Jami Gray's Blog, page 23
April 10, 2014
Weird Writer habit–what you read when you write #writerlife #writerhabit
Sorry guys, I know we had a visitor scheduled for today, but deadlines, edits and life in general have a way of messing up even the best laid interviews. Especially when it happens on both my end and theirs. We’re going to try to reconnect, but for now, I’ll bow to your request for scintillating information on my weird writer habits.
Yes, habits as in more than one, but we’ll just test the waters with my first one:
What I read when I’m in the midst of a project.
We’ve all heard it, if you write, you must read. And read I do. As a matter of fact, one of the biggest blessing of having an e-reader is that it doesn’t take up as much space in my purse/backpack/luggage as paperbacks, nor does it encourage my Igor impression since one e-reader weighs weigh less than five to six paperbacks.
I’m a huge reader of a wide variety of genres because, if the story’s good, I’m there. Those characters and worlds that suck you right in and haunt your every waking moment are like boxes of the finest chocolate for me. So, imagine my surprise when, early on in my writing career, I discovered that what I read impacted what I was writing.
Now, I wasn’t going around repeating word for word what I read in my stuff, but my developmental process on story arc or character motivation would take turns that weren’t true to my story. For a bit I worried perhaps I’d lost my writing mojo or my Muse had decided to go into the witness protection program. Then, one day as Raine and I were discussing a potential situation, I realized why her voice sounded…well, off. Somehow, she was channeling the heroine of the book I was currently reading.
Horrified, I immediately cut of all communication with Raine and sent her far, far away. Then I quickly finished up the book I was reading (because you do not quit half way through a damn good book, ever), took a deep breath, and began examining the puzzle pieces of my creative process.
When I identified the exact moment, the actual decision Raine had made that was completely foreign to her nature, I was then able to correct it, and get my story back on track.
Phew, crisis averted. I then had to deal with the very real withdrawal effects of not reading for the next few months as I finished my story. No way, did I want to fall into that sneaky little trap again.
Of course, after the words THE END were typed, I then went on a reading binge to end all reading binges. When I finally surfaced, I realized that because my creative process is a constant spinning mess in the back of my mind 24/7, I needed to keep a clear line between my current works in progress and what I read when working on them.
So when I’m working with Raine, Xander and Natasha, I suddenly devour romantic suspense or non-fiction pieces. When Cyn took up residence, I went right back to my first love, Urban Fantasy and Fantasy. So long as I can stay away from the same genre I’m writing in, I’m okay and my story lines tend not to tangle. Plus, I tend to find some really cool books out there (FEED by Mira Grant being the latest, and I’ve got Joshua Roots’ UNDEAD CHAOS downloaded for my dining pleasure soon).
So right now as Natasha and I “discuss” her story, I have a huge selection of the finest chocolates waiting for me when THE END comes along–Anne Bishop, Patricia Briggs, Ilona Andrews, Joshua Roots, Jacquelyn Frank, Jennifer Ashley, JD Tyler, and oh so much more).
However, I’m not starving, oh no. Because I get to indulge in Elle Kennedy, Trish McCallan, Cynthia Eden, Cristin Harber, Kaylea Cross, Jennifer Lowry, Maya Banks, Lora Leigh, and Suzanne Wright (and yep, many more) until Natasha and I complete our little soiree.
So weird writer habit one: I can’t read in the genre I’m writing in until my story is done.
Since I know I’m not the only one out there, here’s a question:
Readers–do you tend to stick to one genre at a time or do you mix it up?
Writers–what do you find yourself reading when you’re in the midst of writing?
April 2, 2014
Why Editors Help Create Successful Writers #writing #editing
Another week is dashing by us, and I’m really appreciating all the votes last blog post got about what to do on the blog. If you haven’t voiced your opinion, feel free to go back a post and do so.
Today I decided to discuss a point of conversation with my critique partners–the role of editors in a writer’s career. Now, before everyone starts grabbing their spears and battle armor, hold up. Keep in mind, these blog posts, their all me-my opinion, my expierence and my issues, so while I’m hoping they provide some things to ponder, I, in no way, shape or form, expect the flag of public opinion to be waved frantically calling in reinforcements. One of the greatest things about being a writer, each of us comes at our craft differently, and each of our paths take completely different routes to our goals.
(brushing off hands) Okay, so with that warning given, let me dive in. (deep breath, perfecting diving pose, a leap, an arc, and perfect swan dive–scorecards flash 8, 9, 8.5)
I love my editors. That’s right, I am proud to announce I have more than one, more like five to six if you combine both sets from Black Opal and MuseIt. If you’re not familiar with what happens to your favorite book after your author types “#END#”, here’s a quick run down.
The poor baby begins a weight loss program. The first round will beat that baby down until it’s bawling in corner. The second round will coax it out, wipe its nose, then proceed to show it the way with some very straightforward talk. After some pouting, the story will straighten up, and face down the last round–where the final, professional polish will be applied–hair combed, pants pressed, shoes polished. Because of this, some writers have a love/hate relationship with their editors, they just love to hate them even as they lovveee the final product.
I am currently writing my fifth novel and the difference between SHADOW’S CURSE and SHADOW’S EDGE is…well…tremendous. As in, if I was doing the first book now with what I’ve learned, it might be a very different novel, but I digress. In 2011, I got my first round of edits back on SHADOW’S EDGE. I spent at least a week solid going over every point raised, making notes on style (don’t make this passive, show don’t tell), and pondering each question poised by her. This turned into long discussions via track changes through all three rounds, until I finally let the little bugger go and start walking on its own. It’s very difficult as a new author to release your clutching hold on your story and see it as a new reader, because you’ve breathed, cried, screamed at it for so long. Move ahead 6 months to SHADOW’S SOUL, this time the track change discussions we’re down to “got it” , “yep, I can see that”, or “What about this?”.
Then came SHADOW’S MOON and part of the reason I love my editors. Every bit of feedback I got from editors on the first two books pushed me to look at my craft critically and asked myself, what can I do to strengthen my writing? Challenge myself as a writer? Create something really cool for my readers?
I decided I wanted to change character perspective for my third book since Gavin and Raine needed some breathing room. Plus, well, I was challenged to write a romance. (Challenge me will you?) Not only did I want Shadow’s Moon to focus on the evolving relationship betweeen Xander and Warrick, but I decided to mix it up even more, I did two points of views in this story instead of my normal one. It wasn’t easy, but it did teach me quite abit about what I still had to learn and practice.
Then, mid 2013 when I handed off SHADOW’S MOON and the proposal for SHADOW’S CURSE to Black Opal’s caring hands, I decided to pause before starting Shadow’s Curse. I’ve been living in the Kyn universe for a long time, much longer than the publication dates on the books. Other characters and worlds were pestering me for their spotlight. Plus, since I write from limited third person point of view, and at one time wrote Shadow’s Edge completely from Raine’s POV (oh yes, much theraphy was needed after that), I decided to brave the wild new frontier of first person point of view.
Not as a New Adult story where first person seems very prevelant, but in an adult Paranormal Suspense story, one where I couldexplore my love of military suspense and paranormal abilities. But here was my challenge–I didn’t want every damn sentence to star with “I” . Come on, if all you hear is “I, I, I…” you may wanted to gouge out said “I’s” eyes. It wasn’t easy, it was difficult, enough so I almost gave up, but finally, FINALLY, I finished HUNTED BY THE PAST and it became part of the MuseItUp family. It also created a new series, the PSY-IV Teams.
This week, while working through the toughest Kyn book yet, SHADOW’S CURSE and the fiendishly difficult Natasha, I got hit with the edits for SHADOW’S MOON and HUNTED in one fell swoop. Anxious, I opened up the track changes leery I may soon find myself in a blood pile in front of my computer. Instead I got something better. Both editors left me notes, really heart warming ones on how much my writing had deepened and how much they were touched by the story. And this hard hearted wench of words, got a little bleary. There were still discussions and muttered comments (not in Track Changes because I didn’t want a hit put out on me), but I’m still loving my editors, because they are still providing me insight on things I can do better, ways to consider things differently, and how to ulitmately become a more successful writer.
