Showing posts with label Amy Vastine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amy Vastine. Show all posts

12/04/2018

Meet Hero & Rancher Chance Blackwell


THE BLACKWELL BROTHERS ARE COMING HOME…
…whether they want to or not.

THE RANCHER'S HOMECOMING
Chance Blackwell’s return—
Could cost her everything!

Ten years after he eloped with Katie Montgomery’s sister, Chance Blackwell is back in Montana to sell his family ranch. Katie could lose her job and the only home she’s known. But the loyal cowgirl is keeping a secret that could shatter trust and jeopardize her future with the widowed musician and her toddler niece. Unless Chance’s growing affection for her and all things Blackwell can earn Katie his forgiveness—and his love.

A geek at heart, USA Today and national bestselling author Anna J Stewart writes sweet to spicy romance across the genre. Anna lives in Northern California where she deals with a serious SUPERNATURAL, STAR TREK, and SHERLOCK addiction. 

When she's not writing, you can usually find her at fan conventions, at her local movie theater, or building up her content editing services for writers. 
           

THE Q&A
ANGI:  Writing a continuity series takes a lot of work and cross-referencing with your co-authors. Is there any back story you needed for your characters that either didn’t make it into the book (no spoilers) or that you needed to brainstorm from a co-author?
ANNA: We actually brainstormed over all our characters. Thank goodness for Skype, since we’re from all over the country. We kept an online spreadsheet with salient details, but when it came to hashing out who the characters really were, what had happened to them, and more importantly, how each of them saw the others (speaking of the brothers of course), yeah, there was a lot of consultation. One of the reasons I chose the runaway brother (Chance Blackwell) was because it really freed me up to not being tied down to a lot of the details of what had happened in previous stories. Except that Katie Montgomery was my heroine, who, as the acting ranch foreman (fore-woman?), was in each of the other books. I’d get the occasional text message saying “Are you good with Katie doing this?” or “Can she be okay with this?”. The bonus to that is it really kept me in the story before I even began writing it.

ANGI: What’s special about Chance Blackwell, the hero of your book?
ANNA: He’s the reluctant rancher. He just wasn’t born for it in the same way his brothers have a natural affinity. Even Ty, who went a completely different route, too. He’s also the baby of the family (granted only by a few minutes). He’s also the one who followed his dream, the dream he had from the time he was a boy, and he kept at it despite the adversity. He’s also a single father to a precocious little girl, Rosie. I so love that all the brothers have only had girls. One of those added humorous elements I think we needed. Also, he will always stand up for what’s right and sometimes that just gets him into all kinds of trouble. He’s a good foil for Katie, who is used to taking care of herself, but things are getting unmanageable for her and Chance can’t just stand by and do nothing. He’s just a really good guy who’s been hit with a lot of real, harsh life events.

ANGI: What do you love about a rancher or a rancher’s life?
ANNA: Um, who doesn’t love a cowboy? LOL. And horses are pretty! And so is land. But that’s about the extent of my love for ranching and ranchers, LOL. One of the caveats I had when I jumped on board was I wanted the inept brother when it came to ranching; the brother who wanted nothing to do with it. I thought that would make my lack of knowledge about ranching easier. Until I remembered my heroine was Katie who was even more of a rancher than most of the brothers! That’s writing Karma for you.

ANGI: Would Chance take Katie to a fancy restaurant or a picnic? 
ANNA: Oh, a picnic. He might have had a mildly successful run as a musician, but he’s still a simple guy at heart. He’s comfortable enough at a fancy restaurant, but Katie wouldn’t be, and he’d take her where she’d be comfortable. I’m not sure his desires or wants would enter into the decision.

ANGI: Favorite TV rerun you watch every time you channel surf? 
ANNA: Supernatural. Second would be Elementary. I’m more likely to be binging on Netflix or watching my DVDs though, LOL.

ANGI: Worst thing about ranching (according to you or your hero)?
ANNA: According to Chance the answer would be everything. He completely got gipped out of that gene in his DNA. The fact he’s horrible riding a horse is an ongoing joke through the series. One I got to play with even more in my story.

ANGI: The most daring thing you’ve ever done… Care to share?
ANNA: As someone who’s always had a fear of water, the day I went snorkeling in Hawaii was a huge accomplishment. So for me, that’s the most daring. And I can’t wait to do it again!

ANGI’s GOTTA ASK:  Where did you write THE RANCHER’S HOMECOMING?

ANNA’S GOTTA ANSWER:  In the same place I write all my books, in my kitchen, on an ancient laptop with no virus protection so I can’t go online, LOL. I’m easily distracted, so I like all the white noise available in that room (gardeners and their tools, dishwasher, or my go-to CD of ocean waves and instrumental music). As you can see, my space is completely decked out with a selection of obsessions from Supernatural to Wonder Woman to Aquaman and Barbie (I’m a lifelong collector).




