NEW AUTHOR INTERVIEW AT FIONA MCVIE'S BLOG!

I'm pleased and ecstatic to announce my latest interview is now live!
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SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH JEAN HART STEWART!

The Interview:

GRACIE: I’m excited to have you here at The G-Spot, Jean! Please tell us a little about yourself (or a lot J) and how and when you got into writing?

JEAN:  I had a successful career in real estate but when the business turned snarky just walked into my manager’s office and quit. His response was a shocked ‘you can’t’ and  I smiled,  waved, and walked out.

GRACIE: Is there any one thing or person in your life that inspired your writing? Any one thing or person that influenced the genre you write in?

JEAN: Mary Balogh’s advice to me once still guides me out of the dreaded void of dangling middle. I asked her once what she did when she hit that and she said “Make it worse”.

GRACIE: As a prolific author with an extensive backlist and current titles, can you still remember when you got The Call and what was your first published book?

JEAN: Druid’s Daughter was my first published book. I was doubly excited when my new editor asked me if I had anything else ready and I sent her the next book in the series, My Darling Druid.  Two books at once after three years of rejections! I think I’ll always remember that.

GRACIE: What do you know now about writing and the publishing industry that you wish you’d known before you started?

JEAN: That publicity and promo are endless and I mostly dislike this part of the business.

GRACIE: Please, give us a little story behind the story and what inspired your Passionate Pursuits series.

JEAN: Elves seems a natural sequel to Druids and Mages. There are so many elf types and I want the strong blonds found in Scandinavian literature. Some elves are tiny, as in the leprechauns and of course I wanted elves that were sexy.

GRACIE:  What brought about your interest in Elves, Druids and Mages?           

JEAN: I grew up reading a lot about King Arthur and those tales are really about magical super heroes.  And I’m a dreamer.  Seems a natural progression to me

GRACIE: In Forbidden Pursuit, besides destiny, what is it you believe makes Arden and Brielle a perfect match?

JEAN: Arden is destined to fall in love only once and that love will last forever. That’s part of an elves’ destiny. Brielle needs plenty of help, including growing into her feelings.  They need each other.

                               

GRACIE: What do you believe is Gareth’s Achilles’ heel and how do you go about stomping it in Gareth’s Gambit?

JEAN: That’s interesting phrasing for this book!  Gareth has one leg a little shorter than the other and he’s conflicted by his feelings of power as a Mage, and his feelings of inferiority over what he regards as a defect. Our heroine has a big job on her hands to get him to declare his love when he doesn’t feel worthy. In spite of the fact his strengths are quite evident. He’s unsecure.

GRACIE: Of all the stories you’ve written, which is your favorite and why?

JEAN: My first one published, Druid’s Daughter. It  brought me so much joy and was the start of my career. In fact my license plate is Druids  1.

GRACIE: I know this is like asking a mother which is her favorite child, but which of your characters is your favorite and why?

JEAN: Now that one I really can’t answer. Maybe Gareth in Gareth’s Gambit. Wounded heroes always grab at my heart.

GRACIE: What about your characters makes them unique?

 JEAN: Not an easy question to answer. I don’t really know, except for the fact  that I love them all and maybe that comes through.

GRACIE: What is your favorite aspect of the writing process? Your least favorite?

JEAN: The best part is the days when the words just flow. The worst part is the publicity.

GRACIE: Are you a pantser or do you outline?

JEAN: I’m a pantser who outlines as she goes.  Does that make sense to anyone but me?

GRACIE: Makes sense to me! You mentioned a previous career in real estate, but if you weren’t a writer, what other profession would you have chosen to pursue?

JEAN: Something artistic, but I don’t know what.

GRACIE: Who are some of your favorite authors and why? Name some of your favorite books and why they’re your favorites.

JEAN: Mary Balogh, Sabrina York, Judith McNaught, Tina Donahue. As you can see I have pretty eclectic tastes. And I love history.

GRACIE: What are you working on now and what should readers be looking forward to from you in the future?

JEAN: A loooong historical titled The Lame Lord.  Also a shortie for a boxed set of Romance4Us writer. Not titled yet, but it will be a short, sensual historical, set right after the Peninsular War.

GRACIE: Do you have a website and/or how can readers contact you?

JEAN: www;jeanhartstewart.com   jswriter@earthlink.net  I would love, love, love to hear from a reader.

GRACIE: Where and how can readers purchase and/or read samples of your work?

JEAN: I’m at Ellora’s Cave, I blog regularly at Romancebooks4us and

Seven Sexy Scribes, Facebook, Twitter, my own e-mail at jswriter.earthlink.net, and just about any place they have internet.  I’ve soon have eight books at MuseitUp.  I find I no longer enjoy writing erotica and Ellora’s Cave wants only that, so I’m shifting a lot of my stuff.

GRACIE: What advice do you have for beginning writers?

JEAN: Keep writing.  Don’t let anything stop you. Don’t listen to the negative voices.

GRACIE: Anything else about yourself or your writing you’d like to share with your readers?

JEAN: Nope, think this excellent interview covers everything.  Thank you so much for having me.

GRACIE: Jean, thanks so much for taking time from your busy schedule to share yourself and your work with us at The G-Spot and giving us a little insight into your writing and the writing process! We’ll let you get back to writing those wonderful books you write! All the best!

Retro Release Deals - TERMS OF SURRENDER & BETWEEN DARKNESS AND DAYLIGHT!

TERMS OF SURRENDER!

This Siren Classic Erotic Romance is available $2.99 beginning Wednesday 8/28 until Tue, 9/25!

To purchase or learn more, visit: http://www.bookstrand.com/terms-of-surrender

              

 

 

BETWEEN DARKNESS AND DAYLIGHT!

Siren Classic: Erotic Paranormal Romance, Contemporary, Interracial

Celebration Special Discount: This title is now $2.99!

