Author Interview: R B Austin

Before I get to the interview, I have a couple of announcements. First, the wonderful T. F. Walsh, author of Cloaked in Fur, allowed me to take over her blog today. Click here if you would like to read five random facts about me, including why I don’t know my own horoscope sign anymore. Also, on Mismatched Books, Melissa interviewed me about my first novel, A Woman Lost.

Since I haven’t reviewed Fallen Redemption on my blog yet, here’s the synopsis:

Cade committed himself to saving lives before he learned the full consequences of his life-altering decision. It wasn’t until he was tending his sick wife that he learned the enormity of what he’d done and he was unable to save her from the monster he had become. Consumed with guilt and praying for absolution, he threw himself into killing every Fallen he could find to save the humans he’d sworn to protect. But then Emma, deliciously mortal and completely forbidden, swept into his world, stirring an overpowering desire. Now he’s not only fighting soulless creatures, but also his inner cravings, trying to maintain his distance and continue on his path to forgiveness. He can’t afford to lose control again and sacrifice another love.

Now onto the interview. R B Austin was kind enough to stop by today for a chat. I recently read her novel, Fallen Redemption, and enjoyed it. The review will be coming soon. But first, please welcome R B.

Thanks so much chatting with me today. Fallen Redemption revolves around Cade, a member of the Trihune. Can you tell us more about who and what they are?

I’m so glad to be here, TB! Thank you for this opportunity to speak to your readers.

The Trihune are a group of supernatural beings that were created to protect humans from Apollyon and his Fallen—soulless monsters who prey on the weak.

There are three different species of the Trihune. Fallen Redemption deals with the Behnshmas, or Behns for short. The Behns were once human. Each month they receive blood from their sire. This blood gives them an immortal life, unnatural strength, and greater eyesight; all the means necessary to protect humans.

Cade is a brooder. Can you tell us more about him and why he can’t forget the past? How does that shape the story?

LOL, yes Cade might benefit from a bit Prozac. 🙂 Just kidding. …Well, maybe not.

Before Cade was turned into a Behn, he had a wonderful life; two daughters, another child on the way, and a wife that he loved. Then he made one mistake and everything around him changed.

Cade carried this guilt into his new life as a Behn. He wanted nothing but redemption for his sins, though believed he doesn’t deserve it. Cade must find the strength to let go in order to gain what he needs.

Were you nervous writing a paranormal novel? What steps did you take to make yours original and not just a rehash of other novels?

Nervous? Absolutely not. I love paranormal romances.

I was actually sitting in church when I envisioned this series about five years ago. The Trihune’s philosophy, their reason for existing, came to me and it just kind of took off from there. I didn’t worry too much about making sure my “vampires” were original. The Behn’s traits, my characters, are based on who they are , who I see in my head and not what other authors’ vampires may or may not be.

How many novels will be in the series? Do you have them all plotted out or just a general idea?

At this point, I don’t know how many books there will be, although I can vision at least three more. The next three have been loosely plotted, though nothing is set in stone. One character in particularly is not too talkative right now. I do have the end of the series plotted out, though. Whether that is book four or ten, only time, and members of the Trihune, will tell.

Emma is not your typical woman in distress. How did you make her more unique and not a cardboard cutout female character?

I strived to make Cade and Emma as real to my readers as they are to me. I wrote intensive notes about each of them before I started writing. When I was finished I was able to put them into any conversation, real or story world, and see, know, how they would respond.

How long will readers have to wait for the next book in the series?

I’m in the midst of writing book two. I don’t have a publication date yet, but readers can keep in touch with my progress on my Facebook page.

Are you working on any other projects?

Along with writing book two of the Trihune series, I’m in the process of editing a supernatural young adult novel.

What do you do for fun?

I love to read paranormal romances and supernatural young adult novels. Ha, go figure. 🙂 I also knit. I’m working on a sweater for my dog right now. I’m a super slooow knitter. I’ve been trying to finish this thing for the past two winters. My goal is to have it completed before March 2014. …We’ll see.

Since Christmas will be here soon, what’s the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received?

Books are always my favorite gift.  Every year when I was little, I’d receive a large box filled to the brim with new books. I was in heaven.

Thank you so much for hosting me, TB. I loved the questions. They were fun!

When I’m not writing, reading, or trying to keep my dog warm readers can find me at the following places.

Website: www.rbaustin.com

Blog: www.2unpublishedgirls.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/authorrbaustin

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorrbaustin