Loading ...Author Interview And Contest With Candace Havens
Exclusive Bitten by Books
Interview with Author Candace Havens
A big welcome to our readers today! Be sure to read to the end of the interview to find out how to WIN the the great prize package being offered up today. The contest runs until 3:00 pm Eastern time tomorrow to give our east coast and international readers a chance to participate.
NOTE: this is not a fixed time event, the post just goes live at 8:00 am PST. You can stop by any time during the day or evening and leave your questions and comments.
Interview:
Hi Candace!
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 Candace’s latest release The Demon King and I
BBB: First off, CONGRATULATIONS on your release of The Demon King and I
CH: Thank you for letting me hang out here today. I am so excited about the new release. Usually when I have a book coming out I get really nervous, but this time I’m just excited for everyone to jump into this new world I’ve created. These Caruthers sisters are so cool, and I’m totally living vicariously through them.
BBB: What do you find the most challenging aspect of writing?
CH: Focusing on one project at a time. I have so many ideas and my mind wanders, so I really have to tell myself, ‘We’re working on this right now.’ I’m also not super fond of editing, but it’s a necessity.
BBB: What is the most rewarding aspect of writing for you?
CH: I wish I could say just the writing, but I love it when someone comes up to me or emails and says, “I liked your book.’ It means so much to me when people get what I’m trying to do and connect with the characters and stories.
BBB: What or who was your muse that got you started writing?
CH: I’d been an entertainment journalist for a long time before I started writing fiction, but I’d always wanted to write a book. A journalist friend suggested I should give it a try and I did. I loved it. It’s such a part of me now I can’t remember not writing fiction. Jumping in and out of new worlds, it’s the biggest high.
BBB: What do you feel are the benefits of the new electronic readers such as Kindle
CH: I heart my Kindle
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?
CH: I honestly don’t know. It’s in my contract that I get paid for electronic. As long as people are buying your book, it’s a good thing.
BBB: Who among your characters is your favorite and why?
CH: That’s like picking a favorite child. I can’t do it. Sorry. I love Bronwyn, she’s a powerful witch who protects the British Prime Minister in my first series. She’s so funny. But I also love all my Caruthers Sisters. They are strong, funny, sexy and each has a very distinctive personality.
BBB: How do you like interacting with your fans at events? Do you feel shy or are you right out there bigger than life?
CH: I’m a bigger than life kind of girl. I love the fans. Love chatting with them and meeting them. I just love talking about books in general. And I’m very easy. Tell me you like my books and I’m your BFF.
BBB: Can you tell us if there are any sequels planned for The Demon King and I
CH: There are more books in the Caruthers Sisters series. The next one is Dragons Prefer Blondes, you can see the new cover on my website. I would love to do more Bronwyn and Kira books at some point. I love those characters.
BBB: Succubus or Vampire. Which would you choose to be and why?
CH: LOL, No one has ever asked me that. I’m all about the vampires. I’m a night owl. It might be tough for me though, because I love garlic. (Smile).
BBB: In your Bronwyn the Witch series, how would you describe the writing style? Is it serious dark paranormal or a cross between chick lit and paranormal?
CH: We call it contemporary fantasy. It’s written in diary form and it’s very tongue-in-cheek. There are dark moments in all my books, but they are also funny.
BBB: How do you keep track of your characters and world building?
CH: I had to start writing everything down in a big journal, so I could keep with everyone. Same with the world building. I couldn’t remember from one book to the next how I did certain things, so I had to start writing it all down. I also make small collages with all my characters so I can remember what they look like.
BBB: What is your favorite paranormal book of all time?
CH: OMG. You have to be kidding. I honestly can’t do it. Um. Nope I can’t pick just one. But I can tell you a funny story. After I wrote Charmed & Dangerous
BBB: What do you like to do in between all the time you spend writing?
CH: I don’t have a lot of between time. I have a day job I love too, writing about celebrities, TV and film, and I also do radio. Oh, and I have two sons, though they are older and don’t need me as much.
BBB: What did you do before you became a writer? Do you write full time?
CH: I write for the day job and the novels, so yes I do write full time.
BBB: Do you have any pearls of wisdom you would like to share with our readers here today?
CH: Oh, I don’t know about wisdom, but I love books more than just about any other kind of entertainment. If you read mine, I hope you know they are written with great passion and love. I love to tell a story. I just hope you guys enjoy them.
