Tipping One Back with NYT Bestselling Author Julie Ann Walker
Posted by Rachel Grant
One of the best things about blogging at Kiss and Thrill is having the excuse to get to know authors we’ve met only briefly at writer’s workshops (and when I say “workshop” it’s a euphemism for “bar”). It’s great fun to meet writers at workshops and talk craft and business, but the drawback is the crowds and the noise (and the pricey drinks). I picked up met Julie Ann Walker at a workshop a year and a half ago and was thrilled to see her success this fall, when her debut trilogy hit the New York Times bestseller list.
I’m delighted to introduce our readers to Julie, who writes sexy, thrilling suspense centered around Black Knights Inc.–on the surface a tricked-out motorcycle shop, but really the cover for a team of elite special operatives.
Julie is giving signed copies of the first three Black Knights Inc. books to one lucky commenter.
Rachel: Julie, welcome to Kiss and Thrill!
Julie: It’s great to be here! And in order to keep the vibe going, I have a full glass of Cabernet in hand. Okay, so you caught me. It’s my second glass… 😉
R: And I have a pint of my favorite ale. This feels just like a bar workshop! 😉 So, what published author (any genre) turns you into a total fangirl? Is there a particular book or is this based on their entire body of work?
J: I have to pick just one? Geez, don’t make me work for this or anything. LOL! But, hmmm, let’s see… *scratches head* I guess it’s best if I represent our lovely genre – the BEST genre in all of romance… nay, all the literary WORLD – and choose the reigning queen herself, Suzanne Brockmann. I love how she pushed boundaries in her Troubleshooters series. I love that one of her heroes was gay. I love that she – gasp – actually wrote a rape scene that was harrowing and graphic and real, and that it didn’t end up cut into a million pieces, lying like sad confetti on the editing-room floor. I love that her stories were always a twofer, with dual romantic relationships for me to sink my teeth into. I love that when the situation was dire, she threw in some gallows humor, not to take the edge off, usually, but to subtly accentuate each of the characters’ personalities. Basically, I just love her. And if I ever get the chance to meet her – fingers crossed – I’ll probably prostrate myself at her feet, swearing life-long fealty. So… yeah, you might consider me one of her fangirls. 😉
R: Hmmm. I wonder if she hangs out at the bar at RWA National?
J: *swoon* Just the thought makes me giddy!
R: Have you ever written fan fiction, and if so, what work was it based on? If you haven’t, what would you be tempted to write fan fiction about?
J: I’ve never written fan fiction. But if I had to choose a series I was sad to see end, a set of characters I’d like to continue to follow, it would have to be Christine Feehan’s The Drake Sisters series. I want to see babies being born, dangit! I want MANY more sexy times between the characters. I want to see magic and mayhem and what their mystical-power-imbued offspring will get up to. Did I mention I want more sexy times between the characters???
R: Facebook or Twitter?
J: Oy. Now this is actually a more difficult question than you might think. Simply because I LOVE the literary community which, as we all know, is made up of fans, writers, reviewers, bloggers, etc. So, I adore Facebook for the opportunity it provides me to connect with readers on a daily basis. But, in the same breath, I adore Twitter because that’s where all my homegirls hang out. I get to talk shop with other authors who are struggling with characters and plots – just like me. I get to touch base with bloggers and reviewers who are fundamental in getting the word out about new books. So… I guess my answer is BOTH. And, yeah, yeah. That’s a total copout. But that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
R: What is the strangest weapon you’ve used to kill off a character, either on or off-scene?
J: Well, I wish I could say I’m really creative when it comes to death scenes, but the truth of the matter is, I tend to eighty-six everybody in the usual manner. Gun shots, stabbings, garrotings. I will say I’ve been toying with the idea of chopping off a villain’s head with a rotating helicopter blade. But then the question becomes, do I chop off his head at the neck? Or do I just nip the tip? Take off the top three inches or so? See, these are the types of questions we romantic suspense authors ponder on a daily basis. Perhaps we all need to go to group therapy. Obviously we have some not-so-subconscious violent tendencies. LOL!
R: Tell us about your upcoming release.
