Accidental Abduction by Eve Langlais ~Giveaway Blitz

Welcome to The Wormhole and my day on the tour!

Today we have a book excerpt from 

Accidental Abduction by Eve Langlais!

Author Bio –

So you want to know a little about me? Well, I'm in my mid thirties, married 11 years to a wonderful supportive man--yes, he's a hunk-- who gave me three beautiful--noisy-- children aged ten, seven and four. I work as a webmistress/customer service rep from home and in my spare time--of which there is tragically too little-- I write, read or Wii.

I was born in British Columbia, but being a military brat lived a little bit everywhere--Quebec, New Brunswick, Labrador, Virginia (USA) and finally Ontario. My family and I currently reside in the historic town of Bowmanville, about an hour or so out of Toronto.

Wow was that ever boring!!! Now for the fun stuff.

I'm writing fantasy the way I like it--hot with a touch of magic. I enjoy reading and writing stories that push the envelope of what we consider normal, and I love to cross the line into fantasy. I tend to have alot of sexual tension in my tales as I think all torrid love affairs start with a tingle in our tummies. My heroes are very male, you could even say border line chest thumping at times. So if you want a truly sensitive man, I am not for you. But that said, my men will do almost anything for the one they love. Even babysit.

I'd love to tell you more, but judging from the sounds in the living room the children are at it again, which means I'll need a mop and loads of patience. What I really need is a robot maid like Jane Jetson! Thanks for checking me out and hope to see you again soon.

Book Blurb –

Accidental Abduction

Eve Langlais

Sci Fi Romance

Abducted by a space pirate, she fights the temptation to let him plunder her goods.

A boyfriend’s attempted murder leaves Megan floundering in the ocean. Sinking without hope, the bright light she sees in the night sky isn’t her doorway to heaven, but rather the beginning of her accidental abduction by a space pirate. While thankful of his rescue, Megan stays true to form and just can’t keep her mouth shut, even when he keeps threatening to kill her--or auction her off to the highest bidder. Even odder, despite her decision to not get involved with her wickedly hot captor, she can’t help craving his touch.

Tren retired from his job as a mercenary so he could enjoy life, but he never counted on the boredom of normalcy. The acquisition of rare items has somewhat filled the void, but his accidental abduction of an outspoken earthling, who doesn’t know when to shut up, turns his life upside. Her fiery spirit draws him while at the same time drives him insane. Struggling with his urges, he must decide-- throttle her barbarian neck or ravish her delectably lush body?

Despite what his heart tries to tell him, he’s determined to sell her to the highest bidder even as he seduces her body. However, despite his best intentions, he discovers he can’t let her go. And when a foe from his past thinks to steal her, he’ll do anything to get her back

Today is the last day of the giveaway blitz but there are three of us featuring this great book today!  Be sure to go check out Reading Between The Lines and Just Another Book Addict too!!!

If you would like a chance to win your own ecopy: fill out the form below!
Contest/Giveaway ends June 2, 2011.

Month End Wrap Up!

What have I been up to this month?

Not getting enough reading done - but I did read these:

The Diva Doctrine by Patricia V. Davis

The Misadventures of Phillip Isaac Penn by Donna L. Peterson

No Place Like Holmes by Thomas Nelson

Hedgeland by A. Nyland

Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly

Bloodmaiden by Christine Schulze

Daughter of Deception by Kara Thorpe

Hard Day's Knight by John Hartness

44 by Jools Sinclair

A Tale of Two Castles by Gail Carson Levine

The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

The Vampire Narcise by Colleen Gleason

Review: Don't Blink by James Patterson & Howard Roughan

Don't Blink by James Patterson & Howard Roughan

Amazon Product Description:
The good
New York's Lombardo's Steak House is famous for three reasons--the menu, the clientele, and now, the gruesome murder of an infamous mob lawyer. Effortlessly, the assassin slips through the police's fingers, and his absence sparks a blaze of accusations about who ordered the hit. 

The bad

Seated at a nearby table, reporter Nick Daniels is conducting a once-in-a-lifetime interview with a legendary baseball bad-boy. In the chaos, he accidentally captures a key piece of evidence that lands him in the middle of an all-out war between Italian and Russian mafia forces. NYPD captains, district attorneys, mayoral candidates, media kingpins, and one shockingly beautiful magazine editor are all pushing their own agendas--on both sides of the law.

