Featured Author Interview with Gail Delaney on "Gaining Ground"

We're excited to have Gail here today on the blog to talk about "Gaining Ground," Book 3 in her Phoenix Rebellion Series.

Steph: Where did you find the inspiration for "The Phoenix Rebellion" series?

Gail: The Phoenix Rebellion came from various sources of inspiration, actually. I've told the story before, but after finishing another manuscript years ago (Watch Over Me), I found myself unable to really feel caught up in any new story idea I came up with. So, I played with fanfiction for awhile - specifically fanfic for the science fiction program 'Stargate: SG-1'. After doing that for nearly a year, my critique partners urged me (read here 'Got out the electrified cattle prods') to try my hand at writing science fiction.

As far as each relationship story arc within the series, they came from different points. The basic idea of Nick and Caitlin (a May/December relationship gone wrong -- but comes back together years later over a common cause) and Jace and Lilly (A soldier lost to the ravages of war to return years later without memory of his wife), were both concepts I'd attempted in the months when I couldn't find the right book. I adapted them from a modern contemporary setting to a futuristic one, and they worked great!




Victor and Beverly (Book II) came from the turning of thoughts after watching an episode of Stargate SG-1 in which one main character is committed when it's believed he's lost his mind -- in truth, his mind was being occupied by an alien entity. The idea grew from there.

Michael's story (Which is book IV and I don't want to give up too much. LOL) grew organically from the whole process of writing the series. When I began the series, Michael was just a character like anyone else. But, as I wrote, I realized he was the glue and driving force of the whole series. And as such, his 'story' had to be right for him. I had an idea for him going into the series, but ultimately it wasn't right and didn't work at all for him. The woman who becomes his match is perfect for him in that she's so unlike him, and that's why she works. (Stay tuned to Book IV- End Game -Coming in August).

Steph: What can we expect from Gaining Ground?

Gail: In Book I - Revolution - we thought Jace Quinn had died in the rescue mission to save Michael Tanner. At the end of Book II - Outcasts - the reader learns that Jace survived, but not much more. In Book III, Jace comes home. But, Jace is not the man who had disappeared nearly a year before. His memory is broken. He doesn't remember his name, and barely has any recollection of joining Phoenix years before. He has no memory at all of his wife -- Lily Quinn. As his wife, she is heartbroken that he doesn't look at her the way he once had. But, as his doctor, she knows he must let him return on his own.


Jace Quinn




Steph: I know you cast your characters, Gail. Who is Lilly? Jace?

Gail: Both Lilly and Jace came from model photos I found that I felt fit them. So, I don't have names... but I've attached the pictures.

Steph: Where do you find your sci-fi inspiration?

Gail: Partially from the programming and movies I enjoy watching, and actually partially from documentaries and programs I catch on television. I can't watch a program on the History Channel without getting ideas. There's a great series about what would happen to the world if all humans disappeared... I watch that and begin thinking "What if you were a space traveler and you found a world like that..."

Lilly Quinn


Steph: What are some of your favorite science fiction shows? Do you watch Caprica or the new Battlestar Galatica?

Gail: I actually didn't enjoy the new Battlestar Galactica (Don't tell JMo!), so I didn't even try out Caprica. I like Stargate SG-1, and not quite to the same degree, Stargate: Atlantis. I'm a fan of Doctor Who -- both Classic and the 'revived' Doctor Who (though I'm still withholding judgment on Matt Smith as the new Doctor). As Space Operas go, none will ever be better than Farscape. What an amazing mix of great writing, great cinematography, great story and a whole lot of romance! I haven't been caught up in any of the newer science fiction shows in SyFy Channel (Like Sanctuary or Stargate: Universe), but I am a huge fan of Fringe on Fox.

Steph: How many books are in "The Phoenix Rebellion" series?

Gail: In The Phoenix Rebellion there are 4 books: Revolution, Outcasts, Gaining Ground and End Game.

Steph: What's next for you, Gail? What should we expect in the future?

Gail: I have a few things on my plate, but haven't decided on which one to really dig into quite yet. I'm revising some older books for release next year, but as far as new projects I'm torn between a romantic suspense I've tentatively titled Beast and the sequel series to The Phoenix Rebellion - titled Phoenix Rising - which would consist of another four books. That series would pick up about a year after the conclusion of The Phoenix Rebellion, and would have a new cast of 'main' characters with many of the main people in The Phoenix Rebellion appearing again in secondary rolls..

