What is one of your favorite things about writing?
My favorite part of writing is giving life to the characters in my head, from deciding on hair and eye color to weaving their history. They’ve interacted with their world, maybe loved and lost. They have wants and desires that are both unique to them and oftentimes ones we can relate to. But the fun part is making them imperfect. Give them some flaws and issues and they became ‘real.’ Then, they become the characters we can root for (or hate).
When you’re brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?
The characters. It’s their personalities that drive the story and their decisions that alter the outcome.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I used to be a pantser but now I’m happy to say that I’m a plotter at least to the extent that I have a start, middle and ending before I sit down to write. The characters and their personalities fill in the rest.
When you’re writing, who is more in control, you or your characters?
My characters but I do have to rein them in sometimes or else all they’ll do is have sex.
Can you write sex scenes at any time or do you have to be “in the mood?”
I can write sex scenes anytime as long as I have headphones and am not distracted.
What do you like best about writing?
I love the fantasy aspect of writing. I’ve always had an active imagination (I blame Dr. Who and the Twilight Zone) and I love being able to share it. I must also admit that I’m a true romantic at heart who believes there’s a knight-in-shining armor for everyone.
What is the most difficult thing about writing?
Shelving a story that I know won’t sell in the current market. I have a vamp story that I absolutely love but vampire books aren’t hot right now. While I don’t write strictly for money, I do want people to read them.
What do you like about writing series books?
I love to create ‘worlds’ not just a single story. It gives me a chance to develop my characters over a number of books and build a story for them. If I don’t know them personally, I can’t help them find their HEA. J
What is one of your favorite ways to learn about your characters?
Seeing how they interact with others. For them to be multi-dimensional, they need to be a part of their world.
What do you feel are some of the pros and cons of epublishing? Pros-the ease of getting a new book. Cons-I love to hold a book in my hand, smelling that ‘new book’ scent.
Where do you find inspiration for your stories?
Inspiration comes from everywhere for me. I write paranormal so myths and legends play a role but so do events in the real world. For a fictional ‘fantasy-based’ world to be believable, it needs to have similar problems as ours. The reader needs to be able to associate with the drivers and the characters. I rely on people I know, locations I’ve visited and personal stories that I find compelling to give me a basis for a story.
What do you like best about writing erotic romance?
Sex is a huge part of our personal relationships, whether we want to admit it or not. And the best romances are built on a healthy and solid sex life. But those solid relationships didn’t happen overnight. From sweet kisses to hot and sweaty sex, each shared encounter strengthens our love. To me, it’s only natural to include it all when writing a romance.
Do you find it harder to write novels or short stories?
I have a hard time writing short stories. I spend so much time on developing my characters that I can’t fit it all into a novella.
Would you tell us about your latest release?
My newest release, Unexpected Find, is book 1 of the Royal Pride series for Ellora’s Cave. It’s a feline shifter series based in the modern world. It’s also my debut.
Here’s a blurb:
Unexpected Find
Nancy Corrigan
Royal Pride, Book 1
Since the murder of her best friend, Jazz is stuck in a safe but lonely way of life. She’s willing to sacrifice everything to keep her family safe from the shifter world. The sexy stranger who struts into her friend’s bar changes everything. From the first glance Jazz knows she’s sunk—their chemistry sizzles from across the room, it’ll be undeniable up close.
Rafe wants Jazz from the second he sets eyes on her. The depth of the need that swamps him every time he’s near her surprises him. It takes every last ounce of his self-control not to pounce on Jazz and make her his. Only her distrust of his shifter nature holds him back. He counts it as a win every time his beloved human gives in to their passion and takes him to her bed. But Rafe’s patience isn’t infinite and he’ll do whatever it takes, face any danger—past or present—to ensure that Jazz becomes his. Forever.
A Romantica® Paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m finishing up book 3 in the Royal Pride series. I’m also in the planning/early writing stages of a new erotic paranormal series going to Ellora’s.
Do you have an excerpt from your latest release you would like to share?
Excerpt
Jazz turned to get her own breakfast but the phone in her hand rang. She glanced at the caller ID. Rafe Alexander. Her pulse kicked up. Butterflies took flight. She slipped out onto the deck and answered.
“Hello?”
“Good morning, beautiful. Did you sleep well?”
She grinned and ran a hand over her sleep-tousled hair. Beautiful wasn’t the description she’d use, not first thing in the morning anyway. Good thing he couldn’t see her. He’d run screaming in the opposite direction.
“I did. Actually, I just woke up,” she said in a breathless voice that surprised her.
“Well, you did have a late night. I’m glad I waited to call you. I didn’t want to interrupt your beauty sleep.”
Her smile widened. The man was sweet and considerate. “And how about you? Did you sleep well?”
“Hmmm, not a wink,” he groaned. “Every time I closed my eyes, I saw yours. I’ve missed you.”
She blew out a breath and pushed the heavy weight of her hair off her shoulder. It didn’t help. She felt flushed. “I must admit I did think of you too. Once or twice.”
His deep chuckle filled the line. She reacted to the sound as if he stood behind her and held her close. Arousal sparked along her nerve endings, leaving her sensitized. She shifted the cotton top from her pebbled nipples.
