Tags
action/adventure romance, artificial intelligence, L&L Dreamspell, L.J. Garland, romance, sci-fi romance
Our guest today kicks butt in more ways than one! In addition to wielding the almighty pen (keyboard?) with practiced ease, L.J. Garland also handles air craft and deadly weapons. And, um, complicates pronouns. (Stay with me … you’ll see what I mean). We have a *very* entertaining interview and a book to give away, so let’s get started!
Welcome, L.J.! It’s fabulous to meet you. Thanks for braving the visit. ;c)
Thank you so much for having us here today! We’re looking forward to your questions!
Readers, y’all catch that? *We*! LOL. L.J, I had to do some serious stalking to scoop you, but it was worth it! I love the teamwork vibe you’ve got going on. Can you tell readers about yourself—both L and J? *grin*
Oooh, so the cat’s out of the bag! LOL L.J. Garland isn’t just one person…It’s two! Laura & Jeff – We’re a husband-wife writing team. We met in college over 20 years ago and have been driving each other nuts ever since. Hey, after that long, ya gotta have a since of humor for sure! We have tons of hobbies and interests—but we have two that top our list.
First, we’re both licensed helicopter pilots with hundreds of hours of flight time. Chances are good you’ll see one type of flying machine or another in our stories…and the landings won’t always be pretty. But hey, any you walk away from are good, right? lol
The second thing that tops our list is we practice with a variety of weaponry from long bows to high-powered combat rifles. This, along with years of military experience, gives our books a heightened sense of reality. So, fire, fireworks, guns, pretty much anything that goes Boom!…yeah, it’s all good. LOL You’ll see that in our stories as well. High-action adventure and romance…and a happy-ever-after.
On the home front, we enjoy a life in a house filled with love, laughter, and tenuously restrained chaos. We have three cats, one whistling guinea pig, and three boisterous sons—who conspire to ensure there’s never a dull moment. It’s awesome!
Yeah, so my jaw in on the floor. I bet you guys are a mile a minute around there. (Although with six kids myself, I totally feel you on the weapons. Snicker.) As helicopter pilots, you’re both seriously into flight. What has been your most unforgettable experience with flying thus far?
Oh, easy answer! We flew our R-22 helicopter from the Georgia to California. Just to give you an idea…it’s like flying a VW 700 feet off the ground. The cabin is so tight, you’re rubbing elbows, but the scenery is awesome. You can see everything! We flew over mountains, followed Hwy 20, saw desserts and cattle, crossed the Mississippi river, oil rigs, the huge windmills out west. Super cool! Took about five days or so. During the trip, we celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary in the honeymoon suite in Palm Springs. Course, all that flying tends to wear a body out. We were so exhausted, we passed out. I’m still chewing nails over not getting to check out that humongous Jacuzzi tub! *sigh*
WOW! Some of my favorite memories involve traveling cross country, so needless to say, your trip sounds AMAZING. *wipes drool from chin* Let’s look at your other shared passion. What’s your favorite weapon to use, and why? Are there any of which you’re wary?
I have a highly modified Highpoint 995 9mm carbine with a scope. Love that rifle. At the range, I’ve shot the neck off of a water cooler bottle. And there’s very little we won’t shoot. LOL The hubby is building me a long range .223 AR15. I’d also love to get hold of a 50 cal. Jeff’s shot one in his military training. We also have compound bows that we both shoot. And we’ve built long and recurve bows from scratch. The creative side of me loves that because I get to choose woods and put them together in a pattern to form the riser. On our bucket lists, we both have shooting a sniper rifle at 700 yards listed—and there’s a payoff, too. If you hit the target, you get a certificate. LOL So, no, there’s not that we’re wary over…hand us anything from an airsoft gun to a grenade launcher and we’re good to go! <g>
I don’t actually know what a lot of those numbers mean (I’ll be googling after the interview, lol) but I caught up in the summary, and I believe you! LOL. My jaw is semi-permanently stuck to the floor but you’re *clearly* in better shape so let’s get to it. You’re here to talk about your book, MechMan. Can you introduce our readers to the story? What can you tell us we won’t find in the blurb?
Basically, it’s a story about a humanity and how they’re being wiped out by the Darch. The numbers are down to the tens of thousands. So, scientists created biomechs to fight battles against the Darch. They look and act like humans, but they’re just highly evolved artificial intelligence. Except for the hero… well, things kinda change for him and he falls in love with the heroine. That’s not supposed to happen. And the heroine falls for the biomech. They’re both confused and distraught about their feelings and struggle to figure out what it all means. And of course they do, but I’m not gonna tell how… lol
That’s a pretty intricate conflict! I’m impressed. What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of MechMan?
The hero, Jex, was constructed from the parts leftover from previous biomechs. That’s why he was given a special mission to save humanity. If he failed, no big loss.
Okay….so that’s not true. But it could’ve been. LOL
LMAO! You had me going there for a minute. Let’s have some fun with MechMan. What’s the first sentence?
The needle slid between the third and fourth vertebrae in his neck.
OMG. I *felt* that. Gulp. What’s your favorite line in the book?
Heart pounding, an unexpected realization crystallized in his mind…if he kissed her, he would be hers.
I love it! How about an excerpt … three sentences long!
Raven set shields, brought weapons up, and lifted from the hangar floor, rising above the Darch cruisers.
“Eat this, you demon bastards.”
The pulse cannons erupted with a thick fan of fire.
I think that’s flight and weaponry, all in three sentences. You guys mean business, LOL! Which scene of MechMan was most difficult for you to write? Why?
I would have to say when the pleasure cruiser was under attack. It was akin to the Poseidon Adventure and the whole ship turned on it’s side. Not only did we have to describe what everything was like at a ninety-degree angle, but also take into account the ship’s gravity…people sliding along the floor and falling. To top it off, we had four main characters to contend with as well. Lol
I can definitely see how that might be difficult. (And tense and frightening). Which scene would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?
That first kiss from Jex’s. The newness of any relationship is always thrilling and terrifying. And with him being a machine, it don’t get any newer than that! Lol
Oh, yeah. Love those first kiss scenes! What inspired the title of MechMan?
We already had the term ‘biomech’ used in the story to describe the warriors, but it didn’t sound quite right for a title. So…we just sorta jammed ‘mechanical’ with ‘man’ and voilà! MechMan. J
And it definitely fits! Before we dig into the blurb, can you tell us what you’re working on now?
Just released from Decadent Publishing is a sci-fi romance called Dead or Alive– Accused of murder, he turns to the only person who can save him. Too bad she’s a bounty hunter who holds a grudge.
We have and upcoming release from Decadent Publishing on May 18th. It’s a romantic suspense co-authored with the fabulous Debbie Gould called Sins of the Mind– He wants to protect her, but everyone she loves is dying. Is he next on the killer’s list?
We’re also working on several other paranormal romance projects.
Sounds like a “Happy Release Day!” is in order . . . congrats to you both and Debbie Gould! The books sound amazing — the tag lines are definitely working for you, lol. Let’s take a look at MechMan.
MECHMAN | blurb & links
Raven is on a suicide mission. Jex is a biomech on a mission to save humanity. They discover their mutual passion to destroy the enemy isn’t their only desire.
A war against the Darch has raged for years, and humanity is on the verge of extinction. Scientists have created biomechs to supplement as warriors, but it’s just a temporary fix on what appears an insurmountable problem. One desperate scientist injects JXS241, a biomech warrior, with what he hopes is the solution for mankind’s survival. But the biomech is captured by the enemy.
Raven Nirvanni survives on the fringes of a shattered culture. While on a self-imposed suicide mission to annihilate an enemy destroyer, she encounters the imprisoned biomech. Deciding the fate of humanity far outweighs the destruction of a single ship, she rescues him and decides to ensure he reaches his destination. With the enemy anticipating their every move, Raven is completely taken aback when she realizes she’s falling for JXS241. But can she really love a machine? And if so, can he reciprocate?
