This week in The Loft: Author Martha O'Sullivan!

Joining me today in The Loft is author Martha O'Sullivan. Formerly an Acquisitions Editor at MacMillan Computer Publishing, Martha writes contemporary and erotic romance with traditional couples and happy endings. A native of Chicago, Martha is living her own happy ending in Florida with her husband and two daughters.

Author Martha O'Sullivan

S:  Good morning, Martha. Thanks for joining me today.

Why write romance?

M:  I write what I love to read--contemporary romance novels with Happily-Ever-After endings. Bonus points if they are part of a series.

S:  Writing what you like to read is a sound baseline for creating a book. I think you need to understand the genre and sub-genre before you start writing.

What would you like people to know about you?

M:  I was underestimated much of my life. Surprise!

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

M:  The best thing that has ever happened to me as a writer has been seeing my books in print. There is just something about holding your book in your hand. The worst thing is the years of rejection. But it makes you stronger, better. Sometimes, the last thing you'd ever want turns out to be exactly what you need.

S:  I have to agree. Rejections are great motivators.

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

M:  I would have to. Writing chose me!

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

M:  Write what you know, what you like to read. I loved writing "Second Chance" and the rest of the trilogy. I would read the books, even if I hadn’t written them.

S:  What do you consider your greatest achievement?

M:  My daughters.

S:  What inspired "Second Chance?"

M:  "Second Chance" was my first book and will always be the book of my heart. The setting was inspired by my summers in Lake Tahoe and my fascination with California as a girl. But Moira Brody, a secondary character in "Second Chance" and the heroine in "Last Chance," has a lot of me in her. "Last Chance" ended up being my favorite book in the series, although all three were a labor of love.

S:  Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Second  Chance?"

M:  "Second Chance" and "Last Chance" were originally one book called "The Missing Piece." But the book was getting too long and was losing focus. So the Chances Trilogy was born!

Here's the blurb--

Is a Second Chance at love worth the risk of losing your heart forever?

Lindsay Foster has convinced herself that marrying Paul Webster is the right thing to do. But she and Brian Rembrandt have some unfinished business. And now that Brian is suddenly standing in front of her again, she finds herself torn between the life she's always wanted and the man she'll always love.

Brian is up for that fight; he's used to getting what he wants. And he's never met a rule that couldn't be broken. So when Lindsay won't come to him, he goes to her. Despite the passion-filled night they share, Lindsay sends Brian away and decides to go through with the wedding. 

But this love triangle has an extra side. Lindsay's lifelong best friend Moria Brody has a heart-wrenching secret. And she's not the only one struggling with an epiphany. The chain of events set in motion on the placid shores of Lake Tahoe come to a head on a foggy San Francisco night. And alter the course of four lives forever.  

S:  I love stories that twist and turn! Where can readers buy your book?

M:  It's available at https://books2read.com/u/bprgKW

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

Website:  https://www.marthaosullivan.com.

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/m_osullivan26

This week in The Loft: Author Jan Selbourne!

Joining me today in The Loft is author Jan Selbourne. Jan generally writes historical fiction, but recently teamed up with USA Today bestselling science fiction author Eileen Tromel to write an alternate history, sweet romance called "The Moon Crossing." The winner of the Coffee Pot Book Club Historical Fiction Silver Medal, Jan began writing after many years in the dusty world of ledgers and accounting, working in Victoria, Queensland and the United Kingdom. She later indulged her love of history by shifting course to work as the secretary of a large New South Wales historical society. The mother of two adult children, Jan now lives in Maitland, New South Wales with her loveable dog.

Author Jan Selbourne

S:  Good morning, Jan. Thanks for joining me in The Loft!

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

J:  Definitely. I’ve wanted to write since I was a kid, but something else always came first. Career, marriage, children, work. Writing books is incredibly satisfying, and nice comments and wonderful reviews make it all worthwhile.

S:  What's the best or worst thing that has ever happened to you as a writer?

J:  Writing books has been a fantastic journey. I thought holding my first published book, "Perilous Love," was the best thing ever, then I met some fantastic supportive authors who’ve helped me enormously. The best thing that happened to me and my book "Lies of Gold," was winning the Coffee Pot Book Club Book of the Year Silver Medal for Historical Romance. That really was the icing on the cake.

