Friday, February 26, 2010
Lala's Book Corner Presents: Author Interview & Giveaway w/ Terry Spear
Categories :
Hey Everyone! Before we get to the Interview, I just wanted to apologize for the delay in announcing the results for the giveaway with Michele Bardsley. I will be announcing that winner and the winner to last week's contest with Lexi Ryan on my Round Up post on Monday!
Today I'd like to welcome Terry Spear to Larissa's Life! Terry write the great Heart of The Wolf Series. You can check out my review of the series HERE.
Giveaway info at the bottom!
Here's the interview, enjoy! =)
- When did you first start writing?
I always wrote--between making up stories for myself, or creating oral stories to share with my friends when I was young. Then many years ago, I started writing children's stories. One went as far as a senior editor, who reluctantly turned the story down, saying it was too similar to something they had just published. So, I began writing romances, then young adults. Sold two young adults, the line was dropped, and the books were never published. And then I sold some adult urban fantasy romances, and two young adult paranormal books as well.
- Have you always been interested in Romance?
My very first brush with romance was when I was thirteen, and my girlfriend shared two books with me that her sister sneaked home to her (she was ten years older and was a librarian.) It was pretty wild--at least for me. I didn't pick up romances after that until I started writing them and fell in love. Now, everything has to have a romantic bent. I love happily ever afters!
- What about in the Paranormal?
My first book was a western romance, but I didn't sell it, and I still have it, in case I ever want to revise it. But when I wrote my first vampire romance, my critique partners agreed that the paranormal was my forte. There is nothing hunkier than a paranormal character!
- Why writing Paranormal Romance?
I loved Dracula when I was a teen and saw him in a play at Brevard Community College in Florida. I wanted to be the actress he so sensually put under his spell. Only I hated to see him die. :)
- Were there any Books, Movies or Writers that have inspired you?
Dracula in the play did. But also Jack London's Call of the Wild and White Fang gave me a love of wolves, and gave me the desire to allow all animals to have a chance in this world. Not just humans. So, my werewolves are based on real wolves, not some beastly werewolf shapeshifter.
- What is your favorite subject in the Paranormal Romance Realm?
Werewolves and vampires. Werewolves have a sexy ruggedness. Vampires are more suave. I love both.
- I Love the sex scenes in your books, they are so hot and wild. Where do you get your inspiration?
Thanks, Larissa!! I love to see the characters as real as they're going through the paces. It's an emotional involvement, not just a physical one. When I'm developing the characters, I see them as individuals, based on everything they've done in the story so far. That helps to make them different from characters in other books in a series. Their fantasies are different from others, as they fantasize about the hero or heroine in the story, until that big bang, when they finally give in to their more primal desires.
- Do you find it hard to write them?
Only when my "kids" were watching television in the next room. :) I like it very quiet when I write them, get totally focused and write. With other scenes, action and dialogue, it's easy, and I can have noise or music in the background. For everyone, it's different.
Favorite:
- Favorite Paranormal themed Movie?
I love a lot, but Stardust was one of my favorites.
- Favorite Paranormal themed TV Show?
I rarely watch tv because I have so many deadlines, so nothing comes to mind except years ago I loved Bewitched and I Dream of Genie.
- Favorite Paranormal themed Book?
Celtic Fire, Immortal Highlander
- Favorite Author?
Moning
- Favorite Paranormal Romance Author?
Moning
- Favorite one of your Books?
:) I love them all, especially the one I'm just writing because I'm learning all about the characters as I write, the conflicts they have to go through, falling in love...
- Who is your favorite of your own characters?
I always love my heroes. If I can't, how can anyone else? I had fun with Leidolf though, because he's in the first four stories and then has his own in Book 5, Seduced by the Wolf, coming August 1.
- Which was the hardest to write?
The hardest to write was Legend of the White Wolf because my mother was dying of breast cancer. We were best friends and I had to do major rewrites while taking her to the hospital for tests, surgery, and finally to die. So it was a really horrible time for me, and yet she wanted me to read the story to her as I progressed until the end. I love that story, but it truly was the hardest to write because of the heartache I was going through for my mother. My editor and everyone at Sourcebooks were so wonderful too. I couldn't have asked for a better publishing house while I was going through all of that pain.
