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Welcome, Romance Lovers! Hot romance author Afton Locke is joining us today!
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Cicada is available at Jasmine-Jade
Welcome Romance Lovers!
Today I'm interviewing Romance author Afton Locke ! Hi, Afton! I hear you have a recent release from Ellora's Cave, and I'm utterly thrilled that you could join us today. Thanks so much for coming.
You’ve recently published your first book. We’d love to know the details.
Cicada, a paranormal erotic romance with light bondage, was released by Ellora’s Cave on 19 November 2008. It features a science teacher heroine trying to get away from men for the summer and an alpha ghost hero who has other plans for her. Here’s a link to the video trailer, which I created myself:
That was fantastic! And you created it yourself? You are truly multi-talented!
Tell us, Afton, what do you love about your publisher?
Lots of things. Ellora’s Cave (part of Jasmine Jade) pays royalties on a monthly basis so I get quick feedback on my promotional activities. We get to provide detailed input for covers, and Helen Woodall is a great editor to work with. The other authors are extremely supportive and friendly. Most of all, this publisher makes writing what it should be -- creative and fun!
What does your writing schedule look like? Are you a morning writer? A night owl?
I’m a morning writer. I need to start writing first thing in the morning or I’ll never get to it. Occasionally, I’ll also write longhand when I’m out somewhere and have some time. I do promotion later in the day or on a separate day. I have a day job too, so I find myself working a lot of nights doing promotion or typing up the longhand notes. I’m still trying to figure out how to juggle writing time and promotion time.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
-#1 is persistence. I’ve had more than one publisher lose my manuscript, so don’t forget those submission follow-ups. Don’t ever give up. It can take years to make it.
-Learn the craft. The learning never stops.
-Focus on one romance genre. I was too scattered writing everything and lost a lot of time.
-Read everything you can get your hands on, especially current books in your targeted genre.
-Enter contests to get valuable feedback. If two or more people point out a problem, you need to work on it.
-Don’t over-edit while writing the first draft. Get the momentum going and write straight through, take chances, and find your voice. Edit at the end.
Thanks for the excellent advice, Afton. Now, here is my totally 'off the writing subject' question. What’s the coolest, wackiest, most risk-taking thing you’ve ever done?
I’m usually an old-fashioned girl, waiting for the guy to make the first move. I met my husband when he picked me out of a crowd and asked me to dance. However, there was a guy in high school I idolized. He was tall, blond, looked like a Nordic god, and drove a hot, yellow sports car! (I went steady with his brother but I couldn’t help having “the grass is greener” thoughts.)
Much later, after we’d all gone our separate ways in different colleges, we met up one weekend in our hometown. My idol was lying down, and without thinking, I jumped on top of him and planted a long, passionate kiss on his lips. Oddly enough, it felt exactly like all my fantasy kisses. He was dazed and flattered. It was the last time I ever saw him, but I never regretted taking that chance.
Do you have an excerpt or blurb for us from Cicada?
I certainly do! My pleasure, Fran...
by Afton Locke
Ellora's Cave 2008
Marian, a science teacher on summer vacation, and hiding from men in general, rents a lovely old house that was once owned by a mysterious, tragic man named Jonathan. He’s been dead for a hundred years. Dead...but not gone. Marian moves into Jon’s house, and finds herself being harrassed by a sexy ghost. Jon is under a curse – like the Cicada, he is cursed to lie seventeen years in the ground, emerging only for one short attempt to break the curse – or return to his grave for another seventeen years. Finding his house occupied by Marian, he vows to break the curse on himself and win her heart. He seduces her, entices her and is determined to show her who’s boss with some sexy rope tricks—and despite her bad experiences with his gender, he intends to earn her love, as well. Will he succeed?
Where can readers buy Cicada?
Cicada - Ellora's Cave - ISBN #9781419919411
Many thanks to romance author Afton Locke for joining us today on Examiner.com!
Afton Locke's websites can be found:
Afton Locke
Unlock your darkest fantasies and brightest dreams…
www.aftonlocke.com
http://aftonlocke.blogspot.com
http://sixsexysirens.blogspot.com
Coming up next...visit with Romance author Amber Skyze tomorrow! See you then!
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