Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Welcome Cheryl Brooks To the Lair!

posted by Aunty Cindy aka Loucinda McGary

Today I'm happy to welcome another of my "Casa Sisters" to the Lair! Cheryl Brooks is a critical care nurse by night and the author of the super sexy sci-fi romance series The Cat Star Chronicles by day. The first book in the series Slave was released back in March and the second, Warrior was released last month.

Cheryl kindly agreed to sit down and chat with Aunty. Please join in the fun!

AC: Please tell us about your debut series "The Cat Star Chronicles" and your current release "Warrior."

CB: Debut series? You make that sound as though there will be more! As to that, I'm not sure.

AC: Never say never! ;-)

CB: I didn't set out to write a series to begin with. What I had written was a book called The Rescue which introduced Cat, the only survivor of the destruction of the planet Zetith who was captured and sold into slavery and then bought by Jacinth “Jack” Rutland to aid her in rescuing her kidnapped sister. When I got the call from Sourcebooks, they said they wanted this book, and five more in the series. And I was like, um, Cat is the only one left. To which Deb Werksman replied: “No, here's what you're gonna do: Cat was NOT the last of his kind, and each book will be about other survivors.”

So that's what I did. Instead of one man being sold as a slave, there were several from the same military unit who were captured and sold as slaves rather than being executed. Warrior, the second book, is about Leo, another Zetithian, and Tisana, a witch who can heal you with herbs, start fires with a glance, and communicate telepathically with animals. Together, they are on a quest to find the missing sons of Tisana's former lover, Rafe, who just so happens to be Leo's current owner.

AC: What inspired you to write a sexy science fiction/fantasy?

CB: Star Trek, Star Wars, you name it! I've read plenty of books in that genre, too, but most were written by men, and I wanted a sci-fi adventure written from the female point of view with plenty of sizzling romance!

AC: We love call stories here in the Lair. Please share yours with us.

CB: Actually, the original call was answered by my husband. I work nights, so I was asleep when Deb called wanting to see the entire manuscript, but refused to let Bud wake me up so I could talk to her! I emailed the rest of it to her, and after she read it, she talked to Bud again, telling him what editorial changes she would recommend. Then I called her and got more specific information, rewrote the manuscript and emailed it to her—after she had sent me the rejection letter for the original! I was like, does she still want this or not? But I sent it anyway. The result was that, having returned my original query, Deb no longer had my phone number. Not sure how she got it, but she did, and she called and said, “Do you want to play?” I said yes, of course!

AC: Being a new author means a lot of new experiences and a huge learning curve. Please share a few of the highs and lows of your first year as a published author.

CB: “Playing” turned out to be more work than I ever bargained for! Wish I could say that I make as much per hour as a writer as I do as a nurse, but it's not even close. This is not a get rich quick kind of job! Maybe it is if you write Harry Potter, but romance writers rarely earn enough to make a living by their writing alone.

I've learned a lot of new jargon—Aunty Cindy comes up with more abbreviations than anyone and it usually takes me a while to figure them out!

AC: I'm afraid that's a holdover from my days as a government bureaucrat and we spoke entirely in acronyms and initials. (Not joking!)

CB: I didn't know what ARC meant, have learned all kinds of Internet things: I can now make a hyperlink without batting an eyelash and have built my own website. I'm blogging regularly on Casablanca Authors and Wickedly Romantic, and when all of this began, I didn't even know what a blog was!

The absolute best high was when I received my first email from a reader. I was at work at the time and was able to share the fun with all of my hospital buddies.

AC: Anything you wish you'd known then that you know now?

I've read blogs by other writers who went about their journey toward publication with a very definite strategy. Me, I just wrote the kind of books I wanted to read and sent them to some agents and publishers who then rejected them—and some of those rejections were barely civil! I'd never sent The Rescue to anyone before Sourcebooks because most weren't interested in paranormals, but I saw in the Romance Writers Report that Sourcebooks was a newly recognized publisher and they were taking erotics and paranormals. So I sent in the manuscript, not really expecting any positive response, and promptly forgot about it, until the day Bud said: “—and then this publisher called. . . .”

AC: Anything you'd have done differently?

