Friday, March 29, 2013

(Review) Sweetest Taboo by Eva Marquez

Title: Sweetest Taboo
Author: Eva Marquez

Pages: 296

Format: Kindle

Description:

Isabel Cruz was fifteen years old when she met Tom Stevens. She was 15 when they started dating, and 16 when she lost her virginity to him. By the time she turned 18 and went to college, everything had fallen apart. This hadn’t been an ordinary love, though. Not a love between two dear friends, or even high school sweethearts. This had been the most taboo sort of love there was: a relationship between a student and her teacher. Isabel started her high school career as a normal student, but set her sights on Tom Stevens as soon as she met him, and pursued him with an intense – and sometimes reckless – fascination. When he finally approached her after swim practice and told her that he shared her feelings, it was the start of a forbidden and dangerous relationship. Join Isabel as she makes her way through this dark love story, hiding from teachers, lying to her parents, and defying the authorities to make a life with the man she loves. Watch as she discovers the wonders of love and romance, and the terrible betrayal of jealous friends. And cry with her when she learns the hard truth about life and the people in her world. Sweetest Taboo is inspired by the true and tragic stories of students who fall in love with their teachers, and live with the hard truths of forbidden romances. In a world full of after-school specials on sexual predators, this touching book seeks a different path, casting both student and teacher in a gentle light, and showing that true love may lie at the base of even the most illicit romance. Sweetest Taboo is Book One of a contemporary YA romance series.


My Review 
*****

This story is a journey which is based on a real story. This is included within the authors note which was one of the things that pulled me in. The cover art was another. I love the cover and it screams out "read me." This book is based upon the love a teenage girl and her 30 year old teacher develop. Normally I wouldn't be interested in reading such a subject but I figured I'd give it a try.   

Isabel Cruz, a fifteen year old student, joins the swim team and Tom Stevens, the swim coach, catches her attention. Isabel begins with a crush on Mr. Stevens and to those around her it's easy to see. She makes no attempt to hide her feelings towards the coach. Mr. Stevens slowly begins to return the attraction by doing small things such as holding Isabel's necklace during practice or handing her a towel when she gets out of the pool. At this point in the story I felt that Mr. Stevens shouldn't have approached Isabel because of his authority and his position.

Isabel's crush goes further and very quickly developed. Mr. Stevens begins his approach with Isabel by requesting she write him a letter with her feelings in it for him. Thus sparking their relationship. This is where the story really pulled me in. Each time they met up, I could feel my heart pounding because I figured they'd be caught.

Throughout the story, their love for each other grows and things become more complicated. I really enjoyed reading this from Isabel's perspective, which helped me see things through her young eyes. At first I was reluctant to read this book because of my own views of student/teacher relationships, but once I got into chapter three I couldn't put the book down. The journey kept me on my seat and kept me turning the pages.

The book is written well and it's easy to read. I enjoyed each page and I'm looking forward to reading the next within this series. For those who don't mind these types of books and is open to reading them... I say this is one not to pass up. That is why I give Sweetest Taboo 5 stars.




About the Author

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, daughter of European immigrants, Eva Márquez has spent most of her life outside of her home country. At the age of five, Eva accompanied her parents to the United States, where the family settled permanently. After graduating from college, she went on to complete graduate studies in International Relations in Spain. Eva received her Master of International Studies degree from the University of Sydney and went on to work in the global health field in Sub Saharan Africa and South East Asia. Eva currently resides in Southern Africa with her young daughter.



More Books by this Author:



Tainted Love: A Novel (Sweetest Taboo Series)

Time After Time, the final book of the series, will be released December 2013! 

Saturday, March 23, 2013

(Review) Furmaid by Julia Dweck

Title: Furmaid
Author: Julia Dweck
Format: Kindle

Genre: Children's


Description:

 “Not another mermaid story,” little Minnow wails, as Mama minnow tucks him into his coral bed. Readers will learn that this is no ordinary mermaid tale. This mermaid’s “tale” is quite extraordinary. Readers will delight in the bold and colorful illustrations and tender story line. Swim along with Finnoor on her very first enchanting underwater adventure

Emma's Review 
5 Stars

 My daughter loves to read. So when I saw this was free I grabbed it up. As soon as I told her I had a new book on the Kindle for her, she couldn't wait to dive in. She loved the story. I asked her to tell me a few words that would say how she feels about the overall story and these are her words: interesting, fantastic, and I didn't want to stop reading. She loves the pictures, especially the beautiful mermaids and the cute little minnow.

