Today is a special day, it’s like Christmas! I’m doing my first interview with an author, how cool is that?
And the really fun, super, awesome-sauce part of it all, what makes this feel even more like Christmas? We’re havin’ a giveaway! That’s right, one lucky commenter will win themselves a free book.
So, without further adieu, let me introduce you to the very talented, Kinley Baker! She’s the author of Ruined. And has graciously took the time to answer a few of my questions and if you leave her a comment she’ll answer yours too!
Why don’t you stick around, read the interview, ask questions and enter to win! *Contest details below*
But first, here’s the amazing cover for Ruined and check out the super enticing blurb.
Jessa is one healing away from death. Under the thrall of her gift, the Court's Senior Healer risks giving her life in exchange for her patient's.
Vale is a rebel ruler. When his brother is killed, he's given the throne and the decree from the Court to produce an heir or lose his family's hold on the land--and his deceiving advisors aren't afraid to use murder as a weapon if their directive to stay away from the Senior Healer goes unheeded.
But Vale burns to possess Jessa. The heat between them leaves a wake of smoke, and even the powerful forces above want to bind them in a union that lasts forever. Vale taking another would be a betrayal neither could survive.
Their enemies fear a child born of such a powerful Healer and Warrior, but the true threat lies in the bond forged in shadows and fused in fire.--Thank you Kinley for providing the blurb.
Welcome Kinley! Can you tell us a bit about yourself? How about in five words or less.
Thank you for inviting me, Avery! Now I’ll tell you about myself in five words: Romance enthusiast and laughter encourager.
Now why don’t you tell us a bit about Ruined? In five words or less, of course J
Shadows, Passions, & Scandal, oh my.
So many interviews tend to have the same questions, let’s shake things up a bit, shall we?
I’m ready to shake. Lol.
Say you want a sandwich, right this second (it’s okay if you do) what kind would it be?
I’m so glad I get more than five words to answer this one. My favourite things to eat are bread, meat and cheese. Needless-to-say, many different sandwiches use these ingredients. Right this second, I’d go for an Italian Sub.
You’re craving popcorn, which would be your choice? Movie Theatre, Microwave or the time consuming stove top method.
Give me lots of butter and salt. Lol. Movie theatre all the way. Full disclosure: I don’t cook, although in another life I’m pretty sure I was a rancher who preferred the stove top method.
Let’s say you’ve been abducted by aliens, and they will allow you to bring two books with you, what would they be and why?
Lover Revealed by JR Ward and Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh. I love these books and could read them over and over.
I’ll have to look those up!
But wait, you can also take one more important item with you (for fun let’s say it can’t be any bigger than a loaf of bread) what would it be?
My Kindle! Over 300 books, I’ll never be bored. But to be fair, I’d take my husband first choice, but he’s taller than a loaf of bread.
A Kindle, interesting, I’d grab my laptop and hope they have free Wi-Fi lol.
So, where do you get your inspiration for your novels from?
I think I find inspiration in everything. I just want to tell stories and I try to incorporate all my experiences and life choices into the equation. I try to take quirks from my own life and put them into my stories.
How did you name your characters? I’ve heard of a million little tips and tricks people use, so what’s yours?
All hail www.babynamesworld.com . J All the names I used in Ruined are from that website. I have this thing where I can’t name characters the same name as people who I know in real life.
Great minds think alike! I use baby-naming sights too!
Where do you see yourself as an Author in five years?
I hope to have a solid backlist in five years. I’m going to give it my all and keep writing, even on the days I want to throw the covers over my head.
If you could pick movie stars to play the characters of Ruined in a movie, who would they be?
I think Ashley Greene would play a great Jessa. Ashley Greene plays Alice Cullen in Twilight. Jessa isn’t really like Alice, but Ashley’s looks are spot on and I believe she’d easily be able to embody the role of a Healer.
Mmm Twilight. I’m not going to lie, I’m a lover of them sparkling Vamps.
I think I’d pick Joe Manganiello for Vale. Or as most people probably know him, Alcide from True Blood. I’ve seen him in a lot of different roles, and I think he’d bring Vale to life, even if he doesn’t have Vale’s blue eyes.
I think Eric from True Blood would play a compelling Andre, but part of that is probably that I just want to meet him in real life. Lol.
Okay, I seriously think I need to get on the True Blood wagon, cause I had to do an IMBD look up to figure out who these guys are.
Can you give us a teaser from the Ruined? You know something that will hook and send everyone out to go buy the book right this second.
