The Night House Book Tour: Interview with Rachel Tafoya @chapterxchapter @RachelTafoya @month9books

Hey everyone, how's it going? Today we're taking part in the blog tour for THE NIGHT HOUSE by chatting with author Rachel Tafoya. Grab a cup of your favorite warm beverage, sit back, get comfy, and read all about Rachel and her novel. And don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of the post!

Hi, Rachel! Welcome to We Do Write. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I studied creative writing while at Solebury School and was published in their student run literary magazine, SLAM. I attended a writing program for teens at both Susquehanna University and Denison University, and the Experimental Writing for Teens class and Novels for Young Writers program, both run by NY Times bestselling author, Jonathan Maberry. I am the daughter crime author Dennis Tafoya.

Cool! Tell our readers a bit about THE NIGHT HOUSE.

Bianca St. Germain works at a Night House, a place where vampires like the aristocratic Jeremiah Archer, pay to feed on humans, and she doesn’t much care what others think of her. The money is good, and at least there, she’s safe. Bianca also doesn’t care that the Night House is killing her. All she cares about is: nauth, the highly addictive poison in vampire bites that brings a euphoria like no drug ever could.

But when Bianca meets James, a reclusive empath who feels everything she does, for the first time, she considers a life outside of the Night House and a someone worth living for. But Jeremiah has decided to keep Bianca for himself; he won’t allow her to walk away.

As she allows her feelings for James to grow, she struggles to contain nauth’s strong hold on her life. If they are to have a future, James must make her see what she’s worth, what she means to him, before Jeremiah and nauth claim her for good.

Sounds awesome! How did the idea of the story come to you?

When I was first thinking about writing The Night House, my dad (Dennis Tafoya) was also just entering the world of publishing with his first book Dope Thief. It’s a crime novel, and my whole family has been interested in crime and true crime for as long as I can remember. I have memories of watching TV programs aobut the zodiac killer when I was in high school. I like writing fantasy, but I thought this time I wanted to write something with a crime edge to it. So I thought addiction was a good way to explore that.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Basically what I like to do is, I write for as long as it comes easily. Then, when I hit a wall, or have writer’s block, I’ll stop what I’m doing and plot out a bit. I like knowing the general gist of the story, but I don’t need exact bullet points to guide me every step. That can be too constricting, unless of course I’m having a ton of trouble and really need to think it out.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Staying focused on the same project. There are certain parts of a story that I’m less engaged in. Usually that middle chunk. So it’s always a challenge to put down developmental details and still try to remain exciting. Character development is hard, but absolutely necessary to a story.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

Food usually. I know writing isn’t technically exercise, but it makes me feel drained after a while. I like snacking while I work. Also headphones, if I’m in public! I need to feel private even if I’m in a café.

What are you reading right now?

I’m reading an Uncorrected Proof of The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black. I work at a bookshop, so I fortunately get access to books before they come out!

Color me jealous! If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Probably telekinesis, because I’m super lazy. I could throw a ball for my dog without getting up.

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

I googled stab wounds a while back. That was unfortunate.

Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...

Hanging out with my boyfriend and my dog. Mostly my dog. She’s needy.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

I have an awesome agent, Sara Crowe, who continually supports me, and found my book a home after I’d forgotten about it. Not to mention my super cool publisher Month9Books, who puts up with my whining. My dad continues to give me great writing advice, and my mother who is still sane somehow after years of my siblings and I. Also my wonderful boyfriend, who offers to do my work for me regularly. If only!

Connect with the Author:  Tumbler | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Happy Book Birthday: Reborn (Shadow Falls: After Dark) by CC Hunter

Yesterday marked the release of REBORN (Shadow Falls: After Dark) by New York Times Bestselling author C. C. Hunter. If you like paranormal tales that include vampires and shapeshifters, you might want to check this out.

Enter Shadow Falls: After Dark and meet a vampire named Della, who’s about to discover what her own story is meant to be.

Della had the perfect life—the family, a boyfriend, and a bright future—until she was turned, and abandoned by everyone she loves. She takes refuge at Shadow Falls, a camp for teens with paranormal powers. It’s where she and her best friends, Kylie and Miranda, heal their heartbreak with laughter, and where Della is training to be a paranormal investigator—and she refuses to be distracted. That means there’s no time for romance with Steve, a gorgeous shapeshifter whose kisses melt her heart.　　

When a new vampire named Chase shows up at camp, Della’s world is thrown into even more chaos. Arrogant and annoyingly sexy, Chase is a mystery . . . and the only mystery Della likes is one she can solve. She can’t solve Chase, at least not while she’s dealing with ghostly hauntings, vampire gangs and a web of family secrets. Can she prove herself as an investigator and keep her life—and her heart—intact?

Interview with Tressa Messenger

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! Today we're featuring author Tressa Messenger and talking about her novel, THE PROTECTOR. Tressa is a seasoned health professional in Polysomnography as well as an author. She lives outside of her hometown of New Bern, North Carolina, with her husband and daughter.

Welcome to We Do Write, Tressa! How long have you been writing?

I have always loved to write ever since I can remember. Then it was mostly poetry, songs and letters. I think writing letters was my favorite thing. Sometimes they were even to myself, and usually I wouldn't even give it to the person, but rather burn it or throw it away. It was a great was to get out emotions.

Tell us about THE PROTECTOR. What’s the story about?

Anna-Marie has spent almost her whole life in love with the boy across the creek. From the age of five they have been in each others lives, so when Anna-Marie’s boyfriend, Dylan, dies under mysterious circumstances it drives her into a deep depression. She desperately clings to his memories for solace.

