Guest Author Day with V.H. Luis/Enter the Giveaway

Please give a warm welcome to author V.H. Luis as they drop by to celebrate their latest book, Waking to Black, with us. Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of the post for a chance to win from the author a $25 amazon or BN gift Card. The book tour is sponsored by Goddess Fish Promotions and you can find all the tour stops HERE.

Let's chat with the author, V.H.Luis

 Thanks for stopping by to talk a little about your writing! Let's jump right in. When did you begin writing and why?

Ever since I could remember I was constantly scribbling poems on paper. However, it wasn’t until I was fifteen and my boyfriend at the time introduced me to an online roleplaying community that I truly started to take writing seriously. Simply by being forced to communicate in a text-based setting my ability to write improved. Honestly, I wouldn’t be here today if it were not for that community and the wonderful people there, who to this day are still friends of mine.

Do you have a favorite genre? Is it the same genre you prefer to write?

I love to read and write romance. While most of my younger years were focused on reading fantasy-based stories, I have always wanted romance to be at the root of anything I read. In fact, many of my favorite fantasy books are heavily infused with romance. A good example would be the first six books in Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake Series. I adored those vampire-romance books when I first read them. I also really liked the first few books in her Merry Gentry Series.

 Do certain themes and ideas tend to capture your writer’s imagination and fascinate you?

The concept of a flawed individual coming to terms with their past tragedies/mistakes and ultimately finding peace and happiness, is very appealing to me. In life, for whatever reason, the opportunity for redemption is often elusive. I guess in my writing that is something I tend to explore. Wouldn’t life be better if those deserving did get second chances and could in fact redeem themselves?

How do you balance long-term thinking vs. being nimble in today's market?

I don’t think I necessarily do this and perhaps that is to my detriment. Honestly, I write the stories that pull emotions out of me. I write what I would like to read about. While I imagine since I’m such an avid reader, my own likes are similar to that of the majority in terms of romance readers, I recognize that trends in the market are fluid and they can change rapidly. My goal is to create something I’m proud of, a story that is evocative and full of emotion. I believe I’ve done that with Waking to Black (Uninhibited #1).

How do you find readers in today's market?

I’m relatively new to this all though I love to read and when I decided to self-publish I did a lot of reading. I researched pretty much everything. Before publishing I got my book setup in Netgalley. It’s a platform in which you offer your book for free to people interested in reading Advance Reader Copies (ARC’s). I read that people on Netgalley tend to be harsh reviewers but I’ve found them to be very fair. I also set up a Goodreads giveaway and I contacted Goddess Fish Promotions about a book-blog tour. I think all of this has help me reach an audience I otherwise would not have been able to reach. So far, I’ve loved the ride!

 Do you come up with the hook first, or do you create characters first and then dig through until you find a hook?

I create the hook first. I think the start of a story is the most important part and I endeavor to start with a bang. Though I have a good idea about who my characters are—what motivates and drives them—they tend to hijack my story. I can at the very least control the beginning/hook!

How do you create your characters?

As I mentioned above, I of course have an idea of who they are as individuals though honestly, they often take-up a life of their own. For the Uninhibited Series, I’ve utilized past experiences with my father to really channel Evelyn. As for Adam, I think feeling betrayed by someone is a very relatable feeling. I’ve certainly been betrayed by a loved one and I think so have many other people.

What's on the top of your TBR pile right now?

Shadow Music (Highland Laird #3), by Julie Garwood. I really liked book one of that series and I ADORED book two. I know the reviews for this particular Julie Garwood book have not been as strong as many of her other historical, but I’m a devote fan and I can’t wait to read that book. It’s definitely at the top of my TBR pile.

 Tell me a little about the characters in Waking to Black (Uninhibited #1).

Both Evelyn Snowe and Adam Black are emotionally scared due to past tragedies/events. While Evelyn by far is more visibly hindered by her issues, Adam is as damaged as she is by his own past. Both these characters are inhibited and being together completely shatters the status quo—this is a good thing considering they both feel unfulfilled.

            The most basic of answers is that Evelyn Snowe is an art teacher with a dark past, and Adam Black is a real-estate mogul who seemingly has it all.

 Where’s the story set? How much influence did the setting have on the atmosphere/characters/development of the story?

