When I started getting my mind around what I wanted to do with my first author feature...well, let's face it...I was terrified. Terrified that I'd bitten off more than I could chew. Terrified that I'd committed to providing a service that I just do justice to. I wanted to write this blog to help promote authors and books that I personally enjoy, but I suddenly doubted my ability to do it well. As I began to come to my senses again and started to form a plan, there was only one person I knew was perfect for my first significant post. Terri George put her full faith in me right from the start. We'd already shared a "first" together (for details on our first "first", come back for Part Two) , so naturally she was worthy to share in my debut. I wanted everyone to know a little more about this wonderful lady whom I have come to love. I came up with a list of things I wanted to know, so here's my interview with author Terri George. I've had a blast during my chats with Terri, so I hope you'll enjoy! | Amazon: http://goo.gl/jSSLKI B & N: http://goo.gl/Nh3nSD iTunes: http://goo.gl/uMWYYr Kobo: http://goo.gl/OjtQ6s Smashwords: http://goo.gl/imVLey |
How long have you been writing? Did you always want to be an author?
Well, I've always written - mainly plays and poetry before. A short comedy of mine was a winner in a London-wide competition and was performed at The Bush theatre in London and a comedy poem was a winner in a radio competition and I had to read it live on air!
I've started several novels, but never finished them. The last one stalled at around 35,000 words. Then I discovered erotic romance and I knew that's what I wanted to write.
You chose wisely. Do you ever think you’ll publish your poetry or turn your play into a book?
Some of my poetry is published - 8 so far in United Press anthologies. My play was only short - 15 mins so it would be a very short book. It was more of an extended comedy sketch really.
What is something that you wish more people knew about you?
I don't know about 'wish', but here goes...
I'm an introvert. Don't get me wrong, I like company - in small doses - but I'm equally happy in my own company. I know the difference between being alone and being lonely.
I'm a private person. I like the idea that in ten years I could have a body of work that readers love. To be liked by readers and respected within the business would be awesome, but I most definitely do not court fame. I can't think of anything worse than being recognised-in-the-street famous and wonder why some people chase that. Why would you want strangers knowing and picking over the minutiae of your life?
I can actually be quite shy. A small gathering of people I can handle, but parties - especially those where I only know the person I'm going with or who's giving it - terrify me.
This is why I love FB. Engaging with my FB friends is so freeing. I can be the inside Me - the Me I want to be in RL. Yes she sometimes escapes there too, but there's something so liberating about being online. I'm constantly amazed by what some of my friends share - and what I myself have shared - and what awesome, strong women my FB friends are. But let's not forget the men - I have great male FB friends too. They all make me laugh, think and feel loved. I'm blessed to have them.
I would have never guessed that you were an introvert from the time I've been getting to know you online. I think you're right on the mark about life online...it is quite liberating! I think we’re blessed to have you too! I have to agree with your 10 year plan, I think that could be said for a lot of us.
Aww, blessed to have you too, love.
Please share one of your most embarrassing moments with us...
Probably my most embarrassing moment is one I was blissfully ignorant of at the time.
Some years ago I worked with a load of Aussie blokes and Friday night we'd all go out after work. We'd start in the local pub just off Cavendish Square at 6pm before heading over to Wardour Street to O'Neil's. Then when we got chucked out of there at midnight we’d end up in the Zoo Bar 'til around 2am. This is when I’d switch from black rum & coke to vodka shots or vodka & red bull. The last thing I remember is accepting a double V&RB (apparently I had 4) then the next thing I knew I was waking up in my own bed - alone I hasten to add!
The next Monday I was informed that after the Zoo Bar some of us had gone to a restaurant in China Town. I remember nothing of this and the first words out of my mouth were: "Oh God, I didn't eat meat did I?" No, they'd ordered me vegetarian, God love 'em.
Later, having refused the offer of a cab home (silly girl) I walked (or most likely staggered) off to get the night bus a good 15 minutes stumble away, found the right stop, got on the right bus, got off at the right stop (must have been nearly an hour later), stopped off at the 7-11 to buy a packet of fags, one of which I smoked on the way home (I know this because I found the packet the next morning) and finally fell into bed.
