AuThursday – Lisette Blythe

Welcome Lisette Blythe to the Clog Blog!  Lisette, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Hello there, I’m Lisette Blythe! This is my second year of being published. Last year I released four books. This year looks like it will be the same. My background is in technology. Up until recently my bread and butter had been infrastructure (servers, routers, and switches). Two years ago I made the leap to a less technical role as an IT business analyst. My writing career kicked off by writing fan fiction. It was a moderately popular one in a particular K-pop fandom.

How do you make time to write?

When you have something you like to do, it’s easy to find ways. Sometimes on my lunch break at my 9-5, you can catch me writing on my phone. In the evenings when I have a bit of time to myself, I’ll go back to edit what I wrote.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Oh yes, very much so. Prior to 2020, it had been over ten years since I’d written anything. I didn’t have it in me. I used to write all the time in high school but the well just dried up.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

My genre is considered new adult romance. Think college-age love. That time of your lives is about figuring out who you are. We all know that you evolve as you age, but this is a very poignant time in your life when it can mostly be about you and who you want to be.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

I’m published under a boutique publisher called Three Fortnights Press. They are currently up for an award with AAMBC (make sure you cast your vote! https://theaambcawards.com/vote/). I like having the support of a publisher behind me. Shai (the owner) has done all of this before and has no qualms guiding me through it. Also, she puts up with my general foolishness.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

I’m an introvert with bursts of extroversion. A lot of my main characters will be introverted. In the second book that comes out this year (September 30th), the main character is incredibly extroverted. It wasn’t difficult to write because I just drew on what happens when I’m around my friends with good music and booze.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

“I don’t work 40 hours a week to not be able to afford lotion in my tissues.”

It sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? I’m making a point. I work hard. I’m a wife and a mom. I have a 9-5 and write. On top of all of that, I go to conventions to sell my books. At the end of the day, all of that allows me to do the things I want to do, so I’m going to do them!

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Just write. Write what you know, write what you don’t. You can always edit.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

I am what is known as chronically online. Comes from being in technology (though my husband, also in technology would say the devil is a lie.) Catch me on TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter as @lisetteblythe.

Instagram is lisetteblythe5 because whoever owns lisetteblythe won’t give it up. I have a discord where people come and talk about the most random of things. We also talk about the books we’re currently reading. You can find that here: https://discord.gg/TKDFJmK3CZ

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

Actually, if you are so inclined, you can get the first four chapters of my book which comes out in June for free!

Glory: A Sorority Rejects Tale is the story of understanding you aren’t what everyone tells you that you are. Grab those chapters from here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/bev73s5svs

AuThursday – Sarah Louise Dale

Please Welcome Sarah Louise Dale to the Clog Blog!

Hi! Vania Rheault recommended you.

Vania is so great. She frequently likes The Clog Blog.  So Sara, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I am a baby author who published my book in Feb 2018…it’s a new version. I have been writing since 2011, but more seriously over the last five years. I have a lot of learning to do and working on my next book which is in the editing stage. I am a stay-at-home homeschooling mama of 2 and a Navy wife whose husband is getting ready to retire next year. I write women’s fiction, but consider myself a rebel writer. My book Shattered Yesterdays is considered a love story, but not with a HEA.

How do you make time to write?

Honestly, I try to set aside 2 hours a day. I use my notes app on my phone a lot and my mind is always wrapped in a story.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

I believe in self-doubt and lack of motivation. Maybe that’s the same thing?

I think it is.  Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

I take stories from my own life and put a fictional spin on them. The genre varies but in 2024 I am hoping to try a little more HEA and Romantic Suspense or Psychological Thriller genres.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

Indie all the way. Mainly because I lack patience for the traditional publishing route. Mainly I use KDP but hoping to branch out to going wide in 2024. I love the freedom that Indie authors are given.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

I used to be an extrovert in person. Now, I prefer to stay home. Online, I’m a total extrovert but end up feeling like an introvert. So both? It affects me because I like to be seen (learning this is a trauma response from my childhood lol), and when I’m not it makes me feel unimportant.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

“You get one life, live it wisely”

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Slow down. Start at the bottom step and work your way up. Don’t try to start where a seasoned author is at because you’ll fail every time.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

www.thesweetteamama.com

FB: Nano Springs Bookshop & Cafe

IG: AuthorSarahLouiseDale

TIKTOK:https://www.tiktok.com/@thesweetteamama

PINTEREST:https://www.pinterest.com/AuthorSarahLouiseDale/

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

Blurb to my published book:

Gabby Lawson is a small-town girl who has dreams of running the local Inn located in Nano Springs, Vermont. Her boyfriend Parker Warrick is on board to follow those dreams alongside her….until he isn’t. Parker loves Gabby but not enough to stay in Nano Springs, and when Hollywood calls with his big break, he doesn’t hesitate to answer. Landon Marshall is in town trying to escape his own heartbreak when he meets the beautiful but heartbroken Gabby. What begins as a conversation of understanding, leads to a connection neither of them expected. Will Gabby and Parker reunite or has Landon entered the story at the right place, right time?

