Michele Hauf Interview & Giveaway

Today we are pleased to Michele Hauf with us.

Could you please tell us a little about yourself and the books you write?

Well, as usual, I always feel I'm much more boring than any of my stories. Maybe that's why I write? I live in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, and love to write, play guitar once in a while, and like chocolate covered almonds and cats (but not chocolate covered; the cats, I mean). Currently, the books I write are usually para-rom, featuring vampires, werewolves, faeries, etc. I love writing in the paranormal realm, because even though they are set in the real world, I like that added 'supernatural' feature.

Your newest release is Seducing a Vampire, what can you tell us about it?

It is the first book I've written with a half breed hero. Rhys Hawkes is half vampire, half werewolf. In my world, those two breeds are usually at each others' necks, so it was interesting to combine them in one man and see what comes of it. It gets messy, let me tell you. :-) This story is also set partially in historical times (I love writing historicals!) so I got to play with the fashions and society of the times. It basically comes down to a man who has lost his one true love, but suddenly learns she could be alive. What lengths will he go to to find her? And if he does, can they ever have what they once had?

In May you have Forever Vampire coming out, what can you tell us about it?

Well, I can say (with no offense to Rhys Hawkes) that the hero of Forever Vampire is by far, my favorite. I can't wait for readers to get their hands on this story. Vaillant (hero) is a vampire who grew up in Faery. Can you imagine? And that's all I'll tell for now, since Rhys needs to be the star for a bit. ;-)

Your novels always have some very interesting characters, do you have a favorite?

See above. But also, my favorite werewolf would have to be Severo (Moon Kissed). If readers haven't read those stories, and are curious, I'd like to invite them to check out my newest website, Club Scarlet, which is actually a place to find out information on all my characters in my Beautiful Creatures world. You can learn what stories they are in, and if they appear in any other stories. If you like vampires, you can search by vampires (or any other creature). If they have children, you can find out if they have their own stories. And there's lots more, so do go check it out! http://www.clubscarlet.michelehauf.com/ 

What is it about vampires that attracts you to them and makes you write about them?

The dark, broody stranger motif, for sure. The promise of everlasting life, but with the sacrifice of drinking blood. I find the vampire tragic, yet strong. Beastly, yet beautiful. Ancient, yet everlasting. All those opposites make for a compelling being.

If you had to choose between a vampire, shapeshifter, or human lover who would you choose and why?

Dude, I don't do bites. ;-) Just sayin'. A shapeshifter, I think, would freak the heck out of me. So I think I'll stick with humans (I have a very handsome one, actually), and leave the others for fiction.

When did you know you wanted to be an author? Were your family and friends supportive?

I've always told myself stories in my head. Long, elaborate concoctions that would last for days or weeks whenever I'd find myself daydreaming. I didn't actually set out to write one of those stories down until after my second child was born, and I had maternity leave and needed something to keep my occupied. I didn't tell my family while I was writing that first book, until after I had sold it. They were surprised (oddly, my family is not populated with readers), but now they are very supportive.

What is next for you? Anything you can share with us about your Work in Progress (WIP)?

I'm currently working on The Werewolf's Wife, which is Ridge and Abigail's story (they showed up in Her Vampire Husband). He's a werewolf and she's a witch. I can reveal a secret: they had a quickie marriage in Vegas years ago that both have forgotten about since then. But there are many more secrets to be revealed... :-)

Michele is giving away a copy of SEDUCING THE VAMPIRE and ROGUE ANGEL: THE BONE CONJURER to a winner. Please leave Michele a question to be entered. Contest ends January 9th at 11:59pm EST and the winner will be announced on January 10th.