Alpha Four Series

Blog Tour

Interview with Mia Dymond

When did you first start writing?

I've been concocting stories of some kind since I was old enough to use my imagination and because I was somewhat of a control freak even then, I made my siblings write them down for me! The longest was 17 pages and rambled on and on. It was absolutely horrible but my mother still has it stored with my scrapbooks. Several times I've attempted to convince her to trash it but she won't budge. She says it started my career ...

Professionally, I began the publication process in 2005 and my first short story, Undercover Kisses, was published in the July/Aug 2010 issue of Love Stories Magazine. My first novel, Leather, Lace & Rock-n-Roll, was published on Smashwords in 2009.

How do you create your characters?

This may sound almost psycho, but my characters (the female ones) are pieces of me. They reside in my head and make an appearance when they're ready! Rachel Newberry (Leather, Lace & Rock-n-Roll) brings out the analytical side of me and I am every bit as sassy as Cameron Tremaine (Outspoken Angel) - well ... can anyone compare to Cameron?

When I'm developing a new series or novel, I try to keep the story focused around each personality. Once I have a pretty good feel for the heroine, the hero follows suit. Most usually, my heroine is a strong, independent woman who irritates the hero to no end until she has him wrapped around her little finger; my hero is man enough to let her.

Where do your ideas come from?

Real life. I people-watch a lot when I'm out and about and most times, I see or hear something that sparks my imagination. The plot behind my novel, Never Cry Uncle, was actually developed from an experience with my former employer - I'll let you draw your own conclusions about which experience!

Recently, I read a post on Facebook that rings true with me:

I'm a writer. If I'm staring at you, I'm not being rude, I'm trying to decide if you need to go in a book. If you're a snot, I may be trying to decide how to kill you. (courtesy: Writers Write)

What is your writing process?

I don't know if I have a process! I almost always start with writing the ending - I guess to assure I know where the story is going - then I fill in the blanks one scene at a time. It's weird because I'm an extremely methodical person by nature but I don't use a particular method when I write. Somehow the scenes just seem to fit after they're all written.

How do you approach cover design?

Choosing a cover design is one of the first things I do, and I have a very simple method: I use the drool factor!

I choose designs that I feel will instantly attract attention and create curiosity about what's inside the cover. Then I develop my character sketch around the image. Since I use the images on marketing materials, jaws drop and eyebrows wiggle when I pass a business card!

What motivated you to become an indie author?

Quite honestly, rejection. I queried numerous agents and publishers only to be told that although my manuscript was entertaining and well-written, I just didn't make the cut. Indie publishing was a relatively new concept when I began to research the process and I was both skeptical and scared to death.

Opportunity knocked when I stumbled onto an ad for Smashwords in Romantic Times magazine and decided to check it out.

How has Smashwords contributed to your success?

I owe my success to Smashwords because without the opportunity to utilize the service, I feel I might possibly still be waiting for a break into publication. Smashwords granted me the opportunity to control my publication process and distribute a product I felt would be entertaining to readers.

Smashwords has also granted me many marketing opportunities that allow me to reach as many readers as possible and for this, I am extremely grateful.

When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?

I don't think there's ever a time I'm not writing. Seriously, even if I don't have a pen in hand, I'm daydreaming about a hero or plotting a scene in my head. But that's the glory of writing - I'm able to work while I'm poking around antique stores and flea markets or shopping with my friends!

What is your e-reading device of choice?

I personally prefer my Kindle due to the ease of ordering ebooks - I'm an Amazon one-click addict! However, I actually spend more time reading on my smartphone because I'm always on the go. My Kindle app gets quite a workout!

I recently surveyed my Facebook friends and Street Team members and found the Kindle and/or Kindle app to be the most popular.

What do your fans mean to you?

My fans are freaking AWESOME!! This wonderful group of people took a chance on me and haven't left my side since - and for that loyalty, I can never thank them enough. The email messages and Facebook posts I read keep me focused and motivated and feed my desire to succeed!

I have a wonderful Street Team of over 100 members who give their time to help me market and promote my novels. I LOVE my fans!!

Treasure Me (Alpha Four, Book 1):

Reputable fine art broker Sophie Graystone has a knack for acquiring one-of-a-kind artifacts. A seasoned professional, she marches to the beat of her own drum and takes direction from no one.

Lt. Dagan “Rebel” Caldwell, ex-Army Ranger and investigator for Alpha Four, is driven by an iron will to succeed and is talented in the ability to convince others to conform. He soon learns that he has met his match in one certain female.

Assigned to investigate several attempted thefts of Sophie’s paintings, Rebel’s skill and talent are sorely tested when Sophie challenges him at every turn, aggravating and arousing him in the process. Desperate to get his man, Rebel uses her rebellion as a secret weapon, hoping to win her heart in the process.

Treasure Me, Alpha Four Book 1 Excerpt!

At the sound of the voice behind her, Sophie gasped and spun around, her free fist raised and ready to put up a fight, even more shocked at the sight of Rebel standing directly in her line of vision. In the heat of the moment, she wasn’t sure if it was paranoia or extreme fear – not that it mattered which one – but one or the other amped up her adrenaline and pretty much dictated her response. Without warning, her fist connected with his brick wall of a chest.

Not one word left his lips and he stood stoic, obviously not bothered in the least by her attack. Probably because her fist bounced off like a rubber ball. His lips curved into a smirk.

“Easy there, tiger.”

Ignoring his smooth, rich response and thigh-tightening smirk, she stood on her tiptoes, wrapped both hands around his equally-muscled shoulders, and shook him. Never mind that she couldn’t move the mountain in front of her.

“You scared me to death!”

With little effort, he peeled her fingers from his muscle, placed a hand to the small of her back and then led her to an annoying familiar vehicle parked at the curb; so much for avoiding a bodyguard. As if he’d done it a thousand times before, he opened the passenger door and then gestured at the seat.

