This week in The Loft: Ruth A. Casie!

Joining me today in The Loft is USA Today Bestselling  Author Ruth A. Casie. Ruth writes historical, medieval, Regency, and time travel romance as well as contemporary romantic suspense. Prior to finding her "voice," Ruth worked as a speech therapist, client liaison for a corrugated manufacturer, and vice president at an international bank. Currently, she lives in New Jersey with her hero, three empty bedrooms, and a growing number of incomplete counted cross-stitch projects. 

Ruth A. Casie

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

What do people get wrong about writing romance?

R:  They call romance novels "bodice rippers " or "mommy porn." At a recent gathering (socially distanced), I heard those words from men who I believed were progressive, educated, understanding. They thought they were being cheeky. They thought they were being brash. They thought they were being funny. When in fact, they weren’t thinking at all. And rather than correct them, teach them, embarrass them, I said nothing. I smiled and ate a tasteless sandwich. And the position isn’t unique to men. While I didn’t attend a meeting of a woman’s organization I belong to, a member who was there mentioned with regret that she suggested my book for the book club but 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--dreams of independence, control, 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 in any era, who finds her fulfillment and a deserving happily ever after.

S:  Isn't it sad that so many don't see that? 

What attracted you to your current partner?

R:  I was a single mom with two young daughters. I had no idea how to socialize other than with other moms, usually in play groups. I joined a singles group that played softball. I’m not an athlete, so I volunteered to handle the BBQ. As the seasons 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, I took out the cards, looked at him, then put them away. He took my hand across the table. “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 Poppop by our grandchildren. He is my hero in so many ways.

S:  Great story! You are so lucky to have found your forever love.

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

R:  This is a hard question. There are so many wonderful things. Fangirl moments with Diana Gabaldon, Eloisa James, Nora Roberts. Inclusion in anthologies with some of the best romance authors. The first time a person recognized me and showed me my book on her Kindle. A call that my story made the USA Today Bestselling Books list. 

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

R:  Nothing is more important to me than my children. Give me an opportunity and I will tell you all about them My oldest daughter, a pre-school teacher, has rallied during the pandemic to teach 15 three-year-olds remotely. Her younger sister just started a cottage cookie business. Her creations are awesome. Her brother is a cyber security engineer--I would proudly tell you what he does, but even his mother doesn’t know--his work is top security. We have four grandchildren and cannot wait to see them all for the holiday. I am passionate about my family, and I bring that passion into my writing.

S:  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:   What inspired "The Lady and Her Quill?"

R:  A combination of things. I was so excited when my first book was published. Okay. I will admit that I get excited when each book is published. It really never gets old. But with my first book, I was so eager and hungry to be part of this new world. My author friends were enthusiastic, encouraging, excited for me. I signed books for them and was asked to speak at meetings, in front of readers. It was exciting and wonderful. I remember my first five-star review and the ones that followed. I diligently read all the reviews to see what worked and what didn’t. Then there was this one-star review. I remember staring at the rating before reading what the reviewer had written. When I got the courage--yes, it took courage--to read it, I was shocked. There was little about the story in the review, but a whole lot about me. It was a personal attack. I remember the hurt, the fear, the I’ll-never-write-again feeling. My editor and friends set me on the right course. But that review lingered in the back of my mind. So, my heroine, Lady Alicia Hartley, is one of those scribbling women of the Regency who gets a review that attacks her self-confidence and sets her in a tailspin. Sound familiar? Today, I would thank that reviewer. She made me stronger, more resilient, and much more determined.

S:  You know, constructive criticism is always welcome. It's the one-star rating with no comment or a personal attack that truly hurts. Sure, it's a risk authors take, but that doesn't mean it hurts any less.

Is there anything special you would like people to know about "The Lady and Her Quill?"

R:  "The Lady and Her Quill" is Book 1 in the Regency series, The Ladies of Sommer-by-the-Sea. Welcome to Sommer-by-the-Sea, a vibrant village nestled on the rugged northeast coast of England, 15 miles north of Newcastle upon Tyne. There, the world is centered on the country village and the lives of the landowning and professional families. Sommer-by-the-Sea is populated with aristocrats, gentry, self-made men, shop owners, local workers, and servants, a cross-section of the people of the time. Steeped in history dating back as far as the Vikings, the villagers are proud and celebrate their heritage. Everyone from the elite summer residents to the year-round residents keep businesses flourishing and gossip thriving. As with any small town, there are challenges and successes, secrets, disagreements, and feuds. There is no shortage of romance, mystery, drama, and even a murder or two. Graduates of the Sommer-by-the-Sea Female Seminary have a unique education. Along with the usual studies available, the head mistress has nurtured each woman’s innate ability and helped them develop into the women they are today. This shared unique experience has kept the graduates close. Each lady has her own story to tell as she is called to action and must demonstrate she is smart, strong and sensible, and must challenge the accepted definition of a woman’s place. For these women, arranged or political marriages will not do. If they choose a husband, it will be for love, on their own terms, and with a man who will accept her as a partner. Book 2,"The Lady and the Spy," will be released February 2, 2022. Book 3, "The Lady and Her Duke," will be released May 27, 2022.

