Swap — If You Can't Handle the Heat — Sin Bin

Monday 24 September 2012

New Author Interview – Meet Jennifer Wright

This is another day of firsts here at Pick a Genre Already. Please welcome my very first guest blogger 
Author Jennifer Wright... Warm Welcome, Jen...

First, I’d like to say thank you to H K for having me as a guest! This is my first time at being a guest author and I’m very excited to be here, and with that being said, please bear with me if I seem to be fumbling along.

Okay, here’s my story. I’ll start by saying that I’ve actually only been writing for two years and reading for three. Strange right? Well, that’s because my journey in becoming an author kind of came about in a strange way.

When I was a young teenager, I got into reading and my dabbling in writing soon followed after. My stories were never really any good, but back then, of course, they were awesome! Though I don’t think I ever finished a story, I started quite a few of them.

Then I moved to North Carolina when I was sixteen. By then I was rebellious and thought that I had better things to do than read and write. I was on the high school newspaper, but it wasn’t the same as writing fiction. On an interesting note, I hated English class—I always had (now, of course, I wish I had paid a little more attention). So, what are now the two passions in my life were given up for boys and more boys.

When I was eighteen I moved back home to Wisconsin (yes, willingly), but reading never made its way back into my life, and by that time I’d pretty much forgotten all together that I used to write. A few years later is where the strange ‘come about’ happens. I’m an unfortunate person in the sense that I’ve had to go through a series of surgeries over the years. They were nothing major or critical, but they were a pain in the ass, and left me bedridden for a week and a half. The first and second time I barely escaped the boredom. I didn’t think I was going to survive after the third surgery—one can only watch so many movies and TV. It was my wonderful sister that said, “Hey, why don’t you read a book.”

Really, it was that simple? The answer—yes. She leant me a five book series that I read in six days. From there on reading had come back into my life. I had just given up smoking, so all the money I saved went towards my new addiction – books, books, and more books.

It was almost a year later when the writing part of my life came back. One thing I really like to do is read the ‘About the Author’ in the backs of books. Most of the time I saw, “I work as a whatnot or for so-and-so, but write in my free time.” Well, my writing may have stopped years before, but the stories in my head never did. So, I figured if they can do it, maybe I can too. I went on to write two novels, but unfortunately was unsuccessful at publishing them. Then came book one of the Finding Home series, Pavarus. This was by far the most fun I had writing, and apparently it showed, because I’m now contracted with the wonderful Total E-Bound. And throughout the past couple of years, I’ve had the full support of my family and my loving boyfriend, and I couldn’t ask for a better cheering crowd :)

I love writing something fierce, and I hope that readers enjoy my books enough to help me make a long career as an author.

Look for my debut of Pavarus November 5th, 2012. But you can pre-order Pavarus today at a 15% discount until October 8th, 2012, when it becomes available to buy and download at Total E-Bound at a 10% discount.

Buy Link:
Book One of the Finding Home series, Pavarus


You can find Jen at:

Jen's blog: www.authorjenwright.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_JenWright

Author Bio:

I was born in Arizona, but have spent the better part of my life in Wisconsin. While I enjoy living close to my family, my heart longs to live in the South—or anywhere where the winters are warmer, and I hope to someday get there. I love writing, and try to dedicate as much of my free time to it (ha! what free time?). If I’m not typing away on my laptop, you’ll find me with my nose buried in a book, or with my loving boyfriend debating on what movie to watch and the never ending back and forth decision of what we should have for dinner. I love spending time with my family and boyfriend, cuddling with my two cats, and laughing as much as possible (cuz I like to think I’m funny :) ).
Some little tidbits about me are - I love horses and cats, I have a really big sweet-tooth, and I’ve been told I like to talk with my hands (insert hand gestures here).


Book Blurb:

Thrown into another world where dangerous creatures live and rule, will Wesley stay and find love with a vampire, or will the terrors of an unknown realm have him running home?


On a camping trip in Louisiana, Wesley finds himself sucked down a hidden portal and thrown into another realm where he meets Remus, a warrior vampire. With the help of Remus, Wesley embarks on an adventure to find his way home, back to a world not filled with vampires and dragons and magic folk. Along his journey, the handsome vampire finds his way into Wesley’s heart. But will his love for Remus overcome his fears of the creatures that reign in this world?

