Thursday, June 21, 2012

Summer Solstice, Baby!


LAURA: Hi all!
On average, the Sun is 1.496×108 km away.
That's
8 min 19 s for those of you
travelling at light speed.

DEBBIE: Damn it’s hot! Where are we?

LAURA: We’re in central Mexico checking out some Aztec ruins.

DEBBIE: Why???? And why did you have to pick the hottest day of the year to do this?

LAURA: It’s the summer solstice. It’s the day marking that summer is halfway over already.

DEBBIE: Ummm, didn't summer just begin?

LAURA: Yeah, kinda. For the kids out of school, absolutely. Course, I’m not really an expert in any of this solstice stuff—but I do find it fascinating. I do know today is the longest day of the year. You've got over fifteen hours of daylight today! Fifteen hours of sightseeing. Fifteen hours of cruising the local markets.

DEBBIE: Fifteen hours of drinking margaritas.

LAURA: Fifteen hours of writing time…which reminds me, where is that next chapter?

DEBBIE: I thought this was a research day? Pushy, pushy, pushy. So why are we in Mexico on the longest hottest day of the year?

LAURA: No clue. Hey look…an alter. Why don’t you crawl up there and take a load off?

Sacrifices were made while the person was
still alive. The heart was ripped from the chest
and held up to the gods while still beating.
Often, the priest would take a bite.
Yummy....
DEBBIE: Ummm. You are the one who dragged me here for no good reason, YOU crawl your butt up there. Sheesh, next time you want to do research, GOOGLE!

LAURA: You know, the Aztecs did a lot of sacrifices... If crops didn't grow and the people were starving, the priests made sacrifices.
....Here. Let me help you up on this alter....now layback (eases Deb back). Comfy? Now, imagine that the people are all disgruntled and want food. What better way to do it than to rip out a heart and offer it to the gods?
....(unzips fanny pack) And check out this knife. (Holds it over Deb so she can see it) I got it at a local shop where the owner flintnaps his own blades. And I’m pretty sure this handle is an actual animal bone! Pretty cool, huh?

DEBBIE: Laura, I swear to all your Aztec gods if we don't get off this damn thing now I'll never let you have coffee again. I am NOT your sacrificial lamb here. Get what we need for this next Red River book and we’re out!

LAURA: (puts knife back in fanny pack) Sheesh. I wasn’t really gonna sacrifice you.

Aztec Priest or Summer Solstice Eye Candy?
Either way, Debbie says she's
volunteering for the sacrifice.
"Somebody's gotta do him- er, it. Um, yeah."
DEBBIE: Uh huh. I know you want to sell books, but damn, woman.

LAURA: Well, we all have to make sacrifi— er, I mean do what needs to be done to get the word out.

DEBBIE: And who is going to write the next book with you if you sacrifice me???? You will never find anyone like me.

LAURA: Yes, you are unique!

DEBBIE: HAHAHAHA, you’re stuck.

LAURA: Okay, so…since the summer solstice has been around for, well, since the beginning of time. I can easily imagine that the Aztec’s understood the significance and took advantage of pleasing their gods through sacrifice.

DEBBIE: Sounds bloody.

LAURA: I’m sure it was. I thought since the next book in our Red River series has an Aztec tie, we should visit and get a feel for the place. Did lying on the alter get you in the mood to write?

Aztec Sun Calendar - Is time running out?
DEBBIE: No. But I am hungry. Let's go get a steak.

LAURA: Now you’re talking!

DEBBIE: But first, let’s share an excerpt from Sins of the Mind, the first book in the Red River series. Don’t forget! One lucky commenter will get a free copy.

LAURA: Cool! AND by commenting on our blog, readers get entered into the Grand Drawing with the following prizes:
....1st Prize – a Kindle Touch or Nook Touch
....2nd Prize -a library of science fiction romance titles from over 20 authors (these will be mostly ebooks with one print anthology), and an Anabanana Gift Card.

RRR

Red River Series: Book 1
Sins of the Mind
L.J. Garland & Debbie Gould
BLURB:....Seven years ago, Abby Montgomery survived a brutal attack. Now she is ready to put her pain in the past and move on with her life. The problem is, one by one the men in her life are being viciously murdered.
....The detective assigned to the case, Ethan Parker, has demons of his own to hide. As the danger gets closer to Abby, so does Ethan. But can they get past his secrets before the killer gets to them? Sometimes the sins of the mind are more depraved than the sins of the heart.


