A while ago, I had an idea for swag. It’s not unusual for me to make some of my own swag by hand, but this time was a little different.
As you guys know, I’m quirky. I like to be different. So it’s no shock that this particular item is a little out of my norm.
I bought the stuff I needed and set about making it a project for my son and I to do together during the school holidays (they’ve had 5 weeks off for summer).
At first, it was a little too hot for what I wanted to do. The heat was sure to make things melt. And that wouldn’t be great considering the swag I was going to make was chocolate.
But no ordinary chocolates. No. These are willies. I found the perfect mold on Etsy, and I also bought one to make hearts and one that makes a male torso.
As I write MM romance, it seemed fitting to dye the chocolate in different colours to make a rainbow.
We finally had some cooler days last week, so we’ve had time to practice. Below are some pics of our progress. I’m sure you’ll agree we got better as we went along 😉
We have packaging for these, with the following sticker.
**Though I just want to say, the name is a pun, and the chocolates are actually allergen free and do NOT contain nuts**
Anyway, hope you like our hard work. We’ll be making another couple of colours after the day off for my birthday (22nd).
Hey all. I just wanted to drop in and let you know that my newest MM romance, Tempting The Rockstar, is now available on Amazon.
✔️ Slow Burn
✔️ Second Chance
✔️ Spice 🌶🌶🌶
✔️ Sexy Rockstar
✔️ Handsome Firefighter
🎸 Blurb 🎸
🔥 Culhwch 🔥
Five years ago, I met the man of my dreams.
I didn’t care that he was the lead singer of one of the biggest rock bands around. His fame didn’t interest me; his kindness and compassion did.
Too bad he wouldn’t come out of the closet.
I refused to be his dirty little secret, and he eviscerated my heart and left me feeling dead inside.
I picked up the remaining pieces of my heart and rebuilt my life… until that fateful night.
Could he really be a changed man? Could he keep his promises this time?
🎸 Houston 🎸
As the lead singer and guitarist for The Descendants—the biggest rock band in a decade—I’m used to groupies throwing themselves at me.
Then, one night, thanks to an “access all areas” backstage pass and my sister-in-law, I met someone different to all the others. We fooled around behind the tour bus, but was it more than just a casual hook-up?
Eyes as blue as the sea and a body made for sin…he was the complete package. He was everything I never knew I needed.
That’s right, I said he. Culhwch made me feel things I’d never felt before.
But how could I tell the world the truth? How could I risk my family, my fans, turning against me and losing everything I’d worked for? My entire reputation was at stake. I had to let him go, even though it devastated me to watch him walk away.
Then our paths crossed again. One night with him was enough to make me see what a fool I’d been. But then a long kept secret rears its head, forcing me to confront things I would rather stay buried.
If I can’t contain it, the media will use it to destroy me and everything I hold dear.
Hey all! If you’ve been tuning in this week, you’ll have seen we’ve had a few Q&A’s with my fellow BVS authors. We’ve had a lot of insight into creative minds and I thought what better than to ask the ‘man behind the curtain’ to join in and give us his wisdom.
I’ve known Richard Savage for several years now, since he took a chance on publishing my novel SAFE (Jagged Scars Duet #1). He’s the consumate professional, but has a truly hilarious side to him too. He’s gone on to publish several of my books since we started working together, but I wondered what made him tick. Why did he decide to become a publisher? What sort of things does he write and what hobbies does he have outside of the industry? Well, here are the answers the big man gave to my questions…
Please could you tell us a bit about yourself?
Thank you for inviting me to your blog, it is a pleasure to be here.
Goodness where to start, I think first and foremost I am an artist. Though, I do consider my writing as a part of me as a creative person. I love to cook, in fact I am creative in most areas of my life and have been from my earliest of memories.
2. When did you first realize you wanted to become an author? How old were you when you wrote your first book?
Interesting question. I was writing stories from a young age and started to try to get children’s stories published from the age of about fifteen. Although that would hit the definition of wanting to be an author, at fifteen I am not entirely sure I had thought of it in those terms. I just wanted my story out there. It was clear that I didn’t have the ability at that age but I kept plugging away at it. It was also clear that the children’s market was flooded with people trying to get books published, so I switched genre to a more adult theme.
3. How old were you when you first got a book published?
I was 43 when I had my first story published, it was by BVS, but I didn’t own it at the time. The founder, Laurie Sanders, edited and published me back in 2005. I will always be grateful to her for the faith she had in me as a writer, and the time and trouble she took to help me develop my talent.
4. Do you self-publish or have another publisher besides BVS?
Mmmm, another interesting question, my first four fiction stories were published by BVS with Laurie Sanders as CEO. I have remastered most of them in my time and working on the last of the four now. It is a little self indulgent, but as writers, when have we not wanted to tweak and improve our work. I branched out into non fiction, producing a book on positive body image. That was published by BVS too, in the time of Laurie Sanders and we also produced a children’s book together.
I was always a bit worried about using BVS as a vehicle for my own work, I see it more for publishing others. But, if I can make the time to write more, who knows, I might get another out there in BVS. For my more arty books I use Savage Publications the sister company.
5. What inspires you and provides you with ideas for your stories?
Like most creative people, I collect ideas, and with luck at some point the mix of ideas all comes together and a story takes form. When it comes to fiction, I am fascinated by people who lead untraditional lifestyles. The world of kink interests me, although I am rather dull myself, I know quite a number of people that live in this lifestyle. I have always found this to be a rich font of interesting ideas.
6. How many books have you written?
I have written dozens of stories but have four adult fiction published, two non fiction and two children’s books
7. Out of the books you’ve written, do you have a favourite?
I guess I am the fondest of the first story The Anniversary, it was the first at a time I had all but given up as a writer.
