Under the Covers with Mimi Barbour


Please help me welcome Mimi Barbour to Under the Covers!

First important question. Silk, satin, cotton, flannel. What is your sheet of choice and why?



Since I’m a romance writer, I’d love to say satin—but—one time I bought some just to try them and see how they worked, and my husband slid off the bed and so did our blankets – all night long. Decided to go back to our good old percale cotton ones, which are always cool and always feel so smooth. No balls – I hate bally sheets. Notice I used the word as an adjective!!


I always tell my husband that inventing adjective is a writer’s prerogative. (We also know how not to use them) ; ) It’s a slumber party! Calories don’t count. What snacks will we be munching on at midnight?



As long as there’s CC and coke, it’ll be something salty – probably popcorn. If it’s a non-alcoholic kinda do, then I’m most likely to be guiltily gobbling down anything that’s a sweet – cookies, cakes, donuts, I’m not at all picky!



One of my favorite snacks is popcorn and M&M’s. The warmth of the popcorn melts the chocolate just right! Okay, when playing Truth or Dare, which are you most likely to chose?



Since I tend to like acting silly sometimes, I’d probably take a dare.


Okay! That makes sense. It takes a bit of daring to try and make it as a writer. Besides that, what’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?


One time when we were in Vegas, I got dared to run up the moving sidewalk at the Bellagio like the six-million-dollar man – in slow motion. It was a hoot! Next thing I knew there were others running along with me. We looked like a bunch of alien zombies or maybe like drunken idiots!! Probably the latter. Thing is, we hadn’t drank anything – yet!!


Oh wow! I wish I’d been there! So… truth: Tell us something not very many people know.


I’m a bit of a grouch in the mornings. Most of my friends think I smile all the time because, I usually do. Not so much if it’s really early. I guess you could say I’m more of a night person. Funny, if I write late at night, I don’t normally have to edit too much. If for some strange reason I write in the early hours, it’s pretty well all dribble and the bitchiness comes through real clear.


What are you usually wearing early in the morning?


PJ’s and earplugs!



How would you describe your writing style?



I would say that my writing style is:


(a.) Humorous - I love adding the element of humor in my stories because in my world, we always try and have a chuckle and a laugh over most things. If I spend a great amount of time with someone who is terribly serious, I do get bored. But, if I’m with a friend who likes to have a bit of a giggle, I always find I’ve been much more entertained and more likely want to be with that person again.


(b.) Shoot from the hip as far as the plotting goes - Although I always have my beginning and ending figured out in my mind before I start the story.


(c.) Strong character development – Ever since I started reading as a child, I have to admit to being drawn to the characters in the story. It goes without saying that I like there to be conflicts and good story telling, but once I’ve connect with the heroine and hero, I’ll always finish the book. Can’t help myself. I just have to make sure they get their happy ending.


(d.) I must admit that as I write more books, my ability to write stronger conflicts has grown. Or it just might be that the first three stories I published were novellas and now I’m writing full-length. Gives the author more time to build the tensions and interweave more intrigue.


What’s your typical writing day like?


About eight am I start my day either on my treadmill or walking the seawall close to our house in Qualicum Beach. Then I tidy the house a bit and ready myself for the day. I eat breakfast in my office while I have my first game of spider (my bad!!). Then I check my e-mails and waste a bunch more time writing notes and checking Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, etc, etc. I call that my promo time so I don’t feel too guilty.


Then I cuss once I’ve seen that the morning has flown and I haven’t written a word. I quickly grab lunch and have my second game of spider. (my real bad!!) Then I open my manuscript and lose myself for at least three or four hours. On a good day I can write 2,500 to 3,500 words.

If I’m under the gun, I start writing first thing in the morning and go for it all day. I guess that’s how I got my latest book written and edited in two months and contracted with Wild Rose Press. It’ll be a Christmas release called “Together for Christmas” #5 in the Vicarage Bench series.