So when the conversation arises among my partners in writing plots about what makes a successful writer, my first answer is: EDITORS.
Whether your Indie or Traditional or any mixture (yeah, I caught that ‘a’) of writer, an editor can only help you. Not only can they give you an unbiased opinion on your work (Like my question this weekend of “So I’m going to change the POV on Book 2 of PSY-IV, you’re okay with that right?), they will keep your story straight, catch when you add an extra arm, leave a character standing at the side of the road, or another one decides to not only change hair color but their height (w/o shoes), they will the first one to push off that cliff of what ifs when you can’t get your feet to move. Because if you want to be a successful writer, you need to continue to grow your craft and your skill set. Otherwise–same story, different….you get the picture.
As a reader or writer, can you tell when a story lacks an editor?
March 26, 2014
Jami’s Future blog posts now open for suggestions… #blogsuggestions
To say it’s been a little nutty around here is putting it mildly, but I’m fairly certain we’ve managed to survive the worst of it. I’ve been lucky enough to have some great authors swing by and help pick up the slack while I try to get the wild, writing horse under control.
To give you an idea of what the last sixty days has thrown at me:
SHADOW’S MOON is in the final stages of preparing for it’s debut on May 10th, 2014.
I think I have all my goodies set up for the Romantic Times (RT 2014) conference in New Orleans for May.
The newest shack is now presentable and open for visitors, the packing boxes are tucked away.
The Prankster Duo have been corralled and should be stumbling along the last part of their scholastic adventures.
The evil day job and I are at an impasse, wherein they’re being nice to me and I’m checking out interesting bits and pieces shining on the side of the road.
SHADOW’S CURSE is proving its name apt. Natasha is showing how demons really do thrive on chaos, even if that means the poor schlep (me) that has to tell the story gets battered to a pulp and sent back to fix those pesky little issues. (Sigh) My personal deadline is now mid-April to get this done. Maybe I’ll get a couple of weeks before RT 2014 to enjoy some quiet, but I doubt it.
HUNTED BY THE PAST is coming up fast in the rearview mirror. I’m expecting to be crowded to the edge with edits shortly.
And when I went to take a deep breath, I realized, hey, there’s a whole ‘nother six months of the year open for interviews. I know we’ve been having fun with all the authors that have been stopping by, but you all have been patient, and subject to my choices. I’m thinking it’s time to mix it up a bit.
So instead of relying on more interviews and blog hops, I’m going to throw this out there.
Tell me what you’d like to see discussed, I’m always looking for cool topics.
Wait, don’t go, I’m serious. This blog isn’t just about me, it’s about you the readers as well, so I’m honestly curious.
What kind of posts would you like to see? I’m not saying it will happen every week, but still, I’m all open to suggestions. See, here’s the thing with being a writer (even if you are a voracious reader), your blog topics are centered around what impacts you at that particular time. Critique groups, editing dilemmas, promotional hells, review worries, but there’s so much more to talk about.
So I’m looking to gather a list of suggestions from you, then I’ll put it up as a poll and start from the most popular and work my way down. Sound like a plan? Okay, good. In case you need a starter kit, here’s few items I’ve seen done well:
Round-robin stories. I’m sure I can get a few writerly friends to join with me. I promise I have some.
Gather a list of blog visitor questions for our kidnap…er…interview victims.
Exploring the wild worlds of what happens in writing, techniques, questions of “What do you do, when…”
What topics stir your blood? Are you intrigued by different genres? What happens behind the book scenes? Is there some burning question you’ve always wanted to ask, but never felt comfortable putting out there?
Start a hypothetical “what-if” threads.
Recommend new reads.
A debate on the merits of having JJ Abrams do the new Star Wars flicks.
So bring it, guys, throw stuff out there and let’s find out what sticks to the walls. (They’re clean, promise.)
And come back next week because we have Aneta Adamcova-Cruz in the house with her HEARTBREAK HOTEL!
March 19, 2014
A visit w/@sbredstone and a peek at his dark paranormal mystery A SINISTER OBSESSION #giveaway
Welcome back! Don’t mind the mess, I’m in the midst of edits and final word counts. (Haphazardly stacking piles of paper and multi-colored pens into a teetering pile). Oh, and a little dash of research before we begin our preparations for our travels to the Big Easy in May. (Shoving a couple of books under a couch cushion).
Today’s guest is the perceptively diabolical S.B. Redstone and he’s bringing along his dark, paranormal mystery, A SINISTER OBSESSION, along. His timing is impeccable considering my latest string of reading titles. I’ll share only because I have the excuse that I’m an author and this is research. I just finished up with Dr. Stout’s THE SOCIOPATH NEXT DOOR (which really doesn’t make you want to meet your neighbors) and I’m getting ready to start with John Douglas’s MIND HUNTER, which is all about the FBI’s Serial Crime Unit.
It’s RESEARCH, people (and kind of fun!).
But, enough on my quest for criminal motivation, let’s talk to someone who’s created a terrifyingly fantastic read for all you readers looking for a great novel weaving mystery, suspense, and dark fiction, with a paranormal female detective, a combative 1940′s style romantic relationship between detectives, a hot social topic viewed from a humanistic perspective, complete with an elusive killer whose narcissistic obsession leads to heartless murders and a diabolical scheme to achieve personal happiness. Yep, it’s all here in A SINISTER OBSESSION published by Black Opal Books.
I bet you want your own copy, uh? Well, here’s how you can enter for a chance to win your very own e-copy of A SINISTER OBSESSION. Click on this Rafflecopter link and/or share with us in our comment section what fascinates you about your favorite villain and you could be our winner. Don’t forget to add your email so we can connect with you! Will make our announcement on Tuesday, Mar. 25th!
My enthralled crowd, I give you S.B. Redstone!
As children we tend to have an idea of what we want to be by the time we’re ten. Before you decided to pursue the artistic dream of being a writer, what did you want to be and why?
I wanted to be Superman. As a child, I watched this superhero on television and I wanted to fly, leap over tall buildings , be the strongest person on Earth, help people, and beat up all the bullies that were annoying me! And—I wouldn’t have to take anymore crap from my parents, teachers, and grownups. Even now at my age, I still wish to be Superman, and save the world from human folly, but instead for a career, I helped people as a School Psychologist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
–I was more of the Wolverine type–claws, growls, snarls…
If your character(s) came with a warning label, what would it say?
Detective Sergeant Aubrey McKenzie – “Don’t piss off this bitch!”
–Nice…=0)
Personally, I tend to be a bit on the introverted side so the thought of being in the actual presence of one of my favorite writers makes my heart race, my knees shake and tangles my tongue (yes classic fan girl behavior). Who could reduce you to such a level and how do you imagine your initial meeting?
Rory McIlroy, the young professional golfer, replied to a question during a television interview. He was asked if he was intimidated by the more experienced golfers? He answered honestly. He was a professional golfer. If he didn’t think he could beat everyone, he wouldn’t be on the PGA tour. That’s my attitude. Not wishing to appear arrogant, I am a professional writer. I don’t give any thought to famous authors or who sold more books than me, which is just about everyone right now. I know I write well. They write well. I know my stories are interesting and have merit. So do they. Hopefully, the only difference between us; they just started before me. The better than 4 star reviews for A Sinister Obsession attest to storytelling skills. If all my reviewers worked at Simon and Schuster, my books would be piled up at the front door of Barnes and Noble. If or when I meet a famous writer, I’d probably ask if they played golf. With that said, I’ll share a time when I was intimidated by previous writers. Not fiction writers, but eminent personality theorists: Freud, Jung, and Ellis. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I was formulating a different view of human nature and relationships, which placed our natures in the natural world. While sharing my thoughts with colleagues, they encouraged me to write a book. A bolt of anxiety hit me. I said, “Who would care what an obscure therapist in Plainview Long Island thinks?” My colleague looked at me and said, “Everyone!” I wrote Taming Your Inner & Outer Bullies: Confronting Life’s Stressors And Winning with a great deal of trepidation published by New Horizon Press Books, Steven B. Rosenstein, LCSW, MS.
