I’m pleased to welcome author Ashley M. Burner to A Writer’s House this week. Ashley’s hot new romance, Twisted Candy, comes out Friday and I have the great privilege of kicking off her release today. After the interview, don’t miss the excerpt from this steamy, sultry novella sure to keep you turning the pages!
First, a little bit about our guest today.
Ashley M. Burner lives in the Midwest with her loving husband and two children, each supporting her Dare to Dream. She finds inspiration through everyday life including the hurdles, loves being with her family and drinking margaritas.
Ashley has suffered with migraines since the age of six-her first one exploding on the hot bus ride home from school. The idea for Twisted Candy is a spawn of her experiences
Ashley, tell us about your upcoming release, due out May 22.
Twisted Candy is about the desperation a young woman feels when doctors seem unable to help her find relief from the migraine demons. In her journey to overcome this horrible disease, Max becomes the balm for her pain and she becomes the balm for his aching heart.
The next story in this installment is called Hard Candy. It picks up from the first book with Max’s commitment to help her find a new doctor and a cure.
Sounds intriguing! Tell us more about the inspiration for this release.
Candy is part of my heart and soul. In many ways, Candy is like me. The migraines she suffers through are from my own experiences, but how she deals with them is very different.
Doctors say migraines are a closet disease. What they mean by that is sufferers don’t want to admit they have a migraine. If we admit it, to others or by taking our medications, then we admit migraines are real. I know, it sounds silly. But if I have a migraine, I think it is a sign of weakness. I’m not weak and I don’t want others to see me as weak.
The purpose of Twisted Candy is to paint a picture of the extremes we are willing to go through to find relief. And for non-sufferers, you need to know the intensity of our pain. We don’t need pity, only empathy.
Having suffered a few migraines myself in the past, I can’t imagine feeling that way on a regular basis. Did anything in particular stump you about this current book? How did you overcome it?
Migraines are a pain even I have difficulty admitting. I can tell you that sometimes the pain feels like Babe Ruth must be using my head for batting practice and won’t stop for hours, but that is just one of the types of pain I feel. My editor, Matt Dale, played a big part in pulling the intense details out of me because even in writing about migraines, I found it hard to admit Candy was suffering.
What shares your time when you’re not writing?
I live and breathe for my family. I have two children, they both participate in high school sports so this spring has been a tough one with many nights going from a 4:30 game to a 7 pm game and not getting back home until 9:30 or later. It’s rough when you also have full time job. But I wouldn’t have missed a game for anything.
I’m sure your kids appreciate your support! Speaking of children…what would your 12-year-old self think about where you are now?
She would be amazed. My younger self always loved to write but she truly thought only rich, educated people could ever become published authors.
I think she’d also be very proud of what you’ve accomplished. We shared a cabin at a writer’s retreat (such a great weekend!) and you’ve done so much. Tell us five fun facts people wouldn’t guess about you.
- I am U.S. Army Veteran.
- I’m psychic when something will change my life.
- I have ghosts.
- I played softball on a team for the first time in 2011.
- I blush at the mention of anything sexual, even pictures of half-naked men on Facebook has me turning 50 Shades of Red.
How interesting! And a huge thank you for your military service. I’ll bet you can find some great stories in there to keep the readers coming back for more. What books keep you coming back for more? What books sit on your keeper shelf? You know, those books you’ll read over and over again?
The Shack by William P. Young
Empathy and Desolate by Ker Dukey
The Cotillion Ball Series by Becky Lower
Children of the Light Series by Donna Porter
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Shadow Falls Series by C.C. Hunter
The Arcana Chronicles by Kresley Cole
Razorland Series by Ann Aguirre
Great books, Ashley. And a very eclectic collection. It definitely reflects your personality.
I want to thank you for sharing your release with all of us today. I’ve already read Twisted Candy and want to say Max is a new addition to my book-boyfriend list. Very yummy indeed. To tempt our readers, keep reading for an excerpt from Ashley’s release. Also, be sure and visit her at www.daretodreampress.com for more information about her writing and pre-order links for Twisted Candy. Now, for the promised excerpt from Twisted Candy.
“No one can understand how your migraines affect you, especially when you don’t confide in us completely.”
“My first doctor asked me why I made such a big deal about a headache that only lasted twenty minutes, even if did occur two or three times a day for months. So forgive me if I’m not so trusting.” She tapped the heels of her boots against the table.
Look up. Feast your eyes on my sweetness.
He lay his pen down against the pad and looked up. His eyes nearly bulged out of his head while his mouth fell open. Licking his lips, he didn’t take his eyes off the treasure before him.
His chest rose and fell with heavy breaths that matched her own. If only she could see his dick hardening with desire. With hands on both her knees, she slowly slid the flowing skirt toward her waist. His gazed followed the path of each inch of skin her fingers touched until they lingered above her hairless folds of skin.
Then he closed his eyes and shook his head.
No! No! No!
Her window of opportunity would close if she didn’t do something about it. Moving quickly in front of him, she straddled his legs, placed a foot on the arm of his chair and hiked her skirt back up. She arched her back to open herself up more to him. Being this close to her wet, sweet scented pussy should drive him insane.
He uncrossed his legs then with eyes still closed, his hand moved to her cowgirl boot resting on the chair arm. The rough sound of hand meeting leather caused her legs to tremble with anticipation. When his hand reached the top and touched her bare skin, a sigh escaped her lips.
His eyes shot open. Gently, but with force, he pushed her away from him. “Candy, you can’t do this.”
“No one will ever know,” she pouted.
“I will know.” He frowned, then stood and walked to the other side of his desk. “If you don’t stop misbehaving I won’t be able to keep you as a patient.”