Today I am most pleased to welcome Angela Archer to WIP Wednesday here on Comptonplations.

Angela, what are your top three dream destinations and why?

ANGELA: Ireland, Bora Bora, and Alaska. I’ve always wanted to see Ireland to see the beauty of it. In all the pictures I see, it just looks like such beautiful countryside. Bora Bora, is my dream beach destination, or really any of the Islands of Tahiti. And, lastly, if I don’t do anything else on my bucket list, or go to any of the other places, one thing I will do someday is see the Northern Lights.

MJ: If you didn’t write, what would be your creative outlet?

ANGELA: I don’t know about creative, but my other stress outlet is riding my horse. I wish I had more time in the day to write and ride, but alas, time evades me most days. I also love cooking and baking–especially from scratch. I’m working on adding a bunch of yummy, healthy, homemade recipes on my blog.

MJ: If you ever need a taster . . . okay, other than writing, what would be your dream job?

ANGELA: When I was young I wanted to be a marine biologist and study whales. When I found out how much school that job required I reconsidered. 🙂 I was never really one that loved school. I don’t know why, I just didn’t like it.

MJ: Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version of the story?

ANGELA: The Last of the Mohicans. I fell in love with the movie before I read the book. When I started the book, everything was different and I freaked out and stopped reading it. Probably not the best thing to do, but I just couldn’t wrap my head around all the changes.

MJ: What do you normally eat for breakfast, of do you skip it and get straight to work?

ANGELA: I’ve been trying to live a more healthier life and lose a few pounds, and since to do that you should eat a breakfast, I eat one. Usually, a banana, Greek vanilla yogurt, and raspberries.

MJ: Plotter or pantser?

ANGELA: I’m a plotter. I have an insane outlining process. I don’t just write a few sentences, I do paragraphs about each chapter and scene. If I don’t, I get lost with what to do next and then weeks go by and I haven’t touched my manuscript because I’m stuck.

MJ: Do you believe in writer’s block?

ANGELA: I believe in writer’s block with my own personal writing. Every author is different, though so while I might get stuck or write myself into a corner, or head down a direction I didn’t plan that sends me slamming my head into the wall or my desk, other writers might not ever experience that. To those lucky enough to never have it, I bow down to their awesomeness.

MJ: Name three things on your desk right now.

ANGELA: Haha. Seriously? A Jessie doll from Toy Story, stencils, markers, and paper, and a bowl of my homemade potato salad. What? I’m hungry, and I have a 21 month old and a 7 year old.

MJ: Would you consider self-publishing?

ANGELA: Yes, I would. I’ve gone back and forth with it, though. As with everything I believe there are pros and cons with traditional publishing and self publishing. Each writer is different and has different goals for their work. If a certain writer thinks self publishing is the better route for them, then I say bravo for doing what is right for them. I have a few friends who are self published and their books are doing really good.

MJ: Do you listen to music when you write? Explain.

ANGELA: I listen to instrumental music, it helps me immensely. While I prefer Celtic music, really any instrumental music works, and I really love soundtracks. A few good ones are The Last of the Mohicans, Braveheart, Secretariat, and Harry Potter.

MJ: Thanks for sharing that! Now, for the lightning round. Beer-can or bottle?

ANGELA: Bottle

MJ: Last movie you saw in a theater?

ANGELA: How to Train Your Dragon 2

MJ: Favorite TV show?

ANGELA:  Game of Thrones

MJ: Paper or e-books?

ANGELA: Paper.

MJ: Favorite band when you were in high school (Marching band doesn’t count).

ANGELA: Def Leppard (And they are still my all time favorite ever!)

MJ: Would you be willing to share the first five to ten sentences of your current work in progress?

ANGELA:  Of course! This is from When the Black Roses Grow, a Historical Romance set in 1692 during the
Salem Witch Trials.

The gentle breeze blew the soft flower petals against my chest. Laying
against my black, cotton dress and clutched in my arms, the bouquet
fluttered from side to side as my feet crunched through the twigs and
rocks along the dirt path. Of course, the flowers were nothing more than
the wild vegetation that bloomed around my home, not like the pretty
sprays of flora most set upon the crosses of their departed loved ones.
Nice flowers weren’t allowed in this part of the cemetery.

