CINDY GERARD, a New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, and USA Today Bestselling author, is here with us today. Having a vibrant writer’s reputation for writing the best action packed, sexy, romantic suspense out there, Cindy receives raving reviews for her BODYGUARD and BLACK OPS INC series.

THE BODYGUARDS

1. To get started, tell our followers about the series, THE BODYGUARDS, and BLACK OPS INC. that you have.
Both series came about as a result of my curiosity (and admiration) for our military. The idea for the Bodyguard series took root shortly after 9-11 when the entire country was in mourning and turmoil. We had warriors going off to war and warriors returning. I wondered what these brave men and women did when they separated from military service and found that many ended up back in the military again, or hired on with private contractors or formed their own securities firms. The Bodyguard grew from that idea and Black Ops Inc spun off as did my new upcoming series, One-Eyed Jacks. The books are action packed adrenalin rushes and populated with men and women of integrity and valor who, in many cases, also struggle with the baggage from their combat experiences. And of course, at the root of each book is an intense, hot romance.

2. You also have a very important book out that everyone needs to know about, SEAL OF MY DREAMS. This is Not just a wonderful read, it is helping with a great cause. We want you to tell everyone about it!! 

Thanks for asking about SEAL OF MY DREAMS. Christie Ridgway and Allison Kent spearheaded this project after seeing a photograph of a Navy SEAL prepping for a night op in Iraq. They tweeted about it and conversation grew and evolved into the idea to have a group of authors write short stories that featured Navy SEALs as heroes. It’s a fantastic collection and to date, we’ve raised over $100,000 for our cause, Veterans Research Corporation, which funnels the proceeds into Veterans Medical Research Foundation to help with research and assistance primarily for our Vets suffering from brain injuries and PTSD. It’s a great cause and we are very appreciative of those who have helped us support it by buying the book. My short story is a BOI story featuring Luke (Doc Holliday) Colter and Val (his wife)

3. We have heard you have made several pieces of pottery. Can you tell us about your hobby and what you’ve made?

I was actually pretty heavy into pottery a few years back but sadly, have had to curtail that activity to keep my deadlines under control. But yes, I’ve made several pieces of functional dinnerware – which we love using on a daily basis – and several decorative pieces. I can’t wait to get back into it on a more regular basis if life ever slows down :o)

4. Traveling is something else we have been told you like to do. What places that you have been stand out the most and why?
I do love to travel and have had the good fortune to visit some amazing places – both in the US and out of country. One of my favorite things in the US was my Grand Canyon adventure. Actually, I’ve had 1 GC adventures – one was a 5 day hiking trip to the bottom and back and one was a white water/camping adventure. Both were with a group of girlfriends and we were really feeling the ‘girl power’ let me tell you. Both trips were both grueling, challenging and stunningly beautiful. I also loved my trip to Italy and last year had to good fortune to be invited to speak at the Australian Romance Readers conference in Sydney. As long as I was there, of course we took a side trip to New Zealand (amazing!!) and snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef at Port Douglas, Aus. Wonderful people all around and stunning scenery.

                                                  BLACK OPS INC.
5. Have you ever acquired an inspiration for one of your books from a place you have visited?
I have tons of stories I want to write based on some of my travel adventures and many of those adventures have led to scenes within my books but I have not specifically identified the local. I’ll get to them all eventually :o)

6. Have you ever modeled a character after a friend or family member? If so, how did they feel about it?
I would suppose that subconsciously, many of my heroes have bits and pieces of friends and family members but I make a conscious effort to NOT identify with anyone I know when I’m writing. I like to ‘meet’ my characters as strangers and get to know them. I will say, however, the humor and integrity of my male leads in no small way come from my hubby. He’s a great guy.

7. Everyone has a favorite, (Shonna here – mine is Luke *G* ) is there one character that will always stand out to you, that you have created?
Oh man. That’s like asking if I have a favorite child LOL. A tough call. Johnny Duane Reed always seems to rise to the top of that list, however, when I’m asked this question. He started out as a secondary character – just a vehicle to use for my hero and heroine to play off – but he quickly won my heart – despite the fact that he was arrogant, egotistical and just plain juvenile. But with each book he grew into more of a fully rounded man and as I learned more about him I realized that his arrogance was a defensive shield that he used to hide a lot of hurt. I loved how he grew and I loved the man he became. Plus he’s sexy as sin and he always made me laugh.

8. Bring us up to speed with your new series, ONE EYED JACKS.
I’m so excited about this series. The first book – KILLING TIME – is Mike Primetime Brown’s story. We met Mike in With No Remorse (Luke and Val’s story). Again, he was intended to be just a secondary character but I loved him so much I brought him back for Last Man Standing. By then, I was a goner. I knew he had to have his own book which turned into the One Eyed Jacks series. This series is even higher octane than the previous two. Here’s a link to my FB page that will give you a taste of what’s in store for Mike. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cindy-Gerard-New-York-Times-Best-selling-author/167877057439?sk=notes 

9. What other future works do you have planned that you can tell us about?
KILLING TIME (Book 1 of the One-Eyed Jacks series) is due out January 29, 2013. I’ll be following up with at least 2 more books in that series, RUNNING BLIND and TAKING FIRE. But before Killing Time is released, I’m thrilled about WORTH DYING FOR. WDF is a reissue of 2 of my classic romance novels that I wrote several years ago for the Loveswept Line. My current publisher, Pocket Books, is rereleasing Man Around The House and Into The Night in one volume (Worth Dying For) e-book format on August 7th. While neither story has the high intensity suspense as my Bodyguard or Black Ops books, both have light suspense and a great love story. Again, I’m so excited to see these books available again and I’m really hoping my readers will enjoy them. http://www.amazon.com/Worth-Dying-For-ebook/dp/B0067M09VU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342962481&sr=1-1&keywords=worth+dying+for+cindy+gerard

10. Let’s have a little fun,...(answer with one word, both, neither, or use your own word if you wish)
Chocolate or wine? Chocolate. Hands down
Day or night? Day
Cat or Dog? Both!!
Honesty or passion? True passion is total honesty :o)
Sand or snow? snow
Affection or devotion? Affection I get devotion from the dog … and sometimes from the cat :o)
A quiet evening at home or dinner at a restaurant of your liking? Dinner out! I work at home all day
Chick flick or action packed movie? Oh, that’s a tough one. I want both in one movie. RED comes to mind.
Jeans or sweatpants? jeans
Snuggling in silence or whispering conversations between the sheets? I want it all :o)
In place plans or spontaneous surprises? I love surprises!

Since Cindy picks spontaneous surprises over in place plans, we want to see how many agree with her. Leave your answer, or a comment/question for Cindy and you can be entered in the giveaway today. Cindy is dangling a copy of Last Man Standing and With No Remorse in a random drawing for us. Remember you MUST be a follower of this blog and leave your email address to be entered. (US Residents only) Good Luck!

Author's website: http://cindygerard.com/
Facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cindy-Gerard-New-York-Times-Best-selling-author/167877057439