Contest and Q&A with Liz Strange

*My thanks to Liz for being so generous with her time and for hosting the contest.

Q&A with the author

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 do not have a set schedule per say. I write whenever the opportunity presents itself. I work by day as a secretary at a hospital, and I am a single mother to four children (ages 6-15) so my “free time” is precious. So I write at night, on weekends (if its quiet enough), on lunch breaks, waiting at dance practice, etc. I do have a couple of notebooks where I jot things down as I think of them – images, words, song lyrics- then I follow up on them when I have more time.

2. Do you have music that you listen to for inspiration? If so, what do you listen to? If not, what inspires you?

I do like to listen to music when I write. I’ll listen to just about anything, except for country. I also find inspiration from books, TV, movies, art, mythology. I’m a big history buff, and as you read the series you’ll find I have incorporated eras and cultures that really interest me into my books, like ancient Egypt and the indigenous peoples of South America.

3. How do you celebrate finishing a book?

I don’t celebrate in a big way, usually it’s just a sense of self-satisfaction. I do talk about with close friends and family.

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

I have always been fascinated with vampires. I grew up in a family that read a lot, and I always read above my age or grade level. I started on Stephen King and Dean Koontz when I was about 10-11. I remember reading ‘Salem’s Lot for the first time, and that just sparked something in me. After that I read anything I could get my hands on – Anne Rice, Tanya Huff, Whitley Strieber, all the classics like Bram Stoker and Richard Matheson. I still love horror stories, fantasy, crime/forensic novels, anything with monsters, imaginary or human.

5. What is easier to write- the hero, the heroine, or the villain?

Oh, that’s a hard one. To be honest I enjoy all three, but if I had to pick one I guess I’d say the villain. It’s fun to write about people who would do and say things you’d never dare to!

6. Favorite character that you have written?

I’m going to have to say Rachel, who is the main character in The Dark Kiss Trilogy. She is the “fantasy” me. I have given her some of my characteristics, and life experiences, and then added to that to make her her own unique person. I wanted to make her strong, sexy, smart, and I think I’ve accomplished that.

7. Do you prefer to use the traditional vampire mythology or do you prefer to create your own myths?

I prefer the traditional vampire mythology, and I have stuck very close to that throughout my series. My vamps don’t go out in the sun, are unnaturally strong and fast, don’t age, and they drink blood to live. On many occasions I’ve had this series described as a “dark” paranormal, and I agree with that whole-heartedly. My vampires are monsters, and they know and accept that. That’s not to say they don’t have any redeeming qualities, because they do, they just isn’t any angst, or whining or complaining about what they are.

General Vampire Questions

1. Looking back in history, who is the one person you'd expect to find out was really a vampire? Why? Cleopatra. She seemed to have a way of making anyone bend to her way, and I have to wonder if she didn’t have some supernatural influence assisting her.

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

I’d want to know all about the different times and places they’d lived in. Like I said, I’m a history freak.

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

They should definitely stay hidden.

4. Would you make a good vampire?

Absolutely!

Speed Round

1. Vampires- fangs or no fangs? Fangs.

2. Blood- fresh, bottled, or synthetic? Fresh.

3. Romance or Horror? Horror.

4. One thing readers would be surprised to know about you? I love musical theatre.

5. Favorite vampire book? Movie?

I can’t pick just one book, but I’ll give you my top three favourite series : the Vampire Chronicles- Anne Rice, Victoria Nelson series -Tanya Huff, and Anita Blake – Vampire Hunter series– Laurell K. Hamilton.

As for movies I liked Near Dark, 30 Days of Night, and Let the Right One In.

Contest:

I have a copy of My Love Eternal to giveaway to one lucky commenter and all you have to do is tell me what historical figure you'd like to see as a vampire. Liz thinks Cleopatra would be a likely vampire, using her supernatural wiles to bend others to her will. What about you?

contest rules:
*contest will remain open until 8/9/2010 and the winner will be announced the next day
*please leave an email unless one is in your profile so that I have a way to reach you
*must leave a comment telling me what historical figure you'd like to see as a vampire
*contest open to US and Canada