Many writers have that first novel which will never see the light of day. Out of curiosity, do you have one stashed somewhere? Inquiring minds want to know: what was your first attempt at writing and how old were you?
How did you know? I was a teenager when I was writing poetry. I don’t know why I chose that creative form as I was a terrible writer. Most of my interest was in sports and old movies. But I enjoyed doing it. Showed a few people and they liked it. I think I can blame my creative desires on an old friend who was an excellent artist. I was envious of his talents and I wanted to be just as creative. I will admit to being a highly competitive person. Nothing I do doesn’t involve some form of competition, even if the completion is with myself. My first novel I wrote, when I didn’t know how to make two adjacent sentences coherent, was a horror novel. I sent it out to agents. Rejected! I put it away, and every year or two, edited it again and again. Recently, its main characters screamed at me to send out queries to independent publishers. I hope they’re right!
–Ahh, teenage poetry, the perfect outlet for angst…
We all have favorite characters, either main or secondary, and there are always bits and pieces of them we don’t share with our readers, but keep close to our hearts. Choose your favorite from your cast of characters and tell us a couple of things that you haven’t shared in your books/writing.
There are few secrets that I haven’t shared with the readers about my characters. If I think it goes down on paper. I don’t hold back. Like it or not, the character gets revealed. For Detective McKenzie, she likes to physically hurt those she hates. That’s who she is. I could have made her less reactive and aggressive, but she wouldn’t have accepted that. I didn’t share with my readers that she’d like to bullet in the heart of most of the criminals she captures. There’s another character I dare not name to ruin the mystery, but he is really far more despicable than I made him. I didn’t want to tarnish every aspect of his personality, so the readers wouldn’t hate him as much as I do.
–I think a great many writers won’t share everything about their character with their readers, but if you do it right, you’re readers manage to uncover it all between the lines.
What’s some of the funniest/sweetest/strangest things you’ve heard from your readers?
A reader said, reacting to a murder scene, “I’ll never look at a knitting needle the same way again!”
Whether we’re plotters or pantsers (outlines not needed), creating our stories takes us on very memorable journeys. Sometimes we may be part way through before we realize some major aspect of our story is just not working (plot, character, setting). Have you ever hit this sharp, pointy snag and if so, how did you escape? We’re you battered and bruised or a bloody mess?
I’ve never hit a snag on a story and had to give it up because I write the entire story in my head, for months, before I ever think of having it appear on a computer screen. If it doesn’t have a great beginning, middle, and end with fascinating characters, I give it up. Ninety percent of my stories bite the dust. However, here’s a masochistic moment. A bit different that your question but the situation left me devastated. Many years ago, I saw the movie Amadeus. I thought it would interesting to write a screenplay about Beethoven, who had an even greater difficult life, but no one had done before. I did months of research. Wrote the screenplay, which took we nearly a year with the little free time I had. Just when I finished it, and was thinking about what to do with it, my wife comes over, and says gently, “Immortal Beloved”, is coming to the big screen. Oh, noooooo! Here’s my advice to writers. Never write a screenplay about a famous person!
What’s the one genre you won’t ever try and why?
Young adult. I’d have no clue how they think. What they think about. I can’t watch their movies or their television shows. What they think is funny has me staring blankly at walls. I don’t understand paying hundreds of dollars for jeans with tattered holes. They’re a great generation, but not my generation, and if I dared create characters of that age, they’d sound like old people with braces on!
Share if you dare, one of your favorite research experiences. Did you join a ghost hunters group? Did you step outside your comfort zone and into the wild world of your characters?
My favorite research experience wasn’t very exciting. In my horror novel, President Kennedy, is a background character. I went to the library and read every biography on him. I expected to read about his presidency and policy and couldn’t believe I was reading about the secret life of a sex addict. He had an insatiable appetite for sex. His long list of women included Marilyn Monroe, a Soviet spy, and prostitutes in the White House. Now my novel about a succubus seeking world domination, through demonic possession, during a sexual encounter had the powerful punch I was seeking!
–It’s amazing what you discover about public figures if you dig deep enough.
You all ready for our BULLET LIST? Alright, SB, it’s all yours…
Blades, guns, fists or feet?
Fists – I can’t really hurt anyone.
Favorite Fairy Tale of all time?
Peter Pan – Flying would be fun!
Three titles and their authors sitting on your nightstand/bookcase/table/floor waiting to be read?
Only two, but they’ve been by my bed for over a year.
Crazy Horse, The Strange Man of the Oglalas by Mari Sandoz
No Easy Way by Mark Owen
Greatest one liner of all time?
“Here’s looking at you kid!” the movie, Casablanca
Sarcastic witticism, Southern sweetness or Geeky disdain?
Sarcastic witticism – I love one up-man-ship.
Strangest item currently taking up space in your writing cave?
A paperclip with a plastic yellow heart on it. I have no idea where it came from.
Favorite supernatural creature?
Succubus
Much thanks to SB for coming and spending time with us, we always love meeting new writers and getting a small peek into what makes them tick!
A Sinister Obsession can be purchased at Amazon and all booksellers in kindle and paperback formats.
Amazon http://goo.gl/TkWAe6
A psychopathic killer on a quest leaves behind a string of brutal murders, and to find the Who, the police must first discover the Why…
Detective Aubrey McKenzie has been assigned to investigate the murders. A lovely, fabulously wealthy, dark-haired Scot, whose iron will was forged in the inferno of human tragedy, Aubrey is stymied by the lack of solid clues. Now she must rely on her paranormal ability to apprehend the killer—an ability that has been invaluable in her police work but has made a disaster of her social life. Fate teams Aubrey with Detective Joshua Diamond, a handsome, talented, and compassionate man who is more than happy eating a greasy bacon-cheeseburger and wearing clothes that should have been thrown out with the trash. In a race against time, Aubrey and Joshua must overcome their vast differences—and their attraction for each other—and discover the identity of this elusive killer, and the quest this fiend is on, before more lives are destroyed.
Bio
I write under the name S. B. Redstone. I began my career, after graduating from Hunter College, as a caseworker for the New York City Department of Social Services, Protective Services, investigating the horrors of the abuse and neglect of children. After attaining master’s degrees in Social Work and School Psychology, and then completing a post-graduate education in Psychoanalytic Therapy, I became a School Psychologist in the New York City Department of Education and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in his private therapy practice on Long Island. treating adults, adolescents, children, and couples. Always striving to improve his understanding of human nature, I researched and then wrote a personal improvement book, Taming Your Inner & Outer Bullies: Confronting Life’s Stressors And Winning, which offers remarkable insights into behavior, societal institutions, and relationships. I have written articles on the web concerning human nature, relationships and the abuses of societal institutions, given lectures, and appeared on radio shows.
Always having a vivid imagination and a desire to write fiction, I developed my writing skills by becoming a successful writer of short stories, all of which have been published on the web and in print. As an expert in the field of human psychology, I have been able to develop realistic characters from the dark side of human nature where my villains don’t aspire for happiness through personal achievement, but rather from their demented narcissistic schemes. Many of my characters have been taken from my clinical experiences. I have two additional novels seeking publication. I am a member of the International Thriller Writers Org and Romance Writers of America.
I can be found at http://sbredstoneauthor.com and at Goodreads, Shelfari, and Bloglovin.
March 17, 2014
Check out these awesome writers in our #WritingProcessBlog Hop…@MichelleMiles @CCAshworth @Julian_West @cathconstantine
Cathrina is the wonderful intense mind behind the dark and gritty Paranormal thriller, WICKEDLY THEY COME and her brand-new, Post-apocolyptic thriller, TALLAS . Not only is Cathrina a talented writer all by her lonesome, she’s part of the dynamic reviewer duo of Constantine & Prah. You can catch her and Nana Prah’s reviews, along with some very cool blog posts at her web home Constantine (http://cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com).
