Author Interview with Tori Chase

Author Tori Chase

 

Very excited to introduce you all to author Tori Chase and her debut novel SERIAL GAMES. Tori specializes in writing interracial romance. So sit back relax and get to know a little more about Tori and SERIAL GAMES.

Leave a comment to win a copy of SERIAL GAMES

 

 

 

Tori So excited to feature you and your book SERIAL GAMES today!!!

I’m psyched too! Thank you so much for inviting me; I’m happy to be here.

Tori tell us a little about what inspired your writing career?

When I was younger, I saw a prophetic movie: Romancing the Stone. I thought, Joan Wilder had the best life; romance writer, working at home, romantic-looking apartment. I wanted her life. I’d always written short stories and produced plays for my parents (complete with a soundtrack on my Dad’s reel-to-reel tape player) but I never could finish a full-length novel–the writing process just didn’t hold my interest. Then a few years ago, I was new to Colorado Springs with no family and friends and I began to dream whole scenes of a story. I knew then I had to write–and finish the novel.

Can you share with us a little about your writing process?

I typically have a kissing scene in mind (romance writer, you know) then I create a story around it. I write by the seat of my pants (pantser) but lately I’ve been writing a brief paragraph outline (one paragraph per chapter) so I know where I’m going without having a strict, very detailed outline (can’t write by the seat of my pants with it) and my creative juices still flow–leaving little room for writer’s block.

You write what is considered clean romance; what does that mean to you and why have you chosen to do so?

Clean to me means no open-door sex and no profanity. As a Christian woman, part of my witness will be my novels and I want to represent Christ by adhering to morals I believe in.

So your first book SERIAL GAMES is an interracial romance; what is your inspiration behind writing interracial romance?

Well, seeing different races on the cover of romance is still a bit–not sure if this is the right word–but taboo. It creates instant spark, as if it’s forbidden fruit. Plus, you rarely–and I mean rarely–see interracial romance in Christian fiction, which is another genre I write.

So tell us a little about the main characters in SERIAL GAMES?

FBI Agent Maggie Weston is the first African American female profiler to receive honors for her work in identifying John Michael Burrows, a serial killer whom she helped arrest a few years ago. He’s since escaped custody and US Marshal Brandon Worth is on his trail, yet he needs Maggie’s help to find Burrows. Maggie’s self-worth will be tested in this challenge and Brandon will have to face his past bitterness in his struggle to keep Maggie at arm’s length.

What kind of research did you have to do in order to write SERIAL GAMES?

I conducted a few searches on serial killers to familiarize myself with a few of their characteristics and I spent some time in Culpeper, VA to capture the setting of the story. I also researched profiling and I’m a former federal law enforcement officer so I was already familiar with the nuances of investigations.

Can you give us a little teaser excerpt from SERIAL GAMES?

Absolutely!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maggie’s eyes slowly traveled the width of the elevator door until they found Brandon’s reflection in the mirrored panels lining the inside of the car. Broad shoulders rippled down to muscular biceps that contracted with the force he used to grip the rail behind him.

She needed to assert herself now.

“I’m going to go over some of the documentation the district attorney’s office faxed us to see if I might be able to find the missing link enabling Burrows to escape custody.”

Brandon’s eyes narrowed. Obviously business wasn’t what he wanted to hear, and how easily he could read her discomfort troubled her. He had an uncanny knack for interpreting her body language. What did that mean? Whatever it meant, she didn’t have the time to analyze it now. She straightened her shoulders. “Knowing who helped him escape can perhaps shed some light on his next move.”

Brandon’s level stare remained.

Ok, he’s not buying it. Regardless, I refuse to fall…

“Do you forgive me?”

“What?” The question about forgiveness startled her. He had apologized but she wasn’t interested in discussing it. All she wanted to do was wash the smoke out of her hair and crash. It was going on midnight… or past it; she had lost track of time.

In one stride he was in front of her, one arm around her waist, the other guiding her chin up. His lips were warm and smooth as they glided over hers. He pulled back and disappointment filled Maggie at the loss of his heat. She stared into the dark thunderstorm whirling in his eyes.

“Do you forgive me?” His hoarse voice rumbled through to her inner core.

The elevator bell chimed. Startled, Maggie nearly jumped at the ring. She turned to the console. Her numbered floor illuminated.

“Saved by the bell.” He released her.

