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 _