I have fellow Decadent Publishing author, Elizabeth Morgan, who's written her first sweet romance. (She actually writes in a rainbow of genres.) Today, she's talking about her latest sweet, contemporary romance called Stepping Stones. As soon as I read the excerpt of this book, I was hooked. She's running a blog tour and there are prizes to be won so click on the rafflecopter link below to enter the competition. I think you only have today and tomorrow left to enter.
Blurb:
There's nothing like a wedding to bring the family
together....
If not for her baby sister’s
impending marriage, Margaret West would never return home. But after six long
years, she finds herself a maid of honor who must answer to the people she left
behind.
If her parents’ interrogation doesn’t drive her to drink, facing her foster brother, Adrian, just might. To make matters worse, her ex-fiancĂ© is the vicar who will conduct her sister’s ceremony.
Everyone demands to know why she ran off. But the more time she spends at home, the more Margaret realizes even she doesn’t know the real reason.
Length: Novella (32,000/91 pages)| Content: Sweet Romance/Contemporary| Publisher: Bono Books
Excerpt:
“When is Aidy getting here?” Jessica
grabbed the large bowl of scrambled eggs and brought it closer to her plate.
“I think his flight is due in at three.” My mother placed a dish of bacon on the table and took a seat beside me. “He will be in time for the wedding rehearsal; don’t worry.”
My stomach clenched. “Wedding rehearsal?” I coughed, trying to clear the chunk of toast lodged in my throat. “What wedding rehearsal?”
“Today at four. We’re running through the service.” Jess scooped egg onto her plate. “I told you.”
Nervous laughter bubbled in my throat and try as I may, I couldn’t stop shaking my head. “No.” I patted my chest. “No, you never mentioned a rehearsal.”
“Oh.” She placed the bowl back in the middle of the table. “I could have sworn I did.”
“Nope, you didn’t. Believe me, I would have remembered otherwise.” I grabbed my mug and knocked the coffee back before finishing my piece of toast.
“Well, it’s no big deal.” Edward took the bowl of eggs and helped himself. “Just a quick run-through.”
“Will everyone be there?” Forcing a smile on my face, I looked up at them both, hoping like hell my question would pass as innocent and genuine curiosity.
“Anyone who is involved in the wedding itself will be.”
Great. So that meant Jessica, Edward, the parents, and the bridesmaids, plus me. That left Adrian and…. “Will Vicar Taylor, be there?”
Oh God, did my voice just go higher?
“Yes, Margaret, William will be there. He is the one who is marrying Jessie and Edward, so he needs to be there.” My father skewered some bacon and tomatoes onto his fork.
Grimacing, I reached out and grabbed another piece of toast. “Just a question, Pa.” A stupid one, but a question nevertheless….
“It is normal for people to have wedding rehearsals, Margaret. Just because you—”
Jess picked up the coffeepot. “Does anyone want more coffee?”
I straightened, my focus fixed on Pa. “I’m aware of that.”
“Maggie?”
My father’s shoulders went rigid. He lifted his head and our gazes locked. I didn’t miss the way the muscle in the side of his neck ticked. Arguing with my father in front of Jessica and Edward was not an option, so I looked away.
“Please.” I held out my mug and Jess poured the dark liquid.
I could kick myself. A wedding rehearsal hadn’t even crossed my mind. Having to stand at the altar before William on the actual wedding day would be hard enough, but having to do it twice…my stomach churned.
“So, will Adrian come straight to the church?” Edward cut the awkward silence.
“Yes. He will get a taxi to the church, and then we will bring him and his luggage back here.” My mother held her mug out to Jess.
“Adrian is staying here? Tonight?” I added sugar to my coffee. “Won’t it be crowded? I thought—”
“No more crowded than it was in your childhood.” My father took a bite out of his toast.
