Claw Marks Week on ABA: Cassandre Dayne Inteviews Dawne Prochilo

Cassandre: How did you get started writing and what inspires you the most?
Dawne: I've always wanted to write but professionally I started writing in 1998, as a newspaper contributing writer, from there, my career took off in many directions.
Inspirations come from every day life. Witnessing a couple in a restaurant, chatting with fellow authors and even just standing in line at the grocery store. There is a story in every moment of life.

Cassandre: Have you ever wanted to try writing in a completely alternative genre and how would you go about it?
Dawne: I've often wanted to write young adult and actually have a few outlines and WIP's sitting on my laptop. The only proponent to writing YA is time. Never enough time to write.

Cassandre: What’s the biggest misconception about being a writer and what difficulties have you faced with your writing?
Dawne: Every one thinks that what I write is how I live. I am the MOST unromantic person/female in the world. I am an advocate to banish the stigma applied to erotic romance authors. We are not “porn' writers...we create HEA and HFN endings. Granted sex plays a role, a secondary role, in our works and people need to understand we are NOT the characters. We are the story-tellers.

Cassandre: What are you currently working on and what’s coming up for you?
Dawne: I currently am finishing a contracted book for Ravenous Romance, two Valentine's novellas, three collaborative works with fellow erotic romance author Jodi Olson and a story about a man with a disability for Secret Cravings Special Love line.

Cassandre: What do you like best about working with a publishing company?
Dawne: I love and appreciate the open communication, camaraderie with the other authors and editors. Having a special relationship with all the publishing company's personnel is so important.

Some fun questions…

Cassandre: If you had to select an actor or actress to play in your piece from Claw Marks – who would it be?
Dawne: I've always been partial to Kate Hudson. I know she's not officially at the cougar age yet, but she'd make one hell of an Insatiable Kate. Saucy, a body to die for and she has the personality that all cougars can envy.

Cassandre: How hot do you think cougars are and why?
Dawne: Cougar age women are prowesses. They want fun, no strings commitment and to feel sexy. They are experienced in and out of the bedroom and love to add spice to their life *not that I know anything about that* Cougars are extremely hot and exude sex appeal, which I think the younger men's libido are attracted to. The 'cubs' want a woman who knows her way around the bedroom and knows how to please a man. Plus cougars are mature, no-nonsense and generally set in their careers and don't need a man to take care of them.

Cassandre: If you had an opportunity to have a young lover – do you have one in mind and would you fess up?
Dawne: Personally no but fantasy thinking, I would have to say Jake Gyllenhaal. It's the eyes. I am a sucker for the passion filled eyes.

Cassandre: What’s something you can’t live without for writing?
Dawne: I have to have my rock music and a glass of wine poured. Nothing gets my mind motivated like Nickelback, Godsmack or Seether and the wine loosens up my creativity.

Cassandre: Favorite color and does it suit your personality and why?
Dawne: Black is what I generally wear and no, it doesn't describe my personality. I am a positive thinking and person and black seems to be such a downer of a color (but also a slimming color).

Cassandre: What’s your favorite seduction song?
Dawne: Nickelback's Far Away. The lyrics speak to me and make me think of that one true and unconditional love.

Cassandre: What would you consider to be the most romantic place on earth and why?
Dawne: I'm a very basic and simple person. To me waking up to a mountain view with snow gently falling, a fire in the fireplace while snuggled up to the one I love is the ultimate romantic place to be.

Author Bio for Dawne Prochilo:

Dawne Prochilo currently has six erotic and contemporary romance books out. In the fall of 2011, a short erotic F/F/M will be released in an anthology with Romance Divine and her seventh book, His Holiday Seduction, an erotic M/F, will be released in October 2011 also with Romance Divine. Her ninth novella, Insatiable Kate, is being released on October 3. Her first novel, On Her Own, is being re-released with Secret Cravings Publishing in November and she's under contract with Ravenous Romance for an early 2012 release of her eleventh novel.

She's the Promotion Director for a publisher, she's a freelance writer for a newspaper was a contributing writer to USA TODAY in September 2011, she writes web content and is the administrative editor of the WM Connection Freelance Writers website and a contributing editor for the WM Connection Review.

She oversees and contributes to nine blogs weekly, seven facebook fan pages and is in the process of writing a promotional eBook for authors.

She writes relationship articles for mademan.com, yahoo.com and associated press. She's also a reviewer for Eden Fantasy products and writes for their sister website, Eden Cafe. She contributes to Good Vibrations Magazine and many other adult content websites.

She reviews books for Coffee and Romance Times, Simply Erotic Reviews and Sexy Reads.

Claw Marks Anthology Coming Oct 3rd from Rebel Ink:

Have you ever considered engaging in an exciting relationship with a stunning hunk of a man who’s much younger? Does your heart beat rapidly as you savor his carved body from across the crowded room? Every cougar can tell you the answer. Entering into new relationships isn’t easy and for some, sharing joy means letting go of a difficult past. Join a talented group of writers from Rebel Ink Press who bring you stories of love and passion transcending age and sometimes tragedy.

