Erin Quinn Interview & Giveaway!
Well, as promised, we have a treat today. Awesome author Erin Quinn’s joined us to talk about her latest release, “Haunting Warrior”. As most of you know, Erin was my first author Spotlight interview. As many of you may not know, she’s also been a mentor to me, helping me through the excitement and total chaotic fun that is the release of your first book. (Yeah, in other words, she’s heard me whine a LOT …and put up with it, for which I’m sure she deserves some kind of reward.)
But without any further delay (I know, too late!), let’s get on with the interview! Erin, welcome to the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog, where the Yap Runneth Over.
Hi Gini! Thanks so much for having me here on your site. You asked some fabulous questions. Hope my answers do them justice.
Oh, they will. They definitely will. So, let’s dive right in.
Q. “Haunting Warrior”, which released on May 4th, is the second in your Haunting series. The first book in this series, “Haunting Beauty”, dealt with romance, time travel, clairvoyance, and ghosts (in a sense) -- awesome paranormal romance all the way. Is the tone of “Haunting Warrior” different or similar to “Haunting Beauty”?
A. I would say yes . . . and no. “Haunting Warrior” is much more action oriented than “Haunting Beauty”. It’s the story of Rory MacGrath and I really torture that poor man. I’ve got him running for his life and fighting to protect the woman he loves for much of the story. Of course I left ample time for romance and some snooky. As part of the MacGrath family, Rory has his own special powers and must learn to embrace them in “Haunting Warrior”.
Awesome! We love the action and the snooky here at Team Gini. So…
Q. Is “Haunting Warrior” a continuation of Danni and Sean’s story, or is it a new set of characters?
A. New set of characters, although Danni and Sean do make an appearance in the story. Rory is Danni’s twin brother. Readers met him in “Haunting Beauty” and learned that the night that changed history for Danni and Sean also altered Rory in ways he has never managed to cope with.
Q. In “Haunting Beauty”, Danni and Sean have to avert a horrible crime in the past in order to actually have a future. What challenges will your hero and heroine in “Haunting Warrior” be facing?
A. Oh my! That’s a loaded question. The night that Rory’s father disappeared from the cavern beneath the castle ruins, Rory disappeared too—but only for a few minutes. In “Haunting Warrior”, you find out where Rory went and what happened when he was there. Rory has to face his past as well, but not in the same way as Danni and Sean did.
Q. There’s a lot of Irish in your Haunting Series. Was that a nod to your heritage, or just because you love Ireland, and Irish lads, in general?
A. All of the above. When you’re named for a place—Erin/Ireland—it’s hard not to feel an affinity for it. The Irish are an incredible people and though physically I may be a mutt, spiritually I will always claim Irish as my heritage.
Q. What is the string/s that ties your Haunting Series together?
A. The ancient and mythical Book of Fennore is the common thread through the entire series. Each story digs a little deeper into what it is, how it came to be, what it can do . . . .and how to destroy it . . . .
Cool. I, personally, loved the Book, so I’m glad, in that sense, that it’s going to remain a major player. Good evil shouldn’t go to waste!
Q. I liked how you used Celtic language in “Haunting Beauty” -- it was always appropriate and I could also always figure out what the words meant, even if I hadn’t seen them before, without your doing a lot of narrative or dialog exposition. How hard, or natural, was that for you to do? And will there be more of that in “Haunting Warrior”?
A. It’s really funny—I have no ear for languages. I can barely speak my own, ha ha. My husband is fluent in two languages and can understand a handful of others but me . . . not so much. However, my writer’s ear is very good with them. I can write a dialect I can’t speak and probably couldn’t understand if I heard it if that’s not the craziest thing you ever heard. I don’t know how it works, but it does so I take it as a gift.
Q. I loved “Haunting Beauty” because of the complexity of the situation as well as the characters. What will I love about “Haunting Warrior”?
A. Rory. Rory. Rory. I loved writing Rory and I still think of him all the time. He was such a wonderful hero to work with. He’s special because he has so many issues but he really wants to be the man Saraid (our heroine) needs him to be. Saraid helps him get there and I think the chemistry between the two of them brings the whole story to life.
He sounds hunkalicious. Sean was a total hunk and a half, so can’t wait to see what you’ve done with Rory. Now…
Q. Some may have already gotten and devoured “Haunting Warrior” by now. For those who haven’t grabbed it or read it yet, can you give us a little taste?
A. Absolutely! So here’s a slice from the scene when Danni and Rory talk of the Book of Fennore. She’s just picked him up from the airport -- his first time home since he was sent away as a kid. He’s come back for his grandmother’s funeral -- a funeral the ghost of his grandmother invited him to attend.
