Marsha A. Moore - Tortuga Treasure - Author Interview, Review and Giveaway

When Ciel first looks into Alvaro’s eyes she finds love. Bad timing. In the next instant he’s fatally stabbed in the back by one of his pirate mates. Her girlfriends warn her it will only bring on a heap of trouble to save him. Unable to resist, she gives him the gift of a new life as one of her kind--a merman.

Will their love encourage him to embrace life as a merman? Can love survive if he wishes to return to human form? Either way, her friends speak true. No matter how much mermagic and dark vodou Ciel and her friends cast, blood-thirsty buccaneers chase them across the Caribbean until Alvaro finally decides.

Warning: This book contains a magical cock-a-too, lecherous scurvy pirate dogs, hoodoo healers, the mark of the evil Black Spot, plenty of dark Haitian vodou, and passionate encounters on tropical beaches.

My Review:

This book had such great description it'll bring every word into reality.  The pace and plot was edge of your seat, action packed and intriguing. The characters were engaging, and designed very well. I recommend this book to anyone who loves pirates, mermaids, mermen, and some hot action.

Rating 5 Stars!

Author Interview:

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I write fantasy romance and epic fantasy romance. After a move from Toledo to Tampa in 2008, I’ve been happily transforming into a Floridian. I love the warm weather and being outdoors. Crazy about cycling, I usually pass the 1,000 mile mark yearly. Since moving here, I’ve become a kayaker—it’s addictive! I’ve been a yoga enthusiast for over a decade, and that spiritual quest helps me explore the mystical side of fantasy. I never have enough days spent at the beach. I take my notebooks and scribble away at new stories with my toes wiggling in the sand. Every day at the beach is magical!

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I was an English minor in college, just for fun, something different from my biology/ chemistry major. I loved reading and writing as hobbies and still do.

What surprised you the most about the writing/publishing process?

Stepping into the publishing world, going from writer to author, required greater self-discipline. What surprised me is how that disciplined approach to my creativity, making it a priority, has made me better aware of myself and my life more balanced.

How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use any set formula?

I plan the fantasy first and then add the romance ideas, so world-building is my primary focus. This makes it harder for me to know my characters—something I’ve learned through experience to concentrate on.

What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

Write fresh ideas that are your own. Be original and let your creativity/imagination soar. It bothers me how many slightly tweaked clone books exist.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

I’m working hard on an epic fantasy romance series, the Enchanted Bookstore Legends. The first book, Seeking a Scribe, will release in mid-March. The second will be formatted soon. About the first book:

Lyra McCauley is a writer and loves novels, but until she opens a selection from bookstore owner Cullen Drake, she has no idea he’s a wizard character who lives a double life inside that volume…or the story’s magic will compel her from the edge of depression to adventure, danger, and love. 

His gift to Lyra, the Book of Dragonspeir, was actually her copy, misplaced years ago. Lost in her pain following divorce and death, she fails to recognize him as her childhood playmate. Friendship builds anew. Attraction sparks. But Lyra doubts whether a wizard is capable of love. She’s torn—should she protect her fragile heart or risk new love?

Opening the book’s cover, she confronts a series of quests to save Dragonspeir from destruction by the Black Dragon. Lyra accepts the challenge, fearing Cullen will perish if evil wins. Along with magical animal guides, Cullen helps her through many perils, but ultimately she must use her own power…and time is running out.


In Twitter Fashion use 140 characters or less, sum Tortuga Treasure: Ciel's Legacy series for us.

A mermaid saves a dying pirate by turning him into a merman & must try everything, even vodou, to save them from wrath of the Crimson Fleet.

How did you come up with a story that was such a whirl wind of events?

During the winter of 2008-9, I moved my mother from NW Ohio to Tampa. It didn’t take much to convince me to stay through the winter to help her get settled before I moved my own household the following summer. My first Florida winter inspired me to write my book Tears on a Tranquil Lake. I enjoy folklore and legend, and sought interesting local tales. When I learned about the annual Tampa Gasparilla Festival I was enthralled and a pirate captain, a mermaid, and a merman became the characters of my book.

How long did it take you to write it, and did you have any writer’s block along the way?

It took about three months to write Tortuga Treasure. I never have writer’s block, but can spend a lot of time with research. That was the case with this book, pouring over lots of references to learn about vodou and hoodoo to be sure I used the practices correctly.

Will we be seeing a following book to this story?

Tortuga Treasure is the second in a series about the adventures of the heroine mermaid, Ciel, and her friends. It follows Tears on a Tranquil Lake, but the books do stand alone for reading purposes. There is a third book I have outlined, entitled Teega’s Talion, about the vengeance of a vodoun mambo.

How did you come up with the Ciel character?

Mermaids are an important part of the legends surrounding the famed pirate, Jose Gaspar, who controlled the waters around Tampa for decades. Mermaid images are part of everyday life and culture here. It was a natural extension for me to write about what seemed odd when I was a newcomer to this region.

I always must ask, If you could pick one actor to portray Alvaro on the big screen who would it be and why?

Brad Pitt might be a good choice in terms of looks and personality, but I’m not sure I can picture him with a flipper tail!

Was there anything you find particularly challenging when writing this book?

The mountains of vodou and hoodoo research was time consuming.

What were your feelings when you first saw the cover of your finished book?

I was pleasantly surprised. I love the pirate ship and gold color. I had expected blues for water. My cover artist had a different take on the theme I hadn’t thought about. The warm gold for the treasure concept is perfect.

Follow This Author and Her Books"

Website: http://www.MarshaAMoore.com

Blog: http://www.MarshaAMoore.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MarshaAMoore

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MarshaAMooreAuthorPage

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/marshaamoore

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