Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As a lifetime avid reader and writer I have always wanted to publish novels. My obsession with Paris, the French Revolution, vampires, art museums and all things paranormal spawned my debut novel, Immortal Obsession. I have written a total of three novels, all in The Enchanted Bloodline Series.
I continue to work in the business office of a non-profit school for children with special needs in Northern New Jersey. I love the schools’ mission and the work they do with kids. I am honored to be a part of it all.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel, Eternal Hunger is book three in The Enchanted Bloodline Series and chronicles the plight of my protagonist, vampire Christian Du Maure, an eighteenth century man turned vampire who now lives in present day Manhattan. This series began in 2005 after a paranormal encounter introduced me to the character who would become Christian Du Maure. I have been writing about him and his tortured soul ever since.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write when I am inspired, not out of a sense of obligation. Life is too complicated and I would rather find joy in my writing time than suffer through it because it is something I should be doing; however, when my muse calls, I answer him.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice changed my way of thinking about vampires and writing about them. Her series about vampires and witches has profoundly impacted my writing style. I read voraciously but to name a few authors: John Connolly, Lisa Jewell, Sharon Bolton, Stephen King and C J Tudor are some of my favorites. Oh, and I’ll read anything about my idol Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
What are you working on now?
I have a series of novels titled The Enchanted Bloodline series which consists of my debut novel, Immortal Obsession, Blood Tears and Eternal Hunger. I am presently working on the fourth novel in this series titled All That Remains.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote through my website and social media sites. I generate a quarterly newsletter which offers among other things, excerpts from my novels and book promotions. I actually ran a contest to garner reviews and the prize was to be named as a character in my next novel. I love to invite and engage my readers. They truly inspire me.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Most of us wear many hats and sometimes writing takes a back seat to daily life. Do not beat yourself if you are unable to write everyday. Write when you are inspired. I find that when I feel truly inspired I generate more content rather than forcing myself to sit at my desk each day to write. I don’t function in this way.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Tomorrow is another day.” Scarlett O’Hara ~ Gone With The Wind
What are you reading now?
I just finished The Ancestors by Danielle Trussoni, author of Angelogy and Angelopolis, among other books. I am in the midst of reading Luke Jennings series which inspired the BBC series Killing Eve.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on book four in the Enchanted Bloodline Series tentatively titled All That Remains. After I publish this novel next year I am not sure what lies ahead.
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?
This is a tough one!
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
A Patriot’s Handbook~ Songs, Poems, Stories, and Speech Celebrating the Land We Love, Selected and Introduced by Caroline Kennedy
The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali
Author Websites and Profiles
Denise Rago Website
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