~Getting to know the~

~Petit Fours and Hot Tamales Crew~

June’s Spotlight is on Bryonna Nobles

Who are the ladies of the Petit Fours and Hot Tamales Blog? Why should you spend your precious time reading our daily posts?  Why do we want you to follow us and read our books, our personal blogs, our FB status updates and our Tweets? Let us tell you why…

Once Upon a time ~~

There was an awkward and shy little girl named Bryonna who only truly shined when she was making up stories and imaginary games where she, her brother, and cousins went to made up worlds and had great adventures.  While she never became a superhero who could control the wind or meet a fairy princess who sent her off on an epic journey, she has found that using the keys of her computer, she can still have those adventures.  It just took a lot of wrong turns to make her realize her destiny lies in her imagination not despite it.

How many “careers” have you had throughout your lifetime?

This question made me laugh.  The quest for my dream job sent me down a lot of different paths.  When I was really little I decided I wanted to be a writer and an actress.  But then my grandmother – having only the best of intentions – wanted me to have a more practical career.  So I set that aside and decided I’d be a baker.  Then I wanted to be an actress again.  Then I was a florist for a while, that was fun.  I worked in a Deli/Bakery, as a cashier.  I really enjoyed working for Starbucks as a barista.  But in the end, I kept coming back to writing.  I always had stories in my head.  I just needed to/need to sit down and actually get them out!  I will say this, my hodgepodge of ‘careers’ has made for some great research.

What is a typical writing day like for you – from the time you get up to the time you go to bed?

In a word:  Procrastination.  Lol On days I know I’ll be working, I tend not to write as much.  I hate being interrupted when I hit a good stride but I always try to write a little something.  On my days off, I’ll get up thinking:  “Man, I’m going to write all day!”  But first, I really need coffee.  Oh look, the kitchen really could use cleaning.  Well, if I’m cleaning the kitchen, I might as well clean the living room and dining room.  Laundry… oh shoot, I have errands I really must run.  On days when this happens, I know it’s a confidence thing.  I’m stuck on a scene or I just think I suck.  That’s when it’s great to have cheerleaders who are urging you to get back to your laptop and tell the next leg of the story.  I have Mary Beth Chickering for that.  She’s a fabulous cheerleader.  When I do get started and hit my stride, I can bring out a chapter or two a day.  I just keep telling myself “I can’t suck THAT badly or Mary Beth wouldn’t want the next chapter.” lol

What writer advice would you give someone just starting to dip their toe into the writing world?

Well, I actually have been approached by potential authors.  I tell them just write – something I tell myself too!!  I tell them join Romance Writers of America and – if they’re in Georgia – Georgia Romance Writers.  Why?  They always ask why, no one ever trusts.  Lol  Because being a writer is HARD.  Anyone who says otherwise is LYING.  It’s also very exposing.  These characters, these stories, they’re your babies and you want to send them out in the world and be loved, not be rejected.  So I always highly recommend joining organizations like Georgia Romance Writers because writers need support.  So many people think they have to go out there and do it on their own – I know I did – but you don’t.  Writers LOVE meeting other writers because we are also readers.  We want more great books to read.  Beyond the support – you get great workshops which helps you improve your skills and authors who have already been there and can help you through getting started, sending out your manuscripts, etc.  People who will answer your questions and remind you that while you’re the only one who can sit down and actually write your book, you don’t have to do it all by yourself.  And there’s a lot of comfort in that.

Why you should read my …

I have a number of blogs.  I really enjoy blogging and each one is special and unique.  Tasty Treats:  My Culinary Adventures is my Foodie Blog.  There you’ll find my adventure in trying new foods and recipes and telling you about them.  So far there haven’t been any bad experiences, which I’m glad.   This blog definitely helps me with my food descriptions!

I also have a new blog called Demons, Dreams & Dragon Wings.  This one follows me and two other yet to be published Paranormal Romance Writers.  It’s a weekly blog where we each take turns just sort of sharing interest and our lives.  On top of this, we review Fantasy and Paranormal Romance and starting in August, we’ll have an exciting project coming out.  We three are writing a FREE book together.  Each of us taking on a chapter and having too with whatever the ones before us have written.  It will be a Paranormal Romance story and has a pretty darn good plot if I do say so myself.   One chapter will be released a month on the blog, so I hope you’ll come by and see that.  See if we’re as talented as we hope. 

And, of course, I’m here at Petite Fours & Hot Tamales.  This is a very special blog to me because I didn’t start it.  That might sound odd but it’s because they approached me about it, invited me among the crew, that makes it special.  I know most everyone here from Georgia Romance Writers, and they are some of the finest group of women I’ve ever met and it’s a pleasure to be a part of this with them.

What is your most rewarding experience?

This one is a hard one to say.  My most rewarding experiences haven’t happened yet.  I haven’t become Pro, I haven’t typed “The End” yet.  Helping out with Georgia Romance Writers and doing whatever I can do with Moonlight & Magnolias.  I enjoy the work I put in at the organization and there are times I feel I might actually be making a difference.  It’s always funny to me when people come to me with questions at meetings or at the conference, wanting to know what they can do, etc.  It makes me smile and I think “Oh wow, they think I’m important here.  Hehe I must really look like I know what I’m doing.”  But that does make me feel important and I find it very rewarding.

