I think it’s fairly accurate to say that every reader has a ‘go-to’ author. I have a handful that I will read, knowing that I will not be disappointed. I’ve mentioned them before, my faves, they are: Julia Quinn, Teresa Medeiros, Stephanie Dray (Stephanie Draven), and Diana Gabaldon. I look forward to their books with all the enthusiasm of a kid on Christmas morning.
I’ve been lucky enough to meet them all at writer conferences. I’ve blushed, offered my well worn copy of their book up for signature and hugged it tight once their name was safely inked inside. It’s such a small thing – a signature – to make you feel so giddy.
After one session of fan-girl ranting on my blog, I received a very sweet email from one of the above mentioned authors. I was pretty tickled – okay, I was ridiculously excited… *ahem* Anyway, said amazing author offered to read Medusa, A Love Story. And, maybe, offer a blurb for the book. And I completely freaked out.
I mean, did I dare take her up on such an offer?
What if she hated it?
What if she hated it so much that she couldn’t offer a blurb?
What if she hated it so much that she asked me never to mention her name again for fear of being associated with me…
Yes, I was a wee bit worried. You see, her opinion mattered because I respect her work. *gulp*
BUT – what if (tiny voice) she did like it?
I swallowed, sent the book and began to chew off all of my nails.
I received her response. And this is what she said:
“This tragic and beautiful retelling of one of the world’s oldest stories tackles the eternal battle between duty and happiness. Medusa, A Love Story broke my heart then filled in the cracks with joy. Sasha Summers is simply a mesmerizing new talent.”
~Stephanie Dray,
Author of the critically acclaimed Song of the Nile
These words are about my book. And they will go on the cover of my book…
I can’t begin to tell you how I felt reading these words. (Or how much I cried and laughed…) Or how they still make me feel. But I can say that I hope I live up to her praise with each and ever book I write.
I’m tickled pink to introduce you to a fellow DARA member, and lover of Greek Mythology,
Miss Kelly L. Lee!
Hi Sasha, and hello everyone! I am thrilled to be here today visiting with you.
I’m so glad you could spend a little time with me today. Here’s hoping you meet some new readers and fans while you’re here! *fingers crossed!* Now, on to the interview…
ME: What was the first romance or book you read that grabbed you? Who is the author?
K.L: Believe it or not, that’s a hard question for me. I’ve never really been into mainstream romance. If a romance novel is sitting on the shelf next to a murder-intrigue, I will pick up the death and destruction genre every time. Don’t get me wrong. I love romance, as long as the happy-ever-after has one hell of a bad guy mixed in, some crazy suspense, and preferably a little fighting mixed in for good measure. I know. I’m twisted. Cut a corner off my girl card.
ME: Is there an author that you get fan-girl crazy over? Have you ever met him/her? Do you want to?
K.L: I wish there were only one…the two I am most star-struck over are Sherrilyn Kenyon and Laurell K Hamilton. Sherrilyn takes the top spot, because reading her Dark Hunter series is what finally gave me the courage to write MURDERING EVE. She uses Greek Mythology as a backdrop– something I previously thought wouldn’t be successful in contemporary fiction, but I wrote it because I loved my story. Something I’m sure you understand, Sasha!
I met Sherrilyn last year at a local book signing. She was everything I’d hoped she would be – kind, funny, gracious. She’s the kind of person with whom you’d want to share a good bottle of wine. Or two.
ME: What’s your:
Favorite color? Used to be blue, but that’s too serene for me now. These days, I’m a mess of chaos so I’m drawn more to red. Go figure.
Favorite season? Spring. Hands down.
Favorite Hero – movie or book? Ok – I’m sorry, but I have to break this down into categories to be fair.
Favorite mortal hero – Lucas Davenport from John Sandford’s “Prey” series.
Favorite Immortal hero – Acheron from Kenyon’s Dark Hunter series.
Favorite Heroine – TIE: Gin Blanco from Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin series, and Anita Blake by Laurell K.
Snack weakness (food or drink)? Cupcakes. Lots and lots of cupcakes.
What’s your Astrological sign? Sagittarius. Then they went and screwed with all the signs, and now I’m supposed to be Scorpio. Which is crap. This girl is Sag…all the way.
Do you write sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? I couldn’t write sweet and cuddly if someone held a gun to my head. See how violent I can be?
Do you read sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? Toe-curling, steamy, sweaty, and angst-ridden. Told you I’m a mess.
ME: What’s on your desk when you write?
