Interview with {Blaire Edens}: Part One

oam-cover-finalBlaire brings An Officer and a Mermaid to our Falling in Deep Collection. Make your fins happy, and pre-order the novella here. She’s a talented author and an all-around lovely lady.

Tell me about you. What do you write?

I write mostly Contemporary Romance for Entangled Publishing. My book, Wild About Rachel, was published last year and I have several upcoming projects with them in 2015 and 2016. I also write the odd novella and I’ve worked as a ghost writer, too.

When did you start writing? When did you start publishing? Is this your first attempt at self-pub?

I started writing very early. I wrote my first book in second grade. Not only did I write it but I also illustrated and edited it. I published it using discarded wallpaper samples from the local Sherwin Williams and pieces of a shoebox. I’ve always been able to best relate to life and other people through stories so writing is the way I interface with the world. It’s also the way I figure out things like relationships and religion. The big stuff. When I don’t write, I feel like I can’t breathe.

Has there been a progression through genres in your writing?

I started in literary fiction. I have three manuscripts under my bed that I may, or may not, ever shop around. I think I started there because I was in that post-college phase where everything looks foreign, and well, frankly, way too adult. I love those books and I poured my heart and soul into them but in some ways, they’re way too personal to release into the wild. I love writing romance because it’s fun, every couple is different and it keeps me connected to my femininity in a way that nothing else does. Romance makes people smile. We all love “love” and the idea of finding love in unexpected places and situations.

What authors do you like to read?

I hope you’ve got a while. *smiles* Let’s do it by genre. Fantasy: Patrick Rothfuss, Jennifer Fallon and Robin Hobb. Romance: Eloisa James, Rae Ann Thayne and Patience Griffin. Mainstream Fiction: Susanna Kearsley, Barbara Claypole White and Kate Morton.  Mystery:  Jenn McKinlay and Karen MacInerney. I read a lot and I read widely. I’m constantly learning something new from other authors. The very best part of being a professional writer is that I get to meet my literary heroes on a fairly regular basis. There’s nothing like meeting an author you admire and finding you enjoy the person as much or more than the books. I will seriously read anything. Anything.

You have something coming out very soon. Tell me about that.

An Officer and a Mermaid, my installment of in the Falling in Deep Collection, is out July 21. I’m so excited about this book. I felt so much creative freedom since it was being published without the limitations that sometimes come with larger publishers and more distance between the writer and the end product. It feels like it’s *totally mine* and that is a wonderful feeling. I also got to work alongside some of my favorite writers. There’s just something about working in conjunction with other incredibly creative and talented folks that makes a project magical.

Watch for Part Two of my interview with Blaire Edens on Tuesday, July 21, 2015.

oam-cover-finalAn Officer and a Mermaid:

When a slave uprising threatens the life of Syreena, the daughter of an eighteenth century plantation owner, a servant uses voodoo to transform her into a mermaid. The spell will be only broken when she returns to the beach where it was cast. After three hundred years of swimming, she’s ready to trade fins for legs.  The only problem is she can’t find her way.

Dylan, a twenty-first century Coast Guard Officer, has sworn off love for the sea. When a wave throws him overboard, Syreena uses her amulet to ward off the sharks and save his life.

With Syreena and Dylan stranded on a remote cay, Dylan has the know-how to build a raft and navigate but his near-drowning has made him terrified of the water. Syrenna will use every charm she has to convince Dylan to take her home.

Even if it means falling in love. . .

About Blaire:

edens_blaire_600x600Blaire Edens lives in the mountains of North Carolina on a farm that’s been in her family since 1790. When she’s not plotting, she’s busy knitting, running, or listening to the Blues. Blaire loves iced tea with mint, hand-stitched quilts, and yarn stores. She refuses to eat anything that mixes chocolate and peanut butter or apple and cinnamon. She’s generally nice to her mother, tries to remember not to smack her bubble gum, and only speeds when no one’s looking.

Meet Blaire:

Website

Blog

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Join Blaire’s Club


Love mermaids? Looking for a great beach read? The Falling in Deep Collection, a collection of 15 unique tales of creatures of the deep, is rolling out the first novella in their collection at the end of May.

