Interview with Lovie Lacey & Giveaway ARC DEADLY COOL

Throughout my writing process, I’ve had one constant…Lacey. She is not only a Lovie, but she is a friend. Her humor is wickedly dry, as is mine, and together we have a great time. I think you’ll find a touch of her humor in this interview.


The writing process isn’t complete until we share our words with a friend or beta reader. We sit and wait to find out if they liked it or not. Maybe they hate it and don’t know how to tell us it sucks. What if I didn’t make myself clear about letting me know if they liked it? What if they are having a bonfire and using it as kindling? What if……


There are a million what if’s in a writers mind. I’ve decided to ask a couple of my Lovies what they like in a book. I think you’ll find Lacey’s view both smart and witty.


I almost forgot.... I have a giveaway! You heard me! I’m giving away an ARC of Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday. It’s easy peasy to enter, follow the rules on the Rafflecopter. Have a great week! Next week I’ll be interviewing Tiffany King!


Thank you for doing this interview!


1. As a reader, what POV do you prefer? Do you like first person?


I do like stories told from the first person point of view. I also like the third person point of view. I especially like it when stories alternate between the first and third person.


2. In a character, what do you look for? Do you like the damsel in distress? Strong willed characters?


I tend to gravitate toward strong characters. I don’t have patience for the ‘damsel in distress.’ I find characters like that rather boring and predictable. I like characters that have something interesting about them, whatever that might be…something mysterious, an edge, a secret, a dark side. I also want the character I’m reading about to have some redeeming qualities. I want to see the good in this character.


3. What genre has been your go-to over the last year? Why?


Young Adult. Honestly, that’s just what I like to read. I also think there are so many talented authors in the YA genre right now. It’s almost impossible to keep up with all the new releases! My list of ‘Must Read Now’ is so long I don’t even know where to start.


4. Do you have an e-reader? If so, do you prefer ebooks or the kind you can hold and feel the pages?


I have a Nook. I like it. I use it. I do have to say though, I will probably always prefer an actual book. You must realize this is coming from someone who believes she was born in the wrong era. I’m not in love with technology. It’s like this: Technology and I used to be frenemies. Technology and I then decided to be friends. Recently, technology and I decided to start dating. It’s not like we will ever get married or anything.


5. What entices you to read a book? Is it the cover or do you read reviews of books and decide from there?


I wish I could say that I read book reviews like a sophisticated person, but I don’t. I usually look at the cover and think “This is pretty.” I then proceed to read the back of the book/inside the jacket and if I’m interested I read the first few pages, and if I’m enticed I will continue. If I’m on my Nook, I will sample the first chapter. I also have a few friends that like the same kind of books that I like, so we suggest different Authors to one another.


6. Do you write reviews of books and post them on a blog? Do you rate books on Goodreads?


I have rated a few books on Goodreads. I have also done a few reviews on Amazon. Other than that, no. I don’t usually do reviews.


7. Do you read any Indie books? If so, what made you take the chance on them?


I have honestly not read that many indie books, but the ones that I have read I have really enjoyed. What does that say? Maybe I should start reading more indie books? I took a chance on them because I had a good feeling about them and the author.


8. What is your view of the new rage of self published authors?


I think it’s fabulous! If you have the talent and writing is something you want to do then you should do it. That’s why the self publishing is so great because it allows you to have the opportunity to get your work out to the public.


9. Do you give books as gifts for children? Do you look at the illustrations or the message?


I try to avoid children. If I were to give a child a book, however, I would probably look at the message first and make sure it was appropriate for the child. I would then look at the illustrations and at least see if they were mildly interesting so that the child would be somewhat entertained while looking at it.


10. Quick! Other than yours truly, who is your favorite author right now? Last year? High school? Growing up?


Well, other than the fabulous Devyn Dawson, right now I really like Jessica Verday, Cassandra Clare, and Suzanne Collins. I’m also a huge Richelle Mead fan. Her Vampire Academy series is one of my absolute favorite. I’m a fan of the classics. Edgar Allan Poe. Anyone who knows anything about me knows that William Shakespeare is my lover. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde are two of my favorite novels.


Thank you Lacey... you always make me smile.

Guest Interview & Giveaway from Georgia Cates

I was tantalized by mystery of her. The leech inside me came out to find prey, but found none in this enigmatic girl. The close proximity of her essence didn't entice the monster within, so what did that make her? I had more questions than answers, but one thing was unmistakable; although she released me from her embrace, her hold on me remained. 

