Author Spotlight
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Showing posts with label Kings of Cardenas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kings of Cardenas. Show all posts
Friday, August 17, 2012
Author Spotlight: Elise Marion (Interview/Giveaway)
Please give a warm welcome to our August Author Spotlight, Elise Marion. We are so happy to have her here today on Book Lovin' Mamas. We got a chance to interview her. If you don't know who Elise Marion is...you are about to find out. =)
1. Tell us 5 things about yourself that readers do not know.
1. I am almost 6 feet tall. In fact, my height served me well during my last year of high school and first few years of college when I moonlighted as a runway model and pageant queen.
2. I am a shopaholic and have a very serious shoe fetish.
3. I am ADDICTED to Grey's Anatomy. Seriously! Seriously. I don't miss an episode!
4. I am a habitual nail-biter.
5. I love dogs but secretly think that cats originate from Hell.
2. Tell us a little bit about your newest book, The Lady Knights of Barony.
Of all of my books, I think that I am most excited about the release of The Lady Knights of Barony. This book is a spinoff of book 2 in the Kings of Cardenas Series, and honestly was not something I had planned. After the release of The Second Son, I got a lot of feedback from readers through reviews and personally written emails and Facebook posts that raved over the impact that the lady knight characters had on them. While I had done a bit of research while writing to create realistic characters, I never imagined that I would have to immerse myself as much as I did in preparation for this book. This is why the book is dedicated to my readers. The fans of the series asked for it and I delivered, and I have to say I am proud of the result. I think readers will be happy with it, and hopefully what I've written will live up to the high expectations I set in the second book.
3. What was the hardest scene or scenes to write in your newest book?
There was no particular scene, but one thing that I did try to work very hard on, was creating warrior women that were both tough and vulnerable. Blending the feminine and nurturing nature of a woman in with a hardened and seasoned warrior took a lot of work. I had to really put myself in their shoes and think 'what would she do?', instead of 'what would I do?'.
4. What kind of research did you do for this book?
Because two of the lady knights are based on real warriors featured in the world's history, I did a lot of reading on both the Amazons of the ancient kingdom of Dahomey, Africa and the onna bugeisha (female equivalent to the samurai) of Edo, Japan (now Tokyo). It was all so fascinating, learning about the ideals and morals of the cultures, especially considering the attitudes that our society now has toward women serving in combat in the armed forces. In Dahomey, the African Amazons were esteemed even higher than the men, and were noted to be some of the fiercest fighters in history. I read books and articles about both cultures including their customs, diets, and styles of dress. I also did a lot of reading up on Martinique, an island in the West Indies that was colonized by the French in the 1400s. The blend of cultures there is amazing and includes French, African, Indian, and Asian heritage that just boggles that mind. The Lady Knights find themselves on this island--I won't tell you why :)--and it makes for a very rich and different flavor that the first books.
5. What's a typical working day like for you?
Talk about hectic! I am a stay-at-home mom of two children (both who are under the age of 5) and the wife of a hard-working military man. There are also two dogs in the mix. My day consists of balancing my household work with my writing work. I get up, cook breakfast for my kids, get everyone dressed, feed the dogs, run a few loads of laundry while writing or editing, do lunch and put the kids down for a nap, do more writing and editing or take some time to promote my books using social media and other sites, get the kids up from their naps and make snacks, fit cleaning in wherever I can, maybe read a little if I have time, make dinner, get the kids ready for bed, spend time with my husband, and then if I'm not too tired, stay up late into the night writing after everyone's gone to bed. The staying up late part is something I only do when I'm under the gun to finish a book on time....hey, a girl's got to sleep, right?
6. Do you have to listen to music, etc…to write?
I actually prefer it quiet when I write, which makes it hard when kids kids and husband are awake. If there is music, it has to be instrumental, or the lyrics will bother my thought process. I do like to have a drink on hand--preferably coffee or Coke and a chocolate bar doesn't hurt either! :)
7. Do you have any favorite authors or favorite books?
My favorite book of all time is The Color Purple by Alice Walker.
My favorite romance writers are Julia Quinn and Johanna Lindsay.
This year, though, was all about the Hunger Games for me! I adored the books and have found a new love of all things Young Adult!
