Daryn Cross Discusses Her New Release, 'It's Magic'

Scribal Love Welcomes Author Daryn Cross!


Daryn Cross is an author of romantic and straight fantasy.  Her newest work, IT’S MAGIC, is available from Crescent Moon Press (www.CrescentMoonPress.com). 

What inspired you to write this book?


Those old author “what ifs.”  One day I started pondering, what Santa did on his off-season. People could use some wonder and magic all year long.  What if he had a job off-season and the job was aimed at adults instead of children, like matching two people who have become jaded by life’s hard knocks.  I ran it past my friend and occasional co-writer, L.J. DeLeon, and it was a go.


Do you have a specific writing style?  


Doesn’t everyone?  The melded voice of Daryn Cross and L.J. DeLeon is different to some degree than Daryn’s alone.  But both share some similar characteristics.  The sentences aren’t flowery and real long, but choppier, more contemporary.  There is always humor.  That’s not to say there will be serious moments, and in some of my other works even suspenseful almost terrifying moments.  But every book has a good dose of feel-good humor.


What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?


IT’S MAGIC, a romantic fantasy.  I’ve always liked song titles as titles of books.  I’m currently working on the sequel to this book called, THIS MAGIC MOMENT.  Santa is the matchmaker, and his real name is Maxwell Magic.


What is IT’S MAGIC about?


The two lovers in this book are Kasey Bell, a feminist writer and Guy McLane, a radio psychiatrist with a show called, “Men, Talk to Me First.”  Diametrically opposed, due to their jaded beliefs about the opposite sex, they nevertheless have a tremendous sexual attraction to each other.  They are brought together through Magic’s manipulations on a syndicated talk show and make such a stir, the show host challenges them to a game of the sexes, where they compete to prove who is the strongest gender.  Let the games begin!


What books have most influenced your life?


That’s a heavy question, and I can’t say that a handful of books really did that.  I can think of some theologians I studied in college such as Paul Tillich and his work with the ground of being.  As far as literature, I was a huge fan of early sci-fi, especially Ray Bradbury.  Very eclectic in my reading tastes when I was growing up, I read from almost every genre, at least fifty books per summer.  I started reading romance in junior high with YA novels, but was into the great Kathleen Weiss’ books later.  I grew out of the phase of truly liking bodice rippers and more into humorous romances like Susan Elizabeth Phillips and some of Debbie Macomber’s.  Now I read mostly romantic fantasy and some straight fantasy.  I really like Annette McCleave’s soul gatherer series and Nalini Singh’s angel series. 


If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?


Right now, without a doubt, it would be Lori Wilde.  She has very graciously listened to my concerns about my writing career and has given me sound advice.  Besides writing great books, she’s also a tremendous teacher.


I must also mention my friend, Caroline Clemmons.  She has been extremely helpful in steering me toward opportunities, critiquing and being a sounding board.  Of course, Linda Campbell, my friend, has taught me a lot about the craft and we have weathered some great storms together in our writing careers.


What books are you reading now?

I’m just getting ready to read CLOCKWORK ANGEL. 


What are your current projects?


Just finished a cyberpunk novella, FROZEN ASSETS, I’m working on the sequel to IT’S MAGIC.  I also have a special project, but my lips are zipped right now on that one.  Let’s just say it’s sci-fi. I have two more books coming out late next year and January 2011.  They’re books about walk-in angels, angels who volunteer to assume the body of a soul who wishes to leave early 'WALK RIGHT IN and WALK RIGHT BACK.' 


Do you see writing as a career?


I hope so.  That’s my intention, and I spend an average of ten hours a day on it.


If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?


Nope, and I had plenty of chances in the editing process.


Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?


I think I was born with it.  My parents were also avid readers.


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?


It takes a long time to learn this craft and I don’t really think you ever stop learning more about it and ways to perfect it.  The waiting for the call from the agent or editor, now that’s the most frustrating.


Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?


I learned I really like the secondary character, Tom Kreger, and you’ll be seeing more of him.


Do you have any advice for other writers?


Always respect those who have been writing far longer than you have, for they have a lot of knowledge and experience to share, even if you think you write better than they do.  Also, never think green writers can’t teach you something, because their perspectives are fresh and can make you look at things in a new and different way.


Daryn, thanks for dropping by!


You are welcome.


You can find Daryn Cross on the web at:


Daryn Cross, www.DarynCross.com
IT'S MAGIC, November 2010, Crescent Moon Press  www.CrescentMoonPress.com/books/ItsMagic.html
WALK RIGHT IN, 4th Q 2011, L&L Dreamspell WALK RIGHT BACK, January 2012, L&L Dreamspell