Category Archives: romance

Author Spotlight comedy romance

Neurotically Yours by Bonnie Trachtenberg

May 1, 2012 – 1:00 am

Genre:  Romantic Comedy

Format: ebook, Paperback

Buy:  Neurotically Yours: A Novel

Smart, attractive, and ambitious, thirty-seven-year-old Dara Harrison is, nonetheless, still single–and on sabbatical from dating. Ironically Los Angeles’ most renowned relationship advice columnist, Dara has become a Southland sensation with her “tell-it-like-it-is” approach to the mating game.

Parlaying her success into a new business, Dara launches a revolutionary dating service geared for the perennially single and romantically challenged. Its no-holds-barred theme soon makes the company a roaring success, even catapulting Dara onto the national talk show scene–until, of course, it all backfires.

With her company under threat and a publicity stunt gone haywire, Dara is forced to join the ranks of her lonely heart clientele, and suddenly realizes that saving the business she cherishes, means facing her lifelong fears–and maybe even falling in love again.

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Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to an author friend of mine, Bonnie Trachtenberg.  I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Bonnie better over the past seven months in an online group.  Welcome Bonnie!

1.  What inspired you to write a story about a 37 year old (on a dating hiatus) who opens a dating service?  It sounds very intriguing and ripe with conflict!

Well, I spent two decades out on the dating scene until I finally met my husband, Mitchell, so if anyone knows what dating hell is, it’s me! I’ve taken a few dating hiatuses in my life and so I know what can cause a person to need one. In fact, I had such a wealth of crazy dating stories bottled up inside my head (from myself and from friends) that I knew I’d have to detail them in a book someday. Neurotically Yours is the perfect venue, a romantic comedy about perennially single people still looking for love. The dating service idea was born out of my own frustration in wanting to weed out all the Mr. Wrongs in my life without having to waste precious time. My protagonist, Dara, takes this idea to a bit of an extreme, though, which of course takes the story into very intriguing territory!

2.  Was there a reason why you chose to write about someone in their late 30’s?

Yes. I believe that it’s around that time that a woman who is still single (and doesn’t really want to be) has to come face to face with who she is and why her life is where it is. When you are approaching forty, it’s easy to go into panic mode. Until that time, I think it’s easy to get caught up in the whole dating whirlwind and not feel the need to examine your life too seriously yet.

3.  Do you find it easy or difficult to write humor?

For some reason I find it very easy. I think it’s because my mind works that way on a normal, daily basis. I’m always reaching back in my mind for the funny line in hopes of making my family and friends laugh. Life can be too tough to take otherwise. I think levity is a survival technique. Many of the people I’ve admired most in life are the ones who can make me laugh, so I think I aspire to do the same for others.

4.  Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I think the underlying message in Neurotically Yours is to not let past wrongs done to you destroy your happiness. It’s more important to appreciate the love that surrounds you every day, and always keep your heart open to it.

5.  Is anything in this book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

As I mentioned above, many of the things in the book are anecdotes from my life. I did no outside research (other than conversations with friends). The story is fully from my own experiences (and some of theirs) as well as my own, obviously vivid imagination. However, I took things to a “what if” level, delving into the conflict and hilarity that might ensue.

6.  What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

I don’t know if I have a favorite chapter, but my favorite part to write were the dialogues between the book’s three main characters. I think dialogue and character development are my strong suits, and I love sitting down and hearing their witty banter flow while I transfer it onto the page.

7.  What is the most challenging part of being an indie author?  What’s the most rewarding?

The most challenging part is the sheer number of hours that an indie author needs to spend marketing their book. (Although traditionally published authors are finding they need to put in the hours too, as traditional publishers will usually not help on that front). I could work at my computer every week, 24/7, and still find plenty of marketing left to do. There’s only so much time a person has in their life to actually live it, and it’s easy to let social marketing eat up much of that time. I also don’t feel I have a head for business, so I’m grateful for the advice from other indie authors and from my husband who is a very smart entrepreneur.