Retro Release Special Discount: This title is offered at a 50% discount. Offer ends midnight CST, September 30th.

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4 Coffee Cups for Maia's Magickal Mates!

“Maia’s Magical Mates is a true treat for the senses!... The love scenes were very well written and add definite spice to a story that would have been fantastic even were they not there. This is saying something because anyone can write some sex scenes and call it a story, but it takes a real master to write a book that has an actual storyline, but then has the added zing of well thought out and written love scenes. If you enjoy stories that have a bit of everything then I highly recommend Maia’s Magical Mates!” Regina, Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More. Read the complete review here:  http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/maiasmagicalmatesbook3bygigimoore.html#.UhBIHW0pg74

Lucy's Liberation Now Available!

Lucy's Liberation (MMF)
Elk Creek 2

This title is offered at a 15% discount. Offer ends midnight CST, July 8th.

[Siren Ménage Everlasting: Erotic Historical Fantasy Ménage a Trois Romance, M/M/F, with M/M elements, HEA]

When her much-older abusive husband, Rance, dies, Lucy Peyton believes her nightmare is over and looks forward to a new life of independence. Her hopes for a marriage of love instead of convenience, however, are dashed when she discovers the provisions of her late husband’s will and realizes that Rance is still trying to crush her, even from the grave.

Rance’s nephew, urbane adventurer and thrill seeker, Ki Benjamin, may have just found a reason to settle down in Podunk Elk Creek when Lucy’s petition reaches him in New York.

Prentice Teague has a lot to make up for from his former life, and he gets a chance at redemption when he’s reincarnated as Ethan Crawford. A young cowboy who fell into some dubious company before his untimely death, Ethan now is the target of a corrupt mentor determined to finish the job he started when he shot Ethan in the back.

To read excerpts, learn more and/or to purchase, visit: http://www.bookstrand.com/lucys-liberation

Spotlight Interview with Erotic Paranormal Romance Author LYNNETTE BERNARD!

Author Bio: Lynnette Bernard is a fan of Broadway, the ocean, science fiction, romance, music, movies, books, and babies. She has two babies of her own that were the perfect children, who have turned out to be outstanding adults. She is a staunch advocate of “happily ever after” and changes the endings of any movie that she sees or book that she reads that doesn’t follow that rule. She has the hots for cowboys, shifters, vampires, and really nice guys and lives her fantasies about them through her writings. The cowboys of Colorado will always hold a special place in her heart.

The Interview:

GRACIE: I’m excited to have you here at The G-Spot, Lynnette! Please tell us a little about yourself (or a lot J) and how and when you got into writing?

LYNNETTE: Thanks, Gracie! It’s so nice to be here. Thanks for having me. J I have written stories from the time I was about 14 years old. My first book was completed at age 16. It was an historical romance set in Wyoming in the late 1800s. The story was a great story and I may rewrite it some day, but although I knew the basics of physical love, I had no experience. The story was definitely PG and I am proud of it; however, I would definitely flesh it out and spice it up to do justice to the characters’ love story. Now that I’m older, I have a better understanding of physical love, emotional love, and striving for dreams. I would never look back and regret anything. My future possibilities are endless and I am so thankful to be doing what I love—writing.

GRACIE: Is there any one thing or person in your life that inspired your writing? Any one thing or person that influenced the genre you write in?

LYNNETTE: My father always supported me in all my decisions and loved me unconditionally. He was a man who loved my mother with all his heart, and he loved every one of us kids without reservation or judgment. He was an amazing man, a loving husband and father, and the perfect role model. He was a deeply caring and kind man. All the men in my stories have these traits in their personalities because of my dad. Men would be an amazing gender if they all took their lessons from him. As far as the genre aspect, I’m a romantic through and through. I love reading romance stories, and I love writing romance stories. So, that’s all me. J

GRACIE: When did you get The Call and what was your first published book?

LYNNETTE: I always remember having a need to write from the time I was a pre-teen/teenager. I tried for many years to get my work published but I was caught in a constant loop of frustration. I couldn’t get an agent to represent me unless I had something published, and I couldn’t get anything published unless I had an agent to represent me. Luckily for me, the age of e-book publishing opened up a world of possibilities to me. I just had to submit my work in the format that the publisher wanted. I was very lucky that Siren Publishing took a chance on me. It took six weeks and a follow-up email to check on the status of my submission, but it was a positive experience and I was offered a contract for Laurie’s Loves. It was the most amazing thing for me that after all the years of writing—someone had finally given me a chance and believed in me. I am forever grateful to the wonderful people of Siren.

GRACIE: What do you know now about writing and the publishing industry that you wish you’d known before you started?

LYNNETTE: I now know that I can say “No” to suggestions. What I mean by this is very important. When Laurie’s Loves was going through the editing process, I was constantly trying to please the editors. They suggested changes that I felt would completely change the basic idea of the series. I was afraid to stand up for myself and take a chance that I would be told my book wasn’t going to be published. I ended up standing my ground and held firm to my beliefs, and you know what? Nothing bad happened. In fact, quite the opposite happened. My stories stayed as I had written them, and my readers contact me and tell me that what I stood my ground about was exactly what they enjoy the most.

GRACIE: Please, give us a little story behind the story and what inspired your Beckett’s Wolf Pack, Triad Mates series.

LYNNETTE: I’ve always loved the paranormal world. I especially love wolf shifters and vampires. In thinking about the series I was going to create, I wanted to create a world that held beautiful possibilities where people were kind, loving, and supportive. I wanted to write my own love story. Like Laurie Young, I was that person who had raised two children alone, with a crazy, abusive ex and two wonderful kids. I gave up everything to raise my kids and had finally taken a vacation after fifteen years of having no “me” time. That’s how the trip to the Circle Three Ranch came about. I also have dreamed of finding my soul mate and thought how wonderful it would be if my mate would be able to find me by scent, want to protect me and care about me, be completely loyal and faithful, find me desirable, and want a family with me. Jace and Jackson certainly fulfill that requirement. The abilities of speaking to each other, knowing each other’s feelings and emotions, and experiencing visions about the beauty of their future just kind of came to be as I realized that those things would help reassure Laurie and all future mates that the love they found was right, and allowed their love to progress quickly.

