A look into the Past, Present and Future with Kiki Howell
Yes Folks, it’s none other than Kiki Howell in my hotseat today.
What was your highlight of 2011?
My first full length novel, Torn Asunder, released in Jan. It’s a great mix of genres: historical (Regency England), paranormal (witches and shapeshifter) and erotic romance. From that some of the most exciting moments in my writing career came. First, I got a cover quote from Bestselling author, Hannah Howell (no relation): “Kiki Howell spins a wonderful tale of passion, magic, betrayal, and a love that conquers all. Enjoy.” Second, I was chosen as an Ohioana Book Festival author for the novel, and got to attend the festival where I did book signings and interviews, etc. Really was treated like a queen for a day to tell the truth!
Any regrets from 2011?
Not really. I try to live in today, and dream of the future – try to stay positive.
What was your most worn clothes in 2011?
I have a tan cabled sweater that is what was once called a carpet duster because it ends at the calves. I have a sweater obsession anyway, and this one is my fav.
What’s the story behind your latest release?
I love stories set in Victorian England, and so I tried my hand at my first steampunk story. Of course, it’s still paranormal and still erotic, including sex magick, so I had a lot of fun setting it at Valentine’s Day, researching the holiday in those times. I’m very excited to say that Love, Creativity & Magick: A Steampunk Valentine’s Day Tale is a current bestseller on All Romance Ebooks in the steampunk category :)
Love, Creativity & MagickA Steampunk Valentine’s Day Tale
All acts of magick take on shades of gray in the end, especially for Emma, one of four females witches who by birthright belong in the social circles of the privileged upper ten thousand in London. Yet, by rumor of the unknown and the misunderstood, she stands apart, cut by her peers along with her cousins, because they hold a secret—each is gifted with magick.
Their elders had taught them respect for their powers even when mixed with a spanking amount of fanciful mischief. On the other hand, if a lesson was warranted, then white verses black magick could be hard to define. Nowhere was the color of steam more evident than in the matters of justice, a slippery term to define. Yet, they’d made breaking the laws of society their mission. Most of their nights at parties and balls were spent creating a magickal comedy of errors, helping the uptight aristocracy side step their fastidious standards.
Only this year, days before Valentine’s Day, a damnable day for women without suitors, Emma is not quite sure what is happening to her. Something dark and seductive, something not of this world, is luring her, possessing her, and she has no comprehension of what or who the presence really is. But, when he does show his face finally, and she feels him to be a nightwalker, she must fear not only the threat he poses to her blood and to the energy or magick he can suck from her, but also the danger he poses to her heart. After all of these days feeling him, wanting him, she has to wonder if her feelings are just a matter of his compulsion, if she is under this vampire’s own type of magick.
To complicate matters further, the vampire’s propositions are as exciting as they are scandalous, to teach her how to power her magick with the overabundance of sexual energy she bears. But, how he knows such things he remains elusive about. And there is the added attraction that this vampire was a failed inventor in life, one with a basement full of contraptions she finds she can power through the use of her sexual energy. Valentine’s Day seems like it could be all kinds of fun this year now.
Yet, in these days of social unrest and out-of-control creativity, what is a witch to do with a vampire? When Valentine’s Day rolls around, and a secret is revealed, what will be left for her?
What are the last 10 words you wrote on your current WIP?
I’m currently finishing up the third story in my At War in the Willows Series. How about the last paragraph? I’m long-winded and can’t say anything in 10 words! LOL
“The first glow of light was coming over the horizon, more insistent. He marched up the steps with her, feeling like a prisoner must on death row. Unlocking first the basement door and then the outside door, he handed her over to the world, a world where they could only talk as friends over a bar. At least they had that. But, as a lover, the way he wanted her, he had to watch her walk out of his life.”
What’s the last thing you ate?
