Interview with Cynthia Eden

I’d like to welcome our guest again 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 coming out soon called DEADLY FEAR. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

Yes, thanks so much for asking! DEADLY FEAR is the first book in my new “Deadly” romantic suspense series for Grand Central Publishing’s Forever line. In DEADLY FEAR, readers will be introduced to agents in the FBI’s elite Serial Services Division (the SSD). These agents track and apprehend serials—killers, kidnappers, arsonists, and rapists.

DEADLY FEAR is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

Well, in DEADLY FEAR, the killer turns his victims’ worst fears into reality, so the title DEADLY FEAR seemed to fit well. Though I can’t take credit for this title—my lovely editor Alex Logan came up with it!

Would you describe your book as a cozy, mystery, suspense, or thriller?

I’d describe the book as a mix between a romantic suspense and a thriller. My heroine and hero must race to stop a serial killer, but, as they are tracking him…he is hunting them, too.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

Previously, I had written what I considered paranormal romances, but in these books, suspense elements just kept slipping into the stories! So, I thought I’d try my hand at writing a straight romantic suspense (without my beloved vampires or demons), and DEADLY FEAR was born. (Don’t get me wrong—I still love writing my paranormals! DEADLY FEAR just gave me a chance to branch out a bit.)

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

I have always been interested in the ways serial killers are profiled, so I knew that I wanted my heroine, Monica Davenport, to be a profiler. It was actually from her career that the entire story developed. I wanted to give her a challenging killer to profile, and I wanted this killer to force Monica to face her own greatest fears—and the demons from her past.

Do you have all the key suspense/mystery elements thought out before you begin writing?

For this book, I actually wrote out a very detailed synopsis in advance. I plotted all the twists and turns because I knew exactly where I wanted to take Monica and her lover (& partner) Luke Dante.

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

Oh, yes, this book was very research intensive! The Internet, of course, is always a great source of help. But I also have about 5-6 crime scene and criminal psychology books that I also used. My favorite? THE CRIMINAL MIND by Katherine Ramsland.

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

Tough call! I had a great time writing about my heroine, Monica Davenport. But she was very challenging. Monica is one of the strongest, but most damaged heroines I’ve ever created. However, my favorite character in DEADLY FEAR is Special Agent Luke Dante. Luke is a man who will do anything to protect the woman he loves—strong, dedicated, and not afraid to take a bullet…how could he not be my favorite character?

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 actually let my characters develop over the course of the story. Sometimes, they surprise me and I learn things about them that I never anticipated when I first started the tale. I do keep a listing as I write, though, that shows the dominant traits that I associate with my characters.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

So many authors inspire me! I love Shannon McKenna’s romantic suspense novels…and I’ve always been a fan of Anne Stuart’s RS tales. Dark and sexy—these books hooked me!

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

Great question…and I have no clue. I have back-to-back releases this summer (I’LL BE SLAYING YOU, my paranormal romance, released on 6/29 and DEADLY FEAR will release on 7/27), so to promote both releases, I’ve been running a “Deadly Days of Summer” blog event. I’ve had a ton of guest authors come by and blog commenters are winning lots of prizes. Is it effective promotion? I can’t say for sure, but it is fun.

Folks are welcome to come visit www.cynthiaeden.com/blog to get in on my Deadly Days.

What do we have to look forward next?

I will be in a Christmas anthology this Fall. THE NAUGHTY LIST will release on 9/28/2010. Also, ETERNAL FLAME, the third book in my paranormal bounty hunter series (my Night Watch series) will release in December of 2010. Then, I will have back-to-back romantic suspense releases in early 2011. DEADLY HEAT will release in 02/2011, and DEADLY LIES will release in 03/2011.

Thanks, Cynthia!

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

To celebrate her book release, Cynthia Eden is offering a free copy of DEADLY FEAR to one lucky commenter on today's blog. (please check the blog Monday night to see if you won. 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.
Cynthia Eden writes paranormal romance novels for Kensington Brava and romantic suspense novels for Grand Central Publishing. She loves horror movies, visiting the beach, and long, southern nights.

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

Buy http://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Fear-Cynthia-Eden/dp/0446559245/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276136336&sr=8-1.