Interview: Gena Showalter, author of Seduce the Darkness

The talented Gena Showalter, author of the Alien Huntress series and the upcoming YA novel Intertwined, was kind enough to answer to questions here today.

What got you interested in writing?

Reading was my biggest passion. I had all these stories of my own floating around in my head, and pretty soon, writing them down was the only thing I could see myself doing for the rest of my life. So I gave it a shot and fell in love with the process.

What have you learned about yourself since you began to seriously pursue writing?

Before writing books I was a big time slacker. I mean, being voted worst employee of the year by your mom . . . Honestly, I never finished anything. But once I started that first book, OCD kicked in. I could think of nothing but getting to the end. But to get there, I had to learn discipline. I had to learn to trust my creative mind and not try and write what I thought others would want me to write.

How do you prepare yourself before writing a new book? Any specific sources of inspiration?

Inspiration is everywhere. Something I see, hear or read will just click in my mind and I’ll start playing the “what if” game with myself. Like with Seduce the Darkness. What if there was only one vampire left on the planet? What if a man used to getting everything he wants can’t have the woman he is falling in love with?

Where do you hope to take your writing in the future?

Anywhere the characters want to go. I’ve learned to follow their lead. Trying to bend them to my will only has one outcome: me, rolled into a little ball on the floor, sucking my thumb and crying for my mommy.

How is Seduce the Darkness different from previous Alien Huntress novels?

Seduce the Darkness is a third person paranormal romance, completely stand alone (meaning you don’t have to read any of the other books to understand it) and unlike the others, neither the hero nor the heroine is a real AIR agent. Devyn is a modern day king who can control people with his mind. He’s a blatant womanizer and yeah, a little narcissistic. He even enjoys killing his enemies. Bride is a vampire who has never met another of her kind and oh, watching her bring Devyn to his kines . . . I still shiver when I think about it!

Which character in the Alien Huntress series have you enjoyed writing about the most?

Devyn, hands down. He seduced me from day one (hence the title) And his banter with Bride makes me chuckle every time I think about it. Here’s a snippet:

“Take me to the women,” she said. “I need to see them.”

“Are you jealous of them?” he asked hopefully. “Do you want to kill them for having a go at me? Darling, we just met. That’s silly. It’s the girls after you that you should want to slay.” He brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear, leaving a trail of fire.

“Not that I’ll be able to find one as lovely as you.”

Frustrating man. “Of course you won’t find anyone as lovely as me,” she said, adding dryly, “no one compares to me. I’m all you’ll be able to think about for the rest of your life. You’ll be heartbroken that you let me get away, and perhaps you won’t ever recover. Now that we’ve got that established, let’s talk about those women you were with. If you won’t take me to them, fine. At least tell me where you left them. I’ll check them out myself.”

One corner of those gorgeous lips twitched, as though he were fighting a grin. Of course, he ignored her demand. “You forgot to mention that all the women I’ve been with were merely practice for the day I met you.”

“That’s so obvious I wasn’t sure it needed to be stated. Now. Where did you leave the women?”

His head tilted to the side as he studied her, those lips still twitching. “You don’t desire me, do you?”

“No.” Truth. He was gorgeous, as he’d said, the egotistical bastard, but his attitude grated.

So far, what has been the most rewarding part of the Seduce the Darkness publishing process?

Holding the finished book in my hands. I poured my blood, sweat and tears into that book and could not be happier with the result.

What else do you have in the works?

Right now I’m working on the next Lords of the Underworld novel. Gideon’s story. He’s the keeper of the demon of Lies and can’t speak the truth without severe consequences. This one is kicking my ass.

If you were an interviewer, what question would you ask yourself? What's the answer to the question?

Hmm. I might do a lightning fast round of personals then throw in something I shouldn’t.

Favorite color: blue

Morning drink: coffee

Last movie watched: The Proposal

What are you wearing: I – uh – what now?

Any final comments?

Thank you so much for having me!!

Thanks Gena for the awesome interview! Everyone be sure to Check out Seduce the Darkness, in stores tomorrow!

Visit Gena's website and blog

Read an excerpt of Seduce the Darkness

Ok everyone, here's the deal: For an extra entry in the Seduce the Darkness giveaway comment on the interview and don't forget to mention the contest. You can also comment on my review of Seduce the Darkness (to be posted Tuesday, June 30th), for an additional entry. Hurry! The contest ends at 11:59 pm on Tuesday.