Interview with Author Patricia Rasey

Patricia Rasey, Author of Suspense Romance

Ms. Rasey is a three-time recipient of the Word Weaving Award for Literary Excellence and a three-time winner of the prestigious RIO Award Of Excellence. She is also a three-time EPPIE finalist and was a 2001 nominee for Romantic Times Magazine's Best Electronic Book. Additionally, Twilight Obsessions and Twilight Visions, two anthologies she was a part of, was nominated for the PEARL, the Paranormal Excellence Award in Romantic Literature, in the Best Anthology category. Her short story, In The Mind of Darkness won the P&E 2002 Horror short story category.

When not behind her computer, you can find Patricia working, reading, watching movies or MMA. She also enjoys spending her free time at the river camping with her husband and two sons. Ms. Rasey is currently a third degree Black Belt in American Freestyle Karate.

We're very excited to have Patricia visit with us this week. Readers, Patricia is featuring a giveaway. Details below. Help us give her a warm welcome!

Louise: Patricia, welcome to our blog! We’re so excited you could join us for a chat. When did you first decide to submit your work to be published? Tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step.

Patricia: Actually, I believe it was the first local RWA group that I joined, MVRWA. They were a big support system, encouraging, offering critiques, telling their own experiences. A big thank you goes out to some of the members and formal members: Deanna Jewel, Tori Carrington, Melody Morgan, Sue Charnley, Denise Lynn and many others! What a great group! Of course, I didn’t get published for quite a few years…but I just kept plugging away. That’s when I met Lara Adrian back in 1995. She’s been so supportive and helpful to my writing and career over the years.

Louise: Please tell us a little about your new release Love You to Pieces.

Patricia: Love You to Pieces is about a detective that loses everything…his wife, his child. He feels he doesn’t have much to live for except to see that the killer dead by his hand. His late wife’s cousin, Sara, decides, out of love for her cousin, that she needs to rescue Jaycen…who doesn’t want or need her acting as his savior. What neither counts on is the passion that ignites, or just how close to home the killer actually is.

It's been a few months since Jaycen McCain's troubled wife fell victim to a sadistic killer. Losing Kelly Jo has haunted him deeply, and his failure to keep her safe has driven Jay to the brink of a bleak, self-destructive despair. But the small-town police detective has bigger problems to deal with when a string of serial murders crop up on his home turf--murders with eerie similarities to the violence perpetrated on his wife.

Compelled to stop the killer and find much-needed answers about Kelly Jo's final hours, Jay is forced to enlist the help of a woman too tempting for his own peace of mind: Kelly Jo's pretty cousin, Sara St. James. Together, Jay and Sara embark on a pursuit for justice that will take them into an underground world of dark places and dangerous, irresistible desires. As an unwanted passion kindles and combusts between them, the killer closes in, pulling Jay and Sara into the web of an evil that will rock them to their core.

Louise: Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write?

Patricia: For the most part. I use the writing software WriteWay from http://www.WritewayPro.com to help plot and characterize. I love the character profiles they provide in the software. No more printing pictures or tins of sticky notes. I keep everything inside the software and it’s there for me at a glance. They also have NoteCards that are great for plotting. It’s a tool every writer could benefit from.

Louise: We acquired WriteWay Pro. We can't wait to use the program. How much research do you do for your books? Have you found any cool tidbits to share?

Patricia: I love writing dark fiction and the research that goes with it. I’ve come across a few of my favorite things to research, biker gangs, the underground culture of vampires—and even talked to a few self-professed vampires who helped me with my research for The Hour Before Dawn. I got to meet Chuck Zito a couple of times who was inspiration for my book Eyes of Betrayal. He used to be the VP of the New York Hells Angels. For the police work, usually my brother or a family friend helps me and I try my best to get the details to as correct as possible. 

Louise: What is your writing process? Do you outline, write by the seat of your pants (Pantser) or a combination of both?

Patricia: I do a lot of my writing, by sitting in the chair and flying without a net—I was once told. And it’s true. I do plot—but loosely at the beginning of the project. Then when I get about halfway through the book—I’ll do the heavy plotting to work out the details. So I guess it really is a combination of both.

Louise: Do you write full time? What did you do before you became a writer or still do?

