You guys! June is over! (Thank goodness) I can’t believe July is here, and yet it is. The year is more than half over! As you know, the first Tuesday of the month is a Guest Author & A Giveaway post, and we’ve got Roxanne St. Claire with us today! She has been around the romance community for many years, and writes in various genres too, so I expect she’s quite familiar to most of you. 😀 (And she’s shared an exclusive excerpt with us before…)
1. Do you have any writing rituals or superstitions? Either for before you begin a book, while you’re writing it, or around the time the book is released?
Before I write “Chapter One” I have to have a picture that captures the looks and attitude of my hero. So, I have to spend days and days (sometimes more, if you can believe that) surfing the internet for pictures of hot guys. I also like to have a title I love, even if I know it might not make the final cut. Those two things are worthy procrastination techniques, er, I mean pre-writing goals.
2. What is the super power you would most like to have? and least like to have?
I would like to be bullet proof and nothing — no words, no weapons, no mean looks, no gossip, no lies, no pile of hungry red ants, no monsters, no nothin’ — could hurt me. Least? I would never want to be able to read people’s minds. Why? Because I’m not bullet proof.
3. What do you think is the best commercial of all time? (Is it online?)
It was a pro-bono ad written and produced by my stepson for a homeless shelter, and he won an Emmy for it! Here it is!
4. What’s the first type of alcohol you ever tried to drink? Where did you have it, and how old were you? What’s your favorite drink now?
Southern Comfort and orange juice, freshman year in college. Blech. My drink depends on my mood and surroundings, but I find that most situations call for wine. Perhaps all situations. In fact, this interview just called for some. Hold on…I’m pouring. Things might get more interesting now.
5. Would you shave your head for $50,000.00? If yes, would you do it for a lesser amount/what’s your minimum? If no, how much would it take for you to go bald? And then… would you do anything with your hair?
For $50,000? That’s a good question. There’s a book idea in that question, I tell you. Since I have so many friends who’ve lost their hair to chemo, I might be convinced to shave but only to give the money to cancer research. Otherwise, it would seem pretty smarmy to me. And, trust me, no one would want my paltry, bleached strands that don’t hold a curl and can be blow dried in less time than it takes most people to apply their product.
6. What’s the most embarrassing thing to ever happen to you at school? What about at a conference?
I got yelled at by Sister Tarsisius for claiming I had a headache, and stood in the hall of St. Gabriel’s in front of her and peed my pants. (Second grade, true story.) At a conference? Same thing. Only it was Kresley Cole and I was laughing.
7. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve ever eaten? What about the best thing? What’s your favorite dish? Your favorite fruit? Your favorite vegetable? Is it “just because” or is there any reason for each?
Honestly, I don’t think of food as “interesting” or not. I am married to a foodie of the enth degree. I think of food in terms of delicious, more delicious, and “oh my God, I will never divorce the man who made this meal.” Fave fruit is a dessert he makes based on a recipe by Adriana Giramonti called “Strawberries Italian Style” that is TO DIE FOR. Here’s recipe. We serve those over puff pastries and they’ll give you a buzz, so don’t serve to the little ones. Vegetable? What is this vegetable you speak of? Do French fries count?
8. Do you prefer Winter Olympics, or Summer? And which sport/event?
My favorite part is the opening ceremonies! Seriously, it’s all downhill (especially skiing, ha ha) from there for me.
9. Which ancient culture/civilization would you most like to visit? Ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, China, Mesopotamia, Africa, or South America? Why?
Oh, somewhere around Jerusalem in 33 AD. I would love to have been there and met Him.
10. What is a question you always wish people would ask you [as an author or otherwise]?
Tell me about your next book! Why,thank you, Limecello, I will! My first Young Adult book, Don’t You Wish, releases in TEN DAYS (a week from today, now,) from Random House/Delacorte. This is a parallel universe story full of hilarity, emotion, romance, and a little (very little) quantum physics. I love this book and think everyone in this universe and the one parallel to us should read it. Also, it has been optioned for film!! You can ask me about that, too!
11. Which fairy tale would you most like to be in? Least?
Aladdin! Sinbad! Ali Baba! My favorite fairy tales are from a book I still have, called Tales from the Arabian Nights: A “tween-age” book. My mother ordered it from her monthly book club when I was ten, and I think I’ve read the Aladdin fairy tales a thousand times. I still have the book, all yellowed and dog-earred, with some of my favorite lines highlighted and notes in my little girl handwriting. Here’s an example of something I underlined.
On his fourth voyage, Sinbad was almost eaten by cannibals, who did not mind his being skinny.