Cruel circumstances turned Curry Brennan into the wretched monster he hates and refuses to accept, but when an expected turn of events releases him from the bond of his obsessive maker, he returns to the home he knew 161 years earlier and finds the return of happiness and joy in something he didn’t know existed. Puzzled by his growing attraction to Chansey Leclaire, a human, he is unable to resist the captivating relationship that threatens to reveal his existence as a vampire. He eventually discovers the reason he was destined to find what he didn’t know he searched for and is faced with the cruel realization that the living and the immortal undead will always be separated by one thing. Eternity.

Recently I had the opportunity to meet a wonderful up and coming author Georgia Cates.  You will absolutely D I E over her gorgeous cover.  Her first book Blood of Anteros is sexy and has a new vampire twist, you’ll find yourself up all night with this page turner in hand.

1.  Where did you come up with the idea for Blood of Anteros?

I pulled it out of my....imagination. I knew I wanted to do a vampire romance, which is certainly overdone, but not always done well. This is the book I searched to find, as a reader, and it didn’t exist. I wanted the reader to experience the story from the male point of view, seeing his emotions and internal thoughts about Chansey, the enigmatic woman he can not understand.

2.  What character was your favorite to write?  Why?

Curry is my favorite character. (And I do have a crush on him, but don’t tell my husband.) Again, this story is told in first person, from his point of view, and his personality shines. Because the reader hears his thoughts and feelings, she can’t help but fall in love with him.

3.  Do you have a certain process you do to get the creative juices flowing?

I absolutely have a ritual. I am a huge music head and there is rarely a time when I don’t listen to music. I listen to music to brainstorm and I have a huge playlist that plays the entire time I write. When I hear an inspiring song, I listen to it over and over as I see the scene of the book playing out in my head, like a movie.

4.  How long did it take you to write Blood of Anteros?

I “toyed” with the idea of writing Blood of Anteros for about 2 years before I finally sat down and became serious about it. It is my first book and I kept thinking, “I’ll do it one day.” It evolved several times during those 2 years before it solidified into what it is today, but it really took about 3 months to write and edit once I actually got started. 

5.  What is one thing about you that your fans don’t know about you?

Besides being a nurse and writer, I am also a part time graphic designer, so I have a leg up when it comes to graphics. I designed my own book cover, which a lot of writers do, but not very well. I am married to the world’s best graphic designer, so I was taught by the best.

6.  If you had one super power what would it be?

I would want to grant wishes, like a genie. People’s desires reveal who they really are and it would make it easy to see who was a real friend.

7.  Would you prefer going to the park for a relaxing picnic or are you an amusement park roller coaster person?

I’m a total adrenaline junkie and worse than any child I know about loving rides. The faster, the better and I’ll go to the park and picnic when I have a condition listed on the “Don’t Ride This Ride If” sign.

8.  What are the last five books you’ve read?

            Craved by Stephanie Nelson

            Blood Rites by Quinn Loftis (To be released on Nov. 30 to the public)

            Prince of Wolves by Quinn Loftis

            Laney by Joann I Martin Sowles

            The Dark Lands Series by Autumn Dawn

9.  What author has inspired you the most on your journey?

Autumn Dawn has inspired me more than any other author. Her very candid and honest blog about her journey as a self publishing author has encouraged me to reach for the stars instead of the cookie jar. I really don’t think I would have ever left that place called “I’ll do it one day” if I hadn’t discovered her.

Thanks, Autumn, for being so real about your journey and how you made it to where you are today.

10.  What is the story behind your title and cover?

I didn’t give my book a title until it was completely finished because I didn’t want to feel like I was locked into something that would influence the story. I toyed with ideas, but it was the mystery behind what Chansey is that influenced the title and to explain it further, would be a total spoiler. 

My cover is how I envisioned Chansey through Curry’s eyes. I altered her eyes to the description Curry gives us the first time he makes eye contact with her. It took months to find “the look” I wanted because her character is beautiful, yet I didn’t see her as a super model. She is naturally pretty without the work. I really dig hair accessories, so she had to have one.

11.  What do your order at your favorite coffee shop?

Without doubt, it would be a White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks. I love to try new things in all aspects of my life, but when it comes to my drink, I am a ritualistic.

12.     Is Blood of Anteros a series or a stand alone book?

It is the first book in The Vampire Agápe Series. I am currently working on the second and it is completed in my mind, I just have to get it down. I currently see this as a 3 book series, but we’ll see where it goes. If it takes a different avenue, I’m cool with that.

13.     Do you have a book trailer?

I currently do not have a book trailer, but I am married to the world’s greatest computer ninja, so when I’m ready to tackle it, he is at my disposal.

