RYDS Tour Stop - Interview with Stacey Kennedy

Welcome to Day 6 of the Romancing Your Dark-Side (RYDS) tour set of author interviews here on Reviews and Interviews. The tour itself is Aug 5 - Oct 31, and here's the full schedule. I'm hosting all 7 authors here this week.

Today's guest is Stacey Kennedy.

And at the end of the week, there will be a Virtual Gift Basket Giveaway for one commenter - Ebooks upon Ebooks, swag, and other goodies. So make sure to leave a comment today and each day this week!

Welcome, Stacey. Please tell us about your current release, Whatnots & Doodads.
A witch with unruly magic, a demon gone good, lava-hot passion, and a tornado of emotions–just another night in Strange Hollow.

For Bryanna, a witch from the Asheville Coven, magic is on the fritz. Shunned by her coven and her boyfriend Layton for her unruly magic, she seeks a new life for herself. It just so happens, fate steps in and brings her to Strange Hollow–a place where being different is not only acceptable, but encouraged.

When Bryanna arrives in Strange Hollow, Zeke, a demon gone good, is burning with Hell’s fire over her. Not only has she set his world ablaze, but he’s found one soul he can save. He’s determined to free her from the insecurities that have damaged her soul.

Together, they experience lava-hot passion as they weave their way through a tornado of emotions. But when Layton returns for her, will Zeke’s attempts to break the unworthy cage woven around her be enough to keep her in Strange Hollow forever?

What inspired you to write this book?
This story is part of Liquid Silver Books Strange Hollow line. The inspiration came from two things. The first, I read a couple stories from this line and loved the world. The second, my muse needed a break. I’d written four novels and wanted to do something light—a story that was full of humor, steamy passion and just plain ole’ fun! And that’s exactly what I got. I had a blast writing this book!

What exciting story are you working on next?
I’m in the process of editing Werewolves Be Damned – Magic & Mayhem Book One. It’ll be releasing with Entangled Publishing in April 2012. It’s a full-length urban fantasy romance that’s filled with snark, passion, danger and adventure in the Otherworld. Lots of fun!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
After I wrote my first story and realized I could do! :)

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
Right now, I’m a part-time writer because of my son. I have one daughter who goes to school full time, but my son started Junior Kindergarten and goes to school half days in the afternoon. It’s four hours of pure bliss!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
That I always need coffee! I can’t write a single word without it. Yes, strange, but it’s just the way I work.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a mom. The funny thing is being a stay-at-home-mom is what led me to write. I needed a way to keep things exciting while the kiddies napped, and that was why I wrote my first story.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I love to chat! So please don’t be shy. Come find me!

Facebook
Facebook fan page
Twitter

Stacey - thanks so much for having Reviews and Interviews be part of your virtual book tour.

Remember, at the end of the week, there will be a Virtual Gift Basket Giveaway for one commenter - Ebooks upon Ebooks, swag, and other goodies. So make sure to leave a comment today and each day this week!

RYDS Tour Stop - Interview with A. Jacob Sweeny

Welcome to Day 5 of the Romancing Your Dark-Side (RYDS) tour set of author interviews here on Reviews and Interviews. The tour itself is Aug 5 - Oct 31, and here's the full schedule. I'm hosting all 7 authors here this week.

Today's guest is A. Jacob Sweeny.

AJ is going to be raffling off a Pulse of Heroes 2120 poster calendar to a lucky commentor today and at the end of the week, there will be a Virtual Gift Basket Giveaway for one commenter - Ebooks upon Ebooks, swag, and other goodies. So make sure to leave a comment today and each day this week!


AJ, welcome to Reviews and Interviews. Please tell us about your current release.
Pulse of Heroes is the first installment in The Pulse series. It weaves together elements from several different genres: romance, suspense, myth/fantasy, paranormal, history and at its core, a heroine’s journey and transformation. A truly crafted plot and a sensitive coming-of-age narrative of a quirky teenage girl protagonist becoming a confidant young woman with her own voice. At the same time, the book draws the reader into a gripping adventure filled with fantastic historical elements and the crushing intensity of first love. Pulse of Heroes is a YA/crossover novel with memorable characters and several story arcs. It has a multi-cultural perspective with characters from around the globe, and a prominent female point-of-view.