8. Out of your MC’s, do you have a favourite couple? Who are they and what makes them your favourite?
I am not sure I have favorites as such, all to some extent are a reflection of the author. So, I feel it is a bit narcissistic of me to pick a favorite 😊
9. Do you write stand-alone novels or series?
All the stories that I have written have been stand-alone. But I have written a couple that were part of a series. I just haven’t got around to finishing them for publication
10. In your opinion, what do you think makes a great story?
I think it is the characters than make the story, and for me it is the story being seen through the eyes of the character. Showing true feelings, emotions and desires. Characters that are clearly motivated.
11. Are you working on a new book at the moment? Is there anything you can tell us about it, or is it “Top Secret”?
I am working on a book about what it is like to own and run a bar, and I have another couple of works in progress, watch this space.
12. What genre(s) are your books?
The four nonfiction are rather kinky erotic romance, two children’s books, the non fiction are on positive body called Beauty in Every Form and a book on World War 1 called At the going down of the sun co-written with Marian Savill.
13. What drew you to the genre(s) you write?
I just felt I had something to say in each book, and with the erotic romance, it is fun.
14. Is writing something you do full time?
I have always had a number of things that I do along with writing. I don’t get to write as much as I would like to. I put the needs of BVS authors in front of my personal writing time.
15. What is the hardest thing you’ve found about writing?
Making the time to do it *note from Keren* Yes, my god yes. Finding the time to sit down and write can be tough at times when we have ‘real-life stuff’ to attend to too.
16. Have you experienced writer’s block? If so, do you have tips for how to overcome it?
I think we have all had a bit of that, I have always found going back over the story you have already written, and make any alterations to that text. It gets me in thinking mode and once I start to write I move back to the new section of your book.
17. Who are some of your favorite authors?
All the BVS authors, obviously. But when I an not reading them, Bernard Cornwall, Stephen King, Terry Pratchett, Jodi Taylor is one of the newest on my reading list. *note from Keren* Stephen King was my absoolute idol when I was younger. Some people would argue I was too young to start reading him at the age of 10/11, but. it was different in those days, I guess.
18. Do you read in the genre(s) in which you write?
Yes, I think it is important to read from the same genre, I remember asking a writer once if she read much romance. She asked me what business it was of mine. She had submitted a story to BVS but clearly had no real vision of what romance story should be.
19. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors out there that might be reading this?
My advice would be to write as much as you can, put yourself in the position of your characters. Try not to hope between characters, and above all, show don’t tell.
20. What kind of things do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing? Do you have hobbies?
Currently I have a building restoration project on the go that consumes time like crazy. Another passion is art. I am always making art, something I have been doing all my life.
21. How can readers discover more about you and your work? (please provide links if you have them)
Aside from the usual questions just for authors, I also have a few for you as our publisher, if that’s okay….
When did you start BVS?
Laurie Sanders started it in 2004, I joined as a cover artist in early 2005, I took over as CEO in 2014
What made you want to publish books?
I love working with creative people, and BVS authors are some of the most inspiring people I know.
How do you decide if a book gets accepted for publication? Is there a process you have?
Yes, there is a process. I still read all the scripts and they grab me, or they don’t. There is a grey area of some that I like which don’t quite fit, and we try to work with the author to get the story to fit. The hardest part is telling an author it isn’t a fit for us. It may well be it is a good story. It just isn’t a fit for us.
What’s the best part about publishing?
Working with the BVS authors
How many authors are currently published with BVS?
An embarrassingly difficult question, I would have to ask Marian my assistant. The reason it is not easy to say, especially when you say current. We have over 100 books on the shelf. We have a dozen to 20 authors currently promoting. Other authors drift away for a while, then come back and promote heavily then take a break so it is hard to put an actual number on it. All I will say. I am grateful to all the authors and all the promotion that they do.
Thank you so much Keren for a chance to chat with you, it has been a real pleasure
Well folks, a trip into the mind of Ric Savage was just what the doctor ordered. How refreshing. I am fascinated with getting to know people on a deeper level. I have the privilege and honour of calling this man my ‘boss’ (even though he technically isn’t, he runs the entire BVS empire) and the higher honour of calling him my friend. We’ve had insightful talks, he’s encouraged me to bloom under his guidance. I’ve found my own voice as an author since working with him. He’s kind, compassionate and cares, truly cares about everyone he works with. He probably wouldn’t mind me telling you (because he’s an open book) that M/M isn’t really his cup of tea on a personal level, but he really encouraged me to go for it when I tried my hand at my first M/M book, Paper Hearts. I didn’t think I could do it, but he had faith in me and because of that, I have written more books in the genre and I am beyond grateful that he helped me get to where I am today.
This man is genuinely a friend to all he meets. He’s got bags of empathy, kindness and a ton of compassion in that huge heart of his. I don’t mind telling you that without him, I don’t know where I’d be right now. Probably wallowing in the pit of rejection somewhere. Honestly, I came to Ric because of a rejection I received for SAFE. I entrusted the story to him and he told me rather honestly that I needed to cut some of the start of the story to really make it shine. I did exactly that and he published it. Since then, I have gone on to publish a total of 9 books with him (#10 coming soon and another 4 contracts signed after that). I have issues with anxiety and waiting on a yes or no from Ric can be quite high on the anxiety scale. But he does his best to accomodate that and tries to make it as painless as possible.
I don’t mean to turn this into a post about me, I just want to share with you the kind of man Ric is and why I want to keep working with him. He’s nothing short of amazing (although he wouldn’t take the compliment easily, because he’s not big on bigging himself up. Yet I can sit here and big him up because he’s not here to stop me *evil laugh*).
Anyway, thank you for the interview Ric. You da man 😉
Thank you all for coming by to read this series of Q&A’s. It’s been a lot of fun delving into the minds of fellow creatives. If there’s anything you want to ask Ric, sound off in the comments and I’ll try to get you some answers. Other than that, please folllow him on social media to connect. And if you’re a romance author who’d like to be considered for publication with Black Velvet Seductions, then please go to their website and find out how to submit your story.
