Monday, August 31, 2009

Interview with Author KB Alan

First let me start by saying...K.B. Alan you have one SEXY cover for your latest release.

Hello and Welcome K.B. Alan to Mistress Bella Interviews

First, could you start by telling us what you are currently working on for publication and/or about your current release?

I’ve just released a werewolf story with Ellora’s Cave, which I’m pretty excited about, called Alpha Turned. Hillary was attacked four years ago and turned into a werewolf. Since then she’s ignored that aspect of herself, until she meets Zach, Alpha of the local pack. She learns that there are some definite perks to giving into that forbidden side of herself—not least of which is Zach himself.

Could you please tell us a little about yourself?

I discovered ebooks and erotic romance a few years ago and haven’t looked back since. I was inspired to pick up my old writing habit and see if I could write the kinds of hot stories I was enjoying so much. I have a regular 9-5 job but I live by myself, so I like to go home and immerse myself either in one of my stories, one of my favorite writers’, or with someone that I’m just discovering. Occasionally I let me friends drag me out of the house, though, I swear!

Tell us about your writing process. Do you outline or just start writing?

I admit, I’m a pantser. I usually start out with a couple of characters and some situation that they find themselves in, and go from there. It takes a bit of working with the characters to find out what it is that’s going on with and around them that warrants giving them their own story.



What genre is your favorite to write? Read?

This is sort of a problem for me, actually. I love to read so many different genres, and I’m finding that I love to write them all, as well. I have a contemporary ménage a trios out, a werewolf paranormal, and in progress are another contemporary, a fae who doesn’t quite understand what he’s gotten himself into hooking up with an intriguing but maddening human, a BDSM story involving a mage, and a sci-fi plot bunny that keeps hopping around in my head trying to get my attention. Not exactly the best method for finding a genre and sticking to it, but I’ve never been accused of being simple!

Is there a genre you haven't written, but would love to tackle in the future?

At some point I’m going to see if I can write a romance that I’m willing to let my father read! I don’t know though, my characters seem pretty intent on their hot sex, it may be a while before I find a couple that are willing to tone it down that much!


When did you first start writing?

I wrote all through high school and college, then let it go. Every so often I had the urge, but rarely wrote, until I finally bought a home computer. Then I just sat down and started writing as if I’d never stopped.


What influenced you to submit your work for publication?

The biggest influence was Ellora’s Cave. The fact that I was reading something new to me (erotic romance) and enjoying it so much. Eventually, when I got a computer, I wanted to write the kind of book I’d been reading, but I told myself I didn’t have to submit it, that I could decide once it was finished. But I started doing research on epublishers and when the time came, it was just the next obvious step to send it in. I figured nobody knew who I was and if they hated it, nobody would have to know. I’ve actually found it a lot harder to submit now that people know what I’m doing, but every time I get a positive reader email, it makes it easier.



What gets you in the writing mood? Music, reading, etc.

If I’m at home, I don’t write to music (which is weird, to me, but there it is). Occasionally I’ll turn on a classic station, which I know nothing about, just to get some noise in the apartment. If I’m out and about, I can listen to whatever background noise/music is going on and usually tune it out.

To get in the mood to write, I read and then start thinking about my own characters and what they want. A lot of that happens when I’m going to sleep or just waking up. Sometimes, on the weekend, I’ll think I’m going to take a nap, but then I start plotting, and five minutes later, I’m back at the computer.


Do you belong to a critique group? If so, how has this helped your writing, would you recommend it to others? If not, would you consider joining, if not, why do you like to work alone?

I do think it’s important to have someone that you trust to give you an honest opinion read your work before you send it out. You don’t have to take all of their advice, but you should stop and think about it. The truth is, I think those groups are actually better for you from the other side. I learn a lot by reading other peoples stories and trying to figure out why certain things work for me and other things don’t. Unlike some people, though, I have a really hard time sending out partials of my work. I would rather wait until it’s finished and I’ve gone over it a couple of times myself before letting anyone see it. I know some people can work on more of a chapter by chapter basis, but I’m never sure if my chapter is going to stay that way, so I would rather wait.


What does your family think of your writing?

My family and friends have been super supportive. I didn’t tell a single person what I was doing until I’d received a revise and resubmit on my first book, Perfect Formation, and submitted the revised story to my editor. After about a week of waiting, I broke and two of my friends, one at work, one when we were out having cocktails. Both were excited for me and when I got the acceptance they were thrilled and told everyone we know, including my coworkers. Not one person was anything less than super excited and supportive, so that was amazing. I called my parents who are both big readers and were amazed when I told them I’d written a book and it was going to be published. Then I told them that it was erotic and they weren’t allowed to read it, lol. I’ve actually just given my mom my second book to read, but I’m trying not to think about that too much!

