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Three Books

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Three Bestselling Authors

Thriller

Mystery

Romance

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GRETCHEN GREENE by CJ West

When a team of assassins destroys the lab Gretchen Greene, ecoterrorist turned energy researcher, is working in, she must flee for her life. Cunning and crafty Randy Black has undergone a transformation from his previous tragic past and believes he's been sent to save Gretchen, but he must learn what she's done and why she's surrounded by armed men all intent on having her in one way or another.

SHE BELONGS TO ME by Carmen DeSousa

After secrets and a mysterious background leave a wife’s life hanging by a thread, a husband must look for answers in the only place he knows—the past.

CART BEFORE THE HORSE by Bernadette Marie

Gabriel Maguire thought he'd buried his past until the night he met Holly, only to lose the woman he cared about, again. Holly Jacobs has always put the cart before the horse. A prodigy who shot to stardom in textile design, she never knew a normal life—and there's nothing she longs for more than to be normal.

Guest Blogger Romantic Suspense Author Carmen DeSousa

"There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at the typewriter and bleed." ~ Ernest Hemingway

Though I believe that quote by the famous Florida author is accurate, I don’t know that it is one hundred percent complete.

If you really want to bleed, submit your work to an agent or publisher. Although we need constructive criticism and I appreciate every agent who takes the time to actually comment on my work, it still hurts. Actually, it is downright painful.

As an author—and I know it’s authors reading this blog—I know you’ve been there. As much as you hate the standard rejection letter that rambles on the same, tired script, “Sorry for this impersonal letter, but your project just isn’t the right fit for us. But, opinions are subjective, so we wish you the best…”, it still hurts when you get that honest letter. The agent that is not afraid of your backlash at how you will someday be a super star—because your mom says so—and is willing to offer you beneficial feedback.

I welcome these letters; with every one of them, my writing has improved and will continue to do so.

And when my editor actually gets a hold of my pages and tears them to shreds to make them better, I listen to her suggestions, welcome them even. Because I believe in the end, it will only make me a better author.

So, remember, when an agent offers her opinion, take it in stride, learn from it, heck, even thank her for her opinion. Who knows, she may be the one that listens to why you wrote what you wrote and realizes you are an author willing to accept her ideas, and she may even offer you representation.

Of course, self-publishing is always on the table…then you don’t have to listen to anyone—wrong! You will always have your readers. Someone will always have an opinion on your writing. Get used to it and carry on

Carmen's book She Belongs to Me will release from 5 Prince Publishing in December 2011.  Visit her at www.carmendesousa.blogspot.com for more insight into her writing and upcoming projects.

Interview with author Carmen DeSousa

Today I am very excited to have Carmen DeSousa with me!  This up and comer is full of ideas and the stories just keep getting better.  Her first book, She Belongs to Me, will release in December 2011 from 5 Prince Publishing.  So let's get to know this fabulous author.

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

 I love the opportunity to share my experiences and situations that I have lived through in stories that people can relate to in their own life.

 Are you a plotter or a pantser?

 Pantser. I typically have only my hook before I start. I envision an idea for a story and just start typing. I will write a chapter in the morning, edit my writing the same evening, and then the characters come alive when I close my eyes and act out where the story will go.

Why do you think people should choose your books over another author?

 My stories only lack one element—they're not vulgar. I fill my novels with romance, thrills, and suspense without using vulgar language and explicit scenes as filler.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?

 Though tragedy is a part of life, you can overcome your circumstances with a belief in God and a soul-mate who will stand beside you no matter what.

How would you describe yourself if you were “speed dating” your readers?

 I have lived a tragic, but thankful life. As much pain as I have endured, I realize that if I hadn't lived through everything I did, I wouldn't be where I am. And today, I have a wonderful, supportive husband of twenty-two years and two perfect sons.

What books or authors have most influenced your life?

 There are so many, I wouldn't know where to begin. My family instilled of love of reading in me since I could read. On average, I read about two books a week. My favorites though are Sidney Sheldon, Nicholas Sparks, Iris Johansen, Jaime Rush, Heather Graham, and of course Bernadette Marie.

 Please tell us 5 miscellaneous facts about yourself.

 I am a Florida native but have also lived in North Carolina for ten years. When I am not writing my own novels, I proofread for a couple of publishers and many authors. Though I have wrote short stories my entire life, it was only two years ago I decided to dedicate my time to writing novels.

Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

My first novel, She Belongs to Me, will be available December 2011. Please check out the first chapter: http://carmendesousa.blogspot.com/2011/07/sample-she-belongs-to-me.html

Land of the Noonday Sun is complete and will be available spring of 2012

From there, I have many stories waiting to share with my wonderful readers. I've waited twenty years to share my love of the written word and hope that you will be just as excited as I am.

Where can our readers find you online?

http://carmendesousa.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carmen-DeSousa/220790134629206?skip_nax_wizard=true

www.5princebooks.com 

Tell us a little more about yourself. 

I love writing. As far back as I can remember I created stories—no, not to my parents—with my best friend. We would sit for hours playing with Barbie dolls, creating new adventures with the iconic toy. Then when I was eight, I actually wrote my first story. A horror story about gigantic fleas of all things, I guess I had a fear of fleas. Who knew I’d grow up to be a romantic-suspense writer?

When I was in college, I wrote my first novella. My professor wanted something that entailed drinking and fishing—he was a huge Hemmingway fan. Well, he sure received a surprise when he read my short story. It did have drinking and fishing, but there was nothing funny about it. It was sad; it was real life. Luckily, he enjoyed it, even admitted I was the first student who ever made him cry and that I had potential.

Unfortunately, it just wasn't in my future at the time. After all, I needed a roof over my head and food on my plate. At seventeen, I was on my own and a career as an author just wasn't feasible at that juncture in my life. At that time, if you didn’t live in the mecca—aka New York—you didn’t stand a chance, or at least that is what my peers insisted. So, I set out to conquer the business world, and I did. I spent the last decade and a half in sales, rising to the top of a Fortune 500 company.

Now fifteen years later, I'm back. And guess what, it's a new world where dreams really do come true. My first novel, She Belongs to Me, will be available December 2011, and from there, I have many stories waiting to share with my wonderful readers. I've waited twenty years to share my love of the written word and hope that you will be just as excited as I am.

Please join us on Thursday when Carmen joins us again as our guest blogger.