Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Heather B. Moore



Welcome and thanks for agreeing and being part of this blog.
I thought it a good idea to catch up with you and see what you are up to since the last time I reviewed Heart of the Ocean for you. You can learn more about the book HERE.

Author’s Interview Questions

      1.       Are you famous is the general question I get when family and friends introduces me to their friends. It always left me with a pause as quick comebacks filters through my mind but ending up saying something like ….”Oh gee thanks” and give a shy smile. (a)Does this happen to you and (b) what do you say?
a.       Some people will say, “I can’t believe I’m talking to a famous person.” I just say, “I’m not famous” and then laugh.

      2.       In general do you like to talk about you writing and published books or are you very close-lip about it? If no why?
a.       I love to talk about my books and writing, but only do so if asked, and usually only at length if the person is truly interested and if I think I can help them on their own publishing path. Otherwise, I’d rather just talk about other books and authors in general. I’m an avid reader and I have a lot of authors who I love to read.

     3.       What book/s are you currently writing and what is it about?
a.       I just finished drafting a novella called Lost then Found. It’s part of a 5-part novella series called The Aliso Creek Novella series. They are contemporary romances.

Blurb
A dark secret . . . a grieving ghost . . . a handsome stranger . . . What more could Eliza Robinson want? Except for maybe her life.

In Heather B. Moore’s enthralling 1840’s historical romance, Heart of the Ocean, Eliza Robinson has turned down the very pretentious Mr. Thomas Beesley’s marriage proposal. As a business partner of Eliza’s father, Thomas quickly discredits the family and brings disgrace to the Robinson name.

While her father scrambles to restore his good name in New York City, Eliza flees to the remote Puritan town of Maybrook to stay with her Aunt Maeve. Although relieved to be away from all- things-male and unforgiving gossip columns, odd things start to happen to Eliza, and she is plagued by a ghostly voice. Her aunt’s explanation? That Eliza is being haunted by a woman who died of a broken heart twenty years ago.

After Aunt Maeve is tragically killed, Eliza's life is put in danger as she tries to uncover the mystery of her aunt's death. She encounters Jonathan Porter in Maybrook, whose presence in the town seems suspicious, yet she finds herself drawn to him. When she discovers that Jonathan’s dark secrets may be the link between the dead woman who haunts her and her aunt’s murderer, Eliza realizes that Jonathan is the one man she should never trust.

      4.       Why this particular genre? I love reading mysteries and historicals… so this book became a blend of both.

      5.       What inspires or motivates you to write? 
      I love to read, and writing is a lot like reading… especially since I’m a “discovery” writer, which means I don’t always know what I’m going to write in the next scene or chapter—much like reading a book.

      6.       What is the writing process like for you? 
       I create my own deadlines and set daily word count goals. This helps me see how I’m progressing, and can also be motivating when I see the word count stack up.

       7.       What is the best and/ or worst part of being a writer? 
       The best part is when someone tells you they enjoyed reading your book because you feel like you did something worth someone else’s time to invest in. The worst part is balancing all of the other things in life that are important with the love for writing.

      8.       Any advice for struggling writers? 
       My advice to struggling writers is to surround yourself with other writers who can support you in your journey. Be willing to revise your work. Keep persevering.

      9.       What is your favorite genre to read or write? 
      My favorite genre to write is historical. I love the research and I love the challenge of creating a new setting.

      10.   Favorite author? 
       I have plenty, but I love Maeve Binchy (characterization), Anne Perry (description, mystery), Adriana Travaglini (family saga).

      11.   Do you have a favorite spot to read and write? 
      In my office.

      12.   What do you like to do when not writing? I love to travel. 



      13.   Do you have a bucket list and would you share at least two things on it? 
      Not skydiving… but I’d love to go on a Mediterranean cruise again and do the whole Jane Austen tour in England.

      


      14.   What have you done so far on this list? 
       I went on a Mediterranean cruise when I was eight… but I’m not counting that. LOL

       15.   Most daring thing or experience you have done you would like to share? 
       Some people are impressed that I took 4 kids to Israel one summer. But I think it was when I became Scuba certified… it was kind of freaky to be diving deep with strange sea creatures.

