Crimson Fury

Happy Friday everyone!

It's just the best feeling in the world when the weekend rolls around, isn't it? And as a special treat, I have an interview with Urban Fantasy writer Dawn Smith to take you into the weekend. Enjoy...

Crimson Fury (Book One in the Children OF Fury Series)

Book blurb:

Dawn says: I actually chose an excerpt, the book description is all over the place. You can’t find this anywhere else on the web…

“How does it feel to know that if I kill you, your precious coven elder wouldn’t give a damn? In fact, I think he was probably betting on it.  Makes you all warm and fuzzy, doesn’t it.” The Newling whimpered, but didn’t struggle under my ever tightening hold. His fear saturated the air around us, making me wish I were as heartless as Ethan claimed me to be. Nathaniel took a step toward me, and in one swift motion, I picked up the Newling launching him at Nathaniel. His arms came up, to catch or just deflect the screaming Newling flying toward him, I couldn’t be sure. I used that split second to break out at a full run, pushing every ounce of preternatural energy I could into my legs. I sped down the street, thankful that I was only a few blocks from the flat I shared with Ethan.  Nathaniel’s furious bellowing reached my ears. My name and a promise of pain on the wind. Funny, I never told him what it was

So Dawn, as an introduction, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am a mommy of three beautiful daughters that range from ages fifteen to two years old. I am a stay at home mom and writer with gasp, no day job. Writing is a full time venture for me.

What is your book about?

My book is a dark Urban Fantasy about the revelation that paranormal creatures live among us, otherwise referred to as Other Kind. It centers on a young police officer, Jade Jameson, which is assigned to Paranormal Investigation and Containment, (PIC). She is the subject of a government experiment trying to engineer the perfect soldier using multiple strands of Other Kind DNA.

When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve always been a writer. Since I was a young girl I wrote everything from poems to short stories. I even wrote for my school paper. It has only been the last couple of years though that I have been able to make writing a career.

What genre do you prefer to write in?

I prefer to write Urban Fantasy, but I do write a little paranormal romance.

What is your biggest writing achievement to date?

My biggest writing achievement would have to be the fact that my very first self-published book actually made it into the top fifty of my genre and stayed there for over two months.

What inspired you to write this book?

The inspiration for Crimson Fury actually came about by a discussion of what the government would do if movie monsters were found out to be real. (I have a strange group of friends!)

Who is your favourite author, and what is it about their work that strikes a chord with you?  

I have a few favorites, but I would have to say Sherrilyn Kenyon is by far the most inspirational to me. She is the pioneer for paranormal romance and Urban fantasy. When it would have been much more profitable to write main stream chic lit she stayed true to what she wanted to write.

What book are you reading now, and would you recommend it?

I just finished JR Ward’s Lover Reborn. I would always recommend any of JR Ward’s books. She is also a favorite of mine!

What are your current projects?

Hmmm, currently I am finishing up on a novella in the Children of Fury series, For the Heart of a Shifter. I have several others in the beginning stages though including book two of my novella series Bear Canyon Shifters, Serina’s promise.

Where and when do you do most of your writing?

All of my writing is done at my desk in the living room. SO naturally it is also all done long after the kids are in bed until the wee hours of the morning.

What would you say was the hardest part of writing your book?

The hardest part is the occasional bout of writer’s block that comes with my free writing style. Sometimes it is days of staring at a blank screen!

Who designed your book cover – and was the cover something you deemed important?

My book cover was done by Dafeenah Jameel at Indie Designz. It was very important to me to have the right cover to represent the characters inside. I had tried many times to bring it out myself and just couldn’t do them justice.

Did you try to go down the route of traditional publishing first – or did you feel that self-publishing was right for you from the beginning?

I only tried with one submission to Harlequin. I pulled the submission though and decided that I would rather have the freedom to do whatever I wanted with my book. It felt too much like handing over a child to a stranger. I have been self-publishing ever since.

On the whole, how have you found self-publishing?

Oh my! Frustrating, exasperating, and the gratifying thing I have ever done.

Where can we buy the book?

I have recently expanded the market on Crimson Fury. It can be found at Amazon.com, Barns and Noble and Smashwords as well.

Do you have a website or blog where we can keep tabs on you?

I sure do, www.dawnsmithbooks.blogspot.com.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

I think the best advice I could give to other writers, is read. When I am absolutely at a loss I take a break and read. It not only inspires me but it lets me relax and enjoy someone else’s hard work for a while!