Guest Starring... Gianna Simone!

Indigo Skye: Ink and Art

Welcomes Author Gianna Simone!

Q: If you could have a hot one-night stand with any fictional character you've created, who would you choose, and why?


A: Tough one, but I think I might go with Royce Langley, the hero in my very first medieval, The Heart of the Panther. He is a typical jerky alpha-male (my favorite kind of hero! LOL!) who trusts no women, and finds himself turned inside out by the slip of a half-Welsh girl the king orders him to wed.

Q: What's the most unusual place you've ever had sex?


A: This brings to mind that old Newlyweds episode, which was supposedly an urban legend, but turned out to be true, I believe, where the wife answered "in the butt!" or something like that. Sorry, that was the first thing that popped into my head when I saw the question! I'm easily distracted! Anyway, it's not really that unusual, it was the back seat of a car – though I was no longer in my teens and the car was parked in the parking deck of my office.


Q: Tell me your sizzling secrets for turning readers on...


A: I just write what I want to read. No secret there. I wish I had some wild plan, it might make the revising process less painful!

Q: Do you follow a set schedule every day, or just write when inspiration strikes?


A: I try to write every day, but it isn't always possible. I work full time and have two kids, so time is at a premium. The bulk of it is done after 10:00 p.m. when everyone's all settled in for the night. Or early weekend mornings – I don't often sleep late on the weekends, but everyone else does, so that usually gives me a few hours too.


Q: Where do you do most of your writing?


A: In the family room, in the little corner that serves as my office (and that I have to share with homework) although if it gets quiet at work, I have been known to crank out a few pages there as well.


Q: Do you have any writing rituals, quirks or tricks to help you get started and stay excited about a project?

A: Basically, I get an idea, and I go with it. Just keep going. I didn't used to do that, I used to stop and plan every chapter, choreograph each scene, and detail. Took me forever to finish, especially since my books tend to be long. But in the last couple of years, each book I've written, I got started and even though I knew I had to revise things, I just wrote beginning to end non-stop. And I can crank out a lot of words in 4-6 weeks if I don't stop, my average for the last few was around 90K for the first draft. Once I hit the end, I don't have such anxiety over revising. It's been working well for me, so I'm sticking with it.


Q: Your best strategy for beating writer's block...


A: Just dig right in. I literally force myself to start to edit, or add to a half-finished scene. Once I'm going for a page or two, I can usually get caught up in the story and get to it. If that doesn't work, shut it off, go have a few drinks and cigarettes for the frustration, and come back tomorrow. 


Q: Tell our readers about your sexy new release from Noble Romance...


A: Healing the Mage is about Aidan Marchand, a newly diagnosed Mage who had no time to prepare for the maturing of his powers, which can be dangerous, since the process is really, really painful. Lily Prentiss, an Enchantress with inborn healing powers stumbles across him while he's caught in the agonizing process, and her touch eases his pain. Problem is, Lily doesn't want anything to do with magic, she's afraid of her gift.

Q: Any advice for new writers hoping to break into the business?


A: Funny you should ask this. I just reconnected with an elementary school classmate, and I told him pretty much the same thing I'm going to share here. First and foremost learn everything you can – I suggest finding a local writer's group, preferably one that is familiar with your genre, and just be a sponge. Soak up everything you can – take classes, work with critique partners, read, read, read. And don't give up. I almost did, literally, and I'm really glad I allowed my support network to get me through that rough patch – I wouldn't be here now without them.


Q: Upcoming projects you can't wait to dish about...


A: The main project I'm working on right now is a medieval set in 13th century England, involving a Scottish warrior on a path of revenge, and the English lass who throws a wrench into his plans – though not by her choice. And I also have the beginning of the first book in a sci-fi series I've been adding to when the time is available.


Q: What's the interview question no one ever asks, that you'd like to answer right now for our readers?


A: That's a really hard one. I suppose being asked about my kids is rare. They are the joy of my life, and at times, the biggest frustration as well. I have a teenage daughter who can't stand that I know more about the Harry Potter books and fandom than she does, but at least I know where she gets her obsessiveness from. My little guy is six, and for now, I still can do no wrong in his eyes.


Q: Best way to relax after a hard day hitting the page?


A: A beer or glass of wine and a smoke. Or two.


Q: Your secret little guilty pleasure...


A: If I told you, it wouldn't be secret anymore, would it! I have a few of those, but what comes to mind now is The Wizards of Waverly Place, I love that show! And iCarly too, when they're on, I can't not watch!


Q: What's your favorite book to read in the bathtub?


A: Can't remember the last time I indulged in a bath! I want one now, just thinking about it. But the reading would have to be a magazine – I use my Sony Reader almost exclusively now, and that's not getting anywhere near the tub!

Author Bio:

A born and bred Jersey girl who loves to get lost in other worlds or alternate realities with sexy anti-heroes and brave heroines. My interests range far and wide, when I’m not working or writing (or driving children somewhere), chances are you can find me poking into some fun places online, like Twitter, reading anything and everything, watching the Harry Potter movies or old episodes of Highlander, Charmed and Dragon Ball Z.

Get in touch with Gianna Simone online...

Blog: http://giannasimone.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://www/twitter.com/Gianna_Simone

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1523876745

To win a copy of Gianna Simone's newest book, and some great author swag, just comment on this post! Be sure to include your email address so we can connect with the lucky winners!

For more chances to win free books and fabulous author swag, please visit the next stop on our blog tour, Sarah Ballance's Author Blog!