It's the First Dellani's Tea Time of 2022!

 

It's a New Year! Let's fill it with warmth and happiness for all! As we often do, Christina and I will be talking amongst ourselves – and we've got a lot to say! As authors, we sometimes get caught up in the dream of getting our work published, but we don't always consider how to get from Point A – writing the novel, to Point B – publishing and selling our work.

For the first show of 2022, Christina & I plan to give some helpful advice, as well as dispelling some of the myths of becoming a published author. Be sure to join us.

Christina Giguere writes under the name Rachel Rueben and is the author of Hag, a YA novel. She's also written a romantic suspense called Fedelta, and is working on the next exciting book in that series, Fedelta 2. She's got a lot to say on how authors can promote themselves, and some of the pitfalls even experienced authors face.

Dellani Oakes is the author of 15 published works. She prefers romance & romantic suspense, but has toyed with fantasies, mysteries and thrillers. She's been the host of Dellani's Tea Time and What's Write for Me since 2009, and also has a lot to say about writing, publishing and general nonsense.

Join us live, or listen at your leisure Monday, January 10 from 4-6 PM EST

Red River Radio Presents What's Write for Me with Connie, Elaine and Jo

Join Us TODAY at 4:00 PM Eastern time (3 Central, 2 Mountain, 1 Pacific) on Red River Radio.

Can you believe Thanksgiving is upon us? Take a break from holiday preparation, and listen while Christina and Dellani meet and greet their three lovely and talented guests.

First up, alphabetically speaking, is Connie Mayo, author of The Island of Worthy Boys. This is her first time on the show, and we are so delighted! Welcome, Connie.

Second, is Elaine Dodge, author of Harcourt's Mountain, Bloody Parchment: Blue Honey, and short story, The Man with a House on His Back. This is also her Red River debut. Welcome, Elaine! So happy to have you here.

Third, only because of her initial, is Jo Ivester, author of Outskirts of Hope. Jo is also visiting for the fist time. We're so pleased to have her here, too. Welcome, Jo!

The holiday scramble is just around the corner, and books make lovely gifts for the readers on your gift lists. Pop into the chat room and say hello to your favorite author, or make new friends.

Happy Thanksgiving! Catch Us Live or Listen at Your Convenience

Red River Radio Presents Dellani's Tea Time with Aleigha, Andy and William

Monday, April 10 from 4-6 pm Eastern, on Dellani's Tea Time, Dellani and Christina will chat with three fascinating authors. 

They will welcome back a favorite guest, political thriller author, William Beck - Crosscurrents, Solemn Vow, Red 7 among others.

Also along for the ride, Aleigha Siron, author of the historical romance, Finding My Highlander

Last, but by no means least, dark fantasy author, Andy Peloquin - Blade of the Destroyer, Child of the Night Guild, Gateway to the Past and others.

Join in live or listen later at your convenience.

Meet Cullen Fellowes

Have you ever met a person who has boundless energy, is full of joy, compassion and talks non-stop? Meet Cullen Fellowes. I introduced him in a book called The Best Medicine (not yet published). He was meant to be a minor character who comes in, meets his brother's girlfriend and then takes a back seat.

There is only one thing Cullen likes to do in the back seat, and that's—sing. You thought I was going to say something else, didn't you? Well, he probably does that too. He's handsome, charming, disarming—and a rock star. He will hit on every woman he meets, because that's just the way he is. He'd probably be shocked if they all said yes, though enough of them do that he's always got companionship. I can't really describe Cullen effectively. He's like no other character I've ever met.

The non-authors out there will think I'm crazy, I know my husband does. I tell him that characters introduce themselves, start talking, develop personalities and take over the scene. This is Cullen to the hilt. He has no off switch, says whatever he thinks, comes in like a hurricane – then he hops up on stage and starts singing. I fell in love with Cullen when I first met him, and every time I encounter him, I fall for him again. Because of his dynamic personality, I've used him in a variety of books since introducing him in The Best Medicine. I offered to write his story, but he doesn't want that. He'd rather give glimpses into his life through his encounters with others. One day, he might settle down, but for now, he's Cullen the Rock Star—handsome, charming, single – with no off switch.

Below is the scene that started it all. Morgan and Tanya are both doctors and work at the same hospital. When she collapses from exhaustion one day in the doctor's lounge, Morgan comes to her rescue. He invites her to dinner that same night, and introduces her to Cullen.

