Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Interview with author Donna Marie Rogers

Donna Marie Rogers Interview


1. Donna, can you tell us a little about your latest release?

Meant To Be is the sequel to There's Only Been You, and the second book in my Jamison series, which takes place in my hometown of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Garrett Jamison, the heroine's oldest brother from There's Only Been You, is a big moody cop with a heart of gold. But his patience is tested when he meets his new neighbor and her howling cat. Her's a blurb:

She's running from her past, he's unsure about his future. Maybe together they can figure out what was Meant To Be.Officer Garrett Jamison is at the lowest point in his life. He's lost faith in his ability as a police officer after unwittingly setting his sister up with a dirty cop. Garrett ended up getting shot, and his sister's son kidnapped right out of his own bed. He takes a leave from the force, in need of some time to make a decision about his future. Too bad he can't get a decent night's sleep thanks to his sexy new neighbor and her howling cat. Jessica McGovern moves halfway across the country to start a new life in Green Bay, Wisconsin after her ex-husband is convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of their young son. Her new neighbor is as infuriating as he is handsome, but when her ex is released from prison early and shows up in town, Jessica discovers she's never needed anyone more.

2. How long have you been writing?

With the intent to publish, since early 2004. But I actually caught the writing bug back in my mid twenties after getting frustrated over the way a book I really loved ended. LOL I decided I could write a book and give it the perfect ending. Only I quickly discovered it was a lot easier to write a novel in theory than in reality. After filling several notebooks with partially written stories, I lost my confidence and gave up. In 2004 I sat down determined to give it another try, and eight months later I typed THE END of There's Only Been You.

3. What is a typical day like for you? How do you manage family and career?

Because I'm a night owl, most mornings it's a struggle just to drag my bones out of bed. I have a 'nobody's allowed to talk to mommy first thing in the morning' rule, but once I've had a little coffee, I'm good. ;-) I'll usually spend the morning going through my emails and do a little promoting before the family starts eating up my time. Wow, my days are even more boring than I thought! I'm stopping now before I put everybody to sleep...LOL

4.What is your writing process? Do you work on more than one project at a time?

I don't have an actual process, though I do also write under another pen name, Liza James, so I have several projects in the works right now. Not sure if that's a good idea or not, because sometimes I can't decide which WIP to work on.

5. What do you think of promotion, and how much do you do? What are your favorite types of promotion?

I probably feel the way about promotion that most authors do - it's time consuming, and I'd rather be writing. ;-) But promotion is necessary, especially when you're e-published. I promote more heavily when my book first releases; posting blurbs & excerpts to the many loops I belong to, running contests, guest blogging.

6.Where do you see your writing career in the next few years?

I hope to still be writing and publishing. I hope to sell to Harlequin Blaze one day soon. I hope to have written two more stories in my Jamison series, start another series. I'd like to have several more stories under Liza James' belt, including a full-length. I have so many plans for the next few years...I sure hope I can get it all done!

7.What are you currently working on?

The sequel to Welcome To Redemption, a four-story, small town anthology I wrote with my CP/good friend Stacey Joy Netzel. Once we've finished with the sequel, I have two other projects in the works, but I haven't decided yet which one to dive back into next.

8.What are you reading?

Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich, and I'm loving it! I know some say the Stephanie Plum books are starting to get repetitive, but Janet Evanovich never fails to make me laugh out loud. :-)

9. What is the best piece of advice concerning writing that you’ve ever received?

It actually came from author Sherrilyn Kenyon. I chaired the last three conferences for my local chapter, and last year I booked Ms. Kenyon to give a keynote speech. I had heard how touching and powerful her personal story was, and truer words had never been spoken. She had the whole room in awe of her strength and tenacity, as well saddened by her personal struggles. Sherrilyn’s overall message was ‘never give up’, and I couldn’t agree with her more.

Thanks so much for granting us this interview!

Thank you for hosting me, Mary! And thank you, everyone for stopping by! I'm going to give away a download of my new release, Meant To Be, and all you have to do to be eligible is tell us what your favorite song is (or band or group). Thanks again, everyone, and a special thanks to Goddess Fish Promotions!

Excerpt from Meant To Be - by Donna Marie Rogers


Blurb:
She's running from her past, he's unsure about his future. Maybe together they can figure out what was MEANT TO BE. Officer Garrett Jamison is at the lowest point in his life. He’s lost faith in his ability as a police officer after unwittingly setting his sister up with a dirty cop. Garrett ended up getting shot, and his sister's son kidnapped right out of his own bed. He takes a leave from the force, in need of some time to make a decision about his future. Too bad he can't get a decent night's sleep thanks to his sexy new neighbor and her howling cat.
Jessica McGovern moves halfway across the country to start a new life in Green Bay, Wisconsin after her ex-husband is convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of their young son. Her new neighbor is as infuriating as he is handsome, but when her ex is released from prison early and shows up in town, Jessica discovers she's never needed anyone more...
Read an excerpt:
Standing there in nothing but a pair of black gym shorts, he was too hot for words. Damn him.

"So what can I do for you?" He leaned negligently against the doorframe, an almost pleasant smile curving his lips.

"I'm here to see Nick. Is he home?"

The smile disappeared. He straightened and crossed his arms over his chest, which made those huge biceps bulge even more. Jessica realized for the first time he had a tattoo. Huh. She wouldn't have thought him the type. Frankly, she thought tattoos were sexy, if they weren't garish, which his wasn't. It looked to be some sort of Chinese symbols.

Probably means `He-with-head-too-big-for-hat.'

"You're barking up the wrong tree there, honey. Nicky's married to his computer."

"Not that it's any of your business, but that's exactly why I'm here. I'm having trouble with my online service and was hoping he could help." Now why did she feel the urge to explain herself? Double damn him.

