BOOK EXCERPT: CHRISTINE MEUNIER'S CONTAGIOUS

ABOUT THE BOOK

Not everything that can be caught by another person is a bad thing. As Jacqui, Geordie and Hannah learn about managing the health of their horses and avoiding contagious germs, they learn that their attitudes can be contagious, too.

When Captain and Jaq fall ill, Jacqui questions what else she can do instead of riding. The timing couldn’t be worse – she needs to practice for her upcoming dressage test.

Unexpectedly finding herself spending time with Jared, Jacqui is surprised when he declares he wants to learn to ride. And he wants her to teach him. Should she say yes?

BOOK EXCERPT FROM CONTAGIOUS—FREE REIN BOOK #6

Jacqui wasn’t sure whether to be surprised by the topic at kid’s church on Sunday or amused.  She was starting to realise that anything they discussed could be applied to something going on in her life.  She wasn’t sure if this was a coincidence, if it was God, or just to be expected.

“So today we’re going to talk about something that’s extremely contagious.  Do we all know what contagious means?” their teacher asked them.

Each of the children nodded their head.

“Great!  Give me some examples,” he said, wanting to make sure the word was understood.

“Chicken pox!” one said.

“A virus,” Jacqui called out.

“A cold,” another spoke up.

Brian nodded.

“All good answers.  All horrible things.  Can we think of something good that can be contagious?”
This was met by silence.  Brian looked around at each and every person sitting before him.  He grinned and turned his attention to Jacob.

“Jacob!  How are you today?” he asked in a gruff voice.

“Umm… good?” Jacob responded, unsure.

“And what about you, Jacqui?” Brian asked her softly.

“I’m well, thank you,” Jacqui replied just as softly.

“Geordie!  How has your week been?” Brian asked cheerfully.

“Great!” Geordie responded enthusiastically.

Brian laughed as the students watched him, confused.

“Did you think I was angry with you when I addressed you, Jacob?”

The young boy shrugged.

“I wasn’t sure why you were upset. I was questioning if it was something to do with me or something else.”

Brian nodded.

“Did everyone notice that the way I asked the question affected the way each person answered me?” he asked slowly.

As the children thought about this, they started to nod their heads.

“I think I would have answered you in my usual cheery tone,” Geordie argued, causing Brian to laugh.

“Wonderful!  And that brings me to a point I’d like us to discuss.  Firstly, I’d like to point out that our attitudes can be contagious.  It is up to us whether they are good or bad.”

He paused for a second to let everyone think about this.

“Geordie has already told us quite convincingly that she would be happy whether or not I spoke to her nicely,” Brian said with a grin, “and this is a good lesson for us to make note of.  People can be fickle.  We are happy with God as long as things are going well.  As soon as we hit a difficulty, then our attitude turns sour.  We think God is angry with us, or we get angry with Him!  We need to make sure our attitude is positive even when we’re going through negative things.  If we don’t, then we’re likely to affect people in a negative manner.”

Jacqui found herself thinking about Friday afternoon with Jared.  After he’d asked her to talk about horses she’d stopped talking.  He’d copied her and left her alone.  Although she was relieved by this, she wondered if it was her negative attitude toward him that had led him to not talking for the rest of the afternoon.

“You’re quiet,” Geordie observed as they headed out of kid’s church.

Jacqui shrugged.

“I was just thinking about what Brian said.  Because the horses have been sick, I’ve only thought about something contagious being a bad thing.  I didn’t really think that I could have a good attitude that other people could catch.”

Geordie grinned.

“Me neither!  But I like it.  I’m going to test it out.”

Jacqui looked at her friend in surprise, pausing.

“How?”

“By being really happy around people and seeing if it makes them respond in the same way!” she stated simply.

Jacqui thought about this and smiled.

“It sounds so simple when you put it that way.”

“Isn’t it?” Geordie asked, causing Jacqui to laugh.

