**UPDATED: CONGRATULATIONS CRISTA! You just won an autographed copy of BRANDED BY FIRE**
Today I’m welcoming my favorite New Zealander Nalini Singh as our guest blogger! She’s just as sweet and brilliant in person and I’m excited about all her success. Glad you could spend the day with us. :)
(Yes, there is a contest at the very end of the interview...Enjoy!)
Thanks for the invite, Jax!
You’re most known for your Psy/Changeling series and they’ve garnered incredible reviews. How has life changed since the popularity of your paranormal books from your start at Harlequin? Was it a difficult transition from contemporary to paranormal?
The transition was actually quite smooth for me. I’ve always had an interest in writing paranormals – the very first short story I ever won a contest with was about angels!—so it felt very natural.
The biggest change from when I first started writing, is that I’m now able to do it full time, which is just such an amazing, wonderful gift.
I’m sure every author wants to make the USA or NY Times list someday, so how do you feel about making the USA Today’s Best Sellers list? What did you do to celebrate the first time you found out?
I think there might have been some screaming and insane grinning involved *grin* Oh, and dancing. It was just such a fantastic buzz, and every time I think of it, I smile.
Your new book Angels’ Blood from the Guild Hunter series is getting phenomenal reviews. What inspired you to write this series?
It began with an image of an angel—strong, beautiful, with an edge of cruelty—high in tower in New York, with a cell phone to his ear. Who was he? Why was he there? And what kind of New York was this?
I was incredibly fascinated by the image and had to know the answers to those questions.
How tumultuous was your writing journey? Did you have the support system you needed when you decided to write romance?
When I first started, I knew no other writers and wasn’t part of any kind of a writing group, so I had to learn and research everything myself. What I did have was a lot of support at home, and sheer stubborn determination—even when the rejections started coming. *grin*
A few years later, I found out and joined the Romance Writers of New Zealand, and not only did I find a huge resource in terms of information about writing and publishing, I met a fantastic group of women. Some of my dearest friends are members of RWNZ and they’ve been with me throughout this journey. :)
How many books do you write a year? Are you a plotter or a panster?
At the moment, I’m writing 3 books and a novella a year, and that’s a good balance for me. I’m a pantser, or as I prefer to call it, an organic writer. I do have to plot to a certain extent in terms of the overarching arc of my series, because that has a final end, but as to each particular book, I start writing and see where the story takes me.
If you were a nail polish what would it be called and why?
Midnight shadows. Because I could be exotic and mysterious…at least as a nail polish if not in real life ;-)
What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done, and what did you learn about yourself?
Packing up my bags and moving to Japan. I learned that I could not only survive, but thrive in an unfamiliar environment—it really built my confidence, and I think that flows through to everything I do in life.
What are you currently working on and what will we see from you in the future?
I’m currently working on the next Psy/Changeling book – to be released after November’s Blaze of Memory. I also have a Guild Hunter novella in the Must Love Hellhounds anthology (September). The next full-length Guild Hunter novel will be out in February 2010 and is titled Archangel’s Kiss.
Nalini has provided us with a blurb of her latest release and an excerpt of her book is featured on her website: www.nalinisingh.com/branded.html (warning, it might just singe your computer screen!)
BRANDED BY FIRE
BERKLEY BOOKS
July 7th 2009
Hailed by Christine Feehan as “a major new talent,” New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh now brings together two fierce changelings in her most explosive story yet.
Though DarkRiver sentinel Mercy is feeling the pressure to mate, she savagely resists when Riley Kincaid, a lieutenant from the SnowDancer pack, tries to possess her. The problem is not simply that he pushes her buttons; the problem is that he’s a wolf, she’s a cat, and they’re both used to being on top.
But when a brilliant changeling researcher is kidnapped from DarkRiver territory, Mercy and Riley must work together to track the young man—before his shadowy captors decide he’s no longer useful. Along the way, the two dominants may find that submitting to one another uncovers not just a deadly conspiracy, but a passion so raw that it’ll leave them both branded by fire…
Any parting words for our readers? For our aspiring writers?
To my readers – thank you for all your support of my work. You guys are the best.
To aspiring writers – believe in yourself and your voice. And write. Then write some more. That’s the best way to learn.
