Get Lost With Elle James!

Folks, help me welcome back Elle James! Elle has joined us

today with a few treats up her sleeve. First, let's find out

more about the lady herself.

BIO

Elle James aka Myla Jackson spent twenty years livin' and lovin' in South Texas, ranching horses, cattle, goats, ostriches and emus. A former IT professional, Elle is proud to be writing full-time, penning, sassy western romances, intrigues and paranormal adventures that keep her readers on the edge of their seats. She has 31 works with Harlequin, self published works under pen name Elle James, over 40 works with other publishers including Samhain, Elloras' Cave, Kensington and Avon and 18 works self-published under pen name Myla Jackson. Now living in northwest Arkansas, she isn't wrangling cattle, she's wrangling her muses, a malti-poo and yorkie. When she's not at her computer, she's traveling, out snow-skiing, boating, or riding her ATV, dreaming up new stories.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

 

AND NOW, THE STORY...

 THE WITCH'S INITIATION

 

Chicago's top undercover cop, Cal Black, has faced his share of danger, but he's never tangled with the paranormal…until now. His mission is simple: to investigate the disappearance of a sorority girl from a private college. But there are two complications: the girl's a witch. And her sister is the enchantress who broke his heart.

Deme Chattox isn't looking for a man. Especially a bad boy like Cal, even though every inch of her body remembers the magic of his touch. What she is looking for is her little sister…and Deme is determined to find her without Cal's expertise. The other Chattox sisters—and their mystical powers—are all the help she needs. That is, until they unearth a terrifying secret buried deep underground—and Deme finds herself possessed by a desire that threatens to destroy her.

AMAZON                                              BARNES & NOBLE

INTERVIEW WITH THE HERO - CAL BLACK

Q: What made you take a position on the Special Paranormal Investigation Team?

Cal: I'm a detective. Chicago is my home. I want to make it a safe place for people to live. If chasing down strange stuff is what it takes, I'm on it.

Q: I understand you own a truck and a motorcycle? Which do you prefer?

Cal: (grinning) Depends on the weather. Chicago isn't called the windy city for nothing. However, I do love my Harley in the warmer weather.

Q: Do you believe in magic?

Cal: (taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly) I have to admit, I didn't, at first. But there's some really strange stuff going on down at the college. If you'll excuse me, I'm on my way there now to check it out. (rises from his seat)

Q: One last question...What is your relationship status with Ms. Deme Chattox?

Cal: (running a hand through his hair, he shakes his head) Beats me. Ask her. All I know is she makes me crazy. One minute I'm done with her, the next I'm kissin' her like there's no tomorrow.

 

AND NOW, ELLE IN HER OWN WORDS...

In writing THE WITCH'S INITIATION, I wanted to start a new series about five sister witches, each with a talent specific to their point on the pentagram. Deme Chattox is the oldest of the sisters and Earth is her balance. She can manipulate plants and taste earth for trouble. Aegina (Gina) Chattox's balance is water. She can communicate with fish, call up rain clouds and is happiest by the sea or in big bodies of water. For Brigid Chattox, her balance is Fire. She's hot tempered, can throw fire balls and has tiny dragonflies a her helpers. Selene Chattox's balance is Spirit, serenity is her goal. She can sense feelings of others, both good and malevolent. And last but not least is the youngest, Aurai Chattox whose balance is Wind.

 

The first book THE WITCH'S INITIATION takes Deme through a journey to find her sister, the creature who has taken her hostage and a love that can accept her for what she is. I've written a novella THE WITCH'S SEDUCTION following Deme past the first story into solving another Chicago paranormal case and I'll be writing yet another Deme novella in March that will take Deme and Cal to NYC. Then I start work on Selene's story tentatively called THE BEAST. I love that the cases they solve and the creatures they meet bring Chicago and the underworld alive. It's not just about vampires and shapeshifters. You'll see other creepy creatures, some you'll want disposed of and some you'll fall in love with.

 

 

HERE ARE SOME OTHER CURRENT RELEASES...

 

THE WITCH'S SEDUCTION

Harlequin Nocturne Cravings

Deme Chattox is eager to return home and start her new job on the Chicago PD's paranormal task force. As a witch, she's got special insight into the city's supernatural underworld. And as an added bonus, her partner is also her lover, Cal Black.