Therefore from her reaction and her wanting to read this story again, I say it's worth each star I gave.

Friday, March 22, 2013

(Review) Home For Love (An Adult Contemporary Novel) by Aneesa Price

Title: Home for Love
Author: Anessa Price
Format: Kindle

Description:

Seven years ago sexy Bree fled Devil's Peak, Alaska, disillusioned with her high school romance and with a baby in her belly. Now, she's back and seeing devilishly handsome Todd again challenges her carefully constructed plans for amicable co-parenting.

Todd's delight at Bree's return swiftly turns to disgust when he discovers her secret and he vows to keep her at arm's length. Upon discovering the context behind her secreting their child, he decides to give their daughter the love and stable family home he never knew. Despite her attraction to Todd, Bree has no interest in rekindling their relationship and is focused on settling into the town.


But the town and its match-making busy-bodies are not willing to allow the lovers to remain apart and test their resolve in a series of planned misadventures.
Bree is home for good but will she be home for love?



My Review

***** (5 stars)
 
Where to start with this one? The author created an amazing read that I very much enjoyed. I fell in love with this story and I'm so glad I decided to read it. The cover had me second guessing my decision because I'm not one for an overly romantic story. Since the title includes "contemporary romance" I gave it a try. I'm very happy that I did.

The plot runs smoothly and the characters are very lovable. Bree is the main character who moves back home to Alaska to be with her family and introduce her daughter, Amber to her father Todd. Todd has no idea of Amber's existence until Bree moves back home after six years. I love how Todd steps up to the plate and fathers Amber the best he can. The relationship that grows quickly between Amber and her father is very heartwarming.

Bree and Todd gets off to a rocky start after a morning of hurtful words are said. After reading this scene it showed me that each character has their own flaw and their not perfect, which I love. Although I guessed the ending, I very much enjoyed the read. There's a part of me that wishes it was a bit longer so I could see a bit more into their lives but every story that has a happy ending needs to end somewhere.

I strongly recommend this book to those who love a touch of love in their romances without it going overboard.

Monday, March 18, 2013

#interview with Hunter S. Jones

 Welcome to The Writing world. I have Hunter Jones with us today for an interview. Thank you Hunter for joining us.




1. Please tell the readers a bit more about you.

I am Hunter S. Jones, author and music blogger from Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The art form I create when writing is much more interesting than anything you will ever know or learn about me. However, since you ask, I have lived in Tennessee and Georgia my entire life, except for one “lost summer” spent in Los Angeles. I was always a complex kid.

 My first published stories were for a local underground rock publication in Nashville. I have published articles on music, fashion, art, travel and history. Currently, I have a music blog and published my debut novella, Fables of the Reconstruction, in 2012. I have a fascination with Edgar Allan Poe and Anne Rice, although like any Southern girl, I will always idolize Margaret Mitchell for writing Gone With The Wind. I live in Atlanta, Georgia with my partner, my books and a million dollar view.

2. What types of books do you write?
Supernatural, spiritual, magical, mystical.

3. Who's your main audience?
The works tend to appeal to a paranormal readership.

4. When it comes to writing- what are your strong points? What are your weaknesses?
My writing strong points? Research, first and foremost. My weaknesses? Probably too many to list in one interview…

5. What do you think of this term- Writer's Block? How do you overcome it?
I overcome Writer’s Block the same way I overcome Exercise Block – just do it and stop thinking about it. That’s what works for me.

6. How many books have you written?
Two published novellas, one book which is an ongoing series of experimental vignettes, one book that appears to be settling nicely into a limbo of unfinished…

7. How many are published?
Three are published. Fables of the Reconstruction and Tales from a New Amsterdam are self published.  Moon Rose Publishing just released A Celtic Tapestry which is an anthology of the eight Celtic Festivals. My story, Magic in Memphis, is the Yuletide story.