- What would you be if not a writer?
I wouldn't be anything else. I'm a retired lieutenant colonel from the USAR, and I work at a library. But writing is what I love to do more than anything else in the world.
Quickies:
- Coffee or Tea?
Green tea. I envision it cleaning out my arteries, and I swear it helps me to lose weight.
- Up or Down?
Up, always. No matter the situation, I'm climbing up.
- Virtual or Real?
A little of both. I love reading and I love playing Role Playing Games, like Dragon Age that my son gave me for Christmas. But I love being in the real world also and participating in life.
- Right or Left?
Right. I'm right-handed, so it just seems to me, making the right decisions, doing the right things, writing right is the way to go. :)
- Vampires or Werewolves?
Really a bad question. Now how can I choose when I love both so much? If you haven't read Daemon in Deadly Liaisons, you will know what I mean. He is to die for, but the great part is to be a vampire, you do not have to die. In fact, you can't. But I adore my werewolf guys too. So really can't choose between the two.
- Angels or Demons?
I'm not really fond of either. Is that bad, or what? I mean, I loved the angel in It's a Wonderful Life...but as far as reading about them...
- Reading or Writing?
I LOVE both. I have to have my reading fix. Have to have. I feel on edge if I go too long without being able to read a good book. And writing? The same way. I have to write. If I'm in between stories, I feel in limbo and have to get into a story, even if it's one that I've written before and just want to revise it someday.
- What is your favorite part of the writing process?
Writing the first meeting between the characters. Then the first kiss. :)
- What is your least favorite part?
Ending the book, because although I love having the happily ever after, it means I have to give up my characters and start a new book, learning the characters all over again. Still, I miss the ones I just breathed life into. :)
- The Heart of The Wolf series in your own words?
The Heart of the Wolf series is about a sexy bunch of werewolves who believe in family, commitment, loyalty, having fun, hunting and working together who are wolves when wolves, and wolfishly sexy humans when in their human form. The stories are full of mystery, adventure, suspense, humor and romance, with a werewolf kind of flair!
- Any plans for more Heart of the Wolf Books?
Lots! Heart of the Wolf, Destiny of the Wolf, To Tempt the Wolf, and Legend of the White Wolf (Feb 1), are released or soon to be released. Seduced by the Wolf is coming August 1, and Wolf Fever in the fall. Taming the Highland Wolf and Dreaming of the Wolf are coming in 2011.
- What is coming up next for you?
Legend of the White Wolf, was just released on Feb 1, and The Accidental Highland Hero, April.
- What are you working on right now?
Right now, I've just written the 1st chapter and part of the 2nd on Taming the Highland Wolf. I'm excited about it!
- Do you have any advice or tip to those like me that want to become a published Author someday?
Keep writing, keep revising, keep submitting, and start all over again.
- Anything you would like to say to your fans out there?
Legend of the White Wolf was out this February if you're looking for a wintry story set in Maine where the hunk of a hero, Cameron MacPherson, warms up the heart of the heroine, Faith O'Malley, while trying to solve a mystery and attempting to stay alive...then take the plunge into a snowy-filled world of Arctic wolves--werewolves that is, and a new breed of threat.
- Thank You for stopping by Terry!
Thanks so much for having me, Larissa!
I hope you enjoyed the interview =)
%%%THIS GIVEAWAY IS OVER!%%%
Thank you all for joining!
Winners will be announced on monday!
Now to the Giveaway!
Terry is giving away a signed copy of one of her books to a lucky winner! You can chose between: Destiny of The Wolf (Book #2), To Tempt The Wolf (Book #3) and Legend of The White Wolf (Book #4)
To Enter:
- Comment on This post about anything talked about on interview.
- Leave a way to contact you (if you don't feel comfortable leaving your email, you can send it to me at larissa@larissaslife.com)
Extra Entries:
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+2 Spread the word (RT on twitter - please leave a link!)
+1 Sum up your entries!
This Giveaway will run until March 4th!
U.S. and Canada ONLY!
