Ann Aguirre is visiting today

Ann, Thank-you for agreeing to an interview today.

Thank you for having me, Greta.

 Can you tell everyone a little bit about yourself?

I’m an expat living in Mexico with my husband, two children, a spoiled (but very cute) dog, and owned by two Siamese cats who don’t like sharing me with each other. I have been a voice artist (at one time, if you called McDonalds’ corporate headquarters, it would be my voice on the automated menu), a clown, a clerk… but under and through it all, I’ve been a storyteller. Now I’m a published author—and still, always, a storyteller.

How long have you been writing?

Since… well, always. During “Career Day” in grade school I announced that I was going to be a writer. Mind, my teacher wasn’t too impressed—she said, “That’s not a real job, honey” and recommended that I pick something else. It’s taken me a long time and a lot of writing, I’ll grant her that, but hey! I’m a writer! 😀

What is your writing process like?

I am a workhorse writer. I sit down every day in the morning and write until I have three thousand words. Some days this takes a few hours and it doesn’t feel like work at all. Other days, it’s like pouring my own blood onto the page, drop by drop. Either way, I keep at it until I have my 3K each day. Mind, I don’t plot, so I basically fly by the seat of my pants until I reach the end. Usually, I hate that first draft (and no one else EVER sees my first drafts), but once I have something I can go back and fix whatever needs fixing.  Like Nora Roberts says, “You can’t fix a blank page.”

Can you tell us about your newest release Doubleblind?

This is a different challenge for Jax. She is impatient, likes to act, to move. In Doubleblind she is forced by circumstances to become a diplomat. Let’s say that she is not happy, and becomes even more unhappy when it becomes clear that someone is determined to obliterate her chance to succeed. For a person who just a few months earlier would just as soon punch her way out of a situation than talk through it, diplomacy is a true challenge.

For readers, who maybe new to your work, this is the third book in a series with reoccurring characters, correct?

Yes. Jax and her universe were introduced in my print debut, Grimspace, which came out in February 2008. Jax is a jumper, which means she can navigate faster-than-light ships through a subspace known as grimspace. That’s like a fold in straight space, allowing them to cross great distances in a blink. Unfortunately, it carries a high burnout rate, and she’s the oldest jumper still working. She’s a survivor, first and foremost; she loves her own skin best. For some Jax is too abrasive; others love her because she breaks a lot of the feminine molds. She’s selfish sometimes, and she does what’s best for her. As the series progresses, she learns to value other people, and she learns to sacrifice. I think the series has a great character arc. If you like SF antiheroines, you might well enjoy it.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can Doubleblind be read as a stand-alone or should Grimspace and Wanderlust be read first?

While I do try to give enough background information for a new reader—and doing this without boring readers who are already fans of the series is a tricky balancing act, by the way—I think that reading the books in order nets the reader the most satisfaction. Jax changes and grows over the course of each novel, but the change from the moment we meet her in the first scene in Grimspace to Doubleblind is quite significant.

I love the name, Sirantha how did you come up with that name?

Short answer, hell if I know. I made it up. Long answer, Walter Jon Williams penned an interesting novel called Aristoi, wherein he taps the idea that we possess fragments of other personalities locked away inside our brains; he called them daimones. These sub-personalities can think and feel independently and possess talents that we need. It’s an intriguing take on beneficial schizophrenia, and I sometimes wonder if there’s a kernel of truth to it.

Because the fact is, I don’t know where Jax (or her world) came from. She told me about everything as we went along, including her name. So I’m going to theorize that I allow these personality fragments to evolve into whole people, complete with history and everything, and then I listen to what they have to say (without going batshit crazy). It sounds marginally better than, “I write what the voices in my head tell me to.”

Do you write under any other names?

I write romantic suspense as Ava Gray. The first one, Skin Game, comes out in November.

Do you have any other books releasing this year?

As I mentioned above, Skin Game releases in just over a month. It is the first romantic suspense novel I’ve ever written and I’m very proud of it.

What are you currently working on?

I have just finished the first draft of Shady Lady, the third title in the Corine Solomon series (urban fantasy), and I’m working on the first draft of a young adult novel, tentatively titled Razorland, set in a post-apocalyptic world.

Where do you get your ideas for your books?

Dreams, sometimes. But I just always have a bunch of other people talking in my head. The one who shouts loudest gets his or her book written next.

