Hello, everyone. Well, March seems to be going out like a lamb at least here in Northern New Jersey. We've taken a couple of opportunities to sit out on our newly refurbished deck around the propane firepit. With April coming in this week I'm looking forward to Honesdale, PA and glamping with the grands. 2Hoot has a new roof after some tree damage and everything seems to be in full working order. Did you hear that? It was me knocking on wood. I'm also looking forward to April for another reason. I'll be celebrating Rock House Grills 1st birthday. Starting April 2, it will be on sale for 99₡. Also check out my much more page for a list of bloggers helping me celebrate. 
Now let's light the candles and welcome Gayle back to the fire. Hi Gayle, make a birthday wish for some refreshments and we'll see what we can do.
 Well, since my 60th birthday took place two days ago, I think we should go all out with champagne! 

Oh yeah. The camper fridge has a bottle of pink bubbly just waiting for you. I know that you've camped before but tell us about it and your latest adventures. 
My family took camping trips when I was a child; now I prefer staying in cabins. Last fall, I discovered some KOAs have cabins, and my husband and I stayed in one during a trip to Yellowstone National Park to celebrate our 20th anniversary. For my 60th birthday this weekend, we’re staying at friends’ ranch. They have a guest house, and I love visiting and staying here! During spring, sandhill cranes stop in the fields to forage, and the nearby Powder River provides water, not only for the cranes and other wildlife, but also for the ranch’s horses and llamas. This has become one of my writing sanctuaries, as it’s only 70 miles from our home. Nature and tranquility reside here, and inspiration abides, stimulating my creative juices.

That sounds wonderful. I know about the KOA cabins. For Christmas the past couple of years, Santa gives my son's family a gift certificate and they enjoy a week each year in one of them. Some have teepees and Conestoga wagons. Here's a link to check it out. koa.com/ways-to-stay/cabins  Gayle, tell us about your latest project. What book are you talking about today, and what’s on the horizon.
My latest release is “My Montana Love,” a sequel to my first romance novel in my Pet Rescue Romance series, “Rescue Road.” The new story looks at the primary characters in my first book five years later. Their blissful life on a Paradise Valley, Montana ranch is challenged when Levi experiences a health crisis. A much-anticipated anniversary trip to Ireland postponed, a financial situation she didn't expect, and a past experience she thought she'd put behind her causes Rhiann to face critical decisions. Can she keep the property solvent and her marriage intact, or will these incidents cloud her judgment and cause chaos she cannot control? 
​
And your next project?
A holiday novella set near Grand Teton National Park called “In the Shadow of Mount Moran” as part of my Pet Rescue Romance series. The release is planned for early November.

Do you have a tagline? Life Motto?
My author business is Waggin’ Tales Inspirational Pet Stories, and my goal is to inspire, educate, and entertain.

How long do books take you?
I’m an indie author but some projects take longer than others. Originally, the title of the book was “My Montana Valentine,” and I intended to release it as a Valentine’s Day story. The characters had more to say, so it became an early spring release and the ending encompasses St. Patrick’s Day and the first day of spring. 

Are there any mentors, authors, or books other than yours you would like to give a shout-out to?
I’ve discovered a plethora of authors who also write romance that include animals. Most recently, I’ve learned about Melissa Storm and have ordered some of her books for my springtime reading, including “The Churchdogs of Charleston” and “A Place to Belong.”

I'll have to check her books out. Literary success is different for everyone. What does it mean to you?
I enjoy touching lives with entertaining, inspirational reads and I hope that translates into helping more pet rescue and adoption organizations, as I donate a part of my book sales to such groups. I’d also one day like to become a snowbird, spending winters in southern climates and getting out of FEETS of snow, as my state has experienced this month.

Do you have any tips you would like to share? 
Persevere – you never fully know the impact your writing has on others. I received an email last year from someone I didn’t know during a time I was questioning if I should continue writing. She told me, “I just love your books! I can’t wait for the next one in your Pet Rescue Romance series!” That doesn’t happen often for me, but it’s just the encouragement I need to keep the stories flowing!

Now for some quick, get to know me better questions. What is your favorite mug or teacup?
Years ago, a friend gifted me a mug that says, “Rescue Mom.” I love that cup because all my pets are rescued animals.

