
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Quantum Earth by Julie Achterhoff

Make Believe Lover by Ashley Ladd

1. What is the name of the book where we would meet the animal? What genre is it?
Make-Believe Lover
Paranormal Erotic Romance
The animal is: Gizmo, a talking cat
2. Who wrote the book?
Ashley Ladd
3. What would the animal that of the author? You can tell us the truth.
Gizmo, of course, adores me! I'm his master and best friend and creator.
4. Tell us a little about the animal. How would you describe their appearance? That's more than just cuddly and furry. Give us enough detail to get a clear idea of how they look.
Gizmo is a gray and black tabby domestic cat. He's large (overweight) and cuddly but sassy.
5. What part does the animal play in the book? Are you the hero, the best friend, the side kick, the hero... ?
Gizmo is Becca's best friend and constant side-kick. He constantly gets her into trouble with his big, sarcastic mouth. He even brings evil dragons and evil armies down on her.
6. Is there a specific reason why the animal is in the story? Don't give us any story spoilers, but you can share some teasers if you want.
Gizmo provides comic relief and also a sounding board for Becca, the heroine.
7. What time period does the animal live in?
Gizmo and Becca start out in contemporary times but are sucked into a medieval cartoon where the majority of the story takes place.
8. Where is the animal from?
He's from Planet Earth.
9. Do they live in the same place now?
No, Gizmo and Becca have been sucked onto the world of Templar.
10. Tell us about the place where the animal lives.
Templar is a medieval world filled with an evil king, armies who fly on dragons, and is in dire need of a savior.
11. What special skills or abilities does the animal have?
Gizmo speaks and understands English since he's been transported onto Templar and poses as an ordinary house cat and so is invaluable as a spy to help the good guys.
12. How do those skills or abilities affect the animal's part in the story?
Since he can pose as an ordinary cat, he should be a wonderful spy. However, his big mouth keeps getting him in trouble.
13. Tell us about the animal's past. Can you share one really good experience and/or one really bad experience? I know that bad experience can be tough, but it would tell us more about what they have been through.
Gizmo's worst experience is when an evil dragon swoops down and almost eats him.
14. Who is the most important person in the animal's life? Tell us about them.
Becca is Gizmo's master and best friend. Together they are transported onto the mythical world of Templar where suddenly Gizmo can speak and won't keep his big mouth shut. Together with a rag tag band of locals, Gizmo and Becca are called upon to oust the evil King Heinrich, his army, and his evil dragons.
15. Is that person in the story we're talking about?
Yes, Becca is the heroine of the story.
16. How does that person impact the animal's life?
Gizmo is completely devoted to Becca and will risk his life for her, as she does for him. If not for her, he would still be an ordinary, misunderstood cat on Earth.
17. What do you see in the animal's future?
Gizmo will probably be knighted and have to deal with a very irritating talking dog.
18. Is the author going to write another story that includes this animal? Or, is this book part of a series?
Yes to both! The sequel is in the works now and Gizmo is extremely excited to be back int he spotlight.
Ashley Ladd
http://www.ashleyladd.com
http://www.ashleyladd.blogspot.com
chinara@aol.com
Bad Guys from Tracey H Kitts
Who causes friction in the story?
Throughout the first three books in my werewolf hunter series, one of the main sources of friction is a character named Bade Garren. He’s drop dead sexy. He’s also number two on The Hunter’s most wanted list.
Do you prefer bad guys or bad gals?
Definitely bad guys. I have always been attracted to the wrong sort of man and that shows through in my stories.
How do you use your bad guys?
In all sorts of different ways. In Bade’s case, I use him to mix things up. He’s not completely evil, which makes him somewhat sympathetic. Especially once we get to know him more. The other villains throughout the series are much more what I call “hard-core” evil.
Do you enjoy writing the bad guys or do you find it difficult?
I love it. Writing the villain is the best part of the story. Well, besides writing the sex.
Whether you enjoy writing them or hate writing them, we'd like to know why you feel that way?
When you write a bad guy, you don’t have to worry about being politically correct. If what he says offends, oh well. That’s what he’s there to do. You can let your darkside show through sometimes and that’s kind of appealing, even though it’s creepy sometimes to see what you’ve created.
