This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Maggie Clare will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Welcome to It's Raining Books. Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?
You may know that Maggie Clare is my pen name. I began writing science fiction and other speculative work under my given name, Tabitha Lord. In fact, Maggie will be taking a break so Tabitha can finish a new manuscript! My first love was science fiction so that’s where my writing journey began, but I do enjoy other genres as well.
With all my writing, I am drawn toward character driven plots. I like to put my characters through the ringer and yank them out the other side, victorious but changed. Romantic suspense drew me in because I could write the action I love coupled with meaningful human relationships. Sprinkle in some steamy scenes and a happily-ever-after ending, and it’s a perfect genre for me.
Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.
Each one of my books features some dark elements. In Lost and Found, in addition to the stalker plot line, Cam, the main male character, has suffered a terrible trauma that he’s kept secret for years. When I add something like this to my stories, I try to do it with great care. While I aim to give all my couples a happily-ever-after, I also want to show that trauma has far-reaching consequences. Love helps heal, certainly, but it doesn’t erase everything. If I’m trying to write my character authentically, this is something they teach me over and over again.
Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?
I talk to myself while I’m working. I’m not sure if this would be considered a writing quirk, but it’s certainly a habit that drives my family crazy. They never know if I’m speaking to them or not!
Are you a plotter or pantser?
I’m a loose outliner or plotter. Generally, I have the concept for the book well worked out before I dive in, but I leave plenty of room for interesting plot twists.
Look to your right – what’s sitting there?
My cat! I actually have two cats. The one next to me right now is a Munchkin named Yennefer, after the character in The Witcher. This breed is super friendly and mischievous. Yenn loves to sit next to me and bat around my pens!
Anything new coming up from you? What?
I have outlined four more books in the Tactical Solutions International series. If all goes as planned, Teagan, Fiona’s drummer from Sing for Me, will have his story next, followed by A.J., Cam’s business partner, then Devon Marco, the mysterious TSI operative, and finally, Charlie, Jake’s best friend. Readers have asked for Alex’s story, Lucia’s brother in Run and Hide, and I actually have planned a spin-off series where he will be featured in the first book.
Of course, it’s always possible that a new character will capture my imagination. I had no plans to write Mike’s story, but I had to once I finished Sing for Me. So, you really never know!
Do you have a question for our readers?
I’m always curious which characters are their favorites. I love to know who they fell in love with!
Dr. Lissa Morgan has had a crush on her best friend’s older brother since they were kids, but handsome, brooding Cam Taylor has never given her a second glance. When Cam unexpectedly shows up on Lissa’s doorstep bleeding and bruised, his personal life in shambles, things between them take a steamy turn.
After an incredible weekend with the sweet, sexy doctor, Cam realizes what he’s been missing. But he’s run from intimacy his whole life, sure he doesn’t deserve a woman like Lissa. He’s doing her a favor by walking away – or so he tells himself.
Frustrated and hurt by Cam’s distance, Lissa must nonetheless rely on his private security firm when an annoying admirer becomes a threat. The more time Cam spends with Lissa, the faster his defenses crumble. When the disturbed stalker finally makes his move, Cam will do whatever it takes to save the woman who’s slowly healing his wounded soul.
Lost and Found is the third book in the Tactical Solutions International series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Read an Excerpt:
Dani arrived after work as promised, and headed straight for Lissa’s wine fridge.
“Now, what’s really going on with you? Come on, spill it girlfriend,” she demanded, handing Liss a glass.
Liss opted to start with the stalker issue first. She needed to work up to the Cam thing. From the weird note in her locker months ago with the medical journal article, to the package that had just arrived, the more she talked about it, the more she realized she had a serious problem on her hands.
“I don’t like this, Liss. It’s way worse than last time.”
“I know.” A little over a year ago, she’d received slightly creepy love notes tucked into her locker, and a few bouquets, also with slightly creepy notes attached, but that was it. Then everything stopped.
“You need to go to the police.”
Liss nodded. “I’m going to see if Derek’s around tonight. See if there’s anything the department can do.”
“Is Derek that hot detective?” Dani asked, face lit with interest.
Liss smirked. “You can sit very close when I talk to him.”
“You know what? I’m going to call Cam,” Dani said, reaching for her phone. “He should be able to do something. Trace these stupid calls at least.”
“No!” Liss shouted, and Dani’s finger froze on her phone.
“Why not?”
Liss knew she had Dani’s undivided attention. Draining her wine glass, she poured another. “We slept together.”
Dani’s wine spewed out of her nose and mouth, showering Liss with tiny, wet droplets. Liss wiped her face, leaned her head on a couch cushion, and closed her eyes. When she opened them, Dani was staring at her.
“Tell me everything,” Dani ordered, standing to refill her glass. Liss listened for censure in her best friend’s voice, but she didn’t find it. Dani almost sounded enthusiastic.
About the Author:
Count on Maggie to pair great story-telling with an erotic edge.
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/msmaggie_clare
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/msmaggiec
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/msmaggieclare
Website: http://www.msmaggieclare.com
Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Found-Tactical-Solutions-International-ebook/dp/B08957M62Y/
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Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read.
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting me today!!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the interview.
ReplyDeleteWhy so many pen names? It can be confusing for readers.
ReplyDeleteGreat post - thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great book.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and I appreciate getting to find out about another great book. Thanks for all you do and for the hard work you put into this. Greatly appreciated!
ReplyDeleteGreat excerpt and giveaway. :)
ReplyDeleteTerrific cover
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