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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Interview with Bonnie Vanak & Giveaway - August 24, 2011

Please welcome Bonnie Vanak to The Qwillery.

TQ:  What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

Bonnie:  I get very hard on myself while writing a book. Because I work a demanding day job, when I take time off to write, I need to make it count. If life is getting too distracting and I can’t focus on the book, I’ll sometimes take vacation time and get a hotel room or a cottage for a few days. I’ll write all day and into the night. It’s proven very successful for me.

For example, to write The Shadow Wolf, I had to take a week off to finish the book. I work for a large international charity and just returned from Haiti after the earthquake and the book’s deadline was approaching. The images in Haiti were so horrific and upsetting, I couldn’t make the transition into writing romance. So friends loaned me their lakeside cottage. I stayed there four days and wrote a large chunk of the book. It was intense, hard work and I loved every minute of it.

TQ:  Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Bonnie:  A little of both. I’m a “plantser.” Since writing for Harlequin, I’ve learned to plot a book because Harlequin wants a synopsis. This has become a valuable tool for me as a writer. I view it as a road map. But I also tend to write out of sequence. If I get a good idea for a scene, I’ll write it as it pops into my head or jot down a few notes.

TQ:  What inspired you to write about werewolves?

Bonnie:  I didn’t plan on it at first. I got the idea when our dog, Tia, was diagnosed with cancer. I’d lost my mom to cancer and Tia proved such a comfort after Mom died. Finding out Tia was dying from the same cancer that claimed my mother was emotionally devastating. So I started jotting down a story as an escape, and the idea of werewolves entered into the story. But the first Draicon book, The Empath, began with Maggie and her beloved dog who is dying from a rare disease.

I love writing werewolves because of the dynamics of the pack mentality. I also think shifters are very sexy because of their strength and power. This is also why I like giving the guys in my books a hidden vulnerability, to balance all that power and strength. It makes them a little more human.

TQ:  How do Draicon werewolves differ from other werewolves?

Bonnie:  Draicon wolves each have a true mate, but their other half contains their missing magick. Long ago, when the Draicon first came to this dimension to learn of the earth, they were too powerful. So they willingly split themselves in half, dividing up their powers, to blend into our world. When a male and female Draicon who are destined mates find each other, they regain each others’ magick. This is done during sex when they both reach emotional and physical fulfillment.

I did this because I like the idea of destined mates, but dislike making it so easy for them to fall for each other. It also makes for interesting conflict, especially in The Shadow Wolf.

TQ:  Without giving anything away, what is/are your favorite scene(s) in The Shadow Wolf?

Bonnie:  Tough question! I like all the action scenes, and the ones with the touch of horror in them (blame my childhood of reading Stephen King), but one of my favorites is the scene at the book’s end. Gabriel is in a no-win situation, and it looks like all is lost. He’s alone and despondent. He’s made an enormous sacrifice for the one he loves. And then Megan comes to save the day, making her own sacrifice. She finally confronts her deepest fears and does so because she loves Gabriel. This scene gave me an “awwww” moment. It’s very sweet and tender. Those kind of scenes are my favorites because of the hero and heroine’s emotions and love for each other. One reason I’m a romance author!

TQ:  In The Shadow Wolf, who was the most difficult character to write and why? The easiest and why?

Bonnie:  Gabriel was the hardest because he’s complex. He seems easygoing and friendly and funny, but he’s got a deep, dark side he doesn’t like to show to anyone. He’s tormented, and yet longs for connection like most of us. Writing his dark side was easy. I love writing tormented heroes. It was the mask, the disguise, of the funny, insouciant Gabriel that challenged me. Sometimes I’d shake my head and yell at him! I’d say, “Why are you making a joke of this? It’s not funny!” Then I’d realize Megan, the heroine, had the same problem with him, so that actually helped me write Megan.

Megan was the least challenging because her conflict was so obvious and her goals were so clear. She’s been persecuted her whole life just because she’s different and she’s determined to be free of her island prison.

