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Interview & Giveaway with Shana Galen

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome back Shana Galen to the blog today to talk about her newest release Lord & Lady Spy.

Color Shana Galen H-R-2118Shana, can you please share with us a little about yourself

I’m a wife, mother to a three-year-old romance heroine in the making, and writer of fast-paced historical romance novels.

Find Shana here: Website  Facebook  Twitter

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Not at all. I wanted to be an opera singer and a psychologist and half a dozen other professions over the years. I don’t think I realized “author” was a profession. I did always love to tell stories.

Can you share with us your typical writing day.  Is there anything you have to have while writing?

A typical writing day has me up early (like 4 a.m. ) and at my computer working. My daughter gets up about 6:30, and then I spend most of the day with her. In the evening, I’m back at the computer. I definitely try to send some time with my husband too. I have to have silence to write. There’s nothing I have to have. I can work through anything. I do prefer silence, a Diet Dr. Pepper, and a box of Milkduds, but the days when I have any or all of that are few and far between.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

The most challenging part is finding the time to write. The most rewarding part is when a reader tells me she enjoyed one of my books.

Can you please tell us about your latest book?spy wore blue-300

The Spy Wore Blue is a digital novella. Please don’t buy it thinking it’s a full-length book. That said, I really do give the reader a complete love story. This one is about Blue, a spy I introduced in Lord and Lady Spy. He’s in Naples looking for an assassin. While he’s there he has to work with his estranged wife. She’s an opera singer (wonder where that idea came from, right?), and during the course of Blue’s investigation she becomes a target of the assassin.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I never envisioned Blue as a hero, but my readers kept asking for his story. I didn’t think I could write a 90K book for him, so I proposed writing a novella. Turns out I probably could have written a 90K book for him, but I really enjoyed writing the novella. It was a fun length and challenging for me to complete in a way I thought would satisfy readers. So I didn’t actually come up with the idea for the book, my readers did. I had to figure out the plot, though. That’s always the way of things!

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

Absolutely! I’m working on the third Lord and Lady Spy book, Love and Let Spy. It will conclude Adrian and Sophia’s story from Lord and Lady Spy and True Spies, and it introduces a new couple.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Marsha Canham, Julie Garwood, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Kiera Cass, and JD Robb.

Lord and Lady Spy - SelectedDo you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style? 

I’m the most inspired by Marsha Canham and Julie Garwood. I could never write as well as either of them, but I definitely aim for the bar they’ve set with each novel I’ve written. JD Robb also inspires me. Not all of my heroines are tough, but when I write one, I like to channel a bit of Eve Dallas.

Open your book to a random page and please reads us a few lines. It’s an ebook, so I have to open the document…

“So not everyone finds you charming.”

His fingers stilled, and the coin appeared. Blue looked at her and smiled. “There are a few who still resist my charms.”

“God knows I was never one of them.” She didn’t know why she said as much. Perhaps because he had revealed something to her—information about this Maîtriser group—and she felt obliged to repay in kind. He rose now, and she took a step back.

“You can’t resist me?” he said quietly. She did not like the seductive tone in his voice.

“I’m certain I could now.”

He moved closer, and she felt the heat of him, felt the solidness of him. He was really here, in the flesh, his body all but touching hers. She felt a wave of dizziness at being this close to him.

“Shall we test that theory?”

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

I’m looking forward to Katharine Ashe’s I Married the Duke, The Ruin of a Rogue by Miranda Neville, Lily Dalton’s debut, Never Desire a Duke, and Theresa Romain’s first book with my publisher, Sourcebooks, It Takes Two to Tangle.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you so much for having me!

GIVEAWAY TIME:

Comment to win a copy of the book where Blue is introduced, Lord and Lady Spy.

(Sorry, U.S. and Canada only)

Please fill out the Rafflecopter from below

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

56 Responses to Interview & Giveaway with Shana Galen

  1. Maria August 5, 2013 at 7:11 am #

    I love your stories and am reading them all. I’m happy to see that Blue has his story as I found him ingriguing (read: sexy) in Lord and Lady Spy. I look forward to reading more of your work. Thanks for the giveaway offer.

    • Shana Galen August 5, 2013 at 8:18 am #

      Thanks, Maria. I’m excited for all the readers to get his story.

  2. ki pha August 5, 2013 at 8:32 am #

    I still can’t fathom how Blue wouldn’t have gotten his own story when you “intentionally” left us hanging with his strange clothing choices and dazzling blue eyes. As I’ve mention many a times afore to you, I’m super happy we didn’t leave you alone on that fact! LOL

    • Shana Galen August 5, 2013 at 9:37 am #

      I’m so glad you talked me into writing this story. I had my reservations, but Blue turned out to be a great hero. And I think you’ll like Helena too!

  3. Michelle Kelly @AnotherLookBook August 5, 2013 at 8:35 am #

    An opera singer? cool!

    I havent read a Shana Galen book yet so fingers crossed Im the lucky winner!

    Great interview

    • Shana Galen August 5, 2013 at 9:37 am #

      Good luck, Michelle. My first opera singer heroine!

  4. Denise August 5, 2013 at 8:37 am #

    Great interview. I really enjoy these two spies personalities too. I think you have become one of my favorite authors.

  5. Laura Davis August 5, 2013 at 8:40 am #

    I love Shana Galen! Really looking forward to reading Blue’s story, as well as more Adrian & Sophia!!!

    • Shana Galen August 5, 2013 at 9:38 am #

      Adrian and Sophia are in the next book, TRUE SPIES, which is out in September. They are mentioned briefly in THE SPY WORE BLUE too.

      • Laura Davis August 5, 2013 at 3:04 pm #

        wow, a book by you in august & another in september… i feel spoiled 😛 you rock!

