Tag Archives: DVStone

Happy Birthday to ROCK HOUSE GRILL by D.V.Stone

My wonderful and talented Wild Rose Press sistah, D.V. Stone, stopped by the other day so we could celebrate the 1 year anniversary, or as we writers say our BOOK BIRTHDAY, of her novel ROCK HOUSE GRILL. D.V. was all faklempt – and so was I – when she told me about her road to the book’s publication. I think you’ll enjoy the story, too, so here’s D.V…..

I can’t believe it’s been a year already since publication. The road to get there was filled with potholes and detours. Rock House Grill started out as a NaNoWriMo challenge in November of 2015. The challenge is 50,000 words in 30 days. I was able to complete the first draft and received my certificate. Then, like many manuscripts, it was set aside while I finished other projects. I had a couple of independents in the hopper and focused on those.

Fast forward to 2019. I pulled up some old files, and there sat Rock House waving at me. “Hey, remember me?” I did, and with fresh eyes, began to revisit. I’d always dreamed of becoming a traditionally published author. To be able to say, my publishing house—my editor. I began to send out query letters. Let’s just say most places don’t even send a response, much less express an interest.

I sent several letters out in May. Word of warning. Be careful to look things over before you hit send. In horror, I realized the salutation in the email to The Wild Rose Press had another’s name on it. Panic ensued, and a new email went out. “Wild Rose Press. I know you’re The Wild Rose Press!”

Well, I blew that one. Wait. Not necessarily. A few days before my birthday, there was a ding in my inbox. Please send… OMG! Then came the next. Please send the full manuscript. After a couple of starts, stops, and a change in editors, this came on Jul 13, 2017.

Dear Donna,

My name is ELF and I am the editor who has been assigned to evaluate your story, “The Rock House Grill,” for The Wild Rose Press

Poor ELF didn’t know what she was getting into. At one point, she had to use tough love and warn me I had one more chance.

So here we are in 2021. You do the math. Publishing for me is not a straight road. I imagine for many, it’s a long pothole-filled one. But don’t give up. Even when you send the wrong email.

Rock House Grill and I are celebrating our first birthday together. Coming soon is the second Impact book Jazz House. Who knows when that book birthday will be. But I’m sure it will be as sweet as this one. You want to know why? Just like having more than one child, holding each of your subsequent books is an amazing feeling.

My final word to you? Go forth and be bold. Don’t let fear or worry hold you back. I promise it’s worth it.

Rock House Grill

One man’s choices—One woman’s impact

Winner NNLights Book Heaven 1st place Sweet Romance

Author Shout Out Recommended Read 2020

Aden House, successful but driven chef and TV personality, refuses to slow down. His life implodes one night, damaging him both physically and emotionally. He’s rescued by a woman he thinks of as his angel.

Shay McDowell has rebuilt her life after her divorce. She juggles volunteer EMT duties and her job, while dreaming of becoming a chef. She finds her way to Rock House Grill and back into the life of the man she helped save.

Can love be the ingredient needed to survive the many obstacles they face?

Reviews

This engrossing story had it all, mystery, suspense, and romance. The twists and turns made it impossible to put down. I enjoyed the supporting characters as well. I will be looking for more from this talented storyteller.

This book is a delightful, savory, hopeful, fun, romantic, and warmhearted read!!

I really enjoyed this romantic suspense. The author portrayed a vivid description of the glamorous world of the high-end restaurant business. The characters were believable, and I rooted for Shay, the heroine, to overcome the many obstacles in her quest to find true love with Aden, the physically and emotionally damaged hero.

Excerpt

“Easy, you’re going to be okay.” A soft voice eased through the chaos around him.

The owner of the voice grabbed his arms and held them in a firm but gentle grip. “I’m right here with you. You are not alone.”

“Can hardly m-move.” His voice slurred. “C-can’t see anything.”

“You’ve been in an accident. I’m an EMT with the ambulance squad,” the velvety voice calmly explained. “You can’t see well because we’re under a tarp. Hold still, okay?”

“‘K.” A small light flickered at the edge of his vision. It shone into a bag next to him. Penlight.

