Nina Bangs brings supernatural and paranormal creatures to life in her books. We had to catch up to this interesting author that delivers strong sexy men to her books. We asked, she answered.
Is there any geographical area in Texas which can be found more predominantly in your works? I find it easier to write about a familiar area. I live near Galveston, so it made sense to set my Castle of Dark Dreams series there. Besides, Galveston has mild winters that make it a perfect setting for a theme park that remains open year-round.
Texas: State, state of mind, or state of being? Texas is definitely a state of mind. Hey, we’ve all heard that everything is bigger in Texas. I’ve taken that to heart and created nonhuman characters that definitely stretch the limits of the imagination.
After you died, if you were given the option to come back as any native Texas Critter which would it be? Why? I wouldn’t mind coming back as the Texas state bird, the mockingbird. I’ve always had a weakness for this particular bird. I love its song and its spunk. Besides, I’ve always wanted to fly.
What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer? The road to publication is a marathon, not a sprint. Read books by the authors you admire, join writers’ organizations, and write, write, write. Perseverance and a willingness to adapt are as important as talent in the writing business.
How personal is your writing? I love the characters I create, but they’re not me. They’re more interesting and exciting than I could ever hope to be. But I do love being a part of their lives, even for a short time.
What makes your writing routine different from that of the other authors you know? I’d love to tell you that I sit down and write methodically for eight hours each day. I don’t. The sad truth is that I have no routine. Worse yet, I’m easily distracted—social networks are evil—and a procrastinator. I’d much rather read someone else’s book than sweat blood over my own. None of these are admirable traits. I’m definitely not a role model for anyone who hopes to become a published author. Fortunately, many of my writer friends share the same bad habits. That said, we all manage to finish book after book, and that’s always the bottom line.
If you could have dinner with one person from Texas, dead or alive, who would it be? Why? I’d love to have dinner with Gene Roddenberry. Why? He created the Star Trek series. Now cool is that? One of the regrets in my life is that I was born too soon. I’ll never have the chance “to boldly go where no man has gone before.”
Are there any occupational hazards to being a novelist? You had to ask. Writers sit a lot, for long periods of time. Let’s just say that I’ve built up unwanted padding to cushion me from the chair seat.
What about if you were given the option to come back as a supernatural creature, what would you pick? What would your spouse be? Vampires might be sensual, but I wouldn’t want to exist on blood. Ugh. And werewolves have a taste for raw meat. Double ugh. I think that I’d enjoy being one of the sidhe. They’re beautiful, practically immortal, and seem to lead a fairly carefree life. I don’t remember ever reading about a fairy who had to trudge off to a day at the office. My husband would also be one of the sidhe. Who wouldn’t want a mate who was gorgeous, powerful and immortal? Of course, fairies aren’t always the nicest people, but the positives seem to outweigh the negatives.
How about dinner with any supernatural creature, who would you pick and why? I’d love to have dinner with an ancient vampire as long as I wasn’t the main course. We could talk about the past, and I could learn the truth about history from someone who lived through it.
What was your favorite spooky movie when you were growing up? I didn’t have a favorite spooky movie. They terrified me. It’s ironic considering what I write now.
Silver bullets are to werewolves as deadlines are to me. I miss one and I’m dead.
Blood is to vampires as ice cream is to me. Okay, so maybe I don’t need ice cream to survive, but without it my quality of life would take a nose dive.
Who would make a perfect kisser? Vampire, werewolf, mummy, ghost, warlock or any other variation you’d like to name. And why? A mummy? Really? Ew. Since I haven’t done any random sampling, I’ll have to take a wild guess. I’ve read too many paranormal romances and watched too many TV shows (Ian Somerhalder as Damon on The Vampire Diaries, cough, cough) to choose anything but a vampire. Their reputations as sensual, powerful and immortal bad boys seal the deal. When you’ve had centuries to perfect your technique, you have to be good, right?
Thank you to Nina Bangs for taking a few moments out to answer some questions. Find out more on her website.
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