Loading ...Interview, Chat and Contest With Author Susan Sizemore
A big welcome to our readers today! Be sure to read to the end of the interview to find out how to WIN the fabulous prizes being offered up.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a fixed time event, the post just goes live at 12:00 pm Central. You can stop by any time during the day or evening and leave your questions and chat.
PLEASE KEEP SPOILERS TO A MINIMUM. Not all of the readers today have read Susan’s books.
Interview:
Hi Susan!
Welcome to Bitten by Books, we are excited to have you here today!
I would like to thank you taking the time to join us for the question and answer session with our readers. It has been very interesting to get to know more about you and what makes you tick as a writer! Readers, if you haven’t done so already please stop by and get your copy of Susan’s newest book Dark Stranger
BBB: What are the most challenging and the most rewarding aspects of writing?
SS: Writing the middle of any book is always the most challenging. I love writing the beginning and the end, but the “soft, squishy” middle generally drives me crazy. Most rewarding part can be writing a scene I’ve been dying to get to, or writing “The End” or the characters getting into a conversation that my typing can barely keep up with.
BBB: If you could have one of your books made into a movie, which book and who would your dream cast be?
SS: There’s two I’d adore seeing made into movies. LAWS OF THE BLOOD: THE HUNT takes place in Los Angeles and I think the settings and plot would make a great movie. I’d cast Oded Fehr as the hero, Selim and Salma Hayek as Valentine.
In the Primes universe I’d love to see I THIRST FOR YOU filmed. With Vin Diesel and Rhada Mitchell as the hero and heroine.
BBB: What are your top 3 favorite paranormal books and movies?
SS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, THE TWO TOWERS and THE RETURN OF THE KING, both in book and movie format.
BBB: What character (s) in any of your books is most like you?
SS: Valentine in the LAWS OF THE BLOOD books. Except I don’t look like Salma Hayek. I didn’t mean to write me into Valentine and didn’t realize I had until I got a phone call from my mom who was reading the manuscript of THE HUNT and she said, “You’re Valentine!” After thinking about it, I had to admit that this several thousand year old vampire and I had a lot in common.
BBB: What is the most ridiculous thing that you have thought about doing to any of your characters but never did?
SS: Well, there were the bungee-jumping monks in IN MY DREAMS. I did write that bit, but the editor wouldn’t let me keep it.
BBB: How do you keep track of your world building?
SS: Mostly by memory, but I also keep copies of all the books in a series on my desk so I can look things up if I have to.
BBB: What do you feel are the benefits of the new electronic readers such as Kindle 2 or Sony Digital Book Reader
SS: Hopefully they’re very good for the environment, but I don’t know. I do know I plan on getting an ereader sometime soon, but haven’t made up my mind which one I want yet.
BBB: What impact do electronic readers create on the bottom line for authors in the end? Do you feel they have a negative impact or positive, or no impact at all that you can see?
SS: It’s too early to tell. I’ve yet to see a royalty statement that lists ebook sales among all the sales date. I’m in favor of any type of media that encourages reading, be it paper, electronic or whatever future delivery system for storytelling comes along.
BBB: In your Primes universe, what are the differences between the 3 nations: Clans, Families, and Tribes?
SS: The Clan culture comprises the smallest part of the vampire population. Their culture is the most closely entwined with their mortal cousins, in that historically they have been the protectors of humankind. They live by a code of chivalry and honor. The Family vampires are the majority of the vampire population and they are mostly interested in living normal lives without their existence being discovered by mortals. They are allied with the Clan culture, and some live by the Clan code, but mostly they’re just trying to get by. The Tribes are just downright crazy and evil. There used to be a larger number of Tribe vampires, but many have accepted the difficulty of living the monster lifestyle in the modern era and have been adopted into Family families. The ones that are left are divided into two camps — those making the effort to take over the world, and those that are vicious bastards. The Clans and Families are matriarchal, ruled by females Matris. The Tribes are patriarchal and work on a pack mentality where the strongest are the ones in control.
BBB: Could you please describe the importance of the psychic component of being a vampire in your Primes universe.
SS: You don’t have to be a psychic mortal to form a bondmate relationship with a Prime vampire, but it certainly helps. In fact, I do have one vampire/mortal couple who fall in love long before they bond, because she isn’t psychic. Being psychic is one of the most important aspects of being a vampire in the Primes universe. They are telepathic, some are empathic, some can see the future but whatever their gifts, being psychic is an important part of who they are.
BBB: In that world, Primes are born vampires, not created. Could you explain how that works, without giving too much away?
