A Short Bite With... Tamsin Baker

Today, I'm overjoyed to have another of my Hotter Than Hades buddies joining me for a Short Bite.  This is a series of interviews with members of the Edible Delights Anthology authors!

Hello Imogene,

Thank you so much for hosting me today.

I have been asked the question of how I came up with the story line for 'Hidden Talents,' and that's easy.
But how I came about joining the anthology, now that's a bit more complicated.

Last October I was floating around the RWA facebook page and found myself asking questions about BDSM. Susan Childs crooked her finger and said, 'come this way,' and invited me into the Erotic Writers group.

I was home!

I had, unfortunately missed the setting up of this anthology and didn't understand what people were talking about when it was discussed.

When I finally got the courage up to ask if I could submit, they told me that most the spots were full but I could try for the third edition.Well, I had asked if I could join, but was stuck for ideas. So, while on
facebook, I asked a friend of mine for a food related plot idea. Kate literally wrote-

'How about a story where a chef meets a food critic and doesn't know it's her, because she writes under a pen name, then they have a one night stand and she has to review his restaurant.It goes horribly and it all blows up when he finds out that she's the one who wrote the review.'

Image (Chef Using Digital Tablet) courtesy of Naypong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Thus, I had my story line.

I began writing it and two days later, the organizer posts that she needs a fourth story for submission in the first book, by the following week.

Now, I write fast when I want to, and they didn't know that at the time, so I put my hand up and said I could probably finish a first draft if they were willing to critique for me.

Well, in ten days I had written, critiqued, rewritten and submitted 14,200 words.Not bad and as it was my first attempt at an erotic piece, I was pretty rapt!

I hope you guys enjoy 'Hidden Talents,' and the other three stories contained within the Edible Delights Anthology.

Here's a short excerpt to introduce you to Mark and Amanda.

Excerpt:

“Hi, I’m Mark Dovell.”

He held out his hand and I hesitated for just a moment before reaching out with my own. His hands were big, strong. Much like I assumed the rest of him would be. My inner cavewoman jumped over his shoulder in an effort to speed the process up. She’s not a patient woman.

“I’m Amanda Cleminson. This is my friend Natalie.”

I dragged my gaze reluctantly away from him to indicate to my friend, but I managed. Well done me!

“How did you two lovely ladies come to be invited to this stuffy event?” He indicated their ritzy surroundings and Natalie burst into a round of nervous giggles. Natalie found large, beautiful men intimidating, one of the many reasons she remained single.

“Oh, Amanda works for The Sun, she invited me along.”

I smiled at Mark before turning to glare at my loudmouthed best friend. She knew how I felt about people knowing what I did. She grimaced in apology. I looked back at the hot male in front of us, hoping he wouldn’t push for more information.

“Oh? What do you do at The Sun, Amanda?”

So much for that. I stepped closer to Natalie, pressing into her in a silent plea for her to keep her mouth shut. This wasn’t the moment for her to forget her promise to me. She never meant to cause any harm, but she could be very ditzy sometimes.

“Oh just the layout, computer stuff mostly.”

Mark looked puzzled, his eyebrows furrowing over his amazing light green eyes. He stepped back to look down at my red pointed heels before his eyes slowly made their way up to my short, fitted black dress. Thank heavens I had worn something so flattering.

I flushed, unable to stop the unconscious reaction at the arousal in his eyes.

“Funny, you don’t look like a computer geek.”

Natalie opened her mouth before I could stop her.

“She has a master’s in journalism.”

When I elbowed my loudmouthed best friend this time, she broke into a round of giggles. Natalie knew I didn’t want anyone knowing what I did for a living. But put a beautiful man in front of her and she turns into a typical blonde bimbo.

I shifted my focus back to Mark, the green-eyed god, as he continued to slide his gaze over me. He must be well into his thirties, yet his eyes only held the slightest amount of wrinkles in the corners. Some people age so well.

“Really?” he asked again, one eyebrow rising in question.

I smiled a sexy smile. Time to divert the conversation.

“You’re the head chef and part owner of Le ‘Quin?”

Mark laughed, which made him look even sexier. He threw his head back as he released a proper belly laugh. My mouth dropped open a little as he graced me with the most gorgeous smile I’d ever seen.

“I hoped you wouldn’t know.”

His flirty words rolled off his tongue with practiced ease. I didn’t believe him for one minute. Time to call his bluff, and perhaps attract his attention? I could flirt up a storm when I wanted to, just often didn’t bother. Tonight, I was bothering.

“Yes you did. You play on the fact you’re so talented and successful, I’m sure. But I can pretend if you like.” I batted my eyelashes as obviously as possible, aiming the tone of my voice into the sickly sweet range. “Oh Mark, did you say what you do for a living?”

