I asked my friend and author Lynda Hilburn to drop by and tell us about her books. Lynda and I share an interest in music and sound healing, higher consciousness, psychotherapy, and – vampires!
Would you please tell us a little about yourself?
I had to think about how to answer this. It’s not such an easy question anymore. On the surface, I’m a psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, tarot reader, energy worker, singer and vampire book writer. Years ago I would have added single mom, but my son is all grown now, so those challenges are no longer on the front burner. On a deeper level, I’m a seeker, a perpetual student, a devotee of crazy wisdom and an existential traveler.
Would you please tell us about your latest book? 
My latest book is Blood Therapy, the second installment in the Kismet Knight, Vampire Psychologist series, which presents the ongoing tale of a Denver psychologist who stumbles into a hidden underworld of vampires. It blends genres, and can be widely categorized as dark contemporary fantasy with mystery, humor, romance, sex, metaphysics and a little horror.
What inspired you to write this series?
I’ve been a vampire fan since childhood (I blame Bram Stoker), but never thought about writing fiction myself until I met a young client in my private practice who spoke about wanting to join a non-human group. As she shared her desires, I began to notice similarities between her story and some of the vampire fiction I’d read. After she left, I thought about how amazing it would be to walk out into my waiting room and find a vampire (especially a gorgeous one) sitting there. I went home that night and started writing The Vampire Shrink (book #1).
How did you prepare to write about the book’s specific area or field of study?
That was easy. There wasn’t really any preparation. Since I’m a rabid fan of all things undead and a psychotherapist, writing about a psychologist who counsels vampires was a no-brainer.
How did you come up with your title?
I always liked the title Blood Therapy. It popped into my head a few years ago, and just seemed juicy. Luckily, my editor/publisher was agreeable. The title for The Vampire Shrink was a working title. I was very surprised when it stuck. My editor told me recently she thinks it’s one of the best titles, ever. Who knew?
What advice do you have for writers who have not yet been published?
The same boring advice everyone gives: write, write, write. I think writing is a “learn by doing” skill. At least it is for me. Don’t spend a lot of time reading “how to” books or attending endless workshops. Take what you learn from those resources and put your butt in the chair. Writing (if you want to make a living at it) is a job and it requires discipline and structure. There are more options available to writers today than ever before, so it’s truly a wonderful time to be an author. Remember that everyone benefits from good editing.
If your book were chocolate, what kind would it be and why?
LOL. Since it blends genres, I’d have to say it’s rich, dark chocolate, crammed with almonds, raisins, caramel, peanuts, and every other yummy treat found at the dessert bar.
What are you working on right now? What’s next for you?
I am finishing up the rewrite of book #3, Crimson Psyche, which I have to turn in within the month (ack!). After that I’ll start working on book 4, I’ll brainstorm another short story in Kismet’s world, and I’ll try my hand at another erotic paranormal romance. Plus the day job!
Thanks for having me!
Lynda Hilburn writes paranormal fiction. More specifically, she writes books about vampires, witches, ghosts, psychics and other supernatural creatures. After a childhood filled with invisible friends, sightings of dead relatives and a fascination with the occult, turning to the paranormal was a no-brainer. In her other reality, she makes her living as a licensed psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, professional psychic/tarot reader, university instructor and workshop presenter. Her first novel, “The Vampire Shrink” — which introduced us to Denver Psychologist Kismet Knight and a hidden vampire underworld — was released in the UK by Quercus/Jo Fletcher Books, Sept., 2011 and in the USA by Sterling Publishing [Barnes & Noble], April, 2012. Book #2 in the series, “Blood Therapy,” was published September, 2012 in the UK [plus the USA kindle version]. The USA print edition will arrive April, 2013. Book #3, Crimson Psyche, is due in the UK in 2013. Several other books are planned. “Undead in the City,” an erotic paranormal novella, “Diary of a Narcissistic Bloodsucker,” a satire/parody, “Until Death Do Us Part,” a humorous mini-story, “Devereux: The Night Before Kismet” are now available in e-form from all e-book outlets. Her short story, “Blood Song,” is part of the Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance anthology, April, 2009. For more information, visit Lynda’s website: http://www.lyndahilburnauthor.com
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