Here’s how this Blog Hop works. I answer four questions about my writing then pay it forward by tagging three author’s and links to their blogs.
I’ve chosen three talented, beautiful, unique and gifted authors. First up is CHRISTINE ASHWORTH. Christine is all about those that hide in the dark, demons, zombies, Fae, so you know why we’re friends. The next awesome writer is MICHELLE MILES. Michelle’s fun, fast-paced paranormal, fantasy, and contomporary romances lend a balancing edge to mine and Christine’s fantastical tastes. Last but not least, I give you, JULIAN WEST. Julian is my over the sea friend who’s writings travel through many themes, each with a dry, witty humor I can’t live without.
Now for my four questions:
What am I working on?
Well, currently I’m half way through the fourth book of my Urban Fantasy series, the Kyn Kronicles. SHADOW’S CURSE will be out in Fall of this year, and my readers get a chance to delve into the deviousness that is Natasha Bertoi, the Demon Queen of the Northwest as she meets the intriguing and frustrating, Darius Abazi. Seriously, how can you go wrong with two demons?
How Does My Work Differ from Others of its Genre?
This question is always a doozy. Basically, my stories touch on multiple genre aspects. It’s Urban Fantasy since it’s magic in the modern day world, a healthy dose of paranormal thriller aspects as we have dead bodies (of various kinds), big bad baddies and mysteries to solve, plus a sprinkling of romance, because throw two people into any heart pounding situation and viola! a relationship is sparked. Although some of the themes are pretty dark, I’m a sarcastic wench by nature, which comes out through some of my characters. So what’s unique about my writing? I guess we’ll go with my voice.
Why Do I Write What I Do?
I grew up on tales of faeries, goblins, wee folk, ghosts and my fascination with those stories has never faded. I’ve always been intrigued by what would happen if our practical real world suddenly discovered it wasn’t so ordinary after all? It’s why I stick to Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Thrillers. My upcoming Paranormal Romantic Thriller series coming from MuseItUp publishing this summer (HUNTED BY THE PAST), allowed me to delve into the wild military world and play with paranormal abilities, all at the same time.
How Does Your Writing Process Work?
I used to say I was a panther (not panther, but that would be cool!), but I have to correct myself, I am a sometimes-panster. I have an overall plot for my books, with a couple of one to two sentence sub-plots when I begin. My main characters are pretty solid when I first sit down, and only after I being does the world and supporting cast come out to play. I’ve found that if I don’t have some general idea of where I’m going and how to get there, I’m very easily distracted by my characters and their wants. It’s hard to tell them you can’t always get what you want, especially if I can’t run away.
Thank you for stopping by. Remember to check Cathrina’s post from last week. And on March 24th please remember to visit CHRISTINE, MICHELLE and JULIAN to learn more about these wonderful authors.
Want to see what’s coming May 10th from Black Opal Books and me?
SHADOW’S MOON: Book 3 of The Kyn Kronicles
Even a wild heart can be broken…
A blonde, a brunette and a monster walk into a bar and all hell breaks loose.
It should have been the start of a bad joke, but days from a full moon Xander Cade, Tracker for the Northwest Motoki Pack, finds nothing funny about confronting an enraged Shifter in a crowded Portland nightclub filled with unsuspecting humans. The resulting carnage begins to fray the thin veil of secrecy shielding the supernatural Kyn community from public scrutiny. It also ensures there is no escaping the one man she’s been determined to avoid, her Alpha and mate, Warrick Vidis. Dominating, protective and compelling, Warrick threatens her individuality like no other.
As the Northwest Alpha wolf, compromise isn’t in Warrick Vidis’s vocabulary, but when his reluctant mate, Xander Cade, refuses to leave off the hunt for a killer, he has no qualms using whoever or whatever necessary to protect her or his pack. A series of unusual deaths involving lone wolves, along with anonymous threats against him and his Pack, begin to jeopardize his normal steely control. Add in Xander’s continual reluctance to fully accept their Soul bond, and the line between intellect and instinct begins to blur, leaving him wondering if one woman’s love and acceptance will be enough to save both man and wolf.
As the danger escalates, threatening not just their Pack but those closest to them, Warrick and Xander must find a way to trust each other and accept their rare bond or risk losing everything-their pack, their friends and each other.
March 12, 2014
Come visit w/Nationally Best Selling Deborah Cooke and join our #giveaway! #Dragonfire #UF #PNR #romance
Good morning Swamp Folks! How are we doing this fine spring morning? Did you all make it past Dreamer’s SnapDragons? *wincing* Yeah, seems the seedlings got mixed with the Venus FlyTraps, hence the sharp teeth on those little puppies.
Well, now that you’re all settled in, get ready, because today we welcome the Nationally Best Selling Mistress of the hunky men of her Dragonfire series–Deborah Cooke . You may also recognize her as Claire Delacroix, the NY Times Best Selling authoress.
And because Deborah is such awesome sauce, she’s going to do a giveaway right here!
So in the comments, share with us a piece of life advice you found helpful or not so helpful and you could be our lucky winner of:
A SIGNED TRADE PAPERBACK OF ABYSS!
This series of urban fantasy romances are set in a gritty dystopian future. They feature heroes who are fallen angels, who have voluntarily shed their wings in a quest to save humanity.
Don’t forget to include your email so we can reach out and gift you! (winner announced on 3/19/14)
Without further ado, I give you Deborah…
As children we tend to have an idea of what we want to be by the time we’re ten. Before you decided to pursue the artistic dream of being a writer, what did you want to be and why?
Well, maybe this is backwards, but I always wanted to be a writer. I was an avid reader as a kid and just loved books. I also loved making up stories. Now we’d call it fan fiction, but I used to continue the stories of characters I’d met in books. The idea that I could be someone who wrote books, who was responsible for putting stories out into the world, was just a thrilling possibility. I was told, though, that being a writer wasn’t a practical way to make a living, that I should write as a hobby and find a “real” job instead. Well, writing books isn’t a practical way to make a living, but if it’s what you want to do, “real” jobs are just too boring to endure. I had real jobs for a while and ended up scribbling books on the side. I had to follow my bliss, and I did. Even before I sold my first book, I quit my real job and I’ve never looked back. It’s been challenging sometimes but so rewarding that you take the challenges in stride.
–I did the same thing for books and movies, generally creating my own character, because, well, because I’m a writer. I also heard the same thing about writing not being a “real” job. *snort* Shows what they know. I’ve got a plan where the day job goes bye-bye, but we’re not quite there yet. Soon, though *rubbing hangs together*
If you turned your laptop/computer/pen/typewriter (yes, some of still use these!) over to your character(s), how would they describe you?
I expect my characters would be frustrated with me for not writing more quickly. They’d accuse me of being easily distracted by shiny new ideas, which isn’t entirely unfair. Shiny new ideas are exciting! The fact is that I’m pretty prolific, but I still have too many ideas to write them all as quickly as even I’d like. I also have a tendency to create secondary characters who want to steal the book so they can have their own stories told. I make them wait, even though they’re interesting, and they don’t like it. The line of characters wanting their particular book written forms to the right, and my office tends to be pretty crowded. So long as no one fictional does injury to anyone else fictional, I’m okay with the crowd. I doubt they feel the same way – and really, if I was waiting on an HEA, I’d be impatient too. This also explains why I talk when I’m writing, but I’m not really talking to myself (although it looks like it): I’m calming the crowd. =0)
–Yep, have to watch for others listening in, they start to consider us “unbalanced”. Explaining it, seems to make it worse!
Many writers have that first novel which will never see the light of day. Out of curiosity, do you have one stashed somewhere? Inquiring minds want to know: what was your first attempt at writing and how old were you?