What inspired you to write this book?
My love of history and my love for people, especially young adults. I wanted to bring forth a deeper story but that would be just as fun and exciting as the rest.

What exciting story are you working on next?
The second installment in The Pulse series is almost done and is set to be released Oct 31st 2011.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Since I always wrote as a hobby I always saw myself as ‘a writer’, but it wasn’t until the publishing of Pulse of Heroes that I considered myself an author.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I write full time now, but I also run a household and do some interior design on the side. I write throughout the day, but sometimes I do all night sessions too.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I can’t stop writing once the whole plot is laid out in my brain. The characters go to sleep with me and are there when I first open my eyes- a bit obsessive.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An Opera singer

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I really do love my readers. I craft every word with them on my mind. I also have an adorable pug named Buddha and two cats: Meyahu and Catmosis I.

Thanks for being here, A. Jacob. Thanks for including Reviews and Interviews in your blog tour.

Remember, AJ is raffling off a Pulse of Heroes 2120 calendar poster today and at the end of the week, there will be a Virtual Gift Basket Giveaway for one commenter - Ebooks upon Ebooks, swag, and other goodies. So make sure to leave a comment today and each day this week!

RYDS Tour Stop - Interview with BK Walker

Welcome to Day 4 of the Romancing Your Dark-Side (RYDS) tour set of author interviews here on Reviews and Interviews. The tour itself is Aug 5 - Oct 31, and here's the full schedule. I'm hosting all 7 authors here this week.

Today's guest is BK Walker.

And at the end of the week, there will be a Virtual Gift Basket Giveaway for one commenter - Ebooks upon Ebooks, swag, and other goodies. So make sure to leave a comment today and each day this week!

Bio:
BK Walker currently lives in Central Pennsylvania with her three children, Brittney, Hunterm and Danny, her dogs Rancid, Sadie, and Haven, a cat named Whiskers and a goldfish named Fat Albert.

She has always had a love for reading and writing, even as a child she created stories reading them to her stuffed animals. With a love for vampires and werewolves, you will not be disappointed with her writing as she mixes up the paranormal juice.

Aside from writing, BK also supports Indie Authors organizing virtual book tours, helping them to market and promote their work. Her book review site, BWB Reviews, is just another small way she contributes to the reading world. With many stories floating around in her head, she writes when she gets the time between working as a Pediatric Home Care Nurse, being a single mother, and continuing her college education in Graphic Art Design.

When BK's not fighting with her muse, Mouthy Mary, who has much to say way too often, you will find her at a baseball game with her children, or relaxing with a good book in her hand.

Welcome, BK! Please tell us about your current release, Night Secrets.
Keara Crosby has just lost her parents to a tragic accident. When her mysterious aunt comes to live with her, she finds strange things beginning to happen. Her best friend Jared finally convinces her to get out and get on with life, and she meets Channing and Corbin. Channing is handsome, she yearns for his touch, and he's a werewolf. Corbin is dark and mysterious, and she is sure she's met him before. She will soon learn that things aren't always what they seem, or make believe, when she's hunted by a crazed vampire, falls in love with a werewolf, and is granted protection from the owner of Night Secrets, a new club in town. Sometimes what the night holds, just might kill you.

What inspired you to write this book?
It was a dream. I had this same dream several times, always of this girl, who was of the fey lineage but she didn't know it. As the dream progressed, I was always seeing this Raven. This dream was before I knew it was my muse talking and I knew to listen, and when it hit me that it was meant to be a story, I wrote it.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I'm hoping to release Broken Captive in September. About a girl that is struggling to survive, fighting the outcome of abuse, and dealing with it in a very negative way. As she tries to find the love she misses in her life, things only get more complicated when the one thing that grounds her is tragically taken away. I'm also working on Serpent Seekers, another paranormal romance and book 2 for Night Secrets, Corbin's Descent.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I've always written stories since I was a kid. I still find it hard to consider myself a writer, but more so a story teller. It will come though, when I grow up lol.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I don't write full time, I wish I did. I work midnights as a pediatric home care nurse, and this is where I get most of my writing in. I'm glad for it too, or I might die of boredom lol. My nights are very quiet, and though I really enjoy writing to music, the peace of working midnights, being the only nurse in the house is welcoming. It gives my muse so much room to work.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Coffee and Shot In The Dark music, which I still do listen to on occasion at work.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A vet. :). Love my animals.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I love to hear from you. Anything at all, I more than welcome a shout out on Twitter, Facebook, any of my blogs or an e-mail. I can be found all over the Internet, all you have to do is google me :). For quick links, see below.

