Romance Author Hotspot

Today, our star of honor is JK Coi. It’s so nice to have you here and shining! I’m sure you’re ready to share with us your success and many fun endeavors. So, let’s get on with the party!

Wow, thanks so much for letting me visit. I’m so excited!

BIO:

J.K. Coi is a multi-published, award winning author of contemporary and paranormal romance and urban fantasy. She makes her home in Ontario, Canada, with her husband and son and a feisty black cat who is the uncontested head of the household. While she spends her days immersed in the litigious world of insurance law, she is very happy to spend her nights writing dark and sexy characters who leap off the page and into readers’ hearts.

She also writes dark fantasy for young adults as Chloe Jacobs (www.chloejacobs.com)

Let’s get to know you a little better. Why don’t you step over here under the spotlight and shine a little.

First questions: (I’ll go easy on you.)

LOL, thanks! These interviews always make me nervous. What if I get asked a really hard question, like…

What made you decide to become a writer?

Yeah, see? Hard questions already. LOL

Honestly, I don’t remember deciding to become a writer. I’ve always been a big reader, and I was always writing too. Little things like poetry and short stories. One day I sat down and started writing something a little different (I guess there must not have been anything on tv) and before I knew it I’d gotten three hundred and some-odd pages into a book. When it was finished, my hubby said. “Sure, that’s great. But what are you going to do now?”

What inspires you? Where do you get your ideas?

Inspiration can strike from such random things, and sometimes I’m kind of embarrassed to admit where I get inspiration. You see, I write dark stories. Emotionally scarred people. Horrible circumstances. I once got inspiration for a story by watching a couple arguing. I got inspiration from hearing about an earthquake another time. It’s not pretty the way my mind works.

Do you beat your muse? I mean…Wait! Do you have a muse? Does he/she have a name?

I have a muse. I call her Beeyotch. ‘Nuff said?? – Seriously, I sometimes have to beat her into submission. I’m at the point in my writing career where I can’t afford to let the muse dictate when and what I will write about. I’m on a schedule and I have to stick to it, so sometimes that means writing when I don’t feel like it, and writing a particular story even if the plot bunnies attack.

Let’s talk about your writing process. Are you a plotter or pantser? Are there any weird things that you do before you start to sit down to write? (Like stretch those fingers…? Scream at the computer…?)

I have to get the email and internet stuff out of the way before I start writing. When I’m at home, that means I get up early and go online. Answer emails, pop on twitter and facebook and then turn it all off. Like. OFF. I have to unplug the router and everything. I can’t allow the distraction of internet being available at just a click of the button or I’m done-for. *shaking head* Pathetic, I know.

What is your call story?

My very first book was sold to a small e-publisher in 2007 in a four-book series. I was ecstatic!! When I got the email, I was jumping up and down and we went out to dinner to celebrate! Then, I talked to a lawyer buddy of mine and we looked at the contract. After I signed, and realized the first book would be coming out in 2008, and then I would have to deliver three more manuscripts I started to panic! LOL

Of all the books I’ve written since then, those first four are still close to my heart, and I’m actually very pleased to be able to say that they’ll be re-released soon! My Immortals series is going to be published by Ellora’s Cave. I’ll have details on the website about that as soon as I can.

Have you always envisioned yourself a writer? What were you doing before you started writing? Has your earlier career influence your current one?

I still work a day job in the legal field even now. I like the opportunity to get out of my own head for a while every day and the job I do is interesting. I don’t know that it has influenced my career, but when I start writing a spin off of “The Good Wife” I’ll let you know, LOL

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now with your writing career?

I can only hope that five years from now I’ll still be writing. That’s really all I want to do is write. I want to try different genres and different styles, but for me I’m happy just to put those words on the page.

What is the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome in your writing career so far?

Bias. I started publishing digitally when digital didn’t get much respect. Not only that, I was writing sexy romances. I’m very happy to say that attitudes about both digital publishing and romance have improved in the few years I’ve been writing, but I think there’s still a way to go.

Now let’s talk more about you. If you could pick to live the life of a movie star, who would it be and why? Does this person show up in your stories?

Oh, the fun questions!

If I could be a movie star, I’d be Leo DiCaprio. He got great roles when he was younger (who wouldn’t want to be one of Shakespeare’s tragic heroes, or get to travel on the Titanic?) such that now he only picks the movies he’s really interested in doing. I like the idea of having his kind of freedom.

Through research, what is the most silly thing you’ve ever done?

I’ve researched everything from ancient mythology, demonology, biomechanics, fairy tales, zombie lore, the mob, FBI procedure, and…pole dancing.

What genres do you read? Do you read what you write?

I read what I write. I read pretty much everything and anything,  actually.

What’s the last book you’ve read for fun? Did you read it on an e-Reader or are you still a paperback-kind-of-person?

I just got back from vacation, so I did some reading last week. I had Executive Decision by Mandy M. Roth and Wolf Signs by Vivian Arend on my ereader, and I had the Maze Runner by James Dashner in paperback. Right now I’m going to start on Chasing Magic by Stacia Kane.

What did you wish you had known back then when you began writing?

I guess I wish I had better understood the cyclical nature of publishing. Everyone said “You can’t write that, that genre is so dead.” and “We’re not taking those kinds of books.” but times change and genres get revitalized. I also wish I had realized earlier that there would be more than one path to success for me. It would have saved a lot of early frustration. I’m so glad that authors have so many options to get their work in front of readers, from the traditional NY publishing route, to self publishing, etc.

Is there anything else you’d want your readers and friends to know about you?

