Welcome Samantha Gentry today

Hello, everyone. I'm excited to be at Dawn's Reading Nook again. I'd like to tell you about my new release, ACCIDENTAL ENCOUNTER by Samantha Gentry, an erotic romance novella from The Wilder Roses (http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/wildcatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=182&products_id=999), the Scarlet Rose line of erotic romance at The Wild Rose Press. ACCIDENTAL ENCOUNTER will be released Friday, July 25, 2014, at The Wilder Roses as well as other online vendors.

But first, Dawn has asked me a few questions that I'd like to share with you.

1)  What is your book about?

After Casey's last experience of having her heart broken, she decided there was no such thing as Mr. Right for a lifetime. From now on it would be fun and games only and no more attempts at a committed relationship. But she hadn't counted on the determination of the 'stranger' she just happened to meet at a romantic seaside inn. But the meeting wasn't as accidental as she believed. Jake had a hidden agenda of his own.

2)  Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I'll give you an example of my typical day.

As soon as I wake up, Harrison (my houseboy) draws my scented bath. By the time I've finished bathing and am dressed he has prepared a champagne brunch which he serves on the terrace next to the swimming pool. I spend the next two hours reading the morning newspaper and working on my tan.

Promptly at the stroke of noon I adjourn to my home office and begin writing. I spend a grueling four hours slaving away over my computer keyboard creating brilliant prose filled with exciting characters, entertaining plots and highly sensual encounters. I emerge from seclusion at four o'clock having written the next chapter of my current work-in-progress.

Harrison's talented touch soothes my tight shoulder muscles with an expert massage. He pours me a glass of wine before going to prepare a gourmet dinner. And the rest of the evening is better left to your imagination.

Oops…I just lost my hold on reality for a moment. Sorry about that. I'm a morning person and am usually at my computer by six o'clock with a cup of hot coffee which I keep at a safe distance from my keyboard (been through the spilled coffee on the keyboard before, don't need to do it again. The spilled coffee was the result of an earthquake, but still…). The first thing I do is handle my email. Then I get to work—either writing or revising on my current work in progress, or doing the edits on my next release. I usually run errands in the early afternoon.

Hmm…I think I like the first version of what my typical day consists of better than the reality. :)

3)  What started your interest in writing?

My first serious (paid) writing experience was connected to my interest in photography (my vocation was television production where I was a production manager, my avocation was photography). I started my writing career with magazine articles. While trying to market my photographs, I found I had a better chance of selling them to magazines if they were accompanied by an article. After having had several travel/destination pieces published in magazines, co-workers told me I should write scripts since I had access to producers and directors.  I took a screen writing class at UCLA and decided I didn't want to write screenplays but did want to try my hand at fiction so I started on a novel. My third completed novel was my first book contract.

4)  What are you currently working on?

I'm working on three projects right now. I often work on two or three manuscripts at a time (in different genres), switching from one to the other when I'm having trouble with a section of the story. I work on a second story while working out the problem area with the first story in my mind. My primary manuscript right now is another Encounter erotic romance novella set on a private island, two people whose paths cross when they each seek their own type of revenge against the same ruthless man. I'm also working on an erotic ghost romance novel and a mystery novel.

5)  If you could be any paranormal creature what would you be?

I'd be a witch. As a witch I would have full magical powers yet could blend in anywhere and be anyone because I wouldn't have the restrictions imposed on me that other paranormal creatures have (such as a vampire not being able to survive in sunlight and needing an ongoing supply of blood for sustenance).

6)  What do you do when you're not writing?

I still do photography only now it's digital rather than film. Changing from film to digital involved much more than merely buying a couple of new cameras. Whereas I was totally comfortable in the use and manipulation of my film SLR cameras, with digital the operation of the camera allows a much greater scope of manipulation but it also created an entire new learning curve to take full advantage of my DSLR cameras. And there's also all the 'post production' computer work that used to consist of me telling the film lab what I wanted them to do.

7)  What genres do you write in?

I write romance, erotic romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, mystery/suspense.

8)  Is there anything you can tell aspiring writers?