CB: I wish I could get it through my head that this is a BOOK I'm writing, not giving meds or CPR to someone who might die if I don't get it right! I have applied the same ethic to meeting deadlines and expectations that I follow in my nursing career, with the result that I've been under more stress than ever before! I have to ask myself this question frequently: “Will anyone die if I don't do this?” The answer to that is no, of course, but I still feel the pressure.

AC: Any sage advice for the AYUs here in the Lair?

CB: See? There's another one I don't understand! AYU? Aspiring, young, and unpublished, perhaps? (AC: Close enough!) If that's the case, my advice is that if you want to be published, you have to write, and you then have to submit your baby to some people who will hate it. This will prepare you for negative reviews when you do get your book in print—hopefully!—though I'll admit, some of the bad reviews I've gotten make me feel like I've been stabbed through the heart. I don't take them as hard as I did when I read the first ones; perhaps I've grown a thicker skin or at least become more philosophical about it. You have to remember that not everyone likes the same things; there are songs on the radio, TV shows, and movies that I can't stand, but that other people love and vice versa. Unfortunately, those who like your book will email you and perhaps blog about it or write a nice review. Those who hate it will post their displeasure on Amazon!

AC: Your books have very hot and graphic love scenes. How do you respond to people who say you write chick porn/pornography?

CB: Actually, Aunty Cindy, you're the first to suggest that! (Aunty lifts eyebrow with Spockish disbelief.) My response to that would be that yes, I do write porn, and I enjoy every minute of it! (Aunty loses Spockish demeanor and rolls on the floor laughing!)

I received this email from a reader, and I want to share it with you here because I think it proves my point better than any review or comment I've seen so far:
I do not usually read romance novels---EVER!!. My 78 year old mother is the same. But we grabbed this book(Slave) up for her, thinking it was just a small book for her to read. WOW were we wrong!! She called me and said, You got me a nasty book. I said what do you mean "nasty"? She said she's talking about p****'. Well then I cracked up. We did not know it was a romance book. She told me to come get it because she was finished and I just HAD to read it. She said that it was nothing like what she's ever read and wants the next in the series. I would have to agree on that one also. I am in the middle right now and can't put it down.
Just wanted to say very nicely done Cheryl.
I'm a Laurell K. Hamilton fan and never thought that I would like romance books. Thanks a million, we can't wait for the next book.

So, you see, even a 78 year old can appreciate a little chic porn! I started writing because I wasn't finding what I wanted on the bookshelves. I was sick of reading vague references to sex, or having the door closed in my face just when things got interesting and, apparently, I'm not alone! I wanted sci-fi that was hot, so I created a race of men who were so irresistible that someone destroyed their planet. To tell that story required some descriptions and terms that used to be taboo in romance novels, and it may surprise those who have read Slave that the published version was toned down from the original!

To be honest, however, I must say that what I write is more correctly termed erotic paranormal romance. Porn is just sex, and there's a whole lot more to what I've written than that!

(Aunty stands to give a round of applause!)

AC: What new and exciting things are on the horizon for you?

Rogue comes out in March 2009, Lover in June, and Fugitive and Hero sometime after that, but I have no idea when those release dates will be. Beyond that, I have absolutely no idea. I think I missed the most exciting event in my career when I didn't go to the RWA nationals in San Francisco. Sourcebooks gave a copy of Slave to every attendee, and I missed that!

AC: What are you most looking forward to?

CB: I would like to go to a conference and actually meet another author face to face. Unfortunately, to do that, I'll probably have to fly, which is something I hate! Aunty Cindy has promised me a heavy-duty glitter-covered barf bag to get me to RWA in Washington next year, so maybe I'll make it.

AC: Yes, if that's what it takes, Aunty is up for the task! I'll even include some lucky shamrocks with the glitter.

Finally, do you have a question for our readers?

What sort of book would you like to read that you've never found on the shelf?

Cheryl will be giving away a copy of Warrior to one lucky commenter!

69 comments:

Trish Milburn said...

bwak bwak

Trish Milburn said...

Yay, the reward for checking the blog at midnight is the Golden Rooster.

Welcome to the Lair, Cheryl. Your series sounds interesting -- a little like Kal-El from Krypton, which is plus for me.

That is the best e-mail from your reader. LOL!

Oh, and I hear you on the flying. I'm an Amtrak or interstate driving girl myself.

Trish Milburn said...

