Author Interview – Shalini Boland - When Darkness Falls

Book Description from Amazon:

Six paranormal novels from six bestselling authors who know how to weave a gripping fantasy tale. 

From brooding vampires, ghosts and witches, to fallen angels, shifters and fae. Be enchanted with dark romances and sweeping adventures to take you away from the everyday. AMAZON 99c

What inspired you to start writing, and when?

I started out as a singer songwriter, signed to Universal Music. But when I had kids my priorities changed and I didn’t want to spend so much of my time in London. I concentrated solely on my kids for a few years, but missed the creativity of song writing. One day, I had an idea for a great story ending and started scribbling. That was it – I stopped watching TV in the evenings and started writing novels instead.

What is your preferred genre?

Young Adult fiction is close to my heart, but I also love historical fiction – especially if it has a paranormal twist, like time travel or a subtle magical edge. Books like Mistress of Spices, The Red Tent and Chocolat are firm favourites. Along with YA authors like Lainey Taylor and Suzanne Collins. I tend to go for escapist books that have nothing to do with my everyday life.

How many books have you written?  If more than one, are any a series…or trilogy?

I’m currently writing book 3 in The Marchwood Vampire series. I’ve also written another trilogy – the Outside series -- a post-apocalyptic/dystopian romantic adventure. Plus a WW2 children’s adventure. So that’s … six and a half books to date.

Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants?

I used to be a seat-of-the-pants girl, but I now love to plot. It’s much more reassuring to have a plan to follow. It cuts out a lot of writer’s block and panic. But, just because I have a plan, doesn’t mean I’ll always stick to it . . .

Are you a self- published (Indie) Author?

I love being self-published. I’m such a control freak I couldn’t do it any other way.

What books would you like to read again?

The Clan of the Cave Bear series, The Bronze Horseman trilogy and all the classics. Just give me more time and I’d be in rereading heaven. There’s something so comforting about revisiting books.

Do you find yourself intrigued by the cover of a book enough to buy it? 

Covers can definitely reel me in, but the book description then has to hook me. I’ve never bought a book from the cover alone.

Do you have any advice for other writers starting out?

The writing process is different for everyone, but one thing that’s the same is the ‘getting it done’ factor. A book doesn’t write itself, so never wait for inspiration to strike. Sit down every day and write. Even if you’re not in the mood. The mood will find you once you get going!

What are your pet peeves? 

Rudeness. There’s just no need for it.

Pick one - Wine, Chocolate or shoes?

Chocolate and coffee. I know coffee’s not on the list. But it should be. And I picked two didn’t I. Sorry, I’m not good at these sorts of questions. My kids are always asking me random questions like this: Which would you rather do, fight The Incredible Hulk or eat a worm? So the wine/chocolate /shoe question is a welcome change.

Cats or dogs?

Can I say both? They’re both so gorgeous in their own ways.

How many hours per day do you try to devote to research and writing?

Normally, I would say between 6 and eight hours, but these last few months I’ve been setting up a book promotion company, so my writing has taken a bit of a back seat. I miss it!!!!! I’m hoping to get right back into it this month.

Your thoughts on receiving book reviews - the good and the bad – 

I used to get a terrible hold-your-breath, terrified feeling every time I saw someone had left a review for one of my books. I would take to heart the bad reviews and disbelieve the good ones! But now I’m much more philosophical about them. Every reader is different. They each relate to my books in a different way, which is good. And, of course, I’m immensely grateful and honoured they read my book in the first place, and then took the time to write a review. I mean… wow!

What is a movie or TV show that you watched just recently and really enjoyed?

Breaking Bad was an incredible series. On paper, it didn’t sound like my cup of tea at all, but the characters were inspired and the script and plotting was genius. I love, love, loved it.

Where can your readers stalk you?

http://www.shaliniboland.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/ShaliniBolandAuthor

https://twitter.com/ShaliniBoland

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?

Both!

Book links:

http://www.amazon.com/Shalini-Boland/e/B004SGMOJM/

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/shalini-boland/id436922336?mt=11

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/shalini-boland

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Shalini Boland lives in Dorset, England with her husband and two noisy boys. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer/songwriter, but now she spends her days writing dark adventures (in between doing the school run and hanging out endless baskets of laundry).

Be the first to hear about new releases here: http://eepurl.com/xx65f

*****THE PERIMETER (Outside Series #3) IS NOW AVAILABLE*****

Now available:
OUTSIDE - a post-apocalyptic novel (Outside Series #1)
THE CLEARING (Outside Series #2)
THE PERIMETER (Outside Series #3)
HIDDEN (Marchwood Vampire Series #1)
THICKER THAN BLOOD (Marchwood Vampire Series #2)
A SHIRTFUL OF FROGS

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world.  I hope you share this interview with your friends so we can all get to know you a little better. 

Thanks for having me on the blog, Patti! It’s been great.

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