Book Lovers Inc.
Romance Novel Reviews, Author Interviews, Commentary
Interview: Laura Wright + Giveaway!
Today BLI is delighted to welcome Laura Wright, author of the critically acclaimed “Mark of the Vampire” series. Laura has been writing since 1997 when she enrolled in UCLA extension classes and in 2002 her first book was published by Harlequin called Cinderella & the Playboy. Eternal Hunger, the first novel in the Mark of the Vampire series was published to rave reviews on October 5, 2010. Eternal Kiss, Nicholas Roman’s dark, sexy and thrilling paranormal romance, hit the stands this week on April 5, 2011!
Lea: Laura! Welcome to BLI, it’s such a thrill to be able to chat with you today. 🙂
Laura: Thanks so much! It’s great to be here! 🙂
Laura can you please tell us a bit about yourself?
Laura: Well… I’m a mom of 2 little balas, a wife to a fantastic and supportive theater paven, and an unabashed pajama-loving writer. 🙂 I’m also a fierce tomato grower, a sci fi television watcher and an ex ballroom dancing instructor.
Describe a typical day of writing? Are you a planner or pantser?
Laura: I want to say I’m a pantser because it’s way cooler, but alas, I’m a planner. It’s odd too because I’m not a planner anywhere else in my life. I think it stems from writing for Harlequin. I always had to have a synopsis and know exactly where I was going in my story. It helps though.. the road mad. And you can always re plot your trip at any time if need be. 🙂
What do you think is the difference between a reader and a real Book Lover?
Laura: Well, I’d hope nothing. But perhaps a reader implies a forced action, where as a Book Lover is all about anticipation, thrill, overwhelming ecstasy and running back to the bookstore for another… 🙂
Raised by the Breed, Nicholas Roman wants to stop the Eternal Order of Vampires from controlling his life, and using other males from his bloodline-including possibly his son-for their vicious reign. Only a beautiful vampire stranger can help him.
But what are her true motives?
Excerpt
Watch the Eternal Kiss Book Trailer
What can we expect of Eternal Kiss?
Laura: Eternal Kiss is the second book in the Mark of the Vampire series. It’s Nicholas’s book. The brother we all believed to be the most together, level headed, rational. Well, this book turns that belief upside down. When Nicky’s book opens he’s just been morphed. He’s pissed, protective of his younger brother and not in any position to take on the responsibility of a veana and a child.
Nicholas Odysseus Claudius Roman, is one sexy, angsy, and I would say tortured vampire. Can you share a little about Nicholas’s personality and history with readers, and maybe comment on what sets him apart from his brothers Alexander and Lucian?
Laura: Ha! Love that you used his whole name. 😀 Again, Nicholas is perceived to be the pillar of strength and stability, but in truth he’s been hiding from the secrets and shame of his past for a very long time. In Eternal Kiss, he’s finally forced to face them. It’s not pretty, but deep, emotional growth rarely is.
LOL! I love Nicky’s whole name, it’s so vampiresque and Roman.. yummy!
The heroine of, Eternal Hunger, the first novel in the series was a human female. However, Kate Everborne, the heroine of Eternal Kiss is a veana or a pureblood vampire. Kate has an interesting history and background, can you tell us about her and why you developed a vampire female as Nicholas’s love interest?
Laura: When I first dreamt up Kate’s backstory, her time in prison and how she got there to begin with, I imagined her far softer and more afraid of the world than she turned out to be. Amazingly, at least to me – lol.. was when she got on the page, she completely took over. I adore Kate, probably one of my favorite heroines ever. She is ballsy as hell, but what I learned from her was that – without giving too much away – she couldn’t help Nicholas or be the partner he desperately needed without being a hardass. I made her a pureblood vampire because she needed to be the perfect match for him … that could never be their conflict.
You’ve developed a number of descriptive terms for the Mark of the Vampire series and there is a Glossary hosted on your website. Would you suggest readers visit it to avoid confusion about these terms? Is there any plan to publish a glossary in the front of your books, to make reference easier?
