Friday, December 5, 2008

Interview with Cynthia Eden

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Cynthia Eden. It’s a pleasure having you come visit us at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, where chocolate is plentiful and advice is free. So grab some chocolate and a lounge chair. Your therapy session has begun.  

I understand you have a new release out called MIDNIGHT SINS. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

Yes, thanks for asking! MIDNIGHT SINS is the second book in my paranormal “Midnight” trilogy for Kensington Brava. My hero, Detective Todd Brooks, is on the hunt for a killer. The man never expects to fall for his chief suspect—and he sure doesn’t expect the woman to be a succubus!

MIDNIGHT SINS is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

Well, my editor and I wanted “Midnight” in the title for the book, and since my heroine Cara is a succubus (and knows well about sin), the title just seemed to be the perfect fit.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

I love paranormals. Always have. Give me vampires, shifters, demons—sure, they can be scary, but they can also be fun! Anything is possible with paranormals.

Are you a plotter or a pantser and how did it affect the writing of this book?

I’m both. Whether I plot everything out in advance of if I pants, well, that depends on the story. For some stories, I outline all the way—I know exactly what will happen with the stories, but, for others, I just sit back and see where the characters will take me.

For this book, I was a pantser. I let Todd and Cara show me the way—and I had a great time following their lead.

Did you have to do a lot of research for the book? What are your favorite research books or sites?

I did a lot of research for this one. Police procedural research and demon research. Let me just say, when you Google “succubus” you sure get a lot of interesting links. My favorite research books are POLICE PROCEDURAL and SCENE OF THE CRIME (they’re part of the “Howdunit Series” and very, very helpful).

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

Both of the main characters from this story appeared in my first Midnight book, HOTTER AFTER MIDNIGHT. In that book, Todd had no idea that supernaturals walked right beside humans. I thought it was time the man had a wake-up call, and I sent Cara to wake him. ☺

Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?

I loved writing about Todd. He’s such a normal guy—and in way over his head. He has to fight to understand that the world he knew never actually existed—and he has to learn to accept the fact that the woman he wants is a demon. A very powerful demon. He’s an ordinary guy, struggling with extraordinary circumstances and I really enjoyed writing about his struggle.

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing? How does your research affect your character development?

I write out character descriptions before I begin a story. I start with the physical aspects, then work to the emotional level. I try to figure out the internal and external conflict for my hero and heroine. They’ve got pasts—so what are they? Then, when I have some general ideas down, I begin my writing. Sometimes, my characters change as I write, and that’s okay—change can be very good.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

So many authors have inspired me. So many. When I was in high school, I loved Edgar Allen Poe’s work. (Like I said before, I do love the supernatural.) But there are also a lot of romance authors who have inspired me. I really enjoy the work of Christine Feehan, Linda Howard, Jayne Ann Krentz—these ladies can create such strong characters and engrossing plots. Their talent definitely inspires me.

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?

I have no idea. Seriously. I’ve tried many things. Advertisements. Mailings. Contests. Trailers. Blog tours. I don’t know what works. I just try to make as many connections with readers as I can. So I’m always trying to get my books out there—whether it is participating on websites, attending conferences or chats—I just try to make contact with readers.  

What do we have to look forward next?

In April, Kensington Brava will release another of my single-titles. IMMORTAL DANGER is the story of an ex-cop turned vampire…and her dragon shifter hero. I wanted to write a dragon story for years, and this was my chance! This is a very dark paranormal, and one of my favorite books to date.

Thanks, Cynthia!

Thank you! I had a great time answering the interview questions! ☺

To celebrate her book release, Cynthia Eden is offering a free autographed copy of Midnight Sins to one lucky commenter on today's blog. She will be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

Bio.
Cynthia Eden writes sexy tales of paranormal suspense. Her publishers include Kensington Brava, Red Sage, ImaJinn, and Avon Red. A former history teacher, Cynthia now spends her days writing about vampires, demons, and shifters.

Check out author’s website at www.cynthiaeden.com

Buy
http://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Sins-Cynthia-Eden/dp/0758226047/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227246262&sr=8-2 _

21 comments:

Cynthia Eden said...

Thanks for the interview! I sure enjoyed my session! :-)

Anonymous said...

Hi Cynthia. Thanks so much for being here today! Question for you: Are there any scenes that either you or your editor deleted that you hated to see go?

Cynthia Eden said...

Hi, Kim! I was lucky on this one. Instead of deleting a scene, my editor wanted me to add one. :-) A much easier fix!

