Friday, September 23, 2011

Interview and Giveaway with Lynn Rush

Please welcome author Lynn Rush to the Fang-tastic stage today for an interview and giveaway of her new book Wasteland.

Please tell us about your latest release.


It’s titled, Wasteland. How ‘bout I give you a little Twitter version of what it’s about: A tormented half-demon seeks salvation in a teen’s prophesied power, but he must resist her tempting protector or face eternal damnation.

It’s my debut novel, and I couldn’t be more happy with Crescent Moon Press.


Do you have a special formula for creating characters' names? Do you try to match a name with a certain meaning to attributes of the character or do you search for names popular in certain time periods or regions?


I do try and match things when I can. For instance, I named my character, David, because I had David and Goliath in mind (story from the Bible in case anyone isn’t aware of that.) David faces insurmountable odds and fights valiantly. I figured it was a good name for my half-demon character. J Plus, he’s four centuries old, so I needed an “older” name.


Do you have a formula for developing characters? Like do you create a character sketch or list of attributes before you start writing or do you just let the character develop as you write?


I do a Mind Map. You might have heard of these before, and I’m actually doing a little workshop over at the Museitup conference on October 4th about Mind Mapping. Basically I put my main characters (hero and heroine) in bigger boxes in the center of the page, then I start letting the ideas flow. Lines darting out every direction with ideas, thoughts, conflicts, characteristics, etc.


But then, I just write. I’m a Seat of the Pants writer, so I start out with pretty much nothing other than a mind map, and then I let the characters unfold as I go.



Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? How do you deal with it?


Not so much writer’s block as just a slow in the flow of words. Some days they come freely, almost faster than my little fingers can type. But then, for whatever reasons, things slow down. When that happens, I love going for long bike rides or runs. Helps me work through whatever is choking the flow. Loud, rocking music (Skillet, P!nk, Red to name a few) really get me going, too! So inspiring and motivating.


Do you have any weird writing quirks or rituals?


I have this ratty old sweatshirt. It is faded and stained and…OLD! But it’s my fave. Love cuddling up in that and having a write-fest. Oh, and having a bowl of milk duds near the computer is a must!


When did you consider yourself a writer?


Ha…I just recently did a blog post on that. When I first started writing, I didn’t realize the difference in lingo. You’re called a Writer until you’re published. Then you’re known as an Author.


Who knew, right? LOL


But I guess once I started getting requests, finaling in contests, and got my agent I considered myself a writer. Still weird calling myself that. And now, I need to switch over to getting used to calling myself an Author.


Titles.


Whatever I’m labeled is okay. I’ll just keep on writing! I LOVE it.


Other than writing, what are some of your interests, hobbies or passions in life?


I have a few. Passions: My hubby. Love being with him. He’s my best friend and soul mate. His love pretty much inspires the stories I write. Interests/hobbies: Cycling and running. I love to go out and ride 60-70 miles at any given time. Such a freeing time for me. I think things through, pray, process and get rid of stress in my life with each mile I ride. Love it!!


What can readers expect next from you?


I recently signed a three-book deal with Crescent Moon Press for my Violet Night Trilogy. So, I’m working on that one along with cleaning up a follow up book to Wasteland (tentatively called Awaited). Busy times, but I’m lovin’ it!


Where can readers find you on the web?


Blog: www.lynnrush.com


Facebook: www.facebook.com/LynnRushWrites


Twitter: www.twitter.com/LynnRush


Goodreads: http://bit.ly/k6NAZa


Would you like to leave readers with a little teaser or excerpt from the book?


Here’s a portion of the excerpt up on my publisher’s website: http://www.crescentmoonpress.com/books/Wasteland.html


Her teeth grated her lip. Must be a nervous habit. But the action chipped at my resolve each time.


One quick taste.


I brought my other hand to her face, the side with the mark, and curled my fingers around her neck, moving my thumb behind her ear. Her hands cuffed my wrists, but not to push me away. Instead her stare bore into mine like a freight train. The flashing lights of the club bounced a coral, teal, and violet rainbow over her shimmering skin.


The people surrounding us blurred into oblivion, and the music faded into a storm of muffled pitches and tones.


I concentrated on her shining lips and took in the warmth of her body so close to mine. I wanted only the sense of touch to be awake while I reveled in the silky texture of her skin. For so long I’d touched nothing. If I was going to break my rules, I would enjoy it.


