SEELIE KAY: Postcards from The Ledge: December 2022

Friday, December 30, 2022

Joining me today in The Loft is author Joan Ramirez. Joan writes contemporary romance, mystery, and suspense under the pen name, J. L. Regen, and also writes non-fiction books for children on a variety of subjects, including autism and leadership. Trained as an English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor and a journalist, Joan has taught ESL courses in South Korea, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, and teaches workshops on business communications for corporations and public agencies. She lives in the NJ/NY metro area.

Author J. L. Regen

S: Good morning, Joan! Welcome to The Loft!

How has romance changed in your lifetime?

J: In my day, men made the overtures. With so much internet dating, the romance has been taken out of it. Now, women are asking men out to dinner, etc. I'm old fashioned. I like a man who is assertive. If I make the first moves toward romance, how will I know if he cares and is really interested in me for more than one or two dates? I met my husband through work and my courtship was very romantic. I knew him as a professional and man of integrity before we dated. Today, with internet dating, so much is left to chance and people don't have to be as honest as they do when meeting in person because they can turn off the power button.

S: The rise of technology has certainly affected how people communicate and relate to others. I'm not sure that's been a positive thing.

Is true romance--the wooing, courtship, passion, seduction, the little gestures of affection, etc.--dead?

J: I’ve been married a while, but I would hope all of these elements still exist because how else can you form a lasting relationship?

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

J: In that era, women were not allowed to have careers, so I would be a rebel. I’d leave immediately.

S: Complete this sentence: “I almost married him/her, but…”

J: I almost married a man who I found out dated me on Friday, someone else on Saturday, and then married his high school sweetheart.

S: That was a busy guy! What do you appreciate more--Brains or brawn/beauty?

J: I value brains and brawn in the right amount. A man can be strong but he has to be loving and caring.

S: What inspired "Secret Desires?"

J: "Secret Desires" was inspired by a short relationship with a man who couldn't get over his first deceased wife to form a relationship with me. I built a story around it.

S: Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Secret Desires?"

J: It is now on sale as an audiobook at Audible.com and will soon be available on iTunes. "Secret Desires" is about taking a second chance on love and a young girl's search for many kinds of meaning in her life, career, and motherhood.

Here's the blurb--

Nothing in Margo Simmons’s life comes easy. She can’t claim the inheritance on a condo apartment her uncle has left to her until she is gainfully employed in a job for a year. She meets the man of her dreams, but anguishes over a loving relationship because he is still emotionally tied to his deceased wife. With great difficulty, she becomes the guardian to a recently orphaned child she had been tutoring. Margo evolves from an insecure, newbie elementary teacher into a woman determined to fulfill the secret desires locked in her heart.

S: Where can readers buy the audiobook?

J: It's available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Desires/dp/B07GFTNFN3.

S: Joan, thanks so much for joining me today to announce the release of your audiobook. If you'd like to learn more about Joan and her books, please visit www.Joansbookshelf.com.

Friday, December 23, 2022

This week in The Loft: Author Ruth A. Casie!

Joining me today in The Loft is USA Today Best Selling Author Ruth A. Casie. Ruth writes historical adventures from the shores of medieval Scotland to the cobblestone streets of Regency London. Within her pages, you’ll discover ‘edge-of-your-seat’ suspense, mind- boggling drama, and heart-melting emotions featuring strong women and the men who deserve them. Ruth is one of five Timeless Scribes. They write short stories and publish them in holiday and summer anthologies.

Author Ruth A. Casie

S: Good morning, Ruth. It's a pleasure to host you in my loft today.

Is true romance--the wooing, courtship, passion, seduction, the little gestures of affection, etc.--dead?

R: I hope not! My world, my real one, is my family. Each of my children--all grown--are either married or in relationships. They and their significant others treat one another respectfully and tenderly. They treat each other to surprises, treats, and acts of kindness. The outside world around me may be different, but I believe that it’s family values and action that teach children what is expected and how to behave. For example, after a day of work and commuting into Manhattan, I cooked dinner. My husband, who commuted with me, did the dishes. Even now that we are both retired, I still cook and he does the dishes.

S: I like to say that in a true romance, both parties make an effort to let their partners know they are cherished. That's so important.

What do people get wrong about writing romance?

