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| SPECIAL INTERVIEW WITH JASMINE AHERNE
Up and coming contemporary author Jasmine Aherne has written 3 romance novels and her 4th is due out this November. We were lucky enough to ask her some questions about her writing and what inspired to begin a career in romance!
Here is a candid interview with this remarkable new author:
1) How did you get into writing?
Jasmine Aherne: I've been writing since I was about 12, I think. I love telling stories. It was around that time that I realized that people could make a living from writing books, and I knew I wanted to make money from what I loved! I didn't write a full-length novel though, until I was 16.
2) You have a very distinct contemporary style. Is this the genre you generally like to read yourself? Do you think you will venture out to other genres?
Jasmine Aherne: I do like contemporary stories. I like it when writers see the world in their own unique way, for example Anton Chekov said, "see the big in the small; moonlight reflected in a shard of broken bottle." Having said that, I would love to branch into science fiction and fantasy. I am writing a fantasy novel at the moment, so we'll see how that goes!
3) I love the dialog between Tory and Aaron in Between the Lines. I especially liked that Aaron was also a writer. Where do you get your inspiration for characters?
Jasmine Aherne: From the people around me! Most of my characters are pieced together from bits of this person, bits of that person. I often wonder if my friends ever recognize themselves.
4) What are some of the authors that inspire you?
Jasmine Aherne: Nora Roberts. I've been hooked on her forever. Also Sharon Shinn, Caitlyn Kittridge, James Patterson, Audrey Niffenegger.. I could go on!
5) Your book takes place in New York City. Why New York? Are there certain places in New York that you incorporated from personal experience?
Jasmine Aherne: I've never been to New York! I desperately want to. I rely on Google Maps and I watch a lot of films and documentaries about New York. I love it - it's like so many places merged into one, a never-sleeping city of contrasts.
6) What would you like your readers to know about your writing?
Jasmine Aherne: That I enjoy it immensely. I adore telling stories, and I love creating characters and exploring their challenges in life and love. I really hope my enjoyment shines through.
7) There is a secondary character, Aaron's best friend, Mel. Are there any plans for Mel's story in the future? For any of the secondary characters?
Jasmine Aherne: I'm not sure actually! Maybe. I'd love to explore every character I've created, but I have so many ideas in my head at once, it's a miracle I can concentrate long enough to write a novel!!
8) What plans do you have for your upcoming books? Can you tell us your inspiration for Uprooted?
Jasmine Aherne: Uprooted is released at the beginning of November. When I wrote this I was sitting for a couple who lived near me and their daughter was an inspiration. She was smart, cute, funny, and about 12 years old. I thought, "I want to tell a story about her, she's a fantastic character already."
9) Thanks you for taking time out to answer our questions. I really enjoyed your writing and interviewing you has been a real treat!
Jasmine Aherne: Thanks so much for taking the time to interview me! If you'd like to learn more about me, please visit www.jasmineaherne.com
I don't have a contest running right now, but if readers buy either Between the Lines or Stranded, and email the receipt to jasmine@jasmineaherne.com, I'll send them back a free, 70,000 word romantic suspense, written especially for readers.
Interviewed by Sophia from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
For Additional Information about Jasmine Aherne
Check Her Out At:
http://www.jasmineaherne.com/
You can also check out her FREE READS at: http://www.jasmineaherne.com/page20.htm
Upcoming Book and Recent Books
by Jasmine Aherne’s:
Uprooted – To be Released November 5th , 2009 from Pink Petal Books
Horticulturist Marianne Dawson thinks she's hit her head pretty hard when she wakes up in hospital to the handsome face of Dr. Noah Campbell. They hit it off, but the emergency ward is too busy to get friendly. Mari's delighted then, when Noah turns out to be the blind date she agreed to as a favour for a friend. Noah finds himself falling for Mari's sharp wit and ready smile, but his life's complicated enough as it is - he's just found out he has a twelve-year-old daughter, and he needs serious help becoming a father. With Mari's help, however, the sulky girl blooms, and they start to form a family. But Mari's struggling with her own internal demons, and what will she do when a difficult choice threatens everything she and Noah have built together?
Free excerpt of her latest book Uprooted check out her site at:
http://www.jasmineaherne.com/page7.htm Between the Lines - Released June 23rd, 2009 from Wild Horse Press
Attorney Victoria Langston loves her job, but realizes she's missing something in her life. She just doesn't know what it is yet. Author Aaron Cooper is pleasantly surprised when he meets Tory. The moment he sets eyes on her, he knows he wants her. The two begin a whirlwind relationship, but where can it possibly go? She lives in New York and he lives in England. As the two get to know one another better, they discover that their feelings run deeper than either wants to admit. Will Tory and Aaron be willing to forget their pasts and give each other a chance? Or will old relationships get in the way of something wonderful?
Free excerpt of Between the Lines:
http://www.jasmineaherne.com/page10.htm
SPECIAL INTERVIEW WITH BETH KERY
Beth Kery is a versatile author who excels at writing steamy romances that vary from contemporary suspense to the paranormal. She is best known for her sexy writing and the intense relationships between her likeable characters!
But whatever she writes her stories are guaranteed to keep your eyes glued to every page! This year she has 3 books scheduled for release and a 4th for 2010. With her heavy writing schedule I was amazed she was gracious enough to find the time to answer our questions in this special sneak peak into her writing. 1) How did you get starting writing? Do you find writing is a dream come true? What do you find is the most difficult thing about writing that surprised you?
Beth Kery: I’ve always been an avid reader in all genres, but I always suspected I could write romance. I’m not sure why. Kismet? So about four years ago I thought…why not give it a try?
Is writing a dream come true? In many ways, yes. I love the independence, the way you have to be self-driven vs. externally driven. I love being able to create something that starts as a whimsical idea or flickering vision into a many-layered story with complex characters. Probably the most difficult thing about writing for me is the waiting. There’s always waiting involved. Waiting to hear from your agent or editor about a submission, waiting anxiously for a book to release, waiting to hear about sales figures…and the list goes on. :)
2) All your books are a pleasure to read! You have a very sensual writing style. Do you feel you have found a 'niche' in your writing that sets you apart from other writers?
Beth Kery:
Thank you, Steph! I’m not so sure about my niche. I haven’t been writing all that long, technically speaking. My aim in an erotic romance is to write a very taut, emotional story, and the sex flows from that emotion and also informs the plot-line. However, there are some other authors—Lacey Alexander and Shiloh Walker, off the top of my head. I know there are other fantastic ones—who do the same, and much better, in my opinion. So I can’t necessarily call that a niche. Perhaps one of my niches is the layered quality to my stories. I like them to be wildly entertaining and sexy, but also thought-provoking. I have a lot of respect for the romance reader, and I want to give her something intellectually and emotionally fulfilling as well as sensually exciting.
3) I totally agree! What I love best about your books is the relationship between your 2 characters, it never seems rushed or artificial. How do start the process of writing your 2 main characters? Do you have the characters firmly in your mind before you even write them? Can you give us an example from one of your upcoming books?
Beth Kery:
I do typically have ideas for my characters before I begin writing, but they’re shadowy. The process of writing helps to flesh them out. In regard to my characters relationship not seeming rushed—thank you. That’s a nice compliment. One thing that I always assume is that even though each character may not know it at that first meeting, something inside him or her knows on some primitive, unconscious level this is other person is important to me. Crucial, even. It’s not rational, and he or she might struggle with that idea. That’s one of my common themes, I think: that falling in love is a deeply irrational process that nevertheless makes perfect sense. It’s pure magic. Examples of this theme are everywhere in my books. For instance, Ryan Daire in Daring Time knows he’s behaving irrationally by moving into a mansion that he can’t afford to maintain, but he does it anyway because he can’t ignore his visions of a captivating woman that he sees in the house. He also knows that it’s unlikely that he would fall head over heels for a female after such a short period of knowing her (because that’s what all the ‘experts’ say in this day and age) but beyond all reason, he eventually comes to accept that’s precisely what happened. Shane Dominic in Sweet Restraint also has to take a similar plunge of faith. In essence, he risks everything; his illustrious career—even his freedom—by taking the love of his life captive in order to learn her secrets and keep her safe. Even though he’s the consummate rationalist, he makes a conscious choice to behave in a manner that on the surface seems irrational and highly risky. But it’s only irrational if one doesn’t factor in the kind of love that turns logic on its head. In many ways, that’s the essence of romance; how love breaks all the rules and challenges personal and cultural beliefs about how things should be.
4) You just released a time travel romance earlier this year in May 2009, called Daring Time and you have already have 2 more books to be released this year and another for early Feb 2010. How do you set aside time to write? Do you find yourself running out of ideas or make a set schedule?
Beth Kery:
Once I get started on a book, I typically need to do a set word count everyday. I do sometimes find that the creative well gets dry. That’s when I know I need to take a break or get into a fun brainstorming session with one of my writer friends. Also, I find it works best for me to write through a block; to not worry about whether it’s crap or not. If it’s awful, at least I learned something. That’s not the direction I want to go. And that’s pretty good information to have.
5) I really enjoyed your paranormal and contemporary romances. Do you find it difficult switching between them? Is one genre easier or more fun to write than the other?
Beth Kery:
I don’t think it’s hard to switch. I enjoy both genres for different reasons and both have their challenges. Many people seem to believe that contemporaries are ‘easier’ in regard to not needing to world build, less research, etc. However, I do as much if not more research and setting building for my contemporaries than I do for paranormals. My heroes and heroines have dozens of different professions, for instance. I work really hard to understand some of the details and ‘everyday’ practicalities of that job. It’s even a bigger deal in a contemporary, because there are people out there reading it who will be like—that’s ludicrous! I’m an artist and a sculpture never does that. Whereas if you build your own world, or even do a historical, most people are much more forgiving because it’s not their world.
6) I especially liked your time travel romance Daring Time. Time travel can be a difficult genre to write realistically. Did you particularly find it a challenge to write? Did you have to do extensive research?
Beth Kery: Thanks! I loved doing Daring Time. I hope I can do another time travel. Yes, there was a great deal of research involved, especially in regard to historical Chicago. There’s something so fun and whimsical about a time travel, and yet they interest me on an intellectual level too—getting all the details correct given things like time paradoxes, parallel time lines, etc. Another thing I love about a time travel is it incorporates so many genres that I’ve written and like writing: contemporary, paranormal and even historical. In Daring Time’s case, there was also a suspense/crime element. So I was in seventh heaven.
7) That makes so much sense. What do you feel is the most challenging book you have written? Is that your favorite book?
Beth Kery: Hmmmm….probably Sweet Restraint. The reason it was difficult is because even though I typically write erotic romances with mild BDSM in the storylines, Sweet Restraint’s kink factor is a bit higher. I was worried about how Shane Dominic, my hero, would come off to the reader when he first takes Laura captive. He acts more ‘dom-ish’ than most of my heroes, and even more ‘dom-ish- than he normally would sexually with a woman. However, he’s doing it for a reason. He’s a desperate man with a desperate plan.
Because of the story set-up, his behavior was called for and necessary, but my ultimate goal was to show how much he loves this woman…how he’s sacrificing everything for her by his actions.
If I can convince the reader story to take the journey with me, I think she’ll find Sweet Restraint is quite possibly the most intense, romantic story I’ve written. Oh, you are bad to ask about favorites. Lol. Well…I’ll say that Paradise Rules which comes out October 6 is a major favorite. Why? This is one story I would literally love to escape to. It mostly takes place on this luxury houseboat moored on a private lagoon in Hawaii. I love the parallel of taut emotion between the main characters juxtaposed with this golden, lazy, sensual…almost magical setting.
8) Your next 3 upcoming books are all contemporary. Was this a break from writing paranormal romances? Will you go back to writing paranormal romances? (Please?!)
Beth Kery: LOL, thanks Steph. Being a new writer in the NY market is a challenge in regard to genre. I think I got Daring Time through because it’s very loosely a paranormal, what my editor at Berkley actually calls a paranormal light—something with a background theme of ghosts or maybe ESP, but a story that for the most part takes place in the real, everyday world. In Daring Time’s case, most of that real world is actually contemporary Chicago. It’s difficult, because readers tend to label you with that first book (Wicked Burn, in my case) and that’s what they come to expect. Even with Daring Time, while some people loved the few paranormal elements, some readers wanted me back to doing contemporaries ASAP. Until an author becomes more established, it’s harder to expand in the genres she writes. I’m really pleased to tell you, though, that I sold a paranormal last month to Samhain. It’s called Velvet Cataclysm, Princes of the Underground and features a race of men that we would call vampires, but who really possess more mysterious origins. I like writing one liner blurbs, so here is my one liner for Velvet Cataclysm. For her, he battled both his own dark nature and his Scourge vampire clone and unexpectedly found the impossible: his soul. Look for it next spring, 2010 from Samhain.