12. What did you do with the money from your first royalty check?
That sound you hear? That’s me guffawing in laughter. My first royalty check was worth less than the postage on the package the statement came in.
13. What TV show do you wish was still on the air?
Dallas. Wait! They brought it back. And, honestly, they should have left it off the air. The lesson is: you can never go home, even to South Fork. Especially to South Fork. JR’s eyebrows were epic, though.
14. Which do you prefer? 15 degree weather, or 105 degree weather? Along those lines – would you rather go to Nebraska, or Vermont?
I’m a hot weather girl, which is why I live in Florida. I can take anything but being cold. I have been to Vermont many times (gorgeous!) so I would choose Nebraska…with someone to keep me warm.
15. Which has been your favorite genre to write? Is there any new one you want to try? Which genre are you focusing on now?
I love ‘em all! I’ve written more romantic suspense than anything, and I guess that’s my wheelhouse. (Free book to anyone who knows where that expression began!) I’m comfortable in that genre, that’s for sure. But, this past year, I’ve written only contemporaries and young adult, and I’ve found them both to be fresh and fun. I’d like to try an epic paranormal YA fantasy next. (Did I say that?)
16. What is one luxury you simply cannot live without?
Pedicures. Cleaning ladies. Finishing salt. Why must it be one?
17. What would you put in your ideal candy bar? What’s your favorite snack food? Are you a sweet, or savory girl?
My ideal treat is both sweet and salty. Hands down, my number one favorite snack is (are?) chocolate covered potato chips made locally, sold here and obviously in invented by a woman in the middle of PMS. Ladies, you will thank me for this link, I promise.
18. If you weren’t a writer, what would you be doing? What is one career/profession you could never do? Why? (To both)
If I weren’t a writer, I would have convinced my husband to open a restaurant and I would be the hostess, a job I was born to do! I love strangers, I love food, and I have a bit of a control freak in me (You can’t sit there!!!). His name is Rich and my daughter decided the restaurant would be called “Rich With Flavor” – can you beat that? Barring that, I would have been Christiane Amanpour, traveling to warzones to cover heartwrenching news stories and have drunken, lusty affairs with brooding foreign correspondents.
I could never do anything that requires math, for obvious reasons.
As you can see, Rocki is herself quite the character! 😀 Thank you so much for visiting with all of us today, Ms. St. Claire!
Roxanne is giving away a copy of Barefoot in the Sand and Don’t You Wish – two winners! So what questions do you have for her? Have you ever read her category romances? (That’s how I “discovered” her way back in the day! … Or was it French Twist? Either way, you should read all of them. :D)
Y’all know the drill. Have you read anything by Rocki before? Which genre that she writes is your favorite? And, as always – my challenge to you. What crazy questions do you have for her? *NB you can find how the giveaway is run here.
Hi Rocki & Lime – two of my faves in one place. Awesome interview. Don’t enter me. I just wanted to drop in say hi. Rocki, I love every word you’ve written but you know my soft spot is for Zach & Samantha in Edge Of Sight. So happy you signed it at RT!! ((hugs))
Mary G, my love! Thank you for the comment and the Zachantha love. I miss those two. Feeling the need to write another Guardian Angelino book. Maybe a Bullet Catcher book. Maybe both! xo
Love contemporary books whoo, love Roxie books, hot suspense , congrats on the new books, whoo
Hi Kimh! Thanks for stopping by! xo
Fun interview. I haven’t had a chance to read her category books. Would you consider writing a book with Kresley Cole? If so, what kind of book would you write?
My category books are pretty old, but if you pick up KISS ME I’M IRISH (came out this past spring) you can read one of my categories (The Sins of His Past) and books from Jill Shalvis and Maureen Child, too. Write a book with Kresley Cole? Like we need another excuse to kill two hours of our writing day on the phone. (When my phone rings with her ID, my daughter moans, knowing I’m about to disappear and laugh my a#$ off for a long, long time.) I would write anything Kresley says. I would do anything Kresley says. I have done many things Kresley says and I have the jail time to prove it. xo
hi Lime, and Hi Roxanne! Roxanne, i just read your interview and found out that in Which fairy tale would you most like to be in? Least?
