Interview: Adrian Phoenix

NRR: Can you share with us how you got started in writing?

Adrian: Ever since I can remember, I’ve been writing—for family and friends and school assignments. I used to read my stories aloud to my sisters and once, in high school, my creative writing teacher had the drama department put on a soap opera spoof I’d written. I was floored—and blissfully happy! 

As a young adult I sold a few short stories, then got so busy raising my sons (as a single mom) that I had to put writing aside for a time. When I returned to it some years later, I sold another short story then, after attending a work shop on the Oregon coast taught by Dean Wesley Smith and Kristine Kathryn Rusch, I wrote A Rush of Wings.

I researched markets and agents and sent out queries, finally landing a top New York agent less than a year a later. A couple of months after that, I had a two-book offer from Pocket. Thrilled. Happy. Delirious. That doesn’t even begin to cover how I felt! Jumping up and down and shrieking like a little kid – that comes a little closer. LOL.

The main thing I’d advice any writer is persistence. Keep at it. Don’t give up. And follow your heart.

NRR: How were you inspired to write the Maker's Song series?

Adrian: I came up with Dante first and longed to tell his story (and he was inspired by music—Nine Inch Nails, in particular—then focused on developing the people around him—Heather, Lucien, and Von. Once I had my characters, the storyline started following into place. Some of it I discovered along the way as I wrote. 

NRR: What is your guilty pleasure?

Adrian: I’m totally addicted to America’s Next Top Model. It’s like crack to me. Don’t get me wrong, my fave show is Supernatural (I’m a Sam girl, but Dean ain’t no slouch either). But ANTM is like bubble gum for my mind. No thinking required, just sit back and stare. Pure crack. LOL.

NRR: In the Maker's Song series we get different character perspectives. Do you have a favorite character to write as?

Adrian: My favorites POVs to write from are Heather, Dante, Von, and Lucien. I think Heather and Dante’s POVs would be my first choices. I’ll admit, I loved writing from Elroy Jordan’s POV too in A Rush of Wings. It intrigued me to view the action and the characters through the eyes of a twisted serial killer. 

NRR: Dante is one of readers favorite sexy leading men. Who would you see playing his character?

Adrian: Thank you so much! Y’know, I think an unknown would have to play Dante. I can’t think of an actor who fits the bill. Brandon Lee’s body in The Crow would be perfect for Dante’s body, but I can’t imagine a known actor for the face or who could properly convey Dante’s attitude and sexy allure. I’d love to hear who your readers think could work as Dante.

NRR: Can you share with us a little bit about Etched in Bone (of course no spoilers)?

Adrian: Scout’s honor – no spoilers.

Determined to face the Fallen and the world on his own terms, Dante hopes to piece together his shattered past and claim his future, with FBI agent Heather Wallace at his side. But in Heather’s human family awaits an unexpected enemy, one who could force Dante to choose his darkest destiny—as the Great Destroyer . . . 

Son of a fallen angel. Forged in vampire’s blood. Sworn to a mortal woman. If Dante falls, the world falls with him. Three legacies etched in bone. One passion sworn in blood.

Here’s a link to the first two chapters of Etched in Bone: http://adrianphoenix.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/EIBsample4.pdf

NRR: What can fans expect to see from you next?

Adrian: On June 28th, the second book in my Hoodoo series hits the shelves: Black Heart Loa, then book five of The Maker’s Song, On Midnight Wings, will follow. With more Maker’s Song and Hoodoo books after that.

Thank you for joining us!

Adrian: Thanks so much for having me! It was a true pleasure being here with you and your readers!