Loading ...Interview and Contest with Author Nancy Haddock
Exclusive Bitten by Books
Interview with Author Nancy Haddock
A big welcome to our readers today! We have LOTS of fun stuff planned, so hang on to your coffee cups and don’t wander too far away from your computer. Be sure to read to the end of the interview to find out how to WIN one of several great prizes being offered up today, including an AUTOGRAPHED copy of La Vida Vampire
Interview:
Hi Nancy!
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 La Vida Vampire
BBB: What do you find the most challenging aspect of writing?
NH: The leap of faith. The trust that, when I knock on my characters’ doors to ask them to come out to play, they’ll be home and raring to go. And that I’ll be able to keep up with them!
BBB: What is the most rewarding aspect of writing for you?
NH: Hands down, it’s hearing from readers. One sweet woman wrote telling me she was having a bout with non-clinical depression, and that reading La Vida Vampire
BBB: What made you decide to start writing or decide you wanted to become an author?
NH: I’ve written since I was at least three years old - I used to ask my mother to write my stories as I dictated. So, for me, it wasn’t a matter of deciding to write, it was a matter of deciding to write for publication.
BBB: What do you feel are the benefits of the new electronic readers such as Kindle
NH: You know, I don’t know anything about them firsthand. I understand from friends that they are fantastic, and I’d love it if e-readers made a contribution to conservation. I think printing on recycled paper is a step forward as well. I have to admit, I love holding a physical book.
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?
NH: Anything that encourages people to read - and makes it easy within their lifestyles - can only be a plus. As for the monetary bottom line, again, I don’t have firsthand knowledge about it. I was delighted to learn from a fellow writer and Kindle
BBB: Your book La Vida Vampire
NH: Oh, yes! Cesca was originally conceived when I watched a peanut butter commercial and misheard a line referring to a “Princess Vampire video.” I knew I had to be hearing wrong, but I also knew I’d heard it for a reason. The line made me laugh, and idea wouldn’t let go, so I grew it and shaped the concept until Cesca was fully born. I went from never intending to do a vampire (because so many others were doing them so very well!), to bonding with Cesca and her merry band.
BBB: Tell us about the obsession Cesca has with surfing.
NH: Obsession? Big grins! In a way, I suppose Cesca is obsessed with surfing. She was an unusually self-determined and athletic young human woman for her time, and came out of her coffin with the same traits. She (rather regally) informed me that she loved to play in the ocean, and had essentially body surfed before it had a name. Now she wanted to surf with a board, and since she was a part day-walker, she darn well would. My answer? Why not? Clearly, surfing is an aspect of her desire to blend in 21st century society.
BBB: Are you working on any different series with other paranormal creatures in the works outside of the current series?
NH: I am! I’m working on a series idea starring several paranormal characters, but the concept is very much in the What If and Why Not stages. This gestation stage is a time when I hold silence rather than talking about it.
BBB: What’s next for Cesca will there be more books in the series?
NH: I hope there will be a good number of books in the series, but the next one features Cesca “protecting” a vampire stand-up comic wannabe while working with Saber to figure out who is sucking the life from and killing vampires. The current title is Last Vampire Standing, and it will be released in May 2009.
BBB: What genre would you classify La Vida Vampire
NH: Definitely not Horror! I’ve seen it described as Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, and I call it a paranormal mystery romance. I also call it Vampire Lite, but there are other paranormal elements, so it’s a mixture.
BBB: What is your favorite time of day to write?
NH: Since my hubby has retired, it’s whenever I grab the time and space! I tend to write in a better flow in the afternoon and evening, or rather late at night/ early in the morning.
BBB: What is your favorite paranormal book of all time?
NH: Oh, Rachel, I don’t know that I can choose one! Lynn Michaels Nightwing
BBB: If you could be any paranormal creature, what would it be and why?
NH: Wow, difficult choice! I’m particularly fond of mermaids and dragons, so perhaps a merdragon? One that can shapeshift to human form. What? I gotta have my Starbucks!
BBB: Where do you find your inspiration when writing? Do you have somebody who inspires you?
NH: Being in St. Augustine alone inspires me, but my oomph comes primarily from the characters and their story of the moment. I love “going out to play” with Cesca and the gang – or whatever characters I’m writing at the time. A long list of people inspire me – my mother, my children, my husband, my readers, my author friends. I’m a sucker for success, and cheer the triumphs of others. That’s inspiration!
BBB: When is your next scheduled book signing?
NH: The very next one will be at the Romance Writers of America “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing on Wednesday, July 30 at the San Francisco Marriott. The event is open to the public, and runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Yerba Buena Ballroom. I’ll be doing two signings in September, one in Jacksonville, FL at the Riverside Art Festival, and the other the next weekend at the Florida Heritage Book Festival. The full info for my July-October signings is on my website.
BBB: How true are the rumors that you are an expert surfer?
NH: The rumors are entirely false. (Darn it.) However, it is entirely true that I have my own board now - a 7 foot, 10 inch longboard - and I’m fantastic at wiping out!
BBB: Who is your favorite secondary character in your series?
NH: I love Maggie and Shalimar Millie, Cosmil and Pandora. However, I think Saber is still my fav. Not because he’s the hero, but because I love the way he and Cesca play off of one another.
