Thursday, November 4, 2010

Guest Post: Kylie Brant, Author of the MindHunter Series, With a Giveaway

Forensic linguist Macy Reid is an expert on kidnapping, having been abducted when she was a child. So, she is the perfect investigator to be called in when a Denver tycoon's eleven-year-old daughter is abducted-for the second time. But Macy's biggest stumbling block may be a member of her own team: Kellan Burke, the wise-cracking, rule- breaking investigator who relishes getting under Macy's skin-and who just may be the man to help her confront the demons from her past.

To a writer, people are endlessly fascinating. Every single one of us, no matter how mundane our lives or routines. Whether it be our utter predictability, our opinions, or experiences, each of us always has some trait or quality that could wind up in a book someday. Because people are unique,so must our characters be. What formed us, what shaped our attitudes and beliefs, what caused our fears, fed our flaws is infinitely intriguing. It’s been said that nothing bad ever happens to a writer—it’s all material :).

Reviewers often mention my characters when they summarize the plot, and I take pride in that. Because for me, the characters are the story. If I don’t care about the story people, a writer can’t get me to stick around for the twists and turns in even the most compelling plot. I want to invest in the story people. And I don’t want them thrown under a bus at the end.

It’s been said that my heroines are always a bit damaged, and I guess that’s true. Trauma shapes us, often dramatically. And what emerges in a person from a tragedy is what I find truly interesting. Regardless of how objective a character strives to be, he or she still sees the world through their own unique filter. And often responding to the events of the plot is made harder because of the personal obstacles the characters have to overcome.

That’s certainly the case in DEADLY INTENT. As a forensic linguist, Macy Reid is very familiar with the patterns and nuances of language. As a former kidnap victim, she’s all too aware of the tragic consequences of that experience. So she’s uniquely qualified to be placed on the team looking for an eleven-year-old girl who has been kidnapped—for the second time.

She and fellow Mindhunter consultant Kellan Burke work with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation on a race against the clock to find Ellie Mulder before the madman holding her can carry out his threats. The case brings up uncomfortable memories of Macy’s own past. But it’s Kell who causes the most discomfort. After the one night they’d spent together months ago, she’s found him impossible to forget. Paired together on the investigation, he’s impossible to ignore. And so are the feelings he ignites inside her.

What are your favorite type of characters to read about? The kind who make you root for them to the bitter end? Is there any specific sort of character that you won't read?    

In 1990 I began writing out of sheer desperation. Always an avid reader, I’d found that my favorite authors just couldn’t write fast enough to keep me in reading material. Someday if you twist my arm and buy me very strong margaritas, I might be convinced to share my whole embarrassing road to publication story. The short version is that my second manuscript sold in 1992, and then a few months later my first manuscript was bought, too, after it had undergone several major surgeries. To date I’ve written twenty-five books for Silhouette Intimate Moments (Romantic Suspense), five dark romantic thrillers for Berkley, a short story for eharlequin.com and participated in an Iowa authors murder mystery.
I live a dual life. Believe me, that sounds much more glamorous than it is. By day I’m an elementary special education teacher, working with students who have learning and behavior problems. During the weekends and summers…well, I can be forgiven for needing a little relaxation, right? And if my idea of relaxation includes dreaming up new ways to kill and maim my characters, it seems a harmless enough hobby. Some people golf. Now there’s a dangerous pastime. All those swinging clubs and small speeding objects. Someone could lose an eye. When I’m not at the computer (always writing, never playing solitaire), I enjoy hanging out with family and friends, exercising, reading, flower gardening, and traveling.
Kylie has one copy of Deadly Intent to a lucky reader!! 
Simply answer one of her questions above (in red) 
and leave your email address!! 

International - if Book Depository will ship to you
 
Winner announced on November 21st.

40 comments:

  1. "he or she will still see the world through their own filter" .. that is absolutely true. It's the rationale I use to keep from judging some too harshly.

    The kind of character that I like is one that sees or finds humor or sunshine in spite of any situation or tragedy that has befallen them. Bitter people and characters are NOT my thing!

    Julie @ Knitting and Sundries
    knittingandsundries(at)gmail(dot)com

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  2. Jewelknits, I think that holds truth in life, doesn't it? We tend to want to read about the type of people we can relate to and those we would like as friends. My favorite saying (and I can't remember where I borrowed it!) is 'everyone looks out their own window" :)

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  3. I enjoy the bad boys who have some dark secret of their own! tWarner419@aol.com

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  4. I like cheering for the under-dog!
    chey127 at hotmail dot com

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  5. Hello! I am visiting from "This for That".

    I do not like characters that are associated with mysticism or magic.

    piano4praise at gmail dot com

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  6. Tetewa I like figuring out what that secret is!

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  7. I enjoy reading about people with integrity. I don't like reading about people that have no values.

    littleone AT shaw DOT ca

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  8. Chey, I like a sure thing :) and with a romance novel I like knowing that no matter how suspenseful it gets, the bad guy won't win. Wish life could be like that more often!

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  9. Pocokat, I don't like those types of people in real life either!

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  10. Sally, that's interesting. I'm not a huge fantasy fan myself.

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  11. It's always helpful if you can connect with the characters on some level, where they pull you in emotionally! The ones I don't like are ones that usually run contrary to my morals and belief systems.