Patricia: Before writing, not even sure I remember that long ago—but I worked a lot of part-time jobs. No career jobs at that point in my life. I started having kids…and that was my main focus. Once I started writing, I’ve had a couple of periods in my life that afforded me the luxury of being a full time writer. But for most of my career, I’ve either worked part-time or full time along with writing. Right now, I work for WriteWay, yes—the same software company I mentioned above. I’ve used them for years as my good friend Lara Adrian’s husband created the software. But two years ago, they asked me to come on board and work for them. I am their PR/Marketing manager as well as handle their support.

Louise: Do you have a ritual when it comes to writing? Example….get coffee, blanket, paper, pen, laptop and a comfy place.

Patricia: Comfy quiet place is a must. I do not write with music on most days as it’s a distraction for me. So I have a roll top desk I use to write at in my office, or sometimes, I’ll grab my laptop and head for the living room couch. My dog, Todd—he’s a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel—is always at my feet or by my side.

Louise: How cute! My mom has a dog of this same breed named Fergie. Describe a typical writing day for you.

Patricia: there is no typical day for me. I have to steal what free time I can find. I start my mornings and most of my day working at the computer. Sometimes, I’ll take my lunch and write for a period. Then about three in the afternoon—I’ll be back at it until supper. And I need to get better at writing after supper as well.

Louise: Please give us a sneak peek at your future books. What’s on the horizon?

Patricia: I have two books I am currently working on. Charred Remains is the sequel to Love You to Pieces and my book Façade. They crash together into one book. I sidelined that book to work on another project at the moment called Sons of Sangue. That book is still under wraps…I haven’t told a soul about the premise—so you’ll just have to wait until I am closer to release on that one. But it is a Paranormal Vampire series…

Louise: What is your favorite genre to read and who is your favorite author?

Patricia: I love contemporary romance books. Usually the lighthearted ones. I don’t write them—maybe that’s why I like to read them—to get my mind out of the dark for a while. I do read some romantic suspense, though. My favorite author besides Lara Adrian? Is Sandra Brown. I’ve been a die-hard fan of hers for years.

Louise: Is there anything else you would like to tell the readers we have not touched on?

Patricia: I would like to thank all the readers who have stuck by me over the years—I can’t thank you enough. I also want to thank my new readers. Bless you for allowing me to tell my tales!

Louise: Where can the readers learn more about you and find your books on the web?

Patricia: the best places to find me on the net are: my Website 

on Facebook and Twitter @patriciarasey 

My Amazon Author page

My books are on the following sites:

Love you to Pieces on Amazon

and on B&N

Deadly Obession on Amazon

The Hour Before Dawn on Amazon 

Readers, I'll give away an eBook of Love You To Pieces in Kindle or Nook format to one lucky commenter. Make it easy to contact the winner by leaving your email address or Twitter handle.

Please enjoy an excerpt of Love You To Pieces below.

Sara placed her palm in the center of Jaycen’s black tee, meaning to shove him away. This was Kelly Jo’s husband, for crying out loud. She shouldn’t be kissing the man, or thinking about doing it again. She was pond scum… Worse, she was a bottom feeding algae eater! Rather than doing what her brain told her was the wiser and nobler choice, though, one look at his desperate gaze and she allowed his lips to slant over hers again. Her knees weakened as their tongues touched. She had no right feeling the butterflies or the desire rising in her.

Jaycen groaned, and their breath mingled as Sara fought to stay on her feet. He backed her against the cold brick wall, damp from the midnight dew. His thighs cradled hers like a lover’s, holding her flush against his growing arousal. Cars flew past and a couple of horns blasted, as they stood in plain sight of the busy street. Sara should have cared, should have thought about their little exhibition, but instead she focused on the foreign feelings Jaycen invoked with a simple kiss. Okay, not true—there was nothing simple about his kiss. She was going to hell for this one.

Jaycen suddenly released her and stumbled backward, wiping a hand down his mouth. His chest rose and fell with exertion. His masked gaze held hers, unwavering. Sara wanted to go to him, tell him what a mistake the kiss had been, nothing more than a result of the scene unfolding in the basement of Spanky’s. Both their emotions were running high. The kiss didn’t mean a thing…except Sara couldn’t really admit as much. Likely because that other voice in her said that it did mean something, that the kiss stirred something deep inside of her. Sara let out a shaky breath. This was not a path she meant to travel. She stayed her position against the cold brick wall, waiting for Jaycen to say something.

