In the Spotlight Feature: me!

The tour is winding down, with only three more stops! Well, the official tour, anyway. I'll still be visiting here and there. :)

Today I'm featured at The Virtual Book Tour Cafe! Hope you'll pop over, grab a latte and browse a bit.

More tour stops

The tour carries on!

In case you missed the live interview last night on BlogTalk Radio with BK Walker, you can listen to the archived session here. It's preceded by a wonderful oldie, When a Man Loves a Woman, but does eventually play. :)

Today I'm visiting with wonderful Rachel Brimble - come on over!

Tomorrow, I'll be at Lisa Hazelton's Reviews and Interviews blog. I hope you'll join me there!

It's also release day for my short contemporary story, Winning. Tomorrow I'll post more info on that, including a link to the live chat at Eternal Press.

I hope all my American friends had a wonderful Fourth of July! Here's a little holiday treat for you from Bruce, my Jersey boy.



And a little Jimi to spice it up. Who needs fireworks when we have him? Happy Fourth!

Visiting Star-Crossed Romance

The virtual book tour continues! Today Star-Crossed Romance is generously hosting me. I hope you'll pop over and say hello, in between burgers and fireworks. :) Have a wonderful Memorial Day!

The informal poll asking which genre people liked best to read closed as of midnight. Out of the 36 votes, here's how it stacked up:
Paranormal 11 (30%)
Mystery/Suspense 6 (16%)
Contemporary 6 (16%)
Urban Fantasy 4 (11%)
Historical 3 (8%)
Fantasy 3 (8%)
Speculative/Futuristic 1 (2%)
SciFi 1 (2%)
Vintage (1900s) 1 (2%)
Westerns 0 (0%)

My virtual book tour kicks off today!

It actually started a day early, much to my surprise, but I hope you'll pop over to Lillian and Dave's Conscious Blog to learn why I'm great at dancing with the muse at the party, but not so great at cleanup afterward.



I'm away at a family event this weekend, so I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day holiday! I will have the wonderful and talented Chérie De Sues here as a guest this weekend so please make her feel welcome.

In the Author Spotlight: Omegia Keeys

Cate: Please welcome Omegia Keeys. Omegia, will you please share a short bio with us?
Omegia: Omegia Keeys debuted as an Erotic Author in 2007 with Passionate Playmates (republished in 2010) whose follow up was Seduction.com in 2009. She has been featured on Allure Radio, Street Vibes Mix Radio, and in Indy Blackout Magazine. She is currently on the Domestic Seduction Book Tour and working on a Young Adult novel and Fantasy Girlz, another installment of Erotica.

Cate: Tell us about your latest release and where it's available.
Omegia: Can You Keep a Secret is available from Passionate Writer Publishing.

Cate: Please tantalize us with a story blurb or excerpt.
Omegia: Monica has it all, a handsome entrepreneur for a husband, two adorable children, a big house in the suburbs, and a career as the Human Resources Manager at one of the largest insurance firms. Even in a tough economy, Monica lives the American dream. Then, one day, she comes home early from a business trip and finds out her husband is sleeping with another woman. After years of standing in her husband’s shadow, Monica uses his betrayal to jumpstart the life she always yearned for. In the hunt to find herself, Monica starts dating men on adult dating websites and working as an online cam girl. The excitement and allure of her new-found freedom has her living a double life. She is a career woman by day and vixen in her nightlife. Will Monica be able to keep her secret? Or, will her two worlds collide to bring her secret to life?

Cate: What inspired you to write about the theme?
Omegia: I was inspired to write Can You Keep a Secret because I what actually would drive a sort of sheltered person to dive into the adult industry. I wanted to show another side, not someone who was a professional at it like my other main character Erika.

Cate: How do you develop your plots and characters?
Omegia: For this one I actually came up with my plot from some of my bad experiences online. They weren't as extreme but I have met some pretty different characters out there. Monica is your every day loving wife and nurturing mother, until she has the blinders removed.

Cate: Do you feel as if the characters live with you as you write? Do they haunt your dreams?
Omegia: My characters become me. I dream about them and start talking about them to other people like they really exist. On a road trip back from Arkansas, I actually had to pull over and make my teenager drive for a little while so I could get a scene out of my head and on to paper.

Cate: What's next for you?
Omegia: Well I will be down in Texas this weekend and the National Black Book Festival and continuing my Domestic Seduction Book Tour. I am also finishing up a Young Adult novel and bringing my main character, Erika, back with Fantasy Girlz.

