What do you think?

I know I have a fantastic cover design artist who makes my book covers, so naturally, everything she does is PERFECT for me. So I'm going to let my readers decide this time. What do you think of my new book cover? Is there something you don't like about it? Don't be shy...let me know. I will consider all opinions, I promise.

This story only has three chapters written, but it's a Christian historical that takes place in New York in the late Victoria era.

March Madness Book Sale!!!

Yay! It's time for another book sale and we've got 16 titles here. Four of them are even FREE and the others are all 99 cents. Some great new choices for you, including a box sent and a couple of mine so make sure you scroll clear to the end. Some of these books have never been discounted before, some are new, and some are back because readers are asking for them. You should find something great to read! We have everything from children's books to adult novels, from romance and speculative fiction. If you do find a book you enjoy, we hope you will take the time to give the author a nice review and maybe check out their other books. These prices are good through April 1st unless otherwise stated, so feel free to pass them along! PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK ALL PRICES BEFORE PURCHASING.

The Cure by Teyla Branton

Unbounded Series - Contemporary Urban fantasy with over 100 four- and five-star reviews! - 298 pages

99 cents on Kindle (reg. 3.99) Or buy for print Erin Radkey’s life has altered completely since her Change made her one of the Unbounded. Yet she has learned the hard way that some things never change. Over the centuries the long-lived Unbounded have divided into two groups, the Emporium who craves money and power and will do anything to achieve its ends, including experimenting on its own people, and the Renegades who protect humanity. Erin’s new abilities are tested as she and fellow Renegades fight the Emporium in a struggle that soon becomes all too personal, and where lines of loyalty are blurred by relationships of the past. Everything is at risk, including the lives of her friends—and the love of Ritter Langton, the Renegade Unbounded who both infuriates and excites her.

 

The Ember Gods by Andrea Pearson

Kilenya Seies - Middle grade fantasy with 19 five-star reviews! - 282 pages

99 cents on Kindle (reg. 3.99)

Or buy for print

Jacob Clark has just returned from the world of Eklaron, where he frustrated the evil plans of the Lorkon and returned the magical Key of Kilenya to its rightful owners. His quest is far from over, though—Aloren is trapped in Maivoryl City by the Ember Gods, and Jacob can't return to save her until he receives the potion that will protect his team from the corrosive influence of the Lorkon. Balancing between this new world and his own proves tricky. Not only has he started his first year of high school, but his magical abilities are bringing him too much attention. He feels pulled by both sides, hoping he'll figure out his special powers to save Aloren in time. BTW, the first book The Key of Kilenya is FREE on Kindle March 26-28th during this promotion.

To Love and to Promise by Rachel Ann Nunes

Inspirational Romance - 298 pages

99 cents Kindle (reg. 3.99)

Or buy for print

When Brionney Fields marries handsome and charming Derek Roathe, she feels like her life is a fairy tale come true. And when baby Savannah comes along, she's sure of it. Then, with a horrifying discovery, the dream is shattered and her fairy tale begins to unravel. Trying to pick up the bits and pieces of her life, she wonders if she'll ever be able to take a chance at love again. The answer finally comes, but is Brionney ready for it? Can she set aside a world of pain for the hope of true love? She's heard all the promises before, but they've been empty and tainted by lies. Why should she believe them now? Join Brionney as she learns that the road to true love and happiness is never easy . . . but in the end it's worth every prayer, every tear, and every leap of faith along the way.

A Heartbeat Away by Rachel Ann Nunes

Inspirational - 212 pages

99 cents on Kindle (reg. 3.99)

"You think it's never going to happen to you. I know because that's how I was—untouchable. Bad things only happen to someone else. Or if something bad actually did happen, it was always something the doctor could fix with fiberglass or a pill. That's the way it was with my family—at least until the year I turned thirteen." When their young daughter, Kristin, is kidnapped, Gary and Angie Marshall struggle to make sense of the unthinkable. Who could do such a thing? And why Kristin? As more time passes in their desperate search for their daughter, their hopes slowly dwindle. They are left with "if onlys" and a glaring uncertainty that damages their marriage and their relationships with their other children, especially their oldest daughter, Meghan. Meanwhile, Kristin's first job in her new "life" is to heal the hearts of her family. But doing so turns out to be more of a challenge than she ever expected. But time is running out. As she blames herself for Kristin's disappearance, Meghan turns down a road that can only lead to more unhappiness. Kristin must find a way to help her sister find healing—and perhaps love.

