Quick Q&A with author Clare Willis

The Craft:


1. What is your writing process like? Do you keep organized notes? Do you designate a set time for writing each day?


I follow the basic process laid out by James N. Frey in "How to Write a
Damn Good Novel," (a book I highly recommend). I use a document called a
"step sheet" which is sort of like an outline. My writing process is
manic. When I'm inspired I write as many hours as I can squeeze out of a
day, and when I'm not I get a lot of laundry done.

2. Do you have music that you listen to for inspiration?

I can't listen to music with lyrics when I'm writing, only instrumental.
Usually I stream music from the Internet. My favorite is the Drone Zone
(it's better than it sounds!) If I'm writing a sex scene I listen to
Ne-Yo. The man's voice could melt butter.

3. How do you celebrate finishing a book?

By lying on the floor until my back unkinks.

4. Why did you choose the vampire character for your book?

They're sexy, they're immortal, their existence poses deep questions about
good and evil, right and wrong, sin and salvation. Did I mention they're
sexy?

5. What vampire mythology do you use in your writing?

It's rather convoluted, but vampire scholar and wanna-be vampire Nicolai
Blaloc lays it out quite succinctly in Chapter 17.

General Vampire Questions:

1. Looking back in history, who is the one person you'd expect to find out
was really a vampire? Why?

In my book the royal families of Europe are vampires. That's why they did
so much intermarrying, to keep it in the family.

2. What would you say if you met a real vampire?

Did Marie Antoinette really say "Let them eat cake?"

3. If vampires existed should they stay hidden, or reveal themselves?

They should reveal so much of themselves that we no longer believe they're
real—like Paris Hilton.

4. Would you make a good vampire?

No. I have the wit but not the stamina.

Speed Round:

1. Vampires- fangs or no fangs?

Huh?

2. Blood- fresh, bottled, or synthetic?

Bite me.

3. Romance or Horror?


What would romance be without some horror?

4. One thing readers would be surprised to know about you?

I'm boring (maybe they wouldn't be surprised).

5. Favorite vampire book? Movie?

Movie--Let The Right One In