Welcome paranormal fiction author, Lynda Hilburn, to Love Romances & More. We are excited to have the opportunity to speak with you and learn more about your work. 

How long have you been writing; was it something you have always wanted to do? 

Thanks so much for having me! I appreciate the opportunity to tell you about myself and my book!  

I’ve been writing forever, but I only began concentrating on fiction about four years ago. Prior to that time, I wrote nonfiction: journals, long (hopefully humorous) letters to friends, articles, workbook/workshop materials, newspaper columns, and various academic papers. Writing was just something I did. I assumed that, at some point, I’d write a nonfiction book or two in one of my areas of interest. But discovering the world of paranormal fiction really changed everything. The realm of fiction publishing is very different from nonfiction publishing, and I was fascinated by it. I’d always had a keen imagination and tended to create stories in my mind, but it never occurred to me to write them down and try to sell them! What a reality shift! I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of selling my paranormal writing! 

What influenced you to get published? How long did it take you to get your first book published? 

I’m rather competitive. Mostly with myself. Once I realized an entire genre of fiction existed – paranormal romance – the idea of becoming an author (in addition to a reader) blossomed in my brain. I was so naïve, I didn’t even realize how many fiction writing organizations existed. Stumbling upon the romance writers community was like finding an unexpected chocolate (I love chocolate!) hiding in the corner of the box! I started writing THE VAMPIRE SHRINK – my first, full-length novel – in January, 2004 and I sold it (signed the contract) in December, 2006. In the meantime, I wrote 3 vampire short stories and a novella, which sold to epubs. 

What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing? 

I like to read paranormals, sing, take walks here in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, have long conversations in coffee shops, and do promo for my stories! 

Often a writer’s first book is the toughest to write. Was this true for you? If so, what helped you get through it? If it wasn’t the first, which one was the most difficult to write? The easiest? 

Probably because I didn’t know any better, the first project I wrote (THE VAMPIRE SHRINK) seemed to flow effortlessly. It took me a while to realize that I was writing a cross-genre book with romance elements (rather than a straight paranormal romance), so I often discarded chapters at the advice of my critique partners, because they didn’t realize I was blending genres, either. So, the writing process took a little longer in the beginning. I think it’s normal for a writer to lack confidence about her voice for a while, but it’s important to find that confidence as soon as possible! So far, the toughest thing I’ve written is the second book in my vampire psychologist series, DARK HARVEST. I seem to be in avoidance of finishing it, but my deadline is approaching, so I’ll have to get motivated. Maybe it’s the “second book” fear: will this one be as well-received as the first? I hope to write many books in this series, so I’ll have to do whatever it takes to toughen my skin! 

Do you usually outline your stories before you write, or do you "go with the flow"? 

I’m definitely a “seat of the pants” writer. I start with a character and then let the events unfold around her. Sometimes I wish I was an outliner, because my writer friends who outline seem to be much more organized than me! But that just doesn’t seem to be in my nature! 

Most authors are also avid readers. Is this the case with you? If so, who are some of your favorites? Have any influenced your writing? 

Definitely! I love reading. Reading has always been my retreat from the “real” world. Regarding fiction books, early influences were people like Tom Robbins (quirky, funny, magical realism), Carlos Castaneda’s surreal “anthropology” books and Richard Bach’s “Illusions.” At the same time, I was a rabid fan of all things vampire: Bram Stoker, Anne Rice and all the other authors who were categorized as “horror.” Later, I found many urban fantasy/paranormal romance writers I enjoy. 

Congratulations on your October release, THE VAMPIRE SHRINK, from Medallion Press. Readers and reviewers are raving about this vampire novel; could you tell us how this project came about? A teaser perhaps? 

Thank you! The idea for THE VAMPIRE SHRINK came from two events. I’m a psychotherapist and I often have “unusual” client issues emerge. A session with a client who wanted to join a group of nonhumans (not vampires) in their other world was followed by a phone call from a Midwestern mom, asking for referrals for her daughter. Seems the daughter (a Goth) was convinced she wanted to become a “real” vampire. The two, interesting situations caused me to wonder what it would be like if one of my clients pulled me into a paranormal/supernatural underworld. I went home, sat at the computer, and started typing!  

Here’s an excerpt where the two main characters (Psychologist Kismet Knight and ancient vampire Devereux) explore their attraction: 

He lifted one of my hands, brought it up to his mouth and kissed my palm with those incredibly soft lips. Even that small contact caused my heart to race and my libido to tap me on the shoulder. His lovely turquoise eyes sparkled, and he somehow managed to appear sexy, angelic, and dangerous all at the same time. 

“As I was saying about musical terms, vampires give off such a powerful energy or tone that everyone entrains with us. The vibrational song that emanates from us is stronger than any other, and so it overrides whatever was there before. And that is without our even looking at anyone. If we gaze into a human's eyes without holding back, it is a form of mind control. We are able to change your brain waves.” 

“Are you talking about hypnosis?” 

“It is much more similar to brainwashing than hypnosis because in hypnosis you are always free to choose.” 

I reached over and played with a lock of his hair. “So, you're saying the power of what you are is so strong that I'm pulled in whether I want to be pulled in or not?” 

“Exactly,” he said, with a quick nod. 

“And when you said your gaze wouldn't entrance me tonight, you meant you'd hold back?” 

“Yes.” 

I slid my index finger along his lower lip. “Then, does that mean my desire to kiss you is only there because you want me to kiss you? That you are irresistible to me because of that power and not because of anything I feel about you?” 

He flashed a dazzling smile. “I am pleased to hear I am irresistible to you, but no. I am old enough to be in total control of my power and I hold back with you always so that you can make your own decisions. You kiss me because you desire to kiss me.” 

