Sunday, October 27, 2013

Fall Fires Blog Tour: C.W. Stevens & Love, Unexpected




Continuing our spotlight on the authors of Renaissance Romance Publishing’s Fall Fires anthology, today I am hosting C.W. Stevens and digging a bit into her writing process and goals.


How do you develop your writing ideas?

In the beginning, my ideas come from one particular scene trying to claw its way out of my head, which usually ends up somewhere in the middle of the story. After the scene is written I think about what brought the characters to this point, and write backwards. While doing that, other ideas come to the surface for use later, and I write ahead.  As all pieces come together, the story takes on a life of its own and sometimes writes itself. I am not one who can follow an outline from beginning to end. At most, I plot a very vague timeline, which I may or may not follow. It all depends on the moods and personalities of the characters I've created, where they lead, and what kind of mood I'm in.

A genie grants you three writing-related wishes: what are they and why?

1.    To have an improved imagination. Sometimes I don't look very far outside the box, and my story sounds like every other one out there.
2.    To possess the ability to stay within the tense I'm writing. This is one of my biggest struggles, and I would love to be able to write a complete story without sliding back and forth, from present to past.
3.    To be able to let the words flow when writing guest posts, interviews, etc., instead of sitting for an hour, trying to decide what to say, and how to say it. Being somewhat of an introvert, at times, it can be crippling!


What are your writing goals for the next year? 

I hope to have at least one more manuscript ready to submit, and hope it's good enough to be considered.

Name the five biggest distractions from your writing. 

Husband coming in to "check on me" every fifteen minutes; phone calls; work; television; the need to sleep.


I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me, C.W.!

Love, Unexpected is C.W. Steven’s contribution to the Fall Fires anthology:

 Love, Unexpected:

As Michael and Chuck's loving union comes to pass, two, gay members of the wedding party discover the sweet bonds of a comfortable companionship. Attraction becomes more as they recognize their true soul mate in each other, which fills the romantic void in their solitary lives. It seems only one, small obstacle stands in their way.

A quick peek at what’s under the cover -

Chuck slapped me on the back and pulled me into a tight hug, giving me a peck on the
cheek. “Evan! It’s so good to see you again. What’s it been… four months?” I smiled while
looking at my friend.
     “You were up in Oak Harbor helping some friend work on his boat the last time I was here
for a visit, if I remember correctly,” I reminded him. “You returned the day after I left!”
     He got me into a headlock and playfully poked me in the ribs. “Yeah, you just couldn’t
manage to stay one more day until I got back, could you, punk?”
     With both of us laughing, he released me. When he did, my attention was drawn away; I
became enraptured by a handsome stranger whose face had the power to make me forget how
to breathe. My palms became sweaty, and my breath caught in my throat while I took in his
features.
     There he stood, long and lean, and looking very toned. I guessed he was around six foot
two, his dark wash jeans tight enough to accentuate his ass, hugging it in all the right places.
He had on a deep red, button-down shirt, which seemed created to be worn only by him, the
top three buttons undone. His hair was long, dark, and pushed behind his ears; it was straight
and shiny, and the overhead lights sparkled off each strand. Eyes, which were a brilliant shade
of blue, seemed depthless as they pierced through my soul. Fuck! My jaw had fallen to the
floor, and I snapped it closed before he could see. Chuck noticed though, smirked at me, and
then made the introduction.
     “Evan, I don’t think you’ve ever met my cousin, Jon Schubert. Jon, this is Evan Thomas,
Michael’s cousin and best friend. He’ll be serving as Mike’s best man.”
     The stranger captivated me, but I managed to find my voice. “Very pleased to make your
acquaintance,” I stuttered with a smile while our eyes remained locked together. I was hoping
he hadn’t noticed my tongue hanging out when he raised his hand to shake mine. It wasn’t
much of a shake; more like a lingering touch.
     “Likewise, Evan. Always a pleasure to meet one of Chuck’s boys.” His voice was as smooth
as satin when he spoke in a low, rich tone, causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand
to attention.
     His eyes sparkled, a smile emerged, and dimples blossomed within his cheeks, his lips full
and pink. I didn’t miss the fact he was still holding my hand, his eyes never leaving mine while
I hesitated to pull away. He was beautiful, the darkness of his hair highlighting his pale skin.




C.W. Stevens lives in the United States, in the Midwest, where the winters are cold and icy, and the summers are disgustingly hot and humid. Spring and fall are her favorite times of the year.

Reading is one of her favorite pastimes.

She enjoys writing and loves meeting new people along the way. Music and Abstract are a couple of her favorite Arts. She enjoys the challenge of trying to unlock the meaning of what the artist is trying to express. She enjoys solitude and hates crowds.

C. W. has two, grown sons, and loves spending time with her three grandchildren.
Life is good!

You can follow C.W. and her writings at the following links:


Stop by tomorrow, when author N.L. Leeks will be joining me in the hot seat.

2 comments:

  1. Thank you so much, Layne! Lovely presentation :)

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    Replies
    1. You're quite welcome! Thank you for taking the time!

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