Who's ready for some Erin Sinclair???

Me! Me! Me!
      I've been with my publisher for a couple of years now and I have met some really awesome authors there. Some, I've come to consider friends. Erin Sinclair is one of those people. 
      Today we're going to gorge ourselves on so much Erin Sinclair we just may explode.... but in a good way! 
      And since I have so much to share, I'm not going to waste much time charming you with my never ending wit and humor. So, let's get down to business...
Welcome, Erin. What would you say has been your biggest influence onbecoming a writer?
First,I would like to say a big thank you to Robin Badillo for inviting me to her funblog! Second, I would like to say hello to all the readers out there andwelcome!Amongthe usual suspects (life, other authors, imagination), I've had many peoplecompliment me on my ability to write well, no matter what it is that I'mpenning at the moment. What I mean is, throughout my life I've been in somesort of administrative/clerical support role or another. My writing ability,technical or otherwise, is my strong suit and my employers relied heavily onit.  Ihave literally been writing since I was eight. I wrote silly stories thatentertained me personally, journaling as an emotional release, eventually withthe intention for publication. I've had English teachers who told me I had rawtalent and to keep working on the ability. I once had a man to whom I wrote acustomer service rejection letter call my supervisor to tell me how impressedhe was with my letter. While he didn't agree in principle with what he read, he(a psychologist) and his wife (a college English professor) read it twicebefore they felt it imperative they call my Director of Operations to tell herwhat a great writer I was and to value such talent. That was a fun, coolexperience and a lovely compliment. LOLDespitethose moments, though, I did not believe my voice sophisticated enough until Iwas in my forties before writing for publication turned into an actual goalinstead of staying in dreamland. I have always wanted to write for a living. Ifinally conquered my inner critic and personal insecurities, joined a writinggroup on the recommendation of my friend and fellow author, Lynn Crain andstarted writing. It was through that group I met my friend and critiquepartner, CR Moss. She recommended me to Devine Destinies, Editor- In-Chief, JayAustin and Publisher, Tina Haveman. I submitted the Fallen Angel trilogy tothem on speculation with the appropriate query letter and synopsis. They gaveme the opportunity and I wrote my little fingers off on the first novel,Twilight's Son. I was fortunate enough to have it sent to print very early onin its publication. I am working on the third and final book, Garden of Eden asI answer these questions. J
How did you feel when you got your firstpublishing contract?Can'twrite that feeling as a past tense experience. I'm elated, flattered, excited,jazzed, doing the Snoopy Happy Feet Dance any time I recall it. LOL
What makes a bookgreat in your eyes?       A good book engages me. The writing, thelyricism of the author's voice, the creativity of the plot, realistic dialoguegiven the nature of the book, all of it combines into a satisfying mix ofentertainment or research that makes me recommend it to a friend. A great bookcontains a certain majesty. It is a precious jewel in my opinion, one tocherish and keep forever. Its originality, voice, rhythm, nuance, even theediting is so well done that it suspends my disbelief. I become lost in thenovel believe it to be real as I enjoy each chapter. I will not only recommendit, I will buy it for a friend as a "must read" gift and will definitely keep acopy in my library for personal inspiration.                                                              What is the biggest piece of advice you cangive a beginning writer? Itisn't enough that you want to write the next great American novel or believethat you can whatever the genre. Learn the craft of writing and learn to do itwell. Honor the language you write in and learn its rules.         You MUSTprepare for the business end of writing because it has changed drastically. Noteven the big New York Six [publishers] market an author the way they use to inthe distant past. The onus falls more and more on the author to not only write,but market as well. MakeSURE your story is clean and by that, I mean well edited. Reviewers arepointing out these issues more and more (that includes the NY publishers).Whether an author likes it or not, the duty is not only on the editor to catcherrors. In my opinion, any writer that believes that is just lazy. The cleaneryour manuscript is when turned into your editing staff the higher qualityproduct produced. Theold saying that everyone has a book in them is bunk. Just because one wants towrite a book does not mean they have the ability to do so. Writing well is agift to cherish and a talent to hone. Even the best athletes practice,practice, and practice some more. There are many awful books out there so checkyour ego at the door because no one, with very rare few exceptions, writes wellfrom the beginning. You learn over time to find your rhythm and your voice. Ifor one cannot stand diva anything. Iam always grateful for the gift that I have now I am learning to develop mycraft through practice and higher education. I always remember the simplesaying, "Pride goeth before the fall." In this very public business peoplewill remind you of your misplaced arrogance when you do so do not enter thisfield lightly.
