Interview with Beth Ciotta + Giveaway!

Beth Ciotta, author of Into the Wild, has been kind enough to stop by Reading with Tequila to answer some questions.

Storytelling comes naturally to award-winning author Beth Ciotta. Limiting herself to one sub-genre does not. Dubbed “fun and sexy” by Publisher’s Weekly, Beth specializes in writing Romantic Comedy with a Twist of Suspense and is published in contemporary, historical, and paranormal romantic fiction. “I can’t think of anything more fulfilling than writing stories where everyone (except the villain, of course) gets a happy ending!”

Beth lives in New Jersey with her husband, two zany dogs, and one crazy cat. Although writing takes up most of her time, she still performs occasionally as a singer, character actress, emcee and storyteller. To support literacy, Beth also works at her local library. 

Reading with Tequila: The main character of your new book, Into the Wild, is Spenser McGraw and fans of Out of Eden will recognize him as Kylie's brother. Is Into the Wild a sequel or a spin-off? And is there any chance Kylie and Jack might appear?

Beth: I suppose you could call Into the Wild a sequel and a spin-off. The story picks up several months after Out of Eden ended. Jack and Kylie (of Out of Eden) are gearing up for their ‘official’ wedding and River Kane (of Into the Wild) is their chosen wedding photographer. When River alerts Kylie that she needs to fly unexpectedly to South America to ‘get back her life’ and that she should consider hiring another photographer because she’s not sure she’ll be back in time for the wedding, Kylie calls her brother, Spenser, who just so happens to be in South America, and asks him to look out for her new, vulnerable friend. Ah, yes. That’s when the fun begins. As for Kylie and Jack, they do indeed sneak back in!

RWT: Romance is more commonly written from a woman's perspective. Did you experience any noticeable differences writing Spenser as a lead as opposed to a female character? Was it more challenging?

Beth: Personally, I think it’s always more challenging to write from a man’s perspective because, hey, I’m not a guy. I don’t talk or think like one so writing from the hero’s perspective is definitely tricky. Since I want my characters to ring true, I work hard at writing them genuinely. I listen, really listen to the men around me as they speak and I zone in on thoughts, behavior, and speech patterns via TV, movies, books, and various Internet loops.

RWT: The jail cell scene in Out of Eden was one of the sexiest scenes I've had the pleasure to read. Do you have any guidelines for yourself when writing steamier scenes?

Beth: Really? You thought it was that sexy? I’m flattered! I’ll be honest, I don’t think of myself as a steamy writer. Or maybe I should say a steamy person. I’m sort of old fashioned and private so when it comes to the sex scenes I try not to ‘think’ about what I’m writing. I just immerse myself in the characters and let them ‘live’. When it comes to sex scenes, my husband once told me not to think about the ‘words’. “Just write whatever comes to mind.” Golden advice.

RWT: What is it like being on both the creative side and distribution side of the literary world, by working in a library and being an author? Does one ever effect the other?

Beth: Great question. At first, when you said ‘distribution side’ my mind went to ‘promotion’. Meaning the side of me that, given the state of the industry, must focus on tooting my own horn. Honestly, I don’t enjoy that part. It’s embarrassing in a way. But working in a library? That’s glorious! I get to talk about books, other author’s books, all day. It’s interesting to know what people are reading. What excites them and what disappoints. And I relish the opportunity to turn a reader on to a writer I adore. I never mention that I’m an author myself, although, when the moment’s prime, my co-workers do.

Oh! One of my favorite stories about being on ‘both sides of the fence’. There’s one particular patron who shares my taste in books and we’re always trading thoughts on new favorite reads. A couple of months ago she returned a book to the circulation desk and started raving about how sweet and fun it was. She said she’d never read this author before and was really charmed. She raved on and though I was smiling my cheeks were burning. The book was Out of Eden. I thought she was teasing me and finally my co-worker said, “You do realize Beth wrote that book, right?” The patron was stunned. Talk about a genuine compliment! Moments like that are one in a million.

I love writing, creating characters and spinning stories, and consider myself very fortunate to be published. Sometimes, most of the time, it’s surreal. I’m living the dream… or at least my dream. If even one reader lives and dreams vicariously through my stories then life is good. Really, really good.

About the Book

When River Kane's fiancé abandons her at the altar for being too conventional, she's heartbroken. But everything changes when her estranged archaeologist father sends her his journal—filled with cryptic maps and a note indicating he's in mortal danger. Worried, River faces her greatest fears and flies to the Amazon to find him. But she needs a guide. Someone completely unlike danger-seeker Spenser McGraw.

A charismatic treasure hunter who thrives on risk, Spenser hosts the popular TV show Into the Wild, dedicated to locating lost treasures and mythical icons. But River's father's life depends on discretion, and too-sexy Spenser is all about publicity. Forced to team up, they embark on a jungle adventure ripe with temptation and danger…ultimately discovering a hidden treasure that could alter history—and a steamy love neither expected.

Buy Into the Wild on Amazon
Beth Ciotta's website
Beth's blog
Beth on Facebook
Beth on Twitter

Giveaway

Beth has offered to send one lucky reader a copy of Into the Wild. To enter, leave a comment for Beth.

US only. Deadline for entry is Monday, September 6, 2010 at 11:59pm EST.