What a way to start off August!!!!!  This is so exciting!!!!  Molly, my partner in Partners In Crime Tours, is stopping by today to introduce us all to today’s guest as she the tells us about her latest book, and if that isn’t enough, there is a chance to win a copy of her book.  So grab a chair, sit and stay a while and let’s chat with Ms. Natasha Deen!!!

The Crimson line of The Wild Rose Press was looking for stories that centered around a jewel. I wanted to do something funny and as a nod to 1984’s Romancing the Stone. So, I took a heroine who, whenever she tries to do anything remotely take charge, has everything go wrong—but who, in the end, always perseveres and gets the job done.

*What kind of research did you do for the book?
I did a lot of internal research (by which I mean, napped a lot and called it work). When I wasn’t “internally meditating and drafting” I talked to police contacts to make sure the story, while a fictional take on police procedure, was still within the realm of possibility. And I touched base with friends who live in Las Vegas to make sure the roads I mentioned (and the casinos) were geographically correct.

*Does you feel that research is important or is the majority of the book based on your thoughts and creativity?
I think research is important—depending on the kind of genre you’re writing. If I’m doing a contemporary (like in Sneakers, Sandals & Stillettoes: Fairy-Tales for the Well-Heeled Princess), then I only need enough information to create a sense of place and time.

But if I’m doing something else—historical or fantasy (like the upcoming True Grime), then I need to spend time making sure my facts are right.

At the end of the day, a book is written for the entertainment of the reader. If my reader is always saying, “Hey, wait a minute, Columbus didn’t sail in 1962,” or “Wait. On page three, she said fairies are immortal, but on page forty-three, she’s saying they can die” then I ruin the experience for that person.

I did my best to make What Happens in Vegas realistic, but I also took a lot of artistic license ( I mean, the chances of anyone ever having a chalet-style home in Vegas are pretty slim).

*Because it is in ebook format….what are your thoughts as a rising author and the new era of publishing? Does you feel that indie authors now have a better chance of recognition via virtual tours and indie publishing?

I think we’re in a very exciting time with publishing. Back in the day (think Jefferson—Thomas, not George), everything was about individual initiative. You’d print off your thoughts, then sell the papers/books yourself. In fact, I read that there were more newspapers during Jefferson’s day than now.

Right now, publishing companies are just trying to survive, which means they have to be ruthless about who they take. So, it’s fantastic for those authors whose writing is a little off the beaten path to have options to create and distribute on their own, and to take advantage of virtual tours.

I like virtual touring. It’s kind on the environment, allows me to stay home, and let’s me reach a wider audience than I would in a brick and mortar bookstore.

*Does you prefer ebook or print?
I like both—print when I’m home, and e-books when I travel.

*Writing in general…do you have a certain spot for writing? Need solace or background noise?
I’m very eclectic in how I work. Usually, I write in my office, with music going. During those times when I really need to listen to my inner voice, though, I shut off the music, and on days when I’m feeling bored (or need to edit) I go into the living room to give myself a change of environment.

*What about interruptions?
I have two dogs, two cats, and my husband also works from home…I don’t call it interruptions, I call it “spontaneous breaks in the day.” I actually get up extra early because I’m never sure what will happen in my day. So, if I give myself a couple of extra hours, then if the day goes sideways then I’m still okay with my schedule.

*Do you have have bouts of writer’s block and how do you handle it?
I’ve found my writer’s block is usually when I’m trying to write and edit at the same time. Writing is writing. You shouldn’t try to edit and polish at the same time that you’re trying to get words on the page. That’s like trying to lay the foundation of your house and at the exact same time, you’re trying to install the decorative curtains. One thing at a time. Write first. Edit later.

When Natasha was little, there was only one thing she wanted to be: a superhero. Unfortunately, being a klutz isn’t a super-power. She turned to writing because it allows her to be anything she wants, including a caped crusader. When not writing, she is an instructor and editor.



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I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

This summer has been brutal heat wise, hasn’t it?  But just think, in a few short months, we will be complaining that it’s too cold.  I’ll take the heat and sitting around the pool with friends over snow.  Now if we can only do something about those two grumpy old people….I’m not pointing fingers….I think you all know who I mean…..Men!!!  Jeff..make my burger well done please.  Steve, I need a frozen banana daiquiri please.

I found today’s guest through Friday’s blog hop and just loved the look of her blog.  I stayed a while, checked things out and became a follower.  And now, like you, I am going to get to know the person behind the blog.  Today’s guest is MICHELLE from RED HEADED BOOK CHILD

I started blogging in July 2009. I needed an outlet for my reading and recommending passion. I was laid off from my job as a bookstore manager a few months prior and was feeling a little lost without that stage to talk to people about books. I was hesitant at first to blog because i didn’t think anyone would read it. But now, I may not have 1000s of followers, but i know I have a good solid readership and i am proud of it!