Do I have to share that? *blushes* It’s an odd favorite of mine, a peanut butter and bacon sandwich. But I’m very particular about Jif and turkey bacon being used *giggles* Today I had it on a toasted English muffin, but bagels and toast work too. Also, I paired it with my favorite apple, a Pink Lady.
Any plans to tackle a new genre?
Yes, actually. My father is a Vietnam Veteran, and I am working out a plot line for a basic mainstream novel, a feel good type story, about a veteran forty years after the war from his daughters point of view.
Do you have anything “Coming Soon”?
I do! My next release is the first in my At War in the Willows series, a paranormal erotic romance series of three novellas published by Naughty Nights Press. I just put up my new page for the series on my website. You have to check out the wonderful covers for this series. I could not be more thrilled with them. http://www.kikihowell.com/2012/01/at-war-in-willows-series.html
Going anywhere nice in 2012?
Hopefully back to Salem, MA. My 2010 trip there inspired my novel, Hidden Salem, releasing in April. I hope to go back to Salem for a book tour this summer.
A look into the Past, Present and Future with Victoria Blisse
As she had a moment inbetween her many various tasks, I pounced on my wife Victoria Blisse and demanded she answered my questions ;)
What was your highlight of 2011?
Oh, it definitely has to be having Getting Physical mentioned on National TV! It was really cool to hear my name mentioned on the television!
Any regrets from 2011?
That I didn’t write more but as I’m a procrastinator, I often have this regret. *LOL*
What was your most worn clothes in 2011?
Hm, I don’t know. I don’t really take much notice of what I wear. I do have a lovely lilac t-shirt with a purple rose on it that I know I wore a lot. Probably because my author icon is a lilac rose!
What’s the story behind your latest release?
WIld Rendezvous is my latest release and it’s the third book in a trilogy so there’s lots of back story too it! Leanna and Joe love to tempt and tease. He’s a dominant and handsome American Business man and she is a cute, curvy single mum. Their chemistry is intense and Naughty Rendezvous and Seductive Rendezvous take you through the ups and downs of their courtship. Wild Rendezvous is the finale, we are introduced to the Mother in law from hell and get to witness some very naughty nookie in the public. Will the couple tie the knot? You’ll have to read it to find out!
http://www.erotica-romance-ebooks.com/wild-rendezvous.html
What are the last 10 words you wrote on your current WIP?
“No one can help me, no one. Please be quiet or I will be forced to gag your pretty mouth…”
From the upcoming second book in the Djinn’s Amulet series!
What’s the last thing you ate?
A hot cross bun. Yummy.
Any plans to tackle a new genre?
You know, I do fancy having a go at steam punk. Ideas are brewing!
Do you have anything “Coming Soon”?
Well, my next release that I know about now is in July. I fully expect ot have other stories out before then but that’s the world of ebooks for you! I can certainly tell you about is The Vampire’s Choice which is the third book in the Point Vamp series.
Kyle maybe undead but he still lives at home with his Gran and works in a supermarket stacking shelves with his mates. His life hasn’t much changed apart from being dead and having to suck blood from live humans to survive.
Luckily he knows The Point a vampire bar where the humans are hot and tasty and eager to please. Well most of them are. Janine is the exception. She is cold and distant but from the first time he meets her Kyle is smitten.
But he has a problem. A hot but crazy female vamp has got him in her sights and she’ll stop at nothing to get him all to herself.
Kyle has a decision to make and it will change his afterlife forever. Who will he chose?
Going anywhere nice in 2012?
Yes, I’m a lucky soul. I’m going to London on the 24th Feburary as my good friend KD Grace is having a book launch at SH! Womenstore in Hoxton and that combination is one I can’t miss. KD is a great friend and entertainer and SH! Is so much fun. The girlz there are always so friendly and fun!
I’m also going to Bristol on the 3rd March for Eroticon. I’m doing a seminar on Writer’s Marketing with my fellow Northern Bird, Lucy Felthouse. It’s going to be brilliant!
