MARY J. DRESSEL BOOKS Welcomes You!
Romance With a Sensual Touch
Read my Interview with
~ Shiela Stewart ~
Author of Erotic Romance
Hello, Shiela and thanks for being here. Your website opens by saying, "If you’re looking for love, look no further. Each one of my books brings you not only love and romance, but a good healthy dose of sizzling heat." Well, we’re ready to listen!
Please enjoy my interview with Shiela Stewart, author of Paranormal, Contemporary, Suspense, and Fantasy Romance
1. I’ve met many authors who started writing as children. Are you one of them?
Thank you Mary!! I am thrilled to be here today!!
Yep, I’m one of those authors! I’ve always had one story or another floating around in my brain. As a child I would regale my cousins with stories I would make up in my head. Then in my early teens I began to write them down. I was known as the Dreamer. LOL
2. You’re the second (I had to correct this)youngest of seven children. Do any of your brothers or sisters write? I am the only writer in the family. I am not the only celebrity of sorts, though. One of my brothers was the carpenter on a Canadian home improvement show called, Open Homes.We’re such a large family that I really don’t know my older siblings that well, and they don’t know me either. They were all shocked when I sent out a notice that I’d been published. They knew I wrote poetry, but not Romance.
3. What do your teen-age children think of you being an erotic romance writer?
They’re proud of me for doing what I love. But none of them have read any of my books so they really don’t know how juicy my stories are. They think I’m a romance author and that’s that. They know they’re adult books, but nothing more. I’m not sure I’m ready to have my children read my stuff yet. Someday, maybe. J
4. Shiela, you’ve been married for 22 years! That’s so awesome in this day and age. Can you give some advice to newlyweds on keeping a marriage strong?
I am truly lucky to have such a wonderful man in my life! We’ve been together for twenty four years, married for twenty two and though there have been some rough patches in our lives, we’ve worked through them and in my opinion, have become a stronger couple.
What advice can I give newlyweds? Communicate. Talk to your spouse. I know this may seem silly but there are so many couples out there who don’t talk to each other about the things that go on in their life. Open up to your spouse. Share your feelings.
5. Does your husband read your manuscripts or novels?
Oh most definitely! And if he doesn’t get around to reading them before I send it off to my editor, he reads the finished project. He is my biggest fan and is always promoting me to everyone he knows and meets. We can’t go anywhere without him mentioning that I am an author and boast about my books. J
6. How long have you been writing romance novels?
I think my first romance was when I was fifteen. I’ve come so far since then and I’ve learned so much about not only writing but publishing and promoting as well. I look back at my older work and cringe. Oh…how green I was. LOL 7. Have you ever written outside of the romance genre?
Actually, I have several non-romance novels sitting in a box in my garage waiting to be put on the computer. I love a good suspense or scary story. I’ve written a story about a teen age boy who is so desperate to win his fathers approval that he’s willing to murder to get it. It is as far away from a romance as they come. It’s called Mind over Madness. I also wrote another story about a teenage girl who delves into the black magics and finds t controlling her life. It’s called, Too Young Too Evil.
I just love to write and I find I don’t have enough time to write every idea that pops into my head. I have over seventy manuscripts still in print form that I haven’t had time to put on the computer.
8
. How did you come up with the name of your town– Passion? The original title for my Passion series was the "For love" series and Discovery in Passion was originally titled, For Love and Justice. After submitting the first book to my editor, I saw a fellow LBR author come out with a book called, For Love and Money. I quickly decided to change it so that readers weren’t confused and thinking For Love and Money was part of my series. While walking with my hubby, we began talking about a new title and trying to link it to something romantic. We brainstormed for a while (we do this often) and before I knew it, we’d decided to rename the town, Passion and focus the titles on the name of the town. I am so happy with the change in titles and never look back. 9. When did you know your Passion Series would actually be a series?I’d submitted Discovery to my editor, but as an individual book. I figured if she said yes to Discovery, I could mention to her that there were two other books in the series. When the name change came about, I told her I would have to rename the whole series and the next thing I know, she’s talking with my publisher and me about signing a contract for all three. She hadn’t even read the other two. I was blown away and so utterly giddy!! I still am. J
10. Do you have a favorite character in any of your books?
I have a few favorites actually.C.J. Dowling is one of my favorites not just because he’s such a babe but because he’s driven. He knows what he wants and he doesn’t stop until he gets it.
