Hi Nalini and welcome to Smexy Books! For those who may not know much about you, give us a little background about yourself.
I live in gorgeous New Zealand, and write the Psy/Changeling and Guild Hunter series for Berkley Sensation. I’m also addicted to chocolate and travel.
For excerpts, behind-the-scenes info, and free short stories, check out my website: www.nalinisingh.com
In your newest Psy-Changeling novel, Kiss Of Snow, you match a rather young Psy, Sienna who is 19, with a much older and very dominant Alpha, Hawke. What brought this May-December romance to light?
The instant, the instant, these two appeared on the page together, that was it. The intensity of the response they incited in one another, even if it was anger and frustration, was palpable, and I knew it was the start of an explosive, compelling, and perhaps painful emotional journey.
The age difference was daunting, but trying to force them into relationships with more “suitable” people just wouldn’t have worked. It was always going to be Hawke and Sienna.
The character guide at the beginning of the book is a great reference now that so many characters fill your world. Is it challenging coming up with names? Do you have a process you go through when you choose a new name, or do they just pop in your head?
It depends on the character – sometimes, the name appears with the character, while other times, it may take me days to find the right name. I’d rather write with a placeholder than use the wrong name in a manuscript. Often, I get the feeling that I ‘know’ the name already…I just have to find it. When I do, it clicks into place.
The one thing that I have learned to do as the series progresses it to keep an alphabetical list of all the names – this stops me from ending up with two names that sound similar.
Here at Smexy, we have been following the Ghost like a “Hawke”(we crack ourselves up). We’ve got to know. When will we see who Ghost is? Can you give us a hint?
My lips are zipped. However, I think you’ll see more of the Ghost in the next Psy/Changeling book, so you’ll have more material to work with re the rebel’s identity.
If Hawke opened a Twitter account, what would be his first tweet?
Hawke definitely falls outside the Twitter demographic – I believe the words “I’d rather gnaw off my own foot” might be used if he was asked to set up an account. Drew on the other hand, yes, he might just do it.
Walker and Lauren get their own very smexy romance in this one. Will we be seeing more of these side-story romances in future books?
Yes, that’s a strong possibility – however, it all depends on the needs of the particular story. I’m also considering writing a novella featuring Walker and Lara, though that hasn’t yet been finalized.
How do you celebrate release days? Anything special planned for the day Kiss of Snow comes out?
I’m actually going to be on book tour when Kiss of Snow releases, and at an event with readers, which I think is fantastic!
Your next Guild book, Archangel’s Blade will be Dmitri’s story. How did it feel not writing with Raphael and Elena as central characters? Is Dmitri surprising you in any way?
I think it was the right time to write this story. Elena and Raphael were in a good place at the end of ARCHANGEL’S CONSORT, and so it didn’t feel as if I was leaving them abruptly. And we do see them in ARCHANGEL’S BLADE – Dmitri’s book is part of the overall continuity of the series.
As for Dmitri – I’ve always known there are depths to him that weren’t revealed in books one through three. I also knew something very specific about his past that has always given me a unique perspective on him – when that past is revealed in his book, I think it may have the same effect on readers.
Who do we see from your series in your upcoming anthology-Angels of Darkness?
Currently titled Angel’s Wolf, the novella features Noel, the vampire who was brutally tortured in ARCHANGEL’S KISS, and an angel who was fleetingly mentioned in ARCHANGEL’S CONSORT – Nimra. The setting is Nimra’s Louisiana home, gracious, lush and beautiful…and full of deadly secrets.
Every Friday on your blog, you do your Friday Book Club, where you ask readers to tell you what books they are loving at the moment. What are some of your favorite books?
I have so many favorites across so many different genres! Here are just some of the books I adore:
The In Death series by JD Robb, A Secret Love by Stephanie Laurens (I absolutely melt over the declaration of love in this book), Dangerous by Amanda Quick, The Time is Short by Nerina Hilliard, The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook (a new favorite), Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern series, Mercedes Lackey’s Heralds of Valdemar books, Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson books, Ilona Andrews’ two series, and…I could just go on and on!
Thanks Nalini for being here today!
Thanks for having me. =)
We happen to have a brand new copy of Kiss of Snow to giveaway today!
Contest is open to everyone (international) through May 29th. Just leave a comment to enter.
GREAT INTERVIEW! Thanks so much… I love the questions (Hawke and Twitter – NOT going to happen!) Ms. Singh is one of my absolute favorite authors and I enjoyed this interview. Thanks Mandi!
