Nicky Peacock's Blog, page 25
June 3, 2014
Interview with Nancy Corrigan
What do you love about being an author?
I love the freedom to express myself! I’ve always had an active imagination and would constantly be caught daydreaming. Now when I act as if I’m not listening, I can proudly announce, ‘I’m plotting…it’s okay’.
If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?
Lestat from Anne Rice’s Interview with a Vampire. This book was the first paranormal I read beyond fantasy children’s book. I was completely intrigued by his tortured character. I’d want to know everything he’s seen and experienced in life. Of course, I’d make sure I’m not on the menu for dinner, unless he’s going to make me into a vampire too-LOL!
If your books were to be made into a movie, who would you cast as the leads?
For Unexpected Find, Jennifer Lawrence as Jazz and Chris Hemsworth as Rafe. For Beautiful Mistake…I can’t top my cover model…he’s a perfect Devin!!! Lena would be Natalie Portman or somebody similar with a ‘girl-next-door’ look.
Vampires – do you prefer them as sexy leads or blood hungry monsters?
Sexy leads…I’m a sucker for vampire books. I even have one sitting in my WIP folder to finish, but I have too many other projects to work on first.
If you had a time machine, which era would you go back to and why?
I’m fascinated by mythology, Celtic and Welsh in particular. I’d love to visit medieval Europe to experience their culture. It would be a perfect way to research my next series, the Wild Hunt which will be coming to Ellora’s Cave later this year.
What life advice do you wish you’d been given sooner?
Stop worrying about what other people think of you. I’ve learned not everyone is going to like me, how I act, what I do or especially, what I write. I can’t please everyone. Frankly, I don’t want to. Life would be too stressful and too boring if I did. Live your life and as long as you can go to bed at night with a clean conscience, then you can’t ask for more.
If you were a supernatural creature, what would you be and why?
A feline shifter! I love big cats. They’re beautiful, deadly and majestic.
Where do you write best?
Because of the crazy schedule I work on top of my family life, I’ve learned to write anywhere. I have my tablet which I take most places, but I also have a word app on my phone. At home, I write at my kitchen table.
What was the last book you read, and what were your thoughts on it?
True by Laurann Dohner. I love all of her books, but her New Species series is my favorite. This particular book was very well written. I’d highly recommend it.
If you didn’t write in your genre, which other would you prefer and why?
Historical Romance (Medieval). Since I already love the culture and legends of that time period, it’d be my next choice. I hope someday to delve into the genre.
Where can fans find you online?
Website: http://www.NancyCorriganAuthor.com
Facebook (profile): http://www.facebook.com/nancy.corrigan.79
Facebook (page): http://www.facebook.com/NancyCorriganAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Nancy_Corrigan
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/nancycorrigan79
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/nancy_corrigan
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Mistake-2-Royal-Pride-ebook/dp/B00HYZ070M/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1390325373&sr=1-1
Ellora’s: http://www.ellorascave.com/beautiful-mistake.html
Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/beautiful-mistake-1/book-8nahnuLzQ0uti2k3F8b19A/page1.html
Filed under: Interviews with other authors Tagged: author interview, Elloras Cave, Erotic Romance, Nancy Corrigan, paranormal romance
Book Review: Key of Solomon by Cassiel Knight
Synopsis:
Trust no one…except the one who walks in the dark.
Anthropology PhD candidate Lexi Harrison never bares it all when she belly dances for a strip club crowd. She doesn’t have to—she’s that good. Every performance earns money toward her degree, and restores the sense of power that her painful childhood ripped away.
Something is different about tonight. A man whose silver gaze seems to touch her skin beneath her veils. When a rowdy customer crosses the line, he comes to her rescue with the speed of a falcon—complete with wings.
Mikos Tyomni has never seen anyone dance the raqs sharqi like Lexi. Trust his tormentor, Archangel Michael, to put him in close contact with the cause of his downfall: a mortal woman. Particularly this mortal woman. The Defender. He has only thirty days to win her trust before Hell’s deadliest demons attempt the mother of all prison breaks.
