Hey Everyone!
Another Tuesday and I have the pleasure to welcome here another one of my favorite Author!
Nancy Holzner, author of the Deadtown series, answered a few questions and is giving away a Signed Copy of her new book. Details are at the bottom of the post!
Enjoy!
When did you first start writing?
I wrote a lot as a child and a teenager, but in college I decided I wanted to go to graduate school and become an English professor. So I switched my focus to research, teaching, and academic writing. Then my daughter was born, and between being a mom and building my career I didn't have time for creative writing. I picked that up again seriously when my daughter was in high school.
Have you always enjoyed Fantasy?
I was a medievalist, so I've always loved legends and stories from the Middle Ages, which provide a touchstone to much contemporary fantasy. But I enjoy all kinds of literature, from the classics and literary fiction to mysteries, romance, and fantasy.
Why write Urban Fantasy?
Years ago, a friend from grad school recommended Guilty Pleasures, the first book in Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series. It was fun, and I started looking for other, similar books, reading authors such as Kim Harrison, Jim Butcher, and Patricia Briggs. Urban fantasy seemed like such a fun, energetic, and imaginative genre that I wanted to play, too. Even though the genre is much more crowded now, I think it's still remarkably inventive and fun.
Were there any Books, Movies or Writers that have inspired you?
It's hard to zero in on one or two. When you write, inspiration comes from just about everything. But I'd say writers inspired me most of all, ever since I started reading picture books.
What is your favorite subject in the Urban Fantasy Realm?
I'll always love any urban fantasy story that has high stakes, lots of action, a touch of romance, and a touch of humor.
Favorites:
Favorite Paranormal themed Movie?
I guess it's fantasy more than paranormal, but one of the movies I enjoyed most in the past year was Inception. Other paranormal movies I've enjoyed (including some pretty cheesy ones) are the two versions of Dracula that starred Frank Langella and Gary Oldman, An American Werewolf in London, The Company of Wolves, Shaun of the Dead, and Zombieland.
Favorite Paranormal themed TV Show?
I don't watch much TV because I spend just about all my spare time writing.
Favorite Paranormal themed Book?
If Cathy's ghost makes it paranormal, that would be Wuthering Heights. Whenever I read that novel, it never fails to astonish me.
Favorite Author?
You're asking a former English professor to choose a single favorite author? *Head explodes.*
Favorite Urban Fantasy Author?
Ilona Andrews. An awesome writing team and really nice people.
Favorite Genre that is NOT your own?
I read a lot of mysteries. I also like historicals (both mystery and romance), especially if they have a Gothic feel.
Favorite one of your Books?
My favorite book is always the one I'm working on now. It has to be that way to keep moving forward.
Who is your favorite of your own characters?
Vicky is my favorite character, but Tina is probably the most fun to write.
Which was the hardest to write?
I spent the most time revising Hellforged, so in some ways that made it the hardest. My final draft was too long, and I had to cut 15,000 words. That's difficult to do after you thought the book was finished. But it turned out to be a good exercise in tightening the story, and the book ended up better because of it.
What would you be if not a writer?
I'd probably go back to teaching (I've taught all levels from high school through graduate school and I've even done some corporate training). Teaching is hard work, but it can be very rewarding. There's nothing like the give-and-take of a great class discussion.
If you Could be a Paranormal Being, Who would you be?
I'd be a shapeshifter like Vicky. I like the idea of being able to choose the kind of creature you change into. I guess that's why I wanted to write about her.
If you could meet ay Urban Fantasy Character out there, Who would you like to meet?
Vicky Vaughn! Then I could just take dictation and the books would be so much easier to write. :) OK, seriously, I'd want to meet Jane True from Nicole Peeler's Tempest series. She's a New Englander (like I am), she's half-selkie (how cool is that?), and I love the way her character is growing.
Quickies:
Vampires or Werewolves? I like both, so it honestly depends on my mood: whether I'm feeling sophisticated or ready for a walk on the wild side. :)
Zombies or Shifters? Shifters, definitely. Deadtown's zombies are fun, but I wouldn't want to be one.
Reading or Writing? I can't pick one of these over the other. It's kind of like asking "air or food?". I need both.
Print or eBook? I sometimes read books on my phone, but I still prefer paper.
Hardback or Paperback? Paperback, preferably mass market. Hardcovers are too bulky to read comfortably in bed, which is my preferred spot for reading.
Pepsi or Coke Diet Coke. Interestingly, my husband prefers Diet Pepsi--and yet our household is harmonious. :)
Mc D's or Burger King? Burger King--I love their onion rings.
YA novels or Adult novels? Adult.
Library or Bookstore? I'm a big supporter of libraries, but I'm a hardcore book buyer. I buy all the books I can afford. I never know which ones I'll want to read again.
Summer or Winter? Even with all the snow we've had in my area this year, I'm going to say winter. (And I realize I'm probably the only person in the entire northeastern U.S. willing to say that at this point.) But I wilt in hot weather. And I get a sunburn after about five minutes in the sun.
The Movie or The Book? Always the book.
