INTERVIEW & GIVEAWAY: KERI LAKE!

THE DRAW FOR THIS GIVEAWAY WAS MADE ON MONDAY (12/12/11) AS STATED. AND AS THE WINNER HAS GOTTEN BACK TO ME TO ACCEPT THEIR PRIZE, I CAN NOW ANNOUNCE THAT THE WINNER OF THE SIGNED PAPERBACK & BOOKMARK IS:

KRYSTAL LARSON (COMMENT #21)

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR PARTICIPATING.  PLEASE REMEMBER TO LOOK OUT FOR MORE GIVEAWAYS IN THE FUTURE.

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It is my GREAT pleasure to have on my blog today, the one and only delightful Keri Lake.

A married mother of two living in Michigan, Keri writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance (which is a HUGE win, imo), and her debut novel, Somnium: Halos 1 is due to be launched on the 16th December. Before we take a peek at that, let’s just partake in a massive Wheeeeeeeeeee! cheer for Keri. And here’s the book itself:

From Goodreads:

A work assignment in Kittery, Maine should be routine for Allie Lynch; nothing more than to prove herself as a brilliant engineer. Instead she finds herself torn between two men: a gorgeous military guard, Colton Briggs, and her devilishly handsome colleague, Drew Costa. To resist temptation, Allie does the only thing she can: she throws herself into her work.
But fate has other plans for Allie. Women are going missing all around her, Allie is struck with a series of life-threatening mishaps, and she becomes the obsession of a local deranged psychopath.
Thrust into a dark world that she can hardly fathom, Allie must fight for her very survival, open her mind to new realities – and open her heart to the possibility of love. Because both of these men are trouble – but one is a greater danger than she could ever imagine …

Sounds pretty cool, eh? And how gorgeous is that cover? I did try to embed the Book Trailer but I’m such a techno-klutz that I failed on that account. However, here’s the link: http://youtu.be/HuK-ooJUN9M for any who dares to check it out (‘Tis pretty awesome). And you can add the book to your Goodreads list by clicking on the cover image above.

If you fancy giving Somnium a bash, why not stick around for the giveaway posted below her interview:

Without further a do, I’d like to welcome Keri to my blog.

The first question that springs to mind when I read the blurb of your novel is why angels and demons? With a whole host of supernatural beings to choose from in the PNR genre, what was it that made you go in this direction?

I’ve always been fascinated by angels and demons.  Good versus evil.  Somnium is loosely based on my sister.  When she moved out of state a few years back, it was really scary.  She’s the baby of the family.  I began writing the novel soon after she left and it sort of gave me some piece of mind; the idea of someone looking out for her.

Allie is your MC. It’s so hard to understand what motivates a character from the blurb alone. To give us a better glimpse of what makes her tick, what five words would you use to describe her?

As I mentioned, Allie is loosely based on my sister.  But she also has some elements of me in her.  I guess that’s the case with writers.  The five words I would use to describe her:

1.  Feisty – she is undoubtedly a little pistol
2. Curious – the girl can’t leave well enough alone
3. Clumsy – this is definitely my sister
4. Funny – she definitely has a sense of humor
5. Stubborn – don’t think I need to comment on this one.

And as there are (not one but) two hot dudes fighting for Allie’s attention, how about you sum each of them up with one sentence?

Well, Drew Costa is undoubtedly a handsome devil, smart and sometimes charming, but a man with a chip on his shoulder.

Colton Briggs is a sexy soldier and a man of few words who could darn near shoot daggers from his piercing blue eyes.

Um … yum, anyone?

Somnium is subtitled: Halos #1. I’m guessing that means it’s part of a bigger picture. Care to elaborate for any who’re interested?

I was looking at a trilogy with this one, but there’s actually quite a bit to say about the Halos world.  So I started a novella…and I’m not sure it’ll stop there.  For now, we’ll just call Somnium Book 1.

