a little about yourself?
I’m the author of two contemporary romances with The Wild Rose Press, Thin Ice and Jake’s Return. Thin Ice is a 2007 New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Award winner, a 2008 EPPIE finalist, and was a nominee for Best Romance of 2007 at Long and Short Reviews. My next release, a re-release of my first novel, Ashton’s Secret, a murder mystery romance, will be available from The Wild Rose Press in late 2008.
I’m also a member of Romance Writers of America, the Washington Romance Writers, and Pennwriters, Inc. In 1998, I won the Pennwriters Meritorious Service Award.
If you could be one of your characters – Who would you be? And why?
If I could be one of my characters, I’d have to be Emily Jordan in Thin Ice. She’s everything I would like to be. She’s strong, independent, feisty, kind, caring, talented, protective, and puts her family first. She knows what she wants out of life, but isn’t quite sure how to get it. She takes her responsibilities seriously, and doesn’t just think about herself when she makes a decision. And she stands up to those who need standing up to. She also has a really great relationship with Eric, an equally strong and caring man who totally adores her. Who wouldn’t want that? In fact, that seems to be the overriding sentiment when it comes to reading Thin Ice—readers want their own Eric J.
What author would you want to meet?
I continue to be totally blown away by the work of suspense author Eileen Dreyer, http://www.eileendreyer.com
whom I have met several times, but only in group settings. I tend to hang on every word she says when she speaks at a conference. I’m the one sitting in the front row nodding and getting really fired up to write inside. She just makes so much sense to me in her approach to storytelling. If I could write books as consistently compelling and satisfying to read as she does, I would be one happy camper. Reading one of her books is like checking in with old friends at the end of the day. She gets you that involved in the hopes and dreams and lives of her characters. She also writes equally wonderful and totally lyrical romances for Silhouette as Kathleen Korbel.
What would you like to tell your readers?
Thank you for all the emails and reviews and encouragement you have given me over the years. That you would take time out of your busy life to drop me a note about one of my books means more than I can say. We’re all busy…but writing is a lonely profession and those little notes can and do really brighten a writer’s day.
Do you belong to a critique group?
I have had critique partners in the past and expect to again, but right now I don’t have anyone specific I exchange my work with. Still, it always helps to have a fresh set of eyes reading your work. Sometimes we can develop tunnel vision about our stories. Another pitfall is reading what you think you wrote instead of what is really there. This can happen after your manuscript has been through several revisions. You remember a scene that was cut, and forget it’s not still in the story. Then you refer to it in the current version, and when you read it, you know what the characters are talking about, but a critique partner will say, “Hey, what’s this all about?” Critique partners are great for keeping you on track that way. Right now, I have a couple people I can call on to read the finished manuscript—but if I get stuck while writing it, I also have a few friends I can call on to read the scene in question and offer brainstorming ideas. Nothing official or formal or even structured, but I don’t let my work go out without having 2-3 others read it first. We exchange work by email.
In 5 years, where do you see yourself, in general and in your writing career?
In five years I see myself as earning enough money with my writing to support myself. Right now I am in the process of quitting my day jobs and taking that leap of faith. It’s totally scary, but the time has come to follow the dream full time. I only work during the school year, and over the last Christmas break, I spent so much time with my writing and got so much done, and had such a good time with it, that it’s been very hard to get back into the flow of going to the day job. So about a month ago, I put in my notice and as of the end of the school year, I will be a full-time writer.
What would be the best way for readers contact you? Do you have a website?
www.lianalaverentz.com
Email address?
liana[at]lianalaverentz.com
MySpace site?
www.myspace.com/authorlianalave
I am also part of a growing community of writers at www.thepolkadotbanner.com
Blog? Message Board? Group?
I don’t do blogs yet, other than the very occasional guest appearance here at SRN, but hope to get more into it when I’m writing full time. I do have a Balance With Liana chat that I do on the Long and Short Reviews Yahoo Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group
the first Thursday of each month. We get together and talk about ways we can balance our writing lives with our other commitments and responsibilities. The chat came out of two articles I wrote for Long and Short Reviews on Finding Your Balance. You can find the first one, here: http://longandshortarchives
How can readers find out more about you and your books?
Everything you could want to know (and probably more!) can be found on my website, www.lianalaverentz.com
Thank you so much for having me. It was a pleasure.
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February Spotlight - Alex Beecroft
Thanks, Carol Ann! This is great, and I love the questions. Thank you for interviewing me!
1. Please start by telling me a little something about you that most people probably wouldn’t know.
Most people wouldn’t know from looking at me that I consider myself a two-spirit person. That is, someone of both genders (or none). I’m not sure I understand this whole male and female thing, to tell the truth – aren’t we all just human beings together?