Steph: What's the last movie you saw?

Gail: Cop Out with Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan. Wait for the DVD, trust me... or... don't bother at all. It was 'okay', but I wouldn't be disappointed if I never saw it again.

****

Book Trailer for "The Phoenix Rebellion Series"
http://www.youtube.com/user/RmceWrtr#p/a/u/0/eE9RrMSjTgc

Gaining Ground is available on the Desert Breeze Website, All Romance Books and

Amazon for Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Rebellion-Book-Three-ebook/dp/B003K15NAI/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1273500340&sr=8-1-fkmr0

Featured May Release - Gaining Ground by Gail Delaney

Desert Breeze congrats Gail on her latest release.

The Blurb:

Lilly Quinn though she lost her husband Jace in the mission that brought Michael Tanner home. The mission that set into motion the revelation of the Areth's true face. She had reconciled herself with raising their baby alone.

But, miracles still happen and somehow Jace is back... at least his body is. His heart, his mind, is still trapped somewhere in the darkness of an Areth prison.

Somehow she has to find a way to awaken his heart again.

All the while the demon Areth breath hot and angry down Phoenix's neck... waiting to wipe them out along with the rest of the human race.


******

Excerpt:


"How are you feeling?"

The soft voice was barely a whisper in the darkness, but Jace's entire body tensed painfully. He reached for a weapon he knew wasn't there, but barely made it off the pillow before his abused body crumpled with fatigue. Jace squinted, looking into the shadows of the room at the figure dressed in white and bathed in silver moonlight. Her hair looked white, falling to her shoulders and her skin pale and creamy.

She stepped directly into the shaft of moonlight coming through the window, a soft smile bowing her lips, and Jace realized he was smiling back. His head felt heavy and his eyes as if they were ricocheting in his sockets. What kind of drugs are they giving me?

"How are you feeling?" she asked again.

Either the drugs were fuddling with his head, or she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen... or, at least, could remember seeing.

Nope.

Definitely the most beautiful... memory or not.

******

About the Author:

Gail R. Delaney has been actively writing 'for publication' since 1996. The first novel she ever wrote is still sitting on her computer, waiting for the major rewrite that will make it acceptable. She says she has learned a great deal since writing that book, and it shows when she looks back at that rough draft.

Gail has had eight novels published in the genres of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and futuristic romance. Her novels have received several nominations and awards since she was first published in 2005.

Gail and her family recently moved from the cold and blustry east coast to Southern California, and is loving every moment of sunshine she can soak in.

****

Gaining Ground is available at the Desert Breeze Website, All Romance Books, and on Amazon for Kindle.

Featured Author Interview - Gail Delaney talks about Something Better

Gail Delaney pops in and talks about her new release, Something Better. Welcome Gail!

STEPH: How exciting to have something *grin* new out! How did you get the inspiration for the story?

GAIL: It actually stemmed from a dream.

When I lived in the East Coast -- because of our time differences -- Jenifer Ranieri and I would do all our catching up through chats and emails. She'd be getting on as I was about half way through my day. We frequently talked about our dreams, so I got into the habit of writing down my dreams to share with her later.

I had already moved to California when I had the dream that inspired Something Better, but I wrote it down anyway to keep the details fresh. I kept having the dream, with more detail each time and I just kept writing it down. Pretty soon, I saw a story idea forming and went from there.

STEPH - Did you "cast" the main characters? Who is Andie? David?

GAIL: David is definitely cast * big grin *. There is only one actor who could be David, and that's Joshua Jackson. Every mannerism, pattern of speech, everything... I can visualize in Joshua.




Andi... no... she's not cast. She's just Andi.

STEPH - How long did it take you to write the novel? Did you bang it right out or did come in spurts?

GAIL: It took me just over a year, and it definitely came in spurts. I started it right around the time we were launching DBP, so I had to work on it here and there when I had some free time -- which was hard to come by. I'd usually do nothing for 2 or 3 weeks, and then slam out 2 or 3 chapters. My biggest writing spurts finished the book, and that was about 30,000 words in about 4 days. I was TIRED when I finished! Considering this is the longest book I've ever written -- at nearly 125,000 words -- I don't think a year is too bad.

