An Interview with Laura Wright
The Reading Cafe is happy to have the wonderful Laura Wright with us today.
Laura has just released her latest book in her Mark of the Vampire series….Eternal Beast.
Our Eternal Beast review was posted yesterday, if you missed it.
Let’s meet Laura.
TRC: Laura, we at the Reading Café would like to thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.
Laura: I am soooo thrilled to be here! Thank you for having me.:)
TRC: Would you please tell us about yourself.
Laura: Well…I was born and raised in Minnesota, and spent most of my time acting, singing and dancing, and ballroom dancing – instructor and competitor – when I got older. I traveled quite a bit, which was wonderful. Now, I live in Los Angeles with my hub and two kids. And several pets. 🙂
TRC: When and how did you first become interested in writing? We see that you did not start writing until after you left high school.
Laura: Unlike many of my peers in the writing world, I didn’t fall in love with writing early on. As a kid, I was so into theater. Then later, the ballroom dancing, so it wasn’t until about 1997 that I was able to realize my dream of writing. I enrolled in UCLA extension writing classes, met my mentor and critique partners and I’ve never stopped writing since. I am so in love with writing!! It’s my obsession.
TRC: What was your first book ever published?
Laura: Awww. My first published book was CINDERELLA AND THE PLAYBOY from Harlequin/Silhouette Desire. I love that book. C.K. Tanner and Abby… something..Lol. 🙂 There is a great chocolate/candy making scene in it..lol.. adored writing that story.
TRC: How did you come up with the idea for your Mark of the Vampire series?
Laura: It all started with the Breeding Male. He was the first character I saw in my mind. I was on a walk one day and thought of this genetically modified vampire creature who would be brought out in times of war to repopulate the pureblood vampires, whether females they laid with liked it or not. <I had NOT been drinking, I swear 🙂 > Then the questions came: The children of this ‘monster’ – what would they be like? How would their mothers see them, treat them?
It started the plotting ball rolling, so to speak. 🙂
TRC: ETERNAL BEAST is the 4th book in the Mark of the Vampire series. Give us a brief description of the book.
Laura: I’m going with the back cover because it says it best:
Ever since his abduction by the Eternal Order of Vampires, Gray Donohue has finally found his true calling: vengeance. He will stop at nothing to bring his fellow Impure vampires the freedom they deserve. Now if he could just release his primal need for the beautiful vampire who saved his life—and rules his thoughts and desires…
After nearly killing the senator she was assigned to protect, Dillon is now in mortal danger. The jaguar within her has been unleashed, and she can no longer control it. Sex is the only thing that can tame her shift. And Gray is the only man who can make her surrender to a passion strong enough to overpower her inner beast. But she doesn’t want to surrender—she wants her life back. Because she is determined never to belong to anyone, especially not Gray—the male whom destiny claims is her mate…
TRC: How many books are planned for the Mark of the Vampire series?
Laura: That is always the question 🙂 And I mean that I am constantly asking it! Lol.. I have at least 5 more books planned in my head. We’ll see.. The readers and the publishers will be making that final decision 🙂
TRC: What were your challenges in writing the Mark of the Vampire series?
Laura: I suppose the biggest challenges have been remembering everyone: their eye color, hair color, height, scars, siblings etc. I finally had to have a MOTV bible made!! Lol..
TRC: You have written harlequin/silhouette romance books, and Mark of the Vampire is considered paranormal romance. Which genre do you consider your favorite to write?
Laura: I LOVE paranormal. Creating a world, a species, anything I want – it’s so freeing and fun. And I love my boys. It’s gone beyond genre now, and has become more personal. This series is my guts.
That said, I really enjoyed writing straight contemporary romance as well. In fact, I’m working on a contemporary cowboy series right now. So I get both worlds to play in. 🙂
TRC: Who is your favorite character of all the books you have written?
Laura: This is such a hard question. I have deep love for them all – even the villains! But if you’re going to make me.. Nicky. I have a special connection with him. 🙂
TRC: Is there any of your characters that after you have continued the series, you would have liked to change, and why?
Laura: GREAT question! Maybe Ethan Dare.. my bad guy in book one and two.. I might have let him live. Imprisoned him so he could see his child born.. I don’t know..
TRC: What authors or book have most influenced your life or writing?
Laura: The two biggies are Jude Deveraux and Victoria Holt. I cut my teeth on them, realized how much I adored romance through their novels. Then later, realized how much I wanted to write romance!
TRC: What do you have planned for future books or series? Would you consider writing any other type of genre, such as YA?
Laura: YA has always interested me. Thing is, I love writing sexy stories, and I don’t know how that would translate. But it is a thought in my mind.:) For now, I want to continue writing Mark of the Vampire, and my potential new cowboy series. I also have an Urban Romantacy idea percolating 🙂
TRC: Cool, this sounds exciting. Can’t wait to find out more 🙂
TRC: Do you have a specific place you like to write? With children at home, do you find yourself writing at special times?
Laura: I have an office, and I love writing there – especially when the kids are home. I have a hard time concentrating anyway, so I usually have to have blaring music in my headphones to drift into ‘The Zone.’
