Friday, November 16, 2012

Guest Post w/ Cherry Adair + giveaway!


Woohoo! Cherry Adair is on the blog! Total fangirl moment <g> If you haven't met her yet she is just the sweetest author out there and so much fun. 

Her books are really blasted good too :) So give her a nice welcome yall and check out how she brings her characters to life. 

Don't forget to give our review for her newest release a look-see and enter the giveaway down at the bottom too! 


Secrets to turn a character from cardboard to 3-D

Writing interesting characters – making them three dimensional- is the very heartbeat of a good story. Even if one’s plot is ho hum, if your reader connects with your characters you’ll keep them turning pages (and lining up to buy your next book and the next).

My first step in building an interesting character is their name. It shouldn’t be something unpronounceable with lots of letters and no vowels, or something so unusual that every time it’s on the page it slows down the reader as their brain stumbles over the unfamiliar. We don’t want readers spending the entire book trying to figure out how to pronounce a name.

I always give my main character’s a first, middle and last name. (What does their mother yell when she’s mad at them? lol) Even if you never use that middle name, you should know it. As soon as I name a character, I want to know what other people in the book are going to call them. Is it a nickname? A pet name? Is one character the only person that calls her by this particular name when everyone calls her something else? Do they like the name, hate the name, call themselves by another name?

Next find an image. I tend not to use celebrities because they already have characteristics I know. I look for a fresh face, a blank canvas, so my characters are mine, all mine.

Next I give them a birthday. I don’t allow myself to think about it, or read astrological signs – Do this fast. I just tell myself this characters birthday is March 21st 1992. Done. I do this for each major character, and that includes villains (it doesn’t have to be a mustache twirling bad guy – it could be the hero’s mother-in-law.) All the main characters have a birthday. Day, month and year. The most important thing with birthdays is you can not change it once you chose it! No matter what. 

Once you have a birthday, research that astrological sign and you’ll see who your person is. Pick three to five character traits, and use at least once in every scene that character is in. No matter who’s POV you’re in. If the person is on the page, make sure they have characteristics individual to them. If this is who you want, you’re golden. You have all their characteristics under their sun sign, and you’re ready to write. What is the astrological sign isn’t who you want your character to be? Snoopy dance! But I love it when I inadvertently end up with a person I didn’t want, and have no desire to write. This is striking gold! (remember, no changing birthdays). If you have a meek and mild astrological sign, when the character you want is a kick butt, fire sign, then you need to go into their backstory and see what changed them from meek, to fire. Give them life experiences, learning curves, lessons in their past, things that have changed them (for better or worse). Make them who you want them to be, but be sure to motivate those changes.

~Cherry Adair, author of Ice Cold


T-FLAC operative Rafael Navarro will never allow another woman to suffer the consequences of his dangerous life. But in a world where a terrorist can do more damage with a keyboard than a bomb, he needs the expert help of a cyber-geek. And fast.


Fellow operative, and cybercrimes specialist Honey Winston prefers computers to people. But when a serial bomber threatens the world’s financial infrastructure, she’s forced to work closely with Navarro, whose notorious skill in the bedroom is as legendary as his dexterity defusing bombs.

Honey and Rafael must fight sparks hot enough to melt their resolve, and push beyond fear itself, as they join forces in a bid to race the clock before a sinister and lethal bomber proves just how much they both have to lose.

T-FLAC is back, and the timer is counting down in the most pulse-pounding explosive op yet—

Type: Romantic Suspense
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 4 out of 5

Cherry Adair has some of the best opening scenes. Ever. I'm always drawn into her stories immediately. And then, of course, I can't put the book down for the life of me until I've read every last page. And Ice Cold so didn't disappoint on that one. There's non-stop action, danger and suspense and a lovely little romance between the Ice Princess who shows no feelings and the Spanish Stallion who's a total wildcard. It's a great time, people. 


