Blog Tour l Interview with Judy Serrano, Author of Linked @authorjserrano

Judy Serrano holds a Master of Arts in English from Texas A&M University, Commerce. She is the owner of Make Cents Editing Service, and was an adjunct professor at a local college. Currently she teaches high school English and is a freelance writer for certain on-line publications. Judy also writes romantic suspense and paranormal romance novels. She is the author of The Easter’s Lilly Series,The Linked Series, and Ivy Vines, Visions.

Although originally from New York, Judy resides in Texas with her husband, four boys, four dogs and now two cats. She sings and plays guitar when she has time and enjoys singing with her very musical family in church when she is able.

Her latest book is the paranormal romance, LINKED.

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Title: LINKED
Author: Judy Serrano
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 265
Genre: Paranormal Romance

BOOK BLURB:

Daphne Foster is a substitute teacher stuck in an English class, waiting for that dreaded parent-teacher conference. With much preparation and anxiety, she encounters the unforgettable Charlie Cross. His charm and good looks, win her over but rumors of his involvement with organized crime make his continued disappearances disturbing. In walks Heathcliff Vanderpool, creating a love triangle of unusual sorts. Unknown to Daphne, Heathcliff and Charlie are old friends: Older than she could have imagined. With Charlie away on business, Daphne and Heathcliff discover a passion between them lying beneath the surface. As their souls link, pulling away from Charlie becomes next to impossible. Will his involvement in organized crime consume them both before she’s able to get free? When you become “linked,” the choice may not be your own.

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Thanks for this interview, Judy. Can we begin by having you tell us about yourself from a writer’s standpoint?

I am the mother of four and an English teacher. I have been married to the most romantic man in the world for 22 years, which qualifies me to write the most wonderful romance. I have been writing professionally for eight years now. My romance novels are full of suspense and excitement. I have been told that you can count on me for an unexpected ending. So far, I have written The Easter’s Lilly Series, The Linked Series, and Ivy Vines, Visions.

When not writing, what do you like to do for relaxation and/or fun? 

Writing is my relaxation and fun. I am a teacher by trade, so that is my job. Although I do love to teach, writing is my passion. Another thing I love to do is sing, write songs, and play guitar. I enjoy hanging out with my family whenever possible, and stealing a moment with a good romance novel is a guilty pleasure I enjoy.

Congratulations on your new book! Can you give us the very first page of your book so that we can get a glimpse inside?

 Linked

By Judy Serrano

Copyright 2012

Chapter 1

The blood was pulsating through my veins and when I looked down, my hands were shaking. All that schooling and relentless training still did not prepare me for what was coming next. What would I say, and how would they react? All the uncertainty was driving me mad. Sometimes I doubted my very own motives. I took this job out of necessity, not out of a passion for my craft, and with every passing day, I grew just a little more disheartened.

I am a substitute teacher and this is my very first parent-teacher conference. Sometimes the meager pay that I bring home for this incredulous journey hardly seems worth it. I earned my degree, got my certification and couldn’t find a job as a teacher. So, the principal promised me a teaching position if I would just do this one last thing… be a long-term sub for a high school English class. This has not been my finest hour. The teacher I replaced had already made a mess of things and the students were failing left and right. One of the moms called and demanded to know why her little Michael was failing. Maybe if he did his homework… is of course what I wanted to say, but now I have to face her and tell her why little Michael is my least favorite student in the class.

I got all my papers together and sat back down at my desk when Michael walked through my door. “Michael,” I started. “What are you doing here?”

Just then a very handsome man walked in behind him. He was about 5ft. 10, blond and blue-eyed, wearing faded jeans, and a button-down, powder blue sports shirt. When he smiled, my knees went weak and I’m sure my face flushed. “I’m Charles Cross,” he said, putting out his hand to shake mine. “My friends call me Charlie.” He smiled. “You look surprised. We do have an appointment today, don’t we? I hope I didn’t get the date wrong.”

“I’m sorry, I was expecting Michael’s mother,” I told him. “And yes, we have an appointment. I’m Daphne Foster.”

“She was unavailable,” he continued. “So now I guess you’re stuck with me.” He pushed Michael ahead of him so that he would move farther into the room. I’m sure my face was still red.

Would you say it’s been a rocky road for you in regards to getting your book written and published or pretty much smooth sailing?  Can you tell us about your journey? 

My journey has been a positive one. It has been rough learning how to write a query letter, a synopsis, and who to send my information to. That is probably the most difficult part of the journey. I have enjoyed using a small press and I have even published independently, but I think it is time to go down a wider road. 

Writing the book usually goes quickly, but the editing does take the longest. I usually edit at least 3 times. I highly recommend finding someone else to edit your book for you. Even though we may think it is flawless, we tend to see what we know should be there instead of what is actually on the page.

If you had to summarize your book in one sentence, what would that be? 

If you liked the Vampire Diaries, you are going to fall head-over-heels for Linked.

What makes your book stand out from the rest? 

In most vampire novels, the vampires are trying to turn humans into vampires. In Linked the vampires are trying to “link” with humans in order to share their souls and become human.

If your book was put in the holiday section of the store, what holiday would that be and why?

 Certainly, Halloween. All the spooks come out and play around in the dark.

Would you consider turning your book into a series or has that already been done? 

I have completed book two, First Blood, and will begin work on book three shortly.

What’s next for you? 

I have written a new Mafia romance and am currently searching for  a new publisher. While I wait, I am writing book seven of The Easter’s Lilly Series. My characters have not told me just yet if this will be the final book in the series. The next book in my plans is book three for Linked.

You can find more information on my books at the following locations:

Website – www.JudySerrano.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JudySerranoAuthor/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/AuthorJSerrano
Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Judy+Serrnao
Barnes and Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Judy+Serrano?_requestid=358183