Thursday, December 29, 2016

A Perspective on 2016




Hi Everyone!

This is a special blog post. Normally, I do my Meredith's Monday Musings or I participate in a blog hop. However, with recent events and the end of 2016, I'd like to share some of my thoughts.

Lately, there have been many people, including myself saying, "Enough 2016" "2016 has been a horrible year", etc. I'll admit, 2016 has been a bit rough in some aspects. Many famous actors, writers, directors, etc have passed away. This is horrible because their creative light is no longer shining. Donald Trump got elected President. This scares the crap out of me because there are some who compare him to Adolf Hitler. It's a very scary thought that the President of the United States might implement some of the tactics that Hitler did.

As I was sitting on my couch yesterday watching the movie, To Kill A Mocking Bird, I realized that I've been focusing on the negatives of 2016, when I should have been focusing on the positives. By solely focusing on the negatives, I was starting to become depressed. So, I decided that it was time to count my blessings and turn my frown upside down! (FYI, a person uses twice the number of muscles to frown than to smile.)



It's Dec-29th and I'm healthy, I haven't gotten cancer or any other horrible illness. I have a roof over my head and a full stomach. I published three stories this year. I was able to spend Christmas with my family and send out presents to my friends. My family added a new edition to it (a puppy). I wasn't in any major car accidents. I have enough money to buy everything that I truly need. I work for a great publisher. I have great friends. I laughed twice as much as I have cried this year.

All of the above are focused on me, lets focus on some positives that we all experienced. The sun has risen every day this year. We do not live in a place that is constantly being bombed. We can watch the movies, read the books, listen to the songs, etc of all the famous people we have lost. We can vote and freely speak/write our opinions on any situation. We have all survived 2016. We are all a part of a fantastic author community.

So yes, we have lost many famous people this year and a scary man was elected President, but those events shouldn't control us or shape how our year was. We should focus on the positives, instead of the negatives, and think about all of the possibilities that come with the new year.



I believe that 2017 will be the year where many new creative talents are brought to light. We can fall in love with those new actors, writers, etc and cherish those who we have lost. And we may have a man for President who has no political experience and enjoys mocking others who are not like him, but I believe that he will unite people under one banner. And under that one banner, the people will not tolerate those who judge others based on their race, religion, where they came from, etc.

So yes, 2016 had it's rough spots, but it was not a bad year. As long as we stick together, help others out, and focus on the positives, 2017 will be our best year yet.

Happy New Year and Happy Thursday!


Monday, December 26, 2016

Meredith Monday's Musing: New Year's Eve!




Hi Everyone!

Did y'all have a Merry Christmas yesterday? I'm still getting over the delicious meal I had for Christmas. I got to spend the day with all my family. It was amazing.

Today's Meredith's Monday Musing is all about: New Years!

I can't believe that this Saturday is New Year's Eve! It feels like just yesterday 2016 was just beginning and now it's over! I'm really hoping that 2017 is a better year for all.

I had a pretty good year this year. I published four stories, learned a few valuable life lessons (not all good, but they made me a better person), stayed out of debt, and just overall, had a great time. I'm very grateful for all of the above.

My only sorrow about 2016 is all of the people who we lost this year. There have been so many actors and actresses that I loved who are now gone. So hopefully, next year won't claim as many wonderful people.



Do any of you have any New Years resolutions planned? To be honest, I never really do resolutions. I feel like that there's too much pressure to do them with everyone else making resolutions. In the past, the couple of times that I've done them, I gave up on them after like a month. So, I decided not to do any. But, I'll still support anyone who does do them.

On to happier times, who here has something fun planned for New Year's Eve? I myself have some pretty awesome plans. (Sarcasm alert) ;-) I'm planning on enjoying a delicious meal with my family and staying up to midnight playing games and maybe watching a movie. Fun times. LOL!

Anyway, that's all I have. I hope that everyone has a Happy New Years! Please be safe if you go traveling. There are going to be a lot of people out on the roads and sadly, not all of them will be sober. So please, be careful.

Happy Monday!


Tuesday, December 20, 2016

The Mate's Helper is Back! Maddie Taylor is Visiting Today!





Hello Everyone!

