AUTHOR CAROLINE CLEMMONS EXPLAINS MAPS (NOT THE KIND THAT TAKE YOU FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER!)

Today we're joined by bestselling and award-winning author of romance, time travel, and mystery, Caroline Clemmons, here to talk about her two recent holiday MAP projects. Don't know what a MAP is? Read on to find out. Learn more about her and her books at her website.

Recently I have joined several multi-author projects (MAPs). In case you’re unfamiliar with the term, that’s when several authors each a book within the guidelines of the series organizer. Each book is a stand-alone but reading the entire series enhances the pleasure.  I’ve enjoyed these MAPs and want to share two with you today.

Melody

Angel Creek Christmas Brides, Book 7

This series is set just after the Civil War when most of Charleston, South Carolina was in ruins and no marriageable young men were to be found. The year before—the fall after the war—five women answered an advertisement for mail-order brides to a small Montana town. That turned out well and many of the remaining bachelors prevailed upon the brides to recruit more Southern Belles to come to Angel Creek. Six more agree to travel there by train to St. Louis, then by riverboat up the Missouri River, then by stage to Angel Creek.

These young women knew each other from school before the war and have remained friends. Melody Fraser is twenty-two and fears remaining a spinster. In addition, she has threats against her fueled by vicious rumors. She is happy to escape Charleston’s destruction and peril for a chance at life in a place untouched by the war. The problem is, she might have stretched the truth a tiny bit. 

Nicholas Walker is the new doctor in Angel Creek. He has big, big plans for his clinic and practice as the town grows. He is very efficient and expects to combine a skilled nurse with a wife.  When he learns Melody has only nursed an elderly grandmother, he feels cheated. 

They’re in for adventure and excitement. But, will the two grow fond of one another before Christmas or will they apply for an annulment?

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Christmas Wishes: Wishes Do Come True

Available for pre-order now and releasing November 13^th, this is a limited-time offer of only .99 cents for a 15-author box set comprised of all new stories. With a combination of historical and contemporary stories set in small town Hopeful, Colorado and ranging from sweet to sensual, there’s something for everyone’s taste. 

Legend says the wishing well in the center of Hopeful makes wishes come true if the wish is made under a full moon. What could making a wish hurt? 

Be careful what you wish for!

My story is the first one, Winter Wish. Serena Winters longs for a man who makes her feel loved. She yearns for her own home and children. Until a couple of months ago she had nursed her mother, who had consumption. She lives with her aunt and uncle above their mercantile store. In spite of what her aunt says about wishes being foolish, Serena wishes for a special man.

Brent Adams slips into town hoping no one saw him deliver the load he’d packed in on his mule. He has to wait in Hopeful until he receives funds from the bank. When he meets Serena, he longs to take her with him when he leaves town. But, what will she think when she learns his secrets?

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AN INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR CAROLINE CLEMENS' PINKERTON MATCHMAKER HEROINE

Today we sit down for a chat with Magdala from author Caroline Clemmons’ Pinkerton Matchmaker Series.

What was your life like before your author started pulling your strings?

I was living happily with my parents in Virginia while my father had an office in Washington DC. I say happily, but I confess I had this strange urge to seek adventure before I settled down. Mamá wanted me to choose a husband from her friends’ sons, but I wanted… more. Can you understand that? She can’t, but Papá is sympathetic.

What’s the one trait you like most about yourself?

I am adaptable to most situations without complaining. I have sarcastic thoughts but I don’t vocalize them.

What do you like least about yourself?

People think I’m a snob at times, but I’m just reserved. I don’t gush at people, but I really enjoy mixing with all ages and types. Well, not the criminal type, but all types of law-abiding people.

What is the strangest thing your author has had you do or had happen to you?

Hmm, if I tell you, it gives away part of her plot. I will say, I got my wish for adventure. <G>

Do you argue with your author? If so, what do you argue about?

I do, but does she listen? No. I wanted to explain all about my family and former life but she insisted there was no proper place in the book. How could she say such a thing about fascinating details?

