Thursday, March 22, 2012

Meet "New" Author @TarynElliottFic -- and we have a Giveaway!

I've put "new" in quotes because Taryn isn't new.  Nope, she's an author we already KNOW!!

She's TaraLeigh the one behind Tessa and Jon's story, Home.  Now she's writing for Ellora's Cave as Taryn Elliott and her first book, UNCROSS YOUR HEART hits the e-shelves TOMORROW, March 23, 2012.

WOOOOOOOT!

I asked Taryn some questions about her new book, and what's coming down the pipe for her (*snicker* she said 'pipe'). Here's what she had to say:

We know you as Tara Leigh, the author of one of our favorite Jon Bon Jovi fan fiction stories, Home. How did you go from FF diva to published author?

Ha! Diva? I don't know about that. But I do appreciate all the people that supported me when I was writing my Home SAGA. Seriously, kids...320,000 words. That's crazy. Do you know how many BOOKS that is? lol I'll tell you. UNCROSS YOUR HEART is 78,000 words.

o_O

Yep, that was my face when I actually put it all together in one document. I spent so much time learning how to write a story, how to build characters, and to hone my craft I couldn't believe that it ended up being so freaking long. Of course an editor would have fainted seeing something that long. LOL You pretty much max out at 120,000 for a story unless you're JK Rowling, Stephen King, Robert Jordan, or Diana Gabaldon. I'm sure there are more out there, but it's a damn short list.

So...I figured if I could do that, then I could definitely figure out a damn book. As scary as the publishing world is, I already put my bottom-drawer book out in the world and survived. I even gained an awesome following. (btw, bottom-drawer book just means all the mistakes you look back on and wince about in your first story.)

Does your alter ego Taryn have the same kind of style as TaraLeigh? Can we expect steamy sex, and characters that will make alternately love and hate them?

I can honestly say you will find all of those in my book. LOL You thought Tessa had issues? Oh, baby...Miranda has a ton of them!! But I am a romance writer till the end and Miranda gets her happily ever after, with a few orgasms and dash of awesome supporting characters. The Ellora's Cave line is definitely not for the faint of heart.

Tell us about "Uncross Your Heart". Give us the blurb :) How long did it take you to write it? It's the start of a series, right?

Sometimes starting over means facing your greatest fears...

Miranda Woods is adept at pretending to be someone else, someone without a past. She’s able to forget for chunks of time that she comes from a very wealthy, notorious family. She’s given up most of the party-girl vices from her old life, including sex. But that’s before Nathan Cross barges into her life.

To all appearances, Nathan Cross is a simple man—devoted to family and friends, committed to his work. But nothing is simple about Nate’s feelings for Miranda. Fascination quickly blooms to outright lust, and not just for her body. He wants all of her, even the parts she hides from the world. But Miranda’s secrets threaten to drive away the one man capable of helping her come to terms with her past, and allow a future with a love that’s all about truth.
Sounds great, right? Man, I've got a good editor and crit partner that makes me sound like I know what I'm talking about! LOL

I actually wrote the first version of this book while I was still writing Home. I wrote the first draft in Nov '08. (I got yelled at a lot that month because there were practically no updates on Home. LOL) I wasn't completely happy with it so I closed it up and worked on something else. A lot of something elses as it turned out. Life happened and I got a kick in the ass that I needed to get moving on this writer dream I had. It took about 4 months to edit and rewrite and I sent it out June of 2011. Amazingly, I got an acceptance letter about 10 days later.

Nate is one of four brothers that I'm working on (salacious grin) and then there are 2 spin off books in the works as well. So...yep, that's at least 6 in this 'world'. Next up is Matt's story...he's a guitarist in a rock band. NO idea where I'll get inspiration for him. Heh. But there will be nothing easy about Matt's story. His band breaks up, I screw him up royally and then when he's just about rock bottom, I'll throw love into his life. Happiness? Please? Then he'll have to choose career over love. Natch.

What (or who) was your inspiration for the characters in this story?

Nathan Cross...you sexy beast. I found this random picture of a model when I was looking for inspiration and DANG. All I could do was drool for a few minutes. It's okay. Go ahead...


Done?
Okay...close up kill shot.


Maybe now. Please don't short out your keyboards, ladies.

Amazingly he doesn't look anything like my other boyfriend, Jon Bon Jovi, but he's got the shoulders and the eyes...and dang those lips. Oh yeah and the neck. Okay, so he's not so far off from Jon in the hotness areas of delicious.

