All right! My first release ever, BLACK LEGACY releases from Samhain Publishing on Tuesday, February 2nd. I am more than a little pumped, A) because it’s my first book to be officially released and B) I love time travel. So, in honour of this auspicious event, I am going to have a contest!
I’m going to make it simple and hopefully fun! You get to ask me a question. That’s it. A question about anything, as long as it’s not already been asked. I’m going to run this contest until next Monday night, February 1st when I will announce a winner, who will recieve an ebook of Black Legacy. Sound cool?
Here is the Blurb:
She’ll make sure he survives the night…even if it costs her heart.
Black Opals, Book 1
Frankie Black is a woman in need of a mission. For a Black Opal—a warrior woman who shifts backward or forward through time in order to, well, save the world—the last six months of downtime have left her bored. Restless. And with a feeling that something is about to hit the fan.
Finally, an assignment: save the life of Dekkar James, an infamous rock god living three hundred years in the past. Tattooed, ruggedly handsome and perfectly imperfect, one look at him and it’s as if her sleeping body springs to life.
One minute Dekkar is having the most mind-blowing sex of his life. The next, goons are breaking down his door, and he’s on the run with a woman who turns from lover to warrior in the blink of an eye.
Dealing with the New Order, operatives who manipulate time without regard for the consequences, is nothing new for Frankie. But this time their tactics have a more personal edge—they’ve found a way to seek out the Opals’ predestined mates.
Unless she can save Dekkar’s life, her future will be the first casualty in a battle for the fate of humankind.
<%image(20091204-Black Legacy cover comp V24.jpg|432|648|)%>
So, ask me anything and you could win a free copy of this book!!!!
Comment
Where did the idea for the Black Opals come from? Did it just come to you or did you start pushing smaller ideas together and come up with this?
Comment
Is this your first published piece or so you have other works that have been published? (novella, short story)
Comment
Hey Scott! Good question. I was looking for an idea that centered around an Opal, and while doing research into that particular gem, found that in certain cultures the opal symbolized protection for travelers. I’d been toying with a time travel idea and used a Black Opal as both a method of time travel and linked it to the family my series focuses on.
Thanks for asking!
Comment
Rayna, I’m super excited because this is my first release ever!!!!!!!!!!! Squee! I started writing 2 years ago this month. In the span of five months I wrote the book that I sold to Avon and I wrote this short that I contracted with Samhain. My goal all along had been to be published in both print and ebook and luckily I hit the jackpot in both areas. I sold both of these stories around the same time but BLACK LEGACY is my first baby to be released!
Comment
Hello, I just wanted to let you know that I love the art work of the tattoo, Did you draw it or some else draw it for you.
Comment
Myriam, I love tattoos!!!!!!!! This cover was designed by the amazing Natalie Winters. She did a great job because the dude looks exactly like how I wrote him. Hawt!!!!!!!!
Comment
I love the sound of this book! I was wondering how many others you have planned in the series?
Comment
Hey Sarah! There are five sisters in the Black family and they will all get their story….god willing! I’ve already handed in the second to my editor and hope to have a pub date for that soon!
Comment
How soon will you be publishing the next in the Black Opal series?
Comment
Hey Grace, That’s a great question and one I’ll pass along to my editor! I handed in the second in December but I’m assuming we’ll get a pub date in the summer, May or June? I think Samhain requires a cooling off period between releases for their authors!
Comment
How does one become a Black Opal? Are you born or made into one? If you are made into one, is this ability via a device?
Comment
Elaine, in my world, The Black Opals are a family of warrior women who have the ability to shift through time. It’s something only they can do, the opal enhances their powers. It’s passed on through the generations. They’re like guardians against all the baddies who would disrupt the natural order of things, via dark means of travel.
Comment
Oh wow, that ability would be cool, although the responsibility would be stressful.
Comment
@Elaine, LOL, that’s why they get to play fast and hard with very sexy man who can handle them! a great stress reliever!
Comment
I love love *love* time-travel romance; it’s my favorite sub-genre!
