Author Interview: Romy Sommer

Today I have the privilege of welcoming the talented author Romy Sommer to my blog. Romy has graciously agreed to provide some insight into her writing processes and help aspiring authors any way she can. Romy is the founder of ROSA (Romance Writers Organization of South Africa) and I'm pleased to say, also the organizer of the first ROSA conference in Johannesburg in October 2014.

What genre do you write in? Any specific reason why you chose the genre?

I write contemporary romance. My books started as straightforward romances and gradually have grown a little more humorous and a little more like fairy tales over the years. I love to write light-hearted, modern stories that are upbeat.

Where do you get the ideas for your books? How do you go from idea to outline?

Ideas are everywhere. I’ve had stories spring from a song, a dream, a headline at the side of the road, a blog post that got me thinking about something… and the ideas keep coming as I’m writing and researching. Usually when I get a new idea, I jot it down in a notebook then let it sit for a while so it can grow, rising like yeasty bread. Once the idea has substance I start to add other ideas to it. Again, songs, other books I read, movies I watch all help me to flesh out the characters and the plot, right up until I type The End.

Are you a plotter or a pantser? Why?

A bit of both. I love Blake Snyder’s beatsheet, and I tend to plot my story around the turning points at 25, 50% and 75% of the story, but the rest is subject to change without notice as I’m writing.

If you are a plotter, how thoroughly do you outline the plot?

In my earlier days of writing I used to plan meticulously, even down to how many chapters and what would happen in each. These days I let my instincts guide me and I plot a lot less. But I absolutely have to know my characters inside and out before I start the first draft.

Do you use any specific software to outline/plot your novel? If yes, could you give us a couple of advantages and disadvantages of the software or method you use?

Until now I’ve only worked in Word, but I couldn’t do it without the incredibly amazing Document Map feature. I recently viewed a Webinar on Scrivener and I might give that program a shot for my next book.

If you have to choose only one element (setting/ character development/ structure/ conflict/ etc.) that is absolutely essential to every novel you’ve written, what would it be? Why?

Without a doubt, character. These are the people through whom the readers experience the story, and whether they’re likable and relatable is the difference between a reader turning the pages or throwing the book against the wall. Also, the characters’ journeys are what determine the conflicts and the plot, so for me character is always the starting place.

How much time do you spend on getting to know your characters before you start the first draft? Why?

I spend quite a bit of time up front doing biographies of my characters, and finding pictures of celebrities who might match the images in my head. I also research where they live, their jobs, any major experiences they might have had in their lives. Then I decorate the pinboard next to my desk with pictures, maps, inspiration for the characters and their surroundings, any pertinent props etc. (check out my Pinterest boards to see the kind of pictures I assemble). This can take a good few weeks before I start writing their story.

What is the single most important thing a writer must do before he/she starts writing the first draft? Why?

As I’ve said above, I think the writer should know their characters, their world view and their GMC (goals, motivation and conflicts) before starting the first draft.

What is your writing process like? Do you finish the first draft and then start editing or do you edit while you write? Is there any specific reason why you do it like that?

In the past I have written fast, but very, very rough first drafts and gone back to edit them later. These days I follow a very slow, linear process, editing as I write. I start at page 1, chapter 1, and move slowly forward, occasionally going back to add in a line or two that supports what I’m writing now. By the end I tend to have a very clean first draft. I then get one of my CPs or a beta reader to do a quick once over, then I do another complete pass (all in one go if I can so I can view the book as a whole) and then I send it off to my editor.

Do you only self-edit or hire a professional editor? Why?

I am a pretty ruthless self-editor, but there is no way I would publish anything without professional eyes first taking a look. It is way too easy for the writer to miss stuff because they’re too close to the story. Also, professional editors not only see the story objectively, but bring a wealth of knowledge and market understanding to the table.

If you hire a professional editor, can you recommend anyone and state the reason/s why this person is recommendable?

I’ve worked with two freelance editors and loved the experience of working with both of them. Cindy Davis, the Fiction Doctor, is a wonderful editor who has worked with a few of my CPs as well, and Nan Swanson (who was my editor at The Wild Rose Press) has also been tremendously helpful and encouraging.

How many drafts do you write before submitting to publishers?

These days my first draft is pretty close to the final draft, but I try to do at least one or two more passes over it before submitting. For a newbie submitting to the slush pile though, I’d recommend at least 2 rounds of editing, with long breaks in between so you can gain distance and objectivity.

Do you submit to multiple publishers at the same time or stick to one?

