Meet Some Adorable Authors' Pets

Pets play a major role in many of our lives, and authors are no exception. For those who spend many hours at the solitary job of composing stories at their computers, having a companion (or two) can help make that time a little less lonely and isolated. Animals become our silent partners and muses, a special brand of chicken soup for the writer's soul.

Most readers on this blog have already been introduced to my writing buddy, Katrina (here's a previous blog), and writing-buddy-in-training, Luna, and my mischievous feline anti-muses, Serenity and Sugar, but I thought it might be fun to introduce a few other authors and their pets.

And they've got some real beauties!

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Cara Bristol's Hannah

I was asked to write about my real life pet muse. That would be my cat Hannah, who supervises my writing from her perch (scratch post) next to my desk. I often do character sketches for my characters, so I thought it would be fun to do one for my cat.

Name: Hannah.

Nicknames: Hannah Banana. Girlie Cat.

Age: 13 in human years.

Citizenship: Feline American.

Physical description: Long-haired striped tabby. Green eyes.

Personality: Affectionate on her terms. Can be demanding. She doesn’t bite or scratch, but is quite vocal in expressing displeasure.

Vocabulary: Speaks fluent feline and has a working knowledge of English. Understands “treat,” “food,” “cuddle time,” “outside,” and “bedtime.” Also understands “no” although she pretends not to.

Likes: Hiding in bags, evening “cuddle time,” late afternoon treats, lying in the sun. Her favorite food is anything fishy smelling.

Dislikes: Being brushed, being petted when she isn’t in the mood, riding in the car, and flea medicine.

Author bio
USA Today bestselling author Cara Bristol has written more than twenty-five books, which include two science fiction romance series: the Cy-Ops Sci-fi Romance cyborg series and Breeder.

Author's Website: http://carabristol.com
Author Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/9aRJj

Stranded with the Cyborg (Cy-Ops Sci-Fi Romance 1)

Mated with the Cyborg (Cy-Ops Sci-Fi Romance 2)

Captured by the Cyborg (Cy-Ops Sci-Fi Romance 3)

Trapped with the Cyborg (Cy-Ops Sci-Fi Romance 4)

Destiny's Chance (fantasy/paranormal)

Goddess's Curse (fantasy/sci-fi romance)

Naughty Words for Nice Writers (sex scene thesaurus)

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Midnight - Writing Buddy

Carol Post's Morgan and Midnight

I have two writing buddies: Morgan, my long-haired dachshund, and Midnight, my big black cat. Both were rescues.

Morgan spent seven years in a very abusive home before coming to us, and we saved Midnight from the pound a few hours before he was going to be gassed. Rescued pets seem to sense what we've saved them from and repay us with unconditional love.

Morgan in backyard

Morgan lies quietly at my feet as I write.

Midnight likes to hang with me as I write, too, but his favorite spot is in my lap, with his paws on the keyboard. I sometimes end up with some really strange things inserted into my stories!

Author Bio
Carol J. Post lives in sunshiny Central Florida and writes fun and fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense. Her books have been nominated for a RITA award and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award. She enjoys sailing, hiking, camping—almost anything outdoors. Her two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of a fat and sassy black cat and a highly spoiled dachshund. You can find her at www.caroljpost.com.

Cedar Key Series - Deadly Getaway (prequel), Shattered Haven, Hidden Identity, Mistletoe Justice - Love Inspired Suspense
Harmony Grove Series - Midnight Shadows, Motive for Murder, Out for Justice - Love Inspired Suspense

Trust My Heart - Coming October 25, 2016 (Murphy, book 1)

Buried Memories - Coming January 1, 2017 (Cedar Key, book 4)

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Lea Kirk's Indy

Indy playing with Myrtle, one of Lea's many foster puppies

Indy was my dog from the moment we brought her home as a rescue dog. Don’t get me wrong, she loved my husband and kids as well, but she and I just got each other. She was a six-year-old Lab-Rhodesian Ridgeback mix.

A month after she came to live with us, we humans went on vacation for a week. Indy and our other dog, Shasta, boarded with our vet. When we go home my hubby picked up the dogs. I was excited to see my girl again, but when I opened the back door Indy took one look at me, turned her back and sat down with her nose in the air.

Seriously! I’d never had a dog cop an attitude with me before. And it went on for two days!

Clearly, it was the Ridgeback in her because labs are always happy to see you no matter what. (Case and point, Shasta was a lab and she was just fine.)

