Joyfully Reviewed wants to thank Avril Ashton for stopping by and sharing some insight into Sinner, Savior with us…


What is your most current work out?
My most current work is Sinner, Savior (GBLT). It’s book two in my Brooklyn Sinners series with Ellora’s Cave.

Tell us a little about Sinner, Savior, what inspired you to write Sinner, Savior?
As it is book two in the series, the inspiration for Sinner, Savior was the characters, most notably hero one, Pablo Castillo. He had his heart broken in book one and needed his own book to vent, to do damage and to get whole again with the help of Dev, his love interest.

Blurb:
Sinner or Savior? Each man has a choice to make. It should be simple. It never is.

Gun runner Pablo Castillo has cemented his reputation in the gun trade as callous and cold-hearted. Personal feelings no longer matter, not with everyone out to make him a sacrifice on their way to the top. He remains untouchable, until a meeting with a rival gang leader and a new deal brings him face-to-face with temptation.

Dev is the right hand to a sadistic bastard out for blood and glory. He hides his true feelings of distaste for his boss, not the least of his many secrets. He could’ve sworn those secrets were safe, but after meeting Pablo he’s not so sure. The two men come together in a heated affair neither can deny, battling themselves, each other and a deadly enemy bent on spilling blood. Pablo and Dev will have to stick together or walk away from a love neither man expected to find. The choice should be simple. It never is.

When you start writing, do you already have the story plotted out or do you let the characters dictate what will happen?
I don’t plot. I begin the book knowing the main conflicts, internal and external, but that’s about it. The characters dictate everything else.

What inspired you to write in your genre?  Is this the genre you started writing in or have you morphed to this one?
This (GLBT) was most definitely not the genre I started writing in. I began writing multicultural m/f romance. I can’t remember what the first m/m book I read was but I was hooked and suddenly the characters in my head began pairing off in same sex settings. I went with the flow.

Do you have a favorite character you have written?
Clichéd but whoever I’m writing at the moment is my fave. I’m currently writing book three in the Brooklyn Sinners series and I have to say Syren Rua—one of the heroes—is it for me right now. He’s a man with a million and one faces, who wears a dozen hats—often at the same time—and is weighed down with secrets, horrific memories, and secret kinks. I love him.

Who was the toughest character for you to “get right” that you have written so far?
Syren is that character.

What do you find the hardest part of writing?
Everything that comes after, like promo.

Name one thing that your readers would be surprised to know about you.
Gosh. I have no idea. I’m pretty open with my boring state. I hate cooking, but love to eat.

What TV Show are you addicted to?
I’m addicted to anything on the Investigation Discovery Channel. Oh man. Love it.

What do you need before you start writing?  Anything that is just a must have or the creative juice don’t flow?
Music and coffee.

Does music influence your writing?  If so, do any of your stories have a theme song?
Each of my books has a playlist built before and during the writing process. I need music; it’s as necessary as my computer when writing.

Where were you when you got your first contract?  Who did you tell first?
I was home, worked an overnight shift so I was asleep on my feet. I sent off the MS and went to bed, woke up a few hours later, checked my emails and saw I’d gotten an acceptance. I went back to sleep. Called Mr. A at work when I woke up much later.

How old were you when you read your first romance book?
Really young. Too young to really understand it, but old enough to know I wanted to read more.

What author causes you to “go fan girl”/ squeal over/anticipate upcoming books?
Cameron Dane.

If you still have one of those pesky non-writing jobs what is it?
I do have one of those and I answer phones at a taxi service.

Do you have a favorite movie you have seen in the last few months and/or an all time favorite?
Two all time faves: The Fifth Element and Pretty Woman.

What are you currently working on, and what else is in the wings?
Working on A Sinner Born (Brooklyn Sinners #3) then I’ll see what else speaks to me.

If you could co-write with another author who would it be?
My awesome sister from another mister, Robin Badillo, and I have fiddled around with the idea. We both have to clear our schedules but I think we’ll make it happen soon.

How do you pick your characters names?
Funny enough, I haven’t given that much thought. They all sort of appear in my mind.

Do you prefer the love at first sight approach or a steady growth throughout?
I like both.

Where can readers find you?
Website: http://www.avrilashton.webs.com
Blog: http://www.avril-ashton.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/writeravrilashton
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/#!/AvrilAsh

And for the silly side – What is your favorite type of chocolate? 
Any kind.