Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Guest Author: Gena Showalter - The Darkest Whisper

RANDOM WINNER: The lucky winner of the signed copy of The Darkest Night is Christine!

(I think there was only one Christine in the comments, but just to be safe, it's comment #98). Christine, please email me your mailing address at nalinisinghwrites AT gmail DOT com and I'll pass it on to Gena.

Congratulations!
______________

Today's guest is the wonderful Gena Showalter!! I've known Gena since the publication of her first book and can safely say she's full of all kinds of awesome :-)

Today, Gena's going to be talking about her latest release, The Darkest Whisper, and giving away a signed copy of The Darkest Night, the first book in her Lords of the Underworld series.

Leave a comment by noon tomorrow (New Zealand time) to be in to win.

And now, please welcome Gena to the blog everyone!!

________
_______

How do characters come to be?

With me, they introduce themselves in different ways. In The Darkest Whisper, Gwendolyn the Timid, a half-harpy, half-angel, first appeared to me in a dream. I saw her locked inside a glass cage. Dirty, hungry, scared. I saw that cage open, watched her disappear in a blink and return bloody. Only, it wasn’t her blood.When I woke up, I had so many questions. Mainly: whose blood was it? What had she done? How had she done it? Why was she locked away?

Slowly her story began to unravel in my mind. And I fell so in love with this woman, I
had to write her story. But who would I pair her with? In the end, I knew only a Lord of the Underworld would do. She was Harpy. She needed someone strong. So, I began to introduce her to those deliciously savage warriors, testing reactions. First up? Paris. I knew immediately he wasn’t the one for her. He was too busy mourning his Sienna. Aeron – no again. I already had someone in mind for him. Strider – no, no, no. Gwen is a Harpy who hates to lose, and Strider is an immortal who always has to win. Or suffer. Eventually, they would have resented each other and that would have blown the happily-ever-after.

More introductions. More nos. No one fit. Until Sabin, keeper of the demon of Doubt, entered. Instant sparks. And, to be honest, that shocked the hell out of me. Sabin could destroy the strongest self-esteem in a snap. Past lovers had even killed themselves, they were so torn up inside. How was Gwen, who thinks of herself as self-esteem lite, supposed to survive a relationship with him?


I didn’t know the answer, but I decided to sit down and write their story anyway. They were that
attracted to each other. They had to guide me every step of the way, but, oh, what a journey. I LOVED writing this book and have never had so much fun with characters. Sabin, who had always placed victory on the battlefield over relationships, was finally brought to his knees. And Gwen, my sweet Gwen, proved herself strong enough to do it -- and make him like it. (Yes, I’m smiling as I type that. And shivering.)

If
you haven’t checked out the Lords of the Underworld, I hope you’ll give them a shot. And speaking of shots, my wonderful publisher is hosting a contest with a grand prize of $10,000 in honor of my other August 25th release, Intertwined. Just follow the link to find out how to enter! http://harlequin.promo.eprize.com/intertwinedsweepstakes/

121 comments :

cait045 said...

I love all her books and cant wait to read Darkest Whisper!!!

Demurejen said...

Gimme gimme! Yay! Just finished playing with fire, great stuff.

Suzette said...

I entered the Intertwined contest and check it out every day! Love the LOTU series and cannot wait for Darkest Whisper. I also look forward to the YA Intertwined story and so does my daughter. I do have the LOTU series so unless you really want to give away Darkest Whisper, I'll bow out of the giveaway for the first book. LOL One can only hope, right?

Suzette said...

Buying Intertwined tomorrow...cant wait!

Calila1988 said...

never read any of GS's books but i think i will start now, lol. Sounds really good.

Anonymous said...

Gena, I love how your mind works. You're such an amazing author! I actually just finished reading The Vampire's Bride today, and I was impressed! Keep up the good workg

twalls said...

The first books I read of Gena's were the Lords...and I fell in love! I've already made my plan to sneak to the bookstore to pick up The Darkest Whisper tomorrow. :) Also, I can't wait for Aeron's story!

Jen said...

Yay! Thanks for featuring Gena. Her Lords of the Underworld series was the first PNR that I ever read and I haven't looked back since!

