Radio Interview Shannon Leigh and Kelsey Lewis/Print Interview: Jo Davis and Jana Richards
Radio Interview Shannon Leigh and Kelsey Lewis/Print Interview: Jo Davis and Jana Richards
Interview: Dec 05, 2008
Don't miss this weeks podcasts from What's Hot in Romance. The Featured guests are authors Shannon Leigh and Kelsey Lewis. Be sure to tune in every Monday night for the live broadcast from 9:30 - 10:30 pm est at Blog Talk Radio
That's right, What's Hot In Romance internet radio show is on Blog Talk Radio, where our host Cat Johnson has a full schedule of not to be missed romance authors in every genre. So please tune in tohttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/whats-hot-in-romance at 9:30 pm est.
Wildfire would like to welcome authors Jo Davis and Jana Richards.
Jo Davis
Julie: How long have you been writing? What inspired you to pick the pen up one day and create characters that capture the imagination?
Jo: I've been writing all my life, but got serious about writing to become published seven years ago. My characters are the ones who inspire me; they live, breathe, and carry on conversations in my head. At some point, their stories must be told before they drive me insane!
Julie: What influenced you to get published? How long did it take for your first book to get published?
Jo: I've always known I wanted to be a published author, but even after I completed my first manuscript, I didn't know how to navigate the publishing world. I joined the Romance Writers of America and my local chapter, the Dallas Area Romance Authors, and I can honestly tell you that I still would not be published if it wasn't for everything I've learned from the mentorship of those fine authors. It took me over five years to score a contract, writing every single day.
Julie:What are the elements of a great romance for you?
Jo: As an author and an avid reader, for me, a great romance has plenty of gut-wrenching emotion, conflict the hero and heroine must overcome, sizzling sex, and a liberal dash of suspense.
Julie: What makes your characters so vulnerable yet strong? Can you describe them to us? What do you do when characters stop talking to you when writing?
Jo: My characters have flaws that make them very human, emotional scars and daily strife every reader can identify with on some level. Readers relate to characters such as Howard Paxton in Trial By Fire struggling to overcome horrific child abuse, or Sean Tanner's ongoing battle with alcohol in the wake of the tragic death of his family. But the reader can count on them getting their happy ending! And when my characters stop talking? I do laundry. Seriously, mundane tasks free my thoughts and allow my characters to speak again.
Julie: What about the heroines for these determined heroes? What makes them strong enough capture the heroes' heart?
Jo: My heroines are intelligent, independent, funny, and successful. They know what they want out of life and romance, and aren't afraid to go after it. They do have flaws, but they have the heart and determination necessary to overcome them. There are two types of heroines I avoid like the plague as a reader and an author: the snively whiner and the pumped-up kick-ass who stomps around acting like she has bigger cajones than the hero. That second gal is a huge turnoff for me, personally. If I ever write one of these types, you can bet I'll have a darned compelling reason.
Julie: How much does reader reaction mean to you as an author?
Jo: My readers' opinions are important to me. Of course I love glowing emails telling me how much they loved a book and the characters, what author doesn't? But I also value polite, constructive feedback when a reader lets me know if there's a character they'd love to see as the hero/heroine in a future book, a particular element of a story they did or did not enjoy and why, etc. Because each reader is different (what one reader didn't like is typically the exact element that another one did like), I might not be able to accommodate a particular suggestion, but I do take each one seriously.
Julie: What is the best advice anyone has given you?
Jo: Oh, gosh, there's been tons of great advice! One in particular that sticks out in my mind is from when I was a struggling unpublished author. Suspense author Linda Castillo spoke to our chapter and said, "I sold my first book when I remembered I was supposed to be writing a romance." That has stuck with me for years, and it's professional advice I still live by.
Julie: What is your writing process? Do you outline, fly by the seat of your pants or a combination of both?
Jo: I used to be what writers call a "pantser"—writing with the flow and just letting the story develop. As I gained experience, I learned to write a detailed outline of the story/series proposal for my agent to submit to publishing houses. Now I can write a proposal in my sleep, and the finished product of the book actually does follow the outline I submitted, usually with very few changes on my part. That's not because I'm so great, it's because once I envision the story in my head in that much detail, it's emblazoned into my brain that way.
Julie: What do you do for research before you begin a new book?
Jo: That depends upon the subject. For my Firefighters of Station Five series, I attended a fire academy and interviewed firefighters in three different cities just to be able to write the series proposal. For ongoing accuracy in each book, I have a wonderful fire captain who answers my questions and shows me how to operate specific types of equipment when I have a tough scene to write.
Julie: Any advice for aspiring authors?
