The masterminds behind Sydney Croft are none other than New York Times bestselling authors Stephanie Tyler and Larissa Ione. With Ione’s expertise in all things paranormal and Tyler’s incredible suspense skills, they are one powerful writing team.
Together they write the erotic paranormal suspense series ACRO. The series follows agents from the Agency for Covert Rare Operatives, all specializing in some form of paranormal specialty. The sixth book in the series, Taken by Fire releases June 28th and will feature Stryker and Melanie.
Thank you so much to both Larissa and Stephanie for being here today!
Larissa: Thanks for having us!
Steph: *waves*Â Hey everyone!
Book Pushers: What can you tell us about Taken by Fire, and a very unique heroine who shares a body with her evil sister?
Larissa: Well, in Taken By Fire, Stryker, the hero who can control earthquakes, is after revenge against the evil woman who killed his friend. Unfortunately, when he finds the woman, he also finds that she shares a body with a very NOT evil twin sister, and suddenly, Stryker’s revenge plans aren’t so cut and dry.
Steph: Stryker was born and raised in the ACRO community – both of his parents are agents, so he’s really grown up with his powers. But when his mentor – Akbar – was killed in Tempting The Fire – Stryker’s world turned upside down. All he can think about is getting revenge – and then he discovers something pretty shocking about her that turns everything upside down.
Book Pushers: What do you have in store for the next ACRO book? Can you give us any sneak peaks?
Larissa: Er…well, there won’t be another one. Taken By Fire is the last in the series! That’s not to say that Steph and I won’t write more stories in the ACRO world — we do plan some novellas that would release in ebook format — but right now we’re not contracted for more books.
Steph: When we started the series, our arc was always for 6 books. I always feel like the world can start to get unwieldy and I really like how we were able to wrap things up. That being said, I’m absolutely looking forward to doing some ACRO novellas along the way.
Book Pushers: NOOO! That is the saddest thing I’ve heard all day!!! What inspired you to combine Stephanie’s suspense skills with Larissa’s paranormal mastery, and then throw in some steamy lovin’?
Larissa: Well, we really found that we clicked as friends, and then our writing was just so similar…and yet, at the same time different in a way that complimented each other. So Steph brought her yummy military heroes into the mix, I brought…animals. What? There are lots of animals in the ACRO world!
Steph: And we have a blast writing together. It’s really some of the easiest writing I’ve ever done!
Book Pushers: How did you two get together and decide to start writing as one?
Larissa: I’ll hand this one to Steph…she tells it better than I do.
Steph: Well, Larissa had been mentioning us writing together for a while. And we were both working on individual stories – and then Hurricane Katrina happened. Larissa had to leave her house with her son and barely anything else and she was calling me from the road and crying and it was so awful being helpless. At the time, I’d started writing a novella but my character ended up being a draw for weather – and I couldn’t get past the first chapter. Finally, in January, I sent her the first chapter which ended with Remy finding a naked woman in the shower and I said, your turn. She asked, what am I supposed to do with this woman? And I said, I have no idea, but she’s not cooperating for me, so maybe she’ll listen to you. And Haley was born.
She also pointed out that I was sending a book about hurricanes to her – I said, maybe it’ll be cathartic…
I think we wrote the original Riding the Storm (which started out as a novella) in three weeks and sold it maybe a week after we sent it to our agent. I couldn’t have written the entire book myself because it really was both our books.
Book Pushers: What is your process when writing? Do you divide characters, chapters, line-by-line?
Larissa: For the most part, Steph writes the heroes and I write the heroines, though we mixed it up a little with minor characters. For example, she wrote Marlena and Coco, and I took Ryan. We just pass the book back and forth after we finish a scene with our individual characters.
Steph: It’s much easier with each of us writing the different points of view – and it’s really so much fun to get a scene back from Larissa because even though I might know technically what’s supposed to happen, the characters always have some fun twists and turns. I think Larissa describes it like, we actually get to watch our characters falling in love. It’s a very cool process and hard to describe how it just unfolds.
Book Pushers: Are there any difficulties writing as duo? Do you have disagreements on the direction of a story, character, ect?
Larissa: Honestly, the difficulties came more from external things; finding time between our individual projects, home life, etc. Any disagreements in the story were few and far between, and we just talked them out, which was fairly easy because we looked at what was best for the book, not what was best for US. We really do check our egos at the door when writing Sydney books.
Steph: There was very little we disagreed on in the books – and it was usually a small thing. The plots and characters, the direction of the series – we were always on the same page with that stuff. But yeah, as we had more of our own books due, it was harder to schedule in time to work together. And that’s the key to these books – we have to write them literally together. We can do it fast, but finding a month neither of us had a million other things due got really tough.
Book Pushers: How did the ACRO world come to be? Where did the ideas come from?
Larissa: *eyes Steph* Her fault. She created a dude who attracted hurricanes. It all came from there…
Steph: It was Larissa’s fault. She was fleeing from Hurricane Katrina and I was supposed to be writing a novella and I was so worried about her that all I could get Remy to do was draw hurricanes to him.
