Thoughts on the wild, the weird, and the romantic from author Joy Nash

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Joy Nash is a USA Today Bestselling Author and RITA Award Finalist applauded by Booklist for her "tart wit, superbly crafted characters, and sexy, magic-steeped plots."

» Friday, July 27, 2007

Author Interview - Andrea Wilder

In the first of what I hope will be many author interviews, I'd like to introduce debut author Andrea Wilder. Andrea's first novel, FEARLESS, is an August 2007 release from Dorchester Love Spell. I was lucky enough to read this book pre-release, and I loved it! FEARLESS is a paranormal historical romance set in Ireland, with the perfect blend of history and magic.

Andrea, thanks for taking the time to visit! First, tell us about getting "The Call." When did it happen? Where were you? How did you react?

AW: I use my cell phone for business because with two kids in the house, I don’t always get my messages. I was checking my voicemail at work and heard, “Andrea, this is Alicia Condon of Dorchester. If FEARLESS is still available, I’d like to buy it.” I had to replay it a few times to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. When I screamed, two of my co-workers came running in thinking I’d seen a mouse or something. Slightly embarrassing. The next morning, I contacted Deidre Knight, and she set me up with Elaine Spencer. So, after 3 years of trying to sell this “unusual” book, in the span of a day I had a publishing contract and a great agent. It took about a week for everything to really sink in.

Sounds like a very productive day! Tell us more about FEARLESS.

AW: FEARLESS is a medieval romance with faeries and Celtic lore woven through the story. It takes place in the 15th century during Ireland’s struggle for independence from England. It’s the story of an Irish chieftain and the half-fae woman who rescues him from a lonely death. The ambitions of others—both mortal and fae—threaten them at every turn, and they learn that in the face of treachery, love must be fearless.

Where did you get the idea for the story, and what was the element of that first flash of inspiration that grabbed you and wouldn't let go?

AW: I was driving to work one morning, listening to a Garth Brooks album. His song “Ireland” came on, and this image started spinning in front of my eyes of a small band of warriors fighting a losing battle. When I got to work, I started typing. Fifteen minutes later, I had the opening scene. From that very first vision, the characters came in so clearly, I just followed them through the story.

LOL, let's hope you didn't get into an accident that morning! The hazards of being a novelist, I guess. What will we love most about your hero in FEARLESS?

AW: Kieran MacAuley is a warrior to the core, completely dedicated to freeing Ireland. He’s the kind of man who does what needs to be done, not from a love of fighting, but out of duty. Cunning and intelligent, he’s also compassionate and fiercely loyal to those he’s sworn to protect. Those qualities make him my favorite of the heroes I’ve created.

I agree, Kieran is a very sexy hero, and his sense of honor and loyalty is a big part of his appeal. Now tell us more about the paranormal aspects of your story.

AW: Because of its Celtic traditions, Ireland is steeped in legends. In Fearless, the heroine Brynna is the half-mortal daughter of Maire, the faery queen of Meath. The queen’s other daughters are frequent visitors, and King Ronan has his own shadowy agenda. While the faeries have considerable powers, Kieran and Brynna manage to hold their own.

As a historical author, what do you imagine the best and worst things about living in your story's time period and setting are?

AW: Best? Quiet. Worst? No showers.

If you could choose your own magical talent, what would it be?

AW: Hmm, good question. I think teleporting would be neat, so I could go anywhere I wanted without driving or waiting at the airport.

What's up next for you?

AW: Right now, my second book is making the rounds of publishers. It’s another Irish medieval but is set in a different time and place, with a whole new cast of characters. My next project will either be a historical or contemporary, whichever my new editor would like to have.

Good luck, and may the gods and goddesses of manuscript submission smile on you! Andrea, how can readers find you online, and is there anything else you want us to know?

AW: My website www.andreawilder.com is the easiest way to find me. Thanks so much for having me in. It was fun!

Andrea, thanks again for visiting! Here's wishing you mega-sales for FEARLESS!


Joy
www.joynash.com

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» Sunday, July 22, 2007

Harry Potter 7 - no spoilers!

The suspense is over--I've just finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, a little less than 24 hours after it was delivered by owl...oops, I mean by the USPS. I have to say that the hype leading up to the release was *very* well deserved!

The book is extremely action oriented, with Harry, Hermione, and Ron going from bad situation to worse situation to absolutely disastrous situation with dizzying rapidity. I lost count of the times the trio were absolute goners and then pulled a dazzling escape out of thin air--well, they are wizards, after all, and so is J.K. Rowling, even more so in Deathly Hallows than in any of the previous Harry Potter books.

I won't say anything about the end except that a lot of predictions of the fandom came true...and a lot didn't! Which is about as clear as one of Dumbledore's instructions to Harry, I suppose...

Bottom line: Read it! Preferably with many, many details of books 5 & 6 uppermost in your mind. It was a wild ride. A fitting end to a historic series.

With enough fodder for the-future-of-the-wizarding-world fanfics for the HP fandom to live on and on and on...


Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

» Friday, July 13, 2007

Hot Summer Reads 3 - Liz Andrews, Taige Crenshaw, & Kayla Janz

More hot summer reads! I hope your summer is sizzling so far...

Wounded Hearts by Liz Andrews

Publisher: Loose Id

Patrick O’Rourke broke his engagement to Erin Riley, but she’s not willing to give him up. His dark desires don’t scare her away, but she needs to overcome her own insecurities about her weight to heal his wounded heart. More info: www.lizandrews.net


Seducing a God by Taige Crenshaw

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Paula Stroker can't wait for all the hoopla surrounding her sister's wedding to be over. At least until she meets the most interesting man. Each time she thinks she gets near him, he disappears. What's a girl to do? Engage in the rules of seduction and hang on for the ride.

God of Matrimony Markus M'ar Riage is often overlooked for the flashier Gods. His track record is impeccable except for the Stroker family. Now he has another chance. The only problem is the bride's sister, who is a decadent distraction. What can he do when confronted with his ultimate temptation? Be seduced and hope it all works out in the end. More info: www.taigecrenshaw.com


The Perfect Package by Kayla Janz

Book One of the Right Man...Right Now series

Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press Torrid

Years ago, Gwen and Darrin spent a sinful week together on the sandy beaches of Mexico, only to part ways for what they both thought was forever. They were wrong. More info: www.KaylaJanz.com


Joy Nash
www.joynash.com