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Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Guest Post & Giveaway! Author Terry Spear

Sunday, I reviewed Seduced by the Wolf by author Terry Spear. I loved the book! I am so excited to share with you a guest post from a lovely and very talented author, Terry Spear!  Sit back, enjoy your beverage, chat and enter the contest!

First, thanks so much, Amy, for having me here on your blog today!!
Character Cooperation? That is an Oxymoron!

When I begin a story, I don’t know who the characters really are. As the story develops, I learn more and more about them—their flaws, their secrets, their deeper desires.

If you don’t really know the characters all that well to begin with, how can you expect them to always cooperate when you’re trying to write their story? That’s the difficulty I often run into.

When I began writing Heart of the Wolf, I had no idea Bella Wilder was going to end up in the zoo. What a fiasco. Do you know how hard it is to get a character out of a tight spot like that? Here she is facing a big lusty wolf, that’s interested in making her his mate. Except he’s all wolf. And that’s only the proverbial tip of the iceberg.

Then in Destiny of the Wolf a group of teen werewolves get themselves in a real bind, hanging from a cliff in a snowstorm. And Lelandi Wildehaven realizes as she’s on her way to rescue them, she’s being stalked. But I had no clue she was going to take off with Darien Silver’s truck in the first place, which gets her into all the trouble.

Now it’s not just the heroines who cause lots of problem. We won’t mention Hunter Greymere’s sister in To Tempt the Wolf as he is shoved from a cliff and then rescued by Tessa Anderson. Now, being a pack leader and an alpha male, I never expected to find his pack mutinying him, his sister running off, nor the trouble he gets into when he becomes entangled with Tessa and her problems. 

In Legend of the white Wolf, Cameron MacPherson and Faith O’Mallery meet and soon learn that not all Arctic wolves are the same.  How was I to know they’d keep running into dead bodies? And end up sharing a cozy cabin for two in a snowstorm?

Now Leidolf Wildehaven, well, I’d gotten to know him well in the first four books, right? Well, yes, except that men and women act differently around the opposite sex, you know. So in Seduced by the Wolf, I had no idea how he would react when he first meets a wolf biologist who intrigues him for her love of wolves. And it didn’t even matter that she wasn’t a werewolf! Although she is. But he doesn’t know that. At first. Once he learns she is, he discovers just how hard changing her mind about werewolf packs is going to be. I knew he could be persistent, but he goes way beyond that to try to convince her he’s the one for her.

In Wolf Fever (to be released in December 2010), I never realized how hard being a psychic werewolf could be. Not only does Carol Wood have the problem with controlling her psychic visions, but the urge to shapeshift is wreaking havoc with her need to control some aspect of her life. Then here comes Chester Ryan McKinley who creates all kinds more trouble for her—especially the way he grills her about truly having psychic visions and her insistence that he is much more intrigued with her than he wishes to let on. I don’t know where all that was coming from, but she sure had him pegged.

In Heart of the Highland Wolf (to be released in Spring 2011), it turns out Julia Wildthorn, werewolf romance author, has a family secret and is trying to discover what it truly is, along with getting some story background for her first historical Highland romance—werewolf style. Now I had no idea about this secret, and I’m sort of miffed that she didn’t let either her good friend in on it, or me either, because after all, how could I tell her story if she’s going to hide half of it from me?

And in Dreaming of the Wolf (to be released Fall 2011), well, Jake Silver is pretty easy to understand. He’s an alpha male, sub-leader to his triplet brother from Destiny of the Wolf, Darien Silver, and he loves to photograph Colorado wildflowers. Now, what I didn’t know was how much he would be intrigued with a human woman who’s a little out of her league as she tries to serve warrants as a bounty hunter. She’s really gotten herself into a mess what with trying to hide wolf secrets while telling as much as she can to the local police during shootings and the like…but every time she goes anywhere, she gets herself into more trouble. And I’m really having a difficult time getting her out of it. But Jake is sticking by her side no matter what. It’s bound to get a whole lot worse before it gets better—if ever!

So what is a writer to do? Go with the flow. Life is too short to fret and stress about it. Everything will work out in the end. That’s my motto. And yes, I do have to put on some brakes sometimes, and just say, “Woa! Wait a minute.” It doesn’t mean they will listen to me! But in the end, it’s really their story! So what do I know?