Here's the blurb for "The Lady and Her Quill"--

Her mind kept telling her to stop loving him, but her heart couldn’t let him go.

Renowned author Lady Alicia Hartley has lost her muse after a bad review. She blames it all on the author JC Melrose. A chance encounter with a handsome, witty Justin Caulfield has her heart racing, and her muse seemingly back. Is he her savior or her worst nightmare?

He didn’t see the turbulent ocean. He was too busy dealing with a different tempest.

The recently retired Captain Justin Caulfield is facing his own demons. As gifted author JC Melrose, his stories honor men who died at the hand of one man. His only focus is to avenge their deaths, that is, until he meets and falls in love with Lady Alicia.

The two authors take on a writing challenge based on a story of stolen gold taken from the newspaper headlines all to determine the better writer. While researching the story, Lady Alicia is captured by the thieves’ ringleader. Can Lady Alicia turn this mystery into an award-winning story? Can Justin save his real-life heroine? Can they both overcome their own challenges for a happily ever after?

S:  Where can readers buy your book?

R:  It's available at https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Quill-Ladies-Sommer-Book-ebook/dp/B09HX46D3B/

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 private reader’s page, Casie Café: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963711677128537/

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

Twitter:   https://twitter.com/RuthACasie

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

Newsletter Signup:  http://ruthacasie.com/contact.html#newsletter

This week in The Loft: Author Gayle M. Irwin!

Joining me today in The Loft is contemporary romance author Gayle M. Irwin. Gayle writes inspirational pet books for children and adults. Her Pet Rescue Romance series is a collection of sweet romance stories set in the Rocky Mountain West. She has also contributed to seven "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books. When not writing, Gayle volunteers for rescue organizations and donates a percentage of book sales to that cause. Gayle resides in the western United States with two dogs and two cats, all rescues.

Author Gayle M. Irwin

S:  Good morning, Gayle. Welcome back to The Loft!

You have been a journalist for many years. Why write romance?

G:  I began writing romance after taking an adult education class at the community college where I live. Many in the class, including the instructor, wrote romance and since I enjoy Hallmark movies, I decided to delve into the genre. That was nearly eight years ago. I enjoy entertaining people through stories, but I also want to subtly teach the necessity for and joy in pet rescue and adoption, therefore, my series, Pet Rescue Romance.

S:  Do you write in other genres? 

G:  My authorship began in children’s stories, and I plan another children’s book in 2022 about our adopted springer spaniel named Sadie. My first children’s book, a chapter book, was about another springer spaniel living with my husband and I at the time--her name was Sage, and she became blind due to a genetic disease. She exemplified courage, perseverance, and self-confidence, and I wanted to inspire children to face adversity with those characteristics. I believe animals can teach us many life and faith lessons, and that’s what I seek to do with my children’s works. I also write nonfiction guidebooks for pet owners and one of my stories appears in the August compilation release, "The Animals in Our Lives: Stories of Companionship and Awe," published by Cladach Publishing in Colorado.

S:  What inspires your stories?

G:  Animals, nature, and Hallmark movies!

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

G:  I volunteer for various animal rescue organizations as a transporter, taking dogs and cats either into rescue or to their forever families. My most recent transport included nine kittens that were found and fostered by an organization in my community. I drove 250 miles one way to take them to a cat rescue organization in Colorado, where they are being cared for until they are adopted. I’ve also transported large dogs, like Great Danes, and small dogs, such as Boston Terriers.

S:  What inspired "Paws-ing for Love?"

G:  "Paws-ing for Love: A Pet Rescue Christmas Story" looks at the primary characters in my first romance novel, "Rescue Road," about three years later. A missing friend, a winter outing accident, and a major illness impact not only the couple--Rhiann and Levi--but also the community of Colter, Montana. A stray dog and cat play a large role in whether Rhiann and Levi and their close-knit small town experience heartbreak or hope during the Christmas season. The book’s setting of southwestern Montana is a place near and dear to my heart, having spent nearly 12 years in that area. It’s beautiful during all seasons of the year, but winter’s layer of snow and the small population with mountains, valleys, and forests make Christmas extra-special. I wanted to bring the magic of the setting and the love small town residents have for their citizens to life in a story about a magical time of year--Christmas.