BBB: What did you do before you became a writer? Do you write full time?
NH: I do write full time now, and have since before I sold La Vida Vampire
BBB: What is your favorite holiday and why?
NH: I think my fav holiday would have to be the Christmas season. It’s almost guaranteed that my daughter and at least one son will be with us during that time, and I have great fun with my children. It’s also a time of both reflection and renewal, of gearing up for a new year, for spring, for another burst of growth. And, yes, I love the sparkling lights, too.
BBB: Do you have any pearls of wisdom you would like to share with our readers here today?
NH: Since I firmly believe that readers compound their wisdom with every book we read, I’ll just sincerely thank you for supporting writers … and ask a question. What are the various genres that you read, and what do you take away from those genres? I’d truly like to know!
I thank the ever-gracious Rachel for inviting me to BBB, and I thank you all for being here!
If you haven’t visited Nancy’s website over, click here to check her out there.
Questions and Contest: Now, I am going to open up the internet floor so to speak and let our readers ask some questions. Feel free to post as many questions or comments as you like. Nancy will be answering them the rest of the day.
Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do one or all of these things, and each one will give an additional entry and thus MORE chances to win. This is to win either an AUTOGRAPHED copy of La Vida Vampire
1. Ask the author a question (max two questions count towards entries) and, your name will be entered for a chance to win one of the fabulous prizes mentioned above.
2. SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter here on the right hand side of the site.
3. Post links to the interview here today at another blog or website and you will be given additional entries to win. You MUST 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!
4. Purchase a copy of La Vida Vampire
5. Watch the posts today in this thread for additional chances to gain more entries. Be sure to include an email and name where we can contact you if you are a winner.
We will be awarding the prizes and posting the winners to the Bitten by Books website later this week.
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Hi Nancy!
Thank you so much for being here today!
Do you think that any “relatives” of Cesca might make a surprise visit in an upcoming book? Long lost cousin or something?
Yay, Nancy! We’re all so excited for you in Texas.
Nancy I enjoyed reading La Vida Vampire. Are we going to find more information on why Saber went from Vampire hunter to Supernatural Creature investigator?
I am a major Cesca fan!
My questions are: Triton and Cat? Will we learn more in the next book?
And
Have you ever written the scene where Maggie first meets Cesca? Did it get deleted from the first book?
As to e-readers, I love my ebook reader. It feels like a book to me and I can put 100 books on it which means I’m not lugging books everywhere. Add to that the convenience of getting a new book WHENEVER I want (I d/l two last night about 10pm) and you have a happy reader here.
I am also an e-author.
Hi Nancy,
I read La Vida Vampire and LOVED IT!
You write such complex and appealing characters. Will there be any spin offs with some of the secondary characters in the future?
Is there anything about being an author you hate?
Thanks for letting me ask you some questions and I look forward tot he next book with Cesca.
Raine Delight
[...] http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=673 [...]
I posted a notice at my Blog: http://rainedelight.wordpress.com
Raine D.
Hi Nancy,
Loved the book.
Question: What came first your love of surfing or the idea of the surfing vampire in the book.
Love forward to the next book
Annie
HI Nancy! I am a huge fan of vamps and you’re a brand new author to me! I loved the interview.
If you could choose any man to be the perfect vamp who would it be?
What is it like to get fan mail? I totally believe authors are superstars! (In my book anyway
)
Crystal Adkins
crystaladkins722@gmail.com
Hi Nancy, can’t wait to read the book.
Vampires aren’t inherently funny and yet they do make good fodder for humorous books. Why do you think that is? Why does it work for you?
Was this the first book you ever wrote?
I’ll be at conference this year and hope to see you at the signing.
Hi Nancy, This one’s on my TBR shelf!
As a writer, did you find it difficult to switch from writing because you loved it, to writing because you had a contract? Did it seem different to you?
Thanks.
Donna
Hi Nancy!
I loved La Vida Vampire. What a great book! If you could be anyone in history for a day, who would it be?
TracyG
Waving hi, Nancy. Another great interview. You already know I’m a fangirl. I have a question. What brand of peanut butter was that commercial about?
pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee enter me, i really want to read this book! pleaseplease
Enjoyed the comments. My question is Do you think you will write a book with a Western theme anytime?
Hi Nancy!
I am from Tulsa! I would like to ask if you drew from any of the Oklahoma or Texas areas…any places you were familiar with from those areas, for any of the settings in La Vida Vampire?
Posted/blogged about the interview on myspace!
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=115306433&blogID=416792887
or http://www.myspace.com/gourmetmama and click on the latest blog =)
Thanks! Loved the interview!
Janece
Loved the interview and i can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of La Vida Vampire.
Hey Nancy, so glad to see you here today! I am looking forward to reading La Vida Vampire and also saying hi in person at the Literacy Signing next week.
take care, Patti Shenberger
Rachel, hi!
Funny you should mention a long lost/ far removed cousin. The question comes up in the second book, and I think we may have someone show up later.
Thanks again for intviting me to play with you and all your readers!
Light,
Nancy
Hi Jaye!
Thank you for “holding space” for me in TX! I can hardly wait to see ya’ll again!
For those who don’t know, Jaye is a fabulous author! Be sure to check her out!
