Please give a warm welcome to H K Carlton!

Please welcome, H K Carlton, an outstanding fellow Canadian author (so sweet to be able to say that of such a warm, wonderful human being) of many outstanding books! Thanks so much for being here! I'm looking forward, with pleasure, to your sharing your thoughts on writing and learning more about you and your work. :-) So, without further adieu...

(1) When did you realize or decide you wanted to be a writer? Or what inspires you to plunk yourself down for hours on end and write, opening a vein in the process?

I’ve always told myself stories while trying to fall asleep at night, from my earliest recollection. That hasn’t changed. I still do it. I do some of my best plotting then. The hard part now, is remembering all the good stuff when I wake up. 😊

I’ve always been a jotter. I’d write down scenes or ideas that came about, but other than assignments for creative writing class in school, I didn’t write entire stories from beginning to end. At the time, I never considered showing anyone else.

It wasn’t until son number two, left for college—he was the first to leave the nest— that I started writing entire manuscripts. Mainly, I was simply trying to keep my mind occupied and not worry twenty-four-seven about my baby out there in the big bad world. But also at that time, I had about three very different stories and a cast of characters that I could not get out of my head. It wasn’t until I actually wrote them down, that I found some peace. And when I was finished, I didn’t think they were half bad. I mustered up the courage to send bits and pieces to my sister—I left out the smutty parts. Lol. [To my knowledge, to this day, she still has not read the racy scenes]. That was a big step all on it’s own. To open myself up like that. But I knew, she would be honest with me. I trusted that if it was bad, she would out and out tell me so and would dissuade me from submitting it and embarrassing myself that way. But she loved it and actually hounded me for the next chapter and the next. It was just the encouragement I needed to polish it up and start sending out queries to potential publishers. And to my surprise, all three of those early stories found homes. My three children have also been extremely supportive and my loudest cheerleaders. I’ve always encouraged them to follow their dreams, now they say, it’s my turn.


(2) What has been your best experience as an author so far?

The best part of this process has been the people I’ve met along the way. Readers, editors, publishers, fellow authors. I’ve met some truly wonderful and talented people on this journey and made some friendships that will last a lifetime even if this writing gig hits the skids. 😄


(3) What sort of challenges have you faced as a writer? How did you overcome them?

I find the promotion part of it tough. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time to market and write and edit and blog and keep up a social media presence etc. It’s hard to get noticed. The advice I’ve been given is to write the next book, and the next and the next. Easier said than done.

Also lately, I’ve been going through a slow period. I have so many ideas and more unfinished manuscripts than I can keep track of but zero ambition to finish them. It’s not writer’s block, the ideas are there, I just don’t want to do the work. I used to want to write more than anything else. I’d get almost angry when real life cut into my creativity. Now it’s the opposite, I’ll do just about anything to avoid getting down to work. It’s like I’ve lost my passion and the early excitement I used to thrive on. Unfortunately, I haven’t overcome it yet. Any advice, tips or tricks, would be welcome, folks.


(4) How do you research and plan your books? Do you find outlining helps or hinders your process?

I pretty much do the research as I go. I look things up as they come up in the storyline.


(5) Tell us a little about your writing nook! What time of day you write? Do you have any rituals for getting into the process?

I write whenever, wherever the mood strikes me. I just need my laptop, my trusty Chihuahua, Ken. He’s my sidekick/co-author. Sometimes, I also have a bowl of dry Honey-nut Cheerios. And yes, we share. 😉

(6) Of all the characters you’ve created or written about, who would you most want to be/or date?

I suppose I’d want to be Holly Cambridge from the Always Cambridge Series. Although being the daughter of mob boss, Bill Cambridge, her life is filled with violence and tragedy. But on the flipside she more than makes up for it, in the man department. Between her rugged and steadfast bodyguard, Randy Phillips, and later FBI Agent Alex Orton, who challengers her at every turn, to drop-dead gorgeous, Victor Mayhue, from the Mayhue crime family, one of the Cambridge families’ biggest rivals, Holly’s love life is turbulent but incredibly passionate.

