Susan Krinard is an author whose novels range from werewolves and ghosts to time travels and futuristics.  As such an author many of her novels are featured on this site and there are more to come.

In the meantime I have the pleasure of introducing her to the Magical Romance Reading Website as the latest author to contribute to the site by way of an interview.
 

LB    First of all could you tell us a little about yourself as an introduction to the visitors to my site.

SK    I'm a "native Californian," born and raised in the western United States.

I grew up voraciously reading science fiction and fantasy, and generally being out of step with most of my peer group!  As a kid, my way of telling stories was through art, and sometimes in my own head. I never dreamed of being a writer.  I actually "fell into it" almost by accident, after graduating from art school.

I couldn't find a job as an illustrator (I wanted to do SF/fantasy book covers), and so went to work as a secretary.  Then I met my husband, Serge, through the mail in a SF/fantasy fan group, and we got married a couple of years later. I moved to Canada and lived there for three years, and it wasn't until we returned to California that I found myself unemployed and was in the right circumstances to try writing. A friend read some fan fiction (based on the TV show BEAUTY AND THE BEAST) that I'd written, and suggested I try a Romance novel. I'd hardly even read romance, but always looked for strong relationships in my SF/fantasy. Naturally, I decided to put them together in my very first book, PRINCE OF WOLVES. I adored shapeshifters and they seemed a perfect romantic subject.

I guess I had a knack for romance, for I sold that first book within two years, unagented, to Bantam Books.  Meanwhile, I'd written two and a half other books, the "half" which also sold to Bantam (STAR-CROSSED, now out of print).  I've been writing for Bantam ever since. I have come to realize that my "storytelling" itch is far better served by writing than art, so I've finally found my niche!
 

LB    Of all the novels that you have written (covering time travel, werewolves, vampires, ghosts and futuristic) which did you enjoy working on the most and which was the most challenging to write?

SK    Which did I enjoy working on, or which was most challenging?  In the former case, my first book was most enjoyable, because I knew absolutely nothing about what I was SUPPOSED to do. I had learned to write by reading. I didn't know how to construct a plot or create characters.  I didn't worry about commerciality or length. I just wrote.  And I had to do relatively little revision.  After I was published, all the "shoulds" came into play.  I began to realize I couldn't always write exactly what I wanted.

As for which was most challenging, I'd have to say that's divided between TWICE A HERO, which I had to rewrite no less than three times, and BODY AND SOUL, which I wrote in a very low period during my life, when I wasn't sure if I'd be able to keep writing. Fortunately, I got through it, and the book has been well received.
 

LB    Also which novel did you enjoy researching the most?

SK    Again, I enjoyed PRINCE OF WOLVES the most for the above reasons, but did relatively little research for that one.  I have really enjoyed the historical research for my forthcoming historical werewolf trilogy, beginning with TOUCH OF THE WOLF in October of this year.  I have collected a huge research library on history of both the US and England, and the more I read, the more fascinated I become. I love history.
 

LB    What do you like to read for inspiration?

SK    Well, I never used to read nonfiction, but now I do all the time . . . both for specific research topics, and also for ideas and inspiration.  I don't read a lot of romance when I'm writing a novel--instead, I turn to SF/fantasy, though I'm quite picky these days, and historical mysteries such as Anne Perry's Monk series. I have also been reading period fiction, such as Trollope, Austen and Wharton.
 

LB    Your descriptions of the wolves of your novels are some of the  best outside of the factual studies of the animals.  How did you go  about researching this aspect of your work?

SK    I have always loved wolves and already had an extensive library of wolf books.

Much of my information was "in my head," so to speak, and I looked up the things I wasn't sure about. I couldn't afford actually going to see live wolves, but I had seen many documentaries and had no trouble envisioning the wolves in their environment. I think it's my love of wolves that makes this possible.
 

LB    As you are probably aware certain breeds of wolves are becoming endangered.  Are you personally involved in any of the groups working to  save the species and if so could you tell us a little about it?

SK    I belong to several wolf organizations, including the International Wolf Center in Minnesota, which works for wolf reintroduction and protection all over the world; Wolf Haven International, in Washington State, and the Wolf Education and Research Center in Idaho, which helps educate people about the value of wolves in the wild. I mainly support these groups financially, and advertised them in the back of my novel PRINCE OF SHADOWS. I was also involved in organizing a "wolf fair" at a local theme park two years ago, for Wolf Haven International.  I especially recommend the International Wolf Center for its excellent magazines about wolves around the world, including such
obscure places as Italy and the Middle East.
 

LB     In your novels centering on the wolves you have created a whole world where they have lived for centuries.  Do you see yourself writing  more about this world and elaborating on the story of their evolution  and infrequent visits to the real world?

SK    Oh, yes.  In addition to my historical trilogy, which ties in with the modern books (introducing many of their ancestors), I plan to write a third contemporary book to make two trilogies.  Then I'd like to go back and explore even earlier history: one set during the Border Reivers period in Northumberland/lowland Scotland, one set in Roman Britain, etc. etc.  There is so much to be explored, and I'd love to do it all eventually. I don't know that I'll ever "explain" their evolution; that will probably remain a mystery!
 

LB    You have obviously put a lot of work into your website and the Val Cache Courier.  What sort of responses have you had from your readers  who have had the pleasure of visiting your home on the web?

SK    All positive. The woman who designed my web page is very talented, and I owe the look to her.  I've had a lot of nice comments on my books in the guest book, which is a big boost for me on days I'm feeling down (and all writers have those days, of course!)
 

LB    What are you working on at present and what can we expect to see from you in the stores over the coming months?

SK    The first in my historical werewolf trilogy, TOUCH OF THE WOLF, will be out in October in the US with Bantam Books. It's set in Northumberland.  It is the story of the eldest brother in an English werewolf family.  The second book, out next year, is set in the American west and features the first hero's sister, who escapes an arranged marriage only to fall in love with a wild American bandit (also a werewolf!)  And the third book, also set in the
American west, is about that heroine's twin brother, who has become a gambler but has a dark secret to hide.
 

LB    Do you have a message for all your readers out there?

SK    I want to thank everyone for every kind word and every bit of support you've given me since I began writing. I couldn't do it without you. You've allowed me to write the things I love, and I'll be able to continue doing so as long as you buy my books!

Also, I hope that everyone continues to stretch his or her mind with reading and imagination.  I can't think of anything more wonderful in the whole world than those two occupations!

Best,

Sue Krinard
 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms Krinard on behalf of all the visitors to the Magical Romance Website for taking the time out of her schedule to answer the questions of this interview so thoroughly.  I for one am very much looking forward to reading the historical werewolf trilogy.  Thank you again and best wishes.
 

Read the April 2004 Interview with Susan Krinard Here.

Books by Susan Krinard:  Body & Soul,  Twice a Hero, Saving Sirena, Prince of Shadows, Prince of Wolves, Prince of Dreams, Touch of the Wolf, Once a Wolf, Secret of the Wolf and Star-Crossed.

Links to  Online Stores

Visit Susan Krinard's website