Nervous me?

Maybe a little. Doing a radio interview this morning with Henry Kelly on BBC Radio Berkshire. Talking about nanowrimo with one of the other Berkshire Wrimos.

Season For Miracles was a nano book - course then it was called All I want and contained a lot of rubbish which got cut out lol, but yeah....

I have to be there at 10 and the interview is sometime between 10-11.

Guest author - EA West. The Key to Charlotte

Today I welcome author EA West. First I hand over to her for a guest post. After that I have an interview with her and a review of her new novel The Key to Charlotte which releases today.

Keeping It Real

Maintaining realism in fiction can be a challenge. Readers want realistic characters that they can identify with, but if the characters are too real, it will turn readers off. How can a character be too real, you ask? Let me give you an example.

In The Key to Charlotte, the heroine is autistic. Now, my task as an author was to make her believably autistic without making readers wonder why on earth this young woman was the heroine in a romance. Autism is an interesting world with so many facets they could never be covered in one book, let alone one character. I had to pick and choose the ways autism affected Charlotte and make it believable, but I also had to find a balance between the autism of the character and the character herself.

Confused yet? You’re not alone. I had no idea how tricky it would be to write Charlotte and show the realities of life with autism without letting the autism overpower the story. I can never thank my wonderful editors enough for their guidance in this area and their patience in explaining why this scene needed to be reworked, where the romance needed to pop out a little more, and how to tone down the focus on autism while still allowing it to be a part of the story. After all of their hard work and the revisions they had me make, Charlotte is now a well-rounded, believable romance heroine who happens to be autistic.

One of my biggest challenges in making Charlotte real, but not too real, was writing the scenes from her point of view. I’ve learned over the years that not only do autistics perceive the world differently from everyone else, they also think differently. Trying to translate this unique way of thinking and viewing the world into narrative and internal dialogue that non-autistics can understand is a challenge. If I had made Charlotte completely realistic in this aspect, The Key to Charlotte would never have seen the light of day.

The most important thing to remember, especially in romance writing, is that while readers want believable characters and plots, they also want a little of that fairy tale feel. You know, the one that allows escape from reality and promises a satisfying happy ever after ending no matter how bad things get for the characters. To provide this, authors must pick and choose what to include and what to leave out. While we need enough information for the characters to be realistic and for readers to understand their quirks, occupations, or anything else that may be unfamiliar to the majority, it’s essential to remember that most people read fiction for fun and relaxation, not to learn the same amount they would in a non-fiction book.

So, if you think you’re including too much information or explaining in too much detail, you probably are. Try to keep it at a minimum. Include just enough to make the characters realistic and to keep readers from being confused. If you’re unsure whether you’ve included too much or not enough, get someone else to read the story for you. Make sure this is a person who will be brutally honest, if necessary. While hearing everything you write is perfect the way it is may feel good, it doesn’t get you published.

To celebrate the release of The Key to Charlotte, I’m giving a copy to two lucky commenters on this blog tour. The rules are simple. Between October 28 and November 6, leave a comment on any of my blog tour stops (including this post) with your name and email address letting me know you want to be entered into the drawing. You can find a complete list of the blog tour stops on my blog http://thewestcorner.wordpress.com. I will draw two names at random from all of the entries and announce the winners on November 7 (winners will also be contacted by email). The two winners will each receive a free PDF of The Key to Charlotte. Good luck to you all!

Bio

E.A. West, author of sweet and inspirational romance, is a lifelong lover of books and storytelling. In high school, she discovered the wonders of sharing her stories with others through writing. She picked up her pen in a creative writing class and hasn’t laid it down yet. Her love of writing encompasses not only the romance genre but also a variety fiction and non-fiction styles.

Born and raised in Indiana, she still resides there today with her family and a small zoo of pets that includes the typical dogs and cats, and the more unusual African water frogs and a ribbon snake. Her interests are as varied as her critters. She has been known to carry on conversations about everything from politics and current events to gardening and theology. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her working on her latest knitting or crochet project.

The Interview:

Tell us a little about yourself.

I began writing in high school and haven’t stopped since. In addition to writing, I also love to knit and crochet, read, and spend time with my family. I live with my family and a small zoo of pets in Indiana. For some reason, some of my pets surprise people, such as the ribbon snake and the freshwater lobster.

