Author Tes Hilaire Character Interview and Book Contest LIVE Here!
Let’s give a big Bitten by Books welcome to Logan Calhoun, one of the stars of the Paladin Warriors series.
BBB: Logan, thanks for stopping by today.
*Logan inclines his head.* It’s my pleasure.
BBB: First, even though it is supposed to be a secret organization, the books have kind of let the cat out of the bag. Can you please describe for us (without giving too much away) what Paladins are?
Well first let me say that I hope we can rely on your discretion. We wouldn’t want unfounded rumors nor alarming intel to get out, would we?
BBB: Such as that you are an angel?
*Logan heaves a long suffering sigh.* Yeah, just like that. *He leans in closer.* Trust me when I say that I am no angel. *Sitting back, he clears his throat.* Actually, besides being descendents of a fighting force made up of volunteers from His angels, we are not much different than your own peacekeepers. We are here to serve and protect humankind. The only difference between us and say, your police force, is the “bad guys” we ferret out and go after are something that even the most highly trained law-enforcement official couldn’t handle. *He smiles.* Genetics do help, after all.
BBB: Tell us about your friend, Roland.
Ah, Roland. That’s complicated. I’d say to know him is to love him but… *he shrugs*
…sometimes even I want to eradicate the bastard. We’ve had our differences each had our moments, but despite the horrible tragedy that befell him ninety-four years ago, he has maintained his honor. He has also always been there for me, even when it would suit him better not to and has earned the title of my best friend.
BBB: You don’t seem to ever get much of a break, what with your time being spent rooting out evil. If you ever get any spare time, what kinds of things do you enjoy doing? Besides making every fantasy my mate might dream up come true?
*His mouth curls up, the iris of his eyes darkening to a smokey-blue.* I honestly can’t think of anything else.
BBB: Do you have a favorite place to visit?
Some place quiet. Peaceful. Recently I’ve been spending a lot of time at the beach…or rather a certain beach house.
BBB: What kind of music do you listen to? What do you like to read?
I can appreciate just about any type of music, excepting heavy metal. *He shakes his head* I never did understand its appeal. As far as leisure reading? Unfortunately any reading time I have is spent deciphering old texts. Being the last full-blooded Paladin, I am one of the few that can translate archaic languages and with so many historical records already having been lost, I feel the need to salvage what I can.
BBB: What do you consider to be the most important characteristic of a Paladin?
Honor. When all is said and done, if at the end of the day you still have your honor, then it has been a good day, and there is hope for the next day as well.
BBB: In book two, Deliver Me from Temptation, you get to be one of the stars. What has that experience been like?
Very, very, trying…and amazing. It’s like, well, this may sound cliché, but it’s like going through your own personal trial by fire and coming out alive and whole on the other side. *He gives a rueful chuckle* Personally, I could have done without all the suffering to get to this point, but I’m content now. More than content.
BBB: Do you get along with the author, Tes, and like her decisions for you?
You think she makes decisions for me? *He laughs.* Perhaps you should spend some time talking with her….*his eyes narrow*…or is she the person you got that crazy idea from?
BBB: Will your fans from book one, Deliver Me From Darkness, be pleased with your story in “your” book?
*Logan shrugs* I honestly don’t’ know. I’m still the same man I was before, only better for having made it through my “trial by fire” and found my mate. So, I guess that will depend on whether the readers believe in love in face of great odds…and fate.
BBB: Thanks for joining us, Logan.
Author Bio:
While growing up Tes Hilaire always wanted to see a ghost. Or meet an angel. Or dine with a vampire. Despite her vivid imagination, none of these things ever happened… yet. In the meantime, she writes about them from her home in North Carolina where she lives with her hero, her cats, a son and two daughters–one of whom claims to actually have seen a ghost (Tes is very jealous). She hates lima beans, loves spaghetti, and still believes in the impossible.
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Learn more about Tes Hilaire here:
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Google + https://plus.google.com/u/0/112418039338001633740/posts
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I see you also live in NC, foothills or coastal area?
Lisa, I live in the southern Piedmont area near Charlotte. I’m actually a “newer” resident of this wonderful state having left the cold winters behind in NY!
What about you?
I live only about an hour from you, closer to the mountains. I just love that we can be in the mountains in under a hour or at Myrtle Beach in four. We do a lot of motorcycle riding in the mountains in the summer and it is great to hit the parkway for these rides. Our weather is so much milder (most of the time) than NY both in the summer and winter, a pretty great area to live in.
Lisa,
I am LOVING the milder falls/winters/springs here
And unlike dh, I enjoy the heat of the summer too. I do miss a good snowbound Christmas along with some of our dearest friends, but all in all it’s been a great move. That’s great that you get to go out and enjoy the parkway on your bikes. We did the minivan thing with the kids this year and did some minor hikes, but I can imagine how beautiful it must be w/out the steal frame and windows in the way!
Pingback: Meet and Greet with Logan and Jessica! : Tes Hilaire
Shoes-every woman loves shoes. Take her shopping to pick out a gorgeous pair.
