Category: Author Interviews

Today I am honored to have the chance to interview Trilby Kent the young adult author of Medina Hill and her newest ya book Stones for my Father. Come back tomorrow for my review of this book.

About the author:
Trilby was born in Toro
nto and grew up in London, Miami and Boston. A graduate of Oxford University and the LSE, she has worked as a rare books specialist at a leading auction house, a freelance journalist contributing investigative, arts and feature writing to the Canadian national press and publications in America and Europe, an academic editor, and a creative writing tutor with one of the UK’s leading distance learning schools.

Trilby, I just wanted to say that I truly appreciate you taking the time out of your very busy schedule to sit down and answer my questions. Thank you so much.

Cindy: Having lived in Canada and now in the UK, what is the one thing you
miss about Canada?

Trilby: My family.

Cindy: What was the inspiration behind Stones for my Father?

Trilby: The remarkable and heartbreaking story of the Anglo-Boer War, and the people on all sides who were touched by it (including some of my own ancestors).

Cindy: For a reader reading Stones For my Father, what one thing would
they be surprised to discover?

Trilby: That the depth of inter-racial/linguistic/cultural tensions in South Africa go back far beyond the institutionalization of apartheid in 1948.

Cindy: When you’re not writing what else do you like to do?

Trilby: Read; hang out in museums; watch movies; shoot hoops. I’ll also admit to a fair amount of procrastinating online…

Cindy: I wish I would have asked what are you reading right now but I didn’t get the chance perhaps if you read this you could let us know. I think we all do alot of procrastinating online at least i know I do. LOL If you main character, Corlie, had a theme song what would it be and why?

Trilby: That’s an interesting one! I guess ‘Gimme Shelter’ by the Rolling Stones is a little obvious. Likewise ‘Imagine’. A less anachronistic choice might be ‘Sarie Marais’, which is a song from the period. It’s all about the Boers’ fear of being sent into exile abroad and a yearning to return to ‘the old Transvaal’.

Cindy: I am not sure if this is the right song but I hope it is:

Thanks again Trilby. Check back tomorrow for my review of Stones for my Father.

A huge Thank you to Trilby for sending me this link for the above version of the song.

Today I am very lucky to have the opportunity to interview the author of Inkblots Margaret Peot. (You can see my review of Inkblots here.)

Cindy: When you do your own inkblots do you instantly see your image or is it a work in progress?

Margaret: Sometimes I see something instantly, no problem, and some inkblots take awhile to reveal themselves. Its like working a crossword puzzle—there’s a sticky clue, you sleep on it and the next day it seems so simple you wondered why it was hard the day before.

This inkblot I thought looked like two seahorse-like creatures facing each other:

Then my son Sam (age 9) walked by and said, “Oh, look at that face! See? Two eyes, and a nose, ears on top and a big screaming mouth!”

So I started to draw into it, and ended up with:

The screaming mouth became a fluffy penguin stomach.

Cindy: Isn’t that so cute? Love it. Its hard to believe that actually started out as an inkblot. Do you have a favorite inkblot you have done and if so, what is it and why?

Margaret: My current favorite inkblot is Baby Monster. It is quite large, 22” x 30”. I did it five years ago, when my son was four years old—the blot looked like him (if he were a cute monster) asleep, all tangled up in his sheets and toys. It is hanging in my son’s room—I gave it to him.

Cindy: Another great one and I can only imagine how nice it must look enlarged. You have worked on some pretty amazing Broadway shows! What was your favorite to work with and why?

Margaret: I have lots of Broadway favorites. I especially enjoyed working with the design team on Shrek the Musical. Tim Hatley’s costume designs were witty and fun. For the show, I painted Pinocchio. I puzzled for ages over how to paint fabric so it looked like wood. But once I figured it out (sort of a monoprint process), it was like a stubborn crossword clue—why hadn’t I thought of it before?!