As for Nate, the character...He's a FedEx guy and inventor. When I was...oh, 16 or so, I used to work in this little corner store and we had the hottest freaking UPS guy that would come in. Seriously...so sweet and always in a good mood. And me, being...well, me. (Seriously, if you know me, you know I'm pretty damn shameless when it comes to hot guys.) I notice and smile and flirt. Because, well...hello. If that (looks up) came to your door wouldn't you notice him and get a little...salacious?

Not my Miranda. *sigh* Dude, she totally doesn't see him at all when he comes to the door. Totally a grab and slam with barely a thank you.

Are you picturing a dejected puppy?

Yep. That's Nate. He's got it bad for the woman he delivers to, but she totally doesn't see him at all. Stupid Miranda.

Now Miranda was created out of a strange fascination with the tabloids. I hate them, yet I have to click on the damn link when I get my US Magazine daily email about whatever crap is going on in Hollyweird. I can't help it. But what if you were one of those people? What if the paparazzi chased you around all the time and showed the bad side of you more often than not. You know...like Paris Hilton. I know I think she's pretty much a ball of fluff on skinny legs without a brain in her head. And that's what a lot of people think because we only get to see the bad side of her. (Now as for Paris...meh. She's annoying imho, but I'm just using her lifestyle as the basis for Miranda) But what if you wanted to walk away from all of that and start over? What if you were so afraid to let anyone in and know who you were that you totally invent someone else. Now...to be extra mean--hey, I'm still TaraLeigh, you know I'm going to be mean--You make her entire world unravel and have her find the one person she can fall in love with at the same time!

Yay for mean!

It makes for a fun story. At least I hope so.

Holy Hanna...I'm still long winded as you can see. LOL

I know you've got more in the works, tell us a little about that.

Yes, I do! I have another book coming out at the end of April. ASHES AND WINE. I'm in the middle of edits on that badboy as we speak.

And that one I totally took Tessa out and plunked her in a book. Yep, Tessa from Home. She's got a new store, As You Wish, and falls in love with a Vintner who also happens to play guitar.

This one is definitely my ode to Home fans.

And yes, I will rip your heart out in this one. I'm sorry. Did you expect anything less with Tessa involved?

Her bestie, Mercy, is going to have her own book sometime this year as well, and the Matt book from the Cross series in the fall.

Are you nervous about your debut?

I've got snakes in my belly right now writing up this interview. Probably why I'm babbling like a lunatic.

I have to ask -- do you picture JonBon when you're writing the sex scenes? Or do you have other delicious men in mind?

LOL No, I don't. When I'm writing my FF I do. Dang, Tessa, Bella and Jamie were freaking fun to write. All the Jon lust I could handle.

Each story has a different guy that I fall in love with. (God, I'm such a hussy.) But it's true. I need the visual aid and once I've got my guy in mind then the story takes over.



Thanks, Taryn, for answering all my questions (even if some of them WERE silly) :)


Simply leave a comment on this post, with your email address, by 12 midnight EST tonight, to be entered into a chance to win UNCROSS YOUR HEART in your choice of electronic format (EPUB, MOBI, PDF).

The winner will be announced tomorrow, March 23, otherwise known as UNCROSS YOUR HEART's RELEASE DAY.

Taryn will contact you directly and deliver her delicious book into your hot little inbox.

Excited?  But wait, there's more!!

If you want a taste of Nate and Miranda's story, head on over to Ellora's Cave, where Taryn has posted an excerpt.  Yummy.

When we post the winner's name tomorrow, we'll also have an EXCLUSIVE bonus excerpt from the book (in case you need a little extra squirm in your Friday) and purchase links from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

You can follow Taryn on Twitter, friend her on Facebook, subscribe to her Blog, fave her on Goodreads and cruise her Tumblr, Sunlight Kisses.

While you're at it, add UNCROSS YOUR HEART to your to-be-read shelf on Goodreads -- show her some love :)

Don't forget to enter the giveaway, and good luck!

~ Hath

16 comments:

WomanOfTheCity March 22, 2012 at 10:37 AM  

That's is awesome. Always knew you will be a published author! And I do remember Miranda and hunky Nathan from November writers month back in 2009 or so. Well done :)

jenny March 22, 2012 at 11:57 AM  

Congrats on Uncross your Heart. I can't wait to read it.

JBJovigirl March 22, 2012 at 1:24 PM  

Just a copy? I want an autographed copy!! ;). Seriously, Congratulations Tara. We all knew this day would come. Like Cheryl, I will be in line tomorrow.