I made many first attempts at writing, and took creative writing classes in high school. The first full length book that I completed is the proverbial one under the bed. It’s a paranormal romantic suspense set in Venice. I loved that story to bits and revised it many (many!) times. I really didn’t have the skill to do a good job with such a complicated hybrid genre book then. I submitted it to many publishers and agents, but in 1990, there was no market for that kind of book. There still might not be a market for it, but over the years, it’s haunted me and I now have a better plan of how to write it. I might rewrite it one of these days. We’ll see. For now, those characters have joined the line in my office.
–So I’m going to ask, do you have one of those paper ticket dispensers, like a deli? “Please take a number and we will serve you as soon as we can.” =0)
What’s some of the funniest/sweetest/strangest things you’ve heard from your readers?
I’m always honoured to hear from readers. There’s something so private about the act of writing that it’s frequently a bit startling to realize that other people are actually reading my books. Of course, that’s the point of publishing them, but still, it’s very exciting to hear from a reader. The sweetest thing someone can say is “I loved your book X.” Wow! That never fails to give me a thrill. Meeting readers in person is also a treat. One of the most exciting changes for writers is the development of the internet and the opportunity it gives of interacting with readers, through blogs, emails or other social media. It’s so much fun to have that immediacy and even to be able to correspond.
–Well, let me be another one, I love, love your Dragon series (and I know Snarky is just almost speechless that you’re visiting).
What is some of the best advice you were ever given?
It wasn’t given to me specifically, but is from the writings of Joseph Campbell: Follow your bliss. You have to do what makes you happy, regardless of whether other people (or even you) think it’s a sensible choice. Another saying I just love comes from Julia Cameron and the Artist’s Way: Leap and the net will appear. That’s about trusting your instincts and following your heart (as well as your bliss). We know more than we believe we do, and need to be reminded to trust in ourselves and our own instincts.
–Instincts, we have ‘em for a resin =0)
Time for our favorite things, our bullet list…
Blades, guns, fists or feet?
Whatever suits the character. =0)
Favorite Fairy Tale of all time?
I love so many, but would choose Beauty and the Beast.
Three titles and their authors sitting on your nightstand/bookcase/table/floor waiting to be read?
My TBR pile is very scary. It fills an entire bookshelf in my office. On my nightstand, though, are Agatha Christie: The Mousetrap and other plays (I admit I’ve been on a bit of an AC binge this fall.)
Margo Lanagan: The Brides of Rollrock Island (This is just lovely. I’m trying to ready slowly and savour.)
Ursula K. Leguin: Voices (Recommended by a friend who reads a ton more fantasy than me. I love UKL’s work, though, and am looking forward to diving in.)
Greatest one liner of all time?
“I know.” Hans Solo en route to his inevitable demise, right after Princess Leia cries “Hans! I love you!”
–Ah yes, Star Wars, greatest space soap opera EVER!
Sarcastic witticism, Southern sweetness or Geeky disdain?
Oh, I like wry humor. The deadpanned one-liner is my fave.
Strangest item currently taking up space in your writing cave?
Hmm. There’s the usual clutter of books, music dvd’s, computer parts, notebooks, file folders and knitting in various stages of completion.
Favorite supernatural creature?
Dragons, of course. (Shape-shifting dragons that can become hunky heroes are even better.)
–LOL!
Much thanks to Deborah for taking time out of her very busy schedule to be with us! Don’t forget to leave your comment and email below.
Need more…
Bestselling and award-winning author Deborah Cooke has published over fifty novels and novellas, including historical romances, fantasy romances, fantasy novels with romantic elements, paranormal romances, contemporary romances, urban fantasy romances, time travel romances and paranormal young adult novels. She writes as herself, Deborah Cooke, as Claire Delacroix, and has written as Claire Cross. She is nationally bestselling, as well as a USA Today and New York Times’ bestselling author. Her Claire Delacroix medieval romance, The Beauty, was her first book to land on the New York Times List of Bestselling Books.
Deborah was the writer-in-residence at the Toronto Public Library in 2009, the first time TPL hosted a residency focused on the romance genre, and she was honored to receive the Romance Writers of America PRO Mentor of the Year Award in 2012.
Currently, she’s writing the Dragonfire series of paranormal romances as Deborah Cooke, and the True Love Brides series of medieval romances (with fantasy elements) as Claire Delacroix.
The current Dragonfire release is The Dragon Legion Collection, which includes three paranormal romance novellas. You can read more about it right here:
http://deborahcooke.com/deborah-cooke-books/dragonfire/the-dragons-legion-novellas/
The current True Love Brides release is The Highlander’s Curse, which is a paranormal Scottish medieval romance. You can read more about it right here:
http://deborahcooke.com/claire-delacroix-books/the-true-love-brides/the-highlanders-curse
Deborah has also republished a trilogy of urban fantasy romances featuring fallen angel heroes and set in a dystopian future called the Prometheus Project. There’s a new fourth book in the series called Abyss and you can read more about it right here:
http://deborahcooke.com/claire-delacroix-books/the-prometheus-project/abyss/
Find Deborah at these locations:
Deborah’s website and blog is http://deborahcooke.com
Deborah is on Facebook as herself:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDeborahCookeFanPage
and also as Claire Delacroix:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorClaireDelacroix
Deborah is on Goodreads as Claire:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12694.Claire_Delacroix
March 5, 2014
Let’s go Historical w/@maggiandersen #historicalromance #romance
(Brushing the last of the packing tape off the porch) Welcome back, my swampy friends. Now that we’re all settled in, time for us to get back into the groove. Today we welcome the talented Maggi Andersen with her historical hunks and daunting debutantes. Now, I may be an avid Urban Fantasy and Romantic Suspense fan, but I cut my reading teeth on historicals. So if you like your history with a little pulse pounding adventure, gather ’round and make Maggi feel at home. She’s come a long way from the Land Down Under…
As children we tend to have an idea of what we want to be by the time we’re ten. Before you decided to pursue the artistic dream of being a writer, what did you want to be and why?
I can remember always wanting to tell stories, but I also dreamed of becoming a ballet dancer. Not a good idea as it turned out. I’m tall and broad-shouldered. It would have been cruel to expect the male dancers to lift me aloft. After reality struck, I toyed with pursuing a career as an interior designer, but while working in a shop, I discovered my ideas were too idiosyncratic to appeal to most of the customers. They all wanted beige at that time, and I was bored.
My creativity was then directed into raising three children while renovating houses and designing gardens. I worked in my husband’s law office, and attended university. I didn’t begin to write creatively until quite late.
–I think raising three kiddos and creating garden oasises would be challenging enough, then to take on writing? Kudos, Maggie, just kuddos…
If your character(s) came with a warning label, what would it say?
Beware: My heroes are too sexy to resist. And my heroines have minds of their own.
–got to love those independent natures, they make us travel paths we’d probably never peek down…
Whether we’re plotters or pantsers (outlines not needed), creating our stories takes us on very memorable journeys. Sometimes we may be part way through before we realize some major aspect of our story is just not working (plot, character, setting). Have you ever hit this sharp, pointy snag and if so, how did you escape? We’re you battered and bruised or a bloody mess?
I have. When I first began, I used to write without worrying about how it turned out. Consequently I ended up with an unstructured mess which required a lot of rewriting. Now, before I begin to write, I have a few lines of my concept taped to my computer to remind me of how it affects the book in every scene, and a good idea of where I’m going.
–The more I write, the more I learn how utterly wild it is I ever finished the first book, considering how much I fumbled along with out a map. Pantsing is great, but some days a few sign posts can make a world of difference…
What’s the one genre you won’t ever try and why?
I didn’t think I’d write science fiction, but I just wrote a story for my grandson, and it was fun. Probably horror. Can’t watch scary movies, so I doubt I could do that genre justice.
–I’m not the greatest at the slasher flicks either, but writing it–that works for me…However, I’ll leave the genre to those who do it well (King, Eerie…)
What is the best advice you can share with others?
Whether you’ve plotted it out, or are a panster, just write the scene. Don’t edit, and don’t judge what you’ve written until you finish and do a second draft. You can always improve on what is on the page. The more you write the better you get. And don’t be too impatient to send that manuscript out. Put it aside for a while, you’ll be amazed at the improvements you can make to it with a fresh pair of eyes.
