Unconventional Fling by Allyson Lindt - interview and giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Allyson will be awarding a $10 Amazon gift card and ecopies of her books Conflict of Interest and Toeing the Line to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Now, enjoy hearing from Allyson as she stops in to be grilled, uh answer some questions for us. Welcome, Allyson.

Thanks so much for having me here today!

Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

I’ve always preferred to writing in a contemporary (or near future) environment, even when I dabbled in fantasy. There are so many fascinating aspects of today’s world to touch on, that I like to dig under the edges and pry out the details. And since I’m a technology and gaming geek, I like to read and write about people who live and play in my world.

As far as romance is concerned, that wasn’t as clear to me. I used to write lots of stories with ambiguous endings, where people may or may not move on with their lives. But then I discovered the happily ever after/happily for now. There’s something warming, not just about seeing characters end up together, but watching them grow enough to be happy in those relationships.

What research (or world-building – for fantasy/paranormal/Sci-fi) is required?

Because most of my stories at least touch a little on technology, and the corporations who create it, I always have to be on top of my game. Knowing what publications talk about new tech, knowing where the trade shows are, all that stuff is important. And then getting to explore the places these things happen. Even if it’s just virtually, visiting new cities and seeing new technological developments is always fun.

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

The character arc is so important to me (as I mentioned above, I think even fictional people need to learn and grow), so I learn something every one of my heroes and heroines. Unconventional Fling was a unique on that front, though. My heroine, Jade, lives the life I always thought I wanted when I was younger. Traveling most of the time for work, seeing the world, and not being tied down.

And she realizes it’s a lonely existence. She never stops loving seeing so many new places, but she reaches a point where she wants someone to share it with who can both understand her wanderlust, and at the same time give her an anchor point when she’s tired. Experiencing that through her eyes was very enlightening.

Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

Erm… I’m not big on superstition, but I do have one habit/quirk. I get bored writing in the same location over and over. I do my best creating in the morning, before my brain is cluttered with the world around me. So I’m currently on a mission to visit every non fast food breakfast spot in the valley, one at a time on weekends, to write. I take a pen and a notebook, and I drink coffee while I plot.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

Both. It’s a 60/40 thing. I can’t start writing a story unless I have a very loose outline. A list of chapters, pivotal plot moments, and a loose idea of the beginning, middle, and end. However, I have yet to have a story turn out the way I plotted it. As I begin to write, and the characters and situations demand things that are different from my vision, I change, I adapt, and in the end my outline becomes more of a suggestion than a road map.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

One of our cats. We’ve got four. This one is a long haired gray tabby who’s curled up on an empty office chair. He’s seven years old, and still a kitten at heart, and I know if I were to pick him up right now, he’d stretch, he’d shove his face in mine, and then he’d curl up in my arms and go back to sleep.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

I always have *something* in the works ;) On February 10, my Valentine’s Day novella, Operation: Cupid was released. She wants the love of her life back, he’s going to teach her how to move on. When the past and the present collide, neither is prepared for the results.

I also have a new category romance series currently in the works. I can’t share many details at this point, but my geeky heroes still have the alpha expansion pack, my heroines still hold their own in a boardroom, and in the end, the cubicle dwellers find their happily ever afters.

Do you have a question for our readers?

I absolutely do, I always love to get to know readers better. So tell me, readers, what books are you reading right now, and would you recommend them?

Jade is in Nashville on her third week of a month-long business trip. She doesn't mind seeing a new city every week, but she's dragging after so many without a break. When a sexy stranger wants to share her breakfast table, she welcomes the change in scenery. The easy banter and teasing that dances behind the eyes of the handsome voice actor have her wondering if just this once, a one-night stand might be worth her time.

Brandon is tired of the playboy image that comes with his cult-celebrity status. When he meets a business woman with a travel schedule as hectic as his, she lights a spark deep inside. The problem is, he's hoping for something long-term, and she's hesitant to start anything that will become long-distance. With less than three days before they go their separate ways, Brandon has to show Jade there's more to them than just an unconventional fling.

Enjoy an excerpt:

Jade tried to keep her gait casual when Brandon fell into step beside her on the short path back to the elevator. He was close enough that his arm occasionally brushed hers, and the soft scent of soap and cinnamon teased her. The group waiting for the next available car grew, and he pressed closer, arm resting against her back, to make more room for the people around them.

“So.” His voice was low enough she was certain only she could hear it; his warm breath brushing her ear. “You don’t mind being the one on the other side of the glass?”

The tentative rein she had on her imagination snapped, images and possibilities danced through her thoughts. She kept her response soft. “If the situation is right.”

The doors slid open, and people spilled into the waiting car. He maneuvered himself behind her, his chest close enough to her back to brush her shirt, but not quite touching her. His question was hot against her skin as the car rose. “For instance, someone directly behind you, where the only thing anyone on the outside sees is a glimpse? A hint?”

She didn’t know what was more enticing, the fantasies he was evoking or how close he stood. The elevator slid to a stop. He rested a hand on her hip. “My floor. Enjoy work.”

He stepped around her and was gone, the doors closing behind him.

About the Author:

Allyson Lindt is a full-time geek and a fuller-time contemporary romance author. She was lucky enough to marry her muse and soul mate. When they’re not spending way too much time gaming, they’re building new worlds together. She loves a sexy happily-ever-after and helping deserving cubicle dwellers find their futures together.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon Author Page

Buy the book at Liquid Silver Books, Amazon US, Amazon UK, or ARe.