Author Interview: Candy Fox
- At what point did you decide to be an author and what was your path to publication?
I’ve been writing for years. Making stories for friends. In my early 30’s I decided I want to write a novel. It would more than a decade until I actually finished one and published it. My dream was to be with Random House. When it came closer to being done with my book I decided to do it Indy style. I wanted more control over cover, content, pub date.
- What do you do when a new idea jumps out at you while you’re still working on a book? Do you chase the squirrel (aka “UP syndrome”) or do you finish your current project first?
It depends on what idea jumps into my head. I use an app called NOTES on my phone to record any immediate ideas I have. If there is an idea that won’t leave me alone. I will at the very least do some research and start the book. Usually after I get a few chapters in, I can go back and focus on my current project satisfied that the idea will come to fruition in its own time.
- Who is your favorite character to write, and why is that person your favorite? If picking a favorite character would be like picking a favorite child, which character seems to be the most demanding or your attention and detail as a writer?
I do really love all of my characters. Some are much easier to write than others. In a book yet to be finished and published I was working on a solo chapter for my werewolf character Zane. The words just didn’t come. A week into this heinous ordeal and I clearly “heard” with a smirk. “I’m not a fucking vampire.” In other words, he didn’t want to talk about himself. It wasn’t his bag. Harley, the character in The Naked Truth Series is my favorite to write. I love that she doesn’t pull any punches. She admits her hang-ups and just goes with them. She doesn’t apologize for wanting something or for taking it.
- Describe your writing process. Do you outline, plot and plan, or is your writing more organic?
Writing starts with an idea for me. Then I either hit Pinterest to create a board for places or character clothes, shoes, things that go into making that character 3D for me. After that I head over to a virtual chat program called IMVU. I have been a member for 11 years. Here I start to customize the avatar to look like the main character. As I am building her/him virtually I am also building the world in my mind. After that I just go with the flow. Wherever the characters lead me.
- What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?
Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake series is what got me on the path to making that first book happen. I used to literally dream about the characters in vivid detail. J.R. Ward, Charlaine Harris, Edgar Allan Poe, E.B. White, Jack London, Charles Dickens, Lewis Carol, Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien
- Tell us what you enjoy most about writing in your genre.
I love writing in the paranormal world. I am able to take the readers outside of the mundane and immerse them in the preternatural world. With The Naked Truth series I’ve created some new paranormal beings that no one has ever seen before. As with every writer I also have my own spin on how the paranormal works.
- What have you found to be most challenging about writing in your genre?
My other series The Killing Chronicles is the most challenges. I have to do a lot of research on serial killers. Not exactly something you want to go to bed with inside your head. The challenge after the research is then to put a new twist on an old crime. Make it something that hasn’t been done. Something that hasn’t been seen, and make it credible within the bounds of the character’s abilities.
- Have you been able to incorporate your previous experience in [jobs/education] in your writing?
From a very early age I began reading about mythology, ghosts, aliens and all things paranormal. They both frightened and intrigued me. I experienced my first ghost sighting at the tender age of 2. The paranormal just seems to follow me wherever I go.
- Do you identify with your main character or did you create a character that is your opposite?
I completely identify with the main characters in my books. In the case of Emma, The Killing Chronicles, she suffers from PTSD, so do I. It’s been cathartic to put her story out there and see so many people be able to relate to the thoughts and feelings that go on inside me every day. Harley, my sexy red head just happens to be my inner voice. The one that my close friends hear me say. I’ve said and even done some of the things that you read about.
- Describe the book/series in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.
Thrilling, sexy, seductive characters that will take you on the ride of your life.
- Is there anything you would like people to take away from your book?
I just want them to enjoy the book. When they are done, know they have invested their time well.
- Do you have any odd (writing) habits?
I have ADHD on steroids. I must have at least four different things going at one time. I can only write in spurts of 10 or so minutes then I have to jump to something else for a few minutes before I can get my brain back on the writing track.
- What has been the toughest criticism you have received as an author? What has been the best compliment?
