Monday, December 12, 2011

Minnette Meador's The Belle Stalker



Today on Romance to Make Your Heart Race, I'd like to welcome Minnette Meador and her new book, The Belle Stalker! I'm excited to have her here! Check out the interview. Oh and this is pretty cool - Minnette will be giving away a small Kindle ($79) plus a Portland Tote filled with goodies to one randomly drawn commenter. Today's special prize, for those who comment, is a copy of The Belle Stalker. Want to win? Comment early and often!!

The fine print: The Kindle and tote bag are limited to US and Canada only; if an international winner, an Amazon GC will be substituted; ALSO: PLEASE NOTE: Any reader who sends their name and address to Minnette will be sent a stack of signed swag. Just drop her a note at : mmeador@minnettemeador.com)

But let's get the interview started!!!
What was your favorite scene to write in THE BELLE STALKER?


That’s a really tough question. I LOVE the first kiss in a romance. It is the toughest and best scene for me. I also like the climax of the story. There is nothing more fun than bringing everything together with a big bang toward the end!

What was the inspiration behind THE BELLE STALKER?
I have always loved mysteries and thrillers ever since I read my first Sherlock Holmes story when I was ten. However, I also love urban fantasy, so I decided to write one asking this question: What would happen if you stranded a mythical being on earth for 2000 years? What fun this was to write! :o)

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done in the name of research?
I was able to spend a day with a local cop on a ride along, being arrested, and exposed to some real crime in the city. In addition, I was also able to spend hours with the head of the Portland Police Bureau Homicide Division and pick his brain about how they went about investigating a murder. I wrote a five-part blog post on my experience with them. Readers can find them here:

http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/2009/04/in-shadow-of-heroesprologue.html
http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/2009/07/inteview-with-homicide-behind-plot.html
http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/2009/08/inteview-with-homicide-behind-plot-part.html
http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/2009/08/inteview-with-homicide-behind-plot-part_04.html
http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/2009/08/inteview-with-homicide-behind-plot.html

What do you consider as the most frustrating side of becoming a published author and what has been the most rewarding?
I’d say promotion is probably my least favorite part of writing, not because I don’t love my fans (and believe me I do – they rock!), but because I have to spend so much time on it and away from actually writing. I think that’s a common issue with authors. My favorite part is putting a book together, i.e. developing the plot, sketching out the characters, figuring out twists, turns, and surprises, finding humor where you don’t expect it. I LOVE to write more than eating…which is saying something!

What accent inspires you to do naughty things?
LOL There is nothing sexier than an Italian accent, but I love an English one too, and French! It’s too hard to decide. They all make me crazy.

Name something readers would be surprised to learn about you?
I get asked this question a lot… I’m running out of surprises. Let’s see… When I was growing up I wasn’t very popular in school. I spent a lot to time on my own making up stories to amuse myself. I would act them out on my walks home from school.

If you could ask the readers one question what would it be?
What kinds of book do you absolutely love, even if you hide it?

What can readers expect next from you?
I have been contracted for three more books by Resplendence Publishing, two in the Ghost series, and another one in the Centurion series. I am also taking time out to write a sci-fi that I am going to try to sell to New York. Here’s some sneak peeks (ALL SUBJECT TO CHANGE):

The Egyptian Pirate - Hasani has a reputation to uphold as the world's greatest pirate; but that's hard to do when you're wasting away in a Syrian jail for making love to one of the Parthian king's daughters. For the first time in his life, his luck has run out and he faces a very real possibility of losing his head for good this time. When a mysterious woman shows up and helps him escape, he falls in love for the first time. The problem is... she is taken prisoner and swept away to Egypt, the last place he wants to be. Will he risk his life and riches to save her or follow old habits and simply walk away. There is something about this girl...

*Haunted Hearts - Book II in the Ghost Series. Dyna is having a bad day... a really bad day. Her house is now filled with ghosts, the neighborhood association is trying to get her evicted, a coven of witches won’t leave her alone, and she just found out she's pregnant with a demon child. To top everything off, a handsome cop thinks he can make it go away, but all he is doing is making it worse! What's a girl to do?

*Phantom Hearts - Book III in the Ghost Series. He's suave, he's debonair, he can say or do no wrong, the ladies love him, and life couldn't be any sweeter. That is until he finds out he's the devil's love child and strange things start happening around him. Enter a sexy, snoopy female reporter who not only seems immune to his charms but does everything she can to double his trouble. He simply can't resist her and that's where the fun begins. Will he fight the evil deeds blooming in his head or will he finally succumb to his father's wishes and "join" the family business. Only a crazy girl knows... and she's not talking.