S:  Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Paws-ing for Love?"

G:  "Paws-ing for Love" is a clean, sweet, contemporary romance about a couple in their mid-to-late 40s, their friends, family, and community. The story features lots of romance, but also the love between friends and extended family. Readers will also discover animals in need of loving homes, elements of drama, beautiful settings and scenes, and, at the back of the book, recipes that can be used for Christmas dinner--foods my mother and grandmother would create for our family holiday meals. This is a story of joy, challenges, love, and uncertainty, just like we experience in real life, but also filled with hope, even amid adversity. 

Here's the blurb--

Christmas Hope or Heartbreak?

Colter, Montana waltzes in brilliance during winter, with glistening snow on mountain peaks and diamond-like frost on trees and rivers. Romance and dreams flourish in this Christmas card setting. However, news of friends missing after a raging blizzard and a later accident and subsequent illness disrupt the lives of Rhiann and Levi Butler, who operate a horse ranch and pet rescue sanctuary. Will the joy of Christmas be silenced or strengthened after a pair of stray animals take refuge at the Butlers’ property? Can a cat named Mina and a Corgi christened Maverick deliver hope or will they add more heartache for a couple and community struggling with fear and sorrow?

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

G:  It's available for $1.99 on various e-book platforms, including Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books. Here's the Universal link--https://books2read.com/u/3RJdPj.

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

Website:  https://gaylemirwinauthor.com/

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

Pinterest (under Waggin' Tales):  www.pinterest.com/gaylemirwin

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/wyoauthor1

Amazon Author Page:  amazon.com/author/gayleirwin

This week in The Loft: Author Jana Richards!

Joining me this morning in The Loft is award-winning author Jana Richards. Jana writes contemporary, paranormal, and historical romance (WWII), and romantic suspense. Her paranormal romantic suspense novel, “Seeing Things,” was a 2008 EPPIE finalist. When not  writing, Jana is an accountant/administrative assistant, a mother to two grown daughters, and a wife to her husband, Warren. She enjoys golf, yoga, movies, concerts, travel and reading. Jana and her husband live in Winnipeg, Canada.

Author Jana Richards

S:  Good morning, Jana! Thanks for joining me today. Let's start with the basics-- why do you write romance?

J:  Because it’s so hopeful. In a world where people are more divided than ever, I think we all need stories that remind us what is really important--love, relationships, family, and friendships.

S:  I have to agree. I also think romance novels got many people through the pandemic. They offered a break from a troubled world.

Do you write in other genres?

J:  So far, I’ve only ever written romance. But lately, ideas for a mystery series have been whirling around my brain. Maybe someday I’ll tackle mystery!

S:  I'm sure your readers will love that! 

What do people get wrong about romance?

J:  That it’s nothing but fluff and frivolity. I’ve read romances that tackle some serious issues like disease and death, infidelity, divorce, the loss of a child. In a romance novel, people overcome all the obstacles that life throws at them through love. We’re always stronger when we’re part of a loving partnership.

S:  That's so true. A lot of writers pride themselves on bringing light to social issues. 

What would you like people to know about you?

J:  That I really care about the quality of my stories and that I sweat blood trying to write an entertaining story.

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

J:  The worst thing was probably a writing conference that I attended several years ago. Everything that could go wrong did and a lot of my hopes were dashed. I sent in a manuscript for a contest the conference was running, thinking it was some of my best work and it was received with a “meh." A big-name writer I had arranged to interview for a newsletter ignored me. Some of the other conference attendees were rude to me—one I remember in particular. In fact, I was so discouraged after this conference that when I got home, I seriously thought about quitting writing. In hindsight, I probably had a lot of unrealistic expectations about this conference. I was going to win that contest, land an agent, and sell my manuscript, none of which happened. Which brings me to the best thing that ever happened to me as a writer. I didn’t stop writing after the disastrous conference, but I was getting pretty discouraged by all the rejections I was getting. About two years after that conference, one of my writer friends suggested I try submitting to her publisher. They were a brand-new small press that only published ebooks. I figured I had nothing to lose. But honestly, after so many rejections, I had very low expectations. Imagine my surprise and delight when I got an email from the editor with an offer to publish my manuscript! I was thrilled! Getting that offer gave me the confidence to continue to write and persevere in this business.

