Today's Author is Colleen Love

Please welcome Author Colleen Love and her exciting new book! Please tell us your latest news?

Well, it has been a very busy year!  I have two new releases, Eden at Twilight with The Wild Rose Press and One with Liquid Silver Books, a very sexy firefighter story with their Hearts Afire Series, titled Inferno in the June release.  I had the opportunity to share with another great author, Dee S. Knight.  I am currently working on an Urban Fantasy that I am very excited about! It's one of those plot lines that keeps me up at night and wakes me up early in the morning!




When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing as soon as I could put letters together and told stories even longer. I think the reason I enjoy the fantasy genre so much is because it is a complete escape from mundane reality.  I have always been teased about living in a fantasy world, so I figured, why not share that fantasy world and let people see why I prefer being there?

What books have most influenced your life most?

Definitely Robert Jordan! His Wheels of time series captured my imagination and kept it. I love this world and character building and his story-telling ability is just outstanding.

What are your current projects?

I always have little short stories under construction, usuallythose are of the erotic persuasion, or spicy at the very least!  I am just finishing a very naughty one called Roadside Rendezvous and The Candy Man. My larger novel is nearly half finished and I keep the 'door' closed on that one until it finished, otherwise it seems to kill the story for me.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I think 'time' is the biggest factor for me, lol.  If only I had more of it! Other than that, the rest just falls into place, as far as story construction and creation.  I don't have problems falling into that world at all!

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

I have so many favorites, but honestly? I love Denyse Bridger's work. She can weave a tale that just draws you in. She has such a lyrical voice and the most sexy characters! Whether it is erotic or mainstream, her way of telling it is breathtaking.
Of course I mentioned Robert Jordan as well.  I think he is my tutor in many ways, despite passing on.  I have learned a lot from reading his work.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

That's a good question.  I have been writing as far back as I can remember and always took writing classes and such in school.  I was in a challenge English class in high school and my teacher said I should be a writer, but I think it was already too late.  It's just something I've been drawn to and always done.

How long does it take you to write a book?

It depends on the book length, I guess.  A short story can be a weekend thing, a novella could take a month, a novel three or more.  But it all depends on how much time I get to actually sit and peck at my keyboard with no interruptions.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I usually get to have very early mornings, afternoons and late evenings to myself, so that is when I devote as much time as possible to it.  Basically I write when I can sit long enough to throw some letters together.

Do you have any strange handwriting habits, like capitalizing all your 'r's or dotting your 'i's with hearts (or anything like that)?

Nothing as interesting as that.  But I do have terrible handwriting when it's just for me.  I used to work in a hospital, medical records department, and the physicians would tell me that my handwriting was awful! I figured it was time to slow down and tidy things up a bit! lol

What do you want to know about the future:

OO! Nothing.  Life is an adventure and if I knew the outcome (except the final fatal one), I would ruin it! Some of the bumps along the way is the most exciting part.

Are you a morning person or a night person?

I'm both! Some days I just have to have a nap to get through it all.

Do you like thunderstorms?

Absolutely love them!  Watching a storm is like standing amidst a giant theatre, watching Mother Nature's power roll out before you.  I think it's an awesome experience.

What is the best way for readers to contact you?

website: http://www.colleenlove.webs.com/
email: colleen.love@yahoo.com

I do have twitter, myspace and facebook as well, they are all on my website.

Anything you would like to add?

Just a 'thank you" for having me! You asked me some very interesting questions and I had a great time answering them! Thank you!

Available now from the Wild Rose Press

EDEN AT TWILIGHT is the story of Lily, a woman who wants love, and Leaf, the man who risks it all to love her.

Lily Moore is an ordinary accountant who works long, hard hours, leaving room for little else.  After strange occurrences begin haunting her, she's convinced by a motherly friend to take a vacation in Scotland.  while there, she meets the man of her dreams, a andsome stranger with shifting hazel eyes.

Leaf falls for Lily the moment he sees her, love at first sight.  never has a woman taken his heart so quickly.  When trouble stirs and threatens her, he stands by her side, traveling through time and dimension to reclaim her from a deadly Drow leader.  Lily has no choice but to trust him and hope his strength will pull them through.  But is his strength alone enough?

Excerpt:

