ABA AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH LAUREN HAWKEYE

Kiki: What is your favorite genre to read in, and what is it about that genre that attracts you to it? If you like a specific mix of genres, please state that particular combination.

Lauren: Hmm… that’s tough! I love erotica, but it has to be sophisticated, like the kind released by Harlequin Spice. I find that these types of stories tend to be very real, exploring issues that affect real women. I also love sexy, dark paranormals. These are pure flights of fantasy for me, time to forget about work, laundry and diapers.

Kiki: What is your favorite author to read in that genre, and why? Also, please tell me a little about the best book by that author you have read.

Lauren: Again, it’s so hard to choose! For sophisticated erotica, it would be Megan Hart. The woman is a genius—her characters are so real. I love all of her stories (all of them!) but Tempted would be my absolute favorite. It tells the story of a woman who loves her husband very much, but is… ahem… tempted by his best friend as well. For dark paranormals, I’m not sure if I could choose just one favorite. I like Eve Silver, Gena Showalter, Juliana Stone, Nalini Singh… I could go on. They all have a series that I’m hooked on—Eve’s Otherkin (HQN), Gena’s Lords of the Underworld (HQN), Juliana’s Jaguar Warriors (Avon) and Nalini’s Psy-Changelings (Berkley).

Kiki: Do you have a Favorite Book of All Time? Of course, please tell us what about that book makes it your favorite.

Lauren: If I had to choose just one, it would be Wilderness Tips by Margaret Atwood. It is a collection of short stories that is absolutely genius. I read it for the first time in a Canadian Literature class in university, and I’ve read it at least once a year since. I admire Atwood’s acerbic wittiness, and her stories are layered with symbolism and hidden meaning. I’m inspired by the way that Atwood pulls no punches—her writing is raw and often uncomfortable for the reader, which makes her characters all the more real.

Kiki: What is the best book you read last month, and would you recommend it to a friend?

Lauren: Last month it would have to be a book that I was critiquing for a good friend of mine—Honor Bound by Suzanne Rock (Red Sage). It was only released a couple of days ago (September 1) so I read it before it hit the shelves, but I was hooked. It’s a very dark, very sexy story about samurais and magic. I would absolutely recommend it!

Kiki: What are your reading habits like? For example, how many books do you read on average in a week, what format do you prefer to read in, what time of day do you read, and what setting is ideal for you to get lost in that book?

Lauren: Once upon a time, I could read a single title book a day. No joke. Since my son Benjamin entered the picture, I hardly ever have a chance to read—all of my free time is spent writing (or knitting!). But from time to time I will hand the baby off to my husband and escape for a loonnng bubble bath, with a new book. I like e-readers, and do read on them occasionally, as they are so convenient, but to me there is still nothing like the feeling of cracking open a brand new, glossy paperback.

Kiki: If pressed, could you choose a favorite from the books you have written? Why is it your favorite?

Lauren: If I had to choose one from the Erotic Me series, it would be Lead Me On, the third book. Linda, the heroine, has very firm views about herself and is surprised to see that she isn’t views the same way by others. I identified a lot with her. Plus it was just a very fun, sexy story to write.

Kiki: How do you become inspired to write?

Lauren: Usually I get an idea from something very random—a conversation with someone, a line from a movie, a picture. I write down something to remind me of that little inspiration (I have a huge list) and once in a while one starts to grow and blossom in my mind. Once it takes root a bit I can sit down and flesh it out.

Kiki: What part of the story do you think is your strength to write?

Lauren: The prose comes easiest for me. I can describe things until the cows come home—thesaurus is my best friend! But as a punishment for having an easy time with description, I really struggle with dialogue. I can write it, but it’s not easy.

Kiki: Please share with ABA readers something I did not think to ask you about.

Lauren: If you are a knitter, check out the original pattern for the shawl that Evie wore to her sister’s wedding in Take Me Down. The pattern is available for $4.99 at www.ravelry.com, or FREE with the purchase of the book from www.eharlequin.com

Kiki: So cool! I am a knitter. Will have to check it out :)

Lauren Hawkeye

www.laurenhawkeye.com

Lauren Hawkeye is a writer, theatre enthusiast, knitting aficionado and animal lover who lives in the shadows of the great Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. She’s older than she looks—really—and younger than she feels—most of the time—and she loves to explore the journeys that take women through life in her stories.

Blurb for Take Me Down

Evie may feel like she doesn’t measure up to her prettier, younger sister, but she still knows what she wants—Lucas, her cousin’s sexy roommate. She’s dreamed about being with him for a long time, and on the sweltering night of her sister’s wedding, it’s clear he shares her lust. Now Evie is determined to take what she desires—even if it’s just for one night….

                                                              

Giveaway!            

Comment to be entered to win an epub ARC of Take Me Down. Winner will be announced on Sat, Sept. 10^th. You must leave me an email address that I can send on to BBT in order to be entered.