Showing posts with label Eirelander Publishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eirelander Publishing. Show all posts

Thursday, August 4, 2011

An Oldie but a Goodie ~ Soul Seduction

Eirelander Publishing contracted my novella, Soul Seduction in July, 2009. Since then I've been writing a novel length version of this story to provide more insight on my characters. So far I'm at 60,000. I'm eager to give you Vivienne/Veronique and Angelus' story, but until then please enjoy the 11,000 word version.

* * *

Patience is a virtue—especially if you're waiting for your soul mate's rebirth. 
Vampire Angelus Cronen loved, lusted for and inevitably lost his true soul mate over two centuries ago. She was the beautiful slave, Vivienne, who set his body on fire and branded her name on his soul. He was told to have patience during the long years that separated him from her resurrection. His lust only grew to have her in his arms again. His dark soul's deepest desire was to bring her spirit once more under his control.

First he has to conquer the dark side of his spirit, the beast within who can and will destroy his soul mate with the least provocation. Seduction can lead him to a love meant to last an eternity or cause him to murder her

Rated 4 Flowers at Book Junkie
Soul Seduction by Charisma Knight is the story of intense longing and an eternal love that will never fade. Vivienne has finally been reborn into the beautifully stunning and seductive Veronique, this woman was the love of Angelus' life. But now he is a vamp and has to wait hundreds of years to be with his lost love again. A task that has driven him almost mad with desire and heartache, but now she is finally in his grasp and he will have her for an eternity.

* * * *

My hat goes off to Ms. Knightbecause the glimpse of Angelus and Vivienne’s past lives work for this extremely short story, even though I would have liked more background information about the characters. Yet, it was just enough to pique my curiosity and have be me begging for more. In fact, I hope that Ms. Knight writes either a prequel, sequel or maybe both to Angelus and Vivienne’s story because I would love to read more about these two. Bravo to Ms. Knight for providing us with a sensual, heart-warming story that’s soulful, enticing, and will have you begging for more. Soul Seduction is the perfect title for this paranormal erotic romance and I would definitely recommend it to my friends.
Rated 4 ½ Delightful Divas AJ!

Available at All Romance Ebooks

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

~ Spotlight on Author R.G. Porter ~

CK: Hello folks. Please welcome another fellow Eirelander author, R.G. Porter! R.G., when did you launch your writing career?


RG: I have always loved to write but didn't really think to try and write a full fledged novel till 2005. That adventure resulted in my first book released Shadow of the Wolf.
CK: Where do you come up with some of those fantastic creatures you create?


RG: Anything and everything can help to create those. I love myths and lore from all over. Celtic is what I'm drawn to most but Norse and Egyptian are also large influences in my creative process.


CK: I love Norse and Egyptian too. Where did you submit your first story?


RG: Shadow of the Wolf (Darkness Unleashed Book 1) was first released through Wild Rose Press but has since been revamped and re-released through Tease Publishing.


CK: That sounds like an interesting read R.G. Please tell us how you fit writing into your busy schedule?


RG: That's extremely tricky. Working full-time and raising a family makes my schedule very hectic. Lately I've made sure to make time at least every other night to write. So long as I can plug my ears into my headphones I can concentrate.


CK: Many of us can relate with you on working full-time. What are the pros and cons of being a published author?


RG: Pro would be knowing that the adventures I write are being enjoyed by others. It's the best thing in the world when you know that for just a small bit of time someone else is enjoying the worlds I create. Its amazing. Con would be that I always want to get more done and make the next one better than the last. It's a desire to produce the highest quality work while maintaining ones unique view and voice. Not always easy.


CK: Please, tell us about your most recent project.

RG: Currently I've begun an entire new series that I am beyond excited about. The series is called Veil Rift and the first book is titled Desert Ice. It's unlike anything I've written in the past and has such possibilities. I'd come up with the idea mid last year and started to work out the specifics of it. What I can tell you is that it involves the human realm and one that resides just past a veil within our world. Those from beyond the Veil are upset with the humans because we are destroying our world which is bleeding over into theirs. A few cross over and have plans to make our kind extinct by unleashing catastrophic natural disasters.