Fables of the Reconstruction:
Tales from a New Amsterdam: The Legend
Britain


8. Are you self published or traditionally published?
Both.

9. What's the hardest part of the writing process for you?
The hardest part of writing is taking thoughts and feelings and placing them into words on a document. It’s a grueling process.

Creating something from nothing is a bit difficult.

10. What type of books do you enjoy reading?
I love mainly histories and biographies – I love learning about how other people think and what they did – the human nature aspect is fascinating.

11. Who's your favorite Author?
I can’t really pinpoint one exact favorite author. Sorry…

12. What's your all time favorite book?
All time favorite book? Oh…

13. How long does it take you to write a book?
It really depends. Sometimes the story is just there, sometimes the story has to be chased.

14. Out of all of your characters, which is your favorite? Why?
Pierre von Minzle, no doubt. He is a monster, but he has a side of his character which cares-a very human side. I love the dichotomy of his nature. And, I love that somehow I created him.

15. What is one of the most surprising things you've learned as a writer?
The most surprising thing I have learned as a writer is that the creative universe is intertwined – all the arts are derived from the same point of chaos, as one very prolific writer explained to me. As she so eloquently said, “Some artists are just braver than others and will stand on the edge of chaos.”

16. What does your family think of your writing?
What do they think about my writing? They love it. My books? They have NO idea I write books.

17. What does your writing schedule look like?
I always have a notepad, iPad or iPhone nearby. Just in case the Muse appears. Otherwise, there is no set schedule.

18. Do you manage to write every day?
Yes, I write something every day. Whether it’s a blog, an outline or a chapter or two for a WIP, I write something every single day.

19. What's the latest news you'd like to share?
A Celtic Tapestry will be released by Moon rose Publishing on March 21, 2013.

Pre-order Link:


Blurb:
The wheel of the year turns, bringing the joy of spring, the warmth of summer, the richness of autumn, and the merriment of winter. But eight Celtic festivals link these seasons together, bringing with them romance, lust, danger, and even magic. From a city under threat from night-time creatures at Ostara, to a selkie caught by the light of the Lughnasadh moon, to a writer caught in the flames of a fiery goddess at Imbolc.

Eight authors have come together to give their own twist on these festivals, weaving each story with a blend of myth, magic, and contemporary telling…to create A Celtic Tapestry.
Authors: Livia Ellis, Hunter S. Jones, Laura DeLuca, Elodie Parkes, Elle J Rossi, Miranda Stork, Carolyn Wolfe, Tara Stogner Wood.


20. Do you have any advice for new writers?
Write. Just write.


Please check out my page on AuthordB.com to find out how to connect with me.



Thank you for hosting me today, RaeBeth. Continued success to you!

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Author Spotlight with Michael Brown

Author Spotlight
featuring
Michael Brown




Biography
 
An acclaimed film editor, Michael Brown has won three Emmy Awards, an ACE Eddie Award and a Lifetime Career Achievement Award for feature and TV work. He is a member of the Directors Guild of America and the Writers Guild of America. As a TV writer, his credits include “CPO Sharkey” (NBC), “Brothers and Sisters” (NBC), “A.E.S. Hudson Street” (ABC), “Three for the Road” (CBS) and “Piper’s Pets” (NBC pilot). He lives in Chatsworth, California with his wife, Holly. William & Lucy is his first novel. His second title, a romantic comedy, Love, Sex, and Other Near Death Experiences will be published by Sunbury Press this summer. Michael is presently at work on a thriller. 
 
Book Review (Coming Soon) 



Author Links
 
 
Interview

1. Please tell the readers a bit more about you.
I’m a semi-retired film editor with an active mind and cannot seem to stop writing. I find
it exasperating fun, and much more rewarding than playing golf.

2. What types of books do you write?
My first novel is historical fiction but my second book, Love, Sex and Other Near Death Experiences, to be published by Sunbury Press this summer, is a romantic comedy, and my third endeavor will be in the thriller mode. Why change genres? Just to challenge myself and have fun.

3. Who's your main audience?
Hopefully, my audience because of the sexual content (what is life without sex?) is adults who enjoy a page turner.

4. When it comes to writing- what are your strong points? What are your weaknesses?
My strong points are research, concentration, and discipline. My weak points are avoiding research, concentration, and discipline.

