Interview and Contest with Author Lisa Dale

CONTEST: Win a copy of "IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT" by tug-at-your-heartstrings author, Lisa Dale. To enter please leave Lisa a comment including your email so we may contact the winner. Contest is open to ALL International readers. Don't forget--No Email. No Entry--and good luck!

TITLE: It Happened One Night
AUTHOR: Lisa Dale
GENRE: Contemporary Romance, Fiction
PUBLISHER: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
FORMAT: Print
PAGES:368
RELEASE: November 1, 2009
PRICE: $6.99 U.S.
ISBN-10: 044640692
Amazon.com. Barnes & Nobles, Borders and Watchung Booksellers

Book Description:

(Grand Central, November 09) Lana Biel longs to leave her family’s Vermont wildflower farm so she can travel and see the world. And her sister Karin wants nothing more than to put down roots and conceive the child she and her husband just can’t seem to have. When a lighthearted fling with a mountain biker leaves Lana expecting, she finds herself tumbling headlong into motherhood while her sister Karin can only look on.

For help, Lana turns to Eli Ward, a professional meteorite hunter and her best friend for the last ten years. But Eli’s keeping secrets that could turn their friendship on its head. As the Vermont seasons change and the flowers in the wildflower meadows begin to fade, Lana must make some meaningful decisions about her family, her friendships, her love life, and her dreams.

"Romantic Times says 4.5 Stars! “Lisa Dale is adept at weaving beautiful, romantic, heart-wrenching stories. She pays attention to the finest details, and the effect knocks the wind out of you. Every single scene,… character conflict and reaction is perfect. The only downside is that the story concludes, which means our time with these wonderful characters comes to an end.”

Click to read an excerpt from IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT.

In depth interview with one of today's rising stars, author Lisa Dale.

CSM: Please help me welcome  author, Lisa Dale to Over the Edge. Lisa, my readers and I are so psyched that have dropped by to spend time with us. Thanks so much!

CSM: Tell us more about yourself. Readers love learning new and interesting things about an author, and this would give you a chance to make them feel close.

Prior to coming to writing, I was an engineer for NASA with five nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize…okay, that’s not true. :-) I’ve got a pretty classic bio for a writer: middle-class childhood? (Check). Introvert? (Check). Passion (Check). A little quirky (Check). My imagination is always in overdrive and I tend to get a little distracted sometimes at odd moments. Last week my fiancé told me that talking to me when I’m working on a new project is like communicating through two tins cans and a string. I get very immersed in my writing sometimes.

When I’m not writing, I’m reading, or I’m goofing around on Twitter, Facebook, or my blog because I love connecting with other bookish types. I also like to knit, drink expensive beer, and hang out with friends (sometimes all at once!).

CSM: If you have 2 hours free time tonight, what would you rather do? Why?

This is so lame, I know. But if I had two free hours, I’d spend them writing! I’m putting together a new proposal right now and I am having waaaay too much fun with it. I know what I’m writing is solid when it surprises me and excites me as I go along, and so writing sometimes feels like watching a TV series or reading someone else’s book. I want to find out what’s going to happen!

CSM: What kind of books do you love to read? Why?

I’m notorious for reading three books at a time—and my reading habits are all over the map. I’m a very firm believer that if you want to be a writer, you improve your writing by reading across many genres—especially genres you wouldn’t normally read or are uncomfortable with. There’s actually a free audio download on my Web site (www.LisaDaleBooks.com about a game I like to play called library roulette. Right now I’m reading Salman Rushdie’s The Enchantress of Florence, Jack Weatherford’s The History of Money, and book four of Stephen King’s Dark Tower series.

CSM: What type of music do you relax to?

Mostly folk or old-school style country. I don’t get as much music in my life as I’d like. I used to play guitar a bit, but haven’t had time in recent years. A few weeks ago I picked it up again, but there’s so little time in a writer’s life for hobbies!

CSM: Besides being a total book junkie I’m also a music junkie. When I’m writing I have a sound track playing either in my mind or in my cd player. What’s your sound track? What type of music is on it?

Great question! I actually can’t have any music on when I’m writing because my brain just gets sucked into the song. The last show I went to see was a rockabilly show with Wayne Hancock headlining. I’m probably going to see William Elliott Whitmore (who I’m new to right now) if time allows. I think it was last month that I went to see Jenny Owen Youngs, who puts on a great show. And in other news, I’ve really been digging the Noisettes and would love to see them live.

CSM: What is your favorite stress reliever?

My fiancé. :-) He’s the perfect balance for me. He works in professional football (which I know little about) and obviously I’m in writing (which he knows little about). So when we’re together, we just kick back and chill (read: not talk work). We go to plays, catch up our on our favorite TV, and go out to dinner way more than we should. I can’t wait to marry him (no, we don’t have a date yet).

CSM: What is your favorite food?

Pizza and beer—preferably something real hoppy. LOVE trying new brews.

CSM: Describe yourself in one word?

Hmmm…

CSM: What’s your biggest regret in life?

No regrets. Every decision I’ve ever made was the best decision I made at the time. Life’s too short for second guessing. That said, if there’s some things I can do better as I move forward, I’m always glad to learn from the past.

CSM: What is the adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Well, after I graduated college I really wanted to work in publishing. But I didn’t know how I was going to make it happen, since I had zero connections. So when some friends of mine said “hey, you wanna move with us to live right next to NYC?” I had no job and no idea how I was going to pay rent, but I said “Sure—sign me up.” I did ultimately end up working in publishing for a while, but writing has always been my calling.

CSM: How would readers find out more about you?

I love chatting with readers on my blog, www.LisaDaleBlog.com. Every month I give away a “Love To Readers” prize to one commenter (the winner gets to pick whatever prize she wants from my Love To Readers page). I talk books, reading, and writing—it’s a lot of fun.

I generally blog once a week, but if that’s too much for you, the next best thing is to sign up for my mailing list at www.LisaDaleBooks.com. It doesn’t have the same intimacy that my blog offers, but I do run some big contests there.

I also love to chat at www.twitter.com/lisadalebooks.

CSM: When did you write your first book?

I suppose technically I need to say first grade (since my mom and I wrote a mystery book together). But my first book that was published, Simple Wishes, I started when I was twenty-five.

CSM: How long did it take you to write it?

Two years. Then another two before it was published. (That would make me thirty right now—to save you from having to do the math).

CSM: Did you encounter any obstacles in writing?

Oh yes. And I still am encountering obstacles, every day. But I just try to be grateful for them. They are a sign of my doing what I love.

I suppose the biggest obstacle for any early career author is making time to write. I’ve always been pretty good at just putting my butt in the chair and getting it done. But officially I would like to petition the universe-planning committee to extend the duration of a day from 24 to 25 hours.

CSM: What do you think about editing?

Editing is so important to putting a book together. I don’t think writers should write in a bubble. But one has to be careful.

For me, writing groups never worked. I actually think they can be very detrimental to the creative process. They’re fun, sure. And they do help to a certain extent. But they can also be brutal, forcing the writer to second guess and self-censor—whether she knows she’s doing it or not.

IMHO, one professional editor can do more for a book than ten amateur writers. My writing is enriched and polished by my agent and editor; I’ll always be grateful for them. Their handiwork is very much visible on the final editions of my books.

CSM: Where and when do you write?

I grab minutes, hours when I can. I don’t have a set schedule, much as I would love to. When I do write, I give myself to that moment, body and soul.

CSM: What books would you recommend to aspiring writers to improve on style, character development, plot structuring, dialogue, etc?

My favorite book hands down is Donald Maass’s Writing the Breakout Novel. It’s very readable, funny, and so so practical. Actually, I re-read his book with every new project I do. It gets me fired up to write something really big and engaging.

CSM: What is your must-have book for writing?

Oops! I think I just answered that question!

CSM: What is your advice for aspiring writers?

Businesswise, the best thing I can offer is to say that building up your bio is going to be very important if you’re trying to get an agent. I’d say about ninety percent of writers miss that point. If you show that you are more than a hobbyist, you are miles and miles ahead of the game.

The best advice I can offer in terms of “the writing life” is to stay positive and just keep enjoying what you’re doing. Being a writer has its challenges—for more reasons than I’ll name here. But if you believe it’s worth it, then it is. Flaubert supposedly said, “Writing is a dog’s life, but the only one worth living.”

CSM: What genre(s) do you write?

