Friday, November 25, 2022

This week in The Loft: Fellow eXtasy Author Carol A. Guy!

Joining me today in The Loft is author Carol A. Guy. Carol writes romantic suspense, paranormal mysteries, and true crime. After many years of working full-time jobs--one as a newspaper reporter--and authoring books in her spare time, she is now retired and writing full time. Carol's two children, David and Sarah, are grown with families of their own. She is a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Carol resides in Florida, with two very inquisitive cats, Sherlock and Charlie.

Author Carol A. Guy

S:  Good morning, Carol! Thank you for taking the time to chat with me today.

Has romance changed in your lifetime? 

C:  I’m not sure true romance has changed that much, but society’s concept of what’s taboo, certainly has. It seems like, these days, the words romance and sex are synonymous in a lot of people’s minds. Not in mine, however. Although sex is usually, and naturally, part of a romantic relationship, to me romance is more than that. It’s believing in the other person and wanting what’s best for him or her. It’s cherishing the relationship and not doing anything to jeopardize what you’ve built together. It’s being totally honest about your feelings. And, it’s offering words of encouragement when your significant other is at a low point in his or her life.

S:  I totally agree with you. The sexual norms have really changed and as an older single person, it makes me uncomfortable.

What do you appreciate more brains or brawn/beauty?

C:  If I must choose one, give me brains. But I’d also like him to be kind, considerate and brave enough to express his true feelings.

S:  Good qualities for a partner to possess. What's the best advice you’ve ever been given?

C:  When I was authoring my true crime book, I wrote it in a “just the facts, ma’am” style. I sent a few chapters to a publisher who specialized in that genre. I received a reply from the acquisition’s editor stating that the story seemed to be a good one, but the format was all wrong. He offered this advice: “Even though it’s true crime, the reader still wants to be entertained. Rewrite it like a novel.” He agreed to take another look if I did that. Well, I took his advice to heart, and resubmitted it to that editor as well as another publishing house. He didn’t make an offer, but the other publisher did. And the rest, as they say, is history.

S:  I can really identify with that advice. I have been working on a true crime book and it's tough to leave the "just the facts" mentality. As a former journalist, that conflicts with everything I was taught.

What inspires your stories?

C:  I’ve been a mystery novel fan since I was a teenager. It’s natural I would want to write in that genre. I grew up in a small town much like Crescent Falls, which is why I use that as the backdrop for my series. Adding the romance element, I feel, gives the stories more depth. Inspiration for my stories comes from many sources: The news, experiences I’ve had or heard about from friends or relatives, and, of course, my imagination.

S:  What do people get wrong about publishing a book?

C:  Many people labor under the impression that as soon as a book gets published, the money starts rolling in. For most authors this is not the case. Competition is tough. You need to implement a well thought out marketing plan of your own, whether you have a publisher or are self-published.

S:  I read somewhere that more than a million books are published each year. That makes it really hard to get information about your books heard. You're right. Competition is fierce.

What inspired "The Silent Victims?"

C:  It’s the fifth in the Crescent Falls series, so I’m trying not only to continue the development of the characters but create the suspense/romance element. In "The Silent Victims," I reveal a deadly secret involving a main character and tie up a loose end from the previous book. I also felt it was time to bring back a character to create romantic conflict between two lovers.

S:  Is there anything special you would like people to know about "The Silent Victims?"

C:  If you enjoy a mystery novel laced with romantic entanglements, lots of plot twists, and a surprise ending, you should give "The Silent Victims" a try. In fact, the same can be said for all the books in the series.

Here's the blurb--

A dead hooker, a missing minister, a skeleton unearthed in the mayor’s back yard, and an attack on the town librarian…once again Crescent Falls is besieged by murder and mayhem.

It’s July Fourth and the citizens of Crescent Falls are ready to celebrate the occasion. The public park has been transformed into festival central with food tents sponsored by local churches, music provided by the high school band, and a carnival midway with games and a dunking machine.

Amateur sleuth Adelaide McBride and her fiancé Vernon Dexter are ready to work a shift at the ice cream tent, sponsored by their church. The newly formed Crescent Falls Auxiliary Police Force, made up of volunteers, will be keeping the peace. But when a murder victim is found in the woods adjacent to the park, the celebration comes to an abrupt halt.

