Talking With Jade Kerrion

I'm happy to have Jade Kerrion here today on her virtual book tour for her Sci-fi Double Helix series.

About the Double Helix series: 

His genetic code sourced from the best that humanity offers, Galahad embodies the pinnacle of perfection. When Zara Itani, a mercenary whose abrasive arrogance exceeds her beauty, frees him from his laboratory prison, she offers him the chance to claim everything that had ever been denied him, beginning with his humanity.

Perfection cannot be unleashed without repercussions, and Galahad’s freedom shatters Danyael Sabre’s life.

An alpha empath, Danyael is rare and coveted, even among the alpha mutants who dominate the Genetic Revolution. He wields the power to heal or kill with a touch, but craves only privacy and solitude—both impossible dreams for the man who was used as Galahad’s physical template.

Galahad and Danyael, two men, one face. One man seeks to embrace destiny, and the other to escape it.

The award-winning Double Helix series, consisting of Perfection Unleashed, Perfect Betrayal, and Perfect Weapon, will challenge your notions of perfection and humanity, and lead you in a celebration of courage and compassion. Science fiction, urban fantasy, and action-adventure readers will enjoy this thrilling roller-coaster ride as it twists and turns through a world transformed by the Genetic Revolution.


Book 1: Perfection Unleashed:

Two men, one face. One man seeks to embrace destiny, the other to escape it.

Danyael Sabre spent sixteen years clawing out of the ruins of his childhood and finally has everything he wanted--a career, a home, and a trusted friend. To hold on to them, he keeps his head down and plays by the rules. An alpha empath, he is powerful in a world transformed by the Genetic Revolution, yet his experience has taught him to avoid attention.

When the perfect human being, Galahad, escapes from Pioneer Laboratories, the illusory peace between humans and their derivatives--the in vitros, clones, and mutants--collapses into social upheaval. The abominations, deformed and distorted mirrors of humanity, created unintentionally in Pioneer Lab's search for perfection, descend upon Washington, D.C. The first era of the Genetic Revolution was peaceful. The second is headed for open war.

Although the genetic future of the human race pivots on Galahad, Danyael does not feel compelled to get involved and risk his cover of anonymity, until he finds out that the perfect human being looks just like him.

Book 2: Perfect Weapon:You can defeat your enemies, but can you defeat your friends?

Danyael Sabre, an object of desire, would much rather not be. An alpha empath by birth, a doctor by training, and an empathic healer by calling, he is stalked by the military that covets his ability to kill, not heal. He finds himself on the run under the protection of an assassin, Zara Itani.

Bereft of two days of memories, the more he uncovers of his lost hours, the more he doubts everything that once anchored him. He knows only that he endangers those around him and that he is falling in love with Zara, who hates him for reasons he no longer remembers.

As forces—both powerful and ruthless—threaten those he cares for, Danyael has only two options. He can betray his values and abandon the path of the healer, or he can wait to be betrayed, not by enemies, but by his friends.

Book 3: Perfect Betrayal:

Don’t fear the army of genetically engineered perfect killers. Fear the cripple who leads them.

An alpha empath, Danyael Sabre is powerful, rare, and coveted, even among the alpha mutants who dominate the Genetic Revolution. Betrayed by his friends and abandoned to a life sentence in a maximum-security prison, Danyael receives freedom and sanctuary from an unlikely quarter—the Mutant Assault Group, an elite mutant task force within the US military. Physically crippled and emotionally vulnerable, Danyael succumbs to the warmth of friendships and the promise of love he finds within their ranks.

Friendship and love, however, demand his loyalty, and Danyael rises to the challenge of training and leading the assault group’s genetically modified super soldier army. The super soldiers are faster and stronger than the military's human soldiers; their animal instincts spur ferocity and fearlessness in battle. But who is the perfect weapon—the super soldiers or Danyael, the alpha empath, who can, with a touch, heal or kill?

Adversaries swarm, like vultures around carrion; the pawn is once again in play. The threads of betrayal that sent Danyael to prison spin into a web, ensnaring him. When a terrorist group strikes Washington, D.C., how far will Danyael go to defend a government that sent him to prison to die?

And now, let's talk with Jade...

Welcome, Jade. Congratulations on having three books published. How long have you been writing, and how did you start?