I trailed my fingernail lightly over his cheek. “Show me the difference.” 

He raised his eyebrows. “What do you mean?” 

“Use your eyes. Turn on the full power. Let me have it. I want to know what you're talking about.” 

“Are you certain?” he asked, smiling mischievously. 

I nodded my head and stared into his eyes. 

I felt a wave of heat move through my body, my scalp tingled, and my eyelids got heavy. The next thing I knew, I was in his lap, my knees straddling his legs, with my arms wrapped around his neck, passionately kissing him. 

In my mind he sighed, “This is how it could be between us.” 

“Ahem.” 

I heard a sound from somewhere in the distance, but nothing was more important than kissing Devereux's soft, warm lips. Nothing mattered except keeping my body pressed against his. 

“Ahem. Kismet?” 

In slow motion, I turned toward the sound. There, at the end of the table, were three sets of eyes, staring at me. 

You have written books under the name Hera St. Aubyn, what influenced you to use a pseudonym for some of your writing? Could you tell us about these books? 

I used the name Hera St. Aubyn for books I considered “erotic paranormal romance.” I wasn’t sure how my clients would feel about their psychotherapist writing “hot” stories. Turns out, hardly any of them were interested in reading paranormals or, if they were interested, they thought my spicy stories were fun. But, now that I’ve read a lot more erotic paranormals, I have to say that Hera’s books are rather tame in comparison!! LOL! 

Your characters come to life in your books. Do you feel each of your characters live with you as you write? Do their lives sometimes take over a part of your life? Can you name an example? 

I might be in the minority here, but I believe all characters are aspects of the writer. Sometimes those characters are hidden: parts of the self the person wishes she was, or parts she’s afraid she is, aspects modeled on parents/family members, or parts that are repressed from her conscious awareness. Then there’s the “collective unconscious” idea, where all characteristics (past, present and future) are available to everyone. I really enjoy giving emotional depth to my characters, in addition to having them be articulate. Those are my favorite kinds of characters. I like all the individuals in my various stories, but Kismet is the closest to my heart, because she’s the most obviously like me in the present (except she’s younger, prettier, thinner and has a much more fun love life than I do!). My heroine in UNDEAD IN THE CITY (one of Hera’s books) is a musician named Tempest Moon. She’s a favorite because she’s acting out how things were back when I was a musician, except she takes no flack from anyone (unlike what happened to me!). 

Do you find it difficult at times to write love/sex scenes? 

I enjoy writing love scenes – emotion is my forte – but I’m often challenged by sex scenes. Writing intimacy is easy for me – but the physicality of the action is harder. I believe a sex scene has to be a natural part of the story, so I never add them if they aren’t the next, appropriate step for the characters. Like a lot of women, sex without emotion leaves me cold, so I’m always looking for new ways to deepen the emotional/physical connection between my characters. Sometimes, even coming up with the words for a sex scene can be difficult! LOL! 

Have you ever suffered from "writer’s block"? If so, what did you do to get past it? 

For me, writer’s block always has an underlying meaning. There is always something going on in my life/mind about what I’m writing that keeps me from putting the words on paper. I often have chunks of time where I’m unwilling to write. Since I know these times don’t happen separate from me – it isn’t just something that occurs without my participation – I’ve learned to allow whatever the pattern or issue is to emerge on its own. Usually it’s fear of some kind. I’ve noticed that since my first book came out October 1, I’ve been resisting writing. Definitely fear. Because I’m feeling drawn to write today, I’m assuming the biggest wave of fear has already crested, and I can get back to work! I just persevere! 

If you could write and be guaranteed publication of any genre of book, what would it be? 

I’m a paranormal fan. At this point, I’m so focused on paranormal, supernatural and expanded consciousness topics that I can’t imagine writing anything else. But in the future, I might explore writing a psychological thriller.  

Are you working on anything right now? Can you tell us a teaser about these projects? 

Yes! Thanks for asking. The second book in the Kismet Knight, Vampire Psychologist series is called DARK HARVEST. It will be released next October (2008). Here’s a blurb: 

Denver Psychologist Kismet Knight counsels vampires. Her life changed forever when she discovered a dark preternatural underworld, became involved with gorgeous, eight-centuries-old Devereux, the powerful leader of a vampire coven, and was forced to reconsider her notions of “reality.”  

Still adjusting to her new role as an expert on all things paranormal – as well as her unexpected notoriety, and new clientele – she schedules what she believes is simply another radio interview. She couldn’t be more mistaken. Not only does the radio host behave very strangely, but an ominous, on-air call turns Kismet’s world upside-down – again.  

Shortly thereafter, Maxie Westhaven, a tabloid newspaper reporter in search of a juicy story, befriends Kismet, leading her into a bizarre world of role players, lost souls and death. Enter Victoria Essex, Devereux’s building manager and resident witch, who discloses a startling secret of her own.  

Meanwhile, Luna, Devereux’s hostile, femme fatale personal assistant recognizes a perfect opportunity to throw a wrench into her boss’s blossoming relationship with the human psychologist and, to complicate matters further, Kismet’s old boyfriend, self-absorbed Psychologist Tom Radcliffe, shows up with his own outlandish request. 

Immortality, anyone? 

Any final advice to aspiring authors? 

Trust yourself. Study writing, learn about your chosen genre, network with other writers (join writing groups), find your unique voice and write, write, write!! Remember those sayings about all the “no” responses just bringing you closer to the “yes.” 

Thank you so much for spending time with us at Love Romances and More. We wish you the greatest success in all of your future endeavors. 

Thank you so much! It was a pleasure!