Interview & Giveaway with Lisa Renee Jones

Today It's a pleasure to welcome Lisa Renee Jones to my blog. She is the author of The Legend of Michael, the first book in The Zodius series.

Hi Lisa, Welcome to Anna's Book Blog! I'm glad to have you here. To start off can you tell the readers a little about yourself?

LRJ: I write full time and moved to Colorado recently for my fiancé to go to medical school here. I was born in Springfield, Illinois and moved to Texas when I was three. I consider myself a Texan but have tons of family in Illinois and I'm excited about the RT Booklovers Convention in Chicago next year so I can see them. And for of you UFC fans out there, my mom and aunt went to school with Matt Hughes's father in Illinois! My mom even got my son an autograph from Matt recently. I had to complain considering I'M the big UFC fan! My aunt was just at an event where Matt attended and she says he is as nice and down to earth as a person gets

The Legend of Michael is your latest release, can you tells us a little about it and the series?

LRJ: The Zodius series is about a group of Special Forces soldiers who are given injections at Area 51. They believe they are being immunized but instead the government is playing with their DNA. They develop special abilities, and some of them decide that makes them better than everyone else, thus the logical true leaders of the world. A battle of good versus evil ensues.

What is your writing day like?

LRJ: I moved from Texas to New York to Colorado in a matter of 24 months and the time zones really messed with me. I tend to start writing around 2 o’clock each day and then hit the gym about 10 at night. I never seem to get to bed until 3am which is nuts since I used to take the 6am Austin flight to Dallas 4 days a week back in my corporate days!

When you’re not writing what kind of books do you like to read?

LRJ: I love reading all genres. I am also a huge Audible fan and often listen to audio books while at the gym. I love a good historical romance because I can't write that genre! But I am really taken away from craft and simply get to enjoy a good book.

What are 3 things that are "must haves" for you when you sit down to write a book?

LRJ: My cat by my side—she is my writing partner, a diet drink, and a radio. I like to listen to music while writing.

You have quite a few books in your back list, do you still get the same thrill when learning your latest manuscript will be published as you did with your first book?

LRJ: I do. I'm really on a journey. This year I had my first trilogy and my first single title. Those things were as exciting as the first book.

If you could cast the role of Michael, is there a certain actor who you think would be perfect to play him?

LRJ: Jason Momoa—in the role of Conan! He is wicked hot and lethal, with all that long dark hair, just like Michael.

How did you come with the idea for the Zodius series?

LRJ: I spent a lot of time in Vegas and Area 51 was always fascinating. My ex came from a family of Special Forces as well so I was around a lot of Special Forces soldiers.

I love the cover art, how well did they capture Michael on the cover? Is there anything you'd change about it?

LRJ: Michael has long hair so I was a little worried about that when I saw the cover, but I really do love it! I absolutely adore the colors and they designed the Zodius logo so very perfect. That double circle is what the Lifebond mark looks like that appears on the female’s neck when she bonds with the male. I was just beside myself excited to see it!

If you can, tell us what is up next for you?

LRJ: I have a Harlequin Spice Brief trilogy going into stores in June, July, August and then the second Zodius book, The Storm That is Sterling, is out in November. The Spice Briefs are contemporary and very erotic. I'm super excited about Sterling's Zodius book in November. Sterling is one of my all-time favorite heroes I have written.

THE LEGEND OF MICHAEL 

BY LISA RENEE JONES

IN STORES MAY 2011

He’s a Lethal Weapon…
One of an army of human soldiers injected with alien DNA, Michael is a legend within this new race, split between good and evil. Untamable, he has walked on the dark side and returned to the light. Feared and misunderstood, he leaves everything behind, including the one woman destined to be his mate.

He is her Enemy… And her Destiny…
Cassandra holds the key to Michael’s power, and his pain. With loyalties divided and against insurmountable odds, Cassandra’s heart propels her to Michael’s side—but can her love do anything but destroy him…

No ordinary woman can control a creature such as Michael, and only one th ing is clear—the world will never be the same…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award winning author Lisa Renee Jones has published more than fifteen novels in several different languages, spanning multiple genres of romance: contemporary, romantic suspense, dark paranormal and erotic fiction. Her awards include first place in the Romantic Times Aspiring Writers Contest. She currently lives in Colorado Springs, CO, where she is working on her next Zodius novel, The Storm That is Sterling, to be released in November 2011. For more information, please visit http://www.lisareneejones.com/ and http://www.sourcebookscasablanca.com.

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GIVEAWAY:

Thanks to Sourcebooks I have 2 copies of The Legend of Michael to giveaway. To enter leave a comment along with your email address. Open to U.S. & Canada. The winners will be announced on May 24th. Good Luck!