9) As I mentioned earlier I think you are a versatile writer. I think it would be a shame for you to write one genre!
Beth Kery: The main thing that attracts me to your books is the relationship between your 2 main characters. I am especially looking forward to reading Sweet Restraint, which released on July 7th, 2009. It sounds deliciously naughty! Can you tell us more about your characters? Your men are always super sexy, I am sure Shane is no exception, do you base them on anyone?!
My characters are always from my overactive imagination.
Sweet Restraint is very naughty, and like I said, the kink factor is a bit higher because it essentially involves Shane taking Laura captive against her will. As the reader will see, of course, it’s actually a forbidden dream come true for Laura—not just to have Shane tie her up to a bed and have his way with her, but to give over control to Shane. I suppose one could read this story just as a naughty erotic romance, but the reason I think it’s much more is that the sex—more specifically the type of sex—is symbolic of giving over control, which is something that Laura has struggled to do for most of her adult life. Here is a couple who have been kept apart from each other for fourteen years by ruthless men, after all. The bed becomes the place where Shane coaxes her to give over the crushing weight of responsibility that she’s carried on her own shoulders for so long. He’s essentially telling her with his every action, ‘give over the burden to me, you’ve carried it long enough. Tell me the truth and let me take the weight from you.’
Of course Laura is stubborn, so it takes some convincing. I think Sweet Restraint an extraordinary love story.
10) I also wanted to ask you about your book Paradise Rules. It is a straight contemporary romance instead of a suspense novel. Your heroine in this book seems more independent and take charge than your previous heroines. Do you feel this story is a departure from you usual writing style? What other plans do you have for your upcoming books?
Beth Kery: It’s funny, but I actually believe that outside of the bedroom, where my heroine’s tend to have submissive qualities as far as sex goes, every heroine I’ve written is incredibly independent and determined. It’s often a quiet confidence, and they aren’t kicking butt and taking names. Lol. But I guess I tend to admire quiet strength and fortitude a great deal. For me, being loud and bossy might connote confidence and strength, but often it’s just a shield against the world. For my heroines, you often see their strength in their actions and their inner struggles against their own emotional demons, more than anything.
And in a strange kind of way, Lana Rodriguez, my heroine in Paradise Rules is a good example of this theme, but in the opposite sense. She might look like the most independent and take charge female on the surface, especially when it comes to sex. But in reality, she’s the most emotionally brittle of all my heroines. She’s a lovely, special woman, but her psychological wounds have left her vulnerable. I think we’ve all seen that—when someone covers their wounds with an attitude that acts as armor. I think Lana actually is very strong, but her strength doesn’t come from the fact that she keeps men at a distance by controlling every aspect of sex, even paying for her sexual encounters so that she never loses an ounce of control. I’m excited to have a contemporary coming out with no suspense elements. In many ways Paradise Rules is the most similar to Wicked Burn in that way out of all my Berkley books. It’s the story of two people who crash together sexually and emotionally, and how that pivotal event changes their way of thinking…their entire life, really. Both stories probe the depths of the characters’ psyches and emotions. Both are about choosing love even in the face of deep, primitive psychological fears and insecurities, and growing because that hard choice was made.
Whew! I gotta read them now! Thanks for taking the time to answer all my questions. It has been a real pleasure meeting you and learning more about your writing!
Beth Kery: Whew is right. That was a lot of fun, Steph. Thanks for taking the time to read all the books and ask such relevant and probing questions.
Gee, thank you! :)
Interview by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
For Additional Information about Beth Kery check her out at:
Upcoming and Recent Books by Beth Kery
PARADISE RULES by Beth Kery
Contemporary- October 6, 2009
Book Description
She didn’t believe in paradise…
To most people Hawaii’s crystal blue shores are an inviting opportunity to escape reality. But for Lana Rodriguez who grew up there, the picture-perfect vacation getaway disguises the bitter truths she escaped years ago, and not without some emotional scars. Now a successful blues singer, Lana’s returning to Waikiki with a different outlook on the past, and a bold defiance when it comes to men, romance, and sex. This time, it’s on her terms.
Until she found it in him.
Local celebrity, businessman and island god, Jason Koa, may be every woman’s dream. For Lana, it’s not exactly love at first sight. Though their start is rocky, they can’t deny the passions they arouse in each other. Jason refuses to become Lana’s pawn. It’s time to show her who makes the rules on this island—and in the bedroom. But will Jason’s attempt at breaking Lana’s shell reveal secrets that neither are prepared to face, or will they allow themselves to get swept away by a tidal wave of desire? RELEASE by Beth Kery
Contemporary- February 2010
Book Description
His need for her was so absolute, he agreed to share her with another man in order to possess her.
Genny loved her husband Max, but something was missing—a sexual charge that was instead ignited by his business partner, Sean. He was ruggedly handsome, with a heart-stopping smile and a slow, sexy New Orleans drawl that made Genny weak. The more time they spent together, the stronger the attraction between them became and when her husband offered to share her with Sean for one intoxicating night, both Genny and Sean were too tempted to refuse.
That night in the company penthouse, Max and Sean showed Genny the heights of ecstasy. But it was Sean who scored her very spirit, and one-on-one, they were red hot. But as Genny learns, there’s a price to pay for such impulsive pleasure. What began as a night of forbidden desire spirals into a whirlpool of murder, sensual submission, secrets, and a scorching passion that threatens to consume everyone it touches.
SWEET RESTRAINT by Beth Kery
Contemporary Suspense- July 7, 2009
Book Description
This time, he’ll never let her go…
Chicago Special Agent Shane Dominic was in love with Laura Vasquez until the day she left him and married another man. Thirteen years may have passed, but Laura’s never disappeared from his fantasies, or destroyed his desire to learn the truth about why she left him. When her husband, the criminal mastermind behind an international ring of thieves, is murdered, Shane knows this is his one last, desperate chance to learn Laura’s secrets. And he’s not above using their scorching hot passion for one another and a little domination to do it.
One look at Shane, and Laura’s own memories come back to haunt her. Her feelings run deep, but she’d never divulge her secrets—a desperate vow that’s compromised when Shane stuns her by taking her as his captive to a secluded cabin. Here, she will finally belong to him, be subjected to his every torturously erotic whim, and be forced to trust him with a shocking truth she’s hidden for so long—one that will expose them to a danger closing in on the both of them.
DARING TIME by Beth Kery
Time Travel- May 5th, 2009
Book Description
He sees her, wants her, needs her…
Chicago Detective Ryan Daire has many secrets: a love for Shakespeare, an appreciation for the all the finer things in life, and an absolute lack of restraint in the bedroom. Now he has an even bigger secret. In every shifting shadow of the sprawling mansion he’s recently inherited he can see her—tempting, ethereal, and untouchable. Hope Stillwater inhabited that mansion in 1906. Raw desire has formed a conduit between these two passionate souls who are separated by the barrier of time.
Now he has to have her.
Intoxicated by each other’s presence, Ryan and Hope are closer than ever to crossing that inviting boundary between two worlds. But there is one grave danger: Ryan’s job has put him on the trail of a depraved criminal in an investigation that’s risking Hope’s eternal fate and happiness. Now he must do whatever it takes to change history, protect Hope from harm, and set his own desires free.
SPECIAL INTERVIEW WITH JESSICA INCLAN
Jessica Inclan is the author of numerous contemporary and paranormal romances. She is well known for the strong and complex relationships between her characters. Anyone who has read her books has been touched by the poetic and emotional style in her writing.
In addition, to being an author, she also finds time to teach online classes at UCLA. This year she has 2 books coming out. The final book in her Believe series by Zebra and her last book in the Being trilogy called The Beautiful Being slated for release on September, 29th, 2009. In this interview Jessica Inclan was gracious enough to share her thoughts on writing and her career as an author.
1) I know a lot authors feel a driven need to write, is this how you got started? Did you always know you wanted to write?
Jessica Inclan: I always admired writers and books. My mother was a librarian, and I spent most Saturdays down at the library with her, picking out the books I wanted to read that week. Reading was my one true skill, and I always thought that being able to produce something so magical was, well, magical! So when I was around 12, I started scratching out terribly written little stories and poems, and I never really stopped, though I do think they stopped being horrible. I, of course, had to take many classes to learn how to shape poems and short stories and novels, so it was hard work. But I’d long held the dream I would hold my own books in my hands. 2) Why do you feel romance books are important? Jessica Inclan: I think there are bout one hundred reasons that they are important, but I will only mention three. The first is that I think the connection between two human beings is one of the things that keeps us literally and emotionally alive on this planet. We strive for another—and go ahead and call it biological—and even those in power (think about all the recent politicians—love love. We love love. We need love. We want that in our lives. Romance novels give us the best part of love. We don’t often get the daily, back-and-forth of relationship in a romance. We get the fun part. And it keeps that connection alive for us, even if we don’t have that connection in our “real” lives.
The second is that romance novels are true entertainment. They are fun to read and safe. We know we are going to have fun when we pick one up at the bookstore. Sometimes, we need that story to take us away. We need to laugh or be amazed or cry. And romances give us a happy ending, something we don’t always get in real life. The third is that romance novels are important for women. Women write them. Women publish them. Women buy them. They are the stories we want to tell and read. 3) I know what you mean! Early in your career you wrote contemporary romance, but recently you have published 2 paranormal trilogies. In both genres, the strong relationship between the characters are very compelling and emotionally satisfying. What attracts you to writing contemporary and paranormal romances? Jessica Inclan: I just finished a novel that started off as a contemporary novel but is now, officially, a young adult novel. I also just finished what I hope is the beginning of a new trilogy, one about shapeshifters. It doesn’t seem to matter to me what I’m writing, though, as I’m always trying to find the truth of the story. When I write paranormal, I love to focus on two things: the relationship between the two main characters and the setting. Paranormal romance allows me the chance to truly get into the setting, and in paranormal romance, the setting can be wild! Contemporary novels force me to think more about psychology, about why people do what they do, why they are who they are—and then, what they will do next. 4) I can certainly feel that in your books. Will you return to contemporary romance? Do you feel you have a different style/persona in each category? Jessica Inclan: I truly feel as though I am the same person who writers them: a writer who carries around a huge toolbox. When I sit down to write either paranormal romances or contemporary novels, I simply have to pull out different tools. 5) I would describe your books as dreamy, even having a mystical quality. I feel drawn to the relationship between the 2 main characters. How do you develop the characters relationships? Do you have an idea before you start or do you let the ‘character’ take over? Jessica Inclan: Sometimes I do have an idea. For instance, in the paranormal novel I just finished, I started with an image I had in a dream: a woman at a window looking out, seeing a man in front of her, a beautiful man, who turns slowly into a wolf. The dream also had some plot elements that I used, but I had that image, that feeling of longing, of the two needing and wanting to connect. The rest flowed from there, and while I didn’t use all of my dream, much of that initial inspiration stayed in the story. 6) I really enjoyed your paranormal Being series because the idea of ‘twins’ with powers that complement each other so intriguing. How did you find the inspiration for every character having a twin or a mirror mate? I feel the talents twins could have carry another series could go. Do you have the intention of continuing this series? I would love a spin off, maybe an anthology of shorter stories?! (Hint :)) Jessica Inclan: I liked the idea of the twins, and have been intrigued by this notion ever since I read Plato in college. He had the idea of the three original humans. There was the man/man, the woman/,man, and the woman/woman. God became so angry with them (who knows why) that he split these original humans in two and threw them all over the planet, and they spent the rest of their lives trying to find each other. In the Being trilogy, my characters have that same drive to find each other. And it was fun to pull them apart and push them together (I am a nicer god than the Plato’s!). At this point, I don’t have plans to write more in this series. But never say never! 7) I notice you write trilogies within a family, do find this more cohesive to write? Do have another trilogy in the works? If so, will it also be a paranormal series? Jessica Inclan: My shapeshifter trilogy (should it become a reality) will also be aligned around three brothers. I do find it more “fun” for me because with all these characters related, I can bring them back in the novels that don’t necessarily belong to them. I feel that instead of one novel, I’m writing one gigantic novel. 8) I was so happy to discover The Beautiful Being is coming out on
September 29th, 2009. We finally get Edan’s story! His talent for aging seems so tragic and deadly. Edan is held in such hard regard I felt his mate had to be equally strong. How did you decide on the heroine’s personality? Was she difficult to write? Jessica Inclan: I felt that his twin, his double, had to be his equal in all ways, but I also felt that she was very lonely and scared. Of course, if his talent is to age himself, then hers had to be the opposite. Both talents are a bit dangerous! My goal for her was to find her hidden strengths and rise to the challenges that life was throwing at her. For so long, she was unable (for a few reasons) to really live. Once this novel starts, she has no choice. 9) Before your Being series you also wrote the popular paranormal Believe series, will you ever continue this series? The last in the trilogy, is finally coming out in (smaller) mass market paperback this August. I found the suave playboy Felix super sexy and Sayblee his perfect match! Why has it take so long to come out?!