25 Responses so far.
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xoxo
ps: As of today, September 20th, Anonymous comments will no longer be allowed on the blog. Too many spam comments =/ Hope you guys understand!
ps2:
**As of Today, Feb 24th, This Blog is an Award Free Zone!**
I am sorry! I LOVE the awards you give me and I wish I didn't have to do this, but my blogging schedule in general has not made possible for me to follow the requirements for the awards I receive.
Because of that, I feel that this is for the best.
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Haku said...
woo T_T so sad doesn't international, but best wishes to all good luck!, congrats for the contest!
February 26, 2010 3:15 AM
cait045 said...
Hey Terry, I love this series and very excited to hear that there is still 2 more books in the series.
usignolc(at)yahooDOTcom
February 26, 2010 3:19 AM
Marianna said...
Nothing hunkier than a paranormal character...agreed (it's probably my cave-woman instincts, haha).
+5 GFC follower
+5 NB follower
+3 twitter follower (http://twitter.com/suan_tian/following)
+2 tweeted (http://twitter.com/suan_tian/status/9653559701)
+1 total = 16
February 26, 2010 3:26 AM
Terry Spear/Terry Lee Wilde said...
Thanks, Haku! Where are you located?
Thanks, Cait! I hope you enjoy the next two coming up!
Marianna, I so agree. Hmm, cave-woman instincts, yes, and that's how the first dogs came to be...scraps of meat at the fireside and the wolves eventually grew tame enough to become wild kind of pets!
Thanks so much, Lala! I had to laugh when I saw my "author photo!"
That was taken during one of our local HOT romance meetings (Heart of Texas) where we laugh a lot! So much so, that the librarians where we meet wondered what a bunch of romance writers found so funny. Talking about hunky guys, of course! :)
February 26, 2010 3:44 AM
Patti said...
LOL - I never thought about authors writing sexy scenes when their kids are in the house!
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower (if that's through facebook...I follow you there)
+3 Twitter Follower (@BookAddictPatti)
+2 tweeted(@BookAddictPatti - I haven't figured out how to get a link yet)
+1 Sum up your entries!
Total +16 extra entries
Thanks to you both! pspinney at cox dot net
February 26, 2010 3:48 AM
Christine M. said...
Just because this book is set in Maine, I'll have to pick it up. This is the only US state I've visited but I loved it. It's so beautiful.
chrissy dot morin at gmail dot com
also:
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower
+1 Sum up your entries!
Total: 10!
February 26, 2010 4:01 AM
A Buckeye Girl Reads said...
Great interview-I'm going to have to check out her books!
February 26, 2010 4:19 AM
Stephanie G said...
I enjoyed Stardust also. It was actually better than I thought it would be.
+5 google follower
6 total (+1 for adding it up)
Stephanie G
sgradel(at)gmail(dot)com
February 26, 2010 4:55 AM
Terry Spear/Terry Lee Wilde said...
Patti, I have to say sometimes I'd be in the middle of one of the "scenes" and my daughter, who was an older teen, would come in and start talking to me about something. Well, when I'm in the middle of a scene like that, distractions are HORRIBLE! Just really interrupts the flow. :)On the other hand, when my kids wanted to talk, I talk to them. Sometimes getting back into the scene is hard, but, well, I eventually get the rhythm going again!
Christine, I hope you enjoy the book, and that's neat you were able to visit Maine. A lady wrote to me who has a house in Maine, whose husband had been hunting for bear, just like my PIs in the story and she loved it, so I was thrilled!
Thanks, Buckeye Girl Reads! Enjoy!
Beth said...
Eeep, Vampires or Werewolves - I couldn't pick. Could I have one of each?
I'm new to these books and I'm a sucker for anything werewolf. So I think I'll be adding these to my reading list!
xmaybetomorrow(at)gmail.com
+5 Google Friend Follower
+3 Twitter Follower (xxmaybe)
+2 Retweeted (http://twitter.com/xxmaybe/status/9659515727)
+1 = 12
February 26, 2010 5:39 AM
CallMeKayla said...
Terry-
I can't choose either! How does anyone choose between werewolf and vampire?? I love your books by the way! :) big fan here.