The band took a short break and came out onto the deck for a smoke. The singer walked over and sat down in front of them. Cullen Fellowes was tall and dark haired like his brother, but his eyes held a wariness she didn't see in Morgan's. He smiled warmly, snagged a home fry off his brother's plate and ordered a beer with a toss of his head at the bar. Molly brought over a draft beer, checked their rum runners and went back to the bar.

"Hi," he said quietly, holding out his hand. "I'm Cullen."

"I'm Tanya," she replied, wiping her hand on her napkin before shaking his hand. "You guys are good," she said between bites. "I like the intricacies of your music and the diametric styles you've brought together. It really works. Not what I normally listen to, but I'd buy an album." She grinned at his surprised expression.

"Morph, who is this amazing woman and why is she with you and not me?"

"Because I saw her first, baby bro. Besides, you're too young for her."

"Speak for yourself, I like older women! They have more class and you can have an educated conversation with them. I always thought Vanessa was damn hot...."

A look from Morgan quelled him.

"Excuse me," Tanya said irritably. "I am here, you know, and semi-involved in this conversation. I think you need to know we just met and I'm not dating your brother. It's a friendly dinner between colleagues. As to my age, you've no idea how old I am, so could we drop that part of the conversation?"

The men looked at one another sheepishly. Morgan frowned, tight lipped at his younger brother. He shook his head slightly and went back to his meal.

"Morgan is reminding me to use my manners," Cullen replied sullenly. "He's always telling me I'll be the only rock star who never gets laid because I keep putting my foot in my mouth."

Morgan cleared his throat pointedly. Cullen looked at him again and dropped his eyes to the table, his ears and neck reddening.

"I'm sorry, I did it again. Perhaps I should just go back on stage. I don't make quite so big an ass of myself there." He rose to leave.

"It's okay," Tanya said. "I've been feeling rather like the whole family is traipsing around like the Lord of the Dance and I'm the one person in the audience who doesn't know Michael Flatley."

Cullen laughed, throwing his head back as he threw himself back into the chair. "Oh, God, Morgan! Where did you find this woman and can I possibly steal her from you? Jesus, she's refreshing! You two really must have just met if you don't know about Vanessa."

"Cullen, why don't you go back on stage?" Morgan's voice held an edge. He was getting angry with his brother.

"God, Morgan, calm down, would you? Can't I even say her name without you having a shit fit?" His voice became taunting like a little child. "Vanessa, Vanessa, Vanessa."

"Cullen," it was Molly this time. "Your break's over, go back on stage. The band's waiting."

"Join us in a set, Morph?" Cullen hardly seemed to realize he'd nearly caused World War III.

"Not tonight, Cull. I've got to see the lady home soon. She's had a long day."

"K. Nice to meet you, Tanya."

He kissed her hand and left for the stage, hopping up as the band began their introduction. He slid to a halt in the middle of the stage and grabbed the microphone, singing without missing a beat.

So far, Cullen has made an appearance in 15 of my books. He's been mentioned in 6. Maybe one day he'll want his story to be told, but until then, I'll leave you with this quote, which Cullen told me: “You don't need to tell my story, babe. It will just make all the women wet and all the men jealous.”

© 2017 Dellani Oakes

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Matilda Dulac, Mining Guild Captain and Wife of The Lone Wolf

How do you learn best?

I learn best by seeing and doing. That's the way my dad taught me to mine and the way I do everything now.

How open are you to new ideas and information?

Life is about learning. If I don't learn, I stagnate. I'm open to new ideas, but often want proof that they're valid before I adopt them. Assimilating new information is part of my job description, because I have to have a quick mind and good memory.

When you walk into a room, what do you notice first?

I look around for familiar faces. Essentially, I'm shy in social situations. Professionally, I'm very confident. In a social situation, when I get in a group with people I don't know very well, I'm just as likely to end up by myself in a corner someplace. In a professional capacity, I walk in and take command. That's my job and I'd better act like I know what the hell I'm doing, or I've lost control before I start.

Is one sense more highly developed than another?

My hearing. I'm not sure why, but I can hear higher frequencies than most other people. My father says it would come in handy for mining Trimagnite, but no daughter of his is going to get into that life. I also seem to have perfect pitch. Not that I can sing a perfect 'C' or anything, but I can tell when an instrument isn't properly tuned or someone is singing off key. Which is ironic, because Wil is tone deaf.

Do you usually notice problems around you?

It depends on what the problems are, I think. I have to admit, I'm not always the most observant person around. I do notice big things, but little squabbles, inconsistencies, probably not. If I see a problem, I deal with it.

Would you say you're an optimist or a pessimist?