R: Men and women both get it wrong. For example, I’m a member of a women’s organization that prides itself with its progressive mindset. They have several book clubs for members. One woman suggested they read my book and was told no one reads those types of books. In a repressed environment, prior to the 18th Century where women had no rights, women wrote stories from their heart, with dreams of independence and freedom. To quote Maya Rodale, “We are writing stories about women who triumph in a world that doesn’t want women to triumph.” It breaks away from the accepted norm of the era which is threatening to those in control and can be linked to the rise in the call for women’s rights. Romance stories take you on a journey as a woman of that any era, in any story where she finds fulfilment and a deserving happily ever after.

S: Writing romance, writing any book really, is hard work and it's pretty offensive when someone diminishes it as "soft porn" or a "bodice-ripper."

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

R: I hope a bit of both. Thrilled for the experience and appalled by the narrow-mindedness. Would I stay permanently? Only if I found people who would support a forward-thinking woman. I think I would wind up in a lot of trouble.

S: I imagine promoting 21st Century ideas and experiences would result in some sort of punishment from a spouse or father. That was definitely a time when women were to be seen, not heard.

What attracted you to your current partner?

R: I joined a singles group. As the season changed, a small group in my age range broke off. They asked if I would host parties at their houses. At the time, our local paper had a singles page. I advertised the parties and if you wanted to come, you had to call for reservations. A gentleman called to make a reservation for the Super Bowl Party. He came to the party and called me the following day. He thanked me for the dinner and asked that I put him on the list for the next party. Then he invited me to the Philharmonic. During a light supper, I took out index cards of women his age and went through them to see who he was interested in. He humored me. We spoke during the week and went out the following Saturday. I took out another bunch of index cards. He showed no interest in any of them. I was quickly running out of people to introduce him to. At our third meeting, he took my hand across the table and said, “I’ve been waiting three weeks for you to realize it is you I want to be with.” It is 37 years later. He is called Daddy by my girls and our son, and Pop Pop by our grandchildren. He is my hero in so many ways.

S: Dating was so different back then. I think it was a much healthier experience. Searching for love online seems like such a cold and somewhat dangerous alternative.

What do people get wrong about publishing a book?

R: People think you write a book and someone--and that someone could be you--publishes it. Each stage of the process has its own difficulties, from story concept through story development, editing, to publishing. And it doesn’t stop there. Whether you are traditionally published or self-published, there is the marketing. Even if you’re traditionally published a great deal of the marketing is left to the author. Self-published authors have to do it all.

S: Authorship is a business and has to be treated like one. I think many are surprised by how much time has to be devoted to promotion.

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

R: Yes, but I wouldn’t have waited so long. I loved my job at the bank and spent over 25 years there. However, the creativity and camaraderie I have found in the writing community has been wonderful, and I find out more about myself with each book I write.

S: Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Duke's Lost Love?"

R: A Duke in Winter anthology contains Shakespeare’s works turned into happily-ever- afters. My story, "The Duke’s Lost Love," is based on "Love’s Labour’s Lost." After vowing to avoid women, the King and three of his friends have to host a princess and her three ladies. The four men fall in love and decide to court the women. In the end, the women must return to their kingdom for a year after which they will marry the king and his friends, providing they remain true to them. With a novella, there wasn’t enough time to develop the love story for all four couples. This story is about the Duke and the Comtesse--King and Princess--who do have their happily ever after. "The Duke’s Lost Love" takes place in Sommer by the Sea, the fantasy village that hosts my series, The Ladies of Sommer by the Sea.

Here's the blurb--

Will they fight the obvious, that their ideal person is in front of them, or will they walk away from their heart’s desire?

Lady Nanette de Chappell, the Comtesse de Moyne and Lord Morgan Fitzhugh, the reluctant 5th Duke of Preswick grew up near each other in Sommer by the Sea, Nanette at her grandparent’s now closed down Dunamara Castle and Fitzhugh at Preswick Hall.

Fitzhugh is with his three closest friends. Each of them suffers a form of feminine defeat. After a night of drinking, they decide to swear off the company of women for three years and instead study chivalrous love.

The following morning, Nanette and her three ladies arrive at Fitzhugh’s doorstep in a broken carriage. She is on her way to Dunamara for two reasons, retrieve an item for her ill grandmother and to avoid a dinner party to meet yet another suitor she will find lacking. She seeks the solitude of Dunamara to determine if her ideal is realistic or a dream no man can fulfill. Fitzhugh takes her to Dunamara. A freak snowstorm strands them at the castle. Fighting through an avalanche and tunnel cave in, they must depend on each other to escape. In the process, they both have the potential of finding something they’ve been searching for. If only they will open their eyes.

S: Where can readers buy the anthology?

