Carol Preflatish, Author of Saved by the Sheriff, Talks Writing

My guest today is Carol Preflatish. Carol knew at an early age that she loved to write. In high school and college, her favorite classes were composition and creative writing. It wasn't until after she married and became a parent that she decided to pursue it seriously. She's published two romantic suspense novels and is constantly thinking up ideas for future books. Carol lives in southern Indiana, sharing her log cabin in the woods with her husband and their cat and dog.

Anne – Welcome to Piedmont Island, Carol. It’s a gorgeous spring day here and a perfect opportunity to sit on the deck, soak up a few rays, and talk writing. Tell us about your latest release.

Carol - My most recent book is Saved by the Sheriff, a romantic suspense about New York City writer, Jaime Wilson who wants the Assistant Editor job at Real Mystery Magazine. In order to get it, she has to write a superb story, and what could be better than a 30-year old unsolved murder in a small town.

   

When Jaime visits Royal, Indiana to investigate, she soon finds that someone in the town doesn't want the mystery solved and she becomes a target. After an arrest for trespassing and an attempt on her life, Sheriff Ben Hunter lets her stay at his place where he can keep an eye on her while she continues to work on her story.

She didn't count on falling in love with the sheriff and he didn't think he would have to work so hard to keep her safe. Finally, when she finishes her story, she has to make her choice whether to stay with Ben or go back to New York.

Anne – Would you share with us that defining moment when you felt as if you’d finally made it as an author?

Carol - I supposed that was when I was offered my first publishing contract, but prior to that I won second place in a writing contest with the manuscript that eventually published. I actually cried when I received notification about my second place victory. That was my first big accomplishment toward becoming a published author. 

Anne – Writing contests are invaluable for any beginning writer, IMHO. Do you have any words of advice for struggling, unpublished writers?

Carol - One thing I wish I had know when I was an aspiring author was that I needed not only to learn the craft of writing, but also the business side of it, too. Once your book is published, it's not the end of it, but the beginning. There's so much about marketing and promotion that I didn't know about with my first book. 

Anne – So true. Promoting a book often takes longer than the actual writing! Outside of being an author, Carol, what accomplishment are you most proud?

Carol - Obviously, I'm most proud of my daughter who has grown up into a beautiful woman. But, I'm also an avid photographer and have had photos published in a few local and regional newspapers, but I'm most proud of the fact that several years ago I had some of my photos published in a national magazine. It was so cool.

Anne – Congratulations! Now, quick. Your five favorites – author, actor, movie, song, quote.

Carol - Author: James Patterson; Actor: Nathan Fillion; Movie: Beverly Hills Cop I; Song: Sweet Home Alabama; Quote: "Some days there's never enough coffee."

Anne – LOL about the coffee. I can’t even think about beginning the day until after my second cup! Where can readers find you online?

Carol – At my website, blog, Facebook and Twitter. Thank you for hosting me today, Anne. I've really enjoyed talking with you.

Anne – It was my pleasure, Carol. I wish you every success with Saved by the Sheriff.

A final note to readers: your comments are always welcome and appreciated. Also, to ensure you receive future Piedmont Island Trilogy posts, interview, updates or giveaways, why not become a follower on either GFC (Google Friend Connection) or NetworkedBlogs? It’s as easy as a click of the mouse. Thank you, and as always, happy reading!

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Adelle Laudan, Author of Heart of Steele, Talks Writing and #Giveaway

My guest today is author Adelle Laudan. Besides writing, she states she is “a mom first before anything. I have four wonderful kids, two of which (my girls) are still under my wing.” Adelle lives in southern Ontario, Canada, and her passions are family, writing, reading, sewing and motorcycles.

Anne - Welcome to Piedmont Island, Adelle. It’s a gorgeous sunny spring day in this neck of the woods, and perfect for riding a motorcycle. Before you do that, however, please join me on the deck. The coffee is fresh, the muffins still warm from the oven, and the view of Lake Superior is breathtaking. It’s a perfect place to talk writing. 


Let’s begin with your five favorites – author, actor, movie, song, quote, that is!

Adelle - Fav author:  I have a pretty diverse taste in books, covering many genres. The first author who popped in my head is John Grisham. Fav actor: Sandra Bullock, Fav Movie:  The Notebook. Fav Song : A Thousand Years by Christina Perri  (My fav right now. It might change tomorrow, LOL!) Fav Quote: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” Dr Suess.