Logan: Hmmm… Jessica doesn’t seem to indulge too much in that pleasure, though I have noticed an awful lot of boots in her closet. I’m not sure how many more pairs she could want, however, considering she has three black pairs and practically every shade of brown. Thoughts?
One can never have too many pairs of kick-ass boots. Maybe a pair in red?
Logan: Jessica in red boots… that is a, um…. *his cheeks redden, he clears his throat, coughing into his hand as he averts his gaze* well a really good idea.
Do you have any unusual or special talents excluding your storytelling abilities?
Does wrangling mini-mes and keeping the home-ship afloat count?
Honestly I consider myself a Jill of all Trades (many hobbies too little time) but between the writing, the family, and the PTO/school volunteering I do, I don’t have much time to indulge.
Oh definitely! Enjoy these times as they disappear in a blink of the eye. As a recent empty nester, the last just got married and is finishing up grad school, these busy days will be missed and brought out as little memory treasures later in life. Don’t know where moms get all the energy and brain cells to multi-task at this time, but it was a ball.
Planner or pantzer?
DO you follow a “formula” when you write? DO you outline your ideas, write in a specific order
LOL! Okay, Rachel, last one for a little while. I need to go help out with the school musical for an hour or so but then I’ll be back. Anyway, I would say I’m a mixed breed. When I first starting writing I pantzed it all the way, but then I got serious and realized that I was spending WAY too much time editing. So, now I do a little hybrid. I plot out the basic ARC of the story, even do detailed outlines of a few key scenes, but the rest is all Their (the character’s) story and I let it unfold as they need it too.
Ach! LISA! I am so sorry. I was just listening to my messages, one of which was from another mom, Rachel, and, Ugh.. power of suggestion. Forgive me, k?
no problem, (lol) just escaped from the grandbaby (finally dosed off for a nap) so I understand
Hi, you’re a new author to me! This is the first time I heard of this series. How many books are planned for this series?
Van,
I am currently writing book 3 which should come out next fall! That said, I have another half dozen plotted out in my head so we’ll have to see where things go
LOL. Just love that man. What a great interview
~Anna
He is lovable with those amazing grey-blue eyes, isn’t he?
If you could assign a song (to be the theme) to your series/books or character what would it be?
Raonaid,
Oh, that’s a hard one. So much of it depends on what scene I’m writing. Logan’s book was written to a lot of Coldplay, Mumford & Sons, a dash of U2, Sarah Mclachlan, and whatever was playing on Pandora’s club mix station at the time! LOL
That said, if I had to pick One song, I think it would be Little Lion Man from Mumford & Sons Sigh No More album. It just really summed up what Logan was feeling in the black moment.
*He glances over his shoulder and leans in close, speaking in low tones.* Christmas is coming and I
Logan: Very good suggestion, Raonaid. However, my heart says give her the world, but my instincts say she wouldn’t want it. Quite the conundrum, isn’t it?
I think I’m going to love this one. Character interviews give me a real feel for the book and this was very good. Do you enjoy writing character interviews and is it easier to write the male or the female perspective?
Viki,
The hardest part about character interviews is getting them to cooperate. Luckily Logan is normally pretty agreeable. Roland, on the other hand… ugh.
As far as POV’s, I think the male POV has been easier for me in this series just because I’ve spent more time in their heads. Roland, Logan, Valin, Alexander, etc… are all reoccurring characters. The book I’m currently working on, Deliver Me from Death (book 3) has been fun though because both Valin and Gabby are protagonists and they’re both characters that I’ve spent a lot of time studying and getting to know.
Logan, I always a think a gift card to a favorite coffee shop is a fantastic gift.
Logan: Excellent suggestion, Viki… Jessica does love her coffee… *his mouth twists thoughtfully* …actually, one could almost consider it a bit of an addiction. Do NOT get between her and her Keurig in the morning!
Great interview!
Thanks, Cheryl! Glad you enjoyed.
Congratulations on the new release Tes!!!
Hope it a huge success for you!!!
*HUGS*
Lisa
Thanks for the good wishes, Lisa! Right back at you
So glad you could stop in 
How did the story of the Paladin’s come about?
Elaine,
Oh, that’s another tough one…short answer is that Roland had a story to tell, but I knew I needed to flesh out his world. Insert a lot of research, including a stumble upon an old french piece of literature (The Song of Roland) and aton of brainstorming later… and viola!
For the in depth story, check out this post! http://teshilaire.com/creating-a-mythos/
Hi Tes,
I love new authors for me.
Do you generally set one large or many small goals?
Koren,
I generally set large goals, then break it down into bite able chunks. Otherwise I get completely overwhelmed and my inspiration frizzles out!
What do you do to reward yourself when you reach your goals?
I Read! Ah… reading… So many books, so little time. I’m currently on a self-imposed deadline and have three of my positive Fav Must-have, must-read now authors’ recent releases begging me to pick them up and read! PURE TORTURE!
Do you keep track of random plot bunnies as they pop up or do you let them run free and grow until you need them?