LIGHTNING ROUND: Oh, the pressure 🙂
FAVORITE FOOD – Pickles. No – tomatoes. No – pickles. Errrr.. 🙂
FAVORITE DESSERT – Pie.. Boston Cream or Pumpkin.. or Blueberry!
FAVORITE AUTHOR – Seriously? That’s like asking me to pick my favorite child. Or my favorite dessert! Oh, wait.. 🙂 All right, I’m going with Jude Deveraux because I cut my romantic teeth on her!
FAVORITE BOOK – This is one of MANY favorites, but Judith McNaught’s ONCE AND ALWAYS.
FAVORITE CHARACTER (NOT YOUR OWN) – Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice.
WHAT BOOK ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING – Three at once. Yes, I’m insane. Kristen Higgins, Lorelei James and my critique partner, Jennifer Lyon’s manuscript for her next Wing Slayer Hunter book!
LAST VACATION SPOT – Big Sur, Cali 🙂
LAST MOVIE YOU SAW – Something not very memorable clearly..lol.. um,.. seriously this is sad, I can’t think of a damn thing!
TRC: LOL
TRC: Thank you, Laura for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes you the best of luck with Eternal Beast. Keep us informed about your upcoming releases. We look forward to working with you again.
Laura: Thank YOU for having me! This was a total blast, and I love that lightning round. 🙂
If you would like to learn more about Laura, you can find her at the following links:
Website: http://www.laurawright.com/
Laura’s Blog:
Facebook:
Twitter:
Goodreads:
Laura has graciously offered to give a member of The Reading Café a chance to each win a choice of one of her Mark of the Vampire books, as well as some Swag.
1. You must be a member at The Reading Cafe. If you are not a member, please register using the Log-In at the top of the page, or by using one of our social log-ins.
2. If you are using a social log-in e.g. Twitter, please leave your email address along with your comment.
3. Please post a comment and say hello to Laura.
4. Giveaway open U.S. or Canada Only
5. Contests runs from August 15th – August 18th.
Fantastic Interview ladies.
Laura-welcome to The Reading Cafe. I am a MAJOR fan of you MOTV series…as you can tell by my 4 reviews….lol
Gray’s story was amazing and Lucian’s made me cry….*sniff*….he hated what he was to become.
I see that you have 3 more set for release in 2013….I cannot wait. I would love to push up the calendar 1 year, but that would only make me one year older. 😉
Hi Sandy!! Thank you so much! Luca’s story made me cry too:(( Yes, I’m so excited for next years release dates. I’m even trying to do a free read either Christmas time or Valentines:))
Yay…I would love to read a holiday story….woot!!
Thanks for this fun interview, Laura.
I now have to go buy your Cinderalla and the Playboy book, just to read that chocolate candy scene. 🙂
I used to like Victoria Holt too.
That hooked me, too, Barb! 😉
Lol on the chocolate!! Let me know what you think of it if you read it:))
Me too ladies, me too. 😉
I think I am in love,…..*cough* I mean I really enjoyed all of Laura’s answers!! lol My first romance writers that I read were the wonderful Jude Deveraux and the fabulous Judith McNaught!! I want to read CInderella and the Playboy too!!! Chocolate candy scene, yum!! I need to read your MOTV series, sorry, I fell behind in my TBR reading. The reviews posted here by Sandy have been wonderful. Isn’t Jen Lyons great? I am glad that she is continuing with her Wing Slayer series.
Thank you once again! This interview made me really smile today!
I agree..her answers are amazing…and the Lightning Round….I can feel her anxiety….through the interview….hahahahhaaa
Me, too! Can I say that her bangs are super cute, too!!! 😉 Considering them myself, lol.
It’s always wonderful to find things in common with people you admire. I am very interested in this series thanks to the fabulous interview.
Great job, ladies!!!
Hee hee ho ho, Jules, love yah too:)) And love that you love Jen! I adore her series, have from the first time I read Axel:))
Every book in this series is better than the one before, so I really can’t wait to read this one! Thanks for the chance to win.
jendaleen at aol dot com
Hey Jen! Weren’t you on the reviewer list for ARCs??
Loved the interview Laura and Barb, you have a lot of books written… 😀 Been following your reviews all week and finding them very interesting… maybe too interesting.
Love your avi Mary Ann!!! Glad you enjoyed the interview:))
Thanks Laura and Barb for this wonderful interview. Laura you have such a great sense of humor, it really was a pleasure to meet you.
I love how you said your biggest challenge was remembering all the details of your previous books. I always wonder wondered how authors keep up with that, especially when the books add up in the series.
Aww, thanks Mercy! You too:))
Yes, a bible is the only way to keep track of all those goodies:))
I am thinking a spreadsheet…lol
i have been reading the reviews all this week, and after reading this interview, i will get my first mark of the vampire book. your interview was so much fun to read, you sound like a terrific person, laura
Aww, thanks Mari! I hope you enjoy the series! Let me know what you think, okay?
Wonderful interview.
