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.
Marie Treanor: I’m a terrible genre hopper, in reading as well as writing! I like paranormals, crime/suspense, historical, futuristic/sci-fi, steampunk…, both within the wider Romance genre and not. But I wouldn’t rule out any genre – if the story or the characters appeal to me, I’ll read it. In the case of paranormal, I suppose it’s the imaginative scope that attracts, and the endless possibilities for the kind of atmosphere you can lose yourself in – sheer escapism!
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.
Marie Treanor: Oh yikes, I’ve come up with too many genres! I’ll pick paranormal again, since it was first on my list J. I do change my mind periodically, but at the moment I’d say Marta Acosta because I love her combination of humour, romance and ingenious storylines. The best for me is probably Haunted Honeymoon, the last in the Casa Dracula series, just because it is the perfect ending - great fun and completely satisfying romantically.
The series is about a fun, sexy but mixed up literature graduate who inadvertently gets infected by a vampire during a moment of passion. Well, we all know he’s a vampire although he claims and apparently believes he has a rare, genetic disorder! Anyway, the books are all about her highly entertaining journey toward self-understanding, fulfillment, and true love, which isn’t necessarily where she wanted it to be at first. She’s a wonderful, quirky character – in fact, they all are! - and the final book contains everything I loved about the whole series (including the very sexy Ian!), plus some very moving scenes toward the end.
Kiki: Do you have a Favorite Book of All Time? Of course, please tell us what about that book makes it your favorite.
Marie Treanor: Hmm, I think it’s probably a historical novel by Scottish author Dorothy Dunnett, who wrote the Lymond and the House of Niccolo series. I loved both of these series, but the single novel that stands out for me is King Hereafter, a stand-alone book which re-tells the story of the real Macbeth – not the villain of Shakespeare but a strong man of his time who used the power he won to build a new and better country.
King Hereafter brings alive the historical settings and characters, the adventure, the politics, the brutality and sheer injustice; and yet through it all the main protagonists shine as real and great human beings. The love story between Macbeth and his wife is profound and moving, and although the tragedy is inevitable because we all know what happened to Macbeth, it still catches you up and makes you cry. The whole novel is like a cycle, ending on a note so touching that I still think about it years and years later!
Kiki: What is the best book you read last month, and would you recommend it to a friend?
Marie Treanor: That would be The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook – a fabulous steampunk world, wonderful characters, an exciting story and a sensual and moving romance. All told in a beautiful, unique style. I love it to bits and would highly recommend it to everyone!
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?
Marie Treanor: Like most things in my life, my reading habits are erratic and chaotic! Depending on what else is happening in real life and writing life, I might read two or three books in a week (more on holiday!). But sometimes I don’t manage to read any, or find myself struggling with the same book for several weeks – not because I don’t enjoy it but because the only time I get peace to read it is when I’m so tired I can’t keep my eyes open!
I have a Kindle, and read los of ebooks, but I also love physical, paper books. I haven’t tried audio books yet, but I’m thinking it might be a great way to do the housework without getting bored J.
I love reading in bed, or in the sun (usually a holiday practice!), but if the book’s good enough I can get involved in it anywhere – on trains and buses, sitting in waiting rooms, in the living room with the tv blaring and the kids squabbling around me and my son’s band rehearsing loudly upstairs…
Kiki: If pressed, could you chose a favorite from the books you have written? Why is it your favorite?
Marie Treanor: I find it very hard to pick favourites! Like most writers, I think my favourite is usually the one I’m working on. Until it reaches a certain point in self-editing, of course, when I hate it as the worst thing I’ve ever done J.
But, maybe it’s Blood Eternal right now, because it is the finale to the Awakened by Blood series, and I’ve just realized how much I’m going to miss Elizabeth and Saloman! And their friends and enemies J.
Kiki: How do you become inspired to write?
Marie Treanor: Characters or stories just pop into my head. Sometimes they’re inspired by something I hear or read, or see on television; a face glimpsed on a train or in a film; an item on the News, an advertisement, a character from history. Anything can set it off! Usually, but not always, the character comes first and the story builds up around him or her.
Kiki: What part of the story do you think is your strength to write?
Marie Treanor: I’m told I’m good at natural dialogue. And some readers like my love scenes J
Kiki: Please share with ABA
Marie Treanor: Hmm. I live in Scotland
Kiki: Okay, a few special October Questions….
Kiki: Favorite Costume?
Marie Treanor: I saw a really pretty, sexy witch’s costume once, all black and purple lace… I wasn’t brave enough to try it on, though J
Kiki: Favorite Costume on the Opposite Sex:
Marie Treanor: Vampire!
Kiki: What do you think is the scariest costume?
Marie Treanor: There’s something about the Grim Reaper that is really chillingly creepy…
Kiki: What do you think is the sexist costume?
Marie Treanor: Ooh, vampire again J. Or the witch’s costume as above!
Kiki: Favorite Halloween movie?
Marie Treanor: Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Kiki: Favorite Treat?
Marie Treanor: Cake!
Marie Treanor
~ Haunting Romance ~
By MARIE TREANOR
The finale of the Awakened by Blood trilogy.
Secrets don't disappear after seduction...
Elizabeth Silk is struggling to reconcile her passion for the vampire overlord Saloman and her allegiance to the vampire hunters. When a shocking vampire revolt calls Saloman away from her, she refuses to follow him.
To make matters worse, Saloman’s beloved cousin Luk has been found and awakened by one of his greatest enemies. Frenzied with bloodlust, Luk embarks on a killing spree and prepares to expose Saloman’s biggest vulnerability: Elizabeth
But under Saloman’s regime, vampires have become less concerned with secrecy, no longer willing to hide their power. Rumors are swirling about attacks on humans. After Saloman joins forces with the vampire hunters to consolidate his power, Elizabeth
Reviews of the Awakened by Blood books:
"sensual and thrilling, a wonderful combination of vampire myths old and new. Saloman and Elizabeth's relationship is both amazingly hot and terrifyingly complicated."--Michele Bardsley, national bestselling author of the Broken Heart series.
"A provocative read... witty, sensual and, sometimes, dark... Brimming with complex and compelling characters, sexual tension, danger, betrayal, emotional turmoil..." Romance Junkies.
"one of the best pieces of vampire fiction I have read in years... an intense read... In the ever-growing world of vampire romance, this one is a masterful new addition." Bitten by Books.
“a layered and beautiful read..." - Lovin Me Some Romance.
"part romance, part paranormal, part Gothic, and all wonderful... Saloman is the best vampire in the romance genre...powerful, confident, murderous, and sensual." - Brazen Broads Book Bash.
"Beautifully worded... Unique plot twists... Steamy chemistry and passion-filled romance..." - Coffee Time Romance
"WOW! ...a fresh and intriguing plot.... an unusual romance featuring a remarkable couple" - Fresh Fiction.
Website: www.MarieTreanor.com
Blog – Marie Treanor’s Romantic Theme Party: http://romanticthemeparty.blogspot.com/
Hi Kiki - thanks for having me on your blog today :). And thanks for all the interesting book questions!
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