+5 google connect follower
+5 Networked Blogs
+3 twitter- bookluver09
+1 total= 14
kaylajohnson3969@sbcglobal.net
February 26, 2010 6:14 AM
misskallie2000 said...
I don't recall another author answering this question this way. "What is your favorite part of the writing process?
Writing the first meeting between the characters. Then the first kiss. :)"
I thought this was sweet.
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+1
Total 6
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
February 26, 2010 6:38 AM
Comment deleted
This post has been removed by the author.
February 26, 2010 7:47 AM
Beth said...
Hi Terry,
Sorry to hear about your mom, but it's good that she lived to see you become a published author. Bet she was real proud of you.
Congrats on the latest release and having the contract for several more.
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+1 Sum up your entries
Total-7 entries
Beth C.
February 26, 2010 7:49 AM
BookFreak said...
I always love when people ask paranormal authors if they prefer vampires or werewolves. Thanx for asking!
+5 google follower
+5 Network follower
+3 Twitter follower
+2 Spread the word
twitter.com/leilani_lopez
+1 sum it all up!
=16
-Leilani
vampiregirl813@gmail.com
February 26, 2010 8:34 AM
Danielle87 said...
I love that you asked about the sex scenes! LOL!
Great interview! I have definitely got to pull these books off my TBR shelf and get stuck in!
P.S. - I just received my first ever book from a publisher! I've posted my review, and would really appreciate it if you just dropped a few words in the comment box (because I would quite like to get more free books from this publisher... lol!) Thanks babe!
February 26, 2010 9:54 AM
Danielle87 said...
P.P.S. - I changed my avatar picture thingy. In case you were wondering who the heck this 'Danielle' person is?
February 26, 2010 9:55 AM
Larissa said...
Book Monster said...
Ooh nice interview!! I really enjoyed reading it, never heard of this series before.
Thanks for hosting the contest!!
+5 blog follower (book monster)
+5 Network blog followers (Maire Kl)
+3 twitter follower (littleneko)
+1 total entries = 14
monsterofbooks@gmail.com
February 26, 2010 2:20 PM
Larissa said...
Thanks so much for all the Love guys!!
Terry, you rock! It was a pleasure having you here =))))
February 26, 2010 2:20 PM
katsrus said...
Great interview. Your books sound really great. I love your book covers.
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower
+2 Spread the word (RT on twitter - please leave a link!)
http://twitter.com/katsrus2003
+1 Sum up your entries!
+11 Entries
Sue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com
February 26, 2010 2:51 PM
Terry Spear/Terry Lee Wilde said...
Beth, yes, you may have one vampire and one werewolf. I also have a vampire romantic suspense, Deadly Liaisons, where the vampires shift into wolves for various reasons. Sooo, if you want a little of both, there you have it. Wolf and vampire, all in one! And they're totally hot and sexy!
Bookfreak, thanks for dropping by!
Danielle87, hope you check them out!
February 26, 2010 3:02 PM
+1 I much prefer a werewolf based paranormal for exactly the reason you mentioned.The family aspect has been what drew me to them.
+2blogged
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/2010/02/larissas-life-wterry-spear-giveaway.html?zx=e1573cdab0af0e1
=5 Follow on Goggle connect @alterlisa
+3 follow Larissa on twitter@alterlisa
+2 tweeted @alterlisa
http://www.larissaslife.com/ Lala's Book Corner Presents: Author Interview & Giveaway w/ Terry Spear
less than 5 seconds ago from web
+1 total =14
alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
I'm not entering the giveaway (I'm in the UK) but just wanted to say great interview! I've been reading so much about this series recently so although I've not read any of the books they are all on my wishlist & I'm looking forward to reading them :o)
I totally agree on werewolves and Vamps. Werewolves tend to be rugged and Vampires are more suave.
+5 Google Follower
+3 Twitter Follower: @MyWorldofBooks
+2 Tweeted :http://twitter.com/MyWorldofBooks/status/9695871645
+1: 11 total
Thanks for the contest Larissa!
opps forgot my email
srhgrz12@gmail.com
That's really interesting that her first book was a western romance! Very different from paranormal!
pirate_pony2 at yahoo dot com
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower (@_elizabethjoy)
+2 Spread the word (RT on twitter - please leave a link!)http://twitter.com/_elizabethjoy/status/9721939885
+1 Sum up your entries!
