Bonded by Blood: Vampire Chronicles by Arial Burnz
Arial will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Card (winner’s choice) to a randomly drawn commenter during this tour and her Virtual Book Tour. Also, at every stop a randomly drawn commenter will be awarded a 5-Star Short Story eBook, Romance Trading Card set & signed Bonded By Blood series post card. A $20 Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Card (winner’s choice) will be awarded to a randomly drawn host between both tours. http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/05/virtual-nbtm-tour-bonded-by-blood.html
I love getting into the heads of erotic romance writers, especially those who write about vamps! Welcome Arial Burnz to the blog with her exciting Vampire Chronicles. Before we get to those vamps, Arial answers my ten.
Arial Burnz Interview Thank you so much for having me as a guest on your wonderful blog! I’m just thrilled to be here!!!
Woohoo! You are a published author. Describe a strong character trait you possess, good or bad, and how it helped you become a published author.
Determination. I’m not one to give up on something I believe in. I wrote MIDNIGHT CONQUEST over twenty years ago and I’ve never given up on getting it published.
Sometimes an author begins writing a story before they are aware of its genre. Did you choose your genre, or did it choose you?
I most definitely chose the genre. I’ve been a lover of vampire fiction—both romantic and paranormal fantasy—for over 30 years. My other favorite genre is fantasy—dragons, unicorns, hobbits, wizards, etc. You can be sure to see those books coming down the pipe once I’m done with my Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles.
The plot thickens, or does it? Which one are you, a pantser or a plotter?
I’m a total plotter. I have to be, especially when writing a series. I love to add layers to a storyline and characters and the overarching plot of the series. There are many things I’m planting all the way back in the early books that won’t even come to complete manifestation until Book 6 and beyond, so I have to plan everything out to insert those little Easter eggs. However, that doesn’t mean my characters don’t take on a life of their own. I plot my stories for a general guide, but my characters will often do things unexpected and will actually improve upon the original ideas. I love it!
Fear 101: As writers it is our duty to make our characters face their fears. Have you ever included one of your own fears in a storyline?
Oh, that’s for certain. Writing is almost a form of therapy for many authors, and I’m no different. Literary revenge for those people who did me wrong often emerges as villains I tear to pieces in my books. Fear of not being accepted and loved for who I am is the theme for Book 2 – MIDNIGHT CAPTIVE.
Fear 102: Yes, deadlines are terrifying. Have you conquered the juggling act between writing and the rest of your life? What do you do when it feels like the balls are dropping all around you?
I’ve just recently overcome this obstacle. There was the fear of not making enough money to pay the bills, so I tended to overload myself with business endeavors that took time away from writing. My husband and I are finally in a situation where I’ve been able to clear my plate of those time-consuming projects. I’m focused on writing, cover design and recording audio books…the three things I love to do. Very rewarding. As for what I do when I feel the balls dropping around me…sit back and take inventory of what’s really important, and sometimes I just have to say no to certain things, or put them off for a while, and focus on what matters most—writing. I would die if I couldn’t write, so that’s #1.
Switch positions with one of your main characters in a scene. What is the outcome, disaster or divine intervention?
Broderick MacDougal holds his silver-plated Wootz blade, an impressively decorative but deadly sword, ready to do battle with Angus Campbell, his clan enemy and also immortal. Angus stands at the ready, face snarling and shoulders hunched for battle.
Insert Arial Burnz with sword in hand and Broderick steps out. Angus advances with growl and Arial screeches, dropping the sword and batting Angus away, screaming like a ninny. Angus stops, jaw unhinged, and shakes his head. Only with Arial’s well-timed hysterics and cowardice is she able to stun Angus into inaction, giving her the moment she needs to run for her life!
Yeah…that’s about the size of it.
Where is your favorite place to write? Add that one comfort food that you can’t do without.
It’s nothing romantic for me or what some people might visualize for “the writer.” I have my own home office and it’s my day job. And I don’t have comfort foods like I used to. My favorite used to be macaroni and cheese with tuna and peas…lol…but I’m over that. There is, of course, sushi. And I do love dark chocolate. It’s just not a life necessity.
