Author Interview: Montana Ash

Thank you for agreeing to this interview!  First, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

By night, I write paranormal and fantasy romance with a good dollop of Aussie humour and sexy-fun times. By day, I am a scientist. I currently have three books out in my Elemental Paladins series and I am currently writing book four as well as a gritty, sexy new series.

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

Stubborn, easy-going, loyal.

If someone wrote a book of your life would it be a drama, a comedy, a romantic-comedy, horror or science fiction/fantasy?  What would be the title?

Definitely not a romantic-comedy! Drama? Nah, not so much. Maybe a comedy mixed with horror and a dash of fantasy ;) Only because I seem to be one of the most accident prone people I know – not clumsy – but I definitely get my share of random bad luck. As for the title … ‘A day in the life of Montana Ash: A Survivors Guide’ 

If you could have unlimited storage of one thing, what would it be?

Oh, books for sure. An unlimited source of books would be a dream come true.

If you could have dinner with three people, past or present, who would it be and why?

Einstein – what I wouldn’t give to pick his brain!

Leonardo da Vinci – tell me who the real Mona Lisa was, dammit!!!

A dinosaur – yes, yes, I know – very weird and random. But come on, who doesn’t want to meet a real dinosaur?! As long as I’m not on the menu of course …

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

English was always my favourite subject in school. I even enjoyed writing essays. So I have always liked the process of writing, but honestly, I didn’t begin to entertain the idea of being an author until a couple of years ago. I had so many worlds and characters in my head, that I decided I would sit down and write one of them out. Thus, the Elemental Paladins were born.

What draws you to this genre?  Are you interested in writing other genres?  If so what ones?
What genre wouldn’t you write?

The freedom. I love the freedom paranormal and fantasy allows me; no rules, anything goes, it’s all plausible because it’s fantasy! I’m keen to write young adult and wouldn’t say no to crime fiction either. The only genre I’m not a fan of is non-fiction – biographies etc.

If you could change one thing about this genre, what would it be?

Hmm, I can’t say I would change anything about the paranormal/fantasy genre. It’s the freedom thing again. I’m happy for it to be free and unrestricted … 

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

How much the plot and the characters evolve. They truly do write themselves in many ways. I can never predict where the story will end, even though I have every book plotted and planned from start to finish!

What do you like to read in your free time?

I read paranormal romance of course, crime fiction, science fiction, fantasy, contemporary romance, thriller, and horror. The only genre I’m not particularly fond of is biographies.

Which writers inspire you?

Jane Austen – an empowered female author, well ahead of her time. Also indie authors who find real success – good for them!

What book that you have read has most influenced your life?

Probably ‘To Kill A Mocking Bird’ by Harper Lee. Truly a wonderful book I was introduced to at only 13 years old. Even at that age, I could see and feel how much power words could hold over a reader. What a gift!

Do you listen to music when you write?  Is there a certain type you like to listen to?  Do you put your playlists on Spotify for listeners?

I do listen to music when I write. Either that, or movies/TV series in the background. I like noise. I have very eclectic taste in music from Placebo, to Mariah Carey, to Ed Sheeran, to Boyce Avenue, to Sia, and Evanescence. I haven’t yet shared my playlists with readers … but it’s a great idea! 

If you could spend time with a character from your books who would it be? And what would you do during that day? (PG-13 please ;-) )

Max for sure! A day with her would be so much fun! I would definitely have to take her to a karaoke bar, given her very vocal objections to those establishments. I would make it my mission to figure out what the hell the ‘donkey and the train incident’ was.

What character in your books are you least likely to get along with?

Definitely the snobby, elitist characters that make up the council who govern over the special warden/paladin society. I can’t stand people who look down on others for no other reason than they were lucky enough to be born into a certain household.  

What are you working on at the moment?

