Interview with author Regan Black, Tracking Shadows tour

I'm so happy to welcome Regan Black to the blog today. She's stopping on her Tracking Shadows tour and she's going to tell us about herself and her book, Tracking Shadows.
Tracking Shadows is a stand-alone novel,  it was published May 3rd 2011.

Feel free to post any comments and/or questions you have for Regan Black in the comments.

My review of Tracking Shadows will be up on Friday. At the end of the week at latest.

Regan Black writes action packed paranormal and urban fantasy novels so readers can savor a fantastic escape from the daily grind. Raised in the Midwest and California, she now lives with her family in the South Carolina Lowcountry where the abundance of history and legend fuels her imagination. Experience a Regan Black adventure at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords. You can keep up with Regan at ReganBlack.com, twitter @ReganBlack and Facebook.

What inspired you to become a writer?
It's cliche, but I think my writing blossomed from my love of reading. Adding in my grandmothers who both loved to tell stories, one of them was also an accomplished writer, and you see why my family says it's genetic. Writing has always been my favorite means of expression and I just love to make stuff up. When my children were young, I'd often create silly songs or stories to amuse or soothe them. At one time I'd thought to write books for children, but my writing voice just isn't suited for that market.

Do you listen to music when you write, if yes would you mention some of it?
I like to write to Celtic instrumentals, tuba soloist Patrick Sheridan (I discovered him when my son started tuba lessons) and Andrea Bocelli.

What does the word “Home” mean to you?
Family and unity. The type of shelter doesn't matter, or even the bonds of blood and bone. Home, to me, is more the sense of a safe haven for people, emotions and opinions, held together with compassion, love, and laughter no matter the circumstance.

If you could have an ability, what would you choose?I used to think I'd prefer invisibility, which is probably why I had so much fun writing the stealth suit that Slick Micky uses in Tracking Shadows. Lately, with my daughter heading to college in the northeast and my son not far behind her, I'm thinking teleportation would be an invaluable asset.

For people who have yet to read your book can you describe Tracking Shadowsin three sentences? Can they be compound or run-on sentences? Just kidding.
Slick Micky's specific moral code has kept him at the top of the smuggling business in 2096 Chicago. But someone has put a price on his head and sparks fly when one of the hired guns is a woman from his past. Together they must unravel the plot against him, or die trying.

What kind of research did you do before writing this book?
Much of the preliminary research was spent in the previous 2096 novels, confirming and connecting details so I knew exactly who was visiting Slick Micky's warehouse hideout and when. Once those were settled, I turned to my typical perusal of current science achievements in weapons, security and stealth and then projected where we might be by 2096.

Will you mention 5 words about Trina Durham and 5 about Slick Micky?
Trina: sensual, sultry, lethal, resourceful, and vengeful
Slick Micky: elusive, compassionate, cunning, mysterious, and ethical

If you had to choose one thing you like the most from the cover of Tracking Shadows, what would it be?
The fishnet stockings! I thought those were a cool touch.

What are you working on now?
I'm in the final revision of a lighter paranormal romance that will soon go to editors and beta readers and I'm spending time each day in the rough draft of an edgier contemporary paranormal while the story line for the next 2096 novel simmers in the back of my mind.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
Still imagining, dreaming, writing, and publishing new paranormal romance and urban fantasy adventures. After all these years, the writing is just an imperative part of my daily life. It's a bit of a shock to look forward and see that in five years, it'll most likely be just me, my husband, the greyhounds and cats around here. It sounds ideal, and we'll make the most of it I'm sure, but it also helps me appreciate living in the moment.

Thanks so much for hosting this stop on the Tracking Shadows blog tour. It's been an absolute pleasure!

Thank you so much Regan for stopping by I really enjoyed reading Tracking Shadows.

In 2096, the American government has gone above and beyond to 'protect its citizens', even regulating sugar and coffee. Every new legislative measure opens up a black market for an enterprising person willing to seize the opportunity.

In Chicago, Slick Micky is the king of smuggling. Known to deliver anything, anytime, anywhere, he specializes in caffeine and sugar and works in the anonymity of shadows. But recently an old enemy is tired of waiting for Micky's empire to crumble and has called in the best assassin in the business to take him out.

Trina Durham is an assassin with a sterling reputation, thanks to her unique ability to induce deadly hallucinations. When Slick Micky killed her best friend, she left Chicago - forever. She's back now, unable to resist the perfect opportunity for vengeance. But no one warned her Slick Micky might as well be a shadow. Or that shedding light on the man and his secrets would put both her heart and reputation at risk.

Buy Tracking Shadows here:
Amazon.com

Barnes & Noble

The next blog stop:
June 16 – Reading Between The Wines Book Club 

Visit the final tour stop for a chance to win a signed copy of Tracking Shadows:

Now it's time for you dear readers to post any comments and questions you have for Regan:-) Thank you for reading.