I started at the age of thirteen when my school essays were returned to me with a bunch of “A”s scrawled over the top. Teenagers are impressionable. Being much more impressionable than most, and believing that my teachers knew what they were doing, I figured I was destined to be a writer. It’s only taken me tens of thousands of hours of work since then to be halfway decent at writing (and I’m still learning each day), but one has to start somewhere.

Do you have another job outside of writing?

I work full time in a business/learning strategy role for a major educational company. I’m also a mother of two young boys and spend as much time as I can with them. Right now, they still adore cuddles and kisses, and I’m trying to get as many in as I can.

How would you describe your book in a tweet? (140 characters or less.)

Perfection meets his imperfect origins, and all hell breaks loose. #mustread

Seventy-six characters. Excellent! Do you outline, write by the seat of your pants, or let your characters tell you what to write?

I usually have a hazy outline of key scenes and how they progress from one to the other. That said, the stories are very much character-driven, and the plots have been occasionally hijacked by intractable characters.

Which character did you most enjoy writing?

I enjoyed writing Zara Itani. She’s a Lebanese-Venezuelan mercenary, a human in a world of super-powered mutants. Unlike other heroines who fall in love with pointy-toothed vampires and eventually become one of them, Zara will never be more than she is—-human. Her genes, however, do not prevent her from keeping up with, and frequently showing up, her genetically-superior companions. She’s temperamental, confident, and capable—-an alpha female for the 21st century.

What song would you pick to go with your book?

I think Westlife’s Beautiful World with its evocative melody and exquisite lyrics fits the overall redemptive theme of the series.

I never thought that I was that strong to carry on, carry on tonight
Forgiveness in your eyes, with nothing to hide
All I know is you've shown me
It's a beautiful world, it's a beautiful world

Who are your favorite authors?

I’m a huge fan of Neil Gaiman and his Sandman series. Gaiman tells stories of unparalleled scope and beauty, weaving in the realities of the world, with the myths of the ancient world, and fantasies of his own making.

Is there anything in particular that you do to help the writing flow? Music? Acting out the scene? Long showers?

I write the movie I see in my mind, and acting out the scene really helps. Of course, I do my acting entirely in private. Privacy is hard to come by though, so I frequently just play out the scene in my head. Do you remember what Yoda said about Luke Skywalker, “Never his mind on where he was, what he was doing?” Yeah, that’s me when my brain is churning through the details of a scene. Sometimes, it takes days for the scene to come together in my head, and when it does, nothing can keep me away from the computer. At that point, the story is bursting at the seams and must be told.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing or cuddling with your boys?

I love reading and read widely across genres. The ultimate luxury would be to do nothing! However, I’ve realized that I don’t have the right personality type to do nothing. For example, sunbathing on a lounge chair in front of a swimming pool is agony for me (and for the people watching me). I twitch, I sit up, switch positions, twitch some more. That said, I would love to spend several hours at a spa, getting pampered from head to toe. Maybe, sometime during those few hours, I’d learn to relax for a few minutes.

What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on the next book in the Double Helix series, featuring seventeen-year-old protagonists, Dee and Dum. Artistically and technically, this novel will pose unique challenges. Dum doesn’t speak, and it’ll be interesting writing his scenes from his point-of-view and have him communicate without actually speaking.

Sounds great! I hope you'll come back and tell us about it when it's published. Tomorrow, I'm looking forward to talking with Zara.

About Jade:

Jade Kerrion unites cutting-edge science and bioethics with fast-paced action in her award-winning Double Helix series. Drawing rave reviews for its originality and vision, and described as “a breakout piece of science fiction,” Perfection Unleashed, and its sequels, Perfect Betrayal and Perfect Weapon, are available in print and e-book through Amazon and other major retailers.


Connect with Jade:
Blog
Facebook
Twitter

Find the Double Helix series:
Perfection Unleashed Amazon Amazon UK Smashwords
Perfect Betrayal Amazon Amazon UK Smashwords
Perfect Weapon Amazon Amazon UK Smashwords

Note: Perfection Unleashed is on sale for $0.99 for the duration of the tour, December 26-January 21.

Excerpt from Shadows of the Past

Carmen Stefanescu, the author of Shadows of the Past, was born in Romania, the native country of the infamous vampire Count Dracula, but where, for about 50 years of communist dictatorship, just speaking about God, faith, reincarnation or paranormal phenomena could have led someone to great trouble - the psychiatric hospital if not to prison.
 English  and German teacher in her native country, and mother of two daughters, Carmen Stefanescu survived the grim years of oppression by escaping in a parallel world, that of the books.