Checkmate by SammyJo Hunt – For anchor Clint Watson, keeping a low profile about his sexuality is a must but on one beautiful afternoon over a game of chess, he finds pleasure in the arms of a younger man. Player Conference by Liz Crowe – Jess can’t get past the loss of her husband until her daughter’s soccer coach gives her every reason to try again. The Diver’s Club by Genevre Pierceau – Jilted by her cheating boyfriend, Jill finds solace over drinks with her girlfriends who convince her to turn the tables and engage in a moment of passion with a sexy contractor. Spicy White Chocolate by Cassandre Dayne – During a regular meeting of an erotic book club, the girls enter into a wicked pact to seduce a younger man and the first to do so wins a hefty prize, only Shawna Dupres didn’t count on falling in love. Insatiable Kate by Dawne Prochilo – Kate Winston was angry at being thwarted by the man of her dreams and she was ready to give him a piece of her mind. What she didn’t know was Rome made a promise years before and yet one he was ready to break for the possibility of romance.

Believe by K.T. Bishop – Gabi continues to suffer from the loss of her husband until she finds passion in the arms of a young athlete bent on making a better life for himself. But can his dream succeed against his family’s wishes? Tempting Research by Sam Crescent – For Melissa Crane, research for her erotic books is everything. Stumped by a scene and facing a tough deadline, she enlists the help of one very sexy masseuse. Carnal Awakenings by Sara York – Anna is not only concerned about her aging looks but her children’s thoughts about her considering another relationship until a secluded vacation and a hot younger man and his male lover convince her an alternate lifestyle might work. Unwrap Me by Cassandre Dayne – Cristal refuses to get over the acts of her cheating ex husband until her best friend provides a special treat under the mistletoe. Fresh Meat by Marcos London – Robin Dahl moved to a small town in Texas to get away from her manipulating ex and pushes all thoughts of romance aside until a sexy deliveryman changes her mind.

Giveaway

Comment on any post this week, Monday Seot 26th through Sat Oct. 1st, to be entered to win an ebook copy of Claw Marks. Please leave your email in the comment so we can contact you if you win!

Claw Marks Week on ABA: Author Dawne Prochilo Interviews SJ Hunt

Dawne: How did you get started writing and what inspires you the most?

SammyJo: I began writing stories in my teens when I wrote my first romance at the age of 15.  Though I do write research papers for my grad school courses, creatively I much prefer to “pen” a good romance and adventure story. For personal enjoyment, I’ve been writing for the past 2 years in the m/m romance genre and reading and writing some fan fiction. I love both. I adore a good story with a happily-ever-after ending, and true love and happy endings where deep, loving relationships occur for two people are a great inspiration for me. We all want to believe in true love.

Dawne: What inspired you to write your story in the Claw Marks Anthology?

SammyJo: Author Cassandre Dayne came up with the concept for this project and she asked a number of us fellow writers if we’d like to participate. Since I was introduced to Rebel Ink Press by her, it seemed an intriguing idea. Also, my usual characters are younger in age, so to write a romance about a man in his mid-forties was quite a bit different for me. This anthology is about cougars, but with my story, since its male/male erotica, my main character Clint is more of a ‘silver fox.’  It ended up being a fun, competitive story to write, with my two main characters being men.

Dawne: What’s the biggest misconception about being a writer and what difficulties have you faced with your writing?

SammyJo: There are several things which occur to me in this regard. I’d have to say that while being a writer can pay well, for most of us, getting by financially is a struggle. For the sheer amount of effort and work which goes into writing, editing, and doing promotional work to get your name and stories out to the public, the rewards are somewhat limited. One must write because it’s what makes your heart happy, not because you want to get rich doing it.

As for difficulties, just finding the time to get everything done is more often a challenge than not. One has to adhere to a tight schedule and keep a calendar to meet all the obligations that are required in this line of work.

Dawne: What are you currently working on and what’s coming up for you?

SammyJo: Right now, it’s crunch time to finish writing my novel collaboration with Derek Johnson. It’s due to our publisher Rebel Ink on Sunday this week. Murder, Most Likely is a 65k word murder mystery written entirely around a short story Derek wrote a decade ago. I read some of his stories back in the spring and the idea hit me like a ton of bricks. The more I thought about it, the more the ideas flowed. I approached him and asked if he’d like to write this book using his story as the basic premise and the answer was a definite yes. The rest is history and it’s been a magical process working together.

The resulting novel is going to be sizzling hot, erotic, kinky, and contains m/f erotica and some m/m/f ménage sequences. It’s very dark, gritty, and of course suspenseful, and promises to have a vibe along the lines of the old classic, Fatal Attraction. I’ve included the blurb below to give you a taste of what it’s all about. The final product is going to be amazing! I hope you’ll check it out upon release on Dec. 3rd.

