Interview with Author, Jenn Nixon

Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing/etc. come from?

On my 13^th birthday a family member gave me a few Nancy Drew books and a Diary. The combination of the two, at the same time, definitely got me interesting in reading and writing. I never looked at the diary writing as real writing for a while, but it was one of those things I did all the time and eventually it became a habit. The reading took a little longer but I read a lot when I got to High School and found subjects I liked.

How long have you been writing?

Not counting the diary writing, I’ve been writing on and off since High School. I started out writing poetry for the most part, eventually “graduated” to fan fiction before it was even a thing on the internet, and finished my first original piece in the late 1990s.

What kind(s) of writing do you do?

I like to write what interests me at the moment. This can be a problem because many people want authors who write the same genre book most of the time. I tend to bounce back and forth between genres depending on the story stuck in my head. I’ve written Kids SciFi, YA SciFi-Fantasy, Romantic Suspense, Mystery, Romantic SciFi, Erotic SciFi.

I have an idea floating around my head right now for a Paranormal Urban Fantasy series, but it may end up being fused with my current Romantic SciFi series, not sure yet, we’ll see. J 

What was the hardest part of writing this or any book? 

Getting to the end. I’m what the writing world likes to call a pantser. We write “by the seat of our pants” meaning we don’t generally have a full plot idea planned or outlined, we create the characters, setting, general motion of the story and let the characters take over. For me, this is great for my creativity, not so great for finishing a novel.

While I always have an idea where the book will go and how it will end, when you allow your character to dictate which way they go, it tends to change what you have in mind.

It just happened to me last week. I even wrote it down. Characters A & B would go one place and Characters C & D would go somewhere else. I had it WRITTEN DOWN! I even had an idea what would happen when each group got to their location. When I started writing, Character B said she’d go with D and I was like, WHAT? NO!

Sometimes they win, sometimes they don’t. Not sure how the above scenario will play out but for now, the character won this battle.

What did you enjoy most about writing Lucky’s Promise?

Cracking Lucky open emotionally and getting her to finally, FINALLY, admit how she really felt about Kenji.

That and everything in Kenji’s POV. He easily became one of my favorite characters. J

What do you like to read in your free time?

I’m a big Jack Reacher fan, I read all those books as soon as they come out. Lately, I’ve been reading more indie and small press authors. I tend to lean toward Suspense and Thrillers, though I have been reading a bit more Fantasy and Paranormal

What projects are you working on at the present?

Right now I’m working on book two in a Romantic SciFi-Fantasy series.

 

Blurb:

After years of searching for her mother’s killer, Felicia “Lucky” Fascino is finally on the right track. With the help of her family, and on-again off-again boyfriend, Kenji Zinn, Lucky is getting closer to fulfilling the unspoken promise she made to her adoptive father.

As the group continues to dig deep into the assassin’s network, and search for the elusive Quimby, ties to the past come back full circle, endangering everyone Lucky loves and cares for. It’s only a matter of time before their secret is uncovered.

Excerpt:

Felicia swung her chair in his direction and said: “Are you going to tell me what’s wrong?”

“No.”

“Why not?” she said, bordering on a screech.

“It is the same conversation. ‘You can trust me, Felicia.’ ‘You can talk to me, Felicia.’ ‘I’m here for you, Felicia.’”

“You’re still mad because I didn’t want to talk about my crappy ass life while we were on vacation?” He lifted an eyebrow to make a statement, and her whole face flushed. “We were on vacation!”

“With no distractions. With no interference. Just you and I…and still you refused me every time I tried.”

“Fine. What do you want to know?” Kenji stared at her as she rose from the chair and hitched her fists on her hips. Her head jerked to the right, both eyebrows lifted on her forehead. “Well?”

“Humph,” he said, tossing the remote onto the bed and stalking into the living room across the hall. She wouldn’t answer his question, so he didn’t even bother asking. He went to the wet bar in the far corner. Searching through the miniature refrigerator, Kenji grumbled, finding nothing but wine.

“Phen and I are going to meet after breakfast and talk about the job.”

He glanced back. Felicia stood in the doorway, her hands in front of her body, fingers twisted together like a frightened child. A complete turnaround, again. It wasn’t an act; everything about her said she was scared. Why? Couldn’t she confide in him by now? His frustration threatened to swell again, and he was backing her into a corner. If he pushed, they would fight, and he didn’t want that. Not right now. Kenji sat down in the leather love seat and rubbed his temple.

