Bitten by Books
The Knights of Avalon, the four-part erotic PNR/UF series Starry Knight launches, was born of a simple idea: to write a series incorporating different forms of divination. From that kernel grew the far more complex world of the series. The “knights” of Avalon, the enchanted otherworld isle featured in Arthurian and Celtic legend, were Scottish noblemen who, after falling in battle, were taken by the fairies to serve as breeding drones to their queen. Each of the four books in the series tells the story of a particular knight and the heroine whose love saves him from his unhappy existence.
Each knight grapples with a different relationship with Morgan Le Fay, the cruel and selfish queen of Avalon. Callum Lyon, the hero of Starry Knight (book one), is free of Morgan’s influence, having escaped enslavement after faking his own death. Leith MacQuill, the hero of Dark and Stormy Knight (book two), was expelled from Avalon after the queen discovered his amour with one of her scouts. In book three, which I’ve yet to write, Axel Lochlann, a rune-casting Scot of Viking descent, guards the portal between Hitherworld (our realm) and Thitherworld (the otherworldly realm). The fourth knight, Finn MacKnight, doesn’t know what he is or that he’s destined to fulfill an ancient prophecy telling of the queen’s overthrow by a “natural-born” drone. Because of this prophecy, Morgan kills all the male children she bears and punishes the knights who father them.
Avalonian knights are vampire-like, but not vampires per se. Members of the Unseelie Fae, they drink blood and can assume the form of any creature they choose, but generally take the form of a particular animal to hunt. Callum’s preferred form is a lion, Leith’s is a Kellas Cat, Axel’s is a gyrfalcon, and Finn’s is a jaguar.
Astrology is the new-age element featured in Starry Knight (hence the name). Callum, the court astrologer to King James IV, fell in battle in 1513, after warning the king the stars did not favor the invasion of England. Ignoring Callum’s advice proved costly to the king and his astrologer.
In modern times, Callum lives in the northernmost county of Scotland as a reclusive political astrologer. The heroine, a free-spirited English aristocrat named Vanessa Bentley, comes to Caithness with the goal of getting inside Barrogill Castle. She’s just finished her training as a paranormal investigator and the London paparazzi have been giving her a hard time. Legend has it a vampire lives at Callum’s castle, so she decides to seduce the gorgeous, golden-haired baron to gain entry to his otherwise inaccessible abode. Needless to say, both get a lot more than hot sex (but also plenty of that!) from the bargain they strike.
Tarot cards, voodoo, ghosts, and the more traditional form of vampire also play roles in the plot. I hope readers enjoy Starry Knight and the rest of the series as much as I have enjoyed writing it!
Buy a print copy of Starry Knight from Amazon by clicking here.
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Books in the Knights of Avalon series in the order they should be read:
Starry Knight
Dark and Stormy Knight
Excerpt from Starry Knight:
“Being a romantic at heart, Callum wanted to love, loved the idea of being in love, but, for whatever reason, the seeds of affection never took root. As a breeding drone, it was in his nature to seduce, to draw women to himself to satisfy his physical needs. He enjoyed those trysts, enjoyed the chase and the conquest, enjoyed the power he wielded and the erotic gratification their bodies afforded. What man wouldn’t? What he didn’t enjoy was their pursuit of him. Or the lengths he had to go to at times to discourage them.
His problem with human women went beyond their inability to keep up with the demands of his libido. Most also were too emotionally needy and demanding. Calling and texting, pouncing on him at lectures and book signings, and generally acting like love-struck fools. As if he’d find such appalling behavior attractive.
He relished his privacy and his solitude. Having unwelcome company foisted on him upended his sense of wellbeing. It was that simple. He wanted a woman when he wanted her. When he didn’t, she could go hang herself.
The music stopped and so did he. He’d delayed long enough. Time to raise the stakes of their game.
He offered her his hand. As she took it, the contact ignited the smoldering cinders of his lust. Bending over her to level their faces, he captured his mouth with his own.