Remus has never wanted a man before, but finds himself drawn to Wesley despite his denying efforts. He’s happy with his life as the Commander of the vampires, and has had no interest in finding a mate. But after Wesley is kidnapped, Remus discovers his feelings for the man are stronger than he thought. Is he strong enough, though, to honor Wesley’s wish to return home, and let go of the man he loves?

Excerpt:

Wes woke to a light, bouncy, swaying motion. It was soothing, and all he wanted to do was cuddle up against the soft cotton that covered the hard chest where his cheek rested. Somehow he knew that the strong arms around him would keep him safe and that he could rest for a little while longer.


“Are you going to wake up enough for me to put you down?” a gentle voice asked.


Wes tried burrowing deeper in his arms. “No. Why would I want to do that?”


The man’s laugh rumbled in his chest like a deep lullaby. So relaxing. Wes breathed in deep, taking in his scent—Remus’ scent—and he smelt wonderful.


Wait. Man? Remus?


Vampire!


Wes gasped and jerked his body right out of Remus’ arms, landing flat on his ass.


Ouch!


“Well, that just wasn’t smart. If you asked, I would have set you down.” Remus reached down for him.


Wes scooted back. “Don’t touch me!”


“I’m not going to hurt you, Wesley. If I wanted to hurt you, don’t you think I would have done it already?”


“I don’t know, you’re a vampire, I don’t know what I’m supposed to think.”


“So, you do know that I’m a vampire?”


“That’s what you told me. Were you lying?”


“No, I wasn’t lying, I am a vampire. I’m just surprised you’re taking it so well now, considering how you reacted earlier.”


“Yeah, well, one can only handle so much craziness in one night, and I’d say the fire-breathing dragons and the ‘we’re on a different planet’ took up a lot of that.” Wes pointed up. “Not to mention the two moons. So right now, I’m up to believing just about anything. Besides, with some of the things I’ve seen you do…”


With furrowed eyebrows, Remus crouched down in front of him. “Wesley, I’m glad you believe me about being a vampire, now I need you to believe me when I say we’re not on a different planet. We’re on Pavarus, and always have been.”


“No. I don’t care where you’re from, but I’m from Earth.” Wes frowned at him. “Stop looking at me like that.”


The man shook his head. “I refuse to believe Zane and his thinking you’re crazy. But I am beginning to think you’ve bumped your head or something, and maybe you’re confused. Let’s just get you to Gamden and they’ll be able to help you.”


“What? No.” Wes didn’t feel comfortable being with a vampire, and would admit he was afraid—at least of the others—but for some reason the thought of leaving Remus and being left with strangers was worse. “I don’t want to go to Gamden.”


Remus sighed and stood back up. “You have to. I know of nowhere else to take you.”


Wes looked around, as if the trees would give him an answer. “I could go with you.”


“No.”


“Why not?” Wes stood up, trying pointlessly to dust his pants off.


Remus reached out and brushed his thumb across Wes’ cheek. “Because, there is no room for a human in my world.”


“Please. I don’t want to be left at Gamden.” Wes knew his voice cracked but he couldn’t help it. Vampire or not, Remus was all he knew, and he wasn’t ashamed to beg. “Please.”


Moments passed as Remus just stared at him. Wes’ hope began to blossom, that whatever internal battle Remus had going on inside him…



Giveaway

Want more? Just leave a comment (please include your email address to be eligible for the giveaway) and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win an e-copy of Pavarus. The cut-off time to enter will be Wednesday 26th at midnight. A winner will be randomly chosen and announced Thursday 27th.

Thursday 13 September 2012

Great News and My First Author Interview

I have two great things to share this week. First of all, I signed a new contract with MuseItUp Publishing. My second historical romance The Devil Take You, will be released in April 2013. I’m sooooo, excited!!!

And Two - Today I’m visiting Nichelle Gregory’s Simply Sexy Stories

http://simplysexystories.blogspot.ca/?zx=2d8862fc27b9388b

This is my first author interview. You might learn some things about me that you didn’t know plus there’s a great giveaway and an excerpt from my debut erotic romance Swap published by Total E-Bound.

I hope you’ll come join us and leave a comment for a chance to win, not one but two novellas from two talented Total E-Bound authors, including my fantastic host.