14.     There are some pretty spicy scenes in the book without getting too graphic, what can your adult readers expect?

The relationship between Curry and Chansey is complex, but their feelings for one another are not. The reader experiences the evolvement of their relationship, told from Curry’s point of view, which is highly sensual. As a vampire with heightened senses, his description of intimate moments brings the reader something they won’t find in any ordinary romance novel.

15.     Final question!  If your book were made into a movie, who would be your dream cast?

Ooooh....That’s a toughy. I totally see Curry being Oliver Goodwill. You probably don’t know who he is. Oliver was that totally yummy guy in Evanescence’s music video “Call Me When You’re Sober.” I still dig him, 5 years later.

My perfect Chansey would be Kristin Kreuk. I love her naturally exotic, wholesome beauty and her hazel eyes are perfect.

Solomon would definitely be Jonathan Rhys Myers, from The Tudors, because that’s who I pictured when I wrote about him.

LINKS:

Georgia Cates Blog

Georgia Cates on Facebook

georgiacates on Twitter

Blood of Anteros on Goodreads

Links to Purchase Blood of Anteros:

Amazon

Barnes&Noble

Smashwords

Also available in the iBook store

I thank you for taking the time to find out a little bit about me and the books I write. If you read my book, it is my sincere wish that it brings you the type of entertainment and joy you expect from it. I would love to hear your thoughts, or just a word of encouragement, and would be thrilled if you contacted me through my blog, Facebook, Twitter or by email at authorgeorgiacates@gmail.com .

Oakley Interview

Oakley

Werewolf & Bodyguard to Prudence Phelan

Character Interview

The Legacy of Kilkenny

I was fortunate enough to have an interview with Oakley from The Legacy of Kilkenny  the other day.  It was informative and fun.  Of course he isn't bad to look at either.  Enjoy.

Oakley Interview -

You’re in really good shape.  In The Legacy of Kilkenny we read about different workouts that you, Pru and Abel do, what is your favorite sport?  Oakley - I’m a college football fan all the way.  Boomer Sooner!

If you had to describe yourself to someone what would be your definition? Oakley -*laughing* My definition?  I don’t know, part cowboy, part ninja, part Italian chef.  I can make a mean lasagna and heat up a can of biscuits like a rock star.  No seriously, I do like to cook but with my assignment as Pru’s bodyguard I don’t get to do it as often as I would like to.  On Sunday’s Dolly does let me help her out with the pack dinner.

When you’re not out chasing down the antidote to the Human Vampiric Virus (HVV) and fighting rogue werewolves what do you do in your down time?  Oakley - I like to sketch the pack.  Pru is gorgeous to draw.  Her body is like a piece of art from the curves of her hips as they are perfectly lined with her shoulders and that beautiful slender neck of hers could make a grown man tremble.  That sounds dorky doesn’t it?  No, I do love to draw and I love to notice the similarities of the pack as they are in wolf form and their human form. 

Speaking of vampires, how many have you staked? Oakley  -  Not enough.  *laughing* No seriously, there is one in particular that is on the short list.

How would you describe Pru?  Oakley - As for her looks?  She is beautiful with shoulder length red hair and bright gray eyes.  She looks like a princess and kicks ass like a ninja.  She was accepted to Harvard but turned it down to take her assignment to train Abel Casey. 

There is a rumor that you started your relationship with Pru without alpha consent.  Is that true?  Oakley - You and I agreed not to discuss that.  If you’re going back on your word…..I’m leaving.

No, no, no.  I’m sorry, please don’t leave.  The Legacy of Kilkenny is a young adult book, and you are a young adult but you’re not a teenager.  How old are you?  Oakley - I’m 22.

When is your birthday?  Oakley  - December 25th

A Christmas birthday, so you eat birthday cake on Christmas?  Oakley - Of course!  We’re all about the cake.

That makes you what, four years older than Pru?  Oakley - More like 3 1/2

In the next book Malevolence will you kill the vampire Arien?  Oakley - You’ll have to read the book to find out. *winks* If you want to know more about that vampire make sure to read the novella The Seduction it will be coming out by Nov 1, 2011.  It is Allie’s personal journal (Abel’s sister that dates vampires).

I’ve heard that Parker has a pretty big fan base, does that make you jealous?  Oakley -  If you like the loner bad boy rogue type of wolf than I guess you’d like Parker.  I would never in a million years be jealous of that knucklehead. 

If Abel the Great Wolf were to tell you he’d like to date Pru, would you let him?  Oakley -  First off, Abel would never do that.  Second, Pru makes her own decisions.  If she wants to be with Abel, I will respect that choice.  If this silly scenario ever happened; in all honesty I’d leave the pack.

Do you really think Abel Casey has what it takes to be The Great Wolf?  Oakley -  Without a doubt I KNOW he is the Great Wolf.  He has really grown up over the series and he has more power in his little finger than the entire pack all together.