(7) What’s your best advice to new writers?

Take the good with the bad. Savour the good reviews and praise, and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done, but also take note of the criticism, and learn from it, turn it into a positive and make your writing better. And always remember, you can’t please everybody.


(8) What project are you currently working on? Can you share something about the characters or story?

I’m working on a piece for an anthology call. Though, with my lagging ambition, I’m not holding out much hope for hitting the deadline.


(9) What’s next for you?

I’m hoping—fingers crossed—to get a jump on the holiday season.

I started a couple of Christmas themed stories last year. I’d really like to finish those up and submit them for the season ahead.


Thank you so much for having me on your lovely blog, January!
I’m honoured to be your first guest. Hugs!

Latest Release – Autumn’s Healing – Totally Bound

Paranormal Erotic Romance

Released – May 16, 2017

Blurb:

Rarely do we get to pick our battles… Often, they choose us.

Single mom Mikaylah MacDonough and her only daughter Autumn have been on their own a long time. So, when Autumn goes off to school, it seems only natural for Kaylah to pull up stakes and follow, though with some clear-cut boundaries, of course. She’s determined to give Autumn space to enjoy the whole college experience but remain close enough for emergencies, meals and laundry. But when the closing date of the current house overlaps with taking possession of the ‘new’ house, along with orientation week, Autumn has to go it alone. From that moment on, Kaylah’s dreams of a new beginning turn into a complete and total nightmare.

When former serviceman Jerusalem Aames drives up to the century-old Cleary house, he sees dollar signs for himself and his all-veteran crew. The rundown, old place would finally put his fledgling construction-renovation firm in the black. But the moment he meets the gorgeous homeowner who had been duped into buying the money-pit, his attraction is swift and instantaneous.

However, there’s something very strange going on in the dilapidated house that has nothing to do with rotting timbers or shoddy wiring. Whatever it is, it’s affecting Kaylah’s state of mind, and Salem finds himself in a battle he’s not sure he can win.

Totally Bound

Universal Link

* * * *

The Always Cambridge Series

Series Blurb: Always Cambridge 1 - 6, Romantic Suspense

The Always Cambridge Series chronicles the life of Holly Cambridge through her tumultuous childhood, violent teen years, into adulthood, and the consequences that stem from being the daughter of mob boss, Bill Cambridge.

~

Caught up in a bitter blood feud with the rival Mayhue family and unable to bear the violence that claimed her mother, Holly sets out to right her father's wrongs. But instead she embarks on an epic journey of sex, love, loss, tragedy and life-altering choices that not only impact her life but that of her beloved bodyguard, Randy Phillips; unsuspecting Federal Agent, Alex Orton; and surprisingly of all, Victor Mayhue, a member of the reviled Mayhue clan.

Can Holly distance herself and the ones she loves, from the violence and corruption she abhors, or will she discover a truth she's feared all along ... Mob life is forever!

Books In Reading Order

Always Cambridge

Running

Misfortune of Birth

Law & Order : Crime & Chaos

Afterlife

Always Holly

eXtasy Books

Universal Link Amazon

Smashwords

Kobo

Barnes & Noble

Apple/iTunes

Google Play

Author Bio:

H K Carlton is a multi-published Canadian author of romance and it’s varied sub-genres.

Blogs

Pick a Genre Already (Blogger)

Pick a Genre (Wordpress)

Breaking Genre

Twitter @AuthorHKCarlton

Twitter @HKCarlton

Facebook

FB author page

Always Cambridge page FB

Amazon

Goodreads

BookBub

Pinterest

Heartwarmingly beautiful & sexy tale

AUTUMN’S HEALING by H.K. Carlton

WOW! What a heartwarming, beautiful tale of two people struggling through the pain of unexpected disasters. I promise you that you will cheer for Kaylah & Salem to come together, their characters being so finely drawn by the author. Long past reading this page turner you will remember them. And wish them well. Not to mention the story is spicy hot with sexy, powerful scenes set against an intriguing backdrop. A Guinness World Record idea never held more merit! Throw in an unexpected plot twist that makes perfect sense in hindsight, one that you’ll never see coming or at least I didn’t, and you have the real deal. I look forward, with pleasure, to reading more books by this fine author.