 As an author, you must be an avid reader. What books do you enjoy reading? Who are your auto-buy authors?

I am indeed an avid and fast reader, in many genres and most subgenres of romance. There are a number of authors whose work I love—it would take forever if I made this exhaustive because books are my great love, but I’ll name a few.

Mystery: Julia Spencer-Fleming, James Lee Burke, Casey Daniels

Science fiction: David Brin, Neal Stephenson, Jack McDevitt, Connie Willis, CS Friedman, Douglas Adams, Walter Jon Williams

Fantasy: Jeri Smith-Ready, Sharon Shinn, Patricia McKillip, Robin McKinley, Neil Gaiman, George RR Martin, Pauline Alama, Kelley Armstrong, Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher, Charlaine Harris

Romance: Anya Bast, Lauren Dane, Eileen Wilks, Nalini Singh, Lara Adrian, Eve Kenin, Nora Roberts, Connie Brockway, Larissa Ione, Carrie Lofty, Anne Stuart, Linda Howard, Victoria Dahl, Carolyn Jewel

Whew. I have to stop. Just too many to list.

What books are on your keeper shelf?

Books by Larissa Ione, Carolyn Jewel and Anne Stuart

What was the first romance book you read or the one book that has stood the test of time for you?

I started reading romance as a kid. I stole my great aunt’s Harlequins, and the author I remember from the old days (who is still writing) is Margaret Way. I also still adore Sharon Shinn’s Samaria books. I bought her back when I didn’t even have money for food. I sold plasma to buy her books. She was the first author I read who combined romance with fantasy–and she did it with such deft elegance that my chest felt tight when I finished one of her novels.

If one of your books was made into a movie, which book would you like it to be and which actors would like to see as the lead characters?

Hmmm… interesting. Well, I can tell you which authors I see when I think of the characters in my Corine Solomon series 😀 Corine looks quite a bit like Christine Hendricks—only with red hair. Chance resembles Chat Tae-huyn (isn’t he gorgeous?), and Jesse brings Olivier Martinez to mind.

If you could switch lives with one of your characters who would if be & why?

Hm, I’m going to say none of them. Why? Well, I’m pretty hard on my characters. I put them through the physical and emotional wringer, and frankly, I don’t think I could hack it. I’d much rather be in my office writing about their harrowing adventures than having them.

When you are not writing or reading, what do you enjoying doing in your spare time?

I love action movies, as well as those cheap science fiction B movies with the bad effects and the jerky monsters? Oh how I love those! And video games. We have an Xbox, where I play games like Fallout 3, Mass Effect and KotOR. I also like to listen to music and go for walks with that spoiled dog I mentioned earlier.

If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?

Why aren’t all of you reading my books?

Where can readers find you on the internet?

I’m everywhere! Well, not really 😉 I can always be found at my website (http://www.annaguirre.com/) and at my alter-ego’s, http://www.avagray.com/ I also have a Google group, Action and Attitude (http://groups.google.com/group/action-and-attitude) and participate in three multi-author blogs: The Bradford Bunch (http://www.thebradfordbunch.com/), Something Wicked (http://wickedauthors.blogspot.com/) and Writer Unboxed (http://writerunboxed.com/) You can also follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ann_aguirre.

 ***Leave a comment answering Ann’s guest and one commenter will win a signed book from Ann. Good Luck 🙂

Special Guest Today: Danny Taggert from Unleashed by Jami Alden

Danny Taggart is the biggest badass of all the Gemini Men. And there’s only one thing a woman can do with a man this hot, hard, and ready for action….

He’s the oldest of the three Taggart brothers. And the boldest. Tall, dark and rippling with muscle, Danny Taggart takes no prisoners. But when his latest case puts him up close and personal with the woman who once left him raw and aching, he’s shell-shocked. Caroline Medford is still hotter than hell. But she’s also got her pretty grip on the truths that have shaped him into the soul-ravaged warrior he is today. Burned once, Danny’s plan is to satisfy his craving for Caroline and walk away. Yet once he has her warm and willing beneath him, he can’t get deep enough—or close enough. Not even when danger threatens to destroy everything he’s ever fought for. Including the only woman he’s ever loved…

ISBN-13: 9780758225481

ISBN-10: 0758225482

Publisher: Brava

Date: October 2009

Page Count: 320

Danny, thank you for agreeing to an interview today on my blog.

