Welcome Author Jerry Hatchett to the 2014 MCBF Author List

Introducing Jerry Hatchett...

Jerry Hatchett was born and grew up in the creatively fertile Mississippi Delta. His stories often draw from his personal background, providing a unique foundation for intriguing tales populated with real people who often find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. His business experience runs the gamut from pawnbroker to inventor to technologist to specialized expert in digital forensics.

Hatchett lists John Grisham, James Rollins, Nelson DeMille, and Ken Follett as major influences on his writing. “I want to entertain people by creating new worlds and people for them to love and hate, and I always try to write a story that you just can't put down, ” he says.

A lifelong fan of Ole Miss and SEC football, he awaits each fall with zeal. He’s also a movie fanatic, an avid reader, and with uncharacteristic immodesty claims to cook the world’s best ribeyes. He currently resides in The Woodlands, TX, a suburb of Houston.

 

Jerry took a few minutes to answer some questions so we could get to know more about him.  Read more here:

At what age did you start writing? The earliest I remember writing was high school, when I wrote not only my own term papers, but those of several classmate clients, as well. I know I’m dating myself, but I’ll go ahead and tell you that I charged $50 and guaranteed an ‘A.’ As for creative writing, I got cranked up when I was about 35.

Patty Campbell talks about the germ for a piece of writing being like the sand in the oyster. What is your grain of sand? Do you begin with character or setting or something else? The germ stage of my stories is probably based most often on a setting and situation, ie. ‘What would it be like if I was at Location X and Situation Y happened?’
Do you outline before you write or just dive in? Heavens no, I’m far too slovenly for such a thing. I jump in. 

Why do you write for Young Adults or Children or Adult (whichever is pertinent)?  I try to write stories I would enjoy reading myself, so that pretty much limits me to an adult audience.

Who is your favorite character you have written or read about? My favorite character I’ve written in the villain in Seven Unholy Days, not his evil ways, but the fun of creating him. As for reading, Mitch Rapp or Agent Pendergast would battle for top honors. 

What is one thing you would like your readers to know about you? It doesn’t bother me a bit to go to the grocery store wearing pajama pants, probably because I have one of the world’s great pajama pants wardrobes. 

In high school, where did you fall? Brainy shy clown. 

Do you have pets? Yes! I have a border collie named Data and three strange cats, named Priscilla, Audio, and Mia.

What books or authors have most influenced your writing most? Hmmm. Grisham is a big influence for his crisp, accessible narrative. Early Patterson (way back when he wrote his own books) for pacing. James Rollins for great big stories. Nelson DeMille for subtle character development. 

It’s the dawn of the zombie apocalypse, what 3 things are a must to take with you when you flee your home for refuge from the undead hordes?? Guns. Ammo. Duct tape.

 

To find out more about Jerry online, visit:

Author Website:  http://www.jerryhatchett.com                        

Blog:  http://jerryhatchett.blogspot.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/JerryHatchettAuthor Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Chop0Matic

 

 You can find Jerry's books here:

PAWNBROKER on Amazon                                SEVEN UNHOLY DAYS on Amazon

Molly Blaisdell joins the 2014 Montgomery County Book Festival Author Line Up

Welcome             Molly Blaisdell...

Texan Molly Blaisdell started her first fan fiction group in junior high and never stopped writing. Today, she writes about geek girls with lofty dreams and about the absolute craziness of falling in love. When Molly's not writing, she's curled up with a book, heading to late night showings of popcorn blockbusters, or watching for shooting stars on a clear night. If she sees the moon in the daytime, she thinks she's lucky. PLUMB CRAZY is her debut romance novel. Molly lives in College Station, Texas with her college sweetheart Tim and two cats – one evil and one good.

 

Learn a little more about Molly in her interview below.

Do you outline before you write or just dive in?  Generally, I am a fan of the outline. If you don't give me a map, I'll never arrive. That said, I don't use formal outlines but rely on a synopsis format. I determine how many chapters I need. I add a few lines under each paragraph that sums up the action in that chapter. This is my method. I don't think there is a right way to write. I write my way, but yours may be very different.  