“You’re restrained to a board. It’s to keep your head from moving and causing more injury.” She continued to talk to him.

The voice reached down somewhere inside him, calming and peaceful, so he focused on it. A glow from spotlights on the outside lit whatever covered them. The shadow gave the woman the appearance of a halo—like an angel.

About the Author

Hi, my name is D. V. Stone. I am a multi-genre author of two independently published books. Felice, Shield-Mates of Dar is a fantasy romance. Agent Sam Carter and the Mystery at Branch Lake is a mid-grade paranormal. Recently, Rock House Grill was released by Wild Rose Press. Rainbow Sprinkles, a novella released on July 8th. I also host Welcome to the Campfire and A Peek Through the Window, both weekly blogs. Here’s a little more about me.

Born in Brooklyn, D.V. Stone has moved around a bit and even lived for a time on a dairy farm in Minnesota before moving back east. Throughout her wandering, she always considered herself a Jersey Girl. She met and married the love of her life, Pete—a lifelong Jersey Man, and moved this time to Sussex County.  They live with Hali, a mixed breed from the local shelter, and their cat Baby.

D.V.’s career path varied from working with the disabled to become a volunteer EMT, which in turn led to working in hospital emergency rooms and then in a women’s state prison. After a few years, she took a break from medicine and became the owner of Heavenly Brew, a specialty coffee shop in Sparta, NJ, and a small restaurant in Lafayette. Life handed some setbacks. She ended up back in the medical field, but this time in a veterinary emergency hospital. 

“Thank you for taking the time to read about me. Each time you open the pages to one of my books, I hope you’ll be swept away by the story and find encouragement in your own life, never to give up on hope.”

D.V. Stone

Buy Links

Amazon          Barnes & Noble         iBook’s      Google Books       Kobo

Find out more about D. V.

Website         Facebook      Twitter          Instagram

Pinterest        Bookbub       Goodreads    Newsletter

Welcome to the Campfire Blog     Amazon Author Page

One-stop link https://linktr.ee/d.v.stone

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SIlver Dagger Tour for ROCK HOUSE GRILL by D.V.Stone #booktour #rafflecopter

 

My WIld Rose Press sistah, D.V.Stone is on a huge book tour for her novel ROCK HOUSE GRILL ~ The Impact Series, and today she’s joining me. We’re talking about every little thing, including the book!

 

Aden House, successful but driven chef and TV personality, refuses to slow down. His life implodes one night, damaging him both physically and emotionally. He’s rescued by a woman he thinks of as his angel.
Shay McDowell has rebuilt her life after her divorce. She juggles volunteer EMT duties and her job, while dreaming of becoming a chef. She finds her way to Rock House Grill and back into the life of the man she helped save.
Can love be the ingredient needed to survive the many obstacles they face?

Book Trailer:

https://youtu.be/pzSAPGLf_Ls

 

Aden scratched his head. The woman could climb into a shredded car and deal with lives in the balance. Hard to believe the thought of cooking a piece of chicken made her melt down.

His angel was close to the edge of breaking down. The teacher in Aden took over. “Of course you can.

You’ve helped with the basic menu for weeks now.”

“I know, but…”

“No buts. Eli and the line-cooks have already begun. My people know their jobs.”

“You’ve got this, Shay.” Gloria sidled up next to her. The smaller woman smiled, and shoulder bumped her. “And chica, we’ve got you.”

Shay released a ragged breath and turned to the staff.

All the kitchen workers were smiling and nodding with encouragement.

“Okay, let’s do this.”

Aden scratched his head. The woman could climb into a shredded car and deal with lives in the balance. Hard to believe the thought of cooking a piece of chicken made her melt down.

Add to Goodreads

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo

$10 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://www.silverdaggertours.com/sdsxx-tours/rock-house-grill-book-tour-and-giveaway

 

What are your top 10 favorite books/authors? 

Wow, that’s a tough question. My reading is quite varied, depending on my mood. And this isn’t in any particular order just as they come to me. They also encompass books I fondly remember from my childhood up.

