July 5, 2008

Patti Shenberger

Today's guest blogger is Patti Shenberger. Welcome, Patti. Following is her interview and I'm sure she'll be posting excerpts and other goodies about herself and her books. Today's prize will be "The Captain’s Wench" by Patti.


1. So, tell us a little about yourself? What is your typical day like?

I have been writing romance since I was in grade school, crafting my own tales as a sidekick to Captain Kirk, Starsky and Hutch and still doing it! Though now my tastes run to Bruce Willis, Pierce Brosnan and Johnny Depp! Is there such a thing as a typical day? Well, four days ago I would have said get up, go to the day job. That all changed last Wed when my doctor told me it’s time to quit the day job and get healthy. I’m a cancer survivor and while I am still in remission, I am not in tip-top shape. So, now I’m a full time wife, mother and writer. I’m loving it! I get up, feed the four legged critters, kiss the hubby goodbye and settle in for some fun with my hero and heroine.

2. When did you start to write and how long did it take you get published? How many stories did you finish before you were published?

I started writing in grade school, but did not get my first break till 1998 with Hard Shell Word Factory. I did have two nonfiction pieces published between 1990 and 1994. I had 3 books written before I was published.

3. How did you break into publishing?

In the spring of 1998 I had heard of Hard Shell Word Factory and by fall decided to submit to them. I wanted to see what others were selling to them before I sent in my manuscript. It was October 5, 1998 that I learned I had sold Womb For Rent, my contemporary romance.

4. What influenced you to write?

I have always loved to write and I think from that grew the need to write. You pick up a book and think “I can do this”, then you sit down, find out it’s harder than you think and you’re hooked. There’s no turning back so you forge ahead. At the end of the Yellow Brick Road is the big wood door and behind it the Wizard with a book contract (G).

5. What inspired you to write romance?

I love a happy ending and want my readers to have one as well. You will never see an Amanda Brian (my pen name) or Patti Shenberger book without a happily ever after!!

6. What genre or sub-genre do you write? Why did you choose this genre?

I write in paranormal, contemporary, historical time travel, and love them all.

7. What difficulties does writing this genre present?

For me it was the historical time travel. I needed to do a lot of research and make sure it is accurate. Your reader will know if you’ve goofed up on your facts. Just that simple thing may turn them away from ever picking up another one of your books.

8. What motivated you to write your current book? My current book that is about to be released any day now I actually wrote in 2000. It is a contemporary paranormal. I had heard Trisha Yearwood’s song “I Would Have Loved You Anyway” and literally created Laird Kyle MacLay, his big Scottish castle and sexy but feisty Devon Noone around it.

9. How much time do you devote to writing each day?

Not as much as I would like to be truthful. Time is spent on promo, answering email, playing on the internet (G), but I have gotten back to a routine and can say I spent about 5 hours writing each day now.

10. Tell us about your other works, books, stories, etc.

My first release was Womb For Rent, a contemporary romance, and then came A Miracle Through Time written with Nancy Fraser. This was the historical time travel which took about 6 years to sell and is published by The Wild Rose Press. Then also by the Wild Rose Press is take No Prisoners, my straight contemporary. Next up is The Captain’s Wench, a contemporary paranormal which I submitted on a Sunday and was bought less than 24 hours later on Monday by Devine Destinies, an imprint of eXtasy Books. And hopefully in the next few weeks I will see the release of The Laird’s Lady, a contemporary paranormal. Hmm, maybe there is a trend here. Me and my contemporary paranormals!

11. What are you working on now?

Right now I am working on three books. A category romance which I am pitching to Mills & Boon at the RWA Conference next month, a single title women’s fiction – again being pitched to an agent at RWA National, and also a paranormal for Devine Destinies.

12. How do you write? Are you a panster or a plotter? Is it your characters or your plot that influences you the most?

I am definitely a pantser! Wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve tried to plot and found myself straying off course way too many times and in all different directions. So now I wing it. My characters influence me the most. They go off in different directions than I want, but somehow we always make it back to the main point of the story.

