Greetings!
Aren't Amber and Allana Angels amazing? I have insider's information to know just how much each of them does outside of their writing personas... truly amazing people. That's why they are Angels.
Sable Angel here. All of the positive thinking and good wishes of family and friends has come through for Sable Angel and her wingman. She is now working a job which puts food on the table and keeps the roof over our heads. I've been able to write [looming deadline] and get some work done for the publishing house. I'm also beginning to do the things I moved back to Oregon to do. It's very wonderful to spend time with children and grandchildren.
I'm keeping in touch with the writing world and indulging myself in Middle Eastern dancing [laymen's terms - belly dancing]. It has become apparent Sable's wingman has flown his last mission, physical limitations hampering his flight, so Sable is the main breadwinner now.
Just means I have to get busy on the Dragon story. Wingman is certain it is a best seller. It was to be a trilogy but I've rethought the story and decided to go for a series. Just too many dragons' stories to fit into a trilogy. Now to find the time...
Thank you all for your continued positive thoughts. Know they helped and I'll be passing them forward to someone else who needs them.
Don't forget to circle May 9th on your calendars. Rogue's Angels along with another Rogue Phoenix author, Rosemary Indra, will be signing books at The Blue Pepper, Commercial Street, in Salem from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Come see if we keep all our feathers or if some wind up on the floor.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Here is Genene--Amber Angel
Rogue: What inspired you to start writing?
Amber: I read a book I didn't particularly care for and thought, "I can write better than that!" Of course, once I actually sat down to write, I learned it's not quite as easy as saying, "I'm going to write a book."
Rogue: How did you come up with the idea for your trilogy, Songs of the Heart, Feathers on the Floor, and Stars in Your Eyes?
Amber: Like most females, I had a crush or two on rock stars when I was a teenager. However, the stereotypical rock star is not known for being faithful to one woman. But I played one of my favorite writing exercises--What If. What If a rock star loves one woman enough to be faithful? What If that woman has a secret that won't let her trust his love? What If their love is strong enough to overcome their fears and the interference of well-meaning friends and family? Though I rewrote SONGS OF THE HEART many times over the fourteen years it took for the idea to develop into a publishable story, Geoff and Shannon were two characters who stayed in my mind until I gave them their happily-ever-after.
The idea for FEATHERS ON THE FLOOR developed as I was writing SONGS. A former bodyguard who handled physical confrontation every day and a studious psychiatrist who resolved conflict with calming words are pretty opposite personalities. However, as Julia faced a husband who turned abusive and Mitch's emotional trauma from the past surfaced, they were perfect to help each other heal.
STARS IN YOUR EYES was also born as I wrote SONGS OF THE HEART. Zach and Lauren had been in love for years but were too busy convincing themselves that their separate lives were perfect to admit they really wanted each other. When Zach suffers a heart attack, he and Lauren realize they've wasted a lot of time they could have been sharing.
Rogue: What expertise did you bring to your writing and these three books?
All three books deal with deeply emotional issues--including losing a child, domestic violence, facing death--and finding the courage to heal and open your heart to loving again. In the years I worked for a social service agency and in my personal life, I've seen people do this. It still amazes me!
Rogue: What would you like your readers to know about you that may not be in your bio?
Amber: I love dogs--all sizes and breeds and personalities. They are incredible teachers if only we pay attention to the lessons they offer.
Rogue: A little on the personal side, what can you tell us about your plans for your dog sanctuary?
Amber: I was just under a year old when a Collie came into my life. He was my pillow, my protector and my confidante. He started my life-long love affair with dogs. When I started working at the local animal shelter about three years ago, I realized many dogs who didn't do well in a shelter absolutely blossomed when they went home with a family. So my dream of a very special dog rescue and sanctuary took root. Animal communicators to greet new arrivals and explain what was happening. Healing hands to soothe and comfort. Soft beds to sleep on and people to cuddle with. Other dogs to play with and an ever-changing range of smells to explore. My goal is to sell my house in town and buy property where my current crew of dogs and I can settle in, then start welcoming new arrivals. You can read a bit about us at <http://www.quantumcanines.com/>.
Rogue: As far as writing goes, what are your future plans?
Amber: After three releases in less than twelve months, this year has slowed down as I focus on setting up a dog rescue and sanctuary. My next release will be a novella in an anthology from Rogue Phoenix Press in February 2010 with two authors I have known and respected for many years. After that novella is finished, I'll be working on a series of nine drama/action romance books that are impatiently waiting to be written.
Rogue: Anything else you might want to add?