Hey everybody! Be sure to check out Candace’s sites!
http://www.candacehavens.com/index.php/blog/
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Questions and Contest: Now, I am going to open up the internet floor so to speak and let our readers ask Candace some questions. Feel free to post as many questions or comments as you like. She will be popping in and out today and tomorrow to answer them.
Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do ONE or ALL of these things, and each one will give an additional entries at a chance to win. One lucky participant will be chosen to win an amazing prize package that includes a copy of The Demon King and I
1. Ask Candace some questions. Ask as many questions as you like, but only two of your questions count towards entries, two questions, two entries. You can also start a stimulating discussion.
2. SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter here on the right hand side of the site. This is for new subscribers only.
3. Post the link to the interview here today (http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=1793) at another blog or website and you will be given FIVE additional entries for a chance to win for every link you post. BUT you MUST come back here to this interview and post those links in one response here in this thread. The more places you post the event, the more entries you get, so spread the word! NOTE: if you post multiple links here, your post will not show up right away. If you don’t see it, don’t keep posting it, we WILL approve your entry later on in the day. 
4. Purchase copies of Candace’s awesome books TODAY or TOMORROW and send us a copy of the receipt for your purchase to: racoo.smith @ gmail.com (no spaces) for TWENTY additional entries. You get TWENTY entries for each one you purchase. Not valid on past purchases. Click these links to buy her books:
The Demon King and I
Bronwyn The Witch series in the order they should be read:
Charmed & Dangerous
Charmed & Ready
Charmed & Deadly
Books make GREAT gifts for friends and family anytime!
5. Add us as your friend on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/bittenbybooks
Add us as your friend on Facebook: http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=614064436
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BittenbyBooks
Be sure to mention that you are friending us for this contest so we know to enter you! 
6. Stumble, Digg or share the post with any social networking sites. There is a button right at the end of this post that says “Share” that you can use.
7. Twitter the URL for this event: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=1793
8. Read the Bitten by Books reviews of Candace’s books here:
http://bittenbybooks.com/?page_id=58&book_author_id=Candace%20Havens
Then leave a meaningful comment IN THE REVIEW post that shows you read the review, not just a post that says “sounds good” or “nice review”, a couple of sentences would be great! Simply share your thoughts, ideas or opinions and show the author some love.
9. Add Candace’s Blog to your blog roll or links page: http://www.candacehavens.com/index.php/blog/
10. Add Bitten by Books to your blog roll or links page: http://bittenbybooks.com if you leave our link up permanently you will always be entered into our contests automatically. Just be sure to stop by each contest we hold and leave the link to where it is so we can give you your entry!
11. Invite ALL of your friends! If your fiends come and post here and say you sent them, they get TWO entries and you get TWO entries! They have to tell us who you are so we know who to give the entries to. You can invite as many people as you want and get all the extra entries!
The contest will run through tomorrow 11/6/08 at 3:00 pm Eastern time to allow our East coast and international readers a chance to win too!
Be sure to include an email and name where we can contact you if you are a winner.
We will be awarding the AMAZING prize package and announcing the winner to the Bitten by Books website later. And REMEMBER you can’t win if you don’t play!
(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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I have added Candace’s blog to my blogroll, and your blog is also there permanently!!!
Thanks for the wonderful interview and also the wonderful contest!!!!
[Reply]
Hey Gang,
I’m excited about hanging out here today! Bring on those questions. I’m here for you.
Candy Havens
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Hi Candace!
Who would you like to see play your characters if your books were made into a film or TV Series?
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I just wanted to say congratulations for being a successful writer. I love reading and writing. Sometimes I’ll have dreams and think that I should turn them into stories but by the time I get to writing it down, I lose my train of thought. Thanks for sharing your time with us here!
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Hey Candace!
LOVED this book!
Question 1:
Who is your agent and how did you get him/her?
Question 2:
Are you a music-on or a music-off writer?
Deborah (the benign stalker) Blake
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Candace,
Hi, I was wondering when you knew that you loved to read. I mean did you grow up with family and friends telling you that you loved to read, or did you realize on your own that if you didn’t read you would die (as an exaggeration ;). Thanks so much!
Liz
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Hi Candace!
I read that you were an entertainment reporter. Have you met any celebs and if so, who?