Hey all and welcome back! Today, please join me in welcoming author SK White into the hotseat.
Please could you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m a mother, wife, writer and retired teacher; but most of all, I’m a lifelong learner. I observe the world around me and try to integrate everything I see, hear, and experience into the worlds I create on the page; all of it——the good, the bad, and the ugly.
2. When did you first realize you wanted to become an author?
When I was younger, I listened to a song by the Beatles called Paperback Writer; and through the years, the idea of becoming a writer stuck with me. Although, I wasn’t sure I could ever be one; I thought someday I would try. And eventually, with perseverance, that someday came true.
3. How old were you when you wrote your first book?
The first serious book I wrote was an earthquake safety book called WATERFALL ISLAND. I was in my late twenties. I wanted to self-publish it, but could never get the money to have it illustrated. It still sits half illustrated.
4. How old were you when you first got a book published?
I was in my thirties. I wrote a book about a visually impaired Native American boy on a vision quest. Fortunately, I found a publisher that took it on and an amazing illustrator that did a beautiful job. It was a wonderful experience.
5. Do you self-publish or have another publisher besides BVS?
I have never self-published, but have worked with two other publishers besides BVS. The first publisher published a children’s book, and the second publisher published my first adult scifi-romance called BOUNCE.
6. What inspires you and provides you with ideas for your stories?
I think being a curious person and wanting to know the answers motivates and inspires me; I’m an explorer at heart. As far as ideas: for me, it can be something on the news, a movie, a book, a documentary, a TV show, a song, a dream, personal experiences, and things I see, hear, and feel. Basically, life itself provides me with a wealth of options to explore.
8. How many books have you written?
I have a cabinet full of stories unpublished. So… so far, I’ve had three books published.
9. Out of the books you’ve written, do you have a favourite?
No, that’s like choosing your favourite child. Each book becomes a part of you and carries on with you into the next writing adventure. There are pieces of me on every page. I think I’ve grown as a writer with every book; even with the stories and books that still remain unpublished. There’s a right place and right time for each of them.
10. Out of your MC’s, do you have a favourite couple? Who are they and what makes them your favourite?
No favourite, but some of them are more fun to write. I love the complex characters. They’re challenging and unpredictable. You never know what’s coming next or what their reaction will be until the next line.
11. Do you write stand-alone novels or series?
Both. For my adult novels, I always end the story with the option of at least a sequel.
12. In your opinion, what do you think makes a great story?
I like a story that makes me stop and think. And makes me relate to the characters at some level. To feel something. To wonder and worry about what will happen to them. A story that puts me directly in the scene; ready to laugh or cry with them. And after I read the last page, learn something. A writer that can do all that is a great writer.
13. Are you working on a new book at the moment? Is there anything you can tell us about it, or is it “Top Secret”?
I’m working on two novels: THE TREE is a ghostly murder mystery. EMILY’S CABINET is a time travel novel; time period ranging from 1700s—2009. I’m hoping to find a publisher for both when I finish. Wish me luck.
14. What genre(s) are your books?
BOUNCE and ALL GONE are scifi-romances. THE TREE is a contemporary paranormal romance. EMILY’S CABINET is a scifi-historical romance.
15. What drew you to the genre(s) you write?
I just write the story first and then decide where it fits. Mostly, I write about what inspires me; I have an idea and go with it. The muse speaks and I listen; fortunately, she never goes silent.
16. Is writing something you do full time?
One of my old professors gave me great advice years ago. Write a little every day; even if it’s just fifteen minutes. Find a time that works for you, and schedule it into your day. I’ve done that, so I guess you could say it’s full time. I’m lucky enough now to write at least three to four hours a day. Some days I have the option to work longer.
17. What is the hardest thing you’ve found about writing?
The hardest thing for me is editing. I always find one more thing to add or change. So, it’s knowing when to stop; then… pushing send and letting it go.
18. Have you experienced writer’s block? If so, do you have tips for how to overcome it?
Cross my fingers! I’ve never had writer’s block; but then again, I’ve never been forced to finish something on a do-or-die deadline either. I’ve been able to take my time and put things aside for a while and come back to it with a fresh perspective. Let’s just say I’ve been very fortunate and worked with wonderful publishers and editors.
19. Who are some of your favorite authors?
That’s a hard one. For me, there are so many and it keeps changing. However, there was one book that changed my life. One of my amazing high school teachers suggested I read it. So, the book that opened my world was called “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran. If an author can crack open a reader’s limited view of the world and expose them to new experiences, that’s an amazing accomplishment. One I hope to achieve someday.
As an adult, I love Diana Gabaldon. She was the author who turned me onto time travel. She inspired me to write two time travel books and also explore multiverses for my scifi novel BOUNCE. You never know how your words on the page can inspire someone else and change a person’s life. It’s the magic of the written word.
20. Do you read in the genre(s) in which you write?
Yes. They inspire me to create my own worlds. However, the genre doesn’t matter to me, if the book interests me, I read it. I guess I’m an eclectic reader.
21. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors out there that might be reading this?
I will give them the same advice my professor gave me: write every day and schedule it in, even if it’s fifteen minutes. Also, never give up, no matter how many rejection letters you get; remember you only need one person to say yes. Even if it’s you; and you self-publish. One other thing, listen to suggestions from those editors who took the time to read your submission and make comments. They didn’t have to do that. I’ve had some great advice along the way. I still listen. In the end, we all want our books to be the best they can be.
