Saturday Shifters-Jamie Leigh Hansen



Tell me about yourself.  How long have you been writing?
My name is Jamie Leigh Hansen and I’ve been writing professionally for 16 years. Wow. Time really does fly. J I have always loved reading and, while growing up, I was rarely without a book in hand. Writing stories for class projects was fun, I loved making up these huge dramatic and emotional stories. As a career, I didn’t get serious until I joined Romance Writers of America. Every day since is a measure of how much can I learn about this art and this business before my brain explodes?
My love of paranormal stories has evolved since watching Kindred and then Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Shifters, in particular, I became fascinated with when reading Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake series and Christine Feehan’s Carpathian series. I hadn’t considered writing them until The Murder King’s Woman.
Where did the inspiration for this story come from?

Trisha Telep approached me to write a short story for The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 and I was nervous at first. What do I have to add to the genre that hasn’t been done? I considered all the books, movies and TV shows I’ve devoured and I realized: They don’t have Mary. She’s human. She’s in college. She was raised by vampires and werewolves. She kicks butt in a world where she should be the weakest and in The Murder King’s Woman, she infiltrates a palace full of mind-reading vampires to rescue the Murder King, Sebastian, the sexiest man she’s ever known.
Who is your favorite shifter character from TV or the movies?
It’s difficult to see past Lucian in Underworld. His story, full of anguish and strength, really captivates me. The amazing special effects don’t hurt, either. So far, Teen Wolf and Vampire Diaries haven’t reached Lucian’s level, but they’re getting pretty good. As for character development, Klaus anyone? He’s the first vampire/werewolf hybrid and the strongest immortal to ever live, yet he never feels safe. He takes the “hurt them before they hurt you” mantra to whole new levels, making him one of the loneliest people on the planet. With his conflicting, contradicting growth, he’s climbing closer to Lucian with every new episode. J
What is your writing space like?
Ha! Like a shifter, it never stops changing. I love the kitchen table and the living room recliner at times. Coffee shops are excellent for reducing the pull of fulfilling all the other roles in my life – wife, mother, researcher of general trivia. Honey, who is that actress? What have I seen her in? Mom, how do I make labels for my graduation announcements? Sometimes, I like to close myself away in my bedroom in the space my husband made me. Shelves, a dresser and a lingerie chest hold all my books, binders, papers and supplies while an old desk top lays between a shelf and my nightstand, books propping it up to the just the height. It’s the perfect way to close out the world and focus. Until my mother-in-law sneaks up behind me and scares me to death, anyway. J
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers? 
I am just about to write the end on The Murder King’s Valentine, Murder Tales #3. As my daughter, and alpha reader, tells me: “The crap you put Mary through is horrible! Your mind is so twisted.” Is it wrong of me to think that’s a compliment? I will be announcing this book for sale this summer. J

WithTHE MURDER KING'S WOMAN, paranormal romance author Jamie Leigh Hansen brings you an exciting new series of short stories featuring Mary, the only human ever saved and raised by the Murder, vampires and werewolves who work together to police the rogues of their world. But now, the Murder King, Sebastian, who once saved Mary, needs her to save him...


THE MURDER KING'S SUMMONS: Murder Tales 2. Paranormal romance author Jamie Leigh Hansen brings you an exciting new story of Mary. After rescuing her vampire lover, the King of the Murder, Sebastian, Mary must now prove her worth as his mate. But, when her past clashes with her future and lives are at stake - literally - a woman does what she must. Will their love survive her sacrifice?

Jamie Leigh Hansen is a multi-published, paranormal romance author best known for dramatic, heartfelt stories with intense emotion and engaging, unforgettable characters.
Her newest work, Murder Tales, is a series of urban fantasy short stories that feature Mary, the only human ever saved and raised by the Murder, vampires and werewolves who work together to police the rogues of their world. Currently available are The Murder King's Woman and The Murder King's Summons, with more planned.
Jamie is also currently involved with BabelFAmily, co-writing The Legacy of Marie Schlau with other writers around the world. They hope the International Literary Project to Fight Friedreich's Ataxia will raise funds for FA research.
She loves to hear from friends and fans at JLH@JamieLeighHansen.com. Updates on her projects can be found at www.JamieLeighHansen.com.
Visit Jamie’s website at www.JamieLeighHansen.com
Follow Jamie on twitter at www.twitter.com/JamieLHansen
Join Jamie on Faceboook at www.facebook.com/JamieLeighHansen

Popular posts from this blog

Author Interview-Joanne Guidoccio

Image
What inspired you to become a writer?   From an early age, I loved curling up with a book and losing myself in the stories. In high school, I looked forward to English class and dreamed of writing the great Canadian novel. Instead, I followed the conventional advice of the times and pursued a career in teaching. But, in my heart of hearts, I knew that someday I would resurrect that writing dream. When I took advantage of early retirement in 2008, I decided to devote my second act to writing. Who are your favorite romance characters (besides your own)?   My favorite authors include Ann Patchett, Ann Lamott, Jane Green, Maeve Binchy, Gail Bowen, Louise Penny, and Adriana Trigiani. The protagonists in these novels are older and wiser, having encountered many bumps on the road to romantic love and personal fulfillment. One of my favorite quotes comes from Maeve Binchy : “I don't have ugly ducklings turning into swans in my stories. I have ugly ducklings turning into c...
Read more

Moving On

Image
"All good things come to an end. It's been fun for everyone. Peace and hope are never gone. Love you all and say 'So long'." Verse from The End Bear's packaging When I received the email notice from Google stating that they were going to stop supporting certain blogging apps, I decided it might be a good time to reconsider my social media set-up. I write romance as Mariposa Cruz and women's fiction as Susan Winters with separate Facebook pages and blogs for each identity. While I have thoroughly enjoyed having two separate blogs with changing times it makes sense to consolidate to one blog while exploring other platforms.   Mariposa’s Musings started in 2009 a few months prior to the release of my first romance title, Howl. BTW I hope to re-release Howl later this year. Stay tuned. Ten years, seven titles and 214 posts later here we are. I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to all the guests, authors, followers and casual passersb...
Read more

Lovestruck Two Step-Release Party

Image
Since Lovestruck Two Step is all about a making dive bar a local favorite, I asked my production team to describe their favorite hangout. Harris Channing-Cover design Not only has Harris designed all of the covers for The Rhythm & Romance series and Hot Flash, she is also an author . And she did a cool job with Ever After, one of Susan Winters’ titles. What's my favorite hangout?  I am a homebody.  My favorite part of the day is when everyone is home safe and sound and we're just hanging out.  I love watching movies with my daughters. Sitting next to hubby and catching up with how his day went.  Home is my favorite hangout. May seem boring but since I spend most of my time here, wouldn't it suck if I didn't just love it? Marian Kelly-Editing Marian could truly be called a “Writer’s Editor” and she's worked with me on all four Rhythm & Romance titles. She also writes Regency romance as Colleen Ladd . My favorite hangout is a tin...
Read more