No matter how sexy the messenger is, Lexi’s career plans don’t include some crazy idea that she’s the last line of defense against the forces of evil. Until her university mentor’s murder leaves her holding the key to Hell. And fighting a losing battle against a passion with the unholy power to bring down Heaven…
Warning: This title contains a dark and sexy fallen angel, bad-ass demons, a heroine with kick-assitude tossed together with mythology, archeology and a shape-shifting rock with a fondness for the gangsters of the 1920s.
About the Author: 
In the job that pays the mortgage and allows her to indulge in her real passion, writing, Cassiel Knight works in the beautiful state of Oregon. Crazy-passionate about the romance writing industry, Cassiel has a paranormal romance series featuring fallen angels and demons from Samhain Publishing, an urban fantasy through Lyrical Press and a Egyptian mythology/archeology series with Champagne Book Group. She writes paranormal romances with kick-assitude that blend archeology and mythology – just a few of her favourite things.
Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Website | Blog
My Review:
I read the first book in this series for this tour. I must say it was a refreshing change to some of the other paranormal books I’ve been reading. It was kind of a Lara Croft Tomb Raider mash-up with a paranormal romance. Lexi is a great protagonist, one that really proves her worth in the first book, as someone you want to see do well.
From a writer’s perspective, I have a bit of a pet peave about starting books with the character’s name. It’s not a huge error or anything, but as a writer myself I prefer to have the start of a book more of a delicate weave than just an info dump of back story – however, this is just me and there are probably many others who don’t see it that way. There were some lovely turns of phrase in there and the whole book was paced well and had some very well-thought out characters in – which does make a difference.
The front cover is okay, but has Mikos on there rather than Lexi, although I see that this is changed for book two, I still think she deserved to be front and centre.
Overall, I’d give Key of Solomon 4 out of 5 stars, a solid read with a great story line – I’m looking forward to reading book two.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Archangel Michael, Lexi Harrison
May 29, 2014
Book Spotlight: Dark Promise by M.L. Guida
Synopsis:
Love can unlock the secret to saving two worlds.
As the Golden Aspen Tree withers, darkness consumes the Dragon Demons of the Underworld, turning them feral. Prince Eric Wyvern must keep his darkness at bay and woo the silver-haired human tainted with angel blood whose touch is prophesied to save the Golden Tree and restore light to the Underworld.
Cassandra Wright, a gifted psychic, has dreamed of Eric her whole life. When her dream lover joins her on a ski vacation, he plunges her into a nightmare.
Imprisoned in a dying world filled with abuse and torture, she must become the Demon Prince’s mate or remain trapped forever. If she fails to fulfill the prophecy, the darkness will spread to her world. But how can she give herself to this dark and frightening version of the man of her dreams?
About the Author:
M.L. Guida has been in love with the paranormal since she was a little girl. Vampires, demons and witches oh my! She has always been fascinated by these supernatural beings and weaves these creatures into her novels. But the love story is the center of every novel. Strong heroes and heroines are what drive her stories and their ability to overcome conflict and live happily ever after. She lives in beautiful Colorado and many of her stories are based in the mountains.
Besides writing, she enjoys taking her dog for walks and cheering her nephews and nieces on at their games. When on vacation, she’s always up for a good ghost tour and has gone on tours in London, Edinburgh, Rome and Key West. Her favourite being London’s Jack the Ripper tour.
https://www.facebook.com/ml.guida1
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5177984.M_L_Guida
http://www.pinterest.com/mlguida/
Filed under: Book Review
May 27, 2014
Interview with Denise A Agnew
Tell us about your publishing journey…
My publishing journey is a long one. I’ve been writing since I was fourteen, but in ’91 my husband encouraged me to write for publication. It wasn’t until 1999, though, that I found a home in epublishing with Hard Shell Word Factory for a few years and another publisher that dissolved after a short time. In 2002 I hooked up with Ellora’s Cave. I’m also published with Samhain Publishing, Liquid Silver Books and I self-publish books as well. During all that time I also had three agents and tried the traditional publishing route. It took me a while to realize that I love writing books that aren’t in the box. Now I’m fully committed to a small press and self-publishing. It allows me to write about anything I want, whenever I want.