“I think maybe we should go.”

Sara held back the tears. She would not do this, not allow him to see that his kiss had affected her, so she repeated her earlier, unanswered question. “You want to tell me what this is about?”

He jammed a hand through his hair again and started pacing. “This shouldn’t have happened.”

Interview with Jesse Holder, Author of Chute, Beer, & Bullets

 JESSE HOLDER

Jesse Holder was born in Valdosta, Georgia. He quickly became known as a "class-clown" throughout his school years. After putting college on hold, Jesse joined the United States Army. He graduated United States Infantry and Airborne School in the spring of 2006. He served in the 173rd Airborne Combat Team in Italy from June, 2006 to July, 2009. He has completed two combat tours, the first being a fifteen month deployment in Afghanistan with the 173rd ABCT; the second being with the 3rd Infantry Division in Iraq. Jesse is very passionate about friends, family, food, beverages, traveling, and University of Georgia football.

Louise: Jesse, welcome to our blog! We’re so excited you could join us for a chat. When did you first decide to submit your work to be published? Tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step.

Jesse: Hey! It’s great to be here! Well I first decided to submit my work in July of 2011. I guess what encouraged me the most was the fact that I was almost done with a book that I had been working on for about a year so what was the point of writing it if I was just going to place it in a dark corner somewhere.

Louise: Please tell us a little about your new release Chutes, Beer, & Bullets.

Jesse: My book breaks the mold for military writing. It is probably the forerunner of a new genre I have dubbed Military Humor.  Most military books are either historic, and have a ton of co-authors sharing stories they have heard, or are written decades after the war took place. This book, however, was written by someone that lived it. Not only does it show the reader what’s going on in the war zone, as all military books do, but it also gives the reader a chance to look behind the scenes. Not only touching on training, but what soldiers do given that they are 19 year old boys, curious, stationed in a foreign country and have free range. Hilarity ensues.

Louise: Did you use real first names or fictitious names for your characters?

Jesse: I started out using fake names, but then it got to be I could not remember which names I had given people and such; even with writing them down. So I changed all the names back to last names, as we use in the military.

Louise: What did your fellow Army buddies think about you writing a book? Your family? Who has supported you the most?

Jesse: My Army buddies have been very supportive. Some were a little leery at first, because they didn’t know what scandalous scenes I had placed in it; ya know, in case they decide to run for office one day! My family hasn’t been to supportive. Sex, drugs, and war isn’t a Southern Baptist families cup of tea. 

Louise: LOL Living in the bible belt and writing under our real names in a risqué genre; we know exactly what you're talking about. What is your writing process? Do you outline, write by the seat of your pants (Pantser) or a combination of both?

Jesse: Haha, Pantser…that is the second time I have heard that term. You literary folks have some funny terms. I am a “Pantser” all the way. I do not really see the point in outlines; I mean I guess it may be important for a huge piece of fictional work like The Stand, or the Lord of the Rings trilogy; if you have a ton of moving pieces. But I was writing a chronological narrative. No need to brainstorm, outline, sand table, and all that rigmarole.

Louise: Hey, we just learned the term last year. *smiles* What is your favorite scene in the book and why do you love it? 

Jesse: Well readers can see an actual movie trailer of the book on YouTube or at the book's Facebook page. It’s about a five minute fast paced trailer I put together. I guess who really makes the book are the real life characters Clark and SFC (Sergeant First Class) Adams. Clark and my experiences in the beginning of the book, such as drug usage during Airborne School, causing a ruckus in European strips clubs, or being approached by Russian spies are a few high lights. SFC Adams is the comic relief during the Afghanistan part of the book. Between losing control of his bowels and constantly talking to his food, allows the reader to witness soldiers not being ridged or stiff necked…but as people.

Louise: Do you have a ritual when it comes to writing? Example….get coffee, blanket, paper, pen, laptop and a comfy place.

Jesse: Oh yes, it must be morning, there will be coffee, and there must be music.

Louise: Describe a typical writing day for you.

Jesse: If I am going to write then I have to get up and get going. Like to work out, grab some coffee, and then start writing. I will only write for a few hours, or until about noon.

Louise: Please give us a sneak peek at your future books. What’s on the horizon?

