Until last year, when I moved to Minnesota to be close to my elderly parents, I lived in an off-grid house in the Colorado Rockies. Despite…ah, unusual neighbors and temperamental generators and winters that stretched from October to June, I loved it there. It fit well with my favorite things to do—horseback riding, target shooting, SCUBA diving…okay, maybe not so much on that last one, although I did get certified in cold-water rescue. While taking law-enforcement classes, I worked on a police crime-scene team. That turned me into a bit of a forensics nerd, as you can probably tell from my books. Currently, I’m getting up very, very early to work at a bakery, and I live in a 150-year-old farmhouse with my dogs, cats and chickens.
Q ~ If you were stuck in a dingy floating in the middle of the ocean, who and what would you want with you and why?
As far as the “what” goes, I would want paddles (or, you know, an outboard motor), sunscreen, a lot of bottled water and a radio (or cell phone—I’m not picky) with reception. And the “who”? I’d pick a strong paddler with a good sense of direction. Any other positive qualities in my dingy-mate would be a bonus.
Q ~ How do you think people perceive authors in general? How do you think that Canadian authors stand in the grand scheme of things?
I believe that many people (especially voracious readers, like me) view authors with a bit of awe. After all, these are the creators of our favorite worlds, the ones who allow us to escape to amazing places. Despite my new home being in a state bordering Canada (“Hi, Neighbors!”), I’m probably not the best one to ask regard where Canadian authors stand (although I do love Kelley Armstrong). I don’t really lean toward a specific country or area when choosing books; my favorite authors are spread all over the world.
Q ~ What is your favorite quote, by whom, and why?
When you arise in the morning, give thanks
For the food and for the joy of living.
If you see no reason for giving thanks,
The fault lies only in yourself.--Tecumseh, Shawnee Warrior and Statesman
I’m all about gratitude and counting my blessings. It helps me to keep things in perspective.
Q ~ What is your favourite genre to read? To write?
I tend to be a bit fickle in my book choices. One day, I’ll be reading a young-adult book, and the next an urban fantasy. If it’s a good story, I’ll read it, regardless of genre. That said, I’m usually up for romantic suspense (of course), YA/NA (my maturity level stalled out a long time ago), urban fantasy, mystery, nonfiction (especially about alternative energy systems or horses), and contemporary romance. My favorite to write is definitely romantic suspense—I love the potential for tension!
Q ~ Do you have a favourite author? Do they influence your writing?
I have so, so many favorites! Right now, I’m loving Karen Lynch, Donna Augustine and Helen Harper. My bookshelves are filled with my “comfort reads,” books that I’ve read and reread many times. It’s an odd assortment, ranging from Deerskin by Robin McKinley to The Road Home by Ellen Emerson White to On Killing by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman to Phase by E.C. Newman to Sheltered by Charlotte Stein to Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson series to The Self-Sufficient Life by John Seymour. In very different ways, each one has earned its place among my favorites. I can’t see the direct influence of any one author, but all the books I’ve read over the years have molded me into the writer I am now.
Q ~ Are there any new Authors that have grasped your interest recently and why?
They aren’t really new-new, but they’re new-to-me authors: Tracey Ward, L.H. Cosway, E.E. Holmes and Danielle L. Jensen. Why? I just like their stories.
Q ~ How did you begin writing? Was there a single catalyst or a series of events?
I’ve always thought, “I want to be a writer someday.” A few years ago, it occurred to me that, in order to fulfill that dream, I needed to actually write something (kind of a duh moment for me). So I started writing. I’m not sure why it took me so long to figure out that connection.
Q ~ What’s the best thing that’s happened since you began writing? The worst?
For the food and for the joy of living.
If you see no reason for giving thanks,
The fault lies only in yourself.--Tecumseh, Shawnee Warrior and Statesman
I’m all about gratitude and counting my blessings. It helps me to keep things in perspective.
Q ~ What is your favourite genre to read? To write?
