Welcome Fiona Jayde, Cyan Bell, Taylor Voltaire and Sheri Livingston!

As many of us know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To highlight this cause Cobblestone Press has brought together authors Fiona Jayde, Cyan Bell, Taylor Voltaire, and Sheri Livingston in the Behind the Masque anthology. The proceeds will be donated to BreastCancer.org. Commendable indeed, as I am sure many who have been affected, whether as patients themselves or as a relatives of one, will agree. It’s a battle that is still being fought and although there have been some breakthroughs, we are still nowhere near finding a cure. So please join me in welcoming these fine authors who have taken time from their busy schedules to, in their own way, contribute to the cause.

This subject is very near and dear to me being a Breast Cancer survivor, and who also lost a family member to this disease. Out of the hundreds and thousands of good causes, what was the deciding factor that brought you to this?

Cyan: Being that there were four authors, all from different states and even countries, we wanted to contribute toward something that was an international concern. Cancer doesn’t discern between color, nationality, or who you are in the world.

Breast cancer affects 1 in every 8 women and is the second most common cause of death for women. Everyone knows of at least one person who has had an experience with this disease. Women in their 20’s have been diagnosed and have died from Breast Cancer.

We wanted to make a difference in these women’s lives. We can’t come up with a cure ourselves, but we can write and the proceeds from our work will make a difference to the people who need it the most.

When were you first approached to do this?

Sheri: We all belong to the same critique group and Cyan proposed the idea to the group. During the process of writing, it was asked if we could inquire on some charities to donate the proceeds to. Because we also work very closely with another author who has fought and beat this disease, breast cancer was decided upon.

I’ve also lost loved ones to this disease, and it gives me hope that my contribution will help in any way.

How long did it take to put everything together?

Cyan: From the first story being written in January to the last being finished, it took till around August. The biggest contributing factor to how long it took was the difference between a normal anthology and ours. Most anthologies have one common theme. Our stories interweave, our characters see one another. Something as simple as how many floors the hotel has had to be discussed and sent out to the other authors so they would be able to write it into their tale.

How receptive was your publisher to the idea of an anthology and the idea of the royalties going to charity?

Cyan/Taylor: Cobblestone Press has been fantastic with everything since the very first day. We sent them the manuscript and let them know we were going to donate all the royalties to Breast Cancer. Not only did they agree to that, but they also put their hand up for the charity. 100% of net proceeds are going to breastcancer.org.

Cobblestone was very enthusiastic about the anthology and contracted it immediately. They did everything they could to release the book in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, while still maintaining their high quality of publishing.

Deanna Lee, Sable Grey and Tracy Seybold were very generous with their time and effort in bringing this manuscript to print. Behind the Masque has landed at a good home with Cobblestone Press.

How different is it to write an anthology than, say, a series?

Sheri: I like anthologies because you get a different voice, with very different stories, from each author. What makes this one unique is the fact that the characters had to witness the protagonists from the other stories at some point throughout their time at the Ball. Their paths crossed, and they became part of the next story.

Very, Very fun!

What was this experience like for you?

Cyan: Fun of course! There were times when I wondered if it would all come together, what with the logistics of correlation between stories. But the authors I got to work with…well they’re just the cream of the crop and I couldn’t have enjoyed myself better working with anyone else.

Sheri: Though there were a few bumps along the road in this adventure, I’d do it again in a heartbeat. All of these authors are close friends of mine and together they all made writing and intertwining the stories a lot of fun.

I think Cyan had a brilliant idea and I’m honored to be a part of it, as well as knowing our proceeds are going to such a worthy cause.

These ladies rock! And they have delivered fascinating stories.

Fiona: It was great fun! It’s amazing to see your character through someone else’s eyesJ and it’s really fun to “spot” a character or two from someone else’s story in your own – kind of like leaving teasing breadcrumbs.

Taylor: Working on this anthology was great on so many levels. When Cyan invited authors from our critique team to join her in this anthology, I was going to sit it out ~ there was no way I could write a short story. Then I critiqued her first chapter and NEEDED to write about the lady in the beautiful, blue dress. Out of my comfort zone, but surrounded by amazing authors to encourage me, I completed “By Remote Chance” and am so thankful I took that leap of faith. And really, could there be a better cause than breast cancer awareness to take you out of your comfort zone?

Working with Cyan, Fiona and Sheri couldn't have been better...well, except for brainstorming on IM...that has its difficulties, but we all persevered and in the end the final product is something we are all very proud of.

Once we had the book finished we contacted Cobblestone Press. Sable Grey and Deanna Lee were awesome with their help, suggestions, and support. And that was before they contracted the book! Behind the Masque couldn't have ended up in better hands. I'm so blessed to have had the opportunity to work with such truly amazing people.

We often hear doing business with friends is a bad proposition. Not in this case. I would do another anthology with any one of these incredible women who I'm proud to call my friends.

And lastly let’s not forget why we read the wonderful stories you as writers share with us so I just have one more question for you.

When should the attraction between the hero and heroine begin?

Cyan: I want fireworks straight away. BAM! LOL. But that doesn’t mean they fall into each other’s arms straight away…you should make them both work for it. She should be tough and self reliant, he’s got to be smart, intelligent and resourceful (can’t forget gorgeous either! J) in order for her to relinquish her control.

Have you ever had trouble getting the hero and heroine in bed?

Sheri: Oh no. Never had that problem. Of course, I love having that one stubborn character who is determined she is not going to be tamed. Those are my favorite! Taming the tiger.

Thank you again for taking the time to do this interview, and for your contribution to BreastCancer.org

Thank you!

Cyan/Sheri/Fiona/Taylor