My Valentine's Day guest is author Cynthia Eden! Her books are full of romance so I couldn't resist posting her interview today. Her upcoming new release is called 'Immortal Danger' and I read it a few weeks ago and loved it! You can read my review to find out more about the book but you could always just read the interview ;)
Oh and Cynthia is giving away a signed copy of Immortal Danger so make sure you read to the end and enter the contest!
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Amber - Welcome to Amberkatze's Book Blog! You new book Immortal Danger is due out soon! Could start things off by telling my blog readers a bit about the book?
Cynthia – Hi, Amber! Thanks so much for inviting me to your blog. I’ll be happy to tell folks about this book. I generally describe this one as my vamps vs. dragons book. My hero, a dragon shifter, is forced to trust a woman with one very bad reputation. Maya Black (my heroine and the woman with the mentioned bad reputation) is a vampire, and she is the only one who can help him rescue his kidnapped niece.
Amber - Is Immortal Danger part of a series or does it stand alone? How did you come up with the idea for the book? Was it a slow process or something that just happened?Cynthia – Immortal Danger is stand alone. But, while it’s not part of my Midnight trilogy for Kensington Brava, it does follow the same world “rules” that I created in the other books with my demons, vampires, shifters, and charmers.
I had been wanting to write a dragon book for a long time. I actually wrote this book right after I finished Hotter After Midnight (my first Kensington Brava title). The story line came to me very quickly. It all started with Maya dying.
Amber - Maya and Adam are the two main characters in Immortal Danger. Was it hard to get them together? Are they based on anyone you know?
Cynthia - These characters are very different. The challenge was for them to get past their differences and to connect emotionally—the middle of all the danger that surrounds them.
These characters aren’t based on anyone I know, though I really wouldn’t mind knowing a guy like Adam!
Amber - You have a wild variety of paranormal creatures in Immortal Danger. Do you like coming up with new things? How do you decide which creatures to use? Do you have any favourite creatures you like to write about?
Cynthia - I like to use a lot of different characters in my paranormals. I think it spices things up well, LOL. I knew from the beginning that I would have a female vampire as my lead and that her love interest would be a dragon shifter. The other characters/creatures just appeared as the story progressed. I had a great time writing about my dragon shifter, so, right now, I’ll say he’s my favorite one.
Amber - Is it harder to write the steamy scenes or the action scenes?
Cynthia – The steamy scenes! Seriously, anyone who thinks it is easy to write a sex scene is just wrong. My action scenes flow much faster because they are motivated by two main things: fear and adrenaline. But the sensual scenes…you have to lust, you have need, you have emotions—this brew can be tricky.
Amber - Immortal Danger isn't your first book. How many books have you already had published? What were they about?
Cynthia – I’ve published two single titles with Kensington Brava. Those two were in my Midnight Trilogy. The first book, Hotter After Midnight, was about a psychologist who only treated paranormal patients—and the wolf shifter detective who stole her heart. The second book, Midnight Sins, was about a police detective who fell for his chief suspect in a murder investigation—the woman just happened to be a succubus.I’ve also published two single titles with the small press, ImaJinn Books. My very first book was actually The Vampire’s Kiss and it’s about…well, vampires. My second book was The Wizard’s Spell—and it was about wizards and witches.
I’ve written a variety of novellas as well—for Kensington Brava, Avon Red, and Red Sage. I like writing the novellas because it gives me a chance to really work on the pacing of my stories. Novellas have to be fast-paced due to the length requirements, and it’s always fun for me to go from writing a single-title to a novella. I think switching up this way helps to keep my mind fresh.
Amber - Did you have to do alot of research for Immortal Danger? What kind of research do you usually have to do for your books?
Cynthia – I always do research for my stories. I love reading research books (particularly those great ones that you can find on the bargain shelves at bookstores). I did a lot of voodoo research for Immortal Danger—interesting. I generally use the Internet and my research books for my tales. Ah, but you can learn anything on the Internet!
Amber - Do you have a favourite book you have written? And who is your favourite character? why?
Cynthia - Every time I write a book, I say it’s my favorite. What can I say? I am such a fickle woman. But, really, my mood changes because right after I finish a book, I’m still emotionally in the book, so it is my favorite. As for my favorite character? Well, I really liked Maya. She’s damaged, but she’s strong—and I liked that about her.
