When my daughter drew the name “John Peters” out of the hat for my e-reader giveaway, I wondered: Could it be THAT John Peters? The one I’ve known for years on Zoetrope.com? The HORROR writer John Peters a.k.a. JP2? Surely not. I mean, really, my old horror writing pals seldom show their faces on my blog now that I’ve gone over to the romance side of things. But could it be? I decided to ask. Sure enough, he responded that it really was him, and I was thrilled. Enough to question him a bit about what he’s been up to recently.

MGF: So congratulations, John. Now you can never say I never gave you anything. It’s always nice to run into one of my Horror Library pals on my website, but it doesn’t happen that often. Tell the truth…are you a closet romance fan?

JP2: The truth? Ah, well, I suppose I have to say I am. I’ve read quite a bit of Nora Roberts — yes, I know, that’s a little like claiming to be a big horror fan because you’ve read some Stephen King — but I’ve read other romance work, too, some from obscure writers, some from more well-known ones.

In truth I’m just a fan of good story-telling, smart and slick writing, and genre isn’t as big a concern for me. And I’ve found some really good writing and story telling among romance works.

MGF: You’ve written some pretty horrific stuff in the past. “The Mattress” in Horror Library Volume 1 is the one which immediately springs to my mind, of course, since I also had a story in that anthology. And of course, there’s “Patron Saint” from July 2011 Spinetinglers. What are you working on now?

JP2: I have a story called “A Mother’s Love” being published by Blood Bound Books in the Night Terrors 2 anthology (due out Dec. 29). That’s a story I really enjoyed writing. As a parent, I found that one more horrific than either “The Mattress” or “Patron Saint.” If your readers are really interested in taking a look at that one, I’ll have detailed information on how to get a copy on my Website as soon as the anthology is published.

I’ve also got a novel I’ve more or less wrapped up called “The Return.” I told my wife one day that I’ve been reading enough romance, it’s time to write one! As you can imagine, that turned out to be more of a daunting task than I realized it would be, and before I was done the work had strayed into the realm of horror, and murder mystery a bit (I was reading a lot of Robert Parker when I was writing “The Return”), but I really think there’s a little romance in it. Now, if only I can find someone willing to publish the darn thing!

MGF: Okay, so if we see you in the airport with your new Kindle Touch, should we assume you are reading a novel by:
a. Stephen King
b. Diana Gabaldon
c. Yours truly 😉
d. Seriously? None of the above!

JP2: Ah, come on….YOURS TRULY…who else? But just on the off chance I’m done reading all your work….who knows?

MGF: Any last words? (Not literally. It’s Christmas Eve and we’ve both got better stuff to do, though!)

JP2: Well, I would be a real heel if I didn’t say thanks for the Kindle, Michelle. I am really looking forward to using it, and I appreciate you running the contest and sending out the prize. It’s been good reconnecting with you.

And to you, your family, and all your readers, Merry Christmas!

Right back at you, John! And to everyone who’s helped make the Christmas season on my blog so special (my Rose is a Rose guests, those who’ve left comments and encouragement, entrants in the Winter Solstice giveaway, and anyone who’s read either of my books), thank you and Merry Christmas!

I have so much to report this morning, and I really want to get to my Rosy guest. First off, I forgot to tell you all that I had an interview up yesterday on Autumn Piper’s blog Piper Patter. It’s all about Christmas and a lot of fun. Second of all, I tracked down the winner of my e-reader, John Peters, and sure enough, he’s an old e-friend of mine. We met years ago at an online writing site called Zoetrope (which I highly recommend to any writers). Check back tomorrow for more information about John, what he writes, and what he plans to read on his new Kindle!

But for now, help me welcome my guest Rebecca Rose. (Side note: Doesn’t she have the best name for my rose garden?) Rebecca is the author of DIVINE REDEMPTION, another of Lyrical Press’s Christmas Bash offerings and available for 30 percent off right now

BREATHE: Do you feel your character names are influenced by the theme of your story? Why or why not?

REBECCA: Oh, totally! If you have a kick butt character you can’t name them Sally. LOL In Divine Redemption, my heroine is very soft spoken. She can’t help it, it’s the way her voice is. So, I searched for a name I thought would fit my character best. That’s how she became Jacqueline. 🙂

BREATHE: If you wrote in another genre, would it affect the names you picked for your characters? Why do you think this is?

REBECCA: Absolutely. I’ve always wanted to write mysteries but after a good go at it, realized I suck doing them. I believe names need to be an extension of your characters and only, when done right and mentioned in your piece why, should they not fit your hero/heroine.

BREATHE: What is your favorite character name—either your own or somebody else’s? Why do you like this name?

REBECCA: Sophia! It’s such a beautiful name and it’s very versatile. It’s strong, yet sweet.

BREATHE: Do you feel a character’s name affects the way you write him or her?

REBECCA: Yes. I’ve written whole novels and then went back and changed the names because they didn’t fit. Or, if I’ve tried to build the character’s personality around the name. Sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn’t. Depends whether or not my character agrees. 🙂

BREATHE: Are there any names you absolutely will not use for a character?

REBECCA: Hhhmmm… Off the top of my head, I can’t think of any. There are so many different personalities out there to write about and names to describe them. So, I guess there’s nothing off limits.

Excerpt:
“Hey, Donald, I need that expense report. Where are you?”

“Under the desk.” Since Donald started working for the Allens, he’d learned a valuable lesson in patience. Not touching Jacqueline was the hardest thing he’d ever done.

“You know, Donald, there’s talk that you’re the most eligible bachelor in town.”

Donald craned his head to look at her. “That’s my chair you’re sitting in.”

“Yes, but I like the view of your behind.”

He wiggled it for her and she laughed.

“Donald, what are you looking for?”

“I dropped my paperclips.”

His dry response had another giggle coming from her.

“You’re too cute.”

“I’m not trying to be cute. This job really sucks sometimes, you know.”

“But you’re so good at it.” She rubbed her foot along his bottom, then attempted to go between his legs but Donald closed them.

“We talked about this, Jacqueline.” He turned and placed a hand on each of her knees.

“I’m only flirting with you.”

“You’re sexually harassing me, and I believe there’s a strict policy about that.”

“Donald,” she said, bringing her face close to his.

“Ya.” His eyes went to her lips and back to her eyes.

“I need that expense report.”

Find out more about Rebecca on her website: http://www.authorrebeccarose.com/!