Anyway, Indy eventually forgave me and we became besties. We even had “date nights” twice a year. January 1^st and July 4^th. We’d go into the office and I would write while she hid under my legs from the fireworks. One of the best dogs who ever owned me.

Author Bio

Lea Kirk loves to transport her readers to other worlds with her science fiction romances. Her first book, Prophecy, placed second in the 2014 Molly Award Contest. It’s the first book in her sci-fi romance series of the same name.

Her fascination with science fiction began at six years old when her dad introduced her to the original Star Trek TV series. She fell in love with the show, and was even known to run through her parents’ house wearing the tunic top of her red knit pantsuit and her white go-go boots pretending to be Lieutenant Uhura. By nine years old she knew she wanted to be a writer, and in her teens she read her first romance and was hooked.

She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her wonderful hubby of twenty-six years and their five kids (aka, the nerd herd).

You can find Lea online here: Lea Kirk

Prophecy - Science Fiction Romance
All of Me - Science Fiction Romance
Salvation - Science Fiction Romance, Coming Fall 2016

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Barbara Elsborg's Winnie

 

Winnie

Sad to say, I don't currently have any pets at my feet while I'm writing. My son took his little miniature long haired dachshund Winnie from the UK to Texas when he moved over there. Winnie recognised the noise of my computer shutting down and used to leap up and scratch my legs because he knew I had time to play.

 

His favorite game involved - and still does - a tiny teddy bear that I pretend to drop and he runs away with and I chase him. Sometimes he lets it go to let me pretend again to drop it for him to race away with. All the time, I'm calling - come back with Little Ted! Anyone watching would think I was mad but I love doing it and the moment we're back in Texas visiting our son, Winnie sniffs in the suitcase for the toy.

Winnie and Charlotte: Guess who's the boss?

Winnie is ecstatic to see both me and husband when we arrive at the airport. We're licked to death much to the amusement of those around us. When it's time to leave, Winnie gets into our case and on one occasion ran out of the house and jumped into the hire car. Ahh - my poor heart! I miss him. I feel pretty sure he thinks he's my dog. He won't leave my side when we visit. In the morning he jumps into bed and licks us awake. (I could do without that!) He now has a 'sister' a golden retriever called Charlotte - who is definitely the submissive dog. See who's sleeping on her bed?

Author Bio

Barbara Elsborg is moving tomorrow from the north to the south of the UK! She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Vulcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.

After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.

Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they were to write.  
 

You can find her website here: http://www.barbaraelsborg.com/

 

I write in a range of genres but my favorite sci fi romances are:

Lucy in the Sky - SFR erotica romance

Taking Stock - SFR erotica romance

 

Other books:

Crossing the Line - Dark Suspense Romance

Strangers - Contemporary Erotica Romance

Dirty Angel - Fantasy Erotica Romance (m/m)

Lightning in a Bottle - Paranormal Romance

Plus almost 40 additional books you can find here: http://www.barbaraelsborg.com/books/

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A very big thank you to all my guest bloggers who took time from their very busy schedules to share photos and stories about their wonderful pets. Animals do so much to enrich our lives, they deserve a little recognition of their own now and then, don't you think?

 

Have a great week everyone (and your pet/s)! 

 

Laurie



 

RT Booklovers Convention...Here I Come!

MISSION SUCCESS
Laurie's Journal

This week's post will be short and sweet being that I'm juggling multiple writing and personal life priorities, but I wanted to announce that I've just signed up for the mid-May RT Booklovers Convention in Dallas, which will be my first RT evah! (Or in Rocky Horror speak...Virrrrgin!)

You can view the conference details on the RT Booklovers Convention site, or check in via Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/RTBookloversConvention

I'm excited about the event, but even more enthused that I'll also be meeting longtime critique partner, fellow CCer and general online cohort Barbara Elsborg, for the very first time. Barbara and I go back to the early days of my quest to pursue publishing in 2007. (She's long since accomplished her goal and now has some 30 novels and many short works published.) She's also a frequent patron here at Spacefreighters Lounge.

*waves to Barbara and slides a frothy Billins down the bar to her*

I've never been to Dallas other than a very short stint to a non-hub area where I spent all my time inside a (non-writers') conference hotel, so I hope to enjoy some sightseeing and general tourist geekery, too.