13. What was the most usual way you came up with a story idea? I mean, I’ve gotten a plot idea from a song I heard, from brainstorming with a classmate. What unusual thing caused you to think, ‘hey, I could make that into a story?’

The Laird’s Lady and Trisha Yearwood’s song. I was so in love with the song and couldn’t get it out on my head, that along came feisty American Devon Noone who inherits a castle from her cousin and along with it a smelly canine and sexy Laird of the Manor who cannot pass on to the other side.

14. Tell us some of the things interviewers are saying about your story or stories.

I just received my first review for The Captain’s Wench last week and the reviewer who was not a paranormal fan said I won her over by making her suspend disbelief. That to me is the biggest praise I can get on a book. With A Miracle Through Time, a reviewer said our facts were historically sound and she could feel the breeze coming off the river and hear the sound of the paddlewheels turning. Again, this is what makes it all worthwhile.

15. What is your all time favorite book?

Definitely The Laird’s Lady is we’re talking about my books (G). If not, then I am a huge fan of anything written by Jude Deveraux.

16. How do you do research for your books? What’s the most interesting bit of research you’ve come across?

Wow, this is a toughie. Everything about research is very interesting. Let’s see, I think what touched me the most was when researching for The Captain’s Wench how the “widow’s Walk” came to be. How the women watched the sea from the widows walk (or balcony) for their husbands, lovers, sons to return from a voyage. And how some never did, hence the term ‘widow’s walk.”

17. What advice would you give aspiring writers today?

Don’t ever let anyone tell you you can’t do it. It takes determination and patience. No one is an overnight success. Ok, some are but it’s not the norm! (G)

18. How do you like your fans to contact you?

They can catch up with me on my email at pattishenberger@comcast.net I love hearing from them.

43 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey everybody! Welcome to Chatting with Anna Kathryn where I am the guest blogger for today. Hope you are all having a fantastic holiday weekend. We had a great day at my aunt's yesterday for food, fun and family. Today it's back to reality and writing. (G)
I've been reading all the great recipes Anna posted and would like to share one of my own with you. This is what I made for dessert yesterday and there was a little tiny slice leftover after everyone pigged out.

Tin Roof Ice Cream Pie

1 quart vanilla ice cream, softened
1 jar spanish peanuts
1 jar caramel topping
1 choc pie shell

Blend the ice cream and 1/2 jar of caramel topping with 1/2 cup of spanish peanuts. Mix well, then spoon into pie crust, tasting as you go! (G)

Put in freezer for at least 4 hours or even overnight. When ready to serve, slice into 8 pieces and top each individual piece with a sprinkling of peanuts and drizzle more caramel over top.

Yummy!

Be back in a few with excerpts, recipes and me!
Patti

Anonymous said...

A Miracle Through Time was my and Nancy Fraser's first release with The Wild Rose Press. Miracle took a loooooonnnnggg time to write and even longer time to sell as we had pushed the envelope with this book. For those of you who are fans of the time travel, this is a historical time travel back to the 1860's and the era of the paddlewheelers. The reviews have been fabulous. I have a direct buy link on my webpage at www.pattishenberger.com if you would like more information.

A Miracle Through Time reminds me of an old time movie that spins love inside the heart while keeping fingers crossed that the two lovers will unite and stay together. With fantastic dialogue and unforgettable characters, this story is superb in every way. There were many times I felt as if I had stepped back into time with Miri. The vibrant surroundings draw in the reader on a riverboat escapade that is marvelous. These two lovers leave a wonderful impression on the reader. Patti Shenberger details an extraordinary tale that is richly extravagant and loaded in sweet passion for Miri and Matt. She pens a story that makes this reader wish she could hop aboard the River Maiden every day and take a romantic cruise with charming Matt.

Reviewed by: Linda L. Fallen Angels Review Five Angel Review

Anonymous said...

