Monday, February 4, 2008
Colleen Gleason: Putting Truth Into Your Fiction and Other Challenges in Writing Paranormal Historicals
Pirates, please help me in welcoming Colleen Gleason to the ship! *hearty cheers*
Colleen, as if you didn't know, is a fellow pirate who traverses the salty seas, writing about vampires, if you can believe it. *superstitious routine done by crew members where they cross themselves in protection against vampires*
Captain Colleen has published three books in the Gardella Vampire Chronicles, and her newest release, The Bleeding Dusk, hits the shelves today! (She even has a rave review from J.R. Ward!): "Sophisticated, sexy, surprising. With its Regency graces and vampire lore, this book grabs you and holds you tight until the very last page!"
I love writing paranormal historicals.
One reason I like the historical setting is that it gives the heroine (and other characters) a different set of restrictions than they have in today’s world. It makes it more challenging for them—and for me.
Such as? Well, obviously, no cell phones, no texting, no Internet and email. Makes communication that much more difficult, and it makes it easier for things like swapping or taking on new identities. It also allows me to build in more tension because, again, it’s harder to get places, to contact people, to find out things.
And then there’s the whole fashion aspect. While, I admit, there are times when I wish I could put my Victoria Gardella Grantworth into some serious CFM boots, or a glittery cocktail dress, or Max into a leather duster, or Sebastian into some tight suede jeans…I also get to use the styles of dress at that time to my advantage.
It’s a lot harder for a young woman attending a Society ball to find a place to hide her stake than it was for Buffy, who just slipped it up her sleeve. I’ve had to get creative with my heroine and find ways for her to secret weapons on her person, and even to have to change in the carriage and need help from someone to unlace her corset! Fun, fun, fun.
Another reason I love writing historical paranormals is because I get to play with history. I get to take events that actually happened and give them a paranormal twist or otherworldly explanation.
For example, when I was researching the second book in the Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Rises the Night, I learned that John Polidori, the author of The Vampyre, died a somewhat mysterious death. There were differing explanations as to why/how he’d died. Well, heck, I thought...I’m certain it had to do with his exposing vampire secrets in his book The Vampyre, and they came after
him for revenge.
And voila! I had a plot twist that I was able to build upon.
I also learned that secret societies like the Carbonari were very common in Italy at the time, and so I figured there had to be a secret society of vampire protectors that also existed—and thus I created The Tutela, which is just that: a society that protects and serves the undead, and appear in my books.
For my third Gardella book, I wanted to base part of the plot around something in Rome. I kept Googling things like “Rome 19th century legend” “Rome 18th century secret” “Rome myth” “Rome legend.” And while I got a lot of things about Remus and Romulus, I also found out about The Door of Alchemy (La Porta Alchemica), which is a real door that still exists today, and is described in my book The Bleeding Dusk.
In fact, because it was so fascinating, I used that door as the main focal point of the suspense plot in the book. And to think I found it quite by accident! That’s the beauty of writing paranormal historicals, and the fun stuff that research can uncover.
One more, then I’ll stop and take questions….when I was working on the fourth Gardella Vampire Chronicles book, When Twilight Burns (coming in August), I found out that during the time the book was set the former Prince Regent of England was crowned king, and that the coronation was a huge, elaborate, expensive affair…and that he refused to let his estranged wife, Queen Caroline, enter Westminster Abbey for the coronation.
I had to use that tidbit in my book, and I knew just how to build that paranormal aspect around it!
I want to thank Fran for having me and for dressing up the place so nicely—that Writer’s Angel is extremely inspiring. I’d love to borrow him.
I’d love to take questions from anyone about the books, the series, the research process, etc.—so lay’em on me! Oh, and ARGH!!!
Hellion, again: Colleen is not only a kick-ass pirate, but she's a kick-ass pirate with booty! One lucky commenter will win one of Colleen's books--winner's choice. (Can't get any better booty than that.) So please stop and ask your most pressing questions about research, the series--and most importantly: is Sebastian a sort of Professor Snape character? And when do we get to see more of him?
Colleen, as if you didn't know, is a fellow pirate who traverses the salty seas, writing about vampires, if you can believe it. *superstitious routine done by crew members where they cross themselves in protection against vampires*
Captain Colleen has published three books in the Gardella Vampire Chronicles, and her newest release, The Bleeding Dusk, hits the shelves today! (She even has a rave review from J.R. Ward!): "Sophisticated, sexy, surprising. With its Regency graces and vampire lore, this book grabs you and holds you tight until the very last page!"
