by Regan Black
Veil of Justice, book 3
Tracking Shadows, book 4
Shadows to Light, book 5
In the Interest of Security, novella included in The Mammoth Book of Futuristic Romance
The Matchmaker Series (lighthearted paranormal romances)
The Matchmaker's Mark
The Matchmaker's Curse
The Bodyguard's Vow, novella
The Hobbitville Saga:
The Pixie Chicks
Hot Spots
Breaking New Ground
The Shadow Stone
Snow Covered Resolutions
Non-fiction:
Adopt A Greyhound Guide
Goal Setting for Writers: Making Revisions Work in Life and Art
Connect with me online:
Visit ReganBlack.com for excerpts, giveaways, and more!
Join the fun on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReganBlack.fans
Find me on twitter: http://twitter.com/reganblack
An interview with Regan
Readers wanted to know, so we tracked down the answers!
What is the biggest distraction to you as a writer?
The next book I want to write. Or the next promotional trip. No, I'd have to say it's the dogs. They're so darn cute. Although the cats do the silliest things. Wait! I'd have to say the kids. I know! It's the research. Maybe the afternoon peeping of the birds. Most likely it's the next book I want to read. Give me a minute, I'll figure it out.
Is there still a Bubba Gump's shrimp on the Navy Pier in the Chicago of the future?
Naturally! I'm a shrimpoholic.
What would be the hardest thing for you to give up (family excluded) in order to save the world?
Chocolate.
Imagine you are confronted with the most wicked evil, which of your characters would you want covering your back?
Jaden, no contest.
How long does it take you to write a book from start to finish?
Too long. I'm much too impatient to be an author, yet writing's what I do. I like pizza and popcorn too much to be a dancer and my art skills are too abstract for even the most generous modern tastes.
What inspires your stories?
Short answer? A sense of justice. Most of my stories center around the relationships people build to overcome adverse circumstances or events. The world's not perfect, people aren't perfect, but I like to see characters pushed to the wall and find their way over, not just to survive but to live full lives. And of course, I believe in happy endings.
Do you have a routine day?
Routine? What's routine when you live amongst a veritable zoo and drive the private neighborhood school bus? Besides, if I ever got into a real routine, I'd likely complain about being in a rut.
Knowing your characters have special powers, which power would you most like to have?
You couldn't pay me to feel anyone else's emotions, my own are more than enough. When I was a kid telepathy sounded cool, but given a choice I'd go for Nathan's telekinesis. I'd love to be able to summon snacks and fresh coffee to my desk without ever having to get up from the keyboard.
How do you figure out all the twists and turns in a plot?
When I start a book I have a loose idea of where the story will go. I have a better idea about the characters and what's made them who they are. Then I do some general outlining to define the major conflicts and map out where I want the characters to end up. Then I start writing. Sometimes the characters cooperate, but most of the time they surprise me. It's those surprises that keep me coming back to the keyboard day after day–it's the most satisfying part of the process to me.
If you could have five books (other than your own) on a deserted island, which five would you pick?
I'd have to take my Bible, because I wouldn't be anywhere without my faith. Other than that, can I count the Harry Potter series as one? JK Rowling really affords me some great escape reading. I'd have to have Nora Roberts (preferably a trilogy) and to satisfy my love of kilts, I'd take Karen Moning. Any (or all) of Debra Webb's romantic suspense, and anything by Anne McCaffrey. That's five authors, if not five specific titles.
And, what other three items would you take with you?
Assuming this island was deserted after it was improved with running water, functional plumbing, decent shelter and electricity, I'd take my toothbrush, computer, and my favorite Birkenstocks. (Especially since Inge won't be there to tell me I can't wear them).
And, which of your characters would you want to have with you there? (I pick Jaden, she can do anything including kick bad guy butt).
Right now, Nathan tops the companion list because he deserves a long vacation after the whole prison thing. (Not to mention, he's hot!) If I had to choose from all the characters I've ever written, I'd choose Erik. You don't know him, but believe me should you have the occasion, you'd fall in love too. He's tall, dark, extremely capable, (in case that island's not so improved) and about as sensual a hero as I've written to date. (And yes, my husband's a little jealous of him).
Why did you decide to write your book in the future rather than present day?
Because I like making things up. I do research, but I prefer to set the rules and let my imagination run wild.
Do you model characters after people you know?
Only the villains. I have a rather dark tendency to vent my irritation with people by killing off a representative character in my stories. So far it's kept me out of anger management classes.
What's the greatest obstacle you've overcome in your life?
The hurdles in high school track–or maybe three greyhounds sleeping between me and my side of the bed. After nearly four decades of life, I'd say the greatest obstacle I've overcome is self-doubt. Confidence is the one thing no one else can give you. You have to decide what you want and that you deserve it just as much as anyone else deserves to live out their dreams. It may mean a few skinned knees and stubbed toes to shed other people's expectations, but it's worth the effort to find who you really are.
Some of the scenes and situations in your book are very intense. How do you unwind and relax after writing?
I keep a masseuse on staff. His name is Andre and he's just fabulous. Then my personal assistant runs a steamy lavender scented bath and I soak until I'm pruny. After that I don a silky robe and join my husband who's tucked in the kids, prepared shrimp scampi and opened a bottle of crisp White Riesling. Then…whoops there goes that imagination running away again.
Boxers or briefs?
Who's wearing them?
Table of Contents
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Bonus Short Story: Dream Works
Veil of Justice Excerpt
Reader Note
About the Author
Interview with Regan
Copyright
Copyright
Published by Getaway Reads, LLC
Second Edition copyright 2013 Regan Black
Copyright 2010 Regan Black
Cover art by Karl Warren
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author's imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons living or dead, is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this book can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the express written permission from the author.
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