–Great advice, unfortunately, it’s one of the hardest to follow….
And now, Maggi, prepare yourself for our Bullet List…
Blades, guns, fists or feet?
All of them. They’re Regency spies.
Favorite Fairy Tale of all time?
Cinderella. The story is quite old; first appearing in Ancient Greece.
–Wow, I didn’t know that…how cool.
Three titles and their authors sitting on your nightstand/bookcase/table/floor waiting to be read?
I’m reading my third, Anne Perry book, Paragon Walk.
Next, is The Countess Conspiracy by Courtney Milan.
Then, Beyond Innocence, by Joanna Lloyd.
Greatest one liner of all time?
Oscar Wilde “The English country gentleman galloping after a fox is the unspeakable in full pursuit of the uneatable.”
–giggle
Sarcastic witticism, Southern sweetness or Geeky disdain?
Sarcastic witticism
Strangest item currently taking up space in your writing cave?
A small book a girlfriend gave me, The Little Book of Dreams.
Favorite supernatural creature?
Werewolves.
Love historical romance? Because, let’s be honest, there’s just something about a man in a cravat. Want more of Maggi? Then check out her TAMING A GENTLEMAN SPY, from her Spies of Mayfair series…
John Haldane, Earl of Strathairn, is on an urgent mission to find the killer of his fellow spy. Has the treasonous Frenchman, Count Forney, returned to England to wreak havoc? Or has someone new landed on English shores to stir up rebellion in the Midlands? After visiting the young widow of one of his agents, Strathairn strengthens his resolve. A spy should never marry. And most certainly not to Lady Sibella Winborne, with her romantic ideas of love and marriage. Unable to give Sibella up entirely, he has kept her close as a friend. And then, weak fool that he is, he kissed her… Lady Sibella Winborne has refused several offers of marriage since her first Season years ago — when she first set eyes on the handsome Earl of Strathairn. Sibella’s many siblings always rush to her aid to discourage an ardent suitor, but not this time. Her elder brother, Chaloner, Marquess of Brandreth, has approved Lord Coombe’s suit. Sibella yearns to set up her own household. She is known to be the sensible member of the family. But she doesn’t feel at all sensible about Lord Strathairn. If only she could forget that kiss…
TAMING A GENTLEMAN SPY NOW AVAILABLE:
Maggi Andersen lives in the countryside outside Sydney, Australia, with her lawyer husband. After gaining a BA in English and an MA in Creative Writing, and raising three children, Maggi now indulges her passion for writing.
When not writing she is feeding the local wildlife. Kookaburras (Australian Kingfishers) love to be hand fed.
She writes in several genres, contemporary and historical romances and young adult novels. You’ll find adventure and elements of danger in everyone.
More information on her website: http://www.maggiandersenauthor.com
Find Maggi at these popular locations…
February 26, 2014
It’s @MonaKarel, The Best In Show for Paranormal Romance, and she has a gift for you! #giveaway #pararom
(Pushing aside mountains of unpacked moving boxes, piles of crushed wrapping paper, and carefully stepping over discarded packing tape) Excuse the mess as we finish tidying up the new Swamp Shack. You’d think I’d have things a bit more together, but when the rampaging, over-sized iguana squashed our old shack, we were hard pressed to find a suitable replacement.
(Waving a hand) Nevermind that, you’re not here to listen to my tales of moving woe. Today, we have the lovely creative genius behind the awesome MY KILLER, MY LOVE and TEACH ME TO FORGET—Mona Karel. She even brought those gorgeous Faerie Hounds of hers.
Stick around and tell us what was your first occupational aspiration was and you could win an e-copy of her MY KILLER, MY LOVE–a heart pounding story of the unearthly guardian, Mykhael and the intriguing survivor, Kendra, as they face down evil while discovering their own, beautiful connection. Might as well let someone new fall in love with Mykhael, and she thought that would be better than genuine, high desert tumble weeds… Remember, we need your email to ensure you get your copy.
For now, I give you, Lady Mona…
As children we tend to have an idea of what we want to be by the time we’re ten. Before you decided to pursue the artistic dream of being a writer, what did you want to be and why?
I absolutely knew I was going to be an Olympic equestrian, from the time I read Pat Smythe’s book Jump For Joy. Never mind that I only rode horses once a week, and no one in my family had the least idea how to support such a goal. When the high school yearbook staff asked what I planned to do with my life, I stated categorically I would ride jumping horses. Well, we can all dream, can’t we?
–I’m going to guess you also read BLACK BEAUTY and did you happen to have all the Black Stallion novels? Not that I would know anything about that or being a prize winning jockey….
Many writers have that first novel which will never see the light of day. Out of curiosity, do you have one stashed somewhere? Inquiring minds want to know: what was your first attempt at writing and how old were you?
I was such a fan of gothic romance for a while, and I wrote a full gothic novel, set in a manor house in Scotland. Complete with a white nightgown in the gallery scene. That would have to be when I was about sixteen since it was before my father did a tour of duty in Japan. All the ‘excess’ was tossed out, including my Beatles fan fiction (shaking my head in wonder) where we were in a plane crash and marooned on a desert island. My lead character, who bore a sad resemblance to me, helped save the day while the rest of the females sat around and whined. Back in civilization, Paul showed up one day to declare unremitting love. Hey, gimme a break, I think I was fifteen.
–Mmmm, Paul always was the pretty one…
The first ‘real’ novel might still have a chance at resurrection since I’ve ended up using one of the male characters in another book. The female protagonist rides jumping horses. As an aside, isn’t it more fun to call her the heroine?
Growing up, what was your favorite book, comic, game or movie and did you create a character/player that might resemble you?
Man From U.N.C.L.E. absolutely. I had it bad for Illya Kuryakin (not so much Napoleon Solo until I learned years later that Robert Vaughn had Scottish Deerhounds) That fascination carried forward when Dr. Mallard showed up on NCIS.
Personally, I tend to be a bit on the introverted side so the thought of being in the actual presence of one of my favorite writers makes my heart race, my knees shake and tangles my tongue (yes classic fan girl behavior). Who could reduce you to such a level and how do you imagine your initial meeting?
I actually did meet some of my favorite writers when I helped the Programs chair for Orange County. At that time I was pretty cool about it all, even when it was Elizabeth Lowell or Eileen Dreyer. Now I think I’d be a fluttering fool if I met Patricia Briggs or Jim Butcher. I had no problem with one of my very favorite authors I met through dogs long before I knew she had written Dun’s Lady Jess. Dogs are a great leveler.
–Then you and your hounds can come rescue me when I fall into a drooling mass at the feet of Patricia Briggs…as for Jim, he at least, didn’t mind the drool…
And now, for our favorite list–The Bullet List…
Blades, guns, fists or feet?
Hand Grenades or Stink Bombs
Favorite Fairy Tale of all time?
Oh gaaa, that one’s difficult. I wasn’t a fan of happily ever after especially not after I learned the story behind the story of so many fairy tales. Like those nursery songs: “A Tisket a Tasket…Ashes Ashes All Fall Down.” Yikes. There was the modern fairy tale that canned and frozen prepared meals are every bit as good as fresh. No, wait, that’s more of a horror story. Hmmm. Probably the swan one, where the sister couldn’t speak until she’d saved her eleven brothers from a curse. Let me see…oh, never mind that one’s also pretty stupid.
But wait, there’s the Town Musicians of Bremen. No vapid virginal heroine, no evil stepmother, no waiting to be rescued by the prince. Yup, liked that one. Which reminds me of a favorite line…
Three titles and their authors sitting on your nightstand/bookcase/table/floor waiting to be read?
On the Kindle actually. I’m indulging in Kodiak Unchained, one of Doranna Durgin’s Sentinel stories. What a fascinating take on shifters and unrelenting enmity, and yes she also wrote Dun’s Lady Jess. Greta Van Der Rol has asked me to do a beta read on her sequel to Morgan’s Return, great space opera and such an honor. I’d be saying Eileen Dreyer and her Drake’s Rakes except I’ve read them until I could quote them waiting for the next one.