His ante.
Her tongue glided over his lip as her body moved against his. Her ante, plus a small bump. Seeing her, raising, and adding one of his own, he pulled her to him, welding her body’s heat to his. Her lips parted, inviting his tongue. He gave it to her, sweetening the pot.
The kiss deepened and grew more torrid. She tangled her fingers in his hair as he ran his hands down her back, savoring every luscious inch of her. When he worked his way to her buttocks and squeezed, she rolled her pubic bone against his erection. The pleasure of it was so celestial, his eyes rolled back in his head.
His bet, matched and raised.
He swept his hands upwards to her shoulders and around to her face, trapping her jaw as they devoured each other. He’d almost meant it when he said he’d be content to simply hold and kiss her all night. Kissing her felt as sweet and natural as licking heather honey from the comb. Though there was other honey he’d rather taste right now.
The kiss was escalating in step with his desire. He’d lost track of whose turn it was to bet. He only knew he was all in. Clearly, so was she, given how ardently she was stroking his cock through his trousers. Easing out of the kiss, he nipped and licked her lips as he pulled away. His fangs were descending. He ran his tongue over their sharp points, ready to partake of the next course.
“Come, my lady.” He pulled her toward the door. “It’s high time I took you to bed.”
About Nina Mason
Author Bio:
Nina Mason is a hopeful romantic with strong affinities for history, mythology, and the metaphysical. She strives to write the same kind of books she loves to read: those that entertain, edify, educate, and enlighten.
She has four books out at present and three more on the way. Her current releases are, in order of publication: The Queen of Swords, a darkly erotic Scottish paranormal romance/urban fantasy; The Tin Man, a political thriller; and Devil in Duke’s Clothing and The Duke’s Bedeviled Bride, the first two installments in an erotic historical series titled Royal Pains. Book three of Royal Pains will be released in October.
Starry Knight is the first book in a four-part paranormal romance series titled The Knights of Avalon. The series combines Arthurian legend, Celtic mythology, and Scottish history to tell the story of four mortals taken by the faeries after falling in battle. The Knights of Avalon are the breeding drones of the legendary sorceress Morgan Le Fay. Book Two, Dark and Stormy Knight, will be released in January 2016. The series is being published by Lyrical/Kensington.
Connect with Nina
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Thanks for having me on your blog today, Rachel!
Who are some of your favourite authors?
I read a lot of different authors, but my favorite is probably Diana Gabaldon. I love how she combines real history with great characters and poetic descriptions. I also love Jane Austen, of course, and am just now finally reading the novels by the Bronte sisters (how did I miss them in all those lit classes in high school and college?)-for my bucket list, but also as research for a new historical series I”m working on.
Plus…who doesn’t love a hot guy in a kilt? I know I try to work that particular garment into my books whenever possible.
I also love the Outlander series on television. I’ve read all the books and think they are doing a superb job of bringing the story and characters to life. Is anybody watching? They’re between seasons right now, but I highly recommend checking the first season out on Starz PPV.
Hi Nina! If you could spend the day with any literary character, who would it be and why? What would you ask them?
Wow, Becky. That’s a tough one. There are so many great literary characters to choose from. I might like to spend the day with one of Jane Austen’s heroines (I’d be too intimidated by her heroes, much as I like them as characters. I mean, can you imaging spending the day with Mr. Darcy?) The character that comes to mind is Jamie Fraser. I just adore him and think he’s the perfect blend of manly and sensitive, so bring Jamie on. What would I ask him? That’s hard, too. I’d maybe ask if he’d ever consider going forward in time to see the world Claire comes from.
Hi Nina!
Thank you so much for being here today at Bitten by Books. It’s great to have you.
My question for you is; how do you balance your writing/work with regular life goings on? Do you have specific times you write and then other times when you do “worldly” stuff for lack of a better term?