Do you have any guilty pleasures?Designerperfume and gourmet chocolate. I will have zero qualms buying a perfume I loveand spending the money on it if I'm obsessed with it. It's gourmetchocolate--rich, creamy, decadent dark luscious chocolate, need I say more?
Seems we have both of those things in common!! What are you working on now?Iam currently working on the third and final book of the Fallen Angel trilogytitled Garden of Eden. It literally takes place in the span of seven days. Yes,it is a plot element purposefully written into the story. I use Catholicangelic mythos combined with New Ageideas to anchor my characters' story. Shade, Brie and Uriel will be tested inways they have not been in the prior two novels. The plot takes place on agrand scale where an entire city is threatened, however, that is only the backdrop.The story line builds to a satisfying crescendo between the three maincharacters. I like where this novel is going and how it will end. I believefans of the Fallen Angel series will too.AfterI complete this novel, I am moving on to my Big Fat Greek Tall Tales novellas. Thereare five or six more left (I haven't decided yet). The series began withCupid's Folly. Oncethat is complete, I am moving forward with my young adult series and searchingfor an agent to represent me in NY for it. The series is paranormal in the basicplot, a comedy-drama, but also a literary coming of age story as well. Fourmain characters in a small East Coast town are entering high school together. Ifind that high school is a great metaphor for many things not the least ofwhich is the paranormal. Who hasn't felt or experienced an event of "out ofordinary" expectations when they were a high school student? In addition, thereare so many rites of passage we go through during high school it seemed afitting place to center very normal teenagers in that venue. They are learningabout themselves as they try to explain and understand the unexplainable andthe confusing.
Who is your favorite all-time author?Ihave a difficult time answering this, but if I'm forced to choose, I'd pickMarion Zimmer Bradley first (Avalon series, Darkover series) with AnneMcCaffrey (Dragonriders of Pern series) tying. I plan to read the Acorna seriesand the Brainships series especially now that she passed away from a stroke atthe age of 85. How I wanted to visit Ms. McCaffrey's Dragonhold in Ireland, tomeet her over a cup of tea. She welcomed all fans and visitors to hersanctuary, blessings to her and her family. Her legacy will live on. It's myunderstanding her son, Todd McCaffrey, has written and co-written other novelsin the Pern series. I look forward to reading those as well.
Are love scenes easy/difficult to write?Easynow, but only because they are written within the context of the story to moveit along. I do not write a lovemaking scene arbitrarily nor will I. That'salmost an invasion of privacy to me as odd as that sounds coming from a romancewriter. It has to make sense to what is going on with the characters at thetime. moreover, I write sensually, I do not use four letter words or purpleprose. The "harshest" scene I ever wrote was between a hooker and atelevangelist in Twilight's Son. It was a plot device to develop thepersonalities of the two individuals involved. I kept the language and thescene very "clinical" because of the nature of the relationship of those twosub-plot characters that used one another. That was the nature of theirpersonalities. There is no room for romance or sensuality in that type of scene,in my opinion. 
Do you write in one genre or severaldifferent ones? And why?Rightnow, it's paranormal romance and romantic comedy. I feel the calling to writein young adult and have planned to do so for a long time. I also want to illustratechildren's books. Literary is tapping my and my muse's shoulder, so I'll seewhat happens with that avenue one day.
