Blog Tour Author Interview with Giveaway: All is Fair by Dee Garretson

Book info:
Title:  All Is Fair
Author:  Dee Garretson
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: January 22nd 2019
Genres: Historical, Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Lady Mina Tretheway knows she’s destined for greater things than her fancy boarding school, where she’s being taught to be a proper English lady. It’s 1918, and war is raging across Europe. Unlike her father and brother, who are able to assist in the war effort, Mina is stuck sorting out which fork should be used with which dinner course.

When Mina receives a telegram that’s written in code, she finally has her chance to do something big. She returns to her childhood home of Hallington Manor, joined by a family friend, Lord Andrew Graham, and a dashing and mysterious young American, Lucas. The three of them must band together to work on a dangerous project that could turn the tide of the war.

Thrilled that she gets to contribute to the war effort at least, Mina jumps headfirst into the world of cryptic messages, spycraft, and international intrigue. She, Lucas, and Andrew have to work quickly, because if they don’t succeed, more soldiers will disappear into the darkness of war.

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Author Interview:
1.    What does your writing process look like? Do you know the whole story when you start?  Or do you just start writing and go with it (seat of the pants writing)?  If you plan it out, how do you do that?  Outline, notecards, post-it-notes, etc.? 
I am definitely a seat-of-the-pants writer. I start out with a basic idea but the details of the plot don’t come to me until I’m actually writing. That means I have to backtrack a lot to make sure the new elements I come up with fit into the bits I’ve already written. It’s not the most efficient way to write but it’s what works for me. I wish I was better at planning and outlining!

2.    Do you edit as you go, or wait till you're finished before you edit?  How many times would you say you go over it yourself before having another set of eyes look it over?
I always edit as I go. It’s tied in to not working from an outline like I described above. I’ve never really counted how many times I go over something before I show it to a beta reader. Maybe 7 times? I don’t like to let anyone read my work until it feels semi-polished.

3.    Are you part of a writers group that gets together and helps each other with their writing?
 I am part of some writer’s groups but it’s more to connect with other writers and a way for me to give back to the writing community to help those just starting out. I don’t really use the groups as beta readers for my own work because of the deadlines I work under. I do have some trusted readers who help me with my stories.

4.    How do you come up with your ideas for your stories?
Usually it’s a place, an object or something I read about a particular time period that sparks an idea. I’m particularly fascinated by looking at a setting, like a house and thinking about what was there before it was built, who built it and who lived in it. All of those people would have had their own stories, and if I don’t know them, I can make up a story about that place.

5.    For the historical parts of your book, how much research did you do for the novel to try to be accurate?
I’m obsessed with research. It’s hard to limit it, because I’m not just doing the research on the big events. I want to research how ordinary people lived and that involves reading many different sources. Every time I find something interesting it leads me down a different trail. I’m very lucky to live in a city with an excellent library, which is an enormous help. 

6.   What are your favorite:
Books/authors/genres: I like a wide range of genres except I don’t read many with contemporary settings unless they are mysteries or thrillers.
My favorite books are ones I reread: Pride and Prejudice, Dune, Harry Potter, Laurie R. King’s Sherlock Holmes books, and Elizabeth George’s Amelia Peabody series.
Movies/TV Shows
I am a huge Lord of the Ring fan. I don’t know how many times I’ve rewatched the extended editions of the films, but they are one of my go-to movies when I am stressed out and need to relax.
I’m also a big Star Wars fan. I keep a little R2D2 figure by my writing area to remind me that not all communication is through words.
I really love adventure shows of any time period, historical dramas and mysteries, and science fiction
Music- It depends on the day! I can’t listen to music when I work or when I read for pleasure, so that limits the amount I listen to. My tastes jump all over the place. I particularly like 1940s music, reggae and classic rock from the 1970s.
Food/Writing snack
I’m afraid I’m the typical writer-coffee and chocolate. And pizza at the end of a long day of writing, though I do love to try new foods when I have the chance. For every book I write, I research what food would work with the story even if I don’t include much of it in the actual finished book.

Author Bio:

Dee writes contemporary, science fiction and historical adventure stories for a wide range of ages. Her books have been chosen as Junior Library Guild selections, the Scholastic Book Club, and have been nominated for numerous state awards lists. In addition to books published under her own name, she also writes for the Boxcar Children series. Connect with her on twitter at @deegarretson or find out more about her books at deegarretson.com

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Blog Tour Author Interview with Giveaway: Carols and Chaos by Cindy Anstey

Book info:
Title:  Carols and Chaos
Author:  Cindy Anstey
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: October 9th, 2018
Genres: Historical, Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:

A lady’s maid and a valet become entangled in a yuletide counterfeiting scheme in this romantic Christmas YA adventure.

