My guest is para romance author, Cheryl Brooks. I had the opportunity to meet Cheryl at RT, I love her sense of humor and that twinkle in her eye, like she knows a secret.
The secret is, or at least one of them, is her ability to write an enthralling fantasy set in a galaxy far away, peopled by hot Zetithian males and a cast of engrossing characters. I have a tendency to quickly zip through Cheryl's books because they're rather hard to set aside. :-) The heroes are hot and the sex even hotter.
Another reason for the twinkle in her eye is Cheryl's Erotic Blog, but I warn you now, it's not rated PG-13 by any stretch of the imagination.
Hi Sia!
Thanks so much for having me here on Over Coffee again. It was wonderful to finally meet you at the RT Booklover’s Convention, too!
For today’s blog, you asked me two very tough questions:
What do you do for fun aside from writing? Does writing get in the way of this other hobby?
The answer is that I have very little time to do anything fun, though we did have a blast at RT, didn’t we? Working full time as a critical care nurse and trying to keep up with my writing career has me sitting at a desk most of the time—so much, in fact, that my legs have been swollen for the past six months or so. I’ve tried all sorts of things—diuretics, support hose, limiting salt, and giving up tea entirely (which I was told would cause this problem, though I’d never heard of such a thing!), but nothing seemed to help.
Then on the Fourth of July, I took the day off and spent the entire day doing what I wanted to do. I was outside crawling around in the dirt, cleaning the weeds out of my rose beds and harvesting my garlic and then making it into braids—and my legs were still swollen. After grilling steaks out on the deck, to kill some time until it was dark enough for fireworks, I decided to watch a movie. I pulled my VHS tape of Cannery Row (yes, it really is a tape and is every bit of twenty years old) off the shelf and sat down in my recliner to watch it. Lo and behold, after two hours of sitting with my feet up, the swelling was gone. The simplest cure for swollen legs worked, I just hadn’t ever gotten around to trying it! The best part is, I can drink tea again!
Okay, so to recap, for fun, I cook, garden, drink tea, play guitar (which I haven’t touched in months), watch the occasional movie, and have three very large pasture pets that I visit twice a day to feed and clean up after. I have a riding lesson once a week, but my own horses haven’t been ridden in two or three years. Plus, I have two sons and a husband, who, fortunately, look after themselves most of the time and help out with the horses, the laundry, the cleaning, and the mowing. And yes, the writing gets in the way of all of this. In addition to the actual writing, editing, and proofreading, I’ve got a blog (sometimes two or three) going up every day—I even blog when I’m on vacation—plus there are emails to respond to, and promotional periods are very hectic. I’m also a member of the Indiana chapter of RWA, and the monthly meetings are a two hour drive from where I live, but even though it takes up almost an entire day, it’s worth it to be around other writers and learn more about the craft.
I love writing, and at one time, it was my hobby. Nothing can compare with the joy of creating strange new worlds, weird aliens, and, of course, my fabulously sexy Zetithian heroes. So, if I’m too busy to have fun, I guess we can blame it on The Cat Star Chronicles!
What about you? What gets in the way of your fun?
HERO (available in stores now) The Cat Star Chronicles #6
He is the sexiest, most irksome man she’s ever encountered...
Micayla is the last Zetithian female left in the universe. She doesn’t know what’s normal for her species, but she knows when she sees Trag that all she wants to do is bite him…
He has searched all over the galaxy for a woman like her…
Trag has sworn he’ll never marry unless he can find a Zetithian female. But now that he’s finally found Micayla, she may be more of a challenge than even he’s able to take on...
Excerpt (Click on the excerpt tab below the book picture)
Two copies will be awarded to to commenters on today's blog. If you're interested in being considered for winning the book, please send me an email siamckye@gmail.com with Hero Drawing in the subject line. I will announce it here and send you an email.
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Cheryl Brooks is an Intensive Care Unit nurse by night and a romance writer by day. Previous books in The Cat Star Chronicles series include Slave, Warrior, Rogue, Outcast and Fugitive. She is a member of the RWA and lives with her husband and sons in Indiana. For more information, please visit http://cherylbrooksonline.com/.
When a Zetithian fugitive meets a beautiful Earth woman, their passion may cost them both their lives…
Manx is a Zetithian fugitive with a feline gene that gives him remarkable sexual powers. He has been in hiding in the remote jungles of Barada Seven ever since being marked for extermination by the violent Nedwuts.
Artist Drusilla arrives on Barada Seven, enticed only by the promise of finding a nature paradise there. But she discovers a wildlife she wasn't expecting when she encounters Manx. Reckless with desire for the beautiful Earth woman, Manx risks his life to win her as his mate.