My favorite costume to paint, without question, was for American Ballet Theater’s production of Sleeping Beauty, designed by Willa Kim. She designed Carabosse—the evil fairy who curses Beauty. Ms. Kim said, I want her to look gorgeous but sinister, as if she was “rotting from within.” So the draper (the woman who made the costume) and I figured out how to collage and paint fabric, so that she looked like she was made of beetle wings, and vines, and bits from the forest floor– lovely and poisonous. It was totally collaborative. I can’t think when I have had more fun working on a costume.

Cindy: As an artist, do you have a favorite medium to work with?

Margaret: India ink. Really! It is wonderful to make inkblots with, of course, but is also a wonderful drawing and painting tool. When you thin it with water, it makes lovely warm washes.

Cindy: I am really looking forward to working with India ink more. Are you currently working on anything right now?

Margaret: I am painting planets. This one is paper mounted on board. You can see the combination of watery India ink and paint that I distressed the background with before I started painting the planet.

Cindy: Love that one. Looking back at your inkblots from when you were in kindergarten do you still see the same image or something else? (That must have been amazing to look at all these years later.)

Margaret: It was amazing. I was stunned that my mother had saved them for so many years! I can’t remember if I saw pictures in them as a child. What I recall mostly is loving how the tempera colors blended between the folded halves. I thought it was magic.

Cindy: My son and I had so much fun doing the ones we did and I am sure we will creat more and i will be keepig them. Funny enough as we were doing them. He would see things I didn’t. When you’re not busy doing inkblots, what do you do?

Margaret: I read, hang out with my son and husband, cook, write and draw in my sketchbook. I do woodcuts, and paint a costume or two. And I am learning to swim!

Cindy: I was learning to swim too but I kept getting ear infections and sadly had to stop my lessons. Being as busy as you are, do you have time to read and — if so — what are you currently reading?

Margaret: I am reading two things. I am on the last book of Brandon Mull’s Fablehaven series. My son reccommended them, and they are really fun. I am also reading Faithful Place by Tana French, which is wonderful—hard to tear myself away from it to do anything.

(I hope that this is the correct cover and book for Fablehaven)

Cindy: Hmm I have never read Fablehaven but it sounds interesting. I will have to check them out. What would people be surprised to discover about you? (That they might not know)

Margaret: I really like to watch baseball, or listen to it on the radio. My mother and I used to watch it together when I was a child, and I love everything about it.

Cindy: What inspires you?

Margaret: I love looking at art. I am currently really in to the paintings of Walton Ford. And I love to go to the beach—even in the winter.

I would love to thank Margaret for taking the time out of her busy schedule for answering my questions and to the lovely Diane for arranging this interview for me. Thank you ladies.

I was going to do a separate post with our inkblots but since my computer has been acting funny most of the week I thought I would just add them to this post. As you can see we didn’t complete them because Michael would see different elements in them and wanted to wait before drawing on them.

Looking at the photos I see things I didn’t see before so I am happy we didn’t do anything to the pictures yet but I am thinking I might go and photocopy them before hand.

Give Away:
I was lucky enough to score a copy for one of my readers to win.

All you have to do is go to The Inkblot’s site and tell me which one is your favorite Inblot and why.

Sorry but this is open only to Canadian and US mailing address. Sorry no PO Boxes.

Please fill out this form:

Early in December I was contacted by Deborah Reber to review the book Love, Love, Love. Deborah has written Language of Love that was include in this two story book.

I first got to know Deborah when I reviewed Alexis and she left me a comment. She is the creator and editor of the Louder Than Words books. (a series of teen-authored memoirs published by HCI Books).

I want to thank Deborah for taking the time out of her very busy schedule to sit and do this interview with me. I truly appreciate it.

Cindy: What would people be surprised to know or discover about you?

DR: Oh, gosh, there are so many things. I guess something that people are always shocked by is my ability to burp whole sentences (I think I inherited the gift from my dad). I still remember the first time I did this in front of my now-husband back when we had just started dating. I kind of forgot where I was and just let it rip, then covered my mouth in horror, fully expecting him to walk out the door. But instead he laughed, and even to this day, he continues to appreciate my special “talent.”

