Wishing you a naughty Hump Day..Stay sexy..
Savannah

I want to welcome you all to another edition of Watch Out. This week I’m thrilled to bring you another fabulous guest. Multi-published author Amber Leigh Williams is here.

Welcome Amber, it is a pleasure to have you here today.

Thank you, Savannah! I’m pleased to be here.

For those readers who are new to you and your work, please tell them a little about yourself.

As you mentioned, I’m a multi-published romance author. I’m also a member of Romance Writers of America, former Secretary of GCCRWA, and a reviewer for The Season. My first western romance, BLACKEST HEART, is the 1^st Place Novella of the 2009 More Than Magic Contest and my historical romance, FOREVER AMORE, was nominated by Long & Short Reviews for Best Book of 2009. I’m represented by D4EO Literary Agency and live on the Gulf Coast with my husband and three labs where I write full-time.

What, or who inspired you to write?

I think I was more compelled by my own inner urgings. I discovered writing in third grade and it felt so right. I loved storytelling and the possibility of touching people with the written word as I was touched throughout childhood by fairy tales. I naturally gravitated toward writing love stories and HEAs. When I read my first romance at fourteen I knew almost instantly that that was the genre I wanted to write. That book was by Nora Roberts who to this day I find very inspiring.

How many books do you currently have published? Can you tell us a little about each?

DENIED ORIGIN is a romantic suspense that is published in trade paperback and ebook editions from The Wild Rose Press. It starts with the murder of a Brazilian heiress’s influential parents. Alone in the world, Valentina Tuttora finds herself stripped of her identity and chased by a deadly terrorist for reasons she can’t begin to guess—until American bullet-catcher Mark Welles steps in to lead her in a scavenger hunt across the globe to uncover clues her parents left behind to her true identity. Buy link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/denied-origin-p-907.html

FOREVER AMORE is a historical romance that is published in trade paperback and ebook editions by Black Lyon Publishing. It takes place in 1944 Italy when USAF Lieutenant Charles Tyler crashes his P-38 fighter in enemy territory. Lucky for him, he finds himself in the sympathetic embrace of Lucille Renaldi, the daughter of a wealthy winemaker, who will risk anything to see him to safety. This book was nominated by Long & Short Reviews for Best Book of 2009 and can be found at http://www.blacklyonpublishing.com/Forever%20Amore.html

I have three western romance novellas published in ebook from The Wild Rose Press called the Wayback Ridge Trilogy. The first of them, BLACKEST HEART, is also featured in a trade paperback anthology called THE WAY BACK HOME, and will be published as an audio book on September 7 from Audio Lark. It placed 1^st in the 2009 More Than Magic Contest’s Novella category and tells the story of A-list actress Stella Ridge and silent cowboy Judd Black. Book II of the Wayback Ridge Trilogy, BLUEST HEART, follows Stella’s brother Casey Ridge’s quest to make bad girl Josie Brusky his. Book III, BET IT ON MY HEART, rounds out the trilogy with the playboy of Wayback’s fall for the most unlikely woman – his sister Stella’s hard-hitting agent, Calli Morlani (voted Book of the Week by readers). All three of these stories and THE WAY BACK HOME anthology can be found at http://www.thewildrosepress.com/amber-leigh-williams-m-352.html and the novellas will each make their audio book debut next month at http://www.audiolark.com. 

Are there any author’s who have inspired you, or ones you look up to?

Nora Roberts has had a pretty profound impact on my journey to write romance. It was at the urging of fellow GCCRWA member and bestselling romantic suspense author Cynthia Eden that I try my hand at paranormal romance. Thanks to her encouragement, Joyce Holland of D4EO Literary Agency recently signed the first book in my paranormal series. Other authors who have inspired me are Jane Austen, Stephen King, Anne Lamont, Robert R. McCammon, Gregory Maguire, J.K. Rowling, and J.R. Ward.

You have a series of books called Wayback Texas. What made you decide to choose Texas as a backdrop for your books?