I write what I like to call “romance for the head and heart”—that is, stories of women’s emotional journeys with romance at the center.

CSM: Among that you’ve written which is your favorite book and why?

Well, I’ve written just two books so far. And my favorite is the new book It Happened One Night. It’s a much bigger book than my first novel—with more characters and a rollercoaster of a plot. It’s a lot of heartstring-tugging fun!

Also, I had a blast doing the research for it. Eli Ward—the hero—is a professional meteorite hunter (how fun is that?) Lana and her sister Karin own a wildflower farm in Vermont (so I got to learn amazing facts and folklore about flowers, and then work all that good stuff into the story). Also, since Lana is pregnant through most of the book, I did a lot of research about pregnancy and labor—and I found out some really fascinating things that are “off the beaten path.” Putting all my research together in a way that’s fun but doesn’t bog down the story was a challenge that I loved. I always hope that readers will feel like they’re just a little bit smarter for having read one of my books.

CSM: Where do you get your ideas? Do you jot them down in a notebook in case you forget?

I’m not really a jot-stuff-down type. If one idea sinks to the bottom, another will rise up and take its place. As for how I end up writing, I tend to be really inspired by place. I think our lives are shaped by the landscapes we live in—more than we know sometimes. My characters always grow out of the places they live. For example, in It Happened One Night, the setting is Vermont. Two sisters live not far from the shores of Lake Champlain on a wildflower farm. The result, I ended up writing a book about female relationships and about fertility. Flowers and Vermont just sort of told that story to me.

CSM: Which of your books feature your family/friends, etc? What characters are modeled after them? Why?

In Simple Wishes, one of my characters is an elderly Korean-American woman. Though her character is not modeled after anyone, I did turn to a Korean friend of mine for details about the culture.

I can also tell you this: Simple Wishes is about a woman who has to get over a dark past involving her deceased mother. And I was petrified that my mom would think the book was about her! My mom and I are like best friends, so I realize in hindsight that my worry was silly. Anyone who knows her knows she is nothing like the character in the book. But I’ve found that friends and family tend to scrutinize my writing a bit—looking for reasons that I write what I write, even when the reasons are related more to my overactive imagination than my real life. I wouldn’t let my mom (or anyone) read the book until it was just about to come out because I was so nervous! Since then, there have been a few people who don’t know me who have reportedly said “Does Lisa hate her mom?” But mostly, the dedication at the front of the book makes it clear that the demon-mother in the book is not based on my own self-less and adorable mom.

CSM: Which of your heroes/heroines is most similar to you?

This is a hard question! So far, I don’t know that any of them are similar to me, and by the same turn they all are me! My grandfather once commented to me that a writer has to be like dozens of people living in one body, and to a certain extent, he’s right. But it all comes from one single imagination.

For example, Lana—the heroine of It Happened One Night—gets pregnant not long after the book opens. I’ve never been pregnant. So I had to do a ton of research on it—how she felt, what she would think, and even how to deliver a baby. I really had to dig deep inside myself to find out what Lana would be feeling at finding herself unexpectedly with child. So Lana isn’t me in many ways, but she certainly did come from some deep part of my imagination. It makes a writer feel kind of emotionally naked sometimes.

CSM: Who is your strongest/sexiest/most lovable/hottest hero/heroine? Why?

I love Adele and Jay, the hero and heroine of my first book, Simple Wishes. Adele is a difficult character—she’s prickly and she does things wrong pretty consistently. And Jay is just what she needs—patient, understanding, and kind. With his help, she’s able to overcome the emotional challenges imposed on her by a dark past.

CSM: Have you ever wanted to write your book in one direction but your characters wanted to go in another direction. What did you do in such a situation?

I don’t honestly think this happens to me. I tend to give my characters free reign to do as they like. I personally encounter problems when what they want to do doesn’t fit with my ideas of pacing and structure—you know, crafting that larger plot arc. In order to make the tension level work, the scenes have to be lined up a certain way. Usually my characters and I can reach a compromise (which is to say, I usually lose and end up tweaking the tone and style in order to meet the readers’ expectations of a specific kind of plot arc).

CSM: Tell us more about your November release by Grand Central Publishing, “It Happened One Night”.

Well, I’ve talked about it quite a bit now. But here’s the official blurb, just in case I need to fill in any blanks:

Lana Biel longs to leave her family’s Vermont wildflower farm so she can travel and see the world. And her sister Karin wants nothing more than to put down roots and conceive the child she and her husband just can’t seem to have. When a lighthearted fling with a mountain biker leaves Lana expecting, she finds herself tumbling headlong into motherhood while her sister Karin can only look on.

For help, Lana turns to Eli Ward, a professional meteorite hunter and her best friend for the last ten years. But Eli’s keeping secrets that could turn their friendship on its head. As the Vermont seasons change and the flowers in the wildflower meadows begin to fade, Lana must make some meaningful decisions about her family, her friendships, her love life, and her dreams.

CSM: Any new projects, works in progress?

Yup. But I’m in the “I can’t talk about it now” phase right now! Once I make an idea public, it stops feeling like its mine. So I’ve got to keep my cards close to my chest for this question, sorry! What I can tell you is that my agent is “giddy with excitement” over it. Hopefully I can tell you more soon!

CSM: I want to take this time to thank you Lisa for stopping by and sharing with my readers and myself a little bit about yourself. This sure has been loads of fun. I hope you enjoyed being here as much as we enjoyed having you.

Thanks so much for all your great questions! This was a lot of fun!

Interview and Contest with One of Today's Rising Stars of Romantic Suspense, Author D.B. Reynolds

CONTEST: Win a copy of JABRIL: Book 2 of Vampires in America by one of today's rising stars of romantic suspense, author D.B. Reynolds. To enter leave a comment for D.B. with your email. No Email. No Entry. Contest is open INTERNATIONALLY, too. Good Luck!

Title: Raphael: Book 1 Vampires in America

Author: D.B. Reynolds
Genre:Contemporary Paranormal Romantic Suspense
Publisher: ImaJinn Books
Release: April 2009
Format: Print
Pages:
Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobles, Fictionwise

Book Description:

Malibu, California—home to rock-and-roll gods and movie stars, the beautiful, the rich . . . and vampires.

Powerful and charismatic, Raphael is a Vampire Lord, one of the few who hold the power of life and death over every vampire in existence. Thousands call him Master and have pledged absolute loyalty on their very lives. But when, in a brazen and deadly daylight attack, a gang of human killers kidnaps the one female vampire he’d give his life for, Raphael turns to a human investigator to find his enemies before it’s too late.

Cynthia Leighton is smart, tough and sexy, a private investigator and former cop who’s tired of spying on cheating spouses and digging out old bank accounts. When Raphael asks for her help in tracking down the kidnappers, Cyn’s happy to accept. But she soon realizes her greatest danger comes not from the humans, but from Raphael himself.

Battling Russian mobsters and treacherous vampires, and betrayed by those they trusted, Cyn and Raphael find themselves fighting for their lives while caught up in a passion of blood and violence that is destined to destroy them both.

.“Smart, suspenseful and sexy, D. B. Reynolds’ characters linger long after the last page.”

—Kelley Armstrong, NYT bestselling author of the Otherworld series.

“D. B. Reynolds’ debut novel is a fast-paced story full of dark power and rough primal action that’ll keep you up late at night turning the pages. Her characters are genuine and damned likable, flaws and all. I fell in love with Cyn—tough, cool, and smart. I can’t wait to journey with Cyn once more into her world of moonlight investigations, brooding vampires, and mystery.”

—Adrian Phoenix, author of A Rush of Wings and In the Blood

***

"A strong heroine, a sensual vampire and a menacing villain, evil in every sense of the word — it doesn’t get much better than this second installment in the Vampires in America series. Readers will have a tough time closing the book on this riveting story. Reynolds’ complex mythology includes eight vampire lords who control North America. A top-notch series!" RT Book Reviews

Title: Jabril: Book 2 Vampires in America (RT gave JABRIL a 4 1/2 STAR rating and is a RT Paranormal Top Pick for January)
Author: D.B. Reynolds
Genre: Contemporary Paranormal Romance
Publisher: ImaJinn Books
Format: Print
Pages: 252
Release: August 2009
Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobles, Fictionwise

Book Description:

Houston, Texas—Cowboy boots, baseball and journeys to the stars . . . right?