First draft is nearly halfway done and I can say so far I adore this series so far. Unfortunately I think Mother Nature has been reading from my notes as of late.



CK: Wow, reading about those residing behind the Veil being upset with humans because we are destroying the world just sent chills over me. We have definitely destroyed this planet R.G. Sad to say, but Mother Earth will never be the same again. I’m eager for you to share one of your interesting stories with us.


RG: Shades of Night (Demon's Gate Book 1) is one of my most recent releases. It involves a conspiracy in the world of vampires who wish to plunge the world into eternal darkness and make humans no longer the dominant species. There are hunters, Fae, undead and many twists and turns in this series. Krystoff is the vampire hunter who finds he is the guardian of Alexandria who is half human and half fae. As they develop their bond the extent of the conspiracy unfolds.



CK: Whew, sounds like an exciting read that I MUST check out! Where do you see yourself two years from now?

RG: That I will have won the Lotto! Kidding kidding. I am hoping that I will have the fourth book ready in my Darkness Unleashed series written as well as the second book in my Dragon's Legacy trilogy. If I'm really lucky I will have also found a good home for Desert Ice and begun work on Night's Fire (the second book in the Demon's Gate series). Also keeping fingers crossed that an Agent will snatch me up. :)


CK: Ha ha, I have those Lotto fantasies too! I can picture you as New York best selling author. Continue with your writing, and it will happen. The Darkness Unleashed series and Dragon’s Legacy Trilogy are excellent platforms you have created. I’m sure an agent will pick you up in a heart beat. ; )

What are your hobbies R.G.?

RG: Reading, music and watching movies are on the top of my list. Past that watching thunderstorms when they roll in.


CK: How do you unwind?

RG: I daydream about what I'm writing. It helps me calm my mind unlike anything else. If I'm really lucky there will be a storm going on outside and I will be relaxed in no time.



CK: Do you mold your characters strictly from imagination or from those you cross paths with in everyday life?



RG: It depends on the character. Some of them come about entirely as the story progresses, others I may use things I see on a day to day basis. It's all dependant on the storyline and how its unfolding. I'm always watching everything around me, making mental notes of things that might be helpful down the line.


CK: What are your favorite paranormal creatures? I know this is a toughie, but please pick two.

RG: That's a tough question. I love the idea of the Fae in the sense of a species that although magical are attuned to nature. I also adore shape-shifters. Not in the sense of werewolves but those with the ability to shift into anything. It is what drew me to writing the Darkness Unleashed series. To attune to an animal and be part of that world is very appealing.


CK: Wow, I’m intrigued R.G. You are a very talented author. Please tell us where you be found on the internet?


RG: I can be found in a few places. Website: http://www.rgporter.net/

Twitter: @AuthorRGPorter

Myspace: www.myspace.com/robyn_wren

Facebook: search for robyn.wren@live.com



CK: Wonderful! R.G., thank you so much for sharing your talents with us today. I’m glad we had this opportunity to share your stories with our readers.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Author Spotlight on Ashley Blade ~

CK: Hello! Please welcome fellow Eirelander author, Ashley Blade.


AB: First, I have got to say thank you Charisma for having me and I am excited to be here with you today…so where are those questions you have for me??

CK: When did you launch your writing career?

AB:  I started writing when I got my first computer about six years ago. I dabbled at first but then I got really serious about it and started asking questions. Pretty soon I felt comfortable enough that I started submitting and last year I got my first contract.


CK:  Where do you come up with some of the awesome creatures you create?

AB:  Well it’s kinda like sitting in a cafĂ© at a table by myself and this person walks in and starts talking. When I ask for a name they say I don’t know, but you better make it good. So I write the story and find the name that fits. Sometimes I can go through five names before I get the ok from the character.


CK:  Where did you submit your first story?

