Getting to know T.M. Hunter

What are the most challenging and the most rewarding aspects of writing?

I'd say the most challenging aspects are far more plentiful. Constant rejection, a long generative process with little reward along the way, an ever-moving target for what your customers (in the case of writing, publishers and editors) are looking for...it's rather depressing if one stops to think about it.

All that being said, the most rewarding aspect of writing is knowing that a reader enjoyed your story enough to continue reading your other works. Readers are definitely what makes writing worth pressing through, despite all of the challenges.

Tell us about your latest/upcoming release. What inspired it? Is it part of a series or is it a standalone title?

My latest release (Champagne Books, January 2010) is Friends in Deed, the second novel in my Aston West series of books and short stories. The inspiration for this one came from a brief mention of some bit characters from my first novel, Heroes Die Young (Champagne Books, September 2008), Lars and Elijah Cassus. These twin brothers caught my attention during Heroes Die Young, and I began to wonder what they were like and what they'd been up to since Aston last saw them. Unfortunately for him, they'd been up to a lot of no good.
 

What are your top 3 favorite paranormal books and movies?

I'd say that my top three are all in the movie arena. Not sure if it would be classified as a paranormal in the strictest sense, but I loved Ghostbusters (the first one...the second not so much). Another good one would be Beetlejuice, and a third would be Sixth Sense.
 

What character (s) in any of your books is most like you?

I'm not sure that any one character is most like me in all aspects, as much  as a part of me goes into every character I create. Aston, as my main character, does share some similarities with me, but not enough to where I'd say he's like me.
 

What is the most ridiculous thing that you have thought about doing to any of your characters but never did?

Wow...have never really thought about that before. In fact, most of the time, I get my way (it's good to be the master of one's universe, writing-wise) when I want to do things to my characters. But on the flip-side, I'm a fairly benevolent dictator and have never tried to do anything too ridiculous. I would say that I've never forced Aston to settle down with someone, but that might just be because I haven't gotten around to it yet.

In fact, I'd say there are possibly many ridiculous things that I've thought about doing, but just haven't gotten around to yet. The thought of Aston's ship's computer (Jeanie) have a holographic image around the ship has bumped around in my head from time to time, and might just make this list...and then again, it might just happen in the future.
 

How do you keep track of your world building?

I generally use 3x5 notecards for a lot of the specific details of worlds, characters, etc. I also use spiral notebooks for plots of my novels and loose sheets in a master notebook for my short stories. I'm terrible at keeping track otherwise,  and even then,  there are far too many times when I'll have to pull out an old story or manuscript file to do some research on what I'd done in the past.
 

What do you feel are the benefits of the new electronic readers such as Kindle 2 or Sony Digital Book Reader to the environment?

I do think that eReaders will become the new standard for reading books, just like MP3 players have for listening to music. I believe that their full potential still has yet to be reached, because of the high price point, and once the companies selling these devices realize this, a waterfall effect will be seen, just as with MP3 players. The ability to transport several books on a single device, versus lugging around all those paper copes...it'll be like a writer creating several manuscripts on a computer versus typing them all out (and editing) on a manual typewriter. People will look back and wonder how we ever did it before having eReaders.

What impact do electronic readers create on the bottom line for authors in the end? Do you feel they have a negative impact or positive, or no impact at all that you can see?

It all depends on the contracts an author has in place, as well as the promotion an author does. If an author is receiving 15% of cover price on a $30 hardback, then obviously they're going to balk at the idea of receiving even 30% of a $10 e-book. But time and again, we've seen evidence that a lower price point (including under $6 for an e-book) drives more people to try new authors, and if an author is selling 40 e-books a day at $6, receiving 30%...that's going to be more money coming in versus even 15% of a $30 hardback even if it might be selling 15 copies a day (which would be extremely ambitious, especially in this economy).

So, all that to say I believe electronic readers are going to prove a huge positive impact on an author's bottom line. A lower price point will drive more readers to buy, and in greater quantities than expensive hardbacks. Add in higher royalty percentages to offset these lower prices, and it's a win-win for authors.
 

What other jobs have you had besides being an author?

Being an author is my part-time job. During the day, I work for an aircraft company designing aircraft...which is good, because writing is not something to go into if you're looking for something to pay the bills.

Which authors works do you enjoy reading and do you have any other authors that you bounce ideas of?

I have several authors I enjoy reading...though I hesitate to list any here, as I'll likely omit someone and cause ill feelings. The best way to catch these authors is by following me over at Twitter, Facebook and Myspace where I generally give shout-outs to these authors for their books.

As for other authors I bounce ideas off of, I am part of a critique group here in town which I attend each month. Besides those, I communicate with several authors I've met through the years (both in person and over the internet) and have grown to trust and respect. Again, no lists as I'll definitely end up forgetting someone...

What is your favorite way to relax after a hard day of work/writing?
Sleep usually works...and is about all I have time for. ;-)

I also have several spots in town I like to eat or dine at, but more often than not, I'll end up taking my writing with me, and just end up getting more done if possible.

Are you working on anything new that you want to tease the readers with?I do have several new pieces in work, including my third Aston novel, tentatively titled Death Brings the Victory. Another piece (The Cure), which is set in Aston's universe (but doesn't contain him) is a tale of one woman's desire to bring her dead family back to life by finding a cure for death. And of course, I'm always working on several short stories along the way...and have many which are out on submission or under contract for publication.

If we asked your muse to describe you in five words, what do you think they may say about you?Methodically driven, stubborn writing masochist

Where can readers find you on the net?