Writing inspirations?
My primary inspiration is my husband. He’s shown me what true love is, that love worth dying for, the love Broderick and Davina share. I hope my books are able to give people a taste of what that really feels like. THAT’S something I cannot do without.
You are introduced to your favorite author. Who is it, and what is that one burning question you must ask them?
LOL! This just happened and it was a disaster. I didn’t really have any burning question, though. I finally met Anne Rice in person at the RT Book Lover’s Convention in Los Angeles. I handed over my large, silver-coated tome of her Vampire Chronicles for her to autograph…and I bawled. Well, not BAWLED, but I got so choked up I could barely talk to her. I was a mess and she was a sweetheart.
I’ve gone mad – why don’t you come with me? Some people just don’t understand us writers. Name a quirky, writer-thing you do that friends wish you didn’t.
I love to blurt out in public places that I write about hot sexy vampires performing erotic love scenes. That tends to get my family and friends blushing or laughing nervously. One thing they definitely don’t like me doing is staying home all the time, writing. Many people insist I need to get out more. But I can’t write when I’m “oot and aboot!”
This has been fun! Thanks so much for the opportunity to be here and share this information!! You’ve been a doll!
Arial, the pleasure is all mine. 🙂 Now for those vamps!
Blurbs:
Midnight Conquest
Masked in a Gypsy guise, Broderick MacDougal hides his vampiric identity while seeking to destroy the man who slaughtered his family. When an old Clan rival ensnares Broderick in a trap using an enticing widow, he is compelled to discover if she is bait or an accomplice, and the cinnamon-haired beauty is his next conquest.
Widow of an abusive husband, Davina Stewart-Russell clings to the only image that gave her strength during those dark times—the Gypsy rogue who stole her heart as a youth. After nine years, she is finally face-to-face with him again, but reality clashes with fantasy as she is confronted with Broderick’s passionate pursuit.
When Davina’s past returns to haunt her, Broderick is forced to reveal a dark secret worse than anything Davina thought possible. The challenge before them has fatal risks and neither of them is prepared for the sacrifices expected for the sake of eternal love.
Midnight Captive
Cailin MacDougal has lived a dangerous life being the adopted daughter of vampire Broderick “Rick” MacDougal, so she had no choice but to learn to fight in order to protect herself. However, such behavior is hardly desirable in a dutiful wife who’s supposed to embroider and run a household. This aggressive side of her behavior should be easy enough to hide from her betrothed…shouldn’t it?
After being away at fencing school for seven years, James Knightly has returned as a master swordsman, ready to captain his own ship and finally wed his childhood sweetheart, Cailin MacDougal. What he finds waiting for him is a dagger-toting hellion for a bride, an immortal father-in-law, and an enemy bent on extracting revenge by threatening the family James holds most dear–the MacDougals.
Broderick MacDougal is lured away from his family with the promise of-at last-learning a way to protect those he loves from his clan enemy, Angus Campbell. Broderick knows he’s headed for a trap, but the bait is too tempting to resist…and he unravels the beginning of a prophecy that will lead to redemption for all vampires. The cost of such redemption, though, may be the very soul of the woman he would die for…his wife, Davina.
Excerpt:
Midnight Conquest
Seeing the erotic images she entertained in her mind, mimicking his dream, was his undoing.
With a groan, he dashed around the table, and before she could gather her wits, he pulled her to her feet, wrapping her in his embrace and crushing her arms between them. Davina’s hands upon his chest spread warmth over his body. The wild thumping of his heart beneath her palms matched her own heart’s cadence, pounding in his ears. Davina stared up at him with parted lips, full and tempting, begging to be tasted, and his mouth descended upon hers. With a dexterity that surprised him, she dodged him.
“Stop!”
Amusement played havoc with his features and he eased the tension of his embrace just enough to allow Davina some breathing room. His voice purred, “Stop? You are ripe and ready, lass. What say we indulge in each other in a more private atmosphere?”
