Interview and Giveaway with Lynn Rush

Please welcome author Lynn Rush to the Fang-tastic stage today for an interview and giveaway of her new book Wasteland.

Please tell us about your latest release.

It's titled, Wasteland. How 'bout I give you a little Twitter version of what it's about: A tormented half-demon seeks salvation in a teen's prophesied power, but he must resist her tempting protector or face eternal damnation.

It's my debut novel, and I couldn't be more happy with Crescent Moon Press.

Do you have a special formula for creating characters' names? Do you try to match a name with a certain meaning to attributes of the character or do you search for names popular in certain time periods or regions?

I do try and match things when I can. For instance, I named my character, David, because I had David and Goliath in mind (story from the Bible in case anyone isn't aware of that.) David faces insurmountable odds and fights valiantly. I figured it was a good name for my half-demon character. J Plus, he's four centuries old, so I needed an "older" name.

Do you have a formula for developing characters? Like do you create a character sketch or list of attributes before you start writing or do you just let the character develop as you write?

I do a Mind Map. You might have heard of these before, and I'm actually doing a little workshop over at the Museitup conference on October 4th about Mind Mapping. Basically I put my main characters (hero and heroine) in bigger boxes in the center of the page, then I start letting the ideas flow. Lines darting out every direction with ideas, thoughts, conflicts, characteristics, etc.

But then, I just write. I'm a Seat of the Pants writer, so I start out with pretty much nothing other than a mind map, and then I let the characters unfold as I go.

Do you ever suffer from writer's block? How do you deal with it?

Not so much writer's block as just a slow in the flow of words. Some days they come freely, almost faster than my little fingers can type. But then, for whatever reasons, things slow down. When that happens, I love going for long bike rides or runs. Helps me work through whatever is choking the flow. Loud, rocking music (Skillet, P!nk, Red to name a few) really get me going, too! So inspiring and motivating.

Do you have any weird writing quirks or rituals?

I have this ratty old sweatshirt. It is faded and stained and…OLD! But it's my fave. Love cuddling up in that and having a write-fest. Oh, and having a bowl of milk duds near the computer is a must!

When did you consider yourself a writer?

Ha…I just recently did a blog post on that. When I first started writing, I didn't realize the difference in lingo. You're called a Writer until you're published. Then you're known as an Author.

Who knew, right? LOL

But I guess once I started getting requests, finaling in contests, and got my agent I considered myself a writer. Still weird calling myself that. And now, I need to switch over to getting used to calling myself an Author.

Titles.

Whatever I'm labeled is okay. I'll just keep on writing! I LOVE it.

Other than writing, what are some of your interests, hobbies or passions in life?

I have a few. Passions: My hubby. Love being with him. He's my best friend and soul mate. His love pretty much inspires the stories I write. Interests/hobbies: Cycling and running. I love to go out and ride 60-70 miles at any given time. Such a freeing time for me. I think things through, pray, process and get rid of stress in my life with each mile I ride. Love it!!

What can readers expect next from you?

I recently signed a three-book deal with Crescent Moon Press for my Violet Night Trilogy. So, I'm working on that one along with cleaning up a follow up book to Wasteland (tentatively called Awaited). Busy times, but I'm lovin' it!

Where can readers find you on the web?

Blog: www.lynnrush.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LynnRushWrites

Twitter: www.twitter.com/LynnRush

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/k6NAZa

Would you like to leave readers with a little teaser or excerpt from the book?

Here's a portion of the excerpt up on my publisher's website: http://www.crescentmoonpress.com/books/Wasteland.html

Her teeth grated her lip. Must be a nervous habit. But the action chipped at my resolve each time.

One quick taste.

I brought my other hand to her face, the side with the mark, and curled my fingers around her neck, moving my thumb behind her ear. Her hands cuffed my wrists, but not to push me away. Instead her stare bore into mine like a freight train. The flashing lights of the club bounced a coral, teal, and violet rainbow over her shimmering skin.

The people surrounding us blurred into oblivion, and the music faded into a storm of muffled pitches and tones.

I concentrated on her shining lips and took in the warmth of her body so close to mine. I wanted only the sense of touch to be awake while I reveled in the silky texture of her skin. For so long I'd touched nothing. If I was going to break my rules, I would enjoy it.

Her hands glided from my wrists down my forearms and up my biceps, sending a ripple of desire through my soul. I could resist no longer. I brushed my lips against hers and tasted melon. She heaved a sharp breath and clamped her fingers around my shoulders, holding me in place.

Scents of lilac permeated me. My heart hammered, and my demon pounded, wanting out.

Wanting her.

I turned my head, severing our connection. Too intense. Must stay in control. She let out a whimper. I pressed my mouth to her cheek and tilted her head.

I almost wished I hadn't.

She bore the mark of a Guardian, immortal protectors of the humans.

I drank Beka in for three long breaths, knowing it may be my last chance to hold her close. Because if Beka truly was guarding Jessica Hanks I would more than likel



Wasteland

by Lynn Rush

Genre: New Adult

ISBN: 978-1-937254-00-1

Length: Novel

Publication Date: September 2011

Cover art by Jeannie Ruesch



Bound by the blood contract his human mother signed four centuries ago, half-demon, David Sadler, must obey his demonic Master's order to capture fifteen-year-old Jessica Hanks. But as he learns more about her, he realizes she may be the key to freedom from his dark enslavement.



The only obstacle—Jessica's distractingly beautiful Guardian, Rebeka Abbott. He must not give in to their steamy chemistry, or he will lose his humanity. But fresh off a quarter millennia of sensory deprivation as punishment for not retrieving his last target, he may not be able to resist temptation long enough to save what's left of his human soul.





Bio:

Lynn Rush began her writing career in 2008. She has both an undergraduate and graduate degree in the mental health field and has enjoyed applying that unique knowledge to developing unique characters.

A former inline speed skater and mountain biker, Lynn has been known to test the limits of her athletic endurance. So, when she's not writing, she spends time enjoying the Arizona sunshine by road biking nearly 100 miles per week with her husband of fifteen years and going on jogs with her loveable Shetland Sheep dogs.

Catch the Rush: www.lynnrush.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LynnRushWrites

Twitter: www.twitter.com/LynnRush

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/k6NAZa

Amazon: http://amzn.to/pavzwE

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/pbigOg

All Romance Ebooks: http://bit.ly/nujjjp

You Tube Trailer: http://youtu.be/k-KRE1yMiNk





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