      


       16.   This or that questions:
       ·         Coffee or Tea -  Hot Chocolate (prefer Stephen’s Gourmet brand)
       ·         Sweet or sour – sweet
       ·         Home make meal or takeouts –  homemade
       ·         Winter or summer – Summer (Autumn is my most favorite)
       ·         Night-owl or Early-Bird – Early bird
       ·         Telephone or visits – either works
       ·         Which social network do you prefer? I get more interactive comments on Facebook over blogging or tweeting
       ·         Blogger or website? I have both, but update my blog more often: http://mywriterslair.blogspot.com
       ·         What does your family say about your career? Supportive or Clueless. My family is supportive most of the time, unless they are hungry. **smile**


And Finally
Moto/wisdom in life you live by. 

Favorite writing quote: Give yourself permission to write a bad rough draft.

Contact details and buy links of the newest books you would like the readers to know.
Website: www.hbmoore.com

Facebook: Heather Brown Moore (or) Fans of H.B. Moore
Twitter: @heatherbmoore


Book trailer for my lastest historical thriller:



Most recent releases:
The Aliso Creek Novella Series


 
Biblical novel, coming April 2013




  
The Newport Ladies Book Club series




 A Timeless Romance Anthology series:






WOW! This was such and interesting interview. Thanks Heather for sharing with us.

Please do support the authors, as you can see a lot of hard work is going into the books. The least you can do is support them. You know, buying, reviewing, talking about them.

Next time on In The Limelight with
Amber Lea Easton
June 02, 2013






Sunday, May 26, 2013

Interview with Dayna Leigh Cheser



Dayna Leigh Cheser

I met Dayne through one of the Book Tours we had in September 2012 when I reviewed 'Janelle's Time' for her. It is great to have you back Dayne and thank you for agreeing to be part of the blog. 

You can read more about the review here

Author’s Interview Questions
      
      1.       Are you famous is the general question I get when family and friends introduces me to their friends. It always left me with a pause as quick comebacks filters through my mind but ending up saying something like ….”Oh gee thanks” and give a shy smile, silly I know but the idea unsettles me. (a)Does this happen to you and (b) what do you say?    
No, it doesn’t happen to me as I’m not ‘out there.’  As a major introvert, I seldom leave the house.  That said, I’m something of a celebrity within the family, especially my husband’s family, but beyond that …

      2.       In general do you like to talk about you writing and published books or are you very close-lip about it? If no why?     
As I said, I’m an introvert and don’t get out much so I don’t talk with people, especially strangers.  That said, I can go on for PAGES and PAGES in emails (or interviews – LOL) and the like with someone who shows an interest.  One close friend with whom I email reads about my books and my writing to where I’m sure she’s ready to freak out!  Oh, the long-suffering Claire!

