​One of the things about camping are the wonderful people you meet or hope to meet. Tena and I are both Fivers and have talked about me heading out west so we can meet in person over an actual campfire not the virtual one. Recently, I corresponded with another author who invited me to visit her. Let me tell you, when you get a pair or a group of writers together the discussions are amazing. After all these are your "tribe". Creative minds who love to discuss books, writing, editing, social media and how they wrangle all that and their family, friends, and often, outside jobs. Toss in someone who also shares your passion for traveling and adventure, BAM, instant friend. I hope you enjoy visiting with us today. We'd love to answer any questions you may have. So, go to the comments and let them fly. You may even win a drawing from the names we'll be putting in the hat. And now, Heeeeerrrreeee's Tena

​Tena welcome to 2HOOTS and my campfire. While I grab you a Root Beer Float why don't you tell everyone about what kind of camper you are. on a hot day! I'm going to have to wave my magic wand here. Vanilla ice cream? Always. Root Beer? Well the camp fridge hasn't let me down yet. 

I love to camp.  Our RV is a 38 foot Durango Gold fifth wheel. My favorite place so far is Rocky Mountain National Park. So many things to see and do. Beautiful landscape and trails.

Tada! Here's your float. Oh, I can't wait to see the Rockies. Any pictures I've seen have been gorgeous. Here's a link to the website www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm  Now that we're all settled, tell us about your latest project. I know you have lots of books but this is a new release which is exciting.
A WITCH’S QUANDARY. Secondary character, Gale, popped into A Magic Redemption (5th book in A Demon's Witch Series) the niece of powerful witch, Erin, and her husband King of the Faries, Tiarnan, in Ireland.  She had an established apothecary business when she met Dillon from a prestigious family in Scotland.  He is the son of the head of a prominent law firm in Scotland that had stood for over 100 years. Reputation impeccable.  But treachery and desire for power undermined the family's long standing firm.  How could I not tell her story?  That's how A Witch's Quandary came to be.

Exciting, I can't wait to read it. I enjoyed your One Scoop or Two book Chocolate Raspberry Magic. Your writing draws the reader in. Do you have something else you’re working on?  
Yep, I’m working on AN ANGEL’S WYLDER ASSIGNMENT.  It’s part of the multi-author Wylder West series by The Wild Rose Press. It’s my first try at historical, timetravel, paranormal romance/mystery.  Wish me luck. It’s almost done.  Had a lot of research required. LOL  Also a Christmas Cookie tale.  It’s in the development stages, a few chapters written. 

You're not an over-achiever at all are you? I hear the Wylder West books are wonderful LOL. Do you have a tagline or life motto?
​Remember the Magic for Happily Ever After!
"I have the soul of a Gypsy; the heart of a Hippy; the Spirit of a Wolf, and I don't howl alone. Join me?"
 
Let's all give a howl for Tena. Who are your inspirations for writing? Or would you like to give a shout-out to anyone or their books?
A combination of Molly Harper, Deborah Harkness, and Nora Roberts were my inspirations.

Do you have any tips, tricks, or anything you specialize in that you would share with others? 
Write from the heart.  Don’t let anyone try to try to tell you what you should do.  They can give suggestions but ultimately it’s your story to tell. Always continue to learn your craft. If more than one person gives you the same suggestion, give it consideration.  Take care of yourself, physical and mental health.