Anne - Tell us the defining moment when you felt as if you’d finally made it as an author.

Adelle - It is probably when I opened my email and found my first ‘fan mail’. The reader was so kind, she actually brought tears to my eyes. I felt such a sense of accomplishment. Today, I value each and every one of my readers and love when they take the time to send me a note.

Anne - How many rejections have you received? Was one more memorable than others?

Adelle - I’ve been very lucky and have only received a couple of rejections. Even so, it stung. Once I felt sorry for myself for a little bit, I submitted to another house and was offered a contract. J Today, I see rejection as a challenge, and it makes me more determined to prove my work is worthy of being published.

Anne – Do you have any words of advice for struggling, unpublished writers?

Adelle - I think the most important lesson learned is to ‘remain teachable’. No matter how many   books you have published, or how many courses you’ve taken, there is always something to learn about the craft. Seek out authors who are willing to share their experience. You will find most are more than willing to help.

Anne - Would you share an excerpt of Heart of Steele with us?

Adelle – It would be my pleasure!

She raised her glass. “Truce?”

Noah visibly relaxed and returned her smile. “Truce.”

The boat slipped away from the dock.

“I can’t believe we’re actually on a boat. I’m afraid I’ve only been on much smaller boats, where life jackets were mandatory. As was hanging on for dear life,” she joked.

“Would you like to go up on deck? The view really is spectacular at night. Marcus will let us know when dinner’s served.”

The deck offered a magnificent view of the glittering city lights. She’d imagined their dinner together would be memorable, but never in her wildest dreams did she think she’d be dining aboard a private yacht on the St. Lawrence Seaway. A slight breeze lifted the hair from her neck. Not a ripple or another boat for as far as the eye could see.

“Did you reserve the whole river?”

Noah chuckled. “Not even a Steele has that much power.”

Kara remembered her doctor greeting Joni’s arrival into the world. Welcome to Brockville, home of a Thousand Islands. The harbour yawned open to a stupendous glass pool. She welcomed the fresh air and took a deep cleansing breath.

They stood in silence under a canopy of twinkling stars. In the background, the sultry tones of a romantic sax serenade. It seemed he’d gone to a lot of trouble for this dinner, and he’d promised no strings attached. Kara caught a glimpse of his profile. He gazed out over the beauty that surrounded them, as hers remained transfixed on the beauty beside her. She’d never used the word beautiful to describe a man before. The moon illuminated his flawless skin; not even a trace of stubble so many men got soon after they’d shaved. Once again, she resisted the urge to release his hair from the pony tail.

“Do you approve?” 

The huskiness of his voice rendered her speechless. Heat rushed to her face, and she averted his scrutiny.

Noah placed a finger under her chin and lifted her face so she was forced to look at him. “Why can’t you look at me?”

Her breath hitched at what she saw in his eyes. Before she could utter a word, he dipped down and gently covered her lips with his. The softness of his touch surprised her.

He stepped back and looked intensely into her eyes. In that moment, they were the only two people in existence. He kissed her again, this time with a sense of urgency. Her body responded and melded to his firm chest. A groan erupted from deep within him, and she gasped.

Someone cleared their throat behind them, interrupting the intense moment. “Pardon me for the interruption, but dinner is served,” Marcus announced.

Kara welcomed the timely interruption. She broke free of Noah’s hold and turned toward the dining room. “I’m starved. Shall we go?” she said breathlessly.

Anne – What an enjoyable read. I’ve actually taken a boat tour on the St. Lawrence River, and reading your excerpt transported me back there…well, almost. I didn’t have Noah with me, but if I had I imagine it would have been extra special!

You’re offering a giveaway copy of Heart of Steele to one lucky reader. What question would you like them to address in a comment to be eligible for the draw?

Adelle - There will be two winners. One winner will receive an ecopy of Heart of Steele and the 2nd winner, a beautiful heart bracelet as featured on the cover. Contest is open internationally. Good luck!

Thanks for having me Anne.

Anne - I enjoyed every minute of your visit, Adelle. Thanks for dropping by. Good luck to readers. Winners of Heart of Steele will be announced here on May 28, 2012.

