GRACIE: I’m excited to have you here at The G-Spot, Brynna! Please tell us a little about yourself (or a lot J) and how and when you got into writing?
BRYNNA: Hi, Gracie. I’m thrilled to be here! I was born in Russellville, Alabama, but I
moved around all over the south, always the new kid. After my parents divorced, we finally landed
in Haleyville, Alabama. I married my high school sweetheart Jackie and we settled
in the rural area of Haleyville near Bear Creek with our son and two daughters.
It’s quiet here and always very green in the summer with all the trees on our
property. The dense forests and rolling countryside make great inspiration for
my paranormal romance and suspense novel
GRACIE: Is there any one thing or person in your life that
inspired your writing? Any one thing or person that influenced the genre you
write in?
BRYNNA: I can’t
remember a specific event that triggered the writing bug. It was more a gradual
thing evolving out of a difficult childhood. Domestic violence was an everyday occurrence in
my home as a child. My parents fought constantly. Books were my sanctuary. I can remember
locking me and my little sister in the closet and reading to her very loudly to
block them out. My Aunt Brenda impressed
on me at a very young age that reading was important. I started making up my own stories, embracing
my wild imagination. Brenda was the first person I trusted with my story worlds
and she encouraged me to keep at it.
I love all things spooky, so my writing took a decidedly paranormal bent. Still, I just couldn’t write romance. At the time, happy endings didn’t exist in my world. Once I was old enough to read romances, each one I picked up featured wilting wallflower heroines endlessly waiting for some hero to step in and save them. It annoyed me. I wanted them to be strong, to save themselves and maybe their hero too. I mean, what was wrong with that? I guess I couldn’t identify with those characters because I’m a take charge kind of girl.
I love all things spooky, so my writing took a decidedly paranormal bent. Still, I just couldn’t write romance. At the time, happy endings didn’t exist in my world. Once I was old enough to read romances, each one I picked up featured wilting wallflower heroines endlessly waiting for some hero to step in and save them. It annoyed me. I wanted them to be strong, to save themselves and maybe their hero too. I mean, what was wrong with that? I guess I couldn’t identify with those characters because I’m a take charge kind of girl.
After I’d read through the mysteries, suspense, fantasy
books at the library, the librarian suggested a Nora Roberts book with mystery
elements. I chose Sea Swept off the
shelf. I remember thinking this is a romance novel? Written heavily in the
hero’s point of view? Anna is so
strong. Cam didn’t ‘lord’ over her as if
she was incapable of doing anything (included thinking) for herself. And I
thought, this is what I want to write but let’s throw in witches, vampires and
shifters.
GRACIE: When did you get The Call and what was your first
published book?
BRYNNA: The call was an email from Lyrical Press, Inc. offering a contract for Earth Enchanted. After careful consideration, I signed in May of 2009. I absolutely love working with the staff at Lyrical and Piper (my editor) is the greatest. I’ve been through some extremely tough spots over the last few years. Both she and Renee have gone above and beyond for me. I have a new piece almost ready for submission and three others waiting in the wings. Piper will get the ‘first look’ because I respect and trust her opinion. Two things I give to a very rare few.
GRACIE: What do you know now about writing and the
publishing industry that you wish you’d known before you started?
BRYNNA: You need the patience of a saint and skin thicker than molasses in January to survive. Never stop trying to learn something new and always pay it forward. Don’t expect anyone to help you, but be that person who reaches out to help others.
GRACIE: Please, give us a little story behind the story and
what inspired your series, Elemental Magic?
BRYNNA: Elemental
Magic was inspired by a weird dream. In that shadowy realm of sleep, I saw a
beautiful sorceress in drowning rain standing inside a stone dance casting a
spell. Her lover fought to get through the barrier to stop her. The dream became the prologue for Earth
Enchanted. Sadly, the material was cut in editing which made for a lot of
confusion at first. I was able to add bits and pieces throughout the series
that helped shed light on the Corrigans’ history. The dream inspired four of the books in the
series, but Fire’s Ice is fan inspired.
From the first book, Devin’s character took on a life of his
own. With each story, his role changed and he grew into a better person. In the
beginning, there were only four planned books. Fans loved Dev so much, that I
knew I would have to give him his happy ending too.
GRACIE: For Devin McLoch of Fire’s Ice, what do you believe
is his Achilles’ heel and how do you go about stomping it?
BRYNNA: Devin’s one true weakness is his family. They are
also his greatest strength. He loves them fiercely and will do anything to
protect those in his charge. Rather than
eliminate it, I prefer to indulge his weakness. His caring nature balances out
all that wicked power. *wink*
GRACIE: In Sea’s Sorceress, what do you think it is that
makes Skye Corrigan a perfect match for Rhiannon O'Malley and vice versa?
BRYNNA: Skye is used
to having women chase him. His stunning looks and flirty nature naturally
attract attention. Rhiannon brings his ego back down to earth. She takes care
of her family, even though the emotional toll is beginning to affect her
physically. They balance each other. He
brings Rhia out of her shell indulging the naughty streak she keeps buried,
while Rhia encourages his better qualities and supports his art.
GRACIE: What do you find appealing about the story themes of
healing and redemption that seem to be prevalent for your characters throughout
your Elemental Magic series?
BRYNNA: No one is
without flaws. Our flaws and individuality makes us who we are. Imagine how
boring the world would be if everyone was exactly the same. My characters are
wonderfully flawed. They hurt, feel, love and make mistakes with the same
passion we all do. There is a desire to be more, to seek redemption for past
sins in all of us. Overcoming the road blocks I set in their path challenges
the character to grow and change and most importantly they breathe. It makes
them human.
