Today we have author Larissa Ione visiting us at Book Binge! The first book in her Demonica Series, Pleasure Unbound, is being released tomorrow. She’ll be talking about that, among other things. Be sure to stick around for a chance to win a copy of Pleasure Unbound, which is fabulous. You can check out Casee’s review here.
Book Binge: Can you tell us about your first book sale?
Larissa Ione: Well, basically, I’d quit writing after Hurricane Katrina – my family and I lost everything, and while we were doing the cleanup, I received a rejection on a story on which I’d been working closely with an editor. So I was homeless, I’d lost my computer and all my works-in-progress, and I’d gotten a rejection. I pretty much gave up writing after that. I just couldn’t deal with any more stress, any more rejections.
Then, while I was living with my parents and dealing with FEMA and insurance companies and all kinds of nightmares, the writing community, my friends, and my critique partners came to my aid (and let me tell you, I’m indebted to HUNDREDS of people, and I will never be able to thank them enough.)
To make a long story short, I got back up on my writing horse and started writing again. I figured I had nothing left to lose.
So I started writing in a way I’d been afraid to do before – I really let myself go. And I sent work out again.
And one day, when I was at a very low point, had had it up to my eyebrows with the insurance companies, I got The Call from Red Sage. They wanted to buy one of my novellas for an anthology! I’ll never forget that day. I got off the phone and asked my parents if they had a bottle of champagne chilled – if you knew my parents, you’d realize this wasn’t a crazy question – they are ALWAYS prepared to celebrate ANYTHING with a bottle of champagne.
Broke a hundred at bowling? Let’s celebrate! Got your hair cut? Let’s celebrate!
So anyway, they had a bottle in their garage fridge, and boy, did we celebrate! Selling to Red Sage was WAY better than getting my hair cut.
Two weeks later, Stephanie Tyler and I sold our Sydney Croft series to Bantam Dell. And nine months after that, I sold my Demonica series, my dream series, really, to Grand Central.
I totally credit Hurricane Katrina for my sales. Had it not been for the storm, I might still be trying to tailor my voice to fit stories I thought might sell – not stories I wanted to write. Out of the bad, came wonderful good.
BB: How long did it take you from when you first picked up the pen (or keyboard) until you got published?
LI: Well, I wrote my first full-length novel at the age of 13. But I didn’t truly get serious about publication until 1997, when I was 30. I wrote on and off, and finally sold in 2006. So nine years. For some reason, I usually think it’s less than that, because I was writing in completely the wrong genre for me (historicals) until 2002. So for some reason, I my standard answer to this question is 4 years, but if I really trace things back, it’s closer to nine.
BB: What is your writing process like? Do you outline or just let your characters take you where they will?
LI: I used to be a plotter. Like, anal plotter. Then I started working with Stephanie Tyler on the Sydney Croft books, and let me tell you…that girl gets hives at the very mention of the four-letter word, “plot.”
So suddenly, I had to work a lot more loosely than I was used to, letting the characters guide the story. And although I’m not truly a pantser now, I’m not a plotter, either.
BB: What is your typical writing day like?
LI: Depends on whether it’s the school year or not. Right now, since it’s summer, I get up whenever I wake up, start my coffee, and boot up the laptop. I usually spend the first hour of my day checking email and updating blogs, and then I get to work. I work until around four or five, when I get on the elliptical. I shower, make dinner, and then it’s back to work if I’m on deadline. If I’m not, I probably read. Very unexciting!
BB: What kind of research do you do when writing a book?
LI: I prefer hands-on research where I can. There is no substitute for touching, smelling, seeing, doing, tasting…*g* I actually became an EMT so I could write my medical characters more accurately!
But there are times you just can’t do hands-on, so I like to do as much research from watching documentaries and reading books as possible, or I talk to people who know the subject. I don’t like internet research for some reason. I use it when I have to, but I much prefer to watch TV or read.
As a writer, what is easier…writing a series or writing a stand alone? For me, writing a stand alone is much easier, but I prefer writing series. Once I get into a world, I want to stay there. That goes for reading, as well. I much prefer to read series books over stand-alones.
BB: What does it take to make a series work? How do you make a reader want more, more, more?
