Thursday, February 9, 2012

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.

31 comments:

  1. Hi Tes. Great interview. Deliver Me from Darkness sounds good. I like the cover.
    Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  2. Thanks Crystal! I just found out that the cover was done by the wonderful Trish. So if you like this, check her other stuff out! http://pickyscreativetouch.daportfolio.com/

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  3. I love author interviews! This was great :-) now following on Twitter!

    Definitely adding Tes's book to my TBR. This is my kind of read!

    Thanks so much for the giveaway! :-)

    Ambercruz1(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  4. I love paranormal romance and must admit a great curiosity about your Paladin. Am very fond of dark heroes.

    little lamb lst at yahoo dot com

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  5. Amber - Thanks for stopping in! And thanks for the follow. I always like to hear that Deliver Me's made it to someone's TBR pile :-)

    Lil - I am a sucker for dark heroes too, though a good guy with just a little streak of wickedness can be nice too ;-) Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. Deliver Me From Darkness sounds really good and the cover is yummy!
    mom1248(at)att(dot)net

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  7. I love getting to know a new author that writes in my favorite genre. This looks like the start of an amazing series, Tes.

    caity_mack at yahoo dot com

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  8. Hi! I love finding new authors and books. Deliver Me From Darkness sounds really good. I love the cover. I can't wait to read it. Enter me please!

    mlawson17 at hotmail dot com

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  9. Congrats on your debut novel! I enjoy reading about fallen angels.

    kissinoak at frontier dot com

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  10. Congratulations Tes on your Debut novel.What could be better then a fallen angel and a vampire ? I look forward to reading it.Wishing you many sales. Thanks for the opportunity.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at aol (dot) com

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  11. Thanks for all the love ladies! Deliver Me was so fun to write that I hope you all enjoy it too!

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  12. Oh, this sounds like something right up my alley. I've added Deliver Me from Darkness to my must have list.

    Thanks,
    Tracey D
    booklover0226 at gmail dot com

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  13. Your book sounds so good! Id love to read it! Wonderful interview. Thank you so much for sharing and for the giveaway!
    shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com

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  14. I enjoyed the interview and the chance to learn more about Tes Hilaire and Deliver Me From Darkness. It sounds like a fantastic book and I'm looking forward to reading it.

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com

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  15. Congrats on your debut novel, it sounds very interesting and I love the cover!

    bookflamereviews at gmail dot com

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  16. Congrats on your debut book! Sounds like a great book and I'm definitively adding it to my TBR list.

    marieimy (at) gmail (dot) com

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  17. I always enjoy interviews that bring new authors to my attention!!!

    dsadler53 at yahoo dot ca

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  18. Congrats on the debut book! I would love to win it! ericanicholas at gmail dot com

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  19. Thanks for all the wonderful congrats! I'm signing off for some family time but I wish you all luck with the giveaway. That doesn't mean you should stop tweeting, facebooking, and commenting though! I'll check in tomorrow morning for any missed questions! Also, be sure to check in at my facebook page facebook.com/TesHilaireAuthor!

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  20. Sounds like a very good read. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

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  21. I sooo want to read this story! I'm glad that it'll be a series since I know I'm going to love it!!! Thanks for the giveaway & Congrats on the release!!

    yadkny@hotmail.com

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  22. This sounds like a wonderful book thanks for the chance to win it.
    sstrode at scrtc dot com

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  23. Congratulations on the release of your debut. I hope your writing journey is a fun and successful one. I'm an animal lover too, although I don't have a pet. I would love to adopt a puppy or dog one day when I am ready.

    Cambonified{at}yahoo{dot}com

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  24. Thank you for the opportunity!!!

    janiebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

    I'm so excited!! I also run a website with book reviews and such! Check me out!!!
    www.janiesbookblog.com

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  25. The book sounds Great!! I cant wait to read it!

    aliciahall0605(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

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  26. What a great interview thanks for sharing! This sounds like a great book would love to read it Great giveaway thank you!
    tishajean@ charter.net

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  27. This looks awesome and the cover is smokin'!! Thanks so much for the giveaway!

    mljfoland AT hotmail DOT com

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  28. Great interview - I'm anxious to read this book. Thanks for the chance to win it.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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  29. Great interview. The books sounds so fantastic! I would love to get my eyes on it!

    Mary
    mary_reiss @ hotmail.com

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  30. Great interview. Really enjoyed it and like the sound of Deliver Me From Darkness! Congrats on its release!

    pams00 at aol.com

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  31. Great interview! Thanks so much for sharing! Sounds like an excellent book!
    -Amber
    goodblinknpark@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete

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