GtPGKogPYT4p61R1biicqBXsUzo" /> Google+ Sheep Interview: Author Keri Lake and giveaway! | I Smell Sheep

Monday, March 19, 2012

Sheep Interview: Author Keri Lake and giveaway!

Recently the Sheep got the opportunity to sit down and chat with debut author Keri Lake. Her first book Halos: Somnium was absolutely one of the most intriguing stories I've read to date. Truly amazing work and with the opportunity to dive deeper into her world we took this interview VERY serioulsy. Well, we mixed it in with our usually crazy. Stay tuned until the end because Keri was kind enough to offer up three chances to win a copy for yourself!

We hope you enjoy. The fun starts now!


Katie: Hi Keri and welcome to Sheep. Let's start out by telling folks, who don't know, a little about your debut novel?
Keri: Hello and thank you for having me on your blog today! Somnium is the first in the Halos trilogy. Here is the blurb:

A work assignment in Kittery, Maine should be routine for Allie Lynch; nothing more than to prove herself as a brilliant engineer. Instead she finds herself torn between two men: a gorgeous military guard, Colton Briggs, and her devilishly handsome colleague, Drew Costa. To resist temptation, Allie does the only thing she can: she throws herself into her work.

But fate has other plans for Allie. Women are going missing all around her, Allie is struck with a series of life-threatening mishaps, and she becomes the obsession of a local deranged psychopath.

Thrust into a dark world that she can hardly fathom, Allie must fight for her very survival, open her mind to new realities – and open her heart to the possibility of love. Because both of these men are trouble – but one is a greater danger than she could ever imagine …
Sharon: It just occurred to me that Kittery is in Maine, this wouldn’t happen to be near Castle Rock, Maine? That would explain a lot ? (Yeah, I am a big Stephen King nerd.)
Keri: Not too far off! Kittery is actually south, not far from the New Hampshire border.

Katie: Colton is DAMN sexy with a capital D! Hot diggity dog I loved this man. How did you come up with idea for his character and were there any outside influence that helped formulate this man candy dream boat?
Sharon: Don’t worry Keri, we all get hungry after reading Katie’s man descriptions, that is why we serve Moon Pies *hands tray over*
Keri: Mmmmm. Moon pies. Colton actually came to mind after a conversation that I had with my little sister. She does a lot of work on military bases and we chatted about one of the guards at the gates that she thought was kinda cute. Their interactions had me cracking up. I had no idea that after one discussion with her, his character would materialize sometime later that night. Poof! Colton came to be.
Katie: Man in uniform? Winning! I loved the little moments when she would think smutty things in her head. hehehe So what I would too. Without embarrassing your sister to bad how many of these events did she actually take part in?
Keri: Hahaha! Hmmm. Thankfully, I don't know all of the details. But I will say we've had some entertaining conversations that inspired some of Allie's thoughts.

Katie: Our leading lady was pretty well fleshed out but can we look forward to with this young gal who's just been thrust into the world of Angels and Demons?
Keri: Book two, Requiem, will continue where book one left off with Allie. I can’t say a whole lot, except that there’s more to Colton and Allie’s story. Much more. Her character is a little naïve in the first book, but will evolve as she gets used to the idea that angels and demons walk the earth.
Katie: That's it? That's ALL you'll give us! *bangs head against the wall*
Sharon: *slips pillow between wall and Katie’s head* Don’t worry, she does this a lot ;)
Keri: *shifts in seat* Uh…is she going to be okay?

Sharon: What scenes do you find easiest/hardest to write? (fights, sex, dialogue)
Keri: You know, when I’m writing the first draft, it’s always a lot of dialogue. The bones of my books tend to be conversations between characters and from there I add the meat. That’s how my characters begin to develop – I hear their voices *dodges eye contact* everywhere I go and they become more distinct to me over time. Often I’ll have the notes app on my iPhone at hand or a notecard to jot down the conversations, say if I’m in a meeting or something and they decide to distract me with their banter. After that, everything else (imagery, backstory, etc.) just sort of falls in place.
Admittedly, sex scenes are a LOT of fun to write, but not always easy. The trick is trying to keep them original without a lot of purple prose.
Sharon: Nothing wrong with listening to the voices in your head *scoots further away*
Katie: You keep talking to yourself people are going to think you're crazy.
Keri: I know. It's already happening. How many times have you passed a woman talking into a digital recorder while sitting in traffic? Yeah. I'm THAT chick.
Katie: Huh, nobody was talking to you Keri! *wonders off*

