Guest: Lauren Dane

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Guest: Lauren Dane

August 30, 2011 by Limecello

Today, we have super star author Lauren Dane guesting with us! Whee! She’s got one book out today (Once and Again) and another book out next week! (Never Enough) Both are connected to different series she’s written. I don’t know if I’m allowed to admit it, because while I like both, I’m going to pick favorites and go with the Seattle Series as I call it. They’re all so good! Anyway, she’s got some fun facts about both books/series to share with us.

I’ve done a lot of blog entries about both books lately so I figure people might want something a little different. SO -

Some facts and general assorted stuff about Never Enough and Once and Again:

1. I consider my Chase Brothers books to be heroine focused but I think Once and Again leans more toward being couple centric.

2. Miles, Adrian and Gillian’s son is very much modeled on my oldest son

3. And Rennie is a combination of my daughter and my middle son

4. I love writing children into my books because I happen to think they’re pretty awesome (when they’re not standing at my office door saying, Mom, mom, mom? Momma? Momma? MOM!)

5. Petal is a combo of the very small town my mother grew up in (and I spent the earliest years of my life in) and some of the small towns all across the south where my family hails from

6. Polly Chase is modeled on my mother in law, Eileen.

7. There are four books planned in the Petal Georgia series.

8. The next book will be about Beth Murphy

9. While the Brown Siblings books are now done, you’ll still see Gillian and Adrian and the rest in the new series I’m starting.

10. The new series is a contemporary erotic romance series set on Bainbridge Island where Gillian and Miles live.

11. Yes, you’ll see what I would have put into an epilogue in the story threads in the first two books of that series.

12. Once and Again is sensual romance at the same level as the other Chase Brothers books.

13. Never Enough is erotic romance.

14. Adrian Brown is a dirty talker

15. Gillian is also a dirty talker

16. Yes, I did love that Nathan is a schoolteacher because hello, hot for teacher?

17. You will see plenty of the Chases in the new Petal, Georgia series

18. Yes, as a matter of fact southern people do play cards. My family is crazy for cards, including canasta (which we call Pennies From Heaven)

Any other questions? Go ahead on and ask em and I’ll be by as I can to give you answers! How about two winners for this one? A signed galley of Never Enough to one winner and a digital copy of Once and Again to another – you can specify which you’d prefer in your comments.

Go ahead! Think of something crazy. I have high expectations of all of you, and want some great, probing, off the wall questions please! See what secrets we can get Lauren to spill. A confession of my own – not that you asked… while I like the Seattle stories more… I have to say I’m totally blown away by the cover of Once and Again. Love it! I also totally want that dress. <3

Posted in Book Talk, Giveaway, Guest Author | Tagged Fun Facts, Giveaway, Lauren Dane, Never Enough, Once and Again | 53 Comments

53 Responses

on August 30, 2011 at 12:16 AM Melanie C Adkins

What’s the hardest part about starting a new book? I’d love to have the galley of ‘Never Enough’. I can’t wait to read it!! Sounds terrific!

macladie25 AT Yahoo dot com
on August 30, 2011 at 3:57 AM Edie

We are big canasta/bolivia (sp?) players in my fam!

And yay to revisiting Petal and Polly!
My Q is was it hard/interesting to revisit the Chase world? The originals were fairly early in your career – your writing has changed/developed a fair bit since.
on August 30, 2011 at 6:43 AM Regina Ross

who is your fav couple in the chase brother series ? i would love to win the galley of never enough
on August 30, 2011 at 8:24 AM Jan Oda

How do you come up with all the tattoo designs? And if you would get a tattoo yourself, would it be big and flashy, small and meaningful, or a combo of those?

I’m all over that arc of Never Enough, have been looking forward to it for a long time
on August 30, 2011 at 10:31 AM Addison Alcott (@AddisonAlcott)

Any more information on what books are coming out on audiobook? I’m dying for them and can’t wait to get them on my Audible list.

