Ella Medler Author Interview with guest blogger CeCe

About the Author - Ella Medler

I live in Cornwall with my husband and our two teenage daughters who regularly threaten to never leave home (must be my cooking).

Together, we care for a large assortment of pets, some small enough to fit in a fish tank, and some capable of causing you significant injury on impact.

I was born in Transylvania but got chucked out due to my inability to grow fangs and reluctance to sleep in coffins. I studied economics to masters level, and qualified with 93.5% (damn good, considering I really wasn't interested). I wanted to be an archaeologist, travel the world, scrape around in mud and live in squalor. Unfortunately, my mother won that argument, and so, after refusing a teaching post (I never did like school), I started work in business development consultancy roles, where I met my husband, the lucky so and so. The rest is history. If you’re reading this, you’ already know the end of the story.

Martin Little, Resurrected is a quirky and original novel which seamlessly blends the daily irritations of contemporary life in Britain with an unusual and unexpected setting. The storyline is action-packed, moderately thought-provoking and relentlessly funny. In order to rescue the girl with whom he has fallen in love despite his better judgement, Martin has to set aside his snobbish hang-ups and inhibitions and work together with his newly acquired friends, a gang of lawless misfits whom he despises. The plot thickens and picks up pace as the loop of officialdom trips them up and the law threatens to catch up with them. Through all this, Martin has to stay one step ahead and find help where it doesn’t seem possible in order to earn his friends’ and his own freedom. Essentially a light-hearted journey of discovery and self-improvement, the many dizzying twists and heady surprises make this story an engaging read and a real crowd pleaser with universal appeal.

Hi Ella, It's great to have you here with us. Please tell us a little about yourself.

I live in Cornwall with my husband and daughters. I like to smile, laugh and talk a lot, and that is reflected in my writing style: I prefer to put fun into my stories, and all of them tend to turn into full-length novels.

Martin Little, Resurrected. Which genre does it belong to? 

It’s a contemporary fantasy, a lighthearted social satire. I have purposefully kept away from the all-too-common wizards, vampires and werewolves and chose to make fun instead of our current lifestyle, customs, behavior and silly society habits such as excessive bureaucracy and extremes in general.

Do you plot a story or just write as the story comes to you?

It depends on the genre. When I write fantasy, I prefer to trust my characters to carry the story forward. They do a brilliant job, and I am only too happy to provide the necessary twists – my brain is never idle. When I write suspense/thrillers I have a well-determined plot. I think the genre requires it. The new genre I’m trying out this year is paranormal romance – yes, it does have vampires in it – and I’m finding this one completely different; I’m still adjusting to it, though my co-author, Kristie Drennin Haigwood is doing a fine job of showing me the way.

What book title are you currently promoting? Blood is Heavier – a thriller about a man who is trying to protect his family. This is part one of a trilogy. The second one in the series is due out in December and the last one in 2013. I am making it free to download until the next book is out, so if I were you, I’d get it now.

Martin Little sounds like a fun character.. How did you come up with his character  and his name?

I’m a people-watcher. I created the character by gathering together a lot of my observations about men. It’s quite uncommon for a female author to write in first person from a male point of view, but I think being different is a good thing. Judging by the reviews I received from male reviewers especially, I got it right. Once I had the character, I looked for a name that would suit him best: Martin because it’s not a particularly ‘hip’ modern name, and Little because he imagines himself as being ‘of little importance’ in the universe in general.

Are you working on any other project at the moment?

 Yes. I am co-writing a series of paranormal romance books in collaboration with Kristie Drennin Haigwood, the first of which we hope to release this year. I am also working on the second in the Martin Little series, Martin Little Takes Epic Action, and the sequel for Blood is Heavier. And I plan to release a non-fiction Author Resources book in September. Apart from that, most of my work is going into my daily blog which is getting a little overcrowded – I am planning to split it into several strands so that the many Author Spotlights I organize and the book reviews can have a dedicated page, and the book series I work on can each have their own ‘home’, too.