I tiptoed down the path past other mourners crying over different
headstones or huddled in the arms of another while they prayed—their
whispers the same echoed prayers I’ve heard dozens of times. Tightening
my grip on the stems, and tucking my chin deeper toward my chest, I
lifted my hand to my face to block my eyes and continued down through
the maze of overgrown weeds, debris, and the broken, rotten wood gate.
A few of the mourners watched me, knowing where I traveled to, and
judging me for my betrayal to God, the Church, and to everyone in Salem.
How dare I mourn my loss. How dare I visit her, my mother—the condemned
witch.

Along the outskirts of town, near the peddlers road, and buried in the
plot of land furthest from the church, the damned and cursed lay in
shallow graves, unmarked, unless a family member willing to bear the
burden of the shame bestowed them with one. Outlined by overgrown brush
that never received care, this cursed part of the cemetery was rarely
visited.

In all honesty, I shouldn’t have traveled here.

MJ: Oh, my! You’ve certainly hooked my attention here. Where can readers purchase your current release?

ANGELA: The Woman on the Painted Horse is available on Amazon. (Click the title for the link.)

MJ: And where can readers follow you?

ANGELA:  I have a website– http://www.angelachristinaarcher.com/,

a blog–http://authorangelachristinaarcher.wordpress.com/

a Face Book page–https://www.facebook.com/pages/Angela-Christina-Archer/121833387901997?ref_type=bookmark

plus I’m on Twitter https://twitter.com/AuthorACArcher and

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8073551.Angela_Christina_Archer

MJ: Thanks a lot for stopping by today. Good luck with your writing and your sales!

 

 

I am absolutely delighted to have my great friend and critique partner, Kris Fletcher, here at Comptonplations today.  Kris, do you have a life memory you recall often and that you’d be willing to share with us and tell us why it stays with you?

KRIS: Our adoption of our second daughter, from Russia, involved a rather grueling court session with many difficult questions. It was nerve-wracking and intimidating, and her future literally hung on what we would say – but there came a moment when I realized I was kind of enjoying it. The judge and ministry representatives had many questions, HARD questions, but I was handling them all and staying calm. I remember looking at the officials and thinking, go ahead, try to trip me up – I’ve got this. It was a rather empowering moment and reminds me that I can do more than I think I can.

MJ: I can see why that one sticks with you. It also sounds like you’ve done a bit of traveling. Do you have any dream destinations you’d like to visit?

KRIS: Wherever my kids are at the moment. I really hate traveling, so the only reason I ever want to go someplace is to see people I love. 

MJ: Do you have a secret talent?

KRIS: Coming up with fun and sometimes honest answers to interview questions. 

MJ: OUCH! Okay, what’s the top book on your TBR pile?

KRIS: At the moment, The Last Original Wife, by Dorothea Benton Frank

MJ: Do you have any recurring dreams you could share with us?

KRIS: I’m in a house and discover a secret room that keeps opening into other rooms. And they’re all awesome.

MJ: If you didn’t write, what would be your creative outlet?

KRIS: Singing. Knitting and other needlework. And I would love to learn how to play the piano, saxophone, and bagpipes.

MJ: If you had a theme song, what would it be?

KRIS: “Just a Gigolo”

MJ: Name one thing you won’t leave home without.

KRIS: Clothing.

MJ: I wish more people felt that way! If you could trade places with anyone for just one day, who would you be and why?

KRIS: Hillary Clinton. I think she has accomplished some amazing things in her life, and I would love to know how it feels to operate at that level.

MJ: Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version of the story?

KRIS: How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The animated version, never ever ever the Jim Carrey one.

MJ: What do you normally eat for breakfast, of do you skip it and get straight to work?

KRIS: Some peanut butter & grape jelly slapped on a slice of whole wheat bread & eaten as I get folks ready for school – and then a blissful, solitary iced latte once they’re all gone.

MJ: Describe your ideal or dream writing space.

KRIS: A cabin in the woods, on a not-too-hot summer day, with no Internet or family expectations, surrounded by other writers. Also chocolate.

MJ: That sounds heavenly. Briefly describe your writing day/process.

KRIS: Procrastinate. Procrastinate. Panic. Write frantically. Lather, rinse, repeat.

MJ: Is there a book you wish you could have written:

KRIS: Bet Me, by Jennifer Crusie.

MJ: Plotter or Pantser?

KRIS: Planter working to become a plotter.

MJ: Ha! Do you believe in writer’s block?