PNR or UF? Both are fun, but I really love straight-up UF.
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
I like the second draft. I sometimes have a hard time facing the proverbial blank page, which makes the first draft difficult at times. Once I've got the story sketched out, I love rolling up my sleeves and shaping it into a novel. I like having something to work with.
What is your least favorite part?
I just met a big deadline, so I'll say deadlines. A deadline is a necessity, of course, and it ensures that I finish instead of endlessly tinkering with the text. But it also puts a lot of pressure on a writer.
The Deadtown Series in your own words?
In an alternative Boston segregated between paranormals and humans, shapeshifter Vicky Vaughn kills other people's personal demons for a living--and deals with bigger demons from her own past.
Any plans for more Books in the series?
Bloodstone, the next novel in the series, will be out in the fall. And I'm starting to work on Deadtown #4. Those two books are under contract; I've got ideas for continuing the series, but we'll see how books 1-4 do.
What is coming up next for you?
Well, as I mentioned, Bloodstone will be out later this year. I've got ideas for some short stories set in Deadtown's world, and there's a dark historical fantasy that keeps calling to me that I'd love to find time to write. But between the day job and my current commitments, I don't know how much time I'll have left over for other projects.
What are you working on right now?
I'm working on the first draft of the fourth Deadtown novel. I've got it plotted out, and I'm starting to write some scenes.
Do you have any advice or tip to those like me that want to become a published Author someday?
Write every day. Read in your genre and also beyond it. Find trusted readers who can offer good critiques, and listen to their input. Critique other people's work to develop your own critical eye. And finish things--don't go chasing after the siren song of the next project until you're finished with the current one. Don't give up; keep refining your craft and sending your work out into the world. It's the only way you'll find readers.
Anything you would like to say to your fans out there?
Thanks for reading my books!
Thank you so much for being here!
Thank you for inviting me, Larissa! You ask great questions. :)
Find Nancy Holzner Online:
Buy Nancy’s Books:
Check Out My Review of “Deadtown”!
To Enter:
Leave a comment about anything on this post.
Fill Out THIS Form!
Entries in The Comments WILL NOT COUNT!
Extra Entries:
- +5 Google Friend Connect Follower {Follow Publicly}
- +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 Nancy on Twitter (@nancyholzner)
- +2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
- +2 Be my friend on Goodreads
- +1 Add all your entries! (including this one!)
International!
Ends February 28th!
Good Luck!
Don’t Forget to Vote for Next Week’s {Feb 27th} Theme for
The TOP 5 Sundays Post on the Poll at the left sidebar!
Don’t Forget to check out My Other Giveaways:
~~~~~~~~~~~~
International | Ends Feb 28th!
Click on the Image Above to enter!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
&
Sign Up for…
Thanks so much for tuning in and I’ll see you soon!
xoxo,
Love Nancy Holzner & this series. Bad-assed heroine, zombie sidekick, hot werewolf lovah--what's not to like?
Great interview. :)
Mary
The Book Swarm
wonderful interview, love nancy and her books
I am completely stoked over book 3 coming out in the fall and Bloodstone. Going to have to file that away for future ref. *grins*
Fabulous interview, Larissa! Soooo loved it!
Redd @the Wyld Hollow
Awesome interview and great answers! :) I'll definitely have to check this series out.
- April
That was a great interview. Nancy sounds like my type of gal. :) Thanks also for the giveaway. Always eager to add to my ever growing bookshelf.
Cool. I loved that interview. It's great to be able to see what authors are like. And a great giveaway too. Can't wait to read these ones. Will be looking them up on the BD website me thinks real soon. :)
Awesome faves!
This book sounds good. Excited!
Thanks!
Hmm, I never read a book where someone cared about the zombies o_0 that's pretty interesting.
Sniffly Kitty
Sniffly Kitty's Mostly Books
Loving the Reviews Challenge
I've had both books on my wish list for a while, just haven't had a chance to get them yet. I've got a couple of GC's that are burning a hole in my pocket, so I'll be getting them soon. I can't wait to get started on this series.
Congrats on the release!
I totally agree books over the movies. I havent seen a movie yet that really compares to the book. And Shaun of the Dead - best zombie movie ever.
I must say I agree with a lot of what Nancy has to say.
I also prefer to read across all genres and prefer paperback to e-books etc.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Carol T
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
I hate deadlines too!
I agree paperback is much better and I love Zombies but wouldn't ever want to be one, I rather be a vampire or shifter.
I'm not familiar with the series but I'll be on the look out. I agree with reading in bed as the most comfortable, though I like hardcovers myself.
interesting :)
"Print or eBook? I sometimes read books on my phone, but I still prefer paper."
Same here. I prefer hard copy of books. It feels more real. And you can actually flip the pages :))
Hey Nancy! Anita Blake was my first intro too, then I moved on to Kim Harrison (starting Pale Demon today) and Ilona Andrews. I've found a few paranormal mysteries I like too.
Team Pepsi here (I am a southern girl after all )
Great interview! I simply loved Deadtown and I'm really looking forward to reading Hellforged.
