PJ: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your alter ego?
Ursula: LaVerne Thompson and Ursula Sinclair both have a lot in common, they should since they’re the same person. LOL! I’m a pretty veracious reader, in a wide variety of genres. At least I used to read a lot before I started writing full time. When I’m not running my kids around, although now I have one driving so hopefully that means more time for me to write. We’ll see. Anyway the real difference between my personas is LaVerne wants to introduce you to new worlds, Ursula wants you to appreciate the one you live in, in spite of its problems. And both will always have happily ever afters.
PJ: Why did you decide to write under two names?
Ursula: I separated them because I wanted to concentrate a little more on my paranormal fantasy work under LaVerne. Lord of the Rings, The Wheel of Time series and The Dragons of Pern have greatly influenced me, but I want more romance added to my works. Under LaVerne my writing can continue to be sensual with some erotic elements. But Ursula allows me to continue to stretch myself within the contemporary genre and go a little beyond sensual and delve into more complicated modern relationships with plots stronger in suspense and intrigue. And hopefully readers will come to know and understand what to expect under each name. Now that doesn’t mean you won’t still see a contemporary under LaVerne.
PJ: What was your inspiration for White Wedding?
Ursula: Two things happened one right after the other. I admit I was watching Bridezilla with my daughter, all those white wedding dresses and drama, and then that Billy Idol song came on. Well I didn’t need anything to fall on my head. As soon as I could I pulled out my laptop and I had the first 2 chapters cranked out.
PJ: You’ve got a fantastic book trailer for White Wedding. Can you give us a little insider’s perspective of the making of the book trailer?
Ursula: That’s the 5th trailer I’ve done. And this time I did it by myself, okay my kids acted as consultants, thumbs up or down. LOL! But they actively helped me with the others. This one I’m really proud of, the concept is all mine and I put it together by myself. I just kept it true to the story line. But thanks to Dara England my cover artist I had a fantastic cover to work with and my cover model, Charles Paz. Well can’t say enough sweet things about him. I told him I needed a picture of him in a suit for the trailer and he had to hold a white rose in his hand. Charles came through beautifully. The other shots I created and took myself, not the shower scene, although I did add the audio for the running water in the shower. The shower scene was from Romancenovelcovers.com, that’s Jimmy Thomas in there.
What can I say, love those Mr. Romance guys.
PJ: When you’re writing a story, do you have a planed heat level in advance or does the heat set itself as you’re writing the scenes?
Ursula: I don’t plan the heat levels. But my writing is such the story takes me where it needs to go.
PJ: eBook Theft is a serious concern. Can you talk to us a little bit about your experience with piracy and do you have any tips for new authors like myself?
Ursula: I wish I did have better tips. I used to be a Trademark Attorney and this kind of theft has just gotten worse. I’ve even spoken to a few attorney friends about it and it will take a massive industry push to really get anything done. White Wedding came out on the 1st of Aug. by the 2nd it was on a pirate site. Until federal legislation is passed that takes into account epublishing rights and modern means of copyright infringement not much can be done. And frankly even if anything is passed most of the ones doing the theft are out of countries that wouldn’t be part of any international trade agreements anyway, or close up one ip address and open up elsewhere. The only thing I’d advise is to put your name in Google Search. That helps you keep an eye on things. When ever my name appears on the internet I get an alert. I check to see where it comes from. If it’s a pirate site I send them a pull my book letter and also send the pirate info to my publisher. As the author they don’t seem to pay any attention to me. But usually they pay attention when they hear from the publisher. Now that just means they take it down, in their own sweet time. And by the time they do your work has already been downloaded a thousand times. Or it shows up on another site. And you have to go through the same thing again.
PJ: Thanks so much for answering my questions!
Ursula: Thank you for interviewing me
And let’s have just a little fun to wrap up the interview…
PJ’s Speed Round
PJ: Tequila shots or glass of fine wine?
Ursula: fine wine
PJ: Vampires or shapeshifters?
Ursula: Both
at the same time? LOL
Ursula: Hybrids
…ooooh, I like that.