BUT I also have to say… being the favorite aunt.  Oh yeah!  I said it!  I’m the favorite!!  I love my nieces and nephews to pieces.  I love doing things with them and planning their birthday party extravaganzas!  I was all warm and fuzzy inside the first time they called me “Aunt BB.”

What’s a little-known fact about you no one would suspect?

I collect – at least am trying to collect – medieval weapons.  I love going to the Renaissance Festival and haunting the Pirate’s Ship there, buying weapons here and there with what money I brought with me.  The next weapon I’d like to get is a whip.  I also wouldn’t mind finding a class to teach me how to use these things.  Lol  Especially since a lot of my characters use them!

Are you a Petit Four or a Hot Tamale?

In life, I am definitely a Petit Four.  Sweet, always eager to help.  Plus, I’m always baking and adore party planning.  In my writing, however, hot tamale.  I usually have spicy scenes and LOVE putting in a lot of sexual tension.  Writing Paranormal Romance, I have a lot to work with after all. 

Anything Else?

Bryonna Nobles is a Paranormal Romance writer who enjoys blogging and has, in fact, taken up guest blogging!  She loves writing strong heroes and heroines, the kind who save each other rather than one saving the other.  An active member of Georgia Romance Writers, she’s membership chair and working on the Moonlight & Magnolias committee – so she better see you there!!  You can also find her at Dragon*con in Atlanta, Georgia where she usually haunting the writers’ track.

Blogs:

Demons, Dreams & Dragon Wings

Tasty Treats:  My Culinary Adventures

Twitter – @bryonnans

Facebook Author Page

About Georgia Romance Writers

About Moonlight & Magnolias

Carol Burnside pushed the button and e-mailed her partial and synopsis to Harlequin’s Medical Romance line the UK.  This is the one where she received editor feedback from an online pitch. Way to go Carol!

Sally Kilpatrick has that Hot Yoga thing going on with her Adventures in Yoga.  Gotta LOVE those underwear SNAFUs.

Susan Carlisle, Debbie Kaufman, Sia Huff, Sandra Elzie and Pam Asberry had great time at the Silken Sands Writers Conference in Florida. Check out their lovely costumes over at Barbara Vey’s blog.  Yay Barbara on that first book signing!!!

Tami Brothers shares some Ireland photos and a reason the Irish dance that way, along with a sexy Waka Waka Video featuring Shakira. Makes you wanna get out and dance.

Pam Asberry expanded on the Silken Sands trip and posted some awesome photos.  She’s got us all wanting to head to the beach.  She even ran into former PF&HTs blog member, Christine Glover!

Our newest member, Bryonna Nobles, gives us a rundown of the Hunger Games Trilogy.  Anyone going to the movie this weekend?

~First the Good News~

Carol Burnside/Annie Rayburn has been a bit scarce in cyberland.  And here is the reason why.  She entered the Editor Pitch Challenge for Harlequin Mills and Boon’s Medical Romance line and was one of the authors invited to pitch.  Woohoo!!!! Hop over to her blog to see a blurb of the story she’s writing.  (*hint* Baywatch meets Private Practice)

~~~

The Edger is in the News Again

Marilyn Baron’s new novel, The Edger, was featured in the Alpharetta-Roswell Revue & News Thursday, January 26. The book was also featured in the Florida Times-Union Shorelines edition on Saturday, January 28, local newspaper of her sister and coauthor Sharon Goldman, covering the Greater Jacksonville area.

The Edger is also Book of the Month on the PAINTTHISTOWNRED blog site with a great review by AJ Kirby, author of Paint this town Red, Perfect World, and Bully.

Check out her great reviews for The Edger on Amazon.  

~Now, a Mash-Up~

Sally Kilpatrick explains her participation in the recent chain of earthquakes and even the disappearing sun.  Way to go Sally by sticking to your resolve!

Susan Carlisle has some exciting things happening in the Land Downunder.  Check out the sweet picture she  received from a fellow Medical Romance author.  (While you are there, check out that French cover, too.)

You can also find an awesome book review for Susan’s book, Heart Surgeon, Hero…Husband? over at Sandra McGregor’s blog, Life, Love and a Good Book. 

You have GOT to start following Pam Asberry as she blogs about her 52nd year on her Between Birthday’s Blog.  She’s been a huge inspiration for a lot of people. She also snagged a photo with GRW’s February guest speaker, Jana Oliver, on her Sometimes It’s Cloudy, Sometimes It’s Clear blog. 

Because we LOVE her, take a moment and check out former PF&HT member Christine Glover as she blogs about her Top Ten Lessons for Living in Tornado Ville.  Great info here.

Tami Brothers is sharing a blast from the past as she shares some previously posted blog posts and gives updates as to how things have been progressing since.  While you are there, see why Saturdays are so popular.

Finally, please help us welcome our newest PF&HTs member, Bryonna Nobles!  You can also find her blogging at her Baking and Books blog and Tasty Treats: My Culinary Adventures.  Please go over, friend her page, and tell her how much you appreciate her joining our team.

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