What do you love about being an author?
The excitement of a story idea that really blows my skirt up. I need the creative outlet, and I think I was born to be a writer.
If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?
Holy cow. That’s a really good question because there would be so many I’d want to talk with. Probably Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas. Pizza would definitely be on the menu.
If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you cast as the
leads?
The question is which book? Hmmm…well if it was one of my Ellora’s Cave books I’d pick Daryk Cravi
ng. I’d cast Chris Hemsworth as Marc Gampia and Camila Belle or Scarlett Johansson as Aknada. Probably Scarlett would be a better choice because she could portray a warrior woman I think.
Vampires – do you prefer them as sexy leads or blood hungry monsters?
I’ve only written four vampire novels, and I prefer them as sexy leads.
If you had a time machine, which era would you go back to and why?
I’ve always been fascinated with the 1890′s. The clothes have always intrigued me. My wedding dress was a combination of 1890′s and Edwardian wrapped into one. The 1890′s through to the first World War were amazing times for progress, for advancements.
What life advice do you wish you’d been given sooner?
That half the stuff I found so paralyzing when I was a kid and a teenager weren’t worth the fear.
If you were a supernatural creature, what would you be and why?
I’ve always thought gargoyles were creepy and fascinating. :) Perhaps because they were placed on buildings to drive away evil spirits yet they are so evil looking themselves. It is a beauty and the beast sort of thing. To be the beast that everyone fears yet the beast is really the one scaring away the evil.
Where do you write best?
These days it is on my couch 
with my laptop.
What was the last book you read, and what were your thoughts on it?
Jessica Scott’s Back To You. I loved it. It was unique with the hero and heroine being married. But the story is so much more than that. It’s obvious that Jessica’s own insight as a military officer gave these stories an authenticity few other romance authors can inject into a story like this. In a market that is heavily saturated with SEAL stories, I loved and appreciated this novel because it is different and not same-old same-old. It is gritty, heart-wrenching and affirming. Jessica knows what she’s talking about. As the wife of a retired army officer I recognized and understood this story from that perspective. I recommend all her books.
If you didn’t write in your genre, which other would you prefer and why?
Horror. I already write a lot of different genres within romance, but horror would be my next preference.
Where can fans find you online?
I’m a lot of places! Readers can find me at www.deniseagnew.com.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDeniseAAgnew
Twitter: @DeniseAAgnew
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/daagnew Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19820.Denise_A_Agnew
Tumblr: http://deniseagnewnovelist.tumblr.com
Daryk Hunter buy links:
Ellora’s Cave: http://www.ellorascave.com/daryk-hunter.html
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XU7I8G/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003XU7I8G&linkCode=as2&tag=denaagn-20
Sudden Heat buy links:
Ellora’s Cave http://www.ellorascave.com/sudden-heat.html
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FGUIA2E/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00FGUIA2E&linkCode=as2&tag=denaagn-20
Filed under: Interviews with other authors Tagged: Denise A Agnew
Book Review: Black Abaddon (The Vulcan Legacies) by Sasha Hibbs
Synopsis:
Ally Watson struggles to live with the choices she made, the worst of which resulted in her soul mate’s death. Michael’s sacrifice to save the girl he loved may have reversed the Apocalypse, but not the permanent damage inflicted by living with his loss.
Ally begins a journey where she soon discovers that death is not always the end, but sometimes the very beginning. With old friends, she journeys to the Nosferatu Nation where she meets with new alliances willing to help her in her quest to defeat the Devourer. At every turn, Ally unearths secrets that threaten to destroy those she loves.
The second installment of The Vulcan Legacies series will put Ally to the ultimate test, forcing her to face her fears and the true destiny she will fulfill as Azrael, the Seraph of Death.
About the Author:
By age 5, Sasha Hibbs’ favorite movie was Gone With the Wind. By age 12, she completed her 7th grade book report on the sequel, Scarlett. By 18, she met and married her very own Mr. Rhett Butler and as it turns out, she never had to worry about going back to Tara to win the love of her life back. Fortunately, he stuck with her.
