Author Interview with Carlene Rae Dater

X- What was your journey into publication like, and where do you get your inspiration?

C- I went back to college while my husband and I were living in Central Massachusetts. I’d always wanted to write so took a journalism class and consequently started working for several small newspapers in the area. I published hard news, features, humorous essays and then branched out and started writing and submitting short stories. I’ve published in the mystery, horror, religious, romance and confession markets. Yes, I published several stories for the Trues, True Love, True Romance, etc. When we moved to San Diego to start a business, I had to give up writing for ten years. It was tough but when I was finally able to work part-time in our business, I decided I wanted to try and write a novel. Like so many other writers, that first manuscript is still under the bed! I went on to publish nine novels a non-fiction book, two erotic novellas with the third one coming out soon.

X- What’s your most current release and what can we expect to see from you in the near future?

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C- My current release is titled Blood Lust and it’s an erotic novella coming out from Phaze Publishing on Monday, July 25, 2011. Here’s the blurb:

 Noah Bandish, an Emergency Medical Technician for the city of New York, has a secret. He’s a vampire. Boredom is an ongoing problem for the undead and with his job Noah has found a way to both keep active and feed. No one seems to question why so many of his patients die before they get to the hospital. Then he meets Dr. Rachael Morehouse, a woman who’d make his heart beat faster – if his heart was still beating. Now he must decide if he wants to use the woman for his own wanton purposes or turn her and keep her at his side for eternity. Rogue vampires come into Manhattan and create chaos, and Noah knows he he’ll have to help clean up their mess all the while fulfilling his Blood Lust.

Right now I’m almost finished with the first draft of a mystery novel that takes place in a small town on the southern Oregon coast. We moved to Oregon last year so I’m taking advantage of the local color! I also teach Beginning the Novel classes at SWOCC (South Western Oregon Community College) and will be teaching an Autobiography writing class starting in the spring of 2012.

X- What words of wisdom do you have for writers just starting their journey?

C- I was very lucky in that my first creative writing teacher was Gary Provost. Gary always told us, if you can write, you can write anything. I believe that too and I’ve published in just about every field but poetry and memoir. The second thing is to never give up, NEVER. If your dream is to be a published writer, then keep writing, keep submitting and never quit. One of my favorite saying is: The difference between an amateur and a professional is persistence.

X- Self-publishing has come up so often lately in the media both online and off, what’s your view?

C- I see nothing wrong with self-publishing. My husband and I self-published my book, An Extra Pair of Eyes, about my volunteer work at the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. We did it mainly because we owned and operated a small commercial printing business at the time, and several customers had asked us to help them publish books, so we did mine to see what the process entailed. I do think too many writers give up on commercial publication too soon and do it themselves. Unfortunately often the books aren’t ready for publication. I’ve worked with a lot of writers too many of them are impatient. They write a book and want it published, NOW! I tell writers to put their work away for as long as possible, three to six months. Start something new. Then go back to your manuscript, read it with fresh eyes and rewriting. It may take a few drafts, but…you want the best possible book out there and that can’t be rushed.

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X-  If I were to look at the current books you’re reading, which titles would I find?

C- The Ridge by Michael Koryta, Tabloid City by Pete Hamill, and Edge by Jeffrey Deaver

I love a good mystery!

X- What’s the one thing in the world that you cannot live without?

C- My computer of course.

X- If you could have one wish, what would it be and why?

C- To publish a book with one of the big NY publishers. I’ve published e-books and POD and do believe that e-books are the wave of the future but…I still have people ask me when I’m going to publish a 'real' book! *Sigh*

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X- Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

C- Still writing and teaching. I find the older I get, the less ambitious. I used to write two books a year but…lately I’m struggling to finish one! There are just so many fun things to do.

X- Thank you so much for allowing me to conduct this interview and best of luck in the future with your writing career.

