Welcoming Susan Berry to the VHP Family!

Happy Thursday, world!

Today, I have yet another fabulous new member of the VHP family to introduce you to.

So here without further ado, is Susan Berry!




Susan Berry read her first romance novel when she was ten years old. Her grandmother gave it to her to help pass the time on a long car ride to the Midwest. She grumbled as she opened the book and began reading. Ten miles later, she couldn’t put it down. The characters came alive, the tension between them building as she frantically turned the pages. She had to know how it all worked out. That experience never left her. From that day forward, she read romance novels every chance she found, and reading turned into writing, which eventually led to her first novel, a traditional romance called Dance of the Heart.

Every woman secretly wishes for a man who is both strong and charming enough to sweep her off her feet. A man who can match her independence with just enough force to break through her guarded heart. As someone who loves to escape into the pages of love, she is dedicated to the writing of such novels filled with heartfelt romance that can be shared with every generation.


Along with romance novels, Susan has written several articles regarding social issues close to her heart and had the privilege of being a guest speaker for Together We Care, a diverse group of Puget Sound collaborators who are partnering toward achieving outstanding care for individuals experiencing chronic illness in the community.





Q: You credit chocolate bars (specifically dark chocolate with almonds) with maintaining your sanity while writing. Do you have any other suggestions for food that feeds the brain, or any foods that might kill the artistic flow?

While chocolate is my favorite writing snack, I also enjoy anything crunchy. A bag of popcorn can help me get through the worst of writers block. I have never found a food to kill my artistic flow.

Q: You once said, "Our greatest success come in the space between try and quit." What brought you to that place to be able to say that? Tell us of your greatest successes.

In life, we all have dreams. Whether we reach those dreams depends a lot on our ability to keep trying until they are firmly in our grasp. Quitting before that moment can rob you of the success. You never really know how close you are to what you desire so why stop short when with just a bit more effort, you can have all you want. My personal successes have been my ability to continue to live a normal life with a disability and keep fighting for my dreams.


Q: Dance of the Heart is your debut novel, and also the first in your Moments of the Heart series. What triggered the idea for the book and for the series? Did you see or experience something? Did a character just come to mind? Did a certain place or memory suddenly conjure up the idea(s)?

Dance of the Heart was inspired not by any one event as it was a memory. When I was younger I used to read Harlequin Romance novel with my grandmother. I just fell in love with the plots and the adventure of love. While thinking of my grandmother one afternoon, I just started writing and the character of Maggie just jumped off the page. She introduced me to her struggle to recover from the drowning death of her mother and her fear of feelings when confronted with love. The story is full of family and humor and the ending that leaves you wanting more.



Q: You call Dance of the Heart, a “traditional romance.” What is a traditional romance? What does/do romance and romance novels mean to you as both a reader and a writer?

To me a traditional romance is exactly like the first real romance novel to me, Pride and Prejudice. The story is full of real people who are facing real situations in life. Their journey includes discovering what they think love is and how it manifests in their own lives into something beautiful and enduring.



Q: What can you tell us about book two, Laughter of the Heart, without giving too much away?

The second book in the Moments of the Heart series follows Maggie and her family as they move on to a new chapter in their life. We find out if Maggie has finally healed her heart and what lengths she is willing to go for love.



Q: Tell us one thing about yourself that we would never expect (a funny story, a talent, a passion in life, etc.).

Well, one thing most people don’t know about me is I love magic. When I was little I would practice card tricks and try the out on whoever came to our house to the annoyance of my parents. I think my love of magic is part of what makes me a fiction writer. Fiction is an illusion of reality that seems real to those reading it just like magic can seem real to the observer. And who doesn’t like the thrill of not knowing how things will work out.




Where to find Susan Berry:

Website: http://SusanMBerry.weebly.com/

Twitter: @SusanBerry111

Blog: http://SusanMBerry.weebly.com/

E-mail: AuthorSusanBerry@gmail.com



Happy Reading!!!

Welcoming Neva Squires-Rodriguez to the VHP Family!

Happy Thursday, world!

Today, I would like to take the time to introduce you to another new member of the VHP family, Neva Squires-Rodriguez!



