As you know I have been featuring author M.A. Stacie all month for my Incredible Indie feature. Today she stopped by to answer a few questions and talk about her two upcoming releases for 2012!

(B) Thank you so much for stopping by to chat with us today! Before we get started can you tell us a few things about yourself that no one would think to ask you about?(MA) Hmm, I don't know. I always think I'm a bit of an open book, but my husband would tell you otherwise. Obviously, I love tattoos and they play a part in my books, mainly because they're such a huge part of me. In fact, I don't think I've ever written a book that didn't include a tatt or two.

I have a huge thing for colored eyeliners. Yup, you read that right. I have literally loads of them, any color but all liquid.

I'm a huge reader, and have been since I was small. My eldest son is so much like me in that respect. I have a proud momma moment whenever I see him reading.

Can you talk a little about what inspired to you begin writing?

I always wrote ideas down, not necessarily for novels or stories, well not that I knew of back then. I've always carried a journal, jotting down quotes and random thoughts, I guess. Reading, even at a young age was important to me and English Literature was something I studied at college.

After my second son was born I suffered post postpartum depression and began writing my thoughts and feelings down. Swiftly they morphed into something I never expected – a story. From then on the whole thing kind of snowballed to where I am now, which is pretty amazing.

I never expected people to like my words, let alone pay for them!

What about your writing process? Where are your favorite places to write and how long did it take for you to finish Unwritten Rules and Accidental Fate?

I tend to write in the same place with my laptop firmly on my lap. I have to have background noise, either music or the TV, though the kids could fill in if there was no electricity. *laughs*

I do write a lot of my novels in long hand, as it seems to help with the plotting process or if I'm stuck with a bit of writer's block. I have a lot of journals cram packed with rambles.

As for the length of time they took to write, Accidental Fate was obviously a quicker process than Unwritten Rules, given that it's a short story. I always have a couple of WiP's on the go at any one time as I need the change in characters to keep me motivated. So maybe I could be quicker if I focused on just one at a time. I try not to stress myself, writing a little each day and going at my own pace.

Where does your inspiration for your characters come from?

I use pictures a lot. If I'm trying to describe someone or a place I'll hunt for a picture I can use to look at. It helps with the whole process. I've also found it helps when cover artists ask for the character description. I just forward them the original picture.

Many of my plot ideas have initially started when I saw a pretty image. I keep a folder of those pictures for future use.

I see that you are an avid reader – who are your favorite authors and what genres do you love to read the most?

I read a lot. Everyday. I think any author needs to read as it's like research.

My favorite genre is really paranormal romance. I love Vamps, though real ones, not ones that sparkle. I adore a good Alpha male, one that will do anything to get his woman and protect her.

My favorite authors are Sherrilyn Kenyon (Dark Hunter Series), Larissa Ione (Demonica Series) and Christine Feehan (Carpathian Series), though I have just discovered Thea Harrison. Her Dragon series is amazing!

Other than paranormal, I enjoy a good cowboy book, especially a M/F/M cowboy menage.

What can you be found doing when you are not writing?

Usually sorting out my 2 boys, or playing with them. Usually on Wii. Reading & writing are my passion, along with music. I enjoy any good rock/metal band.

I'm currently pregnant with baby number 3, so that will limit my time even further in the future.

Is there anything that you are working on right now that you care to share with us?

I'm currently writing the first book in a series of three. They will all be contemporary romances, all linked together. Though each book will have it's own ending, no dreaded cliffhangers!

I have two books already signed for 2012.

A Path Of Petals via Beachwalk Press. (Published Beachwalk Press April 16, 2012)

Again, this is a contemporary romance.

Arriving in a strange country is stressful enough, but when Griffin Holt can't find the Guest House he should be staying in his anger multiplies. Not wanting to be in England to begin with, he follows the constant line of blossom trees hoping to find at least one signpost. Instead he encounters an odd, rather bohemian woman twirling in the road and showing no signs of moving.

Rain Teslar knows who the man in the car is, the whole town does and they've been waiting for years for him to return. He just doesn't realize it.

Getting under his skin, Rain instantly strikes up a friendship with him, though it isn't reciprocated at first. Day by day her carefree nature annoys him that little bit less, and her help with the unraveling secrets of his past has him seeking her comfort. However, if Griffin's new life is to be a fresh start changes have to be made, changes neither of them are willing to make.

Can the path of petals really be the path to his future?

Coming Home via Silver Publishing

This is a M/F/M cowboy menage. It's a novella, so not a full length book, though I'm really excited about this one.

Returning home was something Sydney Jameson hoped to avoid, but with her father in need of help she has no choice. Running had been her only option when her love for two men had not lessened, not even after painfully leaving one at the alter. However, facing them, along with her fears, is easier than she'd anticipated. Even more so when both men make it clear they still want her-together.

Finding it easy to slip into a secret relationship with Pax and Caleb, she hides her concerns and get carried away on their hot brand of seduction. But can she truly admit to her father the real reason she left? And does she have enough courage to face  the world with this truth?

Thank you so much for spending the month here on Hands and Home, it has been an absolute pleasure to have you here!

Thank you so much x