Sunday, July 14, 2013

Authors After Dark Spotlight: Interview and Giveaway with Stacey Kennedy


Stacey is a featured author at 
Authors After Dark this year. 
Please join us below for an 
interview and a giveaway of 
Werewolves Be Damned


Can you tell readers a little bit about yourself and what inspired to write in this particular genre?

My journey as a writer all began as a way to keep my brain alive since being a stay at home mom can be a little let’s say―numbing. It was an escape from screaming kids, dirty diapers and plain old mom duty.  It started as a hobby, but as the stories progressed it became a passion, especially when it comes down to the juicy bits. Every mom needs a good thrill!
I write in the paranormal romance genre, because I adore it. It’s my favorite genre to read and I honestly have a total blast writing it. I’m totally one of those authors who write because I have fun doing it. All of my books are written for my own personal enjoyment and it just makes me so happy that other people enjoy them, too.

What inspired you to write this book?

Nexi, from WEREWOLVES BE DAMNED, inspired me. A little fun fact is that the MAGIC & MAYHEM series was first published as short novels and written in the first person. Entangled Publishing picked up the series, and I rewrote the books into third person (yes, Kyden needed his point-of-view in those books. I don’t know what I was thinking leaving him out!) and I lengthened them. So, it was Nexi’s character that came to me one day, and I just sat down and decided to write her story! The rest is history now...

Was one of your characters more challenging to write than another?

Nexi. She’s extremely emotional. And well, so am I. She’s probably the character I relate the most too, because of that. So, at times she can overwhelm me, but most times I totally get where she’s coming from. 

Is there a character that you enjoyed writing more than any of the others?

Kyden. He’s a hottie—‘nuff said!

Do you have any weird writing quirks or rituals?

Yes, a big one! First, I always need coffee. Then, I have a special ritual when it comes to writing a story. It goes a little something like this…

I have a notebook that I write my first drafts on. For whatever reason, the smaller screen helps me get more words in. I think it’s because I can’t see everything so I just focus on new words, not the grammar. When I do my second draft, which is all the piecing together and usually involves a lot of cutting and pasting, I use my laptop—and usually edit while I’m on my comfy couch. Then on my third and final read-through, I’ll use my computer in my office.

Quirky system, I know, but it works!

When did you consider yourself a writer?

The day I wrote my first book.

What are your guilty pleasures in life?

Naughty books and chocolate! Need I say more?!

What can readers expect next from you?

I’ve got a couple things on the schedule right now. I’m currently working on MAGIC & MAYHEM #2, WITCHES BE DAZZLED, which has a release date of November 18, 2013. On August 5th, I have a new steamy BDSM series called, CLUB SIN, with the first book, CLAIMED to release on August 5th with Loveswept. Then the next PACT OF SEDUCTION book will come out on September 24th! So, yes, lots and lots of stories on the go! FUN!

Where can readers find you on the web?






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

I’ve found you, fur ball.

Nexi peered from behind the large oak tree and spotted the small log cabin nestled in the thick forest. The porch light cast a warm glow into the night. Fog settled over the lush grass, and the night was dark, eerie.

Stepping away from her hiding place behind the tree, she strode forward and gripped the dagger tightly in her hand. Keeping the silver blade pointed outward, she climbed the cabin’s porch steps, taking each one slowly to avoid detection.

Once she arrived at the front door, she wrapped her hand around the door handle. Rich hunger for revenge burned in her veins and made her intent on one thing: to slaughter the werewolf who escaped the night of her parents’ murder. Not caring what awaited her, she stormed inside, dagger pointed, ready to kill.

The simple cabin had two large brown couches near a wood-burning stove, a kitchenette behind the living room, and a quilt-covered bed resting in the back. And that was it; there were no other rooms to investigate. No secret hiding places she could see.

No damned werewolf.

She cursed, shut the front door behind her, then trotted down the steps to return to her hiding spot. On her way across the yard, she glanced at the space to the right of the tree, which looked much like a heat wave, indicating that the portal to the Otherworld remained.
In some places around the world—or the Earthworld, as supernaturals had called it—there were permanent portals to the supernatural realm. This portal had only appeared because Nexi had travelled to this cabin from the Otherworld. Once she passed through the portal again, the gateway would vanish.

Magic had its perks. Quick travel was one of them.

Nexi shook her head at how normal all this magical stuff seemed now. Just over a month ago she’d never believed in anything that went bump in the night. Now she knew all those things existed, and in fact, she was one of them.

