Hi April! Welcome to Fallen Angel Reviews! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule this holiday season to visit with us. I know that I appreciate this opportunity to visit with you as I am sure that the readers out there are too.

In your recent release, Mists of the Heart, you have created a futuristic, sci-fi story set on the planet, Zakiyya. Here one species is being hunted by another leaving a girl without a family. Where did you come up with the idea before this intriguing tale?

Well, there’s an interesting tale behind how I came up with this storyline. I actually had a dream about it. I was watching over Canibre and Mave in the dream and was so fascinated by their story that when I woke up, the first thing I did was grab whatever I could that would write and some sort of paper and wrote it down. It was such an amazing dream and I wanted to capture it and the world they were involved in.

I see that Mist of the Heart is the first in The Kilimari Mists series, are you currently working on the second installment or can we be expecting it’s release soon?

I am working on the second book, unfortunately I’m still in organizing my ideas stage of these next book. Since this book is taking such a long time to get it out I’m working on coming up with the third and fourth as well. I’m not sure how many will come from this series but I’m hoping quite a few.

Other than the futuristic, sci-fi genre, do you want any other types of stories?

I want to try my hand in Paranormal, Suspense, Mystery, and different categories of Historical. So, I guess you can say I want a bite of everything. I’d really love to do some Historical works. I loved history back in those school days, and even now I’ll sit and watch the History Channel so I think in the near future I’ll be doing a historical.

Can we get a teaser for what else you are working on right now? (grin)

I think I can supply that for you.

“Complications come in many faces and in plenty. They are perverse sort of things.” Darian paused for just a moment letting the silence set the strained mood. “If you are so sure you can catch your pet,” he continued, his eyes following the way Marius’ shoulders stiffened. “Why seek me out?” Darian’s voice was a low husky whisper. A sudden harshness appeared in his eyes, before they once more became hooded.

Marius shook his head in strict denial of the threat he felt was hidden behind Darian’s words. He only wished he knew what the threat was so he could avoid the potential danger. “My pet is highly trained, Mr. Gabriel. I doubt she left on her own accord.” He eyed the huntsman carefully, as the Kilimari half-breed closed the small distance between them to stand over him. Marius meet the man’s eyes unflinching. He wasn’t stunned when he saw the cold hate in those silvery orbs.

“Do you expect all of your precious pets to be obedient, Mr. Leonhart?” There was a hint of emotion in Darian’s voice that couldn’t be named. “Why, once more, did you send for me?”

“Because, you can’t deny a challenge.” Marius answered half sure of the truth of his words.

“A Challenge!” Darian snorted out. “What kind of challenge do you think your little pet can give me?” A snide little smile crossed his face.

“She has outmaneuvered all the hunters I have hired thus far. She is very intelligent and inventive.” Marius paused letting the silence prepare Darian for the sales pitch to his quest. “She is also at Full-Potential power.” He watched and waited for some reaction to his words. When there was none, he continued. “I need a more experienced hunter. I had thought you were the man for the job.” He shrugged one of his shoulders nonchalantly.

Silver eyes seemed to penetrate through him to gaze into his soul. The feeling made his skin crawl. “That isn’t the only reason, bamahna.” Darian’s words whispered threateningly in the stale, warm air or the small shop.

“No, it is not.” Marius answered with amusement crossing his chiseled features, hiding the slight twang of fear he felt. Did this man really see everyone’s secrets? Did he have the gift of the Kilimari after all? The questions bounded into Marius’ mind unbidden. “But, it is the one that I am giving you.” He paused for a second an tried to read those melted silver eyes. But Darian’s face was closed to him. “So, either you take the challenge or forfeit the contract.”

Darian was tempted to show this owner what kind of challenge he wanted to partake in. His mood was quickly falling from bad to worse. He made himself breathe deeper in an attempt to calm the rage inside him. He felt a need to hunt. Needed the challenge, if it wasn’t for that, he would have gladly put his fist into the man’s aristocratic, slightly point nose. “No one else has been able to find your pet?” He kept his voice light and noncommittal.

“If they have, they have not lived long enough to tell the tale.”

Was there a moment or person that motivated you to send your first story into a publisher?

Oh man! Do you want me to list them ALL...LOL!! I have been telling and writing stories since middle school. I was told that I was always a good storyteller. My family would help me when I had to get up in front of class and do a speech, story, or play. When I got the computer I started role playing with people and coming up with fascinating stories just for the fun. When I heard that there were ebooks and publishers looking for submission I jumped on it. Mainly, I wanted to see if I was as good as my buddies all thought I was. With all the support of my internet friends, and real life friends, and family. Oh not to mention the big push to go for it from my boyfriend, now fiancé. I did it.

Per the Silk’s Vault Pres website, I found out that you live in Kentucky. Having visited the Bowling Green/Glasgow area, I was amazed the beauty offered in the hills and towns. When you are not writing, what is your favorite thing to do or place to visit there?

Bowling Green is a beautiful area to visit, like much of Kentucky. I was down in Bowling Green for a gymnastic competition once a LONG time ago. Kentucky is my home and will always have a special place in my heart now matter where I am. I’m a nature person. I love being around animals and outdoors. My fiancé and I love walking the trails at the nature parks and fishing. My favorite place to go to be close to nature is Natural Bridge State Park. They have all kinds of trails and if you want some peace and quiet you’ll find it there. I also love to head over to my grandparents’ farm. I can find a place to hide away from it all and clear my head.

