Saturday, April 9, 2011

Gena Showalter - Giveaway and Author Interview

PhotobucketFirst off congratulations on your release of The Darkest Secret!


Can you tell us a little about yourself?


I’m terribly shy, a bit reclusive, and I suffer from OCD – when I start writing a story, it’s basically all I can think about. I maybe kinda sorta have a warped sense of humor. (Why aren’t I hearing gasps of shock?) I absolutely love what I do, and I know, beyond any doubt, that I’m blessed because my publishers and readers allow me to do it.


Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
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In Jr. High, after I read Silver Angel by Johanna Lindsey. I loved the characters so much I wondered how the rest of their lives would play out. In my mind, I wove one story after another about them, came up with characters of my own, and had them interact. After that, new story ideas came. New characters popped up, and I decided to start writing everything down.

I have a nice time following you on Twitter. In 140 characters or less, sum The Darkest Secret for us. Demon warrior. Enemy female. Hot make up sex. Battles with evil. Love.


What surprised you the most about the writing/publishing process?


Probably . . . everything LOL! I thought writing a book would be easy, but oh, baby, was I wrong. I really struggled with that first book. If I thought something was funny, I added it to a scene, even if it didn’t fit with the situation or the characters. I had to learn to let the characters take me wherever they wanted to go.


What were your inspirations for creating this story?


Inspiration is everywhere. Something I see or hear will prompt a “what if” moment. With the Lords of the Underworld: what if men opened Pandora’s box? With Alien Huntress: what if predatory otherworlders walked among us? With Intertwined: what if a teenage boy had four human souls living inside his head?


Most people will/have probably found this book to leave them aching for the next book, how long did it take you to write it, and did you have any writer’s block along the way?


Took me three months to write Amun’s story, and I’m happy to say my muse stayed with me through most of it. Now, Paris’s story on the other hand, was like pulling teeth. I had to rewrite the first 100 pages four times.


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


I’ll start with the seed of an idea. Usually it’s a scene that has played through my head numerous times. With The Darkest Secret, I saw Amun chained to his bed, his eyes swollen shut and his butterfly tattoo actually moving all over his body. Everything grew from that.


I just love the men in books. How did you come up with the character Amun?


(First, thank you so much!) For most of the series, Amun had remained a mystery even to me. Which makes sense, I guess, since he’s the keeper of the demon of Secrets. He had to tell me about himself as I wrote his book, and I learned right along with the readers. He is strong, stoic, and passionate, and he loves his friends more than he loves himself.


If you could pick one actor to portray Amun on the big screen who would it be and why?


I would probably pick Boris Kodjoe because he is beyond gorgeous with a body to die for!
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What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?


Characters. Everything comes down to characters. A multitude of sins can be forgiven if the reader loves the characters.


This was a great story set with different worlds. Was there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?


Sometimes the action scenes can be a bit tough. I can write page after page of character thoughts and dialogue, no problems. In fact, when I was writing Twice As Hot, I emailed my lovely friends Kresley Cole and Jill Monroe and told them how the book should be renamed Conversations With Superheroes. Sometimes I have to add the action in at stage two, after I’ve finished the rough draft (which is sometimes nothing more than thoughts and bantering).


What were your feelings when you first saw the cover of your finished book?


For the most part, I’ve been very blessed in the cover department. My publishers found a look that worked for me and my readers. Plus, the publishers are always looking for ways to evolve the covers. I think they’re doing an amazing job!


Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?


Love is powerful. Love is important. Love is . . . everything.


Thank you so much for letting me interview you!


Please Visit her at:
Visit Gena Showalter's fan site


Fan Page
FaceBook
Twitter





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Darkest Secret (print) 
2 Winners - USA Only

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Blog Rules for entry:


1.) Must be a follower and be the age of 18 or older. (I do check)


2.) Leave a comment for the author along with your email address (For shipping purposes).


3.) This contest is open to U.S. residents only.


Contest is closes at 11:59 p.m. PST On the day of.


The winners will be selected using Random.org. Then they will be contacted via email and given 48 hours to claim their prizes. If we do not hear from the winner(s) within that time, a new winner will be selected.


Please review our privacy policy, if you have any questions as to how Were Vamps Romance uses your information.


Pretty simple.

16 comments:

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

I've got to admit, I've read and enjoyed so many of your books that they are an auto buy for me. I probably only have about a half dozen authors that I buy every new book that comes out, without checking any reviews or even reading the blurb on the back of the book.
GFC follower-Lisa Richards
(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

Denise K. Rago said...

Thank you for your interview. As a writer I can relate to the total focus on a story. I tend to not think about much else when I am writing which can be rough on my family and friends.

Tara said...

Thank you Gena for taking time out of you very busy schedule to share your insights with us. :)

confessortee@gmail.com
And yes, I am WAY over 18. LOL

Unknown said...

Gena, I loveeeeee your books. There are many authors who cannot successfully make the transition between adult books and young adult, but you did :]

Nora @ The Bookery
nyelekli [at] yahoo [dot] com

Victoria said...

Great interview.
Gena - You know who else would make a sexy yummy Amun? Shamar Moore. He is so good looking!
I am a follower.

vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com

Tishia Mackey said...

Thanks so much for sharing a bit about yourself! You kind of remind me of myself actually. I'm super shy and a recluse - I hardly go anywhere. Actually, I've been diagnosed with social anxiety. Online is the only place I can connect with people - it's the only place I don't feel too shy. Anyway, I'd love to be entered in the contest :)

paranormalopinion@hotmail.com

Teri said...

LOVE the books Gena! All of them! LOL Thank you so much for allowing us into your world, it's an amazing place!

holls said...

Thanks for offering this for us. I agree with the Amun choice. Hot!!

Hollybwright at comcast dot net

kalynnick said...

Love your writing Gena! I can't wait to read Paris's story!


kalynnick At yahoo DOT com

Jen B. said...

I am so excited to have another chance to win a copy of your book. I was finally able to find a copy to buy locally. If I win, I can share a copy with my niece!
jepebATverizonDOTnet

Jen B. said...

Sorry, forgot to say GFC follower.
jepebATverizonDOTnet

Unknown said...

Great interview! I agree that characters are everything. The book sounds great.
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com

RFTC Blog said...

What a great interview. I absolutely adore Gena's books. They are funny and the men are hawt. I love this series and can't wait for the rest of the books.

iqb99@yahoo.com

latishajean said...

What a great interview I can't wait to read this book thank you for the great giveaway! Im a GFC follower/latishajean
tishajean@ charter.net

Amy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
booklover0226 said...

I enjoyed the interview and I think Boris is yummy, too!

I'm a GFC follower.

Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com

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