With a love of all things paranormal, the ambiance of the South with its gigantic antebellum mansions and canopies of Spanish moss, and a love for her husband’s rich storytelling of blacksmiths and the mythology surrounding their origins, it wasn’t long until the world of her debut novel, Black Amaranth, was born.
When not working her day job as a nurse, you can find Sasha dreaming of her next beach trip, reading the latest YA novel, and drinking more white chocolate mocha than she should.
Sasha lives in mountainous West Virginia with her husband, Tim, and their two daughters, Aeliza and Ava. She is currently hard at work on book two in The Vulcan Legacies series.
http://sashahibbs.blogspot.com/
My Review:
So this is a 2nd book in the series and you really do need to read the first one (fortunately I was kindly given both to review) I loved the idea behind this book, although a little YA cliche in places (to be honest it’s expected troupes that readers want: love triangle, best friends, secret powers etc.) it still felt like an effortless read that kept you hooked.
From a writer’s perspective, it took a while to get the plot moving and this might lose the less patient reader, which would be a shame as it climaxed in the 2nd book to a real twist that I didn’t see coming. I didn’t warm to Ally straight away and felt the opening a little weak compared to the rest of the book, so would have preferred the first chapter to jump straight into the action (but that’s just me!)
The front covers of both books are very evocative and really give you an impression of what you’ll be getting when you buy them – so two thumbs up to the designer.
I’m going to give both books a combined rating, as they really do need to be read together – so 4 out 5 stars – a really intriguing teen read that bridges the gap nicely to adult readers too.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Ally, Black Abaddon (The Vulcan Legacies) by Sasha Hibbs, Nosferatu Nation, Rhett Butler, Sasha Hibbs
May 22, 2014
Interview with C S Kane
Tell us about your publishing journey…
My publishing journey has all happened very quickly. I have always written stories and began working on SHATTERED years ago while I was in university. I suppose I got caught up in all the regular things like work and paying the bills etc. and then I fell ill. I found myself without a job and took the opportunity to work on the old manuscript. I noticed that DarkFuse were accepting submissions so I sent it through. A few months later it was accepted. I was overjoyed to say the least. The novella editor Dave Thomas worked with me on the manuscript and before I knew it launch day happened. It has been an exciting time.
What do you love about being an author?
I love that I have the privilege to share stories. It’s all about the writing for me. I’m compelled to do it and happily I get to do what I love.
If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?
Ooh, there are so many! Perhaps Hannibal Lecter and we could discuss red wines? That might be a bit risky. I think an evening with James Bond might be interesting. We’d eat a traditional roast dinner paired with Vesper cocktails and chat about fast cars.
If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you cast as the leads?
I think my main character Stacey Sheldon could be portrayed by an actress like Jennifer Lawrence. Her boyfriend Liam could be played by an actor such as Aaron Paul.
As a horror writer you are looking to scare readers – what scares you?
Nothing scares me more than the things people do to each other. Human beings are frightening. Our capacity for cruelty and violence is horrifying.
If you had a time machine, which era would you go back to and why?
Hmmm…that’s a tough one. I’d probably like to go back to medieval Ireland. A supply of Poitín, some writing paper and a quiet cottage somewhere in the mountains. That’d be nice.
What life advice do you wish you’d been given sooner?
You can’t always stop bad things from happening, but you can control how you cope if they do.
If you were a supernatural creature, what would you be and why?
Easy! Vampire. I would love to be immortal.
Where do you write best?
I should say in my office at my writing desk but really it’s on the sofa with the TV blaring in the background.
What was the last book you read, and what were your thoughts on it?
Floating Staircase by Ronald Malfi. It was brilliant. Harrowing and haunting. I would recommend it.
If you didn’t write in your genre, which other would you prefer and why?
Through working on other projects I’m starting to discover that I’m quite into genre bending. I like crime thrillers and historical novels. I always say I’d quite like to be Jessica Fletcher when I grow up so there’d be murders in there one way or another.
Where can fans find you online?
