MISTER JANUARY: ED WILLIAMS

Rie: First off, let me say thank you, thank you, thank you for being Mister January, Ed. If anyone can pull Mister January, it's you! Ed and I are old friends but we haven't spoken much lately. As with everyone, we get busy, we have our families and lives and then the holidays showed up again…whew! Anyway, Ed, as always, is the epitome of the southern gentleman and he always makes me laugh.

Ed, I recently read that your book Sex, Dead Dogs, and Me is being revived at Champagne Books. What's that all about?

Ed: Rie, first off, thanks for havin' me, it's always fun to play online with you! Sex, Dead Dogs, and Me, it's funny. It's my very first book and was published in hardback back in 1998. First thing I've ever written in my life, and it ended up being published through a series of fluke-type events that can only be described as Forrest Gump-like. After it was published, it actually starting selling. After initially appearing in three bookstores in Macon, Georgia, it ended up being stocked nationally in the Books A Million stores and all over the southeast in the Barnes and Nobles. It literally, and literarily, got me out there, all the speaking gigs and articles and subsequent books came from it.

Fast forward to the present. SDDAM has been officially out of print for years as the small Texas publisher who initially put it out closed up shop. Even at that, copies still sell on Amazon and other outlets sometimes for fairly significant bucks. Seeing that, Ellen and I talked about potentially offering it again in the current digital formats, so that's what we've decided to do. I'm pleased to announce that Sex, Dead Dogs, and Me will be released by Champagne Books in January of 2011!

Rie: Last year you wrote a book called ChristmaSin and the reviews were varied. What do reviews mean to you?

Ed: I think they express one person's opinion about your work, and that's fine. I knew ChristmaSin' was going to be interpreted differently by the people who've read it. It's written in the first person - I'm actually narrating it as a sixteen year old boy back in my hometown of Juliette, Georgia (its one claim to fame is it's where the movie Fried Green Tomatoes was filmed). I took actual events that happened there years ago and weaved them into a pretty real rural Southern Christmas story. Since the book was written using the dialect and slang of the time and featured some adult language and events like cockfights, I knew it wasn't the typical Christmas story. As a result, I expected the reviews to be mixed and I'm glad they were, I really don't want to be everyone's cup of homogenized tea.

Rie: I read you have been the guest speaker at the Kiwanis International, Rotary International, and the American Advertising Federation. How did that come about?

Ed: After SDDAM got popular, I was asked to appear on the Georgia Public Radio program Cover to Cover. I didn't realize it at the time, but that program is really popular, has been for years. My hour long stint on it garnered lots of call-in interest, I was told afterwards we drew more callers and listeners than they'd ever enjoyed before. A few days after the program aired I got a call from the Georgia Kiwanis Organization, and they invited me to speak to a luncheon meeting they were having at their upcoming statewide conference on Jekyll Island. I agreed to do it, thinking I'd get a night or two of free lodging on Jekyll in exchange for a talk in front of maybe forty or fifty people. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that I was going to be speaking to a group of almost five hundred people! I just about crapped in my pants when I learned that, but I somehow managed to survive it. After that, I began getting invites from other groups, and my speaking activities just kinda went from there.

Rie: Is public speaking difficult for you, or do you imagine everyone in their underwear and just go for it?

Ed: I always get a little nervous, but I have a bit that I do that sets the tone and is kinda in line with my wild literary persona. I always get up there and tell the audience that there's always one woman in every crowd that I wish I could do the mattress tango with, and that I'm looking at her right now! For some reason everyone laughs, and afterwards I usually get one or two questions from folks wanting to know who it is!

Rie: You've been called the "literary Hank Williams, Jr." What a compliment! How do you feel about that title?

Ed: I love it! Bocephus is an all-time favorite of mine, and to be compared in any way with him is a total honor. I could listen to him for hours, and I love how he separates his public persona from his personal life, there's an art to doing that.

Rie: You refer to yourself as a Southern Outlaw. What does this mean?

Ed: I write kinda wild material, Southern humor but humor as it actually happened. I don't clean up the language and situations much, and I'm not trying to be everyone's favorite writer. I'm one of those types who'd rather stay true to the story than bland them down for more general consumption. I guess that pretty well sums up what I mean when I call myself a Southern Outlaw writer.

Rie: You and your friends, Ray and Hugh are members of The Brotherhood. Can anyone join? Is there an application? Are there dues?

Ed: Ray Pippin and Hugh Foskey are my two best friends. Ray and I literally grew up together, Hugh we met at Georgia College and State University back in 1976. Collectively we're known as "The Brotherhood." We've had some helluva good times and some wild fun together - believe me, I haven't written about half of it yet! Since Hugh was our last member and was inducted back in 1976, I guess you could say that we have a very tight membership, we joke about being the most exclusive social organization in the world!

Rie: You are one of the biggest flirts I've ever known. How does your SO feel about that? (I personally love it!)

