Blackthorn Bites #14 – it has been fantastic hearing about reader reactions to Blood Shadows. Having lived with the stories for so long myself, for others to enjoy them too is incredible. Thank you to everyone who has shared their thoughts by blogging, tweeting, or reviewing – I appreciate it more than I can say. And here’s another brilliant review from Fiona Chapman.
Blackthorn Bite #13 – Caitlin vs. Kane round 2… I love the way that, despite the fact she’s dealing with a notorious master-vampire, Caitlin always stands her ground.
As promised in yesterday’s post, here’s part two of your questions…
Q) Is Blackthorn itself entirely fictional or is it an amalgamation of places you have either visited or seen/read about? If so, what are those places and what was it about them that piqued your interest?
A) Blackthorn is entirely fictional. I came up with the concept over sixteen years ago after leaving home for my first teaching job to move to a big city over 300 miles away from everything I knew. I inevitably got lost walking home alone one night and ended up in a very isolated and run-down area. I’d never been anywhere like it before – numerous houses were boarded up and others had their windows and doors reinforced. The idea for Blackthorn was born during that long walk home. The concept of a dystopian world where humans were calling the shots and vampires treated like third class citizens inevitably spurned lots of thoughts for potential conflict that soon developed into a backdrop for dark and intense romances. I’d also seen a film called Escape From New York – I’m sure that concept played a part on a subconscious level.
I don’t think it’s so much that places have ‘piqued’ my interest, more that they unnerved me! I’ve no doubt my own unease with busy places and being enclosed by dense, built-up areas have played a part in the creation of Blackthorn. On the positive side, I do have a fascination with old derelict buildings so it’s not all bad!
Q) Blackthorn is a fascinating place. The possibilities seem endless. You already have three in the series, will there be other books set there, and will they be based around vamps, or will you be introducing other paranormals?
A) The possibilities are endless and that’s why I get so excited about the stories. Yes, there most certainly will be other books set there. The Blackthorn series is not a trilogy – there are three books you know of because that’s what I’ve signed with Bookouture so far. I have some very exciting things planned for future stories and other third species types will play an important role.
Bookouture and I have also discussed the option of short stories from the series as well as some possible stand-alone ones set in Blackthorn. We’re also considering the possibility of exclusive free stories, extracts or alternative scenes for my loyal blog subscribers and supporters. If I have my way, you’ll find yourself very deep inside Blackthorn before I’m finished!
Q) In Blood Shadows we hear a little bit about vampire prophecies, predicting the overthrow of the corrupt human rule. What’s next for Blackthorn?
A) The vampire prophecies are a vital subplot. The driving force of each story is the romance and each of those stories are going to have an integral role to play in what happens regarding that corrupt rule. It’s not just about human corruption though – the Higher Order (vampire royalty) are playing their role too. Expect a few twists and turns along the way, including a big clash of the alphas before too long and with some key players caught in the crossfire.
Blood Roses is coming very soon and you’ll learn much more about the prophecies in that story. It’s darker than Blood Shadows in some respects, so be warned!
And finally… the headache!!!
Q) Of all the characters you have created, who is the closest to your heart and why (you can only choose one, so no cheating!).
A) This is such a good question but SO tough. I hate to admit defeat… but it’s that ‘who is the closest to your heart’ bit. I thought about it, I came up with an answer then I changed it…again and again.
I’ve never written a story about a protagonist I don’t care deeply about – flaws and all. Actually, mainly because of the flaws! My central characters all have such individual traits – and as well as making me gasp or shake my head (and well up), they also have many traits that I love, admire, relate to or empathise with on some level. It’s like being asked to choose between loyalty and honesty in a friend.
Sigh – if I can’t cheat, I can’t play. I guess I’m off to sit on the bench for this one. I always knew that Michelle Smart was trouble…
Thanks to everyone who sent me their questions! And thanks again for such a fun and special week.
xxx
Blackthorn Bite #12 – A great quote on Blood Shadows from the lovely CC MacKenzie. We’re starting to see a few reviews come in now – it’s brilliant to get everyone’s feedback. If you’re one of the speedy ones that has read Blood Shadows already it would be great if you could post your reviews on Amazon or Goodreads (or even both), I’d really appreciate it 🙂
Huge thanks to everyone who sent in questions for my interview with Bookouture. If you follow my Facebook page, you’ll know that unfortunately I couldn’t answer them all in one go. So, as promised, I’m posting the rest here today and tomorrow…
Q) If you could choose any vampire to ‘change’ you, who would it be?
And on a similar note, so I’ll answer them both at the same time…
Q) If you had to be sired (and therefore bound) by a vampire, which one would you prefer?
A) I’m not going to pick my own vampires because, to be completely honest, I couldn’t choose between them. My instinct is to say Mitchell from Being Human just because I adore him so much – he’s such an intense, dark and complex character that I’d certainly never get bored. But then there’s something about Damon Salvatore from TVD too – he’s that perfect mix of dark and light. He makes me laugh and has got a playfulness about him that’s so addictive. So if we’re going to be bound for eternity, I’m going to go for Damon because I think we’d have more fun. I think Mitchell and I would combust from sheer intensity.
Q) To you, what is the very essence of ‘vampire’ (please don’t say ‘fangs’)?
