Taryn Browning has been extremely gracious to stop by the blog to answer some questions about her books, as well as offer a giveaway!  So, without further ado, here’s Taryn Browning:

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Thank you. I was excited to take two characters from Dark Seeker (Isabelle & Abram) and write about how they first met and their history as Seekers. Dark Beauty takes place during the time when Daychildren (vampire-demon hybrid) were first created and Seekers were first learning how to defeat them.

I’ve always loved Buffy the Vampire Slayer, so I guess you could say that Buffy was my inspiration for writing Dark Seeker and Dark Beauty. I also love strong female heroines, so I wanted Isabelle to be tough. She leads a much different life than most girls her age. Sometimes she comes off somewhat abrasive, but she’s learning. The only people Isabelle has in her life to rely on are her mother and her new mentor. Isabelle’s father left her at a very early age because of the Seeker lifestyle, so this adds to her distrust in men and her hesitancy to let others in.

I wanted readers to enjoy a fast-paced story that keeps them on the edge of their seats to the very end. I also wanted to provide an escape for readers. I read paranormal romance and urban fantasy for this purpose (and because I love reading), so I wanted to do the same for my readers–provide a fun, interesting read with great characters and a new hybrid vampire.

I usually write at my desk in my office with my headphones on. I always create a playlist before I start a novel because I enjoy listening to music while I write. Sometimes I’ll hear a song that speaks to me and add it to my playlist. One reason I use headphones is for when I place a song on repeat. I don’t want to drive everyone in my house crazy. During the writing process, I’m a pantster. I come up with an idea and run with it. After my first draft is complete I edit, edit, edit and then send it off to my critique partner.

I love YA literature. Most of the books I read are YA, so I’ve always felt comfortable writing it. I think it’s really important to write what you love.

Do you have any advice for other aspiring authors in terms of self-publishing and spreading the word about their writing?

With social networking, the wonderful blogging community, and sites like Goodreads and Amazon, it is much easier for authors to get their work out to readers. Even though I have an agent who is currently shopping my manuscripts, I am ecstatic to get my name out as a writer and most importantly share my work. I recommend aspiring authors do the same. The only caution would be not to self publish your first novel. I suggest putting it away and writing another story. As you write and learn the craft you will get better and better — I know I did. After you have a few stories under your belt, I would send them out to beta readers or find a critique partner to work with. And finally, make sure to have your novel edited professionally before you publish it.

My playlist for Dark Seeker & Dark Beauty consisted of Paramore, Anberlin, Daughtry, Lifehouse, Lesley Roy and others. I guess you could say mostly rock and alternative.

I love the Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead, The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, Divergent by Veronica Roth, and The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. Sorry, I know that’s more than one, but there are so many fabulous novels to choose from. Currently I’m reading The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa and I am loving the series. Team Ash!!

The novel, Dark Seeker, takes place years later, after Isabelle and Abram are no longer seeking. In Dark Seeker, humans aren’t the only ones targeted by Daychildren. The vampire community has their own issues with them. I don’t want to give too much away, but Isabelle and Abram are definitely in Dark Seeker and connected to the main characters.

Taryn Browning
www.tarynbrowning.com

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