She has dreamt all her life to become a writer, but many of the things she wrote during those years remained just drawer projects. The fall of the Ceausescu’s regime in 1989 and the opening of the country to the world meant a new beginning for her. She started publishing.

Since 2001, her poems have been successfully published, in the collection Muse Whispers vol.1 and Muse Whispers vol.2 by Midnight Edition Publication.

In 2004 she was awarded with the “International Poet of Merit Silver Award” by the  International Society of Poets.   

The readers’ interest for her ballad about the love between a young priest and a nun, published in 2004 by Midnight Edition, inspired Carmen Stefanescu to write a first novel “Shadows of the Past.” 

About the book:

Anne's relationship with her boyfriend Neil has disintegrated. After a two-year separation, they pack for a week vacation in hopes of reconciling. But fate has other plans for them.
    The discovery of a bejeweled cross and ancient human bones opens a door to a new and frightening world--one where the ghost of a medieval nun named Genevieve will not let Anne rest. This new world threatens not only to ruin Anne and Neil's vacation but to end all hopes of reconciliation as Anne feels compelled to help free Genevieve's soul from its torment.
Can Anne save her relationship and help Genevieve find her eternal rest?
    The twists and turns in this paranormal tale keep the reader guessing up to the end and weave themselves together into a quest to rekindle love.

 

Excerpt

Andrew pulled Genevieve to his chest. "Do you regret you've come with me?"

Passion smothered Genevieve's doubt and guilt. "Never," she answered, aware of her body's response to his touch, and she succumbed to his embrace.

Calming the gnawing unease in her mind and the thought of Sister Dominica guessing she was the dough of a sinner, Genevieve repeated, "Never."

With her eyes closed and their bodies touching she became, for the very first time, simply a woman. She melted in his embrace in spite of the invisible vicious threat breathing around them. Aware they might never be alone again, she fought hard to silence the voice of conscience berating her.

"Oh, God. Please forgive me," Andrew muttered under his breath when he bowed his head to kiss her. Their lips met in a passionate first kiss.

Genevieve's spirits fell and her heart skipped a beat when, a couple of seconds later, she opened her eyes and her gaze fell on a knot strangers.
                             …

Anne edged cautiously closer to the rim of the bare cliff. Her foot tapped the edge. It seemed solid. An unusual curiosity took hold of her. Should she step ahead? What was down there? Other human bones? Another mystery? The presence of evil, creeping up and enveloping her, became almost palpable. The vines of  fog folded around her, dragging her to the depth.

Megan's face contorted, the voice no longer pleasant. A hoarse gurgle, spluttering distorted words, "Yes, come... I'm waiting... I've been waiting for you for such a long time..."


For an interview with Carmen, a look at her book trailer, and links to connect with her, click here.

Talking With Carmen Stefanescu

About Shadows of the Past:                 


Anne's relationship with her boyfriend Neil has disintegrated. After a two-year separation, they pack for a week vacation in hopes of reconciling. But fate has other plans for them.

The discovery of a bejeweled cross and ancient human bones opens a door to a new and frightening world--one where the ghost of a medieval nun named Genevieve will not let Anne rest. This new world threatens not only to ruin Anne and Neil's vacation but to end all hopes of reconciliation as Anne feels compelled to help free Genevieve's soul from its torment.

Can Anne save her relationship and help Genevieve find her eternal rest? The twists and turns in this paranormal tale keep the reader guessing up to the end and weave themselves together into a quest to rekindle love.


Welcome, Carmen! How long have you been writing, and how did you start?

Reading and writing have been an intricate part of my life. I’ve been writing since I was a student. Satirical poems and short stories at that time, in my native tongue, Romanian. Poems in English, later. I was awarded the Silver Cup for poetry in 2004 for my English poems.

Congratulations! That's terrific. Do you have another job outside of writing?

I am a teacher of English and German.

How did you create the plot for this book?

I accidentally read a small article in a Romanian newspaper about a haunted mountain in England. The souls of two sinners, a nun and a priest who broke their vows and eloped, can’t find their rest. The tourists visiting that area sometimes hear agonizing moans during the night. That was all. The moment I put down the newspaper I felt that I had to write about them. This is how The Ballad of the Priest and the Nun came to life, first. Later, I felt it was not enough. I felt Genevieve’s story must be presented in detail. As if the nun herself pleaded with me to tell the world about her fate. And thus I wrote this novel.

