SIMPLY THE BEST -- AWARD WINNING AUTHORS' BOX SET

By L. A. Sartor

Hi Caroline, thank you so much for allowing me this opportunity to meet your readers and hopefully help them find six new authors in this boxed set.

Were you the shy kid or the tomboy? Married, single? Children?

Not shy at all, in fact, mom always said when someone wanted to help me with something I’d say “Lessie do it.”  I’m still that way today. I’m married to the man I met on a blind date, arranged by his father and a coworker. I told the woman that I didn’t want to meet this man because I knew I’d marry him. Yep, going on 30+ years.  (I was a child bride J hehe)

We don’t have children. I have a blood condition that would make carrying a baby full term very difficult. My brother and I were very lucky to be adopted, and Gary and I thought about going that route. But we both had demanding careers, I owned a jewelry business and he is an attorney. It just became a non-starter.  But I love watching babies grow into children (skip the teens) and into adults.

How long have you been writing?

Mom says I’ve been telling stories since I was 3 or 4 years old.  Later I wrote what would now be fan-fiction in Jr. High School until my English teacher called a conference with my parents and me and told us I’d never be a writer because I hated grammar. That all I apparently wanted to do was tell stories. 

Mom recounted this story years later when I told her I was going to write a book.  Apparently I stopped writing that very day. I didn’t recall the incident at all.  It’s amazing what a bad teacher can do, just as it’s amazing what a good teacher can do.

My editor told me recently that anyone can learn grammar, but not everyone can tell a story.  I’m keeping that close to my heart.

Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet, music, solitude? PC or laptop?

I write either in my home office or during the spring, summer and fall, outside.  I need quiet and solitude, which makes writing outside difficult. But being inside on a gorgeous day is criminal J I love music, but can only listen to it when I’m trying to get into a mood. Some of my favorites are Pirates of the Carribean’s I Don’t Think Now is the Best Time from World’s End. It has so many emotions in that one song. Or when I was writing Stone of Heaven, I’d listen endlessly to All That I Am by Rob Thomas.

I write on a laptop and edit on my PC. I have an iMac as well that I use for my photography.  I love computers.

When you’re not writing, what’s your favorite way to relax and recharge? Hobbies?

When I left the day job, I turned into a writing machine.  Everything got pushed aside.  This year, I decided it was time to pull back and play. I’m relearning the piano, it’s amazing what happens when you leave it for even a short time.  It’s certainly not like riding a bicycle. I love photography and I am honing my skills.  I enjoy the artistic editing of photos and paper crafts…oh and sewing.  So I could literally spend all day just playing.  And that doesn’t include my need for beach and travel time. 

What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

I love this question, it’s never been asked before. We authors love to find the perfect setting, the perfect guy (eventually), but a satisfying romance is more than glamour and all that is attendant with the genre.

So at first, I wanted to answer your question with the word “escape”, and I still like that answer. I want to visit places and learn things when I read (from newspapers to books, I love to read). But as a writer, I also want to bring a sense of believing in the power of yourself.  Of learning to trust yourself and trust others. Trust is a theme I use a lot in my writing.  The biggest compliment I can get from a reader other than “I loved your story,” is “wow, you understand exactly what I’ve been through.” They identify with some part of the story, even the sad parts. If you smile or cry or laugh, then I’m a happy writer.

Thanks for asking such wonderful interview questions.

My links are below and I’d love to meet your readers on any of my social media.

I have two wonderful book related things happening this year.  A new book Prince of Granola, set in Costa Rica (maybe Caroline will ask me back when it’s finished and I can tell you about it.) And my participation in this boxed set: SIMPLY THE BEST -- A COLLECTION OF INTERNATIONAL DIGITAL AWARD WINNING ROMANCES. Six award-winning authors, six books, one incredible collection, all for 99 cents. Yep, that's right.

Links:

Amazon

iBooks

Nook

Kobo

THE BOOKS:

HAUNTED BY DEATH by Dale Mayer

Suspense Winner

Death haunts anthropologist Meg Pearce...  In her last summer before college, an innocent camping trip ended in a friend’s disappearance...and destroyed her life.

ANGEL'S ASSASSIN by Laurel O'Donnell

Historical Winner

Damien is an assassin, a man with a tortured past. Sold into slavery, he is trained to kill. Lady Aurora of Acquitaine is the epitome of purity and goodness. When Damien enters Aurora's life, tempting her with promises of forbidden lust, he threatens to tear her peaceful world apart.

