Guest Author Interview--Anne Greene

CG: Hi Anne! I’m very happy to have you on the blog today. Can you tell readers more about yourself and your background?

AG: Hi Cindy, thanks so much for the interview. I’m not sure what readers want to know about me, but here’s a sampling. In my early years I lived in a small farm town in Ohio, and have lived in San Diego, Chicago, and now live in a suburb of Dallas, Texas. I have four grown children, and just recently returned from spending a year in Seoul, Korea where my husband served in the Military. He is a Special Forces Colonel (Green Beret). I love to play sports, sail in the ocean, and travel. I’ve visited twenty-five foreign countries and every State in the US except Alaska. I also enjoy horseback riding, though I haven’t ridden English for several years. And I enjoy swimming. But writing is my passion.

CG: You are definitely a globe trotter and have spent some time in my home state of CA. 
Describe your journey to publication? Did it take a long time or somewhat short?

AG: Masquerade Marriage is my second published book. I’ve been writing about ten years. Reading was my escape in my growing up years, and I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I graduated from the University of Texas cum laude with a degree in Literary Studies, but worked as a photographer and as a Real Estate Agent before diving in full-time to write. When I joined American Christian Romance Writers, the journey to writing got much easier. I have a wonderful critique group, and because of their annual conference, I’ve met many editors and agents. Finalling in writing contests gave me excellent feedback, plus got me my latest contract with White Rose Publishing. So, I recommend both contests and conferences.

CG: What genre’s do you write in and why?

AG: I write in the Historical, Historical Romance, and Romantic Suspense genres. As a girl, I didn’t like history—until I read my first Historical. Then I was hooked. So, I know many people today don’t enjoy history, and my goal is to open up the glories of the past to them. History was modern life lived with all its heartache, joy, and excitement in a world very different from our own. I bring these different worlds into vivid, living color, and give a painless dose of history along the way. I write Romantic Suspense because I like to see good win over evil with fast action, surprises, and some who did it and why.

CG: Oooh, those are my favorite genres too--historical and suspense. I truly believe people don't like history because they haven't had the right teacher. Of course that's the history teacher in me talking.
Which authors have inspired you?

AG: Which authors have inspired me? That’s a hard one to answer. When I read a really good book, I just want to sit down and write one as good—or better.

CG: Tell us about your book from White Rose Publishing including the blurb.

AG: Masquerade Marriage is a book of my heart. My paternal ancestors are Scotch of Clan Gunn, which was located in the far north of Scotland in the Cathness area where Vikings intermarried with the Scots. I visited Scotland with the purpose of setting one or more historicals there, and fell in love with the country. The final battle between the English and the Scottish Highlanders changed the Highlands forever. A way of life ended. The drama in this story appealed to me, and so I wrote Masquerade Marriage. I love this time in history and so enjoyed living it as I wrote the book. I hope the reader finds a new world to love as he reads my book.

A SECRET LIST

To protect his loved ones and escape the dark fate of his brothers, a noted warrior abandons his identity. Hiding from relentless soldiers who want him dead, Brody MacCaulay vows to protect the woman he loves more than life, more than freedom, more than Scotland. But his presence throws her into danger.

A VOW HONORED

To escape an arranged marriage to an abusive noble, a Lowland Lady weds a stranger to save his life. But vows spoken do not make a marriage, especially when Megan MacMurry holds a different love inside her heart.

A SACRIFICE MADE

Outlawed, and with a price on his head, Brody condemns himself to a life of heartbreak without Megan. Wanting her desperately, knowing he can't have her, he heads alone to certain death...

CG: I bet it is just vivid and beautiful. How wonderful you were able to incorporate your own history into the book. 
Are you a plotter or a pantser and how did it affect the writing of this book?

AG I am a pantser. I have tried plotting out a book in advance, including storyboarding, and that just doesn’t work for me. I start with a general idea, a setting, and a general idea of what characters I’m using. But very soon into the first draft the characters take over and direct the book. It’s a bit like watching a movie and just writing down what is happening. It’s quite exciting to see where the book will go.

CG: Did you have to do a lot of research for the book? What are your favorite research books or sites?