Rory shoved his hands into his pockets, afraid they might shake as they had last night. “Nana came to see me,” he said softly.
Danni gave him a sharp look. “When?”
“Night before last.” A part of him couldn’t believe he was saying it out loud. A part of him wanted to laugh even as he remembered how it felt when he’d realized who was sitting in his car. “When I got off work, she was waiting for me.”
Danni made a sharp sound of amusement. “Bet that scared you out of your knickers.”
He forced a stiff smile.
“And what did she say?” Danni went on as if they were discussing the price of milk and eggs. “I’ve died, so come home?”
“Something like that.”
“She wanted something, didn’t she? She called you home to find the Book. Is that the way of it?”
He shouldn’t have been surprised she’d know that detail, too, but he was. Reluctantly, he nodded.
“I can see there’s no point in telling you not to do it, but it’s dangerous seeking something that shouldn’t be found. What did Aunt Edel say when you told her?”
“I didn’t tell her. Why would I?”
Danni looked at him in shock. “You mean you don’t know?”
“Know what?”
“Edel has used the Book, Rory. Did you never notice her eyes? How queer they are?”
Rory stared at his sister, open-mouthed.
Edel had used the Book? Edel, who he’d lived with until he was old enough to move out on his own?
Suddenly it made so much sense. Suddenly he understood why his parents had sent him to his crazy aunt with her flat, dark eyes. Why she alone had been able to put fear into Rory’s heart. They were kindred in more ways than blood.
“Why didn’t anyone ever tell me?” he asked, angry.
She shook her head, clearly as surprised as he by this giant hole in his education.
“Who told you?” he demanded.
“I don’t know. I’ve just always known.”
If he hadn’t hidden himself so far from home, perhaps he would have known, too.
“Rory,” Danni said, and something in her voice had changed. He looked at her, found himself staring into those luminous eyes of hers—gray and stormy, like the Irish Sea itself. For one weak moment he’d wanted nothing more than to embrace his sister and tell her how much he’d missed her. How much she meant to him. How sorry he was for hurting her along the way to his liberation. But he didn’t move and he didn’t speak.
“I have something for you,” she said. “In case I don’t get the chance to talk to you alone later.”
She pulled a small green box from her pocket. He stared at it curiously but made no move to take it.
“Nana wanted you to have this and she knew mum would keep it from you if she could, so she made me promise that I would give it to you.”
She thrust the box out to him with a reluctance he couldn’t miss.
And suddenly he knew what was inside before he even opened the lid, knew what it meant that Nana had gone to so much trouble to make certain he received it. Knew this was what she’d told him he would need. Slowly he took it from his sister, his big hands dwarfing the tiny box. He hesitated, and then finally he lifted the lid.
Inside, nestled on a piece of cotton, was the pendant.
Whoo hoo! The pendant’s back! (Those who’ve read “Haunting Beauty” will know why I’m excited. Those who haven’t should grab a copy. Hmmm…and keep reading…)
Q. After “Haunting Warrior”, what’s next and when are they coming?
A. “Haunting Desire” is slated for March 2011 and “Haunting TBD” for October 2011!
Super, I can’t wait! Especially for “Haunting TBD”…I love that title best, I think.
Gini, thanks so much for hosting me here! This was such a fun interview! I would love to give an autographed copy of “Haunting Beauty” away to one of your blog readers!
Wicked cool! Okay gang, you’re all used to how this works, I know. Leave a comment for Erin here at the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog any time between now and Sunday night. On Monday we’ll do a random drawing and one of you will win an autographed copy of “Haunting Beauty”. And for the dudes in the Alien Collective -- trust me, your womenfolk will want you to try to win.
Love, Gini
P.S. Check out Erin's blog and website, for more about her Haunting Series.
http://www.erinquinn.info
http://quinnessentials.blogspot.com/
Can't wait to get your hands on "Haunting Warrior"? Order it here.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0425234142
Barnes&Nobles: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ISBN=9780425234143
Borders: http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=0425234142
Indy bound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780425234143
But without any further delay (I know, too late!), let’s get on with the interview! Erin, welcome to the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog, where the Yap Runneth Over.
Hi Gini! Thanks so much for having me here on your site. You asked some fabulous questions. Hope my answers do them justice.
Oh, they will. They definitely will. So, let’s dive right in.
Q. “Haunting Warrior”, which released on May 4th, is the second in your Haunting series. The first book in this series, “Haunting Beauty”, dealt with romance, time travel, clairvoyance, and ghosts (in a sense) -- awesome paranormal romance all the way. Is the tone of “Haunting Warrior” different or similar to “Haunting Beauty”?
