Welcome, Marie! What do you write?

I write short stories, novellas and novels. I haven’t dabbled in non-fiction. I enjoy writing different lengths of stories. Short stories to me are a glimpse into the characters life, usually where a decision is being made about the relationship, be it starting a new relationship, or taking it to a new level. Novellas give me the chance to explore the characters and their relationships; usually these are specialized to calls from my publisher or maybe an in-between book in a series. Novels, that’s where I have the most fun.

When did your writing journey begin?

My writing journey began when I was a teenager. I enjoyed writing new endings to books I read or movies I watched. I’ve always had a good imagination. When I discovered romance, it felt natural for me to try my hand at it.

What was your inspiration for Tempt?

One day I was doing some research and started thinking about three girlfriends who decided to embark upon a sensual journey. Then I started thinking about three heroes for them. The initial stayed written on my computer for a long time. One day I sat down and started sketching the idea out further and the world expanded beyond just the first three couples. It took me about 6 weeks to build the entire world and each set of characters. I’m hoping readers enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed writing it.

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Tell us about your experience with the publishing process.

I started off going the traditional route. When I first started writing I was trying to break into Harlequin in category romance. Category is still one of my loves, and one day I’ll get there. But I started seeing more sensual romances out there so I tried my hand at writing one. I loved the freedom, so I played with a story and one day sent it in to a small press – The Wild Rose Press – I was surprised when they wanted the full and then they contracted it. Since then I’ve continued to publish with The Wild Rose Press. I’m also with another small press: Trifecta Publishing House and now I’m self-publishing as well.

Any new projects on the horizon?

I have a couple of projects. The first is Entice, the 2nd book in the Wicked Sanctuary world. I received the edits back from the editor so I need to work on those. But first I have to finish writing Untamed Cowboy, book 1 in a new series for Trifecta Publishing, and then I received my galleys for Risky Proposal which is part of the Deerbourne Inn series for The Wild Rose Press.

As you can see I keep busy.

Words of advice for fellow writers in the trenches:

Things in our worlds change so quickly. Be kind to yourself, make sure you take time off and recharge those batteries. Do something for your writing career every day (except your day off – and I mean that…take a day off), and do something for you every day.

EXCERPT:

“What the...?”

Sierra fought the urge to take a step back at the rough male voice. Blinking the rain out of her eyes, she stared at the bare male chest. Her heart pounded as she allowed her gaze to travel up the sculpted pecs, to unsmiling lips, stormy hazel eyes, straight, medium length black hair and a pair of red devil horns on his head. The man was tall, over six feet.

She swallowed. “Sorry to bother you. If I could borrow your phone, I need to call someone to pick me up.”

The man made a noise in the back of his throat. “Ralph,” he said over his shoulder, “towels please, and lots of them.”

His husky voice sent a shiver down her spine. Must be the rain. He was staring down at her.

“Get in here before you catch a cold.”

“But the floors…” She was dripping water from everywhere.

He reached out and took her by the elbow before pulling her into the foyer and slamming the door shut behind them. “Floors can be cleaned. You’re shivering.” He glanced down at her. “May I?” He gestured to her feet.

She nodded without thinking. He was right; she was soaked and cold. Her gaze shifted as he knelt down and unlaced her boots.

He was wearing dark, well-worn, loose pants and a pair of soft black shoes. Okay, maybe he was afraid she’d stomp on his toes.

“I’m sorry to disturb your party.” She ignored the zing of arousal shooting down her spine as his fingers curved around her ankle after removing her boots.

“Party?”

“The horns.” She waved toward his head.

He grinned, and her breath caught in her throat.

“Ah, yes. Saints and Sinners party.”

Halloween party. She’d totally forgotten Halloween was next week.

“Take the backpack off.” She obeyed without thinking.

Sierra shrugged the pack off and dropped it to the floor, then rolled her shoulders. When did her pack grow so heavy? She didn’t have that much in it.

The man shook out another towel and draped it over her shoulders before taking the one in her hands and replacing it with another one. “Ralph, grab one of the robes, please.”

“Sure, boss.” The man lumbered off.

“That’s not necessary. If I could just use your phone.”

He stared at her. She drowned in those hazel eyes. This was a man used to being obeyed, and she could play the game, at least for now. “Thank you, Mister... I don’t even know your name.”

“Max.” His gaze traveled from the top of her head to her toes and back again. Sierra’s spine stiffened and her chin rose.

“Max…” She used the stern voice she used with some of her co-workers. “I do apologize for pulling you from your party. All I need is a phone to call a friend to come pick me up.”

The gleam of respect that flashed in his eyes boosted her ego. After the last twenty-four hours, she needed to be reminded she still had a backbone. “Did your car break down?”

“No.” She wasn’t going to lie.

“How did you get here?”

“Walked.” Now wasn’t the time to get into the whole story.

His eyes narrowed. “Where did you walk from?” There was that note of steel in his voice once again.

Sierra let out a sigh. “The campground.”

Ralph appeared holding out a white robe. Max took it and held it out to her. By the weight of his stare, she had a feeling if she didn’t put it on, there would be an argument, one that had her losing.

With a sigh, she slipped her arms into the robe. She wobbled on her feet as Max pulled the fabric over her front, then before she could say anything, he lifted her into his arms.

“What are you doing?” Her voice was high as she instinctively put her arms around his neck.

“Carrying you. You’re swaying on your feet. I don’t want you to faint.”

“I never faint.” But after today who knows.