Brittany Interviews Dawn Robertson and Joshua Sean McCann + GIVEAWAY

It's that time again... 
Time to learn about your favorite authors and cover models!
Plus a giveaway for a signed book!
Click "Read More" to hear about how Dawn decides what color her hair should be and how Joshua comes up with his videos! 

Here's me!

Here's Dawn! 

And here's me fangirling over Dawn!

Brittany: Hi, Dawn. Can I just take a fan girl moment and say that I fucking love you? I love everything about you. You’re crazy, your hair is colorful, you’re covered in tattoos, you’re down to earth, and you tell shit like it is. I love it.

Dawn: Haha! I am totally just human, I promise. Nothing fancy just a straight shooting chick.  

Brittany: I keep meaning to tell you this, but I keep forgetting. One night, not too long after meeting you at Southern Girl’s, I had a dream that I went to Cracker Barrel and bought you a My Little Pony plushie. 

Dawn:  Was it Rainbow Dash?  You totally get extra points if it was Rainbow Dash! Speaking of Southern Girl and My Little Pony plushies!  MJ Carnal gave me the best MLP plush PURSE ever that weekend. A woman after my own heart!

Brittany: Okay, so now that I’m done being awkward and an idiot, let’s get down to business. There will be two parts to this. We’re gonna talk about Dawn, the author, then Dawn, the person. Sound good? It better be, cause these questions are prewritten for you to answer and I don’t have another plan.

Dawn: As long as you don’t ask for my social security number, we are golden!

Brittany: Here I go with the normal, boring interview questions. I’m sorry, feel free to turn on some music while this happens. How did you get started writing?

Dawn: I’ve written as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl I LOVED reading with my Dad. We would read every night before bed. My favorite series from that time was by CS Lewis, the Narnia books. From then on, I started writing more and more of my own little short stories. Fast forward into adulthood, and parenthood. I started a “Mommy Blog” when my oldest son was about a month old, so we are going back to January of 2008. I wrote that for years, and went on to become a full time blogger for babble.com which is now owned by Disney. I left Babble in the summer of 2013 to pursue my fictional writing full time. I also wrote for a kickass Feminist Magazine online (and was the Community Manager) The Broad Side, and all kinds of various parenting outlets over the years. So long story… really long I love writing.

Brittany: I’m not sure what I’m trying to ask here, so I’ll word it both ways. Why do you write the genre that you do? Not just romance, but with the Hers series, you wrote about a female Domme. So, why, and how did you start writing that?

Dawn: First I will say… I love romance novels along with… thats how rumors get started. Man people have assumed that I am Seven James, which I guess is a pretty awesome rumor. So maybe I won’t debunk that one. HA!  I think the romance genre needs more strong women. Yes, I’ve had some really weak and broken women in my books, but I created Seven because I was kinda sick of the whiny broken heroine. 

Brittany: Did you have to research a lot to write the Hers series?

Dawn: I did, and I didn’t. For the rest of that answer, I would like to plead the 5th.

Brittany: Tell us about each of your books. 

Dawn: Holy moly. Ready?

Hers: Bad ass chick meets hot dude. Bones him and then hot dude chases her because he just can’t get enough of her kinky ass.

Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Finding Willow: Broken woman sets out on a journey of self discovery to heal from a decade of abuse, and to find the daughter she was forced to give up. Mix in a hot biker and you have a love story for the ages.

Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kink the Halls : A kinky Christmas novella with the Hers series characters.

Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

This Girl Stripped: Young, naive, and in a bad place Paisley returns home as a broken woman set on healing, but only finds herself in the middle of a passionate love triangle that will leave you guessing to the last minute.

Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Seven’s Diary: We get to take a look back on Seven James before she rocked our whole world in Hers.

Goodreads

Amazon

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His: Coming October 6th, 2014 - The end of the Hers Series.

Goodreads

Amazon Preorder

Statistic: One woman. Four men. Hook ups, online dating, and one sociopath hiding in Romeo’s clothing.

Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Crashed: Two words: Hot Fireman

Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Uncomplicated: A Vegas Girl’s Tale:  You haven’t loved a hooker this much since Julia Roberts! 

Goodreads

Amazon

Take Me Out : The actual first book I ever wrote. Sexy millionaire, and the woman who breaks his playboy ways. Cliche, I know.

Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

The Good Girl: I co-authored this with the Queen of Darkness, Lily White. Let’s just say… it is a romance that will have you sleeping with one eye open.

Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Brittany: Is there a particular book that you’ve written that’s your favorite?

Dawn:  Oh gosh. That is so hard. It is like asking me which one of my kids I like the most. I can’t fairly answer that because each book I love for different reasons. I would say Hers because it broke my Dawn Robertson publishing cherry. But god Seven’s Diary was my favorite to write. I literally wrote it in 3 days. THREE DAYS!

