Loading ...Interview, Chat and Contest With Author Michelle Lauren
PLEASE NOTE: The contest portion of this event is now over. The winners will be contacted via email later.
A big welcome to our readers today! Be sure to read to the end of the interview to find out how to WIN the fabulous prizes being offered up.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a fixed time event, the post just goes live at 12:30 pm Central. You can stop by any time during the day or evening and leave your questions and chat.
PLEASE KEEP SPOILERS TO A MINIMUM. Not all of the readers today have read Michelle’s books.
Interview:
Hi Michelle!
Welcome to Bitten by Books, we are excited to have you here today!
I would like to thank you taking the time to join us for the question and answer session with our readers. It has been very interesting to get to know more about you and what makes you tick as a writer! Readers, if you haven’t done so already please stop by and get your copy of Michelle’s latest release Temptation Eve.
BBB: What are the most challenging and the most rewarding aspects of writing?
ML: I love my job. It’s like being Lara Croft. I get to discover new worlds, kick werewolf butt, rescue damsels in distress and be an all-around bad ass. It’s the best job in the world.
But even great jobs have drawbacks, right? I think the hardest part about writing is when I can’t do it. Writer’s Block bites – and not in the pleasurable, Interview with a Vampire way. Nothing frustrates me more than knowing what I want to write and being unable to translate that onto paper.
BBB: If you could have one of your books made into a movie, who would your dream cast be?
ML: Temptation Eve, my latest paranormal romance from Cobblestone Press, would rock as a movie. Think Sin City meets Sex in the City: Gritty. Erotic. Fast-paced – and with killer fashion.
If I could change places with any of my characters for a day, I swap with Eve, the icy hot lawyer from Temptation Eve. The book includes a scene where Eve and playboy incubus Alonso D’Agostino are locked in a closet. I won’t spoil it for you, but the situation involves a red silk tie, heightened senses and kinetic vibrations. Use your imagination. ;D
Dream casting for Temptation Eve: Naomie Harris as “Eve” and Rodrigo Santoro as “Alonso.” I really enjoyed Naomie Harris’ portrayal of the diabolical yet heartbroken Greek goddess Calypso from Pirates of the Caribbean. I know that actress could easily portray Eve with a balance of icy reserve, earthy sensuality and vulnerability.
Rodrigo Santoro is gorgeous. Just gorgeous. But he’s also really intense when in character. You can tell that he isn’t tame and I like that.
BBB: What are your top 3 favorite paranormal books and movies?
ML: Ooh! This is hard. I’m a BIG vampire and shape shifter fan.
MOVIES: Hands down, Top Choice is Interview with the Vampire. This movie proves evil can be VERY sexy. The scenes between Armand (played by Antonio Banderas) and Louis (played by Brad Pitt) scintillate — emphasis on the “sin.”
Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Underworld come in close behind.
BOOKS: Undead & Unwed by Maryjanice Davidson; Dead Until After Dark by Charlaine Harris; and Sunshine by Robin McKinley.
BBB: What character(s) in any of your books is most like you?
ML: There is a bit of me in ALL my characters. I’m very career-oriented like Eve and my career choices have strengthened me (even if they were painful at the time); Alonso is a thrill seeker, something I indulge in occasionally (even if it’s mostly through my stories. Yay for vicarious living!).
From my romance Starstruck: Hunter: Like Miranda Snow, the celestial star who crashes to earth and falls for the man hunting her, I’m willing to fight for myself but I don’t mind when the man in my life jumps in to do it for me. Noah Benson, the jaded ex-hunter seeking redemption, shares my belief in taking responsibility for my mistakes — even when that proves difficult.
BBB: What is the most ridiculous thing that you have thought about doing to any of your characters but never did?
ML: All of my male leads are anti-heroes. (I have a weak spot for bad boys. Can you blame me?) I’ve been tempted to go really dark with my heroes’ pasts. To make them do or have done something really despicable — but empathize him enough that the dark edge works and readers still love him. I’ve toed the line but haven’t crossed to the dark side completely. Yet. 
BBB: How do you keep track of your world building?
ML: Charts. LOTS and LOTS of charts. I also use spreadsheets to organize details like world populations, flora and fauna, character powers, etc. I research for every story and rely on these tools to keep my information accurate and consistent. This comes in handy when I write series.
BBB: What do you feel are the benefits of the new electronic readers such as Kindle 2 or Sony Digital Book Reader
ML: I don’t have an e-reader. I know. I’m a dinosaur. I read tons of e-books on my PC. Green is good, for the environment and also for budget-conscious readers. In general, digital books cost less than print and many readers find that attractive. Plus, readers often take a chance on new authors when the book prices are easy on the budget.
Electronic readers fit the needs of frequent travelers or those who lack the physical space to store a growing library.
BBB: What impact do electronic readers create on the bottom line for authors in the end? Do you feel they have a negative impact or positive, or no impact at all that you can see?
ML: They don’t affect my bottom line. I think they are fantastic. I would love to own one – except for it to accommodate my vision it would need to be the size of a dinner plate. That would defeat its purpose. ;D
BBB: Temptation Eve focuses on a woman who does a great job of balancing both her career and an incubus. It’s refreshing to see a strong, career-driven woman in a book like this, but how does a character like this stretch the romance “norm” of less job-bound heroines?
ML: Eve’s career is very much a part of who she is. The sacrifices she made to reach partner at her paranormal law firm molded her into the woman at the outset of Temptation Eve: Iron willed, very much in control and seemingly aloof. That outer shell helps her succeed in the courtroom and protects her from some predatory coworkers. It also puts the kibosh on romance.
Until she meets Alonso.
Since Eve’s career is part of what defines her, it almost becomes like a separate character. At times, it poses an obstacle to her love life while other times, such as in future Nocturnal Cravings books, it helps her get revenge on some baddies.
BBB: Can you give us a more in depth look at Temptation Eve and the storyline that drives it? Please tell us what we can expect from you next.
ML: Sure! Temptation Eve is the first in my paranormal Nocturnal Cravings series. It’s about Eve Templin, an icy hot lawyer with a yen for submission and the playboy incubus who dominates her body – and wins her heart. It’s available now from Cobblestone Press. Here is a blurb:
Sometimes passion has a price…
Eve Templin has the reputation of an ice queen in the courtroom, but in the bedroom she craves the thrill of sexual submission. Past betrayals left her wary of emotional involvement with a Dominant, but she can’t ignore the connection she feels with one in particular, incubus Alonso D’Agostino.
Alonso is everything Eve craves in a Dominant: Intelligent. Exotic. And insatiable. He is also one of her law firm’s biggest clients and a notorious playboy. When he offers her more than a fling, will she risk her career for love or walk away for good?
Excerpt LINK: http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/excerpt/temptationeve.htm
Future Projects: Nocturnal Cravings Book 2 involves a legal maverick whose unearthly talent for winding men around her finger lands her in danger. This is a really fun tale with nefarious plots, dangerous liaisons and lots of paranormal hotties.
Celestial Lovers Book 2, the sequel to my futuristic romance Starstruck: Hunter, a story about a celestial star who crashes to earth and falls in love with the man hunting her. Book 1 is available from Liquid Silver Books.
I also have a lot of FREE READS available, including:
Nights of Temptation (A Nocturnal Cravings Tale) is a prequel to Temptation Eve. It lets readers experience the passion that started Eve and Alonso’s relationship. Readers can download this in TWO versions from my freebies page, www.michellelaurenbooks.com/freebies.
A Taste of Temptation (A Nocturnal Cravings Tale) is a 6,000 word SEQUEL to Temptation Eve and includes a SNEAK PEEK at Book 2. Because it contains spoilers, this is a **Bonus Read** that comes with purchase of Temptation Eve. To receive, readers just need to email their purchase receipt to interactive AT michellelaurenbooks dot com.
BBB: Which of your characters presents the biggest challenge to write about? Which one comes most easily?
ML: This is a hard question. I had trouble writing Eve’s character because I needed to balance her icy exterior and strong need for control in other aspects of her life with her desire to submit in the bedroom. Those seemingly-opposite desires needed to make sense with the storyline and feel realistic to readers.
Which character came easiest? Noah Benson, hands down. I had tons of fun writing him. He got to kick butt, ride a motorcycle, rescue the damsel in distress, beat up a bad guy and get into a knife fight with a werewolf. Fun times.