** BE MINE THIS CHRISTMAS NIGHT by L.A. Sartor ** ME J

Short Contemporary Winner

Children’s author Annie Hamilton’s dream of having a family resurfaces when Cole Evans moves next door with his two young boys during the Christmas season. But the lure of happily-ever-after with the brilliant scientist is overshadowed by the risk that revealing her secret will destroy this chance.

 AHUNTER4RESCUE by Cynthia A. Clement

Paranormal Winner

A unit of elite alien warriors, known as Hunters, crash lands on earth and their leader is torn between getting his men to safety or protecting the human woman he has bonded with.

THE FINE ART OF KEEPING QUIET by Charity Tahmaseb

Young Adult (Contemporary) Winner

No one expects the girl who has mastered the art of keeping quiet to join the speech team. But Jolia does. When a crush-worthy rival offers to coach her in secret, she can't say no. But secrets have a price, and this one might cost Jolia everything.

THE MAPMAKER'S WIFE by Kathy L. Wheeler

Short Historical Winner

A flippant proposal and an attack on her person finds one young woman married to the mapmaker who only needs someone to take control of his ungovernable child. Feelings quickly shift into something less platonic and when the enemy gains vital secrets, her suspicions land her in jail.

 THE AUTHORS :

DALE MAYER is a USA Today bestselling author known for her page turning plotlines and heartwarming characters. A prolific writer, she specializes in Romantic Suspense, but also writes thrillers, comedy, and contemporary romances.

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And if you’d like to try out one of her books for free – click here - http://dalemayer.com/starterlibrarytc/

LAUREL O'DONNELL is a best-selling author and has won numerous awards for her medieval romances, including the International Digital Award and the Holt Medallion Award. You can visit her website at www.laurel-odonnell.com to stay up to date on future releases.

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L. A. Sartor, Author

L.A. SARTOR is a bestselling, award-winning author writing novels with a dash--or a lot--of romance.  She lives in Colorado with her husband whom she met on a blind date. Find her at www.lasartor.com  for book information and sign up for her mailing list.

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CYNTHIA A. CLEMENT is an award-winning author who began writing when she was a teenager. Her novels reflect her love of romance, strong honorable heroes, and suspense intertwined with the intriguing and unexplained.

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CHARITY TAHMASEB has slung corn on the cob for Green Giant and jumped out of airplanes (but not at the same time). She’s worn both Girl Scout and Army green. These days, she writes fiction (short and long) and works as a technical writer.

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Fachttps://writingwrongs.wordpress.com/ebook

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KATHY L WHEELER

Award-winning author Kathy L Wheeler loves travel, fantasy football, NBA and musical theatre. As an avid reader of romance and patron of the theatre, her main sources of inspiration come mostly from an over-active imagination. Kathy writes contemporary and historical romance, from sweet to spicy.

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INTERVIEW WITH KATHY L. WHEELER

Readers, please welcome Kathy L. Wheeler today. Kathy and I met through Dallas Area Romance Authors (DARA). We also have written for the same publisher, The Wild Rose Press (TWRP). Kathy lives in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she is active (past president) in Oklahoma Romance Writers of America.

Kathy L. Wheeler, Author

Caroline: Please tell readers about growing up.

Kathy: My childhood was somewhat interesting, as I imagine most are. However, my parents have each been married six times. Yes, I said six (6). I think that made me most adaptable. I grew up in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, then in high school moved to Boulder, Colorado. Talk about culture shock! I have two sisters and three brothers, though the brothers are all step, you wouldn’t know it. We have a family reunion every three years just to make sure everyone stays together.

Caroline: Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres?

 Kathy: Jayne Ann Krentz is by far my favorite author. I love all of her single titles, whether it’s contemporary, historical or futuristic. Susan Elizabeth Phillips too. My favorite sub-genre to read is Regency Historical. Teresa Medeiros, Elizabeth Boyle, Suzanne Enoch…I could certainly go on and on…

Caroline: Love each of those authors. What’s your favorite way to relax and recharge? Hobbies?

Kathy: What an interesting question. I have several hobbies. I jazzercise, karaoke, musical theater. I love the NFL and the NBA—but relax? Anyone watching Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals will tell you, that is not relaxing. Hmm, more like an addiction. I keep wondering what I’m going to do when the series ends. And, there is soooo much to do. Ah, but NFL will kick off two months later. So I’ll be good to go!

Caroline: Do you have a favorite quote that sums up how you feel about life?