GRACIE: In Laurie’s Loves, what do you think it is about Laurie Young that makes her the perfect mate for alpha Jace Beckett and beta Jackson Scott despite her being human and even though she is their fated triad mate?

                                                        

 

LYNNETTE: I really think Laurie is perfect for them because she doesn’t think she is anything special. She has no designs on them and she treats them as acquaintances. They get to know her as just a friend even though she is much more to them. She is a naturally nurturing woman and someone who has taken on the role of caregiver to others—both in the pack and within her own life. She has fears, but her need to help, guide, and love children and the people of the pack drives her. She needs to comfort those she meets and Jace and Jackson need her kindness and her love. They have had a life of isolation despite their status as alpha and beta. She brings them the honest caring and acceptance that is completely free of any motives for self.  She is exactly what they need, and her character progresses through the Beckett’s Wolf Pack Series showing how she has naturally come into her own as the queen of the pack. She’s awesome and loving—just what her men and the members of the pack need.

GRACIE: In Babies for Nikki what do you think is fearless spitfire Nicole Sinclair’s Achilles’ heel and how do you go about stomping it?

 

 

LYNNETTE: Nikki’s fear is that she is the go-to woman to make everyone laugh, but people don’t see her as a desirable woman. She doesn’t think anyone sees who she really is, or values her as a woman. She’s used to being used and thought of as the person who will fix everything. To some degree, she is; however, she is much more than that. When she meets Alexander and Butler, she is at first skeptical and resorts to her sarcastic humor to protect herself. Only when she gives in to their love, experiences the visions, feels the emotions of her men, and hears their thoughts can she finally get over her lack of confidence. It’s important to note that it doesn’t matter what profession, or what a woman’s financial status, childhood insecurities never leave us. Whatever our parents or our friends torture us with as children never leaves us. It’s like a constant buzzing in our mind that reminds us that we’re not all that great. Some of us get over it to some degree. Some of us don’t. The love of our mate/mates is what will help us flourish and grow. Nikki can only see that she is a desirable woman who is deeply loved when Alex and Butler show her in their treatment of her.

GRACIE: What is it you find appealing about the author themes of healing and acceptance that seem to run through most of your books and series so far? Did your author themes choose you or did you choose them?

LYNNETTE: I think both, actually. I have a very spiritual heart and I believe in miracles. So much has happened in my life that supports this. I also have been on the receiving end of prejudice. I have always been frustrated by people making judgments about me, or anyone really, without taking the time to get to know the amazing people that we are. In the worlds that I create, acceptance is firm, and honest. There is the important theme of family that is shown through each series. Family is the ultimate happiness as far as I’m concerned. My characters want to create a supportive family and they want to have children. So, my books will always have acceptance, healing, and family.

GRACIE: Of all the stories you’ve written, which is your favorite and why?

LYNNETTE: Oh, wow. That’s tough. I have to be honest and say that my favorite book is always the one I’m working on at the moment. I have to let the other books go or I won’t be able to work on the current book. I really have to say that making each book I’m working on my favorite gives that book the importance it deserves until the story is told.

GRACIE: I know this is like asking a mother which is her favorite child, but which of your characters is your favorite and why?

LYNNETTE: Again, another tough choice. Laurie is me twenty years ago. Nikki is me now. Jamie is me during college. Gracie is me as a big sister. Every man in the wolf pack series is awesome, and don’t even get me started on the men in the cowboy series! Every one of them is exactly what each of us needs. But, if I had to pick just one character, ummmmm, probably Deuce McKade. He is an amazing man who took over the caring of his brothers and friends. He’s strong, he works hard, he’s an amazing uncle and father, and his love for Gracie makes me cry. All the men in my books are really loyal, loving men who adore their mates. Every one of them is exactly what I would want in the mate who loved me.

 

 

GRACIE: What about your characters makes them unique?

LYNNETTE: Well, I think the sense of family and protection is a big reason why they are so unique. Most of all, the characters are kind. Kindness is the basis for their personality so you like them, trust them, root for them, and ultimately love them.

GRACIE: What is your favorite aspect of the writing process? Your least favorite?

LYNNETTE: I love the actual writing of each novel. I escape from the problems of my life when I am creating. I can create worlds where good people win. They can be happy, and they can have a loving, fulfilling future with their mates. I have said many times that I love escaping from the world and never leaving my “cave with wi-fi” for days on end. J

My least favorite is criticism in reviews by people who seem to have no concept of what my books are all about. If you don’t like ménage stories, don’t buy them. If you don’t like men who adore and love their mates, don’t buy them. If you don’t like inner conflict that my characters struggle through, don’t buy them. I sometimes want to defend myself against some incredibly cruel words, but I let it go. Not everyone is going to like my books and that’s okay, but I truly don’t understand why people have to be intentionally hurtful.

GRACIE: Are you a pantser or do you outline?

LYNNETTE: A little of both. I have a basic understanding of my book before I start, but I do come up with some of the scenes as I go along. The characters speak to me and make me give them scenes that are unique to them.

GRACIE: If you weren’t a writer, what other profession would you have chosen to pursue?

LYNNETTE: I’ve always wanted to edit movies. I’ve had experience writing and directing plays and movies, and I love the editing process. I would like to do that.

GRACIE: Who are some of your favorite authors and why? Name some of your favorite books and why they’re your favorites.

