Friday Author Spotlight Interview - Denise Wheatley

Interview

If you had the opportunity to live anywhere in the world for a year while writing a book that took place in that same setting, where would you choose?

Los Angeles. I love all things Hollywood!

What behind-the-scenes tidbit in your life would probably surprise your readers the most?

My characters are always sipping on some sort of fancy cocktail, but readers are always surprised to find out that I don’t drink alcohol. Never have.

How do you come up with names for your characters?

Usually when I think about a character’s traits, a name just pops into my head that’s fitting. When that doesn’t happen, I turn to the internet and search various websites.

Give a shout-out to a fellow author.

I’d like to shout out my fellow eXtasy Books author V.J. Allison. Not only is she an extremely talented writer, but she’s one of the most supportive authors I’ve met within the writing community.

What would the logline be for your book?

They bought men from a prison to fulfill their every need. What could possibly go wrong with such a simple little purchase?

What is your favorite word, and why?

Right now my favorite word is amazing. It’s got such a lovely ring to it, and is associated with positivity and success.

Describe your writing space.

If I’m not out and about writing in a shared workspace, I’m at home writing in bed or on my chaise lounge.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have written ten books. My favorite is I WISH I NEVER MET YOU, because I was so free with my thoughts and words as I wrote. I allowed myself to pen whatever came to mind, which was a really liberating experience.

What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book(s)?

I’m oftentimes surprised when my characters take over my plot. I don’t always stick to the original plot that I’d outlined in the beginning due to twists and turns my characters may unexpectedly take, and that occurrence always fascinates me.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

I love the heroine Devon Jacobs in my upcoming novel, SHE GETS WHAT SHE WANTS. Devon is so brave and fearless, and proves that when you cast your doubts aside and go for what you want in life, things have a way of falling right into place.

Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you

can share with your readers?

I’ll just say that my character runs into several unexpected situations that readers won’t see coming. I love a good plot twist.

Does one of your main characters hold a special place in your heart? If so, why?

My main character in I WISH I NEVER MET YOU holds a special place in my heart because she’s so open and honest. She’s not afraid to go after what she wants, even if it’s the wrong thing. She just swallows her pride and accepts the lesson. She also fails at love over and over again but somehow manages to dust herself off and keep on trying.

If one of your books was to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?

I love Regina Hall, Zazie Beets, Trevante Rhodes, and Morris Chestnut.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?

I recently completed a book proposal for my upcoming contemporary romance series SHE GETS WHAT SHE WANTS, and I’m currently writing the sequel.

How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?

Right now I’m plotting out a romantic thriller about a woman in law enforcement who’s pursuing a serial killer.

What are you reading now?

I’m rereading Whacked by Jules Asner for inspiration.

What famous author do you wish would be your mentor?

Terry McMillan

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I love studying true crime cases.

What is the best part of your day?

The middle of the night, which is usually when I hit my writing stride.

Would you rather be in a room full of snakes or a room full of spiders?

Spiders

What is your favorite word?

Amazing

What is your least favorite word?

Moist

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

There is something about the city of LA that turns me on creatively. I come up with great ideas and churn out my best work when I’m there.

What turns you off?

Insecurity and moodiness

What is your favorite curse word?

Shit

What sound or noise do you love?

A baby’s laughter

What sound or noise do you hate?

Loud music coming from my neighbors’ homes

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

A forensic scientist

What profession would you not like to do?

