Meet the Author - Sun Chara

It's that time of the week when another fabulous author stops by my blog to tell us a little bit about themselves, and their books. And today I've been joined by the wonderful Sun Chara. 

I'll let the lady herself take it from here...

Author Bio

Sun Chara, a multi-published, JABBIC winner Manhattan Millionaire's Cinderella, keys sexy, hip 'n fun contemporary romance, high adventure historical romance, and any genre that knocks at her imagination. Globetrotting for lore while keeping tabs on Hollywood leads...she loves the challenge of creating stories for book and screen. Designer frappuccinos with whipping cream and sprinkles on top make everyday a celebration! - See more at:
 

http://www.harperimpulseromance.com/authors?title=s#sthash.JoJ6VbfL.dpuf
https://www.facebook.com/suncharaauthorpage

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What made you want to write romance?

It makes the world go round!

What was the inspiration for your current book?

The Bachelor TV show, and The Ugly Duckling (turned swan) fairytale.

Are there any authors out there who have inspired you? And if so, who?

Anne Mather, Violet Winspear, Rachel Lindsay, Janet Dailey, Jane Porter; Johanna Lindsey, Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Sidney Sheldon, Jude Deveraux.

Do you listen to music while you write, or are you someone who needs complete silence to work?

Prefer quiet time.

Do you get nervous reading reviews of your books?

Nope. Everyone’s going to have an opinion…it’s like a see-saw trying to keep up with them, so prefer to focus on next project!  Of course, it’s always nice to get raving reviews of book/s!  (wink)

Is there a particular time of the day in which you prefer to write?

I can write anytime, anyplace…but I think my best time is mid afternoon (11 a.m – 3:00 p.m.) or late at night when everyone’s asleep.

Do you plan your stories before you start writing them, or do you just “wing” it? 

Definitely ‘Wing it’!  I kinda like to have the characters take the lead…otherwise they get very unruly…this way they get unruly on their terms. 

How did it feel the first time you saw your name on the cover of that book you’d written? 

Soooo exciting!!!

What advice would you give to anyone just starting out on their writing journey?

Just do it! Write that first draft so you have something to work with, then finish it so it sparkles, send it out…and start on your next project.

Can you tell us anything about any future projects you’re working on?

The Price of Passion, and The Italian’s Runaway Principessa sexy, hip ’n fun contemporary romances for fabulous Harper Impulse. J  Just finished editing Gamblin’ Lady, a western historical romance out this Spring from wonderful BPG. Then, back to finishing two regency era historicals, The Duke’s Marriage Conquest, and To Marry a Rogue, in time for Christmas.  Soon after, onto another whirlwind HI contemporary romance… Loving this!

Social media – friend or foe?

Friend but finicky…still trying to master it.

What do you like to do to relax?

Sleep, watch movies, lunch with a friend, walk along the beach…dance!

What makes you laugh?

Funny people, funny things…good, clean jokes!

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Manhattan Millionaire's Cinderella

Blurb:

Will their wedding night be a one-night stand or a merger for keeps?

Global real estate mogul, Cade Sloan should've listened to his own advice: trust no one, and never a woman…especially not his 24 hour bride gone AWOL with his millions. Nina, mousy secretary turned sexy vixen, will repay every penny with interest…

When Cade gears up for a takeover, there's sweet hell to pay. Nina owes her husband a wedding night and he’s hell bent on collecting… his way, his time, his pleasure.

All Wrapped Up in You
 

Blurb:
 

The fairytale busted! Their marriage hangs in the balance, but on this wind battered Christmas Eve, a miracle is born… 

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Thank you so much for a brilliant Meet the Author, Sun! You certainly seem to have a lot of projects on the go this year, and I wish you loads of luck with all of them! It really was lovely having you stop by my blog today!

And you can find out more about Sun, and her books, by checking out the links below! 

Links:

Website link: 

https://www.facebook.com/sunchara3         

                       

https://www.facebook.com/suncharaauthorpage

                      

https://www.twitter.com/sunchara3         @sunchara3

Manhattan Millionaire’s Cinderella

Amazon US http://tinyurl.com/kv5f5ok

Amazon UK http://tinyurl.com/mwrc5t5

All Wrapped Up in You 

Amazon US http://tinyurl.com/kvwfds9

Amazon UK http://tinyurl.com/kahxdg8

Meet the Author - Lori Connelly

Want to meet another fabulous author? I've been joined by Lori Connelly today, another of my wonderful fellow Harper Impulse authors. 

