Amanda Carlson Interview

I have loved reading everything I have read that Amanda Carlson has written, and I can't wait to read more of her work in the coming months. I was more than happy to host her on this blog and to do an interview with her. I hope this provides a nice look into the world she has created. Enjoy.

UFR: If you had to pick a theme song for this book what would it be and why?

AC: I listened to a lot of Kings of Leon with this book. I love Closer, which I’ve heard is actually about a vampire. But for this one I think it had to be Sex on Fire. Everything was changing for Jessica so quickly and the beat to that song applied (plus, I love it. It’s super sexy.).

UFR: Since everyone who reads this blog is a reader themselves, I love asking about what your characters would be reading. So if Jessica had a book on her nightstand, what would it be?

AC: Hmm, she’d possibly be reading Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. She likes an edgy read. No romance for her.

UFR: Do you share any characteristics with Jessica?

AC: No, not really. I wrote the kind of heroine I’d like to hang out with more than anything having to do with myself personally. I’m low key and she’s tons of fun, LOL! I so wish I could take her out and pick her brain.

UFR: If you could be any member of any supernatural race, what would it be and why? Would you chose a werewolf like the ones you write?

AC: I think I’d be a shifter, but I’d like the freedom to shift into anything. I’d love to fly as well as run fast. It would come in handy!

UFR: What was the hardest scene for you to write in the book and why?

AC: The opening is always the hardest. It’s what I rewrote the most. Drawing the reader into a new world is nerve wracking. There’s a lot of pressure to do it right, entice them in but don’t give them too much. If you over explain the world, readers get bored. Book 1 in a series usually has the most info, because the world has to be outlined. It’s the first introduction a reader gets to a world. Subsequent books don’t have to spend as much time there, so the pacing is usually faster.

UFR: Who is your favorite male character to write so far? They all have so many different attributes, any favorites among them?

AC: I love James, there’s no two ways about it. But Rourke has my heart. He’s the most mysterious and has the most to offer Jessica. I do love writing Danny’s snark too, but it has to be Rourke. He’s been dubbed Mr. Sexypants by a reviewer and I think that moniker will stick!

UFR: Who was your first introduction into urban fantasy?

AC: I fell into PNR first with Kresley Cole. That was awesome! My first UF? Hmm, I think it was Kim Harrison? But I read a lot of in between before I found ass-kicking UF. Once I did, that quickly became my genre of choice. I love my UF full of action with a side of romance.

UFR: Who are some of your favorite authors?

AC: Amanda Bonilla, Julie Ann Walker, Faith Hunter, Karen Chance and Kate SeRine.

UFR: Any advice you would give to aspiring writers?

AC: FINISH. You have to reach the end no matter how bad you think it may be. If you don’t finish, there is no book! I know you can do it. The story is in there someplace. Keep at it.

UFR: Now that Full Blooded is out, can you tell us anything about Jessica's next adventure?

AC: Jessica’s on a non-stop adventure in HOT BLOODED to find her man, kick some goddess ass and figure out what she is. It’s full of action and mayhem. Lots of mythological baddies and fighting involved. It was a blast to write. I can’t wait until it releases this April.

Thanks so much for hosting me today! It was a pleasure to stop by. For anyone who jumps in to the series, I hope you enjoy it!

Amanda Bonilla & Xander Interview

A big thanks to Kate and Urban Fantasy Reviews for hosting me today! I think it’s a pretty well-known fact that I have a soft spot in my heart for Xander Peck, Shaede High King and recent addition to Seattle’s supernatural community. And when I posed the question to my Facebook friends about who I should interview today, they agreed that Xander was too intriguing to resist.

Amanda: Thanks for meeting me today, Your Highness.

Xander: *gives a dismissive wave of his hand* Please, call me Xander.

Amanda: Thanks. It’s so great of Kate to invite us to Urban Fantasy Reviews today! I thought we’d start off with her questions first.

Kate: Since we all love books here, what is your favorite book and why?

Xander: My father made my brother and I read The Art of War over and again until we had the text committed to memory. I still read it from time to time. I find Sun Tzu’s words very comforting though not altogether entertaining.  

Kate:  What is your favorite memory (from recent times or however far back your life reaches)?

Xander:I’m not sure how humans remember, but when you live as long as we do, the past becomes… faintly muddled. Memories are like dreams, the lucidity of which often comes into question. When I was fifteen or sixteen, I purchased a stallion from a Fae prince who had won the beast from a Sheik. He was the most stubborn beast I’d ever met and it took me almost a year to break him. I loved that damned horse.

Kate: Everyone tends to forget royals are people too, what is your most embarrassing moment?

Xander:Well, I didn’t vomit on a foreign dignitary or anything quite so scandalous. I was at Emperor Xun’s (Shang Dynasty) court to accept a sword that his sorcerer had charmed on my father’s behalf.  I mistook one of sorcerer’s wives for his mother. Humans age so fast… sometimes they appear much older than they really are. The sorcerer took it in stride, however. I half expected him to curse the katana, rather than charm it.

Kate: If you found out you had only one day left on this earth, who would you spend it with, what would you do, and what would your last meal be?

Xander: I’d spend my last day with my brother, my friends…those I care about. I’ve done so much over the course of my life; I think I would like to just sit with my loved ones and enjoy their company. As for my last meal? That’s easy. Burgers from Dick’s. They have locations all over Seattle. Delicious.

Kate:Any tidbits you would like to share about your plans for the future of your Shaede Kingdom?

Xander: *grins* Sorry, my dear Kate. Who knows who might be reading this? I couldn’t possibly allow anything to slip that my enemies might seize upon. I’m afraid my plans for my kingdom must remain a secret for now.

Amanda: Thanks, Kate! Awesome questions! I hope you don’t mind, Xander, but some readers have a few questions for you as well and I brought them along. First off, Natalie would like to know your true motives toward Darian. She wants to know if you plan to fight for her attention?

Xander: *flashes a very seductive smile* This is an easy question. My motives regarding Darian are simple: I want her, and I want her to want me as well. As for fighting for her attentions, well, I alwaysget what I want.

