I have a treat today! Author Sotia Lazu stopped by the blog to chat about her super sexy vampire series, the challenges of writing a sequel and the (audio) books on her shelf.
Hi. Thanks for stopping by. Tell us a little bit about Cherry Stem. Where did the idea come from?
Hi. Thanks for stopping by. Tell us a little bit about Cherry Stem. Where did the idea come from?
Hi. Thanks for having me.
![](http://www.loose-id.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/312x470/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/S/L/SL_CherryStem_coverlg.jpg)
As
for
the idea, well, the first couple of lines of the story had been
swimming in my head for quite a while, but all I knew was that they'd
fit a vampire book. I didn't know what that book would be about, so I
started working on what I didn't want it to have. I didn't want a brooding vampire, hating what they'd become. I didn't want a
schmoopy romance. I didn't want a heroin who was kick-ass just for the
sake of it, to the point of being annoying, but I didn't want a damsel
in distress either. Then one day Cherry was born. She had baggage; she
didn't like having been turned but was handling it, taking each day as
it came; she didn't want emotional attachments but wasn't afraid to deal
with her emotions or express her sexuality--she was the woman I wanted
to write about. So I did.
You know I loved it and I can’t wait to read the sequel. How’s
it coming along? Is the process any different now that you’ve published the
first one? And, most importantly, will we get more Constantine?
You don't know how happy it makes me that you liked the book.
The sequel is coming along more slowly than the original did. I have a
complete outline and am seven chapters into it, but I keep
second-guessing myself. I don't want to let anyone down, I want the
characters to be consistent and true to themselves, and I definitely
want more free time than I actually have. We will be getting more
Constantine, though, so I hope it's worth the wait.
Funny
thing about Constantine is that he was never meant to be one of the
main characters. I initially had him in mind as the hot yet manipulating
and sneaky ex-boyfriend who would be completely out of the picture by
the middle of the book, but by the end of his first scene he'd won me
over. I may sound a little deranged saying that for a character
I created, but that's what happened. The more fleshed out he got, the
more I liked him.
Cherry is kind of a wild child. What qualities do you think she has that still allow readers to relate to her?
Cherry is still very human, despite being immortal. She acts
from the heart and tries to protect those she cares about. She may not
have the strictest moral code, but she adheres to it even when it'd be
easier for her to say "Screw it" and go with the flow. She has her body
image issues, her men issues--and resulting trust issues--her family
issues, but doesn't let any of that dictate who she is or can be. I
don't know to what degree readers relate to her but I know I wouldn't
mind being more like her or having her as a friend.
Do you have any other projects you’re ready to talk about?
What are you reading lately? Are there any series or authors
you’ll drop everything for?
Life's busy with a hubby, a baby, and two dogs all demanding my attention, so there's no time for me to read
read. I listen to audio books instead, usually while doing chores or
cooking--I'm an amazing cook; just thought I should mention that. I'm
currently listening to the second book of the Death's Daughter series
by Amber Benson. I'm enjoying it so far, but would drop it for the next
of the Harry Dresden books or anything by Richelle Mead. I also adore
Megan Hart's writing, but not all of her books come out in audio book
format.
Tell us about your favorite:
Food:
My very favorite food is lachanodolmades: a mixture of minced meat, rice, and herbs, wrapped in cabbage leaves, cooked, and covered with bechamele cream. I also love Chinese and Mexican cuisine, but there are times when anything fattening and unhealthy, with lots of mayo, will do.
My very favorite food is lachanodolmades: a mixture of minced meat, rice, and herbs, wrapped in cabbage leaves, cooked, and covered with bechamele cream. I also love Chinese and Mexican cuisine, but there are times when anything fattening and unhealthy, with lots of mayo, will do.
Movie:
I'm
generally easy with movies. The past few years, that life became real, I
turned toward rom-coms, liking the secape from everyday life they
offer. I do on occasion watch other types of films, though, and one
that's really stayed with me is "Interstate 60". Watch it if you haven't
already; it's brilliant. Seemingly light, but makes you think.
Vacation Spot:
Eh, since I have the sea and sun most of the year here, I'll say London. I've spent the best vacations of my life there.
Get to know Sotia better at her blog or on Goodreads.
Cherry Stem by Sotia Lazu
Turned at the cusp of a promising career in the adult movie industry, vampire Cherry Stem is currently unemployed but uses the squint, her compelling vampire gaze, on men for her meals and pocket change. With the rent deadline approaching, settling for pocket change isn’t an option. She sets her sights on tall, dark, and handsome Alex Marsden, who takes her home for a night of blistering passion. She doesn't tell him who she is.
Cherry isn’t the only one keeping secrets. Alex is the police detective investigating the disappearance of young women from the local clubs. Like most detectives, Alex has a good memory for faces and Cherry looks familiar. When he finds out she’s a vampire, he goes digging and discovers she's an up-and-coming model who went missing six years before.
When Cherry met Alex, she expected him to be nothing more than another “girl meets boy, girl feeds from boy, girl erases boy’s memories” hook-up. But once missing young women, the vampire council, and her irresistible ex are thrown into the mix, she realizes nothing is as simple or random as she thought it was, and Alex is either the biggest gift or the biggest mistake of her un-life.
You can purchase Cherry Stem at Loose Id. Or on Amazon.
Get to know Sotia better at her blog or on Goodreads.
Cherry Stem by Sotia Lazu
Turned at the cusp of a promising career in the adult movie industry, vampire Cherry Stem is currently unemployed but uses the squint, her compelling vampire gaze, on men for her meals and pocket change. With the rent deadline approaching, settling for pocket change isn’t an option. She sets her sights on tall, dark, and handsome Alex Marsden, who takes her home for a night of blistering passion. She doesn't tell him who she is.
Cherry isn’t the only one keeping secrets. Alex is the police detective investigating the disappearance of young women from the local clubs. Like most detectives, Alex has a good memory for faces and Cherry looks familiar. When he finds out she’s a vampire, he goes digging and discovers she's an up-and-coming model who went missing six years before.
When Cherry met Alex, she expected him to be nothing more than another “girl meets boy, girl feeds from boy, girl erases boy’s memories” hook-up. But once missing young women, the vampire council, and her irresistible ex are thrown into the mix, she realizes nothing is as simple or random as she thought it was, and Alex is either the biggest gift or the biggest mistake of her un-life.
You can purchase Cherry Stem at Loose Id. Or on Amazon.
Thanks for introducing me to a new author. Fun!
ReplyDeleteYou're extremely welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteIs it weird that I picture my blog as a sitting room in Victorian England where beautifully attired people stop by while I pretend to do embroidery and then pour tea?
Please leave your calling cards on the table.
Thank you again for having me!
ReplyDelete