Brittany: How fun is it to travel to signings?

Dawn: Oh man. Signings are a blast, but I hate the traveling aspect of it. Long drives kill me. I don’t mind flying as much, but sometimes living out of a suitcase can be stressful. I do love the opportunity to meet my awesome readers!

Brittany: What’s your favorite part about siginings?

Dawn: Meeting the readers. Nothing beats hugging the people who have supported you from the start!

Brittany: So, I’m not sure if you’ve announced this yet, and this probably won’t be published for a few weeks, but you’re working with Joshua Sean McCann. What’s that like?

Dawn: pretty uneventful thus far! We will be shooting our first cover in the middle of September. So far, Joshua is awesome. Laid back, and really a great guy to work with. Super professional!

Brittany: What was it like co-writing a book with Lily White? The Good Girl, for those of you interested.

Dawn: It was awesome. Although there were times I was scared she was going to drive to my house and kill me. If y’all don’t know, we live about 45 minutes away from each other so I totally slept with one eye open some nights.

Brittany: So, now I’m gonna switch gears a little bit. If any of these questions are too far, too personal, feel free to not answer them. I won’t publish those if you decide not to answer.

Dawn: Oh I am an open book!

Brittany: I remember seeing a throwback Thursday picture of you, where you were pregnant with your first child, I believe. You have changed so much, since then. Appearance-wise, anyways. Is there a reason why?

Dawn: Well, if we do a real throw back to when I was in high school I was your typical punk rock girl. After high school I toned it down a bit when I realized that I wanted to work someplace OTHER than Hot Topic (YES! I worked at Hot Topic!) I took out my piercings, stopped dying my hair and then I became a mom so I felt like… well I had to be motherly.

When I started writing, and working from home… I realize that this whole look wasn’t me. I had tattoos (a sleeve and then some) and I just wanted to be able to feel comfortable in my own skin again. So, I started doing funky shit with my hair and doing exactly what I want. I feel far more comfortable in my own skin now than ever before.

Brittany: Have you always been this confident, tell-it-like-it-is woman?

Dawn:  HA! NO!  Believe it or not even a year ago I wasn’t this bold. For the longest time I was the victim of online bullying (when I was a parenting blogger) to the point where these bullies actually contacted my landlord (yes, CRAZY bitches!) and it really dwarfed my personality. I think writing Seven James and the past year has given me a new understanding on the world. I just don’t care what assholes on the internet who don’t know me have to say anymore. Life is too short to let people get you down.

People will love you or hate you… that is up to them and their problem at the end of the day!

Brittany: How do you decide what color to dye your hair?

Dawn: Its spontaneous.  Most of the time it comes down to what I want, or what my hair dresser has at any given appointment. Although, I have stocked up on this “wild orchid” which is my newest hot pink so I will be keeping this for a while. I LOVE PINK!

Brittany: Not saying I don’t like it now, but I LOVED when your hair was in the bob and your bangs were pink. I thought that was the cutest thing ever.

Dawn: I loved my hair like that too. I honestly miss it. When I cut it all off, it was spur of the moment. We couldn’t get the black out of my hair, and it was SO damaged so I pulled a Queen from Alice in Wonderland and said OFF WITH IT!  It feels so much better now. Plus, I live in Florida and it is HOT as BALLS here. So, short hair is kind of… fucking awesome!

Brittany: Now, I’m no lesbian, I swear! But you’re pretty hot. And short. Do you get hit on a lot? I bet women also want a piece of you.

Dawn: HA!  I kinda do. Funny you ask because about a week ago I was in Starbucks (inside) and a dude that was picking up his coffee in the drive thru actually YELLED inside the window to try and pick me up. I was completely embarrassed. HA! 

Brittany: I bet you’ve met many people, mostly Indie authors, that have changed your life. Do you wanna tell me about them?

Dawn: Gosh. There are SO many. SO SO many. I feel like I would leave someone out if I started listing everyone. But I would have to say Ana from Ana’s Attic or Ivy as most people know here REALLY changed my life by giving me a last minute opportunity to sign at Wicked Book Weekend in February of 2014. It LAUNCHED my popularity because it was the first real signing I did. I could be ME and have a good time and apparently people loved that.

Ana is an awesome friend and I will never forget that.

Brittany: What’s the craziest thing you’ve come across being an author?

Dawn: Believe it or not I was actually targeted by another author (way back when I published my second book Finding Willow) and this person repeatedly harassed me and reported my book until Amazon pulled it down for NO reason. Because there was NOTHING wrong with the book. It was CRAZY!  But then again, when an author is that crazy, you don’t put much past them. Thankfully she has found other people to bully and harass on the net.