I love writing paranormal historicals.
One reason I like the historical setting is that it gives the heroine (and other characters) a different set of restrictions than they have in today’s world. It makes it more challenging for them—and for me.
Such as? Well, obviously, no cell phones, no texting, no Internet and email. Makes communication that much more difficult, and it makes it easier for things like swapping or taking on new identities. It also allows me to build in more tension because, again, it’s harder to get places, to contact people, to find out things.
And then there’s the whole fashion aspect. While, I admit, there are times when I wish I could put my Victoria Gardella Grantworth into some serious CFM boots, or a glittery cocktail dress, or Max into a leather duster, or Sebastian into some tight suede jeans…I also get to use the styles of dress at that time to my advantage.
It’s a lot harder for a young woman attending a Society ball to find a place to hide her stake than it was for Buffy, who just slipped it up her sleeve. I’ve had to get creative with my heroine and find ways for her to secret weapons on her person, and even to have to change in the carriage and need help from someone to unlace her corset! Fun, fun, fun.
Another reason I love writing historical paranormals is because I get to play with history. I get to take events that actually happened and give them a paranormal twist or otherworldly explanation.
For example, when I was researching the second book in the Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Rises the Night, I learned that John Polidori, the author of The Vampyre, died a somewhat mysterious death. There were differing explanations as to why/how he’d died. Well, heck, I thought...I’m certain it had to do with his exposing vampire secrets in his book The Vampyre, and they came after
him for revenge.And voila! I had a plot twist that I was able to build upon.
I also learned that secret societies like the Carbonari were very common in Italy at the time, and so I figured there had to be a secret society of vampire protectors that also existed—and thus I created The Tutela, which is just that: a society that protects and serves the undead, and appear in my books.
For my third Gardella book, I wanted to base part of the plot around something in Rome. I kept Googling things like “Rome 19th century legend” “Rome 18th century secret” “Rome myth” “Rome legend.” And while I got a lot of things about Remus and Romulus, I also found out about The Door of Alchemy (La Porta Alchemica), which is a real door that still exists today, and is described in my book The Bleeding Dusk.
In fact, because it was so fascinating, I used that door as the main focal point of the suspense plot in the book. And to think I found it quite by accident! That’s the beauty of writing paranormal historicals, and the fun stuff that research can uncover.
One more, then I’ll stop and take questions….when I was working on the fourth Gardella Vampire Chronicles book, When Twilight Burns (coming in August), I found out that during the time the book was set the former Prince Regent of England was crowned king, and that the coronation was a huge, elaborate, expensive affair…and that he refused to let his estranged wife, Queen Caroline, enter Westminster Abbey for the coronation.
I had to use that tidbit in my book, and I knew just how to build that paranormal aspect around it!
I want to thank Fran for having me and for dressing up the place so nicely—that Writer’s Angel is extremely inspiring. I’d love to borrow him.
I’d love to take questions from anyone about the books, the series, the research process, etc.—so lay’em on me! Oh, and ARGH!!!
Hellion, again: Colleen is not only a kick-ass pirate, but she's a kick-ass pirate with booty! One lucky commenter will win one of Colleen's books--winner's choice. (Can't get any better booty than that.) So please stop and ask your most pressing questions about research, the series--and most importantly: is Sebastian a sort of Professor Snape character? And when do we get to see more of him?
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69 comments:
*waving* Hi Ms. Gleason!! I couldn't wait until morning to say hi!
I've very curious. What gets you in the mood to write the kick ass vampire killing scenes?
And if I was a very bad wench, where might I find Sebastian? I rather fancy him. :)
Can't wait to pick up The Bleeding Dusk today! Welcome to the ship, Ms. Gleason! We're going to have a great time today!
Good Morning Ms. Gleason!
I love historical para's... tell me, do these books fall in romance or fiction?
I guess I'm asking if this is a series with the same characters, or each book about a couple that has their HEA?
The books sound very exciting!
is your heroine a human vamp hunter?
I LOVED the first book in the series and have some catching up to do with #2 and #3. I think it's amazing you have 5 books in which to tell your story. Will you follow a similar arc with your next project (and yes, I'm nosy---do you know what you're writing next?).
Good morning, Sin!
What gets me in the mood to write the kickass vampire killing scenes? People who don't use proper grammar in their writing or speaking. (LOL--I'm an English major. What did you expect?)