When I first started submitting I only submitted to one at a time, since those were the accepted rules. Also, there were fewer romance publishers in the game back then.

These days I think publishers have become less rigid, so uncontracted authors can get away with submitting to a couple of publishers at the same time. I wouldn’t recommend blanket submitting, though. Choose the one or two publishers you really want to work with and target them first.

I now write under contract for my publisher, Harper Impulse, so at least I’m saved the worry of wondering where to submit and whether they’ll want me. The wait times are still a killer, though!

What is your greatest consideration when selecting a publisher? 

Writers are spoilt for choice these days, but I’d say the most important thing any writer should look for is a good reputation. Check out the Absolute Write website, contact authors already published by that publisher – are they legit, do they treat their authors with respect, do they pay on time?

After that, the next most important thing is the relationship between you and your editor. If the editor understands you and your books, and believes in you, that’ already half the battle won right there.

Lastly, what can the publisher do for you that you can’t do for yourself? If it’s editorial support, or marketing, or getting your name into a new market, then pick a publisher that is strong in that area and will offer you what you need.

These days you don’t need to be locked into one publisher for life, so it is also important to re-look your relationship with your publisher every few years. Is it time to move on to a new publisher with a different skill set, are you ready now to venture into self publishing, or are you still happy with your current publisher?

If you have to give one sentence advice to a novice writer, what would it be?

Don’t give up.

Could you please give us a list of your published books and a short blurb about each one? Please state the publisher and year published as well.

I have two contemporary romances published by Harper Impulse, an imprint of HarperCollins, with a third out soon.

Waking up in Vegas was published in May 2013The Trouble with Mojitos in October 2013To Catch a Star releases on 25 September 2014.

What happens in Vegas…

Waking up to the bright lights of Vegas in an unfamiliar penthouse suite, cocktail waitress Phoenix Montgomery finds she’s covered from head to foot in gold glitter and not alone – aside from the empty bottle of champagne, there’s a mystery man in the shower and a huge sparkly ring on her finger!

Stays in Vegas?

There’s no denying Max Waldburg’s demi-god sex appeal but commitment-phobic Phoenix doesn’t do relationships. Only it seems her new husband (agh!) has other ideas…he’s trying to keep that ring on her finger and his wife firmly back in his bed. The only question on her lips is – why? Or maybe, why not?

Waking up in Vegas is published by Harper Impulse, a division of Harper Collins, and is available from the following online retailers:

Amazon , Amazon UK , Barnes & Noble , Kobo , iTunes , All Romance eBooks

Turquoise blue waters. Sandy white beaches. Mojitos... Film location scout Kenzie Cole has found herself in paradise. Working in the Caribbean for a week is just what she needs to escape the long line of exes in her closet. Though the last thing she expects is to be picked up at the resort bar by a disgraced former Prince!

Luckily for Kenzie, exile is suiting the man formerly known as Prince Fredrik very well. And it’s not long before his rugged, pirate charm is proving hard to resist.

But Rik’s been spending his time in paradise exorcising demons of his own and he has danger written all over him. If Kenzie was sensible she’d run a mile instead of lose herself to lust - although, they do say sometimes you have to get lost before you can be found....

The Trouble with Mojitos is published by Harper Impulse, a division of Harper Collins, and is available from the following online retailers:

Amazon , Amazon UK , Barnes & Noble , Kobo , iTunes , All Romance eBooks

‘A fairy-tale romance to warm even the coldest of hearts.’ Chloe’s Chick Lit Reviews

Teresa Adler is the ultimate Ice Princess, with a heart as frozen as the winter landscape of her beloved home, Westerwald. All her life, she’s belonged to the ‘inner circle’ of wealth, privilege and position.

Christian Taylor: Heartthrob. Movie Star. Bad boy. The mischievous actor sets temperatures soaring in the picturesque baroque principality – and with a wicked glint in his eye and a chip on his shoulder he sets his sights on the one thing he’s told he can’t have. Teresa.

While Tessa holds the ultimate clue to the secret of Christian’s parentage, it is the heat of his touch that will make this Ice Princess feel more alive than she ever has before…

To Catch a Star is published by Harper Impulse, a division of Harper Collins, and is available from the following online retailers:

Amazon Smart URL , Barnes & Noble , Kobo , iTunes , All Romance eBooks

About Romy Sommer

I’ve always written stories for myself, but didn’t even think of being an author until I realised that being over thirty and living in a fantasy world was a little odd. Writing those same stories for other people makes it a lot more acceptable!