From mermaids to sirens, Miami to Athens, dark paranormal romance to contemporary stories with steam, the fifteen award-winning and best-selling authors of the Falling in Deep Collection are bringing you mermaid tales like you’ve never seen before.

Every week beginning May 26th, 2015, we’ll be releasing one unique, never-before-published novella! Each novella will feature our favorite creature of the deep: mermaids.

The Falling in Deep Collection (May – September Releases)

Scales by Pauline Creeden

Ink: A Mermaid Romance by Melanie Karsak

Of Ocean and Ash by A. R. Draeger

Deep Breath by J. M. Miller

At the Heart of the Deep by Carrie Wells

The Mermaid’s Den by Ella Malone

How to be a Mermaid by Erin Hayes

The Glass Mermaid by Poppy Lawless

An Officer & a Mermaid by Blaire Edens

The Water is Sweeter by Eli Constant

Cold Water Bridegroom by B. Brumley

A Beyond the Sea Prequel by Emily Goodwin

Immersed by Katie Hayoz

Siren’s Kiss by Margo Bond Collins

To Each His Own by Anna Albergucci

Never miss a release! Join our newsletter for behind the scenes information and release updates:

Join the Mermaids!

Interview with {A.R. Draeger}: Part Two

I met Amber during a workshop sponsored by the Cisco Writers Club. This was my first experience with her style of writing, and it’s been great to read everything since. I have secured a spot on her coattails, and it is my plan to ride them when she hits her fame! ❤ She’s been a great friend. She’s always encouraging, ready to lend a hand. I know you’ll love her new Falling in Deep novella, Of Ocean and Ash.

On with the interview…

What authors do you like to read? Favorite saying about writing?

Oh wow. Uh. I have a long list of those.  I can tell you succinctly who I do not like to read. 😉  I shall save that for a bonus.  If people bug you about it, I will divulge my guilty secrets on who I avoid reading.   Favorite saying?  I believe Ernest Hemingway said “All first drafts are s**t” and “Write drunk, edit sober”, but my favorite is a twist on his last – “Write sober, edit drunk.”

You recently attended the DFW RT Conference. How did that go? Any advice for new conference attendees?

The RT Booklovers Conference was in a word – amazing. Completely overwhelming in every sense of the word. I even stalked and got stalked by Heather Graham, who is a lovely soul, by the way.  Advice would be unless you are completely and utterly new to writing, don’t bother with (most of) the panels. Your money is better spent at the bar or at the social events meeting people.  The reader events are a blast, and you get free books…and you meet readers. 🙂  I learned more by visiting with people than I did through any other avenue.

Tell us about Of Ocean and Ash.

You mean a blurb? You want me to write a blurb? Ack! *pokes out eyes*  Let me get back to you after I finish a blurb. LOL 😉 {But she has one! Check it out below!}

Any advice to even newer writers (like me)?

You are not a newer writer, my friend. You’ve been at this longer. I just stuck my head out a teensy bit before you. 😉 {Thanks, Amber! ❤ ❤ }

Keep writing. Don’t ever stop. Don’t give a crap whether or not anyone likes it.

Hire an editor. You can have crappy everything else, but if you have bad editing, no one will forgive you.

Make friends with other writers. Actually be their friend. When you read something of theirs, and they ask for your opinion, give it – but give them ideas to strengthen the bits you didn’t like.

Learn to drink a little. You will need to throw back a glass of wine or two from time to time.

Don’t let them (your critics) see you cry. It’s like bleeding in the water with a bunch of sharks swimming around you. Get pissed off then write more.

Try not to read reviews. I know I’ll be guilty of this – all of this advice is just as much for my benefit as it is for yours.

The best way to sell your work is to have something to sell. Develop a backlist.

Don’t think that traditional publishing or self-publishing is entirely good or bad.  They play well off of each other currently and hybrid authors are seeing great results doing both. Consider this when you have your choices laid out in front of you.

About Amber’s new release:

Of Ocean…

Cast into the sea at birth, human-born Ia found her adoptive family among the merfolk. While her underwater upbringing was peaceful, Ia’s blood-heritage and the strict societal rules of the merpeople lead her to wonder of the world above the waves.

