Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Alyssa Day to our blog. We are excited to have Alyssa here to talk the Warriors of Poseidon, Vampires and Alejandro’s Sorceress.
Alyssa: I’m so delighted to be here! Thanks to Books-n-Kisses for inviting me.
Q1) Can you tell us a 3 interesting things about yourself:
Alyssa: Well, I live in Japan! For the past year we’ve been through earthquakes, tsunamis, a nuclear meltdown and a month-long evacuation. That was a little bit TOO interesting.
I have had up to 4 adopted rescue pugs at one time and learned how to walk 4 dogs at once. 16 legs plus mine made for some very interesting tangles!
I’ve lived all over the world. In a dozen or so different states including Alaska, Japan, Turkey, and the Philippines. And we’re planning a year-long journey to France!
Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Alyssa: Yes, I’ve been writing stories since I first picked up a pencil at age 3. But I thought writing wasn’t a practical way to try to make a living, so I worked as a trial lawyer for 8 years before I started writing full-time.
Q3) Can you share with us your typical writing day? Things you have to have while you write?
Alyssa: I don’t need routine, or ritual, or even for things to be a certain way. All I need is a computer, or a pen and paper if need be, and for my mind to turn on. I wrote the last chapter of a book in a very noisy Chuck E Cheese’s on a Saturday once while the birthday parties screamed around me!! Unfortunately I don’t have “typical” writing days, either. With our lives, things are crazy all the time, so I fit in writing whenever I can and some days I’m lucky to write 5 pages and some day I write 25!
Q4) What is the most rewarding or challenging part of being an author?
Alyssa: Rewarding? Definitely the readers. Every letter I get that tells me how reading one of my books allowed a reader to escape a horrible time in her life, just for a little while, makes me cry–it’s definitely humbling.
Challenging? Trying to make each book better than the last. I stress myself out so much sometimes over trying to be better, better, best, that I freeze totally. Meditation and long walks help with this.
Let’s talk Books:
Q5) Your new upcoming ebook exclusive Alejandro’s Sorceress is scheduled for release in October. Can you tell us a little more about this story?
Alyssa: Well, first, it might actually be early November. Formatting and preparing a book for indie e-book sale is challenging if you want to do it right, so I have a team of professionals I work with to do this.
Alejandro is a secondary character from Lord Justice’s book, Atlantis Unleashed, and I fell madly in love with him from the moment he first stepped on the page. He’s a totally hot alpha male protecting his village and he has a wicked sense of humor. I’ll let him show you:
Alejandro stood up, leveling his shotgun at the vampire’s head. “I propose a barter,” he said calmly.
The vamp barked out a chilling burst of laughter. “What barter could you–“
The shotgun bucked and roared and exploded the vamp’s head. Justice shot a look at Alejandro, who shrugged as the vampire’s headless body fell to the ground, dissolving in a flood of slime.
“My shotgun shell for his head. Seemed fair to me.”
Q6) How did you come up with the idea for Alejandro’s story?
Alyssa: I knew he wasn’t done telling his story, and his lady love had more to do with her life, too. She was too young and too unfocused to be able to stand up to Alejandro. So I sent him to the FBI’s Paranormal Ops Academy and sent him on his first case–to catch a dangerous sorceress. Guess who she turned out to be?
Q7) Will Alejandro’s Sorceress be a stand-alone book or do you see this as being part of a series?
Alyssa: For now, it’s a stand-alone novella. But the idea of taking them into an urban fantasy series quite intrigues me and might actually happen. And this is the first time I’ve ever mentioned that publicly, so you get an exclusive!
Books-n-Kisses: I am extremely flattered that you would share this exclusive with me and my follower. I can’t wait to learn more.
Let’s talk about the Warriors of Poseidon Series.
Q8) How did you come up with the idea for the Warriors of Poseidon Series?
Alyssa: I’ve always loved history, mythology, and the idea of finding a lost civilization. I very nearly went on for an advanced degree in archaeology, so Atlantis has been on my mind for a very long time.
Q9) Daniel’s book Vampires in Atlantis (bk7) was released in June 2011. Tell us a little about Daniel’s book.
Alyssa: Daniel is an eleven thousand year old vampire who finally finds the girl who got away. Massive destruction, torturing of all characters, and a spine-tinglingly hot romance ensue!
Q10) The next book in the Warriors of Poseidon series is a fan favorite (mine too, can’t wait to read this story) Alaric’s story, titled Heart of Atlantis (bk8, release date 5/1). Can you share a little about Alaric’s story?
Alyssa: I could, but then I’d have to send the Warriors to hunt you down and silence you. It’s just not good publicity. You understand. I will share one thing, though – in the very first chapter, Alaric abdicates his role as high priest of Poseidon! Whether Atlantis and Poseidon let him get away with THAT is an entirely different story . . .
Books-n-Kisses: I totally understand I had to try!
Q11) Is Alaric’s story the last one in the Warriors of Poseidon series. If yes, are you sad to see the series end? If no, do you know how many more books will be in the series?