No problem. But can we make this quick? I still have to do my daily twelve mile run before I go to the office this morning. 

Can you tell readers a little bit about yourself?

Not that much to tell. I’m thirty five, I live in northern california. After I got out of the military (editor’s note – Danny won’t ever talk much about it, but he was a Green Beret) I started Gemini Securities, a private investigation and corporate and personal security firm with my younger brothers, Derek and Ethan.  On a personal note, I recently got, uh, reacquainted with my high school girlfriend and now we’re engaged. 

What have you been up to since we last saw you in Derek’s story, Kept?

I’ve been busier than a one legged man in an ass kicking contest, I’ll tell you that.  Between our workload and some pretty intense personal and family drama, it’s been crazy around here. 

Can you tell us about this someone special you that met…Caroline?

Actually, Caroline and I go way back.  We started dating in high school, stayed together while I went to West Point and started my military career.  Then, we had kind of a falling out…well, I’ll be honest, I acted like an asshole and drove her away.  Lucky for me, some crazy circumstances brought us back together.  We didn’t have it easy,  but if someone hadn’t wanted to frame Caroline for her husband’s murder and then try to kill her, we might never have gotten back together. 

I understand you know Jami Alden and that she actually wrote your story Unleashed for publication. What was it like working with her?

It was great although she’s really high strung, always stressed about whether or not everything was coming out exactly right. Works like a dog though, and I have nothing but respect for that. 

Have you read Unleashed yet? What did you think of it?

I haven’t. I mean, really, I lived it – and while there are some great memories, there’s a lot of other stuff  – like watching a psychopath hold a gun to Caroline’s head – that I’d rather not relive. 

If Unleashed was made into a movie, which actor do you see portraying you, Caroline?

I’m terrible at this. I never know who anyone is.    But if I had to choose, I’d say for me, maybe Eric Bana from Blackhawk Down, or Gerard Butler in his 300 ripped phase.  For Caroline, a younger Catherine Zeta Jones, say, in her Zorro era. 

How are your brothers, Ethan & Derek?

They’re doing great, though it’s hard as hell to get them to focus on work these days, what with all the wedding planning that seems to be going on.  Ethan and Toni are set for this spring, and Derek and Alyssa… well that’s top secret. Last thing we need is the paparazzi getting wind of the details. 

Will readers see any of you or your brothers in the future?

We’re planning to lay low for the time being. Like I said, there’s work to do, weddings to be planned, and in my and Caroline’s case, a baby to make as soon as is humanly possible.  So unless you want to read about bridal showers and baby planning, I think we’ll stay out of the limelight for a while here. 

Can either of you tell us something about Jami that readers may not know?

I don’t know that it’s any secret, but she wrote my story she subsisted almost entirely on a diet of coffee, red wine, and scraps from her kids’ plates.  Who knew you could survive eating pizza off the floor and discarded fish stick bits?

Is there anything you would like to ask the readers?

I want to know if they want to see any more Gemini stories. And if so, whose?

To find out more about Jami Alden and her books please visit her website at: http://www.jamialden.com/

***Jami has graciously offered for only lucky commenter to win a copy of Unleashed and another to win a copy of Kept. Leave a comment answering Jami’s question to be considered. Good Luck 🙂

Please Welcome Vonna Harper

She Senses Him

Deep in the canyons of northern Arizona, animal psychic Kai Tallon senses someone—or something—watching her, and wonders if the legends are true. This is the land of the Tocho—a pride of half man/half cougars borne of the Navajo—and rumored to possess unearthly masculine prowess…

She Feels Him

As night falls, Kai knows sleep will elude her, for her body is thrumming with sexual energy. But once she surrenders to the erotic sensations sweeping through her, she discovers a pleasure so breathtaking it can only be a dream…so intense it can only be real…so teasing, she knows she isn’t alone.

She Wants Him

Kai lusts after this mysterious presence whose visitations arouse her with his primal sexuality. Quivering with need, she longs to feel him deep inside. And she will, for the man in him wants her, and the animal in him will take her. Now a willing prisoner to rapture, Kai must choose between her captor-lover, and returning to civilization.

ISBN-13: 9780758229465

ISBN-10: 0758229461

Publisher: Aphrodisia

Date: October 2009

Page Count: 256

Vonna, Thank-you for agreeing to an author interview today.

