And The Winner Is...

Following the month-long blog tour with my awesome fellow The Wild Rose Press authors, the time has come to announce the winner of the prize basket as picked by Lisa Dawn from The Wild Rose Press Marketing Department...

*drum roll...drum roll...drum roll...*

Judy Croome, step up and collect your prize of 10 ebooks from TWRP authors and a web banner designed by Aileen Harkwood!!! You also get to pick the name for Rae Summers' next hero. Congrats and very well done!

And just because our publishers are such lovely people, we also have prizes for two runners up donated by The Wild Rose Press...

Rebecca Booth, you've won a 10.00 Wild Rose Press Gift Certificate is (good at www.TheWildRosePress.com)

Shelley Munro, you've won a 10.00 Wilder Roses Gift Certificate is (good at www.thewilderroses.com)

Congrats to our winners and thank you so much to everyone who took part in our blog tour.

Have a great week.

Maya

The Last Airbender...We Hope

So yesterday I took the kids to see this much talked about movie, written, produced and directed by none other than the genius that is M Night Shyamalan.

My one word review? Disappointing!

The storyline was disjointed, the dramatic pauses way over the top, the soundtrack poor and the special effects so below par that I wondered why he'd even bothered. There were so many ways he could have taken but he chose to strike somewhere between Harry Potter and Narnia with a very sad result.

As for the dialogue - I've never heard such weak dialogue in my entire movie going life. The weakest by far was "let your emotions flow [dramatic pause] like water" Whaaaa? Come on, my 8-year old can do so much better!

Even though I tried very hard to persevere, it said it all really when my 5-year old took off the 3D glasses I paid an extra 2 quid for, turned to me and said, 'Mummy, can I sleep?'

I patted his head and said, 'Go right ahead, sweeheart, I'll wake you when it's finished'.

As for the group of six teenagers who decided to hold a farting contest to alleviate their boredom, I say, what goes around comes around!

One thing I know is I won't be paying £24,95 to watch the sequel (which seems very likely if the last very, very telling scene is anything to go by!). I think I'm more disappointed since I normally like M Night's work.

So, anyone else seen this yet? What did you think?

Author Spotlight: Caroline Clemmons

Goodness, I can't believe The Wild Rose Blog Tour is almost at an end! Time flies when you're having fun and it practically whizzes past when you're in great company! Today I have with me the last of my fabulous Wild Rose authors, Caroline Clemmons, who kindly hosted me on her blog last week. It's a pleasure to return the favour, Caroline. Please pull up a chair and tell us a little about yourself.

Caroline Clemmons: As long as I can remember, I've made up adventures. Okay, I admit the early creative stories featured me riding the range with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans and saving the West. What a disappointment to learn that Roy was exclusively committed to Dale! Eventually, my best friend from across the street and I decided to become better detectives than Nancy Drew. We drove our parents and neighbors crazy sticking our pert little noses where they didn't belong. About that time I started writing down my adventures, but mostly I was a reader. Not until I read Nora Roberts' early novels did I decide to create my own romance manuscripts. My road to publishing was a lot slower than Nora's was. No surprise there! I still read Nora's books—as well as those of countless other authors—but now I write full time. Unless life interferes, that is.

My Hero and I live one a small acreage in the ranching and horse country of North Central Texas. Our two daughters are grown, and supportive of my writing. Living with Hero and me now are Webster, our sweet black Shih Tzu, and our two shorthaired cats: Sebastian, a black and white tuxedo who thinks he's our watchcat; and Bailey Erin, a shy apricot tabby. When I'm not writing, I love spending time with family, reading, traveling with Hero, browsing antique malls, and digging into family history and genealogy. Writing about strong heroes and heroines who overcome amazing obstacles to forge a meaningful life together is my passion.

Maya Blake: Nora is a worldwide inspiration, isn't she? At what age were you bitten by the writing bug?

CC: I loved reading and making up stories earlier, but my eighth grade journalism teacher inspired me to write. Strangely enough, her name was Mary Stewart—not THE Mary Stewart of gothic novel fame but very important to her devoted students. I didn’t decide to write a romance novel until much, much later when my mother-in-law and husband encouraged me. My first novel was pretty bad because reading is a lot different than writing. Fortunately, I learned about RWA and attended local chapter workshops.