Amber - What's next? Are you working on any other projects that you would like to tell us about?Cynthia – I’m working on a paranormal bounty hunter series for Kensington Brava. I just finished the second book, I’LL Be Slaying You. Had a great time writing that one! So I guess my “next” is more paranormal characters—more demons, more vampires, more things that bump in the night.
Amber - Did you always want to be a writer? Which genre do you like to write the most?
Cynthia – Yes, I’ve wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember. I started reading romances when I was about 12—and I got hooked on them. So, in high school and college, well, I knew I wanted to write romances. It just took me a while after college to make that dream come true. (A while translates to years…)
I particularly enjoy paranormals and romantic suspense stories—so I often combine those two sub-genres.
Amber - What have been the good and bad times of being an author? Any advice to anyone out there working on their first novel?
Cynthia – The good times are easy…selling that first story. Landing a great agent. Seeing your book on the shelf. Getting a letter from a fan who loved your story---awesome.
The bad times? Trying to sell that first story. Going to the mailbox and seeing what you know is a rejection letter and feeling your heart sink. Wondering…am I good enough? Will I sell?
My advice: If you want to be a writer, keep writing, no matter what. If the rejections come, keep writing. If you find that others dismiss your dream, ignore them. Stay true to yourself and believe in your characters and your story.
Amber - What books do you read when you have the chance? Any must have authors or series?
Cynthia – Whenever I finish writing a book, I tend to reward myself with a lot of reading time. I have SO many authors that I love—Kresley Cole, Jayne Ann Krentz, Angela Knight, Linda Howard, Christine Feehan, Larissa Ione…I could easily talk for hours about the authors I enjoy. So many books—ah, I need more time!Amber - What music, TV series or films do you like and do any of them influence your work?
Cynthia - I am currently addicted to Supernatural. I missed the first 3 seasons when they came on TV, but my husband gave me those for Christmas and I’ve been trying to catch-up. I love those Winchester boys! I also enjoy Medium and Dexter. I like the layers that I see in the characters (in these shows), so when I’m writing my characters, I try to include the same layering devices—I like characters with issues.
Amber - How do you relax? Do you ever get writers block? How do you overcome it?
Cynthia – I relax by going to the movies or playing with my son. When I get writer’s block, I write. Sounds weird, doesn’t it? But, if the words aren’t coming as quickly as I’d like, I still sit down and write. I give myself permission to write crap (i.e., a scene I’ll probably have to delete later), but I still write. Because just writing will get me back in the frame of mind that I need.
Amber - If you could be any paranormal creature. Which one would you be and why?
Cynthia – Hmmm…tough one. I don’t think I’d like being a vamp—just can’t handle the blood. I also don’t know about getting all furry, so I’d pass on being a shifter. Hmmm…how about a charmer? In my books, charmers can talk to animals and I think that would be a pretty handy talent to have.
Amber - You are stuck on a desert island. What 5 things do you hope to have with you?
Cynthia – 1. An endless supply of chocolate. 2. An endless supply of Sprite. 3. A treasure chest filled with romance novels. 4. A cover model to open the trunk for me. 5. Sun tan lotion.
Amber - Thank you so much for answering my questions! I hope you will stop by again!
Cynthia - Amber, thank you for interviewing me! I loved your questions!
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Contest Time!
Cynthia has kindly said she will send an autographed copy of IMMORTAL DANGER to the winner of this weeks contest! Now Immortal Danger isn't due out till April so this means you will be getting the book before it is on the shelves!
To enter the contest please post here telling us about your most romantic moment you have already had or dream of having? No answer = No entry!
Earn another entry for each place you link this contest on the net. Make sure you add links here for me to confirm your entries!
The contest will stay open until Saturday Feb 21st 2009 4pm CET. Entrants should check back to see if they have won. I do not hunt down winners and will pick new winners for any prizes not claimed within 7 days.
If you are claiming a prize, have emailed me and have not heard back before the 7 day limit is up then post a comment here on the blog. Your email may get sucked into my spam filter.
Enjoy!
