Q&A Thursday with Kinley Baker

Today's interview is with Kinley Baker!

Enjoy & Comment!

Why did you start writing and when did you decide to go professional?

I’m not sure what made me decide being a writer was a good idea. I just wanted to do it, before I even tried to write a book. My first major choice when I was looking at colleges was Creative Writing. After I started college I switched majors, tried a number of different classes, and ultimately settled on Creative Writing again. So I have a degree, but I wrote mostly creative nonfiction because of the classes I was involved in. I didn’t really understand the fiction professors who spoke of “showing vs. telling” and “voice”. But after college I started reading a lot. That led to frustration at waiting for books in series to come out. This led me to writing my own series so I wouldn’t lay awake at night wondering who was going to be Hawke’s heroine (from Nalini Singh’s Kiss of Snow). There was no moment when I decided I was going to try to get published. It was always just a goal and seemed like a natural progression. With all that said, looking back, I get what they were trying to teach me in college now. Lol. Just took me a while.

Do you write in more than one genre? Which ones and which do you like the best?

I write paranormal romance, fantasy romance, urban fantasy and my latest novella is a post-apocalyptic/futuristic romance. I guess that shows I just need a little magic, a little romance, and of course a happy ending. I’m having a blast with the futuristic romance, but I think that’s mostly because the characters are really fun.

Do you read other author’s books when you’re writing? If so, do you read the same genre or something different?

This constantly changes for me. Right now, I can’t really read paranormal or fantasy. Something about the genre isn’t working for me, which is strange because it is by far my favorite genre and I’ve read hundreds of these types of novels. Recently, I’ve been escaping into Harlequin contemporary romances.

What is the most difficult part of the entire writing process for you? Queries, pitches, editing… etc.

Do I have to pick just one? Lol. I think every part of the process has its own challenges. Queries are hard because a lot rides on your ability to write a good one. Pitches in person to Editors are terrifying because I’m shy and have a bad habit of turning bright red when I’m nervous. Editing is tough because it’s a constantly evolving process and there’s always more to learn. Marketing and getting your name out there is difficult in a crowded market. I could go on, but to sum it up, writing isn’t easy. For me, loving romance makes it worth the difficulties.

Author Biography:

Kinley Baker read her first romance novel at the age of thirteen and immediately fell in love with the hero and the genre. She lives with her husband and her dog, Joker, in the Pacific Northwest. As a firm supporter of all supernatural lifestyles, she writes fantasy romance, paranormal romance, and urban fantasy. You can find Kinley at www.kinleybaker.com.

BOOK BLURB

Jessa is one healing away from death. Under the thrall of her gift, the Court's Senior Healer risks giving her life in exchange for her patient's.

Vale is a rebel ruler. When his brother is killed, he's given the throne and the decree from the Court to produce an heir or lose his family's hold on the land--and his deceiving advisors aren't afraid to use murder as a weapon if their directive to stay away from the Senior Healer goes unheeded.

But Vale burns to possess Jessa. The heat between them leaves a wake of smoke, and even the powerful forces above want to bind them in a union that lasts forever. Vale taking another would be a betrayal neither could survive.

Their enemies fear a child born of such a powerful Healer and Warrior, but the true threat lies in the bond forged in shadows and fused in fire.

SOCIAL MEDIA & WEB LINKS:

www.kinleybaker.com

www.twitter.com/kinleybaker

www.facebook.com/kinleybaker

http://authorkinleybaker.blogspot.com

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11925534-ruined

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kinley-Baker/196649877015210

New Review!

Just wanted to share my latest review with everyone! http://beeskneesreviews.blogspot.com/2011/09/wild-wicked-review.html

If you've read any of my novellas, you can post a review on Goodreads too! http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/712429.Jenn_Nixon

Teaser Tuesday with Lynn Rush

Today's Teaser Tuesday is from Lynn Rush's Ruined from Crescent Moon Press!

Enjoy & Comment!