A. I would say yes . . . and no. “Haunting Warrior” is much more action oriented than “Haunting Beauty”. It’s the story of Rory MacGrath and I really torture that poor man. I’ve got him running for his life and fighting to protect the woman he loves for much of the story. Of course I left ample time for romance and some snooky. As part of the MacGrath family, Rory has his own special powers and must learn to embrace them in “Haunting Warrior”.
Awesome! We love the action and the snooky here at Team Gini. So…
Q. Is “Haunting Warrior” a continuation of Danni and Sean’s story, or is it a new set of characters?
A. New set of characters, although Danni and Sean do make an appearance in the story. Rory is Danni’s twin brother. Readers met him in “Haunting Beauty” and learned that the night that changed history for Danni and Sean also altered Rory in ways he has never managed to cope with.
Q. In “Haunting Beauty”, Danni and Sean have to avert a horrible crime in the past in order to actually have a future. What challenges will your hero and heroine in “Haunting Warrior” be facing?
A. Oh my! That’s a loaded question. The night that Rory’s father disappeared from the cavern beneath the castle ruins, Rory disappeared too—but only for a few minutes. In “Haunting Warrior”, you find out where Rory went and what happened when he was there. Rory has to face his past as well, but not in the same way as Danni and Sean did.
Q. There’s a lot of Irish in your Haunting Series. Was that a nod to your heritage, or just because you love Ireland, and Irish lads, in general?
A. All of the above. When you’re named for a place—Erin/Ireland—it’s hard not to feel an affinity for it. The Irish are an incredible people and though physically I may be a mutt, spiritually I will always claim Irish as my heritage.
Q. What is the string/s that ties your Haunting Series together?
A. The ancient and mythical Book of Fennore is the common thread through the entire series. Each story digs a little deeper into what it is, how it came to be, what it can do . . . .and how to destroy it . . . .
Cool. I, personally, loved the Book, so I’m glad, in that sense, that it’s going to remain a major player. Good evil shouldn’t go to waste!
Q. I liked how you used Celtic language in “Haunting Beauty” -- it was always appropriate and I could also always figure out what the words meant, even if I hadn’t seen them before, without your doing a lot of narrative or dialog exposition. How hard, or natural, was that for you to do? And will there be more of that in “Haunting Warrior”?
A. It’s really funny—I have no ear for languages. I can barely speak my own, ha ha. My husband is fluent in two languages and can understand a handful of others but me . . . not so much. However, my writer’s ear is very good with them. I can write a dialect I can’t speak and probably couldn’t understand if I heard it if that’s not the craziest thing you ever heard. I don’t know how it works, but it does so I take it as a gift.
Q. I loved “Haunting Beauty” because of the complexity of the situation as well as the characters. What will I love about “Haunting Warrior”?
A. Rory. Rory. Rory. I loved writing Rory and I still think of him all the time. He was such a wonderful hero to work with. He’s special because he has so many issues but he really wants to be the man Saraid (our heroine) needs him to be. Saraid helps him get there and I think the chemistry between the two of them brings the whole story to life.
He sounds hunkalicious. Sean was a total hunk and a half, so can’t wait to see what you’ve done with Rory. Now…
Q. Some may have already gotten and devoured “Haunting Warrior” by now. For those who haven’t grabbed it or read it yet, can you give us a little taste?
A. Absolutely! So here’s a slice from the scene when Danni and Rory talk of the Book of Fennore. She’s just picked him up from the airport -- his first time home since he was sent away as a kid. He’s come back for his grandmother’s funeral -- a funeral the ghost of his grandmother invited him to attend.
Rory shoved his hands into his pockets, afraid they might shake as they had last night. “Nana came to see me,” he said softly.
Danni gave him a sharp look. “When?”
“Night before last.” A part of him couldn’t believe he was saying it out loud. A part of him wanted to laugh even as he remembered how it felt when he’d realized who was sitting in his car. “When I got off work, she was waiting for me.”
Danni made a sharp sound of amusement. “Bet that scared you out of your knickers.”
He forced a stiff smile.
“And what did she say?” Danni went on as if they were discussing the price of milk and eggs. “I’ve died, so come home?”
“Something like that.”
“She wanted something, didn’t she? She called you home to find the Book. Is that the way of it?”
He shouldn’t have been surprised she’d know that detail, too, but he was. Reluctantly, he nodded.
“I can see there’s no point in telling you not to do it, but it’s dangerous seeking something that shouldn’t be found. What did Aunt Edel say when you told her?”
“I didn’t tell her. Why would I?”
