Spotlight: Never Say Just by Katie Harper ~ Q&A by the Rat Bastards

Posted on June 14, 2012 by S.J. Maylee

Never Say Just by Katie Harper

Releasing June 19th 2012 by Decadent Publishing

Hold onto your hats folks I have a fantabulous fellow Friday flasher in the house today. She is Katie Harper and her debut, Never Say Just, is about to rock out from Decadent Publishing. Click away my friends, add the book to good reads, visit Katie’s blog by clicking on the sweet cover on the left or check out her links below her bio (including Facebook and twitter, okay here too). To start we have a fun Q&A session from the stars of Never Say Just, the Rat Bastards, followed by a bit about Katie, the blurb and an excerpt. Take it away Katie…

As the creator of the Rat Bastards, I totally get why very single one of them is in need of some serious therapy, possibly electroshock. Since none of my characters would agree to seeing a counselor, I have decided to allow the Rat Bastards to interview each other, kind of like group therapy. I expect the sessions will end in bloodshed, but really that just makes for good blogging.

*The Rat Bastards sit on various chairs and couches in the library of Hell Kat’s house, affectionately known as the Kat House. Hell Kat slouches, arms folded over her chest, pissed that she’s about to be questioned.*

Horndog: *Rubs his hands together sporting an evil grin* Hell Kat, enquiring minds want to know, were you ever actually a human with human emotions or have you always been an android?

Shooter: Dog, cut it out. Ask a serious question.

Hell Kat: No, I’ll answer. If you’re asking if I’ve ever cried at a Hallmark commercial, the answer is a resounding no. If you’re asking if I’ve ever felt guilt, remorse or sorrow…only when I want to. Next question.

Doc: We were all there when you tortured the man who’d had a hand in kidnapping your daughter. My question is, have you ever killed someone you were “interrogating”?

*Shooter growls low in his chest.*

Hell Kat: Yes, but I brought them back to life. I wasn’t done with them yet.

Martinez: I’m not gonna do it.

Horndog: Yes, you are, as an uninitiated member of the Rat Bastards, you have to do our bidding.

Martinez: I’m not asking that question.

Horndog: The hell you say. You will or you’ll never be a real Bastard.

Martinez: If I ask your question, she’ll kill me.

Horndog: Then you’ll be awarded Rat Bastardhood posthumously. You took an oath Marty, are you going to go back on your word, your word to the Rat Bastards?

Martinez: She’s a Rat Bastard and she doesn’t deserve to be asked this question.

Hell Kat: Oh, will you just ask the damn question already!

Martinez: I hate you guys right now. *sigh* Hell Kat, you’ve seen Horndog and Shooter naked, who has the better, fill in the blank, I’m not gonna say it!

Hell Kat: Shooter, and not just because I have to say that, Horndog tips to the left, if you know what I mean. *Everyone snickers. Hell Kat points at Horndog and shoots a glare through him.* That’s for making Martinez ask such a stupid question.

Tongue: Ouch! Horndog, you really should have seen that one coming. OK, now me. When we were kids you slept with a pink Care Bear. Do you still have the bear and do you still sleep with it?

Hell Kat: No.

Shooter: LIE! You keep it on the side of your bed and whenever you have a problem you can’t work out you grip that thing like it’s your life raft. I’ve seen you do it.

Hell Kat: You are in so much trouble.

Shooter: What are you going to do?

Hell Kat: I’m planning on replacing your favorite appendage with a piece of cooked spaghetti.

Shooter: You wouldn’t do that love.

*Shooter’s holds Hell Kat’s chin between his thumb and forefinger*

Switch: All right, cut it the hell out. I don’t want to see the two of you go at it on the floor. Sam is waiting for me and I want to get this kumbaya circle over with. Hell Kat, on the docks a couple months ago you killed a guy by breaking his neck, what is your favorite way to kill?

Hell Kat: I don’t have a favorite way. If someone is going to be surrounded by an army of body guards, a long distance shot is best. If they let their guard down around pretty women, dressing as a tramp and carrying a garrote is preferred. If the target has a family, an injection of succinylcholine looks like a heart attack. Most of the time you won’t have a family member hunting you down for vengeance. Every situation is different and besides, you don’t want to develop a modus operandi, it’s tactically stupid.

Shooter: My turn, we’ve spoken to the killer Hell Kat, I want to speak with the woman Kat Boudreaux. Mrs. Boudreaux, the people of Bayou Boudreaux have no idea how much you impact their daily lives. You pay for every child to have a private education, when someone’s spouse dies you pay off their house, Bayou Boudreaux has zero unemployment because you give everybody a job, when a child is born you start a college fund in his name with a generous donation, I could go on all day. Why do you do this and why do you do this anonymously? *Hell Kat shifts in her seat* It’s OK they’re Bastards, you can trust them.

