Scribal Love Welcomes Liz Strange!
Liz Strange is an author of paranormal romance, fantasy and horror fiction. Her newest work Born of Blood and Retribution (Book 3: The Dark Kiss Trilogy) will be available from Lyrical Press in 2011.
So where do you hail? Where are you from?
I live in Kingston , Ontario
What inspired you to write this book?
I was inspired by my love and fascination of vampires, and my search for some darker tales in the ‘paranormal romance’ genre. I am a huge horror enthusiast, and I love ancient history and mythology, which all play a part as the series unfolds.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I will say that I am on the darker end of the spectrum for the paranormal genre, but I don’t know that I can cleanly define my style.
What is the name of your latest book? And how did you come up with the title?
I am working on the final book of my Dark Kiss Trilogy, entitled Born of Blood and Retribution. The title comes from the circumstances surrounding the making of the world’s first vampire.
What is Born of Blood and Retribution about?
It’s about the world’s first vampire and her disapproval of the current state of vampire kind. All the world’s immortals, including the characters readers have come to know and love from the fist two books, are summoned before her and given an ultimatum. It ties up loose ends, give more back story to some of the less-defined characters, and it gave me a chance to incorporate my love of world mythology.
What books have influenced your life most?
Oh, that’s so hard. Interview with the Vampire made a huge impact on me, as did The Picture of Dorian Grey and The Handmaid’s Tale.
Did you find the idea of having your work published for others to read intimidating? If yes, why? If no, why not?
I did find it intimidating, it’s opening yourself up for scrutiny and disapproval. But it has also been very rewarding. I have been touched by the comments and direct correspondence from many of my readers. I understand that my books are not for everyone, and I’m ok with that.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Again, that’s so hard. I don’t think I can choose just one.
What books are you reading now?
I have not read anything new in so long. I’ve been busy working on edits and finishing three other projects. I just picked up the new Karin Slaughter and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I’m looking forward to reading both.
What are your current projects?
After Born of Blood and Retribution I have two other books coming out. The first, The Embrace of Life and Death is an erotic (m/m) fantasy/sci-fi story following the forbidden relationship between an angel and a vampire. It’s an offshoot of the Dark Kiss Trilogy as it involves a couple of the secondary characters from that series. The other is a light paranormal romance called Love Can be Dangerous to Your Health.
Do you find that international audiences are different from your home or native country's audience?
I’ve seen a lot of interest and support from both Great Britain and Australia , which surprise and humbles me. I still find it amazing that someone who lives around the world from me knows who I am.
Do you see writing as a career?
Absolutely. I spend as much time on writing and writing-related activities as I do at the DDJ. It would be awesome to have writing as my only “job”.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I don’t think so. I’m very happy with how all three books in the series have turned out. I had a great critique partner and an awesome editor who was really on board with my vision.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
My mom says I used to write before I could physically put pen to paper. I used to dictate stories to her.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Finding enough time. I have full-time day job and four children, so time is precious.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned how hard the process to getting your idea into a reader-acceptable format really is. It’s amazing all the work that goes into preparing a novel for publication.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Don’t give up! It’s a hard business and there will be lots of rejection, but you only need one yes to make things happen.
Thanks Liz for Dropping by!
You can find Liz on the web at:
Liz, you are so right. It only takes one yes. When you get it it can open up a whole different world.
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