SS: I explained their origins from the very first book, I BURN FOR YOU. According to the vampires view of history/anthropology/genetic research vampires and mortals are cousins. Vampires are human, a different branch of humanity than homo sapiens sapiens. Unlike other hominids and human relatives like the Neanderthals vampires are another surviving branch of the family tree.
BBB: How are weres affiliated with the Clans?
SS: Werefolk (werewolves, werefoxes, etc.) are allied to vampires. Over the ages the Clan vampires have begun to think of their affiliated werefolk allies as almost servants, but the werefolk are getting pretty tired of this attitude and there’s some tension that needs to be worked out.
BBB: Regarding your “Laws of the Blood” series, could you please describe the concept of the Nighthawks?
SS: The Laws of the Blood vampires are a totally different type of vampire than the Primes. This is an urban fantasy series, although it certainly has romantic elements. The Laws vampires are made, not born, and they’re made with black magic, so even the nicest ones had to ritually kill a human to become a vampire. In the Laws universe I started with the concept, “What do monsters do at home?” The Laws vampires live by a strict law code and the Nighthawks are the vampire cops. It’s the Nighthawks job to enforce the Laws and they are much more likely to be protecting vampires from humans than the other way around.
BBB: What gave you the idea to have the vampire book club and can you tell us more about it? And will future books be all dealing with the club or set in the present as well?
SS: The Vampire Book Club came about because I wrote Dark Stranger — a book set in the Primes far future — way out of any linear order for the Primes universe. It was a book that insisted on being written, then I had to figure out what to do with it. My editor liked it and it was decided to publish it between PRIMAL NEEDS and PRIMAL INSTINCTS (the next book in the Primes series) but she wanted me to put a reference to Dark Stranger into PRIMAL NEEDS. Well…what could it be? I decided that Dark Stranger must be a book that the vampires themselves were reading. I loved this notion, because it will allow me to write all sorts of paranormal books that involve the Primes world, but are not officially part of the Primes timeline.
I most certainly intend to continue writing books in the Primes universe as well as playing with Vampire Book Club stories.
BBB: Where do you see the paranormal/urban fantasy genre headed? Can you see it slowing down in the near future, or do you think that the immediate future is pretty bright for it?
SS: I have no idea where the market is heading — I just writes ‘em and reads ‘em. I hear steampunk is becoming hot, but I don’t know anything about it. But I’ll be happy to read any steampunk books that come out. I am and always have been a fantasy and science fiction reader and writer. I love the blending of the romance and sf/f genres and hope these books stay popular. These are the books I want to write and what I want to read.
BBB: Do you have any plans for book signings/ readings anytime soon? If so, where can our readers find you?
SS: The one place I know I can be found doing signings and readings is at DragonCon http://dragoncon.org in Atlanta, GA over Labor Day weekend.
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Learn more about Susan Sizemore below:
To read reviews of this author’s work go here.
To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.
Follow on Twitter http://twitter.com/SusanSizemore
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CONTEST: PLEASE NOTE THE NEW CONTEST EMAIL ADDRESS TO SEND YOUR ENTRIES TO BELOW. There are also revisions to the rules for this contest, please read them all carefully. Also, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME in your comment/post so we can give you the proper credit for your entries.
Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do just ONE or ALL of these things, and each thing you do will give you additional entries at a chance to WIN. REMEMBER you have Until 12/12/09 at 11:59 pm Central to do the different things that YOU choose to do.
She will be giving away FIVE great prizes!
5 - $20 Barnes & Noble gift certificates
The contest WILL be open to readers in the US.
Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do just ONE or ALL of these things, and each thing you do will give you additional entries at a chance to WIN. REMEMBER you have Until 12/17/09 at 11:59 pm Central to do the different things that YOU choose to do.
1. The easiest way to enter is by ORDERING copies of any of Susan’s books today through tomorrow. Good for 300 points per book you purchase.
From Amazon:
Click here
From Barnes & Noble:
Click here
OR you can use the Barnes & Noble link HERE to make your purchase of ANY kind of merchandise during the contest. You can also use the Amazon link HERE to shop as well. Good for 100 entries to the contest for EACH item you purchase. Not valid on past purchases.
It is NOT mandatory to purchase anything to enter the contests, there are plenty of other ways to enter and win. Just email us a copy of your purchase receipt to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Sorry no faxes or snail mail copies.