Read on to find out more about Lori, her books, and just what TV shows she likes to watch... and I just happen to be a HUGE fan of one of those shows...


Author bio:

I was born and still live in Oregon. Despite being a good student, my teachers complained about my tendency to daydream. The tales dancing through my imagination were frequently far more entertaining than real life. As far back as I can remember I made up stories, to calm my sister after a nightmare, entertain myself in boring classes and write in countless notebooks, many never again to see the light of day. I earned a BS from Eastern Oregon State College and married my best friend almost twenty years ago. I’ve three brilliant, handsome sons, one amazing daughter-in-law, a beautiful granddaughter and two spoiled dogs. When not writing I love to read, hike, camp, rock hound, and take long walks with my husband just after it rains.

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When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer?  

As far back as I can remember I’ve made up stories to entertain myself to the point that my teachers complained about my constant daydreaming.  When we were little, my sister had nightmares, and I’d spin tales to comfort her.  And then I became a teenager.  I filled notebooks with angst, bad poetry and stories.  I’ve dreamed of becoming a published author since high school but I struggled with doubt and some life challenges for years before I felt ready to pursue it.  I started writing with the intent of publication in 2006.

What was the inspiration for your current book?  

I like exploring what if’s to existing relationships.  I’ve known couples who survived a trauma, and then most fell apart afterwards.  Few of the pairs worked through the aftermath and had a stronger bond.  In The Lawman of Silver Creek, I wanted to show a glimpse into the lives of a couple who love each other but a traumatic event has put their relationship in jeopardy.  

Do you listen to music while you write, or are you someone who needs complete silence to work?    

For me, a mother, silence usually means something is wrong so I find it a distraction.  I love music.  While I writing I listen to the latest hits music channel.  During the process of a work in progress I will start to associate at least a couple of songs with the story I’m writing and then I will listen to them repeatedly until I finish.  
 

Do you get nervous reading reviews of your books?  

I’m always nervous reading other people’s opinions of my work.  I want everyone to enjoy the stories as much as I do. 

Is there a particular time of the day in which you prefer to write?   

I write whenever I can grab a moment but, I love writing late at night sometimes into the early morning hours. 

Do you plan your stories before you start writing them, or do you just “wing” it?  

I make scene / sequel note cards as rough outline and then I open a single document and ‘wing’ the first draft.  

How did it feel the first time you saw your name on the cover of that book you’d written?   

I wanted to jump up and down and squeal as if I was a small child on Christmas morning.  Wait.  I think I did.  Honestly, seeing my name on my covers still excites me. 

What advice would you give to anyone just starting out on their writing journey?  

Remember if one person can do it, another can.  Never give up.  Read.  Write.  Write more.  And then write more. 

  

You’ve just won a few million on the lottery, what’s the first thing you do?    

Alas, I would do the most boring of things, pay bills.  Three neurosurgeries for my pituitary adenoma took a toll.   After I was responsible though I’d buy some acres in the country, have my very own Hobbit Hole House built and buy a miniature highland cow. 

What do you like to do to relax?  

Read, walk in the woods, go rock hounding, write random ideas for new stories, look at pictures of granddaughter and think of when I can hold her again.

Favourite TV character, past or present.   

Captain Malcolm Reynolds from Firefly – can’t help but love a space cowboy.  

Favourite TV show, past or present.   

Firefly – past  Castle – present  Nathan Fillion. I also LOVE the Big Bang Theory.

Five words that describe you.  

Dreamer, Sensitive, Shy, Curious, Imaginative.

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The Lawman of Silver Creek - blurb:

 As sheriff of Silver Creek County, Matthew Marson’s job is to look after his town. But when he fails to protect the most important person in his life, Claire, from an attack, Matt feels as though he will never be able to forgive himself.

Her husband-to-be’s newly found overprotectiveness drives the headstrong Claire from his arms. She can’t see a future with a man who won’t allow her to follow her dreams.
 
In a small town where everybody knows your name and your business, it’s impossible for the pair to stay apart, especially as Claire finds that she can’t completely turn her back on the lawman that she loves.