STEPH - Did you plot out the novel or did it shape up as you wrote it?

GAIL: I don't plot. I start with a beginning... a general concept of the end... and some possible 'moments' that come to me as I write. Sometimes, the scenes I see don't actually make it in -- depending on how the story flows. But I don't do much more than that. I've had people say "When you get to 'such-and-such' you should 'do thus-and-such', and all I can say is "We'll see..." because how can I know if that'll work until I get there? Every scene -- to me -- is a result of the previous scene. Just like life. You can't plan life... you live each moment reacting to the moment before it. And that's the way I like to write.

STEPH - How do you balance your personal writing with editing?

GAIL: It's not an even or consistent balance, by any means. I edit/work during the day, and often into my evening and night at home. I attempt to leave the weekends for me, but that doesn't always happen. I tend to put editing ahead of anything of mine, unless my muse is just REALLY being persistent and won't let me focus, then I give in for an evening.

STEPH - Have you traveled around California yet? Is there one place you'd like to go in California that you haven't been to yet?

GAIL: Sadly, I have not. Would you believe I haven't even been to the beach yet? My husband works on the coast, and I've yet to get there myself. I have lots of places I'd like to go... Hearst Castle, the Missions, wine country, San Francisco. I'd like to get back to the Queen Mary in Long Beach... Jenifer and I went there a few years ago, and I'd love to take my daughter. I think she'd love staying on board the ship.

STEPH - Name one thing you miss about New England.

GAIL: My dad.

The Reviews are in for Gail Delaney's Outcasts!

THE BLURB:

Victor turned his back on everything he knew --- Everything he thought he was -- to help Michael Tanner be free.

Something dark haunts Victor, threatening to steal his sanity --- even his life. He doesn't understand it, has no name for it; he only knows the malicious darkness in his mind wants him dead for his treachery in helping the humans.

Only in Beverly Surimoto's tender touch does he find some fraction of peace. But how much can he take from her before it's too much? How much before she realizes the demon he is and turns him away?

******
From:

ECataRomance
Rating: 5 Stars

Sci-Fi at its best, The Phoenix Rebellion Book II: Outcasts is a roller coaster ride through the unknown...

*****
From:

Fallen Angel Reviews
Rating: 5 Angels

Ms. Delaney has written a series that is reminiscent of one that was written by E. E. "Doc" Smith's The Lensman Series. This is the highest praise I can give. I will be waiting impatiently for the next installment of The Phoenix Rebellion.

Featured Author Interview w/Gail Delany, author of Outcasts

#1 - Tell me what inspired the Phoenix Rebellion series.

It's a bit of a convoluted story, but I'll give the bare bones. A few years ago, I'd finished writing Watch Over Me, and found myself in a slump. I had several individual story ideas, but when I'd begin them they would stall on me a few chapters in. No matter what I did, nothing worked. So, for a good year I divulged in my favorite guilty pleasure - I wrote fanfiction for my favorite tv show at the time - Stargate SG:1

My critique partners - three women whom I owe a great deal to for getting me to where I am today - asked me why I didn't just take my love of science fiction and my love of romance and write a sci fi book. I fought it for a long time, thinking it was one thing to write in a universe created by someone else, and another thing entirely to write something on my own. But, eventually, I decided to give it a try.

I also took some of those story ideas I'd begun but couldn't finish and found that putting them in a futuristic - rather than contemporary - setting fixed a lot of my hang-ups. Two of the four character stories in the series actually came from other books I started and stopped.

But, I wanted to take a different approach to the books. Instead of each book in the series being about two people alone - I wrote the series so that everyone is involved in the story all the time. Every character plays a part and thus, every character gets a POV at some point. It's told as a 'cast of characters' rather than limiting the story view.

As a result, my readers have told me they really feel 'vested' with every character in the series.

#2 - Outcasts features "Victor." Tell me about his character - what do you find fascinating about him?


Victor is an Areth, the alien race that -- according to the backstory of the books -- came to Earth in the early years of the 21st Century. Right about now. The Areth claim that Humans are their descendants. Although on a biological and cellular level, Humans and Areth seem nearly identical - there are differences. The Areth do no procreate, rather choosing to clone themselves to continue their race. They do not have the desire or need for companionship - either with each other or with other races. And they live exceptionally longer lives than humans.