It's only a matter of time until the Nedwuts find them, but it will take all of Manx and Drusilla's passion, skill, and ingenuity to survive.
I've been intrigued with Cheryl Brooks and The Cat Star Chronicles, ever since I first met her last winter. I immediately went to my bookstore to get a copy of her book and found...They didn't have them! Didn't have them? Why? (might I add, that has changed. Never underestimate a determined reader, *winking.) So I put in an order and got my first read, wonderful stories combining Sci-fi, which I love, and Romance. I haven't had the chance to read all of Cheryl's books but what I have read I've loved. They're imaginative, take place in a well built world, full of wondrous inhabitants, and a solid story line.
My Thoughts:
What I enjoyed about Fugitive was the well-crafted world she creates. Not only was it a *place* but it included a cast of characters that inhabited the world. At first glance these inhabitants seems rather ineffectual, harmless, defenseless but while they aren't advocates of violence (no weapons allowed) they are far from defenseless. I also like the day-to-day glimpses of their lifestyle and culture, and flora and fauna. To me, especially in a sci-fiction story, this is the base on which the rest of the story must sit, so if that's not realistic, than the story doesn't matter. Cheryl does a wonderful job of giving you a real world in galaxy far away.
Cat Star Chronicles are about a race of feline humanoids called Zetithians. The Zetithians are a hunted species and have a bounty on their heads and some rather nasty creatures doing the hunting. Someone’s pulling the strings of the hunt, but we don’t know whom or why, but we do get clues along the way.
The Zetithians are highly sexual, have more than their share of sex appeal--in fact, the sirens of legend have nothing on these guys when it comes to drawing sexual partners. While they can and do have affairs, they are men who look for their mate, someone they can bond with for life. I like the way Cheryl presents this bond and the importance of it.
Manx is literally a fugitive on Barada Seven, hiding from bounty hunters, existing, if you will.When a lovely artist from earth comes to Barada Seven to paint her specialty, birds, the two of them, Manx and Drusilla, meet. Drusilla has also merely existed in her life, although she is a highly acclaimed artist. Meeting each other kicks in the romance of the story. What a romance. Very hot and sizzles. All I can say is wow! I love the way Cheryl brings these two to life. The awakening if you will.
The story is well paced and skillfully puts you squarely into this world. The pace is varied—some lingering with the romance here and there, letting you discover who these two people are as they learn about each other. You care about them. However, the tension is constantly building.Your heart pumps in fear for Manx when the off-worlders hunting him land. You worry about the danger Drusilla is being drawn into. Your heart also melts with the love developing between the two. Well, it’s not only your heart, lol!
I love secondary characters. They add depth to a story and my favorite in this one is Zef. He’s an old coot with language filled with colorful metaphors, but he has a heart of gold. He also truly cares for Manx and wants him happy. He also does a bit of match making which made me laugh. With Zef and Manx you see not only two friends but also you see the sense of humor both have and they play off each other. Which was fun.
This story can be read as a stand alone, but there is a mystery to solve, and those clues start in the first of the series and build a bit in each book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There wasn’t a spot that made me lose interest. I had to make myself put it down to do chores that needed doing and I made the time (putting off other things) to finish it in a couple of days. The story grabs you and doesn’t let go. If you’re looking for a good romance combined with good Sci-fi, this is the book to read. I’ll be reading all of Cheryl’s backlist and any future books. I’d recommend you do the same.
I was thrilled to be able to have a chance to, not only read Fugitive but talk with Cheryl a bit:
Did you have a good holiday? Do anything special?
Hmm, let's see, would driving an hour and a half to pick up my puppy from the vet in Indianapolis qualify as special?
Oh no! Uh, no, that's not my idea of a great holiday. Is she okay?
She had surgery on Dec 18th and again on the 21st and finally came home Christmas Eve. She's doing fine now, as are all of my family, which is the best Christmas gift anyone could receive.
You work full time as a nurse? So how do you balance your career and writing as prolifically as you do? Do actually sleep, lol?
Yes, I work three twelve-hour night shifts per week in the ICU, but I'm not balancing it as well as I used to. When I was just writing for fun, it was a whole lot easier because all I had to do was write and there were no deadlines. Nowadays I'm promoting and writing and editing and proofreading and trying to work a full time job and take care of my home and family all at the same time! The thing that has disappeared is time for myself, be it riding my horses or playing my guitar. Watching television is pretty much a thing of the past, and thought I do actually sleep, there are times when it doesn't feel like it. I learned a very long time ago that sleep is a night shift person's best friend and most essential nutrient. Not enough sleep equals lousy writing and unsafe nursing.