What is the best way for readers to contact you?

I love to hear from my readers! I have a contact form on my website or they can email me at
kb at kbalan.com. I’m also on twitter as kb_alan and facebook as KB Alan.

Any advice you want to give aspiring writers?

You’ve probably heard it a hundred times before, but the best advice I know, is keep writing and keep reading.

Thank you so much K.B. for stopping buy.

Visit K.B. Alan's Website

Buy Alpha Turned by K.B. Alan

Buy Perfect Formation by K.B. Alan

Monday, August 10, 2009

Welcome Author Chelle Hicks!



First, could you start by telling us what you are currently working on for publication and/or about your current release?

No More Than Friends is a short story being published by the Wild Rose Press due out August 12, 2009.
Britney and Quinton have been friends since college and they aren’t sure if they missed their window of opportunity to have something more. Doing a favor for Q leaves Brit wanting to try.
It’s short and sweet and hot.

Where are you from?

I’m from Baltimore. I once told a friend of mine that and he got all excited and said “Like The Wire? I love that show.” But alas I had to burst his bubble. I was raised in Baltimore County, not city. And it was very un-Wire like. I think the biggest things I miss about B-more are the bagels and crab cakes! Now we live in Southern Virginia.

Are experiences from the story based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

I think you’re trying to get me in trouble with this one! Well let’s see, my hubby and I did meet in college and we did go to HU (Hampton University not Howard) But I think that’s where the similarities stop. But hmm, the shower scene does give me a few ideas.

What book are you reading now?

OOOH!!! I love reading. I don’t drink. I don’t gamble. But my one vice is READING!!!! My name is Chelle and I’m a bookaholic. I just got off a really bad reading binge. I devoured all the Sookie Stackhouse Mysteries by Charlaine Harris (she rocks) in about a week and a half (all nine!) Looooved them! I gave myself these horrible reading hangovers where I’ll stay up to 1, 2 sometimes even 3 in the morning reading ‘just one more chapter.’ And what did I do as soon as I woke- take a bit more of the hair of the dog that bit me- and start reading again. Then rush to Target (they were on sale there) to buy the next one!

What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Revising!!!! When I write it’s usually because a story spins into my head and I love to get swept away in telling it. Seeing where it’s going. It’s like reading a really good book and I just have to find out what’s going to happen because I don’t know. So once I’ve finished the first draft, I know what happened. Fun’s over. Revising is where the work begins. I even started a new blog www.iheartrevisions.blogspot.com to help me gripe and offer support to others as I trek through learning how to not only enjoy this part of the process but to learn how to handle it more effectively.

Do you belong to a critique group? If so, how has this helped your writing, would you recommend it to others? If not, would you consider joining, if not, why do you like to work alone?

Currently, I do belong to a critique group: ERAuthors http://www.erauthors.org/. Before I belonged to another on line critique group called Critique Circle. I think one of the ways critique groups have helped me, is the whole twig/log analogy from the Bible. It’s so much easier to point out the twig in someone else’s eye (writing) than notice the log jutting out of my own eye (writing.) The more I point out others, helps me to see them clearer in my own writing.
Also, I have met some really wonderful writers who I enjoy bouncing ideas around with as well as sometimes it’s hard to really see the problems with a piece because I’m too close. I also really like helping others with their stories.

What animal do you think makes the best pet and why?

My beagle! He rocks. Yes, he howls and chews up everything in sight (he’s gotten much better though.) He has such a sweet temperament and still is a good guard dog. He’ll flop down at my feet when I’m writing and keeps me company.

Are you a morning person or a night person?

I’m such a morning person! I love getting up early to write or read. It’s one of the very few times in my house that it’s actually quiet. With three kids, a hubby, and the before mentioned beagle, it can get pretty loud most other times. So the early morning hours are MY time and I cherish them.

Have you ever cried during a movie? If yes, which one and why?

One of my other favorite things to do, aside from reading myself silly, is crying at movies! I love a good cry. One of my favorite lines from a movie is from Steel Magnolias (I can watch ten minutes of this movie and start boo-hooing) is “laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.” And it is so true. I love being brought to tears then something so funny happens you can’t help by laugh out loud. Happy endings or sad endings , I love ‘em all.

What is your favorite pizza?

Pepperoni pizza from a place down in Virginia Beach. Yum, nice and greasy. The ironic thing about pizza is I never even tasted it until I went to college at 18! Seriously. No, I wasn’t raised by aliens. I’m a super picky eater. I mean I’m horrible. Really, my friends hate ordering food with me whenever we go out for lunch. So as a child I refused to even taste pizza. I remember in fifth grade I skipped a day of school because we were going to have a pizza party. Now, my kids would starve (well not really but, close) if we didn’t eat pizza at least once a week.

