Bound Together- Author spotlight with Marie Coulson and giveaway

 BLURB Layla Jennings is a fiery, independent and level headed nineteen year old. Always playing by the rules and doing what’s right, she has been the apple of her father’s eye and her mother’s treasure. But moving to college in Long Beach is about to turn Layla’s world upside down. With the gorgeous, pierced, guitar playing, wannabe rock star Oliver living across the hall, Layla finds herself thrown into a world of music, money, torn friendships and blood simmering sexual tension.

But on taking a job in a local coffee shop she meets the deliciously handsome Jared Garrett. Convincing herself that he is a waste of oxygen she tries to put the young successful business man out of her mind. But when he continues to show up she finds herself constantly thinking of him. Dazzled by his boyish good looks and discovering a whole new world of carnal and erotic pleasures, Layla finds herself falling head over heels in love but with Jared hiding a vital secret can she ever truly trust him?

Please welcome the fabulous and maybe a little naughty, Marie Coulson.

This is her first novel, and what a bang it is.

Tell us a little about yourself and how you became a writer.

Born and raised in England I’m trainee therapist by day. But by night I’m Marie Coulson. Writer. I’ve always been the creative type. Painting, cooking, poetry and even writing songs, but it wasn’t until I left my job in August 2012 that I actually sat down and wrote. Bound Together was a story I had plotted over 3 years before and with time on my hands, it was begging me to write it.

Are you an Indie author or traditionally published?

I’m a self-published indie author.

How do your stories come to life, from fiction or fantasy?

I would have to say a little of both. There are even some aspects of truth there. Mostly its fiction. The story and the characters are all their own but the erotica? That maybe a little fantasy on my part.

Lol, it has to be one of the top ten questions I’m asked. Where I get my sex scenes from? I still blush, Marie.

Are you a ‘go with the flow’ writer or do you have structure?

I’m a ‘go with the flow’ girl. I know roughly what’s going in and where but the rest just comes. By the time I got half way through Bound Together, the characters were practically writing themselves! They did things I loved and hated and it felt very real. They were a big part of my life and still are.

Have you always wanted to be a writer or did you want to be something else?

I started out in Childcare and Education. I then worked in caring for the elderly before I embarked on my career as a therapist. Writing has always been something I loved though and to call myself an author is amazing to me.

There are times where I think people actually don’t believe me when I say I’m an author. I love it too.

What groups are you affiliated with and how have they helped you through your journey of publication?

I belong to an incredible top secret Facebook group. The BA. They are amazing. Talked me off the ledge and supported me through the writing and they continue to do so as well as promoting the book. I also have some amazing blogs on board. I’m pleased to call their owners my friends.

God bless their cotton socks. The BA are some of the most a-mazing peeps I know.

How much marketing do you involve yourself in and with the mass consumption of social media, does this play a part in your marketing choice?

Facebook, Twitter, Blogging and I also have a merchandise shop. I don’t really use it as marketing, more connecting with my readers. I have a great P.R rep. Karen is amazing.

Ooh, I need one of those. Karen > wink wink.

Here’s a random one for you. If you could be one animal, which would it be and why?

A cat. Well, more importantly, my cat. She has a great life. Double beds to lounge on and she’s spoiled rotten.

What would you say is your inspiration to write in general or writing a particular scene?

Music plays a BIG part in my writing. There are hundreds of songs on my IPod and all have inspired some aspect of the writing I do. The rest can be drawn from life, experience and even watching people around me.

Dear god, you’re my twin. I totally know where you are coming from there.

Tell me about how you came up with your title and cover?

The title was something I played with a lot. But in the end it seemed fitting. I chose three different titles and got a group together. I asked them to pick which they liked best. Bound Together was the winner. Considering the bondage in the book it also seemed fitting. It has a practical and emotional sense. The cover was designed by Sarah Hansen of Okay Creations. She’s a genius.

True that! Sarah did my covers too and many others I know. Freaking genius!

Do you have any tips for other aspiring writers or authors out there?

Write. Even when you think you suck and cannot write another word, write. But write what you want to read. Don’t write for others. It’s your story to tell.

So, I think we’ve gotten to know you a little now. How’s about we step it up a notch. Are you panicking? Lol. Do you have any dirty little secrets or confessions you’d like to share with us- what’s on the blog stays on the blog, right guys. (wink)

Dirty confessions. Hmmmm. There’s a scene in the book that is all truth. I won’t say which but I do love my heels.

Insert hand over mouth here> Now I wont be able to read it without thinking, is this the scene? bahahahahaha

Where’s your favourite place to write?

My bedroom. I prop myself up on the bed and get the laptop out. I get cosy under a blanket with the cat asleep at my feet. Bliss.

Tell us of your releases- where and when can we buy them?

Bound Together is available now on Amazon both in paperback and Kindle. You can also purchase from Smashwords.

The sequel is set to release Spring 2013.

In one word, how would you best describe yourself?

British. (enough said) Lol.

Yup. Lol. I love you Brits, Stephen Fry is freakin awesome. (hmmm, I hope he is British)

Now that we’re all friends, tell us your most embarrassing moment?

When I was in high school I got caught making out with the lead guitarist of our band…by his mother. She was working there and caught us in the band practice room. I never did find my bra. I should ask him about that…..

Bahahaha, crack up. I’m sure his mother had probably seen worse.

Do you have any upcoming signings or author appearances you would like to share?

Not at this time. Being in the UK it’s harder for me but I am hoping to visit the states next year.

Oh, I’d love to do that.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us?

Just that I am so amazingly grateful to all the readers and bloggers who have helped make my dream a reality. I am truly blessed to have them all.

<3

Well Marie, thank you so very much for sharing all that with us and I wish you well on your blog tour.

If you would like to learn more about Marie and her work, go to her website or facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/subclubbers/info#!/authormariecoulson?fref=ts

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16090876-bound-together

http://authormariecoulson.wordpress.com/

Happy reading 

Kez

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