I also noticed that you are from a large family of five children as I am. I have all sisters. What was it like growing up in such a large a family?

I’m the oldest so it’s a lot of responsibility on my part to help watch the younger siblings and be a good role model for them. Now, my two brothers and I are closer in age then my two sisters. There’s a 4 and 8 years difference between my brothers and an 18 and 20 years difference between my sisters. I often accuse my mother of starting a new family. Our family is really close. I cherish every moment I have with each of them and the memories we’ve made. We were all raised knowing that family is the most important part in life so I strive to get involve with as much as a can with each sibling. Oh we have our dysfunctional side like all families. We fight, scream, and get mad at each other, but in the end we know we can always count on one another other to be there when we need them the most. And to be the oldest, that’s a blessing because I can pull the “I’m the oldest” bit...LOL. And to be able to watch them grow-up!! It’s truly a blessing.
Can you remember where you were and what you were doing when you received the message that your first story had been contracted by a publisher? How did you celebrate?

I’ll tell you this little secret: I checked my email every time I turned around...LOL! I was so excited, and nervous, that I couldn’t hide it. I was so worried that I wouldn’t get it. My boyfriend/fiancé kept telling me “You’re worrying over nothing. Trust me you’ll get it.” his words, needless to say, didn’t help one bit...LOL but they still made me feel good.

I was at home when I got the news. It was about 4:00 in the morning. I was living with my parents at the time. I ran through the house screaming, running, and jumping around. I think I even woke up the neighbors, which is impressive because we live on in the middle of a small farm. Of course my parents woke up and were thrilled. It was a very exulting time. I waited until my boyfriend came over before I told him the news. He took me out to eat and gave me some more good news. He had brought us a place of our own. So it was a WONDERFUL day. I couldn’t have asked for more. I don’t think that I could have handled anything else without exploding all over the place...LOL!!

I have learned that many writers are in fact avid readers. Do you have a particular author or style of book that you enjoy? What would we find on your bookshelf?

Well, well, let me see. Since my bookshelf is sitting right next to my desk I’ll read off some authors. There’s Christine Feehan (who writes the Carpathian series), Sherrilyn Kenyon (who writes the Dark Hunter series) Jane Austen (One book of hers is Pride and Prejudice), Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Anne Rice, Hannah Howell, Maggie Shayne, Diana Palmer...and many, many more. I love reading all genres of books, as you can tell. I love the old classics, mystery, Sci-Fi, Horror, Suspense...all of them I’ve read something from them.

With the holiday season upon us, do you have a favorite tradition or fond memory that you would like to share with us?

The fondest memory that I have is at Christmas time. The day before Christmas Eve my mother and I would cook about 11 different kinds of desserts for our family get-together Christmas Eve. Among those 11 kinds of desserts we’d make about 6 different kinds of pies. (And they are all homemade...LOL).

On the day of the Christmas Eve dinner we’d go to my great-grandparents for dinner. We’d eat, wait for Santa Claus to make his entrance and ask us what we‘d wanted for Christmas. Next, we’d opened the gifts from everyone. Then came dessert, but this wasn’t the fond memory. It was what happened sometime after the dessert.

My great-grandfather, who died about three years ago of lung cancer, would wait until everyone was full of dessert. Whatever was left he would grab him a piece, most of the time it was a piece of pie. Then he would stroll around the house, picking out his unsuspecting target. No one knew when or where, or who would be the target, until it was too late. He struck with a speed that was amazing. One second he was there the next he was gone, leaving you with a face full of pie.

Then everyone would get involved and soon everyone was wearing some form of dessert. So having a food fight on Christmas Eve was our Family Tradition. And one that a few of us still hold dear in remembrance of my great-grandfather.

What would you say is your favorite holiday and why?

Oh man, do I have to name one? It would be a tie between Halloween and Christmas. I love dressing up for Halloween and giving out candy to the children. I love seeing all the costumes and the little babies dressed up. And we won’t forgot the CANDY...CHOCOLATE *moans with ecstasy*

Christmas is tied up there with Halloween not only because of the gifts and decorations, but because of the togetherness. Having everyone under one roof and not fighting each other and sharing company with friends and those that you hold dear. It’s just one of the times where everything just seems to come together...and let’s not forget the food and desserts...LOL

With the New Year sneaking up, what do you hope to accomplish this upcoming year?

I’m hoping to get my wedding planned and together a couple of weeks before the date. Also to get at least three to four more books out to the public. Those are my main goals.

Do you have a website that avid readers can visit in order to familiarize themselves with your published stories and say appraised of your up-coming works?

Yes I do! It’s still in the working progress, because I’m changing address so it’ll be a bit before it’s up and running so just keep looking out for it. I’m trying to add a little bit at a time to it. You can still surf through the old address as well if you like.

Old address: http://geocities.com/lissy_cat

New address: http://geocities.com/aprildeerobinson

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Yes there is. I would love to thank my Fiancé for standing beside me and understanding that writing sometimes takes up a lot of my time. My family for being there, my friends for cheering me on and putting up with my oddness. And I would like to thank the publishers who made this happen for me.

And NO I haven’t forgotten the ones who review my works and the people who buy and read my works. Thank you all so very much, and it has really been a great time. Just remember to always strive for your dreams no matter how long it takes for them to come true.

Thank you so much for stopping by April. It has been a pleasure talking with you and I hope that there are many more stories out there waiting to be told.

Interviewed by: Jessica