Today I have Maddie Taylor to promote her latest book, His By Command! It's a very hot story focusing on an alien who captures a human female. They turn out to be mates and...I'll let you guys read the last. 

Maddie was so kind to bring a snippet by today. So, enjoy! 

“Step up on the platform.”
She twisted and glanced dubiously at the alien contraption.
“Trust me. It will make the spanking you have coming easier to take.”
Not liking the sound of that, she retreated a step; unfortunately, it brought her right into him.
“Do as I say, Maggie,” he directed evenly, his hands resting lightly on her hips.
“But Roth—”
One hand moving to her lower right cheek accompanied his low growl of “now, mate.”
A tantrum was looking better by the minute.
“You’ve been over my knee before and survived. This stalling is simply putting off the inevitable.”
She’d been spanked, yes, except being over his knee was far more intimate and a lot less scary than being strapped to a cold, unyielding frame. Plus, while over his knee, he had used his hand, and hadn’t left her to fetch whatever it was that he needed. What could that be?
The hand on her bottom applying a firm squeeze gave her incentive to step forward. Tentatively, she put one foot then the other on the foot pedals. He moved quickly once she did, snapping cuffs around her wrists and thighs the next moment, but she didn’t make it easy, squirming and resisting the entire time.
“Stop it,” he growled. When she didn’t, he landed a stinging swat on each cheek. She yelped. And while she did, he hooked her wrists to the rings on her thighs, and added a strap at the waist.
“Helper, position five,” he murmured near her ear.
“What?” She twisted her head around to see him.
“You’ll see in a moment. Face front.”
There was a whirring noise as the rods and arms began to move.
“Roth,” she cried, as the pedals on which she stood separated and moved back.
“It’s okay,” he murmured, stroking one hand along her spine. “You’re perfectly safe.”
She didn’t have the capacity to comment on the irony of that statement, too busy being reconfigured mechanically into an alternate position with her feet at least eighteen inches apart and her upper body bent forward at an angle. Her weight was supported by a padded bar bifurcating her breasts along the center line of her body and her ass jutting up and out in the perfect pose for a spanking. The moving and lurid positioning wasn’t the most surprising part, that came a second later when Roth spoke.
“Low speed,” he said, giving the voice-activated machine another order. Instantly, something moved between her thighs and slipped in between her slightly parted pussy lips. It was smooth and rounded, and came to life, vibrating the full length of her slit, from clit to already weeping entrance.
“Ohmigod,” she gasped as the buzzing sent tingles coursing up through her belly and beyond to her breasts, hardening her nipples instantly into stiff peaks.

Oh, I'd love to use that machine. It sounds so fun! If you want more fun and sexy moments, check out these buy links...

Buy Links:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
All Romance eBooks

Thanks for stopping by, Maddie!

Have a happy day, everyone! :-) 


Monday, December 19, 2016

Meredith's Monday Musings: Christmas Time!




Hi Everyone!

 Happy Monday! Did everyone survive the freezing temperatures that came with this past weekend? I barely did. I hate the cold, so I stayed bundled up inside where it was warm.

Can you guys believe this Saturday is Christmas Eve and Sunday is Christmas Day? I'm so excited. That's what today topic is all about: Christmas!



I love Christmas time. It is my second to favorite holiday. But, I do love this time of year. The cheerfulness that is everywhere and the giving spirit of most people. On the flip side, it kind of drives me crazy all the busyness and how materialistic people become. I feel like all of the shopping makes people lose sight on what this season is all about. It's not about the objects you get and didn't get. It's about the people you're with, being kind to others, and being thankful for what you have. At least, that's what I feel this season is about.

That is why I love Christmas. I get to spend time with those I love, be extra kind to strangers, and just be thankful for everything I have. The Christmas carols and food that comes along this time of year doesn't hurt either. ;-)



Since there won't be another Meredith's Monday Musings post until after Christmas, I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas!! And please, if you are traveling, drive safe. There will be many people driving that night and sadly, they all won't be sober. So please, be careful.

Happy Monday!


Monday, December 12, 2016

Meredith's Monday Musings: WipItUp Wednesday Blog Hop




Hi Everyone!

Happy Monday! I all hope that you had a delightful weekend. Today, I'm going to share some big news. ;-) I think y'all know what it is by this week's topic: WipItUp Wednesday Blog Hop.