I knew I’d hit my mark when a friend recently told me this was the best book of mine she’d ever read. She thought the conflict and all the problems felt real, even though the characters were werewolves!

TQ:  How many additional Draicon Werewolf novels are planned?

Bonnie:  I’ve written four Draicon books, The Empath, Enemy Lover, Immortal Wolf and now The Shadow Wolf, and three Draicon novellas (Courage of the Wolf is included in The Shadow Wolf). Right now I am waiting to hear back from my editor to see about a new series I plan. The first book will contain a Draicon wolf who is connected to the Robichaux family.

TQ:  What's next?

Bonnie:  Next up is a trilogy of three paranormal erotic novellas titled The Ancients. These short stories are part of Harlequin Nocturne’s new Cravings line. Three triplet sisters are half-demon and half-angel and are coming into their powers. To prevent them from turning demonic, three pararnormal beings are assigned to mate with them and tame their dark powers.

The first novella is Bitten by the Vampire and is out in October. The second is Mated to the Wolf and is a November release, and Hunted by the Jaguar is the third story, out in December.

These were fun, sexy stories to write, but challenging as I’d never written a trilogy before. There’s some humor in the stories to keep them from being too dark.

TQ:  Thank you for joining us at The Qwillery.

Bonnie:  Thanks so much for hosting me! Readers can catch up with excerpts and releases at my website, www.bonnievanak.com or at my blog, www.bonnievanak.blogspot.com


About the Draicon Werewolf Novels

The Shadow Wolf
(Harlequin Nocturne, August 23, 2011)
On the run from authorities, gutsy Megan Moraine knows shadow wolves like herself have no place in this world. But she's still prepared to do anything to protect her young charges. That resolve is tested when the trio is captured by Gabriel Robichaux. Everyone knows that Gabriel is a ruthless bounty hunter, a member of an elite group called the Enforcers. Why then is Megan so attracted to her enemy—a wolf who hunts his own people? A wolf whose languid, sexy drawl makes her dream the impossible?

Amazon : Barnes & Noble : Books-A-Million


Immortal Wolf
(Silhouette Nocturne, October 1, 2009)
Exiled to a life of extreme loneliness because everyone she touches dies, Emily Burke has every reason to distrust Raphael Robichaux. The immortal werewolf possesses immense power and has been summoned by her pack to end her life. And yet, from the moment she lays eyes on the powerful rebel, he awakens all the longings she's kept bottled inside…and gives her hope.
When Raphael meets Emily, he knows something enormous is at stake. For not only does he see that her blood can restore life—but she is his destined mate.

Trust doesn't come easily to Emily. But somehow Raphael must convince her to put her life in his hands. Only then will an ancient prophecy be fulfilled and a terrible evil destroyed….

Amazon : Barnes & Noble


Enemy Lover
(Silhouette Nocturne, November 1, 2008)
Overwhelming arrogance demands that Damian Marcel claim Jamie Walsh no matter who vies against them. For she is the only woman who can sate this powerful were's untamed hunger. But Jamie believes Damian is the Draicon werewolf who murdered her brother. She fights the dominating male at every step--only to succeed in binding herself to him.

Now the same magick that links them together is slowly killing Jamie, for she is infected with a spell that's turning her to stone. As they race against time to find a cure and to ward off attacks from the evil Morphs, dare Damian hope that his draicara will finally accept him as her lover...forever?

Amazon : Barnes & Noble


The Empath
(Silhouette Nocturne, December 1, 2007)
THE WOLF MUST HAVE A MATE TO SURVIVE...

Nicolas was the strongest and fiercest of the Draicon, until he was banished for a trumped-up crime.Now the werewolf has only one path to redemption: find the Draicon's long-lost empath, the woman who will save the pack--and Nicolas himself--from terrible danger.Maggie Sinclair is a veterinarian, dedicated to healing. She has no idea of her true nature, the magic waiting in her soul--or the man coming to claim her.The survival of their pack depends on them finding each other, on their ability to become one. But their enemies have also found Maggie, and will kill to stop her awakening to an all-consuming passion...