The Captain's Wench is my current release from Devine Destinies, an imprint of eXtasy Books. I was so excited to learn I had sold this book in less than 24 hours! A real record turnaround for me. You can also check out my book trailer for this at www.pattishenberger.com

My web mistress Dana Ozak did a fabulous job creating it.
And now for the review.....

Though this story was novella in length, the author brings about a moving, emotional tale with fully drawn characters. Writing shorter lengths can be tricky but Ms. Shenberger has mastered it wonderfully. As I read this book, I kept thinking it reminded me of the old black and white movie from the ‘40’s, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. And as I checked the author’s website, she too had this in mind. If you enjoy paranormal stories and a sexy, ghostly hero, you really should give this one a try.

Reviewed by Orange Blossom at Long and Short Reviews

Anonymous said...

If you prefer a contemporary romance, then check out Take No Prisoners. This was great fun to write as I love a man in uniform (who doesn't) Take No Prisoners is avaiable from The Wild Rose Press.

Ms. Shenberger takes us on an wildly fun and emotional ride in this contemporary, heartfelt romance.

Soap actress Francesca "Frankie" Canfield flippantly lands herself in some hot water while trying to drum up some ratings. The 'love of her life' is none to pleased with her antics, especially since he isn't!

Frankie is used to being top of the grapevine, where hounding press and calls for interviews are just tokens of success. It's a very different story for her victim, and a more personal level of attention she gains from the small home-town crowd that is so interested in this affair, however. The plot twists until the jokes on her; because it was gossip that kicked off her own career, and had one or two other effects, as well.

From sitting down for a chat with Regis to dating Geraldo, a starlet's life is never dull.

Life in the fast lane (and in the slow lane next it, too) was never so fun.

Ruth C. said...

Mega kudos on being a cancer survivor.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I knit and crochet hats for babies in neo-natal units and hats for chemo patients that lose their hair. I have given three of the chemo hats away (wish there was no need to give ANY of them away.)

All the books mentioned in your interview sound so good.!!!

Tin Roof Pie sounds delish.!!

I will have to try it - have all the ingredients except the pie shell - I do have a graham cracker pie shell, so might try it using that.!!

DH and I love the old black and white movies - of course, since we are 50+ I guess that is no surprise.!!

HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT DAY.!!!!

Anonymous said...

If you're a sucker for a man in a kilt, wait make that ghost in a kilt, then The laird's Lady is just the ticket. This is my upcoming release from The Wild Rose Press. I should be hearing about a release date sometime next week I believe. Laird's was a hoot to write, and Laird Kyle MacLay a man worth drolling over anyday!

The Laird's Lady by Patti Shenberger
The Laird's Lady
Faery Rosebud
Patti Shenberger

Much to her surprise, Devin Noone inherits a Scottish Castle and with it the title of Lady. Devin conjures up images of knights on white chargers, fair-haired damsels in distress and, fire-breathing dragons. She’s never imagined what she’d get in addition to the Castle—a seaweed covered canine and a two hundred year old specter, Lord Kyle MacLay.
Devin always believed that her cousin’s tales of Castle Loch Haven’s haunted past had been just that—tales. Yet, here the Laird was in the flesh, so to speak.
At Kyle’s request, Devin agrees to help him solve the mystery that’s kept him trapped, unable to pass on to the next life. Having heard the story of the kidnapping of MacLay’s fiancĂ©e, Lady Elsbeth Morehead, and of his own alleged suicide. As time goes by, she falls helplessly under his sensual spell, and knows she will do anything he asks.

Anonymous said...

Ruth, thanks for the kind words. I am thrilled to be able to say I am a cancer survivor and preach for women and men alike to make sure you get your colonoscopy. It's never too early! I am living proof of that.

I think knitting/crocheting hats for the babies and the patients is a wonderful idea. Thank you for doing that.

You know I thought about using a graham crust, but used the chocolate one instead. Bet it's good either way. You'll have to let us know (G)
Patti

Anonymous said...

Whoops, hit the button too fast. I'm not anonymous, it really is me Patti!

