My First Passion

Since the age of six years old, I’ve been in love with the sport of artistic gymnastics. According to legend, a family member, who was a physical education teacher at the time, thought my tiny, strong little body would be perfectly suited to the sport. To prove his point, he flipped me around, and promptly dropped me on my head. That moment triggered my lifelong love/hate affair with the sport.

Now why do I say love/hate? Well, like a lot of passions in life, there are times when you absolutely love what you’re doing and other times when you wish you could kick it to the curb. As a competitive gymnast, I loved learning all the new tricks. But the blood, sweat and tears (yes, that’s literal) that it takes to get your routines together, to polish them until they shine – takes hours of concentration, focus, and determination.

 I spent my teenage years in chalky, sweat smelling gym. Sure there were cleaners who made sure everything was sanitized from week to week, but whenever I stepped into a gym, especially my training gym – it was the smell of home. And home is never complete without your family. I will never forget my comrades in arms who I spent 5-6 days a week with in our home away from home. We girls celebrated a lot together – accomplishments, birthdays, defeats, victories. We traveled together as a team both for our club and for our province. We saw the rise and fall of gym clubs, and endured coaching changes. A couple of girls I knew even made it as far as the Olympics. There was the occasional cat fight, but in the end we always made up because we had each other, and sometimes when you’ve fallen and face planted on the mat, it takes another gym sister to help you pick yourself up again.

Over the years, and through the power of Facebook, I’ve kept in touch with some of my friends. I will admit that I especially went my own way after a time. I coached various levels of gymnasts for 25 years and ran a gym club at one time. My studies at University centered around Human Movement (Kinesiology). I even ended up teaching at University level for a short few years. But life has a way of showing you that you have other passions inside of you, and so I turned a lot of my focus to writing.

These days my family consists of my children and all that they do. While raising them, I have had the opportunity to publish two collections of poetry, and I now have six books published by three different publishers. As you can imagine, my writing family has grown exponentially in the past two years, and like my gym sisters, my writing sisters & brothers are there to celebrate in my accomplishments, rejections, and life happenings. It’s always wonderful to have such a large support system, and I’m grateful every day for those who have graced my life.

Most of my writing to date is erotic romance of varying heat levels, but I now have one sweet, short romance due out with Secret Cravings Publishing. Secret Cravings Publishing took a chance on my Love and Balance series which centers around my first passion – gymnastics. These books focus on the lives of gymnastics coaches as they struggle to find love and balance in their personal and professional lives. Books 1 & 2 are out now and Book 3 (Tumbling Hearts) has been contracted with a fall release date. Here’s a little about them:

Book1, Rebound:

Claire LeMay is at the top of her game – she’s head of a prominent gymnastics facility with her gymnasts winning awards for her outstanding choreography. Now her biggest challenge is to coach alongside the man she’s avoided for three years after he demanded she live in his shadow instead of forging her own path.

After sinking every penny of his inheritance into his state-of-the-art gymnastics facility, Justin Black has achieved his dream. But even with hundreds of members and well-trained coaches, when Claire’s presence invades his space, he reluctantly admits she’s the one thing missing in his life. Oblivious as to why she walked out on him three years ago, he attempts to call a truce.

As their old passion tumbles out faster than a gymnast sprinting down the vault runway, they realize they are in the same impossible position as they were three years ago. Are they destined to repeat the same old routine or will they be able to choreograph a new one?

Book 2, The Perfect Score: Shelley Longstaff finally has her chance to be in charge only to rue the day when she is asked to train the dreaded Anna Fortier, a gymnast who has no sense of sportsmanship and makes everyone in her vicinity miserable. When Shelley refuses, she’s threatened with a lawsuit by her father. To make things worse, Shelley has an inexplicable attraction to the arrogant rich lawyer!

Since his wife’s death five years ago, Jacques (Jack) Fortier does whatever it takes to protect what is his. Shelley’s club is his last resort to keep his daughter in the sport, but threatening to sue her isn’t exactly his smartest move. When she grudgingly agrees to give Anna a chance, he finds himself attracted to the spritely gymnastics coach – the first woman he’s had any feelings for since his wife passed away.

As Shelley and Jack leap over the line in their parent-coach relationship, Shelley worries over falling in love with a man who admittedly still loves his late wife. But when a crisis of teenage proportions threatens their relationship, will they risk everything for the chance to achieve The Perfect Score?

Here’s what one reader review had to say about Rebound:

“Ms. Kamryn really delivers a sensual and emotionally moving story in Rebound. Her writing style flows like poetry and creates stunning mental images. With her own background in sports, there is a sense of realism present in her story that makes the plot more believable. Her heroine is a down-to-earth woman with hopes, dreams, and challenges. And the hero in the story is someone I’d like to meet, masculine and sexy, but with a heart.”

