Bitten by Books
Is this the end?
When I wrote the first Shadow Shifter book I had a clear idea of how this story would end. That’s not always the case when an author begins a series, but I had time to really plan how I wanted these feline shifters to grow and what ultimate price they would have to pay for the safety of their kind. While some may say that keeping the shifter secret from the humans and protecting their species is an old and much used vice for shapeshifter stories, I didn’t feel that way about writing the Shadow Shifters because in addition to fighting for their cause, the shadows also fought to hold on to their human traits and the love the humans sometimes brought into their lives.
Primal Heat gives a raw and emotional look into the lives of not only the Shadows and the Rogues, but specifically Eli Preston and Nivea Cannon, both shadow guards. These two have been trained in battle, to put the fight before the emotion, yet there is no denying the passion that burns bright between them. In the midst of their greatest challenge as guards, these two must also overcome the hurdle of pasts filled with heavy burdens and the uncertainty of their future. I loved writing this story, loved delving into Nivea and Eli, as well as showing how this world could forever be changed by the knowledge of another species. Now that book #6 in this series is completed and what the Shadow Shifters were fighting for has been lost, I wonder what will happen next, or if the world is really ready for the secrets that it have been unveiled.
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About A.C. Arthur
Author Bio:
Artist C. Arthur was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland where she currently resides with her husband and three children. An active imagination and a love for reading encouraged her to begin writing in high school and she hasn’t stopped since.
Working in the legal field for almost thirteen years now she’s seen lots of horrific things and longs for the safe haven reading a romance novel brings. Her debut novel Object of His Desire was written when a picture of an Italian villa sparked the idea of an African-American/Italian hero. Determined to bring a new edge to romance, she continues to develop intriguing plots, sensual love scenes, racy characters and fresh dialogue—thus keeping the readers on their toes!
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Hi A.C.!
If you could spend the day with any literary character, who would it be and why? What would you ask them?
Hi Becky! This is a tough question. I think I might ask Elizabeth Bennett what took her so long to give in to Mr. Darcy.
Awesome answer! I love ‘Pride and Prejudice’. It is my all time favorite classical romance book. I also find myself wondering why she didn’t give in sooner. lol
What got you into writing shifters?
Hi Ashley
My editor suggested I write another paranormal story. At the time there were lots of vampire romances floating about so we decided shapeshifters would be good. By that time I’d already written a story for Ellora’s Cave about a jaguar shapeshifter so I just continued to build from that world.
1. I’d try to find one lol I’m not really sure what I’d do
2. A panther
3. Cupcakes!
Yay panthers!
What book(s) have influenced your life most?
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Star by Danielle Steele
Great list of books. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen has been so influential to many.
Answers to Author’s questions:
1. If you found out there were shapeshifters walking the earth right now, what would you do?
I would probably try and find one. I find them interesting, and I would probably talk their ears off asking questions.
2. If there was one shapeshifter species you could fall in love with, which one would it be? A jaguar? A wolf? A bear?
I would say either a phoenix or a thunderbird.
3. What’s your favorite treat?
Strawberry Cheesecake
I wrote a story about a phoenix years ago. It was called Heart of the Phoenix. I really enjoy writing about mythological characters.
If there were shapshifters walking the earth, I would want to find/locate one.
Wolf
Favorite treat: anything chocolate
Hey Lisa!
I have a new series starting next month called Wolf Mates.
and yes for the chocolate!
Oh, Wolf Mates sounds great!
Here’s the link to the book. I wrote a story and so did Kate Douglas who writes exceptionally HOT wolves!
http://www.amazon.com/Claimed-Mate-Vol-Werewolf-2-ebook/dp/B00WDWNK1E/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1438718939&sr=1-1&keywords=claimed+by+the+mate+by+a.c.+arthur
Do you have a favourite paranormal being?
I don’t think I have a favorite. I’d say that faeries are my least favorite because they can be super mean little beings. lol
Hi!
Yeah, I can only imagine what you might see in the legal field there. Has anything indirectly influenced anything you have wrote or is there a detail or event that you want to use but haven’t yet from there?
Lois
your questions -
1 - hmm… I’d just probably start wondering as I’m moving about in my day what is it that I’m passing by that is a shapeshifter… and quickly get utterly paranoid. LOL
2 - I have no idea… want to say cat since I love cats, but not really sure.