“I guess it is that easy.  I’ll have to test your theory with Jared, then,” she said before thinking.
She put a hand to her mouth, wishing she hadn’t said anything.  Geordie looked at her friend in surprise, a smile making its way across her face slowly.

“There’s a story behind what you just said, I can tell!  What happened?”

Jacqui sighed.

“Because I can’t ride Jaq at the moment I was helping mum plant some trees after school on Friday.  You know how Jared helps mum in the garden on Fridays…” Jacqui prompted, earning a nod from Geordie.

“But I thought that was for the veggie garden?” her friend asked.

“Yeah, but when there isn’t anything to do in the veggie garden mum still sets Jared to work,” Jacqui explained, Geordie grinning at the statement.

“So you were both working with your mum?” Geordie guessed.

Jacqui nodded.

“And I think I was rude to Jared.  He said I didn’t talk much and then when I didn’t continue a conversation with him… well he ended up really quiet, too.”

Geordie thought about this as they headed towards Jacqui’s parents.

“Well if you think Jared’s quiet because of you, then it’s your turn to ask him a question.”

“Like what?” Jacqui asked as she looked for her parents.

“Like…  ‘Hey Jared, do you have a girlfriend?’” Geordie asked, causing Jacqui to look at her in surprise.

Geordie laughed as her friend turned red and looked around warily.  Jared had come along to church that morning with his two younger brothers.  Jacqui hadn’t seen him since they had gone to kid’s church.

“I was joking, Jacqui.  But… he is cute; I wouldn’t be surprised if he did,” Geordie caught her attention again.

Jacqui frowned at her friend.

“Well you’ve just proven your own theory wrong,” the young blonde said to her red headed friend.
“How?” Geordie asked curiously.

“Because you’re being positive while talking and it hasn’t had a positive effect on me,” she responded simply, walking over to her parents.

Geordie laughed and followed her friend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christine Meunier considers herself introduced to the wonderful world of horses at the late age of 13 when her parents agreed to lease a horse for her. She started experiencing horses via books from a young age and continues to do so, but recognises that horses cannot be learnt solely from books.
She has been studying horses from age 16, starting with the Certificate II in Horse Studies and she completed the Bachelor of Equine Science in 2016.


Christine has worked at numerous thoroughbred studs in Australia as well as overseas in Ireland for a breeding season.
She then gained experience in a couple of Melbourne based horse riding schools, instructing at a basic level before heading off overseas again, this time to South Africa to spend hours in the saddle of endurance and trail horses on the Wild Coast.


She writes a blog about equine education.



Connect with Christine:

Website  |  
Facebook  |   
Twitter   |    Goodreads  

2017 Interview with Christine

Buy the book:
Amazon

FEATURED AUTHOR: CHRISTINE MEUNIER

ABOUT THE BOOK

Savannah Reynier isn’t sure how she should classify her relationship with Craig Pieters.  They’re not dating but she’s keen to spend as much time with him as possible.  As she learns about his beliefs, that desire increases.

November proves to be a busy month at work for Savannah.  The days fly by as she celebrates the Melbourne Cup, deals with a damaging storm and turns a year older.  All the while Savannah is learning more about horses and breeding; more about the South African man who has come into her life.

As Craig helps her to increase her horse knowledge and challenges her to live out her faith, Savannah finds herself wanting more than friendship.  But after Jackson, is she willing to make herself vulnerable again?

INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTINE MEUNIER

Christine, what's your favorite thing about the writing process?
That some characters and scenes just come to life in my mind so quickly, they seem to write themselves!

Do you write every day?
No, I don’t!  But there generally isn’t a day when I am not plotting something for one of my stories!  I just don’t always have the opportunity to get those ideas down in written form.  (But I do go over the scenes and dialogues in my head many times so I don’t forget them.)

What books do you currently have published?
2016 was a big year for me!  I released 6 books including 2 non-fiction.  I now have:

-    Horse Country – A World of Horses
-    B and B  I love that cover!
-    The Free Rein series books 1 – 6
-    The Thoroughbred Breeders series books 1 – 3
-    Equine Passive Income Streams (non-fiction)
-    52 Steps to Kick-Start Your Equine Career (non-fiction)

Wow! Is writing your dream job?
Actually, it is!  But I still desire to have land and set up a horse business so I can get back to hands on work with horses.