Another reader reviewer had this to say:

“I’ve read a few of Ms. Kamryn’s books, but this one by far was my favorite. I liked that the romance was realistic, and the conflict believable. There was a constant chemistry between her characters, and the sex was smoking hot.”

These books aren’t by far my more erotic work, but there is a high level of sensuality in these books. (If that kind of book isn’t for you, please check out my website to read excerpts. I have heat and content warnings on my site. I apologize that not all third party sites rate the heat content as was pointed out by one reader.) If you love a good story with steamy love scenes, then please check out my books.

To conclude, should you find yourself embarking on a passionate adventure, I hope you find a great “family” to share it with you and support when you need. I am the person I am today because of the people I’ve had the pleasure to meet. And if any of you are in the Atlanta, Georgia area October 6th, please be sure to drop by the Hilton Northeast, Norcross where the Moonlight and Magnolias conference will be hosting a Book Fair and Signing for Literacy Event. I will be there to sign my books and would love to meet readers!

Today one lucky person who leaves a comment will receive a copy of one of Kellie’s books.

About Kellie Kamryn

A full-time mom, Kellie Kamryn spends most of her days as an occasional chauffeur, part-time cook, half-time maid, arm-chair psychologist, and full-time Captain of her crew. In her spare time, she uses her imagination to write stories and poetry that sweep herself and readers into other worlds – everything from sweet to hot, steamy prose that will melt your heart (or your undies)! Her vivid story-telling and quirky sense of humor have gained her numerous 5-star reader and reviewer reviews. Truly multi-talented, when she has absolute quiet, she does voice work for one of her publishers by recording audio books.

PRO member of the Romance Writers of America, Kellie is a regular contributing blogger for the Ass Cheek Angels, and the Naughty Romance Writers. She is also a motivational speaker who will be presenting her workshop 10 Ways to Stay Positively Motivated In Writing and In Life at the Moonlight and Magnolias Conference in Georgia later this year. If you have questions for her, would like to order signed copies of any of her titles in print, or book her for a speaking engagement, please fill out the comment form on the website and she will be happy to get back to you as soon as possible.

Connect with Kellie Kamryn

Website:  www.kelliekamryn.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KellieKamryn,
twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/KellieKamryn
blog: www.kelliekamryn.blogspot.com

Don’t be shy! Say hello! And thanks to the wonderful ladies of Petit Fours and Hot Tamales for having me as a guest on their blog!

Signed copies of my paperbacks may be ordered through my site.

I Share My Office

Yes, that’s right.  I share my office.  Not with another writer, but with two dogs who think they own the place.  When I started writing, I began in our bedroom in a small corner.  The clicking noise kept my husband awake, so I moved to a small room off my baby’s bedroom.  Same problem.  Next stop? A corner in the kitchen where I put my massively large computer, but the space was MINE.  Over the years, if we moved houses, I carved out other areas that were mine alone.  I added a nik-nak or item that made the space seem personal and important to me.  And I kept at it.

These days, I have a full bedroom that is right off the master.  I have a desk that’s always messy and a recliner where I do my writing during the day.  In the evenings, I move to the bedroom and keep the laptop with me in the bed if I’m working.  I’ve long since given up a large computer in favor of a Macbook Air and it travels with me everywhere.

As for the dogs? One lays behind the recliner chair, the other lays on the floor in front of it.  Occasionally they chase each other around the office, or wrestle there.  The other day, the wheaten (the wheat colored one <g>) and the biggest one, jumped straight into my lap on top of the computer.  They know no boundaries and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Here are a few pics for your enjoyment.  I love my space and it helps me create.  But the lessonhere is you don’t need a room, you just need a corner to call your own.

Carly Phillip’s Bio

N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips has written over 30 romance novels with contemporary characters and small town settings that today’s readers identify with and enjoy.  She’s a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom to two daughters (16 and20!) and two crazy dogs (a 1 year old Havanese named Brady and a 4 year old wheaten terrier named Bailey).  In addition, she’s a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers.   Carly lives in Purchase, New York and would love for you to like and follow her on the ‘Net!

Find Carly on the web:

Carly’s Website – www.carlyphillips.com

Carly on Twitter – www.twitter.com/carlyphillips

Carly on Facebook – www.facebook.com/carlyphillipsfanpage

Carly on Pinterest – www.pinterest.com/carlyphillips

Game Change

Dating has changed, and I don’t know the rules to the game. What I do understand disturbs me. Actually, maybe it is just that I’m too old-fashioned to truly accept the dynamics of modern relationships.

