And the winners are.....
Heart of the Incubus (Demons of Infernum 3.5) by Rosalie Lario (ecopy) - Ended January 9, 2012 - Read the interview here.
Question: If you could go on a date with one paranormal being, who or what would he/she/it be?
*yadkny* who said...
I'm all about panther shifters! The big cat shifters are what do it for me... just love hearing them purr:)
To Walk The Night (Kat Redding 1) by E.S. Moore - 2 copies - Ended January 10, 2012 - Read the interview here.
Question: Who is your favorite vampire slayer from books or film?
Lexi who said...
Blade =) Love him. Can I also pick a vamp that kicks were butt? Selene in the Underworld movies! I can't wait for the next one to come out =)
Can't wait for this book!!!
and
Marg @ Clockwork Reverie who said...
I loved Buffy, but I also totally loved Faith. The two are probably my favorite vampire slayers.
Thanks for the giveaway! I have this book on my TBR list.
City of the Lost by Stephen Blackmoore - Ended January 13, 2012 - Read the interview here. US/Canada ONLY.
Question: Favorite book, movie, comic, or TV show with zombies?
Anne who said...
I liked My Life as a White Trash Zombie, probably cause it had a mystery element to it. I also liked the movie Zombieland.
Flashfire (Dragonfire 7) by Deborah Cooke - Ended January 14, 2012 - Read the interview here.
Question: What are some of your favorite stories with dragons or dragon shifters?
JoAnna who said...
I have several dragon shifter series in my TBR pile. The series that I have read that comes to mind is the Stormwalker series by Allyson James.
One book from Virna DePaul's backlist - Ended January 15, 2012 - Read the post here.
How: Leave a comment or ask Virna a question.
Blowingfeather who said...
Good morning Virna!!! My question is while you are writing do you have conversations in your head with your characters like they are real people?
I hope you are doing well and congrats on the success of your books. I love them!!
Changeling Dawn (Changeling 3) by Dani Harper and Dani Harper Tote - Ended January 15, 2012 - Read the interview here. US / Canada Only.
Question: Who is your favorite shapeshifter character from a book, movie or TV series?
Brenda Demko who said...
My favorite shapeshifter would be Mercy Thompson. I love the Macleod clan and the pack but I've known Mercy longer! Thank you for the chance to win Changeling Dawn, I love, love, love this series! Happy New Year to all!
Heir of Danger (Heirs of Kilronan Trilogy 3) by Alix Rickloff - Ended January 18th, 2012 - Read the interview here. US/Canada Only.
Question: Is there something you want to do or somewhere you want to go before Dec. 31, 2012?
alainala who said...
hmm there are a ton of places and things i would LOVE to do.. but realistically.. im going to go home and stand in my best friends wedding and pray i dont look like a giant blueberry.. lol..
hopefully go somewhere warm with the BF too!!
Midnight Reckoning (signed) by Kendra Leigh Castle - Ended January 19, 2012 - Read the interview here.
Question: Who or what is your favorite type of shifter? or Ask Kendra a question on 1/12/12.
Brandi who said...
I love shifters, period. Although I do love wolf shifters quite a bit.
Taft 2012 by Jason Heller - Ended January 20, 2012 - Read the interview here.
Question: If you could time travel, when would you go?
Barbara E. who said...
If I could time travel I'd go 100 years in the future. Seeing the difference between 1912 and 2012, I'm sure there would be some amazing things to see.
The winners have been notified and have until 11:59PM US Eastern Time on Sunday, January 29, 2012 to respond or The Qwillery will very randomly pick a new winner or winners.
Thank you all for reading!
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Showing posts with label Alix Rickloff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alix Rickloff. Show all posts
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Interview with Alix Rickloff and Giveaway - January 11, 2012
Please welcome Alix Rickloff to The Qwillery. Alix's most recent novel is Heir of Danger, the final book in the Heirs of Kilronan Trilogy was published on December 27, 2011.
