BEA'S BOOK NOOK "I can't imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once." C. S. Lewis “If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.” ― Oscar Wilde

Showing posts with label deLaney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label deLaney. Show all posts

Monday, February 28, 2011

Interview with Seleste DeLaney

The beautiful Seleste DeLaney is an up and coming author, with several excellent works released in the last year. Bea and I are both lucky enough to have known her for a few years now, and she was kind enough to grant us an interview in honor of her new release, Badlands. We're very excited to have her here! Leave a comment or question for her for a chance to win a copy of the book.

Welcome, Sel, and Happy Release Day!

1) You have written paranormal romance, and, as Julie Particka, the forthcoming urban fantasy YA novel, "Pretty Souls" but "Badlands" is steampunk. Why the change? Didn't it start as a sci-fi story? Do you have a preferred genre to write in?
It did indeed start as sci-fi and was…not good in that genre. As for a preferred genre, I market myself (as Seleste) as a speculative romance author. I’m not fond of boxing myself into a corner by saying things like “I write paranormal” or “I write steampunk”. Instead I prefer to write where the story takes me. As for the YA, I tend to have fewer romantic elements there for the simple reason I have a hard time focusing on a younger love story for an entire book.

2) And on a related note, are there any genres that you are dying to do, or that you don't think you will ever do? Why or why not?
I still want to get that sci-fi out there LOL. I have a few possibilities to get it done as soon as I find the time. I used to say I didn’t think I’d ever write a contemporary (aka non-speculative), but if the right story came along, I would.

3) When you write, do you outline, are you seat of the pants, or somewhere in between? What's your writing day like? You're married and have young kids, how do you juggle it all?
I’m definitely in between. If it’s a short story, I can pants it, but anything longer and about 10,000 words in I lose the ability to pants and have to create plot points at the very least. I look at writing longer pieces like a road trip, with the plot points being the can’t miss sights along the way.

My day’s lately have been crazy as the kids have been home (ice storm knocked out the power/heat at their school). Normally I try to do non-writing work in the mornings (email, etc). Then in the afternoon (when both kids are at school) I work on blogging, plotting or editing. My prime writing time is after everyone else is in bed. And somewhere in there I try to clean, work out, eat and sleep. Needless to say, the cleaning and work outs are the first things to fall by the wayside…which I need to work on remedying.

4) What is the craziest thing you have ever done as a writer? The craziest thing you have ever done at all? Is there anything that you haven't done and want to?
This is a tough question for me in that if I’ve done something, I don’t really think it’s all that crazy LOL. As a writer, I took a piece of (almost) flash fiction and re-wrote it into a short story long enough for publication (Of Course I Try) and it became the jumping off point for my first series. Last year, I wanted to attend RT as an aspiring author and (like a lot of people) got booted to the overflow hotel. Another aspiring author I’d met only once (for a couple hours) invited me to share her room instead. Since then, we’ve gone to Vegas together and will be bunking with each other for RT LA this year as well. I also flew a plane once (debated getting my pilot’s license but decided I’d get too distracted and miss something without a co-pilot LOL). I missed out on swimming with the sharks in Hawaii because my son got hurt and couldn’t go. I’d still like to do that. I’d also like to go skydiving, bungee-jumping, zip-lining. Basically, I want to do all sorts of adventure-type things—I’m a closet adrenaline junkie.

5) Who are some of your influences? Some of your favorite writers?
Kelley Armstrong is the woman whose career I aspire to. I would love to have her success and range. So needless to say she’s one of my favorites. I also love Jacqueline Carey, Richelle Mead, James Rollins, Hannah Moskowitz, Suzanne Collins, …and this list could go on a long time…

6) Do you have a favorite character out of all of your stories? Do you feel like any of them are, or could be, you?
I love all my characters, and every one of them is a little bit like me, but none of them are a lot like me. Jocelyn (from my Blood Kissed series) is a bit like the girl I was in college, and Ever (from Badlands) is in some ways the woman I want to be when I grow up.

My favorite character though is one people haven’t seen yet (eventually but not yet). His name is Remy and he is so deliciously colorful and flamboyant, yet he’s the one in the story whose motives are hardest to pin down. You’re never quite sure if he’s a good guy or a bad guy.

7) You're very active on Twitter, and to a lesser degree, on Facebook. Why? Does that help get your name out there? Do you think that you might set up a MySpace page for Elle, Jax, and Cass from "Pretty Souls"?
I love Twitter. Love, love, love it. It’s a fabulous resource for me as a writer and great for networking. For connecting with fans though, it’s not as effective as I’d like. I have Facebook in part for that, though even there, I think fans are somewhat leery of talking to authors. (People, please talk to me! I like conversations!)

