Today I have Lori Brighton blogging with us. Tomorrow will be one of the most memorable days in her life; it is the official release day of her debut historical romance, WILD HEART. Similar to the way every debut author celebrates her release, there will be a fantastic party with champagne, caviar and foie gras consumed at an elegant 5 star hotel in the heart of New York. Certainly not to be forgotten are the gowns of the finest silk and lace, and stiletto shoes that don’t pinch your feet (even if no such stilettos exist). The men, of course, will be smartly dressed in black tuxedos, their shoes reflecting the light of the crystal chandeliers.  What? That’s not how it goes? Well now you know why we write fiction. 😉 So it’s not all fireworks  and caviar type advances, passion for the written word is well worth this day. Please help me in extending a very warm welcome to my good friend, Lori who knows this better than most.

~*~*~

loriQuestion
How long did it take for you to get published?

Answer
From the start of my first book, it took about six years for me to get published.

Wild Heart, a historical paranormal, was the third book I’d written. It took about six months to write. Almost two years to sell and over a year to come out in print! Definitely a long process!

Question
Can you tell us about “the call,” when you found out you’d sold your first book? Were you shocked? Or did you see it coming?

Answer
Wild Heart had been rejected by just about every publisher and agent I could send to. As a last resort I entered the book in writing contests, trying to get it in front of editors I wouldn’t normally stand a chance with. Fortunately for me it came in first place in the historical category of the Golden Acorn Writing Contest. Hilary Sares from Kensington requested the full. I eagerly sent the book, then waited…and waited…and waited. Four months later I chalked the request up to another rejection and started to think about what I would work on next. Then the phone rang. The caller I.D. said New York but since I didn’t know anyone there at the time, I didn’t answer. Later I listened to the message. It was Hilary and she wanted to buy my book! So you could say I was definitely surprised. So surprised, it took me thirty minutes to call her back as I was too nervous to do it immediately.

Question
What’s your writing schedule like?

Answer
I write pretty much everyday. It’s almost like an addiction and honestly, I feel completely off balance and moody if I haven’t written a little at some point during the day. I used to write at night, but since my son has started school and we have to get up early, I’ve had to switch to the daytime, which is hard for a Night Owl like me.

Question
What has surprised you most about being an author?

Answer
How much work there is after you’ve written the book. Most authors just want to write, yet there is so much that goes into promoting your book that it’s hard to find the balance. And because authors make much less money than people realize, it’s often difficult and expensive to promote. In fact, you usually use all and more of any advance you get for promotion.

Question
What advice can you give aspiring writers?

Answer
It sounds cliché, but if you really want to be an author, don’t give up. I didn’t get published in one year, or two, or even three. In fact it took me six years. And there were many times I wanted to quit, but if I had quit, I wouldn’t be here now! Also, be proud of what you’ve done! No matter what happens, how many rejections you get, you’ve written a book! Take a moment, savor that accomplishment and be proud! I often have to remind myself that, especially when I get a negative review!


wild_heart_blogWild Heart
Author: Lori Brighton
Publisher: Kensington
Pub. Date: Nov 3
ISBN-13: 978-1420108651
352 pages

Wanton. . .

Leo Roberts is next in line for an earldom and the power and fortune that come with it, but he is uncultured, unrefined–and completely untamed. . .until governess Ella Finch arrives upon the scene. Can so young and inexperienced a woman tutor him in the manners and mores of his class? Leo’s mysterious past has rendered him an outsider, too wild for polite society. But he finds her innocence most intriguing. . .

Willing

What manner of man he may be, Ella does not know. Yet he fascinates her and she must know more. Capturing Leo’s reckless heart is about to free her in ways she never dreamed of. . .and his sensual touch releases the deepest yearnings of her body and soul. . .

Question
What are you working on now? Can you give us a favorite line or blurb from your current work in progress?

Answer
For their debut program Kensington usually contracts two books. I’ve just recently finished my second book. It doesn’t have a title yet, but will be a series and spinoff from Wild Heart and will feature a major secondary character from the first book. Here’s a snippet, although my editor hasn’t read it yet so it could very well change.

P.S. As my editor hasn’t read it yet, please ignore all typos 😉

Chapter 1

India 1857

She was naked. Naked as the day she was born. Naked as the winter was long in Scotland. Naked as the days were hot in India. Naked.

But the drunken sod who’d burst into her room didn’t seem to notice. He didn’t bother to glance Bea’s way as he cursed in slurred words and wavered about the moonlit bedchamber like he owned the small abode and had the right to be there, which he most assuredly did not.

