Bitten by Books
BBB: Which superhero could defeat any other superhero?
AB: I have a lifelong crush on Spiderman. He may be lean and lack cool weapons compared to Superman or Batman or Wolverine, but he’s an agile badass who travels in the best way possible-spinning webs and swinging across the city. He’s a witty guy too. I am pretty sure that if he can’t get out of a situation or save the girl with his brawn, he can certainly do it with his wit.
BBB: What real-life science, pseudo-science, history, religion, or mythologies did you research for your book?
AB: I studied ancient Greek and Roman literature in college, so I pulled from those mythologies. I also looked at the history of tattoos that goes as far back as the Otzi Man found in the Italian Alps. The Otzi Man had roughly 61 tattoos that they believed helped him with pain. His discovery and tattoos got me thinking about tattoos and their magical purposes and why people wear them.
BBB: How would you title your autobiography?
AB: The Mother ****ing Boss: My life by playing against the rules
BBB: Have you perfected the perfect vanilla bean cupcake yet? If so, would you be willing to share the recipe here with the readers?
AB: I can’t take credit for this vanilla bean cupcake recipe. What I can say is that I’ve modified it depending on what ingredients I have (like if I don’t want to splurge on vanilla beans, I’ll simply leave that out).
This fantastic recipe is from Sally’s Baking Addiction, http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/04/20/very-vanilla-cupcakes/
VANILLA CUPCAKES
1 and 2/3 cup (210g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
2 egg whites
1/4 cup (60g) vanilla greek yogurt (or plain; or regular yogurt; or even sour cream)
3/4 cup (180ml) vanilla almond milk (or cow’s milk; or soy milk; or plain almond milk)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
seeds scraped from 1/2 split vanilla bean
VANILLA BEAN FROSTING
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
4-5 cups (480-600g) confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream*
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
seeds scraped from 1/2 split vanilla bean
salt, to taste
Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt butter in the microwave. Whisk in sugar - mixture will be gritty. Whisk in egg whites, yogurt, milk, and vanilla extract until combined. Split 1 vanilla bean down the middle lengthwise. Scrape seeds from half of the vanilla bean into batter. Reserve other half.
Slowly mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until no lumps remain. Batter will be thick.
Divide batter among 12 cupcake liners (or 24 mini) and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Bake for 8-9 minutes if making mini cupcakes. Allow to cool.
To make the frosting, beat softened butter on medium speed with an electric or stand mixer. Beat for about 3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar, cream, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean seeds with the mixer running. Increase to high speed and beat for 3 minutes. Add more powdered sugar if frosting is too thin or more cream if mixture is too thick. Add salt if frosting is too sweet (1/4 teaspoon). Frost cooled cupcakes (I used Wilton 1M piping tip). There may be leftover frosting depending how much you use on each cupcake.
Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days and in the refrigerator up to 7.
BBB: Please tell us more about The Reaper’s Kiss and the storyline that drives it.
BBB: How many more books will there be in the Deathmark series?
AB: As of now, three books.
BBB: What sets the Deathmark series apart from other books in the same genre?
AB: Ollie is a Scrivener, a paranormal being who tattoos death into people. This concept is unique to the genre. Grim Reapers are not, however. But they are absolutely fascinating and the genre could use more grim reapers, I think. While Ollie does use her power when she needs to, she doesn’t use brawn to save the day. She uses her voice and wittiness and her reckless courage. I wanted to see a character like her in the genre, so that’s why I wrote her as I did.
BBB: What types of characters / creatures can readers expect in your world?
AB: Scriveners tattoo Deathmarks for the Grim Reapers. That is their basic skill, but there is much more to them that gets revealed later in the story. Grim Reapers are exactly what you think-they ferry souls to the Afterlife. There are Eidolons who are Grim Reapers for Grim Reapers and they are absolutely creepy. And there’s a mutt named Dudley. 
BBB: You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
AB: Rainbow. I’m a fan of all getting their chance to be seen.
BBB: If you could throw a parade of any caliber through the Entangled Publishing offices, what type of parade would it be?
AB: A conga line for sure. I started one during a birthday party for a Zulu friend in South Africa and it wrapped around his house and included everyone-young and old. It’s almost impossible to resist the pull of a conga line. I’d love to get the folks at Entangled Publishing offices on their feet and dancing like there’s no tomorrow. There would be cupcakes after it is all over.