Again, he burst out laughing, which caused a quiver up my inner thighs. Too much time had passed since I had good sex, actually too long since I had sex full stop. Everything about him screamed ‘I will fuck you good.’ I was listening.

“I’m a chef actually.” He smiled, playing along with the game.

I bit my lip as cutely as possible and watched as his gaze dropped to my mouth. I had a nice mouth, why not throw everything I had at him?

“Oh how horrible, such unsocial hours.”

His eyes lit up again. God they were gorgeous. Who has his sort of colouring?

“They are, I agree. But being a chef has advantages. I could cook you anything your heart desired.”

He licked his lips, which caused my lower belly to pull tight again. Time to do something about this flirting, I’m done playing. There would be no beating around the proverbial bush tonight.

“I’m quite hungry now. The food here is shocking.” I indicated the tables lined with every delicacy you could think of. All top quality. I should know, as I had sampled almost everything before he’d come over.

“Perhaps you could take me home? Cook something for me now?”

I held my breath to see if my very ballsy move worked, having never said such a thing to a man before.

Bio:

I am an Aussie girl who LOVES to read.
I spent the first fifteen years of reading romance looking for the "good" bits.
Then I found erotic romance and pure erotica reading.
Wow did my head space change.
I could now read what I wanted and found I could write a little too.
I'm only beginning this journey but I look froward to putting out los of books in the future and reading even more!
Enjoy and thank you.

Where to catch up with Tamsin Baker:

Website   Amazon     Blog

A Close Encounter With... Khloe Wren

Welcome One!  Welcome All!

Today on my blog we have the irrepressible Khloe Wren.  Khloe is a fellow Hotter Than Hades author, great friend and awesome author.  (Squishes over on the couch to make room.) Sit yourself down and have a drink of champagne. (No cheapskates here, I’m sure it cost at least $5.99 a bottle!)

So without any further fanfare, let’s get into the interview.

Hi Khloe, it’s so great you could join me today.

Happy to be here with you, and thanks for having me Imogene. Hmmm, bubbles…

Briefly in ten words or less, why did you get into writing?

You know me better than to limit this answer to ten words! I'll try…

I've always read a lot, so writing was the natural progression for me.

Well, look at that! Thirteen words, it's pretty close.

Do you prefer coffee, tea or hot chocolate when writing?

(shudder) I can't stand the smell of coffee. If I'm freezing cold I'll have a hot chocolate but caffeine comes in Coke and chocolate for good reason. I'll admit to being addicted to both.

When you wrote Her Guardian Angel, did you have a plan in mind, or did it just roll?

I'd been reading a lot of shifter books and just before I had a major surgery I got the idea for Firefighting Snow Leopard shifters. In the drug haze of my week hospital stay the idea cemented into something more solid. But I still didn't start writing. I was too scared to do it. I ended up confessing my idea to my husband who encouraged me to start writing it.  So, I had a basic concept but most of the storyline came to me as I wrote. I'm totally a 'pantser'. There are two major twists near the end, I didn't know about either one until I was writing them.

Six interesting people, alive, dead or fiction can join you for dinner, who would you invite and why?

Hmmm, only six… That takes out the Black Dagger Brotherhood because I can't have them all.

JR Ward and Sherrilyn Kenyon are two of my favourite authors. I'd probably just pass out or wet myself if I ever met either one, but I would still love to meet them. Sherrilyn does a lot of work in schools to help end bullying.

I'd like to meet many fictional characters. Dinner with Acheron and Simi (Dark Hunter Series) would be well worth the effort I'm sure.

Who else, hmm. The Dalai Lama would be awe inspiring I'm sure (and I could quiz him to help me with my future books - my shifters were originally created by Tibetan Monks).

And to finish off, Pink. The woman rocks. She's quirky, original and freely claims all her actions. She could bring Willow and we could do a play date. My youngest is the same age.

What was the single biggest thing you’ve learned about yourself on the writing journey?

The reason I've never fitting in anywhere was because I was looking in the wrong places! I finally feel like I fit in the world now that I've found writing and other authors who see the world like I do.

What tips would you give emerging writers, to help them along the way?

Join up to writing groups. The support you get from other authors is invaluable.

People will judge and damn you no matter what you do, so do what you love and do it well.

 Favourite book/author and why?

Oh my, just the one? I seriously have so many!  I guess, Unleash The Night, by Sherrilyn Kenyon is right up the top of the list. The hero, Wren, is where my pen name came from. Wren is such a tortured hero, he is a beautiful half breed shifter who has been rejected by so many he feels like he doesn't belong anywhere. Maggie doesn't feel like she fits in her life either. Their story is great, lots of suspense… and sex of course.