She didn’t move from her position, but her heavy sigh filled the room. “It’s my last one before he puts me up as the new safety. I’m going to need some pointers….”

He bobbed his head but didn’t look up.

“Is it more than…me not talking?” she squeaked.

Kenji came close to spilling everything. Forcing her to face the feeling he had for her was unfair. Making her talk when she wasn’t ready seemed cruel. Confessing his fear for her safety would make him appear overprotective and controlling. The fury he felt, he didn’t completely comprehend himself. Discussing the situation with Taro was the only thing he could mention and remain truthful.

“I am still aggravated with myself.”

“I told you outside the restaurant it didn’t matter anymore. It’s over and done. I trust you, and if you trust your brother…it’s cool, babe.” Her disposition continued to change, now that he no longer pressed her.

“It will never happen again,” he said, adding a grumble.

“I know.” She moved into the living room and sat down on the coffee table between the two sofas. Felicia reached out, took his hand. He held back the rest of the clutter racing through his head. She bent her head down to look him in the eyes. “We okay?”

“Yes, beleza, we are.”

 

Author, Jenn Nixon

 

Title: Lucky's Promise
Author: Jenn Nixon

Publisher: WCP
ISBN: 978-1-61798-157-9
Genre(s): Romance/Suspense/Thriller/Romantic Suspense
Heat Rating: sweet
Length: 99,178
Price: $4.99
Purchase page:

All Romance eBooks: http://bit.ly/LuckysPromiseARe

Amazon: http://bit.ly/LuckysPromise

iTunes: http://bit.ly/LuckysPromiseiTunes

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/LuckysPromiseBN -- this one will be ready by release date

Kobo: http://bit.ly/LuckysPromiseKobo

OmniLit: http://bit.ly/LuckysPromiseOmni

Wild Child: http://bit.ly/LuckysPromiseWCP

Release date: 7/21/15
Author website: www.jennnixon.com
Author contact email: jennafern@gmail.com

Guest Blogger: Author Terri Talley Venters

Guest Blogger: Author Terri Talley Venters

 

What if someone cloned you?

 

Guest Blogger—

Author Terri Talley Venters

Carbon Copy is the first book in the Carbon Copy trilogy. Tin Roof is the sequel.

Silver Lining, the epic conclusion, was released on March 5, 2015

Carbon Copy

By: Terri Talley Venters

Lilly Allen has brains, beauty, and a trust fund. She's living in New York City and her career as a reporter is taking off. She's hoping the love of her life, Grier, will propose soon. She has it all, or so she thinks.

Grier Garrison, Create Life executive, is running the company while his father, Dr. Michael Garrison, is in the ICU awaiting a heart transplant. Grier knows the truth about Create Life and its shady side business. He fears Lilly and her twin brother, Luke, are in danger.

While working on two unrelated stories, stolen newborns and cloning, Lilly discovers a shocking connection. Horrific things are happening, but who is behind it all?

*******************************************

Tin Roof

By: Terri Talley Venters

SPOILER ALERT! DO NOT READ THE FOLLOWING BOOK BLURB UNTIL YOU'VE READ CARBON COPY!

In the sequel to Carbon Copy, Lilly Allen returns to her hometown of Charleston, South Carolina, to be closer to her mother, help with her injured brother, and heal from the disappearance of her fiancé Grier Garrison. While she awaits Grier's return, she busies herself with her mansion renovations, her best friend's wedding, and her job as a news reporter.

But even her busy schedule cannot stem the worry over her brother's persistent amnesia and changes in personality. Is he her real twin? Or did they rescue a clone?

On top of this, the months of pining without a word from Grier begin to take their toll. She finds herself growing closer to her favorite cameraman, Joe. His confession of undying love, followed by a passionate kiss, has her questioning how much longer she can wait, and whether she wants to.

To further complicate matters, two unrelated news stories drag her into the seamy underbelly of the Charleston Police Department where murder and drugs are common occurrences.

In the chaos of a hurricane, another body washes ashore, and Lilly comes face-to-face with the murderer.

*******************************************

Silver Lining

The epic conclusion to Carbon Copy trilogy

SPOILER ALERT! DO NOT READ THE FOLLOWING BOOK BLURB UNTIL YOU'VE READ CARBON COPY AND TIN ROOF!

