Today we have Kitty’s interview with one of my favorite paranormal romance authors.
Please give a Guilty Pleasures welcome to Lynsay Sands!
K: Welcome to Guilty Pleasures, Ms. Sands and thank you for taking the time to do this interview with us. First allow me to tell you how honored I am to be doing this interview. I fell in love with the Argeneau’s in “A Quick Bite” and have not stopped loving them or the Notte’s since. I honestly wait for the next book to come out just to see what kind of a spin you are going to put on the series.
L: Wow. Thank you. And please, call me Lynsay
K: I would love to start with my favorite character in your books, Aunt Marguerite. She is such a wonderful, loving, caring meddling person! I know that other authors look to their lives for inspiration in their characters so, the most obvious question would be if you did mold her after someone in your life and, if you did, were you lucky enough to be one of her “victims”?
L: My characters are all based, at least in part, on someone I know: family, friends, myself… However, they are never entirely based on one person either. As for Marguerite, she was based on and named for my mother who was smart, sweet, loving and cared a great deal for her children. Unlike Marguerite Argeneau, though, my mother didn’t meddle in our love lives.
As for Lucian, are we ever going to see him really smile and love life like he should? I know that Leigh is due any time now, and she has made his life complete, but will we see a softer side of Lucian in the books to come? Everyone is so afraid of him and I picture him being as soft as a puppy dog after the baby is born.
He has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders and has to make the hard decisions for the good of mortals and immortals alike so he is the way he is because that’s the way he has to be. However I think I’ve hinted at the fact that he’s not like that all the time, especially when he’s alone with Leigh. Unfortunately, we don’t see that because we’re only seeing the story from main characters’ perspectives now, but it’s there. You’ll really notice this softer side peeking out here and there in Anders story. You’ll also notice Leigh’s impatience peeking out then as well as it comes closer to their baby’s due date. LOL. Once the baby/babies arrive, however, I suspect you’ll see a lot more of his softer side.
K: “The Lady Is A Vamp” had a very heart-wrenching storyline. I cried, I prayed and sometimes I just had to walk away to compose myself. Of course, in the end, I smiled and couldn’t ask for a better ending. But, more and more we are seeing authors tackle emotional subjects, such as childhood cancer, and the extremes people will go through to save them. Do you see this as a way of bringing illnesses or problems to the public’s attention and do you hope that it inspires people to be more aware of it?
L: Hmm… that’s a good and difficult question. I have lost loved ones to cancer well before their time was up so I understand that pain. However I didn’t write the story with any intention behind it that I’m aware of. My characters in a sense choose their storylines themselves. That being said, I think it’s a good thing when a story can foster empathy in readers so they might understand, at least in a small part, how painful or difficult the challenges of life can become for others. I don’t think any bad can come from people being kinder to each other.
When I look back over the series, I find most of them very light, laugh-out-loud funny (my family has looked at me strange many times reading your books) but “The Lady Is A Vamp” is a little darker. Do you have a problem mixing the two, bringing humor into a serious situation? Do you personally feel that “laughter is the best medicine”?
Perhaps others would disagree with me but I do think laughter is the best medicine when it comes to life. For me laughter has always been a welcome release to the pain and stress that can build up in us. And when you’re sick and don’t have much to do but think about it, getting to laugh brings back some normalcy. I’ll tell you if I get sick, I wouldn’t want to sit and focus on it as that would foster depression. If I was seriously ill I’d want to laugh my butt off as much as possible. As for mixing the two, I don’t have a problem with that, but each story has it’s own feel to it. Some are pure fun, some a combo of fun and dark, and some more dark. I write the story the characters give me and hope they keep coming back with stories.
K: Your writing is very erotic during your love scenes. The story flows around them and they fit right in with the story-line; they are not just put in for “shock value”. You make the reader feel that it completes the story instead of them being there because your reader expects it. So, the most important question….how did you come up with “shared pleasure”?
L: LOL… well what person wouldn’t want shared pleasure? Wouldn’t you love to know exactly how your lover is feeling as you’re interacting with each other? And wouldn’t it be awesome to experience his pleasure with him when you’re trying to please him? There would be no such thing as a selfish lover…ever. As for how I came up with it I just had the thought, “Wouldn’t it be great if…?” That’s where most ideas come from. 🙂
K: I have read numerous series written by a myriad of authors. I have found after the 10th or 11th installment, story-lines start resembling previous books and I loose interest. After 16 installments of the Argeneaus, I am not bored, I have never seen a story-line resemble another nor am I looking for the series to end anytime in the near future. There are so many more Argeneaus’ and Nottes’ to to find life-mates for. I have read that Anders is next and do look forward to reading it, but, I think the one I am most looking forward to is Bricker’s story. So, my final question is, how do you keep it fresh and fun?