MB: What genre are you most comfortable writing in?

CC: Romance, although I also like writing mysteries. I guess that’s why all my romances have skulduggery of some kind in them. In romance, I write contemporary, historical, and paranormal time travel. I enjoy writing and reading all three.

MB: Writing-wise, where do you expect to be in five years’ time?

CC: NYTimes Bestseller List. Wouldn’t we all? LOL Hopefully, I’ll be writing for an advance-paying publisher. I love everything about The Wild Rose Press except that they don’t pay an advance or furnish more than one print author’s copy. Perhaps The Wild Rose Press will be so successful by then that they can pay fat advances. Who knows what the future of publishing holds in store?

MB: What’s your perfect writing habit e.g. do you prefer background noise (like music? birdsong? tinkling waterfall?) or complete silence when writing?

CC: I write with instrumental music or chakra attuning CDs. I listen to other things when checking my email, but I need classical for writing. Otherwise, I find my mind singing along instead of concentrating on writing. I find classical music promotes a good rhythm for keying in my words. I have Don Campbell’s Mozart series as well as numerous other beautiful works to soothe me as I write. And I prefer writing in my office at my desktop rather than with my laptop.

MB: If you had to pick just one, which do you think is the most important in a good story: character, voice, or plot? Why?

CC: I believe individual voice is powerful, but it’s the characters that readers either fall in love with or toss aside. Some writers get away with sloppy research or less than credible plots because they write engrossing characters.

MB: I so agree with you on voice! Writing is a consuming business. Do you ever get down time and how do you spend this time?

CC: Spending time with family is first, but I love reading, travel with my husband and/or daughters, browsing antique malls and estate sales, and family history/genealogy. My husband and I enjoy reading together in the evenings or watching a Netflix. We’re not the most exciting people. LOL My brother and I are compiling/writing a family history of our father’s Johnson/Johnston family, and that consumes part of my free time. We’re almost finished and hope to print later this fall.

MB: How exciting! Good luck with the family project. Now tell us
about your latest book or project.

CC: Currently I’m working on another time travel set in the Central Texas Hill Country. All my books are set in Texas, except for one novella. Also recent is OUT OF THE BLUE, a paranormal time travel in which a woman from 1845 Ireland plops down in a 2010 Texas lake, released in June.

My latest release is THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE, which is a western historical in which Texas rancher Dallas McClintock is trapped into marrying Irish lass Cenora Rose O’Neill and taking her wild family home with him. Both books were fun to write, and both bookcovers were designed by Nicola Martinez.


THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE is the most eye-catching cover I ever had.

MB: They're both absolutely beautiful. I've got cover-envy, lol. So, as an author, what’s the best advice you’ve been given or would like to give new writers?

CC: Hone your craft and persevere. Find trustworthy and informed critique partners who will offer constructive critiques. Don’t write to trends. Be faithful to yourself and your writing. Most important—don’t let anyone steal your dream!

MB: It's been absolute joy having you here today, Caroline. How do readers contact you?

CC: My email is caroline@carolineclemmons.com
Website is www.carolineclemmons.com
Blog is http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com and I also post on the 7th of each month at http://seducedbyhistory.blogspot.com

I have a fan page on Facebook, although there are several Caroline Clemmons on Facebook.

On Twitter I’m @CarolinClemmons (no E in Caroline)
Seems I’m everywhere—Goodreads, Savvy Authors, RWA chapters, etc.

And now for some more exciting news. Anyone who has commented so far (or about to comment) will be in with a chance of winning a prize basket of 10 (yes, you heard right) e-books! You also get to name the hero in Rae Summers' next book and receive a web banner created by Aileen Harkwood. The draw will be held at the end of the month. Click on the banner for more details and don't forget to check back next week to find out if you're the lucky winner.

I'll leave you in Caroline's capable hand while I pop over to Rae Summers' blog for a visit. Come say hi!

What's Wrong With A Little Bump n' Grind?

Well, first off, little isn't quite the right word. In my case is big and long and...get your mind out of the gutter...the ditch will suffice!!!

I'm having problems with my characters. They've been in the bedroom for, get this, seven pages. Eeep! Nothing I do or say seems to get through! I'm tearing my hair out trying to get them to at least come up for air, or food, or meaningful conversation, but...nah, it ain't happening!

