Q&A with my heroine Mia!!

It's Valentine's week! The week to celebrate love! We should celebrate love every day--and I do--but I have zero complaints about a week and day dedicated to it!!

My Chick Lit Chat group is doing a fun event this week! Today's festivities include an interview with your heroine! I chose to "interview" Mia Montonari, the co-owner of Classy 'n' Sassy Lingerie from my soon to be released book Try Me On For Size!

So here we go!

1) What three qualities do you find most attractive in a partner?

First of all, he has to be trustworthy. I can't stand liars and cheats. Cleanliness is a major plus. I'm nobody's maid. And I guess the third would be success. I'm dedicated to my job and I need a man who can understand, respect and support that.

2) What’s your idea of romance?

I don't know. Does romance even matter? I'd much rather have a man who can control his bodily functions. Now that's romance!

3) Who's your favorite on-screen couple (Film or TV)?

I don't know if I have one. I don't watch much TV aside from stupid reality shows. It's my one vice.  But I do admire my what my best friend Bryn had with her husband Johnny. Pure perfection. My heart broke for her when he died. I hope to some day find a love like that, but it doesn't look like it's ever going to happen. 

4) What's been your most embarrassing moment in regards to the opposite sex?

Oh God. I have a million. Not sure I can even narrow it down to just one. And I think I'll keep all the sexual embarrassment to myself. But I guess it would have to be the time I was supposed to meet my boyfriend at his friend's house for a costume party. Imagine showing up as Thing 1, blue hair and all, and Thing 2 never shows. Oh and it wasn't just any old costume party. It was a themed Roaring 20's party. Gadsby meets Dr. Suess. 

5) What was your first impression of your partner or crush? How accurate was it?

First impression of Oliver? When I thought he was Ryan, the guy I was interviewing? Hot! Hot! Hot!  With an amazing ass. But I should have known. It was all too good to be true.

6) How have you coped with break-ups in the past?

None of my past relationships lasted very long. I was glad to see them go. I don't have time to waste on men who can't be mature adults. 

7) Which hot actor would you want to be stranded on a deserted island with and why? 

Hard to say, since I'm not real up on what's hot in Hollywood these days. But if I have to pick , I'd have to go back to my youth. I was so in love with Leonardo DiCaprio. I'm pretty sure I wore out my VHS copies of Titanic and Romeo and Juliet. Those eyes. And that smile. 

8) What is the craziest thing you've ever done for love?

Me? Absolutely nothing. I'm still waiting for someone worthy enough of crazy actions. At this rate, I will die never having done a crazy thing.

9) PDA: How much is acceptable?  

Oh no. Not appropriate. I don't want to see people making out while I'm trying to go about my normal day, so I would never subject people to that. But what happens in my office, stays in my office. 

10) What is the best relationship advice you've ever gotten?

Probably when Bryn told me that love and relationships are never perfect, but with the right guy, it's worth it. 

If you like Mia and want to know more about her, here are the presale links for Try Me On For Size!!

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Whatcha wanna know about me???

I don't know what you'd like to know, but Booked Up Reviews interviewed me over on their blog! Check it out!! And there's still time to enter to win a copy of Karma Kameleon!!

And don't forget tomorrow's St. Patty's hop!! TONS of awesome prizes!!!

Fun! Fun! Fun!

I absolutely LOVE doing interviews!!!! It must be some thing in my brain that enjoys talking about myself. Can't help it sometimes. So when someone wants to do an interview, I so jump on it! LOL! But seriously, I do really enjoy sharing myself with others and sharing where I came from, how I got where I am now, what I plan to do in the future. I hope I can be an inspiration, not only to other writers, but all people.

So today I am over at Rachel Brimble's blog! Check it out!!

Interview with the FAB Roni Loren!!

Today I have a super awesome treat!! Fresh off her release day for her debut book, Roni Loren is here to chat with us!!!

You've done what so many writers dream about...snag an agent and book deal! How did you celebrate both of those successes?

When I signed with my agent, I’m not sure it really set in. I just kept punching my husband in the arm and saying, “Dude, I have an agent!” : ) Then when I got my deal with Berkley, I just couldn’t stop smiling. I was such a Berkley fangirl, and I couldn’t get my head around the fact that my book was going to be published with them. I do remember going into my Borders and sticking my finger in the spot on their romance shelf where my book would go. I still look for that spot in any bookstore I go into.

That's so cool. Now I wanna go do that at the store!!

I remember way back when...I met you way before either of us had publishing contracts! We'd started blogging around the same time and even had a similar amount of followers for a while...but then you just exploded! :) Is there a secret to your blogging success?