22. What kind of things do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing? Do you have hobbies?
I love to garden. I have roses, several flowerbeds, and a container garden. I enjoy planting different varieties of flowers each year and experimenting with colors. I’ve been known to throw a few seeds in the dirt just to see what happens. I mix and match; experiment a little; and… it’s always interesting. Speaking of interesting, for all the scifi lovers out there like me; I have a (Pilea) UFO plant. I kid-you-not, it’s actually called that. Its leaves are shaped like a saucer; cool plant too.
23. How can readers discover more about you and your work? (please provide links if you have them)
You can find me on: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and my website; or find all four on: https://linktr.ee/skwhite
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview. Thank you so much for having me. And thank you for putting all this time and effort into this interview. I enjoyed looking back and remembering all the steps I’ve taken along the way. I hope our conversation helps all those who are taking their first steps into a writer’s journey. For all you brave beginners, please remember—writing is a craft, and like any craft, it takes time to develop and never, ever ends
Thank you for the great chat. It was lovely getting to know you a little more.
Thank you everyone who stopped by. Please join us tomorrow when we’ll have the last in the series: The Interview With The Boss – Richard Savage, our publisher.
Hey everyone. Welcome to the 8th Q&A of the series. In the hotseat today, we have Viola Russell, author of The Unveiling of Amber.
Please could you tell us a bit about yourself?—I am a teacher by day and a writer at night and during holidays. I live in New Orleans with my husband, my soul mate, in a wonderful old Creole cottage. We both grew up in New Orleans but attended graduate school in other states. I went to Texas A & M University for my doctorate degree, but no one could take Louisiana out of this girl.
When did you first realize you wanted to become an author?—Two books influenced me. I read “Black Beauty” and loved it. My father trained thoroughbred racehorses, and I loved Anna Sewell’s book. My other great influence was “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott. I thought I was Jo.
How old were you when you wrote your first book?—I was probably about seven. I think it was a horse story.
How old were you when you first got a book published?—Wow! Many years later. That happened in 2009. I was about 47. The book was titled “Buried Truths,” but it is no longer in print. Some people thought it was autobiographical, but it wasn’t. Even relatives asked if I’d given a child up for adoption.
Do you self-publish or have another publisher besides BVS?—I have two publishers. Richard Savage with BVS is wonderful, and Soul Mate Publishing has published the majority of my books. Both publishers have provided me with many opportunities.
What inspires you and provides you with ideas for your stories?—My inspiration depends upon the genre. When I write contemporary novels, I look to current events and news. My historical novels have been inspired by family lore—the stories I heard from my mother and grandmother. I wrote my first historical novel after reading letters relatives had written home during WWII. I wanted to tell the story of that time.
How many books have you written?—I have seven published novels. I also have contributed to the BVS anthology Rainbow Desire.
Out of the books you’ve written, do you have a favourite?—I can’t pick a favourite book. They are all products of where I was at a given time. I’ve loved and nurtured them all like a mother as I wrote them.
Out of your MC’s, do you have a favourite couple? Who are they and what makes them your favourite?—Again, I’ve loved writing the romances of my various characters for different reasons. The romances that stay with me involve heroism, true love, and sacrifice. The true lovers will do anything for each other; they also have a commitment to a cause. They may be soldiers in war or rebels fighting for freedom. Each partner is committed to love and to what he or she believes is right.
Do you write stand-alone novels or series?—I write both. My contemporary romances are stand-alone. I haven’t spun minor characters off into their own stories. I have a series involving an Irish-American family named Mooney. BVS is publishing the third book in that series.
In your opinion, what do you think makes a great story?—Plot is always important, but readers have to care about the characters. They have to want those people to win.
Are you working on a new book at the moment? Is there anything you can tell us about it, or is it “Top Secret”?—I am shopping a contemporary novel at the moment, and I am writing a manuscript that encompasses “The Troubles” in Ireland as well as the turmoil of Vietnam and civil rights in the United States, particularly New Orleans.
What genre(s) are your books?—I write contemporary romance, historical romance/fiction, and mystery.
What drew you to the genre(s) you write?—I write the story. If an idea appeals to me, I begin writing. The trick is to write interesting and appealing characters into the plot to make the whole story interesting. I love historical writing because it takes me to places and times that intrigue me. I love contemporary novels because I can put characters in interesting contemporary conflicts and situations.
Is writing something you do full time?—No, I teach high school. I love my students, but one day, I hope to write full time.
What is the hardest thing you’ve found about writing?—Finding the time.
Have you experienced writer’s block? If so, do you have tips for how to overcome it?—I sit down and make myself write. Sometimes, I free write, and I’ve deleted whole scenes I didn’t like. I tell my students that you can’t fix a blank page, and I believe my own advice. You have to sit in the chair and write.
Who are some of your favorite authors?—I loved Christie as a mystery novelist as well as C. S. Harris and James Lee Burke. I love Kristen Hannah, Philippa Gregory and Kate Quinn. I also love one of my BVS authors, Jan Selbourne. (Everyone else is great as well, but I love her work. I had to give her a shout out.)
Do you read in the genre(s) in which you write?—Yes, I particularly love historical fiction and historical romance.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors out there that might be reading this?—Never give up. I never thought I’d be published, but I found people who believed in me. Of course, you have to be cautious and savvy. Some people aren’t always honest. I learned that the hard way.
What kind of things do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing? Do you have hobbies?—I love to read. I also love my garden, and I like traveling. My husband and I love all the Louisiana festivals.
How can readers discover more about you and your work? (please provide links if you have them). www.violarussell.com
Welcome everyone. In the hotseat today, we have Suzanne Smith, author of dark romance novels. I have to say, I find this woman fascinating. Let’s hope you do too…
Please could you tell us a bit about yourself? My name is Suzanne Smith. By day, I’m the office manager of a busy dental practice in the Gold Coast area of Chicago. By night, a romance writer. I have a Shih Tzu named Sammy and two rescue cats named H.K. (short for hungry kitten because of his appetite) and Zilly (short for Godzilla because of his destructive tail).
