Friday, April 19, 2013

A Down Under Character Interview


As part of an on-going feature of my blog, I'll sometimes interview characters in a Character Corner post. These interviews are uniquely different from my author interviews because they involve make-believe people who exist only in the pages of a novel and in the mind of the author who created them.  So, I'll have to interview the author rather than the actual character--since he or she doesn't really exist.  I only ask that the author dig deep to find that character and answer from his/her perspective.


My character today is Nick Hawke from the novel Affinity by New Zealand author LaVerne Clark. And trust me, this is a great book. I read it and fell in love with the characters and the concept of this paranormal love story. But be patient with LaVerne. It's almost midnight in her country when it's nearing 8:00 a.m. in NC.

And if anyone is interested, I'm also on LaVerne's blog today. Stop by if you get a chance. http://laverneclark.blogspot.com/


And now for the interview...

1. Love the new haircut, Nick. But I liked your curls too. *wink* So, where were you born?

I'm a Kiwi born and bred.

Definitely on my bucket list of places I want to visit some day.

2. Where do you live now and what do you do for a living?

I live in Auckland. I've heard it described as “The big little city” and I reckon that's spot-on. As a cop, I get my fair share of dealing with scum and low-lives, but the city is small enough that most of the citizens care about and look out for each other. I just need to remind myself of that fact some days. *Shakes head and scowls*

3. What's going on in your life right now?

*Straightens in chair, sighs heavily* I've been dealing with a domestic abuse situation at work, but it's not the first time I've dealt with this particular family. It drives me nuts. I just want to wipe the smirk off that asshole's face so bad, my palms sweat. *Quickly glances up and cringes* Ack, I'm sorry, Lilly. My mother taught me never to swear in front of a lady. She'd paddle my behind something good if she'd heard that.

No problem. Nick. Sometimes, a man just needs to swear. A woman too. lol!

4. Is there a special person in your life?

*Eyes soften* Special…good word. Yeah, I suppose you could call Jenna that.

5. How did you meet her?

Now that was an amazing story. *Leans forward, elbows to knees* It was the weirdest thing, impossible really. *Wry grin* Actually, I'm learning when it comes to Jenna, nothing is impossible. I was running off some frustrated energy when I came across an accident. A car had gone off the bridge over the estuary and a woman had dived in to save a boy trapped in it. She hadn't resurfaced. I thought I'd be bringing up bodies. I mean, who could survive being underwater for over ten minutes? Turns out, Jenna can. She captivated me from the first moment. She was all slicked back hair and whisky-colored eyes. She was all I could see, all I wanted to see.

She sounds amazing!

6. So, what's keeping you two apart?

She's hiding something from me. I can see the fear in her eyes and her reluctance to trust anyone and how she shuns the limelight. Little does she know that only makes me more determined to find out all her secrets.

7. How would you like to see this situation resolved?

I've no idea. I'm a man. But one thing for sure, I don't give up easily and a little bit of seduction never hurt anyone.

8. What obstacles stand in your way?

I'm pleased to say her dog loves me, so that's one obstacle out of the way. I just need to get her to trust me, but if she won't, I'll find a way to get her to open up. I'm looking forward to it.

9. Is there a happily ever after in your future?

God. I really hope so, but I don't know how yet. *grins* Watch this space - I'm working on it.

10. Any last comments before I turn this interview over to LaVerne.

Actually, yeah, I do. I'd love to know your readers' top tips in winning a woman's heart. I could do with all the help I can get! *Grin*

A man who helps with the laundry and dishes, and can make me laugh will win my heart every time. lol!

Author bio: I'm a Kiwi (New Zealander - not the flight-less bird or strange, hairy fruit!) writing stories of romance, fantasy and suspense. I'm a keen reader and love to relax with a good book when I'm not plotting murder and mayhem; or running around after my two children, rescued greyhound and husband. I love to hear from readers or writers alike, so feel free to drop me a line anytime.

Book blurb:
In the wrong hands, Jenna Thomas's legacy could be a curse--in her mind it already is.

As a child, a routine x-ray awakened an abnormality in Jenna's DNA giving her the ability to “call” creatures and take on their attributes. Labeled a freak since then, Jenna's learned to keep everyone at a distance. But all that changes the day she saves a young boy from drowning, and the story goes viral.

Nick Hawke, an off-duty policeman, witnesses part of the drama. Captivated by Jenna's exotic beauty, he decides to investigate, not sure what to believe. Jenna puts his cynicism to the test--even as the attraction between them grows.

As word of her extraordinary rescue spreads, a dangerous man who will stop at nothing to control Jenna's abilities draws near. With her feelings for Nick putting him in danger too, can Jenna risk everything to protect them both?