Deme can't wait to pick up where their off-the-charts chemistry left off, but she senses a change in Cal. Though the sex is hotter than ever, she doesn't need mystical powers to know there's something he's not telling her. Something that threatens their budding relationship, and their latest case…

AMAZON    BARNES & NOBLE

   

Demon's Embrace
Harlequin Nocturne Cravings

As part of the NYPD's special taskforce, Agent Katya Danske cleans up the mess when creatures of the night run amok. But lately she's been distracted by one paranorm in particular: her wickedly sexy partner, Blaise Michaels. For the sake of her professional reputation, Katya should end the affair with the demon co-worker—if only her body didn't crave his touch so deeply….

Then a mysterious amulet falls into her hands, and Katya becomes the target of a vengeful demon who will stop at nothing to get it back. When she begins to exhibit unexplained powers, Katya needs Blaise more than ever to help her control the energy—and to face up to a truth she never could have imagined.

AMAZON       BARNES & NOBLE

ALEXA: Thanks so much for joining us today, Elle.  Before you go do you have a question for your fans?

ELLE: What type of magic do you wish you could wield?

 

ALEXA: And finally, will you have a drawing from those leaving comments?

ELLE: Yes! Leave a comment on "What type of magic do you wish you could wield" for a chance to win a download of my Myla Jackson story WITCH'S CURSE.

 

You heard her, folks, so get commenting!

 

The Peachy Tara Holloway

DEATH, TAXES, and PEACH SANGRIA

A Tara Holloway Novel #4

St. Martin’s Press

ISBN: 1250023068

When it comes to exposing tax fraud, Tara and her partner Eddie are really cleaning up. From their brilliant takedown of the disappearing “Tax Wizard” to their perfectly planned downfall of the “Deduction Diva,” they’ve earned the respect of their peers at Criminal Investigations. Now Tara’s ready to celebrate with an ice-cold pitcher of peach sangria—even if her next case is totally the pits…

Tara’s looking forward to a challenge but, back at the office, everyone’s looking for love. Her boss Lu “The Lobo” Lobozinski and office virgin Josh Schmidt are signing up for an online dating service, and—to Tara’s dismay—so is her crush, Special Agent Nick Pratt. Tara’s trying to act chill. But when she learns that her next case involves cash-funneling to terrorists, it’s not just her love life that’s on the rocks. It’s her life, period.

EXCERPT

THE GAL BEHIND TARA

A CPA and tax attorney, Diane spent several years at an international accounting firm where she had the pleasure of working with a partner later convicted of tax shelter fraud. She also served a stint as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas under an AG who pled guilty to criminal charges related to the tobacco company lawsuits. Given this work history, Diane decided self-employment might be a good idea. She also realized her experiences with white-collar crime were excellent fodder for a novel. Her fingers hit the keyboard and thus began her "Death and Taxes" mystery series.

Diane won the prestigious Romance Writers of America Golden Heart® Award in 2009 and has earned over two dozen RWA chapter awards.

THE SHORT & SWEET

ANGI: What do you like about Tara’s love interest, Nick?

DIANE:  He’s straightforward. No BS. He’s also willing to set aside his pride for love. Not many men can-or will-do that. I also like that he appreciates a woman with some gumption and isn’t emasculated by a strong partner.

ANGI: Is there a picture of Nick (or the guy he’s based on)?

DIANE:  Nick is first introduced in Death, Taxes, and a Skinny No-Whip Latte, book #2 of the series. I describe him there as a young Kurt Russell or Val Kilmer type.  He’s good looking, in a rugged, natural way. He’s not the type of guy who spends a lot of time primping. He’s got better things to do.

ANGI: Can you tell us about a real-life hero you’ve met?

DIANE:   I met a whole slew of them when I met the IRS special agents I interviewed for the series!  They were amazing.  Very smart and no nonsense. I found their mix of financial skills and law enforcement skills to be very intriguing.  They weren’t able to give me all the dirty details about their investigations, but it’s clear that they’ve faced down some pretty bad characters.  

ANGI: Is there a playlist you’d recommend for reading your latest release?

DIANE:  Songs by women with strong voices. Pink comes to mind, as do Carrie Underwood and Shania Twain. Tara tends to listen to country-western music, especially the fun, fast songs.

ANGI: What was your most-favorite movie?

DIANE:  I saw Grease 27 times as a kid. I loved the mixture of romance, singing, dancing, and the theme of people discovering who they are and what lengths they will go to for love.

ANGI: Who’s a real-life villain (you might base a character on)?

