Award Winning Author p.m. terrell is at the table today! #Giveaway & Interview

Welcome to Immortality and Beyond.  I'm so happy you could join me today. p.m. is currently on tour with Goddess Fish Promotions and will be offering you a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card during her tour, so be sure to leave a comment and please include your email address. Follow the tour for more chances to win.

BK: Please tell us a little about yourself...

I write under the pen name p.m. terrell, which stands for Patricia McClelland Terrell. I’ve been very fortunate to have received international acclaim for the fourteen books that have been released to date. River Passage, an historical adventure based on the true story of a riverboat journey, won a 2010 Best Drama Award. And Vicki’s Key, the second book in the Black Swamp Mysteries series, was a finalist in the 2012 International Book Awards and a nominee in the 2012 USA Best Book Awards. I am a full-time writer. In my personal life, I am a sucker for dogs down on their luck (I’ve rescued 7 dogs to date and would rescue more if I had the space) and my hobby is keeping and raising freshwater angelfish—which made it into my series as a front for CIA operatives Vicki Boyd and Dylan Maguire.

BK: Please tell us a little about your book....

Secrets of a Dangerous Woman is the third book in the Black Swamp Mysteries series. Dylan Maguire returns in his first assignment with the CIA: to interrogate recently captured Brenda Carnegie. But when she escapes again, it’s obvious she’s had help from within the CIA’s own ranks. Now he must discover why some in the highest government offices want her killed—and others will risk everything to help her. And when he discovers her true identity, his mission has just become very personal.

BK: What inspired you to pen this particular novel?

After Exit 22 was released a few years ago, I was inundated with requests from readers to bring back Brenda Carnegie. There was something about the way she was equally comfortable as a computer hacker on the wrong side of the law as she was escaping through an alligator-infested swamp... So I knew I would have to bring her back as a major character throughout the entire series.

Readers were the same way with Irishman Dylan Maguire; opportunistic, perpetually good-humored but capable of killing when he had to, I knew he would be the perfect nemesis for Brenda. They are so much alike that they are drawn to each other—but each too dangerous to know it would ever work out between out.

BK: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Definitely by the time I was fourteen years old. I won my first poetry contest (which I’ll always think was rigged) when I was in the fourth grade and that started me on the path to writing—first poetry then short stories, and by the time I was thirteen or fourteen I was writing full-length novels. But I didn’t consider myself a decent writer until nearly forty years later!

BK: How do you keep your story flowing?

Most writers work toward the climactic scene near the end of the book. But when I decide what the plot will be, I determine three points: the beginning and the groundwork to be laid there; the middle, which could be a climactic scene by itself and turns everything in the book a hundred and eighty degrees; and the ending. I work the first half of the book toward that mid-point. Once that point is reached, the story is propelled forward like a roller coaster toward the climactic ending, which has to be bigger and more breathtaking than the mid-point.

BK: Do you ever run into writer's block, and if so, what do you do to get past it?

I never run into writer’s block. My problem is I don’t have enough hours in the day to write all that goes through my mind. I get ideas from everywhere—scouring declassified government documents, watching documentaries, reading everything I can get my hands on. My plots are always believable because they are pulled from headlines that I weave together—like the rise of China and how easily our touch-screen voting technology could be rigged by a foreign government. The plot of Secrets of a Dangerous Woman was actually devised when I couldn’t turn on the television or open a newspaper without seeing or reading about another politician’s scandals.

BK: What is your writing process like? Do you have any quirks, or must-haves to write?

I have been typing my manuscripts since the late 1970’s; writer’s cramp prevents me from writing too much by long-hand. So electricity is a must-have! I also prefer silence because I can really get into a scene. I find that music or noise in the background can make its way into my writing by phrases or mood so I sequester myself in another building on my property and write six days a week, sometimes more than ten hours a day.

BK: Where do you hope your books/writing will be in the future?

