Thursday 4 March 2010

Beth Kery interview + giveaway of Release *updated* *CLOSED*

I would like to welcome Beth Kery, the author of Release! Thank you so much for stopping by.

I am also giving away a copy of Release

1.If your email is not included in your profile then leave it here, or you can email me it.
2. If you already have the book or do not want to be included please say so.
3. Open worldwide.
4. Ends March 10th


Ok my first author interview ;)

Uh oh, the pressure is on. I hope I do a good first for you.

Tell me something about yourself, so we get a better understanding about the woman behind the author:

Well, I live and work in downtown Chicago and consider myself a city girl. When I’m not writing, I like to venture out to museums and historical neighborhoods. I also enjoy traveling. I love to soak in experiences and am always looking for story ideas. I come from a family of scientists, and so I’m acting a bit of the rebel by writing romance novels. J I have a brilliant husband who likes to tell me I’m a walking paradox. I think he means it as a compliment…I hope anyway…


What kinds of books do you read, any fave authors?

In the romance arena, I enjoy Julie James, Sandra Brown and Sarah McCarty, among many, many others. I don’t get to read as often as I did when I wasn’t writing. I dream about vacations where I can sit lake or Oceanside and just read.


I have read that many authors like to listen to music while they write. Do you do this, and if so then what kinds of music?

I don’t listen to music while I write. However, music has often inspired me for books…usually while I’m in the car driving and stuck in traffic. I’m a huge Soundgarden and Audio Slave fan, but I like a variety of music. My parents love music, and I’m the youngest of five, so I was exposed to a lot of different genres and bands growing up. 


Your newest book is called Release; can you tell me what it is about?

Release is a really intense love story between a man and a woman who fall in love at the wrong time and place. When the husband of the woman offers to share her in bed one night with the hero, the two are too tempted after months of longing to say ‘no’. What follows is a scorching night of passion, but regret comes at the end because of the circumstances. When the husband of the heroine is murdered five days after the ménage a troi, both the hero and heroine are terrified that the other killed him. They are torn apart, even as they both try to protect the other from the police and prosecution. The book begins three years later, when the h/h are thrown together during the blizzard of the century, and their passion erupts again, stronger than ever. But an old, lethal threat—and the truth—is surfacing as well…


What else have you written?

I started writing erotic romance at Ellora’s Cave in 2007. Since then, I’ve also published with Samhain. My first Berkley book, Wicked Burn, came out in December of 2008, followed by Daring Time, Sweet Restraint, Paradise Rules (all in 2009) and Release in 2010. I have a novel called Velvet Cataclysm coming out in May from Samhain Publishing and a book titled Explosive due out in December from Berkley Heat.

 
Did you always want to write?


I do remember when I was really young, my mother, who is an educator, had a peer who had me write a little story and do my own crayon drawing illustrations. It was part of a graduate student education project for her. Afterwards, this lovely woman bound it by hand. I was stunned that she’d made it into a little book! That really amazed me, as I was an avid reader. Maybe that incident stuck with me, even though I really didn’t start writing until 2006 or so.


I can see that you have written in many genres, from suspense, historical to paranormal. Is there any genre or subgenre that your heart belongs in?

Well…I’m a bit of a tramp with my heart when it comes to genres. J I love doing contemporaries, and it’s probably been my most regular genre. However, paranormals are also a favorite—both to read and write. I have a paranormal vampire novel coming out from Samhain in May called Velvet Cataclysm, the first in the Princes of the Underground series, which I’m very excited about. I also love anything to do with gothic mansions, ghosts, ESP, etc. I find it extremely romantic. I’ve also enjoyed writing the few historicals I’ve done—especially Fire Angel, because I got to do a woman with psychic powers in late Victorian London, which is a favorite topic and time period of mine.


Any advice for wannabe writers?


I give this advice pretty often, but I believe in it completely: if you want to be a published author, you’ve got to write. Don’t wait for the muse to strike you; give her an offering of your words and she’ll bless you. I get the impression from a lot of writers who want to publish that they second guess themselves a lot, which is normal. You have to push past the doubts, though, and the best way to do that is to just sit down at the keyboard and write a prescribed number of words daily, without fail. No amount of books you read on writing, no amount of talking to other writers, no amount of studying others’ work is going to get you what you need, which is product. I recommend shooting for a certain word count every day and writing down your daily progress in a notebook. If you need someone to keep you on the up and up, report your progress to a writer-friend, and have her or him do the same to you in return.

I had someone say to me once when it comes to writing and finishing a project…you gotta eat your vegetables.

Writing is a discipline. It’s art too, but trust me. The muse likes to see some results…and sweat.

Sigh.


I recently read about an author who gets up really early and start writing, before going to her day job. When and where do you like to write?


It depends. I have a varied schedule throughout the week. When I’m on a deadline, I have to get in word count, though, no matter how hectic my schedule is.


Who is your favorite hero or heroine from your books? What makes them so special?


