GIVING OUR READERS OPTIONS

It's a pleasure to welcome back romance author CH Admirand to Over Coffee. She has such a passion for life and I admire that. Since she loves to bake I've decided to put her yummy Black Raspberry/Rhubarb Pandowdy on the coffee bar for us to enjoy with our coffee.
Speaking of yummy, she has a new book ready to whisk you back to Apple Grove and drool over  meet, Jack Gannon, and a cute pup named Jameson. Both will steal your heart.

Good Morning, Sia. Thank you for inviting me to guest blog today with your readers, I’m delighted to be here. So many things are happening right now in my writing life—and in so many different directions! After turning in the copyedits for my 15^th book, which will be the third book in my contemporary small town series: Welcome Back to Apple Grove (in stores December 2013), I had a chat with my editor at Sourcebooks and am so glad that I did. She asked what I’d be interested in writing next. The industry has many ups and downs and is always changing direction—as with all of the other aspects of my life, it seems—and keeping up with those changes while still being able to continue to write and publish your stories is definitely a challenge.

For instance, right now Sourcebooks and my editor is interested in seeing one of my favorite genres to write: Historical Western Romance!

I finally got the rights back to my Historical Irish Western Series, and after editing them to freshen them up a bit, and having new covers and a logo created for the series, I have released the first two books, with plans to release books 3 and 4 by summer’s end. They are doing really well as e-books, something that wasn't even available at the time my first book was published. Crazy thought, right? LOL!

But, what does my releasing my backlist have to do with the new idea I have for Sourcebooks? Everything.

Doesn't this mean that I’m in direct competition with my publisher? Not at all.

Let me explain. Readers who haven’t yet discovered my Irish Western Series will hopefully pick them up and realize that my stories are all connected. My Contemporary Cowboys for Sourcebooks are descendants of Marshal Justiss who first appeared in the 2^nd book in my Historical Irish Western Series.

During the Sourcebooks Spotlight at RT in Kansas City, Editorial Manager Deb Werksman explained that authors self-publishing their backlist is good for their current releases because it can drive awareness and sales to their current titles. It is a win/win situation for authors and publishers.

If a reader enjoys an author’s voice, what could be better than giving our readers more options? Not a thing—IMHO. Although I’m a huge fan of Julie Garwood’s Medievals, I love her contemporary series. Whatever Nora Roberts writes, I’ll read! I am a first and always a rabid Romance fan. :-)

I am planning to have a link between my new Historical Western Romance idea for Sourcebooks that will connect both my contemporary cowboy series and my Irish Western Series that I’m re-releasing myself. Although, I’m not sure what that will be yet. But I’m working on it.

Did I mention that characters from that wisp of an idea were arguing in my head while I was rinsing the gorgeous blueberries and cherries I’d picked up at the grocery store?

CH ADMIRAND

Anyway…berries make me think of baking and making jam…which makes me think of the recipes my editor encouraged me to include in each book in my contemporary small town trilogy.

It seems that one of my characters is always baking something—or working out in the garden (aka playing in the dirt. LOL)! Anyway, I was delighted to include some of our favorite recipes for readers. I have pictures of them and I've been posting them on my blog, Facebook and Twitter.

CH ADMIRAND

So be sure to follow me and find out what I’m baking next…I recently posted pics of the Black Raspberry/Rhubarb Pandowdy I’d baked along with pics of the new recipe I’m trying to create for baked Doughnuts. Both are yummy. Just ask my guys. LOL!

Baking reminds me of the hub of gossip in my series the Apple Grove Diner which brings me back around to ONE DAY IN APPLE GROVE. I loved writing this story and having the chance to include something I’m passionate about—respecting and helping our Veterans; and rescuing dogs from high-kill shelters into the plot of the story. I don’t batter the reader over the head with dos and don’ts, and I don’t get up on my soapbox and preach. The ideas just sorta worked their way into Cait and Jack’s story and I am glad they did.

• Do you have something that you are passionate about—besides reading Romance?

So brew a cup of tea or put on a pot of coffee, and let me tell you about my latest…

                                                                                                                                                                                                              
         

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ONE DAY IN APPLE GROVE BY 
C.H. ADMIRAND – IN STORES JUNE 2013

Welcome to Apple Grove, Ohio (pop. 597), a small town with a big heart.

Caitlin Mulcahy loves her family. She really does. But sometimes they can drive her to her last shred of sanity—from her dad ("I'm not meddling, I just want what's best for you") to her eight-months-pregnant older sister to her younger sister, who will do just about anything to avoid real work. Cait just needs to get away, even if for only an hour.

When she sees someone in need of help on the side of the road, of course she's going to pull over. She might even be able to fix his engine—after all, the Mulcahy family is a handy bunch. She's not expecting that former Navy medic Jack Gannon and a little black puppy named Jameson will be the ones who end up rescuing in her.

