Draggin' Wings

Hello all!

Sable Angel here and my wings are draggin'! These last few days have been wonderfully insane. Thursday I had an interview I'll go into later, Friday my BFF and I [and Wingman] went to a concert put on at one of the casinos on the Oregon coast. The group was, as my BFF described to her father, a "hair and spandex band from the 80's" I hadn't gotten to see in their prime. She and I loved every minute while Wingman pried open his piggy bank and played the penny slots until the concert ended. Saturday, Wingman and I celebrated 17 years of flying wingtip to wingtip. Quite an accomplishment as most bets were we wouldn't last two years!

Today I'm meeting with Amber Angel to brainstorm a marketing strategy for my newest book, Shattered Tomorrows. Amber is the amazing artist who created the cover.

To the aforementioned interview... I was interviewed by the local paper's neighborhood edition editor regarding Shattered Tomorrows. Like many in town, I have many connections to the May 7, 1981 mass shooting at the Oregon Museum Tavern in Salem, Oregon which triggered the book's idea. I spent over an hour with the editor who had done her homework and asked some very poignant and direct questions. I can only hope the passion I put into the writing of the book comes across in the article. Only time will tell.

I'm resting up to employ my brain cells later with Amber Angel so have to take my leave.

Fly safely and don't overuse your wings.

Sable Angel

Available August 5th @ http://www.roguephoenixpress.com/

WELCOME OUR GUEST, MELISSA McCLONE

Please welcome Melissa McClone, our guest today at the Rogue's Angels blog. Melissa's latest release, NOT-SO-PERFECT PRINCESS, is a Harlequin Romance release. Thank you, Melissa, for sharing more about you and your writing!

What or who inspired you to start writing? Reading romance novels inspired me to start writing. I kept a diary when I was younger but never put a lot of thought into being a writer. A friend and I talked about writing a category romance together after I'd started reading of them, but it was right before high school graduation and nothing came of it. After college, I had more time and decided to try writing a romance novel.

How did you come up with ideas for your books? For Not-So-Perfect Princess, I had a secondary character that was in two other books. I took some of the details from those stories and brainstormed a plot around those things. With Expecting Royal Twins, I kept thinking "What if?" In my RITA® finalist book, Christmas Magic on the Mountain, I changed the opening and plot after a friend who is a member of Portland Mountain Rescue fell on Mount Hood. The first book in the series came from watching news stories on a Mount Hood rescue in December 2006.

Do you have any plans to write something besides category romance? I love writing category romances and recently signed a new contract with Harlequin Romance. I'll be pretty busy writing books for them over the next year so there's no free time to be trying something else. But someday I'll probably try writing something with a longer word count. Just not sure when that will be.

Are there any TV shows that give you inspiration for your writing? I don't have much free time to watch TV. With my current work-in-progress, my editor mentioned the show Friday Night Lights. Over the weekend, I tuned in via On-Demand and watched the last five shows of the season. My book isn't set in Texas nor does it involve football, but the dynamics of how sports affect the small town did interest me and gave me some ideas. Several years ago, I did find inspiration in television shows, especially reality TV programming. Survivor became inspiration for my Silhouette Romance The Wedding Adventure. I used also The Bachelor and Amazing Race to come up with my Harlequin Romance Win, Lose…Or Wed!

What expertise did you bring to your writing? None. I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I didn't take any writing or English courses in college due to exempting out of them due to passing the AP English test in high school.

What would you want your readers to know about you that might not be in your bio? I feel blessed to have the job I do. I love writing romance novels so much. And even though they are 50,000 words, I do a lot of research to make sure things are at least plausible. Research is one of my favorite parts of writing.

As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans? I have four books to write by this time next year so I really can't see past that at the moment.

If you could be one of the characters from any of your books, who would it be and why? It would be Leanne Thomas, the heroine from my upcoming November release, Firefighter Under the Mistletoe. She's a paramedic and a mountain rescue volunteer. I'd love to know what it'd be like to ski and climb at an expert level. Plus it would be fun to hang out with all the hot guys she works and climbs with.

Do you belong to a critique group? If so, how does this help or hinder your writing? I don't belong to a critique group now but I used to many years ago. I've actually belonged to a few--one in Arizona, two in the Bay Area and one in Oregon. I think critique groups are very helpful! But sometimes a writer moves or a group no longer meets a writer's needs.

When did you first decide to submit your work? Please tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step? I submitted once I had finished a complete novel. I can't remember if I pitched at a conference or sent a query letter, but members from my very first RWA chapter, Desert Rose in Arizona, encouraged me to submit.

What is the best and worst advice you ever received? (regarding writing or publishing)

Best advice: It's not personal! This was something huge for me to realize at the start of the career. The rejection of a project wasn't a rejection of me. It was a business decision, nothing else.