Whoa, pick me!!!
Thanks for international giveaway Mandi! :D Love the interview, so many info that Nalini told us ;)
Wondering, what if Raphael or any other Seven have their own Twitter account. What will they tweet first? :P
Great interview. I absolutely adore The Guild Hunter series and Nalini’s writing! I need to get on the ball and get back to reading the Psy/Changeling series.
I enjoyed the interview, lots of interesting info. I would love to win a copy of Kiss of Snow and thank you for the contest.
i think one reason the Psy/Changeling series is so popular is a main H/H romance is resolved in each one-at least thats a huge reason its my fave Paranormal series! im SUCH a fangirl, am so excited for Hawke and Sienne’s story, as well as Dmitri’s…and basically any other character she’s ever written, haha, all of Raphael’s 7 are intriguing to me! thanks for the interview and giveaway!
whoa i luv luv all nalini’s books.Please can i have the book??? Good luck you all.
Whoa, great interview! Singh is amazing! PICK ME, PICK ME! lol
Hawke is probably my favourite of this series!! I can’t wait to get my hands on this book! And that twttier question was great! Nice job, Mandi!!
Thanks for the interview and giveaway :)
I have loved seeing the snippets of Hawke and Sienna through the series and am excited to see the resolution of their relationship. Nalini’s stories and worlds are so engaging and she is definitely an autobuy for me!
I Cannot wait for the new book to hit the shelves. I have heard so many great things about it. Congrats and best of luck!
yay, love Nalini! Thank you for an awesome giveaway! :)
Yeah contest. I am so looking forward to this book, finally Hawke and Sienna’s story. awesome interview.
Great interview. LOL over Hawke’s response to Twitter! :)
Count me in! 4 days and counting!
Love, Love, Love all her books. Why couldn’t KOS have been released before the 3 day weekend!???
Thanks for the interview. I adore the Guild Hunter series and have read a little of the psy-changeling series. Sounds like I need to catch up quick! I would love to win a copy of Kiss of Snow. Thanks!
Great interview! NS is an amazing author, congrats on your new Bk I’m sure it will be a huge success! I can’t wait!
Fantastic interview! I’m so bummed that Nalini will be only a short 3 hr drive away on release day doing a signing and I can’t get there! :(
I just love the Psy/Changeling series! I would love the get Kiss of Snow. Thanks for the contest.
Loved the interview, great questions!
Thanks for the giveaway =)
As i’m also an avid reader of the series and I knew Sienna was young but her age never really sunk in with me until now. She’s just such a match for Hawke in spirit and inteligence :D Great interview and I wouldn’t mind twittering it up with Drew ;)
Terrific interview. I absolutely LOVE Nalini!! Thanks for the giveaway! Can’t wait to win *crosses fingers* Lol
Thanks for the interview, review and giveaway. Count me in, please.
Great Interview. I am looking forward to this one very much. I love the psy/changeling series.
i love nalini and all her books :) I can’t wait till KoS comes out! I can’t believe it’s so close!
Fab interview, I’ve actually taken the day off to read KoS and told my boss I have a long standing appointment which is actually completely true as I’ve been wanting to read Hawke’s story for ages!
Thank you so much for a great interview, I have been waiting for this book since I read book 1, slave to sensation – they WERE meant to be together – read book 1 – it starts there.
Great interview,I am a late starter finding Nalini Singh’s books but I am catching up fast !
Thank you for making the giveaway international.
Great interview and thanks for the giveaway!
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
Fantastic interview. I absolutely can’t wait for Kiss of Snow. I would so love to win a copy of this book.
Thanks for a great interview. I adore Nalini Singh. Her books always deliver. . .so I’m definitely excited to read this installment in the Psych/Changeling series. I’m also looking to September so I can get my greedy hands on Dimi. . .(I mean) Archangel’s Blade.
Fantastic interview, I can’t wait to read Kiss of Snow. I would absolutely love to win a copy of this book.
Great interview. I actually get to meet her at the Readers event she is speaking of, here in Dallas coming up the second weekend of June. I am so excited!
Nice interview. Both of her series sound really great.
Great interview. I would love to get a copy of this book! Thanks!
Great interview and thanks for the giveaway, i’m dreaming about KOS for months now :)
I am very excited about Kiss of Snow and I am frustrated that it isn’t out until August in the UK!