Did you have any say in your cover art? What do you think of it?

Yes, I did. The cover was made by the artists at Wild Child Publishing. I told them what I wanted to be on it, and they came with something I really approved. I am grateful for their work.

Sophie’s choice: Do you have a favorite of your characters?

Old Bertha/Jennifer

Which character did you most enjoy writing?

Genevieve. I have an attraction for sad characters.

Are you like any of your characters? How so?

Many of my feminine characters have something from me. They impersonate my feelings, thoughts. Sometimes actions. It depends.

If you could be one of your characters, which one would you choose?

Old Bertha/ Jennifer, the Wicca healer.

What song would you pick to go with your book?

One of Hevia’s instrumental songs.

Who are your favorite authors?

Thomas Hardy, Catherine Cookson, Stephen King, Agatha Christie, Mary Higgins Clark, Balzac, Jane Austen, Jeffrey Archer. It may sound an odd mix of names but they are my favorites.

Not an odd mix--an eclectic one! Which author would you most like to invite to dinner and what would you fix me? I mean, him. Or her.

I’d invite you, indeed. And I’d fix you the traditional Romanian dishes: a- sarmale and b- mititei. This means for a - minced meat with rice and onion and thyme in rolled cabbage leaves and for b -a kind of very garlicky hamburgers. Yam, yam!

Sounds great! What book are you currently reading and in what format (e-book/paperback/hardcover)?

I’m just reading The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap by Paulette Mahurin. An eBook that deals with a serious matter still haunting our modern world – prejudice.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

During summer holidays I retreat to my “writing room” and loose myself in the imaginary realm of my characters and plots. I have to have complete silence and plenty of light. No multitasking. My creative side needs complete concentration.

Tell us one weird thing, one nice thing, and one fact about where you live.

Weird: Romania--A very rich country with the poorest people of Europe.
A nice thing: Romania--beautiful landscape, friendly people.
One fact about my town Braila: birthplace of many national poets and novelists. (Perhaps it’s in the air.)

Must be! What three books have you read recently and would recommend?

Catherine Cookson – The Silent Lady, Jeffrey Archer - A Prisoner by Birth, M. H. Clark – Remember Me.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Reading or playing computer games.

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

Somewhere where there are no earthquakes, tsunami, storms, and where there’s no winter. Though I am born in January, I don’t enjoy cold weather and huge mountains of snow blocking everything around.

What are you working on now?

It’s something linked to Vlad the Imapaler’s life. Another paranormal. A historical one. So again, the Middle Ages, but this time in Romania. There are so many books on him, written by foreigners who focus on the “vampire” idea, and I think it’s time for one of his country people to show what historical, political and social circumstances led to his being nicknamed Dracula.


Cool! Best of luck with your work and thanks for stopping by to talk to us.

About Carmen Stefanescu:

Carmen Stefanescu was born in Romania, the native country of the infamous vampire Count Dracula, but where, for about 50 years of communist dictatorship, just speaking about God, faith, reincarnation or paranormal phenomena could have led someone to great trouble - the psychiatric hospital if not to prison.


English and German teacher in her native country and mother of two daughters, Carmen Stefanescu survived the grim years of oppression, by escaping in a parallel world, that of the books.

She has dreamt all her life to become a writer, but many of the things she wrote during those years remained just drawer projects. The fall of the Ceausescu’s regime in 1989 and the opening of the country to the world meant a new beginning for her. She started publishing.

Since 2001, her poems have been successfully published, in the collection Muse Whispers vol.1 and Muse Whispers vol.2 by Midnight Edition Publication.

In 2004 she was awarded with the “International Poet of Merit Silver Award” by the  International Society of Poets.
   
The readers’ interest for her ballad, about the love between a young priest and a nun, published in 2004 by Midnight Edition, inspired Carmen Stefanescu to write a first novel Shadows of the Past.