DIANE:   I’m thinking about having a villain politician in my next case, one who improperly dipped his hand into his campaign funds and may have improperly dipped other body part elsewhere, if you get my drift.  The character might be considered loosely based on Tom DeLay, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and John Edwards.  I’ve heard that Jesse Jackson, Jr. is under investigation for alleged misuse, too.  Clearly this is a widespread problem that crosses party lines!

ANGI: What is your biggest vice?

DIANE:  Ugh! I’ve got so many!  Probably messiness.  I tend to be involved in a lot of things, and I constantly bounce from one thing to the next all day, leaving things partially finished.  My house is very cluttered all the time, though I can normally find things. It’s an “organized mess.”  I once heard that an immaculate house is a sign of a life misspent, and I agree!  

ANGI: Is there a “Blooper” in your story (it may have been changed before printing)?

DIANE:   I changed the ending of Death, Taxes, and Peach Sangria after the advanced reading copies were printed. The change only involved a few words, but let’s just say I think readers will be much happier that things turn out the way they do rather than how I’d originally written the scene.

ANGI: How is it working with hot guys and sexy women all day?

DIANE:  Totally fun! Especially when I get to put them up against crafty, violent tax evaders and force them to bring their best game.

ANGI’S GOTTA ASK: In your discussion topics for “a Sequined Clutch” you ask if readers believe in signs. Do you? If so, what signs have you received and what did they tell you?  

DIANE’S GOTTA ANSWER:   I do!  When my husband and I began dating, he mentioned that he had a cat. When I first saw the two of them together, and I saw that she was well taken care of, I knew it was a sign that he was caring, compassionate, responsible, and laid back. That cat told me so much without ever saying a word!  She was a furry sign that he was the guy for me.  

FIND DIANE

Contact   Website     Facebook   Twitter @DianeKellyBooks 

Goodreads   Killer Fiction   Previous GLIAS interviews

UP NEXT for DIANE: 

DEATH, TAXES, AND HOT PINK LEGWARMERS
A Tara Holloway Novel #5

St. Martin’s Press
June 4th 2013
READ ABOUT IT

PREVIOUS RELEASES by DIANE

DEATH, TAXES, AND A FRENCH MANICURE

A Tara Holloway Novel #1

St. Martin’s Press

ISBN: 0312551266

READ THE EXCERPT

DEATH, TAXES, AND A NO-WHIP LATTE

A Tara Holloway Novel #2

St. Martin’s Press

ISBN: 0312551282

READ THE EXCERPT

DEATH, TAXES, AND EXTRA-HOLD HAIRSPRAY

A Tara Holloway Novel #3

St. Martin’s Press

ISBN: 0312551282

READ THE EXCERPT

DEATH, TAXES, AND A SEQUINED CLUTCH

A Tara Holloway e-book Novella #3.5

St. Martin’s Press

ASIN: B0091CAT7W

READ THE EXCERPT

PEACHY GIVE AWAY

DIANE’S giving away a copy of DEATH, TAXES, and PEACH SANGRIA to one North American  blog commenter leaving their email address.

Note: COMMENTERS are encouraged to leave a contact email address to speed the prize notification process. Feel free to email your contact information to Angi at GetLostInAStory@gmail.com instead. Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only unless specifically mentioned in the post. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants. Winners of drawings are responsible for checking this site in a timely manner. If prizes are not claimed in a timely manner, the author may not have a prize available. Get Lost In A Story cannot be responsible for an author's failure to mail the listed prize. GLIAS does not automatically pass email addresses to guest authors unless the commenter publicly posts their email address.

DON’T FORGET to follow us on Facebook  & Twitter #GetLostStories for a daily update on who’s visiting GLIAS and what they might be giving away! Join Alexa tomorrow when she hosts ELLE JAMES. Come back on Friday when Maureen kicks February off with Molly O’Keefe. ~Angi

DIANE WANTS TO KNOW: In Death, Taxes, and Peach Sangria, Tara enjoys a pitcher or two of Nick’s mother’s homemade sangria recipe. What’s your favorite drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and what do you think it says about you?

LynDee Walker Gets Lost in a Story



Hey Get Lost in a Story readers, Susan here. I have a treat for y'all today, but first I wanted to let you all know that, sadly for me, this will be my last Get Lost in a Story post. I'm afraid I took on too much over the past year. I'll miss you all and the rest of the crew, but I'll still be dropping in to see all the great books and authors featured here, so I'll be staying in touch. It has been an honor and privilege to be a part of the Get Lost in a Story crew! Enough about me...

