Brenda Whiteside's Debut Novel- Sleeping with the Lights On

Today we welcome Brenda Whiteside to Writers in Business. Brenda has been writing all of her life in one way or another from the captions on her childish artwork to teenage psychedelic scrolls to her current novel. After publishing several short stories, she turned to writing novels.

Brenda, tell us about your debut novel.

My first novel, Sleeping with the Lights On, was published by Wild Rose Press in the summer of 2010.

What is it about?

Sandra Holiday thinks she’s met the man to end her years of less than perfect choices; choices that not only derailed her travel-related career plans but also left her single and broke.

Carson Holiday, a Las Vegas country crooner with swoon-inducing good looks, spent his adult life pursuing a recording contract and love, never holding on to either. After eighteen years, he drops back into Sandra’s life, reigniting an attraction he can’t deny.

When Carson reappears, Sandra must choose again. Only this time, nothing’s as it seems. A secret admirer, a redheaded stalker, and an eccentric millionaire throw her on a dangerous path, with Carson her only truth.

As life confronts her with yet another turning point, will her decisions find her eternally sleeping with the lights on – or will she finally discover a way to turn them off?

Are there any other books in the works?

Yes, An Elfin Secret will be released in November 2011 as part of an anthology (Warm Christmas Wishes); Tattoos, Leather and Studs will release in November 2011 as a short e-book; Honey On White Bread, a novel, will release in January 2012; and It Happened After Midnight, a novelette, will release in 2012.

Congratulations on the success of your writing! What inspires you?

I have two main sources of inspiration. One is real life stories of people close to me. Sometimes an event someone experienced will be a springboard for my book and other times it might be a path of discovery that person is on.

My second source of inspiration is maturity. I enjoy writing about women who are 40 plus and having an adventure of the heart or taking a new direction in their lives.

My life is also blessed with three creative soul mates; my son (a singer/song writer), my husband (an excellent photographer), and my dog, Rusty (the smartest dog in the world).

Brenda is available for book club and speaking engagements. You can find her online at BrendaWhiteside.com.

Announcing J.M. Kelley's Digital Novel, Drew In Blue

J.M. Kelley enjoys writing love stories. Her short story, Killing Me Softly, earned a first place finish in the In Other Words Competition at the 2010 Pennwriters Conference, and her non-fiction piece, Anniversary, won a second-place prize in the Carrie McCray Memorial Literary Awards at the 2010 South Carolina Writer's Workshop Conference. She is here today to tell us about her new book, Drew In Blue.

Congratulations on your new book, Drew In Blue. Can you tell us about it?

Drew In Blue is the story of a thirty-six year old loner unexpectedly saddled with the task of raising a baby while trying to sort out his mess of a life. Problem is, he just keeps making things worse for himself. It’s a running theme in Drew’s life, considering he never does anything the easy way. The River’s View, Pennsylvania gossip mill is watching each misstep as Drew juggles a price-gouging babysitter, a major case of artist’s block, and a best friend with an opinion to share on every bungled choice he makes.

Drew’s love life isn’t faring much better. Despite a long history of relationships that never really get off the ground, he falls head over heels for someone new, hoping that she might be the one to end his romantic bad luck streak. After a few abysmally bad false starts, things finally start looking up for Drew. That is, until he finds out (the hard way, naturally) that this new love interest isn’t the one for him after all. Turns out, it’s actually lifelong pal, and high school girlfriend, Kristina Moser.

Drew’s feelings for Kris intensify as he witnesses her growing bond with his son, and he finally realizes where he belongs. Now all he has to do is convince Kris he’s right… and she’s just not buying it.

I noticed your book is available as an ebook. This is one avenue I am considering for my books. Has the experience been positive?

It's definitely a positive experience. Being a debut author with a digital novel, I admit there are times I am left wondering about how to brainstorm fresh ways to promote my story, but the hands-on feeling in the process is incomparable. I love the experience of leading a person to my story, and getting their positive feedback a few days later. There's an intimacy with the readership that I wonder if I could duplicate in other publishing formats.

Lazy Day Publishing produced your book. Have you found them to be a cooperative publisher? Did you have to pay any fees as part of publication?

Lazy Day Publishing has been wonderful. They are always available to answer questions, and are supportive of the various ways in which we promote ourselves. I felt my opinion was very valued in the process of bringing Drew In Blue to publication. My personal vision regarding my cover was not only heard, but incredibly well-translated. I'm thrilled with the finished product and wouldn't want any other version. In creating trailers for our books, Lazy Day went a step beyond and tapped musician Ehron VonAllen to compose original music for each story.

And no, I've never been asked to pay any fees as part of publication. If any publisher asks you to pay a fee, that's a clear sign to run the opposite direction. I'm a very lucky author to have found Lazy Day.
How can we learn more about your writing?

My official website can be found at JMKelleyWrites.com. There, you'll find an excerpt from Drew In Blue, purchase links, reviews, my new book trailer, personal (and highly amateur) photography, and my blog. The running theme of my website is randomness at its finest, and I'm always happy to welcome a new follower to the mix. I'm also on Facebook and on Twitter as @JM_Kelley.