Greatest one liner of all time?
‘No more kitchen scraps for the widows and orphans’ Favorite villain, one of my favorite actors.
But also, from Pretty Woman: “What happens after the Prince rescues the Princess?” “She rescues him right back.” Gurrrl power!
Sarcastic witticism, Southern sweetness or Geeky disdain?
Sarcastic witticism, all too often misunderstood, go figure.
Strangest item currently taking up space in your writing cave?
Actually I moved the writing set up to a high counter in the large main room. It was a way to stay connected to my life: the high desert, the dogs, the wind blowing tumbleweeds into the fences. From the point of view of ‘ordinary’ people most everything would be strange. Probably the silver serving spoon that used to have a lovely ceramic dragon handle. Now it’s just a stub. I was trying to figure out the hallmarks on the back…
Favorite supernatural creature?
Obviously I love Mykhael Alastor, from My Killer My Love. And his brother Gabriel who redeems himself by helping rescue a lovely plus size woman while falling madly in love with her. But someone else’s, hmmm. It would be cheating to mention one of the writers I’ve already named, wouldn’t it?
Now, if it was Science Fiction, then Andromeda‘s captain, and also the hot guy with the dreads…Tyr Anasazi. But you’re looking for supernatural creatures, not characters. Well, of course, it would be dragons. Except they exist, we just can’t quite see them.
You want to know about the ‘real’ me or the writer me?
Mona Karel is the writing alter ego of Monica Stoner, who moved around a lot with her Navy family and continued that nomadic existence for a while on her own. Her first two books: the paranormal romance My Killer My Love and contemporary romance Teach Me To Forget, are published by Black Opal Books. She’s madly typing away on her next stories, in between doing battle with rapacious tumbleweeds and playing with her herd of Salukis.
My Killer My Love is available through the usual sources:
![front-cover-my-killer-my-love-first-try[1]](http://jamigray.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/front-cover-my-killer-my-love-first-try1.jpg)
Teach Me To Forget as well:
Both titles available through my publisher, Black Opal Books
@MonaKarel, The Best In Show for Paranormal Romance, has a gift for you! #giveaway #pararom
(Pushing aside mountains of unpacked moving boxes, piles of crushed wrapping paper, and carefully stepping over discarded packing tape) Excuse the mess as we finish tidying up the new Swamp Shack. You’d think I’d have things a bit more together, but when the rampaging, over-sized iguana squashed our old shack, we were hard pressed to find a suitable replacement.
(Waving a hand) Nevermind that, you’re not here to listen to my tales of moving woe. Today, we have the lovely creative genius behind the awesome MY KILLER, MY LOVE and TEACH ME TO FORGET—Mona Karel. She even brought those gorgeous Faerie Hounds of hers.
Stick around and tell us what was your first occupational aspiration was and you could win an e-copy of her MY KILLER, MY LOVE–a heart pounding story of the unearthly guardian, Mykhael and the intriguing survivor, Kendra, as they face down evil while discovering their own, beautiful connection. Might as well let someone new fall in love with Mykhael, and she thought that would be better than genuine, high desert tumble weeds… Remember, we need your email to ensure you get your copy.
For now, I give you, Lady Mona…
As children we tend to have an idea of what we want to be by the time we’re ten. Before you decided to pursue the artistic dream of being a writer, what did you want to be and why?
I absolutely knew I was going to be an Olympic equestrian, from the time I read Pat Smythe’s book Jump For Joy. Never mind that I only rode horses once a week, and no one in my family had the least idea how to support such a goal. When the high school yearbook staff asked what I planned to do with my life, I stated categorically I would ride jumping horses. Well, we can all dream, can’t we?
–I’m going to guess you also read BLACK BEAUTY and did you happen to have all the Black Stallion novels? Not that I would know anything about that or being a prize winning jockey….
Many writers have that first novel which will never see the light of day. Out of curiosity, do you have one stashed somewhere? Inquiring minds want to know: what was your first attempt at writing and how old were you?
I was such a fan of gothic romance for a while, and I wrote a full gothic novel, set in a manor house in Scotland. Complete with a white nightgown in the gallery scene. That would have to be when I was about sixteen since it was before my father did a tour of duty in Japan. All the ‘excess’ was tossed out, including my Beatles fan fiction (shaking my head in wonder) where we were in a plane crash and marooned on a desert island. My lead character, who bore a sad resemblance to me, helped save the day while the rest of the females sat around and whined. Back in civilization, Paul showed up one day to declare unremitting love. Hey, gimme a break, I think I was fifteen.
–Mmmm, Paul always was the pretty one…
The first ‘real’ novel might still have a chance at resurrection since I’ve ended up using one of the male characters in another book. The female protagonist rides jumping horses. As an aside, isn’t it more fun to call her the heroine?
Growing up, what was your favorite book, comic, game or movie and did you create a character/player that might resemble you?
Man From U.N.C.L.E. absolutely. I had it bad for Illya Kuryakin (not so much Napoleon Solo until I learned years later that Robert Vaughn had Scottish Deerhounds) That fascination carried forward when Dr. Mallard showed up on NCIS.
Personally, I tend to be a bit on the introverted side so the thought of being in the actual presence of one of my favorite writers makes my heart race, my knees shake and tangles my tongue (yes classic fan girl behavior). Who could reduce you to such a level and how do you imagine your initial meeting?
I actually did meet some of my favorite writers when I helped the Programs chair for Orange County. At that time I was pretty cool about it all, even when it was Elizabeth Lowell or Eileen Dreyer. Now I think I’d be a fluttering fool if I met Patricia Briggs or Jim Butcher. I had no problem with one of my very favorite authors I met through dogs long before I knew she had written Dun’s Lady Jess. Dogs are a great leveler.
–Then you and your hounds can come rescue me when I fall into a drooling mass at the feet of Patricia Briggs…as for Jim, he at least, didn’t mind the drool…
And now, for our favorite list–The Bullet List…
Blades, guns, fists or feet?
Hand Grenades or Stink Bombs
Favorite Fairy Tale of all time?
Oh gaaa, that one’s difficult. I wasn’t a fan of happily ever after especially not after I learned the story behind the story of so many fairy tales. Like those nursery songs: “A Tisket a Tasket…Ashes Ashes All Fall Down.” Yikes. There was the modern fairy tale that canned and frozen prepared meals are every bit as good as fresh. No, wait, that’s more of a horror story. Hmmm. Probably the swan one, where the sister couldn’t speak until she’d saved her eleven brothers from a curse. Let me see…oh, never mind that one’s also pretty stupid.
But wait, there’s the Town Musicians of Bremen. No vapid virginal heroine, no evil stepmother, no waiting to be rescued by the prince. Yup, liked that one. Which reminds me of a favorite line…
Three titles and their authors sitting on your nightstand/bookcase/table/floor waiting to be read?
On the Kindle actually. I’m indulging in Kodiak Unchained, one of Doranna Durgin’s Sentinel stories. What a fascinating take on shifters and unrelenting enmity, and yes she also wrote Dun’s Lady Jess. Greta Van Der Rol has asked me to do a beta read on her sequel to Morgan’s Return, great space opera and such an honor. I’d be saying Eileen Dreyer and her Drake’s Rakes except I’ve read them until I could quote them waiting for the next one.
Greatest one liner of all time?
‘No more kitchen scraps for the widows and orphans’ Favorite villain, one of my favorite actors.
But also, from Pretty Woman: “What happens after the Prince rescues the Princess?” “She rescues him right back.” Gurrrl power!
Sarcastic witticism, Southern sweetness or Geeky disdain?
Sarcastic witticism, all too often misunderstood, go figure.
Strangest item currently taking up space in your writing cave?