Amanda: Jonathan would like to know if you prefer Red Vines or Twizzlers?

Xander: Neither. I prefer Darrel Lee. It’s from Australia, I believe. Mango flavored.

Amanda: I’ve seen Darrel Lee Licorice at Target. Do you just run over and buy a few bags when you get a craving?

Xander: I don’t know where it comes from. I have people who do my shopping for me. All I know is that it’s good.

Amanda: Gotcha. Okay… back to reader questions… Cecy wants to know what is your Achilles heel when it comes to females?

Xander: If you asked my brother, Raif, he would say my Achilles heel is wanting that which I can’t have. *laughs good naturedly* And he’d probably be right. Moreover, I’d say that my weakness is strong-willed females. There is something about a strong woman that brings me to my knees.

Amanda: This next question sort of ties into my previous one. Nancy asks: What do you like most about Darian? Is there anything you’d change about her?

Xander: What I admire most about Darian is her inability to bend. To anyone, including myself. Her strength of conviction, no matter how misguided it might sometimes be, is admirable. Like I said, I’m attracted to strong-willed women. Strong women make excellent queens. And for the record, the only thing I would change about Darian is her current taste in men. *smiles*

Amanda: Last but not least, Cowanda would like to know what you think you can do to win Darian from Tyler? Do you have any dirt on Tyler that you could use against him?

Xander: First of all, I won’t have to win Darian from anyone. I’m confident that in the end, she will choose the better man. I am far better suited for her than anyone else. And to answer the second question, if I did in fact, have any dirt on the Jinn, I certainly wouldn’t show my hand…yet.

Amanda: Okay, well, I think that about covers it.

Xander: Don’t you have a question for me? Something you’ve been dying to know?

Amanda: Well… yes, actually. If you could have any wish granted, what would it be?

Xander: I would wish for peace in my kingdom and for my subjects to be happy. That is the sole wish of any good king.

Amanda: That’s a pretty awesome wish. Thanks for talking with us today, Xander.

Xander: *bows* I am at your disposal.

Amanda: Okay, guys, I might have swooned. Just a little. ;) Thanks again, Kate! You rock!!!




Stay tuned for a review of Amanda's novella and a giveaway later today! 

Draykon Character Interviews!

Over the next couple of days I will be posting a lot about Charlotte English and her Draykon series, which I love. All leading up to the review of her new book Orlind! At the bottom of this post you can find links to other sites, all dealing with Charlotte English and her book release (there's some fun stuff at the other end of these links). 

So for day 1, we did a short character interview, with questions for both Llandry and Eva, two women who kick butt in their own right! 

Llandry

What is your favorite part about being a Draykon?

Not feeling afraid anymore! It’s hard to feel threatened when you’re so much bigger than everyone else, and wielding full draykoni powers on top of that. Unless you’re facing another draykon, of course…

Trying to find a place for yourself in your new form has been challenging, what is the hardest part about being this new version of you?

Adjusting to the physical changes was hard at first, though I’m used to that now. I don’t fall out of the sky anymore! At the moment I’m struggling with finding my place now that I’ve changed. Some people are actually afraid of me, which can hurt. I mean, it’s nice not being the frightened one but I don’t want to be intimidating my own people.

How has Sigwide been coping with your new identity?

He’s unfazed. He barely seems to realise that I’ve changed. Pensould says that I haven’t changed in essentials; I’m still me and Siggy responds to that more than my outer appearance. Isn’t that interesting, that you can recognise and value somebody based on the way their personality feels rather than how they look? I wish more people worked that way.

Eva

You seem to have found yourself pulled in many different directions in the past, do you ever see yourself settling down in one place?

Hmm. I’ve spent most of my life in Glour and honestly I’m enjoying the opportunity to put aside those responsibilities and see more of the world (and beyond!). But I do place a high value on home comforts. The question is, will I still want to make my permanent home in Glour City once all this is over? At the moment I don’t know.

Your ability with animals is truly amazing, do you have a favorite animal you have worked with?

Rikbeek and I have been partners for a long time, of course, and I wouldn’t be without him for the world. However, he can be hard to live with. If only he wouldn’t bite so much…! Secretly I would love to work with animals like Bartel, my shortig hound, a bit more often – they’re a little more docile and certainly sweeter-natured.

There is so much mystery surrounding the events of your world right now, do you think the people are prepared for the things to come?

No, I don’t think we are. The return of the draykoni will have a considerable impact on the Seven Realms and at present it is hard to predict how relations between draykoni and humankind will turn out – especially when there’s currently the threat of outright war. As for the Lokants, who knows? Even I can’t feel sure of their real motives. I only hope it will be possible to minimise the potential damage while we work through these problems.

Links

Book Giveaway

Charlotte English Biography

Interview with Charlotte!

E-Book Apothecary (blog doing a series of events for Orlind)

Marcia Colette Interview

Today we have Marcia Colette joining us for an interview, and of course later today we will also be reviewing the second book in her Dark Encounters series, Deadlier by the Dozen. I hope you enjoy the interview and stay tuned for the review later on today!

UFR: If you were picking a theme song for this book what would it be and why?

MC: I'd pick Why? by Annie Lennox.   Mackenzie spends most of her time trying to figure out why anyone would want to put a curse on her family.

UFR: If Mackenzie were in a book club what book would she be reading and why?

MC: She would be reading Doppelgangster by Laura Resnick.  Mackenzie has the doppelganger thing down, but it's the kick-ass part that she's missing when it comes to dealing with psychotic her "other selves".

UFR: Are there any characters in the book (and if so who and how so) that share personality traits with you? 

MC: Mackenzie.  We both don't think we're tough until put in a situation where we have to be.  My situations aren't as life threatening as hers, but they can be precarious. 

UFR: What was the hardest scene for you to write and why?

MC: When Mackenzie found out from her brother that her younger sister was shot and how much he hated her for terrorizing his family.  I've lived through that kind of violence and I don't wish it on anyone.   

UFR: Doppelgängers are an interesting topic in sci-fi and fantasy, and your book has way more than 1, why did you chose to have so many doppelgängers?