5. What do you think of this term- Writer's Block? How do you overcome it?
I seldom have writer’s block as my mind is continually annoying me with ideas.

6. How many books have you written?
I have written two books, William & Lucy and the soon to be published Love, Sex and Other Near Death Experiences.  I have started my third novel, a thriller.

7. How many are published?
 Only one so far – William & Lucy.

8. Are you self published or traditionally published?
William & Lucy is self-published. Love, Sex and Other Near Death Experiences is being published by Sunbury Press.

9. What's the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Pushing on when I feel like doing something else.
 
10. What type of books do you enjoy reading?
I like to read mostly fiction; Nelson DeMille for his humor, Wilbur Smith and Vince Flynn for their page turning action pieces, Khaled Hosseini for personal drama, Diana Gabaldon for escapism.

11. Who's your favorite Author?
Nelson DeMille.

12. What's your all-time favorite book?
I don’t have one as there are so many really good novels.

13. How long does it take you to write a book?
From start to finish about nine months or ten months including re-writing and re-writing.
.
14. Out of all of your characters, which is your favorite?
Why? Lucy Sims, the 17 year old young woman who fell madly in love with William Wordsworth. I love her for her vulnerabilities, her determination, her strength of character and because she is a complete figment of my imagination.

15. What is one of the most surprising things you've learned as a writer?
That the more I write the more I learn about writing and, hopefully, the better writer I become in the process.

16. What does your family think of your writing?
They like the idea that there is a novelist in the house.

17. What does your writing schedule look like?
As a morning person, I write from 8am to approximately 1pm. And, sometimes, an hour in the afternoon or evening.

18. Do you manage to write every day?
I write six days a week, taking Sunday off.

19. What's the latest news you'd like to share?
That my second novel will be published this summer.

20. Do you have any advice for new writers?
Write! It’s a learning process. The more one writes the better!


Friday, March 15, 2013

(Review) Within the Shadows and Escaping Shadows by J.A. Lynch

Double Review featuring
Within the Shadows & Escaping the Shadows 
by
J.A. Lynch

Book Number One: Within the Shadows

Title: Within the Shadows
Author: J.A. Lynch
Pages: 205
Format:  Kindle

Description:

 Living on the razors edge, Giselle Burgman's life is torn apart by her cheating boyfriend. Little does she realize that he is the least of her worries when her long term friend Alex introduces her to his family and a new, darker world. A world of lies, deceit and corruption. Thrown from one problem straight into another, the razors edge gets thinner and sharper, testing Giselle's sanity and vitality. Not even she can hide when living within the shadows.



My Review ( ***) 3 stars
Giselle, a young teen, is ripped from the life she knows and thrown into a world of crazy and manipulative vampires. What's even more crazy? She wasn't given a choice in the matter. Her journey into this new world leaves me with mixed emotions. Giselle is very smart mouthed but easy to persuade. She's very submissive. She seemed very immature for an eighteen year old but the events that happen to her make it some what understandable.

The book gives a new look on vampires. I wish the story went more into depth about the new vampires and their uniqueness. I didn't like how Alex, the guy who was supposed to be Giselle's best friend, so suddenly turned on her. He forced her into being a half vampire, half human with manipulation. Then he dragged her off into this new world where it seemed like everyone hated her. The vampires then forced her to marry Alex for their own secret plan of getting her pregnant. At times I was confused with Giselle because she came off that she cared for her unborn child, yet at others it seemed like she didn't. Sleep and food wasn't something she wanted very often. When tempted with a bed or food, she acted childish and refused.

I found it hard to believe that even an eighteen year old under so much stress would so easy give themselves away to three different guys in a very short amount of time. She looses her virginity with the first and it seems like a few pages later she's having sex with her human boyfriend and then almost directly after she has sex with Alex's father. I must say that really weirded me out. I don't care how much stress I'm under... I don't think I could give in to having sex that quickly.

The story seems very fast paced and I'm not sure how I liked that. It seemed like once I finally wrapped my head around what was going on... boom.. something else happens. I don't feel I could connect with any of the characters because they all seemed to have their own plan. Each one, except two characters, treated Giselle like a person. 