I tend to be a bit fickle in my book choices. One day, I’ll be reading a young-adult book, and the next an urban fantasy. If it’s a good story, I’ll read it, regardless of genre. That said, I’m usually up for romantic suspense (of course), YA/NA (my maturity level stalled out a long time ago), urban fantasy, mystery, nonfiction (especially about alternative energy systems or horses), and contemporary romance. My favorite to write is definitely romantic suspense—I love the potential for tension!
Q ~ Do you have a favourite author? Do they influence your writing?
I have so, so many favorites! Right now, I’m loving Karen Lynch, Donna Augustine and Helen Harper. My bookshelves are filled with my “comfort reads,” books that I’ve read and reread many times. It’s an odd assortment, ranging from Deerskin by Robin McKinley to The Road Home by Ellen Emerson White to On Killing by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman to Phase by E.C. Newman to Sheltered by Charlotte Stein to Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson series to The Self-Sufficient Life by John Seymour. In very different ways, each one has earned its place among my favorites. I can’t see the direct influence of any one author, but all the books I’ve read over the years have molded me into the writer I am now.
Q ~ Are there any new Authors that have grasped your interest recently and why?
They aren’t really new-new, but they’re new-to-me authors: Tracey Ward, L.H. Cosway, E.E. Holmes and Danielle L. Jensen. Why? I just like their stories.
Q ~ How did you begin writing? Was there a single catalyst or a series of events?
I’ve always thought, “I want to be a writer someday.” A few years ago, it occurred to me that, in order to fulfill that dream, I needed to actually write something (kind of a duh moment for me). So I started writing. I’m not sure why it took me so long to figure out that connection.
Q ~ What’s the best thing that’s happened since you began writing? The worst?
The best thing is working with Sourcebooks. Everyone there is behind my books a hundred percent, and it is an incredible feeling to receive that much support. My editor has been especially amazing, managing to act as editor, cheerleader, teacher, counselor and life coach.
Worst…hmm. That’s probably my current schedule. I’m working the 1am to 9am (or 10am or 11am if the bread is not cooperating) shift at a bakery. When I get home, I take the dogs for a run and then settle in to write or edit or do whatever else needs doing in author-land. At 5pm (or 6pm or 7pm), I head to bed. As much as I like baking for the masses, my dream is to write full-time eventually. Until then, I grab sleep when I can get it.
Q ~ What are your biggest influences in life? Who are your biggest supporters?
The answer to both questions is my amazing family: my parents, horde of sisters and little brother.
Q ~ What are your five favourite verbs to use during a love scene?
I don’t really have favorite words to use during love scenes. In fact, I try to avoid reusing words, although sometimes I don’t even realize I’m doing it until one of my editors mentions that I’ve used the word “definitely” 187 times during the past three paragraphs, and would I consider changing a few? My answer: Definitely.
Q ~ Can you tell us a little bit about your latest release?
Gone Too Deep features my favorite of my heroes (I know, I know—I’m not supposed to have favorites (but I do)): George. He’s the epitome of the strong, silent type, and he kept me on my author toes while I was writing his and Ellie’s story. I really had to work on showing Ellie (and readers) how he felt, rather than just telling, because the man is a miser with his words.
Ellie Price, a city girl from the top of her styled head to her stiletto heels, needs to find her estranged, mentally ill father before he’s lost in the snowy and vast expanse of the Rocky Mountains. Since she can’t do it alone, she hires Search and Rescue volunteer and wilderness expert, George Holloway, to be her guide. Ellie never expected she’d fall for her silent-but-sexy mountain man, but sparks fly in their two-person tent. Natural dangers aren’t the only ones stalking Ellie and George. Someone is trying to kill her father, and they won’t hesitate to use Ellie to get to him.
I won’t give anything away, but be ready for a bang of an ending.
Q ~ Do you prefer to write in a small town or big city setting? Why?
I’m definitely (there’s that word again!) a fan of setting my stories in small towns. I love the claustrophobic yet secure feel of living in a tiny community, and it’s fun to have reoccurring quirky characters.
Q ~ Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I’m a total Pantser, which is strange, because I plan every other detail of my life. I love lists. If I try to outline my stories, though, my writing stalls horribly, and I start banging my head against my desk (or kitchen table, where I do most of my writing).