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Dana Pratola's The Covering

My guest today is Dana Pratola. In her own words, Dana is “a married mother of three from New Jersey. I write Christian Romance. Not the kind with a woman buttoned to the neck and a man daring no more than to hold her hand, but the contemporary kind. I don’t write explicit sex scenes, but my characters have real desires, struggles and choices to make. A lot of the time they make the wrong ones. No subject is prohibited, but good always triumphs.”

Anne - Well said, Dana! Welcome to Piedmont Island. The winds are cool off Lake Superior today, but the sun is shining and it’s a super day to talk writing. Let’s start with something personal. Do you have a fear, phobia, or habit you’d rather no one knew about?

Dana - Is there such a thing as an “unnatural” fear of sharks? Because I think I have that. Although I believe a fear of sharks is perfectly natural.

Anne – Of course, it is. Being cautious is one thing. That I get. I worry about people who willingly climb into a cage in shark infested waters, and pay for the experience! Now that's a whole other kettle of fish! Ugh. Okay, enough about sharks. Tell us about your book.

Dana – It’s called The Covering. Gunnar doesn’t think he’s worth saving – if there is such a thing. He doesn’t want anything from a God who failed him so bad in the past. Tessa is determined to keep him alive. But how much can she do when he refuses to be helped?

Anne - Of the characters you’ve created, does one hold a special place in your heart? Why?

Dana - So far I’d have to say Gunnar. I’ve gotten HUGE response about him. Readers are drawn to his intensity, his tough exterior and his good heart. Not to mention, he’s HOT.  :) But it’s not just the ladies that love him, men too! I think they like to identify with the wounded hero who fights his demons – literally – and comes out on top. Also, because Gunnar is such a “man,” they don’t feel like they’re reading a gushy romance.

Anne – That’s always the best kind of hero. One men can identify with, and one woman love to love! What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself from writing?

Dana - That I can pretend to be patient. My daughter said I should be a Kindergarten teacher because I have so much patience. I told her it’s all a ruse and that inside I’m usually pacing or planning ways to clean up a crime scene.

Anne – LOL. I can relate. Because I write mysteries, I’m always hunting for another place to bury the bodies! Do you have any words of advice for struggling, unpublished writers?

Dana - I can’t over-emphasize the importance of prayer. If God put the desire in you to begin with, it won’t go away, no matter the distraction, frustration or insecurity, and He can help steer you in the right direction. Once He does, don’t quit. EVER.

Anne - Have you experienced writer's block? If so, how did you work through it?

Dana - I overcome most writer’s block by watching TV or taking a nap, LOL. But if those don’t work I might try writing a scene using one or more of my characters in a scene they wouldn’t normally be in. Gunnar, for instance, might play tennis with Johnny Mac. What would they talk about? It’s not a scene I intend to use, but maybe I can pull something from it. 

Anne - Would you share an excerpt from The Covering with us?

Dana – I thought you’d never ask!

“What are you doing with Tessa?” Dominic demanded.

“We were just talking.”

“About what?”

“None of your business.”

“She’s my sister.”

Gunnar moved a bit further out of reach. “Yeah, and you don’t want her with me, I get it. But I didn’t ask for your approval.”

“You better,” Dominic retorted.

“Tessa isn’t a girl anymore, bro. She’s a woman. Not the kind of woman you’d picture me with, I’ll give you that…” Gunnar looked out the window to where Tessa was wiggling a huge box from the front seat of her car. “But I like her.”

Dominic stood, flexing the hand he’d just used to punch Gunnar. He relaxed his posture slightly. “You like a lot of women.”

Gunnar lowered his head. Yes, another reminder that his past would always haunt him. But he couldn’t change his feelings for Tessa, and if it meant being selfish to grab hold of her, so be it. Coming to that conclusion was unexpected, and to be pondered at a later time.

“Have you seen me with, or heard me mention other women since I met your sister?” He could almost see Dominic replaying the days in his mind before his lips bent.

“And the bike show?” Dom asked. “There’s no way you looked, but didn’t touch.”

Anne - Where can readers find you online?

Dana – At my website, blog,and on Twitter.

Anne – Thank you, Dana. It’s always a pleasure to chat with a fellow author, and get your take on both the writing process and the business of being a writer. I wish you every success with The Covering.

A final note to readers: your comments are always welcome and appreciated. Also, to ensure you receive future Piedmont Island Trilogy posts, interview, updates or giveaways, why not become a follower on either GFC (Google Friend Connection) or NetworkedBlogs? It’s as easy as a click of the mouse. Thank you, and as always, happy reading!

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