AuThursday – Z. Lindsey via Goddess Fish

Please welcome Z. Lindsey to the Clog Blog, Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I usually say I’m an anthropologist by training and a fiction writer for fun. Anthropology and cultural variation play an important role in my worldbuilding. I also use an ethnographic style of worldbuilding development; that means I build my world by ‘interviewing’ my characters about their daily experiences. This way, the world is always very character-focused, and the details the readers see are the ones that are most important to the characters.

More personally, I’m a dad. This particular book came from stories and jokes I told my wife when my daughter was a baby. The character’s based on my wife and the setting is inspired by the rainforest of Quintana Roo where we live. 

How do you make time to write? 

I have no freaking clue! I’ve got a kid and two jobs … but telling stories really helps me relax. It’s a huge stress reliever for me. Sometimes this is a bad thing; there have definitely been times when I should have been doing actual work but I was writing instead …

Do you believe in writer’s block? 

One thing that makes writing tricky is it requires multiple different skill sets. Generating ideas is different from apt use of grammar, which is different from understanding the flow of a story, which is different from self-editing, which is different from marketing, which is different from etc. etc.

I’ve had some success approaching each of these different problems as a puzzle. This helps me stay excited about each type of puzzle that I’m approaching. Writer’s block is a puzzle of idea generation. Something isn’t clicking in your plot. But it’s not bad; it’s a puzzle to be solved. You can make it click. When you look at it this way, there’s a lot of potential in writer’s block because it’s your chance to work on the puzzle of your plot and characters. 

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it. 

I mostly write fantasy. I just think it’s fun, honestly. It’s so flexible, which means you can really focus on characters and their emotions. While there is certainly grim fantasy, great fantasy often radiates a sense of wonder with the world around us. While most of the manuscripts I’ve written get pretty dark, there’s always a glimmer of hope, even if the characters can’t see it. Fantasy lends itself well to those sorts of emotions.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

I’m self-publishing. Because it’s such a personal story to me, I wanted the freedom to write whatever I wanted, make the cover look like I wanted, and promote it the way I wanted. I know there are some stigmas around self-publishing, and it’s also easy to get taken advantage of, but I didn’t really consider traditional publishing. 

Are you an Introvert or an extrovert?  How does this affect your work? 

Hard introvert. As far as how it affects my work, you’re very likely to find me inside working instead of going to the bar or something, so I would say it is very good for my work!

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

In terms of writing, I take a lot of inspiration from the Neil Gaiman quote;

“You can write a lot of tosh and go back and edit it later … You can’t edit a blank page.” 

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Run some games of Dungeons and Dragons. This will help you with pacing and teach you how to re-rail a derailed plotline because your players will derail absolutely any plot you set in front of them. It will also teach you how much and what kind of information is important for people to be able to follow a narrative. Plus it’s fun. 

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

instagram.com/z.lindsey_fiction and zlindseyfiction.substack.com

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

“My cousin believes they’ll attack on One Wyrm,” the captain said.

“One . . . Wyrm?” Essie asked as she tried to adjust the ropes around her. 

Bunts scoffed.

“Didn’t you read your briefing?” 

Essie felt the blood rush to her cheeks. 

“I read about the calendar, but it was confusing. It was like math, but it had this religious undercurrent going on. Did not like.” 

The captain squinted at her and raised his lip in distaste. 

“Bunts, tell our bureaucrat what One Wyrm is.” 

“Heh,” Bunts said. He cleared his throat, then shrugged.

The captain squinted at him, too. 

“One Wyrm is New Year’s Day.” 

“New Year’s Day, of course,” Bunts said. “Those jerks.”

“And what do you want me to do about it?” Essie asked. 

“Nothing,” the captain said. “Report that the cargo got handed over and let us go on our way.”

“And if I don’t agree, you’ll throw me off the ship,” she said.