AB:  Cobblestone and got rejected…LOL!!! I believe there are reasons why you get rejected or whatever. You’re not where you’re supposed to be and now I am. I needed those rejections so I could work my way through the process to find Eirelander.

CK:  Hey, we've all had our share of rejections. They are nothing but learning experiences. You found an excellent home for your story!
How do you fit writing into your busy schedule?

AB:  I try to get some in while I work, but most of the time it is about 9pm until I just can’t keep my eyes open.


CK:  What are the pros and cons of being a published author?

AB:  The pros are numerous, I mean, you get to share your characters their lives and worlds with the people. You get fans, which is weird and too surreal for me and extra spending cash to buy more books with! The cons of it are also numerous, I mean you have to worry if it will be good enough, if it will sell, the demand to write more and then the sacrifice of time too. You have to remember that when you write you have deadlines and edits and promo and everything that goes with it. If you can’t work with that then you need to really think is this what I want to do.

CK: Yes, sharing your craft with the world can be such a wonderful experience. Honestly, I'm still in shock from having fans. I love their encouragement, and it really is rewarding when they reach out to me. I think we all wonder if our writing is good enough. Writing is indeed a sacrifice. You must fit it in among other areas of your life such as children, day job, home, etc. It is so worth the sacrifice. Promoting is necessary to anyone's writing career, and can be time consuming, but one way or the other, we all learn how to juggle things successfully.


CK:  Please, tell us about your most recent project.

AB:  My most recent project is A Dangerous Game, out now. It is about two people who find each other not in the most advantages time. Especially when there is another person involved. The story is mostly about trusting again, love and dealing with the consequences of a sexual fantasy come true.


CK:  Can't wait to see an excerpt! 

AB:  Sure here it is:

A Dangerous Game

Suzy stood at the front of the restaurant waiting for the clock to hit eight. Trace was supposed to meet her there for their weekly adventure. Each time they were someone different, a nurse and a fireman, police and a bank robber. Suzy laughed just thinking about their little adventures. Tonight however, she was the hostess and he was the owner of one of L.A.’s finest establishments.

She looked toward the door; he was running late and Saul wasn’t going to allow their little role play interfere with his service any longer than it had to. Come on Trace, where the hell are you? she silently chastised him.


“Sweetheart, if he isn’t here in twenty you have to go, you know I can’t risk PD taking my license, especially after that little incident a couple of months ago.” His Spanish accent was thick and alluring.

“I know Saul, I promise he will be here.” Suzy knew he would show, but sometimes he could be an ass about it. They weren’t in a traditional relationship…it was more of a convenience for them. Trace had his heart broken one too many times and so did she, so love was the furthest thing from their minds.

The swooshing of the front door jarred her from her thoughts. Trace stood before her with a beautiful woman on his arm. Any thought she may have had of role playing with her lover were gone, leaving Suzy cringing. She was not the jealous type but damn, did he have to rub it in her face that he could have any beautiful woman he wanted and she was doomed to be practically alone?

He walked toward her, his cocky grin firmly in place. The redhead he sported on his right arm oozed sex and screamed ‘take me now.’ Suzy felt something raw and primal fill her senses. She wasn’t sure if it was jealousy or lust. Who are you lusting after Suzy-Q, the woman or Trace? “Does it matter?” she mumbled to herself.

“Does what matter?” Trace asked taking his normal place beside her.

“Nothing,” she growled, but blushed when he cocked his brow at her. “Who’s the cheap trick?” she asked changing the subject. Trace squirmed.

“She was going to be our playmate for the night but if you want I could toss her,” he chuckled as the redhead snarled at him.

“I didn’t say toss her, I was just curious.”

Suzy was nervous, never had she even thought about having a threesome, but something about the woman had her on edge. She looked over her shoulder at Saul and found him standing by the bar, a smile on his face as his hand formed a claw and swiped the air. Suzy giggled and waving good-bye mouthed “thank you.”