K.L: A cup of coffee, a never-ending stack of unopened mail shoved in a corner so I can’t see it, a photo of my precious daughters, and the guilt-inducing bottle of vitamins I never remember to take.
ME: Do you write to music or quiet? If you do write with music, can you share one song that’s significantly impacted this story?
K.L: Absolute quiet. I’m distracted so easily, I think I might have a syndrome. I’d look it up, but I’d get distracted and I’d never get these questions answered. I envy authors who light up their keyboards listening to rocking tunes. I wish! Although, there is one song right now that makes me cry every time I hear it – it fits my hero and heroine on my current work in progress – DEFIANCE – perfectly. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri.
Me: What’s your favorite line from your most recent release? Why?
K.L: It’s not fancy, but my favorite line from MURDERING EVE is also the tagline on my blog. “Let the words flow out of you like rain, and let the flood begin.” It’s something my main character’s best friend said, and the kind of encouragement every writer needs to hear from time to time.
Me: What’s next? You don’t have to get specifics – but feel free to leave a tantalizing snippet or cryptic hook. K.L: I’m currently writing the third book in the Four Realms series – working titled DEFIANCE. It’s my first attempt at writing a love triangle. Both men are incredibly likeable characters, so I don’t see things going easily for my heroine, who is torn between familial obligation and passion. Plus, you’ve got an evil Unseelie Queen of Faery who is a little too fond of torture, kidnapping, betrayal, and a healthy dose of mayhem mixed in to keep things interesting.
Download Kelly’s award-winning first book in the Four Realms series – MURDERING EVE, for only $1.99 at the links below. Also available in print!
This week is Spring Break, so I’ve had all four of my lovely offspring underfoot. Which means I’ve been worse than I normally am at blogging. Forgive me.
BUT, because it’s Spring Break – movies have also been part of my agenda. Here we go:
John Carter – LOVED IT! I don’t care what some critics have said, this movie was fun. The cast was remarkably solid too. It was refreshing to have some unique-looking aliens, a twisty-turny plot and (of course) a totally swoon-worthy love story. John Carter delivered. Didn’t see it in 3-D, don’t know if you need to. But it you love epic, sci-fi, romance, adventures – you’ll love John Carter.
Three Musketeers (2011) – Three reasons to see this movie: Ray Stevenson, Luke Evans, and Matthew MacFayden. That’s it! Other than these lovely gentlemen, sit back and watch a terrible mash-up (from imagery, gadgetry, to music – Sherlock Holmes meets Pirates of the Caribbean anyone?) of successful films in an attempt to make this one watch-able. Didn’t happen. There was lots of sighing, groaning and head shaking from my living room as a whole. Not recommended – but I thought i’d share the warning.
12 Monkeys – I know this is old. BUT it still stand up. Brad Pitt, Madeline Stowe, and the Bruce Willis really rock this one. If you haven’t seen Terry Gilliam’s film masterpiece, you should.
Remaining films on the Netflix/Demand list: Contagion and the Hurricane. Will let you know. Have a great weekend!
Tara Fuller is gifted. I read Perigee Moon and was boiled over by how real her characters were. I don’t want to give too much of the story away because I want you to go and buy her book. But let me say that I rarely give five star ratings on Goodreads (seriously) but that’s exactly what I gave her book. I am delighted to have her here today. And await her August 14th release of her newest novel: Inbetween.
Without further ado, let’s all give Tara a round of applause and a hearty welcome!
Down to the interview -
Me: What was the first romance or book you read that grabbed you? Who is the author?
T.F: The first adult book that I can remember that had some real romance in it was LIGHTING by Dean Koontz. I loved that book. I read so much it finally fell apart and I had to buy another.
Me: Is there an author that you get fan-girl crazy over? Have you ever met him/her? Do you want to?
T.F: Maggie Steifvater. I adore her writing style and love her books. I have never met her but would love to someday. I fully expect to go all fan girl on her when that day comes.
Me: What’s your:
Favorite color? Burnt Orange
Favorite season? Fall
Favorite Hero – movie or book? Dimitri from Vampire Academy *sigh*
Snack weakness (food or drink)? Cookies
What’s your Astrological sign? Aquarius
Do you write sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? Sweet & steamy. I write YA so you can only go so far with the steamy.
Do you read sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? Both. My shelves are packed with everything from Kresley Cole, the queen of steam, to tons of sweet YA books.
Me: What’s on your desk when you write?
T.F: A bottle of water. My fish, Story. Lots of post it notes. And usually some form of chocolate.
Me: Do you write to music or quiet? If you do write with music, can you share one song that’s significantly impacted this story?