What book are you currently reading?

In the last week I have read two: Cemetery Street by John Zunski, and Unauthorized Access, by Andrew McAllister, which I’ve finished about an hour ago. They were both good reads; both got five star reviews from me.

What do you do when you are not writing?

I edit, or read, or play with my dogs. Or I murder a keyboard. I left it a bit late in life, I know, but I started piano lessons this spring. It was something I’ve always wished I could do, and I got tangled into a half-bet discussion with an old piano teacher who insisted anyone could learn, at any age. Not sure who’s winning the bet at the moment, but I’m not giving up. She’s not wearing earplugs, so I’m taking that as a good sign.

Where can readers and fans find you online?

You can reach me by simply leaving a message on my blog http://ellamedler.wordpress.com/

I’m on facebook and twitter, too, with links from my author website  http://www.ellamedler.com/

Blood is Heavier is free to download from:

Smashwords

Diesel 

Kobo 

and (soon) Barnes & Noble.

Amazon hasn’t price-matched yet, but it’s there, too. 

Here’s a link to my author page on Amazon, where you can see all my books 

Martin Little, Resurrected is available from

Amazon (paperback and Kindle) 

Barnes&Noble

Kobo 

Omnilit 

Waterstones 

And in pretty much every other format you can think of.

Thanks, Ella!

From the Blog: CeCe's Reading and WritingSafari

Guest post with Ella Medler - REVIEW: Grey Death, by Author Ronald Dahle

Grey Death is a conspiracy/political thriller. The Deacon, a retired Green Beret, organizes a quiet defence network for his country. Recognition for his actions is not high on his list, which is just as well, as the current political trend is ploughing forward aimlessly into the future, eyes closed, and brandishing a white flag, hoping for the best.

Ronald Dahle has hit a nerve with this book, a sequel of Churning Cauldron, and I can’t imagine it will be long before it will become a ‘must read’ for every young American. I dare say the patriotism and ideals depicted here transcend silly, insubstantial obstacles, such as boundaries between countries, for example. This should be a ‘must read’ for the world.

Back to the story. The Deacon’s band of Geriatric Warriors is doing a good job at defending the country from threats which are overlooked or unnoticed by its already overstretched security agencies. The camaraderie between these men has been tried and tested on battlefields already. This time, the enemy is not as easy to identify, but the Warriors are slick, calm and able to scramble a lot quicker than centralised military forces ever could be.

With determination, a good dose of luck and complete trust in each other, these seemingly harmless mavericks punish wrongdoers and prevent events that, potentially, could have disastrous consequences for the people of America and its freedom. It’s clear for all to see, ‘baddies’ come in all forms and sizes, some foreign and some home-grown, but no one escapes without getting what they deserve. When it comes to defending their motherland, there no sacrifice big enough, nothing they won’t do.

Very well written action sequences, with clear inside knowledge, pepper almost every page of this novel. There are few respites, and even those are fun to read as the Deacon takes us along in his thoughts – his dismay at realizing he is falling for Mary Jane, despite fooling himself into a false sense of security induced by his long-term celibate status, is delightfully weaved through.

Ronald Dahle’s voice is clear and clipped, no-nonsense, the voice of a soldier. You won’t find any flourishes and fancy twists of phrase here. Each character is well developed. They have individual voices, likes and dislikes and their own history. For ease of reference, the author introduces everyone right at the very beginning, and, while I was tempted to go back once or twice, to check on details, I just couldn’t tear myself from the story for long enough to do that.

At the point of writing this review I haven’t read the first book in the series yet, Churning Cauldron, but I certainly will before book three, Grey Dawn, is out, later this year.

I recommend this book to every patriot, no matter what race, citizenship or religion. A great idea and a brilliant read, it gets 5 stars from me. Ella Medler - Author/Editor

Available on Amazon and other online stores

About ellamedler

Ella Medler is a fiction novelist and playwright. Her first novel MARTIN LITTLE, RESURRECTED is available in print from Amazon.com and in ebook form pretty much in every format you can think of. At the beginning of May she released a thriller, BLOOD IS HEAVIER, available on Amazon and Smashwords. Visit her website at www.ellamedler.com for updates, excerpts of her writing and link.