Myspace? Does anyone even use Myspace anymore? I have thought about setting up a Twitter account for the Paranormal Response Team but haven’t had the time yet. If I see that I’m getting interest from fans there, I’ll do it for sure. (Yes, Twitter is kind of the medium I prefer.)

8) I know you like to find pictures to represent your characters, if only for the covers. When you've asked for help from readers, what is the most surprising or memorable suggestion you've gotten?
I so love doing this. Honestly, I don’t always get a say in the covers other than filling out a form and hoping the cover artist gets what I’m saying. But for my own personal use when writing it is a huge help. (I can be a very visual person.) Usually I have a pretty good idea of someone in my mind when I create a character, but every once in a while I come up blank. I know for a character in an unreleased novel, I was describing him to a friend (who likes to help me with these things) as kind of a California surfer boy. She kept sending me pictures of guys with dreadlocks and stuff. Good looking men, but not what I was going for at all. Eventually, after a lot of back and forth, she sent me a picture of Kevin Zegers. I laughed and said, “If I’d told you I wanted an older, blonder Zac Efron, you would have sent this right away, wouldn’t you?” She just said yes and laughed at me.

9) What in the publishing process surprised you the most?
How easy it is for things to get lost in the mix. I enjoy editing and all that, but even though I keep two calendars (one desk calendar and one on my laptop), blog posts and interviews sometimes don’t make it on there. It kills me when I realize I’ve forgotten something or get backed up and turn it in late. With that, the sheer amount of promo there is to do is astounding.


On her blog, Seleste is giving away a copy of Badlands to a random commenter (from here or a few other blogs) who can give an example of a strong woman from their real life. She’ll draw a winner tonight at 11:59 pm est.

Badlands is available now

After a brutal Civil War, America is a land divided. As commander of her nation's border guards, Ever is a warrior sworn to protect her country and her queen. When an airship attacks and kills the monarch, Ever must infiltrate enemy territory to bring home the heir to the throne, and the dirigible Dark Hawk is her fastest way to the Union.

Captain Spencer Pierce just wants to pay off the debt he owes on the Dark Hawk and make a life for himself trading across the border. When the queen's assassination puts the shipping routes at risk, he finds himself Ever's reluctant ally.

Review of Badlands by Seleste DeLaney

Review by Jax

Publisher: Carina Press

Release: February 28, 2011

More info: goodreads
Book Blurb: After a brutal Civil War, America is a land divided. As commander of her nation's border guards, Ever is a warrior sworn to protect her country and her queen. When an airship attacks and kills the monarch, Ever must infiltrate enemy territory to bring home the heir to the throne, and the dirigible Dark Hawk is her fastest way to the Union.


Captain Spencer Pierce just wants to pay off the debt he owes on the Dark Hawk and make a life for himself trading across the border. When the queen's assassination puts the shipping routes at risk, he finds himself Ever's reluctant ally.

As they fly into danger, Ever and Spencer must battle not only the enemy but also their growing attraction. She refuses to place her heart before duty, and he has always put the needs of his ship and crew above his own desires. Once the princess is rescued, perhaps they can find love in the Badlands - if death doesn't find them first...
My Thoughts: ALL HAIL THE MATRIARCHY!

Ok, girl power over for the moment. Sort of.

Steampunk is fun, but it's very Victorian, which means this underlying tone of male superiority that pokes at me. Which is why I love that Badlands produces women like Ever. Stubborn, smart, fierce and wild. Even their princess.

There was a fantastic contrast between Ever's forthright, independent nature and the conniving manipulations of Henrietta. Seleste has a way of really defining her characters, making them stand out. Even the ones who play small roles. It makes the world she built rich and fun to visit. In  a short time, you get to visit the wilderness of an untamed mountain, the wild west of barely settled Texas, and the civilization of the Northeast Union. And can really feel the difference of those places from the people that you meet there.

This reviewer got this book as a advanced reader e-book from Netgalley. This review originally appeared at Tangled Yarns.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Author Interviews - Kelley Armstrong board authors

     When I decided to try my hand at interviewing authors, I thought about what authors I wanted to inerview. Well, that list is long and includes some big names who will probably turn me down when I do get around to asking. But, it immediately occurred to me that I knew a group of authors, some personally, some not, who I wanted to spotlight and who might even agree to being interviewed by me. :P

     I belong to various author boards, including that of the awesome Kelley Armstrong. Her board has an online writers group that is very active and apparently very effective, as more and more are now published authors or have been signed by a publisher. So, I approached them and most graciously agreed. So, I will run a series of interviews over the course of the year with published members of the KA board OWG. I plan to run a review of their most current work along with the interview and some giveaways are also planned.

