Freebie Day #27 - Guest Minnette Meador!!

Only 5 days left to enter the STOLEN HEAT Release contest for a chance to win $100 VISA gift card and other fabulous prizes:


And now here's our Freebie day #27 guest author, Minnette Meador!


Somewhere between thirty and dust...red hair, blue eyes...six kids, one slightly used husband, and any number of pets from time to time...you find Minnette. She's a self-confessed wanttabe hippy... a wanttheirmoney yuppie... a pro musician and actress for 20 Years... a native Oregonian... a lover of music, beauty, and all things green and more often than not lately, a willing slave to the venerable muse. Minnette currently resides in Portland, Oregon with her husband, having replaced the children with one dog. The dog, Pierre, pretty much runs the show.

Her published works include:
Starsight, Volume I, II, III & IV, epic fantasy, (Stonegarden) (II & IV 2010 Release)
The Centurion & The Queen, historical romance (Resplendence)
The Edge of Honor, historical romance, (Resplendence)
Cup of Comfort for Single Mothers, (Adams Media) "Sunday Breakfast"
A Boy & His Wizard, children’s' book, (Stonegarden) (Nov. 2009 - w/a M. A. Smith)
A Boy & His Lizard, children’s' book, (Stonegarden) (Nov. 2010 - w/a M. A. Smith)

Today Minnette is going to give us a glimpse into her world and tell us about her upcoming work. And she's donating a copy of The Centurion & The Queen to one lucky commenter!

Blurb:
Centurion Marius is a tough leader to his men, despite the shame that drove him from Rome. Delia is sister to an uncaring Corieltauvi tribal king, warrior queen to her people. The last thing she expects is to find herself craving the touch of an enemy. Thrown into the clash between 80,000 angry Britons and 10,000 Roman soldiers, they find themselves on opposing sides, in love, and unable to stop the future. The revolution that sparked their desire...could now destroy them both.

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - "I was engrossed by The Centurion and the Queen, and didn't put it down."

(Please note: Today's drawing is open to U.S. residents only.)

Welcome, Minnette!!

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1) What kind of books do you love to read and how do those stories impact your own writing?
I love all kinds of books and probably every genre out there. I love sci-fi, fantasy, and historical romance, but I have a secret addiction to Nero Wolf novels. I own them all and read them over and over again. I’m also a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes and Lord Peter Whimsey. Some of my favorite books, however, are humorous. I’m a sucker for Terry Pratchert, Douglas Adams, Spider Robinson, Piers Anthony, and many others. I also enjoy the classics; Charles Dickens is still one of my all time favorite authors. I think they all influence my writing; I try to have a touch of mystery, romance, excitement, and humor in everything I write. That’s always what keeps me turning pages, so I hope my readers feel the same way.

2) What are you working on presently? What about upcoming releases?
I’m working on a paranormal romantic comedy called KEENAN’S DILEMMA that I have not contracted yet. Keenan Swanson is your typical, everyday graphic designer. Well, except for the hundreds of pesky, prank-loving poltergeists that make his life interesting (in a Chinese curse sort of way). He finds his situation precarious yet manageable—until witty, smoking-hot coworker Isabella enters the scene and Keenan decides he wants her all for himself. With a horny succubus who has other ideas, a burly city cop determined to lock Keenan away, and an evil entity who’s hell-bent on using Keenan’s seed to create a living demon, the reluctant psychic realizes he just might not come out of this alive—or with heart intact. In November my very first children’s book, A BOY & HIS WIZARD is coming out with Stonegarden under the pen name M.A. SMITH. The sequel, A BOY & THIS LIZARD, will be out next year. Also coming out next year will be the next two books in the STARSIGHT series; STARSIGHT: THE RESTLESS SEED (a sequel), and STARSIGHT: THE GOD WARS (a prequel). I also have planned a YA sci-fi called ARPEGGIOS IN THE DARK about the first half alien/half human highbred who can kill with her voice…and doesn’t find that out until it’s too late. If there is time, I’m planning to work on a thriller paranormal called WY’EAST about a woman who becomes trapped in a strange Buddhist ritual on top of Mt. Hood. There are always many others…

3) What’s the best compliment you ever got on your writing or book(s)?
The best compliment I have gotten is that a reader cannot put my book down. You live for that!

4) What’s your writing schedule like?
It’s sporadic at best. I try to do business stuff in the mornings and write in the afternoons and evenings. It’s hard to find the time, but I try to squeeze it all in. I don’t think I’ve slept for about three years now.

5) If you could be one character from any book you’re read or written who would it be and why?
Ok, this is going to sound strange, but I’d love to be Marius, the hero from THE CENTURION & THE QUEEN. He is brave, compassionate, but a kickass fighter and an incredible leader to his men. He is passionate about his beliefs, but not blinded by them. He changes when he needs to and does the right thing, even when it could mean his life to do so. He loves unconditionally and fights with every bit of strength he possesses for it. I just LOVE this character.

Visit Minnette on the web at www.minnettemeador.com

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To be entered into the drawing to win a copy of Minnette's book, The Centurion & The Queen, answer this question:

What's your favorite Sci-Fi or Fantasy movie?