MC: One doppelganger wasn't fun enough.  You hear about doppelgangers all of the time, but you never hear about more than one being seen at a time.  My brain went on overdrive when it came up with all of the possible--crazy--trouble it could cause.  That's when I knew I was on to something. 

UFR: Since your book involved doppelgängers I have to ask, a lot of people believe everyone has one out there someone in the world, do you believe that as well? And if you do, do you believe you have met yours?

MC: I do believe that everyone has a doppelganger out there, but have I ever met mine?  No.  Although, there have been two instances in my family where they couldn't sworn they've seen mine.  ;-) 

UFR: What are some of your favorite authors to read? Do you stick with the paranormal/urban fantasy genre or do you read a wider mix of books?

MC: Until recently, I was all urban fantasy and nothing more.  My favorite authors are Kelley Armstrong and Richelle Mead.  But recently, I've discovered the wonderful works of Lydia Dare who writes historical paranormals.  Before her(them), you wouldn't catch me touching anything historical.  Also, I love horror along the lines of Bentley Little and John Saul.

UFR: Is there any advice that you would give to aspiring writers?

MC: Everyone's road to publication is different.  Learn what you can about the business and the craft, and then walk your own path. 

UFR: Do you have any new books in the works? And if so would you like to tell our readers a little bit about it?

MC: I just released Hazardous Environment, which is a paranormal romance in my Werecheetah Shifters series.  Here's a blurb:

Root woman Donna Tucker made a mistake. A person died on her watch, not thanks to tainted roots and herbs that were meant to heal. Now she must trace her steps to where her stash came from and stop a modern-day plague from destroying a small town.
She's not going alone.
Werecheetah Ronan McCleary would rather see her pay for killing his coalition's matriarch than to accompany her anywhere. He believes she's responsible and the only thing this trip is doing is delaying the inevitable. Her death.
But death is hunting them both.
The residents of Seclusion, North Carolina have an unseen force in the midst that has control over the town's most influential people. There are those who'll do anything--kill anyone--to keep the secret of the Davenport Foundation. A lowly root woman and her werecheetah companion are no match for them. And they won't be unless they can put their differences aside and work together to survive the night. Of course, that would mean having to survive each other as their hearts brave a Hazardous Environment. 

UFR: Finally, is there anything you want your potential readers to know about you or the book?

MC: Sure.  Deadlier by the Dozen is available in both print and ebook, so pick your poison.  Also, feel free to check out my website at www.marciacolette.com or my blog at http://marciacolette.wordpress.com.

D. VonThaer Interview

We are joined today by D. VonThaer who is the author of Tuatha and the Seven Sisters Moon, which is being reviewed later today. I hope you enjoy getting to know her a little bit better before reading the book review a little bit later today!

UFR: If you were picking a theme song for this book what would it be and why?

DVT: I think the best theme song for Tuatha could be Seize the Day by Avenged Sevenfold. *Seize the day, or die regretting the time we lost.//Newborn life replacing all of us, changing this fable we live in.*

UFR: If Aodh were in a book club reading present day books, what book would it be and why?

DVT: I think Aodh would read Bram Stoker, or maybe Stephen King. I think he would enjoy their cleverness, their ability to go to places within the mind, and be the first to do it. Stoker wrote the book on vampires. It was sexy, it was thrilling, it was terrifying. Dracula was written with such grace, I think Aodh would appreciate that. I also think he'd be a fan of King. I think he'd enjoy the wanderings of King's mind, the crevices he shows to the world that most people bury or take a pill to subdue. I think Aodh would find that fascinating.

UFR: Are there any characters in the book (and if so who and how so) that share personality traits with you? 

DVT: Dru absolutely by far is the closest to me. Her personality is much like my own. She is independent to a fault, and only realizes her mistakes far too late. She doesn't always see that independence is not always a virtue. (And the fact she gets herself into trouble when her temper gets the better of her.) She has such power that she doesn't even realize because of her past, because of her family, because of her lack of self-awareness. 

UFR: What was the hardest scene for you to write and why?

DVT: Katerina's torture was an absolute nightmare to write. I constantly stopped writing and tried not to put it in the book. I had crying fits during editing. I actually had friends call me and yell at me for what I'd done to her.  

UFR: The book features several key characters, did you have trouble making sure the audience would both get to know them well enough to enjoy them as well as keep the story moving along. 

DVT: This has been a very hard aspect for me. I wanted to introduce each of the three main characters as things took place, because it's so important to the story to have it all happen the same night. I tried to rewrite the beginning several times, but I always came back to the original, and hoped readers would understand they would meet, and that those scenes were important, as they were written.  

UFR: I find it really interesting that Aodh considers mortality, it gives him both depth as well as easier to identify with. Why did you chose to have him consider giving up his prophecy/power for Katerina? 

DVT: I think Aodh felt so lonely after Dru left, he was ready to give up. The world was so different, so much larger in a way. Things and concepts were more difficult to grasp, his powers were so diminished. I think he saw in Katerina a strength that he did not possess. Aodh admires her for that. As diminutive and feminine as Katerina is, she is extremely strong in character. I think Aodh respected her so much for that, he was in awe. 

UFR: What are some of your favorite authors to read? Do you stick with the paranormal/urban fantasy genre or do you read a wider mix of books?

DVT: I read so many kinds of books, fantasy is not even the genre I read the most. I'm a huge classical reader. Nathaniel Hawthorne is an absolute favorite. (I once lived around the corner from the House of the Seven Gables.) I like good books, great writing, original themes that make you think, laugh, cry and when they do all of the above it's a book I'll read over and over. 

UFR: Is there any advice that you would give to aspiring writers?

DVT: I wish I had not jumped into publishing so fast. I wish I would have written more and smaller pieces before tossing this book into the foray. I have written in magazines and newspapers for years but that was many years before Tuatha came out. I would advise them to build your platform, perfect your craft; read, write, edit. It will make the roadblocks easier to overcome.

UFR: Do you have any new books in the works? And if so would you like to tell our readers a little bit about it?

