Toi Thomas Tells All About Her New Direction...Around The Cauldron!

In the last Wizard's Cauldron interview of 2015, old friend of the site, Toi Thomas talks to me about a new direction she's taking.  We've been talking for years on and off and I'm delighted to be given the opportunity to interview her once more.

Toi is better known as a popular fantasy author (the Eternal Curse Series), but this year, she has written her first chicklit novel under a pseudonym.  

I caught up with Toi in the not-so snowy wastes of Williamsburg, Virginia (thanks to El Nino!) and asked her to tell us all about it: Here's what she had to say.

Welcome back, Toi – tell new Wizardwatchers about yourself

Well now let’s see… I’m Toi Thomas and I’m a bit of a geek who loves comic books and vinyl records, but I’ve slowly developed a multiple personality who’s ready for her chance to shine. Oh, and I’m an indie author and blogger.

Whereabouts in the US are you from? And is it snowing yet?

Yes, here on the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S. the temperatures are starting to drop but not by much. We should be approaching winter, but I feel like autumn has just begun. I’m currently living in Virginia, which for most people outside the U.S. is the land of “Colonial Times”. I still can’t believe how many international tourists come to Williamsburg each year.

In what genre do you write? And who are your big influences?

Well, as Toi Thomas, I mainly stick to the speculative genres, my alter ego is a bit “softer”. I love sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal; I even sneak in spiritual and religious elements into some of my work. I have a feeling though that some of the new works I’ve planned for the years to come will catch people a bit off guard.

As for influences, I’m influenced by everything around me to some degree. J.M. Barrie is the author who first interested me in writing stories as a kid when I penned my own tails of adventures as a lost boy. 

"Bad boy" JM Barrie - author of Peter Pan

More recently though, I’ve developed an eye for creativity that inspires me to be a better writer. I still think Erin Morgenstern’s Night Circus is fuelling much of my fantasy creativity.

Tell us about your latest work.

Toi’s, I mean my, latest fantasy work is still in the WIP (work in progress) phase. I’m also working on the third book in my Eternal Curse series, while giving the second one a touch up, just because I can. But to be perfectly honest, I haven’t been up to much. My alter ego has been though. She’s been occupying much of my mental capacity for the last six months in preparation for her first release.

It’s Like the Full Moon (Sayings 1) is a contemporary story with a slightly humorous and very realistic approach to friendship and this modern thing called “love”. It’s an adult story that’s very sweet but also a bit neurotic- you know, just like real life. And there’s even a love triangle.

"Rebecca has just turned thirty. She’s happy living a perfectly comfortable and predictable life. She’s even ready to marry her long-time boyfriend whenever he finally gets around to asking her. 

But all that changes when her best friend whisks her away to Italy for a much-needed vacation.

In the midst of site seeing and finally letting loose, Rebecca manages to catch the eye of a young English tourist; but doesn’t let it go to her head. By the time she’s back in the states and back in the arms of her long-time beau, Rebecca has already forgotten about Peter, Paten, Paul…whatever his name was, that is...

...until he shows up at her brother’s cabin in the woods.

A life of normalcy, routine, and stability gets turned upside down as Rebecca decides whether or not she’s truly ready to get married. And if so, who is the one she’s really meant to be with?"

Is this a romance book? Why romance?

Yes, this book is basically a romance. Some might call it Chick-Lit, but two of my husband’s friends said they liked it. One was disappointed that there were no steamy parts… Oh well, can’t please everyone. (ha ha...Ed)

I don’t naturally lean toward tales of romance unless a galactic battle, vision quest, or hero trial is somehow involved, but my softer side decided to show me just how wonderful romance could be. In all honesty, I wanted to write something purely romantic to prove to myself that I could do it and still be myself afterwards. 

For the most part that’s true, even if I am able to embrace my girlie side a little better now that I’ve written this book. I’m still not down with make-up and nail polish though; it’s just not my thing.

I understand this is going to be a series. Does that mean your fantasy work is taking a back seat?