I currently have delusions of grandeur in that I am writing three books concurrently; Book four and five in my Elemental Paladins series – Ranger and Custodian; Book one in my new series, Reluctant Royals – Reluctant King. And I am also playing with another author to co-write a young adult fantasy book – T.J. Spade. So I guess, technically, this year has at least a line-up of four new books. Definitely delusional ;) But would be great if I could pull them all off!

Author Bio

Montana is a self-confessed book junkie. Although she loves reading all genres from romance to crime fiction to sci-fi, her not-so-guilty pleasure is paranormal romance. Alpha men, just a little bit damaged, and Alpha women who don't seem to know they need looking after, are a favourite combination of hers. Throw in some steamy sex scenes, a touch of humour, and a little violence and she is in heaven! 

Her overactive (and overindulged) imagination could only take so much before the many voices wanted out. Thus, Montana's journey into the wonderful world of writing.

She is a scientist by day, having grown up in country New South Wales, Australia. Writing about ancient knights, demons and shapeshifters is such a delicious contradiction to her day job in the laboratory, that she doesn't see the voices stopping anytime soon! 

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Author Interview: T.J. Spade

Thank you for agreeing to this interview!  First, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Well, I’m actually fairly new to this whole ‘being an author’ schtick. When I was growing up I really just wanted to be Indiana Jones so when I went to University I studied Archaeological Practice. I did a little volunteer work on a 3000 year old Lapita cemetery site – because skeletons are cool. That was a while ago, and last year over a bottle (cough* two bottles) of wine, I decided to try out writing (fermented grapes are an evil mistress). Once I’d drunkenly announced I would write a book I was sort of committed. The rest, as they say, is history, and my debut novel, ‘The Everett Files Book 1: Take You Apart’ was published 30 November, 2015. Since then I’ve released Book 2: Take You to Hell, and Book 3: Take You Home will be available this December.  My series is primarily crime fiction with a side of romance – it makes for an interesting mix.

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

-Eccentric – I mean how many people have a human femur beside their bed in lieu of a baseball bat?

-Happy – what’s not to be happy about?

-Hungry – always! I love potato chips!

  

If someone wrote a book of your life would it be a drama, a comedy, a romantic-comedy, horror or science fiction/fantasy?  What would be the title?

Probably a romantic comedy – I’ve had some interesting internet dating experiences! The title would be, ‘105 First Date Failures.’

  

If you could have unlimited storage of one thing, what would it be?

Wine. I love the stuff – red, white, old, new, corked or capped – just pour!

If you could have dinner with three people, past or present, who would it be and why?

Leonardo DaVinci – wouldn’t it be a blast to blow his mind with the internet! So many cats to watch.

Jesus – just to see if he’d show up (plus, if he performs the water trick into wine trick, then I’m up on the weekend.)

Lin Manuel-Miranda – I’m half in love with that man and his talent (I’m actually listening to the Hamilton soundtrack as I type this.)

  

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

I’ve done a little writing over the years but I only decided to take it seriously last year – it’s been amazing! The writing is fun but the people I’ve met are incredible. It’s a whole new world!

What draws you to this genre?  Are you interested in writing other genres?  If so what ones?

I have always loved crime fiction for the excitement and the whodunit angle – I like to be kept guessing. And I’ve always read a lot of crime as well as detective stories and anything with a P.I. Would I write a different genre? Yes … I am actually working on a YA fantasy with fellow author Montana Ash – very exciting!

What genre wouldn’t you write?

Erotica – I’m just not inventive enough! I’d probably make it weird!

If you could change one thing about this genre, what would it be?

Absolutely nothing, I just can’t write it ;)

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

When I researched Take You to Hell I learnt that if nobody puts it out, a body can sustain a fire for up to seven hours – fat burns like a wick to a candle – gross, I know (cool though)

What do you like to read in your free time?

I like to read everything but James Patterson is a regular – that man writes so fast and there is ALWAYS a new book out. I don’t know how he does it?! Also, if anyone knows James, could you put in a good word for me? I’d love him to read my stuff.