Author Interview with Amy Metz, Murder & Mayhem In Goose Pimple Junction

Hi Amy, where were you born and where do you call home? 

I’ve lived in Kentucky all my life. I was born in Owensboro and have lived in Paducah, Danville, and Lexington, but I grew up in Louisville, and minus seven years during college and early married life, it’s been home since first grade.

Tell us about something that has just happened or is about to happen in your life that you would like to share.

My first book is about to launch in August! I’m so excited about that. Also, my oldest son just got married, and they adopted an English Mastiff puppy. Now I have a new daughter-in-law and a new granddog.

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?

Murder & Mayhem In Goose Pimple Junction is my book that’s about to launch. It’s a murder mystery with quirky characters, a little bit of romance and a lot of Southern humor. 

If you gave one of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?

Tess would have words with me over keeping her apart from Jackson for so long. She’s not happy with all of the roadblocks I threw in their way. Come to think of it, Jackson would like to have a few words with me too.

Do you have plans for a new book?   Is this book part of a series?

Yes, this is book one of a series. I’ve completed the second book, and I’m currently working on the third. Book two is titled, Heroes & Hooligans In Goose Pimple Junction.

Patti says: you have to join the facebook page for Indie Authors that was created for Authors to tell us all about their soon to be released books. You can share excerpts of your book, cover... anything you like. don't forget to upload your cover and book trailer there! Here is the link (and all welcome) -  http://www.facebook.com/groups/415097921867041/

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

All three! I read ebooks when I go out and have to kill time waiting for someone or something, and I read paperbacks at home. But there’s nothing like holding a hardcover book in your hands. If I had to pick one, I’d pick hardcover.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?

I like to support Indie bookstores like Carmichael’s Bookstore in Louisville. If they don’t have what I want, I usually buy from betterworldbooks.com or amazon.com.

What book would you like to read again?

I’d happily read anything by Robert B. Parker multiple times. (And have on several occasions.)

Who designed the cover of your book?
I found Karen Mathison Schmidt online, and I think she did a fantastic job of illustrating my Goose Pimple Junction. I think she’s brilliant. I love her work and can’t say enough about it.

Do you have a book trailer?

I do! Thank you, Patti, for doing a fantastic job on it. You can find it here: You can also view it on the bottom of this post - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vIbieSgVjk

What are your thoughts on book trailers?

In today’s market, I think it’s smart to have a book trailer. If they’re done right they can be a valuable promotional tool.

What are your pet peeves? Mean people and bad grammar. Mean people who use poor grammar are the worst!

 Any pets that you would like to tell us about, share a pic?

I have two granddogs and one dog of our own. In addition to Arlo (AKA Big Dog, the newly adopted mastiff puppy,) my son has a six-year-old brown lab who opens doors, cabinets, and refrigerators. Seriously. And he’ll eat anything he can find. I actually gave some of his antics to Ezzie, the Bassett hound in the book. His name is Gage, but we call him Brown Dog. We have a six-year-old Labradoodle named Cooper who loves it when they come over.

White wine or red?

Sweet tea—the wine of the South!

Coffee or tea?

Sweet tea, of course.

So you like to cook?  Do you have a favorite food?

I love to bake. If it’s chocolate, lemon, or cheesecake, it’s a good bet I’m going to love it. 

Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream?

Chocolate. Unless it’s in a hot fudge sundae, and then it has to be vanilla.

What are 4 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)?
Lipstick, sunglasses, my Reader glasses, and a book loaded on my iPhone. My mother drilled into me to always have lipstick on, my eyes are very sensitive to the sun and I panic if I don’t have my sunglasses, and now that I’m over fifty, I can’t read a thing without my glasses. The day I discovered bifocal reader sunglasses, I was a happy girl. And I hate to sit and wait, but if I have a book I’m good for hours.