Given your work and writing schedule, what do you do to relax and recharge?
I still have my horses, but riding is something I rarely have time for anymore. However, reading a little Harry Potter before bed makes everything seem better and has become the thing I look forward to the most. I recently got a treadmill, so I'm hoping to start writing and walking at the same time. Not sure how well that will work, but my body is sending me signals I can't ignore any longer!
Your first three books were first person, and the fourth and fifth have been in third. What made you decide to go with third person?
That was an editorial decision. Some readers really enjoy the first person voice, while others thought it was wrong for romance writing. I was asked to make the switch with book four, Outcast. By that time, the book was already about two thirds written and making that change was very difficult. I had never heard of head hopping until I was writing Fugitive, and though I did my best to avoid it, sometimes, you just gotta do what you gotta do! Hero, the sixth book was written after I'd learned the “rules” of writing in third person, so hopefully I'm getting better at it. I loved writing in first person, but I've also discovered that the inside of my hero's head is a very interesting place to be. Not only that, but you have the opportunity to explore the motivations of the villains, which is something you just can't do in first person unless your bad guy is given to monologuing.
Your main character, Manx, is a Zetithian, which is an alien species of feline humanoids. Did you study cats to accomplish realistic characteristics? Or was it merely years of observation of cats in general?
I've had cats as pets for a very long time, in fact, I can't remember when there wasn't a cat hanging around my house. Their sleek grace and their incredible eyes are very alluring, as is their purr, but you have only to watch some funny cat videos to know that there is humor in them, too, which, for me, is an essential component in the perfect hero.
Mine too!
What did you like about your main character? He’s quite something. Blatant, very sexy, and yet surprisingly he's very caring of those around him.
I liked Manx's sense of humor the best. The fact that he's gorgeous and sexy and not inhibited about it doesn't hurt any. Plus, my heroes are not the alpha male type; they are gentle and likeable and treat women as equals, but when it comes to a fight, they’re the guys you want on your side.
What was the most fun about writing this story?
I loved putting myself in the place of an artist and then dreaming up all the ways she and Manx could interact—the “body painting” scene is one of my personal favorites. Drusilla's character was based on a friend of mine who tends to mutter pithy comments under her breath, and I had a lot of fun with that.
What scene do you like the best in your story?
The scene where Manx asks Drusilla to marry him is my favorite. I recently read it aloud at our RWA chapter retreat, and though it got some laughs, it choked me up at the end, which is just the way I wanted it!
Cheryl, I really enjoyed your story. I have to say I have a favorite secondary character. Well two—Zef and Klog. Can you tell us a little bit about them?
Zef is an eltran—a lake-dwelling amphibian indigenous to Barada Seven—who has a penchant for collecting curse words in a variety of languages. He always says exactly what he's thinking and plays matchmaker for Manx and Drusilla. Klog is the kind of droid you want running your house. He always knows what you want without being asked and, if you’re ever in a tight spot, he's got your back. He doesn't talk much, just communicates with beeps, chirps, and buzzes, but he makes a mean margarita!
Okay, I really, really want a Klog for myself. I wonder how I can import him? Where did you say Barada Seven was? Lolol!
I know you are hard at work on another story. Can you tell us a bit about it and when it will be released?
The sixth book in the series, Hero, has already gone to the copyeditor and will be released in August 2010. The story is about Trag, (the other brother in Rogue) and a Zetithian female named Micayla, who was orphaned at a young age and was raised on Earth. She is ignorant of her background and even the name of her species, but when she and Trag meet, everything changes and sparks begin to fly! This is also the book where the person responsible for the destruction of Zetith is revealed, but what happens to him is a secret! The next project is called Renegade, but I'm not sure when it will be released—mainly because I'm not sure when I'll finish writing it!
Personally, I'm all for the comeuppance of that person. I did enjoy the deduction session between the Nedwuts (which I keep wanting to call nedbuts, lol), and of course Jack and her crew's ideas as well. I love a puzzle and I'm madly trying to figure out who's behind it all. I still have a couple of your books I need to read. Maybe I'll get more clues there. I’m really looking forward to reading the next story. I also appreciate you taking the time to stop in here at Over Coffee.
Thanks for having me here, Sia. As always, it's been a pleasure!
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Cheryl Brooks is the author of The Cat Star Chronicles. This series of erotic science fiction novels explores the lives of the last of a race of feline lovers captured in war and sold into slavery. Discover how the men of Zetith could make an entire galaxy of men jealous enough to destroy their race...