And onto some more personal questions … about you:

Where is your favourite spot to write?

Oh boy, this is going to sound really awful, but my favorite place to write is actually in my car.  I like to crank the heat (or air in the summer), flip on my iPod and go to town…er, on my book…not literally drive to town.  I’m not one for typing the first draft.  I have to write it out by hand.  The ideas flow uninterrupted – perhaps jotting them down on paper gives my brain an opportunity to stay ahead of my thoughts.  So the car is just fine for that.  The exception is when my characters drag me out of bed at 3-4 am.  Then it’s my desk, tucked away in a corner with a blanket and some strong coffee.

That has to be the most bizarre answer I’ve heard yet, lol.

When I write, I prefer to be in PJ trousers, a mug of caffeine at my elbow, a packet of something munchable slightly out of reach (just because I like the security of them being there but having them too far away makes it less likely I’ll nibble the entire packet in one sitting), and my family in the other room watching TV. So … how do you settle in to write?

Haha!  Well, my writing routine is different from my editing routine.  When I set myself to write, all I need is a cup of coffee and some music.  I wrote Halos during my lunch breaks at work, so I’d nibble on lunch while I was working throughout the day and then have my lunch hour to do nothing but grab a Starbucks and write.  Pen + paper + peppermint mocha + iTunes = Staves off writer’s block.

Editing is another issue.  I typically need some sugar close by, my iPhone for Twitter breaks, a good night’s sleep and silence.

Ice cream or fresh cream—which rocks your hormones to the greatest effect?

Definitely ice cream. 

Pizza toppings: meat feast … or plain ole cheese & tom?

I’m a ham & pineapple kinda gal. 

Hehehehe

Better way to relax: Books … or movies?

Books, hands down.  I love movies and get excited about renting them.  But then I end up feeling guilty.  Like I should be doing something else.  At least with reading I feel like I’m sharpening my craft.

And finally … in no more than three sentences, tell us why we should buy your book: what para’s the normal to make Somnium unique?

I think it’s the characters in the story that will surprise readers the most.  They’re multi-dimensional, going beyond simply angels or demons.  Flaws give them some depth and make the storyline unique.

I love deep characters that allow a reader to get inside their head—I love to try and figure out what makes them tick. Thank you so much to Keri for visiting my blog today. It’s been an absolute pleasure.

So, people, does Somnium sound like your cup of tea? Awesome, because Keri is giving away one signed print copy of Somnium: Halos 1 AND 1 bookmark, and here’s how you can win them:

Simply leave a comment below to be eligible (along with your email for contact purposes). That’s it. Easy peasy.

Terms and conditions of giveaway:

Giveaway ends midnight 11th December 2011–all comments must be posted by then to be eligible. 

A winner will be selected using Random.org within 24 hours of giveaway closure, and the winner will be notified via email.

Once the notified, the winner will have 48 hours to accept and provide a shipping address or the prize will be reallocated.

Prize is as stated–no [cash or otherwise] alternatives will be provided.

Rightio, everyone … the floor’s yours. Good luck! 

And if you’re interested in finding out more about Keri, she can be found lurking at Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, or her website. 

ANY CHANCE OF A VOTE?

Due for release January ’12, my novella, Instinct, received its first review last week over at The Romance Studio. And not only a review, but a 5 heart review.

Wheeeeeeeeeee!

On top of that, they also entered it into this week’s 5 Heart Sweetheart vote. The winner gets their cover, buy link and a review snippet on The Romance Studio’s front door page the following week along with promotion on all of their social media outlets.

Sooooooooooo … any chance you’ll pop on over and vote for me?

Please?

Here’s the link: http://www.theromancestudio.com/5heart_form.php

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand, I’m also over at the blog of the soon-to-be-new-author Keri Lake in my latest author interview today. What’s more, I’m not alone. Nope. I am there with the totally delicious Holloway Boys, Sean & Ethan: Check it out!