Connect with Carmen:
Blog
Goodreads author page
Wild Child Publishing
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Leti Del Mar Guest Post

Leti Del Mar is the Indie author of the romantic suspense novel, The Inadvertent Thief. She is a biology and algebra teacher who loves to travel with her husband and daughter. Her love of museums is the basis for her debut novel. In The Inadvertent Thief, Vivien Flowers specializes in protecting fine art and her highly structured world comes to a halt when two very special paintings are stolen.  In her fierce determination to get them back, Vivien learns how to become a thief.  This romantic suspense follows Vivien’s journey from Los Angeles to Paris as she learns about trust, love and the brilliance she is capable of.

For an interview with Leti, click here.

An Indie Author Is Like A Fiddler On The Roof

As I am attempting to market and promote my current novel (The Inadvertent Thief), write its sequel, start a Sci-Fi Young Adult novel, blog, and remind my husband and daughter that I am still alive and kicking, I realize that I am preforming a very precarious balancing act much like a fiddler on a roof.  So I am taking a moment to reflect on this much loved musical in search of answers.


1.    Lehyam! To Life! This is a journey and a long one at that.  Celebrate the milestones whatever they are.  Just finish a first draft?  Go out to dinner! Found someone to help you edit?  Take them out to dinner! Score your first blog follower? Splurge on the venti size of your favorite coffee.  Receive a 5 star review? Hello happy hour! So when things are looking up, take a moment to say, “Lehyam!”

2.    Do You Love Me?  If your family and friends have to ask, you’re doing something wrong. Make sure they know they are the priority and they will continue to support you on your journey. Your book/blog/project will come and go but your family and friends are going to stick around a whole lot longer if you are nice to them now.  

3.    If I Were a Rich Man: I had that dream of being discovered by a publisher and poof! I’m a New York Times bestselling author.  When I saw that there was no mass herd of publishers at my door begging to share my work with the world, I decided to self-publish and have never once regretted it. It is hard work but entirely worth the effort.

4.    Tradition!  As Tvye discovered, some traditions are meant to be broken.  In the end, you have to make your own way. Maybe there is a traditional way to go about writing and marketing your work while having a real life. Maybe. I plan on finding out what works for me and not being afraid to change my mind.

Connect with Leti:

Blog
Facebook page
Twitter



The Inadvertent Thief is available for FREE download now at:
Smashwords

And soon at:
Barnes & Noble
Amazon

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Talking With Leti Del Mar

Leti Del Mar is the author of The Inadvertent Thief, released in June of this year.

About the book:

In The Inadvertent Thief, Vivien Flowers specializes in protecting fine art and her highly structured world comes to a halt when two very special paintings are stolen. In her fierce determination to get them back, Vivien learns how to become a thief. This romantic suspense follows Vivien’s journey from Los Angeles to Paris as she learns about trust, love, and the brilliance she is capable of.

Welcome, Leti! You published your debut novel in June. Do you have another job outside of writing?

I have been a biology and algebra teacher for 8 years which is very strange since my first loves in life were literature and art history. I actually started out wanting to be a curator in a museum, and even though I now spend most of my days talking about numbers and science, I escape to a museum whenever I can. I think my profession has helped me as a writer since I take a very logical and pragmatic approach to all of my work.

Do you outline or write by the seat of your pants?

I outline and outline some more and then transfer my outline to a flow chart and then finish off with a three-page-long checklist. I use all of this preparation so that I when I do sit down and write, I know exactly what I am going to say. As a mother of a toddler, every second I can sit down and write is priceless, and I can’t afford to waste it.

How did you create the plot for this book?

After spending lots of time in museums, I became very curious about their security. I started wondering what it would take to steal a painting, a big one. Then I started to wonder what would cause a logical person like me to be in a position where I needed to steal a painting. Before long, I had a plot in my head and three chapters written. Then I went outline crazy and was on my way. 

Are any of your characters inspired by real people? Who? 

Yes! The most of my supporting characters are inspired by people I know. My heroine’s ex-boyfriend is a near replica of my ex-boyfriend, and I’m sorry to say I didn’t even change his name. Oops!

Are you like any of your characters? How so?
I have some strong similarities with my heroine, Vivien. We are both very driven and have a strong science background. We both love art but understand that we are no good at creating it, and we are both terrible liars. But she is much tougher than I am and has a way cooler background.

What song would you pick to go with your book?

There are two that fit perfectly with the theme of my book. Unintended by Muse and Arms by Christina Peri.