3 - if it has chocolate, probably that.
Hi Lois
There are so many ideas that I’ve had based on a case I’ve read or a trial I’ve watched. But I try to be real careful about not putting anything in my books that might seem too familiar.
Yay Team Chocolate!
1. If you found out there were shapeshifters walking the earth right now, what would you do?
I would probably just wonder which people I see might be shapeshifters.
2. If there was one shapeshifter species you could fall in love with, which one would it be? A jaguar? A wolf? A bear? A wolf or a dragon.
3. What’s your favorite treat?
Anything chocolate.
Hi Minna!
Team Chocolate is taking the lead in the favorite treat department.
Dragons are interesting.
If you could only give ONE piece of advice to newbie authors and writers, what advice do you think is the most important one to give? One CON to being an author? One Pro?
Hi Raonaid
I always tell aspiring authors to be persistent. This industry has lots of ups and downs and if this is what you really want to do you have to be determined to do it, no matter what.
Con - there will be days when it seems like its a totally thankless and relentless profession
Pro - there will be days when you simply love what you write and vow to go on forever
Congratulations on the publication of Primal Heat! Do you do anything special to celebrate the release of a new book?
Hi Bonnie!
Thank you!
Well, I always come to work at my day job.
So I was walking down the hall today thinking of how exhausted I am from all the work on my desk and a little voice said “hey, it’s your release day”. I instantly smiled and thought, yeah, I should be celebrating not working my butt off. But alas, I came back to my desk to finish up the work day. LOL
No, I don’t usually do any special celebrating. Sometimes-like maybe tonight-I’ll treat myself to something special for dinner. I’m thinking a crab cake and fries this time.
Hello. Has your non-writing career provided story ideas?
Hi Susan
I wrote two books years ago called Office Policy & Corporate Seduction and they were both based in a law firm. So yes, without getting into specifics of cases and trials that I’ve personally worked on, the legal field does have a tremendous influence on some of the characters that I write.
As a matter of fact, the Assembly Leader of the Shadow Shifters is an attorney.
If you found out there were shapeshifters walking the earth right now, what would you do?
—- First, I would ask one to shape change in front of me so I could witness the marvel first hand. Then I will possibly pepper them full of questions to get ideas for my stories…
If there was one shapeshifter species you could fall in love with, which one would it be? A jaguar? A wolf? A bear?
—- DRAGON! I would love to see my Zodiac animal. I would understand why they could not transform where anyone can see them.
What’s your favorite treat?
- Cheesecake.
The dragons are really popular today!
I was born beneath the dragon sign.. And they are my totem.
cool!
Congratulations!
Okay, if you could be any paranormal being which would you be and what would be unique about YOU?
1. I’d accept shifters among us without any real problem.
2. It’d be a Bengal Tiger shifter since they are so strong and very loyal.
3. Hands down chocolate covered espresso beans :).
Hi Viki
I don’t think I want to be a paranormal being. I’d rather be psychic so I could know lots of things that are going to happen. Of course that would suck when it’s bad things, but I’m so nosy I’d still like to know!
Author questions
If there were shapeshifters on earth, I would try to find one to learn all about their lifestyle.
A wolf reminds me of a big friendly dog that I could easily love.
Chocolate!
Team Chocolate rules!
Would you please share 3 unique things about yourself with us
Hi JoAnne
I don’t know that they’re unique, possibly OCD maybe. LOL
1. I am afraid of cats
2. I do not like people pointing at me
3. I cannot write with a pen if the top is not still attached. (like I put the top that belongs on the pen on the back while I’m writing and if I lose the top, I don’t use that pen anymore)
1. try to meet and welcome them
2. love wolves
3. chocolate
Wolves and chocolate are becoming a recurring theme here today!
First - I have not read this series yet but did read the blurb above…so now I know a spoiler! I try really hard not to know spoilers! Luckily it won’t keep me from reading the series…
What is your favorite series (not your own) that includes shifters?
Hi Maria
I love Lora Leigh’s Breeds (although they’re not shifters) and Christine Feehan’s leopards are fantastic.
Hi A. C. and Congratulations! My question for you is: Who is your favorite book character?
My answers:
1, I’d wonder if I knew a shapeshifter!
2. A jaguar~beautiful animals.
3. Chocolate, please!
Hi Betty
thank you!
