Interview with Elaina Lee

Today, I have a guest. I'm so excited! She's my crit partner, the best in the world! Elaina Lee, whose second book, First Kiss, has just been released by Decadent. Because she's the greatest, she's giving away a copy of the book on my blog today! All you have to do is comment to be in the running. 


So let's get down to it. Let me tell you what I know about Elaina. Her mind works like lightning. She's the best plotter I know, and a wonderful, wonderful friend! This is a huge treat for me. 


Here's a peek at First Kiss: 

A passionate night turns into something unexpected, a chance at happiness, until a cynical mistake and costly lie shatter everything.

When Michelle Seaborne is assigned Alexander Trent at the music label she works for, she knows she's in for a rough time. Fifteen years ago, Alexander was her first kiss. The moment, and his handsome face, have haunted Michelle's dreams ever since. Of course, he doesn't remember her. So, if she plays her cards carefully, he won't, and they can move on with the project, her heart unscathed. What she doesn't count on is a sensuous night in his arms, and the hope for something more. Any beliefs for a relationship are dashed when Alexander hands her a box, a thank you for a night, and a goodbye.

A man can only make so many mistakes, and Alexander is ready to stop making them. At least, that's what he keeps telling himself. An unexpected passion filled night changes everything, and unsure of the future he can give, he does the only thing he knows how. He ends anything before it can begin. Something about Michelle pulls at his memory though. Despite her assurance they've never met, Alexander can't help but wonder, how does he know her? As doubts about Michelle's words grow, so do his feelings towards her. Only now, how does he redeem himself?


Cate: Elaina, Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. I'll just dive right in, because I'm like that. My favorite thing about First Kiss had to be Alexander. You know how I love musicians. Elaina, what's your favorite thing about First Kiss? 


Elaina: Probably how real the characters are.  They're flawed and often hopeless, but that's what makes them great, they can grow and learn.


Cate: Michelle I loved because she resounds with a part of me so clearly. Every time I see that commercial where the woman asks, "Does this dress make me look fat?" I think of Michelle. Now it's your turn, Elaina. What inspired Michelle and does she still resound with you after all this time?


Elaina: I wanted a character women like me could relate to.  When we look in the mirror we don't see the same person others seem to.  We're not as pretty, or as skinny as we'd like to be.  Plus, I'd never read about a heroine like Michelle, so I wanted to see if she was even obtainable, or publishable.  :-)


Cate: Now, even more fun! Alexander. Where's my fan, honey? Watching him get past 'himself' was a huge treat in this book. Tell us your favorite thing about him, Elaina.


Elaina: He realized his mistakes and immediately began trying to figure out how to undo the damage he'd created.  It's something special when a man admits he's wrong, LOL!


Cate: My DH has to think about things a few days before he can go there, but he manages. My next question is this: How on earth do you manage to write with a two year old? 


Elaina: Um, Cars? *grin*  That movie is our 'Barney'.  At around 8 pm, Cars goes on and my writing comes up.  Voila, mommy has some writing time!


Cate: Most everything I've learned about plotting has come from you. How did you learn to plot and do you have any tips for those of us who don't plot well? 


Elaina: I started with post-it notes on a tack-board.  Then I progressed to a note pad. Then to a typed outline.  Now?  Well, I still use typed notes, but they're not in any special order.  I just see scene's in my head and don't want to forget them.  I'm one of those writers who has to have 25% of the book plotted before I even start, and that 25% usually has to be the beginning.  I can't go into a story with a white board, and I admire those who can, because that's talent.


Cate: For those writers still aiming to get published. Now that you have two books out, what would you tell those of us who aren't there yet?


Elaina: You know, and I may get things thrown at me for saying this, but being published is no longer an unobtainable dream.  In today's publishing industry the opportunities are literally everywhere, you just have to find the right house.  If you wrote a story worth reading, it WILL be published, you just have to be patient, do your research and find the perfect fit for you.


Cate: And last but not least, tell us what your perfect day would be!


Elaina: Right now? 


Cate: Yes, right this very minute. 


Elaina: One without kids, with just me and my husband somewhere no one knows us... Keep dreaming, Elaina...


Cate: Thank you for being here today, Elaina. You know how much I lubs you! I'm so excited First Kiss is available. Tell us where we can find it! 


Elaina: You can get it here: Decadent Publishing, (it's also at Amazon, ARe, Bookstrand and Smashwords) folks! Thank you so much, Cate!  I lubs you too!  I'm so glad I was able to visit your pretty space here.  Looking forward to your interview coming up on my blog soon!  Seriously, be on the look out for that one folks, it's going to be awesome!


Cate: Last but not least, Elaina has another talent. Head over to forthemusedesign.com and check out her work there! 


Happy Thursday, and don't forget to comment!