AG: Yes, I do a great deal of research for all my books, including the contemporary ones. I always visit the setting and get some good pictures. Then I find books about the history and time. Small details I research on the internet, but the important ones come from non-fiction books. I am extremely careful in my research because if a reader discovers one error, then I lose credibility. If I’m writing detective, I have a detective look over the manuscript before I send it out. If I’m writing WW11 stories, I find someone who has been there. I always find a person who has done the job I’m writing about to look over the finished manuscript. Of course, when I go further back into history I have to rely solely on the non-fiction books. But I enjoy research and often do far more than I ever use in any one book.

CG: It is so true that we end up with way more research than we need.
Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?

AG: Another hard question. The character I love writing about the most—is the one I’m currently working on. I love all my characters. However, I do think I like being in the male point of view slightly more than the female. I like being macho and looking at life from a different perspective. I like being strong enough to handle a couple of thugs. Of course my detective knows martial arts, but she doesn’t use her fists. I like looking at a woman I’m interested in and being totally confused as to what makes her do the crazy things she does. But, on the other hand, I love having a woman use her wiles and smarts when that’s all she has going for her. But Megan and Brody from Masquerade Marriage are probably closest to my heart.

CG: You’ve chosen to write an Inspirational or Christian romance. Why is it important to include faith into your writing?

AG: I don’t think I can NOT include faith in my writing. I am a new creation in Christ. I have a Christian worldview. I have deep beliefs and a few boundaries that cannot be crossed. I want my books to have meaning and take-away value. I want my readers to take a deep delicious breath and say—Oh, now I understand. How beautiful God’s way is.

CG: Beautifully put, Anne.
How can readers get in touch with you and follow your work? Where can they buy your books?

AG: I have a website, www.AnneGreeneAuthor.com. My books can be purchased at www.WhiteRosePublishing.com and on www.Amazon.com. My blog is also on my website.

CG: Anything else you’d like to share with readers?

AG: Readers can reach me through www.WhiteRosePublishing.com. I’d love to hear from them. If readers join my website, they can leave comments. I’m also on Facebook where comments are welcomed.

CG: The book sounds fabulous. I wish you the best with its success.

EXCERPT FROM MASQUERADE MARRIAGE

Like a determined hero, the fugitive warrior strode through the door at the far end of the tiny stone kirk.

            Megan’s eyes widened. Her clenched jaw relaxed. Some of her dread dissolved.

            “Impressive.” Molly, Megan’s Irish maid, whispered from where they stood together in the vestibule.

            He stopped in front of the hand-carved altar and half-turned toward her. Megan pulled in an uneven breath. This Highlander, wearing formal kilts, was no scrawny lad grown older, nor was he a big, hairy Scot with a bushy beard. The tall, strapping soldier stood with legs braced as if about to do battle.

            Her heart skipped. Though she’d known Brody when she wore short skirts, this blond warrior was far more than she expected. Her pulse throbbed in her temples. Doubt niggled her brain. Brody was too tall, too obviously a Highlander. How could she hope to pass him off as a Lowland Laird? He appeared to have too big a chip on his shoulder to let her command him.

            Brody’s thick sandy hair swept the collar of his linen shirt. Lace-trimmed cuffs matched the white jabot at his muscular throat. A silver broach clasped his crimson and black tartan to his wide right shoulder. His claymore, dirk, and thick sword belt startled her.

            Megan suppressed a shudder. The English outlawed kilts. With his dress, Brody spat in the face of the English and further imperiled his life. Why?

            His intense sapphire stare blazed a trail across the empty wooden pews toward her. His eyes made her feel dizzy as if she just danced a fast reel with a lively partner.

            Molly grinned and handed Megan the bridal flowers.

            What had she gotten herself into?

Available at White Rose Publishing and Amazon in ebook or in print.

That Dreaded, Evil Synopsis

Today I’m a guest over at Anna Kathryn Lanier’s blog on writing that dreaded, evil synopsis. http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/ Stop by if you have the chance.

Vanity Fair and the Need for the HEA

Okay, I knew from the beginning that watching Vanity Fair would be a mistake. I already knew how it would end and yet I went ahead and hoped.

I'll be the first to admit that I've never read Thackeray's social satire. Honestly, I don't think I could get through it. It would just depress me. I mean look at the subtitle of the book--Vanity Fair: a novel without a hero. Is that right? No hero??

I own the 1998 miniseries starring Natasha Little. I remember watching it the first time and thinking to myself that I wouldn't finish watching if it wasn't for the subplot of Amelia and seeing her attain her Happily Ever After. Becky Sharp is selfish and unlikeable. She had a chance at happiness and she gave it up.