Great advice. Now for some fun questions 

1. Favorite childhood book? Or writing that inspired you to become an author.  Trixie Beldon books.  I read them all and if I didn’t like the ending, I’d rewrite it to my liking.  LOL
2. 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? Fight Song by Rachel Platten or Roar by Katy Perry.
3. If you could eat anything in the world right now, what would it be? Pizza!  My favorite food group.  LOL
4. Worst household chore? Cleaning the house.  I wish I could have a house like I created for  HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC
5. Most campers play board games. What games do you like? Song Burst (Guess it comes from being a DJ on a Classic Rock radio station.) Dominos and Cribbage. Though my hubby cheats at both. LOL
6. Who is the most interesting person you’ve met and talked with? Anne Hillerman, author. She is the daughter of Tony Hillerman. The stories she told about her father, his travels and relationships with the American Indians he wrote about.  She continued his tales after his death.  Anne was a very interesting person.
7. What’s the most amazing natural occurrence you’ve witnessed? All the natural phenomenon in Yellowstone National Park. Last time we were there, we found the asphalt was melting. Kinda scary! Huh? 

Tena, thank you so much for visiting the Campfire. Before you go, could you give us a peek at your newest book and maybe some information about where to find out more about A Witch's Quandary  and where to find you?

A Witch’s Quandary – 6th book in the Demon’s Witch Series.

A Broken Engagement leads to the discovery of stolen magic and malice.
www.amazon.com/Witchs-Quandary-Demons-Witch-Book-ebook/dp/B095291TGN
 
Gale’s engagement is off because she refuses to leave her thriving business in Ireland to follow Dillon to Scotland.  Her family and friends are on the emerald isle. Yet, when Dillon returns with the whole story and asks for her help, she must follow her heart.
Becoming a Solicitor, then partner or barrister in the Dunlop Law Firm was never Dillon’s dream. Now it’s his nightmare. Called back to Scotland, his father demands he take his rightful place in the business or be disowned and disinherited. But something is terribly amiss in the firm and family.
During Gale and Dillon’s investigation, they discover the enforcer for the Demon Overlord is also delving into rumors of the firm’s illegal activities. Magic has been stolen, someone is being blackmailed, and a member of the Witch’s council is corrupt. If Gale and Dillon want a life together in Ireland, they have to unearth the secrets that threaten to destroy Dunlop Law and his family in Scotland. 

More About Tena!
​Tena Stetler is a best selling, award winning author of paranormal romance. She has an over-active imagination, which led to writing her first vampire romance as a tween to the chagrin of her mother and delight of her friends. After many years as a paralegal, then an IT Manager, she decided to live out her dream of pursuing a publishing career.
With the Rocky Mountains outside her window, she sits at her computer surrounded by a wide array of witches, shapeshifters, demons, faeries, and gryphons, with a Navy SEAL or two mixed in telling her their tales. Her books tell stories of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Well, okay there are a few companion animals to round out the tales.
Colorado is home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-five-year-old box turtle. When she’s not writing, you can find her kayaking, camping, hiking, biking  or just relaxing in the great Colorado outdoors.
Are You Following Me? You Should Be! Come Find Me:
Blog: https://www.tenastetler.com/my-blog
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/tenastetler.author
Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/TenaStetler
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14187532.Tena_Stetler
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenastetler/
The Romance Reviews: http://www.theromancereviews.com/tenajean


MY BOOKS – Award winning Paranormal Romance/Mysteries:
A Demon’s Witch Series:
A Demon’s Witch first in A Demon’s Witch Series and best seller ( The Wild Rose Press)
A Warlock’s Secrets – Second in A Demon’s Witch’s Series (The Wild Rose Press)
A Vampires’ Unlikely Alliance – Third in A Demon’s Witch Series and voted best Romance Novel 2017 by the Critters/Predators & Editors Readers Poll.
An Angel’s Unintentional Entanglement – Fourth in  Demon’s Witch Series
A Magic Redemption – Fifth in the Demon’s Witch Series
A Witch’s Quandary – Sixth in A Demon’s Witch Series
Charm Me – A Candy Hearts Romance ( The Wild Rose Press)
Charm Me Again – Sequel to Charm Me (The Wild Rose Press)
A Witch’s Journey Series:
A Witch’s Journey – A Lobster Cove Romance ( The Wild Rose Press)
A Witch’s Holiday Wedding – A Lobster Cove Romance (The Wild Rose Press)
Hidden Gypsy Magic – Third book in  A Witch’s Journey Series (The Wild Rose Press)
Chocolate Raspberry Magic – One Scoop or Two Summer Ice Cream Series and also fourth in A Witch’s Journey Series (The Wild Rose Press)
Mystic Maples – Deerbourn Inn Series
Australia Burns Anthology (Vol. 3)- A Witch’s Protocol is my contribution (All proceeds goes to charity for the victims of Australia’s 2019 wild fires.

