Happy Music and Sea Monkeys and Authors-Oh My!!

The Sea Monkeys have begun to warble their war chants from the depths of my bath tub again. And we all know what that means. (If you don't, you may want to check out some back posts over on the right side of the blog. Just pick the Sea Monkey category. It's been a long war.)

They began their germ warfare last week, and I promptly lost my voice. I've been without it ever since. No amount of gargling will bring it back. So, I've decided to turn the tables on them. In addition to my chemical assault on their lair, I've taken a page out of Desert Storm's military tactics. They blasted Van Halen at Sadam's palace at all hours of the night. I'm blasting my happy songs at the Sea Monkeys.

Songs that get me pumped up to kick some sea monkey butt. You know, the ones you wish you could turn the volume up to 11 on the stereo. So turn it up as I blast these water dwelling parasites back to the sewer!

Got My Mojo Working - Muddy Waters
This clip is 7 minutes long, but worth it to watch to the end when Muddy starts dancing with his harmonica player. Priceless!



Long Live Rock - The Who
This is my favorite band. I've seen them in concert four times and loved every experience.



Are You Gonna Be My Girl - Jet


There's lots more where those came from. But I digress.

I wanted to thank Sue Gourley, Misty Simon and Natalie Damschroder for coming over and doing interviews. Go get their awesome books!

I have two more author interviews set up for the coming weeks. Vicky Burkholder, author of fantasy and fantasy romance will be here next week. Then in about two weeks, once she gets back from RT and settled in, Megan Hart, best known for her erotic novels, will be here to run the gauntlet of questions, including the Sea Monkey SAT portion.

But now back to the important part. What happy songs would you blare at a Sea Monkey infestation? I need to diversify my playlist, so leave me suggestions in the comments!

Natalie J. Damschroder & Flight Or Flight Author Inteview

Natalie J. Damschroder is a multi-published author of contemporary and paranormal romance, with an emphasis on romantic adventure. Her 8 novels, 7 novellas, and 15 short stories have been published by Avid Press, Echelon Press, Amber Quill Press, and, most recently, Carina Press. It’s very rare for her to read a book that doesn’t have some kind of romance in it, and impossible for her to write one. But she also loves heart-pounding excitement, life-or-death stakes, and complex villains just begging to be defeated.

Thanks for agreeing to answer some interview questions about yourself and your new book.

Thanks so much for having me, Ava! I hope I don’t bore your readers too much.

So, What is your new book about?
Fight or Flight is a romantic adventure released by Carina Press on March 28.

Eighteen years ago, a group of men killed Regan Miller's boyfriend and tried to kidnap her daughter, Kelsey. Since then they have lived in hiding, always vigilant and never getting close to anyone.

When Kelsey goes away to college, Regan finally begins to relax. She even starts to think she can have a real relationship, perhaps with her flirtatious neighbor, Tyler Sloane. Then Regan is attacked again.

Desperate to get to her daughter, Regan accepts Tyler's help—despite her suspicions about him. She knows nothing about Tyler but he knows a shocking amount about her past. Tyler can't tell her what he knows or who he works for, but he insists she can't face her enemies without him. Tired of living in fear, Regan is ready to take the offensive, with Tyler by her side. But is she relying too much on a man she can't trust—and falling for him, too?

You can read excerpts here and here.

Can you share an interesting behind the scenes tidbit about your latest story?

My original working title for Fight or Flight was Unbreakable. It was a horrible title, because of the movie of the same name, and its lack of success. But it was really hard for me to break my mind away from how well it fit. It fits Regan, the heroine, who will never stop fighting to protect or save her daughter. It fits Kelsey for the same reasons, as well as other reasons I shall not disclose for those who dislike spoilers. :) Finally, after about half an hour brainstorming with some author friends, I came up with Fight or Flight, which is so much more perfect than Unbreakable I still feel stupid.

What is your favorite part of the story writing process?

I’m a flyer, so I don’t see much of the story beyond the headlights. I love when I have an epiphany while I’m writing a scene (or taking a shower—all my most brilliant ideas come in the shower), and I read over everything I’ve already written with the intent of seeding the new idea…and finding that the seeds are already there, but I didn’t know at the time what they were. It’s exhilarating to find my brain working on so many levels! :)

Writing can be such an isolated enterprise. Yet, I’m sure there are people who have helped or guided or inspired you along the way to becoming a published author. Could you tell us about one of them and how they helped you?

