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Sunday, July 26, 2009

Author Interview & Contest with L.A. Banks

Author L. A. Banks has written over 35 novels and visits a variety of genres such as romance, women's fiction, crime/suspense thrillers, and of course, the paranormal.

Many of you already know and love her books and will enjoy reading this interview. Others who haven't yet checked out her books will hopefully get a craving for them after reading the interview ;) It doesn't matter which applies to you! Just don't forget to enter the contest!

-----------------------------------

Amber - Welcome to Amberkatze's Book Blog! It is great to have you as a guest here and I hope you will enjoy your time here ;) Maybe you can start things off for us by telling my readers a bit about your books?

Leslie - There are two main series that I'm working on now in the paranormal genre: The Vampire Huntress Legends series, aka the VHL (at www.vampirehuntress.com ) is a 12 book saga with a strong love relationship at its core, a family of vampire hunters, and a very unwilling young, urban hip hop heroine who'd rather pursue her music career than be out at night killing demons. Then, her ex-boyfriend (whom she still loves) gets abducted by the vamps... and the epic is on :) The Crimson Moon Novels series brings out the big dogs, so to speak. In this one, heroine Sasha Trudeau is a part of a newly created military platoon designed to wipe out the incursion of werewolves... only problem is, Sasha is a wolf--a Shadow Wolf, to be exact (which is a different species than werewolves.) As she begins her mission, she runs into a very sexy hunk, Max Hunter, who shows her the way of the wolf ain't so bad after all. More on that, excerpts, etc. can be found at www.crimsonmoonnovels.com (I also have a crime series and romances that can be found at www.LeslieEsdaileBanks.com )

Amber - What is your process for writing a book? Do you get an idea and expand on it? Or do you brainstorm?

Leslie - I actually do a little of both... most of my ideas come from disturbing news topics, especially global news. i get the idea and then begin brainstorming all the freaky "what ifs" that come out of that.

Amber - Are you anything like your characters? Are any of them based on people you know?

Leslie - All of them, LOL! There is undoubtedly a little of me in every heroine or female character I write... there's a lot of the close female friends and family members in them, too. With the guys, those are based on guys I've known, loved, or who are/were members of my family. The bad guys, LOL--those are the bas ex-lovers, and terrible bosses I've had over the years... then add a little yeast a little spice, and boom, you have the perfect recipe... c'mon, who hasn't said at least once, "My boss is Lucifer!" (Ha ha ha!)

Amber - What projects are you working on at the moment? What releases can your fans expect in upcoming year?

Leslie - I'm working on so much stuff that I'm crazy :) Right now I'm working on the 5th book in the werewolf series, the second book in the new young adult series--that's a follow on to The VHL (the next generation), a graphic novel extension of the VHL series, as well as a manga prequel script for that which will take readers into how the vampire huntress became who she was... where... I'm working on a new romance series, the Men of delta Force, and trying to figure out how to also get 8 hours of sleep per night--BIG GRIN!

Amber - How did you end up being a writer? Was it something you always wanted to do? What other jobs have you had?

Leslie - I never knew I wanted to be a writer or could write. My daughter was in a bad daycare center accident when she was 6 months old, and I found myself out of work, going through a divorce, and broke. At that time, a quick fix solution seemed to be to enter a short story contest that was in a magazine... which I never did because the story got too long and my friends couldn't help me cut it down. So, I finished the story--which became a book and promptly threw it in the closet. They mailed it out on my behalf to publishers. It landed and stuck after I'd gone to a writer's conference. Before and during that, I was in sales and marketing for big computer firms (Xerox, Hewlett Packard, and DEC), then did a lot in economic development after my child got hurt... from there I retired into writing (but that took 10 years from the first book to become a full time writer.)

Amber - How did you end up writing paranormal genre books? Was it a genre that always interested you?