DVT: The second book in the Tuatha series, Serpentine Souls, is being edited right now. I wrote this series for about nine years now, and I have approximately 5 books, maybe seven, written. Before I release them, I rewrite, then write more, and rearrange to make sure the writing is fresh, the series flows well. So many things in the first book weren't supposed to happen for some time, and other things were edited out. It's about the series as a whole for me, and I am very excited to get the second book into circulation.

UFR: Finally, is there anything you want your potential readers to know about you or the book?

DVT: I hope people read it even if they don't care for fantasy, because I think it spans genres and is just a great story. I have other books in the works that are not fantasy, (YA, horror, lit fic)  and I hope readers take something from each one and that they feel they'e read a great story. That's the big objective, to write great stories that reader's will love, regardless of genre. 

Julie Losoya-Harthi Interview

Today we are joined by Julie Losoya-Harthi, who is the author of Cosmo's Reason. We will be reviewing the book later today so I hope you enjoy this little sneak peak into the world she has created. 

UFR: If you were picking a theme song for this book what would it be and why?

JLH: Now that is a question I never thought of.  I suppose I would pick Tourniquet by Evanescence.  I think Reason feels she owes her strength to Cosmo and that without him, she would not be the strong woman she has become in the book.  He is her tourniquet.

UFR: If Reason were in a book club, what book would it be and why? 

JLH: Reason would belong to LLewellyn's Book Club because it contains all books on the supernatural world in which she lives.  Being a witch, she was always interested in learning more about her craft and how to improve it and they have the best selection of books on witchcraft.

UFR: Are there any characters in the book (and if so who and how so) that share personality traits with you?     

JLH: That question can be answered easily. 

 It is Reason.  I took much of my own personality and put it into her.  I sometimes say she is my alter-ego, the person I would like to be, but she also has many of my weaknesses as well.  She doesn't realize how strong she actually is.

UFR: What was the hardest scene for you to write and why? 

JLH: That was the scene when Cosmo was hurt and Reason thought he was dying.  I actually cried when writing that part because I became so involved in the story line, it was like it was real to me.

 

UFR: I have to ask why you chose a pig named Sherman as the familiar, I mean you do see a lot of pigs in paranormal/fantasy books? Did you own a pig once or just a fan? 

JLH: That is a funny subject for me as I do actually own a pig named Sherman.  I took from that and even used his personality in the book.  He can be quite grumbly at times and loving on rare occasions.  Although my pig isn't a shape-shifter, I think the way I made him in his other forms in the book is what he would look like if he was.  I didn't really give any thought to the fact that pigs play a part in the supernatural when I started the book.   I just thought his personality would add some zest to the storyline.

UFR: For being a pretty average girl, there is a lot of action going on in Reason's life, how did you find a way to balance what was going on with her externally as well as keep her sane? Did the moments of downtime help the most for her, or do you think she is just a strong willed woman who can roll with the punches so to speak? 

JLH: Reason is much stronger than she thinks she is.  She looked at herself as being average, but she never really was at all.  I feel that there is nothing Reason can't handle if it comes to it for she will draw upon her inner strength and pull through anything.  Much like most women.  Women are much stronger than they think they are, but don't get the chance to prove it.  I think Reason is a good roll model for woman.  She isn't perfect in her own eyes, but she actually is perfect in a way.  And the average woman isn't a stick-thin model or skinny teenager with long blond hair.

UFR: What are some of your favorite authors to read? Do you stick with the paranormal/urban fantasy genre or do you read a wider mix of books? 

JLH: I have so many that I love to read!  I do like to stick with paranormal romance, but also enjoy a good true story once in a while.  Some of my favorite authors are L.J. Smith,  Patricia Briggs,  J.R. Ward, Richelle Mead and Lara Adrian.  There are so many more that I have read and loved that I wouldn't have room to write them all down here.  I love to read.  I tend to get lost in the books I read and get attached to the characters in the story.  It is a great escape.

UFR: Is there any advice that you would give to aspiring writers? 

JLH: Don't give up your dream!  Make a schedule to write every day even if for only a short time so you don't get stale and keep written notes.  Write about what you know even if writing fiction.  Don't be afraid to ask friends and family for help.  They can be the best critics even if you don't always like what they have to say.  Most of all, believe in yourself.

UFR: Do you have any new books in the works? And if so would you like to tell our readers a little bit about it? 

JLH: I am now working on the second book in the Reason Regan series.  It is not titled as of yet, but filled with the same action and excitement as Cosmo's Reason.  The next book will introduce new characters into the storyline that answer a couple questions the readers may have had in the first book as well as making the reader think.  It is full of twists and turns and a few surprises.  I am sure it will keep the readers on the edge of their seats, make them cry and make them laugh.

UFR: Finally, is there anything you want your potential readers to know about you or the book? 

JLH: The most important thing in Cosmo's Reason was to touch the average woman.  One doesn't have to be a movie star to find love and live a productive life.  I hope my book will help them put themselves in Reason's place and live the story with her.

Aida Brassington Interview

Today we are joined by Aida Brassington author of the book Between Seasons, which we will be reviewing later on today. She offers some great insights into the book and I hope this interview peaks your interest enough to read the review later today and the book! 

UFR: If you were picking a theme song for this book what would it be and why?

AB: There's a song I listened to a lot while writing this -- Through Glass by Stone Sour. The sound of it and the sentiment really get to the heart of the loneliness that spurs the novel. Both Patrick and Sara have experienced loss and want in a major way, and it draws them together.

UFR: If Patrick were in a book club (or more applicable for the book, what book would he read while trapped in the house), what book would it be and why?

AB: Funny you should ask. Patrick hides a small cache of books in the house before his parents move on. His favorite: The Turn of the Screw/Henry James. In my head, he loves the book because he can identify with it -- it's a ghost story, but the reader is left to wonder if it's all in the main character's head.

UFR: Are there any characters in the book (and if so who and how so) that share personality traits with you? 

AB: Absolutely. Patrick and Sara are both avid readers, as am I. Patrick and I share a love of music. And, of course, Sara and I both live in haunted houses.

UFR: What was the hardest scene for you to write and why?

