Topic of the Month

Interview with Damien Kirk Part 2

Topic of the Month 5

To kick off the month of October and the release of my first contemporary romance from Samhain, I’m doing a four-post series on Devil Falls. There’s a chance to win a free copy of Devil Falls each week, so tune in. :)

Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 1-60504-220-X
Length: Category
Release Date: October 28, 2008
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, LTD

Read It ♦ Buy It ♦ Extras

All he wants is silence. All she wants are answers.

Damien Kirk was once a world-renowned cellist, celebrated across five continents for his musical gift. Now he lives in self-imposed isolation on a small Caribbean island.

Biography writer Victoria Benedict is looking for a story...and she’s not the type to take no for an answer. Her appearance on his doorstep shatters his reclusive existence.

Determined to be rid of her, Damien demands a quid pro quo: a kiss for each answer to her interview questions. Her response is as arousing as it is unexpected. As Damien and Victoria escalate their sensual game of cat and mouse, Victoria discovers the passionate soul underneath Damien’s cold exterior...and a shocking story of secrets and betrayal.

Warning: This title contains the following: sex, scorching kisses, killer breakfasts, a hot tropical island and a happily ever after.

Interview with Damien Kirk Part 2

Two weeks ago, some of you submitted your questions for Damien. So here are his answers to the five randomly chosen ones:

Susan: Why is it do you suppose that men think the sharp, fierce, grouchy routine is going to scare very determined women away? Have you ever considered that it makes them want to see what is beneath the surface?

Damien [shrugs]: Because it works, of course. I think of it as a triage of sorts. Females approach me all the time; I need something to separate the women from the girls. And in Victoria's case, it worked like a charm.

Sandie: I’m with Victoria. What did Damien mean when he said “I don’t need another death on my conscience” ?

Damien: It does make one wonder, doesn't it? [Smiles nastily] Perhaps you should be careful. Some of the locals think I eat children.

Deidre: What purpose does you having dogs serve? Surely, someone as insufferable as you can take care of himself.

Damien: Would that insufferability conferred some type of protection; I might cultivate the quality. Alas, mere insufferability is not enough to dissuade the more obtuse of the paparazzi. Ludwig and Amadeus, however, function quite nicely in that capacity. Also, they are excellent companions. They're loyal and obedient creatures.

Beth R: Can you explain your side of the scandal? What happened?

Damien: To which scandal do you refer? There have been so many...

Tami: Where is your favorite place to have sex and what position?

Damien: To a true artist, any venue can be an inspiration for the Venusian arts. As for positions, if you must know I prefer "The Cello", female front, with a straight-backed and sturdy chair.

Feel free to comment. One lucky commenter will get a copy of Devil Falls on October 28.

Finally, the last week's winner is Deidre (Commenter #1)! Please contact me for your prize!

Q&A with Mambo the Grocer (Damien's Neighbor)

Topic of the Month 10

To kick off the month of October and the release of my first contemporary romance from Samhain, I’m doing a four-post series on Devil Falls. There’s a chance to win a free copy of Devil Falls each week, so tune in. :)

Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 1-60504-220-X
Length: Category
Release Date: October 28, 2008
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, LTD

Read It ♦ Buy It ♦ Extras

All he wants is silence. All she wants are answers.

Damien Kirk was once a world-renowned cellist, celebrated across five continents for his musical gift. Now he lives in self-imposed isolation on a small Caribbean island.

Biography writer Victoria Benedict is looking for a story...and she’s not the type to take no for an answer. Her appearance on his doorstep shatters his reclusive existence.

Determined to be rid of her, Damien demands a quid pro quo: a kiss for each answer to her interview questions. Her response is as arousing as it is unexpected. As Damien and Victoria escalate their sensual game of cat and mouse, Victoria discovers the passionate soul underneath Damien’s cold exterior...and a shocking story of secrets and betrayal.

Warning: This title contains the following: sex, scorching kisses, killer breakfasts, a hot tropical island and a happily ever after.

Q&A with Mambo the Grocer

Today we caught up with Mambo the grocer. She owns a small grocery store near the mansion where Damien lives, and does a little fortune-telling on the side.

Me: Hi, Mambo. How long have you been on the island?

Mambo: Since I was born. I am a seventh-generation St. Cecilian. (lowers voice) I know everything about everyone.

Me: Really? What do you know about Damien Kirk?

Mambo: Who?

Me: The man who lives in Greyhaven.