*****

The bright lights of the Hilton Marquee filled Trace’s BMW and blinded Suzy for a moment. Her teeth chattered from nervousness as she sat in the front seat. She was used to their hum drum sex life, vanilla was what Saul called it, but now Trace was adding an element she wasn’t so sure about. Before she could voice her concerns the valet had opened her door and was helping her out.

“Welcome to the Hilton, we hope you enjoy your stay,” he said smiling at her.

Oh yeah, she was definitely going to enjoy her stay. Trace had something planned, she could feel it; what it was though, she had no clue. “Thanks,” she murmured.

Traced stepped around the vehicle and wrapped his arms around her and their faithful companion for the night. Was it rude of her to not inquire the woman’s name, or was this part of the role play? Suzy wasn’t sure, but when Trace’s hand squeezed her hip desire began to pool between her thighs. She wanted to hate him—hate his ability to draw those responses out of her, but she couldn’t.

“You two wait right here and play nice while I get the key,” he grinned kissing both women on the cheek.

Suzy decided she would be the bigger woman and play nice. “Hi, I’m Suzy, sorry about earlier.” She extended her hand out to the other woman.

The redhead looked down over her pert nose at Suzy, “Are you talking to me?”

Bitch, she thought lowering her hand. “Yeah, I mean if this is something Trace wants to do, we should at least get to know each other a little before we fuck or whatever.” She was nervous and when she was nervous she blathered on like a school girl.

The woman laughed, “What makes you think he wants both of us, especially when he can have me all to himself?”

Suzy scowled and turned away from the woman. Whatever it was she felt began to falter as she looked for Trace. “Well, someone will have to remove the stick you have stuck up your narrow snatch before he’ll want you,” she smirked as Trace rejoined them.

“Ready ladies?”

**END EXCERPT**



CK: Hott! What an enticing excerpt Ashley! I told you months ago when you shared that excerpt the book had me curious!! Sounds like an awesome read. Thank you for that excerpt!!

Where do you see yourself two years from now? Well in my well placed imagination I am sipping fuzzy navels on North shore, Hawaii, of course, with a handsome cabana boy to have at my beck and call…because of course I’m rich and famous. LOL!!! In reality, I would hope all of this, pans out and I can write full time from my house and not have to worry about making the bills every month.



CK:  What are your hobbies?

AB:   I like to fish, camp, quilt, take pictures, write, yes write because to me it’s fun…uhh...I like watching NASCAR, I have been to a race, it was fun. I also like to explore things, I live in an area that is rich in history so I love finding out new things, especially about the civil war.

CK:  Cool, I enjoy fishing too. Only thing is, I can't stand hooking a worm. LOL Once it's water logged, then I'm okay with touching it. Imagine that!  Ha Ha



CK:  How do you unwind?

AB:  Usually I read, or watch TV, anything to wind my brain down after staring at a computer all day LOL!!!

CK:  Yeah, I hear you. LOL


CK:   Do you mold your characters strictly from imagination or from those you cross paths with in everyday life?

AB:  The majority of my characters come from my imagination, some though are molded after people, which ones, I’ll leave up to my readers to figure out.



CK:  What are your favorite paranormal creatures? Pick two please.

AB:  Oh now that is hard…Vampires would be the easy answer right, I mean with all the True Blood hype and everything…same with werewolves. I would have to say demons and zombies…right now they aren’t very popular, but I have a feeling pretty soon Zombies are going to be the next Vampire.

CK:  I know, vampires are my first love too! I love True Blood! That and Vampire Diaries! You know, I thought of writing about zombies. LOL


CK:  Where can you be found on the internet?

AB:  You can find me on Facebook under Ashley Blade, http://ashleybladereviews.blogspot.com/ and at http://eirelander-publishing.com/



CK:  Ashley, thank you so much for sharing. It was awesome having you here today! Congratulations to you on the new release, and may there be many sales!

AB:  Thanks Charisma! I had a blast too!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Guest Author in The Spotlight~Laura Hogg~

CK: Everyone, please give my guest, Laura Hogg a warm welcome! Laura is also a fellow Eirelander author.

