Sunday, August 18, 2013

Contest Today! Win a copy of Rob Colton's 'The Ranch Foreman'.

I want to welcome Rob Colton to my blog. I subjected him to another one of my odd interviews--so much fun, lol. We get a peek at his new eBook, The Ranch Foreman … and there’s a contest for one commenter to win a copy!
 



Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?

I don’t really see much point in making the bed. I hate getting up in the morning. I kinda just yank the covers back when I get up…

What are you wearing? (You gotta tell the truth now! *smirks*)

Oh man. As I type this, I am currently wearing a plain white T-shirt and green boxer shorts.

So, I know you’re recently married (congrats!!) but have been your partner for a long time. Does he help you with your writing processes at all?

He doesn’t really help directly. Sometimes he throws out ideas, but he generally just lets me do my thing. But knowing that he supports me and is proud of me helps immensely.

Do you have any writing rituals?

Not really. I’m kind of all over the place. The way I have things set up, I can write from anywhere: the PC at my desk, my laptop, or even my iPad.

What do you do if you get writer’s block? Does any other media help you, like music or TV, as inspiration or distraction?

Usually I have to get up from my computer and take a break. Sometimes I walk around while running things around my head, or maybe I’ll crawl into bed, get under the covers and let my mind wander.

Where did you get the inspiration for this book? Imagination or something from real life?

To be honest, I got the inspiration from a picture of a burly cowboy holding his hat in a very strategic position. That provided the initial inspiration for the character of Baxter and from that point, I worked out the plot of the story in my head.

If your book were made into a movie, who would you picture playing the leads?

Wow, this is a tough one! But such a good question. I think someone like Ryan Kwanten would be a good Matty. He’s at that stage where he is growing out of his ‘twinkness’ like Matty. Baxter is a lot harder for me to choose. If I had to narrow it down, I would pick someone like Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

What’s been the biggest challenge with publishing so far for you?

I think the biggest challenge has been overcoming my fears and diving in head first. I’ve had a lot of support along the way, from both my fans and from fellow authors who’ve been down the same road as me.

Big question, since you have legions of fans of all your stories … what’s next?

I’ve submitted a second book to Dreamspinner Press, a paranormal romance. It is scheduled to release in February/March of 2014.

I also have “The Cassini Mission” (the follow-up to “The Degan Incident”) coming to GayAuthors.org’s premium site, to be followed by an ebook and paperback release.

And one more about you … tube socks, ankle socks, or no socks at all?

I prefer to go barefoot with no socks, but when I have to wear them, I choose ankle socks.


LOL! Thanks for putting up with another of my wacky interviews and visiting my blog! Now that we’ve gotten to know more about you, and your eBook, it’s time to share a little bit extra and… tell everyone about your contest!
 
First, the contest. Leave Rob a comment and your email ... and your entered to win! It's that easy! We'll have his post up today and tomorrow, and the winner will be announced on Tuesday the 20th.

 

Synopsis:

When Madison “Matty” Ward finds himself out of work and without a place to live, his cousin comes through with a job on the Gates cattle ranch. Despite not knowing anything about herding cattle or taking care of horses, Matty does his best to impress the older hunky foreman, Baxter Hollingsworth. Baxter is drawn to the new young hand, but he’s deeply closeted, and after an openly gay veterinarian shows he’s interested in Matty, Baxter’s repressed feelings lead to an explosive encounter. Baxter then withdraws—leaving Matty feeling angry and used—until an accident forces him to confront his fears.

Buy Links:


 

Excerpt:

As soon as Brian parked his truck, Matty got out and looked around at what would be his new home.

The air was crisp and clean, and the stars sparkled bright in the clear night sky. It was so quiet that it was a little disconcerting. But there was something about the peacefulness that appealed to Matty.

A pair of shepherd dogs ran through the yard, playfully chasing each other. Matty stopped and watched them for a moment until they ran far enough away that their bodies melded with the darkness.

Floodlights lit up the area where Brian had parked the truck, alongside several other vehicles to the side of a long two-story structure. A golden glow beckoned him toward the homey front porch where comfortable chairs and rockers sat. Matty could easily imagine himself sitting for a spell to enjoy the clean country air. In addition to the long house, there was a big two-story farmhouse with a big wraparound porch, where he assumed the owners lived. The horse stable was a large red barn, and past that was a big equipment shed. Farther back on the property, Matty could see the window lights of what looked like a small log cabin.

Matty smelled what he assumed was the cattle in the distance, though he couldn’t really see them in the dark.

“This is the bunkhouse,” Brian said, tipping his chin toward the long building. “That’s where I stay. You’ll get your own room there, too.”

“Hello!”

Matty turned toward the sound of a woman’s voice. A man and a woman were standing on the big house’s porch, waiting for the two cousins. They looked to be in their sixties, and Matty assumed they were the ranch’s owners, the Gateses. The woman had friendly eyes and was all smiles as she waved. She wore very little makeup, but every strand of her graying hair was set perfectly in place. Mrs. Gates’s grandmotherly appearance immediately put Matty at ease, and he smiled and waved back.