I did enjoy the over all plot with the idea of new vampires needing a human to birth their offspring for some unexplained reason... or should I say to me it wasn't clear. I am under the impression they want Giselle's baby to be the leader of the dark (shadows) or something. 

I do plan on reading the next book within this series to see if some of my confusion is cleared up. 



Book Two: Escaping the Shadows


Title: Escaping Shadows
Author: J.A. Lynch
Pages: 207
Format:  Kindle

Description:

Giselle has barely had time to accept her new life, never mind the prospect of motherhood, but she finds herself, yet again thrown into chaos, only this time there is more than just her life at stake.
With vampires and shadow creatures vying for her life, can Giselle escape the darkness consuming her, or will she finally descend into the world of shadows?




My Review
**** (4 Stars)

The second book within the Shadow World is (in my opinion) much better then the first. The author starts this book right where she left off in the second. The plot was interesting and at times hard to guess what was going to happen. This book is very well written and pulls the reader in.

I did find some places where I knew what was about to happen but this is in just about every book you read. The characters are more likable within this book. Giselle seems a bit more grown up and ready to accept that her world has changed. She embraces this new world with her son and is ready to fight when the time comes. I found myself able to feel for Giselle more during her pregnancy in this book then what I did in the first.

The author did throw in a twist that I did not see coming. Marc and his world changes. I thought it would go a different way then it did but I actually think I like the way the author took it over what I had guessed.

I'm definitely curious to see what happens and will be adding on the next book to my list. I recommend this book to those who like vampires with a little twist.

 

#Interview with Helen Johnston ( @HelenJohnstonIL )

 Welcome to The Writing World. Today we have Helen Johnston with us for an interview. She's the author of Innocence Lost which can be found on Amazon. Please read on to learn more about this author:


1. Please tell the readers a bit more about you.
I grew up in my family’s home in the county of Hampshire in England. My childhood dreams were to be a dancer when I grew up. I was an only child but I never felt alone, my years were spent with my vivid imagination. I met and married my husband not long after finishing school and soon our son was born. Our family was made complete when our two cats joined us, who are completely spoiled and run the home.

My life consisted of my home life and jobs in the retail industry and my vivid imagination refused to stay quiet. So combined with my love for all things vampire and erotica I decided to try my hand at writing and has never looked back.

2. What types of books do you write?
I write erotic paranormal.

3. Who's your main audience?
Adult women, but I do have a few men who have told me they have enjoyed it too.

4. When it comes to writing- what are your strong points? What are your weaknesses?
My strong points, or so I've been told, are the descriptive parts of the book. I think my weaknesses are dialogue.

5. What do you think of this term- Writer's Block? How do you overcome it?
So far, I've been lucky and haven’t had to deal with writers block. If and when as I've no doubt one day I will have to deal with it, I think I would have to walk away for a little while. Take a break then come back to it with a new perspective.

6. How many books have you written?
There are three books in the Journeys of Innocence series, and I'm now writing a new series, the first book to that is nearly finished.

7. How many are published?
The first two are Innocence Lost and Innocence Reclaimed.

8. Are you self published or traditionally published?
The first two are self published, but I've recently just signed to a publishing house. They will be re launching them both and the third one in the series, Innocence Reborn.

9. What's the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Finding the time to write, with a family and full time work away from the home, time to me is a quality I could use a lot more of.

10. What type of books do you enjoy reading?
I do tend to stick to paranormal.

11. Who's your favorite Author?
There are so many amazing authors out there, at the moment I’d have to say Lora Leigh.

12. What's your all time favorite book?
Just one? Again there are so many to name one is difficult.

13. How long does it take you to write a book?
I wrote my Journeys of Innocence in about five years, but the new one I've only been writing for about six months and it’s almost finished.

14. Out of all of your characters, which is your favorite? Why?
Blake, he is my favorite as he has been with me since the beginning, I am the one he chose to tell his and Siobhan’s story through.

15. What is one of the most surprising things you've learned as a writer?
That I can do it. with my lack of school


16. What does your family think of your writing?
I didn’t tell anyone, not even my husband to begin with. This was when I very first started and was doing everything longhand. Then I was bought my first computer, which I didn’t have a clue how to work. But I struggled on. They are all totally supportive of what started out as a hobby and grew.