I’ve been waiting for this week to roll around to get my Lauren Dane fix! *waves to Lime*
on August 30, 2011 at 10:55 AM Wendy Mitchell

You are sooo right about Southerners and cards. We still play Canasta and Pinochle on a regular basis. It’s a hoot and a half. I would be tickled to death with either book, but a signed copy would push me right into Nirvana. Thanks for the contest.
on August 30, 2011 at 11:00 AM Michelle Bledsoe

How hard is it to leave a series behind? I know you’ve invested a lot of time in the characters and stories. I know for us readers we hate when a great story ends. We want it to go on and on….LOL.
I would like to try for Once and Again.

Thank you for giving us some fun facts on your books and characters.
on August 30, 2011 at 11:23 AM Lauren Dane

Wow – Great questions!

Melanie – the hardest part of starting a new book is getting to know the characters. Once I know them, things smooth out and go quicker.

Edie – I just picked up where I left off with Making Chase. The characters are people I already knew. Each new book I write will hopefully benefit from what I learned the last time

Regina – hmm! That’s a hard one, but probably Tate and Matt

Jan – each tattoo in each Brown Sibling book has some sort of meaning to that character. So I start thinking about who they are, what matters to them and what I’m trying to say with the choice. I’m so lucky to have had Tony Mauro doing the covers for the series. He’s made the tats such a wonderful part of each cover. I LOVE that. For me? If I’m going to make a permanent mark on myself, I want it to mean something. I probably wouldn’t do a big flashy piece, but that’s just my personal taste. I think full sleeves or full back work is so beautiful when done by the right tattoo artist.

Addison – really at this point Harlequin is the only one of my publishers who goes automatically to audio. I’d love to see my others, but that’s usually up to them to make that deal, etc.

Michelle – On one hand, it’s a relief and I like leaving with a series doing well and appreciated by readers. I want to leave them on a high note. So I feel like I’ve accomplished something when I finish. Which is nice. But on the other hand, it’s hard to leave characters and places I’ve loved behind!
on August 30, 2011 at 11:28 AM Shay Lich

I would take either but if i had to choose, I would choose the signed never enough one. The picture on the front is so hot and it looks to be like a really good book

Please choose me
on August 30, 2011 at 11:29 AM Marissa

What made you start writing? How do you pick what stories to write? And because I love your books can you write faster? Lol
on August 30, 2011 at 11:40 AM SJ Drum

Hi Lauren! I have two small children (6 months and 2 years) and have recently had my first novel contracted by a publisher. Do you have any tips for juggling children and writing? It’s a bit difficult to write a great sex scene with someone tugging on my leg yelling Mommy! Mommy! Hey!

BTW, I’d love to win either of the prizes!
on August 30, 2011 at 12:01 PM Jan Oda

Ooh Lauren, thanks for your reply!I always loved the covers, and how the tattoos fit the characters and their history.
on August 30, 2011 at 12:04 PM Denise

WOW – what great prizes. I would love a print copy of Never Enough — Even though I have a kindle I have started to purchase this series in print (sometimes there is nothing like the feel of a real book).

Who would your favorite author be to read? Do you like to read a specific type of story? Do you even have time to read?

Thanks for giving us a chance to get to know you better!!! You are a truly amazing writer.
on August 30, 2011 at 12:14 PM TrishJ

I would love to win. I love your books. Have you written a character that was meant to just a background character and found out he/she just wouldn’t stay there? Or maybe changed the way the story played out?
on August 30, 2011 at 12:33 PM Beckey

Lauren,

What or who inspired you to start writing?

Have you ever written about a character that is based solely on you? If yes, who???

Either/Or in the titles are fantastic gifts

Thanks
Beckey
on August 30, 2011 at 1:01 PM Jordan H

Hi Lauren, it’s hard to choose between the two but I have to go with the signed copy of Never Enough.

As for my question, do you have a favorite couple or character from the Brown series?
on August 30, 2011 at 1:02 PM Amy H.