After reports come out of a another mysterious death, Anna-Marie climbs her way out of despair as she throws herself into a search for the assailant, who is callously tearing so many lives apart. During Anna-Marie’s search, she has a chance encounter with a mysterious man who flips her world upside down once again. Alessandro Pierre, the deadly son of the vampire leader of the Brotherhood Order, appears to be just as normal as the next guy, but he is far from it.

The further Anna-Marie digs into Dylan's death she is plunged into a world she isn’t quite prepared for. She gets caught up in a deadly game from her worst nightmares, and eventually learns that it is her own world as well.

How did the idea of the story come to you?

The story just kind of happened. I had tried to write a book a few times in the past, but they never took so I was nervous that the same thing would happen with this one. I had no clue what I wanted to write, all I knew was I wanted to write something, but once I started, it took on a life of its own.

Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I send it to one or two very close friends to review it. They are good with giving me their honest opinion. I’m very good with accepting constructive criticism. My mom actually proof reads all of my stuff. I figure who better than someone who knows me the best. After she is done I send it to my mother in-law who writes grants and such for a government agency.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Kind of both I guess. When I get a story idea I type it out, but I usually don’t even look at it again. I know it seems like “what’s the point” but I tend to remember how I want the story to go.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

While writing my first novel, Protector, I found out that I am dyslexic. My mom was going through it and kept having to rearrange my sentences to make them make sense. I always knew that I wrote sentence structures backwards and it would even come out when I spoke sometimes, but I never knew it was a thing; I actually thought I was just dumb. School was NEVER easy for me and I loathed it so much. I even dropped out in 9th grade and got my GED. I did go back for a medical degree after the birth of my daughter, but even as an adult, it still wasn’t easy. I guess I know why now.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

It seems to change all the time. While writing my 1st and 2nd novels I had to listen to music while writing; screaming metal in my ears. Here recently I was given a few crystals that are supposed to promote creativity and prolong attention span, which I think is awesome. I do believe in the power of crystals. I have had a Quarts crystal with me for the past 14 years and it has really helped me through the years.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Oh gezz, there are so many, maybe read minds. I’m a nosey person by nature so it would fit me

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

While doing research for my murder mystery I googled autopsy reports. I really didn’t think I would find actual reports but I did. It was pretty trippy.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: protest, tendency, and dance.

I have the tendency to protest the notion that everyone should conform, I am unique, and you are unique so be you and laugh a lot and dance.

Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...

Working or taking care of my family. It’s who I am and what I do.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

I want to thank my mom who taught me that I can be myself and dream big. You let me make mistakes and have always stood by me.
My husband for always pushing me, sometimes kicking and screaming, to be better than I am.
My daughter who I strive everyday to be the person she can look up to.
My mother in-law for helping me make my stories perfect.
Nancy Hudson Hall who lit a fire under me.
Devyn Dawson who showed me the right path.
You all are AWESOME!

And finally, where can people find you and your books online?

My books can be found on all electronic book sites, and for those who don’t have an e-reader, they can be found on amazon.com as physical copies.

Author Update: O.M. Grey

The following is a press release about author OM Grey's novel AVALON REVISITED.

O.M. GREY’S VICTORIAN VAMPIRE NOVEL ‘AVALON REVISITED’ NOW AVAILABLE AS E- BOOK FROM RIVERDALE AVE BOOKS “A Delightful Combination of Historical Fiction, Romance and Steampunk.” – True-blood.net

RIVERDALE, NY – (January 17, 2013) – O.M. Grey’s best-selling Steampunk BDSM vampire novel, “Avalon Revisited” is now available from e-book publisher Riverdale Ave Books (RAB). The e-book is available for $5.99.

RAB president Lori Perkins said the book was brought to her by Grey’s agent, Louise Fury. “She came into the office breathless and told me she had found a masterpiece. I started to read it immediately and was hooked in the first chapter, so I read it straight through the night. I know our fans will love it as much as I did.”

“Avalon Revisited” follows the adventures of Arthur Tudor, who has made his existence as a vampire bearable for over 300 years by immersing himself in blood and debauchery. Aboard an airship gala, he meets Avalon, an aspiring vampire slayer who sparks fire into Arthur’s shriveled heart. Together they try to solve the mystery of several horrendous murders on the dark streets of London. Cultures clash and pressures rise in this very steamy tale.

Perkins points out that “As a bonus to new readers, RAB enticed Grey to include the first chapter of her next novel in the series, “Avalon Revamped,” in the e-book version.

An enthusiastic review of Avalon Revisited” from Bitten by Books was typical: “From its opening scene until the final page, this intriguing novel engages the reader’s interest...witty dialogue, historical authenticity and mystery result in a highly entertaining novel.” True-blood.net said of the Grey novel: “A delightful combination of historical fiction, romance and steampunk.” And Old Towne Books & Tea said: “Fans of Gail Carriger will LOVE ‘Avalon Revisited’...Pick it up-it’s a great read.!”

Oliva M. Grey writes dark fiction, paranormal romance and sexy Steampunk. Her short stories and poetry have been published in magazines and anthologies. She is a popular conference and convention speaker who blogs and podcasts relationship essays covering such topics as alternative lifestyles, deepening intimacy, ending a relationship with love and respect and other deliciously dark and decadent matters of the heart and soul. For more information on the author, visit her blog http://omgrey.wordpress.com.

