Mary Kennedy

Mary Kennedy is a national best-selling author, and a clinical psychologist in private practice on the east coast. She has sold forty novels, all to major New York publishers, and has made the Waldenbooks, BookScan and Publishers Weekly best-seller lists. Her early novels included middle grade fiction and young adult fiction for Scholastic and Penguin.

Mary won an award from the National Endowment for the Arts for "artistic excellence in literary fiction." A popular workshop presenter, she has spoken at over a hundred conferences, libraries and schools, all over the country. She also has written articles for PW, NPR, BookPage Gannett, RWR, and other industry publications. When not writing, speaking, or traveling to exotic locales, she lives with her husband and eight neurotic cats. The cats have resisted all her efforts to psychoanalyze them, but she remains optimistic.

THE TALK SHOW RADIO MYSTERIES

Currently Mary's writing an adult mystery series, The Talk Radio Mysteries, which is set in a fictional town in south Florida. The first title, DEAD AIR, was released January 2010, the second, REEL MURDER, appeared June 2010, the third, STAY TUNED FOR MURDER, January 2011. The Talk Radio Mysteries was pitched and sold as "Frasier Meets Murder She Wrote." The heroine is Maggie Walsh, a psychologist who closes up her Manhattan practice and heads to sunny Florida to take a job as a radio talk show host. And, yes, she solves a murder in every book! As a former radio copywriter and a practicing psychologist, Mary is uniquely qualified to provide realistic background for her books - although she hasn't personally solved any murders ;-). Mary's favorite vacation destination is South Florida and she makes an annual winter pilgrimage to Fort Lauderdale.

MORE ABOUT THE SERIES:

“Frasier Meets Murder She Wrote in this entertaining series from a real-life psychologist.”

“If you're thinking of committing murder in South Florida, beware Mary Kennedy's delightful radio psychologist Maggie Walsh, one of the most appealing amateur sleuths to come along in years. Hook her up with Jessica Fletcher and no murderer shall ever go unpunished.” Donald Bain, Author of the Murder, She Wrote series

“Tune in for a great new series featuring insightful Dr. Maggie, a radio talk show psychologist who says it like she sees it in a wry and clever debut.” Carolyn Hart, “America’s Agatha Christie.”

STAY TUNED FOR MURDER is the third in this delightful mystery series (Penguin Obsidian, 06/01/2010, ISBN 0451232356, 320 pages, $6.99)

Romantic Times says:

“Floridians can claim another sleuthing marvel--and Kennedy has the beginning of a hit series. Charming, humorous, sassy psychologist Maggie Walsh is a cross between Carrie Bradshaw and Dr. Jennifer Melfi as she deals with flaky co-workers, a screen-siren mother and the attentions of a sexy detective and a gorgeous hotelier..4 and a half STARS!”

Maggie is really getting into the swing of her daily radio show. She loves her new life in Cypress Grove, Florida, where she considers herself a female Dr. Phil–minus the money and the fame. Unfortunately, she’s also minus the fans. So when a glamorous psychic and author comes to town, (I talk to Dead People and You Can too) Maggie is worried about her job. Every time the psychic appears on her show, the ratings soar, and Maggie is afraid she may be edged out of WYME.

Maggie decides to do some sleuthing and see if Chantal is really what she seems to be. And along the way, she has to solve a double murder with the help of sexy Detective Rafe Martino.

GET TO KNOW MARY KENNEDY

MAUREEN: What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in?
MARY: I love mysteries, and I remember reading Nancy Drew with a flashlight when I was supposed to be sleeping. I think of a mystery as a puzzle to be solved and I also like the idea that good triumphs in the end.

MAUREEN: What’s your favorite vacation spot?
MARY: Ft. Lauderdale. We rent the same ocean front condo there every February and it’s the highlight of my year. I love Florida and set the Talk Radio Mysteries there. Maggie closes up her Manhattan psychology practice and moves to Florida because she’s “sick of the cold, sick of Manhattan real estate prices and sick of listening to people’s problems all day long.” She’s much happier living in Florida, working as a radio talk show host and solving murders!

MAUREEN: Do you believe in ghosts?
MARY: I had to do quite a bit of research on ghosts, psychic and the paranormal for STAY TUNED for MURDER. A famous psychic comes to Cypress Grove, and she develops quite a following. She even angles for a spot on WHYY, and Maggie is afraid she may take over her talk show. I leave it up to the readers whether or not Chantel is the real deal.

MAUREEN: What’s next?
MARY: I hope a long career writing more mysteries and maybe even going back to my roots in young adult novels. Three teen novels (previously published in print by Penguin) will soon be available as e-books.

MAUREEN: What do you love to do in your free time?
MARY: My favorite hobby (an expensive one, according to my husband) is cat rescue. I currently have 8 adorable rescued cats. I didn’t look for them (I swear!), the poor things were starving and homeless and found me. I love all animals and feature a delightful pug in the Talk Radio Mysteries.