S:  You are so lucky to have had so many positive experiences.

Besides historical romance and fiction, what other genres do you enjoy writing?

J:  History is my favorite genre because there is a wealth of material to work with. Every era is unique because of the colorful people who made their mark. Caesar and Cleopatra, Robin Hood, Henry VIII and his six wives, Mozart, Napoleon Bonaparte, George Washington, Hitler regrettably--all good fodder for a book. However, I enjoyed writing a contemporary short story set in outback Australia--the Cowboy Desire anthology, and Eileen Troemel pulled me into the future with "The Moon Crossing."

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

J:  If we are in an unhappy situation, like a job we hate, a toxic relationship, or bad company, we have choices. We can leave the job or the relationship or so-called friends. Of course, there’ll be difficulties and obstacles, but we can do it. If we remain in the job or relationship, it’s our choice so don’t complain later.

S:  Exactly. You can choose to be happy or you can choose to be miserable. 

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

J:  My two daughters who are now adults and my best friends.

S:  What do you want inscribed on your tombstone? How do you want to be remembered?

J:  Each time I hear that question, I think of a tombstone at the gold mining town, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. “Stop man as you pass by. As you are now so was I. As I am now so you will be, so stop man and pray for me.”  Sort of says it all, doesn’t it?  But I don’t want that on my tombstone, perhaps my name and mum and nana.  I’d like to be remembered as a mum and nana and dedicated animal lover.

S:  What inspired "The Moon Crossing?"

J:  Eileen Troemel, the wonderful sci-fi author. When she asked me to co-author "The Moon Crossing," my reaction was, "Why me?  I write historical fiction." She dangled a few ideas in front of me, I was intrigued, and before I knew it, I was throwing ideas back at her. It was a new experience and I learned a lot about the moon.

Here’s the blurb--

USA Today Bestselling Author Eileen Troemel and Coffee Pot Book Club Historical Fiction Silver Medal author Jan Selbourne present an alternate history, sweet romance of life after the Moon Landing in 1969. 

In 2030, World Correction Center - the Earth's most secure prison - is a miserable place to land. Since it's on the moon, it's inescapable. It contains the worst criminals Earth has ever seen. So why are the brilliant minds across the globe being sent to this black hole of the justice system. When renowned archaeologist Micky Cooper is charged with embezzling, his sister Susan knows it's a set up.  It's up to her to prove his innocence. Susan thinks she might be paranoid but she swears she's being followed and should she trust the nice man whose cousin has disappeared as well? Was it a chance meeting or is he against her too? Teaming up with Greg Tanner, a man equally resolved to prove the innocence of his cousin, Samantha Tanner - a word leading linguist - Susan and Greg seek clues wherever they can find them, but they're barely keeping one step ahead of those who want them to stop.  They begin to unravel the web of lies, fraud and cover up. Just when they start to put pieces together, Susan and Greg are forced to run for their lives.  With a nudge from Samantha they find someone to help. Is this woman an ally? Or simply part of a greater conspiracy to hide the truth? What exactly is on the moon and why are the Earth's greatest minds being sent there to serve time?

S:  Wow. That's a spellbinding story! Where can readers buy "The Moon Landing?"

J:  It's available at--

Amazon:  Amazon.com: The Moon Crossing eBook : Troemel, Eileen, Selbourne, Jan: Kindle Store

Book Funnel:  https://books.bookfunnel.com/comingsoon-sep/7zyf50v78e

S:  Jan, thanks for joining me today and good luck with your new book! If you'd like to learn more about Jan and her books, please visit--

Website:  https://nomadauthors.com/JanSelbourne/index.html

Blog:  http://nomadauthors.com/blog

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/JanSelbourne

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jan.selbourne

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14661584.Jan_Selbourne?from_search=true

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Jan-Selbourne/e/B0184OSZ6E/

Newsletter:  https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/h8t2y6

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-selbourne-2817b6140

Donovan Trait is looking for a few good humans!

An illegal union, a banned birth, a great lie, and now, a challenge to the ruling Vampire Coalition. Vampire lawyer Donovan Trait and his wife, chemically-turned Judge Shirley Magnusen, are battling for their lives and the lives of their children. With an island of highly skilled vampire nuns at their back, things are bound to get messy,

Real messy!

