‘Memoirs of a Mobster’ by Judy Serrano will leave you breathless
 

I am proud to announce that the 4th book of the Easter’s Lilly series, 'Memoirs of a Mobster', has been released. As the author of this series, I would just like to say that writing Lilly has been a thrilling experience for me. Here is a little taste to wet your appetite:

Diego Montiago Jr. was groomed to run the largest criminal organization in both the United States and Mexico by the kingpin of the syndicate himself, who also happens to be his uncle. With no conscience or remorse he becomes a true killer with a reputation that keeps most people at a distance. The betrayal of his high school sweetheart sends Diego into a tailspin, which causes him never to expect love to be a feasible addition to his world.

During a lavish birthday party for his mother, his best friend and cousin decides to collect on an overdue debt. Little does he know that this exchange will change him forever. In book four of the series Diego Jr. continues to protect his family and fill the shoes of the former Mexican Godfather, Diego Montiago Sr. His real father, who is the kingpin of the rival organization, begins his deceitful attack, causing Diego to choose his allegiance. The organization engulfs his life and the lives of those around him as the siblings begin to realize that things are not even close to what they appear to be. Will love find Diego Montiago after all? Only time will tell.

‘Memoirs of a Mobster’ is available on Amazon.com as well as the other books in the series. You can also find it on Barnesandnoble.com, my website, blog and most other places you can buy books online. So if you like a little “love in the afternoon” this book is for you. Even though there are no vampires here, if you loved Twilight, The Vampire Diaries and maybe a little soapy TV, this series will keep you riveted. Check it out and enter today for your chance to win free books from the series. Those Montiago men will drive you wild!

Today we are lucky enough to spend a little time chatting with Lindsay Avalon, successful, paranormal romance author. Lindsay’s new novel, Breaking the Nexus, is scheduled for release 12/12/12. Thank you, Lindsay for stopping by.

1) What is the title of your new book and what is it about?

My book is a paranormal romance called Breaking the Nexus. It’s the first in a trilogy set in the Mythrian realm, and I plan to try to release the next book sometime in the spring of 2013. Here’s the blurb for it:

Throughout history, myths and legends of extraordinary creatures have been told and retold. Fantastic tales of demons and banshees, gryphons and dragons, and of course, magic. Stories that every child grows to learn, are nothing more than fantasy … or are they?

 Beyond the world you see lies a hidden realm, the Mythrian Realm, inhabited by all of the creatures you’ve been told are mere fiction. Only one thing lies between humans and the truth: The Nexus. A magical barrier erected millennia ago to separate the two realms; it has stood the test of time. Until now.

For Mythrian Sha Phoenix, magic is nothing new. But when she stumbles upon a portal on the verge of collapse, her fate will forever change. Pulled through the portal into the Human Realm, she lands in the middle of Detective Connor Flynn’s brutal murder scene. Soon it is obvious someone is using blood magic to try to bring down the Nexus. Together, Connor and Sha must work to unravel the secrets before the barrier falls and the realms collide.

The Nexus is breaking and all hell is about to unleash … literally.

2) What inspired you to write it? How long did it take you to finish it?

I’ve always had a fascination with mythology and magic, and paranormal romance is one of my favorite genres. After failing miserably to complete NaNoWriMo in 2010, my sister convinced me to try it again in 2011. My husband told me to write what I know, so I decided to give paranormal romance a shot and Breaking the Nexus was born.

As for how long it took to finish, that’s a hard one to answer. I won NaNoWriMo in 2011, then shelved it for a few months before coming back to it in the summer months. I joined Facebook to start networking with other authors and brought my word count up to 68k. I showed it to a few people who were brutally honest (exactly what I needed!) and they pointed out some areas that I needed to work on. The general consensus was everyone loved the premise but it was clunky and I’d done some odd things to help pad my word count in NaNoWriMo.

I made the tough decision to rewrite it and after hitting my stride with my first novella, Song of the Abyss, I started rewriting Breaking the Nexus at the end of October. Due to issues with my hands/joints, it took about 6 weeks to rewrite. The final product was a million times better than the original and morphed its way into a trilogy instead of a single, standalone book.

3) Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a wife, a programmer, and now an author. I have an adorable mini Schnauzer and more books than I have room for. I love reading romance because no matter what may be happening in my life, I can always count on my books to end happily ever after. The day I met my husband was the day I truly began believing in happily ever after. After hearing me complain a few too many times that I had “nothing” to read despite the hundreds of paperbacks scattered around the house, my husband began suggesting I write my own stories. When I finally took his advice I discovered that although I enjoy my day job as a software engineer, my true calling is to be an author.

When I’m not writing, I’ve found a passion for blogging and interviewing fellow authors. I also love reading (of course!), baking, crochet, sewing sock monkeys, playing video games, and all sorts of random crafts. I have an incurable love of rubber duckies and stuffed animals, and I believe nobody should have to grow up if they don’t want.

4) Do you have any writing rituals?

Not really. To get into the zone, I crank up epic music and just go for it. I can write anywhere and have become adept at what I like to call “covert writing,” otherwise known as, writing whenever I can fit in the time.

5) What type of books do you like to read? Who is your favorite author?

I love most kinds of romance, in particular paranormal and romantic suspense as well as some erotica. I can’t pinpoint a single author as my favorite, but among them are Nalini Singh, Gena Showalter, Kresley Cole. Marjorie M. Liu, J.D. Robb, and far too many indie authors than I can list here.

6) Are you working on your next book? Is there a sequel to this one?

I hope to take a break for at least a week to give my hands a chance to recover. I’ve been having issues and have definitely overworked them. After my mini-hiatus, I plan to start work on the next book of the trilogy, Waking the Phoenix. This is tentatively scheduled for spring of 2013

7) Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Be prepared to take criticism and work your butt off. Writing is the easy part compared to the countless hours you’ll need to spend marketing yourself, networking, meeting new people, and polishing your work. If you can’t take criticism, you’ll never grow as a writer. It’s not personal; these people genuinely want to help you succeed. Connect with authors in your genre for even more guidance, but don’t be afraid to make friends with authors of other genres too. You’d be amazed at how much you can learn from others.

9) How can we get more information on you and your books?

My current release, a novella in the anthology, Once Upon A Twisted Time, is available for purchase on: Amazon.com

Breaking the Nexus will be released on eBook on 12/12/12, and paperback shortly thereafter. Here are my social links. I love meeting new people!

Blog

Amazon Author Page

Facebook

Twitter

Scott T. Gill signs books at Roma’s in Rockwall

This past Saturday, September 8^th, 2012, Scott T. Gill was signing books at Roma's Bookstore in Rockwall, Texas. His debut novel, Goliath Catfish, is a big hit with the Rockwall youth. Here’s a blurb about his book.

Albert McClune is bigger than most kids in his neighborhood. He dreams of being his family’s hero, to turn their fortunes, and return the happiness lost with his brother Pete. But Albert is crippled by fear and shame. Fleeing home, he meets Elijah Amos Fortune Jones, an odd boy who takes him on a treasure hunt deep into the city sewers and uncharted caves. They face a voodoo priest, swim in rat-infested tunnels, and engage in a deadly race for the lost ransom of Machine Gun Kelly. Albert is forced to be courageous or lose everything he loves as he faces the guilt that has cut him down to size. ...but beware the man-sized catfish! A boy's Youth Adventure story, reminiscent of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, but a thrill to read for adults, girls, and boys alike. You'll feel you're under the murkish water with Albert, in danger of being eaten alive.

I took some time to interview Scott, in between visits from anxious teens showing up to get his much desired signature on their personal copy of 'Goliath Catfish.'

Q: I understand that you’re a teacher here in Rockwall. Do you ever see yourself as a full time writer?

A: No. I love to write but could never leave teaching behind.

Q: How long have you been writing?

A:  10 to 12 years. As a matter of fact, about 7 or 8 years ago I wrote a few articles for “Chicken Soup for the Soul.”

Q:  What are your favorite genres? Do you have any favorite authors?

A:  Everything. I love all genres. Some of my favorite authors include C.S. Lewis, Tolkien and Twain.

Q:  Do you have any writing rituals?

A:  5 a.m. every morning, without fail.

Q:  Are you a panster or a plotter?  Do you always need to have a plan?

A:  Certainly a plotter. I like everything planned out before I start to write.

Q:  How can people find out more about your book?

A: ‘Goliath Catfish’ is available on amazon.com or from my website.

After serving as a minister for nearly 15 years, Scott left the ministry to pursue teaching. He is currently an English teacher and coach at J.W. Williams Middle School in Rockwall. He currently resides in Rockwall with his wife and four children.