Danni looked at him in shock. “You mean you don’t know?”
“Know what?”
“Edel has used the Book, Rory. Did you never notice her eyes? How queer they are?”
Rory stared at his sister, open-mouthed.
Edel had used the Book? Edel, who he’d lived with until he was old enough to move out on his own?
Suddenly it made so much sense. Suddenly he understood why his parents had sent him to his crazy aunt with her flat, dark eyes. Why she alone had been able to put fear into Rory’s heart. They were kindred in more ways than blood.
“Why didn’t anyone ever tell me?” he asked, angry.
She shook her head, clearly as surprised as he by this giant hole in his education.
“Who told you?” he demanded.
“I don’t know. I’ve just always known.”
If he hadn’t hidden himself so far from home, perhaps he would have known, too.
“Rory,” Danni said, and something in her voice had changed. He looked at her, found himself staring into those luminous eyes of hers—gray and stormy, like the Irish Sea itself. For one weak moment he’d wanted nothing more than to embrace his sister and tell her how much he’d missed her. How much she meant to him. How sorry he was for hurting her along the way to his liberation. But he didn’t move and he didn’t speak.
“I have something for you,” she said. “In case I don’t get the chance to talk to you alone later.”
She pulled a small green box from her pocket. He stared at it curiously but made no move to take it.
“Nana wanted you to have this and she knew mum would keep it from you if she could, so she made me promise that I would give it to you.”
She thrust the box out to him with a reluctance he couldn’t miss.
And suddenly he knew what was inside before he even opened the lid, knew what it meant that Nana had gone to so much trouble to make certain he received it. Knew this was what she’d told him he would need. Slowly he took it from his sister, his big hands dwarfing the tiny box. He hesitated, and then finally he lifted the lid.
Inside, nestled on a piece of cotton, was the pendant.
Whoo hoo! The pendant’s back! (Those who’ve read “Haunting Beauty” will know why I’m excited. Those who haven’t should grab a copy. Hmmm…and keep reading…)
Q. After “Haunting Warrior”, what’s next and when are they coming?
A. “Haunting Desire” is slated for March 2011 and “Haunting TBD” for October 2011!
Super, I can’t wait! Especially for “Haunting TBD”…I love that title best, I think.
Gini, thanks so much for hosting me here! This was such a fun interview! I would love to give an autographed copy of “Haunting Beauty” away to one of your blog readers!
Wicked cool! Okay gang, you’re all used to how this works, I know. Leave a comment for Erin here at the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog any time between now and Sunday night. On Monday we’ll do a random drawing and one of you will win an autographed copy of “Haunting Beauty”. And for the dudes in the Alien Collective -- trust me, your womenfolk will want you to try to win.
Love, Gini
P.S. Check out Erin's blog and website, for more about her Haunting Series.
http://www.erinquinn.info
http://quinnessentials.blogspot.com/
Can't wait to get your hands on "Haunting Warrior"? Order it here.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0425234142
Barnes&Nobles: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ISBN=9780425234143
Borders: http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=0425234142
Indy bound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780425234143
Labels: Alien Collective, author interview, book excerpt, contest, Erin Quinn, gini koch, Haunting Beauty, Haunting Warrior, Ireland, paranormal romance, Touched by an Alien
posted by Gini Koch at
9:35 AM
32 Comments:
*shakes fist in air* Curse you Erin!!!
I coveted the last books you put up to be won and NOW I want THIS ONE TOO!!!
So ENTER ME for the free book! I totally want it!!!
So, do we get "a name in the hat" for EACH comment we make? Because if that's the case I can babble with the best of them!!! :D
I LOVED Haunting Beauty. Your descriptions are so rich and beautiful. They really transport the reader. And I am not ashamed to rub in the fact that my pre-ordered copy of Haunting Warrior arrived yesterday! (neener neener) Great interview!
Wow. I'm so impressed with Erin's world, here. I have not read either book and now I have to go buy "Haunting Beauty" also. Thank you for the opportunity to learn more about "Haunting Warrior"! :-)
Erin,
You know i am a huge fan of this series and it's just getting started really. I finally got my copy of Haunting Warrior from amazon yesterday so i'm ready to read. Tell me who is the main character going to be in Haunting Desire and how am i supposed to wait til march for it to come out? lol
Lisa B
You can comment as many times as you like, and ask as many questions as you like, but you will be entered to win the coolness that is "Haunting Beauty" only once. (Nice try, though, Lisa. Epic fail, but good try nonetheless.)
--Gini
Well you can't blame a girl for trying.
