Tag: Vampire

New Release · Release Blitz

Bad Girls Drink Blood (Blood Fae Druid Book 1) by S.L. Choi – New Release

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Bad Girls Drink Blood (Blood Fae Druid Book 1) by S.L. Choi is now available!

~Synopsis~

Part sun fae, part blood fae, all abomination.

After a life spent dodging slurs, threats, and assassination attempts, Lane Callaghan gave her past the one finger salute and ditched her former fae home for good.

The detective agency she and her sisters run on the edge of Las Vegas continues to limp along, with Lane doing more debt collecting and intimidating than investigating, but anything to pay the bills. Between working for low-lifes to bring down even lower-lifes, eating cheesy poofs by the bucket, and flirting with the criminally attractive bartender where she conducts business, life is good.

That ends when a routine job goes sideways leaving Lane with a sack full of stolen sun shards—the source of sun fae power. Without the shards, the sun fae face giving up their magic completely, or risk death if they use their power.

As far as Lane’s concerned, good riddance, considering they would rather see her dead—except her father and adopted sister are sun fae. Lane must choose to return home to save the fae bastards that almost killed her…or let them burn.

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author · New Release

Interview with an Author featuring Wren Michaels

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Wren Michaels! Her newest release, Thunderstruck (Thunderbird Brotherhood Book 1) released on March 10th 2022.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always been a daydreamer and loved to just listen to music and envision scenes in my head. I also loved books and often times didn’t want the stories to end, so I took to writing my own, so I didn’t have to leave those worlds if I didn’t want to.

What time of the day do you usually write?

Whenever possible! LOL It varies, really. While I was working full-time, I would try and squeeze in time at night. Now that I am only working part-time, I can devote more daytime to writing.

How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?

I storyboard with Pinterest, so that can lead me down a whole rabbit hole which can last for days.

Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?

All of them were enjoyable to write, or I wouldn’t have written them! LOL But, I had the most fun with one of my first books, VEXED and my Christmas RomCom, IT’S A WONDERFUL LIE. Vexed has a sassy, take no crap heroine, which I love to write. She was my first. And It’s a Wonderful Lie was my first RomCom and I just love to write banter.

Who is the author you most admire in your genre?

That’s tough, I admire a lot. I love Darynda Jones though. She’s a phenomenal writer, nails witty banter and sassy heroines and is a genuinely awesome person. I got to meet her at a con many years ago and walked up to her with a friend of mine and just asked if we could interview her and she’s like, yeah, sure. And she was so down to earth.

Do you hear from your readers much? What do they say?

I’d love to hear from them more! Whether in reviews or just on social media.The one that really sticks with me the most is someone who read my Christmas Rom Com and said it inspired her to go out and do something nice for someone else. I never thought I’d write a book that inspired someone else, let alone for them to want to go out and do something as a result. I bawled like a baby to my husband. It was magical.

Favorite book when you were a kid.

Bridge to Terabithia, I will never ever forget that book and how it made me feel.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Humorous, Loyal, Daydreamer.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Perseverance is the key. 98% of the time, things won’t happen overnight. It’s a long-haul business. LOTS of ups and downs but hang in there. Don’t compare yourself to other authors, everyone’s road to success is different because everyone’s definition of success is different.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

I will always have sparks of humor and a happy ending in them, along with an adventure and of course romance. In the end, it’s the characters that drive me and I’m just telling their stories.

Thank you Wren Michaels for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her newest release, Thunderstruck today!

~Synopsis~

Reseda Juarez is dead.

Though she functions as a human, inside she’s an emotionless weapon, trapped between the living and the undead. Cold and unrelenting, she’s used as a super-soldier by the government in a special task force to hunt preternatural beings to the brink of extinction.

One night, five years ago, Kane killed an innocent and his brother lost the love of his life. The aftermath forces Kane to become the alpha of the legendary Thunderbirds. He now must protect what’s left of his family from the tribe of wolf shifters who ripped them apart.

When Reseda’s mother is bitten by a wolf, she and Kane are forced to work together to find the Mayan Pul Yah stone to heal her—the same stone that gifted Reseda to the life she now lives. But the journey is riddled with more than the wolves, also searching for the stone.