AB: The scene where Patrick's parents leave at the end of chapter one. It's a fairly emotional scene, and it was difficult for me to understand what that must feel like. I gave it so much thought and agonized over trying to get it right. In the end, I think it contains just the right amount of sadness and disillusion.

UFR: A lot of paranormal books start with some kind of element of death, but normally those people turn into functioning members of society (well as much as a vampire or werewolf can), how hard was it to write about Patrick who died but was still left around but for no one to see. What kind of impact did that have on his psyche?

AB: The hardest part of writing Patrick as a ghost and within the parameters of his world was having a limited setting. Every scene in the novel takes place within five rooms and a staircase, basement, and attic. Of course, it also contributes to Patrick's overall sense of claustrophobia, so it has its advantages. And having no company for forty years made Patrick more curious and eager to know who bought the house.

UFR: A woman comes into the picture for Patrick, years after his death, making their love story a unique one. How tough was it to write a relationship between essentially a ghost and a person? Or did it allow you to focus on the inner workings of the people and less about the physical?

AB: It gets easier throughout the story, but initially you have two people who can't interact or can only interact in very specific ways, often without one of those people understand what's going on. Even though it was more difficult, it was fun -- sort of a dance or a puzzle where some pieces fit and some don't. Later in the novel when Patrick and Sara are aware of each other, not being able to physically touch is helpful to increase the sense of longing necessary to move the story forward. I know a romance novel without any sex is not everyone's cup of tea, but I like to think it helps build the tension.

UFR: What are some of your favorite authors to read? Do you stick with the paranormal/urban fantasy genre or do you read a wider mix of books?

AB: I read a lot, and my reading list spans genres and categories. I just finished reading Will Grayson Will Grayson by John Green and Under the Dome by Stephen King. My favorite writers are John Irving, Kurt Vonnegut, and Amy Stolls. Even as a writer, my work is all over the place. BETWEEN SEASONS is probably the closest thing I've ever written to a true romance. I also write young adult urban fantasy and adult psychological suspense. 

UFR: Is there any advice that you would give to aspiring writers?

AB: Seek feedback, and not just from your friends and family. My work improves because my beta readers and critique partners feel safe to tear it apart. It stings, but I learn from it. Writers are naturally too close to their own work to objectively self-edit or critique.

UFR: Do you have any new books in the works? And if so would you like to tell our readers a little bit about it?

AB: Yes, there is a sequel to BETWEEN SEASONS titled NORTH OF FROST. It's due out, I think, in spring 2012, although may end up being late due to some other circumstances. NORTH OF FROST continues on with Sara and Patrick's story, providing a bit more explanation about what happens to Patrick (and why) at the end of BETWEEN SEASONS. It also explores the consequences of getting exactly what you want.

UFR: Finally, is there anything you want your potential readers to know about you or the book?

AB: I'd like to say thank you -- I'm grateful to those who read my work. It's an honor!

Suki Michelle Interview

Today we have Suki Michelle joining us on today on Urban Fantasy Reviews. And I have to admit I was pretty excited about this book because I enjoyed the movie Contagion way to much, and Suki Michelle's book Apocalypse Gene sounds like a fantastic paranormal twist on a great concept. I hope you enjoy reading the interview as I did! Stay tuned for review of her book later on today! 

UFR: If you were picking a theme song for this book what would it be and why?

SM: First Kate, thanks so much for interviewing me. I'll answer on behalf of Carlyle as well.

The best theme song for our book would be Knights of Cydonia by Muse. Because our book has a sort of electronic Rock & Roll feel since it is set in the near-future and mid-apocalyptic and it also it has the long steady build, with some ups and downs,  and finished with a powerful crescendo.

UFR: If Olivya was in a book club what book would she be reading and why?

SM: She would be reading Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series: characters you can root for, long and complex adventure spanning thirteen books that she could spend in a world other than her own dystopic one,  and a sense that everything will ultimately be all right in the end.

UFR: Are there any characters in the book (and if so who and how so) that share personality traits with you?

SM: Olivya would be the one I have something in common with. Lack of impulse control and a mouth that, under pressure, tends to have a will of its own . . .

UFR: What was the hardest scene for you to write and why?

SM: The first scene with Olivya in the ward with her patients was a tough one. It’s very challenging to portray a character in an empathetic way while still showing the emotional “calluses” they would have had to develop to handle such an ongoing and tragic situation.

UFR: Part of what I found so interesting about your book is the parallels between a disease with supernatural origins and how similar themes are showing up in today's real world (think movies like Contagion), was this an intentional parallel/did you draw some of your inspiration from that?

SM: Sort of, in that I was doing medical transcription for Sloan-Kettering, which is a huge cancer treatment center so as I was doing report after report, it began to seep into my subconscious just how insidious the disease was and how it was far more horrifying then “horror” stories, so it seemed a natural fit for a mid-apocalyptic story.

UFR: Both Mikah and Olivya are under a lot of pressure to find a cure for a disease (both for different reasons), was it difficult to keep the book from being too heavy/intense?

SM: In a way it was. Fortunately, Carlyle and I both tend to find humor even in the worst of situations.  As we were writing, when it really got dark, we unintentionally, started to write bits of funny in and we felt that kept reader from want to slit their wrists before they finished.

UFR: What are some of your favorite authors to read? Do you stick with the paranormal/urban fantasy genre or do you read a wider mix of books?

SM: We both read all kinds of books though my favorite author is Stephen King, I enjoy Dean Koontz, and my favorite novel was Kingsolver’s Poisonwood Bible. Carlyle is a huge fan of Epic Fantasy, particularly Joe Abercrombie and Erikson and Esslemont’s Malazan saga, but he also reads crime novels, literary fiction, and historical fiction.

UFR: Is there any advice that you would give to aspiring writers?

SM: You have to write even when you don’t feel like, even when you can’t stand the thought of it. Becoming a writer is like going to night school to become a lawyer or a doctor. It takes a long time and you can’t just go to class, study, and take test and write papers only when you're in the mood. Also, be happy with all your great reviews, but still - you have to toughen up.  Not everyone will love what you write.  Deal with it and move on.