LYNNETTE: I have pretty eclectic tastes. I love romance, science fiction, the classics, plays, comedies, mysteries, historical, and erotica. Some of the current authors I read are: Melinda Barron , Stormy Glenn, Elle Saint James, Charlie Richards, Bianca D’Arc, Marie Harte, Gabrielle Evans , Eve Langlais, Evangeline Anderson, Allyson James, Amylea Lyn, Ann T. Ryan, Andrew Grey, Toni Griffin, and Cheryl Lynne to just name a few. There are so many, I hope I don’t insult anyone by leaving them out. I love all kinds of romance stories: M/F, M/M, M/M/F, M/F/M, the possibilities are endless. Love is love. That is the true test of any book that I read. The love story and the commitment the characters have to each other is what makes me love the book. As far as classic writers, my favorite writer is Shakespeare.

I absolutely love The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. That has to be my favorite book for young adults. It calls to your heart and allows kids to identify with the isolation of teenage life. My first love story that I read at the age of 16 was The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. It was my first foray into the romantic world and it hooked me on that genre for life. What a wonderful love story.

GRACIE: What are you working on now and what should readers be looking forward to from you in the future?

LYNNETTE: I’m currently working on the 3^rd Cowboy Mates, Psychic Connections book. This one is Spence, Lainey, and Tim’s story. It’s called Claiming Lainey and is a ménage love story. When I’m finished with this one, I’ll be writing Book 5 in the Beckett’s Wolf Pack, Triad Mates Series. That one will be Wade, Meeka, and Reece’s story. It’s called Meeka’s Reluctant Mates. I plan on starting two new series this summer. One will be Auctioned Mates, and the other will be Wizard Mates. I truly love all of my characters and series. I wish I could stay home and write ALL the time!

Abbey’s Protectors, Book 4 of Beckett’s Wolf Pack, Triad Mates is scheduled for release from Siren Publishing on June 19^th. It may be sooner (I hope) so I’ll keep everyone posted on my website and on my Facebook page.

GRACIE: Do you have a website and/or how can readers contact you?

LYNNETTE: My website is http://www.lynnettebernard.com and my email is lynnettebernard@gmail.com

I absolutely love hearing from readers. I also have a Facebook page and would love readers to “friend” me. J

GRACIE: Where and how can readers purchase and/or read samples of your work?

LYNNETTE: I have excerpts of my novels on my website. http://www.lynnettebernard.com

My books are available at Siren BookStrand, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo. I see that they are also available as an Apple App.

GRACIE: What advice do you have for beginning writers?

LYNNETTE: Hone your craft. Make sure your stories are tight and interesting. Most importantly, don’t give up.

GRACIE: Anything else about yourself or your writing you’d like to share with your readers?

LYNNETTE: Well, I would like readers to know just how much I absolutely love what I do. I am my happiest when I’m writing. I can’t even begin to tell you how important it is to me to have this amazing opportunity in my life. Life can be very hard and we all need that one special thing in our lives that we can hang onto and hold dear to our heart that helps us see that there can be beauty and happiness in this crazy world. Writing does that for me. I am so thankful to be able to write.

GRACIE: Lynnette, thanks so much for taking time from your busy schedule to share yourself and your work with us at The G-Spot and giving us a little insight into your writing and the writing process! We’ll let you get back to writing those wonderful books you write! All the best!

LYNNETTE: Thank you for having me. It was fun. :) Happy Reading, Everyone!

Desiree's Lone Wolves - New Book Trailer!

Ten years ago, Carson and Sam Quarry’s father died in a freak accident. Carson doesn’t believe it was any accident and makes it no secret that he believes their pack alpha, Remy Bastien, killed their father.

When Carson commits the most heinous offense a shifter can commit against another shifter, it gives Remy just the opening he needs to get Carson and Sam’s mother right where he’s always wanted her—mated to him.

The family makes it their business to keep a low profile at The Double R. This is an easy enough task before Desiree Jensen, a conservative city slicker with painful secrets of her own, lands at the ranch, too.

Despite her quiet and sheltered existence, Desiree is a lot stronger than she seems. Is she strong enough, however, to survive the fatal charms of two wolf shifters from her wildest dreams, especially when one is marked for death?

View Book Trailer Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p40fvj0MN4

Interview with Erotic Paranormal Romance Author Siobhan Muir!

Bio: Siobhan Muir lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her husband, two daughters, and a vegetarian cat she swears is a shapeshifter, though he's never shifted when she can see him. When not writing, she spends time looking down a microscope at fossil fox teeth, pursuing her other love, paleontology. An avid reader of science fiction/fantasy, her husband gave her a paranormal romance for Christmas one year, and she was hooked. She’s been writing since childhood. Friends and family threatened to lynch her unless she published. Siobhan believes in happily ever after, redemption, and communication, which you’ll find in her paranormal romance stories.

The Interview:

GRACIE: I’m excited to have you here at The G-Spot, Siobhan! Please tell us a little about yourself (or a lot J) and how and when you got into writing?

SIOBHAN: I got into writing when the bedtime stories I told myself had far more detail than I could remember, so I had to write them down. I’ve been writing ever since, spinning tales around campfires, dinner tables, and coffee shops for a long time. My education is in geology, so fieldcamp was a great place to get people hooked on my tales. I once had an 18 person field crew captivated with a story I told around the evening fire, they insisted I tell the rest of it in the van on the ride home. Talk about an ego boost. I wrote that one down, and you should see it come out sometime in the next couple of years. J

GRACIE: Is there any one thing or person in your life that inspired your writing? Any one thing or person that influenced the genre you write in?

SIOBHAN: I’ve always loved science fiction and fantasy, so I’m drawn to the paranormal for that reason. I think I’d have to credit Anne McCaffrey with getting me into it initially. I remember reading her Dragons of Pern novels, and the spin-off series about the firelizards and I was absolutely hooked. Ever since then, my writings have turned toward the fantastic and romantic.

GRACIE: You’re mind kind of author! I love the fantastic and the paranormal J When did you get The Call and what was your first published book?