I'm decidedly an optimist. However, you can't live around Wil without developing some cynicism. He can be a serious pessimist, though he'll deny it. I have to keep it light or he'll bring me down.

Are you more interested in the past, the future or living in the now?

All three are connected, don't you think? I wouldn't be the person I am without my past. I can't look toward the future without living through the now. We shape our future by who we were and who we are now.

How do you decide if you can trust someone?

I go on instinct and feelings. Wil tells me that's the worst thing to do, but it's worked for me so far. I may not be as paranoid and discerning as he is, but I'm pretty damn accurate. Of course, I've trusted some people that he thought I was flat crazy at the time. When it turns out I was right, he's such a baby! I believe I'm accurate because I've got strong, but untrained, telepathic abilities. I can read people without realizing I'm doing it.

Are you a deliberate, careful speaker or do you talk without thinking first?

I tend to blurt things out without thinking. I'll never be one for subtlety and nuance, like Wil, but I'm working on it.

© 2017 Dellani Oakes

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Manuel Enriques, Confidential Aid to Governor Ferdinand Deza of St. Augustine

What is your story?

My story is still being written, but a portion of it is chronicled in Indian Summer by Dellani Oakes.

Who are you? Where do you live?

My name is Manuel Enriques and I am confidential aid to Governor Ferdinand Deza. I live in the beautiful town of St. Augustine in the Florida territory.

Are you the hero of your own story?

What is a hero? A man who does what he must to protect that which he holds dear. I am such a man. If that makes me a hero, then I accept this role gladly.

What is your problem in the story?

The problem is that there is a pesky British spy wandering around causing trouble. The beast is wily and sly, but I'll catch him, have no doubt.

Do you embrace conflict?

Conflict is in many forms. If it is in the form of a beautiful woman, I embrace and make love to it. If it is in the form of this annoying little fly speck of a spy, then I spit on it and grind it to dust beneath my heel.

Do you run from conflict?

Never! Face conflict proudly and fight it to the death.

How do you see yourself?

In my life, I have done many bad things. However, I am trying to change to be worthy of my darling Gabriella.

How do your friends see you?

I haven't many friends, but those are very close. They see me as strong, intelligent, passionate with women, stubborn and capable. How do you see me, cariña?

How do your enemies see you?

My enemies never see me. They are dead long before that. If by chance they do catch a glimpse, it is as of the face of death.

How does the author see you?

Ah, my beautiful Dellani. If it were not for Gabriella, such stories we would write together! She sees me as romantic, passionate, handsome, slightly dangerous, and very well appointed.

Well appointed?

You will have to read my tale to find out what I mean by that.

What do you think of yourself?

I am not a modest man, but even I do not like to brag. I am all that is said of me and more.

Do you have a hero?

Yes, my blood brother, Sailfish of the River People. He is the greatest warrior I know and even more brave than I.

What are your achievements? Do you talk about them?

That is perhaps not a question I should answer here, eh, cariña? As I said, I am not one to brag. What I have achieved is a matter of history. There are things I have done that I would rather forget.

But why? Surely your accomplishments are wide ranging and very nearly stuff of legend.

Not all legends have a happy ending. Some things are better left unsaid.

Do you have any special strengths?

I am swift, strong, I speak many languages fluently. I can track prey like an Indian and shoot a bow as well as a gun.

What do you want?

I want to marry Gabriella more than anything in the world. Well, there is perhaps one thing I want more than that, but it's not polite to discuss.

What do you want to be?

I am what I want to be. An honorable man who loves a beautiful woman. One day I shall also be a father, that is my greatest ambition.

What do you believe?

I believe in God and my strength and abilities.

What makes you happy?

Would you like to me say something poetic like a beautiful sunset or the seagulls above the water? I am not poetic man. What makes me happy is very simple, my love for Gabriella. It drives me, moves me to be the best I may be.

What, if anything, haunts you?

In a soldiers life, are there not many things to haunt him? What haunts me, cariña, is better left forgotten.

Do you keep your promises?

Always. It is a point of honor.

Are you honorable?

As much as I am able to be given circumstances.

That sounds like a very cagey answer.

And it is the only one you shall get.

Do you have any distinguishing marks?

Oh, yes. I am very well appointed.

You would love for me to ask what that means, wouldn't you?

No, I would like you to read the book and find out.

Have you ever killed anyone?

I was a soldier, of course I have killed. And nearly been killed more than once.

Was there a major turning point in your life?