Great question, Rachel. I have very little to do in the world, as I am a pretty reclusive person. I get up in the morning, do my stuff to get ready for the day (make coffee, feed the dog, make my daughter’s lunch, take her to the bus-stop, water the plants on the porch-that sort of minutia), then I hit the computer and write. Well, just recently, I’ve added a half-hour morning walk to my routine, but then I go to my writing space. I like to write first thing in the morning, so I go to it. If it’s a good day, I’ve already got the characters rattling around in my head. If it’s a bad day, I struggle for a bit to get started. If it’s a terrible day, I stare at the computer in frustration and eventually give up and pimp the books I’ve already published. Typically, I write until my family gets home-about 4 o’clock (they’re due any second)-and switch gears to family life.
Anne Rice once said: “I write obsessively.” I think that’s true of me, too. When I’m working on a book, I write obsessively.
Answers to Author’s questions:
1. Do you believe in astrology?
I don’t really know what astrology is, so….no?
2. Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes, I don’t believe everyone moves on when they die, and they can sometimes leave an imprint behind.
3. Do you believe in faeries?
Kind of, but not in the context in which most people seem to imagine them.
To answer your fantastic questions that are on the Giveaway Tools Widget;
1. Do you believe in astrology?
YES, absolutely. I feel it is important to have both of your charts done. By both charts I mean western astrology which is based on our sun signs and eastern/Vedic astrology which is based on our moon sign. The western astrology is what you typically see in papers or online for your daily horoscope, it is how the world views YOU.
Vedic astrology is all about your internal strengths or struggles, the emotions and other things that most people don’t see.
Combining the two gives you a complete picture and the ability to see where potential issues or opportunities.
What about you Nina, do you believe in Astrology?
I do-and also know/agree there’s a lot more to it than sun signs and daily horoscopes. I’ve had my chart done-many moons ago-and it gave me some real insights into my personality. I also believe in the tarot, and sometimes read the cards for myself. Interestingly, the Knights of Avalon series (of which Starry Knight is book one) was inspired by the idea to write a series about vampires who practiced different forms of divination.
I really should have both of my charts re-done, as it has been about 15 years since they were done originally. I think I may have a better insight as to what to look for and what has come to pass now that I am older.
I am a HUGE Tarot aficionado. I don’t’ really read too well, but have tons of decks. Or should say *had* I am in the process of selling the majority of my collection right now. There are a few tried and true decks I am hanging on to. I really gravitate towards oracle decks/cards. They are fairly simple to use and helps me tap into my intuition etc. a bit easier.
What is your favorite tarot deck Nina?
Years ago, I found a deck called The Enchanted Tarot, which I still love. The cards are collages made by an artist with a grant from the NEA and she and her husband did a little book to go with it that includes a description of the cards, what they mean in a reading, and a little “enchantment” you can do to enhance a particular card’s influence. This is the only deck I use to do readings for myself and others. I have several decks, too-and have given some away, but The Enchanted Tarot is the one I use.
2. Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes, I sure do. We used to have a store right across the street from a very large cemetery. We would have our store door open and close at times and other odd happenings.
And other strange unexplained occurrences that have happened to me and my mom (who has now crossed over) over the years.
What about you Nina? Do you believe in ghosts or have you experienced any supernatural phenomenons?
I do believe in ghosts, tho I’ve never had an encounter with a spirit (much to my disappointment). I think some people are sensitive to the presence of spirits and some people aren’t-and I must be one of the latter because I’ve even stayed in haunted places hoping to see or experience something…but never have. My “supernatural” experiences are more spiritual than spirit. I’m very intuitive and, years ago, had a waking vision of being married to my husband. It was just a flash, but it was different than anything I’d ever experienced.