Sleep in or get up early?

Both! During the school year I get up at 6:30 to make my son’s breakfast and lunch, and to get him off to school. Then I go back to bed for a few more hours. I usually am up writing until one or two a.m., so once my son leaves for school, I have to go back to bed for more sleep. During the summer it’s pretty much the same. I stay up way too late and sleep in way too long. 

Laptop or desktop for writing?

Laptop. I love my MacBook. I’m on my second one. I wore the letters off the keys of the first one and filled the hard drive to the max. It’s now my backup.

Your favorite gadget - 

iPhone. I don’t know how I managed to live without one.

One of your favorite quotes -

Oh boy, I collect quotes like a bag lady collects tin cans. To pick one…hmmm…how about one I recently came across: To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch…to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!  ~Emerson

An actor or a book character you have a crush on –

Robert B. Parker’s Spenser, hands down. John Sandford’s Lucas Davenport is a close second.

Where can your readers stalk you? 

My website: www.amymetz.com
 

My facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/AmyMetzAuthor

http://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmyMetz
 

My Goodreads author page:

http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4790665-amy-metz
 

Twitter:@goosepimpleisms

Amazon: (I’ll know these links in about a month)

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?

It will be available in both.

Today’s post is the Lucky 7 post; I was tagged by Suzy Turner, author of the Raven Saga.

I got tagged! Today’s post is the Lucky 7 post; I was tagged by Suzy Turner, author of the Raven Saga.

Here’s how it works:
Go to page 7 or 77 in your current manuscript
Go to line 7
Copy down the next seven lines/sentences exactly as they are
Tag 7 other authors

This excerpt is from page 7 Bound By Blood:

A gush of putrid smelling blood and saliva spewed from between the animal's fangs as it opened its mouth and exhaled one last breath.  Then its lifeless body, contorted by death, crashed to the rocky outcrop below.
A bolt of lightening streaked across the sky, severing the invisible thread that kept us suspended, and we start to fall.  I am alarmed at how fast the earth below is rushing up to greet us…  I turn to look at Damon, searching for answers, but he just smiles, unaffected by our foreseeable death on the rocks below. 
For I see now, with absolute certainty, that we have not jumped far enough out from the cliff face.  excerpt: Paradox Series. Bound By Blood (bk 3) - October 2012 release

Left: Suzy Turner's Book in the Raven Saga. 

And now I need to choose 7 authors to do the same! Hmm? I have so many awesome authors from my indie family - and I can choose only 7! sorry, I chose 8 :) Don't worry if you're too busy to play ;)

Ella Medler - check out Ella's "7" here

Lana Davison

Kristie Haigwood

KaSonndra Leigh

Carlyle Labuschagne

Collette Scott

Dionne Lister
Julia Crane

Author Interview with Ronald Dahle, Churning Cauldron Series

Author Interview:  Ronald Dahle, currently working on the Churning Cauldron Series, the second in the series, Grey Death should be out in the Kindle format by early July and in print by mid-August. 

I was born in Portland, Maine, 31 August 1943. I spent a large portion of my life in the Army, having served in many places all over the world. I consider home wherever I feed my dogs. Right now that is in North Carolina. I have no idea where that will be next month.

My current writings, The Churning Cauldron series, is about a group of senior retired military men (the Geriatric Warriors)  who determine that America is faltering under a terrible administration which is determined to change everything America stands for. The "Geriatric Warriors" are equally resolute in preventing that, at any cost!

I am hoping to wrap this series up in three books, not sure I can do that though. A lot hinges on the result of our upcoming election. Beyond this, I am planning a series of short stories (200 pages) based on a character I just introduced in what is hopefully the last in my current series, titled The Grey Dawn. The character is a female assassin, who in addition to being drop dead gorgeous really kicks butt. She is as deadly as a coral snake. Her favorite tactic is to charm her victim and turning him/her into a willing accomplice in their demise. To find out more about her look for the Tracy Nebil Series on amazon.com in the Kindle format under my name.

I suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury in 2003 having lost an altercation with a 2200 pound Icelandic pony. He crushed my skull pretty well. That took a lot of my memory out, especially names. I don't recall any of the books I read prior to that. The first book I recall reading was Dan Brown's Angels and Demons, which a friend brought me in the hospital. I underwent over 2½ years of therapy to get back to "normal" or as close as I would ever get to it. 

A series of books by John Ringo have probably influenced my writing as much as any. He is also the author I would like to meet, as I can see he and I having a lot in common (except age) and would enjoy having a beer and chasing wild women with him. One of the few books I would read again is "The Plague Dogs" by Richard Adams, one of the most delightful books I have ever read.

I am definitely an Indie Author, as I likely don't have enough time left to try to go the traditional route.

Outskirts Press designed the cover on The Churning Cauldron to my exact specification. I provided the photograph that served as the base for the image. In the future, I envision Patti Roberts designing all my covers, as I can't imagine finding an artist that does equal work, and is as accessible, and amenable as Patti is. I consider the cover the most important element in a book! It has to stop the customer dead in his tracks, and scream "pick me up!" at him. Patti's work does this.

Patti Says: Thank you Ron. It is always a pleasure to design a cover for you :) There really are some brilliant artists out there that supply wonderful pieces of art to work with.

Yes I have a book trailer, and again, the quality of Patti's trailers far surpasses that which I got from my publisher. I can't imagine not having a book trailer in your quiver, as it is an extremely potent weapon on the book marketing battlefield. (See below)

I have two dogs, the loves of my life, Zeus, the mightiest of all Gods, and Molly my super tramp. They are 12½ years old siblings. 

I usually sleep in, and skip breakfast, I know, but I make up for it by consuming ridiculous amounts of black coffee. I have to switch to red wine at night as the coffee will keep me awake, although I do my best writing between 10:00 pm and 3:00 am. 

I have a little nook in a spare room that I devote to writing. If I am going to be gone for a spell I take a laptop with me, otherwise I do all my writing on a desktop. I have a digital recorder on my bed stand; in the event I come across an idea I immediately capture it. Some of the greatest thoughts I have ever had are in orbit somewhere because I didn't write them down immediately.

I do not leave home without my Kindle, my digital recorder, a cup of coffee, and either my .45 cal or .40 cal pistol. With those four items and a credit card I can survive anything.

There is no question about who I would want to share a deserted island with. First would be Mahatma Gandhi, next would be Attila the Hun, and last but not least Agent Tracy Nebil. Each being totally unique in their own way. How could one ever get bored?

Having been stationed in and visited a lot of the world, I would like to spend one more year in Alaska, fishing, and hunting Grizzlys, and Caribou. 

I don't do movies as a rule, I hold a high degree of contempt for most actors and actresses. Politics aside I could spend some time with Demi Moore and Angelina Jolie. Their screen persona is great.

Were my book to be made into a movie, either Clint Eastwood or Harrison Ford would have to play the Deacon. They are the only actors that have the swagger, and could carry the part off. For bit actors Bruce Willis, Sly Stallone, for the women, Mary Jane would have to be played by Demi Moore, Tracy Nebil demands that Angelina Jolie play the part, as she is the hottest baddest assed gal on the scene.

Who I am. I am loyal to a fault. I am slow to forgive and I never forget. I will give you the shirt off my back and ask or expect nothing in return. I consider respect extremely important, and feel it must be a two way street. Looking for Cinderella, convinced she is out there. Likely won't find her, and that is ok too.