S:  Unfortunately, rejection seems to be part of the "author experience." 

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

J:  Yes, because I can’t not write. Even when I was at my most discouraged, I didn’t stop because being a writer is part of who I am.

S:  What do you consider your greatest achievement?

J:  Hands down, being a mother to my two adult daughters. They are amazing people.

S:  What inspired "Unexpected?"

J:  "Unexpected" is Book 3 in my Masonville small town romance series, set in the fictional town of Masonville, North Dakota. I’ve lived in small towns and I know they have the reputation of being a kind of a fishbowl--you know everyone and everyone knows your business. But they can also be very supportive places, so I wanted to set a series around characters living in a small town. Ben Greyson arrived in this series in Book 2, "To Heal a Heart." His sister Blair moved to Masonville to look after their ailing grandfather. Ben and Blair, along with their brother Damon, grew up in a deeply dysfunctional family with an alcoholic father and a mother who could be best described as a sociopath. I wanted to explore the effect such deep dysfunction had on a person. Could someone whose childhood was so scarred learn to have a loving relationship as an adult? Ben has deep trust issues. Is it even possible for him to have a happily ever after with Jamie?

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

J:  I want readers to know what reviewers have told me. They’re probably going to love Jamie, but they’re likely going to be frustrated with Ben. Some reviewers have said they wanted to smack him for being so stubborn. He is quick to mistrust his stepdaughters, grandparents, and even quicker to condemn Jamie when she does what she thinks is best for the children and for Ben. Considering the way he grew up, I felt that it would be unrealistic for Ben to overcome his trust issues too quickly. So be prepared to be angry with him for a while, but please be patient. He’s worth giving a second chance.

Here's the blurb--

A marriage of convenience. An unexpected love.

Single dad Ben Greyson wants only to retain custody of his two stepdaughters. A dysfunctional childhood has made family the most important thing in his life. When his late wife's parents sue for custody, a desperate Ben is left with two choices – run away with his girls or marry his next-door neighbor.

Jamie Garven wants to be a mother. She's intrigued by her handsome new neighbor and falls in love with his little girls. Then Ben is faced with losing his children, and Jamie agrees to marry him for a chance at motherhood. They're determined to show the world, and the girls' grandparents, two loving parents.

Their marriage of convenience turns into unexpected love. But Ben interprets Jamie's efforts to save their family as betrayal—they could lose everything, including each other.

S:  What a hopeful story! Where can readers buy your book?

J:  It's available at all major booksellers, including--

The Wild Rose Press:  https://www.thewildrosepress.com/book-post/unexpected

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CG2MVS7

Barnes and Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-unexpected-l-rosamond-richards/1114738832?ean=2940162376996

iBooks:  https://books.apple.com/us/book/unexpected/id1580981690

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/unexpected-139

S:  Jana, thanks so much for joining me today and good luck with "Unexpected." If you'd like to learn more about Jana and her books, please visit--

Website:  http://www.janarichards.com

Blog:  http://janarichards.blogspot.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/JanaRichards_

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards

Amazon UK Author Page:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B002DEVWWG

Newsletter Signup:  http://janarichards.com/contact.html#newsletter

This week in The Loft: Author D. S. Dehel!

Joining me today in The Loft is D. S. Dehel. A prolific author, D. S. writes paranormal, historical, erotic, and contemporary romance, and romantic suspense. She is a lover of literature, good food, and the Oxford comma. Now retired, D.S. spends her days dreaming up new plotlines and adores literary allusions, writing sex scenes, and British men. She believes romance is universal to mankind, and claims it’s hard to think of a genre that doesn’t have a love interest or romance sub-plot. In her opinion, all books are romance books.

Author D. S. Dehel

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

You write a wide array of romance stories. What's your preference--brains or brawn/beauty?

D:  Brains, definitely brains. I tried dating a pretty but not very smart guy, and it was an absolute disaster. We had nothing to talk about. Having said that, I also dated a really smart guy, and that was equally bad, not because he was nerdy or anything like that, but because he constantly felt the need to prove he was smarter than I am, which was really annoying.

S:  My mother always told me to go for the smart guys, because even if their looks faded, they'd still have something to talk about. I think about that every time a guy pulls out his Mensa card on a date! 

What was your worst date ever?

D:  My first date, because I almost choked to death on pizza. Not a great way to begin an evening. The play we saw wasn’t that great, either.

S:  I can't believe you continued the date after almost choking!

What do people get wrong about romance?

