Author Focus: Danica Winters

Questions for Danica

Today we've asked author Danica Winters a few questions... about her writing, her series and a few personal questions too! Take a few minutes to read her interview and get to know her better.

Q) What inspired you to write Montana Mustangs*?

I’m from Montana and I love the beautiful mountains and valleys of this wonderful state.  When I was talking to my fans, several asked if I was ever going to write about where I live—and that was how the idea for Montana Mustangs was born.

*This was such a fun book to write. J

Q) Can you share the details Montana Mustangs? Maybe the book's blurb? 

Montana Mustangs is book two in the Nymph series, published in May 2013. Here's the blurb:

A Nymph. A woman with the ability to seduce at will, shift to protect, but cursed with the fate to have the man she falls in love with die a tragic death. As one of the ill-fated nymphs, Aura Montgarten has spent her lifetime drifting from one place to another hiding from love. Until she meets Dane. 

When a body washes up on the shore of a rural Montana lake, police officer Dane Burke is faced with the task of finding the killer—even if it means he will be forced to put his life and heart at risk by working with a drifter. As the truth of Aura’s Mustang-shifting Nymph ways are revealed, Dane learns exactly the amount of danger he and Aura are in, but can’t force himself to leave a case unsolved when the truth is right outside of his grasp. 

When the killer decides he needs to take another victim—Dane—Aura must choose between their forbidden love and her immortal life… Can there be life without love, or is death her only choice? 

Q) How long did it take you to write?

This book didn’t take long. I think it was start to finish it took about four months.  I tend to write fast as I want to deliver as many great books to my readers/fans as possible.  I want to make sure that my readers aren’t kept waiting.  I know how it feels to wait on the next book in a series—it’s so frustrating! 

Q) What is your favorite thing about writing?

I love the entire process. I like sitting in front of the computer wracking my brain and struggling to find the right words.  Words are so real to me—I can feel them in my bones. 

My absolute favorite part of writing Montana Mustangs was all of the research I had to do in order to write the book.  I was so lucky.  I had the honor of riding along with some of my police/sheriff officer friends.  In addition to the ride-alongs, I also had to go on horseback adventures into the high mountain lakes of Montana.  I would like to say the horseback riding was all for work, but I have to admit I was mostly playing. 

The lake we rode into for Montana Mustangs.

See the photo to the right. This particular lake lies at just over 7000 feet in elevation and usually has snow until late June.  During the month we went, it was fire season and you can see the smoke (not clouds) in the background. 

Q) What is your least favorite thing about writing?

I think every author could say the same thing, but there is always someone out there who doesn’t like your book for some reason.  I put an incredible amount of effort and time into every step of the books I write—from research, to writing, and throughout the publishing process (which is long).  To hear someone doesn’t like one of my books always bothers me.  However, as a professional author I have learned to let go of the harsh criticisms that come with the business.  It’s just like life—some will love you, some will hate you, but you just have to do the best that you can.

Q) What was the first book in this series?

The Nymph's Labyrinth was the first in the series, published  December 31, 2012. Here's the blurb:

A world shrouded in mystery and intrigue, the Sisterhood of Epione must not be exposed. 

A Shape-shifting nymph, Ariadne, is tasked with keeping the truth of her group’s existence and their ancient mysteries far out of reach of an American archaeologist and his troublemaking son. When forgotten and forbidden passions are awakened, Ariadne is forced to make a choice—fall in line and continue to be overrun and pushed down by the sisterhood, or follow her heart and put everyone’s lives in danger. 

Can Ariadne have the man she loves or will the pressure and secrets of the past keep her from her heart’s desire? 

 

Q) If you could be any famous person for one day, who would you be and why?

I think I would want to be Jane Austen—she was such an incredible woman during an incredible time. 

Q) What is the oldest thing in your fridge and how old is it?

Oh Geez.  I think if you dug through it you would still find some hard-boiled Easter eggs (I don’t like eggs). 

Q) What can readers expect from you in the future?