R: It's now available for pre-order at https://www.amazon.com/Duke-Winter-Historical-Romance-Collection-ebook/dp/B09X8JFNBS. The book will be released on December 29.

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

Website: https://ruthacasie.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthacasie/

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/RuthACasie/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RuthACasie

Amazon Author Page: https://amazon.com/author/ruthacasie

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4792909.Ruth_A_Casie

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ru th-a-casie

Newsletter Signup: http://bit.ly/RuthsNewsletterSignUp

Friday, December 16, 2022

This week in The Loft: Author Taryn Jameson!

Joining me today in The Loft is fellow eXtasy author Taryn Jameson. She writes fantasy, sci-fi, and paranormal romance, most often with her cowriter, Gabriella Bradley. By day, she works as a cover artist, by night Taryn is a writer, mother, artist, and avid reader. She lives in an RV in an enchanted forest part of the year and a magical desert the rest of the time. Taryn has been married to her soulmate for 25 years and they currently reside with Sevyn, their cat. This month, she is celebrating the release of two holiday books.

Author Tayrn Jameson

S: Good morning, Taryn. I am so pleased that you could join me today.

In your opinion, is true romance--the wooing, courtship, passion, seduction, the little gestures of affection, etc.--dead?

T: I think it depends on the individual and their partner. True romance is very much alive for my husband and myself. Even after 28 years of being together, we find small ways to show our love for each other. The little things, like holding hands walking into the grocery store or cuddling on the couch to watch a movie together count.

S: It's always nice to hear about couples who keep the romance alive.

What attracted you to your current partner?

T: It was his smile. He has a heartwarming smile that is just a tad bit crooked and a hint of a dimple in his right cheek. We have now been married for 25 wonderful years, have six beautiful daughters--his, hers, and ours--and one handsome son whom we lost to suicide in 2018. Though his smile hasn’t come quite as often after our loss, it still has the power to make my heart beat a little faster and make me weak at the knees. I am looking forward to another 25.

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

T: Be thankful for today because in a blink of an eye your entire life can change. Mine changed in so many indescribable ways on April 19, 2018. Though I have lost a crucial piece of my heart and soul, and I am broken on a fundamental level, I have been blessed with the family I have, and I am so thankful for their love and support.

S: Any loss is hard, but losing a child seems so much worse. You have my deepest sympathies. And you're right, things can change in the blink of an eye. We need to cherish what we have every day.

What would you like to people know about you?

T: My husband and I quit smoking on Sept. 26, 2020, then punished ourselves for 30 days hiking in the desert mountains of Big Bend National Park. That 30-day trip sparked the love of hiking and spending time just enjoying nature. We now own off-grid property in the Big Bend area and visit as often as our work schedules allow us. We run completely on solar and are now in the process of building a rain catchment system, so we don’t have to haul water quite as much. Who knew that roughing it could be so much fun?

S: I'm impressed by the switch to solar. I use it for outdoor lighting, but it's been kind of hit or miss. We've had too many cloudy days lately.

What inspires your stories?

T: Incidents in my life, my surroundings, or it could be something as simple as a walk in the moonlight. My holiday stocking stuffer, "The Frost Moon," is a great example of that. I was walking to work under a full harvest moon when I caught a glimpse of my characters. Their story was fully fleshed in my mind within the 20 minutes it took for me to walk from the RV park where we are parked for the next few months to my jobsite. "The Frost Moon" released Dec. 2 from eXtasy Books and is available on their website, as well as other booksellers, including Amazon and Kobo.

Here's the blurb--

A prick of her finger on a crystal snowflake drawing blood, sets off a chain of magical events.

Freydis doesn’t believe in monsters or Fae tales, but the night of the Frost Moon brings great magic, and with it the man she hates most.

[Editor's note: "The Frost Moon" can be purchased from--

Publisher: https://www.extasybooks.com/The-Frost-Moon

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLSBDQJD/

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=The+Frost+Moon]

S: What inspired "Yuletide Treachery?"

T: I was walking to work and instead of the warm mornings I have been used to, there was a crisp breeze. Normally I am quite aware of my surroundings, but on this walk, the heroine was quite determined to disrupt me. "Yuletide Treachery" started as a visual of the heroine, Princess Silvana, or Silvie, crouched in the snow sobbing. When she looked up and showed me her face, I knew I had to call my cowriter, Gabriella Bradley, and flesh out the details.

S: Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Yuletide Treachery?"

