Romance-What are you thinking?

What goes through the mind of a romance writer? I can't speak for all romance writers, but here's a glimpse into how I find ideas.

Have you ever had that dream? You know, the one you desperately try to go back to sleep to finish because it was that good. Yeah, that dream.

Do you wonder what the story is behind a couple holding hands in front of you in line at the local coffee shop?

Or how about a daydream that wanders through your mind when watching that actor strut his stuff on the big screen?

Well, those are all potential books for me. Now I know to write those little gems down whenever I get the chance.

Until we are capable of lucid dreaming, I will be taking those daydreams and letting them play out on paper to see where they go. They may end up a pile of notes that never become anything, or they could end up becoming a best seller.

Imagination is a splendid thing. Not to be wasted, but to be cultivated.

I'll let you in on a little secret...my first novel, Sweet Dreams, was based on two reoccurring dreams. Yep, I used my dreams to spark the idea for the book and let my mind wander until the plot took shape. The whole story didn't present itself in the dream and the actual book does vary greatly from the dreams, but I took those images and built on them. I guided my thoughts to see where those images would take me. And it worked.

So now as I walk the farmer's market on Fridays or think about that photo I saw on Pinterest, I let the ideas run wild. And when a good one comes along, I write it down.

Have you ever had a dream you couldn't forget? Have you ever thought about turning it into a story?

Jennifer Senhaji

You can find me online at www.jennifersenhajiauthor.com

Thanks for reading.

Interview with Sheri Williams, author of Mad Magic

I loved this book so much I knew I had to blog about it.
Here is the blurb:

This is not your mother’s Wonderland.

What happens when you take a beloved children’s book character, give him a back story and a provocative demeanor, and update him to the 21st century? You get a thoroughly charismatic Mad Hatter that goes well beyond what Lewis Carroll ever imagined.

When Addy meets a mysterious man, literally from her dreams, she thinks she is doing a good deed by taking care of him, but, in the end, who is saving whom? In the fight to save Wonderland, Addy not only discovers a world that exists beneath her own, but the secrets within her as well.

Author Sheri Williams’ debut novel is sexy, fun, and adventurous. She artfully weaves a tale full of romance and action to set the stage for the beloved characters to come to life in a new and exciting way.

And here is my review from Amazon:

5 Stars-I loved this book. I was hooked from the beginning, when we meet Hatter who has lost his color. Hatter is an adorable and sweet gentleman, who has lost his memory. Addy is a strong and caring young woman who becomes the hero of our story, discovering a secret about herself and family that is the key to saving Hatter and Wonderland.

The author does a wonderful job blending elements from the original story into an entirely new romantic adventure. This book, however, in my opinion is not a re-telling, but an absolutely original work loosly based on the characters found in the classic.

Her strong female lead, wonderful writing, and loveable Hatter, have turned me into a fan. I will definitely continue to read other works by this author.

I was so thrilled when Sheri agreed to talk to me about this book, I jumped at the chance to interview her.

JS-Sheri, thank you for talking about Mad Magic, The Untold Story of the Mad Hatter. Let's get to it.
How did you come up with the idea to write a Hatter who had lost his color and his way?
 
SW-Um...I knew I wanted to write about the Mad Hatter, he’s my favorite literary character of all time. Him losing his color came from looking at some old photographs with my mother in law. It made me think about what my life would have been like if it had been lived in black and white.
 
JS-I love that, what a great way to use a thought like that and develop it into a story. Addy is a strong heroine. What do you like best about her?
 
SW-I have use for weak willed women. I don’t want my girls growing up like that. So you’ll never see me write about a woman who needs saving. I like that once she makes up her mind, she sticks to it. She might waver but she will never give up. That will probably be a theme through all of my books. Never give up, Never surrender (doctor who nerd)
 
JS-Yes, I love that. How did you pick and choose what elements to use from the original work into your story?

SW-I walked a fine line here. I wanted people to recognize the world and the characters but I didn’t want to rip it off completely. I have a huge respect for the original story, I hope I did it justice with the characters I came up with.