Hell Kat: I have done terrible things in my life. I have killed, tortured and destroyed lives. I have to prove to the world and to myself that I’m not a monster. Yes, I can do things that would make most people fall into a catatonic stupor, and I agree that sometimes those skills are necessary, but I have to prove that I’m more than that. That’s the whole reason I started Archer International, to use my talents to save people. To fight for people who can’t fight for themselves. I know you guys tease me about what I’ve done and what I can do and I hate that it’s true. The sad fact is the world needs people like me, people who are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Why can’t I do whatever it takes to save a life?

Shooter: And that’s why I love you.

Horndog: And that’s why we haven’t fed you to the alligators for the sake of humanity.

*Shooter smacks Horndog on the back of the head.*

Katie’s bio

Katie Harper started writing when two people showed up in her head and wouldn’t leave until she told their story. They had a party, invited a few friends over. Now she spends her days doing the bidding of imaginary people. She lives in a city made for sin on the edge of a desert with her daughter, no pets and enough lemon bundt cake to feed a refugee camp.

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Blog

BLURB: Haunted by her past of murder for hire and skinning people alive to gather vital intelligence, Kat Boudreaux wants nothing more than to hide away in her sprawling mansion with the love of her life–her daughter. But then Private Gump and his band of Bubbas land on her doorstep. Her brother and his unit of misfit Marines insert themselves with the misguided need to protect her from someone hell-bent on vengeance.

For Shooter, it’s love at first sight, though he wouldn’t be caught dead admitting it. When Kat is nearly fatally injured while saving his life, he knows he’s found the woman for him. Together, they fight side by side to get to the bottom of the threats. Kat’s daughter is kidnapped and this ex-assassin mom reverts back to old habits to save her. Saving Kat and her daughter is easy, taming the shrew that is Hell Kat Boudreaux might meaning losing his favorite appendage.

EXCERPT: Shooter leaned over and whispered in my ear, “Bar?” Oh God yes. Yeah, this evening will be brought to you by Jack Daniels and Jim Beam. I ordered a shot of whatever was closest and downed it. Shooter handed me a mint julep while he sipped his scotch. Bless that man. I scanned the room for the enemy. I had honed this skill over several missions for GSA. It’s amazing how quickly things come back to you when you were threatened.

My gaze fell on the first threat, Louise LaLourie. Why her parents had named her Louise with a last name like LaLourie was completely beyond me. Of course she had sported several other last names over the years but she always returned to LaLourie. At one time she desperately wanted to be known as Louise Boudreaux. But, I was married to my husband at the time and he had shown her the no trespassing sign right away. Louise held a flute of champagne in her hand, her cunning eyes searched for the next Mr. LaLourie. Her sights fell on me and she stalked forward. I’m not kidding, she stalked, like a lioness, toward me. I looked over at Shooter. I needed to warn him that the most bedded woman in New Orleans was on the prowl. He was busy at the bar fighting for his constitutional right to get good and shit faced completely missing my look of caution. Since I knew Louise watched me I smiled and prayed the words “die, bitch, die” were not tattooed on my forehead.

“Oh my gawd Are you finally out of mourning?” Her accent was so thick you could cut it with a K-Bar. “I understand grieving, but honey you can’t put yourself in cold storage for the rest of your life. But you are looking great. Look at you. I was afraid you’d locked yourself up in that big ole house and either ate or drank yourself to death. I am so relieved to see you looking as good as ever. Who are you wearing, darlin’? You look positively wonderful.”

Of course her compliments were about as real as her boobs, but I smiled back and said, “Versace.”

“Donatella?” Louise asked with pity in her voice.

“No, Gianni. It went up for auction at Sotheby’s a few years ago and I just had to have it. Though this is the first time I’ve worn it.”

Edna could look forward to a big, fat Christmas bonus this year. The envy on Louise’s face was priceless. It was worth coming to this damn ho down, and I mean ho down, just to see her face turn a lovely shade of green. She would have given a lot to own an original Gianni but she didn’t and I did. Take that you nasty bitch.

Shooter took that moment to turn around and hand me another cocktail. His eyes went big and he tried to take a step back but the bar was in the way. I hadn’t taken in what Louise wore until that moment. She wore a black, too tight to breathe, strapless Dolce and Gabbana that made her boobs spill over the tops. Truth be told I had that same dress in my closet at home. But I would never choose to accessorize it with a purple leopard bra that poked strategically above the neckline. Her lecherous eyes zeroed in on Shooter. She had the sniper in her sites and he was about to feel the full force of Louise’s slut-o-matic up close and personal.

