Colleen Houck Author Interview

Photo Credit: Gabriel Boone

New York Times Bestselling author Colleen Houck is a lifelong reader whose literary interests include action, adventure, paranormal, science fiction, and romance. When she’s not busy writing, she likes to spend time chatting on the phone with one of her six siblings, watching plays, and shopping online. Colleen has lived in Arizona, Idaho, Utah, California, and North Carolina and is now permanently settled in Salem, Oregon with her husband and a huge assortment of plush tigers.

        

Tell me a bit about yourself. 
I am the oldest of seven kids. I’m an organizational freak and love to have a little place for everything. Science Fiction/computer nerds run in my family. I once flunked a typing class and American Sign Language Interpreter was my job up until a year ago when I sold my series. 

Can you tell us how you became a writer? 
I’ve always enjoyed creative writing. English and Math were my favorite classes in high school. Writing didn’t become something serious for me until I first gave it a go in 2008 after reading about J.K. Rowling’s and Stephenie Meyer’s stories. They were just moms who got up one day and wrote a book and the idea spurred me to pick up a pen and paper. 

What inspired you to write this particular book? Is there a story about the writing of this novel that begs to be told? 
The Tiger’s Curse Series idea came when I was plotting and researching. I decided to write a book series before I knew what I was going to write about. I knew I wanted it to have fantasy elements, romance, and scary monsters. Beauty and the Beast was the theme I chose to work with and when I picked a white tiger for my beast, research led me to India. 

I was fascinated by the Indian culture. How long did take for you to do the research? 
Quite a long time actually and I still research every day. In the beginning I studied mythology books and jotted down names or concepts of anything that interested me. I didn’t limit myself to Indian mythology but found fascinating creatures and tidbits from all over the world and then categorized them into which things would make sense with which book. I’d write down Lady Silkworm, for example, but none of the details. Then when I was ready to write Tiger’s Voyage, I researched the story in depth and figured out where to put it in the book. 

What is it that you’re exploring in this book? 

In Tiger’s Voyage my heroes journey on the ocean. They meet the dragons of the five oceans who give them various tasks to complete before they can move on. Sometimes they were in terrible danger, other times they had to use their wits to best the dragon. In this book the love story takes some very dramatic twists and turns. Of all the books in my series this one was the most fun to write. Some very important questions get answered in this book and some new problems arise as well. 

Who is your favorite character in this book, and why? 
One of my favorite new characters in Tiger’s Voyage is Wes. He’s a Texas cowboy that adds a lot of humor and fun and manages to throw a bit of a monkey wrench into the love triangle. I like having both Ren and Kishan team up to thwart the outsider. I like Wes so well that I’ve already begun plotting out a book all for him. 

Are there any tips you would give a book club to better navigate their discussion of your book? 
My series is heavily layered with foreshadow. I think it’s fun to go back and find the clues in the first and second books that are revealed in the third. It would also be interesting to talk about the use of poetry and discuss how it adds to the books. I use lots of symbols through the series “lotus blossoms, yin/yang, and color” several of these are picked up again and again in each book. Discussing archetypes and the hero’s journey is also something I would recommend. 

Do you have a favorite story to tell about being interviewed about your book? 
I actually met with a Hollywood talk show interviewer to talk about how to interview properly. She taught me about soundbytes and how to sit, what to wear and how to answer questions. I think it was very helpful and I’ve used her notes several times. 

What question are you never asked in interviews but wish you were? 
I suppose it would be more about my background prior to writing. I didn’t get published until after age forty so I’ve had a very interesting career that no one knows about and one that I think is fascinating by itself. 

Has a review or profile ever changed your perspective on your work? 
Yes and no. If there is a comment that I see often, I think about it and decide if its something I should let influence me. Sometimes it is but often it’s not. What I wrote two years ago is not the same as what I write today. Each author grows and stretches book by book and my hope is that the last book I write will be my best. At the end of the day I’m the only one really who needs to be satisfied with my work. If I tried to write to make others happy I would always fail because outsider opinions differ so widely. 

Which authors have been most influential to your own writing? 
Madeleine L’Engle has been a huge influence on me since I was a young child. Her books took me to a place I’d never dreamed of and to this day I can still quote the poem that ran through A Swiftly Tilting Planet. 

Orson Scott Card has been one of my favorite writers as an adult. I admire his bizarre creativity and his ability to make you really connect to a character. 

In a way every single book I read influences me. I’m of the opinion that no book is a waste. I can find something interesting or a cool idea or a fantastic phrase in any book I pick up. 

If you weren't writing, what would you want to be doing for a living? What are some of your other passions in life? 
I would still be interpreting. I’ve always been interested in working with Deaf children. I’m a foodie and would like to learn how to cook delicious things. I’m a decent housewife kind of cook but I’d love to learn gourmet cooking. I’m kind of a jack-of-all-trades since I’ve worked in lots of varied jobs. I can do a little of everything. 

If you could have written one book in history, what book would that be? 
I would have loved to have written Romeo and Juliet. I think it’s the best, most memorable love story ever told. 

What book are you reading now? 
Right now I’m reading my own books for research as I’m finishing up Tiger’s Destiny, but most recently I read Bree Despain’s The Lost Saint. I have a ginormous stack of unread YA books after cleaning out the YA section of the Salem Border’s that just closed. I meet so many YA authors now and when I’ve read their book there is an automatic connection. I get a feel of who they are and can talk to them about their books without embarrassing myself. Actually I love almost every kind of fiction but tend to favor picking up books with fantasy, sci-fi, or romantic themes. 