BBB: If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?
AR: Well, having just returned from South Africa, I’d like to trade places with Nelson Mandela. Seeing the world through his eyes would be enriching, humbling, and inspiring.
BBB: What’s coming up for you for the rest of 2015?
AB: I’m going to finish edits on book two of the Deathmark Series. One book closer to Ollie and Brent living happily ever after. In addition, I’m beginning a new book about a woman with PTSD who finds love in the most unlikely place. And, when I’m not writing, you will definitely find me hiking and trying to ski in the mountains (I emphasize “trying”).
Buy a Kindle copy of The Reaper’s Kiss from amazon by clicking here. - ONLY $3.99!
About Abigail Baker
Author Bio:
Abigail Baker shares her home with a cat endearingly named “The Other Cat” and two rescued mutts with mundane human names that people think are cute. In addition to writing about rebellious heroines, she enjoys hiking, discovering craft beers, baking the perfect vanilla bean cupcake, and rock climbing (going as far as scaling 800 vertical feet to the summit of Devil’s Tower National Monument in 2013).
Abigail won first place in the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer’s 2010 Colorado Gold Writing Contest for Romance for THE BLOODSUCKER and first place in RWA’s Golden Network’s 2011 Golden Pen in Paranormal Romance for TATTOO OF YOUR NAME ACROSS MY SOUL (now THE REAPER’S KISS, Deathmark Book One). She regularly blogs about life observances, lives at the base of the Rocky Mountains, and can be easily found hiking any of Colorado’s best trails.
11 Quick Things About Abigail
Favorite Food? Donuts!
Favorite Color? Purple
Favorite Movie or TV Show of all Time? Bridesmaids
Favorite Drink? Coffee
Favorite Current Book? Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Favorite Season? Fall
Favorite Online Hangout? Pinterest
Favorite Animal? Stoat
Favorite Band or Musician? Florence + the Machine
Mode of Travel? (Trains, Planes or Automobiles) Car
Favorite Vacation Destination? Any place with mountains
Connect with Abigail
| Website | Blog | Newsletter | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram | Google + | Books by Abigail Baker |
CONTEST INFO: Open to readers worldwide.
Prize: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card
Prize 2: Three $5.00 Amazon Gift Cards
Be SURE to TWEET and FACEBOOK this link using the SHARING is CARING buttons below so your friends can enter too.
Who are some of your favourite authors?
Hi Minna! I started with Laurell K Hamilton and Charlaine Harris. As I dove deeper into the paranornmal/urban fantasy genres, I found Jeaniene Frost, Darynda Jones, amongst others.
Who are some of yours?
Hi Abby! (can we call you Abby or do you prefer Abigail?)
Welcome to BBB, it is great to have you here for the first time.
Thanks for the amazing looking cupcake recipe!
My question for you is; What drew you into writing UF/Paranormal and what other genres do you write in or would like to write in?
Call me Abby! Abigail is so formal.
I grew up on scary movies and ghost stories. So, Nightmare on Elm Street, Poltergeist, Amityville Horror. I love paranormal anything. I used to write scary stories as a kid, so it was a natural progression into UF/paranormal once my girlish hormones kicked in. Romance adds a nice element to spooky stories, I think.
I do plan to write a women’s fic about PTSD. It hits close to home, but a story I really want to write. So, we’ll see where that one goes.
I am really glad to hear about the book on PTSD from a woman’s POV. So many of us have it and don’t even realize it. Can’t wait to hear more about this project Abby.
You can call me Rach. LOL if you want to that is.
Thanks, Rach.
I think it is a subject worth discussing. Too many suffer from it and continue to b/c they either don’t know that they have it or they suffer in silence.
Agreed! People toss the word / acronym around a lot but really may not realize the far reaching ramifications of it.
Yes, very true. And there’s the mistake that it only happens to veterans.
My personal experience with it has been a long, dark road. But knowing WHAT it is is the first step in healing.
To answer your fantastic questions that are on the Giveaway Tools Widget:
1. What Tattoos do you have (if you have them) and why?
I have a bit of ink. I have an inverted Celtic Triquetra on my left arm that is outlined in the colors of the chakras. For me this symbol represents the Triple Goddess aka the three stages of life we go through as women. The Maiden or young girl, The Mother and The Crone. I had it inverted to look more vaginal, another symbol of power and feminine energy. It is on my left arm which is the female side of the body. (the side that represents feminine energy)
In the Catholic belief system this symbol represents the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost (you can see why I inverted it now? lol)
I also, have my lips and eyeliner tattooed on.