I have one series, Black Swamp Mysteries, underway that will always involve an element of the CIA (since several main characters are CIA operatives) and international locations. I have started a second series involving an Irishman who moves to America and becomes a homicide detective that involves local mysteries—it’s a cross between Robert B. Parker’s Jesse Stone series and Nicholas Sparks’ romances. I hope to write three or four books per year between the two series. I’ve written three books this year and love the schedule. My agent is also shopping the movie rights for all my suspense/thrillers.

BK: What do you hope readers will take away from your books?

I hope to entertain; to take the reader out of their own life and propel them into the worlds I create; and because my method of writing includes a lot of factual detail, they can learn a lot in the process—whether it’s the inner workings of the CIA or terrorism or foreign lands and cultures.

BK: What is one piece of advice you received that you carry with you in your writing?

Show, don’t tell.

BK: What is one piece of advice you would give to new and aspiring writers?

Take your ego out of your work. When a writer thinks his or her book is the best thing since sliced bread, they’re unable to accept constructive criticism and they’re unable to improve. By removing their ego, they can listen to criticism, take it under advisement and improve their writing book by book.

BK: Are you currently working on any new projects? What can we expect from you in the future?

I am currently working on the sequel to Secrets of a Dangerous Woman, entitled Dylan’s Song. It takes Vicki and Dylan to Ireland on a CIA mission—to find and extract a missing CIA operative. While there, Vicki learns the real reason Dylan left his native country—while harboring a secret of her own.

Dylan’s Song is scheduled for release in 2013, along with the next book in the Black Swamp Mysteries series (as yet untitled.) I will also be writing the second book in my new Ryan O’Clery mystery series, tentatively entitled After the Tempest.

BK: Where can readers find you?

My website is www.pmterrell.com. From there, you’ll find links to my Facebook page, Twitter and blogspot. I often post things on Facebook, Twitter and my blog first—so it’s a great way to know what I’m up to in real time.

Thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. It's been a pleasure having you and I wish you much success in the future.

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

p.m.terrell is the award-winning, internationally acclaimed author of more than 16 books, including Vicki's Key, a 2012 International Book Awards finalist, and River Passage, 2010 Best Fiction & Drama winner. She is the co-founder of The Book 'Em Foundation whose slogan is "Buy a Book and Stop a Crook" and the co-chair of Book 'Em North Carolina Writers Conference & Book Fair. For more information, visit www.pmterrell.com.

LINKS:

www.pmterrell.com

www.pmterrell.blogspot.com

Twitter: @pmterrell

Facebook: Patricia M. Terrell

In Secrets of a Dangerous Woman, Dylan Maguire is back in his first assignment with the CIA: to interrogate recently captured Brenda Carnegie. But when she escapes again, it's obvious she's had help from within the CIA's own ranks. With Vicki Boyd's assistance, Brenda is back in Dylan's custody. And now he must find out why some in the highest levels of our government want her dead while others are willing to risk everything to help her. And when he discovers Brenda's real identity, his mission has just become very personal. 

Excerpt:

“Who are you running from?” Vicki asked.

Brenda took a deep breath. “I am in trouble. Big trouble.”

“What did you do?”

“Depends on who you ask.” She took a deep breath. “I’m tired, Vicki. Really tired. I need to get off the street. Stay inside for a day or two. Regroup.”

“I’m living in Lumberton now. The woman who owned the house where I’m staying passed away. Her nephew inherited it.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Yeah? Where’s he?”

“I live with him. Come home with me. It’s a big house, three stories.”

Brenda frowned as if she was deep in thought. “It’s just you and him there?”

“His name’s Dylan. I’ll tell you all about him on the way.”

She half nodded. “He won’t be taken aback by you bringing me home? I’m a bit more to handle than a stray cat.”

“He’d love to meet you. I promise. He’ll take care of you.”

“He will, will he?”

Vicki blushed. “He’s got a strong sense of family. Besides,” she said as she started to rise, “it’s suppertime and you need to eat. We’ll get something in your belly and you’ll get a good night’s sleep.”

Brenda hesitated only briefly before she rose from the table. “You sure you can handle the intrusion?”

“Positive.”

