My review for Danica Winters’s book, The Vampire’s Hope, is not due out until the middle of January, but I wanted you guys to get to know a little more about her! With much pleasure, Danica Winters!
Interview:
-How did this story begin? Was it a character, or a particular image? The story begins in a night club when Ellie Smith is looking for a job as a dancer.
I loved the idea of this strong, fearless woman (think Girl With a Dragon Tattoo) who walks into a club and is willing to do whatever it takes to survive.
-Did you have any growing pains with this novella?
I wrote this novella really early on in my writing career. So I let it sit for a while before I sent it to the publisher—and I’m glad I did. There were so many changes that had to be made to make it a great book. If I would have been rushed to print then I don’t think it would be a project I could be proud of in ten years.
-How would you most like readers to respond to the novella? This book was brought on when I learned about the Greek’s philosophy that hope was an evil fate. I spent hours thinking about this theory—it made sense that the barbaric Greek’s could surmise that hope was a negative—when the world was such a terrible place hope could only be for the weak. Everyone else had to simply live in reality.
That being said however, I think in the present day hope is an important thing—it keeps us moving forward, it helps us to forget our woes and transgressions, and it makes us dream for better things.
However, Ellie has to learn to deal with hope in her own way. In the beginning of the book she is without emotion; and as she is changed into a vampire and new emotions are awakened, she must learn to make sense of her new abilities. Will she believe as the Greeks do? Or can she open her heart and learn that hope is a beautiful thing?
-What are you reading right now? Are there any authors (living or dead) that you would name as influences?
I am always reading. This week I’m reading Jan Hambright (an Idahoan who writes westerns for Harlequin Intrigue). She’s a great author!
I recently finished reading Dracula and a slew of other books.
As for influences, I find that I’m influenced by every book I pick up. I always learn something new from each novel. My favorite writer has to be Charlaine Harris. When I was just starting out, I sent her a fan letter and she was kind enough to answer—her belief that I could do it drove me to finish my first novel.
-What do you do when you’re not writing?
The last few years I’ve been so busy with family and writing that I haven’t had much time to do hobbies. However, I love the outdoors. I like to hike and play in the woods. When I’m writing, I’m often sitting in the front seat of our truck on a mountain road. It’s a lot easier to get work done when I don’t have the internet.
-What is your next project? What have you been working on recently?
My next novel entitled, The Nymph’s Labyrinth is a about a world shrouded in mystery and intrigue and the Sisterhood of Epione, all which must not be exposed.
Shape-shifting nymph, Ariadne Papadakis, is tasked with keeping the truth of the group’s existence and their ancient mysteries far out of reach of the American archeologist, Beau Morris and his troublemaking son, Kaden. When forgotten and forbidden passions are awakened, Ariadne is forced make a choice—fall in line and continue to be overrun and pushed down by the sisterhood, or follow her heart and put Beau and Kaden’s lives in danger.
Can she have the man she loves or will the pressure and secrets of her past keep her from her heart’s desire?
This book is to be released December 31st, 2012 by Crimson Romance. I’m really excited to get it out to the world. I am a former archeologist and Loved working on this novel.
Recently, I also finished the first book in a new series about Irish Travellers. I can’t say too much other than the novel is sitting on my agent’s desk.
– What is your favorite word?
Love.
– What is your least favorite word?
No.
– What turns you on?
A handsome man who has been working all day outside—I love when they smell like fresh air and sweat.
– What turns you off?
A man who thinks that he can control a woman.
What is your favorite sound? Least Favorited?
Favorites—“Thank you” and “I love you.” Followed by the sound of my computer closing after a great night of writing.
Least Favorite—The low-din of a child’s whine. I’m patient, but nothing can drive me crazier than a child whining, “I don’t want to.”
– What is your favorite curse word?
Damn. You will see it often in my books.
– What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
I’m a pretty happy woman. I have to say I love writing. It is my dream job.
– What profession would you not like to do?
I had the chance to substitute teach for a Kindergarten class the other day. I have to admit this wasn’t my calling. I have utmost respect and admiration for our teachers, but there is absolutely no way I could have the patience to answer the million questions five year olds ask each and every day. I would lose my mind.
– If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? You’ve been a bad girl…but you’ve had a good time doing it!
I want to take a moment and thank you for having me on your blog. It is greatly appreciated. And I had fun answering your questions.
To the readers—Thank you for stopping by and learning more about me.
If you’d like to join me on Facebook, you can find me at: www.Facebook.com/DanicaWinters
On Twitter at: www.Twitter.com/DanicaWinters
Or on my Website: www.DanicaWinters.net
To Check out my books on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Danica-Winters/e/B006GDN8GI/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Thank you for joining me!
My Seryniti 
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