Well, I am very excited about my new duology, THE HIDDEN BLADE and MY BEAUTIFUL ENEMY. The two had originally been written as a wuxia (martial arts) semi-epic, spanning twenty years. But then I decided there was no way to sell such a story and instead split it up. The second book MY BEAUTIFUL ENEMY, which comes out from Berkley tomorrow, is a historical romance. The first, THE HIDDEN BLADE, is a middle-grade/young adult historical action/adventure.
They follow the same two people, Leighton and Ying-ying/Catherine. In THE HIDDEN BLADE, we meet them as children, Leighton on the run from his malicious uncle, and Ying-ying living a double life, a sweet, obedient girl in appearance, but secretly training to be a deadly martial artist. They do not know it yet, but their lives are about to intersect in ways they cannot imagine…
In MY BEAUTIFUL ENEMY, Leighton and Ying-ying, now grown up, meet, fall in love, and go through all the trials and tribulations that true love must be tested by.
You can definitely read and enjoy MY BEAUTIFUL ENEMY on its own, but I think the two together is a much richer experience. And THE HIDDEN BLADE is on sale now for $0.99. So no excuse not to! J
Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
I almost never see my characters as actors—I don’t see them at all, facially. But for this duology I researched some half-Asian actresses to see just how wide a range of looks they come in. And I think Kristin Kreuk really has that delicate beauty that I see for Catherine.
Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
I don’t get writer’s block. My problem is that I can write 50,000 words of crap and not realize it until someone takes the trouble to tell me.
What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
Reviews are for readers to find books they might enjoy. Whether good reviews or bad reviews, people have found books that way. As an author I don’t dwell on either good/bad reviews. Both serve as publicity for my books and I’m grateful always to anyone who takes the time to read my books and then the additional time to review them.
Casual games.
What is your favorite movie?
Possibly THE MATRIX.
Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
The Dalai Lama. He is the best.
What is the most interesting trip you have ever taken?
My husband and I just returned from the Southwest Coast of England and WOW is all I have to say.
Lighting Round:
White wine or red? Hmm, white wine spritzer or sangria? I can’t choose.
Coffee or tea? Tea.
Cook dinner or order take-out/delivery? Cook.
Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Mexican vanilla ice cream by Amy’s in Austin
Pancakes or eggs? Eggs.
Sleep in or get up early? Would like to get up early but don’t always manage.
Laptop or desktop for writing? Laptop.
GIVEAWAY
Sherry has GENEROUSLY selected to do a contest for you Lucky readers. All you have to do is answer the following question. The heroine of MY BEAUTIFUL ENEMY is a martial arts expert. What are some of the most interesting talents/abilities you've read in historical romance heroines? GOOD LUCK!!