Thursday, August 4, 2011

Author Interview: Sherry Isaac

***We have a winner!! Congratulations, Urve! Sherry has your contact information so she'll be in touch. A big thanks to everyone who visited!**

I'm thrilled to have author Sherry Isaac joining me today on Armchair Heroines.

Winner of The Alice Munro Short Story Award, Sherry Isaac's tales of life, love and forgiveness that transcend all things, including the grave, appear online and in print. Her first collection of shorts, Storyteller, debuts July 2011. For more information, or to order an autographed copy, click HERE.


Your collection of short stories, STORYTELLER, came out recently. Tell us about it.

Writer Lesson #1: When a publisher calls to tell you she's read some of your short stories, and then says, 'I'd like to be the first to look at your collection. Do you have one ready?" the answer, whether you have a collection or not, is, "YES."

She did give me time to get existing stories polished, and I admitted that I'd need to write a few more. Then I pushed everything else aside and focused on that one task night and day for three months. I polished and revised existing work, dusted off and developed some ideas (that idea file sure does come in handy) and came up with a few new ones.

It's odd, because I never saw myself as a short story writer. Shorts were for contests and magazines so I'd have credits to point to when soliciting agents for The Novel. Now, I'll have a printed book to point to. I'm good with that.

Congratulations! In your interview with C.J. Lyons you characterized yourself as "...a trouble maker often resigned to the children's table...". I can sympathize. Care to tell us more about that?

Don't suppose I can plead the fifth?

Uh-huh!

I think it comes down to not knowing when to shut up. I heard a great line years ago: 'Sometimes I only take my foot out of my mouth long enough to put the other one in.' That would be me. I speak out of turn, blurt out whatever comes to mind, rarely use a filter. But it's done in fun and with humour.

People say I'm funny. I'm not. I just say funny things. I attribute those quips to the lack of filter, that knee-jerk response. Humour has to be honest and raw to work, to touch another who thinks, Yeah, I feel like that, too. There are people who make a living out of crafting comedy on demand. I'm not one of them. That's not to say their humour isn't honest or that it's forced. If it's not true, if it's not natural, it's not humour. I'm just not good at finding that humour switch. Mine turns on when it wants to.The rest of the time, I am a miserable, sad and lonely soul. Snort!

A very long and round-about answer but there you have it: trouble, for me, comes from being silly.

A good way to get in trouble, I'd say. Who is the most memorable character you've written about? Why?

In the collection, I'd say Ella Ryder. Ella is in the early stages of Alzheimer's. She's alone, and not terribly likeable, but I feel an empathy for her all the same. Some of her traits are not what you'd call neighbourly, but as the story progresses, (I hope) the reader sees that some of her behaviour is defence-driven, as she tries to deny and conceal her symptoms. I think the connection we make is this: that our mind is our identity. The helplessness when a silent monster slides into our psyche and steals what is most precious, our memories, our personality, our self, is a very scary thing.

I agree. And who is the most memorable character you've read about and why?

My favourite book growing up was 'Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret.' Years (and years and years) later, I was surprised to find an adult novel by Judy Blume, 'Summer Sisters'. Fabulous. I still react when I think of the story in too much depth, so I won't dwell.

Two reasons why. One, the plot is about two women, not sisters, and their complex relationship. Those characters, and their journey, still haunt me. Two, my deep emotional response to their story. A writer in waiting, I remember thinking, if I could harness the talent to make a reader feel one tenth of what I felt reading Blume's book, what an awesome gift that would be.

The goal of all writers! Are you a night owl or an early riser?

Night owl? Are you kidding me? Bonafide morning person here. And I do like naps. Mmmm. Naps.The world would be a better place if we all took naps.

I'm with you on the nap thing. If you could compile a soundtrack for your book, STORYTELLER, what would it be?

Being a short story collection, it would have to be a various artists compilation. Haunting fiddle for title short, Storyteller. Spirit in the Sky (Norman Greenbaum, 1969) for The Visit. Une Bal-musette (a French Waltz) for Pickpocket in Paris.

Interesting choices. Other than telling readers about STORYTELLER, what are you working on now?

My middle-grade novel, Strawberry Hero, is on the agent circuit, looking for representation, and I am diving nose-first into revisions on my current work-in-progress, Homecoming, a paranormal romantic suspense set in a rural town on the Canadian prairie.