Okay, what will I do with that rooster while he's visiting? Maybe he can pawn some of his rooster bling and get my car out of the shop in the morning. :)

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

WTG on capturing the Golden one Trish!

He hasn't been to your place in many a moon, methinks. He should definitely help you out with the car repairs and maybe he can even give you some tips to help your fear of flying. As much as he does, he must have enough frequent flyer miles to go to the moon and back!

AC

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Trish, bud! He hasn't visited you for a while, has he? He must be in the mood for some BANDITA Lurve!!!

Aunty Cindy, what a great interview. Cheryl, what an interesting tale you have to tell. And that's even before I've read Slave! Congratulations on publication - the book sounds hawt and fabbo. Laughed at the email! That's just precious! (in a good way!) I'd love a really juicy historical romance set somewhere other than Regency England/Scotland. Something set in Russia perhaps? Or Renaissance Italy. I read a few years ago when anything went with setting but unusual backgrounds aren't so common any more.

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Hey Fo,
I'm with you! Give us some HAWT and different historical settings... Oh, like Joanie's Roman boys, or Nancy's Reformation hero!

Speaking of Renaissance Italy, you'll be happy to hear that several scenes in my "Jewels of the Madonna" are set in Renaissance Venice (fingers xxed they don't end up on the cutting room floor). ;-)

Cheryl is working away at her nursing job right now, but I'm hoping she'll join us in a few hours.

AC

Minna said...

What sort of book would you like to read that you've never found on the shelf?
I really don't know, since I read just about anything.

Miljoonasade: Marraskuu (November):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccpaaZvDL1k

Amy Andrews said...

Just wanted to pop in and say hi to Cheryl and let her know that I've already read my copy of Slave that I brought home from SF. I had to be ruthless with all the freebie books I'd been given and left three-quarters of them behind but the back blurb of Slave had me hooked and I couldn't leave it behind. Loved Jack - she had a lot of spunk.

Also wanted to say that as a PICU nurse also pulling the night shift can truly appreciate the extra challenges sleep deprivation and a screwed up body clock loan to your writing.

I sometimes get the chance to write on night duty during the quiet times, do you get a chance to do this too, Cheryl?

Gillian Layne said...

Cheryl, these books sound awesome! Way before I ever read romance, I was completely hooked on scifi and paranormals, so a mix of the two would be perfection for me.

And that call story is so sweet.I can just picture your husband, taking notes on the phone. I love the "Cat Star Chronicles" title, too.

With your demanding job, what does your writing schedule look like?

Helen said...

Congrats Trish I do hope he helps with getting the car out of the workshop.

Great interview Ladies I love that email classic it was my Mum who gave me my first romance to read and she loved them.

I have read a lot about your books Cheryl and they sound hot and wonderful I have only started reading paranormals in the last year or so and have really enjoyed them I am also starting to get a very good collection of Sourcebooks and everyone I have read I have loved so I will be adding your books to the must get list so as I too can read them.

As for what type of book I would like to read that isn't on the shelf not sure on this because I only read historical once but I am really branching out and have loved all of the books that I have read.

Have Fun
Helen

Sue A. said...

What sort of book would you like to read that you've never found on the shelf?
When I was younger I would have said erotica, but that's everywhere now. Now I'm wanting to return to another earlier favorite which is science fiction. I had a tendency to pick women authors who may not have written the books as romances, but still included relationships adding emotional punch to their books.

Thanks for the interview and introducing me to Cheryl and her books!

Cheryl Brooks said...

Hey Trish!
I've heard about the rooster! Congratulations!
Hadn't thought about the Superman aspect, but it's similar, now that you mention it.
I'm flying to Vegas on Sunday with my hospital buddies, so we'll see how it goes!
Thanks on the email. I truly laughed out loud when I read it the first time.
Thanks for commenting!

Cheryl Brooks said...

Hey Aunt Cindy!
I'll be in and out today. Got a unit meeting, a doctor's appt and I have to work tonight!
Thanks for having me here!

Cheryl Brooks said...

Hi Anna!
Warrior has a historical feel to it, and it's on another planet!

Cheryl Brooks said...

Minna,
I hope you get to read one of mine someday. Maybe you'll win the contest!

Cheryl Brooks said...

