{Author Interview & #Giveaway} Blood Debt by Nancy Straight

Title: Blood Debt
Series: Touched #1
Author: Nancy Straight
Self-Published

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Blurb:
Her whole life, it had just been the two of them. Before her mother’s last breath, she gave Camille the information she had craved her entire life: the identity of her father. Daring to contact him, Camille was welcomed by an entire family she never knew existed. But nothing comes without a price, as she discovers when her family claims a legendary heritage tracing back to a Centaur touched by Zeus.

As she learns the secrets of her Centaur bloodline, she is drawn into a forbidden love with Drake. Her family acknowledges her life may be the blood debt required to pay for her mother’s transgressions. The same person who once held her mother captive, and forced her into decades of hiding, now controls Camille. Her only chance is to seek a piece of her mother’s past that will win her freedom and the life she desperately desires.

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Author Interview

Nov 17

Author Interview Questions – Better Read Than Dead Blog

Thanks for letting me stop by for a chat today, Kristin!! 

Kristin:  Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you live?
Nancy:  I LOVE Starbucks’ White Mocha Latte and Mountain Dew, (but not together). I have a lead foot so I set cruise control when I drive, even in 25 MPH zones. I almost never win when I play Angry Birds, but have my 8 year old close, so he can clear the hard levels for me. I grew up on a farm and am opposed to eating fresh chicken (not opposed to meat - just opposed to any meat that was alive a few hours before lunch). I am a huge fan of the show, Big Bang Theory, on CBS. I have a stray cat that I feed every night and morning but she’s never let me get closer than within 3 feet of her – I keep thinking eventually I’ll wear her down and she’ll let me pet her. I share my life with two fantastic sons, three rotten dogs and a husband that I adore. I live in rural South Carolina.

Kristin:  What is the name of the book you are currently promoting and would you like to tell us a little about it?

Nancy: Blood Debt is the first book in my Touched Series.  The genre is Mythological Romance and focuses on Centaurs.  I know what you’re thinking:  Centaurs, really? 

I promise, they aren’t the half person, half horse creatures you’re thinking about!!  LOL!  It’s a modern take on a mythological race.     

Kristin:  Tell us a little about your main character(s).

Nancy:  The main character is Camille.  She’s a strong heroine that I think most of us can relate to.  Camille could easily be your sister, cousin or friend and if she weren’t a fictional character I’m sure she’d be one of my BFF(s).

The story starts out shortly after Camille lost her mother to cancer; she believed she was all alone in the world.  Just before her mother died, she revealed to Camille who her father was.  Camille finds her father and is introduced to an entire world she never knew existed.

Kristin:  Do you feel like you put parts of yourself in your characters?
Nancy:  I try to make the characters as believable as possible and I do my best to give every character a unique personality.  Lots of my pet phrases make it into the character’s dialog and although I’d like to be more like Camille, she’s waaaay tougher than I am. 

Kristin:  Will there be a sequel or do you have another project in the works?

Nancy:  Yes!  Book 2 in the Touched Series is titled Centaur Legacy and releases this weekend!!  I’m working on Book 3 in this series and plan for it to be out before summer 2013.

Kristin:  Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Nancy:  Most of my friends are strong, independent women so I have a tendency to write very strong heroines.  My house is filled with three dogs and two sons so there is never an absence of humor in my life.  I have a husband who I adore so writing about characters who love each other in a meaningful way isn’t much of a stretch either.  The short answer is I draw the inspiration for my writing from my life.

Kristin:  If you couldn’t be an author, but anything else…what would you be?

Nancy:  Hmmm, maybe a professional blogger?  That’s not to say I am very good at blogging but I read ALL THE TIME and when I find a book I love, I always send a note to all my friends telling them to get it right away.  Bloggers are the unsung heroes in the indie world.

Book bloggers are willing to take a chance on an unknown author, devoting hours of their lives reading and reviewing, then broadcasting their opinion to the world.  Thank you to you and others like you isn’t adequate; sometimes I wish there were better English words, something like:
OHMYSWEETGOODNESSILOVEYOU! 

Kristin:  Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?

Nancy:  Do it!  Don’t let anyone convince you that can’t be a writer.  Write what you would love to read.          

Fun Stuff

Kristin:  The apocalypse is coming…what do you do?

Nancy:   Horde Mountain Dew, Diesel fuel and snickers bars.  I’m sure I’d score REALLY low on any kind of readiness scale, but if the end of the world is coming I want to be on a sugar high watching my favorite movies on DVD.

Kristin:  What 5 things are within your reach right now? No cheating.

Nancy:   Sunglasses, popcorn container, Centaur Legacy, Mountain Dew and my Jack Russell Terrier, “Flash.”

Kristin:  Favorite Food?

Nancy: Five Guys Burgers!!

Kristin: Favorite Movie?

Nancy:  The Avengers!!!

Kristin:  Favorite TV show?

Nancy:  Big Bang Theory and Revolution is a close second.

Kristin: Favorite Song?

Nancy:  Naked by Dev and Enrique Iglesias

Kristin:  Favorite singer or band?

Nancy:  Taylor Swift

Kristin:  One food you would never try?

Nancy:  Anything with insects!!

Kristin: Health nut or junk food junkie?

Nancy:  Junk food junkie!!

Kristin: The most exotic food you have ever eaten?

Nancy:  A marlin that a friend and I caught off the cost of Oahu, Hawaii.

Kristin:  Day on the beach or snow skiing down a mountain?

Nancy:  Well, since I have no balance or coordination, I have no business on a mountain snow skiing or as my son would say, “watching mom roll down.”  I love a day at the beach because it doesn’t require balance or coordination!