There is my first tattoo of a goldfish smoking a cigarette. It reminds me of my love of water and swimming and the cigarette is a reminder to do the things I love good or bad regardless of anybody else’s opinion of my activities.
I have a small Tattoo of the Nile Fertility Goddess above my left breast (needless to say she’s getting TALLER the older I get lol damn that gravity).
What about you Abby? What tats do you have and why?
Haha! Oh, how tattoos age with us.
I have a fleur-de-lis on the back of my neck for my grandmother. She loved the symbol and so I imagine she’s behind me, watching over me.
I have the sign of Aquarius (my first tattoo) on my back, an “A” on my write, a muse rising out of an open book on my entire back, and a partial sleeve of Victorian rosemaling.
And just so everyone knows, I also have a Deathmark on my hip. Dun.Dun.Dun.
LOL good grief I wish Ink artists would warn against boobage tatts. Somebody said mine looks like Wilt Chamberlin in a dress. (so not true).
I want to get some Egyptian work done on my right side. Anubis/Ankh and some hieroglyphs. Not sure what else, but I want it to be bad ass. (who doesn’t lol).
The hard part for me is figuring out who to have do it, I want it to have some meaning and be done in sacred space. Shouldn’t be too hard to find in the Seattle area.
HAHA! I’m sorry to laugh.
Egyptian artwork sounds awesome! What does it mean to you?
My tattoo artist (the one who inspired me to create Ollie and is NOT a Scrivener) does some awesome work. And she does sacred tattooing. She’s in St. Louis.
I have a profound love for all things Egyptian. It started at about age 9 when the King Tut exhibit came to Seattle (yes I am showing my age here). I am very fascinated with the culture and mummification in particular. No real clue why. Actually I enjoy most ancient cultures and their mythos etc. I wanted to be an Egyptologist when I grew up. Still do I suppose. Growing up we never had anything “new” or really modern in our house. My parents collected antiques (early American only). So, the history thing is kind of in my blood.
Gurl! We are cut from the same cloth. I loved Egyptian lore, etc when I was a kid too. I got these brass pyramids for my desk and I truly believed they held magical properties. I’m a HUGE FAN of the movie The Mummy, btw.
2. Where is the sexiest place for a man to be tattooed?
I have to say anywhere except his peewee. LOL I am fond of back work or nice intricate arm sleeves.
What about you Abby? What’s your favorite place to see tatts on a man (or woman)?
For me, it’s the forearms!
Yeah……. hmmm
What are your thoughts on facial tattoos (aside from make up)? I have only seen one woman who had some amazing work on her eyes, it was minimal but beautiful. She was a stunning woman to begin with.
I don’t think I’ve seen enough face tattoos to have an opinion. But I have seen the occasional piece that stops and gives me pause. I don’t think I’d ever do it though. Have to be all professional.
How many tatts do you have again? And when is your next one. (PS: If you don’t see a reply button on this post, you can go up a level in this thread and hit reply to one of those to keep it going. Fools the system. LOL)
Thanks for the tip!
6 tattoos total and I’m contemplating a new one…though no idea what.
How about you? Are you done getting ink or planning for more?
3. What sexy male celebrity do you think would make a perfect and irresistible grim reaper?
OH yeah Indiana Jones aka Harrison Ford for the win! I am sure there are others but he’d be freaking AMAZEBALLS as a grim reaper!
Who do you think would make the best GR Abby?
I could totally see Harrison Ford. Especially Han Solo Harrison Ford! Meow.
LOL yeah, you must have been reading my mind when you wrote Han Solo! I thought the same thing. I don’t particularly find Jack Nicholson attractive, but HE would make a freaking awesome grim reaper. What do you think?
Oh, god, yes! The first thing I ever saw him in was The Shining and he still terrifies and intrigues me. I want to both meet him and run screaming from him.
The boyfriend in Scream also plays sexy and scary well-Skeet Ulrich.
Oh.My.Gods.! I never did watch the shining all the way through. The first time I saw parts of it, I was babysitting out in the country and it was super dark and scary outside (damn there were chickens there too hmmm) anyways, I made the Saint Bernard come in and sit with me because I scared myself so bad. Wind was howling and it was the fall. Perfect creepy weather for scary movies.