Who is your favorite bad guy in any of your books? Which bad guy and which book are they in?
My favorite bad guy (even though he’s not truly evil) is Bade Garren. He can be found in my werewolf hunter series.
Who is your favorite fictional bad guy -- that's not in your books?
Honestly, it’s a tie between Dracula and the Joker. Strange I know.
Is there anything else about your bad guys that we need to know? Feel free to share.
One thing with my stories … I enjoy a sort of anti-hero. My characters are never completely good, although some are completely bad.
Please provide your website link.
What is the link to buy your book?
The link for my books can be found on my website.
http://www.traceyhkitts.com/Books.htm
I also want to let people know that I always donate 10% of my royalties to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. It’s something I’ve always done and plan to continue.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Meet Jane from Willing Spirits by Phyllis Schieber
1. What is the name of the book where we would meet you? What genre is it?
Willing Spirits. The genre is Women’s Fiction.
2. Who wrote the book?
Phyllis Schieber
3. What do you think of the author? You can tell us the truth.
I think she is complicated. She writes from her heart, and I like that about her. She wants to write books that she would want to read. Sometimes she meanders and strays from the plot, but I relish those interludes. They have a dreamy quality that reflects her thought process.
4. Tell us a little about yourself. How would you describe your appearance?
That's more than just really cute or drop dead gorgeous. Give us enough
detail to get a clear idea of how you look.
I’m only five feet one. I would have liked to be taller, but I’m not. I’m not skinny. I have to watch what I eat. I have curly, brown hair that is going grey. I dyed it last year, just a rinse. Gwen didn’t like it. She kept calling me Lucy. It was so silly, but I stopped using the rinse. The grey is sort of interesting. I’m not as striking as Gwen, but I’m attractive. When we are out together, no one ever notices me. My lips are my worst feature. They’re too thin, but I know how to make them look fuller. Make-up is a blessing. I have good skin and nice eyes even if they are just brown.
5. What character are you in the book? Are you the hero, the best friend, the side kick, the hero and heroine's child or someone else?
I am the “other heroine.”
6. Is there a specific reason why you're in the story? Don't give us any story spoilers, but you can share some teasers if you want.
I am the story. Gwen and I share the spotlight in Willing Spirits.
7. What time period do you live in?
Contemporary.
8. Where are you from?
9. Do you live in the same place now?
Yes, I do. I am a born and bred New Yorker.
10. Tell us about your hometown and your current home.
What’s to tell?
11. Tell us how your hometown or your current home affects you, the things you do and how you feel about life?
I’ve never lived anywhere else, so I don’t’ know anything different. I love
12. What special skills or abilities do you have?
Well, I’m an elementary school teacher. I don’t know that I have any special skills. I’m a good friend, a good mother, and a good teacher. I thought I was a good wife, but apparently my soon-to-be-ex-husband didn’t share that feeling.
13. How do those affect your part in the story?
Throughout the story I am a betrayed wife, a mother and a friend, as well as a teacher, so I would say the entire story is affected by my roles. I bring something to each of those roles.
14. Are you happy with the story?
The story was hard on me from the beginning. In spite of that, I love how I grew. I was allowed to take risks, make mistakes and become a stronger and more independent person. I like that. So, yes, I am happy with the story.
15. Do you have some ideas that the author should consider about the story? You can share them with us. We're all friends here.
Well, sometimes I think I come across as a bit provincial. I’m not all that interested in the same sort of ideas that seem to intrigue Gwen. She loves all those esoteric religious and philosophical concepts. I resist all that. I think in some ways, Phyllis took advantage of my lack of sophistication, but I’m a good sport, so I went along with it. Until
16. Tell us about your past. Can you share one really good experience and/or one really bad experience? I know that bad experiences can be tough, but it would tell us more about what you've been through.
You would think I would immediately say that finding my husband in bed with a girl practically the same ages as his daughter, would be my bad experience, but it was really my good experience. That single event really compelled me to question the authenticity of my marriage, as well as to face my own unhappiness and do something about it.
I think the hardest experience I had was learning that my daughter Caroline was pregnant. She’s so young and so not ready to be a mother, and I had so hoped for her to have a different life than the one I had. I think I really rallied after I found out, so while it was a bad experience, I think I rose to the occasion and surprised everyone, including myself.