My favorite book character from this particular series is Xavier (Passion’s Prey, book#3). From another popular paranormal series The Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward, Zsadist is my favorite.
Jaguars and chocolate are a perfect combo!
1. If I found out there were shapeshifters walking the earth I would try to be friend one to end up on their good side.
2. I would want to be a bid cat of some kind! They are gorgeous!
3. Dark chocolate! Dammit now I want some…time to go raid the bowl on the receptionist desk.
Hi Maria
Yes! Yes! Yes! Dark Chocolate is THE BEST!
Tell us 5 things we may not know about your writing life…
Hi Lisa
1. It’s not as easy as it may look
2. I write every day, even if its just a sentence or two
3. I enjoy writing to music
4. Sex scenes are not easy to write
5. Old movies inspire me
What book are you reading now?
I am just starting The Bourban Kings by J.R. Ward
I’d try to get to know one. A wolf and chocolate
Wolf & chocolate - This trend is still winning!
Is there a genre you’d like to try writing in but haven’t yet for whatever reason?
Not really, I think I’ve covered most of the genres that I like — paranormal, contemporary, YA, NA, mystery and suspense.
Is there any particular emotion/feeling that you find more difficult than others to put into words?
Hi Bethany
This is going to sound strange but it’s easier for me to write things like grief, pain, suffering than it is to write about someone being happy. I always run out of things to say about ‘happy’ but feel like those so much more to explore with the negative emotions.
Who is your favorite Muppet and why?
Hi Trix
Great question!
Ms. Piggy is my favorite. My cousins used to call me this when I was younger and even though I didn’t like it much, I loved watching how strong and defiant Ms. Piggy always was on the show. She inspired me.
How are you taking her split with Kermit? I’m hoping it’s one of Piggy’s PR stunts!
What books would be on your TBR list or ones you finished over the summer since it’s almost over?
Hi Nancy
Hoping I’ll finish the Bourban Kings. I finished Bengel’s Quest by Lora Leigh. Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver is on my TBR list. And for research purposes I need to finish reading The Romanov Sisters.
I’d be eager to meet one!
Pack animals are loyal, but I always thought a bird would be cool…I guess it depends on where we live and things like that.
I love baking and making desserts (ice cream, lately!), so it’s hard to say. Coffee and chocolate are what I crave each day!
I don’t usually crave coffee but I recently purchased the Starbucks Mocha blend in Keurig cups. I’ve had two a day for last 3 days!
What place would you like to visit and research for a future book?
Hi Debra
Definitely Italy!
What is your favorite movie?
Old Black & White - The Philadelphia Story & Cassablanca
Current - You’ve Got Mail & Pretty Woman
Do you put current events in your writing?
HI Lisa
Sometimes I use current events or current locations. Usually I try to have the characters deal with current issues.
1. I would find them and want to join their pack.
2. Jaguar. I like the way the cats love and fight for each other.
3. I love almond and cranberry granola.
Hi Lisa
Wow, you’d join the pack! Reminds me of Teen Wolf.
How do you decide if a book is going to be a stand alone or part of a series?
Hi Mary
Usually when I think about the next story the characters come to me first. So if the characters happen to be from a big family or a large group of some kind, I know I’m going to have to write a series. Sometimes there’s a plot that I think of that I know won’t work with one book and then I have to think of which characters can carry the story across multiple books. I have, in the last few weeks thought of some stand alone story ideas.
How many years were you submitting manuscripts before you got your first publishing deal?
Hi Debbie
I submitted for 3 years before I was offered my first publishing deal. It took 2 years for me to even decide to submit.
From any of your books, what has been one of your favorite scenes, or types of scenes, to write?
If shapeshifters walked the earth, I would be the 1st to SIGN UP for that one-of-a-kind MEET & GRETT PARTY! Wow, that is a hard question because I am a feline lover because of their SEDUCTIVE PURRING, but I read my 1st Bear shifter romance & now I am hook. So if I had to choose, I would say FIGHT CLUB CONTEST! Reese Peanut Butter Cups are my total weakness! Which sharpshooter Amen just gets your juices flowing?
Hi Patty!
Love Reese Peanut Butter Cups!
To answer your giveaway questions:
If I found out there were shapeshifters walking among us, I’d probably try to learn all I could about them.
Wolves
My favorite treat is probably pizza. Yummy!
Hi Lindsey
The wolves are coming in strong today! My daughter’s a pizzaholic too.