Kristin: Two books you think everyone should read. (Yes, you can and should include yours.)

Nancy:  Amy Bartol’s Inescapeable and Shelly Crane’s Significance.  These are two of the nicest ladies I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet and both are very talented writers! 

Kristin:  Places my readers can stalk you?

Amazon Author Page

Barnes and Noble Author Page:  

Smashwords

Other social media links are at the top of this post along with buy links!

Thank you so much for taking this time to let us get to know you. We have enjoyed having you today. I hope you have enjoyed yourself and will stop by to see us again soon.

Kristin, this has been a blast!  I’ve been stalking you for a while now so it’s a real pleasure to have been here for a chat!

Thank you so much, Nancy for stopping by and providing us with such wonderful answers. Blood Debt is an intriguing and captivating book! Look for the review later tonight!!! So many yummy, yummy men. I don't know how Nancy kept up with them all!

Giveaway!!!

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{Blog Tour and #Giveaway} Covet by Melissa Darnell - Author Interview

(Review to be posted later today)

Interview with Melissa Darnell

1.Why did you decided to write about Vampires?  Some say Vampires are getting old, some say Vampire themed books never get old.

I started writing about vampires back in 2008 when the vamp trend was really starting to take off. Since then, I’ll admit there are a LOT more vamp stories out there. However, Tristan and Savannah’s story is about much more than just vamps, and this particular species of vamps is different from your typical vampire. For instance, because I wanted my vamps to be different, I gave them unique origins—their creator is Lilith, the rumored first wife of Adam, which makes them more a demon/vampire hybrid that can drain energy with a bite or a kiss. They can only be killed by a stake to the heart, fire, or decapitation. And because their vampirism is more like a disease, they retain their souls, so no religious items, buildings, or sacred ground has any adverse affects on them. If these vampires go to Hell after death, it is only due to their choices and actions and not what they are.

The Clann Series also features several other paranormal, otherworldly groups besides just vamps. Another major player in the series is the Clann, a group of families who come from Irish druid ancestors with magic abilities that are dependent on their individual energy levels as well as energy they can pull from or give back to the earth. The Clann is the natural-born enemies of the vampires due to their ability to kill vampires with nothing more than a thought or a flick of the wrist. But their powerful, energy-laced blood is also the biggest temptation for vampires.

Mix the two groups’ abilities, and you get our heroine Savannah, a teen who, thanks to her rule-breaking parents, now has to learn how to handle not one but two sets of crazy abilities and issues while being a hated and feared outcast of the Clann. Throw in Tristan, our hero from the Clann and its expected future leader, and you’ve got a strong Romeo and Juliet story grounded in very dangerous circumstances outside the lovers’ control with a whole lot of obstacles they have to face both individually as well as together as a couple. With each book in the Clann Series, these obstacles get bigger and bigger, extending way beyond just Tristan and Savannah to affect not only all the vamps and Clann descendants worldwide, but even the humans who have no knowledge of either the vamps or the Clann.

The Clann Series also revolves around things way deeper than just vamps and witches. It’s about love...for your family, your friends, your soulmate, and yourself. It’s about figuring out what’s most important in your life, and how to juggle those priorities. It’s about having dreams and sometimes, deciding whether to let go of them. It’s about dealing with constant temptation, learning to recognize what is truly right from wrong, and how to successfully walk that line between them. It’s about learning how to deal with the consequences of the choices we make, and how to forgive ourselves when we mess up. Beyond anything paranormal, these issues are things that every one of us face every day of our lives, and I think readers of the Clann Series are going to be able to look beyond the otherworldly elements to the very human and relatable challenges this series’ characters face.

2. How do you go about research for your books. Did you just make up the lore of the Crave series by yourself, or do you base them on some old lore? 

I based my Clann Series vampires on old legends of Lilith, and the Clann on old Irish druid lore and legend.

3. What is the allure of writing about forbidden love for you? 

Everyone thinks you should go after true love. Why wouldn’t you? We all dream of not only finding but also instinctively recognizing that soulmate when we meet them. But once that person becomes off limits to you because being with them could mean life or death for a lot of people you care about, it’s not such a simple matter anymore. Would you have the strength to walk away from a love like that?

To me, forbidden love is one of the most solid obstacles for true love. When you find someone who seems to be your soulmate, who you enjoy talking with as well as dancing with and kissing, when that person is your friend as well as your boyfriend or girlfriend, you have to have some serious reasons why you shouldn’t be together. Forbidden love does that and then some, because it pits your romantic love against the love and respect you have for your family. It makes you question whether that romance is selfish, especially if the consequences of that relationship could cause actual harm to the people you care about. It takes a lot of strength and personal sacrifice to walk away from true love.

4. What is your favorite character to write, and which one is the most complicated for you?

To me, writing about Savannah is easier, but not because she’s a female. It’s because she’s self sacrificing. She understands the bigger picture and intrinsically cares about the feelings of others, maybe too much! If she had been raised to be more selfish and strong willed, it would be so much easier for her to go after only what she wants regardless of whether it means breaking the rules and jeopardizing her loved ones. But she wasn’t raised to be like that. She loves her family, and they love her, and she was taught from birth to have strong values and morals. And because of that background and familial love, she really tries to resist Tristan, whereas others might not even try. She also faces letting go of a dream, which I can also imminently relate to because I’ve faced the same issue (as have so many of us probably).

