Can you tell readers a
little bit about yourself and what inspired to write in this particular genre.
Sure! I am a mommy and wife with OCD and a whole truck load of weirdness. I’m a
terrible singer, but that doesn’t stop me from kareoking and torturing other
people’s ears on a regular basis. What really inspired me to write paranormal
was just that…it’s not normal. It’s fun retreating to a part of my brain where
immortals thrive and the world as we know it is always three seconds from a
disaster.
What is it about the paranormal, in particular Fionns and
Pookahs, that fascinates you so much?
I just loved that they are a little
different. Fionns and Pookahs are part of Scottish folklore, however, their
mystical abilities, instincts and breeds, were things I created. I just was
looking to branch out a bit from the immortals we all know and love.
Please tell us about your
latest release. The Darkest Day takes place in
modern day Scotland, however, the immortal race has taken over and humans are
extinct…or so everyone thought! (Pause here and imagine scary sound effects).
The hunky Scottish warrior has to protect the mortal female—who is also the
last heir to his enemy clan—and somehow outrun a prophecy that could eternally
bind them together or extinguish her soul forever.
Do you have a special formula for creating characters'
names? Do you try to match a name with a certain meaning to attributes of the
character or do you search for names popular in certain time periods or
regions?
I try to stay true to names that match the time period and region. For
instance, all the Scottish Pookahs and Fionns from the clan have older Scottish
first names. However, the Kerr and Campbell clans are real clans. My family
actually is part of the Campbell clan. Izel’s name come from her Aztec
heritage.
Was one of your characters more challenging to write than
another?
I would say that Kelvin (the hero) changed the most throughout the
drafts. It wasn’t necessarily more challenging, but rather kind of an organic
growth. He really came into his personality toward the last go around. It was
tricky with him because I had to constantly remind myself, “What would a
thousand-year-old warrior do?” Ooh! I should get that on a bracelet! (WWATYOWD?)
Hmmm…maybe not…
Is there a character that you enjoyed writing more than
any of the others?
Ryo was one of the most fun and the easiest. My critique
partner says it’s because Ryo is the most like me. To which I replied, “But
Ryo’s a full-blown nutter butter.” She didn’t respond.
Do you have a formula for
developing characters? Like do you create a character sketch or list of
attributes before you start writing or do you just let the character develop as
you write? I put together a file on each character complete with a picture. It
helps me keep things straight. Then as I write, they take on their own
personalities throughout the various scenes.
What is your favorite scene from the book? Could you
share a little bit of it, without spoilers of course?
That’s honestly tough.
One of my fav scenes is toward the end (and I can’t say…well…anything I guess
because it would be a big spoiler. Hint: It involves Izel, The Grim Reaper and
an ambush). Is that too much? I also love whenever Ramsey is in a scene. He’s
makes me laugh.
Can you tell readers a little bit about the world
building in the book/series? How does this world differ from our normal world?
The world is like we know it today, only everyone walking around is some kind
of immortal. Full-blooded humans have gone extinct and superior genes have
thrived. All the different breeds of immortals know about each other. Every
four-hundred-years, the four realms: Earth, Hell, Heaven and The Cypher open up
for four days and all creatures can cross freely. This even is called The Court
of Contention. It’s a time of great betrayal, war, and death. The series takes
place several months before this major event.
With the book being part of a series, are there any
character or story arcs, that readers jumping in somewhere other than the first
book, need to be aware of? Can these books be read as stand alones? Each book
can stand alone. The Immortal Heat series isn’t necessary chronological, but
rather each book is about two new characters and their specific journey. All
the characters are intertwined though. However, each book explains the world
and you can start reading at any stage.
Do any of your characters have similar characteristics of
yourself in them and what are they?
My critique partner would say I’m most like
Ryo. However, I think that there’s a different side of me in every heroine I
write. They each bring a different attribute to the table.
Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? How do you deal
with it? Oh holy crap yes! There are days (weeks) were I can’t put a sentence
together to save my life. But I talk through ideas with my critique partner and
listen to music. I try to visualize a certain scene and start there.
Do you write in different genres?
I am currently working
on a couple projects that are not paranormal. We’ll see how it goes! J
Do you find it difficult to write in multiple genres?