Labels: Author Interviews, Contests, Cynthia Eden
At 14 February 2009 at 07:36, 
Unknown
My most romantic moment has to be when my husband sent flowers to where I work for our anniversary and in the card it said that we were going to Vegas to celebrate. He planned the whole thing, from talking to my boss and getting my time off to booking the whole trip. I couldn't believe it! And it gets better, he even scheduled for us to renew our vows. I love my husband :)
At 14 February 2009 at 09:08, Edie Ramer
Great interview! I love dragon shifter books.
I have two most romantic moments, but the one I'll share is pretty personal. I found out I had breast cancer and was told I needed a lumpectomy. My husband told me it wouldn't have made any difference to him if I needed a mastectomy. That was more romantic than any gift could have been.
Hi Amber and Cynthia! Well, I've been married for a few years, (25 to be exact) there is one year that I remember though. My company was working xtra long hrs, from like 6am to 12am and it was awful! Valentines Day that year was one of them. But I got home to find a scavenger hunt with little gifts and then in the bedroom he had a really nice dinner (instead of breakfast) in bed because he knew that I was exhasted. He even let me go to sleep after dinner ( LOL ). Have a great V-Day everyone!
At 14 February 2009 at 12:29, Brandy
My most romantic moment was when we had first married and moved across the country AND I had just found out I was pregnant (long story there! *G*). Unbeknownst to me, hubs had arranged with a friend to take me shopping and keep me occupied. He'd already messed up a birthday earlier that year so I didn't suspect anything. When I arrived home he had made dinner, set the table with candles and china and flowers. He took my hand, led me to the table, pulled out my chair and handed me a glass of non-alcoholic cider. All to celebrate me being pregnant! *sigh* Come to think of it that was pretty much the most romantic thing he's done since we had kids! *G*
Great interview! Dragons hold a soft spot for me, so I'm glad your hero is a dragon shifter. *G*
At 14 February 2009 at 16:48, Pam P
Cynthia, I can't wait to read more about that dragon, I have a fondness for them.
One year I received a large, lovely bouquet of flowers at work, from a secret admirer. Romantic and sweet, but he never did make himself known. We all tried to guess his identity among our cow=workers and clients, a secret to this day.
At 14 February 2009 at 18:01, Unknown
Hi... my most romantic moment (which I havn't forgotten because I haven't had another one since) Was when my, then fiance, welcomed me home with a glass of wine as soon as I entered the door from working a late shift at the restaurant. There was rose petals from the door and leading to the kitchen and bathroom. He had a warm bath waiting for me with rose petals in it as well, and had dinner on and cooking with petals all over the table, candles lit, and our plates squeezed together on the table. It was the most romantic Valentines I have ever had and probably ever will have. I'll never forget it. Thank you for the opportunity given, for me to relive this memory.
At 14 February 2009 at 18:56, Cynthia Eden
Wow--I think you all are making me jealous! There are some seriously great romantic moments listed here. (And Donnas--your husband sounds like a definite keeper!).
As I read these moments, I'm trying to think of my own most romantic one. I think it might have been a few years back, when my husband threw me a surprise party for my 30th birthday. He'd gone to so much trouble (even gotten my favorite ice cream cake), and when I came in, the guy had the biggest smile I'd ever seen. :-)
Thanks for sharing your special moments!! Happy Valentine's Day!!
At 14 February 2009 at 19:27, Nancy
Cynthia, I love your interview! What a treat to get to know you!
My favorite romantic moment was after my daughter was born. I was being wheeled to my room, and down the hall comes my hubby carry roses. Five were for me, one was for our new little girl. Her first flowers were from her daddy.
Light,
Nancy Haddock
Wonderful interview as always, thanks Amber and Cynthia!
For the most romantic moment, it must have been when I first went for a date with my wife to be. We had been in the same lectures of the university for a bit already, but we both had someone else we were involved with. Now when we took the final step (after the other obligations had turned out different from what you would have expected), we agreed to meet in the cathedral in town for a Saturday evening worship (same cathedral we got then married in!) and after that we went to a very cosy and nice coffee place to have tea together, continued to a pub to have a drink and didn't say goodbye before noon the next day...
At 15 February 2009 at 09:54, Lori T
Great interview and I can hardly wait to read Immortal Danger!!