J: THRILL RIDE is the fourth book in the Black Knights Inc. series, and I think it’s the hottest one yet. Of course, I’m biased. 😀 In a nutshell, it centers around ragin’ Cajun, Richard “Rock” Babineaux, and Vanessa Cordero, the Black Knights’ resident communications specialist. Set mainly in the jungles of Costa Rica, the book opens with Rock on the run after having been listed as a rogue agent. When Vanessa goes to find him, she inadvertently leads the men who are hunting him right to his door. Bullets fly, engines rev, and hearts race. Plus, you know, sexy times…
Thank you, Kiss and Thrill, for having me on today. It’s been a blast!
~~~
Okay, I have one more question for Julie–and our readers–to answer in the comments: describe your dream motorcycle. Julie is giving one lucky commenter signed copies of the first three Black Knights Inc. books! Check back on Thursday to see if you are our winner. Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address and contact us within ten days to claim the prize.
About Rachel Grant
Archaeologist Rachel Grant writes romantic suspense where archaeology, politics, and war collide.Posted on December 18, 2012, in Author Interview, Rachel Grant and tagged Black Knights Inc., Hell on Wheels, In Rides Trouble, Julie Ann Walker, Rachel Grant, Rev it Up, Romantic Suspense, Thrill Ride. Bookmark the permalink. 122 Comments.
These books sound thrilling. Thank you for the generous giveaway.
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
Hello again, JV!
I agree, put “motorcycle chop shop” together with “special elite forces” and my tongue is already hanging out. GREAT premise!
Looking forward to reading them. Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you for having me! It’s been lovely!
Rachel, LOVED the interview. And Julie Ann, so very nice to meet you. CONGRATULATIONS on making ‘the list’ with your debut! That is the dream, I think, of most writers. So happy for you! Now, to stay in the spirit of the post, I’m tipping my wine glass of Diet Dr. Pepper to your Cabernet and Rachel’s ale! As for my dream motorcycle, that’s easy. It’s the Harley my hero rides in my debut Harlequin Intrigue that comes out in February. This is my first hero on a motorcycle but I loved it! What inspired YOU to write books with motorcycle heroes? Is it your secret biker-girl life or do you just have a thing for hot guys in leather? Just between us girls. Dish!
I’ve always had a thing for motorcycles. The chrome. The sound of rolling thunder. The leather jackets and kick ass biker boots. All of it screams rebel, here’s a badass mo-fo. So, of course, my heroes had to ride cycles. 😉
Wonderful interview, Ladies! I loved the first three and can’t wait to read the fourth. I wish I could ask a question about motorcycles, but I don’t know enough to come up with one. LOL. So I’ll ask another–how long did it take you to sell this series?
Congratulations on the newest release. I am so happy for all of your success!
Sharon, I figured out how to reply to a comment after already replying to you via a NEW comment. (Not the sharpest pencil in the box today.) 😦
Blame it on the cabernet. 😉
Welcome, Julie Ann! And Rachel- as usual, your interview is hilarious.
I’m hoisting my morning coffee (and unfortunately a cookie I baked, plated and saran-wrapped for the neighbors.) sigh.
My personal trainer (Hottie Alpha, girls) buys, restores and sells classics from the 70’s. Often our hour at the gym is spent looking at Ebay photos on his cell phone. He’ll say “which one do you like better?” and I answer very seriously: “well, I like the color blue better than red so buy the blue one.” (Based on his lack of reaction I don’t think he heard anyway. Maybe didn’t even know he spoke out loud.)
Spend a good part of an hour looking at pics of motorcycles? You won’t hear ME complain! Beats lifting weights. He prefers Yamaha, I think (can you tell I pay attn?)
Me: I think anything made by Ducati is mouthwatering. It’s like the Ferrari of motorcycles.
Looking forward to reading your work, Julie Ann! Wouldn’t it be a GREAT gift for my trainer?! 🙂
Just figured out how to reply to a comment as opposed to simply posting a new one. *Head/desk*
And it’s interesting, Sarah, that your trainer likes Yamaha. The BKI series is sold in Japan, so my agent keeps pushing me to put one of the Black Knights on a Yamaha, and I’m, like, “But they’re a HARLEY chopper shop!” LOL!