That is very cool about your husband. When I met mine, I sat down next to him and the first thing that came into my mind is “It’s about time you got here”. LOL I constantly freak him out (not so much freaking out these days) when I get a hit on something that he’s thinking or about to talk about before he opens his mouth. LOL
3. Do you believe in faeries?
YES! We used to do something fun in the fall at our old house and I may actually do it this year. We would take the sticks and other plant leavings in our yard and build fairy houses with them. Once we built them we would put little crystals or trinkets in them for the fairies.
Do you believe in the Fae Nina?
I want to say that I do, but…I’m not sure I believe in actual faeries as much as faery energy. I would like to be proven wrong, however, because I think the whole faery gestalt is super cool and interesting. I do have a faery garden and am attracted to things relating to the Fae, including folktales and faery paraphernalia. I also love faery houses and would love to build some and put them around the yard.
Yes I think the energy of fairies may be generated by people’s belief in them if that makes sense. Though there have been some documentaries or books written on people’s encounters with fairies. I wish I could remember what they were called. Who is your favorite Fairy artist? I love Brian Froud’s work. But first found Amy Brown who used to be local to me (not sure if she is anymore) years ago and that was really my first introduction to the Fae and exploring them further.
I love Brian, too-and his wife Wendy’s sculptures. I have her video on how to make fairy figures-because (little known fact about me) I am a dollmaker and wanted to learn to make clay figures as well as cloth. I prefer the earthy and whimsical to the pastel, cute type of fairies, if that makes any sense…
What books have been the most influential in your writing life?
Will you laugh if I say Twilight? I say Twilight because I wrote The Queen of Swords in reaction to Twilight, which I really did like, but for two points: first, I wanted hot vampire sex and found the lack of consummation frustrating, and second, I wanted to know more about the vampire character’s history. My favorite vampire book of all time is Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice. It’s just so…sultry and seductive. So, I set out to write something in between, with a nod toward the classics of vampire literature. I did several things very deliberately in The Queen of Swords. Graham’s journals are a nod to Dracula, which is written in epistolary form; their conversations about his past are a nod to Interview. Really, at a deeper level, it’s a battle between the new and old vampire archetypes with twists galore-but nobody seems to have caught on to the deeper themes. Luckily, most people still liked the book. Lol.
Hello! What writers have influenced you?
It’s tough to mention just a few names. I’ve been an avid reader all my life and have absorbed something from every book I’ve read (not enough, I fear, but some). I’ve always been more attracted to literature than romance. Time Traveler’s Wife, Snow Falling on Cedar, Cold Mountain, The Known World, Angle of Repose. Those are the books I’ve been more inclined to read-until I started writing romance and felt I needed to read more of the genre so I understood it better. I mainly read historicals, because that’s what attracts me, and Diana Gabaldon does historicals with depth of story and character, which is what I would do if I had half her talent. As it is, my books are quite different from the average genre read. They have more depth, history, and politics sometimes, interwoven into the story. My regular readers love that about my books, but people who want a “french fry” read tend to find it boring. I find “french fry” reads boring, personally. Once I’m done, I forget the book. I prefer books I never forget.
Astrology: yes
Ghosts: yes
Faeries: no
do i believe in astrologoy yes i find it most accurate most of the time. i do belive in ghosts. i was an avid watcher of “ghost hunters’ on tv for many years this made me belive. faries yes but not the cute little flitters among the flowers i mean REAL faries. thanks for being on here i LOVE your books.
Thank you. That’s always nice to hear! And thank you for taking the time to stop by the event.
What’s your favorite summer cocktail?
Well, I’m really more of a chardonnay or hard-cider kind of gal, but I do enjoy the odd dirty martini on special occasions. Not particular about the season.
My husband’s is a gin and tonic, if that helps. Lol.
What other series do you love besides Outlander? I’m having a bit of Fraser withdrawals myself! Haha!
Hmmm. I don’t tend to read a lot of series’. I read FSOG-and just read Grey, which I liked very much. I’ve read Cathy Maxwell’s Chattan Curse series. I’ve read a couple of Sarah MacLean’s First Rules of Scoundrels series…and Twilight, of course. Can’t think of any others.