PJ: Wild, bad boy or by the book military man?
Ursula: Bad boy
PJ: Leather jacket or tailored suit?
Ursula: Suits during the day, leather at night
PJ: Boots on or off?
Off
Thank you, Ursula! It was a pleasure interviewing you.
Ursula has offered a free e-copy of White Wedding for one lucky reader. Just leave a comment and tell us if you like vampires, shapeshifters…or hybrids!
I’m happy to announce the release of Red’s Wolf, the second story in the Terra’s Guardians series. The story is a novella length twist on the Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale, done in my post-apocalyptic setting. You can purchase it in eBook format at Decadent Publishing.
Red's Wolf Cover Art
Carri has definitely caught the eye of the big bad wolf.
Visiting the Glacier Valley pack to get a little breathing room from life in the city, Carri uses her skills to help install a high tech airspace sensor array for her adoptive grandmother’s pack. Jason is a lone wolf, good at doing his job and good at being alone. Sparks fly between them, igniting desire hotter than Carri’s red hood. But the Glacier Valley pack has made it clear Carri is under their protection and off limits. Yet, the heat between them is undeniable, and when Carri makes her choice clear, Jason is ready to claim her as his. He’ll go against the pack and any rivals, even take down an alien hunter to have her and protect her.
The fabulous Julie Klumb tagged me to share what I’ve learned in the last year, specifically my top 5. She even created a cute little award for this particular meme.
I don’t normally perpetuate blog chains, so I won’t tag anyone specific, but I’d love to hear about anyone who read this and decided to share their top 5 lessons learned in the past year.
Here’s my top 5:
Hit the Send button. I even blogged about this particular lesson – linky.
Beta readers, not every person is a beta reader. People are busy. Other writers have their works in progress to address. Non-writers might not give more than an overall sense of “like it” or not. You and your potential beta reader may not click in the creative process. And as much as you would like to think a person would never do it – you have to be smart about your intellectual property. So when you find beta readers who work well with you, cherish them.
Keep Working. Whether you are accepted or rejected, faced with trial or tribulation, keep moving forward. Constantly work on your WIPs, create new material. Be a writer. Because hopefully, you started writing because you love to write, have to write – not because you wanted a royalties check. Besides, working on a WIP helps get you through the anxiety of waiting to hear back about a submission.
Industry Research is Key. It’s not just about writing your story. It’s about knowing the industry and how to approach it in order to pursue publication. With education you can provide publishers the best, most polished submission package possible. You can behave professionally and go into the industry with realistic expectations.
And today we have Mr. Romance 2010, Jamie Ungaro. Don’t ask me how I got so lucky, ladies, I really don’t know. I had the pleasure of meeting Jamie at RT 2010 and have come to consider him a friend. He’s genuinely sweet and very nice, soft-spoken and humble. Best of all, he has a big heart.
Let’s start off easy, because Jamie really is a sweetheart.
PJ: I had the pleasure of meeting you at RT 2010 and during one of our conversations, you told me about your very adorable dog. How is your dog now? Is your dog still keeping you company as you continue on your journey as Mr. Romance 2010?
Jamie: He’s doing well; he’s a yellow lab so he loves the water and I try to take him swimming as much as possible at a near by park. That’s when I get to see him. He’s staying at a friends house for now given my situation. I can’t have him where I live right now, bummer! Soon I’ll have my Max back though!
PJ: As Mr. Romance 2010, what are some of the highlights for you so far this year? Do you have any projects lined up between now and RT 2011 in April?
Jamie: The only things that I ‘m trying to do, is to get my professional portfolio done and to take some acting classes or audition for the local theater to sharpen my acting. Besides the modeling world; well lets just say it’s hard to stay totally leaned out all the time and stressful on your body for a tall person, ha! ha! ha! I want to be an actor in the movies more so than anything. So I don’t have to worry about being totally lean all the time, lol!
PJ: I hear you’re currently entered in the MadMen Casting Call. Can you tell us a little about why you’ve entered the contest?