2. When did you first realize you wanted to become an author? It was a few years ago, quite by accident. I was considering early retirement and every person I knew kept telling me I’d be bored unless I found something to occupy my time with. I started to think that, yes, they were probably right. I’m used to being busy. So, I looked online and ran across a class focusing on writing romance. How hard could it be, I thought, to scribble a few pages about two people falling in love. It should be fun. As it turns out, writing romance was a lot more difficult than I’d ever realized. But, I had a fabulous teacher named Laurie Sanders who helped me with character development, understanding the importance of deep point of view, and story pacing. Her encouraging words were what kept me writing long after I felt like giving up.
3. How old were you when you wrote your first book? Too old. Lol.
4. How old were you when you first got a book published? Same as above. Too old. Perfecting the craft takes years and years. I wish I would’ve started writing when I was much younger. Maybe in my late thirties or early forties. I was better focused then and had more energy.
5. Do you self-publish or have another publisher besides BVS? No. I don’t self publish. So far, BVS is the only publisher I’ve worked with. Ric Savage is patient and understanding, especially when it comes to deadlines, which I really appreciate.
6. What inspires you and provides you with ideas for your stories? People I’ve known, experiences I’ve had, books I’ve read, and movies I’ve seen.
7. How many books have you written? Two full length novels (The Brute and I, and the not yet published Lilah’s Limit) and three very long short stories (The Mortal Vampire in the Mystic Desire Anthology, Bullets and Bustles in the Cowboy Desire Anthology, and The Scalp Collector, not yet published).
8. Out of the books you’ve written, do you have a favourite? I invest 100 % of myself in each story I create, so I’m pretty partial to all of my books.
9. Out of your MC’s, do you have a favourite couple? Who are they and what makes them your favourite? I don’t really have a favorite couple. All of my characters are severely flawed, and to me, that makes them equally lovable.
10. Do you write stand-alone novels or series? Stand-alone.
11. In your opinion, what do you think makes a great story? A love story that may or may not have a happy ending. There is a certain realism to a doomed love story that may not be present with a happy ending.
12. Are you working on a new book at the moment? Is there anything you can tell us about it, or is it “Top Secret”? I am working on a book about a young girl who is tormented by a demon. So far, all I have is the first half of a very, very, rough draft.
13. What genre(s) are your books? Romance, emotionally dark. Or, my books could also be described as character driven fiction.
14. What drew you to the genre(s) you write? I love a good romance, tragic or not.
15. Is writing something you do full time? Not at the moment.
16. What is the hardest thing you’ve found about writing? Turning the thoughts in my head into words that make sense, avoiding repetition, and creating a unique story. Also, promotion.
17. Have you experienced writer’s block? If so, do you have tips for how to overcome it? I haven’t really experienced writer’s block. I think that’s because I write when I want to. I don’t force myself to write a certain number of words at a certain time every day. This doesn’t work for most people, but, it does for me.
18. Who are some of your favorite authors? V. E. Schwab currently holds that title. Her book, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, has one of the most original endings I’ve read in a long time. I also loved James McBride’s Deacon King Kong, and Douglas Stuart’s Shuggie Bain.
19. Do you read in the genre(s) in which you write? Sometimes.
20. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors out there that might be reading this? Write what you are passionate about. That passion will show in your writing. And, this can’t be said enough, never give up.
21. What kind of things do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing? Do you have hobbies? Not really. I’m very boring. I recently saw Moulin Rouge on stage, and a few months ago Kevin Costner and his band Modern West on stage. I love a good live performance. I do a little gardening. *note from Keren* Kevin Costner? Swoon!
22. How can readers discover more about you and your work? (please provide links if you have them) https://linktr.ee/authorSuzanne
Thank you for the illuminating chat, Suzanne. It was great learning more about what makes you tick.
Thank you everyone for swinging by. Stop by tomorrow for another BVS author in the hotseat.
Welcome everyone! Today on the blog, wehave Deborah Kelsey.
In this series of Q&A’s, we’ve delved into the creative minds of some of my fellow BVS authors, and I have to say, it’s been a lot of fun. I love learning what makes fellow creatives tick. Here’s another one of our illustrating Q&A’s…
Please could you tell us a bit about yourself?
I was born in Berkeley, California USA and raised in Orinda, California; Columbo, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka); and New Delhi, India. During my childhood I traveled throughout Asia and Europe, as well as throughout the USA with my family. I have been writing professionally since 1978, mostly as a copywriter for advertising, marketing and public relations, I am divorced and has an adult son. I now live in Southern California.
2. When did you first realize you wanted to become an author?
I was always a storyteller; before I could read and write I drew my stories, sometimes like comic strips, sometimes just as illustrations. Throughout school I shined in writing. I served as Editor of my junior high school newspaper. I shined even brighter as a writer at university, where I majored in film studies and minored in mass communications.
3. How old were you when you wrote your first book?
38. I got a contract to write a book about German film director Robert Siodmak with McFarland and Company, a scholarly publisher whose catalog goes out to hundreds of public and private libraries all over the USA and Canada.
4. How old were you when you first got a book published?
39. That was when Robert Siodmak: A Biography, with Analyses of His Films Noirs and A Complete Filmography of All His Works was published by McFarland. It sold fairly well and got good reviews.
5. Do you self-publish or have another publisher besides BVS?
No other publisher besides BVS and McFarland. I don’t self-publish.
6. What inspires you and provides you with ideas for your stories?
Films mostly. My first novel, These Eyes So Green, began as Inglourious Basterds fan fiction. I changed the names and got a contract from BVS right away with only minor changes. My secondnovel, Creatures of the Night, was inspired by the BBC/Netflix 2020 Dracula series and especially by Danish actor Claes Bang’s performance as Count Dracula.