Where can we buy The Legacy of Kilkenny?  Oakley -  Amazon - Barnes and Noble - Smashwords or go to www.devyndawson.com for more information.

Thank you for this candid interview.  I hope everyone will want to read more about you and download the book.  Readers - If you’re not familiar with Smashwords, you can download any format you need for your e-reader.  So if you have a I-pad you can put the book on it and if you have a Nook too you can get the book for your Nook.  That is a bonus!  Some people have all of the e-readers and they can have the book in every format without buying it multiple times. 

HINT - The book is FREE for a limited time on www.smashwords.com  - Woo Hoo for YOU!

Interview with Daniele Lanzarotta

Recently I had the opportunity to meet the lovely and talented Daniele Lanzarotta the author of the Imprinted Souls series.  Her latest book Wide Awake (the Academy of the Fallen) was recently released and promises to be epic.  Her website http://www.danielelanzarotta.com  is pretty awesome.  Make sure to check out her book trailers - they are mesmerizing and will have you buying the book instantly.    Daniele will be gifting one of my lucky readers with an e-book of their choice of Imprinted Souls or Wide Awake.  


It is easy peasy - but it doesn't come without rules.  Just go to her blog  http://danielelanzarotta.blogspot.com and come back and tell me who her question and answer on July 26, 2011 was with.   Easy right?  The winner will be randomly picked.  Happy reading! 


Interview questions

1. Where did you come up with the idea for Wide Awake?

I was actually working on Bloodlust (Imprinted Souls Series 2), when Kayla (Wide Awake) popped in my head.  I knew that with my next series I wanted to create a new world at some point in the storyline, so that was when I came up with the concept for the Academy.

2. Was it easy going from writing the Imprinted Souls series about vampires to writing about fallen angels?

Absolutely!  I can switch back and forth between characters and what they are pretty easily.   Here is a fun fact though; in Imprinted Souls you will meet one very special vampire, who was a fallen angel before she was turned.  Still, she is very different from the fallen in ‘Academy of the Fallen’.

3. Do you have a certain process you do to get the creative juices flowing?

I usually get ideas at the most unexpected times, but as far as actually sitting down to write the stories, music seems to be the key to my creativity.

4. How long did it take you to write Wide Awake?

This is an interesting question.  Wide Awake was a little different than my other books.  I wrote the first part of Wide Awake (what I call ‘before the Academy’).  I then shared my time between writing Divine Ashes and Wide Awake.  For Wide Awake alone, took about 4-5 months.

5. What is one thing about you that your fans don’t know?

* laughs * I really don’t know.  If they follow me on Facebook or Twitter, they probably know it all!

6. If you had one super power what would it be?

This is a tough one. I would like to say read minds, but that would be a curse.   *laughs*  Mind control seems pretty powerful.  I think that would be my choice.

7. Would you prefer going to the park for a relaxing picnic or are you an amusement park roller coaster person?

* laughs * I’m totally NOT a roller coaster person.  I will go for the relaxing picnic at the park.

8. What are the last five books you’ve read?

Passion by Lauren Kate, Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare, and the 3 Mortal Instruments books by Cassandra Clare.


9. What author has inspired you the most through your career?

Only 1?!  Okay… well, being that I have to pick only one, I would say Richelle Mead.  Her character development is flawless.  If you know me, you know how attached I’m to my characters...

10. What is the story behind your title and cover?

Most of my titles and covers fall under the ‘it just came to me’ category.  My best story behind a title is for Divine Ashes and that was pure coincidence (in a creepy way).  In Divine Ashes, you learn the back-story of Lydia (Lexi’s past life) and Loren.  One of their scenes is at an Opera House in Venice.  In real life, there was a fire at that Opera House and when they rebuilt it, they named it La Fenice Opera House.  In the book, La Fenice is where Tyler meets Lexi.  The name of the Opera House relates to it “rising from the ashes”, which is exactly what happens to one of the characters in Divine Ashes.  The weirdest part is that in the book, Lydia and Loren’s story happened in the same year as the fire.

11. What do your order at your favorite coffee shop?

White Chocolate Mocha! Yum.

12. When will your book be released and where can we buy it?

You can find ‘Academy of the Fallen: Wide Awake’ and ‘Imprinted Souls Series’ 1-3 (Imprinted Souls, Bloodlust, and Divine Ashes) on Amazon, Kindle, Nook, Kobo, iBooks, Smashwords… you can also find the paperback through my publisher’s website at http://shop.rsp-llc.com/  Blood Bound (ISS #4) will be released this October, and Nephilim (Academy of the Fallen 2) in 2012.