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My links:  

Harper Impulse  Website   My Blog   Facebook Twitter   Pinterest   Goodreads   Wattpad  Written Fireside   Google Plus   Amazon Author Page

 
The Lawman of Silver Creek :     

All Romance ebooks   Amazon
   
Barnes & Noble    Itunes   Kobo

 
The Outlaw of Cedar Ridge:   

Amazon  Kobo  Barnes & Noble  All Romance ebooks  Itunes


Lori is also co-author of Loving Winter Nights, Love Romance (free ebook)

A Witch by Chance (free pdf book, downloadable from my website or blog)

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Thank you so much for taking part in Meet the Author, Lori. It was lovely to have you stop by my blog! And it's always good to meet another fan of the Big Bang Theory!

Wishing you loads of luck with all your future projects!

Meet the Author - Lynn Montagano

I'm really excited to have the lovely Lynn Montagano stopping by my blog today! Her latest book, Catch My Breath, is due for release on April 17th through HarperImpulse, but you can find out more about Lynn, and her writing, by checking out her fabulous Meet the Author interview! 

I'll let the lady herself take it from here...

Bio

A fresh, new voice in contemporary romance, Lynn is a former TV news writer who decided to take the plunge and write a novel. She's thrilled that her debut, Catch My Breath, will be published by Harper Impulse in April 2014.

Lynn grew up in a small town in Rhode Island before venturing out into the world. An avid traveler, she's been as far away as Australia and as close as Canada. Her favorite place to visit is London.

For now, the small town New Englander hangs her hat in Northern California. If you can see her through the fog, wave hello.

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Was it always your intention to find an agent/publisher, or did you ever think about, or indeed go down, the self-publishing route? 

Not at all! A few years ago I challenged myself to write a book just to see if I could. It ended up turning into a trilogy. I’ve always written as a part of my career in TV news. You may be surprised to hear this but writing copy for live broadcast is a lot like getting inside of a character’s head. At least for me it was. When I wrote the scripts I did it in the voice and style of how the news anchor spoke. Believe it or not, it totally helped!

What was the inspiration for your current book?

I love to travel and make it no secret that my favorite place to visit is London. A friend and I went to Glasgow in 2006 and I absolutely loved it there too. The idea for the book started there and blossomed.

 
Do you listen to music while you write, or are you someone who needs complete silence to work?

I keep the TV on for background noise most of the time. I also write in complete silence if the mood strikes me. Songs have definitely influenced my story but if I listen to music while writing I get too lost in the song and neglect the characters!

 
Do you put any of yourself into any of your characters?

Absolutely! I think it happened without my realizing it. There’s a piece of me in each of my main characters, especially the hero and the heroine. People who know me well will be able to pick up on certain things, which makes me laugh because then they think the story is about me. Obviously it’s NOT. =)

Is there a particular time of the day in which you prefer to write?

I’m a night owl so I do my best writing at night. The characters tend to run away with the story late at night but it makes for some interesting things I wouldn’t have considered if I wrote in the middle of the day.

Paperback or ebooks – do you have a preference?

Call me old fashioned but there’s nothing better than holding a paperback book in your hands and turning the page.

Do you plan your stories before you start writing them, or do you just “wing” it?

I did outline the first the book in my series but once I started writing I completely abandoned it. For me, I have to feel what the characters are feeling and let things develop naturally for them. If it doesn’t feel organic to me, it’s not going to work in the story.

 
What makes you laugh? 

Pretty much anything random or silly. I like to think I have a great sense of humor and will laugh at myself at the drop of hat. Quick-witted people are my favorite. There’s nothing better than snappy banter with someone else. 

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Lia Meyers' plan for a relaxing Scottish vacation is short-lived when one uncharacteristic moment of clumsiness lands her in the arms of a dangerously attractive Englishman…

Catch my Breath is available to pre-order now - download your copy HERE! 

And it will also be released in paperback on 26th June. Again, you can pre-order your copy HERE! 

  

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Lynn, thank you so much for stopping by my blog today! I'm really looking forward to reading Catch my Breath, and I wish you so much success with its imminent release!  