7. How many books have you written?
Just these three. My fourth book and third novel, Angel’s Flight is in progress and will be published by BVS as part of the Creatures of the Night series. I am also planning another film book, about America in the movies.
8. Out of the books you’ve written, do you have a favourite?
Probably These Eyes So Green, because it’s so beautifully written. But my Siodmak book launched my career and made me a recognized name in the scholarly film world. Eddie Muller of TCM’s Noir Alley, knew who I was right away when I met him on Facebook. I’m sure he’s read it.
9. Out of your MC’s, do you have a favourite couple? Who are they and what makes them your favourite?
Not sure what “MC” means, but Colonel Hans Faber and Desiree Mendelsohn are my favorite couple, because their romance is so beautiful.
10. Do you write stand-alone novels or series?
Both.
11. In your opinion, what do you think makes a great story?
A great plot, interesting characters, and beautiful, well-crafted prose.
12. Are you working on a new book at the moment? Is there anything you can tell us about it, or is it “Top Secret”?
Angel’s Flight, the second novel in the Creatures of the Night series. I jealously protect my works by not talking about them until they’re published, so it’s “Top Secret”.
13. What genre(s) are your books?
Erotic fiction and film.
14. What drew you to the genre(s) you write?
I love erotica and film. I was a film major at university.
15. Is writing something you do full time?
I am disabled and unable to work, so yes.
16. What is the hardest thing you’ve found about writing?
Getting off my butt and just doing it, plus typing up my writing. I write in longhand on ruled tablets and the typing is also an editing process.
17. Have you experienced writer’s block? If so, do you have tips for how to overcome it?
Yes I have, and my advice is to read writing that inspires you to write. For me that’s David Thompson’s Biographical Dictionary of Film. It’s so beautifyllt written that I consider it the I Ching of writing. Throw it against the wall and whatever it open up to is absolutely inspirational writing.
18. Who are some of your favorite authors?
David Thompson, Oliver Sacks, Tennessee Williams and me!
19. Do you read in the genre(s) in which you write?
Absolutely. I should tell you that I lost all my belongings the third time I was homeless because I could no longer pay my storage fees and that included 40 years of film books and 10 years of erotica. I can never replace those books, but that still doesn’t break my heart as much as losing all the videotapes of my son as a baby, toddler and preschooler does.
20. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors out there that might be reading this?
I’ll share with you what playwright Tennessee Williams told me: “If you’re a writer you just have to write, there’s no question about it. And good luck to you!”
21. What kind of things do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing? Do you have hobbies?
Reading and watching films, especially Film Noir. I am an avid fan of Eddie Muller’s Noir Alley on Turner Classic Movies.
22. How can readers discover more about you and your work? (please provide links if you have them)
Hello all and welcome back. This time, we have the lovely Callie Carmen on the blog.
Please could you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m the mother of three children. Two have left the nest and moved into their first homes. Our youngest is saving up for a house of his own too. My husband has recently retired from the auto industry but hasn’t hung up his soccer coaching uniforms yet. Together we have been having fun remodeling our house. I never imagined myself as an author. When I took the jump into that world, I made sure all of my love stories had a happy ending.
When did you first realize you wanted to become an author? I retired early a few years ago. I had way too much time on my hands. I sat down at the computer and wrote my first romance novel, Patrick. It is my husband and my love story. I like to say; it’s all true except for the parts that aren’t.
Do you self-publish or have another publisher besides BVS? Before being lucky enough to work with Black Velvet Seductions, I had a short romance story published by Crave Publishing.
What inspires you and provides you with ideas for your stories?
Real-life and people I’ve known over the years.
How many books have you written? I have six novels and four anthology stories.
Out of the books you’ve written, do you have a favourite? They all mean so much to me for different reasons that I can’t choose.
Out of your MC’s, do you have a favourite couple? Who are they and what makes them your favourite?
I keep changing my mind and have finally given up.
Do you write stand-alone novels or series?
I have written the “Risking Love” series. Each novel can be read as a standalone book. But I think they are better read in order (Patrick, Nicolas, Joseph, Anthony, Joshua, Michael). Of course, all the anthologies are standalone stories too.
In your opinion, what do you think makes a great story? Sticking just with the Romance genre, it is the development of a romantic relationship between characters. Making us believe in attraction, desire, passion, and love.
Are you working on a new book at the moment? Is there anything you can tell us about it, or is it “Top Secret”? I have several ideas for my next novel, but right now, I am taking a break.
What genre(s) are your books?
I have written a fantasy romance, cowboy romance, contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. If I had to choose my favorite genre to write, it would be romantic suspense like my novels Patrick, Nicolas, and Michael.
What drew you to the genre(s) you write?
It all started with what I knew, real-life with plenty of fiction added.
Is writing something you do full time? I’m writing and marketing but like I said I’m retired so I have the time for both. I don’t know how authors that work full time plus write and market their books do it all. They are amazing.
What is the hardest thing you’ve found about writing?
Edits
Have you experienced writer’s block? If so, do you have tips for how to overcome it?
I have a couple of times. Each time I chatted with family members over dinner. They are full of ideas and have helped me out of a few tough spots.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Maya Banks, John Grisham, Rita Delude, Lora Leigh and several of the BVS authors.
Do you read in the genre(s) in which you write?
Absolutely, but I read other genres too. I think it is important to read as often as possible. It’s not only relaxing and enjoyable but it also keeps me fresh in the best ways to show not tell.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors out there that might be reading this?
Set up all your marketing sites long before you ever get published. It takes a long time to build a following.
What kind of things do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing? Do you have hobbies? Reading, golfing, and traveling
How can readers discover more about you and your work? (please provide links if you have them) https://linktr.ee/CallieCarmen
Thanks for the chat, Callie.