LuAnn said...

Great interview! It's nice to see your first reviews are coming in positive. It amazes me that you can work on three books at a time. I would think they could get mixed up in your mind writing that way. How do you keep them straight?!

Anonymous said...

How really inspired I get while reading your reviews and hearing about your books, Patti! They all sound so good. I've several close people that have got the cancer lately, and it's so good to know that there can be a happy ending to the story, as for you. I'm so happy for you! I look forward to your excerpts and to learn more.

Zulmara said...

Wow...what a wonderful interview...very iinspiring...I love that you started writing romance as a young child...so did I...and I remember writing a romance story when I had to wrtie about a trip to France for my French class...lol...

ADELANTE!!!
Zulmara

Anonymous said...

Luann, I've never had a problem keeping the books straight as they are so very different from one another. I think the worst part is when I get an idea while working on one, for a different one. Then I have to quickly jot it down, then pick right up where I left off with the current work in progress.

Patti

Anonymous said...

Thanks Tessa. Last year was a real battle and I must admit there are way too many days and months that I really don't remember anything about. Even the simplest of things became monumentous! But I give a ton of credit to my doctors, nurses and my family for helping me through it. And now it's just a bad memory.

The important thing is to remember to cherish every day, say I love you as often as you can to those around you, and above all be thankful for each new day you are given.
Last year my hubby surprised me with a cruise to Alaska when it was all over. I signed up for a helicopter ride to the glaciers and he freaked out. He said he couldn't get in the helicopter, (he's afraid of heights) I would have to do it by myself. What if it crashed? I looked him in the eye and said "If it crashes, it crashes, what's the worst thing that can happen to me after cancer and chemo?" That shut him right up. And I had a fabulous time freezing my butt off on the glacier and in the helicopter! (G)
Patti

Anonymous said...

Zulmara, thanks for your note. Did you finish the story you wrote back when? And did it get published? If not, what are you waiting for? There's are tons of tale waiting to be told, and we are the storytellers!

Patti

Anonymous said...

Zulmara, thanks for your note. Did you finish the story you wrote back when? And did it get published? If not, what are you waiting for? There's are tons of tale waiting to be told, and we are the storytellers!

Patti

Anonymous said...

Just realized thanks to Penny, that I didn't post my website on here. Silly me - remembered everything but that information. You can check out all my books, blurbs, excerpts, reviews and other things at

www.pattishenberger.com

Patti

Anna Kathryn Lanier said...

Patti, thanks for guest blogging for me today! With family in from out of town (and three grandchildren 3 and under) it's a bit hectic at my place right now.

The Tin Roof Ice Cream Pie sounds yummy. Thanks for sharing!

Anna Kathryn

Anonymous said...

Great interview, Patti!!

Cheryl Ann Smith said...

Hi Patti. Yummy recipe. I was wondering how you promote, or do you promote your books when you go to a national RWA conference? Do you put your information on your business cards? Do you have bookmarks made up? Also as a small press publisher, what kind of promo do you find must helpful?

Anonymous said...

Hey Cheryl, great questions. Hope I have great answers.(G) I do promote my books at RWA National, probably more so than I do at home. I have business cards made up with only my contact info on them, and I have postcards made up for my various books. Right now I have a really cute postcard from Thomas Kincaide with a cottage on one side and on the other I have the blurb from The Captain's Wench, where to buy the book and how to contact me. I will pass these out at National.

As for bookmarks, I made up a template putting three of my books on the front side w/small covers and blurbs, info on how to contacnt me and the publisher site. There ended up being 3 on a page (heavier card stock) and I printed them at home, then took them up to the corner print shop and asked the guy to cut them for me. Since I am with a smaller press, it's up to me to do the majority of promotion. The presses have reviewers that they submit to, but again if I want to succeed it falls to me to be the biggest push behind each book.

Are you published? Do you have a book to promote right now?
Patti
www.pattishenberger.com

Anonymous said...

