Today I'd like to welcome Carly Phillips to my little corner on the worldwide web. I'm honored to have Carly on the Blog today as she is one of the authors who got me hooked on contemporary romance. Early on when I started reading English romance novels I discovered her (probably by randomly clicking on author websites) and needless to say (almost) her entire backlist is perched on my shelves, some still waiting to be read. Her Lucky Charm Trilogy are among one of my favorite contemporary series and I have no doubt her Serendipity series will soon follow the same path!

As part of her Blog-Tour in honor of her newest release SERENDIPITY (release date: September 6th) she agreed to be interviewed by yours truly. Let me tell you, her answers were what saved this interview. As I am one of the worst interviewers in the blogosphere (hence why I have so little of them on the Blog LOL), I shed blood, sweat and tears coming up with original, interesting and fun questions...Thanks Carly, for taking the time to get through them ;)

Carly Phillips Bio:

Carly Phillips is the New York Times Bestselling author of over 30 romance novels with contemporary characters and plotlines that today’s readers identify with and enjoy. Carly is a stay at home mom of 2 daughters (now almost old enough to read her books!), one soft coated wheaten terrier and a brand new Havanese puppy. She’s a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers. More information on Carly can be found at her website.

Around the web you can also find Carly at:
Twitter | Facebook | Blog |



Carly, the author
What does an average writing day look like for you?
Well ... how about an ideal writing day? Every day is different - I have kids, 2 dogs, if I plan a day of writing, someone will get sick. So an ideal writing day is sitting down around 9 - writing for 2 hours - going out, doing some errands, home by around 1 PM and watching Soaps while I continue to work until I have to carpool or do other things. As I said, that is ideal. Actually I write in fits and spurts when I have time, when I can, depending on if the work is flowing ... or not.

Lately I've been seeing a lot of (sub)genre-hopping as I call it. You write contemporary romance, which I enthusiastically applaud, but have you ever considered writing in another genre or subgenre? If so, what would you consider writing and why?
I am a true believer in writers doing what they do best. I am doing what I love, and I hope that shows to the reader. I read in other genres (paranormal, erotica, etc.), but that is my enjoyment, my reach into other worlds that gets me away from the contemporary writer I am. Right now I don’t want to write another genre. There are too many others who do it well – paranormal requires a world building that is so foreign to me, I’d rather get lost as a reader than write it and try to keep track. Historical means I’d have to research (blech!) and true suspense would mean my brain would have to work differently! So, I’m a happy contemporary romance writer and a very happy all-genre romance reader.

Fans, readers can also be very vocal when they don't like something. I don't always agree with how fellow readers express their dissatisfaction. How do you deal with that as an author?
Diplomatically, everyone is entitled to their opinion. That said, if you're unhappy, think about if you were the person on the receiving end of the email or blog or post - and know someone put their heart and soul into the story - you don't have to like it - but you don't have to be rude to the creator either. But yes, everyone is entitled to express their opinion. I just wish they'd do it nicely ;)

As an author you must receive a lot of fanmail. Tell us about your most memorable fanletter/email you've ever received?
I LOVE hearing from readers. My favorite emails are the ones that say something like, I never liked to read and then I picked up one of your books and now I can’t stop. Wow. That’s so humbling and makes me happy. A woman wrote because her grandmother had passed away and she found a postcard note I’d sent her among her possessions – and she thanked me for making an older woman happy by replying. Those things are priceless!



Carly, the person
As an avid romance reader I adore love stories (well duh! LOL) and I'm always asking people about theirs. So what's the story with you and your significant other? How did you meet? Was it love at first sight? How long have you been together?
Great question! We met in college - we both went to Brandeis University in MA. My 19 year old goes there now! Love at first sight? Not sure ... he had to work for it, LOL. We've been together since our sophomore year - 26 years, ack! Married 22. I wouldn't change a thing!
Describe who Carly Phillips is using just 5 words?
Wow.
Mother (of 2 daughters and 2 dogs), wife, daughter, friend, writer/author - waah! I want more room. LOL.

