Tell us about the latest release. Is it part of a series? Stand Alone title? What inspired it?
Ebony & Ivory is the third book in my Sky Castles trilogy. The first book Blue & Silver was inspired by a song about castles in the air. The original thought developed into three books and each one evolved from a character from the previous books insisting that I tell their story.
What do you love about writing? Hate about it?
I love being able to let my imagination run wild and put the stories in my head down on paper. I have never been stuck for a story; in fact I have so many floating around in my head I have to consciously make the decision which one to choose next.
I hate not having enough time to write. I would love to be a full time writer, but the time isn’t right. Hopefully it won’t be too long though.
Do you have a guilty indulgence? Something you do just for you. Want to share?
I have two guilty indulgences. I love to go to the day spa and indulge in a spa, massage and the Spectracolor Spa – don’t ask me what that is because I don’t know. All I know is I am feeling great when I have one. The day package also includes a healthy lunch with bubbly.
My other indulgence is twice a year I get away from everything and write. One is at a writers retreat weekend held in one of the up market tourist lodges near here and facilitated by the creative writing tutor who taught me how to put my ideas onto paper. The other is at the Michael King Centre in Auckland. It’s a cottage which is run for writers. I spend ten days there and get so much writing done it’s unbelievable.
If you could spend a secluded weekend somewhere, where would you go and why?
Oops, I think I answered that in my reply to the previous question. One place I’ve never been but where I would like to spend a secluded weekend is a little bed and breakfast place set in the bush about two hours away from where I live. Friends tell me the owner takes good care of you but leaves you to your own devices too. An ideal place to get away and write, or take my husband and have a romantic weekend.
Is there any character from one of your books who you would change places with?
I love all my characters but each time I finish writing a novel I want to be the heroine of that book. This means my latest heroine, Tazia of Ardon, is the one I would like to change places with at present. Next month—who knows?
What authors do you enjoy reading? Who is on your bookcase/e-reader?
Where do I start? Ann McCaffrey, Terry Pratchett, David Eddings, Trudi Canavan and that’s just the fantasy authors. I tend to buy them in paperback version. I did buy all of Naomi Novik’s Temeraire series in e-book though. Romance I always buy as e-books. I don’t think I have favourite authors in this genre. E-books make it so easy to browse and buy the ones that appeal to me.
Do you ever get up at 3 am just to write?
I usually sleep right through the night but no doubt if I woke up at 3am and couldn’t get back to sleep I’d hop out of bed and go and write. You’ve got to take the opportunity when it comes haven’t you? When I’m away on writer’s retreat I get up early and write—I’m determined not to waste a minute.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve ever done?
The most interesting thing would definitely be living in Kuwait for two years. This was before the troubles with Iraq. I found this a wonderful experience. Residents of Kuwait tended to be multi-national and my children got to know how other people live. They made friends from many different countries around the world.
What is your favorite holiday?
Holiday – what’s that? Seriously, we haven’t really had a holiday as such for some years due to job commitments. My next one is going to be to England to see my grandson. He’s two and a half and I haven’t even met him yet. It’s just so expensive to go the other side of the world.
Of all the steamy/non-steamy you’ve written, what one is your personal favorite?
I don’t really write steamy but I am rather fond of the bath scene in Blue & Silver for the emotional interchange and sexual tension between Caishel and Ailan.
And which one is something you’d love to try? *grins*
Ooh I’d rather not answer that one. Although maybe a sharing a bath with my beloved—no best not go there!!!
Where can readers go on the net to find more on your books and anything else?
As I have more than one publisher the best place to go is my website or my blog. I’m a bit of a novice when it comes to blogs but I’m trying to find my way with help from fellow authors.
http://www.sueperkinsauthor.com/
http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.com/
Thank you once again Raine for providing me with this opportunity to reach out to readers of romance and fantasy. It’s been a very enjoyable experience.
Sneak Peeks into Ebony & Ivory AND Three Hearts:
Three Hearts – Excerpt
The younger man was incredibly handsome and looked familiar. Blonde hair like dark gold shone above a finely sculptured, tanned face, and when his body shifted slightly, the sleeves of his tailored suit pulled tightly across his muscled arms. Dreamlike, her gaze shifted to his eyes and she blinked, her admiration replaced with confusion.
The grey eyes staring at her were steely with disapproval. She didn’t know him, so why on earth would he look at her with such obvious dislike? Recognition dawned as she realized she did know him, or at least she’d seen him before. He was the man who’d talked to Brooke at the ice cream van yesterday.
“Miss Farrell.” The middle-aged man rose and held out his hand. “I’m Herbert Case, and this is my client, Mr. Travis Denton.” He indicated his companion.
“Mr. Case, Mr. Denton.”