What do you like to do when you’re not writing? 
Tweeting, blogging, touring, Facebooking, taking pictures to blog, tweet, and share on Facebook, updating my Goodreads page, answering email, listening in on conference calls, revising, editing, copyediting, writing bonus material, answering interview questions, snacking on unhealthy treats, and once in a while having a conversation with my husband. 

Seriously, there is very little free time in my schedule and when there is I feel guilty if I’m not sharing my moment with the world. I do try to have breakfast a couple times a month with friends and I visit my parents every Sunday I can. Sunday’s are really the day I take off from the writing/social media world. I love watching movies and I try to catch a recorded television show at the end of the day. My favorite right now is Vampire Diaries. 

What was your favorite chapter to write and why? 
I can’t really say anything about my favorite because it’s a big cliffhanger reveals in the book but my favorite dragon is the gold one. His human form is based off of Wallace Shawn who is The Sicilian in Princess Bride & the dinosaur on Toy Story. I adore him and he’d be perfect to play my golden dragon. He’s greedy and wily and dramatic. 

Can you tell us about your upcoming book? 
There is an exclusive version of the book only available through Barnes & Noble with a bonus chapter that shows what happened when Ren lost his memory. Most of the book is spent on a fabulous Mega-Yacht which is just so over the top fun that it makes me yearn for one of my own. There are very interesting secondary characters that will make you laugh, cry, fear, and loathe. And we discover that Fanindra can change into a sea snake and accompany them underwater. 

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? 
If you have a desire to write you should try. Writing can never be a bad thing. My maternal grandfather wrote cowboy westerns that were never published and he died when my mom was a little girl. In his books I can actually hear his voice and learn what kind of a man he was and see what he valued. That opportunity for me to know who he was is more priceless than ten million screaming fans or a huge book advance. Write because you love writing and good things will follow.

The third book in the gripping Tiger's Curse series!

With the head-to-head battle against the villainous Lokesh behind her, Kelsey confronts a new heartbreak: in the wake of his traumatic experience, her beloved Ren no longer remembers who she is. As the trio continues their quest by challenging five cunning and duplicitous dragons, Ren and Kishan once more vie for her affections--leaving Kelsey more confused than ever.

Fraught with danger, filled with magic, and packed with romance, TIger's Voyage brings Kelsey and her two tiger princes one step closer to breaking the curse.

This fast-paced novel includes a sneak peek at Tiger's Destiny (Book 4) and a smartphone Tag code on the back cover that links to the series website.

Praise for TIGER'S CURSE

“…a sweet romance and heart-pounding adventure. I found myself cheering, squealing and biting my nails-all within a few pages. In short, Tiger's Curse is magical!” ―Becca Fitzpatrick, New York Times bestselling author of Hush, Hush

"High adventure ensues. As in Tiger's Curse and Tiger's Quest, this story is part action-adventure and part romance…The novel will satisfy the saga's fans, who will be delighted by the prospect of a fourth volume.” ―Booklist

“Houck cranks the love-o-stat up another notch…Hypersteamy romance...'hot, melty, smoldering' (but still chaste) make-out sessions…” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Forget vampires and werewolves, tigers are the new hottest thing…a guaranteed page turner with a huge twist at the end that will leave you breathless.” ―RT Book Reviews

Colleen starts Tiger's Voyage from Lokesh's penthouse office. I thought it was brilliant to know what rage and disappointment our antagonist was feeling. After reading the prologue, I immediately knew what an incredible journey I am about to embark. 

Tiger’s Voyage continues just over a month after Ren’s rescue from Baiga camp. As Kelsey deals with Ren’s memory loss, Colleen works slowly and carefully through her emotions. Every page was an absolute pleasure to read. I can assure you, Colleen is at her best with this installment. This is a love triangle written well in the most remarkable way. 

I enjoyed being introduced to new characters. Captain Diondre Dixon tells an interesting story about a beautiful maiden named Jingwei. Wesley Alexander is a great addition to the love triangle. He truly did put a smile on my face and during my interview with Colleen, she had mentioned plotting a book all about Wes. Oh, I almost forgot about Randi. I desperately wanted to throw her off the yacht and when she is introduced on page 212, you will understand what I am talking about. 

Ren & Kishan, as you all know and agree, are the most beautiful, well written male characters. I did not think it was possible to love them even more. There are a few heartbreaking moments and you will learn to handle them like I did. 

Although I had forgotten to mention Mr. Kadam on my review of Tiger’s Curse, there are not enough words to describe this incredible man. I adore and love him. Without his research, I doubt the mission would be absolute. 

How was the journey you may ask? It was absolutely incredible! Put your suit on and prepare to explore the water. This is a story that is surely not to be missed and just wait until you meet the dragons--I would elaborate more but that just leads to spoilers. The story grabs you by the wrist and leads you to a front row seat of all the nonstop action, romance, and adventure. 

You can purchase Tiger's Voyage at the following Retailers:

        

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you COLLEEN HOUCK for making this giveaway possible.

2 Winners will receive one copy of Tiger's Voyage

(Exclusive Edition from B&N)

Each Book will include a signed bookplate from Colleen Houck

Signed Bookmarks by James Vallesteros

jbnpastinterviews