Wildfire would like to welcome authors Tula Neal and Anne Rainey. What do these two busy ladies do when they aren't writing? When not spending time with their family or watching their favorite TV shows both Tula and Anne like to spend their spare time reading.

Tula Neal

Julie: When a new book comes out, are you nervous about how readers will react to it?

Tula:  Yes, very. A historical like The Gladiator's Woman which will be out in February from Phaze is particularly nerve wracking because there are people out there who really know their history and will be quick to tell me if I put some kind of Victoriana in the ancient era. LOL! You try hard to catch things and to make sure everything's right but you may still miss something.

Julie: What is your writing process? Do you outline, fly by the seat of your pants or a combination of both?

Tula: If it's something under five thousand words I don't bother to outline but the higher the word count, the more detailed I will make the outline. I don't have to stick to the outline one hundred percent but sometimes when I'm past the first flush of getting the words down, the outline can provide the guidance I need to keep at it.

Julie: When you set out to become an author, I'm sure that you have a vision in your mind about what it would be like. What aspect of an author's life has been the most surprising to you?

Tula: Hmm, that's a toughie. I think I was hoping I'd be able to leave the day job and just devote myself to writing but, while I'm making steady sales, I'm a long way away from bringing in the kind of income I do at my nine to five.

Julie: What genre do you want to try your hand at but haven't?

Tula: Science fiction. I loved Frank Herbert's Dune books as a child (still do). Asimov and Bradbury are also on my list of faves. I'd love to write in that genre and just let my imagination take off speculating about future worlds.

Julie: What's next for you?

Tula: Sleep, my story for Cobblestone Press's Vampire Oracle series, will be out in September. I'm working on those edits now and am really excited about that story which features a vampire rescue in Haiti—a country many people don't know that much about. I'll also have a mermaid novella out from New Concepts sometime soon. And right now I'm working on another novella set in the ancient Roman world.

Julie: What do you hope for your writing career in the next few years? Any goals that you have yet to obtain that you have set for yourself?

Tula: Yes, I want to write more full-length novels and have them go to print. There's really nothing like holding a print book in your hands, though seeing your covers for the first time is a blast. 

Julie: Most people envision an author's life as being really glamorous. What's the most unglamorous thing that you've done in the past week?

Tula: Ha! Clean up my sick cat's poop from off the floor. His back leg became paralyzed about two months ago and he now seems to be losing control of his bowel and bladder. Too much detail? He's been with me for twelve years and I'm really torn up about what's happening to him.

Julie: What books are currently on your nightstand?

Tula: I'm almost finished Morrigan's Cross by Nora Roberts—the woman writes fabulously in whatever genre she tries! I'm also reading Havana by Claudia Lightfoot. Next up will be Marrying the Mistress by Joanna Trollope.

Julie: Describe the space where you write.

Tula: I have my computer in the corner of my bedroom but I do a lot of my writing on my Alpha Smart wherever I happen to be.

Julie: What do you do when you aren't writing? Any hobbies or special interests that you can tell us about?

Tula: Reading, of course, but I'm also a huge Law and Order fan, particularly Special Victims Unit and love to watch me some marathons! I love traveling, playing Pictionary, and discovering new teas!

Julie: What do you feel is the most important thing that a first-time author should know?

Tula: That they should read their agent or publishing contract over very carefully and, if they don't understand it, they should discuss it with other authors or with a lawyer who's familiar with publishing contracts.

Julie: Dealing with writing deadlines can be a challenge. What do you do to cope with the stress?

Julie: Do you remember the first romance novel that you read?

Tula: No, but it was probably an Anne Stuart. I loved her books.

Tula Neal writes paranormal and historical erotic romance.

Coming soon:
The Gladiator's Woman, Phaze
Vampire Oracle: Sleep, Cobblestone Press
The Mermaid's Mission, New Concepts Publishing
Forty-Six Days in the Caribbean, Amira Press

Anne Rainey

Julie: How long have you been writing? What inspired you to pick the pen up one day and create characters that capture the imagination?

Anne: I've been writing for about five years now. I started out writing poetry. It was Valentine's Day and I wanted to write poems for my daughters as a special mom/daughter thing. For the first year or so I wrote poetry constantly and only dabbled in writing fiction. 

Julie: What is your writing process? Do you outline, fly by the seat of your pants or a combination of both?