Total: +11
I love vampires, but I adore werewolves, so I can't chose between them. I really enjoyed the interview. I can't wait to read these books. They look wonderful.
+5 I am a new follower on google
friend connect.
+1 total entries
6 total
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
Hey Terry,
I really enjoyed reading your interview...I can totally relate to getting hooked on romance at a young age...I was about 7 years old when I snuck into my Mum's stash and started reading Barbara Cartland and working my way to Harlequins & Mills & Boon. The love affair began young and still continues...nothing is as satisfying as a HEA in a great story.
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+1 total = 11
Happy Reading
Anna Shah Hoque
s7anna@yahoo.ca
I love werewolves and vampires equally.
Skk25@aol.com
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+1 Sum up your entries!
=6 entries total
Took awhile for me to figure this out. For some reason my browser was screwy.
I loved Terry Spear's advice on aspriring writers -- start over. Me as a writer, I get so trapped into what I'm doing, I forget that my current work isn't the end all. There are always new beginnings.
contact me at:
reenajacobs@reenajacobs.com
Extra Entries:
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower
+2 Spread the word (RT on twitter - please leave a link!)
+1 Sum up your entries!
=11 extra entries
She said that she doesn't really like reading about angels. I don't either, but the Maximum Ride series is really good! I'm on the 5th (I think it's the 5th) called "Max." I heard they might be making a movie out of the series, and I really hope they do! I'd love to see who they cast as Fang. I love him in the books!
I am a Google and Twitter follower.
I tweeted about the contest: http://twitter.com/Door2Wonderland/status/9891274282.
Total entries: 12.
Thanks for the contest!
Kelsey
krae991@yahoo.com
www.thedoortowonderland.blogspot.com
I grew up on Dracula and all those horror movies as a kid too! Vampires definitely do have a suave-sense about them. And werewolves are extremely rugged ;)
xlilangeltorix[at]gmail[dot]com
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+3 Twitter Follower. @Book_Faery
+2 Blog Post:
http://book-faery.blogspot.com/2010/03/contest-links-32.html
+2 Twitter Update:
https://twitter.com/Book_Faery/status/9894677667
+1 Total entries: 13
I am new to the writing field and the first sex scene I ever wrote caused me to blush and giggle like a school girl, I was lucky for that one that my kids were in bed, but as I continued to write there would be times I would be writing those scenes to the background music of Mickey Mouse, or another kids show! HAH! Kind of a mood spoiler, but I usually manage to muddle through!
+5 Google follower
+5 Twitter follower and Tweeted (@AmyAnneS)
+1 Total = 12
astewart305(at)rogers(dot)com
Thanks for the great interview! This looks like an original series...
I love first kisses too! :)
heather y
click4cash4me(at)gmail(dot)com
Awesome interview! Thanks for sharing! I would choose the most recent book. :) I follow.
misusedinnocence@aol.com
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower
@genemarie1
+2 Spread the word (RT on twitter - please leave a link!)
http://twitter.com/GeneMarie1/status/9955646675
+1 Sum up your entries!
Total: 11
I like that she bases her werewolves on real wolves not shapeshifters
+5 google follower
+5 networked blog follower(michelle barrett)
+3 twitter follower(@chelleb36)
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
+1 sum up
+ 14 total entries
First meetings in stories are awesome!
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower @stopdropandread
+1 Sum up your entries!
9
faked_sugartone at hotmail
I almost missed out. I agree with Terry that Karen Marie Moning is a great author. Terry's books wer my first introduction to shapeshifters and wolves.
+5 GFC follower
+5 NB follower
+3 twitter follower
http:///twitter.com/lillieblue613 following
+2 Tweeted http://twitter.com/lillieblue613
+1 Total = 16
Great interview. I am very excited to read these books. Your characters sound amazing. I love that you add humor into your writting. I would also like to send my heart to you for the loss of your mother. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Twitter Follower (@intensewhisper)
+2 tweeted(http://twitter.com/IntenseWhisper/status/10004231513)
+1 Sum up your entries!
Total +16 entries