Please tell us about your latest release.

The Key to Charlotte is an inspirational romance that tells the story of Charlotte Harris and Zakaria Rush. Charlotte is mute because of autism, but she longs to hold a conversation in her own voice. Zakaria is the new director of children’s ministries at Charlotte’s church, and he would love to help her dream of being able to speak come true. Can he help her find the key to unlocking her voice, or will his attempts lock away their chance of love forever?

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

The Key to Charlotte is available from White Rose Publishing, Amazon.com, and Barnes and Noble. Although it is an ebook, people without ereaders can still read it on their computer.

What made you want to be a writer?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved creating fictional people (and animals when I was young) and scenarios to place them in. When I discovered a love for writing in high school, I finally had a way to share those people and stories with others. Now, I can’t imagine not writing because it is such a big part of my life and who I am.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write from your heart. Trends in publishing come and go, so the story you’re longing to write may not be in a popular genre right now, but the trend will eventually come around to it again. The other reason to write from your heart is that the story will be better for it. If you’re only writing to please a specific audience and have no real emotional investment in the story itself, readers and editors will likely be able to tell. But if you’re writing a story because you love it and have a burning desire to get it down on paper that will be obvious to others who read it as well. The emotional investment of writing from your heart is always worth it, in my mind.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

You can learn more on my website http://eawest.mcphitty.com and my blog http://thewestcorner.wordpress.com. If you’re on Facebook, please “like” my author page for periodic updates and thoughts from my writing life http://www.facebook.com/pages/EA-West/34280264617. I’m also on Twitter http://twitter.com/eawest and ShoutLife http://www.shoutlife.com/eawest.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you, Clare, for having me here today! It’s always a pleasure to spend time with my fellow White Rose Publishing authors. I would also like to thank your readers for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed this interview as much as I did!

We sure did. Thanks for stopping by.

The Key to Charlotte. Available here

Blurb:

Charlotte Harris can't speak due to a quirk in her autistic brain, but that doesn't stop her from communicating with others. Unfortunately, it prevents her from achieving two of her dreams--to praise God through singing and to carry on a simple conversation with her own voice.

Zakaria Rush is the new Director of Children's Ministries at Charlotte's church, and he can't keep his thoughts off the partially mute blonde with a love for guitar music. Her innocence and love of the simple things in life intrigue him and make him long to give her what she wants more than anything: her voice.

Can Zakaria help Charlotte find the key to unlocking her ability to speak, or will his attempt to help her only lock away their chance for love.

My review:

Locked in her own world, Charlotte, who’s autism has rendered her mute, uses her phone to communicate with others. Working her first real job, she meets the new youth pastor, Zakaria (love the spelling), when he is playing his guitar as she cleans the church. At first distressed by this disruption to her routine, friendship soon blossoms between the two of them.

I’m not ashamed to admit I laughed and cried as I read this. This amazing, unputdownable book (I stayed up half the night reading it in one hit) packs a lot of emotion and story into its sixty-one pages. Tackling the subject of autism head on, Ms. West not only deals with Charlotte’s feelings, confusion and frustrations, but also how it affects those people around her while combining it with the growing love story between Charlotte and Zakaria,

I can’t recommend this one highly enough. Definitely scoring a 6/5, it’s one to curl up with as the nights draw in.

the one post I never ever thought I'd write

I'm a #1 bestseller author on Amazon.co.uk

(allows you a minute to take that in and re read it.)

Yes a Number One Best seller Author on Amazon (sets off fireworks, does a snoopy dance, cartwheels...then drags out the current WIP)

Yes Saving Christmas topped the amazon best seller lists in two places.

Also available in the US and in other formats from pelican books

Blurb

Rather than do the expected thing, Christmas Daniels, pursued a high powered career in London, flying across the world, never being home long enough for anything. When her father is taken ill, she returns to Hollies Christmas Emporium, an all year round Christmas shop to run it in his absence.

Matt Pringle, store artist and accountant, doesn't make a good impression on his new boss when he accuses her of stealing his parking space. Wanting to make up for it, he tries to impress her, but ends up falling for her instead.