“Once or twice isn’t good enough, my Jasmine. I should be in your every waking thought,” he drawled. “I want to see you. Now. I can’t wait until tonight.”
The demanding tone should’ve annoyed her. It didn’t. It fed her arousal and left her hot and achy. She ran a hand over the back of her neck. “I can’t. I have so much to do and I haven’t had a chance to call Mr. Wilkins.”
“Call him. I’ll pick you up at six,” Rafe said with that air of confidence he had, as if she’d agree without hesitation. This time he was right. She couldn’t wait to see him. Talk to him. Kiss him.
“And Jasmine?”
She ran her tongue over her teeth and tugged once more at the annoying cloth rubbing against her nipples. “What?”
“Plan for that sleepover,” he said and hung up.
She held the phone to her chest for a moment and conjured Rafe’s face. Her lower belly quivered. She swallowed hard and dialed Mr. Wilkins.
What three words would the hero of your story use to describe his love interest?
Strong, beautiful, resourceful
What three words would the heroine of your story use to describe her love interest?
Romantic, sexy and confident
If the main characters in your latest release were invited to a masquerade party, what costumes would they wear?
What makes the hero of Unexpected Find hot? He focuses all of his attentions on his woman and demands hers.
Would you give us a sneak peek at one of your upcoming releases?
Beautiful Mistake is book 2 of the Royal Pride. It’s Devin’s story and it introduces us to the horrors inflicted upon the shifters by their own kind and their human brethren. It also shows how love can heal even a broken mind.
Do you have a favorite character or characters you feel especially close to?
I love Josh from Unexpected Find. He’s a human in a shifter world who’s left to stand on the sidelines.
Would you share one of the sexiest or most romantic lines from one of your books?
“You will do everything I tell you. And if you think to disobey me, I leave you with only your fingers to ease your hungers.” He pressed a chaste kiss to her lips. “Understand, my female?”
If you could meet one of your characters, which one would it be?
Devin from Beautiful Mistake. I love his inhuman traits—kaleidoscope, feline eyes and multicolored hair.
Do you prefer writing your heroes, your heroines or do you like writing both equally?
I love writing both. They have to complement each other. Maybe not in ways they’d expect, but in the ways that count.
Would you tell us about yourself?
I’ve always been an avid reader and encourage everyone to escape the hectic daily grind with a few minutes a day in your favorite book.
I’m lucky enough to share my cat’s home with my three wonderful children, husband, dog and snake. When not writing, I work as a chemist in a pharmaceutical lab.
My passions beyond reading and family include music, classic cars, tattoos and animals (all of which have found their way into my writing in one form or another).
So that’s a little bit about me…
Nancy
What are your favorite genres to read and write?
Paranormal. I love my heroes to have that otherworldly aspect to them. Any hot alpha with fangs has my attention.
Where can we visit you online?
Website: http://www.nancycorriganauthor.com
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/NancyCorriganAuthor
Facebook profile: http://www.facebook.com/nancy.corrigan.79
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Nancy_Corrigan
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/nancycorrigan79
Goodreads author: http://www.goodreads.com/Nancy_Corrigan
Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/author/nancy_corrigan
Buy links
Amazon http://tinyurl.com/amazon-UnexpectedFind
B&N: http://tinyurl.com/B-N-UnexpectedFind
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/unexpected-find
Ellora’s Cave: http://www.ellorascave.com/unexpected-find.html
When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?
I love outdoor activities. Hiking, biking, walking my dog. Anything that connects me with nature is sure to be a hit.
How long have you been writing?
Unexpected Find is my debut and the first book I wrote. My writing journey from conception to now has been a whirlwind and a fantasy come true.
To you what makes a great romance hero?
A willingness to do anything or give up everything for the woman they love.
To you what makes a great romance heroine?
I love strong heroines who are willing to fight for love and their man.
Do you have any particular writing habits?
Music! I almost always have music playing. I use it to set the mood for my scenes and block out the world around me.
Where would you go on your dream vacation?
Ireland, Wales and England. I love mythology and that section of Europe is rich in wonderful legends and myths.
If you could be any kind of shapeshifter, what kind would you be?
A royal-lol. Actually, a tiger shifter. I love tigers.
What is your favorite season?
Autumn. I love to cuddle with my husband and the cool temps give me an extra excuse.
What book are you currently reading?
Lacey and Lethal by Laurann Dohner
What is the last movie you watched?
Despicable Me 2
What is your favorite comfort food?
Pizza
Do you have any pets?
Yes! I love animals. I have a boxer, a cat and a snake (ball-python).
Social
Hi, Kate! Thanks for having me here today. 🙂
I hope everyone has a great day and if you have any questions for me, feel free to ask! I’m going to be doing some holiday shopping but will check in with my phone.
Nancy
Hello, Nancy! Thank you for being here!
😀 Love Tigers… have always been a fav big cat of mine! Enjoyed the post!
Great interview, Nancy! UNEXPECTED FIND sounds like an awesome read… Best of luck!
Colleen, tigers are my favorite too…
And thanks, Lynda! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Kate gave some great interview questions to answer. 🙂