BBB: Are demons – or in our specific case, incubi – the new black? What do you think the romance world will turn to for originality as the paranormal genre continues to grow?
ML: Demons ARE the new black. That doesn’t mean the original favorites (were-shifters and vampires) will disappear. Classics never go out of style. Readers just want fresh perspectives on this genre. Writers have to stretch their creative wings a bit.
I love using fantastical creatures outside of the norm. Even when I use known creatures, such as incubi, I put my own spin on them. For example: According to myth, incubi have one basic power: to invade a woman’s sexual dreams. Alonso can do that. (This power appears in a free read on my site, Nights of Temptation). He also has new powers: A touch that can induce ecstasy and kinetic vibrations that manifest during passion.
I strive to always give readers something new. Even when I use the same type of creature, I give them different variations of powers in ways. The way their powers manifest reveals their personalities. Nocturnal Cravings Book 2 features Alonso’s female counterpart; her powers manifest differently and they add tension and some comic relief to her story.
BBB: “Temptation Eve” is a fairly short book, though a good one! What are some unique challenges that come out of writing “quickie” length fiction? Advantages?
ML: Since I’ve written full-length (80K) novels, I appreciate the specific challenges of writing quickie fiction. In quickie-length stories, every word has to matter. Plot moves fast but it can’t seem rushed. Most importantly, the story must be COMPLETE. Not an interlude. Showing character development in 8,000 – 10,000 words is difficult but possible. Readers will definitely see a change in the personality and relationship of Eve and Alonso by the end of Temptation Eve.
At first, I struggled with quickie-length stories. Everything I write tends to want to become – not just a full length novel – but also a series! So it’s difficult to restrain myself. Quickie stories do have some advantages, though. When done well, a shorter story packs a heck of an emotional punch! The format made me go right for the jugular in certain scenes, where normally I would ease into the drama. The result upped the tension and the heat in the story.
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Learn more about Michelle Lauren below:
To read reviews of this author’s work go here.
To visit the author’s website go here.
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CONTEST: PLEASE NOTE THE NEW CONTEST EMAIL ADDRESS TO SEND YOUR ENTRIES TO BELOW. There are also revisions to the rules for this contest, please read them all carefully. Also, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME in your comment/post so we can give you the proper credit for your entries.
Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do just ONE or ALL of these things, and each thing you do will give you additional entries at a chance to WIN. REMEMBER you have Until 2/9/10 at 11:59 pm Central to do the different things that YOU choose to do. It is NOT mandatory you make a purchase to enter the contest. There are plenty of free ways to get entries as well.
CONTEST: She will be giving away
Prize 1: $30.00 Amazon Gift Card
Prize 2: $20.00 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
She is also donating 10% off all of her publisher book sale proceeds to Haitian Relief organization Doctors Without Borders.
Open to readers worldwide as long as you can accept gift cards from the US sites of Amazon and B&N.
1. Purchase copies of Michelle’s books from her publishers
Click these two links. Remember you are also helping doctors without borders with your purchase!
Good for 300 entries per book you purchase by using the links above. Email your receipt to the prize Goddess here bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Not valid on past purchases.
OR you can use the Barnes & Noble link HERE to make your purchase of ANY kind of merchandise during the contest. You can also use the Amazon link HERE to shop as well. Good for 100 entries to the contest for EACH item you purchase. Not valid on past purchases.
2. Leave question for her below good for 10 entries. (max 2 questions for entries)
3. Be friends with Michelle by joining her here:
Newsletter: http://ymlp.com/signup.php?id=geubwbbgmgb
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Michelle-Lauren/100000100075879
Myspace: http://myspace.com/michellelaurenbooks
Yahoo groups: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/michellelaurenbooks
Group Blog: http://www.thenaughtygirlsnextdoor.blogspot.com
Good for 25 entries per place you friend or follow. Be sure to send your confirmation emails to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces).
4. Join us at our daily book chat here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=19510 RSVP for Tuesday’s event here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=19244 enter the free book contest here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=19514 good for 25 entries for each one you do.
5. Spread the word about this event! Use this direct link to the event: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=19521 on twitter, at another blog, website, Myspace, Ning Group, Facebook, Yahoo Group, Goodreads, Shelfari (any group where it is appropriate). You MUST come back here to this interview and post those links in one response here in this thread so we can verify your entries. Good for 50 entries per place you post the event link.
RULES AND LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
The contest ends on 2/9/10 at 11:59 pm Central and the winners will be contacted via email. You will receive your prize directly from the author. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME as well as a valid email where we can contact you. REMEMBER the more things you do, the more entries, the greater the chances of winning. PLEASE ALLOW THIRTY DAYS to receive your prize BEFORE EMAILING US.
1. Please note, the prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be absolutely no substitutions or changes the prize is non-transferable. If you don’t want the prize being offered, please don’t enter the contest. If you ever win an electronic copy of a book, please note that it is ILLEGAL to forward, give away or copy it in anyway once you receive it. Doing so violates copyright. If we find out that it has been done, you will no longer be eligible to win any of our contests.
2. You have FIVE days from the day the we contact you to claim your prize by sending your name/mailing address to me. Failure to contact me will forfeit your prize. BBB can at that time, choose either to re-award the prize to another entrant or not.
3. The prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be no substitutions, trades or changes. No exceptions. Please do not ask. If for some reason you do not wish to claim your prize, please let me know as soon as possible. Bitten by Books has the option to re-award it or not.
4. Contest is open to readers in the USA except where noted. The prizes are shipped directly from the author unless otherwise noted.
5. Bitten by Books is in NO way responsible for the prizes being offered in any of the contests. If for some reason a contributor does not honor their prize, there is nothing we can or will do about it. We are not worried that this will happen, but we want to be very clear that WE are not offering these prizes, the contributor is and it is their responsibility to fulfill their prize obligations.
6. These rules are subject to change or be modified without prior written notice.
7. Contest is void where prohibited.
8. By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry
(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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[...] WHERE: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=19521 [...]
Hi all! I’m in the house and eager to chat with you all. I’ll be checking in throughout today to answer your questions.
[Reply]
Hi Michelle! Thanks for taking time to be here:o) Great interview! I have not read any of your books yet but I’m definitely going to. I love books about demons and I have to agree demons are the new black! lol! Was there someone or something that inspired you to become a writer?
Thanks! Temptation Eve is my next read for sure!!!
Steph M.
[Reply]
Hello Michelle, I am curious what are you reading right now?
I RSVPed
4. Done
5. sharing here http://beetsbooks.blogspot.com/
Facebooked Ruth Thompson
[Reply]
Hi Steph! Thanks for joining me today. My mother instilled a love of the written word in me before I even reached kindergarten. She used to read me bedtime stories and I had many of Grimm’s Fairy Tales memorized, not to mention the Oz books.
Since then, I’ve always known this was what I wanted to do. Back then my stories involved talking animals, with a smidgeon of murder plots, mayhem and world-saving antics thrown in (I loved drama even as a child). I write fiction as well as non-fiction now, but my first love will always be fiction. And chocolate.
[Reply]
Hi there Ruth. Glad you could make it to chat with me today. Currently, I’m reading The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Have you seen the new Holmes movie? LOVE it. Jude Law = the Hotness to me now. I never knew a limp and well-coiffed mustache could be so sexy.
Anyway, after watching the film, I got interested in the books. I purchased the first case with Watson and Holmes, loved it and immediately staked out my library (where they know me by name) to check out as many Sherlock Holmes books as possible.
[Reply]
Hi Michelle,
This sounds like a good book. Why did you choose to make Eve a lawyer?
RSVP’d
All three items in #4 done
[Reply]
When you write do you listen to any music to inspire you or make a playlist to go along with your writing?
RSVPd
Facebook fan-Rae Pavey
attended daily chat
RSVPd for Tuesday
[Reply]
Oh! I forgot to mention in my interview that I have some other fun freebies available at my site (www.michellelaurenbooks.com/freebies), including:
Chapter 1 of Starstruck: Hunter
Chapter 1 of Temptation Eve
A custom Temptation Eve desktop wallpaper, digital bookmark, and banner
The FREE Prequel to Temptation Eve, NIGHTS OF TEMPTATION. This is 3,000 words and readers can choose one of TWO versions (Either 1st POV or 3rd POV)
[Reply]
@ Sandy: Well, many people all ready view lawyers as vampires, right? Kidding. Seriously, it was the perfect career for Eve. I needed a job that was very high-stress, where people played for high stakes and dealt with a diverse clientele. Even better, her firm deals exclusively with paranormal clientele, which really worked with the storyline and allowed me to have my characters interact with a growing list of paranormal creatures in coming books.
I have to admit I was also fan girling a bit about a fictional law firm from the TV series Angel (created by Joss Whedon, who I adore). Any Angel fans here? In that series, the law firm Wolfram & Hart was very evil and dealth with a revolving door of wicked demon clients.
In Temptation Eve, the law firm isn’t evil. It’s amoral at times, selectively rigid, but it bascially functions as an ancient law firm that knows the ins-and-outs of laws specific to a non-human client base.
[Reply]
@ Raelena P : Great question! I can’t listen to music when I write. I need silence, otherwise my mind wanders. I listen to music when I’m in brainstorming mood, though. The type of music depends on what story or character I’m trying to sketch out.
Recently, I did a character interview with my incubus hero, Alonso D’Agostino, where he included his own playlist. I posted the song “Destiny,” by Sia (although the mp3 of the song was a cover performed by artist Solange Knowles).
The music was lyrical, passionate and just really captured the emotions Alonso felt for Eve. Here’s the link if you want to check out his tell-all interview: http://thenaughtygirlsnextdoor.blogspot.com/2009/11/hot-hero-confession-alonso-dagostino.html
[Reply]
Yay! another cool book to add to my TBR pile! and how awesome is it that you are donating a portion of your proceeds to Doctors without Borders? good for you, Michelle. Another reason to buy your book (as if I needed one)
I did rsvp for today, posted a link on my FB profile, requested friendship on myspace and FB, and signed up for newsletter
[Reply]
@ Lisa: Hi there! Are you the same Lisa who just send me a friend request on Myspace and Facebook? I’ll make sure to add you later (my current computer blocks most social networking sites).
I chose Doctors Without Borders because at the time of the recent earthquakes in Haiti, my cousin was in Port-au-Prince. It was a really scary time and I determined then that I was going to contribute something an relief organization. Doctors Without Borders is really cool in that, it’s already operating 3 hospitals in Haiti (at least one in Port-au-Prince) — plus, the provide aid to many other countries in need.
[Reply]
Hi Michele,
Great interview. Looking forward to reading more of your works.
[Reply]
Hi Letricia! Good to see you here today. Did you get any snow in your area? I just saw on the weather that another 6-12″ is forecasted to fall this Wednesday.
I used to wish for snow every winter (my area rarely gets any) and now it feels like we’re getting snow and rain every week!
[Reply]
Hi, Michelle! I hadn’t heard of your books before, but now they’ve gone to the top of my ‘to-get’ list. I’m curious. If there was any other writer out there currently who you could do a collaboration with, who would it be?
RSVPd.
Joined Michelle at Facebook, MySpace, the group blog, and the Yahoo group.
4) Done.
[Reply]
@ Letricia: Almost forgot to ask: You recently won a copy of Temptation Eve. Do you want the Bonus Read? If so, just let me know (either here or on private email) and I’ll send it to you.
[Reply]
@ Jennifer: Thanks for joining me to chat today. I got your friend requests.
As for your question, I would LOVE to collab with Marjorie M. Liu. I’ve interviewed her before and I’m a fan of her Marvel comic series, NYX: No Way Home. It would be a dream to collab with her on one of her future Marvel books (I’m a BIG comic fan).
I’m also uber-excited due to an upcoming collab project with my crit partner, Minx Malone. She writes for Ellora’s Cave & Cobblestone Press.
[Reply]
With the quickie reads is characterization or world-building more important? Or do you sacrifice one for the other?
[Reply]
@ darchole: Hi there! Good question. For me, characterization is always first priority. Characters carry a story for me. If the characters don’t engage a reader, then my world could be as detailed as anything but no one would care.
Not to say I neglect world building in quickie-length stories. I make sure to let readers know they aren’t in Kansas anymore, but with limited space I can’t spend as much time as I’d like on world building.
Then again, since I tend to write series, it balances out because in each book or free read, I address aspects of the fictional world I might not have discussed in depth before.
[Reply]
Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us here!
If you could choose another author to co-write with who would it be?
I RSVP’d
3. Be friends with Michelle by joining her here:
DONE - Newsletter: http://ymlp.com/signup.php?id=geubwbbgmgb
DONE already - Yahoo groups: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/michellelaurenbooks
DONE - Group Blog: http://www.thenaughtygirlsnextdoor.blogspot.com
4.
DONE - Join us at our daily book chat here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=19510
DONE - RSVP for Tuesday’s event here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=19244
DONE - enter the free book contest here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=19514
[Reply]
hi i was wondering what do you do when i kinda hit a blok in your writing
rsvp
did one thing in #4
[Reply]
Hey Michelle,
I just love to find a new (to me) author. I’ve been extremely partial to paranormals the last few years and yours sound like they take on some brand new story arcs that I would enjoy. I have add your books to my wishlist and hope to read one soon as they sound right up my alley.
What themes have stayed with you all of your writing life?
Lisa R
4. Join us at our daily book chat here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=19510 RSVP for Tuesday’s event here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=19244
Done!
enter the free book contest here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=19514 good for 25 entries for each one you do.
Done
5. blogged about contest at http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/2010/02/interview-chat-and-contest-with-author.html
tweeted about contest
alterlisa
Interview, Chat and Contest With Author Michelle Lauren http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=19521
less than 5 seconds ago from web
[Reply]
Hi Michelle, your a new author to me, but I see I need to go get some more books! Temptation Eve sounds great! Angel fan here too and loved the Wolfram & Hart comparason lol.
Who was your favorite character on Angel, other than Angel?
Who is the most influential author you’ve read?
[Reply]
I RSVP’d
Did a particular author make you want to work in this genre or were you just drawn to it? You’re not alone,I too am a dinosaur and read ebooks on my PC.
[Reply]
@ authra: Great to have you here. Writer’s block really sucks. It’s painful. Nothing upsets me more than staring at my blank computer screen. Unfortunately, I get Writer’s Block a lot.
Sometimes it goes away on its own, but if it persists, I thwart it by:
A) Taking a “me time” break and doing things to relax. Usually, this includes pleasure reading.
B) Writing in a different field. If my fiction stories won’t gel then I shift my focus to non-fiction projects: poems, articles on publishing, writing craft, etc.
C) Experiment with style. That’s what I did to create NIGHTS OF TEMPTATION. I knew I wanted to write a free read and that it would be a prequel to TEMPTATION EVE. I had the plot sketched out on paper, knew what I wanted to happen in my mind, but the story just wouldn’t come.
For the longest time, I had nothing except several blocks of dialogue. So I kept editing and revising them until they felt realistic and also revealed a lot about the characters without feeling fake.
Lastly, I experimented by writing the story in TWO tenses: First Person Present and Third Person. My favorite was the first person version. Both versions are posted on my freebies page so readers can choose their favorite.
[Reply]
just realized I spelled comparison wrong before…lovely.
Anywho, contesty stuff:
2. RSVP’d and asked 2 questions
3.joined her newsletter, facebook, and group blog
4. attended daily book chat, rsvp’d for tomorrow’s event, entered free book contest
5. spread the word
http://not-really-southernvampchick.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/manda513?ref=name
http://twitter.com/NRSVampChick/status/8821824421
http://www.shelfari.com/groups/29157/discussions/161992/Competitions-put-em-here-
http://www.goodreads.com/mandan513
[Reply]
@ Amanda: Yay! Another Angel fan girl. My favorite character on the show was Fred/Illyria. (I did a countdown of the Sexiest Female Supervillains on my blog recently and Illyria got the #1 slot because she is kick butt).
Amy Acker is a phenomenal actress. I enjoyed the fragility of Fred, the slightly kooky but brilliant scientist and when she turned into Illyria, I was floored by how ruthless and mesmerizing the actress and character were.
I also liked Lilah’s character. She was evil but also clever. She also had a vulnerability that made it hard to hate her even when she did terrible things.
