A.D. Ellis is here For Nicky

Today I have A.D. Ellis here on the blog. FOR NICKY is available today!

A.D.
Have you ever cried while writing a book?

I cried during a couple scenes in FOR NICKY. I cried the most when I was revising and did a reread on the epilogue.

Does working to deadline inspire or annoy you?
I despise putting things off, so deadlines are always met. However, I get really anxious over deadlines because it makes me nervous when life gets in the way and takes me away from writing. So, I do best when deadlines are far off or don’t exist.

How much of the book is realistic?
This book is very realistic. I came up with the idea after watching a brother take care of his special needs sibling during church. I wondered at that relationship. Nicky doesn’t have nearly the challenges as the sibling I observed at church, but he still faces a lot in life. The characters and setting and plot in FOR NICKY are extremely realistic. In some ways, it makes me sad that it’s so realistic because that means the bullying that goes on in this story exists in real life.

I love when a story creates a deep emotional connection. It sounds like For Nicky does just that.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
THANK YOU! I’m so amazed and in awe of the support that my readers have given me. I am so grateful for those who take a risk on my book(s), write reviews, and share my book. I am thrilled when my readers are touched by my story and when they love (or hate!) my characters as much as I do!

Would you like to be friends with the main character?

YES! If Nate weren’t totally in love with Libby, I’d be chasing that man for sure! Oh, and if I weren’t happily married. But, Libby is way too sweet and good and I’d never want to break those two up. I’m sure that everyone would love to be friends with Nicky, he’s kind, caring, fun, and completely honest. 

Follow up question - What is something you can picture the two of you doing together?
I think that taking Nicky out to an amusement park or go-carting with Nate and Libby would be a lot of fun. I think doing anything with Nicky and seeing his excitement would be touching.

Do you write under a pen name?
Yes. I decided that I didn’t want my students to be able to search my real name and find books that I’ve written, so I created a pen name.

Now lets have a little fun and get up close and personal

Do you have a favorite quote?
Right now I’m really in love with George R.R. Martin’s “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” I’m thinking of adding a tattoo to the two I already have and working that quote in somehow.

Do you enjoy giving interviews?
I do. I especially like interviews that ask different questions rather than the same old questions over and over. I like doing interviews because it gives my readers a chance to get to know more about me and connect on a more personal level.

Do you laugh at your own jokes?
I do. I have a pretty warped sense of humor and I think things are funny a lot of the time. I tend to take innocent remarks and situations and turn them dirty in my head; I make these comments out loud in front of friends who know me well.

Are you fun to go on vacation with?
Probably not. I am a bit of a control freak and I like to stick to a schedule usually. At amusement parks I want to plan and route the best paths to everything to get the most of our time there. However, at the beach, I can just laze and walk and relax for hours with no schedule at all. But, I’m guessing most people wouldn’t want to go on vacation with me unless they also like a schedule and a plan.

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?
WARNING: This person gets very bitchy when hungry or hot. If either of these things happens, watch out. She may also get extremely crabby when things don’t go according to her plans. In order to prevent these mishaps it is advised that you keep her out of hot, humid temperatures, keep her fed, and be sure that everything goes her way. 

Find out more about A.D. Ellis
on the web www.adellisauthor.webs.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/adellisauthor

Follow on Twitter: @ADEllisAuthor

and Goodreads www.goodreads.com/adellisauthor

Amazon US  http://tinyurl.com/nx7x6ux

Amazon CAN  http://tinyurl.com/kxcf7cw

Amazon UK  http://tinyurl.com/nxp2hp6

Amazon AU  http://tinyurl.com/k5wl7gt

Kobo http://tinyurl.com/mmk7gnk

Barnes and Noble http://tinyurl.com/oc2wm6w
iBooks http://tinyurl.com/l7qm8c2

Elizabeth Decker views herself as shy, totally average, and pretty much insignificant. She’s nothing special, at least not compared to her little sister, Audrey. Elizabeth is content with her plain and lonely future; she’s too insecure to contemplate a relationship thanks to her sister. Audrey is a bombshell and uses this to get what she wants. She’s a girl who will stop at nothing to control anyone and everything around her. She craves power and doesn’t care if she has to hurt Elizabeth to get it.

