Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the Intertwined Novels, the White Rabbit Chronicles, and the Everlife Novels, among numerous novels for an adult audience as well. Her stories have been praised as “unputdownable.” Gena lives in Oklahoma with her family and a menagerie of dogs and has kindly written a piece for us to mark the release of her new novel Lifeblood.
Gena Showalter
My mother: Only the strong survive!
My momma is the strongest woman I know. She taught me (and therefore Ten) to never let the opinion of others sway me from doing what I believe is right, and to always stand up when I get knocked down. And if I can’t stand, I should crawl. As long as I’m moving forward, the past can’t catch up.
My best friend and fellow author Jill Monroe: Let me give you a hand!
Jill gives of herself so generously, and always with a smile. While Ten can’t exactly say the same--her smiles are kind of rare--she is willing to help a friend in need without a moment’s hesitation, no matter what it’s going to cost her.
The “Colewaters,” Kresley Cole and PC Cast: Welcome to temptation, baby!
If there’s a party, these beauties are the stars. They are fun, charming, and utterly delightful. Every moment I’m in their presence, I’m smiling and happy to be alive. Ten—who has spent the last year and a half imprisoned in an asylum—longs for this kind of adventure.
My sisters, Shonna Hurt and Michelle Quine: Far better than underwire!
To succeed, a person has to have a good support system. Someone to pick you up when you’re down, to cry and laugh with, someone who knows the real you and loves you anyway. I get support from my younger sisters, while Ten gets hers from the guys determined to win her soul: Killian Flynn and Archer Prince.
The girl I always wanted to be, mathematically inclined – Let me count the ways!
All my life I have sucked at math. Also known as “mathing” in my family. Writing about a girl who is obsessed with numbers and numerology was a serious challenge, and sometimes I wanted to slap myself for going there, but as Ten likes to say: No risk, no reward.
My daughter, Victoria – Not even chocolate compares!
How I gave birth to the sweetest, most big-hearted girl in the world, I don’t know. (#blessed) Her love for other people inspires me—and Ten! Ten knows love is the answer. Love comes first, always, and true love lasts forever.
My agent, Deidre Knight – The best offense is a strong defense!
One of the things I love most about this amazing woman is her willingness to go to bat for those in her care. Ten feels the same about her posse. If she has to rumble to protect a friend, by gosh, she’ll rumble.
My sisters-in-law, Jen and Kemmie – You're one of us, and that's that!
These precious girls have taught me that you don’t have to be blood to be family. You just have to love. Ten experiences this kind of connection with (some of) the people in her chosen afterlife realm, Troika, and she wants (and needs) more. The more the merrier!
My mother-in-law, Pennye – Can’t we all just get along?
This woman constantly astounds me in the best ways. She is the peacekeeper and wants everyone in her “realm” to be happy. Ten craves peace between the afterlife realms the way other people crave sugar.
My soon to be daughter-in-law: Blue – Romance never dies!
The love she and my son share is so touching to witness. There’s chemistry, yes, but also mutual respect and adoration. Ten has never known the joy of being romanced…until Killian. He is learning the way to her heart, determined to win her.