I always have a little notebook on me. That’s where those random plot bunnies are kept. Sometimes they grow, sometimes they don’t, but they’re always there for inspiration
Christmas is coming and I
Koren, I have a pair of those! *turns to Logan* You really should check them out, Logan. Not sure it they’d be Jessica’s thing what with the kicking baddy ass thing (might stub her toe), but if she ever finds the time to run again, she might want to give them a try.
Thanks for sharing a great post with us!
, I do have one question. *He glances over his shoulder and leans in close, speaking in low tones.* Christmas is coming and I
Oops, I thought it was for Tes, not Jessica.
LOL! I think he SHOULD get me a gift
Hmmmm… Sghettie, my favorite! 
Thanks for stopping in and putting the bug in Logan’s ear, maybe all my hard work on his behalf will be rewarded.
Love hearing from Logan, and look forward to his story! Congrats Tes
Thanks, Laurie! And t hanks for stopping in
Be sure to leave a suggestion for Logan if you can think of something 
Love this character interview…this series looks like a fantastic read! Thanks for sharing!
How did your daughter see a ghost?
PC,
We used to live in an old farmhouse (built in 1835) My daughter was in one of the only rooms that had never been renovated (ie original size/shape, hardware floors, etc) She claimed a few times to hear strange noises, singing even, and a couple times both the room door and closet door opened “mysteriously” (The house was old and crooked, so we chalked it up to that). One night when she was five or six, though, she came running downstairs and said someone was in her room. Both dh and I went up to explore and found nothing. Further questioning revealed that the person was blurry and seemed to be sitting on something, though nothing was there by the window. Who knows… she does have a Very good imagination, but, it’s hard to believe a house that old wouldn’t have some old characters hanging around!
Hey All!
Just wanted to thank you for the warm welcome… it’s getting late here in EST land, and I have an early 5 am morning w/ the kiddos and school. I will be back though as soon as I get them off on their various ways to answer any other questions you might have and to check out with the x-mas gift suggestions you come up with for Logan to give to Jessica
Best,
Tes Hilaire
I never seen a ghost but did see cobber doors open and close and lights go of and on all over the place and one floating stuff animal.what would you do if you saw a ghost?
Stacey,
After the initial fight or flight reflexes… I think the scientist in me would try and study it, though the curious cat would probably bombard it with questions!
you should get Jessica a Kindle Fire every girl would love one even maybe a guy would love one two.
Oh! Good one Stacey… I think I might actually sneak that suggestion over to Jessica
Is there a genre that you have not yet written in that you would like to?
Mary,
I write multiple genres including Romantic Suspense, Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, and I’ve even tried my hand at Epic Fantasy. I haven’t pubbed in these genres though, mainly because the time hasn’t been right given how busy I’ve with these Paladins
I do hope to get some of those works out there soon! As far as genres I’d like to write? I’d love to do a middle grade novel… mainly because that’s the age group my children are reading now and it’s the age that I truly became a read-a-holic 
What was your favorite childhood book/series?
Doville,
Early childhood would have to be the Black Stallion series. When I hit middle/high I became a fantasy fan and really got into Mercedes Lackey. There are a ton of others, of course, but they were a couple of the most memorable authors who shaped my love of books.
Have you ever written fan fiction? For what fandom?
Actually written down? No, but I come up with little fan fic stories in my imagination all the time.
If your mind were a house, what would it look like inside?
Messy… with many many unfinished projects… and a few works of art
Logan, I’d suggest jewelry as a gift. Every woman loves it, and it would be perfect if it was specially inscribed with a personal note or have some personal meaning for both of you.
Logan: She tends not to wear jewelry because of her job…but perhaps a simple gold band…*he smiles* Yes, I like your idea of an inscription very much. My thanks for the suggestion.
I really like your website! That Warrior vs. Paladin the musical video was the best!!
LOL! My hubby stumbled upon that and showed it to me… I had to use it after that
As for a christmas idea, does she need a new weapon? Personally I feel a girl can never have too much!
Logan: Well…she has her department issued weapon, but I was actually thinking that a new knife was in order. Thank you for the idea. I think I’ll have to check about putting in a request!
What are your thoughts on audiobooks? I didn’t see these listed as available in audio, do you wish they were?
Joani,
Hmmm.. Audiobooks… Yes, I wish they were, though I, personally, am not an audiobook fan (I like to assign my own voices/characteristics to the characters in a book) but I know a lot of people enjoy being told a story in this manner. My husband is actually one such man, as he has a form of dyslexia which makes reading difficult. He will consume books via audio, however, so I wish mine were available in that format for that reason alone… not to mention the many others like him out there, or just those who enjoy the verbal story art form.
Congrats on the release!! Looking forward to reading it.
Thanks Donna! I’m excited too
When writing what is your favorite part of the story?
Donna,
I have three favorite sections… the very very beginning when the possibilities are endless and the story is as surprising to me as it is to you as it begins to unfold…the scene where our hero/heroines love/passion can no longer be denied (who doesn’t love that scene, right?) and then the black moment…Uck, guess I love a tortured heart
I’ve read and enjoyed Deliver Me from Darkness, but I don’t have a copy, yet. Would love to win.
Janie,
So glad you enjoyed! Good luck and I hope you’ll get the chance to read Deliver Me from Temptation too