How often do you tweet?
Daily!  But I am able to do that because I schedule tweets a month in advance.

Smart. Would you make a good character in a book?
That depends on your idea of good!  I have traveled, survived a kick to the head by a horse, gotten married, have two children, and dream of doing a lot more with my time on earth!

What five things would you never want to live without?
My bible, a notepad, pen, a cup of tea, and music.

What do you love about where you live?
Many things!  I am in North East Victoria, Australia.  It’s an area that is surrounded by horses, many touristy areas, it is a small regional town (less than 30,000 people), it’s less than 10 minutes to most places, it’s not an expensive place to live!

What’s your favorite fast food?

KFC is something we regularly have as a family to celebrate birthdays.

As a Kentuckian, I have to say that's an excellent choice! What’s your favorite beverage?
Tea!  In particular Irish Breakfast tea.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christine Meunier considers herself introduced to the wonderful world of horses at the late age of 13 when her parents agreed to lease a horse for her. She started experiencing horses via books from a young age and continues to do so, but recognises that horses cannot be learnt solely from books.
She has been studying horses from age 16, starting with the Certificate II in Horse Studies and she completed the Bachelor of Equine Science in 2016.
Christine has worked at numerous thoroughbred studs in Australia as well as overseas in Ireland for a breeding season.
She then gained experience in a couple of Melbourne based horse riding schools, instructing at a basic level before heading off overseas again, this time to South Africa to spend hours in the saddle of endurance and trail horses on the Wild Coast.
She writes a blog about equine education which you can view at http://equus-blog.com/.


Connect with Christine:

Website  |  
Blog  |  
Facebook  |  Twitter  |  
Goodreads  


Buy the book:
Amazon



 

Featured Author: Christine Meunier

Christine Meunier is treating us to excerpts from two of her books today. New Beginnings is book 1 in the Free Rein series for pre-teens, and In Pursuit of a Horse is book 2. And check out my interview with Christine from when she was here in June to talk about her book, Horse Country--A World of Horses.

Book 1: New Beginnings:

A job transfer for Jacqui King’s father means that the 10 year old and her family have moved interstate. Jacqui is excited that the move has allowed her family to take up a lease on a large property.

Since she could remember, Jacqui King has had a love for horses. Now with the family’s move she wonders if her dream to learn to horse ride could come true. Jacqui’s mum Kate plans to turn the property into a place where they can offer horse agistment, only concreting Jacqui’s desire to have a horse of her own.

On a property titled Genesis, it does indeed seem that the new beginnings for the King family are looking promising.

Excerpt from New Beginnings

Jacqui hurriedly finished her breakfast, keen to see all of the property that morning.  It was half past eight already and her mother had told her that rain was forecast for the afternoon – she needed to get moving!

Pulling on a jacket and a pair of gumboots she stepped off the front porch, running to the back of the house.  Here were the two paddocks she’d looked out at through her bedroom window.  She unlocked the large gate into the first paddock, being sure to lock it after her in spite of there being no horses on the property.

Jacqui dodged puddles as she walked the perimeter of the paddock, looking at the fences.  She patted the pen and paper in her jacket pocket, making sure that they were where she’d put them.  The fencing looked old but ok to her, but she wasn’t sure what horse fencing should look like.  She made a note to ask her mother if she knew.

Jacqui made it to the end of the first paddock and decided to go through the gate into the second.  She wanted to turn right and continue around the perimeter of this first paddock she’d entered, but to the left of the next paddock in front of her it looked like there was an arena of sorts and a few figures riding horses.

Curious, she climbed over a small hill that was made up of a large concrete pipe covered over with soil.  Water trickled through the pipe and into a large ditch that lined the paddock fence.  Jacqui made a note on her piece of paper to tell her mum about it later.
She left the gate open to this second paddock, wanting to get closer to the arena quickly.  She grinned as she watched three people riding their horses around an arena at the trot, being instructed by another figure standing in the middle of them.

