Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Interview: Tallusian Nights by Ciara Lake

I would like to welcome author Ciara Lake!


Ciara, tell us about yourself.

Hello, and thank you for having me on your blog.  My name is Ciara Lake.  I am a working mother of two.  I have two wonderful sons who are the light of my life.  I love writing because it taps into my imagination.  Creating stories is like painting on an empty canvas.  It’s fun to see the tale come together.  I really fall in love the characters I develop.  I have so much fun creating personalities and environments.  That is why inventing sci fi and paranormal worlds interests me so much.  I enjoy the creativity it allows me.  Also, I prefer stories of love that is lasting, the meant to be kinda situations.  If I am going to create a fantasy, I want to create something worth dreaming about.  I guess being a domestic lawyer has me really into creating happy ever after love stories since I don’t see that enough.  Also, I like bitter sweet situations with an ultimate happy ending.  Sacrifice and bravery, love worth fighting for, are also some of my subjects I like to write about.  A love story, which can make you cry with sadness, worry and then pure joy, is a wonderful read. 

My home is very musical too.  I suppose we all have some artistic talent, even our sweet dogs.  J  My sons play trumpet, piano, guitar, banjo, mandolin and saxophone.  I am very proud of them.  They also like to create fantastic stories. 
           

Do you prefer


Milk chocolate or Dark?  I like all chocolate… but my favorite is milk chocolate.

Coffee or tea?  Wow, I like both of these.  It all depends on my mood.  In morning I prefer coffee and in the evening I prefer tea.  I like both iced and hot.

Vodka or tequila?  I don’t drink alcohol. 

Romance or a Thriller?  Romance, but a book with both is amazing.

Mystery or Horror?  I like to read mystery and watch horror flicks.

Did you always want to be an author?  I’ve wanted to be an author since ninth grade of high school.


What authors had an impact on you growing up and as an adult?

Emily Bronte’, Mary Shelly, Edger Allen Poe, Nora Roberts, Christine Feehan, and Sherrilyn Kenyon.

Did anyone in your life influence you or encouraged you to be a writer? 

Karen Harper is an author.  She was also my high school teacher of literature.  She encouraged me to write and want to follow in her footsteps.  My parents also encouraged me to write.  They have encouraged me to do so much in my life and stood behind me. 

What is your writing atmosphere like? 

Strangely, I like to write in the kitchen at the table.  I usually have the television on. 

What is your favorite aspect or writing? Your Least Favorite?  

The most favorite part is seeing it all come together.  I love to see the finished product.  My least favorite part is when I am struggling with a block.  Stress can often block my creative flow. 

Your current book your promoting is:
Tallusian Nights, it comes out on August 12th with Siren Publishing.  The Forsaken series with Beachwalk Press I’m promoting too.  The next one in that series I have coming out is Forsaken Norse Wind.  It comes out in November 2012.  Xihirian Shifters and the Forsaken series are very enjoyable to write and to read.


How did you come up with your story line? 

Just dreaming, thinking, and talking through my ideas with my friend, Elise Whyles.  Elise is my partner in the Forsaken Series, she writes the odd books in the series.  I write the even ones.  Also, jot down notes of my daydreaming.  

How do you choose your characters names?

This is my favorite part.  I spend a lot of time thinking about names.  I have always believed names are powerful.  They set the scene or personality.   I hear many names in my line of work.  I also make names up like Saleeya in Xihirah and Zalora in Tallusian Nights.  Making the names is the beginning of the creative fun of writing. 




Val Braeden is a seasoned Xihirian soldier hardened by the Realmist wars.  He discovers his true mate while on his latest rescue mission. A lovely Tallusian woman’s touch awakens him as no other.  While escaping the war torn Tallusian capital the Realmist take down Val’s spacedisk.  He crashes into the Tallusian forest.  There Zalora and Val are determined to survive the wilds of Tallusia. Sparks fly, lighting a flame within them both.  Their passion heats the Tallusian nights binding them together forever.

Clitax Tomron is bent on revenge – he’s determined to avenge his father’s death.  Tomron strikes close to Val’s heart, taking his family hostage.  Only one thing stands in Tomron’s way, the power of a beautiful Tallusian princess.  Zalora wants peace and to put an end to these terrorist. She risks everything to save those she feels responsible for and the man of her dreams


Excerpt:

Running through the ruins of her beloved city was like living a nightmare. The moon’s illumination enabled her to see outlines of the fallen buildings. The scene was eerie and bleak. This wasn’t terrorism. This was out-and-out attempted annihilation. First, the planet Gerial and now her world were victims of utter devastation. These Realmist were seeking to rid the universe of all others who were not like them. It was a blessing they had not irradiated them or at least not yet. But radiation would make Tallusia useless to them. “There has to be a reason for this. Hatred or prejudice couldn’t have caused this.” She pressed herself closer to him as he took a leap over what looked to be a body. No building was untouched. Most were in ruins. Either by now survivors had been rescued or this rubble was their tomb. A stench rose, confirming the latter for a large number of victims. “My home’s gone.” She clung to his warm firm body.

