Hi friends! Today we have Lauren Dane visiting with us, and it’s release day for her! Deb’s review of Falling Under will be posted on Thursday, so if you’re interested stay tuned. 🙂 In fact, I think it’s safe to say Lauren is one of Deb’s favorite authors, so when we had the chance to ask Ms. Dane some questions, I put it to Deb. Here’s what happened with the Q&A.
What was your inspiration for the characters in the Ink and Chrome series?
I absolutely love cars and bikes and the culture that is so much more than just fixing them up and more about the art of restoration and creation. I love inked up guys with piercings who look tough but are really just big, sweet dudes who care about people and machines.
It’s also nice that the world is more than just Twisted Steel, but this group of people and a wide variety of artistic endeavors. Gives me such a fertile world to work with.
Your books exemplify a love of the arts… music, art, dance. How does art effect your own life personally?
I went into it a little above – but pretty much as long as I can remember I’ve loved art. I’ve always been fascinated by how different people create in their own ways. For me, art is the lens I try to use when I look at the world all around.
Art is the soul of humanity. It’s who we are, why we are. It surrounds us all the time. I love that. I love that the music I listen to, the poetry I read, the books, movies, whatever I see all around me then informs my own process. I find that so reassuring and yet miraculous all at the same time.
You write in several subgenre’s. Do you enjoy one over the other?
I usually enjoy whatever I’m due to work on next best, LOL! I love the ability to range across genres and stories. It’s a fun challenge. Keeps me fresh and interested.
Some of your books are action packed and suspenseful and yet others are more drama and character driven. Do you have a preference, and which one is more difficult to write?
Well, they all have challenges. Deeply emotional, dramatic books can be exhausting to write. But humor is hard too. Action means there’s blocking to be done. You can’t rush the heart of an action scene, or not use any of that build up to the best sort of end.
Every book, each group of characters has their own story and feel. Getting it right for that book is always the hardest thing for me.
What was, hands down, the most difficult book for you to write? Why?
The last year or so has presented a number of challenges. I’m a fast writer. I’m used to a certain pace. I’ve had that pace for eight years. But getting ill and then trying to deal with new medications on top of that has meant I’ve been so terribly behind schedule that I’ve been doing triage.
Trying to create during that time was a huge challenge. I’d say the hardest single book though, was Back To You, because I’d never told a story like that before. I wanted the pacing to be exactly right. I wanted to be sure Vaughan groveled in the right way, that he earned his HEA with Kelly. I threw out tens of thousands of words and re-started, twice. But in the end, I’m very proud of it.
Of course what’s release day and a guest author without some prizes, right? (I know right? WTF? Lime participated in a release blitz? In a blog tour? … The world might be ending. I’m not sure.)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
And once more with feeling … Or you know, the first time just to let you know what’s up for grabs 😉
The men of Twisted Steel are great with their hands.
And they’re not afraid to get dirty.
Duke Bradshaw, co-owner of the Twisted Steel custom motorcycle and hot rod shop, may devote his days to chrome and leather, but his nights belong to Carmella. His sultry redheaded neighbor has a smile like an angel and a body built for sin, and for the past year both have dominated Duke’s dreams. When a problem at Twisted Steel requires a fast fix, Duke sees his chance to finally make his fantasy a reality.
Ever since she first heard the low rumble of his engine, Carmella Rossi has wondered if Duke Bradshaw handles his women as expertly as he handles his bike. When he shows up at her door offering her a much-needed job at his shop, she gets her chance to find out. Beneath Duke’s masterful touch, Carmella soon submits to a world of unimaginable pleasure.
But history has taught Carmella how bad a boy boy can be. If she doesn’t put on the brakes fast, her hard-bodied heartbreaker could drive her right over the edge . . .
Lime is absolutely correct that Lauren is one of my favorite authors! I’m so honored to have been able to ask her these questions. (trying not to sound like a giggling fan girl here)
Lauren, thank you so much for taking the time to let us into your world and creative process.
I’m loving the Ink & Chrome series!
sounds like a great read
Really looking forward to this one as I do all of Lauren’s books.
I loved Lauren’s Brown siblings series!
Awesome as usual , Enjoyed the Hurley’s, as the Brown’s
I am enjoying the Chrome series . Excellent as usual
One thing I forgot to mention is the cover art on these Ink & Chrome books is stunning!