Interview of author, Michelle Sutton

Please join me in welcoming multi-published, award-winning, and best-selling author, Michelle Sutton. Feel free to ask questions or leave comments. I’m sure she’d love to hear from you. Thank you for joining me today Michelle! Do help yourself to some of my brownies and Chocolate Chip cookies (They’re calorie free!). Then sit back, relax, and tell our visitors a little about yourself.

How did you get started in writing?

I've always been a reader, so one day I just decided to sit down and write an inspirational romance novel. What had me stirred up to do this was talking (via e-mail) to Love Inspired author Cynthia Rutledge. She started writing when her kids went to college. I started writing (because of her encouragement) in August of 2003 and I've been writing ever since.

I hear you have a couple of new releases. Will you tell us about them?

The books recently released are It's Not About Him (sequel to It's Not about Me) from Sheaf House. These are paperback books. The other release is my romantic suspense e-book, Danger at the Door. I also have an inspirational cowboy romance releasing in January 2010 called First Impressions. It's the first book in my Tombstone series.

Where did you come up with the concept for your stories?

From life and ideas that the Lord has put on my heart and in my mind.

Do you have a favorite book you’ve written? How about a favorite character?

That would be like asking me if I had a favorite kid. Not answering that one about my books.

Okay, say you have this great idea for a book, what do you do next? How much plotting do you do?

I think about it for several months, and when I get the muse I start writing. I never plot a thing on paper. It's all in my mind.

You’re also the founder of the Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers website, a great place for authors to mingle with one another and their readers, and to post news about their books. Can you tell us a little about it?

I started the site http://edgychristianfictionlovers.ning.com to create a safe place for Christians and writers who like edgy Christian fiction to talk about books and writing without restrictions of any kind. It's a great way to learn from each other and to share news. It seems to be a hit as people post all the time and there are over 500 members.

In your opinion what are the most important avenues an author should take in promoting their works?

Make a name for yourself where people know who you are and what you stand for. People who have read my books know I love to write sizzling romantic scenes and that I also love to get deep into faith issues and stuff like that. I have done this through blogs, interviews, contests, tours, my own website, other networking sites, facebook, etc. But to do this you have to have a consistent product. People hear Michelle Sutton and they know what to expect when they read something with that name on it. It's called branding. Because people get hooked on an author's voice more than individual stories. That's why people will have favorite authors.

What is one of the most memorable thing’s that has happened to you since you’ve become a published author (for example: an awesome book signing or that one email you received from a reader that really made your day)?

I had an out of town book signing where some young adults approached me all giggly because they met me in person. I've had that happen in several cities, actually. That's kind of endearing. I've also had several teens tell me they've read my book three or more times. I think that's great!

Now for a little fun! Do you have any unusual or not so unusual hobbies you’d care to tell us about?

Hmmm…I am too busy writing to be unusually engaged in another hobby. How about some fun facts…? I collect autographed books. Last year I reviewed 97 books. I hate driving. I'm addicted to gourmet coffees of any kind. I despise cooking. And up until I bought my new car this past February I haven't pumped my own gas or changed my oil in about ten years. I have a good hubby. I don't let him touch my new car, though. He has his own vehicles to trash :-)

What snack are we likely to see sitting next to your computer when you’re typing away on your next best seller?

Either chocolate or ice cream. Both are guaranteed to make me fat. Right now I'm eating a Blizzard from Dairy Queen. I'm so busted…

Okay, let’s pretend for a minute that you are stranded on a deserted island. What are three things you’d miss most or want with you on the island? This can include people, but you can’t have Matthew McConaughey because he’s already on my island *big grin*.

I'd miss my husband and kids most. But if I were a heathen and single I'd have Eric Bana on my island. He's a hottie. Hehehe

What last minute advice can you offer for any aspiring authors out there?

Keep writing until something sells. Don't give up.

Where can we purchase your books? And do you have a website we can visit?

My Sheaf House books (paperback) can be purchased just about everywhere.
My ebooks can be purchased at Desert Breeze Publishing and on Amazon.com and other ebook seller sites.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Sure. Check out my book video trailers for my releases. I have them on my facebook page… and also on my blogspot blog.

Thank you for joining me today, Michelle. All of your books sound like fun reads, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better.

