I´m back with another interview for you! Today, I´m having Urban Fantasy and Romance author Lori Brighton over to chat with me about her books, writing and stuff!
Please welcome Lori!
Sure! The Ghost Hunter is a contemporary paranormal romance, available in ebook format. I’ll give you the blurb:
When Ashley Hunter inherits the Inn where her father mysteriously vanished years ago, she jumps at the chance to finally uncover the truth about his disappearance. But soon after taking ownership of the decrepit building, Ashley realizes she’s in for far more than she bargained. Not only has she inherited answers to many sought-after questions, she’s also inherited spirits, demons and even fallen angels! Then Cristian arrives, a gorgeous man who insists he merely needs a room to rent. She believes him, until one by one her ghosts start disappearing.
As a fallen angel destined for a life of servitude, Cristian Lucius is relegated to protecting earth from unwanted spirits. But he can’t accomplish this daunting task alone. He requires assistance from the very woman who frustrates him as much as she intrigues him. Cristian is determined to ignore his intense attraction for Ashley, and focus on his mission. If they don’t work together, they won’t have a chance in hell of defeating the demon threatening their lives. The problem is getting Ashley to trust him. No easy task, for Cristian is the very man responsible for her father’s disappearance.
On your homepage I read that you are living in the Midwest. Your book however is set in England. Why the change of location? Is the Midwest too boring for an exciting fantasy novel?
LoL! Depends on where you live. Actually, I’m of the belief that there is something interesting about every place. But I’m in the south now, just haven’t gotten around to changing my website.
My debut book was a historical set in England because I love the area and because (according to publishers) that’s what sells (books placed in England). I guess that location never left my mind. But it’s also the historical depth you find there and the paranormal possibilities. In the United States you’re more limited if you want to find places of historical significance. Although I was just vacationing in St. Augustine, Florida and it totally changed my mind. The history there is amazing. All kinds of possibilities for ghosts!
The accents are incredibly realistic. Did you have a native speaker who helped you with them or are you some kind of expert on accents?
I’m so glad you think they’re realistic! I was on the fence about doing accents. They always tell you that trying to write an accent in a book is a big NO, that readers will get annoyed with them. I went with my gut on that. So far no one has complained. I wish I could say I became an expert on accents when I went to Spy school. But no, I’m no expert. lol. I actually checked out some books written by natives of the area. So I found an Irish author when writing the Irish accent.
Did you do any kind of research for your books? Were you actually in England or did you do most of the research online?
Thank god for the internet! Yes, most of my research is done online. But I have been to England. Was a wonderful experience! I hope to go back soon.
In your book, the usual suspects in the Urban Fantasy genre play are only supporting characters. What in your opinion makes the appeal of Fallen Angels and ghosts?
Ghosts are so universal! You’re not just dealing with the paranormal when you write about ghosts, but you’re also dealing with the afterlife and what happens when we die. Everyone wonders about that.
As for Angels, to me they are certainly appealing. Readers love the idea of a very bad guy with a heart of gold. In my opinion the idea of a Fallen Angel personifies that.
Tell us a little bit about the world of the fallen angels in your book. Can you share anything that hasn´t made it into the book?
I don’t necessarily agree with the ideas in my book, but that’s the great thing about inventing your own story, anything goes. We’ve all heard the story of Angels escorting the dead to Heaven. In this version, my Fallen Angels are being punished by escorting the more reluctant dead.
As for the book, you know, I’m not one of those writers who plan in detail her plot ahead of time, so pretty much anything I think up as I’m writing goes into the story. I did delete a secondary character because I was trying to cut word count and the number of characters.
Can we hope for more books about sexy Fallen Angels?
I hope so! We’ll see. I’d love to write a book about Devon, a secondary character in The Ghost Hunter. But honestly, it will depend on how well The Ghost Hunter sells.
Sure! Wild Heart is the first book in a two book series. The second book, Wild Desire, will be available in March. These are Victorian historicals with paranormal elements. Wild Heart is a bit darker and moodier. Wild Desire more adventurous and fun.
Can you name the key ingredients of your books in short words?
Adventure, mystery and romance.
What project(s) are you currently working on?
I have a Young Adult book that is with two editors right now. As for what to work on next…hmm, I’m really not sure! I have another Contemporary Paranormal I’ve started. I might finish that up. But I do love historicals too and have a couple projects I could work on in that genre. I tend to work on whatever I’m in the mood to write that day.
Where do you get your inspiration from? Music, books, TV shows or real life?
I get inspiration from everything! Movies, books, T.V. shows, maybe the News. I just went on a Ghost Walking tour of St. Augustine and the stories they told were amazing! There are certainly lots of book you could get from that. As for my newest book, I got the idea for The Ghost Hunter after going on The Haunted Mansion ride at Disney World.
How does your typical writing day look like? Do you have a special routine?