EXCERPT:
....“Moment?” He raised his eyebrows, tried for a surprised expression. “We were having a moment? Where was I?”
....A husky laugh escaped Abby’s lips. She gave him a playful shove, but he caught her hand, his fingers encircling her delicate wrist. With great care, he bowed his head and pressed his lips to the center of her palm. Her sharp intake of air told him she liked it.
....“Is this the moment you were referring to?” He kissed her wrist. “Or this?” His mouth grazed along her skin, up the side of her neck to the tender point below her ear.
....“Mmm.” She shivered.
....He inhaled, reveled in her unique scent. A mixture of spicy vanilla and exotic flowers invaded his senses and sent the room slowly spinning. Primal lust roared through him, demanded he possess her in a rush of carnal passion.
....But Ethan resisted.
....Intent on enticing Abby into a wild, heated frenzy, he trailed the tip of his tongue along her throat. Her pulse hammered beneath his ardent attention, and he reveled in her response. His fingers slid over her supple skin. One hand sought the silky tresses adorning her head while the other coaxed her legs across his lap and then slipped around her waist.
....He pulled back, stared into her lovely face. Eyelids fluttering, she sighed in his arms. When she looked at him, desire burned bright in her eyes. His heart stuttered at the sight, and hot need rushed to his groin.
....“Abby.” Her name rolled from his tongue in a mix of desperation and lust. A voracious hunger to taste every inch of her body washed over him. The urge to kiss the small of her back, to run his tongue along her skin, delving and dipping into her secret, sensitive places, all but overwhelmed him. “Tell me to stop. If you’re not ready, honey, tell me to stop right now and by all that’s holy, I will. But you need to know how much I want you right now.”
RETURN TO SFR BRIGADE HERE

1st Prize - winner's choice of a Kindle Touch or a Nook Touch
2nd Prize - a library of science fiction romance titles donated by various authors and an Anabanana Gift Card. Most of the books will be in digital format, with one print anthology.
Midsummer Blog Hop Participants

1. Pippa Jay 13. Liana Brooks 25. Debra A. Soles
2. Misa Buckley 14. A. R. Norris 26. Marlene @ Reading Reality
3. Arlene Webb 15. L.J. Garland & Debbie Gould  27. Rae Lori
4. Pauline Baird Jones 16. Sandra Sookoo 28. Bella Street
5. Frances Pauli 17. Cara Michaels 29. Kyn Hatch
6. Imogene Nix 18. Sheryl Nantus 30. T.K. Anthony
7. Natalie Wright 19. Diane Dooley 31. Jo Jones
8. Greta van der Rol 20. Kathleen Scott 32. A.B. Gayle
9. Jessica E. Subject 21. Ella Drake 33. Sue Ann Bowling
10. Kayelle Allen 22. Cathy Pegau 34. S. Reesa Herberth and Michelle Moore
11. Joanne Elder 23. T. C. Archer 35. DL Jackson
12. Melisse Aires 24. Kitty Roads 36. Hywela Lyn

Friday, June 8, 2012

Guest Author Jessica Subject


Laura: Morning all! Today we are on the Planet Elatia at one of their awesome massage parlors talking with Jessica Subject about her latest release.

Debbie: I could sooooooooo use a massage. (turns to Laura) Do you suppose they are good here?

Laura: I hear they’re very good. (glances around) And it looks like you’d have your choice of flavors – big and hairy, purple and scaly, the feline variety, big eyes, small mouth, oh…and there’s sleek gray if that grabs you. Hmm…that muscular guy over there reminds me of Bobby from that 1Night Stand story we’re writing. Well, except for the blue skin.
Debbie: Then he’s MINE!
Laura: Well, we’ll have to find out how to make that happen in a bit. Here comes Jessica now! (Waves) Hey, Jessica!! Great to see you!
DEBBIE: Hi, Jessica, Wow! So you had two releases in May. Tell us a bit about both.
JESSICA: Yes, it was an exciting and stressful time, but very worth it. J
My first release, Satin Sheets in Space is an alien ménage as part of Decadent’s 1Night Stand series. Here’s the blurb:
Danyka's unusual height and radiant red hair earn her the cold shoulder from any guy she approaches, unless he wants to experiment with a giant. So when her boss sets up on a one night stand, she hopes for a prince but expects the usual toad. 

As a captivating stranger whisks her away from the ball and introduces her to his equally gorgeous brother, she fears her fantasies have become a nightmare. Has she finally given into impulse only to become a lab rat in an unknown world?  