SIOBHAN: My call came December 31, 2011 and I was so ecstatic, I walked around in a giddy daze the whole day. Happy New Year! :D The first published book was Her Devoted Vampire with Evernight Publishing, and it was the first romance I tried to write with a more scientific explanation for vampirism. I wrote it to entice my husband into reading romance. I succeeded. *smug grin*

GRACIE: I don’t blame you for being smug. Getting a man to red romance is quite a feat, LOL. What do you know now about writing and the publishing industry that you wish you’d known before you started?

SIOBHAN: I don’t have anything I wished I’d known sooner because I don’t feel like I’ve missed anything. I’m learning it now, and I’m sure there’s plenty more to learn as I go. But for now, I have no regrets.

GRACIE: Please, give us a little story behind the story and what inspired your Siren erotic paranormal romance, Queen Bitch of the Callowwood Pack.

SIOBHAN: Queen Bitch of the Callowwood Pack came to me in a dream. Russell Crowe starred as Jeff Lightfoot and he showed up, telling me I had to keep my true nature hidden from the humans while I competed with the other females for the position of Luna. I saw the mugging scene at the salon and another frank discussion about the why of werewolves on a scrubby mountainside with Jeff, and the story built from that. The other characters just showed up when I needed them. J

GRACIE:  The heroines in both Her Devoted Vampire and Queen Bitch of the Callowwood Pack don’t believe in the existence of supernatural beings until each is faced with their reality. What in Bridget Shanahan and Julianna Morris’ backgrounds or personalities do you think leads to each woman’s skepticism?

SIOBHAN: Bridget was raised Catholic and all the magic had been taken out of the world for her with that mindset. She doesn’t see religion or higher powers as something to enjoy, and she certainly never considered the existence of creatures other than humans. I tried to take someone from our world and offer her a whole new world to deal with.

With Julianna, she’s like most people. Humans are it for this world, and while stories abound of other critters wandering around, we’re pretty sure they’re just stories. Julianna was adopted and she spent most of her formative years trying to fit in with the humans around her. That drive to fit in made her set aside her true nature, which forcibly came out when she turned 36.

GRACIE: In the Queen Bitch of the Callowwood Pack what in Julianna Morris’ character do you think makes her the perfect match for Jeff Lightfoot and is it the same thing that makes her perfect to be the Queen Bitch?

SIOBHAN: Julianna is a fighter. She never gives up, even when things seem impossible, and she definitely doesn’t give up on something she really wants. And she really wants Jeff. Plus, while she’s aware of appearances, her actions stem from her respect and love for her family. She will protect the whole pack if necessary, but she won’t play dirty. Sneaky, but not dirty. It’s that fighting quality that makes her a match for Jeff and an excellent leader for the Callowwood Pack.

GRACIE: In Her Devoted Vampire what is Fredrick MacGregor’s Achilles’ heel and how do you go about stomping it?

SIOBHAN: Bridget herself. Once he finds her and connects with her, any mortal injury could take him down with her. He’s more than just devoted to her emotionally. However, because they are connected, she’s a lot stronger and resilient than she was before she met Fredrick, so killing Bridget isn’t easy.

GRACIE: Of all the stories you’ve written, which is your favorite and why?

SIOBHAN: That’s a hard question. Each story attracts me (or I wouldn’t have written it) for different reasons. I loved writing about Fredrick and Bridget because it gave me a chance to address the whole swooning issue. Yeah, he’s a cute guy, but would you really sleep with a guy who kidnaps you, just because he’s cute? With Julianna, I loved the challenge of winning everything just by being yourself, even if she had to figure out who or what her true self was. In my upcoming dragon shifter tale, I wanted to address the “walk of shame/fame” issue. A guy can sleep with anyone and society cheers him on. A woman sleeps with anyone, and she’s castigated for being a whore. Uhm, how is that fair? That double standard drives me crazy. So each story has its pet issues for me and I fall in love with each one for finding a solution (at least for one couple). J

GRACIE: I know this is like asking a mother which is her favorite child, but which of your characters is your favorite and why?

SIOBHAN: Right now, my current favorite “children” are Lieutenants Brickman, Hunter, and Waters, from my upcoming Navy SEALS M/F/M ménage. I love Brickman’s determination to be the only female SEAL, and her subsequent determination to love both her Teammates. I love Hunter’s calm, steady love of both his woman and his best friend, and I ache for Waters’ demons that keep him from his loved ones. Right now, these folks are my favorites. It might change when the next story comes along. ;)

GRACIE: What about your characters makes them unique?

SIOBHAN: Most of my female characters are strong and won’t quit, even when life gets really black. They’re fighters and don’t need to be rescued (although they like it when they are). I write the Megara version (from Disney’s Hercules) of damsels: “I’m a damsel. I’m in distress. And I can take it from here. Have a nice day.” I also write characters, male or female, who are true to themselves throughout the story. I can’t stand it when characters flip-flop back and forth from one core belief to another, and back again, without apparent cause. That just makes me want to throw the book across the room (bad news for my Kindle, lol).

GRACIE: What is your favorite aspect of the writing process? Your least favorite?

SIOBHAN: I love the creative process when the words just pour out of me. I even love revisiting the older stories and “fixing” them (read = updating them). It can be a long and arduous road, but it’s worth it in the end. My least favorite: writing query letters and synopses for publication. How the heck do I get a 60K word story into just 150 words? Yeah, not my favorite.

GRACIE: Are you a pantser or do you outline?

SIOBHAN: I do a little of both. If I get an idea or a dream, I write down everything I can remember so when I come back to it (if I’m in the middle of some other story) I can get back into the flavor of what attracted me in the first place. This becomes a basic outline. Then I let the Muse run with it and see how the story unfolds. Queen Bitch of the Callowwood Pack evolved that way. J

GRACIE: If you weren’t a writer, what other profession would you have chosen to pursue?

