Author Interview: Kristen Painter

Today I'd like to welcome Kristen Painter, author of the House of Comarré series from Orbit. The second book in the series, Flesh and Blood just released this past Tuesday (October 25th) and I can't wait to read it after enjoying book one so much. You can see my review of Blood Rights here.

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Sara: How would you describe the House of Comarré series, for readers who haven’t heard of it before?

Kristen: I always tell people it’s like Underworld meets Memoirs of a Geisha. If you haven’t seen either of those movies, think vampires that don’t sparkle with blood slaves and a bunch of other creatures.

Sara: How would you describe each of your main characters in three words?

Kristen: Mal –- dark, dangerous, tortured
Chrysabelle –- scared, learning, vulnerable

Sara: Do you have a favorite character to write? Is there a character that’s a bit harder than the rest to write?

Kristen: Chrysabelle is my hardest character to write because she’s the most unlike me. She’s trying to find her place in the world, struggling to come to terms with all the changes in her life. A lot of things are brand new for her and she has a lot of baggage to either deal with or leave behind.

Sara: What sets your series apart from the rest of the Urban Fantasy genre?

Kristen: I’m not sure I’m the right one to answer that question as I’ve purposefully tried not be influenced by the work of other authors while creating this series, which basically means I haven’t read much in the UF genre for awhile. It’s tough because there are so many good books out there!

Sara: How many more novels set in Chrysabelle’s world can we look forward to?

Kristen: There will be five in total in the House of Comarré series. I’m working on book five, Last Blood, right now.

Sara: If Chrysabelle could work together with any Urban Fantasy hero or heroine, who would you want her to work with?

Kristen: I think my hero, Mal, would have something to say about this. As in, like hell that’s going to happen. Therefore I feel it’s in my best interest not to answer this question since I need him to cooperate with me a little while longer.

Sara: Tell us a little about your writing process. Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Kristen: I’m mostly a pantser. I tend to know my beginnings, some things that happen in the middle and have a general sense of the end. Whatever else happens is just the fun of writing. Without those little discoveries, I’d probably get bored and read all day.

Sara: Do you have any other projects in the works? Are there any genres you’d like to branch out to in the future?

Kristen: The only project I’m working on at the moment is book five in the series, Last Blood. As for other genres, I’d love to get into writing comics or graphic novels.

Sara: What are your influences both in and out of Urban Fantasy?

Kristen: Too many to name! Everything from movies to art to comics to games. I just love the strange and interesting.

Sara: What are you currently reading?

Kristen: The ARC of Shadow Ops: Control Point by Myke Cole. I don’t usually read military fantasy, but I forced Myke to promise to send me an ARC at Comic Con –- which he did –- so I’m happily reading it!

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Thanks again for stopping by, Kristen! And for readers who want to learn more about Kristen or the series, there is a chat tonight at 9pm. I've heard there will be books given away at this chat, so you should definitely check it out. Here are the details:

WHAT: Chat with Kristen Painter
WHEN: Thursday, October 27th at 9pm ET
WHERE: TKA Chatroom
HOW: Enter any combination of username and password to enter

Title: Flesh and Blood
Author: Kristen Painter
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 10/25/11
Summary:

With the ring of sorrows still missing, and the covenant between othernaturals and mortals broken, Chrysabelle and Malkolm's problems are just beginning. Chrysabelle still owes Malkolm for his help, but fulfilling that debt means returning to Corvinestri, the hidden vampire city neither of them is welcome in.

The discovery that Chrysabelle has a brother could mean reneging on her promise to Malkolm, something that might make him angry enough to loose the beast living inside him. And fulfilling her vow could prove devastating for Chrysabelle -- especially when you throw in power hungry witches, dead fringe vampires, and the Kubai Mata.

And don't forget, Bad Blood comes out next month! I know I can't wait!

Title: Bad Blood
Author: Kristen Painter
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 12/22/11
Summary:

Samhain approaches, bringing with it the final melding of the mortal and othernatural worlds. No one knows just how much power the night holds...

Violent murders occur in Paradise City as counterfeit comarré are systematically hunted. The police and the Kubai Mata have more than enough trouble to keep themselves occupied. As war erupts at home, Malkolm and Chrysabelle head to New Orleans to recover the Ring of Sorrows. Chrysabelle is forced to make a life and death decision and will realize that her relationship to Malkolm may have fatal consequences.

The clock is ticking...