Friday, October 25, 2019

This week in The Loft: Author Jennifer Loring!

Joining me today in The Loft is Devine Destinies author Jennifer Loring. Jennifer writes horror fiction as well as contemporary/sports romance. Her short fiction has been widely published and included in multiple anthologies. Currently teaching  in Southern New Hampshire's University's creative writing program, Jennifer lives in Philadelphia with husband, a turtle, and two basset hounds.


Author Jennifer Loring

S:  Welcome, Jennifer! Thanks so much for joining me today.

Why did you become a writer?

J:  I've always been creative. The first thing I wanted to be was an artist. After reading Stephen King for the first time--Misery at age 11--I started writing my own stories. I had seen my mother doing it all my life at that point, but it was really King who made me realize this was what I wanted to do. I turned out to be far better at expressing myself in written form than visually, although I did end up doing my undergrad in studio art.

S:  Do you write in other genres?

J:  Yes. I am primarily a horror writer and have had about 60 stories, a novel, and two novellas published in that genre. I also dabble in science fiction, fantasy, and occasionally, historical and literary fiction. Horror has been my first love for most of my life, but beyond that, I don't like being boxed in. I write what I feel like writing, regardless of genre. I can't imagine limiting myself. Right now I'm writing two novellas--one is folk horror and the other is dark fantasy romance.

S:  (Nods.)  Genre gets little consideration when I am writing. I write what I write, then try to figure out what box it fits in.

What attracted you to your current partner?

J:  (Laughs.) His butt. He's a soccer player. But what kept me around is his sense of humor and intelligence. He always makes me laugh. We've been together for 14 1/2 years now and married for six. Our anniversary is on Halloween.

S:  (Laughs.) How appropriate for a writer of horror stories!

If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose to write books?

J:  Probably, though I mostly write short fiction anyway. I'm starting my PhD work in creative writing next fall, so I guess I must enjoy it. I'm not really good at much else, although I teach university classes and coach other instructors as well. I like teaching, but it's not quite as fulfilling as seeing something of mine in print. I still do art, too, but  I recognized a long time go that I didn't have the talent to make a career out of it.

S:  What do you crave?

J:  I hate to say it, but I crave validation for my work. We all do, whether we want to admit it or not. I write for myself first, but I want other people to enjoy it, too. I also crave Mexican food, pizza, and martinis! And snuggles from my two basset hounds.

S:  (Smiles.) I think we all want our "creative genius" to be recognized and appreciated. 

Tell me about your book, "You Were The Moon."

J:  Sure. Here's the blurb--

Mitzi Weinhaus is the talentless daughter of two Munich Kabarett stars. One night, in an underground club that has so far escaped Nazi detection, she meets the enigmatic singer Giselle, who offers her a chance to be a hero. Teamed up with the mysterious Wolfrik, for whom she develops an alarming attraction, Mitzi soon finds herself ensnared in a world of secret societies, super-soldiers, monsters, and gods. With double-crosses on all sides, can she save her parents from certain death--and her heart from one of the most powerful beings in the universe?



S:  That sounds like a good read! Very complex and intriguing! 

Where can readers buy your book?

J:  It's available at--

Publisher:  https://www.devinedestinies.com/978-1-4874-1891-5-you-were-the-moon/
Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HM1H4Y5

S:  Jennifer, thanks so much for joining me today! If you would like to learn more about Jennifer and her books, please visit--

Website:  http://jenniferloring.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/JenniferTLoring
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_loring
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Loring/e/B0073XLEO8 

Friday, October 18, 2019

This week in The Loft: Author Lynn Michaels!

Joining me today in The Loft is fellow eXtasy author Lynn Michaels! Lynn writes M/M romance because she believes everyone deserves a happy ending. She also finds the dynamics of male characters to be intriguing, vulnerable, and exciting. Lynn has been writing paranormal and contemporary romance since 2014. She and her husband live in Tampa, FL, where she says, "The sun is hot and the Sangria is cold."