2. Is there a genre of book you would like to write but haven’t yet?
I’d quite like to try Science Fiction, but I’m not sure I have the patience to get the scientific details of the world-building right. And I’d quite like to write a murder mystery, but am still a bit puzzled about how to add the clues without making everything too obvious.
3. What is the best and worst advice you have ever received?
LOL! The worst advice was probably ‘you need to stop sitting in your room scribbling, and go out and enjoy yourself like a normal teenager’. I strongly suspect that you can’t make someone ‘normal’ by telling them that’s what they ought to be doing. Best advice would be some of the things my Sensei said when I was doing karate – everyone is capable of doing anything if they are willing to keep practicing. The important moment is the present one, as that’s the only one you can control – so leave the past and the future to sort themselves out and concentrate on what you’re doing now.
4. What was your first published work and when was it released?
Actually it was a story in a RPG gaming magazine, published twenty odd years ago. But the magazine folded before I got paid, and I didn’t try to publish anything afterwards until Captain’s Surrender. I think Captain’s Surrender is the one that counts. It’s a gay historical romance novel, set in the Age of Sail, and that was published on the 1st of January 2008.
5. What would you like to tell your readers?
I don’t know! I’m not sure I would like to tell anyone anything – I rather resent being told things myself. I suppose I hope my writing will help straight readers to sympathise with and admire the gay heroes, and gay readers to feel good about themselves, but really all I want to do is to entertain people with a gripping story.
6. What is the best way for readers to contact you?
Probably by email at alex@alexbeecroft.com
7. Do you have a website, myspace, blog, message board, or group you’d like to include links to?
I have a website at http://www.alexbeecroft.com
And on a day to day basis I tend to post most often on my Livejournal: http://alex-beecroft.livejourna
I also have a MySpace page here: http://www.myspace.com/alex
8. How can readers find out more about you and your books?
The best place for that is the website http://www.alexbeecroft.com
Thanks for listening to me blather on!
Alex
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SRN January First Friday News Blast
This is the first Friday group newsletter for Sweeter Romantic Notions Yahoo Group, the specialized voice for non-erotic romance, romantic element and women’s fiction! Enjoy!
New Releases ::
Release:: Captain’s Surrender Available Now!
*Note - this is a sweet same sex story*
New Release by Alex Beecroft!
Published by Linden Bay.
Release:: No Second Chance Available Now!
New Release by Maggie Touissant!
Published by The Wild Rose Press.
Release:: Love of My Heart Available Now!
New Release by Bess McBride!
Published by The Wild Rose Press.
Release:: Dark Masterpiece Available January 17th!
New Release by Brieanna Robertson!
Published by Forbidden Publications.
Release:: See No Evil, My Pretty Lady Available January 16th!
New Release by Lula Thomas!
Published by The Wild Rose Press.
Release:: Crowning a Warrior King Available January 18th!
New Release by Diana Castilleja!
Published by The Dark Castle Lords.
Release:: Dangerous To Know Available January 2008!
New Release by Nell Dixon!
Published by Moonlit Romance.
Release:: Blue & Silver - Sky Castles Trilogy Book 1 Available Now!
New Release by Sue Perkins!
Published by Whiskey Creek Press.
Release:: Strikes Don’t Matter Available January 25th!
New Release by Denise Patrick!
Published by By Grace Publishing.
Release:: The Madness of Celia Summers February 1st!
New Release by Charlotte Chalmers!
Published by The Wild Rose Press.
Upcoming Chats and Discussion ::
Join SRN as we take over the internet in broadband style! Numerous authors from Sweeter Romantic Notions will be attending chats for your reading pleasure, to share excerpts, discuss their books, their writing, and the insanity that goes along with it! There will even be giveaways and free books, so you don’t want to miss your chance to chat with your favorite authors, or to meet a few more!
January (All chats are CST Noon-6p unless otherwise noted.)
Chat announcements coming soon!
News and Announcements ::
Please visit the ~~NEW~~ Sweeter Romantic Notions Author Blog (http://www.sweeterromanticnotions.com/blog). We have a full list of talented folks giving little bits of wisdom, funny tales, and tips on the craft of writing.
Author spotlights and mini interviews!
Coming soon!
January’s Author Chris Columbus! Check it out January 15th! Right here on the News Blog!
Reviews ::
Falling by Imogen Howsen has been reviewed by Constance for The Faerie Drink.
Holiday Magic By Diana Castilleja has been reviewed by Two Lips Reviews. Read the review here!
