22 October 2012

Hello to Catriana Summers!

Happy Monday! Today, I've got Catriana Summers on the blog, with an interview and discussing her new release, Bound By Blood. Enjoy!


Welcome aboard! Tell us a little about yourself, please.

I'm initially from the east coast, the North Carolina area, and now I reside in Washington. I've always been interested in writing, my overactive imagination had to have some outlet, and goodness knows it wasn't going to be through art! I'm currently happily married with two wonderful dogs. I'm a fantasy/romance author, but I love reading Sci-fi/Fantasy, high fantasy, romance, and I've recently delved more heavily into steampunk.

What about your latest release?

Bound by Blood is the second book in The Arcanus Series. It takes place almost two hundred years after the events of the first book (Destined) and feature two new protagonists, Rioran and Liari. The second novel takes the reader into the world of the vampires instead of the elves, and we get to learn a bit about how they operate. In addition, we now get a deeper understanding of how powerful Olde Magick(mentioned briefly in Destined) really is and how it affects the world.

Ok, let’s get down to the fun stuff. If you were stranded on a lush tropical island, and all of your basic needs were met, what two items would you have with you? What person would be with you? Remember, you’re stuck there for an indefinite period with only each other to occupy the time.

Well, I'd want to have my husband with me, most definitely. And I suppose if I had to have anything I wanted, it'd be an outstanding computer and solid internet.

You’re locked in a closet with Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, three paperclips and a string. How do you get out?

With difficulty.

How much of yourself and the people you know manifest into your characters? How do you approach development of your characters? Where do you draw the line?

Well, I can freely admit that one character in Bound by Blood was directly inspired by my friend, Keith. In fact, he wrote me up one day, talking about how much he loved my writing and was proud of me, and I knew how much he was into vampires so I said "Hey man, you wanna be a vampire in my story?" And of course who can turn that down? So there's a character named Kien Varian who is introduced in the first chapter of the novel, and while he's not exactly like my friend Kieth, there are quite a few similarities and he absolutely loves the guy. That was a lot of fun, although I'm not sure if I'd make a habit of it. I believe any good author will have a piece of them in their stories and various characters. I've been told by my parents that my writing style 'sounds' like me. Wasn't entirely sure how to take that, actually.

Looking back was there something in particular that helped you to decide to become a writer? Did you choose it or did the profession choose you?

My friends helped me. To be honest, had they not pushed me and believed in me, I never would have found the courage to submit my stories.


Name five things you can do with a pencil.

Um, write, draw, balance it between my lip and nose, chew on it, and use the eraser.

Who’s your favorite character from your book(s)? Why? Don’t worry, we won’t tell.

I suppose it's a toss up between two characters who haven't even made an appearance yet. One is named Avery Luss and the other is Maria en Wesser. Avery joined the imperial army at the age of sixteen and befriended a woman named Sarena. Together, the two of them became powerful generals, until it was exposed that they were both female. They won the war their empire was fighting, but instead of being court-martialed for lying, they were instead rewarded. Sarena won the heart of the imperial prince and they married, while Avery took the title of Primia, the right hand of the future empress. Maria I love because she's got attitude and isn't afraid to let people know who she is and how she feels about them. She's strong, capable, and fiercely independent.

Where can we find you around the vast interwebs?

My Website: http://www.catriana.net
My Blog: http://catrianasmuse.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Catriana_S
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/catriana.sommers

What about your books? Where are they being sold at?

You can find just about every book I've written with the exception of Bound by Blood (I'm working on it) at my Amazon Author Page.
http://www.amazon.com/Catriana-Sommers/e/B0059TWISO/
Bound by Blood can be found on Amazon here:
http://www.amazon.com/Bound-Blood-Arcanus-ebook/dp/B009POJSHS/
And my books can be found at the publisher's site or at any major retailer.

Thanks for dropping in! Any last words?

Thanks for having me! This was a fun interview to do.

Blurb:

Rioran is a Kass'na'vah, king of a magical race, and his kingdom has been frozen by Olde Magick. Along with his brother Viron, the only known survivor of the attack, he travels across Meedia looking for leads to these mysterious practitioners of an eons-dead magic.

Their quest hits a snag when Rioran meets his lifemate, a dying seven-year-old vampire noble named Liari Varian. To save her life, he gives her his blood, binding himself to her. Now he's stuck, physically incapable of leaving her, forced to watch from the sidelines until she comes of age and he can continue the search to free his people.

The world doesn't remain idle while he waits, however. Tensions between races are building, war is brewing, and behind it all is a mysterious organization bent on eliminating all magic in the world.

CONTENT ADVISORIES: This title is erotica; it is not a romance title. This title contains both MF and MM sexual situations.

Excerpt:

I am surrounded by incompetence.

Kien Varian reluctantly waved away the two voluptuous women sitting on either side of him. They flashed him pouty looks as he blew them apologetic kisses. Their hips swayed seductively as they quietly exited his social room.

The playful expression on his face morphed into an icy mask. Warm amber eyes, turned cold and predatory. Before him, a Mixed male kneeled on one of his fur rugs, one fist pressed firmly to the ground.

"Markus Lotros." Crossing his legs, Kien raised a well-manicured hand to stroke his goatee thoughtfully. 

"Care to repeat those words?"

The messenger winced despite the pleasant tone. "I saw the heir leave her party moments ago… with Lord Larian. I had heard you wished not to be disturbed, but the young master instructed I come to you."
Kien blinked and the stroking stopped. "Young master? Ah, you mean Eris." Eris Lotros, heir to the strongest clan in the vampire community. A bit older than the birthday girl tonight by a few years, but his interest was obvious. A good match, if any were worthy of his little Lili.

If she survives.

"Yes, Lord Kien." Markus's head remained lowered out of respect and fear. Even being from another clan, there were few who could claim ignorance concerning Kien's capricious behavior.

Fortunately, the vampire lord had other things on his mind. "Guardian?" he queried.

"Her whereabouts are unknown."

Right. Of course Reila couldn't be found. Had Alik listened to him and put a pureblood in charge of protecting Liari, Larian's obvious ploy would have been less likely to succeed. The last of the Ancient's resources and abilities had gone into ensuring the heir's conception; a replacement would not be forthcoming.
"Be grateful your prince is an only child." Kien finally stood from his plush red sofa, straightening his ruffled blouse. He blew out an exasperated sigh, fingers pinching the bridge of his nose in a futile attempt to thwart an oncoming headache. "Do you know where they were headed, Guardian? Stand up, man. I swear I won't unleash my crazy on you."

Buy Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/coming-soon-c-2/products_id/892/

About The Author:

I live in a beautiful hilly town in the state of Washington. I have a wonderful husband and two cute dogs who are huge parts of my life. I've been writing for as long as I can remember, and I cannot imagine my life without it. I'm a fantasy/romance author, but I love reading Sci-fi/Fantasy, high fantasy, romance, and I've recently delved more heavily into steampunk.

I've been a published author since 2011. When I'm not writing, I'm procrastinating on websites like tumblr and roleplaying forums, I'm out and about learning the local area, or I'm playing video games. I've won National Novel Writing Month for two consecutive years and hoping to make 2012 my third.


Where to find me:

My Website: http://www.catriana.net
My Blog: http://catrianasmuse.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Catriana_S
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/catriana.sommers


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