T.F: I write to music. Each of my books has a playlist. One of the songs that really helped me along with Perigee Moon was ‘Wicked Game’ by Chris Isaak. You can see the rest of the Perigee Moon playlist here http://tarafuller.com/music/
Me: What’s your favorite line from your most recent release? Why?
T.F: I have a lot of favorite lines in Perigee Moon, but if I have to pick one it’s this…
‘Alex kissed me. Kissed me like he’d die without the breath in my mouth. Kissed me until the world around us fell away.’
Me: What’s next? You don’t have to get specifics – but feel free to leave a tantalizing snippet or cryptic hook.
T.F: My next book, INBETWEEN, will be released August 14th from Entangled Teen. It is the first book in the Kissed by Death series. It’s about a grim reaper that falls in love with the girl he is sent to reap. Here is a sneak peek excerpt from that:
“You’ve done this before,” Emma said. “I can tell.”
“What?”
“Danced with a girl.” She ran her palms experimentally over my chest, her skin just a breath away. I ached for her to close that space, but she never did.
I tried, unsuccessfully, to steady my voice. “Just once,” I said. “School dance.”
Emma smiled and did a little twirl. “What was her name?”
I couldn’t think. I didn’t want to think about anything that didn’t begin and end with Emma.
“Can’t remember,” I mumbled just as the flash of a girl in pink satin swaying nervously in my arms shook me. I smiled. “She wore a pink dress. I remember that. And I was so nervous, I thought I might throw up.”
“Did you love her?” she asked quietly. We stopped moving. Silence swallowed us. Then the crackling hiss of the record sounded and a new tune began.
“No,” I said. “No, I didn’t love her.”
“Have you…” Emma took a step back and tucked her hair behind her ear. She wouldn’t look at me. “Have you ever loved anyone…like that?”
I may not have been able to say the words, but I couldn’t stop myself from moving towards her. Emma looked up at me, the question still lingering in her eyes. With one last spark of resolve, I went corporal. Caged her in with my arms and pressed my fingers into her back.
“Finn?”
Emma trembled. But I didn’t think she was afraid. No, this was something else. I breathed her in, clutching her to me, dizzy from all of this contact. Our chests pressed together, and I couldn’t stop wondering what it would feel like for our mouths to touch.
I am delighted to have the opportunity to share a little about my newest publishing house: InkSpell Publishing. Young, upbeat, positive and super speedy – InkSpell is making huge progress on the digital and print frontier. When I asked them to share their story – they did. And now I get to share with you. Attention burgeoning authors, sit back and take notes…
Me: How did the idea for InkSpell come about?
InkSpell: It was the need to provide quality publisher services to author. I have personally been through two harrowing experience with small publishing press and I wanted to ensure that others do not face the same treatment. It was late at night when I decided it was time to bring InkSpell Publishing LLC to the world.
Me: What kind of books does InkSpell publish? What does InkSpell Publishing NOT publish?
InkSpell: We publish mainly romance, the sweet kind and fantasy. We do not publish inspirational, or erotic romance as we are not yet ready for the high volumes that comes with it.
Me: Is there a specific genre you’re actively searching for right now?
InkSpell: Right now, we have a Sweet Romance submission call. We are looking for holiday themed, preferably contemporary romance. Here is the link to the submission call.
Me: With the move to e-publishing, why is InkSpell going to offer print versions of their books?
InkSpell: Because 80% sales still come from print books and because we do not believe in a world without print books. Not yet. We feel the emotional attachment to a print books deeply and also want to keep the tradition of reading a book in hand, feeling the paper, alive. Sure e-publishing is cheaper , easier and faster and we love it for that. But nothing matches the thrill of holding a book in your own hands. Our authors are very excited about it and in fact, this is a service we are proud to provide to our authors in spite of being so new in the market.
Me: How often does InkSpell plan to release their books?
InkSpell: We have a schedule of 20 books this year averaging 2 releases a month. We believe in giving equal amount of time and energy to each book so that it receives the best care. We plan to increase the title releases as we roll in to the next year as I am hoping our staff would increase.
Me: What do you see in InkSpell’s future? What words would you use to describe how InkSpell was viewed by readers and writers?
InkSpell: Our vision is:Quality every page, excellence every book.
That’s what I see in Inkspell’s future – high quality books. Everything else would follow. And it is our mission to enchant readers with spell-binding romance and fantasy fiction while providing fair service to authors.
I think we have stood up to our tag line “be enchanted” as of today. Our books are hopelessly romantic and unique in their content while the book covers attract immediate attention.
