Interview of Author Frances Pauli

Today it's my pleasure to present an interview of romance author Frances Pauli.

Latest Book: Lords of Oak and Holly

http://www.devinedestinies.com/shopdevine

BIO:
Frances Pauli was born and raised in Washington State. She grew up with a love of reading and storytelling, and was introduced to Science Fiction and Fantasy at an early age through the books kept and read by her father.

Her original love of Speculative fiction combined with her covert excursions into the Romance section led her into the realms of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, where she finds herself quite comfortable. Her fascination with Science Fiction and a growing passion for the NASA channel divert her happily into tales of the far future, alternate dimensions, and the wonders of space, usually with at least a touch of romance.
Her short fiction has appeared in Alternative Coordinates and Bewildering Stories magazines. Her first novel, Roarke, is available through Devine Destinies e-books. More information on Frances and her writing can be found at: http://francespauli.com and http://www.francespauli.blogspot.com

Q: What’s the first thing you did when you received word you’d sold a book?
A: Well, I didn’t pass out, but it was close. I practically went into cardiac arrest. I jumped. I spun. I squealed. Then I told anyone and everyone who would listen.

Q: Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
A: While I love both my heroine and hero, I have a huge soft spot for quirky side characters. In Dimensional Shift, I’m torn between Doreen, the alien abductee girl next door, and Ian, the invisible best friend. Both managed to earn their way into book two.

Q: Do all your heroes and all heroines look the same in your mind as you “head write”?
A: Definitely not. I picture each character as a distinct individual. There may be similarities—hair color, build, etc—but most of my heroines and heroes have some feature that makes them unique. They all look different in my noggin too.

Q: Do you eat comfort food when writing? If so, what food inspires your imagination?
A: Wasabi peas. I gobble them during novel writing. They’re super hot and unbelievably addictive. If you haven’t tried them, go grab a can. Really.

Q: What is your favorite romance book that you’ve read?
A: The Year of the Unicorn, by Andre Norton. It’s technically romantic Science Fiction, but will always be a romance in my book.

Q: Facebook, MySpace, Blogs, Chats, or Twitter. Which do you like best and why?
A: I am a blog junkie. I write several, read some, post occasionally on others. The idea of instant publication for all fascinates me as does the effect blogging has had on our popular culture, politics, and media.
Facebook would count as a close second, but there’s always the danger lurking of those tempting app games. My current time waster is Galaxy Legion, and it steals far too many hours that could be spent writing.

Tell us where to find you: website(s), publisher’s page(s), blog(s), Facebook page(s), etc. List them all!

My home page is: http://francespauli.com
Main blog: http://francespauli.blogspot.com
Free Serial: http://spaceslugserial.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Frances-Pauli/112884745408149

TAGLINE: Maris always loved winter, but she never dreamed she'd actually meet him...

BLURB:


When her interpretation of a traditional holiday scene loses Maris the annual ice sculpting competition, her favorite season takes a turn toward dismal. The rent is due, and her landlady won’t accept a fourth place ribbon. So when the enigmatic, Lord Brayce, arrives with a last minute commission, Maris jumps at the chance.

And as her host’s icy exterior begins to melt away, Maris finds there is far more to him than meets the eye, and his attentions leave her wishing this particular job could last forever.

But when Brayce’s family arrives for the holiday, Maris is plunged head over heels into a world of secrets and an age old conflict between brothers.

Can an ordinary girl survive at the center of a battle straight out of myth? And if her impossible suspicions are correct, what are the odds that Maris can win her prince?

EXCERPT:

A throat cleared nearby. Maris started, opened her eyes and nearly slapped the hand away on reflex. A man stood opposite her, and his long fingers stroked the sculpture she’d spent so many hours shaping. She clenched her jaw against the urge to chastise. He might be a judge, or a potential patron, but he had a lot to learn about ice.

She followed the hand with her eyes, willed it to lift away from the lines she prayed didn’t blur at his attention. The heat from a finger—Maris cringed—could ruin her efforts in mere seconds.

“The epic battle.” His voice held no hint of his opinion on the piece. It stated fact only.

Maris tore her gaze from his disobedient hand. She followed a tailored, indigo suit sleeve to the man’s face, and found her words frozen in her throat. He had eyes that pinned you in place, clear blue, backed by an unnamed authority. She sensed little amusement when he smiled at her. His expression simply cracked.

He nodded toward the sculpture, and his finger pointed to the apex. Night black hair danced around his angular face with the gesture. “If I’m not mistaken,” he continued. “You’ve veered slightly from the
traditional formula.”

“A small, artistic license.” Maris’ spine stiffened. As intimidating as the stranger looked, she felt compelled to defend her work. Years of school may have prepared her for criticism, but exposure hadn’t lessoned the sting of it. “The Summer Prince would typically be ascendant.” She pointed to indicate the sculpture’s deviance. “I’ve chosen to feature his adversary, in honor of the season.”

“Delightful.”

“Pardon?” She had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze. This time the smile held at least a trace of humor at the corners. His eyes flashed and held hers captive, frozen in a field of ice blue.

“I like it.” His smile cracked wider, one end curling as he nodded again. “Wonderful.”


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