Interview with Regan Black + GIVEAWAY!!

Hello my lovelies! Today I have a very special guest on The Lindsay Show, the fantabulous Regan Black! Now if you haven't read Regan's books, you seriously MUST. Regan is one of my all time favorite authors and her books, along with some other special ladies like Vickie McKeehan and Kaylea Cross, helped inspire me to undertake this journey into self-publishing. So everyone, take a moment after the interview and please head over to Amazon and at the very least, LIKE and TAG these authors' books. Without them, I may never have had the courage to publish Breaking the Nexus. Who knows, you may find your next favorite book!

Be sure to check out the giveaway at the end of the interview! One lucky commenter will win a Kindle copy of Regan's anthology!!

Interview

Thank you so much for joining me Regan! I meant every word when I said you were one of the inspiring authors that helped me decide to pursue this career. I've loved getting to know you over the past several months :) Let's get started, shall we? When did you know you wanted to be a writer? 

All of my life I've been a voracious reader and kept journals sporadically. Writing has always been my favorite way to express myself. I've always loved making up silly stories for my friends (we needed some boost to survive geometry class) and when I became a mom I always made up silly rhymes for different occasions from easing nightmares to the 'truth' about the Tooth Fairy. But I never considered writing novels.

I actually didn't start writing professionally until about eighteen years ago and that was all poetry. I was working on a new collection when my husband came home to work for a while. With him underfoot, my poetry was rainbows and sunshine one day, agony and despair the next. It was ridiculous.

In a last ditch effort to remember why I married him, I fictionalized how we met and wrote the world's worst romance novel. But it was a full length novel. I was shocked and more than a little awed that I'd done it, and from that point on, romance novels have been my focus. (By the way, we're still happily married and he's an amazing support for me).

I have to be honest, I've never been good at journals but always started them because I loved writing in them. For about five minutes before I'd get distracted lol. Always been a bit envious of people who could keep up with them. What has been the most difficult part about being a writer?

Doubt. Insecurity. Waiting. Oh, I can't pick just one. People think writing is like a movie where lovely, perfectly crafted books sprout from an author's fingertips while servants fan her and feed her bonbons.

As you know the reality is very different. LOL


OMG you mean I'm not the only one who feels that way? It makes me feel better to know you struggle with that too. Yes, reality is very very different. Who are your favorite authors?

That's a tough question and it varies based on where I am in my writing process, but my go-to reads when I need an escape are Clive Cussler, Debra Webb, Nora Roberts, Kresley Cole, Sabrina Jeffries, Cinda Williams Chima, and Jim Butcher.

That's by no means an exhaustive list. My keeper shelf is overflowing as I'm always discovering someone new to me. Some authors I adore because they are amazing people, some because they provide fabulous entertainment.

There are a lot of overlaps with my favorite authors. No wonder we get along so well ;) What authors inspire you?

My grandmother first and foremost, though she wrote primarily non-fiction and memoirs, she was essential to teaching me to embrace what made my writing special.

Judith McNaught was the first romance author I read as an adult. I'd drifted away from the genre for a time and a friend gave me one of her novels as a going away present. When I started writing novels, I studied her style and structure (along with many other authors) to understand what makes readers happy.

Webb, Roberts, Cussler, always inspire me because of their invincible work ethic. The deeper I get into this business the more I realize the courage and strength it takes to keep readers coming back for more.

I think it's wonderful you're able to draw inspiration from your grandmother <3 Do you like to plan your scenes out or do you just wing it?

I wing it all the way! Some times that means those scenes get a little flyaway, but I've learned that's just part of my process. (and the flyaway scenes often become short stories).

Me too!! See? No wonder we're friends lol. What type of books do you like to read?

Just about everything from romance to thrillers, adventure to fantasy.

It's always awesome to have diverse taste in genres because it helps keep you from getting bored with what you're reading. I'm learning to branch out of my comfort zone and I'm so happy I am. What do you like to do in your free time?

You might have guessed reading is my favorite hobby. But I also enjoy movies and gaming with my kids. I'm terrible about gloating when I win, because it happens so rarely. I don't really count exercise as a hobby, but I'm addicted to DDPYoga.

Ooo I've never heard of that kind of Yoga. I'll have to ask you more about it sometime because now I'm curious. Where is your favorite place to vacation?

Disney World! Or anywhere my husband and I can relax and kick back with our kids.

OMG. Regan...I love you. Seriously. You're one of my fave authors AND you love Disney World? That makes you amazing in my book lol. Did you make any New Year’s Resolutions this year? If so, what were they?

This year I resolved to stress less and to paraphrase Dory from Finding Nemo, "Just keep writing, just keep writing…" So far, so good.