Me: What releases are coming soon from InkSpell?
InkSpell: We have a long list of books starting march through july as of now. Here is the link to our upcoming releases. We just released our first book, Always You on March 6th which is receving some warm response by readers. Our next release is Truly, Madly, Deeply, You by Cecilia Robert. We have our first paranormal release, Shadow of Witte Wieven by Debbie Peterson, author of Spirit of Rebellion on 21st April. Exciting times!
InkSpell: Readers can buy InkSpell books at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, All Romance ebooks, 1placefor romance and coffee time romance. We are continuously expanding our online retail store reach.
Well, there you have it. I’m really thrilled to be one of InkSpell’s novels. I’ve been impressed with their professionalism, their comaraderie and their enthusiam. Oh, yes, their covers rock. And you’re welcome for the submissions call. Now, go write, and send it in. InkSpell Publishing might just be the publishing house for you too!
It’s Tuesday again. You know what that means – Tuesday Talent Author Interview. Yay! Hurray! *popping confetti* *throwing ticker tape* – Hurrah!
And today the talented Jordan K. Rose has stopped by to share a bit about herself AND her newly released novel: Perpetual Light.
Because Jordan is so cool, she’s offering up a *** $10 gift certificate to Peet’s Coffee and Teas *** to one random commenter. All you have to do is comment on the post to be entered to win. To increase your chances of winning connect with me via one or more of the social networks listed at the end of the interview. So read, enter, and enjoy!
And there’s more. Every person who enters will be eligible for the BIG drawing. What’s up for grabs? An e-reader: a Kindle Touch OR Nook Simple Touch.
So, let’s get to know Jordan K. Rose:
Me: What was the first romance or book you read that grabbed you? Who is the author?
JKR: I actually don’t remember the name of the book. This is probably a good entry for the HABO portion of Smart Bitches, Trashy Books. I just remember the hero was not around. It was an historical romance and I know they rode horses. But what I remember the most is the heroine birthed her baby alone and while going through the process thought about how strong she was to be able to do it. I was a kid and it was a book my mom had been reading. Funny, I hadn’t thought of that book in years.
Me: Is there an author that you get fan-girl crazy over? Have you ever met him/her? Do you want to?
I have been very, very lucky to meet a lot of authors whose writing I truly enjoy. I’m in the same RWA chapter as Annette Blair and Hannah Howell and have spent time with both of them. I love they’re work. They’re wonderful, kind and funny and caring, and so encouraging to new writers.
Me: What’s your:
Favorite color? Green
Favorite season? This is so hard because pretty much I like them all for different reasons: Spring- everything comes to life and things turn green. Summer- we can go to the beach. Fall- the harvest and festivals and beautiful colors. Winter- I can hunker down and write all day because it’s too cold to leave the house.
Favorite Hero – movie or book? I’m going to have to with Leonidas from the movie 300. Wow!
Snack weakness (food or drink)? Chocolate anything.
What’s your Astrological sign? Aries
Do you write sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? They’re not quite sweet and cuddly. Well, that does happen, but after some steamy, but not really toe-curling stuff happens first!
Do you read sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? I read more toe-curling steamy! Ha!
Me: What’s on your desk when you write?
JKR: My God, it’s a damn mess! Notebooks, and papers, nail polish, my headphones, unless I’m wearing them, cups with pens, my rose from the New England Chapter of RWA, a bag of dark chocolate roasted almonds, Kleenex, a couple RWA reports. Oh, and a timer and some lip gloss!
Me: Do you write to music or quiet? If you do write with music, can you share one song that’s significantly impacted this story?
JKR: Oh, no, quiet. I am very, very easily distracted. I use my headphones to block out noise. I’m amazed at writers who can work with music in the background. I just can’t do it.
Me: What’s your favorite line from your most recent release? Why?
JKR: My husband asked me this and was surprised I couldn’t think of one. But maybe it’s this: “Can’t I just wait a few months then put a stake through your heart?” It’s what Lucia asks Vittorio when he’s forcing her to practice calling on her powers as a slayer. She does not want to hurt him. She accidentally unleashed her power and saw him suffering the day before. This was one of her stall tactics.
Me: What’s next? You don’t have to get specifics – but feel free to leave a tantalizing snippet or cryptic hook.
Well, I’m working on Eva Prim’s story. She’s a vampire looking for friends, which has proven to be a real challenge for her due to her somewhat obsessive, totally compulsive, and utterly emotional personality. I’m also working on the next book in the Perpetual Light series.