To understand Victor you must understand that he doesn't understand himself... I know, that seems confusing. Victor enjoys and even seeks out the friendship of humans - especially Michael Tanner - a man who has been a constant friend to Victor despite his captivity by Victor's people. And in the first book of the series, when given the chance to help Michael escape his prison, Victor turns his back on his brethren and his life to make sure Michael is free.

But something is wrong with Victor - something he doesn't understand. He is haunted by a malicious voice in his mind - that which he calls his Demon - and this entity threatens to not only drive him insane but to take his life. The only peace he can find - and the only time he seems to have any control over the Demon that can hijack his body and mind - is when he's in the presence of Beverly Surimoto. Beverly is one of the leaders of Phoenix, she is deaf and speaks through a neural voice link, and she's also a low-level empath. Something about her presence sooths his Demon - or drives it back - either way, Victor doesn't care.

Victor fascinates me because of the internal battle he fights not only in this book but through the remainder of the series. He is of two minds - but make no mistake in assuming he is schizophrenic or mentally unbalanced. The truth will be revealed in time, so I won't say much beyond that. He doesn't want to be who he was created to be - an Areth scientist in a cold world without contact - but he knows he can't be the kind of man a woman like Beverly deserves. He feels weak and beaten, but doesn't see his own immense internal strength. He's a man with a deep well of compassion, but he doesn't understand his own mind.

#3 - Cast the movie! Who is Victor? Beverly?

Oh, this is very difficult because I know of actors who have the range a capability to act the tormented part of Victor, but they do not fit the physical description of Victor. Someone like David Tennant could play the roll because his emotional range is powerful enough to play the roll convincingly. However, Victor would be considered - by description - to be Latino or Central American.

In the same way, Beverly is unique in that she is red-haired and green-eyed, but she has a touch of Asian ancestry. I know of no actress that meets that description. Unlike other characters, I didn't model these two after an existing actor... but I do have images I found to match them.



#4 - What is the basic plot of Outcasts?

In Outcasts, the Areth finally show their true intentions - although not their true face. When their plan to use humans as little more than cattle is revealed, they drop the façade of co-existence and attack Earth. The true fight for the continuing existence of mankind begins.

Victor now lives among the men and women of Phoenix, but he is far from accepted. He is looked at with suspicion and scorn, especially when their base is attacked. He fights a constant battle for control - a battle which he sometimes loses - but his willingness to sacrifice for the people he has come to care so much for is evident when he once again betrays his brethren to save mankind.

#5 - What's the latest movie you saw?

You can tell it's been awhile, because I'm not sure... but I'm pretty sure it was New Moon.

#6 - What other genres do you like to write? Why?

My next favorite after science fiction romance is romantic suspense. But as of late, I've rekindled my love for contemporary romance with a dramatic flare.

#7 - Do write to music? Does music inspire your writing?

I do write to music, and it all depends on what I'm writing - right down to the scene I'm writing - as to what I listen to. For instance, while working on my last book I listened to a lot of Michael Buble because he strikes me as very romantic and the kind of dancing his music inspires is prone to the intimate. Since the book was very romantic - even for a romance LOL - it worked well.

#8 - Tell me a little bit about your muse.

My muse's name is Alabaster. Her name symbolizes either the pure white joy I feel when I write a wonderful scene - or the pure white of my open document when I can't find the words to write. She's a fickle creature - often flittering off to realms unknown on a whim - only to show up later with a new dress, a drink with one of those little paper umbrellas in it, and a great new storyline. She's an elegant creature with long red hair and ethereal features. She drives me crazy, and I'd go crazy without her.

Featured FEB 2010 Release - Outcasts

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Victor turned his back on everything he knew --- Everything he thought he was -- to help Michael Tanner be free.

Something dark haunts Victor, threatening to steal his sanity --- even his life. He doesn't understand it, has no name for it; he only knows the malicious darkness in his mind wants him dead for his treachery in helping the humans.

Only in Beverly Surimoto's tender touch does he find some fraction of peace. But how much can he take from her before it's too much? How much before she realizes the demon he is and turns him away?

********

EXCERPT:

Victor's sorrow was smothering, sucking the air from the room and squeezing Beverly's chest until she had to take a step back and regather her defenses. Swallowing against the onslaught, Beverly walked into the dark room.