A) Strangely enough, I don’t instantly think fangs. To me ‘vampire’ is the epitome of the dark side of the psyche. I think that, metaphorically, ‘vampire’ is representative of the raw needs and instincts of us all, whether they be physical or emotional or just that innate drive for self-preservation. I think that’s why the myth has transcended time and cultures – it’s an innately human concept. We all understand vampirism on some level because they’re traits we recognise in ourselves even if we choose not to act upon them.
Q) If you were granted the power to change one law, what would it be and why?
A) This is really difficult because, if I thought about it for a lengthy period of time, there are probably several options I would come up with. I’m trying to answer these questions off the top of my head though so will go with my immediate response. I would say a worldwide ban on cosmetic testing on animals. It appalls me that in this day and age it is still seen as acceptable to be testing on live mammals for such trivialities as cosmetics, even more so because there are proven alternatives out there.
Q) If you were given the challenge of reworking one of the classics or a fairy tale and giving it the vampire treatment, which book and why?
A) I wanted to say Wuthering Heights – it could be so plausible with Heathcliff disappearing the way he did and coming back a changed man. But I know that’s been discussed in literary circles before so I’ll try for something different. I love so many classics and fairytales – I could turn most into a vampire story on some level (guess I’m just wired that way). I almost switched to Lady Chatterley’s Lover at the last minute, but instead of a book (hope you don’t mind!) I’ll opt for a classic play and say Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. I’ve always thought Mercutio should have made a play for Juliet. With all his talk about Queen Mab, it would have been so easy for him to have been sired by Ms Mab – so there’s even a story in that. I’d have Mercutio as a vampire and a whole angsty love triangle between him, Juliet and Romeo. I chose that one just because I’d find it fun to rewrite and could put such a different slant on the original.
Q) Do you listen to music while you write and, if so, what’s on your playlist?
A) I tend to spend my writing days in total silence, particularly if I’m writing a first draft. I listen to music mainly in the car and get a lot of inspirational thoughts during that time. I’ll have music on when I’m doing second or third drafts because that can really help add to the tone or mood of a book during all the final layering. The playlist on my computer consists of Adam Lambert, 30 Seconds to Mars, My Chemical Romance, The Rasmus, Evanescence, The Vampire Diaries Soundtrack, Kings of Leon and Lady Gaga amongst others. I did a recent blog post recently that listed some of my favourite inspirational tracks for Blood Shadows in particular if you’d like to take a look.
I’ve kept all the probing questions you asked about Blackthorn for tomorrow. I’ll also be answering the most difficult question I’ve ever been asked… still haven’t thought of a reply to that one yet!
xxx
Blackthorn Bites #11 You’ve met Kane, right? Arrogant, provocative, dangerous. And damn sexy.
From Blood Shadows – book on in the Blackthorn paranormal romance series.
Blackthorn Bites #10 I love the relationship between Kane and Caitlin… both constantly vying for the upper hand.
From Blood Shadows – book one in the Blackthorn paranormal romance series.
It’s launch day! Blackthorn is officially out there! If you read my recent guest post on the Romance University, you’ll know this was no easy feat – this day has been sixteen years in the making. If you count from the moment I first started writing stories, it’s almost thirty years, over twenty years since I wrote my first PNR. There’s been a lot of work, a lot of patience and a heck of a lot of perseverance during that time.
These past four months have been incredible. From the moment Bookouture got in touch to request both Blood Shadows and Blood Roses, the journey has been amazing. In a few short months, Blackthorn has evolved and transpired in a way I couldn’t have wished for more. But even with the best publisher behind me and enough of my own internal enthusiasm to exhaust Tigger on one of his most energetic days, today wouldn’t be half as special if it wasn’t for my supporters.
I cannot thank people enough for being there not just today, but in the build up and every day before that. I am grateful to everyone who has commented on Facebook, on Twitter, who have retweeted, liked and shared. To everyone who has visited my blog and taken time out to let me know what they think. To those who have given me feedback and also encouraged others to read my work – let alone those who have spread the word amongst friends and family. You’re the ones who are making such an unbelievable difference – who have slid me up 22,000 places on Amazon today alone. And to those people who have left reviews on Amazon or Goodreads for others to see, thank you for pushing Blood Shadows up the ranks so more people can find it.
It’s a busy market place out there and I feel privileged that Team Blackthorn are out there waving flags, hollering at the tops of their voices and generally making their presence known. I couldn’t do this without you.
So from someone who, first thing this morning (it’s now the evening here in the UK), was sat at her computer, still in her PJs, hair all mussed, a strong coffee in hand and not quite sure what to expect, you have made this day so special for me. I wanted to make sure you know how much I appreciate that.
xxx
PS If you haven’t checked out my interview over on the Bookouture site, please come say hi! I had quite a few questions come through in the end so unfortunately couldn’t answer them all today, but the rest will be on this blog before the end of the week!
Blackthorn Bites #9 One of our favourites… On the launch day for Blood Shadows, I can’t wait for you all to meet Kane Malloy. Wicked. Dangerous. Damaged. And Irresistible. #Fallinlovewitharealvampire
Blackthorn Bites #8 “An intoxicating blend of danger and sensuality. Lindsay J. Pryor easily earns a place alongside paranormal romance’s best writers!” – Michele Hauf.
Blood Shadows is available TODAY – and I’d love to know what YOU think! I’m constantly on the look out for new reviews on Amazon, Goodreads and other sites – so if you’ve read Blood Shadows I’d really appreciate it if you could let me know what you think. Even if you didn’t love it (though I hope you do!), your feedback is important to me.