Davina stepped out of his embrace and cracked her hand against his cheek.
“What in—” Broderick’s brow scrunched in confusion, and then smoothed as he tipped his head back and hearty laughter poured out of his mouth, his fists planted on his hips. Oh, I like her!
Author Bio and Links:
Arial Burnz has been an avid reader of both paranormal and fantasy fiction for over thirty years. With bedtime stories filled with unicorns, hobbits, dragons and elves, she had no choice but to craft her own tales, penning to life the many magical creatures roaming her mind and dreams. And with a romantic husband who’s taught her the meaning of true love, she’s helpless to weave romance into her tales. Now she shares them with the world. Arial Burnz lives in Rancho Cucamonga, California, with her husband (a.k.a. her romance novel hero)—who is also a descendent of Clan MacDougal—along with their dog and two cats.
Links
Website: http://www.arialburnz.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorarialburnz
Twitter: https://twitter.com/arialburnz
Buy Link (Amazon Author Page where all my books are listed and available):
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR BOOK AND THE TOUR! THANKS FOR THE GIVEAWAY! calicolady60@hotmail.com
Thanks so much for having me as a guest on your blog!! Looking forward to interacting with everyone! 😀
Arial, what an exciting series! Vamps are one of my favorite things to read and write about and with a bit of historical mixed in, well, it just makes this series irresistible to me. 🙂 Congrats!
Thank you sooooo much, Danita!!! It’s been an exciting journey and these tours have really helped me get out to meet readers and share the fun. You’re a gem for hosting me! Woo hoo!
Thank you for hosting
Fun interview!!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to another awesome week of the tour!
andralynn7 AT gmail DOT com
Hey, Shelley!! Thanks so much for all the well wishes, and good luck on the drawing!! 😀
Well, poo! I hit the wrong link. Sorry about that Andra! Some blogs allow replies to each individual posts. And some only allow you to add another comment at the end. Grrrr! Obviously my message was meant for Shelley. LOL
Hi, Andra!! *waves* Hee hee…good to see you on this tour. Good luck on the drawing!
Well, it’s the beginning of another week! I look forward to all the great posts and excerpts! Thanks so much for sharing and for the great giveaway!
hense1kk (at) cmich (dot) edu
Hey, Kate!!! Thanks for commenting and I look forward to seeing you for this tour, too! 😀
This was a fun interview for me too thank you.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Nice to see you here, Mary! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! 😀 Good luck on the drawing.
Thanks for sharing Bonded By Blood. This series sounds really good and I am looking forward to reading it. evamillien at gmail dot com
Thank, YOU, Eva! I’m excited to see what you think of it when you start getting into the books. Good luck on the drawing!
Informative interview
bn100candg at hotmail dot com
Hey, BN!! Nice to see you at the next stop! Good luck on the drawing.
Me and my characters are still available if anyone has any comments or questions. 😀
Loved the interview! This sounds like a great book, can’t wait to read it!
tiger-chick-1(at)hotmail(dot)com
Hola!! Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy it! Good luck on the drawing!
I finally finished my tour and I’ve done the drawing for the individual blogs and the overall winners.
Overall Commenter Winner for the $15 Gift Card – Andra Lynn
Blog Host Winner – Straight from the Library
Individual Blog Winners (Commenters) for eBook short story & swag:
Danita Minnis Blog – BN100
Christine Young Romance Writer – Kate
Crazy Four Books – Andra Lynn
Musing and Ramblings – Shelley Summers
Words of Wisdome from the Scarf Princess – Mary Preston
Unabridged Andra – Amer (VampedChik)
Andi’s Book Reviews – Valerie R
Straight from the Library – Only 2 people commented, so they both win – Mary Preston & Eva Millien
It’s Raining Books – Rita Wray
Long and Short Reviews – BN100
Thanks to everyone who participated!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Arial, thanks for sharing!
Congrats to all the winners. 🙂
Thank you soooo much for hosting me, Danita!! 😀