I visited the hotel where Stephen King wrote The Shining many times. It’s not as creepy of a hotel as the one from Stanley Kubrick’s film. That movie…it’s just all kinds of disturbing.
Which writer(s) inspire you?
Jeaniene Frost and Darynda Jones. I love their ability to write long series and keep them fresh. Plus, I love their snark.
I love Darynda! She’s hilar! Great authors both of them.
1) I do not have any tattoos
2) I think the shoulder is a sexy place for a tattoo on a man
3) Kellan Lutz
Hi Lisa,
I had to look up Kellan Lutz and…HOLY COW!!!! Swoons.
Hi Abby!
How did you choose Quebec as your setting? What’s your most interesting travel story?
Hi Sabrina!
I have always been drawn to Quebec. I think because it feels like Europe in North America. I also read that it is the only fortified city in North America and it made me wonder why. Is something hiding in the city? What could it be? Why? That’s how I came up with Lethe.
I forgot to answer your second question. Not so much a story but an experience…I just visited South Africa for a month. It was an amazing experience spending day after day with the South Sotho in Free State. I never felt so much love from perfect strangers. And I hope to go back one day soon.
How about you? What’s your most interesting travel story or experience?
Congrats on the release of The Reaper’s Kiss! It sounds like a fascinating book. Who is your favorite character from the books you have written? Was this character easy or difficult to write?
Thank you, Bonnie!!! x
Oh, gosh, my favorite has to be either Stone or Lorelei-Ollie’s step-parents. They came on as such vivid characters. I loved them the moment I met them. I guess that’s why their story arcs are hard for me. I can’t say more for fear of ruining the book.
What one book or written material made it click into your head, “I want to do this! I want to be a writer.”
Hi Nikki!
When I was a kid, I wrote a short story for a contest that was judged by Vincent Price. Yes, that’s right THE Vincent Price. I didn’t win. I don’t even know if he got a look at my silly little story called Body 67 or something like that. But I knew then that I enjoyed telling stories and it took me a few decades to put that into practice.
Author Questions
I don’t have any tattoos.
Upper arm
Mick Jagger
Your Mick Jagger or Old Mick Jagger?
Either young or old Mick Jagger would be a perfect creepy grim reaper. For a sexy grim reaper I would choose Henry Cavill.
I agree! Have you been to the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland? I seem to remember they have an outfit of his on display and it is super, duper tiny. That man is a human Twizzler.
Oh, yes, Henry Cavill and those eyes. THOSE EYES!!!
I have never been to the Rock n’ Rock Hall of Fame, but I bet it would be a fun place to visit.
I have one tattoo that was supposed to be a little heart on my ankle that I got when I had just turned 18 and it wasn’t even a professional one. When it healed up, it didn’t look like a heart but a bluish green oval. I got it because I was young and stupid. lol. I do plan on getting professional ink just as soon as I can settle on a design and artist. I plan on getting for my first one, a dog wood tree with an old fisher man’s hat hanging off a branch with a Cardinal perched. It’s going to be a memorial piece for the two grandparents who raised and loved me. My grandpa wore this floppy fisher man’s style hat quite often and they both were from Kentucky. My grandma’s favorite bird was the Cardinal.
That tattoo idea is just beautiful! If you ever decide to do it, I’d love to see a picture (not in a creepy way). I love it when people get memorial tattoos. It’s so special, like we are keeping a piece of them with us.
I think men who have tatts on their chests is sexy. Totally lick able. My choice of a sexy guy is Jason Mamoa or Charlie Hunnam. Either one would be PERFECT as reapers. Hot cha cha cha
Jason Mamoa? *looks him up* OH!
If you found a genie, what would be your three wishes?
Hi Lisa!
Is it cliche to say world peace? That would be wish one. Wish two would be to have dinner with my late grandma so I can tell her about all the things that I’m doing and that she was and is a huge part of my life. The third wish would be humane treatment of animals across the world.
How about you?
Hello! What writers have influenced you?
Hi Susan!
It’s quite a list…Laurell K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, Jeaniene Frost, and Darynda Jones for UF/paranormal. But there are others outside of those genres…Cheryl Strayed, John Krakauer, Allie Brosh. And there are the classics…Jane Austen, Aristophanes, Bram Stoker.
Hi. Congratulations on your new release. What is your favorite book or series that you have written so far and why????