1817. The happy chaos of the Yuletide season has descended upon the country estate of Shackleford Park in full force, but lady’s maid Kate Darby barely has the time to notice. Between her household duties, caring for her ailing mother, and saving up money to someday own a dress shop, her hands are quite full. Matt Harlow is also rather busy. He’s performing double-duty, acting as valet for both of the Steeple brothers, two of the estate’s holiday guests.

Falling in love would be a disaster for either of them. But staving off their feelings for each other becomes the least of their problems when a devious counterfeiting scheme reaches the gates of Shackleford Park, and Kate and Matt are unwittingly swept up in the intrigue. Full of sweetness, charm, and holiday shenanigans, Carols and Chaos is perfect for fans of Jane Austen and Downton Abbey.

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Author Interview:

1.     How important are names in your books?  Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds, or the meaning?  Do you have any name choosing resources you recommend?

To me, choosing a name is very important. The character(s) don’t come alive in my head until they have some sort of moniker; female protagonist just doesn’t cut it. It is subjective, of course, influenced by people I have met. It’s more about the way a name sounds than it’s meaning. For example, Valentine means strong in Latin and yet the name conjures up a romantic sort of young man. It’s confusing to the reader even if only in a subliminal way. I try to avoid these muddles.

I have fun with the last names of secondary characters, preferring unusual names such as Beeswanger and Belcher. I have several sources for names, on the Internet, I use - http://surnames.behindthename.com which allows you to choose the origin country, and for first names I use https://www.babycenter.ca/baby-names-finder .  My other sources are less definitive, such as place names from a map.

2.   Do you edit as you go, or wait till you’re finished before you edit?  How many times would you say you go over it yourself before having another set of eyes look it over? 

I edit as I go. Each time I sit down to write, I start by editing the previous day’s work. It helps me limber up and get back into the story and into the head of the characters. Then, when the manuscript is complete, I read the book in its entirety, editing and revising as I go. After that, I put it away and, in ideal circumstances, I’ll leave it for two or three weeks. Giving it space helps clear my head and allows me to pick up inconstancies when I look at it again. Finally, after having gone over it four or five times, I send it to my beta readers. Phew!

3.   Is there a lot of research to do for the historical aspects of your stories?  If so, what are some resources you use?

Research? Yes! Again I say: yes!! One of my favorite aspects about writing in a historical time frame is the research—especially social history. I love learning about everyday aspects that are so very different from our own: horse travel—speeding along at 5 to 10 miles an hour; dealing with cleanliness (or lack of), unusual foods, free flowing dresses (Regency), tight corsets (Victorian), manners and rules of conduct—so ridged and controlling etc. etc. Yes, odd though it might be, I like knowing the mundane details of life and when it comes to history that means research.

Most of my resources are books; I have a wall of books behind my desk—information at my fingertips. My research was a little different for Carols and Chaos as it focuses on the household below stairs. So while I still used: An Elegant Madness: High Society in Regency England by Venetia Murray and A Visitor's Guide to Jane Austen's England by Sue Wilkes; for general facts; I also used Up and Down Stairs: The history of the Country House Servant by Jeremy Musson and A Jane Austen Christmas: Regency Christmas Traditions by Maria Grace.

4.   Where is your ideal place to write?  Do you have an office, or do you like to go sit in a coffee shop/library, etc.?

I have an office in our basement but I can easily write in the living room or at the kitchen table. What I do have, however, is a place that I can’t write: that being anywhere that is noisy and bustling with activity. When I edit, I can listen to music but not during the creative process.

5.   Since this is a Jane Austen type of story, what is your favorite Austen book?

I am one of the masses enamored with Pride and Prejudice. I enjoy Elizabeth’s spunky character and her ability to deal with a very imprudent family (thank heaven for Jane). Reserved Mr. Darcy is a perfect foil to all of the Bennet nonsense.

6.     Since this is a romantic story, what are your favorite romantic books, movies, tv shows?  Do you have an all time favorite romantic couple?