My blog:  http://churningcauldron.com/        
http://mcgoothroughtime.com/

My facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/ron.dahle               http://www.facebook.com/RonaldDahle

My Goodreads author page:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/chrningcauldron

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?  Both

AMAZON - HERE

Bloodlines Part 1 Drew D'Amato - Book review by guest blogger Jeff Dawson

Excellent Story

What can I say? This is a wonderful ride through history. The author Mr. D'Amato adds a fascinating twist to this work. Did Judas Iscariot really hang himself, or did God have a different plan?

This a very linear genealogical table for vampire enthusiasts. Who was the first? Is it Vlad the Impaler , his father, or was it someone born centuries before? That is the question that will not be answered at this time.

This is a classic tale of the "Old Guard" attempting to correct the mistakes of the past. When the "young bloods" understand the goals of the leader, they are forced to make a decision. Shall they except the wishes of the elders or do they strike out to determine their own legacy? Either path will have dire consequences for all involved.

I enjoyed the pace. For some, it might drag a bit as the story falls back and definitive timeline is drawn out and explained. It is for this reason I will be getting part II. I'm very interesting if finding out who will be victorious.

The only drawback that held back a five star review, it needs another going over by the editor. There are some mistakes which can easily be corrected.

If you are a connoisseur of history (fictional) and enjoy a well crafted novel, this one will not disappoint.  Jeff Dawson
 

Buy it HERE on Amazon 

Author Interview - K. S. Haigwood - Forbidden Touch (Paranormal)

Kristie Drennin Haigwood

Neverending Suspense June 21, 2012

By D. Martin

Format:Kindle Edition

Our story concerns Mitch Foley, a homicide detective, and Ciera, a vampire. Mitch is the best detective Decatur, Illinois has to offer, and he has just been assigned what seems to be an impossible case. A series of 17 murders, all the victims chosen randomly, but with one similarity. All had every drop of blood drained from them.

Ciera is a Finder. She tracks down rogue vampires, and brings them to justice. And with the bloodless bodies, these murders have "vampire" written all over them. So Ciera is working the same case as Mitch and his partner, Lazarus, without them knowing she is there.

One of the abilities Ciera has is to make herself invisible. So she moves into Mitch's apartment with him so she will know if he discovers any information on the rogue vampire, Mitch begins to feel her presence around him. He becomes paranoid, thinking he has acquired a ghost, and begins to question his own sanity.

Ciera wants to reveal herself to Mitch, but it is a mortal sin for a vampire to expose their kind to a human. If she does her Family, who controls the vampires, will condemn her to death. She decides it is worth the risk when Mitch is framed for the murders. She shows herself to him and she is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. She explains she is a vampire and so is the murderer.

They are both in grave danger, but the connection between them is too much to ignore. A force stronger than either of them brings a beating heart and one that has been silent for over three centuries together. Ignoring the love they feel for each other is impossible. They have no choice, Mitch and Ciera have to run. Ciera has a death sentence hanging over her head, and the murder count has now been raised to 20. They need to find a powerful witch to protect them, and fast.

They do find a witch who gives them each an enchanted necklace. It changes their appearance so they can't be recognized, making them safe from the police and the Family. Mitch starts to think being a vampire might not be such a bad thing. Vampires live forever, after all. And he wants to spend eternity with Ciera.

Ciera learns through Dane, another vampire who would do anything for her attention and affection, that the killer is Lazarus, Mitch's police partner. What she doesn't know is Lazarus and Dane have framed Mitch, hoping to get him out of the way and leaving Ciera to Dane. And Ciera is falling in love with Dane. So she is in love with two men, and she has to sacrifice one to win the full attentions of the other.

Mitch and Ciera eventually learn what Lazarus' real plan is. He wants to kill the Elders out of revenge, but he is not a powerful enough vampire to accomplish this task on his own. He needs a very powerful vampire. He needs his biological son. He needs Mitch. But the Elders don't trust Mitch, because he is a human. Can Mitch and Ciera kill Lazarus without the backing of the Elders?