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Hello Candace,
Thanks for taking the time answer our questions.
1. What book(s) are you currently reading?
2. Who picked out the stunning cover for the Demon King and I?
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I like the sound of these books Candace. I will have to look into getting a copy.
My question is do you find it easier to write as an entertainment reporter or an author of fiction? If you had to choose between the two, which would you pick?
Katie
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I love Candace’s books. Thanks for the heads up on this new one.
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Dude! me and Michele are hitting your book signing later this month. Can’t wait to see ya!
Hugs,
Dakota
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Thanks for the invite.
Question 1 — What is the thought process for writing a new book,it is something you see and it pops into your head or do you take a memory and go from there?
#2 What is your favorite food,do you tend to eat more or less when you write?
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Amberkatze: On the who would play my characters in a movie… It’s funny I always wanted Kate Beckinsale to play Bronwyn in my Charmed & Dangerous series. Oded Fehr as Sheik Azir, and Gerard Butler as Dr. Sam. In Like A Charm, I always thought Nicole Kidman or Reese Witherspoon would be a great Kira. For the new series… Wow! That’s a big cast. I would probably try to use all of the above in some way. But I think Gillian Caruthers, the lead in The Demon King and I, could be played by Megan Fox or Anna Friel (Two very different actresses but it depends on where they want to take the characters.)
Marcia: Thank you. I offer free online writers workshops if you ever decide you really want to do it. You can get to those through my website.
Deborah: You are my favorite benign stalker. I’m a music on when I’m creating, music off when I’m editing/revising.
My agent is Elaine Spencer. I had a great agent already, but I met Elaine when we were both speaking at a retreat. We just clicked and became friends. About a year later I was ready to make a change and she was there for me.
Virginia: I have met most everyone in TV and Film at one point or another. I’ve been doing it for 20 years. Feel free to ask about anyone you please. I’ll let you know if I’ve talked to them.
Kizzy: Berkley comes up with my covers. I LOVE them. You should check out the one for Dragons Prefer Blondes on my website. I didn’t think they could do better than The Demon King, but they did.
Books… I just finished Marked by PC Cast and Kristin Cast. Loved it. I’ve been reading a lot of manuscripts for upcoming writers with debuts in the spring who needed quotes. If you love funny vampire stories you’re going to be in for a treat this spring. I’ve read a ton of books the last few weeks from Gena Showalter’s Lord of the Underworld series, to Harlequin Blazes, which I just love. I received a Kindle for my birthday last June, and it’s made it so much easier to read more books because I can lug it everywhere I go.
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Hey Candy!
I am so glad you are here today! Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with us and answer questions.
Mine is related to your latest title. Can you tell me if the “The King and I” had any influence over your title? I thought it might with your connection to H-town, but you never know.
Rach
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Katie: I love both of my jobs. I can switch gears pretty easily. I will say that playing in fictional worlds is probably my favorite.
Book Maniac: Thank you!
Dakota: I cannot wait. (You guys need to read her new book Accidentally Dead. I just bought it on my Kindle. Her The Accidental Werewolf, made me laugh so hard I couldn’t breathe.)
Peggy: Ideas just sort of come to me. Sometimes a character just starts talking in my head. Sometimes I see something and it triggers a story idea. I’m always kind of amazed how it all works out.
Food, Lord, I wish I had just one favorite. It would make life so much easier. I’m trying to cut out sweets, which are most definitely my downfall. And I consider Mexican food a food group unto itself. If I go more than about four days without it, I get withdrawls. Throw some fajitas and guac my way please.
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Rachel: Thank you for the invite. This is way more fun than working.
I NEVER come up with my own titles. My editor does that for me. So the play on old Hollywood is her genius. Seriously. The next book in the series is Dragons Prefer Blondes, so you can see where she’s going with it. Before she gave me the title for the second one, I was calling it Dude, Where’s My Dragon. Her title is much better. :-)Oh, and the first book in the series, I called Sanguine Dreams. Again, The Demon King and I is much, much better.
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I know exactly what you mean about the scent of books. New books, used books, it’s all good
What’s it like writing about siblings? Do you draw from your own life for sibling interaction or from real life relationships? Oh, and if you had to pick one of your characters to most identify with, who would it be?