Neva Squires-Rodriguez was born and raised in a neighborhood located on the North Side of Chicago. Mother, Wife, Expert at Multitasking... and now, Author, Neva creates electrifying stories with a twist.

Neva Squires-Rodriguez earned her Masters Degree from National University, a feat which she worked very hard to obtain and says she will work even harder to pay off.

She claims to be a typical American, full of dreams that will hopefully get her to a more comfortable lifestyle one day. She says, “God has a plan and I will follow wherever it is that He takes me.”


Q: You call yourself "Mother, Wife, Expert at Multitasking... and now, Author, Neva creates electrifying stories with a twist." Obviously, you're a busy woman. How do you find time to write as you balance work and family?

I love writing, but my family takes precedence. I write during my lunch break at work, at night after the kids go to sleep and in the kitchen when I'm cooking dinner. Needless to say, I'm not the best cook, but I have a passion for writing.

Q: You mention how your parents introduced you to writing as a child. When/how did writing sneak it's way into adult your life?

Great question Lauren. When I was about 22 years old my friends at work and I started writing short stories and sharing them with one another. I didn't find the courage to go public with my writing until after I went back to school for my Masters degree and had received a great deal of positive feed back from instructors and classmates.

Q: How have your life experiences in Chicago influenced your writing?

My experiences in Chicago helped to put the flavor in what I write. In Edgewater-the neighborhood that I grew up in, we were one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Chicago during the 90's. I had the opportunity to get to know people from many other countries and in turn I learned to appreciate the life that we live in our own. I believe that you will see some of my appreciation, in my writing-especially in book 1 of the Liliana Series.

Q: You say that you enjoy reading stories that empower women. Do you use your own writing as a way to empower women?

I do, but more so I like to show growth in my stories. Readers are going to find that my writing is very different than they may be used to. I enjoy showing struggle. Why? Not that I am condoning it in any way, but I want women or anyone for that matter to see that no situation is worth giving up on. There is nothing too tough that they cannot handle. We need to learn to find our inner strength, even when we believe it is non-existent. Sometimes watching others overcome extreme obstacles is helpful. That is exactly what you will find in my writing.

Q: Tell us one thing about yourself that we would never expect (a funny story, a talent, a passion in life, etc.).

I would say an odd thing that I do is set goals for myself that I think are unattainable. Then I work my tail off to get to them, for example getting published, I didn't think that I could ever do it and here I am. Nothing is impossible.

About Neva's first release: Book 1 in the Liliana Trilogy.


Boom!

That deafening sound changed Liliana’s life forever. Her mother sits dead besides her,shot to death on the streets of Chicago.

Within weeks, Liliana is sent to live with a father she doesn’t know in Colombia - a foreign land and filled with challenges for Liliana.

While working to pay off her father’s debt, she meets the love of her life, who frees her from her father’s illusory home, only to bring her into a new world of twisted surprises.


Where to find Neva Squires-Rodriguez online



Website: http://NevaSquiresRodriguez.com

Twitter: @NevaRodriguez22

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Neva-Squires-Rodriguez/1497271613835645

Blog: http://NevaSquiresRodriguez.com

New Addition to the VHP Family: Tamara Philip!

Good Thursday morning, gang!


I apologize for being quiet. It's been difficult balancing pain management, doctor, PT, massage and other appointments, writing, and of course, life.


I'm back now, and I am going to introduce you to 3 new writers. Writers that you absolutely must check out! Writers who are the newest additions to the VHP family.



To start, today I am introducing you to Tamara Philip! She's smart, she's fun, and she's a great writer!

Her first release with VHP is called The Trouble with Playing Cupid.



Come join us in a fun conversation so we can all get to know her better. :)




Your profile and website talk about how you spent most of your life in NYC. As you reflect back, what are the greatest positives and negatives to growing up in a large metropolis?

Positives would definitely be the diversity. from the people to the food to just different ways of thinking. I learned how to speak my mind, thanks to growing up in NYC.
Negatives would be I just can't deal with outdoor stuff. I'm afraid of wild life!



They also talk about an international adventure where you met many people and you ate too much. Was there one country’s cuisine or one particular dish that you absolutely love(d)?

I'm pretty easy to please, food wise since I eat anything that I'm offered but I absolutely love England's steak and kidding pudding.