Thanks so very much for having me here today. I have to tell you the blog you proposed was a lot of fun!!! Thanks again, Amy!!! And thanks to everyone who drops by and says hi! 

My question is:  What do you think of all these characters? Should they listen to me? Or should I listen to them? Or in the end, does it really matter as long as you have a Happily Ever After???
 Terry

Thank you so much for stopping by Terry! I love all of your characters! We all love a happy ending! What I wouldn't give for a complete signed set of these books! *sigh* Even if it is just to look at the covers!


GIVEAWAY!

Thanks to Sourcebooks, I have 2 copies of Seduced by the Wolf to giveaway! 
Rules:

1.  Answer the question in red above from Terry!
2. Leave your name and email for me to contact you if you win!
3. Open to USA and Canada only. 
4. No P.O. Boxes please.

Contest will end Friday August 6th, 2010

36 Comments:

Blogger debbie said...

I don't think anyone really listens to anyone else, even characters. In the end, they all do what they were going to do anyway. It would be easier all around if they listened to you, but it I guess it's the bumps in the road, that make life interesting.
debbie
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

August 3, 2010 at 3:33 AM  
Blogger Virginia C said...

Hi, Terry & Amy! Wow, Terry, I am so psyched by "Seduced by the Wolf" and three more books to follow! I have the first four fabulously furry romances in the series, and I definitely look forward to the next four : )

The fact that you are captivated by your characters, and so involved in their developing life events, shows that you are a great storyteller. An author who is a great reader is more likely to be a great writer. I love the fact that you don't have everything down pat before you start a book. That way, you are just as excited as the reader will be by the interesting and intriguing twists and turns that unfold as the story line is revealed. When you create your characters, they seem to take on a life of their own and coexist right along with you! Just as in real life, characters/people don't always do what you need or want them to do. If an author wrote every character in their own mold and had them act as they would act themselves, that would not make for interesting storytelling. Giving them life means giving them idiosyncracies and imperfections. They won't always make the right decision or have the most noble thoughts, but they will be interesting! The best relationships are give and take, and compromise is necessary for mutual happiness. This is also true for the relationship between the writer and her characters : )

Please enter my name in the drawing. US Resident, Google Friend Connect Follower, Email Subscriber, Google Reader Subscriber.

gcwhiskas at aol dot com

August 3, 2010 at 4:16 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Hi, Terry

I love all the characters. I think it great they developed personalties of their own while you were writing the books and that they didn't listen to you. It makes your books more interesting and unpredictable. I think being an author sometimes your books just take on a life of their own while you are writing them. I think they shouldn't listen to you and develop their own personalties as they have done. It makes your books very interesting. I think sometimes if you know your characters at the beginning it could make your books very boring. I have never read any of your books but I have interested in them after your interview. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

August 3, 2010 at 4:22 AM  
Blogger Terry Spear said...

And I think, Debbie, that sometimes they know their minds better than I do. :)

August 3, 2010 at 4:44 AM  
Blogger Terry Spear said...

Oh, wow, Virginia, thanks! I so agree! It's really like in real life. The longer we are around an individual, the more we learn about them. We never know everything about them, but as we see them interact with others, or respond to situations, more and more will be revealed. :) And that's how it is for me when I'm writing the characters' stories. :)

Thanks, Tore! I hope you give them a chance!!

August 3, 2010 at 4:54 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I find it interesting to know that you don't have the stories all lined out and just need to put it to paper. It makes the twists and turns more exciting if the author doesn't even know what to expect from their characters at each turn. I am a big fan of happy endings. There are too many sad events in life along the way, so it's always nice to slip into a fantasy world where you know someone is going to get their happily ever after.
*No need to enter me in the drawing, as I have a signed copy of Seduced by the Wolf.

August 3, 2010 at 5:27 AM  
Blogger Terry Spear said...

I really think that's why so many readers don't know how the stories will end up, except that it has to have the prerequisite HEA! Which makes it all the more fun to me. Even for research papers in school and college, I could NOT outline first off. I'd have to write the paper, then write an outline of it. :) If I did it the other way around, it would never look like my outline anyway. LOL

While I'm writing, it's a discovery period, and what I find out, changes the course of my characters' lives. :) Thanks for saying hi, Stephanie!!!

August 3, 2010 at 5:46 AM  
Blogger Victoria said...

I think you really have to listen to the characters. I love a happy ending but it just might not be how it's supposed to go.