Slave was the first of Cheryl's books to be published with Sourcebooks Casablanca. What makes it even more exciting is that they have asked for five more novels in this series!
Cheryl is a native of Louisville, KY, and graduated from the Kentucky Baptist Hospital School of Nursing and then went on to earn a BSN from Indiana University. Horse crazy from the time she knew what a horse was, her family moved to rural Indiana in 1989. Since then, she's managed to accumulate four horses and five cats. Cheryl has been working full-time as a critical care nurse for more than thirty years, which can be exciting, but she's itching for a different kind of excitement!
Cheryl's other interests include cooking, gardening, singing and guitar playing. "I'm really hurt that The Eagles got back together without me!"
Like many writers today, Cheryl Brooks leads a busy life. She’s wife, mother, caretaker of an assortment of critters, and works full time as a Critical Care Nurse. Did I happen to mention she has five cats? I think she likes felines, a lot. Cheryl has also written a wonderful series calledThe Cat Star Chronicles.
Busy lives means juggling and juggling means we’re going to forget something along the way; I figure that’s why sticky notes were invented. Today Cheryl talks a bit about forgetfulness.
I used to have a nearly photographic memory. I didn't forget anything, not the details of a lecture in school, not directions on how to do a procedure, not what time I was supposed to be somewhere, or what I was supposed to bring. Taking tests was easy because I could picture in my mind the page and paragraph where the answers to specific questions were located. Oh, how I wish those days were here again! It's just my luck that my writing career seems to have taken off just when my mind has decided to leave town.
I'm not alone. Meryl Streep once said she never had any trouble remembering her lines until she hit menopause. All of my friends who are about my age are having similar difficulties—walking into a room and not knowing what you went in there for, being in the shower and washing your feet twice because you don't remember washing them the first time, and forgetting to write that blog you promised to send to Sia. . .
Fortunately, the written word is there to remind us of what we've forgotten; little nudges to help avoid looking stupid. Looking back through blog comments, I found one from Sia on Wickedly Romantic that I hadn't seen, which mentioned this particular contribution. If it hadn't been for that, I probably would have felt really dumb when Sia said, at some point: “So, what about that blog you promised me?”
My husband and eldest son are tickled to death with the loss of my memory because now I'm no different from them. My youngest son has taken over as the memory vault for the family. He never forgets anything, and being mildly autistic, he has very few qualms in pointing out to you just what you've neglected. Unfortunately, he only remembers things that I remember to tell him.
This can cause problems for a writer because you have to constantly look back to see if you've already described the hero's startling green eyes or the heroine's long, silky tresses. Sometimes those details can be very difficult to find, too—mainly because they usually aren't where you remember putting them. The “find & replace” function is quite useful—if you can remember a key word. Thank heaven for email providers with unlimited storage capacities. If I had to shuffle through actual letters, I'd never make it. As it is, I'm so pleased I can point out that, yes, in the email dated such-and-such, I told you about. . .
A few days ago, I recalled (amazingly enough) the old adage that “Rosemary is for Remembrance.” Desperate to recover that which I had lost, I made some rosemary tea, which I drank a few sips of off and on throughout the day—and, yes, it tastes just as bad as you think it would. I believe it helped some, but obviously, I should have made more of it today when I went to the bank and forgot to bring along the checks that needed cashing.
Some days, it just doesn't pay to leave the house.
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Cheryl Brooks is the author of The Cat Star Chronicles. This series of erotic science fiction novels explores the lives of the last of a race of feline lovers captured in war and sold into slavery. Discover how the men of Zetith could make an entire galaxy of men jealous enough to destroy their race...
Slave was the first of Cheryl's books to be published with Sourcebooks Casablanca. What makes it even more exciting is that they have asked for five more novels in this series!
Cheryl is a native of Louisville, KY, and graduated from the Kentucky Baptist Hospital School of Nursing and then went on to earn a BSN from Indiana University. Horse crazy from the time she knew what a horse was, her family moved to rural Indiana in 1989. Since then, she's managed to accumulate four horses and five cats. Cheryl has been working full-time as a critical care nurse for more than thirty years, which can be exciting, but she's itching for a different kind of excitement!
Cheryl's other interests include cooking, gardening, singing and guitar playing. "I'm really hurt that The Eagles got back together without me!"
The secret is, or at least one of them, is her ability to write an enthralling fantasy set in a galaxy far away, peopled by hot Zetithian males and a cast of engrossing characters. I have a tendency to quickly zip through Cheryl's books because they're rather hard to set aside. :-) The heroes are hot and the sex even hotter. 