A horse riding school?  We live next to a horse riding school!

Jacqui ran closer, standing at the fence line to watch the three moving across the middle of the arena and then changing direction.

“Don’t forget to change your diagonal as you change direction!” their instructor called out, correcting one rider.

Jacqui looked at the three horses, two brown in colour and one a reddish colour.  This she knew to be chestnut because of her mother’s gift of a horse book a year ago.  The horses looked so lovely to Jacqui that she lost track of time watching them.  She sighed when the lesson seemed to come to an end, the instructor letting the group of three out of the arena where they disappeared from view.

Jacqui watched for awhile longer but it seemed that no one else was coming to ride in the arena for her to watch.  Shrugging her shoulders she continued on down the fence line, knowing that this paddock was the end of their property in one direction.

New Beginnings is the first book in the Free Rein Series.  For purchase details and updates on the series, visit www.freereinseries.com. The books can be ordered directly from http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/christinemeunier

Book 2: In Pursuit of a Horse:

Jacqui King has settled in well at her family’s new property Genesis. She has even made some horsey friends.

Jacqui’s two close friends Hannah Johnston and Geordie Smith have been told by their parents that they are allowed to each get a pony. It so happens that Hannah has an Aunt Jan who breeds and trains ponies for a living.

An invitation is extended to the girls to come to Jan’s place for a short stay to ride her ponies and find two to buy. Jacqui is thrilled at the idea of learning to ride better.

Even more exciting is the fact that at the end of their stay, her two close friends will be brining their ponies back to agist at Genesis. Even if she isn’t getting her own pony, Jacqui is delighted for her friends and eager to help them each find their perfect first pony.

Excerpt from In Pursuit of a Horse

“So!  Who’s ready to meet the horses?” Jan asked in a businesslike manner.

Three excited girls exclaimed yes very quickly.  Jan laughed and led the way to one of her closer paddocks.  The four stood at the gate as she pointed out the four ponies that lived here.  Jan described their colours and markings first so that the girls knew which she was talking about.  Then she detailed their personalities, ages and gender.

Jacqui loved that she knew each one individually and was able to provide so much information about them.  She decided she wanted to be able to do this with any horses that were agisted at their property Genesis.

The group moved on to the next paddock as Jan led the way.  This one housed six ponies and again the girls were introduced to each one.

Jan also showed the girls the two stallions that she had on the property and used to breed her mares to each year.  She explained that she kept her broodmares – the ones she used for breeding – separate from the riding ponies that she introduced to saddle and then sold on to other people.

Jacqui loved the set up of the whole property and excitedly talked about this with Hannah and Geordie that night as they lay in bed.  Hannah knew her aunt’s place well but it had been a little while since she had visited and she was just as excited about this adventure as her two friends were.

They discussed in the dark of their room that night which ponies they would try out first.  Jacqui had a dream of owning a little grey pony so she’d chosen one of the two grey horses to ride first.

Geordie had chosen a little chestnut mare that reminded her of the horse she rode at the East Riding School where she had lessons.  Hannah hadn’t minded which horse she rode first, so had asked her aunt if she could recommend one.

Jan had pointed out that the six horses in the second paddock she’d shown to them were all between the ages of six and ten and that they were all fairly quiet.  She said she’d be happy with the girls riding any.  She’d obliged Hannah however, and pointed out a little bay pony for her to try first.

Excited about their ride the next morning, the three fell asleep talking of all the ponies they’d been introduced to that afternoon.  Jacqui managed to thank God for this time with her friends and riding horses before she succumbed to slumber.

In Pursuit of a Horse is the second book in the Free Rein Series. For purchase details and updates on the series, visit www.freereinseries.com. The books can be ordered directly from http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/christinemeunier.

