Kiki: What is your favorite genre to read in, and what is it about that genre that attracts you to it? If you like a specific mix of genres, please state that particular combination.
Susan: Paranormal romance is my favorite genre, because by Romance Writers of America definition it includes science fiction and fantasy as well as romances with supernaturals: vampires, werewolves, Telkhines, Harmonies, etc.
Kiki: What is your favorite author to read in that genre, and why? Also, please tell me a little about the best book by that author you have read.
Susan: Charlaine Harris (author of the Sookie Stackhouse books on which True Blood is based) because her paranormal characters are in the everyday world. My favorite is DEAD TO THE WORLD, because it focuses on Vampire Eric.
Kiki: Do you have a Favorite Book of All Time?
Susan: I used to but right now I don’t. Among my favorites is AEQUITAS I BETRAYAL, a book by a brand new urban fantasist a.c. Mason. http://acmason.com
Kiki: What is the best book you read last month, and would you recommend it to a friend?
Susan: ONCE BITTEN, TWICE DEAD by Bianca D’arc is a fast, past story of a cop and the cute special forces officer that she joins forces with to fight zombies. It’s absolutely riveting and exciting.
Kiki: What are your reading habits like? For example, how many books do you read on average in a week, what format do you prefer to read in, what time of day do you read, and what setting is ideal for you to get lost in that book?
Susan: When my editor sends me back edits for my next book, my reading stops. Normally I can read up to eight books in a week. Once you have a publishing contract, you have to write. Right now, I have four novellas and two novels I’m working on, one right after another.
Kiki: If pressed, could you chose a favorite from the books you have written? Why is it your favorite?
Susan: THE STORMY LOVE LIFE OF LAURA CORDELAIS, because it is the book of my heart. I wasn’t planning to write a vampire/supernatural romance but the characters stayed in my dreams until I wrote their story. I love Laura’s crisis and how each of us can understand her because everyone has reached crisis point. Most of us wouldn’t have handled it the way Laura did at least I hope not, but even though she did, her story gives a lot of hope. I love David, the vampire who loves her, oh… let me count the ways. LOL. David has such fathomless dark eyes.
Kiki: How do you become inspired to write?
Susan: I keep a dream journal. I write every day. I live life.
Kiki: What part of the story do you think is your strength to write?
Susan: I have over 25 years of vampire research, and I love researching obscure mythology. I love romance, the kind that touches the heart and gives you shivers.
Kiki: When did THE STORMY LOVE LIFE OF LAURA CORDELAIS become part of a series?
Susan: My characters have relatives and friends and that let to spin-offs like WHEN LOVE SURVIVES and A VAMPIRE FOR CHRISTMAS. It especially led to the development of the Arnhem Society, a secret society of vampires in
Susan Hanniford Crowley
Where love burns eternal!
"25 years of vampire research"
ReplyDeleteWow, was this all for your writing?
Actually, years ago as a science fiction and fantasy author I started making appearances on panels at science fiction and fantasy conventions. I was asked to talk on vampires. I said yes, did a load of research, and was on a very successful panel. I've been researching and speaking on vampire panels ever since. Only in the last few years did I think of actually writing about vampires. LOL Funny how things work out.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your question.
Do you ever find research becoming a way of not writing? I seem to always reach that point and then smack myself on the head and get to work.
ReplyDeleteI designate time for my research and keep to it. It's very easy to get distracted and keep going when you find something fascinating. The time cutoff helps me focus and get back to my writing.
ReplyDeleteI work hardest when my editor sends me edits. That's when I have to smack myself on the head and say, "Keep going." I have to remind myself how it is so worth it in the end.