Lorraine Nelson's Bad Boy Blake

Lorraine Nelson is here with me today to talk about her Contemporary Romantic Suspense, Bad Boy Blake. Welcome Lorraine, and thanks for meeting with me!
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

I'm a multi-published author and live in rural New Brunswick, on the east coast of Canada. I'm a proud mother and grandmother and enjoy spending time with my three sons and six grandchildren. When not at the computer, you can find me spending time with family, gardening, baking and, of course, reading.

What do you do when you are not writing?

Catching up on sleep!

Do you have a day job as well?

Yes, but I'm currently on medical leave and, therefore, able to write full time.

When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

I've always written, but I penned my first romance in 2009. Started writing it the first week of February and finished it seven weeks later.

How did you choose the genre you write in?

I've read a lot of books over the years, my favorites being romance, family sagas, and mystery, so it seemed natural for me to try my hand at romantic suspense. 

Where do you get your ideas?

Anywhere and everywhere. Zakia and the Cowboy came about because I heard her name and knew I had to use it in a book.

What sparked the idea for your novel?

A friend and I were brainstorming ideas and came upon pole dancing. It escalated and took hold from there.

How and why did you start writing?

In October, 2008, I had to have my thumb amputated due to a bone infection. In order to increase flexibility in that hand, I began typing, soon bored with typing tests and the like. I got an idea for a story and Love on the Rocks was born.

What is your favorite part of the book?

In Bad Boy Blake, I like the fact that he was once a bad boy and turned his life around. 

What was the hardest part to write in the book?

The ending. I didn't want to let these characters go.

Is there anything you wish was different about the book?

No, it's exactly the way I envisioned it. Real life throws a lot of curve balls, and for Blake and Gina, they had to make some racy decisions, but all turned out in the end.

What are some of your favorite authors/books?

I love Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts, Mary Higgins-Clark, John Grisham, and James Patterson. I couldn't list just one book. I love them all.

If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Patrick Swayze, dinner and dancing. I love his smile and his moves.

What was your life like before becoming an author?

Good but boring.

How personal is your writing?

There are parts of me or my life in every book, and I'm sure it's the same for every author. We write what we know. My love of family comes shining through in most every book I write.

What is your writing routine?

Routine? I'm supposed to have a routine? I might've had one before my youngest son moved back home with his family, but not now.

Which comes first: The character's story or the idea for the novel?

It varies.

What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published author?

Keep learning...keep writing. With every manuscript you complete, you learn something new. Perseverance is also key.

Do you ever experience writer’s block?

Nope.

Do you work with an outline, or just write?

I start with a general GMC sheet, then just write.

Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

Lucy Maud Montgomery and her tales Of Anne of Green Gables.

Can you tell me about your challenges in getting your first book published?

Rejections are difficult to deal with, but instead of letting them get me down, they only made me more determined to succeed. I kept writing, kept learning, and am still learning. You can't grow as a writer if you can't take honest criticism and learn from it. My debut novel, Zakia and the Cowboy was rejected 14 times before it found a home, and then I was offered 2 contracts within one week. So patience and determination played a big part.

If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your novel or getting it published that you would change?

None that I can think of.

Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?

I only have one completed manuscript left and that needs serious editing before I send it out.

What are you working on now?

I'm doing revisions on a ms that Hqn. American is interested in. Also working on Cameron's Quest, Book 5 in my Thunder Creek Ranch series with Evernight.

Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

In Cameron's Quest, he finds his lost love, a fiery, red-headed Irish lass, and gets quite a surprise in the bargain. It's a story of love and loss...and murder.

Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

This one is purely imagination, mostly Cameron's. LOL He keeps trying to tell me what to write and I don't always agree.

What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

One of the characters in this novel is psychic and I loved expanding on her visions.

Ooh, that does sound like fun. I always love digging a little deeper into characters' lives. 

How did you come up with the title?

Cameron had longed to find his lady love for years. When Zakia was written, he was away on his quest to find her.

Will you have a new book coming out soon?

Hopefully, Cameron's Quest. :)

Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?

I love writing about cowboys and working with the manning family in Thunder Creek.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

My early writings had a lot of head-hopping so came under some harsh criticism from my writing buddies. As a published author, one person said the book bored her and she couldn't finish it. I found that really sad because, for the most part, Zakia has received rave reviews.

