Interview with Author Lisa Kessler and Giveaway

Today I would like to welcome to the blog, author Lisa Kessler. Lisa is the author of the amazing book Night Walker. I just adored this book and you can see my review for it here. Lisa is super awesome and kind enough to let me ask her a few questions and I'm excited to share them all with you guys.

First off, can you tell us a bit about you?
Hi Dani! *Waving* Let’s see, I’m married with two kids, and when I’m not writing, I’m usually singing.

Did you always want to be a writer?
Nope. I was one of those kids with LOTS of potential career paths… LOL I wanted to be a singer, a choir teacher, a special ed teacher, and a social worker. Shew! I used to make up stories when I was a kid to keep from being bored and picked it up again for fun after my kids were born.

Why write a paranormal? What about this genre draws you in?
It’s funny, I’m a huge chicken. I was an only child latchkey kid and my imagination always dreamed up scary things… Yikes! I think it carried over into my writing. I enjoy life and death situations with a paranormal twist.

Where do your ideas come from?
I don’t really know. I usually start with a character and as I write a story forms. Occasionally I’ll be researching something and get an idea from there too.

A la Twitter style, can you describe your book (or series) in 140 characters or less.
Night Walker – He gave up his soul for a second chance to love her…

What are some of your favorite kinds of stories to read?
I love urban fantasies and paranormal romances and horror. The last great horror novel I read was Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill… Awesome old-school horror spookiness! Loved it!

Do you have a favorite book and if so what is it?
Oh it’s super hard to pick, but I think I’ll go with The Mists of Avalon. I’ve always loved Arthurian lore, but the way she wove that book from the female perspective during the rise of Christianity and the shift from Matriarchal culture to Patriarchal was riveting. I love that book!

Have you ever fallen for another author's hero? If so, who and why?
Ha! Many times!!! I think my first fictional love was probably Lestat. I’m such a sucker for the bad guy. And more recently I’m currently under the spell of one of Kelley Armstrong’s werewolves, Karl, who is a professional thief! LOL

Human, Vampires, Demons, or Shifters, which are your favorite and why?
I’m not sure I have a favorite. I enjoy vampires because they’ve had lifetimes of experience on earth. I also love werewolves and shifters because they’re hot-blooded and often think with their hearts instead of their heads. And humans and demons are fun too! LOL

Describe the characteristics that make up your perfect hero.
I like him to be dangerous and wounded, and protective of the one he loves.

If you could have dinner with any three book characters, who would you choose and why?
Calisto from Night Walker… Just to listen to him talk and not answer any of my questions! LOL

Marius from Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles – Because he’s wise, but still dangerous and sexy. I think I’d love to hear him tell stories of Greece and Rome.

Karl from Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series. Because I think he’d find a way to ditch the others so we could get into trouble!

If you could have dinner with any three authors, who would you choose and why?
Ray Bradbury – I’ve met him once, but I didn’t get to spend much time with him. Every time he speaks about writing and about books, the passion flows out of him until I find myself weeping. He’s an incredible story teller!

Anne Rice – Because I think she’s super intelligent and just quirky enough that it would be fun!

Stephen King – Because I want to chat about The Shining and The Stand… He’s amazing.

What do you like to do in your free time?
Hang out with my family and read!

Favorite movie?
Rocky

Favorite song?
I don’t have a favorite… So. Much. Music! LOL I did record a song from the Jekyll & Hyde musical once called “A New Life” and it still feels like a very personal theme song to me. Maybe that’s a favorite?

Favorite color?
Purple!!! Hands down purple…

Last question, are you working on anything right now?
Yes! I’m finishing up editing a new short story anthology called “Forgotten Treasures” and just diving into edits and rewrites for Night Demon. (Book #2 in the Night Series)

Thank you so much Lisa for stopping by and answering the questions.

He gave up his soul for a second chance to love her…

Two and a half centuries ago, Calisto Terana lost everything when a zealous priest murdered the woman he loved. Now, desperate for another chance to love her, he wants redemption for the mistake that cost her life.

She’s haunted by dreams of her own death…

After catching her fiance with another woman, Kate Bradley returns to San Diego to clear her head. The last thing she needs is romance, but after meeting Calisto she’s drawn to him in ways she doesn’t understand.

They’ve waited in the shadows for centuries…

Calisto has no doubt Kate is the reincarnation of his lost love, but the Fraternidad Del Fuego Santo has a new watcher with dark ambitions of his own. As old enemies reemerge and a new threat arises, the betrayal that enslaved Calisto to the night might destroy the only woman he’s ever loved again.

Places to purchase:

| Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Alibris | Kobo | 

**Author Info**

Lisa Kessler is an avid reader and writer of dark fiction. Her short stories have been published in print anthologies and magazines, and her vampire story, Immortal Beloved, was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award.

Lisa recently signed a 4 book deal with Entangled Publishing to release her Night Series. The first book, Night Walker, is scheduled to be released August 5th.

When she's not writing, Lisa is a professional vocalist, performing with the San Diego Opera as well as other musical theater companies in San Diego. You can learn more at http://Lisa-Kessler.com.

Lisa lives in southern California with her incredibly fun husband and two amazing kids.

Places to find Lisa:

| Site | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads |

**Giveaway**

Lisa has offered to send one lucky commenter some signed Night Walker swag. So make sure to leave a comment and fill out the Rafflecopter form.