More and more good news. Of course he would be staying here; it was his family home after all. I guess, it was stupid of me to hope that he would go to a B&B, but my parents wouldn’t have allowed it even if he did suggest it. I hadn’t seen him in six years, hadn’t spoken to him. And yet, in a couple of hours I would be locked in the same house as him.
“I think his flight is due in at three.” My mother placed a dish of bacon on the table and took a seat beside me. “He will be in time for the wedding rehearsal; don’t worry.”
My stomach clenched. “Wedding rehearsal?” I coughed, trying to clear the chunk of toast lodged in my throat. “What wedding rehearsal?”
“Today at four. We’re running through the service.” Jess scooped egg onto her plate. “I told you.”
Nervous laughter bubbled in my throat and try as I may, I couldn’t stop shaking my head. “No.” I patted my chest. “No, you never mentioned a rehearsal.”
“Oh.” She placed the bowl back in the middle of the table. “I could have sworn I did.”
“Nope, you didn’t. Believe me, I would have remembered otherwise.” I grabbed my mug and knocked the coffee back before finishing my piece of toast.
“Well, it’s no big deal.” Edward took the bowl of eggs and helped himself. “Just a quick run-through.”
“Will everyone be there?” Forcing a smile on my face, I looked up at them both, hoping like hell my question would pass as innocent and genuine curiosity.
“Anyone who is involved in the wedding itself will be.”
Great. So that meant Jessica, Edward, the parents, and the bridesmaids, plus me. That left Adrian and…. “Will Vicar Taylor, be there?”
Oh God, did my voice just go higher?
“Yes, Margaret, William will be there. He is the one who is marrying Jessie and Edward, so he needs to be there.” My father skewered some bacon and tomatoes onto his fork.
Grimacing, I reached out and grabbed another piece of toast. “Just a question, Pa.” A stupid one, but a question nevertheless….
“It is normal for people to have wedding rehearsals, Margaret. Just because you—”
Jess picked up the coffeepot. “Does anyone want more coffee?”
I straightened, my focus fixed on Pa. “I’m aware of that.”
“Maggie?”
My father’s shoulders went rigid. He lifted his head and our gazes locked. I didn’t miss the way the muscle in the side of his neck ticked. Arguing with my father in front of Jessica and Edward was not an option, so I looked away.
“Please.” I held out my mug and Jess poured the dark liquid.
I could kick myself. A wedding rehearsal hadn’t even crossed my mind. Having to stand at the altar before William on the actual wedding day would be hard enough, but having to do it twice…my stomach churned.
“So, will Adrian come straight to the church?” Edward cut the awkward silence.
“Yes. He will get a taxi to the church, and then we will bring him and his luggage back here.” My mother held her mug out to Jess.
“Adrian is staying here? Tonight?” I added sugar to my coffee. “Won’t it be crowded? I thought—”
“No more crowded than it was in your childhood.” My father took a bite out of his toast.
More and more good news. Of course he would be staying here; it was his family home after all. I guess, it was stupid of me to hope that he would go to a B&B, but my parents wouldn’t have allowed it even if he did suggest it. I hadn’t seen him in six years, hadn’t spoken to him. And yet, in a couple of hours I would be locked in the same house as him.
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Author Interview:
What is the best thing for you about being a writer?
The best thing about being a
writer is that I get to create worlds and then share them with other people. I
have always had a vivid imagination and it has always been my belief that I
have this imagination and these strange dreams that I have for a reason. And
that reason is to write stories and share them with the world.
What is the hardest thing for you about being a
writer?
Wanting to write, having these scenes play in my head, having these dreams, but not having the time to write, which is sometimes the case. And then, when I have the time, sometimes I haven't got the energy because I've had a tough day, or something is going on in my personal life etc. And it is very frustrating, because I do just want to sit and write.
Wanting to write, having these scenes play in my head, having these dreams, but not having the time to write, which is sometimes the case. And then, when I have the time, sometimes I haven't got the energy because I've had a tough day, or something is going on in my personal life etc. And it is very frustrating, because I do just want to sit and write.
