Saturday, September 28, 2013

Author Interview and Giveaway - Templand & Permland by Jill Elaine Hughes

 
Amazon Buy Link



Templand Blurb:

The heroine, Melanie Evers, is a plucky young working-class woman from Akron, Ohio struggling to support herself in Chicago in the post-9-11 economy. TEMPLAND follows Melanie's journey through the temporary employment world from a college student on "just a summer job" to a 28-year-old woman with a lot of intelligence (and a heap of student loan debt to match) through multiple layoffs and a series of ever-more-wacky temp assignments, as she struggles not only to survive, but also to find romance and always remain true to the honest, working-class values instilled in her by her beloved grandfather.

In her long, solitary journey through Templand, Melanie encounters adventure and romance on her search for that always-elusive Permanent Job---which she finally gets, along with her man. TEMPLAND is a highly entertaining, wickedly funny social satire, contemporary romance, and mystery novel all rolled into one.

 
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Amazon Buy Link

Permland Blurb:
SEQUEL TO TEMPLAND. It’s the beginning of 2003, a few months after the end of TEMPLAND. Melanie Evers is back as she struggles under the insane demands of her long-sought Permanent Job.  Now a human resources executive at Marquette Bank, what started out as a cushy well-paid job turns into a nightmare when her company is bought out by a Dutch conglomerate.  Melanie gets sent on a new series of wacky adventures as she tries to keep her head above water while her crazy new boss Pietra controls her every move, the Iraq War begins, and her boyfriend Dave is called up by the Army reserves to fight overseas. Is permanent employment really all it’s cracked up to be?

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Let's meet the author:
 
What sparked your interest in becoming a romance writer? 
I think it was because I always loved reading romance, from Jane Austen up to modern erotica. I’m always a sucker for a good love story.  Even if I already know how it will end, I love the wild ride!


What was the first romance novel you read that made an impression on you?
Probably Austen’s Pride& Prejudice, which I read in college.  I’d read scores of romances prior to that, both modern-day and from the literary canon, but that one really stuck with me and I always remember it.  I think it sets the bar for the whole genre. I’m also a sucker for Jane Eyre and anything by Jennifer Weiner.

Tell us 5 surprising things about yourself.
·       I’m an Irish-Catholic who converted to Buddhism.  And I’m married to a Chinese guy who was born and raised Buddhist but converted to Catholicism. Weird, huh?
·       I hate mashed potatoes.
·       I’m dangerously allergic to bee stings.
·       I have naturally curly hair.
·       I’m a triathlete.

What is your writing environment. 
I write full-time (I’m a freelance journalist as well as a novelist) and the entire third floor of my house is my writing studio.

One of your favorite quotes.
“If you got paid to write something, and you paid the light bill with the money, then I consider you talented.”---Stephen King

Who is your perfect hero? And why?
I like heroes who are strong and successful, yet mysterious.  I like them to have some kind of dark past that involves deep personal flaws that they have overcome at least somewhat, but still contribute some quirkiness to their character.  This is what intrigues readers and also keeps me engaged when writing.

Which authors have caught your interest lately? Why?
There are too many to name! Of late I’ve liked Avery Aster’s MANHATTANITES series with Ellora’s Cave, J.L. Mac’s WRECK ME series, anything by Sylvia Day, and of course EL James!

What type of book have you always wanted to write?
I have written almost 20 books, of many different types and subgenres, so there aren’t many types I haven’t written yet.  But I DO want to eventually write a New York Times bestseller!

Who are your dream dinner party guests? All authors! (and a little eye candy) 
EL James, Jane Austen, Jennifer Weiner, Sara Gruen, D.H. Lawrence, and Charlie Hunnam!

What’s the last movie you watched and loved?
Probably FLIGHT, with Denzel Washington.  Good film with a good message. Plus you get to see Denzel naked, so there’s that.

Most __nerdy_ in high school. (popular, nerdy, sporty…) Why?
I was senior class valedictorian.

Top three things on your bucket list.
Go to India.
Go to Ireland.
Go to Africa.

Flirting Questions

Which actor or book character do you have a crush on? Hugh Jackman, Colin Firth, and Mr. Darcy.

What’s your favorite body part of the opposite sex?
Aside from the obvious (snark), eyes.

What does love feel like?
Knowing that you want to spend the rest of your life with that person.

Hey, baby! What’s your sign?
Aquarius

When was your last kiss?
This morning.

What’s an absolute no-no in a relationship?
Cheating, lying, and violence.

How did you meet your significant other?
We actually met online!

What’s your idea of a perfect date?
Dinner and a movie without the kids!

If you could take a romantic trip, where would it be?
I’ve traveled a lot already, but I’ve always wanted to spend a week in Hawaii. Preferably on Maui or Kauai, they are more secluded.

Do you believe in love at first sight?
Yes


 
Flirting Quickies:

 
Boxers or Briefs? Boxers

Facial hair or clean shaven? Stubble
 
Alpha or Beta?  Alpha

Planner or Panster? Panster

White wine or red? Red
 
Coffee or tea? Tea

Vanilla or chocolate? Vanilla
 
Sweet or salty? Both, at the same time!

Sleep in or get up early? Sleep in

Laptop or desktop? laptop
 
Beach or mountains? Mountains
Winter or summer? Winter
Cat or dog? Dog
Twilight or Fifty Shades? Definitely Fifty Shades!
Spotlight or In the Shadows?  Spotlight
City or Country? City
Clubbing or candlelight dinner? Candelight dinner
Backpacking or luxury hotel? Hotel
Morning or night person? Night
Christmas or Halloween? Halloween
Optimist or pessimist? optimist

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Author Links

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