Welcome to Victoria Roder

Hello and thank you for having me. I live in central Wisconsin with my husband, Ron and our house full of misfit pets. We have three grown sons each making their own way in the world that we are proud of. I am a camping, hiking, 3D bow shooting, snowshoeing, and motorcycle riding kind of woman. Going camping with my family is my favourite activity. Check me out on www.victoriaroder.com



So tell us Victoria, What drew you to write in your current genre?

A recurring dream I’ve had since I was a child.
How many novels have you written to date and are they all in the same genre?
I have written three novels. The Dream House Visions And Nightmares, July 2009 Asylett Press http://www.asylett.com/ is a paranormal romance. Bolt Action, Champagne Books www.champagnebooks.com April 2010 is an Action Thriller. The Haunting of Ingersull Penitentiary is horror and I am seeking publication for it.
How much time do you spent on plotting etc before you start writing?

An idea will formulate in my head and once a character starts talking to me I begin writing. So far, I don’t plot stories out. I do write a description of the characters down on paper, so that I don’t give them green eyes on page 4 and blue eyes on page 104. My characters take on a life of their own, I just tell their story.

There are so many places authors like to write. Where's your place?

In my den. I’ve been known to scribble notes on gum wrappers and restaurant napkins.

All writers look back in horror at some of their early writing pieces. What did you think is the worst thing you have ever written?

A children’s story that in hind site has two separate story lines going on that I didn’t make a good connection between. I started off wanting to write children’s mystery for age’s eight to twelve.

I'm sure all the readers would like to know about your latest release.

My first novel The Dream House Visions And Nightmares, was released by Asylett Press in June 2009. My second novel, Bolt Action from Champagne Books will be released April 2010. My short story Why I Believe In Angels was published in A Cup of Comfort for Adoptive Families in June 2009, and A Gift Among Sisters was published in Chicken Soup for the Coffee Lover’s Soul in 2007. REAL Canadian Kids Magazine will feature my article on Savannah Monitors, one on Sled Dogs, and one on Steam Engine Trains, and my short story, Snowday in 2010. I have had two articles published in Farm Life Magazine, one in Lifelines, one in One Way Street, and one in The Highground. I have six puzzles published in Guide Magazine, one in Pockets Magazine, and an article in The Little Lutheran, and The Little Christian

As I mentioned, I have experienced a recurring dream since childhood. The dream began to trouble me, so I discussed it with my sister Tammy. She suggested I write it down, in the hope that it wouldn’t bother me anymore. I began recording the details of the dream and then instead of it not bothering me, it consumed me.
Those dreams became the premise for my paranormal romance novel The Dream House Visions And Nightmares. It is a murder mystery wrapped in a paranormal ghost story. Apparitions and vivid dreams reveal clues of mystery, murder, and age-old revenge.
Recurring dreams of a house Hope Graham's family rented when she was a child, taunt her nights with images of a woman in a bloody nightgown pleading for help. Dream sequences of children metamorphosing into rats, blood spewing out of windows, and walking across decaying bones, foretell of sins of the past and forewarn of danger in the present. In an attempt to end the agony of her sleep deprivation, Hope travels to her hometown...only to discover that the truth can be more frightening than a nightmare.
A romance develops when Hope meets Brock, the business owner next door to her former home. He offers Hope all the things her ex-husband couldn’t: romance, friendship, support, encouragement, tenderness, understanding, and love. He’s her sounding board, her confidant, and her romance when she needs a break from the intense mystery surrounding the former home that is haunting her. Can the budding romance survive Hope’s scarred past?
The Dream House Visions And Nightmares is available on the publisher’s websit, www.asylettpress.com or Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Dream-House-Visions-Nightmares/dp/1934337641/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_2 and Barnes & Noble
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Dream-House-Vicions-And-Nightmares/Victoria-Roder/e/9781934337646/?tm=1

Wow, how intersting. Do you still have the dream?

Since I completed The Dream House Visions And Nightmares I have not had the dream. If it returns I may have to write a sequel, so that I can get some sleep!

How can your readers keep up with your news?

Check out my website www.victoriaroder.com and join me on my facebook author’s group. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1674069248&ref=name

Rejection letters affect every writer in different ways. How do you deal with them?