The Brown series is one of my most favorite series of all time. Laid Bare is my go to book when I need something to read……. and even when I don’t. What sticks with me is when it is revealed that Erin had a daughter that was killed, your talent for writing makes the readers feel the pain and the torment a parent would go through with the loss of a child. When you started out putting this book together was this always going to be part of the story? Lauren, your are a truely amazing author. Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey as you continue on with all of your amazing series.
on August 30, 2011 at 1:13 PM June M.

Lauren~ Congrats on the two releases! What is sth strangest thing that a fan either asked or said to you?
I would love the signed copy of NEVER ENOUGH
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
on August 30, 2011 at 1:56 PM donnas

Awesome covers.

What is the strangest profession you have ever wanted to give one of you characters?

bacchus76 at myself dot com
on August 30, 2011 at 2:45 PM Kimberley C

Not sure you will want to answer this, but I am just going to ask anyway. Will you ever let readers know who Alexander’s father? Also, will there be more kids for Erin, Ben and Todd?

I would love a copy of NEVER Enough
on August 30, 2011 at 2:47 PM Limecello

I have to get in on the fun. First, thank you so much for sharing with us today, Lauren! And happy release day! Today and next week!
My question(s) are… what’s the most interesting thing you’ve ever learned researching for any book? What about books in these two “series”/worlds?
Then, do you ever travel to locations for your books? Where would you most like to go?
on August 30, 2011 at 2:54 PM Pattif Fleming

I love your books. The Chase Brothers are my favorite. I love Tate and Matt and read their book over and over!!!! I can’t wait to read Once and Again. Both prizes are great and I would love to be the lucky winner of the signed gallery of Never Enough!!!!!

I also love Ella and Cope. They are my favorite couple from the Brown series. Do you have a favorite character from this series?
on August 30, 2011 at 3:43 PM Lauren Dane

Marissa – I have always written. Poetry, short stories – I ran the literary magazine back in high school, did a column in college – but I when I was on bed rest on my last pregnancy I had the time and the opportunity so I decided to give writing a try. I’ve been writing ever since, LOL

SJ – When I first started out I had an infant, a toddler and an early grader – for me then (as is true now really) it was important to give myself the time to work. So I wrote from 9 or 10 or so until midnight or 1 (after they were in bed). I wrote in ten minute bursts if I had to during the day – writing in the margins of all the other stuff I had to do. My kids are all in school now for the full day, which is lovely and all, but I still have to keep writing as an important part of my schedule and guard it jealously. If you don’t make writing important, no one else in your life will either. And good luck – I remember those days well

Denise – I love to read and as a writer, I think it’s even more important to make the time to do it. I can’t read as much as I used to but I make the time as I can. I have many favorites and read across several genres. I love William Gibson, Margaret Atwood, JD Robb, Jenny Crusie, Anne Stuart, Frank Herbert, Louise Marley just to name a few.

Trish – yes I have! Ben from Laid Bare wasn’t originally going to be a love interest. He was supposed to be a one time thing. But he loved Erin and wouldn’t let go, so I let him have his way.

Beckey – just above I answered the first part to Marissa. Some of my characters have bits or pieces of me in them, bits and pieces of other people, etc. But I haven’t written any of them to be me I’m way more flawed and boring than any of my characters.
on August 30, 2011 at 3:47 PM CrystalGB

Hi Lauren. Happy Release Day. I love your books. Can’t wait to read your latest books.
on August 30, 2011 at 3:55 PM Limecello

Oh! Also – what’s new? There’s the other Seattle series right? Are you “still” working on those? Do you plan even further ahead and if so can you give us a hint of what we can look forward to?
on August 30, 2011 at 4:00 PM Lauren Dane

Jordan – Oh that’s a hard one! I love Brody in so many ways, but Erin is a character I find so easy to write. She comes alive for me every time I touch the keyboard. As for a favorite couple? I’d have to say Gillian and Adrian, but it changes from time to time as I re-read or am reminded of something I loved about a different story.