He won’t have ANYTHING to do with Harley’s, ain’t that a crime?! Those are some supreme, bad-ass machines.
Thanks ladies, and welcome Julie!
So, I’ve never had a dream motorcycle, but my husband had a 1972 BMW R75/5 with a toaster tank (don’t ask me what any of that means, I just think that’s what it was) for over 20 years. It was his commuter vehicle when we lived in Hawaii (and I was terrified for him during those sudden downpours), but after we moved back to the mainland, it sat in the garage for several years. Having small kids, he never had time to fix it and ride it.
He sold it to a friend a year ago, and he’s happy to see it running again. Someday, I’d love to get him a new BMW.
*Sigh* The consequences of growing up and becoming a daddy… You sometimes have to sell your motorcycle… LOL! Of course, that’s a small sacrifice compared to the joys of parenthood.
But, yeah, someday you’ve got to get him another bike. Once the call of the open road is in your veins, it never leaves you.
And thank you, Rachel, for inviting me on. I’m thrilled! <–See what I did there? LOL!
LOL – we’re thrilled to have you!
Clever interview, ladies. Chuckled several times. I’ll pass on the libations, try never to indulge before 6:30 p.m. LOL Congrats on your sales and success, Julie. Boy, you caught the gold ring we all yearn for.
So, I’m not much of a motorcycle person. I remember attending a political convention a couple of years ago with a bunch of biker guys and girls there. They were accountants, lawyers, doctors. You name it, they were. Stereotype breaking experience, I’m telling you. But still, my life would have to depend on it, to make me get on one.
But on Suzanne Brockan, I agree whole heartedly. Continued good sales, Julie.
Thanks for stopping by! I was always terrified of motorcycles until my boyfriend (now husband) took me for a ride on the back of his. But I have no interest in learning how to ride one myself.
Same with me, Rachel, but it was my older brother. I went to visit him in Daytona in the late-80s and he met me at the airport and handed me a helmet! We literally stood on the curb for 15 minutes arguing. I was NOT getting on that thing (and I was in a skirt, for the love of God!) But eventually I got on and we roared to his house and it was SO fun! Not that I’ve ever told him. 🙂
Thank you so much! And, yes, we watch Sons of Anarchy and get the impression all bikers are bearded, be-ringed, beer-guzzling bandits. Soooo not true.
Fabulous and fun interview, ladies. I’m definitely going to have to check out your books, Julie! The whole concept sounds right up my literary alley. Suzanne Brockmann would have been my pick too. LOVE her. I attended one of her workshops in Orlando and somehow managed not to swoon.
I know nothing about motorcycles except that my husband had a Honda with a 500cc engine when I met him. I remember being surprised that he’d ride one, and relieved when he sold it after college. I only rode with him twice, and I held my breath the whole way, both times. There’s a reason I *write* romantic suspense. 😉
Oh, I’m so jealous you got to see Suzanne Brockmann in person. *Turning green*
Literally, it looks like, based on your monster avatar. 😉
That no longer makes sense now that your photo showed up…
Oh good. I was terribly confused there…thought you were insulting our guest.
Ha! I was confused, too! Thought there was an inside joke going on that I wasn’t privy to.
Julie, Welcome! We are so excited to have you have here and appreciate the generous giveaway. I adored Hell on Wheels, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Julie you have such a distinct and fun voice, and your characters leapt off the page and carried me away to a fantastic fantasy world of hot guys and hot rides! Nice work.
Rachel, raising my morning coffee to you, and rofl. I said I didn’t make it to a single workshop at RWA last summer, but now I realize that isn’t so. I just need to broaden my definition of the term workshop!
LOL – I spend all my time at RWA at workshops. 😉 They’re so educational.
Thank you so much, Carey! There’s nothing more humbling or gratifying than to hear praise from a fellow author.
And as for the “workshops,” I must admit, the only ones I seem to attend are the ones where I’m sitting on the panel. *hangs head in mock shame* The rest of the time, I’m usually in the bar. LOL!
I love this series. I don’t know anthing about motorcycles but if the guys in the books riding them are hot that’s all that matters! Lol! Thanks for sharing, loved the interview!
