Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m originally from upstate New York, but ended up being transplanted in North Carolina for the past several years. I’m living in Connecticut at the moment, but this winter has convinced me to head back south sooner rather than later! I write primarily novels with paranormal elements. I’ve had one full length novel, a novella, and two short stories previously published. The novel and novella (a romance, which now also full length, bow-chicka-wow-wow!) are being re-released this year with new companies!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Wintertide: The King’s Mortal was based off an old manuscript I penned back when I was about fifteen. The story evolved and matured with me, and ended up being a far cry from the original story. As a vampire novel it, of course, stars Vlad Dracula. But I wanted to portray an aspect of him from his life: a man who would do anything, no matter the cost, to prevail over those he considered enemies.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write best in places I shouldn’t. I always get an amazing amount of writing done at work if given the opportunity. I also have a weird urge to put on Hell’s Kitchen while I’m writing. Something about Gordon Ramsay screaming “WHERE’S THE LAMB SAUCE” soothes the soul.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Everyone with a mild interest in writing something nerve-wracking says this, but Stephen King is an all-time favorite. He has this really basic language style that’s still visual, and his suspense is off the charts. Some of my early favorites are the Den of Shadows quartet, Jane Yolen’s Rokk Pit books, and the Hannibal Lecter novels. I recently read Salem’s Lot though, and it raised the bar for vampires.
What are you working on now?
I’m actually re-writing the original manuscript that The King’s Mortal was based on. As I said, it’s a far cry from what’s about to be released. I think readers might enjoy being able to see the subtle connections and how they transitioned from one book to another.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I recently fell in love with Twitter. It posts automatically to my Facebook, and most of the time the character limit is strangely liberating!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Let the characters do their thing. If you fight them, they’ll make your life a living hell.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My mentor, Doris Flynn Taylor, told me at our first meeting (I was about twelve at the time and was interviewing her for a school project) “Ten chapters, ten pages each.”
What are you reading now?
I most recently had been working my way through Mr. Mercedes.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, The King’s Mortal is available 03.06.15, and as I said, my romance novella is now a full length novel. “When the Gloves Come Off” will be out in May, and is a sport romance that has lots of physical contact of all styles – as well as the mafia. I’m working on sequels to both novels.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Shining, Red Dragon, Heidi, and probably some sort of survival guide, lol
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