Thanks for joining us today and btw, I like Dude, Where’s My Dragon though Dragons Prefer Blondes is definitely intriguing
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I blogged about siblings just the other day. I grew up an only child so I had to learn from my own kids and from watching my friends’ relationships with their siblings. The whole things just fascinates me and is one of the things I love most about working on these books.
As for the character I identify most with, yikes, that’s a tough one. Maybe Bronwyn from my Charmed books. There’s a lot of me in there. But honestly, all of my characters have a tiny bit of me in them.
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Hi Candace! Great interview. My question is:
If you could collaborate with one author, living or dead, who would it be and why?
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On collaborating, I don’t know. I could do, and have done, anthologies. But I don’t know about working on the same project with another author. I have a lot of favorites I’d like to work with including Gena Showalter, Mary Janice Davidson, Nora Roberts, Laurel K. Hamilton, geez, there is no end to this list.
[Reply]
Hello,
I have added Candace’s blog to my blogroll and yours Bittenbybooks is there permanently. (http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com)
Also posted a link to her interview here:
http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2008/11/author-interview-candace-havens.html
Thanks for introducing me to this author!
Kristi
[Reply]
Hi Candace
I recently purchased your Bronwyn series and is my next reads after my current book. My cousin has raved about you and I am now just as excited to get reading and find out just why!!
My question for you is why did you chose to write the bronwyn witch series in a diary format? I haven’t read any books like that before…..
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I know the diary form is different for a lot of readers. I just loved the idea of being inside this witch’s head. It’s really how the story came to me and I never thought about writing it a different way. Structurally, I will tell you it’s sooooo hard, because you are in and out of action and past and present. Tell your cousin I said thank you!
Candy
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Hello,
I just tried to Candace’s blog to my bloglist and keep getting an error message: Could not detect a feed for this URL. Does anyone know what I need to do?
Thanks!
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Hi, Candy,
My question is - how do you manage your time with all of these commitments? I’m exhausted just thinking about it!
I posted about this contest here:
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog&pop=1&ping=1&indicate=1
http://twitter.com/Margay
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I blogged about this on my blog
http://www.bookcrazyscrapbookmama.blogspot.com
and I added Candace to my blogroll and you’ve been on it for a while lol. Also went back and commented on on of your reviews for Candace.
Hanging head in shame that I’ve not read anything by Candace yet but love this cover for this new one. Have already added to me tbb list.
question #1 what one thing about you would surprise us.
question #2 what 3 things would you have to have on a deserted Isle.
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Candace is oneof my favorite authors.It’s good to see her on Bitten By Books.
I love the smell of books too. One of my weird quirks is to smell a new book right before I start reading it
My question for Candace is:
In this new book, is there a favorite scene that you can tell us about?
Hugs,.Danette
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Hi Candace! Your books really sound like a lot of fun! What kind of research do you do for your novels—read up on mythology, travel to exotic places, anything fun? And is there another genre you haven’t written yet you’d like to try?
Can’t wait to read the new series!
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Time issues: Some weeks,like this one, I work 14-18 hour days. It makes me tired.
But I’ve been writing my columns for so long and interviewing celebs that, that part of my life is down to a science. I make my kids a priority and then everything else just sort of falls in line. I love what I do and that helps a lot!
Favorite scene: Wow! That’s a tough one for me to talk about without giving too much away. But one where the sisters are all together and they are looking out for one another. I love that scene. And one with Arath when he sort of shows up like a knight in shining armor. Not to save her, but to help with something important. Is that vague enough?
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http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/currenttitles/desirebeyonddeath/desirebeyonddeathbuynow.htm
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Ignore my earlier post - wrong place. What I wanted to know is if you miss anything about reporting? Is writin fiction a better gig and why? Thanks for the interview and for sharing your thoughts.
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Candace,
My husband loves you and listens to you on the radio here in Dallas. He was jealous when you friended me on FB (Yay Me!).
I teach middle schoolers math; however, because all of my degrees are in the field of English, a lot of my kids have me read their work. What advice would you give to young writers? Should they truly be concerned with learning correct spelling and grammar right now, or should they be focusing on telling the tale?
Thanks so much!
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~ Wendi
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On the Research: I it really depends on the book. All I have to say is thank God for the Internet. That’s where I do most of my traveling.
All of my books have a home base in Texas, but my characters travel the world. I travel a lot, but usually just in the U.S. And as for magic, most of that stuff I make up, including spells. Though, according to friends, sometimes I guess right. 