Victor sat on the floor with his back against the wall and his knees drawn up, his head buried in the bed of his folded arms. Hot tears burned Beverly's ees as she knelt beside him, his sadness was so tangible. It raised the hairs on her arms and made her heart ache. She had to fight the urge to reach out and touch his hair, smooth her fingers through it, and comfort him. If the intensity of his emotion was this great just by proximity, Beverly was afraid what she would feel if she touched him. Instead, she knelt as close as she dared without making contact and clenched her hands in her lap.

Before she could say his name, he raised his head, his black eyes seeking her out in the dim light. The soft glow of the hydrogen gel from the hallway lit his features, highlighting the damp streaks on his cheeks.

"Beverly," he said, his lips moist from his tears.

She nodded.

His body shook and his expression twisted with agony as new tears filled his eyes and he looked toward the ceiling. Victor laid a hand across his brow, bracing his head as another wave of anguish slammed through him, and through her. Beverly curled her fists, her nails digging into her palms, and she felt her own tears fall. "Victor, please. Tell me. What is breaking your heart?"


******
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Gail R. Delaney has been actively writing 'for publication' since 1996. The first novel she ever wrote is still sitting on her computer, waiting for the major rewrite that will make it acceptable. She says she has learned a great deal since writing that book, and it shows when she looks back at that rough draft.

Gail has had eight novels published in the genres of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and futuristic romance. Her novels have received several nominations and awards since she was first published in 2005.

Gail and her family recently moved from the cold and blustry east coast to Southern California, and is loving every moment of sunshine she can soak in.

***

OUTCASTS IS ALSO AVAILABLE at AMAZON.COM
OUTCASTS on AMAZON

The Reviews are in for Desert Breeze Release - Tender Hearts

ABOUT THE BOOK:
What was the song the kids sang in school? First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in the baby carriage. Not quite. First comes three hot days in Maui, then comes the surprise baby, then comes... love? Yeah. The kind of love that sneaks up on you, like a sudden rainstorm, that you don't know is coming until you're soaked to the skin.

What will it take for Billy and Erin to take the chance and admit their love? When tragedy strikes, they have to find strength in each other... for the love of their child.
******

The Romance Studio - 5 Hearts
"I'm a sap for a great story, I'll freely confess, and this one is just perfect."

Fallen Angel Reviews - 5 Angels
"[Billy and Erin] shine together on the page and will leave you with a happy feeling in your heart by the time the story is done..."

Tender Hearts is available at Desert Breeze Publishing now.

Featured Author Interview - Gail Delany, author of "Tender Hearts"

Gail R. Delaney has been actively writing 'for publication' since 1996. The first novel she ever wrote is still sitting on her computer, waiting for the major rewrite that will make it acceptable. She says she has learned a great deal since writing that book, and it shows when she looks back at that rough draft.

Gail has had eight novels published in the genres of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and futuristic romance. Her novels have received several nominations and awards since she was first published in 2005.

Gail and her family recently moved from the cold and blustry east coast to Southern California, and is loving every moment of sunshine she can soak in.


I'm very excited to interview Gail today!

Let's get to it.
************


#1 – Gail, you have such an accomplished writing career. I hardly know where to start? Grin! Tell us about your muse. How long has he or she been hanging out with you?

Hi, Steph… it's nice to be in the hot seat. * getting comfy *

First, thank you for the compliment.

I've been writing since I was about nine years old. Back then, my best friend Kristy and I would spend all our free time together writing stories about superheroes. The name of mine was The Night Panther and hers was The Sun Daughter. Cheesy, I know… but it started me down an amazing road. When I was fifteen, I wrote my first novel. It was a fantasy romance (yeah, at 15 the romance was pretty pathetic), and it's still under my bed, so to speak. I did a lot of angsty teen poetry, too.

So, I guess Alabaster and I go way back. Yeah, that's her name… Alabaster. I didn't know her name until about ten years ago. Before that, she was just the annoying little sprite with gossamer dresses and wild hair that sat on the edge of my desk and taunted me. Her name represents two things… the pure joy you feel as an author when the words flow freely… or the pure white of your computer screen when no words will come. She's flighty and fickle, but when she sees fit to gift me with inspiration she is the most beautiful creature in the world.

