Friday, October 9, 2009

And Here's Dayana...


Delivered as promised, Dayana Knight. Dayana is a personal friend and an awesome author of paranormal and erotic romances. Now, take a peek into her life and heart.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a writer of dark fantasy and erotic paranormal romance. I grew up with the written word and with the desire to write. At eleven years old, I penned a romance novel in a spiral bound notebook complete with cover art I drew myself. I took journalism and creative writing in both grammar school and high school. I can't remember a time I haven't written in some capacity.

When did you know you were meant to be a writer?

I don’t really know that I ever thought about it. I just evolved into writing within my present capacity. The more interesting story would be how I dropped into writing seriously. I actually suffered the loss of my father and my dog within months of each other in 2000 and had no vent for the horrible grief I felt so I began writing earnestly. Began journaling my emotions, then I gradually began penning stories, joined Writer’s Village University and the rest is history.

How old were you when you penned your first book?

See Above.

And was it one that became published?

LOL No, however, I wish I knew what happened to that story. I’d love to read it todayJ

If you can, name your favorite book and characters. They don't have to be from the same book.

Oh that’s easy. I fell in love with Jamie and Claire way back in Diana Gabaldon’s first book of the series, Outlander. This is a time travel romance, which I’ve read over and over with each new book release to the series.

How did you get started in the publishing world?

Not without much stress and anxiety, LOL I braved up at some point and began to submit to agents first, then pub houses. I can tell you as the old cliché goes, I have enough form rejection letters to wallpaper my office. I’d give up, shelf the idea then break it out, dust it off and begin all over again.

What is your favorite genre to read and to write?

Definitely dark urban fantasy and paranormal, though I do love crime suspense and do write in the genre as well.

Any favorite authors you would like to name?

Laurell K. Hamilton, J.R. Ward, Katie McAllister, Patricia Cornwall, Diana Gabaldon, Anne Rice-Vampire/Witch series, and many I can’t think of at the momentJ

What do you have coming down the pipes next?

Well, I’ve got three projects in the works and hoping for time to delve in and finish them. I’ve got a sequel to Curse of the Marhime in process, a new paranormal project working title- A Jersey Tale and a previously released crime suspense novel, Dancing on the Edge, in rewrites, for re-release and a sequel in the works for that as well. Now all I need is time and solitude, LOL

Any words of wisdom to wannabe published authors?
Never give up.

Is there any one person in your life that made a difference in your writing career?

Yes, below is a note to my fansJ

Thank you for your support and please keep your eyes to my website and blog for new releases, contest information, especially now with Hallowe’en and the winter holidays upon us. I will be updating my website and Dayana’s Happenings to reflect a ton of new activities planned. Please don’t miss a Trick or Treat.

Bio:

Dayana Knight was born and raised near the legendary Pine Barrens of Southern New Jersey. As a young girl, she was fascinated with all things supernatural and paranormal. She began writing at about age eleven, but has only taken the craft seriously in the last ten years.

Dayana enjoys solitary walks in mist-covered forests, visiting century-old cemeteries, and spine-tingling ghost stories. She loves old houses, and antique furniture which she says breathe lives of their own. Oh the stories they could tell if only they could talk! And, of course, her favorite holiday is Halloween.

She now lives in Southern Florida with her husband of twenty-six years, and her beautiful Sheltie, Bea.

Dayana belongs to Florida Romance Writers, Inc, Romance Writers of America, and does free lance reviews in her spare time.

Links:

www.dayanaknight.blogspot.com

www.romawolftales.com

You can also find her at Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/home.php?ref=home

MySpace:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/home.php?ref=home

Twitter:

http://twitter.com/DKWolftales

Published Works:

Curse of the Marhime

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/curse-of-the-marhime-roma-wolf-tales-1-p-944.html?zenid=eb042a170de1be7eb3feff122c8e2072

Bestial Cravings

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/bestial-cravings-p-1254.html?zenid=eb042a170de1be7eb3feff122c8e2072


Eternal Obsession (Erotic)

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=173&products_id=662

59 comments:

Dayana said...

