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Author Harvest ‘bales up’ Eden Summers

Jenn J McLeodPhew! Is it hot in here, or am I having a flush? Must be the summer season….or the name Summer…or maybe the red hot  cover coming up!

How about while I compose myself, Eden, you start by telling me if it’s scones and tea or some other homemade delight you have whipped up for me today!

Hi Jenn, I’m so happy to be on Author Harvest. I’ve made some matchsticks, with fresh whipped cream and jam. I hope you enjoy.

(You had me at Hi!)

At home…

My mum says garden gnomes make a house a home! Are you loud and proud in your love of garden gnomes at home, a closet gnomer or with a strict ‘no gnomes’ policy at your place?

My mum gave me a gnome a few years ago. It was sticking its rude finger up. Unfortunately, I have two small children and gnomes and children don’t mix. Poor Mr Finger only lasted a few months.gnome

(How about a Mr Moon for the kids? This is my dad’s gnome. Yes, he is a mooning gnome!  Aren’t parents like ours…err…interesting!)

What vegetable (or fruit) have you always wanted to grow at home?

Mangos! I lurve mangos and only treat myself to them occasionally. But now my five-year-old son loves them too, so I only get half 🙁   I’d love to have a mango tree so I had a never-ending supply.

(Jenn’s evil mum tip: Take mango. Drill small hole. Insert garden worm. Invite said five-year-old to take a bite of mango. You then scream just in the nick of time. You’ll be a hero and those sweet juicy babies will be yours…all yours…forever. Bwah, ha, ha!)

If I looked in the refrigerator right now, what would I find?

At the moment? Not much. There is always milk, cheese and fruit, for my boys, but depending on when the shopping was done last, there might not be much else. (I hide the goodies in the cupboard).

If you sorted your wardrobe by colour, what colour would stand out? (Ahh, do you sort your wardrobe by colour?!)

Purple! Without a doubt. I’m a lover of all things purple, specifically the darker shades. However, we did have a ‘Pretty in Pink’ dress-up theme for the last RWA Clayton’s conference and I easily dressed from head to toe in bright pink – including shoes and handbag.

What are you wearing now? (Be honest!)

Whenever I’m home, especially when I’m writing, I’m always in daggy, comfortable clothes. So at the moment I have on my grey ugg boots, black and white track pants and a bright purple t-shirt underneath a heavy pink cardigan.I won’t be setting any fashion trends, but I find it hard to get warm.

Whose home would you like to housesit and why?

I thought about going the intellectual route and picking someone smart who would enrich my life… but as per usual I took the visually stimulating path.

Raffaello Balzo or maybe Jason Momoa. I would lay in their bed, drown in their scent left on the sheets and come up with a lifetime supply of romance novel ideas. Every morning I would also pray they came home early – just so we could chat, of course.

(Chat? Oh, yeah, of course!) 

Country curiosities…

We love a sunburnt country (slip, slop, slap and all that). What’s your ideal hat? Or are you a boots person?

I’m not much of a hat person, but oh do I love my boots. I have two pairs of knee high’s and I love them to death. I wish I could wear them everywhere.

Now for the big question… Why did the chicken cross the road?

Because there was a hottie on the other side.

(So you reckon there’s a Raffaello Balzo rooster?)

About you…

Your turning point: when was that point in your life that you realized that being an author was no longer going to be just a dream but a reality and a career?

In late 2010 I sat down and thought to myself, “Hey, I love my kids, I love my husband, but I really want to do something for myself. I really want to bring joy to others like my favourite authors have for me.”

That’s when I turned from avid reader to writer. I’m not sure if writing will ever be a full-time career, but it is definitely a dream.

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

The emotional rollercoaster. One day I could be flying high, writing like a pro, feeling like I’m awesome (although that doesn’t happen often). Then the next day you could find me on the couch, in a puddle of tears, crying “Why? Why? Why am I doing this to myself?”(I’m very dramatic when it comes to my writing 🙂 I am and will always be my hardest critic, so it’s sometimes hard to stop editing, analyzing and perfecting my work and just simply let the words flow.

If someone was to write your biography, what do you think the title should be?

This Chick is Crazy.

Fun stuff…

What does your protagonist think about you? Would he or she want to hang out with you, the author, his/her creator.

Beth and Dean from Concealed Desire would probably be a little freaked out by my starry-eyed expression. Beth would be polite and smile when necessary, but she would be thinking that I’m bat sh*t crazy (cause frankly I am), and Dean would love the ego boost. He’d sit there with his “How you doin’” smile and lap up the attention.

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?