Silver Lining is the much anticipated conclusion to the Carbon Copy trilogy.Silver Lining picks up where Tin Roof, the sequel to Carbon Copy, leaves off. Lilly Allen and Grier Garrison are bound for Scotland and their new lives at Castle Garrison on the Isle of Skye. Lilly and Grier, now the new Marquess of Garrison, plan their lavish wedding which will make Lilly a marchioness! But first, Grier wants to rescue all the clones and bring them to the safety and freedom of his castle and tenant farms.

Silver Lining is full of surprises and new discoveries. Before they can even leave for Scotland, Grier’s father, Dr. Michael Garrison, drops a bomb which could keep Grier and Lilly apart. Before this is resolved, Lilly sneaks in a few passionate kisses with her beloved cameraman, Joe. Lilly is tormented with indecision between the two loves of her life—Grier and Joe. Who will she choose?

*******************************************

Cover reveal for

Luke’s Lithium

Copy Trilogy from Luke’s point of view

Coming soon from Wild Child Publishing

What if someone cloned you? And then abducted you twenty five years later? In Luke’s Lithium, handsome Luke Allen, a witty, yet shy trust brat, volunteers at the FDNY with his firefighting comrades. Luke has it all, except for love. Abducted by Create Life Technologies, along with 5000 others, Luke learns the shocking truth behind their cloning research and their evil intentions. But the loss of his freedom comes with a silver lining, he falls for beautiful Gretchen, another abducted Create Life Clone. Luke’s Lithium is full of surprises, new romances, rescues and a switcheroo. But will Luke and Gretchen ever be free of Create Life?

Luke’s Lithium is the much anticipated companion book/spin off of my Carbon Copy Trilogy, written from Luke Allen’s point of view. Luke is the twin brother of Lilly Allen, the heroine in the Carbon Copy Trilogy. Luke’s story covers the time frame of all three books in the trilogy, Carbon Copy, Tin Roof, and Silver Lining.

*******************************************

Body Of Gold

By: Terri Talley Venters

Even in this post-Bernie Madoff era, it’s surprising how easily investors unknowingly hand over their money to con artists, also known as money managers. Chelsea Lynn Cobb earned the title of the youngest hedge-fund manager at Trans World Investments in Chicago. This charming southern beauty proved a financial genius, but her workaholic tendencies hinder her free time to meet men who match her impossibly high standards. When she’s not kicking ass at the office, she’s kicking ass at her Taekwondo class where she falls for her new instructor, Troy Camden. With the exciting distraction of a new and passionate relationship, she spends less time at the office until she discovers financial scams operating at Trans World. Someone is stealing millions from investors, but the evidence points towards her.

Body of Gold

Available from

Freya's Bower

www.freyasbower.com

*******************************************

Copper Cauldron

Penelope Manchester, a good witch with one green and one blue eye, awaits her destiny: a warrior of God with the face of an angel, the heart of a saint, and eyes which match her own. St. Michael the Archangel flies into her life and sweeps her off her feet. Meanwhile, an evil sorcerer captures witches, steals their powers and most of their nine lives, and shrinks them to the size of a doll--a Nuremberg doll. But when he turns two of the Manchester witches into dolls, the Manchester clan fights back with St. Michael and divine intervention. Armed with the legendary copper cauldron, a fire breathing dragon, and an arsenal of spells, good battles evil.

*******************************************

Terri Talley Venters

Author of Carbon Copy, Tin Roof, Silver Lining, Body Of Gold, Copper Cauldron, Cobalt Cauldron, Luke’s Lithium, Sulfur Springs—The Fountain of Youth & Europium Gem Mine

Terri received her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Master’s degree in Taxation from the University of Florida. She is a licensed CPA and a Second Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. She lives on the water in Florida, with her husband, Garrison, and their two sons.

Carbon Copy is the 1st thrilling novel in the Elements of Mystery Series. The title of each novel will contain an element from the Periodic Table of Elements. Carbon Copy, Tin Roof, Silver Lining, and Copper Cauldron are available from Wild Child Publishing. And Terri’s romantic/suspense novel, Body of Gold, is available from Freya’s Bower. Luke’s Lithium & Sulfur Springs—The Fountain of Youth are coming soon from Wild Child Publishing. Terri recently finished writing Cobalt Cauldron and Europium Gem Mine and is currently writing Calcium Cauldron.

