Hi everyone, we’re back at it again: please join us in welcoming Danielle James, Inkitt’s newest author with her thrilling paranormal romance series, Forbidden Love, which was picked based on her book Dragon Fire and is now available in a box set.
If you’re into paranormal romance, mystery and a dash of danger and adventure – you won’t be able to put this down!
You all seemed to enjoy the interview format we have been doing, so we decided to continue repeating the magic. Danielle was lovely enough to answer our myriad of questions so you can get to know her a little better.
If you’d like to find out Danielle’s involvement in charity, her close relationship to her beautiful family, the inspiration behind her books and why you should avoid touching her desk at ALL costs, keep on reading.
Inkitt: Will you tell us a little bit about your background and upbringing?
Danielle: I am Danielle James, author, mother, caregiver and grandmother. I could tell you my age, but I would probably lie so let’s just say I’m old enough to vote and drink, but also old enough to know better than to do both at the same time.
I was born and raised in Kentucky, where I still live. I am now with my mother as her caregiver. She has an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and she is probably my biggest fan and supporter.
I have four wonderful children and four grandchildren. (Still young enough to play with them!)
Inkitt: What inspired you to write Dragon Fire?
Danielle: I fell in love with the characters from the original Forbidden Love series and the children of the series wanted their stories told too. When I was asked to participate in a charity anthology for Halloween, I knew Toni was the dragon to write about.
Originally, it was only 4500 words. I received such wonderful feedback from my readers, that I went on to tell the rest of the story. We raised a little over $600 for St. Jude’s Research Hospital on a 99-cent anthology in 90 days.
Here’s the synopsis of Dragon Fire:
Toni thought this would be just like every other Halloween party her family has ever hosted. Until her all-knowing cousin told her that this night would be a life changer. Toni can’t help but wonder if it has something to do with the stranger whose face she can’t see and smells like heaven…
Dylan just wanted to get out from under his father’s thumb for one night. That was when he saw her. She was beautiful, mysterious, and he had to have her. But one night of anonymous passion would never be enough.
His father, a powerful god long forgotten by humans, would never allow it. Dylan would risk his father’s wrath to be with the one woman who could make him complete…
Inkitt: What type of reader do you think will enjoy this book and the series the most?
Danielle: Any reader who loves paranormal, urban fantasy, suspense, mythology, or even just a good old fashioned steamy romance novel will love this book.
Inkitt: Any fun fact(s) about you, hidden talent or funny pet peeve you’d like to share?
Danielle: There are so many…. I am a little bit OCD.
I curse like a sailor, but I can also act like a lady when the occasion calls for it.
I played the violin from the fifth grade all the way through high school.
And another fun fact, I failed (miserably) college English. Twice.
My biggest pet peeve is when someone touches my desk. Don’t touch my desk. Seriously. Don’t do it.
Inkitt: First three things that came to your mind after getting the publishing deal from us?
Danielle: 1) Woohooo!!
2) Wait, do I really want to do this? I mean, these books are like my children. How can I choose a permanent caregiver for my book babies? Can I really do it? No. Wait, maybe I can. But should I? I should. But am I sure about this? These are not just words on a page, but a part of me. Each character is born from either myself or someone in my life. Not only have I spent more time than I care to calculate on them, but my heart and soul as well. I gave my heart, my soul, my fears and most of all, my love to these guys. They deserve the best. Yes. I should.
3) Holy crap this is gonna be f***ng awesome!!
Inkitt: What are the sequels like in Forbidden Love series compared to the first book?
Danielle: The first book, Out of the Dark, was my first baby. I learned. I made mistakes. I was very naïve. I learned as I went, and the characters took on a life of their own. Each one is unique, each one having his or her own voice. (Not just on paper either. They talk to me, a lot.)
As the series moves forward, each character in the family gets their own chance to stand in the spotlight with the support of the others. I fell in love over and over again with each new title, and I like to think that my readers do as well. By the end of the series, not only is the reader emotionally involved, but they feel as though they have become part of this wacky, unique family that is built on love, not blood.
Even after the series was “over” I couldn’t stop writing. The children needed their stories told too and that brings us to the present.
Inkitt: How do you find the time to write while having a day-to-day job?
Danielle: It is not easy. Most of the time I am either up until the wee hours or I am writing while at work. Hold up, will my boss see this? Eh, too late. Actually, I am lucky enough to have a great job with a supervisor that not only supports my love of writing, but encourages it as well. Well, maybe not on the job but… What? Next question!
Inkitt: When you’re not writing the next bestseller, what do you enjoy doing?
Danielle: Talking about books? I spend an obscene amount of time on the phone with my childhood best friend discussing books! I also enjoy reading. I love to dance, even if I’m not very good at it. Most of my spare time, though, is spent taking care of my mom.
Inkitt: What book(s) are you reading right now?
Danielle: Winds of Change and Raging Inferno by Angela Sanders. If you’re looking for magic (and vampires) at its best, give her a read. An ARC copy of Dragon Down by Julia Mills. I am completely in love with her Dragon Guards Series. I also have a one click addiction for anything by JR Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Lyndsay Sands and Kerrelyn Sparks. I have a Stephen King collection of hardcovers that would make any thriller lover green with envy.
Danielle’s such a talented and down-to-earth gem. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with her! Make sure to add Dragon Fire and the rest of the series to your Must-Reads and check out Danielle’s Inkitt profile here.
If you have any questions at all, make sure to leave them in the comments below and keep an eye out for any news and announcements on our Facebook and Twitter.
Emma Tonner
Publishing Manager