Sebastian usually hangs out at the Silver Chalice, but then he's also known to show up unexpectedly...most anywhere, and usually when he's not wanted.
Thanks Sin!
Hi Tiffany:
Great question, and one that I've discussed just recently on my blog. My books are marketed as Paranormal Romance, so they'd be in the romance section...but because the story is about one woman, Victoria, the series pushes the boundaries of the romance genre in that there will not be a Happy Ever After until the fifth book.
It's an ongoing series with an on-going arc. You can read more about why and how on my blog at:
http://www.colleengleason.com/wordpress/2008/01/26/romance-or-fantasy/
Hi Maggie. I'm so glad you enjoyed THE REST FALLS AWAY. Thanks for letting me know.
I love having a five-book arc, and, depending what my publisher and I agree on for my next project, I'd like to be able to do that again. However, because the books are marketed as romance, there is some resistence to not having that HEA....so we'll see.
Regardless, there will be over-arching plotlines and themes in each "series" that I write. I love doing that, and having the time and space to do so.
Oh, Tiffany, I didn't see your last question there--and yes, Victoria is a vampire hunter. One in a long family line of them.
But she's not a relutant heroine like Buffy was. In fact, she finds it quite fun to be a Venator.
At first.
Oh that is good news! the HEA... I have a love/hate relationship with series. I love them, but I'm a huge HEA kinda gal! You know? I can't wait to pick these up! And thank God I came in at the tail end... I've only got to wait till summer for the fifth? or was that the forth? I read this yesterday (when it was accidentally posted...hehe) I'm a pirate beneath all these frilly petticoats!
Tiffany, the fourth one comes out in August, and I'm writing the fifth one now--which will be released about a year from now. So a year, max, you'll have to wait to get all the installments.
Hello Ms. Gleason! Welcome aboard the ship! We are so glad to have you.
I've finished THE REST FALLS AWAY and I thought it was wonderful. I'm working on a paranormal romance now, though not of the vampire/werewolf variety. It includes a witch.
The tone of your books is a little dark, something I felt was different from a lot of the Regencies I've read. Did you encounter any resistance to this aspect of your novels? I think it's refreshing and was just interested in how it was received by the industry.
Thanks MarneeJo (great name!)...I'm glad you enjoyed THE REST FALLS AWAY.
I think the dark part of the book has been received well--and, in fact, the subsequent books get even darker (but with their own bit of wit and comic relief).
However, if there's anything that I think the market sort of wondered about is that it's marked Romance, but there's not an HEA. At least yet.
That, plus the cross-over between paranormal and historical, seem to be what stands out about the book in the market.
Lots of historical readers don't want paranormal (even though this book isn't bloody or gory), and urban fantasy and paranormal readers often don't think to pick up a historical--but when they do, I get lots of great fan mail.
It's a unique pairing of genres, and there are only a few other authors doing it (Kathryn Smith, Susan Squires)...so we're forging the way for more cross-overs.
I typed this great post and then it didn't work. Argh!!
Morning, Ms. Gleason. So happy you've taken the time to share the big release day with us.
Since everyone has asked the questions I was going to, I'll try something else. Can you tell us about the first time you sold and what's it like on the day a book releases? Are you nervous, crazy, doing a big book signing or drinking lots of rum? *g*
And I don't read vamp stories historical or contemp but these books sound so good I'm going to have to start. I was sold as soon as Captain told me about Sebastian. I must know more about this man.
I better watch my grammar on the ship today. (Or should I just watch my French?)
My Quartermaster is so mannerly this morning. *LOL* (And has obviously set a good example.) However, I'm going to go against the grain and call Captain Gleason: Colleen.
So, Colleen, IS Sebastian a Professor Snape-like character? As in, you can't really tell where his allegiances lie--and when you do think you can tell, it doesn't look promising? Is there a noble streak in seductive Sebastian--or is that my wishful thinking? (I was reading book 2 last night and am at the part where Sebastian is visiting Victoria on the balcony--and some of the things he says and does reminds me of Captain Jack Sparrow. *LOL*)
Thanks for the info! My WIP is a paranormal Regency but it has a bit of a mystery plot and the tone is pretty light. I was just curious about the market reception of things.
I think it's great that you're stretching the genre. I love reading new takes on things.
Welcome to the ship Ms. Gleason!
I have just started writing my first WIP. My question is how do you identify with your characters? Do you start with a character sketch, or just start writing while creating the character in your mind?
