Today in The Loft: Author Viviana MacKade!

Today in The Loft, I am joined by romantic suspense and contemporary romance author Viviana MacKade. Viviana is the author of five books, including the Crescent Creek Series.  She lives in Florida with her husband and son, where she enjoys spending time on the beach, horseback riding, and hiking. Viviana is also a fellow MS Warrior.

Author Viviana MacKade

S: Welcome, Viviana. Thanks so much for joining me for coffee and donuts. 

You write about romance, so of course I have to ask, do you think people only fall in love once?

V:  No, I don’t believe that. You can fall in love a number of times in your life, but you only stay in love if you’re lucky enough to find someone you can give your heart to and be sure he’ll treat it well, you’re willing to put in work for it, or  the person earned your respect.

S:  I think you're right. It's easy to fall in love. It's much harder to stay in love. Love is hard work.

Along those lines, complete this sentence--(blank) really makes me hot.

V:  Brains.

S:  I am with you there. There is nothing sexier than an intelligent man! (Takes bite of a Cyclops donut and smiles.)

If a paranormal invited you to dinner and permitted you to bring five guests--all prominent figures in history--who would you invite and why?

V:  In no particular order--

Churchill:  He was someone who really understood politics and because of it, he could make it in his own way. He led England out from one of toughest time in European history and did it with wit, courage, and brains. His speeches are memorable.

Lincoln:  I’d love to ask him how it felt, being the man who changed America’s face so radically. Why and how he really did it, how it felt and what it cost him.

Marcus Aurelius:  The Philosopher Emperor. Is astonishing how he ruled in such a modern way. Most of our politicians today should study his reign and take notes–a lot. Cassius Dio, the historian of Marcus’ reign, said Marcus’ death marked a descent “from a kingdom of gold to one of iron and rust.”

Boudica:  She may have lost in the end but she kicked asses, man, and she kicked ‘em good. What a woman she must have been, one who led an army and made a Roman emperor (Nero) consider withdrawing Roman troops from England.

Cavour: He led Italy (and Europe, really) during the Renaissance and was one of the most brilliant statesmen of his time. The world needs more like him.

S:  Wow. That would be quite a dinner party! I can just imagine the debates over politics, governance, and war. 

You seem to have fondness for many different periods of history. Is there any period of time in particular in which you would want to live? 

V:  I’ve always wanted to live in the Renaissance. Then I thought, hell, I have MS. Modern medicine keeps me on my feet (literally), and I still have to take a rest after lunch to recharge the batteries. Even with that, sometimes I need a cane (I’m not even touching the fatigue crap). Living in the past means, in the best-case scenario, I’d be stuck in a chair with a fuzzy brain. No, thank you. I’ll stay in the present and keep walking. Or in the future, where I can be cured.

S:  Exactly. They didn't even understand MS until the end of the last century. From what I have read, early treatments bordered on the barbaric. I'd much rather fly into the future, where there is a better possibility of a cure.

You released a new book, "His Midnight Sun," this month. What can you tell me about it?

V:  "His Midnight Sun," is the fourth book in my Crescent Creek Series. Here's the blurb--

Tormented, fierce, and broken, sculptor Aidan Murphy has judged himself guilty. He yearns for love but pushes everyone away. He longs for acceptance but has lost the key to open his heart. Until he meets Summer Williams. Beautiful and smart, Dr. Williams promises haven for a man who believes he deserves none. All he has to do is let her in and risk his heart and soul.

Summer’s managed to keep her inner light alive, even through tragedy. She’s created a new life for herself and her daughter in Crescent Creek with loving, caring and fun friends–well, except brooding, breathtaking Aidan. She’s used to keeping away from his type, though. All she has to do is ignore the pull of a man who’s turning up to be much more than snarls and storms. Will her compassion and medical instincts let her?

Love can heal a broken soul and shake up a timid heart. Or it can unleash devastation and revenge.

Will Aidan and Summer survive the hurricane?

S:  That sounds hot! Where can readers find the book?