Can you tell everyone a little bit about yourself? 

Do you want the truth or literary license?  The truth is so boring but runs along the line of: lifetime lover of the written word, frittered away my childhood dreaming of great adventures.  Tackled my first fiction book during a period of unemployment early in my adult years.  Unfortunately, I neglected to include a minor matter of conflict and it petered out after a few chapters.  Fortunately I started taking this writing business seriously and studied everything I could about the career that chose me.  I’ve penned category romance for Harlequin and Silhouette, mainstream historicals for Tor, and now erotica. (Psst, don’t tell my mother)  One marriage, two sons, one grandson, two dogs, and a sad excuse for a garden.

How long have you been writing?

A week longer than forever.  I illustrated my own comic books when I was in elementary school and kept on trucking.

What is your writing process like?

Hmm.  Have to say that each story is different.  Something triggers something in my brain and I start that familiar business of “what if”.  I’m often hit upside the head by setting but emotion is always the trigger.  Music often jumpstarts the whole emotional curiosity.  I use insomnia to plot and bring my characters to life, then jot down everything I know about the particular story in a Word document that no one else will ever see.  Then I write Chapter One and start banging my head against my desk.

Can you tell us about your newest release Taming The Cougar?

Ah, glad you asked.  I once went to Canyon de Chelly in Arizona and knew I wanted to write about that unspoiled place.  I’m not sure why I decided to make my heroine an animal psychic but once I did, I had a ball.  Because I’d written a lot about Native American history, I had a pile of research books so incorporating Navajo beliefs into erotic fiction was easy.  Big cats fascinate me so creating a shape-shifting man/cougar was a blast.  Then for good measure I threw in a large chunk of capture because Vonna digs that theme and a murder mystery.  Wow, I just counted and this will be my tenth erotica with Kensington’s Aphrodisia line.

Do you have any other books releasing this year?

Again glad you asked.  Taming The Cougar is a print book but I also write erotica novellas for both Ellora’s Cave and LooseID.  I’d have to check my web site to tell you everything because as soon as I’ve finished a story, it slides out of my memory bank so I’ll have room for the new.  Within the past few days I sold Beast Master to Ellora’s Cave but not sure if it’ll be out this year.  However, War Prize will come out on Nov. 11 with EC and Wind Howl is pretty new at LooseID. 

What are you currently working on? 

I’ve done two Howl stories for LooseID about a back from the dead wolf/man shapeshifter and am editing the third story in the series.  Called Summer Howl, this one hopefully answers a lot of questions raised in Storm Howl and Wind Howl.  My poor shapeshifter finally finds his mate, or rather reconnects with her.

Where do you get your ideas for your books? 

The great Idea Factory.  As I touched on earlier, it is different every time.  Sometimes my mind is a sponge soaking up what I read, see, or hear.  Sometimes the sponge is dry.  But right now I have a drawer full of sticky notes I’ve jotted stuff down on so aren’t worrying.

As an author, you must be an avid reader. What books do you enjoy reading? Who are your auto-buy authors? 

I love suspense and romantic suspense.  I seldom read erotica because that’s a bit like work.  Because I’m a country hick, I’m particularly drawn to Nevada Barr’s series set in various national parks.  Tami Hoag, Stephen King, Lisa Jackson, and Dean Koontz are auto buys.

What books are on your keeper shelf? 

Those written by friends such as Catherine Anderson, Pat White, Ann Jacobs, Carole Nelson Douglas, etc.

What was the first romance book you read or the one book that has stood the test of time for you? 

I’d have to say Catherine Anderson’s Anne’s Song about a deaf woman and the man who believes in her.

If one of your books was made into a movie, which book would you like it to be and which actors would like to see as the lead characters? 

That’s easy.  WhiteOut which isn’t an erotica.  There are four major characters in this man against nature story, but honestly I don’t watch enough movies that I can answer the second part of your question. Besides, one of those characters doesn’t make it to the end.

If you could switch lives with one of your characters who would if be & why?

Ria Torez in Coyote Woman because she’ll risk everything for her younger brother.

When you are not writing or reading, what do you enjoying doing in your spare time? 

Yard work, being at our mountain cabin, watching my granddaughters at gymnastics, baseball, going to the gym.

If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be? 

Much of my erotica revolves around my personal sex fantasies so I’d like to ask readers what their fantasies in that department are and why do they think that is.