Happy Saturday you wonderful campers! Here we are in July and camping season is full steam ahead. 

Day one was May 30th which was my Birthday! We were on the road early and had a great travel day. Sun shone, temp perfect, dog loaded and off we went destination Florida. We stopped for two night because hey, we're retired now and can take our time. Pete is our main driver and he likes to do about 6 to 7 hours to the destination. That said, I do drive 2Hoots. I'm good for a couple of hours on the interstate or non-city routes.
St. Petersburg/ Madera Beach KOA was our goal. We had a lovely spot on the bayou. The view was great and the campground clean. While I went to the conference in Tampa, Pete and Hali hosted friends from the area. Shout out to Allen and Eva and
We enjoyed great weather but here's a tip. If you are hitting the road in the summer and can afford an awning sunscreen do it. We bought a fairly inexpensive one and had it delivered to the KOA. At least half of the time when camping you'll be a catching afternoon sun and it gets pretty hot.

One of the things I enjoy most about the lifestyle is catching up with family and friends who live in other parts of the country. My Brooklyn cousins moved to St. Augustine years ago and we haven't seen them since. So, of we went to Bobby and Kat who not only live there but they are campers too. We went to out to dinner and the next day to their house which is on a canal. We all enjoyed the boat ride, including Hali.  Guess what you get another tip make sure when you apply sunscreen you get all the spots.

Georgia was our next stop. We have a map of the USA stuck to the inside of 2Hoots door. Each time we drop the landing gear, I get to put a sticker for that state on the map. Pete won't let me cheat. I think if we pass through we should get to claim it. He's such a stickler for rules.  But Georgia was where I purchased my National Senior Park Pass. Tip if you like to travel and visit sites, this is a must have. Yes, it cost $80, but it's good forever and we already have nearly broke even. You get in and can bring up to three guests. So save your pennies and invest in it. Next trip here we're going to try for Jekyll Island campground. This is a very cool place.

I mentioned visiting, right? South Carolina here we come. One of Pete's besties lives there. Rod and his son Jonathan met us for lunch. We'd stopped at one restaurant but it was outside seating only and the day was a scorcher. So we moved to a different spot and it was so worth it. Anyone who knows my DH knows he loathes veggies. I know, I know but what can you do? Well get this. I got him to try Okra and he liked it. (Okay, it was fried but...) He also had a BLT with Avocado! And did I mention this KOA has a wine bar? I didn't!  Well it does. This was Pete's top campground. Not because of how well maintained it is. It is. Not for the pool. It's a nice one. But for the people working there. An amazing crew of KOA Work Kampers. Not only that, but it has a Tardis. Not really but I can pretend. It's a Little Library. Tip look around you and you'll be amazed at the whimsy

Bet you can't guess where we went next? (Rolling my eyes). North Carolina. We got to sit in the big chair, visited two more wineries. We tried to get into Wilmington and also to do the river walk. Unfortunately, the traffic and construction in the area was not conducive to parking Pete's truck. What's a girl to do? Get thee to another winery or two, that's what. We picked up a few bottles, hung out chatting with other patrons. One of the nicest things is that many of these places are dog friendly.   If you know me you know I love cooking over the fire. So I had a piece of salmon. (Pete doesn't eat fish either) Well we built a fire. I broke out my cast iron pan and got the oil screaming hot. Went to place the salmon in. Dropped it into the pan and yep splattered my legs. Still healing. I'll never be a leg model anyway. Tip- be careful. 