Laura: I am THRILLED to say that I put a glossary in the front of Eternal Kiss for just that purpose. It’s also on my website. 🙂
Will there be more books in the Mark of the Vampire series? What is next on your schedule?
Laura: If all goes well, YES, there will be many more Mark of the Vampire books. This series and the Roman brothers and their family have just begun!
Now can you tell us 3 reasons why people should read your books?
Laura:Okay, I totally suck at this kind of question, but here goes!
- I truly believe in what I write, in the world, the characters and their conflicts, and I think (fingers crossed) it comes out in the work.
- I write pretty good love scenes. 😉
- It is my sincerest hope that you will get emotion, tension and passion in my books.
I think those are awesome reasons for folks to read your books!
Laura, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us here today! It’s been a real pleasure.
Laura: It’s been a pleasure for me too! Thank you so much for having me! 🙂
Where to find Laura:
Laura has generously offered a $20.00 Gift Certificate to the online bookstore of their choice to one lucky commenter!
All you have to do is leave a meaningful comment about the interview.
(You can read our full giveaway policy here)
Please leave us a way to contact you.
(Email in blogger profile or twitter name – no way to contact you – no entry).
This giveaway is open worldwide!
Giveaway ends on Saturday, April 23, 2011; and we will announce the winner on Sunday.
Good luck!
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Laura, the market is still flooded with stories of vampires. What do you think is the continued lure of the vampire story and how does your story stand out above the rest?
Margay1122ATaolDOTcom
I was excited to see that Laura likes to fill her books with emotion, tension and passion. There is nothing I enjoy more than a powerful and moving read. I haven't read The Mark of the Vampire series as of yet. Eternal Kiss caught my eye. The plot sounds quite ineteresting and I look forward to reading more.
rjofus{AT}gmail{DOT}com
A new series to me but after reading this post, I feel I need to go out and grab these novels. Loved the interview and congratulations on your new release!
LadyVampire2u AT gmail DOT com
I enjoyed the interview, as a fellow tomato gardener- I would recommend trying cherokee purple tomatoes, if you haven't they are really good.
I would love to read the book.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
What do your favorite pajamas look like, Laura? 🙂
I LOVE pj's. They are my attire of choice when I'm home b/c they're the most comfy. I've got hubby into the habit now too.
An ex-ballroom dance instructor, huh? Do you watch Dancing with the Stars?
Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
monagarg@yahoo.com
I love when vampires have a rich history, like when they were actually alive was during the Roman or medieval time period. I think having a historical background adds interest to a fictional story!
kimbers10[at]yahoo[dot]com
I really enjoyed the interview I appreciate a lot of fact that Laura loves what she writes and the first book was an amazing treat to read. I have not been able to get book two yet but I bet it is just as amazing if not MORE than Hunger. Thank you for coming on and sharing more with us about you.
terilhack at yahoo dot com
Well you wishes were complete I sure felt a lot of emotion, tension, and passion while reading Eternal Hunger. It was an amazing debut and I cannot wait to read Eternal Kiss. Laura has something amazing going on with her plot and characters and the book are a fantastic read.
kasuranna at yahoo dot com
As a homeschooling SAHM of 2( one having special needs), my vampires are my escape. I can not wait to devour these books. Thank you so much for some new….blood!
weebeenoid(AT)cox(DOT)net
I want to start these books so bad! I just don't have the money to buy them right now. I follow Laura on her FB page and on Twitter and I hear all of the exciting antics of the characters and how the readers react.
IWANTTHESEBOOKS…IWANTTHESEBOOKS….IWANTTHESEBOOKS….chanting softly. LOL
blazesandbubbles AT gmail DOT com
readingwithbakingoddess.blogspot.com
I really enjoyed the first book and am looking forward to reading Nicky's story. Hopefully there will be more to come for the Roman family!
Awesome interview! I can't wait to get this book in my hands!
ellepaulette@gmail.com
I was wondering if you already have the next book brewing before you get one finished? The discription of the main charactor is so tempting that one can't wait and has to go get the book right away.
several of my family just love the vampire stories like this and I am positive when i let them know about you and your series we will be anxiously waiting for the next one to come out. thanks for a fascinating read.
