I’m sure a few of you have been wondering about the banner at the top of our home page. Well, we’re helping to celebrate Tina Carreiro’s second publishing of her novel, “Power of the Moon”, a paranormal romance with a HOT vampire as the lead male character. No, it’s not Bill, but he may be the next best thing.

We wanted to be a part of POTM’s blog tour as we have ties to Tina that go way back. Tina has been known as Tincar to the True Blood fans that have been around these parts for a while. She was one of the founders of True Blood News at the Nest, the Creator of the BWW and one of the original administrators of Simply Moyer … and needless to say, a huge fan of Bill Compton and Stephen Moyer. As a matter of fact, it was Tina that convinced Steve to donate the infamous autographed cock sock, to the Battle of the Fang where it raised $1,600 for charity.

A celebration wouldn’t be complete without gifts and we’ve got that for you too. So, after reading the following blurb and the Q&A with Tina, you can enter to win all forms of swag. And if that isn’t enough for ya’, leave us a comment and we’ll put you into a random drawing for your choice of an autographed paperback or ebook.

 

 

Short summary from POTM:

Haunted by visions of death, and a past that holds her prisoner, Mia Starr never imagined her life could become even more complex. Untapped psychic powers spark to life, and her chosen solitary existence fills with creatures that shatter her safe reality. Now the very thing she fears the most is the one thing that will complete her in every way possible.

Detective Cole Barnett has mastered the vampire within. It has earned him respect and a position with Sector 13, the hardest job a vampire can hold. When a beautiful mortal is thrown into his investigation, with powers able to subjugate vampires, she tests his restraint.

Cole and Mia’s passion ignites, but Mia’s fear holds her back and she struggles to forget his touch and possessive kiss. What she doesn’t realize is the more she runs from him, the more excited he becomes, and the hunt is something he cannot resist.

 

 

Simply Moyer: You had started writing “Power of the Moon” before you saw TB. Did the show and/or Bill Compton/Steve act as a catalyst in any way for you to decide to finish this book?

Tina: I would say it definitely gave me some inspiration to move forward with publishing, since the book was pretty much finished. Seeing Bill for the first time knocked me over. And, like Anne Rice, he’s my favorite TB vampire. Having Steve portray him was an added bonus because he gives so much depth to the character. He gives the character an edge of controlled emotions that teeters on the cusp of humanity and vampire. His movements and facial expression make those hidden emotions almost palpable. This is the type of character I’m drawn to, the kind I like to write … the ones you get to discover one delicious layer at a time.

SM: You made a name for yourself in the early days of True Blood as a fan fiction writer with stories revolving around Bill and Sookie. Did writing fan fiction help or hinder you in completing POTM?

Tina: Power of the Moon was actually finished, but here’s something many don’t know; it was originally written in first person. When I finished the story and did a read through, I hated it. There was no feel for Cole. And, in a romance, you need to feel the male character. I have to thank Cindy for the fanfic writing, because when I came to her as a friend with this dilemma, it was she who suggested I test out fanfic in third person. She also knew my fear of putting my work out in public. With her push, I started writing the fic and my writing flourished. If you remember, A Fight For True Love won best fanfic on the HBO Wiki. This gave me a boost of confidence. Of course, it was easy writing already developed characters and spinning a story line was addictive because of the ease. I still had to sell readers on my own characters and that was a frightening feeling to overcome.

SM: All your readers have fallen in love with your main vampire, Cole. Did you have anyone in mind while creating Cole? Or is he a creation from your dreams?

Tina: Yes, my Cole is so yummy and manly. The center of Cole, in my heart, will always be my husband. In fact, that is where the original idea of Cole came from when I was riding with my husband one night while he was on duty. But for you and my readers, I want Cole to be who YOU want him to be. Paint him in your mind and make him yours. ;)

SM: Any similarities between Bill Compton and Cole?

Tina: They’re both hot vampires.

SM: The sex is quite hot in POTM, is it based on a rich sex life or fantasy of a rich sex life?

Tina: Ha! I have no complaints. ;)

SM: Is POTM a stand alone book, or is it part of a series? If there will be more books, do you have a plan for how many?

Tina: It is a series with a series count of 3 to 4. We’ll see how that goes. Covet the Moon is the next book in the series and that is fifty percent complete.

SM: Have you tried your hand at writing anything besides paranormal romance? What is your favorite genre to read?

Tina: My favorite genre is romance, except for the overly mushy ones. I have a short story out, The Plan, that is paranormal, but far from a romance and it’s one of my favorite stories. It’s currently published by Ring of Fire Publishing. I have an erotica novella under my genre pen name T.C. Lee by Time and Tide Publishing, and I’m working on a cowboy romance.

SM: You write erotica under T.C. Lee. When it comes to writing erotica, is there such a thing as too explicit?

Tina: I’ve seen books from one extreme to the next and in today’s publishing world (traditional or independent), I think the sky’s the limit. Fifty Shades of kinky f*ckery is proof of that. Books should be marked appropriately though, so readers can determine if it’s too explicit for them.

SM: What role does feedback play in your writing process?

Tina: I used to read my reviews but the negative side to some of them gets to me at times and hinders the process. I’m all for constructive criticism, as a writer I want that and it’s okay not to like a book, but it’s how you tear something down that matters.


SM: Where did you come up with the idea of Mia seeing auras and ghosts? Any experience with something like this?

Tina: I’ve been fascinated with all angles of the paranormal since I was a little girl. I used to ghost hunt when I was younger, but saw and heard too many things that freaked me out.

SM: You describe the Florida setting so well it’s almost like the area is a background character. I take it you’re from the area?

Tina: I’m a native Floridian, home of Mickey Mouse! I used to air boat through the everglades when I was little, and watching all the gators slither through the water is quite a sight. Lion Country Safari is another favorite place of mine to hang out and watch animals I’d never get a chance to see without a trip to Africa. Sector 13’s building, from the book, I fell in love with the minute they built it downtown and the beach… I love my home. :)

SM: What role has your family played in your writing?

Tina: My family is very supportive and they are so excited for me. My mom nags me for the second book constantly. My husband though, has played the biggest part in that support, not only with law enforcement technical data, but he keeps me grounded. In fact, my favorite place to write is on the couch, next to him while he plays PS3. It’s relaxing and peaceful for me. No conversation needed… we take comfort in just being next to each other.

SM: Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what’s on your ipod?

Tina: I listen to music sometimes, mostly when I need to write an intense scene and I have to take myself to a darker place. My ipod is a melting pot of music and each style helps bring out an emotion to enhance certain writing angles. I have everything from AC/DC to Johnny Cash. I LOVE the group Bond. They’re a kick ass all girl classical group and when I need to clear my head, I crank them up.

Prize Give-Aways Limited Special Swag

• 1 Winner will receive one autograph copy of Power of the Moon, one autograph bookmark, one romance trading card, one button, Power of the Moon t-shirt, and a LIMITED SPECIAL SWAG piece.
• 1 Winner will receive one autograph copy of Power of the Moon, one autograph bookmark, one romance trading card, one button, Power of the Moon tote, and a LIMITED SPECIAL SWAG piece.
• 1 Winner will receive an Ecopy of Power of the Moon, one autograph bookmark, one romance trading card and one button.
• 10 Winners will receive one autographed Bookmark and one romance trading card.

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You can find Tina at any of the links below, so don’t be shy, she loves company.
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