Anne:  I don't go with an outline, but I do have my own process. I like to create the title, characters, and blurb first. Once I have the basics down on paper, I get started.

Julie: How much does reader reaction mean to you as an author?

Anne: I love to hear from readers. It's the whole reason I write. I love it when a reader relates to one of my stories. It makes me feel ten feet tall!

Julie: When you write, is atmosphere important? For example, do you use mood music or candles? Do you need complete quiet to concentrate?

Anne: I can write through the chaos, I suppose it comes from having three rowdy brothers. Growing up our house was always noisy. But when I'm writing love scenes I do need silence. Generally speaking my love scenes are fairly long and detailed and because I like to keep them fresh from story to story silence is required.

Julie: What's next for you?

Anne: I've just sold my first vampire romance (short story) to The Wild Rose Press titled A Diamond at Midnightand I'll be making this into a series called Bloodlines. After I finish up my current project I'll be concentrating on writing the other stories in the series.

Julie: What do you hope for your writing career in the next few years? Any goals that you have yet to obtain that you have set for yourself?

Anne: I'm actively seeking an agent, as my goal is to get into a print publishing house.

Julie: Most people envision an author's life as being really glamorous. What's the most unglamorous thing that you've done in the past week?

Anne: LOL! Does cleaning out the cat liter count? I'm the least glamorous person I know. My life is all about taking care of pets, kids and making sure my husband has clean shirts.

Julie: There are so many publishers out there, how do you decide who to submit your work to?

Anne: Do your homework before (NOT after) you submit. Sites like Predators and Editors and Piers Anthony both have a great list of good and bad publishers. Also, word of mouth. Talking to other authors is helpful because they'll let you know who runs a tight ship and who's about to sink.

Julie: Describe the space where you write.

Anne: I'll do one better. I'll show you where I write! Just click this link and you can find my "writing cave" on the bottom right side of the page. http://www.paigecuccaro.com/html/the_cave4.html

Julie: What do you do when you aren't writing? Any hobbies or special interests that you can tell us about?

Anne: I read! Right now I'm engrossed in Christine Feehan's Dark Possession. Also, I spend time with my kids and husband. In addition, I've been helping Manic Readers, a new review site, get a foothold. Lots and lots to do all the time!  

Julie: Do you ever experience writer's block? If you do, how do you cope with it?

Anne: Since I'm forever coming up with new story ideas, I rarely get writer's block. However, sometimes I get blocked on a particular scene, but I've learned that working on something else can help free up my mind so I can think about what I did wrong to cause the block in the first place, then I can go back and fix it.

Julie: Are there any absolutely-must-have characteristics for your heroes or heroines?

Anne: Yes! I need my heroes to be alpha. No beta males for me. I like dominant, aggressive heroes. And I prefer a heroine who is a little flawed, like me. LOL I think women relate better to heroines who have a few hang-ups.

Julie: What do you feel is the most important thing that a first-time author should know?

Anne: I personally think it's important to do your homework. The internet contains bundles of FREE information on writing and publishing. Use it to understand your craft. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions. Most authors are more than willing to help you get started and point you in the right direction.

Julie: Dealing with writing deadlines can be a challenge. What do you do to cope with the stress?

Anne: Oh my! Let's see, I'm currently working around the clock to finish up a manuscript and I have edits that I'm working on for two different publishers as well. How do I deal? Chocolate and coffee. LOL! No, seriously, the best way to deal is learn to take a break every once in awhile and enjoy life. I've found I work twice as fast after I've had a day out with my mom or my daughters.

Julie: Do you remember the first romance novel that you read?

Anne: Yep. It was a Native American romance by Madeline Baker. I was hooked and bought every historical romance I could find. My early favorites were Nan Ryan, Connie Mason, Madeline Baker, Bobbi Smith and Leigh Greenwood. Then I discovered contemporary romance and I was a goner.

Anne lives in a small town way out in the middle of no-where-ville. She is a gorgeous blonde with wonderful curves and a money tree in the backyard. Clearly, Anne is a mere figment. A ghostly figure that pops in and out of my head like a drive-by author. Nevertheless, I do so love it when she's visiting, because her imagination really is wickedly delicious! She'll bring you fantasies and erotic delights that will have you grabbing the ice water!