*I was so into this book, I read it in 2 hours Sunday afternoon!

Big Day!!!

Hi All, hope this post finds you happy! Just wanting to share with you that June 20th is the BIG DAY!!! For it's the day Totally Bound releases the first book in the new Brass Ringers series, Winning Casey. Thought I might share with you an excerpt. Wishing you a wonderful day! :-)

Hugs, January

“Yet it isn’t the gold that I’m wanting

So much as just finding the gold.”

Robert Service

Casey glared at the stuffed moose head and it stared right back at her, its one broken antler leering.

“What are you looking at? You think this is easy? Who piles this many friggin’ rocks over their treasure, anyway? Yeah, yeah, I know—someone trying to hide it.”

She took a deep breath, adjusted her white and blue striped canvas work gloves and inserted the heavy red-tipped crowbar under the final stone slab. Air hissed out of her mouth and nose as she exerted her back and thigh muscles to the task, straining to pry it loose.

“Ach-choo!”

She sniffed loudly, her nose dripping. The damn soot-covered rocks had been in use as a fire pit. Give it to Hefty, though—clever ruse.

Ignoring the black soot, she leaned against the huge pile of stones and wiped her nose on her hoodie sleeve before shining her flashlight onto Hefty McGee’s journal. She thumbed through the tattered pages, still confident that the university wouldn’t miss the dusty old thing for one weekend.

“Hmm, says here Hefty won a moose head from a saloon keeper in a card game right here in Dawson City. Furthermore, that you lost that antler in the ensuring fistfight when it turned out that the gambler was a poor loser. Know anything about that?”

She tucked the journal back into her hoodie then reinserted the crowbar.

“Okay, here goes!” She attacked the slab with all her might. A loud squeal of protest as rock ground against rock. Ah, it moved. Just another few inches. Grunting, she pushed harder until the heavy cover slid off enough that she could shine her flashlight inside the hole pickaxed into the cave floor.

The sight of a large rotted pile of leather securely wrapped and tied with a cord quickened her breath. On top, weighing the package down, was a small smooth rock, and underneath it a torn piece of brown butcher paper. She pulled it out and shone the light on it.

She read the faded handwritten words aloud, figuring the moose had a right to know, as well. “‘Abandon hope all ye who steals Soapy’s Gold. It be cursed. Gave me the pox. Hefty McGee.’” Casey chuckled, despite the discomfort of the past few hours of digging in the tight, damp quarters, and gave the moose head a glance. “Just proves, old man, I’m in the right place!”

She thrust her arm inside the large hole in the cave floor and tugged on the heavy parcel. Damn, not enough room to lift it out. The blasted stone needed to be moved farther over. She glanced back at the doorway of the cave. Only a short while and the spring waters of the rising Yukon River would flood the low-lying cave.

“Be nice if you could lend a hand, buster.” She directed her comments at the moose head. It was beginning to creep her out, staring down at her with glassy, lifeless eyes. Okay, so perhaps coming alone had not been so smart, but she needed to know if all her research was going to pay off. And, just maybe, it was about to. Big-time.

The pry bar slipped as the rock jerked under the extreme pressure. It swung in an upward arc toward the moose head, pitching her forward as it did so. It also hit the beast a solid blow on its huge bulbous nose, knocking it loose from its perch on the rock wall and right down onto her head.

The last thought as pain drilled into her brain was that the old miner who had gone to the trouble to hide his stolen gold in the wilds of Northern Canada might have gotten it right. The curse was effective—if one was a klutz.

Casey woke with a start, shivering uncontrollably. Her head pounded from a possible concussion and her clothes were soaking wet. She blinked hard, gingerly touching the top of her skull, and felt a lump as large as a goose egg under her platinum braid of hair. Damn. If she had a mirror she could tell her if her eyes were dilated. But at least there was no blood. She rummaged in her pocket for her cell phone and checked the time. Double damn. She’d been out for more than an hour!