I’ve been sitting here contemplating this question for over ten minutes. I’m interested in the lives of so many people that it’s damn hard to choose, so I will pull something out of left field and say – I’d like to be one of the female characters from Kresley Coles – Immortals After Dark series. Their world is fantastic, full of sexy shifters, vampires and magic. I couldn’t think of a more fun and fascinating experience.

If I said to you, “Just entertain me for five minutes, I’m not going to talk,” what would you do?

Oh, Jenn. It would be embarrassing but I’d probably get up and do a silly little dance. Whenever I’m in a crazy mood, or my kids or hubby are grumpy, I tend to dance around like a wally until they smile. It would definitely be entertaining though.

(That biography title is starting to make sense, you crazy chick!)

What food would you be?

Something sweet and nutritious, like a perfectly ripe strawberry.

What was the best thing before sliced bread?

Highlanders. Enough said.

Name 5 uses for a stapler that has not staple pins.

  1. Pretend microphone. I love to dance and sing around the house and you always need a great pretend microphone.
  2. Argument stopper. “Stop fighting or you’ll get the stapler.” I’ve got a good arm, it would be a substantial threat.
  3. Decoration – Add some glitter, a few ribbons and it would be a great table centrepiece.
  4. Punishment – Instead of sitting in the corner for five minutes, you need to stare at the stapler until the time is up.
  5. Welcoming gift – For those new neighbours you know will keep you awake till 1am with loud music

(As opposed to the crazy chick they live next door to who sings and dances like a maniac — right!)

How weird are you? Rate yourself on a scale of 1 (not) to 10 (very).

I’d have to say around the 8 or 9 mark. I’m not weird enough to need medical intervention, but it’s only a matter of time.

(I’d have to agree! Now pass me another matchstick and give us a sneak peek and your book Sneaking a Peak!)

Book Blurb – Sneaking a Peak, by Eden Summers

She’s either headed for jail…or for the best sex of her life.
Tarney Jensen has been crushing on sexy firefighter Ethan Reid, her best friend’s brother, since her sixteenth birthday. She knows acting on her attraction will ruin their friendship, but she can’t fight the temptation of his sweat-slicked skin as he works out. Every hot-blooded woman loves to drool over a sexy piece of man flesh, but watching one from the shadows of your porch when he has no idea you’re spying on him? Totally illegal.
For years Ethan has watched men go in and out of Tarney’s life, but how’s a guy supposed to put the moves on his kid sister’s best friend without looking like a perv? But when Tarney lets out an ear-piercing scream from her front yard, Ethan drops everything to rush to her aid. And finds out that the woman of his dreams has been sneaking a peek at his workouts…

Get the book: AmazonBarnes and NobleAll Romance Ebooks

About Eden

Eden Summers is a true blue Aussie, living in regional New South Wales with her two energetic young boys and a quick-witted husband. In late 2010, Eden’s romance obsession could no longer be sated by reading alone, so she decided to give voice to the sexy men and sassy women in her mind.
Eden can’t resist alpha dominance, dark features and sarcasm in her fictional heroes and loves a strong heroine who knows when to bite her tongue but also serves retribution with a feminine smile on her face.

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See who else has taken part in the harvest so far – HERE.

Author Harvest is just getting started. There’s plenty more in store with, summer, autumn and winter harvest.

Posted on 5 Comments

Author Harvest ‘bales’ up Pamela Cook

So, Pamela, we’ve had a quick canter and now it’s time to put on the nosebag. Let’s start by you telling me if it’s scones and tea or some other homemade delight you have whipped up for me today. 🙂

I’m definitely a scones, jam and cream girl, Jenn. And tea – English breakfast.

At home…

What vegetable (or fruit) have you always wanted to grow at home?

I’ve always wanted to grow a mango tree. I love the plump, smooth orange-ness of them and would love to see them hanging on a huge green tree in my backyard.

(Yes, well, I have 5 mango trees and the bats, possums and parrots really, really enjoy them!)

If I came to your home and looked in the refrigerator, what would I find?

An assortment of containers with leftovers, chocolates hidden behind the eggs where he thinks no one can find them (my other half), the usual staples and a nice bottle of semillon.

(Hmmm, semillon and scones – with a chocolate chaser! Is that uncouth?)

If you sorted your wardrobe by colour, what colour would stand out? (Ahh, do you sort your wardrobe by colour?!)

I’m not organised enough to sort my wardrobe by colour but if I did you’d find a solid block of purple, an assortment of greens (mainly khaki), a splash of orange and bright pink and some basic black.

What are you wearing now?

Denim shorts and a white top

Whose home would you like to housesit and why?

Friends of mine in Milton have just bought a property I would love to housesit. You drive down this very bumpy, steep road, round a few bends and then find yourself in this beautiful valley surrounded by enormous, straight-as-soldier gums. In the paddocks there are alpacas and horses. The air is alive with swallows, parrots and kookaburras … might be a setting for a future book methinks!

