FEATURED AUTHOR: Elaine Cantrell

Elaine Cantrell was born and raised in South Carolina . She holds a master’s degree in personnel services from Clemson University . She is a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary society for women educators. She is also a member of Romance Writers of America and EPIC authors. Her first novel, A New Leaf, was the 2003 winner of the Timeless Love Contest. When she isn’t writing or teaching high school social studies, she enjoys gardening, quilting, and collecting vintage Christmas ornaments. You can learn more about Elaine at her web site http://www.elainecantrell.com/

Return Engagement

Elizabeth Lane has heard the call of the four most seductive words in the entire English language: what might have been. Would you risk everything you hold dear to find out what might have been? That’s the choice which Elizabeth has to make.
Elizabeth is lucky, for she has it all, money, fame, a satisfying career and a devoted fiancé. Her humble beginnings are all but obscured, but she isn’t the kind of woman Senator Henry Lovinggood wants for his son, Richard. Senator Lovinggood plans to make Richard the President of the United States ; he’ll need a woman from a wealthy, powerful family by his side. Ten years ago he broke Richard and Elizabeth up, but this time it won’t be so easy, for Elizabeth wants to know what might have been. This time she’ll fight back, a struggle which ultimately leads to kidnapping and attempted murder and alienates her from the man of her dreams.


How did you start out your writing career?


Totally by accident! My son came home one day and told me he'd written a book. He said that he'd always made up stories in his head to amuse himself, so he thought he might as well write them down. I got cold chills because I'd always done the same thing. 'Write one yourself,' he said, and I did.


What did you learn while writing this book?


I learned that I can do things I never thought I could do. I'd always wanted to be a writer, and my husband had actually encouraged me for years to try, but I didn't because I thought I couldn't. I have a lot more confidence in myself now which is a wonderful thing.


What did you hope to accomplish with this book?


As I said before, I just wanted to prove something to myself. I didn't make a lot of money off that first book, but like I told my husband, I got what I wanted from it.


What is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?


Without a doubt it's promoting my work. I'm a dreadful introvert so it isn't in my nature to put myself out there. I get great reviews, and when people read my work they always seem to like it, but they can't read it if they don't know about it. I'm working real hard on this issue, but it's a challenge that's for sure.


If you had the opportunity to talk with three writers, who would you choose and why?


The first one would be Elizabeth Peters. I love that woman's work! She wrote a series of books about a female archaeologist who lived back during the Victorian Era. Her name was Amelia Peabody. She defied convention with her occupation, married a gorgeous man when she herself wasn't so gorgeous, and matched wits with a master criminal. Fantastic stuff!


The second one would be Nora Roberts. I want the woman to give me some pointers.


The third one would be Clive Cussler. Lots of men read his books, and maybe he could give me some tips that would make romance acceptable to more men.


What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?


First, writing is a business, not just a hobby. Second, I'd take a creative writing course before I started. Maybe then I could have learned some things about writing the easy way, and third, hire a good publicist.


Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?

Do read publisher's guidelines carefully so you know what to expect. Don't ever give up your dream. If you work at it you will succeed.


I borrowed this question from Author Carleene Brice, What is your author fantasy?


That's easy. I want to be on the New York Times bestseller list.


What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?


I'd like them to know that sometimes I do have to work. I can't always drop things just to talk on the phone or go out to dinner.


What was the best advice you’d ever gotten about the publishing industry? The worst?


The best advice came from author Lisa Renee Jones. I took a class with her, and she said that if you’re going to be an author you should learn about the publishing business. I don’t know that anyone has given me really bad advice about the publishing world in general.


If you could visit any place in the world where would you travel to?

I think I’d go California and drive down the Pacific Coast Highway. I’ve seen part of it, and it’s incredibly beautiful. If I left the country I’d go to Egypt and see the pyramids. And maybe ride a camel.


What is something readers would be surprised you do?

I can western square dance which is very different from most of the stuff you see on TV or in movies.


Our theme for this month is STAYING OUT OF THE SLUSH PILE? What advice would you give someone to make sure their manuscript stays out of the slush pile?

Get an agent, and if you can’t be sure to follow the publisher’s guidelines to the letter.


Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?

Not much. The older I get the more I realize that I still have a lot to learn.


Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?

I’d be glad to. Here’s a blurb to set the stage.


Blurb:

Elizabeth Lane has heard the call of the four most seductive words in the entire English language: what might have been. Would you risk everything you hold dear to find out what might have been? That’s the choice which Elizabeth has to make.
Elizabeth is lucky, for she has it all, money, fame, a satisfying career and a devoted fiancé. Her humble beginnings are all but obscured, but she isn’t the kind of woman Senator Henry Lovinggood wants for his son, Richard. Senator Lovinggood plans to make Richard the President of the United States ; he’ll need a woman from a wealthy, powerful family by his side. Ten years ago he broke Richard and Elizabeth up, but this time it won’t be so easy, for Elizabeth wants to know what might have been. This time she’ll fight back, a struggle which ultimately leads to kidnapping and attempted murder and alienates her from the man of her dreams.