I have a lot of books coming out in the future.  The next book in the Nymph Series will be hitting shelves later this year tentatively entitled, Winter Swans.  Also, all of the books in the Nymph Series will be coming out in paperback starting later this year.  (They are slower to release than the e-books and they are more expensive.)  If you like the e-book versions of the books (as many of my fans do) then you may be interested in picking up your paperback copies.  (Let me know if you would be interested in a signed copy—I like to interact with my fans.) After the release of Winter Swans, I’m hoping that there will be at least another two books in the works (I’m writing the outlines now). I’m also thinking about publishing another series in the future.

Paloma—Thank you so much for having me on your blog today!  I appreciate the time you took in helping to make this all possible.

About Danica Winters

Danica Winters is a bestselling author who is known for writing award-winning books that grip readers with their ability to drive emotion through suspense and often a touch of magic. When she’s not working she can be found in the wilds of Montana working on her patience while she tries to understand the allure of various crafts (quilting, pottery and painting are not her thing). She always believe the cup is neither half full nor half empty, but it better be filled with wine.

Other Titles by Danica Winters:
Love Under the Christmas Tree  |  A Christmas Miracle  |  The Vampire’s Hope  |  Curse of the Wolf

CONNECT with Danica:

Website  |  facebook  |  Blog  |  Twitter  | Pinterest  |  Paranormal Romance Fans for Life Blog  |  Goodreads  |  LinkedIn  |  Amazon Author Page  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Kobo  |  ITunes

To the readers—Thank you for stopping by. If you have a question about Montana Mustangs, The Nymph Series, or anything else, please don’t hesitate in leaving a question in the comments box below.  I will be stopping by sporadically to check things out!  Thanks J

I'm A Spankee Doodle Ambassador!

I'm here today to tell you about an upcoming event hosted by some of my author friends... read on, you're going to love this!

For those in the northern hemisphere, summer is here! What better way to celebrate summer vacations than to give (or receive) a sizzling hot spanking? After the rousing success of Love Spanks and Spank or Treat, Anastasia Vitsky and her team of spanking fiction authors have returned to bring you a collective Spankee Doodle Dandy story extravaganza.  It’s love and kisses for adults, and we do mean adults!

Want to become a Spankee Doodle Dandy ambassador like me and earn an extra prize entry? See all the way below for details!

Even better, participation could earn you a GRAND PRIZE!

Kindle Fire or Nook Color (winner’s choice)!

(donated by Bethany’s Woodshed)

$100 gift certificate 

(donated by Blushing Books)

$20 gift certificate to Amazon!

(donated by Stormy Night Publications)

Custom-made Spankee Doodle paddle*! 

(donated by Blondie’s Place)

*Available to US and Canada participants only

Book Bundles from:

Decadent Publishing

LazyDay Publishing

Stormy Night Publications

Pre-publication consultation of a manuscript up to 15K

(donated by Wizards in Publishing)

Many authors will also be offering a contest on their individual blogs.  Your comment on their blogs automatically enters you in both the main contest and the individual contests! 

What’s the catch?  Absolutely nothing!  We love writing for you and want to thank you for your readership.  Perhaps someone might get a spanking or two, but that’s a reward rather than a catch, right?  ;)

Here are the rules:

1. Visit each blog between the Thursday, June 20th and Sunday, June 23rd to read the posted stories and excerpts.
2. Leave a comment answering the story question on each blog.  You will receive one entry per blog for the grand prize drawing.  You will also be automatically entered in that author’s individual contest, if he or she has one.
3. If you have visited all of the blogs, visit Ana’s blog to sign up for FIVE bonus entries to the grand prize.  
   Deadline is midnight EDT (UTC -4) on June 23rd!!
4. If you successfully completed the Love Spanks or Spank or Treat challenge and visited all of the blogs for either challenge, you may add "VIP" to your comments.  You will earn THREE bonus entries toward the grand prize.  (Yes, we will be doing this again.  Yes, if you successfully complete the Spankee Doodle Dandy challenge you can become a VIP for our next activity!)
5. Visit any of the participating blogs on Thursday, June 28th to find out the lucky winners.  Will it be you?

