Interview With Colleen Gleason
As an avid reader I am always on the lookout for new authors, so I was thrilled when I stumbled across Colleen Gleason's blog playing Thursday Thirteen (she is on TT # 25). Colleen has graciously given me an interview.
Colleen could you tell me a little about yourself?
I'm a wife and mother of three, and I live in Michigan. I've always been a bookworm, and I loved Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden and other mystery series when I was growing up...but the things I liked most about them were the understated romances. I read Phyllis A Whitney and Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer and other historical romances, too, and that love of romance and history has found a place in the books I like to read...and write.
When I'm not writing, I love to cook, garden, hang out with the family, watch movies, and nap.
How did you get started writing?I don't remember a time when I wasn't writing. Even in elementary school, my teachers (and my proud mama) would talk about my stories. I wrote all through middle school, high school, college...through my getting married, getting my graduate degree, having three children, and working a full-time, demanding job. I pretty much gave up TV in the evenings and that became my writing time--to this day, writing in the late afternoon and evening is easier for me!
I wrote eight books before my ninth book sold and became the first in the Gardella Vampire Chronicles. Since then, I've been contracted to write a total of four Gardella books and two other unrelated historical novels.
Please tell us about the Gardella Vampire Chronicles.
The Gardella Vampire Chronicles are about a young woman in 19th Century England who finds out that she is the next in a long family line of vampire hunters. She has to make decisions about how (if) to balance the two sides of her life--and makes mistakes, some of them grave, along the way.
The Rest Falls Away is the first in the series about Victoria Gardella Grantworth, and there are five planned books total. The second book, Rises the Night, will be released in June.
Many people have recognized my inspiration of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and indeed, Joss Whedon's character did have some influence on my decision to write about a female "superhero" set in historical times, but there are many things that make Victoria different than Buffy--the least of which is that she's not the only slayer, and that she's not a reluctant heroine. That, however, is part of her flaw as she embraces her new challenge--not to mention where she's going to hide her stake in the frothy gown she wears!
I love frothy gowns but I imagine they pose quite a challenge for a vampire slayer.
What age group would the books be appropriate for?
If the book were a movie, it would be rated R. There is some sex and violence in the book, but it's not anything worse that would be seen in an R-rated movie. I know of readers as young as 14 who've read the book, but it wouldn't be right for every reader that young. Depends on the reader.
Where can we purchase the book?
The book can be purchased through any major bookseller in the US, and also via Amazon.com, and also in Canada and Australia. I'm not sure if it's in bookstores in the UK, however.
Are there lesson plans available?
Not at this time, but if an instructor contacted me, I'd be more than happy to work something up.
What inspired you to write this series, a favorite author, TV show etc.
Well, Buffy of course...and also Alias, the series about a woman who has to keep her crime-fighting identity separate from the other "normal" part of her life. And Jane Austen...I'm a big sucker for ballgowns and soirees and dance cards and beaux.
When will the second book in the series be released?
Rises the Night comes out in June, and The Bleeding Dusk will be released in February 2008.
I am eager to read them. I have already added them to my book list. Which keeps getting longer darn it. I need a maid & cook so I can devote my days to reading, then maybe I could catch up.
Is there anything else you would like to mention?
Just thank you for the opportunity to appear on your blog! I love to hear from readers, and if your readers have questions about my books, or writing, or anything, they can feel free to ask in the comments here and I'll stick around all day to answer them!
You are very welcome Colleen, and I appreciate your being available to answer questions.
You can also visit Colleen's website or her blog for more information. Below you will find the trailer for The Rest Falls Away.
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