Not
at the moment. Both genres I’m writing in are similar in their own right so
it’s been fun trying something a bit new.
When did you consider yourself a writer?
Since I was a
kid. It was always in me to write and the best outlet I had—still have.
What are your guilty pleasures in life? Books and sweets!
You could set me up in a bunker that smells like sweat and rot, but if you give
me a stack of romance novels and some chocolate, I’ll be happy for days.
Other than writing, what are some of your interests,
hobbies or passions in life?
I love doing things with my family. Camping,
swimming and hiking with my boys is so fun. I also love to cook and scrapbook.
What was the last amazing book you read?
Larissa Ione’s
“Lethal Rider.”
Where is your favorite place to read? Do you have a cozy
corner or special reading spot?
I read anywhere. But I do have my “happy”
corner where my fluffy chair is and I’m surround by pictures and trinkets of
everything I love in life.
What can readers expect next from you?
Book two in the
Immortal Heat series is done and will be out soon-ish. I’m currently writing
book three and I have a few other projects going as well. It’s going to be a
fun year!
Where can readers find you on the web?
Website: www.BrittBury.com
Twitter: @BrittBury
Publisher's Website: www.forever-romance.com
Would you like to leave readers with a little teaser or
excerpt from the book?
Of course! I
attached an excerpt from The Darkest Day below.
“Aht, aht, ah Pookah,” the creature tsked while wagging
his finger. Izel gasped when the sickly palm on her throat squeezed. Kelvin saw
red.
The Alp’s yellow flesh was littered with rot and open
sores. His eyes and fangs were black, and oozed a foul smelling bile. Kelvin
was grateful Izel couldn’t see the grotesque creature at her back. He kept his
eyes locked on the Alp’s hands. One flick of his wrist, and the creature could
snap Izel’s neck.
Kelvin tensed, his muscles flexed, hand gripping his
dagger.
“I know what you’re thinking Pookah, and I’d advise
against it,” it hissed, keeping its hideous eyes on Kelvin. “Mmm, I haven’t
scented a human this pure in ages.” The Alp bent its head, running its vile
tongue up Izel’s neck. Kelvin heard her bite back a cry of horror before her
body noticeably began trembling.
“Let her go, beast,” he warned, “and I promise I will
make your death quick.”
The Alp smiled, tar dripping from its fangs. “You call me
beast?” Titling its neck, the creature ran its nose along Izel’s cheekbone. “Do
you know what kind of company you keep mortal? That,” it lifted his chin at
Kelvin, “is a beast.” It inhaled deeply. “The last being I devoured had fifty
percent mortal blood. A rare find you know?” It nuzzled her ear. “But you sweetling,
I’d wager that you are full human, are you not?”
Kelvin looked into her beautiful eyes. They were glossed
over with tears, and the sight of her terror cut his heart in half. An odd
feeling came over him. An emotion he’d never experienced in his long, long
life. Fear. Not of the Alp as a foe, but of what the Alp currently threatened.
Protect her.
Super big
thank-yous for having me!
The Darkest Day
by Brit Bury
ALL-CONSUMING DESIRE . . .
Izel Campbell was raised to believe she is an immortal Fionn with the magical skills fo persuasion. But when she travels to Scotland to visit her ancestral home, Izel discovers that she is actually the world's last living human. Forced to run for her life, Izel crosses paths with Kelvin Kerr, the Campbells' greatest foe-and the most magnificent warrior she has ever seen.
BURNS BRIGHTEST . . .
A thousand-year-old battle chief of the Kerr clan, Kelvin lives only to avenge his father, who died at the hands of the bloody Campbells. Honor demands he kill the Campbell heir, but when he learns that the lovely Izel is both Campbell and human, Kelvin is torn between duty and desire . . .
ON THE DARKEST DAY
Britt Bury writes paranormal romance where the immortals are fierce, the stakes are high, and desire can be deadly.
Britt was raised in Corvallis, Oregon and attended Oregon State University majoring in Liberal Studies. When her dream of being a professional karaoke star and Elvis impersonator didn’t pan out, she turned to writing. She currently lives in the Silicon Valley with her brilliant husband, two sons and an obscene amount of fish.
Britt's first paranormal romance releases July 3, 2012 with Grand Central's imprint: Forever Yours. Britt is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
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