I don’t know if I have any secret. I was as surprised as anyone when people started following me, lol. I think the key for me was I had a focus. I naturally gravitate towards teaching (although, my husband may argue that really means I gravitate toward bossy. J) So even though I hadn’t intended for it to be a writing blog, that’s what it became. And for some reason, even though I was a complete newbie, people found that “come learn with me as I learn” approach helpful. I don’t know if I’d recommend my approach to others since it also means I limited myself on topics (and have subsequently had to start a separate reader-focused author blog as well), but I’m so thrilled to have met all the great writer friends I have. It’s been a blessing.

You always have such great advice for writers. Where did your wealth of knowledge come from?

It truly was a learn as I blog kind of thing. I devour books on craft. It’s a bit of an addiction, really. And then I read agent/editor/writer blogs like they were going out of style. Plus, as I went along, I started learning things by making my own mistakes. (Like querying a first novel before it was ready.) So I would share those hard lessons on the blog to hopefully help others NOT do what I did, lol.

Thanks for sharing your enending wisdom with us all!

Now, let's talk about the book! Give us the blurb for Crash Into You!

Brynn LeBreck has dedicated herself to helping women in crisis, but she never imagined how personal her work would get, or where it would take her. Her younger sister is missing, suspected to be hiding from cops and criminals alike at a highly secretive BDSM retreat—a place where the elite escape to play out their most extreme sexual fantasies. To find her Brynn must go undercover as a sexual submissive. Unfortunately, The Ranch is invitation only. And the one Master who can get her in is from the darkest corner of Brynn’s past.

Brynn knows what attorney Reid Jamison is like once stripped of his conservative suit and tie. Years ago she left herself vulnerable only to have him crush her heart. Now she needs him again. Back on top. And he’s all too willing to engage. But as their primal desires and old wounds are exposed, the sexual games escalate—and so does the danger.  Their hearts aren’t the only things at risk. Someone else is watching, playing by his own rules. And his game could be murder.

Sounds so good!! Can't wait to read it!

What will you most likely do the first time you see your book on a bookstore shelf? (I'm thinking cartwheels in Barnes and Noble are a bit frowned upon.)

Is that frowned upon? Well, damn, there goes plan A. I’m honestly not sure what I’m going to do. Probably do a little quiet squeezing and bouncing, then I’ll have hubs snap a picture of me holding it. I think the whole thing is going to be surreal.

We did this interview weeks ago...so now I'm wondering what you actually did do yesterday!! :)

Did you set out to write an erotic romance, or did it sorta just happen?

Just sorta happened. I had written a paranormal YA and contemporary romance already. And while I was waiting to hear back on the contemp romance, I got the idea for CRASH. It was an idea that could only be told via erotic romance, so I decided to give it a shot. I’m an avid erotic romance reader, so I was familiar with the genre, but I was a little nervous about writing something with all the naughty stuff in it. : ) Then I realized, hell, this is fun!

It sure is fun! The more I write, the more sexy my scenes get! So fun!

I know this isn't the first book you've written. Will you someday dust off those other manuscripts??

The YA? Probably not. It was my practice novel. Though I haven’t ruled out writing a new YA in the future. The contemporary romance had publisher interest, so it’s still viable. I just need to find time in between my deadlines to revise it a bit and decide which way I want to go with it—traditional or indie. I love that book and have a series planned for it, so it will get out there at some point.

And just for fun, knowing we have similar tastes in movies and men, I need to know......

Favorite scene in Dirty Dancing:

Definitely when Baby and Johnny dance in his cabin. *swoon*

Favorite song from Dirty Dancing:

Cry to Me – Sexiest. Song. Ever.

(If I know you as well as I think I do, I’m guessing they are the same as mine!)

I was sooooooooooooooooooooooo right!!

Favorite Ryan: Reynolds or Gosling:

Gah! That one’s tough. Which one’s taller? *googles* Dang, they’re both over 6 ft. I’ll say Gosling. But I do write erotic romance, can’t I just have both? ;)

You take Gosling, and I'll have Reynolds!

Sexier eyes: Paul Walker or Bradley Cooper:

Bradley

Thanks for having me!

BIO:

Roni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has. Her debut erotic romance CRASH INTO YOU will be released January 3, 2012 by Berkley Heat/Penguin. If you want to read more posts like this one or follow her journey to debut authorhood, you can visit her writing blog Fiction Groupie or her author blog. She also tweets way too much for her own good.