I have a home over at AstonWest.com which is where readers can find out about my latest news, releases, and events, as well as links to my published stories and novels. As I mentioned, I also exist on Twitter (@astonwest), Facebook and Myspace (both under Aston West). And of course, one can also see me from time to time at my usual internet writer's websites (which one can get to through the links page over my site).

Heroes Die Young

Available in E-book and Print 

Champagne Books/Amazon

Aston stumbles across a derelict freighter and is drawn into the intrigue surrounding its fate as well as the ship's beautiful, yet mysterious Captain.

I lifted the left sleeve of my black jacket up and spoke through the embedded transmitter. “Can you get me through the airlock hatch?”

“Negative.”

Green indicator lights above the inner circular hatch told me the pressures had already equalized. I stooped over to the left and looked at my reflection in a dark computer screen mounted in the wall. My face was rugged, covered with a few lines and weathered by experience. My once bright blue eyes were dim from the passage of time. I quickly grew tired of looking at myself and pulled the screen from the wall, where it dangled from a large jumble of wires.

It was a mystery which ones controlled the locking mechanism, so to save time, I yanked all of them out amidst snapping sparks and rancid fumes. The screen dropped to the floor and smashed. The door popped loose, just enough where I could put my fingers around the edge. The muscles in my arms bulged slightly as I strained. Finally, the door hit a point where it rolled out of the way on its own and I ducked through the entryway.

“I’m in,” I announced to Jeanie.

“Be careful.”

Inside, I broke into a sweat, from both the physical exertion and the climate controls on-board the freighter. Rulusians were from an extremely warm and humid jungle planet, and liked to make their ships feel like home. My heavy jacket didn’t help matters. Lines of sweat made their way down my face, as I stepped away from the airlock hatch.

I turned my gaze down the entry corridor and saw carnage I wouldn’t soon forget. Rulusian bodies lay on either side of the hallway, burn marks from energy weapons as black patches on a background of dark green skin. The putrid scent of scorched flesh was in the air. I passed an open doorway on my left, and looked inside at crew quarters. More Rulusian corpses lay amidst sparks and clouds of smoke.

I lifted the transmitter again. “You’re sure there isn’t anyone on this ship?”

“Affirmative. All scans show nothing but yourself.”

“This damage is far too recent for my liking.”

“Did the crew abandon ship as we had thought?”

I grimaced. “Doesn’t look like it.”

I continued down the corridor toward the bridge. Dark blast marks lined the doorframe and floor, where an access hatch had been blown open. Smoke particles lingered in the air and I detected a faint chemical odor while my eyes watered. I took slow, cautious steps through the opening and became witness to even more carnage. Ten more Rulusians were collapsed against the wall or slumped over consoles, all roasted by weapons fire. I definitely didn’t need to meet up with the people who had done this. I didn’t get into the scavenging business to be a hero. Everyone loves heroes, but heroes have a tendency to die young.

Choosing Words-Writing & Alchemy by Kenneth Weene

 Choosing words

People often ask me when I knew that I was a writer. Now, I don’t mean, “When did I know that I wanted to be a writer?” which is a very different question. It’s the difference between a little kid saying he wants to grow up to be a fireman and the day the young adult dons his SCOT gear and doesn’t panic.

For me the fateful day was right after Christmas vacation my sophomore year of high school. It had been a different vacation than those I had known. That fall I had started at a boarding school, where it was hoped that I would get a better education than in our local public school system.

One of the many reasons behind this change was it allowed my father to take a sabbatical year off from his teaching job; he was on the faculty of the same public system that I was leaving. My parents were going to spend the winter in Florida. Even then it seemed like an unworthy way to spend a year that was supposed to afford either travel or education, but that was their goal.

Now, at the risk of revealing my age, which is easily in the senior category, I have to say that in those days Florida was far away and even exotic to those of us who lived in the Greater Boston area. Even though the Wright brothers had done their thing and Lindbergh, Post, and Earhart had long since left the stage, flying was still exotic, and average people didn’t go to Florida. Of course, Disney and the Orlando miracle hadn’t taken place so those who did go were mainly visiting Miami and the sun.

My brother and I took a flight out of Logan. It was our first flight. Since Eastern Airlines is long since defunct, I can mention that it was a flight out of hell. So badly was it managed that we arrived many hours late and our parents, along with other waiting greeters, were told that the airline has “lost track” of the flight. But, eventually we arrived, and I had instantly become a dedicated traveler.

There was much about that vacation that was memorable. From time to time I have drawn on it for parts of short stories and poems and even for brief bits of professional papers in my other career as a psychologist. However, I chose only one night spent walking on the beach for the inevitable “What I did on my vacation” essay that my English teacher had required us to write.

Why had I chosen that night? Because of the moon. So full, so bright, yet so eerie. It had been a moon of panic and archetypical thoughts, a moon made for histrionics and adolescence.

Mr. Williams had liked my essay. Easily I had received the highest grade in the class. However, he had criticized my use of adjectives. “Silver” he had written in the space above my words and taken off a few points. What had I written” The white gold moon …” I tried to remonstrate.

“Everybody knows that the moon is silver so that’s the word you use,” had been his explanatory response.