V:  Here are the links--

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GDP26VB?

https://goo.gl/L8okF6

 S:  Thanks so much for joining me for coffee today, Viviana! For more information on Viviana and her books, visit--

Website  http://www.viviana-mackade.blog/

Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011982152461

Twitter  https://twitter.com/ViviMackade

Amazon Author Page   https://www.amazon.com/Viviana-MacKade/e/B01KKY6WLQ

Next week in The Loft:  Author Lili Draguer!

Today in The Loft: Author Kayelle Allen!

Visiting me today in The Loft is romance and science fiction author Kayelle Allen! Kayelle  is the author of seven books, three novellas, and multiple short stories. She is also the founder of Marketing for Romance Writers, which provides a variety of marketing opportunities for romance authors.

S:  Good morning, Kayelle! Thank you so much for joining me today in The Loft! Tell me, what would you like people to know about you?

K:  I've been published for 14 years. I'm also a veteran (U.S. Navy) and I've been married forever. Well, almost. I write about misbehaving robots, mythic heroes, role playing immortal gamers, and warriors who purr. What else... I have three grown children and five grandchildren, three of whom are teenagers. Can you believe that? I can't. I still think of myself as a geeky twelve-year-old with scrawny knees. But that's me!

S:  First of all, thank you for your service. I don't believe we do enough for our veterans and that has to change. I don't know what impresses me more--the fact that you're a veteran, the work you do to assist other romance writers, or the fact that you have grandchildren. My son is barely out of his teens, so I suspect grand kids are far off. I'm so jealous!

If you were offered one of the following gifts: a day back in time, a glimpse into heaven, or perfect health, which would you take and why?

K:  I'd take perfect health. I don't want to go backward and I believe the future will take care of itself, but good health helps in the here and now.

S:  That certainly makes sense. Good health makes most things bearable. Is there a person, book, or song that inspires your flights of fantasy?

K:  I recently completed a photo shoot/cosplay session with Nik Nitsvetov as my immortal king, Pietas. I have hundreds of images of him looking like he just stepped right out of my head. If anyone could inspire my imagination, it's Nik.

S:  Wow. That sounds so cool. Unfortunately, I write about lawyers. After 30 years of living in Lawyerland, I don't want their images in my head! (Laughs)

If you could "seize the day," how would you do it?

K:  I would shut off Skype, my browser, my phone, and lock myself away from friends and family. Then I would just write until I felt like stopping. Or fell over because I was hungry and tired.

S: (Chuckles)  Ah, the gift only a writer would want. Solitude. We crave it. You have spent much of your career writing romance. Is there a reason for that?

K:  I love telling the stories behind relationships. When two characters meet, incite sparks, and then merge into a loving couple, it's fun to watch. I don't always write romance, though. My latest is a science fiction space opera short story set in the same universe as that immortal king I'm so fond of. 

S: Can we take a peek?

K:  Sure. This is "Lights Out," which is featured in The Expanding Universe, Vol 4, edited by Craig Martelle--

"Join the Ghost Corps, they said. You'll live forever, they said. You'll save mankind, they said. They didn't say that to do it, first he had to die.

When Tornahdo signs on the dotted line, he puts his life into the steady hands of the mighty Ghost Corps. Three grisly deaths and three agonizing resurrections later, he's assigned duty on the space station Enderium Six.

He's facing his most dangerous mission yet, the very reason the corps exists.

Do they expect him to win? Fat chance. Tornahdo and his team are already dead and this mission is codenamed "Lights Out." No, there's more to this than he can see.

To discover the truth, he must face an unbeatable, unkillable enemy, and this time--somehow--find a way to keep himself alive..."

S:  Ohhhh, sounds like an entertaining read! 

Thanks so much for visiting me today, Kayelle. For more on Kayelle and her latest release:

Homeworld https://kayelleallen.com
Reader Groups https://kayelleallen.com/reader-groups/
Twitter http://twitter.com/kayelleallen
Facebook http://facebook.com/kayelleallen.author
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/kayelleallen/
Amazon Author page http://amazon.com/author/kayelleallen

He can save mankind. After he does one important thing. Die. 