I enjoy Mary Balogh’s books as well as those by Amanda Quick, however, my favorites would not be considered romances, and yet the main characters are wonderful and their relationship is romantically charged throughout their series of twenty-some books. I speak of Amelia Peabody and Radcliffe Emerson in the Amelia Peabody Mysteries (my all time favorite couple). As to movies (where do I start) Princess Bride, Stardust, Pretty Woman, Notting Hill, Fifth Element and, of course, the many adaptions of Jane Austen’s books.

Author Bio:

Whenever she is not sitting at the computer, throwing a ball in the backyard, gardening or reading, Cindy can be found–actually, not found–adventuring around the world with her hubby.

She has lived on three continents, had a monkey in her yard and a scorpion under her sink, dwelt among castles and canals, enjoyed the jazz of Beale St and attempted to speak French.

Cindy loves history, mystery and… a chocolate Labrador called Chester.

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Blog Tour Author Interview with Giveaway: Suitors and Sabotage by Cindy Anstey

Book Info:
Title:  Suitors and Sabotage
Author: Cindy Anstey
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: April 17th 2018
Genres: Historical, Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Two young people must hide their true feelings for each other while figuring out who means them harm in this cheeky Regency romance from the author of Love, Lies and Spies and Duels and Deception.

Shy aspiring artist Imogene Chively has just had a successful Season in London, complete with a suitor of her father’s approval. Imogene is ambivalent about the young gentleman until he comes to visit her at the Chively estate with his younger brother in tow. When her interest is piqued, however, it is for the wrong brother.

Charming Ben Steeple has a secret: despite being an architectural apprentice, he has no drawing aptitude. When Imogene offers to teach him, Ben is soon smitten by the young lady he considers his brother’s intended.

But hiding their true feelings becomes the least of their problems when, after a series of “accidents,” it becomes apparent that someone means Ben harm. And as their affection for each other grows—despite their efforts to remain just friends—so does the danger. . .

In Suitors and Sabotage, author Cindy Anstey delivers another witty young adult historical fiction novel that is the perfect mix of sweetly romantic and action-packed.

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 Author Interview:

1.  What does your writing process look like? Do you know the whole story when you start?  Or do you just start writing and go with it (seat of the pants writing)?  If you plan it out, how do you do that?  Outline, notecards, post-it-notes, etc.?  Are you part of a writers group that gets together and helps each other with their writing?

Cindy:

My process actually begins with the villain; I establish his/her (evil) motive and then weave the main characters throughout. Plotting the entire book before starting, (outline style) I usually wrap it up in sixteen chapters knowing that there will be unexpected changes and additions pushing it to twenty. I often rewrite the plot and chapter summaries as I go along to keep the clues and romance relevant and organized. I have only tried to ‘pants’ a manuscript once; it did not go well.

I am part of a writer’s group, Romance Writer’s of America, but while their magazine, Internet info and advocacy provides needed guidance, I rely on two beta readers whose judgment I trust completely. One person reads my manuscript to see if the story works and the other reads for grammar and consistency (or inconsistency, as the case may be).

2.  How do you come up with your ideas for your stories?

I have an active imagination that likes to play the game of what-if.

3.  How long have you been writing?

I started writing as a child for fun, not school assignments. Though I tried my hand at picture books for a few years, I didn’t really find my niche until I started writing Young Adult.

4.  What tips do you have for aspiring writers?

Aspiring writers need to read anything and everything that they find interesting, fact or fiction, even if it doesn’t seem relevant. And then, said person needs to place his/her butt in a chair and write. It takes practice. The first manuscript—or two—might not shine but IF YOU ENJOY IT, keep going!

5.  Favorites:

Books/authors/genres: A Spear of Summer Grass/C. S. Harris/historical mystery

Movies/TV Shows: Wonder Woman/Castle

Music: Great Big Sea, KT Tunstall, Adele

Food/Writing snack: Coffee and muffins

Author Bio:

Whenever she is not sitting at the computer, throwing a ball in the backyard, gardening or reading, Cindy can be found–actually, not found–adventuring around the world with her hubby.

She has lived on three continents, had a monkey in her yard and a scorpion under her sink, dwelt among castles and canals, enjoyed the jazz of Beale St and attempted to speak French.

Cindy loves history, mystery and… a chocolate Labrador called Chester. Love, Lies and Spies is her debut novel.