Backlist:
Haley's Cabin, Samhain Publishing, ltd.
Instructing Sarah, Forbidden Publications
Suni's Gift, Phaze
Sexual Persuasion, Tease Publishing, llc.

Coming soon:
2008 releases:
Touching Lace, Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Secrets Bared, Tease Publishing, llc.
Forbidden Fruit, eRed Sage Publishing, Inc.
Tasting Candy, Samhain Publishing, ltd.
A Diamond at Midnight, The Wild Rose Press
Scandalous Behavior, Red Sage Publishing, Inc.
2009 Releases:
Burn, Samhain Publishing, ltd.
Seduce Me, Samhain Publishing, ltd.

 Links:
Website
MySpace
Blog
Newsletter
Chat Group 

 
If you would like to request an interview, please send a query to info@allromanceebooks.com

Until next time!

Julie Cummings
Wildfire Interview Coordinator
All Romance eBooks

Be Mine by Luna Carrol
This story is rated 4 flames. It contains explicit love scenes described using graphic and direct language. Read at your own discretion.

Doctor Angela Caldwell gripped the bar above her head tightly. She didn’t dare open her eyes while the SUV bumped along the dirt road. Why look? She knew exactly how close the road’s edge was.

The SUV finally rolled smoothly, and she opened her eyes to see a set of massive concrete steps. Two ferocious lions flanked the steps, exposing their fangs and a raised paw of extended claws. Pulling her head back in disapproval, she waited for the driver to open her door.

“Is this the right place?” She didn’t remember seeing a sign.

“Yes, ma’am. Don’t look like a clinic, does it?” The driver closed the door behind her. “I’ll get your bags.”

Smoothing her skirt, she looked down for just a moment.

“Doctor Caldwell?” The deep and accented voice startled her, but his eyes quickly soothed her.

“Yes.” She extended her hand.

His cool hand dwarfed her smaller one. “You didn’t receive my message?”

“Message?” Swallowing, she did her best to sound believable.

“About Mr. Turner.” A cool breeze caused his deep brown hair to brush the edge of his shoulders. “Forgive me, come in and get comfortable.”

She couldn’t argue with him about wanting to be comfortable. The cool mountain breezes weren’t pleasant and yet, somehow, allowing him to lead her inside promised comfort despite her false pretences for being here.

The clinic didn’t live up to her expectations. No front desk for patient check in, not even the hint of a more discreet business area.

“This appears to be your home, not your office, Doctor Petrescu.”

Speaking to him required her to look at him, but perhaps she wanted that anyway. With broad shoulders, dark hair, and such heavenly brown eyes, he didn’t fit the description of the bearded foreigner moving in and taking so many of her terminally ill patients.

“It’s both, Doctor. I refuse to live in such a sterile manner as those found in hospitals.” Having never released her hand, he rubbed it in a way most would consider unprofessional.

Angela cleared her throat and slid her hand from his. “I’ve heard you were rather unconventional.”

The longest lashes she had ever seen on a man lowered as his eyes dropped and rose. Suddenly her very respectable skirt pulled in areas that left her wondering if she should have worn slacks. At least slacks would cover every inch of her legs, legs her friends told her were too long not to envy.

“You have to admit it’s not professional.” Her statement had two meanings, but she couldn’t be openly rude.

He smiled and rubbed his exceedingly straight and strong jaw. “I’m learning that my ideas of professional and those here in America seem to differ.”

“The shaved beard?” What drove her to ask something so personal she couldn’t say, but his smile told her that he didn’t mind.

“You know about that?” He took her by the elbow and pointed up the grand marble staircase.

Once more her mouth seemed to set her up for an uncomfortable tightening in her stomach. “I… Well, I heard.”

Stopping her to stand just before an open door, she could clearly see a study. “I’m sure you’ve heard that I’m from Romania, explaining why my ideas of healthcare may differ. I’m learning that word of mouth often works faster than email in the medical profession. Which brings us back to the subject of my message. Did you not receive my message about Mr. Turner? He passed away about three weeks ago.”

He ushered her into his study, closing the door behind them. The very room leant itself to confidentiality, crucial to the medical profession, but it didn’t translate to fighting deadly diseases. Instead it looked more like a gentleman’s study.

Then there were the windows… She gasped and pulled back closer to him. “Did you see that?”

His eyes never moved to the window. “What do you think you saw, Angela?”

