Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Gayle Donnelly & Robyn Mackenzie to the blog today.
Gayle Donnelly and Robyn Mackenzie both hail from the Midwest. Writing partners as well as friends (perhaps even sisters in another life), both are married and each has two wonderful children. The similarities don’t stop there. Both earned degrees in English education, both have a profound weakness for Starbucks coffee, and both are completely captivated by the ethereal beauty found in the Pacific Northwest. Their individual passions for writing and storytelling, led them to create Infinite Betrayal, the first book in their Infinity Series
Welcome ladies, I am so pleased to have you here today. I am very excited to talk about your new book Infinite Betrayal book 1 in your new Infinity Series
Gayle/Robyn: Thank you so much Kelly! We’re so excited about having our story featured here!!
Kelly: Can I get you ladies anything? Coffee, Wine, Chocolate?
Gayle: Sauza margarita on the rocks, no salt. Wait, it’s after 12:00 right?
Robyn: Wine works for me…Chardonnay please.
Kelly: Shall we get started?
Gayle/Robyn: Sure Kelly! Giddy up!
Q1) Can you each tell us a little something special about the other one?
Robyn: Probably one of the most special things about Gayle is she balances me and forces me out of my comfort zone when needed. She’s much more of an extrovert than I am and I’ve grown so much in that area because of her. She’s also the type of friend you can call at 2:00 in the morning and she’ll be at your house in 10 minutes, no questions asked.
Gayle: There are several things I can think of but I think the most important is that she – no matter what the situation – will always fill where I am lacking. If I am depressed or stressed about something, she always ends up being my touchstone to bring me back to reality. When I need something, she provides – no matter what.
Q2) What is it like co-writing a book together?
Gayle/Robyn: It has been such a fun and rewarding experience and it’s actually brought us even closer as friends. Our writing styles are very similar, which helps tremendously. We also do better when we get together to plot out the storyline and do character development. We seem to feed off each other’s creativity and imagination so the story quickly evolves. Most important, we take constructive feedback from each other extremely well because we have such a high level of trust in each other’s opinions.
Q3) Is Infinite Betrayal the first book you have co-written?
Gayle/Robyn: Yes. We were sitting out in my (Gayle’s) backyard by the pool watching the kids swim when Robyn looks over at me and says, “Ya know…we can do this…we can write a book.” Of course, I looked at her like she was insane but the more we talked about it, the more we started believing we could write a story that readers would love. Our process is ever-changing but we can adapt to each other with ease. The key for us is that we don’t take offense to any constructive criticism that each other provides. We accept each other’s opinion and actively listen to each other’s suggestions or critiques. Our voice on paper is seamless and because of our personal relationship, we just work great together.
Let’s talk books:
Q4) Book one is Infinite Betrayal. Tell us a little about Mathias and Mina’s story
Gayle/Robyn: Infinite Betrayal starts out with the death of Mina Roarke’s mother and the mystery surrounding the background of an absentee father. She travels to Germany to try and get answers when she comes in contact with Mathias; who says he has been sent from this mysterious father of hers that she knows nothing about. She soon finds out that her heritage is not what she ever thought it would be and is quickly thrust into a war between two species that have been in existence for thousands of years. Mina becomes the target and well, you will have to read the story to get the rest!!
Q5) Tell us about Mathias & Mina…
Gayle/Robyn:
Mina is a complete smart ass but her best attribute is her loyalty to the people she loves. She has major trust issues but once someone is in her fold, they stay there. She has long, auburn hair, is about 5’6, lives outside of Seattle and works as an insurance adjuster.
Mathias is the youngest General of the Coteri. His parents died when he was young so he was raised by Roderick, King of the Coteri Race. He worked extremely hard to overcome the stigma of being raised by the king and proved to himself and everyone around him that he earned and deserved the rank of General of the German Coteri forces.
I do have an idea of how I saw Mathias but not Mina. I really never tried to picture her as someone that already exists. I can see her in my mind but there isn’t anyone out there that reminds me of her.
For me, Mathias is Taylor Kitsch:
Q6) Book two is Infinite Surrender. This is your current work in progress. Can you tell us a little more about it.
