Author Archives: carlaroma

About carlaroma

Born in Madrid, Carla Roma is a writer first and a lover of adventure second. Her journalistic endeavors have taken her to every continent of the world where sheís written about a myriad range of topics. From lost treasure off the cost of St. Martinique, to the haunting of the temple of Angkor Wat, Cambodia, Carla loves to cover stories that involve mystery, intrigue, adventure and romance. Following her passion has led her to make her home in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Carla is the mastermind behind the Bandit Creek series of books which is an exciting new venture that she is thrilled to share with the world.

Carla Interviews Kymber Morgan About ‘Shafted’

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Hi, I’m Carla Roma and welcome to Bandit Creek, a small town with a mountain of secrets. And I’ll bet Kymber doesn’t want me to tell one of hers, but since it’s pivotal to how we met, I’m going to anyway. There I was blasting along, enjoying the scenery you can only find on the back-country trails of Southern Alberta, when I glanced to my right and saw the front tire of a motor cross bike, same make as my own, spinning in the air. Curious I turned off the trail and that’s when I first saw Kymber flat on her back having dumped her bike.

Kymber: Oh sure you had to go there, didn’t you? Okay, but let’s make sure all the facts are out then. You forgot to mention it was the first time I ever rode one solo – and before you say a word – yes, I was trying to impress a man.

Carla: I wasn’t going to say a word about tall, dark and…

Kymber: Sure you weren’t, anyway I’d gotten all suited up, dug deep for the courage I’d had in spades the night before around the campfire – when it seemed like such a good idea – but only found enough to get myself in trouble.

Carla: How so?

Kymber: Well, I found enough to fire up the bike but not enough to think clearly when I popped the clutch and the thing took off like some kind of motorized bucking bronco – which wasn’t the worst part. You see, I’d started out in a large meadow with only one solitary tree in the middle, and yup you guessed it, not only did I run smack dab into it, I did it in front of the aforementioned man and his best friend. Next thing I knew I was lying in the grass with the bike on top of me still running and a good helping of egg on my face.

Carla: I’m thinking that’s about where I come in right?

Kymber: Sure is. So there I am staring up at the sky, hoping my goggles are big enough to hide my beet red face, when all of a sudden this neon pink helmet comes into my line of vision.

Carla: I loved that helmet.

Kymber: Yeah and the pink motor cross boots that matched were quite the thing too.

Carla: Still have those you know.

Kymber: And I still have the sign you made up for the back of my helmet that day. The one that read: ‘Danger Student Biker’.

Carla: (giggles) I forgot about that. Hey, so what ever happened to the guy?

Kymber: (winks) I married him.

Carla: No kidding, that’s awesome and if I remember right, he’s a bit of a handsome alpha type. Is he a source of inspiration for your stories?

Kymber: (smiles)

Carla: Okay I get it. No kiss and tell. So on another note then, as with many of the authors I’ve had the privilege of working with on the Bandit Creek project, your story isn’t just fun it’s unique. Where did the idea come from?

Kymber: Thanks, Carla, I take that as huge compliment and am very proud to be a part of this project. As for the idea, given the release date schedule, there’s a bit of a Valentine’s Day connection, so it started with ‘what if Cupid got out of control?

Carla:  You do have a tendency to go toward the more obscure mythological beings for your main characters, like Anteros in this one. Why is that?

Kymber: When it comes to mythology and legends, I prefer to borrow characters people don’t necessarily have preconceived notions about, particularly for a hero or heroine. I can have a lot of fun taking them places it would be hard to go with the more famous ones. This way the characters are free to develop as the story flows without being hemmed in.

Carla:  I also loved what you did with the supporting characters. I see Cupid and company in whole new light, especially the men, whew, and thanks for that by the way.

Kymber: (laughing) You’re welcome. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.

Carla: I did, and it’s been fun reminiscing about how we met. We had a lot of fun on the trail that day, well, once you got your bike back up on its wheels that is.

Kymber: (laughing harder) Yes, it has, and thanks to the warning on my helmet, at least the other riders out that day knew to keep their distance until I had a better handle on things.