Tristan is harder for me to write, and yet equally as fun, because he has a lot of traits I wish I had. One of those is his hardcore romantic sensibilities. After bowing down to his parents’ wishes for years, his love for Savannah proves to be his breaking point. He tries to resist his feelings for her at first, but eventually he realizes that he values the love he and Savannah share more than anything else on the planet. And that includes his family. To him, it seems that if his parents really loved him, they would want him to be happy. He thinks Savannah should never have been made off limits to him in the first place, and those kinds of rules need to be changed. His “bigger picture” is all about changing the world if it doesn’t make sense or doesn’t work. But he doesn’t always immediately see how his idea of what is right or wrong is based on his personal needs and desires instead of what is better for the greater good of others. He doesn’t care if being with Savannah is dangerous to him or the peace treaty between the Clann and the vamps. He will risk everything to be with her, even his own life. Her love is everything, and nothing else matters. That takes a whole lot of willpower and a certain kind of narrowed vision that is harder for me to relate to, but I think also appeals to the hardcore romantics out there (including me!).

5. Could you tease us with what we can expect in book 3 of the Crave series? 

The obstacles Tristan and Savannah have to face in Consume are going to be bigger and crazier than anything they’ve ever had to deal with before. This time, it’s no longer about just their love, though of course that will also be tested right down to its very foundation. In Consume, it’s also going to be about the entire world as they know it falling apart. No one will be in control of their lives anymore. Dreams will be shattered. Some forms of love will be tested and lost, while others will be redefined and saved. Every character in this book will have to face their worst fears and redefine who they are individually as well as the relationships they have with each of their loved ones. And no one will be safe in this book (and I mean absolutely no one!).

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{Review & Author Interview} Wrong Bed, Right Guy by Katee Robert

Title: Wrong Bed, Right Guy
Series: Come Undone #1
Author: Katee Robert
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Imprint: Brazen
Publishing Date: July 10, 2012

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Synopsis:

Seducing Mr. Wrong has never felt so right...

Prim and proper art gallery coordinator Elle Walser is no good at seducing men. Heck, she’s been throwing hints at her boss for months, but he’s completely clueless. Desperate to escape her mother’s matchmaking efforts, she comes up with a plan—buy some lingerie and climb into her boss’s bed. The plan goes brilliantly…until she accidentally seduces a sexy stranger instead.

Bad boy nightclub mogul Gabe Schultz just had the best almost-sex of his life. Too bad the smoking hot blonde thought he was his brother and bolted before he could finish what they started. Though her holier-than-thou attitude puts a serious damper on his mood, Gabe’s never been one to give up on something he wants. And he wants Elle. But does a man who lives on the dark side really have a chance with a proper lady?

I LOVED this book. I laughed so hard reading the first chapter my stomach hurt the next day. Before I go into why, I should probably tell you a thing or two about the book or you might be lost.

Elle, like most heroines in romances, has been burned by her ex-boyfriend. He cheated and lied and coerced Elle into bed, then he broke up with her in front of all her friends. Talk about a winner! Now Elle is weary but has decided to make her move. Art is her life and her brother helped her land the perfect job working with one of his service buddies in an upscale art gallery. Nathan seems like her type of guy, or the type of guy her mom would approve of. Gorgeous. Clean cut. Smart. Everything a proper girl needs. 

Elle finally gives into her desires and decides to seduce Nathan. Now, this is why I would NEVER try something like this. Elle sneaks in Nathan's studio late one night, intending on creeping into bed with him and, well, you get the point. But the man in Nathan's bed was not Nathan, but his very sexy brother, Gabe, and Gabe is anything but the type Elle, and her mom, have in mind. In fact, he reminds Elle of her ex, and she had no plans on dating anyone like him.

Gabe is my type of man. He knows the really great places to eat are the dives. He likes to dance and hangs out at clubs for a living. He's a darn good tattoo artist and has an eye for art. The ink on his body is unique, depicting mechanical armor and Elle literally has fantasies of licking every inch of him.

I have two minor problems with this book. The first is one you just have to overlook if you like romances. They all follow the same formula. Girl meets boy. Girl finds tons of reasons not to like boy, but falls for him anyway. Guy screws up, or girl misinterprets something she sees. Boy apologizes. Girl accepts. Everyone lives happily-ever-after. The second though, had my internal grown woman screaming. Elle had a crazy obsession with pleasing her mother. Elle's grown, with a college education, and a good job. If she finds a man who treats her right and that she loves, she needs to stand up to her mom. 

That said, I seriously recommend this book when you are looking for a feel-good romance. Something light, without too much angst. It's hot and sexy and funny. Ms. Robert's writing had me captivated, and seriously, the first chapter...so funny you'll have to keep reading.

And now, an interview with Katee Robert!

Kristin:  Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you live?

I’m just your average neurotic author, complete with zombie plan. I live in Eastern Washington, and it’s a beautiful thing because I get the best of both worlds—a little, big town and plenty of outdoors to play in. Plus, I have a serious soft spot for rednecks in big trucks and they’re everywhere out here.

   ***Outside of some major weather differences, sounds a lot like Texas.***

Kristin:  What is the name of the book you are currently promoting and would you like to tell us a little about it?

Wrong Bed, Right Guy is a book about a good girl who literally crawls into the wrong bed. Instead of finding her straight-laced boss, she gets her world rocked by his bad boy older brother. It’s a fun story full of “Oh my God, that just happened” moments.

     ***Seriously, this is a story that would happen to me!***

Kristin:  Where did you come up for the idea for your book?

