Guest Blogging With Gabrielle Evans

While RC is taking care of things here, I'm over at Gabrielle Evan's blog, talking about crushes. The romantic kind. And having a contest - stop on by for a chance to win a copy of both Forbidden I and II!

Secret Blessings: Forbidden II comes out February 1st!

Sometimes it takes me a while to find and watch a series that everyone else has already seen. Like Xena. Not that I didn't know it existed, but I never paid attention to it til recently. I started watching it on Netflix, part of their instant watch thing, and I'm up to the second season. I must say I'm enjoying it more than I thought I would. When it first aired, I thought it looked silly, now I'm enjoying it for what it is. Is that age, am I mellowing or what? Whatever it is, I love to watch Xena fight, even though I know most of her moves are not possible, it's still great to see her kick the bad guys' asses the way she does. Also, Ares is rather easy on the eyes (even if Karl Urban looks odd to me as the pretty blond Cupid). Joxer is hilarious, a great comic foil. Lucky him to have a brother that likes to employ him, eh? Like Clint Howard? Not that I'm saying I don't like Ted Raimi, I do, just saying  he's lucky, and I wish Sam Raimi was my brother.

We started a new series last night, and by new I mean new to us as it originally aired in 1998. It's Canadian, and it's called DaVinci's Inquest. Nicholas Campbell plays detective Dominic DaVinci, whose ex is the coroner that is also dating his boss. The ex's name is Patricia and they definitely have a love/hate relationship, but they try to hold it together for the sake of their teenaged daughter. DaVinci has his own sense of humor and his own way of doing things. He's far from perfect and drinks to excess. In fact, he can be downright abrasive. I like him already. Donnelly Rhodes plays another detective, named Leo. You might remember him from the series Soap - he played escaped convict Dutch who ended up in love with both sisters - Corinne and Eunice.. Or you might even remember him from the soap opera The Young and The Restless as Philip Chancellor (yesk, father to the younger one, whom I believe is still on the show, assuming the show is still running, which I'm not sure of). DaVinci's Inquest ran for 7 seasons - I'm looking forward to seeing more of it.

I started to watch a movie called Gabriel the other night. I chose it for two reasons: one is Andy Whitfield, hot star of Spartacus, and the other is the theme - archangels and such, which I have a weakness for. I didn't make it through the first half hour before giving up. Andy is easy on the eyes but his portrayal of Gabriel was too angsty and too tormented without reason for me. The cinematographer must have gone to the 300 school, and as for the special effects/cgi guy - I won't even speculate where he went. Gabriel's eyes are a piercing blue, obviously not real. And Sammael (at least I assume that was Sammael, after half an hour no one'd said and I stopped caring) had weird eyes that were basically all white with tiny pinpricks of black pupils. The effect wasn't eerie or cool, it was just odd. He was just odd. His Rastafarian friend was a cliche. The dialogue in the whole thing was affected and horrible. And the plot - was there a plot? Hell if I know or care. I recommend passing on this one, despite the reviews on Amazon which praise it. There are people who like Resident Evil too - I think it was horrible. To each his own.

***********possible spoilers ahead************

I'm enjoying where Justified is going, though, and last night's episode was another good one. Boyd has thrown off whatever pretense he had to goodness. Now he's just going with what he is - which is his daddy's son. And he has Ava taking that trip with him. They are officially a couple. I'm glad, now she'll leave Raylan alone. I'm not sure where Raylan and Winona are going, but I loved the part with Gary last night when Raylan opened his eyes to what was going on and that he, Gary, was Duffy's target, not Raylan. That boy can be damn slow. I don't like him. William Ragsdale, who plays Gary Hawkins, Winona's second husband, once had his own show, Herman's Head. It was unusual in its pov and the characters that were actually only in Herman's Head. Maybe it was ahead of its time, but I liked it. I love the way that Raylan isn't perfect, and that the characters seem as real as people you'd meet on the street. Except I'd rather not meet most of them lol

Do you have series that you discovered long after the fact?  I'd love to hear about them!


♥ Julie

Sex on Legs, By the Light of the Moon

What begins as an interview with a hot shifter named Keeton becomes so much more...

Welcome, dear readers, at long last I’m off on another quest! Er, interview, I mean.  Where to, you ask? Well, my intrepid travelers, today I am in Southern Georgia, doesn’t that sound so divine?  Of course, with my usual luck, it’s snowed here for the first time in ten years!  If I’m not careful, someone will think I’ve brought it with me, and that maybe I’m cursed,  but that’s far from the truth.  At least I hope it is.

