Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Spotlight, Interview, Massive Giveaway: Dare to Love by Carly Phillips





BLOG
QUESTION
http://www.nikkibrandyberry.wordpress.com/
Before you became a writer what were some other jobs you had and which was your favorite?


Answer:


I was … a telemarketer for Ricoh copy machines one summer in college, I went to law school and I practiced law in a big firm in NYC, and I hated every job I ever had – except the one now – being a writer.
http://www.sweptawaybyromance.com
Did you ever have the pleasure of meeting one of your biggest fans and the woman who shouted your praises on national television,Kelly Ripa? Can you tell us a bit about what it felt like to be mentioned on national television, what where you doing when you found out, your reaction?

Answer:

Aah.  The Kelly Ripa moment.  There are so many memories there.  I’d been a Kelly fan from her All My Children role and I might have been equally excited to meet her for that reason, as to have my book picked! I found out on my way to McDonald’s with the kids, was told I couldn’t tell a single person, had to keep it secret until the announcement … I’d never had media training, didn’t know how to answer questions or act on camera … it was overwhelming, scary, and thank goodness I had Theresa Meyers at Blue Moon Communications by my side to hold my hand! I was shaking the morning she revealed the book.  Convinced someone else’s book would be under the smoke and mirrors … it was surreal. I’m eternally grateful to Kelly Ripa for changing my life!


You can read the whole story here – Diary of a Cinderella Story – it’s long – it ran in the RWR (Romance Writer’s Report – RWA) – but it chronicles the whole thing

http://thebookishbabes.blogspot.com
Have you recently read a book you can recommend?


Answer:
Oh wow. I read so many books … I can’t think of one in particular! That’s something you should know about me.  I can read, love, and not remember later, LOL.  That said, every Saturday on my Facebook Fan Page I list the books I’ve read during the week and readers share in return, so you can always find out.  Of course I have to go back to my iPad/Kindle app to remember.
http://www.lisawellsauthor.blogspot.com
How do you keep track of your series information? What does your series bible look like? What information do you track from book to book?


Answer:
I have the worst memory (Even eye color is hard for me to remember), so with the Serendipity series, I hired someone to help me keep track. I call it a series “Bible”.  It’s in word format.  For this new series, I had someone new do the work and it’s in Excel.  But I have also taken the information they’ve given me and made a whole series bible in Scrivener – complete with character photos (actors/actresses who look like my characters_. I love using it.  I haven’t put that together yet for Dare to Love but I plan to!
http://www.socratesbookreviews.blogspot.com/
Where do you come up with your ideas for your books?


Answer:


My answer to this never changes. Everywhere.  From something I see or read in the news, on a TV show, a soap opera … and often it’s my good trusty plotting partners who throw an idea and it resonates, and then I can run with it.  That’s what happened with Dare to Love.  Julie Leto mentioned a “serial” dad – someone with a lot of kids and that’s how I took it and worked it into the series




http://niceladiesnaughtybooks.com/
Of all your releases, which books are most important and/or special to you? Which characters are your favorite?


Answer:


I always have a favorite from different series, sometimes more than one.  I remember Mike from Perfect Fit really stood out for me.  Then again, so did Dare Barron in Karma.  The Hot Zone series, I loved writing Riley in Hot Item.  Uncle Yank, a secondary character in that series had Macular Degeneration and I was glad to bring attention to that.  I received wonderful letters in return.  My grandma had the disease, so it meant a lot to me.  I think each time I stretch in a book/story, that becomes a favorite, so Ian in Dare to Love definitely ranks up there because I was able to just dive in and write him in the way I wanted.

What’s the most interesting comment you’ve received about your books?


Answer:


OK this is awful – I was at dinner one night at a table full of people (early in my career) and someone asked if I got aroused while writing.  I kid you not.

http://www.samebookdifferentreview.blogspot.com/
What is your favorite line from any book that you have written?


Answer:
This falls under hard to remember – so let’s make it a teaser instead.  Line one of DARE TO DESIRE – ALEX – available Spring 2014
“Quarterback Alex Dare took possession of the ball the same way he took possession of a woman’s body.  With skill, finesse, and the absolute certainty he’d score.”









http://www.alwayswithabook.blogspot.com
What’s on your nightstand right now?