Next up, Virginia. Not the first time camping here and definitely not our last time. With so much to see and do, you won't be disappointed. This was the highlight of my trip. Since a young girl I've been a horse fanatic. My first horse was Cocoa, followed by Carrie, and eventually Apache. Apache reminded me most of the Ponies of Assateague. We stayed on Chincoteague Island which in itself is wonderful, but this is where we used the park pass the most. There was a great lighthouse too. Tip- visit the places of your dreams.

Last but not least was Massey's Landing Campground in Delaware. This was a resort camping ground. I can't tell you how many golf cart were there but at times it felt like I was at NASCAR as they went round and round. We enjoyed playing cornhole with our neighbors, time in the pool and even met one of my fans. 

Home base in NJ was waiting for us and here's your last tips though maybe it's an observation. Get out there and see the world. Don't be shy, and introduce yourself to those you meet.  Spend some time in local shops, especially bookstores. Always be grateful when you get home.

I hope you enjoyed my camping adventures. We're heading out again in August, September and October, so check back for more about our adventures in 2Hoots.
​

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Welcome to camp, Elizabeth. What can I get for you? The camp fridge is like wishing stone. Ask and it appears. Coffee (expresso). But only in the morning (can’t speak before I have some). The rest of the day, Crystal Light lemonade or water.

I used to own a Specialty Coffee shop called Heavenly Brew and even went to Philadelphia to become a barista. So, guess what-bam-espresso it is. Are you or have you camped?
I went camping as a girl scout in 9th grade (we went to Nantucket); fun, but too many mosquitos! Growing up, my family had a cabin in the backyard which my father named Camp Woofleboo. I had lots of sleepovers there with friends. I still remember Carol Bozzo telling a ghost story that kept us up all night listening for trouble with every creak of the floor. Pretty cool to have your own camp in the backyard!

It sure is! And what a great name Camp Woofleboo, lol. Tell us about your latest project. What's the title and anything else you'd like to share about it.
My latest project is HOME WATERS, a mix of family, romance, and environmental suspense. Becket Fallon, a world-famous oceanographer, discovers a lethally-invasive toxic algae in Narragansett Bay. He’s trying to figure out a way to stop it from decimating the bay when non-profit expert Lainey Carmichael arrives demanding his help with 3-year-old twin girls. The book is the story of what happens next. I wrote the first draft many years ago, but put it aside and worked on five other projects. A couple years ago I took the book back out, reworked it completely, and published it at the end of 2020. It’s a finalist for two National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards (best first book and best Mainstream with Romantic Elements). 25% of royalties go to Save the Bay.

Sounds wonderful and congratulations. Do you have something else you’re working on?
I’m working on Book 2 of my Narragansett Bay Series; the main character of that book was part of the supporting cast in HOME WATERS.

Do you have a tagline?
"Stories with a Waterview”

Who are your inspirations for writing? Or would you like to give a shout-out to anyone or their books?
I love to mix suspense and romance. Nora Robert’s Chesapeake series inspired me, but my books have environmental suspense as my own twist. I’m inspired by the ocean and stories related to it, so all my books have the ocean as a key element.

Life Hacks for Authors. Do you have any tips, tricks, or anything you specialize in that you would share with others? 
My friends call me the “Research Queen” and research is a key part of my process. For HOME WATERS, I contacted oceanographers at the Univ. of RI Graduate School of Oceanography and they helped brainstorm my suspense plot. Even in fiction, getting the specifics right is crucial.

