Meet Silke Juppenlatz!

Silke grew up in Germany and is used to things going bump in the night — and it wasn’t always the acrophobic cat, or someone hitting their head on a low beam on the ceiling. She writes paranormal romance, usually at night, but it’s not all ghosts and ghouls — the occasional alien also makes an appearance in her stories.

These days the only thing going bump at “oh-dark-thirty” is when she smacks into the sofa while creeping to the kitchen for another cup of coffee.
When she’s not writing, or driving her partner crazy, she can be found on the back of her dapple gray Paso Fino gelding, Oscuro, getting lost somewhere in the Surrey countryside.

First question:

Eggnog or Mimosas? Are you old enough to drink?

Yuck. Neither. I won’t say no to a pint of Guinness, but if you really want to make my day, you offer me a dram of Laphroaig (That’s Scotch, for you heathens out there), served hand warmed, in a full bellied glass, with one drop of water.

We’re also taking pictures with Santa, did you bring a gift for him? (Maybe a new release or a pretty book cover…)
Santa gets to ogle Jo, on the Smitten cover. Maybe I should have left that one at home. Not sure she’s into being ogled, but it’ll probably make his day. *eyes the very hunky Santa and slings the cover in the fire* Oops. Do I get to sit on his knee anyway?

Blurb:

Reserved and shy Jo Button is tired of being the talk of the town. Enough is enough. Time to put her plans in motion, but a mishap forces her to seek out veterinarian Ash Delaney—the one man she has always wanted.

Ex-Guardian Angel Ashriel isn’t too happy when the reason for his de-haloed state shows up and requests his help. He has avoided Jo Button for ten years, and could quite happily go another ten without seeing her—until he realizes her battered reputation was his fault.

Can Ashriel save Jo, even if it means redemption is beyond his grasp, or will he lose his halo permanently along with the woman he’s come to care for?

Please enter. Drinks are served by the elves in the corner.

*eyes the elves* Laphroaig. Neat. NO ice. *glares when one tries to sneak a cube into the glass* Don’t even think about it. You kill a Scotsman every time you put ice in Scotch.

What’s your favorite holiday and why?

Halloween. For one thing, it’s in autumn, which is my favorite season, for another, I write paranormal romance. Halloween (Samhain) appeals to me.

Did you ask Santa for anything good?

I not only asked — I got. My Christmas and Birthday present combined, for the next ten years, is a 9 year old, dapple gray Paso Fino gelding named Oscuro del Gavilan. Or Oz, for short.
He’s beautiful, the smoothest ride you can imagine, and I still don’t believe he’s mine. J

What’s your favorite place to spend the holidays?

Snuggled up with my partner Paul. Where doesn’t really matter. And if I can’t have that…it’ll be on Oscuro’s back. Again…where doesn’t matter. I’m happy anywhere, as long as I can be with the people (or horse) I care about.

What is your favorite Christmas memory?

The moment the door opened to reveal the lit Christmas tree on Christmas Eve (the traditional day of Christmas in Germany.)

Do you have personal resolutions for the New Years? Anything interesting?

Stopping smoking. Again. Write more. Not really a New Year’s resolution, but something I want to do. I don’t really make resolutions, because I think they are just a way to frustrate yourself.
Actually, I lie. I do have one resolution: I’m going to keep a handwritten diary next year.

Why do you write romance?

Because whenever I try to write anything else, it turns into a romance anyway lol. I just can’t help myself.

How long have you been writing for? And how would you describe your publication journey?

I’ve written since I could drag a crayon across wallpaper. (My dad is really handy when it comes to redecorating. I’d like to think I had a hand in developing that skill in him.) I don’t remember a time when stories — told, or written down — didn’t factor in some way. I’ve amassed a huge amount of manuscripts. You seriously do not want to know exactly how many are sitting on my harddrive, in Lever Arch files, folders, notebooks and what have you. Handwritten, typewritten, or computer typed. I think it must be close to 600 or so. Most will never see the light of day, but I will not get rid of them either. They are practice. J As for publication…Every time I got talked into submitting a story, I backpedaled. Then one day, in a fit of madness…I sent one off.
Hey presto, here I am. Two books published, the third coming next year.