Which writers inspire you?

My fellow Indies – I’ve met so many amazing authors in the last year – they inspire me every day.

What book that you have read has most influenced your life?

Robin Hobb’s ‘Farseer Trilogy’ – I read it when I was fourteen and I fell in love with it. Those early favourites definitely laid a strong foundation for reading, which in turn, led to writing.

Do you listen to music when you write?  Is there a certain type you like to listen to?  Do you put your playlists on Spotify for listeners?

Sometimes I listen to music but other times I need quiet – Hamilton was on repeat for much of Take You Home (can you tell I’m addicted?) I haven’t tried Spotify yet … I should probably move with the times!

If you could spend time with a character from your books who would it be? And what would you do during that day? (PG-13 please ;-) )

I would hang out with Jack and visit crime scenes all day – that would be awesome.

What character in your books are you least likely to get along with?

Um, probably my sociopathic killers. I can’t name any unless you’d like spoilers ;)

What are you working on at the moment?

At the moment I am just polishing The Everett Files Book 3: Take You Home, before its release in December. I cannot wait for you all to read it!

About the Author

 T.J. Spade has two fascinations: Indiana Jones and the macabre. After trying to be Indy for a while and earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Archaeological Practice, T.J is now satisfying interest number two by plotting murder … on paper only of course.

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Author Interview: Celia Aaron

I am super excited that this time around we got to talk with Author Celia Aaron.  If you aren't familiar with her work, what's wrong with you?  Just kidding.  She writes everything from laugh out loud funny stories to angsty ones, from dark to light.  I highly recommend you one-click her books today if you haven't already.  

Thank you for agreeing to this interview!  First, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m a lawyer-turned-writer. I dig hot stories and have a soft spot for dark, twisted tales.

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

Impulsive, creative, loud

If someone wrote a book of your life would it be a drama, a comedy, a romantic-comedy, horror or science fiction/fantasy?  What would be the title?

Comedy. You do You.

If you could have unlimited storage of one thing, what would it be?

Good memories.

If you could have dinner with three people, past or present, who would it be and why?

My hubs and my two girls. They’re fun to hang around with.

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

I’ve always been a writer. Just not always been a good one.

What draws you to this genre?  Are you interested in writing other genres?  If so what ones?
What genre wouldn’t you write?

I like an HEA. Always does it for me. I like to read horror and some scifi, but I’m not sure how I’d fare writing in those genres. I won’t write nonfiction.

If you could change one thing about this genre what would it be?

I’d add more diversity.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That people like reading them.

What do you like to read in your free time?

Romance, scifi, horror—just about anything but nonfiction.

Which writers inspire you?

Prolific ones like Nora Roberts and highly creative ones like JK Rowling.

What book that you have read has most influenced your life?

Not a clue. I read ton of books when I was a kid. I will say that one book that caught my fancy and stuck with me is I am Legend by Matheson.

Do you listen to music when you write?  Is there a certain type you like to listen to?  Do you put your playlists on Spotify for listeners?

Yes. The feel depends on what I’m writing. In general, I’ll play Radiohead, Alabama Shakes, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Ray LaMontagne – stuff like that. I wouldn’t put my poor musical selections on anyone else with a Spotify list. ;)

If you could spend time with a character from your books who would it be? And what would you do during that day? (PG-13 please ;-) )

Alex from the Acquisition Series so he can do my hair.

What character in your books are you least likely to get along with?

Lucius from The Acquisition Series. The sex would be hot, but we’d fight the rest of the time.

What are you working on at the moment?

The Master of Blackwood, a dark southern gothic romance that will be released in January.

Thanks for having me! xx

Author Bio

Celia Aaron is a recovering attorney who loves romance and erotic fiction. Dark to light, angsty to funny, real to fantasy—if it’s hot and strikes her fancy, she writes it. Thanks for reading.