Ed: I love women, appreciate women, and have always been that way. I guess I've never seen what was wrong with telling a pretty lady she's a pretty lady, and no one is pointing a gun telling anyone that they have to flirt back. So darlin', I am what I am, and those close to me recognize that. They also recognize that there's a difference in my public and private personas, too.

Rie: Christmas 2010 is over (and 2011 will be here in a flash). How did your family celebrate the holidays? And what will you be doing for New Year's Eve?

Ed: Just low keying it. Ray, Hugh, and met over at the IHOP (our lake home on Lake Sinclair in Milledgeville, we're only about four miles from Flannery O'Connor's Andulusia, imagine that) for our annual Christmas celebration, and I enjoyed the usual one with my family.

New Year's Eve, I'm not sure what I'll be doing yet, but there are already a couple of wonderful possibilities! Ask me this question again in about a week!

Rie: This will post on New Year's Day, are you hung over?

Ed: Glisrae asada aeaagwrjhbkbwasd  badklajrfea.

Rie: Ha! Ha! Ed, thank you so much for being here. I look forward to interviewing you again when that new book comes out! Please, tell everyone where they can find you on the web.

Ed: Rie, you know I love ya to death, and anyone wanting to find out more about me can do so by clicking these links:

www.ed-williams.com 

www.christmasinthebook.com

www.twitter.com/ELW3 

                                                             

                       

Author Bio:
Ed was born June 19, 1956, to Ed and Barbara Williams in Forsyth, Georgia. He was raised in Juliette and is a proud product of the Monroe County public school system. He graduated from Mary Persons High School in 1974, obtained an Associate's degree from Gordon College in 1976, a BBA from Georgia College and State University in 1978, and an MBA in 1991 from the same university. Ed is married to Debbie, his wife of 29 years, and has two children, Alison (26) and Will (Ed IV - 23). He and his family currently reside in Macon, Georgia.

MISTER DECEMBER: JIMMY THOMAS

Rie: Welcome to the Spotlight, Jimmy.  I'm thrilled you could join me today. Before we get down to business here, I just want to say thank you for agreeing to this interview and also for being on the cover of two of my books. I have to say they are the best covers I've ever seen! How did you become a model for romance novel covers? 

JT: Well, first off, thank you for this opportunity Rie, as well as for you wanting me on the covers of your books J  I began my romance novel cover modeling career when I was invited to be a cover novel contestant at Romantic Times BOOKlovers Convention in 2002. I decided that I wanted to be on many novel covers as I had been doing romantic and sensual ‘couples’ photo shoots since I started modeling 4 years prior to that. So I took it upon myself to make it happen, and here I am J

Rie: I know you have been on over seven hundred book covers now, do you remember the first cover you were on? 

JT: Actually, as of right now I’m on more than 800 covers ;) And yes, my first cover I guess is like your first sex partner… one you’ll never forget ;) My first book cover was Susan Kearney’s “Solar Heat”. 

Rie: Wow, it just seems like a month or so ago my book was your 500th! Tell me, what is a typical day at work like for you? 

JT: LOL! Seriously? How many pages do I get? Let me save everyone from taking too early of a nap ;)… working on images, go to the gym, work on images, set-up/confirm upcoming photo shoots, work on images, filling out answers to interviews, work on images, reading and responding to numerous messages and photo comments on facebook, work on images… oh, and did I mention work on images? ;)

Rie: LOL, okay, do you work on images every day? Just kidding! Seriously now, besides book covers, what other type of modeling do you do? 

JT: I’m limited now with my hair being long, so more or less just music videos now, where they want a long hair, Mediterranean look.

Rie: Hmmm, how do I make the jump from author to music videos? Oh, wait, okay, I'll fantasize later. Ummm, oh yeah, what made you decide modeling was the career for you? 

JT: When I started getting many of my images published in fitness magazines and commercial print ads quite a bit and was accepted by many modeling agencies and booked on a good amount of print work. Then through the romance novel industry I took my modeling to different heights J

Rie: And you do that very well, I might add. Now, modeling depends entirely upon your looks and physique. If you were unable to model, what is your back up job? 

JT: Many, many things. Besides owning a rapidly growing stock image website ;) I’ve been an Architectural Designer since 1994. I’ve been a Personal Trainer since 1998, a Self Defense and Kickboxing Instructor since 1992, a Chef, Head of Security at various nightclubs, a sports bar owner… the list goes on ;)

Rie: Wow, a man of many talents! Could you just jump back into one of those jobs?

JT: I keep all my prior careers available for me to still do if ever needed, but I’m looking to eventually get into producing and directing movies.

Rie: Really? I have a couple of books that would make excellent movies, by the way. You appear with some pretty sexy female models and often the clothing is minimal. Is it uncomfortable to pose with someone you hardly know in such seductive positions, or is it just another day at the office? 