Riverdale Avenue Books (RAB) publishes e-books, print and audio books under five imprints: Riverdale Pop issues a pop culture title each month; Riverdale/Magnus Books, a joint venture with award-winning publisher Magnus Books, issues LGBT titles; Riverdale HSF, a horror, science fiction and fantasy line; Riverdale Truth, an erotic memoir line; Riverdale Desire, publishes erotica and erotic romance. In 2013 the company will launch Riverdale Sports and Riverdale Gaming titles. RAB is headed by veteran literary agent and publisher Lori Perkins. It is a full service publisher, with a foreign rights department and a Los Angeles film agency. For more information visit www.riverdaleavebooks.com.

Interview with Jodie Pierce

DEMISE OF THE VAMPIRE QUEEN author Jodie Pierce is here with us today to talk about her novel.

Welcome to We Do Write, Jodie! Tell us a bit about yourself. 

I am 37 years old and live with my hubby John in Cleveland, Ohio. I have had a fascination with vampires since I was a child but only started writing about them when I was 20 yrs. old after I read an Anne Rice book. I was an exchange student in Brasil so you will usually find Brasil related things in my stories. I also enjoy research so a lot of my places and things are true. I have eight books published currently and am working on 2 more right now.

How long have you been writing? Since high school.

Tell us about DEMISE OF THE VAMPIRE QUEEN. What’s the story about? It's the third installment of my Vampire Queen trilogy. The Queen has taken over a school in Scotland for 'different' children. She oversteps her vampiric bounds and a plan to dethrone her is set in motion. Past lovers come together and there are many twists and turns.

How did the idea of the story come to you?

Well, I kinda wanted to tie up the other two books and the Scotland school thing came to me in a dream.

Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I self-edit.

Are you a planner or a pantser?

Planner

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Finding the time to do it.

Me too! What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

My mug of sweet tea.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Flying. I've always wanted to zip around in the air.

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

vampire dog costumes

Ahahaha, I love it! That's an awesome answer. Teehee.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: canopy, willingness, and indecisive.

My willingness to put up the canopy left me indecisive about lunch.

Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...

watching tv with my hubby.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

Absolutely, my hubby. Without his support I'd be no where. He's the one that encouraged me to resend my original manuscript back to the place that ended up publishing it after their first refusal.

And finally, where can people find you and your books online? 

www.thevampirequeen1.weebly.com
www.groups.yahoo.com/groups/Sink_Your_Fangs_In
www.goodreads.com/user/show/5216941-jodie-pierce
www.thevampirequeen1.blogspot.com
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jodie-pierce/25/357/b22
Twitter: vampiregds
http://stumbleupon.com/stumbler/thevampirequeen
https://www.facebook.com/jodie.pierce.14

Thanks so much for chatting with us today, Jodie! And good luck with your books!

Interview with Aneesa Price

Today we welcome author Aneesa Price in part one of a two-part interview. Today we'll be talking about her novel, COFFIN GIRLS.

Aneesa Price writes romance and lives it with her university sweetheart and husband. After having surmounted the challenges of being in a bi-racial marriage in the newly democratic South Africa, she now attributes her marital bliss to purposefully added spice and passionately resolved differences. The cosmopolitan city of Johannesburg is the playground that she enjoys with her husband and two daughters.
Aneesa completed her internship in counselling psychology and went on to work first as a therapist and then in Corporate Finance in on projects and in organizational change. She writes to give her readers the gift of experiencing the new and fascinating, something she strives for herself when she explores new places, reads, cooks with her kids or goes picking for antiques with her husband.

Welcome to We Do Write, Aneesa. How long have you been writing?

I detested high school and loved university and because of that I've blocked much of what happened during school from my memory. *grin* Apparently, I'd forgotten that I used to entertain my friends while we sat in study hall preparing for exams with conjured tales of hot romance - something which a friend recently reminded me of. I haven't put my fingers to a laptop to write since until around August last year. I was off sick from work, bored out of my skull and decided to give it a try. What ensued was 2 weeks of madness as I fell in love with the process of writing. I wrote Finding Promise in two weeks and then began writing Coffin Girls this year, which took 3 months to complete due to the intense research involved (and because I had hand surgery).

Tell us about COFFIN GIRLS. What’s the story about?

The story is about Anais, a witch-vampire and the group of misfit vampire-witches that she shares her home and business with. It is set on a beautiful historic plantation in New Orleans just shy of the city and alongside the bayou. Anais feels as though her life is running well with the only necessary evil being her subjugation for the Vampire Council headed by Yves, her maker. As event planners, Anais and her motley crew of vampire witches and paranormal assistants coordinate the annual Vampire Council ball. During this ball Yves makes the startling announcement of establishing a witch-vampire alliance and Anais is left with the witch-sitting responsibilities. Only the witch in question and his guards are intriguing, sexy men of magick and status and Anais finds that their presence threatens the closely-guarded secrets of her and her witch-vampire sisters. This leads to the series of misadventures and unexpected twists as Anais and Conall need to overcome their differences, despite their passionate interest in each other and put the fate of captured, young witches first. This book, whilst introducing many different paranormal creatures from weres to necromancers to fae, is ultimately an adult romantic read and due to erotic elements and strong language is not recommended for readers under the age of 18.

How did the idea of the story come to you?

I never know how a story comes to me to be honest. I usually dream up an idea then research. As I research the idea evolves and I then do some more research. *grin* With Coffin Girls, I utilized google, google maps, read books on voodoo and magick, I researched the history of New Orleans and even went so far as to read hordes of articles on New Orleans speech. I even read the Wiccan bible and the history of magick. All the reading I did helped spark my imagination and shape the text but the idea really came out of nowhere. I suppose that it develops once I sit and write. I write freely for about the first three chapters then sit back, think, research and begin plotting. Plotting only serves as a guide or 'sanity check' but I've found that my best work happens when I lose myself in it and forget what I've plotted.

Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I would love to use an editor but as a new indie publisher with a day job and responsibilities, that is a future goal. For my first novel, I didn't use a beta reader and it was all mine. For the second book, Coffin Girls, because of the French in it, I obtained assistance from a French friend who provided me with invaluable guidance on the complexities of the French language. Other than that, I did all the editing myself. Fortunately, I hold a major in English for my undergraduate degree and progressed to complete my internship in psychology, which requires much reading and even more writing. So, I had many opportunities to practice. Even so, grammatical errors do creep in and I found myself editing and re-uploading both books many times even after I published them. I hope that they are now error-free but I would in future like to save myself that particular pain and utilize the services of an editor.

Are you a planner or a pantser?

A bit of both - see previous answer lol. But I do like to plan how to light fire under the pants of my readers in terms of suspense *wicked grin* and interesting love scenes of course.

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

"How to fake your death" and "Spiritual Vampires"

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: erratic, Switzerland, and propaganda.

The propaganda I’d been subjected to had led to the most infuriating of erratic sensations, placing me in an disturbing hell that was far from the neutral, comfortable emotional state of Switzerland that I preferred.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

My motivation to write, my inspiration ultimately comes from my life, my loves and the journey that I'm on to becoming. An undeniable influence in this is my husband, with whom I have my own Romeo and Juliet experience and my two beautiful daughters to whom I'd like to illustrate that dreams can become a reality through passion and hard work.
Thank you to you, Dorothy Dreyer, for this wonderful opportunity and the support you show to indie authors - I wish for you much positive karma returned.
I need to thank the Facebook literary community, particularly the members of Wanda's Amazing Amazon Reviewers or WaAr and my friends at Mystic Press. My friend and inspiration to keep going is Rose Pressey whom I look up to as an author and a beautiful soul. I cannot omit Kendall of Book Crazy, Mary-Nancy of M-N's Amazing Reviews (she was my very first formal reviewer), Carmen Ramirez Sanchez, Carrie-Anne Phillips To Be, Sam Sheerin, Brittany Weidenfeller and so many others. I'd love to give a shout out to the fabulous reviewers and authors at Trudy's Reviewers and Street Team. One reviewer, Michelle, was so forthright and shared so much of herself in what she wrote on amazon that I realized the power of the written word - my written word - and when I am frustrated, I remember how I touched a life and it keeps me motivated.
I also have a wonderful following on twitter and on my Facebook fan page where I've candidly shared my thoughts, promoted other authors and reviewers and have had many interesting conversations.

And finally, where can people find you and your books online?

My books are available on many of the retailers - Barnes and Noble, Amazon, smashwords, Kobo, etc. Coffin Girls is also available via createspace.

The easiest link to Coffin Girls and Finding Promise are via amazon. I do encourage readers interested in my work to like my fan page on Facebook where I interact the most and engage openly. I also provide information on future work or work in progress. I'm currently working on a submission to Mystic Press for an erotic anthology, have just completed a emotionally poignant contemporary romance entitled Home for Love and have future plans to embark on an explicit erotic anthology with a group of indie authors. All of this information may be found on my Facebook Author / Fan page.

Here are the links:

Coffin Girls:
http://www.amazon.com/Coffin-Girls-Elegantly-Undead-ebook/dp/B008N0GWVA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350418092&sr=8-1&keywords=Coffin+Girls

Finding Promise:
http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Promise-Series-Romance-ebook/dp/B008N25Y80/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1350418092&sr=8-2&keywords=Coffin+Girls

Facebook Author Page:
https://www.facebook.com/AneesaPriceSugarandSpice

Interview with Cassandra Giovanni PLUS Giveaway

Today we're talking with author Cassandra Giovanni about her novel, WALKING IN THE SHADOWS. Be sure to leave a comment, and you could win an ebook, necklace and signed photographic print. (Available to UK, USA, and CANADA.)

Welcome to We Do Write, Cassandra! Tell us a bit about yourself.

I started writing before I can even remember and some of my fondest memories have to do with the books I wrote as a child. The first time I was published was when my mom convinced me to enter an American Girl Doll contest. We couldn’t afford the dolls, and I really wanted one. They were running a writing contest where you won a doll, a computer game and some other awesome stuff—including have the chapter I had written published. I wrote my first novel when I was in sixth grade, and I have been writing novels ever since. I come from a family of either talented writers or artists, so I naturally got a bit of both. I didn’t come into my own in drawing or photography until I took a break from writing. I was lost for a bit because writing is such a large part of whom I am, and I found the silence in photography and the absence of the need for words relaxing. It helped me to deal with being a teenager and once I was over myself, it helped me see the world in a better way. When I started writing again the photography was a great way to inspire me and make me better as an author. I met my amazing husband when I was sixteen (he wasn’t my high school sweetheart, as we didn’t start dating until I was a senior and he had been out of high school for about four years already!) and we have been married four years. I can’t imagine life without him, even when I am yelling at him to be quiet because I’m writing. As a day job I work at a bank as an assistant manager and I am a marketing major. I have the best dog on the face of the planet, and I treat him just like my child.

Tell us about WALKING IN THE SHADOWS. What’s the story about?

The story takes a new look at vampires and brings them to life—real life, in a bad way. One person’s obsession becomes a drive to kill, and the main character, Abigail AKA Vera, is deeply affected by this. Her parents are the first victims of the killer. When everything is crumbling around her, Abigail changes her name to Vera and moves away to somewhere she thinks will be safe. Thinks is the keyword here. As she begins her new life as Vera she falls in love with a hunky teaching graduate, who she doesn’t fully fill in on her past. Soon Vera will find out that revenge isn’t just about murder—it’s about ripping everything away from her.