TQ: What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
Alix: I don’t know if I have any actual quirks, although my cp’s and family may answer differently. I do tend to whine about midway through every book. Things like, “this book stinks” and “how did I ever think this was a good idea”, and the ever-useful, “Help!”. That’s when they pick me up, dust me off, and tell me to suck it up and get back to work. It’s habit, but it works. :-)
TQ: Who are some of your favorite authors?
Alix: Your blog isn’t long enough to list every author that has all of them, but I do have authors who hold a special place in my heart. I dedicated HEIR OF DANGER to four of them; Mary Stewart, Lois McMaster Bujold, Jane Austen, and Rosamunde Pilcher. These are my four go-to authors. Different in genre, style, characterization, but I read their books over and over whenever I need to get lost in a familiar story where the writing is flawless and the characters are old friends.
TQ: Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Alix: I’m a confirmed pantser so my process requires a lot of nail-biting and hair-pulling as the story moves forward, mainly propelled by my muse and lots of coffee. The hardest part is restraining myself from adding so many twists and turns in the plot that I corkscrew myself right into a corner (see answer above). Before I sit down, I will have a general idea about the major turning points of the story. Then it becomes a matter of connecting scenes to build the tension up to each point. But those scenes always evolve as I go and I’m never certain what will pop from a character’s mouth that will change everything.
TQ: What is the most challenging thing for you about writing?
Alix: Starting over. Every new book is a new challenge and I’m always certain when I begin that I have forgotten how to write and the new book will never be as good or better than the last one.
TQ: What inspired you to write the Heirs of Kilronan Trilogy?
Alix: The inspiration for the story came from a previous manuscript. The heroine of that book’s father was murdered under mysterious circumstances, and now and again there was an allusion to some larger dark conspiracy. From those seeds, the entire Heirs of Kilronan series grew. Though it wasn’t until I began writing the first book, EARL OF DARKNESS, that the King Arthur ah-ha! moment struck. After that, the story clicked into place pretty rapidly. HEIR OF DANGER is the culmination of the three books, so it was where I had to wrap up all my loose ends. This made it both easier since by the time I began writing, I knew my characters really well, and I knew where the story was going. The hard part was trying to write myself out of all the corners.
TQ: What sort of research did you do for the Trilogy?
Alix: The series is set in Ireland which is close enough to England that much of Society and custom were the same, but far enough removed due to its occupied status that there was a lot I had to learn before I could place my characters there. I found some fabulous research material on Ireland during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, both city and country life as well as travelogues and diaries kept by visitors to the country which helped tremendously plus some great travel maps from the period that zeroed me in on every little bump in their roads. And last but not least, my s-i-l is from Limerick, so I was able to pick her brain when I needed an authentic phrase or expression to place in my characters’ mouths.
TQ: Describe Heir of Danger (Heirs of Kilronan Trilogy 3) in 140 characters or less.
Alix: A man too dangerous to live. A woman determined to make it on her own. An inescapable destiny that will change both their worlds forever.
TQ: In Heir of Danger, who was the most difficult character to write and why? The easiest and why?
Alix: The most challenging characters were either Rogan or Helena Roseingrave. Both characters have clearly defined goals of their own that don’t always fall into line with that of Brendan and Elisabeth. I needed to give them strong and plausible motivations for acting the way they do and yet work to make them sympathetic characters.
The easiest character was also the most fun to write. Brendan Douglas is cynical, self-serving, but smart, determined, and never takes himself or anything else too seriously. I tend to write tortured heroes whose past actions still haunt them. Brendan is no exception to this, but while circumstances may be cripplingly dire, he never loses his self-deprecating sense of humor.
TQ: Without giving anything away, what is/are your favorite scene(s) in Heir of Danger?
Alix: This is the first time I’ve written an animal as a major character in a book. Killer is a stray dog who attaches himself to Brendan and Elisabeth along the road. When he first appeared in the story, I had no real idea of how he would fit into the whole. He was just a fun addition to their dangerous road trip. So it was almost as much a shock to me as anyone when he ended by playing such a pivotal role.