STEPH: Alabaster is a real cool name. Juliet likes her.

#2 – Where did you get the inspiration for “Tender Hearts?”

"Tender Hearts" was inspired by my life, and perhaps the most tragic and frightening period in my life. Eleven years ago, well, almost twelve now, my son was born three months premature. I have never been so terrified of anything in my whole life as I was at the thought of losing him. We were very, very lucky with him and he's doing great. Most people haven't a clue he was so early. But, the weeks following his birth were a blur for me. They became like one long 'Groundhog Day', playing over and over again.

Later, when the danger had passed and we knew he'd be okay, I decided to turn that time into a book. I've often heard authors say that writing can be a type of therapy for them. And that's exactly what Tender Hearts turned into for me. It was cathartic. I used it to both remember and work through the months after Patrick's birth.

STEPH: It's good to know your son is doing well. Having 2 boys myself, I can imagine the anquish you felt at the time. ((hugs))

#3 – Cast the characters. Who plays Erin? Billy?

Oh, boy… you're challenging me here. Although I often 'cast' my books now, when I wrote this book I didn't do that yet. So… let me think.

* Several hours pass while Gail does other stuff and ponders Billy and Erin… aha! *


Billy would be played by Jensen Ackles. He's an All-American looking guy, yet he's got a bit of 'rugged' in him, which describes Billy.

STEPH: I agree - very all American looks. I cast him for my sports romance I'm working on called "Curve Ball." He plays my all American pitcher.
Okay, now Erin…

* Gail goes back to working and pondering and working and pondering *

Oh! I got it! Mandy Moore… except with burnished red hair and golden-brown eyes. But, that smile and face… yeah, Mandy Moore.


#4 – What is your favorite genre to write? Is there a favorite or a preference?

My favorite to write is science fiction/futuristic romance. I like the possibilities. I don't write hi sci fi, so it's not all about spaceships and aliens with tentacles and five eyes. My writing is more about what 'could' be, and I've been told my sci fi is scary because readers think "Wow, that really could happen". I'm such a sci fi geek, it came naturally to me once I opened up myself to the possibility of actually writing science fiction.

But, I enjoy writing in any genre that allows me to dig deep into the emotions of my characters. I'm a very character-driven author.

#5 - I know you like Twilight, Gail. Team Edward or Team Jacob?

Depends… are we talking books or movies?

If we're talking books, then I'm absolutely Team Edwardespecially after I read the partial of Midnight Sun. The new view of Edward was awesome! I mean… five or six pages of him trying to figure out how he's going to kill everyone in the room just so he can suck her blood… now, THAT is an angle on a 'hero' you don't see very often.

Anyway, Jacob in the books annoyed me.

And since I made it clear there's a distinction… when talking movies, I'm Team Jacob. No one shoot me or anything, but I find Robert Pattinson annoying. He's like… um… like James Van Der Beek in Dawson's Creek. All angst and torture and whiney. Ugh. Just give it up. (Then again, I was always partial to Pacey Witter anyway…) I was impressed with Taylor Lautner in New Moon, so I'm Team Jacob when talking the big screen.


STEPH: I would have never thought of it like that, but upon reflection, I do agree there's a difference between the book and the movies. I have enjoyed both movies much more than the books. I find Bella too angsty for me in the books.

#6 – For those who aren’t familiar with Tender Hearts, can you familiarize us a little bit with the plot?

Billy Culver and Erin Griffin meet by chance in Hawaii. The attraction was intense and immediate and they had three great days together. Then Billy wakes up to an empty bed, and no way to find Erin.

The book opens months later, when Erin shows up on his construction site and tells him she's pregnant. At first, you have the usual miscommunications and shouting until they both wise up and just learn to talk. As they try to figure out together how they can be a family for their child, they realize the same intensity that brought them together before still exists. It's more than just physical… this could be love.

Then tragedy strikes and Erin collapses. To save her life, their baby must be delivered… far, far too early. When faced with the possibility of losing them both, Billy realizes what he could have… and what he could suddenly be without.

Beyond the romance and the drama of Tender Hearts, the story is about acceptance. One of the original taglines was "Family… sometimes you're born into it. Sometimes it welcomes you in with open arms".

STEPH: Consider this one on my reading list!

