A Soul to Keep by Moira Keith Interview & Giveaway

BLURB:

In the realm of the Fallen, there’s a little saint and sinner in us all…

One moment can impact the future.

Love never served Jayde Cross well and owing a debt to a demon is the proof. Reaping is a lonely existence and with her thirtieth birthday approaching, she's got enough to worry about without adding romance to the mix. It's why her friendship with the man living next door works so well. They both live lives filled with secrets and ignoring their self-imposed rules isn’t an option. Too bad her heart disagrees.

The past is about to come back and haunt one of Heaven’s Fallen.

Caleb Thorne always found living among mortals difficult, until he met the intriguing woman down the hall. She demands nothing of him and is completely safe. When an enemy from his past catches up with him, Caleb soon discovers the rules of the Fallen exist for a reason and loving a mortal may prove to be the bigger danger.

In a world where their love is forbidden, Jayde and Caleb may just discover that sometimes breaking rules is the only thing that can set you free.

INTERVIEW:

Q: Tell us a little about the series and how you came up with the idea for it?

A: Well, the series is titled the Saints and Sinners. I imagined a world where the fallen walk among us, battling to claim our souls for their respective sides. But what if they were all looking for some form of redemption? Whether it was in the eyes of a lover, or within themselves? And the idea grew from there. Caleb and Jayde’s story came first. The next will be Azrael and Syn who you meet in the first book, and the rest of the lineup, the characters aren’t revealing yet…not even to me. There is a quote by Oscar Wilde that always comes to mind when I think of this series~ The only difference between the saint and the sinner is that every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future. It seems quite fitting.

Q: Caleb Thorne and Jayde Cross are the two main characters in A Soul to Keep. How did their development come about? Are they based on anyone you know?

A: They aren’t specifically based on a single person in my life. They are a mash-up of characteristics, traits, and mannerisms from many people I interact with on a daily basis. Slowly the bits and pieces culminate into a character that I can hopefully be proud of and the reader can identify or fall in love with. If I’ve developed them well enough, the creative process kicks in, then they will talk to me, tell me their flaws, their struggles, likes, and dislikes. So, yes, and no, is my short answer.

Q: How long have you been writing?

A: I’ve dabbled in writing on and off for years, but I didn’t write my full complete story until about seven years ago. It was a story I wrote for my mom as a birthday present, which I had no intention of submitting for publication, but did at the promptings of some wonderful authors I met early on in this journey. I've been writing ever since.

Q: What tools are must-haves for you when you sit down to write (besides the obvious things)?

A: Cherry Coke or energy drink (which I know are not the healthiest choices), paper and pen. (Oh, those are the obvious things), the writer’s bible—a.k.a. the Chicago Manual of Style, research books, and I hate silence when writing so I often have music playing in the background and create playlists for every book.

Q: What books do you read when you have the chance? Any must have authors or series?

A: I’m currently reading The Fault in Our Stars, and have a few other young adult novels I’ve picked up from the library. My go to authors though aren’t young adult and I’m dying for the new Vicki Pettersson book to come out. It’s a slight break from her usual gritty urban fantasies I love, but it’s mystery which is another favorite genre

Q: Have you had dreams realized as a result of your writing? Any special memories that you would like to share...please, oh, please?

It took me a minute or two to come down out of the clouds enough to see the small accomplished moments because with my first novel I went a little crazy fantasizing about how much my life was about to change. I just knew I would be the next Nora Roberts, or Sherrilyn Kenyon, or lunching with my idol Vicki Pettersson, dishing publishing stories. Alas, those things never happened, though I did have the honor of meeting my idol at a book signing and getting a completely fab bunny ear picture with her (she was totally the giver of bunny ears in the photo). While I'm still waiting for the big moment to actualize, I work a day job, live paycheck to paycheck, but fully enjoy the ups—a new book cover in my inbox, interacting with readers—and push through the downs by reminding myself that every step is a part of making the dream a reality.

EXCERPT:

While he was preoccupied, I glanced around at the other patrons. They all appeared focused on their meals, or their dates. I reached over, flipped open the ring, and let the liquid pour into the glass of scotch sitting on the table. With a flick of my finger, the ring snapped shut and I pulled away from the man at my side.

“How about a toast?”

“What should we toast to? Your beauty?” He winked at me. “Getting lucky.”

Not in a million years.

“Survival.” I raised my glass.

“Odd thing to toast to.”

“Why is it odd?” I studied him for a moment and when he didn’t respond, I continued. “I learned a long time ago the will to survive drives people. It’s what drives you.”