Are you a plotter or pantser? What is your routine?

I’m a serial pantser. I don’t have a routine as such, except one. “What if…” That’s all I need to get going. There is always a what if. My partner and I sat in the pub once and he asked me how quickly I can come up with a story. I said give me a key word. He said “Prawn Cocktail.” The words were barely out of his mouth, when I said “Got it.”
He made me tell him, and I did. He stared at me in disbelief the entire time I spun a tale for him.
And all it took was: “What if…”

What characteristics do all your heroes/heroines have in all your stories?

Oh wow. All of them? I don’t think they have all that much in common. Or if they do, then I don’t see it because I’m too close to the stories.

What writing resources do you abide by as a writer?

None. Rules are there to be broken. There is no single resource I use, and I pick and choose what I want to apply. “You can’t” will result in me going “Watch me.”
I enjoyed reading “The Art of War for Writers”, but I don’t adhere to it as my bible.
The only rule I obey is “Do, or do not. There is no try.” (Yoda)

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

If someone gives you feedback, pay attention. You won’t necessarily agree with what you’re told, but pay attention anyway. It’s the only way you’ll grow as a writer. You need to know what you do WELL, just like you need to know what you suck at. We all suck at something, just like we’re all good at something. Read the good as thoroughly as you do the bad, and build on it.
It’s okay to argue your corner, but if six people tell you not to kill your hero in Chapter 2 because it ruins the story — then don’t kill your hero in Chapter 2.

What are you working on right now?

The third installment to Howl. And a Sci-Fi romance. And the introduction story of a series I’ve started to write a long time ago.

What news would you like to share with your readers?

“Watch me”, the sequel to Howl, is scheduled for release in August 2012. It’s Tiffy’s story, and just like in Howl, there will be some unexpected twists and turns.

Where can readers find you?

1. Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Evil_Author/
2. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/silke.juppenlatz1
3. Website: http://www.evilauthor.com
4. Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4506024.Silke_Juppenlatz
5. Google+: https://plus.google.com/106116011046480009163/posts?hl=en

List other books you have out:

Howl (Lyrical Press)

Thank you so much for joining us at Romance Author Hotspot!

Thank you for having me!

*kidnaps Santa*

Prize:  Two books from DP’s backlist

Meet Silke Juppenlatz!

We’re talking werewolves today! Meet Silke Juppenlatz!

What’s a werewolf?

You know, I think we all have our own ideas about what a werewolf is, and isn’t.
There are many myths surrounding these creatures:

• Some can be killed by silver bullets only, others die if their head is cut off.
• Some are evil, nasty, vicious creatures who thrive on blood and death.
• Some are misunderstood humans with the ability to become a wolf.
• Some are immortal, some are just long lived.
• Some are created by another werewolf biting them, some are born that way.
• Some have special abilities. (Teleportation, magic, etc.) Some don’t.
• Some are fast healers, others are not.
• Some are in pain when they shift, some aren’t.
• Some take a long time to transform, others do it in the blink of an eye.

The concept of what a werewolf is, and can do, differs for everyone.
Only one thing is the same: They are always part wolf, part human.

I have a confession to make. Werewolves were never on my “Hot” list. I didn’t mind them, but I didn’t go out of my way to find books with werewolves as a romantic lead. I like wolves, I think they are smart, highly skilled hunters. They look beautiful to me.
Werewolves? Not so much.
And then Howl happened.
I don’t know where it came from. I listened to a song (Howl, by Florence and the Machine) and suddenly it was there. In 3D, Technicolor, full stereo, in my head.
Here was a sexy, noisy werewolf, prancing around in my head, wanting his story written.
Actually, no. He didn’t want his story written.
He demanded it. Loudly. Believe me, Zalin is an eternal nag when he doesn’t get his way. He’ll try anything. Threats. Seduction. Charm. Whatever works.
The trouble was, I was working on something else. I didn’t want to oblige this critter in my brain, but he gave me no choice. So instead of enjoying my week off to do nothing at all — I ended up chained to my keyboard, typing like a fiend.

