PS:  Tempest, I love your website bio. May I come live with you?

“Paranormal and fantasy erotic romance writer, Tempest Knight, lives in Puerto Rico. This small Caribbean island holds a magic that captures the author’s imagination. Its turquoise waters. The hot breeze blowing from the east, gently caressing the skin. The sensual rhythms of the island’s music. It all evokes erotic visions which stir the author’s mind…

So nowadays she can be found strolling along the beach under a full moon while plotting her next story, or sitting on the veranda as the sound of the soft tropical rain falling on the leaves rouse her fantasies.”

TK:  Sure, chica! Remember to bring a bikini and lots of suntan lotion because being in a tropical island means going to the beach every day, all year long. And let me tell you, the beach scene is always hot with all those hunks playing beach volleyball. Trust me, you’re going to love it. *wiggles eyebrows*
 
PS:  Please tell us how you got started in writing.

TK:  I’ve always been very creative (which was a subtle way to explain the voices in my head *lol*). When I was a teen, I was in an all-girl rock band and I used to write songs. When I went to college, somehow the way to express myself changed. Not that I started writing stories right away, mind you. But the voices in my head would sometimes regale me with flashes of scenes. Yet I never bothered to sit down and write them. About 6 years ago, my life was in a rut and I needed a change so I said bye-bye to my old job and got a new one. Suddenly I found myself with all this free time that I didn’t know what to do with it. In the beginning, I did what I’d not been able to do in over a decade, enjoy the luxury of watching TV and relaxing. After a few months, I got bored with it and was itching to do something else although I didn’t know what. Let’s face it, I’m not into crafts, so it’s like I could go on to pick knitting or scrapbooking. One day I was chatting online with an old friend of mine, and she suggested me to pick up writing as a way to shut up my “Bitches” (as we now call those inner voices). I wasn’t too convinced that writing was for me, but the very next day I was all over Yahoo researching anyway. A couple of weeks later I joined a few online writing and aspiring writers support groups as well as critique groups. At first, I began writing just for fun, but soon I realized that I liked it. Before long I had my first contract with Cobblestone Press, and my first story, Enduring Promise, came out.

PS:  Will you tell us about “Unforgiven Pleasure” and “Enduring Promise.”

TK:  “Enduring Promise” was my first published novel with Cobblestone Press.   It’s a very sensual story of love lost, love found. Love surviving through the ages, and even death can destroy. Three hundred years ago, Giselle, a female vampire, lost her human beloved, Armand, at the hands of an angry mob who wanted to destroy her. Before he died, he promised to return to her on All Hallows’ Eve. However, after three centuries, she’d given up hope and was ready to walk into the sun when thirty-five-year-old photographer Evan Harris wanders into her house. At first glance, Giselle recognizes her lover’s soul in this new body; however, the memories of his previous life had not been awaken. It’s All Hallows’ Eve so she must find a way to awaken his memories before dawn, using every single sensual means at her disposal if necessary. But would he be the same man she knew and loved, or would she awaken someone else?

As for “Unforgiven Pleasure,” it is a free story, part of Ms. Viehl’s writing challenge back in October 2006. Lara is a shapeshifter, she turns into a wolf. Draken is a Sentinel, a creature that rose from the Egyptian goddess Isis’s sacred basin. A creature with no soul. His only purpose to make sure humans are protected from the creatures that rule the night. Draken represents everything Lara fears. Can a soulless creature find his life mate? Can betrayal lead down a path of passion? In the war between the Sentinels and the night creatures, their unforgiven pleasure will start with a kiss. You can download it for free, so drop by the Midnight Moon Cafe to get your copy. *winks*

PS:  What aspect of writing do you find easy? Difficult?

TK:  Once I have the story going, I find it pretty easy to go along with it. The hardest part is finding the perfect title, and the right heroine and hero names. If I don’t have the title and the hero and heroine names, I can’t write the story. In the past, fellow writers have suggested me to choose a working title for my story and fake names for my main characters, and later figure them out. But honestly I can’t do that. For instance “Enduring Promise,” I was trying to write a story for a contest but about three weeks before the deadline I had nothing. I couldn’t think of a story line because I didn’t have the title. I had pretty much given up when one Saturday I was at Wal-mart and the title on a DVD caught my attention. I shortened it “Enduring Promise,” and next thing I know the whole story was unraveling in my head. I got home and in two days I’d written the draft. You see, finding that perfect title makes everything suddenly gel together. In the case of “Unforgiven Pleasure,” it was the lack of a name for my hero and heroine that had me stuck. It wasn’t until I was watching the movie “Lara Croft: Cradle of Life” that their names hit. What can I say…I’m weird that way. *lol*

PS:  What is a typical day like for you?