Anna, it sounds like you are having a blast at your house as well. No grandkids yet on this end, neither my son or daughter is married. She is close, but no cigar yet. He is in the military, so I hope he waits till he gets out before settling down. We heard he is going to deploy next summer of 09. Right now he is in Louisianna, enjoying the heat!
Patti

Anonymous said...

Hey all, share with us what you are currently reading. I would love to have some new recommendations to add to my to-be-read pile, as if it isn't big enough already. I have Return To Summerhouse and The Last Lecture ready to crack the covers on.

I love anything by Jude Deveraux, so am really looking forward to it. Had a previous critique partner say my newest work in progress reminds her of Jude Deveraux and that is a HUGE compliment to me. Hope the publishers think so as well (G)

Patti

Anonymous said...

A Miracle Through Time excerpt
Wild Rose Press
Historical time travel to the era of the paddwheels - 1860's
PROLOGUE

Greenville, Mississippi—Present Day

“Come back, my miracle.”
Miri Johnson awoke with a start. Clutching the rumpled bed sheets tightly in her fists, she drew in gasps of air and willed her pounding heart back to normal.
Another dream. Yet so real, she could almost taste it, smell it, and feel it. If she dared close her eyes, he would be back again, hovering dangerously, seductively, at the edge of her consciousness; the rich, masculine sound of his voice intruding on her peace of mind. It had been the same every night for the past three days, ever since her father had...
The alarm clock beeped annoyingly on the bedside table, its less than melodic tone dragging Miri into complete wakefulness and away from the mysterious stranger in her dreams.
She pushed the sparse covers aside and stumbled toward the bathroom, eager to escape the confines of the small motel room, eager to find some answers to her multitude of questions.
Why and how had her father died? Why had he felt the need to remain on board a sinking ship?
“Damn the River Maiden!” Miri cursed at her reflection, as if expecting disagreement from the mirrored image. “And damn you, Joseph Johnson, for being more concerned with an antiquated boat than you were with your family.”
The River Maiden might have been an exquisite paddle wheeler in its day, Miri conceded. Yet, in the end, it had become nothing more than her father’s obsession, and ultimately, his death trap.
****
Miri shifted the neon green tote bag higher on her shoulder. The added weight of the strongbox containing her father’s few possessions made the short walk to the end of the pier more difficult than it should have been. Behind her, the sun beat down mercilessly, its searing rays reflecting off the water and heating the dock’s wooden planks, until Miri could feel their warmth through the soles of her canvas shoes.
Less than a dozen feet separated her from the ghostly remains of the devil her father had chased for the majority of his life. The only visible signs of the River Maiden’s existence were the tarnished hull and splintered railings that shone as she listed on her side in an unforgiving river.
Miri stopped at the end of the dock and surveyed her surroundings. The waters of the Mississippi River were a sickening muddy brown, their banks strewn with broken bottles and empty fast-food containers. Graffiti covered the retaining walls, scribbled in vibrant shades of red, black and orange, a painter’s palate of obscenities intensified by the bright sunlight.
Miri lowered her head, intent on one last moment of reflection, one last farewell. She rummaged inside her pocket for the envelope of flower petals she planned to scatter across her father’s watery grave, encountering instead the cool surface of her father’s silver dollar. A treasure from the early 1860s and Joseph Johnson’s second most prized possession; the coin had been found at the water’s edge by the coast guard recovery team and given to Miri when she arrived to settle her father’s affairs.
She clutched the large coin tightly in her hand. “Why daddy? Why didn’t you get off the boat while you still could?” Blinking back useless tears, she said softly, “I wish I knew where you were.” Tucking the coin in her pocket, she added, “I wish I had one more chance to tell you how much I love you.”
“Come back, my miracle.”
The voice…the one from her dreams…echoed around her, through her. Miri spun quickly, bracing herself for a face to face encounter. The weight of the tote bag threw her off balance. She did her best to compensate, stretching her arms out at her sides for balance and dropping her purse in the process.
Too late she realized how close she’d wandered to the edge of the dock. With barely enough time to draw a breath, Miri fell backward into the water, the rock-like weight of the strongbox dragging her deeper, the murky water of the Mississippi River swallowing her whole.