Melody Parks began running the WipItUp Blog Hop all the way back in 2014. About a year ago, she asked me if I could co-run it with her. I would be in charge of sharing and commenting on the blogs and she would be in charge of the technical stuff. It was a great match.

Well, a couple of weeks ago, she decided to shut WIP down. My heart was broken when she told me this news. I love the WipItUp blog hop because I get to read snippets from author's books that they are working on or have published. It was great!

I've been doing a lot of thinking this past week and I've decided to keep the blog hop going. So starting on January-4th-2017, WipItUp Wednesday blog hop will be back!!



It'll be under a different URL because the WIP blog hop is under Melody's blog and I'll have to move it to mine. Melody sends her blessings and she promises to pop in and check out all of your snippets when she has the chance.

I'm going to be honest here. I'm super scared about taking on a blog hop. I have absolutely no problem reading the snippets and commenting on them, but I'm horrible when it comes to technology. Melody was telling me how she sets up the WIP posts and it was like she was speaking a foreign language. ;-)

I'm sure that I will figure out the technical stuff after a while, but if y'all could go easy on me the first couple of months, that'd be greatly appreciated.



If not that many people decide to participate in the WIP blog hop after a couple of months, then I'll re-evaluate doing it.

Authors and readers, keep your eyes open for Jan-4th. I'll share more information as soon as I figure out how to get this hop set up and a linky list started. Thank you in advance for your patience. :-)

Happy Monday!


Monday, December 5, 2016

Meredith's Monday Musings: Gift Giving




Hey Everyone!!

Happy December! Who here can believe that it's already December? I'm still having a hard time comprehending it.

This week's topic for Meredith's Monday Musings is...Gift Giving!!

Who hears love receiving a gift? Let's face it, we all do. To be honest, I think I like giving presents, more than I like receiving them. I'm not exactly sure why I feel this way. I don't know if it's because I love seeing people happy because they enjoy the present I got them, or being able to give someone, something that they need/want. Again, I'm not really sure.



What I do know is, I'm really good at picking out a present for a person and knowing that they would really like it. It's my secret talent. Well, I guess it isn't so much of a secret anymore.

With my "secret" talent and my love of giving presents, I'll admit, I go a bit crazy this time of year. More so, than normal. I can't help it. I'll be at the store, walking down an aisle, minding my own business, and something will catch my eye. Instantly, I'll think of someone who would love the item that I'm now paying attention to, and it makes it really hard to not get it.

Or, I'll be at work, trying to keep focus on the task at hand, but then my mind will drift off and a present idea will hit me. Now, after I have that idea, how the heck am I supposed to ignore it? I can't! Thus, more present purchasing.

That's my topic for today. How do y'all feel about presents? Do you like giving or receiving them better?

Happy Monday, everyone!


Monday, November 28, 2016

Meredith's Monday Musings: Vampires!




Hi Everyone!

 Happy Monday. I had a very productive week this weekend, so I'm super excited that it's Monday so I can have just as a productive week. :-)

Today's topic for Meredith's Monday Musings is...vampires!!

A few years ago, vampires were the best selling thing. There was Twilight, True Blood, Vampire Diaries, countless vampire stories in all genres, etc. Let's admit it, this was excessive, but it was what consumers wanted. I got a bit tired of all the television shows focused around vampires. Not that I didn't love True Blood or The Vampire Diaries, but I just got bored with the concept.



Flash forward to late 2016 and I'm ready again to start reading about some sexy vampires. There's only one problem...it seems like no publisher wants to publish a vampire story anymore because sales have tanked with them.

This frustrates me. I would love to read about and write a vampire story because I find them hot, but due to the vampire frenzy a few years ago, no publisher really wants to publish a vampire story now. I understand why, publishers are out to make money, not publish what Meredith wants, (I wish).



There's just something attractive reading about a hero who is a bit stronger, faster, and more handsome (cause let's face us, all vampires are extra handsome) than a regular male human. I also think that when a hero sucks the blood of the heroine, it's an extremely intimate act that they do together, that brings them closer together. Which to me, is super hot.

What do you guys think? Would you buy an erotic story that centered around a vampire hero or else would you ditch it?

Have a great day, everyone!



