What inspired you to become an author?
A driving need to commit my thoughts to paper.
To be honest, I never thought I’d be an author. Yet, I had stories in my head that I was constantly daydreaming about. Sometimes I would stay up late at night, reciting my stories to my husband. He listened intently, fascinated at my imagination. Still, it never occurred to me that I’d actually write any of the stories. One day, my thoughts were driving me crazy and I HAD to write them down. I hastily penned the first ten pages of my first novel, Sierra. (I still have them and they’re awful!) Of course, it still doesn’t dawn on me that maybe I should write. I was too busy raising my four children.
But then my children grew up and left the nest. Finally, I had the time to sit down and write to my heart’s content. And I LOVED it! I completed my first novel, Sierra, and let my sister read it. She stayed up all night, till she finished it! All night! She couldn’t put it down!
That was all the encouragement I needed! I haven’t stopped writing since!
Do you write in different genres?
I LOVE to write romance. However, I write in several different sub-genres of romance: paranormal, suspense, and contemporary. I don’t like having to write in one specific sub-genre. Nevertheless, I will always write ROMANCE!
Do you title the book first or wait until after it’s complete?
I ALWAYS have a title in mind when I start the book. However, that title doesn’t always survive! My novel, Sierra, was originally titled, Sanguinity. The sequel to Lancaster House, The Middle Aisle, was originally titled, Furlough. I know, awful! That’s why it hit the cutting room floor! A good decision!
Is the book, characters, or any scenes based on a true life experience, someone you know, or events in your own life?
Lancaster House has a couple of ties to my personal life.
First of all, I grew up in San Jose, California. As a family, we toured the Winchester Mystery House on more than one occasion. It’s a fascinating mansion. My siblings and I also spent many hours exploring the dilapidated Hayes Mansion, (also in San Jose, California). As a matter of fact, my parents were at one time considering becoming the caretakers of the Hayes Mansion, long before it was ever restored. In the end, my parents decided not to do it. However, Lancaster House contains many of the feelings I felt while exploring these mansions. Unforgettable experiences!
Secondly, my grandfather drove across the country as a young boy, saying it was one of the best things he’d ever done. I couldn’t resist adding in this little tidbit of family history. Hence, Andre also drives across the country at a young age.
What book are you reading now?
I am currently reading ‘Pulled’ by A.L. Jackson.
What is your current “work in progress” or upcoming projects?
I’ve been slowly releasing all six of my completed novels. I’ve been so busy with this endeavor, I haven’t written anything new. However, I plan to write a futuristic romance and a military romance next—and I don’t plan on stopping there!
Here’s the release schedule:
Lancaster House June 2012
Sierra June 2012
I Have People Sept. 2012
The Middle Aisle Dec. 2012
(the sequel to Lancaster House)
Joshua’s Folly March 2013
For Nick June 2013
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I love Nicholas Sparks and Danielle Steel—they are writing machines and they consistently put out great novels.
Do you have to travel much to do research for your books?
No! As a matter of fact, I hate to travel because I get horribly motion sick! Miserable!
Who designed the cover of your latest book?
I chose the image, but my daughter ‘designed’ the book cover. She does this for all of my books. I love being able to work with my daughter. She’s helped me so much and I wouldn’t be published right now without her.
Do you have a song or playlist (book soundtrack) that you think represents this book?
I received the inspiration for Lancaster House after viewing the American Idol performance of Adam Lambert singing ‘Mad World’ on a fog shrouded stage, dressed in vampire-like garb. In my mind, ‘Mad World’ will always be the song that represents the novel.
Lancaster House
Taylor Dean
Genre: Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 9781475068689
ASIN: B008EMKKYW
Number of pages: 304 pages
Word Count: 91,303
Book Description:
Are you ever really alone?
Zoe Grayson needs a change. So, she moves to another state, purchases an old, dilapidated 1920s Victorian Mansion, and sets out to restore it to its former glory. As she begins the restoration, she finds herself falling in love with the old house . . . not to mention its illustrious builder, Mr. Lancaster. Zoe becomes obsessed with the house as she discovers its secrets; hidden rooms, secret passageways . . . and a mysterious man who seems to think the house is his. Who is he? More importantly, how does he live in her home unseen and unheard?
The unexpected answers leave her reeling—and questioning everything she’s ever known. To her dismay, Zoe’s actions land her in the local psychiatric hospital, scheming for ways to return to Lancaster House . . . and the love of her life.
The unexpected answers leave her reeling—and questioning everything she’s ever known. To her dismay, Zoe’s actions land her in the local psychiatric hospital, scheming for ways to return to Lancaster House . . . and the love of her life.
About the Author:
Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of romance in her line-up.
website: www.taylordeanbooks.com
facebook:
twitter: @taylordeanbooks
1 comments:
Thanks for featuring Lancaster House on your blog today, Roxanne.
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