As they made their way toward the door, Brenda whispered, “I wouldn’t be too sure about that.”

**** The People's Will by Eric Berbig

The People's Will by Eric Berbig is a Historical Suspense,  and my first endeavor into historical anything.  As my first experience in Historical Fiction,  I must say that I enjoyed it a lot.Set in Russia,  I did have a bit of a time trying to pronounce a lot of the names,  but the plot of the story was great.

Revolutionists,  better known as Nihilists,  are trying to take back the people's rights.  The Tsar through the years has taken away privleges such as education,  how they live and many other rights.

As these Revolutionists attempt to prove a point,  the story starts out with murder.  Nikolai,  Irina,  Alexei,  Fyodor and Mikhail are the main group members following Zhelyabov's group called "The People's Will".   As they try to show the Tsar that they won't stand for all the rules and limited rights granted to the people,  they have planned their plight well.  Following Deputy Finance Minister Golovnin's every move,  they find him at a theater and drop a bomb of dynamite into his carriage,  killing him instantly.  Fleeing to safety,  they celebrate their victory.

Yuri Vladimirovich Pavlov is a detective in the St. Petersburg Police Department.  Out of 'professional curiosity' he enters the crime scene of Golovnin's demise and takes charge as those on scene are so distraught.  This is one person Zhelyabov didn't expect.  Now called officially by the Okhrana,  a secret service type of organization,  Yuri investigates into the murder of the Minister,  obtaining as much information about these Revolutionists as possible.

As "The People's Will" group plot their biggest retaliation,  the closer Yuri gets to solving this crime and finding those behind it.  The group members start to question their actions until Fyodor is arrested and every known revolutionist is ordered to be detained for questioning.  When Fyodor is released and returns beaten,  they know that they have to complete what they started,  to take out the Tsar himself.

This is when the action picks up,  and the scene drawn out kept me on the edge of my seat.  Berbig did a fantastic job with detail,  and I couldn't help but wonder how far Zhelyabov would go to obtain his goal,  which ultimately was power he was seeking.

With their attempt to take out Tsar Alexander II,  they all flee for safety.  When Mikhail's carriage breaks down,  he becomes surrounded by soldiers led by Yuri.  As Yuri attempts to sway his thinking,  telling him he was nothing more than a puppet,  Mikhail refuses to go down without a fight.

Will the rest get away?  That is yet to be determined,  and I anxiously wait for more. 

Berbig's "The People's Will" was a great introduction into this genre.  I was a little disappointed in the ending,  but only because I wanted to know more.   There were some parts that lagged,  and it may just be that I was more ready to see what the revolutionists were up to rather than learn the why's of it,  but when the action was there,  it was there full force.  I enjoyed this title and if you like historical suspense,  you will like The People's Will.

I give The People's Will **** (4) Stars,  BK Walker.

       

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BK Walker Books - All Rights Reserved

 

***** I Thought We Were Friends by Tina deCoux

I Thought We Were Friends by Tina deCoux was fantastic!  From the first word I couldn't put this book down until I was to the end.

Chris Borstad was a young shipping department manager for a home improvement warehouse.  She loved her job,  was respected by her crew, and loved to prove that a woman can do the job just as good if not better than a man.

Chris also had a secret - her live-in boyfriend of two and a half years is also her boss.  Nobody can know about this relationship as Bob,  her boss could very well lose his job.

When Chris is demoted unexpectedly to save money within the company,  she is angry with Bob for not sharing this with her beforehand,  and angry at Len,  the big boss for doing this to her.  Not only is she being demoted,  but she must train the new guy coming to take her place.

She goes home that night to find herself alone and wallowing in self pity.  When Bob finally decides to come home,  Chris knows something's not right.  Eventually he admits that he is leaving her for another woman.  Devestated,  Chris tries to pull her life together to make the best of it.

When she is forced to train a new receiving clerk too,  her life starts to spin out of control as the new clerk,  Shannon becomes obsessed with Chris.  In Shannon's mind her and Chris are the best of friends,  even though Shannon gives Chris the creeps.  There is more to Shannon that meets the eye and Chris is about to find out more than she would ever want to know.