The Traits are organizing, a revolution is in sight, and they're looking for four good humans to fight by their side. Freedom fighters, technology experts, social media specialists, military strategists, and medical and legal staff are all needed to win the war against the cruel and arbitrary Vampire Coalition. 

Interested? All humans on Seelie Kay's newsletter subscriber list will automatically be entered into a drawing for a featured role in "Vive La Resistance." Other enlightened humans may register for the drawing at https://rb.gy/w69pim by October 30, 2021, midnight, CST. Only newsletter subscribers will be eligible to participate. The drawing will take place October 31, 2021 and winners will be notified that day by email.

Details. All winners will be asked to complete a survey regarding desired traits for their character, and will also be required to approve a draft of the passage that contains their names or nickname. Winners will also receive a complete explanation of their rights and responsibilities as a participant in the revolution.

Questions? Contact Seelie Kay at seeliekay@gmail.com.

To learn more about Donovan Trait and the Vampire Revolution, read the first two books in the series--

First, We Kill All the Lawyers (Book 1): https://www.amazon.com/First-We-Kill-All-Lawyers/dp/1487431260

Ye Gods! The Law is an Ass (Book 2):  https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Law-Donovan-Trait-Book-ebook/dp/B09FJG31JB

Vive la resistance!

Today in The Loft: New romance author B. D. Storey!

Joining me today in The Loft is first-time contemporary romance author B. D. Storey. Born in Germany, Bob was an "Army brat," traveling from post to post until his father retired. Upon reaching adulthood, Bob joined the U.S. Air Force. After retiring in 2000, Bob went to work in the technology department of his local sheriff's office. He plans to retire soon. When not working, writing, farming, or parenting, Bob enjoys PC and console games, immersing himself in role playing and lands of make believe, and writing epic tales of fantasy, love, adventuring, and dragon slaying. Bob lives on a small farm in Tennessee with his wife, three children, three horses, and five cats.

Author B. D. Storey

S:  Good morning, Bob. Welcome to the Loft!

Why write romance?  

B:  I've always been a romantic. I'm a sucker for a happily-ever-after. I play both online and console video games, and the characters I create in those worlds provide outstanding writing prompts. I'm the one who is always looking for romantic quests and storylines.

S:  I'm not a gamer, so I never considered that video games could be a source of inspiration for romance, but I imagine they could spark some pretty creative scenarios.

Do you write in other genres? 

B:  Romance is my first true published genre, but I also dabble in the fantasy and sci-fi realms for fun--just to keep things fresh.   

S:  What's your preference--Brains or brawn/beauty?

B:  Brains. I've always found intelligence to be an exciting turn on. Beauty and brawn can be superficial, but brains provide depth and character.

S:  I have to agree. When you loose that brawn and beauty, the brain remains. Without it, there is nothing.

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

B:  My first kiss was junior year in high school. What made it memorable, other than being my first, was how soft her lips were.

S:   What inspires your stories?

B:  From the romance side, real life events. For my fantasy/sci-fi shorts, general gaming events.   

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

B:  Since this is my first book, the best thing was allowing several friends and a few strangers to read the first few chapters and have all of them fall in love with my characters and the start of the story.

S:  Sounds like you had a lot of encouragement and support. That's so wonderful. So many don't write because they never get that.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

B:  "If you are on time, you are late." My father gave that advice to me when I started my military career.

S:  In other words, be a few minutes early. I wish more people had received that advice!

What inspired "Fate Takes a Hike?"

B:  The Hallmark Movie Channel! Hallmark movies are a great example of Happily-Ever-Afters (HEA) and to me, a basic romance story. You have a hero and a heroine who meet over some goal, there is a common purpose that brings them together, then a conflict point that threatens the relationship. This is followed by a recovery and HEA. Regardless of the movie, they all revolve around the same basic structure. My wife and I were watching a movie last July and I turned to her and said, "You know, I could write one of these stories. They all have the same basic structure." She said, "You could. You've done it with other writings." So I developed an idea and then started writing. Along the way I added a bit more spice than you would find in a Hallmark movie!

S:  I enjoy most Hallmark movies, but those one or two-kiss endings are far from satisfactory. I'm always left wanting more.

Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Fate Takes a Hike?"

B:  It's like a real-life love story. I wanted my characters to be portrayed as real people, folks you could meet while at a town picnic and get to know.

Here's the blurb--

What happens when fate and a little bunny conspires to bring two wounded hearts together?

Josie Callison was a single mother of one, living in Azton, WA, where she grew up. The past few years had been hard on Josie. First she lost her husband suddenly. A year later, her father passed away quietly in his sleep. It seemed only right to move back home to help her mother with the struggling family business and take the time to heal and raise her daughter.

Jacob Berman, widower and former soldier, has seen his share of death, the latest being the loss of his wife and child. Living alone and keeping mostly to himself gave him the time to work on the plan made by him and his wife for their future in Azton. Swearing off dating ensured that nothing else could cause his heart and soul any more pain.

On the clear and beautiful Saturday morning, neither expected to be falling down a hill or rescuing a damsel in distress. But, as we all know, Fate rarely asks for out input when planning our lives. When Fate decides that two broken hearts can heal each other, it will use all of the tools at its disposal to put those hearts on the same path. That includes a demonic rabbit intent on hiker mauling.

S:  A denomic rabbit intent on hiker mauling? That's one heck of a hook!

Where can readers buy your book?

B:  It's currently available at--

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098LY894N

Barnes and Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fate-takes-a-hike-bd-storey/1139787737?ean=9781737518815

S:  Bob, thanks so much for joining me today and good luck with sales on your first book! If you'd like to learn more about Bob and his book, please visit--

Website:  https://www.bdstorey.com/

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

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

This week in The Loft: Author Janina Grey!

Joining me today in The Loft is contemporary romance author Janina Grey. By day, Janina guides domestic and sexual assault survivors down their path of healing and empowerment. In the wee hours of the morning, she hunkers down at her childhood writing desk, music streaming through her earbuds, as she brings her characters to life and creates their happily-ever-afters. Janina and her husband reside in a 113-year-old Mohawk Valley (NY) farm house with a few resident spirits and a very squawky murder of crows.

Author Janina Grey

S:  Thanks for joining me today, Janina!

Why write romance?

J:  I write romance to give people hope. To bring love into their lives. To give people an escape from all of the horrific headlines of domestic violence, murder, war, shooting, famine, drought, fires, flooding. The more love we bring into the world, the less room there is for sadness and sorrow and the more reason there is to keep believing love conquers all.

S:  What attracted you to your current partner?

J:  Ohhh, everything. My husband was conjured up during a night of full moon magic. He heard my call from across the miles and found me. Within a few weeks of getting to know one another as friends, I fell hard for his intense blue eyes, his laughter, his intelligence and nerdiness, his quiet strength, his soul-stealing kisses, his Pagan Spirit, and unquenchable desire to bring me happiness. I could go on and on, but you get it, right? All that made me realize that he was without a doubt absolutely and positively my ultimate happily ever after and one true love.

S:  Wow. He sounds like an amazing man!

Do you have a "the one who got away story?"

J:  My first love was my high school sweetheart. He was a year older than me, and I thought for sure he was "the one."  After graduation, he went into the Navy and I went off to college. We promised to wait for one another. After all, it was only four years of waiting, right? But life has other plans. We lost touch, but I always held him close in my heart. We met again later in life, after my first husband and I had split. By then we realized we had grown into two very different people and there would be no way to work things out. We've stayed friends, checking in with one another periodically--especially around our birthdays--and that's a good thing.

S:  It's wonderful that you had the chance to revisit the past and resolve the "what if?" Most people don't get that chance.

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

J:  Absolutely. If I had any idea I could be as successful as I've already been, I would not have listened to the people who told me it was a silly hobby. I would not have put the business aspect of my writing career on hold for 20 years. I would have devoted every waking breath to selling the manuscripts that hid in boot boxes on my closet shelves collecting dust all that time.

S:  I sometimes wonder how many great books are sitting in closets because the writers never received the support they needed. 

What inspires your stories?

J:   Besides my unquenchable need to prove love conquers all, my life inspires me to write my stories. Snippets of things that have happened to me to show up in one form or another in my books. Hearing other people's stories, and the relationships I've had--good and bad--all play into my make-believe worlds.