To her horror, she had learned that her birth mother, Tillie, had been murdered by a power-hungry vampire, Lazarus.  All those years ago, her birth father, Drake, had protectively decided to block Nexi’s supernatural abilities. He had planned for her to live and die as a mortal. Now with her return to the Otherworld and the removal of the block on her true identity, there was no going back.

She was no longer plain, human, Nexi Jones.

She was Nexi Jones, part guardian, part witch.

Looking away from the portal and to her hiding spot until the werewolf returned, she hurried her steps. She wasn’t ready to return to the Otherworld yet. Not until she had the werewolf’s head as her wall ornament would she dare go home.

Just as she neared the tree, a woodsy scent that had nothing to do with the forest mixed with the citrusy aroma of aftershave. A blink of an eye later, the dagger she held was now at her throat, a hard body closed in on her back.

“You smelled lovely when you arrived.” The low voice by her ear held a faint English accent. “But I never imagined you’d be so pretty.”

The blade pressed into her skin, not drawing blood, but implying that if the werewolf chose, she’d be destined for the grave. “I’m…”

“Going to explain yourself.” He lowered the dagger, took hold of her arm, and jerked her forward.

In a few short strides, the werewolf tossed her through the threshold of the cabin, and slammed the door behind them. He sauntered to the couch, sat down, and regarded her. 

“Now then, darlin’.” His olive skin was stunningly flawless, and his chocolate-colored hair was spiked tall. “Why would a pretty lass like yourself plan to attack me?”

“Don’t move.” That charm wouldn’t fool her. “Stay right where you are.”

“My mouth is the only thing moving.” His slanted amber eyes raked over her. “Would you like me to stop talking?”

“No.” She hesitated then added, “Only your mouth can move. Nothing else. Tell me what you know.”

He gave her a long look. “I’d be glad to tell you anything you’d like, love.”

His kind face and soft voice wouldn’t trick her. He was a werewolf. She was certain, which was another oddity.

After the block on her supernatural abilities had been lifted, she could identify a supernatural creature as if knowing the difference between a brunette and a redhead. “Tell me why you killed my family.”

“That’s an interesting accusation.” He cocked his head, studying her with a frown. “But I think the more important question is who are you?”

She lifted her chin. “The lass who’s going to cut off your furry wolf balls.”





Werewolves Be Damned
Magic and Mayhem, Book One
Stacey Kennedy

Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance

Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Date of Publication: April 15, 2013

ISBN: 9781622661046
ASIN: B00CBFZVU6

Number of pages: 267


Book Description:

Nexi Jones—part witch, part guardian, and wannabe kick-ass warrior—can’t throw a punch or conjure the simplest magic. But that doesn’t stop her from hunting the werewolves who slaughtered her human family. She’ll have her revenge, but only if Kyden, the elite guardian, would get the hell out of her way.

Kyden can’t decide if Nexi wants to get herself killed or if she just has no clue what she’s doing. But her father made it clear: keep Nexi safe…or else. Of course, the more Nexi runs toward revenge, the more she needs Kyden’s aid, and as she grows into her power and confidence, so does his desire to protect her. The only problem? She’d rather he dropped dead.

But when a vampire paints a bull’s-eye on Nexi’s back, she’s hard-pressed to deny Kyden and the help he’s offering. Even if it means getting her revenge will be a little bit harder. At least it will still be as sweet.


About the Author:

Stacey Kennedy is an urban fantasy lover at heart, but she also enjoys losing herself in dark and sensual worlds. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who gave her a happily-ever-after. Together, they have two small children who can always make her smile, and who will never be allowed to read Mommy’s books. If she’s not plugging away at a new story, you’ll find her camping, curling up with the latest flick, or obsessing over Sons of Anarchy and Game of Thrones.







Amazon Author Page –

http://www.amazon.com/Stacey-Kennedy/e/B004G9KR9A/


enter below to win an eBook copy of 
WEREWOLVES BE DAMNED
a Rafflecopter giveaway

4 comments:

Jessica Hansen said...

Stacey is one of my favorites to read, there's something about her writing that keeps me on my toes!

bn100 said...

Sounds interesting

Sebrina said...

Awesome! Thank you so much for the chance!
Sebrina

Anne said...

Interesting cover. I expected the book, based on the cover and not the title, to be a historical highlander type book instead of a contemporary shifter/witch book.

 
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