I am dyyyyying to read Hawke and Sienna’s story!
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Great interview. I am new to Nalini’s books and have heard so many great things about them. I find Sienna and Hawke’s age difference quite interesting and look forward to seeing how their story plays out.
Open to all, for real?! YAY. Of course I am entering. I am dying to see how they work out, I mean he did loose his true mate long ago. Exciting :D
Great interview! I would love to win a copy of this book :)
varuca25(at)gmail(dot)com
Fantastic interview, I can’t wait to read Kiss of Snow. I would absolutely love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
I want the Hawke! Love this series, and hope to see more about the Ghost, Nikita and the plot in the few books. Happy we will be getting Dimitri’s story, too, one I’ve been interested in, and hope to see more of Janvier, too.
What a nice interview! Don’t enter me, the book has already been pre-ordered months ago ofcourse. Now, if it was autograhped, that would be a different thing ;)
Good to know there are many more stories coming, in both worlds.
Great interview. Got more insight into the series. Looking forward to Kiss of Snow and Archangels’ Blade. I think I’m gonna hyperventilate. By far my favourite author.
I read the Smexy review and I’m glad it can be read as a stand alone story. I haven’t started this series yet but I’ve noticed all of the buzz surrounding this book. Thank you for the great giveaway. I would love to read this book.
I love this series!!!! Can’t wait to read Hawkes book.
Oh. My. God! I love Hawke and Sienna, they are such a couple! I´m writing from Germany and I would really like to win this arc. I´ve searched everywhere but had no luck to win. There are lots of good writers but Nalini Singh is really the best and this book is…wow. From the start on anticipated. Can´t wait any longer for this alpha male! Could you please end this torture? Pretty please with a cherry on top!
Great interview. I love this series and cannot wait to read their story. Thanks for the giveaway.
smccar1 at hotmail dot com
Can’t wait for this book! Great interview!
Thanks for the great interview from one of my very favorite authors. Can’t wait til Tuesday and am really looking forward to Archangels Blade too!!
I have read nothing but GREAT reviews for this book, and would love to read it!
I’ve been reading this series since book 1, I love all NS’s books but this couple, their potential, the anticipation…Oh my!
Super, super excited to read about Hawke and Sienna!! I’ve been waiting for this since the beginning! :)
I feel like I have been waiting forever for this book to come out. I am so excited the wait is almost over. Bring on Ghost!
Ah, I just looooove Nalini Singh´s book! They´re just the best and although I´m a tiny little bit more into the Guild Hunter Series, I just can´t wait for Hawke´s book to finally come out!
Such a great interview! Nalini Singh’s series are just perfect. I can’t wait for Kiss of Snow! I cannot choose between the series and i’m sure Archangel’s blade will be great. Right now i’m focused on Hawke’s book!
Great interview.Thanks for the chance to win a copy of this book.
*squee* can’t wait for this book to be released!! :D Awesome interview!! (I’d totally set up a twitter account just to be able to follow drew ;P )
I have never read a book of this series, but I would like to win a copy of it.
I’m so looking forward to this book. I’ve got an ebook pre-ordered, but winning a paper copy would be great.
Great interview! I love both of Nalini’s series. I can’t wait to hear more about the Ghost!
Love Nalini Singh’s books! Love to win a copy of the latest!
Thanks for the great interview!
I’d really love to get the arc:)
Enter me please. Great Interview. Can’t wait for the release date!
Loved this interview! Nalini Singh’s GUILD HUNTER series is one of my favourite urban fantasy series, so I would be really excited to deep my feet into her PSY/CHANGELING series. Good interview :)
Great interview. Love all of Nalini’s books. Can’t wait to read KOS.
What a GREAT interview. I love these questions!
great interview – am looking forward to reading KoS
Thanks for an awesome interview. Count me in for the contest!
great interview!!! i’m dying to read this book!!! would love to win it!!!
Excellent interview – it’s always nice to hear different aspects of Nalini’s writing process! Now if only May 31st would come sooner!
This is a great interview, I’m looking forward to both of these books!
Thanks for the contest!
I enjoyed the interview and I love the chance to win a copy of Kiss of Snow.
Barbed1951 at aol dot com
I am so ready to read this book. Release date is my birthday and I also don’t go to work. yeah!
Can’t wait for KoS – have begun re-reading all the psy/changeling books in preperation!
Great interview! Lots of interesting tidbits to ponder. :)
And I’ll love to be entered into the contest. Thanks!