The Wayback, Texas series is actually a continuation (multi-authored) series adapted by the brilliant editors of The Wild Rose Press’s Yellow Rose (western romance) imprint. The series requirements were based on the small rodeo town of Wayback, Texas and its inhabitants and all the stories are novella-length. The first in the series by Rita Thedford, Hot Night at the Blue Bug Saloon, was followed closely by Judith Rochelle’s Shadow of the Hawk. Needless to say, this series started out with a bang and almost every consecutive Wayback title has hit The Wild Rose Press’s bestseller list.

I never dreamed of writing for a continuation series, especially one with such fantastic writers as Rita Thedford, Judith Rochelle, and Cindy Spencer Paper among others. I did know, however, that I wanted to write the story of an actress who goes home to her family’s ranch to heal and finds solace in the arms of a silent cowboy. I read Wayback’s description on TWRP’s website and things started clicking into place. Wayback seemed like the perfect backdrop for my story. Therefore, BLACKEST HEART and its sequels were born. It’s an honor to be published in the same line as these talented authors and writing westerns has probably been one of the most joyful experiences of my career. I can’t wait for my muse to take me back west!

Where do you see yourself as an author in the next five years?

I’d like for my paranormal series to be completed and published as well as distributed widely on bookstore shelves. I’d also like to have begun a more fantasy-driven series. I have two fantasy concepts in the works now. Mostly, though, I want to still find the joy in writing that I do now.

Being a published author what is the one big misconception you think that people have about writers/authors?

A published author’s life isn’t as glamorous as a lot of people tend to think, even for those more successful than others. I spend quite a bit of time in my pajamas and sweatpants. I stay up late into the evening in my writing cave and sleep late most mornings. I don’t take many vacations and if I do, my work goes with me because the muse doesn’t necessarily rest when I do. Another thing people tend to think about the publishing industry is that it is cutthroat. It’s a tough business, I agree, but in the romance industry especially I have met some of the kindest, most generous people I could imagine. 

If you could pick to be a heroine from your books for a day, who would you pick and why?

Stella Ridge from BLACKEST HEART because she’s married to Judd Black, Wayback’s silent cowboy! That is one sexy man J

What are you currently working on now? Anything you can give the readers a sneak peak of?

At the moment, I’m in the midst of a Regency romance WIP as well as completing work on a contemporary revision. I’m also gearing up to write the fourth book in my paranormal series while waiting for my agent to find a publishing home for the first. In September, the Ridges of Wayback, Texas will each be taking the audio universe by storm. On September 7^th, BLACKEST HEART debuts from AudioLark.com, followed by BLUEST HEART on September 14^th and BET IT ON MY HEART on September 21^st. Here’s a peak into Stella and Judd’s story:

“I love the way the air feels here,” she murmured, watching the fire in the sky take its sweet time burning out. “I love how it tastes.”  

 Her companion didn’t speak. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a tall figure leaning against the fence. She turned her head when he didn’t reply. A stunning zap of electricity surged through her.

 Judd had taken his hat off, revealing his thick crop of black hair, and was holding it between his hands draped over the fence line, elbows braced on the rail. His boot was propped on the lowest. His eyes squinted against the bright display, trained on the sun’s showcase. Beside him, sitting dutifully was an adorable mutt.

 The man was an enigma. It got to her. That pleasant burning sensation began to swell within her again.

He straightened, catching her stare. She didn’t look away. Remembering how he’d raced with her over the field that afternoon, how he’d ridden that mean bull at the rodeo, she thought he must like challenges. Her admiration for him peaked.

She liked a challenge, too.

His brows rose as she stepped to him. Interest instead of astonishment filled his complex eyes. She came to a halt with the dog between them. “What’s with you, Judd?” she asked, punching just enough challenge into the question. “Didn’t Apache Jim ever teach you any manners? Didn’t anyone ever tell you how rude it is to stare?”

Something welled beneath the interest.

Amusement.

A sharp breath escaped her as she watched his eyes smile at her, crinkling up at the corners. She was the astonished one. Her body froze up when he reached out with one of those hard, wide-palmed hands. If she could’ve moved, she wouldn’t have stepped back.

His fingertips brushed over her damp hair, from her brow back over her crown. She fought against the urge to close her eyes, sigh and melt. Her scalp tickled under his light touch. His fingers combed through the ends of her tresses and repeated the motion, slower the second time through. She gripped the rail next to her, afraid she’d sway.