Jesse: There is nothing on the horizon at the moment. This may be it. I’m going on a book tour all of September, which will hit Dallas, Denver, Seattle, and Annapolis. I’m pushing this book first, and then maybe there will be a spin-off…or a movie.

Louise: A movie would be very cool. What is your favorite genre to read and who is your favorite author?

Jesse: Mmmm, if I am going to read it (which I don’t much) I like humor, Christopher Moore’s style of humor; I also like war books…imagine that. But my favorite author is Stephen King and his Dark Tower series. Right now though, I am reading Catch 22, by Joseph Heller.

Louise: The Dark Tower series are a must read and Mr. King has released The Wind in the Keyhole, a prequel on how Roland Deschain became the Gunslinger. Is there anything else you would like to tell the readers we have not touched on?

Jesse: This book is really just for the entertainment. I would tell these stories to people in passing or to friends and all of them said, “Hey you should write a book!”  So…I did. But in saying that, I wanted to tell the story of the modern day soldier and show the reader how they live their lives, and to shed some light on the war in Afghanistan. I wanted to let readers know that the war over there is real and the 42 men gave their lives…now see how they lived.

Louise: Where can the readers learn more about you and find your books on the web?

Jesse: My Facebook and here’s the purchase links:

Amazon Author page

B&N

authorHouse

Chutes, Beer, & Bullets: Not Your Grandpa's War Story is a humor filled narrative that takes place during the peak of The War on Terror. Follow Jesse is this uncut and unscripted adventure as he leads you through United States Army Airborne School, Europe, and ultimately to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Chutes, Beer, & Bullets is assured to have you laughing, sighing, looking away, and possibly even shedding a tear as you connect with the real life characters within. No doubt you will be longing for more as you turn the final page.