Cindy: I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that you wrote a ton of Blue’s Clues books, which my son loved (books and videos) and would watch Blue’s Clues religiously. What was your favorite thing about working with Blues clues?

DR: I loved so much about working on that show, especially because I knew what a great program it was and how thoughtfully it had been conceived – it was a job I felt really good about. But probably my favorite part of what today I refer to as my “Blue’s Clues Era” was the group of women I worked with there. Two of the co-creators, the head researcher, and the executive producers were all women, and cool, smart, inspiring ones at that. I grew so much as a person and really came into my own power while working on that show, in large part because of these women. And I’m grateful they’re still an important part of my life today.

Cindy: When I was on your site I noticed that you are very busy and I was wondering when your not busy running, hiking, singing, gardening, and playing piano what else do you do for fun?

DR: Well, those things take up a lot of time! But I also like to watch bad reality TV, go for walks with my bestie in Seattle, sort my son’s Legos (I thrive on organization), and go rock climbing.

Cindy: You are not the only one who watches bad reality tv (I should have ask what reality shows do you watch?) I also noticed that you do a lot of volunteering with teen girls, what is your favorite thing about doing that and why?

DR: I love developing relationships with teen girls, whether for an hour or two, or for years, and watching these girls grow and learn and have those kind of a ha moments that I know are going to make them look at life differently. It is an incredible thing to witness and I love being able to be a part of their support system and cheering squad.

Cindy: I should mention that Deborah has been named a Champion for Dove’s Movement for Self-Esteem, which invites all women to join in in creating a world where beauty is a source of confidence, not anxiety.

Cindy: This is your debut YA novel, do you have any other books in the works? Is so are you able to share anything with us?

DR: I’m in the VERY early stages of several ideas at the moment. In the fiction world, I’m developing three different ideas – one a middle grade adventure series, one a YA realistic fiction, and lastly, another YA romantic comedy. I’m also knee-deep in writing two book proposals, one for a book aimed at recent college grads and the other is a collaboration for a book about parenting.

Cindy: If your main character, Janna had a theme song what would it be and why?

DR: Hmmm, that’s a tough one. Maybe Beautiful by Christine Aguilera, since Janna doesn’t realize how awesome, and beautiful, she is just by being herself.

Cindy: Janna, your main character is joking around in Starbucks and when approached by Julian why did you choose her to have her pretend to be Hungarian? My in laws are Hungarian and this was one of the reason I wanted to read the book.

DR: I’m not sure where the initial idea of having her pretend to be Hungarian came from other than I have been to Hungary and absolutely love the country and the culture. I also saw Hungary as a less-then-obvious choice for an exchange student story, and I thought it would provide lots of opportunities for misunderstandings and humor.

Cindy: When you write do you have a schedule and a routine? Any must haves while writing?

DR: As someone who’s worked from home for 8 years now, I periodically change up my routine and am always figuring out ways to be more efficient when it comes to writing, especially because I’m always juggling a ton of other things, like promotional work, freelance consulting, developing new projects, and raising an active kindergartener. So at the moment, my approach is to create a detailed work schedule every Sunday that lays out what I hope accomplish that week (yes, it’s color coded) and how and when I will actually make it happen. So far it’s working really well. Oh, and my latest writing addiction is Omm Writing, a free download that turns my giant, cluttered computer desktop into a zen writing haven. I love it!

Cindy: What are you currently reading and listening to?

DR:I just finished reading The Nixie’s Song from the Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles series (my son is into them and we’ve been having fun conversations about the books), and am halfway through Lorie Ann Grover’s lovely book in verse Hold Me Tight. I’m also reading a book by Byron Katie called Loving What Is, which is recommended reading for the life coach training I’m currently doing.

DR: Music? Hmmm…I’ve been playing lots of Michael Jackson lately (trying to teach my six-year-old son some moves) and writing to one of my favorite musicians, Badly Drawn Boy.

(Cindy: I found this on You Tube and thought I would share this with you so you would know who this band is. I like them.)