Carlene Rae Dater can be reached on the web at the following places:

Websites: carlenedater.com, and The Mystery Starts Here

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Manic Readers

Message from Carlene Rae to her readers: I appreciate all the wonderful comments I’ve gotten from those who’ve read my books. A friend emailed me just yesterday and told me she could not put my romance, Call Sign: Love down – so her husband had to make dinner! Besides romance, I’ve published humorous mystery, mystery, romantic-suspense, paranormal romantic suspense and erotica.

Iron Rose Press

Some of you might have been wondering about my latest venture Iron Rose Press, so I feel the need to explain what it actually is and why I created it.

For some time I have been considering self-publishing. It isn't because I have been unsatisified with my current publishers, if anything overall, I consider myself very fortunate for the ones I have dealt with so far in my writing career.

The first thing that got me thinking about self-publishing was that I have some works that don't fit with any of the small e pubs that I currently work with. For example: I write sweet romance and well, at this time it's been my experience that the market for this is very small. I am judging this by my own sales figures and trends in the e pub market. Also, I write some other stuff that is way outside the box and rather niche. Last but not least, I enjoy writing shorts. By self publishing this stuff, I am not restricted in what I want out there with my name and brand.

Iron Rose Press will focus on erotica, but will also delve into some other genres such as horrormance(As I like to call it). This is primarily a self-publishing entity, and at this time I have no plans to take on anyone else.

I have acess to great cover artists, an editor, and formatting. I figure it's worth a try. I know many are down on self-publishing, but I feel this is a good move for me. I will still submit to my current publishers. Iron Rose Press is just another venture to put my writing out there.

Iron Rose Press on the Internet:

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Just Upstairs Excerpt

My short story Just Upstairs is up on Kindle, and is coming to All Romance soon. Check out he blurb and an adult excerpt. Enjoy!

Blurb: Gay erotica writer, Simon Coldwell, gets more than he could have ever bargained for when his hot hunky upstairs neighbour shows up at his apartment door looking to borrow a cup of sugar, and a whole lot more.


[M/M, anal sex, BDSM, spanking]

Excerpt: Jeff glanced at his surroundings. The apartment was an exact duplicate of his upstairs.

This wasn’t the first time he’d seen Simon. The guy just didn’t know it. When he moved in a little over a week ago, he’d spotted Simon outside tossing trash into the nearby dumpster beside the parking area. Just the sight of that hot little ass wiggling under a pair of shorts had been enough to cause him to sport a hard on in less than a minute. He had a soft spot for guys like Simon; guys who were blond, slim and slightly nerdy. And while he didn’t do the bar scene, or even play the field that often, there was something about his downstairs neighbour that stirred not only his interest but his balls.

Simon had to be gay. He carried that vibe with him. Finally being in his presence and chatting with him, it was confirmed in Jeff’s mind. Asking to borrow sugar had been nothing more than a ruse to meet the cute little fucker face to face.

He took a couple steps further into the apartment and spotted a bookshelf jammed with books. He knelt down to examine their titles, his eyes tracing over each. Jesse’s Seduction, Explored by the Master, Andy Loves Anal, those were just a few of many that caught his attention, all written by S. A. Coldwell. Bingo!

“What are you doing?”

Jeff stood and turned to face Simon with one book in his hand. He raised one brow and opened it, but not before he held up the cover which showed two men kissing passionately. “I was checking out your books. I assume they’re written by you?”

Simon turned crimson. With one hand, he reached out to grab the book but Jeff held it out of reach.

“Look, I know you’re disgusted. So take your sugar and go.” He thrust the cup of sugar at Jeff.

“Who said I was disgusted? I didn’t.”

“Huh?” Simon looked confused, his cheeks still reddened. “I said it.”

“That doesn’t mean you’re right.” He scanned the open pages. Kissing, cocksucking, and jacking. “This is pretty hot stuff. You wrote this?”

“Yes.”



****



Simon thought he’d drop dead right there on the carpet when he returned from the kitchen to find Jeff holding one of his books.