Yes and no. I do have to alternate where my attentions lie a bit in order to do justice to the gene at hand. I have several speculative works that I’ll be diving into after the official release of this book, which means the sequel for this will have to wait a bit, but too long. I already have a few people hounding me to deliver them closure for the character’s who are just beginning their journey at the end of Sayings One.

You have written this under a pseudonym. What’s the logic behind that? And what are the pros and cons of pseudonyms?

Glorie Townson

I guess you could say Glorie Townson is a pseudonym; she is technically me. At the very least, she is my contemporary romance muse. The decision to give my alter ego, my muse, a name and persona for the sake of publication wasn’t easy. I sought advice from many friends and fellow authors with the results being inconclusive. Many thought it was a great idea and others feared it would cause confusion.

So far, I’ve found it to be the right decision and a lot of fun for three basic reasons. People who know that I’ve published speculative works in the past have been able to process this new side of me without concern for whether or not it will work. If Toi Thomas had all of a sudden started publishing romance, I fear many would have scrutinized and compared my works unfairly.

My speculative fans have a chance to continue enjoying the work of Toi Thomas without worrying about whether the genre content will be weakened.

Fans of contemporary and romantic fiction, who’ve never heard of Toi Thomas because they don’t read speculative fiction, aren’t concerned about whether or not genre mashing will sneak up on them. All they know is that this new author Glorie Townson has a new treat for them.

For now, the only con to this process is that I might be going a little crazy, but it’s a good crazy so I’m not worried. Plus my husband gets to have Toi and Glorie- that lucky joker.

How has the world of Indie changed since we first met? If it has changed, has it changed for better or for worse?

The book industry is like the music industry, Indie is the heart of it and it’s always changing. For me, the indie industry has gotten better, but some of that sentiment may be due to the fact that I’ve learned a lot and have matured as an author and blogger. However, just because things have gotten better doesn’t mean it’s gotten easier. With Indie slowly making its way into alternative-mainstream, being an indie author means more hard work and determination ahead.

Indie authors are no longer widely looked upon as writers who couldn’t make with the Big 5. People are starting to realise that there’s only so much space, time, and money available to big publishers for investing in new authors and realise that in order for ideas and creativity to survive, Indie must thrive.

There are so many new opportunities, some better than others, for indie authors and new and supportive communities developing daily. I think this is a great time to be an indie.

Do you spend much time on Pinterest? Is it a boon for authors or is it one of those (sometimes delightful) wastes of time?

https://www.pinterest.com/toinette_thomas/itslikethefullmoon/

I have a love-hate relationship with Pinterest and yes I spend a lot of time there. On one hand, it really is a wonderful creativity boost and can even aid in organizing and visualizing ideas and plot points. On the other hand, every now and then something super shiny and cool pops up on the screen, you lose your whole train of thought, and three hours later you realise that you forgot to eat dinner and need to go to work the next morning.

In any case, I still love it. I enjoy piecing together story boards for my books (check out this one for Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel) and even like to get social with it. Right now, I’m allowing anyone who wants to contribute to my #itslikethefullmoon board access to help celebrate the crazy things people do for love. All they have to do is message me and ask. 

What’s been your favourite moment of 2015? Has it been a good year for you?

Oh man, 2015 had been a delight compared to my 2014. So much has happened and I’ve been very blessed. In 2015 I got to attend one local Con and one mini Con. I Joined some really cool social and author groups that have made all the difference. 

And I had a really cool 35^th birthday (yeah I printed that on the web- I’m ashamed of my age).

Tell Wizardwatchers:

a)      Your all time superhero- Batman, of course. (me too! - ED)

b)      Your favourite TV show this year- Daredevil on Netflix.

c)       Your all time favourite book- The jury is still out on this, but I’m currently loving the Spellbringer Series by Tricia Drammeh.

d)      The best film of 2015 according to Toi- So many to choose from, but Mad Max Fury Road still pops into my daydreams.

