Author Spotlight: Toni Lynn Cloutier

I’d like to welcome contemporary romance writer Toni Lynn Cloutier, author of The Patriot Girl. Before we learn more about The Patriot Girl—including a giveaway—let’s see what Toni has to say…

1. What do you love about being a writer?

When I’m old I hope to still have this gift. I see many older people who don’t know what to do after their children leave the nest. As long as I have readers, I’ll have this outlet. What do you hate? It’s SO hard to read. Recently, I had to stop reading a book because the author head-hopped 2-4 times on one page. It was a little distracting. However, maybe if I weren’t a writer, I wouldn’t have noticed.

2. What’s one thing your readers would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m self-taught. The first question I’m asked when I mention I’m an author is, “What college did you go to?” I should start answering, Cloutier University! I’m proof that if you set your mind to do something, and don’t let ANYONE discourage you, you can achieve anything!

3. If you have pets, what are they and what are their names?

We rescued a cat from the pound six years ago. She has taken over the house. Her name is Baby or Baby Girl, or Beautiful…she is a queen. She won’t use her litter box if there is “something” in there. She’ll stand beside it and meow until I clean it and flatten the litter. Yes, she’s a brat!

4. What was it like to get “The Call” from an agent or publisher?

There was no call…but the email was an accomplishment. I didn’t cry or pop any champagne. I’ve had to hire a lawyer to get my rights back from one publisher, so I was a little apprehensive about the whole deal. However, TWRP has a great reputation, so I let myself become a little excited, but not over joyous.

5. What does a typical writing day look like to you?

I write every morning. Then, depending on my schedule, I write after dinner. If I’m on a roll, I write up until my mind says “enough.”

6. Where does your story take place? Why did you choose this location?

Tennessee. It’s my favorite state. I hope to move there some day. I’m from New England where life is fast. TN is so relaxed and the people are SOOO friendly.

7. What advice do you have for writers who are on their own path to publication?

NEVER GIVE UP and learn all you can. Join writing groups such as RWA and your local chapter. If you don’t have one…start one!

8. What does your editing process look like?

I work with a critique partner. We exchange chapters as we go along, so if there are any plot holes I catch them during the draft. Once it is complete, I start at chapter one and revise and send to her and we start over until I’m happy with the story.

9. If you’re in a critique group, how long have you been together and how did you meet?

I have one critique partner. We have been together for about three years now. She’s from the UK so it’s fun learning how different our languages/terms are.

10. What are you working on now?

A lot! I recently finished and submitted a contemporary to The Wild Rose Press (Lassoing Love). I’m working on book two of the No Bulls series (Count Down To Love), so if you visit my website you can follow the progress. Plus, I am working on another erotic short story (Lucky Waters).

MaKayla Adams has always been curious about the wild side of life. Making love with her late husband wasn’t exciting, and she never could understand the big deal…until hunky nightclub owner Dustin James hires her as a public relations consultant. His touch arouses feelings she’s never known, and his kiss tempts her to cross the line between business and pleasure.

Dustin doesn’t remember the car accident that put him in a coma three years ago, but since his recovery, he’s pushed his own needs aside to be a single father to his young daughter. When MaKayla offers to help publicize his country nightclub, however, she ignites deeper feelings he can’t ignore.

But there is more than mutual attraction between MaKayla and Dustin—there is a shared past connected to her husband’s death. Will the truth bring them together or tear them apart.

If you liked the blurb, take a peek at the excerpt for The Patriot Girl:

The cold barrel of the revolver touched MaKayla’s left temple. Her breath hitched and held.
Her fingers gripped the belt loops on the cowboy’s jeans. She couldn’t get any closer without ending up in the man’s back pocket.

She closed her eyes and silently prayed Alex wouldn’t have to bury another parent. Her son still wasn’t over losing Paul.

“Remove the gun from the lady.”

At the sound of the cowboy’s voice, MaKayla opened her eyes. She bit her bottom lip as the silver barrel lifted off her temple only to land on the cowboy’s cheek.

If you want to pick up this great read, check out these links:

Ebook: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=4882

Paperback: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191&products_id=4896

If you’d like to learn more about Toni, check out her website: www.tonilynncloutier.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authortonilynncloutier

Twitter: @ToniLCloutier

Thanks for visiting, Toni!

Now for the giveaway… I’ll let Toni explain…

1 – $10.00 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour
1 – $10.00 Amazon gift card “Stalker Prize”, randomly drawn from those who comment on each Blog stop during the tour.
1 – $15.00 Amazon gift card to the BLOG HOST with the most comments

Note: All WINNERS have the option to have a personalized word search puzzle
created by the author! See FREE STUFF at www.tonilynncloutier.com for sample
puzzles.

I’m looking to fill some author spotlight spots. I’m booking for July 12 and 26. If you write romance, thriller, mystery, urban fantasy, paranormal, horror or true crime, and you have a book you’d like to promote, send me an email: lynnette_labelle at yahoo dot com. Make sure you have “Author Spotlight” in the subject line or I won’t open the email. Let me know when your release date will be (if the book isn’t already available) and what genre you write.

Lynnette Labelle
www.labelleseditorialservices.com