The most rewarding part of being an indie author is keeping complete artistic and monetary control over your book! There’s a lot to be said for not being at the mercy of publishers. You don’t know how many books you’ve sold with them until many months later, and you cannot control your price or what is done with your book to help market it. When you are a true indie (not dealing with a POD publisher either) you can make those decisions yourself. And quite frankly, if I’m doing all the marketing myself, why should I give a large percentage of my hard earned dollars to a publisher? I love being indie and intend on staying that way.

8.  Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I’d like to say thank you for buying my books! I hope you really enjoy them and I’d love to hear from you. I can be contacted on my website, where you’ll also find lots more information on me and my work. I also hope you’ll check out my relationship advice column In Search of a Happy Ending: http://loveahappyending.com/editor-bonnie-trachtenberg/

 

Bonnie TrachtenbergBonnie Trachtenberg is the award-winning, bestselling author of Wedlocked: A Novel and Neurotically Yours: A Novel. She writes a monthly relationship and advice column for LoveaHappyEnding.com. Bonnie was senior writer and copy chief at Book-of-the-Month Club and has written seven children’s book adaptations. She has also written for three newspapers and penned countless magazine articles. She lives on Long Island with her husband, four cats and a dog.

Visit Bonnie at her website: http://www.BonnieTrachtenberg.com, on Facebook, or on Twitter.

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Author Spotlight historical romance

High Desert Haven by Lynette Bonner

April 23, 2012 – 1:00 am

Genre:  Historical Romance

Format: Paperback, ebook

Buy:  High Desert Haven (The Shepherd’s Heart Series #2)

High Desert Haven

1. Can you share a little of your current work with us?

High Desert Haven, book 2 in The Shepherd’s Heart series, is a Christian historical romance set in the late 1800’s.  It takes a secondary character from book 1, Rocky Mountain Oasis (http://amzn.to/PBRMO) and explores his story. Here is a little about the book:

Is Jason Jordan really who he says he is?

Everything in Nicki’s life depends on the answer.

Nicki Trent is left with a toddler and a rundown ranch when her husband dies in a mysterious riding accident. Determined to bring her ranch back from the brink, Nicki hires handsome Jason Jordan as a manager. But when her neighbor, William, presses for her hand in marriage, the bank calls in a loan she didn’t even know about, and bullets start flying, Nicki questions whether this ranch is worth all the trouble.

To make matters worse, terrible things keep happening to her neighbors. When Jason is blamed, Nicki wonders how well she knows her new hand…and her own heart.

Two yearning hearts. Powerful enemies. Surprising love.
Set in the adventure and danger of the Wild West.

2. What sort of support system do you have for your writing? Do you connect with other authors in person? In the virtual world?

I have a wonderful critique group that I meet with once a month. I also have a critique partner that I generally meet with twice a month. My stories are much better because of their input.

3. How did you come up with the title?
The title for this one had to mesh with Rocky Mountain Oasis. It was based on setting and a word that conveyed the concept of “shelter” or “salvation.”

4. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

You know, there is so much God can do with fiction, so many messages He can speak to people through stories. I guess my main desire would be for people who read my stories to walk away knowing that God loves them beyond a shadow of a doubt and that if they give their lives fully to Him, he will never let them down – even though it might seem like He does, in the short run.

5. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

Thankfully, readers who have taken the time to hunt down my address and write to me have done so because they enjoyed the book. I really appreciate that. Writing can be a lonely business and it is a big encouragement to hear from readers who love my stories.

6. What are your current projects?

I’m currently working on a contemporary romantic suspense title. The Unrelenting Tide is set in the San Juan Islands, and I have two other friends who are each writing one book in the series with me. It will be a 3 book compilation titled, The Islands of Intrigue series. You can look for the first book later this summer.

7. Will you have a new book coming out soon?

The third book in The Shepherd’s Heart series should be out soon. Here is the back cover copy for it:

He’s loved her for as long as he can remember.

Might today be a good day to start wooing his friend’s heart?

Shiloh, Oregon, April 1887

Freckled, red-haired Victoria Synder, adopted when she was only days old, has never felt lovable. As the merciless taunts of other children swirl vividly in her memory, she longs to know who her birth parents were and where she came from. Then, on the heels of her beloved papa’s death and her mama’s remarriage, handsome Rocky Jordan—the boy she’d innocently proclaimed she loved on her thirteenth birthday—comes courting.