Why do you write for Young Adults or Children or Adult (whichever is pertinent)? Honestly depending on the season, I write for all three. My upcoming book, PLUMB CRAZY (Swoon Romance, May 2014), is a crossover for teens and adults. 
When you write a story, it's not for right now. It's for somebody, someday. It's also about once-upon-a-time, an imagined history. I write because I feel very connected to the future and the past. I'm hardwired to bring them together, to tuck something in your pocket for the road ahead. I find stories keep percolating long after you read them, and they are there to help in your trials and triumphs. 
There is usually humor in everything I write, too, because, to me, there is enough drama already. Laughing helps us all survive the degradations of this life. An excellent life is about making a difference in whatever way you can. Writing is my way.
Do you have a pet (pets)? Tell us about it (them) and how they help/hinder your writing.

I have two pets currently. Mr. Tibbs, who was rescued as a kitten from an abandoned house, and Mr. Oreo, who was a rescued cat from a local shelter.  

Mr. Tibbs is a giant cat. He is part Maine Coon and very calm. He is so huggable and when I can't find my way in a story, hugging Mr. Tibbs always helps. 

Mr. Oreo is a little tuxedo cat and a trickster. He likes to sit on my laptop keys and scratch through the manuscript pages while I'm editing. My printer jams a lot because, yes, that is also his favorite place to sit. And also in any box, the smaller the better. 
It’s the dawn of the zombie apocalypse, what 3 things are a must to take with you when you flee your home for refuge from the undead hordes??
I hope someone has written the Complete Guide for the Zombie Apocalypse because I could really use that book. I'd also take a water purifier and a ninja/superhero/immortal (because I'm not fighting zombies. No way!). 


 Thanks for the interview Molly! 

Meet Molly at the 2014 Montgomery County Book Festival on February 15, 2014.

For more information, visit www.mollyblaisdell.com/.

 

Introducing Kathryn Casey to the 2014 MCBF Author Line Up

Announcing Kathryn Casey...

 

A novelist and an award-winning journalist, Kathryn Casey is the creator of the Sarah Armstrong mystery series and the author of seven highly acclaimed true crime books. Her first novel, SINGULARITY, was one of Booklist’s best crime novel debuts of 2009, and Library Journal chose the third, THE KILLING STORM, as one of the best books of 2010. Casey’s protagonist is a Texas Ranger/profiler headquartered in Company A, Houston. Kathryn Casey has appeared on Oprah, Oprah Winfrey's Oxygen Network, Court TV, Biography, Nancy Grace, E! Network, TruTv, Investigation Discovery, The Travel Channel and A&E. She’s written for Rolling Stone, TV Guide, Reader’s Digest, Texas Monthly, MORE, Ladies’ Home Journal, and many other publications. Ann Rule calls Casey “one of the best in the true crime genre.”

 

For more information: www.kathryncasey.com

 

 

Find out more about Kathryn and her writing below:

 

At what age did you start writing? In elementary school I wrote awful poetry; does that count? In middle school, short stories. But nothing in earnest until college.

Patty Campbell talks about the germ for a piece of writing being like the sand in the oyster. What is your grain of sand? Do you begin with character or setting or something else? In my fiction, it began with a character, the series protagonist, Texas Ranger Sarah Armstrong. In the true crime books, of course, the characters are real, living and breathing folks. I can’t add anyone or write anyone out. It’s nonfiction, so the plot and those involved are as they are.

Do you outline before you write or just dive in? I dive in.
Who is your favorite character you have written or read about? My favorite character is the aforementioned Sarah Armstrong. If I could, I’d ring her up and invite her over for coffee. What fun it would be to hear her stories. Or I might drive out to her Tomball horse ranch with my tape recorder. Now that would be a good day.

What is one thing you would like your readers to know about you? That I understand they have a lot of options when deciding what to read, and I do my best to give them something worth reading. (This sounds a bit like the spiel the flight attendants give as the plane lands, but it’s true.)

In high school, where did you fall? (Prom Queen/King, Gamer Geek, Brainy/Book Nerd, Jock, Shy/Quiet Scholar, Skate Rat, Stoner, Class Clown, etc.) Your average kid, I guess. I was something of a secret book nerd, doing my best to camouflage.