Jamie: Well, to keep it short and sweet! This opportunity could be a great start to acting career. If you would like to vote for me just go to this link:
PJ: You recently performed in your first acting role, a book trailer for Zondervan. Can you tell us what your favorite moments were during filming?
Jamie: I loved it, except that it was close to 90 degrees and the civil war uniforms are made out of wool. Thank God! That we were filming in the shade for the most part. My favorite part was when I actually got to fire off the gun. The old gun had this little thing you put under the hammer where you pull back with your thumb called a firing cap. It was really cool; I fired it off and smoke went everywhere, but they didn’t leave that part in. Oh well? It was lots of fun!
You can check out the video on my website at www.jamieungaro.com, it’s on my recently updated blog.
PJ: As part of being Mr. Romance 2010, will you also be on the cover of a romance novel in addition to appearing in a book trailer?
Jamie: Yeah, that is the main prize winning Mr. Romance. I just don’t know when the photo shoot is going to be. I’ll be sure to keep everyone informed though.
PJ: Beyond the pursuit of your modeling/acting career, what are some of the simple pleasures you enjoy in life?
Jamie: To cherish the moments that I have with my family and friends and to take my dog max swimming. Max is so goofy! The simple things in life bring the biggest smiles rather than what I want in this life because, what I want I don’t have and that stresses you out in the pursuit, so cherish the things you do have.
PJ: I’m sure you must be very busy. How do you keep in good health and top physical fitness with all the crazy things going on in day to day life?
Jamie: That’s a good question, lol! All I’m going to say, that it’s a hard balance but, when you want something bad enough you stop until you get it. At least I wont.
PJ’s Speed Round
PJ: Cardio or strength training?
Jamie: Strength T
PJ: Beef or Chicken?
Jamie: Beef
PJ: Fruit or Veggies?
Jamie: Veggies
PJ: Appetizers or Desserts?
Jamie: Desserts
PJ: Staying up late or sleeping in?
Jamie: Staying up
Thank you, Jamie, for the fun interview and I wish you the best of luck in your modeling and acting careers. I’ll definitely be at RT 2011 and look forward to meeting you again. Until then – I invite everyone to go vote for Jamie in the MadMen Casting Call. You can vote once a day, so keep at it.
For my second interview, Seleste and I thought we’d do a tandem interview. That means we interviewed each other in real time via chat. For those who follow us on Twitter, you might have seen the side commentary. LOL.
Here’s my side of the interview:
PJ: Hi Seleste, thanks for interviewing me and agreeing to be interviewed by me. Now that you’ve asked about my path to publication, I’d like to ask you what key things helped you on your own path.
Seleste: I would have to say that the major things that helped me were the online writing group (OWG) on Kelley Armstrong’s forums and my fantabulous beta readers.
The OWG has helped me grow from the person who knew nothing more than that she had a story to tell to someone who has published one story with more on the way.
On the other hand, most of my beta readers are people I’ve only found within the last year. They don’t feel the need to hold my hand and instead are sitting prepared to whack me with the stupid stick at a moment’s notice.
The great thing about all of those people is that they’ve not only helped me grow as a writer, but they’ve been an incredible support system. I don’t think I’d be here now without their encouragement.
PJ: Now that I’ve given you an idea of where my series is going…I’d like to ask about yours. Of Course I Try is doing very well at Decadent Publishing. Can you give us a few hints as to what’s going on with the characters in your sequel?
Seleste: Well, to be honest, the sequel is only in the planning stages. First, I’d like to put the mind of a few of my readers at ease — this one will be longer. I can’t say for certain if it will be novella or novel length, but definitely longer.
PJ: Yay!…ahem, go on
Seleste: I don’t want to give too much away about the events in “Of Course I Try” in case some people haven’t read it yet, but let’s just say Jocelyn is trying to move on and cope with life after the events in the short. Oh, and the guy she met at the bar, Chad? He’s back with his own agenda. The poor girl just can’t seem to cut a break. At least this time around she’ll find out exactly why Max was so intent on keeping her to himself.