Will there be more books that explore the ancient Les Croyant des Trois? Jessica Inclan: Kensington plans a mass market release before an original release as a form of marketing. So the mm Believe in Me will proceed (September) the trade paper The Beautiful Being (October). The mm versions help sales, supposedly! I love that world and I love Felix, but my editor was not a fan of dragging series out, so the Believe trilogy was just a trilogy. I wish she had been, but, again, I will never say never. 10) You also have written contemporary books that deal with complex and heartbreaking issues that everyday women confront. I really feel these books celebrate women. Was this your intention while writing them? If you had to pick, which is the most dear to your heart and why? Which book that you have written do you feel is the personal/most part of you?! Jessica Inclan: I truly feel that all my novels are a part of me, but my first novel Her Daughter’s Eyes was that first effort, that first push toward a longer story, and it is special to me for that reason. When You Believe was important in that it was my first attempt at romance, and I was very connected to the love in that story. Maybe the “firsts” of things are benchmarks for us, and for me as a writer, those first books show that I could do what I was setting out to do. I think that I try to look into women’s lives in all my stories, but part of my goal was to also look at the other side of the story through the male view. Her Daughter’s Eyes, When You Go Away, and The Instant When Everything Was Perfect have male points-of-view. 11) What books do you have planned for the horizon, can you give us a peak? Will you be writing another trilogy? Jessica Inclan: Here’s are my goals: Publication of one young adult novel, the first in a paranormal trilogy with two more to follow, a literary novel based on Hamlet (this is something I have in the works as well). There is a lot of work to do here—and not all the work is mine. I hope my agent has the same goals as I! I2) In addition to writing, you also teach writing classes online at UCLA, Do you have any tips for aspiring authors? If anyone is interested your classes and would like to take one, where could we find more information? Jessica Inclan: I teach for both UCLA and Diablo Valley College—and I teach many of these classes online. For the fall, I have a novel four class at UCLA. And in the spring there, I will be teaching a four day workshop at their Writer’s Studio—Novel One, which would work for any kind of fiction. You can see more about all of UCLA’s great stuff at: Also, I teach short story writing every semester online for Diablo Valley College. Go to: http://www.dvc.edu.
Thanks Steph for having me here!
Wow, it was a pleasure to have you here. Thank you!! Interviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
For Additional information about Jessica Inclan you can check out her at:
New and Upcoming Books by Jessica Inclan
Believe in Me by Jessica Inclan
Mass Market Paperback- August 25th, 2009
Book Description
The Croyants des Trois are a powerful clan of telepaths and healers, and Felix Valasay, as gifted in magic as he is in seduction, is the black sheep of the family...For a Croyant, Felix Valasay lives a charmed life of sensual excess, so he's less than thrilled to be interrupted mid-hookup by notorious Croyant straight arrow, Sayblee Safipour. She'd been the smart one in their magic classes, the one he couldn't win over with a smile or a compliment or twelve, the one he'd wanted so desperately. Now he has the chance to wake up to her beautiful, calm face, to smell the sweetness of her skin, to be this close to those maddening curves...Figures Sayblee would find Felix 'entertaining' when they have important Council business to attend to - setting a trap in Paris for the most dangerous, powerful sorcier their world has ever known. To do that they will need to hide in plain sight, living together like an ordinary Moyenne couple, using no magic at all. Keeping her mind shut against the dark forces trying to find them is tough. But keeping Felix's hot body out of her thoughts is nearly impossible. Sometimes the only way to avoid temptation is to yield to it... The Beautiful Being by Jessica Inclan
Oversize Paperback- September 29th, 2009 Book Description They are here among us…
Far from home, gifted with special abilities, hunted for their powers. And they are desperate to find their other, the one who completes them…before it’s too late…
Together, anything is possible…
As leader, Eden Mirav must protect his people from the enemies who wish to destroy them. Despite his extraordinary abilities, Eden has not been able to locate his double—the one person who could make him whole and help him control his remarkable power to age himself with a simple thought. With her, he can grow even stronger. Without her, he is doomed to an uncertain fate. Just when he’s about to abandon all hope, she stands before him in the blazing hot sun of the desert like a shimmering mirage… Recently rescued and freed, Ava Arganos has been working in the desert—and waiting for the day that her double finds her. When Ava first lays eyes on Eden, she doesn’t recognize him immediately even though she feels the charged, sizzling connection between them. Now united, Eden and Ava surrender to a fiery, explosive passion that only renews their bond as they combine forces to battle their most treacherous foe yet...
SPECIAL INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS MARIE GREEN
Chris Marie Green is an Urban Fantasy super star! She is the prolific author of the Vampire Babylon series that has continued for 4 books and shows no sign of stopping. Her latest book, the Path of Razors is due out August 4th, 2009 and she has a new series planned for next year!
If you love vampires, tormented heroines/heroes and complex mysteries then this series is not to be missed. In this interview I tried to get Chris Marie Green to tell us her secrets…
1) The Urban Fantasy genre is relatively new. Do you consider your books Urban Fantasy? Why?
Chris Marie Green
LOL—funny you should ask, because when I first submitted this as a proposal to Ace, I didn’t have any sort of genre in mind except for fantasy action-adventure. I just wanted to write about a capable, awesome, conflicted Sydney Bristow-extreme heroine who becomes embroiled in a noir mystery with vampires. When NIGHT RISING came out, everyone said it was “urban fantasy,” but my book wasn’t written with that UF signature first-person point of view. Yet the series does have a gritty feel, and it takes place in an urban setting with an underground/society-doesn’t-know-what’s-really-going-on element. It also has a romantic angle, which is a strong part of urban fantasy. In a lot of ways Vampire Babylon does fit, so I do tell people it’s a UF.
2) I love the romantic angle! Can you tell me, how your concept for the Vampire Babylon series began? It is so complex and multi-layered, did you have the story in your head long before you began writing?
Chris Marie Green
Thanks! Vampire Babylon actually came out of two different ideas: the old school vampire hunter tale—a premise I was on fire to continue writing after I penned my first vampire story, THE HUNTRESS. The second part was a mystery based on that THREE MEN AND A BABY urban legend. You guys remember the one, right? In one frame of that movie, you can vaguely see a little boy near a window in the background of a shot. This was before we had the Internet to pick movies apart, and everyone thought this was the ghost of a boy who was killed on set. Turns out the image was from a cardboard movie PR cut-out. I took that idea and thought, “What if that kid was a vampire?” I also wanted to have a boss for the detectives in this mystery who never showed himself—a cross between CHARLIE’S ANGELS and THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. I got the idea for the vampires when someone—James Franco, I think—was referred to as “the new James Dean” on some entertainment show. I thought, “What if the new James Dean was actually the old James Dean?” and I extended that with the concept of how some really jaded vampires might use legendary deaths to further the careers of movie stars. Put that all together and you’ve got the start of the series. From there, I fleshed out Dawn Madison’s family and character issues.
3) Too Cool! Your series will have an amazing 5 books total once the Path of Razors comes out. Did you know you would be writing this many books in the Vampire Babylon series? How many more books do you intend for your series to continue?
Chris Marie Green
I pitched this as a trilogy at first, but before the second book, MIDNIGHT REIGN, was published, I was contracted for a second trilogy. I did have an idea in mind, even though I wasn’t sure if the series would continue, so I had laid the groundwork for more, just in case. There’ll be at least six books in the series because each trilogy contains its own character, big mystery, and mythology arcs (like Harry Potter, but with less books). We’ll see if the series continues beyond the six, but there are many, many possibilities for further adventures!
4) Oh yeah! Your characters are so fun to read. Through out all your books Dawn Madison’s vulnerability and uncertainty in the face adversity builds great tension. Is each ‘trilogy’ a new stage in her growth and confidence? Do you have a clear and happy ending for Dawn planned?
Chris Marie Green
I’m so happy that the characterization built tension! Each trilogy does take Dawn to a very different place in her life, and she’s got to deal with the fallout from the trouble that finds her. In the first trilogy (the Hollywood trilogy), Dawn’s main focus is her mom and how Eva Claremont and her death have defined Dawn throughout the years. She’s also grappling with becoming a vampire hunter as opposed to a stuntwoman—now “reality” isn’t what it’s always been for her and the violence and weirdness isn’t just in the movies anymore. In the second trilogy (the London trilogy), Dawn’s got to face the changes she initiated with her love interest, Costin. (I won’t spoil what happens in BREAK OF DAWN, Book Three, for those of you who haven’t read it. But she feels loads of guilt for the way in which she had to save him from “death.”) She has to deal with some heavy questions about whether this relationship she has with him is based on love or guilt. Specifically, how much of what she does is actually self-punishment or an emerging death wish? By the end of this trilogy, I did wrap things up with the bigger mythology picture and the romance, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of avenues left to explore….
5) I really enjoy reading your scenes with secondary characters in the story sometimes more than reading about Dawn! Even though they are ‘the bad guys,’ as a reader I can’t help but relate to their pain and empathize. I was really drawn to Sorin and his father. Was this a conscious decision on your part to make them more alive and tragic? Will we meet more Masters? What about the dragon?
Chris Marie Green
LOL! That’s cool—I’m really glad to hear that Sorin and Benedikte are relatable, even though they’re “not human.” I really did want to make them relatable, because I think those are the most compelling villains. I love bad guys like Hannibal Lecter, who has his own code and desires. Actually, I wanted the series to feel like a war, with the audience knowing just what both sides were up to. You know Hitchcock’s old motto, where he would say that it’s one thing to show a couple having dinner at a restaurant, but it’s another to pan down to the bomb that they don’t know about planted beneath their table? I think that when the audience has information that the heroes don’t, it heightens the tension and stakes. Also, Dawn has to confront who the bad guys really are, and if the audience isn’t quite sure, either, hopefully that makes things more interesting.
In the London trilogy, you’ll meet more masters. And the dragon does play a big, big part. : )
6) Great, something I look forward to reading. I have to tell you, Break of Dawn was so compelling I could not put it down. Especially, when the Voice and Jonah are revealed. Will your next trilogy concentrate on the mysterious Whisper? Is it possible to give us a sneak peak?!
Chris Marie Green
Wow—thank you! Costin and Jonah are a huge part of the London trilogy (Jonah has a lot to do!). As for the Whisper…yes, he is a part of the second trilogy. If the series goes to a third trilogy, he’ll be an even bigger part. I had wanted to give his story its own mystery arc, but the London trilogy didn’t allow that to happen, even though he’s an important element—especially in book six, DEEP IN THE WOODS (March, 2010). I would love to explore him in way more detail in the future. As for a sneak peak…let’s just say there’s a crisis, and the Whisper’s got to weigh in on it. I hate to be a tease. Wait. Actually, I kind of love being a tease. That’s why the series has so many twists!
7) I have to ask, you also have a new series called Bloodlands coming in 2010? Will this be an Urban Fantasy as well? Could you tell us a little about it as well?
Chris Marie Green
You bet! I’m still not certain of the publishing dates—Ace is deciding whether they want the three books to come out in consecutive months or if there’ll be a six-month time lag between each release. They’re calling it a “post apocalyptic urban fantasy,” so it kind of stretches the definition. It takes place in a decimated future and concentrates on a drifter who stumbles upon a hidden community of people out west who have cut themselves off from society and technology. The drifter is a fangslinging vampire who’s searching for the woman who deserted him, and all evidence leads to the Bloodlands, where he expects to find her. Of course, he discovers a big old mystery that he tries to solve instead.
8) I ‘discovered’ you have another alias, Crystal Green. Under which, you have also written vampire novels as well as contemporary romance. What attracts you to writing about vampires? Do you find writing different genres a difficult mental switch while writing? Can you write both genres at the same time? What do you find the biggest difference between writing romance versus Urban Fantasy? Is there a difference? Uh, is that too many questions?!
Chris Marie Green
I’m so glad you discovered me! ;) I’ve always been a horror and vampire fan (that old program IN SEARCH OF… primed me for both. Talk about getting creeped out on a weekly basis.). I like to write about dark and mean vampires, even if they have a side that redeems them in some way. I like the fear they can inspire. There’s a gothic, white-nightgown romantic quality that inspires a sense of castles and red-carpeted hallways lined by enigmatic portraits. Best of all, they lend themselves very well to allegory, which I love to use in the tales. Vampires are symbols for what we’re confronting in society and about ourselves—the shadow that lurks in all of us.