Let’s talk about the flirt process on a well-known dating site. They offer the ability to send a Wink or an email to the person you are interested in learning more about. A wink is just a flirty icon thing that allows you to enter some text if you want and then send it to the person of interest. Think of it as a shy person’s method of initiating contact. Email is email. Just about all of us use it. We can pretty much agree that these tools are good ideas. When used as intended, I’m sure they work great. Here are real scenarios I don’t know what to do with:

• An interesting guy sends me a wink. I respond with a wink. Never hear anything else from the guy. Do I pursue this further?
• An interesting guy sends me a wink. I respond with a short, friendly email. Never hear anything else from him. What just happened?
• I send a wink to a guy. He winks back. No more contact. Do I pursue him?
• I send an email and he winks back. Now what?

Let’s say we get past the initial contact and exchange phone numbers:

• We had some great conversations before we meet in person. We agree on a Wednesday night to meet at a specific location on Saturday at a certain time. Great. Right? Except he calls Thursday night for the pre-meet confession. He tells you his picture is a decade old. What do you say to that? I am not happy about being lied to by using a picture that apparently is not a good representation of who you are now. Well, I rolled with it. Fine. We’ll meet. Why do people do this? Keep in mind I spent time and energy getting a picture posted that was taken just days before my profile went public. Why can’t he do the same?
• Same guy we just talked about. Now it is Saturday—date night. I picked the restaurant. He was supposed to plan the rest of the date. I get there a few minutes early and sit at the bar. No sign of a single guy on the lookout for a blind date. An HOUR later, I’m not seeing anyone who might be my date. Remember, his picture isn’t him as he is today. I don’t know who I’m looking for in this busy establishment. I text him that I’m at the bar. His text — “What bar?” We exchange more text messages. He apparently forgot the time and went out to cut the yard. What? He forgets a first date? Yeah. Nothing like making a woman feel special. What happened here?
• Same guy, same night. I’m sitting at the bar for about an hour next to a crazy guy, who swears there are five CIA operatives sitting around us. I text my date and ask him to rescue me. When a man comes up behind me and touches my arm, I come face to face with my date. Since his profile said he is several inches taller than me and I’m wearing low heels, I shouldn’t be taller than him. I am. To make matters worse, his martial arts pictures that are decades old are not remotely accurate. By the way, his shoes are hiking boots with a nice bit of heel. I’m still taller. Please know that I am not a superficial person. However, based on the way we met, shouldn’t he tell the truth about the basics? At first sight, I have pegged him as lying to me. What else has he said that’s not true? Further, what hasn’t he said that will become an issue later?
• Post dinner with same guy, same night. No date plans, but there is no clear end of the date. So we take a walk. It’s awkward and doesn’t last long. Why didn’t he bother to plan the date? Heck, why did he bother to make the date in the first place?

Let’s just hit the highlights of a few more issues on other dates:

• A man who has more estrogen than me. Trust me when I say I have enough for both of us. We both need some testosterone in this mix. Yikes!
• The guy is a natural-born nurturer. Great. I am, too. He spends the entire time we are waiting for a table at the restaurant taking care of all the other customers and wait staff. I’ve never seen anything like this in any man or woman I have crossed paths with in my life.
• I tell a guy that I do not like to text much. He keeps sending me messages. Yes, I respond to be polite. It goes on to the point it makes me crazy. I mention this text issue in a conversation. I’m still ignored. Why?
• Over dinner a guy who obviously makes a modest salary begins to tell me what he plans to do for his child. This includes private schools, etc., etc. The conversation turns to travel, and a college education for him. So am I supposed to foot the bill? I’m NOT a sugar mamma.
• Then there’s a guy who can’t hold a job. I repeat, I’m NOT a sugar mamma.
• How about the guy who wants to meet? He’s married. What? NO WAY!
• Oh, here’s the other guy. He’s separated from his wife and shopping around. NO WAY!
• An interesting guy wants to know if I like kids. Of course I do. Great. He’s a single father who has full custody of his five boys all under the age of ten. I’m not sure how to take this. Is he looking for a maid, babysitter, mother figure, or a romantic interest? Oh, he says our dates would have to include the kids. Ummmmm…. He wants to introduce me to his young, impressionable children on the first meet? No way. Count me out. I have very strong feelings about dating and small children. They need to be protected from the early part of the dating process, which could involve some crazies or women he isn’t interested in seeing again.
• Then there is the guy who is not seeking any type of long-term commitment. He is looking for a gal without drama or disease for a rendezvous or two. Mornings and early afternoons are preferred. Enough said. Moving on.

