Today, I had the extreme pleasure of welcoming one of my favorite people on this planet, as well as a wonderful new author, Elizabeth Varlet, to PNR Lovers. I’m certain that if you read her story, you will fall in love with her writing, just as I have.
If you have any questions, or would like to leave a comment, for Elizabeth, please feel free to do so. We love author/reader interaction here!
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Welcome to PNRLovers, Elizabeth.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
Okay, where to start? I’m originally from Upstate NY, but have been living in Europe for about 10 years now with my husband. We love to travel and have driven through most of the Western European countries during one trip or another. My favorite place, so far, is probably Prague, Czech Republic. Although Salamanca, Spain is a close second. I am an artist and have been painting in some form or another since I was a pre-teen. It’s the same for writing, whether it was poetry or short stories, if I didn’t have a paint brush in my hand, then I probably had a pen.
Can you tell us a couple of random fun facts about you that we couldn’t find out by doing a Google search?
I am a plan-a-holic. I’m addicted to my planner. I use the Erin Condren Life Planner and I go so far as to decorate each week with cute stickers. Seriously, it’s a problem. I also love to paint my nails. I actually schedule a manicure in my planner and pick a new color every week. Since I work from home I don’t get to wear make-up or fancy clothes each day, so having cute nails is my way of being girly. Plus, it’s fun!
When you’re not busy writing all the words, what do you like to do to occupy your free time?
I have a day job as a graphic designer. I also love to cook and experiment with new recipes. Thank goodness I married a man who doesn’t mind testing my creations.
Are there any Authors that have grasped your interest recently and why? What are you reading now?
Oh man! Too many. That is such a touch question. More than anything else, I am a READER. I love books. I love stories. And I can devour an entire series so fast. Right now I’m on a M/M Romance kick. The last book I read was Levity by Leta Blake & Keira Andrews. It was super cute. I’ve also recently read Falling by Barbara Elsborg which was so intensely beautiful and tragic and amazing that I went out and picked up the next book in the series immediately after finishing it. But, perhaps my favorite book this month is Vespertine by Leta Blake and Indra Vaughn – just, omg, so good.
What advice would you give to an aspiring to be an author? Something you wish someone had told you when you first started out? These days the only thing standing in your way is yourself. So, if being an author is something you really want, you will find a way to get there. Keep writing.
Tell us about your writing day. Do you have a specific area where you always write? What kind of schedule to you keep? Are there any kind of writing rituals or habits that you can tell us about? I have a desk/office space in our apartment. I usually wake up, make myself a cup of coffee, turn on my computer, and check my work emails. Then I will do whatever graphic design stuff I have on schedule. I usually do this until lunch when my husband comes home. We enjoy lunch together. When he goes back to work, if I’ve finished all my design work for the day, I switch hats. I check all my writing related social media, email, and forums. Then, finally, I open up my Scrivener and write until dinner. Sometimes, if I am in need of encouragement or the words aren’t flowing well, I will log in to a special chatroom and do writing sprints with my fellow writers.
There are so many aspects of writing that a lot of readers never think of. What is your least favorite part about the writing process? Erm…the writing. *cringe* No, I am probably just saying that because I’m struggling this week to get the words for current WIP and it’s a pain in my butt. Sometimes, I wish I could just plug my brain into some magic machine and all the words would be written. Then all I would have to do is edit. I don’t mind editing. It’s getting the words down in the first place that is the most difficult for me – unless it’s a really good day.
Now for something silly, if you were starring in a paranormal romance novel, would your ideal mate be a shifter (if so, which kind), a vampire, or something else?
Hmm…great question! I love a bad boy so my first instinct would be a Vampire (hello, Eric Northman), but then I thought cuddling up to all that cold flesh can’t be comfortable. And I do love to snuggle. So, I’d want a bad boy shifter with hot blood and a deep growl, maybe a lone wolf or something. Rawr.