As her vision cleared, she focused on the cave’s entrance. Waves slapping around the opening made her heart race. Swallowing hard against the shock and the pain, she struggled to pull herself to a sitting position. Her brain swam with the effort and she punched the downed moose right in its over-sized moth-eaten nose.

“It’s all your fault! If you weren’t already dead…” Casey threatened. She managed to get to her feet by holding on to the clammy moss-covered stone wall. Trickles of moisture created darkened trails down the ancient walls, dampening her palms.

A flash of something sliding by the doorway drew her attention. Her boat! Left tied to a tree on shore, with the rising waters it’d somehow managed to work itself free. Headache forgotten, she splashed through the frigid water, lunging to snatch hold of it before it drifted away in the current. Swaying dizzily, she managed to tug it inside the cave’s broad mouth. Thank goodness the cave floor sloped down toward the river, otherwise her transport might have floated away while she was knocked out.

She held hard to the canoe’s frayed rope, maneuvering the sixteen-foot boat closer to the treasure. Once she tied it securely to an outcropping of rock, she hauled the offending moose head off to the side, grateful the one good antler hadn’t pierced her skull. She relaunched her efforts to retrieve the booty. Thank God her flashlight was still intact and working.

“No fucking way I’m leaving here without my gold!” she muttered. “God damn it—move, won’t you!” she exclaimed in frustration, pushing as hard as she could manage. It was now or never. At least the weight training was paying off. She put everything behind the effort, every muscle in her body struggling and screaming at her to give it up already.

With an ominous creak like a banshee screaming in the wind, she inched the stone lid off bit by bit, the pit reluctant to give up its treasure. Finally, against the clock, Casey jolted the stone lid far enough off to allow her full access to what lay beneath. With a tug at the rotted string that bound the package, she thrust it out of the way and pushed her hand inside to pull apart the decayed leather.

She froze and took a deep breath, heart hammering. Was this the moment? Would all her intensive research now pay off? Or was it an elaborate hoax set up by an ornery old conman with a wicked sense of humor?

She touched it reverently, a laying-on-of-hands. Took a deep breath.

This was it. The moment of truth.

And yet, she hesitated, her hands trembling. So much rode on this. Finding the treasure would fund another adventure, her life’s blood. Give her the freedom she needed. Craved.

Open it already!

Okay. Stop shouting at me.

The war within quieted as she slowly peeled back the edges of the musty old covering. Was that a choir of angels singing? No, just her imagination working overtime. Whispers from the past upping the roaring clamor in her head as the color revealed itself.

Shiny yellow nuggets. Gold! Soapy’s stolen hoard!

The nuggets gleamed brightly under the flashlight’s beam. Nestled between the lumps of gold, someone had packed old leather pouches filled with gold dust. She’d found it! She swallowed hard. Glanced back at the cave’s entrance.

Crap. The water was rising. Faster.

Hurriedly, she scooped up the heavy nuggets and packets, flinging them into her backpack and glancing back at the cave’s entrance every few seconds to make sure she could still free herself. Running out of room in the pack, she pulled another black carryall from the canoe’s bottom and loaded it. At the last possible second, she threw in the moose head, knowing she was being loopy. The damn thing must weigh twenty-five pounds, broken antler or not, but he’d helped point the way.

Writing for Kindle Worlds

Well, let me share this with y’all. Been quite a ride this past few weeks learning about the process of writing a book for Kindle Worlds. Whether you receive an invite or just decided to write a story for the series of your choosing, you will need to conforms to the rules laid out for that particular series. In my case, The Omega Team series by the incomparable Desire Holt was the one I was happily and honored to receive an invitation to write for: The Omega Team by Desiree Holt

You will next need to create your own or order a professional cover from an artist of your choosing. I was lucky enough to have Kelly Ann Martin agree to come onboard!

Then, your manuscript needs to be professionally edited. My book needed to be totally ready for a December release 2017, so for me I required six months to write and edit it to have it ready in plenty of time to keep the stress monkey off my back!