Influential writers: I read across a LOT of genres – sci fi, fantasy, paranormal, western, historical, etc. Growing up, I was very much into fantasy and sci fi. Robin McKinley is the earliest fantasy writer I can remember – and she has written a vampire novel titled Sunshine (I mention that above). I also was inspired by Terri Windling (I ADORE her debut novel, The Wood Wife). I used to read all of the Year’s Best Scifi/Fantasy Anthologies.
Also, I have to give credit to Beverly Jenkins. She was the first author I read who showed me not to write inside of boxes; that if I could imagine it and I weaved my story well-enough, I could write almost anything and have readers enjoy it the way I did.
[Reply]
@ Leni K: I’ve always been drawn to stories that feature fantastical elements and characters. Those are featured in many genres – fantasy, scifi, paranormal, comic books. My stories hybridize genres: so my futuristic stories also feature paranormal creatures.
I grew up reading authors who wrote about similar things: worlds that leapt off the pages and characters who were A)not human or human hybrids ; B) Fantasy creatures in unique worlds or C) Humans in a fantasy world.
Some of my faves include: The Wood Wife by Terri Windling (it’s about a contemporary woman who travels to New Mexico to investigate the suspicious death of her mentor. There she meets a dangerous human-like creature who is actually a Native American spirit god); The Blue Sword and The Hero & the Crowd by Robin McKinley; Deerskin by Robin McKinley (I ADORE this book!)
I also read almost all of Sharon Green’s The Blending series (about four people who control different elements – air, water, earth, fire and HEART! Just kidding on the last one. I’m channeling Captain Planet).
[Reply]
Michelle thanks for stopping in today. I am always happy to learn about a new author and understand what motivates them. I also love to read about who they would pick for their ideal cast.
My question for you is if you had to swap lives with a character you have written - who would it be and why?
I RSVP’D
I Twittered about this.
[Reply]
Hi Michelle,
Wow, Eve sounds like my kind of woman! Whoo! It’s great to see a career driven character who won’t lose it too much. So I’m curious, how do you get over your writer’s block? Also, who inspired you for Noah?
rsvp’d
went to book chat
rsvp’d for tuesday’s
entered free book contest
Thanks!
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Hi Michelle,
Who’s your favorite author and when did you know you wanted to become one?
4. RSVPd
5. Tweeted http://twitter.com/marieimy/status/8825952486
marieimy (at) gmail (dot) com
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Wowza, Michelle, you book sounds great.*fanning myself* I loved the Angel TV series (& all the guys, well, except the baddies…except Christian Kane, were all such hotties). I love your casting, too *time to break out the desk fan, it’s getting hot in here*
BTW, did you know that Robin McKinley is on Twitter? I’m just sayin’ (I love her writing, too). Hmm, judging by reading taste, I suspect that we’re sisters. I must ask my mother is she had more offspring & didn’t tell me.
Is there an author, who is no longer writing for whatever reason (death, for example), by whom you would love to see another manuscript published? For example, I was thrilled when someone put together another Lord Peter Whimsy novel from Dorothy L. Sayers’ notes.
contest stuff: RSVP’d, Friended on FB, mentioned on Twitter
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I love Amy Acker too! She showed such diversity in the Fred/Illyria rolls!
OH, and it’s funny that you should mention Sunshine, I just got that in the mail this week! So hopefully I’ll get to read it soon.
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Hi, Michelle! Thanks for a fabulous giveaway! Your blog is great, and you’ve always got something great going on there with authors and contests : )
Big “Angel” fan here…David B is mighty fine : )
Who was the first really bad, bad, bad boy you fell in love with?
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@ Sue A: Sorry! Somehow I skipped your question earlier. There are several authors I’d love to co-write with: Marjorie M. Liu on one of her Marvel comic books (I’m a fan of comics and graphic novels) and also my crit partner, Minx Malone.
Minx and I actually are planning a collab project in the near future, so stay tuned!
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@ Lisa R: If you want to get a feel for my writing, check out the freebies page at my site. NIGHTS OF TEMPTATION is a 3,000 word prequel to my paranormal romance, TEMPTATION EVE. Also, Chapter 1 of both Starstruck: Hunter (Futuristic/Paranormal) and Temptation Eve are available for download at my site.
As for themes: Love against all odds. It’s common in fairy tales, ones where seemingly opposite characters come together in love despite all the odds against them. I’m also a fan of the whole opposites attract theme.
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@ Marnie C.:
I would love to take a day tour of Neptune, West Virginia. It was a cool place to imagine: a place where danger never sleeps, celestial stars fall from the sky and werewolves hunt humans at night.
I would like to be Noah Benson, the “hunter” from my book Starstruck: Hunter for a day. He’s just cool. There are two scenes in the book where he gets into it with a werewolf. What makes it even more of a thrilling encounter is this: The shifters in my book retain sentience. They shift bodies but keep their human mental abilities.
Talk about a dangerous foe!Not only can they bite off limb and toss you through walls, but they can strategize and plan counter attacks. For this reason, it makes Noah’s fights with them — especially on behalf of Miranda — so cool.
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FYI: Here’s the link to Chapter 1 from my site for those interested in Noah’s first encounter with a werewolf. **If the hyperlink didn’t work, just visit http://www.michellelaurenbooks.com/freebies
And here is a short link to the book’s buy page at Liquid Silver Books: http://cataurl.com/zOein (When you click the link, it shows you the permanent link to Starstruck: Hunter’s buy page)
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@ Biki: It’s nice to meet you. I’m glad you enjoyed the preview of Eve.
I try things to get over writer’s block when it does strike: A)Take some “me time” to get my mind off the issue. Sometimes this helps because when I stop forcing myself to attempt writing, I usually get new ideas; B) Work on a different project; C) Experiment. This can involve me focusing on just writing ONE scene; or I will challenge myself to write a scene with DIALOGUE ONLY.
The last can be very fun. It’s amazing how much you can learn about two people just by listening to their conversations. When dialogue is strong,it really enhances the connection between two characters. If dialogue is strong enough to portray action and move along a scene WITHOUT narration, then I know it’s a winner.
Who inspired Noah Benson, the hero from Starstruck: Hunter? I don’t really base characters off real people. He’s a product of his world: Jaded. Dangerous. A bit amoral. But, at his core, he has a strong sense of loyalty. He’s flawed and that’s why I loved writing him. He’s an anti-hero. He isn’t tame or squeaky clean but he’s still one of the “good” guys. Just with an edge.
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@ Marie E: I knew I wanted to be a writer since I first heard fairy tales and imagined myself living them out. That was a LONG time ago. ;D
My favorite authors? There are SO many it isn’t even funny. I am a HUGE fan of Neil Gaiman. Have you ever read him? He’s a phenomenal writer. His short story Coraline left me with chills. I’m a fan of Maryjanice Davidson — my favorite paranormal anthology by her is Dead & Loving It. I’ve read it over a dozen times.
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@ Sewicked: No, I DIDN’T know Robin McKinley is on Twitter. How cool is that? I’m not on Twitter but I’ll search for her and try to follow her updates from time to time. Thanks for letting me know.
Re: Angel the Series: The baddies were hotties; I admit that. Especially Lilah’s assistant — Daniel Dae Kim. **Excuse me while I drool** He also played on the show Lost.
You wanna see my original casting for Alonso from Temptation Eve? Check it out here.
Is there an author, who is no longer writing for whatever reason (death, for example), by whom you would love to see another manuscript published?
What a unique question! I’d like to read more by Terri Windling. I read her debut The Wood Wife a long time ago but I haven’t seen much out by her lately. I’d also love to read more by Patricia C. Wrede. I’m such a fan of her Enchanted Forest Chronicles series. I have all of the books.
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Amanda Leigh wrote: I love Amy Acker too! She showed such diversity in the Fred/Illyria rolls!
Here’s the link to that Female Supervillain List I did if you’re interested. There is a lot of great fan art for Illyria’s character, but few come close to how awesome she looked on the show.
Amanda Leigh wrote: OH, and it’s funny that you should mention Sunshine, I just got that in the mail this week! So hopefully I’ll get to read it soon.
I think you’ll enjoy it. I can’t remember but I believe it’s written in first person. It’s different than McKinley’s other stories in the style and pacing, but it’s definitely worth a look.