I feel disappointed, but I check them for any glimmer of hope or suggestions on what might make the story better, I fix that and immediately send it out to another publisher. It doesn’t allow me time to wallow in self-pity.

What do you think about celebrities writing book?

They have a story to tell. I just wish I could have a little of their free publicity.

What do you advise about getting an agent?

It’s a personal choice. I was able to secure two contracts for my novels without an agent. I do think I would like to have an agent for The Haunting of Ingersull Penitentiary. If you’re looking for an agent do your homework. Don’t waste their time or yours.

What is your favourite part of writing?

When the characters take over the story. On the ego side of life I love it when a reader tells me they couldn’t put my book down.
How do you get past all the frustrations that come with trying to be a successful writer?

I try to take things with a grain of salt and sometimes a glass of wine. It is a frustrating career. The waiting just about kills me. You have to be determined and persistent.

What do you like to read?

Mystery, ghost stories, and true crime.

What actor/actress gets your pulses racing?

The Rock, but don’t tell my husband.

Thanks for taking the time to do this interview, Victoria.

An Interview with April Dawn

I would like to welcome April Dawn today as my blogger for the week. Read how she deals with rejection letters and her advice on how to bag that elusive agent.
Read all about her lastest release and leave her a comment.

The contest on my website www.margaret-west.com is still running. Pop over and enter to win a free copy of my coffeetime break book Two faces One Life. Read about my latest release The Heart of a Warrior. A romance with a twist.

Now, with no further ado, here's a little bit about April.


I live in California with my loving husband and a beautiful baby boy who was born in '08. I enjoy reading, travel, and music. I have always loved to read. I have read voraciously for more than twenty years now. (OOPs, guess I'm showing my age there.) I think I wrote my first official romance scene when I was about fifteen or so. I started writing seriously in 2002, and finished my first novel that year. In the future, I hope to be able to bring more of my characters into the world as I work to finish and publish the other novels that I have begun. Stay tuned to meet all the pirates, gunslingers and thieves that run through my head. Hopefully you will love them as much as I do.
Check out Bound By Love and Crushing Desire from
Breathless Press.

1. What drew you to write in your current genre?

I have always loved historical romance. The stories spoke to me, and their pull was more than I could withstand. I found myself writing scenes on every computer I ever owned. I would even write them out longhand if there were no computer handy. Although, I must say, my most embarrassing moment was when a scene came to me and I was in the car with only a cellphone. I turned on speakerphone and left myself three messages with the story that was playing in my head. lol

2. How many novels have you written to date and are they all in the same genre?

I have written a number of historical romances. Crushing Desire and Bound By Love are available through
Breathless Press.

3. How much time do you spent on plotting etc before you start writing?

I don’t. I’m just as blind as the reader. Things just go, and as they go I start to realize where the story is going. It really is all built by the characters. The only thing I can do is throw obstacles in the way, and even that can often backfire on me. My characters are stubborn and don’t really like to take direction. lol

4. Where do you do most of your writing?

All over the place. We have an office at home, but I have a laptop, and I write whenever I have a free moment. With a two year old, that is often the best you can do.

5. Looking back, what is the worst thing you have ever written?

I can’t write when I’m forced to. I have to have inspiration, or it just doesn’t work. I would say the worst thing I have ever written was a beautiful scene that played out in my head when I had nothing around to write it down with. I tried to recreate it and failed miserably.

6. Tell us about your latest release.

My latest release is Crushing Desire. The story is about a woman who has had a crush on the same man for years, and just when she is starting to give up hope that anything will come of it, she finds it necessary to ask him for help. The help? To pose as her husband. You can find it at
Breathless Press Timeless.

7. How can your readers keep up with your news?
Visit my website or
personal blog
or find me at twitter,
facebook, or
myspace.



8. How do you deal with rejection letters?

I just move on. What else can you do? You can’t fold, or you will never make it in publishing. You can’t beat yourself up, or you will never make it in life. So personally I just take what I can from the notes they provide and resubmit my work. Just because one publisher/agent doesn’t want a manuscript doesn’t mean they all won’t.

9. What do you think about celebrities writing books?

If they have something interesting to say, why not?