It came from a conversation with my editor about plot lines she doesn’t like. I told her I’d write her a Wrong Bed book that she’d love. From there, I got the idea of this hardcore bad boy who wanted to woo a good girl and had no idea how to go about it. From there, things kind of fell into place (with a whole lot of work).

     ***I'm just going to say, I love the word woo. I think it's one of the funniest words ever.***

Kristin:  Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

It’s like picking a favorite kid (so wrong!). Though I enjoy Elle, Gabe is…Gabe. He’s got that hard exterior that covers up a vulnerability that sent me head-over-heels in love with him. I want a Gabe of my own. ;) 

     ***Me too. Enough said.***

Kristin:  Do you feel like you put parts of yourself in your characters?

Oh, good question. I don’t think so. I mean, yes, bits and pieces of my experiences work their way into my books, but the characters (in my head at least) are their own creatures. 

Kristin:  Will there be a sequel or do you have another project in the works?

Yes.  There’s actually two more books in the Come Undone series. The next one is Ian’s (Elle’s older brother) and the final one will be Nathan’s (Gabe’s younger brother).

     ***Both of these stories will be on my TBR list.***

Kristin:  How long did the entire process from writing your current work to getting it published take?

Oh Lordy. With Wrong Bed, Right Guy, I think it was two months from start to finish. Which is a freak incident. Normally, it takes longer. But I used Candace Havens’ Fast Draft course to whip this book out (didn’t hurt that it was fully formed in my head), and so I wrote and edited it in a pretty short time.

Kristin:  Do you have any “rituals” when you write?

I have a Katee-shaped dent in one of the cushions on my couch. The rituals (music, movies, whatnot) change from book to book, but I’m always in that spot while writing. I suppose someday I should get a desk.

     ***I have a Kristin-shaped dent in my sofa so I completely see your point.***

Kristin:  If you couldn’t be an author, but anything else…what would you be?

Working in a bookstore? I know, I know. No one is surprised.

     ***I'm a nurse at heart, but I really want to work in a bookstore.***

Kristin:  Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?

Keep writing. Rejection will happen (a whole lot), but if you keep writing, you’re already doing better than most people out there. A healthy dose of insanity helps too.

Kristin:  When did reading and writing become important you?

My grandparents were instrumental in the process. My grandpa told us countless stories that he made up on the spot and my grandma would sit for hours and read to me. I still have the copy of Heidi we read over and over again. From there, things took their natural course and I devoured everything I could get my hands on.

Fun Stuff

Kristin:  The apocalypse is coming…what do you do?

I have three contingency plans (and we’re going with zombies here, because… zombie apocalypses happen!). Best case, my friend’s parents have 650 acres and a house that’s easily defensible, as well as access to a huge food supply. There’s also a gun safe up north of town waiting for me to get to if I need it.

Basically, all my plans revolve around making people love me enough to take care of me when the zombie attack. Aside from my (totally obvious) entertainment factor, I don’t have a whole lot of applicable skills. LOL

     ***Hmmm...pretty thought out plan! We may have to join Ms. Robert!***

Kristin:  What 5 things are within your reach right now? No cheating?

Blanket, phone, coffee, sunscreen (WTF?!) and lotion. Oh…. That sounds like I’m having dirty fun.

    ***LOL***

Kristin:  Favorite Food?

Thai

Kristin: Favorite Movie?

I can’t pick just one! A Perfect Getaway, Princess Bride and Shaun of the Dead

Kristin:  Favorite TV show?

Game of Thrones and Supernatural (I KNOW! I suck at this game)

     ***Supernatural Rocks, I think most readers would agree. Who doesn't love a little Dean and Sam?***

Kristin: Favorite Song?

Flogging Molly, Devil’s Dance Floor

Kristin:  Favorite singer or band?

Florence + The Machine

Kristin:  One food you would never try?

Oh…huh. I promised myself I’d try anything that was made locally whenever I travel so I’m afraid to answer this…because I’ll totally end up being forced to eat it.

     ***Good call!***

Kristin: Health nut or junk food junkie? 

Junk food. Always junk food.

Kristin: The most exotic food you have ever eaten?

Moose burgers. LOL

Kristin:  Day on the beach or snow skiing down a mountain?

Beach

Kristin: Two books you think everyone should read. (Yes, you can and should include yours.)

Well, if we’re going mine: Wrong Bed, Right Guy. Second book is Tiffany Reisz’s The Siren. That book ruined me for…awhile after I read it. Definite book hangover. <3

My last question on these interview's is always places my readers can stalk you at! I've already included Katee's links up top! Stop by and visit her. Her book is funny and the answers to her questions are great!

{Author Interview} Cynthia Cooke Author of Deadly Secrets, Loving Lies

Title: Deadly Secrets, Loving Lies
Author: Cynthia Cooke
Publisher: Entangled Publishing (Dead Sexy Imprint)
Release Date: May 12, 2012

Synopsis:

Family secrets must be kept, and painful wounds must be ignored.


After an all-out assault by a vicious terrorist bent on destroying her entire family, a former government agent must break the strict rules she has always lived by when she emerges from hiding to reluctantly accept the help of her all-too-sexy ex-lover. Running a deadly race against time, they rush to rescue her kidnapped sister, find her missing father, and bring the notorious villain to justice. But nothing ever goes as planned. Bullets fly, danger abounds, and their passion reignites even faster than the lies are flowing. But their stubbornly held secrets just might spell the end of their rekindled love and hopes for the future...as well as their very lives.

Interview with Cynthia Cooke

Kristin:  Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you live?

Cynthia: I’m a mom of three kids. My youngest, boy-girl twins, just graduated from high school! I’m still recovering. I spent most of my life in California but now live In North Carolina. I love the beaches here, and especially love to scuba dive.

