{Photo attribution: By CEphoto, Uwe Aranas (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons}

I want to first thank Delilah for having me on the blog today. I’ve been a long-time fan of hers and this is a very cool experience to be here.

Now about the post. Odd title, eh? I thought it was, but I’m often asked what I’m listening to when I write. I’ve written many different stories with all sorts of themes. So do I use a particular playlist for each book? Or am I a quiet writer?

Neither. Honest.

I used to be the type of writer who needed specific songs for the story for flow. That’s still true to a degree. If I want a certain feel for the story, like tense, then I’ll pick loud music or something that makes me feel tense. If I want romance stuff, then more soft rock.

But as I said, that’s not always the case.

Sometimes I listen to a movie when I write. I can’t see the movie—usually because it’s on my laptop and the document is over top of it—but that doesn’t mean I’m not paying attention. Something about the talking and the white noise soothes me and helps me get into the zone. The Avengers, Captain America, The X-Men, The Beatles’ Help!, and the Goodbye Girl are all ones I’ve used frequently. Something about the movies makes it easier for me to write.

Then there are times when I need music. You’ll never guess the main thing I’ve been listening to lately—instrumental music. Like? Like the music played in the movies. Soundtracks. The tension, romance, action and so forth are all in those songs. I get lost in them. Another thing I love to listen to right now is instrumental big band music from the 1940’s. I guess it’s because those types of songs aren’t played now or maybe because they remind me of my grandparents. I’m not sure, but I do love them. Right now, while I type this blog post, I’m listening to old Glenn Miller songs. J

Now I have a question for you. What gets you in the mood to read? Do you have to have music while you’re reading? (I do.) Or complete silence? What are some of your favorite songs? Let me know. I’d love to chatter music with you.

Here’s a little bit about my latest release, Stealing Home.

Stealing Home by Wendi Zwaduk
Book 3 in the Complicated Series
M/F, New Adult Romance, Contemporary
Novella
From Resplendence Publishing

The last person she expected to fall for her just might be the one she’s been looking for all along.

Bliss McMahon isn’t looking for love. She’s got a degree to complete and a life she wants to live. Besides, love isn’t looking for her. The last and only time she’d tried dating, the whole situation had ended in disaster. Being twenty-one and never going beyond second base doesn’t exactly endear her to the guys, but the one guy she never expected to notice her has. Will she give him a shot or run the other way?

Evan Phillips has a way with the ladies. He can charm them just as easily as he hits homeruns, but this ballplayer has a problem. He won’t be able to pass art history without help. Enter Bliss. Sure, he’s dated her roommate, and yes, Bliss can’t stand him, but he’s not about to back down from the challenge of getting her help. She’s spunky, out of his league and just who he wants. Can the ballplayer convince Bliss he’s up for more than one inning or will she forfeit before the game begins?

He’s ready to steal home in order to win the woman of his dreams.

Warning: Contains a dangerous combination of fragile new love, bone-deep angst and desperate rivalry that will consume you with throbbing, out-of-control passion.

Available from Resplendence Publishing: https://www.resplendencepublishing.com/m8/740-978-1-60735-861-9–stealing-home-complicated-book-three-by-wendi-zwaduk.html
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stealing-Home-Complicated-Book-3-ebook/dp/B00UW1VCDQ/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1427238260&sr=8-7&keywords=stealing+home
AllRomance Ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-stealinghome-1765610-149.html

Excerpt:

©Wendi Zwaduk, 2015, All Rights Reserved

Evan steered her to the building’s courtyard. The space, filled with various plants and trees, was meant to encourage the students and to provide a welcoming place to study. With the LED lights draped from the small fruit trees and fake snow surrounding the plants, the space looked festive. The play of light and shadow set a certain mood, especially after hours of activity in the building.

He glanced over at Bliss. A smile curled on her lips.

“What’s on your mind?” Evan slowed to a leisurely pace. “You ran away from me yesterday.”

“I’ve got lots on my mind.” She sighed. “I’ve got a couple of finals coming up, I don’t have a place to stay and I refuse to take incompletes because of my living arrangements. Does that work for you?”

“Stay with me.” He’d been rash, but the answer would work. “I’m on the fourth floor, and I’ve got room. Rick’s trying to get a single.”

“I can’t. You know they won’t allow co-ed rooms. Just co-ed buildings.” She stopped. “Besides, I can’t.”

“Why? I don’t have a disease.” Evan faced her. “I’m housebroken.”

“I just… I can’t.” She closed her eyes.

“Bliss, talk to me. I’m not going to bite you or flip out.” Evan clasped both her hands and kissed her knuckles. “I’m pushing too hard, but I like you. I’m screwing everything up by coming on strong, but I don’t know how to be anything else. Come here.” He led her to one of the benches and sat her on his lap. “Talk to me.”

Bliss opened her eyes. “I’m… I don’t have a lot of experience with guys.” She tensed on his thighs. “I’ve only dated once, and it was a disaster.” She covered her face with her hands.

“Okay.” Evan rubbed her back. “Who cares? Some people don’t date much.”

“I’m a virgin,” she said around her hands.

“Cool.” He respected her conviction. He’d lost his virginity the night he turned eighteen. At the time, he’d thought he was doing the right thing. Looking back, he hadn’t meant much to the girl he’d slept with.

“Cool?” She moved her hands and stared at him. “You sound like I’m a prize to be destroyed. You want to be the guy who can claim he’s taken my virginity.” She scooted off his lap. “I don’t play that way.”

“Wait. Bliss.” He jumped from his seat. “Stop.” He grasped her hand again, keeping her from leaving the courtyard. “Listen. Do I want to date you? Yes. Sleep with you? Eventually. I’m attracted to you and want to see where things can go. Am I going to push you? No.”

“Evan.” The muscle in her jaw tensed.

He navigated through the courtyard to the gazebo set up in the middle of the area. “Sometimes, a good thing is staring right back at you.”

*~*~*~*

Here’s a little bit about me:

I’ve always dreamt of writing the stories in my head. Tall, dark, and handsome heroes are my favorites, as long as he has an independent woman keeping him in line.  I love playing with words and letting the characters run wild.

NASCAR, Ohio farmland, dirt racing, animals and second chance romance  all feature prominently in my books.  I also write under the pen name of Megan Slayer. I’m published with Totally Bound, Resplendence Publishing, Changeling Press, Liquid Silver Books, Turquoise Morning Press, Decadent Publishing and Ellora’s Cave. Come join me for this fantastic journey!

If you like my work, tell your friends and email me. I love hearing from readers!

Email: theauthorwendizwaduk (AT) gmail (DOT) com
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