Nathaniel Morgan has spent his whole life fighting for his twin brother, Nicholas. Somewhere along the way, he lost himself. Now he’s just getting by. He’s devoted to his family, but emotionally detached from the women he burns through like wildfire. He has no plans of getting into something as complicated and committed as a “relationship”.

Nicholas Morgan has placed the new librarian, Miss Elizabeth, on a pedestal and is begging her to meet his twin brother, Nathaniel. Elizabeth and Nathaniel agree to meet, for Nicky. Both are caught off-guard when unexpected sparks fly between them. This was not in their plans. Will Nathaniel and Elizabeth be able to escape a past that still plagues them? Or, will the past, suspicions, and insecurities come between them one too many times?

Anonymous by Dani-Lyn Alexander

Today we have author Dani-Lyn Alexander on the blog. She has a new book out from Harper Impulse.

Dani-Lyn thank you so much for stopping by.

Do you plot or let the story unfold as you write?
First I very carefully plot my story. Then I begin to write, and the characters take on a life of their own. Unfortunately, they usually take the story a completely different direction than I had planned.

Do you have trouble saying goodbye to characters?
I have a very hard time saying goodbye to my characters. Whenever possible, I prefer to write a series.

Do you research your action/fight scenes?
I do research my action/fight scenes, especially if weapons are involved. I like to make sure everything makes sense while it’s happening. I’d never want a reader to be pulled out of a suspenseful action scene by a fight that didn’t work.

Do you have set times during the day that you write?
I like to write at night. I curl up in bed with my three year old. He plays on his ipad, and I write on my laptop. It’s one of my favorite times of the day.

What tips would you give a new writer?
The best advice anyone ever gave me about writing was, sit down and write your book. Don’t think about anything else, don’t worry about anything else, just write. I would definitely pass that advice on. I would also say, keep an open mind. Every editor who reads your story is going to want some kind of changes. Be open to their suggestions, nine times out of ten they will only improve your story.

Now for a little fun about you.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
Growing up, I always wanted to be a dance teacher, a choreographer and an author. I have been fortunate enough to have accomplished all three.

Do you have a favorite quote?
My high school yearbook quote is still my favorite quote:
If you can imagine it,
You can achieve it.
If you can dream it,
You can become it.
                 --William Arthur Ward

What is your favorite comfort food?
I have two favorite comfort foods. The first is beef stew, which was my favorite meal when I was a kid and still reminds me of home. And the second is chocolate, because…well, because it’s chocolate. :)

What is your favorite time of year and why?
My favorite time of year is fall. Everything feels so crisp and clean. I love the colors of the leaves. Every year my family drives out east on the north shore of Long Island. We pick pumpkins and gourds, have apple cider and roasted corn and the kids play.

I love fall too.

Have you ever found true love?
I have found true love. I met my husband in high school and fell head over heels. It doesn’t mean we’ve had an easy life, but we’ve always worked out our problems together. We’ll be married twenty-seven years this month, and I wouldn’t change a minute of it.

To find out more about Dani-Lyn visit http://www.danilynalexander.com
Find her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/danilyn.alexander.1
Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DaniLynAlexande

Find her books on Amazon

Buy Anonymous Now on Amazon 

Confessions of...CJ Hollenbach

Today I have a special guest. You've seen him on the covers of your favorite books. Beautiful blond hair, piercing eyes and yeah, a body to make women melt.

Please welcome CJ Hollenbach

CJ, thank you so much for stopping by the blog! We met at RT in Houston, but that was quite a few years ago. You are a recognizable face and body, but now we know you are so much more than eye candy. Now recognized as a talented and accomplished writer. I'm so excited to showcase your novel about your experiences in front of the camera, Confessions of a Romance Cover Model. 
To Purchase On Amazon
To Purchase at Barnes and Nobles

In the opening pages of your book, we quickly learn that you have as much flair penning stories as you do in selling books by putting your image on the front. It’s written with a wicked sense of humor and an honest look back at the things you’ve done and seen. Congratulations on such an accomplishment.
   Thank you. It was 20 years in the making..er,writing! Actually, I wrote the first chapter after the first "Mr. Romance" contest. It was supposed to be in Playgirl magazine, but it didn't work out...


Now that you are both author and cover model, which do you prefer?
    Writing for me is effortless and cathartic. I think modeling these days for ME takes more work getting ready than it used to. When did that happen? At least I'm on the cover of my own book and they didn't use an younger look-a-like!


What was the spark that set you on the path of becoming a writer?
     I started writing for a local newspaper when I was in high school as their "teen reporter". And, NO, I didn't cover the Lincoln assassination! ( It was McKinley's. He was from Ohio!) When I was in college the professors were always saying my papers were such a pleasure to read. It just sort of evolved from there. I guess....


As a cover model, you've been in the publishing business a long time. But did anything about the writing process surprise you?
    I shouldn't be surprised at how many people in the romance industry have embraced the book and have been more than happy to help me get the word out about it.It has been truly touching. That's one of things I love about this business. On the flip side, I have been surprised at some of the promises that have been made by sources I know well that have been recanted or back pedaled on.


Now that the book is released, were there things you wished you would have added?
If so, would you like to share a memory?
   I have to save something for the movie! Seriously, I have been told that I don't have any "nasty" stories in it and that I don't "bad mouth" anyone. I guess people want to read dirt. LOL I just tell them  "Hey! I still have to work with these people!" Maybe when I'm out of the business I can tell where all the bodies are buried.


What was your favorite part of writing your story?
    So far, since I am writing about my life experiences, it's living that life!


Is there a most embarrassing moment from your life as a cover model you'd like to share?

Is it in the book?
     Probably when I got stuck in a service elevator during the first "Mr. Romance" contest with David Alan Johnson, who went on to win the title. We were both in skimpy Speedo bathing suits with a few female conventioneers. It was a tad awkward at the time. It's in the book in great detail!


What was the one chapter that had you smiling, just remembering the moments from your life being retold?
    One of my fondest memories that I tell all the time is when I met Heather Graham and her husband, Dennis Possezzere at my first RT convention. They could not have been nicer to me when I was just some nobody cover model wannabe from Ohio. I met them at a party Virginia Henley was having in her hotel suite. She was so sweet too. We're all still friends to this day. 

Another moment of mention.

"Last year I was feted with a dinner at the RT convention in Kansas City for my 20th anniversary with them.  Renown cover artist, Lynn Sanders drove over 3 hours to present me a framed painting she did of me. We had worked together several times and I have never been so humbled or touched. How cool was that?!"

Was there a chapter that was particularly hard to write?
   Maybe the chapter when I met Fabio for the second time in Cleveland. He was selling his cologne at a mall there. My father who had just been diagnosed with terminal cancer was at a hospital nearby. I picked him up from there after a month's stay right after I left the mall. The people at the mall went crazy when I showed up and they had me take photos with Fabio, who didn't seem too happy I was there. LOL I even need up with a nice write-up in The Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper the next day. A bittersweet day. I thought God evened things out for me that day.

Are you working on a sequel to Confessions of a Romance Cover Model?
    Everybody is asking me that. We'll see how this one goes. Although, so far so good and never say never!



Have you thought about writing fiction? Romance?
   It would probably be "thinly" disguised from personal events. I've lived a VERY colorful life. The sex scenes would be great. I assure you!

Any regrets? such as turning down a modeling job or taking one you shouldn't have.
   Years ago when I had just moved back from LA I got a call from a record company. They wanted me to do the cover of a Meatloaf album. I turned it down because I thought it would be "too much trouble" to fly back out for the money they were paying. Even my agent said "It's only Meatloaf. He hasn't done anything in years! Don't worry about it!" It turned out to be the "comeback" album of the year and I wanted to hang myself. I still can't listen to a Meatloaf song on the radio without cringing.