CRASH INTO YOU - EXCERPT:

Brynn’s response lodged in her throat, the all-too-familiar name ringing in her ears. No, couldn’t be. But a sinking feeling settled in her gut. She’d only met one Reid in her life, and that Reid was a lawyer. She closed her eyes and took a steadying breath before she turned around to face her new co-worker.

Reid’s blue-eyed gaze met her head-on, hitting her like an airbag to the chest. She sucked in a breath and fought the old instinct to lower her eyes in deference. Son of a bitch, where had that urge come from? She ticked up her chin and gave him her best I-hate-you-but-will-be-polite-because-I’m-the-bigger-person glare. “Hello.”

Cooper walked around Brynn and clapped Reid on the shoulder. “Reid, I’d like you to meet our other social worker, Brynn LeBreck.”

Reid nodded, his expression annoyingly unreadable. “Brynn, pleasure to see you again. It’s been a while.”

Not long enough. Three years had passed since she’d last seen him. His inky hair was longer on top and a few lines creased the corners of his eyes, but time hadn’t softened her warring responses to him. The urges to pummel his face and strip naked before him held almost equal weight. Luckily, the venue was too public to give in to either. She feigned an air of indifference. “It has.”

“Still as beautiful as ever, though.”

The warm notes of his voice stirred the dark recesses of her memory, further inciting the old longing. She shifted in her heels as hot tingles crept from deep in her belly and moved downward to settle between her legs. Un-f**king- believable. Her body was a whoring traitor.

Melody stepped next to Brynn as if sensing her need for support, and Cooper’s eyebrows rose. “You two know each other?”

Boy, did they—in just about every way a man and woman could. She searched Reid’s face, and he tipped his head infinitesimally, as if giving her permission to answer the question. Her eyes narrowed. “Used to. Long time ago.”

Cooper smiled, either oblivious or unperturbed by the tension zipping through the air between her and Reid. “Great. Guess introductions weren’t needed then.”

Nope. Not needed. Brynn knew exactly who Reid Jamison was. A first-class bastard.

(Full version of chapter one can be read here: http://www.roniloren.com/excerpts )

Dream Vacation and a perfect Sunday!

Wanna know what my dream vacation is? And what an awesome Sunday is like for me???

Come stop by Chick Lit+ today and find out!! :)

And there's a giveaway too!!!!!!!

If you've got it, FLAUNT IT!!!!

Content Warning!!!

Today's post is for 18 and over only!

Today I have interviewed a fabulous friend of mine, fellow romance author Natasha Moore!! Her latest release is Flaunt It! Learn a little about her and what she did to celebrate her book releases

Hello Natasha! I have the standard first question for you! :) Have you always wanted to be a writer? What made you decide to write romance? 

I’ve been writing my own stories since I learned how to read and write. I used to pass around my own version of fan-fic back in 6^th grade to my classmates, stories written on lined notebook paper.

As I grew up, I realized I liked books with romances in them, and always wished there was more romance in the books that didn’t have them. So making sure there was enough romance was a no-brainer when I began to write seriously. I read all across the board, but still long for more romance in the stories that aren’t romances. Hopeless, I guess.

I see you are published with three houses, Samhain, Ellora's Cave, and Red Sage. Why go with different houses? Pros and cons to doing so?

After writing and submitting and getting soooo close, but still getting rejected, I decided to tweak five different manuscripts for five different markets and submit them all at the same time. I told my husband that if I threw enough stuff against the wall, something was bound to stick LOL. Within a six month period, I sold three of those projects to these three publishers. There are many pros as far as I’m concerned. I like being able to write different types of stories. I like the experience of working with different editors. I like not having all my eggs in one basket. The only con I’ve seen is when I had releases at the same time with more than one publisher, and then it’s just the fact that life got a little crazy then.

When did you join Romance Writers of America? And how has it helped your career? 

I joined RWA when I first started writing romance, and that was a LOT of years ago. LOL. The resources and the people I have met while being part of this organization have been instrumental in my career, from the support from my fellow members, to the contests that brought me in front of editors, to the education and information I’ve gleaned from the workshops and loops. I doubt I would have continued to write for publication if it wasn’t for the people I met through RWA.

You've had lots of releases! A little birdie told me you have done something special for each of those releases? Care to share with my readers? ;)

You mean my ink? After I signed my fifteenth contract, I celebrated by getting a tattoo with fifteen hearts. I’ve signed four more contracts since then, so I may have to add some more hearts soon. 

Now let's chat about your new release, Flaunt It! Fab cover!! Tell us about it- blurb, inspiration, etc...