Now I don’t want to be overly critical. He was an admirable teacher, and I learned a great deal that year. But, he was not a writer. At that moment I knew that he was not. I also knew that I was. You see writers think about the words we use; we worry at them; we select them; we say them to ourselves and hear their sound; ultimately we cherish them. We do not use them because they are the words that are expected. At that time I could not have explained to him that alchemy was about gold and therefore that the motivational power of the gold was so much greater than the silver. I could not explain to him that the use of two words instead of a two-syllable word would give more emphasis to the sounds and thereby draw more attention to the phrase. I could not even explain that the unexpected makes the reader think. I simply walked away knowing that Mr. Williams was not and would never be a writer but that I, even at fourteen, was.

Thousands of words later - having written novels, short stories, poetry, and essays: I still celebrate the careful choice of words. I still listen for the sounds as the words leave my fingers and turn into electrons.

Here is a small excerpt from one of my short stories, End Game.

Michael stared at the popcorn ceiling and waited for it to descend – to press him into wine, the last unprotesting whine of death. It was, he iterated over and over in his head, “a consummation devoutly to be wished.” But the damn ceiling did what ceilings will do, it lay suspended above him like an astral plane to which he could aspire but which he would never reach. He lay splayed in comfortable crucifixion across their bed. Naked, semi-erect and incoherent he lay; and she, Merriam, lay next to him.

Could I have written this differently? Obviously. I have played on the homonyms wine and whine; I have deliberately referenced Shakespeare and particularly the painful indecision of Hamlet, which incidentally tell us that the character is intellectual. I coin a word, “unprotesting,” which your spell check will tell you should be “unresisting.” Unresisting does not carry forth the play on homonyms.

“Writers love language.” That is something I know at the core of being. Lots of people write things but aren’t writers. Like that English teacher of years ago, they write what is expected rather than cherishing the creativity of words. Ultimately to be a writer is to become an alchemist of words, we are trying to turn them into our white gold. 

Find out more on Kenneth check out his website and video trailers:

http://www.authorkenweene.com

http://vidego.multicastmedia.com/player.php?p=nqm74a8k

Publisher-All Things That Matter Press-Click HERE to view 

Memoirs from the Asylum blurb:

What is it like to work inside a state hospital or to be a patient in such a hospital? What is it like to live inside the mind of such a patient? This tragi-comedic novel takes the reader inside the asylum, inside the worlds of three central characters: a narrator who has taken refuge from his fears of the world, a psychiatrist whose own life has been damaged by his father's depression, and a catatonic schizophrenic whose world is trapped inside a crack in the wall opposite her bed. This is the interwoven story of their lives, a story that includes love, sexuality, violence, deaths, celebrations, circuses, and surprising twists. As the plot unwinds, the reader learns a great deal about the nature of futility, frustration, and freedom. 

Buy at Amazon HERE or HERE at All Things That Matter Press

Why I Love Good Bad Boys by Rie McGaha

     WHY I LOVE GOOD BAD BOYS! By Rie McGaha

I love good bad boys. Oops, don't I mean bad good boys? Nope, not at all. There is a difference, at least to my way of thinking. Bad good boys are the ones I don't trust. They're the ones who pretend to be good, kind, loving and caring, but they're really underhanded, sneaky, and probably snivel and cry when a good bad boy shows up! Now, there are also bad, bad boys who are just that. They're bad and don't care who knows it. They don't have anything good in them and wind up being the ones who beat the women in their lives, kick puppies and rob their grandmothers. Eeewww!  But the good bad boys, oh, give me one of them anytime.

A good bad boy is the one who is sexy, confident, loving, kind, protective, a little possessive, good in bed and the ones we love to love. They're also not afraid to be the tough guy when they have to be. They'll punch out anyone who disrespects a woman, kicks a puppy, or mistreats anyone who is unable to defend themselves. They might bend the law in their effort to do the right thing, maybe occasionally, break the law, but only when the law stands between them and their goal to do the right thing. These guys are the perfect man in every way, which is probably why they are written about in so many books.

Some of my favorite good bad boys are Thomas Jane, playing Castle in The Punisher (2004, Lions Gate Films); Mark Wahlberg as Max Payne in the movie by the same name (2008, 20^th Century Fox); and Denzel Washington in everything he does, but most recently as Eli in The Book Of Eli (2010, Warner Bros.).

In books, I think Karen Marie Moning's Highlander series has some of the sexiest hunks with Kiss Of The Highlander, which introduces identical twins Drustan and Dageus MacKeltar. I have consumed each new book faster than the author can write them and absolutely love not only the brothers, but also the other men created in this series. Each one is more scrumptious than the next and I could lick them all from head to toe and want seconds!

These are the kind of men I not only love, but also married. Oh yes, ladies, I have my very own good bad boy in my bed every night. He is also just as scrumptious as the make believe men, but he's also very real. He is everything I've ever wanted, the one who treats me like a treasure, and protects me, loves me, takes care of me and the sex, well now…I don't want you to be too jealous of me! J He's a strong, strong-minded, physical kind of guy with a warrior's heart and soul, who still has enough little boy in him to be playful and carefree. That is something I lack and without him to pull me out of my adult doldrums, I'd probably be a hermit who never sees the sun.

