Today, D.B. Reynolds stopped by to answer a few questions and hold a giveaway! More information about the giveaway will be held after the interview. You can see my review of Raphael here.
Why did you decide to go into writing?
Is there any reason why you picked vampires to write about?
I've always been interested in fiction that explores themes beyond the known world. It started with science fiction/fantasy and moved on to include general paranormal. So, I always knew my writing would be in one of those worlds. When I finally had time to sit down and write seriously, it just happened that the idea in the topmost of my mind was vampires.
Do you want to write about any other paranormal creatures?
Definitely. I've written a novella about werewolves and would love to write more in that world. And I'm currently outlining a new series with a completely different set of paranormals that involves magic and mystery and doomed warriors.
For the people who don't know, what is the Vampires in America series about?
Vampires in America features the eight Vampire Lords who rule the vampires of North America. Vampires are more or less "out" to the public, but they don't flaunt it and many people don't really believe they exist. Vampires live in the human world, but are not of it. They have their own laws and culture. Their society is largely feudal, with every vampire owing his life to a Vampire Lord. And I mean that literally. A Vampire Lord can reach out and end a vampire's life with a thought. And when a Vampire Lord dies--something which is usually the result of assassination, since they're very hard to kill--the lives of every vampire pledged to him are in danger. If no one steps up to assume the mantle of leadership, most of those vampires will die, and some of them will go quite insane. Each book introduces a new Vampire Lord. This is not to say each book is ABOUT that Vampire Lord, only that they are introduced in the book and will play a pivotal role. It's worth noting that my vampires are not dead. They're "infected" with a symbiote which changes who and what they are. They're bloodthirsty and violent. They're also aggressive and territorial, and tend to see things in black and white. They generally embrace what they are. There are no "woe is me" vampires in my books. They're more powerful than humans, they drink blood from the vein, and they love it!
After ViA, do you have any ideas for what you want to write about?
I'm currently working on a couple of different ideas, most prominently, the doomed warriors I mentioned earlier. I also have a couple of fantasy themes I'd like to explore, and I'll probably try an e-novella or two on those first.
Is there anything that inspires you when writing?
Music. Even though I don't listen to music when I'm writing, I do listen to a lot of music in my life. I love music of all kinds, but I can't stand trite or forced lyrics. Lyrics are really important to me, and sometimes I'll hear a particular turn of phrase that just opens a whole scene in my head, either for the book I'm writing, or maybe something new I haven't thought about.
What environment do you like to be in while writing?
I can write almost anywhere, but I prefer to write late at night, all alone, in the big comfy chair in my living room. No one to ask questions or want my attention. I can lose myself in my writing for hours at a time and never surface.
What was the process like of getting published?
Well, if you mean what was it like when I received the e-mail offer, my heart stopped and I just stared at the screen in disbelief. I'd been sending out so many manuscripts and getting so many rejections ... the life of a writer, I'm afraid. But finally, someone wanted to publish my books and it was stunning. But if you mean the mechanical process of getting a book published, it was eye-opening. I thought I understood what was involved, but I didn't. It's much more complicated, with all sorts of deadlines, and revisions and copy edits to deal with. It's painful for any writer to be asked to change a manuscript, but I've finally learned when to bend and when to stand firm. (I'm on Book 4, I better have learned it by now!) But it's all worth it when you hold the book in your hand for the first time. It's a great feeling.
Do you have any tips or advice for aspiring writers?
My advice is always the same. If you want to be a writer, you have to WRITE. All the time. There are lots of writing classes out there, some useful, some not, but the best way to learn how to write is to do it. And then join a GOOD writing group, one with people who will critique your work, noting both the good and the bad. You don't need a cheerleading section, but neither do you want your hopes squashed! What you want are solid, honest critiques that encourage and teach at the same time.
Bonus: What is your dream destination for a summer vaca?
My dream destination for summer vaca is always a private cabana (with room service) on an isolated beach with mild weather, white sand and gently rolling waves. I want to sit under a nice big beach umbrella, my toes in the warm sand, and read a good book while listening to the water lapping at the shore.
You can also find D.B. on her:
Blog l Twitter l Facebook l Goodreads
D.B. was kind enough to also offer an international giveaway for our readers. You can win one signed copy or E-book of any of the Vampires in America titles.
*Fill-out this form
Thank you to, D.B., for visiting us today. It was an absolute pleasure and hope to have you on again!
Peace and Fangs,
Why did you decide to go into writing?For as long as I can remember, I've been a huge fan of reading. I can remember finishing books and being in tears because I soooo wanted to live in that world and I couldn't. So, I decided to create worlds of my own, worlds I could visit whenever I wanted, because they existed only in my imagination. And then I decided to share my worlds in the hope of making others feel the same way about my stories as I had about the stories of those other authors.