I’m going to give my usual suspects a break (the constant praise and thanks can be so wearying) and talk about someone from very early in my career. Ginny Aiken was the outgoing president of my local writer’s group when I first called about joining, and bringing my 7-month-old to the meeting. She was so welcoming and gracious, and made me certain I was doing what I was supposed to do. At my first RWA National conference in 2000, she sat up with me until 1:30 a.m. helping me refine my pitch for the next day. We’ve lost touch with each other over the last few years, but I’ve never forgotten all the ways she kept me from quitting writing, just by her conviction that I would eventually succeed.

Now for the S.A.T. portion of the interview:

Fill in the blank –
If I were a villain, I would have __________________ for minions to deliver my wrath because _______________________. (And remember, sea monkeys are already spoken for. Mostly)

Chupacabras
their mysteriousness and goat-sucking tendencies will strike fear into the hearts of my opponents, who will then give me whatever I demand just to avoid the parasites.

Sea Monkeys are to _______________ as zombie stinkbugs are to _______________.
Castles
Crawlspaces

Please tell us where we can find out more about you and where we can buy your books.

I’m all over the place!

My Website
Facebook
Twitter
My Main Blog
My eHarlequin Profile
My Goodreads Page
The Gab Wagon, a group author blog
Supernatural Sisters, a group author blog about the TV show Supernatural!

Fight or Flight can be purchased (or preordered) at most e-book retailers, including Carina Press, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Information on and buy links for my backlist can be found here.

Thanks again for stopping in!

Misty Simon & Strings Attached Author Interview

Wow, what a whirlwind this new segment has turned out to be. I have three more authors lined up for interviews. Today we have author, Misty Simon, who writes books that make you laugh until you snort.

She is a multi-published author with eleven books to her credit. I love her Ivy Morris Mystery series and was sad when it came to its (very satisfying) conclusion after five wonderful installments.

Today she's here to tell us about her latest romantic comedy release, Strings Attached.

Thanks for agreeing to answer some interview questions about yourself and your new book, Misty.



So, what is your new book about?

Here’s the back blurb, baby!

Back at home after his latest tour, Chris Niles, resident jokester and lead guitarist for Lexical Diffusion, is at loose ends. His bandmates are being felled like trees by Cupid's arrow, which leaves him without a roommate or his regular buddies to hang out with. But when he meets the lovely and voluptuous Andrea one rainy afternoon, he thinks she could very well be the perfect diversion.

Andrea Wimer has recently moved back home to help her father. On her way to a house call for her father's business, she drives by Chris who is strolling along in a downpour as if he hasn't a care in the world. Her first impression is that he's crazy. When they end up running into each other later that same night, she adds sexy and fun to the original description. Smitten by his dimple-filled smile, she accepts his offer to show her his side of the town--a no strings attached kind of thing--before he leaves on tour again.

What starts out as a bit of fun becomes more than that with each passing day. As Chris finds himself opening up his heart and his past to a woman who seems content to let him go, he has to admit that his heart is involved for the first time in his life. How on earth is he going to convince Andrea that she wants more, too--the whole package, corny jokes and all--tied tight as a present with Strings Attached?


Can you share an interesting behind the scenes tidbit about your latest story?

LOL! The scene with the mixologist with his pink shirt is almost all true!


What is your favorite part of the story writing process?

I love the freshness of ideas and all the possibilities. The work is hard but then I also love having written.

Writing can be such an isolated enterprise. Yet, I’m sure there are people who have helped or guided or inspired you along the way to becoming a published author. Could you tell us about one of them and how they helped you?

There are a plethora of people who have helped and guided me. To choose one is hard, but I will say that the authors at CPRW have encouraged me and seen me through so many things that it would have been nearly impossible to go through on my own.

Now for the S.A.T. portion of the interview:

YES! MadLIBS!!!!

Fill in the blank –
If I were a villain, I would have _________ for minions to deliver my wrath because __________. (And remember, sea monkeys are already spoken for. Mostly)

I would have rabid gold fish...because no one would suspect them at the carnival!

Sea Monkeys are to _________ as zombie stinkbugs are to _______________.

washcloths :: mountains

Please tell us where we can find out more about you and where we can buy your books.

Pop on over to www.mistysimon.com for any and all info Misty. I’m also on facebook http://www.facebook.com/misty.simon#!/ so be my friend. Don’t make me beg – it’s not pretty.

Thanks again for stopping in, Misty!