Lynn Michaels

S:  Welcome, Lynn! I am so happy you could join me. I have watched your career with great interest. You are one eXtasy's most popular authors.


Why did you become a writer?

L:  Every time I read a great story, I don’t want it to end. I try to make up things in my head about how the story will continue. I’ve always done that, and at some point I figured if I just write the stories myself it would be a lot easier. I still do that, by the way.

S:   I suspect a lot of writers are great readers!

What attracts you to the romance genre?

L:  I used to think of romance genre as being those old fashioned Harlequin romances. They were terrible, so I stayed away. Then I accidentally started reading paranormal romance. Fantasy/sci-fi/paranormal were my go-to genres. But the newer stuff blended the story, so I had paranormal and fantasy elements with a great love story. That convinced me to read more, and I was hooked. That bled out into my writing, so I went with it. Now I even read and write contemporary romance. 

S:  (Chuckles.) After reading those, I knew I could do better. 

Do you write in other genres?

L:  I started writing more fantasy/sci-fi, but when I got hooked on the romance stories, all was lost. I could still see myself writing something non-romance in the future, but I’m having fun with this stuff now.


S:  What is your perfect romantic evening?

L:  A nice dinner. Some time out in the pool with my hubby. Quiet and low key, just spending time together. I don’t need anything flashy. Time well spent together is the best gift.

S:  Do you remember your first kiss? What was memorable about it?

L:  My first kiss was a boy I had a major crush on. It was outside of a dance – like a school dance, but it was at the youth center of the military base I lived on. I think I was about 12 years old. It was sweet and perfect. That boy became my husband years later.

S:  Holy cow! That's amazing!

Do you believe in love at first sight? Has it ever happened to you?

L:  Yes and yes. I fell head over heels in love at first sight with the boy who I eventually married. I met him in the fifth grade. The first time I saw him walking across the playground, I just knew he was special. He was everything. I never lost my love for him and we eventually reunited and married. Now we’ve been married for 15 years. He’s my soul mate.

S:  That is such a heart-warming story. It gives those looking for love hope!

If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose to write books

L:  Yes. I can’t not write. I love the novel format the most. Nice long stories you can sink your teeth into, whether that’s reading or writing. My passion has been books my whole life.

S:  If someone wrote a song about you, what would be the title?

L:  Fun question. Probably something like – "Don’t tell her what to do," or  "Needs a warning label," or "She doesn’t like to play by the rules."

S:  What’s the best advice you have ever been given?

L:  Once someone said to me that life wasn’t meant to be miserable. If you’re miserable, it’s up to you to take steps toward a happier path. You might not get there in a day, but you have to at least move in the right direction. One step at a time.


S:  (Nods.) I always tell people you can choose to be happy or you can choose to be miserable.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

L:  I’m not sure. Actually publishing books. Getting past my fear of what others will think and just putting it out there. That’s probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

S:  Complete this sentence:  “When one of my books is released, I...”

L:  I freak out a little. It makes me nervous. I want people to enjoy my books, and there is always a part of me that thinks they won’t. But then I let it go. I remind myself that the goal isn’t to make people like my work, it’s to put it out there for them to consume and make a part of their own story in whatever way works for them. It belongs to the reader at that point. I let it go. But in the back of my mind, I hope when they get to the end that they think of things to continue the story in their heads.

S:  What is your deepest regret?

L:  I regret not traveling more before I left Europe. I could have had so much more experiences, seen so much more of the world. I was too young at the time--a teenager. I hope I’ll have another shot at it some day.

S:  Where do you get your inspiration?

L:  I think many people ask that. They wonder how these stories come to life. It’s really a synthesis of many different ideas. I take a tiny piece of this and a sprinkle of that and meld them together. Maybe it’s a line of a song, or a quick scene from the trailer of a movie, or a news article. It’s never any one thing, but multiple things that get my brain moving in different directions. One of the best things about writing is that I can create something new from a mere spark of idea or insight. I can twist things around and do it my way. I like bending the rules and seeing what I can do. Then I hope the reader enjoys it too.

S:  Another one of your books, "Sometimes Rogues Returns," comes out today! Tell me about it.