TK:  It’s typically dull. Really. Not exciting like most readers might think. I have a full-time job, so basically, I get up in the morning and go to work. Eight to ten hours later I drop by my aging parents’ home to make sure they are alright and something needs to be done. Once that’s done, then I go home to take a bath and eat something. Afterwards, I spend a little over an hour online, answering emails, checking out the Yahoogroups, and doing anything else related to the Midnight Moon.   To end my day, I watch South Park, and then I curl up and read.

PS:  What or who inspires you?

TK:  Oh wow… I don’t think there’s one specific thing that inspires me. It can be a combination of things coming together. For instance, a few years ago I was driving home from Ponce. As I was leaving town, I could see the shore and Caribbean Sea right next to the highway, the sky a beautiful shade of turquoise with few fluffy white clouds, and a soft cool breeze blowing. It was what I call a perfect spring day. Suddenly Michael Bolton’s “Said I Loved You…but I Lied” came on the radio. The thing is that I’m not a Michael Bolton fan, so normally I’d have dismiss the song altogether. But the combination of such beautiful day and the song put my Muses in the right mood, and next thing I knew my mind was flooded images at first then full scenes. Let me tell you, it was one scary ride home because my Muses kept me almost zoned out.

PS:  Can you describe what your writing process is like?

TK:  Chaotic. Totally chaotic. I admire writers who can sit down and plot their stories before writing them. I even envy the pantsers because at least they work their way from the beginning of the story to the ending of it. But not me. I can’t do either. Scenes pop in my mind, and I write them down. I don’t know if the scene I’m writing is the beginning of the story or if belongs somewhere in the middle. As I write, I begin to figure out which scene goes where. It’s like playing scramble.

PS:  Do you use music or visuals while writing?

TK:  I’ve always listened to music as a way to block other sounds. Even when I was a kid and needed to study for a test, I’d turn on the radio. It was the only way I could concentrate because it helped me tune out everything else. So when I listen to music, I do it so I can focus. However, there has been a few instances in which a specific song has suddenly inspired me to write a scene or a story.

PS:  Your flash fiction stories are fantastic. Is writing flash fiction any different than writing, say, a short or novella? How so?

TK:  Thanks! Writing a flash fiction story is definitely different from writing a novella – even a short one. A flash fiction story is basically just a scene, so they’re no longer than 1,500 words long. Like any scene in a book, a flash fiction story has a beginning, a climax, and an end. However, you don’t dwell in the characters. Basically, you’re more focus in the action. “What’s going to happen next?” When you write a short story or novella, you have more time to develop the characters and the conflict, so the story has a slower pace. You can add so many elements to your story to make it richer, which is something you can’t do in a flash fiction story.

PS:  Will you tell us about some of your flash fiction stories?

TK:  I’d say the flash fiction stories of Calista Star are the favorites among those who frequently visit Midnight Moon Cafe blog. She is a witch with a tough attitude, and as she advertises herself as “Demon slayer. Ghost buster. Werewolf hunter. All around spook for the otherworldly creatures. Both alive or undead.” There are 3 Calista Star’s flash fiction stories.

“Sentinels Arise” is a prequel to “Unforgiven Pleasure.” It’s a scene that came to my mind one night after finishing that free story, as I tried to figure out exactly how the Sentinels came to be.
As for “Fallen for a Fallen Angel,” it has a very personal feel although it’s mostly fiction. Let’s say you must read that one to figure out how I was feeling.

You can read these flash fictions if you visit my my website.  

PS:  Who are your favorite authors?

TK:  Oh my gosh… there are so many! And every day I’m discovering new ones. So it’d be kind of unfair if I leave anyone out. Hmm… Okay, back in the 90’s I devored the paranormal romances from Amanda Ashley, Linda Lael Miller, and Nancy Gideon. Nowadays I read Sherrilyn Kenyon, J.R. Ward, Christine Warren, Cora Zane, Kim Harrison, Charlaine Harris, Lara Adrian, Jim Butcher, Cassandra Curtis, and many others.