Light,
Nancy
Hi Bram!
Thank you so much for stopping by!
We learn more about Saber, his background and motives, in LAST VAMPIRE STANDING. As for the transition from slayer to investigator, much of that was necessary because he couldn’t kill just any vamp any time any more.
Thanks so much for your question, and have a fabulous week!
Light,
Nancy
Hi Nancy!
Just popping over from Romance Bandits to say hi and looking forward to seeing you in San Francisco. La Vida Vampire is a fun read and I wish you much success with the series!
One of these days I hope to take you up on your invite to St. Augustine.
AC
Hi Arwen! How good to see on on this lovely day!
You will learn a bit more about both Triton and Pandora in the next book, but even more about Triton in the 3rd book.
I have more or less written the scene where Maggie first meets Cesca, but it did’t get deleted from the first book. I decided not to use it there, BUT, I use a it in the next book.
And more may be added in later books, too.
If you don’t know, Arwen is part of Marilu Mann, and is a lovely person as well as an awesome author!
Light,
Nancy
Raine, hi! How good to see you, and thank you for coming by!
You asked about spinoff characters, and I’m playing with a germ of an idea that would bring in spinoff characters. Anyone you’d like to see in such a role?
I don’t think there is anything I truly hate about being an author, though dressing up isn’t really my thing.
Give me beach clothes and I’m happy.
Thanks so much for you terrific questions, and have a marvelous week!
Light,
Nancy
Andrea! How lovely to see you here!
You asked if the love of surfing came before the idea of the surfing vampire. I’d have to say the interest in surfing came first. Otherwise I might have asked Cesca to pick another activity I could do enough to write about. (I fall off the board like a champ!)
Have a simply divine week, Andrea! See you on Facebook!
Light,
Nancy
Crystal, hi!
Thank you for you complient on the interview. Rachel is GOOD at this, isn’t she?
A man who’d be the perfect vamp? That is tough! I think David Boreanaz made a terrific vampire, but I love him in Bones, too. You know, I can toss out all sorts of names, but I’ve never given this much thought. It’d be interesting to see Jim Carey as a vamp. (big grin!)
Regarding getting fan mail, it is surreal, it is humbling, and it’s a big ‘ole kick! I love hearing that readers loved the book, that they connected with the characters. That’s wonderful. When the story also helps shifts someone’s mood, or helps a reader see the world a bit differently, that’s very cool!
Thanks again for visiting, Crystal! It’s great to see you, and I hope you’ll enjoy La Vida Vampire!
Light,
Nancy
Hi Rene! Thanks so much for stopping by!
You’re utterly correct that vampires aren’t inherently or typically funny. I think that when you put any character in a fish-out-of-water situation, you have fodder for humor. I like seeing the way chacters react when I throw a curve ball at them. I like knocking the stuffiness out of characters, and see what happens when they unbend.
I think Cesca works because she’s been locked away for over two centuries. She’s naturally curious anyway, so coming out of the box opens a new, fascinating world filled with possibilites. And, being a protected species means she doesn’t have to hide any longer. She’s free to have FUN!
La Vida Vampire was about the 6th or 7th full book I wrote. I worked on romantic comedies (which I love), and on romantic suspense, but this is the first purely paranormal book.
Ooooh, you’ll be at conference? Fantastic! I’ll adore seeing you at the signing - or anywhere else!
Have a good week and a safe trip, Rene!
Light,
Nancy
(I’m posting this for LaDonna Paulette, who read the interview and comments, but the comment box won’t open up for her.)
Hey, Nancy! Great interview, and loved your answers. Regarding your question, I read everything. Depends on the mood I’m in, but whether it’s historical, paranormal, literary, or comic relief I love them all. What I bring away from a great book is satisfaction capital S. Thank God for terrific writers! They’re better than Calgon.
LaDonna Paulette
Hi Donna! Thanks for having LVV on your TBR list!
You asked if I found it difficult to switch from writing because I loved it, to writing because I had a contract. And if I found it different.
Great questions! The first book was finished when I was contracted, so the main thrust of my education there was in doing revisions, then copy edits, then going over the galleys. I didn’t find it difficult to write the second book under a contract, but I sure hustled more, took less time to goof off with friends. That was okay, though, because when I’m not writing, I feel a bit adrift. It was different writing under contract with a defined deadline, but in a good way. That helped me stay focused.
Donna, thank you for stopping by with terrific questions! Have a lovely week!
Light,
Nancy
Tracy, hello! Thanks so much for stopping in, and for your compliments on La Vida Vampire! Blush!
You asked: If you could be anyone in history for a day, who would it be? Okay, fess up. Ya’ll took Hard Questions 101, right?
I think I’d be Jane Austen for a day. I love the Regency era, and would adore to experience it up close and personal.
Tracy Garrett is another incredible author I happen to know, gang. Not paranormal, but check her out!
Light,
Nancy
Edie, my darling! Thank you for coming by today! It’s a treat to have you as a fangirl!
If I’m not mistaken, the peanut brand was Jiff.
And, no, I didn’t run out and buy stock in the company after I sold. Maybe I should have!
Have a stellar week, Edie!
Light,
Nancy
Tasha, you are so cute!
Good luck in the drawing, and thank you for stopping by today!
Light,
Nancy
Hi Joye!