IN OTHER NEWS

I'm pushing forward for my January/February author debut with a SFR novelette, Farewell Andromeda--a story that takes place in the same universe as my coming full-length novel, which will be first in a new SFR series.

Progress report: Both works will be going out to editors in mid-October.

If you missed my big announcement in a past post, you can view it and get a sneak peek at the series and opening chapter of the first novel here:

Announcing Launch of a New SFR Series

I'm considering putting the cover for my first novel out to competition through 99designs. I've a vague idea for an image concept, but I'll leave it up to a variety of talented graphic artists to interpret my idea or create their own design that will capture the epic feel and scope of the work.

Fellow Spacefreighter Sharon Lynn Fisher went this route for one of her novels and I fell in love with the cover she ended up selecting for the first installment of her erotic short story series. Check it. Garden Rules cover design.

PING PONG

Congrats to Donna on a successful move and for her daughter's marriage this weekend. She wrote a lovely blog post about the event on Friday: Every Bride Needs a Hero

And three cheers to Pippa for her latest cover reveal, Rafflecopter giveaway and Scream! For the Cure charity event. Read all the details here: Make a Halloween Wish Title and Cover Reveal

Kudos to Sharon for continuing to juggle two very successful careers as both a RITA-Award nominated published author and a professional editor for SilkWords. Sharon's next SFR from TOR will be out in February! In case you missed it, here's the past news: Echo 8 Release Date: February 3 

And don't miss this! Sharon's first SFR novel from TOR, Ghost Planet, is now up for a drawing on Goodreads! Halloween is the drawing deadline.

Ghost Planet was both a RWA Golden Heart finalist and a RITA finalist for Best First Book!

Good Reads Giveaway: Ghost Planet

Are you planning to attend the Dallas RT in May? Please comment and let me know. I'd love to meet you there!

Have a great week!

SFR/Romance Author Barbara Elsborg Interviewed by BBC Television

One of our favorite authors, Barbara Elsborg, posted on Facebook recently that she'd been interviewed by BBC, a British television network. Sounds like a dream come true for a multi-published author, doesn't it? (Or if you're like a lot of introverted writers, maybe you'd consider it more of a nightmare?)

I wasted no time in shooting her an email to ask if she'd tell us about what it's like to do a television interview, and she graciously agreed. Barbara's here today to answer a few questions about her experience.

So, Barbara, please tell us how this all came about? How did BBC contact you and what ensued? Was there a particular book or topic that was the focus? 

One of my husband's relatives recently changed jobs from BBC radio to BBC TV. Sarah was actually my little bridesmaid many moons ago. She called me up to ask a question about taking a vacation in the States and asked me how my writing was going. I told her. It was just at the time that sales of Strangers had gone through the roof after the success of Fifty Shades of Grey. Up 3,000%!!

Sarah had been contemplating a program about DH Lawrence, who wrote Lady Chatterley's Lover, Sons and Lovers, The Rainbow, etc. He wrote not just about love, but social prejudice and the plight of the mining villages in the East Midlands. I come from the area where he was born and brought up. Lawrence went to Ilkeston Grammar School - as did I - and he was a pupil-teacher at the primary school I went to. Obviously decades apart!

Sarah had the idea of linking Lawrence's literary erotic romance and the obscenity trial, to me and modern erotic romance as a way to show how times have changed and tastes have changed. The program includes a local reading group discussing Strangers and Lady Chatterley's Lover, and also features Dr. John Worthen, Lawrence's biographer.

What great connections to D.H. Lawrence you have! What were your thoughts on being asked to do the interview by BBC? Excitement? Bliss? Sheer terror? 

At London Book Fair

At first, I didn't think too much about it. I think I'd assumed I'd just be mentioned and then when Sarah starting to talk about filming, I thought - oh flipping heck! She wanted to film in London at the book fair, then in Eastwood in the wood where Lawrence pictured Lady Chatterley and Mellors, the gamekeeper, and also to film me at home, writing. I was petrified in London, less scared in Eastwood and okay by the time I was filmed at home.

I'm not sure my nerves would have settled down even then.

So, what happened next? I'm curious how much planning and preparation went into the interview? Were you able to make suggestions or talk about ideas for the interview? How much time passed between you agreeing to do the interview and the actual filming? 

Sarah first mentioned it just after Christmas - we exchanged a few emails when she asked for background info on me and my books. The book fair filming was done in April, the part at home was done last week and the program will air in the autumn. A lot of editing to be done!

