Interview with Tierney O'Malley

Where are you from?

I am from Seattle, Washington. The Evergreen State! Live or come and visit and you’ll know why this place is called evergreen. :)

Tell us your latest news.

My latest news: I sold my first novel, Wicked Knight: Tristan, to Red Rose Publishing. It is a standalone book and the first of the five Knight stories I plan to write this year or for the rest of my life. LOL. So exciting. *grinning* Also, Perfect Vessel (Emerald Envisage Anthology) is coming out I believe in March from eXtasy Books. The story is about a hot green alien, desperate dancer and an out of this world offer. This story is definitely wicked.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

The first time when I truly felt that I have the tools to write was during my English Composition class. My instructor kept writing comments on the side of my written works “publishable”. She even gave me a copy of the Writer’s Market book. And getting my short story published at the college paper sealed the idea.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

I love writing contemporary romance. I feel this is where my strength lies. Although I tried writing my first paranormal (trying something new is fun), sent my proposal and actually received a request for full.

How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?

I like this question :). Coming up with a title is not easy. I always ask myself, “What the story is about?” After coming up with a title, I spice it up to make it catchy, romantic, sensual. For example, To Trust a Wicked Man. The story centers on the heroine trying to find ways to trust a man. Using the title To Trust a Man is fine, but by adding the word wicked, the title is now more colorful and intriguing. Now you can ask, “How wicked is he?” :) The book is available at Fictionwise. Grab a copy and see how wicked my hero is. If anyone out there has a suggestion on how to come up with a great book title, I want to hear it. Please, please, tell me. LOL

What are your current projects?

I am now working on the second Knight book, Wicked Knight: Bors. Okay, the Knights are the four undeniably yummy, gorgeous and irresistible brothers. All named after the famous knights of the round table. Their last name is Knight.

What do you think has helped you the most with your writing?

Reading books of the same genre I am interested in writing is great. Searching and reading writing tips online. Forums! Join Romance Divas. I met wonderful authors there. Always ready to give their advice, tips, and comments. Oh, and Romance Writer's Community or RWC--awesome site.

What are your hobbies?

I like to play tennis with my family, chess, go for a walk with my husband, read, write.

What is your favorite secret pleasure?

Long hours of soaking in the bathtub while reading a book and eating candies or cookies.

What is your biggest wish for yourself?

Right now, I wish I could talk to my brother one more time. He passed away two months ago.
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Interview with Mark Alders

Please list places we can find you online…websites, myspace, facebook, blogs, etc.

I am available on livejournal, mainly because I like the user interface of that blog. The address is http://markalders.livejournal.com/

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am 38 years old—yes, that’s only 2 years away from being the big 40! Yikes. By day I am a mild mannered Post office worker and by night I let my imagination run riot at the keyboard, creating all sorts of stories.

Tell us your latest news.

I am currently in the middle of moving house. At the moment I am in Perth. From the 25th of February I will be in Melbourne. Why did I move all the way across the country? To be closer to family, that’s why. Am I insane…most likely! *giggle*

When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing in high school. English was my first love. I actually wrote a book back then, a terrible, terrible book and we shall never speak of it again. LOL It was basically a knock-off of Lord of the Rings. Well, we all had to start somewhere. As for the why, I really don’t know. I think it has a lot to do with the fact writing takes me to places my imagination leads me.

What are you reading now?

I am reading Heinlein’s “Tunnel in the Sky”

What are your current projects?

I always have a few projects on the go.

A) “SATOR”, a m/m fantasy
B) “The Song of Tristan and Isolde”, a m/m paranormal/fantasy
C) And the second book of my five book series, collectively known as the Pembroke Eve chronicles. The first book, Shadows of the Mind is currently submitted to eXtasy. It is a m/m sci-fi tale
D) “The Cadet’s Officer”, a short story and m/m sci-fi


Do you have a writing routine?

Yes…whenever I get the chance, basically. My muse is also like a wallflower at a teenage disco. It sits by and watches nervously…then, when it plucks up the courage to get up and dance I can’t keep up! LOL

My writing is sporadic. I can go days without placing a word down, then all at once I can write a novel in 6 weeks…Crazy!


What is one thing you could never live without?


Chocolate. Chocolate. Chocolate. Did I mention chocolate?


Where do you spend most of your time online?

On porn sites…kidding! LOL Seriously, I spend a lot of my online time researching. One of my current projects SATOR is requiring some Australian Aboriginal phrases and words…so yeah, I’ve been learning some phrases to possibly use in my books.

What are your hobbies?

I watch movies as a hobby. Because of work and my writing life I don’t get a chance to watch TV. I do it as a hobby. Most weeks I am lucky to get an hour of TV in! Ahh, the life of a writer, hey?

What is your favorite secret pleasure?

To sit and type all day while eating chocolate J

Interview with Wendy Ely

Where are you from?