Worst advice: I honestly can't think of any. If it sounded bad or wrong, I probably just ignored it and that's why I can't remember it now.

Do you outline your books or just start writing? I have a detailed synopsis I follow. I am so not a pantster!

Do you have any hobbies and does the knowledge you've gained from these carry over into your characters or the plot of your books? I love to ski, rock climb, and read. I wouldn't call sailing a hobby these days, but it's something I did in the past and plays a big role in my current release Not-So-Perfect Princess. I learned to rock climb as part of the research for a book I was writing and have used that along with skiing in subsequent stories.

Do you have an all time favorite book? I have two. The Bible and The Stand by Stephen King.

Have you started your next project? If so, can you share a little bit about your book? I started a new project a couple of weeks ago. The working title is Goal…Wedding! The hero is a professional soccer player. The heroine is taking care of her nephew while his parents are away on a military deployment. I haven't got too much more than that written at the moment!

Your interview will be posted at the end of July. Is there a family summer tradition or recipe you would like to share? Our family summer tradition is making S'mores. It doesn't matter whether we're home or away. S'mores are the dessert of choice from June to September. I even got a firepit for Mother's Day last year to make things not only easier but more like our camping trips!

What is your favorite reality show? It used to be Amazing Race. Now I'd have to say Sing-off.

Who is your favorite actor and actress? This is a hard question, because it changes for me. I'd say my favorite actor at the moment is Jake Gyllenhal. I can't really think of an actress.

Anything else you might want to add? I have two more days on my virtual book tour. At the end of the tour I'll be giving away a $20 Amazon gift card. To enter just post a comment at one of the stops. If you want to know where to go, visit my website at http://www.melissamcclone.com. There will be links on Monday and Tuesday to the stops!

I appreciate you having me here today! Thanks!

5 Angel Wings for Shattered Tomorrows by C.L. Kraemer

Reviewer – Lori N.

Angel Reviews

Five Angels Wings

Shattered Tomorrows

By C. L. Kraemer

This book made me crazy, yet I loved it! The story sucked me into the action from the first page and I watched it unfold with each chapter. I'm a Salemite but too young to have been out in the clubs at that time. However, I don't remember hearing this story, and Ms. Kraemer's tale sent me to older friends who were at the Oregon Museum Tavern the night of the event.

Lucy Daniels has her life all set until Gregg Halstrom shows up. Tall and good-looking, he fits the picture of the "perfect" Prince Charming. Lucy fights falling for this handsome bartender but finds her heart being swept away with his caring and sensitivity. She's quickly heading toward love. Add to this mix, a brooding figure hovering in the background monitoring Lucy's every move. Dubbed "The Strange One" by the bartenders and waitresses of the clubs he enters, Richard White has made it his mission in life to protect the woman he fancies--Lucy Daniels.

Because of Richard's maniacal devotion to Lucy, many around her will be in danger.

The author states this is a fiction novel based loosely on facts but I have to wonder, what part was fiction and what part is fact?

I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys mystery and true crime literature as Shattered Tomorrows is well written and a worthy addition to any book collection.

Once again Ms. Kraemer delivers a story deserving of five Angel Wings.

buy at http://www.roguephoenixpress.com on August 1st

WELCOME, TERRI REED!

Please welcome Terri Reed, our guest today at the Rogue's Angels blog. Terri's latest release, THE INNOCENT WITNESS, is an inspirational romantic suspense released by Love Inspired at the first of July. I learned more about Terri in this interview and think you will also. Enjoy!

What or who inspired you to start writing?

I’ve wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember. I used to tell myself stories all the time. My teachers in grade school, high school and college encouraged my creative writing. In fact, in my first year of college, after reading a short story I’d written, my English professor suggested I think about writing for Harlequin. I’d sure love to go back and tell him I’m doing that now.

How do you come up with ideas for your books? 


Every story starts with some little kernel of an idea that when explored blossoms into a plot. The idea for The Innocent Witness came from a news article from 2002 about a plane crash that killed a US Senator. There was some question as to whether the crash was murder or an accident. I started wondering who would kill a political figure and why.

Do you have any plans to write something besides inspirational or inspirational suspense?

No plans at the moment. I do have ideas for a bigger, grittier thriller and ideas for a women’s fiction book. But Love Inspired keeps me busy so I haven’t had time to work on anything else.

Are there any TV shows that are Inspirational that you like?

I used to watch Touched by An Angel when it was on. I really enjoyed the message and the interactions between the characters.

What expertise did you bring to your writing?

Hmmm. Not sure I did. LOL.

As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans?

I will continue to write for Love Inspired until I can’t. Someday hope to do the other stories I mentioned earlier.

If you could be one of the characters from any of your books, who would it be and why?

Hmmm, not sure I would. I tend to torture my poor characters.