The amusement in his eyes had faded. They’d lifted to the scars she’d left exposed by combing her hair back from her face. His thumb traced the smooth, jagged line, tracing it to the corner of her eye.

She tried to read his face. The tender moment between them intensified. The tingles deepened. Though she wanted to turn his attention away from those imperfections on her face, she drew comfort from his whispering touch. His eyes darkened. There was anger there now. He was angry she’d been hurt. Her heart picked up pace, welcoming his fury.

She allowed her eyes to close. Her blood was singing, warming skin chilled by the nightly breeze. She could hear him breathing, just barely. Edging closer, she reached up to touch him. Her fingers found the chords of his upper arm. They wrapped around them, gripping them for support.

His fingertips found the scar by her mouth and began to trail down the angled mark. Her eyes popped open, fixed on his and her breath seized when he touched the very corner of her mouth. His fingers lingered, eyes tracing the line of her lips. She wanted his mouth to do the same. She waited breathlessly, heart thudding hard between them.

BLACKEST HEART © Amber Leigh Williams

Now Available for $3.00 at The Wild Rose Press: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/blackest-heart-wayback-texas-p-1058.html

What was the best advice you ever got as a writer, and who gave it to you?

I’m not sure who gave me this bit of promotional advice, but I remember being told to “Go where the readers are.” You could have the best book in the world and nobody would know about it so you have to go where the readers are in order to reach people with your book. J.R. Ward wrote in the Insider’s Guide to the Black Dagger Brotherhood that “Plotlines are like sharks: They either keep moving or they die.” Early in my career, some stories fizzled and I never could figure out why until I read this quote. Since, I know that if the pace isn’t moving, the story will fizzle and I’ll have wasted three to six months writing myself into a corner.

Any writing habits?

I snack a lot when I write, mostly because a lot of my writing and brainstorming is adrenaline-based. Thankfully, I have a high metabolism that supports this habit. I also have to keep the chap stick on standby because if the book is going well, I tend to nibble on my lower lip. I hate this habit but have given up trying to tame it. I also rake my fingers through my hair quite a bit, which has led my husband to fondly refer to the do I come out of my writing cave with as the “lion’s mane.” Thankfully, he doesn’t mind it because that’s when he knows the writing is going well, something that makes me very happy!

Have you ever based a character on yourself?

No, my characters are all pretty organic. They’re their own people and I love nothing more than getting to know them as the story progresses. Sometimes I occasionally start out modeling them after a celebrity or personality but they quickly grow into their own individuals.

I will admit, though, that the heroine in the contemporary revision I’ve nearly completed work on is probably closest to me. This is mostly because this story takes place in my hometown on the Gulf Coast and there are small echoes of mine and my husband’s dating experience that resonate in some parts of the book. For example, on our third date he took me on my first motorcycle ride along this beautiful scenic highway overlooking the gorgeous Eastern Shore of the Mobile Bay as the sun was setting. It was so romantic and thrilling that I knew I would write about it someday. In the book, the hero rides a Harley so it felt like the perfect opportunity to live that moment again through the heroine.

What message would you like readers to walk away with after reading your books?

I hope that I reaffirm or strengthen their belief in some way that great love does exist. Also that relationships are happy when healthy. That’s what I take away from a good HEA.  

Where can readers go to find more info about you and your books?         

Readers can find out more about my stories and writing journey at my website: http://www.amberleighwilliams.com.

My personal blog is the place to go for the latest news and sneak peaks of upcoming releases: http://amberleighwilliams.blogspot.com.

 I can most always be reached via Twitter (http://twitter.com/ALeighWilliams)

or Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/amberleighwilliams).

I also blog once a week at The Roses of Prose: http://rosesofprose.blogspot.com.

This has to be one of my fave Lady Gaga songs. This week for Music Monday I bring you Lady Gaga and her song Alejandro.
This artist really has done an amazing job getting where she is now. I love the fact that she doesn’t care what people think about her and her crazy style. She does what she loves and it is music.