Brittany: What do you do to relax?

Dawn: Go to the beach!  I love the beach!

Brittany: Do you see yourself writing in the future? Say, five years from now?

Dawn: I do. Because it is what I love. I do know that the indie publishing community will continue to change and that is fine. I am in it for the long haul because I have SO MANY stories inside me I need to get out.

Brittany: You know what I just realized? You share a name with a dish soap. *laughs*

Dawn: HAA!  I also share a pen name (Because Dawn isn’t my real name) with my late sister Dawn who passed away in October of 2011. That is why I chose the name Dawn when I decided to write.

Brittany: What’s the most rewarding thing that you’ve gotten out of being a writer?

Dawn: The letters, emails, and notes from readers who take the time to tell me how my writing touched them personally. That… is what makes writing worth it. SO worth it!

Brittany: What accomplishment are you most proud of to date? And it doesn’t have to do with writing.

Dawn: My kids. I have the most awesome three children in the world and they are the best thing I have ever done with my life.

Brittany: You have children, right? Wanna tell us about them?

Dawn:  I do.

Camden is almost 7 and he is my joker. Loves super heroes and Nascar.
Benjamin is 5 and he is my brain. He is also OBSESSED with sports. He can tell you every Nascar driver, their number, every NFL, and Baseball team. It is NUTS!

Then there is my 3 year old daughter Addison who is a princess and runs my house. She is a typical girl. I also force my love of My Little Ponies on her.

Brittany: How are you going to explain to them when they find out that mommy writes dirty books?

Dawn: Ha! Well they know mommy writes books, but I am praying they never ask WHAT kind of books.

Brittany: Do you have any upcoming releases you want to share with us?

Dawn: The Speed Dating Series I am writing with Tabatha Vargo and Melissa Andrea is coming out on 3 days between August 26th and the end of September.

His is coming out on October 6th.
The follow up to Statistic, His Deadly Game will be sometime this fall, as will be the follow up to Crashed, titled Never Too Late.

Brittany: What’s the hardest thing about being an author?

Dawn: Balancing work with real life. Most people don’t realize that us Indie Authors work on average… 80 hours a week.

Brittany: Do you have any advice for people that want to self-publish?

Dawn: Just do it. But, don’t get discouraged when you don’t fly to the top of the best sellers list. It takes time, and patience. A good team, and a lot of time!

Brittany: How hard was it for you to promote yourself when you published your first book?

Dawn: I lived on my computer for TWO MONTHS prior to my first release. Being online, writing, and promoting was a FULL time job. And I was working for free!  It is a lot of blood, sweat, and tears.

Brittany: Dawn, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I really appreciate it! 

Dawn: ANY time! This was by far the best interview I’ve done thus far!

*brief intermission*

Hi! It's me again. :)

And the hilarious Joshua Sean McCann

And me fangirling for Josh. 

Brittany: Hi Joshua. Or do you prefer Josh? I must admit, every time I say your name, I say Joshua Sean McCann. It has a nice ring to it.

Josh: Well I used to hate being called Joshua, When I was a youngster I got called that when I was in trouble lol. Now I love it, Josh is to bland .

Brittany: You probably don’t remember me, but I met you at the Southern Girl’s Author Event in Greenville this past July. I was one of the youngest girls there, overexcited, too much stuff to sign. But you were there. And I was there. *grins*

Josh: Well Not off hand I don’t remember , It was a huge event and my first one.

I was overwhelmed with people. It was an awesome experience.

Brittany: So, there’s gonna be two different sections to this. I’m gonna ask you the usual questions and then we’re gonna talk about you and who you are. Sound good?

Josh: Yeah I am up to answer anything.

Brittany: The first question everyone asks. How did you get started in this business? Modeling and such? How old were you when you first started? Did you always want to do this?

Josh: Actually it just happened I had my first shoot, And Then I started sending it to tattoo websites. And Promoting myself. I am still new.

Brittany: Do you do anything besides modeling? Any fitness stuff?

Josh: Well I work full time I am by no means a full time model lol. I make funny videos, Love the beach, Love to eat and take naps.

Brittany: For some reason I’m thinking you were on the cover of Stacy Borel’s Touching Scars. Is that right?

Josh: Why yes I was, It was my first cover. She treated me well.

Brittany: And you’ve grown quite a bit. You have many new book covers coming out soon, right? Can you tell us a little bit about those?

Josh: Well I have seen one new cover for MJ Carnal wow It turned out so well

I can’t wait till it releases. And I am working with Dawn Robertson I met her at southern girl and we clicked. Cant wait for that!

Brittany: What’s the process like, shooting for a book cover?

Josh: Well I first like to pet a cat for good luck, Then I just stand and make faces.

Brittany: Do you have any favorites that you’ve done?