L: Well my sister likes to tease me and say it’s a healthy outlet for my multiple personalities, but I guess that’s what bratty sisters are for… LOL.
I guess I get inspiration for my stories from my daily experiences; news stories, history, family, friends, people I meet, things I see or do, etc.
In real life, there are a lot of different personality types to choose from and that just naturally finds its way into my stories. I’d be bored to tears if they were all the same characters with different names but the same story line, so they each have their individual personality traits and quirks, their own careers, personal issues to resolve, humor (or lack thereof), naivety, experiences, etc. I enjoy it better that way myself.
K: Thank you, again, Lynsay for doing this interview with us. I know I speak for all the Guilty Pleasures staff that we are thrilled that you have joined us here. And, on a personal note, thank you for bringing us The Argeneau/Rogue Hunter Series. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this as well as your Highlander Series with The Madison Sisters series on my TBR list.
L: Thank-you Kitty. I appreciate you thinking of me for an interview. You threw me some pretty challenging , thoughtful questions. 🙂
Do you believe laughter is the best medicine for some of the situations life throws your way?
One lucky commenter will win one of Lynsay’s backlist. Winner will be selected using random.org 8/6/12.
THE LADY IS A VAMP Blurb
One late night leads to . . .
Kidnapped When Jeanne Louise Argeneau left work, she never thought she’d end up tied down by a good-looking mortal. More attracted than annoyed, she quickly realizes there is more to her abductor than meets the eye.
One desperate act leads to . . .
Love? Paul Jones has need of a vampire, and only Jeanne Louise will do. He just has to convince this beauty of a Vamp to help him . . . never imagining that he would fall in love. But with the immortal world’s answer to law enforcement hunting them, their time together is running out . . . and Paul and Jeanne Louise will need to risk everything to spend an eternity together.
Kitty’s review – The Lady Is A Vamp
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews.com/2012/07/review-the-lady-is-a-vamp-argeneau-17-by-lynsay-sands.html
What a wonderful interview!! I have read othe series by her, but not this one. I am going to HAVE to read these! 🙂
Hi! Great interview! I didn’t start this series yet, but it’s on my TBR pile for sure! Do you believe laughter is the best medicine for some of the situations life throws your way? Yes I did! I love to laugh and see others do it too! I think it’s help alot in many situation!
Thanks for this chance!
what a fantastic interview!!! I love the vampire series but now I have more to go checkout. Thanks Lynsay! so many to read with so little time…….darn!!!!!
Laughter always gets me through the tough times!! Thanks for the great interview!!
Wow! What an awesome interview! I LOVE the Argenau’s, and Notte’s as well. Looking forward to JL’s book! Thanks Kitty!
HAPPY RELEASE DAY!
I love this series. The humor in your books is so much fun. I actually cried with the cod piece scene :).
In answer to your question I’m not sure I’d say laughter does it for me as much as just having a smile on my face. I’ve had cancer and I really think the effort I put into just trying to look happy made me happy and able to deal with it all. After that I decided that it pays to smile 🙂 and so I do.
Thank you.
OMG that cod piece scene…is one of my all time favorites!
What a great interview. I do believe laughter is the best medicine. I would rather laugh than cry any day. Thank you for the chance to win
Absolutely laughter can be the best medicine! Sometimes situations just call for it and I’d always rather laugh than cry!
Great interview. Thank you so much. I love your books and these books are auto buys for me. I also recommend them to people all the time and give them as gifts to people I know will get addicted just like me. I really appreciate you sharing your talent to tell a great story and make me giggle at the same time.
Thank you!
musicalfrog at comcast.net
Absolutely! Thankfully my hubby and his fabily are a lot of fun to be around and can always lighten the mood. Sometimes the only thing you can do is laugh because stressing about things isn’t going to change anything…it’s only going to raise your blood pressure.
Thanks for the fantastic interview. I too have been hooked on this series since I read A Quick Bite and will continue to do so for as long as we keep getting great books!
You have to laugh. If you don’t, then that is when a person can get depressed. There are just so many pressures in today’s world and you just can’t let it get to you otherwise you can make yourself very sick. Laughter is one great way of stopping that from happening.
Lynn
lareynolds0316@gmail.com
Great interview! I have enjoyed reading the Argeneau series – they always make me laugh and smile – love the blend of humor and romance. I do think laughter is the best medicine and in some situations it’s the only medicine for what life hands us – I think if you approach life with a good outlook that even the bad things won’t drag you down as much as they could if you approach it with a negative attitude. Happy Release Day! Thanks for the giveaway
Laughter can definitely be the best medicine! I have a health condition that could really get me down and depressed if I let it. You can’t let it get to you. Laughing about some of the side affects is the easiest way to deal with the emotions over it.
suz2(at)cox(dot)net
Happy release day to Lynsay!!! This series is what started my addiction with romances, lol. I picked up a copy of VAMPIRE, UNINTERRUPTED at a library sale, loved it and had to get all the rest of the series. Then, while waiting for new books, I moved on to your historicals and then to some other authors. Now, I am a romance addict, lol.
