I am happy to have debut author Ellen Keener at Smexy today talking about her book, Blood Moon.
Who is Ellen Keener? Give us the low down.
Let’s see… I’m 27, a slave to one cat, who teaches technology education in rural Virginia. I write anytime I’m not teaching/grading/writing lesson plans. I love to travel, and travel often inspires new storylines. I also love to cook (which suits my roomate just fine!) and to read and watch movies. I’m a dork of the highest degree. Don’t believe me? I took an entire class on nothing but Hamlet and LOVED it. Explains a lot, doesn’t it? Right now I’m trying to plan and save for a dream trip to the UK.
Blood Moon is your debut book. Tell us about your journey to publication.
My journey took awhile. I’ve written as long as I can remember. The first thing I ever wrote and won something with was an essay. It won me the opportunity to eat breakfast with Norman Bridwell. (The guy who wrote Clifford the Big Red Dog.) I was in Kindergarten. It was FANTASTIC. After that, I wrote, but it didn’t win me anything else. In college I sort of gave it up. Too many other papers and such, I suppose. Then I picked up the original version of Blood Moon a few years ago, after spending a year messing with old stories and starting new ones, and decided I had to finished *something* and Blood Moon was it. I found a great critique group, and just when I had given up, Decadent surprised me and accepted the story!
Lukas and Aria are both stubborn, in-charge wolves. They are reunited lovers, after both thinking the other was dead. Did their relationship present a challenge to write?
Portions of it, yes. There were times when the two of them did things I didn’t like. But for the most part, it wasn’t too bad. I think the part that was hardest was deciding if Aria gave in too easily.
My favorite character in the book is Thaddeus. Did he surprise you in any way? Do you have any plans to revisit this world and his character?
I love Thaddeus. I know I’m supposed to love the MCs more, but he’s my favorite. He’s got more history built in and more future than many of the important characters. And there are plans to revisit and tell his story. The problem is his future has two paths. One I like, but it would piss off all the readers and my muses like WOAH. I think they’d be ok in the end but still…. The other isn’t bad, it just takes a completely different direction. I’ll have it out with the muse and see who wins. lol.
Yay, more Thaddeus! I’m nervous about his path though! Besides the wolves in your book, do you have a favorite shifter in the PNR world? Who are some of your favorite authors.
I love Katie MacAlister. She is one of the few authors who’s books I always buy. I also enjoy Moning’s Darkfever series. I can’t choose just one shifter though… there’s too many to like!
I read that you love to cook – share some of your favorite things you like to prepare.
Oh man, BREAD. I love bread. I love making it, smelling it, EATING it…. LOL. I also like to make traditional family cookie recipes. Christmastime is the best. I can make a huge mess and no one argues, cause they’re all too busy eating!
Favorite character on television you lust after the most.
Mal from Firefly, Dean from Supernatural. Its a tie. I’ll take either (or both!)
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what is the one book and one song on your ipod you must have with you?
Oh man. That’s tough. Probably The Corset Diaries by Katie MacAlister, (Or Jane Eyre) and So She Dances by Josh Groban.
What is up next for you?
Well, I’m working on my YA stories (under another name) and Thaddeus’ story and a horror romance for the adult market. Just a few things, you know?
Thanks so much Ellen!
Ellen has offered an E-Book of Blood Moon to one lucky commenter. To enter, just leave a comment. Contest open to everyone through November 13th.
The book sounds really interesting (especially after reading Mandi's review this morning)! I love reading about shifters and look forward to reading Blood Moon.
Great interview. I already have this book on my "to get" list after reading Mandi's review earlier. Thanks!
Thanks ladies! I'm glad you liked the interview and I hope you enjoy the book! :)
Thanks ladies! I'm glad you liked the interview and I hope you enjoy the book! :)
This book looks great. I love that Aria does not immediately fall back into Lukas's arms and keeps in mind that their relationship is not safe. I love that they have to restart with their relationship while still holding on to their old feelings.