“And you,” he said as he took a healthy swig of his scotch. “It’s one of the things that draws me to you.”

“Then I’m sure you will understand.” I watched over the rim of my glass as I took another sip and his face quickly began to turn shades of red and purple.

“What have you done?” He managed to choke out the words.

“What was necessary to survive.” I leaned in close and whispered against his ear. “Azrael's expecting you.”

Marco's eyes widened and he gasped for air. Before anyone noticed their beloved boss was choking, I grabbed my purse and slid out from the seat. I walked away, but not fast enough to avoid hearing Marco struggling to catch his breath and the commotion behind me as people rushed to his aid. There would be no saving him.

Once a name landed in the hands of a reaper, there were only three things that could stop the order from being carried out—a mortal willing to make a deal on their behalf, the demon in charge of the assignment, or the reaper themselves.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Moira Keith is a lover of shoes, a connoisseur of Guinness, baker of cocktail themed cupcakes, and an overall complete mess! She is also a proud Texan by birth (and true Southern girl at heart).

Moira lives in the city of neon with her twin zombie sons, a fish, three parakeets, and a turtle.

http://moirakeith.com/

https://twitter.com/moirakeith

https://www.facebook.com/authormoirakeith

Buy Links:

http://www.amazon.com/Soul-Keep-Saints-Sinners-Book-ebook/dp/B00LF4EK7O/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-soul-to-keep-moira-keith/1119883537

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-soul-to-keep/id897096661?mt=11

GIVEAWAY:

Moira Keith will award a $15 Amazon/BN GC to one randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter.

The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2015/03/vbt-soul-to-keep-by-moira-keith.html

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Book Tour: Blood And Moonlight by Moira Keith Interview & Giveaway

Blood and Moonlight by Moira Keith

Moonlight Trilogy, Book One

Genre: Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romance

ISBN: 9781476298825

ASIN: B008XKUS9C

Number of pages: 270

Word Count: 92812

Cover Artist: Elaina Lee at For the Muse Designs

Amazon   Smashwords Barnes and Noble  Apple Book Store

Book Description:

Though she shares the bloodlines of both Fae and Wolf, Kiara Morrigan O’Conaill refuses to claim her place in the Fae courts or submit to the animal within. Witnessing the murder of her Fae mother two years ago drives her back into those worlds, to search for answers and revenge.

Devlin McClure lives for one thing—the Pack. When their leader, the Cadeyrn, disappears, desperation sends Devlin to the last person he should be asking for help—the Cadeyrn’s estranged daughter, Kiara.

Kiara and Devlin are drawn to each other by fate and destined to embrace the very thing that threatens to rip their worlds apart. Now, Kiara will have to decide which is stronger, blood or moonlight?

Interview:

1. Where did you get the idea for the novel?
   
   

The idea for Blood and Moonlight was the culmination of my love of Celtic mythology and the fae, my fascination with wolves, and magic. I knew I wanted to write a book that dealt with the fae or Sidhe right from the start. But I wanted the idea to be unique. I had a book lying around called Wars of the Irish Kings which discusses over a thousand years' worth of struggle from mythological battles to real historical ones. When I started reading about a mythological battle, The Battle of Mag Tured, pieces started clicking and my brain began firing off all of these ideas. My story idea was born.

2. Your title. Who came up with it? Did you ever change your title?
   
   

I came up with the title with the assistance of a few close writing friends, who allowed me to pick their brain and run countless suggestions by them. Originally the title of the book was Chosen. Then I saw books with the same title and didn't want the two books to get confused. Then the title changed into Blood Moon, and I ran into a situation where there were a few books with the title that also dealt with wolves, so the similarities sent me back to the brainstorming room. Blood and Moonlight was the third title I came up with and it stuck.

3. Which came first, the title or the novel? 
   
   

The idea for the book came first. Then during the course of writing the book, the title was worked out. By the time I'd reached that fabulous moment when I could type 'The End', the book had a title that I felt was a perfect fit for the book. Sometimes a title clicks right out of the starting gate. Other times, I find as the story evolves, so does your title.

4. Since becoming a writer, what’s the most exciting thing to ever happen to you?
   
   

I'm still waiting. No really, the most exciting thing to date has just been having people discover my books and then send me an email telling me how much they've enjoyed a book. It's strange and thrilling to get those comments from people you don't know. I think when you hear them from friends and family, we doubt the sincerity. But a reader that doesn't know you from Adam...well that is where the thrill and excitement really is.