Behind the Mask Part 1 by Anita Stansfield writing as Elizabeth D. Michaels

Historical romance - 294 pages

FREE for Kindle (reg. 99 cents - Free March 26-30 only)

Part 1 of Behind the Mask for an introductory price. There are three parts of this extended saga and each part is like a full book.

Abbi has the gift of dreams. But her uncanny ability to see glimpses of the future has no apparent purpose or meaning until a dream leads her to a man on the brink of despair and destruction. Cameron is a man without a name and without a country, framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Long ago forced into exile and believed dead, the passing of years have defaced him of all hope. The country of Horstberg suffers beneath the weight of tyranny, and only Cameron holds the secret that could see her ruler undone and restore the people to peace and prosperity. While revolution brews and whispers of treason threaten all that is dear to Abbi, she remains unaware of her own ability to answer a nation’s prayers. Trusting only her heart and the power of her dreams, Abbi gives all that she has to lead Cameron back into a civilized world, where love is real and freedom comes only in facing what hides behind the mask.

Breathtaking Box Set - 7 Full Novels!

 Clean Romance and Suspense

99 cents on Kindle through March 29th only

Baggage Claim by Amanda Tru - A weekend trip to New York takes a dangerous turn when Rachel's luggage is lost and she is accosted by an infuriating Homeland Security agent.

A Perfect Fit by Heather Tullis - Cami DiCarlo wasn't happy about being coerced to work at her father's latest hotel in the Rocky Mountains, but her expectations of a boring year are blown away by sexy landscape architect Vince Talmadge, and someone in the shadows who is out to bring her family down.

Home Before Dark by Christy Barritt - When country music star Daleigh McDermott digs deeper into what she believes is the murder of her father, the only person who gives credence to her concerns is small town mechanic Nick Shields.  As they dig deeper into things best left alone, they realize they must rely on each other or the darkness they discover will swallow them whole.

You Belong With Me by Shannon Guymon - Love could restart a stalled heart. Love could comfort and cleanse. Love could renew. Love was a miracle. Burned out social worker, Layla Kendall is about to learn exactly what love can do.

Unbelievable by Sherry Gammon - Unbelievable, Book 2 in the Port Fare Series. A firestorm named Delilah Dreser is about to ignite Cole Colter's quiet little world. But will he and his friends survive?

Blog This by Cami Checketts - In a race against time, can Natasha evade a hitman and expose her enemies before the assassin murders her family and shatters her world?

Cassie's Cowboy Crave by Kimberly Krey - This fun western romance features a Seattle editor, a handsome cowboy, and a witness protection program that has them posing as husband and wife.

   

Gathering  Storm by Kenneth R. Tarr

The Last Days Series - inspirational apocalyptic - 312 pages

FREE on Kindle (reg 3.99 - Free until March 26-30 only)

Or buy print

THE FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY IS UPON US

Steven Christopher struggles to make sense of his life after his wife abandons him and their three children to join a polygamous cult. He meets Mary Fleming at his new LDS ward, but his bitter experience with marriage makes him feel unworthy and afraid to give his heart to another woman. Mary, recovering from her own failed relationship, sees something in Steven that even he doesn't realize exists, but how can he trust her? Then the first great catastrophe strikes. Steven and Mary soon find themselves in the midst of apocalyptic prophecies regarding latter-day events—both terrible and marvelous—that unfold shortly before the Second Coming of the Lord. As natural disasters, plagues, anarchy, and the collapse of the American government lead to the degradation of civilization throughout the world, a great worldwide secret combination expands its evil influence. The people of God are the only power that can stand against this evil, people like Steven and Mary—if they will accept the challenge.