I have started to notice something disturbing. The dynamic in relationships is shifting. Have any of you noticed this? We are experiencing a role reversal, which goes against biology. Read John Gray’s book Mars and Venus on a Date. He explains the old-fashioned process and the reasons behind why a guy plans the first date, picks the girl up, holds the door and brings her home safely. Seriously. There is a purpose for every bit of the dating process.

Whatever happened to the old-fashioned dating process? Boy meets girl. They chat and flirt. Boy asks girl out…

Let’s get one thing straight. If there is going to be a committed relationship, I’m the woman. That’s my job. I had dibs. I was born into this role, and I refuse to relinquish the position.

Readers, why are all these weird things happening? How do you play the modern dating game? Please help me understand.

A Southern Storyteller

I remember being the smallest kid in our group. I was the oldest, but the others outgrew me.  I exerted my control and influence with my stories. When we played school, I was the teacher. When we played outside I took charge. I made up the situations for “Play like” or “Pretend”.  Visualize barefoot kids sitting on the concrete front steps of a small house. Our house was one of a group built for families of soldiers at Fort Gordon, in Augusta, Georgia.

Summer meant no shoes and playing outside until dark most days. Daddy had built a playhouse from huge wooden boxes intended to transport army tanks (at the end of WWII). He added shingles and a covered porch.  With it’s front and side windows it was like a palace to us.

Since that time so long ago I have told stories.  My daughter wanted stories after we had read all the fairytales several times, so I made new endings and told the story- after-the-story for the characters we loved.  I actually got my first rejections when I sent out 20 manuscripts to publishers without reading about the rules of submission.  Half of them came back unopened with a stamp, unrequested submissions.  

Today I write my stories and still believe in Santa Clause, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy!  I write southern.

I published Haunting Refrain & Forever Love after more than 20 years as a fulltime writer.  Before that I taught language arts for 15 years and helped my ex photograph weddings and sell wedding albums, fairytale love stories told in pictures.

Blurb

When Sarah Overby found ghosts in her attic she hesitated to tell her best friend, William McKeown. She didn’t think he’d understand. Telling him he lived a previous life as her husband would make him think she was crazy.

William has adored Sarah forever, he just doesn’t realize this isn’t the first time he loved her. His feelings for his best friend are changing, but he doesn’t believe in ghosts, reincarnation or lasting romantic relationships.

Excerpt from Haunting Refrain

William awoke slowly, as though he’d been drugged. The clock read 5:45. Remnants of his dream hung on the edges of his consciousness. Sarah in boy’s clothes. Sarah, but not Sarah. He punched his pillow and tried to go back to sleep for the hour and a half ‘til his alarm would go off. Sleep would not come. The dream and its meaning haunted him. The man in his dream had wanted the woman so badly he hurt.

Rolling out of bed he made his way to his back porch. At times like this he wished he smoked. He stayed for the sunrise.

How in God’s name do we act now?  How could he take the chance of ruining his friendship with Sarah by giving in to his libido? Seven years difference in their ages was too much for a romantic relationship. Besides, he’d never seen himself as a marrying man. His Sarah deserved a man who would give her a home and children, not just an affair. Some protector he was!

– End

So, do you like stories of reincarnation and ghosts? Please comment for a chance to win an e-copy of Haunting Refrain.

Purchase Mary Marvella’s book, Haunting Refrain, from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Smashwords.

Dear Readers, do not forget to check out Mary’s web site, and then see what she is up to on the Pink Fuzzy Slippers blog.  You can also connect with her on Facebook.

 Sweet and Simple

After several posts about bad dates, I promised to tell you about a good experience. This story is about a man named Tim, whose mamma raised him to be a true southern gentleman.

Around ten o’clock on a Saturday morning, I climbed over a pile of clothes designated for charity to get the phone. “Hello.”

“Hey, how’s my girl?” The warmth in Tim’s voice was like the sweet kiss of fresh lemonade on a hot summer’s day.

My heart fluttered. “This is a nice surprise. I thought you were out of town.”

“My trip was canceled, so I wanted to see if you’d spend the day with me.”

Readers, it was one of those moments when excitement was crushed by the amount work around me that couldn’t be put off one more weekend. There was no way I could go out and play. Once I explained what I was doing and said it would take me several hours to finish, Tim didn’t miss a beat. He immediately informed me that he would be happy to give me the time I needed to finish and get cleaned up. I needed to relax later. So, we were going on a picnic.

At first, I was a bit put off because I felt as if I was being ignored. Know what he said when I told him again what had to be done?

