Author, Author...

... read all about it!

It is a great pleasure to welcome a very talented author that i have come to know.... 

Mackenzie Crowne

Welcome Mackenzie, can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a wife, mother, and grandmother. My husband and I were blessed with two rambunctious little boys who we managed to raise into wonderful men without any disfiguring mishaps. Dirt bikes and ESPN are the order around our house, and life at the ‘Testosterone Ranch’ more closely resembles one of today’s wacky reality shows, than yesterday’s Leave It To Beaver. 

     I’m one of eight kids, raised just north of Boston. My childhood was a wild ride with hordes of family and friends, and I’m happy to report that continues to be true today. I moved to Phoenix as an adult because living in the southwest feeds my soul.

     My love of the romance genre has been a lifelong affair, both as a reader and a writer. A bout with breast cancer sharpened my resolve to see my stories shared with others. As of today, I am a four-year survivor, living my dream.

What did you want to be when you were growing up or did you always want to be a writer?

Oh, you know. The usual things. A veterinarian, a writer, a princess, a writer, a singer…a writer…

When did you first start writing?

I penned my first story when I was ten, but don’t ask me where it is. I’m organizationally challenged. I don’t know where my cell phone is most of the time.

What is a typical writing day like for you? 

I’m up at 5 with the first of several cups of coffee. I greet the morning with my laptop and write until the maniacs I call family interfere.

Do you have any specific routine you follow or specific items you need with you when you write?

Nope. Because my home is always a beehive of activity, I’ve learned to write anywhere. It’s not uncommon for my guys to be sitting along side me, screaming at the game on TV, while I type away in peace.

What is your favorite part of writing?  Is there anything you don’t like about being a writer?

I’m a pantser. (That challenge with organization thing, remember?) I love the way the characters and story unfold in my mind. It gives me such a thrill when an issue I’ve been battling with rights itself, revealing the perfect solution in all its glory. As for dislikes, it drives me nuts when my muse decides to go have a few beers with the boys. Yep, my muse is a guy. Not sure how that happened, but it works for me.

What is your favorite length of book to write?  (Short story, novella, full length novel) Why?

Definitely not short. I haven’t bothered to try short yet and may at some point, but I’m more comfortable somewhere in the middle. I’m amazed at those who can craft a meaty story in so few words. I’m not sure I could pull it off.

How does your family feel about your writing and you being an author?

They’ve always been supportive in a ‘Uh huh. Mac likes to write’ sort of way, but now that I’m published, I think they are more excited than I am. I’ve got tons of friends and family passing out bookmarks and pimping me on Facebook. One of my aunt’s owns a promotional company dealing with businesses for their trade shows. She’s based in Long Island City, New York, the inspiration for the location of my latest release, That Dating Thing. She’s decided I need promo in the local businesses there as a kind of local interest story, so she’s putting something together to share with the local chamber of commerce. I’m overwhelmed by the support of my loved ones. 

Is there a to-be-read waiting on your bedside table?

I’m currently reading Nothing But Trouble by Jannine Gallant. It’s from a series called Honky Tonk Hearts from The Wild Rose Press. This is the second title I’ve read in the series and the third is waiting patiently on my kindle. If you’re looking for a fun contemporary western romance, I highly recommend the series.

For fun, I have a few personal questions, 

Favorite 5

1)  Favorite Holiday Halloween, because what girl doesn’t like to dress up?
2) Favorite Drink Cosmo
3) Favorite Author Too many to choose just one. Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Linda Howard, Johanna Lindsey, Nora…
4) Favorite Book My all time fave is ‘It Had to be You’ by SEP
5) Favorite Animal Cats rule!

And for a bonus:  What is a typical mood for you?  And is your mood different when you’re writing? I’m typically a ‘The glass is three quarters full’ kind of girl, and that carries through to my writing time for the most part.

Where can our readers find you??  (all that apply and more)

Email: maccrowne@gmail.com

Twitter: @maccrowne

Facebook: Mackenzie Crowne and my fan page: Mackenzie Crowne Author

Website/blog: mackenziecrowne.com

Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?

THAT DATING THING is my latest release, a lighthearted contemporary romp in the midst of Wall Street greed.

Blurb: The daughter of Wall Street’s most notorious stock swindler, dog trainer, Rylee Pierce, has perfected the art of flying beneath society’s radar.  Prosecutor, Cooper Reed is a threat to her carefully hidden truths, but how is a woman supposed to resist a man capable of handling a psychotic Great Dane, while charming her out of her panties before she has the chance to blink?