Hi Brandy!
Thank you.
Well, since I’m debut, I have to go with The Reaper’s Kiss in the Deathmark Series. I have written other books, but they are hidden away on my computer. I will say that the satire on vampires that I wrote a few years back is a real favorite. I still chuckle when I think of the story.
1. My only tattoos are the dots from radiation treatment.
2. I think the upper arm is sexy for a tattoo on a man.
3. Robert Downey Jr. would make a great reaper ;).
Who do you think would make a really sexy reaper? Don’t you think it’s cool and creative how some women have tattoos covering their chest after breast cancer?
Hi Viki,
Those dots tell a story. I wish all the very best in your journey. x
Did you see The Mummy? Oded Fehr would make a wonderful reaper! Then again Brendan Fraser from the movie would also make a funny, charming reaper.
I LOVE that women get ink-work done on their chest after cancer. It’s a beautiful way to note a very difficult life journey. I think there is a program called PINK that tattooists participate in. My tattoo artist has worked on several women through PINK. Their artwork is stunning and emotionally moving. Just thinking about it makes me teary.
What do you think of the artwork?
I love it.
Hi Abby and Congratulations! The cupcakes sound WONDERFUL! Are you sending cupcakes to everyone who participates today? Fingers and toes crossed!!! Who is your all-time favorite book character?
Hi Betty!
Haha. You know though…I once thought it would be fun to start up a cupcake of the week delivery service. Every Monday a new cupcake flavor delivered right to your door! The idea lost steam when I realized I just eat all the cupcakes I bake.
My all-time favorite book character goes to Emma Woodhouse in Emma by Jane Austen. Emma’s heart is in the right place, but she ends up causing more harm than good at times. She’s quite cocky too. I like flawed characters, ones that don’t always do what you’d expect them to do. And I like Emma’s happy ending.
How about you? What’s you all-time favorite character?
I love your “cupcake of the week” idea! Sign me up!
I have a few favorites! But one that comes to mind is Jane Marple (Agatha Christie). She’s an elderly spinster living in a small village who is able to solve mysteries better than trained, experienced detectives. Miss Marple is a keen observer of mankind and she understands human nature. These are two great qualities that can really help you along in life.
Hm. Maybe I need to pursue this creative cupcake endeavor.
Or find someone else to do it. Really, I just want all the cupcakes!
I will have to mention Jane Marple to my mother. She loves mysteries! She got me hooked on Murder She Wrote when I was a kid. I have a fondness for Angela Lansbury now.
Thanks for sharing-Ms. Marple sounds like a lot of fun.
P.S. Thank you for the congrats!
You’re welcome!
How long does it take you to write a book? Did you always want to be a author?
Hi Theresa!
The Reaper’s Kiss took 6 months to write. A lot longer to edit.
I can’t say I always wanted to be a writer, but it was always a creative outlet I enjoyed. I realized how much I needed to do it in my mid-20s when I started to accept that I liked telling stories and was good at it.
What is your current favorite craft beer?
Hi Bethany!
Ooo, great question. Since I live in Northern Colorado, I have a great selection of local breweries to choose from. My favorite is Funkwerks’ Raspberry Provincial. It’s an award winning brew and it is perfect for the hot weather!
Do you have a favorite craft beer?
I live in VA and a while back I tried Avery’s The Kaiser. I really liked it, but it turns out it is really hard to come by here. Like i f you find a store that actually carries it, they’ll only let you buy one. Over the summer I’ve been liking the ciders (yeah yeah, not real beer,) but I’ve tried so many I can’t remember which ones I like the best.
Do you believe in life after death or reincarnation?
Hi Ashley!
Short answer: I don’t know.
Long answer: I struggle to accept that there isn’t something beyond what we perceive and experience here on earth. I’m a big fan of string theory. If it is true, then there is a lot more we have yet to discover and it is quite possible there is another dimension (or lots of them) beyond this one. Calling it life after death or reincarnation doesn’t quite feel right with what I believe, but…something exists.
What do you believe in?
Honestly I’m not sure. I think I believe our souls live on but I’m not sure if we know what’s going on or anything. Thanks for sharing!
Yeah, it’s a deep subject. But I love talking about it. We will find out one day, just hopefully not too soon.
1. No tats for me
2. I think a tat on the arm or side of the abs
3. Theo James
Ah, yes, he’s a hottie for sure!