Completely and utterly shocked, Bea stood frozen in the dark corner. Not bolting. Not screaming. Not fainting into a naked heap at his feet. Even when the wet cloth that was pressed to her chest dripped warm water between the valley of her breasts, over her stomach and tickled lower regions a refined woman best not mention, she didn’t dare move.

He turned. The moonlight filtering through the open windows hit his face. In one breathless moment, Bea took in his features. High cheekbones, square jaw and an aquiline nose were highlighted under a silver glow. Mythical, really. Or perhaps the light was playing tricks, for he looked almost handsome. One would think he was a spirit, or some beast come to seduce her soul. Yes, at first glance one would think he was magical, and that person would most definitely be wrong.

Question
Out of all of your books, do you have a favorite or a favorite character? Or is there a character most like you?

Answer
My favorites often tend to be which ever book I’m working on at the moment. lol.

As for which character is most like me, it could change, but as of now out of my two Kensington books, it’s probably Ella, my heroine from Wild Heart.

Question
Where can we find you on the web? (facebook, blog, website)

Answer
www.loribrighton.com

www.loribrighton.blogspot.com

And you can find me on Facebook, My Space and Twitter.

Question
What do you do when you’re not writing? Any Hobbies?

Answer
Honestly, most of the time I’m writing. Yep, sitting with computer in hand. Sad, I know! When my husband and son can tear me away, we love to go hiking and traveling. Anywhere near the beach is alright by me!

Lori is giving away 3 (three) copies of WILD HEART. Comment for a chance to win! And check out Lori’s Feature Interview Page on The Season website. It has a fabulous new excerpt.

guest bloghistoricalsKensington
By Authors, Giveaways, Interviews70 Comments on Look who’s making her debut – Lori Brighton

70 Replies to “Look who’s making her debut – Lori Brighton”

  2. Congrats Lori!
    Persistence pays off 🙂 I’ve been trying to get my hands on your book for quite some times.

  3. So many books, so little time! But Wild Heart sounds wonderful and I will be looking for it this week! Thanks –

  5. Lori,
    Congratulations on your new book! That’s some snippet – I hope it stays in the book!
    Margay

  6. Enjoyed reading the comments. Can’t wait to read this one and I have added it to my TBR list. I am always looking for different authors to read.

  7. Congratulations on your first release!! How exciting! I hope you have many more book birthdays in the future!!

  8. I really enjoyed the interview!!! Wild Heart sounds like a fantastic read! Congrats on your debut release, that has to be an exciting time in an author’s life. I also love this cover!! I like the the soft purple color of the dress…..

  10. Hi. great interview. Congratulations on the release. I really can’t wait to get my copy and read it!!

    Please do not enter me into this contest, I have already won a copy of Wild Heart. I wanted to show more support!!

  12. Hi Lori. Great interview. Congratulations on your new release. Sounds wonderful. Beautiful cover.

  13. Lori, congrats on your new book! I would love to read it. It sounds terriffic!

    Thanks for the story of how and what you went through to get published. It was really interesting, and gives people hope.

  14. Great interview! Congrats on your debut and I’m looking forward to reading Wild Hearts!
    The excerpt from your new book sounds delish and is sure to be a wonderful read!

    Keep writing!!

  16. Congratulations on your release! And I can’t wait to read it! And I envy your need to write every day… maybe if I had that urge, I would finally complete something!

  17. Hey, Lori! Squeeeeeeeee! I know I’m rocking excited about your release. One of my stores better have it in.

    btw, love the sound of the second book.

  19. Thanks everyone for stopping by! You’re all awesome! And isn’t this website great? I can’t believe what Bev has done for the romance community!

    I admit, I snuck out today and checked Barnes and Noble to see if they had my book out early. They didn’t. lol. But hopefully tomorrow on release day!

  21. Congrats on Wild at Heart! I love these types of stories. It’s like My Fair Lady in reverse 🙂

  22. I called Barnes & Noble since I’ll be on that side of town today, but nope it’s not in. Guess I’ll have to make a special trip tomorrow.

  23. I never anything by Lori Brighton but her book sounds good so I will give her try in the future:)

  26. Thank goodness you called back lol! and I have to say you have a gorgeous cover as well as a book that sounds wonderful!!