Cate: Any other published works?
Omegia: Passionate Playmates and Seduction.com

Cate: Describe your writing in three words.
Omegia: Hot and Spicy

Cate: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Most rewarding?
Omegia: Editing. By the time I go back over my work a hundred times I darn near want to toss it in the trash because I am sick of seeing it but then I just set it to the side for a while. The most rewarding is when people come back and tell me they read it with their significant other.

Cate: What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?
Omegia: Do I use any of the adult toys mentioned and can I teach them some moves.

Cate: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
Omegia: Coldest Winter Ever by Sista Soulja, anything by Zane and Noir, and I love most of John Grissom and Stephen King books. Oh yeah who ever the lady was that wrote Clan of the Cave Bear. I was hooked on that book back in high school. I currently just finished reading Changing the Rules by Sindee Lynn and I took a sneak at Jo Davis' Carrying On while we were at the Arkansas Lit Fest (don't kill me Jo). Both authors are under the same publisher as me.

Cate: Where can you be found on the web?
Omegia: www.omegiakeeys.com
http://www.passionatewriterpublishing.com
www.domesticseduction.webs.com

Cate: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Omegia: Free your mind and explore all types of novels…you never know, you might just like it.

Cate: Readers, Omegia is giving away a book to a random commenter at the end of her tour... so start commenting. Omegia will draw the winner’s name, notify the winner and post the winner’s name here.
Thanks for being my guest, Omegia. Best of luck to you.

In the Author Spotlight: Aurora Lightbourne

Cate: Please welcome Aurora Lightbourne. Aurora, will you please share a short bio with us?
Aurora: Hi, thanks for having me here, Cate!
I am a Sci-Fi/Fantasy writer, creator of the Space Trippers series. I currently live in the Midwest with my Husband and our furry children. I have been writing stories since I first learned how to hold a pencil, most of them being fantasy or Sci-Fi/ Fantasy mixes.

Cate: Tell us about Space Trippers Book 3 and where it's available.
Aurora: This year we released Space Trippers Book 3: A Frosty Farewell. This is the third book in the Space Trippers adventure series.
In book 3 the ship is in need of water, so, using the map Valesque found on Capecea, the crew sets off to icy Glidz, the nearest water trade planet. Meanwhile, Valesque has unlocked some disturbing secret files on one of the upper crewmen. Long hidden secrets that could change the entire life of one person onboard.
With their record in the area so far, will our heroes be able to get the water they need from the temperamental Water Princess?
And if they do, will they be going home with one less crewmate?
Book 3 has been released to Ebook, it will be coming to paperback later this year. The first 2 books in the series are currently available as a single volume paperback through any book store in town or online, as well as in ebook form.
For instance they are all available at places like Barnes & Noble.