I love the Psy-Changling series. I am so glad I picked up and read Slave to Sensation. Don’t even remember where I got it. Can not wait for Hawke and Sienna to finally realize they belong together, even though everyone else knows.
Continued success with the this series and all the other seies you are writing.
Elizabeth
I really enjoyed the interview and I can’t wait to read the book.
Thank you for the interview! Because Kiss of Snow is coming up (next week!) soon, I’m following all of Nalini Singh’s interviews and blog posts. This interview definitely gave me an insight on what’s happening in the book and what’s coming up new. Excited for all the up coming releases!
I love Nalini’s books! I can’t wait to read about Hawke and Sienna.
can’t wait for Kiss of Snow!
Congratulations Nalini on your upcoming release; your books are wonderful and keep us all up at night trying to read as fast as we can to get trough it. Both your series are winners for me and many others!
And gosh, Nalini’s killing me with the Ghost! I have my thoughts on who he is but I’m still waiting on pins and needles for the reveal.
LOL at what Hawke would think about Twitter. Fits him perfectly.
Oooh, I adored Walker and Lara in Kiss of Snow. Their romance fit perfectly into the storyline. It’d be more than amazing if they also got a novella so I hope it does get finalized.
Please do NOT enter me in the giveaway. I’ll be buying her book while she’s on tour. :)
((KALEB)) *slurp*
Great Interview, am very excited for Kiss of Snow :)
A friend turned me on to this series a while back and I’ve thanked her every day since. I cannot wait to see how the next glimpse of this wonderful world unfolds.
Great interview! Thanks. Cant wait for KoS (and also Dmitris book!) :P
Can. Not. WAIT for Kiss of Snow! Please enter me in the giveaway.
Ohh I’ve been waiting for this release :)
So excited for this!…please enter me in the giveaway
What a wonderful interview. I’m glad I had a chance to read it. Thank you. :)
I didn’t think it was possible to be even more excited for Nalini’s upcoming books and novella, but I am-Thanks!
Great Interview! I’m so looking forward to the 31st. Can’t wait for Hawke’s story.\Thanks for doing an international contests!
Cannot wait for this book to come out!
I love this series and all the characters. Can’t wait to read K.O.S
Great giveaway! Count me in :)
quixoticdreamer(at)hotmail(dot)com
Aww, great interview! I’m super excited for Kiss of Snow and the upcoming Guild novella and novel. =D
Counting down until Tuesday for the KoS release!
Great interview,I really enjoyed it! I love hearing from authors that I love!
Yaay,I am SO excited for this book,and it’s only a few more days away! Wonderful interview and thank you for the giveway!
Great interview ladies! Please throw me into the drawing,I cannot wait for this book and more of Hawk!
I love this series and I cannot wait until May 31st. Terrific giveaway.
Great interview. Cant wait to read it.!! Thanks for the chance!
Great interview! Aside from dying to read about Hawke and Sienna, I’ve always been intrigued by Walker. It will be great to have more insight into the Lauren family. And the Ghost…I hope it turns out to be Kaleb…he’s so deliciously mysterious!
Thanks for hosting the giveaway…you guys rock!!!!
thanks you for having this giveaway!
I’m soooo looking forward to KOS! Wolf’s HEA has been a long time in coming.
I am totally obsessed with Ms. Singh’s Kiss of Snow,i am on her web site every chance i get just to get a new quote from the book.iI dont even want to read anything else until i read this book so please pick me.
Hrrr…. Since I can’t afford to buy the hardcover I’ll just have to try to win it here :))
Well! I can try… maybe with a bit luck…
A wonderful interview, thanks very much for the giveaway ! (:
I am so looking forward to this book! Thanks for the giveaway! Definitely count me in! :)
Hey…count me in !!!
I can’t wait to read the book…
Thanks for the interview, can’t wait to read the book!
Wow, can’t wait! Nalini is one of my absolutely favourite authors – I’ve read all the books in both series’ at least 5 times each. Would love to win a copy of KoS!
I absolutely cannot wait to get my hand on that book.
Please enter me! I’m looking forward to this book so much.
Thanks for the interview. I can’t wait to read the book!
thank you for the interview and the international giveaway *fingers crossed* can’t wait for KoS
I can’t wait to read this book! Please enter me in the giveaway :)
jwitt33 at live dot com
Wow international giveaway, thank you so much!!
