Q&A with Vicki Lewis Thompson author of MIDNIGHT THUNDER

What inspired you to start writing romance? 

Men.  Dashing heroes who save the day are more fun to write about than any other subject I can imagine.

With more than 100 books to your name how do you create original characters and plotlines?  

I keep my eyes and ears open ALL the time.  If I wrote the same story over and over, I’d go crazy, so shaking things up is a matter of self-preservation.

What’s better – the excitement of a new love or a rekindled romance from long ago?  

The rekindled romance is much easier to write but discovering a new love is a challenge I like giving myself, so they’re both wonderful in different ways.

What can you tell us about the Thunder Mountain Brotherhood Series?  

The heroes all share a similar past – being foster kids at Thunder Mountain Ranch.  That single fact binds them together more surely than blood.  They have different issues, but each one needs to heal.  With insight and the right woman, they can.

What are you working on next?  

The heroes of summer, 2016!  The heroes of 2015 and my Christmas book for the series are written, so I’m on to the next batch of foster brothers and I love them already.

About Vicki Lewis Thompson

A romance writing career has brought Vicki Lewis Thompson many wonderful things –New York Times bestseller status, an appearance on LIVE with Regis and Kelly, the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from Romance Writers of America, thousands of readers, many dear friends, and the cutest little yellow convertible in the world. Her career has also given her work she loves. Although she’s written more than 100 books, she continues to be fascinated by the many ways that a man and woman fall in love. The age-old story remains a challenging puzzle to be solved anew with each book. That makes her a very lucky person, indeed.

You can connect with Vicki via: Website | Facebook | Twitter

About Midnight Thunder

Thunder Mountain Ranch was the only place cowboy Cade Gallagher had ever called home. But after he and Lexi Simmons broke each others’ hearts, he left it behind, along with his foster family. Since then, Cade has drifted, looking for something—anything—to call home. Until a call from Lexi changes everything.

Cade has been gone too long. His foster mother is hospitalized, and the ranch is in deep financial trouble. Yet even as his world crumbles, Cade’s hunger for Lexi is almost as tangible as the taste

of her lips and the way her body fits deliciously against his. It’s bittersweet surrender. But Lexi isn’t the girl she used to be, and she’s determined to have the hot cowboy in her bed only if she keeps him out of her heart. 

The Return of Mama Conte.... by Jennifer Probst

When I finished the last so called book in my Marriage to a Billionaire series, I decided to do a spin off because I couldn’t bear to leave my beloved characters behind. I needed to have the ability to check in with them like an old friend. Find out how their marriages are going and their children and make sure they’re okay.

Yep. Writers are a bit cray cray.

At least my wonderful readers felt the same way. One of my secondary characters who introduced herself in The Marriage Trap, and had appearances in every one of my marriage books was the matriarch of the Conte family, Mama Conte. Head of the bakery empire, La Dolce Famiglia, she lives in Bergamo Italy. She has a gorgeous kitchen where delicious scents of garlic, tomato, lemons and fresh bread sizzle and bake. She serves at the sturdy pine table and counsels her children on their love lives, usually meddling in the most delightful ways.

In my newest release, Searching for Beautiful, Wolfe is my newest hero, introduced when he was only nineteen years old in the Marriage Merger. He was a badass, wicked smart, and vulnerable. Readers adored him. He grew up throughout the Searching for series, and now it’s his time to find his own happy ever after.

As I was writing, I was able to check in with my characters from Merger, but my most important scene was written with Mama Conte.

In life, sometimes we need someone older and wiser to guide us. If we listen with our heart, usually taking this advice changes everything.

Wolfe desperately needs Mama Conte to help him with an important turning point in his life. As I wrote the scene, and went back to that safe, cozy kitchen in Italy, and listened to her words, I was changed, too.

The powerful matriarch is a wonderful character to introduce to readers, and an even better character to write. I was able to tap deep into my past and channel both my old self, when I was young and immortal and brave, and follow the years to my new self, as a mother, where I worry and fret and yes, meddle, into my children’s lives.

Mama Conte is a character who makes a difference. Her appearances in my books may be brief, but they are powerful.

I truly hope you enjoy her as much as I do.

I’ll leave you with a few of my most popular Mama Conte-isms!

The Marriage Mistake:

“Max loves you. But now it’s your turn to make a decision. You need to be strong enough to stand beside him and ask for his love. You’re going to have to take a chance on yourself. We all believe in you. Isn’t it time you believe in yourself?”

The Marriage Merger

You can fight for my daughter, the woman you love. You can fight for Wolfe and watch as he grows. Or you can take the other path and talk about what you are destined for, because of this past that you say owns you.”

His voice broke. Sawyer bowed his head. “I don’t know if I can.”