LynDee Walker grew up in the land of stifling heat and amazing food most people call Texas, and wanted to be Lois Lane from the time she could say the words “press conference.” An award-winning journalist, she traded cops and deadlines for burp cloths and onesies when her oldest child was born. Writing the Headlines in Heels mysteries gives her the best of both worlds. When not writing or reading, LynDee is usually wrangling children, eating barbecue or enchiladas, or trying to walk off said barbecue and enchiladas. She and her family live in Richmond, Virginia.

 

The Book...

Crime reporter Nichelle Clarke’s days can flip from macabre to comical with a beep of her police scanner. Then an ordinary accident story turns extraordinary when evidence goes missing, a prosecutor vanishes, and a sexy Mafia boss shows up with the headline tip of a lifetime. As Nichelle gets closer to the truth, her story gets more dangerous. Armed with a notebook, a hunch, and her favorite stilettos, Nichelle races to splash these shady dealings across the front page before this deadline becomes her last.

 

What they're saying...

 

“Author LynDee Walker sure knows her way around a plot twist. She kept me turning pages late into the night, following the rollercoaster adventures of her fashionably feisty heroine—crime reporter and designer shoe fanatic Nichelle Clarke. Front Page Fatality is smart, funny, and loaded with surprises. A terrific debut mystery.” —Laura Levine, author of the Jaine Austen mystery series

 

“Front Page Fatality is delightful, with engaging characters, a crackling good mystery, and of course, high, high heels. LynDee Walker writes with wit and intelligence and the confidence of a newsroom insider. What fun!” —Harley Jane Kozak, Anthony, Agatha, and Macavity award-winning author of Dating Dead Men and Keeper of the Moon (March 2013)

 

“Gives those designer shoes a workout! Nicey’s adventure kept me guessing. Goes down as smooth as hot chocolate with whipped cream.” — Alice Loweecey, author of the Falcone and Driscoll Investigations

 

“This is a joy to read: Nichelle is a likable character who does put her nose into whatever seems curious to her. … Highly recommended to the fans of cozy mysteries!” —Mystery Tribune

 

 

Get your copy... 

 

Get a signed copy from Fountain Bookstore in Richmond

 

                 Amazon          Barnes & Noble

 

 

 

Let's chat with LynDee...

Susan: LynDee, thank you so much for joining us today here at Get Lost in a Story. I’m so excited about your new release! Can you tell us when Nichelle first appeared in your mind? What was the genesis of this character? Did you always want to be a reporter?
LynDee: Susan, thanks so much for having me! I love Get Lost in a Story and am very excited to be here!

Nichelle first appeared in my mind in the summer of 2009, in quite a pinch and unsure how she was going to get out of it in her “characteristically unsuitable shoes.”

I did always want to be a reporter—for as long as I can remember, anyway. I’ve never been sorry that I left journalism to be with my little ones, but I missed writing. I think Nichelle was my brain’s way of fixing that. 

She was just there, in quite a pickle chasing a story, when the day before she was not. I tried to ignore her for a while, but she pestered me until I opened my laptop and started writing. That scene is still one of my favorites. And once I was bitten by the fiction bug, I got so lost in the story I kind of disappeared for the five weeks it took me to write the rough draft. I have distinct memories of Saturdays when I looked up from the computer after dark, wondering why I was dizzy, and figured out I had been so immersed in Nichelle’s world that I’d forgotten to eat all day! And if you knew how I feel about food, that would really tell you how much this took over my life that summer.
Susan: How much do you and Nichelle have in common?
LynDee: We both always wanted to be journalists, we both love shoes, and we both have the same kind of dog. But she can wear the shoes all day (and even run in them, which I never would have believed possible until I watched a dear friend do it). She also has the moxie to tell people what she’s thinking, and the ability to come up with the kind of witty replies to folks on the spot that I usually end up thinking of hours after a conversation and wishing I’d said. 

Susan: What five things are in Nichelle’s purse right now?
LynDee: A pen, a notebook, a tin of Godiva white chocolate pearls, a mini flashlight, and an Origins liquid lip gloss in bonfire. 

Susan: I know you are originally from Texas and now reside in Virginia. Is Nichelle a Southern girl as well?
LynDee: Indeed. Nichelle grew up in Dallas and moved to Richmond after college, when she didn’t get hired at the Washington Post. Virginia is so beautiful, and Richmond was fun to write about.