Friday, November 25, 2016

SatSpanks: A Surprise Present!! #Christmas #NaughtyGift




Hi Everyone!

Happy Saturday! Did all of you survie Black Friday shopping? I barely did, but I made it. ;-)



I have a new snippet from my story that is featured in the Christmas box set, A Very Naughty Christmas.

In this snippet, Chloe recieves an odd looking gift from her husband, Drew. Can you guys figure out what it was?

"You don't know what this is?" he asked, taking the box from my hands.

I shook my head. 

He opened the box quickly. It was then that I noticed that it had been opened before. 

He pulled out the object and instructed me to lie back. 

"Honey, what's going on," I asked, as he unzipped my pajamas. 

"You'll see."
He slipped the device underneath my panties and right in between my legs, settling the flat part of the device on my mound and another skinny part right on my clit. He pressed a couple of buttons, before zipping my pajamas back up. 


So, do you guys know what the present was? Come back next week to find out!!

Happy Saturday, everyone!


Monday, November 21, 2016

Meredith's Monday Musings: Being Thankful!




Hey Everyone!

 Happy Monday! I can't believe that we're already at the end of November here and Thanksgiving is this Thursday. Seriously, where is the time going?

Anywho, today's topic on Meredith's Monday Musings is: Being Thankful.

During the entire year, not just in the holiday season, I try to remind myself of what I'm thankful for. I have so many blessings each and every day, it's important to remember them, not just during November and December. However, I especially reflect what I'm thankful for doing these two months.

In this post, I'm going to name five things I'm thankful for.



1. The Author Community. This is probably one of the biggest things that I am thankful for throughout the year. I love that no matter what our author community supports one another by cheering each other on through our successes, giving love and support through the diffcult times, and most of all we stay respectable to one another. Being an author would not be near as fun if I wasn't apart of this community.

2. My Family. This is another huge thing that I am thankful for throughout the year. My parents and siblings are always there to help me in my time of need, support me in my goals, and celebrate with me in my accomplishments.



3. Electricity. I am beyond thankful for this invention without it, life would be almost near impossible. It would take much longer to travel to places because there'd be no cars and a very sad thought is, I wouldn't have gotten to known all of you lovely people because there'd be no internet without electricity. Plus, I'd likely starve to death since the majority of my meals are made using: a crock pot, electric stove, or microwave.

4. My Health. I have a friend who is a paraplegic, he can only move his head. One day, he told me that if I ever wanted to know how he felt, sit at a desk, put my hands on the desk and my feet planted on the floor and don't move them no matter what. I managed to keep still for about thirty five minutes before it became too much for me and I had to squirm. After that experience, I say a silent thank you to God everyday for waking up healthy.



5. Gum. I know that this sounds totally crazy, but I really am thankful for gum. I am a nervous person, and one thing that helps calm me down, is gum. I don't know what it is about gum, but being able to chew it (with my mouth closed, of course), just helps me relax and takes the stress away, normally. That's why, if you ever meet me, I'll always have a packet of gum on hand.

That's just the very tip of the ice berg on what I'm thankful for. There are SOO many more things, but I don't want to keep y'all here all day. ;-) What are y'all thankful for?

I hope that everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving and if you go out Black Friday shopping, please be careful. Some Black Friday shoppers are viscous! 

Happy Monday! :-)


Monday, November 14, 2016

Meredith's Monday Musings: Chatting with Two Head Editors

Hi Guys!

Happy Monday!! How was your weekend? Mine was fabulous, especially because we had a three day weekend!

Today on Meredith's Monday Musings, I have two special people over on my blog for today's discussion. Please welcome Alta Hensley, the head editor at Blushing Books Publications and Jamie Miles, the head editor at Stormy Night Publications. These wonderful ladies were kind enough to answer several questions I had for them. So, let's get this show on the road...


Meredith: As an editor, what is your favorite task to do and what is your least favorite task to do?

Alta: My favorite task is sitting down and reading the very first sentence of a book. I’m excited to see where this author will take me. That very first sentence gives me a small sample of the voice. I love that I get to read and get paid for it. Not a bad gig at all.
My least favorite task is putting out fires. I hate when another author is stressed or upset about something. I can 100% relate with them because I am an author myself, so I always put myself in their shoes. I understand that this book is their baby, it’s their art, it’s their soul. So I hate that at that very moment, they are feeling anything but pure joy in the experience of having their story published. But I also think I am really good at putting those fires out.

Jamie: I adore everything about reading and experiencing the book I’m editing, feeling the story and the characters, and seeing the author’s mind and plan. It’s always so nice to just bask in the light as you watch someone else’s creative spirit at work.

My least favorite thing is probably reading bad reviews for books I’ve loved. I’m always shocked and think “How dare they?” But at the same time, I do think Amazon’s review system is a very beneficial and helpful thing for readers.



Meredith: What's the most common grammar mistake that you see in stories that are submitted to your publisher?

Alta: I would have to say dialogue punctuation. Many first time authors don’t understand when to use a comma and when to use a period. I think it takes seeing all the red marks to really grasp the concept as well as also having experience in writing.

Jamie: Repetitious wording, or important words used once in a sentence, and then once right after in the next sentence. It’s always a good idea to read a book over again and watch for words that occur too often.

Meredith: What's a piece of advice that you want to share with aspiring authors?

Alta: Learn the craft of writing. Study it, read about it, devour anything you can on how to write. Understand things like what deep POV means, what character arc means, and understand grammar. Do not assume that an editor is there to make it all better, and all you have to do is write a story. Learn the craft of writing!

Jamie: Keep writing real and true to life, but at the same time, fantasize about how the perfect guy/perfect girl/perfect situation could be, and don’t be afraid to write that too. It’s all about balance, and when you write about things that you care about and wish could happen, readers will see your heart.

Meredith: How did you get started as an editor?

Alta: It just sort of fell into my lap I guess. I have been writing since 2010 and live and breathe the publishing industry. It truly is my passion.

Jamie: I met James and Korey Johnson in the summer of 2012 and began working part time with Stormy Night Publications, while I worked a full-time job elsewhere. However, I loved working with SNP so much more than working my other job, so I began content editing full-time a year later.


Meredith: Do you have a favorite sub-genre of erotica that you enjoy to read? If so, what?

Alta: This changes all the time. But right now, I really love dark. I also adore post apocalyptic and dystopian.

Jamie: After much painful deliberation (why is it so hard to pick one? Screw it, I’m picking two) I would say medical play and westerns. I’ve fantasized about firm doctors and embarrassing exams for a good part of my life. There’s something so hot about “treatment” and loving care for the good of the heroine, and how if it’s for her well-being—that sometimes she has to give in, submit and “take her medicine”, or face the stern consequences if she doesn’t.

Westerns are fun because they can work in any time period, and it’s easy for there to be danger, rough surroundings, and a dominant hero who keeps the heroine safe. Plus, western spankings are just more fun—switching, strapping, birching—how could you go wrong?

Meredith: On average, how long does it take you to edit a 50,000 word book?

Alta: Depends on the author. If it’s an experienced and clean author, I can do it all in two-three days. A tough edit will take me a week. But I usually don’t sit and edit from beginning to end in one sitting. I need to do other tasks or I start seeing things, or NOT seeing things. I worry that if I edit for too many hours straight, I will miss mistakes. So I spread it out and do other books, return emails, write my own book, or play on Facebook. Ha!
And then the going back and forth with the author will add to that time. So I actually never just sit down and work from beginning to end in one swoop unless under a tight deadline. I like to break it up to keep fresh.

Jamie: I’m a fairly slow editor, in my opinion, as I try to read thoughtfully and to check for things a copy editor might check for (grammar, repetition, structure) while also content editing. That way, Stormy Night’s books get almost two rounds of copy editing—one from me, and one from our copy editor.

One other thing—besides the length of the book, you have to factor in how well a book has already been edited. Some books need quite a bit of work, so I spend much more time writing up really thorough comments and revisions suggestions for a book that needs it. Other books take less time. A book around 50,000 words would probably take me a day and a half.


Meredith: Are there any quirks you do, while editing? For example, do you have to listen to a certain playlist or use your favorite red pen to edit?

Alta: I have to get everything in order around me. I need a clean desk, my notepad and pen right beside me, a drink of some sort, and I have to have a spotless computer screen. I always clean the monitor. A spot of dirt can look like a comma. I am pretty anal about my environment when I get ready to edit.