17. What does your writing schedule look like?
I don’t really have a schedule, with a family you have to just grab it when you have five minutes peace and quiet.

18. Do you manage to write every day?
I try to, even if it’s only a paragraph.

19. What's the latest news you'd like to share?
I’m taking part in my very first Blog Tour! Which I'm really excited about.

20. Do you have any advice for new writers?
My mantra is “Keep moving forward.” You can spend far too long worrying about what you wrote yesterday, last week... keep looking towards the end of whatever you are writing and don’t look back until you finished it. Then you can spend your time editing or re reading.

LINKS:
Amazon link for Innocence Lost:

http://www.amazon.com/Innocence-Lost-Journey-ebook/dp/B008N2V63M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362992582&sr=8-1&keywords=Helen+Johnston+Innocence+Lost

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/helen.johnston.391?ref=tn_tnmn

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/HelenJohnstonIL

Personal Blog:
http://helenjohnston123.blogspot.co.uk/

Blog Tour with GMTA Publishing:
http://greatmindsthinkaloud.blogspot.co.uk/p/helen-johnston-blog-tour.html

Pinterest:
http://pinterest.com/helenjoi/

Thursday, March 14, 2013

AUTHORSdB #getlisted Today

About AUTHORSdB

 

Here at AUTHORSdB we've formed the only database of authors, including social media, book listings and much more, for today's mind-field of thousands of aspiring and established writers.

ADB is a place where information is available on your favorite authors and where you can learn more about up-and-coming authors.  Readers no longer have to Google from several different websites to find out more about a particular author – it’s all here.

Authors are able to find listings for new and established author services to help make their writing life just that bit easier.

And it's all 100% FREE!



Why should I join? 



We are a dedicated website that helps authors for free.  Why free? We have a few Angels who simply want to see authors flourish. 

AUTHORSdB uses software that engages search engines in a friendly manner.  As an AUTHORSdB author you can enjoy the benefits:
  • Organic (non-paid) Google back links are critical to any Social Media Marketing.  There is no guarantee however authors on AUTHORSdB are enjoying being indexed in Google in less than 24 hours.  See for yourself.  Google search:  site:authorsdb.com and see if your listing comes up.  We tweet Google alerts when authors get indexed in Google.
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  • TOP10 AUTHORSdB.  The more views you receive on your author details page, the more you climb to the TOP10 list.  Announced every Friday. @[author name] AUTHORSdB TOP10 & is currently #1 Pls RT [link back to author details]
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  • FEATURED AUTHORS are random authors selected via our database and shown in the Featured Authors section giving every author equal promotional benefits.
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Monday, March 11, 2013

(Tour Stop) HOUND DOG - Vol. 4 of the Savannah Rossi Chronicles

Welcome to the HOUND DOG - Vol. 4 of the Savannah Rossi Chronicles Book Tour featuring author Deliza Rafferty


The "Savannah Rossi Chronicles" is a series of erotica/erotic romance short stories that pave the way to an eventual full length novel. Each story is a stand alone and follow the steamy adventures of sexy, independent, musically-gifted singer/songwriter Savannah Rossi, who is teetering on the verge of national success. This is no spoiled brat pop princess looking to be saved. Confident, driven, intelligent and unabashed in her sexuality, Savannah has created her own success and enjoys a vibrant sex life on her own terms with men of her choosing. Is it possible that any one man could tame such an independent free spirit? Who says she even needs to be tamed?


In 'Hound Dog', volume 4 of the series, Savannah lands a major studio gig singing for one of the music industry's hottest songwriter/producers. However, she is blindsided when she shows up to to the job to find that the only man she ever gave her heart to - the one who also demolished it several years prior - is the sound engineer on the recording sessions. As painful memories are revisited, Savannah and Jax struggle to behave professionally in spite of the deep-seated hatred and intense desire they still hold for each other. Time does not necessarily heal all wounds -- and new ones can still be inflicted...


*Contains graphic sexual content, language and mild violence.*




About the Author

Deliza Rafferty is a new erotic romance writer (spicier than traditional romance without hardcore BDSM - always super hot!) located in Hollywood. She's written all sorts of stories and poems for personal enjoyment since she was a little girl, but has spent most of her career in the music business. She is venturing into sharing her musings publicly for the very first time and is excited that modern day technology allows her to do it at her leisure.