When the store is threatened with closure, Christmas, who insists on being called Chrissie sacrifices everything to try to save it. A committed Christian, Matt knows that Chrissie needs saving just as much. Will their growing attraction help Matt save Christmas before it’s too late?

Extract:

Taking a deep breath, he stuck out a hand. “Can we start over? My name’s Matt Pringle. It’s a pleasure to meet you Miss Daniels. How’s your father doing?”

Her hand was cool, yet her touch burned him. “It’s Chrissie, please. I called earlier and they said he had a good night. I can go in at two. Now this parking space of yours...”

“It’s yours. I can walk. It’s not that far and I have an umbrella. I’m sorry I was late.” He looked at her. “I’ll go and get started.”

“Sure.” Chrissie flopped down at the desk. Matt looked at her. Her skirt was wet, her shoes ruined and she looked exhausted. Her blue eyes and black hair looking almost bedraggled, if eyes as lovely as hers could look bedraggled. She was the most amazing woman he’d ever seen.

Matt turned and left the office, almost colliding with Grace and a tray of tea and biscuits as he went down the corridor. “Sorry, Grace. Say, what do you know about her?”

“Chrissie? Known her for years. She hates her name with a passion. Her parents expected her to run this place when she graduated, but she chose a partnership in a large firm in London instead. Shame really, the job changed her, she doesn’t have time for anything anymore.” Grace smiled at him. “Trust me, not even you can work your magic on our Christmas Ivy Daniels.” She headed into the office, pushing the door shut behind her.

Matt pursed his lips. He couldn’t let that happen. There was something about her; something lost that drew him to her. She was lost and needed help, whether she knew it or not—and he was determined to give it to her.

1 Chronicles 29:13 Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

review of Shadows book of aleth by Michael Duncan

Review: Shadows: Book of Aleth, Part One by by Michael Duncan

This debut novel by Michael Duncan is a fantasy novel far surpassing anything I've ever read. I read a lot of Tolkien and Le Guin and this is right up there with them.

The characters spring to life off the page. Vivid descriptions pull you deep into the amazing world Rev. Duncan weaves on the pages. Sword fights, dwarves, elves, deamons and horras. A gripping tale of good and evil where you never know who the good guys are and when you think you know what’s happening, another twist takes you by surprise.

My only complaint is having to wait for book two.

If you only pick one fantasy novel to read this winter, it should be this one.

And the winner is...

The winner of a PDF copy of Cassie's Wedding Dress is Courtney. Your email is en route :) Congrats.

--------------

In other news its cold. Very cold. Any my heating doesn't work. It's actually warmer OUTSIDE in the SUNSHINE than in the house! Today - at some point - an engineer should come. Of course whether we can afford the repairs is another story all together.

And speaking of stories.... I need to go type before my hands freeze....

In memorium - Dan Wheldon

Dan Wheldon 22/6/1978 - 16/11/2011

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/15330202.stm

Guest Author - Lily Maytree

Blurb for GOLD TRAP

I simply wanted to step out of my ordinary life and find the Divine Appointment God had planned for me. I’d read about Mary Kinglsey, and it occurred to me that if I truly wanted to share an historical biography with my students, hers was it. So (with much trepidation) I booked the cheapest tour I could find to visit the Dark Continent of Africa. Who knew I’d meet a psychic named Vidalia (after the onion?) — not that I should have been surprised (after all, Bremen Tours specialized in “Voodoo relics of the Dark Continent,” or so it was emblazoned on their carry-alls, one of which I owned). But life got really strange when I met a mad (or was he drunk?) professor, a dashing prince (or possibly, the villain), a village headman (the warrior king? Or the prince of thieves?) and a witchdoctor who was neither witch nor doctor, but rather the sinister embodiment of a charlatan who preyed on tourists...and let’s not forget the man who started the whole mess—an embezzler-turned-kidnapper…of me! And that’s not to mention floating down a river full of crocodiles, two boys who wanted to hold me for ransom, an earthquake, a cave-in, the leopard in my bed, and a pink hippopotamus. In the end, my Divine Appointment from God held mystery, excitement and a whole lot more. Enjoy my adventure, Dear Reader, because I did!