 Do you have another career besides writing?What is it?I'mcurrently pursuing a BA in English and a BFA in Art. Being a student is mycareer. I am also a student worker at the university. I am serious when I say Iwant to illustrate children's books and write in the young adult genre. Whatcan a writer do when the muse is insisting? J
To date, which is your favorite story?Which one did you have the most fun writing?Iloved writing Cupid's Folly and can't wait to tackle the rest of the Greek godsliving in 21st century San Francisco. I cracked myself up the wholetime I wrote it. I loved taking such a lofty and sometimes "taken too seriously"mythos such as the Greek gods and playing with their stories. Besides had a lotof fun poking at attorneys (another holier-than-thou institution that needssome humbling and a large dose of humor) in that novella, you will probably seemore of the same in future novellas.
If you had the opportunity to say one thingto your readers, what would that be?Neverstop reading and dreaming. It is the cheapest form of entertainment and yourimagination's greatest lover.
*Whipped Cream, Strawberry Sauce orChocolate Syrup? Pleaserefer to guilty pleasures. Chocolate, of course. J 
*What is the craziest/sexiest thing youhave ever done in public?Craziestthing I ever did was drive in a powerful sports car on the highway shoulder ofa major East Coast highway (and a sheer 100-foot hill drop on the other) topass up a traffic jam because I was running late for school. The Lord protectsdrunks and fools. I was not drunk nor would I ever drink and drive. I wasfoolish, but spared the possible consequences of that stupidity, thankgoodness.Sexiestthing? That's between the hubs and me. I recommend reading Garden of Eden, it willgive you an idea. LOLNow let's take a look at the books we've heard so much about...                         "Lovingan angel can be deadly!"
First class homicide investigator, Lieutenant Detective Brie Carter, isfalling in love with an angel. Brie is the former heavenly companion ofEzekiel, Angel of Earth, guardian to human beings. She chooses to servehumanity by returning to the physical world as a police officer in Denver,Colorado, while Ezekiel stays angelic. When he realizes he does not want toexist without her, he descends and becomes human, now calling himself Shade, ashe is only a shadow of his former self. The love Shade holds for his beautifulcounterpart is potentially endangering her mortal life when his choice tobecome human does not sit well with Uriel, the Archangel of Judgment, whobelieves their union to be an abomination. The Archangel descends to Earth tostop the lovers at all costs, even if it means Brie's demise. Both angels soonlearn, to become human has very powerful consequences, not only for those theybecome involved with, but for them. Will Shade and Brie's love for one anotherwithstand the pressures of human existence? Will they be able to resist theimplacable Archangel of Judgment while guided by the greatest reward humanityhas ever received - the gift of free will?
Excerpt:Brie's toes curled asshe stretched, then hunkered down under the inviting sheets of her bed andclosed her eyes. She could not release the image of Shade and her mind gave wayto espresso rich imaginings, hot and fresh, roasting her as they enveloped eachother and lay down in soft white sand. His exquisite hands traveled her nudeform inch by daring inch, across her thighs, over her warm skin. Tanned fingerstraced the bone of her pelvis, nipping teeth followed. She gasped. Seeking lipsnibbled her Venus mound focusing on her pulsing need, suckling her. His tonguedanced along her nerves, fire turned to starlight, then brilliant sun, whichbeat down on her alabaster torso. Perspiration drenched her and him, the Amazonflowing from every pore, the Nile pouring between her thighs. She cried out hisname as the wave crashed and rolled, forced her awake.Brie bolted upright,gasping as the final throes of an incredible orgasm drifted away leaving herstartled, sated, wanting more. Her heart slowed its ragged pounding and sherealized her bedclothes were gone, crumpled lumps on the floor by the bed. Shetouched the moist remains of sweat and sexual aftermath drenching her sheets.What am I going todo? Sinkingher head in her hands, the length of her hair covered her face, providing hershelter. Her obsession withthe beautiful stranger, whom she somehow knew without knowing, escaped theboundaries she wanted to establish. She was out of sorts, undone by her longingfor him. There was no choice but to make a concerted effort to stay away fromhim for a while, to shut down her senses until she could maintain a modicum ofdecorum when near him. If she did not she would wind up making a complete idiotof herself.Sleep demanded herreturn and she moved away from the damp side of the bed. The rumpled flat sheetcascaded to the floor. Too hot to put her pajamas on she lay back, fell asleepand barely awakened in time to get ready for work.      THE BETROTHED...