Maggie couldn’t resist looking at him. His eyes were veiled but the confident smirk returned. As the elevator doors opened, Maggie wondered who would be the more difficult challenge to overcome: Burrows or Brandon?

Will you be working on any romantic series in the future?

I am currently submitting for publication book one of The Santiago Brothers series, The Snake Murders. The Santiago Brothers is an interracial Christian romantic suspense series about three brothers who find there way home after ten years, each coming to terms with their delinquent pasts and their present issues.

What do you think makes a good story?

Conflict, conflict, conflict! I love making the heads of my hero and heroine butt and wrenching their heart’s out of their chest before bringing them to the place where they always should have been–which each other.

Where can readers find your books?

You can find Serial Games where most ebooks are sold: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, All Romance Ebooks, Sony, Google Ebooks, and on my publisher’s website: Desert Breeze Publishing.

Where can readers find out more about what you are working on?

Readers are welcome to visit my blog! I regularly talk about writing and publishing. http://torilounge.blogspot.com

If you could use one word to describe yourself what would it be?

Impatient! It really is a struggle to slow down and relax.

Out of all the places in the world to relax and pick up your pen and write where would you want to be?

Probably in a bed and breakfast in a quaint town. Culpeper, VA, the setting of Serial Games, has just the bed and breakfast.

I love connecting with people on a more personal level, so tell me what you really enjoy doing in your spare time and why you enjoy it so much?

I enjoy writing! I like to live vicariously through my characters. I also watch way too much tv and too many movies but those stories provide so many ideas.

Thanks for being here Tori!!! This was so much fun!!!

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Author Interview with Jerry White

I enjoy poetry but not the complexities of it. I enjoy a beautiful piece without trying to figure out what is being said. The collections of poems and stories presented in UNTIL TODAY were well written in a tone without complexity. This made for an easy, intrigued and interesting read. There are times when I enjoy a great story so much so that I wish it would never end. This was the treat I received when reading Jerry White’s UNTIL TODAY.

The poems and collections of short stories were faith building blocks that flowed into a continuation of inspiration, motivation and self-realization. The profound messages in this book speak to the depths of one’s inner being. Jerry White exposes his heart and mind allowing the reader to journey with him in his exploration of ‘life as he knows it’. UNTIL TODAY is a must add to any poetry collection. Jerry White has introduced to me a style of originality in the area of faith building Poetry. His work is phenomenal and will leave you in wait for another book in his collection.

So please join me in welcoming Jerry White today!!!

Jerry White

 

Tell us a little about yourself? 

I am married to someone I met in the second grade. We have known each other, now, longer than anyone else has known either of us our entire lives. We have a family of five children and 10 grandchildren. We have worked hard at being together and having a spiritually based family with deep relationships with each other as adults. That is great to see now from the north side of 60.

What events led to you becoming a writer? 

My writing began in high school. I wanted to be the shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles or the person who wrote about the shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles. I never played for the Orioles, or any other professional team, but I did become a lover of the written word. I kept a journal in high school of everyone’s weekend, or any other time’s, exploits in life. It was the original manuscript to American Graffiti, or whatever I would have named it. However, while away serving our country in the military my mom, bless her soul, threw it away with all my baseball cards and, for some reason still unknown, my high school annuals. I have been writing ever since. My youngest son is a musician of high caliber and I used to drill into him that if he wanted to play he had to play because players play and writers write. I still believe that and would give that advice to any and all aspiring writers…or players.

You write using short stories and poetry with Christian foundations; Who is Christ to you and why do you find it important to relay His message in your work?  

The use of my short stories in conjunction to my poetry is simply to give the background to a particular thought which brought the actual poem to life in me. Inspiration is the ugly sister to frustration as any writer will tell you but it is, to me, important to give the inspiration as well as the work completed. To the second part of you question Christ to me is my closest friend, my savior, my inspiration to all I do. That is why I feel compelled to share his words to me with others, his thoughts given me with others, his life saving sacrifice to others. He guides me along the path of righteousness and away from the tempter, with his spirit, he guards me against apostasy and falling away with his spirit, and he directs my actions to be those most beneficial to building His kingdom with his spirit. What is there not to share with others?

What inspired you to write this book?  

Until Today: Stories and Poems on Life as I Know It is a continuation of what has been 30 plus years of writing. I now have two collections of this work out in the world through Until Today and my first book Moments of Mine: A Collection of Thoughts in Poem. God has blessed me with words and I have, in the last 3 to five years, tried to share them with others. It has been my therapy and now I am sharing my thoughts with others.

