The Author Spotlight will focus on a different author every few weeks – it may feature an experienced writer who has a long history of published books, or a new author who is destined to be a future star. Today our Author Spotlight will be on L. Blankenship. You can keep in touch with the author at the links following the interview!

Author Spotlight: L. Blankenship

First off, I want to thank Ms. Blankenship for taking the time to answer these questions for me. Please feel free to leave any questions you may have in the comment section below!

 

ABOUT THE BOOKS:

What is the title of your newest or upcoming book?

Hawks & Rams

What publisher is this book being published by?

Dreamspinner Press

What is the publication date?

12/31/2014

Purchase links: Amazon / Dreamspinner/ Goodreads

 

THE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

L. Blankenship started writing animal stories as a kid and it’s just gotten completely out of hand since then. Now she’s out publishing her gritty fantasy and hard science fiction adventures. L grew up in New Hampshire but currently lives near Washington, DC.

Can you give the readers a brief summary of your latest book?

Heathric Felahóf never wanted to be a thief, but his cousinʼs scheme is the only option to keep the town’s children from being taken as slaves to cover the year’s taxes. Adal Sperling has given up on finding a lover who truly wants him. One of the Rangers charged with protecting his people, he pursues the sheep thieves over the border. Opposite sides of border incursions is a rough way to fall in love, and the laws of Adalʼs kingdom are clear: the border must remain closed to Heathricʼs people.

What genre does it fall in?

Fantasy Romance

Will you share a few words about your latest book, other than the usual blurb?

I love writing fantasy, I love adventures… I didn’t expect this to be a m/m romance, but it charmed me right into writing it.

Give us a little insight into your main characters! Who are they?

Heathric is just another poor shepherd in the hill country, but he’s got a knack for reading people that’s as much trouble as it is useful. Adal’s a simple guy. He just wants to work hard and do well. Life’s more complicated than that, though.

Will we be seeing these characters again any time soon? Is this book part of a series?

H&R is set in the same world as my series DISCIPLE, but it’s set in a different time. There may be more stories in this world, too, but they will involve different characters.

Tell us a little bit about your writing style. When and where is your favorite time/place to write?

I do love fantasy that’s set in a medieval-style world… but I also love science fiction whether it’s near future or distant future.

What sort of book do you enjoy reading in your free time? What was the last book you read? Did you enjoy it?

I’m currently reading QUANTICO by Greg Bear as research for the urban fantasy medical drama that I’m writing. QUANTICO’s a thriller and I’m having fun analyzing its structure.

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? Have you held any interesting jobs while you worked on your books?

I’ve wanted to write since I was little, but getting to the point where I could do that was a long, strange journey. Along the way, I’ve been a lab tech, a graphic designer, and worked the grill at McDonald’s.

What does your writing process look like?

I try to write every day, so I have the process pretty well worked out. I pour a drink (usually whiskey), take off my shoes (not sure why, but necessary), pick one of my playlists to suit the scene I’m writing, and start staring into space. There will be typing at some point, lol, but there’s a lot of staring, sipping and listening.

Why did you choose to write GLBTQ romance? Why not another genre?

It chose me! When the idea arrived, the characters were very clear about this being a gay romance. I didn’t argue.

One last questions…totally unrelated to books! I am a passionate foodie. Is there one thing in your pantry that you would be horrified for people to know that you eat?

I’m a whole-grains, no-processed-foods sort of eater, so don’t tell anyone about the jar of marshmallow fluff… mmm, fluffernutters…

Thankyou so much for answering my questions. I think my readers will enjoy learning more about you! Good luck in your future writing!

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE AUTHOR:

Find out more about the Ms. Blankenship by visiting the author’s website. You can also check out their profile on Goodreads or follow on Facebook and Twitter .