“I’m not standing in your way. My intent is to be there when you are finished, so I can take you out to relax. All you need to do is finish the job and be ready for me to pick you up around four this afternoon. I’m handling everything.”

“Really?” A man going out of his way to do something so sweet sounded awfully suspicious to me.

“Yes. Really,” he laughed. “You are going to relax later today because you are always working too hard. So be ready at four. Jeans and sneakers are appropriate.”

True to his word, Tim showed up with a wonderful picnic basket full of goodies. Fried chicken, potato salad, fruit, along with chocolate and Diet Coke. Not only that, he brought me the most beautiful bouquet of wildflowers. Sigh. It was the sweetest thing.

We were the only people in the small park, which seemed to make the afternoon that much more perfect. Until we realized why nobody was there. Tim and I gave it our best effort, but the bees eventually won. The car became our picnic area.

Being chased by those angry pests though gave us lots of laughs because of how ridiculous we looked trying to carve out a little bee-free space for ourselves. Since this was only our third or fourth date, we were still acting a bit too formal with each other. Who would have guessed that bees are great ice breakers?

Readers, while I’m writing this, I can’t help but feel I’m boring you to tears. There was no drama or suspense in this story. There were no life-altering moments. This little adventure was all about a man treating his lady like a princess. Perhaps one of the best takeaways from this post is the fact a man does not have to spend a fortune to impress a woman.

Please share one of your own great date stories with us today.

After having understood the grandeur of the 17th Century Mughal Empire in India and the riches that once filled the city of Agra, I returned to our hotel, the ITC Mughal Sheraton, distraught at history’s devastations of these monuments renowned by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. I remembered the words of our tour guide and the passion with which he encouraged us to imagine what must have once filled the palatial rooms at Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort.
“Yes, go ahead imagine!” My husband joined in. “Because I’ve already paid for it.”

Fatehpur Sikri (Victory City) was Emperor Akbar’s initial choice of residence; however, this palace of red sandstone was deserted almost 50 years later for Agra Fort because of a shortage of drinking water in the area. Agra Fort, situated on the east of Agra city was constructed in the shape of a semi-circle with walls running 70 ft. high. This red sandstone structure was also a victim to invasion by Afghan kings, local tribes and the British who used it as shelter from mutineers.

How can I imagine something that doesn’t exist? I struggled to make sense of our recent exploration.
How was I to imagine portraits of Mughal rulers that had once graced the walls of Khas Mahal (where the women of nobility were educated) at Agra Fort when an Indian Raja (king) snatched them during his reign much later?
How was I supposed to imagine liquid gold colors on the ceilings and walls of Diwan-I-Khas, at Agra Fort, when local tribes had dug out the pure liquid gold fillings years ago?

What about the main entry gate to the Taj Mahal that was originally made of pure silver and studded with 1,100 nails, each bearing a silver rupee coin on its head? According to history, the door was melted by local Indian tribes during their reign (much later) and replaced by the British with one in bronze.

My heart sank. Surely the local government could have preserved or at least maintained whatever little is left instead of allowing it to die, I reasoned? The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, continues to fall prey to decay and negligence. I recently read an online article that stated the monument’s foundation, made from teak wood, is beginning to wither away too.

I compared the Newport Mansions … like the Breakers, Marble Mansion and The Elms that we had seen three years ago during our visit to Rhode Island and marveled at the immaculate condition everything is still preserved in. The riches of America’s Gilded Era sparkle even today, from marble floors and walls to the upholstery, crystal chandeliers and golden sculptures gracing each and every room.

Why didn’t the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri receive similar protection? Why did people have to plunder the very prizes their predecessors took the trouble and expense to create? Didn’t anyone care?

“They probably did the best they could with what they had. And don’t forget,” Vivek, my husband, rationalized, “India’s history goes way beyond… well before the time America was first discovered. Besides, didn’t Columbus discover America thinking it was India?” He grinned.

He did, which is why Columbus called the natives in America, Red Indians.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. The scent of ‘Ambience Fresh’, the ITC Mughal Hotel’s signature air freshener, filled my lungs. When I opened my eyes the surrounding tapestries of art and décor from the Mughal era were standing before me, sprawled across ‘Akbar Durbar’ (the hotel’s lobby named in honor of Emperor Akbar); why hadn’t I noticed it before?

The ruby-red pomegranate theme—a fruit that made its way to India from Afghanistan through Akbar’s hands—is the hotel’s welcome drink and the liet motif for the hotel’s 99,000 sq. ft. Kaya Kalp Spa (the largest in India). Fountains and geometrically shaped water channels, that run cracked and dry at Fatehpur Sikri, flow here with an abundance of pearly-white water and rose petals.