Q ~ Of the works you’ve written, which is your favourite? Is there also a character that holds a special place in your heart?
Although I like all four of the Search and Rescue books, I must admit that my absolute favorite character is George. Why? Because he’s so…George. You’ll see what I mean in Gone Too Deep.
Q ~ Do you have anything in the works at the moment? Care to give us a hint about it?
Worst…hmm. That’s probably my current schedule. I’m working the 1am to 9am (or 10am or 11am if the bread is not cooperating) shift at a bakery. When I get home, I take the dogs for a run and then settle in to write or edit or do whatever else needs doing in author-land. At 5pm (or 6pm or 7pm), I head to bed. As much as I like baking for the masses, my dream is to write full-time eventually. Until then, I grab sleep when I can get it.
Q ~ What are your biggest influences in life? Who are your biggest supporters?
The answer to both questions is my amazing family: my parents, horde of sisters and little brother.
Q ~ What are your five favourite verbs to use during a love scene?
I don’t really have favorite words to use during love scenes. In fact, I try to avoid reusing words, although sometimes I don’t even realize I’m doing it until one of my editors mentions that I’ve used the word “definitely” 187 times during the past three paragraphs, and would I consider changing a few? My answer: Definitely.
Q ~ Can you tell us a little bit about your latest release?
Gone Too Deep features my favorite of my heroes (I know, I know—I’m not supposed to have favorites (but I do)): George. He’s the epitome of the strong, silent type, and he kept me on my author toes while I was writing his and Ellie’s story. I really had to work on showing Ellie (and readers) how he felt, rather than just telling, because the man is a miser with his words.
Ellie Price, a city girl from the top of her styled head to her stiletto heels, needs to find her estranged, mentally ill father before he’s lost in the snowy and vast expanse of the Rocky Mountains. Since she can’t do it alone, she hires Search and Rescue volunteer and wilderness expert, George Holloway, to be her guide. Ellie never expected she’d fall for her silent-but-sexy mountain man, but sparks fly in their two-person tent. Natural dangers aren’t the only ones stalking Ellie and George. Someone is trying to kill her father, and they won’t hesitate to use Ellie to get to him.
I won’t give anything away, but be ready for a bang of an ending.
Q ~ Do you prefer to write in a small town or big city setting? Why?
I’m definitely (there’s that word again!) a fan of setting my stories in small towns. I love the claustrophobic yet secure feel of living in a tiny community, and it’s fun to have reoccurring quirky characters.
Q ~ Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I’m a total Pantser, which is strange, because I plan every other detail of my life. I love lists. If I try to outline my stories, though, my writing stalls horribly, and I start banging my head against my desk (or kitchen table, where I do most of my writing).
Q ~ Of the works you’ve written, which is your favourite? Is there also a character that holds a special place in your heart?
Although I like all four of the Search and Rescue books, I must admit that my absolute favorite character is George. Why? Because he’s so…George. You’ll see what I mean in Gone Too Deep.
Q ~ Do you have anything in the works at the moment? Care to give us a hint about it?
I just finished the first book in my new Rocky Mountain K9 series. There are women on the run, hot cops, brave dogs, lots of explosions—what more could you want?
Q ~ If you could give aspiring authors one piece of advice, what would it be?
Finish the first draft of your book/short story/essay/poem. Get all the words down, even if you’re worried that they might be terrible. Once you have the raw material in front of you, then you can edit it. The hardest part, I think, is getting that first draft done. It’s scary, because it’s perfect in your head, and, if no one can see it, then no one can tell you it sucks. Be brave, though, and write your story.
Title: Gone Too Deep
Series: Search and Rescue #3
Author: Katie Ruggle
Publication Date: August 2nd 2016 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Length: 448pgs
Genre: romantic suspense
Shelf: review
My Rating: ★★★★★
Book Links: my review - Goodreads – Amazon(US) – Amazon(CA) - B&N - Kobo - Indigo - Google Play
Back Cover Blurb:
In the remote Rocky Mountains, lives depend on the Search & Rescue brotherhood. But in a place this far off the map, trust is hard to come by and secrets can be murder...