About a year a ago, I went ahead and purchased the Reese Witherspoon version of Vanity Fair. I don't know why. I guess because I love period dramas and I do like Reese and on top of that it was really cheap. It's been sitting on my bookshelf ever since still in it's wrapping and collecting dust ever since.

I've been in the mood for period dramas this week and have already watched the 1982 Scarlet Pimpernel with Jane Seymour, and the 1998 Our Mutual Friend miniseries based on Dicken's romantic novel. So, I went ahead and popped in the 2004 Vanity Fair.

This movie version is a lavish production with beautiful sets and gorgeous costumes. And Reese plays Becky Sharp much more sympathetically than in the previous versions. You can actually like her through most of the film. But just as always it falls apart at the end as you realize there is no way she can ever reach a happily ever after. Tears are running down my face. I'm devastated for her but she could care less as she goes on to entrap her next victim. Quite a depressing film.

It got me to thinking about the whole idea of the HEA or Happily Ever After. Why do we long so much for that ultimate outcome? Even here in watching this latest version of the book I knew it wouldn't end happily but I still wanted it too. I was heartbroken that it didn't. It's like watching the film Titanic for the first time and hoping the boat won't sink and yet you know ultimately that it will. It's an innate need in most of us to find that HEA. We wish for it in our own lives even though this is hardly the most common outcome. And so in our fiction and movies we need that happy fulfillment. Though Vanity Fair is a book meant to make social commentary of society at the time, I believe I can forgo that lesson and read something with a happier ending. I mean, I can read a sad story as well as the next person. I do have almost every Nicholas Sparks novel after all. But the poignancy of the novel needs to make sense--to touch you in a way that it's all going to be all right and a life has been changed for the better.

By the way, today to erase my melancholoy of Vanity Fair I watched the 2002 The Importance of Being Earnest--also with Reese except this one is cute and funny and everyone gets their HEA in the end. That's the way I like it.

October Reads

I'm so happy Marie Higgins author day went well on the blog here last week. Thanks Marie for being here and thanks to all you who came by and even commented. It's was a good week.

Thought I'd go ahead and post last months reading. I read a lot of YA this month as I've been writing and editing YA lately.

******

Enthusiasm by Polly Schulman--YA. I love this book. I think I've read it every year since I bought it. Great writing, good insight into the teen age mind and she created a terrific hero too. Just charming.

Princess in Pink & Princess in Training by Meg Cabot--YA. What can I say. I love these books.

I Do, Don't I? adapted by Catherine Clark--YA. This is one of the tie in novels for the tv show Gilmore Girls. It comes from the point of view of Rory from 2nd year of the show. They are not original stories but adaptations from the show. Even still, they are fun to read.

His Forever by Missy Tippens--Contemporary Inspirational. I got this at the library. It had a slow start and the charcters seemed a little cardboardy at first but they got better and I kept reading. I really enjoyed it.

A Christmas Gift by Diane Craver--YA Holiday Historical. I lucked out in receiving an advance reader copy of this book. I'll be posting more of a review later this month. It's a good little story. The book releases November 15th with Whimsical Publications. Wonderful holiday reading.

Faith by Merry K. Stahel--Inspirational Contemporary. Another terrific Inspirational read from White Rose Publishing.

Guest Blogger~Marie Higgins

I'm excited to have my author friend, Marie Higgins here today. She's an up and coming Inspirational author. She's going to tell us all about her new Christian romances.

CG: Hi Marie! It’s great to have you here today. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

MH: Cindy, thanks for having me as your guest. A little about myself, you say? Well, I’ve been around the writing world a long time, so I’ll try to make this quick. lol  I’ve been writing since I was a junior in high school. My first real writing experience was when I was asked to write a skit for my church’s youth group. I was very excited, and received an award for “Funniest”. A few years later, I wrote another skit – for the adults. I won an award for “Best Written”. That’s all it took for me to know I loved to write – and I loved romance – so that’s what pushed me to where I am today. On a personal note, I’m married with three daughters and three grandchildren, and I’ve lived in Utah all my life. I work full time for the state of Utah, and dream about when I can quit and write full time.


CG: Why did you start writing Christian romances?

 MH: Because I love romance so much, I’ve been an avid reader for years. Not very often did I find a Christian romance that I really liked. When I read, I have to have adventure, mystery, humor, and romance (of course) in my stories. I could never find a story that gave me all of these. This is how I like to write my books – and since I consider myself a faithful Christian, I thought I would try to start a new trend in Christian romances and write what I know! (grins)

CG: Tell us a bit about your new Christian publisher.