What is your greatest fear?

Being abandoned by the man I eventually love. This is one reason I’ve been so careful to whom I give my heart.

What makes you happy?

I can usually find something to be happy about in any situation. Well, I didn’t like being paired with my Pinkerton agent at first. The man was rude to me before he even met me. And there was one part of the book in which I was worried, but most of the time I’m an agreeable and happy person.

If you could rewrite a part of your story, what would it be? Why?

I would include more of my history. I performed a great service for the King of Bayergrovenia and his daughter, Princess Maguerithe. I revealed a threat against our country and against the throne. I received a special award from the King. My author said there was no place to explain all that. Can you believe it? She thought the story should only be about the agent and me working together to solve a crime.

Of the other characters in your book, which one bugs you the most? Why?

That odious man Mr. Carl Kennedy. I can’t explain why, but he gives me the shivers. He wears a permanent scowl and I think he must not be a nice person.

Of the other characters in your book, which one would you love to trade places with? Why?

I’m happy with my place, but I do admire Ava McMillan. She has a normal life and a loving husband who provides well for her.

Tell us a little something about your author. Where can readers find her website/blog?

Through a crazy twist of fate, Caroline Clemmons was not born on a Texas ranch. To compensate for this illogical error, she writes about handsome cowboys, feisty ranch women, and scheming villains in a tiny office her family calls her pink cave. She and her Hero live in North Central Texas cowboy country where they ride herd on their three rescued indoor cats as well as providing nourishment outdoors for squirrels, birds, and other critters.

The books she creates in her pink cave have made her a bestselling author and won several awards. She writes sweet to sensual romances about the West, both historical and contemporary as well as time travel and mystery. Her series include the Kincaids, McClintocks, Stone Mountain Texas, Bride Brigade, Texas Time Travel, Texas Caprock Tales, Pearson Grove, and Loving A Rancher as well as numerous single titles and contributions to multi-author sets. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, reading her friends’ books, lunching with friends, browsing antique malls, checking Facebook, and taking the occasional nap. Learn more about her on her blog and website where you can find links to her other social media sites and sign up for her newsletter.

What's next for you?

A lot is happening this fall! On September 12th A Bride for Dalton, Proxy Bride Series, will release. On October 1^st Christmas Wishes, an anthology, will be released. On November 8th Melody, Angel Creek Christmas Brides Series, will be released. And on November 29th An Agent for Lydia will be released.

Whew, and then I’ll take the month of December off for Christmas celebrations.

An Agent for Magdala

The Pinkerton Matchmaker Series

She craves adventure, but this may be too much.

His job means the world to him…

Capturing jewel thieves will test them…

Magdala leaps at the opportunity to become a Pinkerton agent. Learning the position requires a paper marriage shocks but doesn’t deter her. She plans to get an annulment before her unusual family learns of the situation. She’s determined to prove she has the grit to be an excellent investigator. But, why does she have to be partnered with the one man who has been rude to her?

Douglas “Cloud” Ryan loves being a Pinkerton agent. Otherwise, he’d never go along with his boss’ crazy plan to marry him to a female agent. He’s certain women have no business dealing with criminals. After barely surviving the stagecoach trip from Denver to San Antonio Maggie needs to stay in the background and let him solve the case. He has reasons to distrust women, especially women like Maggie.

Can Maggie and Cloud catch the jewel thieves plaguing an historic San Antonio hotel without becoming victims? Will they take a chance on the love growing between them?

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BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--MEET WESTERN ROMANCE AUTHOR CAROLINE CLEMMONS

Today we sit down for a chat with western historical and contemporary romance author Caroline Clemmons. Through a crazy twist of fate, Caroline was not born on a Texas ranch. To make up for this tragic error, she writes about handsome cowboys, feisty ranch women, and scheming villains in a small office her family calls her pink cave.  Learn more about Caroline and her books at her website.

When did you realize you wanted to write novels?

