Please enjoy this fantastic interview with the author of "Playing for Keeps," Glenda Horsfall.
Where
are you from?
I was born and brought up in Edinburgh ,
Scotland but moved to a
small seaside town on the Lancashire coast
with my parents in my early teens.
Why
do you write?
Why do I write? What a question!
I love to read and can usually be found with a book in hand whenever I
am not working. It has been a dream I have held since my early teens that one
day I would write and publish my own book. It is one of those things that I’m
sure many of us have the ambition to do, and in all honesty I thought it was
something I would probably get around to doing when I retired. I’m glad to say
I didn’t leave it that long, and now that I’ve been bitten by the writing bug
my mind is constantly overflowing with ideas for new stories.
What
inspired you to write your first book?
A random, what if, that crossed my mind. At
the time women all over the globe were going crazy over Fifty Shades of Grey.
It crossed my mind that a lot of husbands / boyfriends were in for a bit of a
shock when their partners suddenly started asking for ‘something a bit
different’ and I wondered how they would react.
The premise seemed like a good story idea and I literally sat down one
night and started to type up the wicked ideas which had crossed my mind. My son was seriously ill at the time and I
was having trouble sleeping, so in the middle of the night when I was prowling
the house and everyone else was asleep, I sat at the computer and developed the
story idea. It seemed like a harmless and very quiet way to pass the small
hours. I didn’t at that stage intend to submit it for publication, it was my
private distraction. However, having been bitten by the writing bug, I signed
up for a few online classes and it was through a publishers class that I was
asked to submit the story for consideration.
The rest is history.
What
genre do you typically write?
I write erotic romance, or as I like to call
it, romance with a bit of spice. I enjoy
reading a good love story, but I also want the sex scenes to have a bit of
sizzle. I can get the story and heat I
want, if I write my own.
Do
you feel like you have a specific writing style?
I’m definitely what is known as a ‘pantster’.
I don’t plot, though I am seriously considering that I should and maybe I
wouldn’t have so many re-writes. I
generally get an idea, think about it for a week or two, and then sit down and
let the words flow out. I will do a rough first draft and then leave it for
another week or two, then go over it and see where I can improve the story.
Only after I have done that do I give it to my editor for the final run
through.
How
long does it usually take you to write a book?
Playing for Keeps which is a relatively short
book of about 140 pages took me two months to write, odd hours here and there
in the middle of the night. Playing by
His Rules is twice as long, and took me three months to write. By the time I
sat down to write this book, I had become more disciplined with my writing and
I allocated an hour of every evening to writing. Even if what I write gets scrubbed out or
altered at a later date, I make an effort to write every day.
What
do you do to conquer writer’s block?
I take a break. Leave the current work in progress as it
stands for a week or two and just relax. I find that by the time I am ready to
return to the computer I have normally worked out in my head exactly what I
need to fix to get the story moving again.
What
can you tell us about your favorite character from your book?
Matt is definitely my favorite
character. Who can resist a man who will
go all out to give his lover her secret desires, when she doesn’t know herself
what she is really looking for. He makes the effort to work out exactly what
she wants, and goes all out to ensure her satisfaction. Anything to keep his woman happy, in a totally Alpha male way. There is
definitely nothing wimpish about Matt.
Who
is your favorite author and what is it about them that inspires you?
That’s a hard question as I have so many that
I enjoy, and they write different genres, but if I had to pick I would say
Isaac Asimov for his Science Fiction. I admire anyone who can create an
alternative world and make you believe it, see it and feel it. Sheer genius at
work.
What book are you reading now?
Wallbanger by Alice Clayton. I went to RARE2014 in Edinburgh
What are your current projects?
I’m currently coming to the end of
publishers edits on Playing by His Rules and hopefully it will release in
November 2014. I’m at the draft stage of
my third book, Playing with Fire which is booked for January editing and March
2015 release.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest
book?
If I could change anything
about Playing for Keeps, I would probably make it longer. It was written as a stand alone with a HEA
ending, but, so many people have written and asked ‘what happens next’ and if I
am going to do a follow up on Matt and Cassie’s story, that I am seriously
thinking about it. It’s great that
readers have taken the characters to heart and want to know how their life
continues. Knowing I have produced a book that others have enjoyed gives me a
warm glow!
