Our Author of the Week has graciously allowed me to interview her. Here are some awesome insights in the mind of Danielle D. Smith:
1. Tell us a little about your latest book. What inspired you to write In The Neon?
In The Neon is a prequel to all other books I have written thus far–the true beginning of the story! This darkly sordid tale follows Faust, a sexier-than-Hell Collector demon born directly from the flames of the Pit. He has tempted kings and queens, wizards and peasants since the dawn of civilization and has always been proud of his wicked duties. One rainy night, while wandering the red light district of a nameless urban wasteland, he stumbles upon a young woman smoking on the back alley step of a strip club and peep show called The Neon, and is inexorably drawn in to her web.
The woman he comes to love is named Annie, and she is one of The Neon’s most popular dancers. A Swedish beauty, she is not your stereotypical idiot sex worker–she is clever, kind, multilingual, and well read–a stripper with a heart of gold. When fate brings Faust and Annie together, they each come to realize that the other is a key to personal redemption.
This story is frequently dark, at times violent, and achingly romantic. There is steamy sex to be had, but this story is hardly sex-driven–there is much personality in these two characters, much for the reader to delve into besides the sensual parts.
2. Do you have a favorite character you have written?
I love all of my characters for so many reasons, but if I had to pick just one character, I would have to pick Skriker, the rip roaring, Harley-riding, heavily tattooed half demon bad boy hero of Black Dog and Rebel Rose. He is just so effortless to write, fun as hell, and always has some great trick up his sleeve. He plays this great balancing act with his soul mate, the half-angel huntress Rose, and the fans adore him. I’ve had some female fans tell me that he’s their new ultimate fantasy!
3. What are you currently working on?
My first anthology–a very exciting project! Titled HUNT, this collection will include 5 or 6 short stories and novellas chronicling Skriker and Rose’s various adventures as they hunt supernatural prey.
Thus far I have sent them to New Mexico, Sweden, Italy, England, and Israel, and two of these tales center on the hunters before they met each other. Stories range mythologically from Navajo skinwalkers to Swedish utburds to English demon hounds, giving my readers a nice entertaining collection to curl up under the covers with.
There is plenty of rollicking fun, hot sex, crazy adventures, well-researched world folklore, and a few good one-liners from the half-demon bad boy himself…I can’t wait to release this collection on the masses! I think it will be well-received.
Oh, and this one will include a smattering of illustration, as well. I am also working on the screenplay adaption of Black Dog and Rebel Rose, slated to be submitted to over 30 production companies worldwide this summer. Stay tuned for all the news on my website: http://www.danielledsmith.com
4. How long have you been writing? What influenced you to start?
I have always had stories screaming in my head, begging to be committed to paper or computer screen. When I was a young teen I took a stab at writing short stories, poetry, and even a novel or two, on my own or collaborating with a friend, and some of those early efforts made it into youth art journals or newspapers. I let writing fall by the wayside in my twenties in favor of painting and other artistic endeavors. Then, about three years ago, my husband entered law school and I needed an outlet to relieve the stress that so often plagues couples with a spouse working toward the bar exam. I sat down with the idea of writing a book just for fun, with no expectations. Three published books later and several more in the works, writing for fun has become something quite different!
5. How do your family/friends feel about your writing?
I am so lucky—all family and friends are extremely supportive and happy about my work. They all think I should be rich (I wish!). I was mortified when my mother bought her parents a copy of my very hot horror erotica tale, Black Dog and Rebel Rose. Turned out they loved it! I’m surrounded by a great cheering squad.
6. Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
I want to be writing and illustrating full time while raising and educating my new son or daughter at home (I’m pregnant with my first baby), taking time out now and then to travel to all the places that have so influenced me.
7. Do you have any advice for new or aspiring author?
Rule #1: DO NOT GIVE UP! You will be rejected a million times over before you get that one big “yes” from an agent or publisher. Keep your chin up and plug away until your goals are achieved! Rule #2: Write what YOU would like to read—your stories will be better for it. I write distinctly outside of the paranormal mainstream—no skinny douchebag vampire heroes or tired recycled “Alpha male” werewolf plots—and that is gradually earning me a dedicated cult following. Stay true to yourself and your work; if you produce a good polished product, things will go your way, if you only have the cajones to persevere!
8. What is your favorite book? (one that you have read) and why?
I have dozens of “favorite” books, but if I were to throw the name of one author out there it would have to be China Mieville, a British author of “weird” dark fantasy. His debut novel “King Rat”, a bizarre retelling of the Pied Piper tale, has been a huge influence on me—I re-read the book at least once a year.
9. On the fun side, what is your favorite television show and why?
I am a big Supernatural fan–some Winchester action is always welcome in my household! When they added angels to the show, around the time Psyche’s Gate was to be published, I just about died from joy –well, maybe not that extreme of a reaction! It was still pretty great, though. I’m also a big fan of Millennium, a paranormal crime drama from the 90’s created by Christ Carter of the X-Files—I love to bust out my DVD collection of the series and watch a few episodes when I need some inspiration.
10. Where can readers find you?
Official Website: http://www.danielledsmith.com
Blog: http://www.theangelsgate.blogspot.com
Twitter: DaniDSmith
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4110512.Danielle_D_Smith
Goodreads Fan Page:
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/41923.The_Angel_s_Gate_Fans_of_Author_Danielle_D_Smith
I am currently on hiatus from Facebook, redoing my profile as strictly a fan page. Check my website for updates on my Facebook status.
Nice interview and some very interesting book covers, Danielle. Congratulations and continued success.
Rie McGaha
Thanks for stopping by! Today (April 30th) is my birthday, and if you leave a comment with your email, I will enter you in a birthday giveaway for a free e-copy of IN THE NEON!
Par-tay…
I love the artwork and have read some of the other novels. Look forward to reading more of this author.
Lori
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
I enjoyed your interview and In The Neon looks like another fantastic read!!
Judy
magnolias_1[a]msn[dot]com
Congrats! Yes interview was great! I am still very ill from car accident.. So I will write short andsweet..
Hugs!
G.G. Bella
Can’t wait to read THE HUNT, Danielle! Write fast, baby, fast. Great interview and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, sweetie. Luv Ya!!