Susan: Where is your very favorite vacation spot?
LynDee: It’s a photo finish between the beaches of the Outer Banks in North Carolina and Walt Disney World, but I think Mickey wins by a hair. I love how well everything is done at Disney World. It’s more an experience than an amusement park.

Susan: Do you have any unusual talents we should know about? We had someone here a while back who can peel and eat a banana with her toes. Can you top that?
LynDee: Oh, heavens! I don’t know that anyone could top that! I can pick up small objects with my toes, but I’m nowhere near that level of awesome. I can tie my hair into knots with one hand, and they fall right back out when I let go. It’s not so much a talent as a blessing thanks to my grandmother’s Apache heritage giving me super thick hair, but people are often fascinated by it.

Susan: What is your most interesting quirk?
LynDee: I can recite the entire script of the Disney movie The Santa Clause, because my oldest monkey went through a phase when she was two whereupon we watched it at least twice a day for a solid year. (“Those flames were really big, dad.” “Yeah. Turkey’s funny that way.”) 

Susan: Time to dish now… What is your most interesting vice? (Your family isn’t going to read this blog—I’m certain of it.)
LynDee: Facebook. It took me forever to come up with an answer to this one, because I am such a goody-two-shoes. Food is up there, but that’s not interesting. However, if a vice is something that sucks time and/or resources from you, but you can’t stay away from it, anyway, then I am definitely addicted to social networking. I haven’t found any groups for it, though. Maybe I should look on Facebook …

Susan: What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done? Been skydiving? Ridden a bull?
LynDee: I am not the most daring girl around. I’m terrified of heights and have been to the rodeo enough times to think a person has to be just a little crazy to try to ride a bull. I have ridden some pretty mean roller coasters, though, and I’ve driven in D.C. at rush hour. That’s not for the faint of heart.

Susan: What do you do to unwind and relax?
LynDee: There’s nothing better than a really hot bath and a glass of wine. But driving around by myself with the radio up, singing as loud as I please, works too. 

Susan: What is something that not a lot of people know about you but you WISH more people COULD know?
LynDee: Now that I’ve pondered this one for several days, I can honestly say, to know me is to know me. I am the very least introverted person on the planet. I really wish I had a cool secret to share, but I have come up with bupkis. And hubs and my best friend couldn’t think of anything (well, not anything I would share for fear of sounding insanely egotistical) either. I’m a writer, a mom, a wife. I love sangria, Mexican food, chocolate, small children, animals, music, and hydrangeas. Summer and Christmas are my favorite times of the year. 

Susan: What’s your idea of a perfect evening?
LynDee: A quick dinner and a game with my little monkeys, followed by early baths and bedtimes. Then a glass of wine, a funny movie, a blanket, and a fire with my hubby. It only shakes out that way once in a blue moon, but the best evenings are ones where we get to play with the children and hear about their days, and then have some alone time at the end of ours. 

Susan’s GOTTA ASK: What is your favorite scene in Front Page Fatality?
LynDee’s GOTTA ANSWER: I think this was the hardest thing anyone has asked me yet! It’s like telling me to pick a favorite child. But in the interest of not copping out, I’ll say the boat crash. The reader learns a lot about Nichelle and a couple of the other characters in just a few pages.


Susan: What's next for you?
LynDee: I finished Nichelle’s next adventure in December, and hope to have news about it in the very near future!

Connect with LynDee Online...

WEB: www.lyndeewalker.com

FOLLOW: www.twitter.com/lyndeewalker

LIKE: www.facebook.com/lyndeewalkerbooks

EMAIL: lyndee (at) lyndeewalker (dot) com

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/LynDee_Walker
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lyndeewalker

LynDee has a question for y'all...

If you could spend a day in anyone (living or dead, fictional or non) else’s shoes, who would you choose, and why?

 

 

Y'all please answer and leave your email address as a comment to enter LynDee's drawing:

One commenter will win a signed e-card (which is a SUPER cool innovation from Henery Press so you can have an autographed memento, but a book for your e-reader) good for an electronic copy of FRONT PAGE FATALITY.

Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants. Winners of drawings are responsible for checking this site in a timely manner. If prizes are not claimed in a timely manner, the author may not have a prize available. Get Lost In A Story cannot be responsible for an author's failure to mail the listed prize. GLIAS does not automatically pass email addresses to guest authors unless the commenter publicly posts their email address.