Susan Gourley & Beyond The Gate Interview

Today is the first entry of a new segment at Tongue In Cheek - Author Interviews. And here to kick it off is Sue Gourley, author of fantasy and fantasy romance under her pen name Susan Kelley.



Thanks for agreeing to answer some interview questions about yourself and your
new book, Sue.

So, What is your new book about?

Beyond the Gate is Book #2 in my fantasy series, The Futhark Chronicles. The book picks up the story a few moments after the first book, The Keepers of Sulbreth ended.

In this epic fantasy series the island kingdom of Futhark is besieged by a horde of demon creatures. The only way to stop them is for Keeper Sabelline Shelton and her protective Marshal, Cage Stone, to journey into a complicated network of caverns where she can use her magical skills to form a gate and trap the demons beneath the ground. But things are not what they seem. Cage and Sabelline encounter problems their education and planning has not prepared them to meet. Only by exploring Cage's lost heritage and Sabelline's courage can see them through the darkness beneath the mountains.

Can you share an interesting behind the scenes tidbit about your latest story?

After the first book many fans mentioned how they enjoyed the personal stories of some of the secondary characters in the first book. In Beyond the Gate King Jonared, Cage Stone's half brother, will have to grow into the king his people need him to be. Part of his maturation will be facing and understanding his feelings for Lady Kristall, Cage's step sister. I think readers will love their tale and perhaps even shed a tear.

What is your favorite part of the story writing process?

I recently addressed that in a blog post at http://www.susangourley.blogspot.com/

I do like writing the first draft but it usually takes me a long time. I like the second draft because I can clean up all the holes I left in the plot and catch inconsistencies. Usually I'm sick of reading it by the third draft and I have to slow down and take my time weeding out passive verbs, repetitive and weak words as well as grammar mistakes. After that, I do like doing the final edits and reading after a professional editor has done their work on it.

Writing can be such an isolated enterprise. Yet, I’m sure there are people who have helped or guided or inspired you along the way to becoming a published author. Could you tell us about one of them and how they helped you?

I met Megan Hart at a writer's conference years ago. The event was sponsored by Penn State University and was a first for both of us. We ran into each other on the elevator. Like many inexperienced writers we each had copies of our manuscripts with us. We exchanged the first few chapters and took them back to our rooms. Megan's prose blew me away it was so good. I think she used an entire red ink pen on mine. LOL. We became critique partners and continued for a few years. Her career took off and though we've remained friends we don't do critiques for each other anymore. She helped me tons during those early years.


Now for the S.A.T. portion of the interview:


Fill in the blank –
If I were a villain, I would have __________________ for minions to deliver my wrath because _______________________. (And remember, sea monkeys are already spoken for. Mostly)

I would have nanobots because they can go anywhere and reinvent themselves for the job that needs doing.

Sea Monkeys are to _______________ as zombie stinkbugs are to _______________.

The Sound of Music : JAWS

Please tell us where we can find out more about you and where we can buy your books.

The next two books in The Futhark Chronicles are completed and I have a second fantasy series in the works. I also write fantasy romance under the pen name, Susan Kelley. I have a new romance being released April 29th.

You can buy my fantasy books at Amazon or other major online retailers. My romance books are also available at most online retailers.

Thanks again for stopping in!

Thanks for having me, Ava. Your blog was one of the first blogs I started to follow.

Awww, thanks. *Ava blushes*

News You Can (Maybe) Use

First off, tomorrow the wonderful Susan Gourley will be interviewed here at Tongue in Cheek. Susan Gourley writes amazing fantasy books, as well as fantasy romance books under her pen name, Susan Kelley. Stop in here to check out her thoughts about her writing and giving us information on her newest release Beyond The Gate from her series the Futhark Chronicles.

I've read the first in her new series - The Keepers of Sulbreth, and let me tell you, it was awesome. Beyond The Gate is on my wish list. I actually haven't bought it yet, so I can get it when Susan is doing a signing, but I don't think I can wait any longer! One idea I really liked is that the second book begins only moments after the first one ends.

Also, as promised, here is a picture of the new boots!



I don't usually go around wearing them with funky fishnets and a schoolgirl skirt. I was dressed up for a Zombie Prom as part of the Zombie Response Unit there to kick ass and take names. The zombie prom was in honor of a friend's birthday. This friend will actually be mentioned in Susan's interview tomorrow. So be sure to check back then to see who it is!

And finally, it's my wedding anniversary. Thanks for fourteen awesome years, sweetheart!

