Hi Everyone! It’s my pleasure to welcome to my blog today one of my favorite new-to-me authors! I hadn’t read Maggie’s books before this year and I completely fell in love with her Romantic Suspense Trilogy, thanks to NetGalley. She also writes about Vampires! How awesome is that? A woman after my own heart!
Check Out my reviews of her Secret of Shadow Falls Series:
KILLING ME SOFTLY
KILL ME AGAIN
KISS ME, KILL ME
Let’s give a warm welcome to Maggie Shayne!
*Feel free to ask questions in the comments, Maggie will check back and answer them =D
When did you first start writing?
About first grade, as nearly as I can recall. I distinctly remember learning to spell my first word--CAB. Back then that sort of thing didn't begin in Kindergarten as it does now. But I remember it being just utterly HUGE to me. I felt a whole new world was lying there, just beyond my reach for so long, and that my teacher had just handed me the key to the whole place. I'm being utterly honest here. Could there have been, I wonder, a part of me that already knew then, how important words would be to my life? It feels that way. It's a calling.
So I learned rapidly, and within no time at all, when my early school teachers were telling us to write a story for class, and my classmates all handed in a paragraph, I was handing in booklets. Stapled together, crayon illustrated booklets with tables of contents and cover art. I guess I did know even then, didn't I?
I began writing and submitting to publishers in 1987 or 88, and proceeded to collect rejections from then on. I wrote three, maybe four, but I can only remember three, complete manuscripts that never saw print, before I sold my first book to Silhouette in 1992.
In which genres do you write stories?
I started out in Category romance, but as you know, that covers a lot of genres. There I did pretty much the same things I do now in bigger books, paranormal and romantic suspense. But during my category days I also did a whole lot of westerns.
Do you have a favorite one?
Genre? No, no favorite. I love them all.
Were there any Books, Movies or Writers that have inspired you?
Every book, movie and writer inspires me. Every single film I see or book I read teaches me something about my own work, or generates ideas for something new. I find myself recalling bits and spinning new ideas from them, days after seeing movies I didn't even particularly enjoy. So everything inspires me. But in particular, I've been inspired by Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles, Joss Whedon's TV series, and M. Night Shamaylan's films.
Favorites:
Favorite Movie? The Princess Bride
Favorite TV Show? Currently: Dexter / Ever: Buffy.
Favorite Book? Too many to name. But if forced to choose, I'd probably pick non-fiction: The Law of Attraction by Jerry & Esther Hicks. The Divine Matrix by Gregg Braden
Favorite Author? Right now, Gregg Braden. But it's always whoever I'm reading at the moment.
Favorite Paranormal Author? Stephen King. Nobody does it like him, nor ever will.
Favorite Mystery Author? Romantic Suspense, not mystery, which I really don't read. So for romantic suspense, it would be Karen Robards.
Favorite one of your Books? How can I name one? I just love them all. Some of my very best works, in my opinion were: The Gingerbread Man, Kill Me Again, in romantic suspense; Born in Twilight, Edge of Twilight in my vampire series; Eternity and Immortality in my Witch series.
Who is your favorite of your own characters?
Rhiannon, because she's very real to me.
Which was the hardest to write?
None of them are hard. And yet they are all utterly impossible. =)
What would you be if not a writer?
Singer. I love to sing. But I can't imagine not writing.
Quickies:
Coffee or Tea? coffee.
Up or Down? Up. Always positive.
Virtual or Real? Real, by far.
Right or Left? Left. In hand and politics, but not brained.
Day or Night? Both.
Here or There? Here, always in the moment.
Sooner or Later? Sooner--I'm usually in a hurry.
Light or Dark? Dark in fiction, light in life.
Simple or Complicated? Simple by far.
Fast or Slow? Fast. I'm very fast about most things.
Vampires or Werewolves? Vamps, since I've only written 1 werewolf story, and 20 vamps!
Angels or Demons? Angels. I don't believe in demons.
Reading or Writing? Both.
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
I have two. First, coming up with and developing a new idea. That's very exciting for me. Second, I love finishing a book.
What is your least favorite part?
Everything that comes in between the above two. LOL!
The Secret of Shadow Falls Trilogy in your own words?
Three books about three strong women with secrets that could tear their lives apart. Each one, set in the small town of Shadow Falls, Vermont, is a self-contained romantic suspense story all its own, but the three books also revolve around the murder of a stranger in town sixteen years ago, and the disappearance of the victim's newborn baby, a mystery that isn't solved until the end of book 3.