2. In order to be entered into this contest the ONE thing you ALL have to do is ask Susan a question or leave a comment. It can be ANY question you like. No questions/comments = no entries! You can come by through 12/17/09 and ask Susan your questions. Good for 10 entries. (max 2 questions that count towards entries)
3. Spread the word about this event! Use this direct link to the event: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=14697 on twitter, at another blog, website, Myspace, Ning Group, Facebook, Yahoo Group, Goodreads, Shelfari (any group where it is appropriate). You MUST come back here to this interview and post those links in one response here in this thread so we can verify your entries. Good for 100 entries per place you post the event link.
RULES AND LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
The contest ends on 12/17/09 at 11:59 pm Central and the winners will be contacted via email. You will receive your prize directly from the author. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME as well as a valid email where we can contact you. REMEMBER the more things you do, the more entries, the greater the chances of winning.
1. Please note, the prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be absolutely no substitutions or changes the prize is non-transferable. If you don’t want the prize being offered, please don’t enter the contest. If you ever win an electronic copy of a book, please note that it is ILLEGAL to forward, give away or copy it in anyway once you receive it. Doing so violates copyright. If we find out that it has been done, you will no longer be eligible to win any of our contests.
2. You have THREE days from the day the we contact you to claim your prize by sending your name/mailing address to me. Failure to contact me will forfeit your prize. BBB can at that time, choose either to re-award the prize to another entrant or not.
3. The prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be no substitutions, trades or changes. No exceptions. Please do not ask. If for some reason you do not wish to claim your prize, please let me know as soon as possible. Bitten by Books has the option to re-award it or not.
4. Contest is open to USA readers except where noted. The prizes are shipped directly from the author.
5. Bitten by Books is in NO way responsible for the prizes being offered in any of the contests. If for some reason a contributor does not honor their prize, there is nothing we can or will do about it. We are not worried that this will happen, but we want to be very clear that WE are not offering these prizes, the contributor is and it is their responsibility to fulfill their prize obligations.
6. These rules are subject to change or be modified without prior written notice.
7. Contest is void where prohibited.
8. By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry
(2 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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Hi Susan! Thanks for joining us here.
This is Carol, your D*C moderator.
[Reply]
Hi Susan,
I’ve only read the first Laws of the Blood book so far. Do you plot everything out before you start writing or does the story line evolve as you write?
[Reply]
Sorry I got here a bit late. I have an old dog and she insisted she had to go out. You do not disagree with a dog of her advanced years when she says she has to go.
Thanks for having me!
[Reply]
Hi, Sandy,
I write all sorts of ways. I’ll think I’ve got the story all plotted our and the characters will insist it happens differently. I’ll wing it and just start writing sometimes. I generally know the beginning and the end and work to get from one to the other.
Thanks for asking
[Reply]
Hi Susan!
Thanks so much for being here with us today and taking time out of your busy writing schedule.
I have to say that the DARK STRANGER cover is SMOKING Hot hot hot! Who is the cover artist and are you pleased with how the art turned out? I had the privelige to see it *enlarged* he he and oh wow is it an amazing piece of artwork.
[Reply]
Hi Susan,
Just wanted to stop and say thank you for all the books you have written.And to ask how are you today?
~Helen~
[Reply]
Rachel, I don’t know who did the artwork, but the Art Department at Pocket did a fantastic job with Doc Raven. He actually looks exactly as I envisioned him. And he has Doc’s tattoo as well. Wait till you guys see the cover for PRIMAL INSTINCTS — talk about smokin’! Pocket does great cover for my books.
[Reply]
Thanks for liking my books, Helen. I really appreciate hearing from readers. How am I? Cold. Just got back from a dog walk and it is nasty cold out there.
Susan
[Reply]
Just had to pop in and tell everyone how much I loved Dark Stranger! Run out and buy this book!
Karin Shah
STARJACKED
An undercover agent, a beautiful space pirate, with the fate of the galaxy at risk, love may not be enough…
[Reply]
Hello Susan:
Your books about the Prime vampires are among my favorites. I really enjoy the strong female characters and the action that you work into your stories. Nice book trailer for Dark Stranger. Do you decide how many books you’ll write to complete a series before you start or do you just follow the flow?
Desire
[Reply]
Susan, Dark Stranger sounds great. Love the cover. I am going to put it on my Christmas list.
rsvp’ed
posted to facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/#/php?ref=profile&id=100000095718569
[Reply]
Thanks, Karin! Keep up the good work writing Futuristics. I love reading them as much as writing them.
Desire - Hi. I just go with the flow. I have no idea how many books will be in any series I start.
Hope you get DARK STRANGER for Christmas, Ida!
Susan
[Reply]
Hello again, Susan.
What are some of your favorite older, classic vampire stories?
[Reply]
not sure why it did not all post. sorry
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=100000095718569#/profile.php?ref=profile&id=100000095718569
[Reply]
Hi Susan,
Wow with that talk up from Rachel “hot hot hot” I am going to have to get my hands on Dark Stranger and see this OMG guy for myself :O) Plus, book sounds fab.
R.S.V.P’d
[Reply]
Hi Susan, I was just wondering if you still get giddy whenever you walk into a book store and see your books on display?
Thanks for talking with us today!
RSVP’d
[Reply]
I R.S.V.P.’D
2. Hey Susan What Are One Or Two Things We Wouldn’t Normally Know About You?
3. I Posted The Link On My Blog.
http://skyla11377.blogspot.com/
I Twittered About This Interview.
http://twitter.com/skyla11377
[Reply]
Carol, among my favorite older books are Chelsea Quinn Yarbro’s Hotel Transylvania series. I adore Tanya Huff’s Vickie Nelson books. The Vampire Lestat is wonderful. Maggie Shayne’s older vamp books helped start vampire romance. These are all old school stuff.
Susan
[Reply]
Rebecca — Oh, yes, I always get giddy to see books in stores. the response is even stronger when I see my books in libraries — it’s like it makes them more real as books somehow.
Susan
[Reply]
Hi Susan!
I haven’t read any of your books yet, but they are going on my TBR list! They sounds wonderful! I already love your characters for some of your books just based on who you would want to play them in a movie. The actors are to of my favs!
Other than Tolkien, what authors do you enjoy reading?
What are your favorite paranormal creatures to read about?
2. I rsvp’d and asked 2 questions
3. spread the word
http://www.facebook.com/manda513?ref=name
http://not-really-southernvampchick.blogspot.com/
http://www.shelfari.com/groups/29157/discussions/161992/Competitions-put-em-here-
[Reply]
Raquel - 2 things about me, huh? Well, I’m left-handed. And I’m a big fan of the Military Channel.
susan
[Reply]
Hi Susan,
I enjoyed reading Dark Stranger. The suspense…the secret…and most especially the characters. I love both Doc and Zoe.
[Reply]
Hello Susan Have You ALways Wanted To Be A Writer?
[Reply]
CeCe - Ooh you make me happy. I love Doc and Zoe too. They made me write the book. Really, DARK STRANGER is what I call an Attack Book. I had to write it even though it’s so out of order from the other Primes books. Doc and Zoe’s story isn’t finished yet. There will be a sequel. And a romance for Maria.
[Reply]
Denise, I’ve been writing down stories as long as I could print in crayon. I took typing classes in high school to help me write more. I love to tell stories.
Susan
[Reply]
Your series sounds great. I think I will put on my to read list.
[Reply]
Silvermage — Thanks. Start with I BURN FOR YOU (or DARK STRANGER as it’s standalone) for the Primes and THE HUNT for the Laws of the Blood.
Susan
[Reply]
Hello Susan, cold here in Central Texas today to course only in the 40’s so we are just wimpy compared to other places… Have read only books 5,6,&7 in the Prime series but enjoyed each and every one and cannot wait to see where you take us next in “Primal Instincts”….
I have a copy of Dark Stranger sitting on top of my TBR pile which had been wanting to get my hands on for a while since saw the first reviews. I will enjoy reading it when the holidays are behind me and can get to sit down to do so.
I RSVP’d to this.
Posted for others to join on Profile at:http://www.facebook.com/jacabur?ref=profile
Posted short description and link on my blog site: http://jacaburintexas.blogspot.com/2009/12/susan-sizemore-live-chatgiveaway-at-bbb.html
Tweeted on Profile and Retweeted for BBB at : http://twitter.com/jacabur1
Jackie B Central Texas
[Reply]
Amanda — Favorite romance writers include Feehan, Dodd, Ivy, Ward, Putney, Galenorn, Aquirre, Showalter, Sinclair and many more. Other writers I love are Jim Butcher, Terry Pratchett, RM Meluch, Jane Austen, Laurie R. King, Dorothy Dunnett, Jody Lynn Nye and have recently discovered Ariana Franklin and Eric Brown.
Susan
[Reply]
Curious, did you research vampire facts before you started writing?
And whats your favorite book or websites for information?
[Reply]
Katherine — I’ve read all the folklore about vampires and other paranormal folk all my life. Mythology and folklore are hobbies of mine. One of the things I think writers of paranormal should do is find out all the history/tradition/folktales of what they plan to write, then they have a base to develop their own ideas from.
Susan
[Reply]
Hello Susan, I loved Dark Stranger. Any idea when is the next Vampire Book Club Book?