For more about Terri’s upcoming releases, including purchase links and social media links, please visit her website http://www.elementsofmystery.com/ Terri is the daughter of Leslie S. Talley, author of Make Old Bones and Bred In The Bone which are also available from Wild Child Publishing.

Terri also posts free short stories on her blog website and blog. Follow her at http://www.territalleyventers.blogspot.com/as she weaves her way through the Periodic Table of Elements.

Like Facebook Fan Page

Follow Terri on Twitter

Guest Blogger--Jenn Nixon, Author of Lucky's Break

 

Guest Blogger--Jenn Nixon, Author of Lucky's Break

 

After almost losing her Uncle Phen during the investigation of her mother’s murder, Felicia “Lucky” Fascino cut all ties and ran away, hoping her family would move on and forget the promises they made. Putting the past behind her has never been easy, but Lucky knows the job is slowly destroying her already fractured psyche. Staying away, especially now that her family is in danger, is the only way to keep everyone safe.

Kenji Zinn, determined to locate his ex-lover, tracks Lucky to a small island with her family’s help, and finds her in a miserable and self-destructive condition. His connection to her is strained after months apart but his feelings haven’t change, and he attempts to persuade her to come home, to protect her family and keep her promise. Despite her obvious mental fatigue, only Phen is able to convince her that the way to get closure is finding an elusive man named Quimby and take him out permanently. 

Once home, Lucky breaks it off with Kenji, and agrees to go back to work if Phen promises to let her go when it’s done. While her family continues to track their target, Lucky returns to work for the network—struggling through each job, aware that pushing her family away won’t bring anyone the peace they deserve. As she begins to repair her shattered relationships, her true feelings for Kenji are tested when she almost loses him completely. Before it’s too late, Lucky realizes he’s her best ally to help her finish what she started and find Quimby before he strikes again.

Excerpt 1

Kenji is at ‘the compound’ recovering…

Kenji jerked up, waking the instant the doors shut. Looking over, he saw her walk in. His heart thumped. His stomach churned, causing the wound to throb. It felt like he was dying a slow, poisonous death.

Wearing a sports bra and tight spandex shorts, Felicia moved to the mat and stretched. The thick, curly locks pulled back to reveal her stunning face and bright golden, catlike eyes. She appeared healthier, vibrant again. Filled out, with the curves he loved to trace.

            Kenji shuddered, attempting to ignore his natural response to her as he stood up. Noticing immediately, she spun around and gawked at him.

            “Didn’t know anyone was here.” She turned, picked up her towel, and went for the door.

            “Felicia,” he said and crossed the room, forcing his body to move faster than it liked. He winced near the treadmill, paused, and grabbed the rail. She lurched forward.

            “Easy,” she chided and bit her lip.

            “I am fine,” he said. “I will be leaving shortly.”

            “Okay,” she said while hanging her head. “As long as you’re well enough.”

            “Irrelevant. I have stayed too long.”

            “Don’t let me being here stop you from getting better. You won’t see me again.” Her tone turned tight, sharp.

            He bridged the distance slowly, nearing the weight bench. “Until you sneak into my room again.” Felicia whipped around, storming toward the exit. “How long will you ignore what you feel for me?”

            “What?” She seemed genuinely shocked by his question but didn’t miss a beat with her retort: “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

            “Why did you come to my room?” He followed her to the exit.

            “To say good-bye,” she said.

            “Every word you speak is a lie. You do not want me to leave anymore than I want to go.”

            “Keep telling yourself that, maybe you’ll believe it one day.”

“Is it so hard to admit you care?” She paused at the door and stared at him, emotionless. “No, you are too stubborn. You will realize you want me, and it will be too late. I hope you are willing to live with your choice.”

            “I am,” she said.

            “Go. All you do is run away.” He wave at hand to the door and shook his head.

“Fuck you.”

“Do you fear what I make you feel that much?”

“Listen, I just wanted to tell you my side, okay? That’s all. I know what I did was wrong. I tried to make that perfectly clear. It was despicable and hurtful. The drinking wasn’t an excuse; it’s just an explanation. I wasn’t myself. I don’t expect you to accept my apology. I just wanted you to have it because it’s the right thing to do. Gives us both a clean break.”