Excerpt

            The door of the C-130 Hercules flew upwards as the hot Georgia air poured into my nervous lungs. The continuous bump of the aircraft was not helping the situation...the sting of diesel nipping at my nostrils. The Black Hat yelled, "Thirty-Seconds," holding up his index finger and thumb. We all replied "thirty-seconds" as was taught to us for the past three weeks. I could feel my right hand tighten around the yellow rip cord. The only thought circulating through my head since I hooked up was, "Is the yellow cord really going to open this parachute that some nut packed?" This was by all means a new experience.
            "Standby!" the Black Hat barked, and the number one jumper turned to face the rustling Georgia Pines, pissing his pants as he did so...the Black Hat stepped back. I was the #4 jumper, or the fourth person that would jump from the plane. I was just close enough to the door to see the ground zipping by. The planes altitude hit 1,200ft and all I could think was, "What in THE HELL am I doing here?" "Green light go!" The Black Hat responds in a roar, and like ducks following a seemingly retarded mother, we all exited the aircraft.
            What I confused for the wrath of God was actually the prop blast from our C-130, throwing my ragged body through the air much like your cat does with a cheap toy. I felt my T-10 Parachute opening, "Praise the Lord!" too bad Jesus didn't warn me of the opening shock on my gonads. The straps dug into my legs, and the risers were twisted behind my head. As I am bicycle kicking through the open air to untangle my straps, I see the Georgia clay approaching with terrifying speed. Which way am I supposed to pull the risers again? As I am looking toward the horizon, I hear my 1st Lieutenant yell in agony accompanied by a sickening pop, which was his femur snapping. I try not to focus on the ground, staying as loose as possible. Feet and knees together! Then, as if the entire world is quiet except for the breeze though the pines...I hit like a ton of bricks thrown from the Empire State Building. Hey that was easy; only four more jumps, and I'm a paratrooper!
            After one more jump that day, we run back up to the Airborne barracks at Fort Benning, Georgia. I'm in Delta Company 1/507th. Having just graduated Infantry School on good ole Sand Hill, I am with at least a platoon size of my buddies. One in particular, Clark, is a character from Seattle, Washington. The guy had nothing better to do than join the Army and see where that took him. In between serving time for high-speed chases across Washington State, and almost getting killed by his own dad for walking into the family business un-announced (AHEM...meth lab), he figured why not try something a little less dangerous.
Being from Georgia myself, I had my own vehicle there at Airborne School. A black 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee named "darkie", my first ride. Clark and I often took it for a spin to my hometown on the weekend or around Columbus to see what kind of shit we could get in. Clark is notorious for getting to drunk and making outrageous claims about spaceships or how he can beat you in any event you think of. Plus, he likes to walk out on tabs...so usually Captain Shitstorm finds us.
            That evening we decided to go to The Chop house in Columbus. Clark and I frequented this establishment. I heard the food was amazing, but we went for the beverages. The bartender, whose name has slipped my mind, was a hipster kind of guy. He wore a red goatee and one of those damn hemp necklaces, and he drove a 1979 Blue Chevy. Mr. Barkeep claimed he obtained a degree in bartending from one of the wacko colleges that specializes in such things. The steak house was small and sat in the corner of strip mall across from the fabulous Sheraton Hotel, where I had vomited many times in the past and even jumped in the hot tub with my clothes on, but that's a different story.
            Clark and I sat there drinking a beer. He preferred German beer; I'm a Coors Light man myself. A shot was sitting in front of us, Jaeger-bombs no doubt; Clark would stroke the side of his shot glass like some perverted serial killer until it was time to drop the Black Death into Red Bull. I swear God smites a kitten every time one of those is drunk. Conversation in the establishment was entertaining as usual. Clark was trying to hit on a waitress who was way out of his league, hell out of his division; Clark wasn't much of looker back then, even less so now.
            An unusual cat sat down beside us with jet-black hair slicked back and stripped polo on. He obviously knows the bartender as they exchange words, slaps, punches, and play grab ass a little longer. Meanwhile Clark is eyeing me, like "If you so much as slide a hand on me that's going to be it!" I have been known to throw a few lisps on my words to make the gayest man seem straight. Rex, the gelled-Guido grab asser, turns to us and says, "What are you soldier-boys havin?" Now I may have looked young, 19 at the time, but Clark was by no means a boy. Clark, in his usual forward manner, "Well...what are you buying?" I had another Coors, the grab-asser and Clark did shots of Johnny Walker...talk about a lush.
            After some interesting conversation, we found out that Rex was a geologist for some institute that was going out of business, and I thought the business of being a rock whisperer was booming! Of course Clark in his infinite wisdom knew all there was to know about geology from volcanic ash to the sand in his vagina. Then as if Gabriel himself blew the golden trumpet, Rex and Mr. Barkeep looked at each other and wink. Rex turns to us, "Hey...do you guys play poker?" Now I am a hell of a rummy player, I use to beat one of my best buds every Sunday afternoon but I have never played poker; much less gambled for it. As I am sure you are imagining now, Clark once again in his most matter-a-factual tone, "Oh I'll murder ya...my knowledge of the game and the quickness of my hands...c'mon." I sat there pondering on the meaning of Clark's statement. It was too late though, the gauntlet had been thrown. "Well come on over, Mr. Barkeep will be joining us. I have ten beers and Kevin will be there too." Rex informs us.
            I don't know who keeps the count of beers in their fridge, or who the hell Kevin is but before I could swipe my handy-dandy debit card, we were out the door, already at a BP gas station picking up a twenty-four pack of Bud Light; neither one of us keeping in mind that we have to do two maybe three more jumps tomorrow. No that never occurred to us. What a grave miscalculation.
            Clark and I arrive at Rex's one-story brick suburban home. One of the older models you saw built in the 70' and 80's, a nice home for a Guido bachelor. The back door opened up into the outdated kitchen, a large wooden dining room table was in the dining room to my immediate right. The table should have given Rex plenty of room to count his beer on. Speaking of beer, low and behold, ten nicely arranged Bud Lights in the refrigerator. I'm no doctor, but I think someone had a touch of O.C.D. Only about five minutes had passed when Mr. Barkeep arrived. Rex had given Clark and me the grand tour of his lair, surprisingly not brandishing a plate of Fava beans and a nice bottle of Chianti.

Interview with Dannie C. Hill, Author of "Death's Door"

Dannie Hill visits with us this week via the continent of Asia. Such an exotic place to live! We met Dannie through a blog event posted by a fellow author. Once we saw Dannie was an author and checked out his books, we wanted to introduce him to you.

Dannie is featuring a giveaway: eBook copy (winner's choice) to one lucky reader through Rafflecopter below!

Dannie Hill is an American and lives in Thailand with his wife. When in the States he lives in Houston, Texas. Dannie has four published novels that are enjoyed by many readers.

