Hey Folks!

Happy Monday! I’m celebrating another sunny spring day in the Big Apple. I’ve also been dragging my arse since my 4 am wake-up time, but hopefully, a mid-afternoon cup of coffee will help. I’ve followed today’s featured author on Twitter for some time, and I was curious to learn a bit about her so I asked if she’d be interested in being interviewed for the blog and here we are! Without further ado, take it away Christa!  

I always find author interviews kind of boring. We only get to see one side of an author, the polite side. If you had an evil doppelganger, what detail would they enjoy revealing about you to the public that people would find surprising and possibly questionable?

Oh, my goodness. I’m so boring that it took me forever to think of an answer for this! I guess I’ll go with the fact that I’m not the biggest fan of sex. That’s weird, because I’m an erotic romance author, right? But it’s true. I don’t know if that makes me Ace or Demi or whatever, I just know for the most part, I’d rather not. I do love writing steamy and emotional scenes. But it always makes me laugh when someone asks if I’ve experienced the things I write about (wink-wink, nudge-nudge) because no. Not at all.

Are there any laws or social rules that completely baffle you?

This is a great question and, I was just thinking of this recently! Honestly, the fact that sex work is illegal is so odd to me. I often think this when I come across sex work talk on Twitter. I understand the history of controlling (mostly) women’s bodies and the repressive views western culture has towards sex. But it’s just so ridiculous. It’s a job. As long as the person is an adult and doing the work of their own free will and using safe practices, I don’t see what the problem is.

What are you freakishly good at?

Figuring out what words mean. I’ve never studied how to break down words or learned the Latin origins etc. But I’m still really good at hearing or looking at an obscure word I’ve never come across before and immediately knowing what it means.

In elementary school, who was your most interesting teacher?

My first-grade teacher, Mrs. Cheryl Burbage. She was awesome in so many ways. She wore turtle necks and had big glasses and brought in masks and instruments on loan from her African friends. And she encouraged me to read a lot, even more than I already did, and put books by African American authors in my path. She was also the first person to encourage me to become a writer.

If someone were to dive into the M/M Romance subgenre for the first time, what book would you recommend they read?

I’m going to rec one of mine, partly because it fits but also because I always blank when it comes to recommendations. I’d say try Bad Boys Need Love Too: Nate. It’s short, so the reader won’t have to spend too much time before they decide if they like it or not. It’s sweet and sexy, so you get a little taste of each. And it’s diverse, with a biracial (black and white) hero. Best to start off reading the genre on a nice, inclusive note. 😉

What movie or television show always makes you laugh no matter how often you watch it? 

There are so many! My favorites are probably things that weren’t meant to be funny, but my family and I watched it, somehow found humor there and made a thousand inside jokes about it. But to answer the question, I’ll say Modern Family. That show always has me screaming with laughter. The actors are amazing, and the writing is perfect.

What’s something that everyone, absolutely everyone, in the entire world can agree on? 

Uh… that Everybody Hates Chris? Haha! I’m not sure actually. Maybe that naps are the bomb and, we should all take guilt-free naps when necessary.

What about the opposite sex confuses you the most?

That they don’t understand how annoying it is when they ‘well, actually’ or take over a conversation in general. Such a turn-off.

How do you feel about putting pineapple on pizza?

Love it! Especially with black olives and Italian sausage. That’s my go-to order of toppings.

My face reading Christa’s answer: 😐

If you were given a one-minute ad slot during the Super Bowl and you couldn’t sell your books, what would you fill it with?  

 An ad for women’s roller derby! I played in the league in Houston and I love the sport. It would be awesome for it to get that national exposure so more people can get involved.

**Bonus Question**

Ever tried BDSM? If not, would you?

I’ve never tried it. But I did go to a play party for research purposes when I was writing my first published book. It was very interesting and there were so many nice people who reached out to welcome me and help with information.

Bio:

Christa Tomlinson is an exciting up and coming author in erotic romance. Her first self-published novel, The Sergeant, was an Amazon Best Seller for Gay and Lesbian Erotica for seven weeks straight.