Amy – I knew she was a woman who had dealt with something terrible. Originally I had sketched it out as a stalker, but then Adele came to me, very early on. Writing the scene where she tells Todd the whole story was one of the most difficult scenes I’ve ever written. I have young children too, so as I wrote it, it was impossible not to think about how it would feel to be in Erin’s place. Oftentimes it’s the scenes I bawl through as I write that seem to touch readers in much the same way, LOL. And thank you so much for your very kind words.

June – Most of the reader mail I get is very nice (like 99%, really) I’ve had a few kooks though. Enough to have a file for the kooky and scary mail I get. I get some astounding stuff usually having to do with whatever my books do to whatever their body parts are, LOL. No horse heads in my bed or anything.

Kimberley – no, I won’t. It doesn’t matter to them so I don’t want to make it an issue in the books. As for more kids? I don’t know. Maybe.
on August 30, 2011 at 5:46 PM Lauren Dane

Donna – Strangest profession? Other than vampire slayer I’d have to say Piper who is a mercenary/smuggler or Adrian and Erin who are rock stars.

Lime – most interesting thing? Hmm. Well I know how to make silver bullets. I’ve watched hours of video of dancing and of playing piano and bass guitar (though I’ve also seen both live many, many times too), LOL – I love watching people make art – that’s probably my favorite thing I’ve learned.

Patti – Probably Erin with Gillian a very close second
on August 30, 2011 at 5:59 PM Lauren Dane

Lime – right now I’m finishing up RISING DARKNESS which is the next book after Heart of Darkness. It’s a paranormal romance set here in Seattle with some dark times facing not just witches but all Others. This hero, man he’s so alpha I have to fight him to keep him in line, LOL.

Next up is book one in the new series – Sway and it’ll be in the duology with Maya Banks out next summer. Heroine is a friend of Gillian’s, a dancer, multi media artist, etc. Hero is older, established/professional. It’s a BDSM story. I can’t wait to start that one. And then on to Tart, which is the next in that series (Still have no name for it, but I’m thinking)

And then on to Beneath The Skin which is the next de La Vega Cats book.
on August 30, 2011 at 7:45 PM Christina

Hi Lauren! I would love love love to win Never Enough. I love the Brown books =)

Do you think a real three way relationship can last like in Laid Bare…that’s pretty out there I think but it’s always fun to fantasize about lol
on August 30, 2011 at 8:59 PM Mary G

I’m late!! Another great guest Lime!!

Hi Lauren
I love Polly & just read in your post that she’s modelled after your MIL.
Does she know & is she flattered?

Never enough for be enough for me!
on August 30, 2011 at 10:13 PM Jen B.

I love (really love) the cover of Never Enough! I can’t get enough of it. When you first see the covers of your books do you have strong responses? Have you ever told your publisher that a cover is a total no way? Can you get enough of the cover of Never Enough?
jepebATverizonDOTnet
on August 30, 2011 at 10:38 PM Maggie Robinson’s Winner! « Limecello

[...] to check Lauren Dane’s guest post, where she’s answering questions and offering two books. I’m really hoping someone asks [...]
on August 30, 2011 at 10:58 PM BookHookah

I know this is a crazy weird ? but…What do you usually have for breakfast and what’s your favorite candy bar, and most imporantly your favorite drink?
on August 30, 2011 at 11:19 PM pommawolfjohnson

Hi Lauren,
Have you ever encountered one of your characters that just made it difficult write? Did they ever frustrate you?
I adore your books, and love your characters, and they are just good stories…*S*
Thank you for the contest and enjoy your tweets as well.
Darcy

pommawolf @hotmail.com
on August 30, 2011 at 11:22 PM Booklover1335

You mentioned that several of the characters in the book are modeled after family members. Obviously your children don’t know what their characters are like in your books…what did your mother in law think about Polly and have you ever modeled a character after yourself?

