JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
L. j. Charles, author of a Touch of Ice
(CreateSpace)
Everly Gray’s fingers are a magnet for trouble.
When she touches photographer Mitchell Hunt and sees the image of a dead body, she dives into the murder fingertips first. Life takes a turn for the dangerous when she discovers the body is related to a small-time crime family that accidentally stepped on the toes of notorious criminal, Delano West.
Caught in a web of intrigue where nothing is as it seems, El discovers an aptitude for breaking and entering, the pain of an up close and personal meeting with a bullet, and the terror of facing a cold-blooded killer. What she doesn’t learn—to keep her fingers to herself.
Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write a Touch of Ice?
L. j. Charles: I was a personal coach for many years and my clients were an inspiration. They filled my days with laughter and tears as we worked through issues of every possible type.
I also practiced bodywork and learned about the power of the mind. When I began writing, it was a natural step to combine the two–and Everly Gray was born!
JP: What sets a Touch of Ice apart from other books in the same genre?
LjC: The a Touch of series is a mix of genres: light paranormal, romance, mystery, suspense, and humor. There’s a little something for everyone. I think my personal background helps to set these stories apart. The foundation is real, although the situations are purely fiction.
JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that led to a Touch of Ice getting out to the public?
LjC: A fantastic support group is key. The Romance Writer’s of America introduced me to an array of very successful authors, writing in multiple genres, who were more than willing to share their wisdom.
Through them I joined a fantastic critique group that vets all of my work before the public gets a glimpse of it. I also found my beta readers through this group. Finally, I have an excellent editor who “gets” my voice.
I think all of these things help me to create the best book possible, and that’s what I try to bring to my readers.
JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take you to start and finish a Touch of Ice?
LjC: I have a seasonal writing process. In the summer I start writing first thing – from 6-10 or so in the morning, then take a walk outside, do lunch, and work on promo.
In the winter I hit the treadmill first (or I’d never fit it into my schedule), write or do promo, lunch, more writing or promo – whatever didn’t get done in my morning work session.
In the evenings I do my critique work for other authors. My schedule is subject to change depending on the needs of the hubby and resident felines.
JP: What’s next for L. j. Charles?
LjC: I have the second book in the Everly Gray series, a Touch of TNT, due out by the end of this year or early in January.
Next year, I have the third book in both of my trilogies due – The Gemini Women (a light paranormal romantic suspense), and The Lifethread Trilogy (my YA-demons, disasters, and the Fates).
I would also like to complete the third book in the Everly Gray series – a Touch of the Past.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/L-j-Charles/157372700991680
http://twitter.com/luciejcharles
For the holidays, I’ve joined with other indie authors to create The Book Lover’s Buffet. We have over 100 books on sale for 99 cents.
lucie.charles@ymail.com
Thank you, Joey, for asking me to participate in JoeyPinkney.com 5 Minutes, 5 Questions With Author Interview Series.
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