The website: www.cskane.com
Twitter: @CS_KANE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CSKane13
SHATTERED is available on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1bxu9x1
Publisher: www.darkfuse.com
Filed under: Interviews with other authors Tagged: author interview, C S Kane, Dark Fuse, horror
May 21, 2014
Interview with Julia Gibson
Tell us about your publishing journey…
My road has been steep yet scenic. I had a bunch of lives (various careers, offspring) before I started devoting myself to writing. At first, and for a very long time, I wasn’t oriented toward publishing. Some of that was about insecurity and some of it was about solidifying a vision for my work. Eventually I became less tightfisted about showing things, and thanks in great part to luck, as well as the generosity of friends and friends of friends, I wound up with a gifted editor and a brilliant agent.
What do you love about being an author?
Creating worlds and populating my dollhouses.
If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?
I’ve always admired Miss Price in Mary Norton’s Bedknob and Broomstick. She’s a kind woman at heart, but has a ruthless streak. And she is smart and brave. I would love to discuss the craft and lore of magic with her over a picnic of watercress sandwiches and sponge cake and ginger beer, preferably on a tropical isle.
If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you cast as the leads?
Violet would have to be an unknown, ideally a girl who is part Anishinaabe. Her father would be someone good-looking and intense like Orlando Bloom. Aunt Phyllis is beautiful on the outside and less so on the inside; Kristen Bell would be perfect. Miss Nadia is Russian, but the fine French actress Marion Cotillard would be able to pull off the accent and the attitude. And though Buffy Sainte-Marie is known for music, she’s such a passionate performer that I can’t help seeing her as Mrs. Agosa.
Vampires – do you prefer them as sexy leads or blood hungry monsters?
Definitely monsters.
If you had a time machine, which era would you go back to and why?
I’ve always had an affinity for the 1920s, when Bessie Smith was belting the blues and surrealism was a new thing. Artists were busting out of conventionality, busting up language and sound after the horrors of the first world war splintered the collective psyche. It was a time of experimentation and daring: Woolf, Stein, Kafka, Picasso, the Harlem Renaissance. Dresses got shorter, corsets got tossed. It must have been a heady and exciting time. And Hollywood was just getting started, too. I’m working on a story set there in the ’20s. The research is a kick.
What life advice do you wish you’d been given sooner?
Stay out of other peoples’ bizness.
If you were a supernatural creature, what would you be and why?
Baba Yaga! She lives in a house with a fence of bones! Everyone’s afraid of her! She controls the dawn and the dark midnight!
Where do you write best?
In nature, especially where there’s few humans. I live in Los Angeles: leafblowers, helicopters, crazies shouting at bus drivers. It’s crucial for me to get away from the cacophonies every so often.
What was the last book you read, and what were your thoughts on it?
A Rumor of War by Philip Caputo. I’m working on a story set in the Vietnam era, and the war affects every character, as it affected everyone I knew then and know now who lived at that time. Caputo powerfully illustrates his own loss of innocence as a young soldier against the backdrop of the radical cultural and political changes taking place all over the world in the 1960s. The Vietnam war, like our War Between the States, is a terrible shadow on our country that continues to chill, divide, and grieve us.
If you didn’t write in your genre, which other would you prefer and why?
I didn’t think about genre or the marketplace when I wrote Copper Magic, which is no doubt one of the reasons the story took so long to manifest into print. In the Tor catalogue it’s historical fiction; I call it mystical fantasy. One of the bookstores I’ll be visiting on my book tour says I’m “a new voice in crossover young adult/adult fiction.” This thrills me, especially because the book’s being marketed as middle-grade! I get that it’s important for publishers to target a readership, but I enjoyed all kinds of books as a fifth-grader, from babyish picture books to grownup sexy violent stuff. So I guess I don’t truly know what my genre is, but I’d love to write rollicking adventures, tearjerker romances, and bittersweet picture books.
Where can fans find you online?
juliamarygibson.com and @juliamarygibson.