Exclusively on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited:

Go behind the scenes with the world and characters of "Lights Out" in a free downloadable illustrated book filled with inside information, exclusive character insights, and links to the author's research. https://bit.ly/peek-lights-out.

Next week in The Loft:  Viviana MacKade!

Today in The Loft: Romance author Valerie Ullmer!

Today in The Loft, I am pleased to welcome romance author Valerie Ullmer. Valerie is the author of 11 books, all paranormal and contemporary M/F and M/M erotic romance. A resident of Denver, CO, she shares her home with her husband and their black lab.

Author Valerie Ullmer

S:  Good morning, Valerie. Thanks so much for bringing along my favorite morning buns from Babette's Bakery in Denver. (Seelie takes a bite.) Best.morning.buns.ever.

Anyhoo, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. How do you define romance? 

V:  Well, I have two definitions of romance. In real life, like with my husband, it’s the small things we share with each other I consider romantic. I love it when I make my husband laugh and when he makes me, but it’s the moments where you spend together talking about nothing and everything that make your relationship and romance special. I don’t need flowers, candy, or a night out, I’m most happy when he and I are together with our dog and we’re laughing or talking. When I read romances, I look for that moment where the book brings out so much emotion, I can’t put it down. Although the book is guaranteed an HEA (Happily Ever After) during these moments there is a tightness in my chest and my eyes start to water because you are rooting for these two people to finally admit their feelings but one or both unintentionally get hurt and there is a sense of desperation. But the end, knowing the two characters will fight for one another to be happy in the end, I consider that truly romantic.

S:  Is that why you write romance? The HEA?

V:  Yes. I love a happily ever after. I love to think that these two people I’ve gotten to know throughout a book; their feelings, their insecurities, and the reason why the two of them fell in love are all laid out on the page. The best part, I can go back to their world any time I want and they are still together in the end.

S:  Do you believe you only fall in love once?

V:  No, I don’t think you do only fall in love once. I think love takes different forms. Some people are in abusive relationships and they’ve sworn up and down they love that person who’s harming them, but once they leave, they stop. Some live their entire lives married to one person and love that one person. Others find themselves falling in love easily before realizing that although they might have thought it was love at the time, they are different from who they used to be and aren’t in love now. I believe trying to answer this question is like trying to define love, and no matter how hard you try, I don’t think there is one definitive answer. And I believe love comes in all forms.

S:  I like to say love comes in all shapes and sizes, because everyone's experience is different. I am especially struck by the people others find love with. Love is so unpredictable, which is what makes it so fun to write about!

Tell me, what’s the best advice you have ever given?

V:  Advice is what you ask for when you already know the answer, but wish you didn’t.

S:  (chuckles) Now that I think about it, you're right. Seeking advice is a way of clarifying thoughts. 

Summer is breathing its last gasp, fall is almost here. Fall is my favorite time of the year. How about you?

V:  (nods) That first fall day where the leaves have just started their change from green to oranges and reds and yellows. There is a crisp scent to the air that promises cooler weather and the clouds are scattered about in the sky. It’s not cold enough to call it winter and not warm enough to be the end of summer, but it’s the perfect fall day.

S:  Of course, the thing I love most about fall is everything pumpkin, from carving them and baking pumpkin bread to pumpkin spice coffee. 

Tell me about your latest book, "Fall for You."

V:  Well, it's a new adult M/M romance and it's available on Amazon Kindle for 99 cents. Here's the blurb:

Ethan Sutton had come to the stunning revelation that he’d fallen in love with his best friend, Sebastian Young. Although friends since childhood, Ethan vowed to keep his feelings for Sebastian under wraps and live the rest of his life with this one secret between them rather than risk a lifelong connection and never see him again. But when they move into their own apartment at the start of their third year of college, can Ethan keep his feelings from showing when they live so close together?

Sebastian Young had an epiphany about Ethan at the end of last year and arranged for the shared apartment he’d found over the summer to be closer to Ethan and see if a relationship could develop between them. But as they settle into their lives in a new place with such close quarters, ex-girlfriends, nosy downstairs neighbors, and Sebastian’s own doubts, their relationship could be in jeopardy before it even begins.