I can't wait for more since it's been over a year since I read the last LotU book. I'm jonesin' for more!

Jen

KT Grant said...

The Lords of the Underworld is a great series. Very dark and sexy!

Gigi's Consignment Closet said...

I just bought The Darkest Whisper today and cannot wait to sit down and read it. I love the LOTU series.

Sharon K said...

Hi Gena,
just finished Darkest Kiss, WOW!
Would love to win Darkest Kiss, need to read the first book.

Twimom227 said...

Thank you for that insight into the Lords of the Underworld. Gena and Nalini together. I love it! 2 of my favorite authors. I look forward to reading Sabin's story. Thank you.

Tawania said...

I love Gena's books, her work is amazing and I can't wait to read the Darkest Whisper

Delinah said...

Huge fan and very loyal. Can't wait to read all of Gena's new books! Many Blessings!

Anonymous said...

I've heard great things about this series(LOTU).I look forward to reading them.Intertwined I have pre-ordered.
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net

LolaM said...

OMG LOVER both of your books! Can not wait for the Darkest Whisper tom. OH and I have to say that Playing With Fire is my fave book of yours so far

tarasaid said...

I have been a long time fan of Gena's.
i have read all of her books .
I even badger the local library to buy her books!
(my collection of her books ,rivals their catalog.)

maered said...

I haven't read any of this series yet but I am definitely interested! Congrats on your releases!

Lizzielvr said...

You rock Gena, I like all your series!

Paula said...

Thanks for sharing your matchmaking story. lol

Char said...

I'm am so excited for Darkest Whisper!

Anonymous said...

I'm relatively new to the PR and UF world. Everybody's recommendations have been great so far- I'll have to add LOTU to my growing list!

Kristine said...

I just read The Nymph King and loved it. I can't wait to read more of her books!

Reyna said...

I am soo excited for this next book. I've already read the others at least twice each.

braukes said...

Wow, wow, wow! I can't wait to read Sabin and Gwen's story!!

Amy said...

I adore all of Gena's characters on of course Gena herself! I loved the first 3 books and have The Darkest Whisper sitting on my nightstand ready to go for tonight! I honestly can't wait for Gideon's story! Please enter me in the draw! Thank you!

Amy S.

Missy said...

I love the LOTU series and cannot wait for this latest book!!

Natascha said...

Gwen sounds AWESOME! I can't wait to read about her and Sabin. Rock on!

Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews said...

Great post and author!

I love Gena's books and can't wait to read "The Darkest Whisper".

Unknown said...

I love the way that Gena Showalter writes her stories, especially those lords of the underworld! I also absolutely love those covers :)
I'm definitely looking forward to reading Gwendolyn's story..

Unknown said...

My copy of Darkest Whisper is on it's way!! I can't wait!! I love the way she writes, just sweeps you in and takes you on the ride of your life!!

Una said...

Gena, welcome, welcome! I found out about your LotU series through my book club. I've read so many of your books and I love them. However, the LotU is my favorite series (but I did LOVE The Vampire's Bride). I love how you created your mythology and combine it with strong personalities and with LotU, the darkness of it. Oh, it's Fantastic! I am eagerly awaiting the Darkest Whisper! I'm also waiting to read your YA novel, Intertwined as well!

Nalini - again, thank you for bringing us another fantastic author!

Trblcmn said...

Big fan of Gena and Nalini, thanks for taking the time!!!!!!

orannia said...

I have to admit I'm definitely intrigued (you're a new-to-me author Gena :)....and the cover of The Darkest Whisper is gorgeous IMO!

All the best with the release!

Shannon said...

I would love to win the signed copy from GS! Count me in as well, please!

catslady said...

The series sounds wonderful and I have to say you have the most gorgeous covers!

rosazamot said...

I think Gena you pair your heroes well. I kept thinking what will be next and you don't disappoint at all. Looking forward to more and more....just don't stop, LOL.

Jazzy's Reviews said...

I really love your books I get then all in print and kindle format. I cant travel with my library very well. Your a doll keep writing.

Sharon M said...

I love all of Gena's Darkest books. When a new one comes out, I like going back and rereading the others to have everything fresh in my mind.

kylie said...