Bio for Lilly Maytree

Lilly Maytree has many homes. Sometimes she lives in her cabin in the woods in Alaska, sometimes in a sailboat on the ocean, and occasionally in a tent when she is exploring wilderness places. It has even been said that she time-travels, but that is probably just a rumor. You can get in touch with her through her web site at www.lillymaytree.com. It might take a few days if she is adventuring far away... but she always comes back sooner or later. She loves hearing from readers!

My Review:

One of the novels from the new line of Christian Fiction from Harbourlight books (the other side of the established Romance publisher White Rose Publishing), Gold Trap is a thrilling story with true to life characters. When Megan Jennings sets off on a tour of Africa to follow in Mary Kingsley's footsteps, she doesn’t anticipate it quite like this. Nothing goes as planned and even her carefully laid out life rules all get tossed out the window. Worried she missed her 'divine appointment' she backtracks only to find the footsteps she must follow don't go the way she expected and lead her to an ending not only surprising but fast paced and vivid.

Her faith and that of travelling companion Tom Anderson are interwoven throughout the pages, along with a rich African setting which lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.

You can pick up Gold Trap here or on Amazon.

release day - Cassie's Wedding Dress

Available from today from here

Blurb:

Steeplechase jockey Cassie Hinton's dream was to walk down the aisle in her medieval wedding gown to become Mrs. Jack Chambers. Injured in the Grand National, she returns home...only to find Jack is now the Pastor of her parent's church.

Jack Chambers, now a widower and single parent, still has feelings for Cassie, but she sees him as nothing more than a Pastor. Even if he could change her mind, there is still his position to consider.

With the Royal Wedding fast approaching, Cassie makes her dress, little dreaming of the consequences of doing so.

Extract:

“Everyone else has photos of the royal couple and ribbons, silver bells, hearts and balloons. I wanted something more sophisticated but this…” she gestured at the window, “…isn’t it.”

“Maybe tie it in with what Danny sells. After all, the bakers did a wedding cake and the printers did invitations.”

Cassie nodded, her mind whirling. “Yeah…thank you.”

Jack glanced at his watch. “I’d best be off and get Lara from school. She complains if I’m late. I hope you find a solution to your problem.”

“Thank you. Bye.” Cassie smiled and turned back to her display, watching Jack’s reflection in the glass as he walked away. He’d always been a Godly man, even as a teenager, and despite everything that happened he kept his faith—unlike her. Her life and her faith lay in ruins.

She used to hope he’d ask her out one day, but it never happened. And now it never would. She was down and out before anything even got started.

He was a pastor, and she was his parishioner. A fallen- without- hope- of- redemption parishioner, at that. Strike one.

He was a widower with a small daughter. Strike two.

Her leg—her disability. No man would ever want a one-legged ex-jockey. Strike three.

Blog Blitz

Today I'm doing a blog blitz. I'll be on each of the blogs below. Each comment you make will give you an entry into a draw for a PDF copy of Cassie's Wedding Dress. I'll make the draw on Wed 19th Oct and post the winner's name here on my blog later that day. So remember to leave an email address when you comment.

http://www.michael-duncan.net/authors-corner.html

http://donnabsnow.blogspot.com/

http://www.marianneevans.blogspot.com/

http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com (Saturday 15th)

http://thewestcorner.wordpress.com

http://delialatham.blogspot.com/

http://dorahiers.blogspot.com/

http://lindarondeau.blogspot.com/

http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site

http://lillymaytree.blogspot.com

Meet a character - Cassie Hinton

Today we meet Cassie Hinton, heroine of Cassie's Wedding Dress, which is published tomorrow!

Tell us your name and a little bit about yourself?

Hi. My name is Cassie Hinton. That’s short for Cassandra, but I only ever get called that when my mother is annoyed with me. Then it’s my full name. I used to be a jockey, but stopped riding after an accident at the Grand National. I came off my horse and got trampled.

Tell us about where you live and why you choose to live there?

After the accident, I came back to Headley Cross to live with my parents. I couldn’t look after myself at first and to be honest its nice having them around. Even if it does mean obeying the house rules and putting up with my older brother Danny.

What is a quirk of your personality that most people wouldn't know?

I collect stupid postcards. Ones that are completely black and labelled Southampton at night. Or black with eyes on, labelled The new forest at night. A red one which is Cheddar at sunset. A yellow one which is Bournemouth Beach and so on.