Gayle/Robyn: Infinite Surrender follows the story of Chloe and Talon, who are both introduced in Infinite Betrayal, and continues the storyline progression from the first book. It takes place in the Pacific Northwest but unfortunately, we can’t tell you too much about the story since we don’t want to give away too many secrets from the first book. We can tell you that Talon is all Alpha and he definitely meets his match in Chloe. Infinite Surrender is action-packed and introduces several new interesting secondary characters. And of course, the romance/heat level is hot, hot, hot!
Q7) Book three is Infinite Desire. What can you tell us about this book?
Gayle/Robyn: Infinite Desire takes place in New Orleans and centers around the General of the South; Devereux. I don’t want to get too much into the story but I love the outline we have come up with.
Q8) Who came up with the idea for the Infinite series?
Gayle/Robyn: Not to sound too Stephenie Meyer but, I (Gayle) had a dream about an older, extremely handsome man standing at the top of a royal blue staircase. He was a powerful king over a non-human race and when he came to the bottom of the stairs, there were incredibly hot, warrior-type men surrounding him. Now, either this was an incredibly M/M/M dream or I could take it and run. I woke up, wrote everything I saw in my head down and then went back to bed. Later the next day, I told Robyn about the dream and the world of the Coteri was born.
Q9) How many books do you foresee in the future for the Infinite Series?
Gayle/Robyn: Right now, we have a trilogy planned. If readers want more, hopefully we can continue the story.
Q10) Can you share with us a typical writing day when you are co-writing a book?
Gayle/Robyn: Since we both have day-jobs, our writing consists of late night writing and weekend binges. Lots of phone calls and face to face meetings to make sure we’re on the same page with the storyline and character development.
Q11) Do you have any writing rituals. Things you have to have while writing?
Gayle: I need my iPod in my ears. Depending on what type of scene I am writing, I need background music. That’s why when you listen to the playlists on our website, they fit the story in my mind perfectly. Music is key for me when writing.
Robyn: I actually do best when I close myself off from everyone and write in the peace and quiet of the night. I usually get the family to bed and to sleep then get back up and get lost in my writing.
Q12) I have to say that I am in love with your slide show on the blog of your inspirations. I live close to Multnomah Falls and it is beautiful, the hot guys, and great landscapes but I have to say this picture is my favorite. ————–>>>
Do you have a favorite in your gallery?
Do you have a favorite in your gallery?
Gayle: Mine would be the shot of Robyn and me in front of the fountain at Pat O’Brien’s in New Orleans. This was Robyn’s first trip to the Big Easy and I so loved introducing her to the culture there. We had such a wonderful time and fully plan on attending Authors After Dark next year in NOLA.
Robyn: Mine is definitely the picture of Multnomah Falls. I lived in Washington State for several years and even though the Falls are in Oregon, it just perfectly depicts the ethereal beauty of that part of the country.
Q13) What is hardest part of co-writing a book?
Gayle/Robyn: We work with one person as primary on a story…meaning they own the characters. They have the best idea of what each character looks like, acts like, would say or do, etc. The primary is also responsible for the base storyline. The other is a support person…helping with plot, placement, wording, grammar, and how the story flows. For both of us, the hardest part is trying to manage time. We both have day jobs, we both have two kids, husbands, houses to keep, and sometimes it all just comes crashing down at around 2:30 am.
Q14) What do you say we do a little rapid fire questions for you two?
Gayle/Robyn: Let’s do it!
Ready?
Set.
Go
Pepsi or Coke
Gayle: Diet Pepsi
Robyn: Diet Pepsi
Pizza or Hamburger
Gayle: Hamburger
Robyn: Pizza
Vampires or Shifters
Gayle: vampire
Robyn: shifters
Chocolate or Vanilla
Gayle: chocolate
Robyn: chocolate
Coffee or Tea
Gayle: coffee (or more specifically, Triple Grande, nonfat, no whip 3 pump Mocha from Starbucks)
Robyn: black coffee….Starbucks Pike Place roast
Morning or Night
Gayle: night
Robyn: early morning right before the sun comes up
EBooks or Paperback
Gayle: paperback
Robyn: paperback
Beach or Mountain
Gayle: mountain
Robyn: mountain
Scottish Accent or Australia Accent
Gayle: Scottish
Robyn: Scottish
Football or Baseball
Gayle: Football
Robyn: Baseball
Q15) Is there anything else you like to add?
