We are very excited to have Helena Hunting featured on Step Into Fiction! I reviewed both Clipped Wings and Cupcakes & Ink last month! I am a huge fan of this series! Check out my reviews here and here.
(Clipped Wings #1)
Release Date: March 4, 2014
Publisher: Gallery Books; 400 pages
Summary
Their body art is hot. Their chemistry is even hotter.
From her dark hair sweeping below her waist to her soft, sexy curves, Tenley Page intrigues tattoo artist Hayden Stryker in a way no one else ever has…especially when she asks him to ink a gorgeous, intricate design on her back. Yet for all her beauty, there is something darkly tragic and damaged about Tenley that Hayden is everything.
Covered in ink and steel, Hayden is everything Tenley has never dared to want, awakening a desire to explore more than the art adorning his stunning body. Trapped by a past that leaves her screaming from nightmares, Tenley sees Hayden as the perfect escape. Although he has secrets too, if they both keep themselves guarded perhaps their intense physical connection will remain only that.
But nothing, not even passion, can keep them safe from their pasts…
For starters I want to say that I am a big fan of yours. I remember reading Clipped Wings online a few years ago, and would get so excited whenever a new chapter was posted. I was so happy to see it published and can't wait to hold a physical copy.
Thank you! It’s been wonderful connecting with Clipped Wings readers who knew of the story back when it was originally posted.
When did your interest in tattoo's start? And as a follow up do you have any tattoos?
I suppose my interest in body modification began in my teen years. From early on I was fascinated by art in all it forms, and that extended far beyond what could be found on canvas. My affinity for body art and piercings seemed to be a natural extension of that.
As for tattoos, I have a few. All of them are hidden under clothing, though. I have a piece in mind that I’d love to have designed, but I need to find the right artist. The tattooists I admire most are located in the UK, so they’re not easily accessible since I’m an ocean away. Although, I’d love to visit there again, so maybe that would give me the excuse I need.
How much research on tattooing did you do before starting this novel?
My love of body modification has been long standing, so I guess I’ve been indirectly researching the art and practice for a many years prior to writing Clipped Wings. One of my close friends used to be a tattooist before she moved into the health care field, so she’s been a wealth of information. Every studio has different protocol when it comes to process and aftercare, so I don’t think any single source has all the answers. Beyond that I watched documentaries, read articles and checked out the magazines in my local Chapters purely out of personal interest.
Clipped Wings is such an emotionally deep book. Have you ever had to take a breather while writing, to compose?
Some chapters were more difficult to write than others because of the emotional intensity. There were days I found it challenging to get the words down on the page. Whenever I become too bogged down in the writing I go for a run or step away for a short while so I can go back with fresh eyes and a clear mind.
Have you always wanted to be an author? If not, what other professions have you thought about pursuing?
I’ve always loved writing. As soon as I was capable of putting words on a page I did, but I never considered writing a possible career until Clipped Wings.
What's your favorite genre to read?
I grew up on lit fic, but I love paranormal romance. I have a particular fondness for vampires and fae. No matter the genre, I’m drawn to stories that focus on the relationships between people.
Can you describe your feelings when you found out that Clipped Wings was going to be published?
Disbelief, elation, excitement, terror, victory, joy. It was such a long road from the original draft to the one in print form, I don’t think I was entirely convinced the project would ever come to fruition.
I remember reading another story of yours online that was very different from Clipped Wings, it was pretty much comedic. Which do you find easier to write, comedy or darker stories?
Misapprehension was definitely comedic. That story was exactly what I needed to temper all the angst in Clipped Wings. I love writing both equally, but the darker stories are emotionally satisfying in a very different way. The comedy is fun, though.
Hayden and Tenley are such unique names that you can't help but remember them. Why did you decide on these character names?
They were names that resonated with me. Hayden and Tenley come from uncommon circumstances and their names echo that. Interestingly enough, the etymology of the name Hayden means “heathen,” which is rather fitting.
Lastly which do you prefer on the opposite sex piercings or tattoos?
Do I have to pick? Having written a character covered in ink and steel, I appreciate both, but if I have to choose, I’m definitely a huge fan of ink.
Buy / Pre-Order Links
Kobo Cracks in the Armor
(not listed yet)
Bio
Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She's putting her English degree to good use by writing popular fiction. She is the author of Clipped Wings, her debut novel, and Inked Armor.
Great interview!
ReplyDelete