Savannah

“We all have our moments of fear. I’m a human being and I have moments of fear. Fear is a very crippling emotion.”
- Betty Williams

I have some great news. One of my free reads I wrote is  now being featured on the Liberator site. If you want a hot read stop by at

http://blog.liberator.com/index.php/author/savannah_chase/

Savannah

Day 4

It’s the last day of my soccer adventure. Can you say this has been a blast? For sure. Have I gotten inspired for a story? You bet I have. This was the last adventure I expected to have while I traveled the globe.

So I bet your wondering what went down the last day. I got to the game. There is a famous street that leads to the stadium entrance. It has been a street the fans have walked with their heads held high and sometimes low in sadness when their beloved team lost a game.

This time I had the chance to walk with the fans all decked out in team colors with my official replica shirt and scarf. I had to be dressed the part if I were to cheer alongside the hard core fans.
When I stepped through the gates the energy of the fans was intense. They were already cheering and singing as the team did one last round of warm up on the field below. The sea of red green and white was amazing.

The rival team was on the side in a specially blocked off area with riot police blocking them off. Yes there was riot police and tons of them. The last time these two teams played fans got out of control.
Each side was cheering and trying to psych out the other. I had never seen such immense passion and dedication.

Once the game got started the fans cheered even harder. I’d never seen anything like it.

The first half of the game our team was not doing so well and fans were starting to wonder would we be walking back down that road with sadness in our eyes.

When halftime arrived the fans took time to grab food and regain their strength since since the start of the game they cheered nonstop. Since I had never been to a game i did not know their cheers or songs but you quickly catch on.

Halftime over….the action kicked in….The home team ended up scoring one goal and then the next…We lead the game and everyone couldn’t help but cheer harder. The team had to finish off the season on a high note and a win.

It was so amazing to see the players that I had been hanging out with and talking to for the past few days as they were going full steam ad giving it their all. Seeing them out there on the field fighting hard and getting cheers from the crowd was something spectacular.
I know that soccer is no exception and that all fans cheer for their teams but to be there for the last game of the season and witness it all for the very first time was different.

How did we do? We won….

At the end the players stripped off their clothes and either exchanged shirts with the opposing team or tossed them to the stands for the fans to take as a souvenir from the closing game.
At the end of the match as the players ran around tossing their clothes the fans cheered thank you to the teams coach Ryszard Tarasiewicz. They thanked him for bringing the team to a victorious finish…

I don’t think I have ever seen fans do that at a sports event and it was different.

All in all being in the middle of the game and getting to experience it live is something that I will never forget. I can’t thank the cashier who was kind enough to take me to the teams club and help me have this amazing opportunity, Lukasz Padewski for his kindness and being an amazing host, Andrzej Padewski for his gifts and time, and the players who I had the chance to talk to and get the opportunity to get a glimpse inside their world. What it is like to be a professional soccer player.

I thank you all from the bottom of my heart and I hope that one day when my travels bring me back to Europe I will be able to see you again.

Savannah

Day 3

Day three rolled around and I didn’t have the best weather. It was chilly and raining but I was still excited. I was getting the chance to watch a pro soccer team practice before the big game. It doesn’t get any better than that.

When I got to the stadium I met up with the marketing specialist Lukasz Padewski. The night before I found out how small the world is. It turns out that a family member of mine use to play with someone with the same last name as Lukasz. I found out that the person my family member played with is Mr. Padewski’s father, who is Andrzej Padewski the President of the Football Association of Lower Silesia.

I had the honour to meet Mr. Andrzej Padewski and as soon as I walked through his door he welcomed me with a few souvenirs like key chains, card holder, pen and a few other fun things. That was super nice of him. I had the chance to talk to him for a bit about his job and the world of soccer. Everyone is eagerly awaiting Euro 2012.

After leaving his office I met up with Lukasz again and I was thrilled when he gave me back my team photo signed by most of the team. It was a nice memento to have from this whole experience.

I was escorted to the practice field where the players were already hard at work. We had to walk beside the main field in the stadium. Seeing the field and everything from the bottom and as it was empty was mind blowing. In just a few days the whole place would be filled with fans cheering on the team as they played their last game of the season.