Bunts snorted.

“Seriously?”

The captain scratched his chin. 

“To be honest, I was just hoping you’d agree. If you don’t . . .” The captain puffed up his cheeks and stared at the ceiling in thought. “I guess we’ll lock you in the brig until the weapons are safely delivered and we’re back at sea. That’ll give me a good lead on any Agency cutters.”

She tried to adjust herself in her chair, but couldn’t do much, so she frowned. Slowly she turned to Bunts and gave him her best puppy-dog eyes. 

“Can’t you undo these bonds?” 

Bunts shook his head. 

“Nuh-uh. I’m told you’re stronger than you look. And that you eat people’s hearts.”

Essie frowned. 

“Not raw.”

Rafflecopter giveaway via GoddessFish

Enter to win a $20 Amazon/BN GC – a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the tour for more chances to win.

https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2023/10/vbt-river-against-sea-by-z-lindsey.html

AuThursday – Dillon Bancroft

Please welcome Dillon Bancroft to The Clog Blog!  Dillon, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Writing is something that I always just *did*. In middle and high school, I wrote Harry Potter fan fiction on Quizilla (and you can’t find that anymore because Quzilla is dead.) When we were supposed to be taking notes in class, the pages of my notebooks were filled with the stories that were always in my head. I always knew I wanted to be an author, but I didn’t think I could turn that dream into a reality. And I published my first book in August 2021 and haven’t stopped!

How do you make time to write?

As an author with ADHD, the only way I CAN write is if I have a routine. During the pandemic, it was easier because I was working from home and I could write all day. My muggle job has me coming into the office every day, so now I write on my lunch breaks. When I get home, I’m a mom, so once homework is done and kids are bathed and put to bed, I’ll squeak out a few more words. On the weekends, I block out half a day and write until I have to stop and be an adult.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Absolutely I do! It’s very real and extremely discouraging.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

Romantic Suspense is just fun. You get the best of both worlds where you’re immersed in a story where the characters are finding love, but then you get the danger and action. I love my stories with bite. I want to fall in love, and I want to be properly surprised.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

I’m an indie! For me, I didn’t want to have to wait to be accepted by an agent or a publishing house. I write because I love it. And if I’m going to be bringing this book baby into the world, I want full creative control.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

Introverted all the way. There are pros and cons. Pros: I’m happy with staying home and writing all day. Cons: I’ve definitely missed out on some experiences that some of my extroverted characters would have gone through, thus making it difficult to write something that rings true, if that makes any sense.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

“You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I’ll rise!” — Maya Angelou

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Be true to yourself, and give yourself some grace.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

I’m most active on Instagram! @authordillonbancroft or my website: www.dillonbancroft.com

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

Book: Make Me Dream (Book 1 of the Sage Creek Series)

I can’t live like this.

I quietly pull myself up from the porch swing and step on the hot pavement, the heat warming my bare feet. His wooden steps are sanded and stained a dark oak color. I pull open the storm door and gently knock on his front door before I change my mind.

My heart hammers in my chest, begging me to turn around and go back home and begging me to stay right here, all at the same time. My stomach aches in anticipation.

And to my horror, the door opens. He stands before me, shirtless. And regardless of what my mind’s image of him in this light, somehow it’s even better. Tufts of dark hair trail down the center of his stomach. He wears basketball shorts, and his bare feet are in desperate need of some sun.

“You all right, Ace?”

My eyes meet his, and I swallow the anxiety by closing the gap between us, pressing my lips to his.

And oh, shit. It feels like…heaven.

“Aria, wait—”

AuThursday – CK VanDam

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m a South Dakota author. I attended WDR and am a member of Western Writers of America. My novel, Proving Her Claim, is my first book. It won Best Western Romance from WWA this year.

How do you make time to write?

After I retired from the advertising industry, I “got serious” about publishing the book I’d written 20 years before starting my agency. When I’m working on a book (I have a 2nd novel coming out this fall) I usually do research, blogging or marketing in the morning. I write in the afternoon when my head is clear, averaging 1500 to 3500 words in a day.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

No. Even when I was writing advertising copy, I realized that sometimes the writing needed to wait while the words “mushed around in my head.” Then I wrote.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

I write about the strong women who came to the frontier after the Civil War. I love writing about these women — these homesteaders — who built a life for themselves. The genre is both Historical Fiction and Romance.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

Indie.