Today I am going to be talking to Keeton Taylor.  He’s a graphic artist, and is doing the character panels and the cover art for the graphic novel, Quest, which is being penned by well-known writer B. Isaacs.  As I pull up to the address I’ve been given—hooray for Mapquest—and hike up the long, long, long gravel drive, I take stock of the house, which seems very nice, glancing around me curiously.  Not that there are any other houses to see – we’re rather isolated here.  In fact this place could easily pass as a ski lodge.  Why did I have to think of the Overlook Hotel?   One good thing, at least I’m prepared to dress for the weather, which I think a lot of the natives aren’t.  I hug my long black coat around me, as I mount the stairs and ring the doorbell, wondering what this guy will be like, and hoping he has something hot to drink.  I’d kill for some hot tea right about now.

The door opens almost immediately, and I'm a little taken aback at the bouncing man on the other side. Looking over the gelled blond spikes, eyeliner, mascara, and red and silver fingernail polish, I smile and wait for him to speak.

"Hey interviewer, lady. What are you doing out in the cold?"

He offers his hand, and I shake it, yelping a little as he tugs me through the doorway. He closes the door behind us and nods his head toward the kitchen for me to follow.

"I'm taking a break. You hungry? Want something to drink? Can you believe all this snow? I don't like the snow much." His head tilts to the side as he enters the kitchen. "I don't really like nature at all." He waves a hand in dismissal. "I'm Keeton Taylor by the way. You can call me Keeton, or Kee, or Mr. Taylor, or Great Demon Slayer, doesn't much matter to me."

He motions toward one of the kitchen chairs. "Just throw your coat anywhere. We're not particular around here. My manservant will pick it up. So, how about that drink?" He grins widely, practically vibrating with energy.

“I’d love something hot,” I admit, gratitude filling my voice as I follow him into the kitchen.  Why have my eyes fallen to his ass?  I hastily raise them, removing my coat to give me something to do.  I set it on the back of a chair before I set myself into it.  “Is tea any problem?  Kee?” I hastily add.  “Oh, and do tell me about being the Great Demon Slayer, if you would?” I have my tape recorder out and on the table where he can readily see it—not like I’m trying to trick him or anything—watching his every movement. He’s about my height, I think, harder to tell since he’s barefoot and I’m not.  He isn’t my usual type, I have to admit, but that’s alright too, I’m not here to date him, after all.  And he is rather cute.  Why are all the cute ones gay, I think with regret. Makes a girl wish she were better equipped to play with the other team.

He taps his chin, his eyes narrowing in thought. "I think we have some teabags." He smiles apologetically. "Sorry, nothing fancy here, but we do have some honey and lemon. I'll boil some water." He moves gracefully around the kitchen, preparing the water, and pulling things down from the cabinet. "Well, I was really just joking about the Demon Slayer thing. Logan hooked up with this tramp a few months ago. Before we met," he adds quickly. "She turned out to be a soul-sucking demon, and I mean that literally." He waves his hand in dismissal. "Anyway, some bad stuff went down, and a lot of people got hurt. She's gone now and things are as back to normal as they can be."

He sets a hideous looking coffee mug on the table, filled with hot water, and slides a small saucer with teabags, lemon slices, and packets of honey beside it. "Jackson's having some issues with his family, but no one tells me anything around here." He huffs indignantly, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Because it's none of your business, angel." A very large, very muscled, very yummy man enters the kitchen and sidles up to Keeton, wrapping his arms around him tightly. He places a small kiss on the top of Keeton's head, then looks up and smiles. "Hi, I'm Logan. Don't pay any attention to my little mate here. He tends to be a bit... dramatic. It's nice to meet you...." He trails off, lifting an eyebrow in question.

“Julie,” I hastily reply, as I quickly throw the teabag into the water to steep, rising at the newcomer’s entrance, my eyes feasting upon him.  I hope that’s all they’re doing.  It’s so obvious to me that these two are together, and they look so cute that I envy them.  I don’t even know who Jackson is, or what he means to either one of them, but for some reason I trust this Logan’s judgment implicitly.

“Julie Hayes,” I actually manage to finish my entire name this time, as I realize he probably has no clue as to who I am or what I’m doing here.  “Kee was kind enough to allow me to come here to interview him,” I smile.  “You’re welcome to join us, lf course.”  As I speak, I stand.  It’s only polite, after all.  I do have some manners, even if I’m openly ogling this luscious godlike creature.

“So you once dated a demon?” I half-joke, I take it that’s nothing you plan on ever doing again? Especially not with that pretty boy you’re holding there in your arms?  I mean, if he has anything to say about it.  And I assume he does….”

I hope I’m not babbling as much as I think I am.  Still getting the hang of this interview thing, I’m afraid.  It’s easier to talk to someone over the internet then face to face.  Especially when they’re as cute as these two.

Logan chuckles, squeezing Keeton a little tighter. "Oh, I'm sure he'd have a lot to say about it. And, he'd say it pretty loudly, as well."

"You bet your sexy ass I would." Keeton wiggles out of his lover's embrace and slaps the part of his anatomy currently in question. "Go away. Me and Julie are busy, and you're cramping our style."