When we arrived at the other field the trainers were there and a freelance reporter watching on from the side of the field. The rain continued but I didn’t care. I wanted to watch what practice was like for the team.

In case you are wondering they have different running drills, goal shooting drills and other drills that strengthen them for each game. With the cold weather and rain that didn’t damper their spirit or energy. Each player was giving it their all. I took a few photos from the side of the field as they continued practice.

Watching the team do their warm ups and everything I could see how much time and energy they spend to train and be the best. It is a lot of hard work to be a good player. Yes you have to be a talented person and be good at it but it is also a lot more than that. You have to continue to train and better yourself. Many dream of playing on a pro team and there is a lot of competition. I was surprised at how young some of these players are. To be this good and reach a pro level has to be amazing.

You are doing what you are good at and what you love.
I had another superb day as I watched the practice session and got an extra glimpse of what it was like to be a pro soccer player.

It also made me super psyched for the last game that I would have the opportunity to watch before I left.

Stay tuned for tomorrow when the last part of this adventure is posted. You will get to see what it is like to be at a real European soccer game. The crowds, the cheers and the insanity of soccer love.

I’m feeling a little Red Shoe Diary-ish..LOL Gotta love David Duchovny.. X-Files, Californication, Red Shoe Diaries…He is so good.

Wishing you all a very naughty and sexy Hump Day.

Savannah

Day 2

The following day I made sure to come back to the stadium to get my ticket. I had seen the guys practice since their field is right next to the stadium so I figured I could see if there was any way I could get in to see the closed practice session. When I got there it was still early and I had about 30 minutes left till the tickets went on sale. I noticed that there were people inside the small building where the box office was located so I took the chance to talk to them and see where I could get with regards to watching the team.

It had to be my lucky day because not only was the cashier so nice but she sold me a ticket earlier to the soccer game. She also told me that the section where I got tickets for the fans had to be wearing the team colors. Fans are very particular when it comes to showing support for the team. So if you came and sat with no team colors you could be sure that the fans would run you out of there. This open area of the stadium was for fans to truly show their support and love with the team colors.

I was invited inside the box-office where I could pick my shirt and scarf that I wanted to purchase. As I was getting my size I asked if there was any way to see the soccer team practice but sadly I was told no. I could not see them since it was closed off. One of the other ladies came over to help me pick up my stuff and I explained to her that I came all the way from Canada and would really want to watch the guys practice. I also informed her that I was an author and it would mean the world to me.

By now the box office was nearing opening time so I had to hurry up. The amazing cashier told me once I get my shirt and scarf to wait and she would take me somewhere. To my surprise she lead me through a walkway to the main club building and on our way in we stopped to chat with someone. I was so surprised when the person we stopped to talk to was the teams coach Ryszard Tarasiewicz. How great was that? She introduces me to him and informed him who I was.
He said soccer is a lot like erotica…LOL…I bet it is…All those hunky players…the action…

She asked if there was any way I could see the guys in action during a round of practice. He was so nice and informed us that they were done with today’s round of practice but I can return tomorrow morning to watch. Was I excited? You bet I was….

I was so thrilled that I would have the chance to see the pro soccer team up close and personal.

After we left she continued to walk me inside through the official club where she took me to the marketing department and I was fortunate to meet one of the marketing specialists by the name of Lukasz Padewski. Once again I introduced myself and told him who I was. I had the chance to chat with him and ask him about the team and what kind of work he does. What it was like to be working with a pro soccer team. I must say he was a pleasure to talk to.

What I forgot to mention to you guys is without even knowing if I would meet the team or get to see them I brought with me two eight by ten team photo to get signed just in case. I though you never know.

I had asked Lukasz if there was any way to get the photo signed by the team and he surprised me when I got lead down another hall to a room. It was no ordinary room but the press room where the press conferences are held and the team comes to sign merchandise for fans, auctions and other events.

The players were slowly trickling in since they’d just finished practice and who do I see once again, none other than Amir Spahic. I shall not lie; he is so good on the eyes. After him Sebastian Dudek comes in to start signing everything.

Then I see Vuk Sotirovic (he is in the pic below) join the crowd. Another fantastic player I must add.

