Interview with Author Francis Ray

Happy fall, end of the hot, hot summer. One of the founders of Romance Slam Jam, Francis Ray has agreed to be my….LOL. She’s graciously agreed to be interviewed. Hello Francis, thank you for joining in the craziness. What is your most decadent (G-rated) wish?

Francis: A spa vacation package for 7 days at Lake Austin Spa and Resort.Dyanne: I hope you get a chance to make your wish your true. Can you tell us a secret that no one knows about you?

Francis: I'm terrified each time I start plotting/writing a new book.

Dyanne: Francis, you have no idea how many aspiring writers will be helped by your answers to that question. Thank you. Now tell us the secret you don't want anyone to find out.

Francis: I can't tell you, but it has something to do with housework.

Dyanne: That’s a big hint. And since I’ve been giving my sister the excuse for years that writers don’t have time to clean I’m always happy to have back up support. LOL. Francis, can you tell us what’s on your already full plate for the rest of the year?

Francis: I just finished IT HAD TO BE YOU, book # 4 of the Grayson Friends Series which is scheduled for release May 2010. Two weeks ago I sent back the first proof pages for ONE NIGHT WITH YOU, the November 03, 2009 release and book # 3 in the Grayson Friends Series. Before that it was first proof pages of IF YOU WERE MY MAN, book # 5 of the Invincible Women Series due out February 2010.. After a few days of down time, I'll start the research for my next mainstream family series tentatively titled Texas Titans: The Warricks. Of course I'll also have to write the next book in the Grayson Friends Series. I also have a couple of out of town book signings scheduled. Thankfully, it never ends.

Dyanne: I’d like to add that Francis Ray is doing a blog tour in October. She’s even going to stop by my blog. http://dyannedavis.blogspot.com/. I don’t want to brag but I received and read and thoroughly enjoyed an advance reader’s copy of One Night with YOU. Go to my blog leave a question for Francis and I will send my copy of the book to the one I think asked the most original question. Francis will stop in to answer questions as time permits.Dyanne: Francis, last question. Where can readers reach you?

Francis: Email: francisray@aol.com
http://www.francisray.com/
myspace.com/francisray
http://us.mc521.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=readergroups@francisray.com

Thanks for the interview. Dyanne, if I may, I'd like to thank readers. Their wonderful support helped NOBODY BUT YOU hit the New York Times and the U.S.A. Today bestselling list the first week the book was out. In mid July NOBODY BUT YOU won Border's Bestselling Multicultural romance for 2008. I appreciate my readers so very much. Thank you for helping me succeed.

Francis

Interview with Author RaeLynn Blue

Our next interview is with RaeLynn Blue. Hello RaeLynn. Thank you for stopping by to acquaint the Romance Slam Jam family with you.

RayLynn: Hello Dyanne!

Dyanne: I know you write fantasy. I could do with a bit of fantasy right about now. Can you write me one in a couple of lines?

RayLynn: Sweat, throat dry, and heart heaving as the rush of pleasure downgraded from furious to flushing warmth, Dyanne moaned, body singing in the afterglow. With a breath across her empty right hand, a tall glass of ice water appeared, courtesy of the handsome, glistening and very delectable shifter on her right. Even beneath the soft hush of twilight, his grin spoke of his pleasure--and hinted at more to come.

Dyanne: I loved that. I’m still fanning. Thank you. I also know you write sci -fi. Place me in one of your worlds and tell me what my reaction would be.

RayLynn: "Where the hell am I and what it that awful smell?"Dyanne said, as the reeking odor of sour, old beer wafted through the bog of sweaty bodies. The Cat’s Meow remained the sole bar on this side of the moon that hadn’t been closed due to incompetence. The raging colony war continued to chew up the chalky dust covered surface of the moon with regularity. She met the eyes of a hot, sexy soldier at the bar. He gestured to the bartender for a glass of watered down, flaf beer. Let him bring the beer and his fine body on over to her. She wasn't here for the taste anyway--at least of the beer. The soldier, well that was debatable.

Dyanne: You’re very funny and very good at playing this game. I’m really enjoying this. So now, here on earth what is your most outlandish wish (G rated)

RayLynn: I wish to be infinitely brilliant and ultra sexy. Wait! Would that make me Tyra?

Dyanne: LOL. I have the power to grant that wish. Do you want me to or would there be another wish you'd like instead?

RayLynn: Hmmmm, no. I want to be awarded 1.83 billion dollars.

Dyanne: I’d love to know why the .83 billon but I won’t ask. Where can readers find you?