When not writing, Dannie enjoys sailing, motorcycles, reading and farming. He has a small farm in Thailand growing many exotic fruits and vegetables. The main crop is tapioca and corn. The hard work of farming helps relax his mind while his daydreams come to life. Thailand allows the sounds of English to quiet and daydreams to take shape on paper.

Dannie also has a blog; A Writer’s Life in Thailand. http://danniehill.wordpress.com

Louise: Dannie, welcome to our blog! We’re so excited you could join us for a chat. When did you first decide to submit your work to be published? Tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step.

Dannie: First, thank you so much for letting me come on your great site, Louise! I love your blog and your support!

I am an independent writer so my decision to go forward with a manuscript doesn’t come until I’ve finished my first draft. By then I know if I have written something worthy of readers. Once that decision is made I start the many rewrites and send it to my Proof Editor. After that I have a few First Readers go over it and usually make some suggested changes. I then send it to a Copy Editor to smooth the story. By then my decision has been made to publish but I try hard to make my story as professional as possible before I release it. I also have a book cover designed that will speak to the readers.

Louise: Please tell us a little about your new release.

Dannie: My latest book, which is my fourth published novel, is titled Death’s Door. It is a thriller but I’ve included, along with the action and suspense, some of my Southern humor and a bit of romance.

  

"Death’s Door" is a true thriller but there will be times when the reader is laughing, crying and taken to locations where they will feel the heat and the hearts of the characters. The two main characters are New Jersey State Policemen and because of the skills of one—Dell has a proven ability to ‘see’ danger and the courage to step into the middle of trouble to keep Bill, his partner, safe. Bill’s job is to keep Dell out of trouble with his supervisors and to keep him from dying as he rushes headlong into trouble. A secret counter-terrorism unit of the NSA brings Bill and Dell into their group to find terrorists who plan on exploding a dirty bomb somewhere in the U.S. Bill and Dell go to Lebanon looking for these terrorists and end up putting their lives in the hands of a brother and sister who have to try and spirit them out of the country while protecting and guiding them through the desert. An odd romance comes to Bill that continues throughout the book.

Louise: Love the cover and the intrigue of danger in the story! Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write?

Dannie: When I’m writing a manuscript I usually start out with one or two characters and as I write new characters introduce themselves and they lead me farther into the story. I have to pick names—and they sometimes change as I write but the nature of the characters rarely changes.

Louise: How much research do you do for your books? Have you found any cool tidbits to share?

Dannie: My research is an ongoing process. I look into locations for specific details, drawing many from memories but fortify them with my research. Since I don’t always know where the story will lead much of my research is done during my writing or in the rewrite.

Interesting tidbits? I’ve learned how to skin a goat and do flower arranging through my research… 

Louise: LOL Never hurts to learn insightful hobbies. What is your writing process? Do you outline, write by the seat of your pants (Pantser) or a combination of both?

Dannie: I’m a pantser—no doubt about it. At the same time, when I’m not at my desk the story runs through my mind and I develop the plot. I often have to stop what I’m doing and rush back to sketch my thoughts on paper. Having a small farm in Thailand I often draw laughs from my neighbors when I abandon whatever I’m doing and make a run for the house. I have no idea what they think I’m doing but it always brings smiles.

I have tried plotting, storyboards and outlines but usually by the next chapter I have to throw it all away because my Muse takes me in unexpected directions.

Louise: Do you write full time? What did you do before you became a writer or still do?

Dannie: I’ve been writing full time for eight years—notice I didn’t say making money for eight years. I had a career that has provided just enough to let me live my dream. My wife and I live in Thailand and that’s cuts cost for the simple things in life. I said earlier we have a small farm that provides a small income.

Writing is a dream come true for me. It keeps me sane. I just happen to be married to the best woman in the world! She never complains about my time spent writing and always encourages me. I couldn’t do this without her. 

In my past I worked in aviation for many years as a mechanic and coordinator.

Louise: Do you have a ritual when it comes to writing? Example….get coffee, blanket, paper, pen, laptop and a comfy place.

Dannie: When I first started writing full time my excitement would have me up before the sun rose. Sunrise does inspire me and my mind is at its clearest early in the morning. I still do most of my writing in the mornings but I find I can write any time of day. Because we have a small house I never interfere with what my wife happens to be doing so noise, TV, banging pots—nothing really bothers me because I hear nothing except what’s in my head.

Louise: Describe a typical writing day for you.

