Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Sara Brookes' Chasing Sin



I'd like to welcome Sara Brookes here today with her book, Chasing Sin. I'm excited because this book looks HAWT. And I'm going to comment. Why? Sara is giving one random commenter a $50 GC. How cool is that? But you're not here to listen to me. You're here to see the interview. But before I forget, follow the tour here or click the button. Now for that interview! What was your favorite scene to write in Chasing Sin?

The opening chapter of the book. Writing a tornado chase was way more intense than I thought it would be when I first started out with the concept of this story.

What was the inspiration behind Chasing Sin?

I happened to be watching Storm Chasers on the Discovery Channel one night and came up with the general idea of writing a story about chasers. My research really started then, watching more episodes, going to the library for meteorological research and so on.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done in the name of research?

Everyone who knows me, knows they’re fair game for getting asked questions—no matter how far out there they seem. I’ve asked about riding a motorcycle, to military protocols, to BDSM power exchanges. You name it, I’ve probably asked it.

What do you consider as the most frustrating side of becoming a published author and what has been the most rewarding?

The road to becoming published in the first place is probably the most frustrating. Mostly because it’s uncharted territory, especially if you have to go it alone (such as I did). I didn’t have anyone already published to talk about the rejection, the feeling as if you’re never going to break through. The most rewarding has to be hearing from readers who love a story I’ve had published. Ever character I write means something to mean, so I love hearing when someone connects with them.

What accent inspires you to do naughty things?

Oh, the Irish brogue. I love to hear the melody of it. Australian is close behind. My very good friend, and fellow author, Liia Ann White, flew in from Australian this past April and I threatened to make her read the phone book just to listen. LOL

Name something readers would be surprised to learn about you?

I taught myself how to write code for websites back in 1997. I was a stay-at-home mom at the time and needed something to break up the Blue’s Clues and Teletubbies.

If you could ask the readers one question what would it be?

What’s your favorite scene, in any of my books, to read?

What’s your writing process like?

A mish mash of a lot of things. There is no one clear way for me to write and if one way works, then suddenly doesn’t, I have to adjust. That wasn’t the easiest lesson to learn, but one I value now that I have.

What can readers expect next from you?

I’ve got a sci-fi/futuristic erotic romance novella coming from Decadent Publishing called Lethal Beauty. Its part of their Elatia line and it’ll be out toward the end of July.

What is the best thing about being a writer? The worst?

The best thing has to be getting to tell stories about characters that mean something to me. I always say that I love to torture my characters, and I do—but it’s always in the name of story. *g* The worst isn’t something I’d necessarily call the worst, but when I get consumed by a story, it can be exhausting and very consuming. I’ve had times where I have to remind myself to even use the bathroom because I’m so focused on a book.

What is your method of breaking through writer’s block?

Usually writer’s block is when you’re stuck on a story. I found a good way to overcome this is to put away what I’m stuck on and work on something else. And if I get stuck on that, put it away and work on something else or go back to the first story. I try to never get tired of what I’m working on, which is sometimes hard when you have to read a story over and over.

What fuels you as an author to continue to write?

I have more stories to tell, more characters to create in order to tell those stories. I’ve written stories since I was young, so writing is something that just comes as second nature to me.

Can you tell us a bit about what book(s) you have coming out next and what you’re working on now? Lethal Beauty is due up next and is something a little different for me. Only in regards to the connection to the characters. It’s something neither one has any control over and as both characters are very strong, very independent people—well, you can imagine what kind of tension that causes. I also just turned in a story to my editor, something really sexy and fun but it’s way too early in the process to say more.

When you get a chance to read, what books do you love to read?

Anything I can usually get my hands on. For an example, sitting on my desk waiting for me to read right now are Ann Aguirre’s Aftermath, Joey W Hill’s Vampire Instinct and also Bound to the Vampire Queen, Erica Hayes’ Shadowglass and Lora Leigh & Jaci Burton’s Nauti and Wild. And those are only the ones I grabbed recently. My TBD pile is HUGE.

What bores you as a reader?

Not much, to be honest. I have pretty far reaching tastes when it comes to books. I started reading Stephen King’s books when I was 15. From a few pages to over a thousand, I’ll read it.

What is your favorite feature on a person?

I have a thing for arms.

What is your favorite time of day?

Early morning. I’m the only one in my family who is an early riser. So I love those few hours of quiet I get with just me and my coffee.

What music gets you dancing?

Anything that can make me dance in my chair. Since I spent a lot of time in front of a computer (both for work and writing) anything that can get my butt moving is good!

Aliens have landed on the planet. What are the three things you would tell them that are great about this planet?

If you could share one major writing tip, to help other writers in their quest for publication, what would it be?

Goonies never say die! Okay, so it’s a corny line from an 80’s movie (and really, who doesn’t love the Goonies?) but it’s a great way to remember to be persistent. Dig in your heels, keep writing, keep submitting. The only way you’re going to fail is if you give up.

If you could write in any other genre what would it be, and why?

I’ve said it before, but I’d really like to take a shot at cyberpunk. There’s just something about the melding of the computer world and the real world that I’d like to explore.

Where can we find out more about you and your work?

My website is a great source of information that’s extremely up to date. I do the updating myself so whenever I know a release date, have new cover art or anything else, that information will be on my site pretty quickly.