Sign up for my newsletter at aaronerotica.com to get information on new releases. (I would never spam you or sell your info, just send you book news and goodies sometimes). ;)

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Author Interview: Cara Covington

Thank you for agreeing to this interview!  First, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Hello, and thank you so much for this opportunity! I’m a wife, mother, grandmother, and a great-grandmother (they call me GG). I’ve been published since March, 2007 and I’m a “Siren Exclusive” author. Love Under Two Loners, about to be released, is my 49th title. Before becoming a published author I worked as an accounting clerk. Numbers and words aren’t supposed to go together well, but for me, they do.

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

Caring, loyal, dedicated.

If someone wrote a book of your life would it be a drama, a comedy, a romantic-comedy, horror or science fiction/fantasy?  What would be the title?

Likely it would be a melodrama, with moments of dark humor. The title might be: Seriously?

If you could have unlimited storage of one thing, what would it be?

Books, of course. Yes, I have many on kindle, but I love hard copy books, too.

If you could have dinner with three people, past or present, who would it be and why?

My mother, my father, and my son, Anthony, because I miss them all very much.

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

When I was very young, about 8 or 9. I didn’t like the world I was in at the time, so I decided I would create my own. Then as I got older I learned my father had loved to write—and that sealed it for me.

What draws you to this genre?  Are you interested in writing other genres?  If so what ones?  What genre wouldn’t you write?

I love romance, because within the pages of romance you can incorporate ever other genre.  Nearly all of my titles as “Cara Covington” incorporate a romantic suspense sub-plot into the erotic romance. Why erotic romance? Because I love giving the reader the full, complete, no curtains drawn experience. Perhaps some day I would like to write a novel or two similar to the kind Barbara Delinsky writes – they used to call it women’s fiction, but I like thinking of it as character-driven fiction.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

The first thing I learned was that I could; the second was that I could get better. But the best surprise of all was that my books touched readers. That is my single greatest treasure.

What do you like to read in your free time?

Well written books of all different genres. If it hooks me, I’m in.

Which writers inspire you?

So many! Heather Rainier, D. B. Reynolds, Kate Watterson/Emma Wildes, Nora Roberts, Barbara Delinsky, Catherine Coulter, Linda Howard, Kay Hooper, Jayne Ann Krentz, Clive Cussler, Edward Rutherford, ….how much space do you have? Because I could go on and on and on!

What book that you have read has most influenced your life?

The Bible.

Do you listen to music when you write?  Is there a certain type you like to listen to?  Do you put your playlists on Spotify for listeners?

I write best to the sounds of silence. Literally. I’m beginning to understand that I am one of few who doesn’t want any sound at all while I’m in the zone. As for my musical tastes, they’re very eclectic, depending on my moods. I can go from country to rock to classical. And if I’m not writing, I can quite possibly have my music turned up to full blast and be belting out the song! Car pool karaoke? Whoever came up with that must have seen me at some point.

If you could spend time with a character from your books who would it be? And what would you do during that day? (PG-13 please ;-) )

Oh, I’d definitely be at the Big House having tea with Grandma Kate, and quite possibly, half way through, Samantha Kendall would join us. I want Kate to show me the journal she’s working on.

What character in your books are you least likely to get along with?

Any one of the villains, because the rest? They’re all a part of me.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m in the midst of a planning session – planning out the next few books I plan to write and trying to set myself a timetable. With Independence Day, Lusty Style, coming out on September 9th(that will be my 50th title!!) I will have had 6 books published this year, and 2 boxed sets, too. There may be one more book, but at this point I’m not sure.

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Author Interview: BT Urruela

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I'm a combat wounded Army vet turned romance novelist and cover model. I also co-founded the veteran sports non-profit VETSports to help my fellow veterans transition properly.

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

Resilient, Stubborn, Strong 

If you could have unlimited storage of one thing, what would it be?