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  12. I enjoy reading about all different characters. Some I can really relate with, others are more for escapism.

    thesqueakycart at aol dot com

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  13. Congrats on the new release, Kylie. I find it easy to root for an underdog or someone who's trying to right a wrong or atone for past mistakes.

    janie1215 AT excite DOT com

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  14. I like the characters that are loyal and caring and strong. They have their own mind but will help out others if they need it as well.

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

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  15. I find I fall very easy for characters that are always fighing for the underdogs, loyal to the case, and strong willed. I need loveable characters to continue reading a series.

    usignolc(At)yahooDOTcom

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  16. I love strong characters - the kind that never want a relationship, but always find the perfect match!
    Thanks for hosting - please enter me.
    bevsharp@desch.org

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  17. I like characters that are looking for answers. Searchers and seekers.
    cjwallace43 at gmail dot com

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  18. I like to read about Characters searching for love.
    lindseygalvez at gmail dot com

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  19. What are your favorite type of characters to read about? I like reading characters who are strong and passionate, who have obstacles to overcome, who struggle with who they are and who you root for until the bitter end. Is there any specific sort of character that you won't read? No I like to read a variety of different types of characters and books. It makes my reading very interesting. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. Tore923@aol.com

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  20. I like reading about characters who are memorable in whatever way, they don't necessarily have to be GOOD. If I'll remember them a week or so later, then that's a character I'd like to read about.

    Thanks!

    k_anon[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk
    follower.

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  21. What are your favorite type of characters to read about?
    I like characters that don't want to fall in love but met the perfect person and do so. Also like the ones who take up for the people around them that let others run over them. The person who roots for everyone and always there when you need a shoulder to cry on and understands you. But I also want the girl to be strong and able to fight her own battles but will let the guy help her when he does so on his own. No asking.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  22. topkat@sbcglobal.net My favorite type character is the one that try as they might they just can't catch a break ie Charlie Brown, he's a good guy, he thinks of others, he cares for his family and dog, he's only wishy washy because the people around him take him for granted and under estimate his intelligence. But Lucy will prepetually snatch the football and CB will always believe 'she really means it this time' trusting soul that he is.

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  23. I like reading about characters that seem real. I don't really like fantasy characters very much. I like strong & compassionate characters.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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  24. I enjoy reading about tortured characters who are redeemed by love, former lovers reunited and well written heroes and heroines.

    I hate reading about wimpy heroines that just scream and do nothing!

    paranormalsuspense(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  25. I like reading about someone who tries to run from their past but eventually has to face it.

    Please count me in. Thanks.

    avalonne83 [at] yahoo [dot] it

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  26. My favorite types of characters to read about are independent male or female characters who have strong personalities and do what it takes to get the job done!

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  27. I like characters that no matter what goes wrong, they keep on trying until things work out. I like knowing that the bad guy, whoever he is, will be caught. I do like surprise endings!
    mittens0831 at aol dot com

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  28. I won't read about characters who are abusive either physically or emotionally; or characters such as werewolves, shapeshifters, etc.

    yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net

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  29. I like reading strong, determined female leads, I get annoyed when it seems like the female lead is only validated by a male lead or love interest. I don't mind if the character is indecisive or any other number of human traits but I can't stand the stereotypical fainting female you used to see in a lot of romances! :)

    Kate1485 at hotmail.com

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  30. I enjoy reading about all different characters. Some I can really relate with , also i like to read strong female characters.



    raluk.93 at gmail(dot) com

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  31. Characters that never change throughout a series. They stay stubborn and do not learn from experiences in previous books. They want to be too strong and do not allow anyone else to help them. Really irritates me.

    Chrizette
    baychriz at gmail dot com

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  32. I think that people like to read about characters that they wouldn't normally come cross in real life, complex characters that make the story truly interesting and keep you awake at night until you finish the book. ^^ I personally like witty characters, that don't usually adapt to society like other people; those who have high IQ and are amazingly brilliant - and of course, in the end catch the bag guy or solve the mystery, even if they seem recluse, mean or dorky.

    Irina♥
    fallen_angel3715[at]yahoo[dot]co[dot]uk

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  33. I won't read TSTL characters. I find them very annoying. I like strong, capable characters.
    marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  34. My favorite type of characters to read about are the unlikely heroines that end up kicking butt in the story, like Frodo in lord of the rings.
    caliblue7 at gmail dot com

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  35. I love reading about characters that have to find themselves in the book. I love seeing their personal 'character' grow. And I love rooting for them. There isn't anything that I wouldn't want to read. I love expanding my horizons.

    deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

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  36. I don't like a character who annoys me. For instance someone who just comes across as stupid.
    Or one who never seems to learn from his/her experiences. Also if a character has bad traits such as too self centered or spoilt, theym ust lose this before too long not keep it right to the end of the book.

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    Carol T

    buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

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  37. I don't like reading about the ditzy blonde, or any stereotypical characters.

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  38. What are your favorite type of characters to read about?

    I like to read about characters who can take care of themselves and not have to rely on someone to "make them complete", who stand up for themselves, and someone who doesn't have a BIG HEAD.

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

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  39. I like to read about characters with a dark past
    k k g r a y 8 8 @yahoo

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  40. I like books that have a strong woman who goes through a difficult time, but comes out victorious!
    Many thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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