I RSVPed and post here: http://marvelousbookpage.blogspot.com/
Facebooked Betty Street
[Reply]
Cyd - I’m currently almost done with the next Primes book, PRIMAL INSTINCTS. Then early next year I’ll be writing the next book for the Book Club. Thanks for asking. Question for you guys — should next book be sequel to DARK STRANGER or a book about a ghost hunter heroine who discovers that vamps and werefolk are real? Call this one LIVING DEAD GIRL.
Susan
[Reply]
I just saw on your site that a new Laws of the Blood book is out and I am so glad. I really enjoy this series. I also like the Prime books.
Thanks for you great writing,
William
[Reply]
I rsvpd.
Now on to the fun part. Susan, do you attend any Cons and if so, what made you decide that/those particular one(s)?
[Reply]
Thanks, William. Look for more news about the Laws of the Blood soon!
Susan
[Reply]
Lakisha - I do attend cons. I’ve been going to sf conventions since the 70s. I’ve been to worldcons. I never miss DragonCon and frequently get to WindyCon and ConVergence. Also been to World Fantasy Con a few times. I’d kill to get to ComicCon someday.
But DragonCon is the one I never miss. Just too much multi-media fun to pass by.
Susan
[Reply]
LIVING DEAD GIRL sounds like an interesting concept.
[Reply]
Hi Susan!!! Thanks for stopping by.
What first inspired you to become a writer?
[Reply]
Sandy — LIVING DEAD GIRL is and idea very influenced by my fondness for anime and manga.
Susan
[Reply]
Oh and I posted the links here
twitter.com/kishazworld
myspace.com/kishaz_world
facebook.com/kishazworld
[Reply]
Heather — I guess I was influenced to write by the question, “What if…?” That’s the question that gets the ideas stirring in a writer’s head.
Susan
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After the “What if . . .?” how do you decide which ideal to run with? Is it characters, settings, possibility / growth potential?
And are there any that you had to abandon that you regretted.
is there one character that has been stuck in your mind that you haven’t been able to use yet? And how do you keep him/her from intruding on your others?
[Reply]
Katerine - I regret that there’s been so much time between Laws of the Blood stories, because I still have a lot I want to say in that universe. There’s one more historical romance based in the MacLeods of Skye Court universe that I’d love to write. There’s a bunch of science fiction romances I want to find the time to write. Lots of books I have had to put off writing. Too many ideas, not enough time.
I like to think that I have two types of characters: the transients and the permanent residents. The transients tell me their stories and move on, but the permanent residents always want more told about their lives. Some of these characters have yet to have a word written down about them, but I know their stories very well.
As to what to run with, well, I’m a character-driven writer. My plots turn around my characters.
Susan
[Reply]
Has any character surprised or disappointed? One that you felt couldn’t be written any other way even though you wanted to.
[Reply]
Katherine — They all manage to surprise me. There’s a character named Laurent that starts off as a bad guy in I HUNGER FOR YOU that really was put in the book because I needed a point of view from the bad guys. I didn’t plan on turning him into a hero. Really. But he woldn’t keep his mouth shut or stay out of my head. He ended up the hero of MASTER OF DARKNESS and keeps showing up in other books because I can’t keep him out.
I’m currently working on an epic fantasy novel that’s trying to turn into a trilogy. The heroine of the book is the most ruthless character that’s ever popped into my head. She is kind, but she is not gentle and she’ll do what’s necessary to save the world. She’s always surprising me and I have to let her tell me what’s up with her instead of trying to force behavior on her to make her more girly.
Susan
[Reply]
Ooh…now, you got me looking forward to the next story. I love Maria, too! Keep them coming…
[Reply]
Hi Susan!
I am so happy you joined us here today. I love your books, your Primes are so hot! My favorites are Primal Desires, I Thirst for You, and your Novella Tempting Fate. I thought Jon and Dezi’s story was too cute!! I haven’t read Master of Darkness yet, but I certainly plan too. I love Anime and Manga as well, right now I am currently stuck on the Bleach series, but there are so many more Anime movies and shows that I enjoy.
Did you always want to become a writer?
What’s the first book you ever wrote?
I am wishing you much continued succeess!
Tawania
*contest stuff*
I RSVP’d
Spread the word on my FB and BloodBank page
http://www.facebook.com/tawania?ref=profile
http://www.bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/tawaniaetheridge
[Reply]
I gotta admitt, Laurent is probably one of my favorites. He’s got that inner iron morality that hasn’t been corrupted . . at least not completely.
And he covers it so well with that “Whatever is going to happen, I’m just going to let it happen” attitude.
She sounds interesting. Is she the kind that gets more ruthless if she does something she regrets, but won’t admitt or adknowledge, even to herself?
