Interview with Donna Burgess

  • What genre do you write and why?
I write horror, dark urban fantasy and paranormal.  Lately, I’ve become interested in dystopian stories.   
  • Tell us abit about your book Darklands: A Vampire's Tale.
It’s a romance, a vampire story, a love-triangle and a tale of survival all rolled into one.  Susan, my main character, is a bit hard-hearted at the beginning, but she’s been through a lot.  She’s a kick-ass heroine who has a tough time admitting she has a heart. 
  • What is you target readership for this book?
Well, it’s probably not going to be a good read for teens (unless they sneak and get a copy), because of the sex and violence.  Other than that, I think anyone who enjoys good vampire stories will like this.  Although the relationships between the characters are important, it’s not a straight romance.  With that said, I think the book will appeal to both men and women.  There’s a lot of action, a lot of blood, and a touch of history, so maybe there’s something for all fans of dark urban fantasy and horror.
  • How did you research for this book?
Most of what I researched for this story centered around the World War II era in Europe to build the backstory for a couple of my prominent characters.  I didn’t use a lot of what I learned this time around, but I plan to revisit it later, in another Darklands book. I also know nothing about guns, and I mean nothing.  So, I had to research different types of guns and what kind of damage they can do.  Guns aren’t that vital to the story, but if I mentioned one, I wanted it to sound plausible.
  • Do you think your book is helped or hindered by the 'Twilight' craze of recent years?
I think all vampire books have benefited from Twilight.   I’m all for anything that will send readers to the bookstores (or book websites).  I have never read the books, but interest in vampires is there because of Twilight.  Personally, I prefer vamps from 30 Days of Night (but not so hideous), Poppy Brite’s Lost Souls or the early books of the Vampire Chronicles.  And of course, True Blood—you have to love those vampires! 
Actually, I think my book might benefit more from the True Blood craze—those fans are more along the lines of my target audience.
  • What other projects are you working on?
I’m working on an apocalyptic novel—but with hoards of vampires rather than zombies. I hope to have it finished by summer.
  • What do you do when you're not writing?
I also run the indie publisher Naked Snake Press, so I’m usually reading submissions.  I also enjoy surfing, exercising and just hanging out with my family.
  • Where can people find out more about you and your work?
They can visit my website http://donnaburgess.com or my Facebook profile http://www.facebook.com/ScaryDonna
  • Anything else you'd like to add?
I want to encourage readers to at least sample my book, which can be done through Kindle and Nook, of course, but also at my site, if you do not use an e-reader.
I also welcome feedback, suggestions, ideas, etc. 
Hit me at donnaburgess@live.com

 

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