Leslie - The first book I wrote, although it was shelved in the romance section, was a paranormal... "Sundance," pubbed by Kensington/Arabesque--dealt with a 500 year old curse and two adversaries who were lovers back then having to find out who was trying to kill them both. The second book with them, Slow Burn, was also a paranormal romance--and again it got shelved in the romance area because at that time (1996, 1997, respectively) there really wasn't a category for what I write. After a while I was asked, briefly, to just write traditional romances, which I did for a while... but then when an opportunity came about with St. Martin's Press (the editor was looking for a strong paranormal with a kick ass heroine), I jumped on it.

Amber - What books do you like to read when you have time? Do you have
any must read authors/series?

Leslie - At this point, sad to say, time to read for pleasure is such a luxury--as I can't read this genre while writing in it. I always read Tananarive Due's new stuff, though :)

Amber - What do you like to do to relax?

Leslie - Music and Movies and family BBQs always chill me out... I also like to go walking in the park (gorgeous trails here in Philly) with my cousin--we gab, get metaphysical, and get exercise while doing it. I love to swim, the beach is my friend--when I can get there... I love the ocean... also enjoy hanging out with my daughter--she's a hoot (19 and hilarious.)

Amber - Lots of authors have playlists for their books. Do you have any specific music/artists that you like to listen to when you are writing?

Leslie - Absolutely... depends on the scene I'm working on, though... love scenes are Celine Dione, (I Surrender), Mariah Carey, Barry White (LOL--seriously, the bass in dudes voice is ridiculous), Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Seal, Chaka Khan (Through the Fire), Earth Wind and Fire... the stuff that got me my daughter, LOL! For fight scenes, there is NOTHING like Pit Bull Miami, Little John, DMX, et al So, it depends -- BIG SMILE!

Amber - If you could be any paranormal creature what would you be and why?

Leslie - I'd be a Were Jaguar, able to shift at will... because I would want to be alive, I like food and eating food--so being a vamp is out... also I'm a sun freak, so the night thing would literally suck for me... and the feline grace would be awesome, the power of the big cats is majestic.

Amber - You are stranded on a desert island. What 5 things do you hope to have with you?

Leslie - An endless supply of fresh water and fresh fruits/veggies (to survive, that's 2 items), a fabulous lover/friend (for company and to keep my sanity, that's 3), the Internet (so I could be connected to the outside world, stay current, keep writing and be able to FB my daughter, BIG SMILE--that's 4), and a fully gased up luxury yacht that had all amenities and navigational equipment onboard (as #5, so when I got sick of being away from civilization, I could go back to it.) LOL! Can you tell I've actually wished for this already? Some days I really do long for that island!

Amber - Thank you so much for being a guest on Amberkatze's Book Blog. I hope you will pop by again sometime!




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Contest Time

This week there are two prizes up for grabs! First prize is a cool Vampire Huntress Tote bag from Leslie and second prize is a Vampire Huntress book of your choice from me!

All you have to do to enter let us know what new release/s you are looking forward to!

No Book = No entry!

The usual rules apply!

Earn another entry for each place you link this contest on the net. Make sure you add links here for me to confirm your entries!

You can also earn extra entries by emailing your friends about the contest. Just make sure you send a copy of your email or receipt to me at Amberkatzes_book_blog at gmx dot net.

The contest will stay open until Sunday 2nd of August 2009 4pm CET and the winner will be picked by a randomizer. Entrants should check back to see if they have won. I do not hunt down winners and will pick new winners for any prizes not claimed within 7 days.

If you are claiming a prize, have emailed me and have not heard back before the 7 day limit is up then post a comment here on the blog. Your email may get sucked into my spam filter.

90 comments:

Ellz said...

Great interview, Ms. Banks. I am a huge fan and if I won, I would carry this bag with pride!

I am looking forward to the release of Ms. Banks YA novel. I read the Huntress Series and still want more! I am also waiting on the new Rachel Caine, PC Cast, John Twelve Hawks and Dan Brown (I know, diverse list) So much reading, so little time!

chey said...