Perpetual Light Back Cover Blurb
Fate is cruel. Especially when the one you’ve sworn to love for all eternity, the very soul who changed your destiny is the last person you should trust.
After more than three hundred years of running, Lucia Dicomano must make a choice.
Forced to take her place as a Pharo of Redemption, the divine slayer needs to master her forgotten powers. Lucia turns to Vittorio, the one vampire she’s failed to deliver from eternal damnation. But overcoming smoldering remnants of love, lust and anger aren’t their only obstacles.
Samuel, who may know Lucia better than she knows herself, hunts her with a fervor stoked by a thousand years of vengeful hatred. His plan—capture and enslave the weakened Pharo then take control of her elusive power.
Can Lucia trust Vittorio long enough to reclaim her powers? Or will she have no choice but to kill him and battle Samuel alone?
About Jordan K. Rose:
After trying her hand at many, many things- from crafting and art classes to cooking and sewing classes to running her own handbag business, Jordan finally figured out how to channel her creativity. With an active imagination and a little encouragement from her husband she sat down and began to write, each night clicking away at the keys with her black Labrador, Dino curled up under the desk.
A few short years later she’s entered the publishing arena with no plans to ever turn back.
Jordan’s a member of Rhode Island Romance Writers, as well as RWA National, and the New England (NEC), Connecticut, and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal (FFnP) Chapters.
Her first book, Perpetual Light, is available on Amazon’s Kindle from Crescent Moon Press.
Where can you connect with Jordan? (and enter the drawing?):
Talk about hitting the ground running & a fun way to get the creative juices going! I’m playing TAG! Author pal, Kate Evangelista, tagged me (this morning via Twitter) for a Q&A and I’m more than happy to participate. Thanks for including me Kate!
Kate’s Questions for the Tag:
1. What’s your go to book to read again and again?
Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander AND Teresa Medeiros Heather and Velvet
2. If your life was a reality show, which one would it be and why?
19 kids and counting. I only have four – but sometimes I feel like there’s more of them. Except I’m not nearly as mellow and earth-mothery as the mother. So maybe that’s not the right answer. I don’t really watch reality shows… hmmm…
3. What’s the one song you have on repeat?
Sunrise – Norah Jones
4. If life is like a box of chocolates, which kind of chocolate are you in the box?
Mixed box – nuts, creamy centers, mints, you name it. That’s me – you never know what you’re going to get. LOL!
5. If I looked in your closet right now, which article of clothing you have the most of?
Laundry – LOL!!!!
6. Which book on the NY Best Sellers List would you have wanted to have written?
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
7. If you could be anyone famous, who would it be and why?
Meryl Streep – she’s ‘been’ so many people, is so successful and yet she still seems very relatable and humble.
8. What would you do with a million dollars?
Pay off all my family (extended too) debt. College funds for four kids… And maybe take that dream trip to Greece and Italy?
9. If you knew for sure that the world is ending, what’s the first thing you’d do?
Cuddle up with my husband and kids and play a game together.
10. Which fictional character would you want to meet in person and why?
It’s one of my characters actually. My Poseidon. I’d like to slap him… once or twice. Then stare at how pretty he is. it’s complicated *sigh*
11. If you met your sixteen-year-old self today, what would you tell her?
He really is the one, so hold on tight and make sure he knows it every single day.
I’m tagging (don’t hate me, please!) BUT anyone can answer the Questions below in the COMMENTS section below. I’d love to hear from everyone
If I could have a conversation with one person (living or dead, famous or not) who would it be and why?
The last book I read was_____.
I don’t hate Sasha for doing this to me on a Monday morning because _______.
Okay, now for the tag rules:
1. You must post the rules! 2. Answer the questions and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you’ve tagged. 3. Tag eleven people and link to them. 4. Let them know you’ve tagged them.
As you know, I’m a movie-holic. And, I’m a bit of a book-a-holic too. And when my too loves collide it can be a very good thing or an utter catastrophe.
There are some good book to film translations: Harry Potter (duh!), Dear John (preferred the movie to the book- maybe it was Channing Tatum?), 13th Warrior, The Princess Bride, Lord of the Rings trilogy (duh!)
But far more Bad book to film translations. Latest example - Twilight (the original is super bad – each one gets a bit better. I admit to enjoying them in their badness, though!)
The world, or at least most of the people I know, are holding their breath over the impending Hunger Games premier. I’m not so sure what to think since I was pretty torn over the books. But, good or bad, the series will be a cash cow. I received my invitation from Seneca Cane this morning – you can buy your tickets starting TODAY. (You’re welcome.)
