Colleen Houck Book Club discussion
Ask Colleen
Karli wrote: "I know you probably get asked this a lot, but do you have any advice for an aspiring writing? like about outlining or editing?"
Each author does this differently. Find out what works for you and then stick with that. For me I loosely outline and edit as I go along then do a final edit once I'm done and send it out to my publisher.
Each author does this differently. Find out what works for you and then stick with that. For me I loosely outline and edit as I go along then do a final edit once I'm done and send it out to my publisher.


Jrose wrote: "Where do you get inspiration for your amazing character's names?? Also when you begin to write a new book how long does it take to to finish and perfect it?"
It takes me about 20 weeks to write a full length novel. As to character names, I, like many authors, use Babynames.com for inspiration.
It takes me about 20 weeks to write a full length novel. As to character names, I, like many authors, use Babynames.com for inspiration.
Imasha wrote: "The end of Tiger's Curse was irritating as i couldn't believe she left him! In this book i was waiting so long for the kiss and just when it happened he left! That killed me! Yay!! I can't wait to ..."
It's so funny that you use the words irritating, and, it killed me, and then yay. Love it!
It's so funny that you use the words irritating, and, it killed me, and then yay. Love it!

Louise wrote: "Colleen wrote: "Jrose wrote: "Where do you get inspiration for your amazing character's names?? Also when you begin to write a new book how long does it take to to finish and perfect it?"
It takes..."
I get really attached to my names. I choose them very carefully so I have a hard time even thinking about changing them.
It takes..."
I get really attached to my names. I choose them very carefully so I have a hard time even thinking about changing them.

Cody325rocks wrote: "At the end of book four, why did Kelsey leave Kishan for Ren? Kishan seemed to be better for her and even waited for her to be over Ren before he kissed her but she still left him. Why? "
As Selena says, "The heart wants what it wants." =)
As Selena says, "The heart wants what it wants." =)
Shaylee wrote: "Was Kelsey always going to end up with Ren? I've re-read this series over and over again. I just loved the whole thing! I just thought it was a bit insensitive of Kelsey to end up with Ren so abrup..."
In my plans she was always going to end up with Ren. Having said that, I also always planned for Kishan to have a shot. Kishan made the choice easy for her at the end. For Ren this wasn't abrupt. He'd waited for her for a long time. Also when you read Tiger's Dream you'll understand the why's and how's a little bit more.
In my plans she was always going to end up with Ren. Having said that, I also always planned for Kishan to have a shot. Kishan made the choice easy for her at the end. For Ren this wasn't abrupt. He'd waited for her for a long time. Also when you read Tiger's Dream you'll understand the why's and how's a little bit more.
Louise wrote: "I'm curious about the direction of tigers dream. Any indignation as to whose point of view the novel will be from."
Tiger's Dream is top secret. However I did just release a tiny sneak peek on my facebook page.
Tiger's Dream is top secret. However I did just release a tiny sneak peek on my facebook page.

Kendra wrote: "OK SO I DIDN'T READ THE FIRST BOOK COMPLETELY SO DON'T GIVE SPOILERS PLEASE I LOVED THE PART I READ I WANT TO READ MORE BUT I CAN'T FIND IT IN THE LIBRARY, SO NO SPOILERS ,OK,PLEASE?"
Ah this forum is for people who have questions for me or about my books so if you don't want anything spoiled, I'd suggest you read before checking out this thread.
Ah this forum is for people who have questions for me or about my books so if you don't want anything spoiled, I'd suggest you read before checking out this thread.

Kirstie wrote: "Hi Colleen! I was just wondering if you know how many books are going to be in the Reawakened series? The first one was incredible!"
Three novels and a novella. And, thank you!
Three novels and a novella. And, thank you!

Three novels and a novella. And, thank you!"
*dies of excitement* thank you!

Is there any news on the Tiger's Curse movie? I've been watching its status for a very long time and it hasn't changed (still says in development). I grow worried it may not ever be made.
FYI - I'm a huge fan of your work. I have always loved to read but I hadn't picked up a book to read for fun in a long time when I came across your book at Barnes and Noble. I picked it up twice because the cover is gorgeous. When my company was encouraging to hurry up (I was taking my time browsing) one of them found the book (without knowing I'd already looked at it twice) and handed it to me. It was decided. I read it in a day!
Kristin wrote: "You get this question a lot but I am not seeing a recent answer, so I thought I'd ask anyways...
Is there any news on the Tiger's Curse movie? I've been watching its status for a very long time and..."
Thank you! As far as updates, there haven't been any new announcements since we got our director. Hopefully, something more will be shared soon.
Is there any news on the Tiger's Curse movie? I've been watching its status for a very long time and..."
Thank you! As far as updates, there haven't been any new announcements since we got our director. Hopefully, something more will be shared soon.
Louise wrote: "I've seen snippets of concept art and it is beautiful. I am currently reading tigers curse again as well. I hope it's not going to end up like the house of night series and get lost in development."
This is always a possibility. You always hope for the best but prepare for the worst. =) You are right about the concept art. It's lovely!
This is always a possibility. You always hope for the best but prepare for the worst. =) You are right about the concept art. It's lovely!
Is there an official ship name for Ren and Kelsey and Kishan and Kelsey? :);)
Allana wrote: "Is there an official ship name for Ren and Kelsey and Kishan and Kelsey? :);)"
Ship name? Do you mean the Deschen? The luxury yacht?
Ship name? Do you mean the Deschen? The luxury yacht?
Dawid wrote: "Is there ANOTHER chat with Richard Paul Evans on November 30th? Or is it the same?"
It's all the same. He just can't be there on the 30th so he's answering questions all month instead. =)
It's all the same. He just can't be there on the 30th so he's answering questions all month instead. =)
Colleen wrote: "Allana wrote: "Is there an official ship name for Ren and Kelsey and Kishan and Kelsey? :);)"
Ship name? Do you mean the Deschen? The luxury yacht?"
Is there a name to pair Kelsey with Ren and Kishan.
Like Ren and Kelsey= Relsy or Rensey...?
Or Kishan and Kelsey= Kelshan or Kisey?
Ship name? Do you mean the Deschen? The luxury yacht?"
Is there a name to pair Kelsey with Ren and Kishan.
Like Ren and Kelsey= Relsy or Rensey...?
Or Kishan and Kelsey= Kelshan or Kisey?
Allana wrote: "Colleen wrote: "Allana wrote: "Is there an official ship name for Ren and Kelsey and Kishan and Kelsey? :);)"
Ship name? Do you mean the Deschen? The luxury yacht?"
Is there a name to pair Kelsey..."
Oh that. Hmm most people have been saying Rensey. Haven't heard one for Kishan and Kelsey yet.
Ship name? Do you mean the Deschen? The luxury yacht?"
Is there a name to pair Kelsey..."
Oh that. Hmm most people have been saying Rensey. Haven't heard one for Kishan and Kelsey yet.