JS-Absolutely, I felt the connection to the original Alice in Wonderland, but this story also felt completely original to me. Is this a love story, a fantasy or both? Why?

SW-It’s both. A love story set in a fantastical world. Because both are important in our world. The earth would be a dreary place if people gave up on either.

JS-Nice. If Mad Magic was ever made into a film, who would you cast as Hatter? Addy?

SW-Um, Tom Hiddleston definitely for the Hatter. le sigh. Maybe Kat Dennings for Addy, smart and sassy. My kind of girl.

JS-Oh yes, I can definitely see Tom as Hatter. How long did it take you to write?

SW-It took me almost a full year. I worked on it off and on just for myself for a long time, but then I stumbled upon a publisher and I had to finish it, so I threw myself into it and finished it quickly.

JS-I am so happy you did. Which movie version of Alice in Wonderland is your favorite?

SW-Totally the cartoon Disney Version. I still watch it regularly with my girls. Although, I really enjoyed the SyFy channel's take on it with Alice. I think they did the best Mad Hatter.

JS-Oh, I love the Disney cartoon version as well. This is a standalone book, but would you consider continuing the story? Making it a series?

SW-I think I am going to keep it a standalone, in one aspect, but I do plan a trilogy of fairy tale retellings.  Started with Alice in Wonderland, Snow White and the Huntsman is up next and then I have the first kernels of an idea for a Peter Pan story. Because, mermaids :)

JS-I didn't know that. That is awesome, so exciting, I can't wait. Er...sorry for the fangirl moment. Back to business. What do you want readers to take away from the book? Is there an underlying message?

SW-Sappy, romantic me here, I really hope people take from it that you should never give up, specifically not on love. It’s too important. Also, I hope it’s just a good read.

 
JS- It is such a good read. And finally, where can everyone buy it?

SW- Thank you for asking. Here are the links:


Amazon for Kindle and Print
and on  Word Branch Publishing Book Shop

Thank you, Sheri. Love the hair. 

For more about Sheri, check out my Author Interview with Sheri on Writing Wenches, where she discusses all three books she has published in the last month as well as her writing style and other tidbits.

Check out Sheri's Amazon Author Page for all her current books.

You can find Sheri on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Williams.Sheri.Author and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mygirljuju

Happy Reading.

Jennifer Senhaji, Your Sweet & Spicy Romance Author

Find me online at www.jennifersenhajiauthor.com

 

Wenches Revealed

I am so pleased to reveal the cover for Unwrapping Love, a new holiday anthology by the fabulous Writing Wenches. We have put together a massive collection of holiday themed sweet and spicy short stories for your enjoyment.

The authors are all extremely talented writers from across the globe, and I just so happen to be one of them. My holiday short, Angels in Disguise, is being published in this anthology on December 1st, 2014. Whohoo! That is two books in one year for me. Sweet!

Here is the beautiful cover for Angels in Disguise.

Unwrapping Love releases December 1st, 2014 in ebook and print formats, but you can preorder the ebook version of this amazing collection from Amazon now. Here is the link. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P72UUGK

We are having a release day party on Facebook, where readers can come and interact with the Wenches. There will be games, and giveaways (like free books and gift cards), and you can play along on Facebook from your smart phone or computer. The Cover Reveal party was a blast. Release Day will be amazing.

 

Click the link to join in on the fun

https://www.facebook.com/events/847785465242465/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

I hope you will unwrap love this holiday season.

Learn more about the Writing Wenches online at http://www.writingwenches.com/
Jennifer Senhaji
Your Sweet & Spicy Romance Author

Swoon Worthy Kisses

Swoon worthy kisses. Film makers have actors to bring those screen play kisses to life. Writers, have to find the passion in between the lines. For me, the kiss is all about the anticipation. The build up to the kiss is just as important as the actual kiss, in my opinion. The reaction, once the kiss is in progress is also important. Did his pulse race, did her lips swell, basically, did the kiss arouse. No one wants to read about a kiss that doesn't, or, at least, I don't. Here are some of my favorite film kisses with a couple of quick lines on the fly from me.