The Tansen Suite, named after Akbar’s favorite musician, Mian Tansen, is filled with musical instruments and decorated in the Persian manner. The corridor just outside this suite looks down upon a raised recess in the middle of a pond, like the original, Anup Talao, at Agra Fort, from where Emperor Akbar would sit and watch Mian Tansen play.

“It’s like history’s right here.” My husband remarked.

With an exterior of red sandstone, red brick and an interior of marble, gold trimmings, details and décor from the Mughal era, the ITC Mughal Sheraton, winner of the Aga Khan Award for Architectural Excellence in Asia (1980), is renowned for “successfully achieving consistency with historical context.”… and resuscitating the Mughal era in its 35 acres vicinity.

Isn’t it so easy to blame others who fail to live up to their expectations, as I had just now? The ITC Mughal Sheraton didn’t just surrender and watch history crumble away; it studied the glories of the past and then recreated portions of the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatephur Sikri. Historical writers do it on the page, artists do it on canvas, builders do it in mortar and stone.

All it takes is one person and one creation to survive the test of time. The Taj Mahal does precisely that.

Please join us next Sunday to guess where we’re traveling next. To make it more fair, we’re changing the rules a little, anyone who guesses the correct location will be in the drawing for a $5 gift card.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE PFHT WRITE-OFF CONTEST, GO TO PREVIOUS POST OR GO HERE:http://tinyurl.com/7ekpqsa

We have a special treat. Kristina McMorris is spending the day with us and is talking about her novel, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves. This is a story about a young woman secretly elopes with her Japanese American boyfriend the night before Pearl Harbor is bombed, forever changing two families torn between sides.

Brief Story Description

Los Angeles, 1941. Violinist Maddie Kern’s life seemed destined to unfold with the predictable elegance of a Bach concerto. Then she fell in love with Lane Moritomo. Her brother’s best friend, Lane is the handsome, ambitious son of Japanese immigrants. Maddie was prepared for disapproval from their families, but when Pearl Harbor is bombed the day after she and Lane elope, the full force of their decision becomes apparent. In the eyes of a fearful nation, Lane is no longer just an outsider, but an enemy.

When her husband is interned at a war relocation camp, Maddie follows, sacrificing her Juilliard ambitions. Behind barbed wire, tension simmers and the line between patriot and traitor blurs. As Maddie strives for the hard-won acceptance of her new family, Lane risks everything to prove his allegiance to America, at tremendous cost.

Skillfully capturing one of the most controversial episodes in recent American history, Kristina McMorris draws readers into a novel filled with triumphs and heartbreaking loss–an authentic, moving testament to love, forgiveness, and the enduring music of the human spirit.

PFHT’s very own Sandra McGregor read Bridge of Scarlet Leaves and posted a review last Saturday. Please take a moment to find out what she had to say about this amazing story.

Q&A with Kristina

What inspired you to write your latest novel, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves?

Years ago, an old family friend shared with me that he had fought for America while his brother served for Japan. I was captivated by the idea. But it wasn’t until a decade later, when I’d found my calling as a writer, that I recalled his story and realized what an amazing premise it would make for a novel. Combined with my undying love for the U.S. miniseries “North and the South” (perhaps more for Patrick Swayze in uniform than anything else), I set out to write my book. But in the midst of research, I happened across an obscure mention of roughly two hundred non-Japanese spouses who had chosen to live in the U.S. internment camps voluntarily. I called my agent that very day and said, “This is it. I have my story!”

Check out the behind-the-book video for Bridge of Scarlet Leaves.

Could you describe some of the extensive research you did for this book?

When it comes to research, although I love having actually learned the information, highlighting details in textbooks sounds as appealing to me as a root canal. (In other words, not a fun time.) What I do enjoy is hands-on experience.

Needless to say, I was delighted when the Park Ranger at the Manzanar War Relocation Center, who suffered through my endless list of internment questions, invited me to attend their annual pilgrimage. (Come to think if it, maybe that was his way of finally shutting me up!) Similarly, when I contacted the Go For Broke Foundation, an organization devoted to educating people about Japanese American military service, they offered to arrange in-person interviews with seven WWII veterans who have since all received the Congressional Gold Medal. I’ve definitely been spoiled.

As for my Air Corps research, it’s hard to beat the thrill of flying on a restored B-17 bomber. For that one, I have my husband to thank. It was by far the best Mother’s Day gift I could imagine! 

What was your favorite part of writing Bridge of Scarlet Leaves? The least favorite part?