Chief of Police Daniel McBride already has a missing person’s case on his hands. Reverend James Preston mysteriously disappeared a week ago and all efforts to find him have failed. Now, Daniel is faced with the brutal murder of a woman he recognizes as Felitia Mason, an out-of-town escort, employed by Lillian Hayes, someone Daniel became infatuated with during a past investigation. Will his continued fascination with the intriguing escort service owner endanger his relationship with Officer Judy Hess, the woman he claims to love?

To make matters worse, days later a skeleton is unearthed in the mayor’s back yard and many dark secrets from the past bubble to the surface.

When the town librarian is attacked in the same manner as the escort, Daniel realizes some of his cases could be connected.

With his mother, Adelaide, lending a hand, Daniel hopes to unravel both twisted cases and find justice for the victims. But little does he realize the price some of those involved will have to pay.

S:  That sounds like a very suspenseful story! Where can readers buy your book?

C:  It's available at--

Extasy Books:  https://www.extasybooks.com/carol-a-guy

Amazon:  https://amazon.com/dp/B0BGKWYF5R

Barnes and Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-silent-victims-carol-a-guy/1142363332

S:  Carol, thanks for joining me today. If you'd like to learn more about Carol and her books, please visit--

Friday, November 18, 2022

This week in The Loft: Author Jill Piscitello!

Joining me today in The Loft is author Jill Piscitello. Jill writes sweet romance and cozy mysteries. A teacher by day, she often divides her reading hours among several books at a time. A lighthearted story offering an escape from the real world can always be found on her nightstand. When not planning lessons or reading and writing, she can be found spending time with her family, traveling, and going on light hikes. Jill also loves trying out new restaurants, but will order a Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap whenever possible. A native of New England, Jill lives with her family and three well-loved cats. 

Author Jill Piscitello

S:  Good morning, Jill, and welcome to The Loft!

Is there any famous book you wish you had written?

J:  Anything by Jane Austen or Agatha Christie. I couldn’t begin to choose one specific book. Both women set the bar for writing in their chosen genres.

S:  I would have loved to have had a day to interview Christie and delve into how she mapped out her mysteries. 

Do you write in genres other than romance?

J:  Yes. I am in the final stages of editing a cozy mystery to be released in 2023.

S:  Congratulations! It's always exciting to switch gears a bit.

What do people get wrong about publishing a book?

J:  I think most people assume unknown or new authors exclusively self-publish. Finding a traditional publisher isn’t easy, but is well worth the effort of the querying process. The guidance of a talented editor is invaluable.

S:  I have worked with the same editor for all of my books. I wouldn't work with anyone else.

What attracted you to your current partner?

J:  Family values. Early into our relationship, I could see how important family was to my husband. I’d also been given the sage advice to pay attention to the way a man treats his mother. When you see that love and respect, you know you have a keeper.

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

J:  If you want to do something, take steps to make it happen. I believe there is something to be said for the power of positive thinking. But action is key--even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.

S:  What inspired "Tinsel and Tea Cakes?"

J:  Victorian era romances are known for their swooning courtships, elegant fashion, and society or social norms. As a fan of historical fiction, I wanted to include elements from the time period while infusing the ups and downs of modern relationships. Without adding a true time travel storyline, I was able to create a Victorian story world set during the holidays.

S:  Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Tinsel and Tea Cakes?"

J:  If a busy schedule forces you to forego reading until the holidays are over, "Tinsel and Tea Cakes" is an entertaining, holiday novella perfect for the snippets of time that arise amidst shopping, gatherings, and life in general. This heartwarming story offers romance, humor, and a touch of mystery.

Here's the blurb--

Hair stylist Scarlett Kerrigan lost her job and her apartment. To alleviate a touch of self-pity, she succumbs to her stepmom’s pressure to attend a wedding in the New Hampshire White Mountains. Unfortunately, she runs into the vacation fling who promised the moon but disappeared without an explanation. Months have passed, but she is not ready to forgive and forget.

After a chaotic year, executive Wes Harley settles into his family's event venue, The Timeless Manor. His carefully structured world is shaken to its core when Scarlett arrives for the Victorian Christmas wedding weekend. The feelings he never quite erased flood to the surface.