10. What do you advise about getting an agent?

Well, I think my advice her is the same as for rejection letters. Just keep trying. Query as many as possible, and if you can meet them in person, do it. You can get the chance to hear some personal advice on your work.

11. What is your favourite part of writing?

There are so many parts of the writing process I enjoy. One of my favorites is the inspiration moment. When you sit down, and the story pours out of you. That is fantastic.

12. How do you get past all the frustrations that come with trying to be a successful writer?

Is there a way to do that? I don’t think there really is a way to get past the frustrations that life itself holds. All you can do is look at the positive, hope for the best, and plan for the worst.

13. What do you like to read?

Everything. I love reading in general.



14. What actor/actress gets your pulses racing?

Mmmm, Johnny Depp… Brad Pitt… How many do I get to pick? Lol


Thank you for having me.

An Interview with Raynene Burgess

Today I’d like to introduce Romance author Raynene Burgess. Enjoy the interview and leave her a comment.

Here is a little more about her.

I’m 49 as of January 10th and my favorite subjects in high school and college were English and American history. Writing for an essay exam always brought me A’s in class—writing is definitely a strong talent of mine. I’d much prefer an essay exam over a multiple choice test!
I began writing non-fiction Christian devotionals (daily readings with a Scripture verse) in 1988. I published my first non-fiction devotional in 2001, “Good Morning, Father!” I currently have a second devotional completed that I’m submitting to agents. In 2000, I realized that, as much as I loved reading romance stories, I could probably write one, too. So, I sat down and started with a story I’d created in high school with all the characters and such. In 2006, that story, “Hopeful Chances” was published through an e-pub. My devotionals are with the same publisher. I’ve since completed another story, this one an inspirational titled, “Merry’s Go Round” that’s currently in rewrite mode. And, my first romantic suspense, “Killer Designs” is being submitted to agents as well.
Putting words on paper and describing details has always fascinated me. I actually do better with written words than I do verbally. There’s something about creating a story and filling up a blank page that’s exciting. When I sit down at my laptop and there’s a blank page in front of me, it can be a little scary—at least until I just start letting pictures come through my fingers and emotions and scenes and…well, there you go.
You can find out more about me on my website at http://rsburgessbooks.com. Thanks for stopping by!

What drew you to write in your current genre?

I actually write in two genres: inspirational romance & romantic suspense.

How many novels have you written to date and are they all in the same genre?

I’ve written 3 novels to date. Only one’s published: Hopeful Chances, which is a contemporary romance. The other inspirational is Merry’s Go Round, which I’m currently doing rewrites on. My first completed romantic suspense is Killer Designs under my pen name, Sherre Pratt. I’m submitting it to agents both traditional and online.

How much time do you spent on plotting etc before you start writing?

LOL – I have to admit, I’m not much of a plotter. I’m a pantzer and it makes me a little goofy to try and plot out an entire story. However, I do sit down with the bare bones of a story and brainstorm. Then I go through and jot down possible scenes and where they might fit.


Where do you do most of your writing?

In my upstairs office during the week. I also meet with a fellow writer on Sunday afternoons and we do some serious writing then!

Looking back, what is the worst thing you have ever written?

The first draft of my current release, Hopeful Chances. It was 86’d in a hurry, let me tell you! What I’ve learned, however, is that as a writer, I have to be willing to write badly and learn from it.

Tell us about your latest release.

It’s not a release yet, but I’m submitting Killer Designs and am waiting to hear back. My contemporary romance, Hopeful Chances is about stolen thoroughbreds and a rediscovered love. You can find it at www.publishamerica.com.

How can your readers keep up with your news?

Go to my website, http://rsburgessbooks.com and sign up. When my readership begins to grow more, I’ll be sending out a monthly newsletter. I’m also on Facebook, but gosh darn it if I can remember my address there!

How do you deal with rejection letters?

Realize that most of them aren’t telling me I’m a bad writer—the house just isn’t necessarily publishing what I’m writing. The first thing I do then is to KEEP WRITING!

What do you think about celebrities writing book?

That can get a little old when everyone tries to get on the band wagon. But, there are some books that have had an impact on readers and that can be a good thing.

What do you advise about getting an agent?

Do your homework. And be patient.



What is your favourite part of writing?