I get that they haven't seen each other for years but this is ridiculous! One of them is going to drop dead at this stage. I tried using the telephone call strategy to prise them apart, but heck, hero didn't answer the call!

Someone please pass me the foghorn or a bucket of iced water or a lassoo or...anything, please, I need help!

Maybe I'll get my good friend Joe Manganiello (who plays Alcide Herveaux in True Blood) to give me a hand since his surname actually means "billy club". What do you think?

Author Spotlight: Rae Summers

On this third round of The Wild Rose Press blog tour, I'm so very thrilled to welcome Rae Summers, who isn't just another awesome writer, but also my critique partner *cue fabulous air kisses here*

So pull up a chair and let me give you a brief bio about my dear friend.

Rae Summers lives in South Africa where she works in television advertising, a line of work that is only glamorous on very rare occasions. When she isn't working or being mom to two young daughters, Rae can be found with her nose in a book.

Rae's first grade teacher was so seriously concerned by her day dreaming that she called her parents in for a conference. Fortunately, her parents staunchly defended Rae's right to daydream and these days she's able to prove their faith right by turning those day dreams into stories. She hopes her stories bring as much pleasure to her readers as they bring to her.

Maya Blake: Since we know about the day dreaming, lol, tell us - at what age were you bitten by the writing bug?

Rae Summers: I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing. My mother still has school notebooks from when I was just learning to write in which I made up stories. Even then fantasy and reality were woven together!

MB: How weird is that? I think my mom has some notebooks of mine too! What genre are you most comfortable writing in?

RS: I enjoy writing contemporary romances, because it’s something we can all identify with. I also enjoy historicals (especially unusual eras like the 1920s) and I’d love to try my hand some day at paranormal (but again, I’m a trend-bucker, so don’t expect vampires or werewolves!)

MB: Writing-wise, where do you expect to be in five years’ time?

RS: Within five years I’d love to be able to give up the day job for a career I can do in my pyjamas … being a writer. I hope to be published in print by a category romance publisher, and also to have several more books published as eBooks. And I’d like to wake up every morning with a spring in my step, glad to be alive. Right now, I guess that last one is the only thing I have some control over!

MB: Here's to all those dreams coming true, Rae. Next question - What’s your perfect writing habit e.g. do you prefer background noise (like music? birdsong? tinkling waterfall?) or complete silence when writing?

RS: I don’t mind music when I’m writing, but I tend to write in silence simply because most of my writing is done either early in the morning or late at night when the kids are asleep, so I’m careful not to make any noise that might wake them (and end my precious writing time!). In an ideal world, I’d write in a quiet, uncluttered studio with an inspiring view and soulful music.

MB: If you had to pick just one, which do you think is the most important in a good story: character, voice, or plot? Why?

RS: For me, characters are most important. I have to know who my characters are before I start, and the plot will inevitably follow. (The characters inevitably take over the story and dictate the plot any way). Voice is something that I guess we’re born with. We can polish it and develop it, but it’s there regardless.

MB: Writing is a consuming business. Do you ever get down time and how do you spend this time?

RS: Writing is my down time. Every other waking hour of the day is spent at the day job or being a mom to my kids and running a household. I still read, but I could live without books as much as I could live without air to breathe, so that’s a necessity rather than a luxury. My favourite moment of every day is lying in a steaming hot bath full of bubbles, with a glass of red wine, and the chance to think about my current WIP. That’s also when I get some of my best ideas.

MB: Ah, the wonders of a hot bath and a glass of wine! Tell us about your latest book/project

RS: My recent release is Let’s Misbehave, a novella set in London in 1928. It’s the story of Gabrielle, a nightclub singer, the ultimate Flapper and wild child, who meets her match in staid aristocrat Sebastian.

What starts out as a little fun changes both their lives.

I’m also currently working on another 1920s novella, this time set on the Amalfi coast of Italy in the early 20s.







Readers can buy Let’s Misbehave from The Wild Rose Press and from Amazon

MB: Having read Let's Misbehave, I can thoroughly recommend it, ladies and gents! And I'm not just saying this, there are spectacular reviews to prove it! So, as an author, what’s the best advice you’ve been given or would like to give new writers?

RS: It’s been said before, but the advice I’d give is: Persevere. No matter what, don’t give up.

