Hello and Welcome Kallysten and thank you in advance for chatting with myself, Love Romances and More, and our readers.   

One of my first Questions is about your own role as a heroine when you went out and caught the hero of your dreams.  Did you feel yourself connected to him as you now write your heroines with their heroes? 

I did, and I still do. Neither of us was looking for a relationship when we met, but the more we talked, the more things we discovered we had in common. We grew up on different continents and are of very different cultural backgrounds, but we might not have been closer if we had grown up on the same street. There is an immense feeling of intimacy that comes from being able to talk of something you never discussed with someone before, be it an idea, a movie, a book or anything else, and to see that glint in their eyes that says “Yes! I know exactly what you mean!” 

What originally made you decide to become an author?  Was there a particular person or inspiration? 

It wasn’t a decision I made, more of a need. I picked up a pen when I was fourteen, and only put it down to move on to a typewriter, and then a computer. My stories – some of which, thank Heaven, no one will ever read! – were always about relationships first, and I think that exploring social interactions of all kinds, whether on a familial, friendship or romantic level, helped me open toward other people as I always was extremely shy.

How long have you been writing, and when did you finally turn to romance? 

Since I was fourteen years old… so that would be half my life! It sometimes feels I’ve done it since the cradle. I started with science fiction, then vampire/paranormal stories, and the transition toward romance happened without me realizing it a year and half ago. It was the natural evolution of my writing and of the stories I had been telling, I think. 

What types of romances do you enjoy writing and why? 

I like to write romances in which the hero and heroine are both strong and independent enough that they could be on their own and happy, but they are also ready to give up part of that independence to be with each other. It’s most apparent in “CheckMate” and “Her Last Words”, I think, in which both couples clash when trying to figure out who, if anyone, is in charge. But even in stories like “All Things Except Blood” or “Out of the Box”, the ‘weakest’ member of the couple still has to show himself or herself worthy of the other through courage or determination. 

Do you find yourself drawn to reading the same type of books you write or something totally different? 

I do my best to avoid reading any vampire romance at all; I am just too afraid I would borrow themes or elements without realizing I did. I still love science fiction, and I recently discovered I have a weakness for historical romances and heroines who may be strong in their own way, but are so different from my own. 

Do you have a favorite author or can you tell us one of your favorites? 

My favorite author was a French gentleman named René Barjavel. He didn’t write romance per se, but the relationships in his sci-fi or contemporary novels were the most evocative ones I ever read. 

What about that writer drew you to their work, and how do you plan to keep drawing people to you? 

As I said, the way he wove relationships was outstanding. It always left me either in tears or beaming. His heroes and heroines were never perfect, but they were perfect for each other in such a way that you ached with them at misfortunes and obstacles. My only hope when I write a new story is to be able to touch readers with the same intensity, so that they are smiling when they reach the last page and close the book. 

Where and when is your favorite time to write, and do you have something such as music or sounds in the background when you do write? 

I can pretty much write anywhere and at any time, and I get into such a ‘zone’ that whatever sounds may be happening in the background, I don’t hear them. Back when I attended graduate school, I might have spent a few classes scribbling away while a lecture or discussion was taking place around me (shh… don’t tell anyone!). My writing time these days is sadly enough reduced by the constraints of a full time job, but it makes coming home and turning the computer on that much more exciting as the words are practically bubbling at the tip of my fingers. 

Of the books of yours I have read so far, each one has a Vampire in it, any particular reason why? 

Because I love my vamps and playing with fangs is fun?

More seriously, I’ve been attracted for a while about the idea of lovers taking actual sustenance from each other – of them, or at least one of them, needing the other on the very basic level of blood and feeding. I think it can give a different twist on a relationship, and I have been having a lot of fun exploring this aspect of things. My first non-vampire story, “Under the Spell”, is coming out this Halloween in an anthology, and I’ll admit it felt a little strange that both my characters had a heartbeat! 

In the Series “Sexy Confessions to Venus” (OUT OF THE BOX 1 AND OUT OF THE BOX 2) The hero and Heroine are the same, was this planned intentionally? 

When I wrote the first installment, I had the vague idea that it might be fun to explore Anando’s toy box again. Then my editor, Tracey, let me know that she enjoyed the character… I think the words she used were “delish piece of yummy!” At that point, I only had to decide whether to keep Virginia as his heroine or give him other adventures, and Virginia was adamant that she wanted to play again… *grin* 

Will we see more of Anando and Virginia? 

Definitely. I have started writing a third installment, in which Virginia will take a more active role while Anando gives her control over him.  

Is there one person who inspires the heroes and one that inspires the heroines? 

No, there are multiple persons for both. I might borrow a physical or personality trait from people I know or from characters in books or movies and build around that aspect, or create a ‘patchwork’ with bits and pieces from various people.  

What is planned next in your life and writing career? 

My current big project is to finish a longer novel – another vampire romance… surprise! – and to jump from the cliff that is submitting to a ‘big’ publishing house. I’ve had a wonderful experience with e-publishing with Linden Bay and Venus Press, but even as a fourteen year old aspiring writer my dream was to see my stories in my favorite bookstore. I’ve learned to cling to my dreams and never let go, so I’m holding on to that one very tightly! 

For the many aspiring authors out there, do you have any words of advice? 

Write every day. Even if you don’t feel like it, even if you have no ideas, just write. You might end up trashing everything you write in a month save for one page – that happened to me not that long ago – but if this one page is good, then you won’t have lost your time. 

Is there anything else you would like to add? 

I would like to invite the Love Romances readers to be my guests in visiting my website at http://original.kallysten.net

I have there, in addition to synopses, reviews and excerpts for each of my published works, several free reads as well as a contest that runs until the end of the year. 

I would thank you again for taking the time to do this interview and would love to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed your books and look for more to come. 

It was my pleasure, Dee O. Thank you for your time and kindness!