Can two best friends admit their feelings and fall in love?

S:  Ah, moving out of the friend zone is always risky. Can you share an excerpt?

V:  Sure--

"Ethan kept his eyes on his phone during the entire trip. It wasn’t as though he didn’t want to speak to Sebastian, who sang under his breath at the song coming through the speakers of his older SUV. But whenever he’d been in an enclosed space with Sebastian, he caught his scent of pine and cedar mixed with 'a hint of mint, and each time he moved, it drifted over to him and drove Ethan crazy. Even from the other side, Sebastian’s body heat surrounded him and he wriggled in his seat to adjust himself before his desire for his best friend became clear.

For years, the closeness he shared with Sebastian had been enough. It was he and Sebastian against the world throughout high school, and Ethan understood it would be the same in college.

But when they started their freshman year, Sebastian decided he would make up for lost time by dating his way through the female student body at the University of Oregon. Sebastian still made time for him, but it was rare during their first two years of college for Sebastian not to have at least one date on the weekend.

Ethan hadn’t understood what the churning emotions were each time Sebastian talked about a new woman. Later, he recognized the feeling was jealousy.

There had been a time during his sophomore year, driven by those feelings of jealousy and his new found awareness he was gay, he’d gone out. Most of the time, with a frequency that matched Sebastian’s frenzied dating life. Ethan resolved to find someone and forget about the man he most wanted, his best friend, so he headed to a well-known bar off-campus.

Although he’d gone home with guys, nothing progressed past blowjobs. For one, it solidified the fact he was gay. Despite knowing, Ethan had no clue what held him back from going further with the willing men he’d met, but something stopped him.

After his break-up with his long-time girlfriend, Sebastian became a constant in Ethan’s life again. Their friendship had never strained during their first years of college, and they grew closer when Sebastian found himself single.

During the summer, they decided they wanted to rent an off-campus apartment and live together. Ethan believed they would request a room together in the dorms, but Sebastian wanted to ditch the dorms and find their own place. Their parents had agreed to it although it would be more expensive.

More than once, Ethan had wanted to look for a place before they were all rented, but Sebastian said he would handle everything.

“Don’t worry. I’ve got it covered.”

And now they were moving in together, Ethan found himself nervous about having his feelings show at the most inopportune moments.

Their freshman year, they were assigned separate rooms in different buildings. And being so far apart from each other became a pain in the ass. More often than not, Ethan would stay at Sebastian’s place, or Sebastian’s at Ethan’s. Unless Sebastian had a date.

It had been easy to hide his feelings then. He wasn’t so sure his desire wouldn't show in such close quarters. But when Sebastian brought up living together, there wasn't a reason not to, and he agreed. Hundreds of excuses became plain as they drove closer to their destination but Ethan didn't voice them aloud.

But his eyes kept being drawn back to Sebastian, his heart kicking in his chest as he took in Sebastian’s tanned arm draped over the steering wheel. Each time Sebastian caught Ethan looking at him, he would give him that easy smile. The smile made every man want to be his friend and every woman fall in love with him.

Although their friendship was an easy one, Ethan sometimes wondered how they grew so close when they were so different."

S:  Sounds interesting. Where can readers purchase your book?

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

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F88PCL5.

S:  Valerie, thanks for much for visiting me today. I wish you much luck with "Fall for You." It sounds like a great read!

To learn more about Valerie, visiting the following--

WEBSITE:  http://www.valerieullmer.com

FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/valerieullmer.author

TWITTER:  @valerieullmer

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:  https://www.amazon.com/Valerie-Ullmer/e/B01FSWMI9A/

Next week in The Loft:  Kayelle Allen!

Today in The Loft: Romance author Zara West

Joining me today in The Loft is romantic suspense author Zara West. Zara divides her time between New York and the Maritimes, but seeks the inspiration for her tales of suspense, mystery, and romance from wherever she travels. An accomplished artist by training, Zara also enjoys tending to her organic herb garden, collecting hats and cats, and whipping up ethnic dishes for friends and family.