Can you share a little of your work with us?
I would love to. Thanks
for asking. Here’s an excerpt from Playing by His Rules which will release end
of November / beginning of December 2014 and covers Xander and Chloe’s first
meeting.
He entered the hotel lounge and sat down at the bar. It was
nearly midnight and the area was reasonably quiet. At least, he didn’t expect
to bump into any newshounds at this time of night, and especially not here. It
wasn’t the kind of place the rich and famous frequented, more a local hotel. He
didn’t expect the paps to be hanging around this hotel looking for a
story.
After ordering his usual, Jack Daniels on the rocks, he
casually looked around surveying the other occupants. There were several men in a booth in the
corner. It was obvious from their dress and snippets of their conversation that
they were City bankers. The empty champagne bottles on their table hinted at
some sort of celebration. There were a
few couples at tables around the lounge. He expected they were finishing off
their night with a drink before retiring.
Tucked away in the corner by herself, he spotted a blond.
Her long hair shielded her face as she sat head down, book in one hand, drink
in the other. She seemed oblivious to the raucous conversation going on in the
booth next to her as the bankers back-slapped and congratulated each other on
the deal they had closed. He was
intrigued. It was unusual to see a lone woman in a hotel lounge this late in
the evening. Well, unusual if they weren’t hookers.
He watched her for a while expecting a partner or friend to
join her, but it became obvious that she was alone. Something about her stillness appealed to him
and he continued to watch her as he sipped his drink. She seemed to be an oasis
of calm in the middle of a storm. His curiosity about her grew and he wished
she would lift her head so he could see her face.
A loud crash reverberated around the room as the one of the
bankers knocked an empty champagne bottle off the table. The woman jumped and
dropped her book. The drink she had been holding sloshed and spilled across her
lap. Her head snapped around turning towards the sound. For the first time he
was able to get a look at her face. He caught his breath at her exquisite
features. The long wavy blond hair framed a heart shaped face with high cheekbones.
Her delicate shaped brows the perfect outline for her vivid blue eyes, which
reminded him of the blue sky of Santorini in summer. She had a perfect cupid’s
bow of a mouth and he found himself imagining how she would taste. Would she
taste cool and refreshing, a balm to his troubled spirit or would she burn like
the Mediterranean sun?
From across the room he could see her visibly relax when she
realized the crash was caused by no more than a careless accident. She
continued to scan the room as if checking that there were no other threats
present. Seeming satisfied, she bent to pick up the book she had dropped. Looking at the wet table, she shook her head,
before turning to place the book on the chair at her side. Lifting her purse, she rummaged through the
contents with one hand while she shook the other.
Grabbing a towel from the bar, he walked across the room to
introduce himself and help her clean up.
Raising her head, as though she had sensed him, her clear blue eyes met
his as he advanced. She quickly glanced around as if to see where he was
heading. He watched as she nibbled at
her lip and a small frown furrowed her brow. His imagination went into
overdrive at the thought of what her mouth could do to him. As he continued his
approach time seemed to slow. Although she now met his eyes her look was wary
and she held herself completely still. Her posture immediately brought to mind
a small doe he had spotted in the forest around his home. He had come across
the doe accidently and she had frozen on the spot, sniffing the air around her,
before turning and running in the opposite direction. If he didn’t know better
he would say the woman was preparing to take flight and he wondered what or who
had made her so edgy. He raised an eyebrow in query, wordlessly requesting
permission to come closer and she blushed delicately in response.
The light flush betrayed her vulnerability and brought out
his need to protect. Up close he was
even more enamored. He stopped at her table, handing her the towel to blot up
the drink she had spilled as he stood looking down at her. At her shy smile of
thanks he murmured, “I thought you could do with some help.”
“Thanks, again.” Her
voice was soft and low, and he once again felt desire unfurl low in his
stomach.
“As we’re apparently the only two singles in the bar do you
mind if I join you?”