“In.”

Although still somewhat shocked by the whole ordeal, she managed to find a tiny bit of resistance. She planted her feet on the curb and raised an eyebrow.

For a few seconds, they both stood stoic, engaged in a silent battle of wills. She had no idea just how stubborn he could be, but she knew her own stamina and had no intention of giving in.

“Get in the car, Sophie.”

Still, she stood immobile, her eyes narrowed, determined to wait him out. For several seconds, they simply stared at each other, gazes locked, each issuing a silent dare. Sophie didn’t care if her eyes caught fire, she would win this showdown. Finally, he released a hard breath.

“Please.”

She gave him what she intended to be a cheeky smile and entered the vehicle. He shook his head, closed the door, and then entered the driver’s side several seconds later.

“Are you always this difficult?”

“Always.”

He chuckled as he drove away from the curb and into traffic. “Where were you headed?”

“To my studio.”

“Normally, the tail needs that information.”

She shrugged. “Normally.”

“Good thing I was up early.”

“Luck.”

“You wish. I knew you wouldn’t follow instructions.”

“Really? What gave you that impression?”

“Your father didn’t tell you much about me, did he?”

“No.”

“Good thing.”

“Why?”

“If the Senator had told you even half of what he knows about me, you wouldn’t have gotten in the truck.”

She swallowed hard – not out of fear like she probably should have, but to keep the twenty or so questions from escaping out of sheer intrigue. Apparently this man had deep dark secrets – ones she wanted very much for him to expose.

“That still doesn’t explain how you claim to have known I wouldn’t follow instructions.”

He moved his head toward the rearview mirror and then turned it to the front windshield. “I was an Army Ranger, a tracker to be exact. I’m trained to read people.” He turned and grinned. “I knew what you planned before you did.”

“Is that so?”

He simply nodded without hesitation, confidence oozing from every pore in his body. Oddly, the arrogance didn’t offend her. Instead, her mouth watered and her breasts tightened to the extent that she was sure her nipples might poke a hole in her blouse. She dabbed the corners of her mouth with her tongue. No sense letting him see her slobber all over him like a rabid dog.

“Okay then, O wise one, what do you suppose I’ll do next?”

He released another of those knee-weakening smirks and suddenly she wanted to kiss it off his face. Press her lips against his and nibble her way all around them until she literally swallowed him whole. As strong as she knew this man to be, there was absolutely no doubt in her mind that his kisses would be hard and dominating. In an attempt at self-control, she folded her arms across her chest and attempted to appear smug.

In what she dubbed an I’m-so-smooth manner, he changed lanes and then parked the vehicle next to a curb. “Now you’ll go inside your studio and explain to your assistant – Robert, if I remember correctly – why Mrs. Vanderbuilt’s painting wasn’t returned to your studio last night as planned.”

She turned and glanced out the passenger window at the scripted lettering on the building there. Treasure Me. Okay so he was exactly right.

She turned and raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you coming along?”

“I was under the impression you didn’t want a bodyguard.”

“I don’t.” She reached for the door handle and pulled, annoyed when the door wouldn’t budge.

When she lifted her gaze to his and frowned, he snickered and then the click of the locks sounded in the silence.

“Five minutes,” he said.

She opened the door, stepped out and then glanced back at him. “Ten,” she said as she slammed the door on any further response.

Tame Me (Alpha Four, Book 2):

Relaxed, laid-back spa owner Kat Abbott isn't immune to confrontation - being the daughter of a federal judge has taught her not to cower in the face of challenge.

Former Army Ranger, demolitions expert, and member of Alpha Four, Jace "Chaos" Taylor has made it his life's mission to obliterate evil, despite being haunted by shadows of the past.

Thrown together by a madman's vengeance, Kat and Chaos find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Both accustomed to calling the shots, their relationship is complicated, to say the least. Yet, when evil takes the upper hand, the couple must overcome obstacles that threaten to separate them forever.

Watch Me (Alpha Four, Book 3):

Event planner Carley Kensworth lives an extremely structured lifestyle, planning each activity down to the most minute detail. Organization is the name of the game and she refuses to falter.

Sgt. Gage “Ace” Moore, ex-Army Ranger, skilled sniper, and Alpha Four investigator, thrives on living in the moment, content to tackle obstacles as they appear. Intent on untying Carley’s structured strings, he vows to show her the value of spontaneity.

Ace’s patience pays off when Carley finally agrees to break free of her protective shell and do things his way. However, when Carley’s events become victims of sabotage, both structure and spontaneity prove to be the key to saving her reputation and her life.

Humor Me (Alpha Four, Book 4):

Licensed psychologist and relationship expert, Olivia “Liv” Blackwell uses her people skills to orchestrate happily ever afters for her exclusive clients. Blessed with a natural talent for social grace, she is well-respected and successful.

Retired Army Ranger and founder of Alpha Four, Cpt. Beck “Thunder” Raines has refined the practice of law and order. Working long hours and under the radar keep him out of the public eye.

Determined to show Thunder the benefit of getting out more, Liv accepts the task of socializing the introverted soldier. Yet, when an elaborate blackmail scheme turns personal the couple learns a whole new type of social etiquette.

Alpha Four Series

Purchase Links

Treasure Me (Alpha Four, Book 1)

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/491999

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Treasure-Me-Alpha-Four-Book-ebook/dp/B00PKE094I/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1455033913&sr=8-6&keywords=mia+dymond

Apple iBooks:

https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/treasure-me-alpha-four-book-1/id939949920?mt=11

Barnes and Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/treasure-me-mia-dymond/1120728648?ean=2940046397024

Kobo:

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/treasure-me-alpha-four-book-1