I Smell Sheep is proud to bring you our latest interview, author of the amazing Love at Stake series Kerrelyn Sparks! Sexy Scottish Vampires are the way to this gals heart and Kerrelyn DELIVERS time and time again. Read on to see what all the hype's about, while we try to uncover some of the workings in this authors mind. Then make sure to run out on March 29th to get your copy of Vampire Mine! We hope you enjoy the interview. :)
New York. Romatech Industries. 2 Sheep and 1 Investigator meet.
Katie: Let me start out by saying thank you for being here with us today, we know you're a very busy lady so lets jump right into it. Your Love At Stake Series has been going strong now for awhile, for those who may not know a thing about it can you give them a little insight?
Sure. The Love at Stake series started in 2005 with the first book, How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire. And that book starts off with Roman Draganesti losing a fang after biting something he shouldn’t have. He has one night to get his fang fixed or the wound will heal permanently, leaving him a lopsided eater for all eternity. You can probably guess that these books are romantic comedies. To make it even more fun, I throw in a dose of paranormal, suspense, and adventure. The upcoming book, Vampire Mine, is number 10, but don’t let that scare you away from the series. Each book stands on its own and features a new hero and heroine, so there can be a new love story each time.
Katie: Yes I agree, I started at Ian’s book (All I want for Christmas is a Vampire) and I did not feel lost or out of the loop in any way. I then went back and read all the previous books because I feel in love with all your characters.
Thank you!
Amber: The vampires in your stories, well the good ones anyway, don't drink directly from humans. They do enjoy bagged blood and a few tasty ones like Chocolood and Bubbly Blood. Can you tell us how you came up with the concept and if we can look forward to a few new additions?
I found the concept of human Fusion Cuisine amusing. Then I thought why not do it for vampires? Who wouldn’t get tired of the same meal every night for centuries? And what Vamp woman would want to give up chocolate? So Chocolood was born, a mixture of chocolate and synthetic blood. And for those who overindulge and need to drop a few pounds, there’s Blood Lite, which is low in blood sugar and cholesterol. The Scottish Vamps are very fond of Blissky, which is synthetic blood and good Scots whiskey. Bubbly Blood is blood and champagne (for those special vampire occasions), and Bleer is blood and beer. There will be new ones in the future!
Amber: What about…Mochalood? Coffee Mocha and blood?
LOL! That’s a good one!
Katie: I love reading every book you write, but if I had to pick a favorite it would be a toss up between Ian and Dougal. *sigh* Now Ian has his own book, will Dougal be front and center at some point?
It is very possible. Dougal is shy and hasn’t told me his story yet, but I would like to do it. He has quite a few fans.
Katie: Oh I have a soft spot for the shy ones, I hope his story comes to you soon!
Amber: What was your favorite books to read as a kid?
Some time around the sixth grade, I went straight from Nancy Drew to adult books. I loved Mary Stewart and Anya Seton. Then later, I discovered Kathleen Woodiwiss, Julie Garwood, Amanda Quick, and Jude Deveraux. I mostly read historical romance, but I loved Mary Stewart’s contemporary suspense, and whenever she or any of the other authors included paranormal aspects, I really loved that.
Amber: Mine was Amelia Bedlia, she made me laugh every time! Lol
Katie: What has been one of the most rewarding things you have had happen in your life to date?
My children! They’re absolutely brilliant, and I’m not prejudiced in any way, simply stating fact! Other than my children, and my husband (who has a wicked sense of humor and keeps me laughing), I would say the books I’ve written and the response they get. I treasure every email or letter where a reader tells me that I’ve given them laughs and brightened their day. Some even say I’ve given them hope during a dark time in their life. That makes me feel really blessed, as if I’m doing exactly what I was meant to do.
Amber: Can we expect any new vamps or weres in upcoming books?
You mean that were-woodchuck? He would make a bad villain! Chucking all our wood, and then we’d have no more paper for books!
Amber: I love it! There must be a way to work that in. lol Would be too funny.
Katie: Where can fans find you over the next year or so. Any book signings or tours happening?
Yes. I’ll be doing a blog tour online, and then I’ll be at a few conferences. I’m in LA in April for the Romantic Times convention, then in Huntsville AL for a romance readers’ luncheon at the end of April. I’ll be in Shreveport LA on June 11, and then in NYC for the Romance Writers of America conference at the end of June. There will be a launch party March 29th for Vampire Mine at Katy Budget Books (West Houston, TX). For more details about online and live appearances, please go to the Appearances page of my website, www.kerrelynsparks.com.