Book Blurb:

Bound by the blood contract his human mother signed four centuries ago, half-demon, David Sadler, must obey his demonic Master’s order to capture fifteen-year-old Jessica Hanks. But as he learns more about her, he realizes she may be the key to freedom from his demonic enslavement.

The only obstacle—Jessica’s distractedly beautiful Guardian, Rebeka Abbott. He must not give in to their steamy chemistry, or he will lose his humanity. But fresh off a quarter millennia of sensory deprivation as punishment for not retrieving his last target, he may not be able to resist temptation long enough to save what’s left of his human soul.

Excerpt

Copyright © 2011 Lynn Rush
All rights reserved — a Crescent Moon Press publication

"One more dance?" She focused on me, her lips puckered out. "That song was half-way through, so it doesn't count."

"I should g-"

"Just one."

She gathered me to her, flattening her breasts against my chest. So close she had to put one of her feet between mine so we could move. Her warmth seeped through her thin shirt into mine. Hunger for her forced the air from my lungs. The demon demanded to be let out.

"So, do you have a name?" Her minty breath washed over me, and I put my hands on her hips.

"What is yours?" I asked.

"Rebeka, but everyone calls me Beka."

"You frequent this establishment?"

Her inner thigh skimmed my leg as she leaned into me more. My hold on her hips tightened, keeping her core from mine. The prickle of my demon sliced at my heart, urging me to pull her close. My heart pounded and body tightened. I couldn't handle much more touching before I lost control.

"Yes. I'm here often." She held my gaze. "Tell me your name."

"I am David."

We swayed in silence, her body dangerously close to mine, yet I absorbed every touch. I played with fire remaining in her embrace, but for unknown reasons, I dove in further.

"Where are you from, Beka?"

"Here. I was raised here. You?"

"Nowhere special. Passing through town."

Her gaze inched down. "Just passing through? How long will you be here?"

"Not sure yet."

Her teeth sank into her lip again.

I stiffened. That gesture with her mouth was too much. "I should be going now."

"Will you be back?" She loosened her grip.

Frigid air seeped between us, and I wanted to pull her close again. She felt like heaven against me. "I might be."

"Hope so." She winked.

My gaze swept over her body, taking in the soft, delicate skin held captive by her tank top. With each breath her chest swelled. We hadn't danced quickly, but she was winded.

A thin, black line of ink peeked out from behind her earlobe. The beginnings of a tattoo. Possibly marking her identity. Guardians bore a tattoo distinguishing them from humans. I drew in a breath, strengthening my resolve to remain in control, and cupped her cheek. She gasped and leaned into my hand like I'd hoped.

The fury of blazing heat streaming from her face in my grasp threatened to distract me. My pulse hammered. But I had to see the mark. A thin line followed the curve of her lobe and disappeared into the shadow behind her ear.

Her teeth grated her lip. Must be a nervous habit. But the action chipped at my resolve each time.

One quick taste.

I brought my other hand to her face, the side with the mark, and curled my fingers around her neck, moving my thumb behind her ear. Her hands cuffed my wrists, but not to push me away. Instead her stare bore into mine like a freight train. The flashing lights of the club bounced a coral, teal, and violet rainbow over her shimmering skin.

The people surrounding us blurred into oblivion, and the music faded into a storm of muffled pitches and tones.

I concentrated on her shining lips and took in the warmth of her body so close to mine. I wanted only the sense of touch to be awake while I reveled in the silky texture of her skin. For so long I'd touched nothing. If I was going to break my rules, I would enjoy it.

Her hands glided from my wrists down my forearms and up my biceps, sending a ripple of desire through my soul. I could resist no longer. I brushed my lips against hers and tasted melon. She heaved a sharp breath and clamped her fingers around my shoulders, holding me in place.

Scents of lilac permeated me. My heart hammered, and my demon pounded, wanting out.

Wanting her.

I turned my head, severing our connection. Too intense. Must stay in control. She let out a whimper. I pressed my mouth to her cheek and tilted her head.

I almost wished I hadn't.

She bore the mark of a Guardian, immortal protectors of the humans.

I drank Beka in for three long breaths, knowing it may be my last chance to hold her close. Because if Beka truly was guarding Jessica Hanks I would more than likely have to kill her to get my Mark.

Short Bio:

Lynn Rush began her writing career in 2008. She has both an undergraduate and graduate degree in the mental health field and has enjoyed applying that unique knowledge to develop unique characters.

A former inline speed skater and mountain biker, Lynn has been known to test the limits of her athletic endurance. So, when she's not writing, she spends time enjoying the Arizona sunshine by road biking nearly 100 miles per week with her husband of fifteen years and going on jogs with her loveable Shetland Sheep dogs.

Catch the Rush: www.lynnrush.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LynnRushWrites

Twitter: www.twitter.com/LynnRush

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/k6NAZa  

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/pavzwE

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/pbigOg

All Romance Ebooks: http://bit.ly/nujjjp

You Tube Trailer:  http://youtu.be/k-KRE1yMiNk 

        

Interview with Gabrielle Bisset

Today's Q&A Thursday is with Author Gabrielle Bisset.

Enjoy & Comment!

What is the worst thing you’ve written, how did you learn or know it was bad, and what did you learn from it?

I wrote some poems years ago, and I just knew they were bad.  Some people have a knack for poetry, and some don’t.  Let’s just say I’m one of the don’t people. However, it made me realize that while I wasn’t suited for poetry, I did have creative ideas that were looking for an outlet.  From there, I began writing longer pieces, which are definitely more my style.

Why did you start writing and when did you decide to go professional?

I don’t know if I can remember exactly when I began writing.  It seems like it’s always been a part of me.  I wrote a lot as a girl, but then because of school and work, I left it behind for years.  I picked it back up a few years ago, slowly at first, and then it became very much who I am.  It was after I wrote my novel, Stolen Destiny, that I decided I wanted to go professional, and the rest is history. 

Do you write in more than one genre? Which ones and which do you like the best?

I write in paranormal romance and historical romance, often blending the two.  Because I’m a history prof, the historical side is always there, in some fashion.  Sometimes it’s in the form of memories and flashbacks, such as in my new novel, Destiny Redeemed, and other times it’s the focal point, as in my novella Masquerade.  I love both paranormal and historical romance equally, but I do have to say writing paranormal romance allows me to create all sorts of fantastic creatures and people, which is fun.

Do you read other author’s books when you’re writing? If so, do you read the same genre or something different?

I have to read for work, so I spend my time with a lot of non-fiction.  However, when I’m reading for pleasure, I often turn to paranormal or historical romance.  However, I’ve recently been dabbling in contemporary romance with a BDSM leaning, so that’s been interesting. That may become a genre I explore as an author someday. 

What is the most difficult part of the entire writing process for you? Queries, pitches, editing..etc.

This may sound bizarre, but the most difficult part of the entire writing process is the typing.  I hand write everything first—even 300+ page novels—so the entire book is complete when I finish and even basically edited because I edit along as I write, but it’s nowhere close to being finished since then I have to type it.  I hate typing.  Weird for a writer to say that, I know, but I do.  When friends ask me what I’d do if I became a rich and famous author, I always answer the same thing: “Hire someone to type my work!”  Everything else, from outlining to drafting to editing, is a chance to explore something about my writing, but typing is just a chore, and an odious one at that.  

If you could have the same type of career as any author currently publishing who would it be and why?

I think my knee-jerk answer is J.R. Ward.  She’s loved by paranormal romance readers and incredibly successful.  As far as a career goes, that sounds great to me.

Author Bio

By day, Gabrielle Bisset is a college history prof, but by nights and weekends, she’s an erotic romance author.  Her first novel, Stolen Destiny, was published by Siren Publishing in June, 2011, and since then, Gabrielle has released a trio of novellas set in Victorian England:  Vampire Dreams, Love’s Master, and Masquerade.  Together they make up the Victorian Erotic Romance Trilogy.  In October, she’ll release the second Destiny Ones novel, Destiny Redeemed.  She lives in Pennsylvania with her son and five cats.  What can she say?  She can’t say no to a stray.