Anonymous said...

The Laird's Lady
Wild Rose Press
Paranormal
What's not to love about a man in a kilt! Available this month!

“Milady,” he spoke hoarsely, grabbing the end of the sofa for balance.
Devin lifted her head, made a fast swipe at her tear-filled eyes with the back of her hand, and stared at the man whose presence filled the room. His steely-eyed gaze rocked her to her toes. “I beg your pardon.”
His gaze never wavered as he fought to remain upright, his hand still clamped tightly on the sofa back. Easy man, he chided himself. Don’t falter now.
“You came.” He moved toward her.
Devin backed away from his advance. The delicate teacup she held hit the silver serving tray with a resounding crash. Pieces of floral patterned china rained down on the carpet in her haste to get away.
“Oh, no,” Devin cried out, scrambling for the linen napkin, hurrying to soak up the amber liquid before it ruined the plush wool rug.
“Lord Rollie won’t be pleased, lass. That set was in his family for over a hundred years,” Kyle remarked through gritted teeth, gesturing toward the soggy mess.
“Really, and how would you know what my cousin owned?” The American woman threw a wary glance in his direction as she dropped to her knees to blot at the spot.
He offered up a nonchalant shrug. “I knew all about the man.”
“Look Mr…whoever you are, I think it’s time you left. This is a private home and I’m not quite sure how you got in, but I’d appreciate it if you would leave now.” She motioned toward the door with her free hand.
“Kyle MacLay, previous owner of Castle Loch Haven,” he replied calmly.
“What did you say?” Devin turned toward him, her gaze caught on his face, not quite sure of what she had just heard. The carpet was now forgotten for the moment.
“Laird Kyle MacLay, at your service, lass.” He bowed low before her.
“Look, if this is some kind of sick joke, I am not impressed.”
“No joke, milady. I would never deign to make light of Lord Roland’s demise,” he said seriously, as far as Devin could.
“Laird MacLay?” she whispered, her heart thundering in her chest. Staring at the man before her, she noted he did bear a striking resemblance to the portrait in the gallery. “But it’s impossible. He’s been dead for centuries. Oh…I…you...”
Devin backed away from the man now standing very close before her. Way too close for comfort. She tried to retreat, yet there was no escape. The small of her back hit the hearth at the same time her boot heel caught the tip of Algee’s tail.
The big dog skidded across the stone floor in his haste to seek security beneath a damask covered table on the far side of the solar. His whines climbed in intensity by the second, the sound grating on Devin’s senses.
“Cowardly canine,” the man muttered, staring at the quivering dog, barely visible beneath the tablecloth.
“He’s not a coward. You scared him,” Devin corrected, then paused, remembering this man was still an intruder in her new home, regardless of the circumstances.
Reaching behind her for balance, Devin grabbed the fireplace poker and swung the instrument forward, brandishing it back and forth between her hands like a broadsword. “Hold it right there, mister. I’m not afraid to use this if I have to.”
“What’s the matter, lass? I’m positive I heard you say yesterday you weren’t afraid of me.” Lord MacLay smiled broadly.
So she thought she could defend herself against a ghost with only a fireplace tool. She had guts; he had to hand it to her.
She openly appraised the man whose presence filled the room. Devin had never been one to tuck her tail and run at the first sign of trouble. Then again, it wasn’t every day you were offered the opportunity to view a ghost up close and personal. Her stomach fluttered nervously, as she fought to remain calm. Pure undiluted power exuded from him, surrounding her like a hot summer breeze.
Tall and broad shouldered, his lean body concealed by a loose white tunic and very, very tight black pants. That she did notice instantly. His hair, a light brown flecked with gold, was tied into a short ponytail secured with a leather strip. His hands, she saw, were strong and calloused. There was a raw and untamed look about the man, pure sexual energy fighting to break free from the tight confines of his flesh.
He stared back at her, assessing her. His gaze seemed to penetrate her defenses, allowing him to seemingly access all her secrets in a glance.
Devin thought back to the portrait in the gallery. This man wore the same clothes, yet in the picture the man there held a set of bagpipes.
She held his steady gaze, barely able to believe this was really happening to her. When he moved a step closer, a slow steady stalk, she was certain was meant to intimidate her, Devin shivered under his heated look, yet refused to back down, raising the poker higher before her

Anonymous said...

