Interview with author Eilis Flynn

Ellora’s Cave Feature Month

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Reader’s Edyn

Interview with author Eilis Flynn

What’s up peeps? I am continuing my Ellora’s Cave Feature Month today. Remember, the author may have been previously published with EC or is currently published with EC. Either way you will be learning an awful lot about the Ellora’s Cave authors this month. I hope you will continue to join us for this exciting adventure! You are sure to find it very entertaining! So let’s get on with it!

My next EC author is Eilis Flynn. Here is her bio from the EC website.

**BIO**

Eilis Flynn has spent a large share of her life working on Wall Street or in a Wall Street-related firm, so why should she write fiction that's any less based in our world? She spends her days aware that there is a reality beyond what we can see - and tells stories about it for Cerridwen Press. Published in other genres, she lives in verdant Washington state with her equally fantastical husband and spoiled rotten cats.

Please help me welcome:

**EILIS  FLYNN**

**INTERVIEW**

Please explain your history with Wall Street. Has that experience translated to your books in any way?

I’ve always said that working on Wall Street has a lot in common with writing fantasy, because neither are based in the real world. And it’s true!

Interesting Correlation! You also write YA. What changes between writing erotica and switching gears to YA?

My EC books were originally published under the Cerridwen line, so they’re actually not erotic romance! And my YA wasn’t originally written as a YA, oddly enough. That decision was made by the publisher.

I didn’t realize publishers would change genres. Nice to know. How has your life changed since becoming published?

My life hasn’t changed a great deal. When I submit manuscripts, though, sometimes my work gets looked at faster than before! I still get rejected, but at least it’s quicker. Sometimes.

The glamorous life of a published author, right? *grins* What is your typical day like?

I get up at the crack of dawn and look at what I have to do during the day at the Day Job. Then after the Day Job, I go home and work on my own stuff! Sometimes it’s the writing itself, sometimes it’s promotional material, sometimes it’s other forms of freelance. There’s always something to do! I also have to work in exercise and cooking a healthy dinner, if my hands are up for it (I have carpal tunnel in both hands). Never a dull moment in the Flynn household!

Good Lawd! Must make is difficult to work and write. You sound extremely busy! Was there something in particular that gave you the idea for Introducing Sonika?

Just like when I was ten, I decided I wanted to read something that hadn’t been written, which in this case was a comic-book superheroine adventure romance. So I did! Fastest I ever wrote a book. The story basically formed overnight.

Ah to be talented an able to plot in a day … I wish! What is your favorite thing about Introducing Sonika?

The favorite thing about my book Introducing Sonika is that I come from a comic book background – I was a geek long before it was in vogue – so writing about a super-heroine brought me back to those roots. I had fun breaking down the genre and working in the traditional details of the super-hero origin story. And the hot guy she has to protect, who has strengths of his own!

How cool that you can interweave aspects that you enjoy in life into the stories you write. Any upcoming projects you would like to tell us about?

I’m working on a story right now about a woman trapped in a fifth-dimensional space and what the guy who’s falling in love with her has to do to get her out..

Nice! How do you keep in contact with your readers?

I’m on Twitter as eilisflynn, on Facebook as eilisflynn, and I blog at blogspot and LJ occasionally, and once a month at Otherworlddiner.blogspot.com.

Twitter

Facebook

Blogspot

Website

Other World  Dinner

What’s next for Eilis Flynn?

Hand surgery! I’d love to get back to a more regular writing schedule, but right now I’m waiting to schedule some surgery.

Sheesh! I wish you the best and a speedy recovery! When did you begin your journey as an author and what pulled you in the direction of writing?

Like so many other authors, I started to write when I realized a story I read just didn’t end the way I thought it should have. The first time I decided to do something about that, I think I was ten. I wrote a play. I wrote my first novel when I was fifteen. A lot of drama went into it, I assure you.

How do you celebrate when you finish a novel?

I celebrate finishing a novel by reading one! I read, basically, for my dayjob (I’m an editor), so when I finish my own writing project, reading someone else’s work that I don’t have to rework is a real treat.

So always reading or writing then? Check. What are you reading now? Any favorites you tend to go back to?

The Forsyte Chronicles. The Riddlemaster of Hed. Right now I’m reading The Fallen Queen by Jane Kindred.

Any advice you’d like to share for aspiring writers?

You can’t sell a book if you don’t finish it.

There be truth in that there statement! *nods* What is one thing you know now that you wish you had known when you first started writing?

We’re always told that we should write what’s in our hearts, but it’s an unfortunate truth that if what’s in our hearts isn’t what’s selling, the chances of selling that book of our heart is relatively dim.

*shudders* Not a good thought, but I suppose I can see the truth in it. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and who would you meet?

Thomas Jefferson, in between all of his activities!

Salty or Sweet?

Sweet!