I recently released another anthology co-written with Sue Brown, GA Hauser, and other great writers. Chasing the Dream is a m/m compilation of erotic stories and is available in eBook and paperback (coming soon). You can find this book on Silver Publishing’s site or Amazon.com.

And then of course there’s my two anthologies with Rebel Ink Press. My short story Checkmate!  is released in our Claw Marks anthology, and also I have a story entitled A Test of Honor coming out in Rebel’s Once Upon A Twisted Tale collection of stories, also debuting in October. I also have another novel coming out in October and another short story due out in November. So, there are a number of other projects are on the horizon which are nearing completion.

Dawne: What do you like most about writing?

SammyJo: I love the free license to be creative, and to bring to life with words the visions and stories which unfold in my head. I love communicating that world to my readers, where those who read my stories can escape somewhere else for a little while. 

Dawne: How hot do you think cougars are and why?
SammyJo: I think cougars are very hot, because they’re sexy and mature. Experience, sexually and emotionally, is very alluring and appealing. I’m also at that age myself, having just turned 44 yesterday. Something about knowing what you want, and being relatively clear about who you are is a turn-on to me, feeling and asserting that individual strength and self-worth that comes with age.

Dawne: If you had an opportunity to have a young lover – do you have one in mind and would you fess up?

SammyJo: Yes, I would be willing to go there, provided that man wasn’t more than a decade or so younger than me. I do have standards, LOL! But unless it ever got to be serious, and lasted longer than for just a short fling, I likely wouldn’t fess up. A girl’s gotta have her secrets. *winks*

Dawne: What’s something you can’t live without for writing?SammyJo: Coffee. I must have lots and lots of coffee with French Vanilla creamer.

Dawne: Favorite color and does it suit your personality and why?SammyJo: My favorite color is forest or sage green. My eyes are a deep forest green, and my hair though brunette, is generally kept at some shade of auburn or red because it suits me well. So the sage green is something I have a lot of, color-wise, in my wardrobe. Those two colors complement each other well.

Dawne: What’s your favorite seduction song?

SammyJo: It’s entitled “Forever Dreamin’” by Paul Hardcastle. He’s a British jazz artist and I absolutely adore the heated, sexy pulsing beat of that instrumental piece. It always puts me in the mood to write sexy scenes for my stories.

Dawne: Where is your favorite place to write?

SammyJo: For me, it’s in my office downstairs. I have a large, comfortable cherrywood desk with a recently upgraded desktop with all the bells and whistles on it. I have a large flatscreen monitor and my iTunes, and all the appurtenances I could ever want. I’m very comfortable there in my comfy, high-backed swivel chair. I sort of live there with writing and grad school to keep me occupied 24/7.

Dawne: How much do you like chocolate?

SammyJo: Well…I might as you, “How much do you like breathing or sleeping?” That would be a small indication of how much I like chocolate. I confess, it’s one of my guilty pleasures in life.

Thank you for having me here Kiki. And thank you Dawne for doing such a great interview with me. You’re a delightful lady and a great writer in your own right. I’m looking forward to sharing in the release of Claw Marks with you. Best wishes for all of our future successes, individually and together.

AUTHOR BIO:

SammyJo Hunt was born and raised in Southern California, is single, no children, and lived the past 22 years in the Midwest. She grew up an avid reader and romance novel enthusiast, loving to write and create. Ms. Hunt has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social work and is a 3rd year graduate student pursuing a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. It’s her goal to counsel families, struggling children and teens.

When not helping others, writing sensual romantic stories is a challenge she enjoys. Giving erotica a try, her first book, A Wicked Encounter, was released in April 2011 via Silver Publishing, followed by Chasing the Dream anthology in Sept. Checkmate! in the Claw Marks anthology is SammyJo’s third published release, which will be followed by Haunted by Obsession coming later in October, and Murder, Most Likely on Dec. 3^rd. SammyJo has written a number of books, short stories, and anthologies. Be watching for additional new releases coming soon.

To purchase publications by SammyJo Hunt, click here:

http://silverpublishing.info/

http://www.rebelinkpress.com/

http://www.amazon.com

You can find SammyJo Hunt at the following websites:

Personal Website and Blog:   http://sammyjohunt.livejournal.com

Twitter:   http://twitter.com/#!/SammyJo_Hunt

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SammyJoHunt

Email:   sjhuntwrites@gmail.com

Claw Marks Anthology Coming Oct 3rd from Rebel Ink:

Have you ever considered engaging in an exciting relationship with a stunning hunk of a man who’s much younger? Does your heart beat rapidly as you savor his carved body from across the crowded room? Every cougar can tell you the answer. Entering into new relationships isn’t easy and for some, sharing joy means letting go of a difficult past. Join a talented group of writers from Rebel Ink Press who bring you stories of love and passion transcending age and sometimes tragedy.