(Sounds like a tax-deductible research trip to me!)

Country curiosities…

We love a sunburnt country (slip, slop, slap and all that). What’s your ideal hat? Or are you a boots person?

Love hats, especially summery straw ones with a small brim. And I am partial to an akubra. I’m definitely a boot girl – live in long boots in winter and love to wear my R.M’s when I’m riding.

If you were a tree (or animal) what kind of tree (animal) would you be?

I’d definitely be a horse. I think they are the most amazing, intuitive, beautiful creatures on earth.

(I agree. Just don’t tell my dogs!)

Now for the big question… Why did the chicken cross the road?

Pass!

About you…

Your turning point: when was that point in your life that you realized that being an author was no longer going to be just a dream but a reality and a career?

It wasn’t so long ago actually – it was the day my now publisher, Vanessa Radnidge, called me to say Hachette loved my manuscript and wanted to publish it. I had a kombi full of 11 year olds I was delivering to a school debate and I swear my heart must have been beating so loudly they could all hear it. It’s all so fresh it still feels like a dream really.

(It wasn’t long ago!? Crikey, those four words probably sent a dozen authors I know to the booze cupboard!)

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Plotting. I love creating characters and building their backstories and relationships. Coming up with a strong, interesting story-line is my block. I try to let the plot evolve from the character’s problems but it’s not always easy.

If someone was to write your biography, what do you think the title should be?

Hmm, good question. Maybe something like “Daydream Believer”. It sounds corny but I’ve always believed that your dreams can come true if you believe in them enough and if you work hard towards achieving them. It’s certainly worked for me so far!

Fun stuff…

What does your protagonist think about you? Would he or she want to hang out with you, the author, his/her creator.

My protagonist Eve and I would get on pretty well I think. She’d probably think I’m a bit timid at times but would appreciate my sense of balance. We’d have good times sitting on her veranda sipping our bourbons, watching the horses and chatting about life.

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?

Elizabeth Bennett, so I could wear those gorgeous clothes and dream about Darcy. It would have to be the week she visits Pemberley and he emerges from the dam with that wet, white shirt on. Hmmm-hmmm!

(Here ya go. Something for everyone. Which one is your fave, folks? Colin, Matthew or ‘the other bloke’!)

What food would you be?

Something warm and scrumptious like a rice pudding.

(I don’t know many women who would admit to being like pudding!! Good on you.)

What was the best thing before sliced bread?

Unsliced white bread (with lashings of butter and vegemite).

(Ahh, yes, but fresh or toasted? Do you have a fave, folks?)

How weird are you? Rate yourself on a scale of 1 (not) to 10 (very).

Most of the time I’m pretty normal (2), although my 16 year old would rate me as more of a 7 a lot of the time. And I definitely have my 10 moments.

2020 UPDATE: Pamela has since had books published with both Hachette and
Wild Words Publishing: www.pamelacook.com.au

See who else has taken part in the harvest so far – HERE. https://www.jennjmcleod.com/author-harvest/

Thank you for checking out a blog post from the past. Keep supporting Australian storytellers and stay safe.


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Author Harvest ‘bales up’ Susanne Bellamy

I would have preferred catching up with you in Rome, but a funny thing happened on the way to the Forum!!!!

So instead, here I am asking you to start by telling me if it’s scones and tea or some other homemade delight you have whipped up today.  

Turkish Delight and French Earl Grey tea. Well, I opened the container of Turkish Delight all by myself, and if you don’t want tea, I’ve a very nice Sav Blanc chilling. And the cheese to go with it.

(Would a bit of each be seen as greedy or polite? I’m going with polite!)

At home…

My mum says garden gnomes make a house a home! Are you loud and proud in your love of garden gnomes at home, a closet gnomer or with a strict ‘no gnomes’ policy at your place?

Gnomes’ longevity would be severely reduced around our two dogs. Their tails are weapons of gnomic genocide. I guess that’s a ‘no gnome zone’. But I did snap this fellow in Capri, while climbing up to Tiberius’s palace.

What vegetable (or fruit) have you always wanted to grow at home?

Beetroot—love it finely shredded raw in salads or roasted in winter.

(And how wonderfully it doubles as lipstick!)

If I came to your home and looked in the refrigerator, what would I find?

A bottle of wine, cheeses, and lots of fresh vegies. And leftovers—I can’t get past cooking for four, but there’s now just two of us at home.

(Happy to move in if it helps. We can talk all night about writing and Italy, wine and cheese… Happy, happy days!)**

If you sorted your wardrobe by colour, what colour would stand out? (Ahh, do you sort your wardrobe by colour?!)