How did the idea of the story come to you?

This story had two different inspirations. I really didn't want to write a vampire novel, and I started to think about the concept and how obsessed everyone seems to be with it since Twilight. Somehow the concept twisted in my mind to the extreme—a serial killer who drinks the blood of their victims. The second part of the story was inspired by a dream. In the dream there was Vera and Tad in a dark auditorium. I could feel the love that Vera had for Tad, but there was this distinct feeling that something wasn't right. There were secrets and apprehension. Then it fast forwarded to Tad pulling her into a dark room and kissing her. It didn't make sense to me that the whole thing had to be so secretive because they were so close in age—no different than my husband and I. So, then I started thinking…and their relationship was born.

Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I have a few select beta readers, and I have a friend who is just starting her own editing company that has helped me.

Are you a planner or a pantser?

Ummm…pantser? I have to google that…alright, pantser. I get the characters in my head and I start writing. I usually write the beginning, middle, end . . . all the really strong scenes and then fill in from there, but there’s no order to it. I could write an ending scene, a middle scene, another ending scene and then a beginning.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

I’m not really sure—there are parts that frustrate me, but I honestly love every part of writing, no matter how hard it is, so I have never thought about how hard certain parts were. If I had to say what I like least, it’s the formatting the novel for print. There are so many things to do to make it look right! Oh, and figuring out how to use commas…little buggers.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

Iphone and my Bubski—my Chihuahua/Jack Russell aka a ChurRussell

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Healing

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

My own name…that was the weirdest thing ever, and it just keeps getting weirder as more and more pages pop up.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: swap, damaged, and hilarious.

Some parts of my past are hilarious and some parts are damaged, but I wouldn’t swap them for the world.

Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...

Taking photos.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

First, my amazing husband. He always deals with my ranting, stressful yelling for no reason and constant tapping on the computer! My parents are amazing—they have always been there to guide me, even when I didn’t want them to. Besides my husband, they are two of my best friends. Onto best friends—Marsha…you can say the simplest things and make everything all better. Ellen, what can I say? You are an amazing person, writer, mentor and friend. I am so lucky to have all of you. AND let’s not forget my awesome readers and fans!

And finally, where can people find you and your book online?

You can purchase the ebook at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You can pick up the paperback at Amazon, my createspace store and Bank Square Books in Mystic, CT.

Blurb:
Seconds seem like a lifetime when the life you lived is slowly drained out of you by those who care not what you felt, hoped, or dreamed. When the darkness comes it is all-consuming; there is no light and there is no pain. It is the never-ending loss of hope that now consumes me as I die in his arms.

This is Abigail Martin’s nightmare. After her parents become the first victims of a serial killer obsessed with the vampire saga, "Crimson Reign," Abigail does the only thing that she thinks will save her from her parent’s fate–she becomes some one else. As Vera MacIntrye, she falls in love with the very handsome Tad Knightley, and then walks into her first day at her new school to see him standing at the front of the classroom. He’s every teenage girls fantasy, but as he writes “Mr. Knightley: AP British Literature” across the white board Vera realizes the one person who filled the gaping hole in her heart will soon rip it wide open again.

Vera struggles to adjust to being a ‘normal’ teenager with very adult responsibilities like paying therent, buying groceries and making sure that lights stay on, while being drawn time and time again back to her off-limits teacher. What’s worse is he is drawn to her too, and their worlds refuse to stay apart when Tad finds Vera screaming in terror in the parking lot after the winter formal. Themurderer has struck again and is getting closer to the next target–Vera. Tad will do whatever he can to save her, even if it means losing his dream job, but will it be enough when the murderer is closer than anyone ever thought?

Social media links:
My website: www.cgiovanni.com
My blog: www.cgiovanniwrites.wordpress.com
My GR: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6094287.Cassandra_Giovanni
Youtube video: http://youtu.be/sFcFwylsMTo
My book merchandise store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CGiovanniWrites


Buy links:

Book Merchandise and signed novels:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CGiovanniWrites

Amazon:
EBOOK: http://www.amazon.com/Walking-in-the-Shadows-ebook/dp/B009Y7Y6UK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1351902882&sr=8-3&keywords=cassandra+giovanni
PAPERBACK:http://www.amazon.com/Walking-Shadows-Volume-Cassandra-Giovanni/dp/1478118199/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1351902913&sr=8-2&keywords=cassandra+giovanni

Barnes and Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/walking-in-the-shadows-cassandra-giovanni/1113639395?ean=2940015893274&itm=1&usri=cassanda+giovanni

Interview with Terence Jackson

Today we're talking with author Terence Jackson about his BLOOD UNDERGROUND series.

Welcome, Terence! Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am originally from a very rural area of North Carolina - spent most of my life there until 2002 when I moved to Fargo, North Dakota, where I still reside. I work at North Dakota State University as an administrative secretary - the only male secretary on campus. I grew up watching all those great black & white horror movies - Dracula, The Werewolf, etc. - on Saturday mornings and I've always had a love for the macabre. I also watched a lot of British television, especially Dr. Who and the comedies so I've been a huge anglophile for some time, as well.

How long have you been writing?