Alyssa: NO! It’s the last book in this first arc. Atlantis will rise, one way or another, by the end of the book. Trying to make that happen without killing every Atlantean is the hard part. I’m still planning to write Denal’s book, Jack’s book, and at least a few more novellas.
Q12) I always like to ask what authors are reading. So what is the latest great book you read or upcoming release you are most looking forward too?
Alyssa: I’m reading David McCullough’s THE GREATER JOURNEY, AMERICANS IN PARIS. McCullough has won the Pulitzer Prize twice, so he could pretty much make his grocery list interesting, but this period in particular fascinates me, between about 1830 and 1900 when so many Americans in the fields of art, literature, medicine, and politics, traveled to Paris to live and learn. I’m re-reading A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN with my 11 year-old daughter as part of our homeschooling adventure (one of my favorite books of all time), and I just finished THE CHILDREN OF HENRY VIII by Alison Weir. For fun, I’ve recently read Ilona Andrews’ MAGIC SLAYS, Jayne Castle’s CANYONS OF NIGHT, Karen Marie Moning’s Fae series, Jacqueline Carey’s NAAMAH’S BLESSING, Eileen Carr’s VANISHED IN THE NIGHT (which is absolutely terrifyingly good romantic suspense), and Jim Butcher’s GHOST STORY.
Q13) What is the best piece of advice you ever got about becoming an author that you would like to share?
Alyssa: People say never give up, and that’s probably good advice for most people, but for me, when it quits being fun, it’s time to move on. There are far too many other wonderful things to do in life.
The best advice I ever got was on craft in one of the many RWA workshops I’ve attended, and I wish I could remember who said it because I’d love to attribute it, but it was to remember that each of us is the hero of our own story. I think I write very strong secondary characters and villains because I remember this and never make them two-dimensional.
Q14) What is up next for you (besides Alejandro & Alaric)?
Alyssa: I’m updating and preparing for indie publication my nonfiction book that I’m very proud of: E-MAIL TO THE FRONT, the true story of my family’s experience when my husband had to go to war right after 9-11. I’ve had thousands of reader letters about this book from military families and those who care about military families, and I can’t wait to share it with the world again since it’s now out of print.
Q15) Is there anything else you would like to share with me or my followers?
Alyssa: Yes! Please stay tuned for exciting news about my new series, THE LEAGUE OF THE BLACK SWAN. Set in a corner of contemporary New York that overlaps the Fae and demon worlds, this series is a rocket-paced ride of sizzling suspense and dangerous desire. I can’t wait till next year so you can read it!!
Books-n-Kisses: Alyssa, again a huge THANK YOU for taking time out of your very busy schedule to sit down and talk with me. I have had a great time. I look forward to reading Alejandro’s Sorceress and can’t wait for Heart of Atlantis (Feb. 2012).
Alyssa: Thank YOU!!
Books-n-Kisses: One last thing before you go Alyssa, how about we giveaway a signed copy of Daniel’s book (Vampire in Atlantis)?
Alyssa: How about 2? Good luck, readers!
Want to learn more about Alyssa or her books please check out her website:
Alyssa Day is a new author to me. Her books look interesting. Thanks for the giveaway.
truebloodfan AT rock DOT com
All those interesting places to live, I was going to ask if your husband was in the military. Then I read he is (so a big thank you to him and your family). My brother serves and I know how hard that life is for his family too, always moving around and having to be sent off for a year at a time. The ebook you will release was it in print at one time? Either way I will have to track it down.
You are a new author for me but I love the sound of Alaric and the rest! A series I will have to add to my TBR list. Can't wait to read about your new fae/demon one!
Alyssa Day you are a new author to me, but I'm glad I found you.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Thank you for the giveaway. 🙂
Terri m
Oklahomamommy0306@gmail.com
Alyssa is in a very elite group. My favorite authors group. I'm so glad she's picking up Alejandro's story, because I have wondered what happened. Great interview.
dukediva32(at)yahoo(dot)com
I really,really love Alyssa's Warriors of Poseidon series. The Atlantis Legends have always intrigued me. I am glad she wrote her stories around this legend. I look forward to all her books in this series.
Thanks Kelly and Alyssa.
Kelly, I like the Rafflecopter. It makes it easier to keep up with what was entered.
koonie2888 at yahoo dot com
Hi!
Alyssa Day is one of my favourite author: I read Atlantis Rising and just finish Atlantis Awakening. Can't wait to read Justice story and of course Alaric story! Thaks for this giveaway! 🙂
proserpinecravedfor(at)hotmail(dot)com
Read ATLANTIS RISING–Please enter me into your contest
audie@wickerness.com
i love her books!! read the 4 or 5 have a couple more in my stack to be read. i would love the chance to win this one!!! kinda sad to hear the series will be (officially) ending, but glad we'll still see atlantis stories in the future!!
alainala @ hotmail DOT ca
Hey! Alyssa is a new author for me. Her books look really good and have captured my interest. The cover art is fab too!
barbbattaglia@yahoo.com
Alyssa's books are so much fun, totally engaging! Can't wait to read more.