Hmmm, getting to know my characters, I think and sitting back and giving them free rein when they want it. It’s interesting to see what they really want to say and do. The second favourite part of writing is to write THE END.

How do you get past all the frustrations that come with trying to be a successful writer?

I keep writing and think positive. I go to my romance group’s meeting (Carolina Romance Writers in Charlotte) and gain insight, share ideas and find encouragement there. I journal and I talk about what bothers me with my writing partner. You have to stay positive and associate with other writers. Share ideas, brainstorm and you’ll be surprised at what happens.

What do you like to read?

Romantic historical (mainly Stephanie Laurens) and especially Nora Roberts and J.D. Robb. When I’m not in a romantic mood, I love to James Patterson.

What actor/actress gets your pulses racing?

Actors Alec Ramsey & Richard Gere. Actress Julia Roberts is always a favourite.

Excerpt. Ravenwing by Carol Mayer

I thought it would be nice to post a couple of excerpts from Carol Mayers RAVENWING.
ENJOY....leave a comment....
Visit her trailer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk3ITyVxAZc


don't forget my contest is still running. Join and and win a freebie.

Ravenwing was escorted through the tent and into the courtyard behind it. She knelt in front of the ring of stones and bunched the dry grass into a tepee shape. She opened the small bag that held the stones. She removed the geode, tiger-eye, and malachite, and set them on the ground beside her. Bob padded up to her and sat down, and his whiskers twitched in anticipation. It was almost as if he knew what happened to Ravenwing when she travelled, and he accompanied her.
“I light my smoke in the manner of the old ones,” she intoned and ceremoniously struck the flint on the pyrite. The sparks hit the grass and began to smoulder immediately. The weak tendril of smoke grew. Ravenwing sat back on her heels, and picked up the tiger-eye with one hand and held the knife in the other. Dramatically she raised her arms as the smoke began to snake around her body. Her head tilted back and her curtain of ebony black hair caressed the ground; her face began to glow with an unearthly aura. The smoke began to curl around her; it wound up her arms and vanished in the air. She could feel herself separate.
Ravenwing looked down and could see Bob still sitting at her side, but looking into the heavens. Mark was sitting on the grass, and she could just make out the figures of the Captain and the tall man just inside the tent. The tall man was more visible now, and Ravenwing could see the long black overcoat he wore and his black beard. His facial features were rough and sharp with piercing eyes.
The knife began to talk to her; it drew her away from the encampment. She floated, letting it direct her. She could view the landscape as it passed beneath her…a large patchwork quilt; rivers, valleys, small towns, and a couple of large cities.
“I travel,” Ravenwing said to those around her in a slightly husky, disembodied voice. “I see towns and cities. I travel over a great river. I am over some army camps, but they are different than this one. The uniforms of the soldiers are a different color. I am crossing another large river now. The knife draws me. The knife wants me to go down. It calls me down into a large building on the riverbank. I travel inside.”
Ravenwing paused, and drew several deep breaths. Mark looked at her anxiously, and the tall man moved restlessly. After a few moments Ravenwing seemed to gather herself and she continued.
“I see a strange thing. I think it is a boat, but not like the canoes of my Indian friends. This boat is hard, like the blade of a knife. It is shaped like a fish with a long nose. It has a small tower on the top, and there are many holes on the sides. There are men talking, so I will go down closer to them so I can hear what they are saying.”
She paused again, and her body shuddered. She was aware of Bob staring up at the sky at her and then he pinned his ears back and hissed.
“The man’s name is Captain Forrest. He is showing the boat…it is named CSS Virginia…to another man, a General…I think. He says that this boat is more than 275 feet long, and over 38 feet wide. She will travel at 9 knots. She will carry rifles, smoothbores, and 2 howitzers. Her hull is 24 inches of oak and pine, and overlaid with layers of iron plating angled to deflect any Union hits. Most important…she has a ram. Captain Forrest is very happy that the Merrimack’s destruction was not carried out properly. The Confederate army now has an ironclad that can destroy the one the North is building.”
Ravenwing stopped, lifted her head and stared straight ahead. She began to breath very fast as if she had ran a great distance. Her eyes widened, and she flung out her arms to fend off an attacker that could only be seen by her. She heard Bob back away from her and howl a mournful call, and she could see Mark searching frantically for something only Ravenwing could see.
“There is someone else here,” she said, her voice quavering. “He sees me. He knows I am here. He is angry…NO!” She screamed, and her body was lifted in the air by unseen hands. She scratched and fought with an invisible enemy. Her breathing was ragged, and she clawed at her neck as if she was being strangled. Huge welts appeared on her arms, and blood ran from a cut on one cheekbone. She was spun in a circle, and thrown to the ground. Her body jerked, as she was being punched and kicked again and again; over and over she rolled.
She could see Mark and Captain Remey stare helplessly…there was no one to defend her against, no one to take up arms against.
Bob, however, could sense her assailant, so hissing and snarling he attacked the intruder, his claws ripped into what seemed like air, but magically blood spurted from unseen wounds.