Something strange happens to their powers when they’re together, and they struggle to fight the intense attraction between them. The deeper they go, the more secrets unravel, until love is the only thing that can defeat an enemy no one saw coming.

Wren hails from the frozen tundra of Wisconsin where beer and cheese are their own food groups. But a cowboy swept her off her feet and carried her to Texas, where she promptly lost all tolerance for cold and snow. Fueled by coffee, dreams, and men in kilts, Wren promises to bring you laughter, heart-fluttering romance, and action that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Join my Facebook Reader Group – Wren’s Renegades! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1910555742502037
Follow me on Social Media for more updates!
Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author · New Release

Interview with an Author Featuring Erin Fulmer

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Erin Fulmer! Her newest release, Cambion’s Law released on November 9th 2021.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing ever since I can remember! My mom is a novelist too so I started emulating her early, and she would write down stories I dictated. I even used to beta read for her! As an adult, I spent a lot of time in fandom spaces and honed my writing skills there. I started to get serious about writing my original work in my thirties. CAMBION’S LAW was the first full-length novel I finished and revised for publication. I started it during NaNoWriMo 2015 so it took six years to get it from first draft to publication.

Describe a typical writing day.

I still have a day job so I do most of my writing after dinner, from about 7pm to 10pm. I start by reading over what I worked on during my last session and doing some light editing. Then I open Twitter…Kidding! (Well, half-kidding.) A typical writing day yields 500-2000 words. I’m not a particularly fast writer. I’m a perfectionist and want to get it right, so I have to battle back my inner editor to get the words out. At 10pm I stop and then my spouse and I watch TV together to unwind.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

I get inspiration from a lot of places—media I love, my own life experiences, things I want to see more of as a reader, what if questions, and personal obsessions or interests. Every book I’ve written so far blends all of those aspects together, and then as I work on it, it becomes something of its own. I like to play with tropes but I also like to introduce aspects I don’t get to see a lot. For instance, CAMBION’S LAW uses a lot of urban fantasy and romance tropes, but it really focuses on consent and explicit negotiation in its romance plot because that was something I wanted to see more often. I also flipped the usual paranormal romance trope of having the human heroine falling for a powerful supernatural creature. In CAMBION’S LAW the protagonist is the powerful supernatural creature in the relationship. That was also inspired by something that always bothered me about some classic media in the genre—I’m thinking BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, for instance, where the powerful heroine doesn’t get to have a healthy relationship because her power intimidates human men. I don’t love the implications of that so I created a romance where the love interest appreciates the heroine’s power and isn’t intimidated by it.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

My favorite character in CAMBION’S LAW is actually Lily’s best friend, Daniela (Danny) Rios. Lily can take herself too seriously and drown herself in self-loathing, but Danny keeps her grounded with tough love and provides a lot of humor. I love writing them together because of the way they play off each other—I never get blocked when it’s a Danny scene! Danny’s character owes a lot to the close friends and queer support systems in my own life, the people who accept me for exactly who I am. That’s the kind of relationship that is incredibly healing when you weren’t taught how to love yourself properly.

When you’re writing an emotionally draining (or sexy, or sad, etc) scene, how do you get in the mood?

Sometimes I close my eyes and try to envision the scene as if it were playing out on film. I try to hone in on the sensory details and feel the emotions in my body because those help me drop into the experience of it. I listen to music and make playlists for every book, too, and that helps, but I can’t listen to music while I’m actually writing. So I’ll listen when I’m out and about in the car or doing other things to get myself in the right emotional headspace for a later writing session. A lot of times that will spark inspiration.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Curious, perfectionist, introverted.

How do you deal with emotional impact of a book (on yourself) as you are writing the story?

I do tend to write books that touch on trauma and recovery so at times I have to take breaks from writing pivotal scenes if something is emotionally tough—sometimes that bleeds over into avoidance, at which point I just have to throw myself into it. I have an excellent therapist and she’s taught me a lot of grounding techniques that really help. My spouse is an amazing support and often notices that something is “off” before I do, so I usually talk it over with him and share what part of my work has me feeling that way. I also do a lot of journaling—writing is usually the way I process things, one way or another.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with me?