L:  Sure. Here's the blurb--

Bryan and Kayden are back with the WCPC  team to finish what the demon started.

The mystery at Brown-Blythe Manor isn't over. The case is being re-opened, and Bryan is charged with finishing the engagement, only he knows there's more to the job than his boss expects.

Kayden and the others from the WCPC  team follow Bryan back to where it all began. Including Chad, who has more going on inside his head than he wants to admit. 

WCPC handles all your paranormal needs. Poltergeists, ghosts, or mystical apparitions, we can help. We employ the most talented wranglers who can control even the toughest demons around. Call  the consultants at Watercrest Cannon Paranormal Consultants to help.

Broody wrangler and tactile psychic must solve the mystery at Born-Blythe Manor-Sometimes Rogues Return.


S:  That sure sounds intriguing! Where can readers buy your book?

L:  Initially, it is available from eXtasy Books at https://www.extasybooks.com/978-1-4874-2664-4-sometimes-rogues-return/. However, it will be available from all major booksellers.

S:  Lynn, thanks so much for joining me today! If you would like to learn about Lynn and her books, please visit--




Lynn’s Loonie Bin - Facebook Readers Group:  http://bit.ly/LooneyBinonFacebook

Friday, October 11, 2019

This week in The Loft: Author Kimberly Beckett!

Joining me today in The Loft is author Kimberly Beckett. By day, Kimberly is a civilian attorney for the Department of Defense. In her off-hours, she writes equine-facilitated happily-ever-afters. She has loved horses since she was a child and has been riding dressage for several years. Among her accomplishments: Kimberly has earned a U.S. Dressage Federation Bronze Medal. Currently, she writes and tends to her horses and greyhounds in southwest Ohio.


Author Kimberly Beckett

S:  Welcome Kimberly!  You and I have something in common. We are both lawyers who write romance! (Chuckles.) But I write about lawyers in love, while you favor horses.

Tell me, why did you become a writer?

K:  I have always loved to read, and after exhausting the books in my local library, I started writing my own stories.  However, it wasn’t until I had been practicing law for 30 years, was married, and had a grown son that I decided to pursue writing as a vocation.  In my Horses Heal Hearts series, I have combined my love of horses with my love of writing romance. 

S:  What attracts you to the romance genre?

K:  In my job as an attorney, I see people in stressful situations on a regular basis. It’s my job to represent them and try to resolve their conflicts to the best of my ability.  As a romance reader, at the end of the day, I reach for a romance novel so that I can find a place where the conflict is manageable, and there is always a happily-ever-after.

S:  (Nods.) When I was studying for the bar exam, I think I read one romance novel a day, just to ease the stress. We actually passed around a bag full of paperbacks so everyone could indulge. 

What was your worst date ever?


K:  I once went out with a man who was the exact opposite from me in personality. He was a salesman who told bad jokes most of the evening, then took me to see the movie “The Killing Fields” about genocide in Cambodia. Not at all romantic. Suffice it to say that I never saw him again.

S:  Wow. You must have been itching to go home after that one!

Do you believe in love at first sight?

K:  I don’t believe you can truly love someone just on first sight, but I do believe that there are people in the world that we “know” even if we’re meeting them for the first time. It’s hard to explain, except that I believe in reincarnation, and that we can meet in this lifetime souls that we have known in past lives, who come into our lives to help us or encourage us in some way. It’s the only way I can explain how once in a while you meet someone that you instantly “click” with, and who seems to know you even though you have only just met. That phenomenon has happened to me several times.

S:  (Nods.) Deja vu is real.

What do you crave?

K:  I have an unholy attraction to dark chocolate, and I also can’t resist ice cream. It’s my favorite decadent treat.

S:  I am addicted to dark chocolate coffee crunch bars. When I am in the middle of writing a book, I go through way too many!

Tell me about your book, "Lionel's Leap of Faith."