On of the things I *LOVED* was that both Honey and Rafe were T-FLAC operatives and that Honey kicked ass just as well as the guys. She's smart, capable and good at what she does. And damn the girl can rock a disguise. I'll admit I was a little hesitant over her name at first but she surprised the hell out of me and really charmed me just as much as she did Rafe. The two were a really fun couple to watch too. He's not used to anyone...dismissing him and Honey can so play it cool. I loved how flustered she made him and all of their interactions. He's a pretty hot hero too. Have you seen Cherry's inspiration for him? <thud>

"The press enjoyed speculating which of us was least lie the other two," she told him, dryly. "I had the prerequisite looks, but my personality was lacking." 
"I find your personality charming, Winston." 
She smiled, because even beaten to crap, and three-quarters asleep, he could still lay on that legendary charm. "Points for that. But I'm still not sleeping with you, Navarro."
Heat-wise. Hmmm. I think I've been spoiled by the last few Cherry books I read. Rafe and Honey were definitely hot and steamy but alas there were no naughty things done with strands of pearls and no sexy romps on a camel in the middle of the desert so I was a wee bit disappointed there but not too much because damn Rafe really is a Spanish Stallion and absolutely delicious. <g>

The suspense was interesting and I loved the whole thing and how it played out. You kinda know who's behind all the chaos but not really why or how which I found enjoyable. I was really surprised who the villain turned out to be though. I'd just met that character in one of the earlier books and LOVED them. So huge surprise they're evil and insane. You just never know what to expect from Adair and damn if I don't absolutely LOVE that! Can't wait to go back now and find out what turned them bad. 

All in all, if you like a good romantic suspense with interesting characters that'll surprise you along the way Ice Cold is one you definitely shouldn't miss. 

Get Your Copy


New York Times bestselling author Cherry Adair’s innovative action-adventure novels have appeared on numerous bestsellers lists, won dozens of awards and garnered praise from reviewers and fans alike. With the creation of her kick butt counterterrorist group, T-FLAC, years before action adventure romances were popular, Cherry has carved a niche for herself with her sexy, sassy, fast-paced novels.  She loves to hear from readers.

Find Cherry Online


Follow the Tour...



Whew you made it to the giveaway & we've got 2 awesome ones for yall today! 

One winner will get an ebook of Ice Cold and one a Cherry Adair swag pack!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

51 comments:

  1. Cherry is the best, no ifs, and or buts! Love and her books!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amen :) lol. She's one of my favorite romantic suspense authors :)

      Delete
    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
  2. Cherry is an AMAZING author!!! As to the amount of heat between the two characters, I think that I was so wrapped up in the story that I didn't even notice. It is the true mark of a great author when the reader actually feels like he/she is "in" the story, watching everything unfold. Thank you Cherry Adair for another amazing T-FLAC adventure!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is amazing how wrapped up in the story she can get ya :) And the two were definitely hot together. Always love the couples she brings together :)

      Delete
  3. Love Cherry! And loved the book, I can't wait until the next one :). I can't get enough of her books

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me either Stacy! I'm having to pace myself so I don't tear through all of them too quick :)

      Delete
  4. Love Cherry! And loved the book, I can't wait until the next one :). I can't get enough of her books

    ReplyDelete
  5. Making my way through the list of Cherry Adair books - and loving each one!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Cherry is the best. I've been reading her books for a while and they are all great. But Honey and Navarro are good together. I loved them both being T-Flac operatives. And Honey is fantastic with her disguises. It's a really great book.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I loved Ice Cold too! It's definitely one of Cherry's best and she is the Best of the Best for sure. I loved Honey's disguises too and how she always keeps Rafe unbalanced, but its fair play since he unbalances her too.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Holy smokes! Do we get a copy of that picture with our book? Nice to read about a heroine who's not just dragged along for the ride.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am new to Cherry Adair, but I think that might not be for too long. I love the fact that she goes so completely into developing characters. I agree, if the character is good, we will stick with it just because we love them so. This book sounds pretty interesting, I'm looking forward to learning more about it!

    Liz

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I thought that was pretty interesting too Liz. Love the idea of them being developed that way :)

      I've read 6 or so by Cherry now and they've all been very entertaining. She'll have you laughing, crying and squirming all in one book :)

      Delete
  10. would so love to win this!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love Cherry's books! Have to check this one out!
    modularmates(at)comcast(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  12. Looks like another good addition to Cherry's books!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love every book written by Cherry. Remember that string of pearls well, and can't wait to see what is in store for us in this book. annpa@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I LOVE the premise of this story -- a geek and a badass agent? The perfect kind of oil and water. I haven't read Cherry's books, but this definitely makes me want to expand my TBR further!

    Thanks for doing this appearance!
    Heather

    hafowler at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was pretty excellent. I loved the combo between the two and that Honey and her computer geeky self was pretty damn badass!

