Today we have New York Times Bestselling Author Lorelei James here to answer a few questions about her latest release, Turn and Burn (#5 in her Blacktop Cowboys series), her writing and life in the Midwest.
Tell us about Turn and Burn. What can your readers expect from the story?
A stubborn, hot, sweet cowboy veterinarian and a feisty, sexy, proud Texas cowgirl finding love, redemption, lots of smokinā-hot sex and sweet moments in the wide open plains of Wyoming.
Turn and Burn is book 5 in your Blacktop Cowboys series. Can it be read as a stand-alone or should the other books be read first?
TURN AND BURN can be read as a standalone. Ā Which was my intent in writing a second contemporary western erotic romance series, new readers wonāt be lost if this is the first book of mine they pick up, whereas my Rough Riders series is best started from the beginning to get all the characterās arcs since Iām 15+ books into that series.
Tell us a bit about the inspiration for Tanna Barker, the heroine of Turn and Burn. Sheās a barrel racing champion. Is that something you have personal experience with?
God no. Since Iām a huge rodeo fan, I love to watch barrel racing. The speed of the horse and the communication between horse and rider when done right in the arena is riveting. Since for the most part, barrel racing is the only event women compete in on the national (meaning paid) level, it was natural for me to want to tell a story starring one of these tough women.
Whatās your favorite scene from this book?
I had so much fun just cutting loose and writing the opening scene in the bar, where the banter between Tanna and Fletch is sexy and flirtyāand leads them straight into trouble. I also liked writing the first sex scene in a book because putting them in an intimate situation reveals a lot about both of their characters.
Of the five books in the series, which was your favorite to write?
The last book is always my favorite one because itās the freshest in my mind ļ I fall in love with the characters while Iām writing them, and then after Iāve given them their happily ever after I move on to the next couple.
Have there been any books in the Blacktop Cowboys series you had trouble writing ā where the characters just didnāt work?
Every single book is hard to writeācontrary to popular belief, writing doesnāt get easier, it gets harder. With the first couple of books readers donāt have any expectations because theyāre getting to know an authorās style and if they like it, theyāll keep buying and reading subsequent books. Iām so thankful to have Kerry Donovan, my fantastic editor for the Blacktop Cowboys series. Sheās great at keeping the books on track and when I need help with plot or characterization sheās always come through.
Are there a set number of books planned in the series?
Iām currently contracted for one more book in the series, HILLBILLY ROCKSTAR, and that will release in August 2014. Iāve written the proposals for the next two books in the series, so hopefully we can make it happen to keep the series going.
What is a typical writing day like for you?
I try to do all my emailing, correspondence, blogging, social media in the morning so I can go offline completely and have the remainder of the day to write. It doesnāt always work out that way, sometimes I have to look at covers and work with jacket copy and approve changes, but for the most part when Iām under deadline, I try and save the bulk of my day for writing new material. Which means no internet after ten a.m. until 9:30 at night when I check in again. Iām usually in different stages of several books at one time, so I donāt always have the luxury of focusing just on one project. Ā I get asked a lot how long it takes me to write a book, and itās not a cop out when I say Iāll fill the time I have with whatever projects Iāve got going. Give me 6 months to write a book, itāll take me 6 months. Give me 2 months to write a book, itāll take me 2 months. Yes, writing is a creative process, but itās also my job. I write on the days I donāt feel like writing because I know if I donāt make some progress every day, Iāll miss my deadline and that throws everything into chaos. My deadlines have been very tight the last few years and most days it seems like I donāt have a life beyond writing. But there is something creatively freeing about being so immersed in a book thatās all I doāthink, eat, dream, breathe in that world with those characters.
What is your favorite part of living in South Dakota? (Thatās where I grew up) Ā
A native South Dakotanāweāre a rare breed anymore, especially those of us who choose to continue living here! I love the climate, the people, the western idealsābut there are days I hate all that too and would love to get lost in the crush of people in LA or NYC. I love to travel, see new places, meet new people, experience a different way of life, but Iām always so happy to see the Black Hills appear in the horizon and I know Iām home in South Dakota where I belong ļ
Just for fun:
Whatās the last really good book you read? One you had to stay up late to finish?
MACRIEVE by Kresley Cole. I was up until 3:00 am. Love love love her books.