I just finished the manuscript for Cambion Book 2 and sent it out to beta readers and my editor, so I probably should be taking a break. Instead, I started drafting a contemporary fantasy that’s about toxic family legacies, small towns, and coming home to a place you never belonged in the first place. Also it’s gay, fae, and involves the Wood Wide Web, parallel worlds, and climate change. Basically, what I said above about writing my obsessions and mixing elements applies here, too.

What advice would you give to other authors?

You’ll never please every reader and publishing trends change all the time, so write what keeps the fires lit in your own heart. Practice the skill of receiving feedback and critique—authors are sensitive creatures, but as solitary as writing can seem, it takes many people and many eyes to get a book publication-ready. Find community with other writers, because they will support and sustain you when you’re losing faith in your abilities. Learn to promote yourself and your work—it can feel unnatural and awkward at first but it makes a huge difference and is a necessity in today’s industry. You will always be your work’s best champion and advocate and marketing is just another skill to nurture.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

I love genre fiction as a reader and that’s what I write. I don’t shy away from tough topics but ultimately I write from a place of hope, so you won’t get grimdark from me even when I tread in darker waters. My books will always feature bi/queer rep and I do not bury my gays. My foremost goal is to tell a good story and keep you turning pages—hopefully leaving you with a smile on your face.

 

 

Thank you Erin Fulmer for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her newest release, Cambion’s Law today!

~Synopsis~

Lawyer. Demon. Lily Knight is both—half-human, half-succubus, and utterly dangerous.

Lily protects her secret and the safety of those around her by abstaining from the skin-to-skin contact that would grant her superhuman powers. An ambitious criminal prosecutor, she’s all work and no play, determined to prove herself in the courtroom to atone for the ex-lovers she’s left for dead in her past.

But after a fellow succubus turns up murdered and the police arrest an innocent man, Lily discovers evidence of a supernatural killer stalking the foggy San Francisco streets. And when human justice falls short, she launches an unsanctioned investigation to find the real culprit.

To stop the killer, she must embrace the full power of her heritage and risk the soul of the handsome suspect she can’t help but fall for. Can Lily face her true nature without losing her humanity—or will she become the monster she fears most of all?

If you love Richelle Mead, Lisa Edmonds, or Seanan McGuire, discover a paranormal mystery series complete with a fierce heroine that will have you begging for the next book!

Erin Fulmer is a public benefits attorney by day, author of urban fantasy and science fiction by night. She lives in sunny Northern California with her husband and two spoiled cat daughters. Through her life’s many unexpected twists and turns, words have always been her element and her escape. When she’s not writing or working, she enjoys hatha yoga, taking pictures of the sky, playing board games with friends, and napping like it’s an Olympic sport.

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author Featuring Rebecca Rivard

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Rebecca Rivard! Her latest release, Pursued: A Vampire Syndicate Paranormal Romance (The Vampire Syndicate Book 1) is set to release on October 1st 2020.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

As a teenager, I read way too many romances, little realizing I was actually preparing for a career. After a detour through various genres, I returned to my first love. In 2017, I became a USA Today bestselling author, proving dreams really can come true.

My Fada Shapeshifter Series was voted Best Shifter Series of 2018 in the Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer’s Choice Awards, and Saving Jace was chosen Best Shifter Book of 2018. Charming Marjani received the 2020 PRISM Award for Best Urban Fantasy Romance.

My vampire novella Ensnared: Star (Vampire Blood Courtesans) was a Night Owl Reviews Top Pick. I’ve also won awards in poetry and literary fiction, most of which featured—of course!—a romance in some way. 

How long have you been writing?

A looong time! I started out writing plays for my dolls in second grade, which I presented in class. I believe they were all of two (handwritten) pages long, lol. From there I could only go up…

Describe a typical writing day.

I write at least five days a week. Typically I walk or do yoga (I’ve been a yoga teacher for 20 years), then check my social media, maybe read the newspaper. I usually get going around nine-thirty or ten. Unless I’m on a deadline, in which case I often work before breakfast.

