Fresh FIction Box Not To Miss
Anne Hope | Who Says You Can’t Be Friends With An Alpha Male?
Author Guest / February 5, 2013

I have to confess, as much as I love the strong alpha male, I also have a weakness for “best friend” stories. I can all too easily see a woman falling for a man who’s been her rock, her shoulder to cry on, her safe place. Soul Deep is one of those rare books that allowed me to combine an alpha male with a “best friend” storyline. Marcus is the ultimate soldier—tough as nails, driven by duty, and more inclined to chew on broken glass than talk about his feelings. His partner, Regan, is the exact opposite, a reckless free spirit who always thinks with her heart. Marcus and Regan have worked together for years, so they share an easy banter that comes from a lifelong friendship. They tease each other, insult each other, but when all pretense is stripped away, what remains is a deep-seated respect. This gave me a strong foundation to build upon, and I enjoyed watching their relationship blossom and grow into something deeper. What I like best about “best friend” storylines is how clueless the parties usually are. Everyone can see they’re in love but them. There is something extremely endearing about watching two people…

Avery Aames aka Daryl Wood Gerber | Does your Muse amuse you?
Author Guest / February 5, 2013

Zeus had nine daughters. They presided over the various arts and were dubbed the Muses. So usually, when people think about a muse, they think female. I don’t. My muse is music. Male or female singers. Sometimes simply instrumentals. Depending on the day, time, or event, music affects me in different ways. Instrumental music can wash over me and provide me with a sense of calm. I usually put this kind of music on when I’ve already got a creative idea and I’m moving ahead with a story. I like Latin music, Mozart, guitar solos…almost anything except atonal. But when I’m in the “creation” mode, meaning I have to come up with a brand new idea, I pay attention to the lyrics of musicians. Like poets, they are storytellers in short form. The essence of drama, love, passion, and hate, i.e. conflict, comes through in a few short minutes. How do they do that? I mean, really…how do they do that? Thanks to a couple of rock and roll gems, I was inspired to write two of my screenplays. Thanks to a country western tune, I was inspired to write an emotional scene in my next CHEESE SHOP  MYSTERY, TO…