Welcome Casey Wyatt...

Did you choose your genre or did it choose you?

My genre, paranormal romance, definitely chose me. I can’t write anything without some kind of magic or otherworldly elements in it. Someday I’d like to try a contemporary, but I don’t know if I can do “normal”.

Did you enjoy language arts in school? Did you have a teacher that particularly encouraged you to write?

Yes, other than art class, English was my other favorite subject. I had loads of helpful and encouraging teachers in high school and college.

It’s five o’clock somewhere…Let’s have a drink! What cocktail best describes you and why?

I don’t really drink alcoholic drinks very often. I’m more of the designated driver type! But, I if I had to choose something it would be frozen drinks like a margarita or a mudslide. I love sweet things!

On my desk I have a rhino that my husband gave me to remind me I’m rhino-tough, as you have to be in the business. Is there anything you have that you use to remind you of that?

I write on the dining room table (or on my couch) so I don’t really have anything like that, but I do have a postcard of the cover from my first book, Mystic Ink, displayed where I can see it.

I have two muses, Arwen and Bronwyn, they have very distinct personalities. Can you share a bit about your muse?

Instead of a muse, I have The Doubt Monster. For a long while he was my nemesis, constantly making me question my writing.  I’ve since caught onto him, I only allow him to “assist” me after I’m done with the first draft. Then, he can point out plot holes or spots that need improvement. I’m pretty sure Doubty ate my muse (if I ever had one) a long time ago.

It seems we all endured English and/or World literature coming up in high school…What was the worst book you were ever forced to read and what about it turned you off?

I remember hating Moby Dick. That book was so dry and rambling it was torture to read. To this day, if an author has pages and pages of endless narrative, I’ll put the book down and never pick it back up.

You have a million dollars that you must donate to one charitable organization. Which one would you choose and why?

The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). I love animals, always have. And I hate that people can be so cruel and callous to them.  If I had that kind of money to donate, I know it would go toward animal welfare, both domestic and in the wild.

Do you have one of those pesky day jobs, or are you a full-time writer? If you do have another career what do you do and do you enjoy it?

I do have a necessary day job. I hope to be able to write full-time someday. It’s a job, not a career. I am grateful that I can work from home full-time. That’s the only reason I’m still with my company. Not having to commute makes it worthwhile! Plus, at the moment, I have a great boss.

Due to the world we live in, most editors will tell a romance writer they have the moral obligation to protect their characters from scary life altering things, thereby being obligated to the reader. What are your thoughts on this? Do you protect your characters and how?

I’ve never heard that before. I do what I want to them within the confines of the plot. So far my editors seem to be happy with the stories I’ve written. I’m not always nice to my characters either. If my characters are too happy, then I’m not doing my job. Readers expect trials and tribulations, otherwise, there is no reason to keep turning those pages.

Romance has come a long, long way since Fabio graced the covers regularly…it seems the hinges are off the proverbial door. How far is too far in your mind? Are there things you simply won’t write?

I write the story that I need to tell and that I want to tell. I know to a reader that may sound strange! I don’t write toward market trends and I won’t write something I don’t like to read myself. My newest novel, The Undead Space Initiative is about a vampire stripper who goes to Mars. Sure, I thought, who would want to buy this book? But it didn’t stop me from writing it. And I’m glad I did because my editor loved it and bought it right away. So far, I’ve had positive feedback from readers too.

I’ve been asked, as has my husband, if we do “all that stuff in my stories.” Do you get asked this and if so how do you handle it?

So far, I haven’t. I guess I should prepare a really good answer, probably something smart alecky!

I had an editor early on that showed me the way…have you had anyone in particular that gave you a gentle **ahem** nudge in the right direction? How did they do that and how did you react?

I’m still early in my writing career and I haven’t had that editorial nudge yet. I’m sure it’s coming though! I do have strong published author mentors in my RWA chapter and they are happy to give the nudge when needed!

Wine or beer? Wine

Satin or cotton? Cotton

Fries or tots? Fries

Cake or pie? Cake! But I’d never say no to pie.

Steak or burgers? Burgers all the way!

Candle light or pitch dark? Candle light

Thank you so much for having me as your guest today, Lila!

 

Casey Wyatt has no personal knowledge of the paranormal, but she hopes someday that may change. If there are ancient Gods, elves or satyrs living nearby, they’re more than welcome to visit. Bring pizza and chocolate please!

Her paranormal romance and urban fantasy novels have won or placed in numerous RWA contests. When not writing, Casey enjoys time with her family, loves to read, and enjoys knitting and crocheting.

She lives in a bustling Connecticut town with her husband, two sons and an assortment of pets (none of which are shape-shifters). 

 

Visit Casey on the web: www.caseywyatt.com or at http://secretsof7scribes.wordpress.com/. You can also find Casey on Facebook and Twitter (@CaseyWyatt1).

Website: www.caseywyatt.com
Blog: www.caseywyatt.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/casey.wyatt.37
Twitter: @CaseyWyatt1

Tumblr: http://caseywyatt.tumblr.com/

 

Cherry Cordial, vampire stripper extraordinaire, spectacularly messes up her life with a single act of kindness. How could she have known when she rescued gorgeous rogue Ian McDevitt that she would be implicated in the vampire queen’s murder? Soon, she faces the wrath of the entire vampire community. To escape retribution, she joins a settlement program to colonize Mars. Her choices are grim: hurtle through space to the red planet to face the unknown and possible death, or stay on Earth and face certain annihilation. To make things even more complicated, a certain gorgeous rogue seems to be shadowing her every move...

Excerpt: 

Reality settled in. We were leaving the Earth. I’d be strapped into a tube and hurtled into space. If we survived the journey, I’d be on my way to Mars.

 My kneecaps dissolved to water. I clutched the railing, trying to calm my stomach and stay upright. 

“You don’t have to go, Cherry,” Ian said from behind me. 

I stiffened. His offer seemed more tempting by the minute, yet I couldn’t abandon my family. “I’m afraid to board the ship. But I can’t disobey my sire.”  

“You could ask him to emancipate you. You’re plenty old enough.”  

“Why are you still here?” Old enough? No woman likes to be told she’s old. Especially when it’s true. 

“Concerned is all,” he shrugged and joined me by the railing. He stared out, side profile as handsome as the full frontal. 

“Don’t be. I’m a big girl,” I chirped with way more bravado than I felt. Now I knew what Alice experienced when she fell into the rabbit hole. Afraid, confused. Freaked out. I reminded myself Jonathan was a great leader. Even though we had our personal baggage, he would do his best to ensure we survived. He hadn’t let us down yet. 

Heavy machines moved into position. The workers unlatched more hoses, wires and mechanical items from the ship’s side. Blood pounded in my head, caused by my tight jaw and grinding teeth.

 
“I didn’t mean to offend. Or imply Jonathan can’t defend you.” Ian’s voice softened. The low tone made my toes curl. “I hoped we could prove our innocence together.”

**Casey will be giving away a $25.00 Amazon gift card and e-book at the end of her tour. Be sure to comment to be entered to win.