Black Beauty, Heidi, Misty of Chincoteague

Thea Harrison, CL Wilson, Jan Karon, JRR Tolkein, C.S. Lewis

The Hiding Place, Hinds Feet On High Places

That was easier than I thought. I didn’t even get to Stephen King, Michael Crichton, Francine Rivers.

Pretty eclectic, huh?

Do you see writing as a career? 

Absolutely! This is my next stage in life. I’ve been so many things and had so many jobs. But writing is the place where I’ve found my creative outlet. I’ve tried painting, sketching, music, jewelry making, and photography. I still enjoy these things, but writing is my passion. I’ve even come to enjoy the editing process. When retirement rolls around next year, I hope to finish all the works I have in progress. To continue with creating new stories. I have a very active imagination.

A day in the life of the author? 

Right now, I’m on a hamster wheel. The country band Alabama has a song that goes.

I’m in a hurry to get things done
Oh I rush and rush until life’s no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I’m in a hurry and don’t know why.

It seems to be my life these days. After returning to work from Covid furlough, my hours changed. I used to have the whole morning to write before heading off to work. But now I only have a short time in the morning and then off to my full-time job in a medical office. I get home around 7ish and try to wrap up anything that needs to be done. In addition to my writing and marketing, I also do two blogs a week on my website. Welcome To The Campfire is on Saturdays, and A Peek Through The Window is on Wednesday. I love talking to other authors and highlighting their books. Also, on the 1st of the month, my newsletter goes out. In addition to sharing about my life, I also review books I’ve enjoyed throughout the month and what’s on my TBR (to be read) pile. I just exhausted myself writing that.

Describe your writing style. 

Life is hard. I’m sure many of you agree. That said, my writing style can take serious situations, maybe inject a little humor, always hope. My stories are about family, and not only blood relations but the larger family of friends. I write what could be called sweet or clean. All sex is behind closed doors, but intimacy is there. I try not to curse in my real life and my writing reflects that. I want my readers to walk away fulfilled, and thoughtful.

What is your writing Kryptonite?

Research. I tend to follow the rabbit trails and get lost in whatever I’m interested in. One website leads to the next, and before you know it, hours have passed. Social media is also a significant time drain.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

Despite Rock House Grill being first drafted in thirty days, I’m not a fast author. I have no idea how some can put out multiple books a year. 2020 was a big year for me. I had both Rock House Grill and Rainbow Sprinkles release and, hopefully, my second Agent Carter book by the end of the year. But both RS and AC are short. RHG took several years from writing to publication.

Born in Brooklyn, D.V. Stone has moved around a bit and even lived for a time on a dairy farm in Minnesota before moving back east. Throughout her wandering, she always considered herself a Jersey Girl. She met and married the love of her life, Pete–a lifelong Jersey Man, and moved this time to Sussex County. They live with Hali, a mixed breed from the local shelter and their cat Baby.

D.V.’s career path varied from working with the disabled to become a volunteer EMT, which in turn led to working in hospital emergency rooms and then in a women’s state prison. After a few years, she took a break from medicine and became the owner of Heavenly Brew, a specialty coffee shop in Sparta NJ, and a small restaurant in Lafayette. Life handed some setbacks, and she ended up back in the medical field, but this time in a veterinary emergency hospital.

During the poor economy, she was laid-off from a long-time position she cared about. Devastated, D.V. wondered what to do with her life. Finding comfort in her love of reading, she realized it was now time to follow her dream of writing. It’s been a long road but worth every minute of it. Now a published author, she also works in a people medical office again.

“Thank you for taking the time to read about me. Each time you open the pages to one of my books, I hope you’ll be swept away by the story and find encouragement in your own life, never to give up on hope.”

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon *

 

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An #interview with #WildRosePress #author D.V.Stone

It’s no secret I love to interview my fellow writers. And for some reason, my Wild Rose Press Authors have been some of the BEST interviews I’ve done. Today is no exception. Today I introduce to you ( if you don’t already know her!) D.V.Stone. She was a real trouper and answered all my weird questions!! She’s got a new book coming out on April 6 – check out this great cover:

And now, meet My friend, D.V. Stone:

D.V., the author….