Fantasy Cast Friday - The First Christmas Without You

Your book is being made into a movie! (Come on... which author hasn't dreamt about this happening? I do it all the time...) And they want you to choose the cast! Yes, you have been given carte blanche to pick the actors you'd like to see bring those characters you've so lovingly created to life! Absolutely anyone you like! Anyone! Who in the world do you pick?

That's what Fantasy Cast Friday is all about - the chance for authors (and readers) to share who they'd love to see play the characters in the books they've written, or read.

So, even though I've already posted this once a few weeks ago, I've done a little bit of updating, and I've decided to post it again. Because I really like this fantasy cast for my first book published through the fabulous HarperImpulse - The First Christmas Without You...


The Blurb

Jessie Collins has always wanted to visit Lapland.  But this Christmas, more than any other, it’s also a place she feels she really needs to be as she tries to come to terms with a painful event in the past, and a future she really needs to start living.
   

Can a strange young man called Mikku, lights in the sky, and a magical little town in the Arctic Circle really help her find the strength she needs to move on?

The First Christmas Without You – a magical Lapland fairytale…

 

So, who would I choose to play the main characters if this book was made into a movie? Read on to find out...



Jessie - Rachel Weisz

Jessie is a woman in her early 40s, a young widow who's trying hard to come to terms with the loss of her soul mate - her husband. And someone who I think would be perfect for that role is Rachel Weisz. She's about the right age, and I think she could play Jessie beautifully. She might have to try speaking with a bit more of a northern English accent, but I'm sure we could sort that out... 


Mikku - Alexander Skarsgard

 

Jessie meets Mikku - a young Sami man - on her first full day in Lapland. A mysterious man that Jessie feels drawn to almost immediately, he becomes a friend, her guardian angel if you like; someone who helps her through the journey she has to take and the decisions she has to make in order to start living again. And who would I choose to play him? Step forward Alexander Skarsgard! He's Scandinavian (Swedish), looks good, and he was the first name that sprung to mind when I thought about Mikku. I think he'd be perfect...


Zac - Hugh Jackman

Zac is a Scottish ski-instructor living and working in the resort Jessie is visiting. Tall, dark, and handsome (of course!), is he going to be the man to help Jessie put her life back together? And just who would be perfect for the role of this sexy ski-instructor? Hugh Jackman, that's who!

Can he do a convincing Edinburgh accent, though? Who cares. That's something we could work on...



Matt - Ben Barnes

Matt is Jessie's younger brother, and he's very close to his sister. I imagined him, when I was writing him, to be quite tall, with long-ish dark hair and a beard - he's a biker, and plays in a rock band in his spare time. And besides, I really love that look! So, I think that Ben Barnes - when he's sporting this look in particular - really fits the bill!

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So, there we have it. Those are my choices for Fantasy Cast Friday.

Fancy taking part yourself? Whether you're an author, or a reader who'd just like to share your own fantasy cast for one of your favourite books, get in touch and I'll make sure you get your chance to choose your own Fantasy Cast List...

Now, it's back to the writing, and back to the dreaming... ;)
 

You can download your own copy of 'The First Christmas Without You' HERE from Amazon, but you can also find out details of where else it's available, and check out all the other fabulous books HarperImpulse have to offer by checking out the books page on their website - you can find it HERE! What are you waiting for?

*UPDATE* 'The First Christmas Without You' will be released in paperback on May 29th, but you can pre-order a copy RIGHT NOW over on Amazon! Just click HERE! 

Meet the Author - Georgia Hill

Meet the Author today is with another fabulous fellow Harper Impulse author - the lovely Georgia Hill. 

Want to find out more about Georgia? Read on! And if you're a fan of Strictly Come Dancing, you might just be interested in her series of dance-inspired books... you've got to check out those stunning covers

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Bio

I used to live in London, where I worked in the theatre. Then I got the bizarre job of teaching road safety to the U.S. navy – in Marble Arch!

A few years ago, I did an ‘Escape to the Country’. I now live in a tiny Herefordshire village, where I scandalise the neighbours by not keeping ‘country hours’ and being unable to make a decent pot of plum jam. Home is a converted oast house, which I share with my two beloved spaniels, husband (also beloved) and a ghost called Zoe.

I’ve been lucky enough to travel widely, though prefer to set my novels closer to home. Perhaps more research is needed? I’ve always wanted to base a book in the Caribbean!