Who is your favorite Muppet and why?
Hi Trix!
Haha. Ollie names her shotgun after a Muppet in my book.
My favorite is Fonzie. He’s so happy-go-lucky. Plus I want to snuggle him like a teddy bear.
HOw about you?
I don’t have tattoos, because I fear pain and needles! (Almost everyone in my town *does* have them, so I feel like such a rebel.
)
The upper back is good, and I saw an intriguing one right below the back of the neck once. It depends on the size and shape…
Ewan McGregor (preferably the young, long-haired, wisecracky version) would be good. Alex Pettyfer would be good if you’re going for a volatile quality, and Matt Bomer might be fun if you’re going with the innocent look!
I love that you are a rebel for not having tattoos!
That’s excellent.
Oh, my, Ewan McGregor. He is totes adorbs. He is so squeezable.
My answers to Abby’s questions:
1. I don’t have any tatoos.
2. I think the upper back would be a great spot.
3. How about Matthew McConaughey? I thought he was great in the series, True Detective.
You know, I haven’t seen him in True Detective. But he is adorable. He’s done some good work lately too.
What is the most interesting thing you did for research?
I do not have any tattoos a I am allergic. Bummer
I think the shoulder would be a great place.
Sean Connnory
Thanks, Debra!
The most interesting research item was staying two nights in Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec (this is the hotel Ollie talks about in the book). It’s the most photographed hotel in the world. It is stunning!
The first night I stayed there, I had a nightmare that a black misty shape was standing over me, watching. I woke up terrified. And the black misty lingered and even followed me to the bathroom. Now, I know I was awake, but it was there.
So, I’m convinced something eerie lives there. What it is I don’t know. Would I go back? You bet!
What book are you currently reading?
1. No tattoos
2. One on the upper arm
Thanks, Zonell!
I am reading Irritable Hearts: A PTSD Love Story and The From-Aways. Both are research for a women’s fiction I’m working on when I’m not working on the Deathmark Series.
What are you currently reading? Got any recs?
What actors would you pick to play your main characters.
Thanks, Laura!
Ollie: Evangaline Lilly
Brent: Joe Manganiello
Marin: Moby
Lorelei: Viola Davis
Stone: Michael Clark Duncan (RIP sweet man)
Dudley: My dog CB
What is your favorite food?
Hi Natalie!
Burgers! There’s a restaurant in Chicago called Kuma’s Corner with all kinds of crazy, gourmet burgers. http://www.kumascorner.com
Totally worth the calories!
What’s your favorite food?
I love baking and I’m definitely trying that recipe.
What are your other passions?
Hi Ann!
Please try it and let me know how it turns out. I was shocked with the results. And happy. Gourmet cupcakes are expensive. Much cheaper to make them yourself.
I am an avid rock climber and hiker. I’ve climbed all over the world. My favorite place to go vertical is Colorado though.
Would you please share something unique about yourself — thanks
Hi Jo Anne,
Thanks! Sure. Before getting into writing books, I was studying to be an opera singer (was a coloratura soprano). My distant cousin is Beniamino Gigli from Italy. He replaced Caruso at the Met in 1921. He was my inspiration for a long time, but when I learned that my little voice would never fill an opera hall, I gave up on pursuing the family business.
1. no tattoos
2. the small of the back
3. Henry Cavill
Henry Cavill is a popular guy here. He’d probably make a smashing Brent Hume.
hi Abigail,
?! yes I have a tiny rose, it was a gift from daughter Rachel, she wanted me to get one, so it is very special to me
?2 bicsep
?3 Gerard Butler
Ive heard of intersting made donuts, have you ever ate one?
Hi Dina!
Very cool about your rose and that it was a gift. For my mom’s 60th, I got her a pug tattoo. She obviously loves pugs. I like hearing that people give them as gifts as you have been given.
So, I love donuts too! I have been to Voodoo Doughnuts in Denver. Have you heard of it? They have crazy donuts like donuts with icing and cereal on top. Personally, I like cream-filled with chocolate on top.
What’s your favorite donut? Have you tried any crazy donut places??
no I have not heard of it. Im a regular type, I really love krispy kreme
Mmm… Krispy Kreme….http://i.imgur.com/psekO3B.gif
How do you decide if a book is going to be a stand alone or part of a series?