He is also the one I model my good bad boy characters after. Even my first published book, Deadly Dreams, (Noble Romance Publishing),had elements of my husband in both the hero and the villain. I continued in that vein in Blood Line, (Noble Romance Publishing), and it's sequel, Ancient Blood, with the character Joshua Kaine. The relationship between Josh and his wife, Jessie, is very close to the relationship my husband and I share. He is also in my characters from Comes An Outlaw, (Silver Publishing), Closure (Champagne Books), One Good Man (eXcessica), and a few I'm still working on. As far as I'm concerned, I've found the perfect mix of good bad boy in the man I married, so why shouldn't I share him with the world through my characters? After all, he is the man we all love to dream of and fantasize about.

website- www.riemcgaha.com

twitter- www.twitter.com/Rie_McGaha

Face book- www.facebook.com/RieMcGaha

MySpace- www.myspace.com/novelsbyrie

*~*

                       ONE GOOD MAN by RIE MCGAHA (blurb)

          Allison Hamstead thought it was love, finally, after all the years alone, someone loved her in spite of the fact she was fat! Not that her size had ever kept her from being successful, but it had kept her far from personal relationships. She’d heard all of the fat jokes ever told, all of the things people in her office said behind her back, and she didn’t miss not having a boyfriend, or dates every weekend. Did she? But now she was in love and she couldn’t wait to introduce him to her best friend, Sarah. And what a mistake that had turned out to be! It wasn’t long before the love of her life and her best friend were living together and Allison was humiliated.

          Starting over is never easy, but Allison is determined to do so and moves far from Chicago to the warm waters of Biloxi, Mississippi where she accepts a position at one of the floating casinos. For the first time in her life, Allison feels like she’s truly at home.  She loves her job, she loves her boss, who is like a father to her, and she loves being a part of all the excitement going on around her. Except for one little thing…

          Her boss’s eldest son, Stephen, is probably the most handsome, gorgeous, and sexy man she’s ever laid eyes on…and he knows it! And for some reason he acts interested in her. Then her mother comes to visit and winds up dating her boss. Her accounts start showing large amounts of money missing. And her ex shows up unannounced and says he wants her back. Can anything else possibly go wrong?

          Absolutely!

         

 *~*

 

Closure by Rie McGaha (blurb)

 High in the hills above Albuquerque, New Mexico Detective Zachariah Ellison arrives at the scene of a murder, and not just any murder, but one that definitely falls into the “gruesome” category even for a seasoned cop like Zach. When another body is found murdered in much the same fashion, Zach knows he’s got a serial killer on his hands, and to top it off he’s got an assistant district attorney hounding him about the case. As Zach tries to investigate the crimes while sidestepping nosey Amy Logan, a third body is found and Zach hasn’t a clue as to whom the perpetrator might be.

Amy Logan has worked hard to put herself through school and pay for law school on her own and now that she’s secured a position as assistant district attorney in Albuquerque, she’s determined to do everything she can to be the best prosecutor this office has ever seen. And as if luck was following her, she’s been assigned to the biggest homicide case the city has ever seen. The only problem she’s having is the homicide detective who’s leading the investigation—Zach Ellison.

*~*

Comes An Outlaw by Rie McGaha (Blurb)

Jacob Dobbs is alive. That surprises him considering how many times he's been shot and the amount of blood he's lost. Forced to leave his brother, Luke, lying dead, Jake hurts both inside and out. As soon as he's up to it, he's going to avenge Luke's death and he knows just where to start. Ebenezer Franklin is a big fish in a little pond and has everyone in the town in his back pocket, but that won't deter Jake. As he sees it, Ebenezer is responsible for the shoot and the $5,000 taken from Luke in a rigged card game. But when Jake finally executes his plan, he didn't expect to run into a beautiful woman. Or to kidnap her. Now he has an even bigger problem—she doesn't seem too upset at being kidnapped!

Love & the Writer by Kenneth Weene

Love and the writer:

Sex sells. Every writer knows that. Most writers try to make sure they have some good sex in each book. Readers want to peek inside the bedroom, enjoy vicariously, and perhaps even learn something for their own romantic lives. When it comes time to make movies, the actors, directors, and producers want a certain amount of sex, too. Not only does it help bring in the crowds, but it also gives an opportunity for artistic skills.

Because sex is so primordial, so basic, and so widely experienced, it takes real art to make it something new and something special. The horniness of the characters was once enough to excite and even to make some readers blush. If it was a woman character who was aroused, it was as if the censorious skies were about to fall. But, we’re well passed that level of prudery.

Mutual climax was also once considered prurient. The secret by which the male character got his girlfriend to reach orgasm became a holy grail. Now, of course, we realize that female orgasm was more inhibited by cultural norms than it ever was by female physiology. But, there was a time that the portrayal of mutual orgasm was powerful stuff.

The list goes on and on. Oral sex, anal sex, three-somes, necrophilia, bestiality: we humans are a horny and lascivious species. Art becomes limited by the limitations of our bodies, especially those of us who cannot attain the positions of legendary ancient yoga masters and Hindu gods. We have become a culture that celebrates Rabelais and revels in the god Bacchus. Whether it is the fraternity party or the corporate retreat, we are quick to hold a bacchanalia.

What is the poor writer to do? How do we portray sex in new ways, in ways that will challenge and more importantly interest our readers?

Many writers have given up and turned to aggression as a substitute. Sex becomes more foreplay to rage, destruction, and dehumanization than it is a goal in itself. In other works, sex is merely bait – a means by which characters can be manipulated, particularly men being manipulated by evil women. In that regard it seems as if modern writers have gone back to The Bible; certainly the weakness of men in the face of sexual temptation is a constant theme in that “good” book.

As a writer, I take a different approach to sex. Trying, as I do, to see life as a tapestry, I try to portray sexuality and desire as part of the warp and woof of life. While disturbances of that normality can lead to sexual dysfunction and rage-filled acting out, day to day, sexuality should be and is portrayed as being just as normal and part of life as going to the bathroom or eating or even having a conversation. It is, rather, the emotion of love and the acceptance of desire that is for me the artistic high point. The challenge is not to describe yet another position or another place in which to have sex, it is to help the characters appreciate the experience that is happening to them. To me one challenge in writing is to write romance which is meaningful and not just filled with forced emotionality and claims that of some unearned uniqueness.