I cringe at what I must have looked like. I've seen vids of people unconscious drunk, stumbling all over the place and it ain't pretty! But I am (stupidly) secretly proud of how I managed to get home in such a state. And yes, I realise how lucky I was to have got home unscathed. Good God, I can't believe I've shared that! Please don't think I'm an alcoholic or make a habit of getting falling-down drunk. I've only ever been unconscious drunk twice in my life.
So, was that embarrassing enough for you?
That'll work, Dear! I may or may not have a few drunken tales to share with you someday too ;-)
Ooh do tell... No really... It's good to know I'm not the only one!
Aside from writing, what would you say a few of your greatest skills or talents would be?
I am a gifted pianist, I can speak five languages fluently, I swam the English Channel in record time and was head-hunted by MI5.
I'm not sure I have any skills or talents.
OK...please don’t laugh...I’m a very gullible person sometimes. Are you being serious here?
Too late - I’m laughing! NO! I can’t do any of those things! I have NO skills or talents.
You obviously have a VERY good talent. You just deadpanned a response and I believed you!
If you believed I can speak 5 languages did you also believe I was head hunted by MI5? LOL Surely that gave it away…
*Blushing* OK...moving on!
What/who are your biggest inspirations in life? In writing?
In life:
Maya Angelou. What an incredible woman. If you haven't read her 6 book autobiography, you should. She was inspirational, wise and beautiful.
Favourite quotes:
"When someone shows you who they are, believe them."
"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."
"I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life's a bitch. You've got to go out and kick ass."
In writing:
There are so many great authors I love. Stephen King and Anne Tyler especially. They weave such wonderful tales. Every great book I read by my favourite authors inspires me somehow. I wanted to write like AT, but know that’s never going to happen. You can’t be anybody else or write like anybody else. After so many failed attempts at writing a novel, Beguiled is the first one I’ve finished. I think I’ve found my niche. Hopefully readers agree.
Love the quotes...they say a lot about you...
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Now there's a leading question... Don't tell anyone, but I do love Hart of Dixie. It's silly, but Wade makes watching it worthwhile.
And every time I eat chocolate or have another biscuit I feel guilty. Maybe because I'm a woman and as such I've been socially conditioned to feel guilty or maybe it's just because I'm English. As Bill Bryson stated in his wonderful book, Notes From A Small Island, the English take their pleasures small - have two, I really shouldn't but go on then you've twisted my arm.
Is that a quote from Bill?
No. He did say we take our pleasures small - or words to that effect. Great book btw he really knows the English! The ‘have two, I really shouldn't but go on then you've twisted my arm’ is just an example of a typical conversation. Bill was spot on, only if memory serves he was talking about chocolates. Blimey we're bad enough about having a biscuit with a cup of tea, never mind offering us the supreme temptation of chocolate! Yeah we feel guilty about EVERYTHING.
That’s just sad (to feel guilty all the time)...
Sad? It's hilarious. Trust me, read Bill's book and you'll understand more about the English psyche.
What's your "adult beverage" of choice?
Red wine, definitely: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz, I'm not bothered. French, Chilean or Italian. I'd love to be able to indulge in buying really good wine (and learn more about it) - I have had it (on holiday in France) and it's a sensual pleasure that I long to repeat, but sadly can't afford. I buy mine from the local offie - 3 bottles for ten quid. Bargain!
I used to drink black rum and coke, but I haven't had that for some while now - see most embarrassing moment. Ooh and on the rare occasion I have a cocktail I do love a Black Russian.
Mmmmm...red wine! In the states Rite Aid sells a surprisingly good Shiraz at 3 for $10. I might have bought a bottle or 50 over the past few years :-)
What is your go to comfort food?
When it's chilly or I'm feeling poorly there's nothing like Heinz tomato soup with buttered wholemeal toast.
Any of my late mother's puddings that she made (from scratch) for every Sunday lunch: fruit pie or crumble made with apples or plums from the garden and sometimes with blackberries picked wild where my father had an allotment. She was an amazing baker - her pastry melted in your mouth. Mmmm, I'm remembering mince pies at Christmas...
And scrambled or (especially) poached eggs on wholemeal toast.
I'm very traditional aren't I? But then you can't beat good, simple home-cooked food.
Now I’m really craving homemade pie...
Describe your taste in music...