What are your favorite books or favorite authors?

a) as a child: Growing up as the youngest child with siblings a decade older than me, I was always playing catch up and refused to read children’s books. I read biographies and attempted to read the classics.
b) as a teenager: I had a classics only policy and preferred Jane Austen and Edith Wharton c) as an adult: I’ve discovered children’s lit like J.K. Rowling and YA. I like Suzanne Collins. I read for fun and pleasure and to try to catch up on all those years I was pretending to be a grown up.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (e-book/paperback/hardcover)?

I am reading Garment of Shadows by Laurie R. King on the Kindle my husband bought me last year. Now that I’ve gone digital, I’m not sure I’m ever going back.

How do you handle criticism of your work?

I take all criticism as an opportunity to improve. I am in fact begging for criticism. So if you’re reading this, I would welcome a review on my novel.

What’s one of your favorite quotes? 

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.


About the author:

When I'm not writing, I teach Biology and Algebra to teenagers. When I'm not teaching, I'm pursuing my love of Art History, buried deep inside of a museum or I'm traveling with my husband and daughter. The Inadvertent Thief is my first novel, and I am hard at work on my second.



Connect with Leti:
Blog
Facebook page
Twitter
Smashwords
Barnes & Noble
Amazon


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Talking With Tenaya Jayne

About Forbidden Forest:
Born in shame. Cast from society. Shape Shifter/Elf hybrid, Forest must fight for any respect she can get. Targeted in her youth by a vampire noble who placed an illegal slave mark on her, she is forced to obey him, no matter what.

Slipping the grip of her master and abandoning the prejudice of Regia, her native world, Forest takes a job on Earth, guarding the portal, using her skills as a warrior to enforce Regia's laws. Now, called home for a black ops mission, Forest must put aside her own prejudice to transport the vampire prince, Syrus, through enemy territory in a time of war. 

Prince Syrus, mage and master of the Blood Kata, wants Forest more than he's ever wanted anything. In spite of their mutual mistrust, their attraction cannot be denied. Through the danger of their mission, and the secrets they both keep, it doesn't matter what they feel. Forest is forbidden.  



Tenaya Jayne's fantasy romance novel, Forbidden Forest, was released in October by Cold Fire Books. I'm happy to have her here today as part of her CLP blog tour. Welcome, Tenaya. Let's start with a burning question: do you tweet? How would you describe your book in a tweet? (140 characters or less.)
A story about overcoming abuse and prejudice with love.

When you start a new book, do you know what the entire cast will be?

Almost. I usually have the main characters and larger side characters all set, but sometimes a few pop up that I hadn't originally banked on. Those extras arise out of need. As your plot and your main characters develop, sometimes you find they might need someone else to support or hinder them on their way. It can also be a matter of pacing. Maybe things are moving too fast, or you've gone off on a rabbit chase and the introduction of another character can be just the thing you need. 

Which character did you most enjoy writing?

Probably Syrus. He's an Alpha male but he's goofy and sweet. Forest is bitter and cynical and he makes her laugh and loosens her up. I don't like the fictional hero who's a big jerk, and you see that a lot now.

How do you name your characters?

I brainstorm names with a baby name book. I think about my characters, what they look like, their strengths and weaknesses and attempt to name them accordingly. But when you are writing fantasy, you don't necessarily want to name your hero Tom, so you make up a name. Some of the names I used in Forbidden Forest I got from the Bible. For example, I used the name King Ahasuerus who was also called Xerses as inspiration for the names Rahaxeris, and Zeren. 

What book are you currently reading and in what format (e-book/paperback/hardcover)?

Right now, I'm reading Gargoyle by Shelley Martin on my Kindle app.

How do you handle criticism of your work?

That depends on the nature of the criticism and the source it came from. Criticism from other writers who I know and respect goes under advisement. Criticism from my husband holds absolute sway because he's brilliant, and he rarely has anything negative to say, so when he does, I listen. Criticism from someone bent on being mean just drives me harder at the keyboard from spite. When someone insults my work, I just think, "Oh, yeah? I'll show you. One day, I'll be a best seller."

Is there anything in particular that you do to help the writing flow?

I listen to music, and I pace around my kitchen.

What’s one of your favorite quotes?

"The question isn't who is going to let me; It's who is going to stop me."  -Howard Roark

 What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I'm very domestic. I like decorating , cooking, and playing with my kids.

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

Austin Texas. I lived there for the summer of 2008. I didn't think I would enjoy living there at all, but before long, I loved it. My husband and I tried to move there permanently but it wasn't in the cards.  

