
BbPR-Your book Shadow of the Vampire is due out July 1st . Can you tell those who haven’t heard of it a little about your new book?
Meagan-Sure! Declan Black is one of the last dragon lords. The vampire horde, ruled by their evil queen is on the verge of winning their century’s long battle. Then an item is discovered that when wielded against his dragon kind it can enslave or destroy them, Declan risks going into the bowels of the hordes catacomb hell to retrieve it. However, when he finds an angel in the shape of his enemy’s daughter, will he be able to resist the fire of lust she kindles within him? Or will he risk everything to quench the burning desire?
BbPR-What inspired you to write Shadow of the Vampire?
Meagan-I had written a novella featuring dragons and vampires back in 2006. Although I knew it was a one-time deal, I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters and that world I’d created. So, when I won a chapter critique for Harlequin’s Nocturne line at my local conference, I wrote what is now Chapter one of SHADOW OF THE VAMPIRE and sent it to my now editor. I thought I would simply receive back a critique of my work. So when she told me she really liked it and wanted to see more that was pretty much all the inspiration I needed to keep my butt in the chair and finish the book.
BbPR-What is your process for writing your Shadow of the Vampire?
Meagan-I tend to write freehand in a notebook and type it in the computer later, doing the first revision as I go. I’m visual and like to use different colored pens in the notebooks, draw little pictures, even costumes or attire ideas on my stick figure people if the mood strikes. I also storyboard once I plot the book out, have a post-it fetish and use character clippings and inspiration pictures. All of that goes on a cork board wall beside my desk, along with any other notes I might need. I also have a huge binder covering everything in the series that I need to remember, (a fabulous idea I got from Yasmine Galenorn – thanks Yazza!) And last, I almost always write to music. Usually, I create different playlists for each story. However, I wrote Shadow of the Vampire to one cd only, no playlist – Breaking Benjamin’s Phobia, I just looped it and played it over and over. The songs and mood fit the tone of the book perfectly. Plus they are one of my favorite bands.
BbPR-How much if any at all research did you put in for Shadow of the Vampire?
Meagan-I didn’t do much research. Maybe a little bit on dragons. But I’m the queen of making stuff up! Lol! I knew what I wanted the characters to do, what powers I wanted them to have as well as what weaknesses. So, I sort of just went for it! As to the world-building and characters, etc…well, in a way, every story I wrote previously prepared me to write this book. I mean, I had written a fantasy romance novel, a historical romance novel, contemporary and erotic romance short stories and novella’s – all genres with aspects or elements that I believe can be found in Shadow of the Vampire in one way or the other.

BbPR-You really torture some of your characters in this book. Are any of them based on real people?
Meagan-LOL! I could tell you, but then I’d have to break out the flogger. ;)
BbPR-There are so many different amazing characters in your book Shadow of the Vampire, are you going to make this a series? If so, do you know how many you have planned?
Meagan-Aww, thank you! All of these characters are so real and vivid to me, I’m glad they are resonating with others too. And yes, that is the plan. I have three novella’s set in this world coming out from Harlequin Nocturne Bites. Kestrel and Doc’s story is up first in DRAGON WARRIOR. Then I have VAMPIRE IN HER MYSTS coming out next, which is Yuri’s story. And I just turned in one based on a rogue vampire soldier that takes place during the timeline of book 2.
BbPR-What do you have for us for upcoming books?
Meagan-Falcon, Tallon and Griffon are up next – but I’m not saying who is with whom just yet. I even have an outline for Ash if they want me to keep going.
BbPR-Why did you become a writer?
Meagan-Some days I have no idea. *smiles* Honestly, I’ve always written. I loved to write stories and even wrote a young adult romance when I was in high school. But I had more of a passion for dance than the written word back then and ended up going to college as a dance major. It wasn’t until after I had my kids and was a stay at home mom that I picked up the pen again. I wrote my fantasy romance novel in a notebook while lying on the floor next to my infant son.
BbPR-Who are your favorite authors that inspire you the most?