Cate: Please tantalize us with a story blurb or excerpt.
Aurora: I'd love to, this is from Space Trippers Book 3: A Frosty Farewell, Chapter Five: What Price Water? We get to see a little different side to Tim in this book, a glimmer of a serious side.
Merena slowly surfaced from the thick stone upon being discovered. Easing into the room, she continued to stand apart from the group, casually watching the goings on with hidden gratification.
Valesque gazed at her suspiciously. "Where have you been all this time?" she inquired.
"I went to find help." the green girl returned blandly, with an open, guileless expression.
Lola found this statement quite intriguing. "That's funny. You must have really good eyesight." she observed with a genuine spark of interest in her high-pitched voice. "You left for help a good five minutes before the officers arrived. That is amazing." she remarked appreciatively. Lola wished she had such extraordinary ways to sense trouble and look for help before things even happened.
"I don't know what you are talking about. I was there the whole time." Merena defended.
"You were?” the confused android scratched her puffy blue hair as she thought back. "That is strange, because as soon as Valesque and Sanic disappeared into the spring, I turned to see if you wanted to play a game while we waited...but you were not there." she sulked, remembering how she spent the rest of the time wandering the area looking for the missing alien until the guards came to arrest her.
Before anyone could comment on this captivating account, Tim interrupted.
"What? You guys went swimming in the Princess' miracle spring?" he exclaimed to Merena's delight.
Smiling happily, she waited for the reprimand to come. Surely, after this he would no longer be friends with the trade breaking Engineer.
"Honestly, I expected more from you, Gorgeous." he shook his head sadly. "And especially from you Sanic. Next time you are going to have to do better than just a dip in the public fountain. I mean, come on. Where is your imagination? That is child's play. You won't get any points for something that dull. Why did you even bother getting arrested?” the impetuous Pilot admonished in all sincerity.
Merena's hopeful countenance fell, what did it take to get him to dislike that Virrilian?
"It was not like we planned on getting arrested. We thought Merena and Lola were going to stand watch." Valesque grumbled.
"Well... it is a good thing I told them not to believe anything the pink haired one said. Because that little escapade would not have looked at all impressive on your record. So, let's get you guys out of there, and maybe you can do better next time." he consoled them auspiciously.
"Just like that? You mean that is all they...I mean we can get them out so soon?" Merena questioned in disbelief.
"Yep, thankfully the little Princess’s guards are very easily persuaded." Tim smiled. "She is not going to press any charges, and I doubt Fazar will be mentioning anything." he said with a side-glance at the short man beside him, for a silent confirmation. "So I think your record is still crystal clear, Sanic."
“An excessive zeal for adventure is secret of stay young.” Fazar remarked in veiled agreement.
"Right, she must be very fond of you." Valesque acknowledged dryly, while habitually ignoring the Commander's inserted axiom. "So how are you doing at getting us water?"
"Close, getting close." the inexperienced negotiator replied. "It is a little difficult since there is nothing to barter with. But if I work on it just a little longer I am sure I can get the water, so you can be on your way." he assured them confidently.
"Our way?" Sanic echoed, not liking his phrasing. "It doesn't sound like you intend to go with us." he noted unhappily.
"No it doesn't." the Virrilian agreed crossing her arms and giving the Pilot a probing look.
Tim shrugged. "Well...actually Princess Allyci has asked me to stay...and I am seriously considering her offer." he admitted openly with a straightforward nod at Valesque, as if she should know the reason why.
"Well, that would explain your outfit." she retorted with a disgusted sneer on her blood red lips.
It had instantly struck her, when she first turned and saw him standing outside the cell, that the Pilot was no longer wearing his customary grey flight suit but was instead dressed in regal blue. From his loose, half-buttoned shirt to his straight, slim fit slacks and silver buckled loafers, he was completely clad in blue. She was going to mention his new wardrobe earlier but she figured she was not one to talk, seeing as she was sporting a castle motif sweater and pant suit of her own.
"Yeah, do you like it?" he smiled, turning around so they could get a good look. "This is the official garb for a Royal Prince." he intoned proudly. "And see this?" he asked as he gently lifted the small teardrop gem that hung from the thin silver necklace he wore. "This is a crystallized water drop, it is a part of the water Princess' crown."
The unusual blue jewel sparkled and swirled with a life of its own as he lifted it off his chest to show them.
"It is the outward symbol of my new position...or what would be my position if I stay." he corrected, the seeming joy of his new found prestige fading from his voice as he looked down at the encircling chain.
“Uneasy lie the head that wear the crown.” the Commander beside him intoned with an absent air as if he meant it in no particular way.
Noting some apprehension in his tone, Sanic was tempted to ask, "Are you sure you want to stay?"
"Yes, are you really going to give up everything for her?" Merena jealously inquired as she slid through the dense metal bars and snuggled up to his side enticingly. "The townspeople say she is very spoiled."
"She also has some kind of strange power over the spring." Sanic added earnestly. "When Valesque and I went down to investigate we saw the huge stone lid moving by some unseen force. And the villagers all claim the Princess has control over the spring due to her willfulness, but if another girl comes along with a stronger influence, Allyci will be unseated and then where will you be?" he logicized.
"And she is not very nice either." Lola blurted, remembering how Amea had complained about her treatment after being usurped by Allyci.
Tim shook his head refusing to listen. "I don't want to hear any of this. I just came down here to get you out. So just leave the trading to me, and go back and wait for awhile." he snapped pettishly as he swung open the cell door and motioned for them to leave.
The Pilot opened the outer gate as well, leading them back down the hall to the castle's lower level exit.
As they approached the outermost door, Sanic caught up to the unusually silent Lieutenant.
"Um...I do not mean to tell you what to do, Sir." he started boldly, addressing his friend with the proper respect due his rank for the first time since they met. "But...you do realize that if you stay here, there will be no way for you to return home, ever.” the Etherian emphasized with concern.
Glancing back at the younger man with an amused half-smile Tim remarked simply. "That would be to your advantage then, wouldn't it? Actually you should be glad I am staying." he reminded. "Speaking of which, you two seem to be getting closer...you are even wearing twinkie outfits now." the ill-humored Pilot observed.
Sanic flushed slightly at the mention of this, not wanting to go into all of the circumstances behind that event. Unable to think of another argument to dissuade the Pilot from his decision, the troubled Operations Commander left the building, wondering why Tim would all of a sudden want to be left behind.
The Princess was cute, but she could not hold that much attraction.
When the rest of the group passed by, Tim waylaid the Engineer for a brief, private talk.
"You are pretty quiet about everything, Gorgeous." he commented in a strangely passive voice. "I figured you would have the most to say. Possibly even be glad that I am going to be out of your hair from now on." he laughed ineffectively, the morose air permeating his attempt at cheerfulness.
"Why should I care what you do?" she sniffed curtly, not appreciating the insinuation that his choice was somehow her fault.
Tim paused with a hurt look showing in his clear blue eyes.
"That's glacial, Gorgeous." he finally replied, completely subdued. "...I am afraid I have been thinking." he continued with a down turned face.
"Well, that is a shocker." Valesque returned with nervous sarcasm, uncomfortable in the atmosphere surrounding this 'serious' talk.
The Pilot glanced up at her through the lock of blonde hair that fell over his right eye, a faint, understanding smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"If all the things you said are true, then maybe this is the best place for me. Somewhere far away, with no opportunity to return and fall back under Gorbok's control, right?" he said. Then an amused smile spread over his face as he raised his head and raked back the hair from his eyes, yet not with the same roguish effect that move usually had. "Besides, how can I miss the chance to be a handsome Prince?" he winked, seeming to snap back to his usual self.
Except...he was not happy, he was not cheerful, he was not flirty. It was horrible.
He had that constant wretched look of despair showing in his eyes, no matter how upbeat he tried to act about his intent to stay. An almost pleading look, as if he wanted her to say something to stop him.
Valesque made herself look away, she did not want to feel sorry for him again. Getting rid of him would be the best thing for her. “...your decisions are really none of my concern." was all she could manage to say as she waved him off, pushing past him to follow the others out of the subterraneous corridor.