Thank you for joining us today on Writers in Business. I have one more question for you. Where can we find your book?

Drew In Blue can be downloaded from Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, All Romance, and Omni Lit. The book can be easily downloaded through my web site.

Sarah Ballance: Down in Flames - Hot new release!

Sarah Ballance lives a charmed life as the mother of six incredible homeschooled children, all of whom are completely adorable when they're asleep. Her husband of many years (long, long years, he calls them) is the kind of guy who could teach those heroes from the books a thing or two about romance, not that he'd readily admit it. Completely supportive of her newfound love of writing fiction, he's generously offered to help with any necessary research for "the good parts." She's never had to ask twice.

The whole boisterous lot of them live within boating distance of the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina, suspiciously close to the setting of Sarah’s second novel – a romantic suspense which gives a whole new meaning to the idea of escaping to the beach.

She joins us today to announce the exciting news of her new release, Down in Flames!

What inspired you to start writing fiction?

After writing little more than a grocery list throughout my entire adult life, I jumped into freelancing on a blind whim. I ended up making quite a bit of money through contract clients and scored a couple of national print credits to boot. One of my friends then suggested I write a novel, to which I replied “I can’t do that.” It’s one thing to write nonfiction … it can be impersonal. Fiction dives into the heart and mind of the writer and leaves pieces of the author’s soul on the page. As THE introvert, just the thought of putting myself out there like that scared me. But at the same time, I don’t like being told I can’t do anything – not even by ME – so I gave it a shot. Almost exactly a year after I typed the first words of Down in Flames, Noble Romance Publishing released it. I’m still an introvert, but I’m hooked!

As a homeschooling mom of 6, how do you find time to write? Have you created a schedule or do you work better when life is flexible?

In theory, I get up around five in the morning and spend four blissful, uninterrupted hours writing. In reality, 7:00 a.m. hits me like a boulder to the forehead and I wake up feeling totally behind and frazzled, which is a lousy way to start the day. I do my best writing in the morning, though, so it’s my goal to write early. The kids sleep in and begin their day around nine or ten and from there I’m in mom mode. I usually don’t get another chance to write until after dinner. I think overall our schedule IS “flexible,” LOL!


How did you decide on Noble for a publisher?

I did my research on a few publishers and found the buzz on Noble to be fantastic. No one had anything negative to say about them, I noticed many of their authors repeated, and the covers are stunning. You may not be able to judge a book by its cover, but covers do sell books! I didn’t think for a moment they’d accept my story, but they were definitely my top choice. And my experience has far exceeded any expectations I managed to form through the shock of the contract offer. The Noble team is friendly, professional, and both supportive of and available to their authors. I’m so blessed to have wandered through their front door with my homeless manuscript!

Promotion is such a big part of being an author. What are you doing to advertise Down in Flames?

This is something I’m still experimenting with. I’ve been fortunate with the number of blog interviews I’ve been offered, and eventually I worked up enough nerve to do a couple of guest blogs (to a fantastic response!). My focus now, aside of writing more books, is to get my name out there. Pretending to be an extrovert is tough at times, LOL, but the friends and connections I’ve made are amazing. And I’ve been told my book cover has been seen “all over the place” by more than one of these friends and readers, so I feel as if my small steps are good ones. The biggest response thus far has been in site hits originating from my paid ad, but it’s too soon to know if those hits will translate to sales.

Is there anything else you would like to share with my readers?

Thanks so much for hanging out and reading through to the end! To check out the latest news, read my favorite excerpt from Down in Flames, or take a peek at my news archives – including two guest blogs readers loved – please visit my website at SarahBallance.com. All of my contact info is on the home page, so if you’d like to connect that’s the place to go to make it happen!

Sarah, thank you for visiting us at Writers in Business. We wish you all the best with your new book, Down in Flames.

Sarah can be reached at Down in Flames @ Noble Romance, Blog and Facebook.

New Release, To Take Up the Sword, by Brynna Curry

Bethany Cagle joins us today to share the exciting news of her new release, To Take Up the Sword. This new book is written under her pen name of Brynna Curry. I've enjoyed reading your first book and am excited to learn more about this one.

Thank you for having me here. To Take Up the Sword is the second book in my Elemental Magic series and already receiving rave reviews.

5 Ravens from The Black Raven's Reviews
"To Take Up the Sword is excellent. There are paranormal elements and sexual elements but neither overpowers the plot. This is a good read with enough twists and turns that you'll be rereading it just to be sure you caught everything." Lea The Black Raven's Reviews

5 Diamonds from Got Romance Reviews
"I loved this book. It has everything: well-developed characters, strong emotions, obstacles galore, villains, and a complicated plot and all in a novella-length story. " Starla Kaye Got Romance Reviews

These are wonderful reviews. Tell us about the plot for To Take Up the Sword.

After the acquittal of Gueraldi's right hand and favored killer for hire, Ashton Smythe, Special Agent Gabriel Spiller takes time away from his work with the FBI. Having failed in his mission to avenge his lost would be lover, Serena Roarke, Gabe returns to Alabama in search of the missing diamonds needed to reopen the investigation and to lay low from the death threats he's received since Smythe went free.

