Interview with Author Ashlynne Laynne of The Progeny
Buy Links
Allromance E-books: http://bit.ly/yPJO9l
The Progeny Blurb
“No fate other than the one I choose.” The timeless creed, and tattoo, bore by the Rousseau’s— a vampire clan with the purest bloodline of any vampire family. Out of this clandestine group came one who was different, yet the same: Ascher - a half-bloodling— half- human, half vampire.
Ascher questions the purpose for his existence and which world he truly belongs to: the human world or the vampire world. Two months from sealing to Ursula— a prearranged union to a woman he abhors — he’s at his wit’s end. He knows if he calls off the sealing, the Romanian clan will strike with deadly force, but he cannot see eternity with a cold empty shell of a woman like Ursula.
Just when he thought life was complicated enough, he meets Shauna— a beautiful, bi-racial human Wiccan — and immediately develops an unshakable attraction to her. She makes him feel alive and vital despite his origins and Ascher makes a decision that turns his immortal world upside down.
The Interview:
Hi Sheilagh, It’s so nice to be here with you. Thanks so much for hosting me today.
How long have you been writing?
I’ve written poetry and songs since I was twelve years old. Poetry is my therapy—a way that I get my feelings out. The epilogues for book one—The Progeny—and book two—Blood Bonds—are both my original poetry. It’s funny because I wrote these two poems three years ago before I ever knew that I wanted to write novels.
How’s that for destiny?
Sheilagh: Poetry is such a wonderful form of storytelling I think I can certainly understand that as I too write poetry for the same reason.
Please tell your readers about your current release.
At its core, The Progeny is simply a story about a man and woman who fall in love. The fact that he’s a half-blood (half-human, half vampire) and she’s a Wiccan human are secondary factors. It started as research about the Salem witch trials, some rough sketches of a special family heirloom that my guys would wear and two names—Ascher and Shauna. In the beginning, of the book, Ascher is grumpy. Frankly, who could blame him? He’s engaged to seal to Ursula—a cold and careless vampire who wants nothing more than to get her hands on a bloodstone— and he feels conflicted about his existence.
All of that changes when he meets Shawnette McCutchin. She’s beautiful, intriguing and possesses some of the most potent blood that he’s ever smelled. A war immediately begins inside Ascher. He craves Shauna’s blood just as much as he craves her body and the closer they get, the harder it is for him to control his urges. After Ascher calls off the sealing to Ursula, the trouble begins. His family’s peaceful period ends when Ursula’s army attacks the Rousseaus. Kidnapping, some steamy love scenes between our hero and heroine and Wiccan rage complete the plot.
Do you have any plans for a sequel?
The sequel—Blood Bonds—is set to release in June. I’m currently working on the third book in the series. The title may change but at this time, it’s Blood Lust.
Has someone helped or mentored you in your writing career?
I’ve had so many angels along my journey. My biggest support has been my involvement with the Paranormal Romance Guild. They are phenomenal. Many of the friendships I’ve forged started in this group of amazing authors. You can’t imagine how I suffered, in the beginning, with wanting to write paranormal characters. I thought others would think I was “weird” for wanting to write this genre. Now, I figure if I am out of my mind, I have a group of fabulous writers to join me. I recommend that anyone pursuing paranormal writing to check them out on Facebook. It’s made all the difference to me.
Who is your favorite author?
Stephen King, to me, is the epitome of what suspense and horror should be.
When in the day/night do you write? How long per day?
I try to write at least two to three hours a day, usually after work. This doesn’t always happen, though.
What does your significant other and/or family think of your writing career?
I think my husband thought I was crazy in the beginning. But when he purchased a laptop for me for my birthday last year, I knew he was on board.
Who are your books published with?
Novel Concept Publishing
How do you describe your writing style?
I teeter between romance and erotica. I have a couple of rules that I tend to stick to in writing. I never write love scenes between characters unless there is a love element there. I adore a good hardcore erotica but, for me, it makes it easier to capture the essence of scenes. I tend to focus more on the mental aspects of a love scene more than the physicality of it. The female emotions are obviously easier for me to capture, but my husband usually helps me when I need to identify with the male POV.
What do you think makes a good story?
For me, I want to be sucked in by a book. If it makes me stay awake at night, because I can’t put it down, it’s safe to say it’s a winner!
Tell us about your family.
I’m not one to stock pile friends for the sake of saying that I have them. I have a platinum friend, Tabetha, whom I’ve known since seventh grade (most of my life). I’m married and live with my husband of nine years and my autistic son.
Do you use a pen name? If so, how did you come up with it?
Ashlynne Laynne is my pen name. It’s very similar to my given name. I use a pen name to protect my identity and that of my son. I came up with it after someone suggested that using my initials and my last name might not work for writing romance. I’d been advised that women were less apt to buy a romance novel if they thought a man penned it. I’m still not sure how true that assumption was but I like the name Ashlynne. Besides, it being close to my hero’s name, it means “dream” in Gaelic.
Do you listen to music while writing? If so what?
I definitely use music as a tool in writing. What I listen to depends on what I’m writing. Most of the fight scenes in The Progeny I wrote while listening to Rob Zombie, White Zombie and Muse. I so love them even though I’m not considered their “target audience.” For love scenes, I like to listen to softer, more romantic type music. I’m particularly fond of Maroon 5, Rihanna; Foster the People, Beyoncé, Lady Antebellum, Lil Wayne, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and Adele. As you can see, my musical tastes are very eclectic. I’ve even written a country song or two in my younger years.
What book are you reading now?
Right now, I’m the BETA for a dear friend and I’m reading her upcoming release. I’m also re-reading Blood Bonds and writing Blood Lust. My plate’s full!
What are your favorite TV shows?
Family Guy, The Cleveland Show, Property Brothers, Bitchin Kitchen, Secret Circle, Vampire Diaries and my guilty pleasure of any Lifetime movie.
Where can your readers find you?
Buy Links
Allromance E-books: http://bit.ly/yPJO9l
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
“Thank you so much for loving Ascher and Shauna as much as I do. You make this whole process worthwhile. I hope you love Blood Bonds just as much.”
Thank you for your candid answers Ashlynne. Now go check out her book readers.