Answer:
MINE, Katy Evans.
shelleyreadsandreviews.blogspot.com
Tell us about yourself.


Answer:


I’m a mom, a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife.  It bears repeating, I’m a mom – to two almost adult daughters, one is 17 and one is  21.  I’m a year away from being an empty nester and that is scary.  I love having my girls home.  I have two crazy dogs, a Havanese named Brady and a neurotic wheaten terrier named Bailey – you can meet them if you hang out on my Facebook Fan Page (www.facebook.com/carlyphillipsfanpage )  I’m an internet junkie and always connected and online!


What inspired you to write this novel?


Answer:
For the last year, I’ve been reading steamy, hot, erotic romances.  As I was writing the Serendipity books, I’d find pieces of overly Alpha men slipping into dialogue, love scenes … I knew I’d have to write one if I could find the time.  I found the time.



What are you working on next?


Answer:
I’m writing Dare to Desire – Alex’s story – Alex is Ian’s half brother and you meet him in Dare to Love – they have a definitely love/hate relationship.  Mostly hate.  They’ll have to come to work on the love …


What is the one thing you like most about Ian?


Answer:

I love his dedication to the people he loves – his sisters and his mother.  And I love how as soon as he meets Riley and decides she’s
his, he turns that possessive caring on her.
http://lindseypogue.wordpress.com/
Which series was your favorite to write?


Answer:


Dare to Love – because I’ve been dying to write what I want in an unstructured way.  If the hero has a jerky moment, that’s OK.  I’m testing out these indie waters. Prior to that? The Hot Zone because I LOVE sports heroes and I’d been dying to write them for a long time!


You seem to have a plethora of different characters, plot lines, character arcs and relationship dynamics up your sleeve...how do you keep your creative wheels turning?


A lot of writing is processing.  Sometimes I don’t know I’m doing it.  I’ll take in something I see – on television, magazine, radio, etc.  and later on realize it’s perfect for a story.  The world around me is fodder for new plots.  As for keeping the writing fresh, that’s a challenge but being aware of it helps me try to write new and different with each story.

Http://wilovebooks.blogspot.com
What is a memorable book from your childhood and why is it memorable?


Answer:
I remember Sundays reading in bed all day! I had a twin bed against the wall, and my favorite thing to do was to snuggle in (stuffed animals and all) and read … no breaks allowed!
http://www.anablaze.blogspot.com
How do you choose your character names? Do you ever change their names mid-process?


Answer:


Ever since my Chandler Brother (The Bachelor) days, I’ve use soap opera characters and actors/actresses to name my characters.  I love to mix their real names with their character’s names in order to come up with the perfect fit.  I rarely change mid-process because they become their name.

smartsavvysteph.blogspot.com
Since this tour runs through Thanksgiving time: What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving traditions?


Answer:


Thanksgiving was always my favorite holiday, but we lost my dad last year, and I have a hard time coming up with much enthusiasm for it, even though it’s the second Thanksgiving without him.  Still, we have my family come to my house.  I think the more people the better when it comes to a holiday celebration.  Nothing says Thanksgiving to me more than Pecan Pie and Sweet Potatoes with marshmallows over them.

http://bookreviewsbylexi.wordpress.com
How long have you been writing, what inspired you to start?


Answer:


I’ve been writing for over 20 years.  It’s very hard to believe.  I was always an avid reader.  When my first child was born, I sought an escape from the colic in books.  I ended up discovering the Romance section for the first time and I was hooked! Finally I could always like how a story ended.  I backtracked into authors’ earlier works.  After I read LaVyrle Spencer’s Separate Beds, I knew I wanted to try my hand at writing romance.  Once I started, I was hooked. I KNEW I would never quit.  It was a part of me.



5 best things about being a writer?
Answer:




~ I love being able to work from home. I was able to be there as my kids grew up. I was so lucky! I am so lucky.
~ I love the adrenaline rush of a scene that writes itself and feels so right! Creating characters who feel real.
~ I love the camaraderie of the Romance community. My best friends are through RWA. Later came Twitter and Facebook and I've met the most amazing people - authors, readers, bloggers ...
~ I love that all parts of what I do excite me - the writing, the promoting, the social media ... how many people can say they love what they do? Like I said, so lucky. I'm grateful.
~ And lastly - (who'd have thought this was such a tough question, LOL!) ... I love having an outlet for the voices in my head!