When did you launch your writing career?

LH: I didn’t have the courage to submit my work until about five or six years ago. I got a short story accepted in an ezine called Sage of Consciousness and won a short story contest elsewhere. Wings ePress offered me my first book contract for my historical romance novel, The 12th Kiss, in 2005.





CK: Where do you come up with some of your awesome ideas?

LH: Sometimes I’ll have a dream, wake up and write a one page synopsis, then from there write a whole novel. Other times songs or pictures will spark ideas. Occasionally, I’m inspired by series such as Twilight Zone, or The Highlander. I love time travel and have a series called Romeo vs. Juliet where the hero and heroine travel through the ages. I read a lot of time travel stories, and sometimes ideas arise from those.





CK: See, my stories come to me during meditation, and sometimes in dreams. I can relate to you. Romeo vs. Juliet sounds like an interesting read.
Where did you submit your first story?

LH: After getting rejected by agents, I backed up a little and submitted short stories to ezines and epubs. The first story (unpaid) to get accepted is a story called, Judge, about a female rock musician. (I was in a rock band and drew upon that experience.) After that, epublishers accepted stories. It was exciting getting my very first royalty check in the mail. Even though it was only for 58 cents or something like that, it made me officially a professional writer who got paid for her fiction. An exciting day indeed.



CK: How do you fit writing into your busy schedule?

LH: My daughter was in high school when I first got published and is now in college. That helped, as far as time is concerned. When I get home from work at night, I work on my computer for hours. My husband works on his own computer. We get up often and talk or cuddle on the couch watching TV. He makes dinner every night, being the cook of the house, so I lucked out there. I guess starting writing later (I first submitted when I was in my thirties) has been a contributing factor. I never would have had the time in my twenties when I was in college, working, and raising a small child.



CK: What are the pros and cons of being a published author?

LH: I finally got published, yay! That’s a big pro.  And those little royalty checks that pop up in the mail have fed my family more than once. Cons? Well, I’m not successful enough yet to answer that, but once in a while, I would get an email from a stranger that did less than thrill me.



CK: Please, tell us about your most recent project.

LH: It’s a historical romance set in 1811-1812 London then Russia, during the era of the Napoleonic Wars. Yes, that’s the era of the English Regency, but there’s not a nobleman in sight in my novel. It’s called Descent into Darkness.

Here’s a blurb:

Duncan Amberley has come back from war, fighting Napoleon's men on a ship. Clarissa Hale is a lovely shopkeeper with a great sense of humor. A heroic heart rests inside this insecure, intelligent beauty, and she will be called to prove it. Clarissa and her love are pitted against each other for the sake of their families and some terrible accusations. She will be in constant peril as she gathers evidence to convict Duncan's dangerous brother of a harrowing crime. Duncan's heart breaks when he discovers something about Clarissa's sister. Can their love survive the results of their investigations? They devise a dangerous plan to get to the truth, which brings them into the heart of Napoleon's camp in 1812 Russia as spies. Risking everything, they must get to the truth.



It can be found here: http://www.moongypsypress.com/hogg.php
The cover is beautiful. I just love what the cover artist did.



CK: Please share an interesting paranormal occurrence in your life.

LH: The story of how I got my first book deal is kind of cool. As a Catholic, I have sometimes asked angels to join my prayers with theirs. Once I asked the archangel Raphael for prayers. Shortly afterward, I got an unusual rush of inspiration and wrote a novel with flying fingers. I put the novel, The 12th Kiss, up with a critique board for the better part of a year and revised it. Then I submitted it. The first place rejected it. The second, Wings ePress, offered me a contract. Two months later, the first publisher went out of business. What a coincidence. Prayer to an archangel inspired the book, then a company called Wings gives me my first book deal. 



CK: Oh my, that is cool indeed. I truly don’t think that experience was a coincidence. The archangel was truly with you. Where do you see yourself two years from now?