Thank you so much, Nicky. I enjoyed answering these questions!
amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Copper-Magic-Julia-Mary-Gibson/dp/0765332116
Filed under: Interviews with other authors Tagged: author interview, Copper Magic, friends, Julia Gibson, Kristen Bell, Orlando Bloom
May 20, 2014
Book Review: Kiss of Wrath by Sandra Hill
Synopsis:
No wicked wenches or wild rampages…it’s been centuries since Mordr the Berserker was turned into a Vangel-a Viking Vampire Angel-as punishment for his sin of wrath, and he’s been frustrated ever since. It’s not so bad being stuck in modern-day Las Vegas. What better place to slay Lucipires, or demon vampires, than the original Sin City. But then Mordr Sigurdsson’s mission is expanded to a new assignment: protect lust-worthy Miranda Hart.
Miranda’s well- ordered life turned into chaos when she unexpectedly inherited her late cousin’s five children. Now, her cousin’s dangerous husband is about to be paroled, and she needs a miracle to keep them all safe.That miracle arrives on her doorstep in the form of a very buff, handsome man with a very strange name. Mordr wants nothing to do with a red-haired wench or children. Miranda wants nothing to do with gorgeous hunk who claims to be a Viking.
As Miranda and Mordr give in to temptation, they must decide if they fit in each other’s worlds-before their enemies close in on them.
Available at Amazon BN Kobo Powell’s iTunes
About the Author:
Sandra Hill is a graduate of Penn State and worked for more than 10 years as a features writer and education editor for publications in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Writing about serious issues taught her the merits of seeking the lighter side of even the darkest stories. She is the wife of a stockbroker and the mother of four sons.
https://www.facebook.com/SandraHillAuthor
Join the author’s mailing list
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/177305.Sandra_Hill
My Review:
I once again, didn’t fully realise that this was a 4th book in a series, however fortunately it seems that you can read them out of order – phew! God bless authors who do that!
I’ve been reading quite a few paranormal romances of late and this one really did hit the spot, especially also having a bit of a genre mash-up with the historical. And hey, who wouldn’t want to read about a vampire viking angel?
From a writer’s perspective, this book kind of strayed from the normal romance path by adding in a kind Brady Bunch. Usually children come later, but this relationship has to bear them from the get go. It made it kind of more real that way – I know that sounds weird, but real life isn’t always sweet, sexy romance, marriage then kids – a lot of the time it happens all in a different order. The old-world language features here quite a bit in the start, but didn’t phase me as much as other books that include it – maybe it was done much smoother here, or maybe I’m now just used to it? Who knows, but it did add to the overall feel of the start of the book.
The front cover is a handsome man showing off his abs, so not much of a departure from other romance books, however the wings and fire add that paranormal aspect which really makes a difference.
Overall, I’d give Kiss of Wrath 5 out of 5 stars, you can’t do better if you want to slip out of this grey, boring world for a a bit and have an adventure with a vampire viking angel!
Filed under: Book Review
May 14, 2014
Interview with Jenn Bennett
Tell us about your publishing journey…
Thanks for having me on your blog! Five years ago, I was working inside a creative think-tank, inventing crafty things for a large US company that makes arts-and-crafts products. When the financial recession hit the US, I lost my job. But instead of looking for another one, I decided to (crazy!) write a book. It was dreadful, but I enjoyed the process, so over the following year, I wrote another (better) and another (pretty decent). That last one, KINDLING THE MOON, got the attention of my current literary agent. She signed me as a client and sold it to Simon and Schuster a few weeks later. In total, over the last four years, I’ve sold 8 books and a novella to three of the largest publishers in the world. But I think of myself as a blossoming writer at the beginning of my career. 
What do you love about being an author?
The thrill of discovery. When I’m putting characters on the page, I’m not only learning things about them, I’m learning about myself. And when readers respond positively to these discoveries, it’s an amazing feeling.
If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?
Charlie Bucket. (And chocolate, of course!)
If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you cast as the leads?
Egads, which book?! I’m terrible at casting characters. Sometimes I’m loosely inspired by real-life people, and some of those inspirations can be found on my Pinterest boards: (http://www.pinterest.com/arcadiabell/)
Vampires – do you prefer them as sexy leads or blood hungry monsters?
I’m not much of a vampire girl. Demons are more my cuppa. (Horns for the win!) 
If you had a time machine, which era would you go back to and why?