Excerpt: This excerpt takes place when Richard and Elizabeth meet on a California beach after a ten year separation. They go to a beach front carnival.

She paused when they passed a shooting arcade. “Richard, you’re FBI, so I guess you’re supposed to be a good shot. Win me a stuffed animal.”

Richard groaned. “Those guns are probably all sighted wrong so you can’t win. Couldn’t I just buy you one instead?”
“No, that won’t do at all. Never mind. It’s okay if you don’t think you can do it,” she replied with no hint of a smile whatsoever. Would he try to win a prize for her or not?
Richard stepped up to the counter and inspected the row of guns provided by the arcade. “Okay, I know a challenge when I hear it. I’ll win you an animal if I have to stay here all night.”
The attendant, a wizened gnome of a man with a sour expression on his face, wandered over to them. “Win a prize for the lady, mister? Dollar a shot.”
“Yeah, I’ll give it a try.”
He selected the gun he wanted and shot, but he missed. “Just as I expected, the sights are off, and it pulls to the left.” He adjusted for the bad sights, aimed, and squeezed the trigger. This time he hit the target dead center.
“Hooray,” cheered Elizabeth . “I want that big white cat over there. How many does he have to hit to get it?”
“Ten in a row,” the man sourly replied.
A few minutes later Richard and Elizabeth walked away carrying the big cat with them.
Elizabeth tucked her arm through his. “This is so exciting! Nobody ever won anything for me before. You are such a good shot. I bet you’re one of the FBI’s best marksmen.” Is he blushing? thought Elizabeth. I bet it’s been a long time since a woman made him blush.
She couldn’t resist the urge to tease him. She came to a halt and looked intently into his face. “Why, Richard, are you blushing?”
The color in Richard’s face deepened. “I don’t think so. It’s just the lights.”
“Oh, yes you are! You always used to blush when I teased you. Did I embarrass you?”
Richard ducked his head, a little gesture that probably sent her blood pressure sky high. “All right, my face does feel a little warm” he admitted, “but no, you didn’t embarrass me. It’s… well it’s kind of nice to have you flirt with me and brag on me. I’m surprised how bad I wanted to show off and win that damn cat for you.”
“You are so sweet,” she declared, giving him a warm smile.
“I don’t believe it! Is that what I get for winning the cat? Sweet? I don’t want to be sweet.” Ignoring the crowds of people all around them, he jerked her close which made her breath leave her in a little woof. “I want to be your lover. I want you to say I’m sexy and that you want me. I can’t believe you think I’m sweet.”
Elizabeth willingly threw both discretion and Alex to the wind. What did discretion or Alex matter at a time like this? “Oh, that’s what you want, is it? I’m glad you made your intentions clear, Mr. Lovinggood.” She took a small step toward him and obligingly tilted her face upward.
She had known Richard wouldn’t waste his chance. His eyes darkened as he bent his head. Elizabeth gasped when his lips touched hers. She had forgotten how his kisses made her knees shake, her heart pound, and almost burned her up from the inside out.
Richard finally lifted his head. “You have a lazy, satisfied smile on your face,” Elizabeth breathlessly observed.
A smile crossed his face. “Yeah, I do.” His voice dropped. “You held me so close, and you kissed me like you’d never get enough of me.” He gently stroked her cheek with his fingertips. “That kiss thrilled me from head to toe. I…I don’t ever want to let you go.”
Elizabeth looked around at the crowds of people everywhere and blushed herself. “It’s one thing to kiss an actor in front of a camera, but I don’t like to be too affectionate in public. No more kissing right now, please.”
“Can I kiss you later when we’re alone?”
Alex! Elizabeth came down to earth with a thud. “No. We shouldn’t have kissed at all. It’s my fault, and I apologize.”
Richard laughed as if she’d said something hysterical. “You don’t have to apologize for that. You won’t hear any complaints out of me.”
Oh, lord! What time was it? She glanced at her watch. It was time to go home. Maybe Mother and Alex are worried about me. I haven’t behaved very well tonight. It isn’t fair to Alex for me to go out on a date with Richard. Oh, but you can’t call this a date! Yeah, right, and maybe the sun won’t come up tomorrow. She picked up her cat, and they started the walk back to their cars.


How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)


Web site: http://www.elainecantrell.com/

Blog: http://www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com/

My Space: http://www.myspace.com/elainecantrell

Facebook: http://www. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100000153041486

Email: elainecsc@aol.com


Thanks for having me, LaShaunda.

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