 Like these events? Want to support your friendly spanking fiction authors? Become a Spankee Doodle Ambassador (like Paloma)! In exchange for promoting this event, you will receive one extra prize entry, AND you are still eligible to participate and win prizes! To find out the details, send an email to ana_stasia2007 at yahoo dot com, with the subject line “Spankee Doodle Ambassador”. Follow directions or YOU might get SPANKED.

For more information, updates, and a list of participating authors, please visit: http://governingana.wordpress.com/2013/05/22/announcing-spankee-doodle-2013/

Time to get WET And WILD!

Summer is here and it's time to get WET And WILD!
Authors from around the blogosphere are celebrating the warmer weather by giving away tons of prizes to our followers. Readers who participate have the chance to win books and other fun things for readers. Thanks for being a part of the celebration.

I'm featuring Coming Home, my contemporary romance released in November 2012. Tyra & Ryan get a little wet and a whole lot wild down at the lake in their book, Coming Home. Enjoy an excerpt, leave a comment to be entered in the GRAND PRIZE, and do any of the additional choices in the rafflecopter for more chances to WIN my book.

They were in the middle of the lake – Tyra knew there was a clear view of this dock from most windows of his mother’s house – but she could not stop him. Everything in her warred with her common sense that she needed to gain some self-control. Somehow, somewhere out on this dock, in the water, as they had swum and their bodies lightly stroked against each other, she had lost all sense of decorum. All she wanted right now was this man.

Grabbing on to a shred of control, she placed her hands on Ryan’s chest and tried to push away. “Your mother can most likely see us,” Tyra warned.

“She won’t be upset with you. She’ll blame it on me. You know, testosterone and all that.” He said quickly before pulling her closer against him and kissing her again. His lips were warm from the sun and the touch of his tongue on hers again sent electricity straight to her core. She had to get away from him or she was going to ignite and not have the ability to stop.

ENTER below to WIN a Coming Home ebook.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NOW, get Hopping! 
There are tons and tons of sites with other giveaways and also the grand prizes too. Include your email address in your comment for the GRAND PRIZE! That's how we'll be notifying the winners. YOU MUST make a comment TO WIN. The other entries are for extra prizes.

Crack The Darkest Sky Wide Open

Welcome the authors of a newly released anthology to Romance Beckons. These authors... Eric Arvin, Abigail Roux, TJ Klune, SJD Peterson, S.A. McAuley, and Jason Huffman-Black... have crafted an unconventional bundle of short stories that I can't wait to read. Today, they come to give us advice... well, not actually us but their younger selves. It's great to read. THEN you get the chance to answer the question yourself in the COMMENTS below for a chance to WIN A FREE BOOK!

If you could give your ten-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Eric Arvin:

On the night of February 18, 2003, for god's sake, listen to your inner voice and DO NOT GO TO THAT PARTY!!

SJD Peterson:

Stop competing with and hatin’ on your sister. In a couple of years she’ll make some really bad choices when peer pressure presses down on her and she’ll choose to take drugs. Instead of pointing fingers and turning your back on her, give her a hug. Maybe, just maybe, she won’t feel so alone when she gets older and lose her life because of the choices she made as a teenager.

Abi Roux:

Dammit. It's okay to curse. It's okay to cry. It's okay to show weakness because people can see through to the strength. It's okay to make the choices you're going to make because you'll learn from them. It's okay to be who you are and like what you like. Also, when the doctor says don't play volleyball, don't go and fucking play volleyball the next day, you asshole.

TJ Klune:

Dear 10 year old TJ:

In your near future, you are going to see your first porno magazine that one of your friends found in their Dad's work shed. Keep a few things in mind: It's okay that you are looking at it with a horrified fascination unlike your friends who are all saying things like "Oh man, I'd do stuff to her" (even though they have no idea what "stuff" is).

And secondly, do not, in an effort to just say SOMETHING, tell your friends how pretty you think her nails are when they ask you what you like best about the naked woman. They will look at you very weird. Keep that to yourself for just a little bit longer. Soon, you can let your rainbow flag fly and it will be epic.

Love, Future TJ

Jason Huffman-Black:

Oh boy. This is tough because wow! So many things I would want to tell me. I guess the most simple would be to hold on because things get better. And to write down all those feelings and stories that are in my head. Writing has helped me through so many things. My ten-year-old self was not in a good place so there could be more drastic messages—but I think I’ll stick to those.