Are you an Introvert or Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

I’m an Introvert in my personal life, and an Extrovert in my career.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Put words on paper. Just write.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

www.ckvandam.com

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

“Two Hawks does some scoutin’ for the fort,” Joe said. “Seems to float between two worlds.”

Anna frowned, “What do you mean, ‘two worlds’?”

“The white man’s world and the Indian’s world,” answered Ellie for her husband.

“Two worlds — not a comfortable place to be, I’d imagine,” Anna said as she eyed the quillwork vest hanging on peg in the far corner.

AuThursday – Stella Stevenson

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m a SAHM but a former Pre-K/K teacher who now writes spicy RomComs.

How do you make time to write?

When my kids are sleeping.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Absolutely.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

I write spicy RomComs and contemporary romance. I lovingly refer to my genre as “brain candy.” I love that it can be a quick, fun, sexy, sweet escape.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

I am an indie-published author. I love having the creative control over all the aspects of the story. Especially my own covers.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

Definitely an introvert. It makes the writing easier but the marketing harder.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

“You can’t sit down to write, until you stand up to live.”

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

You can fix anything except a blank page. Get the words on the paper and then edit it a million times until it’s what you want it to be.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

My paperbacks are with all online retailers. My ebooks are Amazon exclusive and in KU.

AuThursday – M.K. Chester

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I grew up in the Midwest and was a voracious reader as a child–so much so I would run out of things to read. That’s when I started writing my own stories, and I’m still writing them today. I’m married with grown kids, a couple grandkids, and a couple dogs.

How do you make time to write?

I can (and do) typically write anywhere, as long as I have a keyboard. I’ll use a lunch hour, and an empty house, and when I have a deadline, set a schedule to ensure I get things done.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

No, which is to say I’ve never experienced it. I believe in taking a wrong turn and writing yourself into a corner, but I’ve never been in a place where I couldn’t put words on a page

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

I write historical (20th century and ancient), contemporary, and paranormal. The theme is consistent: redemption. I love characters who are seeking to be better or find a better way. My voice is different in each genre, and the “easiest” for me is the 20th-century historical because it’s something I heard from my parents and family for years.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

I am strictly an indie author right now, however, I have been traditionally published by The Wild Rose Press and Carina Press. I have republished my books from The Wild Rose Press independently, and still, have one title with Carina.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

Team introvert all the way! Writing recharges my batteries, so when I write, I come out the other side ready to interact with the world.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

“Pressure makes diamonds.” I think this is George Patton, and I learned a long time ago not to avoid change and growth situations, even if they are stressful.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Keep writing! This is the job, to write, to learn to write better by writing. Write what you want to read, write to entertain yourself first and foremost.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

My website has all the goods: https://www.mkchester.com/

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

My latest paranormal series blurb:

Welcome to Midheaven.

Where heaven and earth collide.

All manner of beings exist behind the veil of everyday mortal life. Their paths should never, ever cross with humans. Until they do.

Thibodeaux women have been unlucky for seven generations. Sensitive to the feelings and perceptions of others, they are targeted by an immortal Fallen Angel, who needs only one of them to buy into his plan long enough to throw the whole world into chaos.

Grigori, originally sent to earth to teach and train humans, instead fell in love with women, tumbled from grace, and became half-human, half-angel. Some hybrids know their calling from birth, while others stumble into divinity when humans need them most.

AuThursday – Cass Scotka

Please welcome Cass Scotka to The Clog Blog, again.  You can find her previous interview here.  Cass, please refresh our memory and tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I am in love with love and have been since I peeked at my first romance novel at age fifteen. When an unannounced romance hero walked into my imagination presenting his heroine and pushing her into the spotlight, I knew I was destined to become a romance writer. The adventure of a new book and the comfort of an old favorite are two of my most cherished pleasures. When I’m not writing or reading, I explore the world with my spouse and two kids. I love chocolate, the Texas Longhorns, and the Oxford comma. Find out more about me and my books at http://www.cassscotka.com!

How do you make time to write?

Spare time in between my family and my day job. Mostly in the evenings and weekends. It’s hard to find time, but so worthwhile!

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yes! It’s difficult to be creative at all times. Taking breaks, staring a blank page, and writing something – anything – helps me bring my muse back.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

I write either historical or contemporary romance, primarily. I have an idea for a book that would sprinkle in some light paranormal into the contemporary romance, but that’s still brewing in my brain. I love all things romance and I have since a very young age. Everything I read or write has romance somewhere in it because love is the best!