Cindy:If you could give one piece of advice what would it be and why?

DR: One piece of advice? About anything? I guess I would share the words I try to live by, which is that everything happens for a reason…that everything we experience – good, bad, difficult, challenging, sad, incredible – is an opportunity to learn something and grow as a person. Sometimes it’s hard to see in the moment how something positive could actually stem from a particular situation, but if you’re patient and look for the opportunity, it really does work out that way.

I want to thank Deborah again for taking the time out of her busy achedule to do this interview with you. Thanks Deborah. I am looking forward to reading your upcoming books.

One of the best things about blogging is getting the chance to read books I have to say I might normally not read or know about. This is the case with Dead Frog on the Porch and Dead Bird Through the Cat Door by Canadian author Jan Markley.

When Jan contacted me in early December about reading and reviewing her books I was more the willing to do so because I always want to show case Canadian authors. (I feel as though they need to be highlighted.)

Through our conversations I asked Jan if she would be willing to do a mini Q&A and she agreed. Thanks so much Jan for taking the time out of your very busy schedule to do this.

If you are looking for some great middle grade books I highly recommend these.

Without further delay its my pleasure to welcome Jan Markley to my blog.

CINDY: What was your inspiration behind both books?

JAN: For Dead Frog on the Porch, I accidentally stepped on and killed my childhood friend Jane’s frog (the first dead frog on the porch). As an adult, in a writing class we were asked to write an incident from childhood – and I wrote about it and it became the jumping off point for the book.

For the second book, Dead Bird through the Cat Door my cat brought a dead bird through the cat door, and I wondered what would happen if the owner of the bird sanctuary was stealing cats to kill birds. I’m still not sure how Shakespeare’s Macbeth got involved.

CINDY: As a fan of Nancy Drew books (which is very evident in both your books) did you have a favorite that you would reread?

JAN: For some reason the Mystery of the 99 Steps comes to mind. I should go back and re-read a few!

CINDY:I have never read Nancy Drew growing up but after reading your two books Jan, I am seriously thinking I missed out on something. What would readers of your books be surprised to know about you? (Quirky fact etc)

JAN: I love going for sushi but I hate raw fish. Drives my friends to distraction! They can’t figure out why I keep agreeing to go for sushi .

CINDY: Jan, I hate raw fish too. Actually I have to admit that I am not a big fish eating person. This comes from the girl who use to live on the east coast and who had a father who fished. If Cyd and Jane had a theme song what would it be and why?

JAN: Hmmm, that’s a good question. Sisters by Irvine Berlin from the movie White Christmas comes to mind. Because Cyd and Jane can be supportive and competitive. They both have their individual strengths but stick together. I loved that song. Another song that comes to mind is It takes two by Marvin Gaye because Cyd and Jane work together and they make use of each other’s strengths to solve the mysteries.

CINDY: I loved the movie White Christmas. Its my holiday movie go to every year. I also loving watching old things. What inspired you to be a writer?

JAN:I think I’ve always been a writer. It’s who I am rather than what I do.

CINDY: When you write do you have a schedule/routine?

JAN: Since I work full time I tend to write on the weekends, holidays and sometimes I am able to take time off work and I dedicate that time to writing.

CINDY: If you could have dinner with anyone (dead or alive) who would it be and why?

JAN: I’d have to say Nancy Drew but since she’s a fictional character, I’ll pick her creator Carolyn Keene. I’d be fascinated to find out how she came up with the character.

CINDY: What are you currently reading?

JAN: I’m currently reading The Maze Runner by James Dashner. It’s a y/a novel recommended to me by my 13 y/o niece. Next in line to be read is a y/a novel Under my Skin by fellow Alberta writer Judith Graves and Tall Story a y/a novel written by my writer friend in the UK Candy Gourlay.

CINDY: I have The Maze Runner sitting in my TBR pile that is waiting to be read. I recently just discovered Judith Graves and I am dying to read her works. Tall Story sounds really good and has been on my radar. You have travelled quite a bit with your previous job, do you have a favorite spot that you would like to go back to one day?