S.A. McAuley:

Sit in that maple tree for just a bit longer. Get lost in those books about ancient Egypt and Cleopatra, and curl into that old tattered quilt until Dad has to turn on the buzzing yard light above the garage for you to read those worn pages. Remember the sound of the crinkling, cracking dustcovers, breathe in the scent of well-loved paper and hold it close. You’ll stray from that love for a while, but it will never truly disappear. Leave a piece of yourself there—in that moment, that tree, that freedom—for eternity. It’s who you are. And there will never be anything wrong with that.

CONTEST! What would you say to your ten-year-old self? Leave a comment below and one person will win an ebook of Crack the Darkest Sky Wide Open!!

The anthology Crack the Darkest Sky Wide Open—with unconventional stories from Eric Arvin, Abigail Roux, TJ Klune, SJD Peterson, S.A. McAuley, and Jason Huffman-Black—is available now for pre-sale at crackthedarkestskywideopen.tumblr.com. Mark it as WANT TO READ on goodreads at http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17311411-crack-the-darkest-sky-wide-open.

Blurb: Of humanity there are darker tales. Stories that take some squinting to see through. Unconventional stories. Tales that threaten to break the heart by cruel twists of fate, the dogs of war, or demons that are all too real; whether they be of unrequited love or a karmic slap in the face. Happy endings take a time in coming, and some never arrive. But through all the darkness there is light, a glimmer of hope and wonder…if one has the will to see it

Good Things Come in Threes

Welcome Sam Cheever to Romance Beckons.

Sam writes romantic paranormal/fantasy and mystery/suspense, creating stories that celebrate the joy of love in all its forms. Known for writing great characters, snappy dialogue, and unique and exhilarating stories, Sam is the award-winning author of 40+ books and has been writing for over a decade under several noms de plume.

The Trilogy – Good Things Always come in Threes?

Writers use The rule of three to great effect in our work. This writing principle is based on the concept that things are funnier or more effective in threes. For example, the following excerpt from my book, ‘Tween Heaven and Hell, uses a list of three things to create humor:

When the laser guns and plasma bombs finished smashing a geographic area comprising about 70% of the surface of the Earth into smithereens, something eminently evil used the resulting chaos to slither its way into the world. This evil something hadn’t been seen before by human eyes, but had always been there, in a parallel dimension, watching the show and waiting for its turn to join in the fun. And every once in a while, when Earth’s defenses were particularly low, this something would reach across that barrier and tweak us a little. Which explains things like Hitler, fruitcake and the IRS.

The most successful slogans generally contain three words, they’re simpler to chant and easier to remember. Many fairytales are based on the number three: Three Little Pigs, Three Billy Goats Gruff, Goldilocks and the Three Bears (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_three_(writing) and within these tales the characters must often perform three tasks. (The Christmas Carol’s three ghostly visitations on Christmas Eve is a good example.)

When you take all of this into consideration, it makes sense for writers to break their series’ up into trilogies. All stories have a beginning, a middle, and an end. A trilogy within a larger series allows an author to follow that formula while keeping her characters and storylines fresh and interesting. Readers are less likely to get bored or confused with a storyline provided in three volumes, and the author can explore different avenues, even making fairly extensive changes to the series with the use of different trilogies.

For example, in my Dancin’ With the Devil series, the first three books were written at a sensual heat level and followed the storyline of Astra learning to use her powers and her growing relationship with sexy Prince Dialle of the Royal Devil court on Earth. In the ‘Tween trilogy (‘Tween Heaven and Hell, ‘Tween a Devil and His Hard Place, and ‘Tween Heart’s Fire and Devil’s Delight) a parallel plot line was the movement of Dialle from uber bad boy to possible uniter of the good and bad worlds.