The younger man took in every detail of her clothing, and made no attempt to hide the look of disbelief cross his face.
“If you’d like to take a seat, I think it would be better if I came straight to the point, then we can progress from there.”
“As you wish.” Darcy felt disadvantaged as she sat across the desk from Mr. Case. The other man still leaned against the cabinets, arms folded across his broad chest, eyes hard and unforgiving, his whole demeanour intimidating.
“I believe you have an eight year old niece named Brooke, whose mother died giving birth to her.” The solicitor looked at Darcy over his half rimmed glasses, waiting for her acknowledgement of these facts.
Darcy nodded, bewildered by this opening statement. What does this have to do with Brooke?
“And you are her legal guardian?”
“Yes. I’m also her only living relative,” Darcy replied.
“I don’t think so.” Travis Denton spoke for the first time and she blinked in surprise as his broad American accent cut through the room.
“I beg your pardon, but I believe I know my own family situation better than a total stranger.” Darcy prickled defensively, determined not to be intimidated by the man’s dislike of her.
“Now, now.” Mr. Case tried to ease the tension in the room. “Perhaps it might be better if I explained my client’s circumstances. Mr. Denton’s wife left him almost nine years ago telling him she couldn’t stay married to him and was returning home to New Zealand. When he had no further communication from her, Mr. Denton assumed she would eventually contact him when she wanted a divorce. She never did, and of course, we know now the reason.”
“Mr. Denton’s private history is fascinating.” Sarcasm filled every word Darcy. “But I fail to see what it has to do with me.”
“My wife’s name…” A smug smile crept across Travis Denton’s lips. “was Kelly Farrell, your sister. Brooke Farrell is my daughter.”
****
Ebony & Ivory: Sky Castles Book 3 – Excerpt
The doors were flung open and Tazia took a deep breath before walking towards the group around the big table near the fire. She was pleased to see Jefor had accompanied Robard. At least there would be one friendly face at the ceremony.
Her brother turned to her with a grin, which changed to confusion when he saw what she was dressed in. He shook his head and Tazia knew he realised Halla had been making mischief again.
The tall dark man standing talking to her father turned and she recognised Duke Robard of Ardon. The welcome on his lips began to fade then turned into a fixed smile as she moved towards the group.
“There you are, my dear.” Her father came forward to take her hand. “Looking lovely as usual.”
For one small moment, Tazia wondered if her father was blind, but then realised women’s fashions held no interest for him, so he had no idea how ridiculous she looked. Taking his arm she moved forward.
“Duke Robard, may I present my daughter Tazia.”
“I am pleased to meet you again, Milady.” Robard bowed over her hand and dropped a kiss on the palm. “Especially on such a happy occasion.”
Embarrassment flooded Tazia. Quickly, she dropped her head to hide the blood rushing to her face. Robard led her towards the dignitaries who were waiting to perform the legal duties of the betrothal. The touch of his hand sent a weakness rushing through her body and she longed for this to be over so she could go and hide in her bedroom.
“Milady, if you would sign here and Duke Robard, if you would sign here.” The dignitary pointed to the appropriate places and she wrote her name, hardly knowing what she was doing.
After the legal part of the ceremony was over, wine and finger food were served. She noticed Robard was attentive but distant and she knew he was disappointed. She’d got the better part of the bargain, while he must think he was lumbered with a half-wit woman for his Duchess.
* * * *
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9 Responses to “Guest Author Day with Sue Perkins”
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Hi Sue and welcome to my blog. I love your covers…very eye catching.
I had to add these two to my reading list they sound fascinating.
Raine D.
Hi Sue from another Sue. I was really enjoying this interview and Raine had some great questions as always. I was glad to stop in and say hello to both of you and to meet you Sue as you are new to me. I retired last year and now spending time on the webs looking for new faces and books. I like the sounds of yours so I will be back. susan L.
Thank you so much Raine for the opportunity to have my interview with you on your website. I really enjoyed answering your questions.
And Sue, hi to you too and thank you for your comments.
[...] Read more: Guest Author Day with Sue Perkins | Raine Delight [...]
Hi Raine and Sue,
Great interview. Like the sounds of the cottage out in the bush. We call it bush here in Australia, I didn’t realize New Zealanders did too. Best of luck,
Margaret
I enjoyed the interview, Raine and Sue. Great job. Hope you make it to England soon to see your grandson, Sue. I bet he’s a cutie.
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Thanks to everyone who visited Raine’s interview with me. To Diane, yes my grandson is a little cutie – his mother comes from China and he looks wonderful with his mixed heritage.
Nice interview, Sue. It was a great way to get to know you and your writing better. I like how you take time out to just go an write. Really cool.
Smiles
Steph