By day I dress in cargo pants and boots for my not-so-glamorous job of making movies but at night I come home to my two little Princesses, in Johannesburg, South Africa, where I live, and I get to write Happy Ever Afters. Since I believe every girl is a princess, and every princess deserves a happy ending, what could be more perfect?

You can follow Romy on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads or on her website/blog.

Author Interview: Zee Monodee

Today we welcome multi-published author and freelance editor Zee Monodee to our blog. But before we proceed, just a quick reminder as to why we're doing the author interviews on this blog. There is loads of information available on the internet on how to write and publish your novel. Self-help books, reference works and workshops offer plenty of advice on what to do and what not to do. I’ve found that learning how successful authors work and the tools they use, is often the best way to discover what works for you.

The purpose of these author interviews is to provide novice writers with some valuable insights and ideas on how to start, organize and finalize their writing process. Everyone is unique and no two writers work quite the same. By getting ideas on how other successful authors go about the business of writing a novel and be published, we might be able to help one aspiring author realize the dream of getting a contract.

Now back to Zee, who graciously agreed to answer some of our questions. 

What genre do you write in? Any specific reason why you chose the genre?

I write mainly contemporary. This can take the form of contemporary romance, romantic comedies, small-town romance, and even romantic suspense/espionage. There will always be romance involved, though, as well as a happy ending. I read for happy endings, and I assume most readers read for this destination, too.

As for the time period, I feel I have a better grasp on today’s world, the one we know first-hand, rather than, say, the historical world. There’s only so much information you can find online about historical resources, especially when you live in a small country like mine and don’t have physical access to big libraries and old records.

But with a click of the mouse on Google, I can find almost anything I need to know about, for example, St Pancras Station in London (specs, features, images; even Google Earth allows you to ‘see’ a place without being there. It’s how I have walked the streets of Prague for one of my books).

Where do you get the ideas for your books? How do you go from idea to outline?

I have to say that most of the time, my books start with characters. Like, say I start a series – let’s take the Island Girls Trilogy. The plan was to write The Other Side (Book1 and Lara’s story) and be done with it. But over the course of writing that book, I got better acquainted with Lara’s two sisters, Diya and Neha. They screamed to have their stories told...and each was as different as night from day. So it couldn’t be the same idea for every sister, so I worked with the characters as they’d already been established, and fleshed out their stories/found the story idea for each from that starting point.

So basically, it’s the character that leads me to the idea, and very rarely the other way round.

Though this can also happen. Take, for example, my Daimsbury Chronicles series. These are shorter stories set in the fictional Surrey town of Daimsbury. I originally imagined this world for a cancer-based story that would show the journey of the heroine, Megha, and her friends-to-lovers tale with her boss, Magnus. I came up with Daimsbury and thrust them in that little town. But while that book was on the backburner while I had to meet other deadlines, I found myself needing a setting to start a new sweet romance series...and then I reckoned I already had Daimsbury all set up.

I still haven’t finished Megha and Magnus’ story (hopefully, this will come out in 2015!) but in the meantime, there’s been 2 other books fitting into the Daimsbury world that have been written (one already published). So that’s a case where the idea for one story helped spawn a full, ongoing series.

Are you a plotter or a pantser? Why?

A little bit of both, I would say. I used to be an anal plotter – I’d have everything down to the smallest detail mapped out. I didn’t allow myself to veer from that outline...and this led me into walls quite a few times because I failed to realize my characters had morphed and evolved and no longer fit the rigid setup I had.

So I learned to accommodate a pantser’s nature into my outlining. Like, I know the strong/main points of the story and also how it starts and how it should end. I also jot down, along a timeline, key scenes that I already know must be in the tale. But the journey to get from one point to the other is a surprise as I’ll only know how it all happens when I’m actually writing the scene.

If you are a plotter, how thoroughly do you outline the plot?

I do the key points/strategic scenes, as well as the start and end. I also do my best to get to know the characters before I start writing.

If you have to choose only one element (setting/ character development/ structure/ conflict/ etc.) that is absolutely essential to every novel you’ve written, what would it be? Why?

I would say characters. If you have well-developed characters, they bring their own conflict to every page, then. Knowing your characters also allows you to show better, to have every page and every scene have meaning in your story.

This, to me, is especially important for shorter works, because you have to pack exposure, characterization, as well as relevant backstory, into a tighter scope so the story can also develop along the way.