PJ: You also had a guest blog over at Wicked Little Pixie and gave some great insight into sharing, possibly a little over-sharing. LOL With that in mind, is there a particular approach you plan to take in promoting your books in the future?
Seleste: You know, the lesson I ultimately learned through my over-sharing is this is me. I am this crazy person who doesn’t much like to censor herself. People, family and former teachers included LOL, will either love me for who I am or not. And quite honestly, if it’s a not, do I really need negative people like that in my life? So, my approach to promoting isn’t really going to change. I’m still going to throw myself out there as the person I am (which is funny to say since I write under a pseudonym) and be honest and upfront. My stories don’t pull punches, so I don’t think I should do that in promotion either.
PJ: At RT2010, we had the opportunity to meet several aspiring cover models. One or two have even expressed interest in being on the cover of one of your books. Do you look forward to seeing one of the boys on your covers someday?
Seleste: You know, if I have a character who looks like one of them, I’d be all for it. Hell, the story I’m working on right this moment has a character that resembles one of the guys. If I could swing it for him to be on the cover, I would. I’m all for helping my friends when the opportunity arises, and I consider the majority of the guys we met at RT to be friends. Though I have one friend who is not an aspiring model or actor who wants to be in the film version of “Of Course I Try”. Kind of hated to disappoint him that I doubted there would *be* a film version of my little short story.
PJ: Did any of the boys inspire future characters?
Seleste: Sure. I love having physical models for my characters, so it’s great when I meet wonderful, photogenic guys who I can see as heroes on the page. I can’t guarantee any of those stories will ever come to fruition, but I have absolutely no problem with the idea of my characters looking like them. I doubt though, if I used their appearance that I’d make the characters too similar in personality though. That’d just be creepy and stalkerish.
PJ: Now that you have publishing credits to your name, do you feel more confident sending out queries or pitching agents/editors?
Seleste: LOL hell no. I feel slightly more confident submitting to the publishers I’ve already signed with, but not in general. I also write young adult novels under another name, and I sent a query yesterday in which I forgot to add my publishing credentials since they are so new. Honestly, I don’t think the submission nerves will ever go away. I’m just not the type of person who is arrogant enough? confident enough? to believe that everything I write is great. So I will always sit on pins and needles when I hit send on a query or submission.
PJ: You’ve mentioned loving having physical models for your characters. If you could cast any of the boys from RT in a book trailer, or even movie, for one of your stories. Who and as what character?
Seleste: Hmm… this is a tough call because of the simple fact that half my stories are YA and they are too old.
As for the romance stuff, none of them look like the guys in Badlands, none of them look like Max.
Now, the current work in progress has a male lead who looks a lot like one of the bad guys in my last YA — since you were about to call bullshit on me — though nicer. Kind of a blond haired blue-eyed surfer guy look. I could totally see Jamie pulling him off in a book trailer. As for the YA character, I don’t think he could pull off evil well enough (even though he would fit the physical description). Sorry, Jamie, we tried to get you to do “evil” at RT and it just made me giggle.
PJ: *giggles* I remember that. Sorry, Jamie, you’re just so nice!
Seleste: Of course, because you’ve got me thinking this way, I do need to cast characters for the remaining steampunk novellas…
PJ’s Speed Round
PJ: Devilish sophistication or bad boy?
Seleste: I’m assuming looks here, so I’ll go Bad boy. There is just something about guys who look like trouble that is an immediate draw for me. Some people would say that means I’m still a teenage girl at heart. My only response to that is: And the problem is?
PJ: Ink or piercings?
Seleste: Ink — I love tattoos. I don’t mind piercings, but they aren’t my thing
PJ: Champaine glasses or body shots?
Seleste: Body shots. Unless we’re throwing the champagne glasses into a fire after we’re done (not really a champagne fan)
PJ: North or South (oh yes, and I mean that)
Seleste: That’s a tough call. But we’ll go north. There are other things I’d prefer to go south.