Author Zara West

S: Good morning, Zara, and thanks so much for joining me today. Tell me, why do you write romance?

Z: When I turned from writing non-fiction to fiction, I didn’t set out to write romance. But when I looked around my house, the biggest pile of fiction books I had were all romances. I loved the happy endings, and I was especially inspired by Shana Abe’s beautiful writing. So when I picked up my pen, a love story set in the place I was born, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, seemed a natural way to start. But I also like sexy-hot, thrilling, page-turners like Shannon McKenna’s novels so I didn’t want to make it easy on my characters. In my Skin Quartet series, I made sure there was plenty of action, conflict, and even a bit of terror in my stories. Book 1 Beneath the Skin is about a kidnapped tattoo artist and the two people trying to rescue her. Along the way they have to learn to trust each other in order to save not only her, but themselves. In Book 2, Close to the Skin, a billionaire crime boss is taken captive and tortured by his own brother who wants the crime empire for himself. But will the woman who loves him be able to save him before it is too late? In my new release Within the Skin, an illegal immigrant, to support her family, robs a wealthy architect. But when she is forced to steal for a criminal enterprise, he faces down his worst fears to save her.

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

Z:  “Dancing through Life” It might be hard for anyone who has read my romantic thrillers to believe, but I am a naturally upbeat, happy person. I have done some pretty amazing things in my life – everything from climbing mountains to living with Greek shepherds, teaching art to running a sheep farm. I have enjoyed each and every experience, and I hope to have many more. But I think what would make me dance my feet off would be would be writing a best-selling novel!

S:  I'm impressed. I have always been a little afraid of sheep and you ran a sheep farm? You must have a tremendous sense of adventure!

You have a new book coming out September 17. Complete this sentence for me: “When one of my books is released, I….”

Z:  When one of my books is released, it’s like a dream come true. I never thought I would be writing romances. I studied art and planned on being a professional artist, and in particular, a book illustrator. But I should have had a hint that my future was going to involve writing. My very first book was a how-to on building weaving looms. And yes, I illustrated it, but I also wrote it. I went on to illustrate two other books. But the writing side of me was awakened.

S:  Why choose writing?

Z:  Writing is so many things for me. It is exciting. It is fulfilling. It is something I am driven to do. But most of all, it is a way to bring alive characters who face obstacles, take a stand, and find their happy ending. In my Skin Quartet series, I have a cast of characters who have dealt with homelessness, discrimination, injury, depression, death, and being the victims of ruthless criminals. I hope that in some way my strong characters empower readers and show that through persistence and love, the world can be made a better place, especially if we are willing to trust each other and stand up for each other.

S:  What can you tell me about your book, "Within the Skin?"

Z:  Here's the blurb--

Known as El Toro, street artist Alba Vargas is on the cusp of fame and fortune. Winner of a prestigious award, she is the toast of the New York City art scene. Or at least she will be, once she figures out how to act like a woman after living disguised as a boy for six years. If she is lucky, she might even attract the attention of the tattoo artist she has long loved from afar. Tattoo artist Fernando Pharaoh has betrayed everyone who ever cared about him, including El Toro, the street-wise graffiti artist who saved his life when all looked bleak. Depressed, he turns from his friends and becomes ensnared in a criminal enterprise run by a former enemy. Then the crime boss kidnaps Toro’s younger brother, Hanger. Blaming himself, Pharaoh sets out to rescue him, resolving to do one good thing in his life. But Toro has her own desperate plan to save her brother—one that will not only break Pharaoh’s heart—but will also destroy every hope and dream she has ever had. 

S:  Wow. That sounds like a real nail-biter! Where can readers buy your book?

Z:  It will be available at all major booksellers, including:

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Within-Skin-Quartet-Zara-West-ebook/dp/B07G6TZS4V

B&N:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/within-the-skin-zara-west/1129103540

iBooks:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/author/zara-west/id1114670855

Wild Rose Press: https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/6011-within-the-skin.html

S:  Thanks so much for joining me today, Zara. More information on Zara is available at--

WEBSITE AND BLOG: https://www.zarawestsuspense.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/zarawestsuspense/

TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/zarawestauthor, http://bit.ly/tw-zarawest

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: http://bit.ly/Zara-West-Author-Page

Next week in The Loft, author Valerie Ullmer!