D:  People who have never read romance as a genre seem to believe that all of the books are bodice rippers with ingenue poverty stricken, but noble and beautiful, of course--females being seduced by alpha male kilt-wearing billionaires who come across as hardened loners. They're not. Sure, some follow that pattern set waaay back in the early 18th century, but modern romances speak to life and love and sensuality as people experience it--or maybe wish they experience it. The subgenres in romance are myriad. There's something out there to appeal to everyone. And to be honest, those very first romances are quite readable and enjoyable today, and are far more salacious than people imagine. No, really. My jaw hit the floor reading "Fanny Hill" because I didn't expect it to be so frank in its sexuality.

S:  Do you write in other genres? 

D:  I currently do not write in any other genre, but I might in the future. There’s no real reason for me not doing so, other than the fact I haven’t found the right story I want to tell. Though I must admit the idea of a young adult (YA) historical murder mystery--or maybe Steampunk?--does intrigue me.

S:  That sounds like an amazing challenge.

Are there any characteristics the lead characters in your books share?

D:  Across all of my books, generally speaking, my lead females tend to be strong. One or two are genuine badasses in their own right. There are no Mary Sues or Fainting Violets. The men tend to be complicated--as most people are. All of my characters are layered, mostly because as a reader, I can't stand characters who are "one note," unless I am reading a fairy tale, but that's a different story altogether.

S:  What inspired "Nine for a Kiss?"

D:  I was talking with Maggie Blackbird, V.J. Allison, and Cameron Allie, and the idea of a progressive story came up. We dismissed that concept, but liked the thought of tales that share a common element. After a few days of back and forth, we each agreed to attempt to create a Halloween short story that contained a corn maze as a portal and a creepy scarecrow man. To me, Halloween is Poe first and foremost. Poe equals the Raven, of course, and it went from there. The really interesting thing is that each of our stories are radically different, yet feel very similar.

S:  Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Nine for a Kiss?"

D:  The fourth book of the Irish Gods series features a young—nonverbal—raven as a minor character. Now he’s all grown up and encounters a very lost young woman in an unusual corn maze. Oddly, it’s my second book with a bird shifter.

Here's the blurb

Just one perfect day.

Nothing has gone right in Sadie Lyons’s life since the accident, but she’s trying her best to get back to normal. She’s just not sure if the trip to the old apple orchard was the best decision, and the creepy corn maze run by the even creepier owner confirms her fears. Inside, the maze is even worse, and she’s soon lost in a never-ending labyrinth that twists and turns but goes nowhere.

When a raven joins her as a guide, she feels better, but like the maze, the raven is not what he seems, and the news he brings her changes everything.

Love and loss intertwine in this tale of the endings and beginnings we all face.

S:  Where can readers buy your book?

D:  The book  is being released today, so right now it's available at https://www.extasybooks.com/Nine-for-a-Kiss. It will be available soon at other booksellers.

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

Blog:  https://www.dsdehel.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100024850654069

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ddehel

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard?ref=nav_profile_authordash

Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/d-s-dehel

Amazon Author Page:  https://tinyurl.com/272dsyrm

This week in The Loft: Canadian author Maggie Blackbird!

Joining me today in The Loft is fellow eXtasy Books author Maggie Blackbird. Maggie writes contemporary, erotic, paranormal, fantasy, and young adult romance, and shares her Ojibway heritage in her stories. Based in Northwestern Ontario, Maggie resides in the country with her husband and their fur babies, two beautiful Alaskan Malamutes. When she’s not writing, she can be found pulling weeds in the flower beds, mowing the huge lawn, walking her dogs deep in the bush, teeing up a ball at the golf course, fishing in the boat for walleye, or sitting on the deck at her sister’s house, making more wonderful memories with the people she loves most.

Avatar for author Maggie Blackbird

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

Why write romance?

M:  I write romance because I love reading the genre. I guarantee readers a Happily-Ever-After (HEA) or Happy-For-Now (HFN). I love writing about two people getting together while overcoming the many obstacles in their path. I love watching my characters grow throughout the story. There are just so many reasons why I love reading and writing in this genre.

S:  To me, romance as a genre is the most inclusive. Love comes in all shapes and sizes and that is pretty freeing.

What do people get wrong about romance?

M:  They think it’s two people having sex. They also don’t understand the many sub-genres of romance and the storylines involved for two characters to get together.

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

M:  I sure would. There is nothing I enjoy more than working in the field of romance.

S:  What inspires your stories?

M:  Anything can inspire them. Headlines. An idea from the TV.  Lyrics in a song. You name it, it can inspire me to come up with a novel, novella, or short story.

