Did you always want to become a writer?
No. I was a late bloomer. In fact I thought I was being a bit crazy when my muses first came. Then I began to understand that the story coming through had the potential to take me into new worlds. So I sat down to write. Eventually I finished that story. Meekal Chilkwell the hero in CONCENTRIC CIRCLES came out of that first story. His personality grew. Shayla Brinawell came into his life and a novel was born.
What is the most, and the least interesting fact about writing?
The most interesting aspect of writing is character growth. I always end up playing in ways that may not necessarily become a part of the story, but it always increases my respect for my muse.
The least interesting thing is editing. Not that I don’t like making changes, but it’s because editing comes through as a left brain exercise and I’m more a right brain creative person. *shrug*
How did you celebrate your first release? Do you have a special ritual for celebrating a book release?
I came through my first release with a sigh of relief. ? It seemed that time went by so slow before and then everything moved faster afterward. No rituals at this time, but you never know what will happen in the future.
So tell us about your latest release/coming soon. What is about, what inspired it and is it a stand alone title or a series book?
CONCENTRIC CIRCLES is available now. It was inspired by the magical area around the Tor and Glastonbury, England. My angle is that the story centers around the Chalice Well, its healing powers and the family of guardians set to protect its pure goodness.
Heroine Shayla Brinawell has always been taught not to use her magic. When she arrives in Glastonbury she must come to terms with a new destiny combined with Meekal Chilkwell to protect the Chalice Well from an evil wizard. It becomes necessary for her to use her magic. Thus the story unfolds.
If you could meet any paranormal creature, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet a phoenix. The legend is incredible—reborn from fire. In fact there is a brief meeting with a phoenix in CC and the coming sequel (due out next year) is woven around Brenna a woman that was burned at the stake.
Halloween is here. Do you have any traditions you like to do for this holiday? Dress up? Go trick or treating? Hand out candy?
I love this time of year. Even in Florida the air changes and gives us cooler days. Yes, I do the home decorating and passing out candy to youngsters. Also I enjoy reading Halloween romances.
If you could change places with one character from any book, who would it be and why?
The life of Claire Beauchamp in Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series has always held my attention. I liked that she blended into two separate times of history with success and tenacity. ;o)
If you could travel through time to visit a special time period or famous person, what or who would it be and why?
This is a tough question. lol There have been so many fascinating folks through time. Someone else asked this recently. I answered Mary Queen of Scots. I would have enjoyed spending time with her before and during her imprisonment. The chance to get to know her would have been an honor.
Where can readers go to find out more about you, your books and other good stuff?
My website is recently updated. I would love to hear from visitors. ;o) Readers can find excerpts and other FREE reads. http://aithne-jarretta.blogspot.com/
If you could meet your favorite celebrity and spend the day with them, who would you choose and what would you do?
Jerry Bruckheimer—Surprise! lol For the longest time I was truly unaware of his genius. Then one day I noticed his name in the credits after a favorite TV show. Suddenly I saw his name everywhere. What does this have to do with a romance author? Well, I’d get him to read my story and tell me his honest opinion of the story from a dramatic pov. What an awesome opportunity to learn. Who knows what could come from an encounter like that. ;o)
Sneak peek Excerpt taken from CONCENTRIC CIRCLES [7] Journey into Mayhem
Shayla surveyed their location. They were in a circular clearing bordered by trees, a church and tombstones. The fall breeze whispered through nearly empty branches. Green turf, neatly trimmed, surrounded the outside of a stone circle, and bordered a round path where the stones stood, exposing the bare ground, creating a perfect earthen circle. The inner sanctum returned to well-trimmed turf. “Kal, why are we doing this?”
He entwined their fingers, and squeezed gently. “Doing what? Talking about the beautiful monument in front of us?”
Exasperation sent her eyes into a dizzying roll. She pulled their joined hands up to motion toward the nearest stone. “Island hopping.”