*Arpeggios In The Darkness - Sci-Fi - It's hard being the first half-Alien/half-Human hybrid... Your mom and dad are gone all the time, the paparazzi follow you everywhere and you find out your voice can kill. Her only solution, hide in a derelict space freighter until it all goes away. But when the rusting bucket of space debris takes off, her life changes forever…and so does the universe.

What is your method of breaking through writer’s block?
I don’t have too much trouble with that (she whispers very quietly and crosses her fingers). When I do, I usually just practice GYBIC… get your butt in the chair and write something… anything to get going. It usually works. I’m a marathon writer, which means I write 10-20K at a sprint, but then I take a lot of days off in between to “think” things through. I also edit as I go along when I don’t feel like writing. That usually does it.

What fuels you as an author to continue to write?
Talking or brain storming with other writers, reading excellent books, finding something I wrote long ago that isn’t half bad, kicks in the butt by my fellow writers and my dear husband.

Can you tell us a bit about what book(s) you have coming out next and what you’re working on now?
The next book will probably be Haunted Hearts, the second book in the Ghost series (see A GHOST OF A CHANCE). I’m getting information and research together for this book right now which includes visiting a Palm Reader, interviewing several modern day witches, gathering information on neighborhood associations, and studying gothic character models. If anyone is one of these, please contact me at mmeador@minnettemeador.com . I’d love to interview you.

When you get a chance to read, what books do you love to read?
I’m as diverse in my reading as I am in my writing. I just finished Dan Brown’s newest, am reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, A Fine Likeness by Sean McLachlan (a story about raising the dead during the civil war, which is absolutely fascinating), Haunted America, and I just finished the entire Nero Wolf series by Rex Stout. Oh, I’m reading a couple of Terry Pratchett’s newest as well. He’s a very funny guy! And I have Stephen King’s newest on my nightstand.

What bores you as a reader?
Very little, believe it or not. I will tell you that I didn’t finish Dan Brown’s because the last 30 pages his character was preaching on and on about the God theory. It was interesting for the first couple of pages but then it just went on and on. The first 100 pages of The Girl w/the Dragon Tattoo is also mostly back-story and can be tedious. It’s worth the wait however. The book really is amazing beyond that. I like a fiction to move along; if I wanted lots of back-story I’d read a history book (also one of my favorites).

What is your favorite feature on a person?
Hands down, their eyes.

What is your favorite time of day?
Late at night.

What music gets you dancing?
I butt dance to techno and funk. That’s where you sit in your chair and your butt just starts dancing!

Aliens have landed on the planet. What are the three things you would tell them that are great about this planet?
Sunsets, forests, and Margaritas. Not necessarily in that order.

You have been locked in a mall and told you can get anything you want and when they open in the morning you won’t have to pay a single cent. What stores would you hit? Better question how would you haul away all your loot?
The bookstore and the Apple store. I’m pretty strong and can carry it all.

If you could share one major writing tip, to help other writers in their quest for publication, what would it be?
Don’t quit. That the first reason people don’t get published, they give up. To help you, join a local writing association. If you write romance (hell, even if you don’t write romance) join your local or an on-line romance writers association. The best thing you could ever do. Writers may write alone, but they don’t create in a vacuum. Meet and talk to other writers, as many as you can. I can’t begin to tell you how invaluable those resources have been to me. And trust me: I am a complete hermit from the word go. I had to force myself, so you can do it too.

If you could write in any other genre what would it be, and why?
I think I’ve said this before, but I would love to write straight mystery, the classic whodunit. One of my favorite genres to read! One day. I’d also love to write books about history and wish I had the time to study more. I LOVE ancient history.

Where can we find out more about you and your work? To name a few…
Minnette's Web Site
Contact: mmeador@minnettemeador.com
Amazon Author Page
Facebook
Twitter
Blog
Coffeetime Romance

And finally, have you got a sneak peek excerpt from your current work in progress you can share with my readers and me? The hotter the better!

(CAUTION: ADULT CONTENT – HOT ~ HOT ~ HOT)

His cock rested gently on her belly, and her ensuing quiver went through him like a drug. The beat of her heart pulsed against the muscle, and Cranston had to find a deep reserve of discipline to control his urges.

Slowly, deliberately, he leaned forward and began to kiss her face, lick her neck and shoulders. With each new application of pressure, Belle squirmed under him. The skin touching his lips was hot and yielding, velvety against his rough tongue.