And I’ve just booked the family holiday to Scarborough for June. The year isn’t complete without a trip to Scarborough, it’s my favourite place on earth.
The Past, Present and Future with K D Grace
Yes Folks, it’s the beautiful, talented and totally awesome K D Grace in my hotseat today. She’s another one of the lovely ladies I met at Erotica last year and I’m very much looking forward to hearing her read again over at Sh! Hoxton on the 25th Feb.. Click Here for more Info, You won’t regret it she has the sexiest reading voice *wg*
What was your highlight of 2011?
Wow! 2011 has been such an amazing year that it’s hard to pick just one highlight. In terms of writing, of course it was the realization and launch of The Pet Shop. It was so much fun to write, and fun to celebrate. I was able to attend the Erotic Writer’s Association conference in Las Vegas in September. That was also a highlight, a fantastic chance to meet some of the US writers with whom I’d been friends on FB and Twitter. And they were every bit as fabulous in person. Then in November was Erotica, 2011 at Olympia in London. I was there with Xcite Books, signing and selling and reading and getting lots of fabulous inspiration for the next writing adventures. I’ll definitely be going back next year. And the non-writing highlight was, of course, walking the Coast to Coast walk across England in August, which I blogged about. It truly was a life-changing experience. I still get goose bumps when I think about it. Took my feet weeks to recover, but wow! The writing after I got back was amazing!
Any regrets from 2011?
Two things. That I had to sleep. I could have done so much more if I hadn’t had to sleep. And I regret that I stressed so much about things that I really didn’t need to stress about. Okay, maybe three things. I wish I would have trusted myself a little more and had a little more faith in myself.
What was your most worn clothes in 2011?
Definitely walking togs and track suits. I write in a track suit. I like to be comfy. I get inspired in walking togs. Wore out a pair of boots and lots of socks.
What’s the story behind your latest release?
Body Temperature and Rising started out as a NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) project three years ago, and my first ever attempt to write an erotic novel, and it was paranormal, to boot, which I also had never done before. At that time it was titled, Love Spells. I finished it during the month and laid it aside. Other projects took over and got written and sold, including The Initiation of Ms Holly and The Pet Shop.
Then in the interim, I took out the old Love Spells manuscript, dusted it off, and decided what the heck. I rewrote the first three chapters and a synopsis and sent it off to Xcite. They took it! Then I found, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t make any progress with the rewrite. Then after lots and lots of long walks trying to figure out what the problem was, I was hit with the brainstorm that for the story to work, really work, like I wanted it to, it had to be a trilogy. I did NOT want to write a trilogy. The thought scared the liver out of me. But at the end of the day, there was no way around it. I proposed it, Xcite agreed, and viola, the Lakeland Heatwave Trilogy was born. The action all takes place in the Lake District, which lends itself totally to ghosts and witches and demons. Plus it’s one of my favourite places on the planet. Body Temperature is book one. I’m now working on book two, Riding the Ether, and having tonnes of fun with it. Book three, Elemental Fire, is already simmering on the back burner.
What are the last 10 words you wrote on your current WIP?
… her a wicked smile. ‘So you are. I nearly forgot.’
What’s the last thing you ate?
A multigrain bagel with bacon and an apple.
Any plans to tackle a new genre?
Always. There’s a romance and a fantasy trilogy in the works.
Do you have anything “Coming Soon”?
The print launch for Body Temperature and Rising is coming in February. I have two novellas and a couple of shorts coming out in early spring. The second Lakeland Heatwave novel, Riding the Ether, will be out in October. I know that doesn’t sound soon, but it’ll be here before you know it.
Body Temperature and RisingAmerican transplant to the Lake District, MARIE WARREN, didn’t know she could unleash demons and enflesh ghosts until a voyeuristic encounter on the fells ends in sex with the charming ghost, ANDERSON, and night visits from a demon. To help her cope with her embarrassing and dangerous new abilities, Anderson brings her to the ELEMENTALS, a coven of witches who practice rare sex magic that temporarily allows needy ghosts access to the pleasures of the flesh.