Cate: Very cool. What inspired you to write about the theme?
Aurora: I did not start out with the intention of writing a Sci-Fi book, nor with the intent of starting a series. But when the characters came to me and got fleshed out, this was the story they were involved in, and this was the world they came from, and their story is longer than one or two books so I am writing a series.

Cate: How do you develop your plots and characters?
Aurora: It usually starts with a character. One will pop into my head, usually attached to a phrase or comment I overhear, or an experience or idea that surfaced. Once I start getting to know the character, what they look like, how they dress, what they like, what they do for a job, I learn what kind of place they live in, space, another world, a tree, steampunk Victorian times etc, and the story just unfolds from there.

Cate: Do you feel as if the characters live with you as you write? Do they haunt your dreams?
Aurora: Sometimes yes. There are times when I will dream of them and have to write down a good conversation or observation to include in the book. There are also times when they nag me, like Valesque, if it has been a while since I wrote and the last thing I wrote left her in a room with Tim she will start to prick me.
“Look,” she'll say, “could you please at least finish this scene? If I have to be stuck here with him for much longer...someone will have to die.” she seethes, with a pointed scowl at the obnoxious Pilot behind her.

Cate: What's next for you?
Aurora: This year I am working on Space Trippers Book 4: Will Work For Parts, as well as two unrelated standalone books.

Cate: Any other published works?
Aurora: Right now I just have the first 3 Space Trippers books out, but I am working on other stories as well.

Cate: Describe your writing in three words.
Aurora: Fun, entertaining, funny.

Cate: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Most rewarding?
Aurora: Getting what you see in your head translated into text and put on paper and doing it justice is the hardest part. To me, it is rewarding to get a project finished and be able to share my story with others.

Cate: What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?
Aurora: Most of the comments I get are along the lines of 'I usually don't like that kind of book (Sci-Fi) but I couldn't put it down, I just had to see what happened next!' I get comments like that a lot, most people seem leery of Sci-Fi, but once they try Space Trippers they find out it doesn't hurt.