Today in The Loft: Author Lark Westerly

Today in The Loft I am joined by fellow eXtasy author Lark Westerly. Lark, a resident of the island state of Tasmania, is a prolific author and under variety of pseudonyms, writes fantasy romance and children's books, as well as fantasy poetry, historical sagas, and how-tos. In her free time, she works as an editor and manuscript assessor. Lark is married, and the mother of two children and several dogs.

Author Lark Westerly

S:  Welcome, Lark! Thanks so much for joining me for tea today! I absolutely love the whimsy of your photo. 

Tell me, where do you do your best thinking?

L:  I do a lot of my best thinking while walking the dogs. I’m a natural multi-tasker and seldom do just one thing at once. While walking the dogs, I exercise them and myself, check the mail box, enjoy the Tasmanian countryside, and either listen to an audio book or a manuscript or plot future books.  When watching films with my husband, I usually also play Patience on the computer. When talking on the phone I also do isometric exercises or walk about the room putting things away. As I said – I don’t often do just one thing at a time.

S:  You sound like a very active person! Do you have an “alternative occupation?”

L:  Apart from writing my beloved Fairy in the Bed series, I also write children’s books, science fiction and fantasy, run a small writer-mentoring service and ringmaster Prints Charming Books – just-for-fun anthologies. I also do the occasional workshop or author talk.

S:  Okay, you're making me feel lazy! (Seelie refills her tea cup.) Why do you write romance?

L: I write everything I write for four major reasons. Here they are in no particular order. I have a powerful inherited creative gene. I lost out on most of the family talents, so the creativity came out hard in writing. I write to make a living. I write to “set the world to rights” as someone once said. I recreate things the way they could have been, maybe… Finally… (how to say this without sounding silly?) I write to put joy into the world. I have a gut feeling that the more creative joy we can put out there, there less room there is for negative stuff. My stories aren’t all sweet fuzzies, but my romances are about people who do their best, love their best, and come out swinging for themselves and their loved ones. Romance is the perfect genre for creative joy though, me being me, I don’t tend to write pure romance. It’s generally blended with other genres.

S: I love that you write to share the joy of love and life. There just isn't enough of that. Can you name one person, book, or song who/that inspires flights of fantasy?

L: I’ve always loved the Ladyhawke main title theme – especially the remix.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Uh_z840iYI

S: Oh, I love that! Tell me, what’s the best advice you've ever given?

L:  If you can’t have a castle, have a cottage. Be grateful if the roof doesn’t leak. Find something to love, take steps to get what you need, and reward yourself – don’t wait for the world to do it.

S:  That's really great advice!  Tell me about Pen and Ink, one of your books from the Fairy in the Bed Series.

L:  Sure. Here's the blurb--

Pen Swan is fading gently into her forties when a kiss from a pixie mechanic alerts her to certain needs. Peck Grene is already taken, so Pen wishes for someone to love her and to share her bed. The someone that appears is a cat. Or is it two cats, three or even four? Has there been some mistake, or are the fairies sending a message? Something like this, perhaps…

Dear Mrs Swan, no fairy finds it convenient to share your bed in the carnal sense. However, here is a consolation prize; the first step in your future as a crazy cat lady. Look after it well.

Grumpily, Pen gives up on the whole affair, but the fairies haven’t finished with her yet.

S:  That sounds like fun! Where can readers buy Pen and Ink? 

L:  The book is available from all major booksellers, including--

http://www.extasybooks.com/a-fairy-in-the-bed/pen-and-ink/

https://tinyurl.com/penandinkamazon

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

https://larksinger.weebly.com/

Next week, author Zara West visits me in The Loft!

Today in The Loft: Romance author Ann Everett!

Visiting me today in The Loft is Texas romance author Ann Everett! Ann is a fifth generation Texan, fully versed in twang, hot cowboys, and women "sassy enough to say what they want." She believes everyone should own cowboy boots! Ann is the author of 12 books. Eight are romance, three are non-fiction, and one is a cookbook!