Ruined is a passionate love story about a man struggling to come to terms with ruling a kingdom and a Healer who intrigues him from the first moment he sees her. The story has self-motivated characters who will do anything to take Vale’s throne and keep him and Jessa apart. I like to think of it as an escape to a fantasy realm, but hopefully you’ll recognize a few of the characters from your own lives: the seductress, the teacher, the mentor, the friend.
Wow, that does sound awesome, nice job. Alright people, please wait until the end of the interview before to get your copy of Ruined. Don’t leave yet! Even though I know you want to.
The Ruined cover art is amazing, I know most of the time the Author has little say in covers, but did you have a hand in making is so intriguing?
I love the cover! Patricia Schmitt did an amazing job. I filled out a form with a vague idea of a castle and a man, but in all honesty, the cover is exactly what I had in mind, but ten times better.
Finally, do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring authors? Maybe a lesson that you’ve learned that you’d like to share.
I would say to keep learning the craft and keep pressing forward. There are people out there who won’t like your writing, and they’re more than happy to tell you so. But believe in yourself and your ability. If you stop writing, they win.
Thanks for stopping by Kinley, and do stick around awhile in case anyone has questions for ya!
I know you’re all eager to get to the contest part, but let’s learn just a bit more about today’s author, shall we?
Kinley Baker read her first romance novel at the age of thirteen and immediately fell in love with the hero and the genre. She lives with her husband and her dog, Joker, in the Pacific Northwest. As a firm supporter of all supernatural lifestyles, she writes fantasy romance, paranormal romance, and urban fantasy. You can find Kinley at www.kinleybaker.com.
Okay, so here’s the fun part, one lucky commenter will win a free E-Book of Ruined! Did I mention it’s free? Cause that’s the best part, all you have to do is comment.
Well, okay, there is one small catch. You must first answer the super hard, mind challenging skill testing question in order to be entered to win. What giveaway wouldn’t be complete with an almost impossible question that only a select few will know the answer to. Okay, are you ready for it? In order to be entered to win Kinley’s book Ruined, you have to give us the correct answer to this question:
What kind of sandwich did Kinley want at the time of the interview? I know it’s a toughie, but think really hard and I’m sure you’ll get it.
Just post your answer below (and follow my blog and Kinley's cause you know you want to!) along with your e-mail address and Kinley will draw one lucky winner!
14 September 2011 at 05:45
She wanted an Italian sub. :^)
I enjoyed the interview. Nice to get to know other CMP authors.
14 September 2011 at 07:19
Thank you for visiting today, Penelope! Nice to see another CMP author here :-)
I just realized that while I did love Butch's story by JR Ward in Lover Revealed, I meant Lover Awakened, Z's story, for what I would take to the aliens. That's the story I've re-read 10 times and it still makes me cry :-) The good kind of cry.
14 September 2011 at 07:49
I love your words of wisdom!!! Pressing forward is sooo important. Even when you hit obstacles. :)
Write on, my friend!!!!
14 September 2011 at 08:17
Thank you, Lynn! I try to remind myself of those words on a daily basis. Sometimes it's tough :-)
14 September 2011 at 09:41
Hi Kinley. **waving**
Congratulations on your book. It sounds fabulous. Can't wait to load it on my Kindle. Avery was tough, giving you only five word answers, I'm not sure I could do it. Your cover is fabulous, you must be so proud.
Jean Murray
14 September 2011 at 10:18
Hi Jean! The five word answers were the toughest. But also fun :-) Thank you for the support of Ruined, and I'm glad you like the cover!
14 September 2011 at 10:22
Italian sub! My favorite! But I get pizza sauce added. Yummm!! :)
14 September 2011 at 10:33
Wow, Danielle! I might have to try this pizza sauce on an Italian Sub idea. That sounds genius. Thanks for stopping by today!
14 September 2011 at 10:39
Kinley would love an Italian Sub. We always order them with oil and vinegar (maybe it's a New England/Italian thing). Love your book cover, it's to drool for. Can't wait to read it!
14 September 2011 at 10:49
Thank you for visiting today, Casey! I'm so glad you love the cover, and I hope you enjoy the story!
14 September 2011 at 11:03
Great interview. I also would like to meet Eric aka, Alexander. Alcide's not bad either. ;)
14 September 2011 at 12:04
Thanks, Brinda! Agreed. Although I do feel a little bad for leaving out Bill. He's attractive, too. I have to get use to thinking of Eric as Alexander. He has new movies coming out. I'm almost as excited as my sister-in-law. Lol.
