SS: Interview with Shona Husk + Giveaway

I'm absolutely thrilled about today's guest, Shona Husk, because once I finished reading THE OUTCAST PRINCE, I became an instant fan her hers. I’ve never read any other books by Shona, but I thought this book was exactly what a paranormal romance should be. Shona graciously answered some of my question in a brief interview for SS, and she’s also offering a copy of THE OUTCAST PRINCE for giveaway. Check it out down below!

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1. THE OUTCAST PRINCE, will be out July 2nd 2013. In your own words, how would you best describe this first book of your newest series?

The Outcast Prince is a paranormal romance that has all the glamor of the fairy court as well as the danger and desire. It’s the first look at Annwyn and I hope readers find it as enticing as the hero, Caspian, does.

2. Is there a reason you decided that Caspian would be the long forgotten/unknown prince? You could have easily chosen to write about a princess. Why choose a male character for the part?

I actually had Caspian in my mind for a few years before I’d even thought up Annwyn. He was a psychometric hero who’d had his heart broken and who struggled to fit in. At the time I had no idea what his story would be. It was only after I’d started thinking about Annwyn and had plotted what would become book 2 that I realised Caspian was the hero of book 1.

I always get characters before story; sometimes it’s just a case of matching two up in my mind and seeing what plays out.

I do tend to write paranormal heroes and human heroines, that said, the heroine of book 2 is fairy and she pulls off an amazing deal ;)

3. Both Caspian and Lydia have pivotal roles in your book. Do you feel like one of them is your main character, or do you consider both of them your main characters?

They both have their own story and goals as well as mutual ones so I think they are equally main characters. I like giving the hero and heroine their own story/journey as well as one that bring them together I think it makes them better characters.

4. Psychometry seems to be Caspian true strength. Will we see him develop more powers or abilities in the future?

No, each changeling expresses their fairy blood in a different way. For Caspian it’s psychometry, for another it might be seeing the future. Another might be able to do telekinesis. I’m hoping that in future books I get to write a few more changelings.

5. Personally, I've always been interested in fairies. Did you have to do a lot of research to keep your fairy lore as authentic as possible? Or did you improvise and imagine some of the aspects of your world?

I research, but I also make decisions about what I’m going to stick to and what I’m going to put to one side. I can’t put all the good things I find in one book. On the other hand there is so much fairy lore and the names change depending on where it’s from, and some of it is contradictory, that picking what I want to use isn’t hard. I also kept in mind that the lore we have is old and subject to errors plus it was written down by humans…it’s not the tales fairies would tell about themselves and they would view history differently. This gives me license to create their world as I see it while still drawing on some of the fairy lore.

6. How many books do you plan for this series?

At the moment there are three (books 2 and 3 will be out in 2014), but I do have ideas for a few more :)

7. Do you have any teasers for us about the future books?

Book 2 is called Lord of the Hunt, and the hero is Verden, Lord of the Hunt. You meet him briefly in The Outcast Prince when Caspian gets into trouble with the Court. To Love a King is Felan’s story, who you also meet in The Outcast Prince, and as the title suggests he goes after the throne of Annwyn.

Now on to some event themed questions:

8. Have you ever taken part in a summer or winter solstice celebration?

No, but I like to know when the solstices are (especially the winter one so I can look forward to lengthening days).

9. Would you say the summer solstice is an important event in your fairy world?

Yes! The fairies celebrate the solstices and equinoxes as it is how they track time. There is a summer solstice party in Lord of the Hunt that is very pivotal.

10. What is your favorite summer treat?

Homemade ice cream. I make a choc hazelnut and a raspberry flavor. Yum!

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Thank you so much, Shona! It’s been a real pleasure having you here on the blog!

More about THE OUTCAST PRINCE:

Caspian Mort can feel the history in anything he touches, a gift he inherited from his father, the Crown Prince of Annwyn. Devastated over his ex-wife's infidelity, Caspian has withdrawn from human contact except when working as an antiques dealer.

While assessing the contents of the historic Callaway House he encounters the beautiful Lydia Callaway and senses that her home is haunted by a banished fairy. But what does the dangerous exile want? Unbeknownst to Lydia, she's the owner of the last remaining portal to Annwyn--a mirror hidden somewhere in the house. To keep Lydia safe, Caspian will have to divulge the secrets of his heritage, and risk losing his heart again.

My thoughts on the book

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

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Shona is graciously offering one (1) copy of THE OUTCAST PRINCE to a lucky reader!

To enter, obey the Rafflecopter!

Open internationally

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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About Shona Husk

Three time ARRA finalist Shona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Blessed with a lively imagination she spent most of her childhood making up stories. As an adult she discovered romance novels and hasn't looked back. Drawing on history and myth, she weaves new worlds and writes heroes who aren't afraid to get hurt while falling in love.

With stories ranging from sensual to scorching, she is published with Ellora's Cave, Samhain Publishing, Carina Press and Sourcebooks. She is represented by the Ruben Agency.

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Posted by Tynga at 03:00

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Tynga is a 32 years old mom of two, from Montreal, working as a lab technician in an hospital specialized in heart disease. In her free time, she enjoys reading all things Paranormal and photography.

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