“Well, hello. You must be Kat’s brother?”

“No, Louise,” I interrupted, “This is my date.” I choked on the last word.

Louise didn’t care. She wouldn’t care if a man was in bed with his wife on their wedding night, she believed all men were available. “And what is your name, gorgeous?”

“Shooter,” he smiled and leaned into her gaze a slight come and get me smile smeared across his face. I seriously wanted to pop his eyes out with a shrimp fork but I reigned in my rage.

“And what is it that you do, Mr. Shooter?” Translation: Can you afford me? She said as she pressed herself up against his body shamelessly exposing all her voluptuous assets.

He raised his hand and extended a finger. Shooter pushed the tip of his long thick finger into the center of Louise’s forehead forcing her to take several steps backward. His gaze had gone from playful to deadly. “I kill people,” his whisper was sinister.

Spotlight: Enchanted Spring by Josee Renard Excerpt & Giveaway

Posted on June 11, 2012 by S.J. Maylee

Enchanted Spring by Josee Renard

Publisher: Cobblestone Press, LLC

Length: Petite ~ Genre: Paranormal Erotica ~ Released: March 2012

Buy Link: Cobblestone Press, LLC

I have a special tiny treat for you today, a look inside Josee Renard’s latest in the Enchanted series. One lucky commenter is also going to win an ecopy of Enchanted Spring! I’ll be randomly selecting the winner first thing Wednesday (6/13/2012) morning…and we have a winner, see the comments below.

Excerpt:

Connie twisted her hands in her lap. No service job was going to pay her enough to stay here, to pay her back taxes, to go back to the life she’d had just six weeks ago. She had to tell Dorothea the truth.

Holding out the letter with her notice and apology, she tried to hide the tears that welled up in her eyes.

Dorothea waved off the letter. “You’re not leaving,” she said, with a quick glance at Deborah, and Connie wondered yet again whether the women had a touch of the sight, because otherwise, how the hell did they know what Connie was going to say?

Half an hour later, Connie had a new job helping with some promotional work they were having done—at least they thought she did—and a reduction in her rent. And nothing she’d done or said could sway the two women.

But Jamieson Smith?

She’d been drooling over him since she’d moved onto Courtwood Street, even knowing she’d never have a chance with him. The women—the many, many women—he dated? They looked like runway models. Rich runway models.

But what choice did she have? If the sisters had their way, she was going to be working with him on a promotion campaign for MatchMagic and, from the martial look in Dorothea’s eyes, Jamieson Smith would have no choice about hiring her. Didn’t matter how tough he was, no one could deny the sisters.

* * * * *

They had summoned him to another meeting. He hadn’t even had time to wrap his head around a campaign for a dating Web site—he, Jamieson Smith, the last man who knew anything about true love and romance—and yet here they were, demanding his presence already.

He laughed as he opened the door to MatchMagic. He could hardly wait to see what they had planned for him this afternoon. Just the thought of them, so much like his family, made him happy. Maybe not the work so much, but those three women? They were great.

What he hadn’t expected was to see the woman he watched walk by his home office every morning, the woman he’d lusted after for months. Oh, he knew he couldn’t have her—just that daily glimpse of her told him that she wasn’t his type. Too sweet, too short, too curvy. But there was something about her that tempted him, even though he was pretty sure she’d want a relationship. But he couldn’t stop staring, couldn’t keep from making certain that he was at his desk each morning at seven o’clock when she left for work.

He was obsessed by her… and that’s why he’d promised himself he’d never meet her in person.

The three witches—as he’d dubbed them to go along with the name of their Web site, and damn, that was a pretty good way into a spring promotion blitz—were waiting for him. This time, though, there were four women around the boardroom table, and his eyes—and his nose (she smelled like spring)—locked on the fourth one.

“Jamieson?” Delia’s voice jolted him out of his reverie.

He shook his head to clear the scent of Connie and focused on the witches. “Sorry, I had an idea for your promotion. Just let me jot it down.” He took out his notepad and wrote a few words down: Witch. Magic. Spring solstice.

When he looked up again, all four sets of eyes were on him. He felt his cheeks flush and couldn’t remember the last time that had happened. These women, especially that woman, were getting to him.

“Jamieson Smith, this is Connie Stanton. She’s going to be helping you with the promotion you’re doing for us. She’s spent years working as a technical writer and assistant. Add her services to your account.” Dorothea sounded as regal as a short, almost-seventy-year-old woman could sound.

He started to shake his head, but Deborah broke in before he could speak. “We have a feeling about this,” she said. “We want you and Connie to do this together.”