LI: There are a lot of ways to do that…like keeping running plots going through the books. But I think the best way to make readers want more is to create fascinating characters people will want to read more about.
BB: Where did you get the idea for your Demonica series?
LI: I’ve always loved anything paranormal, and I’ve always had a fascination with emergency medicine. So one day, I was watching an episode of Angel, and he got hurt. Bad. Being a vampire, he couldn’t exactly go to a hospital for help, so I started thinking…what if there WAS a hospital for underworld creatures like him? And that’s how the first book was born!
BB: Do you already have the arc or number of books planned in the series?
LI: There are three books planned, but once I turn in book 3, I’m going to propose at least one more. Ideally, I’d like to write 2-3 more. I’m also working on a spin-off series set in the same world but with new characters and a different location. I don’t know if it’ll fly, but we’ll see!
BB: Can you tell our readers why they should read Pleasure Unbound?
LI: Well, I didn’t pull any punches with this series, so if they like dark, gritty, and steamy, it might be right up their alley. People keep saying it’s different from what’s out there. Hopefully that’s a good thing!
BB: What do you have in the works currently?
LI: Well, I’m just finishing up the third Demonica book and the fourth Sydney Croft ACRO novel. After that, there are two more ACRO novels to write. So I need to come up with a proposal for something from my Demonica world. I might also be working on a Star Trek novel proposal soon, as well!
BB: What made you want to be a writer?
LI: I always wanted to be a writer. From the time I read my first book. But it wasn’t until middle school, when I started reading Jack London and Stephen King, that I dared to dream that someday, my books might be on the shelves alongside them. Well, maybe not right alongside, but in the same book store. Stephen King and Jack London were truly my inspirations.
BB: What advice would you give aspiring authors?
LI: Don’t edit your stories to death. I know so many aspiring authors who have been working on the same manuscript for years, revising it every time they get a critique or a rejection. In time, the story loses the raw spark that inspired it in the first place. Your voice can be diluted by a million different voices. Write your story and trust your gut when it comes to outside advice.
BB: Are there any other genres that you intend to write in?
LI: Science Fiction – when I write that Star Trek novel.
BB: Who is your favorite romance author?
LI: Oh, geez. There are so many! But Linda Howard was my introduction to contemporary romance, so I’ll say her.
BB: What is your favorite romance novel to re-read?
LI: Mackenzie’s Mission, by Linda Howard
BB: Pepsi or Coke?
LI: Pepsi, but I don’t drink much soda (and yes, I’m from Oregon, so I should say “pop,” but I don’t! *g* )
BB: What’s your biggest weakness (shoes, books, chocolate, etc)?
LI: Animals.
BB: Chocolate or Vanilla?
LI: Vanilla
BB: Coffee or Tea?
LI: Coffee. Lots.
BB: Favorite movie?
LI: Too many to list!
BB: Favorite T.V. show?
LI: Again, too many to list. Pretty much anything science fiction or medical. Or paranormal.
BB: Favorite color?
LI: Blue
BB: Mexico or Hawaii?
LI: Hawaii, but I’m really a cold-weather person, so Alaska would really suit me better…
BB: Fly or Drive?
LI: *shudders at the very idea of flying* So…driving! Or train.
BB: Beach or Mountains?
LI: Tough one, but let’s go with mountains. Hubby and I plan to retire in Colorado Springs because we both really love the Rockies!
BB: Thanks for taking the time to be w/ us today, Larissa!
LI: Thank you so much for having me, Casee and the rest of the Book Binge ladies!
Hello Larissa!!
I cannot wait to read this book, it sounds really good. I love Howard’s Mackenzie books, they are great characters.
Mountains, yay! (hint: Mexico has purty mountain ranges too :wink:)
erm…
Hi, Larissa!
This: “… the best way to make readers want more is to create fascinating characters people will want to read more about” is really the very best reason for series to exist! 😀
Yeah, I read for the characters first, but then the world building has to work too.
Great having you here, Larissa!
Hi Kris! 🙂 LOVE those Mackenzies!!!! *g*
*waving to azteclady* I hear Mexico has gorgeous mountains! I’ll have to check them out someday! 🙂
I am biased as I live in Colorado and love the mountains.