About the Author:

Christine Meunier considers herself introduced to the wonderful world of horses at the late age of 13 when her parents agreed to lease a horse for her. She started experiencing horses via books from a young age and continues to do so, but recognises that horses cannot be learnt solely from books.
She has been studying horses from age 16, starting with the Certificate II in Horse Studies and is currently undertaking her Bachelor of Equine Science via distance education.


Christine has worked at numerous thoroughbred studs in Australia as well as overseas in Ireland for a breeding season.
She then gained experience in a couple of Melbourne based horse riding schools, instructing at a basic level before heading off overseas again, this time to South Africa to spend hours in the saddle of endurance and trail horses on the Wild Coast.
Particularly passionate about the world of breeding horses, she teaches equine studies focused on breeding, at a TAFE, Victoria, Australia.

Christine writes a blog about equine education which you can view at equus-blog.
You can also check out her debut novel which was released in July 2013 at horsecountrybook.com and the Facebook page for Horse Country, or visit the Free Rein series on Facebook.

Talking with Kathleen Brooks

A few months ago, I met Kathleen Brooks at a Centre College alumni author event. Today I’m happy to have the author here to talk about her romantic suspense novel, A Bluegrass State of Mind. In addition to attending the same college and being a fellow Kentucky author, I was surprised to find how much we are alike. From the quirky characters in our fictional small southern towns, to both wanting to live in Charleston, South Carolina, to...well, this is her interview, so I’ll just say that after each of her answers, I found myself saying, oh my gosh—me too!




About the book:
See where the USA Today Bestselling Author Kathleen Brooks began!
 This is the first book in Kathleen Brooks' Best-Selling Bluegrass series.

 McKenna Mason, a New York City attorney with a love of all things Prada, is on the run from a group of powerful, dangerous men. McKenna turns to a teenage crush, Will Ashton, for help in starting a new life in beautiful horse country.

She finds that Will is now a handsome, successful racehorse farm owner. As the old flame is ignited, complications are aplenty in the form of a nasty ex-wife, an ex-boyfriend intent on killing her, and a feisty racehorse who refuses to race without a kiss. Can Will and McKenna cross the finish line together, and more importantly, alive?

Welcome, Kathleen.

Let’s get right to it. What do you like best about writing?

I love getting lost in my imaginary world of Keeneston, Kentucky. 



What’s your least favorite thing?

I hate that I sometimes get totally lost in the writing and let the laundry and dust pile up.

Do you outline, write by the seat of your pants, or let your characters tell you what to write?

I begin by creating an outline that lays out the beginning, middle and end. As I'm writing, I let the characters take over.

Characters really do make the best writers! What about cover art--I found my cover artist online and worked with her to produce the front and back book covers. Did you have any say in your cover art?

Yes, I hire my own cover artist. Her name is Calista Taylor, and she is wonderful. We work together to find the right combination that really embraces the story within. We laugh and have a great time with the process. This part is very exciting because you know it is getting very close to release at that point.

You’re so right. I was so excited to see the first draft of my cover, because it was like seeing the face of my “baby” for the first time. When you start a new book, do you know what the entire cast will be?

Yes, Bluegrass State of Mind is the first book of the Bluegrass series. Each of the books is set in the same town, so many of the secondary characters appear in each book. Also, as a reader, I always wanted to know what happened to my favorite characters after the book was done. So I always include updates on couples from past books in each new release.  There are always new characters brought into the new stories, but they are all created before I get into the writing process.

Again, I totally agree. I’m constantly on the lookout for new names. How do you name your characters?

Here in Kentucky, you get a variety of different names.  I have tried to infuse that in my stories.  My main characters all feature first names that I personally like. To get the last names, I typically look through online sources to find the best combination. But the most fun is picking Southern names and nicknames.  I have several double first names that seem to just roll off the tongue.  The nicknames are a result of funny life experiences.

Ditto, ditto, ditto! Tell us about your favorite scene in the book.

I really enjoyed creating the scenes at the Kentucky Derby. It was so much fun to create a scene for the readers who may never get to experience the real thing.