Winners of my Thanksgiving Giveaway

I had such an overwhelming response to my Thanksgiving Giveaway I decided to give away an extra gift certificate for Journey to Redemption. And the winners are *drum roll*

Jackie Wisherd (I apologize if the spelling isn’t correct Jackie)
Mary Preston
Sherry Reynolds

I want to thank everyone who entered. From the responses I see I’m not the only one who has lots to be thankful for this year. Congratulations ladies, I hope you enjoy my book.

It has been a thrilling and busy week for me. As mentioned in earlier posts, I’m in the middle of edits on a couple of upcoming releases. Well, I finished up one and I’m beginning on the other and hope to have it done this weekend. The best part of edits is getting reacquainted with those characters that have lain dormant in your head for so long. My editors Brianna and Cherri did an awesome job, so I want to thank them. It’s been wonderful working with you ladies! Also, I’m sure you’ve seen my new cover for Lethal Dreams. Isn’t it great? I’m so excited with it. And just as awesome, is my new cover for Ties That Bind. I particularly like the bloody knife :-)



Creepy, huh? I’m not sure who the artist was on this one, but they did a great job. Ties That Bind will be released from Awe-Struck Publishing in early 2010 in both eBook and print. And let me tell you, it’s one of my ‘Edge of Your Seat Thrillers’. Imagine a FBI Profiler with a physic gift that allows her to feel exactly what the victims went through at the hands of their killer. For a sneak peek, check out my Excerpts page.

Speaking of thrillers, Michelle Sutton will be here on Monday to talk about her new release, Danger at the Door. Be sure to drop by for her interview. I’m sure you’ll find all her books interesting.

Now I’m gonna go have another piece of pumpkin pie with gobs of whip cream piled on top. Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend.

Author Interview with Stephanie Burkhart

Please join me in welcoming author, Stephanie Burkhart. Thank you for joining me today, Stephanie. Will you please tell our visitors a little about yourself?

When I was a young girl, my muse came to visit. She was a rambunctious little girl, like me. She liked to read and taught me a love of reading. Some of my favorites were the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew and comic books. In high school, I grew to love Victoria Holt and really gravitated toward romance novels because I liked how their happy ending usually inspired hope in the reader. In 1986, when I was 18, I went into the army. I got out of the army in 1997 and I got a job working at LAPD as a 911 Dispatcher in 2000. I live in Castaic, CA and I have two sons, 7 & 3.

Wow! You were in the army and now a 911 dispatcher. I bet you don’t have any trouble coming up with ideas for your books. Will you tell us how you got started in writing? How difficult was your journey to publication?

In 1986, I decided I wanted a grand adventure and joined the army as an MP. My muse thought it would be cool to go with me. I was sent to Germany. In 1988, I went on the Berlin Orientation Tour when I won soldier of the quarter for my battalion. While my adventure to Berlin was relatively uneventful, my muse recognized its importance. “This is it, Steph - your first novel.”

It took approximately ten years, but “Destination: Berlin,” became my first novel. It was originally published in 2001 by IUniverse. IUniverse is known as a self-publisher, but I enjoyed going with them.

Why don’t you tell us about your newest upcoming release?

I have an upcoming release called “The Hungarian” with Desert Breeze Publishing due out in May 2010. It’s a paranormal romance. The story takes place in Budapest, 1901. My hero, Matthias, has been bitten by a werewolf. Then he meets Katherine and falls in love. I know werewolves aren’t easy to tackle, but what I love about “The Hungarian” is that I explore the psychological aspects of the man during the 26 days of the month that he’s not a wolf.

Sounds fascinating! Where did you come up with the concept for your story?

Steph: Well, I wrote a short story called “The Wolf’s Kiss,” which is a paranormal romance that takes place in Budapest in 1901. I submitted it to the Writer’s Digest Pop Fiction contest and it won an honorable mention in the Romance genre. A lot of people had read the short story and suggested I expand it to make it novel length, which is what I did.

Okay, say you have this great idea for a book, what do you do next? How much plotting do you do?

I make a lose plot, because sometimes the characters take me on a different direction. After a rough outline, then I plot the sections of it. After I write the opening, then I plot the raising action, once that’s done, I adjust to where the characters wanted to take me and I plot the next part.

Do you have a favorite book you’ve written? How about a favorite character?

My favorite book was “The Wolf’s Torment.” “It’s a blend of fantasy, paranormal, and romance genres. Set in Romania in 1866, Crown Prince Mihai Sigmaringen is a boy who must become a man when his best friend, Viktor, is bitten by a werewolf. Having been hurt by his first love, Alexandra, Mihai slowly falls in love with wife, Theresa, as outside forces conspire to keep them apart.