I began writing when I was in college back in the 1970s, never anything serious, though. It was just for me that I wrote - mainly short stories and such. I started writing seriously in 2007 as a way to beat the boredom of winter in Fargo. My first story was "Thirty Days and Counting." It is a military love story I wrote that was inspired by - of all things - a Reba McEntire song. It took me about a year to write it and I had just completed it when I came across the Amazon Breakthrough Novel competition and I entered it. I did okay for a first-timer but I didn't win. I did publish it through Amazon's self-publishing platform and I got the bug - I wanted to write and publish more! My next book was "Von Dred" a vampire story that was inspired by a couple of notes written to me by my work study student at the time. He wound up creating the cover art for the novel. The sequel to "Von Dred" is titled "The Book of Jacob" and it follows one of the characters from "Von Dred" and tells the story from his viewpoint. That brings us up to date and to my proposed trilogy of vampire novels.

Tell us about the first book in your BLOOD UNDERGROUND series. What’s the story about?

The first book in the "Blood Underground" trilogy is "Thavs." Thavs is a term that I came up with that is based on the English term, chavs. The novel tells the story of two men, Henry Stuart and Liam Thackeray, two of the vampires that inhabit the unused tunnels beneath the city of London. In my typical fashion, it gives a good deal of background on the characters so the reader can appreciate why they are the way they are as vampires. What is atypical for me was the style of writing. First, all my stories up until this one have been first person. Secondly, instead of a linear storytelling as in my other novels, this one bounces back and forth between the past - around 1820 - and present day all set up by a series of flashbacks by the main characters until the storyline intersects with itself. The story deals with a lot of vampire lore, both old and new, as well as dealing with human emotions, humanity, and what it's like when one lets the monster win.

How did the idea of the story come to you?

I was in London last October by myself, just after the rioting. I have lots of friends in England but one day I was at odds for anything to do. My best mate works for the Underground as a station manager so in deference to his job I decided to take the tour of the unused portions of the  underground. I found it fascinating the number of unused stations and platforms and tunnels and the condition in which they were left. I always have a notebook with me so if inspiration hits I'm prepared. It did. I took notes on everything the tour guide said and the idea grew and grew that it would make a great setting for a vampire novel.

Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I do have several people who read my manuscripts before I consider publishing them. Most of them are professors in various fields at the university - art history, philosophy, etc. They give me a good deal of input on the storyline, the background, and insight into the characters. I will then take their suggestions and corrections and do the second writing. After that I usually have one or two friends in England that I will send it to for their input, to see if there are any problems with any of my phrasings, Briticisms, or details. Once I get it back from them I will do the third writing, and after that I usually let the manuscript sit for a couple of weeks and work on other stories. When I come back to the nearly completed novel I read and edit it as I go, taking it very slowly as I go. In "Blood Underground: Book One - Thavs" it added nearly 30 pages to the story when I was done with it all. Then just to satisfy my own anal retentive needs, I order a proof copy and read it through once more before releasing it.

Are you a planner or a pantser?

You know, it took me a couple of minutes to figure out what you meant by "pantser." I'm still guessing that it means by the seat of one's pants. My English friends would probably get a big kick out of "pantser" as it would mean something totally different over there - sort of like how "fanny" means something totally different to an Englishman than to an American. Since I've already spilt the beans that I'm anal retentive - and probably a bit OCD as well - I guess I'd say I am a planner. I make an outline of proposed chapters for a story making changes to it as I go along, but, ususally, the final product sticks pretty much to the outline with which I start. The only time I don't plan out every minute of the day is when I'm in London by myself; it just enjoy it as it comes.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

The hardest thing about writing for me is knowing when to stop, or better yet, when to release the story. I'm a perfectionist and it is very difficult to click the mouse on the "publish" key. All the rest of it is easy when compared to actually publishing my work.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

I do have things that I have to have around me or in front of me when I'm writing, but it's never the same thing. It's always something different for each novel I write. For instance, for "Thirty Days and Counting" my father had just passed away and I had some of his military medals I had recovered. For "Von Dred" and "Jacob" it was the notes written by my work study student. For the "Blood Underground" series I've been using the photographs I took while on the "forgotten underground" tour. I even made one of them my desktop background on my computer.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Hmm. It's hard to choose. I guess if pushed, I'd have to say invisibility. I'm an observer of everything - people, places, and things - and I just think it would be advantageous to be able to observe without being a part of the equation.

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

You know, I really don't have an answer for this question. I guess it would have to be vampires and the folklore behind them, but nowadays, that's not all that weird.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: understand, underground, and underwear.

I understand that you have to wear underwear on the underground.

Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...

thinking about some piece of dialogue or scene-setting for a story.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

Wow, I'm not sure you have enough space but I'll try!

I guess first would have to go to Hazel Larsen, fellow author for turning me onto your blog. I've had the pleasure of beta-reading her last novel and we've become good friends.

Next would be to my test subjects at the university - Dennis Cooley, professor of Philosophy and Ethics, and Kris Groberg, associate professor of art history. They have been my main readers on all of my stories and are truly honest about my plots, dialogue....everything.

A big shout out to Kris Kobus, my best mate and all round good guy in London. He has been the inspiration for several characters in my books and is probably one of my biggest fans.

Another one of my friends in the U.K, Gerard Stewart, has also inspired several characters, he himself being such a character in his own right.

I have to thank my mom and dad, although both gone and they never got to read any of my books, they were truly inspirational in the way I was brought up and the values they instilled in me.

Another shout out goes to Michael Baumgartner who was the guy who inspired my vampire novels - "Von Dred" and "The Book of Jacob" - and upon whom the character of Jacob was based; also for the great cover art for Von Dred.

A big thanks goes to my mate Adrian - one name, like Cher - in London; he provided the cover art for "Blood Underground: Book One - Thavs." I told him I wanted provocative and he certainly went the distance on that one.