Samara (A Kilenya Romance novella) by Andrea Pearson

YA romance - 58 pages

Buy for Kindle here (99 cents)

When Samara Oldroyd takes a break from her somewhat insane family to browse a music store, she meets the funniest, most attractive and awesome guy ever. A phone call interrupts their conversation, and she has to leave before she can find out anything about him—what his name is, where he's from, and why his smile is so familiar. Her wishes that they'll run into each other again come true, but not how she expects. When her older sister finally lets the family meet her new boyfriend, Samara is shocked to see it's the guy from the music store! Awkward and hilarious situations thrive as Samara tries—in vain—to undo the crush she's formed. Inspired by the film Dan in Real Life, this novella will tickle you pink. 

The Whispering Ruins by S. Jackson Rivera

Jungle Series - YA fantasy - 421 pages

99 cents on Kindle (3.99)

Or buy for print

A mysterious whispering from ruins deep within the jungle pulls Sunna from the trance that has been holding her mind hostage for years. Kael, the young prince, seeks adventure outside the palace walls and is also drawn to the jungle. There he meets Sunna, and their fates become intertwined. When three dangerous men come to their land and begin their hunt for a missing fugitive, the secrets that have shielded both Sunna and Kael are nearly revealed, and supernatural events threaten to destroy everything they've worked to create—leaving their lives in ruins.

  

At Midnight by Stephanie Fowers

Twisted Tales Series - YA fantasy - 383 pages

99 cents on Kindle (Reg. 2.99)

Or buy for print

Stop the Clock from Striking Twelve!

Bridgette has Cinderella complex big time. She has to find true love's kiss to get some weird guy off her back who claims to be her faery godmother. But who is she really? Loser of Omak High? Victim of the evil stepmother who runs the group home?

Not-so-proud owner of a hearth where fire-starting goblins live?

Asylum wannabe with occasional schizophrenic episodes? Not even Bridgette knows. Even if her faery godmother wasn't some guy who knows nothing about romance, how is Bridgette supposed to get true love's kiss if everyone she cares about disappears? Bridgette must find out who she really is in the faerytales or she'll lose everything.

  

Mansfield Ranch by Jenni James

The Jane Austen Diaries - YA Romance - 144 pages

99 cents on Kindle (reg. 4.99) 

 Does true love really prevail? All Lilly Price has ever known is living in the shadow of her widely successful foster family. But when a twist of fate deals Lilly the hand of Harrison Crawford, the most popular guy in Bloomfield, NM, everything flips upside down. Sean Benally is a hard worker, he’s funny, he’s generous, and he’s kind. He’s also the most amazing guy Lilly has ever known. And she's totally fallen in love with him. But he’s her foster brother . . . Now she must choose between the unavailable love of her life—or the guy who promises to be available forever. 

  

 Awakening by Christy Dorrity

The Geis Series - YA fantasy - 300 pages

FREE on Kindle (Reg. 3.99)

Or buy for print

. . . because some Celtic stories won’t be contained in myth.

A little magic has always run in sixteen-year-old McKayla McCleery's family—at least that’s what she’s been told. McKayla’s eccentric Aunt Avril travels the world as a clairvoyant for the FBI, and her mother can make amazing delicacies out of the most basic of ingredients. But McKayla doesn't think for a second that the magic is real—it’s just good storytelling. Besides, McKayla doesn’t need magic. She recently moved to beautiful Star Valley, Wyoming, and already she has an amazing best friend, a solo in her upcoming ballet recital, and the gorgeous guy in her physics class keeps looking her way. When an unexpected fascination with Irish dance leads McKayla to seek instruction from the mute, crippled, janitor at her high school, she learns that her family is not the only one with unexplained abilities. After Aunt Avril comes to Star Valley in pursuit of a supernatural killer, people begin disappearing, and the lives of those McKayla holds most dear are threatened. When the janitor reveals that an ancient curse, known as a geis, has awakened powers that defy explanation, McKayla is forced to come to terms with what is real and what is fantasy.  