Thank you all for dropping by. See you all for the next Q&A.
Hey all. Thanks for coming back. Today on the blog we have a young lady I am proud to call my best friend, Jodie Harrold.
I’ve known Jodie since she was born. I saw her firsts, crawling, talking, walking and all that stuff. So, it was amazing to bear witness to another of her firsts, writing and publishing a book. It was my honour to work with her on our story, More Than Words.
I reached out to her and asked if she would write with me, but I wasn’t sure if she’d say yes. So when she did, I was absolutely overjoyed. We hashed out a rough idea for our story, for our characters and we began to write together. We alternated chapters with Evie and Trey, and it was amazing to see how well we worked together. The story is one that will live on with us both, it was published by BVS, and now we forever have a book with both of our names on together––it will always make me happy to see a book by this talented young woman on my bookshelf, in pride of place. This young woman is going places.
Anyway, enough of me rattling on, because I could talk about my pride in her for years to come. Here’s the Q&A we did…
Please could you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m an avid reader of most genres and have a huge love for music. However, you won’t find me listening to one genre, I have quite an eclectic taste with it ranging from heavy metal, pop, country, K-pop, J-pop and everything in-between. I have 2 cats and I’m currently in my last year at university getting my degree in Counselling. I’m also a very creative person and will often spend my spare time drawing, tinkering with anything I can get my hands on (I love building furniture) and I also sometimes make swag for fellow authors. I love to bake and cook and will always find new recipes to make (I just don’t let my fiancé in the kitchen when I do as I like my space).
2. When did you first realize you wanted to become an author?
Pretty young, I think I was about 8 (I mean the things I wrote then were atrocious and shall never see the light of day). But I always had a love for writing and trying to create my own world.
3. How old were you when you wrote your first book?
I was 17 when I co-wrote my first full length novel. But I had tried to write several books before then, I think my first being when I was 14, but I would always get halfway through and then never know where to go from there.
4. How old were you when you first got a book published?
I was 18 when it was published.
5. Do you self-publish or have another publisher besides BVS?
No, I’m only published through BVS.
6. What inspires you and provides you with ideas for your stories?
I find using my own experiences plays a large part in my stories. Sometimes it’s just from my own imagination, however I find that my imagination runs rampant when I’m doing other things, such as drawing or baking, and I’ll find myself jotting things down midway through. Music also plays a significant influence as it influences my mood and thoughts. I also find bouncing ideas off of my fiancé and friend helps when thinking of ideas.
7. How many books have you written?
I currently only have one published, but I’ve been working on my second for a while. Sadly, my degree needs my full focus, so I’ve found I’ve had to put writing on the backburner.
8. Out of the books you’ve written, do you have a favourite?
While I’ve only got one published, I think it will always have a special place in my heart, it was the first book I ever went through start to finish, and the person who I co-wrote it with means a lot to me. It also was the book that helped me work through a tough part of my life.
9. Out of your MC’s, do you have a favourite couple? Who are they and what makes them your favourite?
Evie and Trey are honestly just amazing form More Thank Words. I love their chemistry, but I also love the way they go through things together and how they support each other. I like that that’re independent but can lean on each other for support (honourable mention but Maya is just a little cutie that brings so much joy to the story).
10. Do you write stand-alone novels or series?
I’ve only written a stand-alone, and plan to only write stand-alone.
11. In your opinion, what do you think makes a great story?
I think having MC’s that you can really get to understand and fall in love with. I find being able to connect with the characters is what makes it great for me.
12. Are you working on a new book at the moment? Is there anything you can tell us about it, or is it “Top Secret”?
I am! It’s not fully fleshed out as it’s been put on the backburner. However, the female main character is strong willed and a right badass. And the male main character will go to the ends of the earth to protect her. That’s all I can say for the moment…
13. What genre(s) are your books?
More Than Words is a contemporary single-mum romance.
14. What drew you to the genre(s) you write?
They’re just generally what I enjoy reading. I find that I don’t start writing with a specific genre in mind, I just see where the characters and story take me.
15. Is writing something you do full time?
No, it’s not sadly. I’m a full-time student and about to gain my joint degree in counselling studies and working with children, young people, and families. I’m also a cat mum to my 2 fur children, who together need so much attention it’s a bit ridiculous, but I love them.
16. What is the hardest thing you’ve found about writing?
At this moment, it’s trying to find the time to write. But when it comes to the story itself, I find that starting is very difficult, not the start of the story, but figuring out who the characters are, their names, their ages, where it will be set, etc. I just want to dive straight into the story. However, I also find endings hard, I hate having to make a decision on where the characters will end up and will find I doubt myself on if I’m ending it how people will want it to end.
17. Have you experienced writer’s block? If so, do you have tips for how to overcome it?
Thankfully I’ve never experienced writer’s block and fingers crossed I never will.
18. Who are some of your favorite authors?
A few of my favourites are Ashley N. Rostek, Albany Walker, Angel Lawson, Samantha Rue, Shantel Tessier, CM Owens (as well as her other books written under her pen names), Keren Hughes (honourable mention, but I do love your books), and many, many more.
19. Do you read in the genre(s) in which you write?
I definitely do read contemporary. But I also read any genre as long as the book itself takes my fancy..
20. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors out there that might be reading this?
Just do. The first time writing a book is scary and difficult, but you can do it and bounce ideas off of the people closest to you.
21. What kind of things do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing? Do you have hobbies?
I’m an avid baker, my fiancé absolutely hates me with the number of cakes I’ve made throughout the years as he can’t just take one slice, he says it does nothing for his figure. I like all things craft wise and like to draw a lot. But spending time with my family is something I do every chance I get.