I’m from Miami, FL, and the story is set in Miami. As a native Floridian I love the cosmopolitan feel of Miami, as well as the fact that the beach is literally only minutes away. Many of the locations in the book are inspired by real locations in Miami. For example, Adam and Evelyn have their first date at a restaurant inspired by a restaurant called Casa Tua in Miami Beach (look it up the ambiance is gorgeous). I also incorporated other locations/events, such as Art Basel Miami into the story. I love Art Basel Miami.

As for the characters, I’ve been told by friends who have read the book that Adam Black is very Miami. I’m not sure I can explain that, he’s very put-together and gorgeous, but also reserved and unapologetic. While Miami has variety in terms of men, they can be a tad arrogant… But again, that might not necessarily be a Miami thing.

If you had to write your memoir in five words, what would you write?

Nurturing mother, daughter, wife, dreamer.

How often does your muse distract you from day to day minutiae?

I’m not sure about how often but when an incredible idea hits me its all-consuming. I’ll immediately start scribbling down notes. For example, if it’s dialogue I’ll write it out quickly, in hopes of not forgetting anything. It may be hard to capture my attention when I’m in that sort of mood.

What do readers have to look forward to in the future from you?

I’m currently finalizing Fading to Black (Uninhibited #2). After releasing book two of the series I’ll be moving along to book three. 

GENRE:   Erotic Romance

He shattered my defenses, and I was fragile to begin with…

The first time I saw Adam Black, I was between the arms of a criminal, a gun to my throat and even then, I knew I was staring at the most dangerous man in the room.

Maybe it was his confident, cerulean eyes, or the sex appeal radiating from his pores like heat waves on a scorching day, but by proximity alone he made my vision blur and my heart stammer.

The day I was nearly killed in a bank hold-up, I began to live—because of him.

Now, I’m praying for the first time in years, hoping the scars of my past, the secrets I keep, don’t interfere with my future…

Excerpt Three:

“You’re too young and beautiful to be so jaded.”

The confidence he exudes is threatening. It makes me question my opinions and beliefs. My legs tremble as I take a step back.

“Giving me a compliment directly followed by an insult won’t make me agree with you.”

He closes the gap between us. The smell of his aftershave and skin surrounds me and without thinking I take a deep breath.

“Why are you under the impression I want you to agree with me?”

My eyes widen under his scrutiny. The air around us is charged and it’s hard to breathe.

“In fact, I would much rather you disagree.”

“Why?” I can’t help the genuine confusion resonating in my voice.

“I find you intriguing when you disagree with me. Not to mention, you’re incredibly attractive when you’re flustered. Your heart starts to beat faster and your breathing quickens.”

He raises his hand and presses his index finger along the curve of my neck. His words come true as my lungs struggle to keep up with the demands of my body. Adam’s lips curve into a soft smile as he trails his finger down my neck, resting it against my carotid.

My heart begins to race as a chill ripples down my body.

This man knows how his touch affects me, and he revels in the conquest. Part of me wants to deny him the satisfaction, a very small part of me.

“Do I make you nervous?” He places emphasis on the word I, his fingertips still pressed against my neck, against my pulse.

“Yes,” I whisper plainly, because I can’t manage anything else.

My book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Waking-Black-Uninhibited-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07C9CBV67/

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

V.H. Luis is the author of the Black Series, an erotic romance trilogy that follows the love affair of Evelyn Snowe and Adam Black. Her debut book WAKING to Black, will be released in 2018, and the subsequent sequels FADING to Black, and SURRENDERING to Black, will follow shortly thereafter.

Welcome to my internet haven!

I’m a born and bred Miami Girl—and proud of it! I would wear shorts and flip-flops everyday of the week if I could. Growing up in Miami, surrounded by my parent’s heritage has made me proud of my Cuban ancestry. Cafecito and a guava pastry for breakfast? Yes, please! Salsa music while I tidy the house? Of course.

If I’m not busy scribbling notes about the story pounding out of my head, I’m painting, listening to music, or spending time with the love of my life—my son. If I decide to travel, I bring the whole family (in-laws included), or at least I try to, because life is too short not to spend it with family; one of the many lessons my father taught me.

My website:  https://vhluis.com/

My Twitter: https://twitter.com/VH_Luis_

GIVEAWAY

V.H. Luis will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway