Interview with Author Victoria Wells

Hello RSJ family,

Happy Birthday to all of the November babies and a belated Happy Birthday to all the family born in October.

I’m going to wish all of you not just persona health and happiness but wish that for your computers as well. Can you believe first Dee, now me? My hard drive crashed and let’s just say I’m still working my way through emails that I should have taken care of…like last week. LOL. If you’ve written me and haven’t heard back from me, give me another week or so please.

Our first interview is with Victoria Wells.

Dyanne: Victoria, Would you tell the RSJ family a little about yourself and what you write.

Victoria: Sure, Dyanne. I have multiple personalities – wife, mother, nurse practitioner and author. Most days we blend very well together. Lately, the “author” has been out of control. I write multicultural romance.

Dyanne: Victoria, I love the way the mind of an author operates so I'm going to give you a task. You character is at a fancy party that she wasn't invited to. The hostess asks who she is. Write me a two line scene telling how your character gets out of this

Victoria: Bianca’s mind is frantically racing to come up with a plausible response. Tilting her chin, with the flare of a diva, she announces, “I’m the entertainment,” as she sashay past the hostess to center stage accompanying the live jazz band.

Dyanne: Now in two or three lines give me your perfect writer's fantasy.

Victoria: Since my characters talk to me late at night into the wee hours of the morning, finding out I’m a filthy rich heiress would work for me. I would definitely work part-time (I love working with my patients) and write full-time. Writing into the wee hours of the morning doesn’t work when you have to be up at six in the morning.

Dyanne: I have the power to grant one of your wishes. I also have the power to know if you're being honest. Now tell me what wish you'd like for me to grant.

Victoria: What? Are you for real? Debt free! I don’t want to owe anybody… anything! LOL

Dyanne: Share with the RSJ family something that you don't want anyone to ever find out about.

Victoria: Uhhhhh, is this a trick question? Why would I tell if I don’t want anyone to find out? Why would I tell if I don't want anyone to find out? Okay, okay, RSJ family I'm terrified of public speaking. I cringe whenever I have to do a presentation in front of a large group of folks. However, in a small intimate setting I could talk for hours.

Dyanne: What projects are in the works for you?

Victoria: I’m currently working on my third novel, Key to My Heart.

Dyanne: Where can readers reach you?

www.victoria-wells.com or author@victoria-wells.com

Thanks Victoria for playing along.

Interview with Author Pamela Starr

Dyanne: I've been asking authors to share stories of the craziest thing to happen to them since beginning this journey. Do you have any stories?

Pamela: You’re right about a writing life being a journey. It’s been a long, winding road, ten years long. Wow! Has it really been a decade already? How times does fly when you’re writing.

Stories, you ask? Do I have stories? Well, I haven’t had too many crazy things happen to me, as a matter of fact, this writing journey has been down right normal and that’s coming from an abbi-normal kind of girl. But I have had a number of interesting encounters. Book signing encounters. Book signing encounters with men: young men, middle-age men, old men not to mention men of every size, shape and color. Men I never expected to stop and talk to a romance novelist.

Why did they stop and what did they have to say? Check it out:

• “I need to buy one of your books because it’s going to help me understand women,” said a middle-aged man wearing a bewildered, yet sincere expression.
• “I’m hoping that reading this book will help me with my love life,” an excited young man declared as he clinched a signed copy of CHANCES.
• “Australian men love African-American women! That should be your next book,” was the advice given to me by a tall, rugged Australian. I jumped on this idea. I’ve written the first chapter and outlined the entire story. It’s been sitting on the shelf for the last 8 years. My problem? I need some serious on-site research to finish the book. Anyone open to funding an Australian research adventure?

Dyanne: I might be willing to fund you Pam, but I would have to go along to keep you out of any serious trouble. (smile) We've already established the fact that I'm nosey and like hearing what people would wish for. What is your most decadent (G-rated) wish?

Pamela: An entire cruise ship reserved for my extensive family (I am number 10 of 13 kids) for a 2-week European all expense paid vacation.

Dyanne: Now, let's say I have the power to grant any wish other than the one you just named. What would that wish be?

Pamela: That my three children discover the one thing that each is passionate about, and to have the courage to turn it into a life-long meaningful career.

If you can’t make that wish come true how about a six month stay on any and all National Best Selling Lists!

Dyanne: Since you’ve been so nice, both wishes are granted. Now tell me, where can readers reach you?

Pamela: Visit me on my Blog http://360.yahoo.com/pamelalstarr99

You can also email me at pamelalstarr99@yahoo.com

Thanks Pamela.

Dyanne: Note to the rest of the RSJ family: I’m still looking for interviews both from readers and writers.

Secondly: Don’t forget to go to Red Rose Publishing to check out the stories for the Destination Romance anthology. As I write this AlTonya’s story is live. The others will be in a matter of days. In December all of the stories will be bound in a print edition and all of them take place on our cruise next year just in case you didn’t know. Remember ever penny goes for charity. Even Red Rose and the graphic designer are donating their profits.

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