SIOBHAN: I’d be a dead things specialist. :D My educational background is in mammal paleontology, particularly of fossil foxes, coyotes, and wolves from the Pleistocene epoch. You’ve seen Ice Age, I’m sure. They didn’t show the dire wolves, but that’s the age of animals I study when not writing fiction.

GRACIE: That sounds like fascinating work and great fodder for your imagination ;) Who are some of your favorite authors and why? Name some of your favorite books and why they’re your favorites.

SIOBHAN: That’s a long list. However I’ll give you the genre favorites that come to mind off the cuff:

Science fiction with romantic elements – Cara Michaels writes sharp, funny, and adventurous science fiction that usually grabs me in the first paragraph. She doesn’t have sex in her tales, but she gets me interested because you KNOW where the characters are going to end up. ;)

Historical Romance – Monica McCarty writes FBI/MI6 type romance set in the time of Robert the Bruce Scotland. Her stories are pretty historically accurate AND have a great love story attached.

Historical Romantic Suspense – Kris Tualla writes several historical series about Norwegian heros, and my current favorite of hers is a hero who’s deaf.

Fantasy – Elizabeth Kerner and Elizabeth Moon – both these ladies write great fantasy, usually in trilogies that sweep you into new worlds and make you fall in love with their characters.

Historical Erotic Romance – Kate Pearce writes hot, shameless erotic romance set in the 1800s of England. She’s no holds barred and her characters have longevity throughout her series.

Romantic Suspense – Roxanne St. Claire writes gripping adventure and suspense woven around solid love stories.

LGBT Romance – Suzanne Brockmann writes great love stories, a few M/M, but she really captures the love, respect, and compassion found in all loving couples, no matter the sex of the individuals. My favorite by her is called When Tony Met Adam.

BDSM Romance – Kallypso Masters has a gift for writing great BDSM love stories. Her Rescue Me series focuses on Doms from the military and the women who rescue them from their own demons. I love the role reversal on who saves whom.

GRACIE: What are you working on now and what should readers be looking forward to from you in the future?

SIOBHAN: I’m working on final edits of a historical dragon shifter story that should be out this fall, and another dragon shifter story (contemporary) that should be out at the beginning of next year. Then there is the Navy SEALs ménage, a vampire M/M/F ménage, and a vampire/dragon shifter tale about the original Dracula coming in 2013.

GRACIE: Wow, sounds like your fans can expect some exciting stuff from you. Do you have a website and/or how can readers contact you?

SIOBHAN: I love to talk to readers and they can find me in the following places:

Website: http://siobhanmuir.com
Blog: http://siobhanmuir.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/Official.Siobhan.Muir
Twitter: http://twitter.com/SiobhanMuir
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5760938.Siobhan_Muir
Google Plus: http://plus.google.com/u/0/118081545120488658410/posts
Romance Novel Center: http://www.romancenovelcenter.com/siobhanmuir

GRACIE: Where and how can readers purchase and/or read samples of your work?

SIOBHAN: You can find Her Devoted Vampire here:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Her-Devoted-Vampire-ebook/dp/B007BVNMDI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330357146&sr=8-1
All Romance Ebooks: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-herdevotedvampire-727991-139.html
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/her-devoted-vampire-siobhan-muir/1109506015
Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/her-devoted-vampire
Evernight Publishing: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/her-devoted-vampire-by-siobhan-muir/
Kobobooks.com http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Her-Devoted-Vampire/book-MZhU7hzhF0erkDH5Pq8KVA/page1.html
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/135426

And you can find Queen Bitch of the Callowwood Pack here:

Bookstrand.com: http://www.bookstrand.com/queen-bitch-of-the-callowwood-pack

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Queen-Callowwood-Publishing-Classic-ebook/dp/B008D30MWM/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340238446&sr=1-2

GRACIE: What advice do you have for beginning writers?

SIOBHAN: If you want to write and publish, don’t talk about writing or think about writing. WRITE. And never give up, never surrender. There are plenty of people willing to tell you you’ll never make it as a writer, but you can choose to believe otherwise. It takes persistence and drive, but it can be done. Like anything, you get out of it what you’re willing to put into it. If you love it enough to go all the way through, even when you’re sick of your own story, you’ll be a huge success.

On the more practical side, you should get your blog, Facebook fan page, and Twitter account up right now, before you publish. Publishers and agents will look to see what kind of online presence you have when they’re deciding to take you on as a client. The more you get your name and voice out there, the more likely folks are going to remember your name and your writing.

GRACIE: Anything else about yourself or your writing you’d like to share with your readers?

SIOBHAN: I love to talk to readers, whether in person at conferences, or online through Twitter, Facebook, or Google Plus. This year I’ll be attending Authors After Dark in New Orleans in early August, and I’ll definitely be back at Arizona Dreamin’ 2013 in Chandler, AZ next year. Come visit me online, drop me a line, and I’m happy to chat.

GRACIE: Siobhan, thanks so much for taking time from your busy schedule to share yourself and your work with us at The G-Spot and giving us a little insight into your writing and the writing process! We’ll let you get back to writing those wonderful books you write! All the best!

SIOBHAN: Thanks so much for having me. J

The Fifty Shades of Grey Phenomenon and the Erotic Romance Genre

I’ve been an avid reader of romance most of my life. I’ve been published by electronic and independent, small publishers in the romance genre since 1998 and in the erotic romance genre since 2006. In all that time, I’ve seen fads come and go, and e- and small-press publishers open and fold almost in the same breath. After all these decades, the one thing that has remained constant in popular fiction is the romance genre. It has gone through many incarnations and phases, to be sure, from the bodice rippers of the seventies to the current craze sweeping the globe in the form of this little tome, you might have heard of…Fifty Shades of Grey.