JT: Uncomfortable being with a next-to-naked/naked sexy women? Are you serious? (looking over my shoulder for whomever it is you are asking this of ;))… heck no! J I wouldn’t say it’s just another day at the office because I respect women and appreciate each and every one of them, especially those that I shoot with. They trust me, my judgment on the poses and the end resulting images won't make them look bad in any way. It’s not like I’m some college kid or someone freshly out of prison. Having a naked sexy woman in my arms...it’s complete respect, but I’m a heterosexual male, single, and a hopeless romantic Pisces, so I enjoy it of course, but more for a beautiful face looking at me with desire, than just a naked female body.

Rie: (Sighs, and looks around to see if little hearts are circling my head!) I read that you don't do nudes. What made you draw the line there? 

JT: Anytime I see a guy implied nude or completely nude in an image, he’s usually holding a small towel over his crotch, laying face down on the beach naked, or just standing there letting it all hangout, they all look 100% homosexual to me, so I’m sure I’m not the only one viewing them that way. And I think I would be limited on settling down with a woman who would be ok with my junk hanging out in many images for the world to see ;)

Rie: Aww, you really are a hopeless romantic. What does your family and friends think about your career? 

JT: My brother is the most active of my family with my romance novel career. He’s proud and excited about it, he brings his kids into the bookstores to find covers I’m on, and he leaves comments here and there on my facebook pages.  My friends love it! They are very proud of where I have taken myself, as they know how hard I’ve worked at it day in and day out.

Rie: Sounds like you have an awesome support system. That's great. I'm sure there have been some amusing mishaps during shoots. Can you think of a quick story to share with us? 

JT: Well, some girls have personal drama they reveal during a shoot, which is why I chat a while first with each model before shooting with them. I want to be sure I don’t get surprise attitudes during the shoot. The only real mishap would be when I fell asleep near the end of a shoot, lol. I was posing naked with a sexy female model, who was also naked, we were under the bed sheets, hands all over each other, and when Bruce, my photographer, had to change lights, I passed out! We had shot at the beach earlier, so I was exhausted, as well as from shooting back to back, day and night a few days earlier. Bruce kept shooting us anyway, with me just lying there. She was playing with my lips… those shots came out really cute actually ;)

Rie: Lucky girl! Christmas is coming up this month. Do you have any special plans for the holidays? 

JT: None yet. I may go to FL to spend it with my brother and his kids.

Rie: It's Christmas Eve and Santa is checking his list, which one are you on—naughty or nice? 

JT: BOTH! ;)

Rie: Pumpkin pie with whipped cream or pecan pie? 

JT: PUMPKIN!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE Pumpkin pie, bread, cookies, muffins, pancakes, ice cream, eggnog, spiced coffee, anything pumpkin flavor!

Rie: A Christmas goose, or turkey with all the trimmings? 

JT: Turkey with all the trimmings!!! It’s like Thanksgiving, which I love! J

Rie: Thank you so much for chatting with me today, Jimmy, it's been a real pleasure. Is there anything else you'd like people to know?

JT: You’re very welcome Rie! Thank you again for this opportunity. And yes, I have something I’d like people to know. I’ve launched my very first Jimmy Thomas – Romance Novel Cover Model - 2011 Calendar, which can be seen and bought here: http://www.jimmythomas.com/calendar/2011-Calendar.htm So don’t be shy, help keep RNC alive, active, and full of variety by contributing funds that keep RNC going J





                                                              

                                                                                                 

(Woo hoo! I asked Jimmy to provide a couple of pics and he sent the ones with my cover art! Sheesh, no wonder the women flock to him! *fans face*)

Want to find out more about Jimmy Thomas? Check out these websites.

www.JimmyThomas.com
www.RomanceNovelCovers.com
www.modelmayhem.com/jimmythomas
www.facebook.com/JimmyThomasDotCom  

Heather Peters

                                         

Title:  Surrender      

Release Date:  July 12, 2010

Author:  Heather Peters

Author website:  http://heatherpeters.org

Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing

Buy Link: http://freyasbower.com, www.eredsage.com, www.nobleromancepublishing.com

Genre: Contemporary/Erotic/Romance

Blurb:   Florist Isabella Beaumont through no fault of her own is about to lose her business. She might as well lose her soul. With no other options she turns to Lyon Sauvage, a man she dismissed from her life five years earlier. But is she willing to pay the unexpected price of ultimate submission?  

                Enigmatic millionaire Lyon Sauvage lost  Isabella once. He has no intention of opening his heart and suffering that mistake again. When she appears on his doorstep desperate for help, Lyon presents her with a proposition she has no choice but to accept. But will his revenge get her out of his system? Or condemn him to greater heartbreak?

Welcome, Heather Peters. I’m thrilled to have you as my guest.  Thanks so much, Rie.  I'm so thrilled to talk with you again.