I was wondering if you’ve got all the stories planned out already, such as what years the rest of the sisters are going to visit (and could you give us a peek? ;D).
Comment
I’ve always thought keeping time lines straight in a time-travel story would be difficult. Was that a challenge while writing Black Legacy?
Comment
Hey Julie,
the second story is set in the future. It’s done, the third will take place back in time, on a slave planet!!!!
Comment
@ Chandra! I think if my stories all took place on earth then, defintely. But my warrior women travel the galaxies, into the future and back into the past so luckily for me, my imagination can go wild! and I can make things up as I go!
Comment
Hi Juliana. Congratulations! I’m wondering if the "rock god" is a rock-n-roll star type god, or a god of rocks? I’m a rock/pop singer. So I hope it’s the former!
Comment
LOL Deni! cool, I sing as well! Retro 80′s, 90′s rock! Dekker is a total rock and roll god. He was inspired by Nikki Sixx, cause I’ve had a crush on Nikki for years…..
Comment
Juliana, I’m intrigued that you "only" started writing two years ago. What inspired you to start writing?
I’m also intrigued by your blurb. Congrats on your first book!
Comment
Kelly, I think words and stories have always been inside me. I sing and have always felt the need to express myself. Two years ago I was finally at a place in my life where I had the time, the precious time to devote to getting my words and stories on paper!
Thanks for your question! I’m glad you liked the blurb!
Comment
Wow, Juliana! I’m loving the premise of your series–I love the idea that your heroines are a family of such powerful women! So, are you doing anything special to celebrate your Opal series? Do you own any opals? Or are you not a jewelry person?
Comment
Thank you Fedora! I can’t lie, I am so not a jewelry person! I wear my wedding band and the same earrings and that’s about it. BUT, this is my first release, so dinner out with the family is our celebration!
Comment
I have to say i love the tattoed guy!
And then..Do you have any rituals when you write?
Comment
Hey Beleth! well, since you asked…I need total quiet…and munchies….and sometimes a glass of wine or two. If I’m writing something really emotional I will listen to music to get me into the mood, but while actually writing total silence.
And yes, aren’t Dekkar’s tats yummy!
Comment
Congrats on your first release. Is this a stand alone book or is there a possible series for it.
Comment
Hello Caitlin! This is the first in a series. There are five women in this warrior family and they will all get their stories….
Comment
Okay non writing question as all the good ones have been asked and answered here already. Juliana you say on your home page the fictional character most like you is Bridget Jones, how so?
Congratulations this is a fun and very informative way to get to know you and learn more about your writing process and back story of the book.
jackie b central texas
Comment
Jackie! How’s it going? LOL, well Bridgets love of friends, vices, friends, obsession with weight, love of wine, friends…and the occasional smoke are totally me!!!!!!!!!! haha. And well the way she tends to put her foot in the mouth occasionally….though I don’t think she wears her PANTS ON THE GROUND…
Comment
The books that you have coming out this year can u tell me which one is the YA & the Adult novel.
Comment
Hello Liana! (love that name btw!) I currently have two adult series coming out this year. His Darkest Hunger kicks off The Jaguar Warrior series for Avon/Harpercollins in April and Black Legacy is a time travel romance from Samhain, featuring The Black Opals…a family of women who guard the delicate fabric that is time.
I currently have a Young Adult with an editor and hopefully it will be accepted! Let’s cross fingers!
Comment
Juliana, I am looking forward to reading your books i am also interested in the warrior and time travel. I know i placed 2 questions on here but i did have another question. Have you always had an active imagine to put your ideas and thoughts and stories on paper? Was it something you always wanted to you as a ambition?
Comment
This book sounds amazing! I’m excited for the chance to win a copy and hyped about reading you’re work! I was just wondering if you are a "seat of your pants" kind of writer or are you a "planner"?
Comment
I’ve always loved to express myself and my imagination was a handy tool growing up on a farm. I loved books and dreamed about writing when I was younger. I just had to find the right time and place to follow my dream. Luckily for me, I have a wonderful agent, and both my editors are fab….as are the publishing houses I write for!