You are busy! Where can we find you in the www? Twitter? Facebook? Shelfari, etc.

sherryisaac.com for a start. I have my own blog, Wildflower, where I feature emerging and established authors. I was recently asked to join the blog Romance & Beyond with Carole St-Laurent and Sharon Clare, where the focus is the writing journey. Twitter is on my To-Do list. Author chum Joan Swan wrote a great three-part Twitter How-To. I'll be consulting Joan's advice a lot! I suppose I'll have to look into a Facebook/Twitter feed or whatever it's called. This is the point where the brain tissue turns to jelly...

I haven't heard of Shelfari. What's that? NO! Don't tell me! I'm on technological overload.

Just in case you change your mind down the road, Shelfari is a social cataloging website. As a registered user you build virtual bookshelves. You can also rate, review, tag, and discuss books. Authors can have a page and add blog posts, covers, a bio and other information. I belong to several readers groups there that are a ton of fun! Check it out at www.shelfari.com

Thanks for joining me, Sherry!

Sherry is offering up an autographed copy of Storyteller to one lovely Armchair Heroine reader. Tell us about a time you got into trouble because you couldn't keep your mouth shut or ask Sherry a question. We'll use random.org to choose the winner.

Have a great day!

** If you're at RomCon this weekend, find me and introduce yourself! www.romconinc.com

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Top Ten Reason I Love RomCon

This Friday the fun starts at RomCon, a romance and women's fiction convention. For those of us who are volunteering, the fun starts tomorrow.

In celebration of one of my favorite events of the year, here are my top ten reasons I love RomCon:


10. The Pre-Convention Excitement - I've been anticipating this for months!

9. The Post-Convention Glow - I'll still be excited for months to come!

8. The Readers Crown - The contest where readers get to have their say.

7. The Sessions - These aren't your corporate sessions, peeps. Buckle up! It's going to be a raucous ride (as in: wild, crazy and FUN)!

6. The Laughter - Don't do your crunches this week...your stomach will be sore when the weekend is through.

5. The Special Events - Build-A-Hero, Special Ops Track (a whole track!), Monsters & More Seme-Charades, Intimate Chats, Author Panels, Author-Hosted Teas, Luau, Wild West Dinner, Chocolate Mangasm, Smalltown-ville, Victorian Fashion Show, Caught Dead Game...I could fill an entire blog post with Special Events. Be there or...

4. The Late Nights - Yeah, don't plan on getting much sleep. You won't.

3. The Goody Room - Packed with bookmarks, postcards, excerpt booklets, a plethora of creative and unique swag, and books. My heart flutters at the thought!

2. The Authors - Need I say more?

1. The Readers ( aka New-found Friends) - The most amazingly fun, enthusiastic, and of course, well-read group around!

So, bring on the Con! See you there...

For more information about RomCon, visit their website: www.romconinc.com

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Teasers on Tuesdays

I love to read, and long before I was a writer, I was a reader. I still read as much as I can - although time isn't quite as available as it used to be...not that I'm complaining or anything!

One way I like to celebrate my love of reading is to share teasers.

Want to join in the fun?

Simply pick a random page in your current read then pick a random line. Post the title, author and teaser in the comments section below. You can also leave the page number, just for fun.

Ready? Set. Tease!

Tiffany's Teaser:

Leave No Trace, a novella by Cindy Gerard in the anthology Deadly Promises

From page 139: So why did a knot of anxiety tighten inside his chest like a fist?

Leaves you with a few questions, doesn't it? You want to run out to the library or bookstore and pick it up, don't you?



Monday, August 1, 2011

Tips for Writing a Book Review - From an Author's Perspective

In addition to being a help to readers, book reviews can be a selling tool for an author. They can also be the bane of an author's existence.

And I'm not just talking about good reviews (as in "I loved this book") versus bad reviews ("I hated this book").

Authors want an honest review as much as readers do. By keeping a few things in mind your review will shine - whether you loved or hated the book you're reviewing:

1. Include your personal opinion AND explain why you feel the way you do.

For example: "I didn't enjoy this book because the characters were boring, the plot lacked high and low points and I hated the ending." vs. "I hated this book."

Or: "This book was wonderful because the characters came alive in my mind, the plot kept me on the edge of my seat and the ending came with a surprising twist." vs. "I loved this book."

* Don't get me wrong, as authors, we love to hear those words, "I loved your book". But when it comes to a review, a little additional information helps the reader and the author.

2. Provide a short synopsis of the book but don't give anything away. Avoid spoiling the whole story, the climax, or the ending. If you absolutely have to include them provide "spoiler alerts" for people who want to read the book and be surprised.