RayLynn: Readers can find me amongst the other BadAzz Authors (http://www.badazzauthors.com/) and at my own spot (http://raelynnblue.blogspot.com/

RaeLynn Blue
http://raelynnblue.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/raelynnblue
http://blog.myspace.com/raelynnblue

http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/thecoloroflove

Dyanne: Thanks RaeLynn, you were really a lot of fun.

Interview with Author Brenda Jackson

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

Hello RSJ family. Yes, it’s my birthday. September 1 and I’m taking this opportunity to wish myself a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous year. So, now that I’ve finished doing my own personal birthday dance, I’d like to wish each of you a Happy Labor Day and Happy Birthday to all the September babies. (Don’t worry, since I’ve wished September babies a happy birthday, I know I’ll have to continue it. LOL)

Our first author up for interview, Brenda Jackson, needs no introduction. But I can assure you that there is a surprise in her interview. Read on:

Dyanne: Brenda, thank you for taking the time to check in with the RSJ family. You just returned from your cruise, can you tell us what you would have written differently had it been in one of your books?

Brenda: I can't think of anything. I wrote about a couple on a cruise in Perfect Timing, and had gone on a cruise months before so I had done pretty good research. This year we cruised to Canada, and I included this particular cruise and the group attending with me in my book that came out in December titled Essence of Desire. The couple in the book went on a cruise to Canada and met members of my group. It was fun putting that in the story

Dyanne: That sounds like a lot of fun to mix a little reality with creativity. As I warned you, my questions are a little strange, so thanks for playing along. Here goes: We know your heroines know their way around horses, but can you tell us what one would do if faced with a big, black stallion that has fallen madly in love with her and is terribly jealous of the hero, to the point of being vicious.

Brenda: Umm, a horse jealous of a man...

I think my heroine would baby the horse and let him get to know the hero and see he's no threat. In the end, she will have them both eating out of her hands!

Dyanne: Good answer. LOL. Now tell us what is your most decadent (G-rated) wish?

Brenda: Spend a week on a private nude beach with just me and my hubby.

Dyanne: I could go for a beach, but I’ll have to remain dressed. How about telling the RSJ family a secret that no one knows about you.

Brenda: I'd rather keep it a secret.

Dyanne: Okay, well then how about if you tell us the secret you don't want anyone to find out.

Brenda: I'd rather keep it a secret.

Dyanne: RSJ family, you can see I tried. LOL. So Brenda, what's on your already full plate for the rest of the year?

Brenda: Making one of my Madaris books into a movie.

Dyanne: Are you really going to have one of your Madaris books made into a movie? If so, you know the RSJ family will burn me alive if I don't ask you to tell us about it. That is if you can. Congratulations!! It's about time.

Brenda: Yes, I'm working on the script as we speak. My son's company Five Alive Film (who's been doing my booktrailers) will handle it for me. I'm looking forward to doing several of my books into full length made-for TV movies or direct to DVD

Dyanne: That fantastic news, Brenda. Thank you so much for doing the interview. Where can readers reach you?

Brenda: http://www.brendajackson.net/ and writersbjackson@aol.com

Interview with Author Laura Guevara

Dyanne: RSJ Family, our next author is Laura Guevara. I’d like to thank Laura for going along with my craziness. (Note. I’m not really crazy)

Dyanne: Laura, You've just won an award for best writer on Earth. Let us hear your (SHORT) acceptance speech.

Laura: As my name is called out for best writer on Earth, I sit frozen in disbelief. I mean a Pulitzer, maybe but best writer, I am completely overwhelmed. Walking up on to the stage, my brain is frantically looking for something to say. Accepting my award, I am silent for a second, composing myself. “There are no words to describe the honor in receiving this award. I…I just want to thank everyone who voted for me. For the fans who read and buy my work, thank for you for making it possible for me to continue to do what I love.” For a writer my speech would be so total boring :-)

Dyanne: Laura, I totally loved your speech. Congratulation on the award. Let’s see how you handle the next question. You've now been asked to represent Earth on another planet of your choosing. Which planet will it be and what three items will you carry with you?

Laura: Well if men are from Mars and women are from Venus, I would like to go to Mars ;-)
Hmmm…let’s see I would take a camera to take pictures of everything, a suitcase filled with my favorite things to give to them as gifts (and then I will bring it back filled with lots and lots of souvenirs), and hot sauces. Yes hot sauce because I add it on pretty much everything I can.

Dyanne: Since I love hot sauce I’m glad to know they have it on Mars. (Smile) Now you’re home and because of the way you represented our planet I have the power to grant you one wish. What is your one wish? (G-rated)

Laura: This one is a toughie…just one wish and it has to be G-rated. Well let's see everyone always says they want money, to be famous, or whatnot but I would love to have along happy, healthy, and productive life. Does that constitute of more than one wish? If so I will simply ask for a billion dollars.

