Today on Finding Fiction Friday, I have the distinct privilege of interviewing Denysé Bridger. Denysé is one of the more prolific writers I know, and has been recognized for her achievements more than once. Plus, she is just an awesome person.
Denysé
has been signed with over a dozen publishing houses, winning the prestigious
title of Best Author of 2012 from the Predators and Editors site. The
best-selling author has been nominated for and won numerous awards. Never
confined to one genre, she writes in many and has garnered a loyal audience
over the past decade.
How
did you get started writing?
I’ve told this story a few times but it seems
to entertain, so here we go. I fell into writing in an offbeat way over 30
years ago. I was fed up to the eyes with the way my favourite television show
was progressing, so I decided to write my own story for it. I’d never heard of
fan fiction at that time, but I did decide to send it off to Hollywood
We
know what your bio says. Tell us one
thing about yourself that you think might surprise us.
Most
people find it hard to believe two things about me – my age, and then my
shyness. I’ve learned to push myself to be out-going because it’s so necessary
in this line of work, but I’m painfully shy, and it frequently scares me into a
panic to have to be so public for the work.
Do
you remember what it was like, the feeling you had when you learned you were
being published for the first time?
It
was exciting, but also totally shocking to me because I’d entered a writing
contest at the very last minute, and never expected to win. I had decided not
to enter this thing, I don’t like writing competition at all. But, 48 hours
before deadline, the idea fell into my mind and wouldn’t let go – I wrote 13K
in less than 24 hours, edited it the following day, got it proofread, then sent
it in hours before the deadline. Three weeks later, the email came... I haven’t
stopped since.
You’ve
been a pretty prolific writer. What
genres have you covered, and is there one in particular you haven’t tried yet
that you’d like to?
At
the moment, I can’t think of a genre I’m drawn to but haven’t written, even in
a small way. At the moment, according to my website, I’ve covered: Action, Adventure,
BDSM / Dom's, Contemporary, Dark Fantasy, Erotic, Fairytale, Fantasy, Greek
Mythology, Historical, Historical Western, Holiday, Horror, Ménage, Mystery, Non-Erotic,
Paranormal, Pirate, Romance, Sensual, Suspense, Thriller, Vampire, Victorian
Mystery, Voyeurism, Western...
Of
the books you have written, do you have a particular favorite?
I
have a couple that I think are better than others, but if I was pushed to
really pick a favourite, it would be the two that are The Devane Files. They’re
Victorian era mysteries, with a sensual romance running through them. The hero,
Police Inspector Michael Devane is a clairvoyant opium abuser, and a very
unorthodox investigator who’s haunted by the Ripper murders. He was part of H
Division.
“Out
of the Past” seems to have gotten a bit of attention lately, especially for
that stunning cover. Can you tell us a
bit about that story, and the cover as well, how that cover was put together?
The
novel is one of the rare ones I’ve done in recent years. It is three very unique
stories that are all wholly a part of a bigger picture. Each one is independent
when you begin reading, but by the end of the book, they’ve merged and each
dovetails seamlessly to form the last section of the novel. If any of the three
stories were removed or altered, the novel would fall apart, so it was a real
challenge. The cover is Kayden McLeod’s genius. All I did was pick an image
from some she’d sent – and I chose the lady in red... the rest... Kayden’s
vision.
I think it’s very cool that the cover
has won contests, and has gained so much attention for Kayden’s work.
What
else do you have cooking in that brain for the future?
*laughing* At
the moment, I’m still working on getting 2012 projects done, but in a nutshell,
I have a genie story almost ready, four stories committed to Ellora’s Cave,
three coming from New Dawning before year’s end, my next release with Noble
Romance is an erotic historical western called Champagne and Chocolate. That
doesn’t even begin to cover the three new novels that are plotted and waiting,
and one very special novella inspired by a wonderful friend who’s a model. Just
for starters... J
What
about being published and the book industry in general has most surprised you?
Sadly,
there are many things that have proven to be very discouraging and
disillusioning about the publishing industry. The blatant lack of
professionalism is an issue I have a difficult time with on a daily basis.
Computers have made almost everyone think they’re writers, and the truth is,
many who publish are NOT writers that would have ever been published 25 years
ago. The standard has declined radically with the emergence of quick and easy
internet publishing.
Then there is the new breed of author
who is wholly preoccupied with themselves and shows no respect or support for
other authors. Forums and sites devoted to trashing your peers and your
publishers, all in the name of informing the unsuspecting and innocent are just
bullshit in my opinion. Here again we have the lack of professionalism and
respect. What happened to showing a little sense, and directing your business
issues to the people involved, not bitching on the internet? Career suicide
seems to be afflicting many these days.
It’s professional and only good
manners to actually READ what a publisher wants before you submit, and then
submit it in the correct format. All of this marks you as a professional who
cares. (Ending my rant here, or I’ll go on for paragraphs...)
What
other things besides writing do you have going on that keep you busy?
I’m
a full-time care-giver, too, so my days are very full. When I have rare down
time, I like to watch old shows, read a lot, philosophy at the moment. I bake,
and I love to walk in the local park.
To
close the interview, I have ten questions for you, plus one. Here they go!
What
is your favorite word? Love
What
is your least favorite word? Hate
What
turns you on? Intelligence
What
turns you off? Ignorance
What
sound or noise do you love? Laughter
What
sound or noise do you hate? Loud car stereos
What
is your favorite curse word? Shit!
What
profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Architectural Design
What
profession would you not like to do? Nurse
If
heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly
gates? Welcome home.
What
question have you never been asked, that you wish someone would ask you? If you were told tomorrow was the last day
you had to live, and you could spend it any way you wanted–what would you do
with that final day? Answer: I’d
spend the day at a cabin in the mountains, by a lake, with someone who
challenges me and makes me feel like life really is an incredible gift that is
more beautiful when it’s shared with a person who wants nothing more than to be
with you. And this is not necessarily a lover, obviously.
Denyse,
thanks so much for spending time with us.
Can you let us know where to follow you, and where we can go to purchase
your work?
Thank you so much
for having me as your guest, Aaron. I’m everywhere, but the main sites are:
Since I publish with ten
publishers currently, the best place to find my work is to check out my books
page on my website: http://denysebridger.com/booksV2.php
Pictured books:
Bella Signorina:
The
Devane Files: Out of Hell:
The
Devane Files: An Unspoken Betrayal:
Out
of the Past: eBook:
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Rudy and Trish are the main characters in our two published short stories in the "Evernight: Romance in a World of Darkness" anthologies. You can get to know them as well as get 23 other great stories! Here's where you can find them:
Thank you so much for inviting me to be your guest today, Aaron. If anyone has any questions or comments, I'll be checking in several times.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day and thank you for stopping by to visit me here!!
Hugs, Denyse
Another lovely and informative interview. Denyse is one of my favorite authors (with Out of the Past at the top of my list).
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Diane. I've read a few of yours that were pretty awesome, too!! Nice to see you, and thanks for dropping in. :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent interview Aaron! Denyse...you already know how I feel about you and your books. Much love sweets!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nikki. And thanks for coming by and sharing the love, babes. You're the best. Love you, too.
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