My werewolves are born, not made. They carry a gene that’s passed down to their offspring — but not all of them become werewolves. Some don’t know they are one and it can skip a couple of generations, especially if they hook up with regular humans. The third generation tends to be a strong wolf, regardless. (Imagine the surprise of the parents…)
Zalin is a third generation wolf. He’s had a lot of crap to deal with in his life, and he just wants to be left alone — without being on his own. He likes having a pack, but he’s a loner within each one he ever joined.
Enter Lucia, who saves him from certain death. She has no idea the wolf she saved isn’t all he appears to be — until one fateful night, when she’s confronted with the reality of Zalin’s nature.
Although afraid, the man intrigues her enough to be interested. After all, one doesn’t meet a werewolf every day. But fate has different plans for them, and Lucia’s trust is sorely tested when she helps Zalin and becomes embroiled in pack politics, old lies, secrets and no small amount of danger.
Zalin has a decision to make. He’s an Alpha loner who doesn’t like confrontation, and doesn’t want to lead a pack. He doesn’t want a mate, either. It never worked out for him before, why should this time be any different. Besides, he’s a master at avoiding any kind of involvement with women.
Now a woman needs his help, and he owes her his life. He can ignore it and leave — like he always does — or he can stay, and his entire life will change, courtesy of the one female he doesn’t seem able to resist.

I hope you enjoy reading Howl as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it!

Thank you Clarissa for having me on your blog!

Get your own copy of Howl at any ebook seller, Amazon, or from Lyrical Press direct.

Silke grew up in Germany and is used to things going bump in the night — and it wasn’t always the acrophobic cat, or someone hitting their head on a low beam on the ceiling.
She writes paranormal romance, usually at night, and blames Anne Stuart to this day for all her ambitions and strange stories, after reading one of her books.
These days the only thing going bump at “oh-dark-thirty” is her — usually when she smacks into the sofa while creeping to the kitchen for another cup of coffee.

Silke likes to hear from her readers. Feel free to contact her via her blog at http://www.evilauthor.com, follow her on Twitter, become a friend on Facebook, or add her on Goodreads.

Winners!

List will be updated as winners are drawn.

Thank you all for a great party!

Please wait to be contacted!

Amy S. Wins a Kindle!

Eileen Andrews and Virgina C. 2 Barnes And Nobles card valued at $20 each.

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Donated From Silhouette Desire Author, Catherine Mann:

Sonya Hucks A signed copy of SIlhouette Desire The Maverick Prince by Catherine Mann.

Kim S. A signed copy of Silhouette Desire The Tycoon Takes a Wife By Catherine Mann

Mara A signed copy of Silhouette Desire His Thirty Day Fiancee by Catherine Mann

Jessica B. A signed copy of Silhouette Desire Winning It All by Catherine Mann and Emily McKay

Jean and Drea Becraft 2 signed copies of Silhouette Romantic Suspense Holiday Heroes by Catherine Mann and Rachel Lee

Brenda/Moonsanity and Jolene Allcock 2 signed copies of Harlequin Blaze Under Wraps by Joanne Rock

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Donated from From Marilyn’s Romance Review:

Audra Holtwick A Signed copy of Debbie Macomber’s Christmas in Cedar Cove.

Karin T. A Print copy of Linda Lael Millaer’s The Christmas Brides

Desere A Print copy of Mary Balogh’s A Christmas Promise

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From our special Romance Author Hotspot Guests:

(Click on the name to enter their rooms for the individual contests.)

Ann Mayburn and Anna Shah Hogue won Decadent Publishing‘s contest - A Copy of A Christmas Promise by Amanda McIntyre and one book of the winner’s choice from the A Passionate Christmas anthology.