Hi Mary,
Good question. For me it was 2 things. 1) UF/paranormal have a LOT of series. And publishers of those genres seem to like see series too. 2) I also knew I couldn’t tell Ollie and Brent’s story in one book.
If you could only give ONE piece of advice to newbie authors and writers, what advice do you think is the most important one to give? A Con to being a writer? A Pro to being a writer?
Hi Raonaid!
One piece of advice: Be Patient. Publishing is a process. You are the mercy of the industry. So be ready for that. Patience also means be patient with your book-don’t try to sell it before it is ready.
Pro: You get to play with your imaginary friends as an adult!
Con: Your friends and family may not initially get why you enjoy obsessively typing out stories on your computer.
What Tattoos do you have (if you have them) and why?
——- Sadly, I have zilch, nada, zero tattoos. Not because I dislike them or anything, mostly because I never could afford to get one (hey, I am a responsible adult, my children and their needs come first) and I never found the right image to put permanently on my skin. I want the image to have special meaning to me.
Where is the sexiest place for a man to be tattooed?
—- Humm, perhaps a sexy tattoo on the hip. That would be fun to go exploring…
What sexy male celebrity do you think would make a perfect and irresistible grim reaper?
——- Hrmm, that would have to be a tie between a young Antonio Banderas (say in 95 when he starred in Desperado) or a young Pierce Bronsan with his bedroom eyes (okay, so I’m watching old episodes of Remington Steel, and I think my mom’s thinking of him rubbed off on me)
Do you have a favorite stand-alone novel?
Hi Fox,
You know, one that comes to mind this early in the morning is Good Grief. It’s about a woman who loses her young husband to cancer and how she recovers. I ugly cried and laughed through this book.
What’s your favorite stand-alone novel? I’m taking suggestions.
From any of your books, what has been one of your favorite scenes, or types of scenes, to write?
Hi Lindsey,
Hm…I like to write the more emotionally charged scenes. It’s a catharsis of sorts. So, in The Reaper’s Kiss, the poignant moment at the end was both the most challenging and rewarding. I wish I could explain more about that particular scene without ruining it, but I probably shouldn’t.
To answer your giveaway questions:
I don’t have any tattoos.
Back tattoos and sleeves.
Stephen Amell or Chris Hemsworth.
who is your favorite author?
Hi Thomas!
That’s a really tough question. I love so many authors. But if I have to give just one, I’d say John Krakauer. His books, particularly Into the Wild, have changed my life.
you were talking about women with PTSD and they don’t just get it from wars. I was diagnosed with PTSD years ago from being an abused wife. Ex beat me, through me through a glass door, went after me with an ax, put an ax through the window of my truck at my face and had glass embedded everywhere on my head and face. the dr’s and therapists said it was like having been to war cause i was in my own war zone.
have any of you been through something like that for PTSD or just wars? Curious… years later and I still move when I think someones angry except second hubby who would kill himself before he laid a finger on me
Hi Diana,
First of all, <>. My heart skipped when I read your post just now. I’m so very sorry you were attacked and suffer from PTSD. I was told that PTSD can happen from just about any trauma. Some people don’t develop it. Some do. War veterans get it. Battered women get it. Witnessing a horrific act can trigger it. Just about anything can bring it on. It’s our body coping with intense and acute stress.
I have my own experience that I don’t wish to dive into here, but it was emotional in nature, not physical. It took me a long time to come to terms with that, because there were no marks left on my body. I still suffer from nightmares, though.
I am VERY happy to know that you have a wonderful husband now. Sadly, I do think PTSD is something you carry with you for life. It becomes party of your story. And it’s OK that you have it. You did nothing wrong.
If you ever wish to talk more about, I’m here (email). xAbby
yes it never goes away and I found my escape in reading and cleaning…neighbor said they could smell the bleach walking past my door… one of them broken in through my window the last time and got between us with the cops on the phone…I took my kids and had him arrested…. he tried telling me we’d still be together if I didn’t have him arrested… wtf… !!! took hubby a long time to move fast in front of me without me running for the corner with my arms over my head… he cried about what that bastard did to me….I’ve gotten better but will never forget…but I have a good network who will kill for me so that’ enough for now
So glad you have a good network around you now. That is so very important to healing. I wish you the best! <3
wheres your favorite place to write?
Hi Amanda!
My chiropractor will hate me for saying this but…my bed.
Do you have a favourite genre to read?
Hi Cheryl,
Well, I love UF/paranormal.