MAUREEN: What, if anything, would you like to tell your readers?
MARY: To please take a moment out of your day and do what you can to help animals. They bring joy to so many people, and ask so little of us. I have a link to Forgotten Cats, one of my favorite charities on my website http://www.marykennedy.net/. You can read about my books, and there’s a special section devoted to “Siggy,” who was truly a remarkable cat.

GOTTA ASK -- GOTTA ANSWER :)

MAUREEN: Your series is about a psychologist turned talk radio host, turned amateur sleuth. You’re a psychologist turned novelist. Any secret ambition to solve mysteries yourself?

MARY: I’d love to solve a mystery and am a big fan of CSI, Law and Order, Criminal Minds, NCIS, etc. Unfortunately, that’s as close as I get to the nitty-gritty aspects of sleuthing. I admire the way they can solve a crime in the space of a one hour show, I have 300 pages to do it!

Learn more about Mary at http://www.marykennedy.net/

Come back tomorrow when Cat hosts Christine Merrill

The Sweetest Guy Award Goes To ...

Hey everybody... Since we didn't have an author for today, I'm taking a moment to post a few additional pictures from NYC last week, but also to let the world know exactly what my darlin' husband did this year to make conference memorable.

Last week, I reminded (& shared) that my husband escorted me on stage to accept my Golden Heart award. When I accepted, I shared how he'd always been a part of my writing, and had supported me...telling me in 1997 that I WAS A WRITER and that we'd do whatever it took to make that dream happen.

This year was my first national book signing. For several years, my family was involved in the set-up and volunteering for the actual event. Tim knew just how important it was to me to sign, how special it was to be a part of the 500 authors filling the room. But this year, it wasn't in the cards that he spend the week in NYC with me. So he accepted a job for a week in Pennsylvania.

Quite honestly, I forgot that he was only an hour away (by AMTRACK). We had enough to think about, enough stress in our lives in the past six weeks to last six years. We received some good news on Tuesday afternoon while I was getting dressed for the signing and I could actually breathe again.

I checked in with fellow CREW members Maureen & Cat...hard to believe that just 11 months ago we were finalists together. I actually sold books (YAY), made new friends, had a blast celebrating the moment. There were so many people in line, the organizers asked authors to stay a bit longer. And at 7:15, I looked up to see my husband, camera in hand, taking a video of my reaction.

I was surprised, amazed, and touched beyond words that he'd taken off early, caught a train, and had arrived in the nick of time to experience the signing with me. When my friends told him how sweet he was, his response...

"I've waited as long as she has for tonight. I wasn't going to miss it."

Yes, ladies and gents, I'm very proud to have a supportive husband. One who (at least one day a year-lol) makes me feel very very special.

Thanks AMY ATWELL, the best roommate ever! She packed a bag and found ELIZABETH KELLY who offered to share her room overnight. Tim and I attended the Bookseller's Best Awards where I was up for two but didn't win. Then we had dinner in Times Square, a lovely walk, and he returned to Philly the next morning. Without you two ladies, he'd planned on catching the 11:30 return train. SO A SPECIAL SPECIAL thanks to you both.

Over all, it was an awesome conference. Catch the story of 'how my shoes made a two-book sale' in a blog sometime soon. Lots and lots of pictures on my facebook page.

And for today's question/comments: share a sweet moment, tell us about something someone did for you to make you feel special.

I'd love to give away a book--either a copy of .38 Caliber Cover-Up or another one I have sitting around.

As Always... don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and come back next week for some fantastic guest authors. I'll be back Wednesday with Jane Graves. You won't want to miss her answers to our questions. Until then, ~Angi

Mira Lyn Kelly

Mira Lyn Kelly gives us The S Before EX

Mira Lyn Kelly lives in rural Minnesota with her husband and four children. Writing for Harlequin Mills & Boon, she is at work on her fourth book for the Presents Extra/Riva lines.

Mira loves to hear from her readers on Twitter and Facebook

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THE S BEFORE EX

“Oh, my God, isn’t that your husband?”

Claire Brady stiffened at the urgent whisper. An instant before, she’d been basking in the afterglow of a deal that, now struck, concluded her business for the next week—mostly. The gallery was too much a part of who she was to ever truly be put aside, even for a single day. But in that moment, her phone had been quiet, her mind at peace, her senses drifting with the gentle breeze as she’d absorbed the bustle and beauty of Rome’s Piazza Navona while light circles, courtesy of a dishy Italian seated to her right, stroked over her palm.

It felt good. She felt good. And she’d wondered if maybe this time…

Well, so much for that.

She shook her head apologetically at Paulo, the dishy Italian under consideration, and then shot Sally, her best friend, assistant, and perpetual alarmist, an emphatic no.

She’d known sharing the secret of her ex would come back to bite her, but the balanced against the isolation of holding herself apart for so many years, Sally’s occasional false alarm was a price she’d been more than willing to pay. Still, this was the third “Ryan” sighting this month alone.