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I RSVP’d. And have befriended you on Facebook.
Thank you for this q&a today… I’m going right now to your link to download the pre-quel. And… I don’t have an e-reader either. I like to read books… I like turning the pages… And… Doctors without Borders is one of my favorite charities… I may have to go buy your books from your publisher… just because…
How much time do you average spend researching before you actually start writing?
Thank you!
Linda
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Virginia C wrote: Hi, Michelle! Thanks for a fabulous giveaway! Your blog is great, and you’ve always got something great going on there with authors and contests : )
Thanks Virginia! I’m glad you enjoy the giveaways. Organizing them is a ton of work but it’s something fun and nice for me to do to give back to readers and to introduce them authors they might not have read before. Here’s my current blog schedule for character/author interviews and new release giveaways this month.
Virginia C wrote: Big “Angel” fan here…David B is mighty fine : )
Who are you telling?
I know! Do you prefer his Angel character as Angel or Angelus?
Virginia C wrote: Who was the first really bad, bad, bad boy you fell in love with?
In real life or in books? Hmm. I always fall for bad boys in books and on screen. That’s probably why I typically write anti-heroes: they are the best of both worlds.
I have a major crush on Severus Snape’s character — as played by the velvety-voiced Alan Rickman.
In real life, the first bad boy was also one of the most romantic guys I’ve dated. He would leave romantic presents for me on my doorstep at night. One time, he called me and told me to look outside. When I did, I found two bottles of creamy, vanilla-scent body lotion along with a pocket-sized book of Shakespeare’s sonnets.
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Hi Michelle! Thank you for sharing! Sadly, I’ve not yet read any of your stories, but plan on “trolling” from some info a bit later!
What made you decide on Erotica? was it a natural development within PNR genre, or something else entirely?
Also, did you have much input on the cover design? I think the inclusion of the apple is perfect!
I RSVP’d @ BBB and BBB_FaceBook
Registered for Newsletter - will forward confirmation
Sent FaceBook Friend Request: “Kate Leger”
Sent MySpace Request: “Kate Leger” (YzhaBella)
On my way to the Daily Book Chat
Rsvp’d for Candice Gilmer @ BBB and BBB_FaceBook
Link Shared on:
http://www.facebook.com/Kate.and.Norm.Leger?ref=profile
http://www.myspace.com/yzabella_erotica — Bulletin and blog
http://yzabellasbookshelf.spaces.live.com/default.aspx
http://yzhabellasbookshelf.blogspot.com/
Have a great day every one!
Kate (aka YzhaBell’s BookShelf)
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Hey - I have enjoyed all the books that I have read by you so far and need to get a copy of ths book!
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Linda Townsend wrote: Thank you for this q&a today… I’m going right now to your link to download the pre-quel.
Thank YOU for joining me today Linda. It’s always great to interact with readers. I hope you like Nights of Temptation. There is a “Battle of the Temptations POV” poll in the sidebar of my site where you can let me know which version you prefer. The voting is anonymous; all I see are the total votes per item.
Linda T. wrote: I don’t have an e-reader either. I like to read books… I like turning the pages…
I love the smell of books. Is that weird? That’s what I remember from my childhood: the smell of library books. The weight of them in my hands. Nothing beats that for me. But I’m not one of those persons who feels the need to ONLY read one format. I have lots of print books and lots of e-books and some audio books. Let them all play together.
My aversion to e-readers comes from A)the costs and B) the screen size. I have enough trouble with my computer screen (but that’s because I spend all day and all nights staring at it writing).
Linda T wrote: Doctors without Borders is one of my favorite charities… I may have to go buy your books from your publisher… just because…
Thank you! I appreciate every sale. I really like that Doctors Without Borders isn’t just country-specific; they offer aid world wide. They are perfect for rendering aid to Haiti, though, because they all ready operate hospitals in Port-au-Prince.
Linda T wrote: How much time do you average spend researching before you actually start writing? Thank you!
The time depends on what story I’m writing. I research for everything I wrote, regardless of genre. I research languages, including dialects and colloquial expressions; geography of cities so I can use local landmarks. I research the origin of different paranormal or fantasy creatures to know what powers they have, where they originated from, etc.
In short, it takes a while. Weeks, at least. I do initial research and then continue as I write. I create note for slang my characters use; to know what types of clothing they wear; as well as mannerisms. I do research for weaponry as well.
It’s always pretty intensive but I do my best not to make the narrative bogged down. Research is good for making a story realistic but I don’t want the descriptions to scream I SPENT HOURS AND HOURS LOOKING THIS UP SO APPRECIATE IT!
If readers notice the research and let me know, that’s great. If not, I don’t mind. It’s all part of the experience.
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Out of all your books, what is one scene are you most proud of or the one you like the most?
If you could have your characters visit another author’s world where would you like them to go and who would they visit while there?
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Kate L @ YzhaBella’s BookShelf wrote What made you decide on Erotica? was it a natural development within PNR genre, or something else entirely?
It came about naturally for me, mainly because these are the books that I read. I used to be an editor and most of the books assigned to me were erotic romances. Starstruck: Hunter is an erotic romance but the sex doesn’t dominate the plot. One of my readers describes it better than I can:
For those wondering about the content, there are some sexually explicit scenes that may push this into erotica territory based on the acts and the language but the conclusion is sweet as the buildup. The story doesn’t suffer at all if you want skip right through these. The tension between Noah and Miranda is very high and the conversations they have as they get to know each other feels very real. The link is to the reader’s review on Goodreads.
Kate L @ YzhaBella’s BookShelf wrote: Also, did you have much input on the cover design? I think the inclusion of the apple is perfect!
Thanks! Yes, I had a lot of input on the cover. Basically, I filled out a form with what I imagined for the cover. I wanted the apple to pull on the allusion to Eve in the Garden of Eve, and the apple did that nicely. My cover artist, Tuesday Dube, was amazing. She took everything I asked for, gave it a remix and put it together in a way that really worked.
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Michelle Lauren,
I purchased Temptation Eve through Cobblestone because of what you are doing for Haiti.
***Potential Spoiler***
I like the premise of your book. Having a lawyer often called a ‘bloodsucker” hanging with an incubus.
Any chance for a sequel or an off-shoot with other characters?
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What a great interview, Michelle. You’re on a fast track headed straight for the top.
Hugs,
Destiny Blaine
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Hi, Michelle! Thanks for being here.
I also like Naomie Harris. She did a great job in Pirates. I have to admit that I have not read any of your works yet. I am captured by your interview. I will have to tell my friends about TEMPTATION EVE.
3. Facebook, newsletter, Myspace, and blogspot
4. did all three
5. Facebook, Twitter
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Darkreader wrote: Hey - I have enjoyed all the books that I have read by you so far and need to get a copy of th[i]s book!
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed my work. If you haven’t already read it, Nights of Temptation (the FREE prequel to my current paranormal romance Temptation Eve ) is available on my freebies page (http://www.michellelaurenbooks.com/freebies).
Aren’t you in one of my paranormal reader groups? Your user name looks familiar? You don’t have to answer on here. I’m not trying to out you.
[Reply]
I RSVPed
Thanks for the great interview. This book sounds great. It is a must for my to read list.
Joined newsletter
Friends on Facebook
Friends on Myspace
Joined Yahoo group
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Joined daily chat
RSVPed for Tuesday’s event
Entered Free Book contest
[Reply]
Sharon Manning-Lew wrote: I purchased Temptation Eve through Cobblestone because of what you are doing for Haiti.
Thank you Sharon! I got your purchase receipt and sent you the Bonus Read. Let me know if you didn’t receive it.
Sharon Manning-Lew wrote: ***Potential Spoiler***
I like the premise of your book. Having a lawyer often called a “bloodsucker” hanging with an incubus. Any chance for a sequel or an off-shoot with other characters?
Yes! The Bonus Read, A Taste of Temptation includes a Sneak Peek at Book 2 in the series. It features a character that appears at the end of Temptation Eve and shows readers a hint of her powers. I plan on writing several books in the Nocturnal Cravings series. Eve and Alonso will definitely return, but the series will also feature new characters. Hope you like the Bonus Read!
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2) Hey Michelle What Are One Or Two Things We Wouldn’t Normally Know About You?