Have you ever read Piers Anthonys “Bio of a space tyrant” series?
[Reply]
Katherine — Of course Laurent is now preening and pouting because there’s no way he can show up in PRIMAL INSTINCTS…knowing him he’ll find a way.
I’ve read Piers Anthony’s pun-filled fantasy novels, but I can’t remember what they’re called.
Socia is the fantasy heroine’s name, book is BLUE DEATH, though it’s growing into several books. She’s quite stubborn about admitting regrets.
Susan
[Reply]
Susan,
I adore your Prime Series, and I am foaming at the mouth to get my hand on Dark Stranger. I am hoping Santa leaves me it under my tree this year! (I have tried so hard to be good.) Do you have any other spin offs planed for the Primes?
[Reply]
Caden - I do indeed have more Primes spin-offs planned. One will be a sequel to Dark Stranger, and there’s a story about a ghost hunter coming up.
Susan
[Reply]
o0o0o I am so excited! TY
Sisses
Caden
[Reply]
Piers Anthony is my favorite author, but he didn’t write my favorite book. That honor goes to Ariel by Steve Boyett.
O.k. I read these books when I was young and I have such fond memories that my favorite spot will never change.
But everybodies tastes change. Has your perspective of mythology / folklore changed since you started creating your own?
Socia, love the name. It surprises me how naming a character can affect how you then treat or veiw them. I don’t know if that happens with everybody. Do you name your characters right away or wait for them to develop?
[Reply]
Katherine — Ariel’s new, right? Sounds familiar but I know I haven’t read it. I think my favorite book is Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman.
Studying folklore, theology, history, anthropology, all sorts of things, even cooking and weaving and trade routes and weather patterns — all those things contribute to world building. And studying all that stuff is fun for me too.
Susan
[Reply]
rsvp’d and posted link on my Fb page (Lisa Mason)
[Reply]
Do you have a certain place or type of setting you have to write in?
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/bookgoil/status/6745833511
[Reply]
Kristen - No. There’s no restrictions on place or type of setting. I like to make the settings as important as a character. This has been especially true with DARK STRANGER, and in the Laws of the Blood books.
Susan
[Reply]
Kristen, Thank God I’m not answering questions! I thought you ment HER setting. Like does she have to be at home, all comfortable tucked into the corner of the couch, or at an office desk with a sterile enviroment so theirs no distractions. LOL
[Reply]
YEAH “The graveyard book” by Neil Gaiman. Good book. Saddly it’s probably the only one by him I’ve read.
Ariel is not new, but I don’t think it was that popular. When my dog ate my copy I had to go on e-bay to find another. Something about they don’t print it anymore. Sites for it: http://www.arielbook.com/ OR http://www.steveboy.com/
Have you ever feel uncomfortable or weird researching a subject?
I’ve gotten some weird looks requesting books at the library. I could feel the librarians eyes on me the whole time I was there. The burnt patch on my back still itches thinking about it.
What is the one subject you studied that turned out disappointing? Or just not what you thought?
And how did it affect what you wanted to write?
[Reply]
Hi Susan,
I RSVP’d. I have to say your books always look so good, Dark Stranger is no different! I will be watching for it! Keep on writing so I can keep on reading!
I posted your link on my FB page!
http://www.facebook.com/#/profile.php?ref=name&id=100000403814729
[Reply]
Susan,
I really love all your books! I have to vote, though, for the next vampire book club book to be LIVING DEAD GIRL. I like the concept. Are you planning on alternately vampire book club books with current day Prime books? I’m really looking forward to the next LAWS OF THE BLOOD book.
[Reply]
I have a couple more questions. I may have missed it, but did you give a time period for LIVING DEAD GIRL? Is the Vampire book club only going to be books set in the future, or could the books also be set in the past — historical vampire romance?
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Hi, Winifred and Sharla. Thanks for the fb post and the questions.
I’m not sure how the Vampire Book Club and modern Primes stories will alternate. That’ll have to be worked out with my publisher. I do know I’ll be getting to work on a new PBC story after I finish PRIMAL INTINCTS and a Primes story for an anthology.
LIVING DEAD GIRL is a contemporary story. It’ll be told 1st person as an urban fantasy. I do have one sort of historical Primes idea that would involve time travel back to post Revolution 20th century Russia — okay, in this story the Grand Duchess Anastasia gets to rescue a time traveling Dan Corbett (see earlier Primes books for info on Dan) instead of the Grand Duchess getting rescued. That will be fun to write.