K:  Sure. This is Book 3 in my Horses Heal Hearts series. Here's the blurb--

One fateful decision in a moment of weakness destroyed Lionel Hayes’ life as he knew it and led to the death of his long time partner and lover. At first, he blamed his friend Michael Stafford for his misfortune and sought revenge, but through his work rehabilitating abused horses, and the trust of one special horse, he realized that he had to take responsibility for his actions, and that he and he alone should take the blame. From that day forward, Lionel vowed to restore his image and resume the career that he loved.  In the process, he found the horse of a lifetime, Gideon’s Rainbow.

Monty Campbell was a rising star on the international show jumping circuit until he lost his horse to injury. Desperate for a replacement mount, and with the support of the British Equestrian Team, he leaned of Gideon’s Rainbow and knew this horse was for him. To his surprise, the horse’s owner was also a perfect match for him, although the man stubbornly refused to acknowledge it. How could Monty convince Lionel they were meant for each other and would the sinister force that sought to destroy Lionel destroy Monty as well? 



S:  I am a big fan of Dick Francis, who also writes about the horse world. This sounds like a very moving story! Where can readers buy your book?

K:  It's available on Amazon.com at https://www.amazon.com/Lionels-Leap-Faith-Horses-Hearts-ebook/dp/B07XK9FZ16

S:  Kimberly, thanks so much for joining me today! If you'd like to learn more about Kimberly and her books, please visit--

Website:  https://www.kimberlybeckett.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Author-Kimberly-Beckett-270784220060587
Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Kimberly-Beckett/e/B079SQNPLQ         

Monday, October 7, 2019

This week in The Loft: Author Luanna Stewart

Joining me today in The Loft is Canadian author Luanna Stewart. The author of spicy romantic suspense, paranormal romance, and historical romance, Luanna enjoys torturing her heroes and heroines. When not writing, she's in her kitchen baking something delicious. Luanna lives in Nova Scotia with her husband and two spoiled cats.


Author Luanna Stewart


S:  Good morning, Luanna! Tell me, what's your favorite thing about writing romance?

L:  Creating "what if" scenarios is something I’ve done for as long as I can remember. My Barbie doll went on all sorts of adventures of my devising and when I could borrow my brother’s G.I. Joe, Barbie had some romance in her life. I love creating people from the ground up, not only what they look like, but their entire life story, particularly the moments that formed who they are when the story opens. I also enjoy making their lives difficult, giving them obstacles, physical and emotional, to overcome. The best part is granting my characters their well-earned happily-ever-after.


S:  I doubt my brothers would have surrendered their G.I. Joes to play with my Barbies!

What is your perfect romantic evening?

L:  I have simple tastes and I’m an introvert. I crave silence. So my perfect romantic evening would be spent camping in the back country with my hubby, listening to the loons call their "good nights," enjoying the flickering light of a campfire, and just being.

S: Complete this sentence: When one of my books is released, I…

L:  Put a bottle of Prosecco in the fridge to chill, pat myself on the back for a noteworthy accomplishment, sigh in relief that all the hard work is done, and worry that no one will enjoy reading the book I put months of writing, editing, and tears into creating. And then I get to work on the next book.

S:  If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose to write books?

L:  Absolutely. I can’t imagine not making up stories and playing with words. I have great fun writing myself into a corner that often leads to an interesting twist in the plot.

S:  What’s the best advice you have ever been given?

L:  Do it now while you still can. There is no guarantee that you’ll have a tomorrow. Don’t wait for the "right time" because it may never come. Whoever said carpe diem however many millennia ago was spot on.

S:  That's great advice, for writers and everyone else.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

L:  That’s a difficult question to answer because choosing one thing sort of diminishes the others. Raising our two boys and guiding them into adulthood is definitely something I’m proud of. Staying happily married for 34 years, and counting, is laudatory. We celebrated that milestone recently by buying a new freezer.

S:  Wow, 34 years. That's quite an achievement! 

Tell me about your latest book, "Love Proof."