So, the good news is I’ve finished the prequel, RACING PERIL, for Kindle Worlds and am now involved in writing a full series, The Tetrad Group of stories for Totally Bound (first book: RACING the TIDE) that will tie the who idea together!

If anyone has questions, just ask! I learned a lot and found the experience quite exhilarating!

Here’s Kelly’s cover:

Wishing everyone a wonderful day!

Hugs, January Bain

Storyteller for Totally Bound Publishing

New Beginnings!

I have spent the better part of this winter beginning a new series: The BRASS RING SORORITY series. Please join me for my new journey as I make my way to having this series published! Below find the synopsis for the series that has 8 books planned. The first titled: WINNING CASEY

If The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen was Canadian and female, they’d be a little like The Brass Ring Sorority…

Casey Madison’s the founder member of the Brass Ring sorority, an informal globe-trotting sisterhood who promised during their years spent working on their various degrees at the University of Manitoba, Canada, to help one another reach for the brass ring and make their most heartfelt wishes come true.

The Brass Ring Sorority series follows these eight badass, talented and professional women—all with different and valuable skill sets—as they go out into the world. They are committed to following the path least trodden in pursuit of their professional goals and to discovering vast riches during their treasure hunting jaunts. And of course living life to the fullest, embracing the centuries-old adventurers’ spirit much celebrated by pirates and privateers since times untold.

So what if they have their own unorthodox ways of going about things, and don’t take anything or anyone too seriously? They get the job done! And discover love hidden in the most unusual places along the way…

WINNING CASEY by January Bain

If Indiana Jones were female and Canadian, he’d be a little something like Casey Madison...

Passionate and driven, headstrong archaeologist Casey spends her life exploring the world for hidden treasure and ancient artifacts. A free spirit, her dedication to her calling and—let’s be honest—love of a challenge (the impossible is only a starting point, right?) means she’s often in conflict with the more narrow-minded higher-ups at the university where she’s employed as an associate professor. And why that would be astounds her, for she hands some of her booty over to the university’s museum, right? Timetables, rules, university protocols—they all go out of the window when Casey’s hot on the trail.

And this is why she’s not letting Professor Truman Harrison, the new ‘suit’ at the U of M, take over her life. So what if he’s a golden boy like Robert Redford from that old movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and sends her libido skyrocketing? She’s not changing or compromising for any man.

The inscrutable and highly intelligent Truman falls for Casey at first sight, literally, tumbling into a pit at her feet on first meeting. Now, if he as Casey’s new detested department head can just talk her into helping him search for the legendary treasure buried in the Money Pit of Oak Island, N.S., maybe he can also get her to fall into his bed. But first he needs to prove to her he’s not just another tunnel-visioned box-ticking management stooge…

Events conspire to throw the mismatched pair into each other’s company from the word go. From a warning being sent by unknown parties that death awaits them on Oak Island, to Casey’s home being broken into and a priceless manuscript being stolen, fate has them in her sights.

Death threats be damned—working together, the pair discover not one, but two hidden treasures. One they promise to return to its owner, but the other is up for grabs, that is, until a pair of thieves show up and steal it at gunpoint. Casey does not give up that easily, stubbornness being an enshrined family trait after all, and brilliantly saves the day aided by Truman. Okay, so maybe he was the one to actually tackle the bad guys first. Maybe Truman isn’t the stuffed suit Casey originally thought. Turns out he has a wicked sense of humor that aligns with hers, too.

Just as the opposites-attract pair grow closer, Truman’s ex-wife shows up, pregnant and insisting the child is his. He agrees to stand by his ex and Casey backs away, hurt by the betrayal but determined to do the right thing.

But the romance of this scorching-hot couple proves to have all the twists, turns, false starts and trick corners of a multicursal labyrinth. Luckily, both Casey and Truman have no small skill and a little bit of practice in navigating those...

Part madcap caper, part serious treasure hunting, the Brass Ringers never fail to entertain or get their way!