Jo: Writing is a jealous mistress—if you don't make time for it, someone else will. If you eat, sleep, and breathe the day you become a published author, then don't let anyone or anything stand in your way…especially you.
Julie: What's next for you?
Jo: I'm eagerly anticipating my next two releases. The second book in the Firefighters of Station Five series, Under Fire, will be released in May 2009 and is Zack Knight's story. My readers are excited about this sweet, virgin hero, a man who'll melt your heart. Up next is my first erotic suspense from NAL Heat, When Alex Was Bad, to be released in August 2009. In a thrilling development, Alex was recently optioned as a major motion picture by an Academy Award-winning producer. But I don't have time to rest on my fanny and bask… At this very moment, I'm finishing my third book in the Firefighters of Station Five series, Hidden Fire. This is Julian Salvatore's story, and I'm really pumped about this one! The man has a terrible secret, and needs the perfect woman to love him past the hurt. Next, I'm writing my second erotic suspense for NAL Heat, tentatively titled I Spy A Wicked Sin, and you guessed it—this one kicks off a scorching hot spy series!
Julie: Tell us something that your fans would be surprised to know about you.
Jo: Hmm. How about something fun? Most don't know that I'd sell my soul to the devil to meet Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora! Yes, I'm a total, rabid Bon Jovi fan. In fact, the hero of my very first manuscript was a rock star using—drum roll—Jon as my muse. So, if there's a reader out there with connections, you'd be, ehem, my new best friend. LOL!
Julie: What do you hope for your writing career in the next few years? Any goals that you have yet to obtain that you have set for yourself?
Jo: Like many debut authors, I've got my eagle eye on the USA Today and someday, the New York Times bestseller list. I'd also love to win a RITA award, which is the Romance Writers of America's equivalent of an Oscar. A girl can dream…
Julie: What books are currently on your nightstand?
Jo: Touched By Love by Tracy Garrett, The Dragon Master by Allyson James, Ultimate Weapon by Shannon McKenna, Fallen Angel by Margaret and Lizz Weis, and One Silent Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon.
Julie: Dealing with writing deadlines can be a challenge. What do you do to cope with the stress?
Jo: Like me, my wonderful husband works from home most of the time, and he makes a point to get me out of the house for lunch and for my bookstore fix once a week. He coaxes me out of "the cave" for relaxation time, and that makes all the difference. He's my hero.
Julie: If someone hasn't read any of your work, what book would you recommend that they start with and why?
Jo: For hot romantic suspense, readers can start with my first Firefighters of Station Five release, Trial By Fire. If they enjoy paranormal erotica, they can pick up Raina's Fantasy, my Jo Carlisle release from Ellora's Cave, available in e-book or print. For contemporary erotic suspense, they'll have to wait until August 2009 for When Alex Was Bad. Julie, thank you for inviting me to visit with you and your readers at All Romance eBooks!
Jo Davis spent sixteen years in the public school trenches before she left teaching to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time writer. An active member of the Romance Writers of America, she's been a Golden Heart® finalist for Best Romantic Suspense. She's also a member of the Dallas Area Romance Authors, The Golden Network, and Passionate Ink.
Trial By Fire launches Jo's sexy, debut romantic suspense series, the Firefighters of Station Five. Several books are planned in the series, the first three scheduled for release from Signet Eclipse in August2008, May 2009, and December 2009. In addition to scorching romantic suspense, Jo writes erotic suspense for NAL. When Alex Was Bad is scheduled for release from NAL Heat on August 4, 2009, and has been optioned as a major motion picture by Mandalay Pictures.
When Jo's not happily buried in deadlines, her guilty pleasures are reading, margaritas, and one-hour massages…preferably all at once. Jo lives in Texas with her wonderful husband, Paul, and their two terrific children. Visit Jo's website at www.JoDavis.net.
Julie: How long have you been writing? What inspired you to pick the pen up one day and create characters that capture the imagination?
Jana:I've been writing for more than fifteen years.A few years ago I decided to take it more seriously with an eye to publication.This involved spending more time on my writing as well as taking myself more seriously as a writer.It means that if it comes to a choice between vacuuming or working on my manuscript, well, those dust bunnies are just going to have to wait!
Julie: What is your writing process? Do you outline, fly by the seat of your pants or a combination of both?
Jana:I like to have a road map when I write.I usually create an outline/synopsis of some sort so I have an idea where I'm going.Usually though, during the writing process, a new idea takes me in a new direction or a character does something that surprises me, so I end up taking a little side trip.For me the most critical thing is knowing my characters.I work on character sketches until I feel I know my characters and know what they will do in any situation.
