Guest - Jody Vitek

Hi Jody, so glad you stopped by for a visit today.

Thank you for having me as your guest blogger, “Enjoying the Unique Favors of Life.” I hope readers enjoy learning a little more about my writing and me.

1. Tell us a little about your writing style?

I’m unsure of how to answer this one. If you’re looking for how my books are written, I don’t know as if I’ve established a style yet. I’d like to think I have a humor mixed in with the seriousness of the story line and the growth of the characters. Personally, I must have peace and quiet when I write. Sometimes if I’m struggling with a scene, I may find music to help me along. Toni Braxton helped write a few scenes of Florida Heat.

2. Why this story and not a different one?

This story came to me on a trip and when I started writing and working on it, I dreamt about the story. It was on my mind all the time. I had been writing another story but Florida Heat hit the center of my writer’s heart, and the other story was put away. I ate, slept and talked Florida Heat 24/7. I couldn’t let go of the story, knowing this book was meant to be told. The road to getting this book published was a long and hard one. There were many times I thought of walking away from writing altogether but couldn’t because the story was beating that strong in my heart. Having other writers to support you along the way, helps too.

3. What drew you to these characters?

Maggie has had a tough road to recovery and finding love. Her ex-husband is the cause behind the scar she sees every day when she looks in the mirror. I wanted to write about how she moved on. In my first drafts of Florida Heat she was very bitter, angry, short tempered and not a likeable character. With rewrites, she grew and I came to better understand her.

Trent—a cowboy originally from Colorado—owns a horse ranch in Florida and races powerboats. Need I say more as to what drew me in? Seriously, the offshore powerboat racing is what started the whole premise of Florida Heat. The rest of Trent’s character grew from there. He was a weak character in the beginning, but like Maggie, grew with rewrites. Many rewrites.

4. Tell us a little about your next story idea?

Rescue Me is my current work in progress. It takes place in Minnesota, north of the Twin Cities on neighboring farms. Catherine is a veterinarian who has taken on rescuing horses, along with other animals, and is in need of a new location for her horses. Contacting and paying her Great Aunt a visit, she is granted the use of the barn on her Great Aunts farm. When the Great Aunt dies, her Will leaves Catherine shocked and with choices to make. Catherine won’t have to make the choices alone, when the neighboring farmer and ex-boyfriend are involved. I’ve written a very rough draft of Rescue Me and am excited to polish the story for publisher submission.

5. At the end of the day, what is your favorite thing to do to relax?

I unwind in several ways depending on what’s going on around me. Television is always on at night in my house and I have a few shows I’m huge fans of—Survivor, CSI, Big Brother and America’s Next Top Model. I live for those and sometimes enjoy a glass of wine while watching. I have three kids who are active and I find it relaxing to watch them participate in their sporting events—soccer and swimming. Sometimes, once in bed, I’ll pick up a book and read.

Please feel free to ask any other question(s) you’d like. As a thank you for visiting me today at Tina Gayle’s blog, I will be giving away a small gift of scented items, which are tied to the story, to one lucky random person who leaves a comment.

All commenter’s from stops on my Goddess Fish tour will also be entered into an overall commenter drawing. This gift includes a CD, again tied to the book, with scented items.

If any visitors today would like a bookmark, they can email info@jodyvitek.com with their mailing information.

BLURB:

Scarred by her ordeal, Maggie Carlisle leaves her ex-husband’s drug life back in Texas. A man from her past seeks revenge, just as she meets and falls in love with Trent Randall.

Trent Randall, owner of a horse ranch and powerboat driver, loses focus of his life when Maggie shows up. After an accident, he wonders if she's worth the danger. However, his heart leads the way when he finds out she’s in trouble.

First Kiss

Trent strolled around the counter and closed in on her. Her stomach flipped. His slate eyes had a hint of blue shining through.

Maggie stepped back from his looming figure. He was too close. Her voice quavered. “I’m alone because I want to be...and I’m okay with it.”

“Are you afraid of me, Maggie?” He teased as he moved closer to her body.

“No,” she squeaked and ran out of counter space.

“Why do you avoid me?” He backed her up against the wall, his hands around her waist, trapping her.

“I don’t avoid you.” Not about to show her unease with his close proximity, she mustered a firmer voice. “I’m putting a little space between us.” Quickly she added, “At least I was trying to.” Her face felt warm, and a hot wave swept through her belly.

“Why do you need to put space between us? I’m male, you’re female, and we’re attracted to one another.” He smiled suggestively.

“Speak for yourself.” She strained to say it firmly, only to fail.

Her knees weakened when her eyes made contact with his dark smoldering eyes. She bit her lip and averted her eyes from his. “I think...” Her gaze went back to him. “It’s late, and I need to get to work.”

“I hope you’ll think again about coming to my party,” he whispered as he leaned close into her ear.

Her eyes closed, betraying her, at his slow and delicate delivery of his soft warm lips on hers.

This sound greats.

Remember you can find Jody at http://jodyvitek.com/

Also purchase her books at:  http://www.melange-books.com/authors/jodyvitek/floridaheat.html

Or http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008P8KG62

For a better chance to win follow Jody's tour and leave comments.

The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/07/virtual-book-tour-florida-heat-by-jody.html

Thanks Jody for stopping by,

Tina