Aladdin! Sinbad! Ali Baba! My favorite fairy tales are from a book I still have, called Tales from the Arabian Nights. Wow I love those fairytales so much. My question is will you write any story that is connected with those fairytales, say maybe a girl trapped in a fairytale book or whatever? Thx
Very cool idea! I actually had some fairy tale YA stories brewing a while back, but Don’t You Wish took hold of my imagination and that’s what I wrote. After that, the re-imagined fairy tales (Snow White & the Huntsman, Red, Once Upon a Time) got really big, so I think I missed that opportunity. Good idea, though. I like it! xo
I have not read anything by Roxanne St. Claire & after this hilarious & insightful interview I’m wondering what’s wrong with me? No, that is not a question for Roxanne St. Claire. On the other hand!!
And we are wondering what’s wrong with you, too! Get thee to amazon, Mary Preston, and order up! Or maybe you’ll win…..xo
Yes I have read Roxanne before!
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Do you have any 4th of July traditions?
Have a great day !
Beth!!!!! The Beth who won my Tropical Getaway vacation to Key West??? How are you? It’s been too long! My favorite flavor of ice cream is…something with caramel swirls in it. Or on it. I’m all about the caramel. I like to watch my husband work the grill on the fourth, usually poolside with a drink in hand. Tomorrow shall be no different! Hope yours is awesome! xo
Hi Roxanne and Lime! Hope you are having a great Tuesday. Yes I have read some of Roxanne’s books and would love to win these you have today. My question for both of you is Boxers, Briefs or Commando? The commando inquiry came from lady in my office who loves anything military. lolol
I’m not quite as juiced up by commando as many women are. I just think of all that *chafing* and ouch. I like soft, loose, easy-access boxers. For your friend, they must be camo boxers. xo
Just to be cheeky… ;D Boxer-briefs. Heh.
Hi Roxanne,
do you have any other genre book you plan to write beside the genre you write now *just curious 🙂
I really am playing around with a fantasy/paranormal/other world YA story line right now, but nothing definite. I’m open! xo
Roxanne is one of my favorite authors love all of series haven’t been able to read her new one yet
Hi Christine! Hope you get a chance to try the Barefoot Bay series soon! Thanks for using the F word…favorite. xo
I love Rocki and miss her from the Murder She Writes blog. So, Rocki, when will you next visit MSW?
Also, in anwer to the wheelhouse question, courtesy of Wikipedia:
“In baseball jargon: The sweet spot of a baseball player’s strike zone where the most power and strength can be utilized.
An English language idiom derived from the baseball jargon meaning area of knowledge.”
Bingo for LSUreader — it’s a baseball term. And I miss MSW, too! I love those guys. I also miss blogging, which surprises me. I thought I was hitting burn out phase, but at least once a week I read or see something that I think, “Oh, that’s a good blog topic.” Except I don’t have a blog anymore. I would love to guest blog there and might go back to it next year when things settle down. Thanks – miss you, too!! xo
Hi LIme and Roxanne! Roxanne, I loved your interview. You have such a great sense of humor. I loved your comment about donating your hair to cancer. That is close to home because my husband has Stage 4 Lymphoma and is currently undergoing chemo. Unfortunately I have never had the priviledge of reading one of your books before, but would love to.
In regards to wheelhouse: The name is of Medieval or Olde English origins. It is from the pre 7th century words “hweel” and “hus”. The name was first recorded in Yorkshire in the 14th century. The wheel is a water wheel and the house would be a mill. Also, there were some names of Wheelhouse in various forms starting in the 1300’s.
Cathy, hugs for what you and your husband are gong through right now. I will say a prayer for him (what is his first name?) and for you, as I’m sure this has turned your world upside down and inside out.
I’m so glad you gave this definition — so now we know the baseball wheelhouse isn’t the original meaning. That makes so much sense…good job!
Love to you and yours and thanks for commenting! xo
I’ve never read Roxanne St. Claire, but I intend to! Great interview.
I actually still have Barefoot in the Sand in my TBR pile.. Work’s taking all my reading time away *sobs*
And you know that June wasn’t crazy just for you, Lime!; )
I hope to be able to read Barefoot soon and I’d love to try Rocki’s YA books.
Though, I have to warn you, I’m very selective with those. Since I don’t read A LOT of YA I have to absolutely LOVE the books! 🙂
Thanks for the fun interview girls *mwah*
Oh, Monikarw – I really hope you read and love WISH. It’s not like a lot of the YAs that are out now — not sure if that helps or hurts. But I love the story. Now stop working and start reading! xo
Found you thanks to a small bookstore on the beach .. Can’t wait for Barefoot in the Rain … I actually reread Barefoot in the Sand to look for clues to how BITR will play out ….