And finally, what next for fans of Toi Thomas

I have many things planned and some it’s too early to giveaway, but for just know that a brand new fantasy/sci-fi adventure is coming that takes place on another world. 

Eternal Curse will receive one, possibly two, new and final instalments, and according to Glorie, the Saying Series is just beginning.

Toi,  it's been an absolute pleasure to talk to you once more and I wish you all the very best with your new romance venture.

Thanks bunches, Mark...

Contact

This book is currently available for Pre-order as an ebook through Amazon.com and as a paperback 

direct from the author. Be sure to pre-order your copy at its reduced introductory rate and save your receipt number to earn extra entries into Glorie's cool giveaway. 

Pre-order Kindle:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0174BTT9A 

Pre-order Paperback: 

http://etoithomas.com/books-by-toi-thomas/sayings-series/ 

add to Goodreads: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26837549-it-s-like-the-full-moon -

TAKE THE QUIZ: WHO WOULD YOU BE IN A LOVE TRIANGLE?

https://www.qzzr.com/quiz/d39c1d8e-fa50-4085-bc30-c4f9e3ad0d66/fi9xdWl6emVzLzkyMTE5 

Who were you in the love triangle? Share at the giveaway link below for a chance to win a $5 gift card.

AUTHOR LISTINGS

Website & blog: http://etoithomas.com/ 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/toithomas 

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6012241.Toi_Thomas 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToiThomasAuthor 

Twitter (@toithomas): https://twitter.com/ToiThomas 

Google+:https://plus.google.com/+ToinetteThomas 

Tumblr: http://toithomas.tumblr.com/ 

Romantic historian Anabelle Bryant talks Rakes, Rascals and Rapscallions...Around The Cauldron!

In the midst of crashing waves,  howling winds, communication breakdown and the paranoid anxiety of BST's lost hour, the Wizphone finally managed to connect with the resplendent abode of Anabelle Bryant, popular New Jersey based historical romance author.

A published author for e-powerhouse Carina,  and American rose-petal leviathan, Harlequin, Anabelle has been tipped by many insiders for a lofty position in the romance rankings and with her, er, striking and (some might say) saucy covers guaranteed to grab the attention of a rabid, intensely loyal, romance readership desperate for more tales of the Happy Ever After, who would bet against her? 

As she reclined on her chaise longue making notes in the ledger for her latest Regency epic, we had a natter. Here's what she had to say.

Tell us a bit about yourself, Anabelle?
I’ve always been a writer at heart, keeping journals from a very young age, but I chose education for my career and I don’t regret it at all. Still, the desire to be published never went away and I began writing romance soon after I finished college. I enjoy travelling, taking photos and most creative endeavours. 

When Carina decided to publish To Love A Wicked Scoundrel it was the realization of a long sought dream. I never imagined it would become a best-seller in three weeks.

Most people in the UK know New Jersey from top TV show, The Sopranos. Are you a fan? Is it like The Sopranos where you live?

I live near Princeton, so my surroundings are the complete opposite of the Soprano way of life, but you don’t need to drive too far for it to be true, considering New Jersey is such a small state. 

When Jersey Shore and Jersey Housewives became popular a few years back, I cringed. The people on that program no way resembled anyone I’ve ever met in New Jersey. I hope the rest of the world doesn’t wrongly judge my state by the exaggerated depictions on television.

Tell us about your latest work 
I am very much in love with my hero right now. His novel will begin a trilogy of historical romances that are a departure from the typical recipe for regency fiction. 

Each of these heroes approaches love in an unusual manner with deep secrecy and definite hardship. I’m almost finished with book one, and the next two are itching to be written.

Can you share an extract from "To Love A Wicked Scoundrel" 

"Come with me."

His voice dropped low, a sultry, sinful command, and Isabelle knew she should never have allowed their little talk to become personal. However, she did not object when he reached for her and clasped her hand, pulling her past the marble sculptures in the center of the chamber and further, to a concealed door at the back of the room.  