Comment
Amy! you made it! haha….I’m a total pantser….I couldn’t plot my way out of a paper bag….for reals! I think it’s because I’m self taught and no nothing about writing….I just went for it and did my thing and it seemed to work!
Comment
Thank you! I am writing my first book and I get so scared sometimes! I am a "pantser" too! I just type what my brain tells me to LOL! Thank you again!
Comment
Regardless of whether I win the ebook, I am glad Michelle Rowen retweeted your post, so I could come here and read that blurb! You are officially on my must-buy list next week. (Don’t you just love Tuesdays?)
So my question, then: What was the biggest hurdle you had to jump/climb/struggle slowly over writing this book?
Oh! and another question: How did you go about naming characters/places/orders?
I am a terrible namer and some authors have tricks.
Anyhoo– excited to pick this up as soon as I possibly can.
Comment
I’m so glad this is going to be a series! Looks really cool!
How did you decide what genre to write? Was it decided before writing or did you finish it first?
Comment
Hey Bailey! Miss Michelle Rowen is a friend of mine, so I see you have great taste!
I think the biggest hurdle for me was the fact that I had to get over the whole, "I’ve not been to the school of writing". Honestly, I did and still do, fell incredibly intimidted by a lot of writers that have degrees in Literature, or are teachers or whatever. At my first conference I didn’t know (and still don’t) half the terms they used or what the H they were talking about! I just wrote, from the heart and luckily when it all came out it made sense!
As far as names, I like what I like…the problem is though, I keep using the same ones over and over…then have to go back and find another. For my Avon release in April, HIS DARKEST HUNGER, my hero’s name is Jaxon. I saw it on someones facebook, loved the spelling and there ya go! Thanks for asking!
Comment
Hello Sharli!
I’ve always loved romance for one, but over the last couple of years paranormal is what I gravitaed too…..time travel just seemed to be something fun to try!
Comment
I have question that I’ve never asked any other author.
Did you ever get less than a C grade in any English/Writing course you ever took(including high school)? And if so did you think about that at all when you decided to be come a writer?
Love the sounds of this book. I am adding it to my TBB list.
Comment
Hello Beth! LOL, I love your question! And no, luckily school and I were great friends. English and History being my fave subjects! I was pretty much an A/B student and was going to pursue a career in broadcast journalism, but decided against University in order to tour Canada with an all girl rock band!
I think that most writers have it inside, some might need to be schooled, to learn structure and technique. For some, like myself, it kinda flowed naturally.
Comment
Ok, ask any question. Ok I’ll try to be different. Was your husband your first love?
Zina
Comment
Opps forgot the send part. If so was it love at first sight and if not how did you know he was the one?
Zina
Comment
Hello Zina! My husband was the first and only person I wanted to marry, so yes, he was it for me! It was pretty much instant!
Comment
This sounds like it is going to be the start of a great series. Congrats!
My question: Do you get to decide the title of the book or it is the publisher’s decision? BTW, I like the title! Also, do you have a say in the cover art? Its Yummy!
Comment
Tamsyn, great question. For this particular book the title is mine, they liked it and all was good. That’s not always the case. For my single title coming out in April, His Darkest Hunger, the original title was Dark Revenge….I brainstormed with my editor and some friends and this was what we came up with! A lot has to do with marketing!
The cover was designed by the very talented Natalie Winters…I filled out a cover sheet and she nailed my characters to the T!!!!
Comment
Hi Juliana, In your Jaguar Warrior series, how many books do you have planned?
Comment
not sure if it was asked but do you have any input on ur book covers i know some do some dont just courious and
what else can we expect from you in the future sincethis is ur first booke
Comment
Hi I was wondering if you have any tattoos? I love riding motorcycles…do by any chance ride?
Congrats on the books and good luck getting the rest done. I love series. If not a series I wish every book had at least an epolouge…like a few years later. Thanks for the contest. Look forward to reading your series.
Comment
Your book sounds great.
If you could time travel once where/when would you go?
Comment
Are any of your characters based on real people? If so,do the people know?