He frowned, and she said firmly, “Work it out.”

You can find Josee at:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Cobblestone Press

Josee Renard writes women’s fiction, magic realism, paranormal and erotica. She writes short fiction, poetry and novels. Josee blames her good friend Anna Leigh Keaton for getting her into writing erotica – she loves Anna Leigh’s books and wanted to try one herself – now she can’t stop. She blames her mother and her two grandmothers for her reading and writing obsession – all of them were avid readers, and they passed the books and the obsession on to her.

Six Sentence Sunday #21

Posted on June 10, 2012 by S.J. Maylee

Happy Six Sunday. Thanks for visiting and I’d love to know what you think!! I’m continuing this week with another 6 from my Novella WIP. Last week: over the last two weeks actually, Jake has been rolling out his plan. Lydia has been anything but scared away. This week: they’ve just made plans to go back to her place…after they get their work done. He’s taken hold of her hand and it’s taken both of their attentions.

A humming filled her whole body with contentment. She felt at home in his firm grip. His thumb caressed the back of her hand. Her knees threatened to soften, but her shoulders straightened fueling her strength.

She tugged on his hand and dragged him back to the table. “Let’s get back to work so we can get out of here.”

I like the way she thinks. Thank you so much for stopping by today!! I’d like to know what you really think of my 6. I need the advice, I’m a newbie and have much to learn. I have good news to share. I sent this WIP I’ve been sharing to my friend for its first non-me read through. YEAH!! Gosh I hope she likes it. I’ll let you know.

Don’t forget to check out the other Six Sunday authors. Lots of good stuff at Six Sunday. Try to find a new favorite today. happy hunting!

ROW80 check-in #22

Posted on June 10, 2012 by S.J. Maylee

The 2nd round of 80-days in 2012 is almost done. How did I let so much time slip through my fingers? The project manager in me is telling me to start on lessons learned. Sure I worked my way through my to-do list each week, but I’ve lost sight of the bigger picture. Next round I’m going to need to make longer range plans and create my weekly goals to keep me on schedule. I started my novella towards the end of January and I’m still working on it –>grumpy face. Oh, wait, I have happy news to share!

Just last night I finished the edits I knew I wanted to make. I did one more read through and…sent it to my friend to read. Squee!! But not so fast, loads of tasks got pushed aside this week in order to get my edits done and now there is only one more full week left in this round.

It’s time to dig in and get as much done as we can.

The Goals – week-10 results

Spend at least 1-hour a day with my characters- done
Write 2,000 words each week– not done, only 180 words were added, but again countless words were cut. I was in editing hell once again this week.
Spend time editing at least 2-times each week– done! I spent 3-days editing this week. I was at my in-laws for 3-days this week too so I’m thrilled I got as much done as I did.
Finish reading current craft book and start another– no progress this week, total bummer. I still plan on starting a new craft book before this round ends. WEEK-11 PRIORITY
Participate in Before You Hit Send Self-Editing Workshop in April– the workshop is over and I’ve incorporated what I’ve learned.
Turn 2nd-draft chapters to my writer friend for her critique– DONE!! ~~~happy dance~~~
Workout a minimum of 200-minutes a week and round it out with plenty of water, sleep and my calorie limit– I was out of town 3-days this week, so my workout schedule got raked over. I kept to my water, sleep and calorie goals, but I only got in 2-workouts. WEEK-11 PRIORITY
Study one of the Nia 52-moves each week (the 52-moves is like the ballet bar for Nia lovers): Front Kick. Lift your thigh, tucking your heel in toward your buttocks into Ready Position. Look in the direction you intend to kick. With your hands at heart level and your palms flexed, kick your foot out and to the front. IMPORTANT TIP: Push down into the earth with the supporting foot, and use your hands and arms to maintain vertical alignment and balance. Keep your supporting leg unlocked and spring loaded. Benefits: builds balance, coordination, confidence, and strength.
Finish the. Sanjana bars and start the Opal bars (i.e. studying the song/movement structure)– No progress this week, total bummer WEEK-11 PRIORITY
Listen to the Nia sound track for the Sanjana routine each week and add Opal when I get to their bars– done
Plan out and start participating in the last of my needed continuing education credits for PMP certification– I’m going to need to do 4-hours a week of education all summer long to get it all done before my certification comes up for renewal. I’ve known this was coming and I’m not looking forward to it. I’ll start my training this week. WEEK-11 PRIORITY

Lots of good and lots of bad. I’ll keep moving forward. I would be pleased to see my movement go a bit faster though. But nothing really should get me down this week. I got my WIP off to my CP!!

Hope you have a great productive week.