KILLING ME SOFTLY was out in July
KILL ME AGAIN in August
KISS ME, KILL ME in September
I saw that you have a second trilogy this year, but its more in the Paranormal arena. Can you tell me a bit about that?
It's in progress now, but it's not new. I'm celebrating the re-release of three of my Wings in the Night vampire series.
TWILIGHT HUNGER in October,
EDGE OF TWILIGHT in November,
BLUE TWILIGHT in December.
All in preparation for the release of three new stories in this series in 2011.
TWILIGHT PROPHECY in May
VACATION WITH A VAMPIRE in July (Anthology)
TWILIGHT FULFILLMENT in October
What are you working on right now?
I'm writing Twilight Fulfillment, which is the 20th, and perhaps final book of my vampire series. It's due on the shelves in October 2011.
Do you have any advice or tips for those like me who want to become a published Author someday?
Learn about the business first. I can't tell you how many letters I get from aspiring writers wanting to know how anyone can afford to pay the fees publishers charge them to publish their books. I'm always stunned that they don't know the difference between a vanity press and a legitimate publisher. Rule 1: you don't pay them, they pay you. Join writers groups to find people who know about the business or want to learn together.
Read ceaselessly in the genre in which you want to write.
And write, just write and write and write. Eventually, you'll get good enough through sheer practice.
Anything you would like to say to your fans out there?
Please check out my website for my new video & vocal homage to my vampy series, Wings in the Night, along with bi-monthly updates, spells, links, excerpts, cover art and more. www.maggieshayne.com
You can also follow me on: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Blog | Group Blog | Myspace
Thank you so much for being here!
Thanks for having me. It's been a pleasure.
Find Maggie Shayne Online:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Blog
Buy Maggie’s Books:
Check Out a Serialized Short that is a sequel to Maggie’s Secret of Shadow Falls Trilogy @ eHarlequin.com!
&
Check out Maggie’s new video & vocal homage to her vampy series, Wings in the Night!
Pay attention to the lyrics! It’s really funny!
No Sparkling Vamps and Underage Thirst LOL
Win a SIGNED Copy of “The Secret of Shadow Falls Trilogy” by Maggie Shayne!
To Enter:
- Leave a comment about anything on this post. *Feel free to ask questions in the comments, Maggie will check back and answer them =D
- Fill Out The Form Bellow or Click HERE!
Entries in The Comments WILL NOT COUNT!
Extra Entries:
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+5 Subscribe to The Blog by Email (Form near the top of the Right Sidebar)
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@larissa_sarah)
+3 Follow Maggie on Twitter (@maggieshayne)
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries! (including this one!)
International!
Ends November 29th!
Good Luck!
Don’t Forget to Vote for Next Week’s {Nov. 21st} Theme for
The TOP 5 Sundays Post on the Poll at the left sidebar!
Don’t Forget to check out My Other Giveaway:
Click HERE or on the image above to enter!
Thanks so much for tuning in and I’ll see you soon!
xoxo,
Ok sooo I totally loved the interview! And thank you to introducing me to these books!
Maggie thanks for the interview. I just wanted to ask What is the best advice that you think you could give to an aspiring author?
Oh and when your writing are there any little treats or certain things you need in order to write?
Thanks for the interview again I really enjoyed it!
kristen_babygurl@hotmail.com
Kristen
My Bloody Fairy Tale
I love the shared writing tips. Vanity presses... hmmmm. That is a new term for me. The publishing industry is so fascinating.
Thanks for the interview and giveaway! I've added these to my TBR list!!
Great interview! I love finding new authors and Maggie's books sound great. Looking forward to getting the chance to read them.
What made you choose vampires?
Great interview. I have to check out the Secret of Shadow Falls series it sounds fabulous.
Jennifer
BookNoise at gmail dot com
New author to me but now I want to read this! Wow, 20th book in a series! That's impressive.
I agree when she says people should try to learn as much as they can about the business before trying to enter it.
Great interview and thank you for the giveaway :)
Maggie, do you ever feel constrained and annoyed that you are forced into writing for a specific genre because that is what is the hot seller at the moment, instead of being able to write and publish something else ?
Carol T
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
Book covers are really beautiful.
Great interview ladies.
Thank you for the giveaway. :)
The covers are very nice.
I agree with you, coming up with the ideas and finishing a book are the best parts. The writing, but mostly the revising and editing is work.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Awesome interview!