How lovely to hear that faithgirlfl! You’re a Florida girl, too? Well, just about ten minutes ago I finished reviewing the galleys for BITR and here’s what I can tell you: bring Kleenex to the party. It’s a weeper, LOL. I have written the first draft of Zoe’s story, BAREFOOT IN THE SUN, but I know it’s a long, long way from finished. Lots of layering still to do on that book. Tessa’s book will be fourth, BAREFOOT BY THE SEA. Hope you love them all! xo
I’ve read The Guardian Angelinos series, Seal of my Dreams, Guns and Roses, and Space in his Heart…all of which were fabulous! This is a great interview. I feel like I learned more around Rocki here than I have knowing her for the past year. And I could totally see you as a restaurant hostess, Rocki. 🙂
My question is this…What Italian dish (made by your husband) do you like the best?
Thanks, Brenda! It’s been awesome getting to know you through STAR, too! My husband’s best Italian dish…well, it would have to be ALL of our Christmas Eve “La Vigilia” Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner. About 11 courses, all magnifico! Best night of the year, hands down! I’ll show you the menu when you’re here for our chapter Christmas party in December! xo
Sound delicious! I’ll hold you to sharing that menu at the Christmas party. 🙂
Yep the same Beth who won your vacation!! I still have a picture of hubby and me hanging on the wall from that trip! Hope all is going well in your neck of the woods 🙂
Yay! Love that you’re still a fan! All is well here, and I hope with you, too! xo
I’ve been reading The Guardian Angelinos and am loving it. I plan on reading more from you just as soon as time permits because I love that series.
Loved the interview and your answers to the questions. I’d rather be in the winter than in the summer. With temps getting to 115 here even without humidity…it’s just too hot. I stay inside as much as possible. lol
Thank you, Mary! So glad you like the Angelinos. It’s July in Florida…so I hear you. I wanted to go shopping this afternoon, but decided I couldn’t bear getting in and out of the car. When temps keep me from shopping, that’s serious. Stay cool! xo
I have read EVERYTHING by Roxanne St. Claire. I was there when she won her Rita for “‘Tis the Silly Season.” My bookcase has an entire shelf dedicated to the “Roxanne St. Claire/Rocki St. Claire” collection. Did y’all know she wrote a book as Rocki St. Claire? And I’m very eager to read her venture into YA.
My question for her? Hugh Jackman or Hugh Jackman? Oh that’s not a choice? Sorry. I had surgery a week ago and am still popping Percocet pills. 😉
I love Marilyn on perocet. I love Marilyn, period. Thanks for stopping by – and in the fog of post-surgery, too! Honestly, I’m not the HJ fan some others are. I don’t know why, but he just doesn’t turn me to goo.
Oh, and that day (or week) of Hot Guy searching I do before every book? You can all thank Marilyn who runs assist for me, sending me HGFR emails on a regular basis. (Hot Guy For Rocki). Love!
Get well soon, dear friend! xo
I love Rocki’s books and her sense of humor! Chocolate covered potato chips! OMG! Wonder if I could find them in Pittsburgh?
YAY Pittsburgh! Baldwin High, Class of…well, nevermind that. You can order them from Grimaldi’s in Melbourne and they ship! Check out the link. You’ll thank me. And I thank *you* for the kind words! xo
Love Roxanne, would love to win…keep up the good work Roxanne…lsscarchuk@att.net
Thank you, Linda! I’m trying…xo
Hey Roxanne.. saw you were doing an interview so had to check it out.. looking forward to Barefoot in the Rain and may have to splurge and get your YA Don’t You Wish.
As for wheelhouse in the way you used it is means area of knowledge but it is one of those words that has a lof different meanings. In baseball it is the hitters sweetspot, in nautical terms it is wherer the “steering wheel” is housed. It is also the portion of a watermill that houses waterwheel or gears to run the millstone.
And if you had not already found and adopted a cute puppy I would let you know that I have an abandoned pup at the clinic that needs a home, but I think she would be to big for your house.
Oh, Linda…good wheelhouse information! And thank you for thinking of me with the new puppy. Ginger, my new Shih Tzu, has filled up my life and my heart. We ADORE her! Even Pepper has come around, too. Thanks for stopping by! xo
Hi, Rocki and Lime! Lime, I love your interviews! Rocki, I just finished my first Roxanne St. Claire book–Space in His Heart. Great! Made me feel like I was near the beach—-and I am FAR from it! (Thanks again for the fantastic RWA class!) My questions: Do you know someone who works for NASA? And what is your favorite vacation beach?