Hi,
The book I'm most looking forward to is An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon.

Tynga said...

I haven't read that series yet but I,ve had my eyes on it for a while!

THere are so many books I'm looking forward to read, but Blood Promises by Richelle Mead is by far on top of my list!

Thanks for the contest!

Anonymous said...

great Interview,a new author for me and the series looks interesting.

the books I'm looking forward to is Blood Promise by Richelle Mead and Covet by JR Ward

elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net

Chris said...

I much looking forward to Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost.

tetewa said...

I'm really enjoying Rachel Caine's Morganville Vampire series. The next book in the series comes out in November and it's called Fade Out!

Vickie said...

What a super interview! I love your island top 5 choices.

I look forward to Charlaine Harris' Harper Connelly series #4 GRAVE SECRET out in October. FROST BITTEN - Kelley Armstrong out in Sep 09, 206 BONES - Kathy Reichs Aug 09, GWENHWYFAR - Mercedes Lackey Oct 09

Sara M said...

I'm looking forward to:

-Thorn Queen and Blood Promise by Richelle Mead
-Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost
-Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs
-Retribution by Jeanne C. Stein
-Witch Craft by Caitlin Kittredge
-Trick of the Light by Rob Thurman
-Intertwined by Gena Showalter

And I just got a copy of My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent because the Borders down the street has copies out early!

Llehn said...

Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins.

SiNn said...

awesome interview id have to say im looking forward to faith hunters book Skinwalker ,Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost and Intertwined by Gena Showalter man i wanna read that so bad list goes on and on really

Shawna L. said...

Shawna Lewis
weloveourdogs@juno.com

I am looking forward to:
-Intertwined by Gena Showalter
-Catching the fire by Suszan Collins
-Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines

Thanks for the contest and the interview went beautifully!!
Keep up the Amazing work you are doing!!!!

Taylor Z said...

Hey! Love both series by Ms. Banks! I am looking forward to Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost! Whooo!

Mardel said...

I am looking forwad to the most:
Magic in the Shadows by Devon Monk
Skin Deep by Marc DelFranco
Destined for an Early Grave by Jeanine Frost
Eternal Kiss short story by Karen Mahoney
Kim Harrison's latest

There's more, but I've lost track

throuthehaze said...

I'm looking forward to Blood Promise by Richelle Mead and Fire by Kristin Cashore

throuthehaze at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I'm looking forward to Unbound.

bjhopper(at)me(dot)com

Unknown said...

tweet

http://twitter.com/bridget3420/status/2870846377

Unknown said...

Shared on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=1084897775&share_id=108423249150&comments=1&ref=nf#s108423249150

delitealex said...

Great interview. I'm looking forward to Thorn Queen by Richelle Mead, Dreamfever by Karen Moning and Skinwalker by Faith Hunter.

Unknown said...

Im realy looking forward to the release of dark slayer

plhill2000 said...

I'm looking for ward to Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon.

Mishel (P.S. I Love Books) said...

Absolutely loved the interview!!

I'm such a fan of the VHL series <3 and I'm digging the Crimson Moon novels too.

I'm so excited to hear about the follow up to the VHL is being worked on with a new generation =) How fun.

I'm looking foward to the release of Gone by Lisa McMann.

Mishel (P.S. I Love Books) said...

I also posted a link to this contest on my sidebar (http://creativitygone.blogpot.com)

Thanks again,

mishtakes AT gmail DOT com

M.A.D. said...

Mary
zenrei57 (at) hotmail (dot) com

What a wonderful interview! And I am so into the Morganville series, along with half a dozen others so it seems all I'm getting done this summer is reading lol
But I think I am probably MOST looking forward to is BLOOD PROMISE, but I keep a list of upcoming books in my purse for when I make it to Barnes & Noble. My birthday is coming up, and I'm hoping to indulge in a book buying splurge, needless to say Ms. Banks' is on my list lol

Kathy said...

Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost

malleycc said...

I am looking forward to Dreamfever by Karen Moning.

heatherzilla said...

I am looking forward to An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon. I can't wait to read w hat comes next for Jamie & Claire, Roger & Bree, and of course Young Ian.

Mishel (P.S. I Love Books) said...

I also posted a link on my sidebar (http://creativitygone.blogspot.com)

Thanks again,

mishtakes AT gmail DOT com

budletsmom said...

I would love to win either of these prizes.

The book I am looking forward to most right now is Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs due out in February.

mverno said...

echo in the bone mverno@roadrunner.com

linett said...

waiting for Blood Promises, Richelle Mead, thanks

Ms. Asphyxia said...

I am looking forward to Persona Non Grata by Ruth Downie.

Blogged: http://www.morbid-romantic.net/2009/07/27/book-giveaways-07-27-08-02/

Valorie
morbidromantic@gmail.com

Pat said...

I'm looking forward to reading Skin Trade by Laurell K Hamilton.

All This Silence... said...

Laurell K. Hamilton's books are "Guilty Pleasures" of mine... Yeah that was cheesy... :D But I'm looking forward to buying Divine Misdemeanors-the 8th book in the Merry Gentry series-by Laurell K. Hamilton as soon as it comes out in paperback because hardback is too expensive for me!!

Unknown said...

I'm looking forward to Don't Kill The Messenger by Eileen Rendahl. Thanks for the giveaway!

Unknown said...

I emailed three friends and copied you.

StephanieA said...

I'm praaying I win! I never win anything and this bag would be an amazing thing to own!
Anywho, I'm excited for the release of Richelle Meade's next Vampire Academy book, P.C. and Kirsten Cast's next House of Night book, and Rachel Caine's next Morganville Vampires book.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Thanks so much!

Michelle AKA blabla3269 said...

I heard its a really good series and i am looking forward to reading it

rita_one said...

This prize is great! Will it be now that i win anything?!?!? :D

The books that i really want to put my hands on are the prophecy of the sisters and the strain!

Thanks!

Cheryl F said...

great giveaway

I'm looking forward to the release of Grave Secret Harper Connelly #4 in nov.

jwx4 said...

The books I'm looking forward to are

A touch of dead by Charlaine Harris
Of bees and mist by Erick Setiawan

jwx4 at yahoo dot com

Cloudberry said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Cloudberry said...

The book I'm looking forward the most is "Song for Eirabu" - a norwegian book :)

hege-svendsen@c2i.net

Unknown said...

I really can't wait to read Swimsuit by James Patterson, it just released. Thanks for the great giveaway!

luckymegs1981 AT yahoo DOT com

tawndam said...

I really want to read Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer... really hope the leak hasn't changed her mind...

booksrmysoul said...

blair w lewis
blairwlewis@gmail.com

booksrmysoul said...

Blair W Lewis
blairwlewis@gmail.com

opps my last entry was blank so sorry

I am look'in forward to Catching the fire my wife had me read Hunger Games and I really liked it
thank u for the chance to win this contest

Ina said...

Hi Amber and Ms. Banks!
Great interview and the covers are fantastic :)
Can't wait for "Soul Magic" by Jennifer Lyon.
Nicht mehr lange bis zu deinem Geburtstag - ich werde dann noch mal extra vorbei schauen ;)
Best wishes,
Ina

Sweeter the berry said...

I loved the interview!
I cannot wait for Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon.

letessha@yahoo.com

clynsg said...

An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon--it has been on my wish list ever since I knew the title, and I had expected a new one ever since I finished the previous one. She left us wondering how they came through the Revolution!

clynsg at yahoo.com

Tete said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tete said...

Hey,
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins is the book I'm most looking forward to read. Guess that many others would agree with me there.

Curling up by the Fire said...

I am looking forward to Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning. It is the fourth installment in a five book series and the way she left off book 3 has me seriously wondering what is going to happen in book four.

Anonymous said...

I am looking forward to Skin Deep by Marc DelFranco.
wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com

Mishia said...

I'm looking forward to the new book in Mary Janice Davidson's Undead series.

In unrelated off topic-ness, I love Silversun Pickups.

I ♥ Book Gossip said...

I am looking forward to Bad Moon Rising.

cindyc725 at gmail dot com

I ♥ Book Gossip said...

Posted on my sidebar.

cindyc725 at gmail dot com

Gabriel S-J. said...

Great interview, great contest!

StyleVamp said...

Amber ..so glad and Q & A was able to come out of it (Jumping up & down with excitement)

No need to submit me..I have her entire collection

saturdaynightfever said...

"The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown!

edgenemmers@gmail.com

mrsshukra said...

I am most looking forward to Elizabeth Hoyt's To Desire the Devil which will be released 11/1!

delilah0180(at)yaho(dot)com

Amanda said...

Skin Trade by Laurell K. Hamilton

Jessilyn82 said...

Trick of the Light by Rob Thurman looks really interesting

Valancia said...

Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs

erma said...

The book I am looking forward to is An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net

paryjeja said...

I am anxiously awaiting the release of Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost.
paryjeja at sbcglobal dot net

StephanieA said...

Wow! I'm excited for many books but one is Blood Promise by Richelle Meade :) Can't wait!
I pray I win! I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Thanks a bunch!

Lady Roxi said...

Love to have this. I am also looking forward to Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon.

Thanks,

darkfyre1(at)gmail(dot)com

Pamela S said...

I'm anxious for Sherrilyn Kenyon's new book, "Bad Moon Rising". Love her stuff.

Thanks so much!!
pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net

Coale said...

New book? So many! Ms. Banks YA, Patricia Briggs Hunting Grounds, MBs Come Hell or High Water. And that's just a few!

Jeanette J said...

So many to choose from...Dreamfever is one

dhunt said...

nice!

txgrl1502 said...

Anything that is not a textbook!! j/k
I look forward to The Defector by Daniel Silva

Mom Union said...

I'm looking forward to: Blood Promise by Richelle Mead and Covet by JR Ward
Thanks!

Mom Union said...

tweet: http://twitter.com/heathersphere/status/3078254193

Anonymous said...

"Night's Edge" by Charlaine Harris!

Anonymous said...

I posted about your giveaway on Twitter! http://twitter.com/calmond

Anonymous said...

im looking forward to

Destined for an Early Grave



cpsnsamples@aol.com

Sellswifey said...

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Cynthya said...

I'm most looking forward to Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dreamfever by Karen Moning. Most of the other books mentioned in the comments are on my list, too!

I enjoyed the interview with L.A. Banks, I always enjoy her books.

lilyk said...

I am looking forward to The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks.

djgroz said...

Fade Out!

Unknown said...

I am looking forward to Dreamfever by Karen Moning. garrettsambo@aol.com

Gloria's Bits and Pieces said...

Blood Promises by Richelle Mead is what I am looking forward to.

kngmckellar@hotmail.com

Kelly g said...

The Vampire Huntress Legends: Dawn and Darkness

Kathy P said...

i wanna read james pattersons Daniel X: Watch the Skies

Kathy P said...

http://twitter.com/klp1965/status/3088606913

John Deal said...

I'm looking forward to James Patterson's Swimsuit. AztecFeller@aol.com

ZESTYWONDERLAND said...

Retribution by Jeanne C. Stein IS next on my to read list!

zestywonderland@gmail.com

Storm Safety Blog said...

The new book I'm most looking forward to is Hank Ryan's "Air Time."

L said...

I can't wait until Blood Promise by Richelle Mead comes out!

lovinfitch(at)aol(dot)com