Good Morning! Thank you for having me here today, Faith. I'm up, drinking my coffee and raring to go:) It's a beautiful October morning. With golden sunshine lacing the grass beneath the trees morning doves are cooing and...

darn! the airconditioner just came on and I can't hear a blasted thing anymore. Ah well...

Looking forward to see who drops in today. Maybe a few vamp and shifter hunks may stop by? Did you send the invites? Oh Lord, I hope so *grin*

D~

Faith V. Smith said...

Morning Dayana! Good to have you here. You are bright and early. I actually got in the bed a little before 4 am and still trying to get awake. I was reading my latest galley.

Oh I think maybe I could get Zacke to drop by...lol.

He is a nice hunk of vamp or was...lol.

You are so talented!

Faith

Vamps of Bound By Blood, The Legends said...

Dang it! I should have paid closer attention to what Miranda told me. I posted on the wrong post?

Hi Dayana,

Again my thanks for interviewing me at your blog. All this technology is something else, but my darling Miranda and Faith tells me I must get with the program.

Zacke

Dayana said...

Hey, Zacke! How they han... Oops! sorry. How the heck are you? So glad you stopped by. Can you get a hold of Miles and your elusive partner? Maybe they'd like to party with Faith and I.

I'm so glad you dropped by and I loved having you over at my blog as well. So what's new on the Savannah crime front? Any shady character causing chaos?

D~

Vamps of Bound By Blood, The Legends said...

Dayana, no need to be sorry! I'm actually flattered you asked, but that might be a question you need to ask Miranda...lol.

Lord, I do love a woman that writes about vamps and weres. I hear you are pretty good!

I am sure I can twist Miles's arm and threaten Gideon by taking away his CD collection to come by and say hello. It will probably be later today, but they will be here!

Zacke

Dayana said...

Great, Zacke! Looking forward to it. Oh and don't forget to have Miranda and Hope to stop by, though we'd love to have you guys all to ourselves *snickers and winks* Isn't that right, Faith?

More Champagne, Zacke?

D~

Faith V. Smith said...

Hi Zacke,

I see you made it by. How's Miranda? I'm glad you're having fun with Dayana.

I'll be back in a bit and as always my darling vamp, you and any of our vamps are welcome here!

Hugs!

Faith

Faith V. Smith said...

Well, I think for right now, we'll leave the women out of this. Let's keep the champagne and the boys between us. Doesn't that sound wonderful?

Faith

Vamps of Bound By Blood, The Legends said...

Dayana,

Miranda sends her best, but has to be at the hospitla most of the day.

She said party on, but remember I'm taken. The woman is possessive, but I love it!

Yes, more champagne. You are the perfect hostess.

Zacke

Vamps of Bound By Blood, The Legends said...

Dear Faith,

I can never repay you for telling my story. You are always a mere thought away!

Zacke

Dayana said...

Yippee! Men and Champagne can't get any better than that. And between you and me, Faith I'm glad the women are otherwise tied up, LOL You didn't hear that Zacke.

D~

Catherine Bybee said...

*clears throat and taps Dayana on the shoulder...

Yes you can! Naked men and Champagne!

Faith V. Smith said...

LOL, Dayana, you are something else...lol.

Faith

Faith V. Smith said...

Catherine,

Don't I wish, but Miranda would kill me and Zacke if he took it all off...lol.

But the scenario is a good one...lol.

Faith

Catherine Bybee said...

What happend in the internet, stays in the internet, Faith!

Vamps of Bound By Blood, The Legends said...

Good afternoon, ladies!

Miles here...lol. I think Zacke got a bit nervous talking about no clothes. I do not embarrass that easily.

No Hope, I am blogging. I'll be t here in a bit.

I love the woman dearly, but I like chilling with you girls!

Just promise if I have to sleep on the couch, ya'll throw me a pillow!