Unknown said...

Hi Cynthia!

Great interview!

Cynthia Eden said...

Hi, Danie! Thanks for checking out the session!

Susan said...

Hi Cynthia,

I can't wait to read Todd and Cara's story! Loved the interview.

When you started writing Hotter After Midnight did you plan for
Todd and Cara to be the hero and heroine in Midnight Sins or did they just grow on you?

Jane said...

Hi Cynthia,
Congrats on the new release. I've never read a book with a dragon character before. Can't wait to read "Immortal Danger."

Cathy said...

Hi Cynthia, love the blurb for your dragon shifter story, another great book to look forward to.

Anonymous said...

Hey Cindy! Loved Hotter After Midnight or as I love to say, Hottie After Midnight. lol. So look forward to this next book, and seeing old friends again in-story. Keep 'em coming!

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed reading the comments. The book sounds so good I have added it to my TBR list now I just need a it of quiet time to read
JWIsley@aol.com

Cynthia Eden said...

Hi, Susan! I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. :-) And to confess...no, I definitely didn't plan for Todd and Cara to be in the second book. Originally, when I wrote Hotter After Midnight, I was thinking I might be able to do a couple of books just about Emily and Colin. But I sold Hotter After Midnight to Brava, and Brava prefers different characters in their books. So, I didn't want to say good-bye to my Midnight world--and I thought of Todd. I figured that man needed a story, and I'd just left poor Cara hanging, so I wanted her to have a happy ending, too. Wow--sorry for the long answer!

Thanks, Jane! Immortal Danger was so much fun to write! I just finished up line-edits on it and I should be getting my ARCs before Christmas (I hope!).


Thank you, Cathy! I love dragons so writing about one--a perfect dream for me.

Hi, LaDonna! LOL--you had me calling that book Hottie After Midnight for a while, too. I hope you enjoy Midnight Sins!

JW, finding a quiet time at this point in the year is always hard to my house! :-) I'm glad you like the idea of my book!

Karin said...

What a great interview! I loved your answer about how this book came about because Todd needed a wake-up call about the supernatural. I'm anxious to find out his reaction to learning the supernatural is more real than he thought.

Unknown said...

Hi Cynthia!

Do you have a favorite character from any of your books? Which of your characters would you like to switch places with for a day?

Thanks for being here and congratulations on the book release!

zarache AT aol DOT com

Pamk said...

I like that former history teacher to paranormal writer. Quite a leap. If we check out your closets what one thing would surprise us. and if you could have dinner with any three folks living, dead, real or otherwise who would they be and why.

Cynthia Eden said...

Thanks, Karin! Glad you enjoyed the interview! And it was so time for Todd to have his wake-up call. :-)

Hi, bamabelle! My favorite character changes, depending on the book that I'm working on. The character that is freshest in my mind tends to be my favorite. (Ah, I am fickle.) I just finished doing line-edits on IMMORTAL DANGER, and now, my favorite heroine is Maya Black, my vampire cop from that book.

Pamk, one day, I really might try my hand at historical books. One day. I don't even want to THINK about checking my closet--um, I think I have 3 witch hats and a fake pirate head in there. I'd love to have dinner with Mary Shelley, Elvis Presley, and Marilyn Monroe. Shelley--because I'd like to pick her creative brain. Elvis...because he's Elvis. And Marilyn--because I think she was a woman with many layers.

Thanks for the comments!

Edie Ramer said...

What a great question of Pam K's. I wouldn't mind having dinner with Cara and asking her some sex tips. :)

I loved MIDNIGHT SINS. Cindy, you are on your way to being a bestselling writer!

LadyVampire2u said...

Congratulations on your new release of Midnight Sins. Top of my Wishlist this year. And Immortal Danger sounds fab too! Can't wait until you start posting excerpts up for that one.

Cynthia Eden said...

Edie--I think a dinner with Cara would be quite an experience. :-) And woman--thank you!

Hi, Ladyvampire! Thank you! You know what? I will try to get an excerpt up and running for Immortal Danger this weekend.

Thank you all for the comments!

Lori T said...

Hi Cynthia~

I love reading connected stories! Midnight Sins sounds very interesting and I am looking forward to reading it.

Fedora said...

Hi, Cynthia! Great interview--thanks for taking the time to do it (especially during this busy time of year!) How did the Jingle Bell Run go? Did you jingle? ;)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations bamabelle. You're the winner of Cynthia's book. I'll forward your e-mail addy to her. Happy Holidays and thanks for posting on our blog.