Can you tell us a little bit about your book? When did it come out? Where can we get it?
Old Town Nights is
the first novel in my “Blood & Company” series, about a tribe of
vampire-human hybrids living in Chicago.
In Book One, I introduce the Slater family, who owns two popular
bakeries and “doesn’t mind staying up all night.” The evolving love story between Ambrose
Slater and Abby Lawrence, a regular woman, comprises most of the book, with
some background on other members of the colorful Slater clan. Ambrose is conflicted about whether to force
Abby to spend the rest of her life with him or to release her from her
“addiction.” Abby is torn between
embracing the vampire lifestyle or giving up the only man she’s ever loved.
The novel came out in mid-July and is available as an e-book
on Amazon.
Is there anything that
prompted your latest book ? Something that inspired you?
The idea for Old Town
Nights grew out of a spooky, windy evening spent in Lincoln Park a few days
before Halloween. My husband and I had gone
to a costume party, he as a vampire and I as his “unsuspecting victim.” As we strolled the darkened streets, heading
for our friends’ apartment, we saw a lot of “vampires” out and about…and it
struck me: What if some of these other costumed people were the “real deal”?
Then I started thinking: What if they lived and worked among
us, seemingly ordinary, normal people—but they weren’t? What would they do? How would they try to “blend in?” When I answered those questions, my
characters were born. I wrote a short
story first, which placed in a contest, and then turned the story into a
novel. I had no idea that the novel
would spawn three more books in the series.
So, when did you know you
wanted to write? Or has it always been a pastime of yours?
My mother said that I was born with a vivid imagination—that
I started inventing stories and make-believe friends at about the age of
three. (My first fictional characters,
no doubt!) I was reading by the time I
turned five, and I loved the sound and feel of words. As soon as I picked up a pen I began to
write, entertaining my classmates with tall tales. I pecked out my first novel on my mom’s
manual typewriter over a lonely summer when I was twelve. So, yes, I’d have to say that writing has
always been a part of who I am.
Do you have any favorite authors?
My favorite romance author used to be LaVyrle Spencer, but
she retired from writing in 1997. After
that I latched onto Nora Roberts and Jennifer Crusie. For paranormal, I enjoy J.R. Ward, Kerrelyn
Sparks, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and more Nora.
For a bit of horror, I favor Dean Koontz and Stephen King. I like Belva Plain’s family sagas and John
Jakes’ historical sagas. Of course, I’ve
enjoyed many other authors as well. I’ve
read Jane Austen’s novels more times than I can count over the years!
Do you write in a specific place? Time of
day?
I accustomed myself to writing whenever I could because I
always worked at a regular job. Now,
however, I like to devote morning and early afternoon to writing and the latter
part of the day to social media and marketing.
Although I occasionally write longhand in a notebook, most of the time
you can find me at my computer…ruminating and typing!
Are there any words you'd like to impart
to fellow writers? Any advice?
Be true to yourself and your vision for your story. Write what you want to write and what you
like to read most, but read in different genres. Learn your craft: not just writing technique,
but grammar and punctuation skills as well.
Find some trusted beta readers or a critique partner for feedback. Become the best writer you can be and never
stop trying to improve. Mostly, have
fun! If you don’t truly enjoy what you
do, it will show in your work.
Here is the blurb for Old Town Nights.
Old Town, Chicago:
Hub of culture, history, and home to a family of modern-day vampires that have
resided there for over a century…
Abby Lawrence is a successful North Side realtor. When she shows a house to Ambrose Slater, of
the renowned Slater’s Bakeries, she has no idea she’s about to become “addicted
to love.” Unable to resist him, Abby is
drawn to the handsome but sensitive hybrid vampire, who is a powerful mortal
despite his vulnerability. As she
witnesses the deterioration of his brother Stefan’s marriage to Heather, a
regular woman like herself, Abby must decide if she can embrace the vampire
lifestyle or give up the only man she’s ever loved. And Ambrose must choose whether to risk
losing Abby’s love or setting her free, even if it kills him…
Old Town Nights is
the story of two species of human beings who need one another in a special,
intimate way. Added to the mix are the
quirks of their colorful families, the rigors of operating a bakery, and the
challenges of fitting into today’s ever-changing world.
Here is an excerpt from
Old Town Nights.
The receptionist poked her head in
the door. “Your four o’clock is here,
Abby,” she said. Then, more softly, “You
won’t believe it when you see him.”
“Thanks, Iris.”
Rising from her desk, Abby smoothed
the wrinkles from her pale linen pants, paused to tuck an errant strand of hair
back into place, and then walked out to greet Mr. Slater.
Lincolnshire Real Estate catered to
a high-end clientele. She worked with
all kinds of rich and influential people.
Abby had seen diamonds the size of marbles, Armani suits, and fur coats
in July—but never had she seen the likes of the man who waited for her in the
outer office.
He stood around six-two, was well
built, and was wearing sunglasses—very dark sunglasses. Oddly enough, he was dressed in a
long-sleeved black shirt and pants, relieved only by a blue silk tie. Although parted in the center and brushed
back from his forehead, his sable hair was long enough to be combed behind his
ears. His skin was fairer than hers (he
probably fried in the sun, too) and he had the most unusual mouth, rather full
and sensual for a man. When his lips
curved in a slight smile, her heart sped up, pulsing in her throat.
She moved forward and extended her
had. “Mr. Slater? I’m Abby Lawrence.”
“Please, call me Ambrose,” he said.
Although his fingers felt cool,
Abby felt instantly warmed by his touch.
He removed his sunglasses and she looked into eyes as dark and vast as
the cosmos. At the same time, his gaze
settled on her as gently as night descending over the Chicago Skyline.
“I’m pleased to meet
you…Ambrose. Tell me, are you one of the
Slater’s from those famous bakeries
around town?”
“One and the same,” he said, still
smiling his sensual smile. “I’m sorry to
be tying up your Friday evening, but it’s the only free time I have.”
Abby waved a hand. “Oh, I work late most evenings. Let me get my purse, and we can go. I have several appointments set up on some
properties that might interest you.”
One of her associates did a double
take when she spotted Mr. Slater. Iris
raised dubious eyebrows as Abby walked by.
In her office, Abby had to stop and take a few deep breaths. She recalled, suddenly, how she’d liked his
voice on the phone. It sounded soft and
smooth, and he’d seemed so polite. She
had no idea he would be so devastatingly handsome, or so different, in a
strangely appealing way.
Author Bio
I live in Denver, Colorado, with my husband Tim—the artist
that illustrated my book covers—and our sweet dog, Bart. Over the years I’ve taught creative writing
classes, hosted a writers group, and written a variety of contemporary romances
with a paranormal twist.
Currently, I have two novels published on Amazon, Elsewhere and Old Town Nights, with the second book in the “Blood & Company”
series to follow in October.
Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/author/williamslindalee
Website: http://www.lindaleewilliams.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/williamslindal