Can you tell us the journey you embarked upon to your first publishing contract?  I'd been writing long-form contemporary romance for a very long time with no success submitting to the big print publishers. Then my dear friend and critique partner, Eden Elgabri, suggested we try e-books and tried our hand at erotic romance. We enjoyed writing together and knew we'd found our niche. We completed our first novella within weeks, and submitted  Toy with Me. It was passed over twice, until it found a home at Freya's Bower.  They offered us a contract, and since then, we've written another novella together, called Oz (Red Sage release in Fall, 2010), but my first solo effort is Surrender, released in July 2010.  Being offered a contract for Surrender by Noble Romance Publishing, is a dream come true. It's based on my favorite all time favorite fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast, and I couldn’t be happier. I'm a very fortunate woman.

Which author(s) inspire you and why? Every author I read inspires me. All of them touch me in some way, whether its sensuality, romance or something else. All writers have something to offer, and I savor their gift.

Do you have a favorite book that you’ve written, and if so, what is your favorite scene?  Confrontation scenes are by far, my favorite to write because it brings out the  deep passion and emotion state of my characters.  In Surrender, my current release, my hero, Lyon Sauvage,  is trying to force the truth from my heroine, Isabella.  She says the only reason she's come back to him after five years have gone by because she needs money to save her father's life. He knows better.

           "Before you go home, don’t you think it's time you gave me some answers?"

She threw back the hair from her shoulders and straightened. "Are we back to this again? I told you, I had no one else to turn to."

"Bullshit."

She stepped back at the sound of his roar, but found no escape, only the closed door at her back.

"You have several wealthy relatives in Europe, and the trust fund your mother left you would have paid at least a portion of your father's debt. So I repeat my question. Why, Isabella? Why did you really come to me, and this time, tell me the truth."

Her hackles rose, despite the fact her heart bled at the sadness in his raspy tone. "How did you know about my relatives? Or my mother's trust fund? You intruded into my private life? You had no right!"

With long strides, he approached her; his hands tunneled through his hair and his nostrils flared. She found herself trapped against the door, face to face with Lyon so close, his puffs of breath fluttered errant strands of her hair. Primal heat sizzled through him, and he directed all that power at her.

"When someone comes to me asking for a quarter of a million dollars, everything becomes my right. Don't insult me with your lies any longer. You came here to cleanse yourself once and for all from the past. Yes, or no?"

His chest heaved, his anger evident. "You came back to find out what you'd missed five years ago, admit it."

Your favorite book by another author? My favorite all time book is Night Magic by Charlotte Vale Allen. I've read it at least a dozen times. Love the physically and emotionally scarred, tortured hero.

What book(s) are reading right now?  Red Hot Reunion by Maya Banks. Her erotic romances are some of the best I've ever read.

If you could choose one author to co-write a book with who would it be?  That’s easy. Eden Elgabri, who is my critique partner and co-author on my two previous e-books, Toy With Me, available now from Freyas Bower  and Oz, to be released by Red Sage in late Fall. We know each other's nuances, and can almost read each other's minds.  We have a rare partnership and our stories are seamless. You can't really tell who wrote which scene.

What do you think makes a good erotic romance story? Why, the sex, of course.  I'm only half joking.  Every story must contain a viable plot, conflict, and motivation of the characters. Their commitment to each other takes precedence over everything else. But I have to admit, physical love is what draws me when I read an erotic romance. And when it's written well, you've sold me.  The physical exploration of a relationship, along with two characters that love each other in a monogamous bond between the H/H is, for me, the core of erotic romance.

What makes a scene sexy? For me, it's the emotional connection between two people, and acting on it in a physical way. Making one another feel as though they would die without the other. On the other hand, I think suggestive dialogue and eye contact without the physical, is sexy and arousing.

Who gets the best lines in your stories? Males or Females?  I hope it's both!

What is one of your favorite lines said by one of your characters? My hero, Lyon Sauvage, my 'Beast" in Surrender, tells my heroine, Isabella my 'Beauty'  "Roses are like women, possessed of a powerful strength, despite their delicate petals and seductive fragrance."

If you could be a character in one of your books, which book and what would your character be? I've always loved fairy tales and the HEA they promise. Surrender is an erotic Beauty and Beast tale, and I would love to be Isabella. Loving a scarred, sometimes dominant, emotionally tortured hero is so much more interesting than loving the idea of the perfect (is there such a thing?) man.

Do you think a geeky, nerdy, dorky H/H would be as interesting or accepted as the beautiful Greek god/goddess ones we read about all the time? Who wants to be a god, when an all-around geeky, warm hearted, tender geeky hero can charm the loafers off the nerdy, yet passionate, shy, gentle heroine. When they get together behind closed doors, I just know this H/H will strip each other of those taped eyeglasses, pen protectors and white socks, and proceed to burn each other like flame to dry tinder!

If you were a villain in a new book you were writing, what type of villain would you be and what’s the title of the book? It's called No Way Out, and I'm the woman trying to steal the hero (my former lover) away from the heroine; When she kills to prove to the hero how much she still adores him, her ploy does not work; he's a cop, tracks her down and corners her – Too late, she realizes that he doesn’t love her anymore; there's no way out.

You are the super hero in the book When Planets Collide, what is your super hero name and do you wear a cape and tights? Skin tight black one-piece body suit that accentuates my perfect, sultry, curvaceous body! No cape though, it would tangle with my long ankle length steel gray hair that can trap villains in the thick strands and paralyze them into submission. My name: Mane Squeeze.

What was one of the most surprising thing you learned writing your books? I was pleasantly surprised to experience the love and passion I have for telling stories. I'm an only child, and growing up, you could find me always playing pretend and talking to myself (I still do! What does that mean? Lol..) My make believe stories always had an element of danger and scary plots, but my ending were always happy.  The only time I lose track of time is when I'm writing. Kind of a neat feeling when I find myself lost in my stories.

Before we say goodbye, could you tell us about your latest release and maybe give us an excerpt? Thanks so much Rie, for having me. I hope that we can speak like this again in the near future!

EXCERPT:

Isabella gasped when she found herself gathered into his arms. The scents of spice and male surrounded her, and one of his large hands slid down to cup her ass, his erection pressed against her hip, hard and long. God, what he truly wanted was clear to her now.

"This is just a preview. I can make all your woes go away, Isabella. You have five minutes to decide." He stared into her eyes as if daring her to refuse. "Don't waste my time."

When she could find her voice, she pushed off his chest, stepped away from him. "Please don't do this, Lyon. I-I need more time."

He looked at his watch, then back at her. "And I need to know what you intend to do. Four minutes,  forty-five seconds, and counting."

She threw up her hands. "Have you lost your mind?" No, maybe I've lost mine.

"You're the one who came to me for help. What's your answer?"

She shook her head, swallowed the lump that formed in her throat. "I have no one else to turn to."

"I'll help you. But you won't walk away so fast this time."

She could see the tiny creases fanning out from the depths of those sapphire eyes as he continued to speak.

"You left because you were afraid, not of me but of your own inhibitions." He cuffed her wrist within his grip.

"No, I left because I lost David to another woman and I had nothing more to give anyone, including you." She tried to wrench free, but every effort proved futile. "Why can't you just lend me the money and I will pay you back another way."

"But this is what I want. Your body." He pressed his palm to her rear. "Your kiss." His lips were warm and a tiny tickle erupted in her stomach. "Your submission." He wrapped his arms tighter around her and crushed her mouth until a groan of arousal escaped her throat.

"Isabella, don’t you understand? You don't know the limits of your own passion."

Her legs almost gave way when he released her. Why was he tormenting her? Why did she feel empty all of a sudden? She cleared her throat, but her voice sounded weak, even to her own ears. "So, all I have to do is play your whore for a weekend, perform as your sex slave. And when you're through with me, my life simply goes on?"

"I don't like the word 'whore', Isabella. Think of this as a business arrangement, for want of a better word. Now, to continue, you will come to my home with nothing but the clothes on your back and you will wear only what I give you to wear. I will bathe you and feed you, and in return, you will be at my disposal for the entire weekend. Surrender is the name of the game, Isabella. I want it all." Lyon cornered her like a predator about to pounce on its helpless prey. "Are you willing to give it?"

"I'll never forgive you for this."

Wyntress Nyght's Supernatural Crack: Exes & Hexes by C.H. SCARLETT

Title: Wyntress Nyght's Supernatural Crack: Exes & Hexes
Release Date: June 14, 2010
Author: C.H. SCARLETT
Author Website
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing 
Buy Link
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy/Humor/Erotic Romance


Blurb:
"Good evening my delicious little darklings of darkness. Wyntress Nyght, here, serving up your forbidden dose of supernatural crack. So hook up your IVs, roll up the psychic and toke her, or offer up your shot glass for some ectoplasmic delight. For I have the phantasmal kick you have all been jonzing for. No DTs here, my darklings, only the monster of all dragons for you to chase . . . me! Now, for those readers who are new to my witch-board of communications, allow me to sinfully boast a little about the place I haunt. It’s the Other World, the Underworld, or a label I am rather fond of and prefer, Hell." 


*Gasps* Did she say Hell? 


That she did, so flip a page and you’ll realize what a hilarious but darkly adventurous thrill ride Hell can be. And who knew it would have all started with an ex-Fanger and the kidnapping of his new coffin screamer. Toss in a lusty Were, a mischievous Zombie, a Dominion of Chaos, some too-damn-sexy Demons, a mysteriously malicious and hidden plot, plus whatever other zany characters of Hell pop up, and we have the reasons why there’s never a boring moment in the death of Wyntress Nyght! 
Now, grab a dry pair of knickers just in case yours get moist from laughing, and open the book already. Wyntress hates to be left waiting by the grave! 

Welcome, C.H. Scarlett. I’m thrilled to have you as my guest.
Can you tell us the journey you embarked upon to your first publishing contract?
Well it was a long and clueless road. I didn't have any idea as to where to begin, which is probably why it took me years to figure it out. Sooner or later, though, you get into the right circles, someone points you into the right directions, or you start figuring out what to Google.