Hi Sherida! So glad you liked SPACE. That one is DEAR to me! I know lots of NASA folks, since I live about 15 miles from Kennedy Space Center. No super hot former Navy fighter pilots turned astronaut, though. For that, you have to read SPACE IN HIS HEART. My favorite beach is about five minutes away – a quick bike ride for me that I make often. It is pure heaven and I go there often to meditate and thank God for all my blessings. And ask for more!! xo
Yup, read pretty much everything you wrote, Rocki. Some more than once. Wondering which Bullet Catcher is your fav. Dan’s the man for me!
Oh, Laurie, you’re such a great reader and fan! Thank you! My favorite Bullet Catcher…I’m going to go a different direction. I love writing Lucy Sharpe, the owner and queen bee of the organization. So, she’s my favorite. But for overall hot guyness…I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite! Dan makes me laugh, Fletch makes me flutter, Alex (the very first!) still hits that “I love hot Latin men” button of mine. Max is way up there, too, for strong and silent (when he cries, I want to die) and, of course, Johnny Christiano, hot Italian stud, is a fave, too. Man, I LOVE THEM ALL. And you for loving them with me! xo
I have to admit I have not read any of Roxanne’s books yet, though recently a friend mentioned that I needed to read ALL of them! So you are on my list of books to get. I have heard wonderful things.
What would be the best series to start with? Do you have any stand alone books?
Please buy your friend a drink, give her a hug, and tell me her name so I can thank her if I ever meet her, Susan! Yes, read all! If you’re a stand-alone lover, pick up Space In His Heart (ebook is only $3.99) and I promise you a trip over the moon. If you love contemps, try Barefoot in the Sand, it’s the start of a new series – very emotional, lots of friendship, family, and fun. If you like a few dead bodies and surprise baddies, I suggest the Guardian Angelinos – start with Edge of Sight. If you’re not sure, go to my web site and click on the Romantic Suspense link; go to the free read (it might be under Guardian Angelinos) and read a short prequel to EDGE. Have fun and, really, love your friend for the rec! xo
Bestest interview ever– it’s good to see Rocki on the interwebs now that she’s not at MSW!
I must admit I haven’t read the categories (I read really quickly, so I find category romances too short!), but most everything else? Been there, done that :). I’m a huge RS fan, so I absolutely loved every Bullet Catcher & Guardian Angelino book (coughGabeneedshisbooksooncough). I’m my mum’s book pimp, so I keep recommending them to her– but she reads really, really slowly so she’s always behind on my recommendations! Having just finished the LOVE IS MURDER anthology, methinks it may be time to re-remind her to start on those Bullet Catcher & Guardian Angelino books…
Also, ridiculously stoked for BAREFOOT IN THE RAIN! Contemporaries are my break from dead bodies & guns, and I absolutely loved BAREFOOT IN THE SAND (Clay doesn’t happen to have a brother you could ship up north, right?). I’m ready for some Kleenex– I think the last time I cried whilst reading was at the end(ish) of Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows… it was about 4:00 on release day and I was young & impressionable. I’ve since failed to cry during Pixar’s UP, which apparently makes me heartless :-P.
Chocolate-covered crisps? My inner European chocolate snob/purist doesn’t know whether to be intrigued or appalled. Though I may be less scandalised if they’re dark (preferably >72%) chocolate-covered crisps, haha.
Cris! How sweet you are. Thank you! I hope you love BF in the RAIN, too. After reviewing galleys today, it inched past SAND as my favorite, but probably because there’s a heartwrenching father/daughter storyline.
And Gabe! Can I just say that (you heard it here first)…I started the outline last week. His story is going to be told! When, where, how…not sure yet. But I promise that boy will have a book.
And, yes, the choc-covered crisps (love that, so British) come in dark chocolate! xo
I never read Roxanne’s category romance but I have read and loved her romantic suspense. My question is: When your book is made into a movie and it is mega successful whose talk show do you want to be on?
Thank you, Maureen! We are so far from a talk show appearance, it isn’t funny. But, since we’re dreaming, I’ll just say the Today show because I was in Rockefeller Center last week and I know how to get to the studio, so I won’t have to worry about getting lost on the way. xo
I haven’t read anything by Roxanne, yet.. But I would really like to. I am definately going to download a sample book or two and see what I think.
Thanks, Kim! Hope you find one you love! xo
I was wrong… I have read two books… 🙁
The Sins of His Past and ‘Tis the Silly Season. I LOVED Clay. Of the three books in that Anthology, ‘Tis the Silly Season was my favorite.
Am a new fan! Would love to win!
No, I have yet to read any of her books. She is on my radar and I’ve heard amazing things about her work. Can’t wait to dive in
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