Interview with Author Dani Harper and Giveaway

Today I would like to welcome to the blog author Dani Harper. Dani is the author of the Changeling series, a super hot series about the Macleod's, a family of shapeshifter wolves and their friends. Dani let me ask her some questions and I would love share them with you all, but first lets meet Dani.

Dani Harper is a newspaper editor turned paranormal author. There isn't anything she likes better than exploring the supernatural -- unless it's writing sizzling and suspenseful romance. Of course, all of her stories have at least one foot in the netherworld.

A Canadian who spent many years in northern Alberta, Dani now lives on an island in southeast Alaska! She and her husband operate a commercial fishing boat, and her stories are written on land or at sea, with the help of her executive secretary, Fiona the Pug.

Dani currently has a hot new shapeshifter series published by Kensington Brava. Look for Changeling Moon, Changeling Dream and Changeling Dawn wherever books are sold.

Places to find Dani:

| Site | Blog | Facebook | Twitter |

First off, can you tell us a bit about you?
Hi, I’m Dani and I love to read and write about werewolves. And faeries. And ghosts. And pretty much anything supernatural. I spent most of my adult life in northern Canada and now I live on an island in Alaska. I’ve been a farmer and a fisherman, a newspaper editor and a magazine writer, but my favorite occupation is what I’m doing now: writing paranormal novels! I’m grateful for the love and support of my husband and four daughters in this endeavor, and the assistance of my two pugs.

Did you always want to be a writer?
Always, always, always. I loved books before I knew how to read and I knew I wanted to be the person who made up the stories.

What kind of writer are you? Pantster or Plotter?
Both. I always start off as a plotter, then the characters disagree. They have their own ideas about what should happen – and usually don’t share in advance. We argue a lot. It usually ends with them taking off in a completely different direction, leaving me trying to catch up.

Why paranormal? What about this genre pulls you in?
I think it’s a rogue gene. I’ve been more excited about Halloween than Christmas my whole life, and naturally drawn to anything that goes bump in the night. I was a dedicated Stephen King fan before I discovered paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Once I did, I was totally hooked. I love the concept that anything can happen, that there is much more to the world than we know, that mythical creatures could be living right here among us!

Where do your ideas come from?
I wish I knew! Usually it’s a case of suddenly “hearing” a conversation between two characters. I can always “see” the characters in my mind, and even know their names! As far as the plot goes, I rely on the characters to tell me what’s going on. This can be frustrating at times if they’re not telling…

A la Twitter style, describe your newest book, Changeling Dawn, in 140 characters or less.
Never judge a man by his species. Love, danger and archeology combine as human Josh and werewolf Kenzie work to rescue a shapeshifter child.

Out of any of your books, which one would you like to be a character in? And why?
I’d love to be part of my Changeling series and have the ability to turn into a wolf at will. I like the characters, naturally, and I’d love to be friends with them in real life; I’d like to be part of the Pack too. I admire the sense of belonging, and the love and loyalty between the characters.

What are your favorite kinds of stories to read?
Paranormal romance and urban fantasy, horror (I LOVE monster stories) and science fiction.

Do you have a favorite book and if so, what is it?
Omigosh, I could never have just one fav book! I have several favorite book SERIES. Karen Chance writes the Cassie Palmer series and also the Dorina Basarab series – they’re my “favorite favorites” right now! Adore the Mercy Thompson series and Alpha + Omega series by Patricia Briggs. JR Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood is also a must-buy for me. Kevin Hearne writes the incredible Iron Druid series, and I can’t read them fast enough! And then there’s the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher and the Night Huntress series (Cat and Bones) by Jeaniene Frost. The list goes on and on, but these are tops on my list.

Have you ever fallen for another author's hero? If so, who and why?
Oh yes! Bones from the Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost really sets me to sighing. I think he reminds me of all that was good about Spike in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series – and I still think Buffy should have chosen him over Angel, hands down.

Human, Vampires, Demons, werewolves, witches or Shifters, which are your favorite and why?
Shapeshifters tend to be my favorite. I think it’s because that’s what I’d like to BE if I could. I’ve always adored animals and there’s much to admire about wolves. To see the world through their eyes would be incredible!

Describe the characteristics that make up your perfect hero.
Heroes are strong but it’s not their physical strength that’s admirable. I think real strength lies within, and it’s synonymous with integrity. It comes from keeping your word if it kills you. Real strength is taking responsibility for your actions. And being strong has to be balanced with compassion and fairness. A strong hero will stand up for himself and also protect others – he never starts a fight, but he’ll finish it!