I also write YA as Chloe Jacobs (who’s way more fun—just kidding). My debut YA is coming out in November and it’s called GRETA AND THE GOBLIN KING. Basically, it’s Hansel and Gretel meets the Lost Boys meets Labyrinth. Dark and tortured characters. Kick-butt heroine. Awesome fantasy-style cover. I am really looking forward to release day and I’m hoping everyone loves the book as much as I do.

As I mentioned, my original Immortals series is being re-released soon with Ellora’s Cave, but book 2 of my Seasons of Invention series is coming in September from Carina Press. It’s called BROKEN PROMISES and continues Jasper and Callie’s story, who are also the hero and heroine of FAR FROM BROKEN – which is the book I’m giving away today!

I’m also looking forward to the release of an anthology in the early Fall which I’m participating in. Duty and Desire (edited by fantastic Kristina Wright) is a compilation of erotic stories with a military theme, and my story is called OUT OF TIME.

And…if all goes well…you’ll also be able to see something spooky from me around Halloween!

And lastly, where can we find you?

Email:   jkcoi@rogers.com

Twitter:   www.twitter.com/jkcoi

Facebook:   www.facebook.com/JKCoiAuthor

Website:   www.jkcoi.com

As Chloe Jacobs:

Email:    chloejacobs@rogers.com

Twitter:   www.twitter.com/jacobs_chloe

Facebook:   www.facebook.com/ChloeJacobsAuthor

Website:   www.chloejacobs.com

Thank you so much for being a star!

And thanks so much for letting me come and visit with you! I’ll be giving away a digital copy of my book, Far From Broken, so ask me more questions in the comments section to be entered. Thanks!!

Blurb:

FAR FROM BROKEN

Soldier. Spymaster. Husband.

Colonel Jasper Carlisle was defined by his work until he met his wife. When the prima ballerina swept into his life with her affection, bright laughter and graceful movements, he knew that she was the reason for his existence, and that their love would be forever.

But their world is shattered when Callie is kidnapped and brutally tortured by the foes Jasper has been hunting. Mechanical parts have replaced her legs, her hand, her eye…and possibly her heart. Though she survived, her anger at Jasper consumes her, while Jasper’s guilt drives him from the woman he loves. He longs for the chance to show her their love can withstand anything…including her new clockwork parts.

As the holiday season approaches, Jasper realizes he must fight not just for his wife’s love and forgiveness…but also her life, as his enemy once again attempts to tear them apart.

Excerpt:

The snow fell hard and fast, a wall of fluffy white obscuring the world through the frosty window until Jasper could almost believe there was no world at all beyond the train. That the steam pushed it along on rails into nothingness, taking him nowhere.

He snorted and shook his head. Ridiculous. He was definitely going somewhere.

After four months, he was finally going to retrieve his wife.

A sharp rap on the cabin door saved him from an examination of the uncomfortable, heavy sensation in his chest. He looked up through the thick square of glass inset into the door, and waved Murphy inside. The door slid open on a heavy rush of processed air.

“Colonel, we’ll be in Manchester within the hour. I’ve already wired the clinic to expect us before evening’s end and Mrs. Campbell has responded with confirmation that she will arrange for a carriage to pick us up.”

“Thank you.”

“Will you be needing anything more before we stop, then?”

“No, I don’t think so.” The only thing he needed was at the end of this long overdue journey.

“I’ll see to the luggage, and as soon as this iron death trap pulls to a stop we’ll be ready to roll.” Jasper resisted a smile at his lieutenant’s expense. Murphy had made his discomfort with their choice of transportation more than plain, but had refused to stay behind.

With a short bow, the man left him alone again and Jasper turned back to the window. His hand went to the inside pocket of his vest and closed around the pocket watch, but he didn’t remove it to check the time. There was no need. The train had started to slow already in anticipation of moving into the station. He felt the gentle drag pulling him deeper into the plush velvet seat.

Soon now. Soon he would be with Callie again.

It would be the first time he’d see her since leaving the clinic four months ago. He’d been ordered back into the field to hunt down the men responsible for her attack. It was believed that the same group was also behind the torture and death of a number of other British intelligence officers, including Colonel Wyndham—a friend of Jasper’s.

He had intended to defy those orders, needing to stay with Callie at the clinic. But when she’d finally awakened and her screams had only subsided when he was no longer in the room, it was decided his presence would hamper her physical progress, and the doctor had suggested he give her time to adjust. Callie’s health was, of course, far more important than his wishes, and so he’d gone.

Yes, he’d gone, but insisted on being sent a weekly wire with the details of each and every one of her operations, the drugs she’d taken and every facet of her difficult rehabilitation. The procedures undertaken for her recovery had been extreme, depending upon radical notions and the availability of sophisticated equipment.

He knew she’d refused to walk for a long time, still rarely spoke, and that she continued to experience terrible nightmares, although the doctor postulated that she didn’t remember much if anything of the actual attack. That the trauma of it had proven too much for her conscious mind, forcing her to lock it all away. He said he’d seen it in patients often enough. Since Jasper himself had witnessed what horrible trauma could do to even experienced, deadly soldiers, he almost approved of his hardheaded Callie pushing the bad memories out of her head rather than letting them consume her and take her sanity.

The only thing he didn’t know was how she would react when he arrived. If they could get past this. If they would ever be happy again.

His hand clenched into a fist in his lap as he remembered the sound of her laughter. He somehow doubted he’d hear that sound again soon, but he would do whatever it took to make it happen. For her, he’d try anything, give anything. Risk anything.

Just as she had risked all for him.

JK is awesome enough to be hosting a giveaway of her book “Far From Broken” for a randomly selected commenter below – let her know how awesome she is please!