What are you working on now? How is this different from your past projects? I’m working on Imperious Shroud, book two in my Odren’s Unrest series. It introduces a race of elvish like creatures (the Hynae) who can manipulate the elements and sense emotions. Plus, some seriously scary murderous things who want my MCs dead. I am excited by this book because I get to further explore the world of Odren, which is epically huge, and take the reader on an exciting journey.
Can you share an excerpt of your upcoming book, or recently released one?
This is from Abounding Dawn: Odren’s Unrest – Book One.
“Stop fidgeting.” “I can’t help it, this thing itches. What is it made of, cactus?” Josie tugged on the toga-like dress. “It’s the traditional garment for the ceremony. You do not see any of the others complaining.” Kashiem—the ferrier had finally told her his name—gestured behind him where the other “contestants,” as Josie thought of them, waited. A hundred gorgeous women, all wearing the same damn potato sack, except they made it look couture. She adjusted the strap beneath her breasts again. “Yeah, but they are all smiling and obviously happy to be here, something I’m not.” Kash grabbed her hands before she could run them through her hair, and pushed them to her sides. “Be still and get through this with a little dignity, and afterward I will help you find your answers.” Josie sighed and nodded. Kashiem hadn’t had time, or the inclination, to explain the details once they were hustled into the waiting room for prospectives. For all she knew the custom involved a wild orgy with farm animals. A gong sounded, echoing through the stone corridors, settling the soft chatter of the women and servants to a hushed, reverent silence. Oh man, give me strength. “The appraisal ceremony will begin,” announced the muscled guard at the end of the hall. “The kings welcome the prospectives with open hearts. May Aiea the Abounding bless you all.” “When you go into the room, do not say a word until you are addressed and touch no one but the kings,” Kashiem instructed. “Servants and attendants, please head to the viewing room now. Prospectives enter the great room on the next gong.” She clutched Kash’s hand. “Wait.” “Worry not. The ceremony is rather uncomplicated for all its pomp and importance,” he said with a gentle pat on her hand. He loosened her fingers and followed the others exiting the hallway. Josie sent a nervous smile to the woman in line ahead of her who glanced over her shoulder. The woman smiled back with an encouraging nod. When the gong sounded again, Josie wiped her palms on the front of her dress and expelled the air in her lungs. Strange animal orgies, virgin sacrifices, or bodily torture wouldn’t stop her from getting some answers about her past. And as soon as she got them, she’d be gone again. Safe and sound in her basement apartment, working at the ridiculously overpriced clothing shop by day and ordering takeout every night. Josie pressed her lips together at the tightening in her chest and rubbed her bare arms. The gigantic doors at the end of the hall opened with a groan, and the line of beautiful maidens inched forward. With every step, Josie’s heart rate kicked up a notch until it seemed as if it would gallop right out of her throat. She licked her lips and swallowed her panic. She could do this. No matter what “it” entailed. Except maybe animal orgies and virgin sacrifices.
Where can our readers find you online? Do you have a newsletter they could subscribe to? Elizabeth Varlet – http://www.elizabethvarlet.com/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/EVarletAuthor Twitter – https://twitter.com/ElizabethVarlet Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/elizabethvarlet/ Tumblr (NSFW) – http://evarlet.tumblr.com/
Abounding Dawn – http://www.elizabethvarlet.com/?page_id=3195 Loose Id – http://www.loose-id.com/odren-s-unrest-1-abounding-dawn.html Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Varlet/e/B00YH8QMEE/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1 Kobo – https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/abounding-dawn ARe – https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-aboundingdawn-1815110-340.html
Marriage Night Freebie Story –https://www.instafreebie.com/free/jfIxyAyxjE8Moe4uay0qFCAwQsjPPL
Newsletter Signup: http://www.elizabethvarlet.com/?page_id=3153 Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ElizabethsEntourage/
Thank you so much for doing this interview with me, Elizabeth. I enjoyed your answers, and very much look forward to reading Imperious Shroud!