14 September 2011 at 12:37
Hi Kinley -
Greatt interview...
And now I want an italian sub!!! LOL
Good luck with the book!!! It sounds fabulous!!!
Lisa :)
14 September 2011 at 12:42
Congrats! Great interview. Alexander is SO fine. Makes me sigh every time he comes on screen.
14 September 2011 at 12:49
Thanks for Showing Kinley some love, you guys are awesome-sauce!
Now let's keep it up!
14 September 2011 at 13:09
Kinley was craving an Italian Sub.
Fun questions and answers! Congrats on the release of RUINED, Kinley. It sounds sooo good.
jenalang(at)live(dot)com
14 September 2011 at 13:18
Thanks, Lisa! I want an Italian Sub now, too. Lol! I appreciate the well wishes! :-)
14 September 2011 at 13:21
Thank you, Jenn! Couldn't agree more about sigh worthy Alexander. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview!
14 September 2011 at 13:24
Thanks for letting me visit today, Avery! This is fun :-)
14 September 2011 at 13:25
Thank you, Jena! I'm so glad Ruined looks like a good story :-)
14 September 2011 at 13:47
I came by just to wave to Kinley and Avery =) *waves*
PS: I already have a copy of Ruined, yay!
14 September 2011 at 14:01
@Juliana
*Waves* Thanks for stopping by! I really appreciate your show of support :)
14 September 2011 at 14:05
Thanks for visiting, Juliana! I hope you enjoy your copy of Ruined :-)
14 September 2011 at 14:13
An italian Sub! :) Great interview guys!
14 September 2011 at 14:26
Thanks, Tara! Avery asked really great questions :-)
14 September 2011 at 15:37
I like your questions Avery. BTW-Kinley my favorite sub is an Italian. Now I REALLY want one. Drat! :) I already have a copy of Ruined. :)
14 September 2011 at 15:40
Awesome interview, Kinley! Great choices on your movie cast. I'd so go see it! ;-) I'm so happy for Alexander that he has movies coming up too! How exciting! :-D
I'd prefer a sweet onion chicken teriyaki sub. But yeah... now I want a sub too. LOL
14 September 2011 at 15:53
Italian sub for the win!
14 September 2011 at 16:01
B had some technically difficulties putting in her info lol and dropped me an e-mail.
So, B is now known as Barb lol
Thanks for dropping by!
14 September 2011 at 16:46
Kinley,
You so wanted an Italian sub.
Great interview...five words or less is tough! Loved learning more about you.
And now, I'm craving...tacos. Yep, I'm the oddball in the bunch!
14 September 2011 at 17:23
Can husbands enter to win? Cause I too could eat an italian sub right now.
14 September 2011 at 19:17
Hi Ciara! I think we made everyone hungry today. Lol. I hope you enjoy Ruined!
14 September 2011 at 19:18
I'm glad you'll go see the movie with my cast, Sarah! Lol. I'll get right on that ;-)
14 September 2011 at 19:19
Thank you for participating in the contest, Barb!
14 September 2011 at 19:21
Hi Renee! Thanks for stopping by today. Five words or less was tough. It was fun to figure it out though!
14 September 2011 at 19:26
Husbands are welcome to enter, Daniel!
14 September 2011 at 19:29
What a fun interview! I'm glad my fellow bloggers pointed me this way to check it out. Ruined has a great cover, too! I hope there are more interviews in the future.
**** she wanted an ITALIAN SUB *** am I too late for the contest?? :)
14 September 2011 at 19:35
Way to go husband of mine! Thanks for the support lol
Avery
14 September 2011 at 19:37
You're not too late to enter the contest, Steven! We're glad you found your way here, too. Enjoying the interview and liking the cover is a great bonus :-)
14 September 2011 at 20:22
14 September 2011 at 20:23
Hi Kinley and Avery!
Ruined is an excellent read, Vale and Jessa are a perfect match! I don't know about Eric as Andre though, Andre strikes me as way crazier and I hate to say this, but more devious than Eric Northman (I didn't think anyone could be more devious than the Viking!!) LOL But, I have yet to see Straw Dogs (where Alex Skarsgard plays an even creepier character...he may work out as Andre after all...)
Great interview! (Congrats to both on being a first!) No need to enter me...
Dottie :)
14 September 2011 at 20:58
I'm glad you liked Ruined, Dottie! That's great you think Vale and Jessa are perfect matches. I was definitely thinking of Alex Skarsgard in his new, even creepier movie role in Straw Dogs. He's pretty scary in the previews.
Thank you for visiting today!