T: "Yuletide Treachery" is a holiday story set in a fantasy world with Fae and shifters. The heroine, Silvie, is damaged both physically and mentally, and it takes a very special hero to set things right. It is quite a different play on the old tale of "Beauty and the Beast."

Here's the blurb--

An innocent escapade to gather mistletoe takes a treacherous turn for Princess Silvana and her best friend…

While gathering mistletoe for the upcoming Yule celebrations, Princess Silvana, and her best friend, Lady Adara, are attacked by an unknown assailant…

Silvie is sure no man can ever love her now that she looks beastly. Especially not Keiflan, the dashingly handsome new captain of her royal guard. Her scars are ghastly, and she knows she should discourage him, but he treats her as if her disfigurement doesn't matter.

To Keif, Silvie is the most mesmerizing woman he has ever met. He knows he is playing with fire. She is forbidden fruit, but he can’t bring himself to back away from the princess, even if it means losing his head.

S: What a lovely story! Where can readers buy "Yuletide Treachery?"

T: Right now, it's only available from my publisher, but will be available from all major booksellers soon. Here's the link--https://www.extasybooks.com/Yuletide-Treachery

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

Website:  www.tarynjameson.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TarynJamesonAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TarynJameson

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/tarynjameson/

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/author/tarynjameson

Friday, December 9, 2022

Today in The Loft: Author Tim Smith!

Joining me today in The Loft is fellow eXtasy author Tim Smith. Tim is an award-winning, bestselling author of romantic mystery/thrillers and contemporary erotic romance. His novels featuring former CIA agent Nick Seven have garnered several awards and international critical praise. He is also a freelance writer, blogger, editor and photographer. When Tim isn’t pursuing those interests, he can be found in the Florida Keys, doing research in between parasailing and seeking out the perfect Mojito.

Author Tim Smith

S: Good morning, Tim! So nice to chat with you again.

In your opinion, is true romance--the wooing, courtship, passion, seduction, the little gestures of affection, etc.--dead?

T: I wouldn’t say they’re dead, but definitely headed for life support. When everything went digital, romance became colder and less personal. Reality stepped aside for fantasy and fictitious bios, while frivolous conversations were replaced by a digital shorthand that you need a cheat sheet to keep up with. The query, “May I call you?” is now answered with “Text me.” I consider myself to be a vivid writer, but expressing my feelings or making someone laugh in a couple of hundred characters is tough to do. What happened to sending cute greeting cards with silly messages written inside, or phoning just to say, “Hi, how are ya?” To put this in perspective, my parents were happily married for 62 years, and they expressed their feelings for each other every day without the aid of a cell phone. Different generation, different expectations.

S: You are so right. Everything seems so superficial, as if getting to know someone doesn't matter. That's so sad.

What do you appreciate more--Brains or brawn/beauty?

T: While physical attraction is a factor, I really appreciate a sense of humor--I’m always making jokes, and the ability to carry on a good conversation. I’ve talked with women who were very pretty, but they couldn’t discuss anything that went deeper than “Well, duh, ya know?” To be fair, a lot of my male friends have that same problem, unless they’re talking about sports. Along with shared interests, I also appreciate honesty and sincerity. If you say you’ll return a call or meet me someplace, be considerate enough to follow through. I think ghosting is rude and I’d never do it. If you feel like things aren’t working out, it’s polite to let the other person know so they don’t wonder why you changed your number.

S: A good sense of humor is at the root of great relationships. You have to be able to laugh at life--together. Of course, for me, you also have to be a rabid Packers fan!

What do people get wrong about publishing a book?

T: Not realizing how much work is involved from conception to publication and beyond. In some of my writer support groups, I hear newbies who are in the work-in-progress stage complain about the amount of corrections their editors want them to make. I learned a long time ago not to take those criticisms personally, because the editor’s job is to work with you to produce a better finished product. I’d hate to be around when they release their book and discover how much marketing they need to do.

S: As a former journalist, I'm used to having my copy ripped apart. When I got the edits for my first book, I barely blinked. I was really surprised to learn that others objected to being edited.

What is the best/worst thing that has ever happened to you as a writer?

T: Aside from being traditionally published for over 20 years, the best things are the opportunities that have come with it. It opened up a whole different world for me, with a lot of unique experiences. Traveling to different parts of the country for author events, doing interviews and meeting interesting people were all part of the fun. I’ve maintained friendships with many of these writers and industry folks. Another perk was parlaying authorship into becoming a freelance writer and blogger. I’ve had some fun gigs, from book reviewer to covering arts events for local newspapers, and a post-retirement job as the editor of one of them.