The actual interviews - London and home - I didn't know what I was going to be asked. I was miked up and given a few hints - e.g. chat to Raelene Gorlinsky from Ellora's Cave - about how you feel about being at the Book Fair. My mind went instantly blank. We'd already talked for an hour. I couldn't think of a thing to say! But eventually I blabbed something. The interviewer - who is the head of the program and Sarah's boss, asked me questions off camera and then moments later, asked me on camera. You don't have long to think. I suspect they want natural flowing speech.

I had to do a couple of things twice when I dried up. Raelene was a real pro. I suspect she'd done it lots of times before. They filmed me walking about, not looking at the camera - that was fun. I wondered if people thought - who's she!

What did you do to prepare? Did you study? Rehearse? Buy a disguise? 

I thought about a few things - such as - do I think I owe a debt to Lawrence, what did I think of his sex scenes, what would he have thought of my books, why do women like erotic romance, etc. but I was largely guided by the questions they asked - and no, I didn't know more than a few minutes ahead what they would be. No rehearsal - just filmed straight away!

As for a disguise, well when I went to the Book Fair, I went via daughter's who took one look at my outfit and made me change. I wore her jacket, her top, her necklace!

So tell us what all happened the day for the interview? How did the day go? Where was it filmed? What did you talk about? Were you nervous? What surprised you and what do you think went particularly well? 

The main part for me was here in my house. We had to reorganise the room I write in to give the cameraman the right angle. I should say that both cameramen were lovely. So kind and just really nice guys. Lots praise and no hint that they were bothered about dealing with someone who had no idea what they were doing. They arrived at 10.30. Filmed me typing, filmed me reading and then interviewed me. All over by 1.30.

It all takes a lot longer than you'd think. Not helped by changing light levels as it rained off and on. I was nervous but not as much as I had been in London. I refused to think about what I'd said once it was done otherwise I suspect I'd have freaked out. What's done is done. I can't change it so I hope it edits okay. The program is not just about me. They interviewed Raelene, Dr. Worthen and also went to Lincoln to interview Total-E-Bound.

I think what surprised me most was how hard it was to just speak on camera with no script. It gave me renewed admiration for those who do it for a living. I've never been good at thinking on my feet.

What went well? I hope I made sense when I spoke. I think I was a bit gushy in London but had calmed down by the time I was interviewed here.

Now for the big question. Where and when can we see your interview? Will it be available outside the BBC market? Will you have permission to post links on your blog or website? 

Well, even I don't know the date yet. Only that it will be on in the autumn. The program is called Inside Out. It's a show that covers different subjects every week. It airs at 7.30 so there has to be some care taken over content as it's not beyond the watershed. It will air regionally first and hopefully nationally later.

I did hear something said about a disk so I don't know if I get to look at the show first or not. As for clips - I hope so but I'll have to wait and see.

Any last thoughts on the whole experience? Would you do it again? What advice can you offer to other authors who might be asked to do a television interview? 

Yes, I'd do it again. I'm quite a shy person. I don't tend to post pics of myself but this has made me more forward. No point pretending I'm Angelina Jolie when I'm not! To any other authors who're asked to do a TV interview - absolutely go for it. If you can get copies of questions beforehand, then do because at least it gives you chance to think of an answer.

I don't know what the book club people will say about Strangers. Maybe they hated it, who knows, but it's still publicity. If E. L. James can do it with Fifty Shades of Grey, maybe I can too.

Thanks so much, Barbara, and many congrats on one uber exciting (and scary) opportunity. Now we all know a little more about the question: What if you get asked to do a TV interview!

In addition to the highly acclaimed Strangers, Barbara Elsborg is the author of over 25 other novels including one of our very favorite Science Fiction Romance/Eroticas, Lucy in the Sky. Read more about Barbara's work on her Amazon profile, or visit her web site, Barbara Elsborg Online.

And here's a surprise for our readers. To celebrate Barbara's BBC interview and our Spacefreighters Lounge 125,000th hit, one randomly selected commenter will win a free copy of a choice of Strangers or Lucy in the Sky. (Note: For those outside the US we may have to restrict the prize to an ebook or an Amazon gift card.) 

And Then There Were Twenty

Author Barbara Elsborg Reaches a Major Landmark with the Release of CHOSEN

Some crimes can never be forgotten.