This book contains lots of twists and turns. Once you think you have everything figured out, the author throws you a curve and switches things around. As a paranormal romance, this book works. This action packed book is full of romance and suspense, and there is a lot of plotting and scheming going on. Mitch and Ciera have a knack for getting into impossible situations, but somehow always manage to escape them. The pace of the book is fast and crisply written. Highly recommended. 

 

Very pleasantly surprised! June 24, 2012

By Christina Moore

Format:Kindle Edition

Having read another review of this book, I had an idea what was going to happen. I knew ahead of time that Ciera would fall in love with both Mitch and Dane. I knew that Lazarus, Mitch's partner, was really his father. And I was hoping the twists and turns I had read would be in this book, and they were! Lazarus manipulating the way Mitch got turned into a vampire was a twist I didn't see coming. And Mitch certainly developed some very impressive abilities very quickly. I did not envy the situation Ciera found herself in, having fallen in love with two men, and while I had a feeling things would turn out as they did, I admit I felt sorry for the pain she went through. I love when a book is good enough to make me feel for the characters and what they are going through. Very well done, Kristie!

If you would like a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review, please leave a message in the comments box below. Make sure to include a Twitter, facebook or email address.

Author Interview - K. S. Haigwood - Forbidden Touch

Welcome Kristie, where were you born and where do you call home? I was born in Selma, AL, but I now reside in Arkansas with my family.

Tell us about something that has just happened or is about to happen in your life that you would like to share. I am co-authoring a series of books with Ella Medler.

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say? Forbidden Touch - Okay, I'm going to pretend I didn't hear the 30 words part and just tell you my blurb. I'm terrible at summarizing. Ciera has to break the ultimate vampire law to save Mitch, her mortal soulmate, from a terrible fate. Dane, the vampire who would do anything to win her affection, is responsible for Mitch being framed for murder. A fast chain of events is set in motion, which leads to the soulmates being torn apart and Ciera to lose her heart to the one person she has always despised, Dane. She finds herself completely in love with both men. But a rogue vampire puts them all in grave danger. Can she keep them both? Or will she have to accept one lover’s sacrifice, to save the other?

If you gave one of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say? I give my characters a chance to speak for themselves every time I sit down at my computer. Some are charming and witty. Some are aggressive and challenging. Some are rude and obnoxious, but they all have their own voice and say what they want to. Sorry, I think I went over a little.

Do you have plans for a new book? I always have plans for a new book. I have hundreds just waiting for me to set down and type them out. I suppose I could tell you I have 6 different WIP right now. It depends on which character is more aggressive that day which project I choose to work on.

Is this book part of a series? Yes. I haven't started the sequel yet, but Mitch and Ciera are waiting, very impatiently I might add, for me to begin. But then again, all my other characters want their turn, too. I have to be fair.

What books have influenced your writing? There isn't one specific book that influences my writing. They all do, and I find that I write better if I am reading a book during my writing process. It helps keep my mind focused on the fiction world.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet? I have two Best-selling authors I'd like to meet someday. J.R. Ward, Laurell K. Hamilton, and Nora Roberts. But if you want to know which authors I'd love to meet, who inspire me beyond anything else, then here is the shortest list I can provide: LA Kuehlke, David Slegg, Regan Walsh, Elyse Draper, Brian Bohles, Valerie Haight, Gale Minchew, Maree Ward-Russell, Carlyle Labuschagne, Hope Welsh, Lenore Wolfe, Jessica Bradshaw, Carmen DeSousa, Dawn Torrens, Nicole Hill, of course you, Patti, and last, but certainly not least, Ella Medler. I have no idea what I would do without these wonderful people in my life. They are my Indie family, and I promise I will give each and every one of these great writers a hug before I die. I may have to do a lot of traveling, but I will meet these authors.

Patti Says: Indies make the bestest of families!

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover? It doesn't matter to me. I'm only interested in the story, not what I'm holding.

Where do you prefer to buy your books? Amazon, Hastings or my local used book store.

Are you a self published (Indie) Author? Yes. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version? Nope. The book is always better. Well, they have been so far.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)? Blood is Heavier by Ella Medler. Kindle.