What obstacles did you have to overcome in order to reach your Happily-ever-after?

There was a very difficult church situation. I received hate mail through the internal church mail, which then escalated into a full blown police investigation. Jack broke things off around the same time and for a while I wondered if I was actually church material at all.

Tell us about your knight in shining armour. What makes him so special?

He’s just wonderful. He dotes on his daughter, would do anything for his congregation. He’s not just a minister, he’s a true Pastor in every sense of the word. If he doesn’t know the answer to why something’s happening, he won’t pussy foot around it and make something up. He’ll tell you outright that he doesn’t know. So I guess his honesty and compassion make his special. Oh and he loves me, despite the fact I only have the one leg.

The first time you saw him, what did you think? Did you like him immediately, or did he have to grow on you?

We were kids. He was my brother’s friend and I had this massive, no make that MASSIVE crush on him. But he never asked me out. Either we were riding or Danny was there and then we went our separate ways and he married. But they say all good things come to them that wait…and I sure waited a long time for him.

And now some silly questions.

Pepsi or coke

coke

tea or coffee

coffee

elephant or tiger

tiger. Love them

roast dinner or burger and chips (fries for our US readers)

Roast—preferably chicken and made by Mum. With roast spuds, roast parsnips, swede, cauliflower, carrots and sprouts. No peas. Peas are nasty.

classical music or pop

Classical. Especially Beethoven

sunrise or sunset

Sunset

walk or run

ride - yeah I chose the third option. ;-)

chocolate or crisps (chips for our US readers)

chocolate. And that really is a silly question.

Clash of the Titles, tournament of Champions

IT HAS BEGUN!!

Over the last year, there have been

OVER FIFTY

clashing author in twenty-four CLASHES,

but only ONE can win the

LAUREL AWARD.

YOU decide which!


In the process, we invite you to repeatedly enter to win
THREE GIFTS A WEEK,
including the GRAND PRIZE--
15 NOVELS


www.clashofthetitles.com

PROMO VIDEO CREATED BY COTT ASSISTANT EDITOR, MICHELLE MASSARO

my new dress

Yes I admit it. I'm a trekkie. So when I was in Asda looking at the coats - I needed a new one - and saw this ---- well, was there ever any doubt I'd end up getting it. I was self restrained. I did wait three days before going back for it. :D And the best bit...it's not even labeled Star Trek or costume! And they do a blue/black and gold/black too

So today I'm wearing my new dress to work. With my black leggings and am soooo very tempted to put my combadge brooch on there too. Or is that taking it too far?

Will add photo of me wearing it later. Maybe. :D

guest author - Michael Duncan

Michael's first book with Harbourlight - the mainstream Christian fiction side of Pelican Book Group - came out on October 1st.

Shadows: Book of Aleth, Part One

By: Michael Duncan

“If history is written by the victorious, what if the victors lied?”

A stolen text...When the Book of Aleth is stolen, Aaron, captain of the Royal Guard, is ordered by Emperor Therion to reclaim the ancient tome. The mission thrusts Aaron into a world he's never known--a world of elves and dwarves, races long thought extinct; a world where everything he has known and believed is a lie.

A secret past... Forced to challenge his long-held beliefs, Aaron and his companions, two soldiers of the Royal Guard and two men of the Dwarvish kingdom of Brekken-Dahl, set out on a quest to recover the Book. Aaron resolves to discover the truth, and rescue the empire he is sworn to protect.

About the Author:

Michael has spent over 20 years preaching and teaching God's Word. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Rev. Duncan entered into public ministry and has served in four churches. He now resides in Washington State with his wife and three children and serves as pastor. When Michael is not preaching or teaching God's word, he spends time writing. Shadows is his first novel. He is an apprentice-level alumnus of the Chris tian Writer's Guild. Michael is also a member of the Northwest Chris tian Writers Association and serves as a board member and a critique group facilitator. Given the opportunity, he also enjoys time on the golf course.

To Purchase a copy, go to: http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/shadows-book-of-aleth-part-one. It is also available at multiple online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble as well asChristian Book Distributors (CBD) in both print and e-book formats (i.e. Kindle and Nook).

