Colleen’s Comments (group member since Apr 21, 2014)

Colleen’s comments from the Colleen Houck Book Club group.

Hannah wrote: "Why did you decide to write this story as a standalone novel and not as a series? And was this process different from your past novels?"

I had just finished my Egyptian trilogy and I needed to write one more book for Random House under my contract so I came up with my standalone Halloween idea. The process of writing it wasn't any different for me than my other books except that I had to tie up all the loose ends in just one book.

Kelly wrote: "What inspired you to bring a steampunk element into this book, and how challenging was it for you to do so? (I love steampunk, btw!)"

I love steampunk too but I was nervous about writing one. I'm much more comfortable making up worlds than writing actual history so I thought incorporating steampunk into my Halloween world would be the easiest way to give it a try.

Miranda ❤️ wrote: "Will this be a standalone or part of a series? Also, will there be any to romance in this story? I cannot wait to pick this one up on release day!"

This one is a standalone for the time being. I hope you got your copy!

Sarah wrote: "With all your books each one has a character that stands out and broadcasts "I'm awesome" with tigers curse its Kishan and with Reawakened it was Ahmose is there going to be one in Lanterns Ember?"

I'd say it's got to be Dev. Who doesn't love a brooding vampire? Especially one who dresses in the latest steampunk fashions, has every succubus in the Otherworld chasing after him, and who's vampire kiss could knock any unsuspecting witch right off her broom?

Ashley wrote: "Please tell me this will be available in an audio format?"

We haven't sold the rights to this one in audio yet. I hope we will someday. I'd love to hear Jack's and Dev's voices. Not to mention Delia's. There are some awesome characters in this book that would be really fun to listen to.

Megan wrote: "Why did you decide to write this book? Or what inspired you the most?"

I've always wanted to do a Halloween book. I watch Halloween movies every year and decorate my entire house. When I have guests they get little gift bags with holiday-themed swag including books if I can find them. One year I found some paperback Halloween themed romances for my sisters and thought it would really cool to write my own.

Kat wrote: "What is the character Ember like? Who or what were your inspirations for her character?"

Ember is a little bit like my sister. She's very spunky personality-wise. She's kind-hearted but driven to accomplish her desires and doesn't mind using her feminine charms to get what she wants. I rather like her.

Milena wrote: "Have you visited Sleepy Hollow and The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze they hold during the fall?"

No! Tell me more. That sounds like fun. I'll have to investigate. =)

Lauryn wrote: "Why is halloween your favorite holiday? Was it always? What made you want to write this type of book, with this theme? Will this be a stand alone or more books to come?"

I'd love to head back to this world at some point. These characters were really fun to write. In fact, I wouldn't mind doing other holiday-themed books. I think Halloween is my favorite because my birthday is in October and it's the start of the holiday season. Fall is my favorite time of year. Much more fun to me than winter. I hate being out in the snow.

Sarah wrote: "With how meticulous you are with your stories how do you categorize what you will write next? What gets your writing juices flowing?"

It's hard to say. I love a lot of things and have certain directions I want to go but editors sometimes push me in a different place. That's not necessarily a bad thing. I didn't plan on writing Egypt after Tigers. I was heading in an Angels direction but I had Egypt on my to do list and I just moved it to the top.

Ashley wrote: "What kind of research went into this book? What was your favorite part about writing it?"

I've always loved Halloween. First, there's the candy. Not that dumb fruity stuff. I shove that in my hubby's direction. I'm talking chocolate. Eh, except for fake chocolate like Tootsie Rolls. He gets those too. Unless I'm desperate. Wait a second, I got sidetracked. Where was I? Oh, research. Other than researching chocolate, I found stories of the origins of Halloween, specifically stories of Jack O' the Lantern. One tale spoke of him being too good for hell and too evil for heaven so the poor guy had to stand at the crossroads between the two and guide other people. Other stories said he was smart and tricked the devil when he came calling by chasing him up in a tree and trapping him there or having him turn into a coin and stuffing him into an onyx-lined wallet, that sort of thing. That makes me think of the devil went down to Georgia dueling fiddles song.

Anyway, I loved that idea. Then I wanted to incorporate all the fun Halloween characters and symbols like black cats, bats, pumpkins, the headless horseman, witches, ghosts, vampires, etc. I even threw in the Loch Ness Monster and the Invisible Man for kicks.

Louise wrote: "Will there be any link between The Lantern's Ember and the Reawakened series? Especially considering that the three brothers have otherworldly ties?"

That's an excellent question. Funny thing. The book I just finished writing is a sci-fi type of novel and I just figured out a way to connect that one with all my worlds in one giant mega book. It totally blew my mind. Not sure I'll ever do it. But it could be done. How you might ask? I'll give you one big hint. Trees.

Who is your most influential author?

What was your favorite book as a kid?

Any must haves when you write?

How did you get started writing?

What an awesome chat! I love the advice to celebrate each little victory. I think it's so very important that we all do that. There's too much sadness and focus on the negative. We need to celebrate not only our own happy things but the good things that happen to our friends and neighbors and family too! Speaking of which, congrats to Yara! She's our winner for the November chat! Don't forget to join me next month when I'll be hanging out here with another awesome author talking books!

A.G. wrote: "Melissa wrote: "What is your favorite thing about writing?"

My favorite thing about writing is also my favorite thing about reading: the ability to follow characters on adventures that allow me to..."

Ah that's mine too! =)

Do you write at home or somewhere else?

Any must haves as you write?