That's all for now, citizens. Be sure to inform me of all zombie sightings in your neighborhood. I'll be there in a flash, driving the Zombie Response Vehicle.

Diversified Possum Uses

As the county's reigning 'Possum Queen for the Pot Bellied Processed 'Possum Products Company (tm), it was pointed out to me in the fine print of my contract that I should be endorsing, not only the company's fine product line of canned 'possum delights, but doing my "darned-tootinest" to further the best image of 'possum and 'possum related products.

So to that end, I offer my 'possummy endorsement of the following 'possum products and organization.

First and foremost, there's The Opossum Society of the United States. Though they focus more on keeping opossums alive instead of ingesting them.

You can also show your support by wearing your opossum on your sleeve, or wherever else you may want to.

Girls, let the world (or at least your trailer park) know of your 'possum pride. Announce your love of all things 'possum across your chest.



Guys, let the neighbors know just what you're grilling on the back porch.



Don't forget the special sauce!



For that touch of class, gents, you can always import your possum for that distinguished look to let your redneck town know you're a cut above the rest.

And ladies, for the ever discerning gal who endeavors to be her trailer park's trend setter, may I suggest 'possum nipple warmers? You'll be the envy of your trailerhood.



I know not much can follow that major statement of female 'possum fashion, but not to be outdone, men, you can even get a 'Possum Fur Willie Warmer. Apparently in several different sizes and colors.



So there you have it, folks. Your very own picture pile of 'possummy products. Let me know which are your favorites! I just can't decide.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

You may or may not remember this about me, but up until October, Chez Quinn was blessed with two border collies. Our number is now down to one. A fourteen year old sweetheart who, in my opinion, is the best dog who has ever lived. I'm sure you've had or currently have one of those.

So in honor of St. Patrick's Day and celebration of border collies -and a respectful nod to dogs everywhere- I give you this.

Do You Smell That?

Do you? That, my friends, is the smell of motorcycle weather.

The Man went out to the barn on Monday and plugged the batteries of our cycles up to the battery charger. And you know what that means. I will be riding soon.

Soon, I tells ya!

And after the tough winter I've had with the eldest urchin, I could use a ride or two thousand.

I even bought new boots. Kick ass boots. Black knee-high, lace up the front combat boots. Pictures will be forth coming.

So what smell is in the air for you? Any spring plans you're looking forward to?

Coming Soon- Author Interviews!

This month I'll be starting something new for the blog. Author interviews.

Three friends of mine have books being released in the coming weeks. I thought it would be great to hear from them, so I sent them each interview questions - with a Tongue In Cheek slant. (You didn't really think I could ask interview questions without working in Sea Monkeys, did you?) So, be sure to check those out soon.

My writing had come to a grinding halt with all the urchin goings on. She had to get two vaccination booster shots and is scheduled for more blood work next month. The brave little urchin did well with the shots. She wouldn't look away and watched the whole time again. And an added blessing to Mama Urchin was she didn't cry.

But I'm trying to get back in the saddle with some word counts. I have lots of manuscripts to choose from, but each one has problems I'm not ready to or feel capable of fixing at the moment. I tried writing something new, just for enjoyment, but the joy got sucked out of it for me when I shared it with others prematurely. *sigh* I really need to listen to my gut more.

So now I'm trying to to figure out where to go to jump back in. My goal this week is to find where the baby wading pools of my wips are and dip in a toe. You can be sure I'll be wearing my water wings!

Crazy Field Trips

Last month I finally went on a field trip that I'd been wanting to go on for years. I toured . . . an Army/Navy surplus store. It was awesome. Everything I'd dreamed. I'm still reeling from the overpowering experience.

I wanted to tour at least one since I use one in a manuscript. I really wanted the feel of the place, and man did I pick a great one to tour. Drop ceiling with knife holes in it, old uneven linoleum tiles, dark ambiance. There was even a huge bomb hanging from the ceiling. Not to mention the large array of weapons and the holsters to carry them.

So now I want to go on my next tour. This one will be like visiting great vineyards in the Napa Valley. Only seedier.

I want to visit dive bars. Little dirty holes-in-the-wall where people go to drink themselves into oblivion. Places that are characters unto themselves. Establishments that a girl on her own may not feel entirely safe. Biker bars, scary honkytonks, city bars, bars on the wrong side of the tracks in little dying towns. Man, I can't wait.

So, where do you want to visit that may be out of the ordinary realm of tourist attractions? And if you're a writer, how far do you go for your research?