Currently she is focused on writing The "Savannah Rossi Chronicles," a series of ten erotica/erotic romance short stories that pave the way to an eventual full length novel. Each story is a stand alone and follow the steamy adventures of a musically-gifted singer/songwriter named Savannah Rossi as she navigates her burgeoning career and love life.

Deliza means "gives pleasure" and Rafferty means "rich and prosperous." With a name like that, what else could she do? Like...legally?


I had the lovely chance to interview Deliza. Please continue down and read our interview:

1. Please tell the readers a bit more about you.

Well unfortunately if I told you, I'd have to kill you. I have a super secret pedestrian identity that I cannot give up lest all of mankind be placed at risk.

2. What types of books do you write?

Erotic romance primarily. Spicier than traditional romances, but none of those whips and chains and such. One day I would love to dream up my own Harry Potter or Vampire Chronicles, though. Or Grapes of Wrath (or another great American novel that I've actually read). Why not?

3. Who's your main audience?

All the desperate housewives and soccer moms who never get a day off from their underpaid, under-appreciated jobs! I write to give them mini brain vacations...and if I'm doing it right, a few ideas to kick things into gear a little. ;-)


4. When it comes to writing- what are your strong points? What are your weaknesses?

Strong points - I think I have the ability to make the reader feel like they are the character, or at least I try to. I take great care to describe emotion and reaction, how it would physically and mentally feel to be in the moment as those people. I like to paint as vivid a mental picture as possible.

Weaknesses - I struggle with great story arcs. I have never been the greatest at coming up with concepts. I have no idea what the story of the full length novel that closes the Savannah Rossi Chronicles is yet. All I know is she finds "the one" and that's it. I'm hoping she will tell me at some point in these short stories!

5. What do you think of this term- Writer's Block? How do you overcome it?

I think it absolutely exists and I have it a lot! To overcome it, I step away from it. The fortunate thing is that I have a creative "real" job and lots of creative interests, so when I get stuck and I can put my head into something else, clear it out and approach it again later.

6. How many books have you written?

Just four short stories so far. Oh...well...that's a lie. I've written two hideous novels that will never EVER see the light of day. 

7. How many are published?

Oh I see what you did there! Sneaky. That would be four.

8. Are you self published or traditionally published?

Indie all the way. :-)

9. What's the hardest part of the writing process for you?

Again, story ideas. I can write vignettes for days, but a fully fleshed out story is a lot of work for me. Sometimes I think I should've been a television writer.

10. What type of books do you enjoy reading?

I will try almost anything, really. I do steer away from hardcore Sci-Fi because reading needs to be an escape for me and sci-fi makes me feel like I'm solving equations all the time, lol. But otherwise, as long as there are interesting characters and a riveting story, I'm good. But the combination of both has to be there. I recently read a book where the story itself was interesting but I didn't give two rips about anyone involved. It was a completely missed opportunity and it made me sad. 

11. Who's your favorite Author?

Ann Rice. 

12. What's your all time favorite book?

Oh c'mon! There's just no way. LOL. I'll give you a few:



Interview With The Vampire (Ann Rice)

Family Linen (William Faulkner)

One Door Away From Heaven (Dean Koontz)

Any of the Harry Potter books (J.K. Rowling)

The Chronicles of Narnia (C.S. Lewis)

The Windflower (Laura London, aka Tom and Sharon Curtis)

The DaVinci Code (Dan Brown)

The Monster At The End Of This Book (Jon Stone)

13. How long does it take you to write a book?

Well, since I'm just writing short stories right now and I have to work it in around a full time career...I don't really have an answer to this question. Hound Dog took a good two months, Little Drummer Boy took a week; but there's also a 14,000 word count difference between them. Sometimes it just depends on if I have a self-imposed deadline or not as to how long it takes.

14. Out of all of your characters, which is your favorite? Why?

Well since I'm focused on Savannah and I'm a new author and she's about it so far, I have to say her. Probably because she's possesses quite a few qualities I wish I possessed. I melded together the best parts of all the many amazing female musicians I know, women that inspire me and whom I think other women might aspire to be more like. 



