Whoo hoo, BECOMING LATINA is finally out on the shelves!  A big thanks to all of you who attended my kick off book signing event on January 7^th!  We had a great time and enjoyed some wonderful homemade salsa (prepared not by me, but by Elite Home Catering) and chips afterwards.

One of the things I enjoy most is books (big surprise, huh?).  So being introduced to authors I haven’t previously read is a real treat.  For the next few newsletters I thought you might enjoy meeting some of my fellow authors that I have the privilege of knowing.

This month, I’d like to introduce you to Shelley Bradley.

Lara: Can you tell us a little about your current release?

Shelley:  Stir together Chick-lit wit, nail-biting suspense and blistering romance--that's BOUND AND DETERMINED!

To prove her brother innocent of embezzling three million dollars, Kerry Sullivan abducts hunk-of-the-month computer security expert Rafe Dawson. The attraction between them sizzles, resulting in a deal: the price of his services in exchange for hers. After forty-eight hours of Kerry's passionate surrender, infectious optimism and unwavering loyalty, Rafe is emotionally alive for the first time in his life. But can he win the girl once her brother is freed, the real embezzler is caught and their deal expires? 

 "This fast-paced romantic adventure will take you on the hottest ride of your life."
-- Coffee Time Romance

Lara: Wow!  That sounds exciting.  Now, you are one of the rare authors who is able to write both historical and contemporary -- is there a theme or thread in your writing that stays the same whether writing about Victorian England or a sexy contemporary?

Shelley: Just that I write sexy, character-deep books that focus on the romance. I enjoy action and suspense, but I love the heat and the building relationship between two characters meant for each other, so all my books focus primarily there.

Lara: I agree.  Without great characters, I think books fall apart, no matter how wonderful the plot.   Now, let’s talk a little about getting a book published.  The path to publication and writing success can be long and frustrating. Can you share your thoughts on what it takes to have a lasting writing career?

Shelley:  Enjoy not just the book you're writing, but the process of writing itself. Without that, a writer can get bored, frustrated, tired, unmotivated...and it will probably show in the writing. The joy in the writing is the one thing in this business you have control over, so it's worth hanging on to.

Lara:  Great point!  That’s true for so many things in life.  You have to enjoy the process, not just the end result.  Okay, many readers have no clue what "the writing life" is all about.  What is your typical day like?

Shelley: Insanity! I also work full-time and am a mother, so it's a constant juggling act. A typical day for me is up by 6, out the door by 7:15, write at lunch, then home by 5:30, dinner by 6:30, little one to bed by 8:30, write/promote/email until 11. Then collapse and start again the next day.

Lara:  Oh, my God, girl, that is insane.  And I thought I had a busy schedule.  What you’re describing, I think, is pretty typical of most writers though.  We don’t lead a charmed life, that’s for sure.  We write because it’s our passion, but we have to sacrifice quite a bit to follow our dream.  It’s hard work!  So, tell me, what's the best part about being an author?

Shelley:  Creating characters, worlds and relationships I believe in. There's nothing more gratifying than finishing a scene or a book and knowing that's exactly what you wanted to convey. Fan mail and good reviews are always nice, but ultimately, the satisfaction in what you produce has to come from you.

Lara:  Yes it does.  You’re absolutely right.  Well . . . can you give us a sneak peek at your next book?

Shelley:  Absolutely! It's called Strip Search, and it's a continuation of the loosely-based series I started with Bound and Determined. Here's a blurb:

A sexy CPA goes undercover as a male stripper in the mobster's Vegas club to nail a Mafia kingpin. The perk? The club's owner. Sure she's got some unsavory connections, but how can anyone with those legs be all bad?

She's got a head for business, but is out of practice in the pleasure department. If anyone can strip her of her inhibitions it's the new guy who's stirring her wildest g-string fantasies. But besides the sizzling sexual chemistry they have in common, they both have secrets. They learn quickly that, with the mob closing in, what gets exposed is as irresistible as it is dangerous.

Lara:  Oooo, that sounds like a fun one.  When will it be out?

Shelley: Strip Search will be out in July, so I'm really thrilled! People who have read Bound and Determined have already told me they were wanting to know what happened to this character once they closed the book. Since my job is partly to tease and torment, I feel like my work is done <g>. At least for now.

Lara:  Well, you’ve definitely teased us.  I can’t wait to read it.  Thank you so much for participating in this interview and I wish you lots of luck!

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CONTEST

Congratulations to Sanjay Srinivas for winning the December Lara Rios gift basket!

For January/February I will be giving away my previous release, A Family For Raffi.  For those of you who are not familiar with my books, it will give you an opportunity to “catch-up”.  Don’t forget to visit my website and sign up!

 

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WEBSITE UPDATE

I’m very behind on updating my website, but will get to it by the end of the month.  Stop by and take a look then and I’ll try to have some new things for you to look at.

Good-bye until next month.  I appreciate your continued support!

Much Love,

Lara