 MH: Walnut Springs Press is out of Salt Lake City, Utah. They have been around (under a different name – Leatherwood Press) for several years. They publish several genres, and release approx 20 books a year. Their books are available in most bookstores, Walmart and Costco. They don’t have a website, but a blog instead. Here are their submission guidelines –
http://walnutspringspress.blogspot.com/2010/02/submission-guidelines.html One of the things I love about this publisher is the editor and Marketing Director are so easy to work with and help me out whenever I need it. Another thing that impressed me about this publisher is they not only take Christian romances… but they take sweet romances. I definitely can help them out in both areas!

 CG: What kind of books do you write?

 MH: The first book Walnut Springs Press published was Winning Mr. Wrong, which is a contemporary romantic comedy. The second book, Heart Of A Hero, is a historical romance. My third story (which we’re in the process of editing now) is a ghost story, mystery, time-travel – My Heart’s Desire. So, as you can see, Cindy, my writing is all over the board. Although…I must mention how much I love historicals, so you’ll see a lot of that genre from me.

CG: We all know that writers started as readers. What do you like to read? Any favorite authors?
What are you reading now?

 MH:  The first book I read and fell in love with was from Kathleen E Woodiwiss, A Rose In Winter. I love books that have a lot of adventure, a bit of mystery, and definitely some humor. I also enjoy reading Anita Stansfield, Rachel Nunes, and Josi Kilpack. The only thing I’m currently reading is stories from my crit partners, Melissa Blue, and Melissa Dawn Harte. (yeah, I know… I just love the name Melissa, right? lol)

CG: Tell us about your books.

 MH: Winning Mr. Wrong is a romantic comedy – an LDS novel. Here is the blurb:
Whoever said the quest for love wasn’t comical never met Charlene Randall. Charley is looking for a man who wants to start a family, and a man who will take her to the temple. Problem is, she has never dated a man for longer than three months. When she reads an internet article called “Ten Ways to Win Your Man,” she decides to try it on her new coworker, Maxwell Harrington. Max was her crush in high school, but the superstar sports anchorman doesn’t even remember her.
Enter ladies’ man Damien Giovianni, Charley’s handsome neighbor, who agrees to help her win Max over. What follows is a hilarious story of mishaps and misunderstandings where Charley learns that what she really needs may be right in front of her.

 Here is the blurb for Heart Of A Hero, my historical romance:

There's a new hero in town . . .
When Summer Bennett returns to Richfield after a five-year stint at her aunt’s finishing school, she discovers a lot has changed. Her father has suffered a crippling injury, and Summer is desperate to get the money to pay for surgery that could allow him to walk again. She hears of a reward offered for the capture of a cunning gang of bank robbers, and her years of etiquette training fall by the dusty roadside.
What Summer doesn’t count on in her quest to capture the bandits is the competition from her family’s longtime friend, Jesse Slade. Now a deputy marshal and local hero, Jesse keeps thwarting Summer’s plans, just like he did when she wore pigtails. She would like nothing more than to use Jesse’s head for a slingshot target, but soon Summer finds her aim shifting from his head to his heart. Problem is, Jesse is engaged to her sister Violet.
For seven years, little Summer Bennett was the burr under Jesse’s saddle. Now he feels a different irritation as Summer is always on his mind—whether he wants her to be or not. But Summer’s father expects him to marry Violet, and he won’t let him down. So why does Jesse find himself encouraging Summer’s attentions, and why do sparks fly every time they are together?

Here is the blurb for my ghost story, My Heart’s Desire, (coming out the first of 2011):

When a beautiful woman claiming to be a ghost from 1912 appears in Nick Marshal’s new office and begs for help in solving her murder, he’s intrigued enough to consider her plea. A scandal that rocked Hollywood almost destroyed his law practice, so taking on a client who insists she’s dead seems a good way to refresh his career. The more history he uncovers, the deeper he falls for the ghost. Abigail Carlisle believes Nick is her heart’s true desire, but how can happily ever after happen when she’s already dead?




CG: What do you like most about being an author? What do you like least?

 MH:  There are so many things to love about being an author. Writing is my getaway and I enjoy creating new stories – and making my characters do what I say (since my children don’t know how). Being an author just means I’ve accomplished something that I love to do anyway. I love hearing from readers, and when they tell me how much they enjoy my story and how they can’t put it down… I swear my smile is permanently fixed to my face for days after that!