Carla:  Happy to help anytime. Now before we end up too far down memory lane, I want to thank you for coming by, Kymber. It’s been great talking about both our ‘mudder’ days and your book SHAFTED which is coming out February 1, 2012 on Amazon.com and Smashwords.com. You can find out more about Kymber and her writing at www.kymbermorgan.com and if you have any questions for either us, please feel free to ask here. We’d be more than happy to answer.

Carla interviews Alyssa Linn Palmer about ‘Prohibited Passion’

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Hello, I’m Carla Roma. Welcome to Bandit Creek, a town with a startling history. I love a good glass of wine, but I can’t imagine it being against the law. Author Alyssa Linn Palmer has met me at the Powderhorn Saloon for a drink and a chat.

Carla Roma: First, tell us what you’re drinking.

Alyssa Linn Palmer: Jack Daniels. As a small woman, the bartender always takes me seriously if I order JD neat.

CR: Would you be able to go without a drink?

ALP: If I had to, but I wouldn’t have wanted to do so for the length of Prohibition. Imagine not having a flute of champagne on New Year’s Eve, or a scotch after dinner… for fourteen years!

CR: Can you tell us a bit about the history behind your story, PROHIBITED PASSION?

ALP: The Prohibition Act, commonly known as the Volstead Act, passed in 1919, and it wasn’t repealed until 1933. This made it illegal to produce, sell or even transport liquor. At first you’d think this might be a good thing: it could lessen things like public drunkenness and disorder, but really it made it worse.

CR: Why choose Prohibition over other historical periods?

ALP: There’s so much possibility for conflict. The idea came to me after talking to my great-aunt about the history of a Canadian town called Whiskey Gap. The town was a centre for rum-running in western Canada. Since Bandit Creek is just over the border, it seemed a good start. I’ll also admit to a certain fondness for the fashion sense of flappers.

CR: The finger-waved and bobbed hair is my favorite. Is that why you included a flapper in your story?

ALP: Partly. Cecilia – or CeeCee – came about because I needed a worldly foil to Ruth’s small-town naiveté. CeeCee’s what Ruth wants to be, if she can get up the nerve. The fashion is secondary, but imagine the stir a flapper in a sequined dress walking down Main Street would cause…. it was too good not to use.

CR: You mention Ruth. Who is she?

ALP: Ruth is the focus of the story. She’s the daughter of the town’s pastor and she’s never had much chance to spread her wings. She knows she’s different from the other girls, but she can’t do anything about it.

CR: What makes her different from the others?

ALP: She’s the only one who doesn’t like boys. She knows it’s expected of her, but she feels no attraction to any man. She felt something for one of the other girls at school, but until she meets CeeCee, she’s resigned herself to a lonely, loveless life.

CR: So here we have the second prohibition.

ALP: It can be hard enough in the 21st century being gay in a small town…

CR: I don’t want to give away too much of the story, but there must be complications for Ruth.

ALP: She has to worry about her father finding out her secret, but that’s not all. CeeCee’s not alone. She’s with a man.

CR: What?

ALP: I think I’ve shocked you.

CR: I’m not sure if shocked is quite the right word. Poor Ruth!

ALP: She has competition in the form of Patrick Sheridan, a Chicago gangster looking to make his fortune in rum-running.

CR: Did you have any particular inspirations for his character? You’ve mentioned on your blog that you’re a fan of the old gangster films.

ALP: There wasn’t one specific gangster, but he probably owes more to Bogart’s portrayal of ‘Mad Dog’ Roy Earle in the film ‘High Sierra’. At least, his ethics aren’t as black and white as the typical gangster thug. He’s no Edward G. Robinson or Paul Muni.

CR: I do have a thing for the bad boys, I must admit.

ALP: They have their charm. Sheridan’s no exception.

CR: I think I need to go watch ‘High Sierra’ now. Want to join me?

ALP: Definitely! I’ll bring the popcorn!

CR: You can find out more about Alyssa at her website, www.alyssalinnpalmer.com, or have a chat on Twitter. Her novella PROHIBITED PASSION is released on January 15th!

‘Skin Deep’ Released Today!

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Don’t forget to snag your copy of Skin Deep today!

Pick it up for Kindle format on Amazon, or for other e-readers and formats on Smashwords!