Thank you for coming by today. These are great questions, aren’t they? Hard ones!
As for writing a book with a Western theme, I’d love to. I love the old west every bit as much as I love the Regency era. I’ve yet to come up with a really viable idea, but who knows? (And if you love Westerns, try Tracy Garrett’s books!)
Have a lovely week!
Light,
Nancy
Janece, you’re a T-Town woman? Way cool! I’m tickled to meet you!
I didn’t draw on ay OK or TX locations for La Vida Vampire. It’s pretty much set in St. Augustine, with mention of Daytona Beach. The reason for that is that the story is told from Cesca’s point of view, and she only knows about other locations from what she’s experienced via reading, movies or TV.
I did have a romantic suspense set in Tulsa, and two set in TX, and I get the itch to revamp those books from time to time. The issue being that they may have a bit too much comic relief for the market.
So, where are your Tulsa stomping grounds? I really want to know, and you can always write my web site addy - nancy@nancyhaddock.com
Have a terrific week - without melting under the OK sun!
Light,
Nancy
Carmen! Hello and welcome!
Thank you for your compliment on the interview - and kudos back to Rachel. Good luck in the drawing, too! When you read La Vida Vampire, I hope you’ll enjoy it!
Thanks again for stopping by, and have a super week!
Light,
Nancy
Patti! Oh my gosh, it’s fantastic to see you!
Thank you for stopping by today, and I’ll be looking for you at the Literacy Signing - waiting with a BIG hug!
Have a marvelous week!
Light,
Nancy
Hi Nancy, Interesting interview. I’m so pleased you’ll be in SF. I’ll come and see you at the book signing!
Helen
Aunty Cindy, how sweet of you to pop over from Romance Bandits! I’m so glad to see you, and I appreciate your kind words about and good wishes for La Vida Vampire.
I sure hope to see you in San Francisco, and it would be too much fun to squire you around St. Augustine. (Okay, drag you from one site to another, but still. :))
Have an awesome week, and travel safely!
Light,
Nancy
Edie, thank you for posting for LaDonna!
LaDonna, thank you for your compliment on the interview! I love your comment about a great book being better than Calgon. So true, saves hot water, and doesn’t leave one withe prune fingers.
And speaking of great books, LaDonna Paulette is the author of BUTTERFLY WISHES. It’s been a while since a book made me cry (in a good way), but this one did it. Magnificent book!
Thanks again, LaDonna - and Edie!
Light,
Nancy
Helen! It’s wonderful to see you here - thank you fo coming by!
I can hardly wait to meet you in person, and I’ll look for you at the signing.
Folks, Helen Scott Taylor won the American Title contest this year with The Magic Knot. It will be published in early spring, if memory serves. (And since memory sometimes doesn’t serve, check Helen out!)
Safe travel, Helen! See you soon!!
Light,
Nancy
Raine, Janece, and anyone I may have missed, thank you for linking to the interview!
I think I’ve caught up on messages, but I will continue checking them!
Light,
Nancy
Great interview, Nancy! I LOVED La Vida Vampire and can’t wait for Last Vampire Standing next year.
I know you love each of your characters in their own way, but which secondary character is the most fun for you to write?
Oh, goober me. I skipped right over that question in your Q&A! I thought the book signing Q was the last one and jumped right to the bottom to post a question. (I confess to having pre-conference brain. *g*)
Okay, so here’s a new one: Are you totally excited to be sitting BEHIND the table at the lit signing this year?
Kay, you’re not a goober!
My favorite secondary character is Saber, and he’s fun to write. However, the Jag Queens - Shalimar Millie and her crew - are a stitch. I never quite know what some of them will say. When Millie said they were adopting Cesca like they’d adopt a highway, well, it was a good thing I didn’t have hot coffee in my mouth. I’d have scorched my nasal passages.
And, I’m totally, absolutely, positively excited that I’ll be sitting behind the table at the literacy signing this year. I’m in awe, in fact! (And not sure when I’ll do my own shopping! :))
Kay, thank you so very much for stopping by with your questions! I can hardly wait to see you in San Fran!
Light,
Nancy
What a great turn out and even better questions! Thanks everybody!
Nancy, I want to ask a question, but don’t want it to be a spoiler for those who haven’t read LVV yet.
I am curious as to why you created Cesca’s state of “womanhood” for lack of a better word the way you did. If you think it is a spoiler then don’t answer. LOL
You don’t see too many Vampires come out of the “coffin” that way these days. he he
Hi Nancy,
You mentioned you just got your own surfboard. I was wondering if you started surfing before you “met” Cesca or if she inspired you?
Hi Nancy! Great interview! I’m definitely adding LVV to my (already lengthy) TBR list. I was wondering, other than one of your own characters, who is your favorite fictional vampire? Also, do you belong to a writing group or have a critique partner when you write?
Thanks!
You asked what we read/takeaway. Have loved mysteries since I was a kid, then about 10 years ago, discovered paranormal. Now I love paranormal mysteries. Reading for me is an escape. I want to be immersed in the book and entertained. Sounds like La Vida Vampire fits my requirements. Ya think?
Thanks to you and Rachel for the great interview!
Hi Rachel!
I don’t know if that would be a big spoiler, but I’ll try to answer in rounaboutation just in case.
