M B Feeney: Getting to Know the Woman Behind the Words

I've known M B Feeney for several years now, and am proud as punch that she's about to become a published author.

I thought I'd post a few Q&A's as well as the details for the upcoming release of her story, Right Click, Love, which is her contribution to Renaissance Romance Publishing's Sugar Plum Dreams anthology.

Disheartened about not being able to find "Mr Right" on the London dating scene, best friends Jodie Lynch and Louise Hewson create a blog to not only document their disastrous dates with the numerous "Mr. Wrongs" and "Mr. Okay-for-nows" but also to help those going through the same experiences and to see where they're going wrong.  How will they deal with everything the dating scene has to throw at them - planned or otherwise?

Here's a little teaser:

"Conversation One:

Phil: “Hi, I’m Phil.” *points to sticker*

Me: “Hi, I’m Jodie.” *nervous grin*

Phil: *cuts to the chase* “Is your underwear a matching set?”

Me: “What?” *very confused and expression of slight shock* “What the hell does that have to do with anything?”

Phil: “I’m kind of conducting research into women on the pull. It fascinates me, the amount of effort that's put into ensnaring a mate.” *smarmy grin*

Me: “Make you feel a bit redundant does it? No longer cock of the walk because women have taken the initiative away from the men? Have you even considered the fact that one reason women make an effort could be because it makes THEM feel good, rather than because they are trying to ensnare some unsuspecting, defenceless man?”

At this point, I was ready to ring the bloody bell myself just so he would piss off away from me before I knocked his shiny veneers down his throat. I was thankful that I didn’t need to, as time had already run out. I was in so much shock from Phil’s comments that the next fella had to snap his fingers in front of my face to get my attention."

§§§§

Let’s get to know M B Feeney a little, shall we?

Were you an avid reader as a child?

I learnt to read at about 18 months of age and my parents remember me spelling out words at train stations. When I discovered real, actual books, I read constantly…at home, walking along the street, everywhere. I always have a book with me.

Wow! I’m impressed that you began at such a young age. So, what was your favourite book growing up?

Wow, where to start? I LOVED The Hobbit, and Goodnight Mr Tom, to name a few. It's hard for me to pin any one book down as a favourite, as I read so many and I don't stick to one genre.

I’m pretty much the same.  Do you have a favourite genre you read more than others?

I don't like to pigeonhole myself into a genre.  I literally will read anything.

When were you first inspired to write, and do you remember what was it you wrote about?

I just wanted to tell stories. The first ever story I wrote was written in crayon about "Sally Goes to a Party" (I was 8). 

I think it’s wonderful that you always knew you wanted to write.  So, what inspired you to write your story, Right Click, Love?

I grew up (kind of, it's a long story) in London and wasn't very successful when it came to dating. I wondered what it would be like if I had stayed there instead of moving to where I am now, and was trying to find "the One", especially in times of the internet and social media.

It’s a great premise for certain, and with the other work I’ve read of yours, I just know it will be a slam dunk.  Any other stories you’ve got in the pipeline?

I've got another novella on hold whilst I attempt to plod through NaNo on a book I have no idea where it is going. Both are fundamentally romance stories, but with a touch of humour (I hope it's humorous to people other than me) and British cynicism. 

Well, you’ve certainly been keeping yourself busy. I wish you every success with completing your upcoming works, and all the best with the launch of Right Click, Love.  Thank you so much for popping by! 

§§§§

So folks, go get yourself a copy of  the Sugar Plum Dreams Anthology, a collection of stories about  love and friendship that have some wonderfully endearing characters. 

The Anthology is due for release on 11^th December 2012.  Here are some details of where to find M B and also where to go grab yourself a copy:

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6578767.M_B_Feeney

Blog: http://mbfeeney.blogspot.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/M-B-Feeney/267437833290943

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mbfeeneyauthor

Where to obtain purchase details:

RenRom Website: http://www.renaissanceromancepublishing.com/

Stand up 4 Katalina

Some of you in the fandom would be aware that one of our own, Katalina, has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.  And so, the fandom has come together to create a fabulous compilation of stories...from prompts given by Katalina herself.

My contribution is an NC17 version of Edward's thoughts leading up to when he kissed Bella.

Beta: HollettLA

Donations: http://katalina.fandomcause.info/donate/ 

Banner Maker: Christag Banners: http://christagbanners.blogspot.com.au

Here's a teaser:

"Exhilarating isn't it?" I asked, excited beyond words by Alice’s vision, my shallow, panting breaths having nothing to do with exertion from running. I waited for Bella to disentangle herself from my body, but to my surprise, she did not move a muscle.

"Bella?" I asked, confused, my smile fading quickly.  Though I scented her arousal, I immediately sensed something was wrong…her uneven breathing and racing heart along with her tightened muscles attesting to that fact.

"I think I need to lie down," she gasped.

That’d be fine by me!

"Oh, sorry," I apologized, mentally berating myself for my lack of sensitivity.

"I think I need help," she added in a weak voice.

I laughed nervously as I gently loosened her hold around my neck, and in one swift movement, I pulled her off my back before cradling her in my arms. It was then, as I noticed that all the color had drained from her face, I realized that I had more pressing matters to attend to other than my own selfish desires.

As I carefully placed her down on the soft cushion of the ferns beneath, I asked, "How do you feel?"

"Dizzy, I think," she replied, her eyes barely open.

"Put your head between your knees," I suggested.

Or perhaps I could do that for you?