Thanks for stopping by for a quick chat, Tenaya. Good luck with Forbidden Forest!

About the author:
Hello. My name’s Tenaya and I’m an addict. I mean author. When I was growing up, writing was just something I played at from time to time. I knew I wanted to be a writer, but I was one of those people who could never finish anything. When my eldest son was diagnosed with Autism, I began to write seriously. Writing became a necessity for me in the midst of my heartbreak. It was either that or take up drinking. I ‘m thankful I chose writing as my escape because I discovered it truly is my thing. I want to be swept away when I read. That’s what I want my books to do for you. The main goal of my writing is to entertain you. I want to help you escape everyday life for a little while. I hope you enjoy my stories as much as I enjoy sharing them with you!

I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful sons. I’m an advocate for Autism awareness, and women trapped in abusive relationships. I try to always look on the bright side and help others do so too. I’ve lived many places but I currently reside in Missouri. I love reading, indie and foreign films, gardening, and moody music.


Website
Blog
Twitter
Amazon

Review of Meant To Be

Marienne and Daniel are meant to be...except they’re already married to other people. The two get to know each other, and their friendship blossoms, as Marienne and her husband, and Daniel and his wife become friends. Ms. Stivali shows the reader how wrong both marriages are, and I found myself asking why didn’t they see it sooner? But it wouldn’t allow for much of a story if they had.

Meant To Be is a love story about two people who became best friends before becoming lovers. I like how Ms. Stivali’s characters are never unfaithful, at least in the physical sense. Emotionally, Marienne and Daniel are closer to each other than to their spouses. But it was a natural progression, and there was never a question of unfaithfulness--except for in their minds. Because they are both married to the wrong people, Marienne and Daniel are able give the other the emotional support that is lacking in their marriages, and the reader cheers them on as they grow closer.

Watching the two people, who were meant to be, fall in love is the heart and soul of this book. As their relationship progresses from friendship to genuine love, their marriages begin to fail. But I like that their marriages don’t fail because Marienne and Daniel find themselves loving one another instead of their spouses; the marriages failed because they simply weren’t meant to be and Marienne and Daniel are. Although it takes them a while to admit that to themselves, much less to each other.

Meant To Be shows the slow, almost torturous path to happily ever after for Marienne and Daniel--two honorable, faithful people with whom the reader becomes friends. It’s a frustrating story, but a good frustrating, because they are so obviously right for each other, and so obviously wrong for their spouses. The reader is dying for Marienne and Daniel to see what we see all along. The attraction is there, the emotional connection is there, and we ache for them to acknowledge it.

If you like sweet romances, stories where you root for the couple to get together and find anticipation is delicious, you’ll like Meant To Be.

About the author:
Karen Stivali is a prolific writer, compulsive baker and chocoholic with a penchant for books, movies and fictional British men. When she’s not writing, she can be found cooking extravagant meals and serving them to family and friends. Prior to deciding to write full time Karen worked as a hand drawn animator, a clinical therapist, and held various food-related jobs ranging from waitress to specialty cake maker. Planning elaborate parties and fundraisers takes up what’s left of her time and sanity.

Karen has always been fascinated by the way people relate to one another so she favors books and movies that feature richly detailed characters and their relationships. In her own writing she likes to explore the dynamics between characters and has a tendency to craft romantic love stories filled with sarcasm and sexy details. 

Karen has published three erotic romances with Ellora’s Cave: Marry Me (June 2012), Long-Distance Lovers (co-written with Karen Booth, March 2012) and Always You (Passionate Plume First Place Novella Winner, RWA 2012).

Karen’s first full-length novel, Meant To Be, released from Turquoise Morning Press on August 26, 2012. Its sequel, Holding On, released on November 26, 2012. A prequel to these novels, the short story All I Need, appears in the Foreign Affairs Anthology (Turquoise Morning Press, August 2012).

Coming in 2013 Karen will have several contemporary romances releasing from Samhain Publishing and Turquoise Morning Press. The first of these, Then, Again will release from Samhain on May 23, 2013.

Buy the book:
Amazon author page
Amazon Meant To Be
Romance Ebooks 
Barnes & Noble

Turquoise Morning Press

It was a pleasure to have Karen here on her CLP blog tour. Click for more links and to read an interview with Karen, to read and excerpt of Meant To Be, and to read Karen's guest post.