“The man lives in California. The United States. Besides, if he were traveling abroad, we’d already know about it,” she promised with a nod toward the newsstand at the corner of the piazza.

When all else failed, fell short or slipped away, there was one thing in her marriage to Ryan Brady that Claire could count on. And that was the media keeping her abreast of every sordid detail of his liaisons, financial conquests and daily adventures. No waiting by the door with a cocktail at five for her. She had the world news to tell her how his day had been and with whom he’s spent the night. And in this case, she had it on reliable authority that as of fifteen hours ago, Ryan Brady had been meeting with his lawyer in downtown L.A.

To read the full first chapter go to The Book Link.

CAT: If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you’d buy?

MIRA: Oh this is a question I’ve spent much time contemplating. AFTER setting aside a portion to pay for the kids’ college, I would totally indulge my hermit tendencies and buy a mountain retreat dedicated primarily writing. An important clarification, this lottery we’re talking about paid out an obscenely huge jackpot, for which I’m the sole winner (Dream big, right?!). So the retreat is spacious and spectacularly tricked out with all the amenities. There are enough rooms for all the kids to have their own…which means when (instead of bringing them with me) I leave the family at home for my week off, I can take several of my writer BFFs and we can all write together!

CAT: Do you have any hobbies?

MIRA: I actually used to have tons of hobbies. Knitting, crocheting, photography, scrapbooking…writing. I’ll let you guess which one got greedy and did away with the rest J

CAT: Where’s the one place you’ve always wanted to visit, but haven’t yet gone?

MIRA: Las Vegas. I just love the spontaneity and possibility of the place and have a million story ideas that I’d love to flesh out with some real life experience…Well, okay, I’m already married and not really into breaking the law…so waking up hitched to some gorgeous billionaire who’s name I don’t recall, isn’t the kind of real life re-enactment I’m after. But the shows, the hotels, the strip…I’d love to do some people watching and experience the vibe of the place first hand!

CAT: Do you have a large or small family?

MIRA: We’re a family of six (three boys, aged 9, 8, and 6, and a girl, also 6). At times our family feels very big (I’m thinking specifically of the way we’re outgrowing the seating in our living room!) and at other times feels pretty small. We’re a tight knit bunch, who all like to laugh and spend time together.

CAT: Are you a dog or a cat person?

MIRA: I’m a dog person. Mostly because we grew up with a standard poodle who wholly believed she was a real dog. Chased Frisbees, wore her hair shaved short and without adornment, pulled me around on my skateboard like she was a sled dog… But also because I have ridiculously bad allergies and living with a cat would put me in an iron lung (hence the poodle, lol)

CAT: Paper or e-books?

MIRA: Ahh, the age old debate. Honestly, I’m more of an e-book girl these days. It’s the convenience and the instant gratification and the downloading a sample to see if you’re really interested. I still enjoy lazing through a bookstore…but because of where we live, I really only get into one about three or four times a year…and usually with four surly kids in tow. So the whole browsing experience isn’t what it once was.

CAT: Do you reread your books after they’re published? If yes, do you find yourself wanting to revise them?

MIRA: I do EVENTUALLY reread my books, but it takes a REALLY long time before I’m ready. I usually spend about a week revving myself up to finally do it. I’m just terrified of what I find! Then after all that angst, I fall back into love with characters and story I haven’t seen in all too long. When I start thinking about the things I woulda, coulda, shoulda done differently, I try VERY hard to step back and let it go. Then I make a mental note to check that manuscript I’m subbing just ONE MORE TIME, lol!

CAT: Favorite form of exercise?

MIRA: I walk on the treadmill (so I can read while I do it, lol) and I LOVE yoga. It’s a workout that stretches and tones and can be modified to whatever fitness level you happen to fall in. And it doesn’t require the coordination of something like step aerobics which usually leaves me humiliated and more often than not sporting some injury I didn’t have before I started the class.

CAT: Which character did you think of first?

MIRA: Definitely Claire. I loved the idea of a heroine so desperate for emotionally distance from the hero, that she puts herself on another continent to get it! The opening line for the book is actually the “idea seed” I started with on this one. I just kept playing with it, until I had Claire. Separated from her husband Ryan for six years, she’s filed for divorce—ready to put the heartbreak of her past and the life she can never have behind her. Only bringing Ryan back into her life—even just to hash out their settlement—means coming face to face with a few things that haven’t changed at all.

THE S BEFORE EX is available through the RIVA line in the UK now (Link: http://www.millsandboon.co.uk/books/Riva/The-S-Before-Ex.htm ) and will be released as a Presents Extra in October.

Mira is giving away one copy of the UK edition of THE S BEFORE EX (US residents only).

Winnie Griggs

SECOND CHANCE FAMILY
Harlequin Love Inspired Historicals
ISBN: 0373828772

Mitch Hammond is a man of his word. And as far as Cora Beth Collins is concerned, that's a problem. The stubborn sheriff has vowed never to love again, for fear of wounding someone else. The most he can offer Cora Beth is marriage in name only. And with no other way to adopt two runaway orphans and keep her patchwork family together, she accepts.