Logan looks like he's about to argue, but Keeton just leans up on his toes and kisses his lips. "We'll play later."  Apparently, this is good enough, because Logan smiles like a fool, gives a little wave, a mumbled, "Nice to meet you," and hurries out the back door.

 Keeton watches him leave, smiling indulgently. "He's an idiot, but I love him, ya know?" He shrugs innocently before coming over to take a seat at the table. "In his defense, he didn't actually know she was a demon until after they broke up." He stretches his arms over his head, his tight white T-shirt stretching over his lean muscles, before dropping his hands to the table. "So, what do you want to know?" He spreads his arms wide and winks. "I'm all yours."

“If only,” I can’t help but laugh, blushing even as I do so.  I remember that I’m actually making tea, and finish doing that, adding both honey and lemon, taking an appreciative sip of the hot brew.  “Tell me about your artwork,” I begin, as I settle comfortably in my chair, fastening my eyes on Keeton.  “How and when did you get started, and who would you say your major influences are?  Artwise, anyway?”  It’s obvious to me who influences his love life, in a big way.

"As far as influences, I'd have to say J. Scott Campbell. The guy is a freakin' genius. Have you ever seen any of his work?" He waves his hands around wildly. "Don't worry, I'll show you some later, if you want." Setting forward in his chair, his eyes seem to soften and he smiles wistfully. "I wish I had some great story to tell you about how I got started, but it's pretty simple. I always liked art, drawing and painting, just couldn't get enough of it. I even took a few classes down at the Community Center. Didn't think I'd ever do anything with it, though. Then Braxton comes up to me the day after high school graduation and says he wants to write. He starts spouting off all these ideas he's got for a great graphic novel, and will I do the illustrations?"

"Thank mercy he said yes." A soft voice floats into the kitchen just ahead of a small man, maybe even smaller than Keeton. His dark hair looks freshly washed, and his green eyes shine with amusement. "I can't draw a damn stick person to save my life."

Keeton laughs and gestures the man over. "This is the brains of the operation, Braxton Carmichael. His readers will know him as B. Isaacs." He snorts at this, and Braxton flips him off before turning and offering his hand. "Yeah, I'm Braxton. You must be Julie. It's nice to meet you."

Definitely on sensory overload now.  Three hot men in one day.  I feel as though I’ve won the lottery.  “I am,” I smile, almost purring.  “It’s very nice to meet you too.  I loved Crusader very much. It was an awesme series, I can’t wait to read Quest.”  I turn back to Keeton, answering his question.  “I confess to being ignorant of J. Scott Campbell.  I’d love to have you show me some if it, definitely.

My eyes dart back to the newcomer.  “If you’re the brains of the operation, what does that make Keeton? And how did you know you wanted him to illustrate your work?  Had you seen his artwork already?  Or was it some sort of a hunch?  Did you two ever date?”

I know, too many questions all at once, but I can’t seem to stem the flow of words, they’re bubbling forth, in my fascination with these two.  Inside my purse, I even have a copy of Crusader, I blush to admit, that I’m hoping to get signed.

Both men gape in shock before bursting out in laughter. "Eww!" Keeton wrinkles his nose. "Hey!" he then shouts as Braxton cuffs him in the back of the head. "Oh, tell me you weren't thinking the same thing!"

Braxton chuckles and shakes his head. "We've been best friends since forever. I can't even remember a time we weren't friends. My parents died in a house fire when I was fourteen, and Keeton's family took me in. He's like my brother, so you can see why we'd be a little grossed out about the thought of us fu-- uh, dating." He blushes a little, shaking his head again. "We shared a room, and every inch of wall on his side was covered in his art." He snickers at this. "So, yeah, I knew he was awesome. The best I've ever seen."

"Aww, you're making me blush now." Keeton bats his lashes and makes kissy faces at Braxton. "Go on and tell her what my role is in this little duo. I can't wait to hear this."

Braxton rolls his eyes and snorts. "I just write the words, Keeton adds the flavor that makes it all come to life. You could say he's the cheese to my macaroni. Without him, I'd just be another wet noodle."

"Wow." Keeton looks across the table with a huge grin. "He loves me. He really loves me."

"Though, I can't imagine why." The deep, slightly accented voice belongs to the biggest man yet. A few inches taller than Logan, broader in the shoulders, darkly tanned skin, and long black hair. "You're a pain in the ass," he says to Keeton. His chest is bare, as well as his feet, and he looks like he just woke up.

"This is Xander, Braxton's mate and the pack alpha," Keeton says as he waves a hand at the newcomer. His eyebrows draw together and he frowns a bit. "Sorry about all this. Everyone's off work today and this is probably the room with the most traffic. We can go somewhere else if you want. I'm sure the rest of the pack will find their way through here eventually."

"Oh, I didn't realize we had company." Xander nods and smiles. "We don't get a lot of visitors way out here. It's nice to meet you, but if you'll excuse me." He picks Braxton up and tosses him over his shoulder. "C'mon, chulo." He slaps Braxtons upturned rear end and they both laugh as they leave the room.

Why are all the hot ones gay, I sigh, trying not to stare too openly at the retreating men’s asses, but it’s hard not to, you know?  “Nice to meet you, Xander.  You too, Braxton,” I call after them, and I think I hear a muffled response, but their voices seem to be rising, so I surmise that they have a busy agenda, and don’t care to be interrupted.

I turn back to the subject of my interview, who wears a bemused expression. “It’s like being let loose in a candy store and then told you can’t  have any of the candy and not to touch it,” I can’t help but laugh.  “Tell me something, Kee, how many of you beautiful men are there living in this one lucky house?”

Keeton puffs his chest out and preens, smoothing down his shirt and making kissy lips. "Oh, you think I'm beautiful?" Then he snorts and a fairly unmanly giggle escapes his lips. "To answer your question, though, there are seven of us here. Me and Logan, Xander and Braxton." He ticks them off on his fingers. "Logan's twin Talon. The baby of the pack, Jackson, and then Boston. My cousin, Blaise stays here sometimes, but he's off on one of his adventures right now."

He wiggles his eyebrows and grins mischievously. "Boston's not seeing anyone, and he likes girly bits too." Propping his elbow on the table, he rests his chin on his fist. "So, other than interviewing slightly neurotic gay artists, what is that you do, Julie?"

“I write,” I confess, feeling my cheeks turn into flames.  He’s such a charmer.  I just bet he’s the favorite of the house, the one they all protect.  “I write in different genres, but primarily gay romances.  I guess that’s why I find you guys so fascinating.  You’re beautiful, built, and damn sexy, and watching you together is just… just… well, it’s damn amazing, if you don’t mind my saying so.”  I find myself leaning toward him; he draws me in, like a beautiful snake.

“Boston does, does he? Maybe I’ll have to meet him,” I can’t help but grin.  Maybe I can interview him next time?”  I know I’m getting ahead of myself, but I find myself hoping there will be another trip to Georgia in my future.

“Tell me something, Kee,” I boldly add, hoping he won’t find my question out of line, “have you ever considered marrying Logan?” Not all gay men want to be married, I know, and many just want the right to be married, whether they actually do it or not.  I’m just curious as to what depth their relationship has reached thus far.

He smiles sweetly, and his eyes mist a little. "Yeah, I've thought about it." Raising his left hand from his lap, he lays it flat on the table, showing off the beautiful silver band with tiny sapphire stones. "We're mated, and you can't get any more committed than that, but Logan says he wants everyone to know I belong to him. Not just the preternatural world." He continues to smile at the ring for a minute longer, before raising his eyes.

"So you write gay romance? That's really awesome! I don't read a lot, but Braxton has a huge library. He's going to pee himself when he finds out!" He cocks his head to the side. "I imagine Boston would be open to an interview. Technically, all the of the brothers are bisexual. I like to think Logan is Keeton-sexual now, though." He laughs at this before continuing. "They are rather gorgeous, huh? I walked around with a semi for months after I moved in. Can you blame me, though? Have you seen my man?"

He sighs happily, the sound very content. "You know, Julie, you have an amazing aura. It's all gold and green, with just a little pink around the edges. It's beautiful."

“No, I can’t blame you at all.  A girl would be so lucky to be able to live here with you all.  I’d think I’d died and gone to heaven!”  He’s so damn cute, it takes my breath away.  His comments on my aura floor me.  I never even realized I had one, but I imagine everyone does.  Right?  “I do?” I grin at him like an idiot.  “Thank you.”  Is that even appropriate, to claim credit for something I have no control over whatsoever?  At least I don’t think I do.  “What do the colors mean?” I have to ask.  “And why can’t I see  yours?”

He shrugs adorably. "Most people can't see them. I've been able to do it since I was a kid. Not even sure how I do it." He shrugs again. "Everyone has a different set of colors. Yours just mean you're happy, genuinely a good person, and...well.." He smiles impishly. "Let's just say you may need a cold shower later." He winks and laughs, rising from his chair and offering a hand. "Come on, I want to show you those J. Scott Campbell works up in my studio."

I take his hand, my tape recorder going into the other easily—that’s the advantage of having a palm sized anything—and I rise bonelessly from my seat.  Hell, I think I need a cold shower now, but I don’t mind.  This is one day I’ll certainly never forget.

Right now, I think I’d follow Keeton anywhere.  I’ll catch up with the rest of  you when I’m done here.

Where can  you find these lovely creatures? By the light of the moon, of course.  No, literally.