It's wonderful to see the support and admiration authors have for one another - not to mention the humorous nods you give...Gena, I still snicker over the LOTU namedrop in another series about Immortals...

Ducky said...

Nalini and Gena........Who could ask for better romance authors??? Love everything both of you write and have all your books. Thanks for sharing your worlds with us. Nalini.. I could sooooo live in a pack.Any openings? I'm your girl.....ok.... older lady (49 and pushing 50 HARD).Who knows.. Maybe one of your wolf or panther boys could use a woman with experience....Again I'm your girl.

Anonymous said...

Love, Love, Love Gena and all her work!!! :)

Unknown said...

I love your books...would love a signed one...i can't wait to read The Darkest Whisper.

rachelac37 said...

I love all of Gena Showalter's books. I just got The Darkest Whisper today and can not wait to read it. I also got Intertwined.

Heather said...

This is one of my all time favorite series. I love anything Greek. Will be haunting the bookstores tomorrow.

Tammy said...

ohhh cant wait read darkest whisper!! love all gena showalter books!!!!i already pre-order "playing with fire" but dang had to wait till oct 27 to get it!

fangirrl said...

I can't wait to read this one! I had a bet with a friend that Sabin's match couldn't be a modern human female coz of the self-doubt issue -I win! I win!

Wildwitch Terri Badiuk said...

This was one of my favorites...oh wait! I have 4 favorites of the Lords of the Underworld series. They are all 5/5 in my mind. I truly did love the way the story grew and I was so happy to see stoic Saben find love and happiness....

But Gena! We have to wait until June 2010!!!! That is 100% torture darlin! Worth the wait..yes..but 10 months away! That's longer than a pregnancy! This will be just as much torture as a pregnancy! lol

Thank you for giving me a lovely world to escape to and giving us faith in true love and soul mates.

cyndia said...

I am so thrilled that Darkest Whisper is coming out! I've been hooked since I read about Maddox! totally love that demon!

Laura said...

Oh my goodness. I would love a signed copy.

Anonymous said...

I love this series and crave more!

Anonymous said...

I adore her books! Intertwined looks really interesting but I'm horribly addicted to LOTU, lol.

Anonymous said...

I cannot express the gratitude I feel for Gena. She has created worlds where I long to escape to and men I long to escape with. If I am having a rough day, I grab a Gena book from my shelf and run away (only in my imagination, but still...)

KathyDy said...

Her books are the absolute best!!!!! I have to have every single one (my collection is filling my book shelves) no one can tell spin such pretty,hot,romantic,and funny stories as her. She is my absolute fave!

CatsMeow said...

just bought the Darkest Whisper. Since I love all her books, I'm sure I will LOVE this one too.

Unknown said...

Sign me up! I've always been a fan of Gena's!

Autumn (It's Autumn's Life) said...

sounds awesome!

emily w said...

I love Gena. I can't wait to get my hands on the next LOTU book.

donnas said...

I havent read any of the LOTU books yet but I really want to start the series. Thanks for posing and congrats on both releases.

Gena Showalter said...

You guys are making me blush. And smile. And want to hug each one of you LOL Seriously, thank you!

And isn't Nalini the absolute best! LOVE her!!

Cecile Smutty Hussy said...

I am here to show my support!! I love the LOTU series.. I have all of them and love each and every one of them!!! And now I have added The Darkest Whisper!!!!! I can NOT wait to start reading it... And now that I see how Gwen has put herself in your mind... and how you paired her up with Sabin... I can not wait to start it!!!! Thank you Ms. Singh for having Ms. Showalter!!!!

iokijo said...

The Lords are fantastic, and can not wait to get Whisper..
Would love to have a signed copy of one of Gena's books.

Thanks for the blog & contest.
ioki_jo at hotmail dot com

LaurieP said...

I love these books and have the hardest time waiting for the next one. Then I read it to fast and have to wait again. Darn that double edged sword. But I have a couple of Nalini's books to read too so I'm happy. Be real happy to win a book too!

Tiffany M. said...

Now I'm intrigued!!! Congrats on the two books out this month!

Tanya1224 said...