As for anything I haven’t written yet, not really. We’ll be shopping a YA I’ve done soon. And I LOVE that book. I hope it sells.
As for the missing reporting, I still do both, and I like it that way.
Tell your husband he’s the man!
For any writer, young or old, during the creative process the most important thing is to get the words down on the page. Grammar, punctuation and all that stuff comes during revisions. Just sit down and write. It’s the best advice I can give.
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PamK, I just noticed I missed your question. (If I did that to anyone else just let me know.) One thing that might surprise you. Wow. Um, I used to be a dancer and studied at the High School for the Performing Arts in Houston. My freshman year in college I hurt my back and couldn’t dance for a year and that’s when I discovered writing. I never looked back.
On an island… I would need lots of fresh water, and a fully stocked mansion with rooms for all my friends.
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Candace, I love the smell of books too. Bookstores and libraries smell differently too, there’s something of Old and Musty in libraries.
Do you find getting copies of old books thrilling too? I like to just hold some of the old paperback types in my hands.
How do you choose the names for your characters? Do they just come to you or down you research them?
K
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Oh btw we still have ya’ll on our blogroll at realitybypass.blog.com
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Cadance,
Wanted to stop by and say Hello! I am on the run but I am a huge fan….one quick question: Don you think you will have spin offs to The Demon King and I?…. work calls c ya in a bit!
Sisses,
Caden
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Sheesh I cannot type! Candace… the lil n has a mind of his own, must be possessed. LOL
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Hi Candace! I just wanted to drop by and say how much I enjoy reading your books. :o) I finished up The Demon King and I recently and it was awesome. The cover art is wonderful as well…very eye catching.
Have a great night! Chat with you later. :o)
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Old books, new books, I love them all. I love books that look like they’ve been read a 100 times, and ones with brand new crisp pages.
Character names: I steal them from friends, families, people I meet online, people who come to my booksignings. I have giant piles of sticky notes with names and when I’m having trouble I pull from the pile.
Spin offs: Dragons Prefer Blondes is the next book in the Caruthers Sisters series. It’s about Alex, the sister who slays dragons. I LOVE HER. And her love interest, Jake, total hottie!
Dawn! Thank you. I love that word awesome. It will give me sweet dreams tonight.
[Reply]
Ack, Candy! I almost forgot to pop in today!
Just bought The Demon King and I tonight, but I won’t start it until tomorrow. I know I won’t put it down if I start it tonight!
As always, it’s awesome to see you, and thanks for all you do!
Light,
Nancy Haddock
La Vida Vampire
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What do you do when you have writers block?
Do you have a different genre that you would like to try writing in?
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Hello Candace! It’s a great pleasure to see you here. Congratulations on your new release WooHoo! Love the cover and The Demon King & I sounds wonderful.
A few questions I would love to ask Candace
Do you feel as if the characters live with you as you write? Do they haunt your dreams?
How many hours a day do you spend writing?
When you are writing do you listen to music, watch tv or do you need it to be to be completely quiet?
Rachel. I have used the share this and posted about this event on my blog at this link http://readingissomuchfun.blogspot.com/2008/11/author-interview-and-contest-with.html
Hugssss
LindaH
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Hi Candace,
I am wondering if you are/always have been a horror movie fan, and if you have any crushes on any vampires?:)
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Hi Candace!
I read you bio on your website and saw you are a nationally syndicated entertainment columnist for FYI Television. How exciting! What did you think of George Clooney when you enterviewsed him? Is there one celebrity you haven’t enterviewed but would die too? Thank-you for coming today!
[Reply]
[...] Author Interview And Contest With Candace Havens [...]
I posted this to:
http://fracturedsphinx.livejournal.com
http://megkinsella.wordpress.com
[Reply]
Hey Candace!
I just got and read The Demon King and I! Wow, it is awesome like all your books and I would have a hard time picking my fave of yours too!
I love how you wrote Browyns series in Diary form! As to this one it just sucks you right in and you can’t put it down!! Literally, I finished it in a day!
I can vouch that Miss Candace is a Wonderful person, a awesome writer and alot of fun to hang out with!! The only sad part is this is my only book by her not signed.
Questions:
(1) Have you ever met Johnny Depp?