Meagan-Everybody who has the passion and drive to pick up the pen and write - published or not - inspires me on a day to day basis. When it comes to my favorite writers, wow - I have so many auto-buy authors: Angela Knight, Gena Showalter, Lori Devoti, Ann Voss Peterson, Eden Bradley, Kresley Cole, Shari Anton… Now, finding the time to read all of them is another story. My to-be-read bookshelves are overflowing (yes, I said bookshelves, not stacks or piles.) I also have many great books by great new-to-me authors I can’t wait to discover. I won’t even tell you who some of these new-to-me authors are, it’s embarrassing! I catch flack from friends all the time for being so behind.
BbPR-What do you enjoy doing when your not writing?
Meagan-I teach seven Zumba & Zumba Toning classes a week right now. I love dancing, hanging out with my gals and shakin’ it to great music – it’s therapy! I also love being with my kids, doing fun things with them whether it’s a movie, a concert or a board game at home. They are wonderful little people I very much enjoy getting to know as they grow and become little adults.
BbPR-Anything else you would like to add?
Meagan-Just a huge thank you for taking the time to read and review the book! And another huge thank you for having me here today and to everyone reading. If you’d like more information about me, my books, fun extras, excerpts, contests, links, promo items, signed bookplates or if you would like to join my newsletter or street team, check out my website – www.meaganhatfield.com Also, please feel free to email me at meagan@meaganhatfield.com and let me know what you think of Declan and Alexia or any of my characters. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Thank you so much Meagan!!
For more information on Meagan and her books click here
Now for one lucky follower in the US will win a autographed copy of ARC copy of Shadow of the Vampire. Just leave a comment or question for Meagan and leave your email address.
This is open for US or Internationally. But if your international you wont be able to get the book until its released July 1st and it wont be autographed my Meagan.
This will giveaway end Tuesday at midnight
Man, I am loving that cover for this book! It's so sexy. How excited were you when you seen it? Did you swoon?... I swooned. lol.
ReplyDeletelittleredride.nhood[at]yahoo[dot]com
Ohhh, this one just looks delicious, if I don't win it is going on my TBR for sure!!! And Jessica Rabbit above it right, that cover is oh so sexy!
ReplyDeleteBrande
bookjunkie@ymail.com
Please enter me in the drawing for your book. It looks fabulous and I can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteThis book looks totally HOT. I will read it even if I don't win. PS - love ZUMBA!!!
ReplyDeletelrjv329@yahoo.com
Meagan--the book looks like it is going to be a fantastic read! I think it is very neat that you teach a Zumba class--I am totally uncoordinated but have had fun when I have gone to the classes!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway-
Felicia
thehistorychic @ gmail . com
Aww Great Interview!!!!!! :-) Meagan you're awesome! I won't be entering since I read the book already and don't feel its fair to others hehe :-D
ReplyDeleteBut I can say whoever wins you WILL NOT be disappointed!
- Dee
Meagan if you were stuck on a plane for 24 hours, what two books would you bring with you to read?
ReplyDeletesbeachchica21@yahoo.com
I would like to ask, if this book was made into a movie, who would you picture playing the main characters?
ReplyDeletetwoofakind12@yahoo.com
I'm always looking for new authors to read and this is my favorite genre! tWarner419@aol.com
ReplyDeleteHello Meagan -
ReplyDeleteI've heard only great things about this book! I have one question - do you name your characters and then develop them? Or vice-versa?
sgalley65 at yahoo.com
Fantastic trailer and the book sounds amazing. I would love to be entered.
ReplyDeleterobin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
Shadow of the Vampire sounds like a great story and I'm looking forward to checking it out. I enjoyed the trailer and learning more about your writing.
ReplyDeleteBarbed1951(at)aol(dot)com
Great interviewand trailer. This book sounds really interesting.please count me in for the giveaway
ReplyDeleteelaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
Yay! I'm off work and can come over and play now. :) First, I want to thank everyone for stopping by and to BBPR (and especially Laurie) for having me here today. Now, *rubs palms together* let me see if I can answer some of these questions...