So why are these inner qualities so vital to a hero? Easy. Readers might admire a hero’s good looks, but they’re going to lose interest if he hasn’t got any substance. Same with the heroine – there has to be a lot more to her than appearance. Speaking of which, real strength isn’t threatened by the strength of others; truly strong men LIKE strong women!

What are the scenes that are the hardest for you to write?
Sex scenes are the toughest, mostly because I need quiet, uninterrupted time to get into the right mindset. I can write anything else in the middle of Grand Central Station with Martians landing and fireworks going off, but I’m very easily distracted when I’m trying to write a sex scene.

If you could have dinner with any three book characters, who would you choose and why?
I would actually choose 3 characters from my own Changeling series. Birkie Peterson, who is a friend and mentor to most of my characters, tops the list. I’d love to swap gardening info with her, plus she’s a hoot to be around. Jessie Watson, the woman who leads the Changeling Pack, is extremely wise and I think I’d learn a lot from her. And Connor Macleod, the hero from the first book, Changeling Moon. A veterinarian, he’s much chattier than his brothers and I’d enjoy talking about animals with him.

What do you like to do in your free time?
Between writing and writing-related activities, I don’t have much free time. Hiking with my pugs is at the top of my “love to do” list, along with swimming – I adore the water! I can never get enough of gardening either. I like loom knitting, sewing and beadwork, as well as drawing and painting. I’d need a 48-hour day to be able to do all the things that I enjoy!

Favorite movie?
Can’t pick just one. I have fond feelings for superhero comics and graphic novels because I grew up reading those, and the kid in me loves to see them made into movies. Some of my favs are Hellboy, Thor, Ironman I and II, The Dark Knight, etc. I’m REALLY looking forward to the Avengers!

Favorite song?
Tough to choose because I like a LOT of songs. For now I’ll say anything by Pink, Bif Naked, Coldplay, Staind, Red Hot Chili Peppers or Our Lady Peace.

Favorite color?
I really connect with any shade of turquoise. I can live, eat and breathe that color! I feel my best when I’m wearing it. I painted my bedroom with it, and it’s now my favorite room in the house. Great energy!

Favorite food?
Anything from one of the four basic food groups: Coffee, Chocolate, Mexican and Chinese. Especially if somebody else makes it.

Last question, are you working on anything right now?
Definitely! I’m always working on something and usually several somethings! Right now my projects include the creation of a new Changeling trilogy as well as the continuation of the Macleod family Changeling series.

Changeling Series Book 1

He roams the moonlit wilderness, his every sense and instinct on high alert. Changeling wolf Connor Macleod and his Pack have never feared anything — until the night human Zoey Tyler barely escapes a rogue werewolf’s vicious attack.

As the full moon approaches, Zoey has no idea of the changes that are coming, and only Connor can show her what she is, and help her master the wildness inside. With her initiation into the Pack just days away and a terrifying predator on the loose, the tentative bonds of trust and tenderness are their only weapons against a force red in tooth, claw … and ultimate evil.

Places to Purchase:

| Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble |

Changeling Series Book 2

In times of stress Jillian Descharme has always found calm in her dream of a great white wolf with haunting blue eyes. But she is startled when the visions return and this time seem so real. Late at night he comes to her, speaks to her, touches her. It's almost as if he's alive...

Thirty years ago James Macleod lost his wife and unborn child to a killer bent on destroying the Changelings. Though he longed for death, his animal instinct fought for survival and James has been a wolf ever since. Yet now a woman has reawakened the man in him, taming wild instincts but arousing still wilder needs. With his ancient enemy hunting the legendary white wolf, James must fight for new life, new hope, new love.

Places to Purchase:

| Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble |

Changeling Series Book 3

RUN

Shadow and moonlight merge beneath her bare feet, the forest floor blurring as she flees the dogs and torches. Werewolf, monster -- those are the names given her kind by the humans who hate them.

HUNT

Kenzie Macleod has spent her whole life hiding what she is, and she’s not about to open up to any man, even one as powerfully attractive as wildlife expert Josh Talarkoteen. But legend says that a Changeling cannot escape the call of her true mate, even in the wilderness of backcountry Alaska.

MATE

An isolated archeological site, a terrified Changeling cub, a secretive research center -- as Kenzie and Josh face the ultimate betrayal, his obsidian eyes promise untold pleasure and hint at dark secrets of his own.

Places to Purchase:

| Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble |

**Giveaway**

Dani will be giving away a copy of Changeling Dawn + swag to 1 lucky person (International Shipping availble). So make sure to answer Dani's question-What books are you reading right now? And fill out the Rafflecopter form for your chance to win.

Good Luck =)

a Rafflecopter giveaway