When secrets are revealed, will a magical chateau and a sprinkle of tinsel be enough to charm Scarlett?

S:  That sounds so romantic! Where can readers purchase your book?

J:  It's available at-- 

Amazon 

Nook

Apple IBooks

S:  Jill, thank you so much for joining me in The Loft. If you'd like to learn more about Jill and her books, please visit--

Friday, November 11, 2022

This week in The Loft: Author Caroline Clemmons!

Joining me today in The Loft is author Caroline Clemmons. She is the author of more than 80 titles, including sweet to sensual historical westerns, contemporary and time travel romances, and the occasional cozy mystery. She writes full-time in a tiny office her family refers to as her "cave." When not writing, Caroline enjoys spending time with family, reading the books of friends and others, dining out, browsing antique malls, shopping online, dabbling with oil paints, researching genealogy, and taking the occasional nap. Caroline and her husband, who she calls, "Hero," live in North Central Texas.

Author Caroline Clemmons

S:  Good morning, Caroline. It's a pleasure to have you back in The Loft!

If you were suddenly transported back to Victorian times as a member of the aristocracy, would you be thrilled or appalled? Would you be willing to stay there permanently?

C:  I wouldn’t say thrilled, but intrigued. Having servants and lovely clothes would be nice. I could research the era firsthand. My youngest daughter and I enjoy tours of Victorian-era homes. Seeing those homes and lifestyle at their peak would be fascinating. I would not want to stay there. Women were too restricted by society’s rules. We have access to medical and dental advances. I like my life here! Plus—air-conditioning/heating, good plumbing!

S:  Yes, air conditioning and heat are important, and chamber pots gross me out! 

What do you appreciate more, brains or brawn/beauty?

C:  Brains are definitely more important, with shared interests—especially long term. Hero and I share a lot of common interests, even though we each have separate ones. Hero is an attractive man, and he’s the most intelligent man I’ve ever met. I am not inferring that all brawny men are stupid, but insisting that brains are more important.

S:  Having had a few otherworldly encounters with male models, I know that the looks and smarts combination can be hard to find!

What was your worst date ever?

C:  There was this handsome, somewhat brawny, guy named Archie who was two years ahead of me in school. I first noticed him when I was in the seventh grade. I thought he looked terrific, but I never had a chance to talk to him. When I started high school, he was a senior and the same thing was true. When I was a freshman in college, he asked me out. I was so excited that this guy I’d admired for all those years had asked me to a movie. Oh, that date was so awful, even though the movie took up most of the time. I learned that in college, he was only one year ahead of me because he had failed so many classes. He wasn’t even embarrassed about it. He thought he was smart and had weird theories he shared. This was near Thanksgiving. That’s probably why the only theory I remember is he told me the reason he got a headache from holiday family dinners was because he ate too much and that made stomach gas. He believed that since gas rises, the gas in a person’s body rises until it gets inside the skull. Gas can’t get through the thick skull and the gas pressing against the skull is what causes a headache. Need I tell you I only dated him once?

S:  That is so funny! What attracted you to your current partner?

C:  It was love at first sight for me. I was sitting by his sister at her thirteenth birthday party, so I could hand her gifts to unwrap. I knew she had a brother who was her twin, but didn’t know she had a brother three years older. Hero came home and appeared in the doorway with his camera to take photos of her party. The minute I saw him is frozen in my mind. I remember what I was wearing, what his sister was wearing, what his mother was wearing as she stared from me to Hero and back. Of course, I remember what Hero wore, and that I thought he was the most suave, sophisticated, and attractive guy I’d ever seen. I have to admit that now I have family photos of him from that time, and he looked like a cute geek, which he was. I was six weeks shy of 13, so it was a long time before he asked me on a date.

S:  Good thing the date with Archie didn't pan out!

What would you like people to know about you?

C:  That whether they like my work or not, what I publish is the best I could write at that time. I try very hard to bring readers uplifting entertainment. My hope is that for the time they’re reading something I’ve written, they forget about their problems, relax, and let the book take them to another place.

S:  What inspired "Jesse And The Mail Order Bride?"