Haven't read any of these books but now super curious:)
holz_twilight@msn.com
Donna--I've been publishing vampire romance since 1993, with my first one, TWILIGHT PHANTASIES. I just loved vamps, and growing up, was addicted to Dracula films, but always wondered why the vampire never got the girl. So in my grown-up career, I fix that mistake for a living. LOL!
Carol--I write whatever I want. Remember, when I started my vamps in 93, they were not a trend. I could barely give them away in fact. I've published more than 50 novels now, including an alien, a frozen Viking who reawakens in the 20th century, immortal witches, & a cross-dressing serial killer, and many other topics you wouldn't call trendy.
Everyone else--thank you for all the comments. I hope you enjoy the books. Good luck in the contest for the SECRETS OF SHADOW FALLS trilogy!
Im new to Maggie's work as well! I've read one book but of course I can't remember the name right now. It was about a girl that got pregnant with twins from a one night stand...loved it. I would love to experience more of her work!
Maggie I see you LOVE Buffy..me too, I won the entire series on DVD lol. But the most important question...Angel...Spike or Riley?? :)
I was really excited to hear that your working on Twilight Fulfillment. I think I've read all the books in the series so I'm a little sad to hear this may be the last book. But I will definitely start reading some of your other stuff.
great review larissa and great contest.
i love the titles of books.
Excellent interview! Maggie, I love your story about the first grade...I was the same way! I had that overpowering feeling when I learned to spell and write my own words. And I used to turn in WAY too long stories & essays, but luckily I had encouraging teachers who saw my potential...can't wait to read your books!
jmanni32@yahoo.com
I love the Wings in the Night series and am excited to read Twilight Hunger & Blue Twilight next year. I haven't read the Secret of Shadow Falls series yet but def. have it on my TBR list.
Great interview and thanks for the giveaway!
I love it when an author does trilogies that come out quickly. It is the best way to get my attention . I hate having to wait a year for the next installment (I do it, of course), but I love knowing there is closure to my favorite stories and characters and three books is just about right :)
I have never read any of Maggie's books, but I definitely will now! Thanks for another awesome interview!!
That was a very good interview. I think this season of dexter has been really good,too.
What was the most unusual thing that inspired you, and what did it inspire?
Maggie Thanks for the great interview. All your books sound really good. Must reads. What made you decide to be a writer? Tore923@aol.com
I admit I hadn't heard of this author before the giveaway, and the interview made me want to read her books!
She mentioned that her favorite author was Stephen King. I tried reading several of his books and they were incredibly boring. Maybe I'm just not reading the interesting ones, but I've given up on him a long time ago!
Oh my gosh, I especially loved hearing about the new paranormal series that you have coming out. Seeing bits from all of your books laid out on the review makes me excited to put them on my wish list for the holidays ;) thank you for coming on, I cannot wait.
I would love to win this trilogy set! I love finding new authors that I havent read yet :)
Thanks for the chance!
Great interview, I have never heard of these books before and would love to read them.
Hi Maggie what made you decide to write about Vampires?
Great interview.
These are some books I haven't read and would love too.
HINT HINT HINT
Thanks to the both of you for hosting the contest. :)
Really good interview. These books sound SO good. I think it's interesting that so many authors begin writing at such a young age. Wonder how many of you have kept some of your original stuff from when you were kids?
I did not know about this author. He has attracted much attention.
And of course ... I wonder: How does taking a theme and transform it into a literary work like that book (now dying to read)?
All for now.
A kiss
Lu
I did not know about this author. He has attracted much attention.
And of course ... I wonder: How does taking a theme and transform it into a literary work like that book (now dying to read)?
All for now.
A kiss
Lu
I can't beleive the 20th book of the vampire series will be out in Oct of 2011!
lag110 at mchsi dot com
Lisa Garrett
Great interview and contest!
Thanks for the interview Larissa! I have heard of Maggie's writings before but I had no idea she had a vampire series. This new series Secrets of shadow Falls sounds really good too. I'd love a chance to win. I read from one of the comments that the Wings in the Night series has 20 books in it. Is that right? Where have I been :( I'm going to have to check these out. Thanks again for the interview and for all the great reads the your giving us.
Tanyaw1224(at)yahoo(dot)com
I agree Stephen King is one of the epic paranormal writers!
Chrizette
baychriz at gmail dot com
ohhhhhhh i love Maggie books. great interview
elizabethcerna2011@gmail.com
I luv Maggie Shaynes Immortal Witches & Wings series & I cannot believe you are thinking about ending your "Wings Series" This is awful news :( Which leads me to a few questions? 1-I am wondering why are you thinking on ending Wings? 2-Are you/they(<-publisher) going to continue to re-release the other Wings books too? & 3-Are their any plans to revisit writing more Witches books? Your new trilogy sounds great, I put them on my list just in case I don't win ;) Have a great Turkey Day. I am a GFC & Email follower.