Book blurb

Masquerade

Annelisa Fielding has had the blessings of wealth her entire life, thanks to her industrialist father.  However, there is one thing even he can't give her: a title.  So he arranges a marriage between his daughter and the Earl of Swindon, Thornton Sutcliffe.  As long as his future bride is a virgin, the Earl will tolerate the marrying down because in return for taking Annelisa as his wife, her father will pay off his debts.  Everyone wins, as far as the men are concerned, but Annelisa wants more out of marriage than a title and is willing to wait. 

But she won't be able to wait if she doesn't find some way out of the marriage and fast because the deal is in one month she'll become Lady Annelisa Sutcliffe.  The solution to her problem? Count Nikolai Shetkolov, a diplomat in the service of the Tsar and stationed in England. An honorable man, he's the perfect person to help a young lady lose the one thing her odious future husband prizes most. But Annelisa must watch out or she may get more than she bargained for with Nikolai.


Link to Masquerade excerpt:  http://gbisset.blogspot.com/p/masquerade.html

Social media & Web links

Blog: http://gbisset.blogspot.com/

Website: http://www.gabriellebisset.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002481284652&sk=info

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/gabriellebisset

Wacky Wednesday

Most of my summer TV shows are winding down.

That means NEW FALL SHOWS START SOON!

Sorry, didn't mean to yell.

People tell me I watch too much TV. Well, I say, it's research. Seriously. Earlier this year I was writing Chance of a Storm and found myself stuck. I knew what I wanted to do, but I just didn't have the right feeling for the scene. After a few days of staring at the screen, I put it aside and decided to watch some TV. There was a new episode of Chase on (now canceled) but it was as decent show, so I watched. One episode had this awesome scene in it where one of the MC's was looking for another MC who'd been kidnapped. A powerful moment happened in the show and I knew right then that was the emotion I was searching for. Of course I tweaked it a bit to fit my story, but it worked. TV helped me write.

Has a TV show or Movie helped you write a scene?

Fun Friday, Girl Crush-Jeri Ryan

A long time ago, in a galaxy far far...oh, sorry, wrong franchise...

Many of you know Jeri Ryan as Seven of Nine from Star Trek Voyager. Lots of fans agree, she saved the show.

I, as many of you know, have a sick fascination with Time Travel, so some may be surprised to know I first saw her in Time Trax, a show from the mid 90's about a man who goes back in time to catch criminals. I happened to love the show but it didn't last long. Imagine my surprise when she showed up as a Borg on one of my other favorite shows in 2001!

I recently went back (Thank you Netflix!) and watched all the Seven related episodes again. Aside from being super hot, Seven was a character I instantly loved. I felt sorry for what the Borg put her through, wondered if she could actually become Human again, and enjoyed the early interactions between her and the crew. I thought her relationship with Janeway was awesome, they filled a familial void  in each other, and when they butted heads, man was it good. When Seven and the Doctor (not Who--though that would be an awesome crossover!) became friends, it gave us some of the best and funniest moments of the show.

It's taken a while, but the strong, kick ass girl character is everywhere these days, and Jeri Ryan has played a few of them since Voyager. (And I thought it was hilarious seeing Jeri Ryan in Warehouse 13 followed by Kate Mulgrew a couple weeks later!) Anyway, Seven was a strong, tough, female character, who had an amazing journey and story arch. Something, as a writer, I truly appreciate.

When I decided to create another character for my Online Star Trek group, I took two of my favorite characters at the time, Seven and Data from TNG, and used them as a template for Tiva Boon. Tiva doesn't look like either of them but aspects of their character's personalities can be seen if one pays careful attention. The Tiva character eventually took on a life of her own, threatened to keep me awake for the rest of my life if I didn't write her story, which I did, turning her story into a three-part 400K epic. Talk about a tough character, huh?

Well, Tiva is still one of my favorite characters, even if I can't get her story published, and it goes to show you that inspiration can be anywhere!

Have you ever used an established character as inspiration?

Who is your favorite fictional character on TV right now?