What genre/s do you write and what genre is your
latest release?
I'm a multi-published author of urban fantasy, paranormal, erotic horror, f/f and contemporary; all my stories have a degree of romance, a dose of action and usually a hit of sarcasm, sizzle or blood, but no matter what I give a unique and often humorous spin to my stories.
I like variety so if I have a story idea and it is outside my "usual" genre, well, I will still write it. I like trying different things, and I've had the idea for a reason and that reason is to write that story.
My latest release is a sweet contemporary romance. It is the first, and currently the only sweet romance I have written, and it is very family orientated.
I'm a multi-published author of urban fantasy, paranormal, erotic horror, f/f and contemporary; all my stories have a degree of romance, a dose of action and usually a hit of sarcasm, sizzle or blood, but no matter what I give a unique and often humorous spin to my stories.
I like variety so if I have a story idea and it is outside my "usual" genre, well, I will still write it. I like trying different things, and I've had the idea for a reason and that reason is to write that story.
My latest release is a sweet contemporary romance. It is the first, and currently the only sweet romance I have written, and it is very family orientated.
What essential things have you learned about writing
in the last year?
That each author is different and that we all have our own time limits and routines, and everyone works at their own pace.
I often find myself freaking out that I am only writing/publishing X amount of books a year, and yet everyone else is doing double the amount, but life affects and it isn't a competition.
That each author is different and that we all have our own time limits and routines, and everyone works at their own pace.
I often find myself freaking out that I am only writing/publishing X amount of books a year, and yet everyone else is doing double the amount, but life affects and it isn't a competition.
Who is your favourite heroine from your books and why?
Heather Ryan from my Blood Series is my fave heroine so far simply because she was the first heroine I ever wrote. She has changed a lot from the original draft, but life has really dealt her all the rubbish cards. Her life, her purpose is so crazy, but she handles it with a lot of sarcasm and humour and just gets on with her life's mission, because she has no other choice. It's admirable.
Heather Ryan from my Blood Series is my fave heroine so far simply because she was the first heroine I ever wrote. She has changed a lot from the original draft, but life has really dealt her all the rubbish cards. Her life, her purpose is so crazy, but she handles it with a lot of sarcasm and humour and just gets on with her life's mission, because she has no other choice. It's admirable.
What type of hero do you like? Super alpha, wounded or
somewhere in between? Or even something totally different? You could give an
example from a movie or well-known book.
I like all types of heroes. I love Dracula; dark tortured soul. I love Mr Rochester from Jane Eyre; he is wounded, alone, angry. I love Rick O'connell from The Mummy. I love Gambit from X-Men. I could go on, but I won't. We will be here all day otherwise. ;-P
I like all types of heroes. I love Dracula; dark tortured soul. I love Mr Rochester from Jane Eyre; he is wounded, alone, angry. I love Rick O'connell from The Mummy. I love Gambit from X-Men. I could go on, but I won't. We will be here all day otherwise. ;-P
Tell us about your journey in writing this book.
The idea started with a dream, which I let stew for a while. A year later I sat down and started writing I got two chapters written and then one of my Werewolves from the Blood Series barged into my brain and started growling over the fact that I hadn't written his and his mates story.
It's very hard to ignore a Werewolf, especially Owen MacLaren, so I stopped writing Stepping Stones and wrote She-Wolf. After I had finished that book, and Owen was happy, I continued with Stepping Stones until I had it finished.
The book was originally published in November 2012, but the publisher closed a year later and the rights were reverted back to me. So, I cleaned it up and submitted it to Bono Books (Decadent Publishing) and it was contracted.
I feel that this new edition is tons better than the original, and I absolutely love the book cover and can't wait to share this new and improved version with you all.
The idea started with a dream, which I let stew for a while. A year later I sat down and started writing I got two chapters written and then one of my Werewolves from the Blood Series barged into my brain and started growling over the fact that I hadn't written his and his mates story.
