Ask the Author: Kresley Cole
Answered Questions (26)
Kresley Cole
Though there are no set plans for us to do a book together, I wish we could start one today! (I'm still trying to get that woman to marry me. Once I've fulfilled that dream, I'll start on the co-authoring one.)
Kresley Cole
Hi Ginelle, great questions! My favorite character to write is Nix--she speaks *very* loudly ;) Regin, who is one of my other favorite characters to write, didn't pipe up in my earliest rough draft of Dreams of a Dark Warrior. I'd described her, I had her movements, and the shell was there, but her personality wasn't as vibrant and distinctive as I needed her to be (rule of thumb for me: a heroine has to say and do things in her book that would make her utterly unqualified to lead any other book). Then she made the "radioactive alien c*$#" quip, and I thought "Game on! I f^%*@$& see you, Regin." All of her dialogue just flowed after that.
Kresley Cole
Hi Jennifer, this answer changes daily :) but today I'd have to say Stephen King because until I picked up one of his novels, I *hated* reading. Once I'd devoured his backlist, I couldn't read enough--it was all I wanted to do. Without the reading, there'd be no writing. Plus, his book On Writing has been influential.
Kresley Cole
Great question, Clare! Even without the other series, I'd still only release 1 IAD a year. With each new installment, the timeline/overaching plot of the series becomes more challenging to keep up with. I can only handle 1 a year without pulling my hair out ;) Plus, I find that writing in different POVs and genres helps me creatively with the IAD.
Kresley Cole
Hi Ash, I'm so happy you enjoyed DOW. I've planned at least one more but possibly two. Thanks for your question!
Kresley Cole
Hi Raynie,
The second book in the Arcana Chronicles is Endless Knight, and it's available now! The third book, Dead of Winter, comes out Jan 5th. I hope you enjoy them, and thank you for writing in :)
The second book in the Arcana Chronicles is Endless Knight, and it's available now! The third book, Dead of Winter, comes out Jan 5th. I hope you enjoy them, and thank you for writing in :)
Kresley Cole
Hi Jessica,
I absolutely do! That's one thing I love about writing fiction--I get to depict women who are not only strong physically (they can tackle trains) but emotionally as well.
Great question and thank you so much for recommending the books!
I absolutely do! That's one thing I love about writing fiction--I get to depict women who are not only strong physically (they can tackle trains) but emotionally as well.
Great question and thank you so much for recommending the books!
Kresley Cole
Hi Sheila, I don't really know how Nix came to be! She just came to me (with all the subtlety of a freight train) She's one of my favorite characters to write. Look for her in DARK SKYE--there's an entire chapter devoted to her and her future.
Thank you so much for your question, your kind words, and your readership!
Thank you so much for your question, your kind words, and your readership!
Kresley Cole
Hi Stephanie,
I really liked the original AC covers, but I'm also enjoying the new ones! I love the font & color schemes and the addition of the Arcana symbols (plus, some of the original art has been worked into the new covers, on the back flap). DEAD OF WINTER is even more symbolic than folks know--can't wait for everyone to read it!
Thank you for your question!
I really liked the original AC covers, but I'm also enjoying the new ones! I love the font & color schemes and the addition of the Arcana symbols (plus, some of the original art has been worked into the new covers, on the back flap). DEAD OF WINTER is even more symbolic than folks know--can't wait for everyone to read it!
Thank you for your question!
Kresley Cole
HI Hbeebti!
So happy you're enjoying the IAD series! Thronos and Lanthe first made an appearance in KISS OF A DEMON KING, which was released in 2009. She is Sabine's kid sister. I think readers connected with Lanthe back then, and became even more interested when she played a big role in DEMON FROM THE DARK (plus, the last time we saw her, a crazed Thronos was capturing her, dragging her away in a mine shaft that's about to collapse :)
Thank you for your question!
So happy you're enjoying the IAD series! Thronos and Lanthe first made an appearance in KISS OF A DEMON KING, which was released in 2009. She is Sabine's kid sister. I think readers connected with Lanthe back then, and became even more interested when she played a big role in DEMON FROM THE DARK (plus, the last time we saw her, a crazed Thronos was capturing her, dragging her away in a mine shaft that's about to collapse :)
Thank you for your question!
Kresley Cole
Hi Paloma!
My ideas come from all over the place--Dark Needs at Night's Edge was inspired by a music video!
I’ve come up with ideas while waiting in an airport or in traffic, or when exercising. I’ve even dreamed quite a few, waking in the middle of the night to scribble them down. I also like to just zone out, letting my thoughts flow as they may.
As for alpha heroes, I tend to combine various aspects, traits, and personalities of several guys into one. I love showing their alpha side, but also how they can become a more complete hero with the help and love of their heroine.
Favorite book? Hmm. Right now, I’d have to say DARK SKYE (August 5 release). I’m really happy with how it turned out, and my editor tells me it’s her favorite of all my books. Hopefully, you guys will agree :)
There are several very emotional scenes in DARK SKYE that I loved writing, including those depicting Lanthe & Thronos as children. One scene in particular brought tears to my eyes when I wrote it, and still does whenever I re-read it. Also, without giving away too much, there is an entire chapter devoted to Nix, which was just a blast to write!
Thank you for your questions!
My ideas come from all over the place--Dark Needs at Night's Edge was inspired by a music video!