I write three or four hours a day. The rest of the time is spent on marketing, interacting with readers, or just enjoying a good book. I read several books a week as well as a couple of newspapers. Mainly I read romances—contemporaries, historical, and of course, paranormal romance. I also love a good mystery.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Ooh, good question! For my Fada Shapeshifter Series, I was writing (unpublished) contemporary romances when I started kicking around an idea about a human man who captures a fae queen. Then one day, my husband and I were at our favorite swimming hole in a park on the Susquehanna River. I was gazing at a crevice next to the stream when the idea for a water shapeshifter clan came to me.

The human became a shapeshifter alpha who, to save his clan, takes the sun fae queen prisoner…and the Fada Shapeshifter Series was born. Ten books later, the series is still going strong!

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special?

This is so hard! I fall a little in love with all my characters. They become real people to me, and I feel I have to get their story down—and make sure they get their HEA.

But if I had to choose, right now I’m loving Gabriel, the dark, sexy billionaire vampire in my upcoming Vampire Syndicate release, Pursued (out Oct. 1!). He’s smart, protective, a little dominating…the kind of man who hits all my buttons.

When you’re writing an emotionally draining (or sexy, or sad, etc) scene, how do you get in the mood?

That depends. For emotionally draining scenes, music can help. “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls and “The Sound of Silence” by Disturbed always get me in the mood. For a fight, I might act it out in my office.

Right now I’m loving music from the 365 Days film (another mafia romance), especially the Everybody Loves an Outlaw band. The songs are so perfect for my current vampire mafia romances.

For sexy scenes, I just try to picture myself in the scene. If it turns me on, hopefully it will turn my readers on, lol. If I’m stuck, I might read a few other scenes—my own or another authors. Sometimes my husband gets roped in for “inspiration.” He doesn’t seem to mind…

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

It just kind of happens. I introduce new characters, plot twists… I’m always trying to think outside the box. For example, my Fada Shapeshifters are a species I created—part-fae, part-human, part-animal.

I’ve had readers tell me they googled the Fada, thinking they were a “thing.” I’m like, nope, I made them up! But I love that they seem that real to people.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with me?

As a matter of fact, on October 1 I’m kicking off the Vampire Syndicate Series, a new vampire mafia romance trilogy. The Vampire Syndicate Trilogy features three rich—and smokin’ hot—brothers who are heirs to one of the world’s most powerful vampire syndicates.

In the first book, Pursued, all hell has broken loose in the Kral Vampire Syndicate. The middle brother has gone missing and their father leaves town to hunt for him. The youngest brother is sent to investigate another lead, leaving Gabriel, the oldest, to hold down the fort in New York City.

Then, the woman Gabriel loved and lost three years ago chooses that moment to return. Is he suspicious? Hell, yeah.

Here’s the series blurb:

The Vampire Syndicate

They call us the Dark Angels: Gabriel, Zaquiel and Rafael.
We’re brothers. Princes. Billionaires.
The richer-than-sin heirs to one of the world’s most powerful vampires.
But we’re not vampires, we’re dhampirs. Half-human, half-vampire, with panty-melting good looks.
The media love us.
Vampires hate us.
And Slayers, Inc. will do anything to take us down.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Write a little every day! I had years when I was raising my kids and working full-time that I wrote as little as 100-200 words a day. But write 100 words a day, 5 days a week for 50 weeks and you’ll end up with a 50,000-word novel. 

As a paranormal romance author, I’d also encourage letting your imagination run wild. PNR authors don’t have to write what we know, and I find that incredibly freeing.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

If you crave dark, dominating vampires, try my new Vampire Syndicate Series or check out the two books I have in the Vampire Blood Courtesans Series.

If steamy paranormal romance about shifters and fae is your jam, check out my Fada Shapeshifters. I’m thrilled that the series has won so many awards, including the PRISM Award for Best Urban Fantasy Romance and two Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer’s Choice Awards (Best Shifter Series & Best Shifter Book).

 

Thank you Rebecca Rivard for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out and pre-order her newest release, Pursued today!

~Synopsis~

THE VAMPIRE SYNDICATE ROMANCES
When darkness falls, the monsters come out to play…

Twilight meets 365 Days in this hot new paranormal romance series from USA Todaybestselling author Rebecca Rivard!

They call us the Dark Angels: Gabriel, Zaquiel and Rafael.
We’re brothers. Princes. Billionaires.
The richer-than-sin heirs to one of the world’s most powerful vampires.
But we’re not vampires, we’re dhampirs. Half-human, half-vampire, with panty-melting good looks.
The media love us.
Vampires hate us.
And Slayers, Inc. will do anything to take us down.