Amy,
I used to write at work all the time, and had my friends all trained not to read over my shoulder! I have more trouble doing that now for some reason. I can edit, but I can't write. Weird, huh?
Glad you liked Slave!

Cheryl Brooks said...

Gillian,
Well, last night I wrote until 11p, went to bed, and now at 0600, I'm writing this before I feed the horses and go off to a unit meeting!
Crammed is what I'd have to call my schedule, actually!
I love my mix of sex and sci-fi, and hope you will, too!

Cheryl Brooks said...

Helen,
I know the romance genre lumps sci-fi in with the witches and demons, but for me, it has a more realistic feel--futuristic, perhaps, but possible. I don't feel it really belongs in the paranormal category, but that's where it is!
Hope you get a chance to read one someday!

Cheryl Brooks said...

Sue A,
Sounds like my books would be right up your alley! I've had a lot of people write to me who say they don't like romance or erotica, but they loved Slave. Warrior is a little less erotic, but has a lot of fun characters.
Hope you get a chance to read one sometime. I'd love to hear what you think about my take on it!

Cheryl Brooks said...

Hey gang!
I'll be back later on this morning. Gotta run now. Thanks to everyone for stopping by so early!
Cheryl

Marie Force said...

Great interview to my Casa sisters Cheryl and Cindy! Slave and Warrior were fun reads. Looking forward to the rest of the series. I'm glad you got thru the interview with AC without the riding crop showing up, but wait till she trots out the cabana boys. Whooo weeee, they are hawt!

Louisa Cornell said...

Yay, Trish! Good luck getting him to let go of the bling! The GR is SO shallow!

How funny that you are here today, Cheryl! I always tuck a book in my bag the night before so that I have something to read at work during lunch and breaks. Last night I was going through the TBR stack and spotted SLAVE. Read the blurb and said "I'm in for a rough day tomorrow. I need this one!" It sounds terrific !! What a great call story!

I need to try more of your tact and get up earlier to write. My work schedule and taking care of my rescued dogs tends to blot out most of the day!

What sorts of research do you do to create your own world?

So far the shelves are full of books I want to read. I just need someone to figure out a way to cram more hours into the day so I can read them!

Maybe more historicals that explore the darker side of all that glamor and glory in the Regency.

Joan said...

Oh, Trish you think you snagged the GR when in reality it was a devilish clever ploy on his part to be in/near Nashville tonight for the CMA awards. (I have it on best authority that he is planning to sneak in and play in Brad Paisley's band)

And Cheryl, welcome to the Lair. Yup, they gave away "Slave" at SF and I snatched that up and devoured it. I LOVE sci-fi/futuristic set romances and you did a great job telling the story in first person. Can't wait to read Warrior!

You're right about everybody liking different things (i.e. setting, time period etc.). I am a M/S Assistant Nurse Manager and would rather cut off my right arm than try to be an ICU nurse! (Although if I DID cut it off, I'd want you there to help me, LOL)

I think there is plenty of room for much more diversity in published book and I'm so glad we have received that with your series!

Buffie said...

Hey Cheryl! Your series sounds very interesting my dear. I especially like the covers *wink wink*. I'm definitely going to have check these babies out.

Cheryl Brooks said...

Hi Marie!
LOL!!! Bring on the cabana boys!!!

Cheryl Brooks said...

Hi Louisa!
I hope Slave can get you through your day! I need a little boost myself.
Most "other world" things come out of my head, but for Rogue and Lover I did look at deserts and savannas to get an idea of the type of terrain and climate I wanted, plus, since the heroine in Lover is a farmer, I researched how to grow avocados!
The darker side of Regency. Hmm, gives me an idea....

Cheryl Brooks said...

Joan,
Ha! Another nurse! We're everywhere!!
Glad to hear you enjoyed Slave--and the first person POV. I'm writing in third person starting with Lover which is book four of the series, and books five and six will be from that POV as well. The Zetithian saga has grown to include several different "families" and to get them all into the grand finale, I had to do it that way.
Hope you enjoy Warrior!

Cheryl Brooks said...

Hey Buffie!
They say you can't tell a book by its cover, but in this case, I think you can!
Thanks for coming by!
Cheryl

Beth Andrews said...

Welcome to the lair, Cheryl. Your books sound great - and thanks for sharing such a wonderful reader email!

Do you have any tips for keeping track of connected books?