Amazon : Barnes & Noble 


About Bonnie

Bonnie Vanak fell in love with romance novels during childhood. While cleaning a hall closet, she discovered her mother's cache of paperbacks and started reading. Thus began a passion for romance and a lifelong dislike for housework.

After years of newspaper reporting, Bonnie became a writer for a major international charity. She travels to destitute countries such as Haiti to write about famine, disease and other issues affecting the poor. When the emotional strains of her job demanded a diversion, she turned to her childhood dream of writing romance novels.

She lives in Florida with her husband Frank and two dogs, where she happily writes books amid an ever-growing collection of dust bunnies. She loves to hear from readers. Visit her Web site or email her at bonnievanak@aol.com.


The Giveaway

THE RULES

What:  One commenter will win a copy of Immortal Wolf from Bonnie!

How:  Leave a comment answering the following question:

Werewolves or were-something else? 

Please remember - if you don't answer the question your entry will not be counted.

You may receive additional entries by:

1) Being a Follower of The Qwillery.

2) Mentioning the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter. Even if you mention the giveaway on both, you will get only one additional entry. You get only one additional entry even if you mention the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter multiple times.

3) Mentioning the giveaway on your on blog or website. It must be your own blog or website; not a website that belongs to someone else or a site where giveaways, contests, etc. are posted.

There are a total of 4 entries you may receive: Comment (1 entry), Follower (+1 entry), Facebook and/or Twitter (+ 1 entry), and personal blog/website mention (+1 entry). This is subject to change again in the future for future giveaways.

Please leave links for Facebook, Twitter, or blog/website mentions. In addition please leave a way to contact you.

Who and When: The contest is open to all humans on the planet earth with a mailing address. Contest ends at 11:59pm US Eastern Time on Wednesday, August 31, 2011. Void where prohibited by law.

*Giveaway rules are subject to change.*

37 comments:

  1. I like werewolves. I think wolves are beautiful. Especially white timber wolves.

    Follower: Amys.
    Posted on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Vamper_Fan/status/106351867453374465

    truebloodfan AT rock.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I hate having to choose since I like them all but if I have to choose...It's werewolves...lol

    I am a follower of the blog- Maria
    Posted on Twitter:
    http://twitter.com/#!/crazymidwestgal/status/106354290767052800

    Thanks for the giveaway

    junegirl63(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Werewolves forevah. :D Hi Bonnie! Have loved your werewolves since I bought your first book in the series, The Empath. To this day, it still remains one of my favorite werewolf stories of all time.

    Good luck with your writing. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi! Thank you for the post and for the chance to win!
    I love al kind of were-animals, but I prefer werewolves. They're the most powerful animals in my eyes and it's sexy as well :)

    +1 comment
    +1 blog follower as mikki-mano
    +1 tweet: http://twitter.com/mikkimano/status/106405200952172544

    Thanks again,
    mikki-mano@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Werewolves or were cats.

    GFC Anne38
    acm05atjuno.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love werewolves too. I think they are very beautiful. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read these books. Tore923@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love werewolves, especially cause they are often described as ripped and hot in books ^^. Love the wolves behind our house too, beautiful, majestic creatures. edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom
    GFC Krystal Larson
    facebooked http://www.facebook.com/Akeel.004?sk=reviews#!/profile.php?id=100000547840483

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm warming up to werewolves which are new paranormal creatures to me in reading. They would make great cuddlers with their fur.

    I am a GFC follower.
    Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Though I like were-wolves, I am into were-ravens, lately.

    The books listed sound really. Looks like I will be shopping this weekend.

    +1 comment
    +1 follower (booklover0226)

    Thanks,
    Tracey D
    booklover0226 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  10. werewolf for sure :)
    follower :)
    posted on http://nightskydarkstar.blogspot.com/
    nightsky1102(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Werewolves all the way. Thanks for the chance.