Links of the week #22

Posted on June 9, 2012 by S.J. Maylee

Back to my regular patterns this week. I have writing links for you and a music pick from Jeff. The video is a funny clip from Fred Armisen’s show “Portlandia”

The coolest thing: Kristen Lamb you are awesome! She has created a place for writers to not be alone 😉 you can chat with other writers in your genre and it’s a place to learn from WRITERS. Hurry, click away, come back to my list later I Bring You…A Gift–A New Era for the Digital Age Artist

Cassandra Carr : Thursday Thirteen 6/7/12- 13 cool phone apps for authors be sure to check the comments too

Aimee L. Salter at Seeking the Write Life : The Three Things You Need to Make Your Book GREAT

Roni Loren : How To Write Love Scenes That Don’t Suck – A Free Class!

Titles

M J Wright : Worldbuilding: top tips for tantalising titles

Show/Tell

Shannon Donnelly was at Writers In The Storm this week : When to TELL the Story

Motivation

Sharla Rae at Writers In the Storm : Does Your Story Lack A Heartbeat?

Scene Breaks & Transitions

Janice Hardy from The Other Side of the Story : Moving Forward: Writing Smooth Transitions

Plotting

This week via Stina Lindenblatt and her cool links Friday, I found Margo Berendsen : 21 ways to make your plot more compelling

Book Trailers

Lynnette Labelle : Do Book Trailers Sell Books?

Pitch/Query

Jami Gold had a fabulous post this week with a big collection of ideas: The Ultimate Guide to Pitch Writing

Social Media

Kristen Lamb : Can Facebook Hold Your Fan Page Hostage? Fallout from the IPO Debacle & How It Affects YOU

Music from Jeff

“Laughing With A Mouth Of Blood” by St. Vincent, from the album “Actor”

St. Vincent is actually Annie Clark. I think she got her break playing with the Polyphonic Spree. She’s a wonderful singer/songwriter/guitarist.

Her music is so interesting to me. I can hear the influences, but the way in which she stirs them up and spits them out is very unique to her. I think it starts with her guitar style and musical knowledge. She’s not the average singer/songwriter nor is she the average guitarist.

I’ve heard that she writes the tunes on the guitar and then deconstructs them in the studio. I really like that idea and the end result. Sometimes it can be a little too out there for me but then, after a few listens, I’m back in again. That’s the point, it seems – draw the listener in right away but also give us something to discover over time. I think all truly great music does this.

I’ve also seen some clips of her playing her songs stripped down to just voice and acoustic guitar. It’s clear that all the studio production is merely a means to create interesting layers to already great tunes.

Plus, she has Matt Johnson (Jeff Buckley’s drummer) on drums. Musically, you can’t go wrong with that guy in your band!

What you might have missed here:

Six Sentence Sunday #20

Spotlight: Sara’s Smile by Sandra Bunino ~ Q&A and Giveaway

Flash Fiction #10

Posted on June 8, 2012 by S.J. Maylee

Thanks for stopping. Another picture…another 100 words.

“You will tell me where she is.”

“Never”

“Don’t be so sure. Not many are capable of withstanding my techniques.” She dragged the frozen cube along his throat inflaming the part of him that would never be human.

“You don’t know me anymore. You don’t know what Leah and I share. You sent me back here, you knew the risks.” When she didn’t reply he continued. “I love her.”

“Foolishness. Even if what you say is true, Leah wouldn’t love you.” She stepped back and watched his body flourish as he thought of her. “No, it can’t be.”

“It can.”

Hope you enjoyed my flash today!! Don’t forget to follow the link to get to the other FFF posts. Flasher Fiction Friday. Or click away on the links below.

Muffy Wilson: http://muffywilson.blogspot.com
Naomi Shaw: http://midnightfantasieswithnaomishaw.blogspot.com
Savannah Chase http://www.savannahchase.com/blog
Angelica Dawson http://angelicadawson.blogspot.com
Julez S Morbius: http://morbiussworld.blogspot.co.uk/
Davee Jones: http://finless.blogspot.com/
Venus Cahill: http://www.venusbookluvr.blogspot.com
CR Guiliano: http://crguiliano-author.blogspot.com/
Bonni Sansom: http://bonnisansom.blogspot.com/
Sherri Hayes: http://www.sherri-hayes.blogspot.com/
Yvonne Nicolas: http://yvonnenicolas.wordpress.com/
Kendel Davi: http://kendeldavi.wordpress.com
Cyril J. Michael: http://authorcyriljmichaels.blogspot.com