Hi, Ms. Gleason:
I'll admit to not having tried this genre, but since I have a scheduled bookstore trip, a BN gift card, and a trusted friend's recommendation, I'm off on a new adventure! I loved how you got the idea of the door by accident - it seems that the best ideas just pop up when you least expect them.
*sniff* I'm always mannerly.
I want to get to the relationships and behind the bad boys. Because I love bad boys and Sebastian makes my little pirate wench heart flutter.
What is your favorite trait of Victoria's personality? And Sebastian or Max for you Ms. Gleason? If you could have a wild time with one of them, which one would it be, and why?
And be warned. I was not an English major. LOL
Hi Terrio. Thanks for coming by!
About release day for my first book: well, I think I thought I'd be really nervous. But since release day for my first book was last January 2, 2007, and I started getting phone calls and emails from people who'd seen/bought my book the DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS...it ended up being quite anti-climactic!
There's not much to do on release day but hang out on fun blogs and wait to see what happens.
As for not being a reader of vampire novels. **shhhh**but I have a secret. I'm not either!
I wrote the book as a person who doesn't really read vampire books. So there's a different twist/feel to it, I think, than you might expect.
It's more of an adventure/superhero sort of story than an angsty immortal vampire story. :-)
MsHellion, and everyone...please do call me Colleen!
And that Sebastian...he's quite the rogue, isn't he? *mwahahaa*
I could tell you whether he's a Snape like character or not, but then I'd have to make you walk the plank.
ARGH!
--but I can tell you that in each book, you get to know more and more about him and who he is. And some of your questions might be answered by the end of Rises the Night and The Bleeding Dusk.
I think that's hilarious you don't read vampire stories, although that might benefit in that you're not influenced with conflicting vampire lore or anything.
What do you like to read?
Oh, I skipped ahead, Colleen, and he did a very Snape-thing in Rises the Night...but at the same time, Snape did come off as very, very bad right up until we find out otherwise in Harry Potter 7...so I will continue to delude myself, I think, for at least the rest of your series. *LOL*
Max is alpha and hot, but Sebastian... *shrugs* I'm in therapy for this problem, I really am. *LOL* Ah, the Captain Jacks of the World.
Lisa, good luck to you! What a fun thing to start writing your first book. Probably a little daunting, too, as I recall.
As for my characters...they are revealed to me as I write. I'm more of an organic writer (less so than I used to be now that I'm writing a series and am under contract to turn in synopses), so as I write, I get to know the characters and world.
It's a lot of fun to write a series like mine, where I'm dealing with the same characters over five books, but not forever. Five books is a great amount of words/pages to develop characters and plots. I highly recommend it. :-)
Thanks Karen! I hope your trip to BN is fruitful!
If I might make a recommendation--do try to read the books in order. It makes it much easier to appreciate the character arcs and ongoing storyline if you do. THE REST FALLS AWAY is the first book.
Thank you so much for your enthusiasm!
O Sin! If I told you whether it was Sebastian or Max for me...then I'd have to make you walk the plank above a pool of bloodthirsty crocodiles. :-)
I have always known who Victoria's HEA will be...but I can't tell, 'cause it would ruin the fun.
However, I do love both Max and Sebastian in their own ways--after all, I created them. In fact, each of them has a different trait from my husband.
My favorite trait of Victoria's personality? That she's not stupid, but she's not perfect either. She makes mistakes, yet she also is aware of her value, her skills, her abilities, her ability to attract men.
Colleen - you don't read them either?! How funny. LOL! The irony is that I have several in my TBR pile. I picked up Kathryn Smith's at the NJ conf book signing. I had taken her workshop and loved it so bought the book without knowing it was vamp. I will get to it.
And I have Teresa Medeiros' in the pile too. I love the idea of a 5 book series. Not too many and not too few. Just right I'm thinking.
How did you determine five books and did you have the entire story arc in your mind when you started?
MsHellion, I'm shocked--shocked!--that you skipped ahead in RISES.
I only wish I knew which Snape-thing you're talking about that Sebastian did (sometimes the books are a blur)--but no spoilers! I"ll just have to wait till you're done with the book.
And about that problem of yours....heh, you're not alone. :-)
What do I like to read....lots of different things.
I just started reading Suzanne Brockmann, and I just glommed the first four of her Troubleshooters SEAL series.