What Inspired You To Write Temptation Eve.
3) I Signed Up For Michelle’s Newsletter.
I Am friends With Michelle On Facebook.
I Am friends With Michelle On Myspace.
I Am Already A Member Of Michelle’s Yahoo Groups.
I Already Follow Michelle’s Group Blog.
http://skyla11377.blogspot.com/
4. I Joined Bitten By Books At Your Daily Book Chat Here Comment 22.
I R.S.V.P. For Tuesday’s Event Here Comment 31.
I Entered The Free Book Contest Here Comment 26
5) I Posted This Event On My blog.
http://skyla11377.blogspot.com/2010/02/bitten-by-bookscom_08.html
I Tweeted About This Event In twitter (@skyla11377).
http://twitter.com/skyla11377/status/8828843847
I Posted This Event On My facebook Page.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/skyla11377?ref=profile
I Posted This Event On My Myspace Blog.
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&bID=528754440
I Posted This Event On My Bulletin.
http://bulletins.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=bulletin.read&authorID=82282510&messageID=6635879946
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I Forgot To Mention I Had R.S.V.P.’D For This Event.
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I R.S.V.P.’D
2) Hello Michelle Have You Always Wanted To Be A Writer Or Was Their Something Else You Wanted To Do?
4) I R.S.V.P. For Tuesday’s Event Here Comment 32.
[Reply]
2) Hey Michelle What Are One Or Two Things We Wouldn’t Normally Know About You?
What Inspired You To Write Temptation Eve.
3) I Signed Up For Michelle’s Newsletter.
I Am friends With Michelle On Facebook.
I Am friends With Michelle On Myspace.
I Am Already A Member Of Michelle’s Yahoo Groups.
I Already Follow Michelle’s Group Blog.
http://skyla11377.blogspot.com/
4. I Joined Bitten By Books At Your Daily Book Chat Here Comment 22.
I R.S.V.P. For Tuesday’s Event Here Comment 31.
I Entered The Free Book Contest Here Comment 26
5) I Posted This Event On My blog.
http://skyla11377.blogspot.com/2010/02/bitten-by-bookscom_08.html
I Tweeted About This Event In twitter (@skyla11377).
http://twitter.com/skyla11377/status/8828843847
I Posted This Event On My facebook Page.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/skyla11377?ref=profile
I Posted This Event On My Myspace Blog.
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&bID=528754440
I Posted This Event On My Bulletin.
http://bulletins.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=bulletin.read&authorID=82282510&messageID=6635879946
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Ladytink_534 wrote: Out of all your books, what is one scene are you most proud of or the one you like the most?
Hmm. That’s difficult. I really enjoyed writing a fight scene from my novel How to Tame a Harpy. This book was a 2009 Dorchester & Romantic Times magazine American Title V finalist. (American Title is basically American Idol for books.) How to Tame a Harpy is about a street smart harpy whose temper has a mind of its own — literally. When she’s accused of murder, fate — and several dead bodies — tosses her into the lap of a stone shape shifter.
One of my favorite scenes is the first meeting between the harpy - Siren - and Daniel, the stone shapeshifter (or, Gargoyle as his enemies call him). She’s attacked by some thugs who don’t realize why hell hath no fury like a harpy scorned.
The book is currently in the editing stages (i.e. not signed to a publisher). However, I do have several excerpts from it available in the Free Read section of my Yahoo group.
Ladytink_534 wrote: If you could have your characters visit another author’s world where would you like them to go and who would they visit while there?
Ooh! I <3 you for asking this question.
I would LOVE-LOVE-LOVE for Eve and Alonso to run into vampire Queen Betsy from Maryjanice Davidson’s universe. Can you imagine what sparks would fly? I think Eve and Betsy would get along but I can envision Alonso and Eric locking horns over who’s the most alpha.
Is it wrong that I find that hot?
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OMG, I Am SO Sorry. My Comp Is Crazy. It Doesn’t Show My Post (I Think Because It Is Just Slow As Maple Syruo)And When I Go To Resend It It Finally Shows Me My First Post Along With The New Post.
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@ Destiny: Hi there! Great to see you here. How are you doing tonight?
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@ Faerydreamer/Dianne B.: I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. Big hug for you! Word-of-mouth is the best promo. I appreciate it.
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@ Julie Swaney: You’re very welcome. Thanks for stopping in to chat. I got your friend requests and accepted.
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Thanks so much for sharing you feedback Michelle!
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@ Raquel vega-Grieder: Thanks for joining me tonight. How are you doing? Are you getting any snow in your area?
As for your questions: Raquel vega-Grieder wrote: What Are One Or Two Things We Wouldn’t Normally Know About You? [AND]What Inspired You To Write Temptation Eve?
Did I all ready mention that I collect pajamas? I have probably 2 dozen pair or more. I once got lost in a mirrored fun house and didn’t realize everyone outside at the fair could see my crying because I didn’t know how to get out.
Inspiration for Temptation Eve: I originally wrote the story as a 1,500 word erotic read for an online magazine that was A) a May-December romance (with Eve as the older woman); B) NOT a paranormal story; and C) had a different title and focus. It was like flash fiction — a very erotic interlude with no backstory, no resolution, no character development.
But after I wrote it, I realized I wanted to know more about these characters. And, since I tend to want to make everything I write had a pinch of paranormal in it, when I started editing the story, Alonso turned into an incubus; Eve became a lawyer; their ages are much closer (both in their 30’s); and they got a real story.
I’m SO glad now that it didn’t get accepted by the magazine!
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@ Denise Vega: I always knew I would be a writer because that is what I love doing. However, I also happen to be a severe workaholic. My crit partner can attest to this: I typically hold down four jobs at a time.
Right now I have a 9 to 5; I write a regular column for a romance writer’s magazine; I’m a freelance writer for other magazines; and I am a novelist.
SO, with that in mind: As a girl, I knew I would always be a writer but I also wanted to be an interior designer. I still love decorating, rearranging furniture, shopping for furniture and fabric, etc. I wanted to go to Parson’s School of Design in New York (the one where Tim Gunn from Project Runway “makes it work!”).
I don’t regret not going that route, though. If my career was as an interior designer, I probably wouldn’t have the energy or time to devote to my writing that I do now. This way, I get to decorate and design my own place when I want PLUS spend as much time as I need writing. Best of both worlds.
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@ Raquel: Don’t worry about it. I’ve done that before. Sometimes the net is a Wackity-Schmackity Doo, as Payton Oswalt would say.
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VERY cool interview Michelle! I’m wondering, I’m working on a book, but I have a couple of short stories in the works. Do you think short stories are a good way to start out before having a book published?
Twittered event: http://bit.ly/dvhh2U
Joined Michelle’s newsletter
RSVP tomorrow’s event
Entered Free Book contest
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Hey, Michelle,
What an in-depth interview! I can’t wait to read Temptation Eve and I love your dedication to help Haiti! I’m so glad your cousin was ok. I intend to read all your work and I wish you even more success in 2010!!!
I’m joining your group/newsletter now and I did RSVP for this event.
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@ Brenda: Glad you enjoyed the interview. I’m doing double-duty right now: I had to pause to post a new character interview for my blog. I’m having author Jeanne St. James on to talk about her new book.
It’s a good thing I type fast or I would be missing a LOT of comments!
I think short stories are a great way to hone the craft of storytelling. In college, I really struggled with short stories. They look simple but they aren’t. Learning how to craft an engaging short story that is more that has a theme and where action and resolution takes place is difficult.
I’m really glad I took that class though. I started off thinking I couldn’t do it and ended up writing several short stories — albeit, very rough ones. (The ones I had to write for class were about 3,000 words or less.) Then the other students went around and got to critique the story.
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@ Angela: Hi there miss lady! Nice to see you in this neck of the woods. Thanks for the kind words. I was relieved when my cousin let us know he made it home safely.
If you want a taste of Temptation Eve , check out my Freebies page. The 3,000 word prequel, Nights of Temptation is there for free download.