Here, for example, is a short excerpt from Widow’s Walk in which I try to achieve my artistic goal. It is the first time that the protagonist and her lover have sex.

They stand hugging one another and saying nothing. Slowly, they stroke each other’s body, feeling the nooks and crannies that have been hidden so long. Finally, with one coordinated movement – almost as if it has been choreographed – they lie on the bed. They lie and hold each other tightly as if terrified of ever being parted.

Neither the cold analytic purposefulness of Arnie’s marriage nor the stolid wholesome, unbending love between Mary and Sean had prepared either of them for the intensity of this night. Their hands ply careful channels along each other’s bodies. From time to time, one of them stops the ceaseless exploration to lean over and kiss the other.

Their kisses caress places that have too long been ignored. For the first time in her life Mary experiences the exciting pleasure of a man kissing her nipples; and she enjoys the strange saltiness of this loving man’s body – not just his face and lips, but his arms, and chest, and buttocks. And Arnie, too, is experiencing the electricity of love. He feels his manhood swell and raise itself to new attention. His penis becomes tumescent and it challenges him with its eagerness. When he is sure that they are both ready, he carefully rolls himself on top of Mary. So very gently, using his hand to guide it lest he cause her pain, he inserts his penis into Mary's vagina.

“Ohhh,” she moans with soft pleasure.

“Ahhhh,” he responds.

More than those, words are not necessary.

 Find more of Kenneth's work at Sex and Murder Magazine; their issue seven leads with one of my stories. http://sexandmurder.com/

Here is a link for the novel that is out. http://vidego.multicastmedia.com/player.php?p=wbgzb2yk

Talking with Author Christine London

Why I Write Contemporary?

So often those of us who have been called to spend hours in front of that blank glowing screen are asked why. When we could be enjoying a film, a barbeque, our friends or just washing our socks, we toil over plot and setting. Define it as a calling, an addiction, a penchant or insanity; those who write popular fiction have something deep inside them the normal human being does not—characters. Yes…with an ‘s’. Maybe we grew up with a greater than average curiosity about what makes people tick, or in the case of we romance writers, a softer heart that believes nothing is more powerful than love. Whatever it is we few intrepid souls park ourselves in front of a computer and/or carry a composition book and pen wherever we go because not to do so would impoverish our world…and yours.

The ineffable “they” say that most people want to write a book someday. It is the few that actually make it to those two little words ‘the end’ and fewer who manage to navigate the soul-blistering world of publishing. The waiting, the rejection, the learning curve are not for sissies.

Most writers will tell you that there are certain types of stories that attract them. In my case, I write to uplift, inspire, educate and entertain-- a tall order I take it with all seriousness. Like most art forms, literature falls under the influence of trends. Just as television seems to be inundated with crime investigation programs, popular fiction is flooded with revenge thrillers, vampires and fantasy.

Maybe it is our global recession that steers people to escape. Maybe we are drawn to the unknown, the unfeasible or downright unbelievable. Whatever the case, there has been and always will be the deep seeded need for people to experience the world through others eyes.

I write Contemporary.

I write contemporary because that’s what has always attracted me. Before I started to write fiction I was a big self-help and psychology reader. My major in college focused on the human condition. Even when I used to watch a daytime soap, I chose All My Children because it fit the lunch hour timeslot and it did NOT have ghosts, vampires or anything out of the contemporary reality (if you can call a soap 'reality’...lol)

People are endlessly fascinating to me, as is setting. I love to travel and use my experiences to research new locations and character(s). Modern day dilemmas and locales are more accessible and relatable. Not that basic human interest has changed over the generations. A good read is a good read no matter what century it is set because of this unchangeable human nature. Yet, I find modern life very exciting and think we are all fortunate to be alive in this amazing time of change and burgeoning knowledge.  How do we deal with this avalanche of knowledge and choice in our present day? Fascinating stuff.

Sub Genre?? The book I just contracted with MuseItHot Publishing is a romantic suspense. (Shadows Steal The Light- Feb 2011) It is not easy to keep track of all the details that make a suspense, a really fast paced and fun read. It was a challenge in the writing---yet at the end of the day it turned out amazing. My Coast Guard rescue at sea, gone wrong book, Against The Current (Phaze Books at Phaze.com) also was exciting to construct with its realistic challenges and the suspense inherent in how these brave men and women handle emergency situations.

Exotic setting?? Most of my works take place, at least partially, in the UK. It has been a home away from home ever since I fell in love with it during a year of University spent abroad in London. Scotland feels strangely familiar as though I have lived there before or belong there. So I write about these people and their beautiful corner of the world. I have their idioms and speech patterns ingrained in my internal ear putting me in a unique position---I can write Brits so Americans can understand them. I imbed explanations of odd idiom or cultural stuff within the fabric of the story so Americans are not left scratching their heads. Yet when I do book signing I often have readers surprised to find that I am not British....a real compliment.

My most recent e-book release through Awe Struck Publishing is set on a beautiful Island off the coast of Naples, Italy. I have holidayed there twice and simply love it. It is a real joy to be able to bring wonderful settings to readers that they may never have a chance to visit. Or maybe they will do because of the sense of character my settings take on. :) Leap Of Faith is a great vicarious vacation.