S:  Welcome Ann! I am so glad you could join us today. Thanks so much for bringing the kolaches, though I have to say, the Texas version looks much different from those of my Slovak grandmother! Still a tasty treat, though.

Let's begin with my favorite question. Where do you do your best thinking?

A: In bed. Once I get in bed, I work out scenes I want to write for my characters. I’ve told my husband, sometimes it gets really crowded!! Often, I find myself crying if it’s a sad scene I’m working on. Silly, because as the author, I know everything will be okay in the end… and that it’s all made up, but still, my emotions get involved!

S:  (Bites into a kolache and moans.) I certainly hope--for your husband's sake--that they're not all wearing cowboy boots! 

While I imagine as a resident of Texas, you are surrounded by all sorts of inspiration for your stories, is there any one person, book, or song who/that inspires flight of fantasy?

A:  I score all of my stories…choosing just the right song to play for each important scene. So, whatever song I’ve chosen, I listen to it before I write the scene and that inspires me. Sometimes I stick my earbuds in and listen to the songs before I go to sleep at night. Many times, that will help me play the scenes out in my head.

S:  I am also a big fan of music as inspiration, whether it's tear-jerking country and western or opera.

Is there anything you crave?

A:  More time to write. I never have enough. I’d love to spend a couple of weeks in a secluded location and do nothing but write. Sigh. That would be a dream come true.

S: I'm with you there. Life can be so intrusive sometimes.

You're married to your high school sweetheart. Do you believe you only fall in love once?

A: Absolutely not! I fall in love with every hero I write. In my real life, I’ve loved the same man since high school, but in my books, I’m somewhat of a floozie…flitting from one book lover to the next!

S: (laughs) Isn't it nice that we can let loose in fiction without penalty?

If a  paranormal invited you to host a dinner with five guests, all prominent figures in history who are now deceased, who would you invite?

A:  This is a hard question and as I thought about an answer, although I have never been star struck, I found myself adding mostly famous movie stars to the list.

Elvis Presley—because I’m still mad at him for dying before I got to see him perform live in Vegas.

Marilyn Monroe— because I’d like to really know what happened to her and the Kennedy brothers.

Margaret Mitchell---because I’d like to know why she only wrote one novel, (Gone with the Wind) and if  her death was really an accident or murder.

Ted Bundy—because I’d like to get inside his head to see what made him the way he was.

Reverend Billy Graham—because I think he could answer any religious question I might have.

S:  Wow. I'd like to be a fly on the wall during that dinner!  What can you tell me about your latest release in your Bluebird, Texas Romance Series?

A:  The book is called, "True."  Here's the blurb:

Sometimes it takes losing everything…

True Shanahan must be the unluckiest woman in the world. Either that or she’s cursed. After another failed relationship, True leaves Dallas with a broken heart and new attitude. It’s time to walk on the wild side. But when she makes a wrong turn and ends up in Bluebird, Texas, the only man she wants is anything but reckless.

…to find all you’ve ever wanted.

Ritter Malone is the town’s favorite son and has the local hero awards to prove it. Seems he’s always in the right place at the right time. But when he crosses paths with True, his life takes a turn he never sees coming. Her songwriting skills may be questionable, but her ability to turn him inside out is indisputable.

Welcome to Bluebird, Texas.

Where a chance meeting gives two people a chance at love.

S:  (Sighs.) How can you not love a cowboy? Where can readers buy your book?

A:  At all major booksellers, including:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DQKRBC4

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07DQKRBC4

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07DQKRBC4

S:  Ann, thanks for much for joining me today!

Readers can learn more about Ann at:

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

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

Website   http://www.anneverett.com

Blog URL http://www.anneverett.com/blog/

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

Pinterest   http://www.pinterest.com/loacl/ 

Amazon author page   http://www.amazon.com/author/ann.everett                                 

Next week in The Loft: Author Lark Westerly!

Today in The Loft: Romance author Constance Bretes!