This starts the scene for a fast paced thriller,  full of unexpected events and suspense, and you don't know who is telling the truth and who is out to get Chris. 

deCoux did a magnificent job from the get go.  I love her writing style and the characters are so easy to love and hate.  I Thought We Were Friends is the first book in a Thriller Trilogy and will pull you in leaving you wanting more.



I give I Thought We Were Friends ***** (5) Stars,  BK Walker

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BK Walker Books - All Rights Reserved

***** The Butcher's Boy by Michael Robb Mathias

Reviewed by Nora Chipley Barteau

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The Butcher's Boy
by Michael Robb Mathias

Janet, who was recently divorced, had found a new home for her and her son Michael. A new home that was huge and sat on two and a half acres with open fields across the street. It was a like being in the country with plenty of yard for Michael and Lucy, their rottweiler. Janet was in awe at the great price she was able to purchase the house for. Little did Janet know that the reason she got such a great deal on it was because a whole family was slaughtered in it and some of them refused to move on until things were set right.

Several people enter into Janet's life, each playing a part in this chilling and at times terrifying story. It had a few slow parts here and there, but not enough to really impact the story being told.  Some areas were predictable yes, but also didn't impact the story in a negative way. I would say this book is not for the squimish or for children because it does involve rape, murder, torture, graphic language and content. I found the ending a bit disturbing because it went into great detail for a fairly long length of time and by the time it was over, I felt exhausted mentally. (S)

Michael Robb showed a lot of talent and knew how to push the characters and reader to their limits. The Butcher's Boy had a little bit of everything in it, love, hate, rape, ghosts, demons, torture, murder, all the ingredients for a great tale. I would recommend this book and give it five ***** stars.

5/5 Stars



Reviewed by
Nora Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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BK Walker Books - All Rights Reserved

**** The Strangers Outside by Vanessa Morgan

Reviewed by Nora Chipley Barteau

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The Strangers Outside
By Vanessa Morgan

Jennifer and Louise take a break at their holiday cabin. Being sisters, each one had a different perspective and outlook on themselves as well as life. Louise  had confidence in herself as well as her sister, and Jennifer felt she'd never get a boyfriend because she felt she was ugly. Maybe this is the reason why Jennifer went to a physic and Louise didn't. Maybe Jennifer felt she needed to know what the future held for her.( I am coming to my own conclusions here and how I have interpreted this short book. ) When two strangers appeared outside of their cabin, it was cause for a brief double take but no panic came among the sisters. But as the evening went on, they noticed there were a few more strangers and they were moving closer to the cabin and to them. The girls then decided it was time to take action and be prepared for whatever these strangers outside wanted. But no matter what their imagination told them, it didn't them for the true horror awaiting them.

This has to be the shortest book I have read. In just 24 pages a whole story has been told. I want to give Vanessa Morgan praise for having the creativity and imagination to pull it off. I certainly will be reading a lot more of her material. If you want a little spine tingler in a short amount of time, The Strangers Outside is just the thing!
I give this book **** four stars.

4/5 Stars

Reviewed By
Nora Bartau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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BK Walker Books - All Rights Reserved

**** Tandem by Tracey Bateman

Tandem by Tracey Bateman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Tandem by Tracey Bateman was definitely not what I expected. This is my first experience with Tracey and I must say I'm very curious to read her book Thirsty now too.

When I first picked up this book, I thought it was going to just be a murder/mystery novel. To my surprise, it was a paranormal suspense. A nice surprise it was too.

Lauryn McBride is a daddy's girl. She's lived her entire life around her father, even getting into the auction business to be close to him.

Now that he's developed Alzheimer's, she continues on with the business, but also moves into the caregiver role as well. Having good days and bad days, Lauryn revolves her entire existence to being there for her dad.

As she gets the Chasom house ready for auction, cataloging and pricing all the belongings inside, an old flame returns to town. Billy left without word to follow his heart as a missionary. Now he returns with a daughter, and Lauryn just isn't sure how to deal with it all. She's never allowed herself time to date, and now she feels all these emotions returning from when Billy first left.