As the daughter of a Japanese immigrant father and Caucasian American mother, what I most enjoyed was sharing my personal perspective of living between these cultures, all while telling a story based on amazing parts of history that I believe few people know about.

My least favorite part of writing the book? The blank page. I’m one of those writers who loves to edit. Staring at a taunting, blinking cursor, not so much.

What are some books in your reading pile that you are excited to read?

The Baker’s Daughter by my dear friend Sarah McCoy, The Lost Wife by Alyson Richman, and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins—I might be the only person left on the planet who hasn’t read that one yet!

What project are you working on now?

I’m happy to report that I just turned in a novella, titled The Christmas Collector, which will be published this coming November by Kensington Books in a holiday anthology headlined by New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels. (Very exciting!) After that, I’ll be working on my next two women’s fiction novels under contract with my publisher and, hopefully, finding time to sleep on occasion. Oh, and feed my children. That’s always a good thing.

About Kristina

Kristina McMorris is a graduate of Pepperdine University and the recipient of nearly twenty national literary awards. A host of weekly TV shows since age nine, including an Emmy® Award-winning program, she penned her debut novel, Letters from Home (Kensington Books, Avon/HarperCollins UK), based on inspiration from her grandparents’ wartime courtship. This critically praised book was declared a must-read by Woman’s Day magazine and achieved additional acclaim as a Reader’s Digest Select Editions feature, a Doubleday/Literary Guild selection, and a 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist for Best Historical Fiction. Her second novel, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves (March 2012), has already received glowing reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews, among many others. Named one of Portland’s “40 Under 40″ by The Business Journal, Kristina lives with her husband and two sons in the Pacific Northwest, where she refuses to own an umbrella.

Join her on Facebook, Twitter and GoodReads.

Book Details

Kensington Books (U.S.), Avon/HarperCollins UK
Release date: February 28, 2012  (March 2012)
ISBN: 978-0-7582-4685-1
Original Trade Paperback, 420 pages

Special features: Discussion Guide and Asian-fusion recipes in the book.

Purchase a copy from Amazon, B&N, Powell’s, Indiebound or Books-a-Million.

Bridge of Scarlet Leaves

by Kristina McMorris

http://www.kristinamcmorris.com/

Reviewed by Sandra McGregor

I recently received a copy of Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris and was asked to read it and review it.  After reading the blurb on the back page, I wasn’t sure it was one I’d enjoy.  It’s not what I would have normally purchased to read for entertainment and relaxation.

The chapters are short—only two or three pages each, and by the time I’d reached the third chapter, I was hooked.  I was captivated by the tender story of young love, despite numerous challenges that rise to keep them apart.  Maddie is Caucasian and Lane is Japanese…at a time when mixed-race marriages were deeply frowned upon.

Bridge of Scarlet Leaves begins in late 1941, just before Japan bombs Pearl Harbor—a time when any person of Japanese descent, or even anyone who sympathized with them, was ridiculed and not trusted.  Despite it seeming as if the entire world is against them, Maddie and Lane find a way to be together. Each must make sacrifices, but even when they’re separated by forced internment and then when Lane joins the war effort as a translator, their love remains strong and their hope for a better future continues to burns bright.

Kristina McMorris did a beautiful job of weaving the Japanese culture into the story, bringing each individual to life on the pages and drawing you into the story until you hate to see it end.

I highly recommend Bridge of Scarlet Leaves.

5 Petit Fours and 2 Hot Tamales

Amazon   /   Barnes & Noble   /   Books A Million   /   Powell’s Books   /   Indie Bound

Be sure to stop back by on Thursday, March 8th to chat with Kristina McMorris as our featured Guest Chef.

Thank you to the gals of Petit Fours and Hot Tamales for having me here today. I’m thrilled you were able to work me in!

As I was reviewing the previous posts by Guest Chefs and seeing what topics seemed to be popular, I saw the most perfect title…I Swear, Honey, It’s Research by Eileen Dryer. I laughed and then stole her topic! Eileen and I don’t begin to do research alike and don’t come close to writing similar stories so I thought I’d expose you to what I consider research.

Any author worth her salt will tell you that if you want authenticity to your writing, you have to understand your subject. It’s even better if you can have some experience as part of your research. I know that as a student, I always went to class because I am a visual learner. I remember more when I see something than if I just read it.

I write contemporary cowboy romances. I have been following cowboys, ranchers and cowgirls on twitter, going rodeos, and watching the Professional Bull Riding (PBR) on television for the past three years all the while telling my husband that is was research for Texas Two Step. All the ogling of those tall, rangy cowboys in tight jeans was research…that’s all.