“Because, my love,” he said. “We need to be sure you can escape if the situation becomes dire. I already know you can kick their arses. I just need to know you can get out. Wind-riding is one of the ways to accomplish that. Dragar’s piffle of black smoke can’t compete.”
“Why’s that?”
“Wind-riding is just a cut above—better. No, I’m not automatically prejudiced against wizards who use wands. Some of my best friends use them. It’s more…” He led her to the recumbent alter stone, placed his strong hands on her waist, and picked her up.
Shayla gasped. She was not accustomed to people lifting her so easily. “More?”
He set her on the stone before leaning in to breathe across her ear. “All right. So maybe Malvenue chasing a fifteen-year-old kid does have something to do with my opinion of his minions, former or otherwise. But, what you need to understand is that I want you to be able to journey on your own. No matter what the circumstances are. It takes practice.” In slow motion, he pulled back and ran his hand up her arm. “Shay,” he whispered huskily.
She swallowed.
Meekal pushed her back, leaned forward, and began to kiss her with rising urgency. “Relax,” he said, flicking his tongue against her neck.
A shiver of anticipation titillated her. She arched closer, seeking more intimate contact. “Kal,” she breathed, sucking in his scent. With a moan of longing, she pulled his mouth to hers. Kissing deeply, she wrapped her legs tightly around him. Butterflies of longing pooled in her belly.
He nibbled her lips.
Shayla growled, biting him in play.
“You’ve got the wrong idea, love. Escape to the other side.”
Anticipation shifted gears. She groaned and tightened her legs.
Meekal grunted. “You’re relaxed now. Go.”
Shayla closed her eyes tightly. Everything squeezed her as if shooting her out of a tube. Air propelled her forward. “Argh!”
Meekal laughed.
“Damn!” Shayla stood opposite Meekal. A groan erupted and she leaned on the closest stone for support.
“You did it!” Meekal jogged across the circle and pulled her into an exuberant hug, kissing her fervently.
“Kal, I feel like I’m gonna throw up.”
“Oh.” He stepped back, looking her over carefully. “Feel better?”
“I’ve been worse,” she grumbled, and then stumbled into the circle.
Buy: http://tinyurl.com/Jarretta1
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Hi Aithine,
Welcome to my blog. Thanks for taking time to be here today. Your books sound fascinating.
Where do you get your inspiration for your novels from?
Raine D.
Great interview, and an intriguing excerpt Aithine.
Do you have a website too, or just the blog?
I googled and couldn’t find one.
Sandie
Thank you Raine. The inspiration comes from different places. ;o) For CONCENTRIC CIRCLES I fell in love with the Chalice Well in Glastonbury, England. Legend tells us of its healing powers. With such power comes adventure. The Chilkwell legacy grew from there.
Thanks so much for the Feature Spot on your blog. Blessings.
~ Aithne
Hi Sandie. The craziest thing happened to my webpage. The server owner sold their server business and didn’t tell me they were doing that.
Here’s the link to my blog where you can find more excerpts. Thanks for commenting.
http://aithne-jarretta.blogspot.com/
Blessings.
~ Aithne
Hi Aithne, my question is when you write fantasy do you believe in the magic described in your book? And how did you get interested in magic?
The excerpt from your book was a great tease…I want to learn more about these two and their world. Thank you for sharing them w/us.
jo
Hi Johanna.
Well, I’ve been interested in magic all my life.
In early childhood I had dreams that carried me to places far away. One such dream took me outside my home to the neighborhood Christmas tree. From a young child’s perspective it was a very tall tree and the memory of that dream has me flying to the top and touching the tip. The instant I touched the prickly top… SWOOSH! I was back in my bed and woke up to turn and stare out my bedroom window at the multi-lighted tree down the street. I never looked at that tree the same after that night.
Thank you for enjoying this excerpt from CONCENTRIC CIRCLES. Follow this link to read the complete chapter [7] Journey into Mayhem.
http://tinyurl.com/JIM-cc7
There you will learn much more about Shayla & Meekal.
Thank you for commenting today. Happy Halloween. ;o)
~ Aithne