Mambo: Him! He is a demon, I tell you. He killed my girl!

Me: Oh...Errrr...hmm. What did the police say?

Mambo: Pffaah! They can do nothing. He has a demonic power. Everyone is afraid of him.

Me (not remembering giving him any supernatural power): How do you know he has "demonic power"?

Mambo: Have you heard him play his cello? It is unnatural to make such sounds, I tell you. Besides, his dogs! They howl like the hounds of hell and cannot stand the light of day.

Me: Err...okay. Well, thanks for your time.

Mambo: Via con dios. (leaning forward) Avoid that man! He will feed his dogs on your blood.

Me (nodding vigorously): You're right. I'll be very careful.

Comment here with anything you want to say or ask Mambo. She will try to answer them all by October 20, so come back here for her response to your questions / comments. One lucky poster will get a free copy of Devil Falls. (Drawing will be held on October 20, so post by October 19 for your chance to win!)

And finally, the winner from last week is Janie Mason (Commenter #9)! Please contact me for your copy of Devil Falls!

Interview with Damien Kirk Part 1

Topic of the Month 15

To kick off the month of October and the release of my first contemporary romance from Samhain, I’m doing a four-post series on Devil Falls. There’s a chance to win a free copy of Devil Falls each week, so tune in. :)

Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 1-60504-220-X
Length: Category
Release Date: October 28, 2008
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, LTD

Read It ♦ Buy It ♦ Extras

All he wants is silence. All she wants are answers.

Damien Kirk was once a world-renowned cellist, celebrated across five continents for his musical gift. Now he lives in self-imposed isolation on a small Caribbean island.

Biography writer Victoria Benedict is looking for a story...and she’s not the type to take no for an answer. Her appearance on his doorstep shatters his reclusive existence.

Determined to be rid of her, Damien demands a quid pro quo: a kiss for each answer to her interview questions. Her response is as arousing as it is unexpected. As Damien and Victoria escalate their sensual game of cat and mouse, Victoria discovers the passionate soul underneath Damien’s cold exterior...and a shocking story of secrets and betrayal.

Warning: This title contains the following: sex, scorching kisses, killer breakfasts, a hot tropical island and a happily ever after.

Interview with Damien Part 1

Honestly I had no idea what to expect when Miranda (Damien’s manager) said Damien would see me for a quick interview. You gotta wonder about a guy who goes missing for months after a ghastly scandal. Not that there’s anything wrong with scandals, mind you. After all, don’t we all love good gossip?

So here I am, blindfolded and led by a couple of people -- men I think. Beads of sweat pop out on my skin at the briny smell of ocean and the piercing screeches of seagulls. Thank God Damien is a musician, not a mob boss.

Someone pushes me into a car, and we drive for a while. The road is apparently unpaved. The car stops and we get out and walk over uneven ground for a good ten minutes. I hear what sounds like a waterfall in the distance. Finally we enter a house. My blindfold disappears and I see a pair of Dobermans. Great. I’m afraid of dogs, especially big ones. They merely glare at me, and I thank my lucky stars they are leashed.

A big-boned woman who reminds me of a boarding school headmistress is standing in front of me.

Me: Hi! I’m Angelle. I think Damien’s expecting me.

Woman (speaks with a subtle accent...I can’t quite place it): I’m sorry, but there’s been some misunderstanding. You have to go back.

Me: What?

Woman: Mr. Kirk isn’t feeling well, and he’s not --

Me: (thinking “yeah right”) DAMIEN!!!!!! DAMIEN!!!!!!!!!!!

My loud voice startles the dogs and they start barking.

Woman: Stop that right now! You horrible American!

Me (ignoring her): DAMIEN!!!!!!! I know you’re here!!!!!!!

I guess I screamed loudly enough. Finally the man appears. Damn. He’s hot. It’s like a pure concentration of male hotness. If it weren’t for my boyfriend, I’d jump him.

Damien: Amadeus, Ludwig, silence!

The dogs immediately quiet down.

Damien: So. You’re the bottom-feeding writer Miranda told me about.

Me: You should show some respect here. I’m your creator, and I can make you ugly if I want.

Damien (lifts an eyebrow): Do let me know when a publisher starts a Quasimodo romance line.

Me (choking in outrage)

Damien: Well? I haven’t got all day. Ask your question and get out.

Me: What really happened on the night your --

Damien: Next question.

Me: Wait! I haven’t finished --

Damien: Yes you have. Next.