But there’s a problem. Tragedy seems to strike those she cares for with uncanny frequency, and Rocky is a lawman who could be killed in the line of duty like her father was.  Can she risk her heart, and her future happiness, on someone she might lose at a moment’s notice?

When an orphan train arrives at the Salem depot, Victoria is drawn irresistibly toward the three “unlovable” children remaining…and stunned by a proposal that will change all of their lives.

Two stubborn hearts. A shocking proposal. A forever love.
Set in the adventure and danger of the Wild West.

 

lynnette bonner

Lynnette Bonner was born in Malawi, Africa and spent her growing up years between there, Rift Valley Academy (a boarding school in Kenya,) Oregon, and Washington. Her love of reading blossomed into a love of writing during her adolescent years, but it wasn’t until her late 20’s that she pursued a career as an author. Today she has two historical romances out with OakTara, Rocky Mountain Oasis and High Desert Haven, and two more historical romances due out later this year. She is a member of NCWA, the American Christian Fiction Writers association, and co-leader of a Fiction Writers’ Group offshoot of NCWA. She loves to interact with other authors and invites you to connect with her through her website, http://www.lynnettebonner.com.

Visit Lynnette on Facebook or on Twitter.

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Author Spotlight romance suspense

Never Say Perfect by Mary Anne Benedetto

April 4, 2012 – 1:00 am

Genre:  Romance

Format:  ebook, paperback

Buy: Never Say Perfect

1.  What is special about Never Say Perfect?

The setting includes Pawleys Island, Litchfield, Murrells Inlet, the Grand Strand—all in South Carolina and offers the names of some local points of interest such as Brookgreen Gardens, Hannah Banana’s Sunshine Cabana at the Waccawache Marina and Lazy Gator Gifts in Murrells Inlet. Other locations in the book are Cape May, NJ, New York City, and Milan, Italy.

2.  What is a brief synopsis of the book?

Following a romantic second honeymoon in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, Dan Strickland mysteriously disappears at the airport. What inexplicable secrets was he hiding? Why had he seemed so loving and blissful during their vacation only to suddenly vanish? Will the weight of disaster cause Laina’s faith to crumble?

From Pawleys Island to Cape May, New York City and Milan, you will travel this emotion-packed journey with Laina and her family. Will they discover that one should “Never Say Perfect?”

3.  What is the theme of the book?  What message are you trying to convey?

My purpose in writing this book includes demonstrating that our lives, as we currently know them,  can be irreversibly changed in an instant. Everyone has challenges in life, and no one is exempt from sad or difficult events. How do we cope? Even people with strong faith can experience times when they feel disconnected and distant from God, but the point is when we stop relying on God and placing our sorrows in His hands, the longer it will take us to recover. He is our strength.

Another message I wanted to share is how important our friends, and particularly for women—our girlfriends can be. Close girlfrends navigate any number of sorrows and triumphs together. Even if we are miles apart, we can still be there for each other, providing emotional and spiritual support. In Never Say Perfect, Laina’s girlfriends come to her rescue when she desperately needs them. She didn’t ask for their help—they just knew and took action. I have a group of friends who would do the same for me, and they are priceless. So a segment of this book was meant to honor them.

Just as in my first novel, Eyelash,  I wanted to tell a story that reminds us that family relationships can be complicated.  If no one makes an effort, nothing can be gained or resolved. Someone has to make the first move or the situation remains stagnant, and harmony is continuously obstructed.

There is more romance woven into Never Say Perfect than in Eyelash, but I have to be careful not to reveal too much of that aspect. I don’t want to spoil the mystery that was built into the story!