This man was a true athlete, full of grace and unmistakable skill. He ran with ease. It amazed her. She realized he was her savior from an otherwise disastrous end. “Thank you.” She patted his chest where she clung to him. “Thank you.” Tears ran down her face. She wiped her face on his uniform. “Sorry I’m making your uniform wet.” He did not comment. She did not expect him to. His full concentration was on getting them to his ship, keeping a look out for dangers. He ran swiftly while he held his weapon. On a few occasions, he jumped over hurdles of debris, landing smoothly, not breaking his gait. Zalora realized he was not the kind of man she was accustomed to interacting with. He was much more. No wonder these Earthen humans feared Xihirians. For Realmist, their fear had turned to hatred. Val slowed. “Are you tired?”

“No, it’s too slick to run now. I’m afraid I may fall. I don’t want to fall with you on my back. So I’ll have to walk fast for now. I believe we’re almost there.”

“How did you remember the way?”

“I paid attention.”

“I’m glad you did.” She hugged him tighter. He continued to walk at a quick tempo. Zalora closed her eyes. It was just easier to block out everything. Her anxiety ate at her stomach.

“We’ve arrived. It looks like others have been here, too. But I can’t sense anyone now.” Zalora opened her eyes.

“Have they messed with your ship?”

“No or they would have been shocked, literally.” Val tapped his communicator button. A low electronic buzz hummed. “Now we can touch it. I want you to hang my rifle over your shoulder.” He handed it to her.

“You do?”

“Don’t be afraid. It’s on safety.” He waited for her to do as instructed. He walked around to the other side of his ship. He was all business in every stride. His ship was black, sleek, and about two stories high. An electronic ladder came down to greet them. Before she realized, they were almost to the top of his ship. Again, he moved with inhuman speed and skill. Out of fear for heights, she gripped him tighter, and her nails dug into him. The cockpit opened. He helped her off his back then took his weapon from her. “Get into your seat and buckle in.” His tone was brisk as he pointed to her passenger seat.

Carefully she stretched her leg out toward the cockpit to get into her area. He held her arm to help her. Overcome with emotions, she paused just before she climbed in. Impulsively, she leaned into him, kissing him. Amazingly, he tasted delicious, scrumptious, making her want more. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pressed herself against him as if offering herself. All common sense fled her brain.
Val astonished her with his intense response. He growled in her mouth.  She felt dizzy.  She’d intended her kiss to be brief and sweet, a nice thank-you of sorts. It had not come off sweet. Val had not reacted to it as a sweet thank-you either. Instantly, his business like demeanor evaporated. It seemed to fall off him, kissing her harder, passionately. His large hands cupped her soft bottom, squeezing it. He pressed her into his hardness. She offered no resistance. Sharp teeth accidently nicked her bottom lip. He hesitated for a second. Until Zalora ran her hand through the back of his hair, feeling its silky texture.

Strangely, his nipping her thrilled her, encouraging her to want to bite him back. His tongue pushed into her mouth, inviting her into his mouth. The taste of him made her head feel like it was swirling with emotions. She sighed against him, and a different kind of shiver passed through her. She felt his reaction to her shivering. He gripped her closer. Again, she wondered at his alluring taste as she kissed him deeper. He pulled back to stare at her. His eyes were extremely bright, wild. His pupils were slits. He was stunning and feral-looking. Feeling wild, she pressed against him to initiate another kiss. This time her kiss was more subdued. It took all her effort to regain her composure. His mouth disconnected from hers.

“We have to go.” His voice was gravelly. It did not sound normal at all. Gently he touched her hair as if examining her curls. He brought a strand to his nose and rubbed it on his face. Then he inhaled deeply. The look he gave her made her core throb with need. Her panties felt damp between her legs. Truly, their kiss had been short-lived for the wake of emotions it left. Its pleasure had been immeasurable. Her head buzzed. She ached for more.

Buy Link:  Bookstrand


Author Bio:
Reading and writing is a wonderful diversion from an often-difficult world. I love to create my own stories and have control over how things will end. It's exciting to create brand new worlds and characters. My imagination can come alive.
In sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal stories, I can invent wonderful places and people. Anything is possible in these genres, it's limitless. I'm able to create an escape into a special world filled with unique and fantastic things and there is always a happy ending.
A high school teacher inspired me to write. However, instead of initially pursuing my writing career I became a lawyer. I work in divorce court, so erotic romance is a great escape. There can be true love and happy-endings, at least on my pages.
My two children and I have two good-humored dogs that share our home and ease our stress. I have traveled and lived all over the world, and these experiences have given me great creative ideas. I look forward to creating many more adventures in romance.
Author  Links:   Site    Facebook


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