Brenda, Sonya, Dianne, Jolene, and Kienna won Olivia Gates‘s contest - 3 signed books and handmade and embroidered (by Olivia) make-up bags.

Mara and Karin T. won Jill Marie Landis‘s contest -2 autographed copies of HEART OF STONE Book 1 of the Irish Angels series.

Mara and Estella won Lynn Raye Harris‘s contest - 1 signed copy of Chosen by the Sheikh and 1 signed copy of The Prince’s Royal Concubine

Tessa Radley - The Twelve Nights Of Christmas by Sarah Morgan, His Christmas Virgin by Carole Mortimer, For the Sake of the Secret Child by Yvonne Lindsay, Saved By The Sheikh by ME, AND a BONUS book The Ocean Between Us by Susan Wiggs

Dianne B. won Cindy Spencer Pape‘s contest - A signed print copy of The Cowboy’s Christmas Bride

Angie won Jennifer Shirk‘s contest -Ebook download of The Role of a Lifetime

Joanna B. won Katherine Brandon‘s contest - Free copy of “Kismet’s Angel” Book I of the Kismet Series (e-book or paperback in US or Canada–winner’s choice; e-book only, all other areas)

Debora Dennis-Christmas themed sheet of scrapbook stickers

Desere won Donna Alward‘s contest -Signed advance copy of Proud Rancher, Precious Bundle

Joanna B. and Cindy L. won R.M. Gilbert’s contest - 2 e-copies of Holiday Headlines.

Dianne B. won Nina Croft‘s contest-copy of my first published Novella, Tiger of Talmare, and my latest, Mid-Winter Magic

Robin and Tabitha won Silke Juppenlatz‘s contest -2 e-copies of Smitten.

Colette, Estella, and Brenda Rupp won Clarissa Yip‘s contest -3 e-copies of Snowy Encounters

Welcome to Holiday Bash 2010! Contestant #2:

Silke Juppenlatz

BIO:

Silke was born in Germany and now lives in leafy Surrey with her partner.

Growing up in a house that’s older than dirt, she is used to things going bump at O’Dawn Thirty, but these days the only thing going bump after midnight is her — attempting to navigate to the kitchen in near darkness to score another cup of coffee.

When she isn’t writing, she can be found on the back of a black cob mare, getting hopelessly lost in the woods. (Apparently horses don’t have GPS or homing devices.)
Although her books are predominantly about demons, angels and vampires, aliens and elves have been known to make an appearance in her WIP folder.

She likes to hear from her readers, and you can contact her via her blog: http://www.evilauthor.com

Preliminary Questions:

Eggnog or Mimosas? Are you old enough to drink?
Neither. Mocha with Amaretto and whipped cream. Don’t go easy on the whipped cream. Or the Amaretto.

We’re also taking pictures with Santa, did you bring a gift for him? (Maybe a new release or a pretty book cover…)

Santa will love my cover. Every guy I’ve shown it to did. The comment tended to be “Lucky bear…”

Blurb:

Reserved and shy Jo Button is tired of being the talk of the town. Enough is enough. Time to put her plans in motion, but a mishap forces her to seek out veterinarian Ash Delaney—the one man she has always wanted.
Ex-Guardian Angel Ashriel isn’t too happy when the reason for his de-haloed state shows up and requests his help. He has avoided Jo Button for ten years, and could quite happily go another ten without seeing her—until he realizes her battered reputation was his fault.

Can Ashriel save Jo, even if it means redemption is beyond his grasp, or will he lose his halo permanently along with the woman he’s come to care for?