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3 - did the newsletter, Yahoo Groups, already at facebook fan page
5 - twitter - @OV_099
FB - http://www.facebook.com/people/Lois-Merritt/100000225278700
LJ - http://ov-099.livejournal.com/
site blog - http://home.comcast.net/~loismerritt1013 and click on Blog/What’s New
2 - hmm, questions — well, I did think when I saw the answer about your heroes/bad boys, and did think of who would be your favorite bad boy outside of your writing. . . and another complete innocuous question (because I’m utter clueless! LOL) what’s your favorite season?
Lois
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Hi Michelle,
Great Interview and very informative. I have not had the pleasure of reading your books, but I am certainly intrigued. I am looking forward to reading them.
Did you always want to be a writer?
What is the first book you ever wrote?
I’m wishing you much success on your release
I RSVP’d
I spread the word on FB
http://www.facebook.com/tawania?ref=profile
RSVP’d for tomorrow’s chat & contest
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Hi Michelle,
you are a new author to me, but your book is something I’d enjoy.
rsvpd
posted on FB:DinaStornello
posted on goodreads: ” ”
friended on FB: ” ”
posted on twitter: dlsmilad
frieneded myspace:dlsmilad
joined yahoo.grp
revpd for tomorrow
thank you,
Dina S
dlsmilad@yahoo.com
[Reply]
@ Tawania: I appreciate the well wishes. As for your questions:
Did you always want to be a writer?
Sure did. I love my job!
What is the first book you ever wrote?
Wow! I have to think about that one. Hmm. I wrote a lot of stories in elementary school. I remember one featured talking wilderbeasts. Don’t ask.
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@ Dina S: Hope you enjoy the free reads. Thanks for stopping by to chat!
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how do you balance life with writing
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@ authra: I don’t sleep. Kidding! A little. Truthfully, part of my personality is to be a workaholic. So I learned how to multi-task very well.I have day planners so I knew what deadlines are coming up when. I leave sticky notes for myself everywhere.
When I get to the point where I feel overwhelmed, I force myself to unplug my computer and focus on relaxing. I remind myself that my health is most important and that I won’t be able to do what I love - writing - if I’m burned out.
As a result, I’ve had to turn down some career opportunities — I had the opportunity to take a position as editor at a print publisher recently but I couldn’t take it because I already have several jobs.
I try to remember: if my personal life isn’t healthy and happy, my writing will also suffer. So it benefits me to make sure I’m taking care of myself and the people I love. When I do that, everything else seems to fall into place for me.
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Hello Michelle. I haven’t read your books yet. They seem very interesting. I’m going to the bookstore soon so I think I will pick up Starstuck 1st. That story line really caught my attention.
My questions are:
If you had the opportunity to be one of the characters that you have written for one day who would it be? And why?
Talked about it on Facebook
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Talked about it on Twitter
http://twitter.com/Amy_Luvs_Books
I RSVP’ed
Entered book contest
joined daily chat
[Reply]
You are new to me. Love the cover of your book. Would love to read it. Can’t think of question that anyone else hasn’t already asked.
RSVPed for Tuesday
Entered Book giveaway
Sue B
stevebrandes(at)gmail(dot)com
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@ Sue BL Great to meet you, Sue. I really like the cover as well. It’s gonna be hard to top it for Book 2!
[Reply]
Hi Michelle,
What are some of the hardest things for you to write e.g. love scenes, actions scenes, etc. and how do you overcome the problem? Also what are the easiest scenes for you to write? Why? Thanks.
I RSVPed.
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Joined daily book chat
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@ Lesley: Hi there. Very creative question. The easiest scenes for me to write are action scenes. I really enjoy writing them. I just go for the jugular and try to make them realistic.
The hardest are the love scenes. A lot goes into those and they are the most self-edited parts of any book I write. I think they are hardest for me because I don’t want them to sound corny. I always have to think: “Would someone REALLY say this at an intimate moment?” And I have to scrutinize them to ensure the actions fit with the characters instead of just being boiler plate scenes.
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Hi Michelle welcome to BBB
I havent been able to read your work yet but sounds awesome the book covers r hot
Im added you
your news letter
facebook
myspace:forever14n9
yahoo group :
following your blog with friend connect : SiNn
BBB
I rsvped
went to the daily book chat
rsvped for tomarrow
commente don the new book give away
shared on
face book: beverly Gordon
twitter: @bainesgoddess
myspace: http://www.myspace.com/forever14n9
and my blog : http://zenes-escape.blogspot.com/
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I have never read your books before, but this new one sounds so interesting? Do u just write paranormal or do u write contemporary too?
I RSVP’d for this session, and joined u on facebook and myspace. Will be buying your latest book. Always looking for new authers to read. I always wondered about the love scenes, do writers just make them up or do they actually do some of the things that they write about????
Tiss T.
tiss81@hotmail.com
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Hi Michelle, how do you get over your writers block? What do you have to do? I can’t wait to get your book and have put it on my TBR list. I’m not an author but I write so I know what you mean about it being frustrating when you can’t get your thoughts down on paper. I haven’t figured out how to get around it yet but I’m still trying.
2) I joined your newsletter, sent you an friends invite from facebook (Belinda K. Wolf-Whitaker)and myspace (www.myspace.com/bkwolf-whitaker) but am waiting on a response from you. Sent a request to join your yahoo group.
3) I joined the daily chat, entered for the free book, and RSVP’d
Belinda
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Hiyah Michelle!
When you write do you have a “superstition ritual” you do each time? like baseball pitchers or hockey goalies….do you do the same thing each time you get ready to write?
jo
johannasnodgrass@yahoo.com
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sorry forgot to mention that I RSVPd for this chat. Tried to join you on facebook but I must be doing something wrong….I am so computer illiterate!
jo
johannasnodgrass@yahoo.com
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Hey Michelle,
Thanks for visiting us!!!
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Hey Michelle,
Thanks for visiting us!!!
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Hi Michelle,
Love the descriptions of the books.
Was there any specific music that you thought of or listened to while you were writing them?
I RSVP’d
4. did all three.
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Any guilty pleasures?
4 - Done!
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Hi, Michelle! Your personality sounds a lot like mine.
Red silk. 
I like your movie/TV taste, like Calypso and Angel (fan here!). I like stories about responsible people being able to let go, so that control freak/submissive makes sense (like this one Jameron fanfic I read, Terminator TV). I write short stories best.
Do you have a favorite Angel episode or season?
Do you have a favorite comic or series?
I dressed as a “Spike fan” Illyria when the series ended.
Blue suits me, brings out the eyes, Haha. My mom and I loved Lilah and Lindsay. Michael Crichton had a way of showing you he researched a TON. Seen Spike, Angel, Lorne (sorry to hear about him) and Clem from Buffy in person. Ah, the smell of books. I am a multi-tasker, too. We like boy “fights”, here, don’t you worry.
RSVPd for this
Questions above
4 done all 3
Will friend on Facebook right after this and test out the free read so I can put this book on my wish list.
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Hi, Michelle,
have there ever been a story that you’d have liked to tell but didn’t because you thought it wouldn’t be publishable? Or do you simply write and worry about publishing later?
And a question for fun: what was the weirdest/funniest question you ever were asked by a fan?
Thanks!
I RSVPed for this
3. I signed up for the newsletter, joined the Yahoo group and I’m now a follower of The NaughtyGirlsNexDoor blog via Google Friend Connect.
4. chatted, RSVPed and entered the contest
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@ Lois M.: Don’t worry. I enjoy innocuous questions as much as the next girl. ;D My favorite season is winter. I think snow is beautiful and watching it fall feels very calming. Incongruously, I dislike being cold but you gotta take the good with the not so good sometimes.
Hmm. My favorite bad boy. One of the sexiest bad boys I’ve seen on-screen was Justin Theroux from Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle. He played an Irish Mobster who got RIPPED à la Clint Eastwood in Escape from Alcatraz.
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@ Tawania: Thanks for the good wishes. Yes, I always wanted to write for my career. Hmm. I’ll switch up my answer this time and tell you about the first NOVEL I wrote. It was a time travel romance, where a modern woman traveled back to the ancient Highlands and landed smack in the middle of a war between two rival clans – and a VERY seductive fairy king. I still have it but I don’t plan on publishing it.
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@ Tawania: Grr! Just realized I’d already answered your question. No wonder it looked familiar! So you get double the answers for one question, I guess.