Research is so important and things change quickly so an author needs to stay up to date. Now the fun questions 

1. 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? I have a lapis lazuli pendant. My college ring has lapis in it, and I’ve always loved the bright blue stone. Egyptian friends helped me barter for the stone in the market in Cairo, then I had it made into a pendant in Turkey. Note: This pendant appears in HOME WATERS.
2. Years ago, 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 actually saw something so absurd that I chased after it and got the photo, which is on my wall.  I was in a market in southeastern Turkey when I saw a donkey go by carrying a television set, with two boys on either side keeping the TV in place. The juxtaposition of ancient and modern was truly irresistible (photo attached).
3. What weird talent do you have? As long as I do it fairly soon, I can remember hours of conversation and repeat it back word for word.
4. Worst household chore? I really hate washing floors.
5. If you could time travel, where would you go and when? Why? Ancient Egypt (but not to stay). I’m fascinated by the pyramids and my trip to Egypt was my favorite trip ever.
6. What’s the most amazing natural occurrence you’ve witnessed? In Turkey, there’s a Roman settlement on top of a cliff called Pamukale (Cotton Castle). The hot springs on the top of the cliff are in chalk pools; the chalk constantly dribbles over the cliff, creating a mass of white all down the Cliffside (looks like a giant Santa’s beard). Astonishing. 

Elizabeth shared some of her pictures

 
Home Waters 
by
Elizabeth Devlin
 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MHGWFCG 
​
In a second-chance story with a waterview, a famed oceanographer and a non-profit expert—linked by two little girls—fight environmental disaster and their own demons.
 
He has a deep hole in his heart …can his fight to protect the ocean fill it?
 
Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island: World-famous oceanographer Becket Fallon plunged himself into work after his son’s death. But just when he discovers toxic algae threatens the entire East Coast, his sharp tongue costs him his research funding. And as he struggles to find a solution, the three-year-old grandchildren he’s felt duty-bound to avoid show up on his doorstep… in the arms of their attractive step-aunt Lainey Carmichael.
 
When he refuses to take in the orphaned twins, Lainey makes him an irresistible offer: Let them stay for the summer, and she’ll secure fresh sponsors. Stunned when she succeeds, he loses himself in the environmental battle. He’s terrified he’ll only repeat past mistakes if he lets his new houseguests wriggle their way into his life and heart.
 
Can Becket save the ocean he loves … and the family he never felt he deserved?

https://elizabethdevlin.com/

Elizabeth Devlin grew up sailing the waters of Narragansett Bay and  never forgot it. After studying in Oxford and serving in US embassies abroad, she finally  returned to RI to teach at the Naval War College in Newport. In her contemporary novel Home  Waters, she shares her love of the ocean, family, suspense, and a chance at a happy ever after.

You can follow the author here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldrfiXL7wI4 
https://www.facebook.com/Elizabeth.Devlin.writer
https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethDevlinAuthor/
https://www.instagram.com/waterviewstories/
https://twitter.com/Elizabe70474292
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55845483-home-waters
[email protected]

I've wanted to get today's guest to the campfire for a while. She is my AMAZING editor of my TWRP books. She is my coach, mentor, cheerleader and fellow gardener. So, we're going to get right to it. If you are interested in my  monthlong camping trip head over to my other page at www.dvstoneauthor.com/d-vs-guest-blogs-reviews-and-so-much-more.html

Welcome, ELF. What is your preferred beverage?
Pineapple Crush (which I can never find any longer, so I settle on Sunkist Orange soda.

No problem with the Camper fridge. Like Aladdin's Lamp I'll give a rub and make a wish...Here you go. One frosty Pineapple Crush. While I pour, why don't you tell us about either your camping or favorite vaycay.
I’m definitely NOT a camper. I’m not sure I’d even be comfortable in an RV since I have mild claustrophobia. My favorite vacation was to Kauai, Hawaii, where I got to revel in the beautiful ocean views as well as savor all of the beautiful vegetation.

My camper has as much footage as a NYC apartment. Well maybe you would be claustrophobic. That's really not a good comparison. Tell us about your your work. 
I’m an editor as well as a reviewer, so I am usually reading four or five books at a time. I tend to push aside my favorite recreational books while I work on projects, but one positive thing about the pandemic has been my taking the time to get reacquaintanted with some of my favorite series (thank goodness for libraries that have extensive e-book collections).