To answer the question, I do believe that laughter can be the best medicine. I sometimes battle depression, so I love anything that can take me out of it and make me laugh. I don’t know how many times I have gotten strange looks from my family because I was laughing out loud at something in one of your books. I will be picking up THE LADY IS A VAMP just as soon as I get to the store. Then I will be useless for anything else until I have read this book, LOL.
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
Yes, I do believe that laughter can sometimes be the best medicine! Great interview! Thanks for the chance to win!
Loved the interview… my copy is in the mailbox waiting for me as we speak… Can’t wait to read it! Thanks for the chance to win.
I’ve loved everything I’ve read from Lynsay Sands can’t wait to read this new one…Thanks for the contest….
authorleighsavage@gmail.com
I have found that laughter is the best medicine in most cases. Sometimes, when it is really hard to conjure a laugh, I know a situation has been allowed to get out of control. Thanks for the giveaway!
Laughter is the only way to deal with most things – people though my husband and I were crazy when we just laughed for days (literally) when our house was completely submerged with flood water when I was 8 months pregnant and already had a 20 month old – oh yeah and he had been laid off for almost a year already!
Yes, I believe laughter is the best medicine for some of the situations life throws my way. I feel that if I can’t find something to laugh about, I’ll be in despair and that’s never good. So I try to find the humor in those situations that come up and move on to a better day. 😀
Great interview! This is a series I have been wanting to read. I am going to have to start it soon.
Thank you,
Ruth
Yes I believe laughter is the best medicine, it can definitely save your sanity in those dark moments.
Yes most definitely. A sense of humour & being able to see the funny side of things helps puts things in perspective sometimes; & helps reduce stress!
For me, even if I feel crappy about something; if I smile it doesn’t feel as daunting!
Yes, totally agree. Sometimes laughing can help you forget about the problems.
mythic021@gmail.com
I had a doctor wanting to prescribe me an antidepressant because I didn’t come into her office crying up a storm after my mother passed away. I lived with my mother a lot longer than I had been going to see this particular doctor. And anyway why would I cry all over everything and then try to get behind the wheel and drive to their office. My mother would rather I remember the good times and laugh than be upset and cry. We were brought up with my mother always telling us that it takes less muscles to smile than it does to frown.
Lynn
lareynolds0316@gmail.com
one of my favorite series!! can’t wait to read about jeanne louise
yes, laughter do help me face whatever life throw my way.
I abosolutely love the Argenau Series. Great Interview. I love the cover and blurb.. Thx for giveaway.
blinkysthebest at aol dot com
Thanks for the great interview. I do think laughter is the best medicine. After you get the bad news of a cancer diagnosis, it is hard to believe. You cry, thing of all the bad things that can happen. But eventually you realize you just have to deal with it. And having a good sense of humor helps to deal with it.
Raising two girls on my own ~ I would have gone crazy if laughter didn’t play a big part. Now I see my daughters using it in their lives too.
yes of course! laughter is the best medicine.
just put your smile and laughter around your face. and thanks for giveaway
Laughter is absolutely the best way to deal with the challenges that life tosses our way!
Enjoyed the interview and can’t wait to read Jean Louise’s story! Ms. Sand’s Argeneau/Notte series is one of my favorites!
I actually sent my hubby out to purchase the book for me in release day, since I have had surgery on my right foot and can’t drive or go any where. Why I wrote down the name he shook his head and left I had to bite my cheek to not laugh I knew if I did he wouldn’t go, but once he was safely out the door I did. Boy I needed that laugh to. I love my hubby he’s been great these past few Weeks but I think getting me my copy of Lady is A Vamp did something to his man card, lol!!
What a great interview. I have read Lynsey’s historical novels, but not any of this genre. Definitely going to add this to my TBRs. Yes, I do believe that laughter is the best medicine for whatever life throws your way. I live it & sometimes I even laugh at myself when I do something that even I can’t believe I did.
JessieL62@comcast.net
What a great interview. I have just recently discovered Lynsay’s books and I LOVE them!! I am trying to read the Argeneau series in order so it would be great to win one! To answer your question, yes I do believe that laughter is the best medicine!! No matter how bad I am feeling all I need is to hear one of my kids laughing and it’s like an instant “happy pill”! 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway!
melissalamb(at)musfiber(dot)com
Great interview! Yes, I have to agree that sometimes, laughter is a good way to face what life throws your way. Another would be positive thinking!
Thank you all for stopping by! Great interview Kitty!
Lynsay thank you so much for the chance to interview you.
Congrats to Natasha! You are the winner, please email me which of Lynsay’s back list you would like and Kindle or Nook format.