August is steaming and so are the authors we are interviewing. We are excited to have Rene Lyons chatting with us today, she will be talking about her book Midnight Sun and a little about herself. Coffee Time Romance wants to extend a warm welcome to Ms. Lyons. WELCOME

Rene, I would like to take this time to thank you for granting Coffee Time Romance this interview. I would like to tell you that I love your intriguing website. The satin feel and the one lone flower, gives an ambience feeling, rather unique. I see you have a series coming out. I must let you know that I read Midnight Sun and found it absolutely mesmerizing. I look forward to more of the books. The names you have chosen for the characters really seem to season the book throughout. I, too, am a huge fan of vampires.

Why don’t we begin by telling us something about the Templar Series?

It’s the story of five Templar Knights who are on the road to redemption. For sinning against God they were stripped of their souls and damned as vampires. Given one chance to earn their way into Heaven, if they should fail they’ll be sent straight to Hell.

What prompted you to do this series?

It was a combination of things, not least of which is my love of vampires. The other reason was the loss of my brother. Dealing with my grief prompted me to want to escape into writing. During this time I also suffered a crisis of faith, which formulated the story of the Templars. In my mind I saw these five medieval warriors. Then I saw them dressed in the distinct mantle of the Templar Order. I knew I had incredible characters coming to life in my mind and knew I’d better not pass up the chance to write their stories.

Can you tell us how long you have been writing?

For as long as I can remember, yet it wasn’t until I read Saving Grace by Julie Garwood that I knew I wanted to try to make a career out of it.

Is it something that you have always desired?

Absolutely! I have a love affair with words. I couldn’t imagine what my life would be like if I didn’t have my writing.

Was Samhain the first publishing house you sent your stories for this genre?

Yes. I wouldn’t trust my Templars with any other publishing house other than Samhain.

Do you get along well with your publisher/editors?

Every author should have the kind of relationship I have with my publisher and editor. I’m proud to be part of Samhain and to be working with my editor. I knew from minute one that not only would our personalities gel, but that she just seemed to know instinctively who my Templars are. She pulls from me some of the best writing I’ve ever done. I’m blessed.

Did you have to wait very long to hear that you had a contract?

Surprisingly, no. I submitted after Christmas of 2005 and by the first week of January I received my contact. I still look at it every now and then to make sure I’m not caught in a wonderful dream.

Do you have any other upcoming releases that you would like to share with us today?

Come October 31st (yes, Halloween!) The Daystar will be released by Samhain. It’s the second book in the Templar series and it is Constantine Draegon’s story. I’m also working on the third book now. So far I haven’t titled it, but I can tell you it’s Lucian of Penwick’s book and will be released sometime in early 2007.

Do you outline your stories or do you just write as you go?

I wish I did outline! It would make writing much easier. Unfortunately I’m known as a ‘pants’ writer, which means I write by the seat of my pants. With the Templars I use a synopsis as a general guide, but in no way does it dictate in which direction a book will go. Those boys love to change things up on me.

Do your characters come alive and become a part of your life as you write? Have they ever haunted your dreams?

Definitely. I can actually hear them yelling at me if I get lazy and want to tale a day off or if ‘real life’ intrudes into my work. As for haunting my dreams, funny you should ask that. The way I write is, I usually ‘see’ a scene play out in my mind as I’m drifting off to sleep. It plays out so vividly it seems almost real. Thankfully I’m able to remember what I ‘saw’ come morning and write it.

We all know that everyone needs to take a break, even when doing something they love, how do you like to spend your time away from writing?

Taking walks around the neighborhood with my nineteen month daughter or relaxing with her and my husband.

Do you have any hobbies or pet peeves?

As for Pet Peeve, bad drivers and arrogant people also make the top my list. The only hobby I have is reading. Whenever I get the chance I devour books, especially paranormals!

If you could go anywhere or do anything for a weekend, where would you go, and would you take anyone with you?

Oh this is easy! I’d go to England and visit Bodiam Castle. I’d take my husband and my daughter and hope they loved it as much as I know I would.

Is there anything else that you would love to share with your readers?

I’d like to thank everyone who has written me and expressed their interest in not only Midnight Sun, but in the entire series. I hope the books live up to their expectations. I love writing these characters and I hope that shows in the work. And thank you, for taking the time to interview me. I had a blast!

Rene, thank you for spending time with us today. Anyone interested in reading more about Rene and her remarkable books, please visit her website http://renelyons.net/Home.html to read more about her exciting works. It has been a delight Rene, and I wish you the best with your writing.

WOW, another hot interview! Coffee Time Romance wants to take this time to thank Ms. Lyons for taking the time to chat with us today. Thank You.