4. Are you taking a writing break now, or are there more books on the horizon?

Just a month before releasing Never Say Perfect, my nonfiction book, 7 Easy Steps to Memoir Writing: Build a Priceless Legacy One Story at a Time! was published. I’ve barely had time to wear the marketing hat for 7 Easy Steps and now Never Say Perfect is out and in need of marketing attention as well. So I’ll be juggling promotion and marketing of both books, as well as speaking engagements for 7 Easy Steps. There are definitely more book projects in the works, however. Never Say Hopeless will follow, as will Never Say Final if I live long enough! These stories will continue the saga of the life of Laina Strickland and her family.  Additionally, I have two more nonfiction works to finalize, which are currently in various stages of completion—lots to keep me busy for a very long time. I’m also helping a friend, who has led a rather bizarre life, capture her story.  It is more dramatic than a Made for Television movie, and the scary aspect is that it’s all one hundred per cent true. At any rate, I won’t be bored for some time to come!

5. What is the most challenging part of being an indie author? The most rewarding?  Without a doubt, the most challenging is the wearing of all hats. I could be glued to my computer 24/7, but must periodically extricate myself from my chair. I have a reminder set to tell me to get up and walk around for a few minutes every two hours. Of course, writers love to write, but marketing and promotion are a huge component of indie publishing. No promotion effort equals no sales. Balancing the two hats, along with wearing the accounting/bookkeeping hat leads to stress overload at times. The rewards are almost too numerous to list, however. A few of my favorites are total control over the project, not having to depend on someone else to do their part—it’s all up to me. It will progress at the pace I choose. If I need to take a break and set everything aside for a while, no one is going to be demanding action on my part for meeting deadlines. I set my own schedule.

6. As an indie author, what would you say to a potential reader who has never read anything from an indie author?

What you read is what the author intended to write and convey. No one has told them that they have to change something in order to please an agent or editor or publisher. Changes might be recommended by pre-publication readers, but ultimately the decisions rest with the authors. The words placed on their hearts is what will be shared with the readers. They are in control.

7.  Is there anything you would like to add?

Yes, only that I really love writing inspirational fiction. It’s exciting to be able to mold my characters into anything I want them to be and to put them into situations that are intriguing. I love writing dialogue, something that some authors say that they despise, but I get a real kick out of putting words into the mouths of my characters. At the end of the day, however, my fervent hope is that hearts and souls are touched by reading my books. Nothing makes me feel that it’s worth all of the time and effort more than someone saying, “Your book entertained and blessed me all at the same time.”

 

Mary Anne BenedettoMary Anne Benedetto was raised in Southern California, moved to the Albany, New York area in her late teens, and then south with her charming husband, Fred, to Murrells Inlet, South Carolina in 2007. Her first novel, Eyelash, was borne as she began writing while she sat on the beach with her girlfriends in Cape May, New Jersey during an annual July “Girls Only Week” in Cape May–a laughter filled vacation that they have enjoyed for almost two decades.
As the owner of A Writer’s Presence, LLC, she is a Certified Lifewriting Instructor, affiliated with The Soleil Lifestory Network. In addition to working on new writing projects, Mary Anne teaches workshops to help people write their life and family stories, capture the essence of their Christian spiritual paths, and learn about navigating the publishing highways. She thrives on speaking to community groups about the importance of preserving our stories to share with future generations, having been impacted by a trip to Hawaii where she toured Pearl Harbor and recalled that her father, Ralph Greene, had been stationed there in the Army on December 7, 1941. She knew virtually nothing about his experiences of that day–because she had never taken the time to ask. She is passionate about influencing others to write their own stories and capture the written life experiences of loved ones before it is no longer possible.

Mary Anne is a wife, mom, and grandmother of three, who loves the challenge of creating new writing workshops and projects because they will ultimately touch the lives of people whom she will never know.

Visit Mary Anne at her website:  www.awriterspresence.com or check out her blogs at: www.maryannebenedetto.blogspot.com and www.4womenwholove2travel.blogspot.com.

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Author Spotlight historical romance

False Notes by Tara Manderino

March 12, 2012 – 1:00 am

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook, paperback

Buy:  False Notes

In late summer 1874, Simon Barr, one of the premiere agents of the newly evolving US Secret Service, arrives in the Oklahoma Territory, to meet his partner, Luke Hayden, and begin their investigation of a large scale counterfeiting operation. In town for a short time, the Secret Service agents investigate a large scale counterfeiting operation that threatens the US economy, while finding romance along the way.