George Holloway has spent his life alone, exploring the treacherous beauty of the Colorado Rockies. He's the best survival expert Search and Rescue has, which makes him the obvious choice to lead Ellie Price through deadly terrain to find her missing father. There's just one problem-Ellie's everything George isn't. She's a city girl, charming, gregarious, delicate,small. And when she looks up at him with those big, dark eyes, he swears he would tear the world apart to keep her safe.
With a killer on the loose, he may have no choice.
Ellie's determined to find her father no matter the cost. But as she and her gorgeous mountain of a guide fight their way through an unforgiving wilderness, they find themselves in the crosshairs of a dangerous man in search of revenge. And they are now his prey...
Q ~ If you could give aspiring authors one piece of advice, what would it be?
Finish the first draft of your book/short story/essay/poem. Get all the words down, even if you’re worried that they might be terrible. Once you have the raw material in front of you, then you can edit it. The hardest part, I think, is getting that first draft done. It’s scary, because it’s perfect in your head, and, if no one can see it, then no one can tell you it sucks. Be brave, though, and write your story.
Series: Search and Rescue #3
Author: Katie Ruggle
Publication Date: August 2nd 2016 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Length: 448pgs
Genre: romantic suspense
Shelf: review
My Rating: ★★★★★
Book Links: my review - Goodreads – Amazon(US) – Amazon(CA) - B&N - Kobo - Indigo - Google Play
Back Cover Blurb:
George Holloway has spent his life alone, exploring the treacherous beauty of the Colorado Rockies. He's the best survival expert Search and Rescue has, which makes him the obvious choice to lead Ellie Price through deadly terrain to find her missing father. There's just one problem-Ellie's everything George isn't. She's a city girl, charming, gregarious, delicate,small. And when she looks up at him with those big, dark eyes, he swears he would tear the world apart to keep her safe.
With a killer on the loose, he may have no choice.
Ellie's determined to find her father no matter the cost. But as she and her gorgeous mountain of a guide fight their way through an unforgiving wilderness, they find themselves in the crosshairs of a dangerous man in search of revenge. And they are now his prey...
And now, exclusive to Pure Jonel followers,
enter to win a copy of Hold Your Breath, the 1st novel in Katie Ruggle`s Rocky Mountain Rescue series.
Contest is open ti residents of Canada & the US only, where applicable by law.
Entries close at 11:59pm July 27/16.
Winners will be drawn Jul 28/16.
Winners will be notified via email to the email provided to the giveaway and will have 72h to claim their prize or another winner will be drawn.
This book sounds awesome! Love the cover too ;)
ReplyDeleteAlthough there's no picture of Ellie on the book cover, I'm pretty certain I'd be more attracted to her than Georgey Porgey. Sorry, ladies! :-)
ReplyDelete--Michael
Hi Pure Jonel and Katie Ruggle!
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU so much for the review, the book information and the interview with Katie! I am in love with that cover! I think that a signed book or bookmarks, etc, would like great in my swag collection! *subtle hint* LOL
I am very intrigued to read your books now, even though they don't have any vampires or shifters in them! wink (PNR is my #1 book love!) As for search and rescue - I am not sure that I have ever read any search and rescue type books before! But after reading all of this, I am definitely up for giving it a go!
Thank you very much for the chance to win a copy of Hold Your Breath! That is the perfect chance to discover both a new author and a new genre/type of book to read!
Cheers! xoxoxo
love how their insecurities get them paired with a beauty that shows them different enjoy this author
ReplyDeleteLove Katie Ruggle's books. Great stories and heroes and heroines.
ReplyDeleteIt has to be the hero factor for me.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks fantastic! Great interview! Good luck to all who entered!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cover and the book sounds good. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cover and the book sounds good. :)
ReplyDeleteThe Adventure. I am in Australia though so not eligible, I only just read the exclusion :(
ReplyDeleteThat they are willing to risk there lives to help others.
ReplyDeleteStrength.
ReplyDeleteThe goodness to help others.
ReplyDelete