The Captain's Wench excerpt
Devine Destinies www.devinedestinies.com
Paranormal

Just what he needed, another noisy tenant to deal with. The last one was bad enough. When were they going to leave him alone, in peace and quiet?
His strength waning, he walked slowly forward to face the woman on the floor in front of the hearth. Her eyes were closed in slumber, oblivious to his scrutiny. He watched as she tossed her head back and forth on the makeshift pillow, murmuring incoherently.
So, this chit thought she could make his home her own. The last tenant thought he could raise chickens in the living room. Pity the poor fool, he thought, recalling the ruckus that ensued when he had appeared before the man. He couldn't decide who had made a larger fuss, the astonished tenant or the frightened fowl, cackling loudly and leaving a trail of feathers in their wake.
Well, he hadn't walked the floors of Heron House for the past century for naught. He paused and stared down at her once more. She looked weary, almost to the point of exhaustion. Enough said, tomorrow would be soon enough to begin, he thought. Then again, maybe not.
The big beast by her side growled, and then whined. Alex held out a hand and the dog padded forward cautiously.
"Come here dog, I won’t hurt you.”
The dog moved slowly forward and sniffed the man’s outstretched palm. With a whine, he nuzzled against the man, eager for attention.
Alex smiled. So, the beast liked him. What more could occur? First that mousy Realtor came prowling around his home, then she brought this woman with her, and now the dog pressed tightly to his side. Alex struggled to maintain his footing as the animal leaned into him, sighing loudly.
“Go lie down, you overgrown canine.”
Alex turned back toward the hearth, eyes narrowed in concentration. The fire grew, the flames lighting up the dark corners of the living room. Higher and higher they climbed, filling the hearth with a vivid orange glow. Alex nodded in satisfaction, and then shook his head. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't seem to get the hang of this ghost nonsense. Burning down the house around them wouldn't solve anything. That wasn't the way he wanted to remove her from his premises. With a rueful sigh, he concentrated his efforts and let the fire return to normal, then glanced back at the woman. A long, lithe tanned limb slid out from under the sleeping bag and lay draped across the covers.
A deep sigh escaped her lips as he heard her mumble, "A wench, the sea, a strong, handsome pirate, mmm..."
So, she dreamt of pirates and wenches. Heat suffused his loins as he found himself unable to look away. The last time he had pleasured a woman and been pleasured in return was...? He couldn't remember. Had it been that long ago?
Alex trailed his hand across her skin, up to her thighs to the valley between, letting his fingers linger on her bare flesh. She moaned and stretched, her eyes still closed. The simple movement tugged the covers lower exposing creamy white skin. It would be so easy to let his fingers dip beneath the scrap of lace and caress her intimately. He closed his eyes and let the feelings wash over him. He wanted more, he wanted to peel back the blanket, remove her clothing and bury himself deep within her flesh. Taking release from her, pleasuring her. With a frown, he shook his head. Now, wasn't the time to lose sight of his objective. Pleasures of the flesh were beyond his realm, out of his control. But apparently not out of his thoughts. Or hers. Alex smiled; this could prove to be the most fun he had in years. A deep chuckle filled his throat. So, she wanted to be pirate's wench, did she?
The curtains wafted with a gentle breeze, the fire flickered and died, then rose to a steady glow. The room empty, except for the lone woman asleep on the floor and the big brown dog, alert in the darkness.

Anonymous said...

Fabulous excerpt, Patti!

Jane said...