     He drew her inside and latched the lock.  She swallowed with nervousness and her eyes darted across the dim lit storage room.  Works of art littered the walls and floor, and a desk filled one corner, but she had no time to consider it further.  His strong fingers turned her shoulder, and Constantine brought her against his length in one fluid motion.

     "I have wanted to do this since the first time I spied you in Lord Rochester's study."

     He held her, their bodies pressed together at the most intimate places and Isabelle's breath came hard and fast.

     "You confuse me."  Her words shook with emotion, or fear, or the unfamiliar rush of desire that pooled within her, but she did not look away from his crystal gaze, shimmering with heat and promise in the broken candlelight.

     "Am I a riddle to solve, my sweet?"

     She could never confess her pathetic secret, she believed him the answer to every question of her heart.      His voice, low pitched, rich and silky, proved a lethal combination of wickedness and handsomeness and his uttered endearment caused all logical though to dissipate, turning her into a quivering mass of foolishness.  A silent warning reminded of his skill to charm and disarm, but Isabelle believed she engaged the real man who existed behind the dashing tailoring and fabulously good looks.

     "Tell me what you want, my lovely.  I know you feel as I do."  He tangled his fingers in her hair to knock loose the pins and unravel its length.  "Your hair is magnificent."  He touched a silken strand to his lips.  "It is a crime you keep it hidden from view."

     Isabelle's heart beat heavily as her thoughts scattered like the hairpins that littered the floor.  When had he removed his gloves?  How had they become embraced in a dark room behind a locked door?

     "Tell me, what it is you desire?"

     His eyes seared into her, while his clever tongue and honeyed words decimated her sensibility.  All intellect fled on a wave of concupiscence, the intense yearning enthralling.  She trembled, her body pressed to his, her skirts pushed to the side as he held her in a tight embrace against his hard length.  Her gown whispered impatiently against his trousers and every point of contact, no matter the layers of superfine or silk, burned with heat and ignited her blood.

     "Constantine."  His name came out on a broken plea, but for what she begged she had no idea.

     "Tell me, Isabelle.  Do you want what I do?"

     He whispered kisses across her temple with stunning delicacy, to belie the intensity of his words or fervor of his embrace.  She trembled at the contact of his mouth on her skin as his soft lips caressed her with extreme care and left a trail of dizzying pleasure in their wake.

     "I want to kiss you.  To taste your mouth, those delicious rosebud lips, long and thoroughly, and discover the flavor of your kiss, the secrets of your beautiful body, every curve, every softness..."  He broke off, although his hold on her did not lessen in the least.

     Isabelle's mind whirled.  She had no way to make sense of the carnal images he suggested, and her body reacted, flooded with desire as he continued to whisper and paint vivid pictures of sensuality that persisted and demanded attention.  She knew of the pleasures men and women enjoyed, but to hear them in explicit detail, while Constantine held her captive against his heated body was achingly exquisite.  And definitely wrong.  She needed to stop him, but a wicked part of her, a part she never knew existed, taunted that her entire life she'd been told she was wrong in every way.  Why not surrender to an opportunity for adventure?

You are studying for a Doctorate. Where do you find the time to write?
Time for writing is usually stolen. Mornings work best, but anytime I have the energy or inspiration will do. One luxury of teaching is having frequent holidays and the summer months free. Most of my writing happens on long weekends and during the summer. 

I also participate in JeRoWriMo (Jersey Romance Writing Month) where we are challenged to write 30,000 words in one month. I’ve been able to complete the challenge for two years now.

Why do you write about Regency England, with its rakes, ne’er do wells and rascals? What is the appeal?  

Arguably Stanley Kubrick's best film bar The Shining. 

Adaptation of  Thackeray's sprawling 

regency saga Barry Lyndon

Clever question because that is the reason I write Regency. Aristocratic bad-boys hold immense appeal. Dukes who break rules, earls who abuse their power to win a woman’s heart, – it all spells romance to me. Joined with the backdrop of masquerades, elaborate gardens and opulent estates, fashion, etiquette, stop me, please. My list will keep going.