Which author(s) inspire you and why?
My inspirations don't really come from fiction. They come from non-fiction. I adore Normandi Ellis for showing me that simplicity can expose divinity. And I adore Barbara G. Walkers for showing me that no matter how sore the subject, how controversial or how protested, it's worth writing about.


Do you have a favorite book that you’ve written, and if so, what is your favorite scene?
Well that would probably be the one I just released, all because of the mood I am currently in. My favorite scene would probably be all of them. It's hard to choose when it comes to Wyntress Nyght.


But if you ask me tomorrow, it might be something else. lol


Your favorite book by another author?
The only fiction author that really comes to mind, that really rocked my world is VC Andrews. I remember reading Flowers in the Attic when I was a teen thinking how addictive is it to read about something more dysfunctional than what exists behind my own shut doors. And believe me, it was a bloody miracle that I could find anything more dysfunctional than my , lol. Still, I miss books like that. I think stories should be written under the notion that 'Anything can and will freakin' happen.' I get so stressed seeing debates on message boards concerning fiction movies and or books where someone says, 'that is not possible.' or 'a person would not do that.' To me, anything is possible . . . and while WE might not do that, or we assume we wouldn't because how do we know firsthand, that character would, and gods love em, they did!


What book(s) are reading right now?
Right now, I am reading a book called Interdimensional Communication. I'm afraid that I read more non-fiction and more reference books rather than anything else now days. Anything that deals with myths, lore, gods, goddesses, mystical or mystic, I am totally hooked on.


If you could choose one author to co-write a book with who would it be?
Probably no one. I hate to say that, but it's true. Other writers scare the hell out of me lol. 
  
What do you think makes a good Paranormal or Fantasy story?
When someone can take an original subject or an old favorite and make something new happen. I can tell when someone has researched something because usually, it doesn't include a myth that was created by another author years, or even centuries ago. It takes a true writer to go out there and dig up origins or the actual legend, or to create a new origin or legend. What makes a good story is when a writer doesn't get hung up on what CAN happen, or what IS possible . . . and they just let their imagination fly. Those writers are out there, too, but they are usually with smaller pubs because the bigger ones are sometimes frightened to publish what is 'different.'

What makes a scene sexy?
The surrounding circumstances, the moment, and the characters.


Who gets the best lines in your stories? Males or Females?
Well, it depends. Wyntress Nyght rules but she has those who run a close second. (Don't tell her I said that, though.)


What is one of your favorite lines said by one of your characters?
Geez, there are so many . . . but as of now, I guess it would be when Wyntress tells another character . . .  "The best of you ran down the crack of your momma's ass and stained the bed sheet." I don't know why but I love that saying . . . maybe because it applies to so many lol. Joke.


If you could be a character in one of your books, which book and what would your character be?
Depends on what day you catch me. Some days I want to be Samanthŕa from Bound by Blood. Most days I am envious of Wyntress Nyght, though, and she knows it.


Do you think a geeky, nerdy, dorky H/H would be as interesting or accepted as the beautiful Greek god/goddess ones we read about all the time?
Yep, in fact more so. Because we are only geeky, nerdy, and dorky in the eyes of those who follow trends, and want to be the Barbie's of society. While media says this is what we want . . . we know damn well it isn't. All it takes is a good writer to emphasize what we already are . . . and that's where the true God and Goddess exists . . . through our worlds, in the birth of fiction. There, if you tell the geeky, nerdy, dorky H/H that they aren't all that, then they kick your butt with some cool super move, while catching the eye of the hottest hottie. Because sexy is sexy, no matter what.


If you were a villain in a new book you were writing, what type of villain would you be and what’s the title of the book?
Hmmm, again, it's all in the world of Wyntress Nyght. But that's anyone there . . . because they are all bad, and we love and envy them for it.


You are super hero in the hypothetical book, When Planets Collide, what is your super hero name and do you wear a cape and tights?
Hmmm, well I don't know about that book but in my own version, I'd be Wonder-Bitch and would have a Wonder-Bitch cape. I don't think it matters what I am wearing since I have the Wonder-Bitch cape on. Who would argue with me? Who would tell me my fashion sucks?


What was one of the most surprising things you learned writing your books?
Wow, I can play god and it is really fun to muck with people (characters).  


Before we say goodbye, could you tell us about your latest release and maybe give us an excerpt?
Well, first, thank you for the opportunity. The book is called Wyntress Nyght's Supernatural Crack: Exes & Hexes Book 1.
I think the blurb I posted above really says it all. And just so I don't destroy the space on the blog or anything, I'll link you to my publisher's website where they have an excerpt up, an entire chapter, even.

