MY INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR DARLENE KUNCYTES🦋

What’s your name and what genre would you consider your books to be?
Hey there everybody!

My name is Darlene Kuncytes (Con-sigh-tess) and I am a hard-core romance author! I write Paranormal Romance and also Contemporary Suspense/Romance.

Tell me about your book. How did you come up with that (story, angle, idea)?

Oh wow. Well. My very first book – A Vampire’s Saving Embrace actually came to me as I was driving home from work one night. I was stuck in traffic and was just sort of daydreaming and these characters and their story just materialized. I went home and started to write, thinking I would just write a very short story and that would be it, but it just kind of snowballed. I have always loved to write, but this story just flowed like nothing ever had before.

How did you get interested in writing this particular genre (historical novels, mysteries, sci-fi, children’s books, etc.)?

I have always loved books. It’s funny. I grew up reading Stephen King, Dean Koontz and John Saul, but I also loved Danielle Steele and LaVyrle Spencer. I didn’t consciously pick paranormal or suspense, the characters and stories were just there and needed to be told.

What kind of research did you do for this book?

Not a lot really. Just life. I grew up around law enforcement so the suspense/romance I was comfortable with to a point. And as for paranormal…well, that’s the most amazing, wonderful part of writing that genre, your imagination can run wild!

Can you tell me about your Series?

The Supernatural Desire Series are 3 books (I am currently working on book 4 in the series) about a group of paranormal beings. Each book is about two different characters of the group and they all make appearances in each other’s stories. They are a totally unconventional group, but in the end…they are family. I love a sense of love and loyalty that transcends just the main love story.

Do you have a favorite book out of this series?

Oh, man. I hate this question!! LOL It’s like being asked to pick your favorite child! I love them all. I really do. I am so in love and vested in these characters and it’s thrilling for me to write about how they change and grow as they find love. BUT, IF I have to choose, I would have to pick book 1 – A Vampire’s Saving Embrace. Only because it was my first and this book helped me to achieve my lifelong dream of becoming a published author. So, it will always be so special to me. I remember the pride in my family’s voices when I told them to check out Amazon. That day is priceless to me.

Where did you get the inspiration/idea for your series?

It’s strange to say this, but these characters just kind of talk to me. I just let them take the lead in a way and see where we go.

Was it always meant to become a series?

Not really. I actually thought, oh, I’ll publish this book and my friends and family will buy a copy and that will be it. Consider number one marked off my bucket list. But, when readers started to contact me, asking if I was going to tell Marcus’s story next, or Luke and Kat’s, it just lit a fire in me to continue, and I am so glad I did. I love these characters SO much.

What’s a typical working day like for you? When and where do you write? Do you set a daily writing goal?

Well, I still work full-time, so I write whenever I find an extra moment. I love sitting outside in the early morning on the deck with some coffee and just write. I’ll be honest. It’s been really hard to find the time lately. It just seems like life keeps getting in the way, but I am getting back into the swing of things. I have to write very organically. I absolutely hate deadlines and such. I want the stories to be told in their own time. I never ever want them to feel forced or rushed or worse yet, repetitive. I see way too much of that.

 

Do you have a new book in the making and if so, what’s the name of your upcoming book?

Book 4 in the series and it’s going to be called Harper’s Heavenly Embrace.
I also have another suspense/romance in the works at the very early stages. It’s going to be romance, but a bit darker than usual. lol

How important are character names to you in your books? Is there a special meaning to any of the names?

Names are SO important to me. I just have to KNOW that the name fit the character. I have been half-way through a book and have changed a character’s name simply because as the story progressed it just didn’t feel right.

Where do your ideas come from?

This crazy ass, sometimes loopy head of mine!! LOL

Is there a genre that you’ve been wanting to experiment with?

Well, since I grew up as a hard-core horror fan, I would really love to try that genre. A few other author friends of mine have been kicking around the idea of doing a horror anthology…so keep your eyes peeled in 2018!! 😉

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Finding the time!

What do you think of book trailers? Do you have a trailer or do you intend to create one for your own book?

I have trailers for most of my books on You tube!! I love them!!

What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?

Wow. I would have to say, the fact that I’ve written books that I truly love and that there are amazing readers out there who love them just as much as I do!
Seriously. I can’t tell you what it means to me when a reader contacts me to tell them how much they loved my stories. How they laughed out loud or how they fell in love. Or how they couldn’t wait to read the next book and that I have become an instant click author for them. That is just…ugh. There are no words. That makes telling my stories worth every late night or early morning!

What’s the best thing about being an author?

Meeting amazing readers, authors, bloggers and new friends! I LOVE people. I truly do. I love meeting and talking with readers who are as excited about a book as I am. It’s a club I am beyond thrilled to be a member of.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In a perfect world? Hopefully writing full time as I sit on the deck of a beautiful beach house!! That is my idea of Heaven on earth!

Have you always liked to write?

Yep! Ever since I can remember I loved reading and telling stories. There are so many unfinished books laying around my house or packed away it isn’t even funny.

What writing advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Don’t be afraid to reach out to other authors for help. You may come across those who won’t respond, but there are those and believe me when I say it’s MANY that will help you in any way we can.
And, most importantly – love what you write and write what you love. Write as if you are writing ONLY for yourself and don’t be afraid to let your voice be heard.