Simon meets Kirsten Bentzer, who is the niece of one man and the fiancée of another that he comes to suspect are behind the escapade. His attraction to Kirsten catches him off guard and wars with his sense of duty. Surely, she can’t be innocent, no matter how much he wishes it were so.

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1.  I love historical romance novels that bring to light some part of history that isn’t over used.  When I read the synopsis for your book, I was very intrigued that you wrote about a Secret Service Agent in 1874.  Can you share what inspired you to write about this?

First, thanks so much for having me here.

I love historical romance novels, to read and to write. And the American west was such a fascinating place; at least I imagine it was so. So many of the books focus on cowboys and ranches, but I have always been fascinated with everyone else! I wanted to know about the lawyer, the school teacher, the shopkeeper, the newspaper printer, etc.

When I started to play around with the premise for False Notes, I decided on a time period first. I wanted it some time after the Civil War, but not immediately so. One fascinating fact led to another. The Secret Service was the last act that President Lincoln signed before he headed to the Ford Theater.  That caught my attention immediately.  The reason they came into existence was to combat counterfeiting. At this time in history, independent banks were given permission to manufacture their own currency.  People were used to seeing different bills in different denominations. There was no consistency in the paper money. Then the government issued greenbacks. People were immediately suspicious. With all of these different legitimate bills floating around, it was incredibly easy to make your own, unsanctioned bills. Many did. Lincoln realized the overall threat to the American economy and wanted it stopped.

Wow! History provided me with colorful background to build on. All I needed were people. That was no problem — there are always too many people in my head to begin with; I just needed the right ones to step forward. Simon is not exactly bashful. He obligingly dragged Luke with him. Think Wild Wild West meets Romancing the Stone and you have a pretty good idea of the premise for The President’s Orders series.

2.  I can totally related to having your research help set the direction of  your novel.  That’s one of my favorite things about writing historical novels.  Tell us, was there any part of the book based on your experiences or the experiences of someone you know?

A few relatives had been in the intelligence business, and I was always intrigued, but there really is nothing of that in the books.

3.  Is there a message you would like readers to grasp?

Trust. No matter what my characters go through, they know they have to trust the person they love.

4. When did you first start writing?  Was there something that instantly sparked your writing passion, or was it more gradual?

I’m quite serious when I say I probably started writing in the third grade when I discovered I couldn’t afford my reading habits! LOL  My parents were very indulgent of my reading. They constantly bought me books, and children’s magazine, which at the time consisted of Humpty Dumpty and Highlights. The library in town was well stocked, but my dad seldom had time and my mother didn’t drive. It wasn’t until I was maybe 10 that I was allowed to walk there with a friend, but that was only in the summer.

Third grade was significant because that was the year we were allowed to write with ballpoint pens. IMO, a blue BIC ballpoint on the cheap yellow pulp paper was awesome. It was about that time that I realized I could actually write my stories down too. I never thought to entertain anyone but myself.

5.  What is the most challenging aspect of being an indie author?  What the most rewarding?

The most challenging part of being an indie author is knowing you are responsible for everything. Without a doubt, it is also the most rewarding part.  Constantly switching hats from writer to marketer is a major undertaking some days.  I feel like I’m in Third Grade again. It used to be, “I want to finish this.” Then I would go to dinner, or whatever. Now it’s, “but I want to write just a bit more, then I will address marketing.” Of course, when I’m neck deep in marketing, I’m whining about not wanting to stop. LOL There is just no pleasing me.

6.  Can you share a little of your current work with us?

I am working on the edits to another in the President’s Orders Series. False Notes was followed by Heart Quest, which is out now. While False Notes was mostly in Simon’s point of view, Heart Quest was in Luke’s.  The third in the series, which is in edits now and has no final title, is told from Simon’s again.

In this segment, Simon and Kirsten are both at the same ball. Both are working, although in different capacities.

 

“What can I do for you, Kirsten?”

This time she did meet his eyes, and he dropped his. He didn’t like what he saw. There was a determination in them, and sorrow. He didn’t want either from her.  What could be the problem?