     The list of participants is subject to change as other OWG members get signed or published, and there's always the possibility of someone cancelling. The current line up is as follows, dates to be determined:






  • Morgan Ashbury - romance and erotica: interview, part 1; interview, part 2 2/14/11











  • Seleste deLaney AKA Julie Particka - paranormal romance as deLaney; YA as Particka: interview











  • Kelly Metz - urban fantasy - TBD











  • Ian O'Neill - mystery and urban fantasy - TBD










  • Angela Addams - paranormal romance: interview 4/30/11












  • Julie Campbell - YA urban fantasy: guest post 3/9/11; interview - October/November 2011










  • D.B. Reynolds - paranormal romance: Interview 5/16/11







  • Friday, December 31, 2010

    Review: The Ghost of Vampire Present by Seleste deLaney

    Book Blurb: Jocelyn has finally found her knight in shining armor in Chad, and ghosts are the last thing on her mind. Even when one shows up in her bedroom on Christmas Eve, Jocelyn's a bit more concerned about the other guests on the agenda. She'd prefer to never see another vampire, and the ghost tells her to expect not one, but three.

    When the one from her past shows up even though he's supposed to be dead, she decides she's dreaming and suffers through the night. By the time dawn breaks, she's not so sure anymore.

    But if it's not a dream that means her nightmare is far from over.



    Our Thoughts:

    ****WARNING: This book contains spoilers if you have not yet read the story prior to it, "Of Course I Try"****

         Bea: The Ghost of Vampire Present takes place a few months after the events of Of Course I Try and occurs at Christmas time. In the spirit of Christmas, deLaney has chosen to write her story as a modern take on the three ghosts of Christmas. I was hesitant about that, uncertain how well it could be integrated into the story and not get saccharine or ridiculous. Happily, deLaney pulls it off, so well I almost missed one lol. The ghosts help move the story along but the conceit doesn't take over the story.

         The story was an engaging mix of romance, mystery, danger, and relationships. I got caught up in the story and was delighted that it was longer than it's predecessor. The novella length allowed deLaney to develop the characters and the emotions, while also building her world and setting up future plot lines. There are questions left unanswered, both for Jocelyn and the reader, but happily there is more to come in the Blood Kissed series.

         Jax: I said it about Of Course I Try too- my only complaint about this story is that it's so short. The Ghost of Vampire Present is a wonderfully crafted story, one with mystery, hot sex and sweet romance. And it's a fun paranormal twist on three well known Christmas ghosts! The supporting characters are hilarious additions to the Blood Kiss stories. I love that Jocelyn has real doubts as to what's going on, weighing and measuring the evidence and coming up short on an answer. While I don't envy her concerns, I would love the dilemma of choosing between Max and Chad!


    Publisher: Decadent Publishing

    Release Date: December 10th, 2010

    More Info: goodreads

    This ebook is owned by the reviewers. The author is a personal acquaintance of both reviewers.

    Saturday, December 4, 2010

    Twas a Dark and Delicious Christmas

    Review by Jax
    Book Blurb:
    ‘Tis Christmas and everyone is stirring…
     
    From the keeper of Santa’s naughty list, delightful little Elves eager to please, and the sensual love of a toy soldier—the holidays are filled with orgasmic cheer. Where wishes come true, Frosty is itching for a melt-down, fairies and angels are randy to grant your every wish, ‘tis the season to be oh, so jolly-filled.
     
    Unwrap your darkest desires…for this is Christmas, and it will never be the same.

    13 Author Anthology
    Santa's Naughty List by Stacey Espino  
    My Boys by Amarinda Jones
    A Christmas Curse by Ericka Scott
    The Little Red Ribbon by A.D. Blackburn

    Once Upon a Christmas Spanking by Rachel Clark 

    Yes Alana, There Is a Santa Claus by Seleste deLaney
    Carly's Delights by Lauren Pilla
    Kingdom of Sweets by Gigi Brevard

    Holly's Clause by Kerri Nelson
    Hard for the Holidays by Skylar Sinclair
    The Christmas Fae by Emma Shortt

    Jack Frost by Misty Burke

    A Christmas Wish for Laura by Shannan Albright


     My Review:
    Ever read a story that literally heats you up from the inside out? Well, here's a whole book full of 'em. They range from the sweet warmth of hot chocolate to the spicy heat of cinnamon candy. I was so very tempted to indulge in the whole feast of sweets in one sitting. But I know I'll go back and savor each story again and again. There are angels and elves, Christmas wishes, magic and miracles. And skip the nice list, I want on that naughty list this year! Spice up your winter - grab a mug of cocoa, find a quiet corner and see what Santa brought the lucky ladies in this book.