But I feel that characters can give you conflict and structure all by themselves, so they’re essential to me whenever I am imagining a story. Knowing your characters like they’re real people allows you to anticipate how they will react in any situation, and this can get you out of a bind in the plot or even when you hit the dreaded wall of writer’s block.

What is the single most important thing a writer must do before he/she starts writing the first draft? Why?

I have 3 very important aspects I tackle before starting to write any story.

Know your characters – see above answer for why J

Know your setting – sometimes, the setting will provide a plot point all by itself and this can progress your story along. For example, if you have Vegas in a romance, you can almost bet there will be a wedding happening there. Now what sort of complications can/will this wedding cause? There you have it – the premise for further conflict. Same goes for a little town – there will surely be gossip there; what ramifications can this gossip have on the plot?

Know your world – it doesn’t matter if you’re writing contemporary or space opera or Game of Thrones-type fantasy; you need to know the scope, limits, values, mores, customs of that world like the back of your hand to portray a believable world.

What is your writing process like? Do you finish the first draft and then start editing or do you edit while you write? Is there any specific reason why you do it like that?

I edit as I go along. Most of the time, it allows me to see which words I might be crutching on or overusing, and I can already remedy that when I continue writing. Editing as I go also allows me to get back into the story and immerse myself into the feel before plunging back in for writing the next scene/chapter.

But my writing process is a very unhealthy one. I will work on one single story to the exclusion of everything else over 1-2-3 weeks, depending on the length of the story. I will write during every free moment I find during the day, and I will prolly stop reading or watching TV during that time, because my brain will be wired for the story and for the writing. I almost always crash and burn (hello, cold bug or even flu virus!) when I finish a story, so I don’t recommend my method of writing. But I’ve found this is what works for me; I cannot spend weeks to months spread out over a single story. I’ll lose interest or even lose the story itself if I let it ramble too much in time.

Do you only self-edit or hire a professional editor? Why?

Well, the question never arises when I work with a publisher, since edits are part of the deal there.

But I’m getting ready to self-publish some of my titles, and for these, yes, I am using a professional editor. There’s only so much you can see and address in your own writing, never mind if you are yourself an editor. My editor sees mainly the words I am overusing – something my eyes and brain gloss over when I re-read my writing.

If you hire a professional editor, can you recommend anyone and state the reason/s why this person is recommendable?

My editor is my bestie and editing business partner, Natalie G. Owens. She’s got a wonderful eye for detail (hence spotting those pesky repeats, echoes, and crutches) and as a writer, she’s got a wonderful, lovely, & lyrical way with words. She bring this to her edits, as well, and knows better than anyone I know or have worked with how to smooth out jarring sentences or chunky clauses or those pieces of writing that look awkward and you yourself have no clue how to reword.

You can find Natalie (and myself) at our editing space on the Net – Divas At Work Editing Services http://divasatwork.wordpress.com/

How many drafts do you write before submitting to publishers?

Usually, just one. Unless I’ve been blocked along the way and have had to change the whole direction of the plot/characterization. Then I more often than not start a fresh new draft rather than work with the old.

I’ve found it is easier to rewrite from scratch rather than try to work around previous material.

What is your greatest consideration when selecting a publisher?

How are they going to treat me as one of their authors? Will I be just a name that brings in money for them, or will I be a member of their ‘family’ there?

I do my research by contacting authors I know who publish with said publisher before submitting to it. I’ve been burned in the past with publishers, and I prefer to take my precautions. This approach allowed me recently to steer clear of an outfit that I’d thought would be fantastic but was actually a disaster waiting to happen... So please, before you target a publisher, ask around with its authors how it works and treats said authors.

If you have to give one sentence advice to a novice writer, what would it be?

Write! As simple as that – if you’re a writer, you write. You don’t stop. You don’t allow doubts to get the better of you. Even if what you are writing is crap, it’s still better crap than a blank page or having nothing to show for yourself, not even that manuscript/s hidden under your bed or in the farthest reaches of your hard drive.

Ability to write more and better comes with writing – it doesn’t get more basic than that. I’ve seen this firsthand myself over my 10-year career. Where it took me countless drafts and edits at first to get the words as I wanted them to look like, today, I get away with one draft and a couple editing passes through it. I also write much faster now than I did when I started (for example, I rarely, if ever, wrote more than 1,000 words in a week when I was a novice. My brain refused to produce more. But now, I can push a 40,000 story over a week, or go as far as 77K over 19 days – as I did last Nano when I finished on Nov 25 all without writing during weekends).

