This month’s inspirational author is Fiona Archer who lives in Sydney, Australia, and shares a house with her dog, and a flock of cockatoos that take over the back yard each afternoon, demanding their feed of Arnott's Milk Arrowroot Biscuits!
Chloe’s Double Draw is both her first book and the first to be published. It was one of those exercises that stretched out over years, three in fact. She started writing the story in November 2009. She is an inspiration because she finally finished (many drafts later) in September 2012. Over to you, Fiona:
Tell us about your latest book.
“Chloe’s Double Draw” is the first book in the “King’s Bluff, Wyoming” series published by Siren Bookstrand. I plan for five books in this series, with a spin off series in the works too!
Here’s the blurb:
Chloe Morgan fled to King’s Bluff, Wyoming, to start a new life. With a past that haunts her, the shy schoolteacher must make a choice. She can hide away and protect her secrets or embrace the acceptance of the small community.
Noah King and Flynn Taylor have traveled the world as members of Australia’s elite SAS. They’ve earned scars, both inside and out. Now powerful influencers in King’s Bluff, Wyoming, a town founded by Noah’s ancestors, the men have made a haven from the ranch Noah inherited.
One look at Chloe convinces Noah and Flynn she’s worth pursuing. Introducing her to BDSM and the ménage lifestyle accepted by the town will be a hard sell. She’s scared, skittish, and refusing their advances.
As the two Doms strive to gain her trust, Chloe’s past crashes in on them, threatening their futures. When a man obsessed with her tracks down his prey, nobody could have imagined how high the stakes would go.
(Sounds great!)
What makes a great hero?
I love a man that doesn’t back down to a woman who challenges him when she’s fighting her own demons, to a bully who wants to hurt the vulnerable, or to society when it shouts that his views are politically incorrect even though those same views have women salivating in their dreams.
An alpha hero isn’t simply a grab ‘em and kiss ‘em kind of guy. He possesses intelligence, resourcefulness and compassion. Above all, he has a sense a humor. Don’t you find it sexy when a man has the confidence to laugh at himself? He’s the guy you know you can turn to when things go bad, the man who will always have your back. He’s also the Dom who can reduce you to a sweet subbie puddle with his powerful stare. Alpha heroes? Yeah, I love ‘em.
(Wow! Where can I find one of them………)
Do you have anything in common with your characters?
You mean my stubbornness and love of murder mysteries? Or the fact I’m a sucker for strays and want to save every waif I come across, human or those covered in fur?
Is there any trivia about your latest/forthcoming story that you can share with us (eg, the name of a real life pet that you used in the story)?
All of the book titles in the King’s Bluff series are “Card Poker” terms. Noah King’s ancestors won the land that is now King’s Bluff by winning a hand of poker. And you guessed it; he did that by calling his opponent’s bluff.
I’ve had to read up on the different “hands” of poker and their hierarchy. In my current WIP, High Stakes Loving, I have a group of my hunky heroes playing their usual monthly card game. Does a Full House beat a Flush? That kind of thing needs to be sorted well before I send the WIP to Siren.
What’s the strangest (bravest, funniest etc) thing you’ve ever done?
I’d always wanted to get my ears pierced but was terrified of the pain. On the last weekend of a holiday in Washington State, my friend challenged me to do something special to see off my visit. Bring on the pierced ears! Several glasses of bubbly were imbibed to fortify my courage. Now, slightly, um, tipsy, and with my friend holding my hands and telling me to breathe, I ended up getting my ears pierced at this little discount jewelry shop in Seattle. I purchased a pair of tiny diamanté studs, plus a tiara, and then went crazy and also bought flower and diamanté flip flops. I proceeded to wear my new treasures as we shopped in Seattle. I soon discovered that city understands that sometimes a girl needs to let her tiara shine and hey, when you smile and are happy, that can prove to be infectious to those around you.
(Hey – well done, you!)
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Johanna Lindsay is a favorite from years ago. Her lusty pirates and rogues captured my heart with the same determination they grabbed hold of their heroines. More current authors include Cherise Sinclair, Sophie Oak, Lexi Blake and Sierra Cartwright.
(Gosh, yes. Johanna Lindsay. You’ve been looking at my book shelf haven’t you…..)
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Chocolate is my first pleasure, although I refuse to label it with the term guilty. Next after my cocoa obsession would be reading, closely followed by a finely brewed café latte.
What are you currently working on, or what’s on the horizon?
I’m currently working on High Stakes Loving, the second story in King’s Bluff, Wyoming series. This is Reagan, Mike and Quinn’s story. After that, is another in the KB series and then a self-pub, currently set in Seattle and featuring BDSM themes.
Who did you dedicate your first book to?
My mum! Yes, I know sounds sappy but without her encouragement, I would not have been in a position to follow my dream.
What’s the hardest part of writing?
Gosh, when I write myself into some freaky rabbit hole. You smash out a pile of words and realize you are nowhere near where the plot demands you to be. So, it’s “off with their heads” and you start again.
(Yep! Been there, done it!)
How can fans can find you on the internet?
Website: http://www.fionaarcher.com
Thanks, Fiona - that was great. Good luck with your stories. Next month’s inspirational author is Morgan King.
Jen
I absolutely love Fiona's character development as they are always the most addictive of men and compelling of women. That Fiona Archer can really tell a wonderful story that you simply have to stay up late to finish!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ms Berke, for the compliment. I'm all for keeping people awake in bed, including at any hour of the day. ;)
ReplyDeleteJennifer, thanks so much for inviting me to guest on your blog. I love your stories! Can't wait to buy my copy of "Retraining The Sub." What a gorgeous cover!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Taylor and Fiona for commenting. You are very welcome, Fiona. I wish you the best with your writing. And thanks for the compliments about my writing. :)
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