I have to admit I was skeptical and looking at all the hype fueling the popularity of this book with a jaundiced eye. How much different or better could it be than the hundreds of erotic romance titles I had read and written in the last ten years? Did it really deserve all the hype? I admit I was curious, but had firmly refused to fall into the propaganda. It was just the point. I figured the phenomenon was just big publishing’s attempt to capitalize on the latest literary trend of the day and the book was just their flavor of the month. Of course there could be no merit to all the hype! I realized I was being just as disdainful and judgmental of this book as others had been toward the genre I had been reading, writing and loving for decades. Shame on me. Still, I would not budge from my stance and the only thing that made me cave and purchase the trilogy was a discussion I had had with an agent who was interested in seeing my work. During the course of our phone conversation, he asked if I had read Fifty Shades of Grey and when I told him I had not, he said, “Read it.” Okay. Needless to say, I went into the first book with a gigantic chip on my shoulder and telling myself I was reading it strictly for research purposes. I needed to know what was hot in the market and what my competition was writing after all.

A strange thing happened to me on the way to finishing Fifty Shades of Grey, however. After I got over my initial pessimism and delved deeper into the book, I realized that I was enjoying it. The characters were engaging and had depth, the story was compelling and suspenseful and, most importantly, Anastasia and Christian had chemistry—in and out of the bedroom. All the elements of a good romance, a solid story—maintaining sexual heat and tension between the heroine and hero, and an entertaining, enlightening and relevant narrative—were present. However, what was it that took James’ book over the top, out of the grassroots movement of the niche erotic romance market and into the mainstream? What was making first-time erotic romance readers pick up the trilogy in droves, people who would have never considered reading romance, much less an erotic romance? I couldn’t put my finger on any one thing except the BDSM ingredient of the book.

And here is where I took issue. 

As is the case in the hundreds of romances I’ve read over the years, there are a lot of things going on in Fifty Shades of Grey, lots more things than heaving bosoms, throbbing members or kinky sex. Purple prose aside, BDSM is just one element, the vehicle that drives to light other heavier social issues and universal themes like domestic abuse, sexual awakening, and self-acceptance, just to name a few.

Yet, mainstream readers and the media are focusing on the kinky sex and BDSM elements as the end-all and be-all of the book.  

Take for instance Ellen DeGeneres’ recent video spoofing the popular novel here: http://www.clubcalexotics.com/video/fiftyshadesofgrey I’m a huge fan of Ellen and enjoy her show whenever I can catch it. Admittedly, her Fifty Shades of Grey parody was, of course, hilarious. I even shared it on my Facebook page. After the laughter died down, however, I realized how much the video feeds into the public’s perception of the “prurient” romance genre and appeals to the lowest common denominator—the sex—rather than focusing on the other merits of the book like characterization and story and how each focuses on the way human beings relate to each other and express and experience love, joy and pain.

Granted kinky sex and BDSM are essential parts of the story, as is the romance itself. If one took away either element, there would be no Fifty Shades of Grey. But someone not familiar with the erotic romance genre might come away with the idea that kinky sex and BDSM are ALL the book—and erotic romance—is about and this just isn’t the case. The kinky sex and BDSM elements make the book controversial and ripe for criticism and satire—which is a negative and a positive for a genre that already suffers from numerous misconceptions (i.e., “romance books are dirty and all about sex” and “romance is just porn for women”).

Now into the second book, Fifty Shades Darker, I’m no longer skeptical of the success of the trilogy. It’s a solid piece of fiction and an arousing, humorous, revealing read. James was in the right place at the right time when she got her trilogy published, but more importantly she was able to parlay her obvious passion for a genre into literary success with her trendy novels. I admire that in a writer, in particular, and applaud the success of Fifty Shades, in general because really, anything that gets people talking about and reading books can’t be bad, especially when it opens up a dialogue about the diversity and viability of the much-maligned erotic romance genre.

Having said all this, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some other authors and titles in the erotic romance genre that deserve recognition <g>.

If you’re a first-time erotic romance reader who has fallen under the Fifty Shades spell, and would like to be brave and broaden your erotic romance horizons, you might want to give some of my favorite authors, titles/series and e-publishers a try. A lot of these lists will overlap, as many e- and indie published authors write outside the box and often cross genres. However, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed by any of them:

If you’re into Anthologies:

Games in the Dark – A Dreamspinner Press Anthology http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/

The Eroticnoir.com Anthologies from Zane: Chocolate Flava; Chocolate Flava II; Caramel Flava; and Caramel Flava II (includes Leap of Faith by Gracie C. McKeever <g>) http://www.amazon.com/Sensuality-Caramel-Flava-II-Zane/dp/141654884X

If you’re into BDSM:

Morgan Ashbury http://www.morganashbury.com

Joey W. Hill’s Nature of Desire and Vampire Queen series http://www.storywitch.com

Gracie C. McKeever/Gigi Moore http://www.graciecmckeever.com

Cooper McKenzie http://www.coopermckenzie.webs.com/

Bridget Midway’s Corporate Desires series http://www.bridgetmidway.com

Benjamin Russell http://incubuschronicles.blogspot.com/

Katrina Strauss’s The Eldritch series and Blue Ruin series http://www.katrinastrauss.com

If you’re into Contemporary

Morgan Ashbury http://www.morganashbury.com

Destiny Blaine http://www.destinyblaine.com

Jami Davenport http://www.jamidavenport.com/ 

Roslyn Hardy Holcomb http://roslynhardyholcomb.com/

Gracie C. McKeever http://www.graciecmckeever

Cooper McKenzie http://www.coopermckenzie.webs.com/

E.R. Pierce http://erpierce.com/

Lara Santiago http://www.larasantiago.com

Katrina Strauss’s http://www.katrinastrauss.com

If you’re into Cowboys/Westerns:

Destiny Blaine http://www.destinyblaine.com

Cara Covington http://www.morganashbury.com/bookscara.html

Wendi Darlin http://www.wendidarlin.com

Stacey Espino http://www.staceyespino.com/

Elle Saint James http://www.ellesaintjames.com

Gracie C. McKeever/Gigi Moore http://www.graciecmckeever.com

Bonnie Parker http://www.tonyaramagos.com

Jenny Penn http://www.jennypenn.com

If you’re into Futuristics, Paranormal, Shifters, Scifi, Time Travel, Urban Fantasy, and/or Vampires:

