Interview with Ciana Stone

Caleb's the last of the single Russell men and that's fine with him. There’s plenty of women willing to scratch his itch. Life is good, even if it is a little predictable. Every now and again he liked to just get away from it all and spend some time alone.

And that's exactly what he was doing. Camping at the lake, kayaking and enjoying the peace and quiet. Until a woman falls out of the sky, capsizes his kayak and nearly drowns him. Then his predictable life becomes anything but predictable.

The woman who drops into his life isn't like any he's ever known. Maybe because he's never known a woman who isn't from this world. And he sure hasn't ever met one that can put as much starch in his shorts as she can with just a look.

Caleb thought he was a master when it came to seduction and making love. What he's about to learn is that he's only just touched the tip of the iceberg and better grab a raft because the ice is melting fast and things are getting steamier by the moment.

Interview with Ciana Stone

Ciana Stone is a multi-talented author who also wears the well-known hat in the romance publishing industry as Syneca Featherstone, cover artist extraordinaire.

Ciana took a break from writing her hot, sexy, cowboy books to talk with me about writing erotic romance and how her books always have a twist of the paranormal in the mix . She writes very strong heroines who are more than a match to their equally strong heroes.

Sally : What inspired you to start writing?

Ciana: Boredom. No seriously. I was in a period of my life where I was a little tired of art and photography but needed a creative outlet. My honey man suggested that instead of trying to create an image that told a story, I actually write one. Once I got started was hooked.

Sally: Who would you say influenced or had the strongest impact on your life and your art?

Ciana: Again, my honey-man. He must have been a sage in another life. Or Merlin. Whatever the case, when I sit down and tell him an idea, our conversations spark new ideas that I can run with. He’s my biggest fan and harshest critic and I adore him for both. I’m not really influenced by other writers or artists. I admire what they do and love reading their books or viewing their paintings, photos and films, but don’t have any desire to imitate them. They inspire me to push myself creatively and sometimes give me a moment of “wow, I wish I’d thought of that”, but I’m pretty content learning to develop my own voice and style.

Sally: All of your books are incredible and give the reader a very satisfying adventure. If you could live in one of your books for a weekend, which one would you select? Which character would you be?

Ciana: Without hesitation, Chase’n’Ana. And I’d be Ana because she has a good attitude, enjoys life and likes to have fun. And she has this incredible friend Fergie who’s a hawk and hawks are one of my favorite creatures in the world. Not to mention the fact that she has Chase who is my favorite character – a big handsome cowboy who’s sexy as sin and knows how to laugh. Oh yeah, I think I could spend a weekend in that world.

Sally: You’ve written in other genres, but your cowboy books are gobbled up so fast that readers are always begging for more. So, what do you think makes cowboys so alluring to romance readers?

Ciana: I think maybe it’s that we see in cowboys men who are in touch with the land and nature and appreciate it. They’re men who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and know how to dig in their heels on what they believe and want from life. Typically honest and straight-forward they have a “real man” appeal. Their muscles come from hard work, their humor from being down-to-earth and their passion for life is genuine.

Also there’s the old perception or stereotype that probably still exists in many minds of that solitary cowboy, all alone on the range with only his horse and his thoughts. Sleeping under the stars with only his own voice for company. It’s a soulful image and one that makes us want to ease the aloneness.

And hey, let’s face it, there’s something about a man in worn jeans, cowboy boots and a hat who know how to sit a horse. It’s earthy, masculine and very sexy.

Sally: Well, you won’t get any argument from me. If you could meet any person, alive or dead, who would that be and why?

Ciana: Burt Reynolds. Yep. I’ve been a fan of his as long as I can remember. He’s sexy, funny, talented and has entertained me for a long time. I get the feeling that he’s a man who enjoys living and has the ability to laugh at life and not take everything too seriously. And between us, the man still has some serious sex appeal.

Sally: Thank you for taking time out of an amazingly hectic schedule to talk about your books. I’d like to leave the readers with a little inside tidbit. What’s in store for readers from Ciana Stone in 2009?

Ciana: Hopefully books that will entertain them. I have a new romantic sci-fi series that I’m excited about, Soul of V’Kar. The first book in that series An Unwanted Hunger is under contract and I’m waiting to hear about a release date.

In 2009, I have a new series coming out from Ellora’s Cave with Sahara Kelly called Sexplorations. It’s all about women, their friendships and their journey of self-discovery and sexuality. That’s been such a fun series to write and I think is something every woman can identify with.

And I have a new cowboy series planned for 2010 with some rough and rowdy renegades from the past. I’m eager to get started on that because … well, you know. I just love cowboys.

Sally: I can’t wait to read them all. I know I’ll have a fantastic reading adventure when I do. Readers can visit Ciana or her publisher

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*Article posted with permission from Romance Examiner.

Who's on Top?

Well in the Ci Section of Hussy-land, it'd be cowboys, or Native Americans. Or in a perfect world, Native American cowboys. Yeah baby! But let's simplify and say Cowboys.