Paranormal Blog - www.immortylcafe.com
Author Blog - authorbkwalker.blogspot.com
E-mail - bkwalkerbooks@comcast.net

Thanks for being here this week, BK, and for all you do for writers promoting their books.

Remember, at the end of the week, there will be a Virtual Gift Basket Giveaway for one commenter - Ebooks upon Ebooks, swag, and other goodies. So make sure to leave a comment today and each day this week!

RYDS Tour Stop - Interview with Jaz Primo

Welcome to Day 3 of the Romancing Your Dark-Side (RYDS) tour set of author interviews here on Reviews and Interviews. The tour itself is Aug 5 - Oct 31, and here's the full schedule. I'm hosting all 7 authors here this week.

Today's guest is Jaz Primo to talk about A Bloody London Sunset (Sunset Vampire Series, Book 2).

And at the end of the week, there will be a Virtual Gift Basket Giveaway for one commenter - Ebooks upon Ebooks, swag, and other goodies. So make sure to leave a comment today and each day this week!

Jaz, please tell us about your current release.
A Bloody London Sunset is the second novel in the urban fantasy Sunset Vampire Series. The story continues the love story between the vampire Katrina and her human mate, Caleb. A global vampire conspiracy begins to unravel around them while nearly-forgotten childhood memories begin to resurface in Caleb's mind that threaten the foundation of his and Katrina's relationship. One of the central vampire characters in the series, Paige, plays a much larger role in this novel. Readers also get to learn more about the mysterious vampire, Alton.

What inspired you to write this book?
The elements in this novel were already fully developed while I was writing the first novel, so I knew that the second novel had to be finished to complete unresolved matters left over from the first novel. I have long since fallen in love with my Sunset Vampire characters, so it took very little inspiration to write about them once they had revealed to me what they were doing next.

What exciting story are you working on next?
Well, I just completed the third Sunset Vampire novel, Summit at Sunset, which is due out this November in eBook and in trade paperback in January 2012. Although I've decided to take some time off from writing to recharge my creative muse, I have the key storylines already defined for three future novels: a historical fantasy, a young adult paranormal romance, and the fourth novel in the Sunset Vampire Series.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I first considered myself a writer as a young boy in elementary school when I would write short stories to entertain my classmates and teachers. However, while I embraced my skills at being a writer, I didn't actually consider myself an author until I had completed my first full-length novel, Sunrise at Sunset, which is the first book in my Sunset Vampire Series.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I would love to be able to write full-time, but at this stage in my career as an author it doesn't even come close to paying the bills. My weekdays are spent in my full-time career as an administrator at a community college near my home. I'm only able to write in my spare time, typically weekends and occasionally free weeknights. Additionally, two nights each week are spent teaching history classes at the community college in the spring and fall semesters, so writing time is definitely catch-as-catch-can.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Well, I'm not entirely certain if this falls into the interesting category, but I rarely write my stories in linear fashion. I write scenes and dialogue that I feel most inspired about at a given moment in the story. Then I splice each section into their proper sequence and eventually write the bridging pieces that seamlessly tie each section together into a fluid novel.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be in the Air Force. I've had a fascination with aircraft since I was a child, and I come from a long line of Air Force members dating all the way back to the 1940s with my grandfather. Grandpa used to take me to the Confederate Air Force air shows where I could watch old World War II-era planes doing acrobatics. Grandpa also used to take me onto the Air Force base where he worked in aircraft hangar areas so that I could see modern military aircraft in various stages of maintenance. Eventually, I served twelve years in the Air Force Reserves working on fighter and bomber aircraft, and I even got to take a back-seat ride in an F-4 Phantom fighter jet on a practice bombing mission. Thankfully, I was able to live out part of my childhood dream.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
One of my favorite quotes is from author Alice Hoffman: "Books may well be the only true magic." I love to hear from readers, as well as get to know them at a personal level, so please hunt me down in Facebook under both Jaz Primo and The Sunset Vampire Series. I also encourage readers to stop by my Primo Vampires blog site and follow me on Twitter @jazprimo.