Well, as a Louisvillian, the Kentucky Derby holds a special place in my heart. Is there anything in particular that you do to help the writing flow? Music? Acting out the scene? Long showers?


Yes, I have a playlist of music that is upbeat rock music. I also have to call my husband in to work out fight scenes and mental blocks during writing. He never knows what's about to happen when he walks in the room!

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?


I absolutely love living in Central Kentucky.  But if I had to select a second place to live, I would choose Charleston, South Carolina.  I visit the area often and absolutely love the local food.  This history of the city is well preserved and celebrated by the residents.  The Southern flare is definitely a big plus for me. And you can't beat being so close to many wonderful beaches!

Last question--what are you working on now? 


I am currently working on my sixth book (the third in the Bluegrass Brothers series).  It does not have a title right now, but will soon.  I am anticipating a January 2013 release.

I know your fans are excited to hear that! Thank you so much for talking to me today, Kathleen.

I just want to mention the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway that Kathleen is sponsoring. Each day will feature different prizes which will be announced in that day’s post on her blog. Kathleen is giving away tons of books donated by some great authors. Prizes range from e-books, signed books, gift cards, and more! Visit Kathleen’s blog for the rules and more information, and the promotion is running on her Facebook page.

About the author:

Kathleen Brooks has garnered attention for her debut novel, Bluegrass State of Mind, as a new voice in romance with a warm Southern feel. Her books feature quirky small town characters you’ll feel like you’ve known forever, romance, humor, and mystery all mixed into one perfect glass of sweet tea. Kathleen is an animal lover who supports rescue organizations and other non-profit organizations whose goals are to protect and save our four-legged family members. Kathleen lives in Central Kentucky with her husband, daughter, two dogs, and a cat who thinks he’s a dog.

Find Kathleen:
Website
Blog 
Facebook page
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Twitter
Amazon
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Apple iBooks

Talking With Joss Landry

My guest today is Joss Landry, author of the romantic suspense novel, Mirror Deep. I had the pleasure to read Mirror Deep in its infancy, so I'm delighted to see it published. Joss and I have encouraged each other for years, and it's my pleasure to have her here.
 
About Mirror Deep:
Danger and romance roll like thunder through horse whisperer Kat Bonner’s world, when a known felon comes to the ranch to drop a bomb about her past. Kat turns to Pierce for help; the same Pierce who bucks her every chance he gets, and whose feverish investigation lands them in trouble with the law and directly in the path of a serial killer.

Mystery deepens, fraught with wrong turns, bumbling detectives, old murders, and Kat’s doppelganger no one sees but her, just as she never sees the change in Pierce’s feelings toward her, brewing, mounting, until she can no longer deny them.

Hi Joss, thank you for taking time to talk to us. I know you've been writing for at least a few years, since we met on an online writer's site. How long have you been writing, and how did you start?
Diaries, when I was young, written in long hand. Never had to hide them as no one could read my handwriting, not even me.  I used to write poetry, along with my deepest thoughts to see where they would take me…

What do you like best about writing?
I like bringing people to life, stepping into their world and getting to know them and their story. Pure escapism at its best. When the kids were young and life became hectic, every now and then they would hear me say… “Quick, I’ve got to get into someone else’s life…”

How did you come up with the title of your book?
Surprisingly enough, a premise comes to me for a story, usually very early morning. Sometimes, it’s during the course of the day, when something flicks my imagination. I know it’s a real vein when the plot explodes, the characters are vivid and have names already, and there is a title that flashes through my mind. The surprising part is that I’ve never changed a title. A lot of editing goes on from the time the book is conceived, but the title never changes.

Yes, and it all takes time. Do you have another job outside of writing?
Yes, I do—a day job. Not that I am ungrateful. It’s a wonderful job. I provide answers for clients via e-mail, and from home, in the telecommunication field. Everything from billing queries, to problems with technology, to a gamut of help and questions they need me to answer. 