I grew up in Milwaukie, Oregon but moved to sunny Arizona five years ago. I love everything about this place from the people I have met to the palm trees! 

Do you see writing as a long or short term goal? 

 
I have been writing since I could hold a pencil so I imagine I’ll write as long as plots and characters form themselves in my brain. I’m actively working on two books at this time and have several more swirling around in my thoughts waiting to be written. Each book is an adventure that I look forward to every time.
 
Do you belong to any writing forums or groups? 

I joined Valley of the Sun Romance Writers, which is a local chapter of Romance Writers of America, about a year ago. I have loved every minute of it. I also belong to a critique group.

 
What new author has grasped your interest? 

Buffy Christopher. I don’t generally read paranormal romance but her books are fascinating. You can find her at www.sapphirebluepublishing.com. 

 
What are your current projects?

I’m in the editing phase of a contemporary called New Years Resolution. My critique partners are going over it now. In New Years Resolution, Kate wants to be engaged by the following year. Her friends think she’s crazy since she’s not even dating when the resolution is made! She goes on a dating spree in hopes to find Mr. Wonderful. Instead, she learns more important lessons about life, plus Mr. Wonderful has been right in front of her the entire time! 

I’m writing a suspense called Dangerous Flames. Gabrielle has reason to believe someone has a hit out on her father, a mob boss. His hitman is probably the one that’s going to kill him. To save both her father and her love, she abducts Mikolas. Is she be able to keep them both safe while trying to resist the temptations from being so close to Mikolas?

Interview with Alisha Paige

Please list places we can find you online.

You can find me at http://www.alishapaige.com/ and at my blog interviewing other authors at http://www.alishapaige.blogspot.com/. I’m also on My Space and Facebook so friend me if you’re on there.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Texas but one day I want to live in New York. I visited the Big Apple when I was 18 and fell in love with the excitement, the cozy coffee shops, Broadway..sigh.

What inspired you to pen your first novel?

I read a book by Rebecca York about a werewolf. When it was published, paranormal romance was not even considered a genre. Instead, it was classified under suspense. Ms. York opened up a whole new world to me. I wrote my first paranormal years later because I’d never forgotten her story.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

I’m most comfortable writing paranormal or fantasy because my imagination can run wild. There are no rules..

What books have most influenced your life?

Stephen King’s On Writing is a must read for any writer.

What are you reading now?

Dawn Thompson’s The Ravening..chilling and very erotic

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Total pantser and it’s quite scary at times. I never know where my stories will take me but my characters have never let me down yet.

What is one thing you could never live without?

My supportive, loving, sexy husband and my three beautiful children.

Interview with Sierra Wolfe

Please list places we can find you online…websites, myspace, facebook, blogs, etc.

You can find me at…
My webpage
MySpace
Facebook

And of course…here at the Wicked Thorn and Roses blog

Where are you from?

Good ole Missouri. Of course, I work as a traveling nurse, so I’m not always home. You never know where you’ll catch me. ;)

What kind of jobs have you worked while building your writing career?

Oh, wow. I’ve worked a lot of jobs in my time. I don’t know if I’d say they were while I was building my writing career, but since I’ve been writing most of my life to some degree, I guess they were in a way. Anyway, I’ve worked as a waitress, a factory worker in several different kinds of factories, an accounting assistant, a nurse assistant, and a nurse. Let’s just say that I lose interest in things very easily (except writing, of course). Writing is the one thing I’ve never bored of.

When and why did you begin writing?

I don’t know if I have an answer for that. It seems like I’ve always written, in one form or another. I was about 4 years old when I wrote my first poem for my grandma. I remember how proud she was and she put it away to keep. Years later, she pulled it out to show it to me. I’ll never forget it.

Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?

One of the influences with me would be my grandma. She was an avid reader. She had a full wall in her bedroom full of shelves of books. She’d read each and every one of them, some of them several times. I was in awe of how many there were. That’s where I inherited my love of reading, and with that, came my love of writing.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

Any kind of romance. Paranormal, inspirational, contemporary, romantic suspense, you name it, I would take a shot at it. I’d really like to write some young adult books, too.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Actually, I’m lucky enough to have one. The amazing and wonderful Gemma Halliday! NY published author of the “in High Heels” series. For more information, check out her site!
Of course, she's just got started with me, so my bad writing has nothing to do with her teaching, LOL. I know I will learn tons from her, though. And, I'm extremely grateful for her guidance and inspiration. I can't wait to learn everything she has to teach me!!!

What are your current projects?

Too many to mention. I’m the type who has about 5 projects in the works at one time. If I get tired of reading one over and over, I can move on to another for a while. It really works for me.

Do you see writing as a long- or short-term career?

Hopefully, long term. It’s my goal to make it my full-time career. Easier on the back and knees than nursing, LOL. But, I may have to keep nursing at least part-time. Don’t know if I could give it up completely.


