Questions and Answers Angelique Armae is the pen name of writer Josephine Piraneo. What are you currently working on? My current project is a new vampyre novel involving a Priest at the Vatican. At lunch one day, my mother made a comment that I should do a book with a vampire priest. Going back many generations, there was a bishop in my family, or so I've been told. That's where I came up with the main plot for the novel. However, the book is purely a work of fiction - no vampires in my family history - at least none anyone ever spoken of :-). Who or what has been a major influence in your writing and why? My maternal grandfather was a brilliant writer, although never published. I like to think I inherited my love of writing from my grandfather. If he were still alive today, I know he would be my biggest fan. I've always felt if I could get my work published, it would be a testament to my grandfather. As if through me, his love of writing would be recognized. So, I would have to say my Poppy was the greatest influence on my writing overall. As for the actual story lines, I tend to draw my ideas from the mystical side of religion. The battles between good and evil are my favorite types of plots. If you could give one piece of advice to a would-be author, what would it be? Never give up believing in yourself. No one can sell your work better than you can, and in order to sell your book, you have to sell yourself. A book isn't just a bunch of words on paper, its part of your soul and I think all writers should remember that, especially when things don't always go as you'd like them to. I also think it's very important to know when to change what critique partners say to change and when to know when not to. If you realy think your story is fine just the way it is, than it probably is fine. And don't ever shut out your characters. If suddenly your quiet, shy character begins to roar, then so be it. Sometimes the characters know you better than you know them. When did you first decide you wanted to be an author? I can't remember that far back! :-) When did you first feel that you were an author? I don't think I ever made the distintion between writer and author. I just always felt I was destined to write novels - of course selling those novels was a whole other story. Are you for or against e-books? I now find that if I have a choice between buying the paperback version or the e-book version of a novel, I opt for the e-book version. I love my rocket book and I can't wait for the day when everyone owns one! Of course I'm not anti-paperback either, anyone who knows me knows I own more paperbacks and hardcovers than I'll ever read. I can't imagine a world without books. Are you a music fan? If so, what? Music helps me get into the mood of my work in progress. I love celtic music, and anything with a techno or haunting sound. My favorite artists are Eammon Dillon - if you love Irish Music, he's the best; Sarah Brightman, Enya, Enigma and anything else new age or celtic. Do you enjoy book signings/conventions? I love meeting people who have the same interest in reading as I do. I also think it's really neat to meet fans who have read my books. Is there anything more that can be done with vampires, demons and zombies? Oh yeah!! Just wait until you see what I've done with these guys in my new novels! Actually, I think there's a lot that can be done with fantasy characters. The mortal soul is a wide open playground for authors looking to create paranormal characters. Do you always know a story's ending when you begin writing? I usually have an idea. When I start a new novel, I have a beginning, an ending and a character or two. Then I have to fill in the details. My 'ritual' for writing is to get the above ideas clear in my head, then take about an hour or so and work out the key points in the novel. I see my book as if it were actually happening, like a movie, or a dream. Then I try to capture the emotions of the characters on paper in order to bring them to life. What's the most memorable thing said in a review of your work? The most memorable thing said would have to have come from the first review. Author Elaine Moore said my book, COME THE NIGHT, was "a dark journey of the soul..." I'll never forget that, she captured exactly what I wanted the reader to see. Plug away - what do you have coming out? Aside from being contracted to do the sequel to COME THE NIGHT, and my vampire priest book, I'm contracted for another vampire novel that's a single title in a vampire family saga series. I've also completed an historical/regency romance, a light paranormal romance, and an 18th century angel novel. Many Thanks, Josephine! Relevant Links Angelique Armae Main Bibliography Angelique Armae's Web Site