Katie: We will be at the RT convention too! Look forward to seeing you there as well. Will you be doing any workshops at that or just book signings?
Yes. I’m doing a workshop with Pamela Palmer and L.A. Banks on Wednesday afternoon. Circle of Seven (COS) is hosting a reader/author get-together on Thursday, and I’ll be there. I’m also doing a session at Club RT on Thursday and Friday. Then on Friday evening, Avon is hosting a mixer. Don’t miss it! Half a dozen or so Avon authors will be signing free books. Avon usually gives away two boxes of books per author, along with some yummy food. And then on Saturday, I’ll participate in the giant Book Fair. See you at RT!!
Amber: Who has been your greatest inspiration in life and writing?
My grandmother. She was a church librarian for fifty years and taught me to honor books. When I was very young, I would sit in her lap while she read to me. And then later during summertime, I would spend a week at her house, and we would walk to the church and I’d help her in the library. She also taught me to quilt and crochet. When she had quilting bees, I would sit underneath the big frame and watch the needles moving and listen to her and her friends talk. They were actually a lively, funny group. There are times I feel that writing is like quilting—taking all the little pieces and putting them together to make something warm, comfy, and lovely.
Katie: If you could have any super power or ability what would it be and why?
I would love to be able to teleport! Imagine having tea in London, then dinner in Paris, then off to Venice for a moonlit gondola ride. You could go anywhere in the world, and if you happen to find yourself in a bad situation, you just teleport away.
Amber: If you could have a dream date with any person, living dead or undead, who would it be and why?
Ha! All the Vamp guys are funny and sexy, but I’d stick with my husband. After twenty-two years of marriage, he still makes me laugh. But hey, wouldn’t it be fun to double date with Angus and Emma? Or Jean-Luc and Heather? Or any of the couples?
Amber: Shanna and Roman! That would be a hoot, she cracks me up. Lol
Katie: Okay, last question. How much wood could a Woodchuck chuck if a Woodchuck could chuck wood?
Oh no! The were-woodchuck is back! Stay away from him. In human form, he’s a lumberjack and spends all day cutting wood. Then the full moon comes out and he shifts and starts chucking all the wood he cut for the entire month! Poor guy.
Katie: lol yeah, he just chucked all his hard work away!
Katie: And now ladies and gentleman we step into the *pulls out bullhorn* RAPID FIRE ROUND!!! lol sorry got a little carried away for a second. Sit back and clear your mind Kerrelyn, think of the first answer that pops up. Ready……..set……….GO!
Katie: Bunny or Hamster
Bunny. Love the big ears.
Amber: Tails or Feathers
Tails, as long as they’re furry.
Katie: Fangs or Claws
Fangs. I’d rather be nibbled on than scratched.
Katie: mmm yes *pops in plastic vampire teeth* can I have a tiny nibble Kerrelyn? Lol
Yikes!
Amber: Toast or Bagels
Bagels. With cream cheese, please.
Katie: Crossbow or Mace
Crossbow.
Amber: Disco dancing or Line dancing
LOL, line dancing, but don’t tell Gregori!
Katie: Grapes or Raisins
Grapes.
Amber: Shrimp or Crab
Shrimp.
Katie: Vodka Gimlet or Lemon Drop
Lemon Drop.
Amber: Coke or Pepsi
Pepsi.
Katie: *sobbing* NOOOO!!!!
Amber: YES! That’s right Katie, Pepsi is waaaaay in the lead now! Hahahahaha
Katie: Enjoy this while it lasts Amber, Coke WILL be the final winner.
Katie: Cocktail dress or Ball gown
Cocktail dress.
Amber: Salty or Sweet
Both. In huge amounts, please.
Katie: We can't thank you enough for taking the time to chat with us, as fans and bloggers we just can't get enough of you and the wonderful books you write. Anything you would like to say before we go?
Thank you for inviting me! It was fun. I’d like to invite everyone to visit my website at www.kerrelynsparks.com. There’s a section there called The Vampire World, and it has videos, games to play, quizzes to take, and a forum where readers can chat with me and each other. You can also find me on Facebook. And last of all, my thanks to all the readers for their support!
Prize giveaway time! One lucky winner will receive a MacKay S&I t-shirt AND a signed book from Kerrelyn of Forbidden Nights with a Vampire. :) So make sure to leave BOTH things in the comments below to be entered to win.
1. Your Email address
2. What type of vampire cuisine would you invent?
Contest ends March 26th at midnight.
Good luck!