For more information on Vonna and her books please visit her website at: http://www.vonnaharper.com/

***Leave a comment answering Vonna’s question and one commentor will win a download e-book from Vonna’s backlist at: http://www.vonnaharper.com/books/ Good Luck 🙂

ooops….Life got in the way

I know I’ve been a bad blogger. 😦

Sorry, for the lack of activity the past week or two. Life got in the way of my fun. I’ll be doing some updates during the week and getting back to regularly scheduled posts as well as some new features.

So what has everyone been reading? I’m currently reading One Scream Away by Kate Brady.

I also just finshed reading the Black CATs Novels by Leslie Parrish. AWESOME! I’m doing a special post on these later in the week. I’ve missed everyone but I have what I hope are some exciting guests & other things planned.

Winner: Annette McCleave guest interview

My sincerely apologies, I had planned to announce the winner of Annette book on Friday. Unfortunately had a personal situation come up and my internet access was limited. To end the waiting…..

The winner of a copy of Drawn Into Darkness by Annette McCleave is:

Lori T

There were 32 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1. Lori T
2. Quilt Lady
3. I Heart Book Gossip
4. Book Junkie
5. Ina
6. ann marie
7. Karin
8. Karen H in NC
9. Linda Henderson
10. Jen E
11. Jamie Michele
12. Frana
13. Marjana Kaly
14. Heather
15. bl0226
16. Joder
17. Raeleana
18. Pamk
19. Suzette
20. Donna S
21. Deidre
22. Blanche
23. Mystica
24. etirv
25. blodeuedd
26. Teresa W
27. Chelsea B
28. Patricia Barraclough
29. chey
30. Anne
31. Jeanette Juan
32. Wanda

Timestamp: 2009-09-14 22:31:29 UTC

Please e-mail me gw12cats03 @ charter.net (without the spaces) with your mailing address so I can forward the information to Annette. Please include “Annette McCleave Book Winner” in the subject line. The winner will have seven days to contact me or a new winner will be drawn.

Today’s guest is Susan Kearney

THEIR LOVE IS FORBIDDEN

Healer and high priestess of her people, Lady Cael is fated to life without a mate. But a mysterious explorer named Lucan Rourke doesn’t know her secrets, and his touch makes her crave a future that her extraordinary birthright has forbidden her. . .

BUT DANGER IS NO MATCH FOR DESIRE

Lucan has just one mission on Pendragon: to find the mythical Holy Grail, Earth’s only hope for survival. His powerful attraction to Cael is a distraction he can’t afford, unless he convinces her to join forces with him. Yet working so closely together only heightens their passion . . . even when the terrifying truth of Cael’s heritage threatens to shatter Lucan’s every belief-and the galaxy itself.

Susan, Thank you for agreeing to be a guest on my blog. 

Thanks for asking me to be here. 🙂  It’s always great to find a fan that has followed me from romantic suspense all the way to my futuristics.

Can you tell everyone a little bit about yourself? 

I grew up in New Jersey, finished college with a degree in business from the University of Michigan and never thought about writing until after I had children.   My first love was futuristic romance but I couldn’t sell them.  So I wrote romantic suspense for Harlequin and a Star Trek book.  Gradually the market changed and I was finally able to sell what I love best—stories set in the future.

How long have you been writing? 

Twelve years.

What is your writing process like? 

I’m plot driven.  I think of a problem, usually an end of the world scenario—then I come up with characters who need to save everyone.  Along the way they fall in love.  I usually write 6 pages a day, then go back and revise.  I hate the revising part. 🙂  Once I’m done with the story I want to go on to the next one.  But those revisions are critical and can make a big difference in the final product—so I force myself to reread, rewrite, and then do it all again.

Can you tell us about your newest release Lucan? 

Lucan is kind an Indian Jones story in the future.  Think adventure, danger, and a sexy archeologist who finds an extraordinary woman.  The problems arise when she’s after the same object as he is to save her world—just like he needs to save his . . .

This is the start of a new series correct? 

Yes, The series is called the Pendragon Legacy and is based upon King Arthur legends and an ancient star map.  I freely admit I played with the legend.   But no one has ever found any evidence that Avalon ever existed—so that mystery was something I could take from our distant past and manipulate to fit into the story I wanted to tell.  And the Arthur era always brings to mind sexy men and passionate women, themes I always like to explore.