Excerpt:

“Let go of my wrist.” Jo had trouble breathing properly with him so close. He made no move to release her, so she tugged her arm again. “Please, Delaney.”
He stared down at her, an odd expression on his face. The anger had given way to something softer, but also hotter. He studied her face as if he’d never seen her before, and Jo felt a tremor of panic shudder up her spine. Her breath stuttered in her chest, and she couldn’t tear her gaze off him.
He released her, only to wrap his hands around her upper arms instead. “Don’t call me Delaney. My name is Ash, or Ashriel.”
Jo’s eyes almost popped from their sockets when he pressed her against the wall, dipped his head, and kissed her. She gasped against his mouth, the unexpected heat of his lips on hers throwing her emotions into turmoil. He drew back when she didn’t respond, his hand cupped her cheek, his thumb stroking her face gently. Jo loved his touch, but it was all becoming too much. She stared at her feet.
“Don’t,” she whispered. “I know people think I’d—”
“I’m not people.” He tipped her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze. “And I know you’re nothing like what they say.”
Jo looked away. “It won’t matter.”
“It matters to me. I hate seeing you so sad.” He stepped back, studying her. “Have dinner with me.”

Not so fast! Riddle me this first: You’re stuck at a ski lodge. There’s a blizzard outdoors and all your fans are hanging out in front of the fireplace. You’ve been asked to read out loud one of your books. Which one do you pick and why?

Since there is a blizzard outside, I would probably read from Howl, rather than Smitten. Werewolves lend themselves better to fireplace stories when the wind is howling outside. (Sorry! Pardon the pun there!) I’ve been stuck in my share of blizzards, in ski lodges, though generally not with adoring fans. However, I managed to keep 50 or so youngsters entertained by making up stories, or by telling stories by the firelight, so that’s not a completely strange scenario to me. (Howl is due for release in June 2011)

You’re in a Holiday writing contest. You have to plot a book in 30 minutes. You’re given a sleigh, a reindeer and a Santa hat. What do you come up with? How do you go about this?

You didn’t just say “What if” to me, did you?
Fatal mistake. I can come up with a story in seconds, and go completely nuts with it.
So let’s see.
Well, Blitzen isn’t going to work this year. He decided he’ll just take the sleigh and save himself and his brothers a lot of running. He hides the sleigh and finds himself in a nice pasture, and thinks it’s going to be just great – until the woman who owns the pasture finds the sleigh, and Santa’s hat.
She puts it on – and suddenly she’s Mrs. Claus. Only, when Santa comes to reclaim hat, sleigh and the errant Blitzen, he’s a little disturbed by the fact that he seems to have acquired a wife. Now they have to resolve the “issue”, before Christmas, but Mrs. Claus isn’t going to be easily persuaded to hand over the hat to hunky Santa, and Santa kinda likes what’s in Mrs. Claus’ stockings.
How’s that for you?

LOL. Please enter. Drinks are served by the elves in the corner.
*nudges the elf’s hand a bit to help with the Amaretto* Oops. Did I do that?

Why do you write romance?

I can’t not write romance. It’s that simple. I’ve tried, but no matter how serious I try to be about writing straight fantasy or sci-fi, or anything else… Give me six pages and it’ll turn into a romance. Why fight it?

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Write fast. Forget all the rules, throw everything out of the window, and write, write, write. But mostly, write fast. Don’t think about whether it fits or not, that’s for second drafts. Just.Write.It.Down.And.Quit.Fixing.Stuff.  (In a first draft, that is! Later, fixing stuff is a given.)

What characteristics do all your heroes/heroines have in all your stories?

My heroes tend to be strong men. Jerks. Well, maybe not jerks, but men-men, you know what I mean? The kind who get blindsided by the L word. They have a good core, but don’t often show it. My heroines are much harder to write. Often they start out a bit wussy, and need fixing. They tend to know what they want though, and even if they are intimidated by the hero at first, they will eventually make him pay for it.

What are you working on right now? – A futuristic with a deliciously rough hero.

What news would you like to share with your readers? – Howl has just gone into first edits.

Where can readers find you?

Twitter: Evil_Author

Facebook: Probably the best way to get there is via my blog.

Website: http://www.evilauthor.com

Others: If you want to email me, please use the contact button on my blog.