Kate Evans doesn’t take risks. She chose her apartment with care—a safe district with a good neighbor—a place where she can live a quiet, unassuming, under-the-radar existence. Then she makes one mistake and opens her door to accept a delivery of flowers from a secret admirer and her life will never be the same again.  [Read more here.]

Barbara Elsborg is one of the most talented and prolific authors I know. Novel after novel, I’m always promised genuine, flawed characters, terrific conflict and a love story that dives and soars with emotional twists and turns. The release of CHOSEN on June 3rd will mark two important events in Barbara’s career—her twentieth novel and her first venture into Romantic Suspense.

Barbara’s work includes a Top Ten in the P&Ed Readers' Choice Poll for Best Erotica Novel of 2009, a #1 bestseller on Amazon and dozens of five star reviews of her work! (Links to many of her reviews are posted on the Barbara Elsborg Online Fan Club web site.)

Here’s a recap of her releases:

1. Perfect Timing
(e-book) April 30, 2008; (print) March 11, 2009
Daisy Leaf was named one of the Favorite Female Characters of 2008 by Book Utopia.

2. The Consolation Prize
(e-book) August 11, 2008
The first of the Trueblood vampire sibling series from Loose-Id.

3. Falling For You
(e-book) November 18, 2008
The second of the Trueblood vampire sibling series.

4. Something About Polly
(e-book) January 21, 2009; (print) Sept 2009
A companion book to Perfect Timing featuring Jake's brother Adrian.

5. Lightning in a Bottle
(e-book) February 24, 2009
The third of the Trueblood vampire sibling series.

6. Anna in the Middle
(e-book) March 27, 2009, Ellora’s Cave Spectrum
A companion book to Something About Polly introducing Jax as a main character.

7. The Power of Love
(e-book) May 20, 2009, Ellora’s Cave Twilight
An amazing tale of angelic love after death.

8. Susie's Choice
(e-book) July 31, 2009, Ellora’s Cave Spectrum
Three all-new characters in a sizzling and touching menage story.

9. Doing the Right Thing
(original version e-book) September 24, 2009, Ellora's Cave Moderne
Original version is no longer available. New version released January 6, 2010
Addie, Will and Ed return in a sexier, steamier version.

10. Lucy in the Sky
(e-book) October 21, 2009 Ellora’s Cave Aeon
A sometimes zany, sometimes suspenseful and always sexy science fiction romance.

11. The Misfits
(e-book) October 27, 2009 Loose-Id
The fourth novel in the Trueblood vampire sibling series.

12. Strangers
(e-book) Dec 2, 2009; (print) Feb 2011 Ellora’s Cave Moderne
A contemporary love story extraordinaire!

13. Fight to Remember
(e-book) Loose-Id
The fifth and final book in the Trueblood sibling series.

14. Digging Deeper
(e-book) January 13, 2010, Cerridwen Press
Can archeaologist Beck survive the mayhem that calamity Flick brings to his life?

15. Finding the Right One
(e-book) January 27, 2010 Ellora’s Cave Moderne
The sequel to Doing the Right Thing follows right on the heels of the first book.

16. The Small Print
(e-book) October 1, 2010 Ellora’s Cave Twilight
Vampire historian Turner has trouble in his attic...and in his past.

17. Kiss a Fallen Star
(e-book) March 4, 2011 Ellora’s Cave Moderne
Caspar is an outcast until he meets the one woman who might help him rebuild his life if an unforgiving world allows them to find love.

18. An Ordinary Girl
(e-book) April 6, 2011 Ellora’s Cave Moderne
Can a haunted war photographer and the survivor of a living nightmare find redemption and extraordinary love?

19. Rocked
(e-book) May 24, 2011, Loose-Id
A girl, her boss...and their gargoyle.

and now...

20. Chosen
(e-book) June 3, 2011, Decadent Publishing
Kate is chosen and forcibly abducted by a diabolical kidnapper with a startling claim. How can she escape when she must protect the secret?

(A very special thanks to author Cate Masters for designing the special 20th banners shown above!)

Recently, I had an opportunity to interview Barbara about her authorly pursuits.  Here's what she had to say.

Q: First of all, major congratulations on achieving this incredible milestone. What are your thoughts as your 20th novel is released in just a little over three years? Did you ever think you'd be here, and in so short a time, at that? In other words, how do you do it?