Checkmate by SammyJo Hunt – For anchor Clint Watson, keeping a low profile about his sexuality is a must but on one beautiful afternoon over a game of chess, he finds pleasure in the arms of a younger man. Player Conference by Liz Crowe – Jess can’t get past the loss of her husband until her daughter’s soccer coach gives her every reason to try again. The Diver’s Club by Genevre Pierceau – Jilted by her cheating boyfriend, Jill finds solace over drinks with her girlfriends who convince her to turn the tables and engage in a moment of passion with a sexy contractor. Spicy White Chocolate by Cassandre Dayne – During a regular meeting of an erotic book club, the girls enter into a wicked pact to seduce a younger man and the first to do so wins a hefty prize, only Shawna Dupres didn’t count on falling in love. Insatiable Kate by Dawne Prochilo – Kate Winston was angry at being thwarted by the man of her dreams and she was ready to give him a piece of her mind. What she didn’t know was Rome made a promise years before and yet one he was ready to break for the possibility of romance.

Believe by K.T. Bishop – Gabi continues to suffer from the loss of her husband until she finds passion in the arms of a young athlete bent on making a better life for himself. But can his dream succeed against his family’s wishes? Tempting Research by Sam Crescent – For Melissa Crane, research for her erotic books is everything. Stumped by a scene and facing a tough deadline, she enlists the help of one very sexy masseuse. Carnal Awakenings by Sara York – Anna is not only concerned about her aging looks but her children’s thoughts about her considering another relationship until a secluded vacation and a hot younger man and his male lover convince her an alternate lifestyle might work. Unwrap Me by Cassandre Dayne – Cristal refuses to get over the acts of her cheating ex husband until her best friend provides a special treat under the mistletoe. Fresh Meat by Marcos London – Robin Dahl moved to a small town in Texas to get away from her manipulating ex and pushes all thoughts of romance aside until a sexy deliveryman changes her mind.

Giveaway

Comment on any post this week, Monday Seot 26th through Sat Oct. 1st, to be entered to win an ebook copy of Claw Marks. Please leave your email in the comment so we can contact you if you win!

Claw Marks Week on ABA: Cassandre Dayne Interviews Sam Crescent

Cassandre: How did you get started writing and what inspires you the most?

Sam: I have a wild imagination and one day after reading more books than I’d like to admit to I started writing whatever came to mind. I’ve been writing most of my life but I’ve only started to take it seriously these past few years. I never thought someone like me would ever have the opportunity to be a published writer/ author. This is truly a dream come true.

Everything inspired me, walking, cooking seeing interactions of people on the street. Everything sets off a wave of thoughts that will not stop until I’ve written then down.

Cassandre: Have you ever wanted to try writing in a completely alternative genre and how would you go about it?

Sam: I’m delving into the paranormal and vampire genre and I’m always prepared to spread these wings of mine. I’d start by researching a genre and then seeing if any inspiration comes to me. I don’t like writing a story unless I feel happy with how a story can go or who my characters are.

Cassandre: What’s the biggest misconception about being a writer and what difficulties have you faced with your writing?

Sam: That it is easy. Writing is anything but easy. Writing takes time, dedication and an ability to see past the surface. To be able to create a problem and then solve it within a story. I’ve also found at times, it can be lonely at times. Especially when working toward deadlines and the family is waiting for you.

Cassandre: What are you currently working on and what’s coming up for you?

Sam: I’ve several pieces planned for Rebel Ink Press including a valentines day story, it is coming together just a little slowly. I’m working through the next Clifford Arbor book titled, Savoring Emily.

I also have the a series I’ve started with Total-E-Bound and starting the third book in that series.

I like to keep busy.

Cassandre: What do you like best about working with a publishing company?

Sam: I feel they have my back. That as a publishing company they not only want to best for there company which is gaining a great reputation as a quality publisher but also they want authors who want to sub to them on this basis. Publishers are a little like parents, they guide you to be the best that you can be as a writer. At least that is how I feel. I’ve not had a bad publisher but other may feel different. 

Some fun questions…

Cassandre: If you had to select an actor or actress to play in your piece from Claw Marks – who would it be?

Sam: Leonardo Dicaprio, what can I say I love Leo. Lol

Cassandre: How hot do you think cougars are and why?

Sam:I think cougars are seriously hot to write as it can be told from many perspectives. From the wife who hasn’t had the proper loving to the more adventurous woman. From threesomes to tender moments.

Cougars don’t need to be told from the stereotypical point but can be delved into in much more detail and from a variety of angles. I enjoyed writing cougars and brought me immense pleasure getting to know my characters.

Cassandre: If you had an opportunity to have a young lover – do you have one in mind and would you fess up?

Sam: As much as I love writing cougars, I have to say I go for the older man lol. So nope.

Cassandre: What’s something you can’t live without for writing?

Sam: My notebooks. Without my ever expanding list of notebooks I would be lost and my writing would be ruined.

Cassandre: Favorite color and does it suit your personality and why?