UFR: Do you have any new books in the works? And if so would you like to tell our readers a little bit about it?

SM: Yes, we’re very excited about a new project. We will be releasing the first two books of in the coming months called The Redemption Revelations. The novels will center around a the magical town of Redemption Arkansas circa the Great Depression, a town at the nexus of never and forever, and the crossroads of science-fiction, horror, fantasy, and magical realism.

UFR: Finally, is there anything you want your potential readers to know about you or the book?

SM: Well, what I would like to tell them is this is not a de-activate your brain type of read like some of the angsty teen types of books out there. It’s complex, but we think, ultimately, that makes for a fuller experience. Hopefully, you’ll decide for yourself and let us know.

Once again I want to thank Suki Michelle for joining us here today and don't forget to stay tuned for the review later on today! 

Clinton Festa Interview

Today we are joined by Clinton Festa who is the author Ancient Canada, who was kind enough to answer a few questions. I hope this gives you some insight into the book, and stay tuned for the review on the site later today, as well as a GIVEAWAY! 

UFR: I love to start every interview with, if you had to pick a theme song for Ancient Canada, what would it be?

CF: The Bare Necessities.

UFR: As a review site, everyone here are all readers, so if Lavender was in a book club what book would she be reading? Would Marigold be reading the same book?

CF: Lavender actually teases Marigold about her reading habits in chapter six.  Here’s Marigold’s response:

“I happen to enjoy romance in literature,” admitted Marigold. “Particularly young,

complicated love.”

So anything and everything in that category.  As for Lavender, it would be something pretty different.  She’d read a Donald Spoto book called Reluctant Saint: the Life of Francis of Assisi.  She’d think, ‘Hey, this guy reminds me a lot of the Lichen.’

UFR: Do any of your characters in this book share personality traits with you, if so who and how?

CF: I knew I would have to understand my main characters really well, so I took the hemispheres of my brain and split them in half – figuratively – when developing Lavender and Marigold.  Lavender is left-brain dominant, so she’s more technical and scientific.  Marigold is right-brained, so she’s more creative and expressive.  Some of my animal science background comes out in Lavender and some of my Lunatic background comes out in Marigold.  I was on the campus humor magazine in college, the Cornell Lunatic.

UFR: Your book is really interesting because it presents an alternative view/history. How and why did you choose Canada to be the background of this tale?

CF: Thank you!  I gotta be careful I don’t give away too much here…  The short answer is I needed the geography of the Arctic.  Ancient Canada takes place in an alternate Canada in an alternate Arctic Circle.  It also takes place in a vague time period.  What you read in Ancient Canada is the book Marigold puts together for the people within her world.  So it can’t come out and explain certain things directly to us (things that would answer your question better), but there are definitely hints along the way.  For example, the Seed Bank on Svalbard.  It’s real in our world; you can check it out online.  Within the book, the King of Svalbard talks about it and reveals more to the reader.  Sorry if that answer is confusing.  It’ll make more sense after reading what King Ulffr has to say, and even more will be revealed early on in the second book.

UFR: What was the hardest scene for you to write and why?

CF: The whole first chapter.  You have to do so much: grab the reader’s attention, lay the foundation for the rest of the book, and make the reader want to read the rest of your story.  This is a difficult situation when writing an epic.  They usually start off slowly, not with huge explosions or car chases.  The first chapter of Ancient Canada is Heather’s journey to her husband’s fort just before she gives birth to Lavender.  So my solution was to make the first chapter its own quick, mini-epic, which lays the outline for the larger one.  Just to make things more interesting, my wife gave birth to both of our children during the writing of Ancient Canada.  I re-wrote Heather’s chapter each time.

UFR: It's pretty clear from your book that history is one of your interests, if you could pick any time in history you would like to visit for same a week long time traveling vacation, where/when would you go and why?

CF: Last Tuesday so I could pay my credit card bill on time.

UFR: Do you have any advice for the many aspiring writers out there?

CF: I once heard a coworker say, “Find something nobody else can do or something nobody else will do.”  I think that’s true of writing.  And when I worked on a dairy farm one summer, too.  I couldn’t make milk like some of my coworkers, so I was stuck shoveling up their manure.  But we both had job security.  Thankfully my boss never turned any of us into hamburgers.

UFR: I love to read, and so do my readers. When you have time to curl up with a book, who are some of the authors you like to read?

CF: Tolstoy and Brett Sills.  Both good friends of mine.

UFR: Do you have any more books in the works?

CF: I’ve got pages and pages of notes for a sequel to Ancient Canada.  Writing is the best part of the writing process, but writing only makes up about a third of writing.  The rest is editing and marketing.  Right now I’m focused on marketing, but occasionally I add a fable to ancientcanada.com.  They’re about a page each and posted free on the site.  I figure every good ancient world should have its fables.

UFR: Finally, is there anything you would like potential readers to know about Ancient Canada?

CF: Yes, just remember you can email Marigold any time at askmarigold@ancientcanada.com.  Okay, so we all know it’s really me replying in character.  But I’ve always wanted to read a book where you can actually speak with one of the main characters.  And it’s no sillier than posing with a six-foot mouse or duck at America’s favorite theme part.  You can ask Marigold anything you want, like, ‘Why is there no snow in Ancient Canada?’

Thanks again to Clinton Festa for joining us, we love having authors here on the site. Stay tuned later today for the review of his book Ancient Canada. 

Tamela Buhrke Interview

Today we have another author visiting us today here on Urban Fantasy Reviews. Tamela Buhrke is the author of the book Angel Unraveled which is going to be reviewed later on today (so stay tuned)! 

UFR: My favorite question to ask is if you had to choose, what would the theme song for your book be?

TB: "Everyday Superhero," by Smash Mouth.  It is about superhero who is unsure inside but keeps his game face on for the world.  I especially like the line: Try to save the world, but never really sure.  

          Andi, my heroine, is thrust into a position where she has to save the world.  She's not happy about it and really doubts her own abilities.  So I think the song would make a nice theme to get her pumped.