Edits are murder. For me that is the toughest criticism all that red ink makes my heart bleed. The best compliment came from my editor after she read this book. She told me it was my best work yet and that it was as creative and spell-binding as the Anita Blake Series.
- Share some advice for aspiring authors. What advice would you give to your younger self?
The best advice I have ever received and can therefore give in return is twofold. One, just write. It doesn’t matter what put the words down. Editing is for going back and correcting anything. Two, is read. You must read dozens of books in your genre to get the feel of what the audience is looking for.
- What is your favorite line from your book?
What she really wanted to do was undress him, gag him, and have her way with his hot body. Just a little BDSM. Christian Gray has it all wrong.
- To date, what is your favorite (or most difficult) chapter you have ever written?
The first chapter is always the hardest for me. I have been known to trash a book that has 15,000 words in it already and start all over because I didn’t like the first chapter.
- What is your take on book boyfriends? Do they actually exist? Or do they set the bar for “real life men” impossibly high?
I’ll take a dozen. I love book boyfriends. I don’t think they exist. I think that’s why we love them so much. If we could get one in the everyday world the ones in books wouldn’t be so damned appealing.
- Have you ever experienced writer’s block? How did you deal with it?
Oh, yes. Writers block is a bitch. I usually pour a glass of apple crown or two to make my inner bitch shut up.
- What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Besides, reading? I love spending time with my horses. I have a 5-week-old filly named Dancer who is my world. I go ghost hunting when I can. I love to explore and find new haunted places. I also love Renaissance festivals.
Candi will be awarding 1 $10 Amazon GC, 2 Eooks of Harlequin’s Deception and 1 Print Copy of Harlequin’s Deception to randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour. Please use the RaffleCopter below to enter. Remember you may increase your chances of winning by visiting the other tour stops. You may find those locations here.
Ten years ago, the world as we know it changed. The shift is what it became known as. Overnight, paranormal beings came out of the proverbial closet. Something in reality had shifted. Those who had no idea they were paranormal were awakened to a new reality. Ten years in and Harlowe Lake Kelly, Harley to her friends, is back in her small Oklahoma town, widowed and striking out in a new career, namely, a successful magic agency. Her uncanny abilities at using potions, spells, and other means at solving supernatural crimes, thrust her into a partnership with local law enforcement. Things would be great if it wasn’t for the three sexy, but deadly, men who stand at all corners of her new life. Lucien, the ancient, alluring Vampire who has made it clear he wants more than Harley’s luscious curves. Cowboy, who wants to possess her in every way imaginable, and Aiden. The newcomer who has strict orders from his Vampire boss… but she senses has his own agenda. But in a world where things and beings are never what they seem, life isn’t promised and love comes with many strings. So what’s a girl to do to untangle those strings?
Candi Fox, co-host of the wildly popular radio show Candi and Company with over 900 thousand listeners began her venture in the paranormal at the tender age of two, when she witnessed her first apparition. From that moment on the paranormal seemed to follow her. No matter where she moved, the house she lived in the house next door, or the house down the street always seemed to be haunted.
She often wondered if she drew the spirits to her. Little did she know that she was indeed a magnet of sorts. It wasn’t until she was in her late twenties that she found people who could not only explain her gifts, but would also help her hone them. Armed with this new knowledge she began to openly explore hauntings and other paranormal phenomena.
Growing up in Indiana lent her the opportunity to explore many famous haunted places including the Hannah House, which was once part of the Underground Railroad. A little over two years ago she moved to Tulsa, OK and has began to explore the haunted landscape in a new state.
Candi lives with her husband, and furry children in Tulsa. She is passionate about the occult, saving and rehabilitating horses, horseback riding, magic, all things mystical and has her Reiki Mastery.
She uses her own paranormal experiences as well as her own life traumas to write from a grounded and realistic perspective about subjects that are hard to talk about and even harder to feel for yourself.
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What a great interview! Thank you so much for sharing it 🙂