 I’d love to talk about Flaunt It, and Paolo’s Playhouse, the series that launches with its release. Actually, the idea for the series came first. I wanted to write a series of stories, each focusing on a different fantasy, and thought that an exclusive fantasy playhouse, and its sexy owner, Paolo, would be a good way to anchor the series.

The first two stories play with exhibitionism and voyeurism, and take place in adjoining playrooms, on opposite sides of a two-way mirror. Here’s the blurb for Flaunt It:

When it comes to sexy and sassy, Piper, the most popular waitress at Ben’s bar, has it all going on. Now that they’re dating, though, Ben wishes she’d dial down the skimpy clothes and flirty attitude, and her habit of dancing and flashing to her favorite song. Every teasing peek at her body, every a laugh at some customer’s lousy joke, is certainly good for business—but it sends his jealousy meter into the red zone.

Sure, they’re dating, but he’s no muscled, tattooed stud with diamonds in his ears. How can he compete, especially when she refuses to even spend the night at his place?

Desperate, Ben books a room at his friend Paolo’s fantasy club, hoping an erotic night in front of a two-way mirror will get her exhibitionist streak out of her system. Praying it won’t prove his greatest fear—that she lives only to show off. And he’s not that special to her at all…

The second story in the series, Risk It, will be released Nov 15^th. The other two stories in the series will be released in February and May and play with ménage and bondage fantasies.

Can we have an excerpt? 

Of course!

“Did I ever tell you that you’re a great kisser?” she asked.

“No.” He was a little surprised. He’d never put a whole lot of thought into kissing. As far as he was concerned, it was just a prelude of things to come.

“Well, you are,” she said, threading her fingers through his hair. “Kiss me again.”

Ben ran his tongue across her slick pink lips. She tasted so sweet. But a taste wasn’t enough. Never enough. He pressed against the seam of her lips and she opened to him. When he plunged his tongue into her mouth, Piper moaned and leaned into him. She started to suck greedily on his tongue, and each pull caused his cock to throb in a matching rhythm.

His heart raced; his breathing kicked up too. There wasn’t anything better than the feel of her body stretched along his, her softness cradling his hardness. Except when his cock was buried deep inside her. And if they didn’t slow things down just a bit, this evening was going to be over real quick. She didn’t need another quickie. He let up his grip on her shoulders and they broke apart. Her breathing was just as ragged as his.

Whatever made him think a quickie in her apartment would make any difference in the way he wanted her now?

“Off,” she demanded and tugged his shirttails out of his trousers. He helped her with the buttons and shrugged out of the shirt.

“So are we just going to screw around or what?” she asked. “’Cuz I’m getting that itch between my toes again if you know what I mean.”

Yeah, he knew. She reached for his belt and Ben stopped her hands with his own. They were usually equals when it came to controlling their sex play, but tonight he was going to direct the action.

“Wait,” he said.

She looked up at him, her eyes wide and curious. He led her over to the deep gold curtains that covered one entire wall. He placed his hands on her shoulders and moved her to the center of the space, facing the curtain. “You wanted to know what this room is for? What fantasy you can live out in here?”

Piper nodded and without a sound watched as he walked to the corner of the room and pulled on the cord. The curtains parted smoothly, silently, revealing a mirror that covered the entire wall from floor to ceiling, from one corner to the other. He met Piper’s confused gaze in the mirror.

“Some people like to watch. Some people like to be watched.” He came up behind her and slid his arms around her, pulling her against him so that her ass rubbed against his aching cock. “And I know you like it, babe. You like to be watched.”

Her eyes widened and she might have tried to back up, but he was pressed up against her and she couldn’t move. “This is a two-way mirror?” She stared into the mirror as if she was trying to see through to the other side. “There’s someone on the other side watching us?”

“Your fantasy, right? I know you like to be looked at.” He slid his hands up to her breasts and squeezed. “If you’ve got it, flaunt it.”

Spicy...I like it!!!!

Any secrets to success you can share with me and my readers?

There are no secrets, I’m afraid. Keep writing. Keep submitting. Be open to new ideas. Don’t give up.

And just for fun:

Favorite restaurant: A little restaurant in our village called Hungry Hannah’s, where we meet friends for breakfast every Sunday morning.

Favorite store to shop at: Clothes shop? Christopher and Banks.

Favorite vacation destination: Outer Banks. We’ve stayed there almost every year for nearly 10 years.

Favorite sweet snack: Chocolate.

Favorite TV show: Bones. I could care less who the murderer is. I love the interaction of the characters.

Thanks for having me as your guest today!

 Check out Flaunt It and Natasha's website!

Interview with Lindsay Below!!!