Alex Beecroft received reviews for his release Captain’s Surrender from,Speak Its Name, from Rainbow Reviews, Night Owl Romance, and from Obsidian Bookshelf
Gypsy Legacy: The Marquis received 4 Angels from FAR! Read the review here!
Christine Columbus’ Christmas Mischief was reviewed by Molly Stark.
Blue City Romance reviewed The Road Less Traveled by Brieanna Robertson. Read her review!
Sweet Poisoned Wine by Edita Patrick received a great review from Coffee Time Romance.
Congrats to all your wonderful reviews!
Author Contest::
~~Check back for more contests and fun!~~
SRN Pride::
New Year Nominations:
Falling has finalled in its category (science fiction and futuristic romance) for the EPPIE awards. http://www.epicauthors.com
Thin Ice has been nominated as “Best Romance of 2007″ in the long print category at The Long and Short of It Reviews http://www.longandshortreviews.com/poll.htm
The Spirit of Christmas by Cindy K. Green was nominated for a CAPA at the Romance Studio in the Contemporary category.
Stacy Dawn had three nominations from The Long and Short of It. Christmas on Parole in the short print AND short ebook catagory and Standoff at the Waterin’ Horse Saloon in the short ebook catagory.
Carol Ann Erhardt finaled in the Eppie contest in Romantic Suspense for her book, Foxfire.
Adelle Laudan has been nominated in three categories by Preditors and Editors! Smiling Eyes for Best Novel-Romance for 2007, Best Author 2007 and for Iron Horse Rider for Best Novel (Other) for 2007!
Love’s Songs won the Dirk A. Wolf Honorable Mention Award for Excellence in eBook Cover Artwork (in its category - Contemporary / Suspense / Mystery / Historical Romance) with EPIC. Love Songs is also nominated under Short Story romance with the Preditors and Editors poll.
Love’s Blessings is nominated for a CAPA in the Inspirational category.
ShadowsForge 3: Retaking America by Jena Galifany has been nomimated for Print/Electronic Romance for 2007 and for Best Author!
Adopting Alyssa by Denise Patrick is an EPPIE Finalist and CAPA Nominee!
Congratulations to all for your nominations!
Recent Sales:
Alex Beecroft signed a contract with Freya’s Bower to include his story 90% Proof in an upcoming anthology of m/m fiction.
Bess Mcbride signed a new contract for her contemporary called Across the Room with The Wild Rose Press.
More news:
Imogen Howson is chatting in the Drollerie Press chat room on Jan. 13, 4PM EST, to celebrate the release of her short fantasy–based on the myth of Persephone–Frayed Tapestry. To get to the chat room go to http://www.drolleriepress.com
Diana Castilleja will be sharing her second release from The Dark Castle Lords, Crowning A Warrior King, at the Romance Bistro for an all day chat!
Recommended Reads::
By Alex Beecroft:
Snowball in Hell by Josh Lanyon
Roses in December by Fiona Glass
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**If you have any news, announcements, or milestones and would like to have it in the newsletter, contact Sweeter Romantic Notions at SWEETERROMANTICNOTIONS @ GMAIL.COM**
**All information is gathered and presented by the moderators of Sweeter Romantic Notions.**
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SRN November First Friday News Blast
SRN November First Friday News Blast
This is the first Friday group newsletter for Sweeter Romantic Notions Yahoo Group, the specialized voice for non-erotic romance, romantic element and women’s fiction! Enjoy!
New Releases ::
Release:: Between the Gutter and the Sky Available Now!
New Release by Babe King!
Published by Freya’s Bower.
Release:: An Angel’s Choice Available November 29th!
New Release by Diana Castilleja!
Published by Forbidden Publications.
Release:: Shadowsforge 4: The Long Way Home Available Now!
New Release by Jena Galifany!
Published by Whiskey Creek Press.
Release:: A Stroll In The Park Available Now!
New Release by Diana Castilleja!
Published by The Dark Castle Lords.
Release:: All In Good Time Available Now!
New Release by Marty Kendall!
Published by The Wild Rose Press.
Release:: Gypsy Legacy: The Marquis Available November 20th!
New Release by Denise Patrick!
Published by Samhain Publishing.
Release:: The Christmas Curse Available November 19!
New Release by Marianne Arkins!
Published by The Wild Rose Press.
Release:: No Second Chance Available December 28!
New Release by Maggie Touissant!
Published by The Wild Rose Press.
Release:: Dark Leads to Light, Then Comes the Night Available November 8th!
New Release by Brieanna Robertson!
Published by Forbidden Publications.