When you have the time to read, what kind of books do you love to read? Have you read any books recently, preferably romance of course, you would like to recommend to us?
I used to read only contemporary but thankfully ventured out of my comfort zone recently and found some fabulous authors! I can never name them all or not forget one ...
Contemporary – Jill Shalvis, Toni Blake, my Plotmonkey pals Janelle Denison, Leslie Kelly, Julie Leto, Lauren Dane
Paranormal – Nalini Singh (Psy series), Larissa Ione, Sydney Croft
HOT – Lauren Dane, Lainey Reese wrote an all time fav of mine, A Table for Three … So many more …

I know you love your soaps. Do you know my romance addiction started with watching soaps, Another World to be precise? What is your favorite soap and what are the reasons I should watch it if I can?
My go to staple has always been ABC - All My Children, One Life to Live, and General Hospital. As I am sure you know, ABC has recently devastated me by canceling All My Children and One Life to Life - I'd recommend watching those now through the end because unlike other soaps, this is you can't miss a day or you miss everything race to the end. But knowing they're ending, if you have to pick one, watch GENERAL HOSPITAL because we need to get viewers and save the last ABC soap. And it's just a fantastic show. Best romantic pairing? Jason and Sam.

You have a free day, no obligations, no work, no appointments, your free to do whatever you please. What do you do on such a day?
Believe it or not? Same thing. Just let me sleep in, read a lot, hang on the Internet, have lunch with a family member or friend ... watch my Soaps, order in dinner and chill! I'm not fussy or hard to please!

About SERENDIPITY

New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips presents the first in a delightful new series about a quaint upstate New York town where love, fate and fortune are intertwined …

Faith Harrington was the classic girl of privilege–until her father was convicted of running a Ponzi scheme and then her marriage crashed and burned.

Now Faith is back in her hometown, hoping for a fresh start. But her father’s betrayal has rocked Serendipity – and not everyone is ready to welcome her with open arms. Then she runs into her teenage crush — the dark, brooding Ethan Barron. Ethan, no stranger to scandal himself, never imagined he’d own the mansion on the hill, much less ever again come face to face with Faith–the princess he once kissed senseless. The chance meeting reignites the electric charge between them.

Still, when Ethan hires her to redecorate what was once her childhood home, Faith is sure that getting involved with the town’s notorious bad boy will only lead to trouble. But her heart has other ideas. And so do the townspeople of Serendipity …

Buy links: BookDepository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Tell us a bit about your upcoming release, Serendipity?
Serendipity is the name of both the series for Berkley and the first book set in a fictional small town in upstate New York. At the center of the town is the landmark Harrington Mansion, the epitome of wealth and privilege. The series opens with SERENDIPITY, which introduces readers to the estranged Barron brothers, brought together by a teenage sister they didn't know they had and family drama they haven't yet put to rest. These books tap deeper into emotions than my more recent books while keeping the trademark sensuality and light moments my readers expect. Book one, Serendipity 9/11 is the story of Ethan Barron, the "bad boy" oldest brother. Ethan returns home after ten years and finds himself tempted by the girl who was too good for him in high school, but now their social status are reversed, as he now owns the Harrington mansion - in which she grew up. At heart, Serendipity is the story of a man who is looking for redemption and a woman in search of a place to belong.

I'm so excited about this series and I hope readers really respond to the town and the characters, all of whom I already love. The Serendipity series will continue with the other two brothers, Nash Barron in Destiny 1/12 and Dare Barron in Karma 6/12. I hope to then continue to write about the town and people in Serendipity in three book arcs, and continue to spin on to other characters in the town readers have already met within the pages.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions and I look forward to reading Serendipity!
Thank you, Pearl!

GIVEAWAY===GIVEAWAY===GIVEAWAY
Carly has generously offered a Limited Edition signed Romance Trading card of Serendipity and Destiny to one of the commenters on this Blogpost.

In addition to that and because I'm so excited about this new Carly Phillips series, I'm offering a second commenter a copy of SERENDIPITY (ordered and shipped via the BookDepository).

What you need to know about the giveaway:
- Giveaway is open internationally (worldwide)
- You can enter by answering one or both questions beneath
- Giveaway ends Wednesday September 14th 2011 and the winners will be announced on Thursday September 15th
- Make sure you leave a way to contact you if it is not included in your profile. Please note that if your are picked as a winner and I have no way of contacting you, I will draw another winner

Questions:
Do you like to read contemporary romance? Why? Why not?
or
Give me an awesome contemporary romance author or book reccommendation. An author or book that really blew you away!

