Amanda, who posted her guest review of Strange Neighbors earlier today is back with an interview with Ashlyn Chase!
Tell us a little about yourself.
That’s one of the toughest question to answer. I usually just tell people I’m like an Almond Joy bar. A little nutty, a little flaky, but basically sweet, wanting only to give my readers a pleasurable, leisure time, reading experience.
Was it a huge jump to go from writing academic articles and thesis’ to writing fiction?
There was a step in between, thank goodness. I took a course in screenwriting while I was still working as a nurse. It taught me about inciting incidents, plot points, plot twists, black moments (what they call the final battle) and resolutions. In screenwriting a happily ever after ending isn’t necessary. But I’m glad I found the romance genre, where it is.
Are you excited about having your first mainstream romance novel in print?
Excited is an understatement. More like over the moon!
How different is Strange Neighbors to the ebooks that you have been known for?
It’s not that different, just longer. Most of my ebooks are a little hotter. I’ve written contemporary romantic comedy as well as paranormal, but I love paranormal best, where anything is possible.
All going to plan how many books would you like to have in the Strange Neighbors series?
It’s been contracted for three. Next up is The Werewolf Upstairs, then The Vampire Next Door.
How did the idea of Strange Neighbors come to you?
I was chatting with one of my current suburban neighbors about my time living in the city. She had some similar experiences, even though she lived elsewhere. When I mentioned the idea of the story to my friend who owns a bookstore, she brainstormed with me until I had most of my characters. The characters took it from there. They told me their stories and I wrote them down.
Any exciting plans for the release day?
My husband usually takes me out to dinner to celebrate. No time for more than that though. I have to edit novel #2 and write #3! After that I have an idea for another series!
Which do you prefer to write Erotic Romances or more Mainstream Romance?
Mainstream. Erotic romance keeps upping the ante and getting hotter and hotter. Sometimes I feel pushed past my comfort level.
Having your book catch the eye of a Hollywood Producer must have been awesome! Do you see Strange Neighbors making it to the screen sort of like a Buffy meets Friends?
I would love that. It could easily become a mini-series or movie with sequels. Since anyone who moves into Apartment 1B hooks up with their true love, it could be several romantic comedies and go on and on.
Visit Ashlyn’s website HERE.
Thanks Ashlyn and Amanda!
Sourcebooks is offering up TWO copies of Strange Neighbors. To enter, leave a comment or question for Ashlyn.
Open to US/Canada. Contest will run through Saturday June 5th. Please make sure you leave an email address if it is not located in your profile.
I hate posting first! LOL! Sounds like a fun read. :D So do you consider your self a panster or a plotter? Or some "Strange" hybrid?
This sounds so good. I'm glad it's going to be a series. I'm really looking forward to reading it.
forwhlz at gmail dot com
I'm intrigued by this one, sounds like a wonderful book that I would enjoy quite a bit. Thanks for the giveaway.
fforgnayr@yahoo.com
Sounds good! I love the "Buffy meets Friends" reference. Like Sandy Jay, I am glad it is going to be a series. I love to "see" my favorite characters in other books.
email in profile
I have seen this book alot around the blog world lately. I would love to read it. Sounds great!!
I have been reading really good things about your book recently. Thanks for sharing today and I look forward to getting the chance to read it soon.
Thanks!
After peeking at Mandi's fabulous review, I can't wait to read this one. Sounds like another hit for you Ashlyn, and the start of a very fun series.
caity_mack at yahoo dot com
Great interview and thanks for sharing. The book review sounds great. Can't wait to read.
Ash ur work is wel awesome as always awesome interview cnatw ia t to rea dthis book sounds fun
This sounds great, I would love to read it.
misusedinnocence@aol.com
Strange Neighbors sounds like a fun book, thank you for the giveaway!
van
Littopandaxpress(at)yahoo(dot)com
What a fun book! Great interview. I almost want to talk to that friend of hers! :)
This books sounds like a lot of fun. I like how two of the other 'neighborhs' will each get their own book in books 2 and 3. I will definately be on the look out for this series.
Nice interview!
Nice interview ladies. I look forward to reading this book ;)
I've been trailing after you during this blog book tour *grin*…I can't wait to read this book…it sounds fantastic!
*hugs*
Anna
s7anna@yahoo.ca
Sound like a fun read :)
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
I like mainstream romance better too. When books get too erotic not only can they be uncomfortable, but I think plot and story can get lost in all the breathing ;)
This sounds like such a fun story! Looking forward to reading it.
Oh, and Pick me! Pick me! Pick me! Please. =)
Awesome interview and I love reading humorous romances.
lilazncutie1215 @ yahoo.com
The cover is quite unique! And to find that you rated it 5 out of 5? I'm sold!
Sorry, the anonymous was me. I couldn't get my name/info to come up earlier.
-Tabz
Please enter me for this one. You are a new to me author and I love finding them. Strange Neighbors looks really great.
I follow on gfc
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
I was wondering what your specialty was when you were a nurse and do you think the profession helps you in your writing.
The book sounds great, I'd love to get a copy.
This book sounds really interesting, I would love to read it.
seriousreader at live dot com
The books sounds cute and the cover is too!
jax1204[at]gmail[dot]com
This sounds like a good read, which is something that I am always looking for. Thanks!
Looks like such a fun book to read can't wait to get my hands on this.
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
Sounds like a great read!
I liked the interview, I can't wait to read the book.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com