Thomas Healy from Discovery is another one. He’s such a cool, calm character. I wish I had his ability to remain calm even in the face of danger. Victor Davis, Thomas’s friend is so damn sexy and charming. Who could resist him. I love his sense of humor!
And lastly, Trinity Ford from my newest release, Seducing the Darkness. She is a strong woman who is not afraid to be out on her own and not afraid to stand up for what’s right.
11. What do you do to get in the mood to write your love scenes? Candles, music, etc? I place a call to the local strip club and ask for three of their sexiest male dancers to come to my place and give me a private show.NOT!!! LOL
I don't do anything out of the ordinary when I write my love scenes. But if when I’m writing and I come to where the couple get together and I’m not feeling in the mood to write passionately, I’ll leave it for later and come back to it when I am in the mood. ;)
12. Will the 5th book be the last book in your newest series– The Darkness Series?Hmmm….I never say never. I could also come up with a forth book in my Passion book. Actually, I do have an idea in mind for a sixth book in my Darkness series but I’m not going to give you anything about it. Sorry, no teaser for you today! J
I’m always thinking about new stories.
13. Have you ever been afraid to write erotica for fear of what friends and family will think?
Oh most definitely! I always warn friends and family that my books are X-rated so they know going into it that it isn’t a tame book. I’m on the tamer end of erotica and I don't think I will take it any further than that. I love the romance of the story where the couples meet, feel an attraction and while the world around them continues their relationship builds. But most of all, I love creating a story that the readers will enjoy and want to read over and over again. 14. Is there one particular book you’ve written that is the closest to your heart?
Secrets of the Dead, by far. Don’t get me wrong, I love all my books, but Secrets is closest to my heart. I am a true believer of the after life, of spirits clinging to a place they feel most comfortable in. I believe in some circumstances death is not the end. Having lived in a haunted house in my early childhood is one of the reasons for my belief. And so when I wrote Secrets of the Dead and as well with Discovery in Passion, I took those experiences and beliefs and incorporated them into the story.
15. Do you have advice for aspiring writers?
Never give up! Don’t let the rejections deter you from what you love to do. And never stop learning. But most of all, love what you do!
Thank you so much, Shiela, for doing this interview with me. Erotica seems to capture the heart of young and old readers. I don’t know why it took so long to be a part of the romance genre, but I’m glad publishers realized that women love to read this kind of romance. Thank you again, but before you go, could you leave us with a little sample of some of your work?
Thank you Mary for this wonderful interview!
I’m doing a virtual book tour this month with Pump Up Your Book Promotions, promoting Discovery in Passion, so keep a look-out for me.
I think I’ll leave you all with a little taste from my latest release, Seducing the Darkness. My tag line for my Darkness series is… If you’re afraid of the dark…you’re screwed!
Summary
An outcast by her kind, Trinity Ford has learned how to live on her own. And it isn't easy doing so, considering she is a Vampire.
Once a fragile girl, taken by a powerful vampire prince, Trinity had relied on Basil for support. But finding him in the arms of another woman was more than she could take. On her own, she has decided to protect her city from the predators of her kind that prey on the innocent. Another tough thing to do when you're heart is broken. She's had to learn fast, how to be tough, how to survive, how to stay alive. And she's doing a pretty damn good job of it. Until Basil walks back into her life.
Basil Hawthorn has been the reigning prince of vampires since banishing his father to the Realm of Darkness decades earlier. When his father comes to him in a dream, threatening Trinity’s life, he knows the only way to save her is to push her away. Doing so is not easy, especially when she is the only woman he will ever love.
Rumors in the underworld talk of raising the vampire King and blotting out the sun. Basil knows that if his father rises, he will be put to death for his betrayal. Trinity knows that if the King returns, no human would ever be safe again. Despite the betrayal and the threat, neither can stay away from the other. But can the two work together to stop the Ritual before the King is resurrected?
Or will the darkness capture them both?
Excerpt
Trinity stood in the shadows and watched as a group of humans exited a local hang out called Buckeye’s Bar. It was a known pick-off for her kind. Most of the humans that came and went from the bar tended to leave through the back entrance which led to the alley. Then bam! You were vamp food.
People were so stupid. Why did they think they had their faculties in order when they plied themselves with alcohol? The brain was sluggish after several drinks and thus impaired their thought process. So of course, stupid and drunk, they stumbled through the alley thinking themselves impervious to harm.
When would they learn?