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

M:  …keep working on my next release. Seriously, I don’t get excited over book releases.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m quite pleased, but by the time the release happens, I’m too excited over the latest project I’m working on.

S:  For me, the first book releases were exciting, but you're right. You're usually so buried in the next project, the release is a mere ripple in your day.

What inspired "Born for This?"

M:  An author friend came up with an idea about a corn field and a scarecrow. From there, four of us dreamed up our own ideas of what that could represent. For me, the scarecrow became Mandaamin, the corn spirit of the Ojibway people.

S:  Is there anything special you would like people to know about your book?

M:  This was the last book my dad helped me with--since he had a great understanding of the Treaty area and was the historian for our reserve--before he passed away. The book is quite special to me for that reason.

Here's the blurb--

She’s always been obsessed with her ancestors, and now he’s offering her a chance to live with them…forever.

Second-year university student Edie Whitecrow gobbles up each course on Indigenous studies.  If only she could experience the lives of her Anishinaabe ancestors instead of reading about them.  On her way to a Halloween party decked out as a historical Ojibway maiden, she spies a corn maze in a spot known to be barren.

A scarecrow figure beckons Edie to enter with the enticing offer of making her biggest wish come true.  She jumps at the chance and finds herself in the past, face to face with the man who haunts her dreams—the handsome brave Thunder Bear.  He claims he’s spent twelve years waiting for Gitche Manidoo to send her to him.

Life in the eighteenth century isn’t what Edie romanticized about, though.  When her conscience is tested, she must choose between the modern day or the world of her descendants—where the man she was created for resides.

S:  That sounds like an amazing tale. Your book will be released on October 29. Where can readers purchase it?

M:  Initially, it will be available at eXtasy Books. Then it will be sold at all major booksellers.

S:  Maggie, it's always a pleasure to chat with you. If you'd like to learn more about Maggie and her books, please visit--

Website:  https://maggieblackbird.com/

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/BlackbirdMaggie/

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/maggieblackbird

BookbBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-blackbird

Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-blackbird-032798169/

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Maggie-Blackbird/e/B07KQP1FFG

eXtasy Books Author Page:  https://www.extasybooks.com/maggie-blackbird/

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This week in The Loft: Australian author Clyve Rose!

Joining me today in The Loft is Amazon best-selling author Clyve Rose. Clyve writes historical romance. She believes that love is the highest and strongest force known in the world and it only manifests when we are our best and truest selves. When not writing, Clive can be found pounding the sand on the beautiful beaches near her Australian home, engaging in short-haul ocean swims, and researching quirky historical fashion trends. Clyve shares her home with a small white demon dog and a budding Amazon warrior.

Author Cylve Rose

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

What inspires your stories?

C:  People inspire my stories, as does love. The way they brave their own worst fears and move through the world towards each other. The power of love between siblings and families, between parents and children, between friends and lovers. There are so many sources of strong, powerful love to learn about. It’s endlessly changing and endlessly fascinating.

S:  Are there any characteristics your lead characters share?

C:  I’d say yes, they are all outsiders in one way or another. Either they don’t quite fit in the place they’re expected to belong or they are truly strangers in a strange land. My heroine in my debut novel wasn’t English, but found herself housebound in an English manor house for some weeks with a duke’s son. In my Christmas novella, the earl’s daughter must maintain the façade of wealth and privilege while the truths she lives with are far from this gilded lie.

S:  Ah, hidden truths always tantalize!

Do you believe in love at first sight?

C:  I believe in lust at first sight. I believe in chemistry and attraction. Do I believe love strikes like lightning, with nothing ever occurring to connect two people beforehand? I think love--powerful, resilient love--takes time. It grows and changes with the hearts involved. I do not think it is a single moment. It is many moments. That first sight of the other--that may be one of them, but it cannot be all of them.

S:  Do you remember your first kiss?

C:  I do remember it. His name was Nick, and he caught me completely by surprise, mainly because I knew he had a girlfriend at the time. It was the first time I realized that social mores only dictate behavior if we believe it does.

S:  What was your worst date ever?

C:  He brought his wife. That said, she and I had a great girl’s night out and dumped him at the first bar we hopped to. I believe they’re no longer together. Need I say more?

S:  That is a story worthy of inclusion in a romance novel.

What do you want inscribed on your tombstone? 

C:  My epitaph will undoubtedly read, "One more read through." My editor has to pry my work from my hands most times.

S:  Tell me about your book, "Love's Sweet Arrow."