Contest

The freebie offer starts today!!!!!

Buy a copy of The Heart of a warrior from www.eternalpress.ca and get a free copy of my e-book Two Faces One Life. Just email me your receipt. It's as easy as that.


Win a replica Native American smudge feather.

Answer this question. What was the name of the Native American girl that Belinda saved from Jez? Use the contact form on the website for your answer. Hint. It might be in an excerpt.

Interview with Carol Mayer

My first author interview for 2010 is a fellow Eternal Press author, Carol Mayer.
Welcome and thank you for taking the time to participate.


Want to know something about Carol? Read on...

I live in central Alberta on an acreage surrounded by wildlife of every sort. I’m the author of several children’s books, many epublished and 3 romances. My latest release is Ravenwing. I’m inspired by the mystical side of life, the powers of crystals and stones, and the physic ability that I believe dwells in each of us.
I have the required writer’s cats. I am now down to three with the death of my oldest Noel, just before Christmas 2009.
I have been married for 35+ years to Carl, a wonderful and patient man!


What drew you to write in your current genre?

Well I have found that Romance sells the best, but I also like stories with a ‘twist’

How many novels have you written to date and are they all in the same genre?

I have written three novels and all are Paranormal romances. Ravenwing is my third release and is of course a paranormal romance.

How much time do you spent on plotting etc before you start writing?

It usually takes me weeks to do most of my research, using mostly the internet. But I also visit the odd library. I mean, you have to go outside the front door at some point lol

Where do you do most of your writing?

In my living room. It’s lovely and cosy. I’m fortunate enough to be surrounded by nature, so it’s quiet and peaceful.

Looking back, what’s the worst thing you’ve ever written?

Well, I’m sure most writers have written some disasters in their time. I think mine would be some of my children’s books.

Tell us about your latest release.

I’m so excited about this new release, which is published through www.eternalpress.ca . Ravenwing takes place in the states just as the civil war is brewing. It is about a beautiful young woman called Ravenwing, who when remote viewing, finds a wounded soldier. Helped by the power of healing stones, she nurses him back to health. Together they travel to Washington braving a tornado, outlaws and a flood. As they travel, Ravenwing’s powers grow along with her love for Mark.


How can your readers keep up with your news?

My blog spot-boomerang-heartbeats.blogspot.com

Web site http://sites.google.com/site/carollynnmayer


How do you deal with rejection letters?

I suppose I take rejection letters like most authors. I move on and try to take any criticism on the chin.


What do you think about celebrities writing book?

I refuse to read or acknowledge them. They seem to be able to get anything published simply because they’re famous. Autobiographies are the exception! At least their real.


What is your favourite part of writing?

When I get an acceptance letter! I’m easily pleased lol


How do you get past all the frustrations that come with trying to be a successful writer?

A writer’s life is very hard. You work alone mostly, so it can get a bit lonely. I think sometimes I just need a ‘kitty cuddle’ and one of my cats is always more than happy to comply.


What do you like to read?

The strange thing is my reading material is the total opposite of my writing interest. I like anything with blood and gore, Adventures or Medical mysteries.


What actor/actress gets your pulses racing?

I’m a woman who likes muscles. So Arnold before he became governor swings to mind. I don’t think he was a brilliant actor, but as eye candy he was great!!


That’s Carol in a nut shell. You can buy Ravenwing from www.eternalpress.ca

It’s a compelling read. A must for all paranormal buffs.