When I moved the series into the Settling trilogy (The Devil You Know, The Devil You Want, and The Devil You Need) I upped the heat level on it considerably and the storyline became more Astra-centric. While the books are still based on Astra saving the world, she’s doing so while dealing with her Settling, a difficult time in Tweeners’ (part angel, part devil) lives, when they must choose either the dark side of their natures or the light. In the course of this change, Astra undergoes massive swings in temper and sexuality, moving back and forth between her devilish side and her more angelic nature. These fluctuations make doing her job extremely difficult and create some fun and interesting situations.

Did this strategy work? I think so. Reader feedback has been strongly positive. If I’d made the change in the middle of an ongoing series sans the trilogy parameters, the results might not have been as positive. But, what the heck, I’ll let you be the judge. #:0) The Devil You Need will release on May 24^th.

Add The Devil You Need to your wish list…

Answer the following question in a comment, for a chance to win The Devil You Need…

What is your favorite thing that comes in threes?

The Devil You Need – May 24^th!

Astra Q. Phelps was stripped of her magic and the experience has understandably changed her life. While she’s no longer a slave to the constant sexual demands of her Settling, she’s now powerless and emotionally bereft.

The uber-sexy Dialle, king of the Royal Devils, is also in trouble. He’s lost his anchor to the light and dark forces are threatening to pull him under.

Through it all, deadly forces battle to keep the two lovers apart, plaguing them with doubts of their future. Is Dialle really the devil she needs? Is Astra the devilish miss he wants? They’ll have to decide if their love is worth the risks…or if they’d be better off letting it slip away.

Praise for other books in the trilogy:

The Devil You Want: "Sam Cheever never ceases to amaze with the stories she weaves. They continue to be intense, very hot and filled with enough twists and turns to keep the reader amazed and intrigued. The ending is electrifying and you know we have not seen the last of this couple. Beautifully done – The Devil You Want by Sam Cheever. I know he is the devil I want." ~ 5 stars from Elise at SensualReads.com

The Devil You Know: "This is one sensual and spirited read. It is the entire cast of colorful characters, both good and bad and the in-between, that make this such an unforgettable story. I loved the tone of this book, while keeping up a fast-paced action it balances the catastrophes with a lightheartedness that kept me chuckling throughout. If you are looking for a steamy paranormal this is it and it proves just why this author has a spot on my must-read list." The Romance Studio

A Quick, Sexy Taste…

The air beside my chair shimmered and a delectable scent tickled my nose. Despite my dire thoughts, the sight of a long, leanly muscled form dressed in tight, black leather pants tucked into high black boots, and a swashbucklingly sexy white shirt made me smile.
As the air stopped shimmering a beautiful pair of clear-blue eyes, rimmed in midnight lashes scoured me with heat. A perfect pair of lips tipped up in the corners and the overhead light silvered the smooth length of thick black hair hanging just past a square, bristled jaw.
Dialle.
“Hello, my love.”
With those simple words, need slammed through me. Breath stalled in my lungs. My thighs tightened and my nipples peaked. “Hey, yourself.”
He leaned close, placing a hand on either side of me. Long, elegant fingers wrapped around the arms of my chair and lowered his lips to mine. As soon as we touched an inferno flared between us, built from the embers of an always-smoldering fire that needed only the merest encouragement to rage unchecked. The soft kiss quickly turned to a frenzied mating of lips. My hands lifted, twined in the heavy silk of his hair, and he reached beneath my thighs to lift me out of the chair.
The heat of his body called to mine, creating an answering lust that coiled hotly in my lower belly. My hands slipped down his throat, reveling in the bristled warmth beneath my questing fingers, and flattened over his smooth, golden chest. I pressed my palms into the hard buds of his nipples, enjoying the soft growl of encouragement my touch incurred.
With a thought, he removed his clothing and mine, leaving only the thinnest wisp of air between our straining flesh. He settled my butt on the edge of my desk and stepped between my splayed thighs, nestling the rigid heat of his thick cock at my entrance.
My sexual core pulsed with anticipation, my belly tightening under the building need. Dialle’s hands slid from my knees up my thighs, and branded my hips with his scalding touch. His mouth slanted over mine, our tongues tangling with desperate need.
I groaned as he bit my lower lip, just hard enough to draw blood, and sucked the coppery essence away. “I need you, my queen. My body craves your touch.”

Stay tuned for more…