The day I realized how much I love Gabriella. She was a mere child and came to the fort to ask her father to help her find a stray cat she had been feeding. I thought if she could have such love for a scrawny stray, perhaps she could have love in her heart for me. I found the cat and returned it to her the same day.

If you were stranded on a desert island, would you rather be stranded with, a man or a woman?

Can you really see me happily stranded with a man? I'll only go if Gabriella does.

How do you envision your future?

Happily married to my beloved.

© 2017 Dellani Oakes

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Gabriella Deza from Indian Summer

Who are you and where and when do you live?

I am Gabriella Deza, youngest daughter of Florida Territorial Governor Ferdinand Deza. I live in the village of St. Augustine, Florida Territory. The year is 1739.

What is your story?

I haven't much of one yet, I'm only just 15, but what there is of it, is told in Indian Summer.

Are you the hero of your own story?

Me a hero? Heavens, no. That would be Manuel Enriques, my father's aid du camp and the love of my life.

What is your problem in the story?

Quite by chance, I found out a terrible secret. A British spy is trying to overthrow my father, capture the fort and take over the town.

Do you embrace conflict or do you run from it?

I've never wanted to embrace conflict, but one must face it bravely. Troubles are sent by God to test us. Am I going to argue with Him? I never run when I can fight.

How does the author see you? Do you think she portrayed you accurately?

Headstrong, demure, capable, passionate, honest, loving. I am these things and ever so much more. Dellani Oakes portrayed me very well. She seems to have seen into my heart with great alacrity.

Do you have any special strengths?

My faith in God is my greatest strength. My faith has seen me through very trying times. I would not be the woman I am without it.

Do you have any special weaknesses?

My passion for Manuel is nearly my undoing. All he need do is look at me and I go weak in the knees.

What do you need most in life?

I need the wretched spy disposed of so that our town will be saved and I may marry the man I love.

What do you want to be?

I want to be a wife and mother, what greater purpose is there for a woman save to go into holy orders?

What do you believe?

I believe in God and I believe in the love of Manuel and my family. I also believe in my own abilities to cope with any situation life presents.

What do you regret?

That I with all my education, I never learned how to shoot a pistol. I'll see to that soon, provided I live through this mess.

Has anyone ever betrayed you?

Yes, the man who spies on us, using our friendship against us. He betrays me, my family and my home. I hope I have a hand in bringing him to justice.

Have you ever failed anyone?

I hope not. I will only have failed them if I do not find the spy and send him to God early for judgment.

What was your childhood like?

Delightful in so many ways, but also sad because we lost Mama when I was five and Grandmama not long after. However, Papa and his new wife, Clara, have provided a loving home for the four of us. My older sisters, little brother and I have lived in relative comfort our entire lives.

Do you like remembering your childhood?

Oh, yes, very much. I have wonderful memories of my childhood.

Who was your first love?

My first and only love is Manuel. I never realized how much he loves me nor I him, until he declared his love for me on my birthday. He is the most magnificent man alive and I love him more than my own life.

What is your most prized possession? Why?

My peso necklace, because Manuel gave it to me. Though my parents gave me pearls for my birthday, the peso shows Manuel's love for me. He can't ask me to marry him yet, it wouldn't be proper, but that shows each of us our promise to wed.

What is your favorite scent? Why?

Sandalwood., because that is the scent of Manuel's soap.

What is your favorite color? Why?

Apple green, because it was Mama's favorite as well, and I am most like her of all three of us girls.

What is your favorite music?

The flamenco I danced with Manuel.

What is your favorite item of clothing? Why?

The apple green dress I wore to my party. It is the first dress I wore that showed everyone I am now a woman. And because Manuel and I danced the entire night together when I wore it.

If you were stranded on a desert island, would you rather be stranded with, a man or a woman?

Do not think badly of me of saying this, but I would want to be stranded only with Manuel. I can think of no one else with whom I have enough in common to spend any period of time. Only if we were married, of course. Anything else would be scandalous.

How do you envision your future?

I see my future happily married to Manuel, having his children and loving him for the rest of my life.

© 2017 Dellani Oakes

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Wilhelm VanLipsig, the Lone Wolf

What is your story?

What makes you think there is one?

Who are you?

Colonel Wilhelm VanLipsig, Galactic Marines, retired

Where do you live?

On my ship, the Loup Garou.

Are you the hero of your own story?

I'm the hero of every story.

What is your problem in the story?

Some pscyho son-of-a-bitch wants me dead and then he wants to take over the universe. The usual.

Do you have a problem the wasn’t mentioned in the story?