BIO:New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nalini Singh has traveled as far afield as the deserts of China and the temples of Japan, but it is the journey of the imagination that fascinates her the most. You can find out more about her books, check out photos from her travels, and read free short stories on her website: www.nalinisingh.com
**To be eligible for an autographed book of MINE TO POSSESS, Nalini's RITA nominated book, just post a comment and you'll be automatically submitted into the drawing! If you already have the book, she will send you a Psy/Changeling series magnet instead. The winner will be picked randomly and results will be posted on at the top of this interview post on Tuesday**
Comments (24)
:) Who doesn't love Nalini Singh? Her books are GREAT and I'd love a chance!
Can't wait for the new one!! :D
rachie2004 AT yahoo DOT com
Good Morning Hooked on Romance fans!! :)
Would love a chance at this Nalini Singh book. LOVE HER!! Slave to Sensation was Amazing as are the rest of her books. Check her out if you havn't!!
lyoness2009 @ hot mail *dot* com
Working my way through Nalini's backlist and loving everything so far. Have heard great things about the Psy-series so I would love to win the book.
joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com
Please count me in for the book. Great interview. Have a great day.
house_mouse88 at yahoo dot com
Great Interview!
I Love Nalini Singh Books!
And I would Definitely Love To Win One, Please enter my in the drawing.
~Afshan
Afshan522@aol.com
I am so late to the Nalini band wagon, lol. Just started the series and currently reading Visions of Heat. Can't believe just how good this series is. I am totally hooked, and love that I have so many stories in this series that I now get to read back-to-back.
Nalini is really awesome and so shy in person! But she writes the most awesomest characters. I think if you like paranormals her stories have such a wonderful world building!
I loved the Guild Hunter stuff (Angel's Pawn and Angel's Blood)! I'm waiting to get my hands on the whole Psy-Changling series so I can devour it at once.
christy(at)elgeus(dot)com
I love her Guild Hunter series - her world building is phenomenal and made me truly believe a different kind of NYC existed. I can't wait until the next one comes out!!!
Thanks Nalini for taking the time to answer some questions that help us readers (and writers) get to know you better!
Great interview! Branded by Fire sounds great!
Can you believe I just discovered Nalini Singh a few weeks ago?!?! I devoured the book in a mere 3 hrs. A fantastic read (Im still rereading my fave parts).
I can't wait for Mercy's book!
Hi Everyone! Thanks for the lovely comments. :-) If anyone has a question, feel free to shoot it at me.
(Also, for those of you who'd like to discuss Branded by Fire with spoilers, I'll open up a thread on my blog tomorrow.)
If you haven't read Angel's Blood, RUN don't walk to the nearest bookstore and get it. The book is pure genius.
Definitely count me in for the drawing. I have 2 other Psy-Changeling books and would love to read more.
Minx
minx AT minxmalone DOT com
I remember picking up the first book... and was automatically hooked. Great interview. :)
Hi Nalini! What a joy to read your interview! Too a beautiful photo of you. I have a huge smile reading about when you made the best sellers list! I hope more of your dreams you have in your writing and life happen for you!Do you have a new goal for yourself in your writing with all you've accomplished?
Great questions in that interview! I love everything I've read of Nalini's, and the best news is how many books she turns out a year! This means that I'll never have to wait TOO long to find out 'what happens next?' I loved Branded by Fire (found it 3 days early at my local Borders), and now I'm just looking forward to more!
Please enter me for the magnet, as I have the books already.
celialarsen(at)gmail(dot)com
I love the changeling books. Haven;t had a chance to read her other series but I love her writing style. I can't wait to see if I win the book.
Do you have a new goal for yourself in your writing with all you've accomplished?
Absolutely! I want each new book to be unique, to be special. :)
I can't wait to get my hands on BBF, or the next in the Guild Hunter's series!
Please count me in for the contest.
I so hope amazon delivers my BBF tonight. If so I'll start on it I can't wait. Love both of your series.
Nalini Singh is a world builder...she creates places we wish we could live and then for at least the length of the story, we ARE there. Her characters come alive and it's such an adventure to watch them fall in love. She's the best!
Nikki4RLS@aol.com
I love Riley and Mercy! They're both such strong characters that I had to re-read the moment I finished, lol.
Definitely a recommendation to whomever hasn't checked out Nalini yet!
I'm already counting down to September...
chichai_hana AT hotmail DOT com
I really enjoyed this interview, and I really enjoy Nalini Singh's work.
Congratulations Crista for winning BRANDED BY FIRE! We'll be contacting you regarding claiming your prize! :)