Katie: How far into the dark side would you like to take these characters and story as a whole in the continued series?
Keri: Oh…it’s going to get a whole lot darker. There’s something going on at Seavey’s naval base. Book one was just the beginning.
Katie: What? No other details?! *continues banging head against the wall*
Sharon: No, really. She does this all the time.
Keri: *glances at the door* Um. Can I…get you anything Katie? A nice padded room and a white robe with pretty sleeves that tie in the back?
Katie: Oh, I have that set already.
Sharon: *starts singing* “Soft kitty, warm kitty Little ball of fur. Happy kitty, sleepy kitty Purr purr purr. ChaCha”

Sharon: Can you tell us a little about your journey from idea to publication? How different is the story you published from the one you imagined in the beginning?
Keri: A lot different! Really, Somnium started out as a short story in my head. I hadn’t planned to commit myself to an entire novel at first, but the more I wrote, the more there was to tell. By the time I finished the book, I thought, wow there’s still more to tell! The idea remained the same – creating a new class of angels, but it has unfurled into a bigger story than I had originally anticipated.

Sharon: If you could pick a theme song to play every time you enter a room, what would it be?
Keri: Haha! What a great question. A theme song? Well, there’s one song I could listen to over and over and NEVER get sick of it. Sail by Awolnation. Love love.
Katie: Shut. The. Front. Door. That is my favorite song right now! Has a distinct dubstep feel to it. Love it! Let's play it for Sharon! PS- Make sure to blast it!
Sharon: Um…I don’t care for it, but I blame that on my A.D.D. (bwahahaha!)

Katie: If you could have one date with anyone from past or present who would it be and why?
Keri: Dane Cook. Hands down. Not only is the man sexy as hell, hut he's funny too and would make for such an entertaining evening.

Sharon: What would Katie and I find in your DVD and CD player at home, you know…if you left a window unlocked and we happened to stop by while you weren’t home…
Keri: Ha! You’d have to dig through Elmo and Disney princesses, thanks to my kids, but you’d find anywhere from 300 to The Crow. As for music, you’d find Metric, Paramore, The Black Keys, Pearl Jam, Muse, Arctic Monkeys. The list goes on…
Katie: Again, I freaking love you Keri!
Sharon: Brandon Lee…le sigh…great taste in music! All our Disney movies are put away now.

Katie: How many men would make your top 5 of "smoking hot beef cake" list?
Keri:
1. Gerard Butler
2. Paul Newman (younger)
3. Joe Manganiello
4. Sam Worthington
5. Kerry Degman / Josh Hartnett << I know, totally cheating.
Katie: Yeah, but if you have them at the same time…it's a loop hole. *winks*
Sharon: This is why I hang around Katie, she has the best ideas!
Keri: I have to agree…I like the way you think, Katie.
Katie: What can I say, it’s a gift!

Katie: Where can people find you in the coming months?
Keri: Chained to my computer, editing my next book. But if you wanna say hello or chat you can find me here:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Keri-Lake/179797882071933
Twitter: http://twitter.com/kerilake
Website: www.kerilake.com

Katie: And now it's time for our world famous rapid fire round. Just answer with the first thing that pops up. Here we go!

Katie: Missing finger or Missing thumb?
Keri: Finger…gotta be quick with the space bar.

Sharon: Feathers or Scales?
Keri: Feathers

Katie: Fire Ball or Avalanche?
Keri: Fire ball

Katie: Cowabunga or Geronimo?
Keri: Geronimo

Sharon: Bigfoot or Yeti?
Keri: Yeti

Katie: Stomach tattoo or Back?
Keri: Oooh, definitely the back.
Katie: Now what would you think is a sexy back tattoo?
Keri: You know, I really like the phoenix tattoo from my book. But if I had to choose another…I actually have a thing about tigers. I’d probably say a black tribal tiger with yellow eyes. Yum. In fact, this may show up in future writings ;)
Sharon: I am surprised she didn’t say sheep…

Sharon: Meat or Seafood?
Keri: Seafood
Sharon: Got a favorite?
Keri: I know, this is where I’m supposed to say that I like wicked lobster, right? Hehe. Actually, I L.O.V.E. crab legs. Mmmmm.
Katie: Crab legs! YUMMY!

