Thursday, February 3, 2011

Interview & Giveaway with Ashlyn Chase


1. Have you always wanted to be a writer or is it something you discovered along the path of life?
AC: I should have known. Really. I mean, I loved my high school English classes, especially creative writing. But noooo… I had my heart set on being a famous artist. So, I went to art school, starved, went back to school for nursing, made money to eat, and eventually discovered writing as a good outlet for my creative side. Less messy than painting too!

2. How has your writing path evolved? Where did you start?
AC: I began by taking a course in screenwriting. Hollywood passed on my romantic comedies, but I learned the basics of storytelling. Since I live closer to New York than Hollywood, I thought I’d try writing a novel. I monitored my reading taste for a while and discovered I liked reading the hot stuff! After I made that admission and stopped blushing, I turned one of my screenplays into a steam bath of a novel. I wrote some more and began submitting. Eventually I got tired of rejections from NY and tried to e-publish.
Three e-publishers wanted my first book, and I’ve e-published over a dozen since then. Some of them became print books too, but they’re the big, expensive trade paperbacks. I always feel guilty asking people to pay that much for a book. But the Strange Neighbors series is a mass market paperback, which means it’s smaller and cheaper! Yipee! I don’t feel guilty at all asking people to buy it. Nope. Not a bit. It’s only $6.99 and longer than all my other books! What a bargain.

3. Do you commit to a daily writing goal? So many words or chapters?
AC: I try to write at least 1,000 words per day. I spend a lot of time promoting and sometimes, I wish I could write more and promote less. Of course, I could exercise more and eat less too, but that’s another battle.

4. If you could give a new writer one piece of advice, what would it be?
AC: Don’t give up. Write a book. Try to sell it, but meanwhile write another, and another…rinse and repeat until you sell one, and then guess what? You also have a back list!

5. What made you decide to start writing paranormal stories?
AC: They’re fun for me as a writer. Anything is possible. I don’t have to limit my imagination with stupid things like facts and physics.

6. Which paranormal characters are your favorites to write (witches, werewolves, vampires)?
AC: I love them all. The thing I love most is being one! By that, I mean writing in first person. (LOL. What did you think I meant?) I’ve been a shapeshifting coyote, black cat and Greek God in my e-pubbed paranormal comedies Being Randy, Wonder Witch and Oh My God.

7. What books are currently on your to-read list?
AC: Too many. I have a pile on my Sony e-reader, another pile on my iPod and then some real piles on bookshelves and tables! Now if I can find my e-reader and iPod under those piles…

8. Who are some of your favorite authors?
AC: Mary Janice-Davidson, Katie MacAlister, Gerry Bartlett, Angie fox, Delilah Devlin, Annette Blair…and the list goes on and on and on.

9. If you could entertain a character from a book, who would it be and what would the evening be like?
AC: Well, first I’d have to think of one that wouldn’t bite. Maybe one of the witches from the Strange Neighbors series. Morgaine would be an interesting person with whom I could have a long, interesting conversation over tea. Gwyneth, on the other hand, would have me howling with her colorful hillbilly expressions and we’d drink moonshine.

10. If you were not a writer what would your career be?
AC: Yuck. Like a real job? I can’t think of anything I’d want to get dressed for.

11. When you are not writing, what are you usually found doing?
AC: Promoting, reading, online shopping or making jewelry. When it’s warm enough, I might be reading in my hot tub.

12. What are some of your favorite activities or hobbies?
AC: Travel, shopping for bargains, nature walks, reading on balconies overlooking unspoiled beaches.

13. How did the idea for your newest book/series come about?
AC: I heard that quarterback Tom Brady owns a condo building in Boston’s Back Bay. I used to live in the same neighborhood. I pictured one of those beautiful old brownstone townhouses converted into apartments and then gave the penthouse to a professional baseball pitcher/ landlord. Brainstorming with a couple of friends produced the rest of the cast.

14. Tell us a little about your newest book.
AC: The Werewolf Upstairs in book 2 in the Strange Neighbor series.
Book 1, Strange Neighbors is still available on Amazon along with many of my others.
You can find them here:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Ashlyn+Chase&x=14&y=22

THE WEREWOLF UPSTAIRS BY ASHLYN CHASE – IN STORES FEBRUARY 2011

Petty Crime Never Looked So Good…


Alpha werewolf Konrad Wolfensen sees it as his duty to protect the citizens of Boston, even if it means breaking into their businesses just to prove their security systems don’t’ work. But when his unsolicited services land him in trouble with the law, he’ll have to turn to his sexy new neighbor for help.