And my other release, An Unexpected Return, is one of the launch stories for Decadent’s new science fiction romance line, Elatia. Here’s the blurb for this story: 

Looking to experience all the universe has to offer, Prince Aristides escapes from the kingdom of Tyto and travels through space to the Emerald Planet, Elatia. He yearns to partake in the activities the planet is famous for, and fulfill all his sexual desires, but loses his heart and soul to an Adamos apprentice. Unfortunately, she is Terran, and her people are sworn enemies of those from Tyto. If he can convince Xia to give up her dreams of becoming an Adamos, and travel back to Tyto with him, will his parents accept her, or condemn them both?
Abandoned as a toddler on Elatia, and raised by Kalara, an Adamos specializing in erotic massage, Xia decides to follow in her footsteps. But she remains conflicted as to whether she wants to service clients for the rest of her life, or settle down and raise a family. When she meets Aris, he turns the tables on her, and brings her as much pleasure as she gives him.
Will they have their chance to be together, or will their families tear them away from any chance of young love? 

DEBBIE: They both sound great! I think I want to read An Unexpected Return first!

LAURA: They do sound wonderful. They’re both going on my TBR list! 

DEBBIE: Where do you come up with your names? I have a hard enough time picking regular old plain Jane normal names, lol. 

JESSICA: Character names, like titles either come to me right away, or I struggle while I’m writing the story and often change them at the end. For some stories, I’ll look in my book of baby names for those of the same origin. For others, I’ll think of a word that signifies the characters then go to Google Translate and find out its translation in a different language (usually Latin).
DEBBIE: Same here about the struggle.
LAURA: Yeah, I’ve used different languages, too, and then vary it with a letter or two. It has to sound right…have that certain ring. But really, it’s the same for contemporary stories that Deb and I write. Not just any name will work for the hero and heroine. They have to mesh…not in that Ben-Jen kinda way. LOL But they have to sound good together and at the same time, reflect the character’s personality.

DEBBIE: Hmmm, is that why you nixed Ben and Jen dating, lol. We could’ve had them join Len and Glen. What a party that would’ve been!
LAURA: Hahaha. Well, he still ended up with a Jen…just a different one, so I guess it still is Ben-Jen. Course, they’re on kid number three, so I don’t know about Len and Glen joining in. Okay, so interview questions…let’s start with An Unexpected Return. How did the story come about?
JESSICA: I had a shower. LOL After I was asked to write for the new Elatia line, I had to work ideas through my head. I do that with any story; get to know my characters, their background, their hopes and dreams, and the best place for me is under the spray of hot water.
For An Unexpected Return, I knew both of my characters wanted something different out of life. And that they came from planets who were enemies. The story developed out of that.
LAURA: Very cool. I love that Romeo-Juliet type theme. Adds a lot of delicious conflict. Lots to overcome for the HEA or HFN.
DEBBIE: In An Unexpected Return, Xia specializes in erotic message. What is that…are we talking pressure points or body parts here?
JESSICA: Erotic massage is using massage techniques to bring about an enhanced state of sexual arousal. And in An Unexpected Return, depending on what the client pays for, can involve more beyond the massage.
LAURA: (turns to Deb) Okay, so you need one of those massages. Right after this interview, we’ll find out where to sign you up.
DEBBIE: YES, please!! LOL, so tell us about Prince Aristides flaws.

JESSICA: He’s impulsive, yet at the same time, he’s a meticulous planner. He’s a wandering soul, until he meets Xia.
DEBBIE: Ooooo, a wandering soul, love it!
LAURA: Well, of course Xia changed him. A rolling stone gathers no moss and all that.
DEBBIE: Speaking of Rolling Stones, did I tell you I got tickets to Aerosmith???
LAURA: No! That is too cool! You should have a great time as long as we can catch that last ship back to Earth on time. 
DEBBIE: What drew you to write for Decadent’s Elatia line?
JESSICA: I love science fiction romance, and to be a part of a line that catered to that genre specifically was exciting. I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity.
DEBBIE: Okay, switching stories… Satin Sheets in Space – very cool title. How did you come up with it?
JESSICA: It was one of those titles that just came to me before I wrote the story. I think I might have been wearing a pair of satin pajamas at the time. LOL
LAURA: How did the story for Satin Sheets in Space come about?
JESSICA: I wanted to continue Josh and Tamara’s story from Beneath the Starry Sky, and also try my pen at a ménage. Then the idea of an 18th century ball and a spaceship led to what the story became.
DEBBIE: Tell us about Danyka. What are two facts about her that aren’t listed in the story?

JESSICA: This was a tough question for me. Geesh! Um, her tattoo is mentioned already. She has two piercings in each ear. And she takes a size 10 in ladies shoes.