Who are your go-to authors when you are researching the period?
I’ve learned so much from reading my favourite historical authors. Loretta Chase, Eloisa James, Sherry Thomas; they are all magnificent writers.

A Rake's Progress - William Hogarth

I do a lot of research and reading about the time period and own some excellent resource books. I like little known facts or oddities. They are fun to work into a story.


Is there a crisis in historical romance?
Critics have long spoken out against romance. The newest hype is that historical romance is deader than the time periods between the pages, but critics are wrong. 

Historical romance has the third largest portion of the genre market, the top selling section in the book store and earned 1.079 billion dollars last year. I have the latest issue Romance Writers Report with these facts on my desk, and it’s true. Historical romance is not going anywhere. It has serious, loyal fans.

Your work is highly rated, I hear, at Carina. How difficult has it been to get the word out about Anabelle Bryant?
Once I secured a contract I made a commitment to my authorship. I developed a website, joined all kinds of social media and ordered swag. I do personal appearances and attend conferences and literally think about my career as an author all the time...yet it’s still challenging to get the word out. 

The market is huge and competition is fierce. The old saying of “just write a good book” still rings true as the greatest influence for becoming well known.

Is Happy Ever After a cop out bearing in mind the complex world in which we live? As authors, shouldn’t we be reflecting a world where things don’t work out like that?

Well, I know there are books out there that represent a realistic view of the world because I’ve purchased them and have been sorely disappointed. I read for escape. I want to be transported to another time where I can meet characters who might be from 200 years ago, but face the same emotional challenges I experience. 

"The happily ever after is a guarantee in a romance novel. No matter how fraught the emotional turmoil within the plot, the reader knows in the end there will a satisfying resolution. In my opinion, it makes the reading ever more enjoyable. But then again, I’ve been known to daydream a lot."

I flew over New Jersey in 2006 on the way to Houston. As I came into land at JFK, I have never seen so many swimming pools. Is this the case or was it an optical illusion. Do you have a pool?

I do have a pool. You caught me, yes. Summer is short lived in New Jersey. We want to enjoy every possible minute. The beaches are wonderful here...but often crowded. 


No one can complain about coming home from work and slipping into the pool for an hour.

Give us your favourite a) two books b) DVD and c) CD
I’m a lover of the classics. The Scarlet Letter, anything Shakespeare, Fahrenheit 451, Alice in Wonderland. 

My favourite movies are all romantic: Sense & Sensibility, Emma, Persuasion, The Holiday 

and music...Aerosmith 

Give us an author to watch out for in the coming year.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Carina authors. Carina is building an impressive inventory of romance writers. If you visit their website, there is a little bit of something for everyone. Paranormal, Time Travel, Romantic Comedy, Suspense and Historical.

Finally, what do fans of Anabelle Bryant have to look forward to in 2015
I’m so excited for 2015! Harlequin has signed me for three more historical romances and the first will release in January. 

I attend conferences and make appearances at libraries and book clubs. I also enjoy talking to my fans on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. It’s going to be a busy year...but busy in the best way.

Anabelle, it's been a pleasure to meet you and I wish you and your readers a prosperous and successful 2o15

Thank you, Wiz. I've really enjoyed it!

Contact

Website: http://www.anabellebryant.com

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AnabelleBryantAuthor  

Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com@AnabelleBryant

TO LOVE A WICKED SCOUNDREL

Amazon US: http://goo.gl/jRvaRS

Nook: http://goo.gl/ok3FPk

DUKE OF DARKNESS

Amazon: http://amzn.to/TVvglt

Top romance - and thriller! - author Rebecca Raisin...Around The Cauldron

This week around the Cauldron, we have Rebecca Raisin, who writes both romance and thrillers with eloquence, culture, wit and with a dash of humour in each chapter. A resident of Perth, Australia, (rather than the racecourse town in Scotland), she penned her debut novella for Harlequin imprint Carina UK at Christmas and, barely a month later, she's straight back on our shelves with Snake Typhoon, a thriller written under indie pseudonym Billie Jones. 