To all the amazing people who show support time and again for my writing: Thank you in advance! You’re totally awesome!

INTERVIEW: H. D. GORDON, AUTHOR OF BLOOD WARRIOR!

Lucky, lucky me. After spotting the delightful H. D. Gordon on Goodreads, I approached her and asked if she’d like to appear on my blog. I knew she had a new novel out, which I’d heard good stuff about, and so I was mucho excited when she came back and said ‘Sure’. She even let me ask her a tonne of questions. Before we head on down to those, let’s take a quick look at the novel that has come highly recommended to me:

When her home is attacked by murderous vampires, 17-year-old Alexa is forced to leave her mother for dead in order to save her sister. She soon learns that she is the last known member of an elite race of supernatural Warriors, and is thrust into a world full of vampires and werewolves who all seem to regard her as some sort of savior. Meanwhile, Alexa battles a monster within herself that seeks to gain control; a monster that seeks blood.
The hidden city she finds herself in appears perfect, but Alexa’s instincts tell her that all is not right within its walls. When she is asked to attend a school of fighters, whose exams consist of gladiator-style competitions, she must decide who she can trust among the smiling faces. And, when she meets Kayden, a vampire she feels undeniably drawn to, she must decide if she can trust herself.

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Hi, H.D. and welcome to my blog. I understand your debut novel, Blood Warrior, is self-published. What made you decide to go that route?

I actually did receive some interest for this novel from agents but never sent them the MS. I was sick of jumping through hoops and decided it was better to just get the story into the hands of some readers and see what happened. I’m glad that I did. The responses have been amazing!

Brave lady. And I’m glad it appears to be paying off. Though there a lot of vampire and/or werewolf novels on the market (mine included, hehehe). What makes yours stand out from the crowd?

I’m hoping everything! (hehe) But seriously, I think it is the writing that will make it stand out. Poetry was my first love. I happen to believe it is what I am best at. My goal was to incorporate some of that into my novel. Also, I will say that I did not write this novel for trend. I wrote it because I wanted to tell a story that I would want to read. In fact, in the beginning, I wasn’t even intending on publishing it! As the story progressed, however, I thought, hey, maybe others would like to read this too. Suffice to say that I have always been a huge fan of vamps, werewolves and the like, and I will continue to be a fan long after the trend fades.

Me, too, where werewolves are concerned.

I love a healthy dose of romance, and after reading some of the awesome reviews Blood Warrior has received, it’s obvious there is some loving on offer for your MC. Did you always know who would be the love interest for Alexa before you started writing the novel? Do you plan beforehand? Or do you allow the characters to lead the way?

I just think that most stories are better when there is a “healthy dose of love.” So, yes, there is plenty of love in it. I thought this was especially important because of the nature of my main character, Alexa. She’s not normal. That’s an understatement, she’s a killer. If you can get people to root for a killer, I think that’s a pretty big accomplishment. The unyielding love she feels for her sister, her friends and Kayden helped to soften her more dangerous qualities.

The subtitle for Blood Warrior (The Alexa Montgomery Saga) suggests this to be part of a series. How many books do you anticipate there being for Alexa? And will they all be from Alexa’s PoV?

It is a series. I intend for it to be about four books, but I won’t know for sure until I let the story tell itself. Book two will be told from both Alexa’s and Nelly’s (her little sister) POV. If you’ve read the first book, the reason for this may be obvious. But, also Nelly is a very important and interesting character so writing from her POV has been amazing. She’s powerful in a way, very different from Alexa and hopefully, readers will take to her just as well.

I’m sure they will.

So … do you have a projected release date for the 2^nd novel? Just in case your readers are dying to know.

I have been getting a lot of this question from readers, so I’m glad you asked. I hope to have it done by this coming January. AND, I’m hoping it will be even better than the first!

I find blurbs often tell the readers very little about what the MC is really like. If you had only five words to sum up Alexa, what would they be?