I’m a Spider addict too! Usually I allow one game of Spider and another of Solotaire. If you could have lunch with one writer, who would it be?


I was going to say some far-out writer no one’s ever heard of but the truth is Nora Roberts would be my choice. She’s consistently produced books that I love to read and never regret buying. I know when I start one of her stories, I will be entertained, and invariable, she’ll make me smile, chuckle, or even laugh out-loud a few times between the beginning and the end. I’d love to be able to question her about her journey to get where she is now, and most important how she grew as a writer. The aspects of the craft she would consider to be the most important and how best to work on them. And, since she’s a best-selling millionaire, I bet she’d even pick up the tab!


You’re probably right! What would you consider a romantic date?


Humm, I don’t think romance has too much to do with where you are, but more about who you’re with. Now I remember a night with my husband when we were dancing under the stars on a balcony of a wonderful hotel. It was in a northern city of Chile called Antofagasta where we lived for seven years. The ocean waves rippled within a few feet of the dance floor, and the moon’s radiance turned the water into a luminous breathtaking wonder. Above, the stars twinkled as if someone had set off a trillion fireworks explosions all at once. Romance pulsed in the flowered-scented air around us as the warm breeze…


Okay – I’d better stop now or I’ll have to go and attack him, and he’s busy making dinner. Sigh – never thought my stomach would override my libido!!


And you left us all wanting more! What is your favorite season?



My favorite season is spring, especially if it’s been a long winter. It feels great to get rid of the constricting winter clothes and bring out the t-shirts and short pants and best of all flip-flops. There’s a joy in knowing the weather will keep getting warmer until the summer months give us the long, sunny days. (And can’t forget the hockey playoffs start in April.) Plus, I look forward to getting into my yard. I enjoy gardening and can’t make up my mind if I like the work it takes to get the yard looking beautiful, or if I just like to benefit from the fruits of my labor by sitting on the balcony with my laptop, gazing at all the blooming flowers and baskets.

To be honest, I have to admit to liking winter also, cause Christmas falls in December, and I’m a real suckie for Santa Claus.


Do you have a favorite actor?


My favorite actor of all time was Cary Grant. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him in a part where he isn’t somewhat humorous, but still had the air of a man’s man who couldn’t be intimidated or duped. I guess I also liked the accent and his suave manner. Hugh Grant has played those types of roles from time to time and so does George Clooney. (He reminds me of my father when he was younger so I guess he’d have to be my favorite for today.) As for the younger guys, Johnny Depp is a doll.


What is a movie you could watch over and over?


You’re probably going to laugh, but I have to admit to watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” with Jimmy Stewart every Christmas since I was a kid. I have it on video, and it comes out with my holiday CD’s. Nostalgia and memories of days gone would be my biggest reason for loving this movie, but do I admit that over the years it’s become my habit to watch it while I wrap my family’s presents, drink Baileys, and eat Xmas cookies.

A more recent movie I really loved that sticks in my mind is Grand Torino. I do like to laugh, and if I get to cry too during the same film, then I figure I’ve gotten my money’s worth. And there’s just something about the character that Clint Eastwood portrayed. What a lovable old curmudgeon!

For the best-made movie (10/10) I’ve ever seen would be Avatar in 3D—fantastic cinematography and special effects.


I loved It’s a Wonderful Life too! If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?


I’d love to live six months in every major city in the world like London, Rome, Paris, New York, etc. Of course, if we were dreaming, I’d have to demand it be in swank apartments right in the heart of each city. That way I could really soak up the different atmospheres and learn about their cultures, cuisine, hotspots and most interesting sights. Unless one actually lives in a place rather than stays for a few weeks, I believe one never really gets to understand the heart of the place or the people. Of course a monthly stipend of huge dollars would be part of the dream!



LOL Yup, I don’t like to play tourist, I want to know about the culture, the lifestyles. Tell us about your newest release.