I also ADORE Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Michaels, JD Robb, SEP, Roberta Gellis, and JK Rowling as well as my other new favorite author--Robyn Carr.
I read lots of different things.
I have heard so much about Robyn Carr lately. I'm going to have to pick her up. Well, the books, not her. LOL!
We often hear to read the books in the style in which we want to write. Who would you say you read for this purpose?
I know for me reading SEP is like taking a master's class. She's so good you really have to go back and read closer to see where she's used a twist or turn. So seemless and smooth it's hard to not get swept into the story and forget about finding the craft stuff.
Terrio, yes, most people laugh when I tell them that. But I think that you're right--and MsHellion too--that's part of what makes my books different.
Kathryn Smith's books are wonderful--and she is a lovely person too.
You asked about my five-book arc--if that was how I planned it.
Not really. I knew I couldn't tell all of Victoria's story in one book, but I originally thought maybe three. But by the middle of RISES THE NIGHT (#2), I realized I needed five books to tell her story.
I will let you know that at the end of the fourth book, you'll know who Victoria's true HEA is...she just doesn't get everything wrapped up until the fifth book. So the Mystery Man will be revealed in August.
Robyn Carr's Virgin River series is fabulous. She does a great mix of romance and women's fiction without being depressing, or what I call, "Oprah-like" in the sense that Oprah books are often not my idea of an escape read.
And good news--the Grace Valley books, which are a trilogy that came before VR and have some of the same characters, are going to be reissued sometime late this year, I believe. YAY! I've read them too and love them.
Hi Colleen! Fancy meeting YOU here. So inquiring minds want to know...who the heck (MAX) is Victoria (MAX) going to end up with?(MAX)
No answer? Huh. I thought you'd answer anything here!
Congrats on release day, my friend. I'm so proud of you and for you. And can't wait 'til I see that post saying that you're on the best seller list!
It's not anything specific Sebastian does that makes me think of Snape, it's that quality he seems to have of "looking out for number one" (which is a Snape quality) and doing stuff which makes us go: SEBASTIAN! Like the scene in the carriage, then dropping her off into the middle of vampires. Nice one. *LOL* And the part I skipped ahead to in RISES. That seemed to be a big character reveal too.
Snape or Captain Jack--where they keep doing things that obviously are self-serving, but in the end, it's still possible he might be a bit sacrificing too. If he likes her enough. Oh, God, he's going to do a Spike, isn't he?
Okay, I've officially confused myself with outside characters.
As a non-HP reader (I KNOW!!!), you've confused the hell out of me. LOL!
But I get the Jack comparison just fine. Bad boy with a mischievious (sp?) streak but a heart. And I bet he has a smile that could melt butter. *sigh* Damn it, I need to read faster!
Colleen - was there a plot twist or somewhere you ever wanted to take this story that you realized you just couldn't do because of the time period?
Thaks Colleen I find writing my first WIP to be very daunting at times. Funny you should recommend writing a series, that is exactly what I have in mind for my WIP:)
Howdy Colleen! Great to see you out and about romantica-land *g*
Oh, and did they tell you the rules of the ship? You're not allowed to touch Hellion's Capt. Jack. Last time she almost made me walk the plank just for looking at his booty. Sheesh.
Thanks MaryKate! Glad to see you over here too!
And thanks for the congrats and best wishes. But I still won't tell you whether it's going to be Max or Sebastian...or someone else.
**mwahahahaaaa**
MsHellion, you're definitely right about Sebastian being a Look Out For No. 1 kind of guy.
But he does have his loyalties, such as they might be.
And as for doing a Spike...whatever do you mean by that? *bats eyelashes*
Terrio...I can't think of a plot twist that I couldn't do because of the time period.
I think that's because I built the story AROUND the time period, not the other way around.
In fact, there has been some discussion about taking the next Gardella mini-series into contemporary times, rather than staying in historical times (which I'd originally planned to do), and I'm not sure how I'd do that...because I like the history and its restrictions.
Lisa, good luck!! I hope it goes well.
Er, Kim...and what's this about not being able to futter Cap'n Jack? No one told me. *removes Jack's hand from a particularly--er--pleasurable location* *shhhh.*
Oh, oops. It's my anniversary today too. I guess I'd better be good.
Colleen said:
And thanks for the congrats and best wishes. But I still won't tell you whether it's going to be Max or Sebastian...or someone else.
**mwahahahaaaa**
Now that's just mean. Mean, I tell you!