And the dead

Back off--or die--is the clear message Nick receives as he investigates for a story of his own. Heedless, and perhaps in love with his beautiful editor, Nick endures humiliation, threats, violence, and worse in a thriller that overturns every expectation and finishes with the kind of flourish only James Patterson knows.

My thoughts:

I am one of those people who will buy anything that says James Patterson.  One of my closest friends will buy NOTHING that says James Patterson.  Thank goodness there are so many books out there and we can all choose.  I didn't say I get to read everything he writes, just that I buy it - - hoping I will find time to read it.  This book I won on a blog - Martha's Bookshelf.  It is the audio book, I love audio books.  I seem to find myself in my jeep long enough to listen to them.  Sometimes I end up driving around or sitting in the driveway to finish the chapter.  So on that note, what did I think of this James Patterson co-written with Howard Roughan?

It was an entertaining enough story to drive to.  It is a bit on the gruesome side - the scene in the restaurant with the eyeballs...

The characters were interesting.  I liked Nick.  He has some issues that he is trying to work out in the story and I found myself cheering him on at times.  I enjoyed Courtney's character.  She is spunky and snarky.  I was thrilled when her boyfriend is "found out" by her.  I like how supportive she is of Nick - who has been in love with her for so long.  

The storyline moved along quickly.  The bad guys were effectively bad, the good guys wore obvious white hats, and it was easy to dislike the right people.  If you enjoy Patterson, check this one out.

Review: Danann Frost Falls from Grace by Joanne Valiukas

Danann Frost Falls from Grace by Joanne Valiukas

I got this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon product description:
Danann Frost is thousands of years old, yet young for her kind. She is a creature of the Light, an Angel, one of the Seraphim; a race of beings that live beyond our world. She has been cast out of paradise and Fallen from Grace, all for the love of a Dark One - a vampire. The only problem is, Seth did not want her and told her to go and not come back. Danann has made a life for herself amongst the vampires of this world and they protect her fragile nature. She and the vampire Asher live on the fringes of the human world; love and loyalty cannot separate them but trouble and vengeance are on their way.


My thoughts:
I thought this was a fantastic story!  This was a new idea for me - angel meets vampire and ends up falling from grace.  


Joanne creates wonderfully thought out characters and places them in a world that has been built with imagination and focus.  The attention to detail can be seen in all aspects of the story, and because of it the story comes alive.  This book will draw you in and not let go until the end!  


What are you willing to sacrifice for love?  What is too much? How long is too long?  Can love really be that strong?  You will have to read to find out!
You can buy a copy at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.  The links to shop are here - - - Go check it out!

Armchair BEA - day 5: Blogging about blogging

Today the Armchair BEA is about Blogging about blogging.

Before I start talking about blogging - I want to take a quick moment to say thanks to everyone who worked so hard to bring Armchair BEA to all of us who were unable to go to New York.  Thanks a bunch - (this is where you all hear me cheering for you!)

So...blogging about blogging:
I LOVE blogging.  My children think I have stepped off the edge and my boyfriend wonders how and when he started competing with my laptop for my free time.  What is so cool about blogging?  This would be a long list so I am going to only mention a couple cool things.  1. Authors. 2. Book bloggers. 3. Books.  Okay that's technically a few not a couple.
What is so cool about blogging and authors? Before I started blogging I had met a few authors at various reading conferences and book signings, but I had never before had the opportunity to chat (I know it's cyber chat, but still...)with authors about their books.  I talk to people about books every day - I work in a high school media center, but blogging is different than that.  Blogging with authors is more like texting a friend.  There is no line of people behind you waiting to have their book signed. There aren't people standing all around you snapping pictures.  It's just you, comfortably sitting where you sit on your computer and the author doing the same.  It's no pressure and you can fit it into your day anywhere.
What is so cool about book bloggers? How can you ask that of a book blogger?  Really now, I have been and continue to be totally shocked by the number of people who are book bloggers.  I LOVE to read and have only been blogging for a couple years.  I have had the pleasure of 'meeting' (if talking back and forth about the situation is having a meeting) many authors that I would never heard of or read book by if it weren't for the internet and the group of reviewers/book bloggers that I follow.  It has been a fantastic experience for me to find a whole community of book lovers.
What is so cool about books?  Well this is one of those 'answers itself' questions.  Everything about a book is great.  The smell and feel of the paper and the cover.  The possibilities within.  The freedom they give the reader, you know: Go anywhere, be anyone, do anything, and maybe even add a meanwhile to the story somewhere.
With blogging about books - you are getting the latest information about the newest books.  You are able to see book trailers.  I have been able to host and participate in giveaways.  I have both given away books and won books.  I have just recently started being a part of the whole blog tour community. I love having the opportunity to read and review books, but my favorite part is the chance to find new authors who have written books that I love.
The only uncool thing about blogging is the amount of time I spend doing it, but I enjoy it so it's time well spent.  Happy reading to all!