17. Who is the most important person in your life? Tell us about them.
Caroline is the most important person in my life. She is my daughter, and I adore her. Gwen is right behind Caroline. I don’t know what I would do without Gwen.
18. Is that person in the story we're talking about?
Yes.
19. How does that person impact you and your life?
Motherhood is the single most defining experience of my life. Everything I do and don’t do affects Caroline, so I am mindful of that. Still, I had to evolve. It was important for both of us.
20. Do you have any children?
My Caroline.
21. If you do, tell us about them. If you don't have any children, you can tell us why not - but, only if you want to tell us.
Caroline is a college student. She is a gifted artist. I think she is willful, impulsive, and quick to judge, but I also know her to be loving, kind and supportive. She is the love of my life.
22. What do you see in your future?
I see change, and I believe that is good.
23. Do you think your author is going to write another story about you? Or, are you part of a series?
Oh, definitely not!
24. Do you like being a character in a book?
I didn’t realize I was until just now.
25. If someone ever decides to make a movie based on your story, who should play you in the movie and why?
I love Marcia Gay Harding. She could play me. We have the same coloring, and we must be about the same age. She is emotional, but she is also strong.
It’s been great to talk with you. If you want to tell us anything else, feel free. Also, tell us about a website where we can learn more about you and where we can buy the book. If you have a picture of yourself, feel free to send it.
For more information, visit - www.phyllisschieber.blogspot.com
Order from the publisher - http://us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780425225851,00.html?Willing_Spirits_Phyllis_Schieber
Order from Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Willing-Spirits-Phyllis-Schieber/dp/0425225852
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Meet Gwen From Willing Spirits by Phyllis Schieber

Let's start off Phyllis Schieber's virtual book tour to promote her new book Willing Spirits. Today we will meet Gwen - one of the main characters. Tomorrow we will meet Jane -- come back for more info. I could tell you about Gwen, but we'll let her speak for herself...
1. What is the name of the book where we would meet you? What genre is it?
You would meet me in Willing Spirits, a Women’s Literature novel.
2. Who wrote the book?
Phyllis Schieber
3. What do you think of the author? You can tell us the truth.
I always tell the truth! I’m very much like the author in that way. She’s fairly irreverent, often cynical, but also very nurturing and loving. She demands solitude. I admire her outspokenness and her sense of humor.
4. Tell us a little about yourself. How would you describe your appearance? That's more than just really cute or drop dead gorgeous. Give us enough detail to get a clear idea of how you look.
I’m tall and quite thin, though not as thin as I was before I had my two boys. I have very long legs, a feature most people notice about me first. My eyes are blue and my hair is dark, blue black really, and very straight. I’m quite fair skinned for someone with such dark hair.
5. What character are you in the book? Are you the hero, the best friend, the side kick, the hero and heroine's child or someone else?
I am definitely one of the heroines. I think I share the heroine position with my best friend Jane.
6. Is there a specific reason why you're in the story? Don't give us any story spoilers, but you can share some teasers if you want.
Well, there wouldn’t be a story without me. It’s my story, and it’s Jane’s story. We have our children, and our parents, and we have and then don’t have husbands. And we have lovers and some happiness and lots of disappointment. But we always, always have each other. That never changes for us.
7. What time period do you live in?
Contemporary.
8. Where are you from?
9. Do you live in the same place now?
No, I live in the North now. I live in an apartment in
10. Tell us about your hometown and your current home.
Everyone knew everyone else’s business in the town where I grew up. There were no secrets. The people were good people, and we had our share of eccentrics for sure, but it wasn’t a place where someone like me—tall, outspoken, independent—could blend in easily. I think my folks were relieved when I let. I’m more comfortable in
11. Tell us how your hometown or your current home affects you, the things you do and how you feel about life?
I feel happy to be living in a city where there are so many choices. I can be alone, or I can be with others. I feel less judged and less pressured to follow a certain lifestyle.
