Today I am welcoming Indigo Sin to my blog. It’s so great to have you here! Thank you so much for having me! 🙂

So Indigo, tell us how long have you been writing and how did you get started?
I’ve actually only been writing for about two years.  It’s sort of a talent that I didn’t even know I possessed until I started doing some writing for fun on facebook.  Several friends who read my posts began to encourage me to write a manuscript to submit to a publisher after that.  I thought they were nuts, but I went ahead and put together a short story, Tennessee Heat, and much to my surprise…it was accepted!
Wow, that is great! What kind of books do you write?  I write erotic romance.  Contemporary erotic is my strong point, and what I really enjoy writing. I’m a sucker for a love story with an HEA.  I do have some spicier stories however.  My Horny Housekeeper’s Series is more on the smutty side, so it’s not for the faint of heart.  No matter what the content, I try to engage the reader with a good storyline.
Is Indigo Sin a pen name and if it is how did you come up with it? Indigo Sin is indeed my pen name.  I’m not really sure how I came up with it to be honest.  I just knew I wanted something sexy and different.
Could you tell us about your newest books? My newest book right now, is BROKEN, which is part two of The Passion Series.  Broken follows Hindered, the love story of Hadley and Colton.  The three part story takes you on the highs and lows of their relationship.  Every kiss, every emotion, every struggle…they take you on a journey.  This story was my favorite to write by far, pushing the limits of my writing abilities.  I added elements that aren’t traditional to most romance books, however, most people can relate to them.  The resolution comes in Redeemed, part three of the series, which I don’t have a release date for quite yet. I’m hoping it’s soon though, I’ve got some readers chomping at the bit for the last one! Lol
What are you working on next? I just finished and submitted a story titled Undeniable a couple days ago, and I have another possible series in the works.  I have two more stories which will be added to my Horny Housekeeper’s series as well!
Do friends and family know that you write and have they read what you have written? My friends and family both know I write.  My friends are the only ones that read it as far as I know *laughs* Erotica isn’t everyone’s cup of tea…
What is the hardest thing about the writing process for you? Staying focused and finding time to write! I’m easily distracted by the shiny things in life, so it takes a lot of concentration for me to sit and work.  It’s virtually impossible if I have facebook open as well.  I don’t even know why I bother trying sometimes!
I am addicted to facebook, so I know what you mean. Since I write cougar stories I always ask my guests if there is a younger man you would love to go out on a date with and if there is, who is he? Hmm…I can’t really think of one to be honest.  I’m more of an older man type girl.  Love me the silver foxes! 😉

Nothing wrong with silver foxes! lol Thanks again for stopping in and where can readers find out more about you?

They can find me at the following links.

Website: http://indigosin.wix.com/indigosin

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/authorindigo.sin

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IndigoSin

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6564051.Indigo_Sin

Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Indigo-Sin/e/B00A8T1PLG/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

My good friend Alicia Spark just returned from the NOLA Stars Conference held on March 2, 2013. Below she shares with us what she saw and learned while there.

The biannual NOLA Stars conference was held in Shreveport, Louisiana on March 2, 2013. It focused mostly on Love Inspired and Christian romance, but several of the workshops were very informative across the board. Editors from Entangled Publishing, Harlequin Love Inspired, Harlequin Superromance and Avon Publishing were present to take editor appointments and to present workshops. In addition, the fabulous Barbara Vey (Twitter @barbaravey) from Publisher’s Weekly was there to discuss social media and building a fan base.

What I learned: Harlequin’s Superromance is seeking to expand beyond what they currently offer with adding a new level of sensuality. If the editors like a story but the level of sensuality is not quite what they are looking for, they will offer suggestions without rejecting outright. They are very open to authors who will write across the lines, doing both Blaze and Superromance, Intrigue and Superromance or any other combination. Superromance is approximately 85,000 words and should contain a subplot and supporting characters who are essential to the story. Also, Superromance can take place in small towns or big cities. They are not confined to just the Americana setting. Karen Reid was extremely helpful and gave me several pointers about my writing during our editor session. One thing I learned from her is that Harlequin wants authors who will produce books. They want to buy books in the same world that are not necessarily series. My hockey books would work perfectly here because they all surround the same team but use different characters, mentioning former characters as a way of “keeping in touch” with them. Also, Harlequin is offering multi-book contracts. One author (Laura-Marie Altom) recently signed an eight book contract. They are interested in publishing several books per author per year. Six books a year from one author is not unheard of. Harlequin has teamed up with Cosmopolitan magazine for a hot ebook line to be launched later this year. They signed Sylvia Day to a seven figure 2 book deal to launch it.

Entangled Publishing (www.entangledpublishing.com) is a new kid on the e-publishing block, but they have a very strong advantage. St. Martin’s Press reads each blurb for every book that Entangled publishes. They then buy the subsidiary rights to those books and publish them under their imprint. Kerri-Leigh Grady is looking for a formula romance using several “tropes.” These tropes are different from stereotypes, however to the novice, they seem very similar. Tropes are Situational, Character or Sexual. Situational tropes are things like secret baby, accidental wedding and amnesia. Character tropes are outlaw, pirate, orphan and billionaire. Sexual tropes are wrong bed, fling, one night stand and friends with benefits. They really want to see a story between one man and one woman with a happily ever after. They are very tied to the concept of Tropes. They have several different levels of sensuality and word length. Each story must be a complete story and end with a happily ever after or happy for right now even if the story is part of a series. Right now, they want the story to have minimal internal dialog. They want to see what is happening rather than you telling them what is happening. The book that I pitched to Entangled is not quite right for them. However, instead of turning it down, I was given suggestions and time to revise the story to better fit their guidelines.

Barbara Vey from Publisher’s Weekly gave some really good information concerning social media and how to connect with fans. She’s funny and interesting and told a great story about what a bitch Jackie Collins really is. She has met most of the famous authors and is very personable. She has a huge Facebook and Twitter following and will promote any free giveaways through her blogs. If you have a free giveaway you want to send to her, mention NOLA Stars in Shreveport and send the information to barbaravey@gmail.com. Also, she gave some good information on promoting your work through www.wegrowmedia.com.

One of the new trends in publishing in creating a High Concept Impact Statement. This is shorter than a blurb and is designed to grab the attention of those who are seeking your work. Many authors mentioned that they had sold based on these statements alone. Also, they said that if you work for a New York publisher, you will be expected to write one of these. Lori Wilde has written a guide called Got High Concept? that is available through Kindle. It is a workbook for creating these statements. The Kindle format is a little wonky, but you will get the general idea of what is going on.

The High Concept Impact Statement is part of any New York publishing contract, and authors are paid a part of their advance when this is turned in. Most advances are staggered so authors receive a certain payment when the statement is turned in, when the final copy is turned in and at other points in the process. The advance is not a lump sum paid at signing of contract. A Synopsis Package is expected as well. This is a High Concept Impact Statement, a one page character sketch and a plot outline which includes the black moments and resolution. This package will go through the entire publishing process with your book, so it is important that it is good. It will be used to help the cover artists, back cover copy writers, editors and marketing team. Some authors have sold books based on these statements and packages through the Publisher’s Marketplace online. Hollywood producers often peruse the information that is posted on Publisher’s Marketplace in order to buy screenplays and the movie rights to novels. One author sold the movie rights to her book within two weeks of posting her High Concept Impact Statement on Publisher’s Marketplace.

Books to read: Pamela Regis Natural History of the Romance Novel discusses the tropes used in romance and was strongly suggested by Kerri-Leigh Grady. She also suggested reading Katie Robert, Christine Bell and Natalie Damshroder to get an idea of what Entangled is looking for. One author recommended reading Desmond Morris’s The Naked Ape and other books on intimate behavior to see how intimacy naturally develops among humans. Everyone who writes suspense or any book that has a villain recommended rewatching Silence of the Lambs and studying Hannibal Lecter. Gone with the Wind was also much quoted.

Memorable Statements: Your book is only as good as your villain. To understand your villain is to write a better book. A villain must have a personal connection to the hero or heroine. A villain must have a reason for doing what he/she is doing. A villain will only give up information if he/she receives information from the hero or heroine. The stronger the intimacy between your protagonist and antagonist, the stronger your story.

Men are concerned with not looking bad while women are concerned with looking good. There is a difference there. Also, almost every issue your hero has can be traced back to his mother, whether it is good or bad. Heroes have a strong sense of Mastery, Fair play, Honor, Power and Purpose. Play on these aspects of their character.

Wow, Alicia, a lot of great news and information. Thanks so much!!