Thanks for the giveaway.
smccar1 at hotmail dot com
Thanks for the giveaway!
At what age did you know you wanted to be a writer?
lucybeugelingramos@gmail.com
This sounds like a very interesting book and I love shifters. Would love to win a copy. Thanks for the opportunity.
lynnflagler@yahoo.com
Great interview! I vote for Dean to lust after. ;D
I love your persistence to become a published writer!
Thank you to make this international.
gpmargial(at)alice(dot)it
Blood Moon sounds like a really good book. I would love to win a copy!
I'm very interested in meeting this Thaddeus guy. Great interview and thanks for the giveaway.
Jen D.
jend(AT)notnowimreading(DOT)com
Congrats on your debut book!
I enjoyed the interview.
kissinoak at frontier dot com
I'm always up for a good book about shifters. They are my favorite paranormals. I'm with you, I love bread – if only I didn't, I'd be much better off on my diet.
jen(at)delux(dot)com
Your debut book sounds like a winner and I can't wait to read it.
sstrode@scrtc.com
Oh wow, a whole class on HAMLET – you are very brave!
Thank you for the giveaway :)
~Chrizette
baychriz at gmail dot com
Lovely interview Ellen & Mandi – thank you! I do like the sound of Blood Moon – I love heroines that go on emotional journeys :)
All the best for the release!
Thanks everyone for stopping by and leaving a note – its great to hear from all of you!
Lucy – Kindergarten. I was little, but I wrote and read anything that didn't read me first. There's a picture that my Mom shows everyone of me at like 4 reading a book to my Halloween pumpkin.
Janna – Isn't he just to die for! :) And thank you.
Jen D – I know you're supposed to love your MCs, but Thaddeus is just so much fun, its hard not to let him steal the scene!
Jen M – You and me both!
Chrizette – Fantastic name, BTW. Crazy, maybe. Brave? If you say so…. ;)
Thanks again everyone, and I hope you all enjoy the book. Have a great day!
Thanks everyone for stopping by and leaving a note – its great to hear from all of you!
Lucy – Kindergarten. I was little, but I wrote and read anything that didn't read me first. There's a picture that my Mom shows everyone of me at like 4 reading a book to my Halloween pumpkin.
Janna – Isn't he just to die for! :) And thank you.
Jen D – I know you're supposed to love your MCs, but Thaddeus is just so much fun, its hard not to let him steal the scene!
Jen M – You and me both!
Chrizette – Fantastic name, BTW. Crazy, maybe. Brave? If you say so…. ;)
Thanks again everyone, and I hope you all enjoy the book. Have a great day!
Congrats on your first book, Ellen! It sounds like a great one :-)
smaccall @ comcast.net
Congratulations on getting your first book published! I am a carb-a-holic too. Love bread in any form! lol.
I've included your giveaway in my Crazy Contest Sentence for today.
Miranda ~ Sweet Vernal Zephyr Reviews
mdwartistry at yahoo dot com
This sounds interesting! I love hearing about new books.
I really liked reading about Ellen's journey to publication – I love how it's different for every author, and it gives people more encouragement to never give up – you never know when someone is about to accept your book!
~Ailsa
Man, all these great interviews and even better books & authors! I already spent my book budget for the year (yes, I am that much of a book junkie). xmas better get here soon…
This book sounds really interesting, but you two talked Thaddeus up so much, now I really am wondering….
(Please enter me in the contest, too :D)
vickykerr@sbcglobal.net
I love shifters and enjoyed your first chapter posted on Renee's blog. Looking forward to reading this.
linze_e at hotmail.com
I love reading about shifters and look forward to reading Blood Moon.
raluk.93 at gmail (dot) com
Great Interview! I look forward to reading Blood Moon which is not on my TBR list. Can't wait!
walarsha(at)gmail(dot)com
Enjoyed the interview. Read the review of this book and it sounds awesome. Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you!