My newest release is called “Together Again”. It is a lovely, romantic story about a young, pregnant girl who spirit travels forward in time and invades the body of a handsome reporter, who is after a story about a heroine from a bank holdup. While together, they have some incredible and humorous experiences, and they fall in love only to have to separate. His wait to be reunited is one week. Hers is ten years. When the time finally arrives for their reunion, she finds the biggest threat to her seducing him is his faithfulness to her younger self. The question that plagues her is—can he love the woman she is today.



I love the premise!!! Do you have anything in the works?



As I mentioned above, I did recently get a contract for a Christmas story for this series and to tell you the truth, I almost believe there was an angel or some unworldly spirit that fed me the words—they flowed that easily. I started writing it on Jan 4th and had it edited and to my editor for the deadline March 1st. I’ve never been able to write so fast. I’m a bit scared to see the first corrections from my editor…gulp!

This story follows the same as the others in the Vicarage Bench series where an adorable but conniving heroine, whose habit is to takes on everyone’s problems, spirit-travels into the body of our hero, a cranky but gorgeous workaholic. He’s recently inherited his widowed mother and has agreed to move to a town of her choice and open a new accounting office. Between the two females, they make his life crazy with lonely elders, orphaned kids, a stray mongrel, and more holiday festivities that he’s ever wanted to be involved in. But of course it’s Christmas, and who better than someone lurking inside him to realize he’s not nearly as heard-hearted as he tries to make out. Love grows between them as they search for the way to put her back in her own body. Their romance is anything but smooth, and obstacles that stand in their way make them strive all the harder for their happy ending.

Where can we find you?

You can contact me through my website address at http://www.mimibarbour.com and please believe me when I tell you how much I love to get messages from the readers. After all, it gives me another excuse to stall getting back to work!! Also, you can find me on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mimi-Barbour-Fan-Page/203964072966134

And twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/Mimibarb

It’s been a pleasure spending time with you and your readers Lynne. Please visit me on my website: http://www.mimibarbour.com and sign up for my newsletter as we give away a free copy of my newest book every month – your choice of e-book or paperback. And I promise – the newsletter only comes out when I have news! Important news! Like a new contract or a book release or if I win a contest or the lotto or…


Thank you so much Mimi!

Mimi Barbour lives on the beautiful west coast on Vancouver Island and writes her paranormal romances with tongue in cheek and a mad glint in her eye. Asked why she prefers paranormal, she answers - chuckling.


“Because it’s fun! Imagination can be a lot more interesting than what happens in real life to so-called normal people. I love my characters, and my goal is to make the readers love them also. To care about what happens to them while the story unfolds. If I can steal my booklover’s attention away from their every-day grind, absorb them into a fantasy love story, and make them care about the ending, then I’ve done my job.”

On Vacation

Well, not really vacation. I'm on my honeymoon! Monday Pick-Me-Ups will continue on May 30th and Under the Cover with Lynne returns on June 4th!

Hope this tides you over!

You are invited

to an impromptu online bridal shower at Sandra Sookoo's. Please stop by and give me your best marriage related advice. : )

Monday Pick Me Up

Under the Covers with Cherie Le Clare

Welcome to Under the Covers with Lynne or I should say welcome back! It's nice to see you again. I’ll scoot over *pats mattress* Let’s get comfortable.  First important question. Silk, satin, cotton, flannel. What is your sheet of choice and why?

Silk sheets sound sexy, though I confess I’ve never tried them.

Oh, then let's try some! You can tell me what you think later. ; ) It’s a slumber party! Calories don’t count. What snacks will we be munching on at midnight?

Chocolate and coconut marshmallows and salted cashews.

Oh, I’m up for chocolate any time! When playing truth or dare, would you pick truth or dare?

Truth

Okay truth then. Tell us something not very many people know.

I hate wearing pyjamas.

Oh, I see. ; ) What are you usually wearing at three o’clock in the morning?

A nightie.

Let's get down to business. How would you describe your writing style?

That’s a good question. I’d love to know how my readers describe it. Anyone willing to answer this for me?


