Melanie Nowak interview and giveaway
I am so happy to have to have Melanie Nowak here today. For those of you who don't know her, Melanie Nowak is the author of the venomous vampire series ALMOST HUMAN. I've read and reviewed the first volume in the first trilogy, Fatal Infatuation. You can click here to view it. I'm in the process of reading the second and third books right now and I'm really enjoying them. If you're a fan of vampires and romance you should definitely check these books out.
1. What inspired you to write Almost Human?
I always wondered about a vampire’s ability to put victims in thrall. In old movies, vampires are always able to hypnotize people, and it’s never really explained. People are just ‘under their power’. I always wondered – why? How does it work? I put those questions together with the anticoagulant/drug idea, and took it further. What if vampires could inject their victims with venom – like a snake? Only the venom would not be deadly poison, but a combination of drugs that kept blood from clotting, kept the victim calm and even willing, and also could mark territory for the vampire – leaving a mark that other vampires could see. The vampire could then use the existence of this ‘drug’ in their victim’s system, to put them in thrall as well.
The idea of venomous vampires seemed so logical to me, that I assumed for sure that someone else had done it already. I began searching my library for a book like that, so I could read it! This was probably in the late 80’s and there weren’t very many vampire books around at that time. I never found what I was looking for, and I filed the idea away. It never occurred to me to write it myself, LOL.
Around that time, I discovered Anne Rice’s vampire chronicles and absolutely loved them. That was the first time I read something from the vampire’s point of view. The way that she captured emotions and described surroundings was mesmerizing to me, and I really connected with her story. I’m also a huge fan of the T.V. series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”. Joss Whedon is a genius! That said – in 2003, towards the end of the show, I started disliking some decisions the writers made for the characters. I understood their vision, but I also saw missed opportunities. I would have done things differently.
That started me thinking of how I would write a story of my own, with my own characters, incorporating my venomous vampire idea. None of this was written down, just daydreamed during housework. Then one day I realized that a lot of the ideas I had were really good, and it depressed me to think that it would all just be forgotten. So, I sat down one night at the computer, to write out a few things so I wouldn’t forget, and could look back at them one day. The scenes just came pouring out and before I knew it, I’d been up writing almost the whole night! That’s when I realized that I had a real story to tell, and wanted to write it all out from beginning to end. That is how my ALMOST HUMAN vampires were born.
2. Why did you choose a college campus as your setting?
3. Are any of your characters based on anyone in real life?
I wondered a little at first, whether I would be able to write a believable ‘guy’, but when you come down to it, we are all just people. I take care to really examine their motives throughout each scene, and to try and observe and notice things the way I think a man would. It’s actually rather fun writing for my guys Cain and Ben, and stepping into the male perspective.
Outwardly I’m sure my friends and family would say I am most like Felicity. Physically, I have modeled her after myself; intellectually and emotionally she is very much the girl that I was at that age. I was usually pretty quiet and shy, constantly reading my fantasies rather than trying to live them out. Because of that, I identify very closely with Felicity, but I have to admit that it’s often more fun to write for my other ladies, Allie and Sindy. Allie is much more sassy and daring than I have ever been in life, and Sindy… well let’s just say it; She can be an evil bitch – and who wouldn’t think that was fun to write?
Writing the series as a succession of trilogies gives readers the opportunity to feel a sense of completion during points in the story, even though the series will still continue for many books to come. I have planned 4 trilogies for the ALMOST HUMAN series, meaning 12 books in all, and then I have plans for a spin off novel, which may result in a series of its own.
The 4 currently available books for the series are:
ALMOST HUMAN ~ The First Trilogy
Volume 1: Fatal Infatuation
Volume 2: Lost Reflections
Volume 3: Evolving Ecstasy
ALMOST HUMAN ~ The Second Trilogy
Volume 1: Born to Blood
5. Favorite supernatural creature?
6. Do you have a supernatural crush?
7. What’s your favorite scary movie/book?
8. Chocolate or vanilla?
9. Elvis or The Beatles?
10. Craziest dream?
11. Did you make any New Year’s Resolutions?
12. What’s coming up next for you?
I would sincerely like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to introduce everyone to my venomous vamps. The ALMOST HUMAN series is available in ebook and paperback, online and in your local bookstore – if it’s not on the shelf, ask for it!
Also available through the authors website, where you can read free sample chapters:
And on Amazon:
Happy reading!
~ Melanie Nowak
- This giveaway is for US addresses only.
- You must be 17 or older to enter
- You do NOT have to be a follower to enter, it's appreciated but not necessary
- You MUST fill out the form below to enter. I love comments but it will not enter you into the giveaway.
- Any questions, please feel free to contact me.
- Ends January 20, 2011
I love your books!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the wonderful interview and fab giveaway!
ReplyDeletexx,
E.J.
From the Shadows
Looks like some new books to add to my TBR! By the way, I had a huge crush on Spike also...:D
ReplyDeleteI'm a Stephen King fan too, at least his older stuff. Spike!! haha Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great interview! This novel was brewing for years! I can't wait to read it, either by winning or buying it. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteHeather
I've heard good things about your novels and I agree with Buried in Books, can't wait to read them.
ReplyDeletejust love to find "new" authors to add to my reading list.
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alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/