Nibbling on homemade tofu and crackers while sheltering under a palm from yet another Antipodean summer of Hadean heat and gnawing dust, I spoke to Rebecca on the Wizphone and asked her how things were going in the land of plenty.

Hi Rebecca. Tell the Wizardwatchers: Who is Rebecca Raisin?
Hi Wiz. I’m a writer from Australia! Under this name, my real name, I write romantic comedy, often with a foodie theme. 

(So, all the calories from the chocolate shouldn’t count as it’s RESEARCH)

I’m a disorganised but happy mum of twin boys who are like mini-hurricanes (hmm there’s a story idea). And I love reading as much as I love writing. (Which is a lot!)

Whereabouts in Australia do you live and have you been hit by that quite astonishing heatwave?
Urgh. It was the pits! I live in Perth, the Western side of Australia, so luckily for us, we only suffered through it for two days, (though it’s summer and is about 36 degrees here every day) by the time it got to the East side, it spanned for five or six days. I took comfort in the twins Slip ‘n Slide, and managed to almost dislocate my shoulder – but it was cool, because I was cool. (As in temperature, not style)

Perth: Playground for the Australian rich and famous and
literary hotspot for the romance glitterati

You’ve written a novel called “Snake Typhoon” under a pseudonym. Tell us about it.
This is one of my favourites. 

So there was a dare about writing a movie monster type story. I’m terrible at dares, I always want to win! I immediately took the challenge, and what happened next was my semi-serious action adventure turned into a rollicking parody of epic proportions. 

"Kez, a herpetologist (Oh, yes, I used a gag for that one) is sent to check out reports of snakes falling from the sky. No one takes it seriously but when Kez gets into trouble up in the air, she suddenly realizes this is the opportunity she’s always wanted. To be able to prove herself, and try to save the world at the same time. It’s a fast paced, action packed read, full of gags, and outlandish situations. I still crack up when I read it. Is that weird? "

One of the characters from Snake Typhoon popping in
to see what the fuss is about!

Of course not! It's good sense. So, what are the issues of writing under a pseudonym? Are there any? 
The only reason I am writing under two names is to keep the two very different styles separate. The people who enjoy my heart warming romance will be expecting the same kind of genre, so to keep it simple, I use two different names.  The only person that gets confused is me! I’d never make a good spy!

Which genre do you prefer? Chicklit/Romance or action thriller?
I love writing both. I’ve just finished the second Gingerbread book, which is all about love, and friendships, and chocolate. So now I’m planning on another disaster story, because it’s nice to chop things up and try something unusual. 

Tell us about your widely acclaimed Christmas novel? I hear it is so bittersweet that it gets munched right there on the bookshelves.
Ha ha! Yes, it’s a sweet romance! It’s set in a small town called Ashford, Connecticut. And in a Gingerbread Café. It’s one of those towns where everyone knows everyone. 

"Lil, the owner of the café has had some struggles in the past, and is doing everything she can to stay afloat. CeeCee her bubbly friend and only employee, helps Lil at the café and dispenses advice, she’s a tell-it-like-it-is southern woman. Cue the new guy in town. Damon, nice guy, and hot to boot, who opens up a shop across the road selling similar things to the Gingerbread Café. And so the competition begins…" 

What else do you do apart from write?
I cook! We are a foodie family, and enjoy spending weekends cooking extravagant meals for our friends and family. Our kids love the beach so we spend a fair amount of time there too. 

Cosmopolitan food with lots and lots of green bits: That's
evening mealtimes chez Rebecca Raisin

What’s your view on marketing? Which do you find to be your favourite method and platform?
I use all the usual suspects when it comes to social media, and I’ve ‘met’ some great people from twitter and Facebook. 

Follow Rebecca on TWITTER here

Follow Rebecca on FACEBOOK here

Also guest blog posts have been fun and I’ve found some wonderful writers who I now call my friends from things like that. 