Could you please give us a list of your published books and a short blurb about each one? Please state the publisher and year published as well.

Lol, we’re in for space here J Let’s start:

Once Upon A Stormy Night (Decadent Publishing, 1NS Series - 2012)

On the paradise island of Mauritius, British billionaire Lars Rutherford isn’t looking for a woman, and corporate law executive Simmi Moyer isn’t looking for a man. But when a matchmaker pairs them on a blind date, both face open doors toward a future they refused to contemplate...until now.

Once Upon A Second Chance (Decadent Publishing, 1NS Series – 2013)

Khalid abandoned Leila the morning after their wedding night, because he hides a deep, dark secret. Leila is adamant on getting answers; Khalid wants nothing but salvation. Will a second chance be possible for this couple, when they meet again through a blind 1NightStand date?

Inescapable (self-published, Eternelles #1 – 2013)

An immortal mother-daughter duo must put their personal struggles aside when the Apocalypse looms on Earth and an age-old prophecy implicates the daughter inextricably in this journey towards doom.

Indomitable (self-published, Eternelles #2 – 2013)

After having identified the threat on their world, immortal duo Adrasteia and Seraphine Dionysos must gang up against supernatural forces joining hands to bring chaos and destruction to Earth and every realm where supernatural creatures live.

The Other Side (Decadent Publishing, Island Girls Trilogy #1 - 2013)

Divorce paints a scarlet letter on Lara’s back when she returns to the culture-driven society of Mauritius. But this same spotlight shines as a beacon of hope for the man who never stopped loving her. Can the second time around be the right one for these former teenage sweethearts?

Light My World (Decadent Publishing, Island Girls Trilogy #2 - 2014)

It is a truth universally acknowledged that to find a prince, a girl has to kiss a few frogs along the way. But what happens when a modern-day princess comes across…an ogre?

Winds of Change (Decadent Publishing, Island Girls Trilogy #3 - 2014)

To be with him feels like playing Russian roulette blindfolded all while knowing she bet from borrowed lease. Can something this wrong be....right?

Bad Luck With Besties (Decadent Publishing, The Daimsbury Chronicles #1 - 2013)

Bad luck chases Honor Whelan with every male friend she’s ever had. The last has left her pregnant. And the first wants back in her life after having slept with another woman. What’s a girl to do when she has such bad luck with besties?

You Belong To Me (Decadent Publishing, Beyond Fairytales series - 2014)

A retelling of Grimm fairytale The Nix of the Mill Pond in modern-day London, whereby a young woman who is no damsel in distress sets out to save her kidnapped prince...only to find that true evil lives well and strong in the heart of a man bent on conquering the world.

Transient Hearts (Decadent Publishing, Western Escape Line – 2014)

It’s a clash of wills, dreams, and desire, when Indo-British chef Shayne Morea comes to Freewill, Wyoming, on a teaching mission. Prodigal son and New York Forex broker, Grayson Warner, is also back on his home turf. Neither plans to stay, but the land seems to have other plans.

You can find all these titles on my Amazon author page

Where can we find you on social media?

Author Website http://zeemonodee.blogspot.com/

Blog http://zeemonodee.blogspot.com/

Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/ZeeMonodee

Facebook (where I am almost all the time! Catch me here the easiest!) https://www.facebook.com/#!/zee.monodee

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4836171.Zee_Monodee

Pinterest http://pinterest.com/zeemonodee/

Thank you for taking the time to visit us today, Zee and for answering the questions we threw at you. I trust you are hard at work with the next release and that we don't have to wait too long to see another fantastic read from you again. 

Author Interview and Giveaway—Kiru Taye

The lovely Kiry Taye agreed to share some of her novel writing tips with us and provide readers with a fabulous giveaway as well. Please be sure to read to the end of the post to find out how you could stand a chance to win a $20 Gift card, one Making Scandal T-Shirt, one Essien Trilogy cap and a signed copy of A Valentine Challenge.

What genre do you write in? Any specific reason why you chose the genre?

The simple answer is that I write romantic fiction because I love reading romantic fiction.

Where do you get the ideas for your books? How do you go from idea to outline?

I don't really outline. My stories usually start with a character and/or a scene and develops from there as I type. I don't know the full story until it is written.

Are you a plotter or a pantser? Why?

Pantser.

Do you use any specific software to outline/plot your novel? If yes, could you give us a couple of advantages and disadvantages of the software or method you use?

No wizardry or gadgetry. J Just Microsoft Word.