TQ: What's next?
Alix: I’m working on a new series, but plans are still sketchy at this stage. I’m also thinking about dipping my toe in the indie-world with a new book in my Bligh Family series. Again, I’m still in the beginning stages of this venture, but readers can catch any developments on my website www.AlixRickloff.com or my FB page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alix-Rickloff/101434889914147
TQ: Thank you for joining us at The Qwillery
Alix: Thank you so much for inviting me here today to chat. Now, I want to turn the tables and ask a question of my own. It’s a new year and we’re all about resolutions and goal-setting this month. My goal for 2012 is to finally jump into the Twitter-verse. How about you? Something you want to do or somewhere you want to go before Dec. 31st? I’d love to hear about it!
About the Heirs of Kilronan Trilogy
Pocket Books (December 27, 2011)
Mass Market Papberback, 400 pages
Pocket Books (June 28, 2011)
Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages
Pocket Books (December 29, 2010)
Mass Market Paperback, 368 pages
About Alix
A writer of historical-paranormal romance, Alix Rickloff creates a compelling world of magic and enchantment set during the British Regency period. Her books have been described as “sexy and intense”, “exciting and spellbinding” and “a universe you won’t ever wish to leave”. You can visit her at www.AlixRickloff.com, www.facebook.com/pages/Alix-Rickloff/101434889914147 or www.blameitonthemuse.com.
The Giveaway
THE RULES
What: One commenter will win a copy of Heir of Danger (Heirs of Kilronan Trilogy 3) from Alix. US/CANADA ONLY.
How: Leave a comment answering Alix's question:
Please remember - if you don't answer the question your entry will not be counted.
You may receive additional entries by:
1) Being a Follower of The Qwillery.
2) Mentioning the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter. Even if you mention the giveaway on both, you will get only one additional entry. You get only one additional entry even if you mention the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter multiple times.
3) Mentioning the giveaway on your on blog or website. It must be your own blog or website; not a website that belongs to someone else or a site where giveaways, contests, etc. are posted.
There are a total of 4 entries you may receive: Comment (1 entry), Follower (+1 entry), Facebook and/or Twitter (+ 1 entry), and personal blog/website mention (+1 entry). This is subject to change again in the future for future giveaways.
Please leave links for Facebook, Twitter, or blog/website mentions. In addition please leave a way to contact you.
Who and When: The contest is open to all humans on the planet earth with a US or Canadian mailing address. Contest ends at 11:59pm US Eastern Time on Wednesday, January 18, 2012. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 years old or older to enter.
TQ: What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
Alix: I don’t know if I have any actual quirks, although my cp’s and family may answer differently. I do tend to whine about midway through every book. Things like, “this book stinks” and “how did I ever think this was a good idea”, and the ever-useful, “Help!”. That’s when they pick me up, dust me off, and tell me to suck it up and get back to work. It’s habit, but it works. :-)
TQ: Who are some of your favorite authors?
Alix: Your blog isn’t long enough to list every author that has all of them, but I do have authors who hold a special place in my heart. I dedicated HEIR OF DANGER to four of them; Mary Stewart, Lois McMaster Bujold, Jane Austen, and Rosamunde Pilcher. These are my four go-to authors. Different in genre, style, characterization, but I read their books over and over whenever I need to get lost in a familiar story where the writing is flawless and the characters are old friends.
TQ: Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Alix: I’m a confirmed pantser so my process requires a lot of nail-biting and hair-pulling as the story moves forward, mainly propelled by my muse and lots of coffee. The hardest part is restraining myself from adding so many twists and turns in the plot that I corkscrew myself right into a corner (see answer above). Before I sit down, I will have a general idea about the major turning points of the story. Then it becomes a matter of connecting scenes to build the tension up to each point. But those scenes always evolve as I go and I’m never certain what will pop from a character’s mouth that will change everything.
TQ: What is the most challenging thing for you about writing?