Book Pushers: Which favourite powers do you wish you could have and which ones would you curse your fictional enemies with?
Larissa: I’d like any power, really. And then I’d go vigilante on scumbags. My enemies? I’d curse them with explosive diarrhea that would happen when they’re fighting…
Steph: Invisibility for me. With that, I wouldn’t need to curse any of them – I could simply track them down and take care of them.
Book Pushers: Do you have a favourite character? And if they have a theme song which one is it that sums up the most of your character?
Larissa: Ooh, tough one. I like ALL the characters! I guess I have a special place in my heart for Kira, and I also love the hell out of Dev.
Steph: Ender, hands down. But Oz comes a really close second!
Book Pushers: If you could go on a date with any fictional hero, who would it be?
Larissa: Angel from Buffy The Vampire Slayer. YUM!!!!
Steph: Alcide from True Blood or Eric from True Blood. Or both! Heh.
*Dear Fans, rest assured that Steph assured me that she and Larissa will team up in the future. So while we might have to say goodbye to the ACRO Series, they will be back for more in the future! WHEW! *wipes brows* We were worred there for a while!
Thanks so much to both Larissa and Steph for being here today! They have offered up TWO copies of Taken by Fire for anyone who comments below! Readers choice of print or kindle copy! Contest will close Wednesday the 29th.
Taken By Fire sounds quite interesting. I am intriqued by both the duo authors and well as the good/evil twins sharing a body. These are makings for an exciting good read.
rjofus(at)gmail(dot)com
I love both of your books seperately so I’d love to read this book and be blown away with how awazing this book is with both of you writing it. Great interview! I’d prefer the print copy if I was so lucky as to win. And thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks for the givewaway!
This sounds very interesting and the interview was fun to read.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these ladies…. So sad to know that this is the last book in the series… but never say never right *fingers crossed for more*
I would LOVE to win a print copy then my collection would be complete.
Thank you for a chance to win,
Kelly M
crazybookfairy(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I am new to the books here, the first two books I read I couldn’t put down, they were soooo good, very well written. I read a lot of horror and have my favorite authors, I am pleased to say I have added both to my favorite authors!!
great interview,
I would love a printed copy of this book, looks and sounds like such a great book.
Shannon
Loved the interview! Can’t wait to read the book and thanks for the chance at a free copy, hopefully e-reader copy is an option? Judie
I love PNR in all its form and those two ladies are absolute greatness individually and together. I simply cannot wait to read anything they publish.
Thank for a chance to win this last installment in the ACRO series. I’m kind of both elated and sad…
Mary
I’ve read them all and I cant wait for this “final” installment (cries just a little). I’m hoping for a novella on Creed/Annika baby? I’ll take anything!
I love the ACRO books and am so sorry to see them end. Bt, I can’t wait for this book!
Would love a chance to win this book. I’m a great fan of Larissa and certainly anything she’d written or contributed to is certain to be wonderful.
Thanks!
nancy
I have really enjoyed Larissa Ione’s Demonica Series & the first Lords of Deliverance. I haven’t been reading paranormal romance books very long but am learning what I have been missing all this time. Will be definitely be looking into this series & catching up on it. Thanks ladies!
Great interview!!! I love both Stephanie and Larissa!!! I can’t imagine a better writing team 😉
Thanks for the giveaway!
Katie W
Katiewalthall AT ymail DOT com
I have never read this series before but after reading this interview I will definitely pick these books up. You have also pushed me further towards wanting to have a writing partner too.
I know that persona Lydia Dare is two fabulous writers as well. It seems to be a great dynamic when creating a new story.
Thanks ladies!
The ARCO books introduced me to your individual works, and I have read everything you both have produced, together and individually! Ms. Tyler, I wrote in a review for one of your books how much I enjoy your heroes, so I wasn’t at all surprised to find out you handle hero duty in the ARCO series. Ms. Ione, your heroines always possess a strength of will and an inherent appeal, so again, no surprise to find out you handle the female leads.
Sorry to hear there are no more full length ARCO novels on the horizon, but I will look for the novellas, as well as your independent works. Thanks to both of you for many hours of reading pleasure!
Very disappointed about the end of the ACRO series, but remain hopeful Stephanie and Larissa will find a mutually satisfying project in the very near future. I truly loved this series. Having read nearly everything each author has written as individuals, I wasn’t a huge surprise how the tasks were divided. Together they brought to life some of my all-time favorite characters…regardless of genre. Carry on!
I have read all of your books Larissa but have not read these yet and now I really can’t wait. I think its really cool how you guys write like this. I am going to share with my daughter who aspires to be a writer. She will will love to hear your writing process.
Thanks for taking the time to talk to us.
Thanks Ladies
Blonde_mama_t(at)me(dot)com
CAN NOT GET ENOUGH OF BOTHE OF YOUR BOOKS!!! I WOULD LOVE A COPY OF THIS BOOK- PRINT COPY. THANK YOU AND PLEASE KEEP WRITING !!!!