Homicidal and altruistic- ha, funny mix, huh? Strong, smart, and stubborn would also probably fit.

LOL, she sounds a right character.  How about Kayden? Teach us about his character with five words.

Super-hot , mysterious, reserved, strong and dangerous would be Kayden.

Oooh, sounds yummy.

Now a bit about you. If you could appear in an anthology with ANY author, who would you choose?

Stephen King, undoubtedly!

Check on the bookshelf nearest to you: What are the first three books on your top shelf?

The Shining by Stephen King, The whole Vampire Academy Series by Rachelle Mead and Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin.

Interesting mix. Where is your favourite spot for settling down to write?

In the dark, by my second story bay windows.

And finally, are you willing to divulge five random facts about yourself?

Sure, I’m 23 years old and a single mother of two. I work and go to school full time. I study literature and creative writing and also play a little guitar.

*Sigh* Oh, to be so young again, LOL. Thanks so much, Heather, it’s been an absolute pleasure having you on my blog. For anyone who’d like to learn more about H. D. Gordon and Blood Warrior, why not hook up with her at Goodreads.

So, what about you guys? Does Blood Warrior sound like your cup of tea? Then quick, go grab yourself a copy, currently available at Amazon for only $0.99. I know I shall be.

 

AN INTERVIEW WITH … WYATT MORELAND!

I have a small list of favourite authors. One of them is most definitely the delightful Aimee Laine, especially after reading her debut novel: Little White Lies. Because of this, when I was given the opportunity to participate in Ms Laine’s blog tour I was mucho happy to oblige.

So … today on my blog, I have a guest that I’m very excited to introduce to you all. Straight from the debut novel by Aimee Laine: Little White Lies, I’d like to introduce y’all to Mr Wyatt Moreland.

Me: ::Swings in swivel chair to face him:: Hi. Why don’t you make yourself at home?

Wyatt: ::Leans back, crosses one ankle over his knee and rests an arm across the back of the couch::

Me: You mind answering a couple questions before we start?

Wyatt: Isn’t that why we’re here?

Me: ::Keeps straight face and refuses to bite:: Name?

Wyatt: I have one.

Me: ::Lips twitch:: Age?

Wyatt: Old enough.

Me: ::Giggles:: You married? ::Wink::

Wyatt: ::Smile::

Me: You know I’m just testing you, right? Like they do with those lie detectors?

Wyatt: ::Smile::

Me: Okay, seriously now. I have a few quick-fire questions. You sure you’re ready for ‘em?

Wyatt: After what I’ve been through? I’m ready for anything. ::Nods::

Me: What was the name of your first girlfriend?

Wyatt: ::Scratches head:: Um … Cheryl. I think. It was a long time ago.

Me: Name one item you never leave the house without?

Wyatt: ::Slaps his side, near his hip, so his palm thuds against an object:: Especially now, what with Charley’s … ::cough:: … change.

Me: What do you do for a living?

Wyatt: I’m a Field Agent for the FBI. ::Leans forward:: But if I told you everything, I’d have to kill you, so we’ll leave it at that. Good?

Me: Ha! You’re … not serious, right? ::Clears throat, mumbles: maybe he is:: Okay, just answer one more question on that, and I’ll let it drop. Why FBI? What made you choose that career path?

Wyatt: When you want to find someone, and it requires that you cross state, country or even continent lines, you gotta be a part of a big operation.

Me: Interesting. ::eyebrow quirks up:: Got any hobbies or hidden talents?

Wyatt: ::Smirk:: Those are best left between Charley and I. ::wink::

Me: Ha! ::Chortles:: What’s your greatest fear in life? ::Leans forward and drops voice to a conspiratorial whisper:: What are you most afraid of?

Wyatt: ::Leans forward as if to whisper:: Not having Charley in my life.

Me: ::Sits back up:: What irritates the p**s outta you? What truly gets your goat?