Alix: Starting over. Every new book is a new challenge and I’m always certain when I begin that I have forgotten how to write and the new book will never be as good or better than the last one.
TQ: What inspired you to write the Heirs of Kilronan Trilogy?
Alix: The inspiration for the story came from a previous manuscript. The heroine of that book’s father was murdered under mysterious circumstances, and now and again there was an allusion to some larger dark conspiracy. From those seeds, the entire Heirs of Kilronan series grew. Though it wasn’t until I began writing the first book, EARL OF DARKNESS, that the King Arthur ah-ha! moment struck. After that, the story clicked into place pretty rapidly. HEIR OF DANGER is the culmination of the three books, so it was where I had to wrap up all my loose ends. This made it both easier since by the time I began writing, I knew my characters really well, and I knew where the story was going. The hard part was trying to write myself out of all the corners.
TQ: What sort of research did you do for the Trilogy?
Alix: The series is set in Ireland which is close enough to England that much of Society and custom were the same, but far enough removed due to its occupied status that there was a lot I had to learn before I could place my characters there. I found some fabulous research material on Ireland during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, both city and country life as well as travelogues and diaries kept by visitors to the country which helped tremendously plus some great travel maps from the period that zeroed me in on every little bump in their roads. And last but not least, my s-i-l is from Limerick, so I was able to pick her brain when I needed an authentic phrase or expression to place in my characters’ mouths.
TQ: Describe Heir of Danger (Heirs of Kilronan Trilogy 3) in 140 characters or less.
Alix: A man too dangerous to live. A woman determined to make it on her own. An inescapable destiny that will change both their worlds forever.
TQ: In Heir of Danger, who was the most difficult character to write and why? The easiest and why?
Alix: The most challenging characters were either Rogan or Helena Roseingrave. Both characters have clearly defined goals of their own that don’t always fall into line with that of Brendan and Elisabeth. I needed to give them strong and plausible motivations for acting the way they do and yet work to make them sympathetic characters.
The easiest character was also the most fun to write. Brendan Douglas is cynical, self-serving, but smart, determined, and never takes himself or anything else too seriously. I tend to write tortured heroes whose past actions still haunt them. Brendan is no exception to this, but while circumstances may be cripplingly dire, he never loses his self-deprecating sense of humor.
TQ: Without giving anything away, what is/are your favorite scene(s) in Heir of Danger?
Alix: This is the first time I’ve written an animal as a major character in a book. Killer is a stray dog who attaches himself to Brendan and Elisabeth along the road. When he first appeared in the story, I had no real idea of how he would fit into the whole. He was just a fun addition to their dangerous road trip. So it was almost as much a shock to me as anyone when he ended by playing such a pivotal role.
TQ: What's next?
Alix: I’m working on a new series, but plans are still sketchy at this stage. I’m also thinking about dipping my toe in the indie-world with a new book in my Bligh Family series. Again, I’m still in the beginning stages of this venture, but readers can catch any developments on my website www.AlixRickloff.com or my FB page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alix-Rickloff/101434889914147
TQ: Thank you for joining us at The Qwillery
Alix: Thank you so much for inviting me here today to chat. Now, I want to turn the tables and ask a question of my own. It’s a new year and we’re all about resolutions and goal-setting this month. My goal for 2012 is to finally jump into the Twitter-verse. How about you? Something you want to do or somewhere you want to go before Dec. 31st? I’d love to hear about it!
About the Heirs of Kilronan Trilogy
Heir of Danger
Heirs of Kilronan Trilogy 3Pocket Books (December 27, 2011)
Mass Market Papberback, 400 pages
A man too dangerous to live . . .
After seven years outrunning enemies, friends, and his own soulcrushing memories, Brendan Douglas is risking everything on a desperate mission. He has vowed to thwart the evil mage Máelodor’s plans to unlock the past and reshape the future; unfortunately, the precious treasure that is his key to success lies with a woman Brendan jilted seven years before.
A woman determined to find a life of her own . . .