8. Who designs your books covers? (I know who does…but some of our readers are dying to know… =) )
I actually got very lucky on the cover design front. My father is a graphic artist and he is awesome! He designs all of my covers after I've provided him with the appropriate images. All I have to do is send pictures and tell him what the book is about and he does his thing. It's amazing how well he knows me and the covers turn out the way I envisioned them every time!
9. What kind of advice would you give an inspiring writer?
Don't. Give. Up. If I had given up when the big publishing houses rejected my work, I would still be wallowing in self-pity and wondering why none of them believed in me. You don't need anyone to believe in you when you believe in yourself! I would encourage anyone thinking that they want to go the independent route of self-publishing to be prepared to WORK! When you are your own boss, you have to make yourself sit down and do it. Write, edit, promote, do it all over again the next day. With the way the publishing business is changing, a good writer has the potential to become a successful author, but only if they're willing to put in the work.
10. What are you currently working on?
I am looking ahead to finish the Kings of Cardenas Series, as well as my Paranormal Series, Angels Among Us. There is only one book left in the Paranormal Series, unless some other secondary characters makes themselves known. As for Kings of Cardenas, well, here's a sneak peek at what I've got in store:
Book 3: Gypsy Rose (follows the story of Tatiana introduced in books 1 and 2)
Book 3.5: The Mistress (ever wonder what happened to Damien's spurned mistress from book 1? this short novella shows Davina in a new light!)
Book 4: The Gypsy (follows the story of Desmond, introduced in books 1 and 2)
Fun Questions:
11. If you could travel to any place in the world for a day where would you go and why? Probably Italy so that I can shop for fabulous shoes and indulge in authentic Italian food!
12. If you could meet one famous person and have dinner with them, who would it be and why? (alive or dead) Hmmm, that's a tough one! Probably Cate Blanchett because she is one of my favorite actresses of all time! I loved her in Elizabeth and Lord of the Rings. In fact, I would want her to come dressed as the elf queen Galadria and talk to me in that haunting voice the whole time! Yes...it's weird, but this is my fantasy, isn't it?
I first picked up a pen with with dreams of writing at the age of 12. I’ve been writing ever since and have found a love of romantic stories both sweet and sensual.
I am a woman with two jobs. My first job consists of taking care of home and family, which includes a busy Army husband, two rambunctious kids, and two very active dogs. When I’m not doing that I’m stretching the imagination with stories of people from all walks of life (and worlds) falling in love.
I love coffee, chocolate, music (listening and singing), shoes, jewelry, and food! I am always in the kitchen whipping up something new or watching the pros do it on TV.
Website | Facebook | Twitter
Website | Facebook | Twitter
Now here's your chance to enter the giveaway of
the first two books of the Kings of Cardenas Series.
Just fill out the Rafflecopter below.
Good Luck to everyone!
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Author & Series Spotlight: August 2012
Summer is almost ending....but we wanted to make sure we go out with a BANG!
Our August Author and Series Spotlight is actually going to be one of our FAVE Indie Authors,
Elise Marion and her series, Kings of Cardenas.
Ever since I (FranJessca) read her first book last year, "The Third Son", I've adored Elise Marion and her writing style. The woman can write amazing historical romances, paranormal romances, contemporary romances, and erotic books.
If you've never heard of her and her books...don't worry this month you will get to know her. =)
We're actually participating in her Release Party for Book 2.5 of the Kings of Cardenas today, so look for a post on that as well as the Scavenger Hunt that will be included with it.
Look for another post this month on getting to know Elise Marion a little more and a SURPRISE Giveaway. =)
Author Bio
(Taken from Goodread's Author Site)
Rake. Rogue. Scoundrel.
Each of these words has been used to describe Damien Largess, youngest
prince of Cardenas, most frequently by his ridiculously somber eldest
brother. Damien is perfectly content to spend his days drinking at the
card tables, and his nights in the bed of his scheming mistress,
especially since doing these things seems to vex his high-handed brother
to no end. But when he steps into a glittering ballroom on the night of
his twenty-fifth birthday, the roguish young prince's life will be
forever changed.