Dannie: I wish I had a typical day, ha! I spend as much time as I can on farming things when I’m not writing a manuscript—it makes up for the I’m-not-at-home times when I am writing. When writing I get up early, have a cup of coffee and sit at my tiny desk—it really is tiny… you know, one that you can fold up and move around, light up my laptop and do a quick check of email, Twitter, and maybe read a blog or two of my favorite writers.

Once I start on my manuscript the outside world shrinks to a speck and the world in my brain becomes my reality. I do take a break every few hours to relax my eyes and stretch my legs. My wife knows that I am of no use to her during these periods and usually allows me to be the total recluse I am.

I’ll write from 3 hours to 12 hours a day—depending on how the story is going. I’ll even let it sit for a few days if it makes a wrong turn. I’ve even been known to write the ending if I hit a wall. This happened with "Death’s Door" and I loved the way the ending opened up the middle of the book—it was just what I needed.

At night, we usually watch English language DVD movies. I speak Thai but I have to have my English break at night.

Louise: Please give us a sneak peek at your future books. What’s on the horizon?

Dannie: I have a number of in-work manuscripts just awaiting attention, but the one I’m working on now it going to be a great book if I can finish. The working title is Desperate Straits. It’s about a man who uncovers a plot to ruin the U.S financially. It involves high profile politicians, military and underworld leaders that want this man dead and his information destroyed.

The U.S. Marshal’s service has a special unit that protects certain witnesses and answers to no one. They also have some radical genetic procedures very few people have heard of. They change Terry, the main male character into a beautiful woman—I mean a real woman. Of course there are super funny scenes as the man tries to adapt to the woman he now is—there’s no changing back. And bad guys are still trying to kill him. What do you think of it so far?

I’ve also all but finished a manuscript titled On The Menu but am fighting with myself about if I’ll ever publish. It’s a story about a sexual predator that preys on women and young girls. I’ve tried to take this horrific person and get the readers to like him. Because of an accident he finds that a family, a mother with two teenage girls, has taken him in and nurses him back to health. Can he change? Does he want to change?  I wrote this for National November Writing Month. It very good but the subject matter leaves me shaking every time I re-read it. It looks at the world of sexual slavery in the States and what one man tries to do about it. 

Louise: What is your favorite genre to read and who is your favorite author?

Dannie: I read fantasy, thrillers, literature, romance (I love romance) and just about anything in English. I think this is the main reason I genre hop when I write.

Tolkien, Brooks, Bradbury and Elmore Leonard are some my favorites. Also Wilbur Smith is so great if you like historical adventures set in Africa.

I must say that I’m finding independent authors are getting most of my attention these days. It is so special to me to read works that are perfect in story, editing and done by an up and coming writer. One of my favorites is Glenn Starkey—a thriller writer. I don’t think this guy knows how good he is!

Louise: Is there anything else you would like to tell the readers we have not touched on?

Dannie: I’ve been called a sweet guy- what a terrible Rep for a writer, LOL. When I write I do all that I do for the readers. They are the life blood of a writer and I love them!

I am the author of In Search of a Soul. This book has sold many, many copies and it was the hardest book I’ve written—but it is a beautiful story. Just read the reviews.

Amazon

B&N

Louise: Dannie, thank you again for visiting with us. Where can the readers learn more about you and find your books on the web?

Dannie: I have a blog about a Writer’s Life in Thailand and you can see all my books. http://danniehill.wordpress.com

Death’s Door is only available at Amazon as an ebook—for the next 90 days. It’s available everywhere in paperback.

Amazon eBook

Amazon Paperback

You can see all my books at my website.

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Blogging with Author MK McClintock & A Giveaway; How I Meet Deadlines and Remain Sane

Author Bio

McClintock is an entrepreneur, baker, photographer, tour host, reviewer, and multi-genre author. She was born on the west coast, but after less than eight years she left with her family to the Rocky Mountains. After more adventures around the country, business-college, and culinary school, McClintock found a place to call home in Montana.

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Over the years McClintock traveled the country and visited magnificent Scotland. She dreams of a time when life was simpler, the land rougher, and the journey more rewarding. With her heart deeply rooted in the past and her mind always on adventure, McClintock will always call Montana home.