Because of the original era in which Cesca was born and raised, some things would have been common in the life of an unmarried woman. That would be reason one for creating her as I did. Reason two is that Normand was protective of his “princess” and would therefore not have allowed her to be manhandled … shall we say.
The other thing was that, though Cesca didn’t care for anyone else as she did Triton, and she was too picky and independent to marry just anyone, she did have the normal yearnings for marriage and family that would have been expected of her. Once she’s out of the box, those old yearning translated to longing for that part of a normal life.
I thought it interesting that one reader had a little fit that Saber didn’t make a big deal of it. The truth is, I didn’t want him to. I didn’t see the point in it.
Does that sorta, kinda answer the question?
Light,
Nancy
Hi Vicky!
How fun to have you visit from New Zealand - thank you!
I used to surf when my family went to Oceanside, CA forever ago. Once I moved to FL, I knew I wanted to give it another shot, but I’ve only been able to start lessons in the last couple of months. So, I had surfed before I “met” Cesca, but she’s inspired me to persist in re-learning! Believe me, the bod has shifted considerable in the intervening years!
Thanks again for your question, and have a lovely week!
Light,
Nancy
Enjoyable interview, Nancy.
As always. A merdragon huh? Now there’s an interesting though. My sincere best to you. Keep on rolling! ^5
Diana Cosby
http://www.dianacosby.com
Hi Nancy!
Thanks for coming by. I haven’t read the book yet *holds my hand out to be slapped* but it’s on my list! There have been a lot of good questions and without having read the book, I can’t think of anything else. So thanks again for coming by! It’s always fun to see Rachel stress a bit when we have an author event. (snoRt)
Kimberly, hi!
Thank you for your compliment on the interview, and for adding LVV to your TBR list. (Mine is lengthy, too!)
My favorite fictional vampire? Gads, I love so many of them! Queen Betsy is one. Zoey from P.C. and Kristin Cast’s YA books is another. And, yes, Laurell K. Hamilton’s Jean Claude is a terrific character, I think. That scratches the surface for you.
I belong to several chapters of Romance Writers of America, but am not in a formal critique group at the moment. I do have several critique partners who help me semi-polish chapters as I go along. When I finish the book, I let it “simmer” for 2-6 weeks, depending on how much time I have to play with. Then I do my own revisions, which can include everything from adding research info to fixing cliches. When I think I’ve plugged all the holes and fixed other goofs, my critique partners may re-read the whole book, and/ or a few beta readers may take a look. It depends on who has time to do what, but I do hope that other eyes will see what mine missed!
Thank you again for coming by, Kimberly, and have a super week!
Light,
Nancy
Hi Shirley!
I think La Vida Vampire might suit your preference for paranormal mystery. I wrote it to be more mystery than romance until Saber and Cesca played off of each other even more than I thought they might.
I adore paranormal mysteries of all kinds. Do you read Victoria Laurie? I love her, and I love a whole list of authors I read in that genre.
Thank you so much for visiting, and do have a fab week!
Light,
Nancy
Diana! How great to see you today!
Gentle readers, Diana Cosby’s HIS CAPTIVE is not to be missed. Be sure to check her out!
Yep, Diana, I think a merdragon would be fun. What can a merdragon do? Well, now, I’ve not thought that far ahead, but I’d have cool powers.
Thanks for stopping by, Diana, and have a marvelous week. Don’t melt in TX, though!
Light,
Nancy
Hi Becky!
I appreciate you visiting, and there will be no hand slapping from me. (The nuns did that number, so I most surely will not!)
Since you don’t have a question, I’ll ask one. Rachel is stressed? She sure is covering well! And, hey, if I were packing I’d be stressed, too. In fact, I need to start packing for San Fran, and I’m stressed just thinking about it!
It’s great to see you, Becky! Have a fantastic week!
Light,
Nancy
I have not read La Vida Vampire yot, bu am certainly going to check it out. I love paranormal stories, and this one sounds grteat.
What do you do with your ‘down’ time, if you have any.
Hi Estella!
If you decide to check out La Vida Vampire, I hope you’ll enjoy it!
In my downtime, I dabble in painting with acrylics. (The 50 cents a bottle stuff since I’m teaching myself. :)) I’ve done one small painting, and hubby and I collaborated on a larger one recently. I’m not going to set the art world on fire, but painting provides an exercise is freeing internal “editors.”
I also hang out in old St. Augustine, or at the beach, or “play” by going to places nearby with my hubby or a girl friend. I do try to relax when I can because I know crunch time will be intense.
Thank you for visiting, Estella, and have a happy week!
Light,
Nancy
No stress here. LOL I am an old pro at moving across the country and hosting fabulous authors.
I totally get the whole Cesca thing, I figured that may be why. I think it is just another neat tribute to the uniqueness of her character and the series overall.
I bet she’d LOVE to shop at IKEA!
How IS the packing coming along, Rachel? Well, I hope!
IKEA? Oh, yes, Cesca would be there … if we had one nearby. She goes wild decorating her carriage house cum cottage behind Maggie’s Victorian house. You’ll see in LAST VAMPIRE STANDING.
Light,
Nancy
Howdy!
I’ve left a link of this at my blog and I have two questions.