Once upon a time, there was a commercial that talked about a “Kodak Moment.” It’s a moment in time you catch in a picture. One you never want to forget. What is yours?
I was speaking at a school more than 12 years ago and with me was my blind dog, Sage. (I became a children’s author with a book about her life). My dog meandered to the back of the group of kids, who were sitting on the floor, and sat next to a boy. I’d glance back now and then to see Sage still sitting there and as I finished up my presentation, I saw the boy was petting Sage with one hand and his other arm was draped across her shoulders. As I left with Sage ten minutes later, the teacher told me the boy’s grandfather had died earlier in the week. I’ve never forgotten that scene of my blind dog giving comfort and friendship to a sad little boy. 

Hey, stop it. You made me tear up. Sniff. Now, teach me something I don’t know in two sentences.
Pets benefit people’s mental and physical health, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, and encouraging exercise, helping to improve people’s cardiovascular health. 

If you were an animated character, who would you be and why? 
Lassie – I like helping people and living in the country!

Which superhero would you like to be existing or you make up? Wonder Woman

Last book or movie that made you cry? “A Dog’s Way Home”

Gayle thank you for giving us a glimpse into your life and work. Before you leave, will you share some more information about your work and where folks can find out more about you?​

Horses at the Kaycee WY ranch.

​But for now my guest is patiently waiting. Hi, Daryl. What can I offer you?
Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa with 3 mini marshmallows and a hint of cinnamon. 

Yummy! That sounds delish. I think I'll join you. And while those marshmallows get gooey, tell us, have you ever camped, or as I call what I do, Glamp. Tell us about your camping experience. What made it special to you.
My final year of my undergrad, we went camping – in February – in Northern Ontario. They divided us into groups and did leadership skills and my group did awesomely. Which as it turns out was not a good thing. They drove out to the wilderness, dropped us off and said we had a week to get home. We had an experienced guide, but he was only there to help if we got into a life threatening situation. Things he did not consider to be life threatening
1. The ice broke on the lake and a student fell in. Yes, we got him out.
2. Another student stepped into an unsprung bear trap that didn’t snap because the snow was so deep.
3. Camping outside in tents in -40.
4. My dislocated shoulder. Long story!
And lastly
5. The diva who shoved her hand out her tent the first morning and wailed that her moisturizer had frozen.
We all survived!

LOL, that is some experience. I camped once in Minnesota when it was ten degrees. Nah, minus 40 sorry. I wouldn't even take 2HOOTs in that. Tell us about your latest project. What book are you talking about today, and what’s on the horizon.
My first attempt at a medieval fantasy romance – The Last Dragon. Someone mentioned I should write a book with a dragon and then one started flying around in my head. Currently I am working on 9?? different projects. I received my rights back on some books and I am getting them ready to indie pub, plus I am switching my alter-writer ego from Victoria Adams – to me. Only one name to keep track of – plus… no that’s enough for now.

I'm a huge fan of dragon stories and I loved this one. If you're interested you can read my review here www.goodreads.com/review/show/3835814416
Do you have a tagline? Life Motto?
My writer motte – Picasso wasn’t always Picasso. At one point, he was just Pablo, painting weird pictures.  What it means is – don’t follow the rules. Break out of the box. Ignore all those people who say – you can’t do that!

I love that. Nay sayers begone. Daryl, how long did it take you from conception to publication?
This book took years. Several things happened to cause that – but the biggest is I evolved from a hot romance author to a sweet one and it is because of this book. A scorching romance did not fit the characters.

Are there any mentors, authors, or books?
Shout outs to Viv, Cynthia, Jenna and Mart. Authors friends who have been there with ideas and help for many years.

What does literary success look like to you?
One fan letter. The first book I wrote, I got an email from a reader who loved it. That was the success I needed.

Life Hacks for Authors.  Do you have any tips, tricks, or anything you specialize in that you would share with others.  I’m also interested in how you have been managing your life and writing with COVID-19.
Life hack with covid – do what you gotta do. If ignoring your writing gets you through this – then stop. Not writing does not make you not-a-writer. No one should condemn you because you are taking a break. This is a bizarre moment in time and some will find solace in writing, and some with not.
 
Now the fun questions 
What is your favorite mug or teacup?
A friend gave me a hot chocolate mug that says – Stay Weird. The words are upside down until you drink from the mug. I love my mug.

Teach me something I don’t know in two sentences.
The marital art secret to breaking a board – is not to strike the front of the board. Focus on the other side of the board, so that your hand/fist/elbow/foot will go through the board to strike the target. (I have a 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do)

What’s your favorite cartoon, and why?
Road Runner. No idea. I just love the little dude. Beep! Beep!