And Ash…

When a storm lands Ia ashore, she discovers her body has transformed into the human she would have been. Taken in as property by a callous plantation owner, Ia works alongside the slaves until she can make her way back to the water. There is nothing Ia wants more than to go home, that is, until she meets a handsome, troubled man named Matthias, who has a touch that can be as kind as his tongue is harsh.

Torn between two very different lives, Ia must choose – stay in his world and risk her life for a love untested, or return to the familiar arms of the underwater world that raised her and risk losing what may be the greatest love she will ever know.

Will Ia’s choice lead to her happiness or her destruction?

Make your library happy here

AmberHeadshot

Author Amber (A.R.) Draeger specializes in macabre, fantastical fiction, spreading her interest across multiple genres including horror, sci-fi, fantasy, romance, and thriller.  Her debut romance novella, Of Ocean and Ash, to be published in the Blazing Indie Collective’s Falling in Deep Collection, will be released June 9th, 2015. Her debut horror/thriller/sci-fi novella,Daughters of Men, to be published in association with Bathory Gate Press, will follow in Summer 2015.  She resides in rural Texas with her husband and son.

Talk to Amber (:

Blog     Facebook      Twitter     Pinterest


Love mermaids? Looking for a great beach read? The Falling in Deep Collection, a collection of 15 unique tales of creatures of the deep, is rolling out the first novella in their collection at the end of May.

From mermaids to sirens, Miami to Athens, dark paranormal romance to contemporary stories with steam, the fifteen award-winning and best-selling authors of the Falling in Deep Collection are bringing you mermaid tales like you’ve never seen before.

Every week beginning May 26th, 2015, we’ll be releasing one unique, never-before-published novella! Each novella will feature our favorite creature of the deep: mermaids.

The Falling in Deep Collection (May – September Releases)

Scales by Pauline Creeden

Ink: A Mermaid Romance by Melanie Karsak

Of Ocean and Ash by A. R. Draeger

Deep Breath by J. M. Miller

At the Heart of the Deep by Carrie Wells

The Mermaid’s Den by Ella Malone

How to be a Mermaid by Erin Hayes

The Glass Mermaid by Poppy Lawless

An Officer & a Mermaid by Blaire Edens

The Water is Sweeter by Eli Constant

Cold Water Bridegroom by B. Brumley

A Beyond the Sea Prequel by Emily Goodwin

Immersed by Katie Hayoz

Siren’s Kiss by Margo Bond Collins

To Each His Own by Anna Albergucci

Never miss a release! Join our newsletter for behind the scenes information and release updates:

Join the Mermaids!

Interview with {A.R. Draeger}: Part One

I met Amber during a workshop sponsored by the Cisco Writers Club. This was my first experience with her style of fiction, and it’s been great to read everything since. She’s been a great friend, and she’s always encouraging, ready to lend a hand. I know you’ll love her new Falling in Deep novella, Of Ocean and Ash.

Tell me about you. What are some of your previous projects?

Oh man. Where to begin?  I’ve created stories since I could read. In college, I wrote a lot of screenplays.  For the sake of brevity, some of my previous projects are Daughters of Men (set to release soon!) and Malice, a short story that I am shopping currently. {Check out Daughters of Men here.}

When did you start writing? When did you start publishing?

I first put pen to paper when I was six..maybe? As an adult, I first began writing with the intention of publishing in August of 2014.  I signed my first contract to publish that October, and hope to release the fruit of that endeavor soon.

You’re new to this world. Tell me what part has been the hardest so far?

Navigation. Old days would have you seek an agent and hope to sell to a big NYC house.  These days? Who knows where your efforts are better placed.  It’s different for everyone, and with the market increasing saturated by half-assed e-books, it’s becoming extremely difficult to decide which winding path to follow.  Sadly, most of the success in today’s market seems to be entirely opportunistic.  Right topic, right genre, right time – and with little regard to talent or effort (at times).

What’s your favorite food? Color?

Ooooh. I love food. Mango may be my favorite. Watermelon?  I can’t decide!  As far as color, it’s a close call between varying shades of blue, blue-green, and purple.  Most of my decisions on food and color depend on mood. 🙂

What has been your favorite character that you’ve written so far?

He’s actually one that I’m writing right now, Bastien. He’s a cocky, know-it-all, spoiled version of myself, and I absolutely adore the man he’s becoming.

