Welcome Ms. Bokal to Love Romances and More. I look forward to chatting with about your newest book, CELTIC HEART. A wonderful tale full of Roman warriors, Celtic mystery, druid magic and a spitfire of a beauty determined to save the one man who can claim her heart. Now onto the wonderful Ms. Bokal.  Ms. Bokal, please tell us what you do when you’re not writing. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Aside from being a writer, I am a maternal goddess (AKA stay at home mom). My husband, John, and I live in upstate New York with our three children and various four-legged family members. I live a busy life enjoying the company of friends and family. My other love is dancing and I perform with an Irish dance troupe and take a weekly tap, jazz and ballet class. 

You're published through epresses; can you tell us some of the pros and cons of taking this route?

One of the obvious Pros for an epress is how much more environmentally friendly e-books are compared to print books. Probably the biggest con of e-books is that most people like to have a book they can read where it is convenient for them. It is whole lot easier to take a paperback to bed or the powder room with you than a computer, even if it is a lap top.

Luckily, Champagne Books knows that a physical book is still the reading material of choice for most people and Celtic Heart will be available in both print and e-versions on the website.

The presses that I have been lucky enough to work with are fabulous. Being a new writer I have loads of questions and both publishers have all the answers I need. 

Have you ever been dismissed as a writer because you went with ebooks instead of print?

Ever been dismissed, hmmm. Not really, some people have asked me to let them know when my book becomes available in print but I have never felt slighted or belittled.  

Have you ever been dismissed because you write romance rather than "more serious" fiction?

My brother teases me about writing romance, but he'd tease me about whatever I chose to write. So, I do what I love, which is write romance and he does what he loves, which is give me a hard time. 

So a bit of naughty truth, do you ever do a little real life research to make your books spicy or do you just have a great imagination?

Okay Dawn, I will share this with you just because you asked such a great question. When writing love scenes I do need a little more "inspiration" at times. When this is what I need I have started telling my husband that I need him so we can do "research". Of course he loves this. One day, he called me from work while I was on the computer looking up something about the Roman Army. He asked what I was doing and I innocently told him, "I'm on the computer, doing research." There is dead silence for a minute, at least. Then John's strained voice blurts out over the line, "Research? By yourself?" 

Is there a genre trope you try never to use?

I have a confession, Dawn. This question sent me running for the dictionary wondering what in the world trope meant! Now that I know, I can answer your question. As a romance writer I try hard to avoid using purple prose. I hope to never describe body parts as either a "heat seeking love missile" or "succulent, sweet mounds of flesh". 

CELTIC HEART is full of wonderful characters like Maeve and Antonius. Can you tell us what inspired this book? Can we get a sneak peek into this wonderful world you created?

In my heart, I love historical romances and knew that for my first attempt at writing a novel I wanted it to be a historical. The idea of the writing about the Romans' invading Scotland came to me after reading a book about the Druids. The first character I developed was Bodach, Maeve's father and Antonius soon after.

When originally planning Celtic Heart, Maeve was an ingenue. Very quickly, I found it difficult to get into her head. Let's face it, I have three children. My virginal days are long over. Besides, as a mother and a woman in my thirties, I find connecting with many of the less experienced heroines in romance hard.

Here is a little of Celtic Heart:

Prologue

Giamonius- The season of shoots showing

73 AD Caledonia (Present Day Scotland)

Sweat poured down Antonius’ forehead. Blood and dirt mixed making gruesome rivers on his face. His shoulder throbbed from slicing and hacking flesh, bone and sinew with his sword. The shaft of an arrow protruded from his calf. White-hot pain shot through his leg with every step. The arm that held the shield had long ago grown numb. If it had not been strapped in place, Antonius would have let it fall.

This morning a proud eagle adorned the front of the trusty shield. It told the world he was a Roman Legionnaire. But now, it was battered, cracked and ruined. Just like the men he had lead into battle.

At daybreak Antonius had gathered his officers for their orders. The cohort’s movement had escaped the raids, which plagued the Roman Army elsewhere on this desolate island. Antonius had no reason to doubt the barbarians had sense enough to stay away.

“My orders are to continue west. We should reach the pass on the morrow,” Antonius stated.

“But, what of the Celts? What of their military force?” asked a young Tribune, Claudius.

“What of them? Our scouts have seen nothing.”

“Just because the scouts have not seen anything does not mean there is nothing to be seen,” reasoned Claudius. “There is a settlement to the east…”

“Claudius, when our scouts do not see any military force it means there is no military force. These barbarians spend too much time fighting amongst themselves to unite and do any real harm to an army,” Antonius snapped.