Not by colour but dresses go together, then skirts, then tops…get the picture? As for colour—I’ve gone black, white and red recently, but there’s still blue amongst that lot.

(The essential black with lots of red, white, some blue.  How very patriotic!)

What are you wearing now? (Be honest!)

Just home from work so black and white dress, but I’ve kicked off the red wedges. Love high heels!

Whose home would you like to housesit and why?

Bill Gates—I’d get to play with all the cool gadgets. He might not be too impressed at the changes I’m sure I’d manage to make in the settings of everything though.

Country curiosities…

We love a sunburnt country (slip, slop, slap and all that). What’s your ideal hat? Or are you a boots person?

Boots for sure. I’d love to be able to wear hats like Audrey Hepburn in ‘My Fair Lady’ but I don’t have the face for it. On the other hand/foot, I’ve got a gorgeous pair of red boots, suede and leather with a leather lace decoration.

If you were a tree (or animal) what kind of tree (animal) would you be?

You know they say… if you had a roomful of monkeys at typewriters, eventually they’d write a Shakespearean play. Well, I wanna be ‘that’ monkey and go ape with writing!

Now for the big question… Why did the chicken cross the road?

Clyde was chasing it (he’s our Welsh Springer Spaniel). I doubt the chicken made it…

(Lucky Clyde. Unlucky chook!) 

About you…

Your turning point: when was that point in your life that you realized that being an author was no longer going to be just a dream but a reality and a career?

Well, with just one book, White Ginger, to be released on January 7th, I wouldn’t claim writing is my bread and butter just yet. But when I got that phone call, my dream became much closer.

(I love that title.)

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Time when the day job doesn’t dominate. So far, beginnings seem to jump out and tackle me, saying “Write me, write me!” Getting the time to nut out the middle and stop my inner editor intruding is harder.

If someone was to write your biography, what do you think the title should be?

“In the Still of the Night”. Apologies to Cole Porter. That’s usually when ideas hit me. And he wrote this song about the greatest love of his life.

(Love Cole Porter. You are the only person I know under 70 who knows his work! Add music to ‘happy days above’!**)

What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?

Q: If you had your time over again, what would you choose to do?

A: I’d start writing earlier and I’d be an archaeologist. Or a pianist/composer (if only I’d learned the piano)

 

Fun stuff…

What does your protagonist think about you? Would he or she want to hang out with you, the author, his/her creator.

I have a suspicion Amelie and I would get on very well because she has a wacky sense of humour too and we have a similar approach to shopping (erratic). As for Arne (Keanu)—he’s a marine biologist and I’m a hopeless swimmer. But I’d listen to his stories of the Islands of Hawaii hour after hour. Sorry Amelie—you’ll just have to share him for a bit. You can have him all to yourself on your honeymoon. Promise!

(Huh! Never trust a writer, Amelie. You might find yourself written out quick smart!)

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?

One of the scientists on the space station—I’d love to see the Earth from space and experience zero gravity.

If I said to you, “Just entertain me for five minutes, I’m not going to talk,” what would you do?

I hope you have my taste in music. I’d pour a wine and play: “Let me entertain you…”.

(LOL  I think we have a theme song  – ‘Days of Wine and Roses’!)

What food would you be?

Citrus pie—I can be a bit tart at times!

What was the best thing before sliced bread?

Pizza! (Cut me some slack here—I’m not long back from Italy!)

(I totally agree, especially traditional Italiano pizza. So simple and so tasty.)

Name 5 uses for a stapler that has not staple pins.

Just one—a tack hammer. After that, it’s pretty much a goner.

How weird are you? Rate yourself on a scale of 1 (not) to 10 (very).

When I’m in full flight teaching Shakespeare, my students would tell you I’m a 10. At other times, 3 or 4. No, Effie, don’t give me that Moonlight Martini. I’m trying to be ‘normal’ here!

Susanne’s debut romance novel, White Ginger, will be released on January 7th, 2013 by Lyrical Press and will be available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other online booksellers. For more information about Susanne:  www.susannebellamy.com

 About White Ginger

Arne recognised his soul mate the moment he saw Amelie, but he is engaged in a David and Goliath battle against a big developer and the resort that will impact on the reef that protects Arne’s small community. The developer, who has taken Arne’s ex-fiancée, plays dirty, using sabotage, assault and kidnapping.

Their tactics force Amelie to confront her worst phobia to keep Arne safe. Life with Arne is one dangerous adventure after another, jolting Amelie’s boring, predictable life to its foundations. And Arne’s kisses set the fire that blazes through her newly awakened passions.

When Amelie’s life is endangered by her involvement with his work, Arne races to save her.

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