Good morning! Please welcome guest author N.J. Walters. Though I will be away for most of the day, please feel free to leave comments for N.J. and I will post them as soon as I return. Thank you!
~Kate
When you’re brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?
The characters almost always come first for me. I need to know who they are before their story can unfold. Characters can and do change as I write their story but that’s part of the process. I love how characters constantly surprise me.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I’m somewhere in the middle, but mostly I’m a pantser. I know the characters and the general plot. Once I have the opening scene in my head I start writing and just let the story unfold. If I plot too much I lose interest in actually writing the book.
When you’re writing, who is more in control, you or your characters?
I’ve often said I’m only taking dictation. The characters are in control of the story, which means I’m often surprised by what happens.
What do you like best about writing?
I love starting with a blank page and creating something that wasn’t there before. I even like the editing process because I know I’m making the story stronger. I also love getting to know my readers. It’s wonderful to chat with them online or to receive emails from them.
Would you tell us about your latest release?
Craig’s Heart is the seventh book in the Legacy series and my latest release from Samhain Publishing. I’d never planned on a book for Craig, but he’s one of those characters that readers grew to love. I got so much email about him, I decided he needed his own book.
BLURB: Craig’s Heart
http://store.samhainpublishing.com/craigs-heart-p-73188.html
Craig Lawton’s life is full. Filled with normal things like work as a video-game creator and financial investor, and not-so-normal things like two half-werewolf siblings and a vampire best friend.
He’s accustomed to being the only human in the room…until he attempts to help a desperate, newly made vampire in the throes of her first transformation.
Evie Pelowski is a woman alone. Left alone in a filthy alley to become a monster like the one that attacked her, unable to control the bloodlust surging through her veins. Now she’s done the unforgivable—turned her Good Samaritan into a monster just like her.
They must face the future while coming to grips with their new realities. But despite a strong bond ignited by blood and forged in the heat of sexual desire, despite Craig’s unshakeable determination to teach her to trust, Evie knows nothing she loves ever stays. Especially when the vampire who made her wants her back—and he’ll kill anyone who gets in his way.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a new werewolf series for Samhain Publishing. Wolf at the Door, the first book in the Salvation Pack, is due out on April 15th.
What are your favorite genres to read and write?
My favorite genre is romance. No contest. The romance genre is really broad and encompasses contemporary, historical, paranormal, fantasy, mystery, suspense and more. That’s why it’s so much fun to read and write. The really are no limits in the romance genre. And the readers are the best!
Where can we visit you online?
You can visit me at:
Website: http://www.njwalters.com
Blog: http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com
Newsletter Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awakeningdesires/
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/N.J.WaltersAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/njwaltersauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/NJWalters
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/njwalters
When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?
It probably comes as no surprise that I love to read. J
How long have you been writing?
I published my first book back in October 2004. It’s hard to believe it’s been almost ten years since Annabelle Lee was released by Ellora’s Cave.
Do you have any particular writing habits? (Listening to music, best time of day to write, etc.)
I do my best writing first think in the morning before my mind gets too cluttered with everyday living. I can edit any time of day but original writing is done in the morning or not at all. I can’t listen to music when I write. I find it too distracting. I need it nice and quiet when I work.
Name three fictional characters (not your own) that you find hot. They can be from books, movies, or TV.
Three hot fictional characters from books are Valiant from Laurann Dohner’s New Species series, Rhage from J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series and Roarke from J.D. Robb’s In Death series.
If you could be any kind of shapeshifter, what kind would you be?
I think I’d like to be a werewolf.
What is your favorite season?
Autumn.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Chocolate
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Excellent interview. I am a total N.J. fan. And I like Roarke from the In Death series too. 🙂
Thank you so much for having me as a guest on your blog, Kate. 🙂