“I like it,” said Jeff. “From the little I’ve managed to read, it’s interesting.” He knelt down and returned the book to its place. “Do you write from experience?” he asked, his eyes locked on Simon.

How was he to answer that? “Ah, no,” he replied. “It’s just stuff I think about.” He hadn’t had sex in months.

“So, if I was to tell you to drop to your knees right here and order you to suck my cock you’d do it? You’d consider it research?”

Was he for real? He licked his lips thinking about it as Jeff moved in closer. Now just inches apart, he had to fight to stop from hyperventilating, and the lump that formed in his throat didn’t help, nor did the throbbing coming from inside his boxers which had tented.

Jeff touched Simon’s side, the man’s hand moved up until it settled against his left cheek. “You’re so fucking soft,” he said. “And cute. I like guys like you. Do you like me, Simon?”

“I do.” It was quick to make that call, it was all happening so fast, but he did like him, a lot.

“I noticed the way you looked at me when I came inside. I noticed straight off when I walked through that door.” Jeff’s voice was softer, soothing.

Simon’s heart pounded inside his chest, and when he looked up at Jeff who towered over him by at least two inches, he felt small and somewhat helpless. He liked that feeling. “I think you’re sexy.” His heart was about to burst. He swallowed hard.

“Sexy?” Jeff laughed, his hands gripping the hem of Simon’s t-shirt, pulling it up and over his head. “I want to see all of you.”

Bare-chested, he felt insecure standing before Jeff. He wasn’t a gym bunny and compared to most men, he didn’t feel adequate in the muscle department. “I’m not built like you are,” he said.

Jeff’s hands roamed over his chest, and as he touched him, Simon’s nipples became erect. He felt more at ease being explored.

“You’re perfect as you are, Simon. Not everyone out there is into the buffed guys. My cock’s hard for you. You turn me on.” Jeff grabbed Simon’s hand and placed it on his bulge. “Feel that. You made it that way, naughty boy.”

Naughty boy. His cock jumped hearing those words coming from Jeff. “What are you going to do with me?” He asked, his submissive side taking hold.

“On your knees. Take my cock out and suck it. Make me feel good,” ordered Jeff.

Down he went, and when he unzipped Jeff’s jeans, he gasped at what was confined within. It was the thickest piece of man-meat he’d ever had the pleasure of seeing.

Author Interview with S.A. Meade

X- Tell us about your most current release and what inspired you to write it?

S.A.- My upcoming release, Stolen Summer came about as a challenge on Absolute Write, a brilliant forum for writers. The challenge was to write an erotic scene in a completely different point of view from your normal one. I wrote a scene told from a man’s perspective, in first person. I had great fun writing it and afterwards the characters wouldn’t let me go. I had to tell their whole story. The first draft was churned out in a month but it took a long time to get it right. All in all, 14 months from writing those first words to getting an offer.

The main character, Evan, is a British journalist. When he comes back from covering the war in Afghanistan, his best friend Colin confesses he’s in love with him. After he gets over the shock, Evan decides that he quite likes being with Colin. It’s a learning experience for him, but it’s also a happy and passionate one. They do quite a lot of shagging, bless ‘em.

Unfortunately, Evan has one last overseas assignment in Pakistan. He’s kidnapped and held hostage by insurgents. He’s freed after 4 months but he and Colin soon learn that being free doesn’t mean the ordeal is over. I put them through a lot, I’m afraid.

Total-E-Bound

X- When did you start writing and what was your road to publication like?

Do you have any advice for new writers starting out?

S.A.- I’m one of those writers who started writing as soon as I could hold a pencil. I had several tries, over the years, at actually finishing a novel. My first serious attempt at trying to get published was two years ago. I didn’t get very far and the poor thing was consigned to the trunk. I kept writing and will keep writing until my fingers drop off.

My advice to new writers is to read, read and read. Don’t expect things to happen overnight, learn patience and grow a thick skin. Find beta readers you respect and trust and cherish them. I would never be at this stage if it wasn’t for the terrific fellow writers who told me what worked and what stunk.


X- What other things interest you besides writing?

S.A.- There’s other things?

I love horses and horse racing (if it’s British). Cooking – we’ve been living on a tight budget ever since we returned to England and I love turning out great food for next to nothing. It goes without saying that I’m also very interested in eating.

X- What are you currently reading and what books can be found in your to-be-read pile?

S.A.- I recently finished reading Promises by Marie Sexton. It’s wonderful and so effortlessly written. At present I’m tracking down material on flying Spitfires and P-51s, because I’m revising a historical novel set in England during WW2. Some of the new bits will be told from a fighter pilot’s point of view, so I need to know how to fly these things.

X- If you could relive one moment in time, which one would it be?

S.A.- Eeeeee…tough one. Probably the moment I accepted the job in Arizona. If I could go back, I’d turn it down and held out for a job somewhere more … green and less dusty. It wasn’t all bad. My parents lived close by so we did see them a lot more than we did before.

X- Name one item you cannot do without in life and why.

S.A.- My lap top – it’s my link to the outside world and the repository of all my writing! *hugs shiny black lap top*

X- What’s your favourite flower?

S.A.- A variety of old-fashioned rose, the Rosa Mundi. It’s a beautiful old rose, it smells gorgeous and looks beautiful.

X- What’s your ultimate indulgence?

S.A.- It’s a toss-up between Godiva chocolates or a pepperoni and sausage pizza from Vincent’s Pizza in Pittsburgh. Sadly, I have access to neither at the moment.

X- What can we expect to see from you in the future?
S.A.- I have a m/m novella that needs a bit of polishing. When it’s all tidied up and making sense, I’m sending it to my editor at Total-E-Bound. I’m also hoping that the WW2 novel may be the one that attracts an agent.

X- Sounds good! Thanks you for being on Write Outside the Box, and best of luck with your writing career.
S.A.- Thanks for letting me spout drivel all over your blog, which is an excellent one btw.

I have a blog here, and email.

X- Thanks!

S.A. Meade's Stolen Summer will release from Total-E-Bound on August 29th, 2011.

Pirates of the Thieving Kind

First off, I don't mean the swashbucklers who ride the high seas in search of adventure, and treasure. This post is about the thieves that steal works by authors to put up on pirate sites for others to download illegally.

Since most of the larger sites are stationed overseas, often there is little you can do about it. You can message the sites asking for your work to be taken down. Some will comply with your wishes while others will ignore it, and keep doing what they're doing. And often, even if your work is removed, it's up again within a matter of minutes or hours.

Over the past few years I have heard arguments that actually are in favor of these sites:

• The thieves are helping the author develop a wider readership. Bullshit! If that's the kind of fan that I am going to get from that, I don't want them. If you are downloading my books illegally, you're not fan of mine and I'm sure as hell no fan of yours!
• The people downloading your books illegally wouldn't buy them anyway. This may be true, but it doesn't make it any better. I will argue this point because there are specific requests being put out there for certain authors including myself.
• It's just sharing like you would do with a print book that you bought or borrow from the library. Well no, it isn't. This is illegal. You are NOT borrowing a copy, you're stealing it!
• I can't afford to buy the book. Tough titty! This is the lamest argument of all. I'd love a big screen TV, but you don't see me walking into a store to steal one. 

These are just a few of the so called arguments that I have read online.

Now for the ones that are against it:

• You're stealing from me, and my publishing company. Yes that's right. This is illegal and if you are caught, you will be fined, and possibly jailed(I'd LOVE to see more of  this).
• Supporting authors is a good thing. Without the support of our dedicated readers many of us would stop putting our work out there.
• These downloads often come with virus'. Good on ya I says!
• The people doing this are thieving bastards with no respect for any artist. True!

I could go on and on here, but you get my point. I'd love to know what others in the community think along with dedicated readers.