You said that you secretly loved writing even as a young child. What does it feel like to now seriously pursue that passion?

I feel complete. Maybe that sounds cliche, but I didn't know how much I need writing in my life until I started to back again.

What is it about writing that you love so much?



Are there any parts of the writing process that you dislike?

Writer's block. It really is as horrible as they say.

What was your inspiration for The Trouble With Playing Cupid? I think it was an ode to my teenage years where I had a crush on anybody who smiled at me and smelled good.

You mention that you are working hard on your second novel. Is it a follow up to The Trouble With Playing Cupid or is it another story?

It's not a follow up. It's a YA novel called The Diary of a big Dummy. It's just a funny, not really coming of age tale.>/b>

Could you give us a quick blurb about it?
Sure. Joss Kugler was an apathetic, self absorbed loudmouth, and She was more than happy with her life just the way it was, until Jack Buckley decided to barge in and disrupt it all. Will she choose to let love in or will she tell him to take a hike?


What could you tell us one thing about yourself that no one might ever suspect? Be it something funny, something unusual, a hidden talent, a passion or hobby.

To this day whenever I'm washing dishes, I daydream that I'm a super successful singer and pretend that I'm in concert performing.

That's awesome! Maybe one day we'll all be lucky enough to actually see you in concert! ;)

Here's a quick blurb about your new release, The Trouble with Playing Cupid.




One New Year's Eve, shy singer, December Brown drunkenly texts her talk show host pal, Trace Randall, about her long time crush on the aloof actor, Tom Elmswood. Thinking the two celebrities would make a cute couple, he unwisely decides to play matchmaker... in front of a live studio audience. Things start to go downhill when Tom admits he's never even heard of December before. Now what seemed like a sure fire hit quickly becomes a flop. Will these two lonely hearts ever make a love connection or has this cupid's arrow missed its mark?

Get your copy today!

Stephania's Page 69 Trial

Howdy, partners!

Today I am teasing you with Stephania's equivalent to a page 69 trial.

Enjoy...




It was around ten in the morning, but both Maria and Stephania were still walking around the
house in their pajamas.

Maria had decided to work from home since the girls had been out so late.

Stephania was taking it easy since she had the shoot with Linda tomorrow. She had just leaned
back in her chair, propped her feet up on her desk and took a sip of her coffee when the business
phone line rang.

“Hello?” Stephania answered after hurriedly swallowing the very hot coffee. She tried not to
cough into the phone.

“Hi, is this Steph-ah-NEE-ya?” The woman’s voice on the other phone clearly struggled with the
pronunciation of Steph’s name.

“Steph-AHN-ya.” She corrected the other woman. “Yes, this is she.”

“Hi, this is Susan from Peter’s office.”

“Hi Susan, how are you?”

“I am doing well, thanks for asking. I’m calling for Peter. He’s home sick with the flu.” Susan
explained.

“Oh poor Peter! If you talk to him later, please tell him I hope he feels better.”

“I will,” Susan replied. “Anyway, we just got a call for a shoot for you that Peter thinks you’d be
very interested in.”

“Okay, go on.”

“Well, you were requested for a cover shoot of…Curve Magazine.”

“Are you kidding? You’re kidding, right? This is some kind of a prank, isn’t it? A belated April
Fool’s? Peter would do something like that…”

“No.”

“This is for real?!”

“This is for real.” Susan answered.

Stephania could not believe this. There was no way this was happening. “You’re sure they
wanted me?”

“Yes, they wanted you. They’ve seen your portfolio and your wonderful work for the gay
community. They would like to do a cover shoot and an article.”

Steph gently put the phone down on the desk and then proceeded to scream and jump around
the room.

Maria scurried in to come see what was wrong.

Steph waited a moment, took a deep breath, and picked up the phone again.

Maria just stood there, puzzled.

“I’m sorry, Susan. I just needed a moment,” Steph cleared her throat. “Peter was correct. I
would love to do this shoot.” She could hear laughter on the other end of the phone.

“Great! I’ll have one of the Curve reps call you and we can get you all set.”

“Thank you.” Stephania said, trying desperately to maintain her composure.

“Sure. We’ll talk again soon.” Susan hung up.