She Should Know Better…

Attorney Roz Wells is bored. She used to have such a knack for attracting the weird and unexpected,. But ever since she took a job as a public defender, the quirky quotient is her life has taken a serious hit. Until her sexy werewolf neighbor starting coming around…


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A multi-published author with Ellora’s Cave and Total-e-Bound, Ashlyn Chase specializes in characters who reinvent themselves, having reinvented herself numerous times. She has worked as a psychiatric nurse, and for the Red Cross, and has a degree in behavioral sciences. She lives with her true-life hero husband in beautiful New Hampshire, where she is working on the third book in her series, The Vampire Next Door, set to release in August 2011. For more information, please visit http://ashlynchase.com/.


Giveaway Time

I have 2 copies of The Werewolf Upstairs to give away

That means 2 winners

Open to US and Canada Shipping

To enter leave a comment on this post with your email

Winner TBA Next Wednesday

56 comments:

Unknown said...

I have been wanting to read this book! It sounds really interesting and like one that will be added to my keeper collection. I have a few of your e-books and I loved them, so I will probably love this one too!

book_lover6983@yahoo.com

Theresa N. said...

This sounds like a book I'd really enjoy.
Theresa N
weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com

Hot Ash Romance Novels said...

I'm so delighted to know you've read my stories, Heather! That's what it's all about. Entertaining someone who likes my voice.

Good luck in the drawing! You too, Theresa!

tina werner said...

love, love, love werewolf books!
thanks for the chance to win!
stampitchick at yahoo dot ca

books4me said...

Love paranormal, romance, and comedy. Can't wait!
kymom@iglide.net

Hot Ash Romance Novels said...

I'm glad you guys like light paranormal. I've had a few problems with readers not liking humor with their monsters. Humph.
There's no accounting for taste.

debbie said...

I really enjoy a book with a sense of humor. Everyone, even a werewolf needs to laugh once in awhile.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale said...

I love anything paranormal!! This looks like a great book! I haven't read any of your work yet Ashlyn but I can't wait to!

kristen_babygurl@hotmail.com

Sherry said...

This sounds like a fun book to read. I love paranormal books and I think it's great when the author can make you laugh while reading them.

sstrode@scrtc.com

SandyG265 said...

I like paranormal books with humor in them.

sgiden at verizon.net

Hot Ash Romance Novels said...

I'm so happy to be finding new friends here!

I hope you'll all give my books a try. If you like to read a series in order, Strange Neighbors is first. The Werewolf Upstairs is book #2, and The Vampire Next Door comes out in August

Mary Kirkland said...

I love paranormals, I'm been reading them left and right recently. This sounds like a wonderful book, really looking forward to reading it.

miztik_rose@yahoo.com

Dalton Diaz said...

What a great interview! Your voice comes through loud, clear, and funny. I'm sitting here with a grin on my face.

Unknown said...

Hi Ash!! I Loved the interview and I have to win a signed copy of The Werewolf Upstairs!! I bought my copy if I don't win this one maybe I can mail you mine to sign. If it's not to much to ask. ;) I do want the cpomplete collection!! :) :) :)

Oh I Loved!! your if I weren't a writer question!!!! LOLOLOLOL
I'm with you there is nothing better than working for yourself and not having to get dressed for anyone! hehehe

Some day I hope we can go bargain shopping together. I have to meet you one day!!!Maybe for my 40th!! :)

Thanks Ash!! Love & Hugs, Christine

Eko0724 said...

Wow sounds so very interesting! I would love to get a copy!!

willingamy AT gmail DOT com

Hot Ash Romance Novels said...

A bit thanks to my peeps for showing up. Of course I'll sign it Christine. Or I can send you a signed book plate. I had a bunch of stickers made with my website url and logo.

Anyone else want one (or 3?) Just email ash@ashlynchase.com and ask.

Lisa (Lisa's World of Books) said...

Cool another books to add to my TBR pile. Please add me!
lisasworldofbooks(@)charter.net

Kelly said...

So looking forward to reading this book...
Thank you so very much for sharing with me..

Kelly M
crazybookfairy@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I've been wanting to read this one. Count me in!

laceyinthesky at live dot com
Lacey in the Sky with Books

donnas said...

Great interview!! Really looking forward to reading this after Strange Neighbors. Thanks for the chance!

bacchus76 at myself dot com

Natasha said...

Ever since I`ve seen this cover, I`ve wanted it! I`m a sucker for good cover art, and when I read the synopsis, I knew I had to have it!
Count me in!


natashajennex(at)gmail.com

Hot Ash Romance Novels said...

I'm thrilled with the very positive response this is getting. It's sad to blog when no one comments. This is a great place to chat with lovely readers!

Stephanie M said...

This looks like a great book and I want to see how much excitement she really gets now that she is working with the supernatural.

Thanks for the giveaway.

smccar1 at hotmail dot com

RFTC Blog said...

I really want to read this book. It looks really good and I think I will enjoy immensly.

iqb99@yahoo.com

Carol N Wong said...

I can tell from the cover alone that this book will be a lot of fun!


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Sniffly Kitty said...

This book looks cute ^.^

snifflykitty@gmail.com

Estella said...