Is there any reason why you picked vampires to write about?
I've always been interested in fiction that explores themes beyond the known world. It started with science fiction/fantasy and moved on to include general paranormal. So, I always knew my writing would be in one of those worlds. When I finally had time to sit down and write seriously, it just happened that the idea in the topmost of my mind was vampires.
Do you want to write about any other paranormal creatures?
Definitely. I've written a novella about werewolves and would love to write more in that world. And I'm currently outlining a new series with a completely different set of paranormals that involves magic and mystery and doomed warriors.
For the people who don't know, what is the Vampires in America series about?
Vampires in America features the eight Vampire Lords who rule the vampires of North America. Vampires are more or less "out" to the public, but they don't flaunt it and many people don't really believe they exist. Vampires live in the human world, but are not of it. They have their own laws and culture. Their society is largely feudal, with every vampire owing his life to a Vampire Lord. And I mean that literally. A Vampire Lord can reach out and end a vampire's life with a thought. And when a Vampire Lord dies--something which is usually the result of assassination, since they're very hard to kill--the lives of every vampire pledged to him are in danger. If no one steps up to assume the mantle of leadership, most of those vampires will die, and some of them will go quite insane. Each book introduces a new Vampire Lord. This is not to say each book is ABOUT that Vampire Lord, only that they are introduced in the book and will play a pivotal role. It's worth noting that my vampires are not dead. They're "infected" with a symbiote which changes who and what they are. They're bloodthirsty and violent. They're also aggressive and territorial, and tend to see things in black and white. They generally embrace what they are. There are no "woe is me" vampires in my books. They're more powerful than humans, they drink blood from the vein, and they love it!
After ViA, do you have any ideas for what you want to write about?
I'm currently working on a couple of different ideas, most prominently, the doomed warriors I mentioned earlier. I also have a couple of fantasy themes I'd like to explore, and I'll probably try an e-novella or two on those first.
Is there anything that inspires you when writing?
Music. Even though I don't listen to music when I'm writing, I do listen to a lot of music in my life. I love music of all kinds, but I can't stand trite or forced lyrics. Lyrics are really important to me, and sometimes I'll hear a particular turn of phrase that just opens a whole scene in my head, either for the book I'm writing, or maybe something new I haven't thought about.
What environment do you like to be in while writing?
I can write almost anywhere, but I prefer to write late at night, all alone, in the big comfy chair in my living room. No one to ask questions or want my attention. I can lose myself in my writing for hours at a time and never surface.
What was the process like of getting published?
Well, if you mean what was it like when I received the e-mail offer, my heart stopped and I just stared at the screen in disbelief. I'd been sending out so many manuscripts and getting so many rejections ... the life of a writer, I'm afraid. But finally, someone wanted to publish my books and it was stunning. But if you mean the mechanical process of getting a book published, it was eye-opening. I thought I understood what was involved, but I didn't. It's much more complicated, with all sorts of deadlines, and revisions and copy edits to deal with. It's painful for any writer to be asked to change a manuscript, but I've finally learned when to bend and when to stand firm. (I'm on Book 4, I better have learned it by now!) But it's all worth it when you hold the book in your hand for the first time. It's a great feeling.
Do you have any tips or advice for aspiring writers?
My advice is always the same. If you want to be a writer, you have to WRITE. All the time. There are lots of writing classes out there, some useful, some not, but the best way to learn how to write is to do it. And then join a GOOD writing group, one with people who will critique your work, noting both the good and the bad. You don't need a cheerleading section, but neither do you want your hopes squashed! What you want are solid, honest critiques that encourage and teach at the same time.
Bonus: What is your dream destination for a summer vaca?
My dream destination for summer vaca is always a private cabana (with room service) on an isolated beach with mild weather, white sand and gently rolling waves. I want to sit under a nice big beach umbrella, my toes in the warm sand, and read a good book while listening to the water lapping at the shore.
You can also find D.B. on her:
Blog l Twitter l Facebook l Goodreads
D.B. was kind enough to also offer an international giveaway for our readers. You can win one signed copy or E-book of any of the Vampires in America titles.
Requirements:
*Must be at least 13 years old *Fill-out this form
Giveaway ends on July 27th!
Thank you to, D.B., for visiting us today. It was an absolute pleasure and hope to have you on again!
Peace and Fangs,
Alisha
D. B.,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to read and get to know your better. I also wanted to say thank you for stepping up and helping me with the Anne Rice ball. I think your a fantastic writer.
I'm so glad your husband is doing much better. And now both of you can get rest now. You need a vacation from the darn hospital.
Always wishing you the very best,
Teresa K.
tcwgrlup41@yahoo.com