S:  I think including bits of our own life experiences in characters and stories is unavoidable. However, I always find it amusing when someone thinks I based  a character on them. They're always wrong.

What inspired "Love in the Forest?"

J:  My first contemporary romance, "Ten Bucks and a Wish," was about to be released and my publisher asked me if I had anything else. I told her I had a paranormal/time travel story, a reincarnation love story, and a historical western romance. She wanted another contemporary romance. That weekend, while I was away at a writer's retreat, I locked myself in my room, pulled out my deck of Tarot--which I bring wherever I go--and plotted the entire book. The main characters, back story, every single chapter. And for the most part, I stuck to it. It was the best thing I have ever written to date, rivaled only by Book 2 of my Earth and Sky series, "Life is for Living," which is due out in 2022.

S:  Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Love in the Forest?"

J:  "Love in the Forest," Book 1 in the Earth and Sky series, is a contemporary romance with a pagan/paranormal twist. Brooke Meadows is a practicing witch--although she is still in the "broom closet"--who uses communication with the dead to heal loved ones struggling with their grief. This book hints at what life is like as a real witch, not the Hollywood version. There are no demon battles or fire shooting from her fingertips. She's down to earth, hardworking, loving, and kind. She just likes to dance and drum around a campfire under a full moon. But then again, don't we all feel like that from time to time?

Here's the blurb--

Step into the mystical and magical forests of Upstate New York, where Earth and Sky camp photographer Brooke Meadows has taken refuge from the demons of her past as she uses her ability to communicate with the dead to heal loved ones left behind.

Unable to cope with the loss of his wife and daughters three years prior, Josh Quinn, CEO of the number one dating site Quirkyflirt.com, is ordered by his board president to take a break from his Big Apple Headquarters. He finds himself at Earth and Sky Retreats, where confronting his grief has led him to experience a life-altering transformation and re-evaluation of reality.

Will Josh leave behind his fast-paced, high society life in the concrete mountains of New York City, for the magical, bewitching world Brooke reveals to him in the foothills of the Adirondacks?

Will Brooke acknowledge and accept her own journey of transformation and healing as she and Josh explore the winding paths and summits that lead them to find love in the forest?

S:  Sounds fascinating! Where can readers buy your book?

J: It's available from--

Soul Mate Publishing:  soulmatepublishing.com/love-in-the-forest/

Barnes and Noble:  www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-in-the-forest-janina-grey/1139804111?

Amazon:  amazon.com/Love-Forest-Janina-Grey/dp/1647162394/

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

Website:  https:/www.janinagrey.com   

Facebook:   facebook.com/janinagrey

Twitter:   https://twitter.com/janina_grey

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

Goodreads:  goodreads.com/author/show/18967836.Janina_Grey

Bookbub.com:  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/janina-grey

It's release day!

Blurb:

It was the Great Lie, and it could destroy the Vampire Nation.

In First, We Kill All the Lawyers, vampire lawyer Donovan Trait survived repeated attacks by a serial killer. Now, after violating a marital agreement with the Vampire Coalition and several ancient Vampire Laws, Donovan and his newly-turned vampire bride are on the run.

In exchange for permitting a pure-blood vampire to marry a turned human, the Traits had agreed to allow vampire scientists to monitor the conception and birth of their children. But when Judge Shirley Magnusen Trait turns up accidentally pregnant on her wedding day, the fury of the Coalition is unleashed.

The tribunal recommends unacceptable punitive action and the Traits are forced to flee to a mysterious island of vampire nuns. The Traits are, by profession, seekers of the truth. But this time the truth may not set them free. In fact, it could start a revolution. Will the Traits escape the clutches of the Coalition and keep their babies safe? Or will their family be…eliminated?

Excerpt:

Jonathan opened the envelope and reviewed the report. When he got to the last page, his eyes grew wide. “Donovan, it seems Shirley had a reason for that lightheadedness.”

Donovan gasped. “What is it?”

His father handed him the document and pointed at the bottom of the page. “She’s pregnant.”

Donovan grabbed at the wall. Overwhelmed with unfamiliar emotion, he settled onto a chair and rested his head in his hands. “Ye Gods,” he muttered. “I’m going to be a father.”