Is it fun to work with other models? What's the most difficult part?
   I hate to say I like to work alone. Then, I don't have to share the cover. LOL You have to worry too much about blocking the other model or them blocking ME! God forbid! I have had fun with other models though. I had one photographer tell me I should hold the female model tighter in our clinche. I told her "If I hold her any tighter she'll get pregnant!"

Om my god, that's hilarious.

As the man on the cover, you know your image represents what women believe a hero should be. Do you feel romance books give average men a bad rap?
    Women write the heroes of their books they want men to be. The "average guy" could learn a few things about what women want if they read one. (It's not rocket science, guys!)

Do you read romance novels? Have a favorite genre?
    I've read a few of the ones where I'm on the cover. I can relate more to the modern day novels...


What is your shooting schedule like?
    It used to be just one hour. You're in and out. Today they want you for several hours and you shoot hundreds of stock photos. You make less money. The business has changed so much...


I know you grace the covers of Ellora's Cave books. Do you also model for other publishers? Do you do contract work for indie authors? If so, how can they contact you?
    I've worked with just about every major publisher in the business. You name it and I've worked for them. I don't have an exclusive contract with anyone. I have worked with several indie authors. Anyone can contact me with legitimate offers at CVRMDL2000@aol.com  or on Facebook "CJ Hollenbach."


What is the most exotic location you've been on for a modeling shoot?
    So far it's been naked in waist deep water in the Gulf of Mexico....

We know the hot CJ on the cover, tell us something about the real CJ.
    The "real" CJ is a loyal friend. He's also smarter than most people think. I get that a lot!

Favorite hobby? Working out...a necessary evil.
Favorite food? Chicken fajitas
Favorite color? Purple
Favorite season? Spring in Ohio
Favorite holiday? Halloween or Christmas
Favorite quote? "Never say never."
Favorite movie? "The Birds", or the original B/W "Titanic" and you can't beat "The Wizard Of Oz!"

Do you have a pet? Sadly, no. Not at this time. I do feed the squirrels in my yard, though...

What was the best birthday gift you ever received?
It wasn't for my birthday, but the legendary cover artist, Jon Paul gave me 2 of my covers he did for "Her Master And Commander" that he printed on canvas. If there's ever a fire in my house those are what I'm taking out first!

What was the worst gift you ever received?
I think it was this horrible shirt my aunt gave me for Christmas. It had a hideous design on it and she said "I saw this and thought of YOU!" Thanks!

Is there a question you wished an interviewer would ask, but hasn’t? If so, here is your chance to answer

that question.
     What's your best feature/asset? Since you didn't ask I won't tell you!

No need! You don't seem to have a bad feature. And we know how the assets look in the tight jeans. :)

You can find out more about CJ at
http://www.cjcovermodel.com


A special sneak peek into -
CONFESSIONS OF A ROMANCE COVER MODEL

EXCERPT:

Barely Famous

My parents say that even as a toddler, I could never seem to keep my clothes on. I was forever running around the neighborhood naked. So it isn’t too surprising that I ended up on the pages of Playgirl not once but twice. Alas, I’ve yet to have my own centerfold spread, though.

For those of you who don’t know, the centerfold is the featured model of the month. His picture is on the cover, and he gets the biggest spread in the magazine with a fold-out, pin-up-sized picture in the center of the magazine. The magazine has asked me to be a centerfold three times, but for some reason it never panned out. There’s still hope. I’m not dead yet.

My first experience with the magazine was less than stellar. I sent them photos on a dare when my modeling career was in a lull, just to see what they would say. To my surprise, I heard back from the editor in less than a week, with rave reviews. “You’re gorgeous!” the letter gushed.“Would you consider becoming a centerfold?” It also asked for more photos.

Two years and hundreds of photos later, I finally landed in the magazine— with a splash. When you decide to appear in “that magazine”, there are lots of factors to consider other than, Do I want the whole world to see my wiener? Living in Smalltown, USA, I also had to weigh the impact on my family. They weren’t exactly turning cartwheels at the prospect of my exposure. After I told my father, he said, “Just don’t embarrass us!” I laughed and thought, Oh, NOW you tell me! I also informed my boss at the grocery store where I worked as an assistant manager (Yes, can you believe it?) that I was appearing in Playgirl. He didn’t mind. He figured it might be good for business, and it was.