Her hands glided from my wrists down my forearms and up my biceps, sending a ripple of desire through my soul. I could resist no longer. I brushed my lips against hers and tasted melon. She heaved a sharp breath and clamped her fingers around my shoulders, holding me in place.


Scents of lilac permeated me. My heart hammered, and my demon pounded, wanting out.


Wanting her.


I turned my head, severing our connection. Too intense. Must stay in control. She let out a whimper. I pressed my mouth to her cheek and tilted her head.


I almost wished I hadn’t.


She bore the mark of a Guardian, immortal protectors of the humans.


I drank Beka in for three long breaths, knowing it may be my last chance to hold her close. Because if Beka truly was guarding Jessica Hanks I would more than likely have to kill her to get my Mark.


Wasteland
by Lynn Rush
Genre: New Adult
ISBN: 978-1-937254-00-1
Length: Novel
Publication Date: September 2011
Cover art by Jeannie Ruesch


Bound by the blood contract his human mother signed four centuries ago, half-demon, David Sadler, must obey his demonic Master's order to capture fifteen-year-old Jessica Hanks. But as he learns more about her, he realizes she may be the key to freedom from his dark enslavement.


The only obstacle—Jessica's distractingly beautiful Guardian, Rebeka Abbott. He must not give in to their steamy chemistry, or he will lose his humanity. But fresh off a quarter millennia of sensory deprivation as punishment for not retrieving his last target, he may not be able to resist temptation long enough to save what's left of his human soul.



Bio:


Lynn Rush began her writing career in 2008. She has both an undergraduate and graduate degree in the mental health field and has enjoyed applying that unique knowledge to developing unique characters.



A former inline speed skater and mountain biker, Lynn has been known to test the limits of her athletic endurance. So, when she's not writing, she spends time enjoying the Arizona sunshine by road biking nearly 100 miles per week with her husband of fifteen years and going on jogs with her loveable Shetland Sheep dogs.


Catch the Rush: www.lynnrush.com

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/pbigOg

All Romance Ebooks: http://bit.ly/nujjjp

You Tube Trailer: http://youtu.be/k-KRE1yMiNk


Giveaway Time

Want to win a signed copy of Wasteland?

Leave a comment on this post with your email

Open to US Shipping

If an international winner is chosen
an ebook will be given in place of a print copy

32 comments:

Courtney Reads said...

awesome giveaway!

courtnut1990 at yahoo dot com

Scorpio1974 said...

This sounds like a really good book. =) Thanks for the chance to enter the giveaway!!!

Valerie Long (Scorpio1974 on GFC)
just.val.1974@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/just.val.1974

Tatiana L. said...

Somehow I have a soft spot for demons seeking salvation. Please count me in!

tatiana_lwg(at) yahoo.com

Lindsay said...

Lynn,
I just, literally, finished the book. WOW.

Dranea said...

Lynn, Skillet is a GREAT band! Listening to music is a great way to cleanse the spirit and help get rid of the extra baggage we may not realize we were carrying.

Fantabulous interview!!

Anonymous said...

LOVED this book! Great interview. Congrats, Lynn!

Anonymous said...

Hey, Courtney!! Thanks for swinging by this morning!!
Valerie: **waves** Morning. It's nice to meet you!
Tatiana: You do, too? *smile* Yes, I do love a tortured soul seeking redemption (I know, I'm sick)
Lindsay: Thank you!! Glad you enjoyed it!
Dranea: That Skillet can ROCK, can't they? Awake and Alive is my FAVE. Especially when the drummer is singing AND drumming at the same time (check out the video! Seriously) she's amazing!
LB: Yay!! I'm so glad you liked it! Thanks for swinging by today, LB!!! Have a GREAT DAY!

Rachel Firasek said...

Okay, Lynn, just wanted to wave hi! This is such a kick-a&& book. Okay, off to work. See ya gal!

Sherry said...

Sounds like a very interesting book.

sstrode at scrtc dot com

Anonymous said...

Rachel: HI **waves** have a great day at work!!! Thanks for the kind words for Wasteland

Sherry: Thanks for stopping by!!! Have a great day

Christine Ashworth said...

Hey Lynn! Congrats on your three book contract with CMP - I hadn't heard! Looking forward to reading Wasteland as soon as I can tear myself away from edits...great interview!

Brooklyn Ann said...

Hello again, Lynn! I cannot wait to read this book.