Sam: My favorite color is purple but I only eat green colored sweets. I have no idea if the color matches my personality.

Cassandre: What’s your favorite seduction song?

Sam: There are so many I love. At the moment I love Bruno Mars Grenade. Adele someone like you. Christina Perri Jar of hearts.

Cassandre: What would you consider to be the most romantic place on earth and why?

Sam: Buxton, I’m in love with it and there is where I’d love to be one day.

Author Sam Crescent Bio:

Sam Crescent lives in a small land known as the United Kingdom, at least it seems small on a huge map. No matter what she can always find places of inspiration and it was her land that inspired her first book, Office Hours. She has a passion for all things romance and when she discovered erotic romance she was all set. After spending years doing nothing but reading, in 2009 she decided to spread her wings and try out writing. After two years of serious learning and many rejections she finally got her first acceptance in 2011 and is now onto her second with Rebel Ink Press. She couldn’t imagine a world without romance and now she is part of the scene creating romance she has never been happier.

When she is not writing, you can find her walking for inspiration or in her kitchen. You can find her on; Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/SamCrescent, Blog: http://samcrescent.wordpress.com/, Facebook: http://en-gb.facebook.com/people/Sam-Crescent/100002178529657.

She can also be found lurking around on other blog pages.

Claw Marks Anthology Coming Oct 3rd from Rebel Ink:

Have you ever considered engaging in an exciting relationship with a stunning hunk of a man who’s much younger? Does your heart beat rapidly as you savor his carved body from across the crowded room? Every cougar can tell you the answer. Entering into new relationships isn’t easy and for some, sharing joy means letting go of a difficult past. Join a talented group of writers from Rebel Ink Press who bring you stories of love and passion transcending age and sometimes tragedy.

Checkmate by SammyJo Hunt – For anchor Clint Watson, keeping a low profile about his sexuality is a must but on one beautiful afternoon over a game of chess, he finds pleasure in the arms of a younger man. Player Conference by Liz Crowe – Jess can’t get past the loss of her husband until her daughter’s soccer coach gives her every reason to try again. The Diver’s Club by Genevre Pierceau – Jilted by her cheating boyfriend, Jill finds solace over drinks with her girlfriends who convince her to turn the tables and engage in a moment of passion with a sexy contractor. Spicy White Chocolate by Cassandre Dayne – During a regular meeting of an erotic book club, the girls enter into a wicked pact to seduce a younger man and the first to do so wins a hefty prize, only Shawna Dupres didn’t count on falling in love. Insatiable Kate by Dawne Prochilo – Kate Winston was angry at being thwarted by the man of her dreams and she was ready to give him a piece of her mind. What she didn’t know was Rome made a promise years before and yet one he was ready to break for the possibility of romance.

Believe by K.T. Bishop – Gabi continues to suffer from the loss of her husband until she finds passion in the arms of a young athlete bent on making a better life for himself. But can his dream succeed against his family’s wishes? Tempting Research by Sam Crescent – For Melissa Crane, research for her erotic books is everything. Stumped by a scene and facing a tough deadline, she enlists the help of one very sexy masseuse. Carnal Awakenings by Sara York – Anna is not only concerned about her aging looks but her children’s thoughts about her considering another relationship until a secluded vacation and a hot younger man and his male lover convince her an alternate lifestyle might work. Unwrap Me by Cassandre Dayne – Cristal refuses to get over the acts of her cheating ex husband until her best friend provides a special treat under the mistletoe. Fresh Meat by Marcos London – Robin Dahl moved to a small town in Texas to get away from her manipulating ex and pushes all thoughts of romance aside until a sexy deliveryman changes her mind.

Giveaway

Comment on any post this week, Monday Seot 26th through Sat Oct. 1st, to be entered to win an ebook copy of Claw Marks. Please leave your email in the comment so we can contact you if you win!

Claw Marks Week on ABA: Sara York Interviews Liz Crowe - Plus Giveaway

Sara: Tell us about your books.

Liz: I have a Brewing Passion series with Breathless Press that includes a “choose your romance” format novel and four short stoires with Breathless Press.

With Rebel Ink I have Player Conference in the Claw Marks Anthology and Vegas Miracle, a contemporary m/f/m romance (novel) both releasing in October.

With Decadent Publishing I have one stand alone short story (Caught Offside—YES it has a soccer theme) plus the Turkish Delights trilogy.  All four release in November.

Sara: What inspired you to write your story in the Claw Marks Anthology?

Liz: I had Player Conference in my head, and then on paper as One Hot Scene that frankly was born of a flat-out fantasy I had about my daughter’s soccer coach.  I love soccer players……..dreamy…..sorry, distracted.  Yeah. So that’s where it began and I wrote the story outwards from there.

Sara: What are you working on right now?

Liz: I am writing a prequel to a trilogy that’s part Decadent Publishing’s OneNightStand series.  It won’t be part of the series, most likely but a historical romance set in 1950’s Istanbul between a diplomat’s daughter and a hot local who then form the base of the Turkish Delights trilogy about their three children.