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Book Blitz with Giveaway: The Viking's Chosen by Quinn Loftis

Book info:
Title:  The Viking’s Chosen
Author:  Quinn Loftis
Published by: Clean Teen Publishing
Publication date: February 12th 2018
Genres: Historical, Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:

His orders are clear: launch a raid against England and bring home the spoils of war. But the prophecy is also clear: General Torben will take a foreign bride—one who is a seer and healer just like his mother. The eldest princess of England is said to be just that…a beautiful, charming, and headstrong woman. But he’s a Viking army general and she’s an English princess—and one who is already promised to the king of Tara.

Two worlds collide in this epic historical fiction centered on an undeniable chemistry that smolders against the odds. Richly written and injected with moments of humor, this action-packed romantic tale will leave you breathless.

Quinn Loftis is the author of twenty novels, including the USA Today Bestseller Fate and Fury.

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—

EXCERPT:

“At least he does not resemble the back end of a boar,” Dayna whispered.

I shot my sister a quick nod of agreement and then covertly turned back to peer at my future husband who was currently conversing with my father. After our morning ride, my sister and I had found a hiding spot behind some large drapes just to the left of the room occupied by our guests. It afforded us the surreptitious ability to listen and watch with the two kings interact. Thomas had taken his leave, but not before he informed me of what he thought about our childish behavior. I did not care if I was being childish. I was not ready to meet King Cathal just yet, at least not without a little advance warning of what I would be dealing with.

“You are correct,” I murmured back. “He is not ugly, but his handsomeness is marred by that tight lipped frown. He looks cruel.”

I had been surprised to find that my future husband was not nearly as old as I had thought he would be. If I had to guess, I would put him at eight and thirty, or, at the very oldest, two and forty. His hair was dark, cut close to his head. He had deep green eyes, a hawkish nose, and thin lips that seemed to hold a perpetual scowl. Standing at a little over six feet, King Cathal was lean but obviously muscular. Yes, he was handsome, but the cold, detached look in his eyes ruined any favor I might have found in him.

“Do you think it hurts to hold his face like that?” Dayna asked.

I bit my bottom lip to keep from laughing. “Perhaps he was just born that way.”

“Tis a shame to be so handsome and yet such a pompous ass.”

“Shh,” I chastised. “That pompous ass could have your head if he felt your offense warranted it.”

“Father would not allow me to be beheaded, Allete” Dayna assured me. “I am his favorite.”

I made a motion with my hand to quiet her so we could hear what it was our father was saying to the king of Tara.

“She has to know by now that I have arrived,” King Cathal was saying. His words came out clipped and low.

“Allete tends to have her own mind about things. I am sure she will join us when she is ready,” King Albric said, attempting to placate his irritated guest.

“And who allows such independent thinking?” Cathal challenged. “A woman should know her place.” His pointed look was aimed at the queen who stood quietly next to King Albric.

Allete was sure her mother was going to smack the rude man, but a subtle hand placed on her mother’s wrist held her in place.

“I understand your frustration, Cathal, but please be considerate of Allete’s situation. She is being courted by a man she has never met. She will be expected to leave with that man in a month’s time and travel to a place that is not her home, where she has no friends, no family. She deserves time to adjust.” King Albric, ever the diplomat, attempted to ease his counterpart’s temper. Based on Cathal’s pinched lips, however, his efforts were wasted.

“Could you at least send for her?” The other king asked in a more civil tone. And then added, “Please,” all be it a bit begrudgingly.

I snatched Dayna’s sleeve and gave it a gentle tug, indicating it was time for us to go. Like mice being hunted by a cat, we scurried from our hiding place and snuck to my bedchamber. We had barely made it inside when there was a knock at the door.

“Enter,” I said, attempting to keep my voice from sounding breathless.

Lidia entered. The look on her face was one of trepidation.

“The king requests your presence,” my handmaiden said in a soft voice.

I smiled at the girl. “Chin up, Lidia. All will be well.”

Lidia let out a huff, her manners momentarily forgotten. “You have not met the man. He is positively awful.” Her hand flew to her mouth and her eyes widened. “Forgive my frankness.”

Dayna laughed. “Allete would never punish you, especially not for telling the truth.” She lowered her voice conspiratorially. “We already saw him. We spied on them.” Dayna winked, looking completely unrepentant.

Lidia lowered her hand and made an ‘O’ shape with her mouth.

I straightened my dress and pulled my shoulders back. “Might as well face the music. I doubt he is going to turn around and sail back home without me.”