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 of being a writer? A Pro?
What is your favorite mythological creature?
Funnily, I just read this question in the last author’s party. Can’t remember her name, but she wrote Mayhem. Also, funnily, I have the same advice. Don’t give up and keep honing your craft. It also helps to have a thick skin and a drive to succeed. Being an author may sound like a walk in the park, but it’s hard work-and writing’s not even the half of it. The promoting takes tons of time and creativity and you have to figure out how to balance the two so you’re still producing new work but not letting your old books fall by the wayside. The thick skin is for the mean-spirited reviewers and other authors who build themselves up by tearing other people down. I wish I had a thicker skin, but I don’t-and probably never will. It would be easier to deal with the trolls if I did.
Forget to answer about favorite mythological creature. Well, there are so many cool ones, it’s hard to pick. Faeries (are they mythological?), unicorns, dragons, griffins, chimeras, flying horses, water horses, faery cats. Are angels real or mythological? I love angels, too.
Do you believe in astrology?
—- I am interested in astrology, always have been.
Do you believe in ghosts?
—- Yes, I have some weird things happen before. I do have a friend who loves ghost hunting…
Do you believe in faeries?
—- Have yet to see one… I like to believe they exist.
Hi Nina and Congratulations! Who is your all-time favorite book character?
1. I have an open mind about it but I really don’t have enough knowledge to form an opinion.
2. Pretty much the same answer as # 1. I haven’t had a personal experience but I have had premonitions…
3. You know, I just really don’t know about that.
My answers are yawn-inducing, aren’t they? Sorry about that; it sounds like I need to study and research!
Hi, Betty. Thanks for stopping by to chat. I love research and learning new things and do lots and lots of it for my books. Favorite literary character? Lizzy Bennett from Pride and Prejudice stands out as an all-time favorite. What about you?
Thank you, Nina. Lizzy is a good choice. My favorite is Kinsey Milhone (Sue Grafton series). Kinsey is a private investigator, has one multi-purpose black dress that she’s been known to carry in her one shoulder bag, cuts her hair with manicure scissors and projects a tough image but she’s a bit of a softie in reality. She’s just a fun, quirky character!
Do you have a favorite place to read?
I generally read on the couch or in bed, depending on who is in what room with the television on.
I tend to read before I fall asleep when my eyes aren’t too tired-unless I’m really into a book. If I’m hooked, I’ll sneak and read in the afternoon or evening.
Thanks, I prefer reading in bed, too. It seems a popular place to read for many of the authors I ask.
Congratulations on the publication of Starry Knight! The Knights of Avalon sounds like a fascinating series. In an above comment you mentioned that Interview with the Vampire is your favorite vampire book. Who is your favorite character in the book? Have you ever met Anne Rice?
Louis is my favorite character, and I have never met Anne Rice, but I did drive by her purple Italianate Victorian house in the Garden District of New Orleans (which gets mentioned in Starry Knight, interestingly enough!) I never understood why she dumped Louis after that book and made Lestat her hero in the subsequent novels. I read somewhere that she said Louis is who she is and Lestat is who she wishes she was…tougher, I suppose? Not really sure. I loved Louis and never warmed to Lestat.
What is your favorite movie!
Favorite movie of the moment is A Little Chaos. Brilliant little film set in the time of my other series, Royal Pains. Very different from Starry Knight. It’s an erotic historical series set in the Restoration period with a duke who’s into BDSM (which was not called BDSM back then, of course, being named after two writers who were not yet born in 1680). A fondness for erotic flagellation at that time was called “Le Vice Anglais”-The English Vice.
Nina, in answer to your questions:
1. Do you believe in astrology?
I do not believe in astrology but it could be that I just don’t understand it enough to know that it’s real.
2. Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes, I believe in ghosts and even believe I saw one many years ago.