Thanks for the fun interview, ladies!

jo robertson said...

Great interview, Cheryl and Cindy! Welcome to the Lair, Cheryl. We're so happy to have another Casa author join us.

I love historicals and I'd love to see the new Anne Perry write a Victorian mystery/suspense with a tad bit more romance in it.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Yeah, Trish, you got da' bird! :>

Welcome Cheryl! I have Slave in my TBR pile and I cannot WAIT to read it. Had to LOL about the 78 year old lady loving it. Go YOU! (And her!)

I have to say that I agree with you and Fo, Aunty C on the varied locales as something I'd love to see more of. I like England, and the States, don't get me wrong, but HEY, it's a great big world out there and a LOT of stuff happened in Venice and Paris, and Berlin and Sydney and Rio...All those places you'd love to visit but don't get to would be wonderful to read about. :>

Cheryl Brooks said...

Hi Beth!
Tips for keeping track of connected books, huh? I have no secrets, other than the fact that the manuscripts for all of them are in my computer for reference, and a copy of Slave and Warrior sit on my desk. Other than that, I pretty much rely on what was once an excellent memory which is, sad to say, not quite what it used to be!
Glad you enjoyed the interview! I knew AC would give me some great questions--and reactions!!!
Cheryl

Cheryl Brooks said...

Hi Jo!
LOL! I lurk around here fairly often, actually!
I used to read a lot of historicals--mostly Regencies--but haven't lately, except for Michele Ann Young's, of course, which are quite good!
Cheryl

Cheryl Brooks said...

Hey, Jeanne,
I've gotten some other emails that were fun, but that one is my all-time favorite!
Hope you enjoy Slave! I had a ball writing it.
Thanks!
Cheryl

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Morning? UGH! I guess it is morning...
(Aunty staggers bleary eyed into the main room of the Lair.)

Hey everyone, thanx for popping in to ply Cheryl with questions, and thanx Cheryl for already making it here! Wasn't sure if you were working last night or what.

As I said on another thread, Cheryl, you'll LURVE Vegas! Where else can you see NYC, Paris, Venice, and ancient Rome in a matter of a few hours? Plus, get to witness a volcanic eruption every half hour or so! :-) I have a feeling your trip will inspire some whole new worlds and adventures for your series.

Now WHERE are those Cabana boys?!?! Break out the bubbly and orange juice, we need some mimosas around here! Serve our guest Cheryl first and pay no attention when she tells you that you're wearing too many clothes!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Joanie T,
I think you're on to something about the GR attending the CMA shindig tonight. Insist that he take you along, Trish! For research purposes, of course!

AC

Joan said...

Welcome Cheryl! I have Slave in my TBR pile and I cannot WAIT to read it.

Oh, Jeanne...you'll love it. Cheryl puts a...ummmm..how do I say without spoilers.....a "unique" twist on certain activity :-)

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Louisa,
That bakery is going to be even HOTTER today if you're taking Slave to read on your breaks. At least you'll have oven mitts to protect you while you turn the pages! Aunty singed her fingertips a few times. :-)

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

ROFLOL!
Yes, Joanie, there are quite a few unique "twists" in Slave!

And speaking of twists, SVEN?! Can you please give Aunty a neck and shoulder massage? Too many hours hunched over the keyboard in the writing cave... AH! MUCH BETTER! (Aunty sips slowly on her mimosa.)

Perhaps Lars can give Cheryl a foot rub? We know how our nurses have tired tootsies after a rough day/night at the hospital.

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Jo-Mama said: "I love historicals and I'd love to see the new Anne Perry write a Victorian mystery/suspense with a tad bit more romance in it."

Hmmmm, Aunty thinks that sounds a lot like YOUR latest WIP, Jo-Mama! I definitely think your early 20th century noir is a new time period readers will LURVE! And our very own Donna writes some YUMMY Victorian romances. :-)

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Rio, Jeanne?!?!
YES! Aunty is ready to go! Though perhaps we should wait until Feb and go for Carnival?!?! WOO HOO!

Hey, wait a minute??? (Aunty rubs her eyes.) Is Cheryl really an alien? Coz it looks like Lars is massaging THREE feet!!!

Oh, NOW I SEE, Joanie is hiding behind a screen and sticking one foot in front of Lars! Aunty didn't think 2 tiny little mimosas would have her seeing double!