I also have a trilogy of novels about realtors that I’m polishing up for submission. And I try not to be obsessive/compulsive about the submission I made a few months ago that is a craft brewery intrigue/mystery/romance novel.

Sara: What is the funniest thing that ever happened to you in your writer’s life?

Liz: Easily when fellow author Ann Mayburn was here in Ann Arbor helping her younger sister get settled in at college and stopped by my Tap Room for a visit.  I was not there yet and she asked for “Liz” at the bar.  My bar staff was stumped.  “No one named ‘Liz’ owns this place.”  One of my regulars standing nearby said, Oh, hey, isn’t that “ET?”  ET is my “real name” as The Beer Wench. It’s my initials and I’ve gone by it since college. 

Sara: Where is your favorite place to write?

Liz: On my back patio.

Sara: Do you have a favorite beverage that you drink when you write?

Liz: Yes.  Three guesses and the first two don’t count.  Oh, Ok, not everybody knows about my alter ego I guess.  Craft beer. I start with the hoppiest IPA I can find, move onto a dry crisp pilsner or Kolsch style, will add an occasional Imperial Stout then finish this time of year with my brewer’s Absolutely Amazing Oktoberfest that’s been lagering since March.

Sara: Who would you most like to write a book with if you could choose anyone in the world?

Liz: JR Ward and our new world will be a place ruled by a legion of edgy, impossibly gorgeous,  uber creative and feisty Alpha women who brew beer and the men who, one by one, make them more human. I already see the spin off possibilities for specialty brews and side products.  “Raging Bitch IPA” (I stole this one actually)  “High Maintenance Ale”,  LipStix Lager and my favorite: Wench’s Wheat (Oh, wait, I already make that).

Sara: Do you have a writing schedule or do you just go with the flow?

Liz: Because I have a very demanding “day (evenings and weekend) job” as a craft brewery owner and marketing queen I fit it in when I can. However, when I have a new concept in my head, I’m fairly miserable as is everyone around me until I can Get It Out.

Sara: What do you like most about writing?

Liz: Bringing emotion to the page.  Showing love in all its permutations and forms. And writing the most erotic scenes I can without making it seem like porn.

Sara: Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Liz : Drink Craft Beer!  It’s one of the few American-based industries actually growing by leaps and bounds, thanks to all the folks who have discovered that “beer” is SUPPOSED to have flavor.

Sara: How much do you like chocolate?

Liz: You know, I’m more a salty snack gal.  Works better with my drink of choice.  But when forced to choose I will take the darkest, most bitter kind I can get my hands on.  Preferably on a platter held by Jon Hamm.  And he’s naked.

Sara: If you were locked in a room with three people who would you want with you?

Liz: Since “locked room” implies so much more than “desert island” I have a pretty vivid picture of me Bradley Cooper Spanish Soccer playing stud Xabi Alonso And Alexander Skarsgard Sounds like a nice time. I’d invite Jon Hamm but he’s still panting over in the corner after our chocolate moment.

Liz Crowe

Brewing Up Serious Passion!

Microbrewery owner, beer blogger and journalist, mom of three teenagers, and soccer fan, Liz lives in the great middle west, in a Major College Town.  Years of experience in sales and fund raising, plus an eight-year stint as an ex-pat trailing spouse plus making her way in a world of men (i.e. the beer industry) has prepped her for life as erotic romance author.  When she isn't sweating beer inventory, sales figures or promotional efforts for her latest publication, doing pounds of laundry for her sweaty athletic children, watching La Liga on the Fox Soccer Channel, or trying to figure out what to order in for dinner, she can be found walking her standard poodles or doing Bikram Yoga.  Liz loves her Foo Fighters Pandora station, and watching reruns of Deadwood, when there isn't any decent European football on the telly.  If you want a beer education follow her: www.a2beerwench.com.  For writing related stuff, including her backlist, go to: www.brewingpassion.com.
www.lizcrowe.com

www.brewingpassion.com
www.facebook.com/lizcroweauthor
Coming Soon!  The Tap Room.
A Choose Your Romance Novel
from Breathless Press!

Claw Marks Anthology Coming Oct 3rd from Rebel Ink:

Have you ever considered engaging in an exciting relationship with a stunning hunk of a man who’s much younger? Does your heart beat rapidly as you savor his carved body from across the crowded room? Every cougar can tell you the answer. Entering into new relationships isn’t easy and for some, sharing joy means letting go of a difficult past. Join a talented group of writers from Rebel Ink Press who bring you stories of love and passion transcending age and sometimes tragedy.