LH: Writing and hopefully back in a band.


CK: What are your hobbies?

LH: Music. I’m also an editor for a couple of epublishers, and a book reviewer as well.




CK: How do you unwind?

LH: Music or reading, or hanging out with my husband. Also, working out.




CK: Do you mold your characters strictly from imagination or from those you cross paths with in everyday life?

LH: Both. I ride the bus and the train after work at night, and I get a lot of material from people around me on the trek home, but I’ve dreamed some of my stories.



CK: What are your stories based on?

LH: Well, my paranormal stories are based on the supernatural. For example, I have a story called Double Vision, where the hero and heroine fall in love on the astral plane. I also like angels and stories about people with paranormal abilities such as psychic abilities. I respect the vampire/werewolf genre and know some writers such as my friend Jaime who excel in this, but I don’t personally pen stories with such beings. It’s just not my expertise. I do find ghosts very interesting though, and grew up in a haunted house.


CK: That sounds so exciting Laura.

Where can you be found on the Internet?

LH: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=62648343
http://twitter.com/lovebooksmusic
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003F977GI
http://traveltheages.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/l_hogg


CK: Laura, thank you so much for sharing. It was awesome having you here today! I’m adding your books to my TBR pile on Goodreads.

LH : Thank you! I appreciate your time. It’s been fun. If you or any writer of the paranormal would like to be a guest at my blog, please send me a note.




CK: Thank you Laura, I would love to be a guest on your blog. I’ll shoot you an email.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Author Spotlight on Annie Nicholas

Hello! Please welcome Annie Nicholas.
CK: When did you launch your writing career?

AN:  I started writing the summer of 2008. It started out as a hobby to occupy my mind when I was house bound for a few months due to illness. I found a great critique group online who encouraged me to submit my manuscripts. The rest is history.


CK: That sounds familiar. Writing definitely will keep your mind occupied. What prompted you to write about vampires?

AN: I’ve always loved vampires. Even as a little girl I was fascinated by them. The best kind of stories are ones you love to write so that’s what I did. It wasn’t difficult to world build because these vampires had lived in my head for years.
Nosferatu vampires have been an interest of mine and I developed a government with political intrigue around this race. Never a dull moment.


CK: Ditto on that. I'm a vampire lover myself. Where did you submit your first story?

AN: The Omegas was the first story I finished and it got accepted at Lyrical Press. I combined my own nerdy past with the paranormal in this story and found something spectacular. My very own geeky werewolf pack who hires, of course, a Nosferatu vampire to teach them how to fight.




CK: I love the awesome book covers. I have never read any of your books, but they are definitely on my list. How do you fit writing into your busy schedule?

AN: Every free moment I have. Breaks at work, between kids schedule, and after their bedtime. I gave up most of my TV time as well but love every moment of it. I carry a note pad in my purse and write my first draft long hand whenever a moment arises.


CK: What are the pros and cons of being a published author? 

AN: Pros: I’ve met people who are as passionate about story telling as I am, made some great friends, and have people who want to read my books.

Cons: I have to promote, which feels like I’m jumping up and down shouting, ‘Look at me, look at me.’ It doesn’t feel comfortable. I wish there was an easier way to let readers know about new books and authors.


CK: You know, I can relate about the promotion aspect of being an author. This is why I decided to invite authors to my blog Annie. Honestly, I'm not much of a blogger, and one day I looked a my blog and decided I needed to do something different. Also, please tell us about your most recent project.

AN: The Alpha will be released in June from Lyrical Press. It is the second book after The Omegas where Eric, the new Alpha of Chicago, is about to get a little Spice in his life.

I just completed the manuscript for the book after BAIT. Another vampire thriller with Connie Bence.
CK: Awesome, a vampire thriller. What method of research do you utilize?

AN: My writing doesn’t require much research. I usually read about the cities I’ll be writing about. Key areas and sites, street names, some restaurants or clubs to keep real.


CK: Where do you see yourself two years from now?