Her gaze once again flicked to the hotel security at the
door. He was glad that she was being cautious.
He extended his hand, “I’m harmless,” he assured her.
With a little nod in his direction, although her eyes didn’t
quite meet his, she extended her hand towards him. Her handshake was firm, but
he was aware of the feel of her satin soft skin, before she gently pulled her
hand free and indicated the free stool at the opposite side of the table. She was a shy little thing, obviously unaware
of her own appeal. She nibbled on her bottom lip, an action he found incredibly
erotic. Shit, he really had been too
long without a woman if such a small thing could turn him on.
Straddling the stool, he was caught unaware when he tried to
introduce himself. “I’m--”
“No names. We’re strangers meeting in a bar.” She held up
her hands to forestall him. The tip of her tongue slipped out to delicately
moisten her lips. “You don’t need to
know my name.”
“What?” What the hell did that mean? What was she hiding? “I have to call you something--”
“’Something’, will do.” She giggled.
“Now, you’re being silly,” he teased, as he wondered how
much of a night cap she had actually had.
“No, I’m not.” For
the first time she looked directly at him, and he caught a flash of irritation
in her eyes. She hadn’t appreciated being called silly, and he cursed himself
for being an idiot. She obviously had
her reasons for making her request, and he had just belittled them. She
continued with a hint of determination, “I like my privacy and a girl has to
think about her safety nowadays.” She
closed her eyes briefly, as if in pain. “I’m quite happy to have a drink and a
chat, but that’s as far as it goes. You don’t need to know my name for that.”
Surprise shot through him. If the bar hadn’t been so quiet,
he would have thought he had misheard her.
In his normal circle women clamored to know everything they could about
him. They sure as hell made sure he knew exactly who they were and how he could
find them again. His wealth seemed to draw them like a magnet. Even though he had intended nothing more than
a half hour or so of convivial company, he wasn’t used to being dismissed so
casually. He wanted her to want to know
more about him.
“Well then, Angel,” there was no way he was going to call
her ‘something’ and the endearment just tripped off his tongue, “can I get you
a refill?” he asked, indicating her now near empty glass.
Chloe picked up her glass and drained the remaining contents
slowly, as she surveyed him over the rim.
“Yes, please.” She handed over the now empty vessel,
“Another dark rum and cola would be great. No ice.”
“Back shortly.” She watched as he strode towards the bar to
place their order. He briefly acknowledged others in the bar as he passed them,
but did not stop to chat. Even from the rear he was an attractive man. Now that he was not watching her, she allowed
herself a moment to admire him. His
broad shoulders tapered to a neat waist. He had long muscular legs and a tight
butt, all of which were encased in black denim. She found herself wondering
what he did for a living. Was it something physical which kept him in such good
shape or did he work out to maintain his sculpted physique?
Delicious tingles vibrated through her as she recalled the
sound of his voice. He spoke perfect English, but with a slight accent and she
surmised he was European. He was possibly Italian or Greek judging by his
coloring. He had a light tan and raven
black hair, which he wore slightly longer than collar length. She gave herself
a mental pat on back, feeling very pleased with herself for being able to
attract the interest of such a gorgeous man. He had taken her request for ‘no
names’ apparently in his stride and he seemed to still want her company.
Things were looking up. For so long she had felt
unattractive and had deliberately dressed down to appease Nick. Now it was time
for her to please herself, to do what she wanted to do, to go where she wanted
to go. No longer would she take orders from a control freak.
If her interview in the morning went well, she would be on
her way to creating a new life for herself.
A life free of restriction and fear.
For tonight, she was going to allow herself a little light
flirtation.
He had his back turned towards her as he ordered their
drinks at the bar. She found herself watching his interaction with the barman.
From her seat she couldn’t hear what they were discussing but from the sound of
laughter she caught, she surmised they were exchanging jokes.
He turned suddenly to glance in her direction, breaking into
a large grin when he caught her eye.
Mortified to be caught staring, she glanced away quickly, but not before
she saw the wink he threw in her direction.