His use of her familiar name didn’t escape her, but it seemed of little consequence right now. “I saw a face.” She pointed toward the window and then allowed her hand to lower slowly as she stared deeply into his eyes.

“Very few people see him.” His mouth moved closer as he spoke.

Licking her lips couldn’t be helped. His proximity made her aware of everything, the room’s cozy size, the fact that they were alone, his broad shoulders, and even her body’s strange reaction to him. Maybe he brought out the wild side of her, but strange images of completely uninhibited sex flooded her mind and caused her to blink at the increased temperature of the room.

“Who?” The subject of their discussion evaporated from her mind. In fact, she couldn’t remember seeing anyone but him since her arrival. “Where are the patients?”

“They’re doing whatever they want to do. That’s why they’re here.” He moved closer as he walked to a leather rich seating area. The couch looked too comfortable and tempting while having the thoughts that roamed her mind.

“What do you mean? They should be restricted to bed rest, Doctor. That’s why they’re here—to get better.” She would have sounded more authoritative if not for his hand moving to rest on her lower back. Her voice trembled with his touch.

Sitting on the edge of the couch, she slid a little to the side as he sat beside her. He shouldn’t be sitting with her at all, but where her words were she didn’t know. She swallowed deeply, hoping to kick start a response.

“Call me Nicolae and I meant Death, not the patients.” His eyes moved from hers to her lips.

She pulled her chin back. “Death?” Placing her hand to head, she seriously began to wonder if she were coming down with a fever or virus. Her mind couldn’t focus, and the room had to be getting hotter.

“You saw him.” The couch made the deep rubbing sound that all leather made when moved upon.

Giving her head a gentle shake, she still couldn’t get her mind clear enough to focus on their conversation. “I’m sorry. I think I’m coming down with something. I just can’t follow our conversation.”

A knowing look made those already unbelievable eyes appear that much sexier. “I think I understand.”

“You do? Thank goodness, I was afraid that you would think me rude.” She moved to stand, but his hand stopped her with a gentle touch to her arm.

She sat back down, not the wisest decision given her attraction to him and the fact that she wasn’t thinking right. Still, she couldn’t resist. Easing back into her position, she tried to understand his question. “No. I mean as a doctor I know mortality is something we all grapple with eventually.”

“Not all of us.” As he spoke his mouth drew perilously close to hers.

Something in her just didn’t care anymore. She wanted to kiss him more than anyone in her life. The talk of life and death didn’t really bother her. Doctors talk about death a great deal, and as far as living forever, they could talk about that later.

“If I could promise you eternal life, would you accept it?” He didn’t smile when asking that question. “A life where your blue eyes would never dull, gray would never streak your glossy black hair.” His featherlike touch moved her hair away from her neck and shoulders. “And wrinkles will never settle here.” His lips touched her forehead. “Here.” Tender kiss to the corner of her eye. “Or here.” Finally his mouth touched the corner of hers.

His kiss didn’t demand. It coaxed, encouraged, and drew a reaction from her entire body. A hunger she didn’t know existed continued to grow until she knew she wouldn’t stop this if she could. His scent filled her nostrils and caused her to inhale deeply as he moved his mouth to kiss the curve of her neck.

“Doctor…” she spoke between haggard breaths.

“Nicolae.” He repeated his name.

“Nic…” she spoke while pushing against him and trying to sit up. “ We can’t do this.”

He smiled. “We can do whatever you want to do. When you showed up, I knew you were supposed to be here. When you saw Death, I knew you were meant to be mine.”

“Yours?” Straightening her suit jacket, she did her best to look composed.

“Angela, why did you come?” He didn’t move away, nor did he allow her to get away. They were just as close as before.

She shrugged. “To see a patient of mine. You’re new here, and checking on a fatal patient isn’t that odd, is it?”

That knowing look returned. “You got the message. You came for other reasons. Personal reasons.”

“Personal? I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.” If she didn’t get away from him, he would kiss her again.

“Your soul glows, Angela. It glows with so much light that I couldn’t resist you if I wanted to.”

Uh-oh. She needed to leave. No wonder his clinic was hidden deep in the mountains. If the American Medical Association found out that he was nuts, they would pull his license.

“I’m not nuts, as you call it. The American Medical Association would never understand how some see Death and others do not.”

Her mouth went dry. He read her thoughts. “Some see Death?”