Spotlight: Sara’s Smile by Sandra Bunino ~ Q&A and Giveaway

Posted on June 4, 2012 by S.J. Maylee

Sara’s Smile by Sandra Bunino

Publisher: Bradley Publishing ~ 70 pages ~ Release date: May 18, 2012

Today I am honored to have Sandra Bunino in the Maylee ehouse. She’s in the middle of celebrating her second release, Sara’s Smile. I was introduced to Sandra’s writing six sentences at a time. That’s right, Six Sentence Sunday has introduced me to many writers and Sandra’s 6s were one of my very first favorites. So I leaped at the chance to have her here today. Below I have a few thoughts to share about Sara’s Smile, Sandra answers some questions (including the blurb, an excerpt, and what’s next for Sandra), and at the bottom are Sandra’s dets. Don’t forget to leave a comment. One lucky commenter is going to receive an ecopy of Sara’s Smile!

S . J.’s Review: I’ve read Sara’s Smile and I highly recommend that you do too. It’s most certainly a 5-star book. Sandra’s writing made my heart smile. Do you remember the first time you fell in love? This book brought back all those lovely feelings, transporting you to a magical time. I fell easily for Sara. Sandra certainly has the ability to write characters you understand and want to root for. It’s a short extremely enjoyable read, get your hands on it today and start your week off right.

Now, let’s ask Sandra a couple questions…

What inspired you to begin writing romance?

I wrote a cute Valentine’s Day inspired short story for a creative writing assignment in high school (my first romance story). It was about a girl who was crushing on a boy and hoped he would notice her on Valentine’s Day. The day went by without even a second glance from him. Dejected she opened her locker at the end of the day to find a long stem rose. She turned around to see him smiling at her and you guessed it – it ended with an HEA. My teacher suggested I submit the story to a writing contest. I didn’t take her advice, however her suggestion gave me the confidence to continue writing. Here’s a fun fact: Roses are written into every story I write!

How do you feel about being a romance writer?

I love writing romance but my pet-peeve misconception about romance writers, especially erotic romance writers, is that we are all consumed with sex. This is simply not true, I mean, I’m sure I speak for many of my peers out there when I say – yes, we like sex. You really cannot effectively write about it if you didn’t. But obsessed and fixated on it? No. My answer to those clueless people who give me the quizzical look when I try to explain is simply, “Do you think murder mystery writers are running around killing people, chopping up their bodies into little pieces and dumping the remains in the woods? Uh, no, I don’t think so.”

What has surprised you the most about writing and becoming a published author?

It surprised me that bringing a book to market was such a meticulous and time consuming process. Writing was the easy part! There is a lot of back and forth correspondence with the publisher, editor and cover artist. Edits take a long time to clear. I usually clear my calendar and work non-stop for days on my first set of edits. After the book is in its final form, the promotion starts. Marketing and promotion also takes a lot of time, energy and scheduling. I have a great time doing it as I get to meet so many great authors, reviewers and readers.

Can you tell us a little about your new release, Sara’s Smile?

I’m such a romantic and have always been a sucker for a love lost/love found reunion story. My sensual romance, SARA’S SMILE is my second release but it’s actually my first story. I treat my books like my children and I just wasn’t ready to send this one out into the world as my first release. Instead I debuted my erotic romance, MAROONED IN MIAMI, to blaze the path for Sara. Now that warm weather is approaching, it’s the perfect time to introduce SARA’S SMILE as a sweet summer read.

There’s nothing like your first love, is there? Spanning five years, SARA’S SMILE will take you from young love found on the carefree beaches of Martha’s Vineyard to rekindled passion in the heart of New York City.

Blurb:

As an architect who specializes in restorations, Sara Wiley is a genius at returning neglected structures to their former glory. But when it comes to her own life, she has no idea how to reclaim the ruins, which are all that remain of her first true love.

When the biggest opportunity of her career and a sexy contractor comes her way, she’s thrilled…until she learns that the client is the long-ago boy who captured her heart and continues to invade her dreams. Is it a bittersweet coincidence or might there be a chance, after all, for Sara to revisit the mistakes of her past and build the future she has wanted for so long?

Excerpt:

Why am I doing this? she asked herself when she climbed into the cab, the next evening. Having dinner with him certainly isn’t going to help me get him out of my dreams.

As she got out, in front of O’Reilly’s, she was startled by her own reflection, and silently thanked Cat for assembling her outfit of dark skinny jeans, pink chiffon top with spaghetti straps and strappy silver sandals. At Cat’s insistence, she had worn her hair long and loose. She had added her favorite dangling silver earrings and a matching chain and pendant just before she walked out the door. If clothing was armor, she was as well equipped as she could manage for the coming conversation.

She found Will at the crowded bar, where he kissed her on the cheek and gave her his seat.

“What are you drinking?” he asked.