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@ Amy Stoger: I got your friend requests and approved you! Thanks for stopping by to chat with me. Right now, Starstruck: Hunter is only in digital format, but who knows what the future holds? ;D I’m glad the premise caught your attention. You can read Chapter 1 free here.
As for your question: Earlier I mentioned that I’d like the chance to be Noah Benson and go on a tour of Neptune, West Virginia. It would be cool to ride a motorcycle (I’m too scared in real life) and WAY cool to tangle with a werewolf — and NOT get my butt kicked.
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@ Beverly G: **blushes** Thanks. I <3 both my cover artists. Cris Griffin (who is awesome) did the cover for Starstruck: Hunter and Tuesday Dube did the cover for Temptation Eve. In both instances, I had tons of input on the final product but part of the fun was in seeing the artists interpret what I envisioned.
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@ Tiss: I’ve written futuristic, urban fantasy, paranormal, two time-travel romances (both non-erotic, non-paranormal stories). I haven’t yet written a contemporary romance with no elements of fantastical happenings, though.
It’s one of my goals for the collaboration project I’m planning with my crit partner. I’ve told her to be strict with me, since my Muse tends to want to add in a dash of the fantastical no matter the setting. My crit partner writes contemporary romances, so that’s the type of project we’re going to write. I’ll update my site with more details in coming months.
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@Belinda: I got your friend requests and accepted them all. I think.
Let me know if I missed any. People do different things to get rid of writer’s block. I try several methods in hopes of shaking the feeling. The most consistent one I’ve found is taking some personal time to relax and then, starting a new project. That’s usually enough to get my creative juices flowing and then I can switch back to whatever project I abandoned before.
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**waves at Jo** Hi back at you. No; I don’t have any superstitions. I write notes in my email, on stickys, on my computer and on paper and go back and combine them later. The settings usually differ, too; The only consistent element is that I’m writing.
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@ CeCe: It’s great to be here. I’m excited to see so many people turning out!
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@ Beth C: While brainstorming for Starstruck: Hunter, I listened to music from artists like Imogen Heap. For Temptation Eve, I listened to more sensual music with faster tempos to “set the mood” while I imagined the plot. As I mentioned earlier, I don’t listen to music while I write because it distracts me. However, when I’m just imagining it, music helps focus my thoughts.
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@ Ruby E: Ooh. Tons! I enjoy reading fanfiction. I won’t out my inner geek TOO much, but some of the fandoms I read include Highlander, Dollhouse, BTVS, Angel the Series & one that rhymes with Barry Trotter.
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@ R.E.B. : Is that Jameron fanfic based on the new Terminator TV series (the Sarah Connor Chronicles)? I haven’t watched that yet but I want to, since I’m a fan of Summer Glau (i.e. River from Firefly for the win!)
Do you have a favorite Angel episode or season? Yes! Smile Time, Season 5 is THE best comedic episode of the series. Angel as a puppet kicking vampire Spike’s butt is timeless. And how his temper and emotional control evaporate to the size of a puppet’s due to the transformation, so EVERYTHING excites him and when he gets angry, it’s such a tremendous overreaction that it’s hilarious.
Do you have a favorite comic or series? I really enjoyed reading Marvel’s NYX: No Way Home series, but I also like the Heroes: Volume I graphic novel. That one really sucked me in – despite the fact that I no longer watch the TV show. I would be interested in reading some of the Angel the Series graphic novels that take place after the final battle show in the series’ finale.
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@ Dovile P: When I first started writing, I wrote the stories I wanted with no consideration for its marketability. However, once I started writing as a career, with publication as a goal, more thought goes into my story process. In the back of my mind, I consider what publisher and genre the story could work for. I usually think up tag lines and blurbs very early on. That helps later when I need to sell the project.
However, I don’t let a story’s marketability or lack thereof stop me from writing it. If I write something and there is no current market for it, I know that I can offer it as a free read or put it on Kindle for readers to download for $1 or something.
Hmm. The funniest/strangest question a reader has asked me…I don’t know. I’m stumped on that one! Instead, I’ll tell you the strangest/funniest question a fan asked Tom Felton (a.k.a. Draco Malfoy – a gorgeous “villain” from Harry Potter). He mentioned that a fan came up to him and asked if he was going to play Draco Malfoy in the next movie installment or if he was playing a different character. His joking response? “Actually, I’ll be playing Harry in the next film. See, that’s the twist.” That was an extra on one of the DVDs. I laughed so hard at that.
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@ Tiss: Oops! I realized I missed the second half of your questions. No, writers don’t need to experience everything they write about first-hand. That old saying, “write what you know” isn’t always true. In most cases, it isn’t. Hence, the research. Mix it up with some imagination – and voila! A great love scene in born.
For instance: In the 6,000 word Bonus Read A Taste of Temptation (Available with purchase of Temptation Eve), Eve and Alonso get frisky with some maple syrup. I’ve never done that. But it’s a steamy, funny scene that gives readers a look at life after the Happy Ending.
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Hi Michelle, I haven’t read your books but temptation eve looks great, it’s in my tbr now! Thanks for coming to BBB~
I RSVP’s
Did daily book chat
entered free book giveaway
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Wat do you love most about writing?
RSVPed.
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Hi Michelle,
I’m sorry I missed this yesterday - we got a major snowstorm and I was a bit preoccupied.
I LOVE your choices for actors as Eve and Alonso.
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I RSVP’s
I also entered for the free book and RSVP’d for tomorrow’s event
I friened Michelle on Facebook.
I have a question - How far do you see this series going?
Sounds like a great series.
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@ Stephanie S: Thanks! It’s been really fun.
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@ Kristina S: I love creating new worlds and interesting characters. It’s purely vicarious living.
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@ Kate: Hiya! Thanks for stopping in. Hope you’re staying warm. Another snow system is headed my way tomorrow.
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@ Larena W: This is such a fun series to write. Book 2 is a definite, and I can say now that I’ll probably write a minimum of 4 books in this series. But hopefully, it’s one that will just keep growing and getting more exciting.
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Hi! Wow, I like MaryJanice Davidson’s books. Oh~ the hilarity. I was wondering if you played/or playing any sports? Any experience in the martial arts?
Thank you!
Aori H.
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@ Aori: Thanks for stopping in. Great to meet another Maryjanice Davidson fan. No, I don’t play any sports. Unless you count speed typing.
I do like watching martial arts films. My fave stars are Jet Li (even before he came to the U.S. to do films; I especially liked his film Tai Chi Master) and old school Jackie Chan (from when he did Snake in the eagle’s shadow).
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I RSVPed for this event.
2. Hi Michelle! How cool…we share the same name! You mentioned that the movie Interview with the Vampire is one of your favorites. Are you also a fan of Anne Rice’s novels? If so, which is your fave? Mine is Queen of the Damned.
4. RSVPed for Tuesday’s event and entered the free book contest.
5. Tweeted: http://twitter.com/truebookaddict/status/8884842718
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@ Michelle @ The True Book Addict: Hi there. Yes, I am a fan of Anne Rice’s novels — although I’m more a fan of those written under her pseudonym, A.N. Roquelaure (she wrote a VERY erotic retelling of Sleeping Beauty’s adventures). I read Interview with the Vampire and enjoyed that, but then I couldn’t get into the second book in that series.
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@ Michelle @ The True Book Addict: Forgot to add: I DID like the plot for Queen of the Damned but I can’t remember if I read all of it.
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@ Michelle @ The True Book Addict: Ooh! Just stopped by your blog. Is that a picture of Doctor Who at the bottom? I’ve only seen clips of the show but I think David Tenant is GOR-GEOUS. Gotta love that Scottish accent.
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Have not yet read your books. Will have to check into them.
Good for you supporting Doctors Without Borders. They do a wonderful and necessary job.
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@ librarypat: Thanks for stopping in to chat with me. Hope you like my books. If you want to “test” them out, I have several free reads available at my site.
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Boy, so many comments. I thought the deadline would pass before I reached the bottom of the list. LOL Michelle, I can’t do all of the things you ask entrants to do, since I am not on Facebook, etc. But I wanted to give this a shot anyway. I love Barnes & Noble and go nuts looking at all the items there.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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@ Gladys P: Thanks for stopping in. I totally understand. I love shopping for books — sometimes TOO much so. You should be my TBR pile. Most of them are books I own but haven’t gotten around to reading.
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