What are three things about you that might surprise your readers?
Answer:



1. I’m innately shy despite how outgoing I seem on line.
2. I’m tone deaf and can’t carry a tune despite loving to sing. So I only do it when I’m alone.
3. I have no sense of rhythm and I don’t love dancing.


Top 5 favorite scenes from Dare To Love


Answer:


Oooh! Fun question.
~ First love scene – Ian was pretty dominant and I’d never written that before.
~ Scene by elevator when Riley runs from Ian and he has to stop her – I always wanted to write a scene like that, where the hero can physically grab the heroine and it’s not taboo or bad.
~ When Ian gives Riley the necklace.
~ When Riley faces her father.
~ Ian and Riley’s reconciliation scene.


What scene did you have the most fun writing? Why?


Answer:


There's a scene where Ian and Riley have a big argument ... and she storms out (or tries to) ... It was fun for me because in this story I felt less constrained by "rules" and I was able to write what I wanted.


Please tell us about your characters.


Answer:


Ian Dare is a self-contained alpha guy. He found out about his father's betrayal when he was 17 and it affected him greatly. He looked up to the man and his illusions were shattered. He stepped up and became the man of the house, taking care of his mother and siblings, and never letting anyone in. Then he meets Riley. Riley Taylor came from an abusive household. Her mom passed away. The only people she considers family are her step-mom (who is her female role model) and Alex Dare ... Ian's half brother. Ian and Riley's chemistry is electric, and they are so alike, they complete each other (sorry to be cheesy) ... but there are complications - family complications and Riley's past ...



What are you currently working on? What other releases do you have
planned for 2013/14?


Answer:


November 18, 2013 - Dare to Love - Ian
January 7, 2014 - Perfect Stranger - eBook (novella was in Hot Summer Nights Anthology this past summer)
February 4, 2014 - Perfect Together - The last SERENDIPITY novel - Sam Marsden and Nicole Farnsworth's story
March 2014 - Dare to Desire - Alex
Updates can be found at:


3 Random facts about you.


Answer:


~ I can eat the same food day in and day out and not get bored, as long as I like it.
~ I’m a fast fast reader.  I drive friends crazy with how quickly I can finish a book.
~ I knit.  Not well but I do.  And I play Mah Jong once a week.  If not I’d probably never leave the house or be social.

Coke or pepsi?


Answer:


Coke.  I think Pepsi gives me a headache but I can’t say for sure.  If I’m dying for a soda and I order Coke and they ask, Pepsi, I drink it anyway.
http://www.reviewsbycacb.blogspot.com
Is there any genre you haven’t written that you would like to try?


Answer:


None.  I’d rather read a paranormal that takes me into another world than attempt to write it.  I have a hard enough time keeping track of timelines and eye colors in a contemporary! I’m happy doing what I do.


Do you have anything special you like to do to celebrate a new release?


Answer:


Panic.  Check Amazon.  Wait for the bestseller lists to come out.  Panic.  Call my writer friends.  All sorts of crazy, writer, anal-retentive things!
http://margayleahjustice.blogspot.com
How do you keep your plots for books fresh and interesting? How do you come up with new plots to write about?


Answer:


A lot of writing is processing.  Sometimes I don’t know I’m doing it.  I’ll take in something I see – on television, magazine, radio, etc.  and later on realize it’s perfect for a story.  The world around me is fodder for new plots.  As for keeping the writing fresh, that’s a challenge but being aware of it helps me try to write new and different with each story.

http://www.kategeorge.com
You write lots of interconnected books.  What is the attraction for you as a writer?  I love them as a reader.


Answer:


The fact that you love series books as a reader is the same reason I love them as a writer: Readers love them; they love returning to characters they know, a town they hopefully come to love, etc.  I have the same feelings as a writer – I love returning to the familiar and finding ways to stretch the characters, the stories, etc.

Inthepagesofagoodbook.com
How did you come up the idea for this book?


Answer:


For the last year, I’ve been reading steamy, hot, erotic romances.  As I was writing the Serendipity books, I’d find pieces of overly Alpha men slipping into dialogue, love scenes … I knew I’d have to write one if I could find the time.  I found the time.



Do listen to music while writting? If so what was it or could come up with a playlist (or a single song) that would best describe the story?