3. Show the author respect - even if you hated the book. Authors give their blood, sweat and tears to their books knowing that not everyone is going to read it, let alone enjoy it. Please consider this when writing your review. Authors often talk about their books as their babies (right, wrong or indifferent). Don't just tell them their babies are ugly. Give solid reasons why their baby was ugly to you.

4. Don't review books in genres you know you don't like. If you hate westerns, don't review a western. If you despise science fiction, don't accept a sci-fi book for review. If you decide to give romantic suspense a try (even though you rarely read it and don't really like it) then end up hating the book, think twice before reviewing it.

5. Be honest. For more on this see number 1.

6. When it comes to reviews, snark isn't nearly as cool as it's made out to be. See all of the above for more info.

Reviews are an important part of our business! Well-written reviews pack a triple whammy - they help the reader, the author and the reviewer.

Feel free to add to my list or disagree via the comment box below.

Thanks for dropping by and have a great day!


Tiffany



Sweet Talk Me

A Contemporary Romance Anthology

Available November 15th, 2011

Visit: www.tiffanyjames.net for more information

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Contest Time!

Current Read: Summer at Seaside Cove by Jacquie D'Alessandro

It's contest time!

I'm going for fifty likes on my Facebook page, and once I get there I'm going to run a contest for a $10 Amazon gift card!

It's easy. Just go to my Facebook page and click the "Like" button then send me an email at tiffany (at) tiffanyjames (dot) net with "50 Likes on Facebook" in the subject line. I'll use random.org to choose the winner. When you like my page you receive book release updates, links to excerpts and contests, signing information, and a few random posts on occasion.

Thanks for all of your help and good luck!


Tiffany


Dessert is truly a woman's best friend: it soothes a broken heart, is always there for you, and can even provide more satisfaction than most men in bed. But as these three delicious novellas prove, nothing could ever be as decadent as indulging in love. Join authors Ashley March, Tiffany James, and Bernadette Marie as they create the perfect recipe featuring a pastry chef and the restaurant owner who has all the ingredients to melt her heart, a cupcake caterer whose new neighbor crumbles her resolve to stay away from distracting men, and a chocolatier who discovers even her best pieces aren’t nearly as divine as the too-sexy, sweet-talking son of her best client.

Available November 15, 2011

Monday, July 18, 2011

My First Cover!

Current Read: Claiming the Courtesan by Anna Campbell

The day an author receives his or her first cover is a momentous day, one that won't soon be forgotten. Yesterday was that day for me, and I spent most of it bopping around the house on cloud nine getting absolutely no work done! Let the party commence:

Release Date: November 15, 2011

2011 Dessert is truly a woman's best friend: it soothes a broken heart, is always there for you, and can even provide more satisfaction than most men in bed. But as these three delicious novellas prove, nothing could ever be as decadent as indulging in love. Join authors Ashley March, Tiffany James, and Bernadette Marie as they create the perfect recipe featuring a pastry chef and the restaurant owner who has all the ingredients to melt her heart, a cupcake caterer whose new neighbor crumbles her resolve to stay away from distracting men, and a chocolatier who discovers even her best pieces aren't nearly as divine as the too-sexy, sweet-talking son of her best client.

Stay posted for updates, giveaways, appearances and extras! :0)

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Let's Share - and Sing - on Thursday

Ah, it's Thursday...almost the weekend...we've got a good weather report...and I've just gotta share - and sing:



Enjoy and happy Thursday ~

Tiffany

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Writer Wednesday: My Fave Workshops

I've taken my fair share of writing workshops over the years. A few didn't really strike a chord while others I've taken over and over and over again because they're packed with great information and lessons.

Many of my writing friends are also big fans of classes and workshops, online and off. After all, we want to be the best writers we can be and that requires continually growing and learning.

Here is a listing of my favorite workshops - those that I take more than once. I'll add to this list as I find more faves:

* Anything Margie Lawson teaches: Defeat Self-Defeating Behaviors, Empowering Characters' Emotions, Writing Body Language and Dialogue Cues Like a Psychologist, Deep Edits...they're all amazing! I've taken almost all of them multiple times and will go back for more. Margie offers certain classes online and others in "person". If I haven't already taken a class, I like to buy the lecture packet first then read through it, get the info in my brain so that when it's homework and discussion time I can really focus. Click here for her lecture packets page. Current schedule is here. Visit her website for all of the details.

* "Growing Your Audience" with Ann Charles and Jacquie Rogers - This is a new-to-me class. I'm taking it now (next week is the last week). It's all about figuring out what the term "target audience" means and figuring out your target audience and finding ways to reach and interact with them. What I love most is the "thinking outside of the box" component of the lessons. I have a four page list of target audience members and creative ways I can reach them. Ann and Jacquie are very responsive and answer questions in a timely fashion. I love this class! Here's the link to Ann's workshop page.

* "Writing a Hot Sex Scene" with Delilah Marvelle - I don't even know if Delilah still teaches this workshop. If not, too bad for you! This workshop was amazing - partly because there were only a handful of us in it so our scenes got some very special attention from Delilah (in my case that meant lots of blue ink - she didn't use red. Thank you, Delilah.)

* "Story Mastery" with Michael Hauge - An amazing workshop that addresses plotting, story components, blurb writing and character development. Mr. Hauge works with novelists, screenwriters, filmmakers, speakers and corporate leaders. If you ever have the chance to hear him speak or take one of his classes, run - don't walk! His website has some great articles also.

* "After the First Three Chapters Blues" with Beth Henderson - A great workshop that addresses plotting, specifically how to get over the hump that hits after the first few chapters. I'll definitely be taking this one again. Come prepared with a newer, recently read book in your genre for "dissecting" purposes. I fell behind with this assignment and never got back on track.

* "The 'W' Plot...or The Other White Meat for Plotters" with Karen Docter - This class teaches a specific plotting technique . (I sense a pattern here...Are you figuring out my writing weakness?) I use this technique with each book I write. This is a hands-on-your-book class so come prepared.

Have you taken a writing-changing class? Please share! Leave the class title, instructor's name and basic description in the comments.

Thanks for joining me today at Armchair Heroines ~

Tiffany

ArmchairBEA: Best Loved Book Blogs

I'm a huge fan of blogs and blog reading and blog surfing - just ask my husband...he frequently has to disconnect the signal so I can actually get some writing and work done!

Here are some of my faves and why I love them:

RomCon - You'll find four blogs in one handy, dandy site. One blog focuses on Contemporary Romance, one on Historical Romance and one on Fantasy/Futuristic/Paranormal Romance. The fourth is the RomCon Central blog with a little bit of everything including updates on the RomCon Readers Convention.


The Book Reading Gals - Heather and Melanie have a spot on the web that's packed with info for romance readers: events, reviews, interviews, the RomCon Reading Challenge and the RomCon Spotlight which happens every Tueady and highlights an author attending RomCon.

Romancing the Book - Literally bursting at the seams with reviews, discussions, interviews, contests and giveaways.

Booking Through Thursday - A thought provoking, book-related question every Thursday.

The Book Binge - Here's their "About this Blog" blurb which explains it all:

We are three everyday average women who love to read. We don't have degrees in English and we're not professional writers, but we're fun, fearless, and we tell it like it is.

We're fans of romance so if we've read it, you'll hear about it...one way or another. Enjoy!

Access Romance - "Where readers and authors connect"

Beyond Her Book - Barbara Vey's blog at Publisher's Weekly.

A Bit O' Muslin - Historical romance author, Delilah Marvelle's blog. She posts once monthly (which works great for me because that's often the only time I have internet). A Bit O' Muslin is littered with strange and bizarre stories about the history of sex, scandalous women and lascivious men. Great fun!

Like with yesterday's post I could go on and on, but I'll stop here because my beloved is threatening to unplug the internet or take away my computer (if the former doesn't work)!

Thanks for stopping by ~

Tiffany

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

ArmchairBEA: 2011 Must Have Releases

Current Read: Kiss Me If You Can by Carly Phillips

Today's Armchair BEA post is all about 2011 releases I'm giddy to get my hands on. Some of these I have sitting on shelf but haven't been able to read them yet because I'm so far behind on the 2010 books I was giddy to get my hands on...*Sigh* Such is the life a book lover! Here's my partial list of 2011 need to have romance releases:





Blood Rights by Kristen Painter

Available October 1st, 2011










Leah and the Bounty Hunter by Elaine Levine

Available August 2nd, 2011








Healing the Highlander by Melissa Mayhue

Released February 22nd, 2011








Highlander's Curse by Melissa Mayhue

Released March 29th, 2011








Redeeming the Rogue by Donna MacMeans

Available August 2011








Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn

Available May 31st, 2011







Dreams of a Dark Warrior by Kresley Cole

Released February 15th, 2011







This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Released February 2011






A Lot Like Love by Julie James

Released March 2011






Call Me Irresistible by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Released January 2011




Maid for Love by Marie Force

Released April 2011

** I'm thrilled to see Ms. Force self-publishing books because I love her writing and hate to wait so long for new books. Yeah, Marie!