~My oldest just graduated and I cried my eyes out the whole ceremony.

Kristin:  What is the name of the book you are currently promoting and would you like to tell us a little about it?

Cynthia: It’s the first book out in Entangled Publishing’s new Dead Sexy Romantic Suspense line. 

It’s an action adventure book a lot like Alias or Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Lot of sexy fun!

Here’s a small excerpt to give you a hint:

Kyle stared in disbelief at the odd, mushroom-shaped structure rising up from the cracked, dry earth of the Nevada desert.

“There she is,” the voice of Johnny Garino, his crew chief and closest friend, buzzed in his earpiece.

Genie stood on the roof of the strange house. Three black SUVs were corralled on the ground far below her. She looked incredible, breathtaking, silhouetted against the brilliant blue sky. Kyle sucked in a breath as she clipped a cable to her belt.

“She’s getting ready to fly!” Johnny called out, his voice rising in pitch.

“Hold on, baby. I’m almost there.” Kyle pushed down on the throttle urging the bird faster, even as he willed Genie to turn and see him, to hold on until he could sweep her away from the danger. And once he did, once he had her safe and secure in his cockpit, then what?

Then he’d try not to kill her himself.

Kristin:  Where did you come up for the idea for your book?

Cynthia: I loved that show Heroes, and I thought it would be really fun to write a book about Government agents that had special ‘abilities’.  It took off from there. I have three really strong women with special talents and the trouble those abilities cause themselves and the men in their lives.

Kristin:  Tell us a little about your main character(s).

Cynthia: Genie, my heroine, is all about family, and when her family is in trouble will sacrifice everything and does to help them. She also has a big secret she’s trying desperately to keep, even when she knows keeping it just might cost her everything she loves.

Kyle is all about the job. He is a really good at what he does, and when his job is to rescue Genie, who 8 months earlier had abandoned him and left his heart broken in a million pieces all over the ground, he pulls up his bootstraps and jumps in, because if nothing else, Kyle is always a good soldier. And luckily, Genie knows that.

Kristin:  Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

Cynthia: That’s a toughie. The all have so many issues. Genie is a triplet and both her sisters have their own secrets and fears that I can’t wait to delve into. And Kyle always wants to do the right thing, but he also wants to help Genie, and sometimes he just can’t have it both ways, and that’s really hard for him.

Kristin:  Do you feel like you put parts of yourself in your characters?

Cynthia: Probably, how can you not? These characters grow from inside us. I’ve never had sisters, but have always wanted one. I loved the idea of always having a best friend out there who is family, who will always be there. But of course, that is my fantasy of what having a sister would be like. Watching my own girls, sometimes I wonder if once they’re out on their own if they’ll ever talk to each other again. Writing the bantering / fight scenes between Genie and her sisters was a kick in the pants. But there was still a lot of love there. They might not be best friends, but they are certainly family. And for them, family always comes first.

~I have a sister and I’m sure my mom thought we’d never talk again once we left the house, but now we’re closer than ever and I’ll fight anyone for her.

Kristin:  Will there be a sequel or do you have another project in the works?

Cynthia: Yes, I will be working on Cat’s book next, which won’t be easy since she is already married with kids. But then, she’s been lying to her husband and keeping a doozy of a secret. This isn’t going to go well once he finds out. And how will his deal with that, considering, he’s been keeping a dark secret himself. And then there is the third sister, Becca. Becca is going to need a lot of work to bring her character around. She is a handful to say the least. A big one.

~I think I like Becca already!

Kristin:  How long did the entire process from writing your current work to getting it published take?

Cynthia: I actually came up with the idea for this book a while ago, but then put it aside as other contracts came in. When I finally had a free moment and heard about Entangled Publishing opening a new Romantic Suspense line, I took out the story idea and started reworking it. All in all, it took about five to six months to get it molded and shine like the story I wanted it to be.

Kristin:  Where do you draw your inspiration from?

 Cynthia: TV, movies, other books, the Internet, my children. A picture. Life. Really everywhere.

Kristin:  Do you have any “rituals” when you write?

Cynthia: Coffee. :D

~A girl’s gotta have her coffee!

Kristin:  If you couldn’t be an author, but anything else…what would you be?

Cynthia: I would love to paint. I don’t paint. I tried once, but I’m too much of a perfectionist, and need a lot more time to work on it than I have. I’d also love to learn how to make jewelry. I like to make things with my hands.

Kristin:  Independently published, commercially published, or self-published?

Cynthia: I’ve been writing for Harlequin for the past nine years. Other than this Dead Sexy book, I should have two werewolf books coming out from Harlequin Nocturne in 2014.

Kristin:  Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?

Cynthia: Write. Read. Learn. Join writing groups. Do not stop learning. Do not give up. Persistence, discipline and faith in yourself is everything.

Kristin:  When did reading and writing become important you?

Cynthia: I’ve always been a huge reader and from that grew my love of writing.

Fun Stuff

Kristin:  The apocalypse is coming…what do you do?

Cynthia: Oh, do you mean Zombie Apocalypse, because I totally LOVE the Walking Dead. :D Though, really I would think taking over an island would be the best thing to do. A tropical one, of course. 

~I’m with you. A tropical island sounds like the safest place when it comes to Zombie, or any other kind of, Apocalypse.

Kristin:  If you were stranded on an island, name the 5 things you could not live without?

Cynthia: Oh, funny considering my last answer. Other than food and water? I suppose I couldn’t have my e-reader or iPhone? Hmm. Insect repellent. Pen and notebook. Sunscreen. Knife.