JAN: I took two years in the late ‘80s and travelled throughout Europe, parts of Africa and South East Asia, and did some freelance journalism. Since then I’ve been to Ecuador and a few years ago I went to India for a month and loved it. I plan to go back there for longer and hope to do some charity work while I’m there. I would love to go to some of the countries in South East Asia that weren’t accessible back in the late 80s like Cambodia and Viet Nam. Thailand was great – I’d go back there, and Egypt and the King Tut exhibit was one of the highlights of my travels for me. Which is why it shows up in the third book.

CINDY: Speaking of your third book, are you working on it now? Are you able to tell us anything if you are?

JAN: I’m working on the third book in the Megabyte Mystery series. It’s called Dead Bee in the Sarcophagus. The King Tut exhibit is in town, and Cyd and Jane discover that there is ancient honey still encased in the Ivory Pomegranate. Had the boy king planned to eat honey on toast in the afterlife? Can the ancient honey save the dying bees or will the curse of the tomb destroy the fragile bee population and those who come in contact with it? Everyone wants to get their mitts on the honey and the twin’s parents get stuck in harm’s way. Cyd and Jane get their sleuth on! To save the Queen Bee and her kingdom, through the boy king and his left over honey, they must navigate the many sticky shades between good and nasty.

CINDY: JAN, that sounds so good. I can’t wait for it to come out in the fall.

Jan thanks so very much again for taking the time out of your schedule to do this Q&A with me. I truly appreciate it.

You can check out Jan’s site to find out more about Jan and her books.

As you know I have read and reviewed Frost Bites and Jen and the Frosted Friends by Kerry Sparks this week and now today I am lucky enough to share an interview that I got to do with her.

I was really excited when Kerry contacted me in December about her two middle grade books and when I asked about a Q&A she was more then willing to help out. Thank so much Kerry, I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this with me.

CINDY: I read that you have traveled quite a bit, do you have a favorite place and why?

KERRY: It’s a crazy place but Las Vegas. I lived there for 5 years, and I think it’s a very inspiring city where anything can happen. Las Vegas is open to the arts, and the Las Vegas librarians were very supportive of new writers.

CINDY: I have never been to Las Vegas but hoping one day to go. I love a city that is very supportive of their libraries. What would readers be surprised to discover about you? (A quirky fact)

KERRY: I do not like anything slimy. So no frogs, no olives, no cooked spinach. Things with slimy textures gross me out.

CINDY: I am like you I don’t like anything slimy. I get cold chills just thinking about it. When your not writing your own books, do you have a favorite author to read? What are you currently reading?

KERRY: I really enjoyed “A Reliable Wife” by Robert Goolrick. It was a #1 New York Times bestseller. I like stories that are different with lots of twists and turns. I’m going to start “Sarah’s Key” by Tatiana De Rosnay today.

CINDY: I read and loved A Reliable Wife. I actually have Sarah’s Keys on my TBR pile. When your writing do you listen to music? Who is currently playing? Do your characters have a theme song?

KERRY: I only listen to music when I’m in my car. When I write, I like it so quiet that I can hear a pin drop. If my characters had a theme song it would be “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”.

CINDY: That is such a great song. Do you have a routine when you write? Any must haves while writing?

KERRY: I always write in a notebook, and I’m usually laying down. I like to have a snack nearby as well. I think you have to be comfortable while you’re writing so that the writing is continuous and flowing.

CINDY: I agree Kerry. I am like that when I am reading and blogging. You do have to be comfortable. What was the inspiration behind both books? Are the girls based on anyone you know?

KERRY: I was a substitute teacher for 7 years so I probably have a little bit of Mrs. Frost, (the mean substitute teacher), in me. I wouldn’t say that I was mean, but I didn’t let the kids run wild either.

CINDY: You were a substitute teacher? I didn’t know that. I am sure you were a good substitute. Do you have a favorite character in the books? If so who?

