MEET THE AUTHOR

I’m honored to have as my guest today on Meet the Author, Mary McCoy Dressel.

Mary writes Sensual Contemporary Romance/Women’s fiction, sometimes mixing the two genres. Some of her characters don’t have an easy time of getting what they want, but their reward is always sweet and sexy. (Bull Rider Series) Other times her stories are sensual and heartwarming with less conflict and drama. (Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight)

She tells us she aims to sweep you off your feet either way with a memorable love story. I can get behind that, 🙂

Mary graciously answered some of my nosey curious questions about her writing process:

Hi, Jacquie, I’m excited to be here. Thanks for having me as your guest today. You have asked some great questions.

What do you write?

I write mostly contemporary western romance, occasionally paranormal romance, and dramatic romantic fiction.

What genre do you favor?

Contemporary western romance. Mmm, something about a cowboy. I also like dramatic romantic fiction.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

Oh, boy. I’ve always known I wanted to be a writer, but when I was young, I didn’t know how to label it.

Are you published?

Yes, I have four books published, and one more will be out by the end of the year. Two previous books from years’ back are out of print.

Where can you be found on social media?

I can be found at the links below. I haven’t given in to Pinterest yet.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mary.j.McCoy.Dressel.Books

Twitter: https://twitter.com/maryjdressel

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/maryjdressel/

Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/107492843522519599082/

Website or blog:

Website: http://www.maryjdresselbooks.com

Blog: http://mjdresselbooks.wordpress.com/

What do you think is the best way to publish these days?

It all depends on what an author is looking for. I’ve spent a lot of time waiting on traditional publishers, and had published with a small press in the past, but the right choice for me right now is to self-publish.

What are your favorite genres to read? Why?

Contemporary western romance, same as I write. Time-travel is a favorite in the historical genre, but I don’t read that much of it anymore. Sometimes I read romantic suspense. I like to read romance because I love the fact of two people falling in love, and to see how far they will go to find their happily ever after.

Do your characters talk to you?

My characters talk to me all the time. All the time. In the middle of the night, in the shower, driving…always. Even when I’m not working on their book. I love it.

How do you approach starting a new book?

I make a detailed list called “Plotlines.” Characters get planned first. Usually, they come to me with some sort of plan already—a name, a description, and a career. If I don’t already have an idea for the book, I start brainstorming about what can happen to these characters. What the heck do they want in this particular book? Afterward, I try to plan the ending, or at least an end point to work toward. I over-research the settings, and any other research I need to do. The reason I over-research is because I want to feel like I’m there, or actually doing something my character is doing. Even though I don’t use it all, it helps to know as much as I can.

What is your writing process?

I’m a full-time writer now so I write every single day. I don’t set or expect a certain word count. Whatever happens, happens. I consider myself a pantster who does a fair amount of plotting, so I have direction. Each of my books has a playlist, and I listen to that music while I write. Also, I use images like a photo board to stay inspired. Every day I go back and read what I wrote the day or night before to catch up, revise a little, and edit. Sometimes, I work on more than one book at a time. Also, I consult with professionals whether it be bull riders, ranchers, police officers, or doctors. Whatever I need to fit a book.

What was your best date ever?

When I was very young, I met my soldier boyfriend in Kentucky so I could fly home on his leave with him. His weeks’ leave was cancelled and changed to one day. It took him forever to get on that bus and meet me at the airport. Hours. I paced all alone, waiting, not even knowing for sure if he could make it. So far this was a “predate,” and I was filled with anticipation. LOL.

When the bus did pull up, it was just like in the movies. I caught a glimpse of him in his uniform out of the corner of my eye at the same time he saw me through the airport windows. It was like our gaze connected and we both ran into each other’s arms, and he twirled me around. We hadn’t seen each other for months so needless to say, he felt like a million bucks in my arms. Now the date begins with a romantic dinner, and maybe a bottle of Southern Comfort was involved. We had a great time getting to know each other all over again, and the next day I went to the base with him. This isn’t to say I haven’t had other favorite dates, but this one stands out.

Navy SEAL or cowboy?

Knowing me, I’d lean toward the cowboy. It must be the hat, huh?

Chocolate or chips?

Oh, gosh! I like them both together. Salt and chocolate together calls to me. I’d choose chocolate over chips though.

Fancy restaurant or picnic?

I hardly ever go out, so I’d choose a restaurant, fancy or not.

Beer or wine?

Wine. I like Chianti Classico.

Favorite author?

Linda Lael Miller has been my inspiration for a long time. Really, there are many others. How do you choose just one?

Smooth or hairy?

Smooth. (Except on the head, then I prefer long.)

This was fun, Jacquie! Thanks again for allowing me to be your guest and showcase Heartbreak’s Reward, my current release. More books will follow in this series.