All of the reviews are fantastic. I'm adding you to my TBR pile.
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
Ooo I would love to read your book and see how the love scenes are. Good love scenes make my heart race and face flush 🙂
angeldream3[at]gmail[dot]com
This is a new series to me but sounds like a good one and I love the covers – they're gorgeous! Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
smaccall @ comcast.net
Emotional stories always suck me in!
I wish I was a planner when I sat down to write but I tend to just let things happen as they will….maybe I need to try that approach! Hehe
Thanks for the giveaway!
Katie
Katiewalthall AT ymail DOT com
I loved the first book. I am sooo excited about the Roman Brothers telling us their story. I want to ask Laura how in the world did she come up with this "world"? I love the world as it is soo different than most vampire worlds… My email is mrsworldwidewebb@cox.net…. Thanks! for the fun and the interview….
this is so going on my wishlist. Grumpy, angsty vampires are so sexy!!!
~smooches~
Jase
vslavetopassionv(at)aol(dot)com
Interesting interview. Does Laura still dance? Is her husband a ballroom dancer too, in addition to the theater stuff?
slbergen@yahoo.com
I loved, loved, loved the first book and I'm picking up the second one tonight so I can read it this weekend. Thanks, Laura, for your wonderful world and here's hoping, we will be reading about them for years. My email is jlkg102961@yahoo.com.
I stumbled upon Laura's books by accident – picked one up at a used book store and didn't have anything else to read so I figured why not? I am so glad I did. The first book is amazing – she has the ability to suck you into a new universe, something different from other vampire romances out there. The characters are not without internal conflict – not perfect people. I love it. Can't wait for more! I love the idea that this series will continue on! We need more good pavens out there!
smile79335@yahoo.com
I love what you said about planner/pantser haha I always love to say i fly by the seat of my pants, i take whatever comes as it comes and then a friend told me "Umm you actually don't… you take whatever comes, because you're prepared for it, because you've planned it like nobody's business" hahahaha I'm totally a planner!
I love the way you decribe your heroine, Kate. If I didnt want to read this before (which I did) then I would definitely be intrigued by her character and storyline!!
Love your work!!
Hana K
midnightoil84@yahoo.com
i love the first book can't wait to read about Nicky's story. great giveaway!
blubear12@gmail.com
Love your books!!! Love to hear the boys on FB. That is great that you let them out once in a while. You have a great following and I am proud to be one of your fans. Thank you!!
Cre
sxyldy@live.com
I just finished Eternal Kiss and was very surprised at Nickys past – had no clue from Eternal Hunger! I love that you put the glossary in the front of the book. And I truly can't wait to read Lucians story (and more)!!!!
i love books, i def love anything that has vampire, demons, witches, magic ect. i know that now this age vampire books and other fictions/fantisy are sooo populer now. my question is how are u going to draw ur readers to ur books. for me i have read alot of the same book from different authers. but some are really good and soem are like omg didnt i just read that lol.
well i cant wait to read ur new series and i love the cover to. congrats again.
cathyqt85@hotmail.com
Friend of mine was nice enough to loan me Eternal Hunger…* waggles a finger * You are such an enabler, telling me to ignore housechores to read more (Yes, i did ignore my chores I couldn't let go of the book).
So I'm gonna have to uh sweettalk the hubby to get the new book for me. Let's just hope he doesn't do what he did with Ione's Eternal Rider. Made me go twenty minutes in thinking he didn't buy it. Dork.
But I can't wait!
Raonaid (at) gmail (dot) com
Great interveiw can't wait to read your book
How is your favorite author and why?