LAURA: Interesting. She’s a shoes and earrings kinda girl. I can relate! Course, you can relate to the tat, right Deb?

DEBBIE: (Snicker) Can’t wait to get those tat stories written. I can already see the covers. And, damn, size 10 is big for a woman. Bet she can stand her ground. Get it? HAHAHAHA
LAURA: O-kaaaay. So, on to the guys. The brothers have really long hair. What do YOU prefer, long, short or somewhere in between?
JESSICA: Personally, I prefer guys with short hair. Lengths can vary, as long as it’s shorter than mine. LOL In Satin Sheets in Space though, having the heroes with long hair worked better.
LAURA: I would have to agree with that. Tho, I do tend toward the clean-cut, military type. J So, give us three words to describe the personalities of the brothers in the story.
JESSICA: Generous, loving, and patient.
LAURA: Qualities every man should have. <g>
DEBBIE: Absolutely! What are you working on now?
JESSICA: I’m working to finish up book 2 of my Mark of the Stars series, a short sci-fi romance story, and the first book in a completely new alien romance series.
LAURA: Very cool. I just love sci-fi romance. I’m gonna drag Debbie out into sci-fi romance space before too much longer.
DEBBIE: UGGHH! Kicking and screaming, lol.
LAURA: You’ll love it once you get there. Think of all the romantic possibilities! And I know Jessica will vouch that writing SFR is a lot of fun…an awesome creative outlet.

DEBBIE:  Umm, I’d prefer a human male.

LAURA: So, Jessica, is there anything you must do before sitting down to write? Any strange ritual?

JESSICA: No. I don’t have time for rituals. I may read a section of what I wrote beforehand, but I write whenever I get the chance.
LAURA: I hear that. With three kids, my own writing usually occurs after midnight.
DEBBIE: What do you love about living in Canada? (besides the mint smoothies) Is it difficult doing business in the US and living in Canada?
JESSICA: LOL Yes, the Mint Smoothies are delicious. Yum! Thanks Debbie! I love that my country has two official languages, and so many diverse cultures. I love the varying landscape and climate.
Doing business in the US is not difficult, but there are some tax laws that are important to know. And dealing with the exchange rate can be a pain, depending on which dollar is worth more at the time.
LAURA: Do you have any pets?
JESSICA: I’ve always grown up with pets in the house from cats and dogs to guinea pigs for show, ferrets, and a newt. Right now, we currently have an eight-year-old rabbit which we adopted at the human society, and several tropical fish.
LAURA: Ooo, fish. They are just so…relaxing to watch. Somehow they’re a stress reliever. Course, don’t tell my cats that…they think relieving stress is their job.
DEBBIE: Here we go with the fish again.
LAURA: Don’t knock it till you try it. Hey look. (Points) There’s a hot guy with gills…bet he could give you a deep tissue massage that would have you squirming like a worm on a hook…wait, or is that flopping like a fish on the deck? Hmm…this analogy isn’t turning out the way I’d planned.
DEBBIE: That would be because you talking about a fish. Again, I’d prefer a human male please.
DEBBIE: Vanilla or Chocolate?
JESSICA: White Chocolate. LOL
DEBBIE: ME TOOOOOO!
DEBBIE: Seafood or Steak?
JESSICA: I like some seafood, but I’d have to say steak.
DEBBIE: Baked potato or French Fries? (yes I’m hungry)
JESSICA: French Fries with ketchup.
LAURA: Okay, Debbie, let’s switch away from food!
DEBBIE: What’s wrong with food?
LAURA: LOL Since these are romances, do you prefer a satin nighty or cotton shirt?
JESSICA: Depends on how tired I am. LOL
LAURA: Well, versatility is a plus.
AND THE FINAL QUESTION IS…… 

    All righty then, missy. You got off easy last time with that question about whether you preferred chocolates filled with coconut cream or cherries. Now, we’re pulling out the big guns. LOL
    While escaping the treacherous Roc-Tarians, your ship took damage and you’ve lost engines. You’re on the verge of being caught on the event horizon of a massive black hole. Communications are offline, however, life support is purring along. 

    Wait, that purring is coming from your traitorous lover, Cattar, who has somehow managed to stow away on your ship. He doesn’t look too happy since you swiped the Blood Diamond he originally stole from you. He extends his claws and bares a set of sharp incisors (the same teeth that deliciously nipped your inner thigh the night before). Seems a bowl of cream won’t satisfy him this time.
    Hmm…it doesn’t look good. You find yourself between the Roc and a black place served up with a side of furry vengeance. All you have is a spork and a strand of dental floss. What do you do? 

