Today Im thrilled to welcome Taryn Elliott, author of the adult novel Ashes and Wine on the blog today. Ive whipped up a few questions and Ms. Elliott graciously answered them along with a giveaway!
Hi Taryn and welcome! Congrats on your romantic adult novel Ashes and Wine. Since your writing in this genre, what are some of your favorite romances and have any inspired your own characters?
My favorites have, and probably always will be…Nora Roberts. I love all her books, but there are certain trilogies that stay with me. The Key Trilogy, anything she does in Ireland, Innsboro, and The Garden Trilogy just to name a few. Her alter ego, JD Robb is also a must read for me.
The way she weaves family into friends and friends into becoming family is something that is mirrored in my own work. I don’t even pay attention when I do it. It’s just a simple storytelling technique, but it’s a powerful one. As someone who’s lost most of my family in the last few years, I have recreated an extended family with friends all over the world. They’re just as important, and just as special to me as blood.
When I start a story, I live in constant hope that I can finally write one book that won’t have a spin off in my brain. And I just can’t. It doesn't matter if the main character is an orphan or one of six siblings. I fall in love with them and their supporting characters.
Thankfully it usually works in my favor. As a reader, and an author selling my wares, I understand and love connecting stories. I only hope I can keep up with all of the ones I create. LOL
Have you done any or have any traveling stories that have helped your writing?
My writing partner (and best friend), Cari Quinn and I have fallen in love with Salem, Massachusetts. We’ve gone back together twice now, and myself a third time. Between the setting and the charm of the people we've met there, we've decided to set a series there.
We’re hoping to write connecting characters in a setting that creates a deep and abiding love for paranormal, but to write four romances that are set completely in the contemporary world. It would be so easy to write about witches, warlocks or psychics, but maybe a little bit more interesting to see how mundane people would live in a world filled with interesting characters all around them.
While researching this series, we've found that there’s just too much to use. I think between the two of us, we won’t be able to help ourselves from writing more than one kind of series in the charming Salem/Whitehead area.
Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Tina. I really appreciate it. I’d love to give away a copy of ASHES AND WINE to your readers. Just leave me a comment and I’ll randomly pick a winner. Just answer this question: If you could have an author write about your favorite town, where and when would it be?
Thanks Taryn for stopping by and for hosting the giveaway. So you heard it folks, just answer the question in the comments and Taryn will pick a random winner after the tour.
Taryn is from the great state of New York--upstate NY. Her family consists of a brother who takes care of keeping the snarky side alive and a dog that is more spoiled child than mutt. She can't go a day without laughing and truly falls in love with each and every one of her leading men. Music is life and every story has its own soundtrack.
About the Ashes and Wine
Before Tessa met Royal Andreas, her bookstore was on the verge of sinking. And before Tessa met Royal Andreas, she didn't mind being single. But Royal brings in business with monthly wine tastings featuring his family's signature vintages--and brings Tessa's heart to a standstill with intense gray eyes that look on her with nothing but cool indifference.
Yet one searing kiss between the stacks gives Tessa a glimpse of the passion smoldering beneath--and a secret pain further revealed when Royal fills in as the musician at a tasting event. Every note of Spanish guitar tells a story of family tragedy, loss, and ongoing suffering that's made Royal afraid to lean on anyone...even if he needs Tessa's sweet flavor more than the richest wine. Only her strength can save him when his world crumbles to ashes. But has Royal learned trust too late to claim Tessa as his own.
Hi Taryn! I look forward to the series you and Cari will be creating. How wonderful that you've found a spot that inspires you so. No need to enter me in the giveaway, I already have Ashes and Wine on my Kindle!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Nona. =)
DeleteNo setting that you love?
And I appreciate that you bought it! Royal and Tessa are a bit of a handful, but I think they're worth a try. ;)
I love Nora Roberts for exactly those same reasons! And I am always a sucker for a contemporary story told in a small New England Coastal town (secretly the sort of town I'd love to live in!)
ReplyDeleteLOL Me too, Melissa. I'm from the New England area. I don't think I'll ever really move away. I love the idea of a small town. Everyone knowing you and looking out for you. Of course that comes with them always in your business too. LOL
DeleteI'd like Lisa Kleypas to write a book about Amsterdam in the 1800s.
ReplyDeletebn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
Nice. I've never thought about using Amsterdam as a setting. Have you been there?
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.
A huge yes to J.D. Robb! ROARKE!!!! I love that series so much, thought I've fallen drastically behind. I think I'm on 12 or so and I'm pretty sure she's on book like 30. *sigh* I'll catch up eventually. Salem has always been a place I've wanted to visit, I'm hoping to get there in the not too distant future!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see the Salem series, so perfect for the fall. But you had me at Nora Roberts. One of the things I love most about her writing is the friendships. It's what makes her great.
ReplyDeleteIntense Grey Eyes---Oh I might just swoon! This does sound like a wonderful story and Salem is on my wishlist to visit (the history buff in me would love it)!
ReplyDelete