He nodded and trailed the back of his hand down the side of her throat. “Aren’t you tired of seeing him and not knowing why? Feeling alone in what you think is insanity?”

As a psychiatrist she couldn’t hear this. Even the idea of being insane, although not a description she would use as a medical professional, just couldn’t be entertained. The very idea of it could mean the loss of her practice, her patients, her well-structured life. Still, he spoke truthfully. She had seen Death, or whatever it was, and he had read her mind!

“What are you? Some sort of vampire or something?” Normally she would have laughed at the question and certainly not have asked it, but the situation already exceeded scientific explanations.

He shook his head, but never smiled. “Poena Nisus and you’re to be my mate.”

 “Mate? As in breed with you?” He had to see the widening of her eyes.

“Kiss me, Angela.” His voice resonated with her soul. “Be mine.”

Watching his lips drawing close again, she did nothing to stop it. She couldn’t. Slowly they touched hers and deliciously caused her to melt into the couch. Pressing up to meet him, she delighted in the feel of his weight.

His hand opened her jacket and smoothed over her satin blouse. Each movement of his hand felt cool and then warm, stimulated by the ease of the material beneath his palm. The kiss deepened as his hand covered one of her breasts, the rough lace of her bra a wonderful contrast and one she delighted in.

Catching herself mid-moan, she clamped her mouth closed tighter.

“Then why do you silence yourself? Moan for me. Open yourself to me.”

The valley between her thighs ached and dampened with his words. It had been too long since she had allowed it to happen. The type of release that came when she forgot herself had become some symbol of her forbidden wild side. Still, the moan came again as her bra popped free with his help.

Her jacket, blouse, and bra pulled free with his determination. Such soft lips, wet and hungry, closed over her nipples one at a time. Proudly her nipples jutted forward for him and eagerly he sucked them. Sliding his tongue over both and then pulling them into his mouth, he did more to relax her than she remembered being possible.

Her thighs opened as if he had uttered some secret phrase. Naturally he slid between them and pressed upon the heated core that wanted more of him. His hands ferreted their way beneath her skirt and eased it up over her hips just to pull her hose and silken panties down.

Free. Her heated core opened to receive his touch. She melted as his thumb swirled her clit and his middle finger eased into her ready sheath. Arching to meet him, she almost whimpered as he introduced another finger.

“This night will make you mine, Angela. Say that you want that.” He spoke as he kissed his way up her neck and positioned himself over her.

Breathing heavily, she nodded. What could it hurt to enjoy one night? One night couldn’t mean the end of the world. Her thoughts suspended as he pierced her deep need. Capturing her mouth, he inhaled as she exhaled.

One night…Her eyes sprung open as his kiss grew and pulled. Her soul…

Gripping her shoulders from beneath, he pulled her tightly to him and pushed deeply to release himself in her. “You’re mine, Angela. Mine for as long as you and I wish it.”

Snuggling into his neck and whimpering with her own climax, she could think of nothing more tempting. Forever with no regrets, forever to study death, a forever with him.

Luna was born in Charlotte, North Carolina and doesn’t live that far from Charlotte now. Her love of romantic and dark tales began in elementary school and earned her more than a few odd looks from the mothers of childhood friends.

It wasn’t bad enough that she preferred horror and suspense movies to the more popular teenage girl movies, but she also had to dress the part for Halloween and frequent games of pretend with neighborhood friends.

Now living a very normal life in a small traditional town, Luna restricts her fantasies to pen and paper. In fact, she was leading down the path of an incredibly normal life until the death of her father. With his death she decided to take pen in hand again to help her through this difficult time.

When asked where she gets her ideas from she laughs and says, “Life…and death. I want my readers to stop and think. They should be able to see themselves in my books even if they don’t want to. I was a little tired of picking up a romance novel and seeing the same plots repeatedly. After a while I began revisiting the classic novels and realized that today’s novel is missing a lot of that originality and deep thought. The characters, especially the villains, are all too often predictable and one dimensional today. So, in short, coming up with an idea isn’t hard at all. I just take ordinary people, plug them in extraordinary situations, search their souls, and expose their greatest fears and weaknesses. Not hard at all.”

Coming Soon
Dead In the Water: Book Two of Soulful Journeys, Tease Publishing
Grave Desires: Final Book of Soulful Journeys, Tease Publishing

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