JESSICA: Okay, first of all, I won’t panic. I take the Blood Diamond and launch it out the air lock. Cattar goes after it, but I’m not worried since it was only a fake one anyway. The real one is tucked away in a secure hold in my sleeping quarters. That takes care of the bitter.
    Then I take the extreme strength dental floss and wrap it around the titanium spork. There’s a meteor heading my way that has avoided the event horizon and is going in the opposite direction. I don my spacesuit and head outside the ship, tying the other end of the dental floss to the ship. The meteor is coming fast and so close, but I manage to ram the spork into it. I quickly return to the inside of the ship as the meteor pulls it away from the black hole. And I’m safe. For now.
DEBBIE: LMAO!!! WOW! That’s all I have to say.
LAURA: WOOHOO! And I love the titanium spork! LMFAO! Too awesome. And yeah, you survived….till next time and Cattar’s Revenge!
DEBBIE: Oh, boy! Watch out for that Cattar’s revenge if you join us again, and I hope you do!
LAURA: Thank you SO much for dropping by again, Jessica, and sharing a peek into your wonderful stories. You’re welcome here anytime. Hope to see you again soon!
DEBBIE: Yes, It was a blast, Jessica!
Laura: Okay, so where do we sign you up for that massage? (digs in pockets) I have like $23 Earth dollars.
Debbie: Well keep digging. I want that hot blue dude!
Laura: Wait, what’s this? A coin? (glances around) Crap, I hope that hooded guy can’t reach us out here in space.
Debbie: Laura if you screw up this sensual massage for me, I’m gonna take away your coffee. PERMANENTLY!
Laura: Here, take this credit card. It’s probably maxed out, but they won’t know it till after we’re long gone back to Earth. And you’ll notice…no coffee for this interview. But while you go get your ‘massage’, I’m going to check out the java bar over there and see what otherworldly flavs they have…kinda like visitng the World of Coke all over again. Sheesh, hope it tastes better! Have a great massage, and um, try not to moan and scream too loudly….

     Looking to experience all the universe has to offer, Prince Aristides escapes from the kingdom of Tyto and travels through space to the Emerald Planet, Elatia. He yearns to partake in the activities the planet is famous for and fulfill all his sexual desires, but loses his heart and soul to an Adamos apprentice. Unfortunately, she is Terran, and her people are sworn enemies of those from Tyto. If he can convince Xia to give up her dreams of becoming an Adamos and travel back to Tyto with him, will his parents accept her, or condemn them both?

     Abandoned as a toddler on Elatia and raised by Kalara, an Adamos specializing in erotic massage, Xia decides to follow in her footsteps. But she remains conflicted as to whether she wants to service clients for the rest of her life, or settle down and raise a family. When she meets Aris, he turns the tables on her, and brings her as much pleasure as she gives him.

     Will they have their chance to be together, or will their families tear them away from any chance of young love?


      Danyka's unusual height and radiant red hair earn her the cold shoulder from any guy she approaches, unless he wants to experiment with a giant. So when her boss sets her up on a one night stand, she hopes for a prince but expects the usual toad.

      As a captivating stranger whisks her away from the ball and introduces her to his equally gorgeous brother, she fears her fantasies have become a nightmare. Has she finally given into impulse only to become a lab rat in an unknown world?

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Guest Author D.L. Jackson

Debbie: Morning all! Today we are at Fort Drum visiting with D.L. Jackson. (turns to Laura) Did you know this was D.L.’s old stomping grounds?

Laura: No, I didn’t. But I can see why she wouldn’t have minded stomping around here. Look at all the new recruits. Woohoo!

Debbie: Does a heart proud, but they’re too young. I’d rather look at those more seasoned guys over there.

Laura: They all look good to me. Mmm. Something about a guy in fatigues carrying rifles. J

Debbie: No shortage of free flowing testosterone around her, that’s for sure.

Laura: Well, at least we don’t have to worry about that hooded guy stalking us here. I’d say we’re nicely protected.

Debbie: Thank goodness for that. You do realize it’s been quite a while since we’ve seen him. Maybe we’ve lost him. Oh, here comes D.L.

Laura: Oh cool! I can’t wait to talk to her about her latest books My Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and Courtesan Boot Camp. Hey, D.L., great to see you!

DEBBIE: Wow, D.L. so you were an Army vet. How long were you in?

D.L.: Four years. I was stationed with the 10th Mountain Division in Ft. Drum, NY.