Her good friend and sheriff, Charley tries to forewarn her that Billy's returned, but not before she runs into him. Charley also runs the only Inn in town, and this is where we meet Amede Dastillion, the sister of the woman who died along with the owner of the Chasom House in a fire. It's this house that becomes key into plot of this title.

With the return of Billy, and the new mysterious Amede, a series of murders are taking place along with several dead animals being drained of blood. The town becomes fearful as they investigate to solve these horrible crimes.

There is one local, Miranda, that believes that the crimes are caused by vampires. As the investigation goes on, Amede starts acting peculiar, as she senses her sisters presence. What they all are surprised by though is who is actually committing the crimes. Someone they all thought they could trust.

Bateman did a great job with the element of surprise. The suspense was fantastic as you continually find yourself guessing as to who the perp is. Then you find yourself feeling for Lauryn as she deals with her father, and also her life.

Bateman gives you the thoughts of several characters throughout the book, allowing you a glimpse into what is actually going on in this town. I was definitely surprised at the end of this book, and I'm sure you will be too.

I give Tandem **** (4) Stars, BK Walker.
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***** Review of Drowned Sorrow by Vanessa Morgan

Drowned Sorrow by Vanessa Morgan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Drowned Sorrow by Vanessa Morgan is a heart pounding, suspenseful, and got-to-know what happens next read!

Megan was a successful business woman that let her job take over her life. When her son commits suicide, on accident, while seeking her attention, her life changes forever.

Not letting her daughter slip away, she takes Jenna on vacation to Moonlight Creek. When they arrive, the town seems like a ghost town.

There is something strange about Moonlight Creek, and Megan and Jenna soon find out there is more to this small village than what meets the eye.

The lake is what controls the people, and as weird events keep happening, Megan becomes scared and desperate to leave. As she fears for hers and her daughters life, she meets an unexpecting encounter, and her daughter and her flee.

What she didn't plan, was for the ones she loves to become a part of it all. Morgan did a fantastic job keeping the suspense alive. This is one book that will have you turning the pages to find out what happens next.

Though I was a little disappointed in the ending, not in a bad way but in a way you wished it ended differently, I loved this book. You will have to decide for yourself how you interpret the ending, whether you to wished it ended differently or not.

I give Drowned Sorrow ***** (5) Stars, BK Walker. http://bkwalkerbooks.weebly.com



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***** Review of Heart of a Warrior by Margaret West

Heart of a Warrior by Margaret West


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Heart of a Warrior by Margaret West was "OMG" phenomenal! Becoming enthralled from the first sentence I couldn't put this book down until I finished it!Belinda Carter escapes to Arizona looking for some comfort from her father as she is going through a nasty divorce. Upon her arrival, she finds a distaste for several people who claim to be helping her father and that her dad is actually in the hospital recovering from a heart attack.Though her dad has told her much about the Navajo that live on a Res nearby her fathers home, Belinda seems to keep putting her foot in her mouth when she meets Yuma, the Navajo Chief.She is worried about her father and wanting at the same time for the Navajo Clan to like her for her, not because she is her Harry's daughter. She finally gets to see her dad after a fight about visiting hours, where she was going to sleep, and apologizing for making the Chief angry.While trying to keep the peace with Yuma, Belinda is also worried about her fathers store, which she is sure that is on its downfall and that the current caretakers are running it, and her fathers good name into the desert ground. She doesn't trust Jez Landsdowne any farther than she can throw him and he continually proves his actions to be dishonest.When Aponi, (Yuma's niece) and Belinda go for a night swim, Jez once again proves his ill intentions and Yuma must come to the rescue. This is when their relationship begins to flourish, even though they are continually butting heads.West did a fantastic job with The Heart of a Warrior. The plot was perfect, with added humor I found myself laughing at times, angry at others while rooting for Belinda to come out on the winning side. I really liked Yuma's stubborness and Belinda's feistiness, West did a great job mixing the chemistry between these two.The only thing I was left with was wanting more at the end of this title.West did a superb job capturing the essence of Native Americans and it will definitely capture your heart! I give it ***** (5) Stars, BK Walker, http://bkwalkerbooks.weebly.com/

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VBT Pit Stop with Lorrie Struiff

Hi Brandi,


It’s such a pleasure to appear on your blog. Thank you for hosting me.