My Sunset Vampire novels are available in trade paperback and multiple eBook formats on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the Apple iBookstore. Finally, thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed on your blog today. This has been a sincere pleasure!

Thank you so much for visiting this week as part of the blog tour.

Remember, at the end of the week, there will be a Virtual Gift Basket Giveaway for one commenter - Ebooks upon Ebooks, swag, and other goodies. So make sure to leave a comment today and each day this week!

RYDS Tour Stop - Interview with Amber Scott

Welcome to Day 2 of the Romancing Your Dark-Side (RYDS) tour set of author interviews here on Reviews and Interviews. The tour itself is Aug 5 - Oct 31, and here's the full schedule. I'm hosting all 7 authors here this week.

Today's guest is Amber Scott.

And at the end of the week, there will be a Virtual Gift Basket Giveaway for one commenter - Ebooks upon Ebooks, swag, and other goodies. So make sure to leave a comment today and each day this week!

Dawn, please tell us about your current release, Fierce Dawn.
"X-MEN action meets True Blood heat!" *****5 stars
---Ann Charles, Nearly Departed In Deadwood, 2010 Daphne Winner

Snarling teeth, glowing eyes. Someone--something--is after her.

The man who haunts her dreams enters her reality, claiming she's transforming into a changeling--not quite immortal but no longer human.

Battle lines are drawn and blood spills as the two fight not only for her life, but for mankind's as well.

What inspired you to write this book?
A few things. Fierce Dawn’s delicious hero, Elijah, first appeared to me in dream sequences that Sadie, the heroine, had then found herself needing to paint. I’ve long been fascinated by the idea, what if hallucinations of mental illnesses were real? What if these persons could actually see what others can’t? I’m fascinated with the human brain and this what if helped ParaRealm come to life along with the idea of humans becoming changelings, a cross of immortal and human, evolved due to environmental needs.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I’m working on the second ParaRealm book Stealing Dusk, Lyric’s story. Lyric is a feeder, an immortal who gives and takes energy and images. In ParaRealm human blood is a drug and immortals who are addicted to it are vampires. Lyric is fighting his own vampirism as he helps hunt down the leader of an evil faction out to annihilate humankind. His best friend’s ex proves to be key to helping him and tempting him beyond redemption.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I was about four when I first declared to my mom that I was going to be a writer. I credit her taking my claim seriously for that seed planting and growing over the years.

It wasn’t until I became a stay at home mom, staring at the walls during naptimes that I decided, if not now, when? I participated in NaNoWriMo and found I didn’t just love dreaming of being a writer. I actually love to write, too! Phew!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I need to make soundtracks for my novels to nail down characters, scenes and mood. I’m so dependent on my iPod that when it went missing, I had a serious anxiety attack. I grew attached to having it next to me, earplugs in. And I love shopping for songs for scenes. For Stealing Dusk, for example, I just found the perfect Deftones song for one of Lyric’s bloodsport battle scenes.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An author. My back up plan is a hair stylist, though. I love hair.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
My reader/fan group is called the HOT Club and my motto is “Spoil the HOT!” If any readers would like to join, since it is a secret Facebook group, I’ll just need us to be friends and then for them to let me know they’d like in.

In the HOT Club, you get all Amber Scott and release news first, a HOT swag kit (Swag so HOT, your mailman wants it, is the slogan for it) and just some all around fun. I’m also on Twitter and have a list called the HOT Club there, too.

Thanks, Amber!

Remember, at the end of the week, there will be a Virtual Gift Basket Giveaway for one commenter - Ebooks upon Ebooks, swag, and other goodies. So make sure to leave a comment today and each day this week!

