Monday, May 9, 2011

This Week's Special Guest - Stacey Kennedy

This week on our AuthorIsland Tiki Hut Blog, we welcome Urban Fantasy author Stacey Kennedy as she stops by to talk about why she loves writing series.

Stacey's novels are light-hearted fantasy with heart squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again.

Her journey as a writer began as a way to keep her brain alive since being a stay at home mom can sometimes be a little...let's say numbing. It was an escape from screaming kids, dirty diapers and plain old mom duty.

It started as a hobby, but as the stories progressed it became a passion. Now, Stacey indulges at nap time, especially the juicy bits! Every mom needs a good thrill!


Series, love 'em or hate 'em?

A question I’m asked all the time is, “why do you write series?” The answer is simple, cause I love them! I’m not a huge fan of single titles and rarely read them. Mainly because after I’m done the book I’m left wanting more and frustrated that it ends there.

So, when I started writing it was pretty clear cut that I would write series. I enjoy the exploration of the characters and the way that it’s not just a single adventure but a few that makes up their life. For me, what makes a story great is the attachment received from the characters. You want to cry with them, cheer them on, and swoon over their growing love. And that, for me, just isn’t possible in a single title. I’m always left saying, “but what happened after...”

I suppose I get emotionally attached to the characters I write as well as read. I live their journey with them and I want to feel fulfilled that I’ve watched them grow, go through hardships, but in the end, succeed. I need to see all of the events that have brought them happiness, because as we all know, life is forever changing. And I want to experience that process with them.

What are your thoughts on the subject? Are you like me who just can’t let go after one story or are you satisfied with single titles?

If you like series like I do...danger, love, supernatural creatures and men that make you swoon, The Magical Sword, might be right up your alley.

~ Stacey

THE WILLOW - The Magical Sword Series - Book One by Stacey Kennedy

A past of secrets, a life broken by death - awakens to a world of promise and love, but lurking danger threatens to destroy it all.

In Carson City, Nevada a tragic car accident has claimed the lives of Nexi Jones' adoptive parents. Now, without them, her reason to live has vanished and she is determined to end her pain.

The problem with that, it's not heaven she wakes up to, it's the Otherworld. Nexi must reconcile the truth about her past, and her heritage as part guardian/part witch, while she begins to train to join the Council's guard. But it's not the combat training that has her worried, it's attempting to keep her cool around the luscious guardian, Kyden that's her biggest concern.

Before long, Nexi's skills are put to the test as she begins to fight against the supernatural who have taken a human life. But nothing can prepare her for the journey ahead. Soon, she will find herself lost in a mystery and fighting to keep all she's gained, as Lazarus, a vampire, threatens to take it all away.

BUY THE BOOK *** BUY THE eBOOK *** READ THE EXCERPT

WIN - Leave Stacey a comment or question this week at the Tiki Hut and your name goes in the hat for the first book of any of her series - head over to her website to check them out and be sure to let us know which one you want along with your email address so we can contact you in case you are this week's winner - Good Luck!

12 comments:

  1. Hey Stacey - welcome back to the AuthorIsland Tiki Hut!!!

    I have to say, I love series, especially when there are certain characters you just hate to say goodbye to. It's so wonderful to be able to check back in with them to see what they've been up to - like old friends!

    And if you love the world an author has created, it's so nice to be able to go back to visit that world in a another book.

    Enjoy your week here at the Tiki Hut and thanks so much for the great giveaway!!

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  2. Hi, Stacey. I've read your works and really enjoyed them. I, too, love series; especially when a secondary character grabs my attention and he/she is the main focus in a follow up book.

    I love your book covers. Do you work with one particular cover artist?


    Thanks,
    Tracey D
    booklover0226 at gmail dot com

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  3. I love series. Most authors get more of my time if they have series just because I don't mind being invested in the characters since I know I'll see them more than once. Bless the Beauty and The Willow both look like excellent starts to series.

    smurfettev@gmail.com

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  4. I love series also. I have read books, that when I come to end, think is this all there is and why did it end like that. With series, I know that I can find out more when I read the next book. I like the sound of The Willow.

    skpetal at hotmail dot com

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  5. Hello Stacey!
    I love series. I get attached to the characters and hate when a series ends. I also like when secondary characters are able to get their own books.

    Before you start a new series do you already have an idea of how many books will be written or does that come later?

    If I won the giveaway, I would have to choose An Everlasting Bite. Thanks for the contest!

    user1123 AT comcast DOT net

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  6. Hi guys! Thanks for stopping by.

    Tracey D - I have a few cover artists I work with, but have been super lucky to have amazing covers!!

    Stacie - I never know how many books will come in a series, because I don't write with a plan. I had intended to write more of The Magical Sword series, but when I wrote First and Last it felt like "the end". So that was that! LOL! I don't push it or put any expectations on my stories. I let them lead the way and end up how they want to! It's a fun process! :)

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  7. Hey Stacey,

    I really do love your covers they are stunning.

    What is your fave Genre to write and what is your fave to read?

    If I win I would love a copy of THE WILLOW. I have The Everlasting Bite but I have not read it because I want to read The Magical Swords books first. I read The Watchers Series and Stolen Dreams on EBook all great.

    Robin Blankenship
    robinblankenship@gmail.com
    robinblankenship at gmail dot com

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  8. Hi Robin!!

    Paranormal Romance is my favorite to read and write. What can I say...I love supernaturals and all their magical bliss!

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  9. I would love to win a copy of one of your books. I am an avid reader and my favorite genre is anything paranormal. I am also working on writing my own series and have nearly completed my first novel. Books 2 & 3 are in the works and several more our outlined. I look forward to reading your books and thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

    Stephanie Pardee
    mr.boardgame@yahoo.com

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  10. Congrats on the new releases that you have had in the last few months. My question would be how do you write so many different types of books/different series? I could not keep them straight. I would love to win a copy of Bless the Beauty...it sounds great.

    GFC follower: June M.
    manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

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  11. Good luck with your series, Stephanie! :)

    June--I have no idea!! But somehow I manage to keep them all straight! LOL!

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  12. I love reading series, so it's wonderful that you enjoy writing them. The characters have time to develop & we love them even more.

    marypres@gmail.com

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