If you didn’t like writing books, or weren’t any good at it, what would you like to do for a living?

I can’t imagine not liking it! OMG!! NO! And, I really hope that I’m good at it!! LOL But, like I said, I do still work full time so I guess I would just keep doing what I do.

Do you read reviews of your book(s)? Do you respond to them, good or bad? How do you deal with the bad?

I do read them from time to time. I will thank someone for a review that really hits me, and I don’t respond to the bad. You have to have a pretty thick skin in this business. You will never please everyone and for that one person who hated everything about your book there are hopefully 10 others who loved it. I’ve had a review hurt once or twice. The reviewer just came across as kind of pretentious and mean. But, they are entitled to their opinion. I can’t let it affect me. If I did, I would just curl up in a corner and cry. I had someone give me a 1 star for a book they got for free and said that it just wasn’t for them. Huh? lol You just have to move on.

What is your least favorite part of the writing / publishing process?

The fear that it’s not being good enough. I love everything else about the process. I love working on my covers with my cover artist. I love working with my editor. I love release day and the release party! But that fear that everyone will hate it eats at me more than anyone knows. I LOVE my stories, but that doesn’t always mean others will and I’m aware and deathly afraid of that. lol

Can you give us a few tasty morsels from your work-in-progress? Of course!!!

Harper’s breath caught in her throat, causing a small squeak to burst from her lips as she cautiously watched him approach her. His movements were slow and purposeful, and the air seemed to crackle around him as if it were a living entity.
She knew that he was beyond pissed off at her for her complete lack of judgement, but she hadn’t realized how absolutely intimidating Caleb could be.
He had always been the shy, quiet boy who had awkwardly trailed behind her wherever she had gone; trying so hard to please her and get her to notice him.
This man walking towards her now, almost as if he were stalking her…was anything but that shy boy she remembered.
This man was confident, strong, not to mention devastatingly sexy and she found herself unconsciously licking her lips as the memory of what his mouth had felt like on hers swept across her brain and she involuntarily shivered.
She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that her reaction was merely because of the unwavering virility of the man. It was just human nature for her to feel this way around someone who was so blatantly, dangerously male.
She didn’t break eye contact with him as she begged the pounding of her pulse so quiet.
She didn’t need the damn were hearing her heart pounding thrumming against her ribs like a drum!
“Caleb.”
His name slipped past her lips in a breathy rush before she could stop herself and she flinched as if she had been struck when she realized how shaky and desperate it sounded.

Why did you choose to write in your genre? If you write in more than one, how do you balance them?

I didn’t actually choose the genre’s they chose me. lol I try to concentrate on the genre that I’m writing at the moment and if the other keeps invading my thoughts, I sometimes will have to stop and work a bit on the other story. It can get crazy in my head at times!! LOL

Where did your love of books come from?

Birth! LOL Oh, and I’m pretty sure my dad.

Do you have any favorite authors or favorite books?

Stephen King. OMG! I LOVED The Shining and Salem’s Lot.
Dean Koontz. His book Intensity is one of the most amazing and intense books ever written. It grabs hold of you on page 2 and does NOT let go! I also grew up also reading John Saul. I did a book report on Suffer the Children in sixth grade. Yeah…that didn’t go over too well!! LOL

Of all the characters you have created, which is your favorite and why?

I’d have to say Desmond from Vamp. He was my very first (lol) but because my characters in the series are in each book, you can sort of watch how finding his soul mate changes him. How it frees him in a lot of ways. He finds his laughter and sense of humor little by little and I love that. I love when we can keep up with characters that we fall in love with and watch them grow.

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Both.

What is your writing Kryptonite?

Time. Not having enough of it.

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

I, of course, want to please my readers, but I also have to be true to my characters and my writing. I think it would get VERY boring if I wrote the same story over and over again with just different characters. I mean, who are we kidding. Romance IS a happily ever after. But, the road to get there should be different and interesting.

What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

I have been blessed with an amazing core group of author friends. Andi Lawrencovna is an amazing friend and idea bouncer! Plus, she writes a different genre than I do, so it’s awesome how we can throw ideas at each other and the fact that we live like 5 minutes from each other is even better! She is so amazing! Quick witted and will tell me like it is and encourage me more than anyone I have ever known!
Virginia McKevitt and Linda Boulanger. What can I say? These two fabulous ladies are authors and artists I admire and trust so much. They have been with me since day one and I KNOW I can always depend on them.
And, there are so many others! Way too many to name! Julia Mills, Lisa Angel Miller, Kym Grosso. These ladies are so supportive and amazing beyond words!

If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?

Hmm…I’m thinking AND hoping…The best if yet to be!

What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?

I have to say, you have asked some AMAZING questions. I honestly can’t think of one.

Where can your fans find you and follow??

 

 

I am on Bookbub, Amazon, Tumblr

I’m on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/darlene.kuncytes

Make sure to like my fan page:

https://www.facebook.com/AVampiresSavingEmbrace/?ref=bookmarks

Want to have some fun? Then make sure to join my Fan club!!!!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/214331882257360/?ref=bookmarks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VampireEmbrace

AND make sure to check out my website:

http://www.DarleneKuncytes.com

Thank you for taking your time to do this interview

❤️ I can’t thank you enough for having me!! This was a blast!!