Considering the past few weeks, it seemed as though the vampires were out in full force. Okay, so people didn’t want to believe there could actually be such a thing as a blood sucking half dead creature taking up residence in their city. But come on, one look in the newspapers and you had to at least be worried about all the dead bodies being found lately.
Still, people never believed it could happen to them.
Until they end up dead.
She watched a group of young girls—and if they were of legal age she would eat her shoes—stumble from the bar.
They separated and two went off towards the street while the last wandered drunkenly down the dark alley.
Oh yeah, like this was going to end well.
"Five, four, three, two, one. Bam!" She shot her hand out just as a vampire jumped from out of the shadows and right beside the stupid young girl. Shaking her head, Trinity moved towards the screaming girl. Idiot.
"I don’t think you want to be doing that."
The tall, gangly, greasy haired vampire jerked and spun around to face Trinity. His teeth were primed for the kill, his yellow eyes glaring at Trinity as if she were his next meal. The poor girl in his arms was wailing something awful.
Now you regret going through the dark alley
."Yeah, says who?"
Trinity lifted a brow, cocked her body to one side and rested her hand on her hip. "Jesus, could you have said anything more lame? Let the girl go and no one has to get hurt." Okay, so that wasn’t completely the truth. He would be more than hurt when this was over.
He would be dust.
"How ‘bout I keep her and you wait against the wall until I’m done?" He jerked the girl towards him, yanking her head back to expose her neck. He was just about to bite down when Trinity placed a hand on his shoulder. He looked up and his face froze.
"How ‘bout I don’t." Trinity bared her fanged teeth to show him she was not going to back off. "Beat it kid." She clamped her hand on the vampires shoulder, her nails digging into his flesh as she jerked her head at the girl. As she’d suspected, the guy was a wimp.
He released the girl who immediately ran off screaming.
"Now, you wanna take off, or am I going to have to mess up that pretty face of yours?" she asked sarcastically as she glared down at him.
"You couldn’t handle me, bitch." He slapped her hand free, then curling his fingers in a fist, threw a punch at her face.
She was ready and ducked out of the way. Slicing her hand up, she chopped him in the neck, sending him crumbling on the ground. "You don’t want to mess with me, jerk," she advised as she planted a booted foot on his jugular. The razor blades she had attached to the toe drew a small amount of dull gray, deoxygenated blood as she pressed it just below his chin.
"Go ahead and dust him, he’s useless."
Trinity glared over her shoulder at the man she had once been destined for and felt her heart ache. She couldn’t stop herself from admiring the beauty of the man before her.
His long dark hair floated in the light breeze sweeping away from a face sculpted of fine bone and delicate skin. He looked so dark and dangerous in that long, black leather
coat he always wore. One look into his translucent blue eyes turned her heart to mush.Please don’t forget to leave a comment for Shiela in the Comments section at the end of this interview.
She can also be contacted at:
shielas @ shaw.ca (no spaces) Email
http://www.shielasbooks.ca/ Website
Interview with Anthony Saavedra, Book Cover
Designer with PublishAmerica
Thank you so much for doing this interview, and giving authors and readers, alike, an inside look into your world of designing book covers.
Q: Have you always wanted a career as an artist/ designer?
A: I’ve been pretty artistic, drawing and the like, since I was a child, so I figure I should do what I’m best at. I tried building bridges once, but they kept falling into the ocean.
Q: When you receive a book to design a cover for, what is the very first step you take?
A: First I check to see if the author has their own suggestion on what they’d like to see and go from there. If there’s no suggestion, I’m kind of on my own, so I’ll read the synopsis and peruse the book for the themes and such details as setting and what the main characters look like.
Q: Is there a design team that gives input before you begin? Or do you do an initial sketch or design, then get input? Tell us how the team works together.
A: There’s a group of designers who each get book files. We’ll occasionally discuss design techniques and throw each other suggestions on how best to achieve the desired design, but each cover is ultimately the assigned artist’s task to complete. We network, but as they say, too many chefs spoil the broth.
Q: Just as a book is a writer’s "baby," the cover must be yours. When you send your design to the author the first time, do you get butterflies in your stomach, or a case of the jitters?
A: Maybe a little. I want the author to be happy with my work and be proud to have it on something they’ve spent so much time and effort on. But usually I’m pretty confident in my work and normally hit the mark on what the author wants to see.
Q: What is the average amount of time you spend on designing a cover, from the beginning to the end?