Her husband stood at her side, his arm wrapped around her shoulders. His square jaw and dimpled chin were dusted with a salt-and-pepper five-o’clock shadow that gave him a rugged look. Despite the hard-looking face, the older cowboy wore a welcoming expression. As Matty and Brian approached, he pulled his hat off, exposing thinning hair that matched the coloring of his stubble.

“C’mon, cuz,” Brian said, slapping Matty on the back. “Let me introduce you.” He led Matty to the porch. “Fred and Ethel Gates, this is my cousin, Madison Ward. He goes by Matty.”

Matty smiled to himself. Fred and Ethel. How cute.

“I’m Matt,” Matty corrected. “It’s nice to meet you, sir, ma’am. Thank you so much for the opportunity.” Matty shook both of their hands.

“Aw, now don’t you worry about that, Matty,” Ethel said. “Why don’t you come on inside and I’ll fix you a snack? You must be famished after that bus ride.”

“I don’t want to put you to any trouble,” Matty said, glancing toward Brian.

Fred chuckled. “Matty, son, you don’t want to start your time here by turning down Miss Ethel.”

Matty widened his eyes. “I didn’t mean any disrespect, sir.”

Ethel shot her husband a look. “Hush, you.” She linked her arm around Matty’s and escorted him inside.

Matty cleared his throat and smiled at the woman. “I still want to thank you for giving me the opportunity. I promise I won’t let you down.”

She waved her free hand, dismissing Matty’s words. “You’re family. That’s what we do.”

 

Author Links:




Okay, don’t forget to leave a comment with your email to be entered for a chance to win!

 


38 comments:

  1. Can't wait to read this and any other new story from Rob. Was a fan from Lit and just..(clears throat)..stalked him to his other sites. And I am sooo excited to hear there is going to be a continuation for Degan Incident. Seriously!!

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  2. yay we get this story and more yay..
    I'm so excited I cannot wait I love all of Rob's work.

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  3. I got so excited I forgot to leave my email

    Stonekayla49@yahoo.com

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  4. I just finished The degan incident awesome story so I know this will be just as great.

    toshikamoore@gmail.com

    Cia your amazing there's always something interesting on your site.

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    1. Thanks Tasha! I try to vary my content. Some months I succeed, some ... not so much. August is a good month. :)

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  5. I look forward to reading this. I love Rob's stories. I also like a hot cowboy!
    shhp61@aol.com

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  6. Big fan of Rob's work, great interview. Thanks!

    kinsman.sam at gmail.com

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  7. I love all of your stories and I can hardly wait until the next one comes out.

    petite_laydi19@yahoo.com

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  8. Rob i love all your stories. Your talent is amazing and i cannot wait to start on the next degan story ( am waiting for jed and that's stories also ). Congrats on the publishing of the ranch foreman. You are so good you deserve all the success in the world.
    My email is boodooder420@gmail.com

    Cia you and rob are in my top five of authors and blows i follow on a daily basis. I am currently rereading the price of honor on gay authors and precolici is one of my all time favorites. Love the experiment series also and your Wednesday briefs make my week so much better. Love your work.
    between reading and reading again your work that of Rob the work of nighttempest nomoretears00 and avampwriter i am able to loose myself and make it thru another week. Thank you all
    Wayne

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  9. I hate T 9 it should read Trey's not that's and blogs not blows. I am pretty i don't gotta be smart. Lmao
    Wayne

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    1. LOL! We won't judge Wayne, even if you use loose for lose too! :P However... if you're gonna claim pretty, we might need you to back that up. You know. Visual proof, and all that. *cough, cough* hee hee

      I'm go glad you enjoy my stories! I haven't been great about updating this year but I am trying to keep at least one thing coming every week for my readers, even if it's only 1k worth. There are a ton of great authors online I enjoy (Did you know M's The Harvest will be coming out in a series of published eBooks too? *so happy for that*). Cringing a little that you're reading The Price of Honor. One of these days I won't be so lazy, and I'll actually edit that story; it was the first one I wrote and it is full of mistakes. Ah well, at least it's a good benchmark so see how far I've come, lol.

      Rob's also one of my 'read and re-read' authors. I was really happy to get him to post on GA finally, and see all his success moving forward into publishing as well!

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    2. It is painfully obvious that if i ever get the courage to actually publish one of the stories i have running around in my head i will need a team of editors to proof read for me. But that is a big IF. Lol. All my work ends up sounding to sweet and flowery. But I can still dream. As for cringing don't. The story is amazing and I am honored that you shared it with the world. Thank you for the gift.

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    3. I will tell you what I tell all the authors contemplating posting and are leery for one reason or the other. DO IT! Seriously! Look at my writing in The Degan Incident. I had no idea how to punctuate dialogue, I used stilted language and fancy words when simple ones would work, head hopped, did a ton of telling and not showing ... and yet I get told all the time that people still like the story.

