Today I’d like to welcome Jessie Verino to Fallen Angel Reviews. Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for us today Jessie!

Thanks, Tammy! I'm thrilled to be here at FAR!

From what do you derive the most inspiration for your writing?

I know a lot of authors who use "what if" and go from there. But for me, a word or phrase will spark something in my mind and usually the whole story concept just pops up.

I have found that some authors listen to music while they write. Do you listen to music or is it something that is distracting to you?

I listen to music all the time and especially when I'm writing. I tend to pick a "soundtrack" for the story and/or scene I'm working on, but after a few minutes I zone the music out. I attended a wonderful workshop a few years ago and learned that I'm a kinetic learner, followed by auditory, then visual. I've since discovered that these traits also translate to my creativity. I need the music to fully develop the creative picture I'm trying to paint with words even if I'm not consciously listening to it.

Since everybody needs a break, even when doing something they love, how do you like to spend your time away from writing?

Reading, playing computer/video games, spending time with my parents, riding.

Your current release Sensual Energy is now available from Phaze. Can you tell us more about this story and how you came up with the storyline?

When Phaze first put the call out for stories with an electrical theme, I was ecstatic. I grew up in the electrical field, and my husband's a construction electrician--one of those hunky, muscly guys. So, I had to write a story for this line, but I didn't want the normal lightening strike taking the heroine to a different time period. Not to say that I don't like time-travel stories, I love them, but I wanted something different. Of course, it's a little difficult to come up with something electrical that won't kill off the characters, so that's just what I did--sort of, and using the defibrillator had some very interesting results.

You also have two upcoming releases, Spellbound from Phaze and Lord Night from Samhain. Can you tell us more about these stories and when we can expect to see them?

Lord Night will be available August 1st. Here's the official blurb:

Temp agency owner Shannon Miller likes to play video games, but she never expected to find herself in one, let alone with a sexy scientist who makes her body melt with desire.

Physicist Damien Richards is blind—and not only in matters that concern his sight. Despite the accomplishments he's achieved in creating an alternate dimension, he still believes he is un-whole due to his physical impairment.

When a lab accident propels the two into an experimental, alternate dimension, they find themselves playing a dangerous game, unable to return, fighting demons as well as a passion that could consume them both. Will they be able to face their personal fears and win the game of love?

This story started as a spark from a Neil Diamond song, Soolaimon. One of the lyrics has the phrase, "lord of my night," and it stuck with me. Lord Night was originally a short story for a magazine that went defunct. I then changed the premise slightly and lengthened it to a novella.

Spellbound should be available later this year, but I haven't received a date yet. The story behind Spellbound is very similar. The song was Piano in the Dark, and again a short story written for the same magazine and lengthened for publication with Phaze. The song is full of angst, and I translated the "he can't leave, she can't stay" into a paranormal set in New Orleans.

How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?

There are some life experiences thrown into my stories here and there, like the motorcycle ride in Lord Night. As to my personality? I'd have to say some of it comes through, the practicality of my heroines with the need to seek out a little adventure.

Do your fans' comments and letters influence you in any way?

They humble me and make me strive to write better stories. Readers are my true inspiration.

Do you have a favorite author or all-time favorite book and why?

I have several favorite authors: Sherrilyn Kenyon, JR Ward, Jude Devereaux, Johanna Lindsey, Julia Quinn, JD Robb, Karen Hawkins, Morgan Hawke, Trista Ann Michaels, Donna Wright, Kate McKeever, Lora Leigh, and the list goes on and on. If I had to get rid of every book in my house except one, I'd have a nervous break down. There's no way I could pick my favorite from them.

What is the one thing you've always wanted to do but never had the courage/opportunity to try?

There's not much that I've wanted to do that I haven't. I'm not a big thrill-seeker. However, I've always been petrified, not scared or terrified, but petrified of motorcycles. My husband has been an avid rider since he was a teenager. It took him 10 years to get me on the back of his, but once I did and got over the fear, I fell in love with riding. Now, I'm still a little skittish, I don't like fast speeds and tight curves (which he loves). But the ride is still exhilarating to me and opens my senses to the sights, scents, and feel of the environment that in no way matches riding through the mountains in a car.

What is your favorite type of genre to write?

I enjoy writing the paranormal/sci-fantasy. Being able to create my own worlds and get them out of my head is great.

Is there anything you would like to share with your fans today?

Do you remember the "choose your own adventure" stories from the late 80's early 90's? I loved them. So, when I decided to do a free online read, I used that premise to make it interactive. The first installment of The Key went up a few weeks ago, and readers get to vote on what the heroine does next. Or, if they're feeling adventurous, they can click a link to a special blog where they can write their own installment. I'm hoping to be able to pull one off the blog and use it in the story, and I plan on having some guest authors do an installment in the future. I also have an announcement only newsletter that publishes about every three months or so here

Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions for us today Jessie!

Readers can learn more about Jessie and her books on her website.

Thanks for having me. I've enjoyed the interview!

Interviewed by: Tammy