Thanks for stopping by, Johanna!
You said it, Johanna!
Ooooh, @Lena Diaz, you write about Harley riding bad boys, too? Fantastic! There’s just something about biker boots, leather jackets, sparkling chrome, and a rumbling V-Twin engine. I think the word I’m looking for is SEXY! LOL!
Only once so far! Only one hero on a motorcycle, but I thought it was totally sexy and cool. Might do it again.
@Sharon Wray, I wish I could tell you it was a long, tough slog to selling the series. But, the truth is – please, don’t hate me – my agent started shopping Black Knights Inc. in January and by March, after a couple of offers, I was signing a contract.
So, for me it was very fast! Hot spies on hot bikes was obviously something the industry was interested in. I TOTALLY lucked out in that regard. Wish I could claim some great master plan, but it was 100% luck.
Regardless of the luck, the talent is what makes your books so wonderful. Your success is well deserved!
Holy smokes, that’s fast. Now I’M green with jealousy.
I discovered Julie a few months ago when browsing for promising new RS authors and downloaded HELL ON WHEELS. I was not disappointed. What a fun read! Tara Janzen fangirls will love these books. Welcome to K&T, Julie.
I’m clueless when it comes to motorcycles, but I’m hanging out with Rachel at the next “workshop”
Can’t wait to attend a workshop with you, Krista!
Perhaps a K&T “workshop” in ATL. Bring all our readers…
Count me in!
Love Tara J, found out about her HERE as a matter of fact!
Since we’re talking Tara, where is she nowadays? I haven’t seen a book from her in a couple of years. Is she writing in a different genre?
We had fun hosting her on K&T back in January. At the time she was working on making her back list available in e-format and mentioned working on a Steele Street anthology. Lots of car talk–hot car talk 🙂
GREAT series!!! I couldn’t put the books down!
Thanks for stopping by, Wendy!
Without a doubt a Harley! Only I prefer it blacked out as opposed to chromed! All that power is such a turn on, much like the men in your books!
Why, thank you, Edith!
Just found th is series this past weekend, read all three books and loved them !!1 (due to a cold wasn’t doing much) can’t wait for Rock’s story – and um Christian sounds very intersting too 🙂
Thanks for reading, Laura! I hope you’re feeling better. And, Christian… *fans self* He’s gonna be soooo hot on the page!
I absolutely love this series and can’t wait for the next one! Great interview too! Never read any Suzanne brockman but its now on the top of my list
Thanks, Susan. And you’re going to fall in LOVE with Suz Brockmann. The woman is da bomb!
Suzanne is the author the rest of us regular-human writers aspire to. 🙂
Just discovered the series last week…read all 3 books in less than a week. Was SO upset when I finished!! I felt like I was being kicked out the family, that’s how real they are! I LOVE everything about your writing. Can’t wait for the next installment!
Yay! I’m so happy to hear you say that. I want my characters to feel like family! Good luck in the giveaway1
Great interview Julie! I just started reading the series of your books and can not wait to get started on the next one. I have only rode on a motorcycle one time in my life and it enough to last me a very long time. But I love to see them when they drive by in groups or when the Harley Davidson place near me has a family fun day we go and check out the different bikes there. There was a Tri glide Ultra classic there one Saturday we went there. It was soooo cool I only remembered it because it had words on it and I got closer and the owner said that they had parts of books that he and his wife liked form books put through out the parts of the bike. There were alot of different lines from many different books. I wished I had my camera to take a pic of that pic cuase that would be my dream bike right there.
Thanks for the chance for your readers in this contest!
Oh, wow! That bike sounds divine!
I read your first book and loved it. Can’t wait to read the other two – if I can ever wrangle the kids into submission long enough to find reading time.
I’m a Milwaukee girl, so my dream motorcycle is anything Harley. Preferably with a really hot guy driving.
Right on! One of my very best writer friends is a Milwaukee girl. And of course ANY bike looks hot when a hunk is riding it! LOL!
picked her 1st book up during a business trip to the US…
actually expected more action … but whatever …
really do like her style & awaiting number 4 …
thx to amazon … no prob to get it in Germany …
thumbs up … big time 🙂
Thank you, Andreas! Gotta love Amazon for making books available everywhere!