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
I am a red head and my son, who was a littler guy at that time, was a very BRIGHT red head . We read to him all the time and I thought it was a cute little name. I named it after him. red headed book child He loves books as much as I do!

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Reviews of all the books I read. I sprinkle in some of my personal life, little stories of my kiddo, weird things that pop in my head but mostly my book reviews.

This year i am going to do a monthly book club post that sums up my book club picks and reviews. We are named The Ladies Book Club. That should start this month. I’m also starting to post a few more tales of my life in the literary world; from my career in bookstores, to now working at my local library. Those posts are going to be called Loosely Bound: Tales from my Literary Life.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
My top 3 favorite genres are LIterary Fiction, Memoirs and Mystery/Thrillers. I enjoy all books but those are the ones that I read the most of and you will only find those genres reviewed on my blog.

*How often do you post?
A few times a week seems to be the norm for me. I am surprised at how quickly the weeks go and sometimes it will be four days and I haven’t posted anything. During that time though, I don’t feel compelled just to post for the sake of posting. i always try to read other blogs and comment during that time. I would rather have quality over quantity of posts.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
I love the audience and the community of people that are really similar to me. It’s extraordinary to find 1000s of blogs out there dedicated to BOOKS and book reviewing. That’s amazing to me. Gosh, if I had this as a kid or as a teenager, boy it would have helped! But it was just me and my New Kids on the Block cassette tapes and my own stories I would create in my backyard in the country. 🙁

*What are some of the negatives?
Gosh, it’s hard to say. I haven’t had any bad experiences as far as negative comments or authors being mean to me after I review their books, etc etc. I know this has happened to some. I treasure sincerity. So the only thing I can say is it’s tough when someone only stops by your blog for a giveaway and that’s it. But really, that’s silly. It’s the nature of us all. who doesn’t want free things, right? So, i don’t do a lot of those anyway. My point is that I treasure sincere comments and it’s only been a few times when I felt some comments weren’t sincere or my reviews or posts weren’t read. That’s really rare. I am fortunate I have amazing, awesome readers who I feel care about what I have to say. I only hope I do the same for you all.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
I think I mentioned them above too. I will be doing posts for my book club, The Ladies Book Club. I will also be doing Loosely Bound: Tales from my LIterary Life where you will hear some funny stories of author signings I’ve worked and stuff I’ve heard managing a bookstore, etc etc. You know, “I’m looking for that blue book. You know, that one” (sigh) There will be lots of fun stories about my adventures in my careers in the literary world!

I have enjoyed doing occasional personal posts about my little kiddo, my lack of sleep due to little kiddo, and the fact I had very few friends growing up as a skinny big red haired girl who lived in the country and spent most of her time either in a tree or at the library.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Stay true to yourself on your blog and have fun! And be kind.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
I am drawn initially by what they are reading and if they comment on my blog. I always try to follow up with my comments and respond and follow those blogs. I look at the profiles too and their history, likes and whatnot. And sometimes, I like pretty pictures and if it’s a shiny happy blog full of bells and whistles, sometimes I am easily amused and click that darn follow button!

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
Hmmm…not really. Your blog is your own. Do whatever the heck you want. Just please don’t blast me or other bloggers. Be kind, once again!

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!! Oh, man, I always sound crazy when I do stuff like this because it’s whatever pops into my head. Here goes…

I am a huge fan of Jackie Collins.

I get hives.

I am addicted to soy lattes and may need to seek therapy for it.

One day i would really love a farm with a pick up truck and cute farm hands to help me with chores. And my husband, of course.

I have really pointy incisor teeth that make me look like a vampire and I enjoy scaring the children I work with. he he. All in good fun, no worries.

I had open heart surgery when I was 5.

I sing a lot and am addicted to musicals and GLEE!

Oh and I think I am waaay funnier than I really am.

*Any other info you would like to share.
It would make me really happy if I hit 300 followers this year. There is just something really cool sounding about 300…maybe because I really liked that movie with Gerard Butler. Yes, that’s it.

No pressure, people.

Michelle, thank you for being my guest today and sharing yourself with us all.  Once again, as you can see from her answers, book bloggers are definitely the kindest, nicest, caring bloggers in bloggy land.  A wife, a loving and devoted mom, a down to earth person, a self proclaimed comic lol, and a girl who has faced some major health problems, I think you will all agree, Michelle is a SHIINING STAR!!!

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

This summer has been brutal heat wise, hasn’t it?  But just think, in a few short months, we will be complaining that it’s too cold.  I’ll take the heat and sitting around the pool with friends over snow.  Now if we can only do something about those two grumpy old people….I’m not pointing fingers….I think you all know who I mean…..Men!!!  Jeff..make my burger well done please.  Steve, I need a frozen banana daiquiri please.