Josh: Hmm, I mean every book cover I’ve done was a blessing. And I take every cover as a gift in life.

Brittany: What’s it like, traveling for signings?

Josh: I love it seeing how I have not traveled much. And have lived in the same town for 24 yrs lol. Any chance I get to see new things I’m on it!

Brittany: What about the girls? I bet you like them.

Josh:  Well of course I love girls, Everyone woman is beautiful in a unique way. Except the cold hearted one of course!  

Brittany: Have you gotten used to that yet? People hitting on you?

Josh: Well I mean its mostly internet comments and messages. Its not like I have ladies throwing themselves at me when I walk into Walmart lol.

Brittany: Do you have any advice for someone that would want to get started in this business?

Josh: Yeah, Don’t be cocky. Stay humble, And don’t take shit for granted.

Brittany: What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done since you’ve started modeling?

Josh: Probably my first time hopping on a plane to shoot my golden for my book cover for Stacy Borel, I was in shock.

Brittany: I’m gonna turn it up a notch, now. Feel free to not answer these if you don’t want to.

Josh: I am ready like hot spaghetti!

Brittany: Are you a boob man or an ass man? You can’t pick both. Well, I mean, you could pick one tit and one ass cheek, but that’d be weird. 

Josh: Hahaha the infamous question. Not hard for me I am a complete butt freak I love them I like to lay on them, Touch them , Squeeze them, My andaconda don’t want none if you don’t got buns hun! Boobs they are cool, I mean to grab and lick. Butts over boobs anyday!

Brittany: Would you ever participate in a threesome? Two girls and you?

Josh: For one, I wouldn’t no what to do with myself or touch who first,

2nd I wouldn’t last very long I get to excited Like a kid on Christmas .

I wouldn’t say No!

Brittany: If the girl was hot enough, would you have a threesome with her and another dude?

Josh:  I mean it would have to be a really drunk night , With a best buddy and a hot girl, And of course My private would have to be bigger I wouldn’t wanna be weeman of the group!

Brittany: This might be a sore subject, so please, feel free to tell me to fuck off. Have you ever been in a serious relationship?

Josh: Yes I was with a girl from 18-23 I spent 2 years single due to heartbreak, And to focus on myself, And I am now trying to date again with good intensions and fresh start, I have to  say its so hard to adjust in life

After being with someone for so long its like learning how to walk again. But things fall apart for reasons. And it makes us all stronger. And it also makes use wiser and better . I stay very guarded with anyone I meet but I still give my heart and trust so fast.  I am the type I will be the bestfriend /boyfriend, Or the coldest hearted person you’ll  meet. All depends on how you treat me. We all are not perfect But when We Have someone good in life keep them. Treat them well.

Brittany: Are you in one now? If not, why? Well, maybe why isn’t the right question. The better question would be, are you looking for one?

Josh: I mean I am in one now, Still fresh first one yet in the last two years. I wasn’t really looking. Very guarded but things happened and happened rapidly , Its scary as hell but I am such a complete person now And I feel I have more to give again the ever. Just gonna be smart and still try and depend on myself for happiness .

Brittany: I think you’d be the perfect guy for any girl. You are cute and absolutely HILARIOUS.

Josh: I mean I am a good guy, And yes funny, But everyone has flaws, I am stubborn at times, I can have an attitude but again no one’s perfect.

Brittany: Everyone needs to follow you on instagram and Facebook. Your daily videos crack me up. How do you come up with the ideas for those?

Find his videos here:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=vb.202702999884203&type=2

Josh: To be honest they just pop in my head and I do them, Mostly when I am bored, I just really enjoy making people smile really, Even if im hiding the worst pain with a smile. I enjoy pleasing others with laughter.

Brittany: Do people look at you weird when you film them? The videos, I mean.

Josh:  I mean People always look at me all sorts of ways lol, But Yes when I am being weird in public people don’t know what to think lol.

Brittany: What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Josh:   That is a hard question, I had to tilt my head back for this. And I really can’t pin point Ive done way to may crazy things lol.

Brittany: What do you hope to do in the future?

Josh:  To be honest I want to be able to make people laugh for a living.

Brittany: Can I get a signed picture? *grins*

Josh: Yes of course.
I'm gonna hold you to that, Joshua.

Brittany: What do you do when you’re not traveling or modeling?

Josh: I work, Workout, Sleep, Eat, And the weekend Go with the flow!

Brittany: What’s the one thing that annoys you to no end?

Josh:    When someone says, Hey josh guess what? Oh never mind lol.

Brittany: Is there anything else you’d like to say? Any shameless self promotion?

Josh: I just hope people always look at me like a genuine person, And know I don’t think I am above anyone else. I just took the ball and ran with it.

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