Checkmate by SammyJo Hunt – For anchor Clint Watson, keeping a low profile about his sexuality is a must but on one beautiful afternoon over a game of chess, he finds pleasure in the arms of a younger man. Player Conference by Liz Crowe – Jess can’t get past the loss of her husband until her daughter’s soccer coach gives her every reason to try again. The Diver’s Club by Genevre Pierceau – Jilted by her cheating boyfriend, Jill finds solace over drinks with her girlfriends who convince her to turn the tables and engage in a moment of passion with a sexy contractor. Spicy White Chocolate by Cassandre Dayne – During a regular meeting of an erotic book club, the girls enter into a wicked pact to seduce a younger man and the first to do so wins a hefty prize, only Shawna Dupres didn’t count on falling in love. Insatiable Kate by Dawne Prochilo – Kate Winston was angry at being thwarted by the man of her dreams and she was ready to give him a piece of her mind. What she didn’t know was Rome made a promise years before and yet one he was ready to break for the possibility of romance.

Believe by K.T. Bishop – Gabi continues to suffer from the loss of her husband until she finds passion in the arms of a young athlete bent on making a better life for himself. But can his dream succeed against his family’s wishes? Tempting Research by Sam Crescent – For Melissa Crane, research for her erotic books is everything. Stumped by a scene and facing a tough deadline, she enlists the help of one very sexy masseuse. Carnal Awakenings by Sara York – Anna is not only concerned about her aging looks but her children’s thoughts about her considering another relationship until a secluded vacation and a hot younger man and his male lover convince her an alternate lifestyle might work. Unwrap Me by Cassandre Dayne – Cristal refuses to get over the acts of her cheating ex husband until her best friend provides a special treat under the mistletoe. Fresh Meat by Marcos London – Robin Dahl moved to a small town in Texas to get away from her manipulating ex and pushes all thoughts of romance aside until a sexy deliveryman changes her mind.

Giveaway

Comment on any post this week, Monday Seot 26th through Sat Oct. 1st, to be entered to win an ebook copy of Claw Marks. Please leave your email in the comment so we can contact you if you win!

Claw Marks Week on ABA: Derek Austin Johnson AKA Marcos London Interviews Cassandre Dayne - Plus Giveaway

Today, I have the honor of interviewing the lovely Cassandre Dayne, who in the past year has written more books than I can count on my fingers and who was one of the key figures in bringing Claw Marks to life.  On a personal note, Ms. Dayne actually encouraged me to try my hand at writing erotic romance, and I can say that, without her input, I wouldn’t be writing it today.

Derek: Thanks for joining me Cassandre. You were instrumental in the creation of the Claw Marks anthology.  How did you come up with the idea?
Cassandre: If you want to know the truth Derek – it was because of you. You allowed me to read Academia Heat first (thank you for that) and the idea popped into my head – way to sexy to pass up.


Derek: “Spicy White Chocolate” is your contribution to Claw Marks.  Tell us a little about it.
Cassandre: In truth I have two – Unwrap Me is about a girl who adores her best friend’s younger brother but of course can’t tell anyone. Little did she know some elves decided to intervene at a very naughty Christmas Party. Spicy White Chocolate is about a restaurant owner who makes a bet with her erotic book club to snag a hot young thing and the first girl gets a big prize. Of course her sexy boy toy has other ideas in mind and yes, the chocolate is white, hot, spicy and poured….


Derek: You’re diabolically prolific.  By my count, you’ve had twelve releases in the past year.  And you’ve announced several more recently.  How do you manage to stay so prolific?
Cassandre: I dream in color and stories flow at night plus I can type very fast too and the words flow in my head. It helps I love it so much. BUT – if I can get through finishing five major novels in October – a true test.


Derek: In addition to being so prolific, you’re also a great self-promoter as well as a promoter of other talent.  How much work goes into promotion, on average?
Cassandre: I spend at minimum three to four hours a day promoting not only me but other writers. Between tweeting, blogging, guest blogging, updating websites, yahoo groups, setting up chats – I could literally do it more.


Derek: Talk about your new position with Rebel Ink Press.  
Cassandre: I feel honored to be the Director of Communications and Publicity which means I get to help promote, welcome new writers, give them places to go for marketing and develop new contacts for all of us.


Derek: What has been the most challenging aspect of writing?  And what has been the most rewarding?
Cassandre: Challenging is the time it takes around it and trying to find the right piece that will turn heads. Rewarding is all of that and everything else!


Derek: Talk about your upcoming releases and current works in progress.
Cassandre: You had to ask – I have everything from a m/m piece titled Punch Back coming from Rebel and The Fire of Submission – my first f/f piece coming both in October. I also have the two anthologies and my first as the other writers – Dakotah Black coming as well. I have two coming out in November and one in December – St. Nick’s Night of Xstasy and then three others with Naughty Nights Press as well. Going to be a busy few months. In November the first in my third persona, Enslaved is coming out. It’s the first in the Retribution Collection written by D.H. Black.


Derek: White chocolate or dark?
Cassandre: Neither – allergic!