L:  Sure. Here's the blurb--

Unemployed photojournalist Raynor Elliot stops at a bakery near the famous Deerbourne Inn. Not only does he get a lead on a job but the bakery’s owner is that awkward kid he knew in high school, only now she has fabulous curves and an irreverent sense of humor. The cozy bakery, with its aroma of sugar, vanilla and spice, has more to offer than tasty cookies.

Fiona MacLeod has been plagued for years by the need to make amends for telling The Big Lie. When the lie’s victim strolls into her bakery with his icy blue stare and killer charm, she feels like she’s standing too close to a hot oven.

Between running her bakery and frosting cupcakes for the Mad River Garden Party, she's pretty sure she's falling in love with this infuriating, sexy man. Can Fiona dredge up the courage to confess, face the consequences, and hope for forgiveness?



S:  The Big Lie? That sounds intriguing! Where can readers buy your book?

L:  It's available from all major booksellers, including--

Amazon US:  https://www.amazon.com/Love-Proof-Deerbourne-Luanna-Stewart-ebook/dp/B07S2SBP4V
Amazon CA:  https://www.amazon.ca/Love-Proof-Deerbourne-Luanna-Stewart-ebook/dp/B07S2SBP4V
Kobo:  https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/love-proof-5
Barnes and Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-proof-luanna-stewart/1131669284?ean=2940161211489

S:  Luanna, thanks so much for joining me today! If you'd like to learn more about Luanna and her books, please visit--

Website:  https://www.luannastewart.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LuannaStewartAuthor/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Luanna_Stewart
Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Luanna-Stewart/e/B01068GXTC

Friday, October 4, 2019

This week in The Loft: Author Claudia Shelton

Joining me today in The Loft is author Claudia Shelton. The author of romantic suspense, thrillers, and contemporary romance, Claudia also presents workshops for readers and authors. Her debut novel, "Risk of a Lifetime," was named one of eBooks Galore top reads for 2014. She is also a two-time nominated Daphne Du Maurier (unpublished) finalist for excellence in mystery. Claudia is also the author of the Shades of Leverage action-adventure romantic suspense series.


Author Claudia Shelton

S:  Welcome to The Loft, Claudia!

What attracts you to the romance genre? 

C:  Love, romance, hope, HFN (happy for now), HEA (happily ever after), all the different sub-genres, and what I write--Alpha heroes with a heart and the strong women willing to take a chance.

S:  Can't discount those Alpha heroes, can we?

What is your favorite thing about writing romance? 

C:  I love that there is always at least a HFN, which to me says there's still hope for a HEA.


S:  Do you believe in love at first sight? 

C:  I even believe in love at first dream of your soul-mate, the love-of-your-life. Yes!

S:  Do you write in other genres? 

C:  Currently, I write romantic suspense, but one of my next releases will be a thriller. I love writing action and suspense scenes, so I'm excited to try my hand at a thriller. 

S:  What do you crave?

C:  Interesting question on so many levels. In spring, I crave the sound of birds returning with their songs, calling to mates about the nest they're building. In the summer, I crave good tomatoes and yummy watermelon. Winter, hot chocolate with whipped topping, divinity and a snickerdoodle to nibble. And in fall...I love everything about fall so I need it all!

S:  (Chuckles.)  I'm a fall girl, myself. I have a strange affection for pumpkin spice! Plus, I really enjoy watching the leaves change color. I see it as nature's way of preparing us for the blandness of winter.

What would you like people to know about you?

C:  That I truly hope my readers like my book. 

S:  Complete this sentence: "When one of my books is released..."

C:  I'm always excited to hold the print copy in my hands and to sign a copy for each of my family members.


S:  If you had it to do all over again, would you still choose to write books?

C:  Definitely! Not only do I love writing, I like most everything associated with the profession. Besides, there are characters and stories running rampant in my head, just waiting for their turn to have their story told!

S:  How do you want to be remembered? 

C:  As the woman who tried to splash a little excitement and color as she traveled through this world!

S:  Tell me about your current series.

C:  I love my Shades Team! In the Shades of Leverage series, not only are they all great agents with fun, exciting stories to share, they all wear shades. They are sexy sinfull shades. The series includes--




 S:  Claudia, thanks so much for joining me today! If you would like to learn more about Claudia and her books, please visit--

  

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

This week in The Loft: Author Holly Bargo!

