Interview with Gabi Stevens

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Gabi Stevens. 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 The Wish List. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

THE WISH LIST is a lighter contemporary paranormal set in San Diego. When CPA Kristen Montgomery discovers her three aunts are three fairy godmothers and she’s next in line for the job, her orderly world disappears like magic. Tennyson Ritter, assigned as Kristen’s arbiter, doesn’t like the idea of playing nursemaid to someone brand new to the magical world, but soon Kristen earns his grudging respect and admiration. Good thing, because they have to work together to fight a threat to both the human and magical world.

The Wish List is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

My editor came up with the title, which once I heard it, I realized was perfect for the novel. It works on so many levels.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

I have always loved paranormal. When I was a kid, I read so many stories with magical elements. Half Magic and the other books by Edward Eager, Escape to Witch Mountain, the Prydian series by Lloyd Alexander, and so many more. So writing a book with magic felt natural to me.

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

Pantser, definitely, which means I have several read-throughs and revisions once the rough draft is done, but I just sit down and write. I know basically what will happen in the story, but I love the surprises that happen as I’m writing. I call that the Magic--the unplanned plot twists and story events that happens while writing.

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

I didn’t have to do a lot of research for this book. I went to college in San Diego, and my in-laws live there, so I get back at least once a year. And since it’s paranormal, it’s my rules. That’s the fun of paranormal. If you want to make your vampires sparkle in the sunlight, you can.

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

I actually had a title first. While I enjoy dark paranormals, I really like lighter books. So an idea popped into my head: How to be a Fairy Godmother in Ten Easy Steps. Well, I started writing it, but the novel turned into something that didn’t quite fit that title. So I ended up with THE WISH LIST and never did write the other book.

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

I have to admit that Zack and the three fairy godmothers were my favorites. They were everything I wish I was—uninhibited, candid, and witty. They were so easy to write. Interestingly, I really enjoy writing my villains as well. In this book, he was so easy to channel. Sometimes I worry about myself because I can get so into the evil side of my nature, but I guess it’s better if I put it on paper than act it out in real life (big grin).

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?

Actually, my characters appear fully formed in my head and introduce themselves and then proceed to tell me their stories. I just write what I hear and see in my head. Now that doesn’t mean that I don’t do revisions, but the rough draft is basically a transcription from my head.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

Two authors in particular: Jodi Thomas and Lori Wilde. Both these lovely ladies have mentored me and encouraged me through some hard writing days. They helped me maintain the perseverance necessary to succeed in this business. And Lydia Parks has always been a cheerleader for me and an inspiration.

As for other authors, they inspire me with their writing. Teresa Medeiros, Connie Brockway, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jill Barnett, Nora Roberts, Julia Quinn, Christina Dodd and so many more. As for classic lit, Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, Mark Twain, Agatha Christie, Jane Austen.

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

Effective? Who knows? But fun? I had coins made up for my first series that I heard a lot about, and this time, I’m passing out fairy dust. I’m having fun doing it. I also have a web site, blog site, and I Twitter and Facebook (yes, I’m aware I am using nouns as verbs). I’ve also have enjoyed being a guest blogger.

What do we have to look forward next?

I have an essay in a book on Glee coming out in the fall, and then book two of the Time of Transition, Spellbound, in April 2011.

Thanks, Gabi!

To celebrate her book release, Gabi is offering a free book of THE WISH LIST to one lucky commenter on today's blog. (please check the blog Monday night to see if you're the winner. Chances of winning determined by the number of entries.)

She will be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

Bio.
Check out author’s website at www.GabiStevens.com.
Buy THE WISH LIST at http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?type=0&catalogId=10001&simple=1&defaultSearchView=List&keyword=the+wish+list+gabi+stevens&LogData=[search%3A+24%2Cparse%3A+35]&searchData={productId%3Anull%2Csku%3Anull%2Ctype%3A0%2Csort%3Anull%2CcurrPage%3A1%2CresultsPerPage%3A25%2CsimpleSearch%3Atrue%2Cnavigation%3A0%2CmoreValue%3Anull%2CcoverView%3Afalse%2Curl%3Arpp%3D25%26view%3D2%26all_search%3Dthe%2Bwish%2Blist%2Bgabi%2Bstevens%26type%3D0%26nav%3D0%26simple%3Dtrue%2Cterms%3A{all_search%3Dthe+wish+list+gabi+stevens}}&storeId=13551&sku=0765365030&ddkey=http:SearchResults
Or
http://www.amazon.com/Wish-List-Time-Transition-Trilogy/dp/0765365030/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274237770&sr=1-1