Cameron, who resides in Ontario, recently welcomed her first child, a daughter, currently four months old. While she, her husband, and their tabby cat, Darcy, adjust to the new addition, Cameron continues to write romance. Like so many of us who write, Cameron fell in love with reading at an early age and after reading her first romance novel at age 15, embraced the genre and made it her own. She is the author of multiple books, all of which can be found at Amazon.com.
Cameron is joining me today for tea (and luscious French pastries) to talk about romance and a special offer for her readers.
S: Good morning, Cameron. Thanks so much for visiting. Now that we've propped ourselves up with sugar and caffeine, let's get down to business. Tell me, what do you consider your greatest achievement?
C: That's a draw. I always thought finding a publisher and finally getting published would be my greatest achievement. I remember reading once about an author who likened publishing a book to giving birth. You work for months and months on a book, writing, rewriting, editing, sending it away to publishers, then finally it's birthed and is such an accomplishment.
However, I just had a baby. My daughter is four months old and I love her to bits. I can't really say which is the bigger achievement. People have babies every day, but some couples really struggle to get pregnant. The odds of getting published are pretty low. Self-publishing was a game changer (in the book world) but if you want a traditional publishing career it's not an easy road.
Being published and having a baby are my two biggest accomplishments. I'm so proud of both.
S: The first year with a new baby is pretty special, if you remember it! (Chuckles.) Kids are a blessing, most of the time. Really.
Anyhoo, you write about love. I'm always interested in other author's perspectives on love. Do you believe people have only one true love--that they only fall in love once?
C: No. I believe people fall in love multiple times. I think sometimes a person can fall in and out of love with their partner, which is why it's so important to communicate and remember not to make snap decisions. Also, I believe there are different types of love.
S: Communication and patience are indeed important in relationships. I also think a little romance helps as well.
You mentioned your tabby cat, Darcy. Cats are great pets--mine lived more than 21 years and I was shattered when he went to the great beyond. He was a great cuddler.
If you could have any animal in the universe as a pet, what would it be and why?
C: A few things spring to mind, like a pig, skunk, or otter. I've always enjoyed having cats, but I think I'd really love a sugar glider. (https://m.youtube/watch?v=E2TsiMOIoLA)
S: Ah, cute little buggers. For those who don't know, sugar gliders look like flying squirrels, but are actually marsupials...think kangaroos. The females have a pouch to transport their young. They're called sugar gliders because they have a layer of skin between their wrists and their sides that enables them to glide when their arms are fully outstretched. They are very social creatures who like to hang out in their owner's pockets or "pouches."
Cameron, good writers often rely on certain types of inspiration. For example, I find mine in everything from food to music, but opera really sends my imagination soaring. Is there any one song that inspires your flights of fantasy?
C: Imagine Dragons: Believer. Most songs by Imagine Dragons inspire me when it comes to writing. I've got a fantasy series in my "to write" lineup and every time that song comes on, that series tries to push its way to the front of the line.
S: Wow. That sounds like fun. My fantasies tend more toward...oh, never mind. (laughs)
Your life--with the addition of a child--is going to change remarkably in the next few years. So, I will probably ask you this same question again 10 years hence: To date, what's the best advice you've ever given?
C: I'll keep this writing related and say--When it comes to editing/revision, read your work out loud. Or better yet, have the computer read it to you. You'll be shocked at how many mistakes you catch.
S: That really is great advice. I have to say, for me, the first draft is the easy part. The editing and revision that follows is not nearly as much fun.
(Seelie grabs the last pastry.) Sorry about that. Caffeine does little for me. I need the sugar high.
Now, tell me about the special offer you have for readers...
C: During the months of July and August, I am offering a free copy of my short story, Neptune's Passion, to anyone who purchases one of my novels from the Unexpected Changes series--My Mistletoe Master, Not His Type, The Perfect Fix, or Somewhere to Belong--directly from my publisher, eXtasy Books. All you have to do is send the proof of purchase to cameron@cameronallie.com and I'll send you a FREE copy of Neptune's Passion.
S: I love free books! What is Neptune's Passion about?
C: Here's the blurb--"Hot Greek male looking for roommate for tropical vacation. Must be female. Must be a sexy brunette, with a passion for reading. Must be Natalie Donovan." When Griff asked her whether, to cut costs, she'd like to room with him at their friend's wedding, Natalie should have said no. But now as they sip margaritas on a white sand beach, Natalie finds flirting with her long-time crush a little too easy. And finds sleeping next to him, night after night, too much temptation.
S: Sounds like someone's getting their sexy on! Can you share an excerpt?
C: Sure--
Excerpt from Neptune's Passion
A few chapters further, Natalie got interrupted when water was dripped onto her legs. Frowning she glanced up and found Griff looming over her. With his Greek ancestry, dark features, and sharp blue gaze he resembled the Roman God Neptune. In the fading daylight, water glistened on his body. The only missing pieces: the big beard, and the trident.
A few chapters further, Natalie got interrupted when water was dripped onto her legs. Frowning she glanced up and found Griff looming over her. With his Greek ancestry, dark features, and sharp blue gaze he resembled the Roman God Neptune. In the fading daylight, water glistened on his body. The only missing pieces: the big beard, and the trident.
“If you want to keep your book
safe I recommend you put it away.”
Confused she asked, “Why?”
She shrieked, when without
warning Griff squatted down, placed one hand under her bent legs, the other
behind her back, and lifted her into his arms. Natalie struggled to get away
from his cold, wet body. “Put me down.”
In the pool, their friends
laughed and cheered him on.
“You’re going in the water. You
can do it alone or with the book.”
“Fine.” She huffed. “Put me down,
though.”
He did as she asked, but
suggested, “You might want to lose the cover-up too.”
Natalie growled her displeasure
over that, but set her book on the chair and dropped her white beach cover-up
over top of it. She went a step further and put her glasses on the table. If
she was reading the situation correctly, it would be safer if she left them
behind. She stared up at a now slightly fuzzy Griff. “Better?”
His gaze ate her up, and with
deep male appreciation he replied, “Much.”
Feeling playful, Natalie crossed
her arms under her breasts. “I’m not going in the pool.”
He grinned. “Oh, yes you are.”
Deciding she wouldn’t make it
easy, Natalie deked around him and darted away.
She wasn’t nearly fast enough.
She hadn’t even made it passed the end of the pool before he caught her around
the waist. Hoisting her up once more, Griff stood at the deep end of the pool.
“In you go.”
She squealed in protest as he
stepped off the ledge, dropping them both into the water.
S: That sounds like a great way to heat up your summer!
Cameron, thanks so much for stopping by! Maybe next time, you'll bring the babe. I really miss having a child to cuddle. Teens don't cuddle, they just give you grey hair!
For more information on Cameron's summer special, visit:
https://www.cameronallie.com/2018/07/summer-promotional-event-get-free-copy-neptunes-passion/
Next week, I welcome author Madison Michael to the loft. (I'm going to need to go out and buy more pastry!)
!
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