I enjoy a bit of comedy with a paranormal romance!

kissinoak at frontier dot com

booklover0226 said...

I enjoyed the interview; it was great.

I read Strange Neighbors in November and loved it. It was such a fun book to read.

There was a nice excerpt of The Werewolf Upstairs at the end of SN; another great read. I was so upset that I had to wait until February for it.

Guess what? It's February, already!

Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com

Hot Ash Romance Novels said...

That's wonderful to hear, Tracey! I'm sl glad you enjoyed Strange Neighbors. Imagine the wait for people who read it when it first came out in June! LOL.

And those of you who have remarked on the cover...I couldn't agree more. I was really lucky to get such a talented artist. I adore all the covers in this series.

Martha Lawson said...

I'd love to be entered to win this one, it sounds like a terrific book!

follow on gfc

mlawson17 at hotmail dot com

Sandy Jay said...

I love werewolves. Please count me in.

forwhlz at gmail dot com

tetewa said...

Werewolves and vampires are my favorite reads, count me in! tWarner419@aol.com

Unknown said...

I cannot get enough humor with my paranormal! I need some right now actually!

robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com

Barbara E. said...

I enjoyed the interview and the chance to learn more about Ashlyn. I loved Strange Neighbors and I can't wait to read The Werewolf Upstairs. It sounds like a wonderful book.

Barbed1951(at)aol(dot)com

kittykelly28 said...

I love the covers of these books! :) I can't wait to read them

Kelly
kittykelly28 @ hotmail.com

*yadkny* said...

Hi Ashlyn!
I love the covers to this series! I've heard such good things about them:) Congrats on the first 2 releasing and before you know it The Vampire Next Door will be here as well!

yadkny@hotmail.com

Chelsea B. said...

This book sounds super good! Can't wait to read it!

justforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

Tina said...

I have been hearing a lot about this book on many book blogs...I can't wait to read it! Thanks so much for the giveaway!!! :)
tinabxtr@yahoo.com

wanda f said...

Hi Ashlyn thanks for sharing with us today .I loved Strange neighbors.I couldnt put it down .I cant wait to get my hands on a copy of The Werewolf Upstairs I know its going to be just as fantastic as Strange Neighbors .For other readers reading this if you havent already read Ashlyns book Strange Neighbors its a must read definately one for the keeper shelf.
flanagan@mebtel.net

Unknown said...

Looks like a great read that I'd really enjoy! I love the cover also it seems to really fit the spirit of the book.

Please enter me in the contest!

Sherri
urbangirlreader(at)gmail(dot)com

Virginia E said...

I'm still looking for this book. *Sigh* I hope I don't have to depend on winning a copy.

Virginia E said...

*headdesk*, *headdesk*, *headdesk*
It would help if I remembered the email address BEFORE I hit publish, instead of after.

vlettel at cox dot net

Julie S said...

Thanks for the giveaway!

juliecookies(at)gmail.com

Rhonda said...

I loved the interview. I just bought "Strange Neighbors" and can't wait to read it. I know it will be great because you like the same authors I do (definitely a good sign).

rhonda.martin@alumni.utoronto.ca

Unknown said...

I really want to read this book. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

Catsy86 said...

From the excerpts I've read, I love the humor. I also think Roz and Konrad are such an awesome couple!

Johanna R Jochum said...

I loved Strange Neighbors I even loaned it to my co-workers who got hooked on it! I can't wait to read The Werewolf Upstairs! Looks super Hot! Thanks for a great interview and sharing with us today!

evjochum[AT]aol[DOT]com

Barb P said...

Hi Ashlyn! Great interview! I loved Strange Neighbors and can't wait to read your new releaseal. Congrats! Oh and by the way I like some humor with my monsters too. bpatrick64113@sbcglobal.net

Tanya1224 said...

Sounds great! Count me in! I'll have to get Strange Neighbors to read first. Very different idea, love it and to think you got the idea off of Brady...lol.
Tanyaw1224(at)yahoo(dot)com

KMichelleC87 said...

please enter me in this contest. thank you

kmichellec87(at)yahoo(dot)com

Gabrielle Lee said...

What a great sounding book. I will be adding this one to my TBR pile.

meingee@yahoo.com

Soli M. said...

I love anything with werewolves! Count me in on this one. :)

artificial-sweetness@hotmail.com

Stacey Smith said...

I love Werewolf Books and all stuff Paranormal adding your book to my list of books to read.
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo(dot)com

Texas Book Lover said...

This book sounds fantastic! Enjoy books that add humor in! They are so few and far between!

Please include me! Thank you so very much! mmafsmith@gamil.com

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

Just got a copy of Strange Neighbors and can't wait to start this series. I love humor with my "monsters" so this is a perfect fit for me.

(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

JenM said...

Shifter romances are my favorites and I like the premise of these books. I'd love to win a copy.

jen at delux dot com

 
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