Winner!!! Daughter of Deception Giveaway

Congrats Carol T!

You have won an ecopy of Daughter of Deception!

Your information has been sent on and your prize will be sent from the author!

Thanks to all who entered!

Blog Tour: 44 by Jools Sinclair

Welcome to The Wormhole and my stop on the tour!

Today I am pleased to introduce 44 and Jools Sinclair.

Author Bio

Jools Sinclair lives in Bend, Oregon. She is an avid reader, movie watcher, orange cat lover, Frye boot wearer and Komodo Dragon coffee drinker. She admits to having an intense passion for opera and loves faraway lands where espresso bars and pastry shops line the streets. Finally, she is absolutely crazy about her family, who in turn thinks she is absolutely crazy.

Jools was kind enough to send us an excerpt:

44  By Jools Sinclair ~~~ PROLOGUE

I know I’m lucky.

Lucky to be alive, lucky to be able to walk again, to inhale the juniper-laced air and watch the soft leaves change into crispy ones scattering in the wind. I can spend afternoons with Jesse as he plummets down the steep hills around town on his skateboard. I can watch Barcelona soccer games on satellite, eat pizza, and even see those dumb reality TV shows late at night.

I’ve been on the other side and I’m grateful that I’m here. My life is good, most days.

But this morning wasn’t like most days.

The wind had a bite and as I stood at the edge of the river, ice pellets drilled into my face. The sky was slab gray, with low clouds pushing down around me.

She was there. Floating under the footbridge, snagged and hidden in bony branches and moving in a subtle, unnatural rhythm that the dead dance to when submerged in water. The river rushed around her, forming small riffles at her feet, as if she had always been there, belonging like a large boulder or a rooted tree.

In my vision the night before, I watched her die. It started soon after I drifted off to sleep. The night was pitchfork-sharp and her fear radiated in waves through me as she ran, trying to get away from him. She slipped, falling hard onto the icy pavement, her screams lost in the hollow, empty night as he wrapped his arm around her neck until she fell quiet into his arms.

These visions that started months ago have me following in the footsteps of a serial killer I’ve yet to see, as he roams the city looking for his next victim, never satisfied and always needing.

I stood in the shadows and watched like it was a scene from a movie. I knew I could do nothing. He picked her up and brought her to the water, held her head down. Then he sat next to her, stroking her hair.

But this time, I was ready. I only needed a glimpse. If I could see his face in my vision, I could find him in reality. I summoned my courage, forced myself to swallow the bile that shot up in the back of my throat and followed him as he strolled arrogantly away.

The moon was bright, beams threading through the trees, leaving thick shadows. Instinctually, I backed into the darkness as he suddenly stopped, even though I knew he wouldn’t be able to see me. His breath leaked out in ghostly wisps as he stood silent.

Finally, he turned around, his eyes hooking into mine. He saw me. Somehow he cut through my murky vision and saw me.

But I saw him too. And now I knew who he was.

He stared a while, still and contemplative, as I fought my urge to run. But he didn’t come after me. The bastard just stood there, and then smiled, before stepping away and disappearing into the lonely night.

You can get your own copy of this amazing (truly - check out my review here) book:

Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble

You can check out the whole tour schedule HERE

Thanks for stopping by The Wormhole!

Be sure to go to the next stop on the tour 

(after you grab the book! - it's a great one!)

