Monday, July 25, 2011

Interview and Giveaway with Belinda Boring

We are so excited to talk today with one of our favorite book reviewers turned author, the wonderful Belinda Boring, AKA Bookish Snob. She has a fangtabulous novella out, Without Mercy and she is going to be giving away a copy of it. Want to win it? Just leave us a comment below and you will be entered! Ready to learn about Belinda and her new book?

Tell us a little about your Without Mercy:
Without Mercy shares a story about Darcy, a female werewolf, and what happens when a simple errand takes a deadly twist, turning her from cautious prey to dangerous predator? Here’s a little bit of the blurb:

When Darcy’s outing takes a turn for the worst and tests her to the point of breaking, she struggles to maintain her humanity. Where loyalty and pack mean everything, she surrenders to the inevitable and only an act of complete trust can touch her. When all is said and done, with memories flooding her mind, Darcy holds tightly to the only thing that makes sense – it was all a dream. Or was it?

What inspired you to start writing?
In general, it was someone I trusted who asked me one day, “Belinda, have you ever thought about writing?” I laughed, told them I never would and here I am two years later published! LOL

For Without Mercy, I woke up from a nightmare with this gut wrenching feeling of grief that was so overwhelming, I couldn’t shake it. My BFF encouraged me to write the scene out and I did, posting it on my author blog. People really enjoyed and asked if there was more so I sat down one Saturday and finished it.

Is there a full-length novel in the works?
There is but not for the Mystic Wolves novelette series. I’m actually in the process of finishing another urban fantasy story called Broken Promises. It’s book one in the Brianna Lane series, and shares how Bree must not only fight for the man she loves, but also to save the world from a Fae invasion. In one crazy moment, everything in her life turns upside down and it takes one heck of a woman to rise above it. It’s definitely a lot of fun to write and I’m getting good feedback from it. Once I’ve released this, I have other stories to work on J

Will Without Mercy be part of a series?
It is! I actually got the idea from my BFF, Lacey on the day I released Without Mercy. Everyone was so excited about what they were reading, she suggested I continue to write small novelettes and continue the story on. Kind of like a serial that I would release every month or so. I’ve already started on the next installment called Cherished and it spends a lot of time showing the kind of relationship Darcy and Mason have and how they deal with the aftermath of Without Mercy. Lots of swoon! I have all kinds of ideas for future characters and storylines so be on the lookout for a sexy vampire called Devlin.

You’re a book reviewer, so you’ve read plenty of books. What do you think makes a great heroine?
I love the strong and feisty heroine, the one that doesn’t cower in a corner afraid but still has the softness and vulnerability that makes her endearing. She’s the woman that doesn’t take no for an answer and will give everything she has for those she loves. Of course, my favorite part is where she brings the hero to his knees!

If you had to choose a favorite paranormal being, would it be a sexy vampire, a hot alpha wolf, or something entirely different?
Gosh, I hate choosing! I want to say I’m a “fang” girl all the way because there is something so seductive and dangerous about vampires. I’m all about the bite and it gives me the tingles thinking about what it would be like having one set his sights on me. But then in the next breath, having an alpha wolf stalk you, watch you, ready to pounce and ravish you? Its swoon inducing! Especially when that wolf is Mason. Then, after saying all that, I also have a love for angels and demon warlocks. So many that teases and tempts me!

In your opinion, what’s the best part of the paranormal romance genre?
I love that anything is possible and with the danger that comes from dealing with supernatural characters; it really increases the intensity and heat. I love the emotional rollercoaster I find reading the genre, the way I’m able to connect with the women who hold nothing back. It’s all or nothing. And without fail, I love the way the genre makes leaves me sighing in a gooey mess. I rarely read outside paranormal romance and urban fantasy because I don’t get the same rush and high that I do after reading romance. It’s addicting!

How do you keep motivated to write?
I surround myself with supportive people – my husband, friends I’ve met online, fellow authors and my best friend Lacey. Whenever I feel myself lagging, I know I have people I can turn to and they help me stay focused and heading in the right direction. They are all such an invaluable part of my life and I love them!

I’m also an incredibly visual person so it’s not a stretch for me to have music playlists, slideshows of story muses and book covers created while I’m still in the process of writing. Whenever I find it hard to start writing, I’ll put on headphones, crank up the music and stare at photos. Moments later, the story is flowing and I can’t type fast enough. You have to do whatever it takes, right?

