Bio: Annie Rayburn
Annie Rayburn is no stranger to the oddities of the writing life. Perhaps it was the hot Texas sun, or the long, lazy days of summer that fueled her vivid imagination. Whatever the muse, she grew up with scenes playing in her head and imaginary playmates taking over the show while she patted out mud cookies dotted with Chinaberries.
The stories she crafts today are decidedly more adult than the ones that involved Ken and Barbie. The scenes still play in her head, the characters argue with her right to craft their very existence, but she’s learned to harness their energies, showing them the way through the sensual haze to a love that will endure.
These days, Annie writes for Red Sage Publishing. Her first release with them is Bittersweet Obsessions, an erotic romance with sci-fi and paranormal elements.
Bio: Carol Burnside
While growing up, Carol most often had her nose buried in a book, occasionally hearing characters having conversations that weren’t in those books. Then one day she decided to write some of those pesky voices down. Eureka! She’d been a writer all along. Happiness ensued within this native Texan who loves emotional reads with steamy sex and happy endings.
Today, she’s grateful her travels have given her personal knowledge of a variety of settings for all those stories about men and women finding love and their very own happily ever after…much like she did.
Carol is married to her high school sweetheart, has two grown children and three spoiled dogs. In addition to writing, she enjoys gardening, cooking, traveling, beaches and (of course!) reading.
Random Tidbits
-
Native Texan
-
Youngest of four children
-
Married my high school sweetheart
-
Two kids: one boy, one girl
-
I’ve moved around some, living in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Virginia, Colorado, Hawaii, Georgia, and Maryland (some of those states twice).
-
Favorite non-alcoholic drink: Tea. What can I say? I’m a Southern gal. Iced tea in the summer time. Hell, anytime, really, but there’s something soothing about a hot cup of fragrant tea when I’m cold.
- Favorite alcoholic drink: If I had to narrow it down, I’d pick two. Grey Goose Cosmo or a Long Island Iced Tea, though I frequently opt for a beer or white wine.
Awards and Honors
2009
Winner: Hot Prospects Contest (Bittersweet Obsessions, Erotic Romance)
3rd Place: Heart to Heart Contest (Bittersweet Obsessions, Erotic Romance)
2nd Place: Golden Rose Contest (Her Unexpected Family, Short Contemporary)
2008
Winner: Put Your Heart In A Book Contest (Her Unexpected Family, Short Contemporary)
Winner: Reveal Your Inner Vixen (Her Unexpected Family, Short Contemporary)
Winner: Picture This Contest (Her Unexpected Family, Short Contemporary)
2006
3rd Place: Maggie Award for Excellence (A Suitable Wife, Short Contemporary)
2005
Winner: Maggie Award for Excellence (Return to Paradise, Short Contemporary)
2nd Place: Heart to Heart Contest (Return to Paradise, Short Contemporary)
2004
Honorable Mention: Great Expectations Contest (Forever Kind of Guy, Short Contemporary)
Honorable Mention: Laurie Contest (Forever Kind of Guy, Short Contemporary)
Interviews, Reviews, Articles
Phantoms & Fantasies Reviews:
Phantoms and Fantasies is a magical story of love, passion, and healing that will have readers hanging on to every word. – Tammy, Fallen Angels Reviews. 5 Angels, Recommended Read
Annie Rayburn has penned a wonderful book and interesting characters, which will have readers looking for more of her books. –Angel Brewer, Romance Junkies. 4 Ribbons
Phantoms and Fantasies is a touching tale of healing and love mixed with passion. Kudos to Ms. Rayburn for broaching such a sensitive topic and hitting the perfect balance between Sci-fi and Romance. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a story about survival and love after tragedy.—Shyla The TBR Pile. 5 STARS, Highly Recommended
Annie Rayburn expands her Crainesians’ world with Phantoms and Fantasies and gives women, human and Crainesian alike, a satisfying glimpse into a erotic relationship that begins in the mind. Trust me, you’ll love how Ms.Rayburn turns dating and mating rituals on its head with her Crainesians. – Pamela V. Mason (Smashwords review)
I love Annie Rayburn’s stories and this one definitely delivers on the sensuality and emotion. The sexual tension explodes off the page and so do the intense emotions! I loved this story and I can’t wait to read this author’s next story, Bittersweet Obsessions. – n22v (Amazon 5-star review)
This was a breathtaking story. Ms. Rayburn has totally created a world that is both believable and sexy. I could see myself living next door to a Crainesian and am envious of the link the life mates have with each other. I read this story in one sitting, it was that good. I think the author has a definite keeper with this new world and I can’t wait to read more. – Tami Brothers, (Amazon 5-star review)
Insight Reviews:
“The sex…is definitely hot and steamy… Annie Rayburn will be an author to watch out for in the future.”–Julia, The Romance Studio
INSIGHT is … packed with emotion. Jon and Sela have an intense sexual attraction and connection from the moment they meet. Ms. Rayburn’s exceptional use of dialogue and description enable us to see the emotional quandary that Jon and Sela fall into upon meeting.
–Tewanda, Sizzling Romance, 4 FLAMES: GREAT READ. Highly Recommended.
INTERVIEWS:
WriterMason blog
Petit Fours And Hot Tamales blog
Fallen Angel Reviews
Book List
Bittersweet Obsessions, Red Sage Publishing, June 2011
Phantoms & Fantasies, (HeatWave *, October 2005) Indie re-released May, 2011
Insight, (HeatWave *, May 2005) Indie re-released May, 2011
Rocking Chair Reader: Family Gatherings, Adams Media, 2005
* Publisher is no longer in business.
Professional Memberships
Romance Writers of America
RWA Chapters: Georgia Romance Writers / RWAOnline / FF&P / DSRA
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Author portraits by Tonsmiere Studio, Cartersville, GA
Missing somethin or have questions? Contact Me