  6. Charlotte August 5, 2013 at 8:47 am #

    The author is new to me.

  7. CateS August 5, 2013 at 9:17 am #

    So looking forward to this book!!

  8. Carol McDonald August 5, 2013 at 9:22 am #

    I LOVE all your books and can’t wait to read your next books.

    • Shana Galen August 5, 2013 at 9:39 am #

      Thank you, Carol. I have quite a few coming!

  9. Sandy Xiong August 5, 2013 at 9:27 am #

    I love your stories but for some reason I haven’t read this series yet and I don’t know why! I keep saying that I’ll read it but then it is push back into my mind and forgotten until I see the cover and remember about it. Congrats on your latest release 🙂

    • Shana Galen August 5, 2013 at 9:40 am #

      Well, Sandy, if you don’t win, LORD AND LADY SPY is on sale for only 99 cents at Amazon and BN. So no reason not to grab it up 🙂

  10. Ann Mettert August 5, 2013 at 11:17 am #

    I would love to read both of these. I do love reading your books. 🙂

  11. Missy Roth August 5, 2013 at 11:17 am #

    I recently bought WHEN YOU GIVE A DUKE A DIAMOND because of its beautiful cover. I know, you’re not supposed to judge, but it’s gorgeous and I can’t wait to dive in!

    Glad to be a new fan!

    • Shana Galen August 5, 2013 at 4:44 pm #

      Missy, I’ve bought plenty of covers because of a gorgeous dress or a handsome model. I don’t judge!

  12. Rita Wray August 5, 2013 at 1:27 pm #

    I enjoyed the interview, thank you. It’s always fun to learn more about the author.

    • Shana Galen August 5, 2013 at 2:40 pm #

      Thanks for stopping by, Rita! It was a fun interview.

  13. Lisa Hutson August 5, 2013 at 1:33 pm #

    You don’t do very many interviews. So its always fun to read them. Already read and enjoyed this book. So didn’t fill out the rafflecopter. Just wanted to say thanks for sharing.

    • Shana Galen August 5, 2013 at 2:41 pm #

      Lisa, it feels to me like I do A LOT of interviews. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

  14. Vivian August 5, 2013 at 2:15 pm #

    I just started reading historical romance novel, and its quite refreshing to read a different kind of romance. I’m pretty excited for this.

    • Shana Galen August 5, 2013 at 2:41 pm #

      Thanks, Vivian, and welcome to the world of romance!

  15. Amber August 5, 2013 at 2:41 pm #

    Love your books! I have these on my wishlist!

  16. Tonya Lee August 5, 2013 at 6:06 pm #

    Hi Shana
    I love all your books. I loved your interview it is great to here how you write your books. I have not read ” Lord and Lady Spy yet, But I can’t wait to so I would love to win. I also have not read your new novella ” The Spy Wore Blue ” and would love to read it soon. well all I can say is I hope you keep writing all of these great novels so thank you so much for doing that.
    One of your number one fans Tonya

    • Shana Galen August 6, 2013 at 4:23 am #

      Thanks, Tonya! THE SPY WORE BLUE is on sale today. Good luck with the giveaway and thanks for stopping by.

  17. may August 5, 2013 at 6:13 pm #

    I just finished reading If you give a rake a ruby. Looking forward to the spies book too!

    • Shana Galen August 6, 2013 at 4:29 am #

      Thanks, May! SAPPHIRES ARE AN EARL’S BEST FRIEND will be out in March.

  18. Jeanne August 5, 2013 at 6:23 pm #

    I love to read and I am so glad you love to write!! I admire you for having the time to take care of a 3 year old and still do what you do so well. Thanks for the giveaway.

    • Shana Galen August 6, 2013 at 4:32 am #

      Thanks, Jeanne. If I get too involved in writing, she grabs my hand and says, “Mommy, play!” Keeps me balanced 🙂

  19. Linda Townsend August 5, 2013 at 7:52 pm #

    This book sounds wonderful! I’m sure it will be!

  20. Ann S. August 5, 2013 at 8:42 pm #

    I love your books, pirates, dukes, and spies. Oh my!

    • Shana Galen August 6, 2013 at 4:33 am #

      That’s what I say! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

  21. Ada August 6, 2013 at 2:32 am #

    I’m looking forward to Blue’s story! Can’t wait…and love the cover! How much say do you have in the covers for your books?

    • Shana Galen August 6, 2013 at 4:34 am #

      Ada, normally I don’t have much say at all. I can object if I really hate something, but for the most part I’m asked what I see and may or may not get that. For the cover of THE SPY WORE BLUE, I did have some say. I was sent 3 different couples and I chose this one. Then I was able to choose the pose. I also asked the art people to make a few tweaks, like giving the model blue eyes.

  22. Anita H. August 6, 2013 at 3:55 am #

    Love the cover of the book, I can’t wait to read it. It’s already been marked to my TBR pile!

  23. CrystalGB August 6, 2013 at 6:34 am #

    Great interview. I can’t wait to read Blue’s story.

  24. bn100 August 7, 2013 at 12:37 am #

    Very nice interview

  25. Janie McGaugh August 8, 2013 at 7:41 am #

    This sounds like an enjoyable read.

  26. Mary @SweepingMe August 11, 2013 at 7:42 am #

    I really enjoy your writing. I would love to get my hands on a copy of this one! Thanks for the chance! Congratulations on your new release.

  27. Tammy August 11, 2013 at 8:06 am #

    What is it about spy books that make them so appealing to read? I just love them.

  28. Marcy Shuler August 11, 2013 at 3:18 pm #

    How many books do you have planned for this Spy series?

    bmndshuler(at)hotmail(dot)com

    • Shana Galen August 15, 2013 at 5:56 pm #

      Marcy, I have 3 novels and a novella. Thanks for asking!

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