Contest & Conversation with WICKED NIGHTS' New York Times Bestselling Author Gena Showalter

I am thrilled that New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter has dropped by today.  A long time fan I have always been manic about how this incredibly talented author creates such provocative characters that leap from the page.  Lucky me! Today is the day I get to ask Ms. Showalter all about those delicious characters that are inhabiting WICKED NIGHTS, her first release from her new Angels of Dark series. Please give Ms. Gena Showalter a warm welcome as we dive into the fantastic world of her making.

WICKED NIGHTS

ANGELS OF THE DARK SERIES #1

INTERVIEW WITH

NEW YORK AND USA TODAY"S

BESTSELLING

AUTHOR 

GENA SHOWALTER

Gena a few months back I was chowing down on my favorite veggie lover’s pizza. I was flipping through one of several of my RT Book Reviews magazines. I came across the an article by Liz French, Stephanie Klose, Faygie Levy and Elissa Petruzzi titled “Legacy of Love”, and was floored.  In short, the article explained about how the market might be changing but romance, which I agree whole heartedly, is forever.  My curious readers and I would love to know your thoughts on what you believe are the “Legacy of Love.”

I think the search for happily ever after is timeless.  It’s always been, and it will always be, because everyone craves love in some way or another.

You’re in the thick of ANGELS OF THE DARK series.  Can you tell us more about it?

Zacharel, the cold as ice hero of Wicked Nights, is the leader of the Army of Disgrace. And I know, I know, that’s a terrible name for his army, but it’s kinda deserved.  The winged warriors he leads have lost their faith, torched their hope, and given up on love.   Some are as cold and callous as their leader.  Some are just plain cranky, while some have embraced the dark side a little too tightly.  Each book will follow a different warrior on his journey to love and redemption.

Gena I am hooked on your characters! =)   Now, with WICKED NIGHTS, the first in your brand new dynamical titillating Angels of the Dark you once again give fans a powerful emotional high-octane charge love story.  I admit Zacharel and Annabelle are two of the most engaging protagonists that I have read.  These two characters will rip readers hearts out, all the while making them root for them to achieve a happily ever after.  Can you tell us more about it?

(First, thank you so much!)  Wicked Nights focuses on Zacharel, a warrior angel on the edge of falling, and Annabelle, a human who has spent the last four years locked inside an institution for the criminally insane (for a crime she didn’t commit).  He doesn’t have time for a distraction, but Annabelle fascinates him in a way nothing else ever has.  Zacharel decides he wants her—but then, so does the demon chasing her.  The two alpha warriors will have to fight it out, good against evil. 

Is there any part of your personality that bleeds into your characters while you write? 

Absolutely.  Especially the smart mouth.  ßI’m thinking that’s what my family would tell you.

Did you have Zacharel’s full character arc in mind when you started the Angels of the Dark series?  Did you know what would happen to him in the end? 

I didn’t.  All I knew was that he was cold and heartless and that the ice would have to be shattered rather than melted.

What inspired you to start the Angels of the Dark?

The Lords of the Underworld battle an evil within.  The Angels of the Dark battle the evil around them.  I loved the idea of turning the tables and getting a new perspective on the war.

This is tough.  I usually can pull one scene that captivated me.  In WICKED NIGHTS I was enthralled from the moment I flipped the covers.  Every moment was an intense emotional experience that kept me on the edge of my seat.  Since I cannot pinpoint a particular scene I’m going to go a different route.  I would like to chat about Annabelle and Zacharel’s first meeting.  Annabelle is strapped to a gurney, drugged and waiting for Dr. Fitzherbert, I mean, Dr. Fitzpervert when Zachariel decides to make his presence known.  This was a pretty intense and emotional moment.  But I loved Annabelle’s snappy quips.  Zacharel’s cluelessness to her sarcasm is priceless.  What goes into creating such a scene?

I hate to admit this--and ruin someone’s thoughts about my process--but I really just sat down and let the characters take me wherever they wanted to go. I haven’t always gotten it right, and I’ve had to trash hundreds of pages before, but the answer always comes.

I have to talk about the Three Celestial Musketeers: Thane, Xerxes and Bjorn.  These angels have gone through some seriously sick stuff.  All three are walking the tight-rope of sanity and losing their angel wings. I LOVE them.  Give me a tortured character and I am there.  Sick, but the more tortured the more redeemable, in my way of thinking. Inquiring minds would like to know; will this Band of Ballistic Battered Brother get to have their own stories?

Absolutely!  Koldo’s book will be the second in the series, but Thane, Xerxes or Bjorn will be the star of the third one.  On one hand, I’m leaning heavily toward Bjorn.  On the other, I’m leaning toward Xerxes… and Thane.  LOL

I noticed that some of the LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD made an appearance in WICKED NIGHTS.  Thank you, Gena! =) Will they be dropping by to help their fellow angels out?

Koldo’s story has left room only for Paris, Sienna and William to make an appearance.  But I’m happy to say I do anticipate a few other Lords showing up in the third book.

I was so happy—thrilled beyond belief to see the scrumptious delicious Paris, Possessed by the demon of Promiscuity show-up in WICKED NIGHTS.  God, he is just so yummy. Yes, I’m in love. =)  I know I asked about the Lords of the Underworld above, but I’m eager to learn if Paris and his mate Sienna Blackstone (newly possessed by the demon of Wrath) will turn up more than the others.  In THE DARKEST SEDUCTION I found I adored Paris and Zacharel’s reluctant and tumultuous camaraderie and wanted more.

Something happens in book two that will eventually cause the Angels to have to turn to the Lords.  But that’s all I can say (because I might change my mind and go a different route.) 