I know some authors will not speak out about this because they are afraid it will just draw attention to themselves and their books will end up all over the sites. Yet, if we don't speak out more. many will think it's okay to be at this crap. The sad reality is that many 'fans' do think it's fine.

For the people doing this, you need to realize that you are cutting into my income as a writer. I don't sit and write each day, and go through the submission process just for the hell of it. This is my career. It may be part time for now, but in the future I'd like for that to change. And remember, sales count for most of us to view it as a business. This is our livelihood in many cases. If you can't understand that then there is something terribly wrong.

Rant over!

Adelaide's War Giveaway!

I'm giving way an e book copy of my last sweet historical romance novel set during the Civil War. If you would like to be entered for a chance to win, leave a comment.

A winner will be picked a week from now.

'Isolation has become Adelaide Warren's solace. She lives far from civilization, up in the hills of West Virginia, after the end of the Civil War and the death of her husband. When Josiah Hamilton finds his way to her doorstep, nearly frozen to death one stormy winter night, she nurses him back to life.

They form a fast friendship, which soon becomes more. When Josiah professes his love for her, she refutes him. But when tragedy strikes, it’s Josiah who comes to her rescue. Now, Adelaide is forced to confront her love for him which she has both denied and hidden.

A proposal is made. Will she accept him? If she does, what does that mean for her future?

Excerpt: Adelaide was outside, chopping kindling when she first spotted Josiah off in the distance. Her heart leapt and that feeling startled her. He was nothing more than a stranger, and no more than a friend at most. Yet, she was overjoyed at his impending presence.

How silly, she thought. I’m a grown woman, not some girl set about waiting for a beau to court her. That part of her life had long since passed and was buried and gone along with James. Or was it?

“What brings you out this way?” she asked, upon his approach, doing her best to maintain calm and collected. Just the slightest hint of coyness tinged her voice.

“I was passing through, and I thought I’d stop in,” he said, with an added grin.

“How’s the farm?”

“It’s been good. This spring, planting will take a lot of work and of course the fall harvest. This isn’t our busiest time of year. And yourself?”

“I’m pretty good,” she replied. “Trapper Marg was around to trade some rabbits for my jam. She’s around quite often when making her runs. Other than that, it’s quiet as expected. Just the way I like it.”

Adelaide motioned to the cabin. “There’s coffee and fresh buns, if you’re interested. It beats standing out here in the cold.”

“Sound good,” he replied. “Lead on.”

She poured coffee and set a plate of buns on the table before taking her seat across from Josiah.

“I couldn’t help but notice the rifle next to the door. Are you nervous being here alone? Is that why you keep it close?”

“Josiah,” she started. “I don’t kid myself about the realities of this world. And yes, I am a woman alone. This may not be the best place for me, but it’s home. Where else would I go? Town isn’t an option. I can hardly bear going there for supplies when I have to.”

“I know about James,” he said. “And the talk. Don’t let them get to you. A house in town might be better for you.” He reached across the table and grabbed her hand. “I’m concerned.”

“You’re bold. What they say about James isn’t true. I know it and I shouldn’t have to defend him to anyone.”

“You don’t have to. Not to me, Adelaide.”

She resisted the urge to pull away from him, to ask him to leave. He forced her into a most uncomfortable situation, and she wasn’t quite sure how to react.

“I’m fine here. This cabin suits me fine. I’ve done so now for almost two years with no troubles. Besides, I wouldn’t fit in with…them. No, this is my home. This is where I’m meant to be.”

“In time, they would accept you.”

“They wouldn’t. They talk, they gossip and they say things…terrible things. I don’t want any part of that, ever.” She snatched her hand from his, her eyes falling to her cup.

“Adelaide?”

She didn’t dare look at him. Tears clouded her vision. How dare he bring this emotion out in her?

“You know about James.”

“Yes,” he said, with a nod.

“If it had been true, surely I wouldn’t have received the letter I did after his death from the army.”

“Would you allow me to see this letter?”

