Interview & Giveaway with Laura Kaye

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome back the wonderful Laura Kaye to the blog.

We always love having Laura on the blog.  Today we are chatting about her newest release West of Want.

Can you please share with us a little about yourself

I write paranormal, contemporary and erotic romance and am celebrating the release of my eighth book, West of Want, book 2 in my Greek-mythology-based Hearts of the Anemoi series. I’m also a wife, mom of two young girls (ages 8 and 6), college history professor, Marylander, and total vampire addict.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Yes and no. From the time I knew I was going to be a college history professor, I knew writing and publishing would be a part of my life, and I’ve since published two non-fiction books in history. But it wasn’t until four years ago that I dreamed of being published in fiction. I had a head injury that, once it started to heal, left me with the desire to pursue various creative outlets, writing most specifically.

Are you a plotter or a pantser? And you explain the difference?

I’m a total pantser, that means I write by the seat of my pants. I almost never plot out a story before I write and I don’t write outlines. Plotters, on the other hand, nail down everything about the major plot points, sometimes all the way to the specifics of what happens in particular scenes, before they begin writing.

 What is your most interesting writing quirk?

Hmm…I don’t know if I have any! I’m pretty easy going when it comes to writing. I can write just about anywhere. I don’t need quiet or music or any particular setting. Maybe this: if I write when I’m especially tired my brain apparently stops working without my realizing it, because the next day when I reread what I’ve written, I’ll find all kinds of totally random words. Like, I’ll have meant to write “her” and it’ll say “hope” or something that bears no relationship at all! LOL

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

I’d love to! West of Want is the second book in my Hearts of the Anemoi series which is based on the mythology of the Anemoi, wind gods the Greeks associated with the seasons and the weather. The book tells the story of Zephyros Martius, Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring. Here’s the blurb:

Betrayal is all he’s ever known, but in her, he’ll find a love strong enough to be trusted…

When Marcella Raines’ twin brother dies, she honors his request to be buried at sea, never expecting the violent storm that swamps her boat. Though she’s gravely injured–and still emotionally damaged from her recent divorce–Ella fights to survive.

Zephyros Martius is the Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring, but being the strongest Anemoi hasn’t protected him from betrayal and loss. Worse, he’s sure his brother Eurus is behind it. When Zeph’s heartbreak whips up a storm that shipwrecks a human, his guilt forces him to save her.

Ella is drawn to the vulnerability Zeph hides beneath his otherworldly masculinity and ancient blue eyes. And her honesty, empathy, and unique, calming influence leave Zeph wanting…everything. When Eurus threatens Ella, she and Zeph struggle to let go of the past, defend their future, and embrace what they most want–a love that can be trusted.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

When writing book 1, North of Need, I came upon the mythology of the Anemoi to explain hero Owen’s background as a snow god (he’s the son and destined heir of Boreas, Supreme God of the North Wind and Winter). And that set off the idea for a series, since there were four cardinal Anemoi who were brothers in the mythology. West of Want’s particular story arose from the mythology in that Zephyros was a god that suffered repeated lost love, competition for love, etc.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

I’m currently writing the follow-up story to my recent contemporary romance release, Her Forbidden Hero. This new book will tell the story of Brady Scott, brother of the heroine in HFH. It’s tentatively slated for a early fall release.

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

Oh, man, it’s hard to pick just one! And either of the two who come immediately to mind would probably make me quake in my boots (I’m such a freaking introvert when it comes to meeting strangers…). It would be a tie between Stephen King, who has been my life-long favorite author, and J.R. Ward, who is my current favorite author. I got to see Ward up close at April’s Romantic Times Convention when I landed second row seats in her No Holds Barred Q&A session! That was awesome!

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Write, write, write. Keep writing. Keep practicing. Keep improving your craft. Because you can’t revise or sell what you haven’t written. And just because the first book doesn’t sell (true for a lot of authors) doesn’t mean the next one won’t. The number one quality an author needs is perseverance!

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

Ooh! Let’s see…I would love to live in London. Or travel to Russia. Or see the Northern Lights. All on the bucket list for sure!

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I still haven’t read Tohr’s book, Lover Reborn! Partly that’s because I keep telling myself I have to wait until I get the current project done, but then I have to dive right into the next thing so I haven’t had time. And partly that’s because I know the Black Dagger Brotherhood series is starting to wind down, and I just don’t want it to end!

What is one book everyone should read before they die?

Maybe Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie or Randy Pausch’s The Last Lecture. I really appreciated their views on important life lessons learned.

What is your favorite time of year & why?

I love the summer. You can be outdoors, you don’t have to wear layers, there are always festivals and carnivals to attend, and it’s just the time of year I anticipate for the rest of the time!

Who is your Celebrity crush?  And what would you do if you ever meet them?

Oh, gawd. For a long time it was *mumbles* (Robert Pattinson). And, I don’t know what I’d do if I met him, especially since I know how overwhelmed he is by all the fan love. I think my bigger celeb crush is probably Alex O’Loughlin, and I’ve heard he’s very open to meeting fans, so I’d totally ask for a hug and a picture! LOL

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just thank you thank you to all the readers for giving my books a try and bringing my characters to life! I couldn’t do what I love without you! And thanks to Books-n-Kisses for hosting me again!

Oh, and GIVEAWAY!: All right, fess up! Who is YOUR celebrity crush? One commenter who leaves their email address will win a West of Want ebook and swag pack! Open to international! Good luck!

Don’t miss the West of Want in the Wild (thru 8/24) giveaway event, too!

Buy Laura’s Books

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Praise for West of Want:

“Laura Kaye’s captivating writing and vibrant world-building will have readers hooked on the gods of the Anemoi. WEST OF WANT is steamy, spellbinding, and a must-read for all romance fantasy fans.” ~Elisabeth Naughton, author of the Eternal Guardians series

“Sexy, emotional stories, powerful, evocative writing, a vivid and unique vision, and enough magic and mysticism to keep the most demanding reader satisfied, Laura Kaye delivers it all.  I love this series!”  ~Maggie Shayne, NY Times Bestselling Author

About Laura Kaye:

Voted Breakout Author of the Year in the 2011 GraveTells Readers’ Choice Awards, Laura is the bestselling and award-winning author of over a half-dozen books in paranormal, contemporary and erotic romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with all things paranormal. A published non-fiction author, Laura’s work as an historian and training as an archaeologist help her create vivid and accurate portrayals of other times and places. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.