            Kenji wasn’t getting through; Felicia ignored everything he said. He didn’t care about that anymore. He wanted her to admit the truth. Confess what he saw in her eyes. Want him to stay. “You think a few words etched on a sheet of paper are a proper apology? Why not tell me to my face?”

            Her pitch rose. “You didn’t want me to know you were here. Why would I think you’d want to see me?”

            “You were on assignment. I know you did not need another disruption.” He looked knowingly into her eyes; she glanced away. “I said I would never trouble you again, and I have stayed true to my word. You approached me.”

            “You barged in on my family!”

            “They offered help if I ever needed it. I left you alone,” he said, the anger seething like an overcooked broth, rising to the rim. “If not for you, this injury would not be here!”

            “Oh, so it’s my fault you did a shitty job?” She placed both hands on her hips in defiance. His blood boiled, but he didn’t dare move closer. Then she laughed. Kenji almost snapped. “It’s all over your face; you fucked up all on your own, fella.”

            “You know that is a lie. Have you been flawless these last few months?”

            “I’m fine,” she said, slapping her thighs.

            “You have wanted to tell me how sorry you are, for this long, and I am supposed to believe you are fine? The shame must have been torture for you; a confession only helps so much.”

“It was an explanation.”

“How long have you wallowed in your suffering?” When she glared at him, he smirked. He had ammunition to use as well. “I know you, Felicia.”

            “You used to.” She crossed her arms over her chest.

            “I see through your armor, remember?”

            Felicia tilted her chin higher, eyes narrowing. “I’m bulletproof now.”

            “I waste my words on you,” he said and approached. The slight trembles in her body told him the truth. Yet she stood there, resistant as ever. He looked down at her before passing. “Sayōnara, Felicia.”

Excerpt 2

Lucky and Kenji regroup after taking out an obstacle…

“That’s about as bad as it gets. Most of my marks are from a distance,” Lucky said with a shrug of her shoulders. “Up close and I tend to get….”

            “Forceful.”

            “Brutal, Kenji. I wanted him to hurt. I had to walk away, afraid I was going to pummel him just for the hell of it.” Her body shuddered under his hands.

            “You were not brutal. You did what you needed to do.”

            “I didn’t need to kill him. I wanted to.” She stepped back out of his grasp and walked to the bed. “I’m not some sadistic fuck who gets off on hurting people, but sometimes…and with you there this time….” When she sat down, she pulled her legs to her chest. “Everything that happened yesterday, being with you in the field and letting you see me that way….”

            “The last few days have been taxing,” he said, sitting beside her. She reached the edge of every thought but held back, afraid to speak her mind. He kept his distance despite the desire to hold her.

            “I’m still trying to wade through it all.” She put her head on her knees. “What were you thinking, after I killed him?”

            “I thought you extracted all you could from him and finished the job.”

            She turned her head to face him, seemingly agitated. “Then what were you feeling?”

            “Satisfied it was over and impressed with your methods.”

            Felicia huffed, got up from the bed, and started to walk away. He grabbed her wrist. “Let go.”

            He held tighter and stood. “What do you want to know, Felicia? Stop being vague.”

            “How did you feel toward me?” Her voice was heated, sharp. “You were watching me like a hawk.”

            “Mostly, I admired your abilities and thought of little else. There were moments I felt intimidated, other times aroused. Watching you overpower and manipulate that man was invigorating.”

            “Why were you intimidated?”

            “The way you handled the situation astounds me. I was not needed, yet you allowed me to help.”

            She broke from his grip and walked to the opposite side of the room. He stood, silently waiting to see what she’d do. Rubbing the back of her neck, she turned around with wide eyes.

“After all that, you still want me.”

            “I have never wanted you more.”

 

 

Author Bio: Jenn’s love of writing started the year she received her first diary and Nancy Drew novel. Throughout her teenage years, she kept a diary of her personal thoughts and feelings but graduated from Nancy Drew to other mystery suspense novels.

Jenn often adds a thriller and suspense element to anything she writes be it Romance, Science Fiction, or Fantasy. When not writing, she spends her time reading, observing pop culture, playing with her two dogs, and working on various charitable projects in her home state of New Jersey.

Website: www.jennnixon.com

Facebook: facebook.com/JennNixonAuthor

Blog: www.jennafern.blogspot.com

http://twitter.com/jennnixon

Purchase links:

Amazon      http://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Nixon/e/B002BLNBBQ

Wild Child Publishing     http://www.wildchildpublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=449