(2) When you did the interviews and met the cast of True Blood, was the guy who plays Eric tall? Like a Viking you know, that’s how Charlaine describes him in her books and it is hard to tell on the series.
Great Interview!
**HUGS**
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Hey Candace,
Congrats on your release!!! I want to read this book after reading your interview…thank you! Now my questions:
1. Are the “sisters” the opposite of you?
2. What do you do to celebrate a release, do you have a ritual/routine that you look forward to enjoying?
Thank you again,
Darby
darbyscloset at yahoo dot com
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Thanks for doing this interview. I am super OC and have a spreadsheet to track my books and did not realize The Demon King and I was out. The last time I checked Candace’s website it said the book would be out in November. Whoopee, I don’t have to wait. BTW, I cannot help but agree on the smell of books. I like new bookstores, used bookstores, libraries, and my bookshelves - they are all so yummy! So, no, you are NOT weird!
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I just started reading books about witches and vampires and demons. I am curious what made you write about them?
What was your influence, and which books nudge you in this direction?
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Hey Candy!
Have you met the Charmed sisters? If so what are they like?
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Nancy, Thank you! (You guys need to check out her book too. I loved La Vida Vampire)
About the characters: When I’m working on the book they live in my head and they won’t be quiet. Some are bolder than others and haunt my dreams, usually if I’m trying to work out a scene.
Hours: It depends on where I am in a book, but I’m sometimes at my desk for 18 hours a day working.
Music: I do listen to music when I write most of the time. Other times I’m all about the quiet.
Horror Movies: I think I like thrillers better than Horror, though I do like the old school Nightmare on Elm Street and Halloween. I like old movies such as House on Haunted Hill, but nothing with too much gore. Though, I love every vampire movie ever made, even the really bad ones.
George Clooney: I just love the guy. He’s the same now as he was before ER ever began. He’s just a nice, albeit outspoken, guy. He’s gone now, but I would have loved to have been able to talk to Cary Grant.
Johnny Depp: Yes, another very nice guy. He and George are both from Kentucky. People forget that.
True Blood: I met Anna Paquin and Steve Moyer, and I really liked them both. I actually met Aleksander for Generation Kill, and he is six foot four and is Swedish, like for reals from Sweden.
The Sisters: They aren’t opposite me, necessarily. They do things I wouldn’t though.
They’re all so different, and I can say I’d like to hang out with them.
Book release day: I usually celebrate with a meal at some point during the day. But I don’t have anything really special that I do.
Witches: I love anything to do with magic. Those early books, and the ones I write now, were very much inspired by Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Alias. I like capable women who are tough and get the job done, but might be kind of soft on the inside.
I want to thank all of you guys for hanging out with me. This has been so much fun!
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Charmed: I met all of them when they were doing the show. Nice girls.
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Oh Okay and anybody from the Angel cast? LOL
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Shoot me now how about True Blood cast members? *runs before Candy shoots me*
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I did set visits on both sets of Angel and talked to all of the casts.
True Blood I met Alan Ball the exec producers and Steven and Anna.
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whoops… I meant to say they were all really nice, both the Angel and True Blood casts.
I can’t believe I’m saying this out loud, but I didn’t expect to like Anna as Sookie, but I love her in that role. And she was such a sweet girl to talk to. Seemed very grounded. I loved Steven’s accent.
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Hey Candy,
I am so glad that your friend Shannon took you to the book store to show you that there were other writers out there like you. It would have been tragic if you hadn’t continued writting about Bronwyn. Kira is so great it would be great to see more about her too. I just love the “Charmed” series, I am going to pick up “The Demond King and I” today, just had major surgery so I have to wait for a ride, can’t drive myself just yet. You are a wonderful writing, please keep going, I love to enter the worlds you have created.
Hugs,
Lynda
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Lynda, thank you so much. Feel better, heal quickly.
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when your sons where younger what was your favorite bed time story? and when you are working on a book do you get so it to it that nothing else matters?
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Hi! *waves*
You’ll have to forgive me if I ask a question that’s already been asked because I didn’t actually have the time just now to read all the comments. I loved reading your interview though.
Question #1: When you were a little girl what did you want to grow up to be?
Thanks!
RebekahC
littleminx@cox.net
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Okay, I have one more question for you too.
Question #2: If you could do a joint writing project with any other author- living or dead, who would you pick and why? Alright, I realize that’s more like two questions, but we’ll pretend it’s just one.