Adelaide went to the trunk at the end of the bed to fetch it. “It states that he died with honor. With honor and no disgrace. Why would they say that if it wasn’t true?”

She watched him read the letter, his lips moving silently with each word. He then folded it and handed it back to her. “Don’t believe the gossip. You need no more assurance than that letter. It’s gold and the truth. Understand?”

She did. “I never doubted it for one minute.”

“Nor should you. He was a honorable man who did his duty.”

Adelaide returned the letter to its respectable place inside the trunk and when she turned around, Josiah was behind her.

He reached out with one hand and wiped tears from her cheek, pulling her to him in a most warm embrace.

Denial and guilt overwhelmed her. It felt natural and good, yet she knew it wasn’t proper conduct for a widow. “This isn’t right,” she said, her hand pushing against his strong chest.

“I keep thinking about you,” he muttered. “Straight from the moment when I left, and I don’t know why. You‘re always in my thoughts.”

“Josiah, it was an emotional time. It was Christmas, and you almost died. It’s expected, but let’s not confuse our feelings. You’re fine now. We’re friends and nothing more.” She did a good job trying to convince him, but wasn’t entirely convinced herself.

“Friends,” he said the word as if pondering its true meaning. “What if I’m feeling something different, something more?”

Freeing herself from him, she put a small distance between them. “I’m not ready for anything more. I may never be ready.”

“Do you feel anything for me? Your words say one thing, but I think your eyes say something different.”

“I do. It’s friendship.” She bit her tongue on that falsehood. “Friendship is all I can offer you at this time.”

“I understand. If I offended you with being so forward, I apologize. It was never my intention.” Josiah turned and walked out of the cabin, leaving her feeling very much alone.

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Hot Cowboy Cover Art

This is the first cover in my upcoming m/m series with Total-E-Bound. Mucho thanks to the artist, Emmy Ellis for creating such a lovely image. I adore it!

This book will release in October. The second is currently with my editor, and I am working on the third.

Author Interview with Liz Strange

X- Thanks, Liz for allowing me to interview you on my blog.

Can you tell us about your journey to publication, and where you draw your inspiration from?

L- I actually didn’t even attempt to get published until I was in my thirties. I’d always been a writer, but only for myself. Some changes in life circumstances gave me a push to start doing the things I really wanted to do. So I cleaned up a novel I’d had hanging around for a number of years and sent it off. Luckily it got picked up right away!

X- What’s the best advice you can offer a newbie writing hoping to publish?

L- Don’t give up. There are always going to be rejections, even for authors who have sold multiple times. It’s a tough business. You have to keep positive, and believe in yourself.

X- Tell us about your newest release.

L- The Embrace of Life and Death is an erotic fantasy, following the forbidden relationship between and angel and a vampire.

Blurb:

Kieran is a hundred-and-twenty-year-old immortal, originally hailing from the harsh, famine-stricken life of 1880s Ireland. He has surpassed death and thrived, gaining wealth, power and knowledge. Azrael is the angel of death, but his mission is far from ominous. He is the protector of the grief-stricken, and the champion of lost souls. The two are polar opposites in mission and nature, yet are inexplicably drawn to one another.

The Supreme One sees all, and when he discovers the truth about the relationship he is enraged. Their commitment to be together must be stronger than his determination to keep them apart.

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X- What’s your favourite dessert?

L- Lemon Meringue pie.

X- If you could return to one moment in time, which would it be?

L- Not sure. We all have ups and downs in life, but that’s what makes us who we are.

X- If you had one wish, what would it be?

L- I’d love to be able to go back in time and witness some of the amazing events that have happened, like the building of the pyramids.

X- What’s the one thing that most people don’t know about you?

L- I am very shy.

X- In ten years where do you hope to be in life?

L- I hope to be a full-time writer.

X- What can we expect to see from you in the near future?

L- I am working on the edits for a mystery at the moment , which should be out in the next few months. I am also working on a young adult fantasy novel.

X- Liz can be reached on the net at the following places.
Website
Twitter