I enjoyed the interview. Who doesn't love burger king onion rings, I think I am addicted to them. I would love to read the book, it sounds really good.
Great interview. I definitely don't want to be a zombie. Thanks for the giveaway. Tore923@aol.com
OMG!
Loved thi interview Larissa!
I prefer Hardcover :)
Thanks so much for it!
Giveaway o/
hugs e
Beijos*
The covers of these books are absolutely beautiful! LOVE IT!
I love the covers! The chick looks so cool! I just want to jump in and kick butt with her. Great interview. I will pick up this series.
I enjoy all the same authors as you too. I hope the deadtown series does well so you can write more.
Loved deadtown, looking forward to Hellforged.
I agree with Nancy that books are better than movies except LOTR. I read the books and really didn't like them, but the movies blew me away.
Great interview. Since you love UF, I'd say I'm going to enjoy this series! :)
Hi, everyone!
Stopping by to say hello and thanks for reading my interview. I really enjoyed answering Larissa's rapid-fire questions. And it's fun seeing who agrees with me and who has other opinions.
Thanks to everyone who's read my books. And if you're thinking of picking up my Deadtown series, I hope you'll enjoy it!
I'm new to Nancy's work but would love to read it. Great interview, thanks for featuring her.
Amazing interview! Thanks so much - I am stoked about these books! :) Thanks! :D
apereiraorama[at]gmail[dot]com
Great interview, have had her books on my wishlist so thanks for the chance
natcleary at gmail dot com
I think it's fascinating that there was such a break in creative writing...I always thought it was pretty much a constant for authors to be writing (whether publishing or not).
methirteenATyahooDOTcom
If I Could be a Paranormal Being I would like to be a shapeshifter too. I think is great the idea of being able to choose the kind of creature you change into too.
Thanks for the giveaway!!!
Thank you for the giveaway, l think for most authors they write a certain genre as they loved reading a book of that genre.
Thanks for the interview and giveaway
Thanks for this interview! This look really good!
thanks for a great interview - now I'm really curious about the books :)
greetings, Ina
In reading this interview, I can tell that you really love what you write. I love to see that in an author!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Great review :) I so wanna start this series, it's the mythology that pulls me . And winning would be an excuse to buy book 1 :)
ohh this book has been on my TBR list!
I heave heard great things and I love the cover!
Great interview.
terilhack at gmail dot com
Great interview. And great review. Adding this to my tbr list. x
Burger King... Yummy... :9
...Damn, I'm hungry now D:
And Nancy's book is already in my wishlist :D
Great interview! this looks like an amazing book and I cannot wait to read it :)
Thank you for the interesting interview! I haven't read her Deadtown series yet, but I have it now on my wishlist. :)
These books sound awesome! I love reading Urban Fantasy but have not read Nancy's books yet. Will check them out now.
Thanks for the giveaway!
chibi.pooh(at)gmail(dot)com
Nancy,
I loved the first book and can't wait to read this one. Great post!
Awesome giveaway!! I can not wait to read this book! The author seems soo cool and just awesome lol
Kelsey
Thanks for sharing with us today that was a great interview .I definately agree that books are better than movies and I am a paperback addict lol hardcovers take up too much room .
flanagan@mebtel.net
All my kind of Paranormal creatures !! thanks for the fantatic interview and Nancy for her responses ;) great giveaway !!
thanks kat
kittee_cat@bigpond.com
I have to say that Inception was just an amazing movie. One of the most creative and innovative I've seen in quite awhile...from a story perspective, like The Sixth Sense.
Great interview.
heatwave96(at)hotmail.com
Haven't read her books before but it looks interesting. The cover sure catches one's interest.
cool interview ;)
Thanks for the awesome interview! I definitely have to ditto on the favourite subject in urban fantasy and it's always great to see another book buyer!
Great interview! I've read the first book in the series and loved in - can't wait to sink my teeth in the second! ^^
Loved the interview!
I came across this book once on GoodReads and it's been on my wishlist ever since. Really excited for it, but up till today I didn't come across buying it... Must make a change there ;)
Great interview and even greater giveaway :-) ! Thanks again for making it international too!
loved the first novel, still need to get the second book ;)
Fabulous interview and giveaway. I have been wanting to start this series. =)
I've never read a book with zombies in it. looks like this would be a good place to start. Look forward to it:)
Thank you for the post, it was really interesting to know about this writer's carreer and thank you for the give away; good luck for everybody ;)
Awesome interview hon. I fell in love with Deadtown, so fun and unique. I honestly couldn't put it down. My first UF about zombies and I definitely want more. Signed form, would love to get book 2. Good luck everybody.
Twitter - @harleyquinn0887
Facebook - Diana Ramsey
Goodreads - Diana Ramsey
Love the interview!!!!
Great giveaway!!
Twitter - @desapd
Facebook - Andresa Dias
Goodreads - Desa
Grest interview. I loved Deadtown and I can't wait to read the sequel.
I loved the first book - can't wait for the second!