If you have to choose only one element (setting/ character development/ structure/ conflict/ etc.) that is absolutely essential to every novel you’ve written, what would it be? Why?

It's conflict. Without conflict all the other elements don't make sense to me.

How much time do you spend on getting to know your characters before you start the first draft? Why?

No time. I get to know my characters as I write. I don't fully know them until the last revision is complete and I have the final manuscript.

What is your writing process like? Do you finish the first draft and then start editing or do you edit while you write? Is there any specific reason why you do it like that?

My first draft is very raw. I don't edit or revise until the first draft is complete.

Do you only self-edit or hire a professional editor? Why?

I have a wonderful editor. I can't live without her input. J

If you have to give one sentence advice to a novice writer, what would it be?

Read loads, write often and revise always .

Could you please give us a list of your published books. Please state the publisher and year published as well.

His Treasure (Men of Valor, 1), Breathless Press, 2011

His Strength (Men of Valor, 2), Breathless Press, 2012

His Princess (Men of Valor, 3), Breathless Press, 2012

Her Protector (Men of Valor, 3.5), Breathless Press, 2012

A Valentine Challenge, (Challenge Series, 1), 2012

An Engagement Challenge (Challenge Series, 2), 2012

Island Bound (Bound Series, 1), Decadent Publishing, 2013

Christmas with the Enemy (Bound series, 1.5), 2013

Scars (Passion Shields, 1), Evernight Publishing, 2013

Secrets (Passion Shields, 2) Evernight Publishing, 2013

7 Sinful Secrets Anthology, Evernight Publishing, 2013

Keeping Secrets (The Essien Trilogy 1), 2014

Making Scandal (The Essien Trilogy 2), 2014

About Kiru Tye

A lover of books, as a teenager Kiru Taye used to read novels under the blanket during lights-outs in boarding school. These days, with a young family to take care of, she's still sacrificing sleep for the pleasures of a good book.

After over ten successful years in the corporate rate race, she has chosen a different kind of creative challenge—transforming her wildly vivid imagination into sensual, atmospheric romance stories with passionate characters.

When she’s not writing or reading, she'd hanging out with family and friends or travelling. Born in Nigeria, she currently lives in the UK with husband and children.

You reach her via her blog, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Pinterest

Follow her blog for latest news and giveaways: http://kirutayewrites.blogspot.com

Making Scandal by +Kiru Taye, Author 

The Essien Trilogy, Book 2

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Multicultural

Add to Goodreads TBR

BLURB

Sassy, successful Faith Brown has earned her place in the boardroom through hard work and sheer ambition. Making family is not on her agenda when there are businesses to develop and competitors to outdo. So when a casual affair with smooth and irresistible tycoon Mark Essien leads to an unplanned pregnancy, she’s determined not to make the mistakes her mother made by living with a man just for the sake of her child.

For Mark, personal matters have no place in the boardroom. Spotting the perfect opportunity, he ruthlessly launches a takeover bid for Faith’s Investment Brokerage firm. Finding out he’ll soon be a father, he knows he can’t let the indomitable and sexy Faith go through with her plans of single parenthood. All gloves are off. He’ll seduce her by any tactic necessary if it means his child doesn’t suffer the same stigma he did as a child.

With the media dogging their affairs in the boardroom and the bedroom, they find that making family is harder than making scandal.

BUY LINKS

Amazon US / Amazon UK / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords

DREAMCAST

TEASERS

EXCERPT

Faith's cheeks heated and she half-laughed, half-coughed in a self-conscious manner. Her body still tingled as if it finally woke up from a long sleep. A really long sleep.

"Of course, I wasn’t expecting that finally getting you to loosen up will get me so out of control I was going to explode within seconds like a teenager."

How could he say that or even expect her to believe it? In the past year, he hadn’t exactly been lonely. Unlike her. He shouldn’t pretend this was more than it was. Sex. Lust. That’s all they had.

She rolled over, trying to cover herself up in a semblance of decency. The thought of him with other women had her heart clenching tightly.

"If I believe that, I’ll believe anything." She pulled herself up and away from him. "You forget that your pictures have been splashed over the papers with different women hanging on your arms this past year."

The mattress depressed as he sat on the edge. Tendrils of his heat curled around her. Breathing saturated her lungs with his spice. Need bubbled in her veins. She closed her eyes, hating the tightness in her chest.

Remember, this is just sex. It doesn’t matter how many women he’s been with this past year.