Gayle/Robyn: Thank you so much for your support of Infinite Betrayal, Kelly. This has been a blast!
Kelly: Ladies thank you so very much for stopping by Books-n-Kisses. I look forward reading Infinite Surrender when it comes out in the fall. What do you say we give away a copy of Infinite Betrayal?
Gayle/Robyn Absolutely! We would love to hear from your followers if they have already read Infinite Betrayal or plan on reading it…. Comment away and we will pick a random post to win an E-copy
GIVEAWAY TIME:
Gayle & Robyn are offering up an e-copy of book 1 Infinite Betrayal
To enter:
Please answer Gayle/Robyn’s questions above
Please leave your email address (have to be able to contact you)
be a follower of my blog
Giveaway ends Sept 2nd
Winner announced Sept 5th
Giveaway ends Sept 2nd
Winner announced Sept 5th
Where to find Donnelly Mackenzie:
Website: http://www.donnellymackenzie.com/
I have not read it. I would love to read it! It sounds like an awesome book.
flaca798 at hotmail dot come
I have Infinite Betrayal so don't enter me in the contest- I just wanted to say I really enjoyed reading the book and am *patiently* waiting for book 2…lol
This is one of the best books of 2011, bar none. I have reread this book so many times, I can recite it in my sleep. As you can tell I have a copy, so don't enter me. I just stalk Gayle and Robyn. Trilogy ladies, pffft, really???? How about a baker's dozen then we'll see? Yeah, that sounds about right.
OMG! You Ladies are FANTASTIC!!
I haven't read Infinite Betrayal but I like the sound of it. I like that it is set in Germany. I've come across books set in Germany but not one with a paranormal element so it's interesting to me.
Cambonified (at) yahoo (dot) com
I have not read Infinite Betrayal, but as you have come highly recommended anddddddddddddddddd I absolutely loved your interview on here! You ladies are very personable and funny! I would love to be introduced to writings by reading your book!
ladyhatt1@aol.com
Great interview.I have not read it yet.But ever since I saw the cover and read the blurb I knew I wanted to read it.
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
This was such a fun interview, I absolutely loved it!! I had never heard of this before and after reading about it I know it's a MUST READ!! I would love to!
natashahouse13ATyahooDOTcom
Enjoyed the interview – thanks for sharing a bit about how you co-write.
I haven't read Infinite Betrayal yet, but would like to read it. Is it going to be available for Nook soon?
kacbooks(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would love to read Infinite Betrayal. I also plan to attend AAD in NOLA~ hope to see you all there. Lastly, I would love that Margarita on the rocks NO salt please.
kamwh1207(at)att(dot)net
I'm interested in reading INFINITE BETRAYAL. Have you tried Peet's coffee, since you both like the Pacific Northwest?
ironss [at] gmail [dot] com
GFC follower
I would love to read this book. It sounds like one of those..can't go to sleep til I finish this chapter.said at least three times..lol kind of books.
musicalfrog at comcast.net
ive not read this book but it sounds amazing. i loved the interview and cant wait to find these books
jenny
madsheepno1@yahoo.co.uk
I have not read Infinite Betrayal. Gayle and Robyn are new authors for me. Thanks for the giveaway!
beckerjo at verizon dot net
great interview the rapid questions were awesome. you can see how similar you are in quite a few there. ive heard alot bout this book. i havent read it but i want to. i love the cover. thanks so much for a great interview and giveaway.
babydoll82959307(at)aol(dot)com
I have not read Infinite Betrayal but would love to! Great Interview!
dreemz8680@earthlink.net
I have not read it has yet. Thsi will be my first book by this author.
I have not read Infinite Betrayal, yet. But after this interview, I'm intrigued and putting this book on my wish list. The ever expanding wish list.
knitrix29(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you to everyone who left comments!! Good luck to you all!
Gayle
Congratulations Lindsey!!
Hope you LOVE it!
Gayle
Infininte Betrayal is 1st on my New Year's to read list! I am a paranormal romance freak..LOL. I love making new friends in the books I read and LOVE series books so I can follow the characters a little longer.
jen(dot)nate(dot)eggers at gmail(dot)com