C:  It's a holiday reunion novella appearing in the Regency Christmas anthology, Sweet Christmas Secrets. It sits alongside nine other sweetly seasonal Regency reads. Writing my first sweet romance was a lesson in patience, in listening to the characters and staying true to their story. If they are not the kinds of Regency figures to fall naked on a hay bale, then as the writer, I must find another way for them to discover their love. In the case of this story, their love was never in doubt--merely in stasis and difficult to admit, as love often is. The hovering, the waiting, the second-guessing and the wondering--all add poignancy to the sweetness of this style of romance and I may have loved it a little by the end. This novella gave me quite the toughest moments I’ve had as a writer in years. It feels sweeter, and less hot, that my usual work. It also feels more delicate--like tender lacework instead of sensuous silk ribbon. There were moments I believed it impossible to finish, but I never give up on a story. Not as long as the love is there.

Here's the blurb--

The battle-weary Captain Eversfield lost his heart years ago to a girl who was out of his reach – but now? Back from the wars but not quite whole, will his Christmas wish come true?

Lady Annette Ryehurst spent ten long years trying to forget the boy she’s missed all this time. With her mother causing scandals and scheming to wed Annette to her cousin, our heroine’s chances of love seem to shrink by the day. Then she finds a paper rose in an old friend’s carriage. Dare she hope again?

S:  Where can readers buy "Sweet Christmas Secrets?"

C:  It's available at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09C4D7994/

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

Website: https://www.clyverose.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/clyve.rose.5

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ClyveRose

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

This week in The Loft: Canadian Author Cameron Allie!

Joining me today in The Loft is author Cameron Allie. Cameron writes in a variety of romance subgenres, including contemporary, paranormal, erotic, and M/M. The mother of two toddlers, Cameron claims she spends most of her time these days watching Paw Patrol, eating Goldfish crackers, and obsessing over whether she's doing a good job parenting and when she'll find more time to write. Cameron lives north of Toronto, Ontario with her husband and two daughters, as well as a cat named Darcy, who was a wedding present.

Author Cameron Allie

S:  Good morning, Cameron! Thanks for taking the time to chat with me today. I know "toddlerville" can be very time-consuming. It's amazing that you can find any time to write.

What do people get wrong about romance?

C:  I’m going to assume this question is about the romance genre and not romance in general. I think one of the biggest things people get wrong, or at least assume about the romance genre, is that it’s a lesser style of book. People often look down on the romance genre. Readers of romance often feel they need to hide the type of book they’re reading, or give an explanation as to why they’re reading that “trash." Additionally, a lot of people tend to point at the genre and say it's anti-feminist. Which couldn’t be more wrong. Romance stories are mostly written by women for women. Many of the authors who write within the genre hold some sort of higher education, often they’re teachers or lawyers. I remember reading a statistic once that said the average romance reader is a black woman with at least two years of college education. The readers are educated women, the authors are educated women, and the heroines featured in most of today’s romance stories? Well, they kick ass at whatever they’re doing. They hold a variety of positions, and often they’re key in the destruction of any villain in the story. I’d like to also take a moment to point out that romance is a billion dollar industry and the genre outsells the next several highest selling genres combined. Clearly, not only are there hundreds of thousands of romance fans out there, there is also a need for these types of stories. The days of apologizing for reading romance are long over for me. I’ll proudly announce to anyone that I love the genre, I read the genre, and I write in the genre. I mean, who doesn’t want to read a sexy story that empowers women, and has a satisfying guaranteed Happily-Ever-After (HEA)? In today’s world, frankly, we need these stories.

S:  I couldn't agree more. I believe romance stories provide hope in a sometimes hopeless world.

What attracted you to your current partner?

C:  My husband and I met when I was about 20. So wow, we’ve been together for 14 years now. Married for seven. There were a lot of things that I found attractive about him. One of the biggest was how forward he was. He was interested in me and wasn’t afraid to show it. Back then I tended to be oblivious to guys liking me, they needed to be blunt, and at that age they just weren’t. I loved his honesty. He’d told me before we even got out of my hometown on our first date all of his flaws. Yep, he listed them off, including the fact that he’d failed grade 2. Coming from an emotionally abusive relationship with a long time cheater, the honesty was refreshing. But what really drew me in? During our first date he told me about his little 5 year old niece. He pulled out his wallet showed me the picture of this cute little girl who was missing her front teeth. He carried her picture around with him. How could I resist that?

S:  That's such a sweet story, and now he has two little girls of his own!

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

C:  My first kiss happened when I was 15. I mostly remember how excited I was about it. I’d been anxiously waiting for that first kiss--I’m excluding the time I kissed a boy after kindergarten graduation when I was five--so I was thrilled when it first happened. Mostly, I remember the setting. I remember it was early June, the weather was nice, and it happened outside after the sun had gone down. I couldn’t tell you much detail about the kiss itself. I think it was good. I just remember how excited I was to have finally experienced it.