PURSUED
Mila
I knew Gabriel was dangerous, the eldest son and heir to a Syndicate Primus. You think a Mafia don is scary? You should meet Gabriel’s father.
But I thought I could play with fire without being burned.
Now I’m on the run from the Syndicate. Hungry, alone. Not knowing who to trust.
Until the night the vampires hunt me down…

Gabriel
I let Mila run from me once. Now she’s back—right when all hell breaks loose in the Syndicate.
Yeah, I’m suspicious. I know she’s keeping secrets from me.
But this time, I have the upper hand.
Mila’s mine now.
Bound to me by a blood oath that only I can break.
I’ll never let her leave.

A steamy second-chance, forbidden lovers paranormal romance.

THE VAMPIRE SYNDICATE ROMANCES
Three powerful brothers and the women they’ll do anything to have—and hold.

A fast-paced new vampire romance series from PRISM award-winning author Rebecca Rivard.

USA TODAY bestselling author Rebecca Rivard read way too many romances as a teenager, little realizing she was actually preparing for a career. She now spends her days with dark shifters, sexy fae, and other magical creatures.

InD’Tale Magazine calls her work, “Steamy, spellbinding romance with phenomenal pacing,” and the Paranormal Romance Guild says, “There is sex and suspense and everything you could hope for in a shifter book. I can’t wait for more!”

Five of her books have been awarded the prestigious Crowned Heart Review from InD’Tale Magazine, and the FADA SHAPESHIFTER SERIES was voted Best Shifter Series in the Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer’s Choice Awards. Her books have also won first place in contests such as the prestigious PRISM Awards (CHARMING MARJANI) and the PRG Reviewer’s Choice Awards (SAVING JACE).

She also has books in the VAMPIRE BLOOD COURTESANS SERIES, and her novella “Ensnared: Star” was a Night Owl Reviews Top Pick.

Sign up for Rebecca Rivard’s newsletter at her website (rebeccarivard.com) and be the first to hear about new releases and read exclusive teasers from the books. As a thank you, Rebecca will gift you with a steamy short story (‘Lir’s Lady’).

For more about my vampire romances, including Pursued: A Vampire Syndicate Romance, go here.

https://rebeccarivard.com/vampires/

You can see all of my Fada Shapeshifter books here, including series order.

https://rebeccarivard.com/shapeshifters/

Come out hang out with me and my Wild Hearts on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/655091701366112/

I’m also on Instagram where I love posting pics about my various worlds.

https://www.instagram.com/rebecca.rivard/

 

Review

Heart of Fire (Alice Worth Book 2) by Lisa Edmonds – My Review

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Title: Heart of Fire (Alice Worth Book 2)

Author: Lisa Edmonds

Release Date: May 29th 2018

Genre: Vampire, Shifter, Thrillers

Join Alice. Private Investigator of the Supernatural.

It has been a rough month for mage private investigator Alice Worth.

Alice hasn’t had a decent night’s sleep in weeks, her relationship with werewolf Sean Maclin is on the rocks, a federal agent hounds her every step, and a powerful vampire whose ulterior motives have ulterior motives watches her every move. It’s enough to drive any woman to drink.

Just when Alice’s ghost sidekick Malcolm is about to stage an intervention, her former employer, Mark Dunlap, enlists her help to find out who’s been kidnapping women off the streets. As the list of the missing grows, the city’s anger turns against the vampires, and the Vampire Court hires Mark and Alice to find those responsible. After the case reunites her with Sean, Alice is forced to confront painful demons from her past, as well as the very real demon who wants her dead and the vampire determined to control her power.

When tragedy strikes close to home and a friend’s life hangs in the balance, Alice goes up against the most powerful adversary she’s ever faced in an explosive showdown that will leave Alice and her city forever changed.

Alice Worth is fast becoming my fave! We find my girl dealing with everything that has happened. A LOT has happened but a new case with an old friend might be what she needs to get her groove back. Wherever Alice is, danger is sure to follow!