Bullshit. Her hands clenched into fists, tightening on the seams of her clothes.

"Yes, I’ve attended events with women all because you refuse to be seen publicly with me. I would rather have had you as my escort on those occasions."

Fingers, steel bands, wrapped around her ankles and tugged. Eyes flying open, she gulped in air and slid down the bed on her back until her legs straddled his hips. One by one, he removed her shoes and massaged her bare feet. His fingers worked blissful magic. She purred, to her dismay.

"But I haven’t had sex with another woman since I met you at that conference in Jo’burg."

CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA

You reach Kiru via her blog, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Pinterest

Follow her blog for latest news and giveaways: http://kirutayewrites.blogspot.com

Read book excerpts and free short stories on her website: http://www.kirutaye.com

Link to her Amazon author page

GIVEAWAY

Kiru is running a contest during the book tour. She is giving away a $20 Gift card, one Making Scandal T-Shirt, one Essien Trilogy cap and a signed copy of A Valentine Challenge. For your chance to win, complete the rafflecopter entries. This contest is open internationally to eligible entrants over 18 years or as applicable in their country of residence.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CATCH UP ON THE OTHER ESSIEN TRILOGY BOOK
Keeping Secrets is 99cents /77pence for a limited time only

Have you ever loved someone and didn’t even know it?

That’s the dilemma facing Felix Essien when he wakes from a coma to find he is married to the most beautiful and sensual woman he’s ever known. He cannot remember her or their wedding. He who had sworn never to get married or to give his heart to another. Yet he feels an intense bond with her that he intends to explore fully.

Ebony can’t believe her good fortune when her paper husband wakes not remembering the temporary marriage arrangement with no intimacies he’d proposed but is now the adoring husband she’s always dreamt of. She plans to make the most of the passion blossoming between them. However would he still feel that way when he regains his memory and realises she’s been keeping secrets and their marriage is not what he thinks it is.

BUY LINKS

Amazon US | Amazon UK | All Romance | Smashwords | Barnes and Noble

Author Interview: Gina Rossi

Today I am honored to welcome multi-published Gina Rossi to our blog. Gina has graciously agreed to share some valuable novel writing tips with us today.

Are you a plotter or a pantster?

I’d long to say plotter − and I start every book intending to be a well-organized plotter − but I’m a panster through and through, and that’s how I always end up writing. Before I start a book, I define my characters as well as I possibly can, work out a rough beginning (say, the first three chapters), plus the last chapter, then I go for it. I’m always surprised by the twists and turns that happen on the way. It sounds a muddle, doesn’t it? However, I reckon if you’re a pantster by nature you shouldn’t fight it, because you’ll likely find a clear stream of creative thought without the formality of a plot plan – I would go as far as to say especially without a plot plan, As a newbie writer, don’t put off writing because you haven’t got a whole story plotted out. Start today, now, and see where that loose bundle of ideas takes you…

If you have to choose only one element that is absolutely essential to every novel you’ve written, what would it be?

Conflict in every scene is essential, even on every page if possible. By this, I don’t mean a bomb has to go off on page one, a plane crash on page two, and a cruise liner sink on page three, all hands lost to saltwater crocodiles. There are many forms and levels of conflict (think of it also as tension, pressure, anxiety, niggles, all that kind of stuff) even in regular, daily life. If your hero (or heroine) encounters a range of such conflicts – big, medium and small − as he moves through the story, the reader will a) relate to the hero and his human problems, and b) most important, keep turning the pages to see how he overcomes these obstacles.

Regarding conflict, I find it really helps me if I can answer these four questions across about ninety percent of my scenes, as I write my way through the story.

1.     What is the main character trying to do?

2.     What goes wrong?

3.     What does he/she do to fix it?

4.     Why does it matter?

How much time do you spend on getting to know your characters before you start the first draft? Why?

A lot. I use a detailed character questionnaire – which I’m very happy to share if anyone wants to try it out. When I know a character intimately, I know exactly how he/she will behave in reaction to just about any situation the story throws at me. I study faces, too (yes, I get heaps of funny looks), trying to work out how looks, mannerisms, voices, body language, and even clothing, influence or affect character. You can tell a book from its cover, I’m convinced. Of course the most tedious part of all this research is searching ‘hunk’ and ‘hottie’ on Pinterest. Good luck with that!

Do you submit to multiple publishers at the same time or stick to one?

