Talking With Tenaya Jayne

About Forbidden Forest:
Born in shame. Cast from society. Shape Shifter/Elf hybrid, Forest must fight for any respect she can get. Targeted in her youth by a vampire noble who placed an illegal slave mark on her, she is forced to obey him, no matter what.

Slipping the grip of her master and abandoning the prejudice of Regia, her native world, Forest takes a job on Earth, guarding the portal, using her skills as a warrior to enforce Regia's laws. Now, called home for a black ops mission, Forest must put aside her own prejudice to transport the vampire prince, Syrus, through enemy territory in a time of war. 

Prince Syrus, mage and master of the Blood Kata, wants Forest more than he's ever wanted anything. In spite of their mutual mistrust, their attraction cannot be denied. Through the danger of their mission, and the secrets they both keep, it doesn't matter what they feel. Forest is forbidden.  



Tenaya Jayne's fantasy romance novel, Forbidden Forest, was released in October by Cold Fire Books. I'm happy to have her here today as part of her CLP blog tour. Welcome, Tenaya. Let's start with a burning question: do you tweet? How would you describe your book in a tweet? (140 characters or less.)
A story about overcoming abuse and prejudice with love.

When you start a new book, do you know what the entire cast will be?

Almost. I usually have the main characters and larger side characters all set, but sometimes a few pop up that I hadn't originally banked on. Those extras arise out of need. As your plot and your main characters develop, sometimes you find they might need someone else to support or hinder them on their way. It can also be a matter of pacing. Maybe things are moving too fast, or you've gone off on a rabbit chase and the introduction of another character can be just the thing you need. 

Which character did you most enjoy writing?

Probably Syrus. He's an Alpha male but he's goofy and sweet. Forest is bitter and cynical and he makes her laugh and loosens her up. I don't like the fictional hero who's a big jerk, and you see that a lot now.

How do you name your characters?

I brainstorm names with a baby name book. I think about my characters, what they look like, their strengths and weaknesses and attempt to name them accordingly. But when you are writing fantasy, you don't necessarily want to name your hero Tom, so you make up a name. Some of the names I used in Forbidden Forest I got from the Bible. For example, I used the name King Ahasuerus who was also called Xerses as inspiration for the names Rahaxeris, and Zeren. 

What book are you currently reading and in what format (e-book/paperback/hardcover)?

Right now, I'm reading Gargoyle by Shelley Martin on my Kindle app.

How do you handle criticism of your work?

That depends on the nature of the criticism and the source it came from. Criticism from other writers who I know and respect goes under advisement. Criticism from my husband holds absolute sway because he's brilliant, and he rarely has anything negative to say, so when he does, I listen. Criticism from someone bent on being mean just drives me harder at the keyboard from spite. When someone insults my work, I just think, "Oh, yeah? I'll show you. One day, I'll be a best seller."

Is there anything in particular that you do to help the writing flow?

I listen to music, and I pace around my kitchen.

What’s one of your favorite quotes?

"The question isn't who is going to let me; It's who is going to stop me."  -Howard Roark

 What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I'm very domestic. I like decorating , cooking, and playing with my kids.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Austin Texas. I lived there for the summer of 2008. I didn't think I would enjoy living there at all, but before long, I loved it. My husband and I tried to move there permanently but it wasn't in the cards.  

Thanks for stopping by for a quick chat, Tenaya. Good luck with Forbidden Forest!

About the author:
Hello. My name’s Tenaya and I’m an addict. I mean author. When I was growing up, writing was just something I played at from time to time. I knew I wanted to be a writer, but I was one of those people who could never finish anything. When my eldest son was diagnosed with Autism, I began to write seriously. Writing became a necessity for me in the midst of my heartbreak. It was either that or take up drinking. I ‘m thankful I chose writing as my escape because I discovered it truly is my thing. I want to be swept away when I read. That’s what I want my books to do for you. The main goal of my writing is to entertain you. I want to help you escape everyday life for a little while. I hope you enjoy my stories as much as I enjoy sharing them with you!

I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful sons. I’m an advocate for Autism awareness, and women trapped in abusive relationships. I try to always look on the bright side and help others do so too. I’ve lived many places but I currently reside in Missouri. I love reading, indie and foreign films, gardening, and moody music.


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