Wrong. Because Houston is also home to Jabril Karim, one of the eight powerful Vampire Lords who control all of North America. And as Private Investigator Cynthia Leighton will soon discover, not all Vampire Lords are created equal. For Jabril is the face of evil in the new world, a vampire who values no life but his own, who enslaves those he desires, steals whatever he covets and destroys anyone who stands in his way.

Running from L.A. and its seductive Vampire Lord, Raphael, Cyn sees the Houston job as a welcome refuge, a place to get away and heal her broken heart. But Texas will be no vacation. For in Jabril Karim, Cyn will confront a true enemy, one who will go to any lengths to satisfy his lusts, enrich his coffers and expand his power.

Fighting for the lives of two young sisters, Cyn’s journey will take her through the streets of Houston and back to L.A., where the human police are determined to bring Raphael down for the murder of one of their own. But the danger doesn’t end there. For Jabril has set his sights on Cyn, and he will stop at nothing to have her.

In depth interview with contemporary paranormal author, D.B. Reynolds.

CSM: Please help me welcome Award-Winning author, D.B. Reynolds to Over the Edge. D.B., my readers and I are so psyched that have dropped by to spend time with us. Thanks so much!

Hi, Christine. I’m very happy to be here! But while I’m delighted to be considered “award-winning,” I’m not sure which awards I’ve won? At least none related to writing. I did win a recent writing contest, and I guess I could be called best-selling, since both of my current books were best-sellers on Fictionwise.com!

CSM: Tell us more about yourself. Readers love learning new and interesting things about an author, and this would give you a chance to make them feel close.

New and interesting, huh? Well, I can tell you that writing is something I’ve wanted to do since high school, but it’s actually my third career. I spent quite a few years in academia, doing graduate work, research and consulting for some very high profile think tanks. I left that behind for Hollywood, which pays much better and is a lot more fun. I spent over ten years as a sound editor, mostly television, working on some truly great shows, including X-Files and Millennium. Now THAT was really fun. But then, my darling husband made it possible for me to quit my full-time job and start writing. What a great guy!

CSM: If you have 2 hours free time tonight, what would you rather do? Why?

It’s always a toss-up for me, whether to read or write. My first instinct is to read, because I love it so much and there’s always a book handy, but once I open my computer and start writing, I just disappear into my stories and I love that too.

CSM: What kind of books do you love to read? Why?

I have very broad tastes in books. I love almost anything well-written. It’s such a treat to read the words of a truly good author. My earliest favorites were always science fiction and fantasy, which now includes anything paranormal. But I also love a well-written thriller or suspense novel. I used to read a lot of non-fiction, but not so much anymore. I read mostly for escape these days, and I want it to be something fun and/or intriguing.

CSM: What type of music do you relax to?

I’m a genuine rock and roll fan and I love alternative rock. But I also love pretty much anything with a good lyric. My i-pod has a very wide variety from rock to country to mellow contemporary, and some oldies too. I’m very big on lyrics and unique harmonies. I can forgive a lot if the words are good.

CSM: Besides being a total book junkie I’m also a music junkie. When I’m writing I have a sound track playing either in my mind or in my cd player. What’s your sound track? What type of music is on it?

I don’t write to music. My brain has a tendency to memorize lyrics. I can sing (badly) the lyrics to an astounding number of songs. I frequently can’t tell you who recorded it, but I can sing it. And if there are no lyrics, I memorize harmonies. That makes it too distracting when I’m writing. The only exception is when I’m writing a fight scene. Then I put on some hard, hard driving rock and roll, let the scene play in my head and just write what I see. After that, I turn off the music, go back to what I’ve written and make it pretty.

CSM: What is your favorite stress reliever?

Well, my favorite stress reliever is not something I want to discuss here! But other than that . . . going somewhere alone and reading.

CSM: What is your favorite food?

I love junk food! But I only permit myself to indulge once a year or so, usually around my birthday. On a regular basis, my favorite food would be potatoes. Mashed, French fried, baked, boiled . . . you name it, I love it.

CSM: Describe yourself in one word?

Tall.

CSM: What’s your biggest regret in life?

That I haven’t yet lived (as an adult) in more places. My family moved a couple of times when I was a child—I was born in the Midwest—but I’ve spent most of my life in Southern California. It’s a pretty good place to live, and since most of my family is here, I’d always come back. But I’d really like to live somewhere else for at least a little while. More than one place, actually—New England, somewhere in Europe, somewhere in the Southern US. I’ve visited all these places, but I’d like to spend at least a few months living there.

CSM: What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I like to travel to new and strange places alone. Most people don’t understand that, but when you travel alone, you don’t have to worry about whether anyone else is having a good time, or whether they want to keep going, instead of spending an hour staring at that spectacular vista you just discovered. There are advantages to traveling with a compatible someone, too, the pleasure of sharing new experiences. But I love traveling alone.

CSM: How would readers find out more about you?

I guess the best way would be to visit my blog at http://dbreynolds.wordpress.com. I try to keep it updated and visit at least once a week. All the latest info on my writing progress and what’s going on will be there.

CSM: When did you write your first book?

I wrote my very first book when I was in college. I was working a temp clerical job for the summer and had basically nothing to do. I answered the phones and filled out a few forms, but other than that, it was hours of nothing to do. I couldn’t read a book, because that was too obvious, so I wrote one instead. I wrote it by hand on yellow pads and then typed it up later. It made me look VERY busy.

CSM: How long did it take you to write it?

I wrote it over the course of that one summer, but I had to go back and polish it. I did finish it, though, and submitted it to a writing contest judged by the amazing fantasy/science fiction author, Andre Norton. I didn’t win, but she wrote me a very nice note and encouraged me to keep writing.

CSM: Did you encounter any obstacles in writing?

The biggest obstacle is finding time to write while trying to earn a living and meet all of the other demands of a busy life. And then once you start writing, you run into all sorts of obstacles trying to get published. There are so many doors you have to get through. It’s truly difficult to get your stuff read, much less published.

CSM: What do you think about editing?

Editing is critically important. I’ve had beginning writers tell me they don’t need to edit, because their “editor” will take care of that once they’re published. And I tell them they’ll never get published if they don’t edit their own stuff first. No editor will look twice at a sloppy manuscript. I revise my own manuscripts multiple times before anyone, even my critique partners, get a look at it.

CSM: Where and when do you write?

I’m a terrible night owl. My best writing is done after midnight, and I routinely stay up until 4:00-4:30 in the morning when I’m working on a manuscript. I can do lighter editing and revising during the day, while having coffee or hanging around a waiting room somewhere. But my serious writing is done late at night, at home, on my laptop, with the house quiet all around me.

CSM: What books would you recommend to aspiring writers to improve on style, character development, plot structuring, dialogue, etc?

I don’t actually recommend any of those books. That’s not to say I don’t think they have anything to offer, because the mechanics of writing are important. But I’ve never read any of those books and so can’t recommend any of them. I would recommend a couple of on-line classes I’ve taken which teach how to write a query letter and/or a synopsis. http://www.writeruniv.com But ultimately, I believe writing is a talent, just like music or dance or hitting a fast ball. And just like the best way to become a better dancer or hitter is to practice, I think the best way to improve your writing is to write, and to read what others write. Find a few authors whose writing you love and look at the way they build their characters, the way they construct their plots, etc. Don’t copy them, but learn from them.

CSM: What is your must-have book for writing?

A good thesaurus.

CSM: What is your advice for aspiring writers?

My best advice would be to keep writing. And to submit what you write. The querying and submission process is tiring and discouraging, but it’s a critical part of writing. You need to learn how to construct a good letter and synopsis, and most importantly how to keep writing after you’ve been rejected.

CSM: What genre(s) do you write?

So far, I write in the paranormal and fantasy genres, and there are strong romance elements in my books. I like exploring relationships in the context of a good story. But I could easily see myself writing a mystery/suspense at some point in the future.

CSM: Among those you’ve written which is your favorite book and why?

I don’t have any favorites, I love them all. My favorite book is always the one I’m writing.

CSM: Where do you get your ideas? Do you jot them down in a notebook in case you forget?

My ideas just pop into my head, usually when I’m doing something which doesn’t require a whole lot of concentration. A lot of my best ideas hit me in the shower! And I do write them down, usually on my laptop which is never far away, but sometimes in a little notebook I carry with me in my purse.

CSM: Which of your books feature your family/friends, etc? What characters are modeled after them? Why?

All of the characters in my books reflect my experience with real life people in some way. But I’m actually very careful NOT to model a single character too closely on anyone I know.