1. If you couldn’t write paranormal novels, what genre would you write about?
2. What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
Thanks
~ Popin
proudbookworm.blogspot.com
Hello Nancy,
If you get stuck on a book do you ever bounce ideas off of friends, family, strangers…to look for inspiration?
Hi Nancy,
What’s your fave vampire movie?
I highly recommend “La Vida Vampire”. A list I am on is discussing this fabulous book and having a grand time. It’s the very first book for our book discusssion. I think we picked a winner.
Nancy, I’ll be stalking you, I mean looking for you in San Francisco!
Blogged here: http://bunnymoney9.blogspot.com/2008/07/bitten-by-books-giveaway.html
Thank you!
Hi Nancy,
Great interview!
Here are my questions:
How many books do you plan on writing with Cesca?
Did you have to do a lot of research on surfing?
I am really looking forward to reading this.
Hi Popin! Thank you for visiting!
If you couldn’t write paranormal novels, I’d aim for cozy mystery, and I’d work more on romantic comedy scripts. Screenwriting has taken a backseat to the novels these days.
My advice to aspiring writers is to keep writing. Write, learn all you can about the craft, write, learn all you can about the publishing business, and write! I wrote for over 20 years before I sold. It can be done if you persevere and persist!
Thanks for your fabulous questions, Popin, and have a terrific week!
Light,
Nancy
Thanks
~ Popin
Michelle, welcome!
I do get stuck from time to time. The first “person” I bounce ideas with is the main character. If Cesca is silent, I normally talk with a critique partner or the hubster. Often just voicing the problem brings an answer.
Cesca is so opinionated in fact, that I was sure there would be only kissing between her and Saber. At most. I spent three days trying to get them out of a certain scene in the book. Cesca finally told me to back off and let the scene happen. It worked, and I don’t argue with her much anymore.
Thanks so much for your question, Michelle, and have a fab week!
Light,
Nancy
Hi Bunny!
What’s my favorite vampire movie? Great question, but the truth is that I’ve never seen that many vampire movies. Pathetic, huh?
I have to admit “Dracula: Dead and Loving It” cracked me up. Not Mel Brooks’s finest spoof by a long shot, but the film has moments.
Thanks for stopping by, Bunny! Have a wonderful week!
Light,
Nancy
Arwen, thank you! I’m so tickled that the group is enjoying the LVV discussion! Heck, I’m flattered beyond words that LVV was chosen to discuss! Truly, this is a high honor!
As for stalking, er, seeing me in San Fran, I’m counting on it!
Light,
Nancy
Hello, I thoroughly enjoyed your interview. The questions were great and your answers a learning experience for me. I really enjoy learning about the author behind the book! What other paranormal
characters do you enjoy writing about? What do you see in your writing future? I am a subscriber to this site and I would appreciate being entered in this delightful drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
Hi Lori!
Thanks for the compliment on the interview! Again, kudos to Rachel on that!
I hope to write at least 5-7 books with Cesca. Actually, I’d love to write more, but that’s entirely up to the publisher.
I did some research on surfing, primarily on the current jargon. Much of the slang I had known was still in use, but there were terms that were either new or new to me that I needed to know, even if I didn’t use them in the book. I have a list of some surf terms on the Beach Party page of my web site.
An example is “wipeout.” This can be spelled as one word, or as two. There are at least two other terms that surfers use here - a biggie being “pounded.”
At any rate, I checked online for terms, then ran them past the employee/ surfers at the Surf Station here. I wanted to be sure I was using the jargon the locals used, rather than those terms that surfers in, say, California would use.
I hope you’ll enjoy La Vida, and I thank you for visiting with great questions! Enjoy your week!
Light,
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
I will be at SF for RWA and look forward to seeing you at the Lit Signing. I recently joined your book club and came to this blog because of that. I have enjoyed your interview and the comments offered by everyone.
I will definitely check out Cesca and her cohorts.
Karen
Hello, Cindi!
Thanks so much for visiting! I’m so glad you enjoyed the interview, and these questions are insightful, aren’t they?
What other paranormal characters do I enjoy writing about? I love the wizard in La Vida, and the shape-shifters, and that merdragon is looking like fun. Truly, I’d be drawn to write witches or “plain” psychic types, or a different brand of shape-shifter.
As for what I see in my writing future, I hope it holds more paranormals, a cozy series, and some produced screenplays. I’d love to pull off a Regency and a Western - at least one of each.
Thank you again for being here, Cindi! You’re entered in the drawing, and I hope you have a terrific week ahead!
Light,
Nancy
Hi Karen!
Hot dog! It’ll be fantastic to see you in SF - at the literacy signing and perhaps beyond! I’m tickled you joined the newsletter loop, and that you found the blog, too!
If I may offer this to anyone who’s interested, you can go to my web site and join the newsletter group (a Yahoo! group) from there, or you may subscribe by sending a blank e-mail to
Nancy_Haddock_Books-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
I also have a contest running via my web site - http://www.nancyhaddock.com. Once there, click on the Beach Party page, then read the center column - “Where’s Cesca.” Send your guess as to which events Cesca will attend in July and August as instructed. (This is a double month contest since I’ll be out of town until well after August 1, so I’ll be giveing away two copies of La Vida.)