Do you belong to a critique group? If so how does this help or hinder your writing?

I do belong to a critique group. I’ve been working with the same two women for over sixteen years. Its been a great working relationship and we’ve developed close friendships as well. Having people who you feel comfortable sharing your work with is very helpful. They see the rough stuff and help to polish it with honest and helpful comments.

When did you first decide to submit your work? Please tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step?

My critique partners were hugely instrumental in my quest to submit. I didn’t know anything about how to submit but they walked me through it.

What is the best and worst advice you ever received? (regarding writing or publishing)

Best advice: Not sure who said this first, I’ve heard several authors say it—you can’t fix a blank page. I have this typed up and stuck to my wall behind my computer as a reminder that the first draft can be rough, it can be fixed.

Worse advice: if a project doesn’t sell, move on to the next. Okay, I get the logic but then again I go back to the best advice. My first book that sold was also the first book I wrote. It took me ten years of fixing it to make it saleable. I also wrote three others in that ten years, but I always went back to each one and fixed them after I learned something new in a workshop. All three books have been released with Love Inspired.

Do you outline your books or just start writing?

I’m a huge plotter. I have to have my road map (detailed 20-25 page synopsis). Though I can take detours and side trips, I always come back to the map. I think it helps me to write fast and keep the story straight.

Do you have any hobbies and does the knowledge you've gained from these carry over into your characters or the plot of your books?

I love to read, garden, play tennis, dance, and exercise. None of which are hobbies per se.

Do you have an all time favorite book?

Skypirate by Justine Dare.

Have you started your next project? If so, can you share a little bit about your book?

I’m working on a book right now that will be out next June. It’s the sixth book in a continuity series set in a small New England fishing village. Only my book will take place all over the East Coast as my Deputy hero and my reporter heroine search for a missing toddler. I’m also working on the third book in my Protection Specialists mini series-title to be determined. This book will be out in September 2012.

What is your favorite reality show?

American Idol. I know it seems silly but I enjoy watching the progress the contestant make and I get into the voting. I was so happy that Scotty won this year. He and Lauren were my favorites. Though I really liked James as well. I’ve been watching the show since the year Daughtry was on. I couldn’t believe when he was voted off. I’ve bought all of his albums. He’s an amazing singer.

Who are your favorite actor and actress?

I can’t honestly say I have favorites. I’ve enjoyed most of Will Smith’s movies-except for Hancock.

Anything else you might want to add?

I’ve been on a blog tour from July 5 that will end on July 18th. If anyone wants to go back and look at the posts for this tour, you can find the line up at Goddess Fish Promotions. http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/06/virtual-book-tour-innocent-witness-by.html?zx=7e96ec88c95437c8

Rogue's Angels welcomes Minnette Meador author of Ghost of a Chance. Thank you so much for visiting with us and our friends.

1. What or who inspired you to start writing? My father. He could read a book, watch TV, listen to the radio and tell you exactly what was going on with each. He read probably 5-8 books per week.
   
   
2. How did you come up with your idea for A Ghost of a Chance? Keenan came out of my head pretty much full grown - I wondered what it would be like if rather than seeing one or two ghosts, someone could see them all... and how would that affect his love life. Throw in a sucubbus, a couple of angles, and a demon and voila! You have A Ghost of a Chance.
   
   
3. What expertise did you bring to your writing? I've had a few incidents with ghosts personally and have read lots of books. Plus I'm a rabid "Ghostie" so I LOVE ghost stories.
   
   
4. What would you want your readers to know about you that might not be in your bio? I was a cranberry farmer for 8 years on the Oregon Coast and cut firewood for several year to live on while the berries came in.
   
   
5. As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans? I have lots of books scheduled over the next couple of years; the other two Ghost books, another ancient Rome book featuring a fabulous Egyptian pirate; 2 more Starsight (my epic fantasy) books; a Sci-Fi about the first half alien/half human hybrid who finds out she can kill with her voice, another ghost story taking place at an old inn on the Oregon Coast, just to name a few. There's always ideas in the coffer. :o)
   
   
6. If you could be one of the characters from this book, who would it be and why? I think I'd like to be one of the ghosts... they have all the fun!
   
   
7. Can you give us a sneak peak into this book? Here's one I haven't shared yet:
   
   As he passed through, twenty or so ghosts littered his living room watching the last few minutes of the news. Keenan pulled air into his lungs before picking up the remote.
   
   They were costing him a fortune. The TV, the radio, and even his computer were always on. Lights went off and on constantly. The heat would soar to eighty degrees in the middle of the summer and then plunge to fifty when the winter freeze set in. He couldn’t keep any pets; the instant they came into the house they hissed or yelped in terror and ran away. The neighborhood was full of cats that had once belonged to Keenan.
   