Katie: Arm Wrestle or Slap bet?
Keri: Arm wrestle

Sharon: Hot fudge or Caramel?
Keri: Hot fudge

Katie: Coke or Pepsi?
Keri: Coke
Katie: YES!!!! See? LOVE Keri.
Sharon: Well, at least she loves The Crow

Sharon: Mad scientist or Mafia boss?
Keri: Mad scientist baby!

Katie: Cliff diving or Parachuting?
Keri: Parachuting

Katie: Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us Keri, would you like to add anything before we wrap?
Keri: Just that I really appreciate the opportunity to interview on your awesome blog!
I’m toiling away on Book 2 of the Halos trilogy and just completed the first draft of a new series – a bit edgy, set in gothic Detroit. Follow my blog for details on release.
Katie: We will be keeping a close eye for both of those, thanks for coming to chat and bringing us some well written man candy!
Keri: Thank you ladies, this was so much fun!


***GIVEAWAY***
If you'd love a chance to win an ebook of Halos: Somnium make sure to list each of the following in the comments below.

1. Your Email Address
2. If you were stuck in Allie's shoes, daily driving past a hunky military gate guard, what would you do to get their attention? (And guys who enter just reverse this scenario.)
3. Do you follow our blog? If so get double entries.

This contest is open to everyone. One US winner will also get some Sheep swag just for the heck of it! Ends March 25th.

17 comments:

  1. Great interview & I LOVE the loopholes Ladies ;) I would show up everyday playing a different dirty song and see just what he thought of them. Hopefully it wouldn't take him too long to get the hint LOL Oh & I just HAVE to say...I have a phoenix on each shoulder :)

    I am a follower

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    1. Like some Marvin Gaye "lets get it on" or maybe Silk "freak me baby" lol oh now I want to hear it too! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuSW-jqHeNE

      baaahahaha Allie should totally do this in the book. :)

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  2. Great interview!
    I'd probably bake him cookies.
    I follow the blog.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. What kind? Some choc chip or something a little more creative? :)

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    1. Maybe a knock knock joke? hehe Hey it could work!

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  4. Oh gosh, I am too shy for that. LOL Maybe just casually ask him a question that, with any luck, would start up a conversation.
    By the way, great interview!

    Thank you for the giveaway opportunity. I would so love to ready Halos: Somnium.

    Pam
    Follower- GFC: VanillaOrchids & Email: vanillaorchids69(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Oh come on! Think something outrageous and crazy. You would have to get this man attention, and trust me when you read just how hot he is...*fans self* lol

      Thanks for stopping by to comment and good luck!

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  5. Well this sounds like a fantastic read. It is a new book author to me. Thanks so much for sharing. I'm not sure what I'd do but if he was as hot as you mention I'd have to strike up some kind of conversation. I'd probably tell him that he appeared in one of my dreams (with these....hand cuffs..) and hand them to him, since I see him everyday. Maybe he'd get the hint then with out me coming right out and saying "your so freaking hot, all I think about is eating you up" ;)
    +1 I follow as Tanyaw1224

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    1. I forgot my email...it's Tanyaw1224(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  7. OMG...what a FUN interview! Geez...I don't know what I'd do. Maybe wear a short skirt and/or low cut blouse...smile real pretty, bat my eyelashes and bring the boy a plate full of homemade brownies and a thermos of ice cold milk. Then I'd wink and tell him my name and number is on the bottom of the plate...so that he'd know how to get a hold of me...to return the plate and thermos, of course. LOL! Thx for the giveaway op!

    barbbattaglia @ yahoo.com

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    1. Oh that's good...must try this on my next man hunt. yes....

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  8. Okay what a bang up job on the interview guys! Even though Keri and I only parallel on about 50% of the rapid fire, I will have to say I think I have found a new kindred spirit and awesome fun author to follow. I am looking forward to reading this intriguing book. Lets see . . . to get the guards attention, I just might find a favorite song with a great beat and blast it on my car stereo and charge myself up as I reach the guard-post,roll down my window and slowly smile, lifting my eyes to meet his and say baaaaaaa. Now if that don't get attention nothin will LOL Thank you for the fun, I am of course a very sheeply follower.

    dz59001[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. baaaaaa! what a pick up line! That would win me over. hahaha love it

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  9. This contest is now closed! Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter and leave a comment. The winners are:

    Barbara, Denise Z and Kaerah

    You will be contacted soon by the author. Stay tuned everyone more fun coming up! baaaa.

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  10. WOOOT! Keri contacted me and I am a lucky girl. Thanks for the fun!!!

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