Today’s Interview is with P.J. MacLayne, author of Wolves’ Pawn. Lets start the interview with a very personal question- What book do you consider your “guilty pleasure read”?
Romances in general are my guilty pleasure. I used to work in a library, and when we had a slow day, I’d pick up a Barbara Cartland book and start reading. The romance genre of today is very different than her writing, but I still enjoy a good love story.
-What book was most influential in your decision to become a writer yourself?
It wasn’t a book. I’ve been writing poetry since high school, and no, I won’t tell you how long ago that was. But a few years back, I read a series of stories from the internet, fan fiction really, and it got my creative juices flowing. As a result, I decided to try my hand at writing a book, and it got me hooked. I’ve haven’t stopped writing since.
-If you could only read one sub-genre for the rest of your life, which genre would you choose and why?
Ack! Only one! It would have to be mysteries. I love a well-done mystery that keeps you guessing until the end of the book. And if you throw a little romance in there, you can keep me entertained for a long time. I’m currently hooked on the Longmire books by Craig Johnson. I discovered them before they were adapted for T.V.
Let us turn the focus back to your writing- what is your favourite part of writing?
My favourite part of writing is writing the end of my story. Although I’m a “pantser,” I know how I want to end the book before I start writing. I often even know what my last line will be. Getting to the end is a matter of listening to my characters and letting them tell me their stories. It’s extremely satisfying to write that last sentence and give my characters a happy ending.
-Has writing affected the way you read or the types of books you read?
It’s broadened my scope. I’ve joined several on-line groups to enhance my skills, and I’ve come across a lot of authors who will likely never grace the shelves of my local library. As much as I enjoy the feel of a book in my hand, the ability to download a book electronically has but a lot of new authors at my fingertips. I’ve also come across sub-genres I never knew existed. A whole category for motorcycle club books? I never would have expected it!
-Finally tell me about your latest/upcoming book.
My current book is Wolves’ Pawn. It’s the story of Dot McKenzie, a lone wolf-shifter on the run, using everything available to her to stay one step ahead of her pursuers. When she is offered a chance for friendship and safety with the Fairwood pack, she accepts.
Gavin Fairwood, reluctant heir for Fairwood pack leadership, is content to let life happen while he waits. Old longings surface when he appoints himself as Dot’s protector and becomes more than a friend.
Dot goes into hiding again when her presence puts the pack and her new friends at risk. When old enemies threaten the destruction of the Fairwood pack, it will take the combined efforts of Dot and Gavin to save it. But can anything save their love and Dot’s life when she becomes a pawn in a pack leader’s deadly game?
Here’s an excerpt:
“If it isn’t our little waitress. You going somewhere sweetie?”
She turned and saw one of the men from the diner. He had struck her as a potential troublemaker, but behaved himself while they ate. A time or two he had started to say something to her, but a glare from the one she designated as the boss man shut him up each time. He moved closer and put one arm on the shelving behind her. The coolers blocked the other side. He was a tall man, but she hadn’t realized how tall while he sat, and the way he towered over her now sent shivers down her spine. She tried to a way past him, but he blocked not only her view but any path of escape.
“Since you don’t have any big plans for the weekend, maybe you and me could have a little fun?” When he leaned over her, his breath smelled like the fries the diner served. Too close.
“Not interested. I have to leave now.” She tried to push his arm away but he was too strong and it didn’t budge.
He laughed at her attempt. The sound gave her goose bumps, but, luckily, the sleeves of her jacket covered her arms. “Why in such a hurry?” he asked, leering at her. “You seemed real friendly earlier.”
“I said, I’m not interested.” She moved to duck under his arm, but he laughed again and lowered it, blocking her path. He moved in even closer, so close they practically touched.
“You’re not going anywhere except with me. My friend out in the car wants to talk to you.”
“Leave me alone.” She could smell her own scent of fear, but worked to keep her voice calm, so he wouldn’t sense it. The young man working the register wasn’t going to be much help, but hopefully he would see what was going on and call the police. She tried to push the man away, but he just laughed.
“She said, leave her alone.”
Dot looked up to see a muscular arm wrap around the shoulders of her tormentor and pull him away. Before she turned and ran, she noticed her rescuer’s brown eyes had a yellowish tint, much like her own.
Wolves’ Pawn is available on Amazon at smarturl.it/tyseu6