Excerpt:

“Back off everyone, give us room,” boomed Nick with authority. Everyone took a step back. An attractive woman holding a microphone stepped into the created space. Her phony smile flashed teeth like a shark. Circling, she came in for the kill, her cameraman capturing the moment.
“Are you the lady who jumped in to save the boy? What made you do something so heroic? Witnesses say you were under for over ten minutes. How is this possible?”
The questions fired at her like a volley of bullets. Jenna flinched as each one hit its mark. She couldn't answer honestly without sounding like a freak. So she said nothing, burying her head into Nick's chest. His arms tightened around her. The subtle turning of his body shielded her from all those eyes.
He pitched his voice to address the crowd. “It's been a traumatic event for everyone involved, and as you can imagine, it's not over for us yet. We've no comment to make at this stage, so please, give us some time to come to terms with what's happened. Thank you.”
“Could you at least give me a little snippet, Sergeant Hawke?” pouted the reporter, pushing her chest out and fluttering her lashes.
Jenna's spine went rigid. A sick feeling of dread settled in the pit of her belly.
Police. Nick is a policeman. Dear God, I'm in trouble.
 Her head pounded and her hands shook. His arm tightened when she tried to pull away, holding her firmly in place. Any other person she could have fobbed off. Now she understood his aura of authority, his all-seeing gaze and concern at the thought of a child left alone in her car. He would be relentless uncovering the truth.

Author links, webpages, fan pages, and book trailers.

Novel Natterings - my blog
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26 comments:

  1. Great interview, Nick. I like the new haircut, too.

    I've already read this story and was blown away by the concept. Well written. Sensual. All the things I love.

    Great post, Lilly and LaVerne! I enjoyed it.

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    1. I love his haircut too, Vonnie and Lilly. But then, I'd take Nick any way I could get him. Sssshhh...don't tell my husband! ;)

      Thank you so much for your lovely words Vonnie. Hearing such wonderful things from both you and Lilly makes my year since I ADORE both of your books and have devoured them all! xx

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  2. Affinity really is a great book. Isn't it Vonnie?

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  3. Nick's a good-looking man and by this post LaVerne's book sounds like a very captivating book! Affinity is another book that I would love to read! I am seeing a mountain of books that I would love to read!
    Thanks Lilly and LaVerne!
    Rebecca

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    1. Hi Rebecca! It's lovely to see you here :) I know what you mean about a mountain of books. Just my fellow rose's amazing books that I have patiently waiting for me on my kindle will keep me going for years! Its a wonderful problem to have, isn't it? Nick sends you his love :)

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    2. Rebecca, you'd love Affinity. I did!

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    3. LaVerne, I love having that problem and with Lilly's endorsement, I am putting Affinity on the top of my list!

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  4. Love the way you interview the character from a book you read. Great post.

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    1. Hi Sherry! Lilly does the BEST interviews doesn't she? So much fun! By the way, that new cover of yours in gorgeous!

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    2. Aww. Thanks ladies. *blushes* --Love the way LaVerne does that. lol! So, I'm copying her. ;)

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  5. What an interesting interview. Nice job. I have not read the book, but on my list now :)

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    1. Hi Barbara, lovely to meet you! I hope you enjoy meeting Nick and Jenna :)

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  6. Loved the interview and getting to know your Nick. I do hope Nick finds his happily-ever-after with Jenna. :)

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    1. I don't think she's going to make it too easy for him, Karen. Poor guy, lol. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  7. Great interview! Love the Nick's perspective and his heart of hope! Looking forward to that HEA ending.

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    1. Hi Lisa! Nick had a ball being interviewed, but then, he told me its always a pleasure when done by a pretty lady! The flirt :) So lovely to see you here!

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  8. Phew! I got here! Thanks for stopping by while I slept ladies! :) Crazy busy morning here. Its the start of the school holidays and I just sent my 11-year-old off on a plane to visit his cousins for a week. He is SO excited!!

    Thank you so much for having me and Nick over, Lilly! We had a ball answering your interview questions. Nick sends you a big kiss X

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    1. LaVerne, it's been busy here in the states while you slept, esp. in Boston. :( I've kept one eye glued to the television most of the day. And this evening, I've kept my eye on the sky because of tornado warnings in central NC. So, thanks to everyone who took the time to visit Nick and LaVerne on my blog today when there is so much going on the world. We appreciate it. :)

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  10. Oh, damn. Late as usual. But, they got the second bomber, thank God.

    Hiya Nick! *waves* My money is on you for a happily ever after. Loved your story and the premise rocked! I'm thinking you and Jenna have some sway with LaVerne to expand on how Jenna came about her incredible gift. She needs to tell us more! :-)

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    1. Oh, Yay!! They got him! Thank God for that. I imagine they're sweeping the area for other nasty surprises too.

      Nick's blowing you a kiss, Mac :) And yep - you're going to be seeing a little more of the two of them in the next story, although it won't be their story, and perhaps a prequel set in Hiroshima...
      Thanks for your comments! They mean so much to me, you've no idea! :)

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  11. Hi Lilly,
    Fabulous interview. Nick sounds yummy, I'll have him, and he ilives close to me, I am in Australia, just across the ditch from New Zealand.

    cheers

    Margaret

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    1. Hi Margaret!
      Thanks so much for coming by. Nick is grinning and sends you a big wink :) Thank you so much for the support, my Australian friend!

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  12. Mighty big ditch, Margaret. lol! Thanks for visiting. And thanks so much for being a guest on my blog LaVerne...and for sharing Nick. :)

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    1. Thank you so much for having us, Lilly! It was a blast :)

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