What do you want your readers to take away from this book? 

My hope is that readers will find some solace in my words. My hope is that they will know that their experience is not unique to them, that they are not alone in their efforts, their joy, their humiliation, their frustration. We are all connected by what God has blessed us to take part in and experience.

Will you dabble in other writing styles? 

Most of my poetry rhymes and is, consequently, not taken in this time as serious poetry. I, of course, disagree. I think most people who enjoy the lyrics to a song enjoy the rhythmic nature of the words and would be disturbed if they had to interpret the meaning of each line of thought the writer had. However, I have, over the past couple of years, used other forms, like blank verse for example, which uses many poetic techniques to express the nature of the thought. I am finding it very flexible and I am getting used to it. I am finding my way along new roads now. I also, as you can tell in my books, like to tell short stories of events that express the same thoughts as my poems. After all, that is where they started.

What can you tell other writers to encourage them in pursuing their writing goals?

If you want your words to be read by others…you have to write them down.

Though you are a known published writer do you still partake in writing contests? If so why?

I don’t pursue contests as I used to do. I have found them frustrating that people who do not write are the ones who determine which piece wins the contest. I have chosen to no longer pursue contests.

Where can readers find your books?

My website at www.jmwhitebooks.com lists where you can purchase each of my books. Since only around 30% of all books published can find their way to the book shelves of book stores, it is easier to find them at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or my publisher’s website.

Where can readers find out more about what you are working on?

I do list projects that I am involved with on my website under, you guessed it, projects. I am a regular contributor to a couple of monthly publications and anything else I can busy myself with.

If you could use one word to describe yourself what would it be?

Attentive.

Out of all the places in the world to relax and pick up your pen and write where would you want to be?

My favorite place is near the ocean. The sound of the breeze blowing and the waves crashing to the beach are just God’s best ambient sounds to me. I, as does my wife, like the ocean.

 

 

 

Author Interview with Dana Pratola

I love romance. I love reading Christian romance because the message of Christ is just as prevalent as the tension that the romance brings. I love this type of romance because it keeps you glued to the very pages, knowing in the end because Christ is in the mix something great will happen. Romance is amazing but even more so when there is a twist to the story that keeps you turning the page. Finding books such as these are shelf keepers you go back and read over and over again instead of popping in that romantic movie.

I am so honored today to have author Dana Pratola here giving us a little insight into the inspiration behind her inspirational romance “The Covering”

Dana Pratola

Welcome Dana Pratola I am so thrilled to host you today.

What made you want to become a writer?

It’s been there as long as I can remember. My dad used to read to me every night and once I learned to read I hit the ground running, as it were. I read everything. Writing was just a natural progression.

What is your writing process (do you build a synopsis first or do you just begin writing for example)?

I usually have a scene or a few scenes in mind and I build around those. I write an overview, basically writing the story in a few pages, then break the scenes into chunks and fill in all the blanks between.

You write what is considered Christian Fiction; who is Christ to you and why do you find it important to relay His message in your work?

I love this question. I could go on for hours about this one topic, but space won’t permit so let me just say Christ is EVERYTHING to me. He’s my Lord, Savior, Friend, Comforter, etc. Whatever I need, whenever, He’s it. But I think the world is used to being told that God is wrathful, angry and just looking to punish. While it’s important to respect God’s awesome power and judgment, He’s a God of love! The whole point of Jesus is love. We can’t adhere to God’s standard – ever – so God said, “you know what? I require absolute holiness and I know you can’t pull it off, but Jesus will sacrifice Himself in your place so that when you sin it won’t be charged to you because He already paid for it. Clean slate.” I think everyone should know that God, and that it’s never too late to come to Him no matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been.

See? I’m babbling, lol.

You have written an inspirational romance novel “The Covering” what is your inspiration behind writing romance?

For me romance is the main focus. A book or movie might be great, but charge it with a romantic edge and I’m hooked. The dynamic between men and women is really the foundation of our society – be fruitful and multiply. I guess it goes back to sacrifice. I love to write about characters who are so invested in one another that the rest of the world is secondary 😉

Can you give us a little insight about the main characters of “The Covering”?