You can check them out at Total E-Bound for the Book Blurb and an excerpt:

Taken By Surprise By Nichelle Gregory Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1281

Hidden Heat By Amy Valenti Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1586

And another lucky winner will win a copy of my debut erotic romance Swap:

Swap By H K Carlton Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1781


Hope to see you there! Nichelle Gregory's Simply Sexy Stories Author Interview
Thanks everyone,
H K

Tuesday 11 September 2012

Remember 9/11

September 11th is one of those days that you will always remember where you were when the first plane hit the World Trade Centre and that same feeling of dread, shock and deep sadness still settles into your consciousness. Today is a day for remembrance, ceremonies and tributes. Listen to the names being read, watch the coverage and then take a look around you and hug the ones you love because you never know.

To the victims, their families, the heroes, NYFD, NYPD, rescue workers and volunteers... we won't forget.

The whole world can change in a minute... And We Remember...

Wednesday 5 September 2012

Author's Wait...

Blog Post and Giveaway... Authors Wait...


Do you remember that song; Waiting is the Hardest Part? And I know that my fellow authors who also write erotica are now chuckling at the ‘hardest part’ and will rib me later or in the comments below, with responses like: ‘if waiting is the hardest part, you’re writing it wrong’ or, well, you get the picture and I honestly can’t wait to see what the remarks might be. Blushing will commence, for sure.

But…

I find many things about being a writer/author difficult. But for me, I think the waiting is the hardest part. Or perhaps, I am just the most impatient person ever born.

From the moment inspiration hits, you begin that author’s journey from idea to published works. But in the meantime, there is a lot of time spent in preparation to that end. There is the period from idea, through WIP and possibly research, to the completed first draft. Author edit for grammar and punctuation; plot errors. All this time, waiting on you to complete the work.

Then perhaps a crit partner or beta reader comes into play, but most often your partners are fellow authors and they appreciate that time is of the essence. Read it, review it, send it back with hopefully only minor changes and minimal wait. Corrections, author edits again, final manuscript ready for the submission process.

This moves you onto the potential publisher stage. Haul out your detailed research of PP’s or ‘your publisher’ and queue the query letter. Which brings us to my favourite and yours too, I’m sure, the synopsis. This and blurb writing are my most dreaded tasks. As forewarned, I am way too wordy to sum up 147,000 words plus into 5 pages and actually make it seem interesting, and not end up reading like a preschool book, he went here and she did this. But you do what you have to do. More time spent fretting and keyboard smashing over the proper minimal wordage.

Query letter, synopsis, manuscript or partial, depending on your publisher’s requirements. Check. Send. Wait... Anywhere from 6 weeks to 10 months for evaluation. And if you are good and or lucky, a contract will be issued. Wait for it to arrive, sign, send back. Wait. Edits. 2nd edits, Line edits… and you wonder if release day will ever come. When it does you are excited but still you pause to see if your work is not only enjoyed but accepted. Reviews… critiques… sales?

And then, gluttons for punishment that we are, we start the process all over again with something new.

Congratulations… You’re an Author… Hurry up and wait.


Leave me a comment. Tell me what the hardest part is for you as an author, and readers tell me what makes you most impatient, whether waiting for a new book or the next release in a series, or something in your life that makes things difficult. Leave a valid e-mail address; I’ll be giving away one .pdf copy of Swap picked at random at the end of the day. Check back tomorrow and I will announce the winner on Thursday September 6, 2012

H K




Tuesday 4 September 2012

Swap Now Available At Total E-Bound

Swap is now available at Total E-Bound

Hailey Hollinger has it all, A great husband, a fantastic career in journalism, good friends and one hot brother-in-law that won't stay out of her fantasies...




Monday 3 September 2012

From Writer to Author?

Check out my Guest Blog Post From my Visit with Lisabet Sarai at Beyond Romance: From Writer to Author?: By H K Carlton (Guest Blogger) I love to read. I don’t even remember the cognitive act of ‘learning’ how to read. It was just something...

SWAP Now Available at Total E-Bound

Swap is now available at Total E-Bound

Hailey Hollinger has it all, A great husband, a fantastic career in journalism, good friends and one hot brother-in-law that won't stay out of her fantasies...