I really liked Mihai, Theresa, and Viktor, but Viktor would have to be my favorite. He’s just an ordinary guy who, after being bitten, slowly loses his humanity. It’s a dynamic change for him that comes about very slowly.

And I thought I had a wild imagination. You’ve got me beat by a long shot. So Steph, what do you like to do for fun?

Haha!! Go to work. Work is where I escape to unwind. I like to watch movies and go work out at the gym.

Do you have a favorite food or snack that you can’t live without?

Well, I’m heading back to weight watchers so right now my favorite snack is grapes. I’ve had a heck of time trying to get the pregnancy weight off from my last son, and he’s 3 now.

What advice can you offer for any aspiring authors out there?

Patience. Writing is 10% writing and 90% editing and you have to be open to the editing process and patience is a big part of that.

Very True Steph. Your books sound wonderful. Where can we purchase them, and do you have a website we can visit?

You can visit http://sgcardin.tripod.com for my official website. You can visit Amazon.com for “Destination:Berlin” and “The Wolf’s Torment” as well as IUniverse.com’s website. “The Hungarian” will be out with Desert Breeze in May 2010 and will be available at their website. Both “Destination:Berlin” and “The Wolf’s Torment,” was published under a pen name, SG Cardin.

Thanks again for joining me today, Steph. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better and hearing about your wonderful books. Below are some blurbs about Steph's books.

ALL THAT REMAINS
When Darrin enlists a sassy lawyer to help him, Kristina turns out to be more than he bargained for.

ARE YOUR DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS
Darrin and Kristina struggle to keep their family together.

DESTINATION: BERLIN
It's 1988 and Corporal Sharon Cates must safeguard top secret material as she makes her way to Berlin through East Germany.

ACROSS THE FICKLE WINDS OF HISTORY
Paul Kerensky must stop Olga Romanov from being named the Heir Presumptive

THE WOLF'S TORMENT
Prince Mihai is determined to modernize his country, despite the heavy myths of witches and werewolves.

The Cover for my Upcoming Release, Lethal Dreams

I haven't gotten the exact release date yet from Whimsical Publications, but hopefully it'll be in Jan or Feb. I'm finishing up edits on it now. The cover artist on it is Anastasia Rabiyah. Didn’t she do an awesome job?

Here’s the unofficial book blurb: Dr. Erin Jacobs is making a name for herself in the sports world. Drawing on her own life experiences, she encourages and inspires athletes to recover from career ending injuries. So why would someone want to hurt the good doctor?

Detective Logan Sinclair is determined to find that answer. He’s been mesmerized by Erin from the moment she found him and his partner shot in an alleyway. Since that night their lives have never been the same. Will Logan be able to solve the puzzle of who wants Erin out of the way before it’s too late? And if so what impact will those answers have on their lives?

Thank you so much, Anastasia, for a great cover!

The Editing Process - When the Real Writing Begins!

I’m in the middle of edits this week on a couple of new releases that will be coming out after the first of the year. During this process I’m reminded of the saying that real writing comes during the editing stage. It’s when your brilliant editors have pointed out all your boo boo’s, and makes those wonderful suggestions that turn your novels into masterpieces. Okay, so I may be walking on the edge of reality here. Some writers hate this process, others whiz right through it. Since I’m fairly new to the game, I find it challenging but rewarding at the same time. It’s a humbling experience. It makes me wish I had paid more attention in English class. But I’m learning, and that’s the main thing. A writer never gets to the point where they can no longer be taught. Just ask your editor! :-) I’ve been fortunate that I’ve landed some great ones with my books. Along with the edits and suggestions they usually throw in a good dose of flattering compliments that help to soften the blow and makes the process so much more enjoyable. Thank you ladies and gentlemen!

Now for a couple of reminders: Authors, if you haven’t participated in Operation eBook Drop yet, venture down a few posts for news about this wonderful project for our brave men and women serving in the armed forces.

Also, if you haven’t entered my Thanksgiving Giveaway, you have until Thanksgiving Day to get your name in the hopper. Two lucky winners will receive a free download of my latest release, Journey to Redemption!