“But in Rome, my teachers said…”

“The lessons you learned in Rome will do you little good here. I am your teacher now. Learn well and you will return to Rome a hero and take your father’s place in the Senate.” Antonius hated babysitting those that received their commissions through political means. Still there was hope for Claudius. Besides, friends in the Senate were good friends to have.

 “Come Claudius,” Antonius said, placing his arm over the shoulder of the young man. “A few hairy barbarians cannot stand up to the might of the Roman Army. A quick workout with the sword, and this miserable village and the pass will be ours.”

As the other officers joined Antonius in a hearty laugh he surveyed the surrounding country. A swirling silver mist obscured the lush green carpet at his feet. The damp gray sky spit more rain at his men. The drizzle, damp and chill had irritated Antonius since arriving. But, the barbarians proved to be cowards, and cowardice of any kind was infuriating. The cohort had not seen a hairy hide for nearly a sentnight. Men without honor were not men at all.

What a miserable place.

Straightening his shoulders, Antonius had brought up his ever-present resolve. A decorated Centurion, he would trek across this forsaken wasteland and claim it all for the glory of Rome.

Trying to bring back some of the levity he continued to taunt the wary scribe from Legate Maximus. “You should put down your quill for writing love letters to Rome and take up the sword more often. Women love battle scars.”

Antonius had been an officer long enough to know to treat any campaign with respect. Today he thought a few barbarians would continue to cower at the sight of a full cohort. This morning he was prepared for a lark, not a fight.

Antonius was amused no more.  

Why did you become a writer?  Was it a dream of yours since you were younger or did the desire to write happen later in your life?

Even as a child I wanted to be a writer. Over Spring Break in the fifth grade, I decided to spend my week writing a book about two princesses. It was a lot harder than I expected and I didn't get much beyond the outline. Thinking that writing would be easier if I didn't have to do it longhand, I asked for a typewriter the following Christmas. (It was a hard decision between that and a boom box). The goal of writing went into hibernation after high school and I discovered a bigger world.

About five years ago, my oldest daughter went to kindergarten and I asked myself, "what do I want to be when I grow up?" The answer was very simple. I knew that I still wanted to write. Once she went to school, I took a correspondence course for writers and tried my hand in the children’s' genre. A friend of mine appreciated my funny turn of phrase and encouraged me to write the way I spoke. Her advice seemed to make sense and I began to look into the romance market, really the only market I have ever seriously considered; other than children's books.

What do you love about being an author? Is there anything you dislike?

I love creating the characters and worlds where they live. It is a feeling like no other when I write a passage and know that is better than I hoped for.

If I thought about publishing my first Spring Break novel, I think I would have had an idea that the business end of book writing went something like this:

Step 1. Write a book.

Step 2. Get paid gobs of money for said book.

Step 3. Have book is all the books stores and charge brother extra for his copy since he has been teasing so mercilessly for past week.

Surprisingly, witting the book is just the beginning of a very long process and really the easy part. After the book is written comes the editing (perhaps my least favorite thing) and determining what publisher would be suitable and submitting the manuscript. Waiting to hear back from publishers is difficult for me, too.

After the book has been released then the author needs to work to let people know about the manuscript. I do like this because I love meeting new people and talking about Celtic Heart. Really, my friends are all great, but they get that glassy-eyed look when I bring up something writer related.

How do you balance your personal and writing time?

With three children and one who is not yet old enough for school, it is hard to find time to write. John is very supportive and will take over the duties on the weekend so I can have a few hours. It is amazing how productive you can be if you want something badly.

How do you write? Do your characters come to you first or the plot or the world of the story?

The story idea pops up first and then I ask, "What type of people would live in a world like that?" Since a lot of my stuff is historical, I begin to research. The more I learn about the past civilization, the more the characters' come into focus. I guess the setting and the characters evolve together.

What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?

There is an old saying that goes something like this: When I want to read a good book, I will write one.

Now this is not to say that there are not tons and tons of great books available, but as life long reader of romance I started to veer away from the genre in my late 20's. After a few years and many conversations with other readers, I figured out what my problem was; I found it hard to relate to the characters. When I started to write, I kept that in mind.

 Having children really does change the way you see life and it can be hard for women 30 years and older to associate with younger heroines who have less life experience. Being a mom does more than give a different appreciation for the world. It can also leave you wondering who you are and when your needs will be attended to. I hope my books can leave readers with an appreciation that mothers are still sexy, smart fascinating people. 

Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?

Characters are a little of both for me. I'll give you an example: When I developed Antonius I thought about a few of my husband’s better traits and built a person around those characteristics. Both men are very focused and concerned about doing the right thing. Much of this drive and being honor bound they associate with their professions. But as I continued to develop Antonius, he became his own person with a life that caused him to view the world the way he does and react in a manner that fits his personality. Would John and Antonius both jump into a well to save the life of their child? Probably, but with John I never hope to find out!

What would you want readers to take away from your books? 

A lot, I suppose. First I hope they are entertained and learn something about life and themselves through the book. Then there is the whole "moms' are great" thing that I won't go into anymore. Finally, I hope they realize that love is the most powerful force in life, theirs and others.

Do you have any advice for beginning writers in regards to writing a book?

Learn about your craft and make time to write everyday, even if it only your thoughts in a journal. Learn about the business of publishing, the more you know the better your chances are of getting a contract on your work. Last and probably the most important advice I can give is that when you believe in yourself, believe in your dreams, anything is possible.

What are you reading right now?

For my birthday, my mother-in-law gave me The Secret. I didn't know that it was secret that our thoughts determined our destiny, but I do love how the author breaks down how and why we are what we think.

If you could be anyone or anything that you wanted, who or what would you be?

This sounds a little cliche, but I love my life. I have lived through a lot to get here and wouldn't want it any other way. 

I loved CELTIC HEART and the intricate details you had throughout. How much research went into this story? Will there be more of Antonius and Maeve?

I have to confess that I did do a lot of research and my brother, who I love to give a hard to time to, was a huge help with learning about the Roman Army. There were many times I would need a fact and give Dave a call. Not only would he know the answer, but also in a few days a whole book on the subject would arrive in the mail. Since Celtic Heart is the first a planned trilogy, Dave has yet to get his books back and has not uttered one word of complaint! 

What is the biggest misconception about being an author?

 Probably how much work is still left to do once a manuscript is completed. 

Do you have any special rituals to help you get in the mood to write?

 I do like to journal before I actually write. It helps me to clear my mind when I use pen a paper and figure out what I want to accomplish. When I actually get to the job of writing, I use the computer. 

How do you decide what to name your books or the characters?

 It is a very difficult and scientific process that I go through to name my characters. Actually, I jest. It is really very simple for me to name characters. I go to a parenting website and read names of certain ethnic backgrounds that fit my characters. When one catches my eye, I read the meaning, if it fits the person then I use it!  

Do you have any bad writing habits?

 I can be a lazy editor. 

Of all the individuals you have created, do you have a particular favorite? What appeals to you the most about this character?

I do love Antonius! He is so cool and a great guy. Even though I started with some of my husbands' traits, I might trade John in if I could! 

What is in store for the rest of 2007 for you? Do you have any WIP that you can tell us about?

I have just finished a book about a woman who checked into a haunted hotel and becomes involved in an eighty-year-old murder. I don't know how to describe Crossing Over. It is not a paranormal, but has paranormal elements. There is a lot of spirituality but it isn't an inspirational. I know I sound very cagey, but I LOVE the ending of this book and don't want to ruin anything for readers. I will let you know when I have publication date.  

You find yourself stranded on a desert island, what things could you not survive without?

Tea, chocolate, a solar power strip, my laptop and a sat-phone because eventually I would get lonely and want to be picked up. 

Has being published changed you at all?

Nope. I still clean all my own toilets.

What makes a great book to you?

 A great book is so hard to define. It is not just the perfect mix of plot and motivation. Once I have one in my hand, I know it. Since I becoming a writer I am a much more picky reader and it is easier to find things that I don't like and say to myself, the characters are weak or the story moves slowly. But, when I find a book that really resonates with me I am too busy becoming a part of the world that the book has opened up to really analyze what I like. 

If you could go anywhere, be anyone, do anything for 24 hours, what would it be?

My cats have a pretty posh life, but I am not sure I could deal with the canned food, even to have my ears scratched on a whim. 

Do you have any indulgent behaviors one might find surprising?

I am a tea snob. I really only like to drink fine, loose tea! 

For Fun: Soothing bubble baths or hot showers?

Hot Showers, without a doubt. 

Where can readers contact you? Do you have a website or another site that they can check for the latest news, releases, etc?

I love it when readers stop by my site; www.JenBokal.com or they can e-mail me at JenBokal@yahoo.com. 

Thanks Ms. Bokal for a wonderful chat. I loved CELTIC HEART and look forward to seeing more of Maeve and Antonius.