Married to her marine, she currently resides in sunny California where she allows her characters to tell her their stories while feeding her music addiction and raising her wild child. She credits John Hughes, Marvel comics, punk music and the first paranormal romance novel she picked up at thirteen for creating the unique muse that drives her.
So, Shyla, what inspired you to become a writer?
Honestly there was no defining moment. Making up stories was something I always did, and once I realized I could share my thoughts via pen and paper it was a whole other world.
When did you attempt your first story? What length was it? What's become of it?
I actually wrote a novel when I was fifteen. It was a paranormal romance about a half witch/half vampire named Camilla. The memories just come back like it was yesterday. *Shakes head* The end result was untitled, but about 100 pages or so, and I was very proud. I still have the final draft, but I never really did much with it. It’s more of a tangible starting point, that makes me smile.
How many stories did you complete before you sold your first?
Start, hundreds, finish and polish…. Maybe two?
What genre(s) do you write in? What drew you to write in it/them? What’s your favorite genre of all to write in?
I usually write in paranormal romance realm. The supernatural is something I’ve always found fascinating, and many hours of my life have been spent on research and reading related to the subject. I wouldn’t say I have a favorite genre per say because I usually start with the character, and everything else is built from there.
What are the best and worst pieces of writing advice you ever received?
The worst was that I needed to make manuscript perfect before I submitted it. (Trust me folks, when you’re a writer there is no such thing as perfect. I drove myself crazy trying to accomplish that goal.) The best was to just do me, and not worry about the rest. Because each of us has a unique thing we bring to the plate.
How do you celebrate/deal with acceptance/rejection letters?
When I get an acceptance letter, I usually celebrate with my close friends who also happen to be some of my betas via tele convos, and the husband might take me out for a nice dinner. I’m still a fledgling author (not even a year into being published) so each time still feels like the first for me. As for the rejection I pick myself up, take any advice they’ve given to heart, and prepare to either “Fix” the issues with the manuscript or write a better piece my next go round.
In regard to the book you’re promoting, which actor and actress do you envision playing the roles of your hero and heroine? If there’s a villain or other characters who are pertinent to the story, who would play those parts?
I always pictured Boden being played by Gavin Rosedale via Constantine from the moment he was created. My heroine, Anna, would be played by actress/singer, Majandra Delfino. (I love her. She has such an expressive face that really helped me get to the heart of Anna.) The twist to this story is Boden started out as the villain ;).
The book you’re promoting, is it a stand-alone story or part of a series? If it’s part of a series, please list the order the books need to be read in for maximum reading enjoyment.
Wicked Temptations is the second story in my Fallen series, but it can stand alone. This story came about because when I wrote my first book Don’t Fear the Reaper, this characters who were meant to be secondary, stood up and said, “Hey, I have a story to tell.”
*** Now for some fun info… ***
What’s your favorite color?
This is so cliché, but pink.
What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Right now it’s vanilla soft serve with hot fudge, and marshmallow goo. (Yes, it’s that specific, but I’m about 6 months pregnant, so you’ll have to humor me.)
Would you/have you own(ed) a snake or some other exotic pet?
Funny story about that, snakes give me the creeps, but my husband loves them. I wouldn’t agree to marry him until he promised to never bring one into the house.
*** About Shyla’s book/series… ***
Wicked Temptations is really a story about redemption. Boden is a man who once sacrificed his soul to provide those he loved with a better life. But centuries later he’s forgotten what life away from Lucifer was like. It’s up to the blonde reaper Anna to decide if he’s redeemable, and help him remember there is still goodness left in the world. The passion they discover between them is all consuming, and changes everything.
~ Blurb ~
Boden has been Lucifer’s right hand man for the past two centuries. So the last thing he expects when he’s kidnapped during a battle with angels is a shot at redemption. Assigned to a reaper named Anna he’s whisked off to a secluded training center. The blonde pixie makes his libido spiral out of control, and if he’s not careful she may awaken the humanity he thought lost.
Anna is unable to resist the dark temptation that is Boden, and she succumbs to a passion that threatens to consume her. Now what was once a mission has become a battle for the soul of the man she loves. Can she save him, or will she be forced to watch him walk back into hell?
~ Purchasing info ~
Evernight Publishing
Amazon
***Find Shyla here***
You can learn more about me and my writing at www.shylacoltsstraightshot.wordpress.com
& keep up with me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShylaColt
Thank you for joining us here today, Shyla! It was a pleasure getting to know you and your work.
Shyla is happy to give away give a PDF copy of Wicked Temptations. All you have to do to enter is comment and a week after the interview is posted Shyla will pick a winner and notify them. Please remember to leave your email with your comment.
1 comment:
Great interview, Shyla and wonderful to get to know more about you and your writing career. Keep up the good work!
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