Books-n-Kisses is pleased to host Leia Shaw on the blog today.
1. Can you please share with us a little about yourself
Well, I have 6 tattoos, I’m addicted to diet pepsi, I love being outside, I have two kids, a husband, and a dog who feels like a third kid, and I write paranormal romance.
2. Have you always wanted to be an author?
Yes, but I didn’t always know it. I think I knew it better as a child than an adult and I resisted for a long time thinking I wasn’t good enough. But in actuality, it’s one of the only things I’m good at. Bored as a stay-at-home mom, I started using nap times to play around with different fantasy story ideas in my head. It was kind of a stress reliever too. Something to take me away from diapers and sippy cups. A couple years later and I haven’t looked back.
3. Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
In my genre I’d have to say Kresley Cole is my favorite author and biggest influence. A Hunger Like No Other was the first romance book I ever read. So, yeah, the fact that I started writing my own after that says a lot.
4. How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
I felt most drawn to paranormal romance because I’ve always had a thing for dark stories and fantasy. I’m like a little kid whose eyes light up about magic and superpowers and vampires and bad guys. But the woman in me loves a good love story. So a combination of both seemed most fitting. I did write a contemporary erotic novel with steampunk erotic author Cari Silverwood. We’re planning to write another. Normally I’m not attracted to contemporary but the first had a lot of comedy in it and as long as I can keep doing that then I don’t mind. It’s fun to write physical humor. I can’t do it too much with paranormal because all of the characters are super coordinated. Lol.
5. What are some of your writing rituals?
Locking the door.
6. Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
Shadows of Destiny in a 3 book series with the fourth coming out in June. Each book can be read as a stand-alone or out of order, but some of the characters repeat. The stories are character driven – a man and a woman fall in love despite obstacles in their way. And they do it with a sword in hand fighting nasty beasts and aren’t afraid to get a little dirty. Destiny Unchained is my latest release. It’s a darker story than my other books. Natalia is a vampire assassin who shut down her emotions a long time ago. Cristian is a passionate, warm alpha of a werewolf pack. Both species hate each other but they’re forced to team up to hunt down a sadistic serial killer stalking the northwest wilderness. This book has a lot of dark humor, some sadness, but the message is one of my favorites. It’s all about forgiveness.
7. How did you come with the idea for this story?
The idea for my first book came to me in a dream. The rest of the series tumbled from it as I started writing. I get inspired by movies, music, other great books. Honestly, the initial idea for a story is the easy part.
8. Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
Destiny Bewitched is book 4. It features a witch, Samantha, who travels to the Underworld to rescue her younger sister. She meets a demon, Geo, and strikes a deal to get his help saving her sister. I’m excited for this book because it’s very high fantasy. It even features a supernatural version of the gladiator games. It was so much fun to write! But it still has what my readers expect in my books – steamy sex scenes, romance, an alpha hero, and lots and lots of snark!
9. What would you be if you were not an author?
Well my dream job would be a stand-up comedian. I love to make people laugh. And you’ll do a lot of that reading my books.
10. What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Anything by Kresley Cole (I really want Lanthe’s story). The rest of the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews too.
Would you like a chance to win e-copy Destiny Unchained?
thanks for hosting me! i'm happy to be here!
Good Morning Ladies!Great interview! I have started reading this series and am loving it! I am on Destiny United now. Unfortunately with my schedule I can only get about 10-20 minutes of reading in a day right now. That will be changing as we go on summer break in 20 days! Oh yeah!! Lots of catch up reading will be happening this summer!
You are so right about getting a good laugh in your books. I have found my self snickering, snorting, and sometimes a good "HA!" I can't wait to get Destiny Unchained and Destiny Bewitched.
Thanks for the great stories!!
Mel
bournmelissa at hotmail dot com
Thanks so much Mel! Glad you're enjoying it! Life's too short not to laugh often, IMO.
Being a stand-up comedian takes a lot of balls. I couldn't do it. I have a fear of standing in front of people talking. I like your writing ritual- locking the door. Six tattoos. Wow. I'm thinking about getting my first one.
This series sounds amazing. Can't wait to read it.
e.balinski(at)att(dot)net
thanks for stopping by Joanne! tattoos are addicting so be prepared to get more 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to read this book. It sounds very good. Tore923@aol.com
Nice interview ladies, I enjoyed reading it. I am also a big fan of Kresley Cole. I am looking forward to Fury's story.
thank you for taking the time to get to know about my books everyone!
I can't imagine having brain cells or the time to write with kids, husband and dog. And be able to do stand up comedy…. Thanks for the interview and giveaway. jepebATverizonDOTnet
Great interview, I enjoyed it very much. I like your writing ritual, locking the door. Is that so you don't get out or so no one gets in? Thanks for sharing with us today.
luvfuzzzeeefaces at yahoo dot com
Great Interview. I would love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
I'm all for "steamy sex scenes, romance, an alpha hero, and lots and lots of snark"… I say bring it all on:)
yadkny@hotmail.com
Great interview. I would love to read your books. You are new author for me, and i like to know new author. Thanks for sharing:)
Thanks for the interview! I'm partial to paranormal romances because there's an intensity to the story. I betting I'll love Destiny Unchained. Now I need to get all the books!
Very nice interview. The series sounds good.
i love the paranormal reads cause they have a lot more elements included in the story this sounds reall good thanks for hsaring loved the interview angelwolfmystic@yahoo.com
I laughed when I read the comment about locking the door! I used to read a lot of Fantasy & Fantasy Romance & then I stumbled across a PNR book. I was hooked! There's such a fine line btwn the 2 sometimes.
Wow love those covers!! Smoking hot! Really love Kresley Cole too…what did you think about Lothaire? He was…mmmm….yummy!!! Can't wait for her Poison Diaries too.
andieleah78@gmail.com
I really love to watch the show samatha who. The actress that plays samantha is really talented and she is quite pretty too. :.’,;
Best regards
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