 

 

Some Kind of Wonderful is my favorite movie from the 80's. I've  watched this movie hundreds of times. The best part about this kiss is the build up. Best friends, one secretly in love with the other, and the moment Keith (Eric Stoltz) realizes Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson) is a woman and a great kisser. "An unexpected zing of electricity ran through my body at the touch of our lips." I like to make a point to acknowledge the stomach flips characters feel when they finally get that first kiss from someone they are truly attracted to.

 

Originally the  video clip for this kiss from YouTube was embedded here, but due to technicall difficulties had to be removed.

 

Reality Bites is one of my favorite movies from the 90's, definitely in the top five. Love the music, love the movie, love it. Here we have two friends again, but both are fully aware of the other and the chemistry is palpable throughout the entire film. The best thing about this kiss, is that breath that Troy (Ethan Hawk) releases when he finally has Lelaina (Winona Ryder) in his arms. "I released the breath I was holding, at the sweet relief of finally connecting my lips to hers," would be my quick version of this.

  Originally the  video clip for this kiss from YouTube was embedded here, but due to technicall difficulties had to be removed.

The almost kiss is another type of scene where we see two characters barely restraining themselves. Secretly we hope one of them will break. The proposal scene, from the newest version of Pride and Prejudice, is a good example of this. Me. Darcy is awkwardly declaring his love, she is offended by his manner and rejecting him, but even though they are arguing and at each other's throat, the more angry they get, the more electrified the attraction. "Their breath mingled, desire pulling them together like magnets, against their better judgment," could be part of the description. 

Originally the  video clip for this kiss from YouTube was embedded here, but due to technicall difficulties had to be removed.

 

 

Pure lust, a kiss between Colin Farrell and co-star Bridget Moynahan in The Recruit. Go check it out, I'll let this one speak for itself.

Originally the  video clip for this kiss from YouTube was embedded here, but due to technicall difficulties had to be removed.

The almost painful kiss, not in terms of biting, but in tasting the forbidden fruit. Let's look at this one with Patrick Dempsey and Michelle Monaghan in Made of Honor. Watch Michelle's facial expressions. Listen to her breathing. Notice the eye contact.

 

Originally the  video clip for this kiss from YouTube was embedded here, but due to technicall difficulties had to be removed.

 

 

There are so many more where these came from. When writing a kiss, you want the reader to be able to visualize the big moment based on your words, just as easily as watching it on screen. The common thread in all of the above; passion.

 

Here is a little exercise for you writers. Pick either the scene from The Recruit or from Made of Honor, even if you haven't seen either film. Go to YouTube and watch each one. In the comments section below, write your description of that kiss.

 

Come on, romance writers, make me swoon. I dare you.

 

So I don't have to throw up a disclaimer, let's also keep it PG13.

 

Thanks for reading. I look forward to your comments.

Originally the  video clips for all the kisses above were embedded here, but due to technical difficulties had to be removed. Please go watch each one on YouTube if you get a chance. 

 

Jennifer Senhaji

#YourSweetandSpicyRomanceAuthor

 

Find me online at www.jennifersenhajiauthor.com

 

 

Exclusive Author Interview with the Characters of Sweet Dreams, a Contemporary Romance

Ok guys, some of you have been wondering what my debut novel Sweet Dreams, releasing
July 7, 2014 is about. You can check out the synopsis on my website at www.jennifersenhajiauthor.com but if you are looking for more, I am pleased to announce I have decided to host an interview with the two main characters below.

Oh look who just arrived...


Me: "Jenna, it is great to see you again." Leans in for a hug.


Jenna: "It's great to be here. Thank you so much for creating me."


Me: "My pleasure. Have a seat and let's get started. Oh watch out for the.. are you ok Jenna?" What could she have possible tripped over?


Jenna: "Yeah sorry, I tend to be a little clumsy." Blushes.


Me: "I totally understand. So tell me a little bit about yourself."


Jenna: "Well, I am 29yrs old, when the story begins anyway, and I own and operate Sweet Dreams Café in downtown Maple Grove, Ca."



Me: "Ok, where is Maple Grove and what do you love about it?"