I’ve come up with ideas while waiting in an airport or in traffic, or when exercising. I’ve even dreamed quite a few, waking in the middle of the night to scribble them down. I also like to just zone out, letting my thoughts flow as they may.
As for alpha heroes, I tend to combine various aspects, traits, and personalities of several guys into one. I love showing their alpha side, but also how they can become a more complete hero with the help and love of their heroine.
Favorite book? Hmm. Right now, I’d have to say DARK SKYE (August 5 release). I’m really happy with how it turned out, and my editor tells me it’s her favorite of all my books. Hopefully, you guys will agree :)
There are several very emotional scenes in DARK SKYE that I loved writing, including those depicting Lanthe & Thronos as children. One scene in particular brought tears to my eyes when I wrote it, and still does whenever I re-read it. Also, without giving away too much, there is an entire chapter devoted to Nix, which was just a blast to write!
Thank you for your questions!
Kresley Cole
Thank you so much, Molly! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed the MacCarrick series. Though I don't have any immediate plans to return to the historical genre, never say never! I have ideas, just no time... :)
Kresley Cole
Hi Ami!
For me, the biggest difference has been writing in first person vs. third. In my Immortals After Dark series, I love exploring the same scene from different POVs. In fact, I'll often revisit a previous scene in subsequent books. In the YAs I have to convey all the reactions through the narrator’s words, scope, and reactions.
As for the writing itself, I don’t think I made a conscious decision to change anything. Of course the love scenes aren’t as developed in the YAs, but I’ve tried pushing the boundaries in different areas, even pulling in some elements of horror.
Thank you for your question!
For me, the biggest difference has been writing in first person vs. third. In my Immortals After Dark series, I love exploring the same scene from different POVs. In fact, I'll often revisit a previous scene in subsequent books. In the YAs I have to convey all the reactions through the narrator’s words, scope, and reactions.
As for the writing itself, I don’t think I made a conscious decision to change anything. Of course the love scenes aren’t as developed in the YAs, but I’ve tried pushing the boundaries in different areas, even pulling in some elements of horror.
Thank you for your question!
Kresley Cole
Hi Habeebah,
I was inspired by my fascination with Tarot cards. When I found out they hadn't always been used for fortune telling, but were cards for an actual game, I wondered, "What if the cards were people, forced to play a real-life contest?" It grew from there :)
Thank you for your question!
I was inspired by my fascination with Tarot cards. When I found out they hadn't always been used for fortune telling, but were cards for an actual game, I wondered, "What if the cards were people, forced to play a real-life contest?" It grew from there :)
Thank you for your question!
Kresley Cole
Hi Calvicula-nox! Munro's book is up in the rotation soon. I can't wait to write his and Kereny's story! I'll post updates on the next IAD on GR and on FB, so please stay tuned. As for Heath MacRieve, forgive me, but I can't give anything away! ;)
Thank you for your questions!
Thank you for your questions!
Kresley Cole
Hi Arielle,
I'm so happy you're enjoying the IAD series and hope you like The Professional (warning STEAMY)!
I've had Nix's guy in mind for years! He's the only one I can see being able to handle her :) I would love to do more IAD books, but the length of a series like this all depends on reader support (posting reviews, word of mouth, pre-ordering) It's really up to you guys, but I'm ready if you are (I have a ton of stories plotted out)! Thank you for your questions!
I'm so happy you're enjoying the IAD series and hope you like The Professional (warning STEAMY)!
I've had Nix's guy in mind for years! He's the only one I can see being able to handle her :) I would love to do more IAD books, but the length of a series like this all depends on reader support (posting reviews, word of mouth, pre-ordering) It's really up to you guys, but I'm ready if you are (I have a ton of stories plotted out)! Thank you for your questions!
Kresley Cole
Hi Wandahost! I want to write Thad's story so bad. He would make such a sympathetic hero, and one different from the others in the IAD series. Plus the Ever Knowing should get her own book (though she gets lots of screen time in DARK SKYE (aug 5)! Thank you for letting me know you're enjoying the IAD! Reader support means everything for the life and longevity of a series! :)
Kresley Cole
Hi Lisa, thank you for your question! In Munro's book, there will be elements of time travel, and in Dark Skye we touch on it just a bit as well. Time travel is a very exciting premise! (P.S. Your English is light years ahead of my French :)
Kresley Cole
Hi Ren! I very much hope Kristoff will get his book. I'm dying to write his, and Thad's, and Munro's, and Cara's, and Nix's, and many more! How many books? That all depends on readers! With your support, hopefully, there will be several more :) Thank you for your question!
Kresley Cole
Hi Ramzi,
Well, unfortunately I haven't had much of that lately! I love to swim (but I usually have no idea what day it is, much less where to find my bathing suit!) and I enjoy watching TV (but I'm over 30 hours behind on my shows). I also love to see friends, so I'm thrilled I got to leave the house on our recent bus tour and RT convention (and BEA in NYC next week). I'm hoping it will slow down soon! Thank you for your question! :)
Well, unfortunately I haven't had much of that lately! I love to swim (but I usually have no idea what day it is, much less where to find my bathing suit!) and I enjoy watching TV (but I'm over 30 hours behind on my shows). I also love to see friends, so I'm thrilled I got to leave the house on our recent bus tour and RT convention (and BEA in NYC next week). I'm hoping it will slow down soon! Thank you for your question! :)
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