What do I like least? Well… I’m an impatient person, so I want my stories out NOW! I want the money NOW! And I want the bookstores to order my books NOW. That’s something I definitely have to work on because it’s not happening the way I want it! lol

CG: How can readers get in touch with you and follow your work? Where can they buy your books?

 MH: I have a blog - http://mariehiggins84302.blogspot.com/  And I can be found on Facebook. I would love to have readers email me – mariehiggins84302@yahoo.com  My books can be ordered online through my publisher’s distribution company - http://brighamdistributing.com/search.php?orderby=position&orderway=desc&search_query=marie+higgins Or my books can be ordered at any store if they haven’t ordered them already. (grins) Walmart and Costco carry my publisher’s books as well, but for some reason they take a little longer to get in their stores.  Or, if you’re a Goodreads fan, my books can be found there as well. http://www.goodreads.com/

CG: Anything else you’d like to share with readers?

MH: Right now Goodreads is having a contest and they’re giving away three copies of Heart Of A Hero. Here is the link – http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9462264

 Here is an excerpt from my newest release – Heart Of A Hero –

The deputy marshal must be the one holding me. Summer Bennett let her body relax against the contours of his body. Normally, she wouldn’t want to be protected and cared for by a man, but at the moment she was reluctant to break the spell.

She dared a peek at his face. His deep blue eyes grabbed her attention. Kind eyes. Sunlight glinted off the golden tones of his light brown hair. He must have sensed her watching, for his square jaw changed shape and a soft smile bracketed his mouth.

He was very handsome. She couldn’t have dreamed up a better vision of a hero, and dream it must be because things this good just didn’t happen to her. Safety and security spread over her like a warm blanket and she melted against him, closing her eyes while his long fingers continued to stroke her cheek. It was the first time in her life she had allowed a man to touch her like that—a soft stroke, a gentle caress—and the first time she had ever really relaxed in a man’s presence.

She sighed. Wonderful.

“How do you feel, Summer?”

The soft baritone voice rumbling in his chest seemed oddly familiar. Summer frowned and took a second peek at his hair and his mouth. He gave her a full smile. Awareness tugged at her memory and a large knot formed in the pit of her stomach. When recognition came, it struck like a thick piece of wood right between her eyes. She jerked, moving off the comfortable nest she had made of his chest.

“Jesse Slade?”

A crafty smile claimed his face. “The one and only, darlin’.”

She widened her eyes. “Darlin’? I’m not now, nor will I ever be your darling, Jesse Slade.” She couldn’t believe her rotten luck. She fought to move from his grasp, batting his hands away. “Get your hands off me.”

“Be still Summer, or—”

“Let me go,” she demanded.

“Tarnation, Summer.” His hands moved to her waist. “You’re as slippery as a wet weasel.”

“Quit touching me and put me down.”

Although he tried to hold onto her, she managed to slither from the horse.

“Of all the confounded foolish female stunts.” He pulled the horse to a halt and dismounted.

The moment her feet touched the ground, dizziness overtook her and she plopped down on her bottom. When Jesse reached for her, she slapped at his hands.

She glanced up at him from her undignified position and clenched her teeth. “You. Of all people, it had to be you.” Holding onto a stirrup, she pulled herself to her feet and gazed into the heavens. “Why Lord? Why me?”

“There’s no need to get your feathers ruffled.” Jesse looked at the blood oozing from her shoulder wound. “Look what you’ve done. You’re bleedin’ again.”

She glanced at her injury. It was worse than she thought, but she’d die before admitting it to him. She was not riding into town perched on Jesse’s lap for the whole town to see.
 

October Winner of the Christmas Contest!

I'm excited to announce the first winner in my Christmas Contest. This contest started October 1st. Part 1 ended October 30th.

The winner is...Victoria Colyer-Kerr

 The contest continues!!! If you have already entered, you are still eligible to win for November or December. If you haven't entered yet, view the book trailer for All I Want for Christmas and email me at contest@cindykgreen.com. In the email, list at least one gift that Kathryn received from her Secret Santa. Enter each month for a chance to win.

The prize package includes a copy of my historical western, The Heart Never Lies, some Bath and Body Works goodies and of course Chocolate.

Two more chances to win. The November Deadline is the 30th and for December the 21st. Good luck!