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

My upcoming book (and series!) is being released through Totally Bound. I’ve loved the process of working with them so far and I enjoy the support of a publisher/editing team, no matter how small the group. I admire the self-publish authors out there doing everything for themselves! It’s such hard work!!

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

One million percent introvert! It helps me to make more time for writing since that is a solitary and quiet way to recharge and fill my creative well.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

I’m one of those I’ll-throat-punch-you-if-you-try-to-motivational-phrase-me kind of people.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write what you love. If you don’t enjoy what you’re writing, no one will. Trying to fit the trends or wishlists out there is like getting hit by lightning and so frustrating.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

Best way to find me and my socials is at my website: www.cassscotka.com. Sign up for my newsletter while you’re at it!

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

Excerpt from MAKE ME FALL, coming July 18, 2023, from Totally Bound:

“You don’t mind?” She felt bad that he was investing all this time helping her today then again on Sunday, too. Surely this wasn’t that exciting to him.

Jack shook his head and lifted one side of his mouth into a smile. “I really don’t. I enjoy this kind of thing. It’s what I did as my main work focus before coming here. I’ve done more on the administrative side of businesses than physical work like logging. I have to admit as hard as it’s been, I like being a lumberjack. It’s a nice change of pace and I’m already in way better shape than when I arrived.”

“Oh, I think you were plenty in shape when I first saw you. Although I will admit, you can tell a bit of difference.” She ran her eyes over his shoulders and chest again. Yeah, that flannel treated him well. It really emphasized the size of him.

A low chuckle met her ears and she flushed. Damn, she hadn’t been subtle about that, now had she? “Well, hot damn. You’ve been checking me out.” He puffed up his chest with a grin.

Bridget smacked his arm then winced. He was built. “Oh, stop it. Like you need a bigger ego.”

“A man never gets tired of a woman, particularly one as beautiful as you, paying him a compliment. I’m not too proud.” Embarrassed, she ducked around the counter to distract herself from what she’d just said to him and what he’d told her in response. A guy could find a woman attractive—that didn’t equate to him wanting to date her. She busied herself by straightening up and getting ready to close the shop for the night. “Sunday would be good. I’ll make you dinner as a thank you. Cornelius can come over, too.” Grabbing up her coat, she turned back to Jack. “I’m ready to head home. Thanks for all of your advice. I’ll download that software tonight to get things changed over.”

AuThursday – Bea Teal

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m Bea, and I’m Italian. My favorite color is teal. Hence, my pen name. When I’m not writing, I’m teaching Italian as a Second Language, reading, or traveling. The inspiration for Painting Stars, my first book in English, came from the time I spent in Michigan as an exchange student. I live on the shores of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy with my husband.

How do you make time to write?

“Hope is definitely not the same thing as optimism. It is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out.” Václav Havel

With a lot of hope and willpower.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

“Nobody said it was easy” the Scientist, Coldplay.

I write in my second language. Yes, I do believe in writer’s block, and I have a language barrier on top of that.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

Love in all its forms. Found family. HEA. I love the connection between reader and character. I love stories that are warm, witty, and uplifting.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

Indie. Traditional feels like a pipe dream at the moment.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

Introvert. I struggle with self-promotion.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

If somebody tells you “you can’t”, they’re showing you their limits. Not yours.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

“Don’t be discouraged if people don’t see your vision, your harvest. All they see from their perspective is that you’re watering a whole lot of dirt. They don’t SEE what seeds you’ve been planting with blood, sweat, tears and lack of sleep. Make sure you don’t abandon or neglect it because “they” don’t see it. You have to KNOW and believe for yourself. They don’t see the roots and what’s budding under the dirt. But it’s okay, because it’s NOT meant for them to see it. While you wait, MASTER it. You continue to do YOUR work and have unwavering faith! Remember why you started planting in the first place. Your harvest WILL come!” ― Yvonne Pierre, The Day My Soul Cried: A Memoir.

Don’t be discouraged if some of your friends and family members are unsupportive. They don’t share your passion. Find someone who does.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

I’m happy to hear from readers, and you can write me at: beatealauthor@gmail.com, but please consider that English isn’t my first language! 😉

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

Our evening together begins with a romantic stroll.

Too bad I’m wearing impossibly high heels. The ones that look like a dream and feel like a nightmare. To upgrade my legs to first class, I squeezed my feet into the non-reclining middle seat in the last row of economy. These shoes were shaped on elves’ ears, not women’s toes.