Me: Why are you so insufferable?

Damien: Because I can be. (Smiles nastily) You’re my creator. Surely you know.

Me: No. I prefer to create and deal with pleasant people.

Damien: Well, you have me instead. Of course, you can always leave and deal with Miranda if you prefer. She handles the "pleasant" work. (Takes the dogs’ leashes) I presume our interview is over?

Me: No way. I’m going to take questions from the audience. And so are you.

Readers, feel free to ask any question you want by Monday October 13 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. I’m going to draw five on October 13 and make Damien answer them by October 21. Also, one lucky commenter will get a copy of Devil Falls.

Final Remarks

Resources, Topic of the Month 4 ,

If you haven't done so, please read the previous installments titled Identifying Your Site's Purpose and Audience, Go-Live Date, Your Budget, and Your Technical Aptitude, Identifying Your Website Needs and Design Preferences a.k.a. Doing Your Homework, Contacting Designers and Getting Quotes and Evaluating Quotes and Designers before reading this week's article.

I was going to do lessons learned, but I realized that I really don't have anything to share, esp. since my experience with Frauke has been so smooth and pleasant. I really lucked out.

A few things to keep in mind:

  1. The designer works for you, not the other way around. She should provide you with a satisfactory design that meets your specifications.
  2. The designer is not a mind reader. If you're not satisfied with something, you must communicate as soon as possible.
  3. Don't stay with a designer who is rude, late, uncommunicative and/or incompetent. Believe it or not, there are a lot of incompetent designers. You can usually tell by their design portfolios and/or their response to your requests, etc.

Good luck!

P.S. If you want to plug any designers you've worked with before, feel free. :)

Evaluating Quotes and Designers

Resources, Topic of the Month 5 ,

If you haven't done so, please read the previous installments titled Identifying Your Site's Purpose and Audience, Go-Live Date, Your Budget, and Your Technical Aptitude, Identifying Your Website Needs and Design Preferences a.k.a. Doing Your Homework and Contacting Designers and Getting Quotes before reading this week's article.

Within a week or so, most of designers you contacted should've responded with quotes and/or questionnaires. You should fill out those questionnaires and surveys as accurately as possible so they know exactly how much to bill you, especially if it's fixed fee work. It's very important to not change the spec in the middle of a fixed fee job because that means either the designer will refuse to make the changes (since it's above and beyond what you said the work would entail) or you'll have to pay more. Some designers might do the extra work for free, but I wouldn't count on it.

If designers bill you by the hour, you should still ask for an estimate based on your spec, so you know whether or not the work can be completed within the budget you set aside for your site.

Before you sign on the dotted line, ask for their service agreement.

Pay close attention to the following:

  • Who owns the domain name? This is especially important if your designer registers it for you. Set a definite time frame on when she must start the domain name transfer process should you part ways. (You cannot stipulate that the transfer be completed within a week, etc. because she can only initiate and send appropriate forms, etc. and the rest is up to the registrars, etc.)
  • How quickly does she update your site? How often? This is critical if you're planning to retain her services for site maintenance. (Otherwise, it's irrelevant.)
  • Who owns the site designs, graphics, files, etc.? If you can't take them with you when you leave her, it's going to be a problem.
  • Is the site going to be cross-browser compatible? If the site looks great on Firefox, but not on MSIE or vice versa, you have a problem. The site should look fantastic on Firefox, MSIE and Safari (Mac OS and Windows).
  • If the work is unsatisfactory, what remedies are available? I'd say don't hire someone who refuses to refund your money. If the design is unacceptable and/or broken, you shouldn't have to pay. If the designer doesn't update your site as agreed, you shouldn't have to pay.
  • Understand the payment terms. Do you have to pay by check, credit card or PayPal? When is the money due? Some designers require that you pay the full amount upfront. Are you comfortable with that? (FYI -- Frauke at CrocoDesigns requested that I pay her in full before the work started, and that didn't bother me at all because she's done a lot of design projects for other writers who are very happy with her service. So I knew she wouldn't take the money and run. But I might have hesitated if it had been someone new or someone I didn't know very well, etc. So know your comfort level, which may vary depending on who you're dealing with.)

If you don't understand anything on the service agreement, ASK. Don't assume. Else you're more likely to be frustrated and disappointed. And most importantly, walk away if you aren't comfortable with the terms of the agreement.

Next week, I'll talk about my own experience and lessons learned.

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