"To the scorned heart,  vengeance lasts forever."Brieand Shade's relationship ignites and the intensity of it takes Brie's breathaway. She reveals herself in ways to Shade never before exposed to any manshe‟s loved. Shade is ecstatic that the woman he exists for is returning hislove for her. He knows beyond any shadow of doubt the doorway to her heart isnow open for him to enter. Inthe meantime, Brie takes on a baffling murder involving famous local artist,Maggie Norris. Maggie's slaying makes no sense to the detective, as her bestfriend had no enemies, knew no conflict in her life. Brie teams up with veteranDenver Metro homicide detective, Rachel Lopez, who is in charge of the Norriscase. Together the pair find dead-end after dead-end in the investigation,until they realize someone is attempting to stop Brie from finding answers. WhenShade discovers Brie's life is in danger, he becomes terrified, then enraged atthe thought of losing her. As the pressure mounts on the beautiful couple, thekind and gentle angel of Twilight's Son takes a backburner to the fearsomewarrior who will protect Brie at all costs. He refuses to yield the one giftboth lovers received when they were born—the gift of choice. 
EXCERPT:"Sheturned to Shade. His eyes flashed to yellow gold and a thrill of desire blastedthrough her. Their ability to change on a dime still filled her with amazement,but she had long ago accepted it was a unique trait of her lover. Steppingforward with jaguar grace, Shade grabbed her by the lapels of her leatherjacket. He pulled her into him, plunged his mouth over hers, his need of herevident. He was thedeluge to her thirst. It was as if she had wandered in a desert and found anoasis. She collapsed towards him, returned his fervor with desperate desire.Her knees weakened. Shade lifted Brie into his arms, carried her to hisdressing room. Helocked the door behind him and placed her on a sheepskin rug. He straddled herhips and removed her jacket, tossed it on a sofa across from his dressingtable. Shade caressed her arms, trailed his fingers down to her belt buckle. Brie shook her head."Now," she demanded. She was in no mood for foreplay, wanted him inside herbefore she burst into flames. Tonight was about need, about demand, about pureprimitive mating. Shade ripped thebutton down shirt from her body. Brie tore the g-string from his hips, exposedhis want. Within seconds, her boots and pants were gone. He flipped her on herstomach, impaled her flooded core, bit her neck and left shoulder inunadulterated lust as their nude bodies rocked in time to the base of the musicthey could hear from beyond their room. Within moments, growls of orgasmcompeted with the sheer power of the song, driving them to their end. Briegrasped Shade, wrapping lithe legs around his thighs and rolled with him, untilshe sat on top of him with her back to his face. His hands grasped her hips asshe plunged and gyrated, finishing them both in synchronized climax. Althoughsatisfied she was not satiated, the night had just begun." Garden Of Eden"The golden eye ofjustice seeks one of its own."