KERRY: I like Jennifer Logan, the main character. She is fun, funny, and she isn’t perfect. Her imperfections make her human. I would definitely hang out with her.

CINDY: I adore Jennifer as well. She is your typical girl and I honestly felt bad for the way she got treated. It brought back alot of memories for me when I was that age. Thanks again for everything Kerry.

KERRY: No Thank you!

I just wanted to send out another huge thank you to the following bloggers:
L. Diane Wolfe, Laura, and Shelly for offering up some great interview questions for me. Thank you so much.

When I was contacted in November to be part of the Arranged tour I was really excited because I wanted to read Catherine’s newest book and I was also able to interview Catherine again. I got to interview Catherine last year when she was promoting her first book Spin. You can click here to read that interview.

So without further hesitation here is my interview with Catherine. I hope you enjoy it.

Cindy:Thanks again for letting me interview you.. I truly appreciate it.
Catherine: NO, THANK YOU!

CINDY: As I mentioned in my review yesterday for Arranged I am a huge Anne of Green Gables fan. I have read all the books, watched the show when it was on tv, and actually ended up honeymooning on Prince Edward Island. We took part in anything and everything Anne of Green Gable-ish. Even seeing the stage version of it all.

Anne of Green Gables has always been my favorite books growing up and I am curious why did you use the name Anne Shirley Blythe for your main characters name? Are you a fan of Anne of Green Gables?

CATHERINE: I am a very big fan of Anne of Green Gables. I named the main character after her because one of the themes I wanted to explore in the book was how someone who might have grown up named after someone like Anne might have turned out, romantically, and what she would do if confronted with an unusual way of meeting the “man of her dreams”.

CINDY: I think Megan Fellows did an excellent job as Anne and Gilbert Blythe need I say more? Yea I had a crush on him. I am sure I wasn’t the only girl?

Did you have to do alot of research on arranged marriages?

CATHERINE: I did do some research on arranged marriages in certain cultures, but the main premise is about a service that I made up, so my research was mostly in my imagination.

CINDY: What was the inspiration for using this as a theme in the book?

CATHERINE: One day the idea just struck me: “What kind of person would use an arranged marriage service?” I loved the idea and wanted to explore it. As to what made the idea pop out, it was likely a combination of me knowing a few people who have had “traditional” arranged marriages, The Bachelor and some other reality shows I’m embarrassed to remember the name of.

CINDY: The Bachelor was a guilty pleasure for me to watch. I have to say that I am actually interested in the idea of arranged marriages. I am a firm believer in, its whats inside that is the most important and I have to thank my grandmother for instilling that it me.

With your busy working schedule (Catherine is a litigator, she teaches part time at McGill and she is on many professional associations) how do you find time to write?

CATHERINE: People always ask me this and it’s a tough one. I try to write a little at night, more on the weekends. But, while my two books, SPIN, and ARRANGED, are coming out a year apart, I actually started writing ARRANGED in 2006, and SPIN in 2008.

CINDY: Oh really and here I thought Spin was written first. Which leads me to my next question, Are you working on anything now?

CATHERINE: I am working on another novel which I’ll hopefully be able to tell you about soon.

CINDY: Oh really I can’t wait. I might have to ask you again when I go to your next book signing.

If you could have dinner with a famous person (dead or alive) who would it be and why?

CATHERINE: I guess I have to say: Lucy Maud Montgomery. Seriously, I read the first volume of her correspondence several years ago and I think she had a fascinating, if not that happy, life. I’m sure a conversation with her would be very interesting.

CINDY: I want to thank you again Catherine for taking the time out of your busy schedule (holiday season and all) to answer my questions. I truly appreciate it and I am looking forward to getting to see you again very soon.

I thought I would include the photo from the Spin signing I got to attend last year.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Catherine McKenzie was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. A graduate of McGill University (B.A. ‘95 in History (Hons)) and McGill Law School (BCL & LLB ‘99), Catherine practices law in Montreal. Her first novel, SPIN, was published by HarperCollins Canada in January, 2010. It debuted at #15 on the Globe & Mail Canadian best-seller list. Catherine did a happy dance upon learning the news from her editor. Her second novel, ARRANGED, will be published by HarperCollins Canada in January, 2011.