*note from Keren* If anyone has seen the artwork featured in the paperback of my book Out of The Ashes, the phoenix and tattoo gun were drawn by Jodie. She’s amazingly talented and doesn’t give herself enough credit. She won’t toot her own horn, but that doesn’t stop me doing it for her. She’s also designing stickers for an upcoming MM book of mine, Tempting The Rockstar, so look out for that artwork on my social media.
22. How can readers discover more about you and your work? (please provide links if you have them)
Hey all. It’s been requested by some of my readers that I add an interview with me to the BVS author Q&A’s I’ve been posting. So here I am…
Please could you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a 38-year-old single mom to a teenage son. I started in this industry as a blogger, but eventually followed my passion to become an author.
2. When did you first realize you wanted to become an author?
Well, when I was a young girl, I used to read Point Horror and Point Romance books by authors like RL Stine. I used to go to our local branch of WH Smith’s and buy the newest one with my pocket money.
I realised I wanted to write something of my own, so at 15, I wrote my first book, Angel of Death. I then wrote another at 16 called Skye’s Secret. Neither of these would come to see the light of day, but they are what started it all for me.
3. How old were you when you wrote your first book?
I was around 29. I had had an operation on my spine and had nothing but time on my hands while I recovered, so tried my hand at writing once more.
4. How old were you when you first got a book published?
I was 30. I signed the publishing contract a few days before my 30th birthday.
5. Do you self-publish or have another publisher besides BVS?
I used to have another publisher when I first started out, but the rights have since reverted to me and I have submitted them to BVS. I don’t self-publish. There’s nothing wrong with self-publishing. I have the utmost respect for indie authors and am friends with a good many. It’s a matter of money for me. Each book takes so much money to produce.
6. What inspires you and provides you with ideas for your stories?
Music. Films. TV shows. Real-life. Everything inspires me in some way. I love to listen to music and each song makes me question the story behind it. I actually wrote 3 of my books based around lyrics to songs by my favourite country band, Lady A.
7. How many books have you written?
I am currently writing book number 20.
8. Out of the books you’ve written, do you have a favourite?
I would like to say no, it’s like a Sophie’s Choice, as I love them all for different reasons. However, I guess my favourites would be Whiskey Lullaby, which is about a single mom in a small town and a jaded country star who’s sick of the limelight and wants to hide away in River’s Edge. But also, my other favourite is one that isn’t out yet, called This Love Will Hurt. It’s an MM romance, it’s enemies to lovers (which I’ve never written before) and it about broke my heart to put my boys through so much. But it was beautiful to put the pieces of their story together.
9. Out of your MC’s, do you have a favourite couple? Who are they and what makes them your favourite?
Again, a Sophie’s Choice. Caleigh (pronounced Callie) and Brent from Whiskey Lullaby. Tyler and Zach from This Love Will Hurt and Culhwch and Houston from my next release (MM rockstar/firefighter romance) Tempting The Rockstar.
10. Do you write stand-alone novels or series?
Mostly stand-alones, but I do have one duet.
11. In your opinion, what do you think makes a great story?
A mixture of things really. A good solid foundation, solid characters that are well-rounded and not 2-dimensional, chemistry, good writing. I would say there aren’t any bad books, just books that haven’t found the right reader yet.
12. Are you working on a new book at the moment? Is there anything you can tell us about it, or is it “Top Secret”?
I am working on a story called Once Burned, Twice Shy. It’s about a widowed woman, her son and a firefighter that works for the same company as her husband did. There’s not much I’m willing to say about it at this point, but the husband was a firefighter and he died, leaving his wife a single mom. Kinsley then has a lot on her plate with her young son Harlan, and she’s not out looking for love. But it finds her anyway.
13. What genre(s) are your books?
Contemporary romance and MM romance.
14. What drew you to the genre(s) you write?
A love of reading romance novels. A love of anything to do with love. I love a good HEA and I love to write them.
15. Is writing something you do full time?
No, sadly it’s not. I don’t have an actual day job. I am disabled and left unable to work because of it.
16. What is the hardest thing you’ve found about writing?
Marketing. Getting my books into the hands of readers. Also, writing blurbs. They have to be written, but I hate them. I always put too many spoilers in, so I have an author friend who helps me shape them.
17. Have you experienced writer’s block? If so, do you have tips for how to overcome it?
I have, on multiple occasions. Sometimes I have become stalled because I don’t know what direction to take the story in. Sometimes it’s because another story has started talking to me and wants writing.
As for overcoming it, that’s tough to say. It’s different for all authors, I would say. For me, it’s taking breathing time. I take a step away from the story and come back to it with fresh eyes. Also, I’ve found that I became too hung up on the word count and it would annoy me when I couldn’t write a certain amount of words. I got over that by changing my mindset. I started to write for the actual words, whether that was 100 or 10,000. I stopped watching the word count and just let the words flow. That’s how I approach each new story now.
Things change as you grow as a writer. Your process, your voice. So many things change and finding a way to get over writer’s block is the same.
18. Who are some of your favorite authors?
Too many to mention them all, we’d be here all day. But here are a few: Carrie Elks, Colleen Hoover, CM Albert, Casey L Bond, Sarah J Maas, Jennifer L Armentrout, Laurell K Hamilton, Natasha Preston, Emma Hart, LA Cotton.
19. Do you read in the genre(s) in which you write?
Yes. I read a LOT of romance novels. But I do also like to read different things like fantasy, erotica, urban fiction, Disney retellings, all manner of things really. I like YA, NA and Adult.
20. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors out there that might be reading this?
Write that story! If you have a spark of an idea, take it and run with it. Follow those dreams and don’t let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t.
21. What kind of things do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing? Do you have hobbies?
Paper crafting, swag making, I obviously read too. Other than that, I don’t know. Is binge-watching series on Netflix a hobby? LOL.
22. How can readers discover more about you and your work? (please provide links if you have them)
Keren Hughes 