Romance Author Hotspot

Today, our guest of honor is Silke Juppenlatz. It’s so nice to have you here! Hope you’re ready to party!
I was born ready!

First Questions:

Wine or beer? (If you say club soda, we’ll have to send you to the corner…)

Depends on which wine, and which beer. I’m German, I’m partial to both.

Cake or chips? Are you a sugar or salt kind of person?
Depends on my mood. Sometimes I go for sugar, sometimes for salt. Sometimes for both! And if there is chocolate involved, all bets are off.

*squints eyes * Are you old enough to drink?

Just barely. *cough* Can’t you tell?

Wait! You can’t come in yet! What did you bring us?
I brought a dish to the party. See? (And Tiffy said she’ll skin anyone who offers to “do the dish”. You’ve been warned.)

Blurb:   Keep your enemies close…

Poor little Tiffy — that’s how her pack members and the Alpha view her after the brutal murder of her father, and Tiffy is sick of it. She wants independence, not pity or protection. Then handsome Lycan Keric O’Neill shows up and Tiffy wouldn’t mind some protection — and other things — from him.

When Keric finds himself the target of Tiffy’s misguided seduction, his mission to track down his brother takes a violent turn at the hands of the Alpha — but yields some devastating revelations.

Two years later he is back. This time he will stop at nothing to avenge his brother, and even falling for Tiffy won’t sway him from his goal. Unaware of her past and the links to his brother, he doesn’t know his actions and heritage will crush Tiffy’s fragile trust.

But danger comes in many forms, and when Keric’s secrets and betrayal come to light, will revenge and vindictive pack members destroy the delicate bond between them?

What makes your characters so special?

My wolves are genetic wolves, not bitten or created. They aren’t out to “make more”, and they aren’t particularly tormented by their abilities. Sure, they’re not going out of their way to announce their existence to the world, but they aren’t hiding either. However, because of pack politics they have to contend with a bit more baggage than the average human. I do like tormented heroes, but mine aren’t at odds with what they are. Their torment usually has other reasons, but tends to be compounded by what — or who!– they are…

Alright, I guess you can come in. Now off to the roast!

So, what do you write? And why?

I write paranormal romance. Shapeshifters, vampires, angels, fae…you name it. As to why… I write to entertain myself. (Oh, you thought I write so people can read it? Ha!) If it doesn’t entertain me, then it will never see the light of day.

What would your characters say about you?

My characters would likely have me arrested and stuffed into a padded cell. Anything, just as long as it would stop me torturing them. Ask Keric. I nearly killed him. Twice.
Oops.

What do you like doing besides writing and reading? Is it dangerous?

When I’m not writing, I can be found (not that anyone is looking) romping through the woods with the “other man” in my life. Paul knows about him and doesn’t mind. Says he keeps me out of trouble–and away from the computer. Plus, he makes sure I don’t get too fat.

Okay, maybe I should clarify that the “other man” is a 10 year old Paso Fino gelding who is part mudpig, part puppy, part energizer bunny. I don’t think he knows he’s a horse.
As for dangerous…yeah. I guess it can be. I always have bruises, squished toes, and get an occasional headbutt. Plus…he’s fast. And coming off at 30mph in the middle of the woods isn’t something I want to repeat in a hurry. I can fly, but it doesn’t work so well without a plane… But you know what they say: Any landing you can walk away from is a good landing.

Where do you dream of traveling to and why?

I want to cross the USA East to West on horseback. Because I’ve always wanted to do it, because it’s there, because I prefer to see a country (or continent) other than from the window of a car or train.
When I win the lottery (or sell many, many books–hint hint!) I’ll do it.

What do you think makes a good story?

Good characterization and conflict. Romance is (mostly) character driven, and if you don’t have characters people can identify with and care about, then they won’t care about the conflict either. Conflict is essential, or there is nothing to drive the story forward and keep it interesting, but if you have great conflict and lame characterization…it’s not going to work. So yeah, I think getting those two right is what makes a good story.

Tell us about one of your favorite characters from your books.

Tiffy. She was introduced as a side character in Howl, but I really liked her. She was quirky and cute, just a kid then. I never intended to give her a starring role, but then one late night, after edits on Howl were done, I was chatting with my editor on Skype…and spun out an idea I had. Next thing I knew, “Watch Me” was born.

What else are you working on right now?
Caedir is in edits right now, scheduled for release in March 2013.
And…hmm…there might be a third “Pack Justice” book following on from “Watch Me” in the works…

Last question: Where can our partygoers find you and your work?

Website:   http://www.evilauthor.com

    Twitter:    http://twitter.com/Evil_Author

    Facebook:    http://www.facebook.com/silke.juppenlatz1

    G+:   https://plus.google.com/106116011046480009163
    Goodreads:    http://www.goodreads.com/SilkeJuppenlatz

Thank you so much for coming, you had a giveaway you wanted to tell readers about?

To coincide with the release of “Watch Me” on the 3^rd September, I’m giving away a copy of Howl to one commenter on RAH!