Today I’m very excited to have Erin McCarthy on the blog. Erin completely won me over after I read FLAT-OUT SEXY, The Season’s July Fantastic Find. I’ve blogged about Erin’s Fast Track series before so I’ll try not repeat myself too much. If you’d like to read my reviews of FLAT-OUT SEXY and HARD AND FAST, click on the respective book covers.
But first, sit back, relax and welcome Erin, who has generously agreed to a virtual chit chat on the day of her mass market paper back (mmpb) release of HARD AND FAST and will see the release of HOT FINISH August 3rd (first time in print, mmpb). If you haven’t read FLAT-OUT SEXY (you need to), it saw its mmpb release June 1, 2010, so it’s still in the stores.
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Hi Erin, I absolutely love your Fast Track series. Why did you decide to make the backdrop professional racing?
Well, several years before I pitched the series idea to my editor, my friend and I had been driving to a conference and to pass the time we had conceived this whole story idea around a race car driver named Elec, a widow, and her kid’s godfathers. Barbara kept trying to add more plot to this story idea we were never going to write, and I kept trying to add more love scenes. In the end, we had a grand time, but knew neither of us was going to write it. I was doing my Vegas Vampires series, she was writing Regencies. Fast forward three years, I’m back writing contemporary romance, and I’m dissatisfied with all my ideas… I wanted a really solid back drop to the series. Then it hit me- stock car racing. It was so distinct and has such a sense of ‘brotherhood.’ Barbara still had our notes (fabulous woman!) and FLAT OUT SEXY became reality.
FLAT-OUT SEXY was the first book I’ve read by you and I devoured it in practically one sitting. The one thing that struck me about Elec was that he’s not, what I consider, an alpha hero (which I’m partial to), yet he’s absolutely one of my favorite heroes ever. Would you categorize him as a beta hero?
Thank you, I’m thrilled you enjoyed it! I don’t think Elec necessarily fits in either category. He is very aggressive in his career and throws the adrenaline rush of driving. He also knows he wants to be with Tamara and goes after her until she caves, so there is nothing passive about him. I also don’t think of him as traditionally charming, but those still waters that run deep. He is intense without even speaking and that is very sexy, in my opinion.
I see you write both contemporary and paranormal romance. Do you have preference for either genre? Which genre is the hardest to write? Does one allow for more creativity than the other?
I enjoy writing both. Flipping back and forth keeps me creatively fresher. Both have their challenges. It can be hard to maintain the humor in my contemporaries, and the plotting in my dark paranormals is more challenging.
Can you give us a hint about what Suzanne and Ryder have in store for them in the final book in the Fast Track series, HOT FINISH?
HOT FINISH isn’t the last book in the series! There will be SIX total books in the Fast Track series, so plenty of steamy fun ahead. Suzanne and Ryder will definitely be forced to confront their feelings for each other when they find out that their divorce was not so final. They’re still married, and planning her own divorce while planning Nikki’s (aka Bridezilla) wedding has Suzanne totally on edge. Ryder barely knows what hit him.
Can you tell us a little about the ‘call’ that made you a published author?
I sold my first book back in late 2002 after entering a contest on Lori Foster’s website. Selling the I way I did was a complete accident and a total shock. I was bored, playing online, and decided to see what Lori’s upcoming releases were. I’d been writing seriously for a year and a half, and had several projects out to publishers. I was at that point of feeling I was so close to selling I could taste it, having won contests, gotten requests for full manuscripts, and even a phone call from an interested editor. I was excited but edgy, ready for that big moment. I saw the Brava novella contest on Lori’s site and thought I would give it a try. I wrote the entry (750 words) over the next day or so and sent it to Lori before I could change my mind. She emailed me back immediately to say she loved it and that I had a strong voice and asked if I had finished the novella. Well, uh, no, since I’d only written the first three pages the night before. 😀 But then Lori wrote words that changed my life. She said if I ever finished it, she would love to read it. If? If? She didn’t even know it, but she threw down the gauntlet. I had a NY Times bestselling author saying she would read my work, and there was no way in hell I wasn’t going to finish that novella. There was just no “if” about it.