Barbara:  It’s strange because I hadn’t been keeping count of the number of books I’d had released. I feel amazed that I’ve reached twenty. Wow, twenty!!! Since my first was only published in 2007 – that does sound rather a lot, BUT I had written some of them before 2007 so I’m not quite as prolific as it might look.

No, I don’t think I did imagine I’d ever be here. I’d had so many rejections that my first acceptance – which went into my spam – came as a shock. As to how I do it – well, I’m lucky that I write full time now without the distraction of a job and I just love writing. It’s hard to tear myself away from the laptop. Husband uses whip but no – I keep typing.

Q:  A "one book wonder" you were never destined to be! I'm always amazed how you manage to create so many diverse stories, always with flawed, very human characters that I can completely connect with. Where do you find your inspiration and is there a secret to turning out so much work without resorting to a plot formula? Are you a plotter or pantser?

Barbara:  Pantser through and through and maybe that’s the secret for coming up with different stories with no formula. Though I wish I could plan a little better. It would make life so much easier if I had more concrete ideas about where my stories were going. Case in point – WIP – I’ve been ages writing the first three chapters because I can’t pin down the motivation of one of my three protags. I keep changing my mind over his attitude to love. On the plus side, since I have no idea where my stories are going, I find it exciting not knowing what’s around the corner – or in this case – on the next page. I do tend to go with the flow.

Inspiration? Everything. Music, dreams, books, films, life. I like reading books with flawed characters. I like exploring problems, wondering how people would react to different situations, imagining myself in those situations, the more bizarre, the better. Of course, in most cases, I’d freak out and not be anything like my heroines.

Q:  One of your last three releases, An Ordinary Girl, recently garnered some wonderful kudos from Whipped Cream Long and Short Reviews and was voted the book of the week. As a result, this wonderful trailer was created.



Can you tell us a little more about the story?

Barbara:  My idea for that came from my daughter’s wedding. Her photographer cancelled on the morning of the big day because she was ill – though she sent a replacement. Noah, my hero, was a replacement wedding photographer. Ash, the heroine, came about because I thought – what would be the worst type of parents in the world – not going to spoil the plot – but Ash undoubtedly has them. They’re based on reality and the details are at the back of the book. I think – An Ordinary Girl and Strangers – are my favourite books of those I’ve written. Both similar in a way – damaged hero and heroine who save each other and that seems to resonate with readers.

Q:  Any advice for writers who are still working to get their first novel published?

Barbara:  The old cliché – don’t give up. But based on my experience – check your spam!!! Also be open minded. I stumbled into erotic romance. It wasn’t what I set out to write and perhaps I’d still be unpublished if I’d continued writing for me and not the market. That doesn’t mean I don’t like what I write, I do, but I think in many ways, I’m not like most writers in this genre. My stories are less sensually driven and more character driven than many erotic romances. That’s not to say mine aren’t sexy. They are but I hope I balance the sex with the story and it’s important to me that the story would stand without the sex.

Read is my main advice for any writer – I see so many who say they don’t read. Make time. You learn from reading – any genre – it doesn’t matter.

Q:  How many novels did you have written in advance of selling your first novel?

Barbara:  The awful thing is, I can’t remember. I think six. Of those, two are unpublished romantic suspense. So let me count.....Digging Deeper was my first try at romantic comedy, then I wrote Doing the Right Thing, followed by Chosen, Strangers and following that Perfect Timing was accepted. So my my reckoning, I write about three full length books a year. Wow!

Q:  Have you ever entered a writing competition?

Barbara:  A few but not many. I’ve won two prizes for children’s stories. One was about a boy who brought a tramp home for Christmas thinking he was Santa Claus. The other was about kids in a school who thought they were talking to aliens and it was Russians in space.

I entered Strangers for a US competition and got nowhere. When I saw the ones that won, I vowed never to enter another. It confirmed for me that I don’t fit neatly into the erotic romance genre.

Q:  You've sold all twenty of your novels without having an agent. Are you happy to continue or have you considered querying agents to find representation?

Barbara:  I suppose the dream of being published by one of the big guys is still there, though I’m much less driven by that than I used to be. I haven’t thought about approaching an agent for years. Now if someone wanted to make a film of one of my books, that would be the time to find an agent!

Q:  What's your take on the recent trends in self-publishing? Is it something you'd consider?