A Walk in Heaven by Marie Higgins

Romance - 322 pages (reg $3.99)

99 cents on Kindle

Or buy for print

In the early hours of the morning, Careen becomes Matthew Grayson’s wife…and then in a blink of an eye, his widow. How can she tell the family she’s never met that her own cousin is responsible for their son’s death? While she waits for the right moment to admit the cousin’s guilt, a budding attraction grows between Careen and her new brother-in-law, Joshua. But this will only complicate matters, especially when the truth finally comes out. Joshua Grayson could never understand why his brother left the family ranch to wed – in secret – a woman he’d never met. And now Matthew is dead. Killed just moments after taking his wedding vows. Joshua struggles with both resentment and a growing attraction for his mysterious sister-in-law. He knows Careen is hiding something, but can he give love another chance or is he just setting up his heart for another break?

Dreaming of You by Marie Higgins

Romance - 151 pages

99 cents on Kindle (reg. 3.99)

Or buy print

Katelyn Palmer never believed any harm could come from using her college crush as the hero in her first romance novel—the novel that jumpstarted her writing career.  However, when Shane Hunter storms into town, demanding to meet the writer who used his identity Katelyn is confronted with more than her long, silent emotions.  If Shane takes her to court for invasion of privacy, her career would be over.

Shane doesn’t know how to act when his ex sister-in-law accuses him of having an affair while he was married—and then shows him the romance book as proof.  Now he wants to know who this author really is and why she used his name, and most of the events in his life for her story.  Desperate to know the truth Shane befriends Katelyn but he does not expect to be attracted to her, even more unexpected is the joy he finds watching his twins fall in love with the woman who is stealing his heart, too... 

Secret Sisters by Tristi Pinkston

Secret Sisters Series - Cozy mystery - 155 pages

99 cents on Kindle (reg. 3.99)

Or buy print

Ida Mae Babbitt, president of the Omni 2nd Ward Relief Society, didn't mean to become a spy. But when visiting teaching stats are low and she learns that one family under her care is in financial trouble, she'll do whatever it takes to make sure they have what they need. If that includes planting surveillance cameras in their home and watching them from a parked car in the woods, well, isn't that what any caring Relief Society president would do? With the help of her counselors Arlette and Tansy, Ida Mae soon learns that there's more to the situation than meets the eye. It's all in a day's work for the Relief Society. (This is an update of the original version published in 2010 with a purple cover.)

The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back by Sariah Wilson

YA fantasy - 224 pages

99 cents on Kindle (reg. 2.99)

Or buy print

Everyone knows how all those fairy tales go. The princess gets beautiful, nabs her prince, falls instantly in love, lives happily ever after and leaves her evil stepsisters in the dust.But what happens when you’re the ugly stepsister and your obnoxiously perfect—read pretty, smart, and, worst of all, sickeningly nice—stepsister is dating the charming, tall, devastatingly handsome guy you’ve had a thing for since you were nine years old? Quirky, artistic and snarky Mattie Lowe does not lead a charmed life. Her mother is constantly belittling her on Skype. Mercedes, the school mean girl, has made it her personal mission to torment Mattie. But worst of all? Her stepsister Ella is the most beautiful, popular girl in school and is dating Mattie’s secret longtime crush, Jake Kingston. Tired of being left out and done with waiting for her own stupid fairy godmother to show up, Mattie decides to change her life. She’ll start by running for senior class president against wildly popular Jake. Ella can keep her Prince Annoying. Mattie’s going to rule the school. And no one, not even a cute and suddenly flirty Jake, is going to stop her. 

A Challenge for Brittany by Lisa J. Peck

CTR Club ages 6-10 - 85 pages

99 cents on Kindle 

FREE on Nook

Brittany Stevenson, her little sister Christine, and her best friend Meagan have been asked by their bishop to be friends with Parker—a new kid in the ward. But Parker is autistic and loves to play with Brittany's braids. He even tries to stick them in his mouth! Brittany isn't sure anyone can overcome that kind of embarrassment! Or is there a way?