Today I have an awesome interview with fellow Lyrical Press author L.K. Below, aka Lindsay Below! Her newest release is out! Isn't that a sassy cover???


Hi Lindsay!!! So glad you can be here today! Your newest release, Never a Princess, Always a Frog, sounds fantastic! And super sexy! Tell us a little about it! Your inspiration??

The inspiration for this one came in a flash. I thought it would be cute and quirky for a heroine to walk into a Halloween party wearing nothing but green paint. When I started to write the story, that's when the story -- and the series -- really started to blossom. My heroine, Colleen's best friend Hannah stole the stage for me, ensuring it would continue. Her book isn't next (that's Colleen's plus-sized cousin, Amy's story -- Beauty in His Bed), but it will come soon after.

Learn more about Never a Princess, Always a Frog at http://bit.ly/NeverAPrincess. Learn more about the series as a whole at http://bit.ly/ModernFairytales.

Awesome! Don't think I'd ever be brave enough to walk into a party wearing only paint! That tells us a lot about your character right there! Love a sassy character!

I find that the longer I write, the spicier my scenes get! Have you always wanted to write erotic romance, or did it just kinda happen?

Originally, I wanted to write fantasy (and I still do). But my best friend and biggest supporter in high school read romance. So I started writing romance. And I have to say, I've fallen in love with the genre. The heat levels differ with every story. It all matches the personality and desires of the characters.

It's so easy to be swept away both reading and writing romance!

This is your second release with Lyrical Press, both in the "Shorts" category. Do you like writing this length of story?

I love it, and here's why: I'm a busy person. I often have to sacrifice reading time and don't often lose myself in reading a book for an entire day, even on the weekend. Instead, I read shorter stories. They allow for me to finish in one sitting (since I am loathe to put a book down) and give the satisfying feeling of knowing how the book ends. I look up after reading and still have time to get back to work, which I love. So I write shorter works. I have so many characters vying for my attention, that this also allows me to complete more of their tales. I still write longer books, but much more slowly. Often the idea for a short will broadside me and I'll be swept away with that for a week or two. Same as reading, I get the same journey and satisfaction in less time, which means more stories. I love to visit so many characters.

I agree! Love these short stories and being able to concentrate on only one plot and minimal characters!

Thoughts on digital publishing?

Digital publishing allows me to publish the novellas I love to write. I love having this opportunity. Not to mention, I get to read these shorter stories too! I love digital publishing even though I'm a bibliophile. If a book is in print, chances are, that's the format I'll be purchasing it in, to add to my huge and growing library. But I don't read that many full-length novels these days, so digital grants me my reading fix. :)

I agree!! Before digital publishing, there was not a home for shorter stories!

Where would you like to see your career five years from now?

Five years from now, I'd like to see myself in a position where I can afford to put out one or two books a year. Right now, I'm struggling to launch my career into that place so that later in life, when I have kids, I'll have more time to devote to them. I'd like to see all aspects of my writing flourish. Not only romance, but also fantasy (my first urban fantasy, Stalking Shade, comes out from Lyrical Press, Inc. on October 3rd) and young adult (my first young adult novel, Lurkers comes out in print and ebook later this month). I've got a lot of stories to tell. I hope to wade through a good chunk of them in five years time (as unlikely as that sounds lol). Most of all, I guess I just want my writing to be lucrative and successful. Don't we all?

Sounds a lot like my five year plan! (But I already have kids!) :)

Just for fun:

Favorite vacation spot: Newfoundland. I'd love to be adventurous, but when it comes down to it, the quiet of the country (Gros Morne Park) is what I love the most.

Favorite snack: Miss Vicky's Sea Salt and Malt Vinegar chips. I can't resist them.

Favorite movie: Changes with my mood. I love fantasy movies, when done well. The Lord of the Rings was fantastic. Just as much as the books.

Did you have a teen idol? Not particularly lol.

Thanks for having me, Stephanie!!


Thanks so much for being here! Wishing you lots of success! Can't wait t read your book!

BIO: L.K. Below writes romance and speculative fiction. Under her full name, Lindsay Below, she pens young adult novels. Visit her online at www.lbelow.net or on her blog at http://lbelow.blogspot.com.

Tag! You're it!

 I was tagged by Scribblings of Wendy Jane!

I tag these three bloggers:

Family Scrapbooks and Coffee

Teenage Bride

Sondrae Bennett


1) Do you think you're hot?



There are times when I think I am awesome...and other times....the exact opposite!

2) Upload a picture or your current wallpaper.

Yes, this is NKOTB...taken on my camera in June 2009 when they toured!