Do you have any other books releasing this year? 

The second book in the trilogy, RION will be out December 1, 2009.  It’s the story of Lucan’s twin sister Marisa and a special talent that is needed across the galaxy to free the people on the planet Honor from slavery and an alien occupation.

What are you currently working on? 

That would be the revisions for the third book in the trilogy, JORDAN.  I don’t want to ruin the surprises, but I take a 2,000 year old character from LUCAN and RION and he becomes the hero of book three.  I match him up with a brilliant, self-made billionaress who is determined to build a starship to help save Earth from invasion.  The only problem is the two of them disagree on the best way to accomplish her mission.

Where or how do you get your ideas for your books? 

Ideas come from newspaper headlines, a stuffed animal I saw in a store, dreams or simply playing “what if?”  What if I sent an archeologist across the galaxy to find Earth’s greatest treasure?  What if the woman whose help he needs wants that treasure for her own people?  What if he has to decide between saving her life or saving his world?

As an author, you must be an avid reader. What books do you enjoy reading?

Who are your auto-buy authors?  Linnea Sinclair, Susan Grant, Sandra Hill, Virginia Henley, Julie Leto, Jayne Castle

What books are on your keeper shelf? 

Groan.  My shelves are overflowing onto my desk and then across the floor.  I have bookshelves in a spare room stacked with books.  My husband has long since given up asking me to get rid of any of them.  Instead, he brings home new bookcases.

What was the first romance book you read of the one book that has stood the test of time for you?

ATLAS SHRUGGED.  I loved that book and have reread it many times.  I also really enjoyed Johanna Lyndsay’s WARRIOR’S WOMAN and Linnea Sinclair’s GABRIEL’S GHOST.

If a book of yours was made into a movie, which book would you like it to be and which actors would like to see as the lead characters? 

LUCAN would be my first choice because the pacing is so fast and I believe the story would work well in a visual medium.  As for the lead characters?  Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie would work just fine!   

If you could switch lives with one of your characters who would if be & why? 

I’d probably want to switch lives with Vivianne, the heroine in JORDAN because she has a star ship and I’ve always wanted to go exploring.

When you are not writing or reading, what do you enjoying doing in your spare time?

I love physical activity including figure skating and belly dancing.  I also love to travel and just returned from a trip to the Far East.

If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be? 

I want to know why you connect with certain characters.  What makes them real?  What makes you feel their emotions?  What makes you root for them to win at life and love?

For more information on Susan Kearney and her books you can visit her website at: http://www.susankearney.com/

***Leave a comment answering Susan’s questions for a chance to win a copy of Lucan. Good Luck***

My guest today is Annette McCleave

Serving a five-hundred-year sentence as a Soul Gatherer—one who battles demons for the souls of the dead—Lachlan MacGregor keeps his distance from humans. That is, until the lovely Rachel Lewis knocks on his door, begging for help.

As they struggle to rescue her daughter from the clutches of a powerful demon, Lachlan finds himself increasingly drawn to the artistic single mother. But when Death assigns him an unbearable task, he’s left wondering who will provide more for his soul.

Annette, Thank you so much for agreeing to be a guest on my blog.

Thanks very much for having me and allowing me to share the excitement of my debut release!

Can you tell everyone a little bit about yourself?

Let’s see. I’m a mom and an animal lover—we have both a dog and a cat at home. I love movie theater popcorn, even though I know it’s bad for me. I drink far too much coffee, and I’m known to get so caught up in my writing that I forget appointments. Perhaps a little more exciting, I won the RWA’s prestigious Golden Heart award last year for Best Paranormal Romance—with the manuscript now published as Drawn into Darkness.

How long have you been writing?

All my life. 🙂 When I was younger, I started many a story that never got completed, and even completed a very bad mystery novel. But I only started writing seriously about six years ago.

What is your writing process like?

I’m an early-morning writer. I get up before dawn, make myself a pot of coffee, and start writing. I love those early hours when the house is dark and silent and my imagination can run wild. Depending on where I am with regard to my deadline, I either stop around 2pm, or plow right through until 6pm. I also fit contract writing jobs—not fiction—in between.

Can you tell us about your newest release Drawn Into Darkness?