12. What special skills or abilities do you have?
I’m an elementary schoolteacher. I also love to cook and bake. I tend to bake breads when I’m feeling troubled. My children are always suspicious when I start baking. They see it as a portent. I find baking immensely relaxing. I love working the dough and waiting for it to rise. It soothes me. `
13. How do those affect your part in the story?
The baking I do becomes sort of symbolic. I like the way my baking bread is worked into the story.
14. Are you happy with the story?
The story is truthful. I like that about it. I am not perfect, and I am not in a perfect relationship. However, I love Daniel even if I don’t always know what I want. In a perfect world, the story might not have had the impediment and delays that it does, but then the story would have been insincere. So, yes, I am happy with the story.
15. Do you have some ideas that the author should consider about the story? You can share them with us. We're all friends here.
I never liked thinking about myself as the “other woman.” It’s a very uncomfortable role. I do think that Phyllis deals with the complexities of that situation without judgment, but I think there could have been more discussion with Jane about my relationship with Daniel.
16. Tell us about your past. Can you share one really good experience and/or one really bad experience? I know that bad experience can be tough, but it would tell us more about what you've been through.
Some people might suspect that the worst thing to ever happen to me was the dissolution of my marriage. It was devastating. I was very young, alone in a city where I had no friends, and totally isolated from other women my age. However, in retrospect, I think my brother Warren’s untimely death was the worst experience of my life. Everyone blamed me even though it wasn’t my fault. My parents never seemed to recover, especially my mother. It changed our relationship and catapulted me into a different future, which is both good and bad. Nevertheless, combined with the actual loss of a brother I adored,
My friendship with Jane helped me redefine my belief in relationships. I can spend a day with Jane and speak to her on the phone later again. Daniel always teases me about that, but I think he understands. Actually, I can pretty much do the same thing with him, but not quite. Jane hears me differently than he does. There is less need for explanation with Jane. She just knows what I mean, and even if we don’t always agree, we always understand each other. That’s a very good thing in my life.
17. Who is the most important person in your life? Tell us about them.
My sons are more important to me than anyone else. They have kept me sane. I have to be intact because I have to take care of them. I was a single mother at a very young age. And certainly Jane matters greatly. She’s my touchstone.
18. Is that person in the story we're talking about?
Yes, they are all present in Willing Spirits.
19. How does that person impact you and your life?
I would say that my sons define my place in the world, and Jane helps me make sense of that world.
20. Do you have any children?
I do. I have two grown sons, Matt and Ethan.
21. If you do, tell us about them. If you don't have any children, you can tell us why not - but, only if you want to tell us.
My sons were very young when their father left. It was very hard on Matt and Ethan because I came undone for a time. Children can get through most anything as long as they see their parent intact. Theodore, their father, just left, so I had to do everything. I was paralyzed with fear, and they sensed that. Fear is terrible. Matt is my older boy. He’s quite solid. He likes to tease me. His brother Ethan is the worrier. He’s my protector. He always wanted to take care of me. They’re both good boys. It was very difficult for me once they were both away at college. I was lonely for them, but I did everything not to let them know that. They don’t necessarily approve of my relationship with Daniel, but they like him.
22. What do you see in your future?
I don’t want to go into too much detail—it would be somewhat of a spoiler—but I am hopeful that I will be happy.
23. Do you think your author is going to write another story about you? Or, are you part of a series?
No, I don’t anticipate a series.
24. Do you like being a character in a book?
I’m a character in a book? Me?
25. If someone ever decides to make a movie based on your story, who should play you in the movie and why?
I think Geena Davis could play me. She’s tall and about my age. I think she could capture my restraint and my playfulness with equal candor.
For more information, visit - www.phyllisschieber.blogspot.com
Order from the publisher - http://us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780425225851,00.html?Willing_Spirits_Phyllis_Schieber
Order from Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Willing-Spirits-Phyllis-Schieber/dp/0425225852
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Meet Laura Prince - From The Mind of A Genius
QuestionWhat is the name of the book where we would meet you? What genre is it?
The name of the book is, The Mind of a Genius, and it’s a mystery/spy fiction novel.
Question 2
Who wrote the book?
Answer
David Snowdon
Question 3
What do you think of the author? You can tell the truth.
Answer
He likes exciting stories, exciting plots and exciting characters.