It is great that Larissa has triumphed after falling so hard.
What is Casee’s definition of “graphic”?
Besides the occassional trips through time travel, I haven’t visit my beastly paranormal obsession since Buffy/Angel series. ( it was not pretty)
Perhaps it’s safe to revisit the dark side again…….
mph
Larissa – I’m sorry about your hard times after Hurricane Katrina but I’m glad you’ve bounded back. This book does sound really good.
We have beautiful mountains here in VA (the skyline drive – Shenadoah Valley) and I absolutely love them.
Mandy
This series sounds great – I always look for books that “stand out”. And I love Angel! I was so sad when the show was canceled. 🙁 I had always wanted Angel and Cordelia to get together romantically. I was so angry with what they did to her character.
Anyway, I’ll read anything that was inspired by Angel.
Well this looks pretty interesting and I’ve been looking for new books that are different than what I’ve been reading, this may be just that!
Oh Maered, yes! What on earth where they smoking? They just killed the heart of the series for me! *sob*
*ahem*
*grin*
I’ve seen nothing but praise for this book, I’m so curious to read it!
Ruth, I LOVE Colorado!!!
MPH, I so miss those shows. I started watching late, but that just meant I had lots of shows to catch up on! *g*
Thank you, Mandy! We recently went camping in the very mountains you’re talking about! Gorgeous!
Maered, I wanted Angel and Cordy to get together too. I was seriously upset when she got together with Connor. Ick!
Sarah, I’m all for different, too! 🙂
Andrea, I hope you get a chance! *g*
OH, come ON, people! It’s Buffy and Angel forever and ever!
see. not pretty.
Need help. Please give me new book so I can move on already.
mph
Hi Larissa, I didn’t know you wrote as Syndey Croft. I read the first book Riding the Storm and I have Unleashing the Storm up next. This new series sound really good too. I am always looking for a new series to follow.
I love Linda Howard too! (Who doesn’t?)
*holding out some chocolate* Here, mph, this should help a little.
And sorry, but I still haven’t watched more than a couple of episodes of Buffy (Hush was amazing!), so my fangirling David Boreanaz started with Angel. Hence, Cordy and Angel 😉
haha. Thanks, Azteclady, I got my 4:00 sugar kick early hence the high emotions.
For Larissa’s sake, I will not turn this into a Buffy/Angel discussion.
I was actually hoping BB will implement a pity prize (of the book) for me upon “hearing” my cry for help.:)
is it working?
mph
Great interview, Book Binge! Larissa, your story is inspiring. I’ve read Riding the Storm, and enjoyed it. I’ll definitely have to look into the new paranormal.
And Hawaii has gorgeous mountains and, plenty of pretty beaches. Why pick one when you could have both?
I’ve been hearing some good things about Pleasure Unbound! Can’t wait to read it!!
Hi Larissa, what a great interview, love all your fun facts. I am a big fan of your Sydney Croft stories and already have Pleasure Unbound on my wish list. I totally agree about Linda’s, Mackenzie’s Mountain, have that one on my keeper shelf too.
I really wanted to read this interview, but I got hung up on that cover for Snow Bound and haven’t been able to move on yet…HAWT! Cripes.
I’ll get back to you. ;0)
Great interview! Pleasure Unbound sounds great!
Holly…me too. I was scrolling down and then BAM! Hello mama!
Hi, Larissa! fantastic interview! I’ve been hearing great things about Pleasure Unbound too and can’t wait to read it myself! 🙂
Larissa,
That is great you were able to overcome such a trauma and continue to write.
I am am a Stephen King addict! What is your favorite King novel?
I have heard MANY good things about this book. Definitely looking forward to reading it.
I’m TOTALLY a cold weather person too! I dislike sweating.
Larissa – I think i’ts wonderful that after everything you went through with Katrina that you didn’t give up. Even wrote with no holds barred. I like that. I’m sure the book will be wonderful and I can’t wait to read it!
So glad you’re w/ us, Larissa!
My definition of graphic is, hmmmm, something that makes me throw up in my mouth a little, yet isn’t graphic enough to make me put the book down. Something that makes me go “eww”, but in a good way. LOL
Read some great reviews about Pleasure Unbound, can’t wait to read it.