Julie: How much does reader reaction mean to you as an author?
Jana:It means a lot!I'm thrilled when someone says, first of all, that they've read my book, and secondly that they liked it!When I'm holed up alone in my office with only my computer and my dog for company, I don't necessarily know if what I'm writing will connect with people. So it's gratifying to hear when it does.
Julie: When you write, is atmosphere important? For example, do you use mood music or candles? Do you need complete quiet to concentrate?
Jana:I am easily distracted (did the buzzer on my dryer just go off?) so I can't listen to music while I write.A couple of times a year I get a chance to go on a writing 'retreat' which is absolute heaven.I don't have to worry about cooking or cleaning or walking the dog.I don't even have to make the bed!All I have to do is write.My idea of Nirvana.
Julie: Most people envision an author's life as being really glamorous. What's the most unglamorous thing that you've done in the past week?
Jana:That would probably be performing pooper-scooper patrol for my dog Lou.Oh, what a glamorous life I have!
Julie:Is there anything in your closet that your fans would be surprised by?
Jana:You mean besides the leather cat suit and the feather boa?No, not a thing.Seriously, I have a pretty boring closet.Your basic jeans, t-shirts, and other work clothes.My husband has way more clothes then I do!
Julie:Do you ever experience writer's block? If you do, how do you cope with it?
Jana:Some days the writing just flows and some days … not so much.I find the best thing to do is to write something, even if I think it's lousy.I give myself permission to write crap.I tell myself that it's a first draft and doesn't have to be perfect.It's amazing how freeing that is.
Julie:Are there any absolutely-must-have characteristics for your heroes or heroines?
Jana:I'd say integrity.I like my characters (not to mention the people I know in real life) to have at their core, rock solid honesty, the kind of people who will do the right thing, no matter how tough it is.
Julie:What was the one moment in your writing career so far that was the most exciting?
Jana:Probably when I received the call, or in my case the email, telling me I had sold my first book.Later, after I'd finished combing through my manuscript in an attempt to eliminate an excess of "thats", "justs" and "smiles" and other overused words, my editor, Jude Glad, who is a talented editor and a lovely person, told me I was a "real" writer for going the extra mile to make my manuscript better.Perhaps that's not an exciting moment, but it certainly was a proud moment for me.
Julie: What's next for you?
Jana:I've got a new book coming out in March 2009 with AweStruck Ebooks entitled Till September.I'm really excited about the book because it's my first book with them, the first of many, I hope.I'm also very proud of the book because it contains one of my favorite characters of my own invention, Hannah Kramer.She's tough and determined, and a fiercely loyal friend and neighbor, but she also has a vulnerable side she tries to hide.She overcomes a lot to obtain happiness and love.
I'm also finishing revisions on a couple of projects at the moment.And I've got a project or two I'm dying to start.I have an interest in World War II.There are many amazing, heartbreaking, stories to come out of that war.For instance, did you know that during the war an agency was created in Canada to train pilots and other air crew from all over the world?The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan trained air crews from Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, even some Free French and Poles, on bases all over Canada, many of them on the plains of Western Canada.Men and women who would never have met under normal circumstances were thrown together by the war.Like I said, there are many amazing stories.
This story is rated 4 flames. Frequent, explicit love scenes described using graphic and direct language.
It was the proverbial cliché: She met the man's eyes across a room crowded with hundreds of bodies, their gazes locked hot enough to melt the lace of the barely-there thong she's wearing and make his briefs a size too small. The should-be-patented never-fail dip of her eyelids with their thick, dark lashes and clear green eyes peeking out from underneath came next, while her lips flirted with a smirk that delivered an invitation no man could resist.
Her lover was a cool one, though, as he turned his shoulder and casually finished his conversation with the men around him. Sure of herself, she made her way to the dance floor, giving an air kiss here and congratulations there. Like a butterfly she flitted, never once pausing for more than a few seconds.
As the strings of the quartet sung the first discordant notes of the next waltz, a strong arm skimmed her waist before swinging her onto the dance floor in a move as smooth and collected as the man who made it.
Silently and gracefully he lead her across the floor, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back where the delicate skin was bared by the deep curve of satin that was both the start and the finish of her daring dress.
If only he'd slide his hand down beneath the draped fabric and tease her ass, then use that skin-to-skin contact to press her belly forcefully against the swollen length of his cock. But she knew he wouldn't; there would be no impropriety in front of their clients and colleagues. Instead he teased them both with fleeting brushes of their bodies during the sway and ebb of the dance.