ReplyDeleteJessica Rabbit – OMG, swoon is the perfect word! Lol! I saw the cover for the first time over at NetGalley, so the picture was small and sort of blurry, but I still loved it! The colors, the little “gothic” looking letter T of my last name – all of it!
BookJunkie & Donna - Thanks for stopping by! And for the cover luv. :)
Vixhen - I <3 Zumba too!
Felicia - I'd still make you come to my classes - we don't care how people look...we just shake it and have fun! (Oh yeah, and burn tons of calories doing it! lol!)
*huggles* to Dee :)
Taylor - If I was stuck on a plane, I'd hopefully have a new book from Eden Bradley or Angela Knight with me. Thanks for the question!
Debbie - Too funny you ask that! I actually have a Storycasting.com page set up for just this purpose. *smiles* If you want to see who I think should play the characters, or would like to cast your own dream team, visit here: http://www.storycasting.com/work.aspx?id=57b64550-0da9-4ffa-958d-7ccfca83d88d It's a lot of fun to see how people picture everyone.
tetewa - It's my favorite genre too. :) Good luck in the contest!
Lizzielvr - Great question! The characters come to me first. Sometimes I struggle with their names, other times not. Names can be so important - almost stressful if you let yourself worry about it. But I'd have to say that for the most part, I start writing their stories without knowing what to call them. I like to keep it stress free. ;)
Robin, Barbara & Elaing8 - Thanks about the trailer, guys! I did it myself. Actually, I used to make a lot of vid's for You Tube (until they started deleting them.) But I enjoy doing it - glad you enjoyed watching it!
*phew* Okay, I think I'm caught up for now! Thank you guys for all the great questions and sweet comments. :) If you're not already, I encourage you to join my newsletter group or follow me on Twitter/Facebook for updates and contests. My website also has a list of appearances (both on and off line) for even more chances to win a copy of SHADOW OF THE VAMPIRE for those who aren't so lucky today.
Okkies, I’m heading out, but I'll check back in with you guys later! :)
Hugs and luv,
Meagan~
I love the premise and cover of your book! I was wondering if you loved the cover when you first saw it?
ReplyDeletelilazncutie1215 @ yahoo.com
Hi, Jeanette8042! Thanks so much! And actually, I loved the cover the moment I saw it! I couldn't even imagine what the art department would come up with - if I would just have a half-naked, headless guy or a couple or just the heroine - WHAT!?! It drove me nuts trying to think about it. I have to say, I'm thrilled with the way it came out. There is nothing like getting your cover to make everything seem real. Of course nothing compares to holding the book in your hands for the first time. But seeing the cover is a close second. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and best of luck in the contest.
Meagan~
This book sounds great. I would love to win it!
ReplyDeletespav05(at)gmail(dot)com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteoh wow, mystery, intrigue and vampires! I'm totally interested!
ReplyDeletequestion for Meagan, inspirational music! Does music set the tone for your writing and have you been drawn by a certain lyrical composition or setting that gets you excited enough to pen it down? Who are your favorite singers or musicians?
ilovearevolution (at) live (dot) com
I just love Vampire Book can't wai to get this one.Looks great.
ReplyDeletesasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
First off, let me say that your book trailer is awesome. I know that's been said... so nothing new there.
ReplyDeleteNow, what made you consider Vampires with Dragons? That in and of itself sounds intriguing to me.
I have written, yet never published, a lot of material... I write what comes to mind mostly, therefore I have a lot of short stuff. However, sometimes it comes as more of a dreamscape. I can visualize my characters and what they do. Is this how some of your material/stories come to you?
For me, this is a bit problematic in that, my scenes come sort of detached and I am left figuring out how to fit them together.
Thanks for your time here and I cannot wait to read and review your book!
Fabulous interview ladies! This one sounds very interesting! I loveeee a good vamp story!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHey gang! I'm back from teaching Zumba - had a great class, totally packed! Woot! :)
ReplyDeleteSpav - thanks! I hope you get a chance to read and enjoy the book!