When he reached her breasts, he stopped, admiring the granite hard brown nipples and dark areolas. Belle’s chest rose, obviously frantic for his mouth, but he didn’t touch her. Instead, he looked into her eyes and smiled.

“Greedy girl.”

“You bastard,” she said good-naturedly.

In reply, Cranston pursed his lips and began to blow on her right nipple. The creamy areola immediately broke out in large bumps, the rough dark nipple grew in size, and Belle let out a startled gasp. This was something new, and a wave of satisfaction plowed through Cranston. He knew Belle would love it.

Moving to the other side, Cranston repeated the motion and Belle’s hips bucked under him, burying his cock into the skin of her stomach. He lifted it from her, and she groaned.

“Patience, princess.”

She hissed angrily through her teeth, and Cranston laughed. Letting go of her hands, he bent down again and licked the soft skin around her nipple, careful not to touch it. Then, without warning, he pulled the tiny bud into his mouth and bit it gently.

Belle exploded beneath him. Her body jumped involuntarily, and Cranston could feel the earthquake of her need ripple through him. He decided to torture her further.

THE BELLE STALKER – CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
~ ~

THE BELLE STALKER
An Urban Fantasy Thriller
by Minnette Meador


The police have done all they can, but it isn’t enough. When Belle finds the mutilated body of her lover strewn across the furniture she knows only her ex-husband, Homicide Detective Mike Cranston can stop the maniac who has been dogging her steps for over a year. The only problem is the man who stalks her...is not a man at all. Belle plays a dangerous game and only hopes that Cranston can stop the monster before it’s too late.

And here's the linkys:
http://youtu.be/avY8W6i0rw4 Audio Excerpt

http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/p/books-by-minnette.html Written Excerpt

http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/ Blog URL


RESPLENDENCE PUBLISHING (all eFormats except Kindle & Nook):
http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/m8/381-200-103-422-5--the-belle-stalker-by-minnette-meador.html

AMAZON BUY LINK: (Kindle)


AMAZON DIRECT LINK:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Belle-Stalker-ebook/dp/B0064PA6LI/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321749531&sr=1-8

BARNES & NOBEL DIRECT (Nook):
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-belle-stalker-minnette-meador/1107087599?ean=2940013589698&itm=1&usri=the+belle+stalker

All Romance eBooks:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thebellestalker-625303-140.html

30 comments:

Mary Preston said...

I'm posting in all the wrong places. I posted below about excerpts & 'butt dances' - take two.

marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

RoyalCheryl said...

I just love when a writer changes things up that aren't the common way of looking at things. Thanks for all of your books. They are very good reads.

Goddess Fish Promotions said...

Thanks for hosting Minnette today!

Laura said...

Great interview today, Minnette!

Wendi Zwaduk and Megan Slayer said...

Thanks for Stopping by Minnette. Loved doing the interview. Can't wait to read the book!

Unknown said...

Another great interview :) LOL @ the butt dance, I catch myself doing that to, especially if I'm in a happy mood.

leanne_gag[at]hotmail[ot]com

Minnette Meador said...

Good morning all! Thanks so much for coming over...

Hi, Marybelle - No worries, kiddo... saw them both and butt dancing is one of my favorite things to do. Oh, but there is bed dancing... we'll talk about that later...

Oh, Cheryl, you are so sweet. I am so glad you like them! ~grin~

Thanks, Laura!

You are an angel for inviting us today, Wendi... I LOVE your blog! Everyone, you need to follow this blog. It has some fabulous articles!

Hi, Leanne! ~waves~ I think a lot of us butt dance... I have a couple of tunes I just have to stop and dance to. I had to take those out of my listening list because they were too distracting!

Karen H said...

I've been meaning to ask you about your time spent with the Police Dept. Did you sort of feel like Castle & Beckett?

Minnette Meador said...

Hi, Karen! Kind of... The interview at SE Precinct was with their public relations officer. He was amazing and gave me the full tour, a very long interview, and then the ride along. Homicide was just an interview... I didn't get the tour, unfortunately. Maybe later. ~fingers crossed~

cazybug said...

I love Minnette! I would love to read this book! :O)

booklover0226 said...

Great interview and excerpt (hot, indeedy!); both were great reads.

I've enjoyed Minnette's other works and I know I'll enjoy The Belle Stalker.

Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com

cheralyn said...

Very interesting interview. Hot excerpt! Your upcoming books sound wonderful! I'm looking forward to reading them! cheryllynne(at)rocketmail(dot)com

JeanMP said...

Great interview, it must have been really fascinating the tour and the ride along at the police precinct. Always enjoy your books, look forward to what you having coming out next!