Jenna: "Well it is about 3 hours north of San Francisco, but Jennifer, you should know, you made up the town. It is a fictional place after all. Did you base it on anywhere in particular?"


Me: "Uh, yes actually I did, but for now I will ask the questions, if that is ok?"


Jenna: "Sure no problem. Actually one of my favorite things about the town are the trees. I am originally from San Francisco, as you know, and even though the San Francisco is beautiful, I always longed for a place with warm weather and lots of trees. I also love that everyone seems to know one another. Not in your business or anything, but they say good morning when they pass you on the street and watch out for each other. I really like that."


Me: "Wonderful. That is what I was going for. So I understand you had a celebrity in the café recently."



Jenna: "Um, yes, Jake. I mean Jacob Walker has been coming in early for coffee, but I thought no one knew?"


Me: "Well I have my sources. So what is he like?"

Jenna: "Well, he is kind of quiet, definitely likes to ask a lot of questions, likes to sneak up on me. Oh yeah and he has a sweet tooth." Smiles and blushes while looking dreamily off into the distance.



Me: "So are you friends?"

Jenna: "Yeah I guess so, but he is only here to film his current movie and when that is over, well..."



Me: "Well, are you going to keep in touch?"


Jenna: "I am sure he is a busy guy and has lots of friends, besides I am pretty busy myself."

Me: "Let's ask Jake..."


Jenna: "What? Is he here?"



In walks Jacob Walker, A-list actor and recently named sexiest man alive. Wow, I need a fan.



Me: "Jacob, welcome, thanks for joining us."



Jacob: "Thank you Jennifer. Hey Jenna, long time no see."


Jenna's face lights up when he sits down and Jake is flashing his megawatt smile right back at her. There is some serious chemistry between these two.




Me: "So Jacob, what is your favorite thing about Sweet Dreams?"

Jacob: "My favorite thing is going to the café in the morning before anyone else is there. It is a great place for coffee, and the pastries are so good. Jenna always has some great music playing, especially on Monday mornings." Winks at Jenna.


Me: Clears throat. "So I hear you have made a friend while in town?"


 Jacob: "Oh yeah, Jenna is the best."


Me: "Well, what happens when filming finishes, are you ready to give up your mornings at Sweet Dreams Café?"

Jacob: Looking down at his shoes. "No."



Me: "Care to elaborate?"

Jacob: Looks over at Jenna then quickly back down to the floor. "No."



Me: Ok, maybe a more direct approach is in order..."Jacob do you see your friendship with Jenna possibly turning into something more?"

Jacob: "I don't really like to discuss my private life Jennifer, you know that."



Me: "Jenna, do you see your friendship with Jacob possibly turning into something more?"


Jenna: "Um, I am not opposed to it."

Jacob: Head pops up and looks over at Jenna with a killer smile.



Whoa, that smile could knock me over if I was standing up and it is not even directed at me.


Jenna: "Jennifer why are you blushing?"


Me: "Huh, oh I a...just thought of something embarrassing that happens to you later in the story."


Jenna: "Shouldn't I be blushing then?"


Me: Silence as I try to gather my thoughts and get this interview back on track.


Me: "Jenna, does the entire book take place in Maple Grove?"


Jenna: "I will say a pivotal part of the plot happens while I'm vacationing in Italy."


Me: "I love Italy, I went for my 21st birthday and always wanted to go back."


Jenna: "You should. I especially enjoyed Amalfi."


Jacob: A sly smile appears on his face.


Jenna: "I will say no more for now though. If you want to find out you will need to buy the book."



Me: "Sounds good. Let's hope lots and lots of people buy and enjoy the book."


Jacob: "Hey I have to get back to work, but maybe we can do this again sometime. Jenna, can I walk you back to the café?"



Jenna: "Sure Jake let's go. See ya around Jennifer."


Jacob: "See ya around and thank you for everything."


Me: "Wait, don't I get a hug?"


To find out how to get your copy of Sweet Dreams visit my website at www.jennifersenhajiauthor.com

Please feel free to leave a comment or question.