Today is the last day of my Week to celebrate the Launch of Carina Press. And what a last day it is! This morning I posted my review of THE BLOODGATE GUARDIAN by Joely Sue Burkhart and to close the week off, I have an interview with the wonderful author: Joely Sue Burkhart, one of my favorite author discoveries of last year and one of the most friendly and generous persons I've encountered in the romance community. 

EXTRA GIVEAWAY! 
In addition to being entered in the CarinaWeek giveaway that's been running all week, your comment on this interview will enter you for a chance to win an e-copy of THE BLOODGATE GUARDIAN. And let me tell you, it's a book you'll definitely want to read if you like paranormal romance that's suspenseful, dark, action-packed and filled with fascinating mythology.

I'd like to thank everyone for making this a memorable and fun week: The staff at Carina Press, Angela, Ginny, Shannon, Kelly, Joely, my hubby who made the awesome banner and button, Leontine who helped me pimp this week and listened patiently to me whenever I went into my raving monologues about Carina Press and their books and of course everyone who came by and commented. So without further ado, I hope you'll all join me in welcoming Joely! 

Let’s start with some QUICKIES to warm up…


Victor or Conn? Geez, the very first question is a toughie! I'd have to go with Conn, I guess—Victor can be pretty scary. * shivers delightfully *

Reading or Writing? Both, but I read less so that I can write more.

Digital or Print? Both! More digital lately since I got my iPhone.

Pantser or Plotter? Mostly plotter, but I pants my way through when I need to.

Cookies or Chocolate? Cookies (although homemade bread is my real weakness)


Q. Please could you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
A. I'm married, have three monsters (girls) under the age of 11 and we live in Missouri, USA. By day, I work as a computer programmer for an insurance company, and in the dark hours either early morning or late night, I write my fanny off.

Q. Your book THE BLOODGATE GUARDIAN comes out June 14th. This is the first book in a new series. Please tell us a bit about this book and the series.
A. The original premise was a Maya Stargate, a mix of mythology, romance, and science fiction, which became a thriller once I realized that demons had escaped from the Maya hell (Xibalba). Everyone keeps talking about the Maya prediction that the world will end on Dec. 21, 2012. I asked myself what if that wasn't when the world would end...but when the Maya would return through their gates? Then the Bloodgates were born!

The official blurb for THE BLOODGATE GUARDIAN:

Worlds within worlds await through the Maya Bloodgate…

Dr. Jaid Merritt doesn't do digs. The last time she ventured into the jungle, someone died. Now she's content to decipher Maya gyphs from pictures sent to her by her famous archaeologist father. But when he goes missing while trying to perform a ritual based on her translations of ancient codex, Jaid must put aside her fears and travel to Guatemala to find him.

After misusing misusing the Bloodgates to bring his twin brother back from the afterlife, the Maya priest known as Ruin was cursed by the gods to stand as the guardian for all time. He was unable to stop Dr. Charles Merritt from opening the gates, and now demons roam this world. The last thing he wants to do is hurt the beautiful woman who is somehow infused with his magic, but if she uses the codex to retrieve her father, Ruin must do his duty. And this time, he won’t fail. Even if it kills him. Again.

Q. You write Contemporary Erotic Romance, Fantasy Romance and Paranormal Romance. These are three very different genres. What genre are you most comfortable writing?
A. Probably the speculative genres, because I control every aspect of the world in which I'm writing, but I do enjoy the challenge of writing in various genres.

Q. How long have you been writing, and how did you get your start?
A. Back in September 2003 my beloved sister (Molly Burkhart, http://mollyburkhart.net ) called to tell me she'd just finished her first book. I was so excited for her that I accidentally admitted that I'd been writing a book too. She nagged, I mean encouraged! me to finish that book, which went on to become The Rose of Shanhasson.

Q. Do you have a favorite place or time to write? Do you try to keep to a specific writing schedule and strive for a certain amount of work per day?
A. Because I work full-time, the best time for me to write is “dark and early” before work. I try to get up between 5:00 – 6:00 a.m. and write before I start work. I can do that for a month or two at a time, but then I need to take a break and sleep in a little! If I didn't have to work, I'd stay up all night writing because I love the wee hours of the darkness while everyone else is sleeping.