Yami Neko said...

Hey Minnette! Interesting interview there! xD Its Awesome to follow you this month for your book.
yamikokoro(@)gmail.com

cky15 said...

cky15:
loved your interview! I am looking forward to adding you to my list of authors must read from. You got me that is for sure just reading just a little of your book!

Minnette Meador said...

Thanks, Cazybug! I love you too! :o)

Hi, Tracey!

Thanks, Cheralyn... I really hope you like it! :o)

Hi, Jean. I highly recommend a ride along to everyone. It is a real eye opening.

Thanks, Yami. I'm so happy you're having fun. I LOVE these tours!

Thanks, CKY - I'd love to have you read my books and tell me what you think. Make sure to hit the other places on the tour too for lots of other articles and excerpts.

Cathy M said...

Another enjoyable interview, Minnette and Wendi. Congratulations on all your sucess, and for all the great stories we ge to look forward to next year.

caity_mack at yahoo dot com

Eliwrites said...

As usual. Minnette, a wonderful interview! I love the frankness and openness that you share with us all when you talk about yourself and your writing. As I am also a writer, although I am still working on getting published, I understand what you mean about not writing in a vaccuum. I have been working on a story since the beginning of November that I probably wouldn't have if not for my writing partner that I bounce ideas and concepts off of. She is also great at helping me world-build.

Thank you for hosting, Wendi. I will have to come back another time and read more. (When I am not at work. ;) )

Catherine Lee said...

WOW...That is a hot, hot, hot work in progress! Minnette...I love that you have Stephen King's latest on your night stand. I just checked out 11/23/63 from the Library today. I almost afraid to open it because I think I won't be able to put it down...and I have to work this week! Maybe we can talk about it when we have our tea?

catherinelee100[at]gmail[.]com
@capefearlibn

Bama said...

*fans myself* :)

Victoria K said...

Great Interview!! Thanks!

Minnette Meador said...

You are too kind, Cathy!

Hi, Eli! I hope I'm not too frank! LOL I'm so glad you have a partner to work with you. It is sooooo important. I don't know what I would do without mine. They beat me bloody and keep me on track and I LOVE IT! :o)

I tried to warn you, Catherine! LOL Well, SK has been there a while. I just finished Sean McLacklan's new book A Fine Likeness and couldn't put it down. I'll be posting about that this week. I'm anxious to start the next in the Girl with Dragon Tattoo, but Terry Pratchett calls to me! Can't wait for our tea. You need to answer my email about Skype or Google Plus or whatever so we can get together! :o)

Oh, Bama... ~chuckle~

You're welcome, Victoria!

Sheila Deeth said...

You are busy!!! All those great books, all coming soon! And the blog tour too.

Unknown said...

Another smoking excerpt. I'm very intrigued by the sci-fi title you're working on. Will keep my eye out for that one.

drainbamaged.gyzmo at gmail.com

Minnette Meador said...

I have been busy all year, but am done with the tour right before Christmas and will be taking some time to myself to get the next three (four?) books put together. I'm looking forward to that and it should be fun to do the research on witches and palm readers! :o)

Thanks, Kathryn... This is something I've worked on and off for several years, but just had too many other books to write before it. I'm very excited about the project and you'll be hearing more about it (hopefully - it's going to NY - fingers crossed). As I always say... stay tuned! :o)

KirstenF said...

Another great excerpt! Itching to get my hands on this lol

KirstenF

cowgurlz_14@hotmail.com

Deb PelletierC said...

You go girl. It sounds like you are a very busy person.

Minnette Meador said...

Thanks, Kirsten... I'm itching to have you read it! :o)

Hi, Renald! I'm ALWAYS busy... my DH says I think I'll die if I stop. He may have a point. Even when I'm watching TV, I'm reading, knitting, doing my nails, etc. I guess I just have to be doing something all the time. Damn Sagittarius leanings! :o)

Minnette Meador said...

Well, it's time for me to sign out for the night...

Thanks to everyone for coming over today. I'll pick a winner in the morning. A very special thanks and hugs go to Wendi for putting this together and inviting us to invade her blog. It's a beautiful place and I want everyone to follow. What a great list of articles!

Don't forget to join me tomorrow over at Rogue Angels (http://www.roguesangels.blogspot.com/) - See you then! :o)

Minnette Meador said...

And the winner of the copy of The Belle Stalker is...

Kirsten F! Congrats, girl... Drop me a note with what format you want and I'll send it over.

More prizes to come so stay tuned... :o)