About the author
A professional speaker and author, L. Diane Wolfe conducts seminars, offers book formatting, and author consultation. She’s the senior editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
http://www.spunkonastick.net/ – Spunk On A Stick
http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com – Spunk On A Stick’s Tips
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/ – Insecure Writer’s Support Group
Tell us your story? What made you start writing?
I was always a reader—read the most books in my class almost every year. When I picked up a copy of the newly-released The White Dragon by Anne McCaffrey and read it, I was enthralled. And I made the decision right there and then that I would be an author one day.
What is the best gift you have been given?
For my 50th birthday, my husband took me to Orlando for a week and we stayed at a resort on site at Universal. I visited both parks daily, even went to Sea World one day, but the best part was riding the Minions ride (many times) and attacking their gift shop. (I am a HUGE Minions fan.)
If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
I’m going to say 1975. Back when things were simpler, there was still innocence and values, and none of the insanity of the past couple years.
What’s your favorite family tradition?
Christmas Eve, we exchange one present, eat a dinner of cheeses and other snacks, and then we watch The Muppet Christmas Carol.
If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
Warning—I really am a redhead!
About In Darkness:Vampire
Souls shrouded in darkness…
Stuck working as a barmaid for her demanding father, Anna dreams of adventure. When mysterious strangers enter the bar, she overhears they seek Zancrela, an ancient fortress filled with treasure and a magical library. Taking her chance, she offers to guide them. The conditions: deliver Zancrela or die.
As they journey through the wilderness, she discovers their secret: they are vampires. And most view her as food. One takes interest in her and her heart dares to hope, but it might not be enough to change her fate. Will Anna find Zancrela or become a vampire morsel?
I must say I had no idea I would love this book as much as I did. I also didn’t expect to devour it in two days, but I did! Everything from the plot to the characters to the world it takes place works to reel in the reader. I was enthralled.
Anna comes across as a sweet, innocent girl, working hard to follow her dreams. Her craving for knowledge and a life out from under her father’s reign drives her motivations. She is also the key to finding Zancrela, a location Victor and his clan have been searching for for months now. Not knowing what she’ll get herself into, she offers to guide the group if they’ll allow her access to Zancrela’s library upon their arrival. During their journey, she shows more strength and bravery than any of her companions would expect of a mere human. She may be a gentle soul, but she shall not break under pressure. She’s got way too much to lose should she fail.
I absolutely love Anna’s character. She was really well written. Her curiosities, fears and strengths mixed together create a strong protagonist, who you wish the very best for. I triumphed in her victories and joys and needed her to be safe.
Victor needs to keep Anna safe! Not only because she can lead them to Zancrela, despite most of his clan doubting her, but also because there’s something about her that draws him in like no other woman has in his long life. Keeping his clan at bay and trusting a human’s directions is not easy to do when they hunger for her blood.
Tell us a little about the book. How did you come up with the idea for In Darkness: The Vampire?
Almost every story I write originated from a dream. In this case, the castle and big battle at the end came from a very vivid dream. I wrote it down and soon crafted a story around Anna and her quest to find that place.
Do you have a favorite scene/quote from the book, something you’re the most proud of? What is it?
One? Too difficult! I am proud of the scene where Anna first discovers they are vampires. It’s very creepy. I also like the tender moment when Victore offers her a warm and dry place to sleep.
If you could choose to be in Anna’s shoes, is there anything you would do differently than she did?
Her decision in the end. I couldn’t do it.
The reader doesn’t truly get to know everyone in the clan. Looking back, is there anyone you wished to have given a bigger role to play?
I wish there’d been more room to expand on the one couple in the story, Cyprian and his healer wife, Damiana. They were nicer to Anna than some of the others. I also liked Maxium who shared Victor’s confidences and resided as second in command. He was tough but fair.
About writing:
What is one of the most interesting things you have researched while writing a book?
I needed to know the duties of a junior coach for a women’s college basketball team for the fifth book in my The Circle of Friends series. I actually corresponded with the head coach (at the time) at Clemson, where the story takes place. She was so nice to fill me in on the details.
Researching early 90’s Australia was interesting, too. An Australian author helped me with some fun slang! (That’s In Darkness: The Shark.)
What were your expectations for writing and publishing your first book? Have they changed since then?
Oh my goodness! Like most first authors, I was so naïve. That helped to some degree because I had no fear and marketed like a maniac. My expectations are much more realistic now. I just want to connect with the readers who enjoy what I write and the genre.
What are you currently working on?
The fourth in this series, In Darkness: The Alien. It’s finished and I’m going through a second round of edits. I’ll also be marketing this book, final revisions on The Shark for its release, and preparing for The Werewolf’s review copies to go out. In short, I will be very busy.
Do you have any tips to share for starting writers?
No matter what you attempt, there is always practice. No one is born a Major League Baseball player or a drummer in a popular band. There is A LOT of practice. Same with writing. Take a few years to learn the craft, learn how publishing works, and write those first million words. Put in the time first. I can tell you from experience—there is a huge difference between my first book and this one.
Surprise question:
You’re living in a magical world full of any kind of creature you could imagine. What mythical being would you be and what type of skills would you possess?
I’d pick a flying horse like Pegasus. I would LOVE the ability to fly. (Which is probably why I love roller coasters.) Not just any horse though. I’d want to be a big draft like a Shire. Power, strength, and the ability to fly—perfect!
Thank you for featuring me today, Victoria. I’m glad you enjoyed the story so much.