CSM: Which of your heroes/heroines is most similar to you?

I’ve been told Cyn’s personality is very much like mine – I’m not sure that’s a good thing! But her courage and idealism are more the way I would like to be, rather than the way I am, and I look nothing like her.

CSM: Who is your strongest/sexiest/most lovable/hottest hero/heroine? Why?

Cyn’s pretty sexy, but there are some new female characters in the forthcoming RAJMUND who are pretty sexy too. And I try to make all of my heroines strong women, each in her own way. There are many different ways of being strong. My men are all big, good looking, alpha, bad boys, because that’s just what I find attractive. And I love, love, love them all.

CSM: Have you ever wanted to write your book in one direction but your characters wanted to go in another direction. What did you do in such a situation?

It frequently occurs that a specific scene will turn out differently than I planned. It just sort of happens while I write it, which means it’s a more natural turn than what I had planned and so I go with it. But my basic plot line doesn’t change.

CSM: Tell us more about your October release “Jabril”.

JABRIL picks up with Cynthia Leighton still hurting from the Vampire Lord Raphael’s departure at the end of RAPHAEL. Cyn doesn’t give her heart easily, so when she does, she falls hard, and she doesn’t quite know how to deal with the pain of this heartbreak. So she takes a job in Texas, thinking to get away from L.A. for awhile and hoping it will help. But in Texas, she meets a new Vampire Lord, one who is very different from Raphael. Jabril is pretty much evil incarnate and he wants Cyn to find and return to him a seventeen year old runaway who has escaped his clutches. Once Cyn assesses the situation, she’s determined to find the girl, but to rescue her, rather than return her to Jabril. Her search takes her back to L.A. where she learns Raphael is being investigated for a series of murders. Her search for the girl and her efforts to prove Raphael’s innocence dovetail, because the murder victims are all young girls living on the streets, which leaves Cyn racing to find the real killer before her Texas runaway becomes the latest victim.

CSM: Any new projects, works in progress?

I’ve just completed and delivered RAJMUND, which is Book 3 of Vampires in America, and will be coming out in early 2010. I don’t know the exact release date yet, but I should know it very soon. And I’m already working on Book 4, which will feature a female vampire lord, as well as Cyn and Raphael. I have a couple of other projects in the works, too, but nothing concrete yet to report on those.

CSM: I want to take this time to thank you D.B. for stopping by and sharing with my readers and myself a little bit about yourself. This sure has been loads of fun. I hope you enjoyed being here as much as we enjoyed having you.

Thanks so much for having me, Christine! It’s always fun when I get a chance to connect with readers!

REVIEW: CHRYSALIS: THE AWAKENING: BOOK 1 by M.L. Lacy

Title: Chrysalis: The Awakening: Book 1

Author: M.L. Lacy
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Author House
Format: Print
Book Rating: 4 ½ STARS
Heat Rating: SCORCHER
Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobles, Author House
Reviewed: C.S. Morehouse for Over the Edge

Book Description:

All families have secrets. But at 32 years old, Bree Campbell is discovering that her entire life has been a secret. Like most people, it never occurred to her to question her mortality; that is until she learns that she is a mortal born into a family of Magicals and begins to question everything and everyone in her life.

As the doors to Bree's new world fly open and she finally hears the prophecy told at her birth she must face the revelation that she is a Chosen One; the last and greatest of a long line of Chosen Ones. And if this were not overwhelming enough, she has been charged with saving the earth by repairing the cosmic tear that binds the mortal world she has always known and the Magical world she is just now discovering. But the real question lies in whether Bree will survive the long transformation into the powerful Druid Sorceress that is her destiny or die in the process as many before her have gone.

Bree's journey will not be an easy one. She must face the realities of her new life and her new family; a clan of vampires who have been charged with protecting her for all of her mortal life. They have chosen her as a leader in their clan, a position that has really complicated things for her. For no sooner than Bree is finally reunited with her long lost love, Steven, Bree must learn how to navigate the jealousies and emotions within her new family.

While Bree tries to free herself from her past, including her cruel and lethal husband, she must determine who she can truly trust. And while her clan loves her immensely, they will continually try to stand in her way; all in the name of protecting her from those set upon her death.
Bree's arch nemesis is Esmeralda, a powerful sorceress in her own right who will stop at nothing until this Chosen One is dead. If Esmeralda can claim Bree's blood, heart and soul and restore her Demon to his body, she will be so strong that none will be able to oppose her and she will be free to rid the world of all mortals and rule as she chooses.
But with the help of the Guardians and her dreams, Bree begins to awaken the powers hidden within her and begins to embrace the responsibility she has been born to. And even while these changes make her body weak, Bree begins to find an inner strength she never knew she had within herself. Will it be enough to save the world?

Click to read an excerpt from Chrysalis: The Awakening: Book 1.

Chrysalis – The Awakening by Madonna Lacy @ Yahoo! Video

REVIEW: Chrysalis: The Awakening: Book 1

Let me start out by saying I LOVED this book. In fact I read Chrysalis: The Awakening three times because I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss anything the second and third time around.


Chrysalis: The Awakening is book one in this epic installment by debut author, M.L. Lacy which is a coming to age story where the main character Bree has lived under the assumption that she is just your average thirty two year old woman. Yep, Bree has gone through a horrendous marriage and divorce, survived some pretty unexplainable accidents and have the most over protective parents that any girl could ask for. But things are about to get a little strange.

Little does she know that she has been fated as one of the CHOSEN ONES. The truth is, she hasn’t a clue that she is remotely important to the survival of magical beings. In fact, she doesn’t believe in vampires, werewolves, witches and things that go bump in the night. Her “family” has done everything to keep that part of herself hidden from her. Afraid that her arch nemesis Esmeralda would find and kill her taking Bree powers in hopes of becoming an all powerful being. Esmeralda is on a major ego trip wanting not only to rule the magical world but also the mortal realm. So Esmeralda has been tracking Bree for the last thirty odd years and interjecting her minions in hopes that they would destroy her.

But things have gone a rye due to the protective Guardians that have been destined for Bree since her birth. This is her Clan—a band of brothers-- of vampires, werewolves, wizards and warlocks, oh my! Betrothed, mated since birth to a vampire named Stephen-- living side by side Bree but not allowed to unblock her memory. Her parents not only demanded that Stephan let Bree live a normal life before she begins her transition into the magical world, but that she have no memory of him and his fellow guardians.

Now Bree is thirty-two years old with a dangerous divorce behind her, she still hasn’t a clue what she is-- a CHOSEN ONES. Her guardians have never left her side hiding in secret where ever life led Bree. When she went off to college they were right there in disguise, protecting her and making sure Esmeralda’s henchmen never got to her.

But now Bree takes an uneventful flight to Vegas with her eccentric grandmother where a family reunion is in full swing. People are sure acting all kinds of crazy around her. Sniffing her hair, starring at her and giving off the impression that she has met them before. Bree just can’t place her finger on it. She is sure she has never met any of these “people” before but something keeps calling her to this band of brethrens and their life mates. Except memories are starting to awaken as she notice the strapping man in a plaid shirt and form fitting jeans starring at her. She can’t help but be drawn to him and his friends.

Bree’s whole world is about to change. Things she believed in aren’t true and things she never comprehended are coming to light.

I read in Webster’s New World Dictionary the definition for chrysalis-- is a stage of development when something or someone is still protected. I have to take my writers and reader’s hat of to Ms. Lacy in her superb job of wrapping her premise in a protective cocoon of intense erotic and suspenseful prose. The characters are some of the most engaging  and enticing  ones that I have read in a long time.

The main character, Bree comes off strong willed even though people all around her want to keep her close to the hip wrapped in bubble wrap. Even though Bree's world is changing faster than she can catch a breath,and old memories are flooding back and the witch, Esmeralda is out to kill her, you really have to give it to the girl for taking it all in stride.

Not once does her character ask why her? Why Was I picked to be a CHOSEN ONE?   Bree just accepted it as truth and went on to see how she could better build her new found CLAN and begin the process of accepting their rules and way of life. I found myself admiring Bree’s tenacity and gumption throughout her journey.

But at first, I didn’t know what to expect from Chrysalis: The Awakening. Was it a paranormal? Was it a Romance? Was it an erotic romance?  Or was it more of an urban fantasy?   I have to say it’s all of them combined, which for this reader was completely enlightening.