UFR: Since we are all readers here (this is a book review site after all), if Andi was in a book club what book would she be reading?

TB: Right now she'd be reading Time of My Life by Celia Ahern.   The story is about Lucy Silchester who gets an invitation to meet with Life.  Lucy is forced to examine how lost she is in her own life.  I think Andi can relate to Lucy.  She can also relate to getting a supernatural wake up call.

UFR: Is there a character in the book who shares a bit of your personality?

TB: I'm a blending of Andi and her friend Joy.  I've always a been a geek.  Like Andi, I was always tripping over myself, getting dirty and falling apart—just as the cute guy showed up.   Like Joy, I'm a non-traditionalist who grew up in a very conservative, traditional household.  Joy's quest to find herself and break from those traditions mirror my own.  I even considered becoming an acupuncturist.  By the way, we'll be seeing Joy lose a bit more control and get pretty experimental in book two.

UFR: One of the most interesting things about books with a paranormal flare is the different types of beings/races an author can chose to put in their book. Your book brings a bit of a twist to vampires, how did you decide this was the direction you wanted to go?

TB: Well, I wanted to go back to a more traditional vampire.  Vampires are dangerous creatures and I wanted bring that back.  But I also wanted to give each vampire a distinct personality.   Too many vampire stories have the brooding, sexy thing... and that's about as deep as they go.  To me, a vampire started out as a person, so they are going to have a variety of personalities and eccentricities.   

          That's why one of my vampires can never keep up with fashion.  In real life, many people lose track of the fashions as they age.  Calhoun feels his time is better spent on other things.   When you've lived over a hundred years, it's easy to lose decades.  So we find him wearing a lot of polyester.  However, Esteban, the Master vampire of Arizona is the opposite.  He's very fashion conscious from his days of being in the Spanish royal court.  He's also a bit of a metrosexual who enjoys hair product and body sprays.  In fact, he sells his own line of body products.  

          I also thought that, just like there are mixed races in life, there would be mixed races in preternatural creatures.  So I have mixed breeds and half-vampires.  Most of these creatures are misfits.  In fact, Esteban specializes in gathering misfit preternaturals into his territory for protection.

UFR: What was the hardest scene for you to write and why? 

*****Spoiler alert!*****

TB: The hardest scene was one that hit me by surprise.  

          Andi has a ghost who has been hanging out in her apartment.  His name is Johnny and he was formerly Andi's upstairs tenant, before his untimely and suspicious death.  Truth be told, she really didn't like him when he was alive.  He was kind of a dork.  He dressed up in corny costumes (a habit he kept as a ghost) and played role playing games.  Andi just didn't get him.  But as a ghost he'd helped her through a bad period in her life, so their friendship had blossomed.  

        With that in mind, I had planned for him to stay with her.  

         So imagine my surprise when I found myself typing a scene where Johnny decides to cross over.  He'd finished the task that he'd stayed to do and now it was time for him to go.  I was shocked!  I cried as I typed.  I didn't want him to go, even as I knew it was the right thing for him.  I mourned with Andi.  

        I'd heard other authors say that their character's had minds of their own.  I'd experienced some of that myself.  But I'd never had a character go against my wishes and write themselves out of the story!  It was crazy!

UFR: Andi is a psychic in your book, have you ever been to a psychic? And if not what would you ask a psychic if you did go to see one?

TB: Actually, I have a bit of psychic in me.  I've known things before they happened.  They were never anything that I could have changed.  It always left me questioning the point.  Why know in advance if there's nothing that can be done?  I think that's why I gave Andi such negative views of her own gifts.

          But what would I ask a psychic?  Hmmm.... I'd probably ask the same questions that Andi gets so bored of hearing.  I'd ask questions about relationships and income.  Maybe, I'd ask if my next series (a paranormal thriller) will get a movie contract?  That sounds like something fun to know!   

          I believe most people want reassurance from psychics.  We want to know that our lives, and the lives of those we love, will be happy.

UFR: Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

TB: I'm going to quote self-help expert Barbara Sher, because I completely agree with her:  Isolation is the dream killer.  

        It is very easy for authors to squirrel away in their own little worlds.  But to advance as a writer in today's world, you need others.  Network with other writers.  Create a community of writers to share your techniques, your fears and your dreams.  They will help you improve and grow, keep you going when you want to quit and cheer you on as you succeed.

UFR: Since we are all readers here, who are some of your favorite authors?

TB: That's so hard!  I could write such a long list.  Right now I'm really enjoying Patricia Briggs and Ilona Andrews as authors of urban fantasy.  They have very authentic characters with strong plots and a bit of romance and humor—my favorite combination!

          Some of my favorite authors outside of urban fantasy:

          Anne Bishop writes hauntingly beautiful fantasy books.  They are dark and complex, yet filled with so much hope.

          James Rollins is my favorite for action thrillers, because he often includes a dollop of paranormal.

          Elizabeth Peters will forever be my favorite mystery novelist.  Her Peabody character is the quintessential victorian damsel who can get herself in (and out of) any kind of distress.

          Gah!  There are so many!

UFR: This is the first book in the series, is there any hints you would like to give our audience for the sequel?

TB: I'm so excited that book two, Angel Unprepared, will be coming out in mid February.  We'll see Andi and Esteban getting closer, in unexpected ways.  She meets the leader of her people—a formidable woman who also happens to be Andi's great aunt.  Through her aunt, Andi discovers that someone from earth is murdering fae on one of the fairy worlds.  Andi is appointed to find out who.  Unfortunately for her, the murderer has a time traveling amulet.  So Andi must chase the culprit between worlds and through time.

          We'll learn a lot more about Andi's growing skills.  She'll also learn more about her own past and how unknown forces have influenced the course of her life.

UFR: Finally is there anything you would like potential or current readers of yours to know?

TB: February will be a big month.  Angel Unraveled is coming out as a print book in the beginning of the month.  I've just approved the cover art.  

          Angel Unprepared will be available as an ebook mid month.  Plus, there will be a free ebook of short stories about Esteban's adventures (outside of Andi's life) coming out at the end of February.  So stay tuned for that!