Karen, thank you for visiting, and I’ll be looking for you in SF next week!
Light,
Nancy
Rachel, since it’s nearly 2 a.m. my time, I’ll toddle off now, but I’ll continue to check in tomorrow to answer any further posts.
I sincerely thank you again for inviting me to Bitten by Books, and I wish you all the best in your move!
Gentle Readers, thank you again for being here, and for asking such great questions! It was a pleasure to visit with you all!
Light,
Nancy
Thank you so much Nancy!
It has been great, and you are a wonderful guest. I can’t wait to read the next installment in your series.
If any of you haven’t purchased LVV, do not wait, do not pass go! Shop! There are links in the interview you can click to buy the book and support another wonderful author, and get an awesome read out of it!
Night Nancy!
Hi Nancy!
Great to see you over here! I missed the beginning as I was busy sleeping here over in Vienna
You know you were my first contest on Amberkatze’s Book Blog? If it wasn’t for you I wonder if I would have done something like that! Now I have a new guest every week! Thank you!
So now I have to think of a question…I have Vida but don’t have a signed copy…and I think I have asked you so many questions since I read Vida and got in contact with you….
So I will go with simple and hope nobod asked you yet
What is your favourite food?
Of course I am signed up for the newletter and posted about the contest on my blog. Unfortunately I no longer have my Vida receipt because it was so long ago and I don’t keep those little pieces of paper for so long.
http://amberkatze-amberkatze.blogspot.com/2008/07/nancy-haddock-is-giving-away-copy-of-la.html
[...] Nancy Haddock’s La Vida Vampire at Bitten by Books, deadline later this week [...]
Do you write from the seat of your pants or do you plan your books out?
If your book was made into a movie, who would you pick to play the characters?
Hi Nancy!
Do you have a writing routine?
What kind of music do you listen to to get your creative writing mind flowing?
Thanks!
Amber, dear heart! Seeing you is always a treat, and I hope you slept very well.
I didn’t realize I was your first contest on Amberkatze’s Book Blog. I’m sure you would’ve forged ahead anyway, but I am honored to have broken ground, and you’re most welcome.
What’s my favorite food? Well, I admit to having a sweet tooth which never does a diet any good. An always fav is dark chocolate, but I love bananas, peaches, and plums. Lasagna, Tex-Mex from Texas, and most kinds of BBQ. In the winter I love stew, grilled cheese sandwiches, and then turkey and fixin’s for holidays.
Thank you for your support of La Vida Vampire, Amber, and for our ever-growing friendship. I remember being astounded that you’d contact me from Vienna. My geography isn’t so bad that I didn’t know you were in Austria, I was simply agog that ayone living in such an exotic place (to me) would know of my book.
Thanks for coming by, Amber! Have a wonderful rest of the week, and take good care of you!
Light,
Nancy
Hi there, Amy S!
Thank you for coming by the blog!
I used to plan my books out on note cards scene by scene, but I wrote La Vida Vampire and Last Vampire Standing by the seat of my pants. The change was terrifying at first, but it’s seeming to work for me. I usually write at least three-four chapters before I have enough idea of where I’m going to write the synopsis. Then I tend to follow the synopsis (more or less), but there are always things that come up to surprise me.
If LVV was made into a movie, honestly I don’t know who I’d like to see play the characters. I imagine that the casting might surprise me, and yet it would be perfect, too. I’d love to see LVV as a movie, or a TV series. I only wish some of the incredible paranormal TV shows that have been on would stay on longer. I’m not sure they’re getting a fair shake in drawing viewers.
I will say that I’d like to play one of the Jag Queens in a movie.
Thanks for visiting, Amy! Have a terrific week!
Light,
Nancy
Hi Nancy!
Do you live in St. Augustine,FL? If so do they still have that delicious fudge shop there across from the oldest shcool house in the US? I love St. Augustine I use to go there every weekend, so peacful! Needless to say I haven’t been there in about 14 years. Love reading the interview! I feel that finding out about an author makes their books more exciting to read. Thank-you for your answer and have a wonderful day
Travis, hi and welcome!
Thank you for coming by!
I do have a writing routine of sorts. I usually take care of the bulk of e-mail and household business in the morning so I get things off my to-do list. Then I write in the afternoon and evening for anywhere from four to ten hours or more - with breaks, of course! If I’m crunching a deadline, I may write into the wee hours. I’d like to come up with a different schedule - one in which I write eight hours a day, roughly during business hours. Then again, I’m a night owl and I get more done when I don’t have daytime distractions.
I love music of just about all kinds, but I tend to write to nature sounds or new age, no- beat kinds of music. If it has a beat, I’m chair dancing. If I know the words, I’m singing. Not conducive to writing for me.
To get the blood flowing and “transition” from business stuff to writing, I might crank up Areosmith, Zeplin, or something with a really driving beat, or I might blast the Beach Boys. Do the dancing and singing, and then switch to the mellow stuff.
For anyone interested in creative boosts, Margie Lawson and CJ Lyons are now posting their famous Monday Morning Motivators on creativity coach Eric Maisel’s Creativity Central blog. The first is up, and more should follow each Monday. The link is
http://ericmaisel.blogspot.com
Travis, thanks again for being here! I appreciate your questions, and I wish you an awesome week!