She rose and came to him. Strong arms held him with no apology, no hesitation. She stroked his hair like a mother would, soothing him with her warmth and safety and beliefs.

“My sweet boy, yes, you can. Your life is your own. You were a child and could not protect the ones you loved. None of us can. So instead, we choose to love as much as possible, and that needs to be enough.”

She pressed a kiss to the top of his head. Tears stung his eyes as he hugged her back. “My daughter does not choose wrong. You are who she wants, and she will not let you go easily. Let her choose you, and know you are enough.”

Searching for Beautiful

WOLFE BEGAN TO RELAX. The dinner was perfect. They’d feasted on only four courses instead of six, and having Mama Conte on a one-to-one basis was enjoyable. He’d learned stories about Julietta growing up, the launch of her bakery, and got a glimpse of the powerful man Mama Conte loved, married, and lost. She never mentioned anything personal, and Wolfe caught no judgment or worry in her gaze. He finished grinding the coffee beans, and prepared them two cups of espresso to go with the buttery amaretti she’d just baked. 

“Did you ever think you’d fail when you first started La Dolce Famiglia?” he asked, settling back into the pine chair.

 Mama Conte smiled and sat next to him. “Of course. But I had a partner at my side, and knew if I failed, at least I tried. There is no shame in dreams or hard work or failure. Only not trying.” 

About Jennifer Probst

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.
She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon's Best Books for 2012. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases and her street team at www.jenniferprobst.com.

Connect with Jennifer via: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
 

About Searching For Beautiful

Genevieve MacKenzie has her life completely under control. About to wed the charming Chief doctor at the local hospital, she’s an up-and-coming surgeon with everything she could ever want. Until an escape through the church window on the day of her wedding sends her life into a tailspin…and flings her right into her best friend’s arms.

When Wolfe catches his best friend falling out a window on her wedding day, he doesn’t ask questions. He whisks her away, determined to watch over her and discover the truth behind her desperate escape. But when his feelings turn more than platonic, he realizes he may risk his most important relationship in order to protect his damaged heart, and the woman he loves.

Can Genevieve and Wolfe’s friendship turn into something deeper—or is it already too late for true love?

Buy the Book

Angels Are Real by Michelle Beber

If you’re willing to open yourself up to the possibility that angels exist, you’ll have made one of the best decisions of your life. Since I started believing in angels in 2008 and subsequently started asking for their help, my life has dramatically improved in ways I never could have imagined.  Because I’ve witnessed such amazing results, I’m compelled to share this knowledge with others so they may benefit from this Divine connection.
 
In 2008, I attended a spiritual retreat where I learned about repetitive number sequences known as “angel numbers.”  It’s a Heavenly “language” that angels use to give us messages and guidance.  After I came home from the retreat, I learned everything I could about those special numbers and angels, and within a few months, the love I’d developed for the angels had opened up a direct line of communication with them!
 
Not only did I receive guidance in the form of numbers, but also occasionally, I would hear a sentence or two in my head.  Usually, it was when I needed comforting, like the time I was driving myself to the emergency room in the middle of an allergic reaction.  I was filled with extreme anxiety while I was driving, and my heart was racing.  In my head, I heard the words, “We’re getting you there as fast as we can” repeating over and over.  It helped to keep me calm and made me feel loved and protected.
 
As I was lying in the hospital bed hooked up to intravenous steroids, a young girl walked past me wearing a black sweatshirt that had big, white angel wings on the back of it!  That was no coincidence.  It was a validation that angels were right there by my side.
 
One day, the messages went beyond a sentence or two.  I was on my way to work one morning, and I heard the beautiful poetry that would become the text for my first children’s book, Angels, Angels, Everywhere.  I was also given the vision of the cover:  four racially diverse female angels flying around the Earth, each holding a glowing yellow heart of Divine love and light.  I was also given the vision for the back of the book:  Archangel Michael holding the Earth with a huge glowing yellow heart of Divine love and light behind him.  It was then that I knew Archangel Michael had given me the words for my book.
 
I’m humbled and blessed to be able to bring these words of comfort and joy to children.  There’s nothing more fulfilling than having the opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life.

About Michelle Beber

Michelle Beber has certifications as an Angel Intuitive and Angel Oracle Card Reader from renowned "angel lady," Doreen Virtue, as well as certifications as a Spiritual Teacher and Archangel Life Coach from Doreen's son, Charles Virtue.

In 2008, Michelle's life changed when she attended a spiritual retreat and learned about angels and how they communicate through repetitive number sequences known as "angel numbers." Little did she know that this insight would lead her on an amazing spiritual journey that would directly connect her with angels and result in the discovery of her life purpose.