Melodee Aaron’s Ike Payne Adventure books http://www.melodeeaaron.com

Morgan Ashbury http://www.morganashbury.com

D. Renee Bagby http://www.dreneebagby.com

Michael Barnette’s Immortal Heroes series http://www.michaelbarnette.com

Laura Baumbach's Details series and Out There series http://www.laurabaumbach.com

Destiny Blaine http://www.destinyblaine.com

Charlotte Boyett-Compo http://www.windlegends.org/

Tymber Dalton http://leslirichardson.blogspot.com/

Keta Diablo http://www.ketadiablo.com

Kate Douglas http://www.katedouglas.com

Stacey Espino http://www.staceyespino.com/

Daisy Harris http://www.thedaisyharris.com

Joey W. Hill’s Nature of Desire and Vampire Queen series http://www.storywitch.com

Roslyn Hardy Holcomb http://roslynhardyholcomb.com/

Delilah Hunt http://delilahhunt.wordpress.com/

Samantha Lucas http://www.samanthalucas.com

Gracie C. McKeever/Gigi Moore http://www.graciecmckeever.com

Rae Monet http://www.raemonet.com

Jenny Penn http://www.jennypenn.com

E.R. Pierce http://erpierce.com/

Michelle M. Pillow http://www.michellepillow.com

Dahlia Rose http://www.authordahliarose.com/

Benjamin Russell http://incubuschronicles.blogspot.com/

Lara Santiago’s The Wives Tales http://www.larasantiago.com

Katrina Strauss http://www.katrinastrauss.com

If you’re into GLBT and/or Man Love:

Michael Barnette http://www.michaelbarnette.com

Laura Baumbach's Rough Series http://www.laurabaumbach.com

Ally Blue http://www.allyblue.com

Joyee Flynn http://www.joyeeflynn.com/

Daisy Harris http://www.thedaisyharris.com

Gracie C. McKeever/Gigi Moore http://www.graciecmckeever.com

Tere Michaels http://www.teremichaels.com

Rick R. Reed http://www.rickrreed.com

Katrina Strauss’s The Eldritch series and Blue Ruin series http://www.katrinastrauss.com

If you’re into Historical:

Sharon Cullars http://www.loose-id.com/Our-Authors/Sharon-Cullars/

Roslyn Hardy Holcomb http://roslynhardyholcomb.com/

Karen Mercury http://www.karenmercury.com

Gigi Moore http://www.graciecmckeever.com

Emma Wildes http://www.emmawildes.com

If you’re into Interracial/Multicultural:

D. Renee Bagby http://www.dreneebagby.com

Sharon Cullars http://www.loose-id.com/Our-Authors/Sharon-Cullars/

Roslyn Hardy Holcomb http://roslynhardyholcomb.com/

Bridget Midway http://www.bridgetmidway.com

Gracie C. McKeever/Gigi Moore http://www.graciecmckeever.com

Dahlia Rose http://www.authordahliarose.com/

If you’re into Men in Uniform:

Tere Michaels http://www.teremichaels.com

Tonya Ramagos http://www.tonyaramagos.com

Lara Santiago http://www.larasantiago.com

If you’re into Ménage: Siren Publishing http://www.sirenpublishing.com has very popular imprints devoted to this area of erotic romance, Ménage Amour and Ménage Everlasting (I have several titles/series in these lines myself, under the nom de plume, Gigi Moore)

If you’re into Sports:

Destiny Blaine http://www.destinyblaine.com

Jami Davenport http://www.jamidavenport.com/

If you’re into Suspense:

Tymber Dalton http://leslirichardson.blogspot.com/

Gracie C. McKeever http://www.graciecmckeever.com

Lara Santiago http://www.larasantiago.com

Marquete Williams http://www.marquetewilliams.ca

Other Erotic and Sensual Romance Publishers and Imprints:

Amber Quill Press – Amber Heat http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/

Amira Press http://www.amirapress.com

Beautiful Trouble Publishing http://www.beautifultroublepublishing.com

Black Velvet Seductions http://www.blackvelvetseductions.com

Changeling Press http://www.changelingpress.com/

Dreamspinner Press http://www.dreamspinner.com

Ellora’s Cave http://www.ellorascave.com

Evernight Publishing http://www.evernightpublishing.com

eXstasy Books http://www.extasybooks.com

Liquid Silver Books http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com

Loose ID http://www.loose-id.com

MLR Books http://www.mlrbooks.com

Phaze Books http://www.phaze.com

Red Rose Publishing http://www.redrosepublishing.com

Resplendence Publishing http://www.resplendencepublishing.com

Samhain Publishing http://www.samhainpublishing.com

Secret Cravings Publishing http://www.secretcravingspublishing.com

Shadow Fire Press http://www.shadowfirestore.com

Silver Publishing http://www.spsilverpublishing.com/

Tease Publishing, LLC http://www.teasepublishingllc.com

Torquere Books http://www.torquerebooks.com/

Total-E-Bound http://www.total-e-bound.com

Whiskey Creek Press - Torrid http://whiskeycreekpress.com/torrid/


These lists are in no way complete where erotic and sensual romance is concerned, just a sampling of what the genre has to offer and what I personally have read or with which I am acquainted. I extend apologies in advance to any and all the other excellent, award-winning erotic romance authors and titles out there that I have missed.

Be aware that tastes and tolerance levels vary, even among diehard erotic romance fans, and know there are heat ratings (from Sweet to Sextreme) and story lines that should appeal to all manner of erotic romance readers’ tastes.

So go forth, explore, find your inner goddess, Dom or sub annnnnnnd…Happy Reading!