Q. Are you working on any books/projects that you would like to share with us?
A. I'm in the brainstorming stage for a Science Fiction Romance series that I'm really excited about, while Victor (HURT ME SO GOOD) and RETURN TO SHANHASSON (Blood & Shadows #3) are in production. I'm also working on the next Maya Bloodgate novel and at least half a dozen other scribbled ideas! Whew, no wonder I'm exhausted!

Q. If you could change places with any of your characters which one would it be and why?
A. Ha, I wouldn't trade places with any of my characters – I put them through too much grief!

Q. Which character did you have the most fun creating and why?
A. It'd have to be Gregar. He walked on stage and just got better and better – while I take no credit whatsoever in his development. I didn't know what I had in him until much later, but he taught me so very much.

Q. What is your day job, if you still have one, and what do you like to do when you’re not writing?
A. Oh, yeah, still have the “Evil Day Job” and if I have my way, I always will. I've been with the same insurance company 15 years as a computer programmer. I telecommute from our house, so I don't actually have to be “in” the office at all, I love the people I work with, and the work is challenging and yet mostly fun too. (P.S. It's not really an “evil” job!)

Q. If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your days, what would it be?
A. Coffee. I know that's probably cheating, but I make mine strong enough I can almost eat it with a spoon.

Q. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you choose to be?
A. Right here doing what I'm doing, only I'd double the hours in each day so I'd have more time to write. Eventually, I'd like to move us all out to the country so we can have chickens and horses.

Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer my questions! I have truly enjoyed getting to know a bit more about you and hope my visitors will too!

Thank you so much for having me, Pearl!




As announced last week my Carina Week will not be without a fabulous giveaway, courtesy of Carina Press! Up for grabs here on the blog is one coupon code worth $ 15 to spend at Carina Press, buying the books you'd like to try out. Believe me, if what I've read is an indication, there is something for everybody and the books I've read were gems in their genres, each and every one of them. Okay, now to the important part. How can you win this coupon code? That's easy.

• Just leave a (meaningful) comment on the posts during my Carina Week.
• Each comment will give you an entry.
• There will be 6 Carina Week blog-posts so that gives you a maximum of 6 entries if you comment on every post. Mind you, you don't have to comment on every post, it just gives you more chances if you do.
• Make sure you leave your email address with your comment (or email it to me, through the contact link in the left sidebar if you don't want to publicly leave your email address) because it's needed to be able to claim the code.
• On Saturday June 12th I'll tally up the entries and pick a winner via random.org

I also announced last week that there would be 2 coupon codes of $ 15 each so you might wonder, what of the other code. That one will be the prize in a Twitter-giveaway so if you want another chance at it...keep an eye on my Twitter-account this week and get tweeting because each tweet including the hashtag #CarinaWeek will be entered for the Twitter-giveaway.

So there you have it...2 chances to win an opportunity to get your mitts on some Carina Press gems!

Have fun! And hope to see a lot of you this week!

My Week to celebrate the Launch of Carina Press continues with an interview with the awesomely lovely debut author Ginny Glass. I hope you'll all join me in welcoming Ginny, author of the first book in the Dirty Laundry series, Coin Operated. (Oh and don't forget to check out the CarinaWeek giveaway at the end of this post)


Let’s start with some QUICKIES to warm up…

Coffee or Tea?
Is this where I say “or me?”
Coffee. In mass quantities. Daily. Usually black, unless some spectacularly exotic creamer comes along.

Twitter or Facebook?
Twitter. Facebook has too many gizmos for me! I don’t want to farm, I don’t want to be a mobster, I don’t want to poke anyone virtually. I just want to impose my silliness on the public in creatively character-restricted ways. That said, I have both, I just frequent twitter more often.

Digital or Print?
I profess a genuine excitement for both. I love to hold a physical book in my hands, and there is something about the smell of books that you just can’t replace.


However, Carina Press digital-first is such an innovative direction for Harlequin to take; I’m thrilled to be part of it. The immediacy of product availability via digital publishing is a big, big plus for authors and readers both. The digital market gives platform to new genres, new voices and more range than I feel is commonly available in a brick and mortar store.


I’m looking forward to a long and satisfying career in digital publishing, but I think every author yearns to see his or her name in print. We’ll see where the industry takes me!

Pantser or Plotter?
Rabid pantser, and I usually write a sex scene first, no matter where it eventually ends up in the book.

Cookies or Chocolate?
White chocolate macadamia nut cookies.

Q. Please could you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
Sure! I’m twenty eight, I’m a Sagittarius…(oh, wait, this isn’t a date!). I grew up in rural Tennessee; I’m a transplant to Arizona and I love it here. I’m loud and silly in real life. I love to cook. I love anything vintage. I have a mutt dog named Piper who randomly eats bizarre items from around my house and I have a husband who is part comic book geek and part romance novel hero.

Q. Your book COIN OPERATED comes out June 7th. This is your debut book and the first in the Dirty Laundry Series. Please tell us a bit about this book and the series.
Coin Operated is the first in Carina’s Dirty Laundry line – all about hot secrets and taboo desires! It’s a marvelous theme premise. Not only are there three books coming already, but myself and Inez Kelley, we’re writing like mad on at least three more! I see a lot of Dirty Laundry in the future, ideas for the line are nearly endless.


Here’s a blurb for Coin Operated:

When Elijah Elliot leaves a cushy job at a prestigious Atlanta advertising firm to strike out on his own, he recruits co-worker Beatrix London as his business partner. She’s smart, capable and, turns out, mouth-wateringly tempting. Now Eli has to keep his hands to himself, despite the very vivid daydreams he has involving his deliciously attentive associate. Daydreams that involve less administrative duties and more “yes, sirs” - less clothing and much more personal “activity reports”.

Bea’s attention to detail has only part to do with her work ethic. From the moment she first laid eyes on Elijah, Bea has had some pretty lathered-up fantasies about her brooding coworker. When a racy new advertising campaign sparks a test of their boundaries, Bea pushes Eli to cross the line he’s drawn between them – the one that keeps him from doing all the hot, sinful things she imagines he’s capable of.

A kiss that could ignite a cubicle’s carpet leaves Bea wanting more than Eli is willing to give. Eli’s reticence isn’t strictly an objection to a little office hanky-panky; his desire for Bea runs to the darker side of vanilla, and the gentleman in him just can’t seem to embrace the inner beast. But during a sexy showdown in a laundry room, everything comes out in the wash-- hot, steamy and coin operated!

Note from interviewer: I had the pleasure of advance reviewing this book for ROOB. Click HERE for the review!

Q. I know book 2 in the series is co-written with Inez Kelley. Could you tell us a bit about what it’s like to write a book with someone else?
I loved it. I think with the right writing partner, cowriting can be easier than writing solo. You have someone there to motivate you, to bounce ideas off of, to pass the manuscript to when you’re exhausted from real life and to talk you off the ledge when you want to delete the whole damned thing and start from a blank Word file.
Inez is smart, dedicated and hilarious. We get along well, our personalities are similar and we temper each other’s writing flaws – she pushes me to be more daring and I (try to) rein in her purple prose.

Q. How long have you been writing, and how did you get your start?
I’ve only been writing romance for about a year and a half. I have written some short fiction, but not with any romantic elements. I’ve always been an avid romance reader and one day I just decided to try my hand – hey, if I could tear through a Harlequin book in a day, surely I could write one in a matter of weeks? So, so wrong. I joined the writer’s forum Romance Divas to learn whatever I could about the industry and the craft of romance writing. Then I sat down and started writing. It’s been a lot of work, but worth it.

Q. Do you have a favorite place or time to write? Do you try to keep to a specific writing schedule and strive for a certain amount of work per day?
I work a very demanding day job, so all of my writing occurs at night or on weekends. I did just redo the loft in my house as an official office. I have a cool little sectioned off desk that is littered with Starbuck doubleshot cans and about half a dozen pairs of earbud headphones. I always write to music. When I’m actively writing, I never know what the word count will be on a given book, so I like to set a page number goal per day. I write until it feels done.

Q. Are you working on any books/projects that you would like to share with us?
More Dirty Laundry, of course, but I also have a fun, full-length contemporary in final polish mode and almost ready for submission. I have an ongoing paranormal free read series on my website called “The Fix” and few (zillion) other ideas on the back burner.

Q. If you could change places with any of your characters which one would it be and why?
Well, the heroine, Bea, doesn’t make out too bad on this one, so I’d have to say her!