#7 – What’s your favorite ride at Disneyland. Fess up.

* grinning * Easy. Pirates of the Caribbean. I know… it's a pretty tame ride, but it's still my favorite. When I was 16, I came to California for the first time with my mom for a family reunion. I loved it then, and I still love it.

Now, if you're talking Walt Disney WORLD… by far, it's Mission: Space at EPCOT.

Wow, so that was really fun. I haven't done any kind of author interview in awhile now. Thanks for having me, and thanks for coming by.

STEPH: Pirates is Andrew's favorite ride, too!

* swivels in chair to face desk and goes back to work *


Thanks for popping in, Gail!
Steph

Featured DEC 09 Release - Tender Hearts

ABOUT THE BOOK:
What was the song the kids sang in school? First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in the baby carriage. Not quite. First comes three hot days in Maui, then comes the surprise baby, then comes... love? Yeah. The kind of love that sneaks up on you, like a sudden rainstorm, that you don't know is coming until you're soaked to the skin.

What will it take for Billy and Erin to take the chance and admit their love? When tragedy strikes, they have to find strength in each other... for the love of their child.

***********

EXCERPT:
She was gorgeous as sin.

"Have I come at a bad time?" she asked, breaking his hypnotic trance.

Billy straightened up and leaned back in his chair, bringing up one foot to rest his ankle on the other knee and laced his fingers together at his waist. He tried to exude confidence and calm, but his insides raged and bubbled like molten lava.

"Just a typical day," he answered. "It's busy here from sun-up until sundown. I'm surprised to see you."

She stepped into the room and closed the door, keeping her hands behind her, and leaned back against the hollow wood.

"I thought you would be."

"I'm surprised you were able to find me, since we didn't really have time to share much personal information. I mean, all I know about you is your name -- I think. I know damn well you're not from Loveland, Illinois."

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Gail R. Delaney has been actively writing 'for publication' since 1996. The first novel she ever wrote is still sitting on her computer, waiting for the major rewrite that will make it acceptable. She says she has learned a great deal since writing that book, and it shows when she looks back at that rough draft.

Gail has had eight novels published in the genres of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and futuristic romance. Her novels have received several nominations and awards since she was first published in 2005.

Gail and her family recently moved from the cold and blustry east coast to Southern California, and is loving every moment of sunshine she can soak in.

Books by Gail R. Delaney at Desert Breeze Publishing:

Watch Over Me - May 2009
Lightning Strikes Twice - June 2009
Tender Hearts - December 2009

**********

REVIEWS FOR TENDER HEARTS:
"I'm a sap for a great story, I'll freely confess, and this one is just perfect.

The Romance Studio
Rating: 5 Hearts

"[Billy and Erin] shine together on the page and will leave you with a happy feeling in your heart by the time the story is done..."

Fallen Angel Reviews
Rating: 5 Angels

Let's give a shout out to Gail Delany!

Just recently, Gail Delany, the Editor in Chief here at Desert Breeze was interviewed by the Examiner. (Out of Santa Ana, CA). I just had the opportunity to read it, (because let me tell it's been a HECTIC week, and I apologize for not reading it sooner!) and Gail does a wonderful job in the interview. That said I thought I'd share a few snipets from it and at the end of my blog entry, I'll have a link to the full article. If you get a get a chance, pop on over to it and read it.

Steph

QUESTION:
You’ve recently launched a new publishing venture. What was your motivation?

GAIL:
Our main motivation in opening Desert Breeze Publishing was to offer a home for authors who didn't write erotica or erotica romance, and to offer one-stop-shopping for readers who prefer romance with less graphic sexuality.

There's no doubt that erotica is a huge seller. But, just as not all people who wear shoes want red stilettos, not all readers of romance want erotica.

QUESTION:
What is unique about what you do?


GAIL:
Well, in an industry where most houses either publish one end of the spectrum or another, by offering books in a range of sensuality without erotica, we're a bit unique. But, we've also tried to be unique in how we relate to and take care of our authors and readers.

Having been in the industry for a few years before opening DBP, I knew what most publishers 'offered' their authors. We tried to take things a step further. While we have very specific standards for our cover art (basically, you won't find a bare chested man on any of them. In a sea of covers with bare chested men, more would just get lost), we also involve our authors. We ask them a lot of questions about their books and what they would like to have – and what they don't want – on their books. If the author isn't happy with the first cover, we try to find a compromise where everyone is happy. We want our cover art to be pertinent to the book, and not just cookie cutter romance.