Difficult to say…I’d probably say Niall and Vic from Wicked Burn. I acquired an agent with WB, and I first got published with it in the New York market. I think Niall’s and Vic’s story is incredibly romantic and passionate, but I also think the same of most of my heroes’ and heroines’ stories. J Because Wicked Burn exposed me to a wider reader market and because of its ‘first’ status, I’ll always have a special place in my heart for it.


Which book of those you have written is your favorite, and what makes it so?

Oh, you are evil to put an author on the spot. (Just kidding).

You know, I think I change my answer for this question depending on how I feel, but today, I’ll say Daring Time. (I just watched the movie Déjà vu again, and it reminded me of why I loved writing DT so much). Daring Time is a time travel that takes place in the historic Prairie Avenue district of Chicago—a place of elegance, grandeur and industry unparalleled in history. I researched the area on foot; I toured the mansions. I find the topic to be over-the-top romantic.

Daring Time is the story of a modern day Chicago cop who unexpectedly inherits one of the grand Prairie Avenue mansions. He begins to see a beautiful, alluring woman in the house. While his friend tries to convince him she’s a ghost, Ryan absolutely refuses to believe this woman is dead. He does discover from the historical archives that Hope Stillwater had lived in the house and was murdered in a heinous fashion in 1906. Like many of my heroes, Ryan is stubborn. Once he falls in love, he refuses—against all logic—to allow Hope to come to harm. He crosses the boundary of time through the means of raw desire, growing love, and a touch of magic in order to save her.

Daring Time best represents me out of all my books, I think. Maybe “why” relates to your earlier genre question and my disinclination to say I write only in one genre. Daring Time is a contemporary, it’s a crime drama, it’s a shamelessly scorching erotic, it’s a historical, and it’s a paranormal. It’s all those things. Plus…it’s the book I had the most fun writing.


I love covers; they are the best thing about the book. I wonder, do you have any say in them at all?

The best thing about the book? Really? That’s so interesting. Are you an artist, or do you just enjoy the visual?

I have very little input or ‘say’ on my Berkley covers. I find I have more input at publishers like Samhain. One thing I didn’t realize before I became an author is that most covers are designed from photo images in a library…stock photos. They aren’t created ‘just’ for my book.

The publisher’s art department knows what sells, and they try to match up character description (although often in rough format) to images that already exist. They add color, fonts and various points of interest.

I think I’ve been blessed with some truly beautiful covers, so I’m not complaining. But no, at this point in my career, I have relatively little input on my covers.


Are you working on something new and exciting right now?

I am, thank you for asking. I was invited by Berkley to participate in a Heat anthology with talented authors Megan Hart, Emma Holly and Lauren Dane which will come out in 2011. I just received a contract with Silhouette Special Edition to write a very emotional series of romances about three very different families that are bound together by one night of tragedy, their ensuing conflicts, and eventual healing through love. At the moment, I’m writing a Berkley Heat book slated to come out in 2011, tentatively called Taking Advantage.

Thank you for this. I hope my first ever interview went well, no idea what kinds of questions to ask or if they are too few or too many. But it is good to break out of the always having others over for guestblogs thing.



It was a terrific first interview, Linda, and I thank you for taking the time and effort. I wish you the best!


Please have a look at my review if you want to know a bit more about the book.
Or Visit Beth Kery at her webpage 

I just got a peak at her next cover so here it is :D
 The book will be out December 2010




43 comments:

  1. Wonderful first review Blodeuedd :) And to read there's a Heat anthology with the authors Megan Hart, Emma Holly, Lauren Dane and Beth Kerry, I suddenly have a "The Mask" impulse remark; "Smokin'!!!"

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  2. No need to enter me in this, but I just added it to the linkity post!

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  3. You did a fantastic job with your first interview.
    I enjoy Beth's books and look forward to getting Release.
    The future projects sound really good,can't wait for the anthology.

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  4. great review Blodeuedd !

    I haven't read this book, and really like to start soon :)

    count me in !

    uniquas at ymail dot com

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  5. Are you kidding me, you did absolutely wonderful Blodeuedd!!! Hi Ms. Beth!!
    I think this is a freaking awesome interview hon!!!!
    I love the questions and answer and yes... please throw my name in this hat!!!!

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  6. That was a great first interview! :D I love Beth's books and can't wait to read this one as well!

    Miranda ~ SweetVernal Zephyr .blogspot

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  7. I enjoyed the review and also the author, I'd like to be included! tWarner419@aol.com

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  8. Thanks Leontine :)
    I really should watch the Mask again, now that was one funny movie

    Chris
    Yes please do link away with your magic linky fingers

    Thanks Elaing8!
    It did sound like I good one didn't it.

    Thank you Mariska,
    You're entered

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  9. Thanks Cecile!! :D
    Ms Kery was sure sweet too, perfect first "victim" for my interview skills.

    Thanks Miranda

    Tetewa,
    She is really good

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  10. I wouldn't say victim honey... cuz you rocked out your first interview!!!

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  11. Great job on your first interview, Blodeuedd!! You did great :-) Good questions!

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  12. Really great interview. Thanks.