   He couldn’t keep girlfriends either. The closer they got, the more convinced they were that he was on drugs, a serial killer, or terminally cracked. He hadn’t had a girl at his house in years; for some reason they got all heebie-jeebie on him when things started flying around or cold blasts of air unexpectedly lifted their skirts. One girl even had her panties removed, but not by Keenan. He was in the kitchen at the time.
   
   
8. Do you belong to a critique group? If so how does this help or hinder your writing? I actually have an amazing critique partner and a group of beta readers that I couldn't do without. They see so many things I don't see and keep me honest... It absolutely helps my writing.
   
   
9. When did you first decide to submit your work? Please tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step? I had written the initial version of Starsight 30 years ago, when my kids were little, but shelved it after a rather nasty critique. A few years back my kids talked me into taking it off the shelf and re-writing it. The second version was as different as night & day. It was published a year later.
   
10. What is the best and worst advice you ever received? (regarding writing or publishing)
    Best advice - Get off your ass and write, damn it! - Worst advice - Maybe you should take up knitting instead.
    
11. Do you outline your books or just start writing? Now, I outline all my books. It makes the process go so much faster if I know where I'm headed. Not that the outline doesn't change, mind you; It does and quite often. You should see some of my original plot lists compared to the final book!
    
    
12. How do you maintain your creativity? Meditation, a wonderful loving husband who encourages me in every step, supported creative children, and one hell of an imagination, which I inherited from my dad.
    
13. You have said Keenan was your favorite character in the book. Can you tell us why? I guess Keenan is kind of a male version of me. There is a lot of me in him, including some foibles, bad habits, strange talents, and kind of a accepting personality. As a rule, nothing phases me; I thought I'd put Keenan through enough hell he would finally get phased. And he does... in a big way at the end. :o)
    
    
14. Who is your favorite ghost and why? I think that would have to be Reggie. He is an absolute scoundrel and get Keenan into trouble more than any other, but he protects him too... that is until... Well, never mind. You're just going to have to read the book! :o)
    
15. Can you tell us something about the company Keenan works for and why it was established? I worked as a project manager for a trade show display and graphics company for many years. Making Keenan a graphic designer in an ad agency was very close and I felt comfortable writing about that kind of business since I worked with lots of ad agencies and graphic designers. Also, he needed to be an artist for the book and graphic designers are out modern painters.
    
16. I haven't had time to read very much, but I'm at the scene where Keenan is in the bar dressed only in a long coat. What or who inspired that scene? That's one of my favorite scenes, only because it shows his state of mind after being... well, you know. He is so numb that all he can think to do as he leaves the house is grab his coat and shoes. Actually, it came about as kind of a mistake. I only had him putting on his coat and shoes and leaving the house. I forgot to have him dress otherwise, so once he got to the bar it just seemed right.
    
17. Anything else you might want to add? Just that I am so honored to be here and hope everyone will follow my blog hop. I'm giving away 2 Kindles, 2 Portland Totes full of goodies, a $100 GC to Amazon, and lots more in drawing of anyone who comment on any of my blog hop stops. Just go to http://minnettemeador.blospot.com and you'll find a complete schedule with links. Keep in mind you can still visit most of the sight since they are still live, thus increasing your chances of winning.
18. Thanks so much for inviting me! You guys are the best... Minnette :o)
19. 
    

Bubbling over

I just couldn't wait! I had to share with all of you the great news! My novelette, Shattered Tomorrows will be released sooner than expected! The projected release date is August, a couple months earlier than I'd been told.

This story is loosely based on the mass shooting which occurred in Salem, Oregon on May 7, 1981 at a local tavern. Four people lost their lives and nineteen were wounded. This all happened LONG before the boys at Columbine decided to take out their anger with guns and Kip Kinkle chose to speak his mind in the same fashion.

Before this incident, the most notorious act was the bell tower shooting at the University of Texas (?) in 1964. It's a sad statement the incidents have become so common place. Anyway...

Now to do some scrambling for a cover and regroup to launch a marketing campaign. Work, work, work!

My wings are already tired and I've just begun!
Sable Angel

Day before the 4th of July

Watching Wimbledon--a tradition in my family. Although I can remember watching Jimmy Connors and John Macenroe (sp) play for the championship as well as Chris Everet and Martina Navratolova (sp?). Today I'm watching Djokovic and Nadal play. There was a short break after 3 sets to cover the court. What happened to Federer? Time marches on doesn't it?

We used to travel to Fort Vancouver to watch the fireworks. My kids loved the fireworks. Me, I don't really care but I want to be with my family and grandchildren. Tomorrow night we will watch them at the golf course in south Salem.

So, what 4th of July traditions do you have? Do you have a red, white and blue breakfast as my sister used to have? I think it was blueberries, strawberries and whipped cream on top of waffles. Yummmm.

Allana Angel