I don’t count the “stories” I wrote and illustrated as a child, most of which featured a beautiful blond princess and a castle. In school, I loved journalism and served as editor of my school newspaper. As an adult, I first wrote newspaper stories. When I was ill and confined to bed, I plotted a short romance. The first novel I wrote was poorly written because I didn’t understand the craft. Attending RWA chapter meetings and listening to qualified speakers made all the difference.

How long did it take you to realize your dream of publication?

Around five years

Are you traditionally published, indie published, or a hybrid author?

I had four titles traditionally published but now am indie published. I enjoy the freedom and control of being indie published.

Where do you write?

I write in a tiny office my family calls my “pink cave” because the walls are pink. I prefer to write on my desktop PC and have a large monitor. My friend Jacquie Rogers gave me the monitor idea because she uses a TV as her monitor. We had a bedroom TV set we never watched, so my Hero set it up as my monitor.

Is silence golden, or do you need music to write by? What kind?

I prefer listening to classical music when I write. If I’m using my Dragon speech-to-text program, I don’t listen to music. My West Texas twang is confusing enough for Dragon software without the added interference of background music. When I’m working on other projects or email, I listen to a mixture from jazz to classical to light rock.

How much of your plots and characters are drawn from real life? From your life in particular?

We are the sum of all that has happened to us, plus all that we have seen and read. So even though I get my plots from my imagination, I probably subconsciously draw on real life events and people. As far as I’m aware, plots and characters in my books are straight from my imagination.

Describe your process for naming your character?

If the book is historical, then I choose a name that was popular at that time. For this, I use names from my family. If I’m looking for a character name for someone foreign, I rely on Google to supply popular names for that country. Isn’t technology wonderful? For contemporary names, I Google popular names for the year the character would have been born.

Real settings or fictional towns?

With a few exceptions, I use fictional towns. Then, no one can say that street doesn’t go there or there’s no business at that address, and so forth. I can create all the businesses, streets, and homes needed for the plot.

What’s the quirkiest quirk one of your characters has?

I like the housekeeper Lily Chapa in Be My Guest. Lily is a secondary character who says, “I would never interfere” or “It’s not my place to interfere” and then does so by telling the hero what he should do. 

What’s your quirkiest quirk?

I suppose the fact that I like to stay up very late and write after my family is asleep. I have quirky circadian rhythms that make me a night owl. That’s another great thing about being a writer—I can choose my office hours.

If you could have written any book (one that someone else has already written,) which one would it be? Why?

I think Julie Garwood’s Prince Charming. This book seamlessly combines two genres I enjoy: British Regency and American western. I reread this book about once a year. My second choice would be Loretta Chase’s Lord Perfect. Her descriptions are wonderful. In fact, when I’ve given programs and taught classes, I’ve used as examples the passages from this book when the hero and heroine first see one another.

Everyone at some point wishes for a do-over. What’s yours?

There are far too many to list here. When someone says, “If I had my life to do over, I wouldn’t change a thing,” I shake my head and wonder, “Didn’t you learn anything?”

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

Negativity. I admire people like Kirsten Osbourne who are always kind. I’ve never heard Kirsten say a bad word about anyone. Thankfully, I can say the same about several of my friends. That kind of person is a joy to be around and have as a friend.

You’re stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?

My husband, a sharp machete, and fresh water

What was the worst job you’ve ever held?

I once worked for a doctor who was rude to patients unless they were wealthy. Of course, he was rude to those of us who worked for him. He was one of those people who, when speaking to someone who didn’t understand English, yelled as if that would somehow make the person understand him. He was mean-spirited and penny-pinching. I’m sure you get the picture.

What’s the best book you’ve ever read?

That depends on my mood and what I’ve just read. With so many authors as friends, I really can’t answer this question. LOL

Ocean or mountains?

I prefer the mountains. I do like the ocean, but I dislike hot weather. A nice mountain lake to look at would be great. One of my favorite memories is of a hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. The room had a huge picture window overlooking the forested landscape and I had my laptop with me. Watching huge snowflakes drift down onto the trees was a lovely sight. In fact, the view was so lovely I didn’t get much writing done on that trip.