OTHER BOOKS BY CATHERINE:

I can actually remember the day that I was offered my very first Terry Spear book and it was through Danielle at Sourcebooks. I got it just before I went to Lake George (New York State) on vacation. I devoured that book within a short period of time and I have to say I was completely hooked.

That book was:

To Tempt The Wolf is book three in the wolf series.

Then came:

Legend of the White Wolf book four.

Then Finally:

Seduced by The Wolf book five.

I was fortunate to have the fabulous Terry Spear do a guest post which you can read here back in 2009. Which I was thrilled about and honestly one of my wishes was to one day interview her and I finally got the chance to do so.

Now today I am very honored to be able to share a interview I did with Terry. I was super excited to get the chance to interview her. She is one of my favorite authors and she already knows she rocks in my books.

Terry has a brand new book out called Wolf Fever (book 6 in the wolf series) and it just came out this month.

I got my copy for my birthday and I can’t wait to start reading it. Hopefully during the Christmas season. I think this is a perfect book to curl up and read especially this time of the year when its cold and miserable outside. The cover alone could warm you up.

I hope that you will enjoy my interview with Terry. I had so much fun doing it. Following the interview there will be a give away announcement.

Why did you decide to write about wolves? What is your favorite kind of wolf?

TS: I go for the underdog, pardon my reference to dogs here. Wolves do not like being referred to as dogs in any way, shape, or form. But here you have a guy who shapeshifts into a wolf and what happens? Women go screaming off into the night. Men accuse the wolf of killing their livestock. Some say that the wolf bit them and now they’re werewolves too. And the wolf is nothing more than a mindless beast.

So someone had to stand up for them and take the side of the downtrodden wolf (werewolf) and show the whole werewolf shapeshifting business in a more positive light. They are not cursed, unhappy beings. They are well-adjusted (except for Carol who has issues about shifting, but she has her reasons), and they were born into this life, for the most part. Although a few were turned. But even they are happy with who they are. And when they’re wolves, they still have their human thought processes too, not beastly in the least.

Now, my favorite kind of wolf is a red. I love the grays and Arctic wolves too, but I love the red because they’re rarer, smaller, and I love their coloring.

In your wolf series, the information that you provide about each wolf pack is very interesting. Do you do a lot of research on them?

TS: Yes, I do a lot of research, and do it over and over again. I’m always picking up something new to share either about wolves, or an area where they’re living, or some other aspect, like in Wolf Fever, how to get rid of werewolfism. I know, I know, I said my wolves are well-adjusted and love being werewolves… There’s a reason for this! Truly. A good reason. Trust me. If you were a well-adjusted werewolf, you’d be feeling the same way also!

I absolutely love the wolf series and I saw on your blog that there is going to be 10 books in this series (as of now). Do you think there will there be more?

TS: Yes!! My editor asked if I could have at least three Highland wolf tales, and fans have asked for another story about the pack from Heart of the Wolf, and Tom needs a mate, and somebody said they wanted to see more of zoo man Thompson, and I’m sure fans will fall in love with a couple of secondary characters in The Wolf and the SEAL—who were based on a fan’s suggestion of what she wanted to see… and, well you see there’s just got to be more! Thanks so much for loving the series, Cindy!

You introduced so many great characters in the previous books and I agree I want to see more Thompson too.

TS: I was in Toronto and taught Happy Hookers, the workshop. LOL! I’ve written a lot about my roots in Canada in genealogy magazines and wished that my mother and I could have visited Prince Edward Island before she died. That’s where her Highland Scots settled. Although her mother and father were from Manitoba, and my mother was born in Alberta. Most of her mother’s family was in Ontario for a time. She was raised in B.C. Her father’s family was from Scotland and Ireland and Wales and settled first in Quebec. And a few of the relatives moved to Saskatchewan. So they settled nearly everywhere!