“The talented Admirand is able to write about these serious issues realistically but in a way that makes this book still feel light and fun.” ​—RT Book Reviews, 4½ Stars

                                                                                                                                                                                                         

C.H. Admirand was born in Aiken, South Carolina, but grew up in New Jersey. She has been delighting readers with her Secret Life of Cowboys Series, featuring three cowboy brothers with Irish charm, and is now working on the next book in her small town contemporary romance series, featuring the town and quirky characters of Apple Grove, OH. She lives with her husband, who is the inspiration for all of her heroes’ best traits, in New Jersey. For more information, please visit www.CHAdmirand.com.

TAMMY FALKNER–SOMETIMES FICTION MIMICS REAL LIFE

My guest is historical paranormal author, Tammy Falkner. Her topic is incorporating situations from real life into our fiction. I do remember this incident and laughing my head off. 

I do keep a file of the weird and the strange which happens around the McKye homestead and yes, a few have found their way into a story. A case of truth being stranger than fiction. 

Some authors deny that their books mirror their real lives in any way, but I’m going to make a confession to you guys today. 

There’s a scene in THE MAGIC OF “I DO” that’s based on something that happened in real life.  On August 12^th, 2012, I made a post on Facebook about an awful encounter I had with an insect.  It follows:

The responses from my Facebook friends were nearly unanimous: “You need to use that in a book, because that’s hilarious.”  So, I did.  If you've read THE MAGIC OF “I DO” then you know what scene it is.  It leads to a proposal.  If you haven’t read it, you’re missing out, because the scene is somewhat similar, although there’s a hero involved in the scene in the book, along with the grabbing of the heroine’s breast, and I didn't have a hero at my disposal or anyone’s hand down my shirt at the moment when it happened to me. I had a deaf, blind border collie who was wondering why I was dancing all around with a bug as it migrated from my hair to down my shirt.

Sometimes fiction does mimic real life!  I’m living proof!

Here’s the scene from the book:

“Are you all right?” Finn asked. “You’re not delirious, are you?” 

If she was, it was because of him, not because of the Earl of Mayden. “I’m perfectly fine, aside from a little bit of pain in my hand. Stop fretting.” 

Just then, a bug buzzed by her ear. She swatted at it. It bounced off her hand and then landed on the bodice of her dress. “Finn,” she warned. 

“What?” 

She pointed toward the bug, which was as big as Finn’s watch fob. “There’s a bug on me.”

Finn’s eyes met hers, and they were full of amusement. “It’s just a little, tiny bug,” he chided. “It won’t eat much.” 

“Finn,” she warned. Claire had a healthy respect for bugs, but bugs did not like faeries. They resided with mutual respect most days, but this one was crossing the line by actually landing on her person. 

“Hold on, I’ll get it.” Finn took aim with his fingers the way one might with a billiard cue, preparing to thump it away. But right when Finn flicked it, it jumped. Claire heaved a sigh of relief. At least it was gone. 

Then buzzing began in her hair. “Claire,” Finn warned, reaching for her hair. “Be still,” he warned. But Claire was already flipping over, trying to shake the beast out of her curls. “Claire, stop,” he cajoled. “If you’ll be still, I’ll get it.” 

But Claire couldn't be still. A creature with at least six legs was burrowing in her hair, and it wasn't happy at all with its location, if the amount of noise it was making was any indication. 

Pins from Claire’s hair flew in every direction as she tried to dislodge the beast. Finally, Finn riffled through her hair long enough to get his fingers on it. “I have it,” he said. “Now be still so I can untangle it.” He chuckled. “Who would have thought you could knock the Earl of Mayden to his knees but an insect could get you this worked up.” He began to untangle the bug, strand by strand of hair. 

Finally, he said, “I got it. It’s free.” 

But then something hard and heavy as a coin hit her breast. “See, it’s out of your hair,” he said. But now it was in her décolletage. It slipped and slithered and writhed its way between her breasts, looking for shelter. Claire screamed. She couldn't help it. She screamed. 

“Would you be quiet, Claire?” Finn hissed. “Someone will call the watch.” 

Claire jumped up and down, hoping she could shake the bug from the top of her dress, but she could actually see its body moving beneath her clothing. “Get it, Finn,” she cried. 

Finn reached a hand into her bodice. “Pardon me, I’m not trying to cup your breast,” he grunted as his fingers did just that. He lifted her left breast with one hand while the other grabbed for the bug. He growled and tugged at her gown, pulling it lower so he could get his hand farther inside. 

“Finn, please,” she urged. The bug was going lower and lower, and it would be in her drawers if it traveled much farther. 

“I got it,” he finally said. He held it up in one hand and gloated, while his other hand was still stuffed inside her bodice, cupping her breast. “See, Claire, I got it. Nothing to worry about.” 

A gasp rang out behind them on the garden path. Finn closed his eyes tightly and turned her so that her body was shielded by his. “Tell me that’s not your father,” he moaned. 