S: What would you like people to know about you?

T: This year marks my twentieth anniversary as a published author. In that time, I’ve released 29 books, contributed to a few anthologies, and written more blogs and feature stories than I can recall. I now work as a full-time writer and editor, something I had wanted to do for a long time. I’m starting to indulge my love of travel again, now that some of the restrictions have been lifted, and hope to do more this coming year.

S: Congratulations on all of your success. I know you worked hard for it.

What inspired "Out of the Shadows?"

T: “Out of the Shadows” began with one of those whimsical “What if…” moments. I was watching one of my favorite romantic caper movies, “Charade,” with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn. I had been looking for a story idea for my next book and as I was watching it, I thought, “What if my hero runs into a professional thief and con artist from his past?” Once I had that base, the ideas began flowing: Why is this person in the Keys? Is he there to pull off a caper? What is his target? Who else is involved? What is the bigger picture?

S: Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Out of the Shadows?"

T: “Out of the Shadows” is my 29th published book, and the eighth in the Nick Seven series of Key Largo-based adventures. This is a series, but the books do not need to be read in order. Although I incorporated some current events into the plot, it’s just a breezy, quick-paced adventure with romance, interesting characters, snappy dialogue, action, and vivid atmosphere. It’s escapism, pure and simple. Chase away the winter blahs and blues by joining Nick and Felicia in the sunny, sultry Florida Keys for their latest adventure. I think you’ll enjoy the trip!

Here's the blurb--

What does a former spy have to do to get some peace and quiet in his personal corner of paradise? In the laidback ease of the Florida Keys, Nick Seven has carved out a life far removed from the intrigue that once defined his life in the CIA. He runs his trendy club on the Gulf, keeps a low profile, and enjoys the tropical setting with Felicia, his Barbadian lover and former co-worker. After he sees a woman being killed at a resort, Nick finds himself thrust into an investigation where there is no corpse and no evidence of a crime. The police are busy with a string of high-profile home burglaries and don’t have time to look for his imaginary victim, so it’s up to Nick to investigate. Then French con artist Marco St. Julian unexpectedly surfaces from Nick’s past. Are the incidents related? And what part does the wealthy young trophy wife of a convicted financial scammer play in all of this? Throw in a career-hungry FBI agent, a mysterious Cuban crook and an ex-patriate Irish gunrunner, and it’s more than just another day at the beach.

S: Sounds like you have all the ingredients for a great story.

Where can readers buy your book?

T: It's available at all major booksellers, including--

eXtasy Books: https://www.extasybooks.com/Out-of-the-Shadows

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Out-Shadows-Nick-Seven-Book-ebook/dp/B0BL6JSYDL

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/out-of-the-shadows-tim-smith/1142680789

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/out-of-the-shadows-116

S: Tim, thanks so much for joining me today. If you'd like to learn more about Tim and his books, please visit https://allauthor.com/author/timsmith/.

Monday, December 5, 2022

All of my holiday books are 50% off!

All of my holiday books are 50% off!

The Last Christmas:  https://www.extasybooks.com/the-last-christmas

The President’s Daughter:  https://www.extasybooks.com/the-presidents-daughter

A Touchdown to Remember:  https://www.extasybooks.com/a-touchdown-to-remember

And many holiday books by my fellow eXtasy authors are 50% off, too!

Friday, December 2, 2022

Today in The Loft: Authors Adriana Kraft!

Joining me in The Loft this morning are fellow eXtasy authors Adriana Kraft, a husband-wife team of retired professors who write erotic romance and romantic suspense. Together, the couple has published more than 50 romance novels and novellas. The Krafts have lived in many states across the Midwest but now live in southern Arizona. When not writing, they enjoy hiking, golf, and travel, especially to the many Arizona Native American historical sites. Their four grown sons are scattered across the country, but they're planning a road trip next summer to visit them all, hopefully avoiding the Oklahoma tornado season for their final stop. Today's interview is with Mrs. Kraft.

The avatar for Adriana Kraft

S: Welcome to The Loft! I think I've mentioned in the past that I chose our publisher, eXtasy Books, because I enjoyed your books. It's an honor to host you on my blog today.

Let's start with the basics--Is true romance--the wooing, courtship, passion, seduction, the little gestures of affection, etc.--dead? Why or why not?