I love the world the author has created! Did I mention Alice is my fave? There’s always a twist and something new with every book. Love it! The action and suspense always has me hooked and I am rapidly page turning because I need to know how it will end. Then once it’s over, I sit there knowing book hangover is coming. There are also moments in the book that give you such feels and then the tears come. Thank you Miss Edmonds.

The story was highly enjoyable! I am a huge fan of the author’s writing style. I can’t wait to read the next book! If you like fantasy and strong female leads, this series is for YOU! I give this 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author Featuring Lisa Edmonds

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Lisa Edmonds! Author of the Alice Worth series. Her next release, Heart of Vengeance will release in October 2020!

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I was a writer starting at age four! I wrote a one-page story on a sheet of Big Chief tablet paper (with illustrations) about a flower and a rainbow who were friends. My mom still has it somewhere in a box. Both of my parents were librarians and I grew up loving stories of all kinds. I can’t imagine not writing. It’s like breathing for me.

Describe your writing space.

I wrote several books that hopefully stay buried (LOL) before I started working on Heart of Malice (Alice Worth Book 1) in 2015. I’ve published five full-length novels and three novellas since 2017, and my sixth book, Heart of Vengeance, will be out in October 2020. I think it’s my favorite because it’s kind of a buddy road-trip comedy-drama, featuring Alice and her ghost sidekick Malcolm, plus a very motley group of supernatural allies. The cover is also fabulous. Thank you so much to my cover artist and my publisher, City Owl Press, for such great covers.

Describe yourself in three words.

Creative, traveler, true crime addict (that counts as one!)

What are you reading now?

I’m a bit behind on new releases because I’ve been trying to write as much as possible this summer, but I just finished Magic Touch by Luna Joya and I’m about to dive into American Demon by Kim Harrison and then finally Smoke Bitten by Patricia Briggs. (I told you I was behind!)

If your book was to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?

This has always been a tough question for me to answer. I think Natalie Dormer (with dark hair) would make a perfect Alice. She’s got that sarcastic smile and perfect RBF.

Do you find it more challenging to write the first book in a series or to write the subsequent novels?

Each has their own challenges. The first book has to establish your world, the magic system, the protagonist, the main antagonist, and hook your readers so well that they want to take this journey with you all the way to the end. Each book builds on those before it, and by book 7 (which I’m working on now), I have a dozen running threads, hundreds of characters, and so much to keep track of—not to mention continuing to develop characters in realistic and dynamic ways so they change, evolve, and grow all the way to the end.

Do you hear from your readers? Have you experienced a weird fan girl moment?

I LOVE to hear from readers! I get DMs on Twitter, comments and messages on Facebook, and on Instagram. It’s so amazing that people enjoy my books and want to talk about them—what they loved, WHO they love, and how much they wish the next book was out! It’s always surreal when someone gushes about a scene or a character, or a book as a whole. I just always wanted to write stories people enjoyed, and I love that this series seems to be doing that.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Your stories are important. You have tons of fans out there you don’t know about who love and read your books, but don’t blow up your social media about it. Your story meant something very important to people you don’t know. That’s magical. Also, at this moment, almost everyone I know is struggling to express themselves creatively. Writers, artists, designers, musicians…we’re all struggling. If you are struggling to create right now, you are not alone, and it is not a failure on your part. Don’t be hard on yourself if the words aren’t happening for you during difficult times. Do what you can when you can, and forgive yourself when you fall short of your goals. Be kind to yourself.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

Alice’s journey is about healing and dealing with the trauma of her past. When I first developed the idea of Alice, one central aspect of her character was I wanted her to be real, not so perfect and over-powered that readers can’t identify with her. I wanted her to make mistakes and learn from them. I’ve read hundreds of urban fantasy books and one thing that bugs me to no end is main characters who go through all kinds of violence, trauma, and loss, both in the past and present, and move on as if nothing happened. We all love those strong heroines, but being strong doesn’t mean you’re impervious when bad things happen. Alice is haunted by her past, and by the things she sees and experiences in these books. What happens at the end of Heart of Malice, for example, (no spoilers!) affects her greatly and very nearly derails both her relationships and the career she loves. Her healing process from that, and from all she endured while a prisoner of her grandfather, is the true emotional heart of the series. A number of readers have contacted me to let me know that this representation of trauma and healing is consistent with their own. That’s lovely to hear, because that was as or more important to me than anything else about this series.