I guess finally would have to be to all those out there who have read and commented on my books. I've been told my writing is everything from "wonderful, inspiring, etc." to "vampire porn" (I get a big chuckle everytime I think about that one) and I take it all in stride. The one thing that does get me is when people read the second book and not the first one in the vampire stories, then complain that there's things missing from the plot - things that are all explained in great detail in the first book. But all-in-all I enjoy the fans and hearing how much they love my writing and that they can't wait for the next book to come out.

And finally, where can people find you and your books online?


I have recenlty started a blog which can be found at:
http://terencejacksonauthor.blogspot.com/
I also have a twitter account but don't get on there too much.
https://twitter.com/TerenceJackson6
My Good Reads profile is at:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/335008.Terence_Jackson
My books are all available on Amazon.com (and the corresponding U.K. and several of the other European Amazon sites) in both print and Kindle editions. Here are the different links:
http://www.amazon.com/Thirty-Days-Counting-Terence-Jackson/dp/1434879097/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345485327&sr=8-1&keywords=terence+jackson
http://www.amazon.com/Thirty-Days-and-Counting-ebook/dp/B001O2SEB0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1345485327&sr=8-3&keywords=terence+jackson
http://www.amazon.com/Von-Dred-Terence-Jackson/dp/1441452702/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1345485327&sr=8-2&keywords=terence+jackson
http://www.amazon.com/Von-Dred-ebook/dp/B002S0NIRC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1345485327&sr=8-4&keywords=terence+jackson
http://www.amazon.com/The-Book-Jacob-Terence-Jackson/dp/1449538371/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1345485327&sr=8-11&keywords=terence+jackson
http://www.amazon.com/The-Book-Jacob-Dred-ebook/dp/B004W9BXL0/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1345485327&sr=8-16&keywords=terence+jackson
http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Underground-Book-One-Thavs/dp/1461135451/ref=sr_1_33?ie=UTF8&qid=1345485409&sr=8-33&keywords=terence+jackson
http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Underground-Book-Thavs-ebook/dp/B008PT1NOU/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1345485327&sr=8-7&keywords=terence+jackson

Interview with Steven Montano

That weekend went by fast, didn't it? No worries! We'll pretend it's still the weekend by sitting back and indulging in an interview with author Steven Montano who is here to talk about his book, BLOOD SKIES.

Welcome to We Do Write, Steven. Tell us a bit about yourself.


My name is Steven Montano, reputedly of Denver, Colorado, though that has yet to be confirmed.  These days I live in Washington State.  I’m an accountant for Wizards of the Coast, and I write dystopian military fantasy novels in what passes for my spare time.  

How long have you been writing?


Since I was in high school.  My first stories were pretty terrible, but I actually decided to Major in Creative Writing in college, and while that didn’t exactly do squat for me career-wise it was still a wonderful experience.

Tell us about Crown of Ash and The Blood Skies series. What’s the story about?


The Blood Skies series is a dark fantasy saga about a magical cataclysm that’s reshaped the Earth and turned it into a wasteland.  Humans are embattled by dark forces and monstrous creatures, the worst of which are the vampires of the Ebon Cities.  Luckily for us, humans now possess magic, and they’ve banded together in a loosely organized confederation of city-states called the Southern Claw Alliance.  For over twenty years they have waged war with the vampires.

Crown of Ash is the fourth book in the series, picking up where Book 3 (Soulrazor) left off as warlock Eric Cross and his band of mercenaries try their best to get home after a particularly harrowing mission.

How did the idea of the story come to you?


The Blood Skies series actually stemmed from a dream I had about women in a forest being hunted down by black unicorns. That sounds kind of silly, but the dream had a profound emotional impact on me, and the imagery and feelings from that dream grew into the core of the back story for where magic came from in the Blood Skies world.


Now I'm wondering if there are black unicorns in your books. ;) Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?


I mostly self-edit, though I do have a couple of proofreading/beta reading homies (most notably my wife Liberty and Indie author Jen Kirchner) who give me feedback.  I probably should use a professional editor, but editing has become such a part of my process now that I’m not sure if I could give it up.  I edit each book from start to finish an average of 6 times.

Are you a planner or a pantser?


Again…both. ;D  I tend to have VERY loose outlines, which usually break down a book chapter-by-chapter…only the description for each chapter is really only a sentence or two.  I keep major plot points in mind, but I make up the rest as I go along.  The biggest joy of writing for me comes from the undiscovered twists and developments in the story, and I think if I planned things out too carefully I’d be robbing myself (and my readers) of some of that joy.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?


Finding time to do it.  I tend to write very efficiently, but with the amount of time I spend at work, commuting, marketing, and just being with my family, actually scoring time for writing and editing can be a real challenge sometimes.  But, still, I make it work.  I have to.  ;D

I hear ya! What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?


Books that inspire me, music, and tons of caffeine.  Having my wife nearby helps, too, because I can spout off random ideas to her and she’ll usually help me make sense of them. Plus she’s purty. =D

If you could have any super power, what would it be?


I’m going to go with telekinesis.  It’s versatile: telekinetic blasts, flight, make myself move like Neo in “The Matrix”…stuff like that.

But I’d also want a weapon.  Maybe a nice Hawkeye bow and some razor-tipped and explosive arrows. ;D

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?


Vampire Military Fashion Trends.  Not as much there as you might think.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: bloody, barricade, and preposterous.


The bodies were fused into a bloody barricade that stretched up to a preposterous height.  
(Note: I swear I’ve written that sentence before…)

Awesome! Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ... 


…thinking about writing.  Or drinking wine.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.