And there you go being more awesome quoting of of my favorite movies! Love that resolution :) Why did you choose to write paranormal romance?

Because when I first started writing novels I felt like I couldn't take liberty with contemporary settings. And I learned in an early critique group session, my writing voice had a tendency toward creating a paranormal feel even when I didn't intend it. Eventually I stopped fighting it and just followed my strengths.

One thing I've learned, it's always best to go with the flow when it comes to writing. It won't be nearly as good if you have to fight your own style. What has been the most fun about working on your books?

Letting my imagination soar. I absolutely LOVE it when I make a 'new discovery' in my 2096 world. It's the most organic, affirming part of my writing process.

I couldn't agree more! What has been the hardest scene for you to write?

Hands down, the funeral scene in Tracking Shadows (Shadows of Justice book 4). I pulled from the overwhelming loss I felt when my grandmother died. I sobbed when I drafted the scene, I sobbed through every edit, and I still cry today if I try to read it.

That must've been so hard to write but it was very well done. I'm kind of dreading my first death scene so I may be hitting you up for advice. Do you have any favorite characters? 

The easy answer was always Jaden, heroine of Justice Incarnate (Shadows of Justice book 1). She is just the epitome of a kick-butt alpha female. As the series moves forward, Slick Micky (the coffee smuggler and hero of Tracking Shadows) is closer to the top of the list.

Truly, it's like choosing a favorite child. I love them all, and I love watching how they get along with each other as the series progresses.

One of my favorite heroes of all time is a character no one has met yet… someday that book will be published!

I always love seeing how my authors answer that question because it would be a very hard choice to pick a favorite. I'm intrigued now by that hero. I'll be bugging you for details later ;) How did you come up with the premise for your Shadows of Justice series?

The 2096 series started on a dare during a short story contest in a writer’s group eons ago. One of the other members didn’t believe our assignment to write a complete story that could be read aloud in 5 minutes or less was possible. I set out to prove him wrong and created Jaden Michaels and wrote a short story showcasing the shocking end of one of her many lives.

She got so stuck in my head, she became the kick butt alpha female of Justice Incarnate. From there each of the characters took on a life of their own and I’ve had fun playing in my impossible, dark and edgy future ever since.

I love that it started as a dare! That's awesome :) Do you have a favorite book in the Shadows of Justice series? 

Again, it's like choosing a favorite child. I love each of them for different reasons, but if I you lashed me with a wet noodle until I picked one, I'd say Tracking Shadows.

Bahahaha *puts away wet noodle* I see my nefarious plan worked! ;) Tell us about your upcoming romance novella. What should readers know before they read this one?

The next 2096 novella, In The Interest of Security, is published in the Mammoth Book of Futuristic Romance anthology. I was beyond thrilled when this story recently won the Best Novella of 2012 in the Paranormal Romance Guild's Reviewer's Choice awards.

This story involves two characters who have hovered at the fringes of the 2096 series. Jim heads up Slick Micky's state-of-the-art security systems and, Lorine is a single mom who works for Slick Micky to hide from her uncle, a doctor who has done terrible things in the name of advancing science.

Here is the official blurb:

In 2096 retired soldier Jim Corvin is content with the challenge of heading up security for Chicago's notorious smuggler, Slick Micky. But when he's unexpectedly tasked with protecting a young boy, will his expertise be enough to protect mother and son as well as his battered heart?

Because the story is so tightly focused on Jim and Lorine's immediate adventure, readers don't have to know all of the previous books to understand what's going on. The editor did a great job helping me target the world building in this novella so readers won't feel lost. 

That sounds so good! How many books do you plan on having in this series and what can we expect from future ones?

Way back at the beginning I only saw three books in the Shadows of Justice series: Justice Incarnate, Invasion of Justice, and Veil of Justice. My husband said from the start there should be seven books. So far there are five novels now that Tracking Shadows and Shadows to Light are available, as well as numerous short stories in the series.

A sixth novel will be released later this year and with what I discovered while I was writing In The Interest of Security, I'm now toying with a spin off series.

I'm beyond happy you didn't stop at 3 books lol. I'd also love for there to be a spin off series. Again, I'll be pestering you ;) Do you plan to write more futuristic romance or any other genres besides paranormal romance?

Because the Shadows of Justice series is a rather dark and edgy world, I found I occasionally needed a break and indulged in a bit of lighthearted fantasy romance with my Matchmaker series. The premise is simple: When you're 'more' than human, finding your soulmate isn't as easy as answering a few questions online. It's best to track down Campbell Consulting, a.k.a. the Matchmaker.

The Matchmaker's Mark is out now and though The Matchmaker's Curse was delayed last year due to unforeseen events, readers will be able to find it wherever ebooks are sold in just a few more weeks.