    Publisher: Evernight Publishing
    http://www.evernightpublishing.com/

    Released: December 3, 2010

    This book is in e-book format and is owned by the reviewer

    Sunday, September 19, 2010

    Banned Book Week: #SpeakLoudly and a giveaway.

    Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read, and the importance of the First Amendment.  Held during the last week of September, Banned Books Week highlights the benefits of free, open access to information while drawing attention to the harm censorship causes by spotlighting actual or attempted bannings of books across the United States.

    Earlier today, a professor, Dr. Wesley Scroggins, spoke out in favor of banning a YA novel, Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson. Here's a summary of the book:

    Melinda Sordino busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops. Now her old friends won’t talk to her, and people she doesn’t even know hate her from a distance. The safest place to be is alone, inside her own head. But even that’s not safe. Because there’s something she’s trying not to think about, something about the night of the party that, if she let it in, would blow her carefully constructed disguise to smithereens. And then she would have to speak the truth. This extraordinary first novel has captured the imaginations of teenagers and adults across the country.



    According to Dr. Scroggins,  Speak is "filthy and immoral" and, because of it's two rape scenes, it is "soft pornography". The book's author, Anderson,  had this to say, and I completely agree:  "The fact that he sees rape as sexually exciting (pornographic) is disturbing, if not horrifying."

    Then there's the debate about whether sex belongs in a book and is a book porn if it contains sex. Seleste deLaney did an interesting blog post on that a few weeks ago.

    To read more of Dr. Scroggins babble, go here To read Ms. Halse Anderson's response, go here. Author Jackie Kessler has a strong, eloquent post on this topic also.


    I don't believe in banning books or, with a few exceptions, censoring them. I don't like every book, news article or blog post that I've read, but that's no reason to ban them. If I like it, I spread the world. If I don't, I either ignore it, or do something about it. Today, I'm doing the latter. Spread the word, support Speak and every other book that has been banned at one time or another.

    I'm also going to do what another blogger, The Pirate's Bounty, suggested and donate copies of Speak to my town library and the school library. In addition, I will do a giveaway, starting now and running through October 2nd, the end of Banned Book Week. Reply to this post stating what banned book you read, and if you liked it or not. At the end of the giveaway, I will use random.org to choose 2 winners. Each winner will receive a copy of Speak  and any book from the ALA's list of banned and challenged books, up to a cost of $10US.

    Please! Spread the word; don't let the narrow-minded ignorant peoples of the world win this battle.

    Friday, September 17, 2010

    Review: Of Course I Try by Seleste deLaney


         Book Blurb: Love is a wonderful thing. Unless you don't get a choice in the matters of your own heart.

    Jocelyn has loved Max since the day she met him. Even when he scares her enough to leave, she can't resist going back. No matter how many times she tries to break free from him, she ends up in his arms and bed again. Not this time. Jocelyn needs to be free and Max isn't going to stop her from walking away -- no matter how hard he tries.

         My Thoughts: I heard a lot of buzz about this story before it was released and again afterwards. It was all over Twitter and a discussion board that both the author and I are on. I knew I wanted to read it and I wasn't disappointed. The first paragraph draws you right in:


    "When I came to his house tonight, I'd come to say goodbye. I remember that, even as his hands cup my breasts, squeezing them tenderly and rolling my nipples between his fingers. By the time Max lowers his head and sucks one tightened bud into his mouth, I can't recall why I wanted to leave."


    deLaney  knows how to write the erotic details but she doesn't skimp on the story or the characters. The story flows, never slowing down but moving along briskly. We see Jocelyn and Max at different points in the relationship and are given hints as to why Jocleyn wants to end things with Max. The ending completely took me by surprise, I never saw it coming. 

    My only real complaint, one that I've seen in other reviews, is that the story was too short. I'd have liked a little more detail and background but the story form limits that. One piece of good news, deLaney is working on another story involving Jocelyn though currently there aren't any details.


    Overall, I give "Of Course I Try" 4 out of 5 stars. 

    Publisher: Decadent Publishing Company, LLC

    Format: ebook

    This book was purchased with the reviewers own funds. This review first appeared at Book Lovers Inc.