GRACIE: Of all the stories you’ve written, which is your
favorite and why?
BRYNNA: Fire’s Ice –
because it’s the most magical and it’s Devin’s story. I love the others too,
but I find myself rereading Fire over and over.
GRACIE: I know this is like asking a mother which is her
favorite child, but which of your characters is your favorite and why?
BRYNNA: Devin McLoch, always. He speaks the loudest to me,
maybe because of his background, his magic or perhaps just his kindness and
fiercely protective nature. We have a lot in common (well, except the magic
lol). Even when I thought it was time
for him to fade into the background, Dev kept popping up where I least expected
him. He is a just wicked enough to be fun.
GRACIE: What is your favorite aspect of the writing process? Your least favorite?
BRYNNA: Spinning the webs that will become stories. I can’t really think of anything I don’t find
appealing about writing except being interrupted in the middle of a scene.
GRACIE: Are you a pantser or do you outline?
BRYNNA: When it comes
to the actual writing I am a pantser. I know where I am going, but the
characters lead me. As long as we end up where I want, it’s all good. That
said, I do plan ahead specific story points that must be included if the book
is part of a series. But those points
stay in my head. I loathe making outlines. Guess I’m just too impatient for
those. My characters are like real people to me, so I don’t need notes to
remember things about them. I just know who they are and that works for me.
GRACIE: If you weren’t a writer, what other profession would
you have chosen to pursue?
BRYNNA: I would want to be in law enforcement, or maybe a
private investigator.
GRACIE: Who are some of your favorite authors and why? Name
some of your favorite books and why they’re your favorites.
BRYNNA: Sherrilyn Kenyon is my favorite author, but I love
to read Nora Roberts, Hannah Howell, Julie Garwood, Jayne Ann Krentz and many
others. SK’s Dark-Hunters are addictive. ACHERON is my favorite book by her,
but I’m anxiously awaiting the release of STYXX.
GRACIE: I adored ACHERON too! What are you working on now
and what should readers be looking forward to from you in the future?
BRYNNA: I’m putting the finishing touches on a rewrite that
will be the beginning of a new suspense series. Claiming Ana brings together
veterinarian/witch Ana Brannon and private investigator/werewolf Howl Raven and
introduces readers to a new cast of characters. Their attraction is instant and
red hot, but Howl discovers he may have found more than his mate. Ana may be
the one witch who can cure him of his curse. Amidst their personal battles,
Howl is digging into dangerous territory with his work for Chief Cade Murphy.
Cade and his brothers are determined to find their father’s killer and doing so
will risk everything they hold dear.
I love stories with strong male leads. The Murphys of Triple Star (http://triplestarranchseries.blogspot.com/)
are both dangerous and delicious and I think readers will enjoy watching them
fall while searching for the answers they seek.
On the paranormal side of the coin are the Shadow books. Shadows of Seven (http://shadowsofsevenseries.blogspot.com/)
is the continuance of Elemental Magic (http://elementalmagicseries.blogspot.com/)
Beginning with Charm of Light (http://shadowsofsevenseries.blogspot.com/)
readers will step into a very deadly future with Allaina Corrigan. As she
begins to discover the true reach of her powers, vampire Kail McKenna joins her
to fight those of his kind. Together, they will search for and train the other
charms.
I’m very excited about this series. I’ve loved vampires
since my aunt first introduced me to Dark Shadows (the original). I promise you won’t find any sparkly guys
here. My vamp and his guardian counterparts are warriors sworn to protect the
charms at all costs. Following these books will be Highland Magic, which is the
story of Vaughn, Cian and Grayson McLoch.
Curious? You can read about these new series here.
http://brynnacurrystriplestarranchseries
htttp://brynnacurryshighlandmagic.blogspot.com
GRACIE: Wow, looks like readers have a lot of exciting reads
to look forward to from you! Do you have a website and/or how can readers
contact you?
BRYNNA: Readers can
find me at my site In Shadows (http://www.brynnacurry.com), on Facebook,
and Twitter. I’m also
on LinkedIn, Goodreads, and pretty much everywhere as Brynna Curry.
GRACIE: Where and how can readers purchase and/or read
samples of your work?
BRYNNA: For blurbs, exclusive excerpts, character profiles
and more, visit the Elemental Magic page at http://www.brynnacurry.com
Elemental Magic is available through iTunes, Amazon, B & N, Kobo and wherever
ebooks are sold. Also available in print through Amazon and Createspace.
http://www.amazon.com/Brynna-Curry/e/B0043WRLUS
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/brynna-curry
http://ebookstore.sony.com/author/brynna-curry_135783
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/brynna-curry
http://ebookstore.sony.com/author/brynna-curry_135783
GRACIE: What advice do you have for beginning writers?
BRYNNA: Always do your homework. No way around it. Research
is as important as the writing. Read books in the genre you want to write. See
what sells. Read agent/publisher/author blogs. They are a fountain of
invaluable advice. And mostly just work very hard. Treat it like a job, because
it is. Never give up.
GRACIE: Brynna, thanks so much for taking time from your
busy schedule to share yourself and your work with us at The G-Spot and giving
us a little insight into your writing and the writing process! We’ll let you
get back to writing those wonderful books you write! All the best!
BRYNNA: I’ve enjoyed
chatting with you! Thanks for inviting me to visit.