By the Light of the Moon [Moonlight Breed 2]

by Gabrielle Evans

Heat Rating: Sextreme          Novel Length (50,000+ words)

Siren Publishing – www.sirenbookstrand.com

Wildly flamboyant and proud of it, Keeton Taylor knows he’s a bit much for most men. Logan is everything he’s ever dreamed of in a partner, but learning they are destined mates throws him for a loop. Forever is a huge commitment.

Logan has spent years searching for his mate. He never imagined that fate would pick someone so perfect for him, though. His instant attraction to Keeton is more than just some shifter pheromone thing. It’s love at first sight.

His ex-girlfriend has other plans for the cursed shifter though. An Arsidian Demon in her mating heat, she is hell bent on having Logan as her own, and eradicating the competition…Keeton. Can Logan save his new mate before the full moon, or will he lose his angel forever?

Off to Ireland for a wee nip with Gabrielle Evans

Since there isn't anything I wouldn't do for my readers, I recently took a trip to the land of shamrocks and leprechauns and the Blarney Stone in order to meet with author Gabrielle Evans. Here is what she had to say.

Good thing Yaoi Radius has such a large travel budget, as today, I am in Ireland to interview writer Gabrielle Evans.  Nothing is too good for our readers!  I’m in a small fishing village by the name of Doolin, which is situated on the west coast of Ireland.  I make my way to the pub with the unpronounceable name—I won’t even try to say it, I’ll just butcher it. Approaching the bar, I ask the genial barkeep if  the lady in question has arrived.  He nods and points to a table in the far corner, asking me my pleasure. Unsure if she’s ordered, or what she might like, I tell him I’ll get back to him, and make my way through the natives to the object of my quest.

“Gabrielle?” I wish to ascertain, not make assumptions.  At her nod, I take my seat opposite her, holding out my hand.  “Hi, Brie, I remember now.  I’m not that senile.” I laugh.  “Julie, naturally.  Nice to meet you.  What a great place.”  I take stock of my surroundings, drinking in all the local flavor.  It’s Ireland, and it’s beautiful.  “Have you been here before, is that why you recommended it?”

After shaking hands, she settles back in her seat with a smile. "Glad you found it okay. It's good to meet you as well." She laughs as she glances around the pub. "I've been in a few times since I arrived. It's a friendly place." She waves a hand toward the bartender. "That's Grady, and you won't meet a nicer guy. Everyone has been very welcoming. I'm on a bit of a research mission for my next novel, and so far everyone has been a load of help." Refocusing her attention, she nods down at the empty tabletop. "Would you like a drink? Grady builds a mean Guinness."

“Builds?” I ask, showing my ignorance. It’s been a long time since I worked in a place that serves drinks, and they didn’t have Guinness around back then.  “I didn’t know it was built.  I mean, I thought it was a ready made sort of thing.  I’ve never tried it.  If you recommend it, I think I’d like to.”  I smile at the author, relaxing in her company.  This is such a neat place.  Memo to self: take lots of pictures.

“The nice thing about doing research is that you can deduct it from your taxes.  What’s your next novel about? Is it another on in your series, or something different?” 

Holding up a finger to stall the conversation, she calls to the bartender for two Guinness. "True, you can get it in a can or a bottle, but that's almost sacrilege. You don't just draw it from the tap either. It's a process." She waves her hand around and smiles. "You'll see. Now, what were we talking about? Oh yeah, my next novel. Well, it's the fifth book in the Moonlight Breed series, titled Forgotten Sins. My newest hero is an Irish Thoroughbred shifter from a fishing village a lot like Doolin. Although, I'm getting  some great material, and I think I might just have a new series forming." She taps her temple and winks. 

I can’t help but smile at such enthusiasm. Being a writer is the best job in the world, I know. Having whole populations living in your head may be disconcerting to some, but to us it makes perfect sense.  “Ooh, that is awesome,” I commend her.  “I can’t wait to hear all about it. Forgotten Sins.  I like that title.  Whose sins have been or should be forgotten? And tell me more about your Irishman? Is there someone you drew on for inspiration, maybe? Someone whose face you see when you think of him?”

She laughs again and wags a finger. "Now, Julie, you know I can't tell you whose sins they are. It would ruin the ending. Plus, book two only just released, and it would give secrets away in books three and four. However, I will tell you that it is Boston's book. I originally thought his book would be the fourth, but things didn't really work out that way." She frowns a little before shaking her head and smiling brightly again. "Flynn is a great character, and I'm having so much fun with him. I suppose he reminds me a bit of Colin Farrell, and isn't that just yummy?" She sighs wistfully. "Ah, and here's Grady."

Tall and lean with gorgeous blue eyes, the bartender sets two large glasses of some dark and frothy liquid on the table. "Will ya be needin' anything else, then?" He winks, smiling cheerily. Brie actually blushes a little.