Kathy: My book QUOTABLE is about a young woman, Genna, who uses obscure quotes to keep people from getting too close. But in one particular scene, she and her friend, Lorianne are having lunch and Lorianne accuses Genna of not dating since the joker from college. Genna answers with something like “The more I get to know men, the more I love my dog.” Lorianne responds with, “You don’t even have a dog.” And, I think that’s funny.

Caroline: I look forward to reading QUOTABLE. Have to confess I collect obscure quotes. How long have you been writing?

Kathy: I’ve been writing since 2006. I saw a Google prompt that said “write a story where Cinderella’s shoe fits one of her evil stepsisters.” So I did. Then I wrote the sister’s stories (they are available on Amazon).

Caroline: Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet, music, solitude? PC or laptop?

Kathy: I can write almost anywhere (except when watching an NBA Thunder game, or Dallas Cowboys NFL). Then I just have to set the computer aside and give them my complete attention. Otherwise, they do something stupid, like … lose. I type really fast, so I prefer a laptop, I can take anywhere. I can’t watch a movie when I’m working, but I do like white noise in the form of sports or The History Channel.

Caroline: Are you a plotter or a panzer?

Kathy: Mostly a panzer. But one of my critique partners is a big time plotter so at least there is some kind of balance. And, everyone knows, balance is the key!!!

Caroline: Yes, we all strive for balance, don’t we? Do you use real events or persons in your stories or as an inspiration for stories?

Kathy: I would say not. I think the characters just start talking in my head.

Caroline: Me, too. I hope they never shut up! Do you set daily writing goals? Word count? Number of chapters? Do you get a chance to write every day?

Kathy: Right now, I am inundated with editing. Last summer I had two articles published in a local paper (July and August). Then I signed my first contract (TWRP) in September, a second one (SMP) in October, and a third in December. Just yesterday, I signed my fourth (TWRP) and mailed it off. Edits, edits, edits. I have two more stories in the works. But another one that needs tweaking and submitting. EEEEkkkk!

Caroline: But a selling writer is a happy writer. What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

Kathy: I hope a reader feels what my character feels. Through their eyes. I don’t like being spoon-fed information. I re-read a lot of my favorite books. And every time I go back, I learn something new. I don’t have to be told every single little thing.

Caroline: What long-term plans do you have for your career?

Kathy: I really, really need to learn how to answer this question. I would love to be able to make my living by writing.

Caroline: Wouldn’t we all? Well, some people we know do, but most of us struggle. Would you like to tell us what you’re working on now?

Kathy: Edits, edits, edits.

Caroline: While edits aren’t exactly fun, at least they mean you have not only completed a project, but that it will soon be published. What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

Kathy: Keep writing. Always have something in the works. I had eight completed manuscripts when I signed that first contract. Lucky for me, I had other stuff ready to send off.

Caroline: And that’s good for prospective writers to know. While you’re submitting, keep writing so that when you do sell, you have multiple manuscripts available. Tell us something about you that would surprise or shock readers. A fun fact readers wouldn’t know about you.

Kathy: Most of me is just out there. What-you-see-is-what-you-get. But I do have a minor degree in vocal music. But I don’t think that would surprise many people. Although, singing is very close to my heart, and I can be extremely sensitive about it. I’m as good as some, not as good as others, though in a karaoke environment where there is a lot of alcohol? I’m totally awesome.

Caroline: Is your book a series? If so, how long? Family saga, other?

Kathy: Well, it seems I write mostly series, or rather, books that include characters from previous books. QUOTABLE is the first of four. The second one, Lorianne’s story, MAYBE IT’ YOU is due out in the Fall through Soul Mate Publishing.

Caroline: Tell us something you learned researching your book that surprised/interested you.

Kathy: The book I just signed a contract on, THE ENGLISH LILY follows my Cinderella Series. Lady Kendra Frazier is a character in the Esmeralda story. She is dyslexic. It was interesting to write. The editor who signed the book sent me a note and told me a story regarding her sister who is also dyslexic. The feeling that the character resonated with the editor was intoxicating.

Caroline: We have numerous dyslexic people in my family. Can you give readers a blurb about your book? I am lucky enough to have had two books released in the last couple of weeks. Neither of which are related to one another.