So I wrote the novella in ten days and sent it on to Lori. She read it that night, bless her heart, and sent me an email to say she was halfway through and loving my novella “Hard Drive.” She told me to watch my inbox, which got my adrenaline pumping along with a healthy dose of fear. I wasn’t sure exactly what she meant and I was basically freaking out, so to distract myself I went off shopping at Target. I bought towels and cookies, the vanilla sandwich kind (yes, the day is burned in my memory). I got home and there was an email from Kate Duffy at Kensington asking me to call her. I did, hoping that she was going to request I send her the whole novella of Hard Drive.
Instead, she said she’d read it, loved it, wanted to buy it. Hello. I had no idea that Lori had emailed her the whole novella already. It was a beautiful, beautiful moment. After babbling incoherently, I then had to cut her off because I was my daughter’s Girl Scout leader and I had fifteen 9 year olds waiting up at school for me. They brought me back to reality pretty quick.
But it was an amazing start to a fabulous career and I’m eternally grateful to both Lori and Kate. Kate passed away last fall and the romance genre lost a huge advocate… she was one of a kind and irreplaceable.
You’ve only been published since 2002 but I checked out your backlist and it’s pretty extensive. How only does it take you to complete a novel?
Well, am I being disciplined or not? Lol. If I am, three months. If I’m not, more like five.
What’s coming up next for you after HOT FINISH?
THE BEAST WITHIN, a paranormal anthology, will be out in September, 2010. This is my first ever werewolf story, and it’s sensual and much darker than my contemporaries.
THE CHASE, the fourth book in the series will be out in 2011, featuring Elec’s brother Evan as the hero.
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I want to thank Erin for stopping by today. This interview was a real treat for me.
In HARD AND FAST, the heroine, Imogen and the hero, Ty, on the surface, appear to be polar opposites. Do you think the old saying is true, and that opposites do attract? Let me know what you think. Berkley is giving away a copy of HARD AND FAST to one lucky commenter.
I do believe that opposites attract. People get to experience something that you might not get to. Maybe learn something new. But I also believe there’s a down side to it. People might become uninterested because they might want someone that has the same interests as they do. It’s not easy…so complicated.
Hi Bev and Erin. I have those two books already and they’re very good indeed. We don’t get to read that many “straight” contemporary romance these days. I mean no werewolves, vampires, abduction, espionage things like that. Just great fun, sweet and sexy love stories… MmmMmm my favorites 😉
Congrats on this new release. I’m dying to read suzanne and Ryder now (reeaaaaaally dying). I’m very happy to learn you have more stories in the works for us. Congrats again !!
Even though I had Flat-Out Sexy sitting on my shelf for months, it was Bev’s raving that got me to pick it up. I am sooo happy she did. It’s my read-only-while-on-the-exercise-bike read, and I’ve done more working out this past week than in months, lol.
Best thing I read from this interview is that there will be SIX books! Especially that Evan gets his own story! I knew he had to from the minute he stepped on the page!
Thanks for the great interview ladies!
I think opposites do attract. You look for someone who possesses some traits that you don’t have or are lacking. If you’re with someone who is exactly like you, that can get a little boring. But you don’t want to be too different that it causes constant conflict.
Hi Erin and Bev! Fantastic interview. Erin I knew you got published because of the contest Lori Foster had, but not the rest of it. How fun! I also had a feeling Evan would get his own story – and I can’t wait to see him fall flat on his face in love. (It just seems like his will be a difficult journey.)
Also looking forward to your new werewolf paranormal. I’ve been getting back into those recently so it’s great to know you’ll have one coming out.
Congratulations on your new release, Erin!
(Oh and no need to enter me into the drawing – I’ve already bought a copy of Hard and Fast when it came out – now I just need to buy Hot Finish!)
@Farrah Rochon
ME TOO!!!! I was so relieved when I found out Evan was getting his story too. He is soooo hero material, I hated to think he was getting left out in the wind like that. But there will be six books, so who else gets a story??? Hopefully, Erin will stop by and answer that one for us.