Kai knows trouble has found him when a fiery pint-sized female shows up at his door, bringing news of gruesome animal sacrifices in the woods around Bandit Creek. She also brings a teasing scent that draws his attention and sends every protective instinct screaming for him to protect his mate.

Hazel is determined to stop the monster she’s been following for miles and she won’t let anything distract her from her mission. She teams up with Kai, but vows to keep a firm “no-touch” policy where the handsome Native is concerned. Her resolve doesn’t last long as the two are drawn together like lodestones, their every touch igniting a passion neither has faced before.

Only, the trail of ritual sacrifices points to a greater threat than either first realized. They are about to face Kai’s enemy ancestor, a yee naaldlooshii—skinwalker—who will stop at nothing to destroy everything around him.

Read an excerpt.

Carla interviews Shanna Gekko about ‘Skin Deep’

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Hi, I’m Carla Roma and welcome to Bandit Creek, a small town with a mountain of secrets. For this next adventure, I didn’t even have to leave my own house.  Butt planted firmly in my chair, I was exploring the realms of Azeroth in World of Warcraft when I wandered too close to a Mountain Gronn in Nagrand. My patootie was being firmly handed to me when a Night Elf Druid swept in, healed me then shifted to cat form and mowed down the Gronn in a couple of swipes.

Shanna: I had forgotten about that! I had been bored and was farming leather when I came across your tenderized body. I don’t mind helping out others in the game once in a while. I remember being that level and if I hadn’t had a pocket priest for a husband I may never have gotten through some of those quests!

Carla: I have you to thank for saving my life that day.

Shanna: Oh, you’re welcome, but the best thing about being a gamer is that you have lots of lives.

Carla: That’s very true. From then on we quested together, stepping onto Northrend for the first time, surviving the Cataclysm. We made quite a team, didn’t we Moon?

Shanna: Definitely good times, but since we’re out of game, please call me Shanna instead.

Carla: Oh, sorry about that! <laughs> Just habit. Now can you tell me why you picked and stuck with a Druid all this time?

Shanna: I’ve always loved the fantastical and Druids seem to embody that. They have tons of magic, can be a tank, healer, or damage (dps), but most of all I like the shape-shifting. I’ve had dreams about being a shape-shifter since I was about seven.

Carla: Wow! I can see how they would draw you in. Is that what made you want to tell Kai’s story?

Shanna: Absolutely! That and the fact that there are so many Native American legends about their own type of shape-shifter, skinwalkers. Seems a lot of cultures and races have some sort of lore on people or beings that can take on different forms, from wolves, to dragons, to coyotes and bats.

Carla: Most of the lore on shape-shifters involves them being evil. SKIN DEEP has that element as well, but focuses mainly on Kai Hunter, a born skinwalker.

Shanna: I wanted to explore the idea that whenever evil ascends, good will rise up against it. How would this be possible against a being with inhuman powers, unless you have someone else with equally fantastical powers. Enter Kai’s tribe who have been fighting off the yee naaldlooshii for generations.

Carla: And what about Hazel, the heroine of this story? There certainly is a lot of fire between her and Kai.

Shanna: I don’t want to give away too much, but I believe you have to be on equal footing for a relationship to last. This goes for inhuman traits, too.

Carla: Let’s leave it at that, then. Thank you so much for stopping by! SKIN DEEP will be available on Amazon.com and Smashwords.com on January 1, 2012. If you have any questions for me or Shanna Gekko, please leave a response and we’d be happy to reply!

‘The Gift’ Released Today!

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Don’t forget to pick up your copy of THE GIFT today!

Want it in another format? Click here!

When is the wrong thing, the right thing to do?

Amy Gold, Bandit Creek’s kindergarten teacher, is not the sort of person to flout the law. Especially since she’s dating the local deputy, Gray Cassidy. But an unexpected Christmas gift is about to change everything–not just Amy’s plans for a traditional Christmas, but her entire future, and Gray’s as well.

Read an excerpt.