May 28 - - Christi the Teen Librarian

Review: 44 by Jools Sinclair

44 by Jools Sinclair

*I received this book (digital copy) at no charge in exchange for an honest review and participation in the blog tour.  The blog tour is being hosted by The Bookish Snob Tours.

Amazon Product Description:
Last year after falling through the ice, seventeen-year-old Abby Craig woke up from death.

But she woke into a world she barely recognizes. She can’t see colors, memories have been erased, and her friends all hate her. And then there’s Jesse, who she loves, but who refuses to forgive her the one mistake she made long ago.

Just when she thinks it can’t get any worse, the visions begin. In them, she sees a faceless serial killer roaming the streets. While the police believe that there have been a lot of accidents in town lately, Abby knows differently. And she soon realizes that it’s up to her to find him.

But to stop him, she’ll have to confront more than just the killer. She’ll have to face something else that was lost in those dark waters. The truth.



My thoughts:
Wow! This is a big story hidden inside a short book!!!  
I was hooked from the prologue.  Jools Sinclair has created fantastic characters. 
This is a thriller/paranormal romance/mystery that keeps you turning the pages as fast as you can read them.  It twists you about and as soon as you think you have it all figured out, throws you for the final loop with an ending that will break the hardest heart.
A must read for certain!!!

I got to meet Richelle Mead!!! Giveaway!!!!!!

This is me and Richelle Mead!!!

With the amazing weather we have been experiencing here in MN, it's hard to remember what a horrible winter we just lived through.  That's what keeps any of us living here - because if we remembered we would move before it got cold again!  The reason I mention winter is because Richelle had a signing planned in December, but was forced to cancel due to the blizzard in the Twin Cities (the one that collapsed the dome).  So...with motherhood in her very near future, we were all afraid there would be no rescheduled signing - - We were wrong!!! We were privy to one of the only touring dates she has planned and it was GREAT!
The event started with her reading the first chapter of Blood Lines - Oh how I want that one!
Then she surprised us by having a drawing and giving away five LUCKY attendees ARCs of Blood Lines - no I wasn't one of them. Then she signed books, up to three per person.  It was a great time.
To celebrate the signing I decided to giveaway my extra copy of Storm Born (no it isn't signed).

To enter: fill out the form below.  Thanks!  Happy reading.

Blog Tour: Hard Day's Knight by John Hartness

Welcome to The Wormhole and my stop on the tour!

Today I am pleased to introduce John Hartness.

Author Bio:

John G. Hartness is a recovering theatre geek who likes loud music, fried pickles and cold beer. He’s been published or accepted online in several journals including The Dead Mule School of Southern Literature, cc&d, Deuce Coupe and Truckin’.

His first novel, The Chosen, is an urban fantasy about saving the world, snotty archangels, gambling, tattooed street preachers, immortals with family issues, bar brawls and the consequences of our decisions.

He followed up The Chosen with Hard Day’s Knight, a new twist on the vampire detective novel and the first in a planned series of at least five books. The second book of The Black Knight Chronicles, Back in Black, landed in March 2011 and has enjoyed immediate success.

John has been called “the Kevin Smith of Charlotte,” and fans of Joss Whedon and Jim Butcher should enjoy his snarky slant on the fantasy genre. His next novel, Knight Moves (Black Knight Chronicles Vol. 3) is due out in the summer of 2011.

He can be found online at www.johnhartness.com and spends too much time on Twitter, especially after a few drinks.

Author Interview:

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

            I’ve wanted to be a writer since Elementary School. Astronaut was never really a dream of mine, but I wanted to write since I was a very young kid.

? How many jobs did you have before you became a writer?

            Not really that many, honestly. Other than some part-time stuff in college and high school I’ve only really had one career (which I still have, since I don’t support myself solely through writing).

? How long does it take you to write a book?

            I write in my spare time, so it takes me a little longer than I’d like. I write about 1,000 words each day on average, so a first draft takes 2-3 months. Then there’s polishing, editing, formatting, cover art and everything else, so from start to finish it can take half a year, but the actual writing and creating of the story is 2-3 months.

? What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

            I don’t think any of my quirks are that interesting, but I always write to music, usually with big headphones on.

? Do you have a routine that you use to get into the right frame of mind to write?

            Not really, I just pick a musical artist that fits with what I’m writing that night, put on my headphones and start tapping away.

? Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your characters?