UP NEXT for ANNA:
My next release will be Holiday Kisses, the fifth book in my Butterfly Harbor small-town romance series for Harlequin Heartwarming. This one features Calliope Jones, one of my all-time favorite characters. I like to call her Butterfly Harbor’s answer to the Good Witch (LOVE those movies and that series).
HOLIDAY KISSES
Read a little, Buy the book

His family’s honor is at stake…
And she holds the key

Calliope Jones, Butterfly Harbor’s free-spirited organic farmer, is the most vocal objector to Xander Costas and his design for the butterfly sanctuary that he hopes will save his family’s architectural firm. Strangely, it’s Calliope who shows him what the town, and he, really need. Calliope makes Xander listen with his heart. And soon his heart may be telling him to stay with this extraordinary woman!
  





Melinda, Carol, Anna, Cari Lynn & Amy
 ANNA is giving away a digital set of the first four books in the Butterfly Harbor series (THE BAD BOY OF BUTTERFLY HARBOR, RECIPE FOR REDEMPTION, A DAD FOR CHARLIE, and ALWAYS THE HERO).

a Rafflecopter giveaway












Your host, Angi Morgan
Get Lost on Facebook   @GetLostInAStory  #GetLostStories


AND OUR NEW Facebook Group: The Readers’ Spot 
ANNA WANTS TO KNOW: 
WHAT IS IT YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT CONNECTED BOOKS?

11/09/2018

Meet Hero & Rancher Tyler Blackwell

THE BLACKWELL BROTHERS ARE COMING HOME…
…whether they want to or not.

THE RANCHER'S FAKE FIANCƉE
“I’m coming home…
With my bride-to-be.”


Tyler Blackwell just announced that he and Hadley Sullivan are getting married. And they’ve never even dated! Now she and her boss are in Montana so Tyler can sell his family ranch. Hadley only agreed to continue the deception in exchange for a promotion. But moving up the corporate ladder pales beside her growing feelings for Tyler. Will his past and Blackwell family secrets sabotage what Hadley wants more than anything—a real wedding?


AMY VASTINE has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read. Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart husband, three teenagers who keep her on her toes, and their two sweet but mischievous pups.
           

THE Q&A
ANGI:  Writing a continuity series takes a lot of work and cross-referencing with your co-authors. Is there any backstory you needed for your characters that either didn’t make it into the book (no spoilers) or that you needed to brainstorm from a co-author?
AMY: My fellow Blackwell authors and I did multiple brainstorming session. We talked a lot about what the boys were like when they were younger. I remember sending someone a list of things Tyler would have been into as a kid because her character was going to be digging around the attic. I imagined Tyler was into superheroes and had decks of playing cards because the boys used to play cards, pretending they were like their dad and grandpa who played poker with some of the ranch hands.

ANGI: What’s special about Tyler Blackwell, the hero of your book?
AMY: What makes Tyler special is that he’s driven to be the best but vulnerable at the same time. He spent most of his life feeling like there was nothing about him that made him stand out amongst his brothers. He makes a concerted effort to right his wrongs and not make the same mistake twice. Instead of holding him down, his insecurities drive him to better himself.

ANGI: What do you love about a rancher or a rancher’s life?
AMY: I am a city girl through and through. I am not a big fan of all the work that has to be done on a ranch. I don’t even like mowing my lawn! But the one thing that appeals to me about ranch life is the horses. I think horses are gorgeous creatures. I would love to be able to go riding whenever I wanted.

ANGI: Would Tyler take Hadley to a fancy restaurant or a picnic? 
AMY: This is a great question because I think that Tyler in the beginning of the story would take Hadley out for a fancy dinner because he would have thought he needed to wine and dine or show off a bit. In the end, though, he would have preferred the simple intimacy of a picnic. Tyler learns that being flashy isn’t as important as being genuine.

ANGI: Favorite TV rerun you watch every time you channel surf? 
AMY: There’s something about Friends that always makes me stop. I think I know I don’t have to watch long before I am chuckling. It was such a funny show!

ANGI: Worst thing about ranching (according to you or your hero)?
AMY: The absolute worst for me is the early morning work schedule. Ranchers have to get up and start working at first light. I am not a morning person. Sleeping in is my favorite thing to do!

ANGI: The most daring thing you’ve ever done… Care to share?
AMY: I am known for being one of the most cautious people around. I have always been that person who thinks about all the possible consequences of my actions before I do something. This leads to me not being very “daring”. I would say that deciding to put myself out there, entering Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write contest, and getting my first book published at the age of 40 was probably the most daring thing I have ever done. Sending my first book (which is very much like a child) out into the world to judged and possibly rejected was terrifying!