PS:  Do you have a favorite scene or moment from a book?

TK:  Another tough question. *lol* For me, every scene is a stepping stone in a story. If I like a book, that means I’ve enjoyed every scene in it. So there are as many great scenes as there are great books. For instance, take Sherrilyn Kenyon’s “Acheron.” Every scene in that book was my favorite.

PS:  What are your hobbies?

TK:  Honestly, my life is so hectic I hardly have time for hobbies. Unless we can count reading paranormal romances as one. *wg* Reading is the one thing I can’t give up. Call it an obssession. Yes, I’m addicted to books. I’ve got about 80 books in my TBR (to be read) pile, and every weekend I go to Borders my discount coupon in hand and buy a new book. Aside from that, hmm… I collect swords and daggers as well as tarot decks.

PS:  Any advice for aspiring writers?

TK:  Read as many novels as you can. Write as often as you can. Even if it’s a short scene. Believe it or not the brain is a muscle which needs to be exercised regularly too, so writing and reading make great brain workouts. *winks* There are lots of “how-to-write” books to help you sharpen your writing skills, so you might want to check them out. Some of my favorites are “Writing the Breakout Novel: Winning Advice from a Top Agent and His Bestselling Client” by Donald Maass, “Writing a Romance Novel for Dummies” by Leslie Wainger, “No Plot? No Problem!: A Low-Stress, High-Velocity Guide to Writing a Novel in 30 Days” by Chris Baty, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Writing a Novel” by Tom Monteleone, and “Passionate Ink: A Guide to Writing Erotic Romance” by Angela Knight.

Join online writing groups as well as critique groups to help you with your writing. Do some research first, and find out which ones are serious. Don’t rush into joining one. Take your time, and check out the groups’ dynamics. Find one that fits your needs.

Also read about the publishing business. A lot of aspiring writers go into it blindly, and then they’re forced to face a reality which they weren’t ready for.

PS:  Excellent advice, Tempest!  Thank you so much for spending time with us here at Texty Ladies and for letting us peek a little closer into your life! 

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FLASH FICTION

The Job Never Ends

©2006, Tempest Knight

I pulled the silver stake from the puddle of what once had been a vampire. A minor vampire. Under 50 years old. Not very powerful. But a sadistic one. The bastard had physically and mentally raped 200 women in the USA this year alone. Until now. He’d picked me up at the rave club hoping to make me his victim #201. But he hadn’t expected this “victim” to fight him. Or stick a silver stake through his heart.

Without a second glance, I walked back to my SUV parked close to the alley. Black gooey dripped from the stake, and smoke rose from it. The stench was overwhelming. I poured holy water over it. Once clean, I shoved it in the gym bag with the others. I hefted the bag and winced. My left shoulder had taken the brunt when the vampire had shoved me against the wall. Tomorrow it was going to hurt like a bitch. After dropping it on the passenger seat, I pulled some wet towels from the glove compartment and cleaned the dry blood stuck on my skin. The vampires’. Not mine. A good sign of a good hunt.

I slipped into my SUV and looked at my watch. 4:00 AM. After the adrenaline rush, tiredness was sipping in. I needed coffee. Yeah, a big dose of caffeine would do my body good. I parked in front of the Midnight Moon Café. I grabbed a silver stiletto and slipped it on my boot before I walked in. I never asked for trouble, but trouble always seemed to find me. I liked to be prepared.

The place was almost empty, except for a young Goth woman sitting on a table with a laptop opened and a couple of werewolves drinking coffee and chatting at the counter. Good. I hated crowded places.

I leaned against the counter. “Hey, Cassie. Send some coffee.” The red-headed waitress wrote it down, and with a nod, she turned to fill my order. “Black,” I added over my shoulder as I headed toward the booth on the far back.

As I slid in, the bells over the door jingled. A tall figure stood on the threshold. My eyes widened. I hadn’t met the man face to face, yet, but I’d seen him a few times in public appearances from afar. Always surrounded by those damn vampires. Well, well, well. The night isn’t over and it’s already getting interesting.

