[Giveaway BBAW 2011] Author Interview: Tess Oliver, author of Camille and Blood Tide

I am pleased to welcome Tess Oliver here at The Fairytale Nerd! Tess is here to talk about her latest novel Blood Tide. Tess is a "teacher and writer who lives in California with her husband, kids and a small pack of pampered dogs. She loves horses, chocolate and Jane Austen books."*

I have read and reviewed her latest book BLOOD TIDE, and I have to say that it's actually one of the cutest vampire books I have ever read. Read my review here. And because today (September 12) is the start of the Book Bloggers Appreciation Week, one digital copy of Blood Tide will be given away to celebrate the wonderful world of book blogging!

Hi Tess! Welcome to The Fairytale Nerd! how are you today? 

I'm doing great, thanks.

Blood Tide is such a fun read, and my favorite part is the seed counting scene. Leaving out Count Dracula from Sesame Street, can you tell me more about this superstition/belief?
I did a lot of research on vampires while I was writing Blood Tide and I read about their obsession with counting. That legend actually inspired the Muppet on Sesame Street. I was looking for some interesting vulnerabilities and I thought it would be different so I wove it in. I'm glad you appreciated that particular scene with Beck because it made me smile after I wrote it.

Has Beck fallen in love before Trixie?
No way - I sometimes like to make my main male characters "players" but when it comes to the heroine, she is his only true love.

What is the message (from your books) that you want to convey to your readers?
No real message. I hope my books allow readers to escape for awhile.

Which living person do you most admire?
That's a tough one. This is cheating because she's no longer alive, but it has to be my mom. She fled Hitler Germany at a young age. She had to leave behind all her belongings but she managed to sneak her little dog out with her. (I think a lot of us would do the same) She had to leave school early but I always remember her reading and she could answer every question on Jeopardy. Plus she was the absolute coolest mom ever. Oh and she was a true romantic. There just isn't anyone alive today to compare to her.

When and where are you the happiest?
With my hubby, kids and pets. We don't even have to be doing anything. As long as they're near-- I'm good.

Give me three of your favorite books.
Pride and Prejudice, Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and Heart of the West by Penelope Williamson

What is your greatest extravangance?
Nibbling chocolate chip cookies and drinking peach champagne while watching the movie North and South (the BBC movie version of Elizabeth Gaskell's book). It is the most flawless movie ever made.

Who is your hero in real life? 

Somewhere out there is a scientist who will discover the cure for cancer - I'm holding my hero spot for that person. What about in books? I"d have to go back to Heart of the West's Zach Rafferty. In my opinion he is the sexiest, grittiest, hottest hero ever created in a book. (I'm sorry, Mr. Darcy, you're sexy too but just not quite as gritty)

The man who loves you or the man you love? 

Definitely the man I love (as long as he loves me too)

Hugs or kisses? (not the chocolates) 

Kisses - but it has to be with the right lips. As far as I'm concerned --with romance it's all about the kiss.

Super strength or super intelligence? 

Super intelligence - more chance they can make me laugh. I could never be with someone who has no humor.

Viral epidemic or nuclear explosion? 

Geez, neither I hope. Although I suppose being disintegrated would be faster.

Mashed potatoes or french fries? 

Hmm, let's see- potatoes laced with butter and cream or potatoes drenched in oil- I will ask my thighs and get back to you.

Vampires or shifters? 

It's funny you should ask this because just today I was trying to figure out which character I liked better from my books - Beck, the vamp or Nathaniel, the werewolf. I couldn't decide, then I realized it was because my favorite male character was Zedekiah Crush form Bitterroot Crossing. So I guess my answer would be ghost. ( Did I cheat again?)

What's your next project? 

I'm finishing up the sequel to Camille. A lot of people have been asking about it, but it's been delayed because my agent is going to shop it around New York first.

Thank you for your time Tess!

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Blood Tide 

by Tess Oliver

When four strangers move into Blackpool Cove the same week a tragic shipwreck befalls its shores, Trixie Muldoon waves it off as coincidence. Even the arrival of the appealing, young investigator, David Durham, does not convince her otherwise.
But when a girl disappears, it's obvious something sinister has gripped the quiet, coastal town, and it all leads back to the town's newest inhabitants, including the mysterious Beck Ryker.
Everything about Beck Ryker, his scarred face, his hypnotic gaze, his seemingly tortured past, says heartbreak and regret. Yet Trixie finds herself drawn to him.
But when the tangle of secrets surrounding Beck unravels, Trixie finds herself caught between terror and passion.

Tess is giving away 
one digital copy of her latest book

BLOOD TIDE.

Sign up using the Rafflecopter form 
for a chance to win this fun vampire book!

Giveaway Rules:
Open to persons 13 years old or older.
Only one person per entry please. Those exceeding one will not be considered.
This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.
Contest ends on SEPTEMBER 17, 2011.
Read my contest policy for details.