Ktalley28@gmail.com
After reading your interview and your comments about the books you write I am putting your name on my list of new authors to try. I love adding authors to the list as I am a voracious reader who needs constant feeding 😀
Enjoyed the interview very much. This is a series I am looking forward to reading, curled up in my comfiest satin pj's of course 🙂 I like to feel I am getting involved in the main character's lives when i read a book and it feels like you have achieved that in your writing.
irgl7(at)bonzo15(dot)plus(dot)com
I haven't had a chance to read this series yet but you better believe it's on my wishlist. It looks really good and I keep hearing such great things about it. I can't wait to pick it up.
iqb99@yahoo.com
Laura, I came across one of your books, 'Eternal Hunger' a few months ago and decided to pick it up, boy, was I in love with it from the first page! I look forward to reading more of your books!
lizmariew@gmail.com
I love Lauras first book Eternal Hunger only because it was a guaranteed read at the retail store I was in. I fell in love with her writing and the characters. She expresses herself well in this interview you see her passion for the characters and the world she has created! I have purchased the second book and cant wait to start on it. I also love how the Roman brothers make apperances and have their own FB page, I am actually suprised Lucian didn,t add his two cents in about Nicholas' book.
tristancaige@yahoo.com
Thanks for the great interview. I have heard great things about the series and I am really interested to start reading it.
smccar1 at hotmail dot com
Love your covers! This series is on my list. I love series about siblings, getting each ones story 😉
"…emotion, tension and passion" three things that are sure to make to want to read a book, and I definitely want to read your's! Your series sounds fabulous! And check out those covers: yeah, they don't do to bad in the making-me-want-to-read-the-books department 😉 Super great interview! Thanks for sharing!
justforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
Sounds like a fantastic read. The only thing more intriguing then glossaries is MAPS in books 🙂
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
I am so happy I visited here today, it would have been a shame to have missed such an awesome interview. And I found some new reading material!!! thats the best part. I cant wait to start reading.
Thanks!!!!!
marieortloff@hotmail.com
Wow–Nicholas Odysseus Claudius Roman—What a name for a vampire! I love it.
Ok, Laura, since you’re a book lover, I’m sure you have a healthy TBR list. What 3 books are currently at the top?
Love the boys and I can't wait to learn more about Kate! After all, I have a soft spot for middle child Nicky already and I want to read about the veana who is his match.
ironss [at] gmail [dot] com
I enjoyed the interview and I'm looking forward to reading the Mark of the Vampire series. Your vampires are interesting, and I like that the heroine in the new book is a hardass, that's my kind of gal, LOL.
Barbed1951 at aol dot com
Oh I wish I was a better planner. But then again, I wish I was a good writer! 🙂 Oh I am behind on all my series reading and this series is SO on my list!
books (dot) things (at) yahoo (dot) com
Great interview.I'm with you on the pj loving 🙂
I've read some great reviews for these books.I have them on my TBR list.
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
I love vampire stories and I am always looking for variations. Your twist sounds interesting. I noticed that you mentioned you are a sci-fi fan. Do you have any ideas for sci-fi novels? The sci-fi romance field is pretty slim pickings. Thanks for the contest.
jepebATverizonDOTnet
I love it when a character appears all normal and in control on the surface, when really they are hiding a tortured past. I've definitely got to read this book, and I love his name.
jen at delux dot com
I love vampire stories and it continues to tickle the crap out of me that authors can keep coming up with fresh new ways to keep the genre going.
(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/
I love Laura definition of a real book lover. The excitement and anticipation that I get about a book makes my family laugh!
rootml1{at}hotmail{dot}com
Nicholas Odysseus Claudius Roman: that is the best name I have read in a while. It evokes all kinds of images.
marypres@gmail.com
Congratulations Laura on your new book. Your hero and heroine both sound pretty complex so it must have been a challenge to get them together.
mce1011 AT aol DOT com
Oh l do think it's so great how writers can work in the PJs!
So rather lucky! =)
Thanks for interview + giveaway
booksforcompany @ gmail.com
Well, we have something in common – you write in your jammies, and I read in them! 🙂
The world you have created for vampires is outstanding… so rich and fulfilling to the reader. I want to escape every time I open a book, and you facilitate that "vacation" as you will.