Light,
Nancy
Hi Again!
Regarding the Eric Maisel link, it’s not taking me to the Monday Morning Motivators, and I cannot seem to get the entire link to go through here. If you want it, please drop me a line at nancy@nancyhaddock.com. I’ll send you the link.
Margie and CJ have spot-on tips, and Eric’s pages are great, too!
Light,
Nancy
Hi Tamara!
I do live in St. Augustine, FL, and WOW, you used to come here every weekend? Way cool!
The fudge shop to drool for is still there, just down from the oldest school house. And the school house is where my characters Cesca and Triton went to school, too. There is a profound peace here, and yet a strong current of vibracy, too. If you come back again, let me know! I’ll meet you for fudge.
Thank you for stopping to visit, Tamara! I’m delgihted to meet you, and I wish you a fantastic week!
Light,
Nancy
Rachel and Readers,
I’m happy to pop in to answer further questions today.
Rachel, I’ll thank you again for your support. Getting a five tombstone review was an honor, and I hope you and the readers will enjoy Last Vampire Standing every bit as much.
All the best on your packing and moving! Do take care not to overdo (if you can), and may you create the happiest of memories in your new home!
Light,
Nancy
Hey Nancy,
Your book just went to the top of my to be bought list, you had me at surfing vampire, but that was farther compounded by your characters going to school at the old schoolhouse. St. Augustine is definitely one of my favorite cities =)
lol, I can just see you going into the Surf Shop to ask questions about surfer slang, that’s priceless
Alright, my question is:
Which beach is your favorite surf spot for when you venture out to the swells? Anastasia, St. Augustine Beach, or outside of that area?
and second question: What got you interested in writing in the paranormal genre? did you read it first?
Awesome interview and thanks for sharing about your books, I’ve always thought there should be more paranormal books based in Florida (I mean, come on, we’re not that far from New Orleans =P):D
Hi, Sarai!
Yippeee! Another reader who knows about St. Augustine! I love your rationale that more paranormals should be here because we’re not that far from NO! Absolutely right!
Re: asking questions at the Surf Station, yeah, you should’ve see their faces when I asked if it’d be totally lame for Cesca to say “cowabunga.” (They laughed but gave me a thumbs up on the usage.) The other funny thing is that the guy who took me out for a lesson has seen Gidget! Not sure if it was the TV show or movies, but still. The guy is maybe 27 max.
I don’t have a fav surf spot … yet. When Kyle took me out, we were at about 10th street in St. Aug Beach, some blocks south of the pier. I won’t even consider surfing Vilano until I’m MUCH better at this because the surf can do odd things there. For now, I go to “my” beach - go over the community boardwalk and into the water about a half mile north of the Crescent Beach ramp. AND, since I’ve had to miss RWA conferences before due to illness, spider bites, etc., I’ve not been out since late June. I do NOT want to break, wrench or otherwise injure anything more than a fingernail before I leave for SF.
I did read paranormal before I started writing it. I’ve read what I could in the general genre for years. I didn’t really expect to write more than a psychic character, but, well, you know what happened with the peanut butter commerical.
I still read about everything paranormal I can get my hands on because it’s fun. Then again, I read about everything I can get my hands on, period.
Thanks so much for your compliment on the interview, and for your questions! And, dear fellow Floridian, where are you? Inquiring minds want to know!
Have a stellar week!
Light,
Nancy
lol, the invent of reruns and dvd collections have made shows and movies like Gidget famous all over again
As to your last question, I live one county inland from St. Johns and about an hours drive from St. Augustine so I try to get over to Anastasia whenever I can (less people, more nature, it’s all good) I don’t get to Oldtown nearly as much as I would like, but I have to pop over every once in awhile to stock up on sweets and history 
Good luck in SF 
Hi Saria!
So we are near neighbors - cool! I love your mention of stocking up on sweets and history. Who’d think those two things would go together.
Thanks for your good wishes on SF! And, next time you’ll be in town, drop me a line. Perhaps I’ll be able to meet you for a fudge fix!
Light,
Nancy
Will do
Hey there Nancy!
I saw you on Genre of the Month! =) I read the review there on La Vida Vampire, and I reserved it at my library (yay!) because it just looked so darn interesting! I cannot wait. =)
I was just on Melissa Walker’s blog and she was talking about book covers so this question stuck in my mind. I absolutely adore you’re cover, but I was wondering how much input you had in it’s design?
And do you regret not taking up published writing sooner? (Even though the teaching sounded awesome!)
Lol, did you know my older sister’s name is Nancy too! Actually all of my sister’s name’s rhyme. (Nancy, Lucy, Casey: I don’t know what my parents were thinking!) Anyway, I hope you have a great day and I can’t wait for the rest of the books on the series! =D
~Lucy D =)
We have some winners!!
Andrea C. - Autographed copy of La Vida Vampire from Nancy Haddock
Popin - Copy of St. Augustine Today Magazine from Nancy Haddock
Cindi - $20.00 Amazon Gift Certificate from Bitten by Books
All winners have been notified via email. Congrats ladies and ENJOY!
Thank you all for coming by over the last few days and a BIG thanks to Nancy for sharing herself with us.
[...] Nancy Haddock, author of La Vida Vampire, by Bitten by Books [...]