What has been the best compliment?

I have a stalker. LOL A writer friend of mine recently disclosed that she's trying to emulate my dedication and determination.

Also, when readers take the time to tell me they really enjoyed one of my books, it makes my day. Especially when they ask for more. I've already had Micheal's story requested, so I guess that will be Book 6 for Thunder Creek.

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Learn your craft. Get a critique partner or two. No one is perfect and an extra pair of eyes can catch mistakes you may overlook. Don't send out shoddy work. Make sure your writing is clear and concise and as polished as you can make it. 

That's one thing I need to get, so I completely understand what you mean. :)
Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

Thank you for your support. I love you all!

Where do you find the most inspiration to write?

At my desk. I sit down to write and the words start flowing.

Alright, on to some fun questions.
Have you ever gone out in public with your shirt on backwards, or your slippers on, and when realizing it, just said screw it?

Yeep, once went to the store in my pjs. LOL

Do you prefer fuzzy or tube socks?

Fuzzy and warm.

Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?

Not much point. I often nap during the day. Getting old. LOL

Be honest, how often do you wash your hair?

Once or twice a week, depending.

Do you get road rage? What pisses you off the most about other drivers?

It really irks me to have someone pass just to turn off at the next exit.

Do you go out of your way to kill bugs? Are there any that make you screech and hide?

I hate bugs. And June bugs are THE worst. I once had some stuck in my hair and they buzzed incessantly. Almost drove me nuts. Earwigs are gross, too, but at least I can step on them.

Awesome. Thanks so much for meeting with me today, Lorraine.
Below is a blurb and excerpt for Bad Boy Blake.

Blurb:

Blake Bennett is the town bad boy turned Sheriff, elected to keep the peace. When Blake first meets Gina, she's butting heads with the Mayor…over the type of dancing she teaches—pole dancing.

Gina West is a professional dancer, who retired from the stage, and moves to Westonville, NB, to start her own dance studio. But Gina is not who she claims to be, and when strange things start happening…vengeful threats and vandalism…Blake begins digging for the truth. In his role as protector, he begins to fall for Gina, but will her lies and subterfuge destroy any chance for them to be together?

Excerpt:

She stood to follow him to the door, but found herself hauled up against his muscular chest as he treated her to another scorching kiss.

“Woman, you’re driving me crazy.”

Pushing away from him she asked, “Me? What did I do?”

“Now that I know what’s hidden under that robe, my hands are itching to peel it off you again.”

“What’s stopping you?” she said as she swiftly untied the sash, shrugged the robe off her shoulders and let it drop to the floor.

Just as fast was his reaction as he picked her straight up in the air and set her down on the counter. He chuckled in response to her shriek as the smooth, icy marble met her bare backside and she arched backward, supporting her weight on her hands. Quick to take advantage, he swooped in to devour her breasts with his hands and mouth.

Her legs wrapped around him of their own volition, urging him closer, closer…and then his cell phone rang.

He ceased ministering to her body and allowed his head to rest in the valley of her newly sensitized orbs. She ran her fingers through his hair, a touch on the long side for a man in his profession, her actions serving to hold him against her.

“I have to go,” he mumbled against her skin.

“I know.”

“We’ll finish this later,” he said, promise inherent in his words.

“Okay.”

He lifted his head and covered her mouth with his, their tongues mating, creating their own magic as they thrust and parried, suckled and withdrew. His hands cupped her buttocks as he lifted her and set her on her feet.

“This is the first time in my years as Sheriff that I allowed anything or anybody to come between me and my job. What kind of spell have you cast over me?” he teased.

“Not a strong enough one, apparently.” Then seeing his confusion, she added, “You’re only human, Blake. The job isn’t the sum total of who you are as a man.”

“Maybe not, but I’ve measured myself by it for a long time.”

“Then maybe you were due for a change.” She smoothed his hair back into place with her hands.

“You could be right. We’ll discuss this later. Right now, I have to see how Rob is and if forensics found anything downstairs, then I’ll have them come up here.” His eyes traveled the length of her body as he spoke. “Better get some clothes on or I won’t be the only one who knows your secret.”

“What secret?”

“That you are indeed a true redhead.”

Find Bad Boy Blake at Evernight Publishing and Amazon.com, as well as many other eBook retailers!