Q. Which character did you have the most fun creating and why?
Both mains were a lot of fun, but Eli was probably the most. He was fun to torture and frustrate.

Q. If you weren't writing, what would you want to be doing for a living and what do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I wanted to be (alternately) a theater actress or a newspaper reporter when I was growing up, but I ended up with a very different grown-up job in the medical field. When I’m not writing, I like to go antiquing (I collect vintage kitchen things – right now I’m working on a complete set of Corningware’s blue cornflower pattern), watch movies (I especially love foreign films and indie flicks), read, and I love to travel.

Q. If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your days, what would it be?
That’s a hard one! I would have to say anything Mediterranean.

Q. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you choose to be?
I’ve always wanted to go to Greece or Italy, but I also would love to visit more within the States. I’ve never even been to New York – maybe soon I’ll have a reason to go!

Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer my questions in this wonderful way, you've been a joy to interview! have truly enjoyed getting to know a bit more about you and hope my visitors will too! I
Thanks for having me, it’s been my pleasure!





As announced last week my Carina Week will not be without a fabulous giveaway, courtesy of Carina Press! Up for grabs here on the blog is one coupon code worth $ 15 to spend at Carina Press, buying the books you'd like to try out. Believe me, if what I've read is an indication, there is something for everybody and the books I've read were gems in their genres, each and every one of them. Okay, now to the important part. How can you win this coupon code? That's easy.

• Just leave a (meaningful) comment on the posts during my Carina Week.
• Each comment will give you an entry.
• There will be 6 Carina Week blog-posts so that gives you a maximum of 6 entries if you comment on every post. Mind you, you don't have to comment on every post, it just gives you more chances if you do.
• Make sure you leave your email address with your comment (or email it to me, through the contact link in the left sidebar if you don't want to publicly leave your email address) because it's needed to be able to claim the code.
• On Saturday June 12th I'll tally up the entries and pick a winner via random.org

I also announced last week that there would be 2 coupon codes of $ 15 each so you might wonder, what of the other code. That one will be the prize in a Twitter-giveaway so if you want another chance at it...keep an eye on my Twitter-account this week and get tweeting because each tweet including the hashtag #CarinaWeek will be entered for the Twitter-giveaway.

So there you have it...2 chances to win an opportunity to get your mitts on some Carina Press gems!

Have fun! And hope to see a lot of you this week!

Today is a special day for me. A day of firsts. 1st of June, 1st author interview.

I am very proud and honored to welcome Ava Gray (aka Ann Aguirre) on my blog who was so gracious and nice to spend some time answering a few of my questions. I read SKIN TIGHT a while back. Click HERE to read my review and was so blown away by it that I took a sip of courage and decided to ask Ava Gray for an interview on my blog to celebrate the release of this awesome book.

Because I loved this book so much I'm also giving a lucky commenter a chance to win this book. Look below the interview for the giveaway-rules but first, sit back, relax and get to know Ms. Gray a bit better.

Let’s start with some QUICKIES to warm up…

Spiders or Rats?
Spiders.

Alpha or Beta?
Alpha.

Batman or Spiderman?
Batman.

US or Mexico?
Mexico.

Pantser or Plotter?
Pantser.

Sci-Fi or UF?
Both.

Early Riser or Night Owl?
Night owl.


INTRODUCTION
Q. Please could you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
A. I’m a national bestselling author with a degree in English Literature; before I began writing full time, I was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. I grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now I live in sunny Mexico with my husband, children, two cats, and one very lazy dog. I like all kinds of books, emo music, action movies and Dr. Who. I love playing video games, as long as there’s a strong story component, and I think most games could benefit from more sex to go along with the violence.


Q. For readers out there who are still unfamiliar with your work, please tell us what kind of books you write.
A. I write urban fantasy (the Corine Solomon series), romantic science fiction (the Jax series), apocalyptic paranormal romance (the Ellen Connor books with Carrie Lofty), paranormal romantic suspense (as Ava Gray), and post-apocalyptic dystopian young adult fiction.