Amber: I love to sponsor contests and give away prizes. We're running contests on the Rogue's Angels blog <http://www.roguesangels.blogspot.com/> and I'll also soon be announcing a new contest on my writing Web site at <genene@genenevalleau.com>. I hope you take the time to enter--and maybe win!
Thank you so much: Genene/Amber
Amber: I read a book I didn't particularly care for and thought, "I can write better than that!" Of course, once I actually sat down to write, I learned it's not quite as easy as saying, "I'm going to write a book."
Rogue: How did you come up with the idea for your trilogy, Songs of the Heart, Feathers on the Floor, and Stars in Your Eyes?
Amber: Like most females, I had a crush or two on rock stars when I was a teenager. However, the stereotypical rock star is not known for being faithful to one woman. But I played one of my favorite writing exercises--What If. What If a rock star loves one woman enough to be faithful? What If that woman has a secret that won't let her trust his love? What If their love is strong enough to overcome their fears and the interference of well-meaning friends and family? Though I rewrote SONGS OF THE HEART many times over the fourteen years it took for the idea to develop into a publishable story, Geoff and Shannon were two characters who stayed in my mind until I gave them their happily-ever-after.
The idea for FEATHERS ON THE FLOOR developed as I was writing SONGS. A former bodyguard who handled physical confrontation every day and a studious psychiatrist who resolved conflict with calming words are pretty opposite personalities. However, as Julia faced a husband who turned abusive and Mitch's emotional trauma from the past surfaced, they were perfect to help each other heal.
STARS IN YOUR EYES was also born as I wrote SONGS OF THE HEART. Zach and Lauren had been in love for years but were too busy convincing themselves that their separate lives were perfect to admit they really wanted each other. When Zach suffers a heart attack, he and Lauren realize they've wasted a lot of time they could have been sharing.
Rogue: What expertise did you bring to your writing and these three books?
All three books deal with deeply emotional issues--including losing a child, domestic violence, facing death--and finding the courage to heal and open your heart to loving again. In the years I worked for a social service agency and in my personal life, I've seen people do this. It still amazes me!
Rogue: What would you like your readers to know about you that may not be in your bio?
Amber: I love dogs--all sizes and breeds and personalities. They are incredible teachers if only we pay attention to the lessons they offer.
Rogue: A little on the personal side, what can you tell us about your plans for your dog sanctuary?
Amber: I was just under a year old when a Collie came into my life. He was my pillow, my protector and my confidante. He started my life-long love affair with dogs. When I started working at the local animal shelter about three years ago, I realized many dogs who didn't do well in a shelter absolutely blossomed when they went home with a family. So my dream of a very special dog rescue and sanctuary took root. Animal communicators to greet new arrivals and explain what was happening. Healing hands to soothe and comfort. Soft beds to sleep on and people to cuddle with. Other dogs to play with and an ever-changing range of smells to explore. My goal is to sell my house in town and buy property where my current crew of dogs and I can settle in, then start welcoming new arrivals. You can read a bit about us at <http://www.quantumcanines.com/>.
Rogue: As far as writing goes, what are your future plans?
Amber: After three releases in less than twelve months, this year has slowed down as I focus on setting up a dog rescue and sanctuary. My next release will be a novella in an anthology from Rogue Phoenix Press in February 2010 with two authors I have known and respected for many years. After that novella is finished, I'll be working on a series of nine drama/action romance books that are impatiently waiting to be written.
Rogue: Anything else you might want to add?
Amber: I love to sponsor contests and give away prizes. We're running contests on the Rogue's Angels blog <http://www.roguesangels.blogspot.com/> and I'll also soon be announcing a new contest on my writing Web site at <genene@genenevalleau.com>. I hope you take the time to enter--and maybe win!
Thank you so much: Genene/Amber
Thursday, April 16, 2009
NEED A HUG AND A KISS? (Of the chocolate variety, that is!)
Posted by: Amber AngelProgress on novella: deep edits
The sun is shining. It's a beautiful day in my corner of the world. And I'm chipping away at edits on my novella, CHASING RAINBOWS. It's going slower than I had hoped, but I'm used to writing stories of 50,000-75,000 words rather the novella size of 30,000. Angel Allana is probably chuckling since her stories are usually around 100,000 words.
This is a good editing review for me. I'm looking at every scene. First of all, does it need to be in the story? Then, does it move the story forward? Can it do double duty with another scene?
I'm also looking at every character. I tend to write a lot of secondary characters in my stories. No room for that in a novella. Subplots begone! And woe to the secondary character who tries to take over the main action!