Claire looked over his shoulder. “It’s my father,” she whispered. “And the duke. And Marcus.” She thumped the bug from his outstretched fingers. The creature could go burn in hell for all she cared, their unspoken treaty be damned. 

“What’s going on out here?” Claire’s father asked. “Claire, are you all right?” 

“Lord Phineas was just helping me retrieve a bug that was bound to do me harm.”

© Tammy Falkner, 2013

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

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Chapters/Indigo

THE MAGIC OF “I DO” 

TAMMY FALKNER – IN STORES JUNE 2013

Desperately Seeking Excitement...

With the temporary prohibition on magic on the land of the Fae, Claire Thorne might as well go back to the Regency world. The haut ton has just as many annoying rules as her world, but at least they have parties and dances. Plus, the roguish Lord Phineas "Finn" Trimble is there...

When the feisty faerie tumbles into his room through a magical portal, Finn can't believe how completely unpredictable she is. Even before the two stumble into a dangerous intrigue that threatens both their worlds, Finn discovers that his hitherto carefree life is about to go up in smoke...

“Charming and filled with the magic of love and faith...Falkner's tale whisks readers into a realm of enchantment.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

                                                                                                                                                  

As half of the Lydia Dare writing team, Tammy Falkner has co-written ten books, including A Certain Wolfish Charm and In the Heat of the Bite. A huge fan of Regency England, her regency paranormal series combines the magical elements of both mystical faeries and the glittering regency ton. Tammy lives on a farm in rural North Carolina with her husband and a house full of boys, a few dogs, and a cat or two. Visit her website, www.tammyfalkner.com, for more information.

MONDAY MUSINGS—A MYSTERY IN RED

First he tried to break in through my living room bay window. It was totally unexpected.

Click, click, ka-thunk.

I jumped; my book did a loop-de-loop with a bad landing on my armchair table, barely missing my coffee. All I caught was a flash of red and he was gone. Once I caught my breath a flicker of movement across the room showed two of my cats in hunt mode slinking, belly down, across the room.

Click, click, ka-thunk.

Casey on my desk and my Dragon 

My cup of coffee did not survive the second attack on the window or the twenty-pound cat leaping up and over. She’s a Maine Coon cat (on her mama’s side) and huge. Despite her size she’s incredibly fast.

As I mopped up the coffee I watched with bemusement as a flash of red flew first at one side then the other of the window then moved to the porch railing and back to the window for another run. Hover and attack. Repeat again and again.

I couldn't make out what he was other than bright red. But I became accustomed to his fascination with my window and dive-bombing the lower areas where two of my cats settled on the wide window seat for a front row view.

Then he tried to break in through my kitchen garden window while I was doing dishes and about scared the life out of me. The saucer didn't make it.

Then he fell in love with my car. Granted, he has good taste but my car window had...gunk on it. Then my car developed multiple paw prints because, of course, the pride of cats had to investigate. I moved the car from near the oak tree where his nest was located. Three hundred feet away seems to be the magic number.

All the while I’m trying to figure out what he was. It was a mystery. Not a Cardinal, which has more sense than to attack my windows and his song, is prettier. He sits up on the oak branches (or on the front porch railing) and sings his heart out. Beautiful repertoire. Definitely not a Cardinal. I have a Mockingbird family in another oak out front. Two different males almost drown out the other birds like my Golden Finches, Grosbeaks, and Orioles. I have a lot of Robins who sing, Bluebirds, and a couple of pairs of Indigo Buntings, but they’re usually in the back yard area. A truly marvelous symphony happens in my yard everyday. J

Wiki commons

I finally identified him. He’s a Summer Tanager. His mate is sort of a golden color with some reddish tones, but I only see her once in a while. Summer Tanagers were once classified as songbirds and now are classified as part of the Cardinal family. I've seen Tanagers before, at a distance, and thought they were Cardinal without the black markings or the crest. I thought they might be an immature male Cardinal? Didn't think much of it until I got a close look at this one as he assaulted my windows.

wiki commons

My area is a prime breeding area for the Tanager. While they’re raising babies they consume a lot of bees, wasps (they knock the stinger off against the tree and then carry it to the nest) and fruit, like Poke berries and blackberries. This guy does not like any squirrels in his tree. I've watched him chase them off. He also doesn't like Blue Jays, which is understandable, considering Jays will attack the young of other birds. I do have a pair of Jays that customarily raise their young on the far eastern boundary of my yard. They mostly stay away from each other but do clash now and then.

So, the mystery red bird has been identified and although I’m not thrilled with his window attacks—which are becoming less frequent or I’m becoming inured.  I am happy he’s taken out two good-sized wasp nests near the front bay window and the one near the front porch. Saves my husband from spraying them, as he’s had to do the last few years. He is fine looking bird and makes beautiful music.

I’m going to miss him when he leaves for Mexico. I hope he returns next spring.

Here's his song.