Carla Interviews CJ Carmichael about ‘The Gift’

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Hi, I’m Carla Roma and welcome to Bandit Creek, a small town with a mountain of secrets. It’s no secret that I love mountains and when I was last in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, I was about to hike the beautiful Larch Valley when I came across romance novelist C.J. Carmichael. Before I could whip out my copy of “Perfect Partners” (which I always carry with me) for an autograph, CJ was warning me that a grizzly momma and her cubs were ahead on the trail and I’d better turn back. CJ, I guess you saved my life that day.

CJ: Not at all Carla. Grizzly bears rarely attack hikers. But it’s better to give them a wide berth if possible. Especially when they have young ones to protect. You know how ornery mothers can get if they think their babies are in danger.

Carla: Hm, I think you’ve just maneuvered our conversation to the subject of the short story you wrote for Bandit Creek.

CJ: That wasn’t really my intention, but you’re right. The maternal instinct is a central theme of THE GIFT. My main character, Amy Gold, has loads of it. That’s part of the reason she makes such an excellent kindergarten teacher. Her house is full of art projects and gifts her students have given her over the years.

Carla: She sounds like a real sweetie. But maybe a little dull, too?

CJ: Actually, she’s pretty complicated, which makes her an interesting character. Also, she has a secret she’s been keeping from her boyfriend, Gray Cassidy. He’s a rancher and part-time deputy in Bandit Creek. Amy never expected their relationship to be a serious one, but now that it’s turning out that way, her big secret is causing a serious problem.

Carla: Your tag line for THE GIFT is: “when is the wrong thing, the right thing to do?” This has to be a trick question, right? I mean, it’s never right to do the wrong thing.

CJ:  I have to disagree. Real life is full of challenging dilemmas where no right answer is obvious. I always feel these moral dilemmas make for the most interesting fiction. Take the subject of euthanasia for instance. I sure understand the arguments for not making this legal. The potential for abuse is really scary. On the other hand, if I was suffering terribly, with no hope of recovery, I’d be pretty grateful if someone released me from my pain. Then again, if I were actually in this situation, maybe I’d feel differently. This is what I mean by no right or wrong answers. I could probably argue this topic (with myself!) for a long time without landing on the “right” answer.

Carla:  So THE GIFT is a story about euthanasia?

CJ: No! That was just an example.

Carla: So what is the moral dilemma your characters face in THE GIFT?

CJ: I don’t want to give away too much. Let’s just say that Amanda finds herself in a situation where the law requires her to do one thing, but her heart tells her to do the opposite. If you remember, her boyfriend is a deputy, so the pressure to follow the laws of the land are going to be pretty high.

Carla:  So you would characterize this as a pretty intense dramatic story?

CJ: Yes. But it’s also heartwarming and sweet. I wanted to give my readers the sort of Christmas story that leaves them feeling all warm and happy inside when they’re done. Tis the season, right?

Carla:  That it is. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas, CJ.

CJ: Same to you, Carla! And to all our Bandit Creek readers!

Carla:  Thanks for coming by today, CJ.  You can find out more about CJ Carmichael at www.cjcarmichael.com/. Her short story, THE GIFT will be available from Amazon.com and Smashwords.com on December 15, 2011. If you have questions or comments for me or for CJ, please leave a response and we’d be happy to reply!

‘Quinn’s Christmas Wish’ Released today!

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Don’t forget to pick up your copy of QUINN’S CHRISTMAS WISH today!

Want it in another format?  Click here!

As far as twelve-year old Quinn is concerned Christmas has lost its magic. Since his father’s death life has lost its sparkle. His mom is now a widow struggling to put food on the table. Quinn is no help, and the mysterious illness afflicting him only makes things worse. Even Christmas, complete with decorated trees, ribbons and bows has no meaning…then along comes Jazira.

Jazira doesn’t know what happened to her former self, the eleven-year old little girl. She drowned, didn’t she, along with half the other folk of Bandit Creek in 1911? Somehow, she’s grown four furry legs complimented with a large wolf head and body. Scared and alone, she reaches out to Quinn and a strong bond is formed. Jazira learns Quinn, and his mother, are threatened by a wealthy powerful citizen of Bandit Creek. She is determined to protect her new family, no matter what.

Christmas Eve finds Quinn staring up at the adorned tree and muttering a quiet prayer. Will the Spirits of Christmas grant his wish, or will the evil surrounding Bandit Creek prevail once again?