3) When was the last time you ate chicken?



Last week, I think. We eat a lot of chicken...so it's weird that's it's been so long. I can;t even remember what i did with it.

4) What were you thinking about as you wrote this post?





I wish it was time to get the kids in bed.

5) What songs have you listened to lately?






Just listened to a song on Go Diego Go.

6) Do you have a nickname?

Nope. Never have.

Stop #7! Interview!!!!!

Today Sandra Sookoo, a fellow Lyrical Press author, who I interviewed last week (our latest books releases on the same day!) is interviewing me today!!!! Yay!! So exciting! this is stop # 7 on my blog tour!! Go check it out: Believing is Seeing!!

Stops # 5 & 6!! Interview and guest post!

Okay...so I screwed up yesterday...we'll just blame Blogger for this (their big screw up last month while I was scheduling this blog tour and then lost all the posts I had scheduled ahead of time). So...I though one was yesterday and one today, but apparently i am in two places today!! But, at least they are different...one an interview, one a guest post! :)

The 5th stop is a guest blogging spot on Talli Roland's fab blog!! Check it out and check her out while you're there!!!

I absolutely LOVE Katie's blog...she is so so hilarious...she really tells it how it is!!!! And she interviewed me for my 6th stop on my blog tour to celebrate the release of Soap Dreams!!! Come stop by!!! Creep Query Girl


And PS...while you're all reading my guest post and interview...guess where I'll be??? On my way to Pittsburgh to see NKOTBSB!!

(Pic is from the Buffalo show last month...our tailgating extravaganza! I'm third from the left!)

And here is one of the only decent shots I got during the show:

Have a fab day...I know I am!!!!

Stop #4 on the Blog tour! An interview!!

The fabulous Susan Fields is interviewing me today!!! Stop by and check it out!!

Romance Author Sandra Sookoo!

Today I have the fabulous Sandra Sookoo on my blog, a fellow Lyrical Press author! She is just awesome!!! Her new book just released yesterday!!!



Your newest release from Lyrical Press is Midsummer Night's Steve (love the title!). What's it about?

Well, this story centers around a newspaper reporter (Steve). We first came into contact with him in the third book--Five Leaf Clover. In that story, he pretty much made a jerk of himself, so in this book, he's returned to Crystal Falls to make amends--and to try to get that one "big" story that will make his career. Unfortunately, nothing goes his way and the girl he likes turns out to be the Tooth Fairy.

Here's the blurb:

She's not your grandma's Tooth Fairy.

Three months have passed since Steve Compton's last visit to Crystal Falls. Now he's back, but far from pleased about it. Convinced there is more in the air than clean living, he's a journalist on the hunt for a story that'll launch his career into the stratosphere.

Zoe Nickles loves the small-town atmosphere, the people, and most especially the great hiding places in Crystal Falls. She's heard rumors about the magical aura in the tiny town, and when her powers come to fruition one June night, she knows the whispers are true. She's the Tooth Fairy--with a sexy new look!

But there's a problem: a nosy reporter is on Zoe's trail, with just enough street smarts and cynicism to thwart her ability to practice her newfound skills. Can she convince him Cristal Falls is harmless before he tells the world about the town's"unique" quality, or will Steve blab the news, putting Zoe and all the paranormal residents at risk?

Sounds awesome! I need to read this series asap!

This is the fifth book in your Holiday Magic series, correct? Very cool! Why write a holiday series?

Why not? Lol The concept behind this series was the fact that any holiday is a special time and lends itself well to romance. I also wanted to put a little magic and mystery in with this series of shorts, so Crystal Falls was born--and nothing is ever as it seems.

I love that you try all different things with your writing!

Will there will be more?? Can you share any details with my readers?

After this book, I have one last story coming out in October called Tail on the Moon. In order to understand the dire circumstances in this book, you'd need to read Book #4 No Such Thing. The powers-that-be are changing in Crystal Falls and someone needs to step up and make sure good wins over evil.

In Tail on the Moon, it's a Halloween story and I had a great time writing that particular short.

Awesome! I noticed all the books in the series are what Lyrical calls a "Short", falling between 15,000 and 20,000 words. Do you like writing stories this length? Why?

I love writing stories of all lengths. I do shorts, novellas and full-length books. It all really depends on the story, how much plot I want to take on, if there will be sub-plots, extra characters, complicated story lines. Right now I've just come off writing back-to-back-to-back full length books so for the next few months, everything I create will be shorts. It gives my brain a rest and gives the reader a nice low price point.

Oh I so know what you mean! It is quite refreshing to work on something short after a long project!