Keep the words flowing!
dmcentee@gmail.com
I love reading about vampires. One of my favorite paranormal creatures. I can't wait to read your series. Sounds very good. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
Your books sounds great! I'm interested.
k_anon[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk
Wee, thank you for the post, I can't wait to read Eternal Kiss, Laura (L) And I loved the book trailer =)
mikki-mano@hotmail.com
Your description of Kate Everborne has me interested in Eternal Kiss. Have you ever started writing a character you ended up not liking, to the point where you had to scratch the story?
Finished Eternal Kiss today and loved it! I'm so glad I started reading this series!!
I haven't read Eternal Hunger yet…. but definitely am going to now! Nicholas Odysseus Claudius Roman is certainly a mouthful, but hm… the name itself is hot!
You can reach me at luvpinkpanther@gmail.com
Hello Laura!
I think it is so interesting that you created a glossary for your books. Being able to include a glossary at the beginning of the book would be so helpful to readers.
Stacie
GeishasMom73 on twitter
Great interview. I have had Eternal Hunger on my wishlist for a while, just havent had the chance to get to it yet. Looking forward to getting the chance to read it and now Eternal Kiss as well. Glad to hear there will be more too.
bacchus76 at myself dot com
First thing I read was "sci fi television watcher", that gets you immediate cred in my book. The characters and stories sound really great and I really want to read them now.
Nicholas Odysseus Claudius Roman as a name, while may be vampiresque and yummy, seems really long and hard to say.
jessicamariesutton(at)msn(dot)com
"•I write pretty good love scenes. ;)" That does it for me! LMAO!!! I'm kidding! (sort of), I'm sure that an author who worries about her readers getting "emotion, tension and passion in" her books has got to write one hell of a good book. 🙂 I'll be sure to check the Mark of The Vampire series out!
Thank you for the international giveaway!!!
kah_cherub at hotmail dot com
"I always had to have a synopsis and know exactly where I was going in my story." Good job, very admirable! If all authors did the same as you, so many good stories wouldn't be ruined by plot holes and mediocre endings…LOL. Your characters sound very real, I really want to read their books!
cris_mv at hotmail dot com
Great interview! I love the hero's name and he sounds particularly yummy. I have a thing for "together" guys, who have hidden pain.
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com
This series sounds soo good! Eternal Hunger has been on my wishlist for awhile…I need to catch up 🙂 Great interview
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
Thanks for the contest! I think I'm a planner by design, I'm writing two stories right now, one totally mapped out with a detailed outline, and the other is not planned at all but I am just itching to draw it all out! I want to know how it's all going to end and what my characters are going to have to face to get there.
hopingfourmore (at) gmail (dot) com
I heard so much about this series that I had to get it. At first I just read the sample of Eternal Kiss on my Nook but I ended up buying it. I just Bought Eternal Kiss the other day but I haven't had a chance to read it yet.
rootml1 AT hotmail DOT com
Great interview! Sometimes I think I had enough of vampire books, but they're my favorite supernaturals and I always end up buying more books.:)) Adding these on my list – Nicholas seems my king of guy! *giggles*
Thanks!
xoxo
andreea(dot)c88(at)gmail.com
I love the reader vs book lover reply 🙂
Thanks for the great interview!
jlhsperry624@hotmail.com
GFC follower (jennifer)
I like the answers to why people should read her books. Good interview!
jlkalman26 at gmail dot com
I love how passionate you are in your work 😀 I hope to read your book some day.
lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you for putting a dictionary on your website. (its a great idea!)
I agree with your definition of a book lover. I have lost way too much sleep on a book that I can't put down. Its like they haunt me (in a good way)
Happy easter
jennifer kjovus
kjovus(at)gmail(dot)com
I love her take on Vampire's its great to see different types of these creatures. Nicky seems like a great character, I love angst so his story seems fantastic.
Kasha_simpleplan_luver@hotmail.com
Really enjoyed the interview :)! I have to agree I love Nick's name – it inspires alone – coupled with the pic – yummy.
gfc – pams00
pams00 @ aol.com