Thanks!
RebekahC
littleminx@cox.net
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I Stumbled this post. Stumble user id was - monkeygirlsmama.
Thanks
RebekahC
littleminx@cox.net
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Added Candace’s blog to my blog roll on ReadySetReadReviews. Here- http://www.readysetreadreviews.blogspot.com
Thanks!
RebekahC
littleminx@cox.net
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Mmmm..Hello Candace,
Up from my coffin for a bit. Glad you’re all about vampires. We love you to my dear. I must say I do love the title of your new book. Charming. So tell me, who is you favorite vampire in a book or movie and why? Btw, that stuff about garlic, crosses, etc.
:::rolling my eyes::: Not true!
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Commented on both book reviews.
Thanks
RebekahC
littleminx@cox.net
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I have the Bitten By Books link on my blog roll at ReadySetReadReviews. (www.readysetreadreviews.blogspot.com)
RebekahC
littleminx@cox.net
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hey there and thanks for answering today-
do you ever get so many story lines in your head you are jotting notes like nuts- like when you are driving- you have to pull over or call yourself to leave ideas and where is the oddest place a storyline came into your head?
mrs.mommyyatgmaildotcom
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another odd question but what do you want to be remembered for when you die? and have you ever sat down and wrote your own obituary? mrs.mommyyatgmaildotcom
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Rachel~ I added you as a friend on myspace
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Hi Candace,
Did you always want to be a writer?
Did you want to be a writer when you were a child or did the passion for writing hit you later?
~angie
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Good morning, Candace.
Do you ever dream about writing something that takes the world by storm?
Has anyone ever tried to discourage your talent?
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How do you occupy yourself when you’re not inspired to write?
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Anyway, gays really got fucked over big time. They reset
the constitutional amendments in FL and AZ defining
marriage as between straights only, and now AR is
discriminating against singles from adopting or being
foster parents (even though half the kids born these days
are to single women what with the way so many guys run
when they learn their woman’s pregnant) and admitted it
was actually gays they were targeting. So they shit on
their own kind to shit on gays. What happened in AR is almost worse than AZ and FL. It’s scary when people will spite themselves in order to spite others. They’re not just spiting singles and gays, but any children involved who just might’ve gone to a loving gay and or single home, versus an abusive all-mighty straight married couple. Don’t be fooled. Just because I’m too selfish to give up my life to kids, not that we could afford to, doesn’t mean I hate them and want to see them suffer!
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Kids: Oh, the books. They had about forty favorites. Even when they were really little I think Magic Treehouse books were the faves.
Books: I do have tendency when I’m drafting a book to get totally into because I do those first drafts in about two weeks.
What did I want to be? A lawyer/singer/oceanogrpaher. Then a dancer. Then a journalist. The book thing came later in life, though I’ve always wanted to write one.
I answered that one earlier about the joint project… Maybe with some of my faves Gena Showalter, Mary Janice Davidson and that crowd.
I always start wars with this favorite vampire question, but it was Lestat. That book was so powerful for me, that he was in my dreams. Although I’m a huge fan of MJ Davidson’s Besty the Vampire. She’s my kind of girl.
Stories in my head: I have jotted down notes at a stop light. I’ve also had complete chapters of dialogue in my car which makes passerbys do double takes.
Oddest place was probably in my son’s high school cafeteria. Talk about a scary place. So much teen angst.
Passion for Writing: I’ve always written, but the actually doing it hit me later.
Though, my friend Ronda reminded me that we wrote a romance on spring break back in college. We were making the 8 hour trip to the beach. How funny is that?
World By Storm: I think, as a writer, we always hope this is the big break out book.
I love this new series and yes I hope the world loves it too. And I try to stay away from negative people, so I’m surrounded by really supportive folks.
How do I occupy my time? I’m always writing.
Seriously. I hit bumps like everyone else, but I know it’s just fear or a lack of motivation so I just push on through. 
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Hi Candace,
Do have any advice for aspiring authors who would like to get a book published?
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Aspiring Writers: Study your craft and write, write, write. The more you write the better you are going to get. And try to find a great critique group. Mine is the reason I was published so fast.
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Candance, Is there any day or moment you would like to relive?
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Sorry I meant to say Candace
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You guys don’t have to worry about spelling my name wrong. People do it all the time.