Raonaid at gmail dot com
Great interview!! I will have to check her books out
Great interview. Alyssa is a new author for me, but have heard great things about her. I am always looking for new books and authors to read and would love to add her. Great covers on her books.
Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win.
christinebails@yahoo.com
Great interview. I have read some of the books in Alyssa's Warriors of Poseidon series and loved them. Thanks for the awesome giveaway.
Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot]com
Awesome cover. Would love to win a copy. Thanks for the chance.
mythic021@gmail.com
Alyssa Day is a new author to me but after reading the interview, I can't wait to read her books!
books4me67 at ymail.com
I am new to Alyssa Day's books but am very interested in reading them. So this opportunity to win one of her books is awesome. Thank you!
Pam
vanillaorchids69@gmail.com
I was "introduced" to Alyssa Day in late 2009 & have been a fan since! I love her Warriors of Poseidon & can't wait for Alaric's story (I know it's going to be my favorite!).
harlan_michelle(at)yahoo(dot)com
I LOVE this series and cannot wait for Aleric's book. I like te idea of the Alejandro book too.
1_trouble At msn DOT com
Wow – awesome giveaway as usual – thanks for the chance to win one of my fav author's books
xander_316(at)hotmail(dot)com
hi !!! I have read some of her books !!! they are Fun to read !!! lol 🙂
I've read alot of her books. It would be hard to pick a favorite. But I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!
sara_lotr@yahoo.com
I love Alyssa Day's Warriors of Atlantis. i love how she brings the characters to life, and makes them seem like they could step off the page. It is simply a pleasure to pick up on of her books. I don't think I've ever walked away from one of her books feeling like there could have been more as I have with so many other authors. Keep up the Great work Alyssa!
Love Alyssa Day! I believe I've read all of her books! All of the Warriors of Poseidon book are excellent!! 🙂
I have some of Alyssa's books on my TBR shelf but haven't had a chance to read any yet. So I wouldn't say she's a new author, just one I've heard a lot about but haven't read yet. 😀
I love the Warriors of Poseidon series! I can't wait for Alaric's story! And Alyssa has a new series coming out, can't wait to read it!
beckerjo at verizon dot net
Congrats on the book releases! i'd love to win this book.
MJB
Quick question…how does one "like" the blog post in the contest form.I said I did before I saw a separate "like" spot for Alyssa's FB page. ANyone know??
This series looks great! Thanks for the giveaway!
Robin D
robindpdx (at) yahoo (dot) com
Alyssa is sort of a new to me author. By that I mean I have her books in my TBR pile, but I haven't read a book by her yet.
ironss [at] gmail [dot] com
GFC follower
Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to read her books.
jcalvert719(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love the Warriors of Poseidon books. I don't think I have one favorite because I just love the series as a whole. I haven't read Daniel's story yet and cannot wait to read Alaric's. It's a wonderful series .Thanks for this opportunity to win.
Carol L
Luck4750 (at) aol (dot) com
I've seen so many good reviews on Alyssa's books but I've been somewhat budget constrained recently having splurged massively a few months back.
thumbelinda03@yahoo.com
I am catching up on reading this series so I don't really have a favorite yet but I can tell you that I just love the Warriors of Poseidon series. I was so happy to read that Alaric's book is not the end but the end of one chapter of this series that will lead to a new one. Congratulations on this series!
LadyVampire2u AT gmail DOT com
I'm happy to hear that there's a spin-off series of 'Warrior's of Atlantis'. I don't have a favorite book of the series – I haven't read them all yet.
Lea Ellen {night owl in IL}
borg_66@hotmail.com
My favourite so far is Atlantis unmasked! But I'm still waiting for Alaric 🙂
Laura
lallyjx(at)libero(dot)it
I've just finished reading Vampire in Atlantis and WOW it was amazing, I love it!! Looking forward to reading the next book in the series ;o)
Rita from South Africa
bitemeash[AT]gmail[DOT]com
Alyssa Day is a recent author that I've written down in my lil notebook. I haven't read any of her books yet, but there's nothing better than finding a 'new' author and realizing there's a good sized book series to dive into!
Thank you Kelly and Alyssa for this giveaway….good luck everyone!
Sebrina_cassity@yahoo.com
awesome giveaway love Alyssa Day's books
berrylicious_cutie(at)hotmail(.)com
Love the Atlantis Series books. I can't wait to read this one.
Alyssa Day is a new author for me, but I would love to start the Atlantis series
Hi, lovely interview, I am a new reader of Alyssa's work, I have just been rading her biography, love the look of her Warriors of Poseidon books, The covers well what can I say wow and yum yum, Thank-you for the great giveaway,
I am a follower
julienewberry(at)btinternet(dot)com
I haven't read any of Alyssa's books yet. But I want to say focus on Yet. That will change.
musicalfrog@ comcast.net
Alyssa is a new author to me, but from what I've read on this interview, her books sound like something I would really be interested in.
kaylalovesandrew09@yahoo.com