     
3.       What book/s are you currently writing and what is it about?    
Funny you should ask …  I have 4 books (of the 5-book TIME series, of which Janelle’s Time is the first) in the works at various points in the process.  These are Regency/Victorian romances, with other elements (which vary from book to book).  These books are very different from one another, primarily because I am a ‘pantser’ writer – I never know what will happen next as I’m writing.
Moria’s Time, book 2 of my series is nearing completion.  I’m working the edits now and hope for a spring release.  It continues the Grayson family saga from Janelle’s Time, book 1.  Moria, one of Janelle’s daughters, is the subject of a vision before her birth, as told at the end of Janelle’s Time.  According to the vision, Moria, as a young woman, will travel far from home, and be in great danger, danger not only to herself, but to everyone around her.  Moria’s Time takes you on a journey to the fulfillment of that vision.  Where does she go, and what is the danger?  Does she achieve her long-standing goal of becoming a doctor, which started with her maternal family’s expertise in natural medicine?  Along the way, she meets several real-life historical figures … and, in time, the love of her life.  Moria shares the early years of their life with her twin sister, Adelle, who, as a child, drives Richard and Janelle to distraction with her selfishness and overwhelming quest for attention. 
When Adelle and Moria become young women, their paths diverge and Adelle’s story continues in Adelle’s Time, book 3 of the series.  From a young age, Adelle’s goal in life had been to marry an English Duke and live accordingly.  After a devastating relationship failure, Adelle retreats to an orphanage where she volunteered when she was younger to distract herself by working with the children, something she enjoys, but to also examine her life and figure out what she wants of it.  Understanding from the failed relationship that the daughter of an American farmer has little chance of attracting a Duke, she develops an alter-ego designed to aid her in her quest.  Along the way, she grows up and becomes as remarkable a woman in her own way as her sister.  She finds her soul mate, but is he her Prince Charming or does she outgrow her childish desire to marry a Duke?  I’m hoping for a late 2013 or early 2014 release. 
Book 4, Logan’s Time, may be the best book of the series. The Scots Duke of Muileach, Logan Conor, was a minor character in Janelle’s Time who crashes Richard and Janelle’s wedding with revenge on his mind.  When Janelle’s Time was complete, Logan let me know he wanted his own book.  A spinoff, rather than a sequel, Logan may not be a Grayson, but he has a long-standing relationship with Janelle’s husband, Richard, so the families, Grayson and Conor, get together from time to time.  His appearance in Janelle’s Time created a bit of a stir among reviewers and readers, with one reviewer proclaiming she was ‘in love’ with Logan, so, I’m hopeful that stir continues when his book is released.  Logan’s book begins with the 7-year old Logan secretly watching the birth of his younger brother, Daniel – and his mother’s immediate abandonment of her family within the confines of a blackmail contract she has with her father about her forced marriage to Logan’s father.  A Spring 2014 release is planned. 
So, how do you end a series with 2 separate timelines involving 2 unrelated families?  You have a big wedding.  Logan’s oldest daughter, Clarissa and Janelle’s oldest son, Damian Gerard, baptized at the same time in Janelle’s Time, will marry in the final book of the series, Clarissa’s Time.  While I have ideas about this book, I haven’t put pen to paper yet. 



Janelle’s Time blurb:
“If you love the magic of romance and the romance of magic, this is a book for you.” Ken Weene,
author
Janelle’s Time is the epic story of the great love between a New Hampshire farmer’s daughter, Janelle LeDuc, and the son of an English Duke, Richard Grayson.
From her father’s death in a logging accident to barely surviving the birth of twin daughters, Janelle’s penchant for getting into ‘situations’ makes it difficult for Richard to protect her.
Unaware of Janelle’s maternal-line powers, the couple accidentally time-travels to 14th century England, meeting Richard’s ancestors, and discovering a startling truth about Richard’s aristocratic family that nearly destroys their relationship.
Logan, the Scots Duke of Muileach, and longtime friend of Richard, crashes the couple’s wedding, bent on revenge for an unfortunate incident from when the Richard and Logan spent time in Paris, but the result of this confrontation surprises everyone.
On their wedding trip to England, they learn about Richard’s childhood friend, Nick, tired of waiting to inherit Statler Hall, has killed his parents. Upon meeting Janelle, Nick decides to kidnap her to replace the wife who’d left him, and to kill Richard and his brother, Sinjin, in the process.
Later, mugged and left for dead, Richard, suffering from amnesia, betrays Janelle who leaves him and returns to NH, unaware she’s pregnant. Richard finally arrives home, recovered; but another blunder sends him into exile until after their son’s birth.
Will their love survive their different backgrounds? Will their marriage endure the many months spent apart? Will the endless obstacles life throws at them spell the end for them? Can this couple learn to love again?

      4.       Why this particular genre?
It’s what I enjoy reading the most.  History and English were my 2 favorite subjects in school.

      5.       What inspire or motivate you to write?
      An inbred NEED to write … my mother and my siblings are/were all writers in various manners.  My mother is the author/co-author of several non-fiction titles, one brother was Assistant City Editor at a local newspaper, another brother has been a copywriter, and my sister edits her church newsletter. 


      6.       What is the writing process like for you?
If by ‘process’ you mean, how do I do it, here’s a typical day for me.
I’m retired so my ‘process’ is different from those who have a job and/or have young children. 
Most days, I’m up by 7:30 AM.  I allow myself a few hours to do this and that – housework, shopping, personal correspondence, that sort of thing.  By noon, at the absolute latest, I’m ‘in the zone’ – doing something writing-related.  My focus now is the edits for Moria’s Time.  Or, I could be doing first draft writing, or self-editing ahead of sending the ms to my editor, or pitching reviewers, or any of the many other aspects of the craft.  I break to fix supper, then often put in more hours in the evening.  I can tell when it’s time to call it a day … the words on the screen start to look like a foreign language!  Sometimes, I’m brain dead by 8 PM, other days, I can keep on trucking to about 11 PM (or times in between), but most nights, I’m in bed by 11:30 PM.  Because my husband, who works as an IT Tech at the local newspaper, is home on the weekends, my schedule then is different, as he comes first.