Stephmartin71(at)yahoo(dot)com
I have all of the Wings in the Night series by I haven't read them yet. And new ones are coming out!!! I definitely have to get reading!!!
Thanks for the great interview!
I have to check out the Secret of Shadow Falls series it sounds fabulous.
Great interview.
Grat contest.
A Kiss
Lu
lu_fashion_girl_number_one@hotmail.es
I have Maggie Shayne in my TBR pile -well shelves, but I think I'll be moving her to the top.
Great interview as usual!
Jennifer.
wildlower (at) gmail (dot) com
Love this interview! And all of the books I now have to go check out- which is fantabulous(both Maggie's books and her favourite authors and whatnot)...
Thanks for making the contest international!
Avery
Hello, Maggie.
I've had your works on my radar for a while but haven't read any of them, yet. I think it's time to get out from under the rock and do some buying and reading!
I enjoyed the interview.
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
Your books look awesome and I'd love to read them.
k_anon[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk
Thanks for the great interview. I have a huge TBR pile but you are definitely on the top. I would love to have these books.
My question: Spike or Angel?
Great interview. Not a question but a comment, I think this is the first I have seen where someone believes in angels but not demons.
Great interview! Thanks for the giveaway =)
Buffy is also one of my favorite shows! I have the complete collection on DVDs so I can watch again and again.
angeldream3(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Maggie,
I loved the interview and getting a sneak peek into what is coming up. I have this trilogy on my readinglist and I am re-reading the Vampire series slowly.
Where do you get your inspiration for your stories?
Raine D.
Great Interview Maggie. I enjoyed reading it. Keep up the good work :-)
I love watching Buffy too! I've heard a lot about Dexter, but haven't had the chance to watch it.
She watches Dexter! I'm only in the episode 9 of the season 1, but it's a amazing show!
I want to read her books now! XDD
P.S: uhmm... mistery covers =o
I love books about vampires and werewolves. These books look great!
Thanks for this interview, Maggie and Larissa.
It was great.
It's always a pleasure to read about authors, their beliefs and experiences, their own unique writing process.
I love Maggie's influences so I'm ashamed to say I haven't read the books, but now I SO want to!!
I'd love to enter the giveaway! :)
yvantis[at]hotmail[dot]com
Thanks for the interview Maggie! Yay! another Buffy fan! :-D It is such a brilliant show, I love it!
And thank you for recommending Karen Robards, I love romantic suspense, will have to check out her books if you say she is good :-)
Thank you so much for the great giveaway and especially for making it international!! :-)
stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com
These sound so good can't wait to read them. I love the covers too Great interview thank you so much for the chance!
Great interview Maggie and Larissa!
I love Maggie's books and I love the covers!
Thanks for a chance to win this trilogy!
Great interview. I've now been introduced :)
Vivien
I'm embarrassed to say that I haven't read any of these books but they are definitely going on my TBR list. thank you for the awesome interview!
Hm.. I've never read any of Maggie's books but I sure will do now! :)
Thanks for offering all three in series so far. Since I haven't had a chance to read this series of yours (have read some of your other work) it is nice to know that if one of us wins, we won't have to start in middle of series. I really hate doing that (and some of us have used up the yearly book budget over a month ago...).
Thanks for the great giveaway!
vickykerr[at]sbcglobal.net
Loved the interview! The book trailer was interesting, now I just hope to quench my 'thirst' by finding Maggie's books :)
Thank you for the chance!
legally_write[at]hotmail[dot]com
Thanks for this awesome giveaway! I have several of Ms. Shayne's books on my TBR list but after this great interview, I'm gonna have to move them up on the list. :-)
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
I never heard of you before ...must be coz' i'm a newbie :)
Well..doesn't matter ..I like how the synopsis sounds ...going to check them out :)
raluk.93 at gmail (doT) com
I really do love these covers!
I have read one of your books and loved it!!
Leilani
leilani @ leilanilovesbooks.com
Oh. Your books sound rather interesting. Would love to get a chvnce to read them. :)
and yay for a fellow Buffy Fan - which are your favourite eps and why?
These trilogy sounds really good! Thanks for the giveaway!
Great Interview!!
Q: When you write do you listen to any type of music? ALso, have you ever created a "soundtrack" for one of your books?
PelicanJL(at)hotmail(dot)com