AN: That’s a hard question. I hope to have an agent by then. I’d be happy with just that.


CK:  What are your hobbies?

AN: I garden both flowers and vegetables. Otherwise, I don’t have time for much else.


CK: How do you unwind?

AN: A hot bath, a good book, and a big glass of wine. I try to do this at least once of week.


CK: Do you mold your characters strictly from imagination or from those you cross paths with in everyday life?

AN: Completely from my imagination. It takes time. They don’t always introduce themselves as whole at once. I’ve been trying to meet my hero of my next manuscript. I know his personality but can’t picture how he’ll look. I can’t start writing it until he reveals himself.


CK: What are your favorite paranormal creatures? Pick two please.

AN: Vampires. Bet that shocked you. LOL

Second one is hard, I have a thing for urban wizards.


CK: LOL, you must tell me more of these urban wizards. Where can you be found on the internet?

AN: You can find me on Twitter- @annienicholas Facebook

http://www.annienicholas.com/

http://annienicholas.blogspot.com/

http://paranormalromantics.blogspot.com/ (Mondays only)


CK: Annie Nicholas, thank you so much for sharing. It was awesome having you here today! Next time, we need to speak of those wizards. ; )

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Author Spotlight With J. Hali Steele

Hello everyone! Please welcome J. Hali Steele!





J. Hali: Hi, Charisma. Thanks for having me. I love to get out of the writer’s cave—I call mine the cat cave--and talk with readers and other authors.


CK: I here ya Cat Lady! You got to get out some time.


When did you become serious about your writing career?


J. Hali: Actually, not until recently by most standards. I’ve always had a vivid imagination and enjoyed penning little stories and writing poetry. But it wasn’t until I attended my first Romantic Times Con that I became serious. I’d played with the idea of attending one for years to meet some of my favorite authors and in 2008 I actually did it. Talk about inspirational! I met so many helpful people, made friends with readers and other aspiring authors. That was the end of my peaceful, easy existence! The bug had bitten me, and it bit hard. I looked for critique groups and found a couple awesome sites. Once I learned the mechanics of writing and polished a few stories I had, I started to submit them and the rest is history as they say.


CK: Ah, poetry. You are gifted indeed. It takes a special someone to write poetry. My hat goes off to you.


I think that’s pretty awesome about attending Romantic Times Con. It sounds inspirational. I need to make the necessary arrangements to attend one this year.


What are the pros and cons as an author of erotic romance?


J. Hali: For me, it continues to be a fun ride. I’ve enjoyed pushing the envelope. The biggest con was I’d heard stories about how erotic romance authors were initially treated for writing in the genre. I started out writing erotic romance, so it’s hard for me to tell if I’m judged any differently for writing it. With groups like the RWA’s Passionate Ink chapter to help pave the way, it’s not been bad for me. Unlike some, in regards to family and friends knowing what I write—I don’t use a pen name, those who know me take it in stride.


CK: Pushing the envelope is the way to go. There is nothing wrong with that.


So, please tell us about your most recent project.


J. Hali: That would be a series I’m working on called the Stonegar. The first book, Stone Cold, has been contracted to Liquid Silver Books and I’m really excited about getting the second one, Stone Dead, accepted after I do some rewrites. I’ve been working on edits and I’m looking forward to readers enjoying the first story real soon. Using mythical Stonehenge, I’ve created a world of statues that come to life. They’re bi-sexual and constantly aroused, so you can imagine the fun I’ve had working with the first two stories which are mĂ©nages. The third…I’m not so sure. It may just be one hot romance with a secondary storyline as a mĂ©nage.


CK: Oh J. Hali, you have piqued my curiosity with the Stonegar series. BTW, congratulations on that contract.


Out of all the stories written, what are your favorites?


J. Hali: Ooh! Hard question. I think it would have to be Hope in Love. I had to give a lot of thought to how erotic angels would be received before writing it. Glad I did because damn if Ramiel isn’t material for anyone’s knight in shining armor. *grins* But it could be Screwed. I simply love the Purple P Rose character. And, yes, her name evolved from all the purple prose I use in the story which is an erotic satire about a vampyre mĂ©nage.