City girl/guy or country girl/guy?

I am a city girl. I enjoyed the years we lived in a rural setting, but that was due to the house and the people I knew. I prefer being close to everything we need now that we live in the city.

What’s on the horizon for you?

I’m adding to my Kincaid series this summer and fall with the novella Monk’s Bride and the novel Rafe Kincaid. In October, the first of two books I’m writing for the Widows of Wildcat Ridge series will be released, Blessing. That’s a woman’s name, by the way, but she prefers to be called Buster. The second will be in April, Garnet. Early in 2019, I’ll release Snowy Bride, another of my Stone Mountain, Texas series. I love writing and get excited even talking about my books.

Anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself and/or your books?

In addition to the new release of Under a Mulberry Moon, rights have reverted to me for the six books I wrote for Debra Holland’s Montana Skies Series for Kindle World. These Loving a Rancher Series titles are Amanda’s Rancher, The Rancher and the Shepherdess, Murdoch’s Bride, Bride’s Adventure, Snare His Heart, and Capture Her Heart. I’ve changed the names of all of Debra’s characters and will republish these six books with the same title and cover (minus the Kindle World logo and Montana Skies banner) beginning later in July. They will be released two weeks apart until all six have been republished. I’ve already released book seven, The Rancher’s Perfect Bride. I may write three more for this series.

Under a Mulberry Moon

An anthology offers Adventure! Mystery! Romance! Nine award-winning and bestselling authors present sweet western historical stories to ignite your imagination and feed your passion for reading. Let us sweep you away from your daily cares and entertain you with our sigh-worthy novellas set between 1865 and 1900. What a line-up we have for you! 

Stories include:

Millwright’s Daughter by Zina Abbott

Worth the Wait by Patricia PacJac Carroll

Ada and the Texas Cavalryman by Carra Copelin

A Family For Merry by Caroline Clemmons

A Family For Polly by Jacquie Rogers

Comes a Specter by Keta Diablo

The Widow Buys a Groom by P.A. Estelle

Matthew’s Freedom by Cissie Patterson

The Lady Lassoes an Outlaw by Charlene Raddon

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BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR CAROLINE CLEMENS

Today we sit down for a chat with author Caroline Clemmons. Caroline writes contemporary and historical western romance, time travel romance (past to present), and mystery. Her romances usually include a mystery because she feels it makes them more interesting to write. Learn more about Caroline and her books at her website and blog.

When did you realize you wanted to write novels?

As a child I used to “write” and illustrate stories—each of which usually involved a beautiful princess in a pretty blue dress. Later I became a voracious reader. It wasn’t until I was married with my own children that I thought about writing for publication. My first book was Be My Guest in 1978.

How long did it take you to realize your dream of publication?

Years and years and a lot of rejections. Until I joined Romance Writers of America, I didn’t realize how bad my letters requesting representation and/or publication had been. This is why I recommend anyone who wants to become a writer to join a professional chapter, which has quality programs on the basics of writing and access to those who need critique partners. Any critique partner won’t do—I’ve had a couple of terrible critique partners (one who plagiarized my work) and some excellent ones.

Are you traditionally published, indie published, or a hybrid author?

I began with a traditional NY publisher but they dropped me after four titles because I argued with marketing—not a good idea. Still, I was right, and they were not, and now I make more indie than I ever could have made with them. From NY I went with a lovely small press, The Wild Rose Press. Lovely, professional staff but I decided to strike out on my own. I’ve been very pleased with the result. In my opinion, indie publishing is the best!

Where do you write?

I have a small office adjoining our master bedroom. The walls are pink, so my family calls it my “pink cave”. I use a desktop with a thirty-inch television as a monitor that is so easy on the eyes after hours of writing. So nice to have a short commute to work.

Is silence golden, or do you need music to write by? What kind?

I used to listen to classical music while I was writing. For the past two books I’ve used Dragon speech-to-text software due to wrist and hand problems, so I’ve not had music in the background. My West Texas twang is confusing enough for Dragon without adding music. However, my wrist and hand problems are almost gone.