Eventually I'll get down to making every word count. It's gotta be important or it doesn't go in. :)
So, readers and writers, please weigh in. Do you have any novellas on your "keeper" shelf? Have you read (or written) a shorter story that really stuck with you? Or did those stories get pushed aside by longer novels?
Anyone who comments will be entered in the next drawing (which I have been totally lax about doing--my apologies!) The next drawing will be May 14--nine months before the release of the Rogue's Angels' anthology, of which CHASING RAINBOWS will be a part. Production of this anthology will be picking up in a couple months. But I gotta finish the story first!
P.S. Goodies in this drawing will include hugs and kisses (of the chocolate variety!), a cute and cuddly stuffed Valentine's dog, a heart candy dish, heart candles...yep, we're celebrating Valentine's Day all year long until the release of the Rogue's Angels' anthology in February 2010!
The sun is shining. It's a beautiful day in my corner of the world. And I'm chipping away at edits on my novella, CHASING RAINBOWS. It's going slower than I had hoped, but I'm used to writing stories of 50,000-75,000 words rather the novella size of 30,000. Angel Allana is probably chuckling since her stories are usually around 100,000 words.
This is a good editing review for me. I'm looking at every scene. First of all, does it need to be in the story? Then, does it move the story forward? Can it do double duty with another scene?
I'm also looking at every character. I tend to write a lot of secondary characters in my stories. No room for that in a novella. Subplots begone! And woe to the secondary character who tries to take over the main action!
Eventually I'll get down to making every word count. It's gotta be important or it doesn't go in. :)
So, readers and writers, please weigh in. Do you have any novellas on your "keeper" shelf? Have you read (or written) a shorter story that really stuck with you? Or did those stories get pushed aside by longer novels?
Anyone who comments will be entered in the next drawing (which I have been totally lax about doing--my apologies!) The next drawing will be May 14--nine months before the release of the Rogue's Angels' anthology, of which CHASING RAINBOWS will be a part. Production of this anthology will be picking up in a couple months. But I gotta finish the story first!
P.S. Goodies in this drawing will include hugs and kisses (of the chocolate variety!), a cute and cuddly stuffed Valentine's dog, a heart candy dish, heart candles...yep, we're celebrating Valentine's Day all year long until the release of the Rogue's Angels' anthology in February 2010!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Interview: Preston Sexton--Thirst of Youth
Rogue: What inspired you to start writing? and why horror?
Preston: I started writing poetry or something that resembled poetry while I was in the Navy. I never knew before that time at sea that I even enjoyed writing. My inspiration was the solitude of the Pacific Ocean. You’d be surprised how alone you are when you’re surrounded by 350 people for six months. Horror has always been my favorite genre. I didn’t read a lot before. But I watched a lot of movies. My wife says I am morbid but I say I am creative. I love fear. A person can do amazing things when they learn to turn their fear into a motivator.
Rogue: How did you come up with the idea of the Vamptillians?
Preston: Vampires have been explored in a variety of ways. Some are day walkers but most aren’t. They never explain how the typical vampire can’t survive the sun while others can. I just thought I would explain away the day walking. It also gives me more options to explore in later books.
Rogue: What expertise did you bring to your writing?
Preston: I wish I could say there was a lot of expertise involved in writing Thirst of Youth. My wife is from Oregon and I have driven the roads Justin travelled. I was in the Navy and know how sailors can act when they are drinking. I have been to a rave or two but I left a lot of the real activity of a rave out of the story. I grew up in a neighborhood like the one Justin settled in when he moved to Long Beach. So some of the things are familiar but I am no expert.
Rogue: What would you like your readers to know about you that may not be in your bio?
Preston: I will get better--not only as a writer but in all aspects of my life. I pride myself on getting better in everything I do. If it is going to represent me, then I want it to be the best. I am a bit morbid so future writings will probably be more gruesome and more scary. I will be a better writer, with every book. I have many more to come. Some of my other hobbies are drawing--hopefully I will get into comics in the near future. I love football. I mean really, really, love football.
Rouge: A little on the personal side but, how did you start out in the Navy and end up in the Army? Isn't that a bit unusual?
Preston: It isn’t as unusual as you might think. Many of the best soldiers were sailors or marines. What would be unusual is going in the opposite direction (from the Army to the Navy). I never thought I’d end up in the military. In fact, in high school, I was completely against the idea. That’s when life happened and before I was ready for it, I was a father. I made the choice to forgo other dreams and join the military. The Navy, for lack of a better word--SUCKED! Yet it taught me a lot about myself and what I really wanted from my life. I got out after my four years of service and realized I had no real skills that were transferable to a civilian career. And again before I was ready, I had another person come into the world dependant upon me to make a better way. I knew I was good at the military by that point and knew that the Army had jobs that could easily transfer into a civilian career. After a few years in the Army, I decided it would be more beneficial for me to make a career out of the military. So far I have been right. God willing (or whoever you believe to be the highest power), I will walk away in good health and proud of my time serving our great country.