Mitch is doing the honorable thing. So why does it feel so wrong? Despite his intentions, Mitch is starting to want more from Cora Beth…and from himself. For in her trusting eyes he sees everything he hopes to be—as a lawman, a father and a husband.

September 1893 Knotty Pine, Texas

Hey, let me go! I ain't done nothing wrong."

Sheriff Mitchell Hammond wasn't buying that for a minute. The furtive way the boy had been sneaking out of the boardinghouse garden had guilt written all over it. In fact, Mitch's gut told him this kid was more than likely the culprit responsible for the rash of petty thefts that had plagued the town the past week or so. "Stop your squirming, son. I think maybe we need to talk about that bunch of carrots you have stuffed in your shirt."
"Them's my carrots."

The kid's voice had more than a touch of bluster to it.

Mitch tightened his hold on the boy's collar. "You don't say? Well, here comes Mrs. Collins now. Since she runs this boardinghouse and this here is her garden, why don't we see what she has to say about that."

Cora Beth Collins was hurrying toward them. Even in the early morning light, he could make out the concerned look on her oh-so-readable face, could tell that her honey-brown hair was pulled back in its usual tidy bun, could appreciate the way her crisply starched apron was tied around her trim waist.

Mitch frowned as he realized where his thoughts had strayed. He'd always considered Cora Beth a fine lady and a good friend. But lately he'd begun to feel something a little warmer than mere friendship when he caught sight of her.

And that was definitely not a good thing.

"What's all this commotion about?" Her breathless voice held an accusing tone that he was certain was aimed more at him than at the young scoundrel in his grasp.

Mitch tipped his hat with his free hand. "Morning, Cora Beth. Sorry if we disturbed you." He tilted his head toward his still-squirming captive. "I caught this boy raiding your garden."

Consternation flitted across her face and then she gave Mitch a challenging look. "It's not raiding if he has my permission."

He wasn't surprised by her quick defense of the boy. Cora Beth had the softest heart in town—she'd give up her last crust of bread if she thought someone else needed it more. Especially if that someone was a kid. But he also noted that she hadn't actually claimed to have given the kid permission. And he hadn't missed the surprise and relief that flashed across the boy's face—a dead giveaway that his captive hadn't expected her to back him up.

"And did he?" It would be interesting to see how she answered him—she was too honest to out-and-out lie, no matter how much she wanted to rise to the kid's defense.

But to his surprise, she looked him straight in the eye, her expression free of evasiveness. "Actually, he's been weeding the garden in exchange for whatever produce he can carry." Then she glanced back at the boy and gave him an encouraging smile. "And a fine job you've been doing of it, too, young man."

That gave Mitch pause. Had he been a little too quick to judgment with the kid?

The boy mumbled something that might have been a thank-you, then glared up at Mitch, renewing his efforts to get free. "See, I told you I wasn't stealing. So, you gonna let me go now, mister?"

But despite Cora Beth's staunch defense, Mitch wasn't quite ready to believe the boy was totally innocent. "It's sheriff, not mister. And hold still. I'm not through with you just yet."

"Go easy." Cora Beth put out a hand but stopped short of touching either of them. "He's just a boy, not some hardened criminal." Her expression softened as she turned to his captive. "What's your name?"
Mitch raised a brow. "Now that's mighty interesting. He works for you, but you didn't bother to learn his name."
Cora Beth's expression reflected a mix of guilt and bravado, but she refrained from responding.

Keeping his amusement in check, Mitch turned his attention back to the closemouthed youth. "The lady asked you for your name, son."

"Ethan." The boy dug a toe into the ground and his tone was surly, grudging.

"Got a last name to go with that?" Mitch asked.

No response other than a tightening of the lips.

Cora Beth placed a hand on her supposed-gardener's shoulder. "You know, my brother Danny is twelve years old. I'll bet you're just about the same age, maybe a little older."

"I'm eleven." The boy's suddenly straighter posture bespoke a pride that was no doubt due to the fact that she'd erred on the plus side.

Which, knowing Cora Beth, she'd likely done deliberately.
"Is that right?" she said. "Well then, you're a very mature eleven." She cocked her head to one side. "Have you had your breakfast yet?"

The boy shook his head, and his rebellious expression shifted to hunger for a flash before he guarded it once more.

From the looks of the kid, Mitch guessed it'd been a while since he'd had a decent meal. But he'd landed on the right doorstep, figuratively speaking, to take care of that. If there was one thing Cora Beth could do exceptionally well, it was cook.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
~ ~ ~
WINNIE GRIGGS is a small town girl born and raised in Southeast Louisiana’s Cajun Country who grew up to marry a country boy from the piney hills of Northwest Louisiana. Though her Prince Charming (who often wears the guise of a cattle rancher) is more comfortable riding a tractor than a white steed, the two of them have been living out their own happily-ever-after for 30+ years. During that time they raised four proud-to-call-them-mine children and a too-numerous-to-count assortment of dogs, cats, fish, hamsters, turtles and 4-H sheep.