I had no idea the firestorm that would follow my appearance in Playgirl. The local newspaper ran a front-page story with a huge photo captioned, “Sneak a Peek at a Familiar Face in Playgirl,” and another paper ran “Local Man Bares All for Playgirl.”

My mother faced the public’s disapproval as well at her hair salon, Betty’s Curl Up And Dye. She overheard two women chatting about that scandalous man who was in Playgirl. “I don’t think he’s so hot,” one commented. The other blue-haired harpy agreed. My mother, who must have been high on the smell of the perm solution finally screamed, “That’s my SON you’re talking about!” The two old crones clammed up. Go, Mom!

Being in Playgirl isn’t without cache, but there is a stigma that goes along with it too. It did open a few doors, and I know it closed a few as well. People called for TV and radio spots. I also got a few job interviews out of it, but I think some people just wanted to meet me and were a tad disappointed when I didn’t show up naked. While I was still working at the grocery store, an irate customer called and demanded that I be fired. Luckily, I took the call. I asked the uptight priss,

“Have you even seen the magazine?”
“No,” she replied.


Thank you so much for your time. I wish you so much success with your writing. It's been a pleasure having you today.


KyAnn
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Cover Reveal - Anonymous by Dani-Lyn Alexander

You've waited, but the day is here. We get our first look at new Romantic Suspense from Dani-Lyn Alexander!

Anonymous

What happens when an online date is not what it seems?

After Ali's heart is broken, she decides to try Anonymous, a new dating website where you can retain complete anonymity while you search for your soul mate. When she discovers Joe, she thinks she may have at least found a new friend and decides to put her past behind her and move on.

Several death threats and an attempt on her life force her back into contact with her soon-to-be ex, Mark, who is the lead detective on the case. The tension builds between them while Ali struggles to get over Mark, and Mark races to find the maniac who's trying to kill her.

When Ali meets up with her online flame, she finds he's anything but the friend she imagined…

Coming April 17 from Harper Impulse 

Preorder Available

Dani-Lyn Alexander lives on Long Island with her husband, three kids and three dogs. She loves spending time with her family, at the beach, the playground, or just about anywhere. In her spare time, which is rare, she enjoys reading and shopping—especially in book stores. Some of her favorite things include; Bernese Mountain Dogs, musicals, bubble baths and soft blankets. She’s an incurable insomniac and has an addiction to chocolate.

Social Media:

Website:  http://www.danilynalexander.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/danilynalexander

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DaniLynAlexande

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An ancient war...and author Kat de Falla

Just check out the cover and you know this is an intense story. Today we have Kat de Falla on the blog. This talented writer also has a sound tract available at no charge to those who pick up The Seer's Lover. 

I have to say I haven't read the book but I am so excited to. Here is the blurb. Best of all, you can pick up the book FREE today on Amazon! Click here to download


For years, Calise Rowe has been able to sense unusual energy from people, making her believe she is different. Pulled into an ancient war raging for centuries between demon hunters and seers, she's about to
find out she's right. 

Her search for the truth leads her to Lucas Rojas, a seer of angels and demons who walk the earth shrouded from normal human eyes. He's hidden his gift for years and refuses to endanger Calise by sharing it with her. 

In the sultry Costa Rican Jungles, their worlds collide. As their passion and desire ignite, so does the ancient war between demons and seers. Will their combined efforts be enough to save themselves and the entire human world, or will their new found love be their downfall?

Now we get to talk to Kat and learn more about her as a writer and her new novel.

Hi Kat,

Do you research your action/fight scenes?

I don’t research them – I act them out! My husband has three black belts and I run scenarios by him and he shows me what will and won’t work. It’s fun and I actually had a Vietnam vet who read The Seer’s Lover tell me that my fight scenes were excellent thanks to my husband's reality combat training! So I am proud.