Almost two years after her sister's death, Leannan O'Neal feels the loss of Serena more now than ever. A secret meeting between them before she died left Lea with an ugly figurine and nothing but questions. Hang-up calls at work and a trashed house reminds her of the card Serena gave her. "If you find yourself in trouble, go to him and only him" were the last words her sister spoke to her.

With Smthye out for revenge and hot on her heels, Lea goes on the run in search of Serena's 'Angel', but how long can Gabe keep her alive, and is the cost worth more than her life?

Wow... now I'm even more excited to delve into the book!
How can we order a copy?

By visiting Lyrical Press. The book is also available through Amazon and various book vendors online.

How many books are planned?

There are five books in the Elemental Magic series. For more on each book, visit my website.

Earth Enchanted Available now

To Take Up the Sword 9-6-10

Wait for the Wind 1-2011

Sea's Sorceress 4-2011

Fire's Ice 8-2011

How can readers contact you to learn more about your writing?

At my web site . I have a page titled "Brynna's Links" and from there you can visit all my online homes including Facebook and Twitter. There's also tons of info on the series, blurbs, excerpts and news. I'd love for you to visit me there and if you have a moment sign the guestbook or shoot me an email. I love to hear from my readers!

Thanks for allowing me to join you today!

I'm looking forward to reading To Take Up the Sword as well as the other books in the series. Thank you for joining us today at Writers in Business.

Paranormal romance writer Bethany Cagle shares her light and dark sides of writing

Please welcome Brynna Curry, also writing as Brianna Roarke, to Writers in Business.

Thank you, Brigitte. Some of you may remember Earth Enchanted as an Embrace the Shadow's clash of the cover winner. I'm the author of Gypsy Moon under the name Brianna Roarke and feed my love of books as a book reviewer for You Gotta Read Reviews. I also judge several RWA writing contests a year, including the 'Molly', 'Gotcha', Fab5 and Reveal Your Inner Vixen contests and I'm the forth member of the Frightening Journeys blog writers.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm married with three teenagers and by day I'm a secretary for a construction company. As Brynna Curry I write light paranormal romance and suspense. On the other side of the coin is my dark side, Brianna Roarke writing steamy dark paranormal romance.

What can readers expect from your new release Earth Enchanted out now from Lyrical Press?

Earth Enchanted is the first in a series of five books featuring the Corrigans from Ireland, a family with a ancestry of mages. Liv Corrigan, telepath and writer,visits her brother in the states only to find he's neck deep in a diamond smuggling ring. While there she meets ex-cop Jackson Roarke, a man with secrets still reeling from his wife's death. Here is a short blurb.

Earth Enchanted

TAG: When telepath meets ex-cop, will it be death or diamonds

BLURB: Writer Liv Corrigan has the worst luck with men -- her telepathy tends to make them run for the hills. When she meets widower and ex-cop Jack Roarke, she decides to keep her talent hidden. Things are looking up until their third date crashes and burns as the man who murdered Jack's wife turns out to be after him too.

Injured, Jack retreats with Liv to his house under armed guard. But with Liv's mysteries rapidly coming unraveled, a diamond-thief killer to stop and passion in the air, the safe house is anything but safe for their hearts!

What comes next in this series and which characters will make an appearance in the upcoming books?

After Earth Enchanted, To Take Up The Sword flash forwards to the end of the trial for Ashton Smythe, Gueraldi's (the villian from EE) right hand man. When Smythe is set free, Agent Spiller (EE), convinced Serena Roarke hid more diamonds there, goes back to Alabama in search of missing evidence that would have convicted her killer. Leannan O'Neal, Serena's sister, goes into the wind after the destruction of her home and threats on her life. She meets up with Spiller and together they try to get the diamonds to safety before both are killed.

What is your writing process like?

Chaotic. Between work, three teenagers (one of whom is a cheerleader. We are in the world of endless basketball season now.), a husband and the house I'm remodeling (Yes, I'm a DIY'er), I never know how long, when, or where I'll find the time to write, but I always do. If its something you love, you make time for it. As for the process itself, I just sit down at the computer, open up and listen to the characters and try to keep them going where I want them too. Sometimes, I'll go back and read the previous scenes or write the ending first. That way I won't rush the story.

Any advice you'd give to aspiring authors?

Read. If you like to read a variety of genres, get into e-book reviewing. You'll learn alot about house style and what works. Write about what you know. Write the best story you possibly can and then edit it. Then visit the Absolute Write Water Cooler and all the helpful folks there. Join a critique group and find one whose not afraid to be brutal. Some good online yahoo groups are RWC, PNWriters and if you are a parent, ParentsInk or Momwriters. Always do your research.

You can learn more about the Elemental Magic Series and Brynna's other projects on her site or stop by one of her blogs and say hello.

Her web site, her blogs In Shadows, andFrightening Journeys.

You can also find her on Twitter as BrynnaCurry and on Facebook as Bethany Cagle.

I hope you'll drop by and visit!