      7.       What is the best and/ or worst part of being a writer?
The best part is the writing – sitting down to a blank screen and creating a story, or continuing one already started.  It’s not just words, it’s creating the characters and giving them life.  It’s creating a world -in my mind, populated by those characters who go about their lives in such a way that they could easily be real, even if they’re not. 
For example, for Logan’s Time, I searched for days using satellite maps for the perfect location for Logan’s castle, then, in my mind, built the castle, complete with a secret passage that makes Logan’s mother’s defection possible, and so much more. 
The worst part is what used to be done by publishers – marketing and promotion.  This is the worst for introvert writers like myself.

      8.       Any advice for struggling writers?
Write, write, write.  Set yourself a daily goal of X number of pages per day, if you’re writing a first draft, and stick to it.  Write SOMETHING every day.  If you need a break from a big project, take a day and write a short story or two in a completely different genre, but write SOMETHING every day! 
Probably the single most important bit of advice is to find a good, professional editor.  He/she is your very best friend.  Do not depend on family or friends to edit your book for you (unless they happen to be professional editors) because it will show in what you submit to an agent, or to a publisher.  It’s also why self-pubbed books carry the stigma they do – inadequate or unprofessional editing.   Few writers can write a book without an editor!  Put your ego on the shelf and hire an editor!

      9.       What is your favorite genre to read or write?
In one word – romance.  I started as a tween secretly reading (under the covers with a flashlight) my mother’s hidden stash of books – Lolita, Peyton Place, and the like.  But, within the romance genre are dozens of subgenres.  I like historical, of course, but also time travel (I’m a Trekie, too), and other subgenres.  I have a large TBR pile since there aren’t enough hours in the day as it is.
 
     
10.   Favorite author?
Bertrice Small, once the Queen of Hot Romances, is the author who most influenced my writing.  Others, such as Lynn Kurland, Diana Gabaldon, early Karen Marie Moning, Jean Auel, Victoria Holt, and more, have also had an influence on my writing.  Right now, my TBR pile includes books from most of these writers.  But, if I like the book blurb, I’ll read other authors.

      11.   Do you have a favorite spot to read and write? Share a photo if you have one.
I don’t think I’ll be sharing a photo of my favorite reading spot.  LOL  I lay on my stomach in bed, with my pillow under my chest and the book propped up against the headboard.  (This works even if you’re sick.)  You can be fully clothed, or you can be in your night wear (all you have to do is reach over, turn out the light and it’s dream time).  You can be under the covers or on top.  I live in Florida, so, most often, I’m on top, and usually in night wear. 
                                                                                                                                                                          
      12.   What did you do before you became a writer?
Over the years, I had many different kinds of jobs, but primarily, I worked in small commercial print shops. I did everything, from order entry through billing, although in the early years, I ran a printing press. 
Later, I was introduced to typesetting.   This was before computers were on everyone’s desk.  At first, I used a glorified typewriter, then graduated to photo-typesetting.  Later, when computers were capable of it, I taught myself Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and, to a lesser extent, the other parts of the Adobe Suite. 
For 10 years, I owned a small commercial print shop in New Hampshire where my primary duties were typesetting and running the 2-color printing press.  My husband and the employees handled the rest of the work.

      13.   Was it a life long dream or triggered recently?
I’ve been reading and writing for most of my life.  In junior high school, I wrote short stories which then were passed around.  My peers asked me constantly when I was going to write another story.  Some of the stories even made their way to teachers (one way or another).  One teacher added short story writing to her curriculum. 