August 3, 2010 at 6:42 AM  
Blogger cait045 said...

I would go with the characters and listen to them. I think characters can be like children and only listen when they want too but like kids it could be fun or crazy to follow where they are going. I agree as long as there is a happy ending I will be happy. I think the story might be more real if the characters lead the story.

usignolc(at)yahooDOTcom

August 3, 2010 at 6:51 AM  
Blogger misskallie2000 said...

Hi Terry, I think you should listen to the characters in your story and follow their lead. Sometimes if we try to control something it turns out bad or boring. Other times you may get to interact with them or you may just need to step back and see what happens. Of course we want HEA so either way will make us happy.
Thanks for the great interview/review. I have your books on my wish list. Can't wait to read. Thanks for stopping by to chat.

Pls enter me in the giveaway. Thanks

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

August 3, 2010 at 7:54 AM  
Blogger Beverly said...

Hi Terry - love the characters. I don't think anyone listens really, but in the end it is all about the "happily ever after" - at least it is for me. I love to read, but feel disappointed when I take the time to read hundreds of pages and then there is no "happily ever after" at the end.

Thanks for the interview.
Thanks for hosting - please enter me.
bevsharp@desch.org

August 3, 2010 at 8:21 AM  
Blogger donnas said...

As long as it all comes together and everyone is happy it doesnt really matter who listens to who.

bacchus76 at myself dot com

August 3, 2010 at 11:15 AM  
Blogger Lori said...

Great post. I love all the characters. You know that the males are too alpha to actually listen to a woman...You should listen to them as much as they listen to you. These books have a life all thier own. I am not sure I believe in happily ever after...but I do like happy endings.

August 3, 2010 at 1:36 PM  
Blogger Barbara E. said...

Hi Terry, your characters sound like a lot of fun. I think you need to listen to them, otherwise how will you get to know them well enough to be able to figure out how to help them have a happily ever after.

Barbed1951(at)aol(dot)com

August 3, 2010 at 1:41 PM  
Blogger marian said...

i'm all for happily ever after so it doesn't really matter who listens to who as along as all the characters are happy

mariannguyen16(AT)gmail(DOT)com

August 3, 2010 at 2:03 PM  
Blogger Meredith said...

I think these characters are unique and very interesting! I'd love to read these. I do think they should listen to you, at least a little bit, because you have control of the pen and COULD get them into a lot more trouble than they're looking for, right? Of course, they need to be given a little leash (HA! canine joke!) to live their own lives...kinda like raising adult children, right?

And there doesn't always have to be a happy ending...although it's better if a sad ending is followed by a sequel. lol!

meredithfl at gmail dot com

August 3, 2010 at 2:07 PM  
Blogger Sandy Jay said...

Hi Terry, I think you should listen to them. They're going to do what they want anyway...they always do. :)

forwhlz at gmail dot com

August 3, 2010 at 2:51 PM  
Blogger elaing8 said...

Great post.I love a HEA but to get there I think you have to listen to your characters and let them tell their story.
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net

August 3, 2010 at 3:33 PM  
Blogger lulilut said...

Characters, like children, sometimes have a mind of their own and you just have to hope you brought them up right (or should that be - write? Bad pun alert! ;)
d.septer(at)insightbb(dot)com

August 3, 2010 at 3:49 PM  
Blogger Terry Spear said...

Ohmigosh, while I was at work, everyone dropped by! Thanks!
Victoria, I agree! It's always amazing to me how it works out. LOL

Hi Barbara E, thanks! Yes, I think you're right. It's just like listening to real people! We won't get to know them if we don't. :)

But to get to the happiness, they have to deal with trouble, or life is totally boring. :) Thanks, Marian!

Hmm, Meredith, yes, a leash, because really, things could get out of control. My publisher has some constraints after all. :) So they must follow some kind of guidelines. And then I have my own. Must have: Mystery, romance, adventure, intrigue, humor, and wolves. Yep, that about wraps it up!

Cait, I think so too, that when they take the lead, it's fun to follow to see where it goes. :)

Thanks, Miss Kallie! I think you're right as far as trying to control the outcome! :)

Ohmigosh, Beverly, I watched the "true" story about a couple who were left to survive in Open Water...and they didn't! I thought one of them must have survived to tell the story. Talk about depressing! I want HEA.

Agreed, DonnaS!