Yeah, I'm 86 years old, look like I'm 26 and I've been changed so much by the Marine doctors, I don't think I'm even quite human anymore.

Do you embrace conflict?

I embrace and make love to conflict. Or I face it, look it in the eye and roar until it backs the hell down.

How do you see yourself?

I am death, pure and simple. If you see me coming, then you've got about 10 seconds to say your prayers.

How do your friends see you?

I don't really have any friends.

How do your enemies see you?

My enemies don't see me. I kill them before they know I'm there.

How does the author see you? Do you think she portrayed you accurately?

The author thinks I'm dead sexy, smoking hot, jacked and dangerously seductive. She's not wrong.

Do you have a goal?

Get the other bastards before they get me.

What are your achievements?

I'm not really allowed to talk about that. It's classified.

Do you talk about your achievements?

Never. First thing you learn in the Corps—loose lips get you killed. The only people who know what I've done are the others who were there with me, most of them are dead.

Do you have any special strengths?

My battle plans have made the textbooks. One general said, "VanLipsig's battle plans are a Symphony of Destruction with each movement bathed in the blood of the enemy."

Do you have any special weaknesses?

I can't carry a tune.

Do you have any skills?

That's classified.

What do you want to be?

I am what I am, what more is there?

What do you believe?

I believe in honor and I adhere to it.

What do you regret?

I regret the fact that I wasn't there for all the people who needed me.

What, if anything, haunts you?

The faces of everyone I've ever had to kill.

Are you lucky?

For now. Eventually that luck will play out.

Has anyone ever betrayed you?

Yeah. And I killed her for it.

Have you ever betrayed anyone?

Never. That would be dishonorable.

Do you keep your promises?

I don't make promises.

Are you honorable?

It's the core of who I am.

Do you have any distinguishing marks?

My left eye is a cyber eye and I have a deep scar on my left cheek. I also wear an eyepatch.

What was your childhood like?

My father was a sadistic bastard who beat me for every possible infringement of his authority. Eventually, I opposed him in everything, because I refused to believe he could ever be right.

Did anything newsworthy happen on the day you were born?

According to my old man, hell opened its doors and spit me forth. When I was young, that hurt me. Now, I suspect it was true.

Did you get along with your parents?

I cared about my mother, she was a great lady. I hope I see my old man in hell. I have every belief that neither of us will make it to heaven.

What is the most important thing that ever happened to you?

That's a tough one. Probably the most important thing was when the Marine doctors did their enhancements. It certainly changed my entire life forever.

Was there ever a defining moment of your life?

Meeting Matilda. She has made me become the man I wanted to be and couldn't seem to find on my own.

What is your most closely guarded secret?

If I told you, it wouldn't be a secret now, would it? Telling secrets gets you killed.

Do you have any hobbies?

Does sex count?

What is your favorite color?

I don't have one. It never seemed very important.

What is your favorite food?

I'll eat anything but Mango Macaroni Surprise. The surprise is that it's completely inedible.

What is your favorite beverage?

Morwellian Brandy because it's the only thing that can give me a buzz.

What is your favorite music?

"The 1812 Overture" because it reminds me of a simpler time.

What is your favorite item of clothing?

I don't really care what I wear as long as it doesn't bind in the crotch or itch. But I always have my gunbelt, even if I'm naked.

Name five items in your purse, briefcase, or pockets.

Pocket humidor full of cheroots, lighter and my gun. I don't carry anything else. Too much stuff slows you down and can identify you when you're dead.

If you were stranded on a desert island, would you rather be stranded with, a man or a woman?

What the hell good would another man on an island be? A woman, preferably a brunette with lots of stamina and a killer figure. It would be nice if she was intelligent too, but that's not a requirement.

How do you envision your future?

I try not to. Life is the here and now.

© 2017 Dellani Oakes

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Red River Radio Presents What's Write for Me with Gail and Jim

On the last show of 2016, Dellani and Christina welcome back one author and greet a new one.

Though it's been awhile, we are pleased to welcome back Gail Cavanaugh, author of Beyond My Imagination: How Music Changes Our Lives and Retailer's Guide to Merchant Services: From Storefront to Internet. Gail was one of Dellani's first guests and it's great to have her on again.

New to the show is Jim Hughes, author of the self-help marriage guide, C Through Marriage. Welcome to the show, Jim.

The show airs TODAY, December 28 at 4 PM Eastern time (3 Central, 2 Mountain, 1 Pacific.)

Be sure to join us live for fun and laughs, or listen to the podcast at your leisure.