DEACON, the demon Marie has unleashed, holds an ancient grudge against TARA STONE, coven high priestess, and will stop at nothing to destroy all she holds dear. Marie and her landlord, the reluctant young farmer, TIM MERIWETHER, are at the top of his list. Marie and Tim must learn to wield coven magic and the numinous power of their lust to stop Deacon’s bloody rampage before the coven is torn apart and more innocent people die.
Going anywhere nice in 2012?
We are planning to do the Wainwright Memorial Walk in the Lake District in May. That will be even more arduous than the Coast to Coast, so trying to train for that. I hope to blog that as well since it’s the stomping ground for the Lakeland Heatwave Trilogy. There’ll probably be a trip to the States in September. Those are the two biggies for this year.
Thanks for having me, Kevin. It’s always a pleasure to chat with you!
A Special Past, Present and Future Interview with Lucy Felthouse
As I’m sure you are all aware, I’m a Huge fan of the extremely talented Lucy Felthouse. So I took the chance to sit her down and ask her a few questions…
What was your highlight of 2011?
Aside from the publications I had (each and every one is a highlight), I would probably say Erotica, in London. It was brilliant because so many of my author buddies (and their partners) were able to attend and we had tons of fun! I also got to meet the creator of this very website in person for the very first time!
Any regrets from 2011?
Not really, I think I had a pretty good year, all in all. I’d have liked to have written more, but I think no matter how much I write, I’ll always wish I could write more.
What was your most worn clothes in 2011?
Ha! I work from home, so scruffy, comfortable clothes are the way forward. 2012 looks to be much the same, especially since I just got a puppy so my scruffy clothes are now also covered in fur and little pawprints!
What’s the story behind your latest release?
My latest release, Susie White and the Right Hand Man, stems from my enormous crush on Chris Hemsworth, which started when I saw Thor at the cinema, last year. Having discovered His Hotness, I was delighted when he was cast as the Huntsman, in upcoming film Snow White and the Huntsman. That then gave me the necessary inspiration to pen a retelling of Snow White and the Huntsman, with the male lead bearing a striking resemblance to Chris Hemsworth as Thor. In fact, that’s the information I gave to the cover artist – can you tell? ;)
What are the last 10 words you wrote on your current WIP?
I am a very bad girl, I’m afraid. The least ten words I wrote on a story is one I’ve submitted for publication, so I’m not sharing them in case it gets accepted and then I ruin the ending for you!
What’s the last thing you ate?
Frosted Flakes and milk for my breakfast.
Any plans to tackle a new genre?
Yes, I’d really like to publish some m/m stuff this year. I have plenty of ideas, I just need time to get them all onto paper – or laptop screen, anyway.
Do you have anything “Coming Soon”?
I do. I have an f/f erotic romance coming at the end of February from Resplendence Publishing. It’s called The Cottage in the Woods, and here’s the blurb:
The Cottage in the WoodsLiving in her remote cottage in the woods, Heidi doesn’t get many visitors. So when she spots a fox in her garden, she’s delighted. However, her joy quickly turns to dismay when she thinks the beautiful creature may be injured. Heading out to see how she can help, Heidi is astounded when something happens that makes her question her eyesight – not to mention her sanity. Once she gets over her shock and discovers the reason behind the peculiar encounter, Heidi is mighty glad that the fox chose her garden to visit.
Going anywhere nice in 2012?
Yup! I have a trip to Rome booked with the other half and his parents. I can’t wait to see if I’ll fall in love with Rome like I have Paris… ;) I’ll also be taking various camping trips within the UK, and hopefully by the time the weather’s good enough, my new puppy will also be good enough to come with us! A few destinations we have in mind are the Lake District, Northumberland and North Yorkshire. I can’t wait!