It's very hard to ignore a Werewolf, especially Owen MacLaren, so I stopped writing Stepping Stones and wrote She-Wolf. After I had finished that book, and Owen was happy, I continued with Stepping Stones until I had it finished.
The book was originally published in November 2012, but the publisher closed a year later and the rights were reverted back to me. So, I cleaned it up and submitted it to Bono Books (Decadent Publishing) and it was contracted.
I feel that this new edition is tons better than the original, and I absolutely love the book cover and can't wait to share this new and improved version with you all.
Tell us three quirky or interesting things about
yourself.
I'm very open-minded and I am a huge believer in fate, reincarnation, soul-mates, and well, I believe that everything in life happens for a reason.
I collect Venetian masks.
I have one tonsil. lol
I'm very open-minded and I am a huge believer in fate, reincarnation, soul-mates, and well, I believe that everything in life happens for a reason.
I collect Venetian masks.
I have one tonsil. lol
What rituals do you use to help you focus or get the
words down on the page e.g. music or a snack.
I usually always have a playlist for each of my projects, or at the very least one song that can sum the whole feel of the story up. No matter what I have to have my headphones on and music playing, that way it blocks all other sounds out and I find I can concentrate on the project better. And a cup of tea always helps. ;-P
I usually always have a playlist for each of my projects, or at the very least one song that can sum the whole feel of the story up. No matter what I have to have my headphones on and music playing, that way it blocks all other sounds out and I find I can concentrate on the project better. And a cup of tea always helps. ;-P
Mention something unique about your books and your
writing style.
They usually have a lot of humour, sometimes it is a little dark or possibly twisted, but I think you will always giggle at something in my stories.
They usually have a lot of humour, sometimes it is a little dark or possibly twisted, but I think you will always giggle at something in my stories.
What book would you like to work on next?
I'm currently in the middle of editing the first book in my urban fantasy series, Cranberry Blood (Blood Series: Book One.)
The novel - along with its prequel She-Wolf - was originally published in 2011 and 2012, but after the publisher closed down and I received my rights back, I decided to self-publish the books and all that will follow.
So, She-Wolf & Cranberry Blood will be re-released on August 25th. I will be starting book two in the series in the summer, after I finish my present current WIP, which is a brand new fantasy romance.
I'm currently in the middle of editing the first book in my urban fantasy series, Cranberry Blood (Blood Series: Book One.)
The novel - along with its prequel She-Wolf - was originally published in 2011 and 2012, but after the publisher closed down and I received my rights back, I decided to self-publish the books and all that will follow.
So, She-Wolf & Cranberry Blood will be re-released on August 25th. I will be starting book two in the series in the summer, after I finish my present current WIP, which is a brand new fantasy romance.
Thanks so much, Elizabeth, you are very interesting. And yes, sometimes finding time to write is challenging! I'm also in the middle of two books at the moment with about two or three other ideas floating around in my head.
Where you can find Elizabeth online:
Website: www.e-morgan.com
Blog: www.xxxxmyworldxxxx.blogspot.com
Twitter: @EMorgan2010
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/ElizabethMorgan
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.morgan.944
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/elizabethm2012/boards/
Blog: (Shared with Dianna Hardy): http://notjustastiffupperlip.blogspot.co.uk/
Blog: www.xxxxmyworldxxxx.blogspot.com
Twitter: @EMorgan2010
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/ElizabethMorgan
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.morgan.944
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/elizabethm2012/boards/
Blog: (Shared with Dianna Hardy): http://notjustastiffupperlip.blogspot.co.uk/
From Elizabeth: Thank you for having me over
today and thank you to all of you for stopping by. If you would be interested in
winning a copy of my new release, Stepping
Stones or maybe a swag pack, then please do leave an entry on the
rafflecopter. J
Check out the beautiful prizes:
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