Winnie has a BS degree in mathematics and is recently (and very happily) retired from a day job in the electric utility industry. She is active in several writing organizations and has served a number of years on the board of her local chapter of Romance Writers of America and her local chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers.

Her favorite activities, outside of writing and reading, are cooking, exploring flea markets and pretending the growing army of dust bunnies who have invaded her home will disappear if she just ignores them long enough.
~ ~ ~
QUESTIONS BY ANGI / ANSWERS BY WINNIE

ANGI: How often to you get lost in a story?
WINNIE: Unfortunately, I don’t get the opportunity to read as often as I used to. But I still try to fit in 1-2 books a month, more when I’m not on deadline.

ANGI: What turns you off like nothing else?
WINNIE: Rudeness. There’s absolutely no excuse for it.

ANGI: What sound or noise do you love?
WINNIE: I find the sound of gently running water, like a fountain or brook, extremely soothing. And, believe it or not, I also find the sound of my husband’s snoring oddly comforting.

ANGI: Fairy Tale or Action Adventure?
WINNIE: Fairy tale - I’m a die-hard romantic. Besides, you can always find a touch of adventure inside any fairy tale :)

ANGI: Han Solo or Indiana Jones?
WINNIE: Definitely Indy. There’s something I find very sexy about the combination of easily-flustered college professor and brash adventurer that he embodies.

ANGI: Did you watch the royal wedding?
WINNIE: Not live, but I watched bits and pieces of it that ran later in the day.

ANGI: Clouds or a sunny day and why?
WINNIE: Why choose? I like a sunny day, but one that sports a sky dotted with fluffy, white clouds. It’s always fun to try to find pictures formed by the clouds

ANGI: What’s something you’d like to tell your fans?
WINNIE: In Second Chance Family, my hero, who’s a bit nervous around kids, sings a lullaby in an effort to soothe a sick little girl. It’s one I made up - my first effort at that sort of thing, and I really enjoyed it.

ANGI’S GOTTA ASK: So, Winnie, you’ve been writing for quite a while...what’s the best fan letter you’ve ever received?
WINNIE’S GOTTA ANSWER: Hmmm - that’s a hard one. I always feel extremely honored whenever I find that a reader has actually taken the time to write to me about one of my stories. I guess one of the letters that stands out for me though, is a hand written note I received from someone who’d read The Heart’s Song. She told me about the recent loss of her husband (this book deals with issues faced by both a widow and a widower) and how reading this story touched her on a very personal level and made her feel less alone.

WINNIE HAS A QUESTION: I mentioned above that my hero sings a lullaby to a sick child. Lullabies have always been important to me - I sang them to my younger sisters when I was growing up and later to my own children as a nightly ritual. Do you have a favorite lullaby that you remember either from your own childhood or one you sang to your own children?

WINNIE HAS A DRAWING FROM THOSE LEAVING COMMENTS: I’ll be drawing for one copy of Second Chance Family or a choice from my backlist.

Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only. If an electronic Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.

WINNIE LOVES TO HEAR from readers. Find her on the Internet at www.winniegriggs.com to learn more about her, her books, sign up for her newsletter, and enter monthly giveaways. Email her at winnie@winniegriggs.com or friend her on facebook.

DON’T FORGET to LIKE us on FACEBOOK and FOLLOW us on TWITTER or just stop by every day to catch all our guests and their new releases. We’ll be back tomorrow when Cat hosts Mira Lyn Kelly. Until next week when I host Jane Graves. Have a great week! ~Angi

Erica O'Rourke

Get Lost in This Story…

The First in a hot new YA Series…

Mo Fitzgerald knows about secrets. But when she witnesses her best friend’s murder, she discovers Verity was hiding things she never could have guessed. To find the answers she needs and the vengeance she craves, Mo—quiet, ordinary, unmagical Mo—will have to enter a world of raw magic and shifting alliances. And she’ll have to choose between two very different, equally dangerous guys—protective, duty-bound Colin and brash, mysterious Luc. One wants to save her, one wants to claim her. Which would you choose?

Romantic Times Book Reviews gave Torn four and a half stars, saying, ““I loved everything about this book. It’s got fast-paced action, a mysterious underworld and a dark, exciting quest for vengeance. O’Rourke had me hanging on every word. A great summer read, and a definite must for paranormal fans.”

Torn is the first book in a series; the second, Tangled, will be released in February 2012. Bound, the final book in the trilogy, will be published in Fall 2012.

Welcome to Get Lost in a Story today, where I am excited to host my friend and fabulous new YA author, Erica O’Rourke! Erica is kicking off a brand new Young Adult line for Kensington’s K-Teen imprint that has been highly anticipated. Erica was also a 2010 Golden Heart finalist with myself, Angi, Cat, Jillian and Maureen and her book won last year’s RWA Golden Heart® award in the Young Adult Category. Believe me, you don’t want to miss it… You don’t want to miss Erica’s interview, either. I’ve loved her since the moment I met her (even more so now that I see we share a ridiculous passion for blue cheese) and I know you will, too.