(Apologies if this appears twice having problems with my computer; its not playing nice)
Enjoyed reading your interview. Your story about your home and Hurricane Katrina pulls at the heart. I’m glad it had a happy ending in your books. “dark, gritty, and steamy”..that’s my kind of story.
OMG, Casee! LMAO! Must use that:
“Larissa Ione’s books make me throw up in my mouth a little!” –Casee, The Book Binge
LOL!
Thanks, everyone, for the Katrina well-wishes. Things are good now — in fact, we recently sold the house that was destroyed! We had to rebuild it while making payments on it, because insurance didn’t cover the damages. So it took over two years to get the thing rebuilt and sold, but finally, the nightmare is over. And the fact that I’m now published because of the storm is just the icing on the cake! 🙂
Katie(babs), my favorite Stephen King novel is Salem’s Lot, hands down! *g*
Loved your interview, Larissa.
This book looks great. Definitely on my TBP listed.
Great interview Larissa & Casee!
Larissa, I love your first book sale story. I can only imagine the emotional and financial devastation that you and others experienced as a result of the Katrina disaster. Its really nice to see that you feel you got something positive out of such a difficult experience.
I think I’m going to follow your parents way of thinking and start keeping a bottle of champagne chilling in the fridge. Life is too short to not celebrate the small stuff! 😉
Can’t wait to read Pleasure Unbound!
Yayy for Pleasure Unbound, can’t wait to read it!!!
LOL. That was the best way I could think to describe “graphic”. *g*
I finally got to read your answers word for word and I love your first sale story. How wonderful it must have been. I honestly can’t think of a person/author more deserving of that than you.
I luuuurve Angel. I was a huge Buffy & Angel fan. He’ll always be Angel to me, even on Bones. LOL. My favorite paranormal series is Charmed. I’m currently making my husband watch reruns with me.
I was just looking at your book at Borders today and had to talk myself out of buying it! (I was only there to browse and kill time. Book purchases were not allowed.) It was a big struggle. Your book almost crumbled my willpower.
Oh. You all know that Angel and Darla belong together! ::ducks and flees for the door::
What a great interview, thanks for taking the time to hang out with us over here at Book Binge, I will be reading PU so I’m really looking forward to it! =)
I love LH and her MacKenzie men so good on ya for that one! Pepsi is the way to go if you’re a soda drinker! =)
Great interview. Pleasure Unbound sounds wonderful. I love the cover.
Hello Larissa!!
I cannot wait to read Pleasure Unbound!!
Great interview! Pleasure Unbound sounds very interesting and I can’t wait to read it. 😛
YAY a Pacific Northwest writer! So inquiring minds want to know, do you think there is a scientific relationship between rain and creativity? *g*
Great interview. I’m looking forward to checking out the book!
Looks really interesting!! I would love to be able to read a romance book again!!
Cannot wait to read it. Sounds GREAT!
Another book to be added to my TBR pile. This pile will never end! Great interview!
Great interview! I must say.. the highlight for me was when I saw the words Star Trek novel. I totally love that, you rock Larissa! If you ever write that, I’m so reading it. =)
Hi Larissa, I’m with you on the cold-weather preference. It’s so much nicer to be cozy and snuggle up with a good book or a person (or both!). Looking forward to your newest release!
Great interview, Larissa! It sounds like a great read. Looking forward to this book. I have this on TBR list.
Woohoo, I’m not late!!
I’m sorry for all you went through with Katrina but your story about overcoming it was wonderful!
My family celebrates with wine 😉
Looking forward to this new series!
Cindys
Am I too Late?!
Comment. Comment, comment, comment.
Major kudos to the author for making it through her struggles after Katrina. Just when I think I can’t try to write another word, there come stories like hers. I love good, inspirational stories like that.
Please don’t enter my name into the drawing. I couldn’t wait and bought it yesterday evening. And for the record, I’m already 137 pages in and am LOVING IT! 😀
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Larissa Ione penned her first novel at the age of 13 and hasn’t stopped writing since. She has been a U.S. Air Force meteorologist, an EMT, and a professional dog trainer, and you never know when one of those interests will pop into her novels.