3. Do you believe in faeries?
I would have to say no to this one, too, but again, just because I haven’t seen any doesn’t mean they don’t exist.
Author Questions
I believe in astrology but have never had my chart done. I am especially fascinated by Chinese astrology.
Even thought I have never seen a ghost, I do believe they exist in some form.
I don’t believe in faeries, but I do enjoy reading about them.
What’s your favorite Fae trait?
This is a tough one. Of the traits I’ve assigned to the Fae in my books, I suppose it would be the ability to shift into any sort of creature, real or mythological. I might like being a unicorn or a dragon at times.
1. No!
2. Yes
3. I’d like to believe it’s possible
Do you have a favorite stand-alone novel?
For the longest time, it was The Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner. Now, I really couldn’t pick just one.
What book or books are you reading?
1. Do you believe in astrology?
No
2. Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes,
3. Do you believe in faeries?
No
I’m currently reading two books by friends of mine on Facebook. Scandalous Endeavors by Amanda Mariel and The Delicate Matter of Lady Blayne by Natasha Blackthorne. Just finished Agnes Grey and Jane Eyre and am about to start Wuthering Heights. I love reading the classics and try to fit in a couple ever year, but don’t always get it done.
Are there any other genres you would have an interest in writing ?
My first book is a paranormal romance, my second is a political thriller, and my third was an erotic historical. If I want to write it, I write it. The new series I’m just getting started on is gothic romance set in 1850.
Hi Nina!
What drew you to Avalon and Morgan Le Fay as a basis for your series. She is one the most fascinating literary characters to me- there are so many different interpretations of her and her story- I just love finding new ones to read about!
I am not sure I know enough to really believe in astrology, but I am always willing!
I do believe in ghosts
Not sure on the fairies either- but I would love for them to be real!
I can’t remember what exactly drew me to Morgan Le Fay. Somewhere in my research I came across her story and thought I’d use her as the queen of the island.
Did you already have a lot of knowledge about the mythology/history for this series, or did you just think it would be interesting to write about and had to do a lot of research?
I am fascinated by mythology and history. I tend to do the research after I decide to write something. I enjoy doing research and it often informs the plot as I go-new information fosters new ideas! So, I did a lot of research for Starry Knight, as I do with all my books.
Hi Nina!!! Of the books or series that you have written so far, what was your favorite one to write and why?????
I’ve liked them all because I write with all my heart and soul. If I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be my Royal Pains series, because the characters are so alive for me and the history so interesting. Plus, it’s my first historical series and I love historicals.
I do not believe in astrology. I was born on the cusp and so do not fit. As to ghosts and faeries, I dot believe and do not disbelieve. There is a chance they do exist.
How do you decide if a book is going to be a stand alone or part of a series?
For me, the decision is made before I start writing. With a series, I need a concept and to have a sense of what will happen in the future books. Not necessarily a whole plot, but at least a sense. A stand-alone is a story I want to tell that can be told in one volume. My first book, The Queen of Swords, was meant to be a trilogy. I even wrote the three books, but then, couldn’t sell the first book so the sequels seemed a waste of time. I ended up mining pieces of those books for other books and rewriting The Queen of Swords so the next two books no longer fit the story.
Hi Nina. Congrats on your new release! I am a big Sci Fi fan and love most things paranormal. I also love Sci Fi movies. Are you famaliar with Star Trek or Star Wars? If so, which do you prefer, Star Trek or Star Wars?
When I was growing up, Star Trek was my favorite TV show. Original Star Trek. Never got into the Next Generation or the movies. I liked Star Wars, but not as much as Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, and Dr. McCoy-oh, and Scotty. Who could forget him? Beam me up!!
In answer to the contest questions, Yes I believe in ghosts, Yes to Astrology and I am on the fence about faeries.
My purchase choices for books are more author and story driven versus publishers.