            All around me, the real world, TV, other books that I read, news stories, websites, people that amuse me, everywhere, really.

? How do you decide what you want to write about?

            Well, since I’m writing a series, I have a story arc in my head for the big-picture stuff. Then I try to work in stuff with the details and the minor plot points.

? What books have most influenced your life?

            A Prayer for Owen Meany, The Prince of Tides, The X-Men (Chris Claremont’s run), Sandman, American Gods, The hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The Belgariad

? What do you like to do when you are not writing?

            Listen to live music, play poker, drink like a college kid

? What is your favorite comfort food?

            Chex Mix

? What do you think makes a good story?

            Character - you can have the most earth-shattering plot in the world, but without great characters, no one will read to the end.

? Who would you consider your favorite author and why?

            Pat Conroy for his lush settings and his literate southern characters, and Neil Gaiman for his brilliant prose and twisted tales.

? What book, if any, do you read over and over again?

            American Gods and The Belgariad. I’ve had to replace my copy of Pawn of Prophecy three times because I read it until the covers fall off!

Fun random questions: 

• dogs or cats? Cats
• Coffee or tea? Mountain Dew
• Dark or milk chocolate? White Chocolate on pretzels
• Rocks or flowers? Rocks
• Night or day? Night
• Favorite color? Black
• Crayons or markers? Markers
• Pens or pencils? Pencils

Thanks for stopping by The Wormhole! 

You can read my review HERE.

The next blog stop - Romancing The Darkside 

Splash Into Summer Giveaway Hop!

Splash Into Summer Giveaway Hop

Co-Hosted by Page Turners Blog

The Splash Into Summer Giveaway Hop is hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Page Turners. 

 May 25th to 31st, 2011

What is the prize for this giveaway?

New Tricks by David Rosenfelt

Amazon product description:

Attorney Andy Carpenter is about to represent an adorable Bernese mountain dog puppy, whose owner was brutally murdered, in a custody fight. Few can rival Andy's affection for dogs, and he's determined to keep Waggy from falling into the wrong hands. But this playful pup possesses a valuable secret that some people will resort to violence to obtain. It will take more than Andy's usual courtroom theatrics to save Waggy, including help from the lawyer's golden retriever, Tara. Andy soon discovers that everyone around him is in danger, including his longtime girlfriend, Laurie--and only some high-risk new tricks will save those he cherishes most.

***Giveaway rules***

1. Must be a follower of The Wormhole

2. Must be 13+ years of age

3. Must fill out the form completely

4. You must live in the continental USA

(Winner will be chosen on June 1, 2011 by Random.org and emailed)

I am having Chrome issues!

Please be patient while I figure out what is going on with my chrome.  I am hoping to get it all back on track by tomorrow morning!

Review: Hard Day's Knight by John Hartness

Hard Day's Knight by John Hartness

I received this book (digital copy) at no charge in exchange for an honest review and participation in the blog tour.  The blog tour is being hosted by The Bookish Snob Tours and will run May 16 - June 10, 2011.


Amazon Product Description:
Children are missing.

The police are stumped.

Halloween is coming, with an ancient evil on the horizon.

The vampires are the good guys.

This is not your ordinary fall weekend in Charlotte, NC. Vampire private detectives Jimmy Black and Greg Knightwood have been hired to keep a young client from being cursed for all eternity, but end up in a bigger mess than they ever imagined.