Christa graduated from The University of Missouri-St. Louis with a degree in history. She loves to create stories that are emotional and lovely with sex that is integral to the characters’ romantic arc. Christa lives in Houston, Texas with her two dogs, and is a retired roller derby player.

Social Media:

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Books:

Activate your one-click finger and check out In His Corner: Champions of Desire Book 2.

Hi Folks, 

Happy Monday! Can you believe we’ve already blown past April? Where the heck did the time go?! My post is a little late today because I’m still recovering from the weekend. I attended the New England Chapter of the Romance Writers of America’s conference in Burlington, Massachusetts. I drove up north with some of my New York City RWA chapter mates. Who doesn’t love a good road trip? Even though we got back to the city last night, today, I had the day off from work and my intention was to get some writing done, but after not getting anything done for three days I had to play catch up with a laundry list of author responsibilities. 

I really really really need a clone. 😢

So, what awesomeness am I digging this week? 

Image courtesy of Twitter

I’ve been following Pigeons & Planes on Twitter for some time now, and I have to say this tweet thread made me laugh so damn hard! It’s a pretty genius idea.

Speaking of Kanye West if you’ve been living in a social media blackhole allow me to get you up to speed. Last week he posted a picture of himself wearing one of those red hats 45 supporters love. You know the ones. The slogan boldly displayed across the front challenges us to return America to its former glory days when oppression was super in vogue and I’d be considered 3/5 of a human being. YAY! 😑

The result of Kanye posting the photo? He lost 9.2 million Twitter followers in about ten minutes. That may not seem like a lot to some people since he has more followers than you and I will ever see in our lifetimes, but woo boy, I had a good cackle. Look, I had a fondness for Kanye and his music before 2011, but he’s lost all credibility since. It’s hard to let go when you adore someone’s artistry, but imo problematic people shouldn’t be rewarded which is why I stopped spending money on Kanye years ago. Nonetheless, his Twitter foolishness makes for an entertaining feed when the hot takes happen.

Speakeasy

My DVR is about 80% full, and last week I decided it was time to free up some space. I watch a LOT of PBS. A LOT. Documentaries and music specials are my jam! I recorded an episode of Speakeasy back in November in which Jimmie Vaughan (badass guitar player and older brother of Stevie Ray Vaughan) interviewed Gary Clark Jr. They lit up the stage, and it’s pretty amazing. Watch for yourself.

The Paris Review Interviews: Vol 2

I purchased this book used about a week ago. I am in love with the Paris Review! Writing is haaaard, you guys. I whine about this a lot because some people think it’s simple. NOOOOOPE. Not so. At times, it can be easy to forget why I do this but reading interviews by some of my favorite authors (James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Gabriel García Márquez, Stephen King) has renewed my desire to tell stories as only I can. I think every author goes through periods of, “WTF AM I DOING WITH MY LIFE?” My latest period of self-deprecation has only lit a fire. If I’m going to stick to my production calendar, I will have to find creative ways to keep my eye on the prize. These interviews certainly helped. When the going gets tough, look to the ones who’ve come before you and paved the way. No one has it easy. If you want to succeed, you’ve got to put in the work. 

Trust me… I AM WORKING.

And that’s about it for this week. Kinda.  I had two more things I wanted to share, but if I’m going to check off a few more things on my to-do list before I head to bed, I’d better end the post here.

Until next time… see you in two weeks! 

Happy Monday Folks!

Tis a beautiful spring day in NYC finally! FINALLY!!!! This week Ma Nature seems to be in a better mood. Maybe celebrating Earth Day yesterday has something to do with it. I’m hoping this isn’t a cruel trick and we’re getting the spring we deserve after a long hard winter. In any case, I’m keeping my fingers crossed. 

This week’s spotlight features a super lovely lady. I first met Maya last year at the Baltimore Book Festival when we sat on a panel together. We’ve gotten to know each other over these last few months, and I think you should get to know a little about her as well. 