Faith V. Smith said...

Yeah, but remember, Miles has all his vamp senses, I think we could be in a bit of trouble.

Dayana said...

Woo hoo! Miles is here. Gideon! Has anyone seen Gideon? Catherine, you are so friggin' right about "naked hunky men and Champagne." Uh Oh! Word is getting out, here come Niko and Tor. Yikes! Shifters and Vamps. Now wars guys, let's all just chill drink this sweet Champagne and enjoy all this yummy chocolate.

And Catherine is so right, what happens on the internet stays here, *giggles Oh geez, all this bubbly is going to my head...

D~

Faith V. Smith said...

LOL, well as guess we can keep it a secret. I hate for Miles to have to sleep on the couch. Unless it's mind...lol.

Weres behave with those claws and I'll tell my vamps to keep their vamps under tight guard.

Dayana pour me another glass please, I think I need the bubblies also...lol.

Faith

Niko and Tor said...

Dayana,hey good to see you. No worries. We're not going to get all furry or anything. Faith and Catherine, nice to meet you gorgeous ladies.

Tor, stop gawking. Say hello, would ya!

Uh, yeah...sorry. Just can't believe so many gorgeous woman are hanging out in one place. Nice to meet you ladies.

Faith V. Smith said...

Oh yeah, I think Miles is planning on coming to see you for your blog the 29th, Dayana.

Can't wait to see what he has to say!!!!!!!!!!

Faith

Faith V. Smith said...

Niko and Tor! Well, well, well, I just love fur!!!!!!

Now Miles hush! I can flirt if I want to.

Nice to meet you weres!
Faith

Nightingale said...

Pass the chocolates and Champers. Enjoyed the post. Oh, and pass the hot and handsome men!

Faith V. Smith said...

Welcome Nightingale!! Good to have you with us.

The party's fun, the men are hot, and the chocolate is sinful.

Did I mention the men were hot?

Faith

Dayana said...

Ruh ro...pardon Faith, Linda. She's a wee bit more tipsy than me. Ohmigod, will you look at them. Are we blessed or what? Four of the absolutely the hottest looking men in one room and at least one more at least to join us!

Niko can you get Stefan to stop by? He's single still isn't he??

D~

Faith V. Smith said...

You all keep chatting! I have to run out for a romance party. You know the kind...lol.

I'll be back later, and I have it on good authority, Gideon and Hawk will be arriving after sunset.

Tor, I'm sorry, let go of my arm, I have to go...lol.

Save some champagne for me!

Faith

Niko said...

Dayana,

Flattery will get you everywhere, you little minx.

Sure, let me call him. *Niko whips out his Blackberry and begins dialing*

Faith V. Smith said...

I know, it's killing me to leave, but you know obligations. I will be back later with a couple of hunks to introduce.

So why not carry on and get Tor and Niko to tell us a bit about themselves.

Until later...

Faith

Dayana said...

Whoa! Faith, you be careful driving and watch how much you drink at your other party. We still have lots of bubbly here:)

Faith V. Smith said...

I am chasing the bubbly with margaritas...lol. I promise to be careful.

Would you like to lend me one of the weres for a designated driver?

Going to change clothes, be back in a few to say bye.

Faith

Faith V. Smith said...

Well, I'm out of her for a while. Dayana, hold down the fort, but don't hold on to too many men at once...lol.

Faith

Dayana said...

sure, Faith! We'll see you later.

Faith V. Smith said...

Checking in real quick. One margarita down...lol. Where's my driver?

Faith

Dayana said...

Tor, why don't you go make sure Faith gets back here in one piece. Thanks! Oh here comes, Van and Stephan. Niko, look your brother, Van is here. Oh boy, another single hottie.

Hey, give me back my glass. No, I haven't had too much to drink. Au contraire. I've just begun, LOL

Catherine Bybee said...

Someone is going to get hurt.

Dayana said...

Hurt me, baby, LOL

M.Flagg said...