CK: Wahoo! Hope in Love. I was so in love with the cover. I read that book, and it was awesome. I’ve known about Screwed for quite some time, I just haven’t gotten around to purchasing.


Where do you see yourself two years from now?


J. Hali: Writing eBooks for sure!


CK: I’m down with that!


What are your hobbies? How do you unwind?



J. Hali: Gardening is a big love of mine. I find it very relaxing and the end product is worth it. Listening to music, my taste is very eclectic—I like techno tango, blues and opera. That’s pretty much what I use to unwind too. Well, that and a tub full of hot water surrounded by candles and a good glass of wine.


CK: Interesting tastes of music. Sounds like you have a green thumb.


Do you mold your characters strictly from imagination or from those you cross paths with in everyday life?


J. Hali: I’d say from my very vivid and overactive imagination. I won’t say that a few traits of people I know haven’t slithered into a story or two!


CK: LOL


What are your favorite paranormal creatures? Pick two please.


J. Hali: Cat shifters and vamps.



CK: Purrrr You go girl!

Where can you be found on the internet? If possible, please provide all your links. : )


J. Hali: You can find out more about me, my books and my characters at http://www.jhalisteele.com/, http://www.sovereignkind.blogspot.com/, I’m on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/purpleprose, I blog at http://www.paranormalromantics.blogspot.com/ every Friday and http://www.trampyvamps.com/ the 6th of every month.


CK: What is your favorite color?


J. Hali: The color PURPLE! Not fake purple, real PURPLE! lol


CK: What does your ideal man look like??


J. Hali: Ramiel, gray hair and all!


CK: Super HOT! I once knew a man with long gray hair!


Please tell us about your books.


J. Hali: My first contemporary just released at Ellora’s Cave, Rhythm of Love. It’s a story that grew out of my love for Tango and Dancing with the Stars! Here’s the blurb:


Carter Gates, amateur Latin ballroom dancer, is ready to make a move on his sexy new assistant. Bree’s scent intoxicates him, and her lithe body makes it hard to keep his hands to himself. But Carter owns the company and has one rule—hands off the staff. His body isn’t listening.


Bree’s no better off. She has a taste for her new boss, one she can’t quench. Hiding the fact she’s best friends with his partner, and a dancer herself, she slips into a revealing outfit and his arms…just for one night of sexy, hot competition and a highly erotic tango that gives new meaning to “going up in flames”.


Bree’s friend has other ideas—she wants to keep Carter for herself. However, after spending a passionate evening in Carter’s arms, and his bed, Bree wants more. And she’s determined to get it.


Coming April 21st from Ellora’s Cave is Ace of Spades, taken from another passion of mine, the show Poker After Dark. Here’s the blurb:


Ace Spade is a gambler who knows how to handle success and luck—until he meets Rosemary Carino, the new hostess of the gentleman’s club he frequents. He has reasons for keeping his business dealings private but his life quickly spins out of control. Roe’s sexy and curvaceous body stirs a fire in him he can’t extinguish. Ace is consumed with the need to have her in every way possible.


Roe gave up working the pole in topless clubs long ago. Thrust back into the business, she fights to stay out of the clutches of hotter-than-hell Aldan “Ace” Spade. It’s not going to be easy. Her body melts around him, aches to know his intimately. And hiding her past from Ace turns out to be much harder than just stripping off her clothes.


Available at Changeling Press is the Extra Cream and Screwed series. I have two books at Eirelander Publishing, A Panther’s Flight and Clawless. At Ellora’s Cave you can find Hard Case along with those mentioned above.


CK: All very interesting reads. I’ll need to check out Ace of Spades. You Rock J. Hali Steele! Love the name BTW. It possesses a special something, something. ; )


Joann, thank you so much for sharing. It was awesome having you here, and of course your new releases will be added to my TBR pile on Goodreads!