Drawn into Darkness is my debut novel. It’s the story of a Scottish-born Soul Gatherer who battles demon thieves for the souls of the dead and a single mom desperate to save her teenage daughter from a dark influence. As an immortal, Lachlan MacGregor likes to keep his distance from humans, but when Rachel Lewis, the graphic artist who lives in the apartment below him begs him for help, he can’t help but aid her. But fighting demons isn’t the hardest thing Lachlan has to do. He finds himself in a horrible spot when he’s assigned his next task–to gather her daughter’s soul.

Drawn Into Darkness sounds like the beginning of a series, is it and if so how many books will there be in the series?

It’s definitely a series. There’s at least three books contracted, and there could be more. The second book, Bound by Darkness, will be released in May of 2010. There’s a sneak peak at Bound at the back of Drawn into Darkness. Stay tuned to my website—I’ll be posting more information about Bound as it becomes available.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on revisions to Bound by Darkness and I’m finishing up a proposal for book 3.

Where do you get your ideas for your books?

I’m not really sure. The characters pop into my head fully formed, begging to have their story told. I then imagine the worst possible things that could happen to them. I put my characters in a dozen difficult situations they must struggle to get out of—basically, I torture them. Then I reward them with love. 🙂

As an author, you must be an avid reader. What genre of books do you enjoy reading? Who are your auto-buy authors?

I’m a huge reader—although I must confess that since becoming a writer, I’ve slowed down a bit. It’s far too easy to fall into the latest book from a favorite author and avoid working on my own manuscripts. 🙂 I read across the romance genres, including historicals, contemporary romances and paranormal/urban fantasy. And I also read thrillers.

What books are on your keeper shelf?

Whoa, that’s a long shelf. A sampling of what you’d find on it? Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard. Breathing Room by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Bitten by Kelley Armstrong. His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik. The Dark Highlander by Karen Marie Moning.  

What was the first romance book you read or the book that has stood the test of time for you?

I read romances from an early age because my mother had a subscription to Harlequin, but the first romance novel to really make an impact on me was Kathleen Woodiwiss’s The Wolf and the Dove. I read my first copy so often it fell apart. I bought another, and it’s still a book I re-read again and again.

If your book was made into a movie which actors would you like to see as the lead characters?

Oooh…that’s a good question. I can easily imagine Clive Owen playing Lachlan. His accent wouldn’t be quite right, but I could forgive that every time I looked at him. 😉 Rachel Weiss would make a great Rachel. Gorgeous, yet approachable and down-to-earth.

If you could switch lives with one of your characters who would if be & why?

Rachel. Heck, she got Lachlan. What more could a girl want? Plus, she’s artistic, and I can’t draw a good stick figure, let alone paint a landscape.

When you are not writing or reading, what do you enjoying doing in your spare time?

I love the movies. And I’m an avid fan of some current television programs, including Dexter and True Blood. My one outdoor activity is walking my dog several times a day, rain or shine. Not only do I get quality time with my pal, Lucky, I get inspired by the constantly-changing moods of Mother Nature.

If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?

What keeps you hooked to a paranormal romance series—what keeps you reading? Is it the over-arching conflict, the characters, or something else?

Where can readers find you on the internet?

You can find me all over the place on the webs: at my author website (http://www.annettemccleave.com/), at the group blog I share with several other talented NAL authors (http://www.silkandshadows.com/), on Facebook (www.facebook.com/annette.mccleave), or on Twitter (twitter.com/annettemccleave). Please stop by for a visit! I’d love to hear from you.

p.s.

This is also a stop on my “Cross into Darkness” blog tour, and I invite you to visit my website for a chance to win the tour grand prize. If you’ve been following the tour from the beginning, here’s the clue….

idonotwanttowaitiwantthebooknow clue: The village in the heart of this region is called Fortingall.

Thanks!

****Leave a comment answering Annette’s question about what keeps you hooked and reading a paranormal romance series and one commenter will win a signed copy of Drawn Into Darkness to be announced Friday. Good Luck!!!!