I like switching from genre to genre—it’s a challenge, and it refreshes me. Then again, as a reader, I immerse myself in at least three books at a time, so I’m used to switching gears, LOL. I try not to write in both genres at the same time though because I prefer to swim in one ocean at a time. It just makes calling up the details of each story easier. When I write a book, I leave, breathe, and sleep it. The biggest difference between romance and urban fantasy is the focus of the story: in romance, it’s all about that relationship—every plot point, every scene should either test the feelings developing between the hero and heroine or bring them closer together. With UF, it’s more about saving the world from the vampires, solving the mystery, primarily focusing on one character rather than a relationship. There’s a big romantic element, but it’s not the dominant storyline in my Vampire Babylon or Bloodlands books.
9) I have to ask, how do you find the time to write? You have a total of 4 books that are scheduled for 2009 alone. Do you ever struggle with writer’s block? What are you secrets to battling a difficult scene?
Chris Marie Green
I’m a full time writer, so this is my meal ticket. Luckily, I also love it! I normally put myself in a “cave” while I’m deep into a book, and I blaze through it, revising after I draft every chapter. The story comes out pretty nicely that way. I wouldn’t say I’ve had writer’s block yet. There have been some days that are more difficult than others, for sure, but those are the days when you force yourself to sit down and get it done. You tell yourself you’ll just work for a half hour, but it always ends up to be a more productive day once you’re in the groove. I guess that’d be my advice for tackling a difficult scene—just face it.
10) Finally, when you have the time to read who are your favorite authors? Can you give us some recommendations while we wait impatiently for your next novel?!
Chris Marie Green ; ) I read just about everything! When I’m into a project, I read books that help me to flesh out its world. For instance, for the London trilogy, I read some British chick-lit as well as books about Henry VIII to get into the overseas mindset. When I’ve got free time, I tackle those books I buy from friends and people I meet, plus I try to keep up with my genres to see what others are doing. Currently, I’m finally reading Charlaine Harris. It took me forever, even though I was anxious to start!
WOW! It has been a pleasure learning more about you and your books. Your Vampire Babylon series is a thrill ride that I do not want to end. I am so glad you are continuing the series even if the suspense between books drives me crazy!
Chris Marie Green Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Those comments keep me inspired! And I love hearing that they’re a thrill because that’s how I feel when I’m writing them. : ) It’s been such a wonderful experience with you, too, Steph.
Keep reading, you all, and thank you! Interviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
For Additional Information on Chris Marie Green you can check her out at:
Her Blog:
http://crystal-green.blogspot.com/
You can also purchase more of her books at: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Crystal+Green And check out her contests at: http://www.crystal-green.com/contest.htm
Upcoming and Recent Books by Chris Marie Green
PATH OF RAZORS, Book 5 - August 2009 London couldn’t be further from L. A., but stuntwoman-turned-vampire hunter Dawn Madison knows that her job hasn’t changed—find the local vampire Underground and wipe it out. She and her team have located the vamp’s lair at a private girls’ school and now they have the undead on the run. But the vicious pack is starting to realize that its greatest threat may be from within its own ranks. As unrest rocks the Underground, Dawn begins to fall prey to her own dark desires. Never the same since her one moment as a vampire, she finds her psychic powers—and urge to hunt—growing. Both above ground and below, the line between good and evil is blurring, leading to a confrontation between Dawn who fears her humanity is slipping away—and a beautiful but deadly creature who basks in the suffering of her own kind…
DEEP IN THE WOODS, Book 6- March 2010
BLOODLANDS 2010 A DROP OF RED, Book 4 - March 2009 If you run out of vampires to destroy at home, there’s always work overseas… Hollywood stuntwoman-turned-vampire-hunter Dawn Madison, along with her comrades, managed to wipe out the Los Angeles Vampire Underground—and uncovered not only her own dark family heritage but also a terrible truth about the man she loves. Now she’s determined to find the next vampire lair, hoping it will help her to make more sense out of her life. When a new Underground is found in England, Dawn and a vampire-fighting team are dispatched to carry the fight to the enemy in London. Dawn knows by now how deceiving appearances can be—and she is about to find out that it’s not only the beautiful people of Hollywood who are willing to bargain with evil… And check an excerpt at:
http://www.vampirebabylon.com/excerpt_ador.html
SPECIAL INTERVIEW
WITH CHRISTINE LONDON
Christine London is the fabulous writer of several contemporary romances. She is a singer, teacher and athlete! Unfortunately, her books have previous been only available in e-books form from Phaze Publishing. But this year, her first print book, Sunninghill Snow has been published!!
For those who love contemporary romances her books are sure to be a treats. All her heroines are independent and confident woman challenged by life and the men they meet. She takes many of her plots from her own adventures, which gives her books realism that are extremely enjoyable to read.
Here is a sneak peek at her life and her books.
1) How did you begin to write and how did you choose to write romance stories?
I was one of those weird kids that loved words. I often poured over the nuances. Flavors. Colors of words available in a thesaurus. Pretty nerdy. Eh? Other than having some poetry published through the literary journal of my university, I never even considered writing fiction until the summer of 2005. I’d left my teaching position in the Bay area to move back to L.A. to be closer to my folks and attend to their increasing medical needs. No full time teaching jobs available, I took a part time curriculum specialist position enabling me for the first time in years to explore my more creative side. Reading, watching films became a joy. One film I viewed touched me so deeply I actually felt moved to write to the male lead. His performance had struck a chord in me and I wanted to thank him. A Google search or two later. I was amazed at the reach of not only this man, but so many celebrities. Global fansites abound. Thousands of people following the man (or woman) of their fascination. Extricating an address to send such a letter, I did indeed write. Feeling somewhat the adolescent, I held onto this letter for a few days pondering the wisdom and desirability of such a pursuit. And then it occurred…wouldn’t it make an interesting story to pen such a tale? Everyday woman writes a letter of appreciation to a celebrity. It reaches him and strikes a chord. He is at a place in his life where the patina of fame has tarnished. Wondering who he can trust, he feels isolated by the constraints of worldwide recognition. Everyone seems to want a piece of him and he is overwhelmed by the demands. Touched by this woman’s uncanny insight into his feelings as well as her empathy, an affair of words ensues. My First novel, later to be title Soul In His Eyes, was born.
Scottish Film star, Erik Bartholomew is rescued from the lonely isolation of fame by an unlikely fan living half a world away. Little does she know he will return the favor when her world is torn apart by tragedy.
Romance stories are a natural extension of my personality and world view. Always optimistic and quite the romantic myself, there simply wasn’t any other genre that drew me so strongly. There is such negativity, violence and inequity in the real world as well as the fictional. I felt there no better way to uplift, educate, entertain and inspire than through the most powerful force in the universe--love.
2) What is your writing ‘regiment’ like? How disciplined are you when it comes to writing? How do you balance your writing life, with your family life?
My writing conforms closely to how well the muses/characters are moving across the internal screen of my mind. My writing style is what we authors refer to as being a “pantster”. This means I generally begin a tale with an idea of where it is going, but none of the details of how it is getting there. My colleague “planners” outline, draft, bullett, index card and generally build the entirety of their story before their first genuine keystroke. As a pantster I dive right in paying close attention to the pictures and dialogue running across the virtual screen of my mind. It is not that I let the character get fat and lazy. Nor do I force them to do thing that don’t seem logical within the boundaries of their personalities and developing plotline. If I sit down to the blank screen and the story is moving in my head, I’ll have a really good page count that day. More often than not the characters require a little encouragement to move. Always I follow their lead. If I am not surprised by what they do on occasion, I figure the reader won’t be either. It is often a channeling sort of experience. Sometimes when rereading over previous material I will be astounded. Did I write that my immediate question. It is this experience that feels as though I am a conduit to some greater creative power. Remarkable, awe inspiring and humbling, I try to honor this gift every day.
That said, I write nearly every day---take no weekends or vacations. This is not at all a burden as writing and its satellite responsibilities are my holiday and vacation. When asked what I like to do in my spare time my first answer would be ‘write’. It is my heart and soul, my vehicle to truth and legacy.
As in all lines of ‘work’ there are aspects that deter. More actual hours are spent online meeting virtual friends, making new ones, seeing to administrative duties and spreading the word about my writing than there is in the actual creation. Much like the launch of a small business, a new author must propel herself into the consciousness of the reading world. It takes time and dedication to create name recognition and tell people about yourself and your sensibilities. There is no greater reward than a reader who takes the time to communicate back his or her enjoyment of my work or the way it enriched their lives. The internet is the communication tool of now and the future. What author could have imagined the possibilities inherent less than a generation ago? Global and limitless, it is a powerful draw and tool. Virtual research of location, nuts and bolts of grammar and structure, human input via critique and suggestion---all are at the author’s fingertips.
Balance is something with which we all struggle. Sometimes I wish I could eat like a snake---one large meal every week or so, the rest of the time spent in more interesting pursuits than shopping, cooking, consuming and cleanup. My house is not the clutter and dust free place it once was, my friends are incredibly supportive reveling in every step of my success. My family picks up the ball to tend to more everyday responsibilities than I can imagine. I spent years before this “call’ doing the same for them and others. They recognize this and the personal importance of my work, therefore retuning the favor and the balance. Where once I was a human ‘doing’ I am now a human ‘being’. I am truly blessed and grateful.
3) Where do your ideas come from and how do you build your main characters?
As an author of stories with a Brit or colonial twist, much of my inspiration comes from my draw and love of all things Brit. My junior year of university was spent in London. It is this experience that has colored the rest of my life. I consider London and the UK a second home, many friends from those early days still there to visit; new ones made and things learned with each return.
Each story is influenced by the people and places in my past. Character are compilations of real people blended with imaginings. Often the basic theme of a tale will be something or someone who has touched me deeply. Soul In His Eyes was inspired by an actor who has chosen to leave the straight and narrow path of years of training and toil to pursue his heart---acting. Perhaps it is myself that I see mirrored in this. I was a kindergarten teacher for seven years and very good at it indeed. Yet it was not my heart---what I was put on this planet to pursue. Leaving all the years of training and success behind, I now pursue the dream inherent in this legacy of words. We are much alike.
Sunninghill Snow was inspired by my love of the semi rural outskirts of London and my yearly explorations. Writing the bulk of it whilst in the midst of a house trade there, the reticence of the hero and heroine to let love rule their lives is a more tangible expression of the same theme in Soul--the elemental importance of following your heart and honoring your true gifts.
Against the Current was inspired by my deep admiration and respect for the United States Coast Guard and all their non-military humanitarian missions. The smallest of the services, it is IMHO the most inspirational. Saving lives at the risk of their own, quietly and on a daily basis, these brave men and women seldom receive the gratitude and appreciation they deserve.
Most recently released, Before You Say Goodbye, was inspired by an online relationship I experienced with a fellow writer ‘down under’. As previously mentioned, the Net has shrunk our world, allowing us to touch and be part of lives globally. More and more people are meeting and connecting this way. The backdrop of the Aussie hero and American heroine meeting for the first time on ’neutral’ ground and mutually exclusive business in London served well to contrast a look at some timely global political situations and the personal ramification inherent in the pursuit of ‘the ends justify the means’ arrogance possible in the name of upholding national security. Much of this could have been taken from international headlines, often shunted to the back page of American newspapers and media coverage. In the end it is individual greed as villain and downfall….all universal themes.
My extensive travels inspire location. Although much of my research can and is done online, there is nothing like employing all six senses visiting the reality.
4) Most of your books have been e-books, what, in your opinion, is the challenge and advantage of being e-published.
I shall forever be grateful to my wonderful publisher and its editor in chief for taking a chance on me. Every time a publisher contracts a new author it is indeed a chance---a leap of faith. From there it is largely my responsibility to broadcast my existence and the value of my work. What a marvelous opportunity it is indeed for any author.
The explosion of the Net and diminishing petrol resources have combined in a marriage made in heaven--the electronic book. As larger and more influential corporations catch on and produce portable, reader friendly electronic reading devices, the price and reader access will improve. It is only a matter of time before the majority of our reading material is accessed in this most green way. Paperless, no real world distribution and storage requirements, the electronic reading medium just makes sense. Is it the nail in the coffin of paper books? NO! There will always be those few special ‘keepers’ each reader will want to own and love on his bookshelf. Much like the DVD market, the majority of a reader entertainment is in the form of consumable. No more stuffed bookshelves or boxes of paperback books cluttering the home environment. Electronic books are forever on the Net. Once purchased the book is yours to access either on the screen of your computer, in you PDA/reader or saved to disc. With the ability to store 1500 titles in a ten ounce reader---one that mimics a book in form and fashion, there is little more than habit keeping most readers from adding this medium to their arsenal of entertainment and information accessing options. With such devices as the Amazon Kindle, you have your music, your morning paper, your weekly periodical, dictionary, thesaurus and encyclopedia all in the palm of your hands.
The challenge of this medium is the newness of it. Like the advent of TV, and the computer itself, there is a corporate learning curve inherent. Many people are simply reticent to change. Therefore it requires of we new world explores to wear the hat of educator as well as promoter to propel our work into the new universe.