I have two words for new writers wanting to have their novels published: Discipline and Perseverance. First is discipline. You must develop a writing ethic where you don't allow yourself to be distracted by anything and everything. Since most of us write at home, this is more difficult than it sounds. When the words aren't flowing easily, it's too tempting to focus your attention on non-writing things that surround you (I'll empty the dishwasher. Oh look, there's the mailman. I need to go to the grocery store so I'd better make a list.) Second is perseverance. The acceptance or rejection of ALL creative endeavors (art, music, writing, etc.) is subjective in nature as shown by the many genres of books, styles of music and art. What is rejected by one editor on one given day may well be exactly what another editor on another day needs. Don't give up.

9)  Do you keep a notebook near you for when new ideas pop into your head?

Yes. I carry a small notebook in my purse for just that purpose. No matter how sure you are that you'll remember something until you get back to your computer, it's just not so.

10)  When writing, how do you keep track of timelines, ideas, inspiration and such? By notes on the computer, a notebook perhaps?

I do it the old-fashioned way, with paper and pencil. I write down my hero and heroine's vital statistics (spelling of name, age, hair/eye color, height, occupation), location of story if something unusual, and major details about secondary characters as I create them (spelling of name, age, connection to hero or heroine). I also note event timeline to make sure I don't get out of sync.

ACCIDENTAL ENCOUNTER Blurb:

After the last Mr. Right turns out to be another Mr. Wrong, Casey Treadwell swears off relationships. Even her best friend's efforts to set her up on a blind date are shot down. Nope, from now on, it's hot sex with no strings. But then her friend suggests a trip out of town for a weekend of sexual fantasies come true, and Casey's primed for adventure. And Fate is with her when she meets Mr. Right for the Weekend—a hot stranger with sparkling blue eyes and a body made for pleasure.

Jake Palmer spotted the woman of his dreams two months ago, yet Casey refuses to go on a blind date. Not easily deterred, he stages an accidental encounter between the stubborn beauty and a "stranger" at a seaside getaway. But Jake's guilt over misleading her, combined with his fear of losing her when she discovers the truth, has him on edge. He has to tell Casey the truth. And he will. But first he has to get her to fall in love with him.

 

ACCIDENTAL ENCOUNTER PG-Excerpt #1 (book is erotic romance):

"Are you here for the graphic artists' conference?"

The smooth masculine voice cut into her thoughts. She looked up into sky blue eyes, set in ruggedly handsome features framed by thick sandy brown hair. He flashed a devastatingly sexy smile, causing her insides to quiver. An immediate image flashed through her mind, one involving this very desirable man—a definite testimonial to the current lack of sex in her life.

It took a moment before she finally found her voice. "No. In fact, I didn't know there was a conference being held here." But I'll bet Jennifer did. Explains why she chose this inn and this weekend—the prospect of lots of men attending the conference. Maybe this won't be such a disaster after all. "How about you?"

He looked around, then settled his gaze on her again. "Are you here alone?"

She smiled, suppressing an amused chuckle. "Yes and no. I'm supposed to meet my friend here for the weekend, but she got held up in San Francisco on business and won't be here until very late tonight, or more likely late tomorrow morning. I'm not here alone for the weekend, but I am alone for now." She allowed an amused chuckle. "That didn't sound too convoluted, did it?"

His laugh joined hers. "I understood every word you said. I'm particularly adept at deciphering all things convoluted."

She tilted her head to one side as she allowed her gaze to drift across his handsome features. "Not to repeat myself, but how about you? Are you here for the conference and are you alone?"

"Guilty on both counts. Would you consider me too pushy if I invited myself to join you?"

"Pushy? Yes, a little. But in spite of that," she flashed a teasing grin as she indicated the empty chair at her table, "please do."

"I'll grab a drink and be right back."

As he walked across the room toward the bar, her gaze gravitated to his retreating form. Nice butt. He looks as good from the back as he does from the front.

More excerpts from ACCIDENTAL ENCOUNTER as well as my other books are on my website  www.samanthagentry.com

You are also invited to visit my blog. I try to do a new post every Sunday morning  http://samanthagentry.blogspot.com

Thank you, Dawn, for providing this space so I can share information about my new release.