“I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

He ordered two martinis, and they began talking about the Hanson House. From there, the conversation turned naturally to their jobs. As Sara had expected, Will explained that he traveled all over the world and spent only a few weeks out of the year at his apartment in Santa Monica.

While he spoke, she stared at his mouth, remembering how his kisses felt on her lips. A glance at his hands awoke her memory of the way they had encircled her waist as she made love to him.

Stop it, she ordered herself sternly, and shook her head.

“Are you okay?”

Oh shit. I didn’t say that out loud, did I? “Y-yeah, I’m fine,” she answered with a laugh.

“Now that we’ve made a dent in these martinis,” he said, looking down at his glass, “I have to tell you… You broke my heart, that last night we were together. I really loved you, Sara.”

Would you like to share what the reviewers are saying about your book?

I would love to! Here is an early review written by In Love with Romance:

5/5 Stars. Be prepared to fall under the spell of this fantastic story that will win you over with its charm.

Sandra Bunino delivers a heart-warming story about lost and found love. Not just any love, but first love.

In Sara’s Smile, she does an excellent job in bringing out the thrill of that first love. Through her amazing characters, she makes you revisit memory lane and relive what it felt like to fall deeply in love for the very first time. She reminds you of what it felt like to hold hands, to be held, that sweet first kiss, and how magical that first time was.

The decisions her characters face, and the emotions they go thru, make them come alive for you. It is not just about the thrill of that first love, and the thrill of doing everything for the very first time, it is deeper than that. It is about that unconditional, no questions asked, kind of love.

Sara’s Smile is such a moving story, don’t be surprised if it brings tears to your eyes, it will touch that soft spot in your heart, and it will take your breath away.

How many books have you written?

I’ve written two other novellas and two short contributing stories for anthologies.

Marooned in Miami (A Sensual Short Story), published by Bradley Publishing in January.

Lusted in Las Vegas (sequel to Marooned in Miami), releasing July 2nd from Bradley Publishing

The Satin Rose Experience (erotic romance/light BDSM), contributing story to the Keyboards and Kink Anthology by Evernight Publishing releasing June 8th.

The Fountain Pen, contributing story to the Felt Tips Anthology (all proceeds will go to charity) coordinated by author Tiffany Reisz. Felt Tips will be released on December 12^th.

What’s next?

I have a few WIPs in the works! First, I’m writing an erotic fairytale I hope to submit for consideration soon. Next up is a novella based on The Satin Rose Experience short. I’m also working on Michael’s story from Sara’s Smile. I decided he needs his own HEA! Lastly, there’s this little modern day pirate story set in the Caribbean rolling around in my head.

Bio:

Sandra Bunino began a love of romance stories while penning a creative writing assignment in high school. The story ended with the heroine receiving a long stem red rose in her locker on Valentine’s Day. Since then, all of her stories feature the hero presenting the heroine with roses. Sandra is constantly searching for different ways to achieve a heart-pumping, stomach-flipping, breath-catching reaction from her readers.

These days, Sandra lives on a wooded mountaintop not far from New York City with her family.

Connect with Sandra here: Email: sbunino (at) gmail (dot) com

Thank you so much, Sandra. It was a joy and honor to have you at my ehome today.

Now everyone don’t forget to comment!

Six Sentence Sunday #20

Posted on June 3, 2012 by S.J. Maylee

Happy Six Sunday. Thanks for visiting and I’d love to know what you think!! I’m continuing this week with another 6 from my Novella WIP. Last week: Jake started to roll out his plan. He scolded, stalked, & invaded her space and did any of it scare Lydia? Hell no, she asked if there was anything else. This week: we pick up with the very next 6.

And there it was again, his eyes darkened into deep erotic pools of promise. She wanted to watch his eyes for the rest of eternity. Heat rolled off his body, seeped into her, and pulled her closer. His hand, still under her chin, snaked around to cup her nape locking her in place. Her breasts pressed into his chest, there was no denying her need to be touched. He removed the last bit of space between them and pressed his hard length into her belly.

Thank you so much for stopping by today!! I’d like to know what you really think of my 6. I need the advice, I’m a newbie and have much to learn. Don’t forget to check out the other Six Sunday authors. Lots of good stuff at Six Sunday. Try to find a new favorite today. happy hunting!

ROW80 check-in #21

Posted on June 3, 2012 by S.J. Maylee

Since I joined ROW80 at the beginning of this year I’ve been working on my schedule or more succinctly, not getting distracted. There are so many distractions, some good, some necessary, and some should be warded against. I’m glad I’ve been working on this since my schedule is about to get frickin chaotic. The first thought: it will be impossible to do it all, there’s no way. But what would I cut from the schedule. There will be no more time spent going down that rabbit hole. Sometimes super busy can be a good thing. Since I don’t want to lose my mind, I will need to stay on point and keep distractions in their place. As soon as I started thinking: I can do this…the dark clouds broke up. But now I got to get busy putting my plans together or else these check-ins are going to get ugly.