A mortician

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

You did well, my child. I’m proud of you.

~~~

Denise N. Wheatley is a lover of happily-ever-afters and the art of storytelling. She has written (and ghostwritten) numerous novels and novellas that run the romance gamut, from contemporary to paranormal, sweet to steamy. Denise strives to pen entertaining stories that embody matters of the heart, while creating characters who are strong, colorful and relatable.

She is an RWA member and received a B.A. in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago, the city where she was born and raised. When Denise is not sitting behind a computer, you can find her in a movie theater, on a tennis court, watching true crime television or chatting on social media.

Social Media Links

Writer’s Blog: https://www.denisenwheatley.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denise_wheatley_writer/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/denisewheatley?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeniseNWheatley/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/denise-n-wheatley

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3118421.Denise_Wheatley

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001KHBZ7E

eXtasy Book Author Page: https://www.extasybooks.com/denise-n-wheatley/

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Awesome Excerpt Thursday! - My Unconditional Valentine by Denise N. Wheatley

Even the most perfectly laid holiday plans sometimes go awry…

Entertainment industry “it” couple Sasha Williams and Drake Lancaster, who were first introduced in “A Naughty Jolly Christmas,” are still going strong. Sasha’s impeccable publicist skills have kept Drake on the A-list, helping him land the lead role in a major Valentine’s Day movie. When filming wraps, the twosome plan on heading to Cabo San Lucas, inviting both their families along to meet for the first time.

But plans go astray when Drake reverts back to his bad boy ways during filming and gets into a huge altercation with the director. He’s booted from the movie and replaced by Mitch Morrison, a hot young actor who’s recently taken Hollywood by storm.

While Drake struggles to repair his image, Mitch hires Sasha to help manage his burgeoning career. The move infuriates Drake, but Sasha insists it’s a great business opportunity. She doesn’t realize Drake’s threatened by Mitch’s good looks, charismatic personality and rising star.

The stress of it all puts a strain on the couple’s relationship, especially when Mitch admits to Sasha that he’s developed feelings for her and she realizes the sentiments may be mutual. With the pressures of Sasha and Drake’s rocky union continuing to mount, the anticipation of their families meeting, and Sasha’s elusive affections towards Mitch, the couple can’t help but wonder whether their once booming relationship is about to crash. In the end, they must figure out whether their love is strong enough to withstand these issues and carry them through this Valentine’s Day.

Order your copy of “My Unconditional Valentine” now!

https://www.extasybooks.com/denise-n-wheatley/?product_id=6332

Excerpt:

Sasha sped along the Pacific Coast Highway with her car top down and music blaring. The crisp ocean wind whipped through her hair while the setting sun warmed her skin. She readjusted her sunglasses and leaned back, relishing the moment. Sasha was happier than she’d been in quite some time. Life was good. As a matter of fact, life was great thanks to today, because everything had suddenly taken a turn for the better.

After she’d knocked her presentation out of the park that morning, Sasha received a text from Drake letting her know he had gotten the part. She’d screamed so loudly that Lori came tearing into her office, thinking something had happened to her. Drake then informed her he’d made dinner reservations at Hinata Sushi, the most exclusive restaurant in Malibu, and afterwards they’d check into the royal suite at The Malibu Oceanside, where they would spend the rest of the evening indulging in dessert and one another.

Sasha had something in store for Drake as well. That afternoon, she’d solidified plans for their Cabo vacation after deciding she would rather spend the evening reconnecting with him than coordinating the trip. She made some executive decisions on her own and created an elaborate agenda confirming the exact travel dates, resort location, and list of activities. Sasha sent the agenda to both sets of parents, and just as she’d expected, they got lost in the fancy presentation and agreed to everything.

She stopped at a red light and grabbed her phone, activating the voice-to-text feature then sending Drake a message asking whether he wanted to drive out to Malibu or arrange car service. She hadn’t heard from him since early that after noon, which was strange after they’d been communicating nonstop all morning. Sasha assumed he had gotten caught up in the whirlwind of preparing for his shoot and figured they’d hash things out when she got home.

She turned down her block and approached her house, expecting to see Drake’s car parked outside. When she didn’t, Sasha pulled into the driveway and tried calling him. She got his voicemail.

“Hey, babe, it’s me. Tell your film director Lee that he’s going to have you all to himself in Ontario soon enough and you need to take a break from your meeting to call your girl. But anyway, I just got home. Getting ready to freshen up and pack for our night. I’m so looking forward to this. Love you.”

Sasha disconnected the call and practically floated inside the house. She set her tote down on the couch, then walked over to the closet to grab her suitcase. On the way there, she saw a printout lying on the bar. She picked it up and squint-ed while trying to make out exactly what she was looking at. Upon further inspection, Sasha realized it was a dark, grainy photo of her and Mitch, sitting in the booth at the Diamond VIP Bar. Her stomach dropped to her knees. She trembled all over as beads of sweat formed along her hairline. Sasha held her breath, then read the blurb underneath the photo.

Our sly sleuths here at Gotcha! strike again, this time catching powerhouse publicist Sasha Williams cozying up to A-list actor Mitch Morrison. Sasha, who’s known for mixing business with pleasure, is also Mitch’s new publicist. So does this mean it’s a wrap for her and Drake Lancaster? Apparently so, making it Drake’s second humiliating termination in recent weeks after he got booted from King Gary Rosen’s latest blockbuster production, On Bended Knee. What’s worse is that Mitch was hired to re-place Drake on the film. Ouch! Will Sasha and Mitch make it down the aisle? Will Z-listed Drake go back to waiting tables? Stay tuned, as we here at Gotcha! work to getcha all the latest scoop!

Sasha leaned against the wall and slid to the floor. Tears streamed down her face. She looked down at the article again. A note from Drake was scribbled at the bottom.

Of all the guys you could’ve replaced me with, you chose Mitch Morrison? And I had to find out through some trashy blog? I thought we were better than that. Guess I was wrong.

Sasha balled the article up and threw it across the room. Her chest heaved with remorse. She sobbed for several minutes before grabbing her phone and dialing Drake again. The call went straight to voicemail. She hung up and sent him a text, apologizing profusely and asking him to please call her. Right when she hit send, a message came in from Nick.

In a meeting and can’t talk, but I got a call from Drake saying he wants to sign with a new publicist, effective immediately. What’s going on?

Sasha swallowed the bile that was creeping up her throat and struggled to steady her breathing. “This isn’t happening. This isn’t happening,” she said to herself over and over again.

She closed Nick’s message without responding and sent Amanda a text, telling her she had an emergency and asking if she could come over ASAP.

Amanda replied immediately.

I’m on my way.

You can shop for Denise’s books and connect with her here:

eXtasy Books      Amazon       Simon & Schuster      Instagram

Goodreads          Twitter         Facebook

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