5. What book are you currently reading or what was the last book you read?
   
   

The last book I read was Gone Groom Gone by Nancy Lauzon, which was a fun romantic suspense. I went in the opposite direction though and just started reading This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers, which has been sitting on my to be read pile since its release. Figured it was time to delve into that one.

6. What was your first book that you ever wrote (very first one you wrote, not published)?

Well, the very first book I wrote was written as a birthday present for my mother. The thought process was, that I would write something she would read, because she isn't into faeries, wolves, and all that urban fantasy jazz that I am obsessed with. Originally titled Cowboy Up, I was lucky enough to have the stars align and all the right people in my corner pushing me, for it to also become my first published novella Buckling Down.

7. What is your writing process?
   
   

Good question. I ask myself this all the time. Up until recently, all I needed to get my story off and running was some good music and a basic story blurb (and I do mean basic). With my past stories I totally flew by the seat of my pants. Hit a wall. Changed music. Knocked out a few more words. Hit another wall. And so my process went until I hit the end and had several re-writes. Now I've started thinking out my story a little more before getting too far into it. And have even started trying my hand at *gasp* plotting a little. That has been difficult for me. Plotting makes me feel kind of locked into the story, but I'm finding out that it is a give and take process. So, my long answer to your question really comes down to this—my process is evolving.

8. Who are your favorite authors of all time?
   
   

So many line my shelves. Let me see...Dean Koontz, Harlen Coben, Janet Evanovich, Laurell K Hamilton, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Kelly Armstrong, and my newest addition to the list is Vicki Pettersson. These are people who can always rekindle my love for writing fiction with their fantastic stories.

9. At a book signing, do you just sign your name or do you write a note? How do you come up with stuff to say?
   
   

I haven't done a true book signing, however I have autographed copies of books, and honestly, I think it depends on the person. Family and friends, there is always a little bit more of a personal touch to the notation. Readers, well they get as personal as I can give them depending on how much information I've garnered from them prior to signing. However, I always try to do more than a simple autograph. Usually, I will try to have a few different 'themed' sayings to scrawl on the inside of the book along with my name.

10. What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
    
    

Nothing. I'm an open book. Okay, one thing that I will put out there that people may or may not know about yours truly...for all the talk about Irish and Scottish obsessions, I have one more that I typically keep to myself. I love the ocean. Wanted to be a marine biologist. Even more so after reading about programs where they bring dolphins and children with special needs or who are at risk, wounded vetrans and their families together to help rediscover joy and discovery new abilities. Instead, I became an author, a mother, and a run of the mill daily nine to fiver.

11. How do you react to a bad review?
    
    

Over the years I've learned that even a simple 'thank you and sorry the book wasn't your cup of tea', isn't often a good thing to do, so I read the review, and I let it be. Not everyone will like what I write. I'm okay with that. My books aren't for everyone. That is just the nature of reading and writing. Just as in life, with reading, we can't please everyone. We strive too, but in a world with so many different tastes, the chances that everyone will like the same book are pretty slim.

12. How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?
    
    

The sale of my first book we didn't actually celebrate until its release. My book was contracted a week before Christmas, so you can imagine the panic, excitement, panic, and chaos that ensued. So we decided to wait until release day, which was Cinco de Mayo! We celebrated with good food, good friends, margaritas and beer, and cake of course!

Thank you so much for a great interview and hosting me on your fantastic blog. This has been a lot of fun!

Excerpt:

"Thanks for nothing!" I slammed down the phone, then picked it back up and screamed into the handset once more. "Asshole!"

As if on cue, the office door opened and Reese breezed in like a tornado, the local paper tucked under her arm. Her hair, the perfect shade of cotton-candy pink, trailed down her back in a waterfall of curls from the taut ponytail atop her head. The dagger strapped to her thigh was the only indication there was more to the woman than met the eye. Perching herself on the corner of my desk, she studied me with eyes flecked with shades of midnight, turquoise, and powder blue. She was a beautiful representation of full-blooded fae and my best friend.

"I take it the lead was a dead end."

"The elusive white fucking rabbit." I rested my head on the edge of the desk. Today marked the second anniversary of my mother’s death and the blame I felt for her absence was overwhelming.

"Tá grá agam duit," Reese softly professed her love for my mother as she kissed her finger and touched the photo of the woman who’d given me life. Her picture held a prominent place on my desk and served as a constant reminder of the pain and loss I’d suffered. After displaying her reverence, she put the photo face down on my desk and looked at me. "Kiara, maybe you aren’t meant to solve this puzzle."