Favorite childhood book?
Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild. The copy in my elementary school  library had only been taken out by me. We had to sign the card. I filled the entire card.

What’s your go-to coffee order?
I’m that person. What person? That one person who dislikes coffee. I’ve never drank a cup of it. It drives servers in morning restaurants crazy. They keep trying to fill my mug.

Daryl, thank you so much for stopping by my fire today. Would you please leave us with a bit about your book and where we can find out more about you?

What do dragons, knights and romance have in common? Grab a copy of multi-published author Daryl Devore’s medieval fantasy romance – The Last Dragon and discover the answer.

A sorcerer craving dominance merged with a dragon, the power overwhelmed him causing him to split into three dragons. Demora ruled thought, but was lost in time. Yidithe offered protection, shining like the light of the sun. Ayrradex craved chaos, revelling in destroying souls.
Many knights died, attempting to slay the devil beast. One knight, Prince Hawkyns, did not fear death. He’d lost everything. Away on a mission when Ayrradex attacked his father’s kingdom, Penrythe, Hawkyns returned to find his noble father – feeble and defeated. His wise mother – crazed. His beautiful wife and unborn child - dead. Only a pile of ashes remained for him to bury. He knelt before his King and vowed to slay the devil-beast or be slain.
Derry was born with powers that terrified her parents. They delivered her to a nunnery to be raised in secret. Jathe, a wise sorceress, discovered the young girl and trained her to one day use the secret hidden in her soul.
Legends spoken around campfires hinted the sole way to destroy Ayrradex was when the hearts of a knight and a golden dragon became one. But after a vicious battle with Ayrradex, the golden dragon was thought to be dead.
Can Prince Hawkyns’s bravery and Derry’s powers end the reign of the devil-beast’s terror?
​
Amazon - ebook - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QPW4CVF
Amazon - print - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QRVJ59P
Books2read – universal link - ebook – https://books2read.com/The-Last-Dragon
Books2read –universal link – print -  https://books2read.com/The-Last-Dragon-
BookSprout – https://booksprout.co/book/69199/the-last-dragon
 
Social Media Links – I am at several places, but these are where I hang out the most
Blog - https://daryldevore.blogspot.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/daryl.devore
Twitter - https://twitter.com/daryldevore
Newsletter – [email protected]

​Welcome Roxanne! I'm so happy to have you at my campfire and camping is about hospitality. Tell me what I can get for you. ​The camp fridge is like the Starship Enterprise. You speak it, you get it. 
A nice, dry champagne with very tiny bubbles, please, and a little Brie to go along with it. 

I'm now singing Tiny Bubbles as I head to the fridge. That sounds delish, I have some crusty bread to go with it. 🍾 While I pour, tell us, have you ever camped, or as I call what I do, Glamp. Tell us about your camping or  if you’re not the camping type. How about your favorite adventure or vacation. What made it special to you. 
Several years ago, okay, lots of years ago, I belonged to a scuba diving club, and on weekends, we camped and dove together. One of my favorite places was the west side of San Juan Island in Washington State, where I now live. The water is cold and clear, and the current runs fast, so there is a lot of life that you never see from the surface. 
When we put our regulators in our mouths, tucked, and dove, we immediately arrived in another world. It was always a moment of surprise, exhilaration, and joy. Rocky walls cascade downward, home to plants and animals alike, anemones, starfish, crab, abalone, many types of fish, seals, and even, at times, the majestic orcas. In the evening, we pulled a string of picnic tables together and cooked fresh seafood of all types; whatever we had captured that day, and shared the bounty of the sea. Ahh! The good old days.

That sounds wonderful. I've snorkeled but never dove. Camping near water- nothing better. Can you share with us about your latest project, and what’s on the horizon. 
My debut novel, Murder Unrehearsed, came out last fall. I loved writing it because in the world I created, justice happens. The good guys find strength they didn’t know they had; because they do, they win, and the bad guys get their just desserts. I only wish it happened that way all the time in real life. 
I’m hoping to finish polishing my second book this month. It’s a suspense novel rather than a mystery, and I can’t decide whether to call it Murder Unsuspected or Murder Undetected. As you might guess, it’s a black widow story. It takes place in the south of France, in a little hilltop town where everyone knows everyone else’s business, but no one suspects a thing. 
I’ve begun a third novel, set in Paris, my favorite city. It’s going to be a heist or caper if I ever figure out the difference between the two and how to write it.