But like the aforementioned innovations, this one too is coming and will be a giant in the marketplace of accessing written, audio and visual materials on an instant basis. Apple I-pod, I-phone and I-touch marry the three allowing the user connection to the world anywhere a cell phone/wireless signal is present. What could be more exciting than that?
5) You just released your first printed book, why this one and what does this mean to you?
Mid February was the launch date for pre-orders of my novel, Sunninghill Snow, through my publisher Phaze books at Phaze.com. It takes a few weeks longer for Amazon, Fictionwise, Are and the myriad of other online and brick & mortar distributors to get the virtual upload of its availability. Limited shelf space makes most print book accessible in this fashion. More than half of all books are now sold online, electronic and print.
It was ultimately my publisher’s decision which book to release first in print. I believe it is the stellar reviews Sunninghill Snow received that pushed it to forefront of the print queue. Readers and professional reviews alike just love this book.
"Sunninghill Snow is one of the greatest books I have read recently. I felt like I was in the book. I could not stop reading it. This book deserves to be on the top ten list. Keep up the great work. I look forward to the next one." Denise (reader)
"Wickedly funny and enticingly sensual...If you want a contemporary story that delights the heart as well as the mind then this book by Christine London is one you cannot pass up on." Sheryl (ecataromance)
“What could be a more perfect way to spend a snowbound weekend that with a hot British hunk who is charming and caring at the same time? Christine London delves into the world of her characters like no other author I’ve read. The story is highly sensual, while being tasteful, making SUNNINGHILL SNOW a wonderful read. I look forward to Ms. London’s future works.” Lacey (Romance Junkies)
As of this interview, I have not yet received my author copies of the print version of Sunninghill Snow. I expect it will be amazing to hold it in my hands. When I got the e-mail ‘call’ to contract Sunninghill (my first contracted work) I cried. It is the thrill and dream of a lifetime.
6) One noticeable theme in your stories is the idea of romance between an older woman and a younger man. What appeals to you about this theme?
For the first time in our history as humans women are becoming or are capable of not only being taken as seriously as a man, but of standing and excelling under their own power. Men have been dating and marrying younger women forever for a number of reasons including but not limited to the number of years it takes a man to acquire sufficient wealth to be considered stable enough to shelter a wife, the male desire to access the perceived physical beauty of youth, the ability of younger women to bear children. As our modern capabilities and cultural sensibilities have fostered women as equal beings, we have come into our own in the spotlight of reality. No longer relegated to back rooms and manipulation, we are a force with which to contend.
Women live longer resulting in more productive, creative years. We reach our sexual peak much later than a man. I therefore makes not only physical, but cultural sense to explore the reality of this growing trend toward older woman/younger man. Many of today’s women are taken with the ingenuity, stamina, energy and drive of the younger man. Exploring these burgeoning relationships is rife with alluring possibilities, physically, intellectually and sexually. Viva la “Cougar”, as older women have been labeled. So much to explore!
7) Your storylines either begins, ends, centers or touches on London as the backdrop, what is it about this city that fascinates you?
As previously mentioned, I lived a year in London as a university student. Since that time I have revisited the city that has wedged into my heart as a favorite. It is the most exciting, diverse, culturally rich city in the English speaking world. Where else can you access thousands of years of history, attend world class theatre and stroll ancient cobble stoned streets without benefit of automobile?
Every time I visit London I learn so much more not only about the British, but about the many cultures they have effected as imperialists and friends. It is the gateway to Europe, yet so very different. Their neighbors to the north, the Scots, are another fascinating culture, a virtual stones throw away. Moreover I feel a visceral connection to the Brits and the land. Past life stuff or just a penchant, who is to say?
As my writing career grows I can foresee living in Britain half year, continuing to bring the sights, sounds, smells and ‘feel’ of the place to my fellow countrymen.
British men are more reserved, yes. That to me is a large part of their allure. They are cultured, honourable, plugged into international politics and generally more classically dressed. Refined and worldly, the British male comes in as many forms as his Yank counterpart with a twist. He is therefore alluring, different from what we American women are used to. Isn’t a large part of romance the fantasy, the escape, the ability to visit that with which we are fascinated and drawn? My life’s path has drawn me to Britain. I hear and feel the rhythm of the language. I can hold a mirror up to the little island across the channel with the ‘new’ eyes of a foreign born, yet portray people I have come to know and love intimately. It is a continuing joy and responsibility. I hope I can entertain, inspire and inform with a more international flavor---a British twist.
8) From Soul in His Eyes, who is the character of Erik Bartholomew based on?
Gerard Butler.
9) In, Before You Say Goodbye, the heroin has an interesting conversation with an older gentleman that addresses the idea of love and acceptance, and then he disappears leaving her wondering who he is. Who is this gentleman?
In respect for my reader, I would leave this for him/her to decide. As I wrote it, I viewed the elderly gentlemen as the heroine’s own subconscious visiting her in a moment of confusion and grief.
10) Also on Before You Say Goodbye, you introduce Adam as the ex of your main character. Do you have any plans to build a storyline around him (and Claire)?
He is a very virile, highly ethical man with intelligence, drive and sex appeal. Who knows---if my readers clamor for more Adam, it would be a fun journey to explore him and his relationship to his ex, Claire. He oozes integrity--a very sexy characteristic indeed.
11) Can you give us an advance on what you’re writing now and when we can expect your next work to be published?
Right now I am about a quarter of the way through the first book in a trilogy. Isles of the Sea
Tess Bryson McBrayne adored childhood summers spent with her Grandmother on the Isle of Skye. Forced to flee by the specter of an abusive ex, she pulls up Seattle roots taking her young daughter to move to this ancestral home in the Scottish Hebrides. All she wants to find is serenity.
Descendent of a murdered Culloden laird, Graeme MacLeod is as much a part of the land as loch and heather. Half a year as merchant seamen on the paddle steamer Waverley, the other half as man for hire on Skye, he’s no patience for home and family until the new resident American woman provides him a clue to the past that has haunted him through the echoes of six generations. He cannot deny, ignore or resist the truth of the past that haunts him still, nor his growing attraction to this daughter of his most bitter rivals.
The second of the trilogy shall visit the past and Graeme’s accused great, great great grand dad. The third will focus on the repercussions of discoveries made on the daughter of Tess in modern day Scotland.
It is an exciting adventure as this tale of love, lust, greed, betrayal and prejudices comes to life on the internal screen of my mind. Can’t wait to share it with y’all. In May I shall revisit Scotland, Isle of Skye as focus, to share with readers the mist and magic of this viscerally rich inspiring land and her people.
It shall be awhile before all this unfolds. In the meantime, I have a tale set in modern day Italy that is under consideration by my publisher. Presently titled Leap Of Faith, if they love it as much as I think you will, I hope for a summer release.
On Italian holiday bought and paid for by her late uncle, film student Faith Holmes is a ticking time bomb of boredom and curiosity. The volatile mix lures her into the heart of the island of Forio’s exclusive international film festival not as guest, but crasher.
Hollywood's premiere publicist Hunter Jameson has more than enough on his plate when his client, English film sensation Alex Winslow decides he's departing from the straight and narrow on more than just a binge. One American woman crasher should be the least of his worries. He's no idea the reach of her family, its secrets, the motives of his famous client or the strength of Faith’s character. When he finds himself drawn to her, it takes more than a client/publicist row or Faith's life altering disease to keep him from falling in love. Is infamous lothario Alex falling for her too?
A full length novel titled “When We Were Amazing” is making the new York publisher rounds presently. Here’s a blurb:
Anxious to escape what he considers the restraints of university, Aussie wine heir Bryan Lassiter wants nothing more than to be a self made man. When their yearlong Internet relationship propels the woman of Bryan’s fascination, Californian author and rights activist Carrie Sorrell, to travel half way round the globe to meet him she has no idea his magnetism will erase both their fourteen-year age difference and her common sense. As fate and a powerful family collide to tear them apart, will Carrie have the strength to stay or will the secret she’s so carefully protected destroy them?
12) What would you like your readers to know about you and your writing?
I am a unique author in that takes my writing around the world accessing places and people internationally in order to enrich the tales that are enjoyed by many. Always a heart to every story, yours will be touched in ways that will stay with you for a very long time.
If you are a film fan, come along with me on my Blogs as I access Hollywood events and places through the eyes of an outsider. Visit Europe, Australia and a variety of American locales through the paradigm of one who can spin a visual through the wonder of words.
I love meeting people and talking to readers, publishing professionals and fellow travelers alike. Please feel free to write to me with questions, comments or just to say hello at londonchristine@hotmail.com My website has free reads to enjoy and photos of my travels as well as insight into past and future releases. Pop over to www.christinelondon.com for all this and a calendar of ‘event’ appearances. I look forward to meeting and talking to you !!
Interviewed by Cez from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
For Additional Information on Christine London, you can check her out at:
Her website:
http://www.christinelondon.com/index.htm
Her My Space blog:
http://www.myspace.com/christine_london
Or Blogspot’s “London Blog”:
http://christinelondon.blogspot.com/
She also has a FREE read on Phaze Publishing!!
http://www.phaze.com/phazeflare.html
http://www.phaze.com/IfByChance.pdf
AND on her website at:
http://www.christinelondon.com/books.htm- see the bottom of the page
Her Upcoming and Recent Books Include:
Sunninghill Snow: Bryce and Kay are high-powered career people who just happen to be in hate. When a freak snowstorm isolates them in a romantic rural cottage will the time together be a recipe for war...or passion?
Now in Print!
Excerpt
http://www.christinelondon.com/excerpt_sunninghill.htm
Soul In His Eyes: Released March 2008
Scottish Film star, Erik Bartholomew is rescued from the lonely isolation of fame by an unlikely fan living half a world away. Little does she know he will return the favor when her world is torn apart by tragedy.
http://www.christinelondon.com/excerpt_soul.htm
Shadows Steal The Light: A love at first sight experience for rock star Colin Dunlow when he runs into sultry jazz singer, Jenna Lindstrom, with a few complications. The woman of his dreams hates rockers and there's someone who wants him dead
http://www.christinelondon.com/excerpt_shadows.htm
Hog Wild is a fish out of water love story that starts on route from painful Los Angeles memories and continues to the stark beauty of the desert southwest. A head strong woman and a lost man vie for position under layers of twisted emotion & hot metal.
http://www.christinelondon.com/excerpt_hog.htm
Against the Current: Against the Current pits hero against villain in a heart pounding rescue mission gone wrong. Grant Cooper, head pilot of an H-65 helicopter out of Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco, is the man in control of his life. Or so he thinks until an emergency endangers his ex-lover's life. Julie MacKinnon couldn't suffer Grant's command. One sinking vessel, four surly smugglers and a breech in regulations shake them to the core. Can he save her and his crew in time without sacrificing himself?
http://www.christinelondon.com/excerpt_against.htm
Before You Say Goodbye: From the moment Aussie Internet entrepreneur Benn Morrison opened the California mystery writer's solicitous message he knew she would change his life. Classy, sexy and erudite, she defined desirable womanhood. Now six months on they are flying half way round the globe to 'meet' on neutral ground: London. Can their affair of words survive the delivery of the package upon which his future depends? Ripped apart before they have the chance to find out, they are left to solve what just may be a mystery costing them their lives.
http://www.christinelondon.com/excerpt_goodbye.htm
SPECIAL INTERVIEW WITH CYNTHIA EDEN
Cynthia Eden is the extraordinary author of numerous best selling paranormal romances. Her stories are filled with phenomenal characters that include: demons, vampires, succubi, witches and shifters. Oh, yeah! Reading her books are always a thrill, as each of them delves deeper into new and exciting Otherworld societies and their culture.
Her latest novel, Midnight’s Master, due out on June 30th, is no exception. As the reader is introduced to the sexy and dark demon Niol and his dangerous fascination with the tempting reporter Holly.
If you haven’t read her books, hopefully this special insider’s interview with the author will tempt you to try them out!
1) Thanks so much for letting us interview you. This is very exciting because I love your books. I wanted to ask how you got started writing? Have you always known you wanted to write romance?
Cynthia Eden: Hi, Steph! Thanks so much for interviewing me. I started writing very, very young. When I was in elementary school, I didn’t get in trouble for passing notes. I got in trouble for writing stories when I was supposed to be doing math. :) And I knew I wanted to write romances pretty much on the day I read my first romance novel. A guaranteed happy ending? Sign me up, please!
2) All your books are the perfect blend of romance and fantasy. Did you grow up reading both genres? Did you have favorites that inspired you to write?
Cynthia Eden: Well, first, thank you! And I do very much enjoy reading both genres. Actually, when I was in high school, my favorite author was Christopher Pike. His dark tales definitely influenced me—and so did Poe’s work! I guess I just prefer the dark side.
3) I think my favorite in your Midnight series is, Hotter After Midnight because it introduced me to your fascinating world. Do you have a personal favorite hero or story among your novels? A book that is closer to your heart? Why?