I'm so happy I started reading Gena's LOTU series. I've read 3 books in 3 days. I can't wait until The Darkest Whisper. I do believe that Lucien's story will be my favorite because I imagined the cover model the whole time I was reading it and it was intense for me. He is absolutely gorgeous. Thanks Gena.

Sassy said...

I can't wait to read Darkest Whisper!!

Anonymous said...

I love Gena!!!!!!

Pat Cochran said...

What a great combination of stories!
And add to that Intertwined! WooHoo!

Pat Cochran

Dino Rubio said...

I can't wait for number 4 of the LOTU!

angelblue said...

Can't wait for Darkest Whisper to come out on kindle September 1st! It's going to kill me to wait until next year for Darkest Passion and Darkest Lie!!!

angelblue said...

I can't wait for Kane and Torin's stories to come out!

laska leopoldo said...

My order has shipped and I should be reading The Darkest Whisper by Wednesday! I am now doing my happy dance.
drgnbn87@yahoo.com

Pat said...

Am I too late? Oh PLEASE don't let me be too late!!! You really write some excellent books you know.

TheZee said...

Gods, I love the LOTU series and just can't wait to get the newest! Once it's in my hands I won't be able to put it down!

SusiSunshine said...

I so love all of Gena's books. She has a great style of writing and always puts the right amount of wit and fun in the book.

firefenix said...

Hi Gena,

welcome here!
Love your stories. I want more also from Nalini. Keep the awesome stuff coming :-).
Love you both
Karima

Army Wife 718 said...

I love ALL the LOU books!! I can't wait to get back to Pain story =( so sad he gave up his girl to help Aeron... Hope to win the copy!!

host said...

Oohh, the books sound great! Great post about your inspiration:)

Unknown said...

Thanks for the preview, Gena! I can't wait! I also really want to hear what's going to eventually happen with Paris!

Cora said...

Hello Gena!

How are you?
I love the Lords.... They are gorgeous and really hot.
I look forward to read Sabin's story.

Edie said...

mmm.. I love GS's books and have always been interested in how they came about.. cos some of them frankly are whacked! Though I love them so.

Edie said...

How the characters came about that should have read.

Bridget said...

I LOVE Gena's books and so look forward to each new one that comes out. Her sence of humour and fun comes through just like Stephen King. I love him too. Thanks, Bridget

Marissa said...

I love the LOTU series, already pre-ordered The Darkest Whisper, can't wait for it to arrive!

KJsGrrl said...

Read the Darkest Whisper last night. LOVED IT! I cannot wait for Aeron's story... and Gideon's! Gideon deserves an HEA after this book!

Ina said...

Hi Gena,
oh, can't wait - your new book should be in my postbox this week :)
Hug,
Ina

prte1mn said...

I have just recently started reading this series and I love them. She writes so well that I just can't put the book down until the end and then she leaves me wanting more...and are these guys hot or what. Looking forward to what happens next.

shadows_magick said...

I love all your books. Cant wait for Intertwined! And when I am done reading it I am going to save it for my daughter. She may be 6 now, but she loves looking at your books and I know she'll love reading them when she's older.

:Candice: said...

love gena showalter!! and can't wait for the darkest whisper to get to me :) thanks for the contest and good luck everyone :)

Erika said...

Awesome guest!

Gothic Valentine said...

I'm probably way too late to enter the contest since it's on NZ time, but I can't wait until this book comes out. I adore the Lords of the Underworld and read the first four WAY too quickly! :) Now I need to make this one last when it comes out, LOL! At least I'm pretty sure I downloaded the prequel and I haven't read that one yet so maybe that will tide me over between releases.

Thanks for writing such wonderful stories, I love your Atlantis series too. I still have yet to start the alien series though. I'll probably like it, but I'm not big into the whole alien theme. ;)

Unknown said...

Wow, sounds very intriguing. And, with two of my fave auto-buy authors raving about your books (Nalini and Kresley) I definitely have to start reading this series!

Congratulations on your latest release!

~mimi

Kitana said...

I so have been waiting patiently for The Darkest Whisper, and it has been torture. I love the Lords of the Underworld, they are exciting, sexy, hardcore and dangerous (not to themselves or those they care for, but to those who try to harm them). This series is amazing and once I read Sabin's book, I will again wait patiently for Aaron's Book and it will again be such torture.