Comment
Good evening, Juliana.
What is your opinion on book trailers? Do you think they help in book sales?
Thanks.
Comment
Cathy M, glad u asked! I have four books planned…but am hoping if the series does well I can keep writing! There are three Castille Brothers, Jaxon, Jagger and Julian (what can I say, I have a thing for J, my kids name is Jake too!) I have a character Declan who needs his own book too….and then there is Nico, Azaiel…. one can hope!
Comment
Beverly, each of my publishers have art departments and amazing artists. I give input but most of the work is up to them!
As for the future, I hope to tell all five sisters stories in this Black Opals series as well as continue with more books in my Jaguar warrior series
Comment
Patti C, I’ve been waiting for this question and I actually have two answers. One, I’d love to live in New Orleans on a plantation, pre civil war as long as I was rich of course and had a hawt husband!
I’d also love to go back to the 60′s and hang out with Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin….that would be heaven!
Comment
Leni, the hero in Black Legacy, Dekkar James is based on Nikki Sixx. I love him…love him…but, I don’t think Nikki would know of my far away longing!
Comment
Tracey D, I think book trailers are very cool. My hubby is making one for my Avon release, His Darkest Hunger…I think they can be a great marketing tool…to get you name out there, maybe stir some interest…that being said I suppose it’s hard to know if they result in actual sales!
Comment
Who is your favorite paranormal author? Who do you enjoy reading?
Comment
I loved the Twilight series. Have you read it and if so what did you think? Would you ever be interested in having one of your books made into a movie?
Comment
Does your family read your books? If so what do they think of your books?
Congrats of the book!!
Comment
Hi Tammy! I have several authors I enjoy reading, but if I had to choose it would be Christine Feehan. She is THE reason I fell in love with paranormal. I burned through her Carpathian series a few years back….I had the pleasure of meeting her and it was a thrill!
Comment
Hey Terri! I read all the Twilight Books and enjoyed them a lot. It certainly takes you back to when you were a teen and that first blossoming love! As far as having a book made into a movie,well that would be awesome!
Comment
Hi Carol! My mom is a huge reader but is waiting until release to actually read my work! I’ve had advanced copies of my print book for Avon but she wants to wait until she can go to the store and buy it! I’ve had a few freinds read my stuff….I have a YA I’m working on though and my son is reading it! Honestly, its still weird to me that people are reading my words! Weird and wonderful!
Comment
What all genres do you write? Your book cover is very hot I love the tattoo’s on the man. Does your husband have any tattoo’s? Do you have any more books planned besides this series?
Comment
Hey Sherry! I write paranormal romance and am working on a few paranormal YA projects! I’d love to write historicals but would totally suck….and no, hubby has no tattoos…and there are 4 more stories planned! thanks for stopping by.
Comment
Hi Juliana. The story sounds suspenseful and promises to be packed with action. I’m also intrigued by the heroine and the fact she belongs to family of powerful and protective women. Where did you get the inspiration, and though each book in the series is connected, are they stand alone?
Comment
Hey Armenia, glad to see you slipped by! Frankie is one kick ass chick for sure…I’ve always been attracted to strong women, so that was a no brainer! And, yes each story continues with a different sister, they’re defintiely connected but can totally stand alone!
Comment
Hi! Congrats on your release
Will we get to see these characters have kids in the future? Will we get to revisit these characters in the future? Do your characters stay with you after you have finished their stories?
Thanks!
Comment
Hi Becky Jean! These characers will make appearances in the upcoming books….the series revolves around sisters and they’re very close!
Comment
Hi Juliana
LOVE the excerpt for Black Legacy. The scene between Frankie Black and the homeless guy in New York city is soo cute.
If you could time travel where and what time would you like to travel to?
Comment
hey Mina! well just like my character, I’d like to travel back in time…either pre civil war Louisiana or the 60s
Comment
I like the idea, cool!
Comment
I will tell my friends about this. I think everyone should read this. It is really very nice to visit this blog, It has got all the important and informative stuff that i wanted to know. Keep the good work going with such great spirit…