She didn’t say anything immediately, but turned so she faced the length of the billiards table; the same as he. “Is this what everyone was yelling about? We heard you in the ballroom, you know?”

She was reaching for something to say, he could tell, and he grabbed on to it. “A couple of men had bets so it got rather lively.”

“I thought billiards was a quiet game.”

“You’ve never played?” At the shake of her head, he stretched to reach his cue stick that he had laid across the raised edges of the table edges. He bit back a smile when she inhaled sharply as he brushed against her, never mind that he had to stifle his own groan. Right now, he was more angry with her than anything.  If she would just tell him what the problem was, he could fix it. He was sure of it.

He straightened with the cue stick in his hand and stepped away from the table, encouraging her to hold the stick.

She took it from him gingerly, not quite sure what to do with it.

Simon took a few balls from the table pocket and tossed them on the felt, letting them fall where they would. Finding the cue ball, he took it to the end where she stood. “Have you seen the game played?” he asked, knowing there had been a table at her former fiancé’s home.

“I’ve only heard people talk about it. I gather you need to hit the balls with the stick and get them in the pockets.”

“Basically. Would you like me to demonstrate?”

“Please.” She handed him the cue stick, which he caught up in one hand, then making a bridge with the other he lined up his shot, explaining it to her the entire time. “Once you have eyed up where the colored ball will go, where you want it to go, you tap the white ball – the cue ball – with the stick.” He followed action to words and sank the yellow ball in the side pocket.

She stepped closer to the table, and him. “It’s almost like croquet.”

He let out a rich laugh at that. “You might say that. Can’t say I ever thought of it in that light.”

Taking the stick from him, she looked up at him, and he blinked in surprise. This was his Kirsten, not the shadow who had been here tonight. “I can’t quite picture you playing a tame game of croquet,” she said tartly, hefting the stick in one hand.

Simon stepped behind her and put his arms around hers, guiding them into the proper position to hold the stick. Once she had that straight, he leaned over the table, forming her hand into the correct formation for a bridge. He straightened and looked down at her. “That’s still not right,” he said. “Try it this way.” This time, he let the side of his fist rest on the table and formed a near circle with his forefinger and thumb.

When she didn’t get it right, he chuckled and leaned closer, adjusting her hand on the table. When he was satisfied, he straightened, but left one hand on her hip.

“How can I shoot?” she asked without straightening, but looking at him from an awkward angle.

“Hmm? Just pull your arm back and slide the stick.”

“That’s not what I’m talking about.”

When he made no comment or movement, she pursed her lips and blew air. “Your hand, Simon! Move your hand.”

He did so and stepped back. So his touch disturbed her concentration, did it? That was good to know.

 

7.  Is there anything else you would like to share with readers?

I do have a short-short story on my site that is set in the same time period, Finding Abby, and one set in the Regency era. I hope your readers will stop by and check them out: http://tjmanderino.webs.com

 

Tara ManderinoAuthor Tara Manderino loves to create stories and situations for the people running around in her head. She first began writing in third grade when she realized she couldn’t afford her reading habit.  She writes and is published in a variety of genres and finds that each one is her favorite at the time. Her books are available at a variety of online retailers.

Tara resides in her native town in southwestern Pennsylvania. When she’s not chasing Lydia, the boxer, she’s writing her own stories, or reading, Tara likes to bake, watch old movies, and do a variety of crafts.

Visit Tara at her website:  http://tjmanderino.webs.com, on Facebook, or on Twitter.

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Author Spotlight inspirational romance suspense

The Covering by Dana Pratola

March 6, 2012 – 6:29 pm

Genre:  Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Format: Paperback, ebook

Buy:  The Covering

What do a woman of faith and a heathen biker have in common? The devil, of course.

Tessa is moved to intercede for a man she’s never met. When they do meet, she’s stunned. Gunnar is gorgeous, charismatic, and driven. He’s also hostile, self-destructive, and an unbeliever…and she’s drawn to him like no other. The temptation she feels is as dangerous as it is alluring. She wants to stay away, but God has other plans. He reveals the devil’s intent to destroy Gunnar, and commissions Tessa to keep him covered in prayer. Can she rely on God to keep her from falling…in love, and into temptation? Or will the devil claim them both?

 

1.  What inspired you to write a story about a woman praying for an unbeliever she hasn’t even met?   

God sometimes wakes me up in the middle of the night to pray and often I have no idea who I’m praying for. I keep praying until I feel I’ve hit on the right person or situation, or I’ll just say, “Well, I don’t know who, but You do, so meet their needs.”

2.  Deep intercessory prayer, angels, and demons are not something you often find in Christian romance.  What prompted you to make these a focal point in your novel? 

To me, it’s part of everyday life, not necessarily something exceptional. At least it shouldn’t be considered unusual if you’re a Christian. Angels, demons and prayer are part of our everyday existence. Battles are going on around us all the time and I think it’s a good idea to get people to “tune in” to that fact. You can’t be victorious if you’re not aware there’s a battle. So when Tessa prays it’s written as something she’s comfortable with, part of her lifestyle.

3.  Who is your favorite character and why? 

I have to say Gunnar. He’s unpleasant, rude, and carrying around so much guilt and baggage that I think he best represents the “real” world. He’s a mess. But he comes to realize he needs help and where to find it. His life is a victory.

4.  Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?  

I always say this, but I think the most important message is that God isn’t mad at anyone. He’s not waiting for us to mess up so He can pour out His wrath on us, and He doesn’t require us to get our lives in order before we come to Him (which is impossible without Him to begin with). He wants us right now, just as we are, sins, flaws and all. And if there are things He wants changed, He’ll help you change and overcome. One of my favorite Scriptures is Romans 5:8 – “But God commended His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

5.  Is anything in this book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

Well the prayer thing is real. I’m certainly not as diligent at Tessa, but I think it’s so important to have communication with God every day.

6.  What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why? 

Wow, that’s so hard to say. A part that comes to mind is a scene where Gunnar realizes he might be in over his head with Tessa and he talks to her brother, Dominic, about it.

7.  What is the most challenging part of being an indie author?  What’s the most rewarding? 

For me the challenge is in just getting the words down. I’m a procrastinator by nature. The most rewarding thing by far is all the love and encouragement I’ve received and hearing how God is touching people through the book.

8.  Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? 

Thanks! I know how hard it is to come by extra time and money, and knowing they spent some of theirs on my book is humbling, exciting and awesome!

 

Dana PratolaDana Pratola is a 47 yr. old mother of 3, married 25 yrs. The Lord is her Savior, writing is her passion and publishing inspirational books that show the grace of God is her ministry.

Visit Dana at her website:  www.danapratola.webs.com, on Facebook, or on Twitter.

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Author Spotlight romance

Give The Lady A Ride by Linda Yezak

February 27, 2012 – 1:00 am

Genre:  Contemporary Western Romance

Format: ebook, paperback

Buy:  Give the Lady a Ride

Patricia Talbert is a high-class social coordinator from New York. Talon Carlson is a rugged bull rider from Texas. He thinks she’s too polished. She thinks he’s insane.

Opposites aren’t quick to attract when the lady who enters the cowboy’s world is on a mission to sell the ranch. But a box of letters changes her mission–letters of unshakable faith and a love deeper than anything she’s ever experienced.

Soon, she finds his integrity appealing. Her spunk draws him in. He has the faith she craves; she may be the love he longs for. But faith and love aren’t achieved in a single weekend.

To buy time to explore the possibilities between them, she issues a challenge: “Teach me to ride bulls.”  From here on, they’re in for the ride of their lives.

 

1.  In your novel, you paint the picture of two worlds colliding: big city gal vs. cattle ranch foreman.  What inspired you to write about these opposite experiences?  Are you country or big city or both?

Back from 2003-2007, CMT ran a program called “Cowboy U” in which city folks from all over the country tried out the ranching life. Each week, someone who wasn’t cutting it would get cut from the group. The first thing that happened to these slickers was the confiscation of all their niceties–hair dryers, face goop, nail polish, basically everything but their toothbrushes and underwear. They were given ranch duds to wear and their Calvin Kleins waited for them in storage. Tell me that’s not a ripe plot for a novel!

