My Interview With Deadra Krieger

I consider myself an animal lover. My first experience with Breathless Press introduced me to yet another animal lover Deadra Krieger, my editor for the Ravaged anthology. What follows is my interview with her. Enjoy!

Hi Deadra. Welcome to my blog! Let me say thanks for doing this interview with me. Thanks, Deadra!!!

And thank you for having me!

First things first. What are you currently working on? Any deadlines creeping up over your shoulder? What does 2013 look like for you with regard to writing projects?

I've got several deadlines nipping at my heels. Starting in January, I'll have a new series of four books coming out every two months. The Faxfire Series is a cross between a paranormal romance, an urban fantasy with a dash of mystery. The story follows a animal behavioral therapist who also happens to be an animal empath as she helps solve paranormal cases. I also have a few other various books I plan to try to write. You can find more details on the In Progress section of my website.

For those out there new to your work, tell us a little about Ruff Love. What inspired you to write this story? And where did you get such a cute, irresistible cover? 

I've noticed that many people don't understand that the animals at shelters take far more work than food and shelter. Many of them have suffered abuse, neglect, or other extreme circumstances. They require a lot of connecting on an emotional level to start them on the path to healing and ultimately, the path to being adoptable. I also wanted to help Kathy, the owner of the rescue in the story, so I thought it'd be a good way to help by advertising Kat's Kennel and Rescue and donating royalties.

As for the cover, the lovely Victoria Miller from Breathless Press had full rein *ahem*, I mean reign to make me something cuddly. I think she did an ace job!

I read on your blog you’re a Pagan by religion. Tell me about that.

I am! Believe it or not, from the moment I was born I could hear animals like I can people. It's not the Doctor Dolittle, they talk in English thing. It's more like growing up in a home where someone uses sign language to interact. Your own mind automatically translates everything into a language you understand, but you know how to talk back in their own. It has allowed me to rehabilitate many animals that most people couldn't, because I was able to talk to them in a way they understood. Becoming a Pagan was just kinda natural given my unnatural "ability."

What’s your writing lair look like? Do you have a room all to yourself? Decorated and organized or functional and chaotic?

Functionally chaotic. J My desk is in the corner of my overly large bedroom. I thought it would allow me to hide from my kids while I was busy... That didn't go so well, but it's mine and it's home.

What are you daily writing goals? Do you have a certain daily word count you try to achieve?

Ha! I don't even have monthly writing goals, unless it's NaNo. No, I write as the story flows and when I do sit down and write (maybe a couple times a week) I usually get about 2-3k out. 

What about hours? Are you a daytime writer, nighttime writer or an any-time-I-can type a word kind of writer?

A nighttime writer, hands down. When the kids are in bed, the work is done, and the house is quiet. I put in my MP3 player and type like a psycho.

Do you have any other creative interests besides writing? Tell me about those.

I cross stitch, I can crochet blankets and scarves, I paint statues, I draw; I'm a jack of many trades and a master of none.

What is your biggest inspiration? The things, people or ideas that get you really fired up and keep you going?

My biggest inspiration is actually more a phrase my mom used to say, "If not you, then who?" If I don't write the books, if I don't work with that animal to help it rehabilitate,...if I don't wash those dishes (LOL) then who will? Sadly, the answer is often, "No one," and I can't live with that.

Boxers, briefs, or commando?

I'll just say I'm 75% Scottish, and we all know the saying about Scots. ;)

Deadra's story Ruff Love:  True Tails of Rescue is available at Breathless Press.