Dyanne: I’ve had so much fun with your answers. Thank you for playing along. What's on your plate for the future?

Laura: I have several WIPs that I am in the process of finishing. One will be published through Beautiful Trouble Publishing and several short stories can be found in Shara Azod’s Naughty Bites.

I will also be finishing some projects with Drea Riley my writing partner in crime. So there will be plenty more stories from me in the near future.

Dyanne: I’m sure the RSJ family can’t wait for you finish your projects so they can read them. Now tell us how can readers find you?

Laura: They can find me chatting on drea_riley_and_laura_guevara@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lauraguevara.com/ (Website that I share with my writing partner Drea Riley. And its going to be going some updates soon) http://www.badazzauthors.com/ (Learn more about the great authors of the BAA) http://www.redrosepublishing.com/ (Where Weekend Chase, can be purchased)

My email is Laura.Guevara.08@gmail.com

Dyanne: Laura, once again thank you. You were a lot of fun.

Interview with Reader Rolanda Bradshaw

Dyanne: Now it is my great joy to bring you an interview with one of our romance readers. Readers are one of the main reasons writers write. Thank you to Rolanda Bradshaw and to all readers everywhere.

Rolanda, welcome to the RSJ blog. Thank you for agreeing to talk. Would you please tell the RSJ family about you, your family and what you like to do?

Rolanda: Well, let's see.....I am single and work in the mental heath field. I have a very spoiled dog who thinks she runs me. She is getting old but she will always be my baby. :-) I like to shop...I need to stop shopping! I also love to read, go to the movies and hang out with friends. Besides my day job, I also started an author promo business with my friend Von. I had been a moderator for a few author friends for awhile and thought it was about time to start my own biz...okay, I have to admit, it took a bit of a kick in the butt from some very persistent girlfriends! lol

Dyanne: Isn’t it a God send to have girlfriends who will give the needed kick in the butt. (LOL) So, Rolanda how long have you been interested in romance?

Rolanda: I have been reading romance for the past 3-4 years. I was a little late to the game. :-)

Dyanne: Better late than never. We’re happy to have you. What other genre do you read?

Rolanda: I primarily read romance. I read various subgenres within romance....I/R, M/C, Paranormal, Mystery etc.

Dyanne: That’s good to know. I would ask what you would do if you could be in one place with a lot of your famous authors but that will be true when the RSJ cruise occurs. (HINT HINT) So I will ask what three things would you like to ask your favorite authors?

Rolanda: That is a difficult one. I have the pleasure to know a few authors now, so I am able to quench my curiosity very easily, but I guess I would ask: 1) What was it like to publish your first story? 2) If there was only one more story that you could write, what would it be? 3) What makes you unique and why should a reader want to read your stories?

I could go on and on.....I love reading but I really like talking to authors. It has been a blast getting to know some very talented ladies that write their asses off!

Dyanne: I’m like you, Rolanda. I’m fascinated to learn what makes writers tick. What would you like to see more of in the books you read?

Rolanda: You know I have been quite happy with the books that I have read. Most of them have been a pleasure to read. I always appreciate an alpha male that knows how to treat a strong, resilient, and intelligent female. I want to see more stories with regular people living real lives...facing adversities and learning from them. It is nice to have stories that are fantastical, but sometimes I want to be able to relate to the heroine in the story. I want to feel what it is like to be her....I want to be able to dream her dreams and experience her happily ever after. I guess that is what I want more of....not too much to ask for, is it? lol

Dyanne: Thank you Rolanda

Until next month, everyone stay safe. To all who have contributed and haven’t seen your interview up yet, don’t worry it’s going to be put up. I’d still love to have more readers email me davisdyanne@aol.com. You may not have seen Rolanda’s answer as to whether or not the interview was painful but she enjoyed it. For real.

Dyanne
www.dyannedavis.com

A Message From Dyanne Davis

Hello Everyone,

I’d like to start this month with a BIG ‘Thank You.’ Deatri put out an SOS and the authors came pouring out. It felt like Christmas, and believe me it came at just the right moment. I was seriously considering ending the blog.

The intent of the blog is to keep the RSJ family connected and up to date on what’s happening with the authors and readers. It was meant to be our bridge between visits. Deatri tells me that you’re stopping by, if you could say hello it would be most appreciated.

To the readers: This newsletter is for you. I would love to feature a reader each month along with the authors. As Dee would say, “Don’t be scuuuurd.” I won’t bite. Write me and let’s have some fun. davisdyanne@aol.com

To the authors: Again thank you for your support. I will notify you when your interviews will be up in the coming months.

Dyanne Davis
http://www.dyannedavis.com

An Interview with Shirley Hailstock

Hello Everyone, Dee here. Sorry, but this was supposed to go up last month. Boooooo, bad Dee, Bad Dee.