The sunset on Lake Michigan is beautiful, but I’m too busy trying not to twist an ankle on the gravel, get a heel stuck in the drain grate, or sink into soft ground to fully appreciate it. Noah valiantly offers his arm in support, but he looks more like my keeper than my beau.

Once we get to the restaurant, things don’t improve.

There’s been a mix-up with the reservation, and our table isn’t ready, but they offer us a drink at the bar while we wait.

“Our stools are called waves,” the hostess explains. “The sleek, delicate curves are designed to evoke a visually fluid concept.”

Translation: there’s no backrest, no handles, no footrest, and man, do they swivel. I’m getting seasick. I’m on a slippery slope, pun intended.

When our table is finally ready, I’m glad to see the imaginary back of them.

“Fox, they brought us a plate with a dirty spoon in it,” Noah tells me.

“I think the course is what’s in the spoon.”

“I’m afraid I left my magnifying glass at home. What’s in the spoon, exactly?”

“It’s an amuse-bouche. A velouté.”

“I’m far from amused. It reminds me of the baby food Levi would spit in my face when he was a toddler. What’s the next one called?”

“Tiny temptations. A garden of Eden to share.”

“That’s just an excuse to throw a bunch of fruit and veggies together, isn’t it?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“No? Then how do you explain this green mush with horns?”

“That’s an artichoke.”

“And this shaving cream gone sour?”

“That’s the cloud of heaven, aka goat cheese mousse, and stop making me laugh!”

“Why should I stop? I love your laugh.”

“‘Cause my belt is so tight from sitting I’m electrocuted every time I move.”

“Take it off, then.”

“I can’t. It’s holding my top and skirt together.”

“Why did I let you order the appetizer again?” Noah asks, taking a bite of the red apple.

“Because I let you order tenderloin à la Wellington wrapped in Parma ham as the main dish.”

And he was right, it was totally delicious, I think as the last nibble of puff pastry melts in my mouth.

“Since dessert is deconstructed tiramisù, how about taking it to go, Fox?” he lowers his voice and leans forward, “We can put it back together at home.”

“I like the way you think.”

AuThursday – Alivia Fleau

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m a Victorian-era historical romance writer living on a farm in Australia. I have 4 awesome dogs, 14 chickens, including one named Persephone who is my favourite, and a loving husband. And too many sheep to name!

How do you make time to write?

I get up early, sometimes as early as 4am. I take leave from work, use lunch hours, or in the evenings I write if I have the energy.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

I believe in creative problems, the trick is to have a cache of tools to tackle them with. A walk, swim, music, I do a LOT of baking when I’ve got a writing issue. And sometimes, you just gotta put your bum in the chair.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

I write historical romance. I love research, I love history, but I’m also a sucker for a good pash or seeing two people fall in love.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

Indie all the way. I love the freedom of indie, the speed, and also the close connection with readers.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

I’m an introvert, but not shy. For me, being an introvert is about balancing my energy levels between being with others, and being alone.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

Don’t get it right, get it written.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Start, learn, embrace failure, celebrate every success. Because the knocks come hard on the heels of a win.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

Aliviafleur.com

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

You have become something of a marvel, haven’t you?’ Hamish looked up and down the table.

‘Setting a table is not a challenge. You just lift things with your hands and place them.’ She pulled a corked flask of lemonade from the basket and set it with a flourish. ‘See?’

‘Hilarious,’ he said, then took another bite. ‘Not only this. I mean all of your accomplishments. World traveller. Fundraiser. Businesswoman,’ he added in a hush. ‘And caring for your father. You really are a goddess. Do you have supernatural abilities I should be worried about?’

‘I wish. I am afraid it’s just me, although today is Elise’s work. I am only here to help with the table.’ She couldn’t help but smile, her heart flushing with pride. So much of her work went unnoticed, or had to be hidden, and even a little praise made her glow.

‘When do you sleep?’ he continued, his voice still tinged with awe. ‘And when do you have fun?’

‘Fun?’ Iris frowned. ‘I have fun. I am having fun right now.’

He gave an exaggerated eye roll. ‘Proper fun. Like what we used to have. Surely the wild girl of Honeysuckle Street can still cause mischief?’

She closed the lid on the hamper with a snap. ‘The wild girl grew up a long time ago, I’m afraid. It’s just boring old me and my numbers now.’

Hamish leaned over the table. ‘I don’t believe it. The wild girl’s still in there. I’ll coax her out.’