The blurb for: QUOTABLE
GENNA LYNDSEY is not a people person.  A short, too-skinny, wild haired waif, with crazy hair and sturdy nerdy glasses lives through books.  So it’s lucky she and her best friend own their own bookstore.  Her college days taught her that dating was too unreliable to depend on others.  It was then that she started resorting to obscure quotes to shield herself from others who ventured too close.
RICK JOHNSON, Fraud Insurance Claims Investigator, is assigned to look into an unusual number of claims filed by Genna Lyndsey.  He suspects Genna of sabotaging her own property for insurance money.  His investigation uncovers an adorable introvert determined to keep everyone at bay, while someone else resolves to put her out of business—no matter how great the risk.


How about an excerpt of QUOTABLE::

Without so much as a second thought, he moved his mouth over hers in slow deliberation allowing her almost ample time to step back should she have wished. It didn’t matter that the door was to her back and she had nowhere to step back to.
Definitely, the wild honeysuckle drove him wild with desire. Just the feeling of her timorous nature kept him from devouring her outright, tempting as it was. His tongue touched her lips in a feathery motion drinking in her sweetness. He pulled her to him, her slight body leaning into his.
A sharp pain hit his leg. He grunted and broke the kiss, making the break as painful as the pain in his leg. He glanced down. She’d dropped everything she’d been holding, her hands clutching the front of his shirt. Her cheeks were flushed. With hunger? Need?
She seemed at a loss as to what to do next. He stifled an urge to smile, irritation dissolving for the moment.
He grasped her hands gently, surprised by the rising desire to safeguard her. Resisting the appeal to reclaim her mouth, he tugged them from his shirt. Kneeling down, he gathered the spilled belongings. Just as he suspected, he’d been besieged with books.

The blurb for: THE COLOR OF BETRAYAL [Part of the Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll Series through TWRP]
Luke Reiser has every intention of marrying Malia Kane, a difficult feat when she refuses to acknowledge his interest. When Malia’s grandmother asks for a doll left in his attic, Luke believes his luck has changed. He summons Malia to his office, but he doesn’t expect her reaction.
Malia doesn’t have time to do artwork for Luke’s company. She’s preparing for an art show to ease financial difficulties looming like a snuffer ready to extinguish a candle flame. But what she finds at Luke’s office is worse than bankruptcy—it’s that horrid doll bequeathed to her at her mother’s death. Malia has found out the hard way the curse breaks any would-be lover’s nose, and worse. Not wanting to risk injury to Luke, she takes the doll and runs.
Can an ancient doll bring the two together…or will Luke end up next in a long line of victims…with a broken nose as well as a broken heart?

An excerpt of THE COLOR OF BETRAYAL: 
Seeming oblivious to his presence, her gaze spanned the room before dropping her face into open palms. “It’s old. It’s ugly. Why? Why would anyone want the blasted thing?” She had obviously forgotten his presence as the conversation she carried was strictly her own. “It’s that damned curse. It has to be.” She raised her head, staring out a window, its sill covered in dust. Her eyes squinted in the sunlight. “Oooh, it would serve him right if he did snatch the stupid thing.” Full lips pressed in a stubborn line had him lusting to trace them with a fingertip. Coax them into a curve.
“Who?” he demanded, but she didn’t answer. Luke decided to take charge of the situation before she completely lost all contact with reality. “What makes you think the doll is cursed? Not that I believe it for a moment.” It felt odd saying the words aloud, though the words from the note were carved in his memory.
She shot him a startled glance. Yes, that was surprise covering her features. Annoyed, he
promised himself he’d work on forging a less forgettable image later. Right now, however, she
seemed to be debating how much to tell him.
Malia opened her mouth to speak, and suddenly Luke’s brain ceased any rational functioning. A pressing need to kiss those parted lips overtook common sense, and he covered her mouth with his. How much more blatant a signal would he have to send for her to realize his attraction?

Caroline: Where can readers find your books?

Kathy:

QUOTABLE: http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/quotable/

THE COLOR OF BETRAYAL:
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=175_133&products_id=4880

How can readers learn more about you? http://klwheeler.com
http://kathylwheeler.wordpress.com
Twitter @kathylwheeler
www.Facebook.com/kathylwheeler


Caroline: Is there anything else you’d like readers to know about you?

Kathy: Thank you so much for letting me ramble on. I think I’ve always been a bit of an artsy person. I could draw decent pictures when I was younger (forget painting!), I love to sing. I did some local theater. I was okay, just not great! But writing…writing seems to flow through my blood. And I hope that you enjoy the characters that live in my head.

Thanks for sharing with us today, Kathy.

Readers, thanks for stopping by!