I wasn’t so sold on the fact that Bree actual sleeps with everyone in her clan. Don’t get me wrong I’m not a prude. I have read my fair share of erotic stories and erotica and know the lay of the land. But what I will admit to is my preconceived notion of Stephan being the hero and her life mate—which he is. Stephan has her heart, but she is one of the leaders of her clan and for such she need to be bonded with the other CLAN’S leader. So I got passed my own precariousness’ and got into the story. The story wasn’t what I would call a hard read. Things weren’t laid out so easily that you saw everything. Neither were they so far out there that you kept smacking your head having a V8 moment.

Chrysalis: The Awakening is an emotional roller coaster ride that kept me flipping to the next page that in the end the tips of my fingers had page burns and paper cuts.  It was well worth the pain.   I highly recommend this story to all paranormal contemporary romance aficionados.

Interview and Contest with Fantasy Author Harry Connolly

CONTEST: Enter to win a copy of author Harry Connolly's critically acclaimed debut release, "Child of Fire". To enter please leave Harry a comment with your email so we can notify the winner. No Email. No Entry. Good Luck!

Child of Fire: Publisher Weekly Best books of 2009

Harry Connolly
Random House
Fantasy
Release: Sept. 29, 2009
Print
Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobles, Borders

Book Description

Ray Lilly is living on borrowed time. He’s the driver for Annalise Powliss, a high-ranking member of the Twenty Palace Society, a group of sorcerers devoted to hunting down and executing rogue magicians. But because Ray betrayed her once, Annalise is looking for an excuse to kill him–or let someone else do the job.

Unfortunately for both of them, Annalise’s next mission goes wrong, leaving her critically injured. With the little magic he controls, Ray must complete her assignment alone. Not only does he have to stop a sorcerer who’s sacrificing dozens of innocent lives in exchange for supernatural power, he must find–and destroy–the source of that inhuman magic.


About the Author
Harry Connolly spent two years writing this debut novel. He has held a variety of jobs in the past, from customer service to landscaping to stay-at-home dad. He lives in Seattle.

CLICK TO READ AN EXCERPT FROM CHILD OF FIRE.

In depth interview with author Harry Connolly.

CSM: Please help me welcome author, Harry Connolly to Over the Edge. Harry, my readers and I are so psyched that have dropped by to spend time with us. Thanks so much!

Thank you for the opportunity.

CSM: If you have 2 hours free time tonight, what would you rather do? Why?

Here’s how I’d break it down: half an hour family reading time, fifteen minutes getting my son washed up and into bed, forty-five minutes with my wife just talking and catching up on our day, and finally thirty minutes of reading.

That would be the ideal schedule, anyway.

CSM: What kind of books do you love to read? Why?

Most of my reading is fantasy and mystery, and while the mystery novels are usually many decades old, with fantasy, the more modern, the better.

CSM: What type of music do you relax to?

Music? What is this strange Earth custom you call “music”?

I’ve pretty much stopped listening to music in recent years. My family occasionally puts something on our little kitchen stereo, and there’s whatever’s playing at Starbucks, but I’d much rather listen to NPR.

That said, there are a few NPR programs I can’t stand, and when they come on I sometimes put in a Tom Waits or Talking Heads CD. I also have a terrific compilation soundtrack from the early Godzilla movies. Seriously, the music is what gave those movies their staying power.

CSM: Besides being a total book junkie I’m also a music junkie. When I’m writing I have a sound track playing either in my mind or in my cd player. What’s your sound track? What type of music is on it?

Whatever is playing at Starbucks. I don’t let the music affect my writing; frankly, I can’t even really hear it.

CSM: What is your favorite stress reliever?

I wish the answer were “vigorous aerobic exercise” but the real answer is hanging out with my son, reading, and sleeping.

CSM: What is your favorite food?

I love a really well-made hamburger. Good rolls, home-ground meat, simple condiments—it’s sublime.

CSM: Describe yourself in one word?

Tired.

CSM: What’s your biggest regret in life?

It’s funny. A few years ago I decided that I wasn’t going to regret my life anymore. I swore off regret of all kinds. Part of that process was that I would have to stop making regrettable choices, and that has happened, mostly. But the truth is that I used to be brimming over with regrets.

Then one day I realized that all the dumb choices I’d made had brought me to the family I have right now. This was before I signed with Del Rey, I should point out, so it didn’t have anything to do with writing.

So, to regret a choice I’d have to want to change it, and I don’t want to change a thing. That means that the only regrets I have are tiny ones—my only regret for today is that I went to the supermarket without a list.

CSM: What is the adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Fell in love.

CSM: How would readers find out more about you?

I have a brief not-a-bio on my website: http://www.harryjconnolly.com/blog/?p=7 I’m a pretty boring guy, though.

CSM: When did you write your first book?

Late nineties.

CSM: How long did it take you to write it?

Well over two years, but I was writing a lot of other things at the same time. I would write 10,000 words on the novel and then take a break to write some short fiction.

And… yeah. I don’t do that anymore.

CSM: Did you encounter any obstacles in writing?

There was a time in 2005/2006 when my wife was recovering from surgery and we were working like crazy to keep ahead of our bills (we didn’t have health insurance at the time). We were broke, stressed out, and damn close to bankruptcy, and I surrendered most of my writing time to deal with those problems, the way any decent father would.

Other than that time, though, my biggest obstacle is myself.

CSM: What do you think about editing?

I live and die by my rewrites. My first drafts are a disaster, and I work very hard during the editing process. I’m also tremendously grateful for the notes I get from my agent and editor; I create a much stronger book with their help than I could on my own.

I just wish it didn’t take so long.

CSM: Where and when do you write?

Early morning at Starbucks, usually. On days I go to my day job, I get up at five and take the bus downtown to put in an hour-and-a-half before my shift. On days I don’t day job, I get up at five and spend much more time at Starbucks.

CSM: What books would you recommend to aspiring writers to improve on style, character development, plot structuring, dialogue, etc?

The best book on writing I’ve ever read is Stein on Writing by Sol Stein.

CSM: What is your advice for aspiring writers?

First, persistence trumps all. The most common reason writers don’t reach their goals is that they give up too soon.

Second, persistence isn’t enough. It doesn’t do any good to write and write if the writer isn’t improving. I took every rejection as evidence that my work wasn’t good enough. It didn’t matter if it was true; I’m well aware that stories are occasionally rejected because the editor recently bought something similar, or because it was a perfectly good story with an element that the editor doesn’t like.

But I always assumed the problem came from me, because the worst thing a writer can do is to start blaming external forces for their rejections. If the writer takes ownership of them, the writer can take control of them. They can fix them.

Third, study the works you admire. Retype a favorite opening chapter. Outline a beloved book. Break it down to the paragraph and sentence level. How does the author vary sentence structure? How many pages for that fight scene? How many pages for that infodump? What comes right before and right after?

I’m not saying people should mimic successful writers, but it does help to understand and internalize the rhythms and pacing they use.

CSM: What genre(s) do you write?

Fantasy. Someday I’ll write a straight mystery, but for now I write fantasy.

CSM: Among that you’ve written which is your favorite book and why?

It’s always the one I’m currently working on.

CSM: Where do you get your ideas? Do you jot them down in a notebook in case you forget?

I used to jot them down, but I don’t bother any more. The ideas come to me as I write, or as I plan the next day’s writing.

I’m not one of those writers who gets idea after idea; I could never fill a notebook with unwritten plots. When it’s time to write a new story, I brainstorm, starting with a list of all the things I don’t want to do. I wrote an essay for John Scalzi’s Big Idea series about that: building a story out of negative space.

CSM: Which of your books feature your family/friends, etc? What characters are modeled after them? Why?

I don’t use my friends or family in my books. Ray Lilly looks like a friend from college—an actor who runs a local theater group—but their personalities are completely different.

As for why I don’t use people I know in my fiction, I guess it’s because they don’t make a good fit. I prefer people without a lot of drama and conflict in their lives.

CSM: Which of your heroes/heroines is most similar to you?

None of them, I’m afraid. For the sort of thrillers I write, it’s best to have characters willing to jump up and rush at their problems. I’m much more likely to shrug, sigh, and soldier on. I need protagonists who attack their problems, not ones who learn to cope.

CSM: Have you ever wanted to write your book in one direction but your characters wanted to go in another direction. What did you do in such a situation?