QUESTION:
What kind of submissions are you currently seeking?


GAIL:
As Editor-In-Chief, I'm personally excited about two genres that I've been 'pushing' for years now, but are just now being recognized as 'up and coming' genres. I want science fiction/futuristic romance where the science is well thought out, the stories are exceptionally well plotted, the stories are epic in proportion, but the romance is very real.

I also want 20th Century historical fiction. Books set between 1900 through the era of the Vietnam War. They can be set in the United States or Abroad, and can be set around any one of the many historical and world changing events of the last century. Or, they can just be a story set in another time.

QUESTION:
Now, here is the totally off-writing subject question. What’s the coolest, wackiest, most risk-taking thing you’ve ever done?


GAIL:
Other than opening a publishing company? HA HA HA

I'd have to say moving from New Hampshire to California in 2008 on just a smidge more than a whim. My husband and I were both born and raised in New England, and for years, that really seemed like the only place we ever intended to live. Then a few years ago, we came to California for a week to visit a friend. We absolutely fell in love with the area, the weather, everything.


STEPH: I'd thought I'd throw in a picture of Portsmouth, NH just for Gail here in case she might be a smidgen homesick? **Smiles**



EXAMINER ARTICLE LINK:
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-4981-Romance-Novel-Examiner~y2009m11d15-Desert-Breeze-Publishing-A-onestop-publisher-for-readers-who-prefer-romance-vs-erotica?#comments

Featured October Release - Revolution - The Phoenix Rebellion Book I

Author: Gail R. Delaney

Category and Length: Futuristic - Plus Novel

Rating: Intense

ISBN:978-1-936000-08-1

Photography/Artwork: Jenifer Ranieri

Release Date: October 2009

*********

Some say the Areth are our salvation, others say they are our doom.

Retired Colonel Nick Tanner doesn't care.

Not until Caitlin Montgomery, the woman he was never able to forget, finds him in his solitude and changes everything.

His son -- the child he was told died 25 years before -- is alive and needs him. Nick will do whatever it takes to bring Michael home. He'll lay down his life, if that's the cost to reveal the truth and stop the Areth.

Now, he cares. And if he ever finds the Areth that stole his son from him, she'll pay.

********

AN EXCERPT:

The doctor stopped and spoke, and the focus of their attention shifted. For one brief moment, he looked straight at the camera.

"Now."

Nick tapped the screen.

"What the hell?"

His words mirrored CJ's own reaction the first time she saw the young man's face. It was like seeing Nick Tanner twenty years before. The same eyes, the same angled features, the same lips.

"Who is this?" he demanded, only briefly looking at her before focusing again on the screen.

CJ cleared her throat to try and push through the thick emotions that threatened to choke her.

"His name is Michael Tanner. Your son."

********

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gail R. Delaney has been actively writing 'for publication' since 1996. The first novel she ever
wrote is still sitting on her computer, waiting for the major rewrite that will make it acceptable. She says she has learned a great deal since writing that book, and it shows when she looks back at that rough draft.

Gail has had eight novels published in the genres of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and futuristic romance. Her novels have received several nominations and awards since she was first published in 2005.

Gail and her family recently moved from the cold and blustry east coast to Southern California, and is loving every moment of sunshine she can soak in.

Books by Gail R. Delaney at Desert Breeze Publishing:

Watch Over Me - May 2009
Lightning Strikes Twice - June 2009
Tender Hearts - December 2009
Something Better - March 2010
Precious Things - July 2010

********

REVIEWS:

Futuristic Science Fiction at its best, The Phoenix Rebellion Book I: [Revolution] leaves the reader on the edge of their seat waiting impatiently for more
ECataRomance Rating; 5 Stars

Lovers of the science fiction romance genre rejoice! There is a new voice on the scene and [Revolution] by Ms. Delaney as to be the best in this genre that this reviewer has ever had the pleasure of reading! Shaiha - Suite Magazine

*******

Visit Gail at Desert Breeze Publishing.

The Phoenix Rebellion Book One: Revolution - and other books by Gail R. Delaney - available at Amazon for Kindle