Fair Catch by Cindy Roland Anderson

Contemporary Romance - 344 pages

99 cent Kindle (reg. 2.99 - NOTE: DOES NOT GO ON SALE UNTIL MARCH 27TH)

Or buy for print

Ellie Garrett never planned on being a divorced, single mother—she also never planned to get married again. Ever. Her ordinary life changes when the house across the street is sold. The new owner is Nick Coulter—quarterback and MVP for the Sacramento Defenders. Oh yeah, he’s also one of People magazine’s top 100 most beautiful people and America’s most eligible bachelor. So why would she pick him to have her first crush on since her divorce? Recently retired from the NFL, Nick is more than ready to find a wife and start a family. He's tired of his high-profile lifestyle and moves to Pleasant Wood, Colorado, hoping to finally settle down and focus on his foundation Kids Come First. It would just feel nice to be a normal guy. Of course being rebuffed by Ellie the first few times he meets her makes him feel a little too normal. As Nick and Ellie become acquainted, their mutual attraction is hard to ignore. But Ellie’s been hurt before by her womanizing ex-husband. She’s not sure that Nick has left behind his playboy reputation. Can she risk falling in love with the celebrity football player or will she miss her chance at scoring big in the game of love?

That's all for this time! I hope you find a lot of enjoyment in these books. If so, please pass word on. And remember that a kind review really helps authors spend more time writing and less time begging random people to buy their books THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Writing Process Blog Tour

Hello my readers!!

Welcome to the continuing Writing Process Blog Tour where each author answers the same four questions about their writing process. I was invited to this blog by http://kckleinbooks.com/writing-from-the-edge-blog/.

What am I working on?

I'm happy to announce that I've finished writing my adventurous, suspenseful romance, "Amazon Sunset" (book #1 in a three-book series). I'm currently working through edits right now before I release my story to the world!!

Katrina Landon’s life is about to change.  The wealthy father she has never known wants to meet her.  All she has to do is travel from the slums of Boston to Brazil. Her trek begins at the edge of the Amazon rainforest, and she'll journey from there to his rubber tree plantation.  If that's not bad enough, she meets her guide—the handsome, too self-assured for his own good—Mr. Knightly, and immediately, he stirs her temper.

Felix Knightly isn’t looking forward to escorting who he assumes is a spoiled rich girl through the jungle no matter how much her father pays.  He is shocked to find Katrina's distracting innocence, and charming demeanor makes it nearly impossible to concentrate on his job.  He’d rather fight off the fire ants, howler monkeys and crocodiles than risk losing his heart to her.

As they delve deeper into the rainforest, they discover nothing is as it seems.  It's more than the unseen dangers of the jungle.  Someone wants them dead.  Will Katrina and Felix solve the mystery before it's too late?

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

This particular book differs from others because of the journey my characters take through the Amazon Rainforest. I haven't read a romance that takes place in such a setting, and so the topic challenged me to write a romance as well as suspenseful and adventurous story. 

I researched quite a bit on the jungle - fruits, animals, plants (both good and bad), and temperature, and the type of people who live there. I must admit, the only thing attracting me personally to the rainforest were the many beautiful waterfalls. I'm not an outdoors kind of person, and I realized that trekking through the jungle would not be something exciting for me at all. However, it was quite entertaining for my characters. 

Check out the book trailer - 

Why do I write what I do? 

I've always loved romance, even as a teenager. I always wanted that fairy-tale ending to happen. I also enjoy being kept on the edge of my seat, either while watching a movie or reading a good book. That's why I decided to add suspense to my stories. I want to anticipate what will happen next while I'm writing, and believe me...I DO!

How does your writing process work?