Live chat/interview with C. Hope Clark - 9/18/11

The Writer's Chatroom presents C. Hope Clark, creator of Funds for Writers, author, and speaker.

WHEN?

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Eastern USA Time.....7-9 PM

Not sure what time that is wherever in the world you are? http://www.worldtimeserver.com

WHERE?

The Writers Chatroom at: http://www.writerschatroom.com/Enter.htm

Scroll down to the Java box. It may take a moment to load. Type in the name you wish to be known by, and click Login. No password needed.

Please note: The chatroom is only open for regularly scheduled chats.

RYDS Tour Stop - Interview with Kristie Cook

Welcome to Day 1 of the Romancing Your Dark-Side (RYDS) tour set of author interviews here on Reviews and Interviews. The tour itself is Aug 5 - Oct 31, and here's the full schedule. I'm hosting all 7 authors here this week.

Today's guest is Kristie Cook.

And at the end of the week, there will be a Virtual Gift Basket Giveaway for one commenter - Ebooks upon Ebooks, swag, and other goodies. So make sure to leave a comment today and each day this week!

Bio:
Kristie Cook is a lifelong, award-winning writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. She continues to write the Soul Savers Series, with the first two books, Promise and Purpose, available now and the third book, Devotion, coming February 2012. She’s also written a companion novella, Genesis, coming October 2011.

Besides writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and riding on the back of a motorcycle. She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her husband, three teenage sons, a beagle and a puggle.

Kristie, welcome to Reviews and Interviews. Please tell us about your current release.
Purpose is the second book in the Soul Savers Series, continuing the story of Alexis, Tristan, and the Amadis started in Promise, the first book. It picks up 9 years after Promise left off, in present day. Alexis must face both personal and real-life demons as she learns her purpose in life and begins the transformation into the woman she’ll have to become for the rest of the series.

What inspired you to write this book?
Promise and Purpose were originally written as one book and I started with a scene in my mind that became a pivotal scene in Purpose. After I wrote that scene—what I thought was just for fun for me—an ending came to mind, but first I had to find out how the characters even got to this scene in the first place. Before I knew it, I had a full book, which was really two. So, really, the characters inspired me to write it.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I am working on a novella that is a side story for the Soul Savers Series. It is about the beginning of the Amadis over 2,000 years ago.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I’ve been a writer, in one capacity or another, since I was 8 years old. My entire career has included writing and/or editing as my main duty, so I’ve always considered myself a writer. Not until I had that first draft of Promise/Purpose done did I really think I could possibly be a fiction author.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
Sort of. I own two businesses with the same business partner. The second business is a publishing company that publishes my books. My main job function has become writing and running the publishing company, but I’m still pretty involved in the other company, too. We provide consulting services to the construction industry.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
When I’m gearing up to write or need to think something through, I listen to appropriate music and play Minesweeper. It’s the stupidest game, but it’s what my brain needs. The counting is mundane but enough of a distraction and it uses the other side of my brain than writing, giving the creative half a break. If that doesn’t work, I’ll take a shower. LOL My best ideas come to me in the shower, though.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A writer. Or a pilot or a teacher or a hotel owner. But mostly a writer. Oh, and a mom. Definitely always wanted to be a mom.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Just that I hope you’ll give both Promise and Purpose a chance. Although I had to split them into two books, I really intend them to be read together. Otherwise, you don’t get the full story. At least, the beginning of the story. The rest is still to come. ;)

And thank you, Lisa, for hosting me and the Romancing Your Dark Side Tour! This was fun!

I can be reached through several avenues:
Author Website & Blog: http://www.KristieCook.com
Series Website: http://www.SoulSaversSeries.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKristieCook
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/kristiecookauth
Tumbler: http://www.tumblr.com/tumblelog/kristiecook
Google+: https://plus.google.com/102746226001674797330/posts


It was great to have you here, Kristie. Enjoy the rest of your tour.

Remember, at the end of the week, there will be a Virtual Gift Basket Giveaway for one commenter - Ebooks upon Ebooks, swag, and other goodies. So make sure to leave a comment today and each day this week!