Whatās your favorite color?
Purple.
Enter to win a copy of Turn and Burn (US ONLY):
About the Author:
When New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lorelei James is not squirreled away behind her laptop in the Black Hills of western South Dakota, she can be found reading, shootinā her .22, watching the Professional Bull Riders tour, and running a kidsā taxi service, all in the guise of avoiding housework and rustlinā up vittles. Ā Visit her online at Visit her online at www.loreleijames.com, www.facebook.com/lorelei-james, and www.twitter.com/loreleijames.
I just adore Lorelei James and her work. She is always on my TBL! Thank you for this awesome interview and giveaway.
I have never read this author before. Thanks for the review – I do love cowboy books.
Sounds like this would be a good book to read.
I am a huge Lorelei James fan! Thanks for the chance to win
I’ve read a lot about Lorelei James but haven’t read her books yet. I would love to win.
Thanks so much for the giveaway!
I would love to win! I’ve enjoyed other Lorelei James books.
I haven’t read any books by this author yet, although I do have one of them on my wish list. Thanks for a chance to win this book.
Whoo love the. Books th aks
I love all your books especially Cowgirl Up and Ride
I do enjoy stories with stubborn cowboys.
I haven’t tried any of the Blacktop Cowboy books, but I’ve read at least 10 of Lorelei’s Rough Rider books. I love those McKays. Thanks for the giveaway.
Love all her books
thanks for th intie. I love all lorelie James’s work
Great interview! I am a huge fan of Lorelei and her books! I’m still trying to catch up with the Rough Riders series, but all of the Blacktop Cowboys are on my wish list!
I just live Lorelei James! I’ve only read her Rough Riders series as of yet, but I’m hoping to get my hands on more of her books!! I am never disappointed when I read one of her books…her writing always exceeds my expectations.
Love love love Lorelei’s books. Can’t wait to read more!!
Looking forward to this as a standalone! I have never read a book out of sequence in a series, but noting that it is a great standalone in this interview…can’t go wrong! Glad I visited this blog today!
Love Love Love Lorelie James!!! Her cowboys are mmmmmm so yummy!!
I would love to own this book. It would be awesome to actually own one of her books.
I love anything Lorilei writes, she is an awesome writer.
Great author
This whole series is on my TBR list. They all sound so good!
I love all of her books. She is an amazing author, that really brings you into the story.
I am still getting through the Rough Riders series and I can’t wait to start this series too.. I just love all your handsome, hunky cowboy heroes…
I love all of Lorelei James’ books. She is an amazing writer. Thanks for the interview and chance to win a copy of the book.
Love Fletch & Tanna! Love Lorelei James!
I love all Lorelei James’ books. And she reads Kresley Cole!
Completely addicted to Lorelei James Books!!!!!!!!
I love all of her books I’ve read so far!
Love all the books so far. Can’t wait to read this one.
I so need this book but I have to wait because I want it in paperback to add to my shelf! I love LJ’s books!!
I love Lorelei’s books and appreciate everything she puts out. Sometimes I wonder how she comes up with some of this, but I’m so happy that she does. Thanks for all the happy hours I’ve spent in her books & I look forward to giving her MANY more hours/days of my time!
I am new to the author but plan on starting to read her books. After reading this blog, I’m so excited to start reading.
Love Lorelei’s writing, would love to win a copy of her new book!.
Thanks for the giveaway.
I absolutely love Lorelei’s books.
I love Lorelei’s books..The first book of hers I read was the second Blacktop Cowboys book. Been a fan since.
Love Lorelei’s books! I’ve been a fan for as long as I can remember. š
Love cowboy books and Lorelei writes some of the best. Thanks for the giveaway!
Informative interview
Great interview and with a fantastic author….love…love…love all her books!!!!! Loved this book too. As always cannot wait until her next release!!! š
It’s fun to see even authors stay up really late reading a book too!
Love Lorelei James and her Blacktop Cowboys! Great interview. Thanks for sharing.
love both of ms. james cowboy series and i can’t wait for the chance to read Turn and Burn. thanks for the chance to win.
I love all of Lorelei’s Rough Riders books!! I have a huge problem putting any of them down. I would love to read Turn and Burn:)