When her golden-eyed childhood hero abandoned her at the altar—disappearing in a storm of magic and mayhem, destruction, betrayal, and disaster—Elisabeth Fitzgerald struggled to put away her humiliation and loss. Finally, she has found a new fiancé and a comfortable future. Then, the one man she thought she would never see again appears—among her wedding guests. Brendan Douglas has returned.
An inescapable destiny . . .
It’s not just that Elisabeth is promised to another; Brendan knows he is drawing her into terrible danger. But he cannot resist the bewitching, brave, wholly unexpected woman his youthful nemesis has become. He promised to sacrifice everything, but is he willing to sacrifice Elisabeth?
Amazon : Barnes and Noble : Books-A-Million : IndieBound
Lord of Shadows
Heirs of Kilronan Trilogy 2Pocket Books (June 28, 2011)
Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages
Who is working the demon arts . . .
Was it her murdered father? Her fugitive brother? It has been seven years since Lady Sabrina Douglas cloistered herself with the Sisters of High Danu, but the questions remain. She is Other—a mixture of Fey and mortal—quietly using her powers to heal. That is, until she saves a half-drowned man, his soldier’s body a roadmap of scars, his fathomless eyes filled with heartbreaking loneliness. The inexplicable connection overwhelms her defenses, touching her heart, mind . . . and body.
. . . and to what end?
A man with no memory, Daigh MacLir seeks his past even as unknown threats fill him with monstrous rage and inhuman abilities. But as a desperate game of hunter and hunted is played out from ballrooms to bedrooms, what Daigh discovers is more chilling than anyone could possibly imagine. Defying death was only the first step in the task he has been given, and Sabrina is his last hope. But dare he risk involving her? Daigh has been summoned to find an ancient king, and even the powers of love may not be enough to win the battle against the powers of darkness.
Amazon : Barnes and Noble : Books-A-Million : IndieBound
Earl of Darkness
Heirs of Kilronan Trilogy 1Pocket Books (December 29, 2010)
Mass Market Paperback, 368 pages
The magic she tries to hide . . .
Born a lady, but reduced to surviving in the slums of Dublin, Catriona O’Connell has been hired to steal a mysterious book from Aidan Douglas, Earl of Kilronan. But Cat is secretly Other, an age-old mixture of Fey and human—something Aidan recognizes immediately when he surprises the lovely young burglar in his library, about to steal a magical diary.
. . . is the magic he desperately wants.
From the moment Aidan sees her, Cat’s spirited beauty enchants him, but her uncanny abilities are what he truly needs, for Cat can understand the mystical language in the diary he inherited from his murdered father. So Aidan makes an offer: translate the book or be thrown in prison as a thief. And as Cat slowly deciphers each page, she and Aidan are drawn together by passion . . . and into the violence of the Other world that is the Kilronan legacy. Can they defeat those who seek the book, or are their lives in even greater danger than their hearts?
Amazon : Barnes and Noble : Books-A-Million : IndieBound
About Alix
A writer of historical-paranormal romance, Alix Rickloff creates a compelling world of magic and enchantment set during the British Regency period. Her books have been described as “sexy and intense”, “exciting and spellbinding” and “a universe you won’t ever wish to leave”. You can visit her at www.AlixRickloff.com, www.facebook.com/pages/Alix-Rickloff/101434889914147 or www.blameitonthemuse.com.
The Giveaway
THE RULES
What: One commenter will win a copy of Heir of Danger (Heirs of Kilronan Trilogy 3) from Alix. US/CANADA ONLY.
How: Leave a comment answering Alix's question:
Is there something you want to do or somewhere you want to go before Dec. 31, 2012?
Please remember - if you don't answer the question your entry will not be counted.
You may receive additional entries by:
1) Being a Follower of The Qwillery.
2) Mentioning the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter. Even if you mention the giveaway on both, you will get only one additional entry. You get only one additional entry even if you mention the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter multiple times.