Do you have a pet (pets)? Tell us about it (them) and how they help/hinder your writing. Our dog, Nelson, is my constant companion. He’s a white mop, a Havanese, with a prominent ego. But we love him. He actually has his own fan base on my Facebook page, where I post photos and videos. There was a movement afoot to give Nelson his own page. I nixed it, preferring to be able to monitor his posts. 

For more information:www.kathryncasey.com

Introducing Mary Gray to the MCBF 2014 Author Line-Up

INTRODUCING      MARY GRAY...

Mary Gray has a fascination with all things creepy. That’s why all her favorite stories usually involve panic attacks and hyperventilating. In real life, she prefers to type away on her computer, ogle over her favorite TV shows, and savor fiction. When she’s not immersed in other worlds, she and her husband get their exercise by chasing after their three children.

The Dollhouse Asylum is her first novel. View the book trailer here:

Mary took a few minutes to answer some questions for us, just so we could get to know her better. 

Thanks Mary!

Patty Campbell talks about the germ for a piece of writing being like the sand in the oyster.  What is your grain of sand?  Do you begin with character or setting or something else?

I'm a concept writer. For THE DOLLHOUSE ASYLUM, I wanted to explore the concept of a girl being trapped by a man she both loves and hates. I hadn't read a story with this exact scenario, and I wanted to see how it would play out. My current work in progress is a historical novel, and I want to see how three main characters believe a certain weapon will help their civilization, but how it will all go quite wrong. I'll give you a hint: it takes place during the French Revolution.

In high school, where did you fall? (Prom Queen/King, Gamer Geek, Brainy/Book Nerd, Jock, Shy/Quiet Scholar, Skate Rat, Stoner, Class Clown, etc.) 

I was the quiet new girl. I moved every year growing up (sometimes more!) and my dad didn't allow me to be in extracurricular activities, so I had a hard time making friends... and keeping them since we always had to pick up and leave.

What books or authors have most influenced your writing most?

Carrie Ryan's THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH inspired me to write THE DOLLHOUSE ASYLUM in the fact that I wanted to write a subtle horror with beautiful writing and post-apocalyptic elements. Neal Shusterman's UNWIND series has inspired me to write my current project in multiple third person present tense POV, and Robin LaFevers has inspired me to try historical. I am loving the research.

It’s the dawn of the zombie apocalypse, what 3 things are a must to take with you when you flee your home for refuge from the undead hordes??

I would grab my three children (my husband can take care of himself). My oldest is nine, and he'll probably grab his favorite books, my daughter is five, and she'll want her pillow and blankey, and my youngest is two. He'll want the Kindle because all his favorite shows are on there. 

To find out more about Mary, visit her website at www.marygraybooks.com.  Mary is on Facebook and tweets (@marygraytweets).

Come meet Mary Gray at the 2014 Montgomery County Book Festival on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at Lone Star College - Montgomery.

Happy 500 GIVEAWAY!!!

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2013 Summer Author Blitz - an Interview and GIVEAWAY with local author, Jocelyn Dex

Today we present a local author as part of the 2013 Summer Author Blitz! 

Jocelyn Dex is a resident of the Houston area.  She writes Erotic Paranormal fiction.  Needless to say, her books are best suited for the 18+ crowd!  We are very excited to spotlight our local authors here, and hope you take a second to read about Jocelyn's work and check it out!

Don't forget the FANTASTIC 2013 Summer Author Blitz going on the entire month!  You can find information and a schedule at http://www.booksandbroomsticks.com/2013/06/summer-author-blitz-schedule.html. 

Also check out the scavenger hunt starting here: http://myexitramps.com/blog/2013-summer-author-blitz-scavenger-hunt where you could win a one-of-a-kind custom book necklace. 

Read thru the post and don't forget to sign up for the giveaway at the end!  Jocelyn is giving away a $15 Gift Certificate to the awesome Bitch Face Cosmetics, and MCBF is throwing in a $25 Amazon.com gift card (so you can purchase Jocelyn's book *wink wink*)!!!

Title: Araya’s Addiction                       

Series: Sempire Seductions                Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Author: Jocelyn Dex                             Cover Artist: Syneca Featherstone

Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance ISBN: 9781419943959

Length: 30,500 words                         

 

Araya’s Addiction Blurb

When Kean wakes up naked, collared and locked in a cell, he knows thinking with his [*bleep*] has finally gotten him into trouble. Part Incubus, Kean enjoys scorching sexual liaisons, a habit that has found him trapped, forced to help a Sempire rescue her daughter from certain death.