Adding Sprinkles to Life and Love, with Misty Simon

WELCOME MISTY SIMON

Misty Simon loves a good story and decided one day that she would try her hand at it. Eventually she got it right. There’s nothing better in the world than making someone laugh, and she hopes everyone at least snickers in the right places when reading her books. She lives with her husband, daughter and two insane dogs in Central Pennsylvania where she is hard at work on her next novel or three. She loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at misty@mistysimon.com

WHAT'S LIFE WITHOUT SPRINKLES?

 Cake maker and single mom Claudia Bradley thinks she has life all figured out — until her best friend Nate starts looking like a mouth-watering dessert and her son’s father comes strolling back into the picture as if he’d never left ten years ago. Throw in a case of preteen angst and a family with lots of well-meant advice, and, well, she’s whipping up a recipe for chaos!
Nate West has always been there for Claudia, a basic ingredient in her life, but suddenly she is flirting outrageously with him when she’s never looked that way at him before — despite his dreams. With her ex-lover back in town, Nate isn’t about to renege on his years-old promise to always be the friend Claudia needs, but does she want more?
She’s as tempting as butter cream frosting with sprinkles, and he’s mighty tempted…

Read more here: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=5102

What Amazon Reviewers are saying:

"I love a story with humor and Misty Simon delivers!"

"I could not put it down."

"… if you enjoy a romance story that is light and fun to read, then you need to pick up a copy of this book."
 

GET TO KNOW MISTY SIMON

MAUREEN:  What’s the first book you remember reading?

MISTY:  I have very fond memories of reading The Maggie B. by Irene Haas. I lost that book along the way and then found it again at a book store and was so excited I bought three copies. My first romance, though, was one of the Sweet Valley High books and it opened up whole new worlds for me.

MAUREEN:  What sound or noise do you love?

MISTY:  You know that note the Phantom hits in Point of No Return on the word anywhere? Gets me every time!

MAUREEN:  Do you write while listening to music? If so what kind?

MISTY:  Everything and anything depending on the mood and the tone I’m trying to set for the scene. Of course, sometimes I listen to something directly opposite just to jar me out of the clichés.

MAUREEN:  What’s the most romantic thing anyone ever did for you?

MISTY:  My husband proposed to me the moment he knew he wanted to marry me. We were eating French fries and he popped the question then just grinned when I asked where my ring was. He bought it that weekend.

MAUREEN:  What’s the first thing you do when you finish writing a book?

MISTY:  A little woohoo dance then lots of sleeping.

MAUREEN:  Do you remember your grade one teacher’s name?

MISTY:  Mrs. Haupt. She was awesome, bowl cut and big glasses included. I loved that she gave us such an appreciation for books with the way she read to us – voices and characters each defined with her voice – every afternoon.

MAUREEN:  Did you belong to a clique in high school? Which one of the standard high school stereotypes did you best fit in to?

MISTY:  Oh, good question. No, not to any one clique. I belonged to all of them. I was that girl who ate lunch with a different set of people every day and you’d be as likely to find me in a skirt as you would the grunge clothes of the nineties.

MAUREEN:  Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing?

MISTY:  I absolutely do. And if I can improve my work due to constructive criticism then I count that as all good.

MAUREEN:  What does it mean to love someone?

MISTY:  To me, loving someone means accepting them for who they are, letting them compliment you, not complete you. You’re complete all on your own even if that someone helped show you that truth.

MAUREEN:  What would you say is your most interesting quirk?

MISTY:  We’d be here all month if I talked about my quirks! The funniest one to me is that I cannot touch untreated wood. If it has a polish to it or varnish or paint, I’m fine. But give me a Popsicle stick or a wooden spoon and I gag. Which is funny considering I used to play the clarinet!

GOTTA ASK -- GOTTA ANSWER

MAUREEN:  What’s next for you as an author?

MISTY:  Next is more romances and a new contract with Harlequin Digital First to write mysteries! I am so excited!

A QUESTION FOR READERS

I’d love to hear if you like heroines with quirks. Mine always have them, that something that plays into every day life. What’s yours? I’m always collecting them for future books!

GIVEAWAY

Misty will give away a copy of What’s Life Without the Sprinkles and a tote of cupcake mix with cupcake cups and sprinkles included to one lucky commenter!

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH MISTY HERE:

Website: www.mistysimon.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/misty.simon.18