I submit to multiple publishers, why not? Some publishers request – instruct − you not to, but never give a reason why, so I ignore. I imagine it’s to make life simpler for them. Submit as many different works as you possibly can, often, widely, and simultaneously. Don’t submit one thing to one publisher and sit back and wait on them. And, while that’s all going on (and you’re keeping a detailed spreadsheet of what’s what and where) get on with your writing.

My advice to the novice writer in one sentence:

Even (especially) if you are unpublished, go around telling people you are a writer, and put ‘writer’ next to ‘occupation’ when filling in forms – that way you have to write, and publish, one way or another, or people will think you’re an idiot. 

Could you please give us a list of your published books and a short blurb about each one? Please state the publisher and year published as well.

THE WILD HEART 

(first published by The Wild Rose Press in 2012, self-published in 2014)

A romantic adventure set in the majestic landscapes of Southern Africa

Georgina Blake flees a refined life in eighteenth century England to hide a scandal. Determined to start a new life, she voyages to the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope, unprepared for the adventure, danger and heartbreak that await her. On a remote farm, hidden in a magnificent mountain valley in the Cape hinterland, she meets intriguing stranger, Anton Villion, who threatens her precarious new-found security, yet steals her heart. Anton, privy to a painful secret, is drawn to Georgina, but wily Louisa Summerton is hell bent on a swift union with him, leaving Georgina adrift in a savage landscape. Will Georgina and Anton’s love lie buried forever, along with the truth? Made for one another, yet driven apart by fate, will they ever meet again? Will they be able to salvage sufficient strength and courage to embark on a journey to redemption and everlasting love? 

Available from all Amazon  sites.

LIFE AFTER 6 TEQUILAS 

(published by Thornberry Publishing UK in 2013) 

A contemporary, chick lit romance featuring a London career girl whose life changes when the childcare agency throws her a curved ball.

Beth Johnson, an upbeat, hardworking, single mum living in London takes the humorous challenges of life in her stride. Her career is fast-tracking but that’s secondary to baby Jacob – his care and development is paramount. When her impeccably-organized childcare routine implodes at the worst possible moment, she has no choice but to leave Jacob with unlikely ‘nanny’, Davit Kacharava, a Georgian migrant. Is she making an enormous mistake, letting this stranger into her comfortable world, even if he is gorgeous? She’s drawn to Davit but he resists, so why does she reveal to him the shocking secret that overshadows her life? And can she face the truth – do what’s right for herself, Jacob and Davit – before it’s too late?

Available from all Amazon sites. 

TO HEAR YOU SMILE 

(self-published in 2012)

A contemporary romance novella set in the glorious Cotswolds, paying tribute to the Paralympians of London 2012

Disillusioned and dumped, London girl, Olivia Sinclair, hides out in the English countryside, unaware that handsome local stranger, Zachary Jordan, is a world class athlete. Deeply attracted to his intuitiveness and apparent sixth sense, Olivia nevertheless shuns him when he scares her badly on a date and, worse, when she finds out he has stolen something precious from her. Then she discovers the devastating truth about Zac. He's blind, and somehow, in their brief encounters, she hasn't noticed. She's determined to make amends, but Zac, crushed by her carelessness, doesn't want to know, and Olivia faces a gruelling, uphill battle to win his respect and love

Available from all Amazon sites.

Where can we find you on social media?

Twitter: @Ginagina7

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gina.rossi.7

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

A Word (or Two) from Gina Rossi

All my wonderful family and friends aside, writing is the most enjoyable element of my life. I write historical and contemporary romance - being an ardent fan of the happy ever after - and am both traditionally- and self-published. Apart from developing full-blooded characters, I enjoy creating a specific setting for each book I write, mainly because I love to read books that are firmly grounded in their own landscapes. I've been lucky enough to live in the most beautiful parts of the world, from stunning Cape Town to the green depths of the English countryside, and the sunny French Riviera.
I try to never let my memories be greater than my dreams!

If you read my books, I hope they bring you much enjoyment, just a step away from the real world.

About Gina Rossi

Gina Rossi was born in South Africa. She grew up in Johannesburg and lived in Cape Town before moving to England to live near Oxford,in the Cotswolds. Now settled in the sunny south of France, Gina is able to write full time. Her debut historical romance 'The Wild Heart' was listed for the 2012 Joan Hessayon award. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association (RNA) in the UK, and the Romance Writers Organization of South Africa (ROSA)

Thank you Gina for visiting us today and providing our readers with some excellent novel writing tips. It is always a pleasure to find established authors willing to share their knowledge with aspiring authors.