S:  Do you write in other genres? 

C:  All of my stories fall under the romance category, but I do write within multiple subgenres within romance. Most of my stories are contemporary. I have a few M/M stories as well. My first paranormal romance came out in September, and "Love Spells, Full Moons, and Silver Bullets" will be out in March. I’m also planning to jump into the sci-fi romance horror genre, with a series that has already been contracted. I kind of jump all over the place with genre and tropes, but I will always deliver that HEA, though admittedly it might be a few stories in the making.

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

C:  Definitely. I can’t quiet the characters in my head. They have stories to tell and I’m excited to deliver them. I can’t wait to hear what readers think of some of my upcoming series. However, I would likely do things differently. Right now, I’ve bitten off more than I can chew. I was pumping out stories very quickly at the beginning of my career, and I’m anxious to get back to such a fast pace, but in 2018, I had my first baby, and now I have two of them, and writing has slowed down drastically. So I might have planned releases and scheduling differently, but I’d definitely still be writing. Hopefully, one day I can make a full time career out of it.

S:  From experience, I can tell you that as your children grow older and become more independent, you will find more time to write. Meanwhile, it's best to settle in and enjoy the journey. Kids aren't kids for long!

What inspired "Love Spells, Full Moons, and Silver Bullets?"

C:  I brought up the idea of a joint story collection/series to a few author friends of mine. We had discussed the idea of each writing our own story that connects somehow. We ended up deciding that while each story would be totally independent from the rest, but each one would have a corn maze, a creepy scarecrow type figure at the entrance of said corn maze, and within each maze would be a portal that would push our stories into the paranormal romance genre. As with most things in life, our plans got a little derailed, but each of us has produced a story with those elements and we’re working as a team to celebrate each release and help the others succeed. I ended up separating from our original publication and release plan for a few reasons--I couldn’t complete my story in time for the publisher’s deadline and my story morphed into a full length novel, rather than the agreed upon novella, and has launched an entire series based in the paranormal realm I’ve created. The other authors and stories, if you’d like to check them out, are being released this October: VJ Allison’s "Eternity’s Gamble," Maggie Blackbird’s "Born for This," and D.S. Dehel’s, "Nine for a Kiss."

S:  Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Love Spells, Full Moons, and Silver Bullets?"

C:  Where do I start? This book is so special to me for so many reasons. It’s going to be my longest story to date, and my first big paranormal romance, not to mention it’s kicking of my first paranormal romance series. I’m so in love with the characters, and am excited to get into stories that follow this one. I know I have at least seven full-length novels planned in this series, and plan on writing bite-sized mini stories that will tie into the larger ongoing plot. They’ll be released in between the longer novels. But I image the series will be longer than seven books. I’m anticipating this being a project that I can come back to and write in often, as long as the interest is there from readers and the ideas keep flowing. This book and series is special to me because I’m writing stories that are more complex, with villains and an overarching plot and universe. I think it will show how much I’ve grown as an author over the last few years. I’m definitely excited to showcase the paranormal creatures and the unique twists I have planned on some old favorites.

Here's the blurb--

What do you do when your ex's werewolf boss wants to feast on the mortal you've sworn to protect?

Quinn was unaware of the love potion her meddling cat dumped into her tea, so when Ian Hannigan ends up injured on her property, she thinks she's dealing with another mortal, not the man who can help mend her heart. Her life becomes a balancing act as she attempts to keep him safe while hiding secrets better left buried with the dead.

In a realm filled with things that go bump in the night, Ian didn't expect to find security and happiness in the arms of a green-skinned witch, yet for the first time since his parents' tragic car crash, he's found some measure of peace. The rumors he hears in Clayridge aren't pleasant, but Ian knows there's more to Quinn than what people would have him believe. If he's placed his trust in the wrong hands, he'll be paying with more than just his heart. He'll pay with his life.

S:  This tale sounds enthralling! Where can readers buy your book?

C:  It's available for preorder at https://books2read.com/u/3RJ5xY.

S:  Cameron, it's been a pleasure chatting today. If you'd like to learn more about Cameron and her books, please visit--

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Cameron is offering a free short story in exchange for signing up for her newsletter. You can sign up here to get a free copy of "Arrested Valentine," which includes a sneak peek at "Love Spells, Full Moons, and Silver Bullets." Currently, the excerpt found at the back of "Arrested Valentine" is unavailable anywhere else