Do you outline, write by the seat of your pants, or let your characters tell you what to write?
First thing I do is write a short synopsis, using any random order that pictures are thrown at me. Naturally, because I see pictures, the first thing I do after I’ve written down the ideas is hunt for character photos to find the people I’ve just encountered in my mind. I find them online. Then I write 5 pages of data on the main characters, everything from astrological signs to likes and dislikes and favorite foods, favorite sports… on everything. I write history on them and lineage, parents, family, friends, education… Every single person that comes on board, no matter how trivial their role, has at least one page. This is my outline. Then I allow my characters free rein within the story.

When you start a new book, do you know what the entire cast will be?
Absolutely. There are other secondary characters that arrive along the way. But the main characters are all there.

I’m constantly on the lookout for new names. How do you name your characters?
Again, it’s odd, but the names come as easily to me as does the book’s title. I never change their names and… that’s who they are. Katherine Bonner. I saw her, and I saw Pierce, her second cousin. He was also a Bonner. The name of the ranch was there. Bonner-Willow. Actually, the only thing I changed in the book was the fact that in the beginning, Kat and Pierce were first cousins. I changed that to second cousins, which made more sense since Pierce and Kat’s fathers, Bill and Franklin are quite different.

Are any of your characters inspired by real people? Who?
I believe most of my characters are probably an amalgamation of all the people I’ve met in my life. But never just one person, though. Like a fine wine, I feel I need to use several varieties of grapes, I guess, before I can reach the perfect blend.

I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this, but...with which of your characters would you most like to be stuck on a deserted island?
I guess it’s safe to say: Pierce Bonner. Blue eyes, dark hair and a smile that makes me weak at the knees. Sexy man who can have any woman he picks. And he loves horses. What more can I ask?

Is there anything in particular that you do to help the writing flow? Music? Acting out the scene? Long showers?
Two things… movies. I will watch movies or some sitcom that will let me relax. And swimming.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Sports. Tennis, biking, swimming, horseback riding… I like to play outside.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
New York or Paris. It’s a toss up. I’d probably spend my time between the two continents. I also like Lyon and Miami.

What are you working on now?
An urban fantasy that is running around in my mind. I need to finish it. It’s driving me crazy. That’s what happens when I start writing a story. It grabs hold of me and will not let me rest until I finish.

I know what you mean. Do you have a routine for writing? Do you work better at night, in the afternoon, or in the morning?
Morning. Definitely morning. By the afternoon, story has gone. Sometimes inspiration will last a whole day, but only if I begin in the morning.

What books have you read more than once or want to read again? Le Grand Meaulnes by Alain Fournier. It was written in 1909 and is absolutely magical. It was translated in English in 1957 and titled The Lost Domain.

Tell us about your favorite scene in the book.
Favorite scene in Mirror Deep is when Pierce and Kat are dancing, she totally oblivious to how he feels about her, and Pierce wonders how he will keep enough of a distance between them so she doesn’t find out just how much he wants her. That whole scene is touching.

I remember that scene. You're right--very touching. What song would you pick to go with your book?
"Rainy Day People" by Gordon Lightfoot. He’s Pierce’s favorite singer and Pierce plays the guitar and sings as well as he does. “Bitter Green” would be in there too.

Do you ever get writer’s block? What do you do when it happens?
I have never gotten writer’s block. I’m not the one writing. They are. So, unless they’re too tired to go on, which never happens, I don’t get writer’s block.

Lucky girl! Thanks again for talking with me, Joss. Good luck with Mirror Deep.

About the author:
With a degree in commerce, Joss has worked as a consultant for more than twenty years, writing copy for marketing firms and assisting start-up companies launch their business. She recently made the switch from composing copy and promos, to writing fiction and prose. She is developing her style through courses and the support of other writers. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and is presently working on honing three other novels for publication. 

Blessed with four children and five grandchildren, she resides in Montreal with her husband, a staunch supporter, and enjoys spending time biking, rollerblading, playing tennis, and swimming. She loves creating stories as she says they fulfill her need to think outside the box.

Follow Joss:
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