Guess you can extrapolate that I don't plan any ghosts or vampires in my work anytime soon though I have learned to never say never. As a former Kindergarten teacher, most people would not have expected me to turn spicy romance author, so who knows?? It is the truth in the telling that sets a story above others. A hundred years from now we in the contemporary vein will be sought out as accurate reflections of a time in history when change was the only thing certain and men and women met the challenge with amazing resiliency and courage. That is the stuff of world building to know that eyes unborn will read and marvel. The readers of today will always appreciate something they can sink their teeth into as familiar, yet inspiring because the characters handled their situation in creative ways that uplift, educate, entertain. Hmmm…think I just may have hit on something here.

Warm Regards,

Christine London

www.christinelondon.com

"London Blog" at Blogspot: http://christinelondon.blogspot.com/
My Space (and Blog there): http://www.myspace.com/christine_london
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Meet Author Jennifer Linforth

Face it; there are a lot of women out there who want to get into Mr. Darcy's pants. There are a few authors out there who have dared to do it. I personally wanted to crawl into the lap of a black-masked Phantom in a certain French opera house and ask him why everyone thinks his mask is white and he has six pack abs...

Crawling into the heads of our characters is challenging enough. Expanding classic literature and diving in the heads of characters not originally ours is a whole other ball game. I have the richly rewarding experience of being contracted to expand Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera in a three book series. (Madrigal, Abendlied and Elegy which is forthcoming).

Many readers are curious as to what this involves and many more want to know why there are such broad interpretations on their favorite characters. Whatever happened to the original author's vision? If you are continuing classic literature, shouldn't your hero or heroine be as they were in original? Fans of Pride and Prejudice or Phantom of the Opera are passionate about the characters in their fandom. My reply is that one must understand the changing shape of canon and works in the public domain. Canon: from the Latin canon or "rule" is a standard of judgment based upon a determined body of text, like the Bible. Works in the public domain are copyright free-allowing an author the ability to shape a story, or character, to their imagination. We have Mr. Darcy as a vampire and zombie out there now, and love affairs between male leads.... the sky is the limit!

Personally, I side with those fans that prefer their characters to remain true to the original book. I adhere to Gaston Leroux's vision with slight changes to suit the limits of  my imagination. Partly due to the requests of my publishing house but, for me, I wanted to stick to Leroux because I appreciate what he did with the characters to begin with. I have seen Erik (for those of you unaware, that was the Phantom's name as given by Leroux) in various progeny with killer abs, green eyes, thick hair, only half his face deformed and a sex drive that doesn't end.  Quite different from the monster Leroux created.  Erik was described as a "living corpse"; a murderously vengeful madman at the center of a Death and the Maiden story, who Leroux wrote, "would have been one of the most distinguished of mankind! He had a heart that could have held the empire of the world; and, in the end, he had to content himself with a cellar."

I started questioning this shift in canon and began wondering what reader expectation would be when this series launched, very early on.  A few agents told me a continuation of Leroux's novel may be hard to sell. Why? So many identify with the wildly popular vision of Andrew Lloyd Webber and may not know the roots of the original story. Webbed did an excellent job of introducing his idea of the character and his idea of the canon for the story.

  So what do you do when you come across a book that expands your beloved favorite novel? I suppose a reader must have an open mind and the authors must understand that their vision may not be that of everyone else's and opinions will vary. Rejoice in them! So long as the author writes a solid, believable story readers will embrace it-good or bad-thus  allowing those classic characters to live on .

MADRIGAL blurb:

Years earlier Erik faked his death and vowed the Phantom would never again haunt the Opera Garnier. But strange packages left by Anna, an unwanted Samaritan turned unlikely friend, cause him to desire the unattainable-love. Battling the nobleman determined to lock him away, Erik must control his demons and tame a heart unexpectedly beating for two opposite women: Christine, who he longs to love, and Anna the woman who saw beyond his bitter soul to the man beneath the mask. In the midst of a brutal manhunt, can he be loved for himself or is he condemned to be The Phantom of the Opera? Murderer, Maestro, Magician, Mastermind.

MADRIGAL excerpt:

Erik's blood coursed so hard the pulse pounded in his throat. He caught himself before he leaned too far out of his shadow. Caressing the velvet of the armchair, he imagined stroking her sensuous form, whispering his adoration into her ear, and proclaiming his love for her in ways he only dreamed.

Yes, I gave you it all, Christine. I would have lassoed the moon for you.

"And you gave nothing in return?" Anna said incredulously. "He loved you."

The memory of how he'd shunned Anna wrapped around his heart like a rope of thorns. The raw passion he felt for her tightened those binds until he swore his heart would puncture. He forced such passion away. He didn't want it. Not now. He clamped his teeth in an attempt to govern the thoughts tumbling drunkenly in his mind. The velvet shredded beneath his fingers.

Damn it, you little minx. Stay out of my mind.

Christine wandered the empty stage staring out across the seats. "There was nothing I could give. Least of all love."

Ridges plowed into Anna's brow. "Why?""He was horrifically deformed. He frightened me. I was put through so much horror."

"Then why did you continue with the lessons?" Anna demanded sharply. "If you knew he loved you and you couldn't give that in return, why torment him?"

"I wanted to know the music for I had never experienced anything like it. I deeply respected the Angel of Music and cared for him, but I could never truly love him. Not in the way he wanted. His affections were so powerful-they frightened me." Christine shook her head. "A woman such as you could never comprehend the situation. He was a distorted soul, a madman. I couldn't be expected to look on that with love. No one could."