And last but certainly not least, on Monday I’ll be interviewing fellow Desert Breeze author, Stephanie Burkhart. The former army MP, now 911 Dispatcher and author has some fascinating paranormal romance’s she’ll be telling us about. So be sure to drop by!

In the Zone!

My mojo has been in high gear lately. I’m almost 50,000 words into my new Inspirational Romance and 37,000 words into my Romantic Suspense. WooHoo - I love being in the zone! However, at the same time it’s a bit maddening because I get carried away or should I say my characters get carried away. For instance this past weekend I wrote two great scenes that draw my main characters closer together, and then on Monday it occurs to me that the two scenes would work better if they were moved back into the storyline. Soooo, I do a little re-arranging and whala—perfection!

Now, to go totally off the subject: Do you think dogs can read minds? Weird question, I know, but bear with me. My German shepherd, Zoe, always greets me at the back door with one of her toys. I barely have a chance to put down my purse and she’s nudging my leg wanting to play a quick game of fetch [she’s totally not spoiled]. Anyway, Friday I come home from work and as I’m getting out of my car I think to myself, “It’s such a beautiful day I think I’ll take Zoe out to the lake and play Frisbee.” So I leave my purse in the car and go in the back door and there is Zoe, but no toy. Instead she is bouncing around like a kid who’s had way too much caffeine, zipping back and forth through the house just like she does when she knows we are fixing to go to the lake. Now mind you I gave no indication that was my plan she just knew! So if you ask me, they can definitely read our minds.

Here’s another story that I just have to share. Zoe’s roommate, Sailor, was adopted last year at a local shelter. It has taken almost that much time for him to feel safe enough to come out of my bedroom (his safe area that is fenced off) and venture out into the rest of the house. Well over the weekend while in my zone I happened to look down and the two of them were lying side by side with their heads touching. It was better than watching a Hallmark commercial! My two babies are finally pals! If you’d like to see a pic of my little darlings go to my author page. I managed to get a couple snapped before they got bored with one another.

Okay, back to the subject of writing: On Thursday I will be guest blogging, about the importance of research, at Shawna Williams’ blog. So if you can drop by and leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you.

Also on the 23rd I will be interviewing fellow Desert Breeze Publishing author, Stephanie Burkhart. So be sure to drop by.

And don’t forget about my Thanksgiving Giveaway! If you haven’t entered yet, scroll down a few posts and read how to enter. I’ll be giving away two free downloads of my newest release, Journey to Redemption. The drawing will take place the day after Thanksgiving.

Best Selling Author, Miss Mae

Please join me in welcoming mystery/romance author Miss Mae. Not only is she a great writer, she’s the co-founder of the Sweetest Romance Author’s Group. Thank you for joining me today Miss Mae. Can you please tell our visitors a little about yourself? Oh, but first is that a flask of your famous homemade lemonade I see sticking out of your pocket?”

Miss Mae grins as she pulls out her flask and I grab a couple of glasses that I just happen to have handy. “That is definitely some of the best lemonade I’ve ever tasted. Your grand pappy was a genius! Okay, now what were you about to say?”

[MM] I live in Georgia with my husband and three adopted female dogs. How’s that? (grin)

“Ah, a fellow dog lover. I love reading your Doggy Tales on your blog. And your recent addition is a real cutie. Will you tell us how you got started in writing? How difficult was your journey to publication?”

[MM] I was always pretty imaginative. When I was in fifth grade at school, I loved the Nancy Drew mysteries. I’d lay awake at night conjuring up my own ideas about a story. That drive, or hunger, stayed with me, and over the years I tried so hard to put my plots onto a typewriter page. (Anyone even KNOW what a typewriter is? LOL) I sent all these creative “books” to New York publishers and was rejected at every turn. Now, I understand why, but back then it almost devastated me. I first became published in 2007 when I sold a non-fiction article to The Front Porch Magazine.

“And now you’re an award winning, multi published, author with a new release. Let’s hear about it.”


[MM] That would be my YA romantic mystery, “When the Bough Breaks” released by Whimsical Publications Oct. 12. Here is blurb:
Darlene Moore’s reason for shunning Parker Shane has nothing to do with his reputation of being a playboy. She even dates him before the death of her mother forces her to move away. After a two-year absence from Dalesville, she returns home to find Parker exchanging wedding vows with her sister. Two months later, her sister dies.

Then Richard Ryan, head of Dalesville’s wealthy, prominent family, and Parker’s employer, goes missing. Could there be a connection to his disappearance and Parker’s unexpected promotion?