What’s your take on the indie book movement?
I think it’s absolutely fabulous! I love being able to have complete creative control of the stories I write – from the storyline to the cover to how I want to promote it. I’m a huge believer in having options and being able to have a variety of directions to choose from. It’s about finding what’s best for you as the author and for your book. When I first decided I wanted to publish, I was terrified not being in a publishing house would hurt my career because where else would I find everything I needed? With the indie book movement taking the book world by storm, an author can find countless resources at their disposal and release something that is just as competitive and comparable. To me, that’s amazing and definitely an avenue I’m going to continue exploring.

Tell us a random fact about yourself:
I’m completely accident prone. I’m just coming off a 5 month stint with a damaged foot and wouldn’t you know it, I’ve almost hurt my other foot already on several occasions. I’ve learned to be extremely careful how I walk and to the amusement of my BFF, she now feels she needs to “escort” me everywhere. She thinks it’s hilarious to text me “walking’ instructions.

If you couldn’t write or read books, what would you do with your time?
It’s almost blasphemous to suggest that! My stomach seriously just sank into my stomach and I had a flash of panic. I don’t know what I’d do. I love what I’m doing within the book world at the moment – writing, blogging, reviewing, promoting – and can’t imagine myself doing anything else. I would hope I’d find something else I was equally as passionate about.

Where can readers purchase your book?
Without Mercy can be bought from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords.

Where can readers connect with you on the web?
I was recently told I’m everywhere on the web LOL Okay let’s see if I can remember everything:

Belinda Boring’s Official Site – http://belindaboring.blogspot.com

Author Blog: Writings Of A Dreamer – http://thebookishsnobwriting.com


The Bookish Snob Promotions – http://thebookishsnobpromotions.blogspot.com






Would you mind sharing a small excerpt?

Sure!

The loud click of a gun being cocked stopped me cold. I didn’t need to turn around to see death had finally caught us. I closed my eyes for a brief moment and grimaced.

Seconds. We’d missed freedom by mere moments and with adrenaline coursing through my body, a feeling of defeat crashed over me. To come so close and be stopped was devastating.

I dug deep for courage as my hand was squeezed. Jasmine would be terrified enough without seeing fear in my eyes and if we were going to get out of this, I needed to keep her calm. Or at least calmer than I felt.

Giving her a look I hoped conveyed confidence, I motioned for her to stay quiet as I positioned her behind me and turned to look at our attacker. All night I’d sensed the person breathing down our necks, following closely but always just out of sight. Now I could put a face to our stalker.

I saw the gun, aimed straight at me. The finger poised over the trigger ready to shoot. The hand holding it was steady and trained to adjust to every movement. I shied to the left and back again. Without hesitation, the gun’s motion mimicked mine.

Damn. Judging from the precise motions; whoever was holding the gun knew what they were doing. If they took a shot, they wouldn’t miss and out running a bullet was too risky.

A quick sniff at the air and drawing on my other senses told me I was dealing with a human male and I couldn’t help but grin at the bitter scent of fear mixed in with the sweetness of his excitement. It was intoxicating.

I may be a female but as a werewolf, I held incredible strength. My body began to relax. As long as I paid attention to the gun still pointed at me, and made no crazy moves, our chances of escape had just increased.

I looked beyond the weapon and recognized the determined face that stared back at me. The emotions rolling off his body caused my wolf to raise her head and howl. This wasn’t a pack mate or dominant wolf to play submissive with by showing my throat. Looking at our attacker, I could feel my hackles rise as she growled, desperate to take over.

~ * ~

We want to thank Belinda for stopping by and talking with us. Want to find out more? We'll be chatting it up with her on our Blog Talk Radio show this Wednesday at 3:30pm PST. Go to our channel and set a reminder so you don't miss it. 


Now is your chance to score yourself a copy of Without Mercy. Leave us a comment below, even a simple 'hi' will count. Don't forget your email address in the following format (so the spammers won't get it ;-)) parayournormalteam (at) gmail (dot) com

26 comments:

  1. Hi! Great interview...I enjoyed finding out more about you, Bels. I already have Without Mercy and read it the other day. It's a cool little story and my review will be posting soon....Just wanted to stop by and show support!
    Laurie
    Laurie's Thoughts & Reviews

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  2. Thanks for having me today :) It's definitely exciting to be on the other side of an interview LOL

    @Laurie Thanks for coming by! I'm glad you enjoyed Without Mercy. I can't wait to see what you thought :)

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  3. Squeeee!!!!

    Hi!

    Vampire Girl . . all about the bite! :) Love it!

    No contest for me . . I already have two copies!

    Hugs,
    Stephanie O.