Ciara said...

This book rocks! Don't enter me to win as I've already bought and read my copy. :)

Anonymous said...

Hi, Christine! Yep. The Violet Night Trilogy. First book due out March of 2012 :) Yay!!!! Thanks!!! Those edits are rough sometimes...hang in there. :)

Brooklyn: HI!!! I hope you like my 400 year-old half demon.... :) I had a blast writing his story.

Ciara: Thanks for the shout out! And thanks for coming by.

***Remember, everyone. Commenting here is earning you 25 entries toward the grand prize of my Wasteland Blog Tour (Kindle or Amazon gift card!) Stop by my blog for deets!******

Happy FRIDAY!!!! I'll creep out of the editing cave in a while to check in again. You guys ROCK!

Alicia0385 said...

I look forward to reading this book!

aliciahall0605(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

erain14 said...

Okay, so I love learning new facts along this awesome journey. Like about how you choose names and your old sweatshirt!

I have two chapters left (am sad it's almost over). I've enjoyed every minute of reading the book and hate when I have to put it down to do other things that aren't fun!

:) Erin

JenM said...

David sounds like quite a tormented half-demon. I love stories where someone in a difficult situation tries their best to get out of it.

jen at delux dot com

Yto said...

that sounds good. the story has potential to get on my wishlist ^^

witchvela at web dot de

KendallGrey said...

Another great interview, Lynn! I didn't know you wrote while wearing a special sweatshirt. And here I thought I knew EVERYTHING about you! Hahaha!

I already have my cop(ies) of WASTELAND, so no need to enter me in the drawing. Just wanted to say hi and wave. :-)

Anonymous said...

Hey, Alicia: Hope you enjoy reading Wasteland. :)

Hi, Erin. Ohhh, two chapters left...... Yay!! Glad you're enjoying it!

JenM: HI!! Thanks for coming by. Yes, he's a bit tormented. :) But really, it's his mom's fault. LOL

Yto: I hope it makes it on there...Thanks for coming by.

HI, Kendall. Nice to see you here. Thanks for coming by. Happy FRIDAY!!!

Debi Murray said...

I really want this book!


djmrtrm @ sbcglobal . net

Jen B. said...

Please count me in for the giveaway. I would love to read this!
jepebATverizonDOTnet

Krystal Larson said...

Definitely sounds like a book I would enjoy, I love the plot already! Thank you very much for the chance to win. edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom

Anonymous said...

HI, Debi!! Good luck, maybe your name will be drawn! :) Thanks for coming by!

Jen B: HI! **Waves** Nice to meet you. Good luck on the drawing. :)

Hi, Kyrstal. Thanks for coming by!!!

Happy Weekending, everyone!

Tanya1224 said...

that excerpt was great. I'm definitely eager to try your book. I love it when it's a half character...lol..I mean like demon/human or vampire/demon. I'm very curious about how they will make it work and I see it will be a series. Sounds great! Please count me in.
Gfc follow as Tanyaw1224
Tanyaw1224(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. I am a follower and email subscriber. Tore923@aol.com

Julie S said...

Sounds really interesting. I haven't read any books from the demon's perspective.
juliecookies(at)gmail.com

Laura Ann Dunks said...

Sounds fantastic and a unique premise. Congrats on the excellent reviews.

lauradunks at googlemail dot com

Laura

In Julie's Opinion said...

Count me in!! This looks like a terrific book and I would love to win a copy :)

GFC follower

jwitt33 at live dot com

Anonymous said...

A new author and another book for the TBR list. Loved the way you described mindmapping.
Patricia
panthers.ravens@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Tanya 1224: Thanks for swinging by. I'm with you. I love those half people, too! It makes for interesting situations, huh? :)

Tore: HI! **waves from the desert** Thanks for stopping by. :)

Julie S: Yep. It was a fun character to write. Being half demon made it pretty chaotic at times. :)

Laura Ann: Thanks!! Yep, so far Wasteland has been well received...even by the guys who've read it. I think the mail point of view helps. It was super fun to write!

Julie: Hi!!! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Best of luck in the drawing for the book!

Patricia: Thanks! Yep, I love to mind map. It helps me so much.

Thanks for coming by, everyone. You guys are super fun!

angie lilly said...

OMG this sounds so good! I love the angst as usual LOL and the 1/2 demon is a fun new spin for me too! Thanks for the chance to win!
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com

 
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