Kristin:  What 5 things are within your reach right now? No cheating?

Cynthia: Water. TV remote. Sunflower seeds. IPhone. Computer.

Kristin:  Favorite Food?

Cynthia: Tacos

Kristin: Favorite Movie?

Cynthia: Don’t have one. Terrible, I know.

Kristin:  Favorite TV show?

Cynthia: General Hospital, CSI, Criminal Minds, Bones, Vampire Diaries, Medium (when it was on) Fringe, Supernatural – I have lots.

~It appears we could be best friends based solely on television. I haven’t watched General Hospital in some time though. Might need to get on that.

Kristin: Favorite Song?

Cynthia: Bring on the Rain

Kristin:  Favorite singer or band? Right now?

Cynthia: Adele.

~I do love all things Adele! As one of my favorite authors would say…she’s made of awesome sauce.

Kristin:  One food you would never try?

Cynthia: Turtle soup

~Um…ick!

Kristin: Health nut or junk food junkie?  

Cynthia: Junk food junkie though I won’t eat beef. I really wish I could be a vegetarian. I try not to eat a lot of meat.

Kristin: The most exotic food you have ever eaten?

Cynthia: Snails

Kristin:  Day on the beach or snow skiing down a mountain?

Cynthia: Beach. Love the beach. Don’t care if I ever see snow.

~I despise snow.

Kristin:  If you could move anywhere on this Earth, where would it be?

Cynthia: Hawaii so I could dive all the time.

Kristin: Two books you think everyone should read. (Yes, you can and should include yours.)

Cynthia: Mine, of course, and The Sookie Stackhouse series – because I loved it.  Her humor is wonderful.

Kristin:  Places my readers can stalk you?

Website

Twitter

Facebook 

Goodreads 

Amazon

Barnes andNoble  

I'd like to thank Cynthia for stopping by Better Read Than Dead and answering a lot of questions. In case you missed the banner at the top of my blog, be sure you check out Entangled Publishing's new Imprint...Dead Sexy. Entangled has so many great authors and imprints, it's beginning to be hard to keep up with them all but I've yet to read anything from Entangled that I didn't love! Be sure to check out some of titles.


*Review coming later this week! Just from the excerpt I'm wishing I wasn't a day or so behind on my reading. The kids are home for the summer and well...it's insane around here.

{Author Interview} Stella Stafford

Kristin:  Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you live?

I am married with two children  and live in a village in Oxfordshire (UK).

Kristin:  What is the name of the book you are currently promoting and would you like to tell us a little about it?

My first Little Wychwell mystery novel is Did Anyone Die? and is currently available in paperback and on Kindle, the second Little Wychwell  mystery novel is A Very Quiet Guest and will be available at the end of May.  They are mystery crime novels set in  the quiet and totally imaginary village of Little Wychwell in Oxfordshire and in Oxford. Very light reading! 

Kristin:  Where did you come up for the idea for your book?

I wrote a plan for Did Anyone Die?, bearing in mind the advice ‘Write about what you know’.  Then I started writing it and the characters took over and changed the entire plot to something else.  So since then I just let the characters, or, presumably, my subconscious, write the books. 

Kristin:  Tell us a little about your main character(s)

The main characters in the Little Wychwell books are Priscilla, who is an Oxford Classics Don, her best friend, Elodea, with whom she has been friends since they went to Oxford together, and Elodea’s youngest son, Barnabus. 

Kristin:  Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

I’m very attached to all of them! But I think I love Barnabus best! 

Kristin:  Do you feel like you put parts of yourself in your characters?

I think all my main characters are based on different aspects of me, or what I might have become under different circumstances.  All the non-criminal characters, that is.  I once said that all my characters were based on me when I was giving a talk about my book and one of the audience put up her hand and said ‘You’re a criminal then?”  I am definitely not a criminal!  The secondary characters just turned up and joined in.  They are not based on any real person.  Pippy, who is a Yorkshire Terrier, is based on a real Yorkie, although I changed his sex to conceal his real identity! 

Kristin:  Will there be a sequel or do you have another project in the works?

I have now written five Little Wychwell books, which means I can call them a series. Getting from acceptance to publication is a long and slow process, however, and I held back book two for a while in case I needed to change bits of it to match the later books. I had a section in book two that I took out because it seemed to be disconnected to the main plot. When I wrote book three I had to put it back in again. Which is partly why there has been well over a year between book one and book two. Having written the fifth I have switched over to science fiction. I have finished my first science fiction book but, again, it’s not got a publication date yet. I’m about to embark on writing the second but I am taking a break from that to write a little book of short stories which is an interesting exercise for me. As you will have noticed I find writing in a condensed style quite hard!

Kristin:  How long did the entire process from writing your current work to getting it published take?

For the first book just over a year.   The second one was longer than that because I held on to it for a while before sending it to the publishers. 

Kristin:  Where do you draw your inspiration from?

The Little Wychwell novels are set in Oxfordshire, even though the village and the Oxford College that the main characters inhabit do not exist.  So the background scenery and style is quite authentic Oxfordshire and Oxford.  The plots just arise out of my head.  

Kristin:  Do you have any “rituals” when you write?

No.  

Kristin:  If you couldn’t be an author, but anything else…what would you be?

I am quite a few other things already, being an author is just part of my life!  If I could choose anything at all I am not sure what it would be.  I quite like being me! 

Kristin:  Independently published,  commercially published, or self-published?

I’m published by Melrose Books who are a small publishers based in Cambridge.  But I also self publish on Kindle.