A: That can vary a great deal. Some authors may want something as simple as a sunset, others as complicated as, say, an action sequence from the story. It can range from hours to days, depending on the subject and what the author wants to see.
Q: Please tell us how you get your ideas so the cover matches the story or the characters?
A: Usually I’ll just let author do the work for me. I’ll read what they have to say, and just transform the images they create with their words to actual images. If it’s a sequel like the second one I did of yours, I’ll use the same or similar-looking models, and try incorporating the same style and fonts as its prequel.
Q: Do you generally use real models?
A: I do, but I can always Photoshop them to create whatever I need them to be. I’ve turned college students into zombies and Yorkshire terriers into fire-breathing monsters, but don’t tell anyone or they’ll be people with torches and pitchforks outside my door.
Q: As far as education, where would a person begin if they wanted to pursue a career as a book cover designer?
A: A degree in Art or Visual Communications helps, knowledge of Photoshop is a must, but just a general sense of what looks good plays a big part in the creation process.
Q: What other types of designing do you do, or you have done?
A: I personally like cartooning and work on those in what free time I have. I’m usually volunteered to help friends or associates with their business logos, or my old alma mater’s yearbook covers. I keep changing my number, but they keep finding me. ;) Oh well, whatever keeps me busy.
Anthony, this interview has been exciting! Thank you, again.
In case anyone might be wondering how I came across Anthony, well it’s very simple! Take a look at Visions of Enchantment and Enchantment’s Embrace. They were both designed by Anthony! He allowed me to ask for a few changes to his wonderful designs to make them fit my book the way I had envisioned. I am very thankful that he also got to design my second book as well as my first.
Feel free to leave messages or comments for Anthony. We will both appreciate them!
Introducing C.J. Hollenbach
Welcome to my special Valentine's Day Treat! Sit back, grab a glass of something soothing to drink, and fall in love!Mary– Tall, blond, muscular, smart and sexy all rolled into one! C.J, welcome, and thank you for this wonderful interview!
A: I always thought I would be an artist. I was a fine arts major in college, painting. There was one professor who said I was the only freshman that year with any talent. I finally figured out what the term "starving artist" meant and switched to graphic design.
A: I did a lot of free lance design and illustration for a while after college. Unfortunately for me, the whole college experience was ruined by the powers that ran it. It made me sad that I no longer had the desire to do the thing that I really loved doing and was so good at.
A: I thought they were CRAZY. I never thought I was even passably attractive until I was 25!
A: It was incredibly hard! It took me 8 years to get my first cover! Who else would be crazy enough to stick with something that long, but I always knew I could do it. I believed in myself when nobody else did. I'm very proud of myself for it too....Follow your dreams! Sometimes they come true...
A: Actually, I didn't wait until I got home that night. As I was leaving the photo studio in NYC this lady stopped me on the sidewalk and said "Hey, you look like one of those guys on the cover of a romance novel!" I smiled and could honestly say for the first time "I AM one of those guys!!!" I will never forget that moment...
A: It's both. There are a million guys with short, dark hair and great bodies. If you want a long haired blonde, I'm your man these days. I think when they use cheap wigs on the models it just looks fake. In my everyday life it just bothers so many people for some reason. I think I keep it long just to tick them off too. It's just hair folks. Most people can grow it!
A: Generally, any shoot in New York will take EXACTLY one hour. They have it down to an art there. For me, there are always a fan or fans blowing my hair around. I have to stand there and look "heroic." Sucking in my gut and pushing out the pecs. Pretty standard stuff.
A: On behalf of the men, thank you! I did 2 covers with the same girl, but we shot them both one right after each other. She was incredibly beautiful. Since I am from Ohio I am always out the door as soon as I'm finished shooting to catch a plane. The women are also out the door to their next shoot or go-see. It's a business...Wish I could tell you something more juicy!
A: That's really a great question. I found out at my last RT convention that those types of novels are becoming VERY popular with women, which surprised me. At that convention, I also met Julian Fantechi, who is the Playgirl Man of the Year. We became good buddies and he did an interview for my website. In it he suggested WE do one of those types of covers. Julian has a big Gay following. He loves to shock people and push the envelope. You don't have to be Gay to be on one of those covers. The models are "representing" the characters in the book, just like they do on any other cover. It's hard to say since I haven't been asked to do that type of cover yet. If the price was right, never say never!
A: I've never had an author at a shoot. Then, again I've never visited an author when she was writing her book either.