As for me, I got cheated. Dad was raised on a farm in deep south Georgia, Mom’s family had a ranch in central Texas, even my husband was raised in the country. Me? I’m a city girl. The only thing I have going for me is that the city was small when I was growing up. Believe me, for someone who’s country at heart, that’s not fair!

2.  Was there any part of the book based on your experiences or the experiences of someone you know?

Patricia’s runaway horse was roughly based on experience. Because I didn’t want her to be a typical city girl, I allowed her to handle it better than I did.

What seems to be a lifetime ago, a friend invited me to go riding with her. I had checked the cinch strap on a horse that would only do what my friend’s horse did. When we rode at an easy gait, I thought the strap was tight. But once my friend kicked her horse to a full gallop–and mine matched it step for step–my saddle slipped. So, there I was, hanging off the side of the horse, getting a jackrabbit’s eye-view of the hooves. Even if I could’ve effectively pulled back on the reins, my horse wouldn’t stop unless hers did. Only God knows why I didn’t get killed that day. I was screaming for her to stop and dodging cactus while hanging sideways off a crazed, galloping sorrel.

Of course, I’m as sassy as a Paso Fino filly. That little experience didn’t stop me from riding the next day. We just traded horses.

3.  Is there a message you would like readers to grasp?

Patricia was a Christian who had stuffed her faith so deep inside she wasn’t sure where she stood with the Lord. For anyone in the same situation, the message is this: Return to your “first love.” He’s waiting for all his prodigal children to return and will greet them with open arms.

4. When did you first start writing?  Was there something that instantly sparked your writing passion, or was it more gradual?

I’ve always written to some extent or another, starting with little poems and song lyrics. In 1997 or so, I picked it up again, and over the next several years, I wrote Shattered Crystal, a police procedural mystery that will never again see the light of day. Ten years later, three things happened that changed everything for me. First, I became a member of ChristianWriters.com and discovered I wasn’t alone–and wasn’t as talented as I thought I was. Second, I gained Katie Weiland as a critique partner. And third, I realized there were “how-to” books out there, and I began to devour them like the starving artist I was at the time. All of these made a massive difference in my abilities and my approach to the craft.

5.  What is the most challenging aspect of being an indie author?  What the most rewarding?

Most challenging is undoubtedly being solely responsible for my marketing. I don’t have the knack for it you and many others do, particularly in cyberspace. The most rewarding comes from being published in general, not just with an indie pubber: Hearing from my fans. Book reviews are great, but the personal emails are precious.

6.  Can you share a little of your current work with us?

My current work is a women’s fiction piece called The Cat Lady’s Secret. I’m hunting an agent for it now, so keep me in your prayers!

Millie, the cat lady, wears purple polyester pants and orange t-shirts. She carries a net to capture feral felines and walks all over town. Wherever she goes, she meets people with needs and wishes—and all are fulfilled.

But who is the real force behind these blessings? A journalist wants to know, and the love of her life makes the discovery that could destroy their relationship.

She went to extremes to hide from her past, but it’s barreling toward her. Fun and games are over. What is she going to do now?

7.  Is there anything else you would like to share with readers?

I’m giving away roughly $200 in gift certificates, and this post is part of the campaign! To be eligible for the drawing, see the rules on my blog, 777 Peppermint Place, then come leave a message here with the correct answer. Remember–you can choose which certificate you want!

 

Linda YezakLinda Yezak lives with her husband and three cats in a forest in Texas, where tall tales abound and exaggeration is an art form. She is a two-time finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, in 2008 for Give the Lady a Ride, a contemporary western comedy romance, published in 2011, and in 2010 for The Cat Lady’s Secret, a Women’s Fiction comedy-drama. She has been published in Christian Romance, Beyondaries, and Vibrant Nation e-zines, has served as a judge in several national and local writing contests, and is currently a freelance editor and a consulting editor for Port Yonder Press.

Visit Linda at her website:  www.lindayezak.com, on Facebook, or on Twitter.

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