Rev. Michael Duncan , Pastor

Mountain View Baptist Church

http://www.michael-duncan.net

http://www.twitter.com/luvtogolf1

guest author - Catherine Bybee

Today we welcome author Catherine Bybee.

My review:

Wife by Wednesday – grabs you from the title and pulls you into a wonderful tale of an arranged marriage…well more of a business contract. Blake needs a wife to fulfil the terms of his father’s will and gain his inheritance. Sam agrees but neither of them expect keeping the contract to be as hard as it is.

In this story, Ms. Bybee has brought to life two engaging characters, a conniving villain and a series of obstacles which leave you turning the pages with eager anticipation to find out what happens next. The first non-historical one I have read, it’s no less engaging than her time travel books. If you love those, then this one is not to be missed.

You can pick up the book from here

How did you come up with your premise? Is there a story behind your book? How did the story evolve?

How did I come up with the book? Hmmm, I think of Wife by Wednesday as a modern day Cinderella. I love entitled rich men who think they have the world on their string to realize that without a good woman, they don't have squat. I think this story evolved from my love of historical romance and wanting to set one of those themes in a modern day romance.

For those who are not familiar with this story, would you please give us the blurb?

Blake Harrison:

Rich, titled, and charming… And in need of a wife by Wednesday so he turns to Sam Elliot who isn’t the business man he expected. Instead, Blake is faced with Samantha Elliot, engaging and spunky with a voice men call 900 numbers to hear.

Samantha Elliot:

Owner of Alliance, her matchmaking firm, and not on the marital menu... That is until Blake offers her ten million dollars for a one-year contract. All she needs to do is keep her attraction to her husband to herself and avoid his bed. But Blake’s toe-curling kisses and charm prove too difficult to combat. Now she needs to protect her heart so she can walk away when their mercenary life together is over.

How did you decide on the setting?

Easy… I live in Southern California, land of the paparazzi and Hollywood romance drama… this story breathes that theme.

When will it be released?

October 5th 2011

Where were you born?

On Earth… In a hospital where my mother had to put out her cigarette to push. Yeah, that actually happened once upon a time.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I've not really wanted to live in another country, but I wouldn't mind visiting every place at least once.

What hidden talent do you possess outside of writing... something you do for fun, but are good at?

I'm a die-hard crafter. I have a room dedicated to collection of crap that I make stuff out of. Scrapbooking, quilting, painting… I even knit.

What music groups/artists blast from your CD player while you write?

None, I can't listen to music I know the words to and write… it's distracting to me.

What are you most passionate about, other than writing?

My kids!

What got you interested in writing?

I've always been a huge reader, so writing was a given. As soon as I had the time to dedicate to the craft, I did.

What advice would you give a new writer just starting out?

Never give up. If you love to write chances are you won't be able to stop once you start. So don't give up. Like anything, it takes time to learn your voice and develop your own style.

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?

Whenever I get stuck between scenes it usually means I've gone off track somewhere and I've written myself into a corner I have no way out of. I will go back and re-read what I've written until if figure out where my characters started acting out of character. I'm not afraid to cut big chunks of my work if it isn't working.

What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

Believable characters in unbelievable settings.

How do you develop your plots and characters?

Both - I usually will think of a main character or two and an opening scene, then the story moves from there.

Are you working on anything at the present you’d like to share with us?

I'm working on a couple of contemporaries and a forth book to my time travel series. I've had such a wonderful following for the MacCoinnich's that I can't leave the characters alone. I'm finishing up Simon's story now and hope to have it published next year.

How do you come up with the titles to your books?

My original title for Wife by Wednesday was Ten Million Dollar Bride… but I wanted something snappier so I asked my facebook and blog friends for ideas. Out of the ideas suggested, I came up with Wife by Wednesday. I also plan of writing follow up books with similar titles such as, Married by Monday (2012) and so on…

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

The day I wrote THE END on my first manuscript.

Describe your writing space.

Cluttered!

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Writing is easy, it’s the other stuff that's hard.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Mom, Wife… Chauffer…

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I moved to So. California to be an actress. *shocking I know*

What do you do in your spare time? (Assuming you have any ;-) )

I write.

What genre would you like to explore that you haven’t tried to write in yet? Will you? What would you never see yourself writing?