The circular nature of the gliding dance floor brought them to the farthest side of the room, and with a quick one-two step he swept them out of the current. She didn't bother looking to see if they were being watched—he would have made sure that they weren't—and stepping quickly through the archway in front of them she dashed away, leaving him behind.
She ran swiftly, straining to hear the nearly silent slap of his leather shoes as he gave chase. When he caught her, grabbing her arm and spinning her around into his arms, she was smiling, her heart racing with anticipation.
"You always run from me, little rabbit. But you never escape."
She never ran fast enough to escape him. A sly, womanly laugh of triumph slipped free as he pressed her nude back against the rough texture of the papered hallway wall. "Whoever said I wanted to?"
He answered with a growl against the soft, sensitive skin of her neck. The barely-there bristles of his late night stubble sent prickles of sensation racing over her skin as his teeth rasped gently along her skin but didn't bite down. His hands moved down her body, seeking and finding the long slit that ran from the dress hem to her thigh. His hands slid beneath to stroke the smooth skin beneath, and he worked his way up, hiking her dress up over her hips. The large, warm palms of his hands cupped her ass he pulled her into his body. They moaned in unison as he ground her pussy against the ridge of his cock.
Her leg up found its way around his hip, and she arched her back to press her pussy against the ridge of his cock and rode him for all she was worth. "Hurry, hurry!"
His fingers dug in as he pushed at her hips, giving him enough room to get a hand between their bodies. He fumbled with his belt and zipper, the back of his hand brushing over and over against her clit, frustrating her enough that she growled at him. He growled back, just as frustrated and with a sharp thrust of his hand sent his pants barely enough out of the way before he reached for her again. The heat and width of his cock jammed up against the tiny triangle of fabric that still covered her pussy.
His muscles flexed as he lifted her up, using the wall as leverage. "Damn you, woman. You do this to me every time." His mouth stole away her scream of pleasure as he worked her thong out of the way and brutally shoved his cock into her aching pussy.
God she loved it like this. So hard and fast, so forbidden, here where anyone could find them. There was no pause, no time for accommodation as he thrust, over and over. He ravished her mouth, smearing the red gloss of her lipstick over both their mouths. She'd planned for that, knowing he'd hate to go back to the party looking freshly fucked.
Yes, she'd planned this, just as she had every time before. The warring, heated glances, the slow dance and wild chase, and the final, frantic, forbidden culmination—and he had never yet been able to refuse her.
The chimes of the countdown echoed down the dim hallway.He kept time with them, ten…nine…eight… each thrust a sharp counterpoint that drove her higher, more wild for him. Only him.
The seconds counted down and the voices in the ballroom grew louder, her cries of "yes, yes, yes" becoming more urgent right along with them. She screamed her release in harmony with the partygoers as they shouted out, "Happy New Year!"
The euphoria waned and her satiated brain finally registered her lover's breaths, loud and ragged in her ear. She gently slapped at her husband's shoulder. "Put me down, you fool, before you put your back out again."
"The day I can't make love to you because it'll put my back out is the day you can shoot me to put me out of my misery." He laughed as he said it, but put her carefully back on her feet, carefully smoothing her dress down as he went, getting in a last fleeting caress. "Do you realize we've been sneaking away right before midnight to fuck like crazy-drunk teenagers for twenty years now?"
"Mm-hmm." She caught up her purse from where it had crash landed on the floor and pulled out a tissue to remove the evidence of their hasty interlude. "So, are you going to keep chasing me when I'm old and doddery and have to use a walker?"
"You bet that sweet ass I am." He leaned in and kissed her again; undoing all the work she'd done to clean him up.
She was reaching up to tackle a new red smudge when he said, "You'll need a half hour head start though, with me in my tricked-out wheelchair and all. It just wouldn't be fair otherwise."
Just for that she didn't tell Mr. All About Propriety in Public about the red smudge on his otherwise pristine white collar. Stupid, sexy, forever-stubborn man—you'd think after twenty years he'd have learned she'd retaliate.
Anne started writing smutty stories in 2006 on the advice of her girlfriends who declared, "You've read so much of that stuff you should be able to write it in your sleep!" Turns out it wasn't such a bad idea.
Not one to be shy, she jumped into the publishing pool with both feet and is now multi-published, as well as award nominated.
She's a transplant, like most of the rest of Florida, although she came to the Sunshine Peninsular via Auckland, New Zealand. No, she doesn't know why she moved from such a lovely country (although her husband might have had something to do with it); no, she doesn't know any hobbits, nor any orcs; and yes, her accent is kinda sexy.
She has an Eppie Finalist certificate hanging on her office wall, as well as top ten nominations in the Preditors and Editors yearly polls.