Congrats on both of these books! I’m a big fan of the Brown siblings myself…then again I haven’t read the Chase’s yet (I know…hangs head. I really am a big fan I just haven’t gotten to buying them yet).
on August 31, 2011 at 12:15 AM Alaina Armbruster

how difficult is it to come up with the romantic scenes??
and i would love the galley!

alainala@hotmail . ca
on August 31, 2011 at 1:21 AM Chelsea B.

Thanks for sharing about your new books, Lauren! I am looking forward to reading both I would love to win Never Enough!
on August 31, 2011 at 1:43 AM wendy

finished once and again loved it
on August 31, 2011 at 2:06 AM Karen C

Hi Lauren!
Have you experienced any opportunities since you’ve become published that you might not have had before? What is the most romantic vacation that you have ever taken?
You are a new to me author; where would you recommend I start – book, series? Thanks!
kacbooks(at)hotmail(dot)com
on August 31, 2011 at 6:38 AM Kaetrin

Hi Lauren. I’d love to win a copy of Never Enough, I’m so looking forward to Adrian’s book! My question is, how close is the cover image of Adrian to your image of him?
on August 31, 2011 at 8:51 AM KaraT

Lauren…I love love love all you books!!! I treasure each one and reread them all the time. Can’t wait to get my hands on these new ones. I am so excited to finally have Adrian’s story…the Brown Series is one of my favorites.

Karen C…I know you directed this question to Lauren…but I wanted to chime in…WOW…where to start with Lauren’s books?? There are so many that I want to recommend to you…but I have to say that my favorites would be the Brown series…Laid Bare, Coming Undone, Inside Out and then the new one Never Enough (although I haven’t read that one yet…but I know it will be great!!). The other series that I enjoyed were the Chase Brothers.

If you don’t want to start with a series…then I recommend Second Chances…that one you need a lot of tissues for!!! Truly an amazing stories.

But really, all you really need to do is go to her website and choose one…you won’t be disappointed in any of them.

KaraT

ktulanko AT gmail DOT com
- on August 31, 2011 at 6:50 PM Karen C
  
  Kara, thank you so much for this information. Just added to the TBR list and I’m going shopping!! Karen
on August 31, 2011 at 4:12 PM pommawolfjohnson

Hello again Lauren, I was checking out my Amazon wish list as I was sure I have your Never Enough on my list there, and of course I do. But I wanted to tell you that I love the cover on Never Enough. It hits a a lace in my mind that tells me it is such an emotional moment. Some images just strike a person with its impression of the moment. It’s difficult to explain to someone else but I just love it. It fits the blurb, and the excerpt.
Thanks again for the contest!

Darcy

pommawolf @hotmail.com
on September 1, 2011 at 3:34 PM Lauren Dane

Christina – I rarely write contemporary set menage books because I think it IS really hard to make a relationship like Erin’s work and work well. I think it can be done, but I think it’s a really unique set of circumstances and will only work with exactly the right combo of people.

Mary – Yes, Polly is indeed modeled on my mother in law. Sadly, she died several years ago so I can’t tell her. But I know she’d have gotten a really big kick out of it.

Jeb – I think covers are really important. I think if you can get a great cover it’s a wonderful sort of promotion for the story that’s already connected to the book. It’s really a natural association and makes for many great ways for authors to use the cover. I love covers! But when I open that .jpg I’m always nervous. The first time I saw Laid Bare I gasped. I LOVE the cover and I think it’s perfect. But being the author, I know the story in ways that make me really critical. I try not to get too hung up if the models don’t look too much like the characters. Luckily, I have been given some AMAZING covers so I don’t have much to complain about really. I have received some covers that have made me want to cry when I looked at them. Most of time I’ve been able to work through a solution with my publisher, which is always nice. But sometimes you just have to suck it up and hope others love it as much as you hate it.
on September 1, 2011 at 3:35 PM Lauren Dane

whoops, I meant “jen b” not jeb!
on September 1, 2011 at 3:43 PM Lauren Dane

pommawolfjohnson – sometimes characters can be wily! But if a character just keeps on frustrating me and I can’t get a handle on them, I usually write them out, or change major aspects of them so I can write them better.