You would love Prince Edward Island if you were to go. I love it. So much to see and do and it feels like a whole other world there.

TS: Going into stores in 2011 will be Heart of the Highland Wolf (June 2011) and Dreaming of the Wolf (December 2011). I’m finishing up The Wolf and the SEAL (to be released in Spring 2012)—what is a SEAL to do but protect a wolf from danger? After that, I will start working on The Highland Wolf in Paradise (Fall 2012), set in the Cayman Islands, which will include one of the brothers from Heart of the Highland Wolf.

You mean I have to wait until June and December 2011 to read your next book? The suspense is going to kill me.

TS: It takes me about 3-4 months. Although sometimes it takes longer, particularly when I’m editing other books in the interim while trying to write the new book. Thanks on the covers. They are great, and I’m so excited about Heart of the Highland Wolf, I want a poster, and then a marquee of it as soon as they make a movie of it. 🙂

Yes, about having input on the covers. We send specs on who might be included, symbolism, and I always send pictures of settings I think might work. I was excited because the art department is working on Dreaming of the Wolf’s cover right now (book 8) and asked me about some of the pictures I sent showing wildflowers in Colorado in the summer. It’s always exciting to see what they come up with next. They’re always beautiful!

I love your covers. I mean whats not to like about a half naked guy standing there?
When you’re not writing, what do you do for fun?

TS: Garden, create teddy bears, hike. I enjoyed seeing 7 castles in Scotland to use in the Highland stories, and also visiting a wolf reserve to observe the wolves’ behavior. I hope to go to another one next year.

With Christmas approaching do you have any traditions that you do every year?

TS: We always open one gift Christmas night, have a nice dinner, play games—chicken foot dominoes or some other game like Scrabble, then the next morning get up early and get started on the Christmas presents, then begin cooking the turkey. I can smell the turkey browning as we speak!

Terry are households are very similar as we open one gift on Christmas Eve and either watch some tv or play cards or games before my son goes to bed. Then of course Christmas morning he is up early and we open a few presents, have breakfast and then open the rest of the presents. Thankfully we have dinner at my in laws so I don’t have to make a turkey dinner. That happens on Christmas Eve Day. Hmm I can smell it too. Only a few more days.

Thanks so much for hosting me, Cindy. I so appreciate that you love the series. If you need book marks, just send me an SASE (information on my website)! Have a lovely Christmas and thanks again!

WOLF FEVER by TERRY SPEAR—IN STORES DECEMBER 2010

ABOUT THE BOOK:
She may be his destiny, but she’s not his first choice…

Hospital nurse and newly turned red werewolf Carol Woods is being pressured by her pack leader to find a mate, but he’s the only guy in the pack who remotely attracts her… Why is he playing so hard to get?

The fate of the pack rests on his shoulders…

Gray pack leader Ryan McKinley doesn’t want anything to do with Carol unless she’s willing to embrace her wolf nature—no matter how beautiful she is.

But when a virus infects the local lupus garou pack, Ryan realizes just how wrong he’s been not to seize the moment with the woman he’s come to love. And now, it may be too late…

Praise for Terry Spear’s To Tempt the Wolf:

“Ms. Spear’s has spun a web of drama that pulled me in… Get it; read it; you’ll love it!”

—Romance Reader at Heart

“A paranormal romp that sizzles! Action-packed romance and suspense-filled plot add up to pure magic. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Terry Spear is a great addition to the paranormal genre!”

—Armchair Interviews

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With 70,000 copies sold, Terry Spear is a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. She received her MBA from Monmouth University. An eclectic writer, she dabbles in the paranormal as well as writing historical and true life stories for both teen and adult audiences. Spear lives in Crawford, Texas. For more information, please visit http://www.terryspear.com/.

GIVE AWAY TIME:

Thanks to Danielle I am able to offer two lucky readers of my blog a copy of Wolf Fever. One to a Canadian resident and one to a American resident.

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