Interview: Kristen Painter

Posted October 25, 2012 by Karen in Author Interviews, Authors / 0 Comments

by Kristen Painter
Also by this author: , , House of the Rising Sun, City of Eternal Night, Garden of Dreams and Desires, The Vampire's Mail Order Bride
Published by Orbit Genres: Urban Fantasy

I really enjoyed reading the House of Comarré series. I was very excited when Gothic Urban Fantasy author, Kristen Painter, agreed to an interview. I hope you enjoy getting to know her better.

Q. As a writer do you write your books in scene format or do you write linearly like a movie?
I write like a movie, which is kind of how I seen scenes before I write them. I’ve tried writing scenes out of order and it doesn’t work for me. By the time I get to that scene, it’s not that scene any more.

Q. Do you use an outline? If so do you ever deviate from the outline?
I do a brief synopsis for each book because my publisher requires it, but when I write, I’m always open to possibility. I often purposefully try to write myself into corners. I feel like the most interesting stuff comes out of those desperate situations. I call this “the path of least saneness” – I always make the decision that makes things worse for my characters, not better.

Q. Will we ever find out why Chrysabelle has mini fangs?
I’ll tell you now! It’s just a side effect of her blood sickness brought on by the over abundance of blood in her system.

Q. Why have you chosen to end the House of Comarrè series with Last Blood?
Because it was time. I’ve never wanted to write a series that went on too long, you know? I’d much rather readers want more than have them think the last few books weren’t necessary. And I think Last Blood does a great job of giving the characters closure without completely slamming the door. That way, if I ever want to write another novella in the series, I can.

Q. Any hints on what is in store for Mal and Chyrsabelle?
Oh, you know, some bad stuff and then some good stuff. ;o)

7 Smooches Showdown
1. Favorite Ice Cream? When I eat it, chocolate peanut butter.
2. Favorite Drink? Seltzer with lime.
3. Favorite place to read? In bed. Or by a pool under an umbrella on a tropical island. So yeah, mostly in bed.
4. Favorite time of year? I love fall and spring. Those are the seasons when we can have our windows open here in Florida and it’s glorious.
5. Favorite book as a kid? All of them. I read everything. Even won first place for reading the most books one year.
6. Why do you love cats? They’re gorgeous creatures, but they’re also so full of personality. People think cats are aloof, but when a cat loves you, you know it.
7. Favorite Cake or Pie? I’m typically a cake girl, but I’m off sugar at the moment so let’s go with crab cake.

About Kristen Painter

When the characters in Kristen Painter’s head started to take over, she decided to put them on paper and share them with the world. She writes paranormal romance and the gothic fantasy vampire series, House of Comarre, for Orbit Books. She has also been published in non-fiction, poetry and short stories. The former college English teacher can often be found online at Romance Divas, the award-winning writers’ forum she co-founded. She’s represented by Elaine Spencer of The Knight Agency.

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