Bolgoversary Author Interview & Giveaway: Gemma Halliday

Hi Everyone,
Make sure you check out all the other interviews and giveaways by checking out the Blogoversary Tab or Picture at the top of the page.

I am pleased to introduce an author who has kept me entertained and laughing out loud with her High Heels Series.

Please Welcome GEMMA HALLIDAY to Blood Rose Books today!

You have had various types of jobs both within and outside of the entertainment industry. Do you think that those experiences have shaped you into the author you are today?

Definitely.  I’ve drawn on a lot of those experiences when creating plots and characters for my books.

The Romantic Mystery genre, can sometimes be a touch redundant in the format and has many top authors that have a set fan base, how did you choose the Romantic Mystery genre and what do you think sets your book apart from others?

I think that any genre is going to have a format that fans expect to see – whether it’s romantic mystery or science fiction.  It’s what defines it as a specific genre, right?  ;)  So I certainly don’t feel confined as far as reader expectations go.  There are a lot of places I can take my characters and plots within the context of a mystery.  As far as what sets a book apart, I’d have to say voice is what makes any book stand out to me.  So, hopefully my voice stands out to readers as well.

What do you think would be the hardest or most challenging genre to write a novel in?

For me, historical is something I would never attempt.  I love to read them, but I think the amount of research involved, and the accuracy that historical readers demand, would be way beyond me.  Kudos to those who write that genre well!   

Within your High Heels Series, Maddie is very obsessed with fashion and shoes (I mean who does not love shoes), Did you secretly want to be a shoe designer or any type of clothing designer?

I love shoes almost as much as Maddie does, but I have to admit that I am not artistically inclined.  So, no, designer is not in me.  I love to live vicariously through Maddie, though!

Who is your favourite shoe designer? Do you have a picture you could share with us of your favourite pair of shoes you own or want to own?

Oh, so many to choose from!  :)   I adore the Michael Kors shoes I own, so he’s near the top of my list.  Anything sparkly always catches my eye.  The more colorful and sparkly the better! But these are probably my fav summer shoes this year: 

Within your Hollywood series, the main characters are based out of a tabloid paper, what do you think that it is about celebrities that many people feel the need to know everything about them?

I think people are naturally curious about other people’s lives and how they compare to ours.  With celebrities, it’s almost like we’re given a free pass to be nosey and dig into their personal lives.  Personally, I think TMZ is one of ht most entertaining shows on TV.  Lol!

As you have had some jobs, some within the entertainment series, I think everyone would like to know if any of your characters are based on people that you have had some real life experience with (celebrity or not)?

Oh, yeah!  I often mold my characters after real people I’ve met, at last partly.  I will say that none of my celebrity character are based on celebs that I have personally met.  But I’ve used my friends and family several times over in my books.   

You have the introduction of a new series coming out in spring of 2012 starting with the book Play Nice. This new series has been placed within the thriller genre, and even the premise sounds very different from your other two series. Can you tell us a little bit about the book and why you decides to venture into a new genre?

Yes, PLAY NICE is a little edgier than my other books.  It’s a fast paced adventure, lots of intrigue, lots of action, with a mystery and romance woven in as well.   It takes place in San Francisco (near my home town), and follows Anna Smith and Nick Dade, two assassins who have agendas very much at odds with each other.  This book was a bit of a challenge for me as it does depart a bit from the feel of my more light-hearted, comedic High Heels and Hollywood Headlines books, but I really enjoyed writing a sort of “bad girl” heroine in Anna.  She’s super kick-butt, super savvy, and a lot of fun to write.  I think readers will agree that this book is still me, still the same voice I always have, but just a little more serious side. 

Other than the release of Play Nice in 2012, do you have any other upcoming events or works that you are able to share? 

Yes!  I have a brand new mystery series for young adults starting in October, 2011, with DEADLY COOL.  And I am also working on my 6th High Heels book, which I hope to have out by the end of this year.   

What is one book on your shelf that you cannot wait to read (can either be a new or old favorite)?

Smokin’ Seventeen by Janet Evanovich.  I read the first chapter while standing in line to buy it, but haven’t had the opportunity to read more yet. 

I know that I will be on the look out for Play Nice when it is released. Sounds like a book that is right up my ally and the Deadly Cool cover is amazing cover,  I really love it. 

 I want to say thank you to Gemma for being part of my Blogoversary, taking time to answer some questions and for donating some books. You can find out more about Gemma's novles by  checking out my reviews of Spying in High Heels and Killer in High Heels as well as Gemma Halliday's website Gemma has nicely supplied one ebook copy Spying in High Heels and one ebook copy of Hollywood Scandals. Thank you once again Gemma

***GIVEAWAY RULES***

1.  You do not need to be a follower to participate, but it is always nice for you to join.

2. Please Fill out the Form BELOW in order to enter 

3. This Giveaway is Open Internationally

4. The Giveaway ENDS on October 7, 2011

5. The winners will be notified via email and will have 48 hrs to respond, otherwise a new winner will be chosen

6. EBooks are provided by Gemma Halliday