As one of the lucky writers who gets to stay home and write all day, what is your favorite part of your job?

Yes, when I was laid off four years ago, I couldn't find a job in my industry so I got serious about writing. Is it a hardship having one income? You bet and it leads to creative finances, but I wouldn't trade the time it affords me for writing. My favorite part of my job? Continuing to learn the craft, make my stories better and receiving reader mail.

Love how you turned something unpleasant into something fantastic!

And one last question for fun! I know how big a fan you are of Disney World (just like me!!) and good food (also, just like me!). Where is your favorite place to eat while at the World?

Oh, gosh, now that is a huge question! I adore the French bistro in Epcot. They made some of the best onion soup I've ever had. But then there's the Chinese place in Epcot. Ginger ice cream. That's all I'll say lol I also really love the breakfast at the Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom. My husband and I eat there every time we go to Disney.

Oh, I could talk about Disney food all day long!!

Thanks so much for being here, Sandra!!

Thanks for having me on your blog. As a thank you to your readers, I'm offering a prize to a random commenter. You'll receive a subscription to my monthly newsletter, book swag plus a vial of "fairy dust" and a Tooth Fairy "coin". Remember to leave an email address and check back to see if you won!

If you'd like to find out more about the Holiday Magic series or everything else I write, pop over to my website http://www.sandrasookoo.com From there you can connect with me on Twitter, Facebook or drop in on my Believing is Seeing blog.

I heart interviews!!

Today I am being interviewed by Summer Ross over at My Inner Fairy! Please please please go and check it out!!!

And don't forget my Show Me the Love Blogfest!! It's coming soon! Sign up if you haven't already!!

Day 3 of Questions!

One final question!!! Hope you're not too bored yet!!

Question #6 comes from Kristi Faith: "How did you meet your husband?"

We actually met at a family type campground...both of our families camped their seasonally every summer!! Instead of writing the whole thing out, here are some posts I wrote a while back about "our story":

How I Met Your Father: Part 1

How I Met Your Father: Part 2

How I Met Your father: Part 3

How I met Your Father: Part 4

More answers to your questions!

Here are some more of your questions! If you haven't posted a question yet, please feel free to go to last Friday's post and ask away!

Question #3 comes from Stephanie Faris: "What are your biggest dreams when it comes to your writing career?"

My biggest career dream is to just share my story with readers and have them tell me how much they loved it and identified with my character...they laughed, they cried...it had everything they wanted and more! I'd love to be able to make a decent living doing what I love..I won't lie...we can use more money than we currently have!! LOL! And I'd love to walk into a book store and see someone pick up my book, read the blurb, then add it to their pile of purchases...that would just be so awesome!!

Question #4 comes from Bethany Mattingly: "As a kid we all think of what we'll be like as adults. What did you think you'd be like? How close are you?"

When I was a kid, I always imagined myself as a mom with a tidy perfect house. I saw myself making dinner and having it on the table for my husband- a tall blonde man with glasses who wore a suit to work. I honestly don't remember myself having a job...my mom stayed home with us kids for many years...she didn't get a job until we were older and even then, she didn't start til after we went to school and was home when we got home. That was just what I knew back then. And in all honesty, my life is somewhat similar. I did work for many years in my chosen field but knew all along that I wanted to be home for our children. I ran a business out of my home for several years but ended it to devote my career to writing instead. I have the two kids but the husband is a little different...nothing like I ever thought I'd end up with actually!! He works in law enforcement and wears a uniform to work...he has dark hair and perfect vision! LOL! (and never ever in my teen years did I ever think I'd end up with the quarterback of the football team superstar jock!) And as far as the house goes...yeah, I do like to have a tidy home (though housekeeping does come second to writing!!) and I enjoy making all kinds of fun recipes for dinner!

And the last for today, question #5 comes from Elizabeth Monroz: "Do you have a regularly scheduled time or word count that you spend writing? If you get stuck, do you take a break?"

I have two modes, creative mode and editing mode. I have trouble doing both at the same time. But when I am in all out creative mode, I stick to a 1000 word a day goal. I do not make the goal every day...life happens. But there are many days I far surpass it..even double it. So those days make up for my short days and when I evaluate my monthly word count, I am usually right on track. This July I added just over 30,000 words to my MS. And I most definitely take breaks. I have to. When i get stuck. I minimize the document and pop in on Facebook or Twitter, I check my email. Depending on what's there, the break is anywhere from 2-5 minutes, and then usually I am good to go. Sometimes I may pop in at a few of the message board communities I belong to for 5-10 minutes...and I come out feeling refreshed. I'll take several little breaks a day. And I admit, I take more frequent breaks while editing...my eyes go buggy staring at the screen, so breaks are necessary!!