Alcoholic or Non-alcoholic?

Non-alcoholic.

What is your favorite drink?

Ice water.

What is your favorite holiday?

Girls’ Day (it’s a Japanese holiday).

Really? Awesome! Favorite place you have ever visited?

The Cloisters, in upper Manhattan.

Favorite childhood memory?

Waking up early and seeing the sun rise.

I agree – although mornings are my enemy these days. That dang sun seems to show up as soon as my head hits the pillow. But beautiful none-the-less. Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?

“Wherever you go, there you are.” ­ —Buckaroo Banzai

Bahahaha! I have loved that one since I was in grade school! And so true! Boxers or briefs?

I wear neither. Oh, that’s not what you meant? Sorry. Briefs.

*snort* A bit of snark in you. I can appreciate that. M&M’s or Skittles?

Oh, M&Ms. There’s chocolate involved!

Absolutely! E-reader or Paperback?

Oh, e-reader, definitely!

Long hair or short hair on a guy?

I have a tendency to mutter, “Get a haircut!”

So … long hair then? LOL Do you have any hidden talents?

I can wiggle my ears.

Round of applause! Don’t know many that can do that one. Caffeine or decaf?

Oh, caffeine, a gift from the aliens!

That was extremely generous of them, wasn’t it? Caffeine – one of the basic food groups. *nods* Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

Since I avoid people, I’d have to say introvert!

Same here. I much prefer my virtual presence. *smirk* Are you a night person or morning person?

I’m a crack o’ dawn person usually.

I want to thank Ms. Flynn for appearing today and for taking the time to answer my questions. Ms. Flynn has several books out with a few different publishing companies. If you visit her blog at the link included in the interview, you can check them all out. But for today, I would like to share a few of her Ellora’s Cave titles with you.

**ECHOES  OF  PASSION**

 **BLURB**

Neotia Prime… The home world of the Neoti and the Vozuans was destroyed by a doomsday device twenty years ago, but the troubles and unrest that led to the event still plague those who resettled on the twin planet.

When Daegon Bosaru arrives on the unnamed world, determined to uncover who is out to smear his dying father’s good name, he discovers that the tragedies of that civil war still haunt those who remain. Not only that, the mysterious, beautiful woman he’s been seeing in his dreams over the past twenty years may have information he needs. But when he finally meets Imreen Dal in the flesh, she seems not to know him—and furthermore, she runs from him every time she encounters him. Why?

Rumors persist that the crazed dictator who set off the doomsday device may still be alive…with fresh plans for conquest. Bosaru needs to find out how his father, the mysterious Imreen and the madman are related…and stop another world from being destroyed.

  

**INTRODUCING  SONIKA**

 **BLURB**

 If you had the power to save the world, what would make you give it up?

Trained by her parents to use her abilities to fight criminals, Sonya Penn gave it all up after her parents were killed by their archenemy, Gentlemen Geoffrey, turning away from what would have been her life as a superheroine.

And yet, when she finds herself drawn to scientist John Arlen, his thirst for revenge against the criminal who murdered his father forces her to confront her choices. She could let herself fall in love with this man, who has secrets he seems unwilling to reveal to her. Or she could finally take up the mission her parents intended her to pursue — even if it means his death or hers.

**EXCERPT**

“Wait,” he heard himself saying.

She stopped and turned. “What?”

He didn’t know what he was doing, but he did it anyway. He reached over and kissed her on the lips. “Good luck.”

She smiled, as sweet as the kiss itself. “Thanks.” She spun and started off across the rooftop, her footsteps noiseless. In the dusk, she looked like a panther stalking her prey as she disappeared into the darkness.

Right now, he wouldn’t want to cross her.

He made his way along to the corner of the rooftop and looked down at the ground, where a man was approaching the entrance. He was stopped by the goon at the door, where there appeared to be a conversation, and then he entered.

Arlen heard a scurry and saw Sonya shinny down the side of the building, hanging by her rope. He watched her pause at a window.

Ordinarily, that wouldn’t have made him nervous. What did put him on edge was the fact she was hanging upside down as she did it.

More practice, my ass, he mused again. He could barely walk and she didn’t find it unusual to be walking upside down the side of a building.

More and more men approached the entrance as he watched, and more and more were allowed in. Only twice were those who approached turned away. From the gestures he saw, he concluded they didn’t have the ID the goon at the gate was looking for—was it an invitation? But they went away without a word.

Thieves had better manners than football fans.

Something moved at the edge of his vision and he looked in that direction. Sonya had apparently gotten tired of hanging upside down. She was now walking on the side of the building, looking like a Native American traversing a path in the woods. Welcome to the Leatherstocking Tales, modern version.

The trickle of visitors to the warehouse eventually slowed as the hum of activity rose to a dull roar inside. He lost sight of his partner in trespass, first with the deepening darkness and then when she turned the corner. She still had the rope, though it was unfurling, little by little, as she went farther from the spot where it was anchored.