Fool for Love by Marie Force

Available June 1st, 2011





There are so many more I'd love to list here, but I'm out of time! Check back in throughout the year...maybe I can swing an interview with a couple of these authors!

Thanks for dropping by Armchair Heroines today ~

Tiffany

Monday, May 23, 2011

Armchair BEA Intro


Welcome, Armchair BEAers, to my blog, Armchair Heroines!

My name is Tiffany James. I've basically had a book permanently attached to my hand since I learned to read! I read a little bit of a lot of different things but my faves are classics (Jane Austen, Alexandre Dumas, Jules Verne, Charles Dickens, Mark Twain) and romance fiction, which is what this blog is all about.

Armchair Heroines hosts author interviews, giveaways, a review here or there, fun, games and a writing related post on Wednesdays ("Writer Wednesdays"). I'm just getting back to blogging after taking a break to deal with some health stuff.

You can most often find me avoiding housework of any kind by sticking my nose in a book or typing madly on my computer.

Most people don't know that I can't stay upright on a pair of skis. Not a big deal, right? Here's the clincher: I grew up in the mountains of Colorado (my face is red with shame and embarrassment).

I now reside safely and without fear on the plains of Colorado where I can fondly gaze upon the mountains and not hear their mocking cries.

My view of the mountains:


Here's a picture of my favorite armchair for your viewing pleasure:

Alas, I'm afraid I'm going to have to say good-bye to it and its soft, richly colored fabric one day very soon...

Looking forward to this week packed full of blogging and books!

Tiffany

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Armchair BEA

Current Read: Kiss Me If You Can by Carly Phillips


Those of us who can't attend Book Expo America in New York this week don't have to miss out on all of the fun. Welcome to Armchair BEA! A chance for book bloggers to chat, network, dish books and even listen to panels. All of the deets are here.

I've never participated in Armchair BEA so this will be a learning experience for me. I won't be in the fray but participating in ways that are comfortable while taking it all in.

I'll be posting for Armchair BEA each day - hopefully - as well as several of my usual features.

Hope to see you there!

Tiffany

The Next Best Thing Mini-Review

Current Read: Kiss Me If You Can by Carly Phillips


The Next Best ThingThe Next Best Thing by Kristan Higgins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Loved this book! It's been a long time since I read a book that made me laugh or cry - out loud. This one had me doing both. A beautiful story about recovering from a devastating, debilitating loss and learning to live again. Comic relief offered by a crazy town, old classmates and, of course, family members. I've read Kristan Higgins before, and she's never disappointed me. It's always a bit of an adjustment when I read her books written from first person, but once I do get used to them I thoroughly enjoy them.


View all my reviews

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Twitter Resources

Current Read: Highland Knight by Cindy Miles



It's Writer Wednesday here at Armchair Heriones! Today's post is all about Twitter - Twitter Resources to be more exact. I've been pushing myself to better understand Twitter, what it's all about and how to use it without breaking any rules. :0)

Here are some of the resources I found in my Googling:

Articles:

The Top 327 Twitter Tools, Twitter Resources, and Twitter Services

154 Ways to Tweet: What to Tweet, How to Tweet

** Includes a link to John Kremer’s Twitter Mania Manual: Your Guide to Success Via Twitter!

Mashable’s Guide Book to Twitter

Twitter 101: Clarifying the Rules for Newbies from SheGeeks

5 Tips to Grow Your Twitter Presence from ProBlogger

13 Odd Ways to Use Twitter from Social Media Trader

Mashable’s “10 Tools to Organize Your Tweeps

** NEW Twitter Basics and FAQs from Domestic Diva Mysteries

**NEW David Meerman Scott's article, "The Secret to Getting 50,000Followers on Twitter"


Blogs:

The Twitter Blog

Twitter Tips and Resources


Tools:

ReTweet Rank: Find out who’s retweeting your tweets and where you stack up against other tweetpeeps

TwitScoop for trends on Twitter

TweetBeep, “like Google Alerts for Twitter”

Twitpic – share photos on Twitter

TweetBurner – track the links you tweet

Twictionary - The Dictionary for Twitter

HootSuite, Twitter management tool

TwitList by Mashable

Do you know of other Twitter articles, resources or tools you use and like? I'd love to hear about them! Please leave a comment.

I'll be adding to this list whenever I find new info so check back often.

Thanks for joining me today ~

Tiffany