AAD Author Spotlight & Giveaway: Beth Williamson

Another AAD author is joining us today!  Beth Williamson is a lady who loves her cowboys and her romances range from sensual to scorching hot.  Her newest book, Matthew, is out today under her other name Emma Lang.  Please help me welcome Beth to the blog! 

Jen: You write under two names: Beth Williamson and Emma Lang. Why? And is there anything markedly different between the books under one name or the other?

Beth: It's not multiple personalities, I swear! LOL. The truth is rather boring - I write under two different names due to a publisher request. My writing style is the same, regardless of the pen name, and the books are generally in the same genre - historical western. I try to make it as seamless as possible - with one website etc.

Jen: Clearly you're a woman who loves her cowboys. What is it that really pulled you toward the cowboy romance genre?

Beth: Oh yes ma'am, I do love my cowboys. Fer realz! I grew up watching westerns, the classics, y'know? Like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. These were tough men with hard lives, but had a code of honor that spoke to me. I also have a weakness for the way a man looks riding a horse or wearing chaps. The broad shoulders, the narrow hips, the swagger. Oh yeah, baby, bring it!

Jen: How do you approach writing those really hot love scenes?

Beth: They have to fit within the story, first of all, I don't just throw love scenes in for the same of having one. If I try to force one, you can tell right away. I let the characters lead the story and the sex. Then, of course, I have to feel what they feel - I react to the heat just as a reader does. ;)

Jen: I've always wanted to ask a romance author this. The right language can make or break a love scene. There are some authors who are all flowery with "white lightning" and "velvet sheaths"... while other authors use words dirty enough to make an HBO executive blush. How do decide on your, er, anatomical terminology? It's got to be a conscious decision, right?

Beth: Yes, it's a conscious decision. Sometimes it's driven by the genre I am writing to - if I know it's going to be scorching hot, well then the words are going to be more explicit of course. If I'm writing for a broader appeal, I will tone it down and use only slightly explicit terms. Hee.

Jen: I just finished reading Matthew. How many books do you have planned for the Circle of 8 series? Will Olivia & Armstrong be next?

Beth: I have 8 books planned - one for each Graham sibling. Olivia and Brody Armstrong are book 2! It releases July, 2012 from Brava just in time for AAD. That book, wow, that one was intense.

Jen: Do you enjoy writing full length novels more, or novellas?

Beth: Oh, tough question! When I'm writing a novel, there is more opportunity for growth and a character arc. A novella takes more careful planning because of the short length. I definitely have written more novels than novellas!

Jen: Do you have a favorite among your published works?

Beth: I knew you'd ask me that. LOL. I think I have three favorites - The Treasure because Ray and Lilly are based on me and hubby. Ruthless Heart because I simply adore Grady and Eliza. And I also love The Stranger's Secrets - my heroine is disabled and tough as hell - every time (and I mean EVERY TIME), I read that book I weep. Powerful books - all of them.

Jen: What are you working on now?

Beth: I am working on a prequel to the Malloy series, THE FORTUNE, it's the story of John & Francesca, parents to the Malloy brood. I also have another stand-alone book, FIND ME, I'm going to bang out after this one. Oh and I need to write Caleb's story for The Circle Eight. Wait and then there's the other new series my agent is pitching that I've written book 1 for... Um, yeah, I'm super busy. LOL. I'd like more hours in the day please and thank you.

Jen: When people see your name on a book, what should they be expecting?

Beth: My books are very character driven - they tell the story not me. I don't include big flowery descriptions or sweeping vistas. It's a journey that involves real people with real problems and real love. There's intense emotions, humor, hot sex and generally, a cowboy.

Jen: What are you looking forward to most at AAD in New Orleans?

Beth: Having fun! I love weekends for authors/readers where you can relax and have fun. No pressure but to get to know each other and break out the good times. I've never been to New Orleans either so I expect the city will just add to the fabulous adventure!

Thanks so much to Beth for visiting today. To learn more about Beth Williamson, you can find her on her website. And in the meantime, you can enter to win a copy of Matthew! Just enter the Rafflecopter form below.  This giveaway is International.



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