Confident bastard. He was looking very pleased with himself
whereas she was feeling flustered. Butterflies flitted around in her stomach
and she took a deep breath. It had been so long since she had felt this pull of
attraction, so long since she had even dared to look at a man other than Nick.
The last time she had glanced at a man, well a waiter to be honest, Nick had
broken her arm. She shuddered at the memory.
She reminded herself that she had an interview to attend in
the morning. If she got the post, and she desperately hoped she was successful,
then she wasn’t going to be around to see tall, dark and gorgeous again. She couldn’t afford to get involved with
anyone.
She was glad now that she hadn’t divulged her name. Even if
he wanted to see her again, he wouldn’t be able to find her. The idea was kind of liberating. Tonight she
could be anyone or anything she wanted. She could allow herself to enjoy her
time with him and leave when it was over with no strings.
Watching as he returned, she couldn’t help but notice other
women following him with their eyes. It wasn’t only because he looked good, it
was his designer clothes, his discreet gold jewelry, it was the confident way
he carried himself. All of which marked him as a wealthy man. His long legged
stride soon ate up the distance between them.
He gave no indication that he saw the admiring glances of the women in
the room. He kept his eyes firmly fixed on her and the butterflies in her
stomach took flight at the gleam in his eyes.
When he reached the table he handed over her drink. He
placed a large bowl of fat olives on the table between them.
“Help yourself.” He indicated the dish, before straddling
the stool opposite her. He appeared totally relaxed and at ease with himself as
he snagged a plump olive, biting it in half between his even white teeth,
before popping the second half into his mouth. He chewed slowly as though
savoring the taste, and her eyes were drawn to his lips, now lightly coated
with olive oil. They looked full and inviting and she wondered how it would
feel to have those lips upon her own.
Would he be the type to offer soft teasing kisses which seduced her into
surrender? Or would he be demanding, the take control, sure of himself, alpha
male?
Raising her eyes, she felt her stomach flip as she saw him
looking at her as though he had read her thoughts. Nervous tension raced
through her as they regarded each other silently. In the end she was unable to
hold his gaze. He was just too overwhelming and she rushed into conversation to
break the silence.
“So, umm… Are you in town on business or do you live
locally?” she asked.
He smiled widely, as if he was aware he had knocked her
equilibrium off balance. “I travel a lot,” he told her, “but my main home is in
Athens.” This didn’t really answer her
question. Main home. How many homes did he have?
“So you are here on business?”
“No. Not this time.” The smile slipped from his face, and
for just a second he appeared grim. “I am taking a little time out. Having a
short break.” His voice was clipped making her think there was something about
the break he found unpleasant.
“And you choose to holiday in Britain? In March?” she asked
in disbelief. Why the hell would someone
with a home in the sun, and obviously the means to go anywhere he wanted,
choose to visit London where the weather was miserable at this time of year?
He shrugged his shoulders. “A change is as good as a rest,
or so they tell me.” His chocolate brown eyes were alight with humor, as if her
questions amused him.
She loved the sound of his voice. The deep timbre
reverberated causing small tremors of desire to course through her and she held
her breath as his gaze locked on to hers. Leaning on muscular forearms, lightly
sprinkled with hair, he stretched across the table towards her. Her senses were
bathed in the warm, inviting smell of sandalwood. Quietly, his gaze intent, he asked, “Now,
tell me about you. What’s a beautiful lady doing sitting in a hotel lounge,
late in the evening, alone?” His eyes roamed down her body and desire coursed
through her. She could do nothing to prevent her nipples beading as his eyes
skimmed her chest before returning to focus on her face.
Christ, Chloe. Get a
grip of yourself. You would think you had never seen a man before. She
chided herself.
“But, I’m not alone.”
At his small frown, she rushed to quantify her statement, “I’m sitting
with you.”
He grinned at her attempt to tease him, raising an eyebrow
in query he prompted, “Well?”
“Pardon?” Her mind
had turned to mush and she couldn’t remember his question. She cursed her
libido. Why the hell did it have to kick in tonight?
“I said,” he was now openly grinning at her, as if he knew
that she was flustered, and was amused by her reaction to him, “what are you
doing in town?”
