As seen in the March issue of Uncaged Book Reviews.
Uncaged: Is Tempting the Light, the first book in the L.A.M.P.S. Series, your debut novel? Can you tell readers more about the series?
Tempting the Light is my first published novel. I wanted to write something very different from the paranormal books that are available. My L.A.M.P.S. series is about hunky secret agents who find true love while hunting dangerous Cryptids. My stories include romance, suspense, mystery, and plenty of laughs.
Uncaged: How many books are you planning for this series and what inspired you to write in the Paranormal/Urban Fantasy genre?
Right now, I have two books published and am finishing up the third. I have plenty more ideas for future books.
My first book came about by an urban legend television show on the Jersey Devil. I knew I wanted my main character to be cursed, but needed to figure out how. So after brainstorming, I came up with a genie that pops out of a tampon box. There’s also a scene that was inspired by the movie Tommy Boy. I try to surprise my readers and venture out of the box.
Reading is a way to escape from reality and paranormal is a great way to do it. There is so much drama going on in the world today, and I want to provide a way for readers to kick back and enjoy stories that will make them laugh.
Uncaged: Are you planning on attending any conventions or in-person signings this year?
I usually attend the Coastal Magic convention but couldn’t make it this year. I’m hoping to find some other conventions that are open.
Uncaged: Do you read your reviews? What do you take away from them?
I do read reviews. I’m always looking for a way to improve my writing and stories.
Uncaged: Can you tell us what you have coming up next?
I’m finishing up my third book in the L.A.M.P.S. series, titled Light Untamed. I’ll be sending it to my editor soon. I’m super excited about this book because it’s about two characters who seem to be everyone’s favorites. Pepper is a vegan and an animal rescuer, and Ottar is an Australian hunter who thinks Pepper placed a spell on him.
I’m also revising an urban fantasy that I wrote a few years ago. I hope to have it out this year sometime.
Uncaged: What is one of the nicest things someone has said to you about your books?
I think people who have said they couldn’t put my book down is one of the greatest compliments an author could receive. I’ve also had people say they laughed out loud during parts of my books. I feel overjoyed that I could entertain them with my stories. I’m honored and humbled that they spent their free time reading something that I wrote.
Uncaged: What is your favorite parts about being an author? What have you found to be the least favorite?
My favorite part is when all the puzzle pieces of the story click in place. I write by the seat of my pants and sometimes I have no idea why I’m writing certain scenes. I think my subconscious takes over. Then while I’m writing the last quarter of the story the pieces start fitting together. I’m amazed sometimes at how the story works out. I usually have the ending all figured out before I start, but getting there is the hard part. I’ve tried plotting and it took me double the time to write the story.
My least favorite part is marketing. I’m working on it though.
Uncaged: What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?
I have four dogs, and three of them are special needs. They take up a lot of my time. Two of them are puppymill breeder rescues. I’ve been working on rehabilitating them mentally and physically. It’s been a labor of love. Even playing with a toy is a great milestone for them. It seems like someone always needs to go to the vet or the groomers. As I’m writing this, the one without special needs is barking at me because she wants attention.
I also like to ride the motorcycle with my boyfriend. We usually ride to forest preserves or try to find winding country roads. It’s peaceful and there’s nothing like feeling the sun on your face and wind in your hair.
Uncaged: What is the hardest part of a book to write? What is the easiest? From start to finish, how long does it take to finish a complete book?
The hardest part is adding the emotions to my characters. I’m a closed off person, and don’t like to let my emotions out. So usually I write my first draft and then go back and add the emotions in. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that I don’t really know my characters until I’m finished with the story.
The easiest part is starting the book. I have an idea about the characters and situations before I begin.
It takes me about six to eight months to finish a book. I’m getting faster though.
Uncaged: What would you like to say to fans, and where can they follow you?
Thank you for reading my stories. You can follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or email me at [email protected].
[symple_box color=”black” fade_in=”false” float=”center” text_align=”left” width=””]Bonnie Gill grew up in the suburbs right outside Chicago. As a child she loved making up ghost stories at night to scare her sisters and friends. She writes paranormal romance and urban fantasy with a twist of humor. When she isn’t writing you can find her on a haunted tour, volunteering at pet rescues, or digging around in her fairy garden waiting for fairies to show. She lives in Northern Illinois with her four rescue dogs and her ever patient boyfriend who laughs at all her goofy jokes. She loves to hear from her readers.[/symple_box]