Rogue: Anything else you would like to add?
Preston: I’d like to thank all the readers. I hope they enjoy the book and follow me as I progress in writing. I would also like to thank everyone at Rogue Phoenix Press for their words of advice and hard work. I would like to thank my family, friends, and fellow soldiers for inspiring me to continue to strive for my dreams. And finally, thank you for your time and interest in me.
Preston: I started writing poetry or something that resembled poetry while I was in the Navy. I never knew before that time at sea that I even enjoyed writing. My inspiration was the solitude of the Pacific Ocean. You’d be surprised how alone you are when you’re surrounded by 350 people for six months. Horror has always been my favorite genre. I didn’t read a lot before. But I watched a lot of movies. My wife says I am morbid but I say I am creative. I love fear. A person can do amazing things when they learn to turn their fear into a motivator.
Rogue: How did you come up with the idea of the Vamptillians?
Preston: Vampires have been explored in a variety of ways. Some are day walkers but most aren’t. They never explain how the typical vampire can’t survive the sun while others can. I just thought I would explain away the day walking. It also gives me more options to explore in later books.
Rogue: What expertise did you bring to your writing?
Preston: I wish I could say there was a lot of expertise involved in writing Thirst of Youth. My wife is from Oregon and I have driven the roads Justin travelled. I was in the Navy and know how sailors can act when they are drinking. I have been to a rave or two but I left a lot of the real activity of a rave out of the story. I grew up in a neighborhood like the one Justin settled in when he moved to Long Beach. So some of the things are familiar but I am no expert.
Rogue: What would you like your readers to know about you that may not be in your bio?
Preston: I will get better--not only as a writer but in all aspects of my life. I pride myself on getting better in everything I do. If it is going to represent me, then I want it to be the best. I am a bit morbid so future writings will probably be more gruesome and more scary. I will be a better writer, with every book. I have many more to come. Some of my other hobbies are drawing--hopefully I will get into comics in the near future. I love football. I mean really, really, love football.
Rouge: A little on the personal side but, how did you start out in the Navy and end up in the Army? Isn't that a bit unusual?
Preston: It isn’t as unusual as you might think. Many of the best soldiers were sailors or marines. What would be unusual is going in the opposite direction (from the Army to the Navy). I never thought I’d end up in the military. In fact, in high school, I was completely against the idea. That’s when life happened and before I was ready for it, I was a father. I made the choice to forgo other dreams and join the military. The Navy, for lack of a better word--SUCKED! Yet it taught me a lot about myself and what I really wanted from my life. I got out after my four years of service and realized I had no real skills that were transferable to a civilian career. And again before I was ready, I had another person come into the world dependant upon me to make a better way. I knew I was good at the military by that point and knew that the Army had jobs that could easily transfer into a civilian career. After a few years in the Army, I decided it would be more beneficial for me to make a career out of the military. So far I have been right. God willing (or whoever you believe to be the highest power), I will walk away in good health and proud of my time serving our great country.
Rogue: Anything else you would like to add?
Preston: I’d like to thank all the readers. I hope they enjoy the book and follow me as I progress in writing. I would also like to thank everyone at Rogue Phoenix Press for their words of advice and hard work. I would like to thank my family, friends, and fellow soldiers for inspiring me to continue to strive for my dreams. And finally, thank you for your time and interest in me.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
The Talisman
I've been working on the cover for my next Rogue Phoenix Release, The Talisman. It's the sequel to The Locket which was released in November. I'm also trying to get the rights back from Kensington Publishing house for the two books which came before The Locket, Dakota's Bride and My Angel. I'm hoping that sometime in the next few months, I'll recieve the good news.
I've also been working on the last book in this series. It doesn't have a title yet. But it's Jacob and Etta's story. I remeber Kate Duffy at Kensington, hoping for Jacob's story to be the second in the series. Ah well, it's been over 10 years and finally Jacob gets his own story.
Christine
I've also been working on the last book in this series. It doesn't have a title yet. But it's Jacob and Etta's story. I remeber Kate Duffy at Kensington, hoping for Jacob's story to be the second in the series. Ah well, it's been over 10 years and finally Jacob gets his own story.
Christine
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