I should write during the day when I have time, but as much as I try, I’m a night owl. I love to stay up late. Of course I always regret it when I have to get up early the next morning.
What is the hardest part about being an author?
It’s not the writing aspect. It’s the afterwards. Worrying that no one will like your book, worrying you won’t sell enough copies to get another contract. And as much as authors like to deny it, bad reviews do hurt. Imagine working on a project for 6 months and your boss telling you it sucks!
A question that I am always curious about (but could be kind of personal) is: are your characters based on people you really know or maybe even a little bit about yourself or are they all purely fictional?
I’d say they’ve got a lot of me in them. There are quirks I will take from people I know or see, interesting habits. But I haven’t written a character yet based solely on someone.
Did you ever have a writer´s block? If so, what did you do to deal with it?
So far I’ve never had writer’s block. There are times I don’t feel like writing, but I just force myself to, even if the writing isn’t great.
Tell us something about your favourites:
favourite paranormal creature?
Fallen Angels of course! I like Vampires too. But for me it’s not so much about the creature, but more about how the author writes the creature.
favourite all time hero/heroine?
Not sure about heroines, but as for heroes, any hero from a Julie Garwood book. I think she writes the best heroes ever.
favourite meal?
Seriously, I don’t think I could pick just one.
Which one do you prefer, book or e-reader?
A year ago I would have said printed book. I’m still leaning a little more toward print but just because I love to collect signed books. But I’m definitely more open to ebooks now because I have so many friends who are writing ebooks, and, of course, because I’ve written an ebook.
favourite distraction?
Television! I love my T.V. shows. And there are too many to list!
Is there a book you love above all? One that had a great influence on you or your life?
Has there ever been a major catastrophe with your laptop while writing? How many backup copies of your scripts do you have?
So far no catastrophe, knock on wood. I shudder at the thought of it! I often send my books to my email account as an attachment because I’m too lazy to constantly save it.
A question that is inspired by another interview I did with an author: If you would be Superman, what would be your cryptonite?
Hmm, something tangible? Chocolate.
What are you reading at the moment/planning to read/waiting for to be released?
Well, I just went through my final copy edits for Wild Desire. Usually when you’ve gone over one of your own books that many times, you’re kind of sick of it. But I actually still enjoyed reading it! It’s a lot of fun. So now I’m just waiting for March, when it will be out in bookstores, available as a printed book and ebook.
I’ve also started going through my Young Adult book once more. As I mentioned, it’s with two editors. If they reject it I will immediately self publish it in Ebook format on Amazon. So it will be out sometime soon either way! It was a really fun book, a totally unique paranormal. At least, I guess you’d call it paranormal.
And now I just have to decide what project to work on next!
And finally: Is there anything you want to say to your/my readers?
Readers are so incredibly important to an author’s career. I don’t think they realize how important they are. So if you enjoy a book, please tell your friends!
I have to say that meeting so many wonderful people is the best thing about becoming an author. I have met amazing readers and bloggers from all over the world, people who have taken time out of their busy days to help promote my book or email to tell me how much they enjoyed my story. It means so much to me and I appreciate everyone!
Thanks so much for this fun interview! It´s been a great pleasure! Please come back anytime you want!
And now to the fun part: Lori has been kind enough to offer TWO e-copy of her book The Ghost Hunter to you! It´s open INTERNATIONAL!!!
All you have to do is leave a comment for Lori about anything in this interview, about her book or a question, if you want to and fill out the form below!
The giveaway ends October 3rd, the winners will be announced in the following week! If there are a double entries, all but one will be deleted!
7 comments:
i would love to read The Ghost Hunter! oh, i'm from england!! glad to know you liked it here even though it's always raining-seriously, it's raining right now:D
Great, in-depth interview. Getting to know an author always makes me want to read their books.
Great interview and the book sounds awesome. I really like Julie Garwood's books. too.
Great giveaway. the book sounds really interesting!
Thanks so much for this interview!
I really enjoyed it!
I think it's true what she said. I mean we all love heroes/characters who look all broody, tormented or even mean but underneath it all they have a heart of gold and a desire to be loved.
Fallen Angels fit the description more than Vampires I guess..because Vampires are supposed to be evil. *g*
Awws, too bad she had to delete a secondary character! I guess it is kind of sad having to delete something/someone (character) you liked enough to write and put into the story!
How hard is it to write according to Editor's wishes and to what the public might enjoy?
Also, thanks so much for the opportunity to read this wonderful book! XD
After reading your review for this last week, I'm keen to read it, so thanks for hosting the giveaway.
A question for Lori: To write English characters must have been a little difficult, as the culture and language is surprisingly different to other English-speaking countries. Was it like having to learn a whole other language to get them and their speach patterns right?
Very good informative interview, I really enjoyed reading about her books.
The Ghost Hunter sounds like an awesome read. I also love the cover :)
Judy Cox
magnolias_1@msn.com
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