Cynthia Eden: Honestly, I change my mind about the books. When I am working on a book, it *is* my favorite. I love the heroine, I fall for the hero, I talk about them like they are real (to the point that my husband reminds me they aren’t). All of the stories are close to my heart, and picking a favorite—I just don’t know if I can!
4) I hear what you mean! What I adore about your writing is that you constantly surprise me revealing new aspects about your characters. This has kept me hooked and enthralled. Is it hard for you to keep coming up with new ideas? Do you do a lot of research for your books?
Cynthia Eden: (Again, thank you!) A few years ago, I created an “Idea File” on my laptop. Whenever story or character ideas come to me, I plug them in the old file. This file has helped me to fight off writer’s block so far! The ideas just keep coming to me (and I’m sure glad they do), but, sometimes, the plans that I have for characters do change as the stories progress. I think I’ll end a book one way, but, well, something happens, a plot thread that seems to just spring up, and then I’m taken in a whole new direction.
Research is one of my favorite things to do. I’ve literally got dozens of book on paranormal lore and crime scenes (quite a combination, hmmm?) on my bookshelf. And when it comes to research, oh, but the Internet sure is a good friend to have!
5) Your books involve many species: demons, vampires, succubi, witches and shifters. But the majority of your books seem to feature shifters as the main characters. Are they your favorite paranormal characters to write about?
Cynthia Eden: LOL, yes, you got me. Right now, the shifters are my favorite. Though the vampires are running a very close second!
6) In Midnight Master, due to be released on June 30th, the mysterious demon Niol gets his own story. How difficult was it for you to write his story? Will we learn more about Niol’s past and the demon world?
Cynthia Eden: Niol was an interesting character. When I first started Hotter After Midnight, I intended for him to be the villain of the piece. But then the story took one of those plot detours that I just mentioned, and I was left with a character that wouldn’t go away. So I had to write a story for him. More about Niol’s past is definitely revealed in MIDNIGHT’S MASTER. Niol isn’t a perfect hero, not by any means, but I sure do hope readers enjoy him (with his dark flaws and all).
7) The independent and feisty Holly is Niol’s love interest. But she is a human how did you know she could handle the powerful Niol?
Cynthia Eden: In MIDNIGHT’S MASTER, Niol is an all-powerful level ten demon. He fears no one and nothing, but he falls for a woman that could be destroyed so easily. I knew that even though Holly was going to be weak physically, she’d have to make up for that weakness in other areas. Holly’s intelligent, she’s street smart, and she’s stubborn.
And she proves she’s ready to take on a demon.
8) In September, you will be releasing another anthology with Shelly Laurenston called Belong to the Night. Can you tell us more about your shifter story, In the Dark?
Cynthia Eden: Oh, I’d be happy to! In this novella, my hero is a vampire and my heroine is a shifter. The heroine actually thinks that the hero (the Irish vamp Liam from WHEN HE WAS BAD) is dead, so when she sees him walking around, well, that’s when the fun begins.
9) I really enjoy your paranormal Midnight series and hope it never ends. I know you have at least 2 more books in your series due out. Can you give up a sneak peak as to who the main characters might be? (Please?!)
Cynthia Eden: Well, I am going to continue writing books that take place in the same “world” as the Midnight series, but those books will introduce new characters—actually, those books will focus on a group of paranormal bounty hunters. (If you look closely, you’ll see one of those characters in MIDNIGHT’S MASTER.) The first book in that series, ETERNAL HUNTER, releases in January of 2010—the hero in that one is a wolf shifter. It will be followed up with I’LL BE SLAYING YOU, with a vampire hero. :) After that, I’ll have three more paranormal books released by Kensington Brava—I just have to get busy and write them!
10) I noticed on your website you may be having a new suspense trilogy coming up with another publisher. With the first tentatively titled, Evil Minds. Can you tell more about it?! Will it also have paranormal elements?
Cynthia Eden: Thanks for asking about the RS series! These are very dark, but sexy books. I’m finishing up the third book now, and the books are tentatively scheduled for back to back to back release next summer (there are 3 books in the series so far). No, I’m afraid there aren’t in paranormal elements in these, but I do plan to keep writing my paranormals for Kensington while I also write romantic suspense stories.
The RS stories focus on the Serial Services Division—a group of FBI agents who track and apprehend serials—serial killers, arsonists, kidnappers, rapists…Very research intensive books, but very fun to write.
*****
Thanks you so much for writing and providing me with many hours of pleasurable reading! :) I always look forward to your books and know when I open one of you them, they will be a joy to read. I really appreciate you taking the time in your busy schedule to answer our questions!
Cynthia Eden: Thank you very much! I am so glad that you enjoy my books and I really appreciate you taking the time to interview me. Thank you!!
Interviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
For Additional information about Cynthia Eden and her books you can check her out at:
http://www.cynthiaeden.com/
or check out excerpts of her books at:
http://www.cynthiaeden.com/books/
Plus feel free to join her at her MySpace page at:
http://www.myspace.com/cynthiaeden
Cynthia Eden’s Upcoming and Recent Novels:
Midnight’s Master by Cynthia Eden
Paranormal Romance- June 30, 2009
Book Description
In a world of shadows, desire conquers all…
In this sexy, gripping novel, Cynthia Eden draws readers deeper into the realm of the Others—vampires, shifters, and sinfully attractive demons whose powers are matched only by their dark hungers…
Tall, dark, and formidable, Niol Lapen is the last demon on earth most people would ask for a favor, yet the sexy little reporter who wanders into his club dares to do exactly that. Holly Storm already knows too much about his kind, and Niol has no wish to help her get in deeper over her head. But working alongside her may be the only way to stop a killer, even as it ignites a primal desire unlike anything he’s known.
Holly has seen firsthand what Niol is capable of, but that doesn’t frighten her nearly as much as her body’s instinctive reaction to him, or the wild, fierce passion that would tempt her to follow him through hell itself. Something evil and relentless is prowling the streets of Atlanta. And as Holly’s search leads her into danger that even Niol could never have predicted, she’ll uncover a secret that could rip her world apart….
http://www.cynthiaeden.com/books/midnights-master/
“In the Dark” in Belong to the Night by Cynthia Eden
Paranormal Romance-September 2009
Book Description
FBI agent and leopard shifter Sadie James’ undead ex, Liam, still arouses her deepest desires, distracting her from tracking the brutal rogue shifter who is terrorizing Miami. By teaming up with Liam, Sadie has a better chance of solving the case, but as passion consumes them, she stands to lose more than just her heart.
http://www.cynthiaeden.com/books/in-the-dark/
Immortal Danger by Cynthia Eden
Paranormal Romance- March 31, 2009
Book Description
BEING BULLET PROOF SUCKS—LITERALLY
Once, Maya Black was a kick-ass cop patrolling the streets of L.A. She still keeps the city safe, but nowadays her bad guys of choice include demons, werewolves, and assorted nocturnal scum. Something Maya knows a thing or two about. She’s a vampire—and not thrilled about it. Payback meet bitch.
Adam Brody hopes Maya is as dangerous as they say she is. He needs her to help rescue his niece Cammie from a ruthless band of vamps, and he’s willing to pay—in blood. Trusting her is another matter. Adam has never met a vampire who doesn’t lie. Then again, he’s never met anyone like Maya, who fills him with a desperate need that ignites into explosive, no-holds-barred encounters…
http://www.cynthiaeden.com/books/immortal-danger/
SPECIAL INTERVIEW WITH LISA HENDRIX
Lisa Hendrix is the amazing author of several romance novels. Her latest, ambitious series, The Immortal Brotherhood, is about a group of Viking warriors fated to change into animal form—and to live forever. Unable to control their transformation they are driven to find a cure, a quest that has not been fulfilled in centuries.
In the first novel of the series, Immortal Warrior, we meet Ivar, who changes into an eagle at night. In the upcoming Immortal Outlaw, due out on June 2, 2009, we will meet a man cursed to become a lion, Steinarr the Proud.
We were very lucky to have a chance to ask Lisa Hendrix about her new series.
1) I love your books and can’t wait for each of your Viking warriors to have their own story. Will each of the men have their own story? How many books do you have planned?
Lisa Hendrix: Yes, each of the warriors will have his own book, for a total of nine in all.
2) The curse reminded me a little of the movies Ladyhawke and Beauty and the Beast. How did you come up with the idea? Did any story/character inspire you?
Lisa Hendrix: Um, Ladyhawke and Beauty and the Beast. <g>
Actually, the real inspiration came in a dream. I woke up with this guy in my head, and I knew he was a thousand years old and that he turned into a bear every morning. Nothing else—other than that I had to write about him. My task was to figure out how he'd gotten to be what he was.
3) I’ve notice that your previous books have ranged widely in time periods. What is your favorite time period? What was there a specific reason for choosing medieval times for your latest series?
Lisa Hendrix: Ah, but the series isn't all set in the Middle Ages! You know that thousand year old guy? The series takes place over his entire lifespan—the whole thousand years—with each book falling in a different time period. The first three happen to be medieval: 1096 (Immortal Warrior), then 1290 (Immortal Outlaw), then 1412 (Immortal Champion—tentative title, btw). But then there will be one in Tudor/Elizabethan times, Restoration, 17th c, Regency...right up to present day.
Once I get done writing them all, I'll let you know which period is my favorite.
4) I like that! I can’t wait to see each of your warriors in different time periods. I wanted to also ask about your sexy Vikings warriors. Few romances have Vikings featured as heroes in their stories. Sigh! What attracted you to Vikings and made you decide to have them as your leading men?
Lisa Hendrix: When I went back to look at where a thousand year old man might have come from, and why he would have been cursed, it was really obvious that he must have been a Viking raider, cursed by a Saxon witch.
There are a fair number of Vikings in romance, but you have to look for them. Probably the best known are the humorous fellows in Sandra Hill's books.
5) I really enjoy that each Viking transforms into a different animal. How did you choose each animal? Is the animal sort of a manifestation of each hero’s personality?
Lisa Hendrix: I had to figure out what animals the Vikings would have known about, then winnow them down to nine that were sexy enough to be heroes and at least somewhat able to blend into the English countryside. It was tough. I mean, one of the animals highly revered in Norse lore was a wild boar, which was thought to be courageous and strong and warlike. Not a good romance hero, though. And an ice bear (polar bear) would have stuck out too much in the forests—it was hard enough for Steinarr, as a lion.
6) Why did you choose Ivar as your first story in your series?
Lisa Hendrix: I thought of all the men, it might have been easier for him to move on the edges of society as an eagle, because there actually are eagles in England and they're not dangerous like a wolf. So as long as no one actually saw him change, he might go unnoticed.
7) My favorite character from Immortal Warrior is Ari. Will he have his own story soon? Can you tell us more about him?
Lisa Hendrix: I love Ari, too, and if you want to know what he looks like, take a gander at Simon Baker.
Ari was initially intended more as a sidekick, but he quickly developed into a central character because of his gift as a seer. You'll find out more about Ari in Immortal Outlaw and begin to see how his story will play out. He's crucial to the whole arc of the series, and yes, he will eventually have his own story.
8) Cwen has great powers and must be more than a simple 'witch.' Will we find out more about Cwen's origins in Immortal Outlaw?
Lisa Hendrix: Absolutely, although I thought the basics of her origins were made pretty clear in Warrior—a great and ancient sorceress who served kings, and guarded their treasure. But there are lots of fun details to come—like what the treasure was (HINT: it was real, and if you're clever, you can figure it out from the information that was in Immortal Warrior).
9) Now I have to take a check back! Now I do have to ask, since Cwen curse is strongest with Brand do you plan to have a final confrontation between the two of them? Will Brand be featured in each of your books? Since he was the leader I was surprised he transforms into a bear instead of a lion, why a bear?
Lisa Hendrix: I don't want to give away too much, but yes, of course she'll have to be dealt with in the end.
Brand can't be in every book, because some of the men are in their beast form at night, when he's human, and vice versa. So he and Ari will go back and forth a bit. But both will always be an integral part of the overall story.
10) Great to hear it! I have to ask, I really loved Merewyn’s character. Do you plan to have Merewyn's character return in your coming books? Her short interactions with Brand were very enjoyable, care to tell us more if they will develop further?
Lisa Hendrix: You don't really expect me to answer that, do you? <g>
11) I thought I would try…I guess I will just have to wait. But I am eagerly anticipating Immortal Outlaw, which includes Steinarr’s story. Did some of the legends of Maid Marian and Robin Hood inspire your storyline?
Lisa Hendrix: Some of? It is Robin and Marian — although it's my version, which isn't anything like the one with Errol Flynn. I often toy around with the question of where certain ideas or legends might have originated. Immortal Outlaw postulates one possible origin of the Robin Hood stories.