  1. What drives you to write?

There’s always been this creative muse inside me. I’ve tried my hand at painting, sketching, jewelry making, music etc. But for some reason it wasn’t until I was older that duh writing was the thing, I’d spent my life looking for.

  1. What genre(s) of Romance do your write, and why?

My first manuscripts were fantasy. I now consider myself a multi-genre author. I read all types of books. Why should I limit what I write?

  1. What genre(s) of Romance do you read, and why?

See above. I started out in the long-ago past with the bodice busters. I love so many different types. My kindle is like my music quiet eclectic. I will admit though, at this time I tend to lean toward paranormal romance. Ask me tomorrow and you might get a different answer.

  1. What’s your writing schedule? Do you write everyday?

I try to write every day. I do have a full-time job so sometimes I can’t. But, that said, I don’t go a day without being in a manuscript to pull out something for a writing prompt on Twitter or Instagram. I work in the afternoons, so after the first cup of coffee I start and go until I have to leave.

  1. Give us a glimpse of the surroundings where you write. Separate room? In the kitchen? At the dining room table?

Depending on my mood and the weather, I can be found in my library, on my deck, in the kitchen or if I’m feeling the need for a change of pace my camper. I travel with my laptop which we call The Football, so when I have appointments like getting my car serviced I pull it out and tinker with something. Sometimes the change of location helps, and I love the outdoors.

  1. Are you the kind of writer who needs total quiet to compose, or are you able to filter out the typical sounds of the day and use your tunnel-vision?

I’m hearing impaired. The loss of hearing makes me the best at tuning noise out. Silver lining.

  1. Do you listen to music while you write, and if so, what kind? If not, why not?

I often listen to music and it depends on my book. Rock House Grill is based on mostly classic rock. Jazz House the next book will encompass many different types of Jazz. I’m a big fan of jazz, swing, blues. If fantasy is on the monitor my go to is Celtic.

  1. How did you come up with the plotline/idea for your current WIP?

I’m super competitive even with myself. I heard there was a challenge called NaNoWriMo. 50,000 words in the 30 days of November. How do you accomplish that? I wrote what I knew. As a former EMT and restaurant owner, I have a lot of stories.

  1. Which comes first for you – character or plot? And why?

They sort of develop together. Something will strike me. Often a picture or a lyric. Then I ask, “what if.” It kind of runs from there. Throughout the writing things often change, straying from the original idea. Even though, something sparks. I recently signed another contract with Wild Rose Press for a short story for their summer anthology One Scoop or Two. I had a name rolling around my head, Gloriana. I started the story based on her name.

10. What 3 words describe you, the writer? Stubborn, committed, enthusiastic.

D.V., the gal….

~ Tell us one unusual thing about yourself – not related to writing! I got engaged in prison.

~ Who was your first love and what age were you? Shaun Cassidy. And a lady never reveals her age. (Peggy here: Girl. I knew I liked you. His pretty face was plastered all over my wall ***** years ago. Hee hee)

~ If you could relive one day, which one would it be? Think GROUNDHOG DAY, the movie for this one – you’ll have to live it over and over and…. I don’t think I’d want to. Each day is a revelation of itself. I think life would lose much if we got a do over

~ What’s one thing you love about your significant other? LOL! My husband is sitting in my library on the loveseat with my dog as I’m writing this. I turned to look at him and read him the question. Then I looked at the dog and said, “she’s really cute.” He laughed. He gets me.

~ If you had to give up one necessary-can’t-live-without-it item, what would it be? My house. I would live in my RV. No, regrets.

~ What three words describe you, the person? Competitive, Impulsive, Empathetic.

~ If you could sing a song with Jimmy Fallon, what would it be? It’s a Beautiful World. (Sometimes it’s hard to see and remember that.)

~ If you could hang out with any literary character from any book penned at any time line, who would it by, why, and what would you do together? Hermione Granger. I think JK Rowling should bring her back as headmistress of Hogwarts. We would pull all kinds of things out of her bottomless bag and make magical spells.