Good grief, there isn’t enough space on the internet to thank all of the people who’ve helped me out and supported me.  Liberty, Jen, Alan, Candice, Mike, John, D.H., Rob, Zoe, S.J., Shannon, the Guild of Dreams, Indie Writers Unite!, the people on Goodreads, all of my Twitter followers…etc.  I’m grateful to have met so many awesome authors, reviewers, and readers out there.  Each and every one of you rocks.

And finally, where can people find you and your books online?


My website: http://bloodskies.com/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/lm/RDV185G70FFWC/ref=cm_pdp_lm_title_1
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/steven-montano?store=allproducts&keyword=steven+montano
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=blood+skies

Interview with Kaitlyn Davis

Welcome to the next stop on the SIMMER blog tour. We're talking with the author of SIMMER, Kaitlyn Davis.

Welcome, Kaitlyn! Tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up right outside of New York City and have always dreamed of being an author! I blame my obsession with the paranormal almost completely on Buffy the Vampire Slayer – my all time favorite TV show – and have always wanted to write really creative, fantasy-driven young adult novels. I hope my Midnight Fire Series is just the beginning!

How long have you been writing?

Forever! When I was younger, my mom helped me duct tape construction paper together so I could write novels – my first ever was about a girl who spent the summer working at Disney World only to discovered a fantasy world where all of the characters came to life.  In high school, I moved onto romantic novellas. And in college I startedIgnite, the first book in the Midnight Fire Series. Everyday I learn something new about my writing style, and I hope each book I write just keeps getting better and better!

Tell us about SIMMER. What's the story about?

Simmer is the sequel to Ignite and it continues the story of Kira, Tristan and Luke. I always give so much away when I try to describe the plot – so here’s the back of the book description!

“Kira may have survived the eclipse, but her troubles are far from over. She's headed to Sonnyville with one goal in mind: to learn more about her parents. But with Luke and Tristan competing for her heart and Diana gunning for her head, time is running out on the search for her mother. And the closer Kira gets to answers, the more terrified she becomes. The conduits fear her, the vampires fear her, and Kira is starting to wonder if maybe they're right...”

Sounds great! Did you find writing a sequel challenging?

Not at all! I loved it! So far, the hardest part for me to write was the beginning of Ignite. I love that with a sequel you can sort of skip the introductions and jump right into the fast-paced action scenes. With Blaze, the third book in the series, it is getting even easier. The biggest challenge now is hoping I don’t disappoint readers – but I don’t think I will!

Are you a planner or a pantser?

Definitely a planner! I make so many outlines it is sort of ridiculous. But, once the story takes off, I often ditch aspects of the plan and go with my in-the-moment, gut instincts!

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

So far, the most difficult part for me was the beginning of Ignite. I knew there would be a few similarities to Twilight in the first 4-5 chapters, but once the story really took off and the action began, everything got easier. Once I knew the story was in its own unique realm, I stopped worrying about making sure it was different enough to engage readers and became more confident in my work.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

Coffee! I’m a total junkie! I don’t know what I would do without my Keurig :)

Who are your top three book characters from other authors?

Oo, tough call! The first has got to be Hermione from Harry Potter – I love her! Sometimes being the hero doesn’t mean being the strongest or the biggest, sometimes intelligence is the greatest power of all. Second, I have to go with some man-candy and say Will from Clockwork Prince – I seriously wish he could leap from the pages and into my life! Third and final…gah, so tough…Alanna from The Song of the Lioness. In my opinion, she is the original kick-butt heroine and Tamora Pierce definitely taught me a thing or two about strong female characters. 

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Flying! This is sort of strange, but I have a huge fear of flying on airplanes because if they fall, there is really nothing you can do. If I could just fly myself around, I’d have no problem!

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

Hm…probably the best techniques for beheading people! If you read Simmer you might understand! I was writing a certain scene, and clearly have no experience beheading people, and wanted to look up some medieval methods.

Wow, that probably got you pinned on the FBI watch list, lol. Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: survivor, sprinkler, and llama. 

Across the dangerous terrain two warriors stood in the ultimate test of strength – a sprinkler ready to spray and a llama ready to spit – but in the scorching afternoon heat there would only be one survivor.

(Haha, silly I know! If I ever published anything called The Zoo Chronicles, this will be the opening sentence.)

Hehehe, sounds intense. Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

Gosh, my family is definitely number one! My parents have always been so incredibly supportive and my sisters are seriously my number one fans. My best friend Maria, unofficial editor of my books since we were 12, and my roommate Leah, unofficial publicity director since she brags about my books when I won’t. Every single blogger who has let me take up precious space on their front page, and every person who has read my books and spread the word. And, of course, Tribute Books for putting this amazing tour together.

One thing that has amazed me since starting my journey in self-publishing is that there are so many people who are willing to help. So, for anyone else who I haven’t specifically mentioned, thank you – truly and sincerely, thank you.

And finally, where can people find you and your books online?

Here are a few links! I love interacting with readers and talking to people, so please connect with me!

Blog: http://kaitlyndavisbooks.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kaitlyn-Davis/354014464614748

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/DavisKaitlyn

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5276341.Kaitlyn_Davis

Ignite links –

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ignite-Midnight-Fire-Series-ebook/dp/B005U8GQT6/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ignite-kaitlyn-davis/1106913247?ean=2940032804314&itm=1&usri=ignite+kaitlyn+davis

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/95191

Simmer Links –

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Simmer-Midnight-Fire-Series-ebook/dp/B007R82KLK/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

Barnes & Noble: TK

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/148504

Thanks so much for chatting with us, Kaitlyn. I wish you the best of luck with the Midnight Fire series!