“Would you care to explain why you gave me a heart attack?” Maria demanded.

Stephania put the phone down. “Well…” She said slowly, playing this out. “I got an offer for a
shoot and…”

“And?” Maria cut her off.

“It’s for the cover of Curve! They want to do a shoot and an article!”

Now it was Maria’s turn to scream. She hugged Steph and the two began to dance around the
office.

Finally out of breath, Maria said, “This has been your dream for years! That’s great! I’m so
happy for you. Congratulations, baby. So when is the shoot?”

“One of the reps from Curve will call us. Knowing everyone at Peter’s office, they’ll call later
today.”

Maria squealed with excitement.

Stephania paused, and then her eyes lit up. “I’d better hit the gym! I have to look good. I’m
about to be on the cover of Curve!”

She slammed her coffee mug down, gave Maria a peck on the cheek and ran out the door.

The Grammar Nazi Rants

I am a self-proclaimed grammar nazi. I know it, I admit, I own it. It's just a part of who I am.

Yesterday, I received an e-mail from a fellow writer (NOT with VHP). It was an announcement for her newest book release. Like most authors, she's throwing an on-line bash to celebrate. There was a problem, though. What was it? The second line read, "and your invited..."

I shook my head in dismay. Really?! I'm friendly with this gal. I'll admit that I haven't read her work yet, but I'm happy she has a new release. But come on! YOUR invited?! If she genuinely does not understand the difference, I have to question her abilities as a writer.




That's the problem with e-books and self-publishing. I'm not directing this solely at her. There are a TON of people out there who think they can write. They want to write the great American novel. I get that and I respect that dream. I dream of being an amazing artist. However, I don't paint and then sell you something claiming it to be a masterpiece. At the risk of sounding harsh, people need to know their limitations.

What kills me is that things like this are so commonplace now. Music lyrics boast terrible grammar. Text messages have created an entirely new form of shorthand. People will tell you frankly that they don't care about proper grammar. Their, there and they're are all completely interchangeable. You HAVE to use an apostrophe in order to make a word plural (i.e., horse's versus horses).

What's happening? Our language is one of the most difficult to learn. We're actually making it harder. We're also making ourselves look absolutely foolish on the global stage. Other countries are producing wonderful works of literature. Business people don't perform transactions internationally using text shorthand. To others, we appear as uneducated, inarticulate fools. Personally, that offends me. I am anything but. I hate the fact that my country appears as such to others. We're better than that. We need to show everyone that we are.




Call me crazy, but I genuinely believe that true mastery of our language can and will lead to better things for all of us: both indivdiually and as a nation. Let's get back to speaking and writing the English language as it was intended. You never know what could come of it! :)

Happy reading!

A Blank Page

Hello, dear readers!



I apologize again for my absence. Yet again, my job has gotten the best of me, though things ae improving.

So anyway, at my Artist's Way meeting last night we were discussing a blank canvas.

One the ladies said a quote about blank canvases. It has been said that a blank canvas holds infinite possibilities. The moment you draw your first line, you are telling the canvas all the things it is not or cannot be.



I'm a writer, not a painter. So for me, I think of a blank page.

I have heard so many writers talk about the fear of a blank page.

I was never afraid of a blank page. They always excited me because I knew there was no limit to them. I was excited at all of the prospects that page could be.

Hearing that quote last night really put things in perspective for me. Never before had I thought that I was telling the page that this was what it wasn't or it couldn't be that because I was making it this instead.

Should I be afraid of the first stroke of my pen or the first key I type?





The optimist in me says no. I understand the fear that other writers and artists are talking about now. I think it is a good fear, a healthy fear. I think that all artists should approach a blank with this fear and with respect. But we need not be petrified. Rather, use that fear to choose our words or pictures carefully. To limit the canvas in the best way possible - by making the limits beautiful. Once a word is written or a line is drawn, it cannot be undone. So let us handle our craft with the utmost care and caution. Let us not be frivilous.





So now, my approach to any creative endeavor will be different. I have always taken my work seriously. Now I shall do so, but again with a new perspective.

I encourage artists of all types to share this perspective with me. I think it is the best way for each and everyone of us to create our very best.



And with that, I wish you happy reading! :)