Wednesday, March 04, 2009

IMHO welcomes Kim Lenox!



IMHO is pleased to kick off our March gift basket giveaway full of historical romances autographed by their authors with today's lovely and talented (and genuinely nice) guest host, historical paranormal author Kim Lenox . Our theme for this month is the “Story Behind the Story.”

Kim writes heroes worth waiting (forever) for. Her Shadow Guards series features immortal heroes who have existed from the beginning of time and lived a thousand “lives” already — and the women who can make time stand still for them. Her richly detailed Victorian-set romances feature elements of “steampunk” (which she explains is “a sort of a funky re-imagined Victorian era, with a high emphasis on quirk and gadgets” ala H. G. Wells or THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN).

NIGHT FALLS DARKLY, her debut novel, has been nominated by Romantic Times Booklover’s Magazine for Best First Historical Romance of 2008-2009 and was a featured alternate selection with both the Doubleday Book Club and Rhapsody Book Clubs. Kim will put an autographed copy of Night Falls Darkly AND an ARC (advance reader copy) of her second novel, So Still the Night, into the “I LOVE ME SOME HISTORICALS” basket. Her third book in the Shadow Guard series will be released in 2010.

IMHO: Welcome, Kim. So tell us, what’s the “story behind the story”?

KL: Thanks, TJ. Hello all! Well as TJ mentioned, I’m Kim Lenox, and I write historical paranormal romance. That’s a mouthful, isn’t it? Try saying it fast, five times in a row.

The title of my debut release with Signet Eclipse is NIGHT FALLS DARKLY, and my upcoming May release is titled SO STILL THE NIGHT. The titles convey what you’ll find between the covers of my books. The stories run a bit dark, and have common themes. As a reader, you’ll be introduced to my immortal Shadow Guards, who hunt down the most evil and most morally deteriorated of society’s mortal souls. There are murders—true to life, historical murders. There are cameos by famous personages like Queen Victoria and Bram Stoker. There’s fog and “spooky”! Best of all, each of the books follow unlikely, against-all-odds love stories.

Both novels are set in 1880s Victorian London, which was an amazing kaleidoscope of industry, wealth, color and opulence. On the opposite end of life’s spectrum, the city was also a place of crime, unimaginable poverty and misery. I’ve always been fascinated by the contrast of light and dark, by the beautiful superficiality of status and wealth—and what lies beneath. I wanted to create characters that could maneuver in both of those worlds, characters who could take my reader from the well-lit and luxuriously appointed drawing rooms of Mayfair, into the darker paths and dangerous alleyways of the East End. I needed strong characters. Brave characters. Characters who could face the darkness they would find in those streets, and the evil that to this day defies rational explanation. Specifically, Jack the Ripper (NIGHT FALLS DARKLY) and the Thames Torso Murderer (SO STILL THE NIGHT).

Why would I even want to go down those dark roads? Those who know me will tell you I’m no morbid soul. But still…I was drawn to that shadowy place.

The “why” question is an easy one to answer. It’s because I believe, wholeheartedly, in redemption and in the Happily Ever After. No, not for Jack—for him, I wanted justice. But where does light shine most brightly? Most brilliantly? In the dark.

It’s in the worst of circumstances where true heroes are revealed. And that’s why you’ll find me, most happily, writing in the dark.

IMHO: Thanks, Kim, for telling us the story behind the story. Fascinating stuff! And, dear readers, be sure to leave a message for Kim. Do you like going dark places in your books (as long as you get a Happily Ever After)? Let Kim know for a chance to be entered into our contest this month for the "I LOVE ME SOME HISTORICALS" gift basket giveaway.

TJB

50 comments:

Anonymous said...

TJ, I'm so glad you interviewed Kim. Her new series is definitely dark (I like that) but there are so many humorous and just plain "feel good" moments, it's also very uplifting (I like that even more, especially now when all I hear on the news is bad news). I couldn't put NIGHT FALLS DARKLY down. I can't wait for book two!

Anonymous said...

Great post! I haven't read a lot of historical paranormals, but Kim, you've got me hooked - I'd love to check out your books!

Meljprincess said...

Hi Kim,
I like going to dark places in my books and there doesn't have to be a happy ending. Reading horror is like that. Some books end dreadfully.
Your books appeal to me greatly! I have NIGHT FALLS DARKLY but I haven't read it yet. Victorian England is one of my very favorite time periods. And I've read lots of books about Jack the Ripper. That case fascinates me. I'm looking forward to SO STILL THE NIGHT. Your covers are fantastic!

Mel K.

Jennifer said...

Hi Kim! I read NIGHT FALLS DARKLY and really enjoyed it. You created wonderful, original characters - love Archer! - and a dark, exciting world. Thanks to your book, Victorian England is fast becoming one of my favorite time periods. I'm counting down the days until SO STILL THE NIGHT hits bookstore shelves. The cover is gorgeous!! I can't wait to read the next Shadow Guard story!

sarah said...

I really enjoyed reading Night Falls Darkly (with it's handsome cover) - and can't wait to read the next one. They make me want to watch more Criminal Minds... I guess cause they usually talk about Jack the Ripper sometimes...

But I do seem to prefer darker books... if books don't have enough substance to them - they are marshmallow fluff that doesn't hold my attention...

Lynne Marshall said...

I love the concept of your novels, Kim. And I absolutely love the term STEAMPUNK. It sounds so cool.
Thanks for a great blog, and I must admit paranormal romance is showing up more and more on my TBR pile. Night Falls Darkly is a fantastic title, and I wholeheartedly agree that light is most brilliant after the dark.
Best wishes to your success!

Lori Ann said...

Thanks for introducing me to these books. I have not read Night Falls Darkly, but it sounds like something that I would like. I do like going to dark places in books, and I like happy endings too. I pull for a Happily Ever After even more if there is darkness in a book. It is refreshing to see books that blend both historical setting with paranormal elements, since I love reading both.

Colleen Thompson said...

Terrific post, Kim! Steampunk rocks and I'm looking forward to plucking your book out of Mount TBR!

Unknown said...

Great post! Steampunk rocks (or should I say Steampunkers party like it's 1899, lol). I think going to that dark place, having that "all is lost" moment, can be a really good tool for keeping up the tension, suspense, and momentum in a story. It makes that HEA all the sweeter.

donnas said...

Great post. I do like when stories have a dark aspect. Although I am also found of the happily ever after ending. When they both occur I am super happy.

Kim's books sounds great I cant wait to read them. Congrats on the debut!

Jessa Slade said...

Night Falls Darkly was a wonderful story. The sparks of humor lit up the shadows, and Archer was definitely a forever hero. The setting really came alive for me -- the curling fog, the footsteps in the night. Brr. I'm looking forward to Marcus's book in May.

Anonymous said...

Great post! I love to read debut novals. They bring a lot of new authors my way. I have been hearing a lot about this book and am very interested in reading it. Historical are my favorite read and I am looking forward to reading this one. I do like dark places in books it makes the happy ever after so much better. Please enter me!

JeanMP said...

Great post, Kim's books sound great, definitely on my to read list. Am a fan of dark places in books, but always glad when there is a happy ending

Joni said...

I have always been a fan of historical fiction and I think that Kim will now be added to my list of favorite authors. A bit of humor and a happy ending are the perfect additions to a "dark" story.

Pat said...

But where does the light shine most brightly? In the dark. So true. And you are right about the glittering surface hiding a wealth of filth and vicious predators. Like walking on frozen water and seeing a shark beneath your feet, waiting.
I look forward to reading your books.

Maureen said...

There are times I like a dark story where you see that there is true evil in this world but that a happy ending is still possible.

flip said...

I need the happily ever after, but life has its shadowy side. I have no issues with the shadowy side in stories.

Kim Lenox said...

I'm so glad all of you have come by today! I apologize that it's taken me this long to hop in and respond. Thank you also for the kind comments on NIGHT FALLS DARKLY.

Pat -- I love the imagery you created with the shark! You're my kind of writer!

Suzan Harden said...

If you haven't read NIGHT FALLS DARKLY, pull it out of your TBR! NOW!!

Seriously, Kim, I'm really looking forward to SO STILL THE NIGHT.

kerribookwriter said...

Hello!

That cover is just...grrr! I can't come up with a word for it. Love it!

Thanks for the great interview TJ!

Hugs,
Kerri

Tracey Devlyn said...

Kim,
Congrats on your debut book! Love the cover, and the book sounds fascinating. I wish you many sales.
Tracey

TJ Bennett said...

Hey, Kim, thanks for making it over to answer questions. I know you're incredibly busy right now.

Maybe you could touch a little on the "steampunk" phenomena for our readers? It's a term I'd heard only a few weeks ago, but I realized I have loved the subgenre for years and just didn't know its name. Do you happen to know how it got its name?

TJB

Anonymous said...

I like some of my books like that as long as hea. Great interview!

tetewa said...

Enjoyed the post and love Historicals!

Kim Lenox said...

Thanks guys! I've been thrilled with my covers too.