Cate: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
Aurora: My two favorite authors are Jane Austen and Douglas Adams. Both had fairly casual styles, and a lot of wit and humor.
I am currently between books, I have a couple I am looking at that I may try, but I need to get some writing done first.

Cate: Where can you be found on the web?
Aurora: I am on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and Linkedin. You can contact me and get the links through my website: http://alightbourne.netau.net/
You can also read more about Space Trippers and the characters, get my Online Book Tour Schedule and join in my game from links on my website.

Cate: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Aurora: Would you like to play a game with me?
You can be in a drawing for a $25 Visa Gift Card by playing a crossword with me during my Online Book Tour! You can get the details here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=114666428547534

Cate: Readers, Aurora is giving away an autographed book and a custom 'character' book-thong to a random commenter at the end of her tour... so start commenting. Aurora will draw the winner’s name June 14th, notify the winner and post the winner’s name on her website.

In the Author Spotlight: Marian Thomas

Today, Marian Thomas is in the Author Spotlight. Marian, please share a short bio with us.
Marian: Originally I am from the windy city, Chicago but I currently reside in Atlanta with my husband and our spoiled but playful dog, Winston, whom I like to affectionately, refers to as “big-boned.”
Website: http://www.marianlthomas.com

Cate: Tell us about Color Me Jazzmyne and where it’s available.
Marian: Child abuse, rape, dealing with your inner child, divorce, love, good friendships and those that aren't, struggling to live, finding your voice and finding yourself are just some of the things that women go through at least once in their lifetime. In this tale, Naya Mona takes readers on a journey through her crayon box of life. She shows us what her true colors are as she recounts her life to her son whom she hasn't seen since birth. How do you tell your son that your father is his? The spiral of events that fill Naya's life provides an intimate look at the drama, romance and struggles that become her voice. On stage, she must become Jazzmyne-the jazz singer with a flair of Rhythm and a dash of Blues. Naya takes you on a rollercoaster ride that is filled with such melodious tones that I hope all who read it will make a true reader connection. It is available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com and the audio book is available on Audible.com.

Cate: Please tantalize us with a story blub or excerpt.
Marian: Here's an excerpt: "My past however, is something quite different. It still haunts me, slaps me in the face and dares me to face the reality of today. Every day, it seems, I am forced to remember what color is Jazzmyne. Once upon a time the color of snow ran through me. It ran so deep that it blended with my insides, messed with my emotions and played with the deepest corners of my heart.
How can life do that to a woman? As I look into the mirror, I can quickly see the colors that answer that question.
Upon the walls of my office are newspapers encased in gold frames. I glance at the writings, the ink still trying to hold on to the paper. So many years have passed. They all told a story. Each one represented a version of some reporter's dream. Some wrote that I become everything from simply nothing. Others wrote that my voice awakens them and breathes life into the deepest corner of their being. I wish it did the same for me. I could use an awakening."

Cate: What inspired you to write about the theme?
Marian: In my life I have gone through many colors of Naya Mona-displayed within the book; I honestly feel that most women have at some point. While it isn’t a story about me, there are moments when I look back at the story and think “wow” that was me in some aspect.

Cate: How did you develop your plot and characters?
Marian: I think the character Naya Mona has always been in my head, the additional characters are more of a reflection of the “people” that come in and out of our lives that try to color us into what they want us to become. I developed the plot around this concept.

Cate: Did you feel as if the characters lived with you as you wrote?
Marian: They did, in a sense. It was necessary. To me, readers must be able to make a reader connection with your characters, so aspects of the characters lives need to have a flair of reality in them. I hope that I was able to accomplish this.

Cate: What’s next for you?
Marian: For the near future: On April 13, 2010 I am conducting an online “blast” day for my book Color Me Jazzmyne. Ten amazing companies have contributed a bonus gift that will be given away to everyone who makes a purchase on that day and we are also having a “15 hr Amazing Grab Bag” where (1) winner will be selected every hour from all who have made a purchase. Bestselling authors, radio talk show hosts and others have contributed some amazing prizes for this. However, the Bigger purpose of this day is to give 15% of the proceeds from all purchases of the book made via Amazon.com to The Georgia Center for Child Advocacy. They are committed to helping children who have become a victim of sexual or physical abuse heal. Website for Blast Day: http://www.thecolormejazzmyneblastdaypromotion.com

As far as writing is concerned: I am working on my next title My Father’s Colors, I hope to have it completed and published by the end of the year-it’s a goal that I’m trying to stick to.