You asked if I had to do a lot of studying on gypsies for my novella.

Let me answer the question this way. Other than the study of gypsies, much more research was required other than that of the Romani people. But let me address the Roma first.

There are a lot of wonderful sites and books pertaining to the origins, the beliefs and the lore of the Roma clans. Once I began the research, I found so many interesting facts, so many stories about the culture; I think I became lost for about three days, at least. I was enrapt, held spellbound by all the fascinating material.

Items about how many Roma still live in the U.S.A. today—over a million. How their talents and beliefs are romanticized in movies, TV, and novels. They are stereotyped with gazing into a crystal ball or reading tarot cards and palms. The Roma men are always playing a romantic melody on a violin. Then we jump to the evil curse side or the potions they mix for different ailments. Love potions, bad luck potions, etc.

I found their origins are tied to nature itself. They protect the land, not harm it, and hold nature foremost in their way of life. And it is in their ethnic nature to decipher signs and omens from their surroundings. Oh what spine chilling stories can be garnered from their folklore, like werewolves, vampires, shapeshifters.

For instance, Romanian gypsy villages believe that cemeteries are occupied by werewolves, the natural enemy of the vampire. The werewolves enter the cemeteries for the sole purpose of viciously destroying vampires wherever they find them. It’s believed that because of this, the world of the living people are kept safe from complete takeover of the world by the “world of the dead.”

Who wouldn’t be fascinated with the Roma?

Of course I took liberties with the crystal amulet my main character, Rita, wears in the novella. Er, to be honest, I took many liberties which I’m swearing to, is creative license.

The other research I did involved delving into some police procedure. Rita is a homicide detective in her town of Keyport, PA. She is hunting a serial killer targeting prostitutes.

Then, Rita’s love interest is FBI agent, Matt Boulet. Now this manly hunk comes to us from New Orleans, known for its voodoo. So, I dug into a bit of voodoo to make his background beliefs in the paranormal legit and easier for him to trust Rita and her family’s psychic powers.

So, all in all, the research was quite extensive as it is with any author who needs credibility for a story line. I didn’t use all the information I found while being held entranced, but just enough to clue the readers, bring them into the story for the wild ride, and to make the readers feel like, “Hey, this could happen!”



Everyone has secrets.

Homicide Detective Rita Moldova has a secret, a crystal amulet from her Roma bloodline that shows her the last image a victim had seen before they died. Now, a ritual killer is terrorizing her town and the crystal’s magic has suddenly stopped.

FBI agent, Matt Boulet, is sent to lead the task force and gives the group strange orders. Worse, Rita senses he is holding back a deep dark secret about the killer.

When she confronts her seer mother’s advice, she learns another secret about their clan that she finds impossible to swallow.

Rita swims through a whirlpool of confusion as the investigation continues. Can Rita deny the lore of the ancients? Can she deny her growing feelings for Matt Boulet?



Excerpt



Before Rita had time to get her fingers on the gun, the man had shot out of the door, yanked her forward, and somehow shoved her headfirst onto the front seat. She skidded over the vinyl bench seat, her nose and cheek hitting hard, blocking her breath for a moment. Rita yelled; the door slammed shut. She scrambled to sit upright, gagging when she inhaled the dank, moldy scent of the interior. A metal object, hanging from the roof above the mirror, clunked heavy against her head. She swallowed the acrid taste in her throat.

The driver’s door opened and the man slipped inside. One corner of her mind wondered how he could have possibly run around the front of the van so fast.