I agree, Lori! They must have a life of their own. No author interference. Or...maybe a little, or they might get too complacent. :)

Elaing8, right!

Lulilut, lol about bringing them up right! Have you read Seduced by the Wolf? Talk about a dysfunctional pack!

August 3, 2010 at 4:36 PM  
Blogger Linda Henderson said...

I like the HEA so I'm all for whatever gets me there. So I don't think it matters who listens to who as long as they are happy in the end.

seriousreader at live dot com

August 3, 2010 at 5:48 PM  
Blogger katsrus said...

I don't really think it matters either whom listens to who as long as you get where you want to go. I do love a happy ending but; it doesn't always have to be.
Really enjoyed your post. Very fun. Love that book cover. It is so pretty.
Sue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

August 3, 2010 at 6:22 PM  
Blogger Terry Spear said...

Thanks, Sue B, true, all true! :)

August 3, 2010 at 6:25 PM  
Blogger JoAnna said...

Terry, I love your books and can't wait to read Leidolf's story. I will be reading it soon. I think you need to let the characters lead the way.

beckerjo@verizon.net

August 3, 2010 at 6:37 PM  
Blogger Terry Spear said...

Thanks so much, JoAnna! I hope you love Leidolf!!! :)Thanks again!

August 3, 2010 at 6:41 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I would say listen to the characters and see where it leads. You can always make edits when they are sleeping ;)

Robin K
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com

August 3, 2010 at 8:05 PM  
Blogger JenM said...

It seems like every author complains that their characters don't listen to them so if yours don't either, at least you are in good company. This is the reason I'll never be an author and why I admire authors so much. I can't imagine how it must feel to have characters in your head that seemingly have a life of their own. However, I do feel that you just have to wrestle them down and force that HEA if need be!

August 3, 2010 at 8:28 PM  
Blogger JenM said...

oops, forgot my email.

jen at delux dot com

August 3, 2010 at 8:29 PM  
Blogger Terry Spear said...

Robin K, too funny. You're so right! And JenM, hmm, I think you're right.

And see, that's why it makes no sense in trying to outline or plot a story! I do love your comment about wrestling them down and forcing a HEA if it has to be. Too funny!

August 4, 2010 at 3:00 AM  
Blogger Kris said...

Good question....I'm not a writer but it seems to me the we would subconciously (?) form these characters. I think after that they kinda tell you where they want to go in a story. I always hear writers say that their characters "write" themselves.

I'm looking forward to reading this one. It sounds excellent and I love that cover!
ksg_amg(at)yahoo.com

August 4, 2010 at 9:17 AM  
Blogger jellybelly82158 said...

Terry just needs to keep doing whatever it is she is doing because this series is the best. I have read all of her books and absolutely love them. Also, whoever does the covers is great. I love looking at them.

jellybelly82158 at gmail dot com

August 4, 2010 at 1:43 PM  
Blogger Terry Spear said...

Hi Kris...hmm, I wish my characters just wrote themselves. LOL There's some subconscious stuff going on, certainly, based on our own pasts and the people we meet. Even if we were to write the story ten years from now, it probably would take on a different slant. :)

Thanks so much, Jellybelly! If you need autographed book plates for your books, you can send me a SASE and I'll send them to you. :) I will continue on as I have before! LOL Thanks again!

August 4, 2010 at 5:50 PM  
Blogger Beth said...

Some of my favorite authors talk about the characters talk to them. You should listen to the characters, at least to see what they want. But you are the author. If what they are saying doesn't work for you or the story, then you have to ignore them for the moment.
Don't let them push you around. If they want their story written they need to be nice to you.

carolcobun(at)yahoo(dot)com
Question: Why no PO Boxes?

August 4, 2010 at 7:19 PM  
Blogger Terry Spear said...

LOL, I so agree, Beth! :)

August 5, 2010 at 4:29 AM  
Blogger YzhaBella's BookShelf said...

I say listen to your characters. They are, after all, an extension of you, the author who has created them!

Thanks!
Kate aka YzhaBella
mleger0546(at)rogers(.)com

August 6, 2010 at 8:25 PM  
Blogger Terry Spear said...

:) Absolutely, Kate! No matter how much we attribute their actions to their actions, they are an extension of us. I loved Inkspell? Where the character meets the author, and he gets mad because he doesn't show enough backbone, and the character says something to the effect, "You wrote me this way!"

August 6, 2010 at 11:58 PM  

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