No one could? That? Respected? Rejected!

Erik tensed as he shook from head to toe. His hands crushed to his mask. He cursed his ugliness. Looking at the two women, he recognized the confusion Anna had mentioned. With all his being, he tried to control his demons. His inability to do so was not his fault. Man made him this way.

 He turned his attention to the woman beside her. Erik leaned forward avoiding the urge to fold himself over the velvet railing and scream to the women below.

Anna, make her understand me

*~*

ABENDLIED Blurb

Desiring normalcy is difficult enough with a price on his head, but when Erik is falsely accused of killing Philippe de Chagny, brother of his nemesis Raoul, he is launched toward madness.

Anna is an unlikely companion, sharing Erik's heart and the bounty on his head. As the manhunt heats, Erik's mysterious relationship with Philippe spurs the campaign against them forward, and exposes her darkest secret: defending her honor ended in murder.

Plagued by his past as The Phantom of the Opera, Erik's memories enslave his heart to Raoul's wife Christine, whose shocking confession brings a ruthless bounty hunter into the fray and blackmail to the Chagny bloodline. Blackmail from a hunter who cares little about the Phantom or Philippe, and everything about the one he has lusted for: Anna.

With the past weeping like an open wound, can love endure or will it take memories of one unlikely man to heal them all?

Memories of Philippe Georges Marie, Comte de Chagny...

ABENDLIED excerpt:

He thought to lean to one side and be done with it. The exhaustion over fighting his desires for Christine, the constant tug of war with madness coupled with fearing he would destroy the one woman who made him feel alive, was unbearable punishment.

"I never believed in Your sincerity of bringing Anna to me. Shocked are we? Surprised for a brief moment I believed?" Erik rolled his head toward the side and pressed his cheek to the stone. His accusatory eyes could have shattered the pinpricks of light across the heavens. "Congratulations, Oh Merciful God, You failed again. Anna can have You and Your Son." He yanked himself upright, his body going rigid with his anger. "I am pleased Philippe is dead!"

Spittle flew from sob soaked lips. His mouth spread upward. He may be alone for now, but not forever. There was to be an heir to his kingdom, a child with his mind and his madness. Erik spoke to the shattered stone below with an unblinking stare.

"I will have my child, in all his hideous imperfections. I will need no one but him and my music. I will need only his love. As for Christine?" Erik leapt to his feet. The wind flapped his cloak behind him. He leaned into the gust and taunted the streets below like a great yellow-eyed bird ready to swoop on unsuspecting prey. "Our character becomes our destiny. Music, like life, is inexpressible silence without its instrument. Am I not its master? I hold the baton. I will conduct what I want. I will have what I want. What is Erik without Christine?" Leaping back to the roof he retrieved his mask and turned to the opera house, his boots drumming a cadence so the ferryman could dutifully follow. A haunting whisper carried his sadness forward on the wind.

"What is Erik without the Phantom?"

REVIEWS

"Ms. Linforth's prose is phenomenally beautiful and hauntingly breathtaking." ~Coffee Time Romance

"... a sumptuous feast for any fan of The Phantom of the Opera." ~ Night Owl Romance

Jennifer Linforth
author, historical fiction
MADRIGAL-A novel of Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera Highland Press Publishing
ABENDLIED: A novel of Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera-book two of The Madrigals October 2009
ELEGY--book three of The Madrigals forthcoming 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpU_H43_1PY
http://www.jenniferlinforth.com
http://jenniferlinforth.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/jenniferlinforthauthor
http://www.facebook.com/comtessdechagny

Getting to know author Ashlynn Monroe

Tell us a bit about your latest book, and what inspired you to write such a story.

My first release with Wild Horse Press is called Hidden Magic and it is the story of a woman who learns that she has a very special destiny.  This destiny was hidden from her to protect her.  I have always loved magic and my malicious magician was actually inspired by my love of street magic. 

How would you describe your creative process while writing this book? Was it stream-of-consciousness writing, or did you first write an outline?

I am a very random kind of person!  I never use an outline except when making a book proposal for an unfinished piece.  I just let it flow.

Did your book require a lot of research?

In Chemical Lust I researched Project MKULTRA.  It was a secret CIA project that tested on humans and had some terrible consequences.  

If you could have any vice without repercussions, what would it be?

I quit smoking a long while ago, but sometimes I really miss it.  

If you could have been the servant to any famous person in history, who would that be and why?

Emily Bronte, she is my all time favorite writer.

What so you see for the future of publishing and eBooks?

I think that in another twenty years the majority of books will be sold electronically.  I am so glad to be a part of the revolution now.  I love to read eBooks because there are so many fresh ideas and voices that the traditional paper publishers would reject.

Which of your characters do you love/hate/fear/pity the most and why?

I love Jericho in Chemical Lust.  He is a super hot guy but he is able to see Leah’s inner beauty.  He reminds me of my husband.

Do you get along with your muse? What do you do to placate her when she refuses to inspire you?

My muse has been inspiring me since I was a very little girl.  I remember telling stories with my cousins before I was even in school.  I have been writing since I was thirteen.  Imagination is the only thing that gets me through the day some days.  So far my muse has never abandoned me, yet (gulp).

Do you have another book in the works? Would you like to tell readers about your current or future projects?

I am so excited for my Templar Vampire Series that is coming out with Keith Publications this fall!  I am hoping for 10 books in all and the 1^st is called Pray for Me.  Michael is the 1^st of my tormented Templar Knights.  I use real history and legend and then I give it a special twist.  I am working on book two and three right now.