Carbs... Always carbs.

What do you like to read in your free time?

Stephen King is my shit. I'll eventually read everything he's ever written.  I love some dark romance as well.

In your book, Xander plays a guitar.  Do you play an instrument?

I've dabbled in guitar and I grew up playing bass.  I have big, clunky fingers so I never really could pick up the guitar as I've always wished to.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That people actually enjoyed reading them lol

What's your least favorite part of the book process from getting the idea to hitting publish? Favorite part?

Least favorite part is the editing process.  It's necessary, but torturous.  My favorite part is pulling the paperback out of the box for the very first time. It makes all the hard work worth it.

What book that you have read has most influenced your life?

Definitely 'On Writing' by Stephen King. It's a beautiful, poignant part memoir-part writing guide.

You hear us talk about BBFs all the time. Are there any badass heroines you like? Who and what book?

I can't say that I've read many with bad ass heroines in them.  Not that I've avoided them by any means, but I just can't think of any off the top of my head.  I do have a major crush on Grace from Renee Carlino's Before We Were Strangers though.

There are songs listed in your books, are these the songs you were listening to as you wrote or are they picked because they fit the feel of the chapter? 

They were picked to fit the feel of the chapter, but they were also listened to pretty regularly throughout the writing and editing process as well.

Is there a certain type of music you like to listen to?  Do you put playlists on Spotify for readers?

I have a bunch of different playlists available on my Spotify including all those from my books.  I love rock mostly in every day life, but when writing and finding influence, I listen to EVERYTHING.

How did you get the idea to start the Broken Outlaw series?

The Green Mile is one of my favorite books/movies.  I've always had a very visceral, heartfelt reaction to the final scene where they have to put John Coffey to death knowing he didn't commit the crime.  I randomly caught the movie one time in the hotel room on an author signing last year and the story instantly overwhelmed me.  I jotted down ideas then and there, and the rest is history, I guess.

You co-wrote A Lover’s Lament with KL Grayson and solo wrote Into the Nothing. What did you like better about co-writing? What did you like better about writing on your own?

I prefer writing on my own. While having the support of a co-author is a god send and an immense help in the writing process, I do prefer the creative control that comes with writing solo.  I loved playing sports in high school and baseball will always be my favorite, but I actually got more fulfillment from wrestling.  Mostly because win, lose or draw, it's on me and only me.  I guess I find the pressure that goes along with that to be a sort of adrenaline rush.

Are the characters in Into the Nothing inspired by anyone in real life?  Who?

Yes, they are. Twitch is one of my best friends, and fellow combat wounded vet, Josh.  Irish is one of my other best friends, and active duty coast guardsmen, Rob.  There's a lot of pieces other people in there as well, but those two were almost exact representations of my boys with only a few creative liberties.

Which character was most difficult to write and why?

Xander because he is me and his struggle has been my own at times.

Where did the idea to incorporate welding into the story come from? Are you familiar with it?

At a small signing in Tampa, at this art fair, I noticed these really bad ass welded sculptures. After inquiring about them, I discovered the artist goes to junkyards and stuff, finds random objects and creates the sculptures out of them.  I was blown away but the ingenuity and creativity behind that and wanted to highlight it.

If you could spend time with a character from your book who would it be? And what would you do during that day?

Irish, Twitch and I would go to some hole in the wall karaoke bar and get good and liquored up hahaha. 

What character in your book are you least likely to get along with?

Ethan creeps me the hell out and Cody would get his ass beat in a heartbeat. I wanted to write characters I truly despised when it came to those two and in that, I was successful. Truly hated them both lol.

What are you working on at the moment?

I'm co-authoring an untitled novel with Stevie J Cole.

When do you think Into the Blood will be released?

I'm hoping for early spring, possibly even closer to the beginning of the year.

Thanks BT for letting us interview you!

Check out Buxom J's reviews of Into the Nothing and A Lover's Lament.