MB: Very sound advice, indeed. So, how do readers contact you?

RS: I have a blog at http://raesummers.wordpress.com and readers can email me at rae@raesummers.com. I’d love to hear feedback or suggestions from readers, so don’t be shy!

Thank you so much for visiting today, Rae. It's a pleasure, as always, to spend time with you. While Rae answers any questions visitors might like to post, I'll be hanging out with Caroline Clemmons today, so please stop by and say hi.
And don't forget, anyone who has commented or leaves a comment on our blogs during the month of August is eligible to receive an awesome prize basket (click banner to see details) at the end of the month, so get commenting!!!

5 Things I'm Saying No To...And Meaning It

Eeep! Even writing this post heading makes me cringe! I have two children - ages 8 & 5 -who learnt very quickly (probably within seconds of birth) that their mommy can't say no to them when it comes to the little things, like "can I have another sweetie?" or "can I use the computer?". The latter tends to happen just when I've logged on, of course! These I've learnt to accept as my lot in life.

But then there're the other time sucks, like friends and neighbours calling just to chat, or the sales caller who's so sweet you can't help but listen patiently while she tells you why you have to have that sewage insurance just in case, you know, the sewage tank thingy buried in your back yard decides to blow up!

I realised something had to give when I started hiding from my neighbours and getting hubby to answer the phone, then waving madly to indicate I'm not there. Why? Because I had BIG PLANS to finish at least one short story during my two-week vacation and as of six days into said vacation...NADA!

I'm hugely frustrated! Time is slipping away, the books aren't getting written or revised and the bossman is shooting me looks now every time the phone rings and I back away from it.

So I've made a pledge...I WILL say NO to five things...and mean it.

1. No to phone calls between the alloted writing time.

2. No to blog surfing or Twittering (no matter how much I'm tempted!!!)

3. No to Internet "researching" FULL STOP.

4. No to offers of picnic in the park with coffee and cake afterwards *weeps*.

5. And definitely, definitely, NO to hubby and kids popping in with the "we just wondered if you'd like..." (insert temptation of choice here). For me this leads to all sorts of procrastinating, often of the eating and drinking variety.

So to start me off, I've just said a firmly put the phone down on a lovely lady trying to sell me her will-making services (I must just regret that later!) and I'm firmly in writing mode (well, writing this blog, anyway). The Internet will be going off next so I can't sneak peeks at Twitter or find out what the Minxes are up to!

I can only thank God that I'm not really a TV watcher!

I feel empowered...for now, but further tips are very welcome. How do you say no and mean it without getting the you've-just-killed-my-pet look?

Author Spotlight: Sandra Sookoo

I'm on the second week of my four-week blog tour with my amazing fellow Wild Rose writers and today I'm thrilled to welcome Sandra Sookoo, a multi-genre romance writer.

Before we start, here's a brief bio:

Sandra is a writer of romantic fiction. Her portfolio includes historical, contemporary, sci-fi and paranormal romances. She loves to blend genres and spice them up and often times will add humor as well.

After catching the writing bug at the young age of ten, she’s gone on to grow her unique writing style. She’s a regular contributor for the Paranormal Romantic’s blog and has a great time keeping things interesting at the Believing is Seeing blog.

When not immersed in creating new worlds and interesting characters, Sandra likes to read, bake and travel. Her favorite place to spend vacation hours is Walt Disney World. It’s where dreams come true and the soul can play. That suits her just fine.

Writing is her ultimate dream job.

You can write to Sandra at sandrasookoo@yahoo.com, visit her website at http:///www.sandrasookoo.com or look her up on Facebook and Twitter.

And now for the juicy details:

Maya Blake: At what age were you bitten by the writing bug?

Sandra Sookoo: When I was ten I “wrote” my first epic fantasy book using all the neighbourhood kids. It was written out longhand on notebook paper that I bound together with yarn through the punch holes LOL. Needless to say, it probably wouldn’t count as writing by today’s standards but that’s when I realized I could escape from my life through writing.

MB: Isn’t it amazing how most writers started writing from a very young age? What genre are you most comfortable writing in?

SS: Only romance and its sub-genres right now. I’m not much into non-fiction or YA stuff. They just don’t interest me at all. I like writing about the relationships between adult men and women and how this relationship works in the host of conflicts I can create in a given genre. I mean, everyone wants a happily ever after, right? I like to make my characters work for it.

