Author Interview: Big Game by CJ Ellisson

Little Blurb about yourself:

I write full time, am happily married, have two kids and lots of pets. Until 2009 I never wrote a fictional piece outside of a college class twenty years ago. I’m the best example of if you work hard enough and edit over and over again, that you can make it in this industry.


1. Who or what inspired you to become a writer?

My friend, Supriya Savkoor. She encouraged me to try my hand at it after hearing my ideas one night. She taught me more than any other writer I’ve met since and inspired me to keep going, always telling me that my stories were worthy of being published.

2. How long did it take you to write BIG GAME?

Hmm… if I count the actual weeks I sat my butt down and was writing, I’d say it took me three or four months. I had a lot of health setbacks, and other work obligations, that put me into a writer’s funk for a while where I didn’t write for weeks and months on end.

3. While writing how many times do you go back and rewrite a plot?

I plot once, before I start writing the book. I’ve found that while writing, the plot can deviate from how I originally intended. I don’t panic, I just go with the flow. The second book in the series, THE HUNT, had a completely different ending than I plotted, and this third book, BIG GAME, had a slightly different ending.

Because I have a clear idea of the story before I begin, I’ve never had to go back and extensively re-write a book or a scene. Lots of tweaking and editing, yes.

4. You run into a bookstore, where do you go first?

Fantasy section, then Mystery. With the increasing popularity of cross-genre books, I’ll even stop by the Romance section and browse.

5. How many books in a month do you tend to read?

Some months are better than others. Can vary from three to six.

6. In all the books you've read. Who is your most favorite character and why?

Oh… that’s a toughie. I don’t think I can pick just one. For years I would have said it was Anita Blake, but then the sex overwhelmed the books so much they started lacking a serious plot, and I lost interest. I’ve loved Rachel Morgan from the get-go, but have disliked the constant drag out of a solid love interest for her. I really adored Kistin. The old standby of Sookie Stackhouse is always a joy to read and so are the exploits of Stephanie Plum. And then there’s Riley Jensen… I could go on and on…

7. State 5 random facts about yourself.

1. I sight type, meaning I can’t touch type.
2. I’m an atrocious speller and wouldn’t survive without the red wavy lines telling me when I eff up.
3. Sometimes I enjoy my dogs more than my kids (they don’t talk back and listen better). And then I feel guilty for admitting it.
4. I’m a sci-fi and martial arts movie fan.
5. I’m not a natural redhead.

8. Your favorite Genre?

Paranormal Mystery, with hopefully some hot sex scenes ;-)

9. What are you currently reading?

Three books right now: skim reading one from years ago I read, A TIME TO KILL by Leslise Glass, for a neighborhood book club meeting, KISS OF THE BETRAYER by Boone Brux (it’s not out yet, I’m an alpha reader for her), A COLD DAY FOR MURDER, by Dana Stabenow

10. What is the best book you've read?

Can’t pick just one, sorry! I rarely read a book twice and am constantly shocked when readers tell me they’ve read my books over and over. I don’t think you can give an author a higher compliment.

11. Any new projects coming up?

Yes, I’m working on VANILLA DOM, an erotica novel, instead of DEATH’S SERVANT (which is a prequel V V Inn novella about Jon written by reader demand). It will detail how the werewolf they all love came to serve the ancient vampire in my series.

I also have a book for my kids in the works, but it always seems to take a back seat to the jobs that sell more (the adult ones!).

Here’s your chance to market your book. Describe it. And why readers should pick it up?

I usually joke I write vampires and sex, but my series encompasses more than just those two elements. My stories contain mystery, humor, intrigue, adventure, and I wrap it all up with believable characters who have passionate relationships.

My main character is an ancient vampire named Vivian. She has a deadly past and is currently involved in a monogamous relationship with her human husband. I grew tried of the same old relationship dilemmas portrayed in my favorite books, so I wrote a couple who are in love and lust with each other who must work together to solve the crime, battle the bad guy, and journey to unknown lands.

I wanted the story front and center and the relationship to be real—not a strong woman who consistently makes weak choices in her love life.

Readers can stop by my website to read half my books for free before buying. I’d rather give my work away than have a reader be unhappy with what they’re buying. If you like vampires and want to read something not done to death in the genre, then give my books a try.

Where you can find author C.J. Ellisson:

Facebook

Twitter: @CJEllisson

Goodreads

Website

Blog: On the front page of my website

About the Author:

C.J. Ellisson writes erotica and urban fantasy. Her vampire series, The V V Inn, mixes a heavy dose of erotic elements with suspense, action, a little bit of mystery and some light humor. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband, two children, two dogs, and a fluffy black cat who makes her sneeze.

To learn more about C.J.'s books (where you can read half of the novels for free), please visit her website