 

Montana Gallagher Series 

Gallagher's Pride

Brenna Cameron travels from Scotland after losing someone she loves in search of family she didn't know existed. Alone now in the world, Brenna makes an arduous journey, following the trail of discovery to Briarwood, Montana. Here she meets Ethan Gallagher, and the rest of the Gallagher clan. Only with their help is she able to discover lost family, heal old wounds and embark on a treacherous confrontation with a man who destroyed her family. As head of the Gallagher clan, Ethan has more than enough to occupy his thoughts and time-he didn't need the complication of Brenna Cameron and he certainly didn't need the trouble that came with her. Ethan takes on the unwanted duty of self-appointed protector to the headstrong Scot, only to discover there is such a thing as second chances and more to life than revenge.

Gallagher’s Hope 

She sought a new beginning.

He sought what he didn't know was missing.

Together they would discover hope in unlikely places.

Isabelle Rousseau must escape New Orleans and the memory of her family's tragic loss. With her younger brother in tow, she accepts a position as the new schoolteacher in Briarwood, Montana. Desperate to keep what's left of her family together, Isabelle joins her life with a stranger only to discover that trust and hope go hand in hand.

Gabriel Gallagher lived each day as it came believing he had everything he could possibly want . . . until a determined woman and her brother arrive with a little luggage and a lot of secrets. It will take a drastic choice to protect her and give them both hope for the future.

How I Meet Deadlines and Remain Sane

By MK McClintock

How often is a writer asked, “Why do you do it?” How often do non-writers wonder why we deal with the long hours, the research, the editing, and yes, the dreaded deadlines? How do we do all of this, have a life outside of writing, and remain sane?

I imagine that every author has their own method of making it through the grueling writing and editing process to meet their deadlines. With Gallagher’s Hope, I was pushed to my sanity limits because I was also editing Gallagher’s Pride at the same time. I had set deadlines for both and I never imagined the enormous amount of work two books at the same time would be. I made it through and met the deadlines, but I didn’t do it alone.

I have a day job too, so needing to find a balance and staying focused is paramount! My life is rather spontaneous, but I still make out a daily schedule to keep track of everything I have to accomplish on any given day. Sometimes I’m successful and other times life just happens, so I’ve learned that the little thing I do keep me sane and happy enough to continue in this maddening profession of writing.

Each of us have our own little quirks and secrets that help prevent us, we hope, from pulling out our hair and gorging on chocolate ice cream, as that big red “X” on the calendar gets closer and closer. So what are my secrets? How does this author manage it? I don’t suppose my methods are entirely unique, but they work for me. Will they work for you?

·         I make time for myself. I don’t let that deadline control my life. Sure, at the last minute I’m putting in long nights and endless days, but my life is still my own. Once a week I have a spa day. Once a week I make sure I take my dogs to a favorite hiking spot. I get out into the world and soak up life. I step away and spend an hour baking in the kitchen or I sit out on the deck soaking up the fresh breeze coming across the lake. No matter what it is, I make sure I take time just for myself each week.

·         I’m not afraid to ask for help. If I have a deadline approaching and I just don’t feel it’s possible to make it, I let those involved know and ask for help if necessary. For Gallagher’s Hope, my editor was a rock star! She cared as much about that deadline as I did and throughout the process we used humor and sheer determination to meet those deadlines. Authors can’t do it alone!

·         Laugh every day! I love my life and chances are I can find humor in most situations. Laughing and enjoying life helps to keep things low-key and makes me realize that if that deadline isn’t met, the world won’t crumble.

·         Daily workouts. This may seem odd, but my daily workouts or swims keep me balanced. I work out any tension and start my day fresh and ready to conquer whatever the characters, work, or life throws at me.

·         I go with the flow. Life happens and getting worked up about little things doesn’t do me any good. I learned a long time ago how to go with the flow. Things are what they are and I can either fight them or work with/around them. If I find out I’m suddenly allergic to roses and can’t write for two weeks, which then causes me to postpone my book deadline, I go with it.

·         Chocolate. This really doesn’t need an explanation.

How do you meet your deadlines and remain sane? 

MK McClintock Website

Official Blog 

Goodreads

Amazon Author Page

Facebook 

Twitter @MKMcClintockMT

Kindlegraph 

Giveaway
Three signed paperbacks and a gift card using the same Rafflecopter widget (below) for each tour stop. Drawing takes place end of tour. (If a winner is not in the US, an ebook will be given instead of print).

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