Name your top 3 favorite things (other than writing) to do and why
Truthfully, I don’t do much besides writing. I lead a very quiet life these days and rarely leave my house. So, reading, dollmaking, and watching movies would be my answers.
hi Nina,
how do you come up with your characters?
I usually get an idea for a story and then work out the characters and their motivations based on the conflicts they need to face in the book. To give them depth, I often assign them eneagram numbers and astrological signs that fit their personalities, then read more deeply about their traits. Sometimes, they just show up without all the prep work. Maggie and Robert in Royal Pains were like that. When I’m working on one of their books, they talk to me constantly, wake me up at 4 in the morning, and yak and yak to each other when I’m writing a scene (even when they aren’t supposed to be talking!). Those are the best kinds of characters, of course. The characters in my new book are being very quiet. I wish they would take a leaf from Maggie and Robert’s book. Lol.
How’d you decide on the character names?
This is harder than you might think. I look around, look up name meanings, names in a particular culture, all sorts of things. Sometimes, even after I’ve settled on a name, I’ll change it while writing the book. For example, I pulled the name Cecile out of the air for one of the characters in my WIP (she’s French and needed a French name that sounded 19th century), and last night, the name Estelle popped into my head. I might change her name to Estelle, which I like a little better. For the heroes of my new series, I looked up literary names. Eliot, Bronte, etc., thinking maybe their mother called them after authors. But the authors whose names I especially liked were born later than my book was set, so I scrapped that idea and decided their father, an Anglican minister, named them after the authors of the four gospels. There are four brothers in the series-and I like the names of the gospels. So, they became Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The series is called The Bronte Brothers. All four are Byronic characters who are cousins of the literary sisters.
don’t believe in any of those things
What are your must haves for writing?
Focus! Some days I just can’t concentrate. Also need something to write with and other books for inspiration when I get stuck. Quiet, too. I like silence when I write.
What is your favorite part of being a author?
Writing on a good day when you’re in the zone and time just flies by. Best thing ever.
What are some of you favorite current shows or books?
Favorite shows are Outlander, Poldark, Downton Abbey, and Fixer Upper (what can I say? I love Chip and Jo-Jo! :)) I tend to watch Law & Order reruns when nothing’s on, oddly enough. As for books…I just read Grey and liked it very much and Accidental Wallflower by Jennifer McQuiston. That’s the third book by Jennifer I’ve read. I really like her stuff.
1. Do you believe in astrology?
Um kinda until my sign doesn’t match up with what i agree to lol
2. Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes, and i love hearing stories about ghostly encounters
3. Do you believe in fairies?
I like to think they exist but idk…i would love a fairy godmother though lol
Have you ever been discouraged or doubted yourself about writing?
Yes, constantly. L)
1. Do you believe in astrology?
No
2. Do you believe in ghosts?
IDK
3. Do you believe in faeries?
Kind of.
It’s hard to come up with a different question…there are so many good ones. I might have missed this if already asked…you’ve already written across a number of genres…thriller, historical etc. Is there any genre you wouldn’t ever write?
Yes, constantly. L)
Sorry, that answer ended up on the wrong question. I wouldn’t want to rule anything out, but I’m unlikely to write science fiction. It just isn’t my thing. There are also several genres of romance that don’t interest me. Military, sweet, inspirational-though the Amish kind of fascinate me, so I wouldn’t rule that out. Lol. I would love to write real literature, if only I had the skills. Maybe someday…
Yes, I believe in ghosts my mother and I both encountered them at different times.
That is so cool. Tell us about your ghost encounter.
Well, for me it was my mother for several months after she passed away she would call out to me at night…I was upset after her passing and I think she wanted to make sure I would be OK. I told her I couldn’t handle it right then and if she would stop and I didn’t hear from her after that.
You told her you couldn’t handle her loss or seeing her ghost?
Both I was very close to her she was my best friend and mother … hearing her call out to me at that time I just didn’t handle it well but now feel she was just checking up on me…I just wasn’t thinking clearly at the time and felt too devastated….