But as “they” say…A picture is worth a thousand words. Here’s what I learned…

Cowboys love to tip their hats…to the crowd or to that special lady.

 It may only take one cowboy to rope the cow, but…

When you’re milking a wild cow at a Ranch Rodeo, it can take the entire team to hold her

 Cowboys are tough enough to ride wild horses

And tough enough to wear pink for breast cancer awareness

A cowboy may be tough on the outside but on the inside a daughter can hold her cowboy daddy’s heart in the palm of her hand, no matter the size its size.

Cowboys look mighty fine coming

 and going.

And Yes! I had to have a new pair of boots.

It was for research. I swear!

So what are the craziest ways you’ve done research? And don’t you agree that going to lots of rodeos would be required for my line of work?

Today’s Blog Tour Prize

Many guest bloggers can offer a copy of a backlist book to be given away as a potential prize for a blog commenter. As a debut author, I don’t have a backlist. But I do have some awesome author friends who have stepped forward and offered one of their books as a prize.

Today’s  Blog Tour Author Sponsor is Indie Press author Edie Ramer. Edie will send Cattitude to one lucky person who leaves a comment. To find out more about today’s Blog Tour Sponsor, you can visit her Website, Twitter or Facebook.  

To learn more about me check out these links:

Website , Facebook. Twitter, Group Blog , and Personal Blog

And if those aren’t enough, Sign up for inside scoops and special contests by receiving the newsletter I share with my blog buddies.

Remember! Leave a comment for a chance to win Edie’s book!

Texas Two Step is available at Samhain, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble and other online outlets.

I will be forever in your debt if you would buy it!

 Don’t forget to ask for your freebies!

Most people think of country music when they hear the word Nashville. Here in Indiana, Nashville represents scenic panoramas, artisan crafts, and romantic getaways. Nashville was originally founded as an artist colony in hazy blue hills of Southern Indiana. The artistic spirit lives on in the unique shops showcasing everything from furniture to jewelry.

Getting married? Consider Nashville, with its plethora of wedding chapels, gazebos, and even Brown County State Park, it has become the go to place for weddings, especially outdoor ones. Tie the knot at Abbey Chapel, or outside at the park. Have your reception at Salt Creek Golf Resort or The Seasons Lodge. Honeymoon in a romantic hot tub suite or cabin. All details including flowers, food, license,can be arranged online, so the happy couple only needs to show. Check out the venues first because it gives you a perfect excuse to enjoy the relaxing ambiance that is Nashville.

Already married, or no real plans to get hitched, there is still plenty to do. Nashville is best known for its beautiful scenery and antique and specialty shops. The number and variety of shops rival Gatlinburg. You have everything from handcrafted furniture to hand dipped candles. Because the town is an artist and artisan colony attracting the best from across the area, merchandise is excellent. This is the place to purchase that next family heirloom.

Shopping isn’t your thing, there is always eating. Nashville is home to a number of eclectic restaurants including The Farmhouse Cafe, which is located deep in the winding hills. A sprinkling of signs urge you on to this unique restaurant located in the middle of a flower and herb nursery. Nothing is better than dining on the patio surrounding by blooming flowers and enjoying homemade soup and a sandwich. Don’t overlook their teas or desserts because they’re famous for these.

Looking for something a little more traditional and closer to town, try The Holy Cow, the best slab of beef you can sink your teeth into. This moderately priced restaurant operates as a traditional steakhouse in a barn-like structure that is stuffed full of cow memorabilia. Do you collect cows? If so, you’ll want to check out to collection. Service is fast and friendly. You might want to arrive early because this is a popular spot.

Brown County offers an opportunity to get in touch with nature with its many scenic vistas. Just perfect for observing with a picnic lunch you can pick up at a local restaurant or the Brown County IGA. If hiking is your thing, check out Brown County Park, which offers a series of hiking trails from easy to challenging. You can also take advantage of the lake. There is also a stable on the property that offers horseback riding. Many bike enthusiasts bring their own bikes, although rentals are available, to enjoy the tree lined paths of the park. Fall is the most popular time with its temperate weather and vast array of changing leaf colors.

Winding down after a hectic day, you might want a cocktail. Please note Brown County is a dry county so no alcohol is sold at restaurants or in the groceries. Keep in mind, Brown County hosts a number of wineries including Brown County Winery, which not only offers wine tasting, but the opportunity to buy entire bottles. Close by the winery, is Westward Ho Flea Market, which seems to go on forever. The best time for the flea market is on the weekend when more vendors are present.

All in all, Nashville, Indiana is more than an artist’s colony. Check it out and find out for yourself.