Upcoming Chats and Discussion ::
Join SRN as we take over the internet in broadband style! Numerous authors from Sweeter Romantic Notions will be attending chats for your reading pleasure, to share excerpts, discuss their books, their writing, and the insanity that goes along with it! There will even be giveaways and free books, so you don’t want to miss your chance to chat with your favorite authors, or to meet a few more!
November (All chats are CST Noon-6p unless otherwise noted.)
Wednesday 14th - Sensual Reads and Reviews
Guest Blogging all day with the authors of SRN!
Wednesday 21st - Cata Romance Network Readers!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group
News and Announcements ::
Please visit the ~~NEW~~ Sweeter Romantic Notions Author Blog (http://www.sweeterromanticnotions.com/blog). We have a full list of talented folks giving little bits of wisdom, funny tales, and tips on the craft of writing.
Coming in January ‘08! Author spotlights and mini interviews! Mark your calendars!
Reviews -
Diane Craver received a 4 book review from the Long And Short Of It for her book, Never the Same!
Linda Ambrosia has received her first review for her book Liberation from Coffee Time Romance. Find it here!
Night Owl Romance has reviewed Liberation also! See it here!
Three Hearts by Sue Perkins received a 5 angel review from Fallen Angels Reviews!
Between the Gutter and the Sky by Babe King has received a 5 champagne flutes review from Cocktail reviews!
Marty Kendall has received several new reviews for her book Bootlegger’s Bride from Nights and Weekends, Fallen Angels Reviews, The Romance Studio, and the Long and Short of it. Congratulatons on your many reviews!
Denise Patrick’s book, The Importance of Almacks has received two reviews too! Perfect 10 - Romance Reviews Today and 4.5 stars - Historical Romance Club! Her story, Adopting Alyssa recieved 4 books from The Long and The Short of It! Congratulations!
The Road Less Traveled by Brieanna Robertson received 5 roses from Sensual Reads and Reviews!
Ann Tracy Marr received a review for her book, Round Table Magician the Romance Studio. Read it here!
SRN hosted our first Halloween Scavenger Hunt and it was a roaring success!
The wee witches have come and gone, and all the ghouls and goblins have gone to find better hunting grounds. Yep, we’re out of candy, so that means it’s time to announce our first Scavenger Hunt winners. Woohooo! You guys are incredible! We had a wonderful response to our first scavenger hunt, and an unprecedented response for goodies to treat our readers with!
*All book groups are random*
*All prizes are random draws*
Prize 1 - A signed copy of Adelle Laudan’s book Iron Horse Rider and a loaded bag of SRN Swag! - - Sunflower95 /sunflower95_daisy@yahoo.com!
(email me with a snail mail for your prize!)
Prize 2 - Three Ebooks
Lonely Places - A.L. Debran
Night of Novel Tea - Cindy Green
The Welcome Inn - Elaine Cantrell - -
Valerie Bongards/valb0302@yahoo.com (email me for your books!)
Prize 3 - Three Ebooks
September Heat - Diana Castilleja
Cop and Mermaid - Connie Keenan
Canyon Bride - A.L. Debran - -
Tammie/tamjeang1@msn.com (email me for your books!)
Prize 4 - Three Ebooks
A Stroll In The Park - Diana Castilleja
Gunslingers - A.L . Debran
Shadows of Moonlight - Stacy Dawn - -
Stacia/f reddie7713@hotmail.com (email me for your books!)
Prize 5 - Two Ebooks and a loaded bag of SRN Swag!
Love Songs - MG Braden
Go Between - Dayna Hart - -
Beth/Beth.Reimer@bdk.com (email me with a snail mail and email addy for your books!)
Prize 6 - Loaded bag of SRN Swag and goodies! - -
Rhonda/ blessed_heart@windstream.net (email me your snail mail to get your goodies!)
Whew!!! Can you believe we had that many winners? Thank you to all the authors who donated for this totally awesome Trick or Treat fest! And many, many thanks to all the wonderful people who played along. I hope everyone enjoyed our little Halloween event.
SRN Pride::
Recent Sales:
News coming soon!
More news:
Liana Laverentz’s story, Thin Ice WON the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Contest!! Congratulations!!
Kim Watters had a recent rush of Best Sellers! Two with The Wild Rose Press. Discovering Jenna and Dog Days of Summer! Congratulations!
Recommended Reads::
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**If you have any news, announcements, or milestones and would like to have it in the newsletter, contact Sweeter Romantic Notions at SWEETERROMANTICNOTIONS @ GMAIL.COM**
**All information is gathered and presented by the moderators of Sweeter Romantic Notions.**
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