A: People tell me they enjoy reading my work. Others can't believe I wrote it! I have generally been writing autobiographical pieces. I've lived a very interesting and colorful life that people seem to enjoy reading about.. I've been published in numerous magazines and newspapers. One of these days I'll get that novel finished.
A: I just sort of fell into it in high school when I started writing articles for the local newspaper for pay. Then, in college my English professors would always comment on how they enjoyed reading my papers. I plan on pursuing more writing....
A: My favorite one was about my being in the first "Mr. Romance" contest many years ago. Originally, it was supposed to run in Playgirl magazine. But, the editor who asked me to write it got canned and so did the article, "Confessions Of A Male Beauty Contestant". It's still being shopped around for a possible movie deal. I just signed another contract for it recently.
schedule?A: Thanks for noticing! I workout 6 days per week. Breaking up the body parts. Legs one day, arms another, chest another. Abs and calves everyday. Cardio at least 3 times per week for 40 minutes.
A: I have a "meet and greet" as I call them with about 30 romance authors in Glendale, AZ in February, Super Bowl weekend. That should be fun and crazy. I'm really good at those. I will also be at the RT convention in Pittsburgh in April. I'm helping with the Cove Model Reunion Dinner.
A: I think I've done every kind there is. I did the mainstream stuff years ago when my hair was short. For J.C. Penney's and all that. I've also done hand and hair modeling. I even did a shoot for senior citizen's support hose. They paid well..
A: Most ALL of my work has been through networking. Agents in Ohio really have no idea what to do with me, but are more than happy to take 20% for taking a phone call. I am without an agent and get all my jobs from referrals.
A. I've always thought most publishers could care less who they put on the cover. If I charge the same amount as a model they usually use and I have a fan base that will sell more books WHY wouldn't you use ME? It's just stupid business on their part. I do more to promote the books I'm on than any other model I know too. That's just smart business for me. I can be contacted several ways. My website, MySpace and if you ask around you'd be surprise how many people know me. I've been in the romance business for 17 years! I'm very reasonable, by the way!
A: I've already posed nude for several covers and calendars, but all the "good stuff" was tastefully hidden. You really can’t sell a novel in Borders Book Stores with a nude man on he cover. The internet is a different story. There is one company that used a nude shot of me on several of their covers.
A: I think about cutting it all the time. I would never cut it for a photo shoot. If they can put long haired wigs on guys with short hair they can put a short haired wig on me! No plans to cut it anytime soon.
A: Working out, writing and working on my website...
A: I've read some of the ones whose cover I'm on. They are written from a woman's POV and men would never write it like that. I've read a few good ones... I have too many authors in the business who are friends of mine to say whose book is a favorite! I have several favorite movies. "Titanic", the original B/W version with Clifton Web and Barbara Stanwyck. "The Birds" are favorites of mine...
A: I wouldn't, but I have been told I am. I just do the "little things" that I don't even consider a big deal only to find out later that they are. I used to make my own Valentine cards. Those always seemed go over well. The artist in me, I guess...
A: I have, but nobody's ever asked me to! I'm open to the possibility.
A: Probably for a calendar shoot I did in Florida. I shot naked in the Gulf of Mexico in waist deep water. It was my idea to shoot commando. Wearing a shirt in the water seemed stupid to me. I just kept waiting for the shark attack, though. The shots turned out great in the end.
A: Yet another good question. I've never really thought about it. The outfits, if there is one, help. I just keep my chin up and hope for the best most of the time. The photographer can guide you along as you go too.
Q: Who does your designs for your covers? Does your photographer come with you?A: The covers are usually designed by the art directors from the publishing houses. I have a photographer I work with here a lot in Ohio named Dennis Roliff. He always makes me look better than I have any right too, but he's never come with me on a business shoot. Some photographers will give/sell me prints from the shoot if I'm lucky.
A: Fans from all over the world voted. That's what was so cool about it. I did get a lot of mileage over that title. LOL
A: I sent in some photos to them when my career was at a stand still. Who knew they would contact me within a week. It only took 2 years to get me in the magazine! It's a very, very long story, but they've asked me to be a centerfold no less than 3 times and we always hit a snag. I was even on a TV show where I was supposed to be picked to be a centerfold. That didn't work out either. I'm not dead yet. Maybe I can be in their Sexy Senior Citizen issue!
Visit C.J's Links
Don't forget to leave a comment or question for C.J!
