Hi, everyone!  I'm thrilled to bring you a very talented author today.  I've known Nana for a few years now, and became a fan of her writing with her first book, Game, Set, Match.  She has a lovely way with words, and the emotion she includes really packs a punch.

So today, I've invited her back to tell us a little about herself and about her newest release, Sexy In Stilettos.  Let's hear what she has to say before we talk about this awesome new book.

Nana, briefly take us on the journey with you – when did you start writing, did you start in the genre you’re published in now, what hurdles did you have to overcome, etc.?


N.M.: I started writing in 2000 after reading Bridget Jones’s Diary. I wanted to be able to make people laugh or cry or both at the same time with my works. It took me ten long years to publish my first book. After Reading Bridget, I just plunged into the deep end of my first novel without thought to story structure, plot or characterization. In short, I had no idea what I was doing. But I was eager to learn, so I took classes, learned to submit, got over a hundred and fifty rejections and my first novel was published in 2010. Game, Set, Match. I’m so grateful to my editor, Tori Spence at The Wild Rose Press for seeing something in that story.

It's a great story.  Can I plug it some more? (Seriously folks, it's a great story!)

Ahem.  Got distracted there.  Obviously you write in the Contemporary Romance genre. Is that your favorite genre to read? Do you write in any other genres, or under any other pen names you’d like to share?

N.M: I do really enjoy contemporary romance. Particularly Interracial. They’re stories I can relate to, like they could be my friends. I also write in Paranormal. And when I’m looking for an escape into a new world, that’s what I read.

Of the books you have published, do you have a favorite? If so, which one and why?

N.M: Oh man. Such a hard question. To be fair, I will say my current book Sexy in Stilettos because Jaya is probably the closest character to my personality.

What are your published titles and please tell us about anything coming down the pipe next

N.M.: Game, Set, Match - Sexy Contemporary
Reluctant Protector – Superhero Paranormal
Sexy in Stilettos – Sexy Contemporary

I am currently working on the sequel to Reluctant Protector called Forsaken Protector due out in June. And right behind that one is the sequel to Sexy in Stilettos called Sultry in Stilettos, due out in August.

Oooh -- busy schedule!  But exciting to be sure.

Let's talk about Sexy In Stilettos -- but first, check out this cover, all!  And the blurb as well.

Nana, could you tell me about your plot development? How did the idea spur, did you have to do much research, any interesting tidbits that we should know?

I started thinking about the most extreme versions of our personalities and how in the world a couple like that would get together.

As for research, I have plenty of experience planning trips, keeping the details in my head then “suggesting” things to do to my husband on the trip to appear more spontaneous

Laugh!  After my own heart, I swear.  We project managers have a way about us... Nuff Said!
Let’s talk heroes, cause yours are to die for.


What’s one thing about Alec that we wouldn’t necessarily learn in the book?

N.M.: He’s always wanted to learn Krav Maga but alas, that would take sticking around to study it, so it hasn’t happened yet. Perhaps Jaya will make him a plan to get it done.

All heroes are unforgettable in one way or another. What’s one thing about Alec that makes your heart go pitter-pat?

N.M.: I always think about their meet scene where she literally walks into him and his first impulse is to hold her, make her feel better, no questions asked. Deep down, he’s a solid guy, he’s just too scared to commit.

If Alec doesn’t have a pet in your novel, what kind of pet would best suit his personality?

N.M.: A virtual one. He wouldn’t have to commit to feeding it or anything.

Hah!  Too funny.

Moving on to heroines...


Everybody has flaws. Sometimes they are endearing, other times they are annoying. What is Jaya's greatest fault?

N.M.: She’s extremely closed off to change. It literally makes her seize up and break into hives.

Cough.  Nothing related to yourself there, eh?  I know change drives me through the wall.


Without giving away details that might spoil the story for those who have not read it, could you tell us the one strength Jaya provides to Alec?

N.M.: She centers him. Because she’s so loyal and looks ahead she forces him to take a look at his life and examine if he’s happy.

If Jaya was your daughter – what advice would you give her upon meeting your hero?

N.M.: *Grinning* Give him hell and make sure he has a detailed plan for getting there.

Well said, well said! 


If we peek in on your hero and heroine’s lives ten years from now, can you give us a glimpse of what we’d see?

N.M.: Alec and Jaya on vacation with their two kids with Jaya and the children armed with hidden guidebooks and maps all “suggesting” cool things for the family to do. All the while, tickets are bought and spots reserved

Since we've heard so much about them, I want to show off this excerpt.  Sit back and enjoy, readers!





Yum -- that sounds very entertaining!  So a little more about you, Nana, before we let you run away to that vivid imagination.

What’s been the greatest contributing factor to achieving the goals you’ve accomplished?

N.M: I’m driven as hell and loathe the word no.

Do you have goals you have yet to meet?

N.M: Releasing 7 books this year. Though, I’m nearly halfway nearly halfway there.

What fictional character would you like to be, and why?

N.M.: Lizzie Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. There was a woman never afraid to speak her mind.

Thank you, Nana, for stopping in today.

For those of you who are as fascinated by Jaya and Alec as I am, here's some more information:

Biography:





~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

Labels: Nana Malone , New Voices