Erica O’Rourke writes books about girls who make their own fate and fall for boys they shouldn’t. Winner of the 2010 Golden Heart Award for Best Young Adult Manuscript, Erica lives outside Chicago with her family, including two very bad cats. She likes sushi, naps, coffee, and driving stick shift. She hates fish, emoticons, bridges, and talking about herself.

However much she hates it, we convinced Erica to talk about herself just a little today… So, let’s get to the Get Lost Interview!!!

Heather: What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in?

Erica: I have too many to choose just one, but Casablanca is definitely in my top five. I am a big fan of the bittersweet ending, and Humphrey Bogart is the perfect damaged hero.

Heather: How often to you get lost in a story?

Erica: I’m constantly finding myself drawn into stories where I tell myself, “Just a few more pages,” and the next time I look at the clock, it’s 3:30 in the morning. I’m also perfectly willing to put things like cleaning the kitchen and vacuuming on hold if there’s a book clamoring for my attention.

Heather: What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in?

Erica: One with a strong voice, interesting characters, and high emotional stakes. I love YA, but any book with these qualities will suck me right in.

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

Erica: Richard Scarry’s Best Word Book Ever. I still have it, actually. But I remember sitting on the floor of my living room looking at the pictures, and the marks on the page suddenly transformed into letters and words. I’ve never stopped.

Heather: Where do you read and how often?

Erica: I read all over the house, but my favorite is probably at the kitchen table, where the light is really good, or in bed, where I can be cozy. I try to grab minutes throughout the day to read – while the coffee is brewing, or while I’m waiting for a file to print – and every night before bed. No matter what how late, I have to read at least a few pages before I fall asleep.

Heather: What sound or noise do you love?

Erica: The sound of trains and airplanes. I grew up near a busy train line and O’Hare airport in Chicago, so those are very comforting sounds to me.

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

Erica: Yes, absolutely. I have a soundtrack for every book I write. Some fit a particular scene, some a specific character. I CAN write without my soundtrack, but I find the words flow more easily when I have the right music playing.

Heather: What was the first story you remember writing?

Erica: Wobble the Witch Cat. There is some discussion in my family about whether this was a retelling of a book I heard at school or a story I created on my own, but I was very proud.

Heather: Is writing or story-telling easier for you?

Erica: Writing, because I’m able to go back and revise until I’m satisfied – or as close to satisfied as I can get. I read a study once that suggested the number of words in our written vocabulary is significantly greater than our oral one, and it’s certainly the case with me. I’m far more likely to use precise language when writing than speaking – and if I don’t, it’s almost always a stylistic choice. Or I’m really tired.

Heather: What’s something you’d like to tell your fans?

Erica: Thank you for your time, and your enthusiasm, and for reaching out to me. I love talking to readers – hands-down, it’s the best part of this job.

Heather: If you couldn’t be a writer anymore, what profession would you take up?

Erica: I’d love to be a librarian, because it allows you to talk books all day long.

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

Erica: I lie down on the couch, fire up a long-neglected TV show, and then fall asleep before the theme song has finished.

Heather: If you could interview one person (and it doesn’t have to be a writer) who would it be?

Erica: Neil Gaiman, because he’s so intelligent and boundlessly creative, and I would love to understand his mind better.

Heather: Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it?

Erica: Coffee – with skim milk and real sugar. When I don’t want caffeine, though, I like Tazo’s Green Ginger tea.

Heather: Which era would you least like to have lived in, fashion-wise and why?

Erica: Middle ages. Fleas. No baths. ‘Nuff said.

Heather: What is your favorite cheese?

Erica: Blue cheese. I can eat vast quantities of blue cheese all by itself or with various things: nuts, jam, crackers, salad, fruit. It’s a little alarming how passionately I feel about blue cheese.

Heather: What’s in your refrigerator right now?

Erica: Hummus, pita bread, and leftover frozen pizza.

Heather: Tell me how many hats you have in your home?

Erica: My middle daughter collects hats, so…a lot. She has a cowgirl hat, a colonial soldier hat, a beanie with a propeller, two baseball caps, at least one beret, a firehelmet…I can’t even remember the whole collection. She’s pushing for a fez, because if Doctor Who has taught us one thing, it’s that fezes are cool.

Heather: Dog person or cat person?

Erica: Dog. We have cats, but I’m horribly allergic to them, so I can’t pet them. It is no fun to have a pet you can’t play with. Also, one of the cats routinely tries to kill me by knocking heavy things off the shelf directly above my head. And they’re absolute rubbish when it comes to killing bugs.

Heather: Which is your favorite language other than your native language?

Erica: French. It’s just so swoony-sounding.

Heather: How much money does it take to be happy?

Erica: Enough to pay your bills and allow for a little treat now and then.

Heather’s GOTTA ASK – Emma’s GOTTA ANSWER J

Heather: So, I noticed on your website that you love sushi but hate fish??? What gives?