Always grateful for the spiritual guidance she has received, Michelle looks forward to sharing the knowledge she has gained to inspire others, especially children. Michelle is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

You can connect with Michelle via: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

About Angels, Angels Everywhere

Angels, Angels, Everywhere is a non-denominational, multiracial book written in delightful rhythm and rhyme and accompanied by charming illustrations.  The themes of constant support and unconditional love are designed to help children deal with everyday experiences in life.

By developing children’s faith in knowing that they are not alone and building their trust that they are consistently watched over, cared for, and loved, children will become empowered to deal with life’s challenges.  The book also lets children know that angels are there in good times as well, sharing in their joy.

Q & A with author Jennifer Kelman

What is your book about?

A lovely tale of young twins on a “usual” trip to the beach.  Today was different; Kevin’s great imagination was playing tricks on him, or was it?  He believed that each time he looked up he saw beautiful dolphins springing into the air. He nudged his twin sister, Jackie, in the hope she would see it too, but each time she looked up, they were gone.  Was Kevin left wondering?  No, at the perfect moment, Jackie looked up to see the most wonderful sight…..five graceful dolphins shining in delight.  The adventure continues as they board a boat and feed the dolphins.  The tale is about imagination, trust, the sibling (twin) relationship and sticking to your beliefs.  The illustrations bring this story to life and capture the beauty and wonderment of children and nature.

Why did you decide to write it?  

My first departure from the award winning Mrs. Pinkelmeyer book series.  This story came tumbling from me after a few weeks of my twins being sick.  Not feeling particularly creative, I began to weave this story and was truly surprised as I watched my kids begin to feel refreshed and happy.  It was at that moment that we all decided together to make the story of The Disappearing Dolphins into a book.

How did you get your book published?

I am so happy to have had the pleasure to work with Outskirts Press.  They have done a spectacular job in bringing it all to fruition.

What types of readers will be interested in your book?  

This is a great story for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and teachers to read to their kids. Using fun and silly intonations while reading aloud, the listener can appreciate the frustration in Jackie and the desire in Kevin.  This book appeals to 4-6 year olds and maybe a bit older as they read the book to themselves.

What is special about your book?  What differentiates it from other books in the same category?  

The book is special because of the subtle messages…believe in yourself, imagine and it can be, the sibling (twin) relationship and the love of nature.  It is special because the story is woven in such a way that highlights all of these aspects.  The reader remains engaged and isn’t exactly sure if Jackie will ever see The Disappearing Dolphins.  I believe that the illustrations by Michael Swaim, set this book apart from others.  His gift is unparalleled. 

I am also in the process of co-writing a song, The Disappearing Dolphins, which will be available on ITunes, to complement the book.  This song, a catchy, sing-a-long, is certain to stay stuck in your head all day long.

Have you published any other books?  Do you plan to publish more?

This is my 3rd book.  My first two belong to the Mrs. Pinkelmeyer book series.
I created two children’s characters; Mrs. Pinkelmeyer® and her lovable dog, Moopus McGlinden®. Together, they inspire self-esteem in children through their love, warmth and silliness.  I have also created a full product line including a plush doll, a Moopus McGlinden stuffed animal, a music CD and 2 books.  Mrs. Pinkelmeyer and Moopus McGlinden Burn the Rrrrump Rrrroast and Mrs. Pinkelmeyer and Moopus McGlinden Prance into New York City.

I will continue to write and publish more books when the light of creativity strikes again.

Available on Amazon.com and www.MrsPinkelmeyer.com

Q&A with Katie Pierson

Tell us about the main characters in your young adult novel, ’89 Walls.

World-weary Seth can’t escape his small Nebraska town. He carries around a love note for Quinn, a conservative Daddy’s girl and someone he considers both out of his league and beneath his dignity. Quinn thinks of Seth as that whiny-but-brilliant liberal guy in class. He makes her self-conscious about her untested, rule-following existence. Their passionate romance takes them both by surprise. They decide to keep it a secret: it’s too early to make plans and too late not to care. But it’s 1989. As politics suddenly get personal, they find themselves fighting bare-fisted for their beliefs and each other—in the clear light of day. 

Where did the inspiration for this book come from?

I never planned to write a novel: I just like to read them. But a conversation with a friend in 2006 about the pros and cons of potentially attending my 20th high school reunion brought to mind the random people you run into at those things: old crushes, old “frenemies.” I suddenly had the idea for Seth and Quinn’s reluctant romance. 

It wasn’t until I was half done that I realized that the story was also a partisan allegory. Seth is the Democratic Party in the late 80’s: reactive, angry, without a compass. Quinn’s father, Tom is the Republican Party: optimistic, smug, still grounded in a true small government philosophy and underestimating the rising Religious Right with its creepy fascination with people’s private lives. Mr. Levine, the teacher, is the moderator who allows two strong points of view to talk it out respectfully. Quinn is all of us, trying to find her way when tidy theories crash into reality.