Alicia Sparks is an erotic romance novelist who writes both contemporary and paranormal romance. Her novels Better than Ice Cream and Dragon’s Law: Damon are available from Ellora’s Cave. Her novella “One Hot Summer” is available from Amazon.com and is a mild bdsm novel. She is currently working on hockey romance for Harlequin Blaze and a Zombie romance for Entangled. “Like” her Facebook page for updates, pictures of hot hockey players and insight into the life of a frazzled writer.

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Alicia-Sparks/315378021848049?fref=ts

Today I am welcoming Author Scott McKinley who writes the Kilted Desire series.

Hello Scott, I just finished reading your first book. How much of this story is based on real life and real people if any?

Aye, the book is based on real events and real people.

Will there be a third book in this series and can you tell us more about it?

There will be a book 3 but it’s in the very early stages at the moment so I have nae information tae share…..yet!

Do you plan on continuing this series or start something new?

Will definitely finish this series and then after that, who knows?

What has been the best and worst thing that has happened as the result of your books?

I cannae say there’s really been a bad thing but the best thing is definitely hearing fae people who’ve read it 😉

Are you a plotter or a pantser? What is the process involved when you write?

I dinnae really have a process. As both of my stories are based on actual events I just write fae memory of the events, with a wee bit of fiction thrown in (book 2 especially).

What are you currently reading?

Yer questions!

Ha! I know several former military men and they all still enjoy shooting and target practice. Do you enjoy that and what type of gun is your favorite?

I’m nae in tae shooting now, but the weapon I liked the most when active would have been the C8 Carbine.

Blondes, brunettes or redheads?

Hair color does nae really matter tae me although I do prefer ladies tae have longer hair than I do.

I write cougar stories so I usually asks my guests which younger men they would like to date. Unfortunately I realized I have been forgetting to ask my male guests the opposite question. Have you or would you ever go out with a woman older than you?

I have but only 2 or 3 years older so nae sure if that counts. I really dinnae know how much older she has tae be, tae be considered a cougar! It’s interesting though, I would nae rule it oot 😉 How much older does she have tae be, tae be considered a sabre toothed tiger? or am I just making things up now?

I’ve heard of pumas but not sure about the tigers! lol Is there an older woman that you would love to go on a date with?

Jane Seymour, I think she’s old enough tae count and I could go fer a wee bit of Dr Quinn Medicine Woman 😉

I love Jane Seymour and have been a fan of hers since she was a Bond girl in Live and Let Die. Great choice!! I lived in Scotland for 5 months so I know what haggis is. Have you ever eaten it and what does it taste like?

Aye I’ve eaten haggis. It’s a similar texture tae yer meatballs, but has a taste all of its own that’s pretty difficult tae explain!

I think I will stick to regular meatballs. lol Thanks for joining me Scott and I encourage everyone to check out your books.

Scott McKinley Author and Cover Model writing as A. B. McKinley

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scott-Mckinley-AuthorCover-Model/367191850044827?fref=ts

Book Title: Kilted Desire Sands of Betrayal

Blurb

Sensual! Exciting! Passionate! Scott Maclaren, a strong, Special Forces Scotsman, terribly injured during his tour of duty in Afghanistan. His journey begins with a broken heart after his wife leaves him for another man during his time in the hospital. Traveling across the Atlantic to visit family, his story now begins.

After years of physical therapy and being alone, things were about to look up. Katie Johnson, a beautiful Ohio schoolteacher, was where his ‘dream’ of passion and love were to become reality. Smoldering embers became a passionate, raging fire between them. A wanting and desire that burned for one another as neither had ever experienced before. Scott’s love for Katie and her two girls would lead him to great lengths to make all their dreams come true, including a six-month security contract in the Middle East. The money would ensure financial security for life.

The contract was to secure the safety of a young attractive businesswoman, Britney Parnell, who is accustomed to getting what she wants… and she wants Scott. She wastes no time in making her yearnings known. All can see her motives, but Scott. His only thoughts while in Baghdad are to keep her safe amidst terrorist attacks, shootings and bombs exploding all around them… This sensual, sexy adventure begins with the ultimate betrayal and is filled with action, intrigue, passion and steamy love scenes. Inspired by true events…

Author websites:

http://www.kilteddesire.com

www.cafepress.com/kilteddesire

Books can be purchased in eBook or Print at:

http://www.amazon.com/KILTED-DESIRE-Sands-Betrayal-Volume/dp/1482346265/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360887022&sr=8-1&keywords=a.b.+mckinley