Cinsearae Santiago

Title: ABRAXAS: Seeing Green (Book 4 in the ABRAXAS Series)
Release Date: 2009
Author: Cinsearae Santiago
Author Website
Publisher: Lulu Press
Buy Link
Genre: Dark Paranormal, Romance, Horror
Blurb: Edward lies in a coma in the hospital, with Christine having a sneaking suspicion Ryan has something to do with Edward's current condition. Ryan continues to act strangely possessive of Christine to the point where it becomes too scary for her. Edward's spectral form constantly cries to Christine for help, leaving her with many sleepless nights... and to make matters more trying for her, Christine's best friend stops by for a visit, unknowing of her situation. (This is part 4 in the continuation of The ABRAXAS Series at http://BloodTouch.webs.com/abraxas.htm )


Welcome Cinsearae and thanks so very much for agreeing to the interview.
Thank you so much for having me here, Rie! A pleasure to join you!


Can you tell us the journey you embarked upon to your first publishing contract?   
It hasn’t been an easy one, but when you love what you do, you keep plugging away! J I’ve only been ‘out there’ for about six years or so, and I’m still learning the tricks of the trade, as they change so rapidly. My first publishing contract came with Forbidden Publications, which unfortunately folded. I had entered a couple of writing contests, which garnered two contracts from them. As of now I self-publish, which has been going well, but I still like the feel of being with a traditional publisher, so I never cease looking and hoping to land a contract again in the future. I recently had one of my short stories published in a horror comedy anthology from Damnation Books, titled “The Zombie Cookbook”, and two more short stories to appear in anthologies this year through Library of the Living Dead Press, so the opportunities are still out there! J


Which author(s) inspire you and why?
Poe has been my first and favorite author. I’ve always enjoyed his dreary, dreadful writings, and the period style of his writing. I also enjoy King’s works, as his imagination is tireless!

Do you have a favorite book that you’ve written, and if so, what is your favorite scene? 
I think it might be the very first book. In ABRAXAS:The Beginning, after Christine calms down a bit after realizing what she has become, she sets out to find her attacker. When she does, she tries breaking his neck. Not only does she twist his head to the point where it’s completely backwards--and yes, he’s still alive--she hurls him into the street, and his head gets run over by a taxicab. The cab also starts a chain accident, and Christine is in morbid shock knowing she started it!

Your favorite book by another author?
It think it would have to be Pet Sematary, by Stephen King. I read that when I was twelve, (and it was the first book of his I had ever gotten my hands on!) and boy, did my imagination fly off the handle with that book!  Since then, I was hooked. Another one of his books that’s a favorite of mine is Rose Madder. (I’m not sure if the Creepshow comic book counts, but I love that one too.) J

What book(s) are reading right now? 
Right now, I’m working on Gregory Macguire’s books (Wicked, Son of a Witch.) I’m enjoying his take on the whole Wizard of Oz story!


If you could choose one author to co-write a book with who would it be?
King definitely. (But if Poe were alive, then it would be him.) J

What type of research do you do for your novels?
I haven’t really done any research on any of my books until The Show Must Go On since that’s my first ‘period’ piece, and still a WIP, due out early this spring! Even so, I didn’t have to do much research, lol. Not a big fan of doing that! (History wasn’t my biggest subject in school, unless it was something I was personally interested in learning about--like ancient Egypt or the Elizabethan era.) J So, since I write a lot of ‘modern’ paranormal/vampire/horror stories, I fall back on all the movies, documentaries, and non-fiction books I’ve read on the subjects. Also, current events play a part in helping develop my stories.

What do you think makes a good horror story?
First, you don’t need a bunch of blood and gore. I think folks have become too desensitized to the violence, real-life or fictional, especially in gore-fest movies you see these days. Sure, it’s fun to put in, but ONLY when necessary. I prefer the tension that builds up to the climax. The subtle things that will make you look over your shoulder or makes your hair stand on end. Things that make you think twice about talking to a stranger, betraying someone’s trust, or coveting something you know isn’t yours. And most of all, what makes you terrified to walk alone in the dark.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?  
I don’t have a schedule. It would never work out well for me, lol! My writing is sporadic, so when the mood hits me to write, I write until I simply can’t anymore. On my ‘dry spells’ I’m always doing something else creative that’s not writing related, until my muse comes back for another visit. J I like writing in the very early morning, when it’s nice and quiet and the busy energies of the world are at a low. Either then, or very late at night. J

What was one of the most surprising things you learned writing your books? 
That I really do have lots of other people in my head with their own voices, stories, and plenty to say! I wonder where the heck these people came from? LOL!


How do you satisfy your muse when things get rough while writing a book?
Lots of walks in nature and cemeteries, plus taking lots of photographs in the process! This has become one of my favorite pastimes, and folks can see the fruits of my labor at my photo gallery, http://cinsearaesgalleries.webs.com as well as my official website http://bloodtouch.webs.com ! J 

How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?
I think being a lover of all things creepy, quirky, vampiric, paranormal, and Gothic is what got me started. It’s no surprise I love Halloween, and I love the old classic movies that starred Vincent Price--mostly Roger Corman’s movies based on a lot of Poe’s works. J As a child, being overly-sheltered and bored as hell with everything ‘normal’ forced me to find ways to entertain myself, so writing and reading creepy books became some of my best escapes.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I’m either jewelry crafting or tinkering around with Photoshop, creating digital art. Folks can find some of my art on my web gallery, too. J


