I’d like to welcome our guest today, Candace Havens. 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 DRAGONS PREFER BLONDES Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?
Thanks so much for letting me hangout here. Let’s see, this one is about Alex Caruthers, who is a wealthy club owner, who also happens to be a Guardian Key. She is a warrior who protects our world from dragons. When a certain dragon sets his sights on her, she turns to the one man she can trust, Jake. He promises to be her “pretend” boyfriend to help out and Jake and Alex discover their relationship is not so make-believe after all.
DRAGONS PREFER BLONDES is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?
LOL. I didn’t. My editor always comes up with my titles. She’s playing off of old movies and musicals. The first one was THE DEMON KING AND I.
What made you decide to write in this genre?
I’m fond of magic, and I love tough chicks. I think the paranormal genre sort of opens that book wide on what you can do. I love it.
Where did you get your idea for this particular book?
Alex is one of four sisters and the idea for this came from wanting to explore those sibling relationships. And this book in particular was about what do you do when all the odds are stacked against you in every part of your life.
What are your favorite paranormal research books or sites, and why?
Hmmm. I don’t know that I used any research sites for the paranormal side of things. These girls are all over the world, the universe for that matter, so I did a lot of research/Googling on travel destinations.
Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?
This is such a tough question. This is my third series, so it’s hard to pick a favorite. Besides Alex and Jake in this book, there’s a very interesting character Graves, I’d like to explore him more in another book. (Smile)
Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing? How does your research and/or world affect your character development?
I don’t do any kind of research. I’m panster (write by the seat of my pants) so I get to know my characters as the readers do. When I’m finished with that first draft, I’ll go back and make sure I have continuity with all of the characters.
How do you go about building your world if you use one? Do you use maps, charts or drawings?
I hadn’t done a lot of world building until this series. I’ve been keeping copious notes on what the different worlds look like, the people/creatures there, and I refer to those often.
Do you have any authors that inspired you?
In my early days Janet Evanovich, Laurell K. Hamilton and Nora Roberts. I’m a big fan of authors in general. Everyone inspires me now.
What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?
Using the Internet, Twitter and Facebook. And I’ve been doing a big blog tour this time, and had a great response.
What do we have to look forward next?
My next book comes out Feb. 2010. It’s called Take Me If You Dare and it’s for the Harlequin Blaze line. It’s my first book for them, and it’s a romance with lots of intrigue. Fun stuff!
Thanks, Candace!
To celebrate her book release, Candace, is offering a free book of DRAGONS PREFER BLONDES 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...
Check out author’s website at http://www.candacehavens.com
Buy http://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Prefer-Blondes-Candace-Havens/dp/0425227804.