Wyatt: People who ask too many questions. ::Wink:: Actually, it’s people who aren’t genuine. Who think they should be something other than who they truly are.

Me: If you had to sum yourself up in one word, what would that one word be?

Wyatt: One word? Seriously? One? Damn. Um … adaptable?

Me: Blonde or brunette?

Wyatt: ::Smile:: Brunette.

Me: Teen Charley, or adult Charley—if you had to pick one, which would it be?

Wyatt: No contest there. Adult Charley.

Me: Talking of Charley, I’m surprised she’s let you wander off to the blog of some unknown female. ::Stares nervously about at all the people in the room because Charley could be any of them:: She lurking around here somewhere?

Wyatt: Only I’ll know the answer to that one. ::smile::

Me: Oooookay ::Shifty eyes:: Well, I think that’s a wrap. A huge thanks to Wyatt for joining me today.

If you would like to learn more about him, then I guess you’re just gonna have to read the book, peeps—check out Little White Lies.

 

When the government needs a body double for a covert operation, they hire shape-shifter Charley Randall. For two centuries, she’s played every part from foreign dignitary to office drone. The role she wants most, though, is one she’s denied herself three times already.

FBI Agent Wyatt Moreland believes Charley’s photographic memory is the key to his latest assignment. He’s oblivious to the true extent of her abilities, but he can’t deny the sense of déjà vu at their introduction.

Unlike Wyatt, Charley knows this isn’t their first meeting.

It’s their fourth.

The girl he vowed to love, sixteen years before, stands in front of him in her true form – one he’ll never recognize.

With each reconnection, Charley loves him more, though she realizes this is her last chance to explain. Only absolute truth can bring them happiness, but can Wyatt forgive her deceptions? Or will lies tear them apart forever?

You can get your own copy of Little White Lies at your local bookstore | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | AllRomance | BooksOnBoard

Or to find out more about the author, visit Aimee Laine’s Blog.

WEEKLY NEWS … & AN INTERVIEW WITH SEAN HOLLOWAY!

My main news of the week is as the post title suggests.

When Sean Holloway, male character of Darkness & Light, was invited to be interviewed by erotic author Stella Berkley, he jumped at the chance.

Ever had a character interviewed by an erotic writer before? Chortle.

Go check it out at: Stella Berkley.

Newsletter

I hope to have a newsletter up and running real soon, with the first being sent out at the beginning of August. So if you’re interested in keeping up with what’s happening in Jabland, or being amongst the first to know of new releases, there is a subscription link in the sidebar of my blog (over there=>>) or on the Contact Me page of my website.

Q&A Group

Yep, I’ve finally gone and created a Group on Goodreads. A place to chat about the Holloway Pack, romance, the paranormal, or to ask me anything you ever wondered about me (so long as it’s clean). Would be great to see you there.

Other than those, it’s been a fairly quiet week.

Although I did receive my line edits for Marked—a Sean Holloway short story, which will be featured in the Into the Unknown Anthology. It’s no secret I’m a huge sulky wuss baby when it comes to receiving my work covered in editor-red-pen. But I was (fairly) mature (for me) about my Marked line edits, and have already returned them.

What’s coming up for next week?

Next week may be a little more eventful.

Monday: I shall finally get to reveal the cover for the abovementioned Into the Unknown Anthology and blurb. Wheeeeeeeeeee! Can’t wait.

Tuesday: my blog will be featuring An Interview with Wyatt Moreland (character of Aimee Laine’s: Little White Lies).

Friday: I shall be arranging an E-book giveaway on Goodreads. So, those of you who didn’t win the signed copy, here’s another chance to acquire a copy.

How about you guys? How was your week? What plans do you have coming up?

Now available  at the following outlets:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

WHSmith

Waterstones

Join Me at the J. Taylor Publishing Blog!

I’m featured over at J. Taylor Publishing today in an author interview. It would be great if you popped on over to check it out!