“And I am to be a grandfather, finally. However, I am afraid the Coalition may have a problem with this. They may not permit your marriage today or anytime soon.”

Donovan Trait turned to his father, his eyes filled with fury. “Why does it matter? We’re already married in the human world and we are about to repeat our vows before all in the Vampire Kingdom. This doesn’t change anything. It’s not like we are going to have a child out of wedlock. We have broken no laws.”

Jonathan Trait arched a fluffy white brow. “We need to discuss this, son.” He sat beside him. “The problem is, you explicitly agreed to allow the Coalition to oversee the conception and birth of any children born of this joining. Every step of the process was to be observed, studied, and documented. You know this.”

“So, they are going to force us to terminate the pregnancy and start over?” Donovan groaned. “It’s too late. I will not force her to start over. They can be voyeurs the next time. I am sure Shirley will have no problem with the monitoring of her pregnancy. It’s not like she can consult with a human physician. They would not understand that her child may have fangs in utero. And the blood work…” He shuddered. “I can’t imagine what…”

Jonathan frowned. “The agreement says from the point of conception, son.  You know what sticklers they are. Our women became barren more than a century ago. We need to understand why. From a scientific perspective, we need to know exactly what was different, so we can find a solution.”

Donovan harrumphed. “Seriously? Did they wish to observe while I made love to my wife? That’s ludicrous. Horny old bastards.”

Jonathan chuckled. “Some of those old fuddie-duddies would stroke out if forced to watch a virile man like you seduce his wife.” His expression turned somber. “Let’s look at the facts as we know them. As a lawyer, that’s a process with which you are familiar.

“Human women can’t carry a vampire child to term. We know that. They miscarry. The human uterus is simply not strong enough to withstand the damage caused by a developing vampire fetus. Those fangs shred the amniotic sac. However, we also don’t know if a female vampire can carry a human baby to term. Shirley may not be able to provide the fetus with the nutrition that it needs to develop properly.

“In addition, we don’t know the point of conception, which means we don’t know if Shirley was fully turned when she conceived. We also don’t know what the genetic makeup of the baby will be and whether that will change as the pregnancy progresses. Furthermore, we don’t know whether the baby’s genetics will alter after birth. We don’t know what the child will need to survive. We don’t know much.

“That raises several questions, Donovan. Is Shirley’s life in danger? And is your child’s life in danger? Not just physically and genetically, but socially. The baby is an anomaly. To some, an adnomination. A freak. He or she will constantly be in danger. If you had kept to the agreement, she and the baby would have been protected. Now everything is at risk.”

Buy link:  https://www.extasybooks.com/ye-god-the-law-is-an-ass

This week in The Loft: Author Laura Haley-McNeil

Joining me today in The Loft is author Laura Haley-McNeil. Laura writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Employed full-time, Laura squeezes in writing after hours, settled in a wingback chair with footstool, her laptop propped up on her lap, and her notes on a music stand. Laura and husband recently left warm California for cooler Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, and snow skiing. When Laura catches a few free moments, she sneaks off and reads, gardens, and crochets.

Author Laura Haley-McNeil

S:  Good morning, Laura! Thanks for joining me today.

Why write romance?

L:  Romance is everywhere. People love love. Even in the most brutal of genres, there’s a romance in there somewhere so it’s hard to get away from it. I read that about a screenplay that a well-known writer, whose name escapes me, had submitted and it was immediately rejected because there no hint of romance in the story. The producer/director was convinced that unless there was at least one woman and that there was some romantic interest no matter how subtle, the story wouldn’t appeal to audiences. I found that interesting and started to pay more attention to movies, even ones that focused on war or horror or a genre that I thought wouldn’t have room for romance, but it was there. As for writing romance novels, there’s nothing I like more than when the characters reach the point where they have to walk away or admit that life without this person isn’t what they want. I always want a  happily-ever-after and love it when I can bring opposites together and know their lives will be full.

S:  Yes, there's a certain satisfaction in bringing people and helping them build a good relationship, even if only on paper.

Which do you prefer—brains or brawn?

L:  It depends. What really draws me is charisma. I love a guy who’s quick and witty and laughs a lot. Looks just fade away once I dig past that superficial layer and find the person who lives inside. Brawn is beautiful, but if there’s nothing underneath, my ADHD takes over and I’m looking around again. Courage is important, too. Even if a guy uses wit to get out of a sticky situation, I love someone who stops at nothing to get what he wants.