Oh, and there’s a giveaway at the end of the interview! Take it away Maya…

I always find author interviews kind of boring. We only get to see one side of an author, the polite side. If you had an evil doppelganger, what detail would they enjoy revealing about you to the public that people would find surprising and possibly questionable?

I don’t get the appeal of Mr. Darcy. I’m totally meh on Colin Firth and I don’t know these Hiddleston’s and Hardy’s I see people gushing about on Twitter. I’m not 100% clear which comes off first: a corset or a chemise. And I’m not the hugest Georgette Heyer fan. GASP. I know, I know: you are rummaging around for your smelling salts because a Regency author has just confessed to the most unpardonable sins of Regency Romancelandia. Otherwise, I am terribly well behaved and woefully lacking in secrets, though I do have a fondness for swearing, particularly the c-word.

If there’s one thing you could change about your husband, what would it be? Don’t worry I won’t tell Mr. Rodale. Pinky swear!

Oh, Mr. Rodale knows what I’m about to say! He has this deplorable habit of leaving his dirty socks on the floor, in the middle of the living room, where I am vexed by the sight of them and the choice of either living in clutter (horrors) or cleaning up after him (and thus perpetuating the patriarchy). So if I could change one thing about him it would be to make him a person who puts his socks in the hamper immediately after removing them. I ask for so much.

What’s your least favorite part of the writing process?

Coming up with unique and heartfelt inscriptions when I sign books for people I know. The expectation to write something original, witty, clever, deeply heartfelt and personal ON THE SPOT while they are looking at me is just. Too. Much. Pressure.

Would you rather go back to age five with everything you know now or know now everything your future self will learn?

So I was going to say “let’s go back to five with everything I know now” because while I would make 98% of the same choices all over again, it could be interesting to redo everything with one or two little tweaks. But then would my childhood be ruined because I know too much? So then I’m thinking I’ll take all my future self knows. But the long and short of it is: stock tips. I would like stock market tips but otherwise I love the mystery and adventure of life.   

What is the most uplifting thing happening in the world right now?   

THE RESISTANCE. The energy of the women’s march, Black Lives Matter, the Parkland kids, and all the women running for office have me intrigued, inspired and optimistic that this period is just the darkness before the dawn.

What fictional place would you most like to visit?

The Plaza Hotel as it is in the Eloise books, with Eloise. Or I would like to spend a summer with Anne Shirley on Prince Edward Island. I know these are all real places that I could visit tomorrow, but I would like to experience the fictional version with the fictional characters.

If life is a game like some people say, what are some of the rules?

Be kind to yourself and others. Fuck the other rules.

What’s something you resent paying for?

The tampon tax. The military. The patriarchy.

If someone were to ask you for a music recommendation, what artist or band would you recommend?

According to Spotify, right now I am loving Bishop Briggs, K.Flay, Lorde and Kacey Musgraves. Also, HAMILTON. Both the original soundtrack and mixtape.

Finish this sentence: All romance novels should have _______.

A happy ending!

**Bonus Question**

Ever tried BDSM? If not, would you?

I am blushing just reading this question! 😳

Maya was generous enough to offer one lucky person a signed paperback copy of The Wicked Wallflower and signed cover art for her book It’s Hard Out Here for a Duke. Want to win these goodies? Leave a comment below or on whichever social media platform you view this post (Twitter, my Facebook Author Page, or Google+) with the title of your favorite Historical Romance. It’s that simple. A winner will be randomly selected on 4/30. The giveaway is open to US & International residents! Good luck! 😎

Bio:

Maya Rodale began reading romance novels in college at her mother’s insistence. She is now the bestselling and award-winning author of numerous smart and sassy romance novels. A champion of the genre and its readers, she is also the author of the non-fiction book Dangerous Books For Girls: The Bad Reputation Of Romance Novels, Explained and a frequent contributor to NPR Books, The Huffington Post, Bustle and more. Maya lives in New York City with her darling dog and a rogue of her own.

Social Media:

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Books:

Activate your one-click finger and pre-order Duchess By Design, Book One in Maya’s upcoming Gilded Age series due out in November!