"We're good. Thanks, Grady." He nods his head and saunters back toward the bar. "Isn't he beautiful?" She pulls her drink to her, wrapping her hand around the base, and brings it to her lips.

“That he is,” I can’t help but agree, “and he has the loveliest accent.” I feel myself falling into that accent, my words coming out with a bit of Irish, though unintentionally. Must be the pull of just being in this amazing country.

“Alright,” I pretend to pout, “but maybe you can tell me after the interview.”  I laugh hopefully. “Honestly?  I think Flynn is yummier than Colin Farrell, but that’s just me.” The Guinness is here now. Time to see what all the fuss is about.

I lift the tulip shaped glass. The dark liquid inside has a pretty frothy top. I take a tentative sip, and then a longer one.  It has a dark taste, if that makes any sense. “Mmmm, this is delicious,” I admit, “thanks for the recommendation.  “Now Flynn.  If he were filling out a character resume, what would you say were his best traits?  And his worst?”

"Really, I think his best and worst traits are one and the same. Flynn is logical, level-headed, and he doesn't often let his emotions lead the way. It's a good thing when he's trying to outrun the bad guys, but it also has a decidedly negative impact on his relationship with Boston." She chuckles at this. "I haven't really paired two alpha-minded males before, and it is making for some interesting twits and turns." Then she smiles devilishly and winks. "And just wait until you meet Flynn's brother, Declan."  

“I love those names. Flynn and Declan. They’re beautiful.  I like Boston’s too. How do you come up with your names? Do you have people who inspire you, or do you use a site, like looking up baby names? In this case Irish baby names?” I take another sip of the brew. I find it tastes better than beer, which I’m not a huge fan of. I can see why it’s so popular. “And their characters too? Do you fill out any sort of character sheets for them, or keep a timeline or an outline or anything?” I find it fascinating to learn how different authors ply their craft.

Her eyes round in surprise. "You can do that? Make an outline?" She laughs and takes another drink before continuing. "I tried doing the outline at first, but my characters always had different ideas than I did, so I just gave up on them. I know how the story begins and how it ends. Everything in the middle is as much a surprise to me as it is to the readers." She waves her hands around as she speaks. It's obvious she doesn't even realize how animated she is with her gestures. "I use sticky notes on my desktop to kind of keep an outline of how much time has past, what month it is, what season, that sort of thing. My characters mostly come to me pre-packaged so to speak, so it's like meeting a real person. I don't have to fill out a description for them, it's all there in my head before I even start writing."

Tapping her forehead, she crinkles her nose a bit. "Usually, the names come with the characters. It's really like having a living person reside inside your head, introducing themselves and yammering on non-stop. When I do have to choose a name, it's because I need it to mean a certain thing, or come from a specific origin. With those, I'll do a Google search for what I need." She shrugs and leans back in her seat again. "Other than that, it's just a lot of hot men, yelling inside my head, trying to be heard over each other."

“Wow, lucky head.” I can’t help but smiling. “I don’t outline, myself, but I find if I don’t make a timeline as I go, I won’t remember what day it is in what book, I have so many going on. And I’m drowning in sticky notes, not to mention they can disappear.  My planner is invaluable, I’ve found, at helping me focus on my blog and having guests and such, like you. Do they sell food here?” I ask hopefully. My stomach is growling and it’s not being very discreet about it.

“Do you work on more than one book at a time? What would you say is your average time for writing a book? What is the average length of your books? Do you aim for any particular length, or do you just write until you think the story is complete? Do you like to leave a cliffhanger of any sort to segue into the next novel?”

I take a breath, hoping I haven’t inundated her with too many questions all at one time.

She stares at me blankly for a moment, then shakes her head as if to clear it. "Uh, well you can get a burger or sandwich and some fries, though they call them chips here. I'd recommend the fish sandwich."

She plucks a thin sheet of paper from between the salt and pepper shakers and slides the menu across the table. "I'm working on four different books right now, doing pre-submission edits on another, and that's not even counting when I receive line edits in my inbox. I just work on one until I run out of ideas, or a character from another book has something inspiring to say. The time varies, but I guess on average, it takes me about three weeks to complete a manuscript." She shrugs. "It just depends on how long it is, and what else I have going on at the time."

Pausing to take a long drink, she tilts her head to the side as her brows draw together in concentration. "On average my books run around forty to forty-five thousand words. Some longer, some shorter. I have a little gadget that measures my word count progress, and I usually set the goal as forty-five or fifty thousand words. It's just a reference point though. If I feel the story is complete at thirty-five thousand words, I don't worry about the goal. I haven't purposely left a cliffhanger yet, but that can always change. Normally, I like scatter little hints throughout the book to give readers an idea of what's coming next in a series." She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "So, did you decide what you want to eat?"

I almost say reply Grady but decide to behave. “Burger and chips sounds great, I’m not big on fish sandwiches.” I drain my Guiness, lick off the slight moustache that I just realize is there from the foam. I must look like a real doofus, I think.