Follow Rebecca's BLOG/WORDPRESS here

Blog tours seem to be another way to get the word out. Book reviewers are great. Sending an advance review copy pre-launch has seemed to have worked for me, but it is a very nerve wracking experience! 

I’m a big fan of “27 Dresses” the movie, particularly the Bennie and the Jets sequence. What’s your favourite chickflick of all time and which is your showpiece memory moment?
Oh there’s so many! 

I loved Bride Wars - couldn’t seem to stop laughing through that movie. I adore Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson and found the revenge scenes immensely funny. 

I also like Chocolat (of course!) the book and the movie. 

And Beaches. 

Sob-fest, but oh, it’s so good!  (I'm sobbing already: Pass the hankie! - ED!)

Scooped up by a twister as you scribbled happily in your garden, you land on a sandbank near Tasmania. Next to you is a sack containing two books, one CD and a DVD. What would you like them to be?
Good one! I’m so glad I survived! 

OK, I’d take Love Begins in Winter, by Simon Van Booy. He writes love like a pro. I am kind of in love with him too. He’s a bit of a cutie. 

Simon Van Booy

And Gourmet Rhapsody by Muriel Barbery. 

I loved her first book Elegance of the Hedgehog. She’s brilliant, quirky, and compelling. 

Mumford and Sons, for the CD. Love those folky guys!

For the DVD it’d have to be Dirty Dancing. I don’t think I could ever watch that too many times. 

Give us a chicklit/romance Indie scribbler worth keeping an eye on in the future.
My friend and fellow Carina buddy, Katie Oliver is one to watch! I’ve just read her debut Prada and Prejudice, and it’s so well written! 

Meet Cauldron friend Katie Oliver HERE

If you like movies like Love Actually, you’ll love Katie’s work. She manages to weave different story lines together seamlessly. There’s to be three books in her series, and they are hilarious! 

Are you proud of the international achievements of AC/DC?
Words cannot describe it. They’re so popular here in Australia a huge bronze statue was erected at a park in Fremantle where one of them came from. 

 Classic AC/DC in London 1978 - "Let There Be Rock"

"There was this huge party to celebrate this ginormous statue, and lots of singing, and merriment. Pretty sure the statue was stolen and hasn’t been seen since". 

Hahahahahahahaha. What did you and the gang eat for tea last night?
OK, wow. This is going to sound weird. We made a broad bean, feta and mint salad for the Australia Day festivities, so there was some of that left over. We had some really nice bread from a baker who uses a wood fired oven that’s over a hundred years old. So I layered the bread with the broad bean salad, added some ham and cheese and toasted it under the grill! 

"I may or may not have been feeling slightly off-colour from the previous night’s champagne quaffing!"

And finally, what do fans of Rebecca Raisin/Billie Jones have to look forward to in 2014?
I am all set to write six novella length stories for Carina UK this year. The first one is done, and that is a follow up to Christmas at the Gingerbread Café and will be available in March.
I also plan to go back to the gym. (Maybe)

Hang on, aren’t I stuck in Tasmania still?

We airlifted you out on the Snake Typhoon helicopter, Rebecca.  :-) I'd like to thank you for coming round the Cauldron and on behalf of the Wizardwatchers, I wish you the best of luck in the coming year.

 Thanks for inviting me, Wiz. It's been a blast!

Contact Rebecca here

Snake Typhoon can be bought HERE (UK)

and here....(US)

Amazon Australia http://goo.gl/eaxTX6

KOBO http://ow.ly/ss329

https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/snake-typhoon!/id794098973?mt=11

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Billie_Jones_Snake_Typhoon?id=wUWDAgAAQBAJ

Facebook  http://goo.gl/kGGy9h

Or the ‘real’ me, Rebecca!

https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaRaisinAuthor

http://rebeccaraisin.wordpress.com

www.twitter.com/jaxandwillsmum

www.twitter.com/@bjoneswrites