How long have you been writing, and what (or who) inspired you to start?

I’ve been writing since I could hold a crayon. I had a wonderfully encouraging seventh grade English teacher. I staffed the high school yearbook and wrote a column for my college newspaper. In my office jobs I contrived to write whether or not it was in my job description as a fundraiser for the Nebraska Humanities Council or lobbyist for Planned Parenthood. I’ve written a bunch of political commentaries for the Minneapolis StarTribune and have an actual fan base for my annual holiday letter. But I didn’t claim writing as my vocation until I was in my thirties. Taking a memoir class at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis motivated me to finally put “writer” on my business card.

What are you working on right now?

I'm toying with a memoir of my family's sabbatical year in London during the final year of the Bush administration. The working title is, "Acting Canadian." I loved writing '89 Walls and read as much YA as I do adult fiction. I would love for another idea for a YA novel to drop in my lap. 

About '89 Walls

College is not in the cards for Seth. He spends his minimum wage on groceries and fakes happiness to distract his mom from the MS they both know will kill her. It’s agony to carry around a frayed love note for a girl who’s both out of his league and beneath his dignity.
Quinn’s finishing high school on top. But that cynical, liberal guy in her social studies class makes her doubt her old assumptions. Challenging the rules now, though, would a) squander her last summer at home, b) antagonize her conservative dad, and c) make her a hypocrite.

Seth and Quinn’s passionate new romance takes them both by surprise. They keep it a secret: it’s too early to make plans and too late not to care. But it’s 1989. As politics suddenly get personal, they find themselves fighting bare-fisted for their beliefs—and each other—in the clear light of day.

Q&A with Beth Cornelison author of Colton Cowboy Protector

You have been writing stories since you were a child. Tell us about the moment you knew you wanted to become a writer by profession. 
                
While I wrote simple stories from an early age, my first significant writing project that inspired me to look into the possibilities of publication was a teen romance I wrote in junior high. Written long-hand in spiral notebooks, my first book took months to finish, but I fell in love with the novel writing process and had my first nudge toward my current publishing career. 

What inspired you to make the move from the public relations industry to become a full-time writer?

The love of novel writing was never far from mind from the time I wrote my first novel during my teens. Though I got sidetracked from writing books while in college and early years in my marriage, a cross-country move for my husband’s job left me without a PR job in the early 90’s. While I was home alone in a new city, the stories in my head came roaring back to life. I returned to writing books to fill my time until our son was born,  and by the time my son was in preschool, I had focused on getting published and never looked back!

Your novels tend to weave together romance and suspense. What draws you to this combination of genres?
                
I love the adventure and thrills of suspense books and the problem-solving behind mysteries. At the same time, I’m a romantic at heart and grew up with Disney movies and the all-important happily ever after. When I first read Karen Robards’, Sandra Brown’s and Jennifer Blake’s contemporary romantic suspense stories in the early 90’s, I discovered a blend of the two genres that fueled my imagination. I knew right away that romantic suspense was what I wanted to write.

If COLTON COWBOY PROTECTOR were to be turned into a movie, who would you cast in the starring roles?
      
Oh, wow! What a fun question! As a “visual writer,” I see my story playing out in my head like a movie as I write, so the idea of a real movie is exciting to contemplate. I think Amanda Seyfried has the look I was after for the heroine, Tracy McCain. Torrance Coombs, from the CW’s Reign, has the dark good looks with bright blue eyes that would fit the part nicely for my hero Jack Colton.

What’s up next for you?

I have two novellas with Harlequin Romantic Suspense coming out next, one in November, paired with Colleen Thompson for a two-in-one about a Texas ranch wedding that goes tragically wrong. Then next spring I’ll share a two-in-one with Karen Whiddon about babies rescued from a dangerous cult and the foster mothers who protect the infants. Both are fun projects because I love collaborating with other talented authors!

About Beth Cornelison

Award-winning author Beth Cornelison has been writing stories since she was a child. A University of Georgia graduate, Cornelison worked in Public Relations before becoming a full-time writer. She has won many honors for her writing, including the coveted Golden Heart, awarded by the Romance Writers of America. She lives in Louisiana with her husband and son.

You can connect with Beth via: Website | Twitter | Facebook 

About Colton Cowboy Protector

A beautiful stranger appears at the Colton ranch during a party, and Jack is none too pleased. With ties to his ex-wife, Tracy McCain claims to be on a mission to bond with his son. But this intriguing widow also has a target on her back. As the Colton family brings Tracy under its broad wing, a relentless assassin puts everyone in jeopardy. Jack's protective instincts go into overdrive and only fuel his secret attraction to Tracy. Living closely together under Jack's roof, the heat between them starts to sizzle. In fact, the only thing stronger than Jack's heady desire for Tracy is his will to keep her safe so that one day they can become a family.