 

Thank you Lisa Edmonds for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out Heart of Malice today!

~Synopsis~

Meet Alice. Private Investigator of the Supernatural.

The first time Moses Murphy’s granddaughter killed on his orders, she was six years old.

For twenty years, she was a prisoner of an organized crime syndicate, forced to use her magic to make Moses the most powerful and feared man on the East Coast. To escape his cruelty, she faked her own death and started a new life as Alice Worth. As a private investigator specializing in cases involving the supernatural, Alice walks a precarious line between atoning for the sins of her grandfather’s cabal and keeping her true identity hidden.

Hired to investigate the disappearance of a mysterious object of power, Alice enlists the help of Malcolm, a ghost running from a past as nightmarish as her own. It soon becomes clear the missing object was taken by someone with a dangerous secret and an unknown agenda. When her client is kidnapped, Alice must find her and the object of power before a vengeful killer destroys the city and slaughters thousands—starting with Alice.

Lisa Edmonds was born and raised in Kansas, and studied English and forensic criminology at Wichita State University. After acquiring her Bachelor’s degree, she considered a career in law enforcement as a behavioral analyst before earning a Master’s from Wichita State and then a Ph.D. in English from Texas A&M University.

She is currently an associate professor of English at a college in Texas and teaches both writing and literature courses. When not in the classroom, she shares a quiet country home with her husband Bill D’Amico and their cats, and enjoys writing, reading, traveling, spoiling her nephew, and singing karaoke.

Looking for news and updates on the Alice Worth series? Follow Lisa on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @Edmonds411. Join her reader community on FB or at http://www.LisaEdmonds.com.

 

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring Loni Lynne

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Loni Lynne, author of Immortal Heat (The Guardians of Dacia Book 1)!

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

My 7th grade English teacher introduced me to writing when there was a Halloween writing contest for a $50 Savings bond and 2 tickets to the local haunted house with the top three winners stories posted in the local newspaper. I won first place with a very macabre, horror story for a 13 year old. But hey, kind of cool.  It was at a crucial, awkward time in my life (middle school pre-teen) with a lot of angst and issues going on. Writing became my sounding board. I started writing what was considered ‘fan-fic’ now, dreaming of one day writing movies for Steven Speilberg or George Lucas. Yeah, Geek! I still have some of those old five subject notebooks with ‘oh-my-God-I wrote-that!’ in my files.

What time of the day do you usually write?

When I first started ‘professionally’ writing, I was a stay at home Mom and could set my own schedule. A few years ago I had to go back out to the workforce (after 20 + years) so now it’s whenever I can, after work on the weekends. The COVID-19 era has created a situation in which I have had to stay home (along with many others) so I’ve been able to dedicate much more of my time to sitting down and actually spending quality time writing again in the evening after my teleworking, day job. When God gives you lemons—I’m trying to make lemon meringue pie.

How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?

I try to have an idea of the ‘character world’ when I start to work on a new novel.  The great thing right now is that I am still working on my two series that I have out–The Crossroads of Kings Mill and The Guardians of Dacia series so both of the worlds are more or less created. But as I introduce new characters with each book (or focus on a character I might have cameoed) I can really elaborate a bit more.  Truthfully, I’m what the writing world would consider a pantser–my stories are character driven. I have index cards of very basic ideas of where I want to go and then my characters take over and I just end up along for the ride. It’s when they come to a fork in the road and they look at me that I go, “Oh crap–you want me to think of something? Okay–give me a few days. I’ll get back with you on that.”

Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?

My most enjoyable book to write? I will have to say I really loved writing all of them (they are my babies).  But I will admit the first ‘book’ always stays with you. Wanted One Ghost was just so easy. James and April were my best friends. The story was fun, spooky, loaded with History, metaphysics, humor with the Wilton women (April’s women folk). I loved the research (yes, I’m weird and I love researching for the little tid-bits of information to make it realistic) and as the storyline developed with my characters direction, I loved it more. I felt they had a story to tell. I was just interpreting it. I hope that’s what all of my stories do. I want my characters to tell the story, I’m just the interpreter.

Who is the author you most admire in your genre?