Barbara:  I was thinking of going that route with Chosen when Decadent said yes. (Thank you, Decadent!!) I think things are still wobbling with self-publishing. There are stories of huge sales but there are more stories of not very good sales. Sadly, I don’t think the quality of your work ensures you’ll succeed. It’s a matter of hard work to get your name out there and an element of luck that you get noticed. But if the chance to self-publish had been around when I first started querying – I’d have done it like a shot.

Q:  How do you feel about the switch in genre and publisher with your twentieth novel, Chosen? Is Romantic Suspense the (or one) direction you'd like to take with future books? Any more in the works?

Barbara:  The first three books I wrote were romantic suspense. I only changed to romantic comedy because I couldn’t interest an agent or publisher with the other genre. The first I wrote in my twenties – called Unnatural Selection – and it will remain in the closet. The second – La Heroica – set in Colombia – might be worth updating. The third was Chosen. The fourth romantic suspense, written more recently, is called – Crossing the Line. I’m waiting to see how Chosen goes before I decide what to do with Crossing the Line. I do like writing romantic suspense but I’m so deep inside the genre of erotic romance, with ideas for stories still waiting for me to write them, I’m not sure when I’ll get back to write the fifth! What I like to do is write something different each time. So I mix and match contemporary with paranormal. My WIP is a paranormal – temporarily entitled All About Love – but I think that will change.

I’ve realised that success – small though it is - makes it hard to switch to a different genre. People who like my writing in the erotic romances – will they like Chosen? It’s much darker story. It ends happily – as all my stories do, but the path to reach that happiness is a hard one.

Q:  I know it's like asking you to pick a favorite child, but do you have one novel that is your favorite, the so-called "book of your heart?"

Barbara:  Still Strangers – but An Ordinary Girl comes close. Strangers is a book that made me cry when I wrote it. The hero does something incredibly cruel to the heroine and to make her still love him afterwards, feels like a triumph to me. Now I have the paperback version of Strangers, I’ve just started to read it again. I don’t often read my books after they’ve been published. I spotted a mistake in Strangers last night – grrrrrr – not a huge one but I should have caught it. Still my baby though!!

Q:  Let’s talk SFR for a minute. Lucy in the Sky was such an amazing SFR/Erotica story that we named it as one of our recommended reads for SFR (see list on sidebar at right). Any plans for more SFR novels in the works?

Barbara:  Yes, I hope my next after my WIP will be sci fi and set in Walmart. Don’t ask!! Alright then – if you insist. I had a dream. A dream about Walmart and I got up in the middle of the night and wrote it down. Of course, in the cold light of day, it didn’t seem quite so wondrous but the niggle remains to write it.

Q:  Do you read SFR and do you have any favorite SFR authors?

Barbara:  I do, but not a huge amount. But then I don’t read much erotic romance either. Favorite SFR author – well that would have to be you, Laurie, along with D.L. Jackson and I’m eagerly awaiting Arlene Webb’s sci fi romance series that she is self-publishing. The first – called Splintered Energy will be out very soon.

Q:  Do you have another novel in the works now?

Barbara:  My latest is my first MM erotic romance ‘Cowboys Down’. Set on a dude ranch in Wyoming and also in London, it’s the story of an uptight stockbroker trying to come to terms with the problems in his life who meets a cowboy who has issues of his own. I’ve written MM scenes before in the ménages I’ve done but it was an interesting challenge to have no female lead

Q:  In addition to your novels, you've also written several short stories. Can you tell us a little about them and where they're available?

Barbara:  I have a story called – The Special Gift – available with Ravenous Romance. I think it might be my favourite. It’s a short story about a woman who throws a GI Joe doll into her closet and thinks it turns into a real life man. The Bad Widow and Saying Yes are free stories available through Ellora’s Cave. I wrote them hoping they’d entice people to try my full length stories!! The other short is ‘Snow Play’ – also available through Ellora’s Cave. It’s based on my terrifying trip under a glacier in Austria. Sadly, in real life I was NOT rescued by a gorgeous hunk. I emerged almost in tears to be greeted by my poor suffering husband who a few hours later had to be whisked to hospital with kidney stones.

Q:  That must have been quite the vacation!  But once again, you found material for a unique story in your experiences.  Thanks so much for joining us today to help us celebrate your huge achievement, Barbara.  And may there be many, many more!  I'd love to do a 30th release celebration.  I can totally see a 50th in your future.  :)  And now, as a little surprise, here are...