If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything?

Yes, I would have started getting serious sooner. It took me too long to have enough faith in myself to work on it seriously. I still have plenty of moments of self doubt, but it’s getting better.

Do you belong to any writing forums or groups?

Absolutely, I belong to several. But, my favorite place in the whole world is Romance Divas.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Plotter. I’ve tried pantsing, just couldn’t cut it, I’m afraid.

Is there anything additional you would like to share with your readers?

I hope you enjoyed reading a little about me. I’d love it if you would come back often and see what we’re up to. In fact, if you’d follow our blog, I’d be ecstatic! Seriously! Oh, and I love comments! ;)

Interview with Kate Davison

Where are you from?

Originally, Pontiac, Michigan. I moved to the Gulf Coast of Florida at age 12 due to my father’s health. Then I moved to New Jersey about seventeen years ago. Still live in NJ. It’s the biggest surprise of my life. The state is nothing as I’d pictured it. It’s more rural than anyone ever gives it credit for, with more varied topography than any state its size should be allowed to have. Damn, I sound like I should write copy for the New Jersey Tourism Bureau.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a natural born smart-ass and a control freak. My husband is a graphic artist who does daily comic strips and graphic novels. He’s a very cool guy. We attend lots of comic conventions, on both sides of the table—meaning as talent and fan. I’m a science fiction junkie. When my hubby and I first moved to New Jersey the first long trip we took was down to Atlantic City to a Star Trek Convention. It was so cool. It’s no secret that I’m a geek. A wear my geekdom with pride.
What kind of jobs have you worked while building your writing career? I work as a Respiratory Therapist, which means I keep people breathing, either by natural or artificial means. My specialty is working in a Level III NICU with all the little tiny premature babies. Love it. There is something very rewarding about taking a tiny life and seeing it through some of its worst crises and then at the end of about four months watching she or he go home with very grateful parents.

When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing because if I didn’t pour out all the ideas swimming around in my head either it would have eventually exploded. I love to read, so I think creating my own characters and situations was a natural extension of that love of books. I began making up my own stories before I could read. When I was a child I had terrible nightmares. My mother, at her wits end, took me to the pediatrician. He told her to read to me before going to bed each night to put good thoughts into my head. No such doing. I only wanted the unadulterated Brothers Grimm or Three Billy Goats Gruff. After fighting with me every night, my mother finally took all the books and put them away. But was a determined child, and I found them and got them down again. She finally threw up her hands and said to hell with it. So, I started telling myself stories to fall asleep. And now….ah um….years later, I still do.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

The first day I first put words to paper. No one ever saw the stories I wrote back then, and no one ever will. But I was still a writer. That goes for anyone. If you put words to paper, you’re a writer.

What inspired you to pen your first novel?

Lack of books turning out the way I wanted them to. I wanted to write my own endings, have my own conclusions on paper. Of course, what I didn’t know at the time was that most determined main characters—and a few secondary ones—begin to take over and soon write their own endings.

Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?

I can’t really say, there have been so many over the years. Definitely sci-fi. I started watching Star Trek when I was a kid, and before you ask…yes, the original series back in the late 60’s early 70’s. I loved the way each show entombed a new culture. Even as a child I was amazed by that. By the time I was 11-12 Star Wars came out. I remember seeing the first few trailers for that on television and all they showed was the now famous logo and at the very end, Darth Vader turned around and looked straight into the camera. Talk about a dramatic hook! Mine and my father’s mouths opened and we both yelled, “I gotta see that.” Then there were all the epic mini-series that were on television that came from books. Of course, I had to go back and read them after they aired, but it did give me an huge appreciation for literature.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

Since I write in six different genres under several names, I have to say I am comfortable in most. Historical seems fraught with danger for me. I love Historicals, but noticed if I ever decide to do an entire novel in that genre without it being fantasy or steam punk, I better get a lot of references. I am a documentary junkie and most days have the History Channel on in the background, so it’s not the research part I find daunting, but the actual dialogue. – Most comfortable are paranormal, sci-fi and futuristics- anything where there is little or no structure in the world created. By that I mean the world is open to however the author wants to make it. I’m of a firm believer Gene Roddenberry was a god!

How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?

Usually they just come to me. I like to try and make them mean something to several aspects of the book. Character traits, plot points, internal conflicts, or external. I have a series of romantic suspense I’m working on that all have sayings from the Bible as the titles. Sometimes I’ll even take a line from the book that came out rather poetic and use that for a title. Since some of my future books will be targeted for NY, I’m sure I won’t be able to keep titles – one of the great things about writing small press is the fact the publishers pretty much let you keep your titles. At least that’s been my experience, which really works for me, since I put such time and care into selecting what title goes on the front of the book.

Do you see writing as a long- or short-term career?

Definitely a long term. I’ve already been at it in one form or another since childhood, I doubt I could stop now. The voices won’t let me.