Hi Patti,
I was a big fan of Jude Devereaux, too. "The Princess" and "Sweet Liar" are my favorites. What other genres do you enjoy reading.

Estella said...

Enjoyed the interview, Patti!

windycindy said...

Happy Saturday! Your pie recipe sounds delightful! Have to try it. I found your post very interesting. I used to love "Starsky and Hutch!"
"Huggie Bear" was fun, also. I like that your take the time to do historical research. I wish you the best of health and stay strong. Thanks for sharing your life and writing.....Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Hey Jane, I love reading romance, of course,but also find myself straying into non-fiction. If a title catches my eye, I'll read almost anything. Right now I am reading Return To Summerhouse. I started it earlier today and it is definitely different from any of her other books. But I am enjoying it.

Anonymous said...

Food Time
Okay, time for me to share another recipe with you all. I'm getting hungry so I figured I'd make you all hungry too!

Dump Cake
1 yellow cake mix
1 stick butter
1 can cherry pie filling

Using a 8 inch square pan, spray with no stick. Pour cake mix in pan, cut butter in to pieces and plop on top of dry cake mix. Pour can of cherry pie filling on top of that. Then bake in a preheated oven at 350 for 35-40 minutes. And enjoy!!!

Literally a dump and eat kind of cake! You can do the same with strawberry pie filing or blueberry or even apple. This is one of my mother's favorite easy recipes.

Patti

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the comments Cindi! Love your name on there windycindy! Sometimes I think we can get so distracted with the fun of research that we never end up writing the book. Since that first looonnnggg novel, I have kept to shorter lengths. But you never know, I may go back and write longer titles again. I do have one brewing right now that's only up to 21 pages so far. (G)
Patti

Kimberly B. said...

That was a great interview! I love to read authors' stories about how they first got published. And thanks also for sharing that recipe; I'm a lazy cook, but even I could do that one without too much stress!
As to what we are reading, I am rereading Jane Alison's The Love Artist, about the poet Ovid, and Pamela Palmer's Dark Deceiver, which is a paranormal romance.

Michelle said...

Hey, thanks for the chat today...That Tin Roof Pie sounds yummy, I could definitely go for some NOW.

Anonymous said...

Michelle, the pie is awesome. Wish I had some left after yesterday. But I'm making do with graham crackers with peanut butter and butter. Another of my many downfalls. Thanks so much for everyone taking the time to stop by. I hope you all had fun. I know I did. I'll pop back in in the morning to see if I missed anyone!

And a special thanks to Anna for allowing me to be part of her party! Anna, you're the best!

Patti

Dena said...

Hi Patti, I enjoyed your interview, I always like learning about Authors. Your Pie is so easy and it sounds yummy. Your book the Lairds Lady sounds like a book that I would love too. Congrats on the wonderful review for The Captains Wench. Take care yourself.

Drea said...

I am getting back here so late! Looks like it has been a fun day. Great interview and a big YUM on the recipe. Ice cream, chocolate and kilts...best way to spend a day!

Anonymous said...

Hi Patti - Great interview and I love your excerpts! Good luck pitching the new books at Nationals.

-Nicole

blessedheart said...

Great interview, Patti! I'll definitely be checking out your books!

Rhonda :-)

Anna Kathryn Lanier said...

Thanks for being my guest blogger, Patti. It was really nice not having to post day, since I wasn't feeling well (head cold).

The winner of today's drawing is Dena. Congrats.

~Anna Kathryn

peggy said...

jITS MAKES ME FEEL SO GOOD WHEN I HEAR OF A CANCER SURVIVOR.
I'M A BIG FAN OF HISTORICAL BOOKS.THE LAIRDS LADY SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT BOOK.

Anonymous said...

Thanks everyone for the kind words. I hope you all love my books and please feel free to drop by my website anytime to learn more about what I'm up to and what new releases I have. And of course enjoy the recipes!

Take care, Patti
www.pattishenberger.com

KyAnn said...

great guest blogging Patti! Congratulations on your success.

KyAnn