It’s time to cut the fat and let priorities reign.

The Goals – week-9 results

Spend at least 1-hour a day with my characters- done
Write 2,000 words each week– not done, only 964 words were added, but countless words were cut. I was in editing hell this week. Plotting for the next two MS has begun, so no more excuses WEEK-10 PRIORITY
Spend time editing at least 2-times each week– done! I spent 5-days editing this week, but it’s still not ready to send to my friend. I want it sent by the end of next week. WEEK-10 PRIORITY
Finish reading current craft book and start another– spent more time here again this week, but I’m not done yet
Participate in Before You Hit Send Self-Editing Workshop in April– the workshop is over. I keep revisiting my notes though
Turn 2nd-draft chapters to my writer friend for her critique– The above says 5-days spent editing, but on each of those days I could have done more. Until yesterday, during each editing session I let ugly thoughts bog me down. How many stages of editing grief are there?
Workout a minimum of 200-minutes a week and round it out with plenty of water, sleep and my calorie limit– I got just under 200-minutes this week and everything else was good…almost done.
Study one of the Nia 52-moves each week (the 52-moves is like the ballet bar for Nia lovers): Fast Clock. Begin by marching in place in the center of an imaginary clock on the floor. Use the clock like a map. Step out to a number on the clock and immediately to a new number. For example: step in the center of your clock > step forward to 12:00 >step back to 6:00 > step to the side to either 3:00 or 9:00 > step back to the center. Gradually increase your speed and keep your shoulders and arms relaxed. Benefits: improves stamina, agility, coordination, and the ability to move and breathe faster
Finish the. Sanjana bars and start the Opal bars (i.e. studying the song/movement structure)– My mirror notes are looking good. It’s time to finish the bars for the last couple of songs in the routine.
Listen to the Nia sound track for the Sanjana routine each week and add Opal when I get to their bars– done
Plan out and start participating in the last of my needed continuing education credits for PMP certification– Two weeks ago I made big progress here and these last two weeks nothing. However, I’m going to sacrifice this task again this week in an attempt to make a final push on the WIP

In an effort to keep my spirits up, I’m including some pictures from my gardens. Hope they brighten your Sunday.

Links of the week #21

Posted on June 2, 2012 by S.J. Maylee

My list is a little short this week, but the links are prime grade A stuff. I’m changing things up this week as well and giving my hubs a break. Please let me know what kind of inspiration the video at the bottom gives you.

There is a theme this week and it’s hitting home with me. How are you sitting in your writing life? Do you need to be reminded of a few of these things too?

Aimee L. Salter at Seeking the Write life: Don’t Compare and Don’t Compete

Jenny Hansen: The Worry of the Artist: Am I Good Enough?

Kristen Lamb: Learning to Drop the Donkey–Is Perfectionism Killing Your Career?

Charlotte Carter was at Writers In The Storm this week: Determination

Ruth Harris at Anne R. Allen’s blog: How Writers Can Learn to Cope: 6 No-Fail Strategies for Achieving Mental Toughness

I’m rounding it out with Jami Gold’s post Are You in This for the Long Haul?

Writer’s Life

Janice Hardy at The Other Side of the Story: Leave Yourself Notes: Ways to be a More Productive Writer, Part 5

Editing

Lynnette Labelle provided a fab list: The Editor’s Dozen: Common Mistakes Writers Make

Plotting/Pacing

Double link for Janice Hardy this week, is anyone surprised 🙂 The Joy of Discovery: Keeping Readers Hooked Through Story Revelations

Kara Lennox was back at Writers In The Storm this week Plot Fixer: Part 3 — A Lack of Goals

Story Telling through Movement

Jeff will be back next week with a new music pick. This week I wanted to celebrate the start of So You Think You Can Dance season 9. It’s going to be another tremendous season, but I wanted to share one of my all time favorites from the show. Chelsie and Mark from season 4 performing NappyTabs “Bleeding Love,” this is their finale performance. Chelsie is now on Dancing with the Stars and Mark is the head dancer for Lady Gaga.

I love many things about dance, but the best part has got to be the story telling. The cross over link for me between my dancing and my writing is the story. NappyTab’s choreography here is superb, but it’s the way Chelsie and Mark feel the story through every cell in their body. The title is Bleeding Love and that’s exactly how I feel by the end.

I hope you enjoy their performance AND I hope it inspires you to write.