I found myself laughing with the lightning round….pickles…tomatoes…pickles… 😉
I can only imagine the pickle/tomato dilemma!!!!
Lol.. I loved the lightning round. I do well with time limits:))
And I think it’ll be pickles! …. wait, no. Tomato — GAH!!!
Great interview ladies!!! I can’t wait to read your MOTV series Laura!! And, when you said “cowboy” series, I about fell out of my seat!!! Hope that comes to fruition as well!!! Thanks for letting us get to know about you!
Hope you enjoy it, Vickie!! Yes, on the cowboys. The Cavanaugh’s.. it’s with editor now. We’ll see what happens:))
Hey Laura. I am writing down the name The Cavanaugh’s. love the name.
i really enjoy your books, cant wait to read eternal beast ( dont have yet ). thanks for contest. my e-mail is alsb04@hotmail.com
Lisa, I hope you enjoy BEAST! Let me know what you think:))
I absolutely Love love love your MOTV series. I can’t wait to be able to pick up a copy of Eternal Beast it sound awesome!.I hope your potential Cowboy series becomes a reality for you as well, hot cowboys? another great success in my opinion!
Great interview and thank you for the contest.
Hi Kim! Thank you thank you thank you:)) My fingers are crossed on the cowboys too:)))
Funny interview. Super hot cover and I cant wait to read Eternal Beast. Thx for giveaway.
blinkysthebest at aol dot com
Yes! Lona, so right – the cover is drool worthy for sure!
I Love this Interveiw, It is as good to read as your MOTV series, I have yet to get 3 of the books, I guess you could say I am reading them in backwards order..I have Eternal Beast and Eternal Captive and all I can say is “OMG” Thank you! Cowboys? WOW cant wait..Thank you for the contest as well..talslyn@yahoo.com
Lol! Read it however you wish:)) So glad you’re enjoying – and yes, I’ll let you all know when I hear on the cowboys!!
Hi Laura, I love the series Mark of the Vampires and I am looking forward to many more books for this series.
I would love to have a signed copy of all of your books, I do already have a signed copy of Eternal Beast, but would love to add the others to that.
Happy reading and writing*
Teresa
tess102063@yahoo.com
Hi Teresa!! Good to ‘see’ you here:)) My fingers are crossed for you, girl:))
Hi Laura! I am really looking forward to reading this series. I follow you on FB and love to read your updates. The covers of your books are gorgeous!!! I have to say Eternal Hunger is the hottest! There is just something about a caged man with that look in his eyes! Thanks for the chance to win one of your awesome books. I have just gotten Pride and Prejudice cause it’s all I hear everyone talking about. I know, I should have read long ago. What can I say?
redheaded.bookworm at yahoo dot com
Hey RHB!! FB page is crazy fun, isn’t it? I’m so glad we get to have that platform to share books and smexy pics:))
OMG, you just got Pride and Prej??? I cannot wait to hear what you think!! Mr. Darcy – SWOON!
Hi Laura! I absolutely LOVE your series (Wright’s Bite Club member 🙂 ) I can’t wait to see what you have planned next. Nicky was my fave as well LOL
gwoman23(AT)gmail(DOT)com
My Gloria!! Hi, Bite Club Veana:)) Thanks for all your support – I’m so very gratefuL!!
Love the interview Laura and Barb. Will really have to pick up the first book in the series . Cinderella and the Playboy sounds really fun will have to read that one.
Lol, Fran!! Hope you enjoy the Vamps and Cinderella. Hey, that would make a great title to a book!!
Hi Laura and welcome to TRC. Thanks for sharing so much about yourself with us and about your books. I’m really looking forward to reading you MOTV series, Sandy has really intrigued me with the reviews she’s done and now with your interview. I also have to read that Cinderella and the Playboy, it something I just can’t pass up, chocolate candy scene eh 😉
Love me some cowboys, so if that cowboy series comes true you can’t count me in. 😉
Ok I just bought Cinderalla and the Playboy. If we all go and get it, Laura might set a record for sales on an older book. lmao
I also think Laura should get a street team just for her cowboys, we are ready. *grins*
oooo Barb I’m soooo ready for a cowboy series. Nothing like a good ol country boy who can fill out his jeans and do justice to a pair of chaps and a stetson. 😉 *fans self just thinking about a yummy cowboy*
Thank you so much!! This warm welcome makes me all happy inside:)) Enjoy Abby and CK and the chocolate:))
I will DEF. be letting you know about the cowboys. Should know in the next month:)))
Great interview. I love this series! Laura is so talented and one of my favorite authors! She will pull you in from the first page and does not let you go till the last. Love her!
Thanks for the giveaway!
melissalamb(at)musfiber(dot)com
Awww, Melissa, thanks babe!! You’re the best:))
Hi Laura, I’m a huge fan of the MOTV series, those boys are awesome and I can’t wait to read Gray & Dillon’s story! Great interview, and I hope the cowboy series takes off. My first love is PNR but when an author I like writes in different genres I love to read those too. Congrats on EB’s release and I hope there are many more!