And now your answers!!!!!

Huge thanks to everyone who posted questions on Friday and through the weekend!! Please feel free to post more questions!!! This is really fun!! Click here to be taken the the post!!

Question #1 is from Teenage Bride! "What inspired you to become a writer?"

I've always loved creating things...scrapbooks, crafts, meals, stories, even choreographed dances. Even as a child I spent most of my time doing those types of things instead of science experiments or sports. I always kept a diary and wrote and illustrated little stories too. As I grew up, ideas would pop into my head from time to time...random things at random times. I would say to myself "That would make a really great book or movie!" Then one day...I actually wrote the idea down and then expanded on it...and thought about where the entire story would go. I remember feeling so unbelievably accomplished after writing eleven pages (single spaced). That's when it sparked for me. I abandoned that story and went on to something else a little nearer and dearer to my heart...and that only fanned the tiny flame. It grew into a full out bonfire and it was official...I loved writing fiction!!

Question #2 comes from Jenn Johansson: "Do you think you've had a "big break" yet in your career? If so, what was it?"

I call it my medium break, though I hope it doesn't come off sounding like I don't appreciate it, because I SOOO do!!! When I originally started dreaming about becoming an author, I of course saw my book in my hands, on bookstore shelves, on best seller lists...I saw myself at readings and books signings with a mile long line of fans! (and possibly a movie deal too! LOL!) Bottom line, I saw my story being adored by lots of people. So when I started my quest for this dream, I took the traditional route. I queried agents. And I queried some more. I revamped and queried again. And I let my story sit and wrote another one. I went back and reworked it again after a significant amount of time had passed. And I queried yet again. But I still was sitting at the starting line. And then I happened across some small independent digital publishers. I submitted, even though I knew very little about digital publishing. And then, just like that...I had a publishing contract in my inbox. I adore my publishers, Lyrical Press...they are an amazing group of people!! They were very small when they started out and are growing every week it seems! I know they have the potential to become very very big!!!! I hope to grow with them. But I do still crave seeing my book in a bookstore. Nothing will ever take that desire away. So for as much as I am thankful for this amazing chance I've been given, I will still try to grab the attention of an agent. :)

Be nosey! It's okay!

I've done a few interviews and I absolutely love them!!!! It's so fun to answer questions and share my life with readers and bloggers. There were lots of questions about my writer lifestyle and about my books and other projects and even some fun questions too! I like to describe myself as an "open book", pun intended! I don't know if there's any question I would shy away from!

So what I want to do for next week is answer the questions you want answers to!! I've seen this done on other blogs numerous time and I always think it's a ton of fun!!!! Bloggers always come up with great questions!!

So give me your best questions!!! Post them in the comments and depending on how many I get, I'll post the answers all in one day or break them up into 2 or 3 days worth of posts!

Thanks! Can't wait to see what you guys come up with!!

Character Names????

To me, character names are very important. You can tell a lot about a character just by their name. When I was searching for a name for my main character in A Bitch Named Karma, I needed something strong and sassy, bold. Mary or Sue or Elizabeth just would not have worked at all. I liked Lexi, which is short for a more traditional name-Alexandra, but no one uses her full name except her mother. And that fits too. Her mother is always trying to push her ideals of a perfect life- a traditional life- onto Lexi and she wants no part of it.

I finished reading a book last night...a cute romance that I really enjoyed. But I had issues with some of the character's names. The main character was Flora, and that did fit..she was very shy...very withdrawn...it was okay that she didn't have a real common name. But the two men in the story, Logan and Conner, to me, those names just sounded too new to be grown men. All the Logan and Conners I know are little boys.

So maybe it's just me on this one. But when I search for names, I also take a look at the top 100 names for the year the character was born. Usually I want to avoid ultra common names, though sometimes my character calls for that too. But I just don't like names that would have obviously been way off for the year the character was born.

Just my thoughts!!

Make sure you check out my latest interview!!! Louise at Wise Words interviewed me!!!! Thanks so much Louise!!

And, here is a FANTASTIC contest over at A Blissful Life! Definitely check it out!

I love interviews!!!!

Please stop by Savannah Chase's blog today and check out my latest interview!!!! She really asked some great questions!!!!!

Another awesome interview!!!!!!!

Jen at Unedited is so so AWESOME!!!!! I simply adore her!!! She interviewed me for her blog! Please check it out!! Give her some blog love and follow her if you aren't already!!