Eclectic. What I listen to depends on my mood. I love all the music referenced in Beguiled. Speaking of... Nick's use of Rachmaninov's concerto # 2 in the book? That's was I was listening to as I wrote that scene, although my favourite is concerto # 3. His four piano concertos are gorgeously sensual - they're like musical sex! I also love Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D Major Op 35. And Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance. One day I will definitely go to the Last Night of the Proms.
Bands/Artists I love include: # 1 without question is Aerosmith (I'm eagerly awaiting my pre-ordered copy of Joe Perry's autobiography hitting my kindle), Great Big Sea, Passenger, Madness, Huey Lewis & The News, Bruno Mars, Christina Aguilera, James Blake, Adele, Patsy Cline and Garth Brooks - yes, I love me a bit of country too.
Great taste...I really can’t add to that!!!
What is a pet peeve of yours?
Oh there are so many things that piss me off, but let's pick one...
People who picnic in the park and leave all their crap all over the grass. Put it in the bin! You should think yourself lucky you have somewhere lovely to have a picnic and not ruin it by leaving your mess behind.
Agreed!
How do you think your friends would describe you?
Talks a lot when she’s drunk. Embarrassing when she’s drunk - dancing at the Zoo Bar springs to mind. Oh look, there I go again giving you totally the wrong impression of me.
So...you know how to have a good time?
Well let's just say I've had my moments!
Tell us one random fact about yourself...
I was always rather good at cookery at senior school and whatever I’d cooked or baked we ate that evening. Once I made a chocolate victoria sponge cake with chocolate butter icing in the middle. When my mother was out of the room, my brother whispered to me: ‘It’s better than mum’s, but don’t tell her I said so.’ I've never loved him more. (see Go to Comfort Food)
When we meet I expect you to make me this cake! I’ll bring the wine...no...not from Rite Aid!
Hey I'm not too proud to drink wine from Rite Aid.
What is your current writing project?
Book 2 of the Frost Trilogy, In Too Deep and a novella with the working title "M". It’s my first foray into BDSM. I'm enjoying the research! All hands-off... So far!
Hmmm...I bet you do enjoy that ;-) And when do you expect your readers will be able to purchase ‘In Too Deep’?
Oh Ella, you know me so well...
Hopefully In Too Deep will be published at the end of the year. I'll try to have it done in time for Christmas.
******************
Terri George's first book in the Frost Trilogy, 'Beguiled', can be found on several websites. Follow the links at the top of the post to buy your copy. Part Two of 'How I Became 'Beguiled' by Author Terri George' will be posted later this week. Make sure you enter the Rafflecopter drawing to win an e-copy of 'Beguiled'!!!
Well, I've always written - mainly plays and poetry before. A short comedy of mine was a winner in a London-wide competition and was performed at The Bush theatre in London and a comedy poem was a winner in a radio competition and I had to read it live on air!
I've started several novels, but never finished them. The last one stalled at around 35,000 words. Then I discovered erotic romance and I knew that's what I wanted to write.
You chose wisely. Do you ever think you’ll publish your poetry or turn your play into a book?
Some of my poetry is published - 8 so far in United Press anthologies. My play was only short - 15 mins so it would be a very short book. It was more of an extended comedy sketch really.
What is something that you wish more people knew about you?
I don't know about 'wish', but here goes...
I'm an introvert. Don't get me wrong, I like company - in small doses - but I'm equally happy in my own company. I know the difference between being alone and being lonely.
I'm a private person. I like the idea that in ten years I could have a body of work that readers love. To be liked by readers and respected within the business would be awesome, but I most definitely do not court fame. I can't think of anything worse than being recognised-in-the-street famous and wonder why some people chase that. Why would you want strangers knowing and picking over the minutiae of your life?
I can actually be quite shy. A small gathering of people I can handle, but parties - especially those where I only know the person I'm going with or who's giving it - terrify me.
This is why I love FB. Engaging with my FB friends is so freeing. I can be the inside Me - the Me I want to be in RL. Yes she sometimes escapes there too, but there's something so liberating about being online. I'm constantly amazed by what some of my friends share - and what I myself have shared - and what awesome, strong women my FB friends are. But let's not forget the men - I have great male FB friends too. They all make me laugh, think and feel loved. I'm blessed to have them.