      14.   What do you like to do when not writing?
Spend time with my husband, my best friend. 

      15.   Do you have a bucket/ to-do list and would you share at least two things on it?
      I don’t have a true ‘bucket’ list, although there is one thing I’d really like to do before I get too old to do it – spend a month traveling around England.  Besides being English by heritage, now, my writing centers around locales in New Hampshire (USA - where we used to live), England and Scotland, I’d love to visit England-Scotlan, especially where Logan’s castle is (in my mind).  Oh, to be able to stand where his castle is and look around, seeing what Logan and his community saw every day …
Otherwise, I have a never-ending To Do List.  One item currently on the list is getting Moria’s Time back to my editor for the second round of editing, then sending it to my beta readers.  Another item is working on Adelle’s Time (which I wrote as my NaNo 2012 project).


      16.   What have you done so far on this list?
In hopes that my dream of visiting England-Scotland will actually happen, I bought a political map of the area, then divided England-Scotland into 10 regions.  Then, I started a Table in Word where I can list various points of interest (to me) within each of the 10 regions.  When that’s done, I can then guesstimate how long to stay in each region.  I’ll start with northwest Scotland (fly into Glasgow) and work my way south, ending in London (fly out of Heathrow).  I haven’t had much time to do the research, but just thinking about it …

      17.   Most daring thing or experience you have done you would like to share?
Pass

      18.   This or that questions:
       ·         Coffee or Tea – Neither, I primarily drink water
       ·         Sweet or sour – Both, although I avoid added sugar
       ·         Home make meal or takeout – home made, I enjoy cooking
       ·         Winter or summer – Autumn is my favorite season
       ·         Night-owl or Early-Bird – Early-Bird
       ·         Telephone or visits – Neither – I prefer email or on-line chats.  I’ve very hearing impaired, and an  introvert.
       ·         Which social network do you prefer?  I have a presence on 6 sites, but I don’t really have a favorite.
       ·         Blogger or website? Website.  I can do so much more on www.DaynaLCheser than I can on my old blog.
       ·         What does your family say about your career? Supportive or Clueless  Both, actually.  They support me, but they have no clue what it’s like to write a novel and see it published … even the family members who are writers!
      
      


And Finally
Moto/wisdom in life you live by. 
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you
Live and let live


Contact details and buy links of the newest books you would like the readers to know.
Janelle's Time Amazon 

Thanks once again for your willingness to share with me and the readers.

Support the authors work and keep in contact with them. Buy their books, give them a review and tell others about them it is the least you can do. 

Next time on In the Limelight with...

Heather B. Moore
May 29, 2013


Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Interview and Give away from Author Liliana Soare


In the Limelight with 

Author Liliana Soare


Welcome and thanks for agreeing and being part of this blog.

I thought it a good idea to catch up with you and see what you are up to since the last time I reviewed a book for you. Listen to the Heartbeat, a contemporary romance had an unexpected ending to a fast paced and well written book. You can read more about my 5 star Review on Amazon here.

Author’s Interview Questions

    1.     “Are you famous?” is the general question I get when family and friends introduce me to their friends. It always left me with a pause as quick comebacks filter through my mind but I end up saying something like… “Oh gee, thanks,” and give a shy smile. Silly I know but the idea unsettles me. (a)Does this happen to you and (b) what do you say?

Lol, it has never happened to me yet, and I pray to God that it won’t happen any time soon.  We all know that in the writing world celebrity belongs to the very few.  Just as importantly, we don’t write for fame, but because writing is our life.

     2.     In general do you like to talk about you writing and published books or are you very close-lipped about it? If no why?

Yes, I love to talk about everything that pertains to writing. It is, after all, the world I live in. My passion.

     3.     What book/s are you currently writing and what is it about?

I am polishing a new novel, title yet to be chosen, another women’s commercial fiction with stronger romantic elements and (beware!!!) more heated intimate scenes. Want to have a sneak peek? 
Here we go: Elisabeth Wilburn was born in a world rich beyond her wildest dreams but grew up in the gutters. Fate continues to mercilessly pound at her when, now eighteen, she’s brought back to a life she doesn’t know, and she’s coerced into marrying handsome womanizer Justin Winters with whom she falls desperately, hopelessly in love. How could she ever win her husband’s heart if he is so repulsed by her presence?

    4.     Why this particular genre?

I always write romance. It seems to run in my veins. Not that I’m trying to compensate for the lack of it in my personal life, lol. I just love it.

