About the Author:
Award-winning author Cynthia Eden writes paranormal romances and romantic suspense novels.
Cynthia graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Alabama where she studied Sociology and Communication. She has worked as a college admissions counselor, a teacher and editor. But now, Cynthia is thrilled to be spending her days making up stories.
About the Book: Deadly Fear
FBI Special Agent Monica Davenport has made a career out of profiling serial killers. But getting inside the twisted minds of the cruel and the sadistic has taken its toll: She’s walled herself off from the world. Yet Monica can’t ignore fellow agent Luke Dante, the only man who ever broke through her defenses.
Luke has the unique ability to put victims at ease… and professionally, he and Monica made a perfect team. Now they’re reunited to catch a murderer who uses his victims’ deepest, darkest fears for sport - but their investigative skills aren’t enough. Luke and Monica will have to face the secrets from their past, the ones that terrify them the most, if they are to have a future together. But can they catch a killer whose weapon is…DEADLY FEAR?
Interview:
Hi, Cynthia! Tell us a little bit about your new Deadly Series! What inspired Deadly Fear?
Hi, Julia! Thanks so much for interviewing me!
DEADLY FEAR was inspired, quite simply, by fear. One day, I was thinking about all the different fears that people have, and I thought…what if a killer turned those fears into reality for his victims?
And my story was born. Of course, after that moment of inspiration, I then had to figure out just who would be catching and stopping the killer. Lucky for me, that’s when the SSD (my Serial Services Division of the FBI) was born.
Were any of your characters a particular challenge for you?
My heroine, FBI profiler Monica Davenport, was the most challenging character to write. Monica is one of the strongest heroines I’ve ever written; however, in some ways, she is also one of the most damaged. She has very dark places in her soul, but she does her best to push that darkness away even as she slides into the minds of killers.
What kind of research did you put into Deadly Fear?
DEADLY FEAR was a very research intensive story—and I loved that. I read dozens of books—crime scene analysis books, profiling books, FBI investigation books, etc. I also spent a great deal of time on the Internet. You can pretty much discover anything on the Internet. I’m also lucky because one of my very good friends is a psychologist. When I have questions about psychological disorders, she is my go-to-girl.
What is your favorite aspect of writing in the Romantic Suspense genre?
I actually have two favorite aspects. First, I like the darkness that can be found in romantic suspense stories. Readers don’t go into these stories expecting a light-hearted romp, so an author can push deeper and let the characters walk on a more dangerous path. And my second favorite aspect? I like the twists that can be included in RS stories. I’ve always been a fan of twists.
Are there any particular songs you would include in a soundtrack for Deadly Fear?
LOL, yes, I’d include “Bad Moon Rising.” DEADLY FEAR is set in the very Deep South, and the song seems to flow so well with that background…and with the killer that is waiting in the southern town.
What scene do you favor most and could never cut in Deadly Fear?
The prologue is definitely the one I favor. Those first few pages set the tone for the book—those pages created my characters. Without that…well, the story just wouldn’t be the same.
Are your characters inspired by those you have met in real life?
The characters in DEADLY FEAR were just inspired by my imagination. Though I sure wouldn’t mind meeting a real-life guy like my hero, Special Agent Luke Dante. That would just be fun.
How do your interests influence your writing?
I often incorporate my interests into my writing. My characters will share some of my hobbies or my favorite travel locations will appear in my books. I think including these aspects personalizes the books for me.
Have you ever considered dipping into another genre, other than romance?
Yes. One day, I’d love to write a straight horror novel. For me, it goes back to the fear. Fear is such a powerful emotion, and in a horror novel, I’d be able to crank up the fear appeal. And, of course, I’ve always rather liked monsters. I’ve got a bit of a horror-movie addiction, so the horror writing genre tempts me.
Any books that stand out from your childhood that you absolutely loved?
When I was a teen, I read Christopher Pike’s REMEMBER ME. In that story, a girl’s ghost comes back to find her murderer. Great book—and one that hooked me on both suspense and the paranormal.
Do you have a favorite type of hero and heroine?
When it comes to the hero, I like him strong, smart, and sexy. And for my heroine—I want her the same way. The stronger the characters are, the more they appeal to me. Besides, with all the drama that I put my characters through over the course of my stories, they have to be strong!
Can you tell us about the next book in the Deadly Series?
Certainly! The second Deadly book is DEADLY HEAT, and it will be out in February of 2011. In this book, FBI Special Agent Kenton Lake goes on the hunt for a serial arsonist who is lighting the night in Virginia. When Kenton teams up with a female firefighter, he never expects the fierce attraction that flares between them…and he also never expects to find himself surrounded by the arsonist’s fire.
Any other works in progress that you're excited about?
I also write paranormal romance novels for Kensington Brava, and I recently finished a book for them that will feature a fallen angel hero and a vampire heroine. The hero is the Fallen Angel of Death, and if he wants to regain his wings, well, he has to kill the heroine.
Thanks, Cynthia, for stopping by and taking the time to answer my questions! :)
My pleasure! Thank you!
Find Cynthia:
Contest Time!
3 Copies of Deadly Fear
How to Enter:
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Rules:
-Ends August 18, 2010
-48 hours to get back to me
-US & Canada residents only (Sorry!)
-Book provided & delivered directly from publisher
-GOOD LUCK & HAVE FUN :)This contest has been closed and the comments have been disabled.
Thank you to all that participated!
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