Taryn Elliott March 22, 2012 at 3:04 PM  

Thank you so much for hosting me, Hath, I really appreciate the shout outs and man, I had fun with the interview! Probably too much. Look how I babbled!!! LOL

Nice to see some familiar faces dropping by! Look at you coming out of lurking status, Summer!

mue03 March 22, 2012 at 3:37 PM  

I'm so exited for you Tara! Till today I think HOME is still one of the best FFs out there. You are one gifted writer and if your book is only half as good as HOME it will be a big success! Can't wait :-)

Taryn Elliott March 22, 2012 at 4:22 PM  

Aww Thanks so much.
I honestly wouldn't have ad the guts to go for publication if you guys hadn't been so awesome.

Anonymous,  March 22, 2012 at 7:00 PM  

I am so very excited for you Tara! Congrats! Yes, Tessa sure did rip our hearts out. Loved her though. The other stories your working on sound great! I just love your work and can't wait to read what else you've done aside from the FF. You have such a way with words I'm sure I'm going to love them! Best of luck!

Amanda
thief.of.hearts@comcast.net

Erin March 22, 2012 at 7:06 PM  

Woo Hoo Spring is finally here. I couldn't take much more of your *teasers*. LOL

Bonus: I will have something to read on my long drive home.

Congrstulation Tara

Lora March 22, 2012 at 7:35 PM  

WOOHOO!!! Congratulations!!!! I'm not surprised that you've gotten something published, you're a great writer!! Love love love your fan fic, can't wait to read this book and all your upcoming books!!!!!

Lora
yoopergirl1@gmail.com

rutpop March 22, 2012 at 7:43 PM  

Tara I know I told you this before but I am just so damn happy for you. You are a perfect example of Follow Your Dreams. I just bet your lovely Mom is looking down on you with a huge proud smile on her face. Congrats to you Girl!!!!

Dana March 22, 2012 at 7:45 PM  

Tara, I'm so excited for this book tomorrow. We always knew you'd make it someday to the big times. We all can finally say I knew her when! I know what I will be doing all week end! Best of luck with all the new adventures you are writing.
Love ya,
Dana
just4dana@gmail.com

rutpop March 22, 2012 at 7:52 PM  

Quick Question - Will it be available for the Nook? I am looking to see if I can pre-order it on there but it's not showing up yet? I will check tomorrow too (first thing ;-)

Pula or Lula or Paula! LOL!,  March 22, 2012 at 9:31 PM  

T...you DID IT. You are living your dream! Congrats!! All that moaning and groaning during car rides (me not you...you were the evil story teller!)has definately paid off for you! I can't wait to read this book. And I love that you mentioned one of my fave authors D.G. hahaha WOOOOT...can't wait for tomorrow!!

mariska March 23, 2012 at 1:29 AM  

Congratulations you're a great writer!! Love your fan fic, can't wait to read this book

Rike March 23, 2012 at 2:32 AM  

I guess,I'm too late for the contest. But that doesn't matter. I'm so looking forward to read all the books. I always love how you write.

Taryn Elliott March 23, 2012 at 3:57 AM  

Holy Hanna!! Look at all the love! You guys are so freaking fabulous. Thank you SO much.

Hath will announce the winner tomorrow and I'll have my buy links as well.

Yes, Rutpop, it will be avail on BN, Amazon, and straight from the source if you want to just download a PDF. But both Amazon and BN have readers you can read on the computer if you don't have a handheld.

Thanks for still remembering me guys. I'm always amazed at the support of the great people I've found through Jovi. No one outside the community could know just how special it is to be a Jovi Fan.


Can I Live Here?

The Devoted

So What Does She Blog About?

Goddess' Playground

T's Place Fan Fictionistas Bon Jovi Toxic Avenger Topix.net FF Authors Samboraly Yours Jovi Calendar Jovi Nation

About This Site...

All my stories are pure fiction, and of an adult nature. No offense or harm is meant to anyone. If these types of stories don't appeal to you, don't click the links above.

Some of the other ramblings in my blog,the news-type items, are gathered from Google Alerts and emails I subscribe to, and things my friends send me. They're as accurate as the data I receive :o)

Please, come on in, look around a bit, and stay a while. And, if you end up reading something, please leave me a comment so I know you were here...

Where In The World Are The Goddess' Readers?

Thank You....

... to Laney (aka the Queen of Swing) for the gorgeous banner!
(c) 2007-2012 by The Goddess Hathor
All original content is copyrighted and all intellectual property rights apply.
PLEASE: do not post any of the stories found wholly (or linked) on this site anywhere.
Links are OK, text excerpts are not.
I am in no way affiliated with the band or any of its members. I'm simply a fan looking for a way to celebrate my favorite band.

  © Blogger templates The Professional Template by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

    This site best viewed with FireFox or Google Chrome

Back to TOP