Imagine this both sides are lines with Puma soccer balls in different sizes to be signed. The table is lined with stacks of posters and photo’s and t-shirts. All I could wonder to myself is, how does your hand not hurt after you sign everything. Some of the soccer balls were going for auctions, special event causes and even the embassy.

After I introduced myself to the players who had come in I gave them my photo’s to be signed. Amir was so nice to personalize one of the photos for me while the other would stay for all the players to sign since they would come by during the next few hours or even tomorrow.
As I sat around I had the chance to talk to them about what it is like to be a pro player and what comes next after the season is over which would be after this last game which was this week and the game I had purchased a ticket to.

I asked them questions about trades and what teams they would want to play for. How they enjoyed being a part of WKS and if they planned on staying next season. What surprised me about all the players that I had the chance to talk to is how laid back they were. They didn’t act high and mighty because they were famous pro soccer players. They were kind and happy to talk to me. Answer my questions. I might be a soccer fan but I don’t know everything there is to know.

Being there and talking to the players the other thing that got me is how nice they were. It is something I’d heard from other soccer fans I’d spoken to. They had said that the players treated you like friends and not like fans. I got to see it firsthand. They were super nice and that left a lasting impression with me. Like I said before, most pro athletes here are not like that. You can’t sit and hang out with them to just talk. Security would not let you come close to an athlete and one could forget hanging out in the press area of the club building. Not unless you have connections or win a contest.

I must say the day was unforgettable. I don’t think I ever imagines how kind everyone from WKS Slask would be especially the players and I could not thank Lukasz Padewski enough for his kindness.

Come back tomorrow for part 3 of my soccer adventure. I will be posting more pictures and video footage from what happened.

Savannah

Day 1
So by now you all know how much I love to do my spur of the moment research trips and they pretty much lead me to be able to experience some truly amazing things.

A few months ago I had the chance to travel the world and during my travels not only did I get to immerse myself in so much history and different culture but I had the chance to do one of my research trips.

I’d been visiting some family and I found out that there would be a soccer match before I left the country. Something I’ve never had the chance to do is see a real soccer game. I’ve seen soccer games but not where pro teams are playing. How could I pass this up? It also got the idea wheel spinning so I knew I had to do everything to make this game before my travels continued.

I’d made arrangements to get to the stadium and get myself a ticket. What I found out that day was that the teams that would be playing this game are arch rivals and it gets crazy when both sides collide when it comes to fans. European soccer fans are huge when it comes to showing love for their teams.

The morning I made arrangements to make my way over to the stadium I had a friend of mine and my cousin come with me since I was not familiar with the area and did not want to get lost. When I arrived at the box office it turned out that it was to open in two hours so that was a bit of a bust. I noticed my friend and cousin talking to a very handsome guy who I’d never seen before. I figured it was an acquaintance since they had a lot of them in the area.

I was wrong.I quickly found out he was one of the guys from the pro soccer team I was trying to get tickets for. His name was Amir Spahic and he was one of the WKS Slask players. I was pretty surprised to see a pro athlete coming y the box office from the stadium and talking to fans. I’m pretty use to the fact that here you can’t get near a pro athlete because security will either push you out of the way or you just won’t see them out and about. He was pretty polite and easy to talk to. I listened as him and the guys chatted about the game and it looked as if they were old buddies they way they conversed.

Since I wasn’t sure when I’d get the chance to be back here again and have the opportunity to meet a pro soccer player I decided to snap a photo with him. Something to remember the trip into the city by. He was super nice and so great to talk to. I know not all athletes are this nice but this was a change since an athletes I’d seen previously were not this nice to fans.

So since I wasn’t able to get my hands on a pair of tickets I had to try to get back the next day and see if I could get one. By now I was pretty excited to be going to a game for the first time. I’d just met one of the team members, there was tons of hype about the upcoming game and I wanted to get inspired for a story. Plus I’d heard the crowd cheer from the stadium when I visited friends around the area and all I can say is that is insane. You can be two blocks or more away from the stadium but the cheers of the fans are so loud that you feel like you are standing right in the middle of the field.

Come back tomorrow for part 2 of my soccer fun…I’ve had to split this blog up into a few parts or this would ed up being one extra long blog.

Savannah