Cate: How would you describe your writing in three words?
Marian: Emotional, drama, realistic.

Cate: Thanks for being my guest, Marian. Best of luck.

In the Author Spotlight: Nedyne Shorts-Nettles

Cate: Please welcome Nedyne Shorts-Nettles to the Author Spotlight. Nedyne, what age group is your work geared toward?
Nedyne: Since this book has adult subject matter, I would gear it towards 18 years of age and up.

Cate: Into which genre would you say your work falls and why?
Nedyne: Poison Reality: a symphony of bittersweet is a fictional suspense melodrama. The story has a protagonist who is a detective named Bill Edwards, there are many unforeseen dangers that keep the reader on the edge of his /her seat. This novel follows the “formula” for being in the suspense category. It has ”state of confusion,” “realization,” a “main event” and “climax” before the ending.

Cate: Tell us a little about your book.
Nedyne: It is a potent tale of failings and ultimate redemption that frame our collective existence, displaying for the reader both how vulnerable and strong we can all be when confronting the mercurial challenges of life. With strong, believable characters and intriguing storylines, Poison Reality is a fast-paced, solid human interest story, one that leaves you with such an indelible impression with the turning of the final page.

Cate: Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
Nedyne: The Ned character is one of the central hubs of my novel moving from woman to woman is someone we see time and time again. He is a man who is nice looking and slides under the radar as a closet sociopath when he has alcohol. Women just wanted him as an arm piece. They didn’t take time to find out much about him. They are just tired of being alone and threw all caution to the wind when it came to him. This character is so cunning that I really had fun writing him.

Cate: What other writers would you say have influenced your work and why? What are some of your favorite books in the genre?
Nedyne: I wanted to see a fresh story something that relates to our everyday lives I love books written by Tom Wolfe. One in particular, the bonfire of the vanities. Another great book Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMIllan and Tara Road by Maeve Binchy. Each of these authors paid attention to realism and wrote a very action oriented book that took the imagination to the same heights as an epic movie.

Cate: What is your writing process like? Do you do a lot of background research? Do you plot every detail or do you prefer the characters to move the story in new directions, or a combination of both? Do you belong to a critique group and do you find this helpful?
Nedyne: I am a new author and utilize the process of Brainstorming and Freestyle. Brainstorming is when an idea is kicked around and opinions are sought in order to maintain realism. Freestyling is playing with a theme and just letting it evolve naturally. A lot of the background was developed from my personal encounters with people, venues and situations. I do not belong to a critique group and will probably pursue one when writing my next book.

Cate: Do you have any advice for young or beginning writers?
Nedyne: My advice would be active participation. Just because you wrote the book doesn't mean it will sell no matter haow good you think it is. Play an active role in marketing.

Cate: Great advice. Where can readers find you on the web?
Nedyne: http://nedyne.webs.com
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8082635-poison-reality
http://nedyne.blogspot.com/
http://morganmandelbooks.ning.com/profile/nedyne http://joconquerobstacles.com/2010/05/02/calling-all-readers-%E2%80%93-recommended-books-to-add-to-your-shelf-3/

Cate: Thanks so much for being in the Author Spotlight today. Best of luck to you!

In the Author Spotlight: David Fingerman

Cate: Please welcome David Fingerman. David, will you please share a short bio with us?
David: Hi Cate. First, thank you for allowing me to take up space on your blog. I really appreciate all you're doing to help authors.
I live in Minneapolis and used to work in the court system. After twenty plus years of service I walked away. I've been writing (with publishing in mind) for about fifteen years, turning it from a hobby to a profession about four years ago.

Cate: Congrats on making the leap and following your bliss! Tell us about your latest release and where it's available.
David: At this moment my only release is 'Edging Past Reality' which is a book of speculative fiction short stories. If you go to www.davidfingerman.com and click on the book cover, it'll take you right to the site at Amazon.com. It's also available at B&N.com, Borders.com and most of the other online bookstores, plus a few independent bookstores in and around Minneapolis. I'm expecting my suspense/thriller novel, "Silent Kill" to come out within the next month or so. It's about a Minneapolis cop whose friend and fellow officer is missing. As soon as I get any new information regarding a publication date, I'll be posting that on my website.