Rita rubbed her bruised temple and twisted the door handle. It was stuck. She rammed her shoulder into the door. It didn’t budge. The window was up. Her purse with the gun lay on the sidewalk. She worked the lock button and slammed into the door again. The impact sent shock waves down her arm to her fingertips. Shit. The van was rigged. Rita looked at the serial killer, her heart banging against her ribs, her breathing short and shallow. Tapping the mic with frantic fingers, all she could do was pray.

The man grinned.

Gypsy Crystal is available in PRINT and Multiple E-book formats at Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Gypsy-Crystal-Lorrie-Unites-Struiff/dp/1770650415/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

Visit my website to read the reviews and more info

http://struiff.wordpress.com/

Thank you for stopping in.  It's been a pleasure.

The Hunted of 2060 by Ami Blackwelder

Today my guest is Ami Blackwelder,  author of The Hunted of 2060.  Thank you so much for being with us today.  Please give her a warm welcome.

Please tell us a little about yourself…..I was raised in Florida, but spent the last eight years overseas in third world countries, teaching and writing. I spent six years in Thailand which has become my second home. 

What do you see as your influences on your writing?

I am influenced by edgy, innovative writers and I enjoy reading paranormal and historical romance novels which is what I focused on when I write. I tend to accentuate the forbidden aspects of romance in my genres.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Finding the time to write all the ideas spinning around in my head…

Where do you hope to take your writing in the future?

I hope to find a 'big' publishing house or at the very least produce enough books of my own to be an established self publisher.

How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use any set  formula?

I begin with a seed of an idea that is bursting to be born and grow. The plot is usually developed a bit beforehand, but as i write, the characters may take the story in directions I never could have anticipated.

What drew you to write about paranormal romance?

I am drawn to the imaginative and innovative aspects of the human personality. Inventing a world that does not exist, except in your own mind is fascinating to me.

How do you keep your writing different from the vast variety of stories (in your genre) out there today?

My writing focuses on the forbidden aspects of romance where culture, religion, gender, age, time, death, and species differences may all become obstacles.

How did your title come into play? 

My titles are born usually out of a significant part to the novel. In The hunted of 2060, the title is based on the fact that the species is being hunted and the year is 2060. There are too many novels with hunted, hunting as the title and so I decided later to add the year to distinguish it.

Can you tell us a little bit about the main characters and/or the plot in your book?

The Hunted of 2060 is set in Alaska in the year 2060 after an invading species to earth has been eradicated. The story revolves around a Sophomore at Alaska University as she undergoes changes and learns she is one of the 'eradicated' that survived. The novel is about her coming to terms with who she is, her struggle of survival, and the romance she shares with a human.

What were your feelings when you first novel was accepted for  publication?

I was very excited. I wasn't sure I read the acceptance letter correctly. Then, I had a lot of hard work to put forward into making the novel into something more professional.

Who is your favorite author?  What genre of books do you read?

Jane Austen. Paranormal and historical romances.

P

Pride and Prejudice                                                                           Sense and Sensibility

Are you working on any projects right now?

I am busy in May re-editing content and grammar in my novels and in June I will begin a sci-fi historical novel entitled: EXIST. It questions what is existence and is a love story that asks would you let time stop love?

If you could leave readers with one legacy, what would you want it to
 be?

That I gave my readers something entertaining, educational and gripping to read.

What advice would you give to writers just starting out in this genre?

Write what you love, because in the end there is a lot of rejection and criticism of your work and so what really matters is what you think about your work.

Any last comments you would like to add?.....(upcoming events,  titles, etc. )

The Hunted of 2060 may also be seen on Bitten By Books in May, Catch the Drift with Mama Snow in July, immortylrevolution.blogspot.com in August, paulazone.blogspot.com in June, Written in Blood blog in June, and more to come!

Is there a website that readers may find you at?

http://amiblackwelder.com. There are previews and videos to view on my novels as well as many purchasing options. 

Facebook,  Twitter,  or Myspace?

I'm on FACEBOOK and Twitter under Ami Blackwelder!

Well thank you so much for chatting with us today Ami.  It has been such a pleasure.  Be sure to leave a comment for Ami today for your entry to win a copy of her book during her tour.

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