Question 4
Tell us about yourself. How you describe your appearance? That’s more than just cute or drop dead gorgeous. Give us enough detail to get a clear idea of how you look.
Answer
I’m 46-years-old, blonde with blue eyes, slim and 5-foot-8.
Question 5
What character do you play in the book? Are you the hero, the best friend, the side kick, the hero and heroine’s child or someone else?
Answer
My name is Laura Prince, the wife of the famous British scientist, Malcolm Prince.
Question 6
Is there any specific reason why you’re in the story? Don’t give us any spoilers, but you can share some teasers if you want.
Answer
The author needed a sexy, female character to play the wife of the scientist. She had to be beautiful, intelligent and interesting. Thus, the character of Laura Prince was born.
Question 7
What time period do you live in?
Answer
The 21st century.
Question 8
Where are you from.
Answer
Brighton in England.
Question 9
Do you live in the same place now?
Answer
I don’t.
Question 10
Tell about your hometown and your current home.
Answer
Brighton in East Sussex is one of the most interesting seaside cities in Britain. It’s very cosmopolitan, with plenty of bars and restaurants, a vibrant night-life and also has a racecourse. I currently live in Richmond, in Surrey.
Question 11
Tell us how your hometown or current home effects you, the things you do and how you feel about life?
Answer
Richmond, my current home is very tranquil and I like it here. It’s good to get away from the hustle and bustle of Central London at times, and Richmond is an ideal hide-out, which is not too far from Central London. I like going to Richmond Park, which lies on the edge of the Thames, on a daily basis for a jog. Where I live has a calming effect on me and I feel good about life.
Question 12
What special skills or abilities do you have?
Answer
I’m a chartered secretary by profession.
Question 13
How do those affect your part in the story?
Answer
I needed every skill I possess to be able to deal with the kind of characters that I encountered in, The Mind of a Genius. I did have to deal with some very shady characters, but it was fun.
Question 14
Are you happy with the story?
Answer
I’m very happy with the story. I had a very good time, playing Laura Prince, the passionate wife of the scientist, and travelling to all of those exciting destinations. It was wonderful.
Question 16
Tell us about your past. Can you share one really good experience and/or one really bad experience? I know that bad experiences can be tough, but it would tell us more about what you’ve been through.
Answer
I was born in Brighton and came to London at the age of 21 after I finished my first degree. I married my first husband at the age of 26 and the marriage lasted for five years. I married my second husband at the age of 33 and that marriage lasted for seven years. Malcolm Prince was my third husband. The day I married my first husband was a memorable day. And it’s still very fresh in my mind.
Question 17
Who is the most important person in your life? Tell us about them.
Answer
My mother is the most important person in my life. She still lives in Brighton, and she’s a retired accountant. My father passed away eight years ago.
Question 18
Is that person in the story we’re talking about?
Answer
She isn’t
Question 19
How does that person impact you and your life?
Answer
The good breeding I received from my parents as a child has made me the person I am today.
Question 20
Do you have any children?
Answer
No.
Question 21
What do you see in your future?
Answer
The author might use me again. But that remains to be seen.
Question 22
Do you think the author is going to write another story about you? Or, are you part of a series?
Answer
You never know. He might decide to use my character again in the sequel.
Question 23
Do you like being a character in the book?
Answer
Yes, it was fun playing Laura Prince, the wife of the scientist.
Question 24
If someone ever decides to make a movie based on your story, who should play you in the movie and why?
Answer
I haven’t really thought about that. But I’m sure that there are many good actresses, who can play the part.
To learn more about Jason Clay, MI4 Secret Agent from The Mind of a Genius, visit http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2009/01/meet-jason-clay-playboy-and-mi4-agent.html
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Meet Jason Clay - Playboy and MI4 Agent in Mind of a Genius

Question 1
What is the name of the book where we would meet you? What genre is it?
Answer
The name of the book is, The Mind of a Genius, and it’s a mystery/spy fiction novel.
Question 2
Who wrote the book?
Answer
David Snowdon
Question 3
What do you think of the author? You can tell us the truth.
Answer
He likes exciting characters. He gave me an interesting role in the book and I was very happy with it.
Question 4
Tell us about yourself. How would you describe your appearance? That’s more than just really cute or drop dead gorgeous. Give us enough detail to get a clear idea of how you look.