What genres of books do you like ?
I gravitate toward literature and love stories with substance and history.
Hi, Nina!
Starry Night sounds SO good! I was drooling at Arthurian! It’s one of my favorite time periods! And then throw vampire-like up in there? My one-click finger was itching before I finished your blog-which was so freaking interesting, by the way! How much research did you do before writing Starry Night and when brainstorming for the series? Is most of the series based on legend, or did you borrow some legend and create your own lore around it? Of course I know part of it you created seeing as how there’re vampire-like beings involved…:-)
The books sounds AWESOME!
Thanks! Glad you find Starry Knight and the series intriguing. I do a ton of research for every book I write and Starry Knight was no exception. First, I created a colony of wicked female fairies run by a queen-a sort of Amazonian culture where the men are only used for sex and breeding, then infused it with legend and my own unique spin. In Celtic lore, many faery creatures drink blood, so I liked that element-and made my knights shapeshifters. The Arthurian aspects are only the trimmings of the book. It’s set in modern-day Scotland and New Orleans and is very “grounded” in reality.
What is the WORST thing about being a writer?
Poor sales, bad reviews, rejection, bullies, writer’s block, and trolls.
1) I used to when I was a teen, but I’ve since stopped believing anything that can’t be proven scientifically.
2) As I’ve said above, no, I don’t believe in actual ghosts, but it’s not impossible that some remainder of a passed person is left after they’ve passed away.
3) No, but I like the idea of fairies and for this reason I really like reading about them.
who is your favorite author?
Jane Austen.
I write at my desk, which is an antique secretary with a bookcase on top.
wheres your favorite place to write?
I write at my desk, which is an antique secretary-in the so-called guest room, the smallest room (besides bathrooms) in my very small house.
Who is your favorite Muppet and why?
Favorite muppet? Kermit the frog. Because it’s not easy being green.
I don’t really believe in astrology, though I do find coincidences from time to time!
I haven’t had any experiences to make me believe or not believe in ghosts.
I like the idea of fairies, so I kind of hope they’re real!
I like the idea of fairies, too.
From any of your books, what has been one of your favorite scenes, or types of scenes, to write?
My favorite scenes are the dark and powerful ones-like where Callum almost drinks Vanessa’s blood on the foggy road or where Maggie turns into Mistress Margaret and canes the duke. I also like the tender love scenes where the characters feel a communion of souls
To answer your giveaway questions:
I don’t really know much about it.
No.
No.
What actors would you choose to be in the movie version of your book>?
Do you get to help pick out your book covers or are they done and you get to pick one?
I have three answers to that question. My first two books are with a publisher who asked me to select the cover image, which they then gave to their cover artist. My second set of books are self-published, so I chose the images and the cover artist. The third set-including Starry Knight-are with a publisher who does the covers without my input. They sent me the cover for Starry Knight and Dark and Stormy Knight and said, “Here you go.” The model they’d chosen, though handsome, was the polar opposite of the book’s hero. He also had the wrong color eyes. They fixed the eye color, but that was it. I’m not complaining, I like the cover-and coming up with your own images is hard, frustrating guess-work. I’m in the process right now of redoing the covers on my Royal Pains series-erotic historicals set in the 1680s in Scotland and England. I tried something avant garde and now want the books to look more like the sexy historicals they are…so I’m repackaging. I’ve spent something like four full days looking at images for the backgrounds alone. So, it’s a trade off.
favorite vacation spot. I’m looking for new places to go
Vacation? What’s a vacation? Lol. I enjoy Colonial Williamsburg immensely when I can find the time and money. Also like Ashville, where the Biltmore is located, and Savannah, Georgia. I’m a history buff, so prefer historical destinations.
answers
1. kinda sorta maybe. Not sure I completely believe but sometimes its almost accurate
2. nope not seen one yete
3. I’d like to believe in the them but only the nice ones.