Tell us an amazing fact you have learned since you started writing.

I've learned that characters really do come alive and chat away inside your head - at all hours of the day and night. Also, that heros don't like waiting their turn. They try to push you to write their book before their time. Yes Xander, I'm talking to you (his book is due to be the fifth in Fire and Snow series - a fact he repeatedly tells me he doesn't like).

List the five Must Have’s in your mind, every writer should have.

1.       Computer/laptop with an extra screen plugged in. I have my research and character profile document open on one screen, then the actual manuscript open on the other.

2.       Ergonomic keyboard. You have to be comfortable, when in the zone you can end up typing for hours. My wrists don't like doing that without my ergonomic keyboard.

3.       'The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression' by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi. I love this book, it saves my day regularly.

4.       Quiet space to write. I'm still working on this, with two small children I don't get it very often. But I hear it helps a lot! Also having a door that locks from the inside on your office would be helpful. My office is a converted carport that I share with my husband (who works from home) and a play area for our kids. But hey, a girl can dream.

5.       Support. Hopefully your family and friends. I've met some truly wonderful people, like the darling Imogene Nix, in online author groups. The Erotic Writers Australia Face Book group keeps me laughing on a daily basis, and without Angela Castle's assistance I would have stopped writing before I really started when I nearly got taken for a ride by a dubious publisher.

What can we expect to see from you next?

Well, I'm 'coming out' at ARRA 13 in Brisbane in March. It will be my first real life appearance as Khloe Wren. I'm very excited.

I'm also gearing up for the release of my first Novella, 'Sealed with a Honeyed Kiss: Book 1 of the Dragons of Feury'. This will be part of the Edible Delights Anthology Volume One and is due for release on 17 May 13.

My first full length novel is 'Her Guardian Angel: Book 1 of Fire and Snow', I'm currently neck deep in edits with this one, but all is going smoothly for its 1 June 13 debut.

Khloe is also the author of Fireworks (buy link & cover image)

http://amzn.to/VSFlvt

Excerpt:

"So this is what you run away to do each New Year’s Eve."

Kosta's deep, heavily accented voice vibrated through her. Heating her up… just as it always had.

"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the party?" Louise cursed under her breath as she heard the huskiness of her voice. She didn't want this Greek God of a man to know how she felt. She didn't want to lose his friendship. He was too important.

"I wanted to see you, Louise. Only you... not all our friends."

Every ounce of moisture in her mouth dried up at his words. Was he saying he wanted her? The heat from his body was making it hard to think. She licked her now dry lips before she spoke.

"Why would you want to be alone with me? I don't understand."

"I wanted to be alone with you so I could start off this year the way I intend to continue throughout the year."

Kosta's words didn't help ease her confusion. Her brain was still short circuiting from the heat of his touch. She needed him to be specific, too afraid to assume anything.

"How is that?"

"Just. Like. This..."

Kosta turned her to face him, embracing her in his strong arms. With only a scrap of material between her breasts and his muscular pecs, her nipples hardened instantly and she couldn't help but groan as they came into contact with his heated flesh. Kosta took advantage of her mouth being slightly open.

He didn't just kiss her, he devoured her. He pulled back from her just as the fireworks lit up the night sky… exactly like they'd lit up her body and soul moments ago.

"...alone, with you in my arms."

Louise rested her head against his chest and sighed into him. There was no doubt about what he wanted.

"I-I can't lose you, Kosta. If you're not serious, if you only want some fun... we can't do this."

His strong fingers gently lifted her head and she found herself mesmerised by his eyes, green as the sea, as she sank into their depths. The world around them faded away.

"I want you, Louise, for more than just fun. I'm dead serious about wanting to start each day with you in my arms."

Louise wriggled her arms free from where they were trapped against his chest and wrapped them around his waist, pulling his body flush against hers. His hard arousal pressed against her bare stomach, the thin layer of his board shorts offered next to no protection. His hot length burned against her.

"I've wanted you for so long. Never in a million years did I think you'd ever want me."

She winced at her too honest confession; before she could try to take it back he spoke.

"Of course I want you. What sane man wouldn't? You're beautiful inside and out. Why didn't you say something sooner? I’ve seen you watching me. But you hide your thoughts well. I didn’t think you wanted more than friendship from me."

"I wanted you in my life, Kosta. If I had to settle for friendship to do it, then that was okay. As long as you were near me."