Excerpt:

“So, this is The Canine Academy?” He eyed the cages. “Where are your other students?”

A soft release of pent up breath reached his ears and he smiled. Yes, off balance was just how he wanted her.

“Gone for the day.”

“Why is Pippin still here?”

“Pippin required a more intense program. He’s our only boarder at the moment.”

“Have dinner with me,” he said, without turning around. She didn’t answer and he waited several beats before glancing over his shoulder. Her eyes shuttered, she fell back on sarcasm.

“We just finished dinner. What do you have, a tapeworm?”

He faced her. “I’d like to take you to dinner, Rylee.”

Her hand went to Belle’s head beside her and she jutted her chin up a notch. “That wouldn’t be a good idea, Coop.”

“Why? I’m attracted to you, and a man can tell when the attraction is mutual.”

She said nothing, returning his gaze while she scratched the fur between Belle’s ears.

“It’s just a meal.” He crossed his arms. “I’m not suggesting we jet off to Vegas.”

She snorted softly. “That’s a relief. Casinos give me a headache.”

The dry sarcasm made him smile. She hadn’t said no.

“Look, you’re a great-looking guy.”

He flashed a grin, pleased when her lips twitched in response.

“And I admit you have a certain amount of charm.”

“But?”

“But, your father is married to my aunt.”

“Your mother’s cousin,” he corrected. He dropped his arms to his sides and stepped toward her. “And Dad and Silvia can get their own dinner.”

Her lips formed a genuine smile, but she shook her head. “People rarely come out of this kind of thing on friendly terms.”

“This kind of thing?” He continued to advance.

“We’re connected through Sil and Elliott. I don’t want to see them caught in the middle when this…dating thing, or whatever it is you’re after, ends.”

“This dating thing?”

“Or whatever it is you’re after,” she repeated. As he closed the distance, she stepped back and bumped up against the shark cage. She slapped her spread fingers against his chest to prevent him from coming any closer. “I’m not in the market for a relationship right now.”

“Then we don’t have a problem, because neither am I.” He brushed a fingertip over the perfect skin of her cheekbone. “So, here’s what I suggest.”

Her eyelids fluttered, pupils dilating, and reluctant temptation replaced the wariness in her dark orbs. Still, she kept a defensive hand on his chest.

“If you insist on negotiating when I’ve already explained my concerns,” she said, holding his gaze, “I’d rather you didn’t touch me.”

He checked the urge to kiss her at the artless admission of finding his touch disturbing. Instead, he moved his hand to the cage beside her head. He wrapped his fingers around the metal bar and dipped his head, bringing his face closer to hers. She blinked but held her ground, boldly meeting his gaze.

“I propose we get to know one another,” he pressed. “A few dinners. Maybe a show, or a ball game or two if you like. We find out what makes each other tick.”

“Hmmm.” Her mouth moved into a smirk. “Five seconds ago you were talking a meal. Now it’s a few dinners and a ball game or two. At this rate we’ll be jetting off to Vegas by the end of the week.”

She didn’t try to stop him when he took the final step that brought their bodies within inches of each other. “Has anyone ever accused you of being a wiseass?”

Head cocked as though considering the question, her mouth quivered on a smile. “Nope.”

“How about a liar?”

She lost the battle with the smile and her low laugh sent a lash of desire whipping across his midsection. He did what he’d wanted to do since arriving at his father’s condo days ago. Leaning in, he took...

Buy Links: Still Moments Publishing & Amazon

      And, last but not least, do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share?  I like to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try and share with my readers but it's totally up to you.

Hmmm. This is a tough one. I’m not much of a cook, in fact, my friends often tease that I have to dust my oven before I throw in that frozen pizza, but I’ll give it a shot. Here’s an easy one…

You’ll need two slices of bread (your choice of white or wheat)

Butter and or Jam of your choice.

And a toaster…

Oh, never mind. Using any of my recipes will probably end up sending you to the emergency room with food poisoning anyway. ;-)

Mac, you are too funny and I'm so glad you were here to visit us today.  My kids loved your recipe!!! I hope you'll come visit us again, bring another recipe and another best seller :) 

Readers, you definitely don't want to miss That Dating Thing by Mackenzie Crowne!!

Until next time,

 Happy Reading

Krista