Q. Your book SKIN TIGHT is comes out today. This is the second book in the SKIN series. Please tell us a bit about this book and the series.
A. SKIN GAME is the first, and it’s helpful to read the first one beforehand, I think. I’m pleased with the series overall. So far, we’ve sold SKIN GAME (which is now available in Thailand), SKIN TIGHT, SKIN HEAT, SKIN & BONE (novella), and SKIN DIVE. It’s like a dirty & violent blend of Fringe and Heroes, so that should give you some idea what to expect. Interestingly, this is the only series I have sold on proposal. Each book follows one couple’s romance while also being full of action and intrigue. I have some pretty complicated subplots running through, and they aren’t always wrapped up in a single book, although the primary romance is. This series should appeal to those who enjoy Larissa Ione’s books.

Q. The next book in the SKIN series is SKIN HEAT. Could you give us a sneak peek about what’s in store for us in that book?
A. You meet the hero of SKIN HEAT in SKIN TIGHT, but he only speaks one line there at the end. Then in book three, you follow him home to Alabama. Here’s the blurb: 

More wild thing than man…
Zeke Noble has escaped from a secret facility; he has no idea why he was abducted, but the experiments were cruel, soul-killing, and they changed him forever. Now free, his natural affinity with animals has evolved into a dark and dangerous instinct, a curse that costs him too much of his humanity. But he has to rebuild his life, or his tormentors win. To that end, he goes looking for work and finds so much more.

Born to be wild…
Veterinarian Geneva Harper finds herself reluctantly drawn to the lean, mysterious young man to whom the wild is second nature, but she has troubles of her own. She’s the black sheep in an old moneyed Southern family, and she never had any interest in learning the family business, or being the good debutante daughter.

Though Zeke’s wanted Neva for as long as he can remember, their attraction can never go anywhere. They both know that for different reasons. But when a killer starts leaving behind a trail of victims, Zeke’s need to protect her is as fierce as his desire to claim her as his mate. And love may be the only thing that can save them both…

WRITING
Q. How long have you been writing, and how did you get your start?
A. I’ve been writing since I was nine. I’m thirty-nine now, so unless my math fails me, that’s thirty years. It depends on what you mean by my start. My big break came when Laura Bradford signed me and she sold Grimspace. She offered representation at the end of March in 2007; we pitched on April 11, which is my husband’s birthday. Good omen? I think so. By May, we had an offer, and the rest has been a fabulous ride, full of hard work and wonderful rapport. She will always be a fairy godmother in my eyes.

Q. Do you have a favorite place or time to write? Do you try to keep to a specific writing schedule and strive for a certain amount of work per day?
A. I write in my office, on my couch, or in bed. It really depends on my mood and the type of scene. As for time, I try to get my work done first thing. I do keep a rigorous schedule. With deadlines like mine, I cannot fall behind. “Do or do not; there is no try!” Each book is predicated on 3K a day, 5 days a week, for 6 weeks.

Q. You write Science Fiction Romance, Urban Fantasy, Romantic Suspense with Paranormal Elements, YA and Paranormal Romance. That’s quite some genres. What genre are you most comfortable writing?
A. My books share one common thread; they’re character driven. So as long as I’m connecting with my protagonists and writing the story they need to tell, it’s all good.

Q. Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing?
A. I try not to.

Q. Do you have a dream project that you haven't written yet?
A. I have quite an extensive idea file, but I’ll get them all in time.


CHARACTERS
Q. Have your characters ever taken off in a direction that you didn’t expect?
A. Sure.

Q. If you could change places with any of your characters which one would it be and why?
A. Since I tend to torture my characters, I’d rather write their adventures than live them.

Q. Which character did you have the most fun creating and why?
A. I love the one I’m with, which at this time, is Gillie and Taye. They are so bent, and I adore them for it.


OTHER STUFF
Q. If you weren't writing, what would you want to be doing for a living and what do you like to do when you’re not writing?
A. I would be married to Andres for a living. Movies, music, yoga, walking the dog, hanging with my family, and playing video games comprise the bulk of my non-book related interests.

Q. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you choose to be?
A. Right here at home with my beloved family.

Q. What question are you never asked in interviews but wish you were?
A. Tell me about the feral demonic monkeys in Shady Lady. Did you really have them on your boat in Catemaco?

Q. What question are you most sick of answering in interviews?
A. Tell me about yourself.


Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer my questions! I have truly enjoyed getting to know a bit more about you and hope my visitors will too!