How much of your plots and characters are drawn from real life? From your life in particular?

We are the sum of all our life experiences, so in that way I suppose all plots and characters come from my life or what I observe around me. I strongly feel that each character carries a part of me, even the villains. Each of us is so complex that we have many “people” living inside of us.

Describe your process for naming your character?

Character names are serious business. If historical, I choose a name that’s correct for that time period. If contemporary, I still choose carefully. Names can set a mood. Heroes especially need a strong name. My latest heroes are the Knight brothers and their cousin.

Real settings or fictional towns?

I prefer fictional towns so no one can say, “I’ve been there and that street doesn’t have a café” or some such comment. With a fictional place, I can put whatever I want/need in the town and no one knows the difference. I often have a real town or city nearby, however.

What’s the quirkiest quirk one of your characters has?

I’ve had some pretty quirky characters but I suppose it’s the heroine of Texas Rainbow who loves vintage clothes and speech.

What’s your quirkiest quirk?

So many to choose from, LOL. I suppose it’s my addiction to Cherry Dr. Pepper.

If you could have written any book (one that someone else has already written,) which one would it be? Why?

I guess it would be Julie Garwood’s Prince Charming. I love that book and reread it occasionally. She achieved the perfect blend of English and USA western historical.

Everyone at some point wishes for a do-over. What’s yours?

How long do I have? My stars, there are so many things I wish I’d done differently, especially raising our daughters.  I wish we’d home schooled them, done all sorts of things differently. They turned out so well and I’m proud of the adults they are—and a little in awe. 

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

People who think tearing down someone else elevates them. Why not be kind? 

You’re stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?

1. My husband  

2. A machete if there’s vegetation on this island 

3. Fishing line (my husband is a great fisherman so we wouldn’t starve)  

What was the worst job you’ve ever held?

I once worked for a doctor who was ill-mannered to his patients and a pinch-penny with his staff.

What’s the best book you’ve ever read?

That depends on my mood. Among those I’d consider are westerns by Louis L’Amour, Lord Perfect by Loretta Chase, Prince Charming by Julie Garwood, and The Promise of Jenny Jones by Maggie Osbourne. I love reading, so I could go on and on with books I loved enough to save them and reread. 

Ocean or mountains?

In general I prefer mountains because I really dislike being hot. I do love watching waves, so if I can stay indoors and view the water through glass, that would be nice. I love walking on a beach when it’s dark and the moon is out.

City girl/guy or country girl/guy?

City girl now. We lived in a rural area for a couple of decades, but moved back to the city four years ago. I do enjoy being close to everything I need and having a well-manicured lawn cared for by someone else.

What’s on the horizon for you?

More books! I plan a book a month for the rest of this year. I have so many plots and characters in my head that I want to write. 

Anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself and/or your books?

Not just for me but for all authors: if you enjoy a book, please leave a nice review.

Texas Storm

A Texas Time Travel, Book 3

Jeannie Luttrell’s passion in life is piloting airplanes. She doesn’t mind the low pay, long hours, or the fact that as a World War II Women’s Air Service Pilot (WASP) she has to pay her own expenses. A faulty oil pressure line causes her P-51 Mustang’s engine to fail and she has to bail out during a storm. When she lands the wind drags her across the ground and into a small ravine where her head strikes a rock.

When Caleb Knight sees a person struggling with a parachute on his cousin’s ranch, he knows what has happed. Another woman has landed in the small part of a ravine that appears to be a time portal from the past. Twice before a woman has come forward in time at this spot. He stops and takes the stranded pilot to his cousin’s home but then he plans to be uninvolved. Darned if he’ll let the family rope him into their shenanigans.

No matter how hard he tries, Caleb can’t avoid Jeannie. Soon, he isn’t so certain he wants to. But, how can two strong-willed individuals who view the world differently build a relationship?  Especially, now that they have the same enemy plotting against them?

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