And I would totally follow Drew on twitter!! :)
Great interview, I really enjoyed it and would love nothing more than to get my hands on this book. Thanks so much for the chance, crossing fingers
june111(at)att(dot)net
YAY loved the interview XD By the way I agree wih Nalini’s answer for the 2n question ;p Also I’m so damn happy that this giveaway is international *dancing*
By the way I’m dying to read Kiss of Snow
I appreciate the giveaway(international), thank you so much. I would love to get my hands on the book.
Can’t wait to read this book!
Sigh….
Since discovering this series an d guild hunter series I have become such a fan of Nalini Singh!! I have been waiting so so long for Hawke an Sienna to have their HEA! An yes I would totally love a copy!!!
can’t wait to get my hands on Hawke and Sienna!!!
greetings, Melanie
The long wait finally is over soon….!
KoS here i come…!!!!
I’ve been dying to read this book since the beginning and the wait is almost over. I love this series and wiating until tuesday might kill me. The little teasers about Sienna and Hawk in the other books have just made the waiting that much harder.
I cannot wait to get my hands on this book. Thanks for the contest.
Thank You Guys!!!
I absolutely loved the interview!!!
PLEASE enter me in to win!! I adore this series and I cannot wait ’til it comes out!!! So excited!!!
Have a great one and good luck to everyone!! Sigh if only we could all win… but then who would pay Ms. Nalini for such awesomeness and then be able to have more… hmmm… nope better this way!! HAHA!!
Helen G.
Wonderful interview – I can’t wait until Tuesday!
Please enter me to win, would love a copy of KoS!!
Like everyone else I am absolutely dying to read this book! It’s been a long four years.
I love both series and cannot wait to read Hawke and Sienna’s story!
p.s. “A Secret Love” is my favorite Cynster novel.
So love both the Psi-Changling and the Archangel Guild Series. Can’t wait for both KoS and Archangel’s Blade. I have been a fan of Dmitri so will be interested to read his story. Thanks for hosting the interview and the giveaway.
I love all of Nalini’s books! Can’t wait for kiss of snow and would love to win a copy.Thanx for the contest :)
I’ve so been waiting for this book so long – love Hawk – but I have to admit Dmitri is giving him a run for his money :-D
I LOVE Nalini’s books! Can’t wait to read about that sexy beast, Hawke!
Please enter me in I would love a copy!
I have my copy of KOS preordered & ready for download on Tuesday! I have really been looking forward to this book…I know it will be terrific! I am also excited to learn Dimitri is getting his own book…it should be hot!
Thank you for the chance!
great interview!! I have been waiting for Hawke for sooooo long. Can’t wait!
Hi! i reallllyyyy looove nalini singh’s books!! Can’t wait for kiss of snow!
I rally liked the interview and cant wait for Kiss of snow the series great cant wait for me :D
Thanks so much for the interview!! Can’t wait!! =)
Love your reviews and thanks for the interview and giveaway!
I would love to get the giftaway! Can’t wait to finally read it!! thanks for the interview!!
love the interview! can’t wait until the book I released!
Love the interview. Been wanting to get into this series for a while now. So many good reviews on the book. Oh count me in!!
I cannot wait to get my hands on this book. Thanks for the contest.
Great Interview!
Nalini Singh is a great author. She really creates characters that come to life. I have never been disappointed with her books. Kiss of Snow is going to be one of my favorites.
*I’ll be crossing my fingers to win*
I love this series, but I wouldn’t be so hookedfor the romance alone – it’s the world building that’s the star. Although I guess I am looking forward to Sienna’s story. ;)
I am so happy to get the Sienna and Hawke story. I have never cared for how Sienna has been portrayed in the other stories, but I have always had an interest in Hawke. From the first moment he was introduced in the first story and the interplay between him, Lucas and Sasha, I was hooked. He is such a strong, sexy and compelling character. I could see the Hawke/Sienna pairing immediately. (Although if there had been a Lucas/Sasha/Hawke pairing I would have jumped for joy!) I really can’t wait read how their story unfolds.
I love all of Nalinis books. Can’t wait to read Kiss of Snow and looking forward to Archangels Blade. Would love to win the giveaway.
wow great interview and winning this would be the icing on a fairly decent 25th wedding anniversary. or at least it would for me hubby would just be happy that I was happy lol.
scrtsbpal at yahoo dot com
I’ve already entered above, but seen as the competition is now closed, who won this?! :D