Most of my stories start with a dream. I don't dream the whole story, just maybe an idea. So then I ask myself what my characters goals, motivations, and their conflict will be. Who will be the villain, and what is their motivation for trying to keep the hero and heroine apart and ruin their lives. Once that is decided, I choose names for my characters and where the story will take place. Usually, I plot out the first couple of chapters, but after that, I allow my characters to finish the story for me! It's fun that way. By this time, I've contacted my cover artist and writer, Sheri McGathy, to make me a book cover. I love having my covers made before my books are completed because then I can gaze upon my hero and heroine as I write and I can actually see who I'm writing about. (check out the other two gorgeous book covers for books #2 & #3 in this series - http://mariehiggins84302.blogspot.com/p/amazon-stories-paradise-series.html )

It can take anywhere from six weeks to four months for me to write a story. If my characters are constantly talking to me, and the plot is exciting to write, then I will finish in about six weeks - as long as real life doesn't get in the way for too long. After it's written, then I submit the story to my critique partners who will then help me find the errors, plot holes, and other things that doesn't make sense in the story. Now is the time when I put everything together and get the book published!

Thank you for stopping by my blog! If you're an author, I'd love for you to leave me a comment and tell me about your writing process. If you're not an author, please still comment and ask me any question you'd like. :)

I have tagged Sheri McGathy to take the ball next week and tell you about her writing process. Sheri writes Fantasy because she believes in magic...

Also, I've tagged Mary Martinez who will blog about her writing progress on April 21st. Surrender yourself to the wanderlust of Mary Martinez!

Interview with Period Images

I have a treat for my readers today! I have interviewed one of the places on the Internet where I buy my pictures for my book covers. Sit back and enjoy yourself as you read through these questions and answers. I was totally AMAZED with everything that goes on behind the scenes...

Period Images is a wonderful website. How did you come up with the idea for creating a website like Period Images with the great models wearing those wonderful period costumes?

It started with a frienship and a dilemma. I had written my first Regency novel and I could not find images that even remotely fit my idea of how my hero and heroine should look like, and most importantly, how their manner of dress should reflect the elegance of that era. This sentiment was shared by a veteran author I’ve never met in person yet has become a good friend and mentor of mine,—Marie Higgins. My friendship with Marie opened my eyes to the struggles of being an author; on what it was like to be in the shoes of a writer who must make every penny count. Cost of production is a reality one must face when crafting a book.  The cover, most especially, is a substantial concern. As we emailed back and forth on the seeming lack of acceptable images, I learned that other historical writers—not just the ones in my genre, have the same predicament. Of course, one can have a generic image modified and manipulated to fit a particular period, but not everyone could afford to shell out the amount of money required to make those kinds of changes. As a result, authors were forced to use whatever was within their budget, and settle with an image that most probably was not the one they had envisioned to grace their covers. For a Product Designer like me, this dilemma was something to ponder. My Creative team designs wardrobe for private clients and the entertainment industry. We have an extensive network of suppliers, fellow designers, and models in Los Angeles. I know my team and I, are well-equipped to solve this problem and do it in the way it should be done—with care, attention to detail, the right models, and proper Period costuming. Thus, with Marie’s help, I acquired more information on what her author friends were specifically looking for. As soon as the wish-list arrived in my inbox, the challenge began,––and a project was born.        

Who creates these amazing costumes? Could you tell us a bit about your staff and what they do?

It takes a village of skilled staff to create Period Costumes. My chief Wardrobe Specialist, Arleen Brown, researches the attires and proposes the concept to me. Upon approval, we do Color Mastering, sourcing and fabric selection. Then, the materials go to  one of my top designers, Rosa Candelario, who has extensive experience in film costuming, and Marcie Hernandez, my design consultant, to execute the attires. Once the basic ‘shells’ are submitted, Arleen goes back to me to consult with the right embellishments and trims. Upon approval, the shells go to one of Arleen’s assistants to finish the designs. (That is, if Arleen will willingly let them finish it. She tends to get “attached” to the costumes, LOL) Then, all that is left is assembly and fitting–—which for some perverted reason, I always become the Guinea pig.   

Sheri McGathy...I think I want this pic next!!!

If authors / cover artists are looking for models in period clothing and with props? For example: A girl in period clothing, perhaps dressed in a winter coat/cape, warm bonnet, muffler, sitting on a bench or box, lacing up her skates. Is Period Images considering staged poses with no backdrops?