    I'd love to be entered, too.

    carolsnotebook at yahoo dot com

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  13. You did great, Bloeuedd! Even more in-depth than some other interviews I've read. I am new to Beth Kery's work but I've been following her RELEASE blog tour and she looks like a fan fave.

    Congrats on your first interview, I'm sure there will be many others to follow :)

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  14. I love learning about authors. Great interview!

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  15. Hehe, thanks Cecile :D

    Thanks Aarti,
    I am very happy with my first interview

    Thank you Carol!

    aww thanks Scorpio, I hope so too.
    Aha been following the tour. Everyone do love the book.

    Janel,
    It is always fun learning about the person behind the book :D

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  16. Great inteview Blodeuedd!!! I would love to read this book!

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  17. Great review, it sounds lovely! And also great interview, you asked good questions.

    Please count me in:
    nina.happyendings@yahoo.co.uk

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  18. Thanks Mandi,
    It sure is one HOT read ;)

    Nina
    Thanks, I kind of just asked what I wanted to know, lol. And since we all read we are pretty much alike

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  19. The interview was great; I enjoyed reading it.

    I've read some of Beth Kery's works and look forward in reading Release.

    Thanks,
    Tracey D
    booklover0226 at gmail dot com

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  20. Hello all. Thanks for stopping by, and thank you to our hostess.

    Blodeudd--so I have a question. I actually did in the interview, as well...

    Are you an artist, or just visual? Why do you feel the cover is the most important part of the book?

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  21. This sounds like quite a hot book, and those are my favorite kind. Please enter me. I am a follower.
    cherylbaryl@Hotmail.com

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  22. I thought your questions were great and I really enjoyed Beth's responses!! Now I really want to read this one!!

    Thanks for the opportunity!

    stacijoreads@gmail.com

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  23. Hey B:

    Great interview with Beth and how generous of you to offer a copy of Release!

    I already have mine so don't enter me but I just did a contest post at my blog and will add yours!

    Best
    L

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  24. Nice interview! This book looks great! Count me in, please.

    spav05(at)gmail(dot)com

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  25. Great first interview - you're a pro at it!
    I definitely want this one!

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  26. Great interview hon!
    And covers are the best thing about a book? You know you have to open it and look at the strange black stuff inside? Just kidding. *wink*
    And this anthology really sounds great! I so have to get that one.

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  27. Booklover
    I hope you'll enjoy it if you do!

    Cheryl
    Hot, yes that is the word

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  28. Hi Beth!
    That's right, I forgot that *blush* Been busy and I would forget my head if it wasn't attached, lol. Used the version from the email where I hadn't made any notes.

    To the question, I guess I am. I just love covers and they can make me pick up a book. The blurb makes me wanna read it but the covers. They have made me want to buy books. And I do like paintings and such.

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  29. Staci,
    Good luck :)
    I am glad you stopped by

    Thanks Lea :D
    I can't have two now can I..well I could, but that would just be wicked of me.

    Thanks Spav and Sue

    Susi
    *blank stare*
    What do you mean...black stuff inside.
    *scratches head*
    I do not understand, wait a second.
    *5 minutes later*
    Omg, there are words inside my books!!!!!!
    ;)

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  30. Wonderful interview!! I hope there will be many more, you're really good at this!

    The book sounds wonderful, I'd love to read it.

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  31. Congrats to both of you on a wonderful interview.

    Beth, I love paranormal romances, and can't wait to hear more about you upcoming vampire story. Nothing like getting hooked on a new series.


    caity_mack(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  32. Thanks Eva :D
    Then I hope you'll get the chance one day. Thanks for stopping by

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  33. Great first interview! Please throw my name into the hat. Thanks!

    --Anna
    Diary of an Eccentric
    diaryofaneccentric at hotmail dot com

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  34. Hi Blodeuedd!
    you did very well for your first interview!! I really enjoyed it :)
    I've heard a lot of good things about Release and can't wait to read it since I loved the excerpts on Beths homepage...
    wish you all the best,
    Ina

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  35. Anna,
    I will :) Gonna give it to your mum if you win or? ;)

    Ina
    Thank you so much!
    She sure had some great excerpts so I understand if your interest was peaked.

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  36. I loved the interview, doing a first interview soon myself so I know how you feel! I love Beth Kerry's books.

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  37. love the interview
    hot book love the cover
    would love to win
    thanks
    kh
    kimehak@yahoo.com

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  38. Fun interview!

    What an expert - your first one you say?

    Never!

    :))

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  39. Thanks Marissa
    Good luck with yours!

    Thanks Kim

    Sassy
    Lol, yes I swear, first one ever

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  40. Great interview!!! And I loved your review :) I really like the cover of this book, it makes you want to start reading Release. And the new cover is also very attractive ;)

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  41. Host,
    I really like the cover for her next book, it is the x and p, lol

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  42. Please enter me in the giveaway.

    Great review.

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  43. You did an excellent job on that interview sweetie! If I didn't know you I would have thought this was 20th interview. Sounds like a great book and her next one looks excellent. The cover is hot!

    jennygirl73(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    Thank you for the contest.

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