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



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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.

Karen Stivali

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.

Guest Post by Karen Stivali

When I wrote Meant To Be I saw the whole story in my head, beginning, middle 
and end. I knew what was going to happen to the characters, how they were
 going to grow close as friends, how they'd fall in love without even
 realizing what was happening. The story that plays out between Daniel and
 Marienne is a one of friendship, love, acceptance and longing. It's one long 
prelude to a kiss. 


I knew from the start that they would have a happily ever after ending and 
when I wrote it I felt so relieved. I wanted their happiness. As a writer I 
needed to give it to them. Then I started submitting their story for 
publication. It's a nerve-wracking process, submitting a book to agents and 
publishers. There's a lot of waiting for answers. There are rejection
 letters that don't tell you what you did wrong. Possibly worse, there are 
rejection letters saying how much the reader liked your book but it just 
wasn't what he/she was looking for at that time.


It was November 2010 and after two months of hopeful replies, rejections and 
more waiting ahead, I knew I had to do something or I was going to lose my 
mind. I'd always wanted to try NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month, 
which takes place every November and is a group of people who each commit to
 trying to write 50k words of a novel in that one month's time). I had a few 
different ideas in my head but the story that wouldn't stop talking to me 
was Holding On. Even though I'd devoted an entire book to Daniel and 
Marienne, I wasn't done telling their story. So I did the one thing writers 
are told never to do---I wrote a sequel to a book I had yet to place.
 Writing Holding On was exactly what I needed. For the first time in months 
the words were pouring out of me. And, to be, honest, I'd missed Daniel and
 Marienne. I needed to follow them on another journey and take them further 
through their lives. By the end of November I'd written nearly 60k words of
 their story. (As a bit of trivia, Holding On was not the original title of
 this book, the working NaNo title was "The Professor and Marienne." You'll 
see why if you read Meant To Be.)


As luck would have it when I got an offer to contract Meant To Be several
 months later, one of the first things the publisher asked me was "Do you 
ever see yourself writing a sequel to this book?" I was able to say I pretty 
much already had. She asked for the first few chapters, and within a few 
weeks I had a contract on Holding On as well.


So, if any writers out there have characters that they believe they're just
 not done with, my advice is write them. Tell their story. A lot of people 
thought I was crazy to be writing a whole other book about Daniel and 
Marienne while Meant To Be was still just making the rounds, but I'm so glad 
I did it. I stayed true to my characters, and I wrote what I wanted to write. 
I'll forever be thankful to NaNoWriMo for giving me the push I needed to 
accomplish that. And I'm so glad I wrote the rest of Daniel and Marienne's 
story.


Not that that's the end for them. I've had several readers who've asked if
 we'll see more Daniel and Marienne and my answer is two-fold. First, I don't 
know that I'll ever be able to say I'm truly done writing them. They're a
 part of my life, and I adore them both, and they're only in their early
 30s---they have a whole lifetime ahead, and I'm willing to bet some of that
 lifetime will make it onto paper in the future. In addition to that I
 already know for a fact that they'll appear in a related book. Daniel's
 ex-wife, Justine, who is in both Meant To Be and Holding On undergoes a 
rather dramatic life experience at the end of Holding On. Justine will be 
getting a book that tells her story and Daniel and Marienne will most
 definitely be making guest appearances in Just In Time (due out from
 Turquoise Morning Press 1/26/14). 


And, if you've read both of these books and still want more Daniel and
 Marienne, you can read about them in two anthologies. The short story All I
 Need (in the Foreign Affairs Antholoy by Turquoise Morning  Press) tells 
about how a young Daniel wound up marrying Justine in the first place. And a 
second short White Wedding, in an upcoming  wedding anthology will tell the 
tale of Daniel and Marienne's nuptials. That anthology is due to release in
 June 2013 (also from Turquoise Morning Press).

To read an interview with Karen, click here.
To read an excerpt from Meant To Be, click here.

Connect with Karen:
Website 
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads
Amazon

All Romance Ebooks
Barnes & Noble

Turquoise Morning Press