And I'm not alone in my love of the Cowboy. Consider the stats, people. The PBR (Pro Bull Rider for those of you who thought I was speaking of beer) has a fan base of over 16 million people - nearly 40% of whom are women.
In 2005, the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association sanctioned 662 rodeos in 4 states and four Canadian provinces. Those rodeos paid more than $35 million in prize money. The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the PRCA's premier championship event held each December in Las Vegas, offers one of the largest purses in professional sports. In 2005, the Wrangler NFR set a record, offering $5.25 million in total prize money. And during the annual 10 day event, the Wrangler NFR draws approximately 175,000 fans.

Have I made my point? We love cowboys. We love seeing them "do their thang", cheering for them, "ooohing", "aaahing", and "oh shiting" for them as we watch.

And me? I like watching them, talking to them and writing about them. They are true romantic figures from our history that still live and walk among us. And sure, not every one of them looks like Clint Eastwood in his hay-day, but they all share something that makes them special - the cowboy heart. Ahhh, makes this gal's heart do a fast tw0-step for sure.

And it's not just in this country. Cowboys are immortalized in film and books and videos and art the world over. Don't believe me? Well check out this video from India.

Movie: Kadhalan
Actor: Prabhu Deva
Song: Muqabala Muqabala

Okay, so it's not exactly the kind of Cowboy idol we're accustomed to. More of a Spagetti western meets Gone with the Wind Costumes and sets, mixed with MC Hammer and Michael Jackson dance moves. But hey, it's got cowboys!

Before I go, let me say in closing that when it comes to being on top, I'm neutral. Top, bottom, on the side, in the saddle or on the fence. Doesn't much matter to me. We Hussies are flexible :)

Happy Sunday!!

Ci

Interview with Cole - Cowboy Sizzlin'

I was lucky to catch up with the man known as ‘Sex in Jeans’ and baby, once you read about him, you’ll know why Scout dubbed him with that title. He is definitely Hot ‘n’ the Saddle and knows how to be that tough cowboy with a gritty edge that only a woman like Scout can soften up.

After demonstrating my roping technique, I decided to tie him up and make him answer some questions with the promise I’d let him go once satisfied. (eg)

Sally: “How does it feel to be called Sex in Jeans? I love that term and Scout really had you pegged.”

Cole: “Well, sugar, a man has to feel complimented by that. I have to say I never expected it, but it definitely got my attention. I don't know if she had me pegged or not, but it didn't do my ego one bit of damage to hear it."

Sally: “Scout's abilities are very different from what you are accustomed to. What do you feel she'd be like without them?”

Cole: “Scout would be Scout no matter what - stubborn, bossy, hard-headed and sexy as hell.”

Sally: “Were you surprised how adept a tracker Scout is? And, tell me about that cave and what almost happened.”

Cole: “Truth be told, I expected Scout to be the best of the best in terms of tracking. After all, she was trained by Jed Windrider and he was a legend. I just didn't expect her to be a woman - or one that damn near set my pants on fire.

And, uh, the cave. Well, let's just say that it was another case of her setting my pants on fire and leave it at that. If I give too much away I just might find myself in the hot tub all alone.”

Sally: “Ray is such a psycho, did you have any idea what you'd be up against in tracking him?”

Cole: “Hell fire, no. But then I didn't think we're end up in some insane battle with a lunatic who'd let an old grudge fester into something evil inside him. If I'd had any idea I'd have gone armed for bear.”

Sally: “It's clear you are entranced by Scout's directness. What other things separate Scott from the other women you've known?”

Cole: “She's both real and magical if that makes sense. Real because she's not into pretense and doesn't put on airs. Magical because she sees and feels things others don't and she's more part of nature than man.”

Sally: “You're a tough guy, but the way you handled that cub showed us you're pretty tender, too. What about Scott makes you feel like this?”

Cole: “The depth of her feelings. Scout's a gal who loves clear down to her bones, with every bit of her heart. She's like one of the animals, wary and not given easy to trust, but once she does, she gives it all she has. I'd like to be the one person in the world who gives back as much as he gets. To let her know that when I say it's forever, she can count on that just as surely as sunrise.”

Sally: What's it like being with cat woman? LOL. I just couldn't resist. Seriously, though how do you cope?

Cole: “LOL. It's damn disconcerting at times, but also pretty amazing. I'm not keen on her claws, but it's an incredible feeling to curl up in front of a fire with a lioness purring against you. If you think a warm lap cat's purr can send you into relaxing, try it with a lion. And there is a lot to be said about animal passion, you know.”

Sally: “How did you gain new abilities? Do you think they were dormant and Scout just brought them out in you?”

Cole: “I don't have a clue. Maybe it's like my sister-in-law Anna says, and those abilities were always there, waiting for someone to find the on switch. I guess that's what Scout did. But then, flipping my switches and pushing my buttons is one of her talents.”

Sally: “Name one thing about Scout that you believe will never change.”

Cole: “She's never stop loving me and she'll never be civilized. Not that I'm complaining. It might be untamed, wild and unpredictable, but it's for sure that life with Scout will never be dull. And that's fine with me. Long as she still thinks I'm Sex in Jeans, I'm a happy man.”