Friday, September 18, 2020

Guest Author Day with Willa J. Brand

 


Please welcome to the Reading Nook author Willa J. Brand. She's talking about their new releases, Refuge and Switchback with me as well as a sneak peek into Refuge. So take it away Willa....

How did you start writing contemporary romance stories? Honestly, it was a bit of a fluke. I was having trouble finding exactly the book that I wanted to read. I am always on the lookout for a new book, and I suppose I must have been feeling picky! So, I just started writing the story that I wanted to read. After a while it became a bit addicting. I enjoy writing so very much that now I can’t imagine not doing it. 

Are you a Plotter or pantster? I’m sure many authors will say the same, but I am in between. I tend to jot down ideas, themes, and outlines when I am too busy to write, and then when I have time to dedicate to it I will far suprass what I have planned and have to completely revise what I initially worked out. It seems as though once I sit down to write, the story takes on a life of its own.

 What are three things you have on your writing desk? Oh goodness. So many things to choose from. Along with the usual paraphernalia, I currently have my children’s home school curriculum, a clipboard full of jot notes for my current novel and an array of our farm corporation paperwork waiting to be filed. 

Tell us a little about your new release. What character in the book really spoke to you? Dana is actually me to a T. Her journey with pregnancy loss and infertility is a strongly influencing factor in her life, as it has been in my own, and she is a bit of a meddler, which I also am! 

Finish this sentence: I write because ____...

 I can’t imagine living my life without the creative outlet that writing has ben able to lend me. 

What is your favorite type of character to write about? The strong, independent female lead is probably my favourite, but I also really enjoy creating the bonus characters where I can add some quirks. 

What is the sexiest scene you ever wrote? This is hard for me, because I enjoy the subtle sexiness. Yes, love scenes are great, but I crave the creation of that feeling between two people who are still new to each other; the build up of anticipation; the kindling of the spark. There is nothing quite like those first moments of a budding romance where you begin to feel that heat. I aspire to create a work that can elicit those emotions in the reader. 

What is next on your writerly horizon? I am currently working on the third book in the series; Forsaken. Things have been slow going over the summer because of our hectic farm life with four young kids, but as the weather cools off I hope to find a routine that will allow me more uninterrupted writing time.



Refuge

Genre - Contemporary Romance 

Series Name - Mountain Ranch Novels 

Publisher - Amazon


Taylor is a mother on the run from an abusive husband, searching for a safe place for she and her young son. Convinced that her possessive spouse is hunting them, she is paranoid, exhausted and virtually penniless. Finding herself stranded in rural Montana, she is taken in by a couple who help her not knowing her past, and she is able to find work on their ranch. She intends on staying only long enough to save the money needed to move on to a large city where she believes they will be safer. But as time passes friendships develop, as does a love interest, and Taylor struggles to hold on to her secrets. Inevitably, her past catches up with her and her worst fears will become reality.



Excerpt - 

“I thought we could head out east and check some fence while we see if you and Tex are a good match. Let the two of you get to know each other a bit.”

Taylor nodded as she tightened up her cinch and led the gelding into the small pen near the barn. She circled him each way before climbing up into the borrowed saddle, and then she laughed.

“I forgot how much shorter Dana is than me! I’ll have to lengthen these stirrups quite a bit…”

But Owen had followed her into the arena and handed her his gelding’s reins as he took hold of the stirrup and began to let them out for her while she sat on Tex. She was taken aback by his nearness and the unexpected gesture that for some reason seemed intimate. When he had adjusted the stirrup to where he thought would work, he gave it a jerk to be sure the fit was snug and guided her boot back into the stirrup. He looked up at her with his hand still resting on her leg and their eyes met for a moment.

“Feel right?” he asked.

The way he said it gave her the impression that he was referring to something other than her stirrup length and gave her a little chill.

“Um. Yeah. Thank you,” she answered a little breathlessly.

He moved to the other side of the horse and adjusted the other stirrup, and then took back his reins before swinging up onto the big boned sorrel.

 


Switchback
A Mountain Ranch Novel
Available at Amazon

As an only child of a bold Colorado rancher, Laney McRae has grown up confident in herself and fiercely self-reliant. Romance hasn’t entered her world since the disastrous end to her high school love affair, and she has all but given up on men. When a new sheriff arrives in town he instantly ignites a flame she’s never before encountered, but the new relationship may not survive the demands of her forward personality. When strange events begin to unfold on the ranch, it quickly becomes clear that she is being targeted by someone with a deadly intent, and she struggles to assert her independence amid the turmoil. As events escalate, she will be left fighting not only for the love she deserves, but also for her own life.

About the Author

Willa J. Brand is a pen name for my alter ego, and although she is much more creative than I am in my daily life, we share many of the same interests.  

I am a wife, mother of four children and three angels, and lover of the outdoors. I have been an avid reader from an early age and lover of all forms of literature since before I can remember. Busy as life is helping out on our family farm and caring for children, I craved some kind of creative outlet, and writing was a natural fit for me.

I love all animals and enjoy working with cattle and spending time with my horses and dogs. In more recent years I have found a love for chickens that I never knew I had, and my flock is constantly growing! 

​Website link - 

https://www.willajbrand.com



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