I'm writing everything I really want to write at this time. Nothing is off the market for me to write… thought I probably won't write M/M Romance, I'll leave that to talented writers like Angel Martinez (plug, plug,) She's my critique partner and does an amazing job with her work. If I wrote m/m romance, it would be disastrous.

Do you really, really want a dog?

Have one, his name is Capone - As in Al Capone. Sweetest dog ever!

Do you hate how you look in pictures?

It's the only mug I will ever have, why hate?

Do you have any strange handwriting habits, like capitalizing all your “r”s or dotting your “I”s with heart (or anything like that)?

Yeah, my spelling sucks. Spell check is my best friend.

What is your strangest habit?

Not sure.

You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be?

Oh, loaded question. And I've had some nasty ones… but even the ones that hurt the most moulded me into the person I am. So I wouldn't change much of anything.

What were you doing at midnight last night?

Attempting to sleep.

What’s a saying you use a lot?

Life is like a box of chocolates… No… not really. How about, life is short so live it!

Have you ever eaten a crayon?

Probably.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?

Cat food when I was a kid. My mom told me I was growing a tail. Looked for the damn thing for two years. BTW, we didn't own a cat at the time. A sample box came in the mail.

What is your favourite animal?

I love ALL animals… well, I'm not fond of rattlesnakes. We get 5 or 6 of them a year where I live.

What do you want to know about the future?

Nothing.

Have you ever cried during a movie?

I hope so or all the moves must suck.

Do you sleep with the light on?

Only when I read Dean Koontz's Whispers.

What is your favourite pizza?

Everything without pineapple or lil' fish.

Are you a morning person or a night person?

Mornings are for Roosters… and I've given away all of mine.

If you could go anywhere to tomorrow, where would you go?

A different time.

If you could see anyone tomorrow (dead or alive), who would it be?

My sister, Andrea.

Meet a character - Pastor Jack Chambers

Today we chat to Pastor Jack Chambers - the male lead from my upcoming release Cassie's Wedding Dress.

Tell us your name and a little bit about yourself?

I'm Pastor Jack Chambers. I'm co-pastor of Headley Baptist Church, a church of around 400 members. I'm a single parent. My daughter, Lara, is seven now. Her mum died a few hours after she was born. I've been in Headley Baptist for almost eight years. Before that I was pastor at a church in Cumbria.

Tell us about where you live and why you choose to live there?

I live in Headley Cross, Berkshire, England. I live here because that's where I was called to minister. It's a beautiful place, a small town, yet busy.

What is a quirk of your personality that most people wouldn't know?

You seriously expect me to answer that question? Good job your readers can't see me right now. (Jack shifts awkwardly on his chair, his fingers pressed together and resting under his chin.) Okay, but they have to promise not to tell. I use different voices and accents when I read to Lara each night. And if I forget or get it wrong, she tells me off for it.

What obstacles did you have to overcome in order to reach your Happily-ever-after?

Dating a parishioner brings a whole host of problems. Including a police investigation. Hmm, that sounds terrible put that way.

Tell us about your special lady. What makes her special?

Her name is Cassie...Cassie Hinton. She's a former jockey - actually rode in the Grand National. She's my best friend Danny's sister. So a couple of years younger than me.

The first time you saw her, what did you think? Did you like her immediately, or did she have to grow on you?

We grew up together, but the first time I really noticed her she was 12 and I was 14. We never really dated, Danny was always around and I was more his friend than hers. I went to college and when I came home, she'd left. We lost touch over the years, I moved away, got married, moved back...Then she came home and ... well, the rest is in the novel.

And now some silly questions.

Silly questions? Ummm, okay.

Pepsi or coke

coke

tea or coffee

coffee - pastors live on this. At least the ones I know.

elephant or tiger

tiger

roast dinner or burger and chips (fries for our US readers)

roast dinner - especially on a Sunday. Nothing beats it.

classical music or pop

to be honest, I prefer gospel.

sunrise or sunset

sunrise

walk or run

run - used to do that a lot. Don't really have time now.

chocolate or crisps (chips for our US readers)

crisps. I'm a savoury bloke.

Thanks for stopping by, Jack. Next week, Cassie will be dropping in to answer the same questions. Their story releases from Pelican Book Group on October 14th.