My guest this week is author Viva Anna. Vivi has written over 12 books but my favourite is the Valorian Chronicles. So here is your chance to find out more about the books and the author (You will notice she reads some very cool books and has a good taste in men!). When you are done with the interview you can enter this weeks contest to win one of three prizes!

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Amber - Welcome to Amberkatze's Book Blog! Thanks for stopping by! Your third book in your paranormal CSI series the Valorian Chronicles was released in October. Can you start things off by telling my readers a little about it?

Vivi - Five years ago, virginal Lyra Magice had fled powerful dhampir Theron LeNoir's advances. But now an ancient text the dhampir possesses holds the key to solving murders that have plagued Necropolis. When another body is found and evidence points to the Mistress of the city, duty dictates that Lyra work with Theron—a man she regards as haughty, arrogant and immoral—to translate the symbols left at the crime scenes. But with their forced alliance comes darkly sensual dreams that leave her feeling wanton and achy….

Unwilling to reveal his dark past, the dhampir soon discovers that Lyra—a witch of great power—is to be the sacrificial virgin in a demonic scheme to open a portal to hell itself. Salvation will come only if Theron can win Lyra's trust—and her heart.

I had a lot of fun writing this book, because I really love Lyra. She was one of the coolest character’s I’ve created.

Amber - How did you come up with the idea for the Valorian Chronicles? Are you a CSI fan? How many more books will there be in the series?

Vivi - Yup, I love my some CSI. I got the idea watching an episode and watching Gil Grissom. He was the inspiration for creating Caine Valorian.

So far there are three set in Necropolis, and there will be three set in the French city of Nouveau-Monde. Caine will be a part of each book somehow. But as the books progress, there will be new characters introduced.

Amber - The Valorian Chronicles isn't your only published work. What else have you written?

Vivi - I’ve written a few erotic futuristics…my favorite book called HELL KAT, and its sequel INFERNO. Plus I’ve written a sexy paranormal novella for the first SEXY BEAST anthology, and I write futuristics for the ALLURING TALES anthologies, so far there have been two, but I suspect there will be more.

I’ve also written a few sexy paranormals for epubs, BAD TO THE BONE and HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF can be found at Loose-Id, OF THE MOON can be found at Samhain Publishing.

Amber - What genre do you prefer writing? Is it hard to switch from one genre to another?

Vivi - I love writing futuristics, and lately I’m finding I’m loving urban fantasy and paranormal YA.

I don’t find it hard to switch. I find it difficult if I don’t have that variety.

Amber - Did you always want to be a writer? What other jobs have you had in the past? Any favourites?

Vivi - I think subconsciously I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I always wrote crazy stories when I was a kid and teen. But never really considered it a career choice.

I’ve worked a ton of retail jobs, selling shoes and clothes, worked at a movie theatre for five years, I also worked for Ford Motor Company in the customer service department and I got to repo cars. Not fun. I also worked at a bookstore. I enjoyed that the most. That was my last job.

Amber - Are you working on any new books? projects you would like to share with us?

Vivi - I’m working on the next Nocturne called The Vampire’s Kiss and a novella called The Bewitching Hour also for Nocturne. I’m also working on an awesome paranormal for Samhain Publishing with two of my favorite peoples, Kimberly Kaye Terry (my BFF) and Delilah Devlin. We’re doing a book series together.

On my own, I’m working on a YA and an UF, that I’m hoping will make their rounds at the publishers.

Amber - What do you do to relax?

Vivi - Hmm, relax…I’m not completely sure I know how to do that. But I do watch a lot of movies to unwind. I just finished watching Tropic Thunder, and LOVED it. I also love to go for long walks, or play a game with my dd. I read every night before sleeping so that helps as well.

Amber - What books do you like to read when you have the time? Any favourite must have authors or series?

Vivi - I read urban fantasy mostly, and I have been getting into paranormal YA. I’m finding most of the YA I’m reading is awesome. So far I’ve found only one disappointment.

Must have authors and series:

Nightside series – Simon Green – UF
Marla Mason series – TA Pratt – UF
Weather Warden series – Rachel Caine – UF
Uglies series – Scott Westerfield – YA
Midnighters series – Scott Westerfield – YA
Kitty Norville series – Carrie Vaughn
Werecat series – Rachel Vincent – UF
Driven and Hidden – Eve Kenin – futuristic
Grimspace and Wanderlust – Ann Aguirre – Scifi
Wicked Game – Jeri Smith-Ready - UF

Amber - What music do you like to listen to? Any favourite TV shows? Do they influence your books in anyway?

Vivi – I usually don’t listen to music when I write, but when I’m chilling I like Three Days Grace, Sum 41, Rhianna, Evanescence, Eminem, Green Day, Katie Perry, lots of different stuff.

Must see TV: Battlestar Galactica, Supernatural, True Blood

And yes, both the music and the shows influence me and what I write.

Amber - If one of your books was going to be made into a film or TV series which book would it be and who would you like to see starring in it?

Vivi - I’d love to see HELL KAT made into a movie. If I could cast it, it would be Katee Sackhoff or Tricia Helfer as Kat, and Jensen Ackles as Hades.

Amber - You are stranded on a desert island. What 5 things do you have with you to help you survive?

Vivi - Endless supply of paper and pencils, knife, big box of matches, and Jensen Ackles.

Amber – What’s out next for you?

Vivi – My next Valorian Chronicles book THE VAMPIRE’S QUEST will be out in April of 09. As well as MIDNIGHT CRAVINGS which is an anthology of Nocturne BITES, which also comes out in April.

I also have an ebook coming out from Ellora’s Cave called IN THE COMPANY OF WOLVES, that should be out either in March or May. I will know soon and have it up on my website.

Amber - Thank you again Vivi for being a guest here on Amberkatze's book blog! I hope you will come back again soon!

Vivi – Thank you Amber!!!



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Contest Time!

Vivi has kindly donated three prizes for this weeks contest. That means we will have three winners who will each will win a signed copy of one of the following books by Vivi.

Up for grabs is Inferno , Alluring Tales I and Winter Kissed.

So to enter the contest post here with an answer to the following question. Who are your must have authors? No answer = no entry!

As always you can earn yourself a second entry by posting about this interview and contest somewhere on the web. Make sure you post a link for me to confirm your entry!

The contest will stay open until Sunday the 18th of January till 4pm CET and all entrants should check back to see if they won. I don't hunt down winners and I will pick new winners if any of the prizes aren't claimed.

Enter away and enjoy!

Labels: Author Interviews, Contests, Vivi Anna