He looked her up and down in an insultingly blatant manner. "I know a thing or two about computers."

"No kidding? Great, next time I need help surfing the porno sites, you'll be the first one I call."

His eyes went cold. "You think I'm just some big, dumb Neanderthal, don't you?"

Jessica gave him the same insulting once over he'd given her. "If the leopard toga fits..."

"I happen to have a BS in Computer Science."

Hands on hips, jaw working furiously, he looked so offended Jessica was hard-pressed not to laugh. "I don't understand. You could be making a lot more money in computers than you are as a cop. And you wouldn't be putting your life in danger on a daily basis." She glanced meaningfully at the scarred flesh visible just above the waistband of his shorts.

"This didn't happen in the line of duty. Besides, I love being a cop."

He said it as if she should've instinctually known it. Jessica sighed. Garrett Jamison was turning out to be much deeper than she'd imagined. "It's a noble profession. It's also a very dangerous one."

"True enough. But it's not as if I have a family who's dependent on me."

She reached up to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "What about your uncle, or your sister and brothers? Or your nephew? I'm sure they'd all be devastated if something happened to you."

"What about you?"

His voice had taken on a deep, sexy timbre that turned Jessica's knees to mush. Garrett Jamison was entirely too gorgeous for his own good--or for hers. "What about me?"

Before she knew what he was about, he reached out and cupped the side of her face, tracing his thumb over her cheekbone. "Would you miss me if something happened?"

"What a thing to ask," she breathed, her gaze centered on his full lips. "I barely know you." Was he going to kiss her? Right there where any of the neighbors could see? Not that she'd mind...

"Uncle Garrett, the game's set up. Can we order pizza now?"

Garrett snatched back his hand, and Jessica's gaze dropped to the little boy leaning possessively against his leg.

Was it her imagination, or was the little stinker glaring daggers at her?

"Hi, Ethan, my name is Jessica."

"I know."

Nope, not her imagination. In fact, the scowl on his face was downright hostile. Now what in the world had she done to warrant such disfavor?

"Ethan, you watch your manners," Garrett growled.

"Yes, sir."

He cast her one last mutinous scowl, then turned and ran back into the house. Jessica had to resist the urge to laugh. She wouldn't take his behavior personally. The boy obviously adored his uncle and didn't care to share him. Another fascinating layer of Garrett Jamison--loving uncle.

"Sorry about that. Ethan's a good kid. I'm not sure what got into him."

"My guess would be old-fashioned jealousy. You two apparently have plans for the evening, and when he saw us...talking, his young mind assumed I was trying to lure you away."

A frown creased his forehead. "I don't know. Ethan knows I'd never abandon him. For anyone."

Ouch, point taken. She shrugged. "You know him better than I do. I'm just telling you what I saw. Well, this has been fun, but I need to get back. Mr. Louie doesn't like to watch TV alone."

Garrett chuckled. "Give His Highness a scratch behind the ears for me."

"What? Just this afternoon you suggested I have him euthanized."

"Good Lord, woman, can't you take a joke?" Garrett winked at her, then stepped back and closed the door.

Jessica shook her head. The man was crazy, no doubt about it. He was also so handsome it should be a crime. With a sigh of frustration, she headed back home to watch Wheel of Fortune.

* * *

About author Donna Marie Rogers


Romance author Donna Marie Rogers lives in a renovated old schoolhouse in beautiful Northeast Wisconsin with her husband and children. She's an avid gardener and home-canner, as well as an admitted reality TV junkie. Her passion to read is only exceeded by her passion to write, so when she's not doing the wife and mother thing, you can usually find her sitting at her computer creating exciting new characters, fresh new worlds, and always happily-ever-afters.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Don't miss my upcoming interview with author Donna Marie Rogers on July 21st




I'm pleased to be sponsoring author Donna Marie Rogers on her blog tour hosted by Goddess Fish.

Donna is a multi-published author of such books as Welcome To Redemption and There's Only Been You, and a fellow author at The Wild Rose Press, so this is an extra special treat for me since The Wild Rose press is my publisher as well.
http://www.donnamarierogers.com/

So please stop by on Tuesday, July 21st to read about Donna's latest book, Meant To Be, as well as hear Donna's answers to some interesting questions.


See you then!


All the best...


Mary Eason

Saturday, July 04, 2009

Ever Wonder What It Would Be Like To Become Someone New?




Have you ever wondered what it would be like to simply start over? Become someone new. No doubt, everyone at one time or another has speculated. But what if your life depended on it? Would you be willing to leave everything behind in order to survive?
Well, that's the subject of my upcoming, July 14th release from Linden Bay Romance , entitled Worth Staying For.
For Doctor Jordan Scott, the most dangerous place to be in love.
Dr. Jordan Scott thought she knew her fiancĂ©, Caesar, better than anyone…until Detective Riley Donovan confronts her with the truth about her brother’s death. His murder was no random act of violence—and Caesar is the prime suspect, which puts her directly in the path of danger. Their relationship may be strained, but Jordan can’t believe Caesar lied when he claimed he’d severed all ties with his drug cartel family.Riley has seen enough to know that Jordan is telling the truth, despite what his partner believes. Then again, his instincts aren’t exactly on point when it comes to Jordan. He’s already broken two hard-and-fast rules when it comes to witness protection: never get emotionally involved and never fall for your star witness.Now the trick will be to keep her alive long enough to convince her to trust him—and find the truth behind her brother’s murder. Before she becomes the next victim.Warning: Contains a hero to die for, one courageous leading lady, lots of heart-pounding action, and a rollercoaster ride of emotion.
Read an excerpt:
Check out all of my latest releases at:
http://www.maryeason.com/
All the best...
Mary Eason