What lesson was that from her parents? Rule One Thousand Five Hundred Thirty-Four, How to Perform Reconnaissance? Had she ever learned whatever it was that little girls learned from their mothers—knitting or sewing or cooking or whatever? He couldn’t imagine it. That would have been too surreal. Superhero by night, happy homemaker by day.

The roar got louder. As he watched, the doors down below burst open and the attendees poured out, weapons drawn, shouting.

“Who was that?” he made out. “The guards up on the roof! Where are the guards up on the roof?”

John withdrew hastily, looking around. This was not good. “Sonya! Sonya?”

No answer. He heard the clang of the ladder, the shriek of rusted metal grinding against itself. That had to be the attendees, and it wasn’t that far up to the top. “Sone!” he finally called out. Where was she?

He heard “What the hell?” Then a shout. Then many shouts.

“We’re getting out of here!” rang out a familiar voice.

Her silhouette appeared at the top of the ladder. She was kicking down, one by one, whoever came up the ladder, almost daintily. But she couldn’t keep it up forever.

He looked around. The ladder was the only way down, except for the locked exit leading down to the warehouse itself. There wasn’t anything on the rooftop to jam the door closed—

Yes! It was a cylinder of what looked like tarpaper, probably left there by roofers to ready the surface for the coming winter, along with a pile of roofing equipment. He hurried over and tried to pull it. It didn’t budge. Finally, he began to push it toward the door, trying to block the entrance.

He heard the rattle of keys on the other side of the locked door. He had to hurry. He gritted his teeth as he pushed, ignoring the pain shooting up his leg and then the twinge when he stumbled. Finally, the cylinder of tarpaper rolled and hit just as the door was cracking open, and he guessed by the shouts their would-be pursuers were knocked off their feet.

That wouldn’t hold them for long. Sonya was going to tire. She wasn’t used to holding off scores of thugs, no matter how much she could do. Once he was satisfied the cylinder wasn’t going to move and the door was wedged closed, he ran to Sonya and looked down.

Even thugs knew when to go around. She was fending them off, but he guessed by the way they were running they had figured out another way.

He heard the clang of metal again, but this one was new. What was it? He limped to the blind side of the building, the side he had assumed was safe because it was smooth, without a ladder.

No, not safe. It was too close to the building next door, which had an emergency ladder. They were scrambling up that ladder, and would, sooner or later, try to jump across.

Some of them wouldn’t make it. But some of them would.

“Got any ideas?” he shouted to Sonya. They were surrounded and sooner or later they would have guests. He had his own rope and he had grappling hooks—they could be used as weapons if need be—but that was all, since Sonya had persuaded him not to carry his grandfather’s Enfield.

Five minutes, tops, that was about all they had. That was his estimate for himself but Sonya could beat them off longer, though she too would tire eventually.

But she didn’t seem concerned. She kicked off one last attacker and then turned to him. “Get ready to do what I tell you.”

“What do you have in mind?”

“I’m waiting for one of the idiots across the way to start shooting,” she answered calmly.

The banging had stopped on the exit door. He didn’t like that. “What are you talking about?”

“I just need—”

A shot rang out.

Buy Links

Ellora’s Cave        Amazon        Barnes and Noble

So what do you think? If you liked those blurbs, or you want to know more about Ms. Flynn, please visit her website. And if you are interested in the books, support these awesome authors and buy their books. You can find out more about the mentioned Ellora’s Cave titles by clicking here: Eilis Flynn.

I hope you all enjoyed getting to know a bit about Ms. Flynn and her EC titles. Please feel free to leave a comment or question for Ms. Flynn in the comment section below. We love hearing what you think and finding out what you want to know! AND Ms. Flynn has generously offered a digital copy of INTRODUCING SONIKA to one lucky commenter. Just fill out the Rafflecopter form to be entered!

**DA  RULEZ**

One commenter will be drawn at random to receive a digital copy of INTRODUCING SONIKA, by Eilis Flynn. Must be 18 or older to enter. Contest open to international so  long as you have a valid e-mail address! Reader’s Edyn and participating author are NOT responsible for lost or damaged items. Anyone may be disqualified at any time so be sure to follow directions to avoid disqualification. No substitutions allowed. Contest ends July 1^st at midnight MST. That means you will have through June 30^th to enter. When the clock strikes midnight on the 1^st, the contest will be over. Winner will be contacted by e-mail. Winner will have 48 hours to respond, or a new winner will be chosen. Odds of wining depend on the number of entries received. Be forewarned! *serious face* Those who enter and do not follow the tasks properly will have their entries removed. *peers closer* Don’t say I didn’t warn you. I. Will. Check. Them. Not trying to be a pain, Sorry.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time …

HAPPY READING!!!