DEBBIE: Cool, and hey, that’s not to far from me.

LAURA: That’s awesome. My hubster was in the Air Force (active and reserves) for twenty years. We got married November 3rd 1990 and December 26th he went off to Desert Storm for the first whole year of our marriage. I remember while he was gone hearing “I’m Proud to be an American” playing on the radio and crying. Do you still get that funny tightening in your chest when you hear either Reveille or Retreat?

D.L.: I still hear it all the time. No, really. I live in the country and if I open my windows in the morning or at night, a retired Army Chaplain down the road plays both the bag pipes and the trumpet; it carries really well across the fields. I got so excited the first time I heard Reveille. I bounced my 18 year-old son out of bed to drag him outside to listen. I got the grumbling “I care about this why?” As he’s enlisted in the Army, I smirked and said, “you will, son. You will.”  Now I just sit by the window at oh five-hundred to hear him play it. It’s awesome. And the bag pipes at night—beautiful. He plays for hero’s funerals around the state.

DEBBIE: Oh my gosh, that is too cool. Every time I’m on base with my daughter and I hear it I get all teary. Her basic training graduation I balled like a baby every time, lol. “Amazing Grace”, especially if done by bagpipes never fails to choke me up, too.

LAURA: Oh, I love Amazing Grace. And while my boys aren’t old enough to join the service, I can see it coming. I mean, they all wear Army helmets and run around in the backyard with their Nerf guns shouting out orders to one another.

DEBBIE: I understand two sons have joined the service. You must be extremely proud. What branch are they in?

D.L.: My oldest is a Marine. He’s infantry and at the beginning of Cinderella Wore Combat Boots, you will see a dedication to the boys in his unit. They were in Afghanistan at the time I wrote it.
....My baby will be a combat medic in the Army. He graduates this June and is off to Basic in August. He’s following in his mom and dad’s boot-steps by going Army. Hu-ah.

LAURA: That’s awesome! So, switching gears here. What genre do you write and which is your fav?

D.L.: Romance and erotic romance. To narrow it down, science fiction, time travel, military, paranormal, contemporary, suspense and young adult. My favorite? I like to cross genres and a particular favorite is military, science fiction and urban fantasy.

DEBBIE: Explain urban fantasy for our readers.

D.L.: Urban fantasy take place in cities. A good example of urban fantasy is Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files. Harry Dresden is the only wizard in the Chicago phonebook. When you think fantasy, you think magic and magical creatures, when you think science fiction, you think nuts and bolts. So think magic in the city. An example of one of my urban fantasy novels is Slipping the Past. It’s also dystopian.

DEBBIE: Very Cool!

LAURA: I love writing SFR. The world building, the characters, life forms, ships – they’re all great. But the weapons and gadgets? I love to write action-packed stories, so for me, these hold a special interest. Anything that goes BOOM is good to me! lol  What is it about Sci-Fi that attracts you?

D.L.: To write, it’s the ability to create any world within the confines of my imagination. To read it, same reason. It’s the worlds, an escape from the ordinary into the extraordinary.

LAURA: Absolutely! Writing is creative in itself, but to create worlds from scratch? Yeah, your imagination on steroids! lol

DEBBIE: How long have you been writing and did you always want to be an author?

D.L.: I wrote as a child, but mostly short stories, nothing serious. In high school I was more interested in chasing boys and raising hell, than writing. I didn’t write seriously until my boys were in high school. So seven years, almost four years professionally.

DEBBIE: Wow, you’ve done great in that amount of time.

LAURA: And I’ve read your stories. You come up with some awesome plots and characters. What is your fav part of writing? Least fav?

D.L.: My favorite is seeing my story coming to life, the idea in my head translated onto a page. My least favorite would be editing.

DEBBIE: LOL, I’d have to agree about that editing part! Gives me hives. What is it about a man in uniform that makes your heart go thump, thump, thump?

D.L.: LOL Nothing is sexier. It flips a switch in my brain that says, there goes a hero. They exude confidence, and damn, they work out every day. Great bodies.

DEBBIE: Oh, I so agree. Their whole aura is damn sexy.

LAURA: Yes, ma’am!! I wholeheartedly agree! So much so, I had my hubby wear his dress blues for our wedding. (sigh) Hmm…I wonder if that’s why Debbie and I use a lot of military guys in our stories.

DEBBIE: What’s not to love. The Pararesumen in our 1NS stories are just tooo yummy.

LAURA: So, where did the inspiration for My Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy come from?

D.L.: Two things. One was a conversation with other authors about heroes in uniform. The other is the trumpet player I hear every morning and night. It’s hard not to listen to him and not be inspired.
....In My Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy there is a big Dance, I also recall a Military Ball in Cinderella Wears Combat Boots. How are your dancing skills, lol. I love to dance. Country, rock, a little swing. My mother used to have a fitness business and I instructed classes when I was a teenager. I also would do them for my platoon once a week in the Army.

LAURA: Ooo dancing! Love it. Took ballroom dancing and have done my share of line dancing and two-steppin’. Tap, stomp, and twirl baby!

DEBBIE: Okay, Courtesan Boot Camp. Tell me, what is a courtesan?

D.L.: What’s the big deal that Shay has trained her entire life for? Courtesans were some of the most educated women in Renaissance Europe. They were attendants in the courts of monarchs and other important people. And they were sexually liberated and known for their beauty, and traded favors for wealth, housing and were often kept by men of influence. Shay was bred, and raised for one purpose, to someday become the personal courtesan to a king and queen. Since this is science fiction, there are some futuristic twists on the profession as old as time. In my story there is only one Ruellen courtesan in a royal generation, and Shay not only goes to Elatia to train for her future, but to prepare for the final selection where only one will be chosen to serve. With this position comes power, wealth and status. They are like movie stars to the futuristic world, lovers of kings and queens.

LAURA: I know my day is packed. I mean, Debbie emails me 24-7 demanding, er politely requesting chapters and blogs and stuff. What is a typical day as an author like for you?

D.L.: Work my 40-hour week job and squeeze in my writing on my lunch break and on the weekends. I juggle.

LAURA: I bet you do! You sure do crank ‘em out, too. Great stories.

DEBBIE: I need to get more disciplined. After the 40-hour workweek, I’m easily distracted away from writing. I’ve got the scenes running around in my head all the time. Just need to actually sit down and write them.

LAURA: (raises eyebrow) Which reminds me. Where is that next chapter anyway?

DEBBIE: Yeah, see, who is the slave driver???

LAURA: Debbie started the whole PJ thing we’ve got going. Hot sexy heroes and their strong heroines. If you could live one scene from any of your books, what would it be and why? Who’s POV?

D.L.: I’m an evil author. I do evil things to my characters. I’d be scared shitless to live one scene from one of my books. Um, okay. I love Boomer from Blown Away and would gladly take Alice’s place in the bedroom. LOL.

DEBBIE:  Yeah, Laura and I love to do evil things to ours as well. Builds character, ahahahaha. Get it?

LAURA: HAHAHA (groan) Um…okay. So, D.L., got any pets?


A bearded Dragon
D.L.: A bearded dragon named Walter who loves blueberries, and an evil black cat who doesn’t like anyone.

DEBBIE: LOL, maybe the black cat used to be a human man. I know several like him.

LAURA: Um, cats or men?

DEBBIE: Both!! So D.L. what’s next for you?

D.L.: Not sure. I have a lot in the pipeline. I’ve been working on a story to follow Cinderella Wore Combat Boots, called On Being Prince Charming about, yes, Gunny and Lissa. But that might be a while. I have others I’m tinkering with.

And the final Question……………..
....You’re eating a yakisoba on a bullet train, barreling toward Tokyo. An old man and a seeing-eye dog shuffle by your seat and you casually notice they’ve exited from your car and into the baggage car. Worried the sweet old guy might be lost, you go to check to ensure he’s okay. When you enter the car, you find the old man has become very agile and is searching the luggage. Your spidey sense tells you to something is up and you try to back out but discover the door has locked behind you. The guy looks up, sneers, and pulls a knife. Oh, yeah…he’s not an old dude after all. He yells something at you, but you don’t understand him. He brandishes the blade and moves toward you. His dog growls and bares its teeth. All you have are your chopsticks from lunch and a pack of dental floss in your pocket. What do you do?

D.L.: Please, this is a baggage car. You think I’m going to bother with the floss and chopsticks? Rip my top open, because nothing stops a man in their tracks faster than boobs. Besides, he might just stop to question if I’m crazy. Add a song from Broadway and he’s definitely going to think I have a screw loose, or start laughing. Number one rule in a knife fight—don’t. Use the time I gained to go from defense to offense. Start throwing luggage until he drops the knife to block, or I find something big and heavy to keep him out of arm’s reach. Knives are close combat weapons. As long as he or his dog can’t get close, they can’t cut me or bite me. Someone had to pack something better. Oh, and every train car has safety devices in case of fire. I’d yank the alarm and spray the dog with the fire extinguisher.
....
Booyah!
....
Or I could just curl into the fetal position and suck my thumb.