Jamie: I can’t listen to music while editing, as it’s too distracting. If I’m really tired, I’ll listen to classical music or opera as having something making noise helps me stay alert, but it isn’t as distracting as other types of music.

Meredith: Alta, how do you balance your time with being head editor and being an author? Does it sometime get overwhelming?

Alta: It can be a challenge for sure. I can get swamped with edits and other Blushing business involving all the other editors and authors, and put ‘Alta’ on the back burner, so I try really hard not to. Bethany Burke (owner of Blushing Books) is awesome about making me put my writing first, and she works hard on making sure I don’t get too loaded in edits. She’s pretty particular with how many edits and what gets handed my way. That helps a lot.
I’m also busy with all the behind the scenes stuff with Blushing other than just editing, and have my hand involved a little bit in every book released, so that keeps me really hopping as well. I can’t tell you how many emails I get in a day!
A big thing I do to help with all that is to block out my entire year of release dates as Alta Hensley. This helps me know what is coming up and when I need to lighten my editing load because I have some heavy writing schedules. So far, it has all worked out. But I often work 12 hour days to make it happen.
There are some BB editors that can turn around a book much faster than I can. I am usually booked out months in advance and just can’t do it as quickly with everything else I juggle. So those quick jobs usually have to go to another editor. But the best thing I do that helps is have an author day and an editor day. When it is an author day, I try to not do any editing or anything to kill my muse.

Meredith: Jamie, do you ever plan to become an author or else do you think you'll stick with being an editor?

Jamie: I have extremely tentative plans about “one day writing something”. To be honest, I’m so busy editing for Stormy Night, that when I have time off, writing a spanking romance is the last thing I want to think about as that part of my brain is completely done. However, sometimes I’ll read something really hot and I’ll envy the author’s creative genius so much that I’ll decide I’ll write something one day. I’ll keep you updated!


Meredith: Do you ever get tired of editing? I beta read books from time to time, which I enjoy doing, but when I finish a book, I'm tired and happy that I don't have to do edit anything again for a while.

Alta: I don’t. I edit because I love it. The minute it becomes a chore or I hate it, I will graciously step down and allow another to fill my shoes. I can see how it may get tiresome after many years, and being an editor is not an easy job, but I strongly believe the author deserves the best you can give. If burnout or just not enjoying the job ever happens, the author is the one who will suffer. I am also aware that the day may come that I need to take a break to refuel, but so far, I am having a blast. A dream job.

Jamie: If I’m tired of editing, I probably just need a break or it’s already the weekend at that point. I honestly love my job to death, and then some. Sometimes I can’t believe I actually get to do what I’ve always wanted to do—partner with authors to help their books be everything they possibly can be.

Meredith: Do you ever find it hard to control your personal opinions when editing a story? I know when I beta read a story, it's impossible for me to not voice what I think, whether it's "Oh my gosh! Your hero is SOO hot" or "Oh my gosh! I'm going to personally smack your hero upside the head if he doesn't claim the heroine soon."

Alta: I think many may, but I honestly don’t. I love when an author can make me feel something even if it is hate. I often read books that I wouldn’t have written it the same way, but then Alta Hensley isn’t the name on the cover of the book. Ha!
I stay objective and respect the author’s voice, their choices, and how they want the story to go. I may give them a heads up that the reviewers will chew them to pieces if they keep a particular scene or end it a certain way, but this is THEIR story, and ultimately it is on them. I do, however, get turned on by what I read. I mean…WOW! I edit for some of the best in the business, and they know how to check all of my boxes.

Jamie: I’m pretty sure that being an editor has made me more opinionated than I’ve ever been, and I’m glad that my family and friends have learned how to put up with me. However, when editing I try to weigh whether something is a personal opinion or whether it’s something that could clearly be tweaked in a story and help the story be better overall. Sometimes I’ll outright tell an author “I have a knee-jerk reaction to this, but I could be completely wrong”.


Meredith: Do you have any software or websites you'd recommend for those authors, (like myself) who struggle with grammar?