I think one reason some opposites attract is that they have a trait we wish we had. A straight edge good girl may date a bad bay because he’ll get her to do things she’d never have the courage to otherwise. He dates her since she makes him be a good man. That sort of thing. At least that was my Husband & I. 🙂 also some opposite traits compliment each other & make for a stronger & better relationship. Not all opposites are complimentary, but it’s nice when they are.
I enjoyed the first in the series, i’d love to catch up & win a copy. 🙂
Most definitely, I do believe that opposites attract. I think a part of falling in love with a mate is about fulfilling a need/want/void and more often than not, the person that is most unlike us will have it.
Great interview.I do think opposites attract.If you look for someone who enjoys the exact same things as you do things would get boring fast. Sometimes its best to go and do your own things. And also sometimes try what the other likes.I have not read one of Erin’s books before but have heard great things about them.
please count me in for this giveaway.
I think opposites do attract because we look for someone who can bring something new to our lives. It’s interesting to find out what other people like to do or eat.
Well, I think they do at some level. DH and I are real opposites in that I am a bookish type and he is all numbers. So from that perspective we are very opposite. He hates reading books and I am borderline OCD about reading. 😀 That said, we both have very strong personalities so we do have that in common. We are also both pretty analytical, so there are things that bind us and things that make us opposites. It works because we complement each other, and I think that is the key in real life and in romancelandia.
I really don’t think opposite attract because almost all the couple that I know that has been together for over 10 years, all seem to be more a like than different.
I think opposites can attract BUT if they don’t have some sort of commonality, even just one or two things upon which they agree, it won’t last. I think if the opposites complement each other in some way, it works better!
I think the core values of the people need to be similiar even if they appear polar opposits.
of course opposites attract, my hubby and i are opposites but we get along great.
I definitely agree that opposites do attract. It would be boring to be with someone just like yourself.
I like to think they do! It’s fun to see what kind of traits one person picks up or brings out in the other. 😀
I don’t think so. I think it’s the opposite similarities with some differences attract. Psychology has proven this to be true. Most divorces comes from the whole “opposites” because they have nothing in common. Similarities with some differences give shared common interests, but not enough to be boring.
Great interview. Erin’s books sound great. I love the covers. I do believe opposites attract. It makes life more interesting when your significant other is not just like yourself.
I think opposites attract, but they must be willing to compromise. Opposites may ahve different ways of viewing things and this means communication is a priority.
great interview! I do think opposites do attract. I wonder why sometimes but they do!
I think oppposites do attract. Both just gave to have similar views for the things that really matter to them
Hi Erin
I must confess I have not read this series yet but it is on my to get list, it seems everytime I get to a book store they neve seem to have them in, yes I know the logical answer to this is to order it online I have no patients to wait for books in the mail I want them, but then if I would of ordered them I’d already of read them lol
I love Athlete heros so I know that this is a series I will love. I also read a post from Carly Phillips who loved the books too.
Ok now to the actual question yes I think opposites attract I think it keeps the balance how boring is it if they are the same.
I definitely think opposites attract – unfortunately, sustaining the relationship is another matter. It’s very exciting since they are everything you aren’t and vice versa, but a day to day relationship…
Opposites may attract, but I don’t think it is good if they are too opposite. My husband and I have similar tastes, but don’t agree on everything. It would be boring if we did. With similar interests, it is easy to plan vacations and engage in activities we will both enjoy. I know couples that are definite opposites and they have stayed married. There just seems to be more contention and complaints because one wants to go one way and the other another. As far as personalities go, as long as the difference isn’t too extreme, it helps balance things off. A shy partner can be brought out by a more outgoing one. However, if someone is painfully shy and the partner is a party person who always wants to be out and about, I see trouble ahead.
I do believe opposites attract. My husband is not very neat and I believe everything has a place and should be in it. We have been trying to work this out for 20+years now.
Hi Bev and everyone! Thanks for having me. 🙂
I think that opposites do attract and can sustain a relationship if their differences aren’t core beliefs. But if it’s something fundamental there could be issues. Like I don’t think an athiest and a devout Christian would hang in there for long. Or someone who is inherently lazy with someone who is a go-getter. Or even someone who is highly sexual with someone who is content with sex bi-annually. lol. But someone who digs heavy metal with someone who is into classical music? Sure, why not? It makes it exciting. And yes, like several of you said, I think opposites can complement each other… like the worrier with the laid back type.