Dyanne: Our next interview is with Shirley Hailstock. Good morning Shirley. Thanks for dropping in on the RSJ family so we can know what’s going on with you. How about if we began by playing catch-up. Anything exciting happening with you?

Shirley: I am so excited about two new books. The first is out now. It’s call Nine Months with Thomas and it’s the story of a surrogate mother. Thomas lost his wife two years ago. Prior to that they were undergoing fertility problems and had frozen embryos. Due to the efforts of his meddlesome in-laws he agrees to hire Meghan as a surrogate in order to fat
her his child. Life changes dramatically for the both of them. The book got a 4 ½ stars (out of 5) from Romantic Times BookClub Reviews.

The second book I’m excited about is called The Right Wedding Gown. It’s the companion book the last year’s Right Guy, Wrong Dress. The Right Wedding Gown is Samara’s story. She’s the sister of the heroine in Right Guy, Wrong Dress. Strongly superstitious, Samara believes that marriage inevitably ends in divorce and she’s not willing to take the chance on marriage. But everywhere she turns she’s confronted by something involving a wedding, including opening a grab bag (actually a trunk) and finding a vintage wedding gown. And then there’s Justin McKenna, who’s set his sights on Samara. All he needs to do is convince her to take a chance on him. The Clayton series had ended. The five books have been published. I appreciate all the fan mail I received asking for more stories in this series. I will be starting a new series soon.

Dyanne: You’re definitely staying busy. Congratulations. Is there anything else going on?

Shirley: I have a book coming out in February 2010 that’s a little departure from my usual romances. The title is still being determined. Right now I’m calling it Amber. This is the story of a 28 year old who’s looking to her future and deciding to do something about her marital state. She’s going to find a man – a rich man, marry and settle into the life of country clubs and afternoon luncheons with the girls. Things don’t go quite according to plan when she discovers the man she’s most attracted to has nowhere near the net worth she requires. But there is a man who can satisfy all but the most basic of her requirements. With him she’s not in love.

Dyanne: Amber sounds interesting I’m sure the RSJ family can’t wait for it. Are there any other projects you’re working on for the future?

Shirley: I’m writing proposals for sale to my editors for new books. I have a new romance series I want to start involving a family of department store owners. I also have several women’s fiction stories in the works that I’m about to send to my agent. Hopefully, they will find a home.

Dyanne: Shirley, are there any awards you’ve won that you’re particularly proud of?

Shirley: I received the highest honor from Fairleigh Dickinson University. I went to graduate school there. In 2008 I was selected as one of the recipients of their Pinnacle Award. Like I said, it’s the highest honor the university gives a previous graduate. The ceremony was wonderful and the aftermath of questions and congratulations was truly humbling. Recently they sent me a book of the program, including photos from that wonderful day.
And then the Black Alumni Association invited me to speak at one of their meetings. The place was packed and people stayed until the very end. I got a lot of great questions and people were eager to find out how to write a book.

Dyanne: I love hearing about the many fantastic things that are happening with the RSJ authors. A little birdie told me about another award you’re up for. Care to share?

Shirley: I recently received this news and I am so excited. My book Wrong Dress, Right Guy is a finalist for the National Readers Choice Award. They announce the winners at the Romance Writers of America Conference. The conference is in July in Washington, DC. I’ll be on pins and needles until then.

Dyanne: We’ll all be sending you good thoughts that you win. Now it’s time to have some fun. What is the craziest thing that has ever happened to you in your career?

Shirley: A friend whose first book was coming out asked me to do a book signing with her. I didn't want to do it. I hate sitting in a mall smiling at everyone who passes and directing them to the bathroom or someone else's book. But she's a good friend and I agreed. At the book signing, a person comes over looks at me and my book and starts to scream my name. She was so thrilled to see me, it was embarrassing. She hugged me, jumped up and down and proclaimed to all that could hear how great my books were. Consequently, I sold out in no time.
And my friend says -- "And you don't want to do book signing..."

Dyanne: What is your most decadent (G rated) wish?

Shirley: To be on the lists, all of them, the NYT, Essence Bestseller, USA Today (at the top of course), Washington Post, Los Angeles Times. I have a small note on my computer saying "You are writing a bestseller."

Dyanne: Shirley, thank you for the interview. Again I wish you lots of luck in July. Where can the readers reach you?

Shirley: I’m working on a New Website. I finally bought my name to have an easier website for people to find and get the latest news. I’m designing it and it’s taking longer than I expected but soon you’ll able to find out about my book with a new and greater look, not to mention more bandwidth. Until then readers can reach me at my personal e-mail address, Shirley.Hailstock@comcast.net