You heard the woman, if you've read an Ms. Le Clare's books. How would you describe her style? I'd say provocative but sweet. Cherie, what surprised you the most about the publishing process?

The length of time it took to publish my first novel FRENCH KISS. I was under the impression that epublishing was much quicker than print, but it still took almost 2 years. Perhaps that was because it is published in both print and digital. KIWI KISS, published only in digital, has been a much quicker process.

A lot of writing is hurry up and wait. Who is your favorite character in your novels?

I identify with both the heroines and the heroes. I love them all, and hope the readers will, too.

What’s your typical writing day like?

A bit messy at present.  I’m very undisciplined and will have to give myself a serious talking-to very soon. It’s on my ever-growing list of things-to-do. LOL

LOL I know the feeling. If you could have lunch with one writer, who would it be?

Nicholas Evans, because ‘The Horse Whisperer’ is one of my favorite novels. I identified with his character, Grace, as I had a serious accident at about the same age. I’d like to tell him what an authentic job he did with portraying Grace. Connecting with a reader’s emotions is what writing is all about, and he did this for me. I’d like the chance to thank him. The movie was wonderful, too.


What is your favorite part of being a romance writer?

I get to fall in love as many times as I wish without hurting my husband’s feelings.

Oh, that is a benefit! Least favorite?

Like many other jobs it’s darn hard work at times. And getting rejected is the absolute pits.

I agree! As a romance writer, you’re thinking about romance more than the average person. What would you consider a romantic date?

An al fresco picnic with good food and adoring company.

If you could take that date anywhere in the world, where would it be?

On a tropical, private beach.

Sounds ideal! What is your favorite season?

Autumn = Cool nights and sun-mellow days.

What is a movie you could watch over and over?

Chocolat

I love that movie! What is your favorite alcoholic drink?

Gin and tonic

That's one I've never tried before. We'll have to make some while we watch Chocolat! If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I’d like to live anywhere that’s closer to my soon-to-be born grandson, so I could give him heaps of cuddles every day.

Oh, that's sweet. Okay, back down to business. Tell us about your newest release.

KIWI KISS is the second book in the series set in World War Two. Mac MacDonald arrives in New Zealand on a US battleship and meets Ruby Miller, a runaway bride! Both are wary of further emotional entanglements until tragedy draws them closer.



Excerpt: Temptation. Her mouth dried. She twisted her hands together in her lap. Why had no-one mentioned the other word for craving what you shouldn’t?

Torture.

Ruby’s heart thumped as she stared unseeingly at the screen, clenching and unclenching her hands, breathing in Mac’s masculine scent, sensing his touch in every pore of her skin.

A gun fired on-screen, startling her. Mac glanced across, but she daren’t meet his eyes. He may be able to cope with casual, friendly, demonstrations of affection, but she could not. Each kiss, and every touch, was like an appetizer, enticing her taste buds to sample the main course.

He draped an arm around her shoulder, to comfort her perhaps, as a roaring battle played out on the screen. She suppressed a groan of despair, her hollowed core aching to experience the pleasure of a hearty meal.

The lights blazed for the interval, and she blinked, shifting in her seat as other patrons stirred restlessly around them.

A boy, dressed in a white overall and matching hat, paused in the aisle. His tray, supported by a strap around his neck, displayed a tempting array of chocolate-dipped ice creams, bags of boiled sweets, and candy bars.

“Hungry?” Mac glanced at Ruby, withdrawing his arm to find his wallet.

She met his gaze. “It’s hard to resist something sweet.”

“What would you like?” Mac drew out some change.

What I can’t have.

###
Excellent excerpt! Do you have anything in the works?

I’m working on a third historical in the vintage era.

Great! Thanks so much for sharing with us. Where can readers find you and your books?

http://www.cherieleclare.com/

WOO HOO!!!

Whipped Cream Reviews


I just found the most awesome review for Creative License and thought I'd share!



Monday Pick Me Up