Hi Ladies. Great interview, Dayana. Great interviewee, Faith! Is that the gorgeous Zacke? Loved his story. Tor and Niko too? Those were also a bit spicy (hehehe)Uh please pass that champagne and the scrumtious chocolates.

Best of luck with your books, ladies.

M.Flagg said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
M.Flagg said...

Oops. Sorry for the spelling error. Hot men tend to melt some of those ole brain cells.

Faith V. Smith said...

Thank you Tor, and thank you Dayana for getting me a ride. Yipee!

Faith

Faith V. Smith said...

Hi Mickey! So good to see you here! We are having a blast. And if I'm not mistaken, I think I hear
Gideon pulling up and I just bet Hawk is not far behind!

Faith

Vamps of Bound By Blood, The Legends said...

Whoa, Faith said it was a great party, but she didn't say there would be so many hot women!

Gideon

Vamps of Bound By Blood, The Legends said...

Gideon, behave there are ladies present. You can't drink like a fish.

Ladies, I'm Hawk Sherwood at your service! I'll even show you my fangs!

Faith

Mary Ricksen said...

Wow, what a party! Dayana you're the best! Love your books and you.

Faith V. Smith said...

Hi Mary,

Welcome! Good to have you with us. We've been having a great time!!!

Faith

Faith V. Smith said...

OH and before I forget, don't forget to check out Zacke and Miles' blurbs and excerpts at

www.faithvsmith.com

The boys would love to see you there!

Faith

Dayana said...

Whoa~ what happened. Geez, Niko, so sorry. Seems I feel asleep in his lap!

NO! nothing like that you guys!

Oh I had way too much Champagne. Hey, Mickey and Mary, didn't see you come in *grimaces*

Faith V. Smith said...

Dayana, bad girl, bad girl. I should be so lucky...lol.

Faith

Niko said...

You haven't seen or heard anything in two hours, Dayana. You aren't going to feel very well tomorrow. Maybe I should make sure you get home okay.

No worries, you just had a very peaceful nap. We all know you don't hold your bubbly too well.

Tor let's get her home. You guys stay and party if you want. Dayana's done for the night.

Faith V. Smith said...

Well, ya'll just drink and run, I'm gonna stick around for a bit.

How you doing Gideon. Hawk, you got everything you need?

Faith

Dayana said...

Dayana hugs Gideon and Hawke and gives them a sheepish look Sorry guys, we didn't get to visit. You'll have to drop by my blog and I promise not to touch the bubbly.

Love you all, thanks for having me, Faith, and thank you everyone for making this one special day.

D~

Faith V. Smith said...

Love you back! I understand, gonna stay a bit longer, have a few promises to come in later and then I'm off to bed.

Thanks for being here! You did great and it was fun!

Faith

Vamps of Bound By Blood, The Legends said...

Hey Dayana, don't worry about it. I've had plenty to keep me busy. Ya'll throw one heck of a party.

Hawk is even letting his fangs down and partying.

Hugs girl!

Gideon

Dayana said...

G'night all. Oh and one more thing I'd like to mention. I am running a contest for a great Halloween gift bag. Please hop over to my blog or better yet my website www.romawolftales.com for details and click on the "contest" bar. I've a fun free read post there as well. Check it out.

See ya soon, Faith.

D~

Faith V. Smith said...

Night Dayana! Take care my friend!

Faith

Mary Marvella said...

Sounds like a good party!

Faith V. Smith said...

Hi Mary,

Yes, it was a great party. You'll have to come back for the next one!

Faith

Mary Ricksen said...

Whaaaahhhhh, I missed the party. Sniff, sniff, my computer has been messing up. Darn, I always miss all the fun and Dayana was catching a buzz.
All the hot shifters and vampires were here/


Wwwhhhhhhaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!

Faith V. Smith said...

Hi Mary,

Sorry about the computer, but I'll be bringing my guys when I am a guest at Dayana's on the 29th.

I'll look forward to seeing you there!

Faith