Answer
I’m now 35-years-old with blonde hair and blue eyes, tall, slim and people say I’m quite handsome. I think they’re right.
Question 5
What character are you in the book? Are you the hero, the best friend, the side kick, the hero and heroine’s child or someone else?
Answer
My name is Jason Clay and I’m one of the main characters in the book.
Question 6
Is there a specific reason why you’re in the story? Don’t give us any story spoilers, but you can share some teasers if you want.
Answer
There’s a very good reason why I’m in the story. The writer created me because he needed a character, who was dashing and suave to play Special Agent Jason Clay.
Question 7
What time period do you live in?
Answer
The 21st century.
Question 8
Where are you from?
Answer
I’m from London, in England.
Question 9
Do you live in the same place now?
Answer
Definitely. I’m a Londoner through and through.
Question 10
Tell us about your hometown and your current home.
Answer
London is the capital of England and the UK, and it’s a very cosmopolitan, global city. It’s also a global business and financial centre, and an international tourist attraction with plenty of entertainment and activities. I live in a detached house in Chelsea, in West London.
Question 11
Tell us how your hometown or current home effects you, the things you do and how you feel about life.
Answer
Living in London and being an MI4 agent means that I live life to the full, and I’m always on the move. I’m still single, and there’s a lot of beautiful women from all over the world for eligible bachelors like me. I frequently go to the trendy bars, restaurants and night-clubs with some of the most beautiful women in the world. Life is a ball and there’s so much to do in London. It’s absolutely fabulous.
Question 12
What special skills or abilities do you have?
Answer
I’m a special agent for the MI4. Espionage is my profession. I undertake dangerous assignments for a lot of money, and I love it.
Question 13
How do those affect your part of the story?
Answer
I was hired by the MI4 to obtain a secret formula that was invented by top British scientist, Malcolm Prince. And I had to use some of my special skills for the assignment, which turned out to be one of the most exciting assignments of my career. I won’t say too much. Read, The Mind of a Genius, and you’ll find out about it.
Question 14
Are you happy with the story?
Answer
I was paid a fortune to seduce a beautiful woman, and I had a fantastic time, travelling around the world with her, and giving her the loving of her life. It was great.
Question 15
Do you have some ideas that the author should consider about the story? You can share them with us. We’re all friends.
Answer
I leave the ideas to the author. I’m Jason Clay, the playboy. I just play my role.
Question 16
Tell us about your past. Can you share one really good experience and/or one really bad experience? I know that bad experiences can be tough, but it would tell us more about what you’ve been through.
Answer
I live for today, and I’m too busy thinking about today, to be bothered with the past. As far as I’m concerned, that’s water under the bridge. Let’s talk about something else.
Question 17
Who is the most important person in your life? Tell us about them.
Answer
There are two very important people in my life. My mother and father, and I’m very fond of them. My mother is a retired doctor and my father is a retired Judge. My parents wanted me to be a doctor, but I had other plans. They moved to the South of France after they retired, and I visit them on a regular basis.
Question 18
Is that person in the story we’re talking about?
Answer
No, but the author might feature them in the sequel.
Question 19
How does that person impact on your life?
Answer
What are you talking about? If you read, The Mind of a Genius, you’ll know that I’m a good boy. I wouldn’t hurt a fly. And it’s all because of them.
Question 20
Do you have any children?
Answer
Are you joking? I’m a playboy. I’m too busy, playing the field to be bothered with that. Ask me that question in three years time and I might have a better answer than this.
Question 21
What do you see in the future?
Answer
The author might use me in the sequel. We’ll have to wait and see.
Question 22
Do think your author is going to write another story about you? Or, are you part of a series?
Answer
I hope so. When he writes another espionage thriller, he might use my character again.
Question 23
Do you like being in the book?
Answer
I love it. I wouldn’t miss it for all the money in the world.
Question 24
If someone ever decides to make a movie based on your story, who should play you in the movie and why?
Answer
I haven’t really thought about that. I’ll answer that question in my next interview with you. Thanks for the interview.
To learn more about Laura Prince from The Mind of a Genius, visit
http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2009/02/meet-laura-prince-from-mind-of-genius.html