I am not really very romantically inclined and neither is my husband, but to me the most romantic things are those little things that just make you stop and say wow. Last week when I was feeling yucky, my husband made dinner for the kids without my even having to ask him...now that is romantic to me.
I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day!
At 16 February 2009 at 08:20, Lori Ann
My husband is a sweetheart and has done many romantic things for me through the years. The most romantic moment happened a few years ago when I started a new job. My husband knew how nervous I was about it, and surprised me by having a nice home-cooked meal on the table for me when I walked in the door after my first day on the job. He had the lights turned down low, candles lit, and then after we ate, he gave me a foot rub to help me relax.
At 16 February 2009 at 08:31, JennyC1230
Actually the most romantic moment was when I met Mike in high school. I thought we were just friends, but he kept pursuing me and asking me for a date. It was so sweet. One day he left a flower on my locker, he wrote me the sweetest love notes, and would put them in my locker or slip them in my purse. I finally said yes and we went to see "Who Killed Roger Rabbit" for our first date. (Crazy, right?) Then 7 years later we got married, 4 years after that, we had a baby, now we have been married 12 years and I have never been happier than when I said "yes" to that first date.
JennyC1230
At 16 February 2009 at 10:32, K Giardina
*Yay!* Dragons!
My husband and I dated when I was in college, then went our separate ways. We were reunited several years ago at a surprise party for a mutual friend and reconnected.
As a firefighter, he gets off work shortly before I leave for work in the mornings, and there were quite a few mornings when I opened my apartment door to find flowers in the mailbox on the door with a small card or gift - a wonderful way to start my mornings, and a tradition he steadfastly continues. We'll be married for 7 years on our next anniversary!
At 16 February 2009 at 14:28, Deirdre
It's difficult to pin-point one single most romantic moment in my 10-year marriage to my lovely man. I think it might be the time he scolded a taxi driver for smoking because after chemo I was left with weakened lungs.
Though last years scolding about not renewing my passport on time because he had organised a valentines trip to Paris as a surprise (with the connivance of my work and everything!) comes a close second. The nasty flu that we both had while there put a bit of a damper on the whole thing!
At 17 February 2009 at 15:02, Karin
Great interview! I am so looking forward to reading Immortal Danger.
I haven't really had any really romantic experience yet, but I look forward to having one in the future. What I envision something like that to be would be a picnic in the mountains and watching the sun go down. Something about the simplicity of that kind of outing definitely draws me and makes me think romance.
At 18 February 2009 at 05:40, Asylumgirl
Hmmm.....to me the most romantic thing would be for a man to plan everything out with no worries or aggravation for me. I would love for him to bring me somewhere that we can be cozy and alone, like a cabin in the woods overlooking a stream. A candlelit dinner is awaiting us and the rest of the evening I'm sure he's already got planned out as well. LOL
Deidre
the most romantic thing I have had done was my hubby and I went to the coast for our honeymoon after 4 years of marriage. I wasn't able to travel around our wedding date but finally after 4 years we were able to go. I got to pick what we got to do, what we ate, and how much money to spend on me! LOL
At 19 February 2009 at 13:15, Wrighty
This book sounds so good and I look forward to reading it. My husband is very romantic and he gives such thoughtful gifts. But better than any material thing is how wonderful he is when I feel at my worst. He was so happy and kind when our children were born even when I was the frumpy, bleary-eyed, new mom. He always made me feel beautiful. I've also had years of chronic illnesses and pain and must look horrible quite often but he always makes me feel like a princess. After 22 years of marriage he still gets better every day.
I'm adding this to my blog. Thanks for your contest!
www.wrightysreads.blogspot.com
5wrights1@verizon.net
I look forward to reading Immortal Danger.
My most romantic moment:
It was Valentine's Day 3 yrs ago when a snow storm happend. My bf and I plan for a romantic night was cancelled. I was disappointed however bf surprised me by coming to my place and we had our romantic night indoors.
Sue
okibi_insanity[at]yahoo[dot]com
by Kelley Armstrong
When my husband proposed. He did the "bend down to tie his shoelace" move and while I was hopping about freezing (we were walking to our favorite sushi bar in NY), he looked up, held up the ring, and proposed.
I was so flustered that I wund up leaving my purse at the restaurant and it was still there when I went back the next day!