Suddenly trapped in the middle of a serial kidnapping case, Jimmy and Greg uncover a plot to bring forth an ancient evil into the world, and enlist the help of a police detective, a priest, a witch, a fallen angel and strip club proprietor to save the world. This unlikely band of heroes battles zombies, witches, neuroses and sunburn while cracking jokes and looking for the perfect bag of O-negative. 
My Thoughts:
These are GREAT characters!  This is my first ever 20th century throw-back vampire story! 
Jimmy and Greg are such interesting guys, using their super vampire powers and mojo to help people as private detectives.  (Here is a quick quote from the book:
     "Because we're not vampires, the beasties that give people nightmares and make them
      think twice about walking down that alley alone, we're detective vampires.  We're the
      good guys.  Like Batman, only with dietary restrictions."
They are cut to the chase, tell it like it is, realists.  I found my self just loving them for their personalities.  Jimmy, the super skinny tough guy is the muscle of the dynamic duo and Greg, the slightly overweight chubby guy is the brainiac smart guy with enough ideals and moral to go around a big room. 
I love their view on being vampires, and of course that their best friend is a priest who has dinner once a week with a witch. 
(Here's another quote, just to give you a quick peek...)
     "Greg pretty much never eats out, but every so often I feel the need for a nibble.  It reminds me exactly where I stand on the food pyramid - at the absolute top."
I was thrilled with Phil (the fallen angel), Lil, and all the others.  Sabrina is FANTASTIC (she handcuffs Jimmy to a chair in a bowling alley).
John does a wonderful job with all the characters.  The bad guys - - - SUPER BAD and the good guys are amazing. 
The storyline is very creative.  I love the 'Big Bad' guy idea...
The book is well-written and the story flows along.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this one up - - I was so pleased with what I found that I find myself checking to see what else John has written. 
The book is 196 pages so it's a fast read - - be sure to go check it out!

Blood Maiden Winner!

Congratulations Krysta!

Your information has been sent to the publisher and your prize will be sent from there!

Thanks to all you entered!

I'm participating in Armchair BEA!!!

Click here to go to the Armchair BEA site!

Click here to go to the list of blogs participating!

I had HUGE hopes of attending BEA this year, but was unable to get the time of work and so alas....

I will be participating in Armchair BEA instead!  The airfare was considerably more economical this way.
I am so excited that there is a way for those of us staying at home to participate!
Thanks for the opportunity of Armchair BEA!

Can't wait for the blogger interviews!

Quickie heads up about me - - 

I am a licensed teacher working as a media center assistant in a 6-12 school with approximately 600 students.  I am the advisor for a school-based reading club that I designed and implemented in my school.  The club is currently finishing up year five and our club membership has gone from 86 in year one to over 200 this year.
I am a single mom with two children (21 and 17), three dogs, 5 cats, one horse, one very patient/understanding boyfriend (who also has a child (18).
I have loved to read as long as I can remember.
I credit my third grade teacher for my love of reading as I clearly remember her giving me Black Beauty and telling me she thought I would love it.  I did and haven't stopped reading everything I could get my hands on since.  I have a serious book buying addiction that has continued to grow as I have gotten older and had more  income to feed the habit.  I have to say that my friend Kathy - who introduced me to blogging - has saved me by introducing me to the Kindle and the joys of ebooks!!!!!  It has been wonderful the last few years having someone who loves books as much as I do to spend time with and now with blogging, it seems there are so many more of us out there!  My home library has just under 7,000 books ranging from picture books to teaching resources (no this doesn't count ebooks - - thank the Lord for Kindle).  My favorite feature of my home library - aside from the books (don't you just love to feel the pages) is my library ladder!  My parents found it for me at an auction and bought it and the rails for me!  Now, if I can get all my ducks in a row and finish all the shelving in the library this summer, I will actually be able to mount that rail!
I have been blogging for a couple of years.  I started book blogging more recently - about a year ago.  I didn't realize when I started book blogging how much I would enjoy it or how much of my time would be devoted to it!!! I have met some amazing people (bloggers and authors alike) and have had the opportunity to participate in bundles of contests, giveaways, read-a-thons, blog tours, and more.  I have both given away and won a number of books and have learned more about authors and what's new than I ever knew before.  It has been a great experience so far and I look forward to the future!!!
(oh - and back to BEA - - - I plan to get there next year - - everyone hope for me!!!)

How will I Armchair?  I plan to try to check out all the blogs participating in the armchair - let us all support each other in our love of reading and our lack of either ability or desire to attend in NYC.  My goal is to stop by and comment on as many other Armchairers as I can each day!

Daughter of Deception Blog Tour ~~~ Interview and Giveaway!

Welcome to my stop on the tour!

Click HERE to see my review.

Want your own copy?  (click on the links below or enter the giveaway)

Here are some links:  Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble

A Bit About the Author:

Kara Thorpe started writing as a distraction in French class and never stopped (just don’t ask her to conjugate many verbs).  Born and raised in Texas, she loves all things historical, scientific, and downright geeky. Though she prefers to write short, character-driven stories, she ventured into the world of the novel with the first book of the Family Lies series "Daughter of Deception."