3) Mentioning the giveaway on your on blog or website. It must be your own blog or website; not a website that belongs to someone else or a site where giveaways, contests, etc. are posted.
There are a total of 4 entries you may receive: Comment (1 entry), Follower (+1 entry), Facebook and/or Twitter (+ 1 entry), and personal blog/website mention (+1 entry). This is subject to change again in the future for future giveaways.
Please leave links for Facebook, Twitter, or blog/website mentions. In addition please leave a way to contact you.
Who and When: The contest is open to all humans on the planet earth with a US or Canadian mailing address. Contest ends at 11:59pm US Eastern Time on Wednesday, January 18, 2012. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 years old or older to enter.
*Giveaway rules are subject to change.*
Monday, January 09, 2012
The View From Monday - January 9, 2012
It's Monday again. These Mondays happen with frightening regularity. This is another very busy week at The Qwillery!
Monday - Chosen by Sin Virtual Book Tour with Virna DePaul.
Tuedsay - 2012 Debut Author Guest Blog by Eowyn Ivey. The Snow Child, Eowyn's debut novel, will be published on February 1, 2012.
Wednesday - Interview with Alix Rickloff. Heir of Danger (Heirs of Kilronan Trilogy 3) was published on December 27, 2011.
Thursday - Inverview with Kendra Leigh Castle. Midnight Reckoning (Dark Dynasties 2) was published on January 1, 2012.
Friday - 2012 Debut Author Challenge Interview with Jason Heller. Taft 2012, Jason's debut novel, will be published on January 17, 2012.
Saturday - 2012 Debut Author Challenge Interview with Daniel O'Malley. The Rook, Daniel's debut novel, will be published on January 11, 2012.
Because there are just a few books out this week, there is no PDF shopping list. However, if I hunt around and find more releases, this post will be updated to include those releases and a shopping list.
January 10, 2012
January 11, 2012
January 12, 2012
d - debut
h2tp - Hardcover to Trade Paperback
F - Fantasy
H - Horror
PNR - Paranormal Romance
SF - Science Fiction
SFT - Science Fiction Thriller
Monday - Chosen by Sin Virtual Book Tour with Virna DePaul.
Tuedsay - 2012 Debut Author Guest Blog by Eowyn Ivey. The Snow Child, Eowyn's debut novel, will be published on February 1, 2012.
Wednesday - Interview with Alix Rickloff. Heir of Danger (Heirs of Kilronan Trilogy 3) was published on December 27, 2011.
Thursday - Inverview with Kendra Leigh Castle. Midnight Reckoning (Dark Dynasties 2) was published on January 1, 2012.
Friday - 2012 Debut Author Challenge Interview with Jason Heller. Taft 2012, Jason's debut novel, will be published on January 17, 2012.
Saturday - 2012 Debut Author Challenge Interview with Daniel O'Malley. The Rook, Daniel's debut novel, will be published on January 11, 2012.
Because there are just a few books out this week, there is no PDF shopping list. However, if I hunt around and find more releases, this post will be updated to include those releases and a shopping list.
TITLE | AUTHOR | SERIES |
Nameless (d) | Kyle Chais | F |
The Fat Years | Koonchung Chan | SF |
Lothaire | Kresley Cole | PNR - Immortals After Dark 12 |
The Liminal People | Ayize Jama-Everett | SFT |
Catacombs (h2tp) | Anne McCaffrey, Elizabeth Ann Scarborough | SF - Barque Cats 2 |
Three Science Fiction Novellas: From Prehistory to the End of Mankind | J.-H. Rosny | SF - Early Classics of Science Fiction |
TITLE | AUTHOR | SERIES |
The Rook (d) | Daniel O'Malley | UF |
TITLE | AUTHOR | SERIES |
Come In and Cover Me | Gin Phillips | F/H |
d - debut
h2tp - Hardcover to Trade Paperback
F - Fantasy
H - Horror
PNR - Paranormal Romance
SF - Science Fiction
SFT - Science Fiction Thriller
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