Are there any Authors that have grasped your interest recently and why? Yes. Refer to my answers six questions ago. *laughing*

Who designed the cover of your book? This really incredible cover artist. Her name is Patti Roberts. You should check her out. She's fabulous!


Do you buy a book by the cover? Honestly? Hardly ever. I usually buy a book if I've read that author's books before or if a friend tells me I should check out a book they read. I seldom ever look at the cover.

Do you have a book trailer? In the work right now.

What are your thoughts on book trailers? Every book should have one. It is like the previews to a movie. It lets people know what to expect.

Do you have any advice for other writers? Never give up. You can't reach your dreams if you don't try.

What date were you born? - you can leave off the year if you like. December 5, 1980


Did you have a favorite toy as a child? I was a tomboy, so trees, mud puddles and my bicycle were my favorite toys.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s? As often as I can.


What are your pet peeves? I can't stand to hear anybody smacking food or gum. It really bothers me. And I have a daughter that just can't seem to help it. Lol.


Any pets that you would like to tell us about, share a pic? I have 2. My Blue Heeler's name is Bucket, and my Red Heeler's name is Nyla.

White wine or red? Neither. I drink beer. Michelob Ultra, please.

Coffee or tea? Tea if I have to choose one of those, but I prefer Dr. Pepper or Diet Coke.

So you like to cook? No, but I do because I have to.

Do you have a favorite food? Italian

Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Strawberry.

What do you normally eat for breakfast, or do you skip it and get straight to work? Frosted Flakes or Cheerios

What are 4 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)? My laptop is the only other thing I have to have wherever I go. My phone is a must. I honestly don't know how I survived before smartphones.


Sleep in or get up early? Is 8:30 early?

Laptop or desktop for writing? Laptop

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing? At home and all the time, although I don't always get my way.


Your thoughts on receiving book reviews - the good and the bad - I imagine it's quite comical to other people when I realize I've received a five star review. I do the "5 star dance." And I've done that dance 29 times since I published Save My Soul March 16th, 3 months ago. The bad reviews don't bother me, especially when I have a lot of good reviews. I'm aware that not everyone will share my interests, and I have a 2 star review to prove it. Truth be known, a few bad reviews mixed in with a bunch of good reviews will actually boost sales. Think about it, I have 29 five star, 6 four star and 1 two star review(s). If it was me looking at a different author with those same ratings, I'd want to read the book just to see what the problem was with the 2 star giver. That's just my opinion. My sales haven't suffered because of it.

If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you? Kim Spradlin (2012 Survivor winner) so we can, well, survive. Chris Hemsworth to hunt and keep us safe. And Lars Burmeister for the scenery.


Where is one place in the world that you would really love to visit someday? Ireland

One of your favorite quotes - "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we do." -- Confucius

Patti Says: this is one of my favorite quotes... I isn't how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up!

List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend? Blood is Heavier by Ella Medler. Reading it now, but it is so good. Hazy Shade of Winter by Jessica Bradshaw (It's a series. Book 2 is just as good.) Whisper Cape by Regan Walsh. There are hundreds more, but those are the last ones I read that I would recommend.

List 3 of your favorite movies? Secretariat / The Help / The Notebook

An actor or a book character you have a crush on - All of my male characters. I am head over heels for every one of them.

What is a movie or TV show that you watched just recently and really enjoyed? True Blood


If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters? Mitch (Chris Hemsworth), Dane (Scott Speedman), Ciera (Lyndsy Fonseca)

Where can your readers stalk you?

My blog: http://www.kshaigwood.blogspot.com

My facebook page: www.facebook.com/forbiddentouch

My Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5779135.K_S_Haigwood

Twitter: www.twitter.com/kshaigwood

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/kshaigwood

Other: www.facebook.com/kshaigwood

Is your book in Print, ebook or both? Only ebook right now, but I will have it in print soon.

Kristie's Movie Review: Snow White And The Huntsman - HERE