There are so many authors I admire. Where to start? And each one for a different reason or some for the same.  I’ll name a few: Anne Rice (thanks to my sister-in-law, cut my teeth on her), Sherrilyn Kenyon-Dark Hunter series, Lynsay Sands, Katie McAlister, Cindy Miles…the characters, the humor, the realism even in a fantasy/paranormal world. They have a way with their characters, the dialogue.

Do you hear from your readers much? What do they say?

I hear from my readers once in a while.  I wish I could hear from them more. I would love to hear what they think of my books, the characters. Or just to see how they are doing out there with life being so crazy right now.

Favorite book when you were a kid?

Favorite book as a kid? World Book Encyclopedias, my Mom had a set and every Saturday morning while I waited for the household to wake up, I would get one out and go through them. No kidding. Yeah. Did I mention…Geek! Nerd? Other than that? Loved the Little House series, Charlotte’s Web, later it was Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of Baskerville along with anything by Charles Dickens and Poe…oh and guilty pleasure, bonding with my older sister over, V.C. Andrews,  Flowers in the Attic series. (I know–right.)

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Momma, Hugger, Eclectic.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Advice–Speak/write from your heart…what you say will inspire someone to think about something today, tomorrow and in the future.  If your book were to become a classic, would it still resonate within the heart and minds of those who love and dream in the future?

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

See question # 8. Consider my books an eclectic or weird moment that you might take for yourself in which you realize a long, Momma-like hug was needed. Even if you didn’t expect it in the least. But once you got that hug, it made you feel better.

 

Thank you Loni Lynne for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out Immortal Heat today!

~Synopsis~

Dacian Historian…
Determined to study ancient Dacian folk lore abroad, Marilyn Reddlin’s plans are cut short when she is abducted by a dark haired stranger who insists she’s in danger. The only danger she’s in is losing herself to her abductor’s inexplicable seductive energy. Draylon Conier teaches her there is more to Romania than myth and fairy tales while sweeping her into a wild adventure of paranormal mystery and intrigue.

Dacian History…

Thousands of years trying to pay back a debt, Draylon Conier is finally able to do so. Sent to capture a young, American student who is in danger while in Romania, he just has to send her back home. Easy enough for him. Unfortunately, Marilyn Reddlin is determined to thwart his every attempt—even telepathy. But there is more to her than meets the eye and the closer he gets to her, the more danger she is in, not only from the ancient immortal Dacian clans he’s trying to protect her from, but also his own sexual need.

History just got a lot harder.

They must find out what connection Marilyn has to Dacian history before Draylon destroys her when she succumbs to Immortal Heat.

Born in north-central Michigan, Loni Lynne still loves the quiet woods, lakes and rivers in Otsego County and the Victorian era bay side houses of Little Traverse Bay. But after decades of moving around the country as a child and twenty-five years of marriage to her personal hero, she calls western Maryland her home.

Serving in the United States Navy didn’t prepare her for the hardest job ever, being a stay at home mom, to her two wonderful daughters. After years of volunteering as a scout leader, PTA officer, and various other volunteer positions, all while still writing snippets of story ideas, her husband decided it was time for her to put her heart to finishing a story. He gave her a laptop, portable hard drive and his blessings to have a finished manuscript, ready to be sent out to the masses in one year. He created a writing monster.

Immortal Heat was her first idea six years ago and has gone through many revisions since then. In the meantime another story took hold, Wanted: One Ghost and it became her first published book in 2013. Now with the help of her friends, family and friends of the romance writing community, she’s pursuing her love of telling stories written from her heart.

Amazon Page for Immortal Heat, Book 1 of The Guardians of Dacia series: http://www.amazon.com/Immortal-Heat-Guardians-Dacia-Book-ebook/dp/B00NHDED50/

Facebook Page for The Guardians of Dacia series: https://www.facebook.com/TheGuardiansofDacia

Loni Lynne’s website: http://www.lonilynne.com

Loni Lynne’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lonilynne

Loni Lynne’s Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/LoniLynne1

Loni Lynne’s Goodread Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7115619.Loni_Lynne

Want to receive updates on future novels in The Guardians of Dacia series? Sign up for my newsletters at http://www.lonilynne.com/mailing-list.html