Interview & Giveaway with Tes Hilaire

Hi Tes, 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?

TH: Besides that I’m a reclusive writer? ;-) Okay… let’s see. I love animals. In fact, I thought at one point I’d be a vet. Hence the degree in biology. Problem was I didn’t love some of the owners so much so that didn’t quite pan out. I also love the outdoors. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, but given the choice between fresh O2 or reading that new novel by so-and-so that just came out? Let’s just say I’m amazed my local Borders went out of business. If I didn’t know better I’d say that the lack of a nearby bookstore is what drove me to return to writing. Yes, return. When I was young I wrote a lot: poems that rhymed, scattered short stories, silly song lyrics. I’m proud to say I grew out of the scattered, silly, rhyming bit, though not the love for a good story!

Deliver Me from Darkness is your newest release, can you tells us a little about it and the series?

TH: Deliver Me from Darkness is actually my debut novel so as you can imagine, I’m very excited. It is about Roland, a vigilante vampire and fallen “angel” Paladin who yearns for, but doesn’t believe in, redemption for his soul—until the day his soul-mate, Karissa, is delivered to his door. She is everything he could ever need or want, but though she is drawn to him, she can’t bring herself to trust someone that she’s been taught is inherently evil. Only she must, because though she does not know it, she’s the last female Paladin. And her heritage and untamed powers have put a bulls-eye upon her from both friend and enemy alike.

What is your writing day like?

TH: First thing is getting my monsters off to school. Hopefully this goes well and then I can relax for a moment with a cup of coffee and regroup. It used to be that I’d just start writing at this point and go until my stomach rumbled or my alarmed dinged, informing me I had something else on my schedule to do. But now that I’m published I have other things to worry about, like promotion. Yikes! I don’t have a perfect system yet, but I try to work in the business things amongst the writing, though I’m finding it’s better to write first, blog/Tweet/Facebook/answer emails later. Anyway, my writing day is a work in progress, just like pretty much everything else I do in this industry!

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

TH: I’m of course a sucker for paranormal romance, though my true love is a good urban fantasy with a light romantic overtone. I am also drawn to some of the young adult novels out there and enjoy a good epic fantasy upon occasion. And then there are the times when I’m feeling down and need a pick-me-up. That’s when I need a good, short contemporary romance, a couch, and a rainy day.

Since becoming published, what has been your favorite part of the process?

TH: I’m still fairly new to all this, but so far I’ve really enjoyed getting to know all the other authors. They’re all very supportive and it’s so fun to get to meet some of these great people whose names have been decorating my bookshelf for years!

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

TH: Well it can vary depending on what my goals for the day are, but for that first “pen to paper” moment, when I’m developing a new story, I need a quiet house (that I can ruin with whatever noise/music I want), my laptop (because I can’t “create” at a desk, though I can edit there), and time (always in short supply).

When you learned Deliver Me from Darkness was going to be published, what was your first reaction?

TH: When I got “the call” I think I had one of those OMG moments where my chest tightened right up and my throat squeezed down on my larynx (hard to tell for sure, it might have just been a time-slows-down moment), but then I ran into another part of the house so I could talk with Leah on the phone—without my in-laws (who were visiting) overhearing my stuttering.

How did you come up with your idea for the Paladin Warriors? Anything particular inspire you while writing?

TH: I’ve always been fascinated with the crusades, the knights, the vast battles and the clash of cultures. It was a horrific time in world history and one filled with causes both noble and evil in intent. There was so much going on during this time—political, economic, and religious power plays alike—that the wealth of possibilities were endless for the basis of my mythos. So I went a searching and stumbled upon The Song of Roland. The song itself is embroiled in political and personal intrigue and doesn’t paint the players as angelic visages or infallible warriors, but it did have something interesting. It’s the first mention of the twelve Paladin, twelve religious warriors: a number representative of King Authors round table, and the number of disciples in Christian scripture. Of course, it still took a bit longer to get all the wrinkles out, but in the end I had my Paladin. :-)

If you could give your lead characters one piece of advice, what would it be?

TH: Roland –Stop beating yourself up. Karissa—trust your gut.

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

TH: Well, I recently turned in book two of the Paladin warriors. Deliver Me from Temptation picks up soon after the end of Darkness and is Logan’s story. And trust me; it was real fun to watch that man fall in love.

DELIVER ME FROM DARKNESS 

BY TES HILAIRE 

IN STORES FEBRUARY 2012

A STRANGER IN THE NIGHT...
He had once been a warrior of the Light, one of the revered Paladin. A protector. But now he lives in darkness, and the shadows are his sanctuary. Every day is a struggle to overcome the bloodlust. Especially the day Karissa shows up at his doorstep.

COMES KNOCKING ON THE DOOR…
She is light and bright and everything beautiful—despite her scratches and torn clothes. Every creature of the night is after her. So is every male Paladin. Because Karissa is the last female of their kind. But she is his. He may not have a soul, but he can't deny his heart.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Daphne Award-winning author Tes Hilaire started creating whole new worlds to escape upstate New York’s harsh winters before finally fleeing to sultry North Carolina. Her stories are edgy, exciting, and bring a hint of dark fantasy to paranormal romance. And no one ever has to shovel snow. For more, visit http://www.teshilaire.com/.

GIVEAWAY:

Thanks to Sourcebooks I have (2) copies of Deliver Me From Darkness to giveaway.To enter leave a comment along with your email address. Open to U.S. & Canada. Winners will be announced on February 15th.