Erica: I hate fish. HATE THEM. They are slimy and fast and many of them have sharp teeth. As a kid, my parents used to take me to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, and they have a giant tank right inside the entrance where there are sharks and fish of all kinds. It’s very dimly lit and exceedingly creepy. As a kid, I used to have recurring nightmares that the tank would break, and all the water would rush out and fill up the room. And then the fish would eat me alive.

Now, sushi is delicious – fresh and healthy and an utter delight. And I would feel that way about any sushi, whether it had fish or was a vegetarian roll. But I would be lying if I didn’t admit that part of the appeal is, if I am eating the fish, the fish is not eating me. I WIN.

I’m not saying I want to eat spicy tuna into extinction, of course. I’m just trying to even the numbers a bit.

GOT A QUESTION YOU’D LIKE TO ASK YOUR FANS?

Erica: What’s the scariest thing you ever did…and were glad of it later?

WILL YOU HAVE A DRAWING FROM THOSE LEAVING COMMENTS?**

Erica: Yes: I’ll send a copy of Torn, plus a printed set of Verity’s postcards to Mo, to the winner. The postcards include a link to a secret page on my website with bonus content.

Thanks so much for being with us today, Erica! Where can your fans find out more about you on the web?

Website: www.ericaorourke.com

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/EricaORourkeBooks

Twitter: @erica_orourke

Tumblr: ericaorourke.tumblr.com

**Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North American addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.

Join us tomorrow when Angi hosts Winnie Griggs!

While We Were Away

BREAKFAST WITH the CREW (missing you Donnell !)

Spotted in Barnes and Noble on Fifth Avenue - Cat's book! Taken by Simone


CONFERENCE 2011 PHOTOS

Before the Harlequin party, I met friends in Times Square to take our "chapter" picture. They insisted that all dressed up with a NYPD officer was the perfect Intrigue cover. **smile** And on the right: Double Golden Heart nominee Rachel Grant's flight was delayed, we ran into each other in the lobby and walked East of the hotel to kill a couple of hours. The 6th Avenue street fair...St Patrick's cathedral...Rockefeller Square...and okay, hunks. Couldn't end the conference better than that!

OUR winners:
Meddling with a Millionaire by Cat Schield
WON BY: NA$10.00 Bookstore Gift Card donated by Heather SnowWON BY: ALEXA$15.00 Amazon or B&N Gift Card donated by Donnell Ann Bell
WON BY: ELLEN
.38 Caliber Cover-Up by Angi Morgan
WON BY: LIL MISS MOLLY
Cinderella: Ninja Warrior by Maureen McGowan
WON BY: ABIGAIL
$10 Amazon gift card donated by Simone St. James
WON BY: TAMMY
Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer donated by Maureen McGowan
WON BY: JUNEREMEMBER ME autographed Lori Moore donated by Angi Morgan
WON BY: JANE

Mammoth Book of Time Travel Romance donated by Maureen McGowanWON BY: LOVES2READ
$10 Amazon Gift Card donated by Jillian StoneWON BY: STACIE
A TALE of TWO DEMON SLAYERS autographed Angie Fox donated by Angi MorganWON BY: CHELSEA
A TALE of TWO DEMON SLAYERS autographed Angie Fox donated by Angi Morgan

WON BY: DANIELLE
A set of DEMON SLAYERS Trading Cards by Angie Fox donated by Angi Morgan

WON BY: RHONDA
THE FIRST LOVE COOKIE CLUB by Lori Wilde donated by Angi MorganWON BY: SheriA TALE of TWO Lovers by Maya Rodale donated by Angi MorganWON BY: VirginiaTrading Card PRIZE donated by Angi MorganWON BY: SusanTrading Card PRIZE donated by Angi MorganWON BY: JoelleTrading Card PRIZE donated by Angi MorganWON BY: KristiInternational prize donated by Angi MorganWON BY: Bron
Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only. If an electronic Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.

THANK YOU for joining us this week and every day when you GET LOST with your favorite authors. Don't forget to FOLLOW us on Twitter or LIKE us on Facebook.

Smokin' Hot Simone

Simone attended her first RWA National Conference as a published author.


I thought I'd share a few of the things I learned at my first Nationals:

• It's big.
• Writers are kind and generous, especially to newbies.
• People who work in publishing are just as smart and interesting as you think they are.
• It's big.
• Hotel elevators can be surprisingly complicated.
• New York is amazing, even on your fifth trip.
• Times Square is gorgeous at night.
• Being a published author can be just a little bit glamorous, even when no one has heard of you.
• I can, in fact, walk in high heels.
• You can pack a surprising number of books in your suitcase without going over weight.
• It's big.
• Holding a glass of wine and looking confident can take you a long way in a room full of strangers.
• The published authors with the biggest names are the ones with the most humility and genuine kindness.
• The food in New York is amazing.
• Did I mention it's big?