I would have never guessed that you were an introvert from the time I've been getting to know you online. I think you're right on the mark about life online...it is quite liberating! I think we’re blessed to have you too! I have to agree with your 10 year plan, I think that could be said for a lot of us.
Aww, blessed to have you too, love.
Please share one of your most embarrassing moments with us...
Probably my most embarrassing moment is one I was blissfully ignorant of at the time.
Some years ago I worked with a load of Aussie blokes and Friday night we'd all go out after work. We'd start in the local pub just off Cavendish Square at 6pm before heading over to Wardour Street to O'Neil's. Then when we got chucked out of there at midnight we’d end up in the Zoo Bar 'til around 2am. This is when I’d switch from black rum & coke to vodka shots or vodka & red bull. The last thing I remember is accepting a double V&RB (apparently I had 4) then the next thing I knew I was waking up in my own bed - alone I hasten to add!
The next Monday I was informed that after the Zoo Bar some of us had gone to a restaurant in China Town. I remember nothing of this and the first words out of my mouth were: "Oh God, I didn't eat meat did I?" No, they'd ordered me vegetarian, God love 'em.
Later, having refused the offer of a cab home (silly girl) I walked (or most likely staggered) off to get the night bus a good 15 minutes stumble away, found the right stop, got on the right bus, got off at the right stop (must have been nearly an hour later), stopped off at the 7-11 to buy a packet of fags, one of which I smoked on the way home (I know this because I found the packet the next morning) and finally fell into bed.
I cringe at what I must have looked like. I've seen vids of people unconscious drunk, stumbling all over the place and it ain't pretty! But I am (stupidly) secretly proud of how I managed to get home in such a state. And yes, I realise how lucky I was to have got home unscathed. Good God, I can't believe I've shared that! Please don't think I'm an alcoholic or make a habit of getting falling-down drunk. I've only ever been unconscious drunk twice in my life.
So, was that embarrassing enough for you?
That'll work, Dear! I may or may not have a few drunken tales to share with you someday too ;-)
Ooh do tell... No really... It's good to know I'm not the only one!
Aside from writing, what would you say a few of your greatest skills or talents would be?
I am a gifted pianist, I can speak five languages fluently, I swam the English Channel in record time and was head-hunted by MI5.
I'm not sure I have any skills or talents.
OK...please don’t laugh...I’m a very gullible person sometimes. Are you being serious here?
Too late - I’m laughing! NO! I can’t do any of those things! I have NO skills or talents.
You obviously have a VERY good talent. You just deadpanned a response and I believed you!
If you believed I can speak 5 languages did you also believe I was head hunted by MI5? LOL Surely that gave it away…
*Blushing* OK...moving on!
What/who are your biggest inspirations in life? In writing?
In life:
Maya Angelou. What an incredible woman. If you haven't read her 6 book autobiography, you should. She was inspirational, wise and beautiful.
Favourite quotes:
"When someone shows you who they are, believe them."
"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."
"I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life's a bitch. You've got to go out and kick ass."
In writing:
There are so many great authors I love. Stephen King and Anne Tyler especially. They weave such wonderful tales. Every great book I read by my favourite authors inspires me somehow. I wanted to write like AT, but know that’s never going to happen. You can’t be anybody else or write like anybody else. After so many failed attempts at writing a novel, Beguiled is the first one I’ve finished. I think I’ve found my niche. Hopefully readers agree.
Love the quotes...they say a lot about you...
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Now there's a leading question... Don't tell anyone, but I do love Hart of Dixie. It's silly, but Wade makes watching it worthwhile.
And every time I eat chocolate or have another biscuit I feel guilty. Maybe because I'm a woman and as such I've been socially conditioned to feel guilty or maybe it's just because I'm English. As Bill Bryson stated in his wonderful book, Notes From A Small Island, the English take their pleasures small - have two, I really shouldn't but go on then you've twisted my arm.
Is that a quote from Bill?
No. He did say we take our pleasures small - or words to that effect. Great book btw he really knows the English! The ‘have two, I really shouldn't but go on then you've twisted my arm’ is just an example of a typical conversation. Bill was spot on, only if memory serves he was talking about chocolates. Blimey we're bad enough about having a biscuit with a cup of tea, never mind offering us the supreme temptation of chocolate! Yeah we feel guilty about EVERYTHING.