Kristin:  Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?

Simply enjoy writing! I enjoy writing the way I enjoy reading, with an added ‘puzzle solving’ element to make the plot work! 

Kristin:  When did reading and writing become important to you?

They became important as soon as I could read and write. I am told that I could read quite fluently at age two and a half.  I certainly can’t remember learning to read so I must have been quite young. I found a ‘book’ I wrote when I was five quite recently.    I honestly can’t remember ever not having a current book to read and also ever not being in the process of writing something.   But Did Anyone Die? is the first full length novel that I have ever written and also the first one I ever sent to a publishers. I was not really expecting it to be accepted at my first attempt so it was a lovely surprise! 

Fun Stuff

Kristin:  The apocalypse is coming…what do you do?

Pray. (This is not a joke, I am being perfectly serious)

Kristin:  If you were stranded on an island, name the 5 things you could not live without?

Am I allowed to take my immediate family with me?  If so that would be five things.  And I would have to take the dog as well. 

Kristin:  What 5 things are within your reach right now? No cheating?

Given that I am typing on my computer I am afraid this is going to be very boring.  Even not including all the parts of the computer, like the mouse, keyboard etc.   A set of computer disks.  A book of arias. Some bits of paper with random notes scribbled on them.  A design for a book cover.  A pen.  Also a lot of other things - I can reach two bookcases from here! 

Kristin:  Favorite Food?

Raspberries loaded with sugar and clotted cream. I could eat bowlfuls! Closely followed by spaghetti with a knob of butter!  Then really luscious cake!

Kristin: Favorite Movie?

Tricky question! I’ll say ‘When Harry met Sally’ but if you asked me tomorrow I would probably say something else. 

Kristin:  Favorite TV show?

Favourite TV program that is being aired currently is The Big Bang Theory (this is a comedy show for those who have not seen it)

Kristin: Favorite Song?

Something I will answer differently every time you ask.  Instant thoughts today are Radar Love by Silver Earring and In Paradisum from Fauré’s Requiem

Kristin:  Favorite singer or band?

Another inconsistent answer depending on the day and the weather and all sorts of other things, I have lots of favourite singers, first thoughts that pop into my head today are Mika and  Bryan Adams, 

Kristin:  One food you would never try?

Sushi made with raw fish, I have never eaten fish even if it’s cooked and I find the thought of raw fish quite appalling. 

Kristin: Health nut or junk food junkie?

Neither.  I like fruit and vegetables, but I also like cake, coffee and double cream! 

Kristin: The most exotic food you have ever eaten?

I am prepared to try any sort of fruit or vegetable but I am not sure if any of them really count as exotic,  dragon fruit maybe?   I have also chomped through the tops of a lot of pens, including stainless steel ones! 

Kristin:  Day on the beach or snow skiing down a mountain?

Snow skiing, definitely,  although I would rather go mountain walking in summer. 

Kristin:  If you could move anywhere on this Earth, where would it be?

High in the mountains somewhere, probably the Alps or the Rockies. 

Kristin: Two books you think everyone should read. (Yes, you can and should include yours.)

If I am going to include mine then it would clearly be Did Anyone Die? followed by A Very Quiet Guest BUT I really think that everyone should read Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte and Bleak House by Charles Dickens. Also the Bible or the main book for your own religion whatever that might be. 

Kristin:  Places my readers can stalk you?

Website
Twitter: @stellasstafford
Facebook - Author, Facebook - Novel
Amazon
Anywhere else  

{Author Interview} Natasha Slight - Guardians of the Grimoire

Kristin:  Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you live?

I was born and raised in Montreal, where I still live with my husband and two daughters. I’ve moved around a lot, but I always come back to Montreal. The people here are very warm and friendly; just don’t get in their way on the road!

Kristin:  What is the name of the book you are currently promoting and would you like to tell us a little about it?

Guardians of the Grimoire, book one in the Grimoire series, is my debut novel. Although, written for Young Adults, the book has also been well received by adults. It is a Fantasy Adventure packed with action from beginning to end. The concept of the book is based on the idea of multiverses (parallel universes).

Kaël, an evil god, seeks to gain access to the Grimoire. If he succeeds, he can control the four universes. Desperate, the Spirit Mother hides the book on Earth where a goddess and three young girls will help. Kerani, Tiluvia, and Cesca must race to Gaïa's island, while attempting to control their newfound magic. Will the girls reach Gaïa in time? Or will Kaël succeed in finding the Grimoire?

Kristin:  Where did you come up for the idea for your book?

Well, actually the idea just popped into my head one day. There’s really no other way to describe it. It was like a movie playing in my head. The longer I sat, thinking about it, the more detailed it became. Before I knew it, I was frantically writing everything down. It took me a few days, where I was completely immersed in the storyline. I still have the very first draft and I shake my head every time I look at it, wondering how I came up with it.

Kristin:  Tell us a little about your main character(s).

I have three main characters, all female, which is rare in high-fantasy books. I find this genre very male oriented and I wanted to do something different. I like to think ‘out of the box’, so this was right up my alley.

Kerani: The leader of the group, she is a feisty, strong-willed, sword-wielding princess. She doesn’t take no for an answer and is not afraid to fight.

Tiluvia: Quirky, funny, and always smiling, she’s my comic relief in the book. She is also very sensitive to the moods of others around her. She is the shoulder to cry on and the pillar of the group.

Cesca: She is my brooding dark beauty who is also very shy and quiet. Plagued by inner turmoil, Cesca is someone who has to find and accept herself for who she is. The question is will she succeed?