A FEW WORDS FROM BARBARA'S PEERS ON HER 20TH NOVEL RELEASE

From Author Arlene Webb
20!! 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and then repeat. Someone might say, so what? Boy meets girl, or boy meets boy, or boy meets boy meets girl, etc., they fall hard, problems happen, problems get fixed, HEA, and then off to be published. The reality? Every one of Barbara’s twenty novels is unique, with a fresh complex plot. And then to raise the threshold even higher, every scene is different. Barbara not only has the ability to keep a reader on the edge of their seat flipping pages, caught up in an emotional whirlwind, it’s impossible, for me a least, to pick a favorite set of characters.

Every book of hers that I read, and then re-read, grabs me by the throat and refuses to let go. I see a cat slink by and think of Keir (Fight to Remember). I find myself debating which way to turn and think of Turner (Small Print). I see a woman with pink luggage and think of (Finding the Right One), I cringe at a news report and think, thank Christ, Jack (Chosen) isn’t real. I’d go on, but I’d have to write a book!

Barbara isn’t just an amazing author, she’s also a supportive friend who’s been with me every step of my own career. In all fairness, she hasn’t just written 20 novels, she’s guided me line by line through everything I’ve written, as well.

One of the greatest joys in my life is opening a fresh chapter written by this woman whom I’m come to love dearly. Congrats, Barbara, on a truly impressive writing career that I, selfish person that I am, hope never ends while I’m still breathing. And now, happy dance time. Yippee!!! Chosen is published!!!

From Author D.L. Jackson
I love all her novels. My personal favorites are Strangers and The Power of Love--of all her novels I feel they are the most heart felt and you really can feel the emotions and pain she puts her characters through. I'd like to wish her a huge congratulations and I can't wait to see book 100, which I know is right around the corner, with the amazing way she kicks them out.

From Award-Winning Writer Donna S. Frelick
Congratulations and best wishes, Barbara, on achieving publication of your 20th novel!  Quite a milestone, and one we all aspire to--that title of successful working writer. I love your work, but most of all, I love your generous spirit and the encouragement you offer your fellow writers.  Here's to your second 20 and many more!

~~*~~   Congratulations, Barbara!   ~~*~~

To commemorate the release of her 20th novel, a random commenter will be selected to receive their choice of any of Barbara Elsborg's e-book releases!  Please share your thoughts, congratulations or wishes below.

LUCY IN THE SKY Released Today!

Barbara Elsborg's first (and only, to date) SFR/erotica was released today be Ellora's Cave. Click here for a direct link to Ellora's Cave (site is for those over 18 only, please).

PERFECT TIMING Released!

Barbara Elsborg's debut Romantica (R) novel, PERFECT TIMING, was released this morning on Ellora's Cave. Barbara has incredible talent with humor. The excerpt is hilarious. Take a peak:

http://www.ellorascave.com/Excerpts/Excerpt_PerfectTiming.htm

NOTE: You should be over 18 to visit this site, although I don't think anything in this snippet would warrant more than a PG rating.

Enjoy! And Congratulations, Barbara!

A Bit Quiet Here While We Party On STARS

My friend, co-blogger, IP (Indispensible Peer) and fellow romance writer, Barbara Elsborg, has a debut novel on the verge of release. April 30th is the big day. Ellora's Cave (e-publishing) is the publisher.

>>>>>>> http://www.ellorascave.com/index.asp

Until then, we're having a little Countdown Fest over on one of my other blogs, Take It To The Stars, where Barbara is a co-blogger. I may be a bit quiet there, but please feel free to join us there.

>>>>>>> http://www.takeittothestars.blogspot.com/

I'll also be posting an interview with Barbara Elsborg on Tuesday, April 22, on The Toasted Scimitar blog.

>>>>>>> http://www.toaster-scimitar.blogspot.com/

I'll be back soon with more articles, commentary and updates.

Oh yes, and don't forget the release of Lisa Shearin's ARMED & MAGICAL on April 29th. ARMED & MAGICAL, the second book of the Raine Benares Fantasy Series has received a 4-1/2 STAR RATING (the highest) from Romantic Times! In addition, the first book of her series, MAGIC LOST, TROUBLE FOUND has just been nominated for a Compton Crook Award as best debut novel of the year by the Baltimore Science Fiction Society! (See the reviews of both novels on this blog. Look for the labels with links on the lower right sidebar.)

>>>>>>> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton_Crook_Award

Lots of exciting things happening this month!