Monday, September 22, 2014

Author Spotlight + Giveaway--Tia Catalina

Welcome to Author Spotlights on Mondays! Tia Catalina, another great friend and brand new author from my local RWA chapter, is my guest this week. She's sharing a peek at her romantic suspense novel, Blue Falcon, and a bit of insight into her writing process. Be sure to comment for a chance to win a copy!

Take it away, Tia!

Blurb:
Devastated by her combat experiences, former Marine Grace Garcia is unable to adjust to civilian life until a wayward postcard sends her on a mission that places her in the path of Jared Cooper, the new Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix ATF.
With a new job and a new daughter, Jared has no interest in a new relationship, but when seemingly unrelated events result in a dangerous threat to their lives, he offers Grace refuge.
When witnesses and suspects die before they can talk, Jared becomes convinced the threats are originating close to home, but the perpetrator is always one step ahead as he searches for answers.
As the stakes get higher, can Grace once again embrace her warrior past?
Caught in a nest of deception, can Jared unravel the lies to find the truth before another life slips away?
The truth lies in uncovering the elusive Blue Falcon.

Excerpt:
The ER doc released me, but nobody was waiting to take me home. When I tried to check on Rafael, the Phoenix PD blocked my path, but they didn’t attempt to arrest me. By the time the taxi let me out at Jared’s house, I felt the same way I did when I returned from my last tour.

It wasn’t home anymore.

Joy met me at the door. Her eyes were red and her voice cracked. “I’m so sorry. Jared won’t allow you to stay in the house. He wants you to get your stuff and move into the workshop until you find another place to live. I don’t want to make things worse. He’s so upset. I’ve never seen him like this.”

I acknowledged her request with a nod.

I’m the enemy now.

I took her hand. “I understand.”

Her resolved cracked and the tears began anew. I let go of her hand. As I turned to go pack my things, I said, “I promise I’ll find her and bring her back to you. Even if it’s the last thing I ever do.”

I tripped over one of Hope’s dolls—a reminder she was just here, but now she’s gone. Her absence left footprints on my battle-weary soul. I threw together the basics: my packed duffel, Jared’s .44 Mag, and a sack full of snack foods. The pantry and fridge provided me with a few more staples, but I left the healthier homemade food and concentrated on the cheap junk food. Despair is better when paired with fat and sprinkled with sugar.

Con padded along behind me as I walked to the workshop. “Stay.” Pity parties have room for only one. He insisted on joining me. I changed into something more suitable for my festivities and sat down on the cot. Con nudged my elbow until I allowed him to rest his head in my lap. His physical presence provided some level of comfort.

Banishment to the confines of the workshop proved too much for my overwhelming guilt. The isolation fed my profound grief. I embraced the darkness. Potato chips consoled me as I dug my way to the bottom of the bag. When I completed my excavation, I exchanged them for a bag of miniature chocolate bars. Not satisfied, I contemplated my other delicacies. The decision stymied me. Life is full of tough choices. Cookies or cupcakes? Save Rafael from bleeding out, or go after Hope?

Buy Links:
CreateSpace: https://www.createspace.com/4958355
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Falcon-Tia-Catalina-ebook/dp/B00MS8QVWS/ref=la_B00MSYZQIM_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1410007765&sr=1-1
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blue-falcon-tia-catalina/1120160990?ean=2940150734579
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/467249
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-bluefalcon-1597771-171.html

Interview:
Me: Do you see writing as a career?
Tia: I do see writing as a career. It isn’t something you just sit down and do. I spent a considerable amount of time taking online classes, attending seminars and workshops. Writing is one of the hardest things I have ever done. I would not have been able to accomplish a complete manuscript without the help of numerous people within the writing community. It really does take a village.

Me: Give us some insight into your main character. What makes him/her special?
Tia: Grace is fighter and her Macgyver abilities enable her to adapt to her surroundings. She can make a weapon out of trash and old tools and get grass to grow using instant tea. She thinks she has given up on life, but she has an enduring spirit that won’t allow her to quit.

Me: How did you come up with the title?
Blue Falcon is military lingo. It means something specific and it is a theme throughout the book. If I revealed what it meant it would be a huge spoiler, but feel free to look it up.

Me: What’s your favorite sub-genre (contemporary, sci-fi, etc.) to write? To read?
To read and to write would be mysteries and thrillers. I am also a fan of horror. There is nothing like curling up with a Dean Koontz or Stephen King novel and reading until you feel the urge to check all of the locks on the windows and doors.

Me: I usually get plot ideas in the shower and while driving. When/where does inspiration strike you?
Tia: I usually have an epiphany while I’m on the treadmill or walking my dog. I put recipe cards and pens in my purse, in the drink holders of the treadmill, and in the car. I keep a notebook handy while I’m watching TV.

Me: What new stories are you working on?
Tia: While I don’t write series, I do write strong, independent women who know how to take care of themselves. My current work in progress is Sweet & Savage. Annie Sweet grew up in foster care and has no known relatives, but someone from her past wants her dead. Luke Savage is a local firefighter who fights to protect her from a serial arsonist who is determined to torch her happiness.

Author Bio:
Having been self-employed for most of her adult life, Tia decided several years ago to make a change. She joined the Indiana chapter of the Romance Writers of America and the national Sisters in Crime.
She lives in central Indiana with her husband and a spoiled pooch named Brandolina Jolie, or something not fit for print when the dog is chewing on the downspouts and digging up the landscaping.

Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/author/tiacatalina
Facebook: http://facebook.com/tia.catalina.77
Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tia-Catalina-Author-Page/536835156433709
Twitter: http://twitter.com/tiacatalina (@CatalinaWinter6)
Email: mailto:tiacatalina@live.com
Website: http://www.tiacatalina.com

Thanks for visiting today, Tia, and thanks to those of you who stopped by for look! Remember to comment by midnight EDT on Wednesday, September 24, for a chance to win a copy of Blue Falcon!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

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