Answer:


I don’t.  I’m a TV watcher, not a music listener.  I like background noise and I always have the television on.  During the week I catch the soap operas, in the evenings, my husband and I watch Tivo’d shows we miss later at night, and on the weekends I’ll look for Law and Order repeats.  


What do like the most about being a writer?


Answer:


I love that I can work from home.  I have been lucky enough to be able to be home to raise my kids, and I appreciate that so much.  


What was your favorite book or series to write so far?


Answer:


I always have a favorite from different series, sometimes more than one.  I remember Mike from Perfect Fit really stood out for me.  Then again, so did Dare Barron in Karma.  The Hot Zone series, I loved writing Riley in Hot Item.  Uncle Yank, a secondary character in that series had Macular Degeneration and I was glad to bring attention to that.  I received wonderful letters in return.  My grandma had the disease, so it meant a lot to me.  I think each time I stretch in a book/story, that becomes a favorite, so Ian in Dare to Love definitely ranks up there because I was able to just dive in and write him in the way I wanted.



What was your hardest book or series to write so far?


Answer:


Honestly? My upcoming story, PERFECT TOGETHER, Sam Marsden’s story, which is the last Serendipity book, was pulled from me word by word.  In the end, I’m extremely proud of the book, even if it nearly killed me to write it.  I think I’d been in Serendipity so long (6 books and 3 novellas), it was hard to think outside the box for the characters.
http://www.straightshootinbookreviews.com/
Is there a genre that you've always wanted to write but haven't?  (And why haven't you attempted it?)


Answer:


Nope.  I leave other worlds to people who think differently and can do it better than me. I love contemporary.


http://www.accordingtosquenn.blogspot.com
Where is your favorite place to write?


Answer:


I have an office in a bedroom next to the master.  There’s a desk but I have a recliner chair – and I write in the recliner on my Macbook laptop.  It’s my safe place. I love it.  If I’m not writing there, I’m sitting on my bed writing.  I am an ergonomic nightmare!

http://www.scandaliciousbookreviews.com
Let’s play what if…If you could have any career, other than being an author, what would you be?


If money were no object, where in the world would you live and why?


If you were stranded on an island who and what would you bring with you?


Answers coming soon!
http://booksbooksmorebooks.blogspot.com/
Where did your most recent inspirational moment come to you?


Answer:


Lame answer! In bed.  I do my best thinking when I’m lying in bed and it’s quiet and my brain isn’t fully engaged yet.  I was able to come up with the “right” beginning for Dare to Desire – Alex’s story that way.  Sometimes after being in the house working for hours, getting into the car just to do errands clears the cobwebs too and I’ll come up with inspiration.
http://www.readyourwrites.blogspot.com
In writing the characters of Ian Dare and Riley Taylor what surprised you most about them?


Answer:


How much they were made for each other; wanted to be together; and would fight themselves and each other to get over their obstacles.

http://lizasblog-liza.blogspot.com/
Do you still buy print books or do you only buy digital most of the time?


Answer:


I mostly read digital these days.  I’m in love with my iPad mini and I use the Kindle app.  It makes me sad.  I can justify it with the fact that I’m getting older and it’s hard for me to read the small print even in my own books!




GIVEAWAT:


First Place:

iPad Mini 16g - $299 
Customized CP iPad Mini Case 

Signed copies of: 
Dare to Love
Serendipity
Destiny
Karma
Perfect Fit
Perfect Fling
Perfect Together - no I don't have it yet
Cross My Heart
Sealed with a Kiss
Seduce Me

Carly Phillips Canvas Tote Bag
Dare to Love Mug
Carly Phillips T-shirt


2nd place:
Carly Phillips Canvas Tote Bag
Dare to Love Mug 

Signed Copies: 
Dare to Love
Perfect Partners
Solitary Man
The Right Choice
Midnight Angel


3rd place: 
Carly Phillips Canvas Tote Bag 

Signed copies: 
Dare to Love
Lucky Charm
Lucky Streak
Lucky Break
Brazen 

4th place: 

Signed copies:
Dare to Love
The  Bachelor 
The Playboy 
The Heartbreaker 


5th place: 

Signed copies:
Dare to Love
Kiss Me If You Can
Love Me If You Dare




a Rafflecopter giveaway

No comments:

Post a Comment