“Oh, hmm…sorry. I’m in town for the night as I have an
appointment early in the morning.”
“You don’t live locally then?”
“Well… yes and no.” She twirled a long strand of her hair
around her fingers.
“I live on the
outskirts of London. My appointment is early and rather than have to face the
commuter rush it was easier to stay in town overnight.” She didn’t tell him that the appointment was
actually an interview or that her prospective employer had arranged and paid
for the hotel room.
“This appointment is important to you?” He was studying her
face intently as if her reply really mattered to him. “Business or pleasure?”
She felt herself stiffen in response to his query and had to
make a conscious effort to relax. She couldn’t go through life thinking every
man was like her ex or that every question was fodder for a jealous rage. Even
so, she felt defensive. “Does it
matter?” she replied quickly.
“No. It doesn’t matter.” He shook his head slightly,
obviously bemused at her response. He was studying her intently, and she
shuffled in her chair, uncomfortable that she hadn’t answered his question. “I
was only making small talk.”
She felt mean. He’d meant no harm and she hadn’t meant to,
but she had probably offended him. Impulsively she stretched her arm across the
table, bringing her hand to rest on top of his. He turned his hand and grasped
her hand in his own. His hold was firm, but gentle. Mesmerized by the desire in his eyes, she
could only sit and watch as he slowly raised her hand to his lips.
“I’m sorry.” His tone
was quiet, but sincere, as if he was aware that somehow he had upset her.
He had done nothing wrong; he had only been trying to make
small talk. His apology filled her with guilt and her conscience forced her to
defend him. “What are you sorry for?
I’m the one that was rude!”
He brushed off her attempt to apologize, taking all of the
blame on himself. “No, I obviously said something that triggered unpleasant
memories. I could see it in your eyes.”
She was surprised at how perceptive he was and wondered if
he missed anything.
Releasing her hand, he slapped his forehead. “Ah, now I get
it.” He was grinning at her broadly, eyes alight with humor. “You’re famous,
travelling incognito and you’re piqued because I didn’t recognize you.”
The idea was so absurd she couldn’t help but giggle.
“Hardly,” she said dryly. What would he say if he realized
she was a nobody, so down on her luck she was willing to take a job on a remote
island, just to have a roof over her head?
His banter had lightened the mood and she realized how long
it had been since anyone had made her laugh. Her spirits felt lighter and she
determined that she would make the most of the short time she had with him.
“Your face lights up when you laugh.” His eyes roamed her
face as though memorizing all her features. “You should do it more often.”
“And what makes you think that I don’t?”
He shrugged. “Call it intuition. I get the feeling you
haven’t had a lot to laugh about lately.”
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
My biggest challenge is getting time to
write. I still work full-time at my day job, I’m an accountant for a
construction company and it’s a very demanding role. Some nights I come home so
tired from the office I just want to curl up with a book and read a book, not
sit down and write one; which is why I have had to discipline myself to write
for a spell each night.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Write every day, even if it’s only a couple
of hundred words. Take classes and learn the craft, I’m still amazed at how
much I have learned over the last year re point of view, plot structure,
character traits etc. I have found the lessons invaluable and I’m sure they
have improved my writing and story telling. I would also advocate employing a
professional editor and proof-reader prior to publication, ask friends for
recommendations of people they have used as there are so many charlatans around
on the internet it’s frightening.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
To
those that bought, read and left reviews on my book – a HUGE thank you! I have been genuinely touched by the warm
words of praise my debut novel has received, and I have to keep pinching myself
whenever I receive fan mail. It is
lovely to hear from readers, especially when they write to tell you that they
have enjoyed the story you have written.
I would like to ask readers to PLEASE leave a review if you have enjoyed
my book, or indeed a book by any other author. Reviews are the life-blood of
new authors and are one way you can help to get our name out there. Unless an
author is contracted with one of the big four publishers, it is very hard to
get publicity and let other people know about our books; every review helps
even if it is only a few words long. For those that have requested a follow-up
to Matt and Cassie’s story – I’m thinking about it. J
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