Beautiful. Graceful. Sensual. When Esmeralda steps into the center of the King's ballroom to perform for his youngest son's birthday, every eye in the room is glued to the tall, lithe Gypsy dancer. One pair of eyes seems to burn straight through her, and though she has worked endlessly to shield her heart, she finds her defenses slowly slipping away in the presence of the handsome prince. She cannot resist his devastating charm, nor is she immune to the earth shattering desire in his kiss. As she falls rapidly under his spell, Esmeralda dares to hope for a future she would never have thought possible.
With a deadly plot against the royal family surrounding him in danger and intrigue, Damien will face a decision he never thought he would have to make. Would he step up to claim a responsibility that should never have fallen to the third son? Or will he abandon it to risk all for love?
Beautiful. Graceful. Sensual. When Esmeralda steps into the center of the King's ballroom to perform for his youngest son's birthday, every eye in the room is glued to the tall, lithe Gypsy dancer. One pair of eyes seems to burn straight through her, and though she has worked endlessly to shield her heart, she finds her defenses slowly slipping away in the presence of the handsome prince. She cannot resist his devastating charm, nor is she immune to the earth shattering desire in his kiss. As she falls rapidly under his spell, Esmeralda dares to hope for a future she would never have thought possible.
With a deadly plot against the royal family surrounding him in danger and intrigue, Damien will face a decision he never thought he would have to make. Would he step up to claim a responsibility that should never have fallen to the third son? Or will he abandon it to risk all for love?
The Second Son
(Kings of Cardenas #2)
Publishing Date: 12/31/11
Set in a world of kings and queens, palaces and royal courts, warriors
and battlefields, book two of Elise Marion’s ‘Kings of Cardenas’ family
saga continues with a story of love, passion, and destiny.
Princess Isabelle has spent her entire life bending to the will of those who have planned her life out for her. Sent into hiding when she was just an infant to protect her from the rebellion in her own homeland, Barony, she was betrothed to Prince Lionus from the neighboring province Cardenas when she was just an infant. Despite the forced engagement, Isabelle has loved Lionus all of her life. When a devious plot against the royal family results in her husband’s death, Isabelle is left with a broken heart and an uncertain future. Only one year after his brutal murder, she has no choice but to choose a new husband and return to her homeland to take her place as queen and repair the war-torn land.
Prince Serge has secretly loved Princess Isabelle his entire life. The fact that she was promised to his brother has brought him no end of pain and suffering. The second born son of the king, he has resigned himself to a life of living in his brother’s shadow. After a deadly plot against the royal family leaves Serge hovering on the edge of death, he awakens from a coma one year later to find that his older brother has died and his youngest brother has taken the throne in his stead. His future is now uncertain, but Serge is determined to find his own way in the world now that he has been given the gift of new life. When it is suggested that Princess Isabelle take him as her husband, Serge begins to hope that all of his most secret dreams will now come true.
Despite unexpected spark of desire between them, Isabelle resists the new path her heart is taking as she clings desperately to Lionus’ memory. Can Isabelle let go of her past and learn to love Serge in return, or is she destined to a life tied to one man as she mourns the other?
Once united as king and queen, Isabelle and Serge face the monumental task of rebuilding her broken homeland and rescuing it from the clutches of those seeking to destroy it. Can the pampered princess find the strength to stand beside her husband and fight for her people? Will the second son of a king finally get the chance to prove his worth? Can either of them learn to let go of the ghosts of the past and find love?
Princess Isabelle has spent her entire life bending to the will of those who have planned her life out for her. Sent into hiding when she was just an infant to protect her from the rebellion in her own homeland, Barony, she was betrothed to Prince Lionus from the neighboring province Cardenas when she was just an infant. Despite the forced engagement, Isabelle has loved Lionus all of her life. When a devious plot against the royal family results in her husband’s death, Isabelle is left with a broken heart and an uncertain future. Only one year after his brutal murder, she has no choice but to choose a new husband and return to her homeland to take her place as queen and repair the war-torn land.
Prince Serge has secretly loved Princess Isabelle his entire life. The fact that she was promised to his brother has brought him no end of pain and suffering. The second born son of the king, he has resigned himself to a life of living in his brother’s shadow. After a deadly plot against the royal family leaves Serge hovering on the edge of death, he awakens from a coma one year later to find that his older brother has died and his youngest brother has taken the throne in his stead. His future is now uncertain, but Serge is determined to find his own way in the world now that he has been given the gift of new life. When it is suggested that Princess Isabelle take him as her husband, Serge begins to hope that all of his most secret dreams will now come true.