Booklover – sadly I can’t tell her. She passed on several years ago. But my husband noticed the resemblance in character right off, LOL. While pieces of my personality are in many of my characters (how could it not be I suppose), I haven’t modeled a character on myself, no.

Alaina – it depends on my mood and where I am in the story. Sometimes a scene will be a snap to write and other times it takes me three days to get everything just right.

Karen – well sure! I know a lot of writers, which means I get to trade early copies of books back and forth, which is awesome. People actually take time to come to a signing, or to visit my blog or comment to me at twitter. I have had the opportunity to meet some of my writing idols. Writing has brought many wonderful experiences into my life and I’m grateful for them.

My husband and I try to sneak off for at least a few days each year to go to Las Vegas, which I love. We haven’t in a few years though due to work schedules. We were able to carve out some alone time last Christmas when we were in Honolulu. Walks on the beach at sunset are pretty amazing.

As for which of my books I’d recommend – I guess it would depend on what you like to read. Contemporary erotic romance like Never Enough? I’d say Laid Bare, which is the start to this series. Sweeter small town romance? The Chase Brothers series. Paranormal romance? Cascadia Wolves or the de La Vega cats.
on September 1, 2011 at 3:46 PM Lauren Dane

Kaetrin – to me, Adrian looks a great deal like Ryan Bingham (http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2010/09/ryan-bingham-201009/_jcr_content/par/cn_contentwell/par-main/cn_pagination_contai/cn_image.size.bingham.jpg) But I know they can’t always get a cover so very exact. I love the cover for Never Enough and I think the guy on it is gorgeous.

Kara – thanks for the list of recs! I appreciate it.
on September 1, 2011 at 6:37 PM kaetrin

@ Lauren – yes him! as much as I like the cover, the picture you linked to is much more like my mental image of him. thx for that!!
on September 3, 2011 at 1:12 PM BLACKROZE37@YAHOO.COM

never enough looks good!
how long do you sleep and does the bookyou are writing filter thru your dreams?
on September 3, 2011 at 1:13 PM Sarah

Lauren – I follow you on Twitter and I love your honest responses, especially to narrow-minded people who may or may not also be morons. Along those lines, how open are you to your own kids about the erotic/sensual topics you cover? How old do they have to be before they read mom’s books?
on September 3, 2011 at 2:31 PM Lauren Dane

Blackroze- Now that my kids are all in school and I can write during the day I usually get about 7 hours a night or so. My oldest has to be up at 6 so that’s when my day starts. I hate it, but at the same time, it forces me to be more productive, which is a good thing. And yes, I dream about my books all the time! I have a pad and pen on my nightstand and often take middle of the night notes.

Sarah – thank you! I don’t really go into what my books are about in great detail with my kids. They’re all still too young at this point. I don’t think sex is anything to be embarrassed over so if they have questions we do our best to answer them in an age appropriate way. Not always fun to have to have such talks with your kids, LOL, but I’d rather it be us than their peers who think a girl can’t be pregnant if she stands up right after sex (yes, this was something my oldest was told, and thank god he’s a smart kid and knows the truth). They may never read any of my erotic books. Who wants to read mom’s sex scenes? But some of my others, my sensual romances would be ok when they’re in their late teens.
on September 3, 2011 at 6:27 PM Robbye

Hi Lauren,
First I love your books. Second, I was wondering if writing about families and giving many of the members their own stories was a lucky accident or was it planned? For example did you know when you wrote the first book that each of the Chase brothers would have their own story? When did you realize that Matt’s story had given birth to a new series showcasing Tate’s family?
on September 3, 2011 at 11:56 PM Lauren Dane’s Winners « Limecello

[...] the winners have been drawn! Lauren randomly picked numbers for her post, and there you go – it truly was random because the comments aren’t numbered, and then [...]