“Sounds like you’re keeping busy,” I smile. “Is this your full time vocation, then? Or do you work another job to support your writing habit? I know how hard it is for writers to earn a living at their profession, most are forced to seek outside gainful employment, unless they’re lucky enough to have someone else support them.”

Holding up a finger, she hurries across the pub to the bar, presumably to place the orders, then right back to slide into her seat. "Yeah, I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. I have an amazing husband who works hard to provide for us so I can stay home with the kiddos. I was a stay at home mom long before I started writing." She shrugs. "It's what works for us. It's not all bonbons and soap operas, though. Between chores, errands, school, sports, and my writing, there are some days where I feel like I barely have time to breathe. Trying to keep up with so much can be stressful, but I'm sure you know that." She nods slightly. "I'm my own worst critic for sure. I get so nervous just before I new release that I can't sleep and just become this neurotic mess. Do you get nervous before a release? Or is that just a newb thing?"

“I know what you mean. I’m a stay at home unemployed person right now, and I don’t watch soaps or eat bonbons.” I laugh at the idea. I don’t think many people do any more, which is why they’re basically dying off; they’re dinosaurs whose time has come. “Do I get that nervous before new releases?  I don’t think so, to be honest. Maybe I’m getting jaded?  Or maybe just used to it?  I’m not sure.  I don’t remember ever losing sleep over it, though. I do worry about being accepted.  And liked. But I try not to think about it, or about reviews. Reviews are just opinions, after all.  One person’s.  Not the end of the world.  I mean, everyone wants to be liked, sure, but it isn’t really realistic to expect it.”

“If you were to be stranded on a desert isle with the person of your choice—real or fictional, living or dead—who would it be? And let’s make this an alternate universe where you’re free to make this choice, and not married?” I have to throw that in, otherwise married women tend to take their hubbies, of course.

"Hmm, I guess it's just a newb thing, then. I'm hoping it gets easier with each new release. I think it's more of a personal trait, actually. I tend to over analyze and worry everything to death, not just my books."

Propping her elbows on the table, she leans forward. "A desert island with anyone of my choosing? I think I'd have to choose Archias, the hero of Race the Sun, my upcoming release with Silver Publishing. Not only is he big and yummy at over seven feet tall, with rippling muscles and silver blond hair, but he's also an ancient Macedonian warrior. Other than entertaining conversation and being fantastic to look at, he'd be able to protect me and hunt for food. I'm not really the damsel in distress type," she shrugs nonchalantly and winks, "but if a big, sexy man wants to take care of me, who am I to argue?" 

“Don’t worry,” I attempt to sound reassuring, hope I don’t come off as condescending, “you’ll relax as you get more and more of those under your belt.”

“Archias sounds delicious. Does this mean he’s a heterosexual hero, or are you changing his orientation for the sake of having your way with him on this imaginary isle?” I can’t help but grin.  “He reminds me of another Macedonian beauty by the name of Julian. Are you familiar with Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon?” I make a mental note to put Race the Sun on my need to purchase list. I find myself twisting the hair that falls over one shoulder around my fingers, picturing this massive hunk of man.

"Well, of course I want to have my wicked way with him!" She looks aghast as if any other answer is ludicrous. Then she grins and settles back in her chair. "If we need a label, I guess Archias is bisexual. He was cursed and placed in a magical bottle to be something like a genie, granting wishes and all that. He preferred women, but had been with men. Now, he just prefers Jade, his hunky little pool shark."

A perky waitress with a blonde ponytail sashays up to the table, setting down two plates, heaping with food. She nods, smiling brightly, and hustles off to another table.

Picking up the ketchup bottle, Brie nods and smiles. "I love Sherrilyn Kenyon, and Fantasy Lover is one of my favorite in the series. Archias isn't much like Julian, though. Similar profession, somewhat similar circumstances of being bound to objects." She shakes some ketchup onto her plate and replaces the bottle in the center of the table. "That's really it, though. Archias was a Myrmidon, trained and commanded by Achilles. He wasn't always so big. It was part of his punishment, as well as being entombed inside a bottle. I'd maim someone to have his deep teal eyes though." She sighs, smiling dreamily. "Do you have any of those characters you just wish were real?" 

“Yeah, I think I do,” I have admit, reaching for the mayo, I take some for my burger and for my chips.  Hey, it’s an acquired taste. Never seen Pulp Fiction? “But for different reasons, I think. Max and Richard would be like my bff’s, and Derek Deville would be a fun friend to have, he’s so flamboyant. Avery is smokin’ hot, and he  really makes my blood boil one minute and then he’s all tender the next.  They’re all real to me, of course, inside, but yeah, it would be sweet to have them walking and talking and living with me, to watch them come to life. That’s what movies are for, right? What about you, do you have some of your characters that you wish were oh so real?” I take a chip and dip it into the mayo, taking a bite.  Delicious!