Kara was kind enough to take time out of her day to answer some questions for me.  

Please welcome Kara Thorpe!!!

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

I think I realized I wanted to be a writer when I discovered I could amuse people with the stories I’d been making up in my head for years.  I like to entertain others, but I always laugh before the punch line of a joke and I’m a terrible actress, so writing works for me.

? How many jobs did you have before you became a writer?

I’ve had the same job for over a decade.  It’s not always fun, but I can sneak a little writing in whenever I want.  I also transcribe taped WWII interviews for a museum in Texas.

? How long does it take you to write a book?

It takes about nine months to a year to finish one book, but I never work on just one project at one time.  I’m not entirely sure focusing on only one project would speed the process up any.  I’m very creative when it comes to procrastination!

? What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

Whenever I get stuck in a story, especially the Family Lies series, I write the following and close the file:  “And then the zombies ate them all.  The end.”  Just putting ‘the end’ on it makes it easier for me to walk away for a while and get my thoughts together.  My husband says that it makes it easy for him if I ever leave behind an unpublished book.  He can just add my ending and call it complete.

? Do you have a routine that you use to get into the right frame of mind to write?

No, no routine, really.  I write in small bursts whenever I have time.  When I do manage to schedule time for writing, I prefer somewhere without distractions like the tv or the cats and I listen to my character playlists.

? Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your characters?

I picked up my husband’s habit of people watching.  People are great, especially if you only take bits and pieces from each one.  If you can mash up your ornery Great-Uncle Fred with the matchmaking neighbor across the street, you’ve got potential for a great character.  I also read a lot, even if I can’t stand the book.  I make lists of character traits I like and ones I want to avoid.  I’m sure most of my characters could trace their lineages through my bookshelf (and my family tree).

? How do you decide what you want to write about?

It starts with the idea, really.  For instance, Daughter of Deception is really about Viola’s change and how she deals with what she’s learned.  Once I have the story’s basic idea mostly formulated, I choose the vehicle for that story.  With Daughter of Deception, it happened to be a world with demons and different dimensions.  It all depends on what works best with the basic story.

? What books have most influenced your life?

Oh wow.  I read anything and everything so this one is really hard.  The forensic journals really help with research and romances are great escapes.   I think Rebecca influenced me the most, though.  I just love mystery and entire feel of that book.  I know I’ll never come close to recreating that, but it’s a good goal to have.

? What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Nothing terribly exciting.  I’ll do whatever I can to decompress, which usually means I’m in front of the television or reading.  I’ve been on a baking kick lately, though, and am trying to find sugar-free alternatives to my favorite foods.

? What is your favorite comfort food?

Bread pudding with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream.  Yum!

? What do you think makes a good story?

I think fascinating characters you can connect to make a good story.  If I don’t give a damn about the characters, I don’t give a damn about whether they hook up or solve the mystery or come down with the bubonic plague (okay, that last one might make it interesting).

? Who would you consider your favorite author and why?

I don’t know that I have a favorite author.  I tend to pay more attention to the back of the book than the author’s name.  There are a few authors that I’ll pick up because I know what I’m going to get:  Nora Roberts/ J.D. Robb, Kay Hooper, Heather Graham, and Amanda Quick are just a few examples.

? What book, if any, do you read over and over again?

It’s going to sound like a cop out, but I have a huge edition of Shakespeare’s completed works.  I’m always going back to it because it has everything I could want – comedy, drama, tragedy.  When I’m in the mood for something light I’ll read Twelfth Night (yes, Mama Ashwood did name her children after the characters) and when I want something a bit darker I’ll flip to Hamlet.

Fun random questions: 

• dogs or cats? Cats.  I have two at home who made me type this.
• Coffee or tea? Tea.  Hot or cold.  Sweet or not.  Black or Herbal.  I’ll drink it all.
• Dark or milk chocolate? Chocolate so dark and bitter it’s almost a sin, please.
• Rocks or flowers? Rocks.  It’s no fun to throw flowers.
• Night or day? Day.  For years I believed I was solar-powered.
• Favorite color? Green.
• Crayons or markers? Crayons.  Everyone needs to feel like a three-year-old now and then.
• Pens or pencils? Pens.  Live dangerously.  Don’t erase!

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