I am addicted to Belgian chocolate, Jane Austen and, most of all, Strictly Come Dancing. Keep dancing, everyone!

Say it withSequins: The Rumba and Say it withSequins: The Waltz– are both out now with HarperImpulse.

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What made you want to write romance?

Whenever I watch or read anything, the human dynamic fascinates me. Yes, I like description and plot – but what draws me in is how the characters relate to one another. And, if there’s a suggestion of romance, even better. Best of all, is a ‘will they, won’t they?’ relationship. So, it seemed natural, for me, to write romance. It’s what I love to read too.

What was the inspiration for your current book?

This follows on from the answer above. I’m a huge Strictly Come Dancing fan. I love the sparkles and the show biz! What intrigues me most though, are the relationships which form between dancer and celebrity. Like most writers, I love to people watch and it can be a real challenge to decipher exactly what sort of relationship is going on. Are they really good buddies, or is there ‘chemistry’? Or do they simply hate one another? The idea for ‘Say it with Sequins’ grew from there. I added in the extra challenges, which the contestants have to do, in order to give a new dimension to a television reality show. Looking back, the 1990s film ‘Strictly Ballroom’ probably sowed the seeds. I adore that film!

Are there any authors out there who have inspired you? And if so, who?

Lots! I always have a book on the go and feel lost if I don’t. Jilly Cooper has always inspired me; I love the humour in her books. Other writers I enjoy are Barbara Erskine, Nora Roberts, Kate Morton, Susanna Kearsley, Rachel Hore, Julia Quinn, Fiona Walker, Katie Fforde, Sebastian Faulks and the paranormal/crime/thriller writer Phil Rickman - he’s impossible to categorise but comes highly recommended and writes fantastic dialogue. I’ve enjoyed reading two-narrative, partly historical novels lately and would love to write one. See the next answer!

Do you plan your stories before you start writing them, or do you just ‘wing’ it?       

I’m not a planner. I start with the characters, build up a picture in my head of what they’re like and go from there. If I know what’s going to happen, I find it a chore to write. However, I’ve a dual narrative, which is 90% through the first draft and have got into trouble with it, as the plot is complicated. If I’m ever going to finish it, I’m going to have to find a way to plan it out. Currently, I have two huge sheets of paper stuck on the wall, with colour-coded plotlines mapped out on them. Then ‘Say it with Sequins’ intervened and I’ve left my characters to their own devices for a bit. Wonder what they’ve been getting up to?

Can you tell us anything about any future projects you’re working on?

I’m torn between ‘Say it with Sequins 4’ and finishing the dual narrative at the moment. I also have a ‘Calamity Jane’ update forming in my mind and there are two characters and a spaniel called Daniel from another idea who are being very insistent!

You’re having a dinner party, which 4 people – living or dead – would be your ideal guests?

I’d have Jane Austen. We know so little about her and her life; I’d love to quiz her. I can’t imagine she’d be a terribly comfortable guest to be around though. I get the impression she’d sit there and observe us all, memorising us as characters for another novel! I’d also have Miranda Hart as I think she’d be good fun, David Mitchell because he’s so witty and Stephen Fry – so if we needed to know anything, we could ask him. I’d be exhausted at the end though, trying to keep up with the intellectual banter. Maybe I’d be unusually quiet and concentrate on pouring the wine!

Five words that describe you.   

Imaginative. Talkative.  Humorous. Independent. Dog-lover.

What makes you laugh?    

Clever witty people, satirical shows like ‘Have I got News for You’, Morecambe and Wise, Miranda Hart and my dogs. I hate practical jokes with a passion.

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Links:

Website -  http://www.georgiahill.co.uk/

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/georgiahillauthor

Twitter -  https://twitter.com/georgiawrites

Amazon author page - http://amzn.to/1rtLH4n

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Georgia, thank you so much for a fabulous Meet the Author, and by the way, I'd love an invite to that dinner party of yours! ;-)  

Wishing you loads of success with the 'Say it with Sequins' series, and as an avid fan of Strictly Come Dancing, I can't wait to read them!  

And if you'd like to check out Georgia's Fantasy Cast for Say it with Sequins: The Rumba, you can do so HERE! It's a good one...