12) How did you decide to have Steinarr the Proud transform into a lion? A lion is rather exotic especially for medieval times. It would be much harder for him to blend in than his fellow warriors and his animal form is much scarier.
Lisa Hendrix: I pretty much answered that above, I think—finding nine sexy beasts that Vikings would know and all that. Lions were commonly known to medieval men—remember Richard Lionheart? But you're right, they didn't exactly roam England, so as the island became more populated and the forests were denuded for charcoal and ship masts, it would have been harder and harder for a lion to stay hidden. That's why I let Steinarr have an early story—to get him taken care of before the royal forests vanished into history
Plus he was just the right fellow for Marian. You'll have to see why...
13) Makes sense. Finally, I know you can’t tell us everything. But what are your plans for your next book? Can you tell us who will be your next featured hero? (Please?!)
Lisa Hendrix: I'm working on the story of Gunnar, who takes the form of a bull by day and a man by night. Yep, a bull—probably not what you'd think of as hero material, but they were considered quite brave and warlike by the Vikings (and the Greeks, for that matter). He's all tangled up with the real, historical daughter of one of 15th century England's most powerful families, the Nevilles, who ended up at the very heart of the Wars of the Roses a few years later. Of course, I'm taking more than a few liberties with the details, but the interplay of magic and real-life politics and forbidden romance is absolutely juicy.
The (very) tentative title is Immortal Champion—that may change. I also don't have a pub date yet, so readers should subscribe to my newsletter to get updates. As soon as I know, you will.
14) Sounds good! I noticed on your website you have an excerpt of Immortal Outlaw at: http://lisahendrix.com/books/excerpt-immortal-outlaw/
And also available to your fans are printable bookmarks, as well as ones that readers can send for: http://lisahendrix.com/2009/05/13/bookmarks-bookmarks/
Wow, you are the best! I really appreciate your generosity to the reading community!
Lisa Hendrix: Thanks.
I've got something, new, too, to announce here for the first time: Bookplates. Send me an SASE, and I'll send you a signed bookplate (use the bookmarks link above to get my address).
I want everyone to have as much fun with my Viking crew as I do, so I like to offer readers what Debbie Macomber calls "extra value." Visitors to my website will find contests, interactive maps of the areas where the books take place (the one for Immortal Outlaw will go up June 1), website badges, and fun links—and my blog, of course, which wanders over anything I find interesting. Readers Groups and Book Clubs that chose one of my books can arrange for me to call them for a half-hour virtual visit.
I add things all the time, too—like the schedule for my blog tour, coming the first two weeks of June—so be sure to pop back in now and then to see what's new. You never know what you'll find.
Well, I've got to go play with Gunnar and Eleanor now. Thanks for the interview, Steph. Great questions.
Interviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
For Additional Information you can Check Lisa Hendrix out at her website:
http://lisahendrix.com
Upcoming and Recent Books by Lisa Hendrix
Immortal Outlaw by Lisa Hendrix Paranormal historical- June 2nd, 2009
Book Description:
For centuries he’s hidden in the woods. Now a maid has come to lead him out… It’s been four centuries since Steinarr the Proud was cursed by a wicked sorceress-along with the rest of his Viking crew-to live for eternity as half man, half beast. By day Steinarr is like any other man-by night he is a lion. He has taken refuge in the woods of Nottinghamshire, England, and there he encounters two young travelers, Robin and Marian. Painfully aware of the danger he presents when the moon rises, Steinarr initially refuses to help them search for the key to Robin’s inheritance. Then a kiss from Marian awakens his desire. Driven to protect the maid he so desperately wants to possess, Steinarr joins their quest…while the sorceress Cwen gathers her dark magic to destroy them. As a legend spreads of an outlaw in the woods, their band is joined by others. But it is Steinarr who has the most to gain and the most to lose-if he is ever to be free of the curse and free to love as a man…
Immortal Warrior by Lisa Hendrix Paranormal historical- November 24th, 2008
Book Description: Ivar Graycloak is a brave warrior, a man known for his strength and integrity. He is also a man with a terrible secret. Long ago he was part of a Viking crew cursed by an evil sorceress to live for eternity as were-creatures. An eagle by day and a man by night, Ivar has lived a solitary existence for over two centuries. Then the king orders him to marry. Lady Alaida is everything a man could want in a bride—intelligent, spirited, and beautiful—and their wedding night is a balm to Ivar’s lonely spirit. Then a seer brings him word of a dark vision, one that makes Ivar vow to stay away from his lovely wife forever. But now that Ivar has sampled Alaida’s passion, her humor and warmth, he is enthralled. His traitorous body—his very heart—longs for that which he can never possess. Lady Alaida may surprise him yet, though, for she has a power of her own-a power that will either destroy everything they hold dear or ultimately set them free…
SPECIAL INTERVIEW WITH JERI SMITH-READY
Jeri Smith-Ready is the author of numerous fantasy novels. Her books are known for their amazing world building and well-defined characters. Recently she has started a new series that revolve around vampires! Her second book in the series, Bad to the Bone is due to be released May 16th, 2009. In this interview, Jeri Smith-Ready was gracious enough to give us a sneak peak into her next exciting installment!
1) Did you know you were going to write fantasy even when you were younger?
JERI SMITH-READY: Not at all. I loved reading it, especially if it involved animals, but I never considered writing as a pursuit until I was in my twenties. I had some interest in being an editor, because I loved the written word and was good at analyzing it.
Growing up, I was always making up stories in my head, especially alternative storylines to my favorite soap operas or comics, sort of “mental fan fiction.” But I didn’t start writing any of these ideas down until I was 25.
2) Have you always wanted to write about vampires? What books/author interested you in vampires? Did any of them inspire you to write a novel about vampire? Do you have a favorite vampire character?!
JERI SMITH-READY: I didn’t set out to write a vampire book, but when I had the idea for characters who were psychologically ‘stuck in time,’ vampires seemed like the logical choice. They’re the only paranormal creatures who die but go on living (except zombies, and I wasn’t forward-thinking enough to consider them).
Plus, vampires and rock ‘n’ roll are perfect for each other. They’re both about immortality, or more precisely, eternal youth.
My first influential vampire books were probably Anne Rice’s. Louis was definitely my favorite vampire from that series—I confess I have a serious weakness for brooding heroes. ;-)
3) Most of your vampires seem to live on the edge, slightly uncontrollable. Is this the image you wanted to portray?
JERI SMITH-READY: Because my vampires have so many human qualities and concerns (at least the DJs do), I wanted to make sure they retained an element of danger and monstrosity. Otherwise they would just be people with fangs.
4) Your vampires are certainly darker, realistic and even creepy… They aren’t romanticized like many other novels. In your new vampire series each of your vampires is caught in a ‘time warp,’ where they are stuck in the era they died. How did you come up with this idea? JERI SMITH-READY: I actually don’t find most of the DJs to be dark or creepy, but maybe that’s because I know them so well. The older vamps such as Gideon are definitely creeptastic, though.
I agree that the vampires are realistic—I try to think about what kinds of practical challenges they would face in trying to survive. It’s not easy to find blood donors whom they can trust to keep their secret. They also need reliable shelter to protect them from the sun. So they have as many vulnerabilities as humans, just different ones.
As far as the idea, when the story first came to me, I was listening to classic rock. We all know someone who’s stuck in the 60s or another era and who thinks that no decent music was created after they turned thirty. I just took that stubbornness, that unwillingness to change and appreciate new things, and took it to its paranormal extreme.
As a vampire “ages,” he loses his humanity. This means that the younger vampires still have the ability to learn new things. Since Shane was just turned in 1995, he’s still very human and relatively sane. But because he spends so much time with older vamps, he underestimates his own ability to learn and grow and change. Ciara helps him maximize what’s left of his humanity. She hopes that she can slow and maybe even stop his “fading.”
5) The use of a radio station where each vampire is a DJ of ‘their era’ is ingenious. Did you have to research in each era to get the personality of each vampire and the music of each era? Since is the ‘hero’ of the story, Shane is stuck in the 90’s, are the 90’s your favorite era?
JERI SMITH-READY: I did do a lot of research (and am still constantly learning more about music), but it’s the most fun research ever! I don’t know many other people who can listen to the radio for hours and call it work. ;-)
I do especially intensive research when I’m writing each vampire’s “turning tale.” We’re all products of our environments and societies, so each era really informs the personality of the corresponding character.
I’m close to Shane’s age, so I guess I relate to him and his music best. I don’t have a favorite musical era, though. Each has its own magic and appeal.
6) What I really enjoy are your atypical heroes. They seem to have vulnerability and sense of self- sacrifice that makes them so appealing. In fact all your characters, even though they are in a fantasy book, seem very realistic. Do you base your characters on people you know or your own experiences?
JERI SMITH-READY: Good question! Sometimes when I start to build a character, I might pull certain qualities from different people I know, but then they quickly evolve into their own person.
7) Shane and Ciara’s relationship doesn’t seem that it can end happily. Either he will go crazy or she will die. Will there be some resolution in the future to this dilemma or will we have to wait and see?
JERI SMITH-READY: Yes to both questions. There will be a resolution, but you’ll have to wait and see! J
Seriously, though, Ciara and Shane will have their happy ending. Also, at the end of each book, they will be together, with their relationship having deepened and progressed through the events of the book.
8) Gideon and his camp of followers were pretty scary. Will there be any new vampires in your upcoming books that you can tell us about?! Can you give us a sneak peak? Will we learn more about the Control and how it operates with vampires?
JERI SMITH-READY: In BAD TO THE BONE, we meet one of Regina’s old friends, a London vampire named Colin. He holds some dirty secrets of hers. Also, a couple of bad vamps from WICKED GAME return in a surprising place.
The Control figures even more prominently in BAD TO THE BONE, and it becomes central to Book Three, which is tentatively titled BRING ON THE NIGHT and will be released some time in 2010.
9) How long do you envision this series to be? Bad to the Bone won’t leave us with a cliffhanger will it?!
JERI SMITH-READY: No way--I don’t believe in cliffhangers! BAD TO THE BONE will have a very solid resolution, because Book Three will take place two-and-a-half years later. So the end of BAD TO THE BONE leaves the characters in a very stable place. For now.
Right now, I envision the series to be five books. We will definitely see Books Three and Four in 2010 and 2011, and if they sell well, Book Five will follow. I will really hate to see it end—I adore these characters—but I don’t want to wait too long to give Shane and Ciara their Happily Ever After.
10) I notice you have a short e-book, The Wild’s Call. Will this eventually be available in print? Can you tell us more about it?
JERI SMITH-READY: “The Wild’s Call” is a short story that originally appeared (and is still available) on my publisher’s website (http://www.eharlequin.com/article.html?articleId=1233) as a serial. One short chapter would appear each weekday for four weeks. Now they’ve put it together as an e-book, which is currently free on Kindle. I don’t know whether it will ever appear in print—it’s up to my publisher. They might put it in an anthology some day.
Anyway, the story. It’s a distant prequel to my ASPECT OF CROW trilogy. It takes place in the mid-twenty-first century, after a devastating economic collapse that breaks society apart. The two main characters, Elysia and Darien, are called into the wild by their Spirit Animals to help create a new society that lives in harmony with nature.
11) In Bad to the Bone David take a larger role and I really enjoyed his character, do you have something planned for him in your future books?
JERI SMITH-READY: I see David as the most prominent of the secondary characters (Ciara and Shane being the two main characters, obviously), so he’ll always get a lot to do.
12) The canine vampire was fascinating will there be more appearances, can you tell us more about them and how you got the idea?
JERI SMITH-READY: Dexter will be around throughout the series. That’s the great thing about vampire dogs—they live a really long time and never grow old (or eat a small fortune’s worth of kibble, or pee on the furniture). He was originally conceived as a different kind of creature (no, not a werewolf), but I wanted to keep the series confined to “Undead Corporeal Entities,” as the Control calls them, so when I rewrote the book, I made him a vampire dog.
Dexter was inspired by a very special foster dog, a Great Dane/Black Lab mix named Foots. We wanted to keep him for ourselves, but then he tried to taste our cat, so we had to find him a new foster home (a home that adopted him permanently a few days later).
13) I loved reading about Shane’s mysterious past in Bad to the Bone, will we learn more about him and the other DJ vampires?
JERI SMITH-READY: Exploring the backstories of the various characters is one of my favorite parts of writing this series. It’s a true ensemble cast, so that in different books, different DJs will play prominent roles. And with Shane being the hero, his past is particularly important. Speaking of the vampires’ past, you can learn more about them in a series of free short stories on my website: “Crossroads” (Monroe’s tale): www.jerismithready.com/books/wicked-game/monroe.htm “Rave On” (Spencer): www.jerismithready.com/books/wicked-game/spencer1.htm “When the Music’s Over” ( Jim) www.jerismithready.com/books/wicked-game/jim.htm “Last Request” (Shane) www.jerismithready.com/books/wicked-game/shane1.htm I love to hear from readers, so I encourage anyone to contact me through my website, www.jerismithready.com. I also give away free bookmarks and signed bookplates for any of my books and frequently hold contests on my blog and in my newsletter.