Heartbreak’s Reward Blurb:

Rancher Jase Carlson doesn’t understand the ache in the hollow of his chest, since his ex-wife ripped his heart out. She doesn’t follow the court rules where his children are concerned, making him even more pissed off. Harboring a bad attitude, he wishes he wasn’t a gentleman when he comes to the aid of a quick-tempered, sexy blonde. He can’t allow her tight jeans and sweet smile to sway him, even after he’s coerced into spending time alone with her. But he can’t resist holding her in his arms. Fighting the torturous battle going on within his own mind and body, he can either deal with it—or succumb to the woman who appears to be everything he didn’t know he needed.

In an attempt to save her rebellious teen sister from herself—as her guardian, Brenna Page leaves everything behind and moves to Canyon Junction, Arizona. When she unexpectedly meets a hot-headed cowboy with intense blue eyes and muscles to die for, the first thing she wants to do is get away. Since she can’t seem to shake him, Brenna wonders if that same grudge-filled cowboy with an attitude is someone worth taking on. But still dealing with painful memories, and a sister who wants nothing to do with Arizona, the last thing she needs right now is a horse ranching cowboy interfering.

One wrong turn. Two broken families. Brought together by chance, and need.

Excerpt:

Set-up: From Chapter Six. They had recently met, and on this day, Brenna unexpectedly ran into Jase. He invited her out to eat, and this scene follows.

He pointed back toward the store. “Holly had it bad for my brother, she did.”

Brenna admired the narrow sidewalk with lamp posts and the old-fashioned look of the town. “Really? How old is he?” Apparently, he wasn’t going to talk about his kids at the moment.

“A year younger than I am, thirty-four.”

“Whew, she likes older men.” The shops they passed had cute window displays with dim lighting instead of bright fluorescent and neon like in the city. “I can’t believe we spent so much time in the restaurant. Here it is already twilight.”

“Are you afraid of the dark?” He released her hand and wrapped his arm around her waist.

Brenna faced him. “Sometimes. The demons come out in the dark.” She made a bold move and slid her hand around his waist, too. It was tremendous to hold him. His body was warm and he smelled better than he had earlier. Did his body really shudder under her touch… or just in her imagination? She lapped at her ice cream dripping down the side of the cone, and tilted her head to get it all. When she looked back up, he was staring at her, a slight quirk to his lips. “Are you about to laugh at me?”

“Nope, making sure none of that good ice cream goes to waste.” He held out his cone. “Wanna lick mine?”

His remark tickled her insides. She licked the top off her ice cream, wiping her mouth when it was a bigger bite than she expected. She stopped and reached for his cone. “It’s too good to waste.”

Right in the middle of the sidewalk, Jase wrapped his other arm around her and stepped closer. He brought her against him and she held both ice cream cones out to the side. Lifting his hands higher, he asked, “Now what will you do with both of those in your hands? You realize yours are full and mine are free.”

At that moment he slid his right hand over her hip and around, lingering against her behind. Slowly he eased his left hand over her back and behind her nape. He narrowed his eyes. “Seems like you’re in a predicament.”

The warmth of his skin against her backside penetrated the denim and he splayed his fingers over one cheek. Heat surged over her body. “Well, I could drop yours to the ground and I’d have one free hand to stop your hand from caressing my ass.”

“Are you sure you want to?” His chest swelled with a deep sigh, and his warm breath caressed her cheek.

Brenna laughed. “Both of these are dripping all over my hands. I might make you lick it off if you don’t let me get napkins out of my pocket.”

Jase pulled her even closer and wrapped both arms around her waist, moving his face lower to hers. “Don’t say a thing like that to a cowboy who’s been alone…as long as I have been. I’ve as much as given up on women, so…I have no idea why I’m doing this.”

He was in big trouble either way and lucky she didn’t wipe her hands all over him. “You’re asking for it. My hands are covered with chocolate ice cream now.”

Jase chuckled, his hands tightening against her back. “What are you gonna do? Better start lickin’.”

Whooey, is it warm in here? 🙂

Heartbreak’s Reward, Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight #2.

AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NE5MG7S

AMAZON UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00NE5MG7S

KOBO: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/heartbreak-s-reward

B&N Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heartbreaks-reward-mary-j-mccoy-dressel/1120322073?ean=2940046263114&itm=1&usri=2940046263114

iTUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id916554055

In addition: Cowboy Boss and his Destiny is the first book in this series. Both books are standalone. Cowboy Boss and his Destiny: Ditch the drama. Romance and passion without all the conflict and drama. Information on all books can be found on my website at the link below.

Thank you for joining me on my blog today, Mary. Mary would love to hear from you. What did you think of that excerpt? Should Jase wear the ice cream? 🙂