Today in The Loft, I welcome romance author Constance Bretes! Connie, who writes contemporary romance and suspense, is the author of seven books and has many more in the works. After more than 38 years working for the State of Michigan, Connie retired and recently moved to Montana, where she writes full time and lives with her husband--her best friend.

Author Constance Bretes

S: Welcome, Connie! It's pleasure to have you join me for coffee today. Tell me, where do you do your best thinking? 

C:  Late at night, or early in the morning either in front of my computer, in my quiet room, or the swing on the porch.

S:  I think we'd all love a quiet room! And I would imagine Montana sunsets are breathtaking from your porch. (Seelie reaches for a croissant.) 

What should people know about you?

C:  I’m in introvert. I’m friendly on paper, but face to face, I shy away.

S:  I can certainly understand that. My friends call me the "wordy hermit," because I lock myself away in The Loft and they don't see me for days, sometimes weeks. I think writers need the solitude to write and sometimes we forget there is a whole 'nother world out there. 

Do you have a favorite day of the year?

C:  I love Thanksgiving. The holiday centers around family and friends, with Detroit Lions football, turkey, and all the trimmings.

S:  Hmmmm, a Lion's fan? I have to say, the team has shown some style in recent years, even behind the cheddar curtain. The Lions and the Packers have had a very long rivalry. Last year, Stafford and crew gave us a run for our money. 

Tell me, what do you crave, other than a Lions win? (Seelie winks.)

C:  To be a best-selling author. 

S:   Yup, I'm with you there. It is so difficult for new writers to break into the publishing field. I don't think most people realize how difficult it is. It's not just about writing a book. You also have to get out there, market, and break through the noise. That's difficult. 

And now one of my favorite questions---You are offered one of the following gifts: A day back in time, a glimpse into heaven, or perfect health. Which would you take and why?

C:  Perfect health: As I get older, my health slowly declines. I can get a glimpse of heaven from the Bible, and what good would a day back in time do?

S:  You have a special deal running in August for Jade's Redemption. Tell me about that.

C:  For the month of August 2018, Jade's Redemption is available for 99 cents at all retailers.

S:  Can you share the blurb?

C:  Sure.

Jade’s Redemption

He's an overworked police chief, and she's a disgraced cop. Can he rescue her from her own depths of hell without losing his heart to her in the process?

Someone is kidnapping newborn infants and selling them to the highest bidder. Police Chief Patrick Carter has his hands full investigating the case. To complicate matters, he's short on staff.

Jade Harlowe has secrets, ones that she vowed no one would ever know. She used to be a police officer, but when a tragedy occurred—one that everyone held her responsible for—she resigned and moved to another state to start over, accepting a job as a dispatcher for the police, fire, and ambulance departments.

When Patrick discovers Jade's past police experience he offers her a job on the force. He needs help working the kidnapping cases, and Jade previously solved a similar case, so she could be a valuable asset. But will they be able to fight the attraction that's sizzling between them? Something that could be very distracting if they can't control it.

The clock is ticking. They have to find those babies and prevent more from being taken. But a very nosy news reporter may compromise everything if she digs deep enough to uncover Jade's past.

Neither Patrick nor Jade thought they had room for each other in their lives, but working so closely together makes it impossible to deny the chemistry. Can Patrick break through the wall Jade has built up around her, or will her past finally catch up with her and she loses everything once again?

S:  Wow, that sounds pretty suspenseful! Where is it available for purchase?

C:  At most booksellers, including--

https://www.amazon.com/Jades-Redemption-Constance-Bretes-ebook/dp/B07222999L/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505584660&sr=8-1&keywords=constance+bretes

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jades-redemption-constance-bretes/1126596043?ean=2940157431013

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/jade-s-redemption

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/jades-redemption/id1250028172?mt=11

S:  Thanks so much for visiting today, Connie! To learn more about Connie and her books, please visit--

http://constancebretes.com

https://www.facebook.com/conniebretes/

https://twitter.com/ConstanceBretes

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7737457.Constance_Bretes

http://beachwalkpress.com/constance-bretes/

Next week, The Loft welcomes author Ann Everett!