Can you taste the difference between Pepsi and Coke? If so, which do you prefer?

I so can! And I can’t stand Coke! Back to the whole picky thing, I can tell the difference in a sip. Oh and Pepsi from 7-11 tastes the best!

Any advice you want to give aspiring writers?

Write, read, critique others writing. Study craft and tell the stories that only you can tell. Sometimes you think “oh, people have read about this before.” But maybe not the way you’re going to tell it. No one has your voice. Find it and help it to shine.

Thank you so much for allowing me this chance to talk about writing and my story.

You can buy Chelle's book, No More Than Friends HERE!
Visit Chelle's website HERE!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Welcome author Pamela Thibodeaux



First, could you tell us what you are currently working on for publication or about your current release?
My latest short story releases are Winter Madness and Review of Love (FREE!) from White Rose Publishing. My latest novel release is Tempered Joy (book 4 in the Tempered series) from Com Star Media.

Could you please tell us a little about yourself?
I am a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, full-time insurance sales representative, and writer. I love the Lord with all my heart and seek to bring Him glory through my life and the lives of my characters.

Give us a sneak peek into the book?
Winter Madness
Publisher: White Rose Publishing

Sienna has survived what most succomb to - the death of a spouse and child and has maintained her faith despite her troubles. William has never met anyone who actually lived out what they say they believe. Is it true love between the faithful optimist and broody pessimist or simply winter madness?

Review of Love (Free Read! from White Rose Publishing)
Jason Stockwell has been commissioned to interview Kylie Erickson and to review her books. Only problem is, she won’t give the time of day much less an interview to someone whose type of writing she deems not worthy of respect. Can they suspend their judgmental attitudes and find true love?

Tempered Joy
Publisher: ComStar Media
All around rodeo cowboy and heir to the Rockin’ H Ranch, Ace Harris is determined not to fall in love. He’s only loved one woman in his life, his mother, and no one can even come close to filling her boots. Lexie Morgan thinks rodeo cowboys have rocks for brains and a death wish for a soul. A broken childhood and the death of her father and best friend leave her doubting and questioning God (despite her years of religious upbringing) and afraid of love. Can two young people who clash from the onset learn to trust in the healing power of God and find love and happiness amidst tragedy and grief? Tempered Joy is available in Ebook and Print along with the other 3 books in the series (Tempered Hearts, Tempered Dreams & Tempered Fire) and my debut single title novel from White Rose Publishing, The Inheritance.

Tell us about your writing process? Do you outline or just start writing?
I am 100% a SOTP (seat of the pants) writer. Sometimes I’ll have an idea of where the story will go, but I’ve never outlined or plotted before-hand. Can’t, the characters don’t tell me that much in advance – all I know is that the story will end HEA!

What genre is your favorite to write? Read?
By far, romance is my favorite genre – although I read a variety of books – if someone insists a book is good, chances are I’ll pick it up and give it a shot.

Do you have any favorite authors?
Nora Roberts, Francine Rivers, Julie Lessman to name a few – I read so much it’s hard to choose LOL!

Is there a genre you haven’t written, but would love to tackle in the future? Historical Romance

What’s planned next for your writing career?
I have an agent pitching 2 women’s fiction novels and a gift/devotional book. I’m also working on 2 other projects and have a slew of ideas to develop.

Do you work well with deadlines?
I think so. To date, my deadlines have been soft (30 – 90 days) with the option to request more time if necessary. Thankfully, I’ve been able to meet each deadline without delays.

When did you first start writing?
I began penning stories in 5-subject notebooks nearly 30 years ago.

What influenced you to submit your work for publication?
I’m an avid reader and felt my work was as well written –if not better- than some of the stuff that gets published. This may seem a mite arrogant, but if I don’t believe in my work, who will?

Do you belong to a critique group? If so-how does this help you? If not-would you ever consider joining one-if not- why do you think you work better alone?
I do belong to a small critique group and their help and feedback are invaluable. For many years I didn’t join critique groups because every one I tried, insisted on keeping me inside the CBA box. You see, I do not write ‘conservative’ Christian but “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™

What is the best way for readers to contact you?
Email: pthib-7@centurytel.net They can also leave a comment in the guestbook on my website: http://pamelathibodeaux.com or on my blog http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com. I am also on numerous networking sites like MySpace, Shout Life, Facebook and Twitter.

Any advice you want to give to aspiring writers?
Never give up; keep growing, learning and honing your craft. Network and promote – get your name out there even before you are published. Stay pliable and teachable. Strive for excellence. Be patient and wait on God’s timing. Use wisdom in every decision you make.

Anything you wish to add?
Yes, I’d like to THANK Mistress Bella and her interviewers for having me here with you today. I certainly appreciate your generosity and wish you ALL the best of God’s Blessings in everything you do!