And finally, have you got a sneak peek excerpt from your current work in progress you can share with my readers and me? The hotter the better!

How about something I’m just putting the final touches on to get to one of my publishers? This couple is rediscovering each other after a prolonged absence and they’re trying to find their footing again with the D/s power exchange they once had:

“On your knees.”

She dropped without thinking. The synthetic wood floor was cold against her knees and the discomfort of the position felt like coming home. Her gaze focused on an arbitrary point between his shoes and she released a slow breath as everything inside her went silent. The wait for him to speak again was sheer torture. A torture she would gladly endure.

“Did you take another Master after I left?”

The demand in his voice sent a thrill sparking through her and she answered him truthfully. “No, Sir.”

“So you’ve let no one master you in ten years?”

“No, Sir.” She’d thrown herself into her career to forget about Roland and how he made her feel. How he made her ache for everything he gave her—and more. The idea of another master holding command over her hadn’t even entered into her mind. She hadn’t wanted anyone else to put her on her knees like this.

Only Roland.

He gave an exasperated sigh and fabric shifted when he lowered himself to crouch in front of her. His knuckle grazed over her cheek in a gentle caress. “I’m disappointed, pet. I instructed you to move on and find someone else.”

There is no one else, you bastard.

She bit her lip to prevent the answer from spilling forth and remained silent. For one moment, she wanted to simply relish the sensations he pulled from her because they’d vanished the second he’d lifted off planet. She needed to thrive again and knew he would give it to her. “However, your loyalty is commendable and should be rewarded.” His fingers fit under her jaw and lifted her chin. Their gazes met for the first time and she noticed the hurt in his eyes. Leaving hadn’t come without a cost. His leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers, teasing and tasting. She opened for him, feeling his tongue slide unhurriedly into her mouth. The kiss was slow and drew out the arousal spinning in her core. Sweat beaded on her flushed skin. She wanted more, and found it increasingly harder to keep a firm handle on reality. It was too easy to give into him, give into the roles they’d slipped into in the blink of an eye.

He continued to kiss her as his finger dragged over the gentle swell of her breasts and dipped under the hem of her camisole. The hard ridge of his fingernail scraped over the tender nub of her nipple and she groaned against his mouth.

Heat flooded the space between her legs and she felt herself grow even damper as each second passed. He shifted, driving his tongue into her mouth as his other hand clenched hard against her nape to hold her in place.

Power poured from him, flowing into her to give her an anchor she hadn’t known was missing until this very moment. Here, on her knees for him, she was whole and complete again.

And here's a little more info on the book. Because YOU Want it!

Every spring, Kate risks her life chasing violent storms. Tired of watching her take unnecessary chances, two of her closest friends offer a different thrill. Devoted lovers Snyder and Tripp don’t just share a passion for nature’s fury; they long to have the fearless woman between them.

Though she is reluctant, she also knows the proposition is too irresistible to refuse. Her acceptance leads to an explosive night of no-holes-barred sex for the threesome. However, when morning dawns, she realizes this type of unusual relationship isn’t one she belongs in.

Despite her best efforts to keep the men at arm’s length, Kate finds herself facing down the storm of the century with them at her side. With Mother Nature intruding, the trio discovers shelter in each other’s arms. With the hurricane raging outside and passion raging inside, everything is at stake.


Sara Brookes is an award-winning author who has always been fascinated by the strange, the unusual, the twisted and the lost (tortured heroes are her personal favorite). She is an action movie junkie, addicted to coffee and has been known to stay up until the wee hours of the morning playing RPG video games. Despite all this, she is a romantic at heart and is always a sucker for an excellent love story. Born and bred in Virginia, Sara still lives there with her husband and daughter. The entire family is owned by two cats, Galahad and Loki, who graciously allow the family to cater to their every desire.

Website: www.sarabrookes.net
Twitter: @sara_brookes
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/brookesofbooks
Buy link: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-10037-chasing-sin.aspx

7 comments:

Mary Preston said...

I don't have a favorite scene from your books yet. I do LOVE The Goonies.

marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Goddess Fish Promotions said...

thank you for hosting Sara today.

Joanne said...

Congrats on the new release. Great cover. I love watching Storm Chasers on the Discovery channel. I find it all really interesting but then I think about it and think these people are nuts.
This book sounds fantastic. Can't wait to read more about Kate, Snyder, and Tripp and their adventures.

e.balinski(at)att(dot)net

Anonymous said...

The manager of our local art-house theatre is from Ireland, and he's the one who reads the movie times on the theatre's phone message. I've been known to call that phone number from time to time even when I'm not planning to see a movie. The way he says "rated R" (gasp)!

vitajex(at)aol(dot)com

Sara Brookes said...

Thanks so much for having me here today and for the great interview, Wendi!

Catherine Lee said...

Sara...I must admit that I haven't read any of your books so I can't say what my favorite scene is. I was curious about what your answer would be to the "alien" question...You somehow got to skip that one and I think it's such a GREAT interview question!
catherinelee100 at gmail dot com

Julianne said...

I haven't had the pleasure of reading any of your books Sara. I'm looking forward to learning more about your books and you. Thanks for a chance to win one of your books.
luvfuzzzeeefaces at yahoo dot com