S:  Do you remember your first kiss?

L:  Unfortunately, I do, and it was memorable for all the wrong reasons. It was the worst kiss ever. With that, I could only go uphill from there. I hope that guy never married, or at least learned how to kiss better. Thankfully, I had a much better second kiss, otherwise, I would have been scarred for life.

S:  I got my first kiss at five and was sent to the principal's office. I had no idea what all the fuss was about. Still, it took me until seventh grade to try again. Then I had an "ah-hah" moment!

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

L:  If it were in my control, no, I wouldn’t write. Unfortunately, I don’t know how to get away from it. Other authors out there are nodding. Once the muse grabs you, she never lets go. She continues to fill your mind with stories and the only release is to put them down on paper. But she’s never satisfied. The stories keep coming and I keep writing. I don’t want to discourage anyone. If you want to write a book, by all means do. But just remember that once you start writing, you can’t stop. It’s worse than eating one potato chip. The urge to write will dog you for the rest of your life. You may step away for a while, but I guarantee, you’ll forget the pain and think it wasn’t so bad and start writing again, and then you’ll remember--there’s  no rehab for a writer.

S:  You are so right. I have tried to step away and I've always been pulled back in.

What famous book do you wish you had written?

L:  “Pride and Prejudice.” The book is perfect with its timing of the inciting incident, the midpoint, the climax, and the denouement. I love how she captures the time period and the plight of women. I also love Elizabeth’s independence. She had to have been shocking. And to think she wrote this without writing courses or critique groups or the thousand of other advantages we have nowadays.  Jane Austen was one remarkable woman.

S:  Good choice. 

What do people get wrong about writing romance?

L:  Many people think romance is synonymous with erotica or a similar genre, which is sad. Romance can be sexy, but it’s about the relationship and the conflict the characters overcome in order to experience that love. When the reader turns the last page, she should believe love conquers all. Other subplots of the story may not be resolved, but the love aspect should leave no question. The hero and heroine have found the love they were meant to have and it will keep them together forever. It has to be satisfying, otherwise the mark has been missed.

S:  What inspired “Love Calls Softly?”

L:  “Love Calls Softly” was a labor of love. The Outer Banks is a beautiful and fascinating place with its islands and history. I love the beach so it was easy to imagine the waves and the weather and the wildlife. I also like how young people work hard to establish their lot in life, but when life throws them a curve and throws them off track, they need to face it head on and be tuned into the changes they may have to make.

S:  Is there anything you would like people to know about “Love Calls Softly?”

L:  It's Book 4 of the Beaumont Brides Series. Dreaming up the characters was fun. Tessa is a midwestern farm girl who can’t wait to start her career at a New York finance company. Dillon is based on an actor from the 1980s, Jon-Erik Hexum, who probably would have had a great career if life hadn’t thrown him a curve. Exceedingly handsome and very charismatic, he’s my type of guy, so I was glad to give him a role in my book.

Here's the blurb--

How did this corporate head honcho wind up as her bakeshop assistant?

Tessa Carlisle enjoys her new life of living in her friend’s massive beach house no one in her family uses and working at Betty’s Bakeshop in an idyllic Outer Banks community—until Dillon Lowe shows up. And what’s he doing sacking out in her bedroom and using her shower? Though Tessa’s never seen any man look this good in boxers.

When Betty needs help at the bakeshop, she makes the terrible mistake of accepting Dillon’s offer to help. This San Francisco executive has his meals catered. He’ll never find his way around the bakery.

But it isn’t just the bakeshop Tessa wants to protect. It’s her heart. Each moment she spends with Dillon knocks down another wall she’s built around her feelings. Why can’t she remember he doesn’t plan to stay?

Maybe that’s a good thing, because the only way she can quell these turbulent emotions is for him to go away.

S:  Sounds like a great story! Where can readers buy your book?

L:  It’s available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B097NNZX87.

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

Website and Blog:  https://laurahaleymcneil.com/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/laurarmcneil

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

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

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6470538.Laura_Haley_McNeil

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/laura-haley-mcneil

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Laura-Haley-McNeil/e/B008S3WD10