I love the Actor’s Studio show on Bravo, so this is my version of it:

Favorite sound:  A baby’s hysterical laugh

Least favorite sound :Alarm clock

Best song every written : Simple Man

Worst song ever written : Baby Shark song. I have grands who torture me with it

Favorite actor and actress :Hard one. Today it’s Sean Connery/ Lucille Ball

Who would you want to be for 1 day and why? (It can be anyone living or dead) ;JRR Tolkien. I want to see how his mind worked

What turns you on? ;Kindness

What turns you off? :Rudeness

Give me the worst 5 words ever heard on a first date (here’s mine: “Is that your real hair?”): This is absolutely true. I was on a double date—first and last. The couple in the back seat were making out, I’ll stop right there, there was a lot going on. This guy reaches over for me and said, “Man does not live by bread alone.” Okay, its 7 words, but really? (Peggy here: you can have those 2 extra words because this, right here? It’s perfect!)

What’s your version of a perfect day? : Camping with my family. The Firepit is lit. There’s something good bubbling away in the Dutch oven. A glass of wine and some great music playing

 And now, here’s a little sumthin’ sumthin’ from ROCK HOUSE GRILL

 

 

One man’s choices—One woman’s impact

Aden House, successful but driven chef and TV personality, refuses to slow down. His life implodes one night, damaging him both physically and emotionally. He’s rescued by a woman he thinks of as his angel.

Shay McDowell has rebuilt her life after her divorce. She juggles volunteer EMT duties and her job, while dreaming of becoming a chef. She finds her way to Rock House Grill and back into the life of the man she helped save.

Can love be the ingredient needed to survive the many obstacles they face?

Excerpt

“Easy, you’re going to be okay.” A soft voice eased through the chaos around him. The owner of the voice grabbed his arms and held them in a firm but gentle grip. “I’m right here with you. You are not alone.” “Can hardly m-move.” His voice slurred. “C-can’t see anything.” “You’ve been in an accident. I’m an EMT with the ambulance squad,” the velvety voice calmly explained. “You can’t see well because we’re under a tarp. Hold still, okay?” “‘K.” A small light flickered at the edge of his vision. It shone into a bag next to him. Penlight. “You’re restrained to a board. It’s to keep your head from moving and causing more injury.” She continued to talk to him. The voice reached down somewhere inside him, calming and peaceful, so he focused on it. A glow from spotlights on the outside lit whatever covered them. The shadow gave the woman the appearance of a halo—like an angel.

Get your copy here:

Amazon          Barnes & Noble

 

A little more about D.V….

“Hi, my name is D. V. Stone. Rock House Grill, a contemporary romance, is scheduled for release by Wild Rose Press. I host Welcome to the Campfire, a weekly blog. I am also a multi-genre author of two independently published books. Felice, Shield-Mates of Dar is a fantasy romance. Agent Sam Carter and the Mystery at Branch Lake is a mid-grade paranormal. Here’s a little more about me.

Born in Brooklyn, D.V. Stone has moved around a bit and even lived for a time on a dairy farm in Minnesota before moving back east. Throughout her wandering, she always considered herself a Jersey Girl. She met and married the love of her life, Pete—a lifelong Jersey Man, and moved this time to Sussex County.  They adopted Hali, a mixed breed from the local shelter, who is still working things out with their cat Baby.

D.V.’s career path varied from working with the disabled to become a volunteer EMT, which in turn led to working in hospital emergency rooms and then in a women’s state prison. After a few years, she took a break from medicine and became the owner of Heavenly Brew, a specialty coffee shop in Sparta NJ, and a small restaurant in Lafayette. Life handed some setbacks, and she ended up back in the medical field, but this time in a veterinary emergency hospital.

During the poor economy, she was laid–off from a long-time position she cared about. Devastated, D.V. wondered what to do with her life. Finding comfort in her love of reading, she realized it was now time to follow her dream of writing. It’s been a long road but worth every minute of it. Now a published author, she also works in a people medical office again.

“Thank you for taking the time to read about me. Each time you open the pages to one of my books, I hope you’ll be swept away by the story and find encouragement in your own life, never to give up on hope.”

D.V. Stone

Find out more about D. V.

Website         Facebook       Twitter       Instagram

Pinterest        Bookbub       Goodreads    Newsletter

Welcome to the Campfire Blog     Amazon Author Page

 

 

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