KRIS: Yes. It’s very, very scary. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

MJ: Name three things on your desk right now.

KRIS: Hand lotion, my Kindle, and the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man.

MJ: Do you listen to music while you write?

KRIS: Yes, but only soothing instrumentals – lots of Bill Leslie and Jim Brickman. Otherwise I end up singing instead of writing.

MJ: Do you collage your story before writing?

KRIS: Not with pictures, but I do make a soundtrack, which I consider a musical collage.

MJ: Synopses: love them or hate them?

KRIS: They’re like exercise: I hate them while writing them, but once they’re done, I am ever so grateful.

MJ: Now it’s time for the lightning round. Addams Family or Munsters?

KRIS: Addams Family.  Mostly because every time I speak French, I imagine Gomez kissing his way up my arm.

MJ: Wine-red or white?

KRIS: Whatever tastes most like Welch’s Grape Juice.

MJ: Beer-can or bottle?

KRIS: Can. Shoved inside a chicken on the grill.

MJ: Cinco de Mayo or St. Patrick’s Day?

KRIS: Cinco de Mayo for the food, St. Patrick’s for the leprechauns.

MJ: Last movie you saw in a theater?

KRIS: Muppets Most Wanted. And I loved it.

MJ: Favorite TV show?

KRIS: Now: Big Bang Theory. All time: BBT, Soap, and Alienation.

MJ: Paper or e-books:

KRIS: Both!

MJ: Coke or Pepsi?

KRIS: Coke when I want high-test, Pepsi for diet/uncaffeinated.

MJ: Introvert or extrovert?

KRIS: Introverted all the way.

MJ: Favorite ethnic food?

KRIS: Canadian. Bring on the poutine and doughnuts!

MJ: Now’s the moment! Will you share the first five to ten sentences of your current work in progress:KRIS: The man hovering at the entry to Ian North’s garage was very tall, very blond, and very late.

KRIS:

“Hey Ian. Long time no see.”

“Xander?” Ian tugged his work gloves from his hands and set them on the anvil where, moments earlier, he had been happily pounding the hell out of a piece of hot iron. With a quick glance to make sure everything in his home forge could be safely ignored for a few minutes, he ventured toward his old college roommate. “What are you doing back here?”

Xander pulled sunglasses from his face and hooked them casually over the neck of his silky black tee. “I came to get my dog.”

MJ: Oh, I can’t wait to read this! Do you have buy links for any current releases?

KRIS: Oh, yes.

http://www.amazon.com/Dating-Single-Dad-Harlequin-Superromance/dp/0373608616/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393961863&sr=8-1&keywords=dating+a+single+dad+kris+fletcher

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dating-a-single-dad-kris-fletcher/1118053063?ean=9781460335338

http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=52559

MJ: And where can people find or follow you?

KRIS: Here you go!

Website: http://krisfletcher.com/

Blog: http://krisbooks.wordpress.com/blog/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/KrisFletcherWrites

Twitter: https://twitter.com/krisfletcher

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kristhelatest/

MJ: Thanks, Kris! Good luck.

 

 

 

 

It gives me a great deal of pleasure to have Samanthya Wyatt as my guest today.

MJ: Samanthya, can you share a life memory you recall frequently and tell us why you think about it.

Samanthya: “Granddaddy, are you my friend?”

We took our granddaughter to Myrtle Beach on vacation when she was 4yrs. We were in the hotel pool and she looks at my husband and asked this question. We were so awed. I’ve never forgotten and when it often comes to mind. I’m around children a lot. They are so open and so innocent. And you never know what goes through their little minds or what may come out of their mouths.

MJ: That is too precious! What are your top three destinations, and why?

Samanthya: Scotland, Ireland, New York City.

I would love to see the country and castles. There is so much history and so many stories behind those walls. As for New York, I want to see the Statue of Liberty.

MJ: What’s your secret talent?

Samanthya: Writing romance. My family and friends do not know.

MJ: Wow. That’s a pretty big secret. What’s the top book on your TBR pile?

Samanthya: The True One – Stephen’s story, the sequel to The Right One.

MJ: If you didn’t write, what would be your creative outlet?

Samanthya: Painting. I’ve done some Tri-chem pictures, and I love working on family photo albums – decorations, adding memorabilia.

MJ: Other than writing, what would be your dream job?

Samanthya: When I retire, I will be doing my dream job of writing romance novels.

MJ: If you could trade places with anyone for just one day, who would you be and why?

Samanthya:  Anyone who owned a totally private farm and had a pool where I could relax, do nothing and have no interruptions.

MJ: I think all writers long for that! Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version of the story?

Samanthya: Gone With The Wind. It is the greatest movie of all time. Everyone knows it. I don’t think that could be said about any book.

MJ: Interesting answer. What do you normally eat for breakfast, of do you skip it and get straight to work?

Samanthya: Coffee – coffee- and coffee!

MJ: Let’s talk a little more about  your writing. Can you describe your ideal or dream writing space?

Samanthya: A library full of books and a huge desk with lots of space. A wall of current research books, a shelf of cubby holes for all my projects and an assistant to file and keep up with my sticky notes. I am a very organized person. But with my writing, my fingers can’t keep up with the sporadic thoughts running through my brain, so I jot down notes and desperately need them sorted or filed. LOL.

MJ: Briefly describe your writing day and your process.

Samanthya: Get up in the morning, grab a cup of coffee and go to my computer. Of course this is only on the weekends and when no one else is in the house.

MJ: Name one writing-related website you use a lot.

Samanthya: I use many, and I google topics searching for new sites to get all the information I can.

MJ: Plotter or pantser?

Samanthya: A little of both. Typing my thoughts without trying to perfect what I’m writing works best. But I still make a plot and do a character sheet and work on GMC. I have some type of sketch or idea of where my story is headed.

MJ: Do you believe in writer’s block?

Samanthya: Of course. If nothing comes to mind, I leave, go do something else and come back.

MJ: Love and true love – what is the difference and what do your characters believe about LOVE?

Samanthya: I love a lot of things. I love a lot of people. But true love – in love – with the man of your dreams is a feeling like no other – and what every reader wants. I try to capture that with my characters.

MJ: Would you consider self-publishing?

Samanthya: No. Having a publisher gives me the assurance my work is good enough to be published.

MJ: Do you listen to music while you write?

Samanthya: Some days I have the house Rockin’. The music is in the living room and I am in the bedroom/office.

MJ: Synopsis: love them or hate them:

Samanthya: Before I perfected my first one, I hated them. Now, they are okay. Most publishers want a pitch/hook before they even consider a synopsis. Hooks drive me crazy.

MJ: OK, now it’s time for the lightning round. Addams Family or Munsters?

Samanthya: Munsters.

MJ: Wine–red or white?

Samanthya: Red

MJ: Beer–can or bottle?

Samanthya: bottle/glass

MJ: Stephanie Plum or Eve Dallas?

Samanthya: either

MJ: Cinco de Mayo or St. Patrick’s Day?

Samanthya: Love both!

MJ: Last movie you saw in a theater?

Samanthya: Thor

MJ: Favorite TV show?

Samanthya: Person of Interest

MJ: Paper or e-books?

Samanthya: paperback

MJ: Favorite band when you were in high school?

Samanthya: The Commodores

MJ: Coke or Pepsi?

Samanthya: Coke

MJ: Introvert or extrovert?

Samanthya: Extrovert.

MJ: Favorite ethnic food?

Samanthya: I love Italian.

MJ: Now for the nitty-gritty. Please share the opening lines of your current work in progress.

Samanthya: I’m currently working on Firemen of Station 8 series.

A red image appeared in Cassie’s peripheral vision. Turning, her gaze landed on a Portsmouth fire truck. Right in front of the building.

A silent alarm went off in her brain – the same way it did every time she heard a siren or any emergency vehicle roaring down the road. Ever since her cousin’s house burned a few months ago. The shock of flames climbing six feet above the roof had paralyzed her and brought reality crashing down. She remembered the desolation seeing their home in ruins. The sudden realization of how quickly one could lose everything.

No lights.  No siren.

Still, a little pang of fear sent her pulse racing.

MJ: You’ve got my attention! I understand you have a book coming out today?

Samanthya: Yes, today is release day for my second book, Something More. You can purchase it here:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And my first book, The Right One, is still available —  http://amzn.to/1lEk2qY

 

MJ: And how can readers stay in touch with you?

Samanthya: Through my website and blog – www.samanthyawyatt.com or on Goodreads.

MJ: Thanks again for joining me. Good luck!

I’m very excited to have  author Rachel Sharpe as my guest this week. Today’s a special day for Rachel: it’s release day for her book, Cold Ambition, but more on that later. Welcome Rachel. Let’s get to know a little bit about you.

If you could go anywhere in the world, what would be your top three dream destinations?

RACHEL: First, Hawaii, because it’s Hawaii, and because it’s the location of Magnum, PI, a show without which I wouldn’t have been inspired to write the Jordan James, PI series. Second, the UK. I visited there when I was younger and have always wanted to go back. Third would be Germany and Austria. I have a very close friend who lives in Hanover and I’ve always wanted to visit her homeland. 

MJ: Ah yes, Magnum. The inspiration for many things. Do you have a secret talent?

RACHEL: I don’t know if it’s really a secret, but I like to play guitar. Also, I was in a band in high school. We called ourselves Outta the Blue. We were a short-lived phenomenon.  

MJ: If you didn’t write, what would be your creative outlet?

RACHEL: I guess I would either act or focus more on music. I did both in high school and they were both a lot of fun.

MJ: Other than writing, what would be your dream job?

RACHEL: Editor. If I couldn’t write, I would love to help someone else make their writing better. As the daughter of an English teacher, I’m a second generation grammar nazi. There’s no fighting that title. I’ve accepted it now.

MJ: People always say “Grammar Nazi” as if it were a bad thing. What is the one thing you won’t leave home without?

RACHEL: My cell phone. It’s amazing to think how dependent society has become on them. Almost everything you could ever need is on a cell phone now. That’s a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you look at it… 

MJ: Okay, let’s get down to your writing. Can you describe your ideal writing space?

RACHEL: Honestly, I write anywhere. I’ve never been one to just sit behind a desk and write. I have an app on my phone which allows me to email my pages to myself, so if I’m out and about and have a couple minutes to kill, I’ll try to write at least half a chapter.

MJ: That’s fabulous use of your time. What book or books do you wish you could have written:

RACHEL: Harry Potter because it is an original story that has had such a tremendous impact on the world. The series was not only translated into seventy languages and eight films, they also have a theme park dedicated to it. A story with that much clout is worth emulating.  

MJ: Name three things on your desk right now.

RACHEL: Computer, printer, and cell phone. 

MJ: Do you listen to music when you write?

RACHEL: It depends on the day. Sometimes, I’ll listen to music for background noise. Other times, I need silence to focus. If I do listen to music while I write, I tend to stick to ’80s pop or instrumental film scores. 

MJ: Synopses. Love them or hate them?

RACHEL: Hate. Don’t get me wrong – they’re very important, but trying to sum up the heart and soul of your work in four to six lines is an art form. It’s not easy and often frustrating, but very worthwhile.

MJ: Ready for the lightning round: Addams Family or Munsters-

RACHEL: Addams Family

MJ: Wine-Red or white?

RACHEL: White

MJ: Cinco de Mayo or St. Patrick’s Day?

RACHEL: St. Patrick’s Day.

MJ: Paper or e-books?

RACHEL: Paper.

MJ: Pepsi or coke?

RACHEL: Coke.

MJ: Favorite ethnic food?

RACHEL: Thai.

MJ: Now, what we’ve all been waiting for . . . what are you working on now?

RACHEL:  The working title is Retribution. Here are the first few lines.

 “My life is completely ruined!” the girl sobbed, covering her eyes, thick with black mascara, with her carefully-manicured nails. “He told me he loved me and that we would be together forever. Now I’ve lost him and everything else. What am I supposed to do?”

Her mother sat on the love seat beside her, stroking her silky-blonde hair. “My dear, it’s not the end of the world,” she insisted. “He’s one foolish boy. You’re overreacting.”

She sat up and stared into her mother’s eyes. “You don’t understand. I lost my job. I’ll never work again after this gets out….”

Suddenly alarmed, her mother grabbed her shoulders and studied her eyes intently. “After what gets out?”

MJ: You’ve certain piqued my curiosity! Now I understand you have book coming out today. Where can we buy it?

 

RACHEL:  At Amazon. Here’s the link:

MJ: And how can we stay touch with you?

RACHEL: Here are my links:

Website www.rachelsharpe.com 

Blog  www.rachelcsharpe.wordpress.com

Facebook  www.facebook.com/authorrachelsharpe 

Twitter  www.twitter.com/RachelCSharpe 

MJ: Thanks for stopping by and good luck with your books.