Among her slated releases are:

Her Guardian Angel: Book 1 Fire and Snow – Releasing with Rogue Phoenix Press - due1 June 2013

Sealed with a Honeyed Kiss: Book 1 Dragons of Feury – Releasing with Secret Cravings Publishing – Part of the Edible Delights Anthology Vol 1 due 17 May 2013

Bio:

Khloe Wren started writing her first novel in high school, until it mysteriously disappeared from the family computer (her older brother was the lead suspect but nothing was ever proved). She didn't put pen to paper again after that for a number of years but she did keep reading. Khloe has always loved all things paranormal: sexy vampires and sultry shifters have always been her favourites. So when she picked up writing again, it seemed only natural to write paranormal romance.
Khloe lives in country South Australia with her incredibly patient husband and two daughters. When she's not sitting at her laptop writing, she's spending time with family or friends, kicking butt at karate or feeding her addictions of reading, eating chocolate and drinking Coke.
Khloe loves to hear from her fans, you can find her at:

www.facebook.com/authorkhloewren

www.twitter.com/AuthorKhloeWren

www.khloewren.com

www.hotauthors.blogspot.com.au

Thank you so much to Khloe for joining us today. 

Anytime Imogene, thanks for having me. How about we run a giveaway?

Okay then, to one random poster, we are giving away a PDF copy of Fireworks.  So remember to add your email address so I can hunt you down!  Competition closes  8am Wednesday 13th, 2013 (Queensland Time)

Imogene

More News...

Okay, I've been sitting on some of the news for some time...

I was nominated for (local) Senior Cultural Australian of the Year - alas I didn't win...but my contribution to the Australian Romance Writers (and particularly the erotic girls) has been acknowledged.  What a huge step in the right direction, especially for an Erotic Romance Author.

So when I step onto the cruise ship on Saturday morning, I'm going to wear that knowledge with pride :)

In other news... 

There is always so much happening!  For those attending ARRC2013, remember to pop along and find me in the signing.  I will have giveaways!  Yummy stuff...

• Excerpt booklets
• Sleep masks

I'm also hoping to have some magnets, if I can get around to organising them quickly enough. (lol!)

Oh now for a fun links...

My friend Georgiana Louis has her website live... pop along and have a look.

Also my friend Khloe Wren :)


Both are Hotter Than Hades Authors and superb writers.

And that's it for me until February - I'm going on a much needed holiday - Cruising around the Pacific.  Once I get back, I'll even upload some photos.

Catch you all later.

Imogene

Merry Christmas

I'm about to log out for the night and it occurs to me I should share some good wishes.

So, here's hoping your Christmas is happy and safe.

And to 2013.  I hope it is filled with all the wonders, excitement and great opportunities that you look forward to.

Imogene

I'm back...again!

Life gets in the way of the blog process sometimes :) In my case, I've been working feverishly on The Blood Bride. During the RWA Conference I pitched it to an agent and big "P" publisher. So, it's been a mad scramble to get it tidied up for submission.

5 weeks and some hard editing later, it's finally off for proofing before I get it back to send through to those I promised to submit to.

So what have I been doing in the meantime?

Well lots of typing. That's the first thing. (Boy did I have sore hands by the time I finished.) But I got to move away from my writing over the weekend.

Planted tomatoes, lettuce and onions in the garden that had been lying fallow for over 12 months. Weeded out an old bed and carted all sorts of yummy healthy manure etc into beds, even raked out the chook pen. Was there ever some great fertilizer in there. Well aged too so it went straight into the beds we were working on. Hopefully I will be able to plant them in the next couple of weeks.

Can't take my magical ride-on out yet, as the grass hasn't grown. No rain to speak of this winter and it's scary because everything is dead. :( The snakes are also out in huge numbers already. Driving to Bundaberg last week we passed a big black one on the road. (It's big. It's black. It's getting around. That's all I need to know...)

I have done some other things too. Visiting the Galaxy Express with the lovely Heather Massey and there is a short 500 word challenge over on Hotter Than Hades.

So, I know I haven't posted here lately, but honestly, I've been good and working!! Anyway, back to work today. The synopsis won't write itself. Sigh :)

Until next time.

Imogene

Typing image by freeimageslive.co.uk - stockmedia.cc

I'm back!

Utterly exhausted...but really pleased that I made the effort. Some big things happened while away... yet, at this point I can't tell you. :) Awww that was mean, wasn't it? But keep an eye out on my publishers page (on the website) for more news.

So I met up with the girls from Hotter Than Hades author blog.


See! We had such a great time.

So what did I do? LOTS!I dragged my husband all over Palazzo Versace. He was a great sport as we tromped through rooms and suites. It started with champagne and a limo ride and ended up with high tea!


I attended workshops and listened to the Keynote Speech by Eloisa James which was really inspiring.

Then we had the Fancy Dress night. I was supposed to be Bette Davis but I think I ended up looking like a biker chick.

Now I'm back and ready to write. Oh and don't forget to check out our Hotter Than Hades blog!