Then again...there are all those smokin' hot men in her life...

15. What is one of the most surprising things you've learned as a writer?

That I fall a little bit in love with every one of my heroes in my stories. Even Jax, my Hound Dog, who is a son-of-a-bitch. Maybe especially Jax because I'm a headcase and nowhere near as self-actualized as Savannah.

16. What does your family think of your writing?

Hahaha...GREAT question! Only my sisters and mother know I'm doing this. The sisters are behind me all the way. Mom however whined up a storm about the kind of stuff I was writing until I promised I wouldn't write under the family name and embarrass her. LOL.


17. What does your writing schedule look like? 

What is this word, "schedule"...? Does...not...compute...

18. Do you manage to write every day?

No. It's too draining and I think I'd get suicidal. Also, other things sometimes take priority.

19. What's the latest news you'd like to share?

This question makes me feel like I'm supposed to announce my pregnancy or my intention to run for president, LOL!

20. Do you have any advice for new writers?

I wish I had advice for me! I'm new! I suppose I would say the same thing I would say to my clients in my day job in the music business: Find what you love, study the craft, go for it guns a-blazing and leave anyone who makes you doubt yourself in your dust.



Here are my links:

Download my books on Smashwords at http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/delizarafferty
Tw: @DelizaRafferty

Thank you so much! ♥


Follow the rest of the tour here:

TOUR DATES:

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH
*BLOG/WEBSITE UNVEILING*


FRIDAY, MARCH 1ST
*COVER REVEAL & ROUGH DRAFT CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED*
Cover Reveal and Review
Reviews by Tammy and Kim
http://tammyandkimreviews.blogspot.com/


http://www.facebook.com/reviewsbytammyandkim?fref=ts


SATURDAY, MARCH 2ND
Feature and Excerpt
Candy Coated Book Blog
http://sweettreatblogblog.wordpress.com/

http://www.facebook.com/candycoatedbookblog


SUNDAY, MARCH 3RD
Interview
Indie Reviews
http://reviewerteamwinz.wordpress.com/



MONDAY, MARCH 4TH
Excerpt
Book Boyfriend Reviews
http://bookboyfriendreview.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Book-Boyfriend-Reviews/113446302161732?fref=ts


TUESDAY, MARCH 5TH
Review
Bookaholics Blog
http://www.facebook.com/BookaholicsBlog


WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6TH
Review, Excerpt and Giveaway
Coffee, Books & Lipgloss
http://www.cblreviews.com/

http://www.facebook.com/CoffeeBooksandLipgloss


THURSDAY, MARCH 7TH
Review, Interview and Giveaway
Smitten Book Blog
http://smittensbookblog.wordpress.com/

http://www.facebook.com/smitten.bookblog


FRIDAY, MARCH 8TH
*RELEASE DAY!!!*
Interview
Shandra Miller
http://shandramillerwriter.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/shandra.miller.52


SATURDAY, MARCH 9TH
Review
Kristi Foote Fortenberry
the_book_addicts@aol.com
www.readingismytimeout.blogspot.com



SUNDAY, MARCH 10TH
Review and Mini-Spotlight
I Heart Books
http://www.facebook.com/IHeartBooksOfficial


MONDAY, MARCH 11TH
Interview and Feature
The Writing World
http://raebethmcgeeswriting.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/thewritingworld


TUESDAY, MARCH 12TH
Featured Excerpt
Book Bitches Blog
http://bookbitchesblog.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Book-Bitches-Blog/121323181381808


WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13TH
Interview
Nudge Wink Wink
http://nudgewinkwink.com/

http://www.facebook.com/nudge.winkwink.3


THURSDAY, MARCH 14TH
Featured "NaughtyBit" Excerpt
Naughty Bits' Book Reviews
http://naughtybitsbookreviews.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Naughty-Bits-Book-Reviews/309976685770669


FRIDAY, MARCH 15TH
Review
Becca The Bibliophile
http://beccathebibliophile.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/BeccaTheBibliophile


SATURDAY, MARCH 16TH
Review and Playlist
Seductive Romance Reviews
http://www.SeductiveRomanceReviews.com/

http://www.facebook.com/SeductiveRomanceReviews

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