Read an excerpt.

Carla Interviews Jazira from Lawna Mackie’s ‘Quinn’s Christmas Wish’

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Carla Roma interviews Jazira from Lawna Mackie’s Quinn’s Christmas Wish
I’m certainly excited about today’s interview. Up until now I don’t believe I’ve had a chance to interview a Bandit Creek resident who actually lived in the town back in 1912. What a thrill! No sense wasting time I’m sure you are all as excited as I am.
Carla: Jazira I have to say you are a beauty, and more importantly you don’t look a day over twenty-five. How is that possible? You claim to be over 100 year’s old.
Jazira: I guess I age well.
Carla: That would be an understatement, but we’ll let you keep your secret. So, Jazira, tell me what was Bandit Creek like when you were a child.
Jazira: Bandit Creek has its moments. It’s a beautiful place, but certainly not ordinary. Things changed when the flood hit.
Carla: Yes, I can image the whole town changed because it was gone. The flood took care of that. Now, you say you were in the flood is that correct?
Jazira: Closes her eyes and nods her head slowly. My mother, father and myself were in a wagon when the water hit us. I remember hearing the screams. The water was so cold. My parents drowned.
Carla: I’m very sorry dear. Can you tell us how you managed to survive?
Jazira: I was pulled from Lost Lake by Samuel Campton. He was a nice fellow. He married Amanda Drake and the two of them raised Quinn and myself.
Carla: Oh yes. Quinn Drake. I remember reading about him also. He had rare illness and it was said people feared the devil had possessed him. To this day we have no record of his whereabouts, or if he’s alive.
Jazira: Smiles sadly. He’s alive, though I haven’t seen him in many years. We were best friends but we had a falling out and I haven’t seen him since Amanda’s funeral. We both left Bandit Creek.
Carla: A falling out? Sounds sad. And you say he’s still alive. He must have the same secret you have. Back then folks said the two of you were destined to marry.
Jazira: I did something he couldn’t forgive me for. But I’ll leave it at that.
Carla: Okay. Well let’s move on. Tell us a bit more about Bandit Creek.
Jazira: Back when I was in school, people weren’t always nice. To this day the town is full of bizarre happenings, superstition and death. But some folks such as that nasty George Ellis didn’t deserve to live.
Carla: Bandit Creek has had its share of villains. How about we talk about something happy. Christmas is almost upon us, do you have plans Jazira?
Jazira: She reaches up to her neck fiddling with an odd necklace of sorts. Christmas is my favorite time of year. I will always remember my Christmases with Samuel, Amanda and…Quinn. It’s been many years since I’ve been back to Bandit Creek. I may go back for Christmas this year.
Carla: The necklace you’re wearing looks very old, it could almost resemble a collar.
Jazira: It was a gift I received for Christmas many years ago. I never part with it.
Carla: It must have come from somebody very special. Care to share who gave it to you?
Jazira: I think that’s another secret for me to keep.
Carla: It’s been a pleasure Jazira. I do hope you’ll stop back again to let us know how your visit goes should you decide to visit Bandit Creek this Christmas. And if you happen to see Quinn Drake, I’d love to interview him as well.
Jazira: Thank you Carla. Bandit Creek is sure to be interesting this Christmas.

Death at Bandit Creek released today!

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Pick up your copy of DEATH AT BANDIT CREEK today!

For Kindle (Amazon) or Smashwords (other e-readers).

Charlotte Fraser is running away, broken-hearted. She is the new teacher in a one-room schoolhouse in Bandit Creek, Montana. The year is 1911 and she has arrived just in time to stage the annual Thanksgiving pageant but . . . when she gets there, she learns that the old school teacher, Eileen McArthur is missing. Could Charlotte be in danger too?

The young sheriff, Alec Forrest, is searching for Eileen McArthur. He gets nothing but grief from the young women in Bandit Creek, but it seems that Charlotte will be more trouble than any of the rest.  And will he ever find out what happened to Eileen McArthur?

Click here to read the first chapter.