I’ve certainly had characters say things I didn’t expect, or come up with a plan that’s better than the one I’d put in the outline, but they don’t go off on plot tangents. With the sort of high-stakes stories I write, there isn’t really space for the characters to decide they’d rather be fishing or they actually sympathize with the antagonists.

CSM: Tell us more about your October release “Child of Fire”.

I find it incredibly difficult to summarize my work, so I’m going to quote the query letter that caught my agent’s interest. I hope that’s okay.

“Ray Lilly is just supposed to be the driver. Sure, he has a little magic, but it’s Annalise, his boss, who has the real power. Ray may not like driving her across the country so she can hunt and kill people who play with dangerous spells–especially summoning spells–but if he tries to quit he’ll move right to the top of her hit list.

Unfortunately, Annalise’s next kill goes wrong and she is critically injured. Ray must complete her assignment alone–he has to stop a man who’s sacrificing children to make his community thrive, and also find the inhuman supernatural power fueling his magic.

Child of Fire is a contemporary fantasy in the tone and style of a crime thriller.”

That pretty much describes it. I’d say that it differs from most urban fantasy out there in that most of the characters are regular humans rather than wizards or vampires or whatever, and the supernatural elements aren’t based on religious tradition or folklore. No demons. No fae. No ghosts. No initial cap Good and Evil. Just people who alter the physical world with their magic and hungry creatures from outside our universe.

Readers who want to dip their toe in can read the first chapter at http://www.harryjconnolly.com/blog/?p=731 for free.

CSM: Any new projects, works in progress?

Del Rey contracted for three books about Ray Lilly and the Twenty Palace society and book two, Game of Cages, comes out next year, probably in the summer. I’m currently revising the rough draft of book three right now, and I’ll admit that I’m a little behind deadline on it. Having a book come out is distracting!

CSM: I want to take this time to thank you Harry. for stopping by and sharing with my readers and myself a little bit about yourself. This sure has been loads of fun. I hope you enjoyed being here as much as we enjoyed having you.

Thank you! I enjoyed answering your questions.

Interview and Contest with Award-Winning Romantic Suspense Author Kylie Brant

CONTEST: Award-Winning romantic suspense author Kylie Brant is giving a copy of her November release, "Waking the Dead".  To enter leave Kylie a comment including your email for away to contact the winner.  No Email. No Entry.  Good Luck!

WAKING NIGHTMARE: book 1 in the Mindhunter Series
Kylie Brant
Romantic Suspense
Berkley Sensation
ISBN: 0425230236
September 2009
Buy From Amazon.com


Book Description:
First he learns your darkest fears. Then he makes you live them.

With a serial rapist on the loose on the streets of Savannah, hot-shot detective Ryne Robel needs all the help he can get for his task force. And he needs it now, before another woman falls victim. But Abbie Phillips isn't what he bargained for. Sent from an exclusive group of the best criminologists in the country, she's smart, fierce…and distracting. She may be a brilliant forensic profiler, but Ryne needs answers, not pyschobabble and head games.

However, Abbie convinces him that head games are exactly what this elusive suspect is all about. The seemingly random acts or torture are actually calculated to match each victim's darkest fears. And the stakes are rising. While they study the devious psychopath, he's watching them—the next objects of his horrifying obsession.

"Brant and romantic suspense are a dynamic duo!" — Jill Smith, Romantic Times

"The writing is vivid and strong…suspense fans will love the unexpected twist and pulse-pounding climax." — Publishers Weekly

"A fabulous story that I cannot reccommend highly enough!" — Detra Fitch, Huntress Reviews

TO READ AN EXCERPT FROM WAKING NIGHMARE. CLICK!

WAKING EVIL: book 2 in The Mindhunter Series
Kylie Brant
Romantic Suspense
Berkley Sensation
ISBN: 0425230716
October 2009
Buy Now from Amazon.com


Book Description:
Buffalo Springs, Tennessee is a neighborly kind of place where folks leave their doors unlocked and crime is unheard of. But once every generation, a strange red mist settles over the town, and with it comes omens of death….

When the body of a young woman is found, forensic investigator Ramsey Clark is called in. She knows about the legend of the mist and about the curse that has the entire town afraid of the dark. But Ramsey believes in evidence, not superstition, despite what she’s told by the parapsychologist who has been dogging her every step. Then another murder rocks Buffalo Springs, and Ramsey begins to wonder if a killer is playing on everyone’s fears or if a prophecy is indeed being fulfilled—one victim at a time.

"This is fantastic romantic suspense! A genuine and thorough whodunit coupled with one of the sweetest slow-burn romances ever put on paper." — Annette Elton

TO READ AN EXCERPT OF WAKING EVIL. CLICK!

WAKING THE DEAD: book 3 in The Mindhunter Series
Kylie Brant
Romantic Suspense
Berkley Sensation
November 2009
ISBN: 0425231143
Buy Now from Amazon.com!


Book Description:
Former forensic anthropologist Caitlin Fleming knows bones. So the investigator is the first one called when seven sets of skeletal remains are found dumped in a makeshift graveyard in the Oregon wilderness. Each skeleton bears the same distinctive marks. And each is minus a skull.

Cait needs outdoors guide Zach Sharper for one reason only—to help her find her way through the Willamette Forest as she pieces together clues. Despite the attraction that burns between them, nothing will be allowed to shake her focus. Until the killer closes in to terminate the investigation…and the ones on the verge of unmasking him…

TO READ AN EXCERPT FROM WAKING THE DEAD. CLICK!

In depth interview with Award-Wiining Paranormal Romantic Suspense author Kylie Brant.

CSM: Please help me welcome Award-Winning author, Kylie Brant to Over the Edge. Kylie, my readers and I are so psyched that have dropped by to spend time with us. Thanks so much!

It’s great to be here!

CSM: Tell us more about yourself. Readers love learning new and interesting things about an author, and this would give you a chance to make them feel close.

I still teach full-time in addition to writing 2-3 books a year, working with elementary special education students in a resource room. I have five children of my own, all grown, and four of them sons. Yes, the walls in our house dripped testosterone!

My favorite thing is hanging out with my family and friends. Doesn’t matter where. I just like having them around. Hubby and I like to break up the long cold winters with a week somewhere tropical.

CSM: If you have 2 hours free time tonight, what would you rather do? Why?

I would read, of course :-) Making time for writing means I don’t get to read near as much as I’d like. I never had a to-be-read pile until I began writing myself.

CSM: What kind of books do you love to read? Why?

My favorites are straight thrillers and romantic suspense. I get bored very easily, in real life as well as with fiction. I need action. That was rarely a problem when the kids were home :-). I love stories that make me think, that give me an opportunity to try and guess where the story is headed. And yes, I’ve been known to flip to the end of the book to find out who the bad guy is!

CSM: What type of music do you relax to?

I have very eclectic tastes and it depends on my mood. About the only things I don’t enjoy are rap and blues. But even with them there are a few exceptions.

CSM: Besides being a total book junkie I’m also a music junkie. When I’m writing I have a sound track playing either in my mind or in my cd player. What’s your sound track? What type of music is on it?

It’s odd, but I can’t listen to music while I’m writing. My office is right off the family room so I was always used to writing while kids and their friends were in the next room, horsing around and watching TV. That didn’t bother me. Writing with constant interruptions didn’t bother me. But music…I find it very distracting. Although it’s wonderful for evoking mood, I’m always stopping to listen to the words.


But I do have an iPod with a little bit of everything. Lots of popular top 100 billboard and Grammy nominees on it. My kids are responsible for my appreciation of some punk music. But I also have 60s, 80s, a little country. . . .it’s a mixture.


CSM: What is your favorite stress reliever?

Exercise. I find that walking a few miles or hitting the nautilus room at the Y is a great way to de-stress. If I’m stuck on a plot point, walking is a great way for me to work through it. As a matter of fact, I rarely take my iPod when I’m walking. That’s my time to plot.

CSM: What is your favorite food?

I could live on pizza :-) At least, I’d like the chance to try!

CSM: Describe yourself in one word?

Organized.

CSM: What’s your biggest regret in life?

I often find myself wishing I’d started writing sooner. I didn’t begin until my kids were 12, 11, 7, 4 and 4. Because I’ve always worked full time I haven’t written as many books as I could have otherwise. But these days I have a new appreciation for things like retirement benefits and insurance, so I guess it worked out.