How much time do you spend writing every day?

Not enough! Never enough! When can this be my day job??

It's an intriguing title. How did you come up with it?

Initially it was titled, “Who Walks Among Us” – because I wanted a strong link to the fact that angels and demons walk among us in this series. But as the story developed, I realized the story revolves mostly around the main character, Calise Rowe who falls in love with a seer of the angels and demons that walk among us, and the title got changed to...THE SEER’S LOVER.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

This is a great question! I recently spoke with a writer’s group in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin and someone there asked me the same question. The message of the whole book is, you never know who you are talking to, so be kind to everyone. As a pharmacist, I know that sometimes, I am the only person my patients will talk to all day. My conversations with them are very important. Also, there have been a few patients where I was the last person to speak with them…ever. So I am very conscientious of the interactions I have with people. You never know what has happened to them before that moment, and for all you know, it might be the last conversation they ever have. So I guess the point of my book is: you never know who you're talking to. 

Do you write under a pen name?

I do! I also write as Kat Green with my writing bestie, the extremely talented, Rachel Green. Our co-authored novel, First Contact, is due out later this year from Crescent Moon Press.

Congrats on the upcoming release! Now lets get personal.

Do you have a favorite quote? 

“If music be the food of love, play on.” William Shakespeare

What is your favorite drink? 

An icy cold Budweiser Beer with my husband.

Do you laugh at your own jokes? 

Of course! I’m quite funny in my own head. Until I met my soulmate and married him, I didn’t always reveal my inner thoughts. Now I have someone to share them with and it’s awesome!

Have you ever found true love? 

Yes. And life will never be the same.

What is your favorite comfort food? 

Phil’s Pizza from Watertown, Wisconsin!

What is your favorite time of year and why? 

I have to say, I am NOT happy with winter this year. I saw a great quote on Twitter from Mermaid Musings that said, “Dear Winter, I’m breaking up with you. I think it’s time I start seeing other seasons. Summer is hotter than you.”

I love that and I feel the same! Thank you so much for stopping by the blog.

To learn more about Kat...

Find her on the web http://www.katdefalla.com 

On Facebook http://www.facebook.com/authorkatdefalla

On Twitter @katdefalla

And on http://www.romanceflash.com 

Click HERE to purchase The Seer's Lover  

Get the soundtrack HERE!


Excerpt:

She traced a circle in the sand with her finger.

Why would she disclose her whole existence to someone she’d just met? Someone who talked so little about himself that she found herself talking to fill the void. Saying things she could barely admit in her own head.

His hand covered hers. “I’m lonely, too. Getting to know you this week has been the brightest point in my life and I don’t want you to leave, but I know the only place you’ll be safe is far away from me.”

She swallowed. He had read her mind.

He lay down on his back and closed his eyes. “Cali, you know when you hear a song for the first time and you kind of ingest it? You can’t possibly know right away that it will be one of your favorite songs for the rest of your life. A classic.”

“Yeah.” She hoped he was going somewhere good with this.

“That first listen,” he continued, “you pick up a little of the melody and some lyrics that catch you. But when the song ends, you have to hear it again because you want to memorize all the words and sing along. After you hear it a few times and learn the words inside and out, then you begin to let the melody seep inside you. Next thing you know, you’ve completely digested the song and find yourself humming it while you are doing nothing, like shaving or driving your car. Finally, the song becomes so ingrained it becomes a part of you. Forever. You can recall it and it’s with you whenever you need it. Am I making any sense?”

She nodded, blinking back the tears fighting to fall.


“Cali, I don’t want you to go back because you’re my favorite song.”

Author Kat de Falla was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she learned to roller skate, ride a banana seat bike, and love Shakespeare thanks to her high school English teacher.

Four years at the UW-Madison wasn’t enough, so she returned to her beloved college town for her Doctor of Pharmacy degree and is happily employed as a retail pharmacist where she fills prescriptions and chats with her patients.

She is married to her soul mate, classical guitarist, Lee de Falla and raising four kids together ala the Brady Bunch.