Nona said...

My copy just got sent out today... I can hardly wait!!! Preordered Intertwined and am anxious to see how that one turns out...4 souls in one body... Gotta be interesting.... Love Gena's work!!!

Anonymous said...

I want one!!!! YA LOVE All the books. Picking up my copy of Darkest Whisper today!!!

Casee said...

Gena, when do you plan on writing Paris' story?

throuthehaze said...

I love Gena's books!
throuthehaze at gmail dot com

Christine M. said...

's hope I'm not too late! In any case, I have yet to read Gena, but it sounds like an awesome series!

tetewa said...

Sounds like a great series, I'd like to be included! tWarner419@aol.com

Sewicked said...

Oh man, that sounds so good.

Leah said...

Awesome blog!! I love Gena Showalter. She writes amazing novels.

Rain Maiden said...

I can't wait to read The Darkest Whisper. The Lords grab you and don't let go.

Madhura said...

Love your books. You have a really way of making fantasy real.

Tiona said...

Welcome, Gina! I love the insight into your Characters. I watched a video you did with Kresley Cole a few years ago, where you and I forget the lady's name, were interviewing her. It was hilarious. Loved it! Congrats on the realease!

Christina said...

I have been waiting in agony for Darkest Whisper! I am mad crazy in love with all of the Lords, Gena!

The only thing (besides other wonderful authors like Nalini and Kresley releasing books) that kept me entertained was the reference Nix made to the Lords in Kiss of a Demon King. I adore Nix, and the thought of her arriving and causing chaos with the lords had me laughing out loud.

Please we don't have to wait to long for the next Lord book!

Anonymous said...

Woops, just wanted to add Gena that Reyes was my absolute fave, so Sabin's story has a lot to live up to (no pressure-- I'm sure it blows my expectations away!). I just adored Reyes since the first book and couldn't wait to grab my hands on his story (much like Hawke).

Christina said...

and somehow my name didn't show up on that anonymous post... *sigh*

Unknown said...

I love LOTU series and can not wait to Darkest Whisper.

Mitch said...

I am a HUGE fan of the Lords of the Underworld! It's such a wonderful idea. I was reading with my mouth gaping open when I found out about Hope being a...well...don't want to spoil anything for anyone who hasn't read, but...WOW! Gena, you're wonderfully creative! I hope you continue writing for a LONG time!

P.S. I love following you on Twitter!

~ Mitch

Estella said...

Can't wait to read Darkest Whisper!

darkreader said...

I love this series and all her books. Will be getting the book as soon as I have some extra cash! Winning it would be even better. Can't wait for the seqel to Playing with Fire!

Chelsea B. said...

I've read all the Lords of the Underworld books and I can't wait to pick up the newest! I'm glad you had so much fun writing it, Gena. I'm sure that's what makes being an author so satisfying!

Pissenlit said...

That is so neat that a character appeared to you in a dream!

Pollysilver said...

I can't wait to read Darkest Whisper, but i live in Australia so i'm not sure when it will get here.

Jessie said...

I love this series, can't wait for more!

Anonymous said...

I'd love to read this! Gwen sounds very interesting.

k i m i k a i o @yahoo.com (no spaces)

Diane said...

so many comments for you, congratulations!

Diane said...

Congratulations on your books Gena and keep them coming!

Anonymous said...

Oh! That was so awesome to catch a glimpse of how this story came to life! Thanks for sharing Gena :D
And I suppose it goes without saying that the Lords are SMOKING hawt *drool*

Nalini Singh said...

RANDOM WINNER: The lucky winner of the signed copy of The Darkest Night is Christine!

(I think there was only one Christine in the comments, but just to be safe, it's comment #98). Christine, please email me your mailing address at nalinisinghwrites AT gmail DOT com and I'll pass it on to Gena.

Congratulations!

lov4vamps said...

Gena as always I enjoyed your interview. I can't wait to read about Gwen and now knowing how she came to be makes me feel even closer to her. I love Sabin, he has such a strong character even though he fights with his doubts. Thank you for bringing us such wonderful stories and characters to fall in love with and take us away on a joyous adventure!!