ANGI’s GOTTA ASK:  Where did you write THE RANCHER'S FAKE FIANCƉE?
AMY’S GOTTA ANSWER: I don’t really have a set spot for writing. I take my laptop wherever I want. Sometimes I write at the kitchen table. Sometimes I sit on the couch. Sometimes I write while snuggled under the covers of my bed. No matter where I write, I need music playing in the background or the television on. I cannot write in silence. It’s actually more distracting to me for some reason.
  
UP NEXT for AMY:
THE GUARDIAN
Grace Note Records Series Book #4

I just signed the contract for Book 4 in the Grace Note Records series. I don’t have a release date yet but am excited to continue this series! Leave a comment and enter the Rafflecopter for 3 chances to win the first book in the Grace Note Records.

JON | ETHAN | BEN | TYLER
Coming next month… CHANCE

PURCHASE:   JON | ETHAN | BEN | TYLER | CHANCE


Melinda, Carol, Anna, Cari Lynn & Amy

AMY is giving away three (3) signed copies of The Girl He Used to Love. book #1 in the Grace Note Records series. (Paperback US only, ebook internationally)
Get Lost on Facebook   @GetLostInAStory  #GetLostStories
AND OUR NEW Facebook Group: The Readers’ Spot

AMY WANTS TO KNOW: Tyler and Hadley are opposites when it comes to neatness. Hadley is kind of a slob and Tyler is very organized. Which one are you like - tidy like Tyler or messy like Hadley?

10/31/2018

Halloween With Friends


HEY EVERYONE! Happy Halloween from Texas !! I thought it would be fun to invite some of my recent guests for some Halloween Fun !!

Click on the guest name to be taken directly to their GLIAS interviews. There you'll find all their contact info and their recent releases. OR Click on their book to be taken directly to their Amazon page.


Angi on Amazon

"Zombies. Yeah, I know they aren't real, but they completely creep me out. "   
Traci on Amazon
~ Angi Morgan

"Pretty much any horror movie always scares me. Even if I've seen it before. I'm such a wimp. LOL."  
Amy on Amazon


"I am petrified of haunted houses and have been since I went to one when I was five years old!"Amy Vastine


"I am petrified of spiders. (Ask me about my trip to Hogwarts in Universal Studios Florida sometime.)" ~ Regan Black





Angi on Amazon



"When Disney's 101 Dalmatians was released, I painted my girls "Dalmatian" t-shirts. That year for Halloween we were all dogs. I think this was one of my favorite costumes...but there have been many. Including my "cat-tail waitress" when I worked at Pizza Inn during college." 






Beth on Amazon


"I loved making costumes for my kids for Halloween, and costumes that were big enough to go over a snowsuit worked best." 

~ Beth Carpenter
(Come back on 11/26 for Beth's first GLIAS interview)








Vicki on Amazon



"I loved dressing up as a princess for Halloween. And of course, one time I was Batman." 







Angi on Amazon



Susan on Amazon
"My favorite part about Halloween are the costumes." Angi Morgan

"My favorite part about Halloween is carving a Jack-0-Lantern." 
~ Susan Carlisle 
(come back Wed 11/07 for Susan's first interview!)
Rene on Amazon

"My favorite part about Halloween is the excuse to buy candy." Rene Webb

Linda on Amazon

"My favorite part about Halloween is the candy. A great excuse to buy candy otherwise barred from our house. A once-a-year treat!" 

Tara on Amazon
"My favorite part about Halloween is the candy, eating it or handing it out. Who doesn't love Snickers bars?" 
Donna on Amazon
~ Tara Randel
(come back in January for Tara's first interview!)


"My favourite part of Halloween is seeing how excited the kids get and seeing their costumes." 
~ Donna Gartshore
Nico on Amazon
(come back next year for Donna's first interview!)


"My favorite part about Halloween is the array of macabre decorations that suddenly appear on once normal streets." 
Laurie on Amazon

My favorite part about Halloween is the decorating! People in my neighborhood go all out and it's fun to walk around at night and see all the scary decorations." ~ Laurie Benson 






Angi on Amazon

"My favorite Halloween party was dressing up as Indi Anna Jones. I even had a whip." ~Angi Morgan
Michelle on Amazon


"My favorite  part of Halloween is the pumpkin carving and when my children were little, dressing them up in costumes I’d sewn. Halloween only really came to be big in the UK in the past 20 years, but I made sure I had brought some of the American traditions over.  My second Halloween over here (1989), I went looking for pumpkins and the local supermarket was selling pieces of cut pumpkin. They used scoop up rutabagas to make jack o’lanterns in the North East of England!" ~ Michelle Styles


Linda Lovely is having a special Halloween Giveaway to promote PICKED OFF, which begins at a Halloween fundraiser that quickly gets scarier than planned.!!

Tell us what scares you the most and you could win a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card. Register through the Rafflecopter app so we can notify the winner!