DEBBIE: LMAO!!!! I think I’d be the latter, lol. Although if we keep getting these great answers, I’ll know what to do if it ever comes up.

LAURA: Yep! I’m sure he’d throw you some Mardi Gras beads for flashing him, too! LOL Nice job. Thank you so much for coming to visit us today, D.L. You’re welcome back any time!

DEBBIE: Yes. Thanks so much for putting up with us. Come back again any time. (turns to Laura) Mardi Gras beads??? He’s a bad guy.

Laura: Well, maybe he wasn’t really a bad guy?? Maybe he was just lost on the train and had the beads in his pocket from Mardi Gras when he’d visited the week before. Since D.L. followed him in there, maybe he thought he was the one being attacked…but when she flashed her boobs, he decided to reward her. I’m sure the show tune put him right in the mood! lol

Debbie's Boys on Bourbon Street
Debbie: BTW, have I ever told you I LOVE Bourbon Street? Cuz I do!

Laura: Wait…you did have the word ‘street’ on the end of that, right?

Debbie: (rolls eyes) Yes. I’m more of a vodka or rum girl. Silly. So where do you suppose the single guys hang out? I think we should find out and show a little gratitude before we head home.

Laura: Hmm. The PX or the mess hall? Maybe the O Club? Course, we could just head down to the local dance club in town. I’m sure several would be there. You need me to be your wing chick? LOL Not that you really need one.

Debbie: Of course I need a wing chick. They’ll check you out, come over, see that you’re married and have to be satisfied with me.

Laura: (smacks Deb upside the head) What are you talking about?? You’re gorgeous! They won’t even see me…my ring of invisibility works awesome. My job is to make sure you get a stand-up guy. (arches eyebrow) Unless you’re looking for something else?

Debbie: Umm, no nothing else. Stand-up guy will do for sure.

Laura: Well, get your dancing shoes on and let’s go!

Debbie: (Chases after Laura) Wait, I have to dance??






My Boogie Woogie Bugle Guy $2.99


A 1Night Stand Story
....When Grace Daniels goes to the cemetery to visit the grave of her twin brother, she meets a soldier, there for the same reason, or at least that’s what she believes until he tells her about the blind date her brother arranged before he was killed in combat.
....It’s the date of her dreams. Big band, brass and sass, Madame Eve from 1NightStand has set her up for an unforgettable night, a WWII swing dance party. Unfortunately, she’s having trouble letting go of her past and is afraid to take the chance given to her.
....Sergeant Frank Winters is an Army trumpet player who travels with the Color Guard, a great dancer, and six feet four inches of eye candy that could make her an addict. He’s also a soldier and soldiers can get killed. Grace doesn’t have the heart to lose someone again, but Frank knows a good thing when he sees it, and he’s determined to show her in one night, she’s got more to lose if she walks away.





 REBEL SOULS
“Good morning, Duchess.”Born in the fires of revolution and baptized in the blood of those who fought for a better life, Captain Ava Frost smuggles illegal materials to a war machine that will someday free her people from an oppressive government...until her path crosses with a Regulator commander.
Seth Reynold’s mission is to find the dangerous cargo of fissile materials. When he stops Ava at a wormhole, his ethics and beliefs are compromised. Torn between duty and love, Seth is determined to find out what Ava is hiding, but her fiancé is standing in his way.
Back from the dead, Brodie Mark—a leader of the revolution, a man that challenges Ava’s loyalties in every way imaginable—wants her back and will do whatever it takes to help her realize her heritage.
While falling for the enemy and endangering all that the underground rebels had struggled to achieve, Ava must make a choice between duty and love. But is she ready to sacrifice a freedom in its infancy for a love that comes once in a lifetime?
 “No man flies three days to the edge of Nexian space without a reason.”


And Courtesan Boot Camp starts now... ....When Shay lands on Elatia, she knows she has one shot to be chosen as courtesan for a king and queen. Mess up, and everything she was born to be, all she’s trained her entire life to become, will be lost. The alternative is unthinkable. ....What a pampered priss. ....Dayne’s first impression isn’t a good one, but he’s determined to turn the spoiled beauty into the next royal courtesan at any cost. As a Dominus, a master of all things sexual, he agrees to help a friend, his sovereign, and promises to do nothing to compromise her future.....That promise will soon cause him to question his loyalty, friendship and honor. All he knows is on the line, when he falls in love with a woman who can never be his.
Coming June 27th to Decadent Publishing.

http://www.authordljackson.com/