Yes! In fact we have just released a set of images in a garden setting and other props. As long as the requested props or wardrobe are readily available, this should not be a problem. 

Sometimes cover artists find the perfect look in a model, but maybe they are wearing the wrong clothes. Have you considered creating a “clothes closet” – a series of shots of just the costumes laid out or hung up at various angles so the cover designer can change the models clothes…sort of like paper dolls?

For this one, because we have so many images of our models in costumes in different poses already, I think it would be easier to just trade the models’ heads, instead of trading the attires. But if you must absolutely have the dress on a hanger or whatever, it’s no biggie—we can take a quick shot for you. In fact, we just did that for someone who was looking to extend a dress so that it encompasses the front and back cover of a book.

Before starting Period Images, did you have friends who were models? How do you go about finding your models? What, to you and your staff, is the “perfect,” model?

Yes. Because we design very high end events, it is common to meet models. We knew quite a few and I was friends with the owner of a model staffing agency. On how we find our models––it’s weird, because most of the time, they find us! Jax Turyna, who is a well-known cover model and a part of P.I. staff, found me before I found her! I almost never have to do casting calls unless it’s crucial, or I am looking for a very specific look. Most of our models are referrals from our current models. Authors and Cover Artists also send a bunch our way to check out.

The perfect model for me is someone who is bankable. In other words, one who is psychologically matured, professional, industrious, and goes out of his way to promote his work. Someone who is reliable and will not do things that would be detrimental to his carreer or the companies he represents. I like to invest in people who I know will deliver results, and will be an asset not only to my company, but also to my clients. 

Briefly describe a normal photo shoot from start to finish.

The crew normally comes in an hour before the shoot. Wardrobe crew goes into a quick meeting on which attires will be worn by which model on what shoot. MUAs (Make-up Artists) and Hair Stylist go to their designated areas to prep their stuff. Then, I do a quick briefing for everyone on the shoot schedule, models’ looks, hair, attires, and how much time is alotted for MU and Wardrobe changes.

The first batch of models come in 45 minutes before the shoot. They go into make-up, hair, and then wardrobe. I brief them with the script for the Exclusive shoots we are doing. Photographer comes in a half hour before shoot starts and begins prepping the equipment.

As the shoot progresses, more models start coming in and the same routine takes place. The photographer and I do several consults during the day to make sure we are getting the right shots and we’re happy with the results. I also check the models’ looks several times to make sure their appearance is right for the type of shoot we are doing. During the actual shoot, two assistants monitor the hair, make-up and wardrobe, and do touch-ups as needed.

At the end of the shoot, everyone usually hangs around to talk, wind down, and eat.

Do you have a memorable moment?

I have several, but I assume you’re talking about my experience with Period Images. It was the night after our last big shoot in December. After everyone had left and I was all alone, I sat in the dark, staring at my computer screen, at the page where some of the book covers with our images where showcased. As I browsed through them one by one, I felt a sense of accomplishment—not just for me, but for all the people who worked hard to make these images possible, for all the authors who had mentored and supported us along the way, and the cover artists who had taken our images and turned them into works of art. Once again, I acknowledged and  re-affirmed, that there are no coincidences. Marie and I met for a reason, and our friendship had a purpose. And for all it’s worth, everything worked out for the better good.   

What other plans do you have in the works?

Top secret for now—we love surprises, lol

So, would you care to tell us a little about you away from Period Images?

As a person, I am funny, a foodie, and I understand everything that has got to do with design, except for when it comes to dressing myself. When I am clueless about something, I am never embarassed to admit it and ask for directions. I don’t care about popularity; what I do care about is genuine friendships. Oh, and I love cats!

If you could have one free do over in life with no repercussions, what would that be? 

I would write and tell more stories.

THANK YOU PERIOD IMAGES for letting me interview you!!  I have been VERY happy with the pictures I've found for my covers. I have had a bunch of great covers (thank you Sheri McGathy / cover artist) and I just can't help but show them off. :)  Okay, so these two are my favorites, I think. Now I just need to write their stories...

You can find them at www.periodimages.com