Before we say goodbye, could you tell us about your latest release and maybe give us an excerpt?
Absolutely! ABRAXAS: Seeing Green picks up right where the last book leaves off. Christine and the Abraxas Clan have just finished dealing with a psycho woman who’s a necromancer to boot, plus happened to be a former flame of Ryan’s. She tried passing off a child (that she created through demonic means) as his son, hoping to worm her way back into his life and push Christine out of it, so the Clan squashes her crazy plans--but not before some negative, demonic energies get a hold of Ryan, and slowly start to possess him. The demon feeds off of Ryan’s weaknesses, his main one being Christine, turning Ryan’s petty jealousies into something much more dangerous…
EXCERPT:

I got to the foyer and raced up the staircase. Dumb move! I should have ran out of the mansion! I felt as stupid as those girlie victims in horror movies who always ran up instead of out whenever they were trapped in a building or house, all the while being chased by some undead, crazy, serial killer. Common sense would have told anyone to leave. I guess it has a tendency to allude you when you’re in a panic.

       From a short distance away, I heard Ryan growl again, making the hairs on my neck rise. I didn’t know what his problem was--aside from me smacking him with my energy--but I didn’t want to use my more forceful powers on him either. Who knew what would happen to him, or what affect it would have on me.

      He bounded up the stairs by twos, grabbed my ankle, and I fell on the steps with a thump. He clambered over me, and flipped me over so I would be facing him. He held my wrists down. That solid, gross, zombie-like color was gone from his eyes, but his irises remained bright green. He wore his usual suspicious look and smirked, raising an eyebrow at me, giving a slight sniff of arrogance.

      “Going somewhere…my dear?” We were nose to nose.

      “I--I--” I stammered. The hard edges of the steps were really biting hard into my back and arms.

      “Did you honestly think these little games you and Kiera were playing around the house would work? Did you really think you had me fooled?” His grin grew wider.

      How long did he know? “So…we were both trying to play each other for fools. Whoop-de-fucking-do,” I replied in a snide tone.

      “A sad and pathetic raggedy bunch of so-called vampires can’t stop me,” he hissed. “You, who’s too afraid to use the powers you’ve been given, and your ‘mate’ being just as bad, while being absolutely sick in love with you. You both couldn’t have been an easier target.”

      “Target?” I echoed. “What the hell are you talking about?”  

      Demon Ryan's eyes flickered an even brighter shade of green. Any more and they’d look neon.

      “That stupid witch had abilities I already possess. Hanging around her was starting to prove useless, until I found out she knew your mate, Ryan Price, who has powers I’ve always dreamed of possessing. The powers of Abraxas.” He took a deep breath, calming down. “Then I discovered you share the same power!” His grin widened. “One of man’s biggest sins is jealousy, and once I realized how much he covets you, it was all too easy to invade him.” He ran his cheek against mine, and I heard him inhale deeply. God, nothing could describe how badly this was freaking me the hell out. I wished I had something nearby to knock him unconscious with.

      But then he distracted himself. “I love the scent of your skin. Like cherries and blackberry wine…” He ran the tip of his tongue around the edge of my ear, making me shiver. But it wasn’t Ryan’s tongue; it was too slender, too snakelike. Good thing I couldn’t see it---I might have screamed.

      “I can see why he’s so passionate about you,” he continued, pulling back slowly. He looked into my eyes, then, very predator-like, he covered my throat with his hand. I gasped, the knot in my stomach tightening more. He tilted my head to the side slowly, exposing my neck.

      “I could kill you right now with a flick of my wrist,” he whispered. “But it would be such a waste…”

      The look on Demon Ryan’s face was very calm and almost seductive. Now holding my shoulders down, he leaned forward, licking me from the base of my ear, then down my carotid artery, and around to the hollow of my throat. My heart was beating so fast, I thought it would explode.

      Slowly, his tongue slid up the middle of neck. I grimaced. He continued going under my chin, following the curve of it, then brushed my bottom lip. I closed my eyes, too afraid to---

      Don’t look Christine, don’t look!

      Sometimes I wished I listened to my inner-self.

      It took all the strength and will I had in my bones not to shriek, as I caught a glimpse of that forked, blood-red, snakelike tongue retracting itself back into Ryan’s mouth.

      “I want to taste you, Christine,” he whispered softly, his breathing quickening, the look in his eyes deadly as he tightened the grip he had on my shoulders.

      I panicked, fearing the worst. Snakes could smell with their tongues, and I half-wondered if he was smelling my blood under the surface of my skin.

      I swallowed, then bravely gave a half-hearted laugh. “You’ve done that---quite a few times now.”

      “I want...to taste...a different essence,” he replied, and before I realized it, he flashed a pair of fangs and dove for my jugular. 

(Additional excerpts and free downloads plus free short stories from the ABRAXAS Series can be found at http://bloodtouch.webs.com/abraxas.htm or http://bloodtouch.webs.com/sneakpeeksmorereads.htm!)