Grace - Hi there! I'm all about writing to music...it helps me tune out the rest of the world and focus. Plus, I hate the quiet! It makes me nervous. :) Breaking Benjamin was the soundtrack for SHADOW OF THE VAMPIRE. I only got into the iPod revolution a year or so ago, so I popped in Breaking Benjamin's "Phobia" cd and looped it over and over. The mood and tone is the perfect back drop for this series! I still use them...and 30 Seconds to Mars, my other favorite band. :) I about died when they played the same show this past December - awesome concert!
Stacey - thanks for stopping by! :)
Hungry Vampire - Thanks about the trailer! I wanted it to have movement and "feel" like a movie trailer more than just pictures flashing on the screen. I'm so glad you liked it! And wow, I do what you described ALL the time. lol! Characters come to me first then the plot. I have to know who the people are before I can really see their story/world and how they are affected by whatever is going on in their lives for the brief window I'm looking in on it. Scenes come to me at night (I have a light up pen and paper by my bed so I can take notes that are least somewhat legible) or at the DMV, or at work - wherever! Half the time I have no clue how these scenes will fit into the story. But I always write them down. Sometimes they don't work, but most of the time I'll be writing and go "A-ha! So THAT'S why you guys woke me up the other day and made me write that!" lol! So just write those scenes, girl! You never know when your "a-ha" moment is coming. :) Oh, and I hope you enjoy the book when you get a chance to read it. :)
JennJ - Thanks for taking the time to pop over and read it! I love vamps too. Although I'm <3-ing my dragons right now too. *grins*
Thanks for the questions and comments guys!
Meagan~
Wow!! Someone was more rapt in making a comment, I forgot to leave my email address.
ReplyDeleteahungryvampire[at]gmail[dot]com
I loved the interview, Meagan! I've been waiting for this one, every since I first saw this awesome cover. I know it is going to be a fantastic book! Please enter me for this. Good luck and congratulations.
ReplyDeleteI follow on gfc
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
I hadn't heard of this book before but any book with both vamps and dragons in it sounds like something I'd like to read. Best wishes with the book.
ReplyDeletejen at delux dot com
HI! My question is besides vampires and demons, is there a paranormal creature you would like to write about?
ReplyDeleteStephanie G
I'm intrigued with the demons and vampires and would love to win this book. I also think the cover is awesome.
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing this! And wishes for much success on your next project,
Cait Braxton
caitbraxton@gmail.com
This book looks wonderful. The first time I saw the cover, not to mention the name, I knew I was definitely going to be picking it up. THe trailer and other tidbits from your interview only seemed to seal the deal. Thanks for taking the time and can't wait to read your novel!
ReplyDeleteWenj
blacklagoon [at] hotmail [dot] com
Oops! Sorry, but I forgot what I was doing and only put half my email addy.
ReplyDeleteblacklagoon.blown-back [at] hotmail [dot] com
Sorry!
Ooo thanks for the giveaway !
ReplyDeleteWhat a great interview!
Meagan-I love you're wring process! That is such a cool idea, very effective. How long did it end up taking you to finish the book?
Khelseabrasuel@gmail.com
Martha, Jen & Cait – Thank you, thank you and thank you!!
ReplyDeleteStephanie – Great question! Hmm, I don’t know what other creatures I’d like to use? I guess whatever the characters tell me they are – that is what I’ll be writing about! It’s all about them after all, I’m just their little writing puppet. :)
Wenj – Thanks so much for stopping by and for the sweet comments! Hope you enjoy the book when you read it!
Khelsea – You’re welcome and thanks! As to how long it took me to finish the book…well, once I had the request for full and changes the editor wanted off the synopsis, it took me about 6 weeks to finish.
Thanks for the comments and questions, guys! Best of luck in the contest. :)
Meagan
Wow! What a hot cover. Thanks for the giveaway. I just can't get enough of vampires!
ReplyDeletelizzi0915 at aol dot com
Thank to Meagan and to all that came by. I will have the winner up in the morning.
ReplyDelete