Where does your inspiration come from? What do you do to break through a block?

My inspiration comes from any and everywhere.  Reading, writing (usually writing something completely different), watching films, going for walks – all of those inspire me and help me to get through blocks. Brainstorming with others that I trust is a huge help. Learn to trust and take advice. Doesn’t mean you have to apply their specific advice – just heed the fact that something sticks out to them that you may need to fix/repair. I find a lot of inspiration in my dreams and have always been blessed with very vivid, very structured, very fascinating dreams.

Has there been a progression through genres with your writing, or do you mostly stick with one genre?

I don’t know that I have it in me to stick with one genre, although as a new author, I am constantly warned that switching genres early in the game will alienate my fans.  Maybe, maybe not.  I write for myself at the end of the day, quite frankly, and if I’m bored, I’m going to find another venue. I hope to narrow that down to 2 to 3 genres, but we shall see. 🙂

Part Two of my interview with hot, new author A.R. Draeger will be available on June 9, 2015!
Of Ocean…

Cast into the sea at birth, human-born Ia found her adoptive family among the merfolk. While her underwater upbringing was peaceful, Ia’s blood-heritage and the strict societal rules of the merpeople lead her to wonder of the world above the waves.

And Ash…

When a storm lands Ia ashore, she discovers her body has transformed into the human she would have been. Taken in as property by a callous plantation owner, Ia works alongside the slaves until she can make her way back to the water. There is nothing Ia wants more than to go home, that is, until she meets a handsome, troubled man named Matthias, who has a touch that can be as kind as his tongue is harsh.

Torn between two very different lives, Ia must choose – stay in his world and risk her life for a love untested, or return to the familiar arms of the underwater world that raised her and risk losing what may be the greatest love she will ever know.

Will Ia’s choice lead to her happiness or her destruction?

AmberHeadshot

Author Amber (A.R.) Draeger specializes in macabre, fantastical fiction, spreading her interest across multiple genres including horror, sci-fi, fantasy, romance, and thriller.  Her debut romance novella, Of Ocean and Ash, to be published in the Blazing Indie Collective’s Falling in Deep Collection, will be released June 9th, 2015. Her debut horror/thriller/sci-fi novella, Daughters of Men, to be published in association with Bathory Gate Press, will follow in Summer 2015.  She resides in rural Texas with her husband and son.

Talk to Amber (:

Blog     Facebook      Twitter     Pinterest


Love mermaids? Looking for a great beach read? The Falling in Deep Collection, a collection of 15 unique tales of creatures of the deep, is rolling out the first novella in their collection at the end of May.

From mermaids to sirens, Miami to Athens, dark paranormal romance to contemporary stories with steam, the fifteen award-winning and best-selling authors of the Falling in Deep Collection are bringing you mermaid tales like you’ve never seen before.

Every week beginning May 26th, 2015, we’ll be releasing one unique, never-before-published novella! Each novella will feature our favorite creature of the deep: mermaids.

The Falling in Deep Collection (May – September Releases)

Scales by Pauline Creeden

Ink: A Mermaid Romance by Melanie Karsak

Of Ocean and Ash by A. R. Draeger

Deep Breath by J. M. Miller

At the Heart of the Deep by Carrie Wells

The Mermaid’s Den by Ella Malone

How to be a Mermaid by Erin Hayes

The Glass Mermaid by Poppy Lawless

An Officer & a Mermaid by Blaire Edens

The Water is Sweeter by Eli Constant

Cold Water Bridegroom by B. Brumley

A Beyond the Sea Prequel by Emily Goodwin

Immersed by Katie Hayoz

Siren’s Kiss by Margo Bond Collins

To Each His Own by Anna Albergucci

Never miss a release! Join our newsletter for behind the scenes information and release updates:

Join the Mermaids!

Interview with {Pauline Creeden}: Part Two

I met Pauline Creeden earlier this year, and she graciously agreed to an interview. Pauline’s release, Scales, a mermaid novella, is a part of the Falling in Deep collection and is available TODAY. (Be sure to enter the giveaway!) Wooo!

Read Part One

A woman standing in the deep waters with her head above the surface.

What is your favorite writing music?

I usually choose 2 or 3 songs by Red and play them on loop. If you’ve never heard of Red. Here’s a sampler.

Where is your favorite place to find inspiration?

While I’m working – like mucking horse stalls – it’s quiet and takes little thought, so my mind wonders and creates worlds.

What was your inspiration for Scales? Tell me about your heroine.

The 80’s movie Splash starring Tom Hanks and Darryl Hannah was my inspiration once the Blazing Indies decided to do a summer mermaid novella. So Verona uses television to help her understand humans better. She is a beautiful, smart young woman who was told she’s ugly and stupid. So she has to overcome these issues and find herself.

Does Scales lead into another novella? When will Salt be out?

Salt was my original story for the Falling In Deep Collection, but it’s turned into not one novel – but two and a prequel novella. I’m hoping to finish the first draft of Salt this month – so that it can be released before the end of summer.

Any advice for new writers (like me)?

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, and the journey of a seventy-thousand word novel begins with one word. Keep typing and get your stories on paper. Don’t worry about what you can sell, and what will even make it to market. Everything is a learning experience, even when the editor makes your manuscript bleed red.

Read Part One of my time with Pauline Creeden.

Scales is live TODAY!  Make your library happy! (:

Here is an excerpt from Scales:

TO KEEP FROM SCREAMING, I bite hard on my lip. The copper mixture of blood and saltwater mingles on my tongue. Mer claws rake against my back. The barnacles on the post to which I’m tied stab me in the chest. Pain sets my body on fire. Everything burns. I squeeze my eyes shut tight and keep my silence.

“Ugly.”

“Repugnant.”

“Unsightly.”

“Ignorant.”

“Bottom Feeder.”

Each word cuts as deep in my flesh as the physical wounds my clan inflicts. It can’t last long. I can endure this. As soon as the sharks catch scent of my blood they will come, and the Mer will scatter.

The world spins around me like a whirlpool. My breaths come quick and shallow, my heart pounds faster in my ears. Each second is an eternity, until I realize fresh wounds are not adding to the burning in my skin.

The elder’s sharp tongue whispers in my ear. “Now you will be measured.”

My wrists fall free of the post as he cuts the ties.

Exile. My Reckoning has begun.

Seriously... Look at this gorgeousness!
Seriously… Look at this gorgeousness!

I was able to get my hands on an ARC copy – you’re going to love it! 

About the Author:

Pauline Creeden is an award-winning author, horse trainer, and overall book ninja. She becomes the main character in each of her stories, and because she has ADD, she will get bored if she pretends to be one person for too long. Her debut novel, Sanctuary, won 1st Place Christian YA Title 2013 Dante Rosetti Award and 2014 Gold Award for First Place YA Horror Novel.

Keep up with Pauline!

Website      Facebook      Twitter      Instagram


Love mermaids? Looking for a great beach read? The Falling in Deep Collection, a collection of 15 unique tales of creatures of the deep, is rolling out the first novella in their collection at the end of May.

75 gift card graphic

From mermaids to sirens, Miami to Athens, dark paranormal romance to contemporary stories with steam, the fifteen award-winning and best-selling authors of the Falling in Deep Collection are bringing you mermaid tales like you’ve never seen before.

Every week beginning May 26th, 2015, we’ll be releasing one unique, never-before-published novella! Each novella will feature our favorite creature of the deep: mermaids.

 Enter the Giveaway

The Falling in Deep Collection (May – September Releases)

Scales by Pauline Creeden

Ink: A Mermaid Romance by Melanie Karsak

Of Ocean and Ash by A. R. Draeger

Deep Breath by J. M. Miller

At the Heart of the Deep by Carrie Wells

The Mermaid’s Den by Ella Malone

The Water is Sweeter by Eli constant

The Glass Mermaid by Poppy Lawless

An Officer & a Mermaid by Blaire Edens

How to be a Mermaid by Erin Hayes

Cold Water Bridegroom by B. Brumley

A Beyond the Sea Prequel by Emily Goodwin

Immersed by Katie Hayoz

Siren’s Kiss by Margo Bond Collins

To Each His Own by Anna Albergucci

Never miss a release! Join our newsletter for behind the scenes information and release updates:

Join the Mermaids!