A moment I’d want to relive? Hmmm. There are joyous moments with my kids to many to count. But professionally it would be the day that first book sold. There was so much joy in that moment, I can’t tell you. I have several proposals out with different houses right now, so I would very much like to relive that moment of that sale. 
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I just wanted to say that it is great that you are on-line and answering questions. Someone already asked my question and you suggested that new writers find a great critique group. Good luck in the future and thank you for the pleasure you add to our lives as a writer.
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Candace, what is the least favorite book you’ve read but from which you learned quite a bit?
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Least favorite book: I would never say. I never talk trash about anything or anyone. But to be honest I can’t even think of one.
I will say that I had a hard time reading The Historian several years ago. It’s a beautiful book, and I love the language but for some reason I would read three or four pages and fall asleep. I wasn’t bored, it was just tough for me to read. I finally bought it on CD and listened to it in the car, and it was just better on audio for me. I loved it.
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I had several questions, bt they have all been answered.
Have you ever gotten an inspiration for a new character by spotting someone that caught your eye in a publlic or private place such as a mall, restaurant or grocery store?
Thank you for sponsoring this sweepstakes! It is very generous of you!!! Wishing you continued success!
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Where do you get your inspiration for the characters in your books? Do they come from bits and pieces of real people that you know?
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Hi,
Just wanted to make sure it was noted that I’m now on the newletter list, friended you on FB, and commented on the review for Charmed and Dangerous. Thanks!
Candace, question,
Have you read any of Kim Harrison’s Rachel books? Saw that you had just finished Marked and would like to (maybe) write with Gena Showalter and Laurel K. Hamilton.
Liz
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I’m not sure if you need a comment about this…I subscribed to your newsletter!
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What do you do when you get writer’s block?
Any tips?
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Inspiration: It comes from everywhere. Sometimes a character just comes to me out of the blue. Sometimes they are created out of a situation. But mostly a character shows up in my head and I have no idea from whence they came.
I love Kim Harrisons books. Though I’m way behind on the Rachel books. I didn’t start reading her until about three years ago, but I think she’s great.
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It makes me unpopular among my peers but I don’t believe in writer’s block. I’m actually teaching a class about that this weekend at a retreat. All writer’s block is, is fear and lack of motivation. Try to find a way around it. Write a scene you know is coming up, do some timed writing about one of your characters, look for outside inspiration by going to an art museum or watching a movie. Just keep writing.
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How many hours each day to you devote to your exciting writing? Do you ever fall in love with characters you create? Thank you for the contest.
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love your books, keep going
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how did you start your career
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The hours depend on where I am on a project, but usually I average 6 to 8 hours a day. Right now it’s a little more than that because I’m working on copy edits for my next book and I’ve got a tight deadline.
Kathleen, thank you.
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When did you decide you wanted to write for a living?
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Non fiction, right out of college though it didn’t work out that way. I worked at a bank while I found my dream job.
Fiction just about six years ago.
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How did you get started writing?
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What other things do you write about?
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I’d written a biography on Joss Whedon, and a friend who liked the book suggested I try writing a novel. That’s how all of this started.
I’m also writing straight contemporary romance, with a little intrigue. We’ll see what happens with that. And I think I mentioned I had done a YA. I need to revise those so we can shop them around.
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Hi, Do you ever wonder if vampires grieve their lost friends that pass on from natural causes?
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Wow. I have no idea. It would appear some of them do if you look at Bill on True Blood.
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Hi! What’s your favorite way to relax?
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Hanging out with my friends, usually at a book store. That’s one of my favorite things to do.
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I love the Katie Chandler Series, any chance there will ever be any movies based on the books?
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Those are Shanna Swendson’s books but I think they’ve been optioned. Haven’t heard any news lately.
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OMG, I just order a bunch of books off of Amazon last month and I ordered that series and the Browmwyn series, just read both and got the authors switched, so sorry.
I loved all of yours too, especially Charmed and Dangerous. I love that they are full of witches and demons and make me laugh.
What a boob, again I am so sorry.
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Nadine, No worries at all.
I love her books too. We get compared a lot.
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Hey Guys,
I’m headed out town for the weekend. It’s been fun!
Candy
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Congrats to Lynda who is the winner of this contest! She’s been contacted via email!
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Grats Lynda
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Thanks Sarai, I was so excited when I got the email…………How cool is this!
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