Author Bio:

Quinn is an award winning author who lives in beautiful Western Arkansas with her husband, two sons, Nora the Doberman, and Chewy the Cat who thinks he's a dog. She is the author of 17 novels, and 2 novellas, including the USA Today bestseller, Fate and Fury. Quinn is beyond thankful that she has been blessed to be able to write full time and hopes the readers know how much all of their support means to her. Some of her hobbies include reading, exercising, crochet, and spending time with family and friends. She gives all credit of her success to God because he gave her the creative spirit and vivid imagination it takes to write.

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Book Blitz with Giveaway: Running with Wolves by Summer Lane

Book info:
Title:  Running with Wolves
Author:  Summer Lane
Publication date: September 22nd 2017
Genres: Adventure, Historical, Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Alaska, 1898
“They always come back,” she whispers. “Always.”
​
He spilled their blood. Now, she’s out for revenge.
​
Jenna Renee is a woman wronged. When her adoptive parents are brutally murdered by an outlaw named Conroy Parker and his gang of thugs, they take everything from her: her family, her happiness, and her money.
​
Determined to bring Conroy and his boys to justice, she hires a gruff but dangerous gun-slinging trapper and guide, Jeremiah Black, to help her hunt Conroy down.
But there is more to Alaska than meets the eye.
The cold touch of the arctic winter is dangerous, and the corruption of Conroy Parker and his comrades runs deep. The tundra is unforgiving, and so are the wolves. Nothing is as at seems.
​
If the wilderness doesn’t kill Jenna, the pack will. Revenge comes with a price, and so does love. There will be no mercy….only the hunt.
​
A romantic adventure from #1 bestselling author Summer Lane, set amidst the gritty and awe-inspiring setting of Alaska during the last great Gold Rush.

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Interview with Bestselling Author Summer Lane
(Courtesy of Writing Belle Publishing)

This is your first historical fiction. How different was the writing process, as opposed to the past 17 novels you’ve written – which have all been post-apocalyptic?
A historical novel is more strictly attached to the time period in which it takes place. The way people talk, dress, act, and even eat are different than how we do all of those things modernly. I had to do a lot of research, of course. I have been slowly working on this book for roughly 2 years, when the idea originally occurred to me. I have read so many books about Alaska…toward the end of the writing process, I was devouring whole college textbooks and double fact-checking everything I had until I was entirely sure my eyes were going to fall out of my head.
With my apocalyptic books, the research is tactically-oriented, if that makes sense. With Wolves, I had to make sure the slang and vernacular was correct and that the history was right on target. I took a few artistic liberties with the story, as all writers do, but everything is based in fact. Everything.

Where did the idea for Running with Wolves come from?
I have always loved animals. I have always loved dogs. I first was enraptured by the idea of setting a story in Alaska when I was a little girl, after watching the animated film Balto for the first time. The concept for this particular novel sprung up about 2 years ago. It took me a long time to cultivate the plot to a point where I liked it enough to go ahead and write the book. I have always wanted to write a western-style novel, and that’s what Wolves is. A western novel set in the snow, with adventure and romance.

Where does the story actually take place?
I have constructed a fictional tale within the boundaries of the boomtowns and mining camps that existed in 1898. The main character, Jenna Renee, lives outside of a town called Dyea. I used prominent and famous historical hotspots, such as the Chilkoot Pass and Dawson City, in the book, too.

Can we look forward to some romance, in addition to adventure?
Yes! One of the central themes of the novel is the romance story between Jenna Renee and the rather callous but handsome United States Marshal Jeremiah Black. I love Jeremiah’s character – he’s got a lot of surprises up his sleeve, and I think readers will love him as much as Jenna does.

What are your upcoming projects?
Well, I have a non-fiction novel coming up in the next several months: Prolific: Writing a Hit Novel. I’m also releasing the first installment of the anticipated Resurrection Series in January 2018. Resurrection will continue the adventures, fights, and romances of Commander Cassidy Hart from the hit Collapse Series.

Author Bio:

Summer Lane is the #1 bestselling author of 18 novels, including the smash-hit Collapse Series. She owns Writing Belle Publishing. Lane is also an experienced journalist and creative writing teacher. Writing Belle is her online magazine, where she has interviewed and featured hundreds of writers from around the globe.
Look for her upcoming books, Prolific: Writing a Hit Novel, and Resurrection: Shadows of Omega, the hotly anticipated continuation of Cassidy Hart’s post-apocalyptic adventures.
Summer lives in the Central Valley of California with her husband, Scott, and their German Shepherd, Kona.

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