Have you ever experience weird cravings while you write? If so, what kind?

After a particularly difficult scene to write I usually want a beer ***Wink***.

What are your top 3 favorite paranormal books and movies?

My three favorite books are The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance, The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance, and Blood Dance by J. L. Oiler.  My three favorite movies are Twilight (I know I’m one of those people!) The Vampire Diaries and Fringe are my favorite television shows I don’t watch many movies.

What character (s) in any of your books is most like you?

Alexia from hidden magic is most like me.

What is the most ridiculous thing that you have thought about doing to any of your characters but never did?

One of my current WIPs is a story call Whitney in Wonderland, the other dimension that Whitney is trapped in is a void of time where pieces of all time past and present exists simultaneously.  I was going to have the hero fighting a t-rex but I just couldn’t do it!

What books are currently on your nightstand?

I am working on the Stand by Steven King again.

If someone hasn't read any of your work, what book would you recommend that they start with and why?

As Hidden Magic is the only one that is available right now…I would say that one.

Where can we find you on the web?

ashlynnmonroe.webs.com/

Hidden Magic will be available from Wild Horse Press June 8^th and Chemical lust will be available from Cobblestone Press early July.

Excerpt-Chemical Lust:

Coming to Cobblestone Press in July 2010 (www.cobblestonepress.com)

Leah tried to cover her mouth and nose, but it was too late. She was already feeling lightheaded, the first sign that the drug was taking hold of her. Jericho seemed to be fairing no better than she was, even with his makeshift mask. His pupils dilated; she assumed hers were as well. No matter what, she was still the scientist, so she began to mentally compile her data on their reaction. If they lived, she would have much to say about the effectiveness of the drug, as she was now experiencing it firsthand with her knowledge of its structure and of how the human body would metabolize it.

Jericho stumbled and dropped to the floor. His large frame made the elevator shake, but it still had not moved. Leah also lost her strength and sank down next to him. The gas was starting to dissipate, and they were still alive. For one moment of relief, she was sure that the gas was having no effect on her—and then it happened. Raging fire shot through her body, and she gasped for air. Her head fell back as her back arched. She felt as if she was on the brink of an orgasm right there, fully dressed and untouched on the elevator floor. Her keen awareness of Jericho’s eyes on her and the fact he was watching with interest, not saying or doing anything, made it all the more embarrassing and yet kind of kinky. Leah actually shook her head to try and clear that thought away. I am a scientist, and this is a perfectly uncontrollable reaction to a laboratory mishap, she reassured herself. I am in no way responsible for my actions, she thought as if pleading with her own subconscious.

Before she completely gave in to her loss of control, she managed to grab her jacket off the floor and flip it up to where the security camera was pointing directly at her. She did not want even more of an audience for her panting and writhing; it was bad enough that Jericho seemed to be completely aware of her predicament and enjoying it thoroughly. It made her hot just knowing he was the one seeing her need. She wanted him between her legs. She wanted him to fuck her right there on the elevator floor—an elevator that could start working any second, she reminded herself. Jericho’s perfect lips made her want to kiss him more than she’d thought it possible to want to kiss anyone. She was never the sexual aggressor in a relationship, but she suddenly wanted to pin him to the floor and remove his clothing until nothing but skin was rubbing together in delicious friction. 

*~*

Excerpt Hidden Magic

Coming to The Wild Horse Press June 8th, 2010

They grabbed the children and stroller and started to leave. Suddenly, the magician made himself appear in front of Alexia.  She was startled and honestly afraid for her niece and nephew’s safety.  She casually gave the performer the finger and said, “Excuse me. Your show stinks and we want to leave.  Please get out of our way!”  The word please pushed passed through her teeth with menace. 

       A strange light entered his eyes and Alexia immediately regretted letting her temper get the best of her. While she was not surprised that her temper was causing her trouble again, she regretted it anyway.  He looked down at the almost sleeping Dixie and Alexia panicked.  Gripping the child tighter, she tried to run, but the crowd had blocked her in.  Georgia and Little Tony found themselves pushed to the back of the crowd, everyone wanted to see what would happen next.  Alexia saw him feeding on her fear, enjoying it.  Reaching around them, he yanked the doll away from the girl and held it up to the crowd.  Alexia whispered, “You better not damage that or I’ll sue your ass buddy!” 

       He looked at her and this time his eyes held humor instead of anger.  He spoke to the crowd.  “I am going to make this doll live by giving it part of this child’s spirit!”  Alexia heard the collected gasp followed by the obligatory rabble. 

       “I don’t think so pal!”  She spoke with her full force of girl power while raising her knee, attempting to make contact with his groin.  Unfortunately, this magician also had fortune telling skills because he had blocked her movement and she kneed his thigh instead.  He laughed and then became scary intense.  Alexia heard his whisper in a strange lilting language she had not ever heard before. Suddenly, she felt her niece stiffen in her arms and then go limp.  Dixie’s little arms dangled as Alexia struggled with the dead weight of the child.  Alexia motioned for the bystanders to back up and give her room. Somehow, they managed to accommodate even with the crowd pressing in on them.  Alexia laid her beloved niece on the hot asphalt of the patio and felt for a pulse.  To her relief the child was alive.  Tears of fear and suffocating sorrow flowed from her eyes as she tried to revive the girl.  She began to call for help.  In the distance, she could hear Georgia screaming.  She looked up, about to plead that he stop whatever he had done. 

            Her breath caught in her throat and she could not breath as she saw the most horrific thing she could possible imagine.