After much delay, I am back. I will be playing catch-up for the next few weeks, so I will be publishing author interviews at more frequent intervals.

Joining me this week in The Loft is author Holly Bargo. Holly has been writing since she first learned to hold a pencil. The author of more than 20 books, she has penned everything from contemporary to paranormal and fantasy romance. She currently resides on a hobby farm in southwest Ohio with her husband and a menagerie of four-legged critters. 



Author Holly Bargo

S:  Welcome, Holly! I have to tell you, you are living my fantasy life. I dream about living on a hobby farm. For me, that's the perfect setting for retirement.


Tell me, why did you become a writer?


H:  I have always told stories, even if I only told them to myself. Eventually, I realized that I was writing and telling stories that I liked and wanted to read, but could not find. Convinced of my own worthiness, I began writing for publication. 


S:  What attracts you to the romance genre? 

H:  I like romance because I believe in love. Since I began reading romance in the 1970s, I’ve seen some distinct trends come and go. Currently, I think romance is backsliding with regard to social responsibility to readers, but it’s still my go-to genre. I love the way it assumes that women’s happiness and fulfillment are of crucial importance. No other genre does that. 

S:  I have to agree with you. I think our responsibility to readers is an issue that has to be addressed. We have a lot of influence, so we need to be careful about the way we craft stories. It is just too easy to lead impressionable readers astray.

Do you believe in love at first sight? 

H:  Absolutely, but it’s never happened to me, unless you include me and various four-legged beasties. The first time I saw Holly Bargo, with a foal at her side, I knew I had to have her. Something about that horse struck me as perfect. The same thing happened years later when I saw my other horse, Lady Anastasia, a spirited, demanding horse who gave me what I needed when I needed it. Love at first sight these days is often portrayed as “instalust,” a term I consider derogatory.

S:  What attracted you to your current partner? 

H:  My current partner is the first man I kissed and to whom I lost my virginity—on our wedding night. I met him when he was still dating a girl who worked for my father. I thought nothing of it: we traded quips and friendly insults. In college, we finally connected on a romantic level. He’s my best friend who understands me better than anyone else and can always makes me laugh.

S:  These days, that's a pretty amazing story, but a lovely one. 


How do you want to be remembered? 

H:  The answer to that depends upon who remembers me. I hope my children will remember me as loving them, even if that love was tough. I hope my husband will remember me as his best friend who supported him regardless of whatever hobby captured his fancy. I hope that my brothers will remember me with fondness, despite knowing that their sister never really got it all together. I hope my friends remember me as someone they could count on, someone who was always glad to see them and hear from them. And I hope readers remember me as an author whose books they enjoyed.

S:  What a great answer!

Tell me about your book, "The Eagle at Dawn."

H:  Sure. "The Eagle at Dawn" is the fourth book in the Immortal Shifters series, but can be read as a complete, standalone novel with no cheating and a guaranteed HEA. Here's the blurb--

When Rachel's brother uses her as collateral to settle a debt with an outlaw motorcycle gang, she flees to a local bar and pleads with a darkly handsome stranger to help her. His help results in homicide. When eagle shifter Diego's vacation is interrupted by the innocent young woman he recognizes as his mate, he flees with her across national borders, because she's his and he's not letting her go.

Having essentially swapped one captor for another, Rachel knows the dashing, sexy Spaniard is keeping secrets from her. He showers her with kindness and generosity in exchange for her obedience. Diego's control over her and his secrets elicit her distrust and resentment.


When freedom beckons, Rachel answers its call; however, freedom brings hardship and indignity. Will she return to the controlling alpha make who stirs her blood or cling stubbornly to her freedom?



S:  Wow. That sounds fascinating. Where can readers find your book?

H:  It's available on Amazon. Here's the link--

S:  Holly, thanks so much for joining me today! If you would like to learn more about Holly and her books, visit--

Website:  https:/www.henhousepublishing.com