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Hi Susan! I’ve not yet had the pleasure of reading the Primes Series, and as I was adding the books to my TBR Listing, I noticed that the 1st 3 are in a boxed set. Is there any chance that there is a more complete set available, or will be available in the future?
Links Posted:
http://www.facebook.com/Kate.and.Norm.Leger?ref=profile
http://www.myspace.com/yzabella_erotica
http://cid-172fefd1981cd7b5.profile.live.com
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I’ve got the first four Laws of the Blood books (as well as A Stirring of Dust), and I loved them all!
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Sounds exciting!
Well, my question for you is:
Do you think humor is a natural talent or do people have to work at it (to develop it)?
Thank you!
Aori H.
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Jennifer - Love that you love them. And that you are among the few to have A Stirring of Dust. That was so much fun to write — because I’m such a huge Forever Knight fan.
There are five Laws novels: HUNT, PARTNERS, COMPANIONS, DECEPTIONS, HEROES. There’s also a novella “Cave Canem” in the FIRST BLOOD anthology.
Susan
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Aori — Ooh, that’s a good question. I’ve always loved humor. When I was a kid I used to write down lines of dialogue from TV shows and movies that I thought were funny. At the time I didn’t realize I was studying what I thought made things funny.
A lot of the talent for humor is a natural sense of timing, I think.
Susan
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Sounds wonderful to me!
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2. Hi Susan!
I recently read Crave the Night w/the trilogy of I Burn for You, I Thirst for You , and I Hunger for You and really liked the characters of Marcus Cage & Josephine Elliot.I also find it really interesting about the one vampire/mortal couple who fall in love long before they bond, because she isn’t psychic. I had been wondering about that! I have a question about the Tribes vampires: I know their bonding capability is hindered b/c of the way they treat human women as slaves, but the bond is described as something so innate & intense. Do Tribe Vamps ever just get completely sideswiped with a bonding? I mean, does their nature (bonding) ever override the environment of practicing slavery? And since you mentioned it,do you plan on writing any steampunk?
3. tweeted - http://twitter.com/BellaFranco
facebooked - http://www.facebook.com/notifications.php#/home.php?filter=app_2309869772
and I RSVP’d
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and how bout I need to get myself to DragonCon, lol
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Hi, I am new to your books, sounds like you have a very interesting developed world.
How far does your belief in the paranormal go? Do you believe in ghosts, witches, vampires or other paranormal beings?
rsvpd
tweeted http://twitter.com/EllzReadz/status/6751430203
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Bella - DragonCon is the most fun I’ve ever had with 50,000 other people! You should go.
Susan
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Hi Susan welcome to BBB
im new to your work and i was couirous how u entice me to read your book what kind of pitch would you give me about it if u saw me ina store and i was just looking for something new to read
my question to you is whats one of the things youve done to celebrate a new book or a finished manuscript
BBB
I rsvped
BBB
im already friends with you on
Facebook Fan Page: Beverly Gordon
Good Reads: Beverly Gordon
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/forever14n9
Facebook: Beverly Gordon
Twitter:http://twitter.com/bainesgoddess
im on the blood bank : Beverly Gordon
i receive the news letter
shared on face book: beverly Gordon
twitter: @bainesgoddess
myspace: http://www.myspace.com/forever14n9
and my blog : http://zenes-escape.blogspot.com/
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Evening Susan,
What sets your books apart from the others in this genre?
thanks
rsvp’d
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2 - RSVP & comment (39)
3 - myspace - http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=510955351
facebook - http://www.facebook.com/hcreely?ref=profile
twitter - http://twitter.com/Heatwave316/status/6752732693
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Hi Susan. Love your book trailer. You are a new author to me. More books for my to read list.
I RSVPed.
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Hi Susan! Your books sound very interesting. I will definitely check them out. What are some of your favorite vampire books?
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I love the family connection between your books. Will the next one continue the same storyline, and will it take place in the future or be a contemporary novel?
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Hi Susan! I love your books! Can’t wait for the next and the next and so on!
I RSVP’d
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Beverley — What to do to entice you to read my books? I’d say, let the music do the talking — check out the excerpts of my books posted on my website: http://susansizemore.com
And to celebrate finishing the book I’m currently almost done with, I’m going to watch the DVDs of the first season of TRUE BLOOD.
Susan
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Deana - What sets my books apart from others in the genre? What sets anyone’s books apart is their voice. There are only so many plots to go around, but everyone has their own unique way of telling those stories. I like to write serious stories leavened with funny dialogue. I don’t do dead guys — my vampires are born that way and are proud of their heritage. I delight in worldbuilding.
