Authorpalooza Day 7 - Guest Author: Candace Havens

Welcome the one and only:

 Candace Havens

To the first annual

Authorpalooza 2010 

How long have you been writing?

I've been writing fiction for about six years. But I've been a journalist for 20 years.

How thrilled were you when you heard your first book was going to be published?

More than once I asked my agent, "Are you sure?" I didn't believe it was real until I had the contract in hand. I don't think I'd ever been more excited about anything in my life.

What's one day in the life of Candace Havens like?

It's always a little crazy around here. I have three jobs, so the days vary. I'm a TV critic for print, so I write three columns a week. I'm a film critic for radio so several hours a week are devoted to that. Then there are the books. My days run from about 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. sometimes longer, seven days a week.

Do you have a current project you’re working on or something you plan to begin soon?

I'm working on two projects right now. I just finished the first draft of my next Blaze, "She Who Dares, Wins." And right now I'm working on revisions for a YA my agent wants to shop. Then I'll go back to the Blaze. I have three of them due this year, so there won't be any down time.

In your opinion, what is the most difficult part of being a published author?

Remembering it's a business, and trying not to take it too personal. Why does that author get this, and I only get that? That stuff will drive you crazy if you let it.

What’s the most rewarding?

Honestly, two things. One every time I finish a book it feels like a major accomplishment. But the VERY best thing are the fan letters from readers. I save every single one of them.

If you could co-author a book with any of your fellow authors or anyone from anywhere, who would you choose and why?

Wow. That's a tough one. My two best buds, Rosemary Clement Moore and Shannon Canard, would probably be the ones. We already have a great concept, it's someone having enough time to actually get the writing done.

Describe your writing process.

I teach a class called Fast Draft and that's how I write the first draft. Usually in about two weeks. Then I go back and revise.

What is the most interesting place you’ve ever visited?

Wow! I've been lots of cool places. I couldn't pick one.




What can we expect to see from you in the near future?

I have three Blazes out in 2011, in May, June and November.


Which one is easier? Interviewing someone or being interviewed?

That is funny. I've been interviewing for so long that it's easier for me to ask the questions.

Of all the people you've interviewed, who's the one you enjoyed interviewing the most?

I have some long time favorites, who I've been talking to for years. Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Kristen Chenowith and Bill Lawrence, who did Scrubs and now Cougar Town. I like people who make me laugh and they all do.

Which film are you working on now for review?

I have three this week, Bounty Hunter, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Repo Men.

Who's the one person you wish you can meet and interview?

Hmmm. I've talked to just about everyone I could ever want to. Maybe Michele Obama. I think she's a cool chick and I'd like to ask her pop culture questions like her favorite films and books to read.

Is it hard working two very demanding careers as reviewer/interviewer and an author?

Yes. I'm also in Grad school right now, so it doesn't feel like my life is my own. There is ALWAYS something to do.

What is the one thing that always relaxes you?

A massage.


Thank you Candace for letting me interview you!
 

Check out a few of Candace Havens Novels posted below.

Charmed and Dangerous: Bronwyn The Witch #1

When Bronwyn turned twenty she took the oath to protect, and for the last five years she's kept that promise, working as a kind of one-witch secret service to the British Prime Minister. Her arsenal includes a combination of potions, spells, explosions, mind-reading tricks, and general butt-kicking skills. But Bronwyn has a soft side, too-especially when it comes to Dr. Sam, the favorite physician of her new hometown, Sweet, Texas. He's smart, funny, adorable, everything she could want in a man. Except he's also a warlock-a big no-no in Bronwyn's book of dating. Being a witch is definitely getting in the way of her sex life. If zapping evil jerks is easy, why is finding a boyfriend so hard?

Charmed and Ready: Bronwyn The Witch #2

After spending most of her life single-practically an occupational hazard for a witch-Bronwyn's finally found a sexy warlock to love. But it's going to take more than a few love spells to keep him from getting jealous about her latest gig-protecting a rock star named Zane from the creepy Goth guys in cloaks who keep showing up at his concerts and zapping his mojo. Bronwyn would like nothing better than to blow them up in an inferno of Love That Red smoke, but they're proving elusive. And in the meantime-what girl wouldn't want to hang with the hottest man in music?

Charmed and Deadly: Bronwyn The Witch #3


Bronwyn is back...but so is her evil ex-boyfriend.

Bronwyn is used to making enemies-when you dedicate your life to ridding the world of evil magic dudes and dudettes, it can happen. So when she first realizes that an attempted hit on the Prime Minister was really for her, it's just "same spell, different day." But then something about this hex reminds Bronwyn an awful lot of an ex-Jason Gladstone, who was her college sweetheart until he tied her up and tried to drain her of her powers. Talk about a date from hell.

And Candace Haven's latest release:

Take me if you Dare Stonegate Investigative Agency


We have what you need...

For Mariska Stonegate, the gorgeous guy she's now met is everything she's looking for in a man--hot, hot and...oh, right. Hot. And just because every pore of his body screams danger and sex doesn't mean she's getting herself into too much trouble....

But Mr. Thomas isn't who he says he is. In fact, his real name is Jackson--no last names, please--and he's a burned CIA agent on the run. And he'll do just about anything to stay alive...including seducing Mariska one hot, steamy night at a time!

Dangerous times call for sexy measures...

Don't forget to stop by and leave some comment love and/or questions for Candace Havens below for your chance to win something special!

Candace is giving away two copies of "Take Me if you Dare" and one ten dollar Amazon.com giftcard.

To win just tweet a message using hashtag #Authorpalooza2010 with a link of this post. You can also post this on other social networks i.e. facebook, blogs, etc.. Just remember to leave a link in the comment section below.

And answer the following question...

If you can meet and interview one person (dead or alive)  ...who would it be and what would be one of the question(s) you would ask?

Don't forget to check out my post for your chance to enter to win one of many awesome book giveaways and of course one special hot grand prize gift pack here.