Winner: Terry Spear guest blog

Using List Randomizer at random.org the winner of a copy of To Tempt The Wolf or a book from Terry’s backlist is:

Rachie G

There were 27 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1. Rachie G
2. Cybercliper
3. Becky Ward
4. Jeanette Juan
5. etirv
6. Linda Henderson
7. Chelsea B
8. Joder
9. Aremenia
10. Suzette
11. Ilona
12. Karin
13. Ina
14. Lyoness2009
15. Jann
16. Teresa W
17. Quilt Lady
18. Aik
19. Taylor Z
20. Melissa Conaster
21. Sheila Deeth
22. Deidre
23. Raelena
24. Diva Donna
25. Elaine G
26. Frana
27. Pamk

Timestamp: 2009-09-04 11:49:54 UTC

Please e-mail me at gw12cats03 @ charter.net (without the spaces) with your mailing address and choice of book so I can get the information to Terry. Please include “Terry Spear Book Winner” in the subject line. The winner will have seven days to contact me or a new winner will be drawn.

A World of Wolves with Terry Spear

Thanks so much, Greta, for having me again! I love the title of your blog, “I Do Not Want to Wait, I Want the Book Now!”

I’m like that, too, enjoying reading an author’s voice, the way she puts words together, the worlds she creates, the way her characters interact, the way she draws me in with conflict and adventure and romance. And once that happens, I do not want to wait! I want the next book now! 🙂

So Greta wanted to know what kind of research I do for my books. You might be surprised! Not only do I read a lot of books about wolves and their behaviors, pack dynamics, individual wolf nuances, but I also research the vegetation in the area, the temperatures for the time of year it is, the topographical maps to learn elevations and where streams, rivers and lakes are. I research websites that talk about particular aspects of the areas I’m writing about, even though I’ve lived in these places, or was a frequent visitor. Why? I don’t remember everything about them, so I need a refresher course. 🙂

Take for instance, I was researching Maine for LEGEND OF THE WHITE WOLF to see if cell phone reception was available in parts of the area I didn’t want to have cell phone reception. Yep, just what I suspected. You go into the woods, leave your Internet cravings behind. No cell phones, no Internet. Perfect for my story. 🙂

When I began working on SEDUCED BY THE WOLF, I envisioned spring and warmer temperatures. This was purposefully set in spring because of the rebirth of flowers and trees, and wild creatures having their offspring. Here in Texas, spring is warm. But in Oregon, I forgot how nippy the weather could be. 🙂 Some of the lakeside areas I thought to set the opening in were still covered in snow! One of the areas was not, although it was still not open until later, around the month of May. So perfect for my hero and heroine to meet.

So doing a little research can change the story!

In DESTINY OF THE WOLF, I wanted a silver mining town that was my very own. I had visited several, and one, Telluride, I had a ball skiing at. In fact, it was the only ski resort I ever skied at that I actually got hot and started stripping out of warm weather gear. Hmm, maybe that’s where I get some of my wolf ideas of stripping in the snow…

While working on a scene for SEDUCED BY THE WOLF, I wanted to know where the wolves’ exhibit is at the Oregon Zoo. They have two gray wolves there. The zoo is backed up on Forest Park. But where is the wolves’ exhibit? Inquiring minds had to know. A map of the zoo is available on a website, but what surrounds the zoo? Google Earth gave me the answer. 🙂

In TO TEMPT THE WOLF, I had to learn about cabins on the Oregon coast, what was allowed. I read about a winter storm where the winds were hurricane strength. I studied the pictures and the road conditions from blogs. Tessa’s brother is incarcerated and I had to learn where he might be in prison. They needed to go to a hospital and I had to know how far away medical services were. The works are fiction, so the places are not absolutely real, although they can be based on real places. In HEART OF THE WOLF, the ranch where the bad alpha leader lives was based on a real ranch for sale in the area. Now, Leidolf of SEDUCED BY THE WOLF lives there. 🙂

Research can add credibility to the incredible world.

Greta also asked if where I live, wolves are abundant. They used to be. In fact, they used to live everywhere. But alas, the closest to where I live are in Louisiana.

Now for the good news! Just for commenting on Greta’s fun blog, you’ll have a chance to win TO TEMPT THE WOLF, or if you prefer, one of the earlier books if you already have this one.

And if you are interested, you can find me at these places:

www.terryspear.com

http://twitter.com/TerrySpear

http://www.facebook.com/terry.spear

http://www.myspace.com/terryspear

http://www.terry-spear.blogspot.com/

http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com/

http://www.wickedlyromantic.blogspot.com/

http://shapeshifterromance.wordpress.com/

Thanks again, Greta, for having me, and thanks to everyone for dropping by and commenting!

Terry Spear

“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male.”