Interview and Giveaway with Author Lisa Kessler

Please join me, WildAboutBones , in welcoming author Lisa Kessler as we talk about her book Night Walker (The Night Series #1) and other goodies.

Author Bio:
Lisa Kessler is an avid reader and writer of dark fiction. Her short stories have been published in print anthologies and magazines, and her vampire story, Immortal Beloved, was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award.

Lisa recently signed a 4 book deal with Entangled Publishing to release her Night Series. The first book, Night Walker, was released August 2nd.

When she's not writing, Lisa is a professional vocalist, performing with the San Diego Opera as well as other musical theater companies in San Diego. You can learn more at http://Lisa-Kessler.com

Lisa lives in southern California with her incredibly fun husband and two amazing kids.

Would you tell us a little about yourself?
I’ve been publishing short stories for ten years and just had my first novel released in August. When I’m not writing, I also sing professionally and I’m a total Disney-a-holic.

Do you have a process or any special rituals in your writing routine?
I need the right “mood” music when I write. I usually make a playlist for the book before I start writing it. I also chew gum. Lots of gum! LOL It helps me focus while I’m writing, but it’s not pretty when all the gum wrappers start to encroach on my keyboard! ☺

You write several different genres. Which is your favorite genre to write and why?
That’s a tough question! I love short stories because they’re so powerful and character driven. You can pack a big punch in only a few words, but I also love writing paranormal romance because I enjoy watching two characters come together and learn to trust one another in order to face their foes. So I guess it’s safe to say I don’t really have a favorite… LOL

How did you come up with the idea for Night Walker and this new series?
I wanted to write a vampire novel, but I wanted to set it in San Diego and I wanted my vampire to be from the Americas not from Europe. I started researching San Diego, and also the oldest civilization in the Americans, the Mayans. The more I read, the more the story started to come alive in my head.

Tell us one quirky thing about Night Walker’s Calisto? Love the name by the way.
My favorite Calisto quirk, besides his thick Spanish accent, is the way he usually answers your questions with another question. It drives Kate crazy in the book, but it really endeared him to me as I wrote it… ☺ And I’m glad you like his name! When I was trying to come up with a Spanish name that also sounded sexy and old fashioned, I poured through Spanish baby name sites, saying the names out loud, and once I found Calisto I knew that was it.

There are several intriguing characters in Night Walker. Can you tell us a little bit about what’s next for this series? Who, from the book, might get the lead in upcoming books?
I can tell you that Lukas is the lead in Book 2, Night Demon. Calisto mentions him in Night Walker and he has a brief appearance in one of the flashbacks. He’s still alive and has spent his eternity researching the origins of the Night Walkers. Also Edie and Lori are still around too. You’ll see them more in Book 3, Night Child.

Out of the books and short stories you’ve written so far, do you have a favorite hero or heroine? If so, who and why.
Ack! That’s like picking your favorite child! LOL I can say that Calisto will always hold a special place in my heart because Night Walker really was the “book of my heart” and he helped me reach my dream of publication. I can also say that Muriah, the heroine in Night Child is one of my favorite female characters I’ve ever written. She’s a little rebel, but not snarky, and independent, but not cold. I really have fun writing her!

There is also a character from one of my short stories that I will always love. His name is Sheelak. He’s a demon who has a guilty pleasure. He loves Christmas! ☺ I’m publishing a short story anthology later this year, and Sheelak’s story is definitely a shining star…

Who are some of your favorite authors and what are some of your favorite books? And which has made the biggest impact on your writing career?
I love Anne Rice, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Kelley Armstrong, Jeri Smith-Ready, and the list goes on and on. I’m not sure which has made the biggest impact on my writing, but Kelley Armstrong definitely made a huge difference in my publishing path because she encouraged me to join RWA and network. I would probably still be searching for a publisher if she hadn’t nudged me toward RWA.

Do you have a hobby for when you aren’t writing or something to help you unwind and relax, if so, what?
Singing definitely relaxes me, but my favorite thing to unwind is to visit Disneyland. It’s such a wonderful escape for me to walk through those gates! Love it!

What is/are your favorite type(s) of paranormal character(s) and why?
Immortals are my favorite because I really enjoy being able to twist history into my stories. Plus someone who has experienced lifetimes on earth usually has much deeper scars than the rest of us. Fun to write about! ☺

Is there something you’d like to tell your fans that no one ever asks you in an interview? Every time someone tells me on facebook, twitter, email, or my blog that my book touched them, they totally make my day!!! It’s scary to toss a book out into the world, but it’s worth every second of worry to know that you connected with the story. Thank you SO much for reading!

Can you tell us a little bit about what, if anything, you’re working on next, besides The Night series?
I’m almost finished editing my first anthology of short stories, Forgotten Treasures, and I’m also working on placing my werewolf series, so hopefully I’ll be able to share those books with you soon…

Some Fun Quick Questions:
Boxers, briefs or commando for your hero? Boxers
Dog, cat or ferret person? Dog
What’s your favorite fairy tale? Beauty and the Beast
What’s your favorite cartoon character? Evil Queen from Snow White
What are you currently reading? Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
What is your favorite movie and/or TV show? Rocky
What’s the first book you remember reading? First Book was probably Hop on Pop! I thought that was the funniest book ever! First novel - The Phantom Tollbooth
What character name have you been dying to use as a main character, but haven’t found the right fit for yet?
Logan, but he will get a book in my werewolf series. He sings lead in a rock band… Yum! ☺

Find Lisa online at:
Lisa says, "I’m very chatty online, so feel free to connect!"

http://Lisa-Kessler.com
http://lisakessler.wordpress.com
http://twitter.com/LdyDisney
http://facebook.com/LisaKesslerWriter
http://facebook.com/NightSeries
http://goodreads.com/LisaKessler
http://www.entangledpublishing.com/night-walker

Purchase Links:

Amazon.com
Barnes & Noble
BooksOnBoard
diesel eBook Store
iTunes Store

Thanks so much, Lisa Kessler, for taking the time for this interview.

WildAboutBones' Review of Night Walker

GIVEAWAY

Giveaway and Contest Policy

Giveaway open September 2 - 5, 2011 (midnight)

Lisa Kessler will be giving away a copy of her eBook Night Walker to a lucky winner.
This is an International giveaway.
To enter, be a follower and make a comment and/or ask Lisa Kessler a question, along with your email address so we can contact you if you win.
Good luck, everyone!