I guess it comes down to individuals for me. 🙂
As for the other books in the series, well, Book Four is Evan Monroe’s story. Book Five tentatively is Tuesday Jones (a character briefly introduced in HOT FINISH, who then has a bigger part in THE CHASE, and Diesel Lange, Pete Briggs’s cousin. Book Six is Eve Monroe’s story, but I’m not sure who her hero is yet. I can’t figure out who would be a good fit. Any thoughts? lol.
I do believe opposites attract. Their differences balance each other out and keep the relationship exciting.
Enjoyed reading the comments. I like reading Erin’s hot books. This one sounds equally as good.
Yes I think opposites enhance each other more so than those people that are more alike.
Congrats on the upcoming release, Erin. I think that opposites do attract and their opposing qualities can complement each other.
Hi Erin,
Thanks for stopping by to comment. I just received HOT FINISH, so I’ll be looking out for Tuesday Jones. I can’t remember Eve so she must be in an upcoming book. I can’t wait! And I can’t even tell you to write faster because I think you’re prolific as it is. 🙂
Oohh, I’d love to have Hard and Fast just to stare at the cover, yum. If the inside is as good as the outside, I’m dying to get my hands on it.
Congratulations Erin the upcoming release of HOT FINISH. I’ve enjoyed the series and look forward to reading Suzanne and Ryder’s story.
I think opposites can compliment each other. You can have an outgoing, boisterous heroine and a quiet, reserved hero – the hero can help the heroine learn to sometimes enjoy a calm and quiet setting and the heroine can teach the hero to come out of his shell a bit. It can give the relationship balance. Opposites can also add that delicious spice to a relationship. 🙂
I do believe opposites attract as I am living the dream or shall I say disaster. Well it is mostly a dream but the again I sometimes wish we were more alike. Lol
Love & Hugs, Pam
OMG! I’m so pumped that there will be SIX books in the series. Yay! I’m glad that Eve and Evan are both getting their stories.
Btw, great interview. I’ve been slowly picking up books off the backlist 🙂
I do think opposites attract. It can make life more fun & exciting. Congrads on your new release. Love the covers.
I do believe in opposites attracting, but there have to be some interests that both characters enjoy together for a successful romance.
Congrats on your new release!
Opposites may attract but that does not insure a lasting attachment. Core values have to be similar to make a relationship work out.
Absolutely, opposites attract. The problem is that once the first glow is off, then you have to forge a relationship that somehow works in spite of the differences and that can be tough.
Love the look and sounds of your books, I think opposites attract as well, but I think it takes harder work to make it last, all the more satisfying too!
I like reading about opposites who are attracted and the problems/issues they have to deal with as a result. I do think it does take incredible commitment to work, though. But I do love a well written opposites attracting romance!
Opposites do attact, though I think the relationship could take more work later down the road to make it last. Your books sound awesome :)!
I believe opposites do attract. I mean, could NEVER live with someone just like me!
I absolutely love the interview, Bev!
Erin, I absolutely enjoyed reading about how you sold your first book. I’m sure I too would remember every detail. Love those vanilla sandwich cookies. 🙂
Hi Erin!!! Did you get to go to much racing before you wrote the series? Do you still enjoy going or watching? I love it so I was so excited about this series from you!!! Cool on the new one soon!
cathiecaffey @ gmail.com
In some cases, I think opposites attract. My mom and dad were (sort of) opposites….He was 6’4 and she was only 5′. She was what you would call a “spitfire” and my dad enjoyed the challenge (said dynamite came in small packages). She was always willing to fight with words and support those less fortunate……He avoided fights due to his size and strength, but wasn’t afraid to use it if necessary. She needed a protector (due to her evil stepfather) and he was all of that and more…..But when it came down to basic beliefs regarding love, responsibility, fairness, family, etc…..they saw eye to eye. So yes….on one hand they were opposites…but on the other….they were linked by the same desires.