List other books you have out: Besides Smitten, Howl is due for release in June 2011

Will you be willing to answer questions in regards to writing and publication today? Sure.

Thank you so much for joining us at Romance Author Hotspot!

Author Holiday Prize: 2 e-copies of Smitten.

Remember to enter to win! Check out the other party rooms! See Holiday Bash Prize List! Click here.

Friday New Releases! A Passionate Christmas Anthology brought to you by Decadent Publishing. Have you read the series?

Welcome to Five Oaks, where Mystery, Passion, and Magic collide…

Smitten by Silke Juppenlatz

Blurb:

Reserved and shy Jo Button is tired of being the talk of the town. Enough is enough. Time to put her plans in motion, but a mishap forces her to seek out veterinarian Ash Delaney—the one man she has always wanted.

Ex-Guardian Angel Ashriel isn’t too happy when the reason for his de-haloed state shows up and requests his help. He has avoided Jo Button for ten years, and could quite happily go another ten without seeing her—until he realizes her battered reputation was his fault.

Can Ashriel save Jo, even if it means redemption is beyond his grasp, or will he lose his halo permanently along with the woman he’s come to care for?

Click here for Excerpt

Mid-Winter Magic by Nina Croft

Blurb:

Fifty years ago, vampire Tynan Steele loved Dina and believed she loved him. Instead, she turned out to be an assassin using him to get close to her latest target. Bitter at the betrayal, Ty swore he would make the witch pay.

Dina has loved her time in Five Oaks, living an ‘ordinary’ life—not killing anyone. But the past has finally caught up with her. Fifty years ago, she was scared to let herself love Ty, now she’s willing to take the risk. But Ty isn’t interested in love—he’s after revenge.

Can Dina use the magic of a white Christmas in Five Oaks, to convince Ty that she’s changed and deserves a second chance at love?

Click here for Excerpt

Holiday Headlines by R.M. Gilbert

Blurb:

A small town reporter on the hunt for a hot story gets more than she expects when she crosses paths with a mysterious private investigator.

Cub reporter for the Five Oaks Gazette, Paige Kenyon, lives a tired life in a tired town. Friendless and practically celibate, it’s looking like another lonely Christmas for a woman who wants nothing more than to find some action.

Smith Dawson, Paranormal Investigator, came to Five Oaks for two reasons: Deliver a message and then take a long overdue break. Living a lifetime of secrets in a dangerous job, he’s earned one. However, when a local reporter has a nasty habit of putting herself in harm’s way, he finds himself reluctantly at her rescue.

Is it possible her lust for adventure will land them both in the obituaries?

Click here for excerpt

Snowy Encounters by Clarissa Yip

Blurb:

Ever since her divorce, successful Event Planner Maddy Glover dreads visiting her hometown. For the first time in three years, she returns home for the holidays and finds herself caught at the end of an avalanche. Only to be rescued by the one man she’s determined to avoid: her ex-husband.

Ambitious and desirable Cole Harmon lives to rebuild the town and to forget the woman who hadn’t believed he had enough to offer her—until Maddy shows up in her cute city-slicker attire and sexy black boots. In need of a decorator for the holidays, he hires his ex-wife to help, only to be thrown into dark buried memories and snowy encounters that may thaw the ice between them. Will their love rekindle or will Maddy walk away once again?

Click here for Excerpt

Put on those dance shoes and join in the fun! A Passionate Christmas brought to you by Decadent Publishing, the first anthology from the Passionate Critters group! Part proceeds will be donated to Relay for Life. Help fight Cancer!

Contest:

One commenter will win the whole anthology collection!

One commenter will win a copy of Smitten!

One commenter will win a copy of Mid-Winter Magic!

One commenter will win a copy of Holiday Headlines!

One commenter will win a copy of Snowy Encounters!

That’s 5 chances to win! What are you waiting for? Grab some drinks and join the excitement!

Tell us what you think! Would you like to come visit Five Oaks?