Just out of curiosity, did you write all the poems that Ren gave to Kelsey, or did you have someone help you write them?

Nightshade6 wrote: "Hi there, do you know if you will be doing a book signing for the Tigers Curse series in Kansas City or somewhere near it this year."
The next tour hasn't been planned yet but you can always reach out to my publisher, Delacorte, and ask them about having me stop there.
The next tour hasn't been planned yet but you can always reach out to my publisher, Delacorte, and ask them about having me stop there.
Alison wrote: "Is there any news on when Tiger's Dream is coming out???????"
It's my next project so expect news coming soon.
It's my next project so expect news coming soon.
Trisha wrote: "Ok I have read through all the other comments and questions and I have not found where my question was asked, so here goes:
Just out of curiosity, did you write all the poems that Ren gave to Kelse..."
The poems that Ren actually wrote (the ones that don't have another author listed at the bottom) were poems I wrote.
Just out of curiosity, did you write all the poems that Ren gave to Kelse..."
The poems that Ren actually wrote (the ones that don't have another author listed at the bottom) were poems I wrote.
Trisha wrote: "Ok I have read through all the other comments and questions and I have not found where my question was asked, so here goes:
Just out of curiosity, did you write all the poems that Ren gave to Kelse..."
In fact, one poem, the one Kelsey wrote about grooming was one I wrote years before I even thought of writing Tiger's Curse. I wrote that one when I was interpreting at a high school in North Carolina. I remember it was while the student was taking a test. =)
Just out of curiosity, did you write all the poems that Ren gave to Kelse..."
In fact, one poem, the one Kelsey wrote about grooming was one I wrote years before I even thought of writing Tiger's Curse. I wrote that one when I was interpreting at a high school in North Carolina. I remember it was while the student was taking a test. =)
Montse wrote: "In the new reawakened is there gonna be a love triangle? Or square considering there are two other brothers?"
Good question. I think you'll have to wait and see.
Good question. I think you'll have to wait and see.

Alison wrote: "So I just read your comment about writing the poems yourself and I just wanted to say that they are incredible! I normally don't like poetry but I stole Kelsey's idea of leaving poems with food for..."
=)
=)

What a cool group--I appreciate being part of this gaggle of readers and authors. I was wondering, how does an author go about getting her book on your radar? I don't want to misstep any protocols. Thanks so much!

Laeona wrote: "Hi Colleen!!!!!!! I have read all the Tiger's Curse books!!!!!!!!!!!! And I love them so much!!! Its the books that got me addicted to reading!! My question is how did you come up with all the name..."
That's awesome. I love the smell of fresh peaches. The names I got from babynames.com. I tried to look for Indian names that meant something. So Anik (Kadam) means soldier and Kishan actually means black so that one was a no brainer. If I had to go back I'd probably use less K names. Even though Kishan's given name is Sohan, I never used it. Fun fact, most of the secondary American characters are named after my nieces and nephews.
That's awesome. I love the smell of fresh peaches. The names I got from babynames.com. I tried to look for Indian names that meant something. So Anik (Kadam) means soldier and Kishan actually means black so that one was a no brainer. If I had to go back I'd probably use less K names. Even though Kishan's given name is Sohan, I never used it. Fun fact, most of the secondary American characters are named after my nieces and nephews.
Hannah wrote: "Will there really be a fifth book? If so, CAN'T WAIT!"
Yes. Tiger's Dream is slated to publish in spring 2018.
Yes. Tiger's Dream is slated to publish in spring 2018.

Yes. Tiger's Dream is slated to publish in spring 2018."
Ah. I was wondering when the release date was going to be. Thanks.

Sarah wrote: "I love the Tigers curse series I am literally obsessed but I was hoping if you ever go to Australia you should do a book signing :)"
I'd love to go to Australia someday. =)
I'd love to go to Australia someday. =)
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I've just finished reading Reawakened and I must say it was absolutely phenomenal. I loved every sentence!!!
But The ending was the worst cliffhanger i've ever had to deal with! Howe..."
Was it worse than the tiger books? This was one of my tamer ones I thought. I love leaving you wanting more. Recreated will be out summer or early fall 2016. SO glad you liked the book!