Colleen - I love the idea of taking it in another direction. But could you go back instead of forward? Vamps in the Georgian era would be so decadent. Or even jump up to Victorian times. That could be fun too.
Can't imagine how fun it is to have all of history as a playground. I'm a contemp girl myself. LOL!
Terrio, in the books there is some set up for two other Venators (vampire hunters) that came before Victoria...so most definitely that is possible.
Sort of a Star Wars/George Lucas kind of thing.
Elizabethan England, anyone?
So it would be like the Gardella Vampire Chronicles - Episode 1. That would be fun and I know the fans of the current ones would enjoy following the ancestors as well as descendents.
You'd also get the fun of writing these stories but in five book increments (more or less). We're talking a Dynasty here. LOL!
Colleen said:
And thanks for the congrats and best wishes. But I still won't tell you whether it's going to be Max or Sebastian...or someone else.
**mwahahahaaaa**
Now that's just mean. Mean, I tell you!
I say **mwahahaaaaa** again!
MaryKate--I'm with you; Colleen is living this up with the ornery comments! I know she knows exactly what I mean about the Spike thing! And being I'm getting more and more attached to Sebastian...it's just cruel, it is.
*flinty look at Jack* He is a friendly one. I'm not overly keen on sharing him, but being he sincerely adheres to "looking out for number 1", he really can't help himself. Not with all the beautiful wenches available on this ship...or who visit. *sighs*
Fortunately there are also other crewmembers who also easy on the eyes. :)
Other Venator series? Hmmm. Elizabethan wouldn't be bad. Lots of political intrigue to play with. I think the 30s or 40s would be good. Some restrictions, but you could have fun with the movies era--and all those vampire movies coming out. *LOL* (But I don't think 30s/40s counts as an era to do a series...don't publishers X-nay those eras? OH, or a 50s housewife Venator!)
Hands off the angel, he's mine. Go practice mouth-to-mouth with Lance.
Colleen does have that evil laugh down pat. Kind of scary. She's having way too much fun torturing. And I finally figured out Spike is from Buffy but, damn it, I didn't watch that one either. What does that mean?!?
Has anyone other than me already read The Bleeding Dusk?
I maintain that those in the Sebastian camp will be even more entrenched and those in the Max camp will be more in love than ever after reading the book.
I'm telling you, Max went from amusingly cranky to utterly swoon-worthy in Bleeding Dusk. I'm now rooting desperately for Max. Before I was intrigued by Sebastian, but now it's just GOT to be Max. I know Sebastian fans feel that was too.
Now I'm reading Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson books and I'm finding the same flippin' thing! Two men, one more delicious than the other.
I think Colleen and Patricia clearly went to the same class. "How to torture both your heroine and your readers."
SNORT.
Is that really a class? Where do we sign up?
Damn it, I knew Alpha-Max was going to do something swoony-worthy eventually, but still...I'd still probably root for Sebastian.
It's like the Plum series with the Babes and the Cupcakes. Seems to me no matter which way it turns out, there will be a mutiny in the ranks! LOL!
But at least Colleen is nice enough to give us a HEA at some point. JE is more eternal torture.
Will Lady Victoria stop slaying once she's married? Will she start producing the next generation of slayers and leave the fighting to them?
(not that I expect answers but I figured I'd try)
Damn it, I knew Alpha-Max was going to do something swoony-worthy eventually, but still...I'd still probably root for Sebastian.
Does he ever! I'm telling you. Wow!
But Sebastian is his usual contrary self in the book too. And I know lots of people will find that wonderful.
The book does a great job of layering lots of new information about both Max and Sebastian over Victoria's story.
It's such a terrific read! I was lucky enough to have Jury Duty the day after I got it. I happily sat and read all day. It was awesome!
*blushing* Thanks MK.
Terrio, I didn't want Victoria's men OR the readers to be tortured indefinitely. Plus, I think five books are just enough to really get into the characters before I get bored with them.
Yanno?
Oh, I know. I write stand alones only. LOL! I love to read books that connect but have no desire to write them.
I think I'm just lazy. LOL!
Welcome, Colleen! Looks like the para/vamps are winning! I'm trying to fight the trend but losing! LOL The historical aspect is definitely a plus! I can see where you could do more in an historical than a contemp. Looks like I'll have to check them out. The no HEA for several books is another iffy factor for me, though. Can anyone think of another series that has done that?