People are always interested in how long it takes and author from conception to publication? 
From start to finish, twenty years. For the first twelve years, I was working full time, building a house on weekends, and taking care of elderly parents, so I didn’t have a lot of time to write. And often Murder Unrehearsed lay dormant while I focused on other projects, including a children’s book, two historical romances, and a historical fiction novel. (None of those are finished, BTW.) Also, I write a monthly column consisting of a short personal essay and a recipe for Pacific Yachting magazine, which is published in Vancouver, Canada.

Do you have a tagline? Life Motto? 
Life is too short to drink bad wine.

Are there any mentors, authors, or books you would like to give a shout-out to? 
My good friend Jeffrey D. Briggs, author of the Seattle Waterfront Mystery series, has been a long-time supporter and critique partner, and especially when I began to write, made me write better. My critique group and many, many others have goaded, encouraged, and cheered me on, including Patricia Tennison of Paris Café Writing, an extraordinary teacher. Along with the rest of my Paris scribe tribe, all beautiful writers, she inspires me to write better than I think I can.

What does literary success look like to you? 
Actually finishing and publishing a book. After that, writing beautiful prose as quickly and flawlessly as Leilani Barnett, author of Sacred Journaling: Ten Ways to Use the Power of Words to Craft Your Ideal Life.

Roxanne, do you have any tips, tricks, or anything you specialize in that you would share with others.  I’m also interested in how you have been managing your life and writing with COVID-19.
The biggest thing for me was to set aside time everyday to write and not to let anything interfere with that. I began doing this seriously in 2016 after attending a nonfiction seminar, Paris Café Writing, in Paris with Patricia Tennison, and now I generally spend 4 – 6 hours a day writing and marketing. 
Since I am retired, the main effect of COVID-19 is that I have more time to write. I do miss having friends and family come to visit, cooking and enjoying good wine together, and I get tired of Zooming, but it is a small price to pay for health.

Now the fun questions
If they made a movie about your life, what would the title be and who would play you? 
The Late, Late, Late, Very Late Bloomer. Goldie Hawn.

Do you have a special object like a piece of jewelry or keepsake of some sort? Can you tell us what makes it special to you? 
My great-grandmother gave me a necklace her mother had given her. Made of pressed rose petals and acquired from a group of plains Indians in exchange for some medicine back in the mid 1800’s, it still smells faintly of roses.

What is your favorite mug or teacup if neither T-shirt with graphic or Meme.
Mug: I dream my life is the same as it is now, only I have well-behaved hair and I live in Paris.

Your go to cookie.
Matt McCrae’s double chocolate sandwich cookies. Matt is the hottie lawman in Murder Unrehearsed. His favorite way to relax is to bake all day.

If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
The Hallelejuah Chorus by Handel.

Favorite childhood book? 
Heidi

Last movie you saw? 
French Kiss

Roxanne, Thank you for joining us today. Heidi is in my top 10. Could you leave us with a little more about your book and if folks want to find out more about you and your work where they can go?

Murder Unrehearsed
by 
Roxanne Dunn

The pain of betrayal. The price of truth. The mystery of love. 

Matt stopped. His mouth hung open for a few beats. “What are you doing here?”
The darkest parts of me, those that I kept stuffed way down inside surged to the surface. My face burned with indignation. I was Kate the Shrew at her best. “How dare you! You and your pretty little Live Like King Tut fable. You kiss me and tell me you liked it. You say you are my biggest fan. You pretend to bare your soul. You think I can’t figure out what’s going on? All you want is for me to believe that you’re a good guy, so you can leave me hanging out for a pack of wolves. So I can end up as dead as Mariella. Well, damn you all to hell!”
Slick as spit, Matt reached out and took my hands. “It’s not like that.” 


​Where you can get a copy
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DHJ6TG7/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-unrehearsed-roxanne-dunn/1137387167?ean=2940162985846 
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/murder-unrehearsed 
https://seaportbooks.com/
https://www.thewildrosepress.com/books/murder-unrehearsed 
 www.roxannedunn.com

More about the author
I am a foodie and fanatic about good chocolate, a physical therapist (now retired), and a private pilot. I lived aboard a classic wood motor yacht for 17 years, and in my dreams, I'm a famous watercolor artist, a pianist of renown, and a globe trotting yogini. And, oh yes, an apartment in Paris would be nice.
How to contact Roxanne
www.roxannedunn.com
https://www.facebook.com/roxanne.dunn.127 
https://twitter.com/roxanne_dunn​