Are there any other genres you would have an interest in writing?
Hi Michelle
Nope. I think I’ve tried my hand at all the genres I like to read - paranormal, contemporary, YA, NA, mystery and suspense.
How do you come up with character names?
Hi Ann
I use a baby name book. And I also like to watch the credits after a movie or a show to see all the different names of the staff.
What things inspired you to write books ?
Hi Alexandru
I love watching movies and reading because it takes me to another place. Eventually, I started feeling as if I would have made the characters say something different, or do something different. I would just write the entire story differently. So I figured, why not try it, why not write the story I wanted to read.
wheres your favorite place to read
Hi Amanda
I love to read in bed, in the middle of the night when everyone is sleep because its really quiet and I can sink right into the story.
who is your favorite author?
Hi Thomas
My favorite author is Nora Roberts.
Hi A.C.,
what is the strangest thing a reader has asked you?
?1 not to tick them off to want to kill me, lol
?2 a wolf, b/c I love dogs
?3 coca cola
Hi Dina
Years ago a guy came up to me at a booksigning (I won’t even classify him as a reader). I had just finished reading a scene from one of my books and it was a prelude to a pretty steamy scene. So the guy asks, “If I buy this book do you come over and act out the scenes with me?” I was so shocked I didn’t know what to say. My husband was there so he answered the question and needless to say the man did not buy the book!
What are your must haves for writing? Ex a beverage, music, etc
Hi Kristy
I don’t really have any must haves to write. I can write just about anywhere and at anytime. I will say that I am most creative in the early morning hours with a cup of hot green tea and music playing.
1. If you found out there were shapeshifters walking the earth right now, what would you do?
Try to befriend them
2. If there was one shapeshifter species you could fall in love with, which one would it be? A jaguar? A wolf? A bear?
Phoenix or a Dragon.
3. What’s your favorite treat?
Poocorn, Peaches, Nectarines
Hi Sarit
I love the phoenix idea!
Do you have any current favorite shows or books?
Hi Amy
Right now I am really into Pretty Little Liars, Teen Wolf and Murder In The First.
Who is your favorite “classic” author?
Hi Linda
That would be Maya Angelou.
1. If you found out there were shapeshifters walking the earth right now, what would you do?
Hope that I would meet one
2. If there was one shapeshifter species you could fall in love with, which one would it be? A jaguar? A wolf? A bear?
The bear shapeshifters just seem more interesting and unique
3. What’s your favorite treat?
chocolate, hot cocoa, and coffee.
Hi Amy
Chocolate is always a winner!
if you could have three folks to dinner living, dead, real, or imaginary who would they be and why?
Hi Pam
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - because I would like to ask him what he thinks we should do to help with today’s racial unrest
Maya Angelou - because I would love to hear about her writing process and what she thought of today’s literary industry
Michael Jackson - because my husband LOVES him
1. See if I could be turned into one lol
2. dragons and big cats
3 anything reece’s
Reese’s are the best!
if you could go anywhere in the world on a Vacation where would you go?
Hi Stacey
Italy would be my first choice and Paris my second choice.
was this the genre you originally wanted to write or did you just happen upon it?
Hi Diana
I’ve always loved reading and writing romance. Paranormal romance has always interested me so I knew that eventually I would try my hand at writing this type of story.
When writing do you have an image of your character’s in your head? If so, is it an actor you’d like to play that character or someone you’ve created for your books?
Hi Rebecca
Yes, when I’m outlining a book I find an image to represent each of the characters-this way I can keep their descriptions consistent throughout the book and also hair their face clearly in my head. Sometimes its an actor or it may be a picture of a model that I find.
To answer your questions:
1). Honestly it would freak me out. If there’s shifters, what else it out there? I definitely wouldn’t seek them out. Not just out of fear of the unknown, but don’t they deserve to be left in peace?
2). Tough call, it’s between a wolf and a bear. I’ll say wolf.
3). CHOCOLATE! Whether that’s chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, or just chocolate!
Yay Team Chocolate!
Have your job experiences ever found a way into your books? What was the worst job you ever had?
1) I’d be very curious about them and try to find out everything I can, but I’d stay indoors after dark.
2) Wolf-shifter or any big cat shifter, tiger, panther etc.
2) Ice cream with roast nuts, caramel and glazed with chocolate
Do you have a favorite book that you’ve written?