To visit the DJs and listen to a sample of their shows, go to www.wvmpradio.com. Ciara and Shane and I can also be found on MySpace, though mysteriously never at the same time (www.myspace.com/jerismithready and www.myspace.com/ciarawvmp and www.myspace.com/shanewvmp). We are all also on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jsmithready http://twitter.com/CiaraGriffin, and http://twitter.com/ShaneMcAllister. Ciara and Shane love to talk to readers and answer questions. It makes them feel all real ‘n’ stuff. J
Thanks to Steph and the whole Bookaholics Romance Book Club for having me. You had some really great questions!
Interviewed by Steph from Bookaholics Romance Book Club
New and Upcoming Books by Jeri Smith-Ready
1) Bad to the Bone by Jeri Smith-Ready
Oversize paperback- Vampire- May 16th, 2009 Book Description TURN ON. TUNE IN. DROP DEAD.
If you're just joining us, welcome to radio station WVMP, "The Lifeblood of Rock'n'Roll." Con-artist-turned-station-owner Ciara Griffin manages an on-air staff of off-the-wall DJs -- including her new boyfriend Shane McAllister -- who really sink their teeth into the music of their "Life Time" (the era in which they became vampires). It's Ciara's job to keep the undead rocking, the ratings rolling, and the fan base alive -- without missing a beat.
For Halloween, WVMP is throwing a bash sure to raise the dead. They've got cool tunes, hot costumes, killer cocktails -- what could go wrong? Well, for starters, a religious firebrand ranting against the evils of the occult preempts the station's midnight broadcast. Then, when Ciara tracks down the illegal transmission, the broadcast tower is guarded by what appears to be...a canine vampire? And behind it all is a group of self-righteous radicals who think vampires suck (and are willing to stake their lives on it).
Now Ciara must protect the station while struggling with her own murky relationship issues, her best friend's unlikely romance with a fledgling vampire, and the nature of her mysterious anti-holy powers. To make it to New Year's in one piece, she'll need to learn a few new tricks....
2) The Wild's Call by Jeri Smith-Ready e-book format only – March 16th, 2009
Book Description
It is seven years after the collapse of modern civilization, and the world is entering a new Dark Age. Can best friends Elysia and Darien trust the animal spirits that are beckoning them to escape into the wilderness and create a new way of life? And will they give in to the mutual passion they've always denied?
Special Interview with Maria V. Snyder
Maria V. Snyder is the creative genius behind the best selling ‘Study’ fantasy trilogy. She is known for her complex storylines, magical imagination and memorable characters All qualities that have made her one of my all-time favorites!
In addition to writing, Maria V. Snyder is a: mother, teacher, brown belt in Issinryu Karate, and intrepid traveler. She started her career as a meteorologist and thankfully changed careers to start writing her wildly popular fantasy novels. This year she will debut a new series with her first installment Storm Glass in April 2009. And the second book, Sea Glass will be out in September of 2009.
Plus this gracious author is throwing an exclusive contest for ALL members to enter for a FREE copy of Storm Glass. All you need to do is email us at: bookaholicsromancebookclub@yahoo.com with the subject Storm Glass Contest for a chance to win!
I hope you are excited as me to get a glimpse at her writing and newest debut before it hits the stores!
1) Did you always know you wanted to write fantasy? What is your favorite ‘thing’ about writing? Maria V. Snyder: No. My original career choice was a Meteorologist. I had gotten a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology from Penn State University. At one point I wanted to chase tornadoes in Kansas but in order to chase them you had to know where they will form, and, frankly, I wasn’t very good at forecasting the weather. So I went into Environmental Meteorology. That job tended to get busy in waves and in between storms ;> I wrote stories to avoid boredom and liked writing. Once my son was born, I kept writing to keep my sanity and haven’t gone back to meteorology since! My favorite thing with writing is when my characters come alive and surprise me while I’m writing. 2) The premise for you first book was so exciting and original. The threat of dying from being a taste tester was enthralling. I was totally clueless until the surprise ending. Since it was so original was it difficult to get published? Maria V. Snyder: Actually the originality went in my favor (lots of good rejection letters), but it still was difficult to get published. I think the reason publishers rejected Poison Study was not because of the story or characters, but because of my stlye of writing. I wrote a fantasy story with a modern tone, in first person, and with elements of humor. Back when I first sent the book around, this type of fantasy wasn’t popular – the epic fantasy quest type was in style. By the time I sent Poison Study to LUNA Books, who first published my Study books, the trend toward what’s now considered paranormal romance was heating up J I still get readers who complain about what they consider my lack of ‘medievel world building.’ They say, “no one would say, ‘a##’ during the middle ages.” My response is my books aren’t set in the middle ages – they’re set in the fantasy world of Ixia and Sitia where people say ass, carry swords and ride horses. 3) Your stories are so vivid and exciting. Usually you have one book out a year. But this year you are scheduled to release 2 books. Do you ever get writer’s block? How do you deal with it? Maria V. Snyder: I did get a bad case of writer’s block when writing Storm Glass. With minor blocks, I take walks or long showers to brainstorm my way past them, but this one was a brick wall. In desperation, I emailed the manuscript to my critique partner, Kim Howe – at that point it was over 200 pages long. She read it and called me the next day. We talked about the book and she helped me work through the block! I sent her a big bouquet of flowers to thank her. 4) Your ability to weave fantasy, magic, intrigue and a little romance into all of your book is amazing. How do you come up with you ideas for your fantasy books? Do you have any favorite authors or books that you take your inspiration from? Maria V. Snyder: For Poison Study, I was reading a how-to write book by Orson Scott Card, and the idea for a food taster as a main character sparked. I started asking questions about this person. Why would she take this dangerous job? What does she want? And the story grew from there like a snowball rolling down a hill. Once the idea formed, the other books just kept rolling out J Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved to read. My mother introduced me to the mystery genre and I quickly went from Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys to Agatha Cristie, Dick Francis, Ed McBain and Robert B. Parker. Dick Francis is my favourite mystery writer, and, I’ve been told by many that my fast paced, page turning, and cliff hanger chapter endings remind them of Dick Francis’ books. I also enjoy Connie Willis’ books and her quirky sense of humor, and my fantasy reading includes books by Barbara Hambly, David Eddings, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Mindy Klasky, and Anne McCaffrey. 5) In Storm Glass you spend a great amount of time in the creation of the glass that made it seem alive and magical all by itself. How did you get interested in glass? Where did you get the idea to incorporate it into you books? Maria V. Snyder: I remember a trip to a glass factory when I was very young. I don’t remember the details, like where or when, but I remember the glass mouse I wanted to buy. It had a long thin tail that swirled up, and my mother said I would break it. I promised not to, and I kept my promise until I moved out of my parent’s house when I was 22 (a box fell off my father’s truck during the move and the tail broke then). I think that trip planted an idea in my mind so when I was writing Fire Study and needed to help Yelena out of a nasty jam, the glass-making interest bubbled to the surface of my mind. Opal is in Magic Study, but then she was a minor character who I thought wouldn’t be seen again.
6) Opal comes from the same world as your prior Study series. What was the inspiration behind your heroine Opal and her glass family? How did you decide to make her your heroine for your next series? Did you plan to have her have her own series from the beginning? Maria V. Snyder: LOL – I don’t plan. I’m what is called a ‘seat-of-the-pants’ writer (aka pantser). I start with a vague idea and a possible ending and just write. After Fire Study, I wanted to write a different book - one not in the Study world. My editor wanted another Study book to keep up the momentum. She mentioned Opal as a potential character. I liked Opal and she surprised me by how valuable she became in Fire Study, but I couldn't think of a story idea with her. I was explaining this to my editor and was literally in mid-sentence when the idea for Storm Glass popped into my mind. At first we were going to title the book Glass Study or Crystal Study, but I wanted a new title since I had a new main protagonist. 7) Your heroes are always such an enigma, but that makes them so dangerously attractive! Will we find out more about Kade and (especially) Valek in your upcoming books? Maria V. Snyder: Kade and Ulrick have more of a role in the Glass books because they are focused on Opal. However, Valek has made an appearance in the third Glass book (untitled for now) and you will find out more about them all. 8) Storm Glass ended with a little bit of a cliffhanger. Will your glass series end as a trilogy, too? Will it be expanded past Sea Glass coming in September? Maria V. Snyder: Yes! As I mentioned in answer #7 – I’m working on a third Glass book. It’s funny my books are coming out in sets of threes for now. I usually don’t like to call my books trilogies because in trilogies that second book is all middle – nothing is resolved. I try very hard to make the second book a stand-alone story, with a main problem that is resolved at the end. Of course a few story threads are left…dangling J Life is never neatly tied together. 9) I noticed you also have a YA novel to be released called Inside Out. Will this be a stand alone book what ages is this book geared toward? Maria V. Snyder: Inside Out is a stand alone, but I have already been asked to write a second book, titled Outside In. It is being published as a Young Adult book geared for readers age 12 to 18, but I wrote it the same way as the Study and Glass books, it’s just shorter and the main protagonist, Trella is a little younger (around 17 years old). 10) Whew! I want to thank you for taking the time to give a look into your writing, it certainly fascinated and inspired me! Was there anything else you could tell us about your new series that whet our appetite?! Maria V. Snyder: Thank you for inviting me! Here’s a tidbit to whet your appetite, in the Glass Series appearances are very decieving and diamonds are NOT a girl’s best friend ;> Interviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club Maria V. Snyder's Upcoming 2009 books: 1) STORM GLASS (GLASS BOOK 1)-APRIL 28, 2009 Book Description:
As a glassmaker and a magician-in-training, Opal Cowen understands trial by fire. Now it’s time to test her mettle. Someone has sabotaged the Stormdancer clan’s glass orbs, killing their most powerful magicians. The Stormdancers—particularly the mysterious and mercurial Kade—require Opal’s unique talents to prevent it happening again. But when the mission goes awry, Opal must tap into a new kind of magic as stunningly potent as it is frightening. And the further she delves into the intrigue behind the glass and magic, the more distorted things appear. With lives hanging in the balance—including her own—Opal must control powers she never knew she possessed...powers that might lead to disaster beyond anything she’s ever known. 2) SEA GLASS (GLASS BOOK 2)-SEPTEMBER 2009 Book Description: Like the colorful pieces of sea glass washed up on shore, Opal has weathered rough waters and twisting currents. But instead of finding a tranquil eddy, Opal is caught in a riptide. Her unique glass messengers which allow instant communication over vast distances have become a vital part of Sitian society. Once used solely by the Councilors and magicians, other powerful factions are now vying for control. Control of the messengers equals control of Sitia. Unfortunately that also means control of Opal. If that isn’t enough of a problem, Opal’s determination to prove blood magic is still being used is met with strong resistance. The Council doubts her, her mentor doubts her, and even her family is concerned. When her world is turned upside down, she begins to doubt herself. In the end, Opal must decide who to believe, who to trust, and who has control—otherwise she will shatter into a million pieces and lose everything. 3) INSIDE OUT – WINTER 2010 Book Description: My name’s Trella. I'm a scrub living in the lower two levels of Inside with all the other scrubs. We're the ones who clean the pipes and air ducts that crisscross our world and keep us all alive.
Scrubbing is mindless busy work to prevent us from rioting or revolting or something. The uppers don't want that. The Trava family who rules our world from their spacious upper levels sends the Pop Cops to police the scrubs. I guess I should call them by their official name, the Population Control Police, but no one does that. And it's a lie. They don't control the population - just the opposite. The Pop Cops want us to breed until we've filled every square inch of the lower levels. And no one knows why.
I hate them all. Pop Cops, scrubs, and uppers. I prefer to sleep in the pipes and avoid contact with everyone. But that's how I got myself into trouble. Since I alone know every single duct, pipe, corridor, shortcut, hole and ladder of Inside, the latest prophet wants to recruit me to his cause.
Every fifty weeks or so, the Pop Cops send a prophet down to spout some nonsense about a Gateway to Outside. Gives all the scrubs some hope that someone is trying to figure a way out so we don't have to. The latest prophet claims he has proof Gateway exists. Claims he has the location hidden away on a disk. And guess who he wants to sneak into the upper levels and retrieve it? You’re right. Me. It’s suicide plain and simple. But guess who can’t let a challenge like that go unanswered. Right again. Me. For additional information you can check out her website on:
http://www.mariavsnyder.com/ You can check out some of her wonderful shorts at: http://www.mariavsnyder.com/shortstories.php **Plus check out her contest page and fantastic referral program, too cool!! http://www.mariavsnyder.com/contests.php
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