The Taylor Street Gang files, part 14. L.Anne Carrington.

Think of Pennsylvania and the mind automatically flies to such great historical and cultural landmarks as the American Revolution, the Birth of a Nation, Lake Erie, the Battle of Gettysburg, Quakers and Flashdance, (?). 

However, what's missing there, in that there list, is the name L. Anne Carrington. Author of the Cruiserweight series of books, Lori, (which is the "L" in her author name, in case you were wondering) is on my blog today, so let's check out some blurbs and then read her answers ;-)

The Cruiserweight

In this punchy, romantic take on the wrestling world where only some of the physical contact takes place in the ring, sports journalist Karen Montgomery has been following for years the career of Brett Kerrigan, one of the smallest cruiserweight wrestlers in the business, and can recall in detail every bout he has ever fought, recognising his outstanding skills as a wrestler and his intuitive flair for entertaining the crowd. She has even written an award-winning article about him. 

Now she desperately wants to meet him. One night, after many failed attempts to reach him, she looks up to find him standing right there in front of her. They get talking and they immediately hit it off. 

However, as they become involved and grow ever-closer, Brett loses his contract and must strike out on his own. Will their relationship survive the pressures on both of them, their differences in ages, and the other women in Brett's life? Or will one of them decide they are not the ideal tag-team after all?

The Cruiserweight's Daughter (The Cruiserweight Series)

Autumn is now the grown-up daughter of retired cruiserweight superstar Brett Kerrigan, but in the love stakes she’s a heavyweight.

She is searching for two things: success as a wrestler, just like her father, and for the intoxication of intimacy – she longs for an injection of the real love her parents share for each other. Several failed relationships leave her disillusioned and alone.

Three men each play a prominent role in Autumn’s pursuit of professional and personal success: Peter Klass, a retired cruiserweight legend determined to help make Autumn a star while trying to reconcile his own personal and professional lives, Mike Stackhouse, the fellow student wrestler who wins Autumn’s heart while on the edge of stardom with International, the world’s largest stage in professional wrestling, and Marcus Tucker, Brett’s personal assistant, the shining star of Peter’s cruiserweight class, and one of Autumn’s closest friends – and confidant – who once harbored a crush on her.

One night following the graduation show at Brett’s academy, the lives of Autumn and one of these men took a turn no one expected – yet affected those around them who cared the most.

Will her relationship with Mike survive the pressures of both their budding careers and that fateful night?

Or will she once again be a singles performer in the romance division?

1.) Tell us about yourself

I was born and raised in South western Pennsylvania. I love Pittsburgh and wouldn't leave this area unless there was a very good reason. I studied cosmetology in my late teens and hold a two-year degree in Business Office Specialist, which is basically a glorified secretary. I took classes in modelling and professional development at Barbizon Pittsburgh in the mid-90‘s.

I started writing as a teenager and had my first article posted in a major newspaper at 17. I kept writing throughout the remaining years of high school while also taking acting lessons. I continued writing off and on, but mostly as a hobby, until the early 2000‘s.

I got back into freelance writing full time a few years ago. One of my articles, An Overview of Causes of Hearing Loss and Deafness, was bought by Internet Broadcasting Systems, which reprinted the article on various major news and health-related web sites. My first novel, The Cruiserweight, was published in 2010 by my first publisher, Night Publishing.

2.) What genre do you specialise in?

I’ve written erotica and romance, but my most recent work is genre fiction/sports.

3.) What's your inspiration?

For my novels? I was always fascinated with professional wrestling from the time my former sister-in-law took me to a match when I was 18. She had dated Ivan Putski many years before she met and married - then subsequently divorced - one of my brothers. As a result of her previously dating Putski, she had developed a lot of contacts in that world. Since we were good friends, she took me to a lot of matches where we got in for absolutely no charge and always had great seats (and sometimes got backstage).

I got away from wrestling for a few years to pursue other interests. It wasn’t until around 2000 and after that I again started watching. Though I haven't watched much wrestling on TV recently, I will admit it's been fun writing wrestling-themed novels. The Cruiserweight took a little over two years to write, whereas The Cruiserweight’s Daughter only took six months.

4.) Who is your favourite author, why and did he/she inspire you to write in any way?

I love Ann Rule. I think I’ve read every book the woman’s ever written. Whether you’re a true crime buff or not, her books grab you from the first chapter and keep you there until the final word. I was influenced by books of many genres, from biographies to classic fiction.

5.) How do you feel about Taylor?

I think Taylor Street Books is a great publisher! So many people out there still believe the myth that no one is truly a successful author unless their books are published by one of the “Big Six” publishers. Truth is, more small (and independent) publishing houses are becoming prominent and publishing excellent books. Lucky for many of us, Taylor is among those publishing companies.

6.) What are your plans?

My next novel will literally begin November 1. I am participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) this year with writing The Cruiserweight Series’ third book.

Klass Act focuses on Donovan Klass, the son of Autumn’s former wrestling trainer, Peter. He is now a juvenile probation officer and father of a young daughter, Avadon. When he sees his child’s mother, Ava Hassan, become a success on the independent wrestling scene and his best friend Marcus (Brett’s personal assistant in the second book) become a cruiserweight superstar with International, Donovan ponders offers from both his father and Brett to take wrestling training and have his own career in the squared circle.

7.) On the Web?

My Web Site: http://www.lannecarrington.com

The Book Shelf Blog: http://newandgoodreading.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theloric2

Twitter: @lacarrington1

Amazon Author Profile (you can find all my books here): http://www.amazon.com/L.-Anne-Carrington/e/B0055STQL6

Well thank you very much, Lori! You've made me see Big Daddy, (A famous British wrestler from the 70's, early 80's in case you're wondering) in a whole new light!

Now you know peeps!

As you were.

Reggie.