Cabana boys, bring out the industrial blenders so we can really get this party going!

AC

Fedora said...

Hi, Cheryl! I really like the premise of your stories, and I agree, I don't think scifi and paranormal should be lumped together as they can be quite different! (Although just within paranormal, there's quite a range!) Anyway, the covers alone are quite worth having! ;)

I'm with Anna and Jeanne and others who've mentioned looking forward to historicals set elsewhere :) It's a big world out there...

Congrats on the GR, Trish! Hope you've put him to work!

Joan said...

Oh, NOW I SEE, Joanie is hiding behind a screen and sticking one foot in front of Lars!

LOL, Aunty.

But you see my mimosa was prepared by Cat..he..um...added that special little ingredient he possesses..... :-)

Joanie T....VERY happy :-)

Nancy said...

Bwak, bwak to you, too, Trish! *g*

Cheryl, welcome. What gorgeous covers! Your books sound wonderful. I was particularly struck by your suggestion that we send our books to people who will hate them, so as to develop a thicker skin. I think that's a benefit I've gotten from contests. Getting negative feedback is sometimes helpful in revision, but even when it's not constructive, it does encourage callouses to form! Congratulations on surviving yours.

AC, you did a great interview. Thanks for the plug, too. *g* Of course I'd love to see Romans and Restoration. I also love the 1920s and WWI. I miss the old family sagas. Elswyth Thane's Williamsburg series, which ran from the American Revolution to WWII, remains a favorite, and I've tracked down many of them in hardcover.

I'd also like to see more Dark Ages Britain, and I miss the days when Colonial America was "in." And what the heck ever happened to Elizabethan?

p226 said...

Hey guys. I'm just popping by to answer Joan's question from a few days ago.

She said:

(Hey, 226...where have you been? Helllooooo?)

I'm effectively on sabbatical from most of the internet right now, and certainly from the lair. I have no idea if or when I'll return.

Life happens.

Though, I'll extend this offer to any of you Banditas, since I've enjoyed your company. If any of you needs computer or computer-forensics expertise (or skewed male perspective for that matter) in any of your writing, feel free to contact me directly via siglite at criticalstop dot com.

Joan said...

Hi, p226 {waving madly}

Glad to see you. Life does happen and I hope your absence will not be long.

We enjoy your company and hope everything is well in your world.

Cheryl Brooks said...

Aunt Cindy,
Cabana boys with CLOTHES!!!! What an abomination!!!!
I'm working tonight, so this round of answers will be the last until I get home in the morning. My hospital computer system blocks blogs. Can you imagine!!!!!????
Thanks for having me here. This is a wild and crazy place!
Love ya!
Cheryl

Cheryl Brooks said...

And yes, Cindy, a foot rub would be lovely, except for the toe that had a little surgery on it this morning. The doc said it would be numb until tomorrow, but HE LIED!!!! Tonight should be interesting.....
Lars, just avoid that left big toe...move a little higher...no, higher.....Ahhhhhh!!!

Cheryl Brooks said...

Flichen 1!
Ha!! I've seen your comments before!!! Good luck on winning a copy of Warrior!
Cheryl

Cheryl Brooks said...

Nancy,
My callouses aren't really all that thick! Wish they were, but I don't think I need them here today! This is a great bunch!
Thanks!
Cheryl

Cheryl Brooks said...

p226!
Thanks for coming back to visit on my blog day! Skewed male perspective? Sounds fascinating....

catslady said...

I can't think of anything - there's such a variety out there and I love them all! I also love your covers :)

Susan Sey said...

Hi, Cheryl! Hats off to you for writing what you love & selling it! Your series sounds wonderful & I can't wait to pick it up. I can't imagine an editor calling me up to say she wanted the book I'd written plus four more I hadn't even conceived of yet! I'd probably keel over before thinking to say, "Why, yes. Of course I can do that." :-)

thanks for swinging by the lair today & best of luck with your debut!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

P226, we have DEFINITELY missed your skewed male presence! And the GR is in sore need of another training exercise or two.

So sorry to hear you'll be incognito for awhile. But you KNOW you'll be hearing from the Banditas. ;-) Hope you are getting some writing done.

All the best, Bandito!
AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Cheryl, OUCH on the toe surgery!