Susan
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Mickey — the next book, PRIMAL INSTINCTS, starts exactly where PRIMAL NEEDS ends. There’s an excerpt from PRIMAL INSTINCTS at the back of DARK STRANGER.
Susan
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Wow. Starting from an early age. Thank you for answering. I read some of your answers to other questions, but I really liked ” I don’t do dead guys — my vampires are born that way and are proud of their heritage.”
I am becoming really interested!
When did you start writing?
-Aori H.
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Hi Susan…. love the primes series including the latest Dark Stranger. I have Laws of Blood on the wall but still under the TBR pile.
You say that Valentine is like yourself. Is there anyone else in your day to day world that you have intentionally or unintentionally written into your books?
You have told me before that you collect bookmarks. How do you display/keep them????
Thanks for the visit…. will talk to you on twitter I hope soon
Shell the Hockeyvampiress
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I RSVPed for this event.
2. I love the concept that Primes are BORN Vampires!
3. Tweeted: http://twitter.com/truebookaddict/status/6756054684
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/michellestockardmiller?v=feed&story_fbid=207110732158&ref=nf
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Hi Susan,
Thanks for the interview. I love the part about the bungee-jumping monks in IN MY DREAMS, would you consider posting that deleted scene on your webpage? LOL. Also, I adore titles and noticed that there has been a lot of similarities lately, what inspires you to select a particular title?
rsvp’d
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Hi Susan
2.I read some of your earlier books and I love them can’t wait to get the rest of your books that i do not have yet.Keep up the good work and have a Happy Holiday Season.
3.I have Spread the word on my myspace and facebook and here are the links
http://www.myspace.com/sasluvbooks & facebook.com/sasluvbooks
* I RSVPed
From Stacey S
sasluvbooks@yahoo.com
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Oded is a popular choice for book characters, it seems. I like the idea of the vampire book club. Should be a members tee.
Dragon*Con is crowded but fun. I also like mythology. I watch True Blood and other faves when I need a break. 
My bookmarks are on display and in a wooden box. 
RSVPd.
Thanks for being here today, Susan!
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Hi Susan
I have several of your books even though I haven’t read them all yet. I have read two or three of your prime series and love the ones I have read, can’t wait to get the ones I have so I can read them too. Sounds like the other vampire books will be great too. I’m going to have to go to your website after this and get a list of your books so I can see what I have and what I need.
Do you think you’ll write a series or other books dealing with somethin besides vampires? Like werewolves or any type of were’s? I guess shifter might be a better word although I’m not sure theres not a difference between “were” and “shifter”. Just wondering.
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Oh I also RSVP’d for this chat.
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Susan,
What was your very first idea for a novel?
Melinda F
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Aori - I sold my first book in 1991, but there’s never been a time when I wasn’t writing.
Shell - I use most of my bookmarks because I read more than one book at a time, and I read slowly. I do have the two I got in Venice hanging on a bedside lamp.
Biki - Don’t blame authors for the repetitive titles you’ll find on books. We don’t really have that much control of titles. My title for what became DARK STRANGER was IN THE DARK, it was then changed to DEMON IN THE DARK, which I liked, but since there aren’t any demons in it the title was changed once again - to DARK STRANGER.
Belinda - The Primes series isn’t just about vampires. There are shifters in every book. A werewolf is the hero of PRIMAL NEEDS, the heroine is a vampire.
Melinda - First novel idea? Well, I wrote opuses featuring the Beatles as a kid, and lots of Star Trek fanfic, but the first original romance fiction I wrote was about a singer in a heavy metal band. Never sold that one.
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Hi Susan! what do you think you love most about writing a novel?
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Hi Susan, I think I have every book you have written so far. I love your vampires and the way you weave your worlds. I just wanted to say “Thank You” and keep writing about your vamps. I just love them. How do you keep track of all your worlds and how the connect? that’s alwways amazed me.
spread the word:
http://www.myspace.com/heidi330
http://www.bloodbank.com/heidi330
http://www.goodreads.com/heidi330
http://www.facebook.com/heidi330
http://www.twitter.com/heidi330
rsvp
HeidiS
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Hi Susan, what do you find to be the most difficult aspect of being an author?
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I think I RSVP’d.
Susan, I’m more familiar with your historical romances. The vampire worlds you have created are different and sound interesting. It is always fascinating to see how an author creates their world and writes the rules for the characters. I can’t believe the variation within the genre for vampires.
Will have to check out your paranormal/urban fantasy books.
Hope you have a great Holiday Season.
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I enjoy your books and I think your take on vampires is fascinating. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your great stories.
I RSVP’d, follow BBB on MySpace & Twitter, and get the newsletter.
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