Actually I moved the writing set up to a high counter in the large main room. It was a way to stay connected to my life: the high desert, the dogs, the wind blowing tumbleweeds into the fences. From the point of view of ‘ordinary’ people most everything would be strange. Probably the silver serving spoon that used to have a lovely ceramic dragon handle. Now it’s just a stub. I was trying to figure out the hallmarks on the back…
Favorite supernatural creature?
Obviously I love Mykhael Alastor, from My Killer My Love. And his brother Gabriel who redeems himself by helping rescue a lovely plus size woman while falling madly in love with her. But someone else’s, hmmm. It would be cheating to mention one of the writers I’ve already named, wouldn’t it?
Now, if it was Science Fiction, then Andromeda‘s captain, and also the hot guy with the dreads…Tyr Anasazi. But you’re looking for supernatural creatures, not characters. Well, of course, it would be dragons. Except they exist, we just can’t quite see them.
You want to know about the ‘real’ me or the writer me?
Mona Karel is the writing alter ego of Monica Stoner, who moved around a lot with her Navy family and continued that nomadic existence for a while on her own. Her first two books: the paranormal romance My Killer My Love and contemporary romance Teach Me To Forget, are published by Black Opal Books. She’s madly typing away on her next stories, in between doing battle with rapacious tumbleweeds and playing with her herd of Salukis.
My Killer My Love is available through the usual sources:
Teach Me To Forget as well:
Both titles available through my publisher, Black Opal Books
February 12, 2014
It’s all about NYT, USA Today Best Selling Rom Suspense Authoress, @KayleaCross! #romsusp #giveaway
Keep your voices down, there may be a few…ummm…men in greasepaint armed with some serious weapons looking for her. We promised she’d return unharmed, but they’re a cautious bunch.
Kaylea has some seriously exciting series out there–two of my favs, Titanium Security Series and Bagram Special Ops Series, only because I haven’t picked up the others yet. If you like Maya Banks, Christy Reece and Cindy Gerard, you have to add Kaylea to your reading list.
And to help with that, Kaylea has agreed to give one lucky commenter a free e-copy of IGNITED, the first book in the Titanium Security Series. Just share some of your favorite Romantic Suspense authors in the comments. Don’t forget to include your email with your comment.
Okay, since Eerie’s signaling me frantically, we’ll get this show on the road.
My fellow conspirators, I give you Kaylea…
As children we tend to have an idea of what we want to be by the time we’re ten. Before you decided to pursue the artistic dream of being a writer, what did you want to be and why?
Always an author. Always. For my 5th birthday I ask for and received an old-fashioned typewriter. I vividly remember sitting down and hacking away at the keys on a story that night. I didn’t start my first novel until much, much later though!
–Me too, well, and a judge and a vet, and a journalist…My typewriter sat at the kitchen table. My parents were pretty great about the fact it took up a permanent residence. I have 250 pages of a YA fantasy under lock and key. It’s been banished.
We all have favorite characters, either main or secondary, and there are always bits and pieces of them we don’t share with our readers, but keep close to our hearts. Choose your favorite from your cast of characters and tell us a couple of things that you haven’t shared in your books/writing.
Oh, hands down that’s Luke Hutchinson, from my first suspense series. He’s the love of my writing life and no hero will ever match him (I’m loyal like that). I guess the biggest thing I didn’t really dwell on for him is that there’s still a lot of darkness inside him that he struggles with.
Personally, I tend to be a bit on the introverted side so the thought of being in the actual presence of one of my favorite writers makes my heart race, my knees shake and tangles my tongue (yes classic fan girl behavior). Who could reduce you to such a level and how do you imagine your initial meeting?
I’d have to say JR Ward or Suzanne Brockmann, because I absolutely adore their writing and their characters. Though I will admit I’m pretty shy and my knees were wobbling pretty good when I attended an air show to interview some flight crews two summers ago. There I was, surrounded by a wall of men wearing flight suits as I went through my list of questions with them. I did NOT tell them I was researching a romance novel, however, since in my experience that’s the kiss of death as far as credibility is concerned. (Hey, it’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it!)
–I’m with you on JR and Suzanne. They’re awesome character creators. Kudos to you on the flight crew interviews, I’m not sure I could have done anything remotely similar without stuttering (all hail the blogverse, where I can type without stumbling over my words!)
Many writers have that first novel which will never see the light of day. Out of curiosity, do you have one stashed somewhere? Inquiring minds want to know: what was your first attempt at writing and how old were you?
Well, this year I managed to publish the first book I ever wrote (a Civil War romance called The Vacant Chair), BUT, I had to rewrite it a couple of times and then I hired a freelance editor to go through it with a fine-tooth comb. It definitely is near and dear to my heart, though it’s far outside of the romantic suspense genre I’m known for.
–A historical? Wow, I’m thoroughly impressed. Historical’s scare me because of how accurate you have to be on your world building.
What is the best advice you can share with others?
Don’t give up, and don’t compare yourself/your work to others. Your process and voice will be unique to everyone else’s. Find what works for you and stick to that.
–Hear, hear!
Share if you dare, one of your favorite research experiences. Did you join a ghost hunters group? Did you step outside your comfort zone and into the wild world of your characters?
Aww, only one? Okay. I’m absolutely freaking terrified of flying (it’s a long story with a good reason behind it!), but for my Bagram Special Ops series I interviewed several helicopter pilots, flight instructors and even a Navy vet who survived a crash so I could get the details right. Then I went up in a helo five times to get the feel for the aircraft and the basics of the controls/mechanics. Best part was, I lived to tell the tale!
–It was well worth it, because I love that series. Your world building was awesome. I’m not much of a flyer either, but it’s more a heights thing than flying…
Now for our fun bullet list. Ready? Aim. Fire…
Blades, guns, fists or feet?
Guns! All my heroes are adept with firearms of all sorts.
Favorite Fairy Tale of all time?
Beauty and the Beast. I love that theme of redemption, and seeing past the physical to what’s inside.
–Love Beauty…even before Disney made a movie out of it =0)
Three titles and their authors sitting on your nightstand/bookcase/table/floor waiting to be read?
Uncommon Pleasure, by Anne Calhoun
American Sniper, by the late Chris Kyle
SEAL Team Six, by Harold Wasdin
–I’ve got Wasdin’s and Kyle’s on my TBR too. They’re compelling reads.
Greatest one liner of all time?
“Nothing like a good piece of ass.” (From Steel Magnolias)
–*snort*
Sarcastic witticism, Southern sweetness or Geeky disdain?
Southern sweetness all the way!
Strangest item currently taking up space in your writing cave?
My late 18 ½ year old cat’s ashes and a little Ziploc of his fur. *sniffle*
((hugs))
Favorite supernatural creature?
Dragons.
—Oooohhhh, Snarky’s going to love you!
Big, huge Thank You to Kaylea for making time to drop in. Before we let her go, don’t forget to share with us your favorite Romantic Suspense author (with your email) for a chance to win an e-copy of IGNITED:
When her father is murdered by a Taliban cell in the tribal regions of Pakistan, Khalia Patterson reluctantly steps into his shoes to carry on the legacy of Fair Start Foundation, a non-profit group dedicated to furthering the education of girls. There she meets Hunter Phillips, the ex-SEAL and head of her Titanium security team, and quickly learns that coming to Pakistan might prove to be a deadly decision.
Battling demons of his own, Hunter grudgingly leads Khalia’s protective detail as a favor to his boss. From their first meeting it’s clear she’s going to be trouble, and that the cell that killed her father is hell bent on taking her out as well. Keeping her alive is one of the toughest assignments he’s ever faced, yet through one harrowing situation after another she continually impresses him with her strength and inner courage. Even though he fights his feelings for her, it’s a losing battle. And when the job is over, he doesn’t know how he’ll let her go.
Buy Links:
Amazon US (Kindle)
Amazon UK (Kindle)
Amaozn CA (Kindle)
Barnes & Noble (Nook)
Kobo
iBooks
Come find Kaylea Cross…
NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her family. You can find Kaylea through her website, Twitter, Facebook,and her blog.