I found today’s guest through Friday’s blog hop and just loved the look of her blog.  I stayed a while, checked things out and became a follower.  And now, like you, I am going to get to know the person behind the blog.  Today’s guest is MICHELLE from RED HEADED BOOK CHILD

I started blogging in July 2009. I needed an outlet for my reading and recommending passion. I was laid off from my job as a bookstore manager a few months prior and was feeling a little lost without that stage to talk to people about books. I was hesitant at first to blog because i didn’t think anyone would read it. But now, I may not have 1000s of followers, but i know I have a good solid readership and i am proud of it!

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
I am a red head and my son, who was a littler guy at that time, was a very BRIGHT red head . We read to him all the time and I thought it was a cute little name. I named it after him. red headed book child He loves books as much as I do!

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Reviews of all the books I read. I sprinkle in some of my personal life, little stories of my kiddo, weird things that pop in my head but mostly my book reviews.

This year i am going to do a monthly book club post that sums up my book club picks and reviews. We are named The Ladies Book Club. That should start this month. I’m also starting to post a few more tales of my life in the literary world; from my career in bookstores, to now working at my local library. Those posts are going to be called Loosely Bound: Tales from my Literary Life.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
My top 3 favorite genres are LIterary Fiction, Memoirs and Mystery/Thrillers. I enjoy all books but those are the ones that I read the most of and you will only find those genres reviewed on my blog.

*How often do you post?
A few times a week seems to be the norm for me. I am surprised at how quickly the weeks go and sometimes it will be four days and I haven’t posted anything. During that time though, I don’t feel compelled just to post for the sake of posting. i always try to read other blogs and comment during that time. I would rather have quality over quantity of posts.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
I love the audience and the community of people that are really similar to me. It’s extraordinary to find 1000s of blogs out there dedicated to BOOKS and book reviewing. That’s amazing to me. Gosh, if I had this as a kid or as a teenager, boy it would have helped! But it was just me and my New Kids on the Block cassette tapes and my own stories I would create in my backyard in the country. 🙁

*What are some of the negatives?
Gosh, it’s hard to say. I haven’t had any bad experiences as far as negative comments or authors being mean to me after I review their books, etc etc. I know this has happened to some. I treasure sincerity. So the only thing I can say is it’s tough when someone only stops by your blog for a giveaway and that’s it. But really, that’s silly. It’s the nature of us all. who doesn’t want free things, right? So, i don’t do a lot of those anyway. My point is that I treasure sincere comments and it’s only been a few times when I felt some comments weren’t sincere or my reviews or posts weren’t read. That’s really rare. I am fortunate I have amazing, awesome readers who I feel care about what I have to say. I only hope I do the same for you all.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
I think I mentioned them above too. I will be doing posts for my book club, The Ladies Book Club. I will also be doing Loosely Bound: Tales from my LIterary Life where you will hear some funny stories of author signings I’ve worked and stuff I’ve heard managing a bookstore, etc etc. You know, “I’m looking for that blue book. You know, that one” (sigh) There will be lots of fun stories about my adventures in my careers in the literary world!

I have enjoyed doing occasional personal posts about my little kiddo, my lack of sleep due to little kiddo, and the fact I had very few friends growing up as a skinny big red haired girl who lived in the country and spent most of her time either in a tree or at the library.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Stay true to yourself on your blog and have fun! And be kind.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
I am drawn initially by what they are reading and if they comment on my blog. I always try to follow up with my comments and respond and follow those blogs. I look at the profiles too and their history, likes and whatnot. And sometimes, I like pretty pictures and if it’s a shiny happy blog full of bells and whistles, sometimes I am easily amused and click that darn follow button!

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
Hmmm…not really. Your blog is your own. Do whatever the heck you want. Just please don’t blast me or other bloggers. Be kind, once again!

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!! Oh, man, I always sound crazy when I do stuff like this because it’s whatever pops into my head. Here goes…

I am a huge fan of Jackie Collins.

I get hives.

I am addicted to soy lattes and may need to seek therapy for it.

One day i would really love a farm with a pick up truck and cute farm hands to help me with chores. And my husband, of course.

I have really pointy incisor teeth that make me look like a vampire and I enjoy scaring the children I work with. he he. All in good fun, no worries.

I had open heart surgery when I was 5.

I sing a lot and am addicted to musicals and GLEE!

Oh and I think I am waaay funnier than I really am.

*Any other info you would like to share.
It would make me really happy if I hit 300 followers this year. There is just something really cool sounding about 300…maybe because I really liked that movie with Gerard Butler. Yes, that’s it.

No pressure, people.

Michelle, thank you for being my guest today and sharing yourself with us all.  Once again, as you can see from her answers, book bloggers are definitely the kindest, nicest, caring bloggers in bloggy land.  A wife, a loving and devoted mom, a down to earth person, a self proclaimed comic lol, and a girl who has faced some major health problems, I think you will all agree, Michelle is a SHIINING STAR!!!