CSM: What is the adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I’m pretty much game for anything. The biggest problem is finding someone to go with me. My husband isn’t in to adventure ;-(. I’ve parasailed a few times, which is fun but not all that exciting. A year ago I went on a research trip to Oregon and crawled through ice caves looking for the perfect place for my villain to hide bodies . I’d still like to try hang gliding, scuba diving and jumping out of an airplane.

CSM: How would readers find out more about you?

My website is http://www.kyliebrant.com/. Lots of information there. I’m also on MySpace, Facebook and Twitter.

CSM: When did you write your first book?

When my youngest, a set of twins turned four, I thought I was going to have all kinds of time on my hands so I decided to write a book that summer. That was 1990. My first sale came two years later, although Silhouette actually bought my second manuscript first. A few months later they bought that first one, as well.


CSM: How long did it take you to write it?

I wrote it in four months and then took another three months to ‘polish’ it.

CSM: Did you encounter any obstacles in writing?

I’ve yet to meet anyone who didn’t have to overcome obstacles to writing. Time is a huge one. How to get the writing accomplished with a large family and full-time job has probably always been my biggest hurdle. When the kids were home, we were gone to their activities on weeknights but the weekends were free for me to write. Now I’m home most weeknights but gone many weekends. That has meant restructuring my writing schedule. I’m not particularly fond of having to write after teaching all day, but when I have a tight deadline I have to.

CSM: What do you think about editing?

I’m a ruthless self-editor. Because I don’t get to write every day (at least during the school year), re-reading the last chapter I’ve written--and editing it—is a good way to immerse myself into the story again. I tend to write fairly fast. On a full writing day my goal is always ten pages. People can get hung up on the editing part, but my daily page goal means I can’t linger over it.


The first three chapters probably get edited the most and take the longest to write. I need to write that much to get a clear picture of the characters and how the plot is going to unfold.


When I get done with the book, I reread it and take notes on inconsistencies and things to change. Then I go back through and make the changes before sending it in. But every time I see it after that I’ll make more changes. They’re wise to limit my looks at it!

CSM: Where and when do you write?

I have an office but in the last year or so I’ve sort of moved my writing into the family room. Now that it’s just my husband and me at home, I’m doing my writing on a very comfortable chaise lounge with my laptop on my lap :-). It’s heaven, and my carpal tunnel problems have disappeared.

During the school year I write a few pages on weeknights when I don’t have something else going on and all weekend. During the summer I write five or six days a week, ten pages or more a day.

CSM: What books would you recommend to aspiring writers to improve on style, character development, plot structuring, dialogue, etc?

I’m not a huge collector of how-to writing books. I find that the ones others rave about just don’t speak to me the same way. Two that I found valuable are Robert McKee’s Story and Debra Dixon’s Goal, Motivation and Conflict.

CSM: What is your must-have book for writing?

The books I write are dark romantic suspense/thrillers, so my villains are often pretty twisted . The Anatomy of Motive by Douglas and The Evil that Men Do by Hazelwood are two books I often reach for when I’m profiling my bad guys.

CSM: What is your advice for aspiring writers?

Finish the manuscript. I’m always appalled when people tell me how many unfinished works they have. I suppose that’s okay while you’re learning craft and style, but once you are beyond the novice stage, it’s important to experience writing the entire manuscript. That’s the only way you learn to slog through those sagging middles, complete character arcs, write black moments and unsnarl the plot tangles. Once published, authors have to work to meet deadlines and to stay published. The best practice for that is to experience writing stories from start to finish.

CSM: What genre(s) do you write?

My books for Silhouette were romantic suspense and action/adventure romance. These new books for Berkley are dark romantic suspense / romantic thrillers.

CSM: Among that you’ve written which is your favorite book and why?

I frequently hear authors say they couldn’t possibly pick out a favorite book because the books are like their children. Shrug. I’ve got five kids and I’m not going to lie, on any given day I might have a favorite—it’s the one who’s causing me the least problems at the moment, LOL!

I really enjoyed writing Waking Evil. Loved the setting, and the characters absolutely charmed me. I hated for that book to end.

CSM: Where do you get your ideas? Do you jot them down in a notebook in case you forget?

I don’t really know where the ideas come from. They just appear and roll around my mind for a while, forming and reforming until they’re at least semi-coherent :-).


I do know that I’ve always had them. For most of my life, I thought everybody experienced the same thing. It’s always been like a movie reel unfurling in my mind with three-dimensional characters and different scenes. Hmm. Good thing I’m a writer—that sounds a tad schizophrenic!


I used to write them down, in the early days of writing when I was afraid I had a finite number of ideas. I don’t anymore. The ones that have staying power are still there when I’m ready for them, growing more and more insistent until I finally decide to write that story.

CSM: Which of your books feature your family/friends, etc? What characters are modeled after them? Why?

LOL. I always tell them as soon as they do something interesting, I’ll write about them. Since my books often feature murder victims, most aren’t too interested in making an appearance :-).


My husband is probably the only one who has had at least partial appearances in books. When I have a smart-ass hero with quick and clever lines, I’ll occasionally include one of my husband’s :-). He’s pretty witty.

CSM: Which of your heroes/heroines is most similar to you?

I’ve been told that I don’t write TSTL heroines. I take that as a compliment, because I’m not a person to suffer fools gladly . The third book I ever wrote had my husband observing, “She sounds just like you.” Well, yeah :-). But obviously the heroines have to be different from book to book. When I write one with a quick and sarcastic sense of humor, she comes closest to resembling me.

CSM: Who is your strongest/sexiest/most lovable/hottest hero/heroine? Why?

Hmm, tough one. I always fall a little bit in love with each of my heroes. Each is tough and sexy in his own way. The heroines are always strong, despite having had to overcome emotional obstacles in their pasts. Again, if forced to pick I’d probably choose Ramsey and Dev from Waking Evil. I’m a sucker for a good-looking guy with a great sense of humor. And the fact that he wants Ramsey—who is terrified of even the appearance of vulnerability—makes him a keeper. Gotta like a guy who sees what he wants and goes after it, even when she doesn’t make it easy for him. And Ramsey is tough—sort of an Eve Dallas on steroids, LOL. Her reactions and dialogue had me laughing out loud several times as I wrote the book.

CSM: Have you ever wanted to write your book in one direction but your characters wanted to go in another direction. What did you do in such a situation?

I normally let my characters tell the story for me. I am soooo not a plotter! I begin a book knowing the characters, the overarching suspense arc, the ending and with ideas for a couple scenes. That’s about it. I love the term ‘organic writer’. It sounds so much more professional than pantser! But I get bored easily, and even if I could plot out the entire book before hand, it’d take me forever to write it, because I’d feel like I’d already written it once. I love to be surprised by my characters, and the twists and turns that appear as the story progresses.


I spent a lot of years trying to force myself to be a more structured writer, because I was convinced that was the ‘right’ way to write. Now I know that everyone’s process is different. I just needed to learn what my strengths and weaknesses are, and develop a plan to improve in the areas needed. I enjoy giving the characters their head (for the most part) and tend to listen to them when they want to take a turn I hadn’t considered.

CSM: Tell us more about your November release “Waking the Dead”.

Another of my favorites :-). Caitlin Fleming, former teen model and forensic anthropologist, is now an investigator from The Mindhunters. She’s called in to assist on the investigation when seven sets of human remains are found in the Oregon wilderness. All bear the mark of their killer. All are found minus the skulls.


Zach Sharper is an ex-Army Ranger who was happy to return to his native Oregon and open an outdoors business that combined his love for kayaking and exploring the wilderness. His personal philosophy is ‘leave-me-the-hell-alone-and-I’ll-do-the-same.’ There are a few rough edges, LOL, so that makes for sparks when he’s coerced by the sheriff to guiding Cait through the forest in search for clues.


Cait discovers that one of the victim’s death occurred just months earlier. That means there’s a killer in the area, and it’s a race to find him or her before another set of bones shows up. But the killer is focused on her, and determined to end the investigation…by eliminating her.

CSM: Any new projects, works in progress?

I recently went back to contract with Berkley for three more Mindhunters books, which will be released in 2010 and 2011. The first is tentatively titled Deadly Fear and I’m working on it now.

CSM: I want to take this time to thank you Kylie for stopping by and sharing with my readers and myself a little bit about yourself. This sure has been loads of fun. I hope you enjoyed being here as much as we enjoyed having you.

I’ve enjoyed it, Christine! Thanks so much for the opportunity!

Interview and Contest with Award-Winning Author Kate Perry.