Kristin:  Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

I love all three equally...hmm, this sounds like what a parent would say to their children. LOL But it’s true!

Kristin:  Do you feel like you put parts of yourself in your characters?

Oh my goodness, yes. The first time I was asked this question, I came to realize that each character embodies a quality from my own personality. For me it felt like the girls’ personalities just naturally evolved, but in hindsight, I see where they evolved from. Today, I can understand when they say an author’s book contains his or her soul in it.

Kristin:  Will there be a sequel or do you have another project in the works?

After I finish writing this trilogy, I have a novella I’d like to write, followed by another trilogy. I don’t know why, but writing trilogies just seems to come naturally to me. I feel very comfortable with it. This is all in the Young Adult category. Afterwards, I’d like to branch out and write a series for adults, which I’ve already begun to plan. My mind is just bursting with ideas!

Kristin:  How long did the entire process from writing your current work to getting it published take?

It took me 2 years and 3 months. I still remember the date I began to write: October 8th, 2009. My official coming out was December 1st, 2011. I would work all day, often times 7 days a week and into the wee hours of the morning. I went through a lot of edits, but I can’t tell you how many, because I lost count after fifty! Since I am self-published this also includes all the social networking I had to set up, the research into indie publishing vs traditional publishing, not to mention all the research I did for my book. It was a major learning curve and one heck of a roller coaster ride.

Kristin:  Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Everywhere! From books, movies, music, life events, and even dreams.

Kristin:  Do you have any “rituals” when you write?

Yes, I do. The first draft of a book is always written by hand. I begin writing in my dining room, because the table gives me space to spread the sheets out in front of me. Once that’s done, then I hibernate in my office rewriting, editing, working with my editor and proofreader until the book is ready to be published...and that can be months! 

Kristin:  If you couldn’t be an author, but anything else…what would you be?

Oh, that’s easy, I’d own a restaurant. My other passion in life is cooking. I’m not afraid to taste new things and I’m always putting my own twist on recipes. 

Kristin:  Independently published, commercially published, or self-published?
I am presently self-published.

Kristin:  Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?

I have three tips.
1) Read A LOT. By doing this, it will help to develop your own writer’s voice. You’ll discover what genre you like to write in and maybe even what language. I’m bilingual in both French and English, having grown up with both languages, but don’t ask me to write in French! I much prefer to write in English.
2) Write A LOT. Like the expression says, “Practice makes perfect.”
3) Write about something that truly inspires you. If you feel very strong about your idea, and it captures you entirely, then write about it.
4) Most importantly, DON’T GIVE UP.

Kristin:  When did reading and writing become important you?

I’ve read my whole life, so books have always been very important to me, but writing became important when I allowed myself to try my hand at it. I didn’t reject the idea. Writing is now a passion for me. I don’t see myself doing anything else in life.

Fun Stuff

Kristin:  The apocalypse is coming…what do you do?

Make sure my latest project is backed up on my USB key. You never know if you’ll survive!

Kristin:  What 5 things are within your reach right now? No cheating?

My cup of tea, pens and pencils, Webster’s dictionary, a camera, and of course my book.

Kristin:  Favorite Food?

Everything that is in the ocean. I melt for seafood, especially lobster.

Kristin: Favorite Movie?

Ratatouille! Not only is it about cooking, but it’s in Paris. *sigh* I’ve been there once, and I think I left my heart at the top of the Eiffel Tower. No choice, but to go back and get it.

Kristin:  Favorite TV show?

Lie To Me.

Kristin: Favorite Song?

La Mer by Charles Trenet

Kristin:  Favorite singer or band?

Adèle

Kristin:  One food you would never try?

I’m someone who is always willing to try new things, and I like to watch Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern (one day I’ll get to see what a cricket tastes like), but one thing I would never, never, never want to try are Coconut Grubs. *shudders* I close my eyes when I see them on TV. I would love to post a picture here for you, but I can’t bring myself to Google search for an image. Eew! Eew! Eew!

Kristin: Health nut or junk food junkie?

Can I be both? LOL I’m usually the health-wise type, after all, I do have two kids, but sometimes momma just wants her chips. I’ll only eat chips if the bag is freshly opened, afterwards, they don’t taste as good, and in my house the bag can stay there for over a week. I put mine in the freezer; they’re better cold, especially when it’s a brand new unopened bag! Crazy, I know.

Kristin: The most exotic food you have ever eaten?

Turtle, while I was in the Cayman Islands. They slather it in sauce and it’s really good. Psst, by the way, the sauce is there to hide the fact that the meat is green.

Kristin:  Day on the beach or snow skiing down a mountain?

Day on the beach all the way! I hate the cold and snow and I don’t ski. Imagine, I live in Montreal with minus 40 degrees in winter. Brrrr.

Kristin:  If you could move anywhere on this Earth, where would it be?

The South of France and it’s not IF, it’s WHEN. I seriously plan on moving there one day. No snow and the beach is close by.

Kristin: Two books you think everyone should read. (Yes, you can and should include yours.)

Well, if you’re reading this then you’re already aware of my book, but if you’re into symbolism, I strongly suggest anything written by Dan Brown. My favorite is The Lost Symbol. If you like high-fantasy, then I suggest The Fionavar Tapestry by Guy Gavriel Kay.

Kristin:  Places my readers can stalk you?

Website │ Twitter  │ Goodreads │Amazon │Barnes and Noble  │Smashwords  Author Facebook │ Grimoire Series Facebook

Thank you for taking this time to let us get to know you. We have enjoyed having you today. I hope you have enjoyed yourself and will stop by to see us again soon.