"Ecstaticthat Brie is opening to him more and more Shade continues to pursue a futurewith the tough as nails detective whose love for him has surpassed anything shehas ever experienced with other men she has known. Shade is now following hisheart's desire to become a physician while planning the perfect evening withthe love of his existence. He has an important question to ask her, one thatwill change their lives, forever. And yet, aterrible danger has fallen on the sprawling city of Denver. Against thebackdrop of a homegrown terror plot, Uriel, the Archangel of Judgment, isunable to remain passive. Her friend, Daniel Tompkins, lies in a hospital roomdue to a senseless act of violence. Overwhelmed by the grief and sorrow ofDan's wife and young son as they watch his life hang in the balance, Uriel goeson the hunt. She will find who did this to him and she will execute the kind ofjustice only the Archangel of Judgment can do. In the heat of battle as adarkened city succumbs to fear, the Uriel of old returns with a vengeance. AsUriel meets and confronts many denizens of the darker side of humanity in hersearch for Dan's attacker, her anger leaves a trail of destruction behind her.Old resentments and rage build against the relationship between Brie and Shade.She will return her brother to his rightful place within the Heavenly Host evenif it costs Brie's life and Shade's. Who will triumph in the end? One who lovesor one who learns?"Excerpt:Anintensity of light forced Brie awake. Her head throbbed. It tended to happenwhen the whiskey flowed freely, the toasting robust. She pulled a pillow overher to block out the enemy."Uh-uh,love." Shade's enigmatic, accented baritone was usually enough to send instantdesire through her. Right now, she wanted to slap duct tape over his mouth.Shetried to recall where she put her service weapon. "I'm armed.""Notat the moment," he leaned over and bit down on her exposed outer thigh.Briegasped and pushed forward, smacking her head into her upholstered headboard.Somehow, the bump didn't have the same erotic effect on her as it did lastnight. Collapsing, she groaned."Youhave to get up," Shade admonished."Idon't recall saying anything about having to…," her voice trailed away. Thepounding increased and had the nerve to travel throughout her body."Youpromised Sam you'd be there by noon."Tacticaltraining day. She groaned again. He's gonna kick my ass."Ithink I said it was voluntary." Brie sat up. She found if she balanced thepillow on her face and head just right, it muffled her hearing and preventedthe evil sun's rays from stabbing her in the eyes.Herlover removed it. "Much better," he smiled and kissed her nose.Brie'seyes watered and she blinked her way into consciousness. She attempted to standand walk, noting if she stopped her forward momentum, it gave her head time tothink and thinking caused more pain. Walking in a circle seemed to help, butShade's warm hands guided her into the limestone-tiled shower where hot, steamywater beckoned to her. Before she entered, he gave her a handful of pills and avile looking concoction in a crystal tumbler."Whatare these?" Brie shook her hand, tossing three large pills, each a differentcolor, in her palm."B-12among other vitamins. A green smoothie. Don't worry about the taste. It doesn'tlast long."Althoughshe had been a smoker, Brie hadn't taken a drag from a cigarette, much as shewanted to on occasion, in over a year. Therefore, her sense of smell was acute.It wasn't lying to her, she caught the scent of fresh mown lawn. Shade may havediscovered the power of green, she, however, wasn't a fan. When the liquid hayhit her tongue, combined with the gulp of vitamins, she could honestly say sheknew what a horse's breakfast tasted like.Swallowinghard, forcing the mix past her natural inclination to heave it into the toilet,Brie groaned. Rinsing her mouth once the pills and smoothie were safely in herstomach, she gasped. "You could have provided me a chaser."Shadelaughed as Brie joined him in the shower. He dunked her under the largeshowerhead and soaped the length of her platinum hair. "Like what?"Briesputtered. "Bacon, pancakes, maple syrup, orange juice…"Shegroaned in pleasure as he cleansed her scalp, finding the pressure points toforce her muscles to relax. "I will give you ten minutes to stop that," shesighed."It'seleven…if I make you late, Sam will have no problem taking it out on me."Laughing,she turned to wash Shade. "You sound a little scared.""Idon't think he's forgotten the night I showed up at the safe house."Cocking an eyebrow, she pursed her lips. "Yeah, goodpoint. He's just forgiven me. Still though, he likes you."
Erin would like to share where she and her books may be found:Iwrite for Devine Destinies. All ofmy works are at the site below: www.devinedestinies.com Searchfor author Erin Sinclair and all ofthe novels/novellas I've written thus far are under my name plus some coolreviews, too. As time allows, you can find me atthe Devine Destinies chat room and soon I'll start posting blogs there.I canbe found on Facebook as erin.sinclair.writer.I canbe found on Twitter as ESinclairWriter.
Mywebsite is down for the moment as I'm developing a new look. Should be up andrunning by June, 2012.
Ilove hearing from my readers at erinsinclairwriter@gmail.com oron Facebook. So feel free to say Hey There!