C:  For several years, I’ve written in multi-author projects where someone else came up with the theme and parameters of the series, and each author wrote a stand-alone story for the series. They were such fun to write and cross-promote. Due to having COVID, I had to drop out of a couple, and that was embarrassing. At Hero’s urging, I decided I’d be better off with my own series on my schedule. One of the places I enjoy visiting is the Texas Hill Country, especially near Bandera, which claims to be the cowboy capital. I love writing historical westerns set between 1870 and 1885. Something else I enjoy writing is mail order bride stories. What compelled the heroine to become a bride to a stranger? What prompted the hero to request a mail order bride or did someone else request the bride for him? How do strangers find their happy-ever-after? I’ve read biographies and autobiographies of actual mail order brides of that time period. Some did have happy marriages, some had narrow escapes, and some were miserable. I prefer to concentrate on the happy ones. I came up with the Texas Hill Country Mail Order Brides, which is a long series name. Then I came up with seven bachelors, their occupations, and their matches. When readers requested a book about Quinn, the brother of book one’s bachelor, Gentry McRae, I added him. The book I’m talking about today is "Jesse And The Mail Order Bride," Book 2. This series takes place in the fictional Harrigan Springs in Harrigan County, which is squeezed in between real Bandera and Medina. Like all of my recent books, this is a sweet story with no cursing and sex is behind closed doors.

S:  Is there anything special you’d like people to know about "Jesse And The Mail Order Bride?"

C:  Jesse Cameron is the sheriff and is respected for his firm-but-fair policies. He’s tall and lanky at 24, and he’s from Scotland. In the two years he’s been sheriff, crimes are down and Harrigan Springs is an even nicer place to live than when he arrived. You know that to have a little conflict, a sheriff needs his opposite. Rosalin Arnold is not a bad person, but has been forced by trickery and threats to become a pickpocket. Having gained strength and self-confidence, she has been plotting to escape the clutches of the evil man who heads the pickpockets—and much more.

Here's the blurb--

Sheriff Jesse Cameron is dedicated to uphold the law of his adopted country. After leaving Scotland, he came to Texas, and learned he liked the place and the people—at least, most of them. He keeps Harrigan County free of troublemakers with his “strict but fair” policy. Now that he has a steady job and has bought a house, he figures it’s time to find a wife and start a family. He and his best friend write to the same matchmaker, hoping their brides will be sisters or friends. Jesse hopes his wife will provide a peaceful home and welcome him each evening with a good meal and a warm smile.

Growing up in an orphanage left Rosalin Arnold too naïve to avoid being trapped in the clutches of an evil man who has her picking pockets. Those who’ve tried to escape him always fail, and are severely punished—or killed. Rosalin has been plotting to get away, and seizes her chance to escape. She takes her best friend with her, and also a boy of eight. All she and her friends want is a home where they can live honestly without constant fear. She prays she has successfully evaded the man who has tentacles everywhere.

What will happen when her lawman husband learns the truth about her criminal past? Have she and her friends escaped successfully?



S:  Gotta love a romance with a good looking sheriff who has a Scottish burr or brogue! Where can readers buy "Jesse And The Mail Order Bride?"

C:  It's available at Amazon in e-book, print, and free at Kindle Unlimited. Here's the link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BD64JC1D?ref.


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


Facebook Readers Group--Caroline’s Cuties: https://www.facebook.com/groups/277082053015947/


Newsletter:  https://carolineclemmons.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=0a24664c906875718d975ad7b&id=7c2e488a51 Subscribe for a free historical novella about a humorous, disastrous wedding, "Happy is the Bride."

Thursday, November 3, 2022

This week in The Loft: Author Luann Lewis!

Joining me today in The Loft is fellow eXtasy author Luann Lewis. Luann writes thrillers and spicy, time travel romance. A big fan of Cold War spy thrillers and film noir, the main characters in Luann's books are similar to those found in old black and white television shows. Her Twisting Time series spans from the 1960s into the 2200s and illustrates how love holds similar trials and joys through every culture and era. Now semi-retired, Luann works part-time as a paralegal. With her husband of 38 years, she shares three children and three grandchildren.

Author Luann Lewis

S:  Good morning and welcome to The Loft, Luann!

How has romance changed in your lifetime? 