     Leaf hadn't expected himelf to invite Lily to town. But then again, he was surprising himself by enjoying breakfast in the house in the company of his Aunt and this enchanting and irresistible woman.  She was walking with him now, quiet and round-eyed, admiring the gardens, and he found himself smitten by her gentle innocence, not to mention her radiant, simple beauty.  It had happened so quickly that it nearly unnerved him.
     The path led them to the open barn, where Leaf went in and double-checked his load in the open bed wagon.
     "You mean we aren't taking a car or truck?"
     Leaf couldnt help the broad grin of amusement.  "Nope, I find this way better suits me, and it also gives the lads some exercise." He suddenly stopped and faced her. "Ye don't mind, do  ye?"
     "No I'm just surprised," her voice was quiet, "I've never ridden like this, or any other wya, by horse."
     "Well then, 'Just Lily', ye'r in for a nice treat, my lads are the best team around.  come, I'll show ye." Leaf held his hand out to her and when she reached to accept, he saw the tremble and felt it when her cool, moist palm slid into his.
     Leaf's smile became reassuring, and he pulled her hand to his chest as if taking a solemn oath. "There, now, no need to worry, they are gentle as lambs, there's nothin' to worry over."
     They came to the stalls in the far corner and two large blond heads appeared over the half doors, curious eyes riveted on the new visitor.  Lily gasped and laughed nervously. "Those are the largest lambs I've ever seen!"
     Leaf's laugh came esy. "This is Zeus and apollo." Both heads nodded in recognition and leaned out to be touched.  Leaf casually scratched the white stars on their foreheads.  Releasing her hand, he turned and stood between them as they leaned over and touched noses.  "They are brothers, aren't ye.  ye can touch 'em, they won't hurt ye."
     Lily held her fingers out and they sniffed and snuffed at her before a soft tongue licked at her fingers.  Lily couldn't help but laugh. "Their tongues are so soft and warm!"
     "They like ye, they both have a sweeet tooth and fall easy for a sweet lass." Leaf reached his arms around their massive noses and hugged each in a one-armed embrace, and scratched their thick jaws. "Well lads, shall we have a run today?" Releasing them, he went to the tack room, leaving Lily alone.  He watched for a moment, from the shadow of the room, as Lily touched each face with gentle, hesitant and guarded strokes with her fingertips.  Zeus and Apollo nodded against her fingers.  Leaf turned and began gathering the tack he needed. Lily's yelp snapped his attention back to the doorway.
     "Oh!" Lily's voice squealed with surprise.
     Leaf came back just as Apollo's nose brushed against Lilly, jostling her.
     "Oh, you are pushy!" She looked to Leaf. "I don't think they like me touching them at all!" Dropping her hands, both velvet noses nudged from opposite angles. Lily stepped away.
     "Apollo! Zeus! Ho..." Leaf's tone was solid and stern as he put the tack on the bench and came over to them. Both horses raised their heads and watched him, ears pricked forward with intent interest. "they like ye well enough, lass." He couldn't help the grin that crossed his lips. They just want it harder."
     "Pardon me?" confusion creased her expression even as her color darkened in a deep blush.  Leaf regretted not being able to see it in better lighting.
     "They want ye to scratch them harder."
     Lily laughed. "They like it rough, huh?" Reaching up, she scratched the white star between Apollo's eyes; Zeus reached over and bumped him out of the way, nipping at him. Apollo threw his headup in protest.  Lily flinched and stepped back.
     "Lads!" The tantrum stopped instantly and their attention went back to him. "Here, try it this way." Leaf came up behind her and slid his hands down her arms, taking her hands in his. He stretched them out and placed one each to a lowered head, now calm and wating, to the places he knew they liked scratched best.
     Zeus and apollo closed their eyes as the curl of Lily's fingers scratched their enormous heads.  The music of her voice crooned and whispered to them as she reached up to stroke their fuzzy ears and the forelocks between, making her stretch.
     Leaf felt as though an inseparable bond melded them together, feeling his breath catch when he pressed in closer, and her soft curves pressing against him. His hands ached to slide in, take her and pull her closer.  But he remained where he was, breathing in her scent and absorbing the pleasure of feeling her so close and reminding himself she was not his for the taking, yet.  Drawing in another deep breath, he held it and she turned her head, giving him a shy smile.  He slid his hands to her elbows and, with regret, released her, stepping free and letting his breath go.  Turning, she looked up at hinm with quiet expectation in her eyes. He wasn't sorry for being so forward, so he wouldn't say it, but in his heart, he knew it wasn't an apology she wanted.
     "We should get goin'." He opened the latch to the stall door and let it fall open with a deep groan that spoke for his heart.
     "Um, yes, may I help with anything?"
     Leaf slipped the halter onto Zeaus' outstretched nose and half buckled it. "Yes, ye can hold his lead while I get his tack and harness on."
     Leaf moved away and Zeus plodded behind him to the front of the wagon and stopped.  Lily held the lead and scratched him with less hesitation than before.  He didn't really need her to hold the horsesm but it got her used to them and gave hin the pleasure of watching her.
     The simple act of touching her bare arms and hands had formed a connection between them just as he had feared, and hoped, it would.  He had touched her before, but the way he was feeling toward her was changing and his connection to her was evolving, just as it seemed her  reception to him was, as well.  Even as she was touching Zeus's shoulder now, so he was feeling the very thing Zeus felt.  Leaf was glad for the care of Apollo to distract him, he purposely blocked the pleasure her touch was having on Zeus, but he did let a stream of it though, just enough to let his skin prickle.  After haltering Apollo, he led him up next to Zeus.
     "They are so beautiful, Lily breathed, looking up to the head towering above  Her Smiling eyes radiated the warmth of her heart and he could feel her joy as she turned to Apollo and showered him with equal attention. She giggled when Zeus pulled gently at her hair with his nimble lips, not quite ready for her to give up her affections yet. Leaf took a deep breath and began hitching them both to the wagon.
     "I don't blame ye buddy," Leaf whispered to the frustrated Zeus when Lily turned away, unawares.

Contact Colleen Love at: http://www.colleenslove.webs.com/  or
                                     http://colleenslovenotes.blogspot.com/
Where Love is Magic