I was, indeed, thoroughly depraved...

Second Chances Anthology Now Launched!

http://www.bottomdrawerpublications.net/#!book-detail-pages/vstc4=second-chances

The Second Chances Anthology is now officially released!  My contribution is the second story listed, Heart of Glass.  Here are the summaries for all the stories:

Non-Negotiable by T. D. Green
Jacob Kerns is due a promotion, but his ambitions are at risk when he learns his next contract will be handled by Alexander Corey, his ex. Jake tries to put personal feelings aside to do his job, but Alex won't let him. Will they find love again or is the whole thing non-negotiable?

Heart of Glass by L. J. Harris
When Zack Doherty comes to Australia on a working holiday, he is uncharacteristically forward in pushing Heath Connors, a man he barely knows, for a date. Heath, who has only recently begun to live life his way, wonders if Zack will be the one to mend his heart of glass.

Better Together by DaNay Smith
Greyson Welles followed Dominic Nash to Baltimore for his dream job, putting his own on hold. Dominic can see that Greyson's unhappy, but never expects him to turn down his proposal and return to New York. Will Greyson be gone forever or will he decide they're better together?

Dirty Martini by Bette Browne
When Daniel Fletcher runs into his ex with the man he caught him in bed with, vodka seems like the answer. Nathan Smith is used to men drowning their sorrows at the bar he tends, so the connection he feels to one is unusual.  Will a means to forget turn into something more?

Notice to Appear by C. C. Lorenz
Josh Campbell is handed a notice to appear in court for a traffic offence, but his humiliation is complete when he comes face to face with his schoolboy crush, Carter Sullivan, in the court room. Could this be the start of something with Carter now that age is not an issue.

I've enjoyed writing the characters, and Heath especially owns a special place in my heart. 

Grab yourself a copy and check it out, and remember...if the Mustang's a-rockin', don't come knockin'!

Second Chances Anthology

Heart of Glass Excerpt

~~~

Zack Doherty

 

 

IT WAS EARLY on Friday morning, and I was beat. Ever since I’d touched down in Sydney on Tuesday, I’d been sleeping during the day and lying awake at night, having not quite adjusted to the time difference. Although the jet lag was literally killing me, I needed to start the newest phase of my life, and my first plan of action was to get the hell out of bed and look for a job.

I already missed the life I’d built back in San Francisco—my family and friends, even my crappy job at a local bar I’d taken after cutbacks forced me to leave the job I loved.  But after suffering a bad break-up with Trent Forster, the man I thought I’d one day marry until I found him in bed with his ex-boyfriend, I had needed a little time and a lot of space to rethink the direction my life was headed.

It had been more than six months since that day, yet I still hadn’t managed to move on. Everywhere I’d looked, Trent had been there; our social circles colliding so often that his and his lover’s presence had worn me down. Eventually deciding enough was enough, I’d packed my bags, my tail tucked firmly between my legs, and departed for Australia for a working holiday, leaving behind the only life I’d ever known.

My father had returned here to Canberra, south-west of Sydney, the place he was born, when I’d moved out of the house to finish college, a year or so after he and Mom divorced. I was looking forward to not only making a fresh start but also reconnecting with him, having only managed to visit a mere handful of times since he’d returned here ten long years ago. I was giving myself six months to find a job, and if I liked it, I’d probably end up extending my stay and finding a place of my own.

Dad had returned to the job he loved since coming home. It was the very same job he’d had when he first met Mom—working in public affairs for the US Embassy—and it kept him extremely busy. So busy, in fact, that he rarely had the opportunity to take his beloved Mustang out for a spin, especially since the Embassy provided him with a car for work purposes. I’d only been in the house for a few minutes when he handed me the keys to the Candy Apple Red ’67 Fastback, telling me it needed to be driven around town from time to time to keep it in running order.

After a quick reviving shower and shave, I grabbed the car keys from the dish on the sideboard, happy that I finally had the chance to oblige him.

It had been five years since I’d sat behind the wheel of this particular vehicle. No matter how many times I opened the door and jumped in, the familiar smell of tobacco, mint, and leather never failed to invoke many happy memories ... so many, in fact, that I had a hard time keeping a smile off my face whenever I slipped into the driver’s seat and turned the key.

But when I decided to go for a drive and check out Dad’s place of work, stopping off at the store on the way to buy a newspaper so I could check out the local job market, I thanked the gods for their gift, because if not for my father’s generosity, I’d never have encountered ... him.

He was washing car windows at the traffic lights. He was tall, tanned, and lean with broad shoulders. I could tell his hair was long, thick, and wavy by the wisps of light brown hair that peeked out every which way from underneath his black, woollen hat. A smattering of stubble across his jaw and his long, narrow nose enhanced his features perfectly, and when I caught sight of his bright blue eyes as he moved closer, the most beautiful eyes I’d ever seen, roving over the entire car before they met with mine, I was hooked in an instant.

I had to suppress a laugh when I noticed he was wearing one of those god-awful green glow-in-the-dark vests, and as he stood there, holding a squeegee in his hand and looking at me like I was something to eat, a strange but exhilarating combination of embarrassment and elation flowed through my every cell. Even as the light turned green and the traffic began to move, I continued to devour every inch of him. Shooting him a nervous wink for good measure, I watched as he turned and walked away, his ass swaying hypnotically with every step he took. It was in that moment as I sat there, ogling the most handsome man I’d ever laid eyes on, that I felt as though I’d been struck by lightning.