A: Not true – we’d be out of business! I’m not saying every couple that gets together experiences everything you listed, but it’s still going on, and even where it isn’t, people crave it. We want to feel treasured and valued by the person we’re in love with. We want to hold hands and touch even if we’ve been married forever. Long formal courtships may be a thing of the past for most of us, but passion, seduction, and the little gestures? Never.

S: Complete this sentence: “I almost married him/her, but…”

A: That’s an intriguing question for someone who’s been engaged four times but only married twice… so the simple answer, when I was 22 and living in Chicago, is that I almost married him, but he drove 700 miles after his last final exam, broke up with me, and turned around and drove back to North Carolina. Out of the blue. A not very helpful fellow student, upon learning the news, said, “You should be grateful he didn’t wait until after the wedding.” My friend was correct, of course, but it wasn’t exactly comforting at the moment. I do suspect that surviving heartbreak, and that’s not the only time, feeds the stories and characters in the romance I now write with my husband, the fourth and last engagement.

S: Unfortunately, I was the jerk in more than one breakup, but I was young and stupid, and eventually, karma did bite.

Do you write in genres other than romance?

A: Short answer: No. Details? Well, within the broad genre of romance, Mr. Kraft and I explore many subgenres. He’s a trained criminologist, so it’s no surprise we’ve written several romantic suspense stories. Perhaps because of our Celtic roots, we’ve delved into energy work, Reiki, shamanism, and Native American Spirituality, so we’re open to the paranormal and often include paranormal elements in our romances, hopefully in ways that respect those traditions. We’re huge history buffs and are finally working on a romance set during the Roman occupation of Britain, which will have a paranormal element, as it stretches across time to the present day.

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

A: I used to answer, “They think anyone can do it.” Trouble is, that’s not necessarily wrong these days in the era of self-publishing. So perhaps I should say “They think anyone can produce a well-written polished novel, and they think it’s easy.” It’s hard work. Hubs and I lose track of how many times we toss a manuscript back and forth to fine tune the editing—and that’s after we’ve read it out loud segment by segment as we develop the story and get it on the page. We’re both quality driven and obsessive about attention to detail.

S: Self-publishing has certainly changed the industry. While it's great that anyone can publish a book, I wish there was a way to control the quality.

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

A: Again, my answer has changed over time. My pat response used to be. "Never give up." In some ways that’s still true, but the more recent advice that keeps me going now is “Be yourself, be real, and do what you love.” What this has impacted most is how I’m now marketing. I used to hate marketing. I saw it as unpleasant but necessary. This advice has freed me up to do things I love. I read widely, mostly outside of romance, so now I’m posting reviews of books I’ve loved, whatever the genre. Something interesting happens to me or I spot something lovely or unusual? Click, Instagram, maybe a blog post. It’s freed up my creativity outside the realm of writing our stories, and it’s a whole lot more fun.

S: What inspired "A Reluctant Santa?"

A: Our publisher put out a call for short holiday stories, and we immediately knew we wanted to feature romance for a pair of 50-year-olds. The characters? Mr. Kraft’s beard used to be a lot longer, and when we’d be out shopping in the holiday season, tiny children would sometimes point at him and gleefully say “Santa!” So we had our hero--a man with a real Santa beard. We thought it would be fun to play with a practical couple, the opposite of romantic, and see how they’d connect. We cast about a while for setting. We now live in the southwest, which we love, but it still jars me to see Christmas lights in the midst of palm trees and balmy weather. We finally decided that for a holiday story we wanted a winter setting, so we placed it in one of our former haunts, the Lake Como district of St. Paul, MN.

S: Having graduated from UM-Twin Cities, I am very familiar with that area. A good choice for a holiday story.

Is there anything special you would like people to know about "A Reluctant Santa?"

A: The core of this story is that it’s never too late to fall in love. We don’t see enough older heroines in the romance world. So many fantasies about what romance should be revolve around being young, first time falling in love, starting a family. Certainly, there’s a time and place for stories that fill that longing, stories I enjoy reading as well. But we wanted older persons to recognize themselves in the romance stories that are out there. And I suppose at some level we wanted to fight ageism, to flaunt our own age, and say it’s okay to think about folks 50 and over not only falling in love but having a steamy sex life. We hope that’s what we’ve delivered in "A Reluctant Santa."

Here's the blurb--

Is it ever too late to find happiness?

They’re in their fifties. Grief-stricken (her) and battle scarred (him) from their previous loves, they don’t want to risk more heartbreak, ever. They’ll have to take it slow, talk it through, test the waters carefully. Can they make it happen at this speed, get it done in a short story, and reap the benefits of sizzling sex at their age? Why not?