Carla Interviews Amy Jo Fleming about ‘Death at Bandit Creek’

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Hi, I’m Carla Roma and welcome to Bandit Creek, a small town with a mountain of secrets. The fall is one of my favorite times of year. The beautiful colors of the leaves, the first snow, getting ready for Thanksgiving — it all brings back memories of Thanksgiving that we have shared with our own families. Like that first day of school, the fall also brings the promise of new starts. I have been delighted to read DEATH AT BANDIT CREEK. It’s clear from the title that this book is a mystery story, but, it’s also a story of redemption and new beginnings. Today, it is my pleasure to interview Amy Jo Fleming about her book, DEATH AT BANDIT CREEK, the fifth book in the Bandit Creek series.

Carla: As a writer, I imagine that one of the first questions anyone asks you is where do you get your ideas?

AJF: I come from a family of storytellers and teachers. The stories of the young women who went west and taught in one-room schoolhouses are stories of courage and adventure. I wanted to capture the traits in my heroine that would make her willing to dare this great endeavor. I wanted to write about these young women who ventured out alone, to teach the children of our settlers and acknowledge the important role they played.

Carla: How do you commemorate those early schoolteachers?

AJF: It was important to see Charlotte, my heroine, feeling lonely and unsure at the beginning of the book. Then we see her confidence grow when she makes a success of her job as a teacher. One of my favorite parts of the book is when she puts on the annual Thanksgiving Pageant. It was a chance to show her with her students, teaching them and encouraging them to be successful.

Carla: When we first meet Charlotte, she is waiting in a train station. It really brings to mind another great story where the heroine is first seen at the train station.

AJF: Okay, I’m busted. Anne of Green Gables is my favorite book ever. I did want Charlotte to have a lot of the same qualities as Anne did, like courage and spunkiness. Charlotte is almost an orphan, on her own in Bandit Creek because her parents have gone west, but she doesn’t have the innocence of a child. She has to rely on the kindness of strangers. She has to make her own way and decide who she can trust and who she can’t.

Carla: Annie is a school teacher who became a fallen woman. Why did you choose to make her a teacher as well?

AJF: Annie’s story is a cautionary tale for a young woman in the early 1900′s. She was originally in the same situation as Charlotte, a young teacher on her own in Bandit Creek. But she made very different choices. She lived to regret her choices. We all know that young women, who are on their own, face risks. That’s as true today as it was in 1911. Charlotte, with her attitude, was just better prepared to deal with some of the risks she faced.

Carla: We don’t get to see very much of the character of Eileen McArthur who opens the book.

AJF: No, we don’t. She is the focus of the mystery and the only way we get to know her is by the way the other characters talk about her. Her story is tragic because her life ended so early.

Carla: Now who is Alec Forrest?

AJF:  Alec Forrest is the true orphan in the book. He witnessed the death of his parents. Now we’re back to the question of how being an orphan affects a person. It left a lot of scars and he copes by blocking everyone out. But he never has lost that basic sense of honor and decency that his parents taught him.

Carla: And the way I picture him, he’s very good looking in his lambskin jacket.

AJF: Honestly Carla, when I think of Alec, I think of Alex O’Loughlin who plays Steve McGarret on Hawaii Five-O – that striking dark, brooding appearance. A hero to die for.

Carla: And throughout the book, the tension grows on two levels…

AJF: Yes, the real mystery is what happened to Eileen McArthur and is someone out to get Charlotte, too. But the other theme of the story is will love triumph for these two characters who have been so hurt in the past.

Carla: Your book was quite a ride, Amy Jo. I could hardly put it down.

AJF: Thank you for saying that. The kind of story that I want to tell is a page-turner. I want the reader to be swept away to the world of Bandit Creek and then have the satisfaction of saying that’s the ending I was hoping for.

Carla: DEATH AT BANDIT CREEK is your first fiction to be published. You must be excited.

AJF: So excited. The group of Bandit Creek writers has been spectacular to work with. I feel so privileged to be part of this project. I just can’t tell you — I am so excited that my book is going to be published.

Carla: Thanks, Amy Jo and congratulations on your first publication.

You can find out more about Amy Jo Fleming at amyjofleming.blogspot.com. Her book, DEATH AT BANDIT CREEK will be available from Amazon.com and Smashwords.com on November 15, 2011. If you have questions or comments for me or for Amy Jo, please leave a response and we’d be happy to reply!