Inteview with Dawne' Dominique * Comment to win*

CA: Let me start out by saying Dawne’ Dominique’s novel The Diary of Daniella Rolfe is amazing! I have the review posted on my book review blog. Her take on vampires is masterfully written and I am patiently awaiting the next book. So here ya go, I am sharing my friend Dawne’ with you this week!

Author Pen Name: Dawne’ Dominique

CA: What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?

DD: I’ve always loved fantasy (wizards, magic, dragons, etc.) so when I went back to writing after a twenty odd year hiatus, I wrote two epic fantasy novels in one year. You could say I was ‘starved’ to write. I turned to erotica quite by accident, and haven’t looked back since. I try to incorporate an element of magic in all my writing. I love paranormal, but vampire tales are my favorite. Recently, I’ve turned to another side, and I’m currently writing a rather dark “stalker” tale that will contain a lot of research on BDSM. I’m writing it through the eyes of a sex therapist.

I write my stories because my characters demand that their voices be heard. Usually a plot or a storyline will unfold for me, but it’s the characters that take it the next step, and the next and the next. They’re quite persistent.

CA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

DD: I always had a wild imagination (still do), but I also loved to draw. When I was a child, I usually incorporated both into storybooks. I turned to poetry as a teenager to help keep me sane. It was a means of getting rid of the pain I was experiencing back then. I still find penning words the greatest therapy I know. I believe I always wanted to be writer, but real life came first.

CA: Who or what was your inspiration for writing?

DD: When I read my first Anne Rice novel, I sat back and thought, “How could she do this?” I was in awe. At that time, I had started probably about ten fantasy novels, but never finished one of them. I lacked the determination and drive, becoming frustrated and eventually, they just sat in a dark corner somewhere (handwritten) or on my hard drive until I deleted them. Tolkien was my inspiration for fantasy. When I read the Hobbit, I was hooked.

My muse kicks in the week leading up to the full moon. Yes, you can call me a were-author.

CA: I love that…Dawne’ Dominique the Were-Author… don’t be alone with her during the full moon! Just kidding sweetie..I bet your “test subject” loves it when the full moon nears!

CA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

DD: I quit a seventeen year career in the legal field to do just this. My day begins at my computer. I used to love sleeping in, but now I’m up bright and early, looking forward to my day with such enthusiasm, it’s sick. I keep waiting for the bubble burst, because no one should be this happy and content. The stress of my regular “day” job was killing me, so this is when I began writing again. It became a means of escape, to settle the nerves and let my mind wander someplace safe. When I made the decision to quit my job, giving up everything that I thought was important, and what made me who I was, I’ve learned that there’s more to life than just earning a living. My wonderful husband supported the decision. Without him, this wouldn’t have been possible.

CA: Your book is about to be sent into the reader world, what is one word that describes how you feel?

DD: Absolutely petrified (okay, that’s two words, with an adverb for emphasis). *grins* I write because it’s who and what I am. I don’t know if someone else will relate to my words or not. I hope they do, of course, but it’s kind of like letting people look through your lingerie drawer, you know? I know I shouldn’t, but I’ve never been a very confident person.

CA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?

DD: I’m always writing, or thinking of that next chapter or new book. My friends now know that faraway look in my eye, and they tease me about it all the time. My husband and I became empty nesters recently, so we like to entertain with friends and family. Life is so good! My spare time is connected with writing in some way. I’m also an editor for two erotic publishers, as well as a cover artist for them. I’m a very creative person, and I need an outlet to let that creativity flow, or I’d lose my mind.

CA: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

DD: I have two fantasy novels that I’m searching for a good home: Dark Prisoner: The Divenean Key, and Dark Prisoner: Ebbing of Tides (Book II)

My finished erotic novels: Ridley’s Rival (this is my first contemporary/western erotic romance, and my very first published novel, which has been nominated for a TRS CAPA—I’m absolutely thrilled about that), Diary of Daniella Rolfe, Book I of The First Series (a unique vampire tale), Kindred Blood (Book II in this series is currently in submission) and I’m finishing off Crimson Cries (Book III) the final novel in that series.

Physical Therapy, a dark, erotic novel I’m working on is about four or five chapters, still in the infancy stage.

Tears of San*Ferath (fantasy) is about seventeen chapters. I should finish it, but Cethland isn’t screaming at me loud enough. He will, because all my characters do. Right now, I think he’s a little frightened of Daniella Rolfe. I wouldn't want to tangle with her either

Whispers of Aduma (fantasy) is still young at three chapters.

I don’t have a favorite per se because they’re all important to me—better yet, they’re a part of me.

CA: Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?

DD: Good question, and one I often think about. There is a little of me in all my female characters—I can’t help that. As for the male characters, my husband seems to step in there for some strange reason. I have based one of the characters in Physical Therapy after my twin sister’s fiancée (yes, it’s spelled correctly, people). : ) The majority of them come from my imagination, which is a scary place to be. When I begin a novel, the characters speak for me. I’m just the conduit to pen their words. Yes, they use and abuse me, screaming at me at all hours of the day or night, but I love them all.

CA: How can a reader contact you or purchase your books?

DD: I’m published at: http://www.loveyoudivine.com and http://www.newconceptspublishing.com

Readers and authors can also contact me at: http://myspace.com/dawnebooks

Thank you so much for this opportunity, Crystal. It’s been such a pleasure. Live, love and laugh!

CA: Thank you Dawne’ I loved your novel, Diary of Daniella Rolfe! It was one of best vamp books I have read in a long time..now get on getting the sequel published!
Hope you have a great week and thank you again for sitting around watching the grass grow with me. Much love and hugs as always!