     5.     What inspires or motivates you to write?


Writing brings me a completeness that I never feel in any other aspect of my life. One can understand it only if one can experience it.

    6.     What is the writing process like for you?

I write whenever I feel like and I never keep track of time. No daily writing goal either. I just grab my laptop and I sink on the couch, at time stretching trying to take the strain out of my sore muscles. A quick meal thrown in the microwave with impatience, a bunch of grapes and some watermelon appease my hunger when my stomach decides that enough is enough. Then back to work, often until I am so numb and tired I can barely drag myself to my bed. I tend to repeat the process day after day until I’m done with the novel. It usually takes me 3-4 weeks to complete a project. My absolute record was 16 days, and that was my first published book, ‘Listen To The Heartbeat’

     7.     What is the best and/ or worst part of being a writer?

Well, I suppose the best part is the abandon, the fulfillment, the thrill. The worst part is the inability to find the right words, the writer’s block, the knowledge that I’m so close to the end and I can’t get it right. It happens, but it’s usually just a passing prick. An annoying one though.

     8.     Any advice for struggling writers?

The universal advice, I suppose: Patience and perseverance. There’s nothing better than the feeling of having reached the end of your first novel. And nothing more painful than the repeated rejection that comes afterward from countless literary agencies. It doesn’t mean that you are not talented or that your work is not good. Even though it may never attain publication, it is a masterpiece, because it’s the fruit of your heart and soul. You will always love every bit of it. So if writing is your passion, keep doing it. Live that passion, even if you risk not to be able to share it with the world.

    9.     What is your favorite genre to read or write?

As expected, romance. But I wouldn’t turn away some drama, paranormal.

    10.  Favorite author?

Without any doubt, Margaret Mitchell.


11.       Do you have a favorite spot to read and write? Share a photo if you have.

In bed, lol. No photos, that would be pathetic, really. It would forever ruin my image. ** smile**

    12.    What did you do before you became a writer?

I’ve worked in the computer technology field, I’ve been a library assistant for a while and a foreign languages translator/interpreter. Nothing too exciting.

     13.    Was it a life long dream or triggered recently?

I must say that publishing my novel was a great achievement, but I do have other life-long dreams on my to-do list. 

     14.    What do you like to do when not writing? Share a photo.

Nothing very exciting. Just day-to-day life, like any ordinary woman. And nope, no pictures, lol.

    15.       Do you have a bucket/ to-do list and would you share at least two things on it?

Yes, I have to start working on my third novel that will be published later this year. It does require some adjustments, and it seems like a huge task. Also, my to-do list has some exercising on it (Pilates and stuff). A visit to the hairdresser too.


    16.   What have you done so far on this list?

Well, I suppose the right question would be ‘what I have not done so far’. That would be about everything on the list. **smile**

     17.     Most daring thing or experience you have done you would like to share?

The most daring thing I have done in my life cannot be shared I’m afraid. I am aware though that if I leave it to the reader’s imagination some funny things will come out of it. Too bad, I’m willing to take the risk.

     18.  This or that questions:
     ·        Coffee or Tea – neither. Natural juice
     ·        Sweet or sour – sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet
     ·        Home make meal or takeouts – home made, traditional way
     ·        Winter or summer – definitely summer
     ·        Night-owl or Early-Bird – early bird
     ·        Telephone or visits –  Telephone. I’m a hermit.
     ·        Which social network do you prefer? Facebook
     ·        Blogger or website? Blogger
     ·        What does your family say about your career? Supportive or Clueless Mixed reactions

And Finally
Moto/wisdom in life you live by.

Everything is possible. The impossible just takes a little longer.

Contact details and buy links of the newest books you would like the readers to know.


Websites where the novel can be purchased:


Thank you so much for hosting me, Lynelle!

Thanks once again for your willingness to share with me and the readers.




Win a $50 AMAZON voucher.

To enter the draw, simply purchase a copy of my novel 'Listen to the Heartbeat' for $4.99 from one of the websites listed and email me the receipts to lilianasoare2010@gmail.com.

 Here are the purchase links: 




Next time on In the Limelight with
Dayna Leigh Cheser
May 26, 2013


Until then