In my imagination, if I was the only person left on earth, the Library is where I would live. Since you’re an editor, what would you like authors to know? How can they become better writers? 
I think that authors need to analyze what they liked most about their favorite books and figure out how that was achieved. Great tension? Camaraderie? Quirky characters? Suspense? 
One of the things I think that is most important to remember is that readers love to feel smart. We love to figure out things…whether that is solving a mystery, understanding why characters act the way they do, predicting how some sticky situation is going to turn out. It’s important to TRICKLE in details, not overwhelm the reader with all of the great facts you have learned in your research. Yes, there are intriguing details that the author should share with the reader, but in-depth information should probably be saved for a newsletter, a bonus material offering, a Pinterest or Tik-Tok page. 

Oh, that's great advice. Are there any resources you recommend?
I love browsing through the “Emotion Thesaurus” (when I remember, lol), and I just picked up “The Emotional Wound Thesaurus” because it was on sale. I subscribe to multiple newsletters that have articles on writing, and I refresh my knowledge or learn new techniques.

I always have my copy of the Emotion Thesaurus handy. It's a great resource. I'm going to add the web links to both 2seasagency.com/writing-coach-becca-puglisi/  and  www.scbwi.org/speakers/angela-ackerman so anyone interested can go directly to the sources. What traps or potholes do you think may affect authors from having an ongoing career? 
I think that many authors fail to realize that they have to work just as hard at marketing as they do creating and polishing a story. There are so many stories out there that it is hard to just be discovered, and I keep reminding my authors that well-known authors still get out there and publicize their work, even though they have substantial followings.

That is so true. Writing is self satisfying for so many. But, if you want people to read your books, you have to do the leg work. What things do you look for when receiving a submission?
I start out by automatically analyzing the author’s voice and how the query is written. Are there spelling or grammatical errors? Are the format and content complying with the submission guidelines? If the author starts out being careless about the query, what does that say about how much care has been taken with the manuscript? Does the synopsis make sense? Does it tell me everything I need to know about the story? Remember, this is not a blurb to entice the reader to pick up the story, it’s a summary of all of the pertinent info about the story.
Next, does the opening paragraph grab my attention? Is some kind of puzzle presented or a situation described that makes me curious about what is going to happen next? If I start skimming, that means there are either horrendous errors/typos OR info dumping is taking place, and the author has lost my attention.

What is your favorite genre? 
Science fiction romance, but I like most subgenres of romance, and I’ve been reading a lot of m/m romance lately.

Do you have a tagline or life motto?
We are who we are because of what we’ve experienced, and if we like who we are today…then what’s the point of crying over past events?

So true. Who are your inspirations? Or would you like to give a shout-out to anyone?
I love strong, confident women, whether in real life or in fiction.

Now the fun questions 

1. 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 Main Street Electrical Parade theme 
2. If you could eat anything in the world right now, what would it be? Seafood crepes with bechamel sauce.
3. Would you rather have unlimited international first-class tickets or never have to pay for food at restaurants? Unlimited international first-class tickets. There are so many places I figure I will never see, but I sure would like to.
4. Did you ever win something? What? I win lots of things, but the most surprising was a trip to Brooklyn, Michigan to see the Nascar races. I figured I must have been trying for the runner-up prize (probably a large television, lol)
5. What’s the most amazing natural occurrence you’ve witnessed? The lava caves in Hawaii (although their waterfalls aren’t too shabby!).

ELF, thanks for being part of the Campfire. I'm so glad you joined us to share such great information and give us a chance to know you better. And thanks for all the beautiful pictures from your garden.​

Find out more about ELF
thereadingaddict-elf.blogspot.com/
http://musingsbyelf.wordpress.com/

Oh, and look what I've got.