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  4. Terrific job on the interview, Bels! I read Without Mercy and enjoyed it so much. Glad to know you'll be continuing that series.

    Best of luck!
    Regan

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  5. Hahahaha now that is dedication and love right there Stephanie! Love you!

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  6. @Regan Thanks :)I'm excited to keep it going because there's just so many possibilities. Another reason why I love paranormal romance and urban fantasy! You can really let your imagination run wild :)

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  7. I also wanted to show my support,Bels. I have Without Mercy from Smashwords,on my laptop kindle app,and on my nook,he-he! It's a great story,and I am now looking forward to your books coming out. Your vampire,Devlin,sounds pretty intriguing too!! Best of luck -please keep them coming! Susan Baxter

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  8. Hi Belinda!
    I feel the same way that you do about self-publishing. I had no idea where to turn and fortunately I found a wonderful group of authors that keep me sane and on track! So excited for your new release! Congrats again!

    elena(at)elenagray(dot)com

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  9. Great interview! I'm so excited for you you Bels. Watching as you travel this road and follow your dreams, well your journey is truly inspiring.

    Tiger

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  10. Thanks for having this contest. It actually forced me to set up my follow me button on my own site.

    NoraAdrienne (at) gmail (dot) com

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  11. @hotmaja54 I'm glad I'm not the only one that gets a book in multiple formats LOL I'm excited to see what you think about future stories. Devlin is definitely sexy. He appeared about a year ago and has been chomping at the bit to get some page time. When I started thinking about future installments for Darcy and Mason, Devlin came forward and said "It's time." BAM! Storyline presented itself and so I can't wait! Is it bad when I get tingles just thinking about him? Yep, definitely a "fang" girl LOL

    @Elena Exactly! My greatest fear was having no clue but thank goodness for those authors who are blazing the trail before us because they not only give us hope but they also stretch their hand out to help. The indie author community just blows me away. It's such an exciting time!

    @Wicked Thanks Tiger :) I'm still pinching myself as each new thing shows up. If you would've asked me a year ago if I thought I'd be published, I would've laughed. I'm such a shy person and my only goal was write a book, have it turned into print and put it on my bookshelf. It was the most amazing feeling to see Without Mercy on an ereader for the first time! Hahahaha I'm tearing up!

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  12. Belinda, it is our pleasure to have you on our blog. We can't wait to chat with you on Wednesday!

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  13. @NoraA Thanks for coming by :)I need to stop by your blog!

    @Where... Thanks for having me. This is exciting :)

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  14. I can't wait to read this! I love stories about werewolves.
    Congrats on expanding from a reader/reviewer to an author as well!

    Saph
    saphsbookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

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  15. @Sapphyria Thanks :) It's been a little nervewracking making the cross but also a very natural one. I think it was inevitable. You can't spend hours upon hours absorbed in books and not start thinking about your own story ideas. I'm loving it!

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  16. Bels,
    So glad to hear you're continuing the series. Darcy is such a great take charge heroine.

    Thanks for sharing and good luck with the launch of your tour.

    Alysan

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  17. Totally LOVE your cover, wow!! Belinda, i just add you on FB and your books on goodreads ;) thanks for the contest!

    Lissette_125(AT)hotmail(DOT)com

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  18. Thanks Alysan. I'd die if Darcy was a weak character. I'd send her to boot camp or something LOL She's the perfect match for Mason and I'm loving the chemistry between them. Oh wait.. you guys haven't seen that yet! Just you wait until Cherished - sparks FLY! I'm such a tease :p

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  19. *waves at Lissette* Just saw your friend request :) Good luck with the giveaway!

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  20. Already have it and love it but had to stop and GUSH!

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  21. SQUEE! Ammmmmbbbbbbbeeeeeerrrrrrrr!!! LOL How's tha for a gush :) I'm glad you love it.

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  22. Loved reading your interview, and I would love, love, love to win a copy of Without Mercy! wordgirl79 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  23. Great interview. I really enjoyed this, especially the part about how a nightmare lead to the novelette. Love the excerpt. And like I said in my other comment in the other post, that cover is one of the best I've ever seen!

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  24. Really great interview and sounds like a good book. Thanks for the giveaway.
    creativedeeds(at)verizon(dot)net

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  25. great interview and a book I need to add to my TBR pile. miranda_lynn2001(at)live(dot)com

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  26. Sounds like a good read! I also get story ideas from my dreams, so it's always to read about other authors who do the same. Can't wait to read this one!


    Smiles!
    Lori
    serena423 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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