Alta: I haven’t found a software that I am in love with enough to recommend. I will say that every author should run spell check, but NEVER assume spell check is always right because it often is not. But it will catch a lot. I also suggest that every author (new and experienced) pay close attention to their edits once they get them back. Study and learn from what you did wrong. We, as authors, all have our bad habits. But just don’t accept them. Try to see what they are so you don’t do it again. I will say that there is no better software than a beta reader. 

Jamie: Grammar Girl is one of my go-to sites for sure!

Meredith: So from my understanding, when a story gets edited, there are edits/suggestions made to improve the plot and then edits/suggestions made to improve the grammar of a story. Do you enjoy editing one of those better than the other? For example, when I beta read, I edit heavily on the plot because I am better at catching small details and plot holes than grammar mistakes. Whereas, my beta reader, she loves catching my grammar mistakes.

Alta: I really love and focus on grammar. Most of the authors I get to edit (I’m lucky) are true professionals. They have multiple betas. Some of the betas both write and read in the genre, so they offer a true gift to the author. I cannot stress the importance of a beta enough. By the time I get the book, the story is solid. There may be some minor issues, but the content is fantastic. So I really focus on the grammar, the tiny details to make the story shine, and all the ticky tacky stuff that will make the book as perfect as it can be.

Jamie: Both areas are fun for different reasons. I would say that editing content rather than grammar takes more thought and consideration. Grammar is much more scientific and somewhat rote, though, so that can make it a little easier. Plot editing is definitely more rewarding in many ways, as it can be so helpful overall.

Personal Questions!!
 
Meredith: If you could ever dye your hair any color(s), what would it/they be?

Alta: Gray! I know that sounds crazy, but the hippie, artsy, bohemian soul in me can’t wait until I have long silver hair that flows down my back. I want to be that lady who never dyes her hair and embraces all the white hairs the pop up. I have never dyed my hair yet. Let those white buggers come!

Jamie: I’m a natural dark blonde/light brown, and I’ve already tried different shades of red, dark brown, and black and have loved most of them. There was one time when my husband said I looked like I’d dyed my hair “pumpkin”, but thankfully that faded in a week or two—ha! Lately I’ve been trying out a more natural ombre, but some day, I’d like to try blue or rainbow colors.




Meredith: What's your favorite type of cookie?

Alta: Oatmeal Raisin.

Jamie: A quick note to interested readers—if Meredith asks your favorite type of cookie, beware!! She’ll probably end up making you some, and then any healthy eating habits and self-control will vanish and you will be moaning and groaning with your mouth full of delicious cookies…  But, to answer the question, chocolate chip is definitely the best.

Meredith: If you were offered the choice of having a: maid, chef, or a driver for life, which one would you choose and why?

Alta: I already have a maid. Which by the way is WAY cheaper than marriage counseling, and I highly recommend it. So I guess I would have to say a chef.

Jamie: A maid! I wouldn’t turn my nose up at a cook either, but cooking can be relaxing and rewarding. Cleaning never ends.



Meredith: If you could visit a place anywhere in the world that you haven't ever been, where would you go?

Alta: Italy, Spain, Morocco, Tibet…I could do this all day.

Jamie: Paris or Bordeaux, so that I could go on a wine tour!

Meredith: If you could have any pet that you wanted, what would it be and what would you name it?

Alta: Okay, I will be honest here. I wouldn’t. I’m not a huge animal lover. I like them at a distance…but I just don’t want to have to care for them. I’m not a fan of hair, poop, slobber, stink and all that. I have a dog and a cat that I love, but that’s my limit. You won’t get an answer out of me like a monkey or an elephant. All I can picture is poop.

Jamie: A cat with a cuddly but aloof attitude. Not too needy, but one that will sit on my lap occasionally and be all warm and snuggly at random times when I least expect it.

Meredith: When you were seven, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Alta: Rich. I used to only say “Rich.” $$$$
Clearly, I haven’t reached that goal…yet. But I honestly can say that I am living the dream. I either get to read or write romance all day, every day. I am one lucky gal.

Jamie: I’m not positive, but I probably wanted to be either a nurse or an actress, which makes little sense, as I was a painfully shy child and really scared of needles.

I want to thank Alta and Jamie for taking the time out of your busy schedules to come stop by and answer my questions for me. I really appreciate it. Maybe I'll send you both some cookies to thank you, since I now know each of your favorite cookie recipes. ;-)

Have a great day, everyone!!