Okay, I want to give a warm welcome to, Annabelle Miller and Zacharel (Waving franticly, trying to get the besotted couple’s attention). ). I know you two have gone through a lot to get to your happily ever after so I will try to be brief. (Blushes scarlet as she catches the intimate glance between the newlyweds, clears her throat).

Hey, Annabelle, it has been a crazy four years for you.  First you witness your parents slaying by a demon, you become convicted of their murder, brother disowns you, sent to a state asylum where God only knows what happened to you, demons only you can see constantly tormenting you, then you meet the warrior angel, Zacharel while strapped to a gurney.  Props girl, I would have seriously lost my mind by now.  Okay, I have to ask, with absolute wicked evil and destruction going on around you what kept you motivated?   How did you keep the faith when everyone around you didn’t believe you?

The smallest light can be a beacon in the blackest of nights.  I just had to keep my eyes on the prize.

Sorry, but my readers are desperate to know what your very first thought of Zacharel was, Annabelle?  Zacharel, jump right in because my readers have been chomping at the bit to know what you thought of Annabelle.

Annabelle:  Honestly?  Two words came to mind: Not.  Nice.

Zacharel: This is true.  She told me so.  Many times.

Annabelle: Yeah, but what’d you think of me?

Zacharel: Trouble.

Zacharel what was your first thought when you realized the demons were after Annabelle?

Zacharel: I was right.  Trouble.

Annabelle did you find yourself fighting your growing affection for Zacharel?  What about you Zacharel, did you fight your feelings?  Or a better question, how long did you fight your feelings for Annabelle?

Annabelle: Oh, yes.  I fought.  He fought.  We fought. 

Zacharel: And, oddly enough, we had fun.

Annabelle, was there a moment you knew that Zacharel was for you?

Zacharel: Yes, Anna.  Do tell.

Annabelle: I plead the fifth!

Zacharel, was there one thing about Annabelle that you believe changed your outlook on love.

Annabelle: Yes, Zachie.  Was there?

Zacharel: One thing?  No.  Everything about her?  Yes.

Annabelle and Zacharel I absolutely adored getting to know more about you two. I have become addicted, lately with books about time travel.  This got me to thinking.  If I handed you my time traveling piece would use it to go back in time to change anything.

Annabelle: I don’t ever want to look back.  That will stop me from moving forward—or cause me to run into something I was never supposed to run into. 

Zacharel: My woman is wise.

Annabelle, what would you consider very misleading about the fallen warrior angels that people misconstrue?

These guys aren’t tiny babies wearing diapers while shooting heart-tipped arrows, that’s for sure!

Zacharel forgive me for bringing up a subject that is still very tender, but I know you and your twin brother Hadrenial had a very loving and close relationship.  His death had a profound affect on you. Would you mind sharing a bit about what your relationship was like?  I ask because I read somewhere that Annabelle reminded you a lot of your brother’s loving, compassionate and sweet nature.  I was curious to know if that was the major draw in helping Annabelle.

This is not something I discuss with anyone other than Annabelle.

One more thing before I let you go.  Do you believe that everything you two went through to find one another, fall in love and finding your happily ever after was worth the price you had to pay?

Together: Yes.

Annabelle:  Without love, what do you have?  Nothing I’d want to experience!  Well, not again.

Now back to Gena.

How did you mark the occasion of finally finishing WICKED NIGHTS?  After I wrote Wicked Nights I became very, very sick.  I spent two months in bed, and would have probably stayed there if I hadn’t had my own faith to turn to.  I ended up walking out of that bed a new and stronger person.  I celebrate every day!

What do you hope readers walk away with after reading WICKED NIGHTS?  Love conquers all.  Darkness always runs away from light.  There’s always a way out. 

You’re clearly very busy.  What do you do in your limited spare time?  Are you reading anything right now?  Any reading recommendations while we wait until your next release in the Angels of the dark hits the bookshelves?  If You Wish by Roxanne St. Claire.  No question!  I think everyone needs to grab a copy as soon as possible!  It’s not to be missed!

Gena, please share with desperate readers where they can connect with you in cyber world. =) 

http://www.genashowalter.com/

http://www.facebook.com/genashowalterfans

https://twitter.com/#!/genashowalter

Gena, you rocked RCJR eZine blog and its readers.  Thank you so much for stopping by to dish about Annabelle and Zacharel from your new Harlequin/HQN paranormal romance release WICKED NIGHTS.

Thank you so much for having me!

Product Details



ISBN-13: 9780373776986


Publisher: Harlequin


Publication date: 6/26/2012


Format: Mass Market Paperback


Pages: 416


Sales rank: 13,059


Series: Angels of the Dark Series , #1

Overview

Leader of the most powerful army in the heavens, Zacharel has been deemed nearly too dangerous, too ruthless—and if he isn't careful, he'll lose his wings. But this warrior with a heart of ice will not be deterred from his missions at any cost…until a vulnerable human tempts him with a carnal pleasure he's never known before.

Accused of a crime she did not commit, Annabelle Miller has spent four years in an institution for the criminally insane. Demons track her every move, and their king will stop at nothing to have her. Zacharel is her only hope for survival, but is the brutal angel with a touch as hot as hell her salvation—or her ultimate damnation?

CONTEST 

THE PRIZE: Two (2) lucky readers will win a copy of WICKED NIGHTS by New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter.

 

TO ENTER: Leave a comment for Gena Showalter including your email address (Email address are required for ALL entries.) 

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*Connect with RCJR eZine at:

 

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Contest is open to ALL

It will runs until July 14,2012

I will contact the winners directly on July 15, 2012

HAPPY READING! =)