Author of more than 15 books, Colleen Gleason chatted with us to introduce the next installment of her Regency Draculia series, The Vampire Narcise. Fraught with betrayal and passion, her newest historical vampire novel is dangerous and fiery — just what her fans hope for! It’s no wonder why it’s our top June romance pick, chosen by fellow romance author Christie Ridgway.
Gleason gave us a sneak-peek of what’s to come, plus a little bit about favorite books and sexiest characters.
Describe your book in one sentence:
The Regency Draculia series can best be described as Jane Austen meets J. R. Ward, or Jane Austen’s version of Twilightfor grown-ups.
Of all the characters you’ve ever written, which is your favorite?
That’s such a tricky question to answer because it depends on the day. But probably the majority of the time, the answer has to be Max Pesaro (of the Gardella Vampire Chronicles). But a close second is Dimitri, the Earl of Corvindale (of The Vampire Dimitri).
What is the best thing about writing?
Being able to indulge my imagination and go on a journey with the voices in my head.
What is the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
You can’t fix a blank page. Write something and fix it later.
What books inspire you?
In general, a well-written book will always inspire me to work on my own. Ones that have influenced me in particular include mysteries by Elizabeth Peters (because she is a mistress of subtlety) and The Writer’s Journey.
If you had to be stranded on a desert island with one fictional character, who would it be?
Dang. That’s almost as bad as asking me who my favorite character is that I’ve ever written. I guess I’d have to say Iron Man because…well, because he looks like Robert Downey Jr. And because I figure he’d be able to get us off the island! (When I was ready.)
What’s next?
I’m looking forward to doing more of the Regency Draculia, picking up the stories of some characters introduced in the first three books. Also, I’m working on the fifth book in the contemporary/futuristic paranormal romance series I write as Joss Ware, as well as the second book in the Marina Alexander adventure series (the first one is Siberian Treasure).
