Author Interview w/ Shona Husk + Giveaway

Today we have Author Shona Husk on our blog. Her new book Kiss Of The Gobin Prince book 2 in the Shadowland series (book 1 being The Goblin King) was released on May 1st and here's a little more info on her amazing book...

                             Description:

Freed from the curse that made him goblin Dai must find his place in the human realm. After spending centuries bound to the Shadowlands, Dai isn’t going to relinquish his ancient and magical power—control of his life. He doesn’t trust himself to be kind when all he has known is violence.

Since her husband’s death Amanda has raised their daughter alone, but it hasn’t been easy. Dai is the last man Amanda should get involved with, but she’s drawn to him and the soul-deep pain he tries so desperately to hide. When Amanda’s daughter ends up in the hospital, Dai’s supernatural abilities are the only thing that can stop the illness from claiming her life. But can Amanda place the life of her daughter in a magic she doesn’t believe in, and her heart in the hands of a man who shouldn’t exist?

I had the pleasure of interviewing Author Shona Husk, so sit back, relax and enjoy... :-)

What or who inspired you to become a writer?

SH: I wrote as a child but gave it up to study and do the sensible thing, it was when I was on maternity leave with time to spare that I started writing again. At first just for myself, then I was having so much fun I joined RWA and found a crit group, from there it was a few more years to publication. I always read fantasy novels when I was growing up so it seemed natural to construct alternate worlds, including a romance and having a HEA at the end was an added bonus .

What was the hardest part about writing your book?

SH: Getting the right balance of romance. Dai and Amanda have quiet traumatic pasts so I had to make sure they were healing and moving forward without rushing or going too slow.

What was the most surprising thing you learned while writing your book?

SH: I always learn things while writing a story, sometimes it’s in the research, sometimes it’s about the characters themselves. For instance, I learned that Dai was much more damaged than I’d first thought, but that he didn’t consider himself a victim, and that despite all his study of magic he knew that he didn’t remember everything. When I thought about it I realized that it would be impossible to remember over 1000 years of study. Imagine trying to retain the memories of a life that stretched over nearly two millennia. It’s hard enough to remember things from two decades ago.

Do you ever experience writers block?

SH: No. Some scenes are harder to get right than others, but I try not to get stuck on something that isn’t working. I just write myself a big note and often once I’ve moved on the answer becomes clear.

What is the last book you read?

SH: I’ve just finished ‘Fitzwilliam Darcy, Rock star’. It’s a Pride and Prejudice retelling but centered around two fictional bands. I always struggled with Jane Austen at school, but her work remains popular and I think most romance writers love her, so I thought reading about rock stars (which I love) would make the story accessible to me. It worked. I really enjoyed the book, but it didn’t inspire me to go back and tackle Austen.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

SH: I like to read, watch TV and cook—especially if it involves chocolate. I also cross-stitch (Heaven and Earth designs has beautiful complex patterns). I play golf very badly; it’s about the walk not the score, right?

Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

SH: I think a writer’s life experiences color their work, so there are things that have influenced my writing, but by the time I twist things into a story and blend with some paranormal it’s taken on a life of its own. With many stories it’s really hard to pinpoint the exact inspiration. Dai’s character developed as I wrote book one in the series (The Goblin King), as did Amanda’s. But as a mother I can understand her desire to do anything to save her child.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

SH: Dr Who’s assistant…then when I realized that wasn’t a real job a vet, then a doctor, then…pretty much anything that sounded interesting. I ended up studying Civil Engineering and came back to writing by chance.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?

SH: Kate Winslet, not that I can imagine anyone would want to watch my life on screen (it’s really not that exciting—except for the part where I eloped with my high school sweetheart ;) )

What project are you working on now?

SH: I’m doing the edits on ‘Enchanting Absinthe’, the last of my sexy Vampire rock stars for Ellora’s Cave and I’m working on a new paranormal romance trilogy. For my own amusement I’m dabbling with a sci-fi romance, it may not go anywhere but it is a lot of fun to work on.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

SH: Read lots, in lots of genres and don’t be afraid to experiment in your own writing.

Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers and fans?

SH: Thank you, without readers I would have no one to share my worlds and characters with. Because while writing is fun, getting emails from readers makes it worthwhile.

Light or Dark chocolate?

SH: Dark chocolate.

Tea or Coffee?

SH: Neither. Hot chocolate.

Dogs or Cats?

SH: Cats.

Favourite colour?

SH: Turquoise or red, depending on the day.

George Clooney, Brad Pitt or Aussie hunk Hugh Jackman?

SH: Hugh Jackman.

Favourite Disney movie?

SH: Beauty And The Beast

Thank you so much to Shona for answering my questions and being on our blog today, it's been a pleasure.

About The Author: A civil designer by day and an author by night, Shona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Drawing on history, myth and imagination, she writes about heroes who are armed and dangerous but have a heart of gold—sometimes literally. You can find out more information about Shona and her edgy romances at http://www.shonahusk.com/ or follow her on Twitter, @ShonaHusk.

On with our giveaway.. we have TWO copies of Kiss Of The Goblin Prince. YES! you heard right, TWO copies for TWO lucky winners. To be in the running just leave us a wonderful comment and don't forget your email addy so we can contact you, sorry but this giveaway is for US & CANADA ONLY!!

Winners will be chosen on the 25th May 2012.

Can't wait? Here's where you can buy a copy..

The Book Depository

      

Barnes & Noble

Good Luck to everyone!