His obsidian hair fell in soft curls down to his collar. His lips were lush, yet masculine. I wondered… I shook my head. Don’t go there, sistah. I couldn’t tell the color of his eyes from this distance. My gaze lazily trailed over his body. Broad shoulders, narrow hips. The loose slacks couldn’t hide his powerful legs. A man used to exercise. Pampered by vampires, I’d expect him to be fat and flabby. He exuded an aura of subtle sensuousness.

Stop that. Remember who he is.

With eyes narrowed slightly and a smirk on my lips, I studied him again. If he was trying to blend in, he was doing a lousy job. Although he was dressed casually, his expensive clothes singled him out.

As if sensing my thorough inspection, his gaze went to where I was sitting. I quickly lowered my eyes and leaned further back into the seat, trying to keep my presence concealed. As if. For once I wished this damn place was crowded. I could feel his penetrating eyes on me. Or maybe I was being paranoid. I risked a peek anyway and watched him walked toward the booth on the opposite side of the café. Nice butts. I shook my head again. Great. I wasn’t even an “ass” woman.

He slid into the booth and seemed to greet someone. I craned a bit but I couldn’t see the other person. I nibbled my lower lip as I considered my next move. His presence here intrigued me. Surely he wasn’t here for a cup of coffee. But before I made up my mind, I noticed him slide off the booth and leave the coffee shop in a hurry.

As I was to get up and follow him, a white-blond vampire appeared from the booth, and I gasped in surprised. What the hell is he doing here? That moment of distraction cost me. His eyes connected with mine and held my gaze. Electricity surged through me, heating my body.

I closed my eyes and shook her head. Double damn! The vampire was trying to bespell me. When I opened them, he was standing three feet away from me. His blue-within-blue eyes swirled. His smile full of seduction.

“Good evening, Madame.” His French-accented voice was like soft, cool velvet brushing against my heated skin.

I couldn’t help rubbing my arms. It was then his gaze fell on the bruises, already turning a ghastly yellowish and black.

“Someone I knew,” he asked. His voice had suddenly grown dark and deep, a dangerous edge creeping in it. His eyes cold, devoid of emotions.

I slid my arms off the table and shrugged. What could I say? Maybe?

“Here’s your coffee, hon.”

For a moment my glance flickered to Cassie, who was placing a cup of the steamy black liquid on the table, and then back to where the vampire was.

Gone.

“Thanks.” Ignoring the smell of freshly brewed java beans, I took a good sip. A powerful new vampire and a high-ranking man in the Master Vampire entourage. My mind was swirling with questions. Why were they meeting in a place like this? Then another question popped in my head. What could have that vampire told him that made him almost run out of here? Something wicked this way comes.

“Oh, hi. My name is Jean Malone,” a young blond woman babbled in a rush as she slid on the opposite chair, jarring me out of my muse.

She looked around nervously. I just arched my eyebrow and kept drinking my coffee.

“Th-they told me… I mean… Uh. A-are you–?”

“Star. Calista Star. Demon slayer. Ghost buster. Werewolf hunter. All around spook for otherworldly creatures. Both alive or undead.”

To find out what happens to Calista Star, visit the Flash Fiction section of Tempest’s website.

~~*~~

Enduring Promise Reviews:

“This is a super steamy book, written with finesse by Tempest Knight. The characters are hot and sexy with chemistry to spare. The writing is seamless, blending the past and present beautifully. This is great for a quick read, very hot and satisfying.” – 4 ½ Kisses – Christina Cross, Romance Divas

“Ms. Knight penned a beautiful and haunting tale of love and lovers. Enduring Promise is well written and executed in a flawless descriptive style. So well written that if all stories were of this caliber there would never be another unpleasant review or a need for a reviewer for that matter. Ms. Knight has a voice that many writers dream of, yet never quite ascertain.” – Janalee Ruschhaupt, Paranormal Romance Reviews

“Tempest Knight, is sure to please with this novel, and is not to be missed. Enduring Promise is loaded with lots of plot-thickening additives, so curl up and enjoy. The story progresses so smoothly that you won’t find a good stopping point. So make sure you have a couple hours to devote to it. The history and setting of this story makes you feel as if you were observing from a distance. As you are reading you can’t help but feel for Gisele and Armand. These two lovers have traveled through time to be together but only from reading Enduring Promise will you ever know whether they have succeeded.” – 4 clovers – Joyce, Kwips and Kritiques

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Find out more about Tempest Knight at the following sites:

Website

MySpace