Hope it doesn't slow you down in Vegas. ;-)

It's been GREAT having you visit us today, and yes, in an effort to keep the Lair family friendly, the cabana boys do wear what is referred to in Hawaii as "board shorts." And our gladiators are in togas... mostly. :-P

While it is true that writers do need to develop a tough hide to endure all those rejections, even the toughest of us still get hurt sometimes by a nasty review or a cutting remark. We don't allow any of that here in the Lair, and we have the weapons to prevent it! LOL!

Plus, a few industrial sized blenders of margaritas, martinis and the like do help sooth the aches. Speaking of which, I see the cabana boys just finished a batch of cranberry margaritas! DRINK UP, ALL!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Thanx for popping by Catslady!

You are so very right about there being such a wide variety of books out there. This is why most of us here in the Lair have TBR piles that require a crane to reach the top! :-)

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

LOL, Smoov!
I'm pretty sure I'd have been passed out on the floor too, if I'd had an offer for 4+ books I hadn't written yet! ACK!

But GOOD ON CHERYL for giving it a hearty YES! I'm sure you and the rest of us Banditas would have pulled up our bucket boots and done the same.

Another round of cranberry margaritas, Cabana Boys!

AC

Nancy said...

AC wrote: We don't allow any of that here in the Lair, and we have the weapons to prevent it! LOL!

Also gladiators . . .

p226, sorry life is keeping you busy, but it's nice to see you pop in for a bit.

Pat Cochran said...

Hi, Cheryl,

Great interview!

Have to say this before I forget:

p226, You've been missed down here
in Houston! Take care!

Back to Cheryl: 78 years old, huh!
I guess I can read your book, I'm
still a few years shy of 78!! LOL

Pat Cochran

Pamk said...

I wish that they've been books like this one out my entire life. Sounds like the type I love. sexy aliens actually having sex. lol

Ellory said...

I don't know if I haven't found any books I've been looking for. I'd say that I've expanded my tastes and tried erotic romance and paranormal and even went back to historicals.

I love the idea of sci fi from a woman's perspective.

Cheryl Brooks said...

Do Banditas never sleep? I've been at work all night, and you guys are still at it over here!
Thanks on the covers, Catslady! If you like cats--which I'm guessing you do!--you'll like my purring heroes as well as the covers!

Cheryl Brooks said...

Hi Susan,
I was lulled into a false sense of security when she said: "No pressure, just write the books and send them in whenever you finish them." LOL!!!! Didn't turn out that way. Every six months became every three until lately when I said, "I can't do this!!!"
It's been rough, but I'm sure all the writers around here would have at least given it a shot!

Cheryl Brooks said...

Hey Pat!
It's never too late until you can't see the words well enough to read them, and even then there are always audio books! So far my youngest reader(that I know of!) is 22 and my oldest 78, which is pretty cool!

Cheryl Brooks said...

Pamk,
That's kind of how I felt when I started writing this series! Where have those Zetithian boys been all my life???

Cheryl Brooks said...

Ellory,
Me too! I've read all kinds, but what I really wanted just wasn't out there, so I wrote it!
Best wishes!
Cheryl

Cheryl Brooks said...

Aunt Cindy,
Well the toe and the new orthotics got me through the night, but my patient certainly gave me a run for my money. Las Vegas, you never sounded quite as good as you do now!!!
Wonder if they have naked cabana boys in Vegas.....or, as Nancy suggests, gladiators, perhaps...?

Caffey said...

If you haven't read SLAVE, so read it!!! I'd love to be in the contest for WARRIOR!! It was so great to read your interview and get to know how you got to writing this series Cheryl. You know, I get excited when I hear of a new author. I love reading a new voice! I haven't read many Science Fiction romance before except for a few of ebooks this last year.

I'd seen a bit of historicals mixed with pararormals like those Regency Vampire romances, but nothing ever set in Medieval. I'd really love to see that combination. I mean too a Scottish hero (yum) and imagining their secret of immortality among that within the clan, the castle and all! And the kilt :)

Cheryl Brooks said...

Caffey,
What IS it about a guy in a kilt?!!! So VERY sexy!
Unlike Slave, Warrior has a medieval feel to it, so you might like it even better!
Thanks for reading and good luck in the contest!