Unwilling to aid in anyone’s imprisonment, Araya initially refuses her mother’s “gift”, but the passion simmering between her and Kean is undeniable. As they explore their shared lust, both Araya and Kean enact schemes to save each other. Their best laid plans may awaken emotions that will bind them forever.

 

Interview with the dynamic Jocelyn Dex

Q: What question do you wish that someone would ask about Araya’s Addiction?

A: May I pay you millions of dollars to make a movie based on it? :-)

Q: When you're brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?

A:  Characters always come first for me. They are the life of the story. When I’m reading, if a story has an incredibly thin plot but has fun and interesting characters I care about, that’s fine with me. Of course, it’s best when you have compelling characters AND a great plot, but it’s the characters and their interactions with each other that move me.

Q:  If you had to grab three things (and ONLY three things) from your house to evacuate due to a zombie invasion, what would they be?

A: My dogs and cat (I’m counting all six of them as one item:-)), a gun, and a box of tampons. I don’t want to be in the middle of a zombie invasion without tampons!

Q: Do your family and friends know what you write? If so, what do they think about it?

A:  Yes. Most of them think it’s cool or think it’s funny. Except my dad who is probably pretty disgusted. Ha. My husband tells his coworkers that his wife writes porn. I explained to him that I write “erotic paranormal romance” not “porn”.

Q: What are you working on now?

A: Sempire Seductions is the name of the series I’m working on now. Araya’s Addiction is Book 1 (available now). Valia’s Villain is Book 2 and Fin’s Fantasy is Book 3. Book 2 and 3 have been accepted for publication. I’m just waiting on contract stuff and then my awesome editor and I can get into edits. I’m SUPER excited and can’t wait. I’m even considering a Book 4.

Q: Where can we visit you online?

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Blog  * Goodreads

 

Reviews of Araya’s Addiction

Gaele @ The Jeep Diva:

…With several steamy to downright scorching scenes, clever dialogue, humor and the potential for a happy ever after, this was a really fun and clever read. Dex has created a new sexual demon, and made them lovable, if not a bit outrageous in their attitudes and thinking. The desires and emotions of the characters were easy to relate to as the characters were well-defined and voiced, a nice addition to this novella. 

Anna @ Book Lovin’ Mamas:

…The chemistry between Araya and Kean was smokin' hot and they were great individual characters too. And I LOVE the sister and Mom. They were quite entertaining! … Overall this was a great read! Lots of fun and very very sexy! I can't wait to read something else from this author and I will be impatiently waiting for more! ;)

Diana @ Offbeat Vagabond

…Goodness gracious, this book should come with a warning. I swear even my ereader was heating up while reading this and it wasn't even plugged in. I enjoyed the hell out of this. I think if you are like me and you are a fan of Larissa Ione's books, you will love this. This was a super sexy read that will heat you up from head to toe.

 

Author Bio

Jocelyn was born in Iowa and currently resides in Texas. She shares her home with her very own 6'4" alpha male and varying numbers of spoiled cats and dogs. Teaching one of her dogs to file his nails is one of her all-time favorite accomplishments. Jocelyn loves to paint, loves to read, and loves to write sizzling erotic romance about yummy demons that would make your momma blush.

 

Here’s where you can buy Araya’s Addiction

Amazon * Ellora’s Cave * Barnes & Noble * ARe

Stay Tuned for Valia’s Villain and Fin’s Fanta

 

AWESOME!!! Can't wait for more from Jocelyn!

GO TO THE GIVEAWAY HERE: http://www.facebook.com/MoCoBookFest/app_228910107186452

Introducing 2013 MCBF Moderator, Jen Bigheart

Announcing a very special moderator coming all the way from Austin, Tx to help us out: Librarian extraordinaire, Jen Bigheart.

Jen Bigheart is a librarian in Austin, Texas, the Co-Director of the Austin Teen Book Festival, Co-Founder of Literary Lonestars, TLA's Social Media Manager, and blogger at I Read Banned Books.

https://www.facebook.com/LiteraryLonestars#!/LiteraryLonestars 

Check out her blog!

I Read Banned Books via kwout