AUTHOR BIO: CASSANDRE DAYNE

Cassandre started writing stories and poems before she knew how to ride a bike and proceeded onto novels by age eleven. By the time she was an early teenager, she had written fifteen novels. As early adulthood, college and life settled in; writing was placed on the back burner but never forgotten entirely. Suddenly awakened by the rampant fantasies and untold stories of characters that flowed through her dreams every night and filtered into her daylight hours; she could hold back the creative process no longer.

Cassandre writes highly erotic romance stories and novels in the contemporary, science fiction and paranormal flavors. Currently she has eight erotic romance novels published with Rebel Ink Press and several more under contract. Her recent titles include, Treats in a Plain Brown Wrapper, Her Sinful Long Legs, Revving Her Wild Engines, Shadows of Panic and Wicked Desire, Wicked Wager Among Friends – Tales from Lucifer’s Lair – the first in a

series, Breakfast Eye Candy, and her first m/m piece is came out in June titled Game Over. Her first full length novel was released in August titled Truth, Dare or Dangerous Intent. Her first print release – a compilation of several pieces is coming in September.

She also recently had her first release with Naughty Nights Press– Spankdown with three other under contract including Red Fire – Surrender, Raging Shadows and Forced Fantasies – all due out this year.

In addition, as her alter ego Bethany Halle, she is the host of two blog talk radio shows with Robin Falls Red River Radio. The Fire of Fantasy & Darkness airs every other month highlighting writers and other artists in the fantasy, science fiction and paranormal genres. Dare to Take the Plunge also airs every other month featuring writers, publishers, cover artists and reviewers in the erotic romance genre. She also is a weekly/monthly contributor to Naughty Nights Press, Erotic Diaries, After Dark Online, Kinke Magazine and Queer Online Magazine.

As Bethany Halle she is also the Director of Communications for Rebel Ink Press and currently serve on the Nominating Committee of the RWA’s Passionate Ink.

She was a Passionate Ink finalist for their Passionate Plume contest with Treats in a Plain Brown Wrapper and has received several four and five star reviews for her work.

Member of:

Virginia Romance Writers
Romance Writers of America
Passionate Ink
EPIC
ARRA – Australian Romance Readers Association

cassandredayne@gmail.com
http://www.cassandredayne.com

behalle@comcast.net
http://twitter.com/bethanyhalle

http://cassandredayne.wordpress.com/


Purchase Links:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?
searchBy=author&qString=Cassandre+Dayne

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/73671

Claw Marks Anthology Coming Oct 3rd from Rebel Ink:

Have you ever considered engaging in an exciting relationship with a stunning hunk of a man who’s much younger? Does your heart beat rapidly as you savor his carved body from across the crowded room? Every cougar can tell you the answer. Entering into new relationships isn’t easy and for some, sharing joy means letting go of a difficult past. Join a talented group of writers from Rebel Ink Press who bring you stories of love and passion transcending age and sometimes tragedy.

 

Checkmate by SammyJo Hunt – For anchor Clint Watson, keeping a low profile about his sexuality is a must but on one beautiful afternoon over a game of chess, he finds pleasure in the arms of a younger man. Player Conference by Liz Crowe – Jess can’t get past the loss of her husband until her daughter’s soccer coach gives her every reason to try again. The Diver’s Club by Genevre Pierceau – Jilted by her cheating boyfriend, Jill finds solace over drinks with her girlfriends who convince her to turn the tables and engage in a moment of passion with a sexy contractor. Spicy White Chocolate by Cassandre Dayne – During a regular meeting of an erotic book club, the girls enter into a wicked pact to seduce a younger man and the first to do so wins a hefty prize, only Shawna Dupres didn’t count on falling in love. Insatiable Kate by Dawne Prochilo – Kate Winston was angry at being thwarted by the man of her dreams and she was ready to give him a piece of her mind. What she didn’t know was Rome made a promise years before and yet one he was ready to break for the possibility of romance.

Believe by K.T. Bishop – Gabi continues to suffer from the loss of her husband until she finds passion in the arms of a young athlete bent on making a better life for himself. But can his dream succeed against his family’s wishes? Tempting Research by Sam Crescent – For Melissa Crane, research for her erotic books is everything. Stumped by a scene and facing a tough deadline, she enlists the help of one very sexy masseuse. Carnal Awakenings by Sara York – Anna is not only concerned about her aging looks but her children’s thoughts about her considering another relationship until a secluded vacation and a hot younger man and his male lover convince her an alternate lifestyle might work. Unwrap Me by Cassandre Dayne – Cristal refuses to get over the acts of her cheating ex husband until her best friend provides a special treat under the mistletoe. Fresh Meat by Marcos London – Robin Dahl moved to a small town in Texas to get away from her manipulating ex and pushes all thoughts of romance aside until a sexy deliveryman changes her mind.

Giveaway

Comment on any post this week, Monday Sept 26th through Sat Oct. 1st, to be entered to win an ebook copy of Claw Marks. Please leave your email in the comment so we can contact you if you win!