MB: Ah, a fellow character torturer, lol. Writing-wise, where do you expect to be in five years’ time?

SS: Hmm, that’s difficult to say since the industry is in a state of flux right now. All I can say is that I intend to keep learning the craft, making each book I write stronger and better so that when the industry irons itself out, I’ll be ready to continue climbing.

MB: What’s your perfect writing habit e.g. do you prefer background noise (like music? Birdsong? tinkling waterfall?) or complete silence when writing?

SS: I usually like to have the TV on in the background for noise. Only sometimes do I listen to music when writing and that’s usually during a hard love scene LOL. I don’t like people to be in the room chattering nor do I like total silence. Since I work on a laptop I can pretty much work anywhere.

MB: If you had to pick just one, which do you think is the most important in a good story: character, voice, or plot? Why?

SS: Actually, I don’t believe a good book can be without any of these things. Sure, voice is important and there are times when I can’t read a book because something about the voice clashes with me. But plot and characters and both very essential to a great book. Neither are more important than the other.

MB: Writing is a consuming business. Do you ever get down time and how do you spend this time?

SS: There are times during the year when I don’t write. I’m learning this is a natural process that the body goes through to restore the mind and imagination where the energy resets itself. During these times, I like to bake or read until the mojo returns.

MB: Tell us about your latest book/project

SS: My latest book release is called
WEDGIE TALES AND PANTY LINES.


It’s a funny, contemporary novel about a woman, Kate Little, who becomes an reluctant underwear tester. Through the course of this program, she uncovers truths about herself and evolves into the confident woman those around her know she can be.

Blurb: When unassuming mail room worker Kate Little agrees to become an underwear tester for a marketing company, things get uncomfortable fast. Not only has she never worn “fancy” underpants before, she has to work closely with handsome marketing manager Bryan Eddleman and that’s enough to keep her in a constant state of confusion.

Trouble is Bryan’s competing with another manager for a promotion that hinges on the results of the test group. Kate can’t determine if his sudden interest is really in her or her surprisingly insightful weekly reports on foundation garments.

Add a jealous co-worker out to sabotage Kate’s budding love life, an overly helpful gay friend with nothing better to do than shove her into Bryan’s arms, and a rambunctious teacup dog to the chaos and you’ll have a typical day in Kate’s less than ordinary life.

The last thing she needs is panty lines.

MB: Ooh, I love the cover and title and the blurb is brilliant. As an author, what’s the best advice you’ve been given or would like to give new writers?

SS: The best advice is never give up. Once you realize that writing is hard work and you need to buckle down and actually put in the time, you’ll be okay. But you’re only shooting yourself in the foot if you don’t believe in yourself.

MB: And now here’s my last question. How do readers contact you?

You can link to me on Twitter, Facebook or my blogs. All of this information is on the front page of my website http://www.sandrasookoo.com/

Excerpt: “I’m sorry, but I can’t test your underwear.”

“That’s exactly why we need you for this project. You’re the everyday woman, Miss—I’m sorry. I didn’t quite catch your name.” A vivid green gaze held mine. “In fact, I don’t think we’ve ever been introduced. You don’t mind that we pulled you into this brainstorming session, do you? It’s just that I heard your comment about whose job it was to test the product and thought you’d be interested.” Full lips parted with his easy grin and revealed perfect teeth that practically screamed they’d seen years of braces.

“My name’s Kate. Kate Little.”

He nodded, and my stomach lurched. I mentally berated myself for the pleasure that gripped me because he approved of my name.

A snort from Pamela. “That’s funny. You’re hardly a little anything.”

My cheeks heated—this time from anger. “That’s it. I’m not going to hang around and take abuse from you underfed, over-tanned, rude people.” I shot out of the cushy leather chair and angled my way around the conference table, aware that everyone watched my departure.

Yeah, so I’m a thirty-year-old, plus-sized woman. I wear a size 16. It’s not a crime, and it’s not fat. It’s average. And, by the way, I’m just Kate. Not Katherine with a “K” or even with a “C,” and if you attempt to call me Katie, I’ll ignore you. If the nickname persists and I become annoyed, I’ll throw a pencil at you.