That’s just sad (to feel guilty all the time)...
Sad? It's hilarious. Trust me, read Bill's book and you'll understand more about the English psyche.
What's your "adult beverage" of choice?
Red wine, definitely: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz, I'm not bothered. French, Chilean or Italian. I'd love to be able to indulge in buying really good wine (and learn more about it) - I have had it (on holiday in France) and it's a sensual pleasure that I long to repeat, but sadly can't afford. I buy mine from the local offie - 3 bottles for ten quid. Bargain!
I used to drink black rum and coke, but I haven't had that for some while now - see most embarrassing moment. Ooh and on the rare occasion I have a cocktail I do love a Black Russian.
Mmmmm...red wine! In the states Rite Aid sells a surprisingly good Shiraz at 3 for $10. I might have bought a bottle or 50 over the past few years :-)
What is your go to comfort food?
When it's chilly or I'm feeling poorly there's nothing like Heinz tomato soup with buttered wholemeal toast.
Any of my late mother's puddings that she made (from scratch) for every Sunday lunch: fruit pie or crumble made with apples or plums from the garden and sometimes with blackberries picked wild where my father had an allotment. She was an amazing baker - her pastry melted in your mouth. Mmmm, I'm remembering mince pies at Christmas...
And scrambled or (especially) poached eggs on wholemeal toast.
I'm very traditional aren't I? But then you can't beat good, simple home-cooked food.
Now I’m really craving homemade pie...
Describe your taste in music...
Eclectic. What I listen to depends on my mood. I love all the music referenced in Beguiled. Speaking of... Nick's use of Rachmaninov's concerto # 2 in the book? That's was I was listening to as I wrote that scene, although my favourite is concerto # 3. His four piano concertos are gorgeously sensual - they're like musical sex! I also love Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D Major Op 35. And Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance. One day I will definitely go to the Last Night of the Proms.
Bands/Artists I love include: # 1 without question is Aerosmith (I'm eagerly awaiting my pre-ordered copy of Joe Perry's autobiography hitting my kindle), Great Big Sea, Passenger, Madness, Huey Lewis & The News, Bruno Mars, Christina Aguilera, James Blake, Adele, Patsy Cline and Garth Brooks - yes, I love me a bit of country too.
Great taste...I really can’t add to that!!!
What is a pet peeve of yours?
Oh there are so many things that piss me off, but let's pick one...
People who picnic in the park and leave all their crap all over the grass. Put it in the bin! You should think yourself lucky you have somewhere lovely to have a picnic and not ruin it by leaving your mess behind.
Agreed!
How do you think your friends would describe you?
Talks a lot when she’s drunk. Embarrassing when she’s drunk - dancing at the Zoo Bar springs to mind. Oh look, there I go again giving you totally the wrong impression of me.
So...you know how to have a good time?
Well let's just say I've had my moments!
Tell us one random fact about yourself...
I was always rather good at cookery at senior school and whatever I’d cooked or baked we ate that evening. Once I made a chocolate victoria sponge cake with chocolate butter icing in the middle. When my mother was out of the room, my brother whispered to me: ‘It’s better than mum’s, but don’t tell her I said so.’ I've never loved him more. (see Go to Comfort Food)
When we meet I expect you to make me this cake! I’ll bring the wine...no...not from Rite Aid!
Hey I'm not too proud to drink wine from Rite Aid.
What is your current writing project?
Book 2 of the Frost Trilogy, In Too Deep and a novella with the working title "M". It’s my first foray into BDSM. I'm enjoying the research! All hands-off... So far!
Hmmm...I bet you do enjoy that ;-) And when do you expect your readers will be able to purchase ‘In Too Deep’?
Oh Ella, you know me so well...
Hopefully In Too Deep will be published at the end of the year. I'll try to have it done in time for Christmas.
******************
Terri George's first book in the Frost Trilogy, 'Beguiled', can be found on several websites. Follow the links at the top of the post to buy your copy. Part Two of 'How I Became 'Beguiled' by Author Terri George' will be posted later this week. Make sure you enter the Rafflecopter drawing to win an e-copy of 'Beguiled'!!!