I haven't had a chance to read your Matchmaker series! *gasp* I must remedy this :) What's next for you?

More writing! This year is sure to be busy as I move forward with both the 2096 series and the Matchmaker series. In addition, there are at least two non-fiction projects I'll be collaborating on.

Love that you have more writing planned! I can't get enough of your books! Well lovely, it's unfortunately time to wrap things up. Is there anything else you want your readers to know?

Thanks so much for having me here, Lindsay. Writing great adventures with memorable characters has become a passion as much as a career for me and it's always a pleasure to connect with readers.

I'm so glad you could join me, Regan! It has truly been a pleasure.

Be sure to leave a comment below with your email address to enter to win a copy of Regan's anthology!

Books by Regan Black...Buy them Now!

The Mammoth Book of Futuristic Romance...Buy it Now!

Love will find a way - 19 fantastic future-set romances.
The good news is, in the future there will be no shortage of romance. On space ships, on newly-colonized planets or on a barely recognizable Earth, life forms, whether human, alien or something in between, will find their way to love.

As giant corporations grasp new opportunities for profit and future armies clash, both in deep space and 'dirtside', former romantic partners try to put the past behind them and time-travelling rebels set out to romance the past.

These science fiction stories of future love and lust - by Marcella Burnard, Bianca d'Arc, Jess Granger, Linnea Sinclair, C. L. Wilson and many more - are brimming with passion and humour. So, even though in space no one can hear you scream, they might just be able to hear you laugh.

Always FREE: Justice Incarnate (Book 1 of the Shadows of Justice series!)...Buy it Now!!

Justice Incarnate is book 1 in the Shadows of Justice series:
Whoever said, "You only live once" didn't know Jaden Michaels.

In every life she's chased down a predatory demon, exacting her fatal brand of justice, only to lose her own life in the process. A millennium of effort means it's past time for her to find the weapon that will banish the demon forever. Not only must she battle to avenge the souls of the demon's victims - she must battle for the love that has always managed to slip through her grasp.

Shadows of Justice Set...Buy it Now!

This special collection includes the first three Shadows of Justice novels: Justice Incarnate, Invasion of Justice, and Veil of Justice PLUS two shorter stories in the series: From the Ashes and Dream Works.
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Justice Incarnate: In every life she's chased down a predatory demon, exacting her fatal brand of justice, only to lose her own life in the process. A millennium of effort means it’s past time for her to find the weapon that will banish the demon forever. Not only must she battle to avenge the souls of the demon’s victims – she must battle for the love that has always managed to slip through her grasp.

Invasion of Justice: A uniquely skilled empath, Petra Neiman, can read people and crime scenes. When a serial killer invades her dreams and frames her brother for a gruesome murder, she must rely on skeptic and dark ops leader Gideon Callahan to solve the crime.

Veil of Justice: An undercover operative, a guardian of ancient secrets, and a violent goddess collide for a thrilling adventure! Nathan goes undercover to find justice for soldiers damaged by a geneticist with a God-complex. His only relief lies in a telepathic link with the mysterious Kelly. But when Kelly's family is murdered she must choose: preserve their priceless secrets or save Nathan?

From the Ashes: Having provided the security for the gala re-opening of the museum dedicated to the Great Chicago Fire, Jaden Michaels is obligated to attend the social event of the year. But the commemoration of the tragic event takes a shocking turn as a new artifact is revealed - an artifact her best friend Cleveland is determined to steal.

Dream Works: Katie Murphy is plagued by nightmares. Frustrated, her dad drags her to his empath friend, Petra, for help. Katie's not sure knowing the cause of her nightmare is the best solution, but how do you keep an empath out of your head?

Matchmaker's Mark...Buy it Now!

When you're 'more' than human, finding your soulmate isn't as easy as answering a few questions online. It's best to track down Campbell Consulting, a.k.a. the Matchmaker.

In Charleston, South Carolina half-elf Lily has a birthmark her elders vow is a mystical promise of true love. So far she's yet to encounter Mr. Right in either the elf or human realms.

Dare, a wood elf, has led the Matchmaker's security team for years. In town on a simple errand, when the Matchmaker disappears his future is turned inside out.

And Amy Campbell is a completely human English professor about to discover the true magic of the family business...

Meet Regan!

Regan Black is the award winning author of action-packed paranormal romance novels featuring alpha female heroines and swoon worthy heroes. In addition to several short stories (and blogs), she’s also authored the non-fiction Adopt A Greyhound Guide and Goal Setting for Writers, a book based on her popular online workshop. Raised in the Midwest and California, she now lives in the South Carolina Lowcountry where the abundance of history and legend fuels her imagination.