      You can read all the writing rule websites and tips you want, but everyone I've talked to and worked with as authors agrees that you learn best by doing. Typos can be spellchecked, rough pacing and sentences can be smoothed out; if you have stories to be told, tell them! So many of the authors I know that started out posting for free have moved into eBooks, like Rob, MA Church, Julie Hayes, Chris Kat, Libby Drew, Andrew Q. Gordon, Sara Alva ... and I could go on and on.

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  10. The Ranch Foreman has been at the top of the best seller's list on All Romance eBooks for the last few days, and it just popped up in their Sunday edition as a popular eBook on that site this week too!

    Woo hoo!

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  11. I was so excited to see Rob's book published! I have been a big fan of his for a while now. I am really looking forward to the next part in the Timber Pack story line. Congrats on the book and getting married!
    HarmonySollock@gmail.com

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  12. i'm so happy Rob decided to give publishing a chance. i've been a fan since The Degan Incident.
    i can't wait to to read more of Rob's publish work and the sequel to Timber Pack Chronicle. keep up the good work.

    email: jam-jam@hotmail.com

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  13. I was sooooo happy when I saw that Rob was getting published. I've loved his stuff ever since I first tripped over him on Lit 3 or 4 years ago.
    Congrats Rob, you really deserve it.

    Kathy C
    katcleve25@gmail.com

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  14. If I win Robs book I can take it off my amazon wishlist. :)

    loriwarwick220@yahoo.com

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  15. Hi Rob!

    So nice to meet you! I've heard so much about you, I almost feel like I know you! Your book sounds awesome, and I'd love to read it!

    Also, I'd love to torture you at my blog, er, I mean have you guest, of course. Yes, that's what I meant. Totally. *hides evil grin*

    shelley_runyon@yahoo.com

    Julie

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  16. I have loved all of your stories and can't wait to read The Ranch Foreman....

    jmnutmeg@yahoo.com

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  17. Love all your stories.....I even go back and re-read them!!

    Lisa
    ababygirl2u@hotmail.com

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  18. Love your stories!! Keep up the good work :)
    Danielle
    dandatins at yahoo.com

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  19. I absolutely love all of your stories. I followed you on Lit, then moved to Tumblr to keep track of you... then to GA. I can't wait to read Ranch Foreman and am totally geeked about the follow-up story to The Degan Incident! I've been hoping that you would take us back there!!!!

    naughtycouture@yahoo.com

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  20. I love your stories and have read the over and over. I look forward to reading more of your work. Good Luck with your books.
    sstrode at scrtc dot com

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  21. Rob, I have read everything I can of yours over and over. I couldn't even guess how many times I've read Big Ben :) I find myself checking your blog daily. I can't wait to read The Ranch Foreman and the news about The Cassini Mission has my mind wondering in so many directions. Keep up the fantastic work. Congrats on all fabulous changes life has brought you in the passed year. It's so very well deserved.

    jadelilac651@hotmail.com

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  22. Really really love your stories...one of my favorite authors. hoping there will a paper back of the other stories so I can read it without using any computer/cp/tablets ect... Keep up and hoping more stories in the future... Thanks very much.

    maria_lhaine@yahoo.com

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  23. I'm so happy for you and the new book. I've read your stories since they first appeared on lit. I check your blog daily to hopefully see news on any of my favorite stories,especially Timber Pack and can't wait for Jed and his story.
    fzygregg456@gmail.com

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  24. I can't wait to read this book and the next one, "Cassini Mission" sounds good. My email is Buni.69@hotmail.com.

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  25. Am I too late ? I had trouble yesterday to post here.. I don't know how many times I have read Robs stories :) I can't wait to read the new story on GA !

    kvackelina@hotmail.se

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    1. Nope! The contest runs through today so you can still be entered today! :D

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  26. I don't think I can win the contest because I live at the other side of the earth. But I really want to thank Rob for his heart warming stories, his stories give me hope through tough times and ease my pain whenever I read his romantic hand craft. Thank you so much, and please write more. You're my hero.

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    1. Rob is offering a copy of The Ranch Foreman via eBook, so that is easily sent anywhere in the world via email. :) If you share yours, you can still be entered!

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  27. Hi Cia, Rob! Great Interview! I always like reading about the life of authors. It helps seeing them as friends. Thanks Cia and Rob!!

    ~Rush~
    taina1959 at yahoo dot com

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  28. I'm so excited for this new book. I've probably read all of your stories more than 20 times each (Davis brothers is my fav). Congrats on all your current and future sucess. Oralfixation.1@gmail.com

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  29. Love all your work. Can't wait for a sequel to Timber Pack... Keep up the good work. My email is jimmy@coasterboys.com

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  30. Love all your stories!!! Beautifully written, well executed. Bravo! :D
    the.spreading.sars.virus@gmx.com

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  31. Thanks for participating everyone.

    I really appreciate all of your support!

    Thanks!
    Rob Colton

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  32. I just finished the Degan Incident and became an absolute fan. I can't wait to read more. You have a wonderful writing style that captivates your audience.I'm so glad there will be a sequel. Keep up the good work and keep 'em coming.


    frutie_city@yahoo.com

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