I paused at the head of the table to glare at the guy in charge. What’s-his-name in the tailored suit.

“Get someone else to be your guinea pig.”

Book video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bJyAd-Id9M
Publisher’s website: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

Thank you so much for being visiting today, Sandra!

Bruce Willis In Hostage To Love

Hah, I bet that grabbed your attention!

Well, I certainly got a thrill when I opened an email from the Editor in Chief of Wild Rose Press and saw the subject line! Okay, it didn't *actually* say Bruce Willis In Hostage To Love, but it goes a little something like this...

The Wild Rose Press & The Movie Red

In his next movie Red, Bruce Willis is pretty banged from his usual shenanigans and is bed bound. His assistant, the avid romance reader Mary Louise Parker, sends him some books to read. And guess where they got all the books from? Yep, The Wild Rose Press! And these aren't just any random books plucked from random shelves. These books are all from the Crimson Rose line (which published Hostage To Love). In all, The Wild Rose Press sent 150 books to Hollywood, so yeah the chances of him picking my book are well, slim to none, but hey, a girl can dream, right? And what great exposure for authors as well, huh?

I love Bruce Willis on any given day, but can you guess how much I'm looking foward to seeing Red when the movie opens on October 15?? Can ya, huh?

Before then though, here's the trailer. There is a blink-and-you-miss-it moment when MLP is sitting at her desk with an open book but even that gave me a small thrill!

Enjoy!

Author Spotlight - Hanging Out With Amber Leigh Williams

Today kicks off a month-long blog tour with a few of my fellow Wild Rose Press Authors. Amber Leigh Williams is my first guest – be gentle with her!

Amber Leigh Williams is a multi-published author, a member of Romance Writers of America, former Secretary of GCCRWA, and a reviewer for The Season. Her western romance, BLACKEST HEART, is a 2009 More Than Magic winner and her historical romance, FOREVER AMORE, was nominated by Long & Short Reviews for Best Book of 2009. She is represented by D4EO Literary Agency. Find out more about her books and writing journey at her website: http://www.amberleighwilliams.com/

At what age were you bitten by the writing bug?

I discovered writing in 3rd grade and started with plays and short stories. I then progressed to YA and finally, in high school, the romance genre.

What genre are you most comfortable writing in?

I never would have thought that I'd love writing paranormal romance as much as I do. It's a complete escape into a world where I build the rules. The characters especially are why I love it most, I think, because writing paranormal heroes and heroines is all about finding the humanity in a being outside the norm, who feels a pull in darker or more animal direction.

Writing-wise, where do you expect to be in five years’ time?

Writing, of course. I'd like to be more widely published, hopefully in mass market with a larger distribution.

What’s your perfect writing habit? Do you prefer background noise (like music? birdsong? tinkling waterfall?) or complete silence when writing?

Music is important to my process because it helps set the tone of my WIP. For example, when working on my paranormals, I listen to a hard rock playlist. It helps my Muse stay planted firmly in that world and true to it.

If you had to pick just one, which do you think is the most important in a good story: character, voice, or plot? Why?

This is a hard question because I don't think a story, much less a good one, can have one without the other. Well-motivated and sympathetic characters are essential to romance. Without plot, there's not much story for these characters to thrive in. And without voice, nothing separates the story from all the others. Voice compels readers to keep reading.

Writing is a consuming business. Do you ever get down time and how do you spend this time?

I write late at night. My days are for household chores and book marketing. My real downtime comes when my husband, who works seven days a week, takes time off. We visit family and generally relax.

Tell us about your latest book or project

I'm gearing up to start work on my fourth paranormal while completing a contemporary revision and a Regency WIP. My western romance, BET IT ON MY HEART, launched this spring, completing the Wayback Ridge trilogy. It was voted Best Book of the Week by readers at LASR and is available now at The Wild Rose Press!

As an author, what’s the best advice you’ve been given or would like to give new writers?

Never, never, never give up! And don't lose sight of the joy of writing. Readers inherently know when a story is crafted with a loving hand.

How do readers contact you?

Readers, feel free to contact me at amber@amberleighwilliams.com.

I'm most always available on Twitter (http://twitter.com/ALeighWilliams) and Facebook (http://www.Facebook.com/amberleighwilliams) as well.

Thank you so much, Maya, for hosting me today!