Despite unexpected spark of desire between them, Isabelle resists the new path her heart is taking as she clings desperately to Lionus’ memory. Can Isabelle let go of her past and learn to love Serge in return, or is she destined to a life tied to one man as she mourns the other?
Once united as king and queen, Isabelle and Serge face the monumental task of rebuilding her broken homeland and rescuing it from the clutches of those seeking to destroy it. Can the pampered princess find the strength to stand beside her husband and fight for her people? Will the second son of a king finally get the chance to prove his worth? Can either of them learn to let go of the ghosts of the past and find love?
The Lady Knights of Barony
(Kings of Cardenas #2.5)
Publishing Date: 8/1/12
Coming Soon: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
With
the war in Barony at an end, peace reigns and rebuilding efforts continue
beneath the steady vigilance of King Serge and Queen Isabelle. The lady knights
have returned home, unchanged by new titles and lands. Choosing to remain
together, Ladies Longley, Akua, Kiyoma, and Tibbs remain guardians of Barony.
But with a rash of kidnappings spreading across the province, the lady knights
will find themselves torn apart by the machinations of a mad man. Their courage
will be tried. Their hearts will be put to the test.
The Lady Knights of Barony
Book One: The Hellion
Ava
Longley, captain of the lady knights, never expected to become the target of an
obsessed murderous madman. When a kidnapper is sent to abduct her, Ava
sees it as the perfect opportunity to bring the mastermind to justice. But when
her captor turns out to be the only man to ever stoke the embers of desire
within her, Lady Longley is torn between duty and following her heart.
To
Julian Vincent, Lady Longley is no more than the means to an end. His
unsavory profession has earned him wealth denied him by his father, and
turning the lady warrior over to the man infatuated with her for a hefty
price will bring him one step closer to the honest and quiet life he craves.
However, when sparks fly between them, Julian is faced with an impossible
decision.
After
being sold into slavery by her king and washing up onto the shore of Cardenas,
the friendless African Amazon, Mudiwa Akua, was taken in by Barony’s
female soldier’s regiment. Earning the title of Lady Knight, she found a place
to belong and undeniable friendship in a band of women. When her tranquil
existence is disturbed and she finds herself on a ship bound for the exotic
island of Martinique, Mudiwa faces certain death and possible enslavement for
the second time in her life, dredging up ghosts of a past she had long
thought forgotten.
When
planter Isaac Prideux comes upon a mysterious African woman, beaten and
half-dead, he takes it upon himself to care for her. He never imagined doing so
would shake up his monotonous life so completely. When faced with choosing
between his father’s legacy and the love of a woman never meant to be a part of
his life, Isaac will have no choice but to face turning his back on everything
he’s ever known for the only woman he’s ever loved.
The Lady Knights of Barony
Book Three: The Accidental Groom
After
the highly honored title of onna bugeisha—the feminine equivalent of a samurai—begins to lose its power in
Japan, Hanako Kiyomi sees no choice but to flee. The headstrong girl
cannot accept a life where the women of her country are reduced to
becoming property of men simply for child-bearing. Abandoning her husband on
their wedding night, Hanako escapes Japan and finds a home in Barony with
the lady knights. With her independence and fierce fighting skills
praised, the warrior girl feels she finally belongs. But when her
deserted husband comes searching for her, Hanako escapes him the only way
she knows how: marriage in name only to a stranger.
Lord
Garrick Overton has always admired the cool, stoic Hanako from afar. Her exotic
beauty and famed bravery have always intrigued him, so when she stumbles upon
him in the garden of the royal palace during a ball, he does not fight her when
she begs him to kiss her. What follows, though, is a proposal that leaves
Garrick reeling. Marriage to the woman he’s desired for years seems like a good
idea; until she proposes the marriage be in name only. As he sets out to win
her heart, he faces not only a tough task but a begrudged man that will stop at
nothing to win back what he has lost.
Look for another post this month on getting to know Elise Marion a little more and a SURPRISE Giveaway. =)
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