I'm also a huge Robyn Carr fangirl! Aren't the Virgin River books incredible? That was the last series I rushed through without stopping to eat, sleep or bathe! I can't wait for the next three in the series.
And Terri, I also have not read HP! I can join you in the corner! Although, the DH is trying to schedule a movie marathon with all the movies. Can I be in the in crowd then, even if I don't read the books?
I'm in Sebastian's camp. I'm always for the shady, look out for numero uno, bad boy. It must be a blood disease. lol.
Five books in the series. I like that. It's not too long that you drag it out and it's long enough to have the character's wrap me around their pinky fingers. I like series reads. Something about the familiar characters that I love that brings me back for more and if I buy one in a series, I buy the rest of them.
Colleen, I love how you weave such a busy plot (and it keeps me guessing, I love that about a writer). There is always so much going on. Do you find it hard to tie it all together in the end?
Yeah, I've not read HP either. Or watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer (unless you count the movie) or the show that they spun off of it.
And I LOVE vampires. There's something wrong with that picture.
Hi again Sin...and great question about weaving the plot together at the end.
I think I write such busy plots because if I don't, I get bored. :-)
And as for weaving it together at the end...it just sort of falls into place. I'm never exactly sure how a book is going to end until I get there. That makes it fun for me too!
I love how you think.
Busy probably wasn't the best word I could've used there. I think the rum is getting to me.
I love intricate (see better word!) plots. I'm one of those readers that needs a lot going on to hold my attention span. And I love dark twisty books. I love dark undertones. And I love when devestation happens to the hero/heroine and it gets written seamlessly and not make it just a silly plot device. Which you do very well :)
And I love when devastation happens to the hero/heroine and it gets written seamlessly and not make it just a silly plot device.
Sin, that's my favorite thing to say to Colleen, "If Victoria's not suffering, Colleen isn't trying hard enough."
I say it with love, but she does put Victoria through the ringer. Which I appreciate.
Colleen went to the Joss Whedon School of Plotting -- hit 'em hard, hit 'em often. LOL!
MaryKate, I was thinking the same thing about the Mercy Thompson books just last night when I picked up the first one to reread!
Colleen, I was wondering if you are considering a reluctant heroine for a further Gardella or not?
And I like the Elizabethan England idea...
Mary Kate and Cory, just wanted to welcome you both to the ship! If you can find a jug of rum, you're more than welcome to it. There are plenty of male crew members to oogle as well.
Mary Kate, I'm quite a fan of devestation. Any way that I can get it in a book. lol. Death of a loved one is always good. Heartbroken. Lonely. Desolate. Yup. Love it all. You have to make the reader appreciate the heroine. That's a good way to do it. Give a little tug to the heartstrings and hear the readers start bawling their eyes out over what could've been.
Ya'll are making me blush.
Thanks so much!
I'm heading out to a romantic dinner for two with my Music Man...I'll be back to check in for any late-breaking questions in a bit.
Sorry I had to go to my office for a bit, but I'm so glad to see some new faces as well.
Thanks for coming by Colleen! It was great having you!
Yes, it's been a great day. Thanks so much for spending it with us, hope your dinner was lovely and now I know my TBR pile will grow by at least three more books in the coming days.
*sigh* I'm gonna need a bigger house.
Thanks to all of you! What a fun group.
I hope some of you will pop by my blog now and again and say hi!
I just added you to my favorites, Colleen. I'll be sure to stop by.
Colleen and pirates, I finally made it over here. Arrr, mateys, is that a hot-buttered rum toddy I spy there? Poifect *smack*
Hi Colleen, welcome onboard the pirate ship. You set the industry on its ear with your books: are her books a quintology paranormal/fantasy romance or are they five connected books in one set (think of it as one large book), where do we shelve it? Fantasy? Romcance? or literary ficion? How do you see you books?
will you be signing at the conference in sf this year?
It waS gREAT interview, and i enjoyed reading the posts. Congratulations on your release day!!
I have to say I am in the Max clan as well. I also started off intrigued by Sebestian and yet always holding out for some sort sign of a sliver of affection Max might have for our heroine. The Bleeding Dusk definitely delivered. I loved it. Although I'm eager to read the rest of the books I'm going to be a little sad once it's all over. I agree it would be interesting to have a new Gardella chronicles but in a more recent time period...a direct but many times over descendant of our dear Victoria and MAX!!! Keep up the good work Colleen I love your writing....and Max. Ok, ok I like Sebestian too, but Max better.
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