I must get back to reading this series asap!
I love this series and can’t wait to read Take by Fire to see how it all ends.
i heard that vicious rumor of the last of ACRO and i cried then…please tell me you at least let us know about those mia? i love this series and i will miss it, but i will read what you have out in the future…and yes ACRO novellas greatly appreciated!! (i always fancied Creed)
seachele71@hotmail.com
Thanks for the giveaway. I love the ACRO books.
*clapping hands*..would complete my set:) LOL! Can’t wait to dig into it! Thanks for posting the giveaway..always love the chance!
I love your books. You are both great to read. The characters you create have real depth and I really enjoy that. Glad to here that there will be novellas.
Do you guys help guide the Facebook characters? I’ve been wondering as a new book is about to come out it seems the characters storylines mesh.
Thank you for the giveaway. Creed is my favorite too :).
I haven’t read the ACRO series yet, but honestly I can’t wait to pick up the book. You ladies just completely enabled my amazon addiction!
Huge fan of Larissa Ione and Stephanie Tyler, your work is so insanely good! Can not wait for this new Acro book to come out, counting down the days 🙂 Would love to win a print copy, the covers are just to gorgeous not to get the print version!
bluesun1218@dishmail.net
Would love to finally get my hands on an ACRO story, well, get my hands on my kindle with an ACRO title would be on it! 🙂 kindle version, please!
Ah! I’ve been anxiously awaiting this book! I’m sad to see this series end, but I do agree that things get complicated and hard to keep up with when a series is super long (Sherrilyn Kenyon, who is also a good author, is an obvious example). Keep up the great work! I recommend your books to customers at the book store I work at ALL of the time. Haven’t had any of them come back with anything less than praise.
I love this series. Thanks for the chance to win this book.
I’m late to the ACRO party but I know I’ll love it – if I win then I’ll start at the beginning and catch up quickly. Thanks for all your hard work, Larissa and Stephanie!
i can wow and hope you have fun the book looks awesome
Thank you for sharing your thoughts today. I love that the hero is able to control earthquakes and I want to see how that is played out in the story. Very unique and intriguing.
I would like to have a printed copy if I am lucky enough to win. Thanks for the giveaway!
I own all of the books in the ACRO series so far.. and I can’t wait to add Taken by Fire to my bookshelf! I am a huge fan of the series… a HUGE fan of Larissa’s and Stephanie’s as well. These girls are genius! I am sad to see the series come to an end, but look forward to any work in the future! Larissa and Stephanie ROCK!!!!
Still new to the ACRO series which I am trying to remedy, and yes I enjoyed the first book so much that I like to continue.
* Waves to Larissa and Steph * So glad to know that you two will pair up in the future.
I am so SAD that this is the last book. This series truly ROCKED!!!!
I LOVE the ACRO series. These books are some of my faves. This article was pretty awesome – it was cool to learn HOW Stephanie and Larissa write them. I’m glad to know that even though this is technically the last one, they will be back for some novellas. That makes me happy. I can’t wait to read this one!!
Great giveaway!!! I love both of these authors and can’t wait to read Taken by Fire!!!
Congrats to Stephanie and Larissa on the upcoming release. I’m a fan of the series, too.
Great interview.I always find it interesting how two authors write a book together. I could never do that.
Thanks for the chance to win this book
I am so looking forward to reading this book. It looks so good.
The ACRO series was the first romance in Trade paperback size that I read. Until I read Riding The Storm, I wasn’t sure that the extra expense would be worth it. Boy was I wrong. I just dearly love this series and have gone on to read many trade paperbacks since. Thanks for the giveaway. I am really very sorry that the series has to end but I look forward to the possibility of novellas. Thanks again.
I’m happy to hear that Larissa and Stephanie will team up for more books, that’s fantastic.
Barbed1951 at aol dot com
I love both Larissa and Stephanie’s books individually, but together they are totally awesome. I am sorry to see ACRO end,but am glad to know we will be able to visit them from time to time in the future.
koonie2888 at yahoo dot com
Just started the series and I am hooked. Can’t wait to read them all and sad to know there is an end.
OMG I’d do backflips to win a copy!! I’m so sad this series is ending because it’s my favorite!! I”m going to reread the whole series to build up the suspense before I read this last one! Thanks for the interview and great giveaway!!
Sounds fascinating. I’d love a copy! *fingers crossed*
This looks really interesting! I’ll have to take a loon into the rest of the series! 🙂
WOW!!! This is a great interview!! I’m new to this series!! It sounds very intriguing!! I hope to win!! 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!!!
jfort357(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I’ve been wanting to give this series a try. I love the idea of people who can control the natural elements. I’d love to win a copy of the book – that would force me to get the rest of them since I hate reading books out of order.
I have all the books except for this one….it’s sad the series has ended ….can’t wait to see what you girls come up with next…..