CONTEST: Award-Winning author Kate Perry is giving a copy of "Chosen By Desire", book 1 in The Guardians of Destiny Series to one lucky commenter. To enter leave Kate a comment with your email address so she can contact the winner. No Email. No Entry. Good Luck!

Chosen By Desire: The Guardians of Destiny Series
Kate Perry
Grand Gentral Publishing
Paranormal Romance
Print
Release: October 2009

Book Description:

Carrie Woods just can't resist temptation. To solve an ancient mystery, she "borrows" a precious, legend-cursed scroll from a Chinese monastery. But with the scroll comes danger: bizarre powers, life-threatening accidents, and, most frightening of all, one sexy Guardian's icy-hot gaze.

Maximillian Prescott is all too happy to strip this innocent-eyed thief of her secrets and the scroll, yet he's determined to fight the undeniable attraction pulling them together.

But Max isn't Carrie's only pursuer, and there's just one way to keep the scroll safe. This adventurous blonde and brooding Guardian must dare to join forces and bare their souls to each other. . . before their enemies take not only the scroll but Carrie's life.

TO READ AN EXCERPT FROM CHOSEN BY DESIRE. CLICK!
TO PURCHASE CHOSEN BY DESIRE. CLICK!

In depth interview with Award-Winning Author Kate Perry.

CSM: Please help me welcome Award-Winning author, Kate Perry to Over the Edge. Kate, my readers and I are so psyched that have dropped by to spend time with us. Thanks so much!

I'm psyched to be here. Let's pour ourselves a cup of tea and getting started, shall we?

CSM: Tell us more about yourself. Readers love learning new and interesting things about an author, and this would give you a chance to make them feel close.

If I say there's nothing new or interesting about me, will you guys all go home? Wait--I can make something up. I'm good at that. Actually, I'm a princess from a little-known country called Yoost. I left years ago to pursue my dream of becoming a romance writer. Along the way, I worked in a diamond mine, forged Ninja stars, and dated Gerald Butler.


Not buying it, are you?


Okay, I'm not a princess, nor have I ever dated Gerald. I am, however, a Kung Fu Master, so I have a fair knowledge of throwing stars. I've been studying Kung Fu for over thirteen years.


Other little known facts about me:
 my favorite job ever was in a bookstore;
 I studied Medieval French in college;
 fries and mayonnaise are my kryptonite;
 and I'd runaway and become the backup singer for a famous rock star if given the opportunity (and if they gave me a tambourine).



CSM: If you have 2 hours free time tonight, what would you rather do? Why?

I like to go on long walks on the beach and to read by the fireside.


Just kidding.


You know, I don't think I'd do anything differently. I'd read, or go for a walk with a friend, or head to the pub for a beer with the locals, or work, or take a bath...


CSM: What kind of books do you love to read? Why?

I read everything. Everything. I just read Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead and Tattoo Machine by Jeff Johnson. Linda Howard's Burn is next on my list.


CSM: What type of music do you relax to?

Relax? What is this thing you call "relax?"


Actually, I don't listen to music when I'm relaxing. I like stillness. Otherwise, what I listen to depends on what I'm doing and my mood. The playlists vary from classical (Vivaldi especially) to boy grunge to French to alt punk to classic cheese (Foreigner anyone?).


CSM: Besides being a total book junkie I’m also a music junkie. When I’m writing I have a sound track playing either in my mind or in my cd player. What’s your sound track? What type of music is on it?

I always listen to music while I write. It helps focus me. Each book has its own soundtrack, because each book has its own feel. For MARKED BY PASSION, I wrote to Nickelback almost exclusively. CHOSEN BY DESIRE was written to a mix of Damien Rice and Tori Amos. TEMPTED BY FATE included Fall Out Boys, Seether, and Olivia Ruiz.

CSM: What is your favorite stress reliever?

I blow bubbles. If that doesn't work, I follow it up with a cupcake chaser.


CSM: What is your favorite food?

All of it. Except liver.


CSM: Describe yourself in one word?

I want to say it's elegant or luminous. Maybe sassy or inspiring. But I'm afraid the word is really just odd.

CSM: What’s your biggest regret in life?

No regrets! Although there was this kick-ass pair of red boots that I should have bought last year. Live and learn.

CSM: What is the adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Well, even though I don't speak Spanish and know no one in Argentina, I just moved to Buenos Aires for the next few months. It seemed like the thing to do. I'd never been here. I'm not sure if that's adventurous or just insane.


CSM: How would readers find out more about you?

Chinese water torture usually has good results. But if that's too much work, they can just go to my website: http://www.kateperry.com/. I'm always happy to entertain questions.


CSM: When did you write your first book?

Seven years ago. For the record, no one has ever seen it.


CSM: How long did it take you to write it?

Six long months. Also for the record, it hasn't taken me that long to write a book since.


CSM: Did you encounter any obstacles in writing?

What kind of obstacles? (I picture basketballs being launched at me.)

CSM: What do you think about editing?

I think editing sucks. Show me an author who doesn't think that, and I'll show you someone who smokes crack.


CSM: Where and when do you write?

I usually write early in the morning and then again in the late afternoon/evening.


I can't work at home--sometimes even cleaning the toilet is more attractive than writing--so I usually go to a cafe. Sometimes I branch out to a cupcake shop or a bar. Depends on the feel I'm going for in my writing.


CSM: What books would you recommend to aspiring writers to improve on style, character development, plot structuring, dialogue, etc?

Really, the only way to improve is to write a lot. And read tons of books to see how other authors do it.


But a couple books I've liked are Stephen King's On Writing and Vogler's The Writer's Journey.


CSM: What is your must-have book for writing?

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg. I wouldn't be a writer if it wasn't for that book. But it's more of an inspirational book than a how-to. I don't read very many books on craft.


CSM: What is your advice for aspiring writers?

Wait for it--it's really great advice. You ready? Here goes... Sit your butt in a chair and write. (Cue angels' chorus.)


CSM: What genre(s) do you write?

I write paranormal and contemporary, but I hope to branch into other genres. I love young adult too. And I'm a closet regency junkie.


CSM: Among that you’ve written which is your favorite book and why?

My current book is always my favorite. I just finished TEMPTED BY FATE, the third Guardians of Destiny book, and I love it. The hero and heroine sizzle together.


CSM: Where do you get your ideas? Do you jot them down in a notebook in case you forget?

Do you guys really care where I get ideas? Let's pretend you asked me what my favorite ice cream flavor is instead. Currently, I love Breakfast Surprise from Humphry Slocombe. Imagine cornflakes soaked in whiskey with cream. Yum.


CSM: Which of your books feature your family/friends, etc? What characters are modeled after them? Why?

This is where the legal department would like me to state that my books are works of fiction. Characters are products of my imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

CSM: Which of your heroes/heroines is most similar to you?

I may have to pick Gabrielle from MARKED BY PASSION. Though, really, all my heroines are a little like me. They're like children in that you can see bits of yourself in them even while they are wholly their own people.


CSM: Who is your strongest/sexiest/most lovable/hottest hero/heroine? Why?

Personally, I'd veto Rhys, the hero in MARKED as the strongest, hottest, sexiest hero. He's like Batman, with all the cool toys and gadgets, only minus the strange latex suit. But I've gotten a lot of fan mail about Max in CHOSEN.


CSM: Have you ever wanted to write your book in one direction but your characters wanted to go in another direction. What did you do in such a situation?

No, that's not a problem I've ever had. I think that happens when you don't know your character well, or if you try to force your character to do something against his/her personality. Or if you have schizophrenia.


CSM: Tell us more about your November release “Chosen by Desire”.

It totally rocks, and you should buy copies for all your friends.


Grin.


In all seriousness (because I'm all about being serious, in case you haven't noticed), it's about a klepto doctoral student who "borrows" an ancient text to help in her research. Except the text brings trouble her way--in the form of a hunky billionaire who's more than he appears to be.



CSM: Any new projects, works in progress?

As I mentioned before, I just turned in TEMPTED BY FATE, the next book in the series (I'm quite excited about this one). I have a few ideas for what I want to write next. We'll see. Being in Buenos Aires may inspire me in ways I hadn't imagined.


CSM: I want to take this time to thank you, Kate, for stopping by and sharing with my readers and myself a little bit about yourself. This sure has been loads of fun. I hope you enjoyed being here as much as we enjoyed having you.

Thanks so much for having me, Christine! If anyone has questions, ask away. And don't forget to check out my site: http://www.kateperry.com/