  28. Congratulations on your new release. I like the storyline and would love to read Wild Heart.

  29. Lori
    This books sounds so good I have ordered it and am awaiting its arrival but it takes a little longer to get to Australia can’t wait to read it.
    Congrats on the release

    Have Fun
    Helen

  30. Wow, CONGRATS!!!! You did it !!! LUV the cover!!! Good luck with many more future sales!! Thanks, Sue

  31. Hey Lori!

    Can’t wait to hear more about the second book. I think it is fabulous that you were able to clinch a 2 book deal. CONGRATS!

    Looking forward to reading your debut.

    Rock on,
    K.

  33. Hi Lori,
    Congrats on your debut release. I can’t wait to read “Wild Heart.” I haven’t read many historical paranormals, but I enjoy them very much.

  34. Just wanted to thank you all again for stopping by.

    When Kensington contracts for their debut deal, its usually a two book deal, which is great. They asked me to write the second book as a spinoff of the first and I eagerly agreed. I just hope my editor likes the second book as much as I liked writing it!

    You guys are all so wonderful for stopping by and leaving your congrats! 🙂

  36. Congrats on the release of your book! I can’t wait to get my hands on it, if I don’t win it here, I’ll definitely be looking at my local book stores. 🙂

    I also now follow your blog, and am following you on facebook (that is if you’ll friend me 🙂 ) With all this following it sounds kinda like a stalker…..thats NOT good! LOL

  39. Lori,

    I would LOVE to win a copy of your book!
    It looks SO GOOD!
    I really enjoyed your interview! 🙂

    Sandra Lynne

  40. Great interview Lori! I had this book on my wishlist, but now that I know you are a debut author I’ll definitely be running out this week to buy it. I am all over new debut historical authors!! The story and characters sound great and I really look forward to reading it. Congrats!

  41. Congratulations Lori!!

    I have already seen your book, and tomorrow I will make a purchase!! I work for Borders and I will most definitely promote your book! I am SO looking forward to reading it, too!

    Bev….don’t enter me in for the contest, since I would rather help by making the purchase.

    Thanks,
    Mary

  42. awww thanks everyone! You’re all so sweet.
    It’s funny that people have seen my book before me. Bev gave out two copies last week and I still haven’t gotten my author copies! Hopefully I can find it somewhere tomorrow so I can at least see it with everyone else.

  49. Good things are popping up about your book on many of the sites I visit. Sounds like a book I would really enjoy. A hero who isn’t quite civilized in a society stuck on social rules and propriety. Am glad you will be doing spin off books. I like to follow characters and plot arcs.
    Best of luck with the release!

  52. Hey, Lori! Congratulations on your debut! Can’t wait to read it. 🙂 Also can’t wait until you visit us over at The Romance Dish!

  53. I am so excited and proud, Lori!!! I only wish there really was a ball tomorrow so I could give you a hug and share some champagne. I am carting the kid all over town tomorrow to get as many copies as I can!

  55. Sorry, I didn’t get here until so late (2:28 am). Mom fell again. Lori, I’m so proud of you! Congrats and Kudos! I pray you have a wonderful career and aford me many enjoyable reading hours.

  56. Super Super Super Congrats Lori, on your release day. To all the success of Wild Heart, may you sell a gazillion copies and take the historical romance market by storm!!!

    (((Hugs)))
    Bev

    P.S. I hope those author copies magically appear on your doorstep today. 😉 Drop by again and visit.

  58. Happy Release Day, Lori! I like those wild, untamed heros one tries to change to fit into society, sounds like a book for me.

  59. Congrats Lori!!! Nice interview too!! The book looks good, and a good price also. Thanks, Sue

  60. Great interview, wonderful excerpt – looking forward to reading Wild Heart. Congrats on your release day.

  62. Happy Release Day, I can not wait to read Wild Heart. I know it is going to be wonderful!!

  65. Wow the NAKED WORD really catches readers attention i am already salavating on what comes next does he see her? does she recognize him! where they heck are they? and why is he in her room! I WANT TO READ IT NOW!!!

  66. Congratulations on your debut. I just wanted to say that I finished Wild Heart last night and I loved it. I look forward to more from you.

  68. Pingback: The Season Blog

  69. Hi Ms. Brighton,
    Although I have only read the first part of the chapter it captivated me just at the first four sentences. I can always tell if a book is good by the way it starts especially if it has me laughing, I always love a book that can make me laugh. Just the part about her being naked was a great way to start it’s the first thing that caught my eye, that I started reading it to my sister over the phone. Even if I don’t win it I will most definitely buy it.

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