Cate: Please tantalize us with a story blurb or excerpt.
David: I'd be delighted. This excerpt is from "Silent Kill." Just to set it up, psychiatrist Leonard Hout has been kidnapped and he has absolutely no idea as to why. Each arm, leg, and his torso is strapped on a board so he can't move.

The voice felt like ice on Leonard’s skin. Heavy footsteps on creaking stairs approached.
“I’ve got money. Please let me go,” the doctor pleaded.
“Particularly nasty, this one,” the voice said. He tapped the board with the toe of his boot. “Back at the zoo we called it ‘the surfboard.’”
The voice spoke soft, deep and menacing, like tightly controlled anger looking for an escape. There was no mistaking it for the insane cop.
“The keepers used to torture us with it. Its genius is its simplicity, don’t you think? I made this one in less than an hour.”
The giant bent over at the waist and smiled down as Leonard tried not to whimper.
“They tried to break me on it, but they never did. You would be easy to break.”
“Oh God,” Leonard whispered. He closed his eyes, and for the first time since appearing before the three-member panel for his board certification, the doctor prayed.
“I could have killed you. I considered it. I still might. You do what I want, and just maybe I’ll do what you want. Just maybe I might let you go. We’ll have to see how good of a boy you are.”
“What do you want?” Deep inside Leonard knew the lie for what it was. Logic told him that the man had no intention of ever letting him go. Leonard had seen it in his face. Maybe he could out think him. “I’d be more apt to do what you wanted if we could speak face-to-face like civilized human beings.”
The big man’s knees cracked as he squatted down, and then laid forward until his face rested on the board, his nose almost touching Leonard’s. The smell of chewing tobacco made Leonard gag. Seeing the brown juice dripping off the man's lips made Leonard struggle not to vomit.
“Apt? You’d be apt?” The man stretched over and licked a tear off of Leonard’s cheek. A wad of tobacco drooled out of his mouth and onto the doctor’s face, rolling into his ear. “Is this face-to-face more to your liking?”
“It means that I’ll be more cooperative, more willing to help . . .”
“I know what it means!” The man boosted himself onto his knees and slapped Hout on the ear. “Don’t talk to me like I’m stupid!”
With Leonard firmly planted on the board, his body had no give. The smack echoed in his head, pain reverberating to his teeth.
“Just for that, I’ll have to think up some games for us to play while you’re still my guest. You’ll cooperate no matter what! I’ll let you ‘apt’ on that for a while.”
As the footsteps faded, Hout fought desperately against the restraints, but all he accomplished was a deeper bite of leather into his skin.
Psychiatry deserted him. “Anything you want!” he shouted after the footsteps. “Anything!”
“We’ll see.” The voice sounded so calm it almost floated to him.
He heard a click and the lights went out.

Cate: Chilling! What inspired you to write about the theme?
David: It had to have been all those years in the courtroom. I definitely got to see the darker side of humanity. As scary as it sometimes was, I always found the human condition fascinating – both good and evil.

Cate: How do you develop your plots and characters?
David: As for plot, I come up with what I hope is a great opening scene and then figure out how I want it to end. The hard part is connecting the two while trying to keep the reader intrigued. Characters pretty much write themselves as I go. I start off by filling out a character sketch sheet. It has their physical attributes, strong and weak points, etc. Most of what I fill in won't be in the book, but it keeps them consistent and more real.

Cate: Do you feel as if the characters live with you as you write? Do they haunt your dreams?
David: LOL. Some of my characters were born in my dreams. They don't haunt me but they certainly live with me.

Cate: What's next for you?
David: I just finished writing the sequel to "Silent Kill." I've got a couple of horror novels that I've been playing with – I might get serious with one or both and see what I can make.

Cate: Any other published works?
David: I've got a number of short stories that have been published in magazines and anthologies. Most of those are in the horror genre. I've also got a novel called "Spyder" accepted by L & L Dreamspell which I'm hoping will be out toward the end of the year.

Cate: Describe your writing in three words.
David: Suspenseful, twisted, visual

Cate: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Most rewarding?
David: The most challenging is treating it like a job ~ writing every day whether I'm in the mood or not. The most rewarding, well, I'm kind of torn between two. One is seeing my work in print, knowing that someone besides me thought it was worthy of publishing. The other is when a complete stranger compliments me on my writing.

Cate: What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?
David: Actually it was the first short story I ever got published, and only because it came from my mother. "That's, um, interesting."

Cate: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
David: Harlan Ellison is my favorite author, and his book "Shatterday" is one of my favorite books. I recently read "Bone Song" by John Meany which just captivated me. Of course I'm a big Stephen King fan, and right now I'm thoroughly enjoying "Lamb" by Christopher Moore.

Cate: Where can readers find you on the web?
David: www.davidfingerman.com
http://twitter.com/davfin23
and I can also be found on Facebook. Anybody wanna be my friend? >: )

Cate: I'll look you up! Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
David: How'd I do?

Cate: Readers, David is giving away a book to a random commenter... so start commenting. He'll pick a winner and announce it here tomorrow night.

Best of luck with your projects, David.

In the Author Spotlight: Cissy Hunt

Cate: Today, Cissy Hunt is in the Author's Spotlight. Cissy, will you please share a short bio with us?
Cissy: My name is Cissy Hunt and my husband and I live in the beautiful Ozark Mountains with our two small dogs and two cats, where we love to night fish on one of their great lakes. I have been an ordained minister since August of 2007. I am called to minister to hurting women who carry the emotional scars of domestic abuse. For as long as I can remember I have always loved to write. I have always had the problem of expressing myself verbally, but one only had to hand me a pen and paper and out would flow my thoughts. I have written poetry most of my life and now my life-long dream has come true. I have written a book.

Cate: Tell us about your latest release and where it's available.
Cissy: My book, A Rose Blooms Among the Thorns, is about a woman's journey from domestic abuse through healing to forgiveness you can read more about it on my website or it can be purchased from my publisher's website.

Cate: Please tantalize us with a story blurb or excerpt.
Cissy: After finally receiving the divorce that LaRae believed would finally set her free from domestic violence, she ends up staying on the run from her abusive ex-husband, James, who stalks her across the country. When she finds herself really free of James, LaRae struggles through the up and downs of trying to make a peaceful life for herself. A life free of the violence that left scars of fear and pain, not only physically, but mentally as well. LaRae finds a friend that helps point her on a path that leads to hope, healing, and a new life.

Cate: What inspired you to write about the theme?
Cissy: My own personal experience that I went through in my past.

Cate: How do you develop your plots and characters?
Cissy: This was my first book and even though it was fiction I based it on my own life. The plot kind of followed my life. Some of the characters are based on people that had a great influnce on my life and others develoved themself where needed.

Cate: Do you feel as if the characters live with you as you write? Do they haunt your dreams?
Cissy: Oh yes, writing this book took me on a journey that was hard for me. It took me back into my past. Yet, I ended the journey healed of all the nightmares that had plagued me throughout the years and many emotional scars that still lingered.

Cate: What's next for you?
Cissy: I'm not sure this book was just released Jan 5th. Many people have been asking me when is the next book due out that has read this one, and that's encouraging. I have been thinking of a sequal to this book. It would continue with some of the main characters.

Cate: Describe your writing in three words.
Cissy: Descriptive, emotional, real

Cate: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Most rewarding?
Cissy: To me the challenging and rewarding are the same. You put all your heart and emotions into a piece of work. It is a part of you then you place it out for the public to read to chritique. The public doesn't know what you went through to put this piece of work into their hands; they just know it is there for them to do with what they will. I just have to know I did my best and leave it at that.

Cate: What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?
Cissy: "I loved it but you ended it too soon." She went on to tell me I left her wondering "what next". I liked that. I have read many books that left me wondering what next great adventure was the main characture going on, or what kind of trouble was she fixing to get into next.

Cate: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
Cissy: Some authors I like to read are Beverly Lewis because of her writing of the Amish community and lifestyle, and Lori Wick because she is a versatile Christian writer in one book she will have you in one book she may have you with the pioneers, in another you may be in Victorian England, the next in any contemporary town. I just finished Lori Wick's Cassidy.

Cate: Where can you be found on the web?
Cissy: I can be found on my website and on Facebook.

Cate: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Cissy: To pick up the book and read it and see if it doesn't change your life and your way of thinking especially about domestic abuse. I would like to leave you with this small exert from my book: An average of about four women per day dies because of domestic violence. So you see on the day Terri died at the hands of her abuser so did three other women. Three other families in this country lost a mother, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, or a niece.

Cate: Readers, Cissy is giving away two books to random commenters... so start commenting. She'll pick a winner at the end of her book tour.