I already know if I don't win I'm going to go out and buy the book. I'm totally hooked on Haunting Warrior already and I'm not OCD not to read Haunting Beauty first!
I will get to this one as soon as I finish Haunting Beauty (haven't started it yet). I too would love a book.
Voodoo Bride begged me to comment so we have a chance to win this book. She says this series sounds awesome and she'll surely check it out.
Hi everyone! Murphy's Law came into play and my day job had this huge all hands meeting this week that meant back to back meetings for 3 solid days so I'm just coming up for air!
Thank you all so much for stopping by. Lisa, sorry, all i can say is good luck. :)
Amber, hope you like it as much as you liked Haunting Beauty. :)
MissCrow--I hope you'll let me know what you think if you do give Haunting Beauty/Haunting Warrior a read. :)
Lisa B--I can't wait to hear from you. it's always scary when a new book comes out. The doubt demons start eating away at the confidence and whispering nasty little "what if they don't like it as much as the last one." I really hate those guys, ha ha.
Gram--let me know what you think when you're done. :)
And Sullivan McPig, thanks...hope your comment helps Voodoo Bride... :)
Erin,
Do you take bribes? :D
Erin, I can relate to those nagging voice worries, but I'm positive we're all going to love "Haunting Warrior"!
And {HUGS} on the day job 'funathon'.
--Gini
Congratulations on the new release!
I can totally relate to you about the language thing...I never managed to learn French even though I've taken it since the 2nd Gr. and all the way through high school...it kinda sucks since I live in Canada and in the capital city to boot and not knowing the other official language totally limits your employment opportunities.
hugs,
Anna
s7anna@yahoo.ca
Lisa...now I guess that would depend on the bribe, wouldn't it. :) ha ha.
Gini, from your mouth to God's ears. :)
Anna, I feel your pain!
Hi Erin! Congrats on the release of a new book. I have been waiting for another chance to get one of your book. I can't find Haunting Beauty anywhere. Please know I think you are one of the best authors around. Please enter me into your contest! Tnx, Lisa G.
Hi Erin,
Love the blog tour. :) I love every thing I have read about these two books. I really, really WANT Haunting Beauty too. Good Luck and much success for your new release.
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
Lisa G and Carol L--thanks so much. I know Haunting Beauty is available online and hopefully with the release of Haunting Warrior a few copies will show up in stores too again. :)
Gini--you have the nicest people her at blah, blah, blah, blog! :)
Erin,
I'm awesome at baked goods. Gini can even attest to it.
Lisa, you're tempting me.... :)
Erin, I must agree that the Alien Collective and Blah, Blah, Blah readers are the best folks around!
And, Lisa does make some awesome baked goods. As do some others who frequent these haunts. (Where, WHERE, are my macaroons? It was insinuated there would be macaroons! Where are they, people?) But, don't let them fool you...they expect good books in exchange for the goodies. Of course, you're more than alright there, so, you know, go for it!
--Gini
Erin,
Tempted, you say?
Have a look at some samples:
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs197.snc3/20469_1351509591999_1359154238_1013944_289470_n.jpg
or
http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs119.snc3/16649_1290258580762_1359154238_858196_5832003_n.jpg
@Lisa: those links aren't working for me. What did you tempt her with? Should I start trying to write a book too?
Sully,
If you copy and paste them, they don't work? Man that sucks.
the first one is sugar cookie hearts, dipped half in milk chocolate and then drizzled with pink colored white chocolate
the second one is mini banana bread loaves with caramelized banana slices and brown sugar crumble topping drizzled with white vanilla glaze.
*drool*
That does sound wonderful! I must go write a book to get bribed with such deliciousness too.
You're killin' me, Lisa!
Erin & Sully,
Then I guess you don't want to know about what I'm baking tomorrow then.
A homemade Angel's Food Cake sliced into thirds with a layer of pineapple filling, a layer of strawberry filling, and topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
Ooh, I'm interested in this series. I love anything Celtic! Off to look up the first book.
You will ADORE this series, then, Brandy! Erin does an awesome job with all things Irish, it's really well done.
--Gini
@Lisa: Now you're just being mean ;-)
Lisa, you stop that! LOL. I actually make that same cake myself and today is my dad's birthday so making it for him. :)
I'm so pleased you all are intrigued by the Haunting series! Yay!
Sully--
All is fair in love and war.. And I WANT Haunting Beauty.. :D
Erin--
We can both sit back and cackle evilly while we enjoy it and everyone else drools! :D
I am so behind on my reading! I must hunt down and buy Haunting Beauty, it sounds fabulous! Love the interview!
The winner is announced on today's (May 10th) blog post... :-D
--Gini
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home