Continuing the Fire Tango party

Fremont

When I get a story idea, parts of the plot are thought out first, and when I feel like I need to write it, I start by naming characters. Sometimes it’s easy, but other times I research names to use. It’s a fun part in the process, and sometimes I rename characters when the name just doesn’t seem to fit as the character grows.

I’ve blogged about the names for Water Waltz before, but I’ll review it here and add to it for the new characters introduced in Fire Tango. 

Fremont is the lead in Fire Tango. He was a side character in Water Waltz but his story begged to be told. His name wasn’t picked for a special reason. It’s just a name I like. I think it fits his personality though.

Leandre

Leandre is our second lead. He, too, had his debut in Water Waltz. His name is Greek and means “lion man.” He’s a strong but gentle character. In Fire Tango he faces torment of the heart, but stands his ground to protect his lover.

Fitzgerald is the first faerie character. His name came from one of my favorite authors. Fitz is a close friend of Fremont’s. Once upon a time, there were two casinos in downtown Las Vegas. One was Fitzgerald and the other was Fremont. The names have been changed now, but I found the fact amusing.

The wrench (one of many) in Fremont and Leandre’s perfect romance is Kestrel Du Chastain. He’s a devil from Fremont’s past with nothing but good intentions. I really love this name. Kestrel is a small bird of prey. Chastain is from Old French castan for chestnut tree. So Kestrel’s full name means “bird of prey of the chestnut tree.” It wasn’t intentional, but it sure does fit.

The bad guy is Riston. Every story needs a baddie, and this one is out to see Fremont suffer. His name is related to his element—earth.

Another earth demon introduced is Pekelo. His name means “rock.” I simply adore Pekelo. He started out as a love interest to be developed beside Leandre and Fremont’s budding relationship, but it just didn’t fit the murderous plot. So Pekelo’s romance story is saved for the third book. I just need to plan and write it.

We also meet some devils I named after friends—Estella, Moro, Anna, Laura, and even Juxon. The family name, St Aryie, is also a friend’s name. And the Constable Stephen Banks is a tease to a dear friend. When I need to name a bunch of characters, I go to my social media pages. So like or friend me on Facebook, and comment when I do a name call post. I might use your name too.

I’ve posted a guide to the locations for Water Waltz, and it includes all the key places in Fire Tango as well. (Loire in Bretagne, and Foxwood in Spezia) 

Remember to leave a comment to be entered to win a prize during the Fire Tango release event!

Fire Tango excerpt one

Fremont rested on his back with his hands folded behind his head, patiently studying the ceiling. He could hear guards speaking to each other, but the discussion didn’t include his fate. He hadn’t been told anything, but he was fed and treated well, which was all he could ask for. Fremont had also been given an empty cell in an empty room. The privacy only gave him a sense of dread. To be separated from others couldn’t be a good sign.

“I had expected an arrest for lewd behavior, Fremont.”

Fremont recognized the voice and sat up. “Varun.” He smiled as relief swept into his being. “What brings you here, doll?”

“I had to see it myself,” Varun teased, approaching the cell. “Did they really restrain your tail?”

Fremont carefully got to his feet and turned to show how the guards had taped the appendage to his leg in three areas. “It’s uncomfortable and throws my balance off. What did they expect me to do with it, steal the keys and flee?”

“Probably.” Varun motioned for Fremont to step closer. He squatted down near the bars and reached inside with a pocketknife to cut the tape away. “I vouched for you, so don’t plan any escape with my honor on the line,” he warned halfheartedly.

Fremont smiled. “Have you been told why I’m here?”

“Murder. Such a ghastly mark, Fremont. You couldn’t have been framed with something with less shock value?”

“You say I was framed?”

Varun closed his pocketknife and put it away. “You’re not the murdering type.”

“What did they tell you about the murder? What evidence is there that I’m to blame here?”

“It looks bad for you, Fremont. They’ve linked this incident to one from Foxwood.”

Fremont backed away from the bars, studying Varun in a manner he hadn’t seen before. He would have guessed Fremont suddenly feared him. “What were you told, exactly?”

“I won’t repeat a word, Fremont. What was told to me is not mine to repeat.”

Fremont’s heart fell. He lowered to his knees and stared at the concrete floor. He had spent ten years hiding, and now the past had found him. He had never wanted Varun, or anyone, to know.

It was a long time before he could lift his gaze back to Varun’s face. “I didn’t do it,” he whispered.

FireTango and Water Waltz are both available now.

Elemental Attraction Series

Water Waltz is a political thriller with countries set against each other. The two lead characters, Varun and Triste, move along with the plot they help shape. Fire Tango is a murder mystery with characters set against each other. The murders and Fremont himself move the plot. The two stories are similar and share the world introduced in Water Waltz, but politics do not come into play for Fire Tango as they do in Water Waltz.

The story starts a year after Water Waltz. The demons are cracking down on human trade, and all crimes against humans are now handled exclusively by STAR. Fremont is accused of murdering a human, and the ordeal forces him to face his past. Despite wanting to see to it himself, Leandre joins Fremont in his journey to the devil country of Spezia where everything falls apart.

I didn’t originally set out to write Fire Tango as a murder mystery. In my first outline, Fremont’s past was going to spur more political movements, but it just didn’t feel right. Stepping away from world building gave me a change to further develop characters and character relations. I also think a murder mystery is a tad more fun than bickering countries.

The romance in Fire Tango is also very different than the one in Water Waltz. Fremont and Leandre have an established relationship that’s put to the test. Fremont struggles with his belief that he’ll lose Leandre if Leandre gets to know him too well. It’s a fear I’m sure a lot of readers understand. Letting another person know you as you know yourself can be terrifying.

They also face outside sources of difficulties. The world plot comes into play when devils and demons are two races not allowed to fall in love. Hard choices come into play for Leandre and Fremont, and bring up the question of whether or not the love will survive. But don’t worry. The question is answered by the end.

What do you like in your fantasy books? Some epic worlds or some epic adventure?

FireTango and Water Waltz are both available now.

Fire Tango Release Event!

Let's get this party started.

I was going to be posting on the Dreamspinner's blog as well, but wordpress hates me. (the feeling is mutual)

I'll be giving away a paperback copy of Fire Tango, and a few ebooks too. The rules are simple! Leave a comment on any one of the posts made during the event, and you'll be added to a random drawing.

Edit: Since wordpress won't let me post to my publisher's blob, I decided to turn this into a multiple day event. So this party is going to happen until Sunday! (November 11th) That'll be plenty of time for people to read excerpts and posts and leave comments.

Good luck and have fun!

Comment on these posts to be entered: (I'll update the list each day)

• Elemental Attraction Series
• Excerpt one
• Continuing the Party
• Excerpt two
• Guest spot on Shira Anthony's blog
• Elemental Attraction: Not your usual devils
• Excerpt three