Tessa is a Christian. She’s all about doing the right thing and doesn’t believe anyone is hopeless. She’s not happy with her life and is in the process of getting it in order when Gunnar topples her apple cart (figuratively speaking).

Gunnar is…intense. He wants nothing to do with God. He’s been abused, abandoned, and has made some really bad choices with his life. He’s not sure there is such a thing as salvation and doesn’t know if he’d want it if there were. But he wants Tessa.

Will we see any romantic ‘series’ coming from you?

As a matter of fact, I’m just completing the first book of a series. It’s romantic/paranormal/suspense I guess you’d say. I hope to have it out in the next few months but we’ll see how the Lord moves.

What are you working on now?

Apart from the series, I’m working on several other projects. I’m trying not to skip around too much from one to the other because then nothing gets done.

What can you tell other writers to encourage them in pursuing their writing goals?

Don’t waste time, and Don’t waste time. I know there are writers who won’t like to hear this, but pray first that it’s what God wants for you.  Your desire to write a book doesn’t always mean it’s God’s will, and people waste time they could have been using on what is really meant for them. Once you figure out you’re meant to write, Don’t Waste Time. Pray. Work. Read. Repeat. I need to take my own advice here because I’m a habitual procrastinator.

Where can readers find your books?

Amazon.com: http://ow.ly/aKAX6

Barnes and Noble.com: http://ow.ly/aKB7c

Pelican Book Group: http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php 

Where can readers find out more about what you are working on?

There are reviews and excerpts on my website: www.danapratola.webs.com

Do you have a favorite quote? If so what is it?

My favorite quote changes from day to day. Today it’s probably,  “Live long and prosper.”

Would you give us a little teaser excerpt from “The Covering”?

BLURB: What do a Christian woman and a faithless biker have in common? The devil of course.

EXCERPT:

“Your pastor says I’m marked for death.”

The abruptness of the announcement left her momentarily speechless and quite unsure she’d heard correctly. “What?”

“He thinks the devil’s trying to kill me.”

She looked closely for any sign of humor, but Gunnar didn’t have a sense of humor she was aware of.

“Why does he think that?” she asked.

“I told you I have nightmares, right?” Tessa nodded. Gunnar ran his finger along the edge of his napkin. “Well it goes a little beyond that.”

Tessa listened, enthralled, as Gunnar described in terrifying detail what he suffered in the night. A few things made more sense – his hostility for one – and she now had a better grasp of what pushed him toward suicide. God, how had he coped so long with the torment?

“I’d say Pastor’s right,” Tessa said when he finished.

“Great.”

The waiter arrived with their plates then disappeared. “You said when you had the gun to your head,” she shivered inwardly, “it didn’t feel like you. It felt like you were being driven.” Gunnar met her eyes across the table. “I believe you were.”

“Demons, right?” he asked. Tessa inclined her head. “Can they do that?”

“They can’t pick up your gun and shoot you with it,” she said. “But they can be persuasive.”

“Yeah,” he grumbled.

Tessa glanced around the small room. To an eavesdropper the conversation would seem like mumbo jumbo and ordinarily she wouldn’t care if strangers thought her “out there” or weird, but she kept her voice low in consideration for Gunnar’s privacy.

“When was the last time you had one of those dreams?” she asked.

“It’s been a while. Thank God.” He made a sound exactly between a chuckle and a snicker. “I mean that.”

This time when Tessa reached for his hand he left it under hers, turning it upward to lightly grip her fingers. “But you don’t think it’s the end,” Tessa said.

He topped her thumb with his and rubbed gently. “It’s like they’re constantly hovering. Waiting for the right time.”

Tessa refused to acknowledge the chill that swept through her.

“I know when they come for me, I won’t be able to stop it,” Gunnar said. “And one of these times they’ll pull me back there and I won’t come out.”

 

 

 

 

 

Spotlight on Author Vanessa Sisson

I love christian authors. We all share the same 2 loves…writing and making the center of our work focused on Christ. As a debuting author myself getting ready to release my own novel I find it hard not to support and highlight others who have been where I am and who are where I plan to go. Today I will be introducing you to debuting author Vanessa Sisson. I came to know Vanessa through one of our social medias. She is so sweet and humble. The love of God flows through every word she sets forth. I am not only thrilled to highlight her today, I am honored.

Vanessa Sisson has just released her debut novella a contemporary romance entitled, “The Clash of the Bridesmaids”. So please join with me in welcoming debuting author Vanessa Sisson to our blog today.