MORE INFO & BUY @ L&L Dreamspell |Amazon – Paperback / Ebook | Barnes & Noble – Paperback / Nook
L.J. GARLAND | bio & linkage
L.J. Garland is a husband-wife writing team who has thrived within their own romance for over 20 years. One of their favorite things to do is get into a hot bubble bath and brainstorm story ideas. Amid their long list of hobbies and interests, two activities stand above the rest. They are both licensed helicopter pilots with hundreds of hours of flight time, and they practice with a variety of weaponry from long bows to high-powered combat rifles. This, along with years of military experience, gives their books a heightened sense of reality. They enjoy their life together in a house filled with love, laughter, and adventure along with their four cats and three boisterous sons—who conspire to ensure there’s never a dull moment.
CONNECT @ WEBSITE | BLOG | PUBLISHER | AMAZON | TWITTER @LJ_Garland1
**GIVEAWAY**
L and J Garland have kindly offered an e-copy of MechMan for your reading pleasure. Want a chance to win it? Simply comment with your email address and you will be including in the drawing. And just for fun (not required), share your most memorable moment involving flight or weapons (hopefully not both, but tell us that, too!) I can’t wait to read your stories, and I hope you’ll help me welcome L.J. to our little corner of the web. L.J., this has been fantastic. I’m going to figure out what all those numbers mean, and in the meantime I’ll avoid infringing on your personal space at all costs, LOL! Thank you all so much for being here, and have a fan-tabulous day!
Linda Thum said:
I’m in total awe of Laura & Jeff! I’d love to be able to fly but it’s way too expensive & i’m terribly short sighted as well. My best memories of flying was going on a helicopter rider while on tour in New Zealand. Fun!
LJ Garland said:
Oh wow, Linda! A heli ride in New Zealand? That sounds like an adventure for sure! So very cool. Thanks for stopping by!
sarahballance said:
That sounds incredible! When I was 16 I wanted to take flying lessons at the local airport, but I ended up getting a horse instead, LOL. (I can’t believe my dad said yes. I think I’d look at my own kids like they’d lost their minds! *grin*) I’d love to go to New Zealand one day, and what a way to see it!
fuonlyknew said:
Thanks to both of you for this wonderful interview. Very entertaining. I would love to fly but I would like to have my own wings!
laurathomas61@att.net
LJ Garland said:
LOL Laura! I was recently asked that if I could have any superpower, what would it be? I said flying! I agree it would be great to swoop around everywhere or just ‘take off’ whenever I wanted. And think of the airfare it would save! lol Thanks so much for dropping in!
sarahballance said:
I hear you on that! My husband refuses to fly and he’s ruined me on it. I would definitely need my own wings! Thanks so much for your comment. ;c)
LJ Garland said:
THANKS Sara for the wonderful interview! We had a great time…and we love your website. Gorgeous! 🙂
LJ Garland said:
DRAT…I meant Sarah! And your website is still gorgeous! 😉
sarahballance said:
LOL! Thank you! My husband used to leave the H off my name (before he became my husband) and sixteen years later he still writes my name SaraH with the capital. And usually underlines it. *shakes head*
I’m so glad you came to visit with me today. I’m glad I didn’t scare you off, LOL! (Oh, wait, what am I saying? I dare say you can protect yourself quite nicely!)
Tonette said:
LJ, that is very complex [writing ]work, but I know you are up to it because helicopter piloting is complex work.It isn’t as easy as fixed-wing flying. I don’t know if most people know how much more difficult it is. My father-in-law was a helicopter pilot.(Trivia: He was the Navy pilot that flew the recovery copter that pulled the Apollo 7 capsule out of the sea).
Sarah, don’t feel bad….my father died the month I turned 32 and he spelled my name with 2 ‘n’s’ up to the end!
LJ Garland said:
Tonette-
Flying a helicopter is difficult. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done…akin to painting with your hands AND your feet. LOL Every little move has an affect on the craft…and when I was learning, more than once I sent my instructor and myself spinning off toward the trees! LOL Awesome about your father-in-law! Very, very cool!
bn100 said:
Very enjoyable interview.
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
LJ Garland said:
Thanks for dropping by, bn100!