"Perhaps, but considering we keep getting the same canned response I think we’re on to something here." I spun my mother’s ring, which now sat on my finger and sighed.

"You want answers. Need them so you can move on. I get it." She turned her head slightly. "You look like hell."

"The visions are getting worse." I pinched the bridge of my nose, trying to fight them even as they pushed their way into my consciousness. Haunting screams, wolves with feral eyes and the constant feeling of unease flooded my mind.

"They won't cease until there's closure. I'm exhausted." The only reason we were in this godforsaken city of sin had to do with my hellish visions.

"Or until you stop carrying around that damn letter. Isleen promised you answers in that note and we’ve heard nothing from her since." Reese shifted slightly on the desk. "Did you drink the tea I made you?"

"Of course I did, but you know none of your fancy concoctions work on me."

"Yeah, well I keep hoping I’ll hit the magic combination one day and all of your sleeping woes will disappear." She bit her bottom lip and her brow furrowed. "You are the only person who’s unaffected by anything I whip up. I just don’t understand it."

"Blame the wolf blood in my veins." Silence fell like a heavy cloak over the room and I quickly changed the subject. "Anything new in the paper?"

She unfolded the paper and placed it in front of me without commenting. I prepared myself for what I would read, knowing the headlines would reveal nothing good. I glanced down, not surprised to see the mayor’s latest showgirl-flanked appearance took top billing. Unfortunately, the headline beneath the fold didn’t hold much shock value either:

Local Pack Loses Another.

I’d followed the story since it first broke but I ignored the temptation to pick it up, not wanting to feel the pain I didn't want to feel or even admit existed. It came as each new story or detail surfaced. One day I feared the news would offer confirmation that my visions were accurate and the names listed would bring my search for answers to a tragic end. I rubbed at my temples.

This was too much. Reality and vision meshed in a mix of macabre surrealist imagery that often left me feeling sick. It was difficult to explain, even to Reese. To her credit, she never pushed.

"Why don’t we discuss what’s in the lobby asking to speak with you." Excitement laced her voice as she fanned herself. Often, she could be read like a book. Whatever waited in the next room would be, at the very least, a nice piece of eye candy. Hopefully, the tantalizing feast would be interested in a nice art piece, but years of friendship and studying Reese’s body language told me otherwise.

"What, exactly, is waiting in the other room?" The faint musk of wolf trailed from the direction of the door. There was something familiar about it but it was so subtle, I couldn’t place it. Every inch of me screamed danger, while at the same time something called to a part of me I tried to forget existed and never could. Not good. Nearly every shifter encounter I’d faced ended in the battle scars that now marred both my mind and body. In a deliberate attempt to mask my unease, I snatched up the paper, leaned back in the chair and kicked my feet up on the desk. The steaming cup of coffee on the blotter would have helped, but I didn’t trust my hands to remain steady enough to allow for spill-free drinking.

My nervously twitching foot drew Reese’s gaze to my recently purchased Louboutin heels and her eyes glimmered, but even shoes weren’t enough to divert her attention from the man in the other room. "Nice try, Kiara, but your mastery in the art of distraction will not work this time. Just smile and be polite."

"You take away all of my fun."

"We’ve been living in this neon jungle for months now, yet you spend all of your time here. If this is fun—" She dramatically waved her arm around the office—"Then I’m seriously misinformed."

I stuck my tongue out at her. A soft knock sounded on the door and Deanne, our secretary, stepped into the office.

"Miss Morrigan?"

The masculine scent, laced with spicy undertones, wafted through the door more strongly, more enticing, more…

When Reese nudged me slightly, I glanced up to see them both watching me. Damn it. "Sorry, you were saying?"

"There is a gentleman here, insisting he speak with you. He says he is here on behalf of a Mr. O’Conaill."

About the Author:

Moira Keith has a penchant for men in kilts, is a lover of shoes, Celtic mythology, connoisseur of Guinness, baker of cupcakes and overall complete mess! As an author of paranormal, urban fantasy and contemporary romance, Moira writes stories that are often filled with the magic of love and the mayhem that ensues, threatening to keep her couples apart.

Currently, Moira resides in Las Vegas with her twin zombie sons, their beta fish, and a turtle. 

Website – http://moirakeith.com

Blog – http://moirakeith.com/news

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/authormoirakeith

Twitter – http://twitter.com/moirakeith

Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2909057.Moira_Keith

Giveaway:

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