    I am a follower

    sariahwalters at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Started out with werewolves but love the werecats (predetor cats that is) ;) Would also like to see some werehorses somewhere along the way.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi everyone, thanks for commenting. Hey Cassandra! So glad you liked The Empath! I'm partial to werewolves, too. :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. I like werewolves. But I enjoy them more when they are the good guys. Books look great!
    debby236 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm a bit of a traditionalist, so werewolves.

    GFC: Mary Preston

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Werewolves are my favorites although I do like werebears and lions :).
    I follow via gfc
    tweeted
    https://twitter.com/#!/lilblupixie
    flanagan@mebtel.net

    ReplyDelete
  17. Yes to werewolves! Is there such a thing as a were-dragon? I have a definite dragon fetish :)

    Lover the covers of her books.
    +1 GFC follower
    +1 comment

    thumbelinda03@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. I like werewolves, but hey I am not going to argue with a were, he can be whatever he wants. I do not have time today, but I really had to stop and enjoy the fun:) Thank you for sharing today and for the lovely giveaway opportunity.

    dz59001[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Oh werewolves for sure, they are loyal and a whoot to talk to.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I would have to go with either a werewolf or were-panther. The books sounds great never read any of these before. thanks for the chance to win.
    bluesun1218@dishmail.net

    ReplyDelete
  21. were CATS!! or dragons.. i like the other types...
    i am a follower!!

    alainala AT hotmail.ca

    ReplyDelete
  22. werewolves, love that new show, teen wolf

    ReplyDelete
  23. Werewolves!!! Although I'm not too picky. Werecats are cool too.

    GFC: ML
    mljfoland AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  24. My favorites are werewolves. They are the original shifters and there is just something primal about them. Not that I dont mind the odd were-creature, because I do read those books. But werewolves just hold a special place in my heart.
    Congratulations on your all new release of The Shadow Wolf!
    +1 GFC: LadyVampire2u
    +1 Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/LadyVampire2u/status/106987168504889344

    LadyVampire2u AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I love werewolves, butu lately I came across werepanthers and werelions, and they are exciting as well. One of the reasons why wolves are my favourite is that they are utterly loyal and monogamous! :-)

    Thank you for the giveaway!

    +1 follower
    +1 tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/Stella_ExLibris/status/107079860240920576

    stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  26. sorry, seems I posted a wrong Twitter linkj, here is the correct one:

    https://twitter.com/#!/Stella_ExLibris/status/107089179107799040

    ReplyDelete
  27. I like werewolves, but big cat shifters are my favorites.
    GFC follower
    marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  28. So difficult to choose! I think the big cat shifters are in first place with werewolves a close second.
    gfc follower - irgl7
    irgl7(at)bonzo15(dot)plus(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Were-panthers...don't know why, they're just hot!

    GFC follower

    m.ceschini@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I would definitely choose werewolves!

    +1 GFC follower

    chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  31. (+1) Werewolves. There is just something about wolves that captures and holds my interest. Maybe also because I love dogs :)

    (+1) Follower. My GFC name is Cherry.

    (+1) Twitted about your giveaway at: http://twitter.com/#!/cherrymischivus/status/107876676289036288

    FB: http://www.facebook.com/cherrymischievous/posts/168364059907137

    Buzzed: https://profiles.google.com/cherrymischievous/posts/HgRzAcxMMSH

    (+1) Link of your giveaway at sidebar at: http://www.cherrymischievous.com/

    Cherry Mischievous
    cherrymischif-darkward [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Werewolves. All the way.
    missy1549@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I've always had a thing for wolves, so... yeah, werewolves forever. LOL ;)

    thanks for the giveaway!

    I'm an old follower.

    Comment (1 entry), Follower (+1 entry) = 2 entries

    kah_cherub at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Werewolves or panther. Wolves and panthers are magnificent animals.
    GFC follower as Diana
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    artgiote at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  35. How did I miss this? Paul Marron as a werewolf (on IMMORTAL WOLF)? Must look for this book!

    ironss [at] gmail [dot] com
    GFC follower

    ReplyDelete
  36. Still hoping to read about a giant-insect shifter. :)

    ReplyDelete