Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Ciara Lake to the blog today…
Q1) Can you please share with us a little about yourself.
I am a mother of two wonderful boys. They are very talented in music. My oldest son plays the piano, the trumpet, banjo and guitar. My younger son plays piano and saxophone. We all sing. I play around with the piano and violin.
My daytime job is an attorney in Juvenile and Domestic court. There is lots unhappiness in my job regarding people’s relationships. Therefore, I really enjoy writing about lasting love. About characters who just know, they are meant to be together. Perhaps my writing is a form of therapy for me. J I want it to bring happiness to others too.
Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Since I was in high school, I wanted to write. I used to write short stories and thought about trying to write for magazines. But I got busy going to college, then I had children. I just never seemed to have the time. One thing I have learned, you have to make time for yourself and for the things you love.
I had a teacher in High School, Karen Harper. She was my English teacher. She was starting with her writing and she inspired me. I did well in her class and she was encouraging to me. It goes to show how important a good teacher can be.
Q3) Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
My favorite authors are: Sherylin Kenyon, Christine Feehan, Lora Leigh and Charlaine Harris. There are other authors I read regularly too, but these four are my favorite. I would love to meet them.
Q3) How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
I enjoy reading paranormal, fantasy and sci fi. I love escaping into new and strange worlds. These types of books just seem to catch my eye and keep me reading. The layers in these books on top of the characters are exciting.
I enjoy creating unique worlds and with different people who are capable of new and interesting things.
However, I can see myself writing contemporary or historical. I was a history teacher (at least I went to college to be one) then went to Law School. So, I do have a love for history and writing about historical times would be enjoyable too.
Q4) What are some of your writing rituals?
I sit down in front of the computer and let my fingers move. I let myself surrender to the story and it just flows out of me. I have fun dreaming on the computer. It comes alive.
I drink a lot of coffee while writing. Thus, Krevan Vallex became coffee drinker in The Triaxen. Actually, coffee became very important to the Triaxen people, all because I was enjoying a good cup of Java. J
Q5) Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
I finished the next book in Xihirah, Tallusian Nights. I am working on edits now. I hope to turn in to Siren soon. In Tallusian Nights, the war goes on between the Realmist and the rest of the universe. The Xihirian military comes to the planet Tallusia’s rescue. Princess Zalora Zimbali is rescued by Kael’s son, Val. Val and Zalora have many heated nights in the wild forest of Tallusia. In Tallusian Nights, Felix Tomron, the new leader of the Realmist encounters Val Braeden. They clash. Felix is out for revenge. Val must save his family from Felix’s torment.
I’ve already planned out the next book, Fires of Zenite. This next story will be about Val’s Uncle, Kade Braeden. Kade is introduced in Tallusian Nights. He is a bad boy prince who is about to meet his perfect mate and have his adventure and romance in the stars on a very hot planet in the midst of a war reaching its climax. It always takes the right woman to settle a bad boy down and save him from himself.
Just before I started writing Tallusian Nights, I finished my first book in the Forsaken Series. I’m writing this series with Author Patricia Bates writing under pen name Elise Whyles. The series will feature a fantasy world filled with fantasy realms. The series will have dragons, elementals, vampires, Krevellians, trolls, merpeople, Greek gods, Norse gods, the enchanted forest, and more. Each book is a sensual experience for our readers. Both Elise and I are very excited. Beachwalk Press is our publisher. The second in this series will come out in Spring Summer of 2012 Curse of the Dragon’s Claim.
Blurb:
The world of the immortals exists parallel to ours. It’s a world of magic, danger and mystery. Immortals often travel to our realm. They live among us.
Vampires and Dragons have been at war for ages. Innocent humans and immortals have died as a result. Some unfortunate immortals have been forsaken to live ignorant as humans among us. A beautiful Forsaken, Arianna Mergliano will discover she’s something more than she ever imagined.
Clayne MacDagon, a powerful dragon warrior embittered by his twin’s death is sent on a mission to find the dracvipen. Seeing Arianna, he knows she is his fated mate. Embracing this truth, he takes her as his own. They suffer much at the hands of their enemies – nevertheless, their love helps them overcome all.
I just finished a book I’ve named An Angel for Avery. It is the first book in the series Avery’s Angels, the sons of Aiden. It’s a modern day story taking place in Maine. Avery’s a pastry chef at an historic Inn. Fresh out of college Avery’s lonely and has some struggles adjusting to her new life. She’s far from her home and family. One morning she wanders into Granny’s Cupboard on Bay Street. There she finds a gorgeous cut glass antic ornament. An angel with a huge sword sparkles grabbing her attention. She purchases the ornament, makes a wish, and her life will never be the same. I have not decided where I will be submitting this book and series.
Additionally, I am starting another series with Elise Whyles with the working title, Akvo the Waters of Life. This series is in early stages, so stay tuned for more information.
Q6) How did you come with the idea for this story?
I do a lot of daydreaming. I may hear something or experience something and a story is born. I jot down names and ideas to come back to later.
With Forsaken, Elise and I talked it out in brainstorming sessions. New characters and ideas are born with each session. I talk to Elise often about my ideas for other books too. It is great to have someone to talk with, to bounce ideas off.
Q7) Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I am currently working on the next in the Forsaken series, its working title is The Waves of Time.
This story is about a strong spirited environmentalist lawyer, Tabitha Lock. Ms. Lock is defending a company alleged to be polluting the waterways. A Merman, Jax Aquilla, also an environmental lawyer, for The Poseidon Firm, has an agenda regarding Ms. Lock and an intense dislike for the wasteful, careless, 21st century humans, who pollute our world. Jax is very intolerant at first, yet Tabitha loosens him up a bit. The two destined lovers start at odds, literally on opposite sides, but their love conquers their differences. The intensity turns to passion.
Q8) What would you be if you were not an author?
Just me, as I was before, a mother, a daughter, a friend and an attorney for children and families. I would be the same. But being an author has brought a new and wonderful layer to my life. I appreciate this opportunity to share my work with readers.
Q9) What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I look forward in reading any new releases from my favorite authors previously mentioned. Or any new author who I find that writes paranormal, fantasy or sci fi. However, to be honest, I have been so busy working at my day job and writing my various series, I have not been reading very much. I need a vacation to just sit back and read. I’ll go grab a bunch of books, download them to my Ipad and read, when given the chance. My love to write started with my love to read. This is really unlike me not to have a list of books in progress. But, I have been devoting my time to creating my own stories when not in court or doing something with my children at home.