          I believe we'll also be giving away a free book of Angel Unraveled here on UF Reviews!

Thanks again for joining us here on Urban Fantasy Reviews, Tamela. It's been a great experience getting to know you and the characters a little better. And we will be doing a GIVEAWAY later on today when the review comes out so stay tuned for the review in just a couple of short hours! 

Trace Riles Interview

Today we are joined by Trace Riles who kindly agreed to answer some questions. Later today I am going to be reviewing Trace's book Barely Human so look for it later today.

UFR: One of my favorite questions to ask is if you had to choose a theme song for Barely Human what would it be?

TR: That’s a really interesting question.  I think I’d have to go with Sweet Surrender from Sarah McLachlan.  The lyrics and haunting beauty of her voice speak to me of a difficult journey she didn’t ask for and is powerless to avoid.  She’s traveling the path whether she likes it or not so she might as well surrender to it.  I think that’s a good parallel for the adventure that Jessie experiences in Barely Human.   

UFR: What is Jessie’s favorite movie and why?

TR: Definitely Ridley Scott’s Aliens (1986).  I think Jessie would be drawn to Ripley, particularly in the second movie of the Alien franchise.  Ripley finds herself the odd person out and not really a part of the team she’s supposed to be leading.  She’s tough and she’s smart but mostly she’s scared of making mistakes that will cost more lives.  Also, Ripley’s desire to do the right thing no matter how terrified she might be is something that Jessie could relate to.  

UFR: If Jessie was in a book club what book would they be reading right now?

TR: Since Jessie is addicted to self-help books I think she’d be reading “Self Matters” by Dr. Phil.  In this book Dr. Phil challenges you to look in the mirror, and see who is truly hiding beneath that face.  Challenging you to think beyond the fears and excuses that have masked the person you’ve always wanted to be.  Honestly, I don’t think Jessie would be able to put this one down.

UFR: Was there any scene or part of this book that was harder to write than the others, and if so why?

TR: Wow, this is hard question to answer without giving away too much.  I would have to say chapter two.  The original draft of this scene was extremely graphic and difficult to write.  It was so scary and sad I knew I had to take it down a notch or two.  I wanted to show the mindset of our antagonist without being obscene.  But he is an obscene character so getting the balance right was difficult.

UFR: A large part of Jessie’s identity is that she is a cop, why did you choose this profession for her? 

TR: I think that Jessie was destined to be a cop.  Things that are described in the book from her childhood helped to put her on that path.  Also, being a cop would allow her to work with the fringe of society; a place she feels would be the most likely locale to find other people like herself.

The “cop” scenes are written very well did you do any research to accomplish this?

Thank you, I did a LOT of research for this and every other aspect of the book.  I have a box filled with reference books, maps, and two huge binders full of information that I pulled together.  I had to specifically research the Chicago police since law enforcement varies slightly from State to State and is also different from anything I would know growing up in Canada.

UFR: Jessie finds her “flickering” both annoying and embarrassing; do you have any embarrassing moments you’d like to share?

TR: Wow…and there it is the question that ensures that no matter what I say, I’m not coming out of this looking cool.  Actually, I have a pretty good sense of humor which allows me to laugh at myself, something I do quite frequently.  I think one of the most embarrassing moments in my life was when a popular guy in school walked up to me and started a conversation.  I was so nervous and just couldn’t believe that this beautiful guy was standing there talking to me!  He said something funny and I responded by laughing and sneezing on him.  So there I stood, mortified, with boogers hanging from my nose watching him laugh as he walked away.  A pretty dark day in my world, but thankfully I was able to press on and I’m feeling much better now.

UFR: There seems to be a resurgence in books with angels and demons in them, why did you choose to put demons in the book?  Did something specifically interest you or call out to you?

TR: I don’t think the demons in my book are typical of the standard angels and demons genre.   I wanted to show that there is more to our world then what we see—there are different realms all interconnected but yet independent of each other.  In this story, the demons are the main creatures that live in that particular realm.  I think it was my way of saying maybe we aren’t as all-important as we think we are.  Even the demons could have merit under the right circumstances.  

UFR: Is there a character in this book that has a lot of similar personality traits to yourself, and if who?

TR: I think I would have to say Jessie.  She’s insecure at times but is in it for the good fight when it matters.  I think that’s a lot like me.  

UFR: Who are some of your favorite writers?

TR: When I was younger I couldn’t get enough of Stephen King.  In my twenties my tastes started to change a little and I read a lot of Koontz, and John Saul.  Then one day I stumbled across a copy of Kelley Armstrong’s “Haunted” in a used book store and from that moment on I never looked back.  I read anything of Kelley’s I could get my hands on.  I’ve since become a fan of Christine Warren and Kim Harrison. 

UFR: Could you tell our audience of aspiring writers what your journey to publication was like?

TR: I’ve been writing on and off since I was a kid.  There have been many stories that I started and never finished mostly I think out of fear of rejection.  When I got diagnosed with ovarian cancer all thoughts of writing went out the window and the only thing I thought about was getting well.  

It took many years after that before I finally gave myself permission to write again—no matter the outcome.  I write because I love it and because I have something to say.  So one day I woke up and started writing.  I set a goal to finish the manuscript and I did.  Then I set the goal to send it out to ten agents and I did.  I received rejections from each and every one of them.  At that point I decided to start sending to publishers that would accept unsolicited, un-agented work.  I believe I chose ten again and I received six rejections, and then one acceptance. Funny isn’t it? How it only takes one to change everything.  Barely Human found a home at Eirelander Publishing and I’ll be forever grateful.  It’s been a fabulously fun and fantastic learning experience.

UFR: Finally, is there anything you want your future readers to know about you or your book?  

TR: I think I’d like to say that I understand that everyone’s time is a precious commodity.  And although reading is enjoyable, it takes time and effort to read a book.  So I’d like to thank everyone who fits me into their lives and wish you all happy reading.

I once again would like to thank Trace Riles for joining us today here on UFR, and even more so for opening herself up and telling us all a little bit about herself. Later on today I will post the review for Barely Human, you don't want to miss it!