Author Spotlight: Karilyn Bentley, Paranormal Fantasy Romance

Please welcome Karilyn Bentley today. Good to have you here.

Thank you for having me, Dayana. 

What inspired you to write your first book?
I was tired of working and wanted something where I could stay home. Writing immediately came to mind b/c I used to write stories as a kid and as an adult I had about 3 stories running around in my head. So I sat down and wrote one of them. It’s now hiding in a dark corner of the closet never to see the light of day, but hey, I finished it. As a bonus, I’ve since learned that writers really don’t sit at home and eat bon-bons:)

Wow, Karilyn. That is the primary dream of many writers including myself. Tell us how you are able to support yourself with your writing as your primary source of income  as many of us can't through just our writing. We maintain full-time jobs as well.

I also have to work a day job. I'm a clinical research coordinator for an oncology practice. This means that I help run cancer trials for patients in our clinic. I feel like I'm giving back to the community by working with all the brave people fighting cancer.

Ahh... I'd thought you had quit you day job, LOL I must admit I was a bit envious as that is my dream.
Someday...  *sigh* Oh but I digress.  How many books have you written?

5 books (including the above mentioned hidden one) and 1 short story. But not all of them are editor worthy!

How do you decide on their topic?

The first one I wrote was what I thought might have happened to this kid I knew in high school that had a mysterious past. Or at least I thought it mysterious:) The next two came as daydreams, striking out of the blue. Then I decided to write romance and needed a series idea so I brainstormed a whole new world. The short story that was published with The Wild Rose Press was part of the Got Wolf? contest so I wrote it specifically for that contest.

What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas! And why? This might make me greedy, but I love opening presents! Growing up, Mom used to break apart sock sets so I had more packages to open. There is something about unwrapping a gift and hearing the paper crinkle that I love. You can give me bubble gum, just wrap it really good and I’ll be happy! Plus I love to give gifts. And see all the lights and decorations. And listen to the music, especially the real Christmas carols sung at church with an organ that vibrates through your feet and into your soul. I just love Christmas!

Christmas is one of my favorites as well. I love the festive atmosphere most of all.  I just spent this last week or so decorating my home. I so love the lights, holly, pine, everything...

What type of stories do you like to write and why?

I love to write paranormal/fantasy. Probably b/c that’s what I love to read. Reading is an escape to another world, so I like to write about those other worlds. Plus, how cool would it be to have magical powers and be able to kick the bad guys’ butts all over creation? Sign me up!

Where do you write?

Started off writing with my laptop on the bed:) Now I’ve moved to the living room. Plop down on the floor, stick a pillow behind my back, lean up against the wall or sofa and write away. All the research books are upstairs so I can think I’m getting exercise hauling it up and down the stairs:)

LOL very resilient of you.  Running up and down stairs is said be a good workout. Do you put pieces of yourself or your life in your stories?

I did in my earlier novels. Now, not so much. Usually the characters speak to me and I write ‘em as they come.

Yeah, you know? I can relate to that.  I'm about the same and I'll tell you sometimes the new interrupt the ones in process! How long did you write seriously before your first book was published?

Probably about 4 years.

Why do you write?
Because the stories are there yelling to get out. I can’t write fast enough for them all, so I have to pick and choose. But the writing itself is like a catharsis, and it feels so good to finish a story.

Do you have an upcoming release?
Yeah me! I’m one of the Got Wolf? authors and am so excited about it! The story is in Taming of the Wolf and my story is Werewolves in London. It’s out now and available from The Wild Rose Press and Amazon and other online stores. Check it out! I’m really excited, can you tell?? *grinning from ear to ear*

I have to tell you, Karilyn, I have both anthologies and have read all the stories in the stories. They are all wonderful and I will be the first to say, if you haven't read Karilyn's and the other stories in these collections you need to run right out and get them. 

Tell us about your Hero.

Tom is a rancher and single father whose herd is being gnawed on by a wolf. When his daughter is kidnapped he must rely on Vonda to help save her. In the process he discovers a secret about himself. Do you have a favorite, if you’ve written multiple books? Since Werewolves in London is my only published story, Tom is currently the fav.

Tell us about your Heroine.
Vonda is dog trainer who loves steak tartare fresh off the bone. When she sees Tom’s daughter being kidnapped, she had to help save the girl. But she and Tom got more than they bargained for in the rescue. Do you have a favorite? Like Tom, Vonda is my only published heroine. So of course I love her! :)

Are any of your characters modeled after people you know?
Well, the first story I ever wrote (the one currently in hiding) featured someone I used to know. Other than that, nope. All characters are figments of my imagination. Unless you consider the dog. Sam, the dog in Werewolves in London is modeled after one of my psycho pups. My Sam has obeying issues. Anyone know how to get Cesar Milan to pay us a visit?

Short bio:

By day, Karilyn works in the research department of an oncology clinic. By night, she tells the stories of her imaginary friends. Karilyn and her most wonderful, ever patient husband share their home in the great state of Texas with two partially psycho dogs and a couple of colorful fish.