Danger and questions a plenty barrage Darlene with the deadly speed of a six-shooter. Who called down a representative from a Washington agency? Who later assaulted him? Who attacked Darlene at her friend’s apartment? And will Parker’s scandalous brand of playboy be changed to one of murderous culprit? Or, in the moment of Darlene’s greatest need, might he become her rescuing knight?

“Sounds like a wonderful read.” Anne pours a little more lemonade into her glass. “Where did you come up with the concept for your story?”

[MM] On one of those nights when I lay in bed “composing”, this story unfolded. All the characters, the setting, everything. I knew I wanted to tell it.

“That happens to me. I’ve lost track of how many mornings I’ve been late for work because of my musings. Do you keep a tape recorder or a pad and pencil next to your bed?”

[MM] Nothing except my trusty brain…heh heh.

“Okay, say you have this great idea for a book, what do you do next? How much plotting do you do?”

[MM] Quite a lot. I keep asking myself, “Why?” Which means, “Why does Jim feel that way toward Sally?” or “Why can’t I hide the key in the shoebox?” I keep exploring and searching the twists and turn of the plot, trying to make sure each angle is plausible.

“Do you have a favorite book you’ve written? How about a favorite character?”

[MM] I’d have to say that “When the Bough Breaks” is probably my favorite right now, because I’m so in love with my hero, Parker!

“He does sound very interesting. Plus he’s hunk! Okay, now let’s get personal. What do you like to do for fun? Any hobbies? What do you do when you’re not writing your wonderful mysteries?”

[MM] I used to clog and line dance, and performed on stage with a team. Now I keep things less strenuous, like going for walks in the woods with the dogs and my wonderful hubby. Uh, maybe I should say I go on walks with my hubby and the dogs go along for company. *grins*

“Do you have a favorite food or snack that you absolutely can’t live without?”

[MM] Coffee and anything chocolate!

“Ooooh chocolate. I gain weight just thinking about it. Okay, what advice can you offer for any aspiring authors out there?”

[MM] If you truly believe in your story, persevere until you get it published. As Winston Churchill stated, “Never, never, never give up.”

“Great advice Miss Mae! Where can we purchase your book? And do you have a website we can visit?”

[MM] I’d appreciate it so much if interested readers would buy directly from the website of Whimsical Publications.
My website, or my blog:

“Thank you for joining me today, and for bringing along your delicious lemonade. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better and hearing about your wonderful book.”

To learn about the Sweetest Romance Author Group, please look in the side bar. Links to all of our sites are located there along with how to get our newsletter.

Operation eBook Drop – Show your support of our troops!

Attention eBook authors. Now is your opportunity to show our brave men and women serving in the armed services how much you appreciate and support them. Operation eBook Drop is a program put together by Edward C. Patterson that puts our donated books into their hands. What a great Christmas gift to our troops! All you have to do is purchase some certificates from your publisher (or use your promotional ones) with download codes and then email Ed at ed#w#pat@att#.net (remove the #'s) and tell him you’d like to participate (over 200 authors are already!) and he’ll send you a list of troops that are participating. Once you have both, email the troop(s) and give them the code and a link to your publisher where they can go and download the book for free. It’s as easy as that!

Note: The Operation eBook Drop logo is from the Imagination and Graphic Artistry of K.A. M'Lady & P.M. Dittman.

In other news, be sure to drop back by on Monday. I’ll be interviewing the co-founder of The Sweetest Romance Author Group, mystery/romance writer, Miss Mae. Her books have received rave reviews and awards, and she brews up the best lemonade you’ve ever tasted. I believe her grandpappy past down the recipe *grin*. Anyway, she’ll be sharing a little about herself and her latest release, When the Bough Breaks. So be sure to drop by and show your support to this great writer and wonderful lady.

Thanksgiving Giveaway

This has been an amazing year for me. The Lord has blessed me in ways I’ve only dreamed of. So in celebration I will be giving away two downloads of my latest release, Journey to Redemption. Beginning November 1st until Thanksgiving Day if you’ll drop me a line at annepatrick07 at yahoo.com and tell me one thing you are thankful for this year your name will be entered into a drawing that will take place November 27th. Your email will be kept confidential and only your name will be posted if you are a winner. Please make sure you put Thanksgiving Giveaway in the subject line of your email so it won’t get deleted as spam. Good luck everyone!