I don’t know much about motorcycles…. It has have speed and weight. Looks like a classic, but with modern custom paint job. The most important, the hot, strong guy driving with just enough room behind him for me to fit!
modularmates(at)comcast(dot)net
Lisa, you’re a girl after my own heart. LOL!
I loved the series so far and can’t wait to read the newest installment. I own two of the digital books but would so love to have actual copies for christmas, I actually have them on my list!! thanks for sharing, & thanks for writing such amazing characters Julie.
Thank YOU, Aisha for taking the time to write in to say you’re enjoying the books. Happy Holidays!
It would have to have a side car since I am in a wheelchair and am unable to drive a motorcycle. Thank you!!!!
Side cars are totally doable. In fact, I’ve thought of including one in a BKI book at some point.
Good luck in the giveaway!
The owner of my gym just bought one with a sidecar. Do you live in Houston by chance??
Sarah, are you sure you have a gym membership? Sounds like a front for a biker gang 🙂
I read all three books this past weekend and pre-ordered the next one! Too bad I have to wait a few months!!
Oh, Sandy, how I wish my fingers typed faster! LOL!
The books look great. I can’t wait to try them out!!
Harley sportster ~ black with LOTS of chrome!!!
Yum!
I’ve been wanting to start this series. Thanks for the giveaway. 🙂
I have a strict policy to stay off of motorcycles. My parents were almost killed on a Harley when my mom was four months pregnant with me. I’ve chosen to NOT tempt fate. Why irritate the Gods? My dad still rides a Harley Road King though.
Great interview. Thanks!
Well, we’re glad you and your parents both survived. Good luck in the giveaway!
Thanks for the give away. I have the first book and would love to get the others.
Crossing my fingers for ya!
Loved these books! I would stroke out if I won signed copies of them from Ms. Walker! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
jessie_lane@rocketmail.com
Now, we wouldn’t want that, Jessie! LOL! But in the same breath, I hope you win!
I would ABSOLUTELY LOVE to win this I have bought them all on my kindle but would love signed copies!!!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!!!
angelalove40@gmail.com
I’m with you, Angela. I read most of my books on my iPad, but then, when I find a book I LOVE, I’m so sad not to have it on my keeper bookshelf. (And I’m sooo unlucky in giveaways. I never seem to win the signed copies. Hopefully you’ll have better luck than I usually do! LOL!)
Me too. Although I outbid everyone on about 8 books in Brenda Novak’s Cure for Diabetes auction last year. Her paperbacks and hardcovers, Harlan Coban…it was a treasure trove.
Oh, man. I’m so jealous!
um…yeah any bike that Nate comes on is the one I want..but shhh don’t tell my husband. I would love to win this and find it under my tree on Christmas
@Heather, did you know that bike, Phantom, is REAL? It’s true name is Fantasma del Lago designed by Freakshow Choppers. Check it out! http://www.barnettharley.com/featurebikes/item/521-freakshow-choppers-fantasma-del-lago.html
I love love love this series! Would love to have signed copy!
Thanks for stopping by, Jamie. Here’s hoping you win! 😀
At the risk of sounding lame, my dream motorcycle would be a small, baby blue and white Harley Sportster. I saw another shorter statured woman riding one a couple of years ago and feel in love. It was cute! If a motorcycle can be described as cute 🙂
Hey, that’s not lame! The truth is, I like the simpler bikes, too. And probably for the same reason. I’m only 5’4″. So, I’d have NO way of handling those massive custom-made jobs. Still… they’re pretty to look at. And fun to write about. 😉
Just finished reading Hell on Wheels, and I LOVED it!! Julie Ann Walker is an excellent author!
Wow! Thank you, Emily! I’m so glad you enjoyed Nate and Ali’s road to happily-ever-after.
I absolutely love the series! Patiently waiting for more. Happy Holidays!! leann
leamei1981@yahoo.com
Ha! Why did I detect a note of disdain in that “patiently waiting for more?” LOL! Well, maybe you’ll win the signed copies and that’ll tide you over until spring! Good luck in the giveaway!