      Delete
  15. I love all of her books and I am sure this would be no exception!

    booksconsidered[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  16. It sounds really good, definitely going on my TBR list.That pic doesn't look half bad either.
    divavixenqueen(at)gmail(dot)com.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL. No not bad at all :) Hope you enjoy it! You really can't go wrong with Cherry :)

      Delete
  17. Just popping in to say hi to everyone – Anyone have a question for me? I’m in the mood to make trouble----I mean—I’m in the mood to answer any and all questions. Fire away.
    Cheers
    Cherry

    ReplyDelete
  18. Darn it, my notes to you guys keep disappearing. (Operator error do you think??!)

    I'll try again -
    Just popping in to say hi to everyone – anyone have a question for me? I’m in the mood to make trouble----I mean—I’m in the mood to answer any and all questions. Fire away. Just popping in to say hi to everyone – anyone have a question for me? I’m in the mood to make trouble----I mean—I’m in the mood to answer any and all questions. Fire away

    Cheers
    Cherry

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How do you keep each of your characters, world, etc. organized? I could use some insight. :) Thanks, Cherry!

      XO Sheri

      Delete
  19. Love, love, love Cherry's books!

    ReplyDelete
  20. LOVE Cherry Adair's books!!! cant wait to read the new one!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Cherry, your books are full of action and hot romance. Love it! Hope I win this one :)
    Damaris

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sounds Great think i'll check it out!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm going to try the character methods she mentioned with my students. They have to write an imaginary story next month! Thanks, Cherry!!! ♥

    ReplyDelete
  24. I will absolutely check out Cherrys book. But I am really looking forward to her next Cutter Cay story.
    I loved her guest post. What an interesting system. That she has a system. But it turns out different and interesting characters. Of course its her too. But I liked reading it. Even though I am not a writer.
    Fascinates me. Thanks for sharing it!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't that a neat method. Makes me wonder about all the characters I read about now. What are their birthdays and what their middle names are. I always love when an author includes those in a story :)

      I've heard about the Cutter Cay books and really need to pick them up I think :) They do sound fantastic!

      Delete
  25. Loved the guest post and interview! I'm definitely going to check out this book! Thanks for sharing!
    ivegotmail8889(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  26. This book is going to the top of my to read list! It sounds awesome!

    grapeapril75(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Sounds good! I'll have to add it to my tbr list (and recommended it to my sister!)

    ReplyDelete
  28. OMG!! That is bit about the names, birthdays and astro signs is some of the best advise to help get started on doing characterizations that I have ever heard. I have started and stopped dozens of manuscripts because I couldn't get the feel for the characters down. This technique might actually help me. Thank you ever so much Ms. Adair!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I enjoyed the guest post and review, and the book sounds really good. I've read several of the books in this series and really enjoyed them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So far I've loved every once of them. They're each so different too. Hope you enjoy this new one!!

      Delete
  30. PRETTY MAN!!!!
    PICK ME!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love her books, and the best thing is, I am going to meet her in May, when she is coming to a convention here in Europe! I am looking very much forward to reading this latest book, but I am also a big fan of the Cutter Cay series. Talk about hotter than hot heroes!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OMG I am SOOOO jealous!! That's awesome she's coming over there. Oh you're going to have the best time!


      I haven't read the Cutter Cay ones but I love the T-FLAC and Lodestone books. Next up is Cutter Cay. Hotter than hot heroes is definitely something I need :)

      Delete
  32. I can't gert to some of the answer blocks in rafflecopter - it runs into text of the comments
    P

    ReplyDelete
  33. Love this, =) can´t wait for my chance to read!

    Happy Saturday!
    //Linda

    ReplyDelete
  34. Definitely gonna check it out.

    smurfettev AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I love Cherry's books and I will definitley be buying Cold Ice.

    ReplyDelete
  36. seems like I read a trilogy about brothers by her & liked :)
    would love to win & read! PICK ME!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I love Cherry's Books and I have been reading them for years and years! They are all KEEPERS!

    susanmplatt AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete

I always enjoy hearing what YOU think so come on and leave a comment. Everyone's welcome :) And feel free to leave comments on old posts. I'll check in on you there too :)

Bloggers don't forget to leave your links!
~Anna

The Herd Archives