DEBUT BOOK
THE HAUNTING OF MADDY CLARE
NAL
Available March 6, 2012

YOU CAN FIND SIMONE AT:
Her website.

GET LOST WITH THE CREW
Leave a comment this week and be eligible for Gift Cards or Books from The Crew (or autographed books they pick up at the conference). Drawings to be held on July 4th.

Simone is adding to the prize pool by donating a $10 Amazon gift card.

Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.

TODAY'S QUESTION:
DO YOU REMEMBER your first kiss?

Who's the CAT's Meow?

Well, that would be our CAT SCHEILD

Cat & Angi at the The Golden Network reception. And showing their Golden Heart awards.












Last night Cat wasn't in the audience to see if she'd won the Golden heart, she was there to present it! She was introduced by emcee, Meg Cabot, as a two book author (but we all know it's actually 5 sales under her belt). What a difference a year makes.

DEBUT BOOKS
MEDDLING WITH A MILLIONAIRE
Harlequin Desire
ISBN:
Currently Available

WIN WIN PROPOSITIONHarlequin Desire
ISBN:
Available October 4, 2011

TWO ADDITIONAL

Harlequin Desires
ISBN:
Available 2012

AND ANOTHER SALE TO CARINA PRESS

HER SECRET MILLIONAIREFREE DOWNLOAD
Available on Cat's website

YOU CAN FIND CAT AT:her website, on Facebook, & on Twitter
GET LOST WITH THE CREWLeave a comment this week and be eligible for Gift Cards or Books from The Crew (or autographed books they pick up at the conference). Drawings to be held on July 4th.
Cat is adding to the prize pool by donating an autographed copy of MEDDLING WITH A MILLIONAIRE.
Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.

TODAY'S QUESTION: HAVE YOU meddled in anyone's love life?

The Prolific Jillian Stone

JILLIAN STONE had a very very busy 2010 conference with her RWA Golden Heart commitments and winning her category of Romantic Suspense.

BUTselling six (yes count them: ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE, SIX) books in two three-book deals with two different publishers keeps our Jillian constantly at the keyboard.


Did you have a feeling you’d be selling –not mention selling 6 books—so soon after conference?
In the Dallas airport, on my way to conference, I returned a phone call to Audrey LaFehr at Kensington who offered a three book deal for THE SEDUCTION OF PHAETON BLACK. (The offer came from a contest final.) So heading into Orlando, I knew that I would probably have at least two new books to write under contract! I met Richard Curtis at nationals and he became my agent–happy danced over that for days! A few weeks after Orlando we accepted another three book offer from Pocket for THE YARD MAN since retitled, AN AFFAIR WITH MR KENNEDY.

In April I turned in book two, tentatively titled THE CARNAL SINS OF MR. ST. CLAIR and am currently working on number three: A VERY PRIVATE DUEL WITH MR. GUNN.

Thinking back to last summer, I think once I had the Kensington offer, I sensed that things were gong to tumble into place pretty fast. It's a great feeling!

DEBUT BOOKS

Winner of the 2010 Romantic Suspense RWA Golden Heart

Pocket Books, Available February 2012

Could the crime of the century lead to the love of a lifetime?

London, 1887. Part stoic gentleman, part fearless Yard man, Zeno “Zak” Kennedy is an enigma of the first order. For years, the memory of a deadly bombing at King’s Cross station has haunted the brilliant Scotland Yard detective. His investigation has zeroed in on a ring of aristocratic rebels whose bloody campaign for Irish revolution is terrorizing the city. When he discovers one of the treacherous lords is acquainted with his free-spirited new tenant, Cassandra St. Cloud, his inquiry pulls him unexpectedly close to the heart of the conspiracy—and into the arms of a most intriguing lady.

Cassie is no Victorian prude. An Impressionist painter with very modern ideas about life and love, she is eager for a romantic escapade that is daring and discreet. She sets her sights on her dour but handsome landlord, but after she learns their meeting was not purely accidental, she hardly has a chance to forgive her lover before their passionate affair catapults them both into a perilous adventure.

The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard mix business with pleasure in these Victorian Romantic Suspense novels from Pocket Books: AN AFFAIR WITH MR. KENNEDY, February 2012 • THE CARNAL SINS OF MS. ST. CLAIR, October 2012 • A VERY PRIVATE DUEL WITH MR. GUNN, November 2012. Watch for these wild and sexy Steampunk adventures from Kensington: THE SEDUCCTION OF PHAETON BLACK, September 2012 • THE MOONSTONE AND MISS JONES, Spring 2013 • THE CURIOUS UNDOING OF GASPAR SINCLAIR, Fall 2013 .
YOU CAN FIND JILLIAN AT:Website: http://gjillianstone.com


GET LOST WITH THE CREWLeave a comment this week and be eligible for Gift Cards or Books from The Crew and other autographed books from the national conference. Drawings to be held on July 4th.
Jillian is adding to the prize pool by donating a $10.00 Amazon gift card.

Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.

TODAY'S QUESTION:
FICTION or REALITY? Which do you prefer?