Ten Questions with… B. R. Kingsolver

For today’s Ten Questions with Mia Mondays, I’m happy to welcome B. R. Kingsolver, who has recently released The Succubus Gift!

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Author Bio: I’ve done a lot of things, from construction worker to nurse to teacher to IT. I was born in Kansas and moved to Santa Fe, NM, when I was six. I have a bachelor’s degree in entomology (that’s bugs) and a master’s degree in management. It took a long time to get there, 14 years and 5 universities from my wild freshman year until I finished my master’s.

I’ve been married three times, and been owned by five basset hounds. I currently split my time between Baltimore and Albuquerque, with an occasional jaunt to Europe. I’ve been to Russia five times.

Author Website: http://brkingsolver.com

You can find The Succubus Gift at Smashwords, Amazon and soon Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Sony and more!

About the Writer

1. What five words describe you?

That question almost makes me wish I hadn’t agreed to an interview. I don’t like talking about myself. Impatient, restless, curious, unconventional, shy/introverted.

2. What was the first story you ever wrote? I mean the really bad one we all have that you’re trying to hide in the back of closet now that you’re published?

I tried to write a science fiction book when I was 15 or 16. After about 20 pages I realized it was so bad that I didn’t try again until recently. My first draft was so dense that no one could wade through it and it took three months to get it into publishable shape.

3. What inspires you?

Sunsets, beautiful mountain or ocean scenes, the sweet innocent face of a child, a beautiful woman or gorgeous man … I think beauty is the central theme there.

4. What distracts you?

The same things. As I said, I’m restless and impatient. It doesn’t take much to distract me.

5. What’s your favorite story? This can be specific, as in a particular book or even story-driven movie, or general, like “I’m a sucker for a hero looking for redemption story.”

Strong women. I like characters who are feminine yet strong enough to kick ass on anyone or anything. I like adventures, people overcoming difficult circumstances, standing up to evil and surviving.

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About the Writing

1. Tell us about your currently available titles.

I recently published The Succubus Gift. It’s a twist on the succubus legend. One of the things I get tired of is women characters who aren’t allowed to be sexual. It’s okay for a male character to be a stud, but a female has to be concerned about her reputation. All of the succubus books on the market have the main character working for the devil. Why does a sexual woman have to be bad?

My succubi are blatantly and unapologetically sexual, but they’re working on the side of the Goddess and are good gals. The world is one where a telepathic minority secretly lives side by side with normal humans.

2. What’s your favorite part about writing these stories?

Telling the story. I’ve always made up stories for my own enjoyment. The idea of being able to share them with others who might enjoy them is fun.

3. What would your characters say about you? Be honest!

Dull, boring, and homely.

4. Who would play your favorite character if they made a movie of their story?

A young Sophia Loren would make a good Brenna or a young Jennifer Love Hewitt. You would have to have outrageous curves to make her believable. The problem is Brenna is only 22 and according to the book looks younger.

Rebecca would be easier to cast. Pick any tall, willowy brunette with a bad attitude who can project sexuality and vulnerability.

5. Do you have any projects currently in the works you want to talk about?

I’m working on the second book in the Telepathic Clans saga. It needs significant work. The third book is written as well and just needs some cleaning up. I’m hoping to publish the second book in June, and the third in August/September. After those are finished, I have outlines for two paranormal mysteries set in the same world. There will be a new main character for those.

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Thank you for being here with us today, and good luck with your books!