Visit me at my blog:
href="http://karilynbentley.blogspot.com/">http://karilynbentley.blogspot.com/

or email me: karilyn@karilynbentley.com

Links to buy:
http://www.amazon.com/Taming-Wolf-Wild-Press-Authors/dp/1601547099/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259546709&sr=8-1

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/taming-of-the-wolf-volume-2-p-3708.html?zenid=fa7ec73c846182a59e7915b2f678e0f1

 

Evening, all.  Just thought I'd pop in and show you what I've been up to the last couple of weeks besides fighting the flu that is... The picture to the left is a closeup of one of my Christmas topiaries I create each year. I use this pic for the wallpaper on my Blackberry:) As many of you, I've been very busy preparing for the beauty of the Christmas Season.  I just love being creative and customizing my own decorations.  Two years ago, I was very impressed with a "Corner Tree" I saw in an ABC Distributing Catalogue so yes, I bought it.  Below is a picture of it.  It saves space and looks absolutely exquisite!  I have two seven and a half foot trees that are beautiful with a revolving tree stand but you know what? Sometimes you just don't feel like dealing with all that and I'll tell you, this tree is just as pretty.

Also, I had picked up some-- for lack of a better description--stick lamps at a garage sale a few weeks ago with the thought of dressing them up for each holiday. Wait until you see what I've done with them. I am so excited:) Below are some closeups of the lamps which you will see on the fireplace mantel.  See? We writers can be pretty clever and crafty in other ways, LOL

And of course, I had in my mind I wanted flicker bulbs for the lamps and you know?  I finally found them at Home Depo.  I'd about given up but as I crawled along the floor of the lightbulb display wall there they were! Hidden way at the bottom and only one little row of them.  But I felt as if I'd found heaven:)

Also, I am very proud of the topiaries I mentioned below.  I had created matching set which sits on either side of my china cabinet in the dining room.  I have put them up for probably four years now and decorated them each year like the tree.  For the first couple of years I'd utilized them as I'd bought them with white lights but I love colored lights so a couple of years ago I switched them out.

And finally, I have like many people collected village pieces and change it up each year. I have a train set but depending on how much room I want in the living room I utilize them. This year I opted for a simple village so I only used a few pieces.  Sometimes simple is more effective. Don't you think?  I'll save these pics for my next post. 

Thanks for sharing my holiday preparation with me.  May yours be festive, warm and filled with happiness and much joy! 

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year!

D~

Coming up this week...

I've got two Author Spotlight segments.  Please drop in on Tuesday and meet Karilyn Bentley one of the Got Wolf Anthology authors and then on Thursday, Beth Trissel, award winning romance author. I know you will enjoy these very animated ladies.

Tomorrow part one of my Christmas antics. Then more pics and show and tell on Wednesday. 

Hey! I've got a wonderful idea. Why not share your busy, bustling holiday season?  Shoot me pictures and a short recap of what you are up to these days. I'll put them up with your story.  I look forward to sharing the fun:)

Talk soon,

Dayana~

Wow! What a month! Also an update on the Halloween Mini Contest Reviews.

Whoa! November 1st is upon us. October is gone in a flurry of haunting activities, TWRP's Paranormal celebration, and Halloween. Done - Kaput! for another year!

Before I ramble on about my day after Halloween, I'd like to congratulate the winners of all the various contests and activities. It has been an honor to host TWRP's Black Rose Paranormal activies and post the Got Wolf Winners. Thank you TWRP for allowing me to do it! I only hope I get the opportunity again next year. I want to thank all my guests this month who helped to make this such a success. Every one of the posts was top of the line and chock full of information we can hold on to. And thank you all, everyone, who took the time to visit and hang out here all month. I would love to see you remain permanent lurkers.

My day...

Well, I spent the day putting all the Halloween decorations away--can I just tell you it was quite a lot of stuff. I retrieved every light, decorative item and extension cord from outdoors then came inside to do the same. And of course, you have to clean, as well, and yes, you've guessed it, as I put Halloween away, I tugged out the Thanksgiving items. Soon enough I'll be peppering in Christmas decorations.

I haven't forgotten about the Halloween Mini storie either. I am beside myself trying to make a decision. They're all very good and just imagine, even with the limitations I put on the story guidelines the entrants all managed to cram a viable beginning, middle, and end with a wonderful plot thread into each little romance story! I've got to tell you, we have some very talented writers amongst us. I am determined to pick a winner tonight, and I will forward all the remaining entries to Callie Lynn Wolfe because they are that good! Perhaps they can be expanded to be free reads at The Wild Rose Press or even shorter pieces for the Black Rose line. What do you think contestants? Would you like that?

Anyway, please be patient with me. I promise to post a winner tomorrow.

Oh and anyone who know LadyVampire2u or Renee Knowles, please have them contact me so I can get them their prizes. Thank you!

Now I think I'll go have a wonderfully relaxing bubble bath and mull over those Mini Tales once more.

Good Night!

Dayana~

Dog Days of Summer Contest is in full swing!

Hope you all are having a nice relaxing Sunday. I wanted to pop in and post a reminder to everyone that our Dog Days of Summer Contest is now in full swing. It began on the first and will run through the end of August.

Please go to my website: www.romawolftales.com click on the contest information banner at the top of my home page which will take you to my contest page for more details. Twelve wonderful authors are offering up a heap of great prizes such as books, perfumes, candles, gift baskets, and other assorted goodies. Look forward to seeing you all there.


And stayed tuned for our Christmas Ride through the Blogs Contest coming in December. This adventurous sleigh ride will run December 1 through the 24th. Keep an eye here for more details in the next couple of months.

Dayana