Happy Monday, lovelies! Today I have an interview with the lovely Maya Tyler, author of A Vampire's Tale! Check it out below, and then check back on Friday for an excerpt from the book!
What do you think is the most interesting thing about you?
I am a completely honest person who holds myself to a high level of integrity. I do the right thing even at the risk of my own detriment. For example, my grade 12 French teacher marked an exam incorrectly in my favor, and I told her even though it resulted in a lower mark. In my mind, once I noticed the error, keeping the higher mark was akin to cheating.
Do you have your own writing space? If so, what's in it?
In my house of boys (husband, two sons, and even a boy dog), I have a very feminine purple office with white furniture. The bookshelves are filled with books, pictures, and toys. The walls are covered in artwork, courtesy of my kids. My desk is hidden under piles of papers… some have scribblings from my current work-in-progress and others are yet to be identified.
If you could bring to life any of your characters, which would you choose and why?
I don’t know if I would bring any of my characters to life… Many of them are very stubborn and difficult… What if we didn’t get along? That might be pretty awkward…
What show would your character(s) binge watch?
My main character in A Vampire’s Tale, Marisa, would definitely binge watch a vampire show like True Blood for “research” purposes.
You're stranded on an island. What two books would you bring with you and why?
I would bring my favorite book The Princess Bride because I can read it over and over and I still love it… and a book on how to survive on a (deserted) island so I wouldn’t, you know, eat the poison berries.
What's your favorite 90s jam?
The 90s is my go-to decade for music, especially alternative rock from 1994. So many amazing albums came out that year. Live Throwing Copper. Pearl Jam Vitality. Stone Temple Pilots Purple.
Why did you choose to write in the romance genre?
I’m a romantic who absolutely loves ‘love,’ and I cut my literary teeth on Disneyesque fairy tales. I’m a sucker for a happily-ever-after and, unfortunately, life is often in short supply. I’m a firm believer in creating the things I wish existed so I write romance novels where the problems/conflicts are resolved, the villains are defeated, and the heroes live happily-ever-after.
Tell me one unique fact or quirk about one of your characters.
In A Vampire’s Tale, Marisa, is very verbose and talks a lot when she’s nervous.
What inspired your book?
I originally got the idea to write a vampire story because different authors offer such varied concepts of vampires that I wanted to throw my own version (what I considered to be the most accurate) into the hat. As well, I’m one of those people who gains better perspective and understanding from writing about stuff I encounter in real life. My characters often face a crisis or event that parallels something I’ve experienced. In A Vampire’s Tale, Marisa made a career change at a time when I was heading back to work after a four-year absence taken to raise my sons.
If you only had three lines to tell readers about your book, what would you want them to know?
A Vampire’s Tale is an introduction to my magical world of vampires, wizards, and fairies. The story shows the connection between the two main characters. It demonstrates how good intentions can go horribly wrong, but doing the right thing will ultimately be worth the sacrifice.
The best laid plans…
Marisa Clements was never satisfied writing the ‘gossip column’ in the local paper and
she quit her job to follow her dream of writing fiction. Floundering in an unforgiving
industry, she wrote about vampires, a popular subject she considered fascinating but as
real as unicorns, to pay the rent.
Corgan was tired of human misconceptions about vampires and ‘living’ as a vampire.
He planned to tell Marisa his story and end his existence. It was no coincidence Corgan
selected Marisa to write his story. With the ability to see the future, he knew she would
be a major part of it. He knew if they met, she would help him die, but in doing so, she’d
be doomed to the same fate. Once they met, their futures would be irrevocably
intertwined.
Corgan began to care for Marisa and finally revealed the truth to her. He admitted his
quest to atone for his past sins had put her in grave danger from a nest of revenge seeking
vampires. Corgan must claim her for her own protection. But claiming her is not
enough, he must ask for help from his wizard friends and his maker in order to destroy
his enemy or Marisa will never be safe.
Get the Book at:
Maya Tyler is a multi-published author of paranormal romance novels and blogger at Maya’s Musings. An avid reader, Maya writes the books she loves to read—romances! She still believes that “True Love's Kiss” is the most powerful thing in the world. Her paranormal romances come with complex plot twists and happily-ever-afters.
When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, listening to music (alternative rock, especially from the 1990s), practicing yoga, and watching movies and TV.
Maya loves to hear from fellow authors and readers! Please connect with her through social media (see links below) or the contact form on her website.
Thanks for the lovely interview!