PJ: Tongue or teeth (no need to come back out of the gutter)
Seleste: Depends on where. Each has it’s own purpose, a guy licking me in some places won’t be licking me again any time soon, but the same could be said of a guy biting me in others. If you’re pressing for an answer one way or the other though — teeth.
PJ: And, my dear sweet non-combative friend, is there anything you’d like to share with my readers?
Seleste: Haha, yes. First, when faced with a choose A or B question, I do my best to choose one or the other. Second, “Of Course I Try” is currently available at Decadent Publishing, and please stay tuned for news of future releases. Love ya, Peege!
PJ: Right back at ya.
For the fun of it, Seleste and I have teamed up and are going to give one lucky commenter (from all those who comment on Both blogs) a copy of BOTH our stories. You’ll receive one entry for answering Seleste’s question here, and one for answering my question at Seleste’s blog. Entries close on Sunday, then we’ll pool all the responses and choose a winner.
To enter here, please comment and answer Seleste’s question:
On my cover, you only get to see the back of dear Max. Considering how much I love to cast my characters, if you had to cast someone in his role, who would it be?
I did some research in San Francisco not so long ago, searching for location ideas for a story concept bouncing around in my head.
Ever hear of a host club?
Originating in Japan, host clubs are bars where ladies can find a good cocktail served by an attractive guy skilled in the arts of flirting and witty conversation. The “hosts” are good at entertaining, listening and generally making a lady feel special.
Ladies pay by the glass or by the bottle for the alcohol to flow and the men to entertain them. Sexual favors not included, at least not on the menu. It’s possible that a host does after hours entertaining on the side but that’s not part of the club’s services.
Nope, visit a host club and you’re just there for a couple of drinks and flirting – feel attractive for a night, special.
So let’s take this real life concept and step it over to urban fantasy.
Perspective: the Club beyond the statues
Yah – I found my club’s location in San Francisco on my research trip. I walked the streets to get the feel of the town.
I’ve got a couple other WIPs in the works but I know this story concept seems to keep haunting me. I’ve got some definite ideas for the club and how it will be structured, how it will be special.
I had my camera with me, the hobbyist photographer that I am. So I took snapshots to capture the images that called to me most, to build my dossier in Liquid Story Binder.
A common question for writers is how we come up with our ideas. Just think, if you were there, in San Francisco, what would you have seen when you walked the streets?
I’ve had a recent invasion of plot bunnies. This is both a good thing and a complicated issue. After all, new plots develop into new stories and I’d love for them to be published. But! Too many new plots can send an author into analysis paralysis where the author is so busy pinning down various plot ideas, she never writes her story. This would be bad.
Skuld chasing "bugs in the system"
There’s a character in Oh! My Goddess. She is Skuld and her introduction in the anime has her chasing down “bugs in the system. Every time she whacks one with her mallet, it poofs and several more pop up all around her.
From the very first time I saw this anime, I thought of my little sister as Skuld.
My little sister helps me chase down plot bunnies, capturing them in my notes and developing plot outlines for my stories. If I have a plot bunny scampering in my head, I call her. We chat, we laugh, and we interact in a meeting of minds similar to the Binars (STNG 11001001) and the result is the plot outline for my next story complete with quirky funny bits and cute romance moments. Don’t try to follow our lines of thought, it’s a dynamic set of search parameters and you never know what hits turn up from the query to the massive databases of random information that pass as our brains. O.O
In any case, I had plot bunnies. I called the little sis. Plot bunnies captured and I now have the outline to a new steampunk short story for Christmas as well as an outline for a Terra’s Guardian’s short story, also for Christmas. The challenge will be writing the both of them and getting them beta read in time to submit.
Kelly is also a debut author and her story, The Legacy Keeper’s Treasure, is available at Decadent Publishing.
She had some saucy questions for me and it was a lot of fun. Plus, I included a tiny little teaser in there for Red’s Wolf, coming out at the end of August.
In the meantime, I hope you’ve checked out Heart’s Sentinel and I’d love questions or comments on the book!
PJ: Tequila shots or glass of fine wine?