But I also love non-fiction. Books like Wild, Into Thin Air, Quiet, etc. are so much fun to read.
If you could have any creature (real or mythical) as your companion what would you choose?
Hi Emma!
Hmm…this is a cool question. I’d say a magical panther with crystal blue eyes. I had a toy of such a creature when I was kid that was a panther covered in black felt. I loved that thing to pieces. I’d be pretty badass walking into a room with that panther by my side. Plus, I think it would be big enough for me to ride.
What about you? You said in your other post that you love horses, so would some sort of magical horse be your companion?
I think I would actually be a bit more practical and have a dog with cool powers, maybe able to mind talk with it and the dog could shapeshift. Then I can take it with me all the time. Maybe even a person who could shapeshift into a german shepherd lol.
I have three tattoos, my first was a seahorse (wanted something a bit different but that still represented my love of horses), next is a gryphon (actually Skandragon from Mercedes Lackey) and last is a galloping horse that is actually a horse I owned that the tattoo artisted turned into a tattoo for me.
What Tattoos do you have (if you have them) and why?
No Tattoos it is painful procedure and i don’t like pain… beside what I will do with them when my skin won’t be smooth anymore?
Where is the sexiest place for a man to be tattooed?
somewhere on the shoulder
What sexy male celebrity do you think would make a perfect and irresistible grim reaper?
Ant handsome one;)
Are there any other genres you would be interested in writing?
Hi Michelle,
I’d like to write women’s fiction or even mystery/horror. No matter what, I’m probably always going to write darker stuff. It’s in my blood.
Do you have any current favorite tv shows or books?
Hi Amy!
Favorite tv show right now is Face/Off. Can’t get enough of that show.
1. What Tattoos do you have (if you have them) and why?
I would love a tat of a towering stack of books on my back.
2. Where is the sexiest place for a man to be tattooed?
I think on their back or chest is the sexiest
3. What sexy male celebrity do you think would make a perfect and irresistible grim reaper?
Either Chris Pratt or Chris Evans
have 7 tattoos and love em…hubby i sleeved and has them on his chest and back too
Inquiring minds want to know where is your favorite vacation spot in the US.
Hi Pamk,
I love the outdoors-mountains, hiking trails, wild animals. So my favorite place is Colorado-where I live.
did you every enter something that happened to you or somebody you know into a story?
Hi Stacey!
Oh, yes! Obviously not the hefty paranormal stuff, but other things-like character quirks, little observations here and there. Real life is rich with material. Why not weave some of it into a story?
Since it is my dad’s birthday today (Happy birthday, Dad!), I will confess that I plan to write his obsession with buying and stocking up on ALL THE BUTTER into a character one day. He will be ready for the Apocalypse, that’s for sure. It’s little things like that that make characters feel real to me.
What things inspired you to write books ?
Hi Alexandru!
I love telling stories. Writing is the vehicle that I use to tell them. Inspiration came from reading lots of books, loving them, and then proving to myself that I can do that too if I work, work, work.
Just finished reading it and loved it. Can hardly wait to hear what happens next. Have you started the sequel yet?
Hi Michelle!
Hurray! I’m so glad you read and loved the book. THANK YOU! xx
I just turned in book 2 to my lovely editor this past Sunday. If all goes to plan, the sequel will be released June of 2016. And I can’t wait to share more of the world and Ollie’s story. The sequel introduces one of my favorite characters yet.
Have your job experiences ever found a way into your books? What was the worst job you ever had?
Hi Dovile!
Haha. Ok. Well, my job experiences have not worked their way into my books…yet. Probably my worst job was the one day I worked as a waitress. I emphasize one day b/c I spilled a bottle of root beer all over this sweet old lady. She was very gracious about it. But I was so mortified that I knew I a career as a waitress was beyond me.
How about you? Worst job ever?
1) I have no tattoos
2) On the upper part of his arms, it draws attention to the man’s biceps.
3) For some reason, I think Michael Fassbender would be perfect.
Oh, I could totally see that! Did you see he’s playing Callum Lynch in Assassin’s Creed? Meow!
Whats your favorite genre to read?
Hi Dawn,
It’s a tie between UF/Paranormal and adventure non-fiction like Into Thin Air or Wild.
I do not have any tattoos. To answer your question, the sexiest place for a man to have a tattoo is on his upper arm(biceps). I think.