Well, Archias, obviously." She takes a bite of her burger and chews slowly before swallowing. "I think Keeton from The Moonlight Breed series as well. He's crazy and funny, but he's also sweet and has the biggest heart. He'd be a great friend. Quinn Harper from my Salem Night series. She's a firecracker and doesn't take guff from anyone." She bites her bottom lip and looks upward as though considering. "Oh, and Jalen! He's a warrior fae, though the biggest sweetheart, and just so beautiful to look at."

Taking another bite, she nods knowingly. "All my characters are very real to me, too. It's hard to say goodbye sometimes, which is why my books usually spin into a series. I don't always plan more than one book, but I get attached, and it just ends up that way, you know?"

“Absolutely,” I swallow before I reply, trying not to mumble in the process.”I admit that I’m rather unsure of my female characters. I never know if they’re good or not.  When I was role playing in rp games online, I didn’t play many women, mostly men, and I think my writing reflects that.  I think I have a good ear for creating the male voice, but I find women harder to sustain as main characters.  Do you have any problem writing for either sex?  I can tell that men come naturally to you, but what about women?”

She nods in apparent understanding. "It is harder for me to write women, which seems strange since I happen to be a girl." Laughing, she waves a hand around in dismissal. "I have one m/m/f menage and another het story coming this spring, and they were both much harder to write than my m/m stories. I've never been a girlie-girl. I always had more guy friends than girl friends. I didn't play with Barbie dolls, and I still rarely wear makeup. I did the sports thing, or I was out jumping fences, climbing trees, and playing in the dirt. My female leads tend to be tough and independent. They love their heroes, but they're not going to bow down and let the men run the show. My girls aren't supermodel thin or movie star pretty. They're average women with a lot of heart." She shrugs. "Well, at least I'd like to think so. My one weakness is cute shoes, so that's probably the most girlie thing you'll see from my female characters."

“I can relate.” I nod sympathetically. “As a girl, I used to pride myself on being able to beat up the guys in the neighborhood. Not that we had all out brawls or anything, but I never hesitated to hit them. I did play with dolls, though, with my sister, but I also liked to play games with balls.  And no, that wasn’t meant to be a double entendre.”  I almost snort, as I realize what I just said. “My heroine, Samantha, wants to be dominated, though. Not in a dom/sub sort of way, but she wants a strong man in her life, and she finds that in Eric, my vamp. And a whole lot more. I honestly believed I was a gay man in another life. Do  you believe in past lives?”

She actually does snort. "I know what you mean. My best friend is gay, and he's asked me more than once if I'm sure I'm not a gay man." She continues to smile, but her brow wrinkles. "I won't say I don't believe in it, just that I've never given much thought to past lives or reincarnation. If I did have a past life, I think I may have been a man, but not a gay man. I find women just as attractive, only in different ways. With men, I like to feel protected. With women, it's the opposite, and I feel like the protector. Either way, I like to be in control and make the decisions. It's a delicate line to navigate. I think my husband was made just for me, though." She chuckles softly. "He takes care of me when I want him to, and backs off when I need space. I'm a lucky girl." 

“You’re a very lucky girl, I hope that I can get lucky that way some day.  Does he have a brother?” I laugh before I finish off my very satisfying meal, pushing back my plate.  “Goodness, that was delicious. How about another round of Guinness, on me? Unless you have another drink you’d like to introduce me to? And then maybe show me around this town a bit, if you don’t mind?”

"Actually, there's another little place down by the water that I'd like to show you. We can get a drink there." Standing, she waves to Grady and motions towards the door. "I have a tab here, so I'll just pay for this later."

I follow Brie, waving to Grady in turn, giving him one last lingering look as we head out the door and off to our destination. My recorder is put away. It’s time to have some fun.  Talk to you later, dear readers!




Now, here's a look at Brie's book, By the Light of the Moon, and a bit of a pic to go with it.

By the Light of the Moon [Moonlight Breed 2]

by Gabrielle Evans

Heat Rating: Sextreme          Novel Length (50,000+ words)

Siren Publishing – www.sirenbookstrand.com

Wildly flamboyant and proud of it, Keeton Taylor knows he’s a bit much for most men. Logan is everything he’s ever dreamed of in a partner, but learning they are destined mates throws him for a loop. Forever is a huge commitment.

Logan has spent years searching for his mate. He never imagined that fate would pick someone so perfect for him, though. His instant attraction to Keeton is more than just some shifter pheromone thing. It’s love at first sight.

His ex-girlfriend has other plans for the cursed shifter though. An Arsidian Demon in her mating heat, she is hell bent on having Logan as her own, and eradicating the competition…Keeton. Can Logan save his new mate before the full moon, or will he lose his angel forever?