These books sound awesome. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Good luck, Lori!
My dream motorcycle is a Harley driven by one of the BKI guys! I’ve never been on a motorcycle, so it’s probably best if I didn’t drive it.
I wish the Drake Sisters series continued too! The spinoff series doesn’t give me enough of the Drakes!
Eh? There’s a spin-off? Where have I been? Hiding under a rock????
Water Bound is the first book in the Sisters of the Heart Series. I don’t want to give too much away, but you should check it out. You do get peeks into the Drake Sisters lives since the.series ended. I’ll leave you with two of my favorite words….. Prakenskii Brothers. 😉
Ooohhh. *rubs hands together* *runs to Apple iBooks account*
Ha! And I’ve been going to the real workshops while you’re all having fun at the bar. LOL. No wonder those conference rooms look so empty? Great interview. Thanks for coming Julie!
Thanks for hosting me on Kiss and Thrill! And, yes, the hotel bar is where all the TRUE workshopping/drinking gets done. LOL!
Motorcycles are awesome! I often think they look like works of art when I see custom designed pieces. I’ve heard many good things about these books! What a fun & generous giveaway! 😀
They ARE works of art. So intricate. So shiny. So, LOUD! Ha! Best of luck in the giveaway!
I’ve been wanting to try this series for a while now, thanks for the opportunity to win them!
taccb_1981@yahoo.com
I’m so happy to hear that!
Can’s wait to read the next book!! I just found your books and LOVE them!!!
Aw, thank you, Ashley! That’s music to an author’s ears!
I love these books! Can’t wait for the next one 🙂 They live on my “favorites” shelf. I’d love any cycle that had my hubby on it 😉
Rebecca, you’re such a sweetie! Are you a newlywed? LOL!
Raced through your first three books (speed being an indication of enjoyment), and I already told you I love the sketches of your characters you have on your website. Now according to Facebook I’m supposed to comment what my dream motorcycle would look like. My dream motorcycle would have an accessory — a ripped bad boy with tats, who decides I look interesting.
There are sketches? Thanks for the tip, Patricia. Here’s the link if anyone wants to check them out: http://julieannwalker.com/meet-the-knights/
Julie, what’s the story behind the sketches? Very cool.
I have an artist friend – male – who heard about the books and characters pre-publication. He worked up sketches for me. I love it, because his sketches make the characters look like REAL people – not cover models – and they more resemble what the characters look like in my head.
Love bikers….stumbled upon your books, loved, loved, loved them. Recommended them to several book lovers who agreed after reading the first book. We can not wait for the next book. Keep em coming!
Chris
Thanks for recommending the books, Christina! Word of mouth is the best publicity a girl could ask for!
I LOVED these books!!! I can’t wait for the next one and hope there are tons more to come!!
That’s the plan, Tegan! Let’s just hope my publisher is on board! Hehehe!
Sounds like a great series. I cant wait to read them. Sadly I have never ridden a bike. I would love to but havent had the chance so no idea what my dream one would be.
It’s okay. As long as you agree with all of us that motorcycle are H.O.T! LOL!
I’ve always wanted a sports bike with lime green accents on it. 🙂 Hopefully one day I will take a course to get my license and I will buy one. Thanks for the giveaway! I can’t wait to read the series!
Best of luck to you, Kristin!
I’m late as usual, but I have to say that one of the first things that attracted me to my husband when we first met, was his sexy red sports motorcycle. I’m not usually a bike girl and to this day, can’t even remember the brand. It was a crotch rocket, sleek, sporty and sexy as hell. He had tat’s, a big red truck and a red bike and when I saw him zoom away on it, I melted 🙂 I never rode on it with him, I was too scared but I was content to watch him roar away on it. He sold it after we had our first kid and bought another one, this one blue several years later. Sold that one down the road too. Now he is bikeless and a father of three and has no interest in getting another one even though I hound him daily. It’s dangerous, but oh so sexy 🙂
Pingback: Kat Martin Giveaway Winner « Kiss and Thrill
Pingback: Travel wish list and next week’s guest | Kiss and Thrill