L:  Romance novels back when I was young were much more chaste, at least the ones that came my way. As I progressed into young adulthood, they got a little spicier, then later many of them veered into erotica. I like a little spice with my romance. After all, people DO have sex when they’re in love, but I enjoy romance novels for the fantasy. Sex in real life can be inconvenient and messy. That part can be written away in novels. I think it’s great that we look at the romance genre with broader minds now, but it could be damaging if young women go into a marriage or serious relationship thinking that their sex lives are going to be the way most romance novels are written.

S:  I often say romance novels are probably responsible for more than a few divorces. The expectations set by fiction are often not met in real life and that leaves women disillusioned about their own love lives.

Is true romance--the wooing, courtship, passion, seduction, the little gestures of affection, etc.--dead? Why or why not?

L:  I’ve been with my husband for over 40 years and married to him for over 38. The wooing, courtship, passion, seduction and little gestures of affection are still very alive between us and between many of the happily together couples we know. What is romance without that? I guess without it, it’s just porn, isn’t it?

S:  What do people get wrong about publishing a book?

L:  People think that once you’ve published a book, you get big royalties and lots of readers. They don’t realize that you get buried among all the other books out there. That’s discouraging after the time and effort you’ve put into actually writing it. On the other hand, for many writers, including myself, the true joy is in the writing–-escaping into this little world you created, having someone else come there with you just makes it all the better.

S:  That's so true. I write because I enjoy it. I would be in big trouble if I relied on it as a source of income!

What would you like to people know about you?

L:  That I am a Christian, yet do include spice in my romance novels. At first, I felt a little guilty about that, but I don’t see why Christian women shouldn’t enjoy the fantasy of two people in love having a sex life. I don’t understand why a Christian woman can’t read something that might inspire her to pour a glass of wine and turn down the lights when her significant other returns home. I have a certain set of ethics I adhere to in my books but they include sexually romantic scenes.

S:  What inspires your stories?

L:  My romance novels and novellas have mostly been inspired by a cold war spy from an old show called, "Danger Man."  In the U.S., he was known as "Secret Agent." This same actor also played a similar spy role in a movie called, "Ice Station Zebra." He has been my muse. I found his characters fascinating. These characters never had any romances, though. The actor, Patrick McGoohan, refused to kiss any woman besides his wife even as part of his onscreen job. This left the imagination open for what could have been. I ended up taking that character and twisting him into my own.

S:  I didn't recognize the name, so I had to look him up. He does look like a spy! He has those dark, mysterious eyes!

What inspired "Facing Fate?"

L:  It’s my favorite in the Twisting Time series. In "Facing Fate," my male protagonist is brought into a utopian future. Back in the 1960s, he was considered a brilliant man. A British operative, quick on his feet, he was desired by the ladies and envied by the men. He was full of confidence. Now, he’s 200 years ahead. The world is not the dangerous place it was in his time, back when his fists were at the ready and his knowledge was contemporary. Plus, he’s missing his whiskey and cigarettes. There are a lot of adjustments to make in order to be with the woman he loves.

S:  Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Facing Fate?"

L:  Although it’s not necessary to have read the entire Twisting Time series first, the initial book lays the groundwork for the second book and you get deep insight into the personalities of the male and female protagonists along with the origin of their love story. Plus, Twisting Time is a love story of its own. One of my friends gave a copy to her elderly eye doctor, who later called her and confided that it had “aroused him.” That wasn’t the first time I heard that from a man. I was surprised that it turned out to be a romance men could enjoy as well as women.

Here's the blurb--

Finding where you belong is profound. Facing where you belong can be unfathomable.

When David Morse stepped two hundred years into the future to be with the woman he loved, Miri Ableton, he entered utopia. So why didn’t it feel like utopia? It wasn’t just the pain of going without whiskey and cigarettes. He had to get used to being a new father, adjust to being a novelty to those around him, and contend with a future mother-in-law who considered him an intruder.

When David’s nightmares begin, it quickly becomes obvious the past is trying to reach out to him. Miri’s friend, Melinda, agrees to help by stepping back through time to face David’s double—a dangerous man who had left David scarred and nearly killed him. Melinda’s fate, at this mystery man’s hands, could change the world.

S:  Wow, that sounds very intense. Where can readers buy your book?

L:  It's available at--

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Facing-Fate-Luann-Lewis/dp/1487435029

Publisher:   https://www.extasybooks.com/Facing-Fate

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