Probably the 1920s. It’s modern enough for telephones, cars, and hot baths—all good things!
What life advice do you wish you’d been given sooner?
Risk it all on the RIGHT things.
If you were a supernatural creature, what would you be and why?
Zombie mermaid. (Because they’re awesome, duh.)
Where do you write best?
Alone, in my office. No music, no distractions.
What was the last book you read, and what were your thoughts on it?
THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY. It was terrific. 
If you didn’t write in your genre, which other would you prefer and why?
So far, I’m published in both urban fantasy and historical paranormal romance, and my first hardcover book, a young adult contemporary romance called THE NIGHT OWLS, will be coming out in 2015. I like to experiment with new things, so who knows what I’ll be writing next year.
Where can fans find you online?
They can chat with me Twitter (@Jenn_Benn), follow my book inspiration on Pinterest or Tumblr, and get general updates about my books onGoodreads or Facebook. I also read and respond to fan mail sent through my website.
Filed under: Interviews with other authors Tagged: ARCADIA BELL SERIES, BANISHING THE DARK, BINDING THE SHADOWS, Jenn Bennett, KINDLING THE MOON, LEASHING THE TEMPEST, SUMMONING THE NIGHT
May 13, 2014
Interview with Ainslie Hogarth
Tell us about your publishing journey…
It actually only started about four years ago. I’d written the first sixty or so pages of THE LONELY, submitted it as part of my application to a graduate program in Creative Writing at The University of Auckland, and finished it there for my thesis. I was very lucky to have a cousin who knows an agent, and even more lucky that that agent decided to take me on as a client. Then, ya know, they did their thing and that was that.
What do you love about being an author?
Not having to wear pants all day if I don’t want to.
If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?
Probably Humbert Humbert from Nabokov’s Lolita. No character has ever made me laugh harder than Humbert Humbert. He’d probably want to go to McDonalds and lurk around the Playplace so in that case I’d order a quarter pounder with cheese combo and a diet Coke.
If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you cast as the leads?
I am finding this question impossible to answer. Plus I don’t wanna give people a particular person to think about when they’re reading the book. So, I’m sorry, but I don’t know!
Vampires – do you prefer them as sexy leads or blood hungry monsters?
Probably a combination of both. Like The Lost Boys vampires, how they’re pretty hot when they’re not in kill mode, but then become monsters.
If you had a time machine, which era would you go back to and why?
Maybe the late 80s or early 90s so I could see some now broken up bands in their prime and make myself rich with that new thing called the Internet.
What life advice do you wish you’d been given sooner?
This is advice I guess I got pretty early on but didn’t really understand till I was older, but just, not to give a shit what anyone thinks. I probably would have started writing seriously a lot sooner if I wasn’t worried about what everyone would think.
If you were a supernatural creature, what would you be and why?
I don’t know which creature, but I know I wouldn’t want so much power that I’d feel obligated to become a superhero. That whole “with great power comes great responsibility” line from Spider-Man — who wants that??
Where do you write best?
In my room, at my desk. Wherever that room and desk may be at the time. I either need total silence or some kind of super loud, lyric-less music, so I can’t really do it at a coffee shop or something where I’d be tempted to eavesdrop on other people’s conversations.
What was the last book you read, and what were your thoughts on it?
I read The Ruins by Scott Smith. I’ve been binging on horror books because my next book that’s coming out (September 2015 with Flux) is a horror novel. The Ruins was cool. It’s very sparsely written so when gross stuff happens, it’s EXTRA gross and when scary stuff happens, it’s EXTRA scary. And there are no chapters so it’s just like, a slow build of scary without any breaks. The movie is actually really good too.
If you didn’t write in your genre, which other would you prefer and why?
I’m still not totally sure what my genre is. Or even my market, really. The books that I’ve sold are both YA but I’ve written adult fiction too.
Where can fans find you online?
Well, you can visit my website at ainsliehogarth.com, or you can read my infrequent tweets at @AinslieEm
Filed under: Interviews with other authors Tagged: Ainslie Hogarth, Humbert Humbert, The University of Auckland