Vanessa Sisson
connect with Vanessa via
twitter @fashpashFaith
blog http://fashionpassionfaith.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vanessa Sisson resides in Texas, with her husband, daughter, and two dogs. She writes for Fashion Passion Faith Books, her own publishing company. Vanessa also manages a weekly blog, in which she interviews and promotes Christian authors. She is also an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

She believes her novellas are much the same as listening in on the intimate conversations of modern Christian women. And has a heart for bringing relatable fiction to the table. While each novella is full of real life, the joys of finding love, and the heart ache it comes with at times; the underlying message is still the same. The need for Him and the sweet whispers of our Savior are sprinkled throughout the pages.

Most of her books are set in a fictitious town called Marvel, Texas. It’s actually inspired by her hometown Navasota, Texas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excerpt from THE CLASH OF THE BRIDESMAIDS

This isn’t our first rodeo. Well, dress hunting session. We’d been to Stockton more than a few times, and searched high and low on the internet. No such luck.

“Oh, I hate this dress!” Amanda whines from inside the dressing room.

She tried on ten different dresses before this one, and they were all just as hideous, according to her. I thought she looked beautiful in every one of them, but my opinion doesn’t matter.  I return my attention back to the article in a women’s magazine, hoping the meltdown will be short lived. Not a chance.

Amanda Cates storms out with the gown sleeves falling off her shoulders. Her usually tanned face burns red, and her bottom lip quivers. I need to pull her together and fast, before she gets us thrown out. Becky had shown tons of patience with her, but I can tell it’s running out.

Becky sighs heavily, and smooths back her puffy, bleached hair. “Is there anything else you want me to get for you, sweetie?”

I glance over at Amanda, hopeful that she will say no and just call it a day.

“Hmmm…I know what I want.  Y’all don’t stock couture dresses?” She rolls her eyes at Becky. Poor lady.

“No, but maybe you could find a pattern or something and hire Gayle. I heard she makes nice dresses.” I’m not sure Miss Becky knows the meaning of couture.

“Find a pattern? Are you kidding?” Amanda marches off to the dressing room and mumbles every step of the way.

“I’m so sorry.” I grit my teeth. My cheeks feel flushed. If only there was a rock I could hide under. Oh, I don’t know for the rest of my life.

“Oh, don’t you worry little Natalie Griffin; you’re just as precious as you can be.” Her thin pink lips turn upward, and she pats me on the shoulder. It seems she sympathizes with me. It’s nice, but it won’t help. Unless she is willing to knock Amanda out, and toss her in my trunk, there is no help necessary. I chuckle, and quickly rebuke myself for such salty thoughts.

“Nat! I can’t unzip the dress. Hello, help!” She growls from somewhere in the back of the store.

“Excuse me, Becky.” I quickly head to the dressing room to see the crisis my best friend is in this time. Everything has always been a crisis for her.

Her hair is a mess, make-up dribbles down her forehead, since it’s warm in the store, and the dress is stuck under the chest area. It’s a sight! I muffle a giggle.

I don’t know why she doesn’t remember to unzip the dress before trying to take it off. Did the hustle and bustle of being a bride-to-be cause slight memory loss? Does the gal even use common sense lately?

“Hey, let me take you for lunch at Jane’s Burger House. We can split a burger and fries?” I lick my lips when I think about a juicy cheeseburger all the way with jalapenos, my stomach growls in protest. It’s just what I need after a day like this.

“Oh my goodness, Are you my best friend? Are you my maid of honor?” She is being over-the-top-dramatic.

“Um yes but––”

“Then why are you trying to make me fat?” She shrieks, and throws her arms up in the air. She laments loudly. “Ouiser, you are a pig from…” She starts.

I give her my look. And she stops mid-sentence.

She slips on a flowing, romantic blouse. Fat? I’m staring at her ribcage. She probably weighs one hundred and fifteen pounds, and that’s being generous. The girl is skinny. There are times when I want to shake her around and say “snap out of it.” But, as usual, I just take it. I never say a word. That’s what friends are for and all that.

That’s our relationship, and has been for as long as I can remember. Amanda says it and that settles it. I pretty much go along with whatever for the sake of avoiding confrontation. It’s not worth it. She would get all rowdy and I would remain calm. Then after a couple of minutes she would cool down and it was like nothing happened. Why go there?