The steampunk genre of fiction is always set in an time where steam power is king! That can be in the Victorian era (think steamships! Steam locomotives!) or even a futuristic "retro" era. Add in an element of fantasy, alternate-history, science and experimentation and you've got a great springboard for some steampunk. The term "steampunk" didn't come around until the late 1980s, but think CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG. More recent movie references might be WILD WILD WEST or THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN.

TJ Bennett said...

Ah, great explanation, Kim. Thanks!

Folks, feel free to keep commenting to enter to win the "I LOVE ME SOME HISTORICALS" giveaway basket. Kim is putting her first novel, NIGHT FALLS DARKLY, and the ARC for her second novel, SO STILL THE NIGHT, into the basket along with all of our other guest hosts for the month of March. And come back on Wednesday, March 11, when Lisa Marie Wilkerson, debut author from Medallion Press, will tell us her "story behind the story." She's written a multi-award winning novel FIRE AT MIDNIGHT whose heroine seems to have been separated at birth from mine in THE LEGACY, lol! It's a great read, and you'll want the chance to win it.

TJB

L.A. Mitchell said...

I loved reading "why" you explore darker themes. I can't wait to learn more about the "Shadow Guards". Archer was fabulous.

Anonymous said...

I have to admit, I've never heard the term steampunk before! Your books sound very interesting, right up my alley. I can't wait to read them.

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed reading the interview with Kim. I have read her book and enjoyed it. Going down those dark roads makes for a very interesting storyline.
JOYE
JWIsley AT aol.com

Minna said...

I definitely like darker books!

Meljprincess said...

That is a great definition, Kim. I thank you as well.

Sounds like fun, TJ. Will definitely bb March 11.
Thanks for the heads up!

Mel K.

Anonymous said...

I enjoy dark reads, especially with tortured heroes. The story feels more realistic to me since relationships aren't always easy. And with a dark story, I appreciate the HEA even more.

The book sounds great! I'll definitely be adding it to my tbr pile.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the great interview! I love historicals and paranormals so combining the two is right up my alley! Having a HEA just sweetens the pot. I'm really looking forward to reading your books!

Anonymous said...

great interview
great cover

yea u dneed some drama then it can lead to hea

kh

Billie Jo said...

Hi Kim,

Your books ROCK. I have loved everyone of your books.

Billie Jo

Anonymous said...

I have not read your books yet but they sound great!

Tara W said...

My two favorite genres (historical and paranormal) combined -I'm new to your books but I look forward to reading them. I loooove dark romances and I enjoyed the interview.

Pam P said...

Hi Kim, can't wait for the next one in the series. I do like the darker edge, seems to add more depth to the characters making it not quite so easy to get to that HEA.

I'm liking the steam punk thing.
We all loved The Wild, Wild West in my family, never missed it.

Anonymous said...

Great interview. I have not read a ton of historical paranormals, You books look awesome

photoquest said...

I do love going to dark places in my reading (as long as I get a Happily Ever After)
Enjoyed reading about your book, sounds fascinating !
photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Anonymous said...

Great Interview!!!I love Historical Paranormals.To capture the heart of an imortal.A love that never dies or fades with time.London with her cobblestone streets, foggy nights,fear thick in the air.Oh yes I can't wait to read this series!!!

LighthouseSandy said...

Kim, I just stumbled across one of your books and will be picking up others as I can. I love the sound of them and can't wait to start on them when I have them all in hand. LOL, yeah, I'm one of those that has to have the series of books, no matter how closely related, before I can start reading! Thanks for some interesting thoughts.

Anonymous said...

I loved the first book in this series (as did my hubby) I am waiting on pins and needles for this one to come out.

aromagik said...

Dark can definitely be good -- as long as I know there's that HEA at the end! :)

~Lindy

housemouse88 said...

It's ok for an author to go to a dark place as long as the book ends with a happy ending. I don't want to read a book that is all dark. Have a great day.

Anonymous said...

I love NFD and look forward to the newest book in the series. I preordered NFD and have waited months for SO STILL THE NIGHT.

Anonymous said...

Read "Night Falls Darkly" and really enjoyed it. Look forward to reading "So Still The Night".

cheryl c said...

Congrats on your first novel. It must be so gratifying to see it in print and to be receiving such praise for it!

Mariee said...

I haven't read any of your books yet, but they all sound great! I love reading romance novels that's a little bit darker.

Fedora said...

Hi, Kim,
I'm totally intrigued by the darker side, as long as there's the HEA! And boy howdy, justice! That's a biggie--I'm curious to read your novels! Thanks for posting!