Guest author, Delena Epstein

THK: What genre do you write? What drew you to write in that genre? 

DE: I started out writing paranormal and wanted to see how well I would fit in other genres. So I wrote a Sci-Fi novel, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I also wrote a detective/mystery story, but honestly the paranormal is where I am most comfortable.

THK: I mix sci-fi with paranormal all the time. LOL I've started to just call them all paranormal. How many books have you written?

DE: I’ve written five but I’ve only published four of them. Soul Travelers, Second Chance, Homeless, and Death Shroud are the ones I chose to publish.

THK: What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

DE: I write in my sleep, no joke, I will wake up in the middle of the night, grab my pen and paper to write down a plot twist or a solution to something I’m working on. I also do this while I’m taking a shower. You never know when inspiration will hit you, so I’m always prepared. I also always carry a small pad in my purse, I’m always watching and I find the most interesting characters and I want to make sure I remember them. I also eavesdrop when I’m in public, people really do say the most remarkable things.

THK: I do a lot of that stuff too. Ha. Ha. What is the hardest part of writing?

DE: I find it difficult to write the first page, my mind is whirling with so many ideas that it is important for me to be careful not to bombard the reader with too much information. The other thing that is a challenge for me is the synopsis. I know the whole story, the characters have become my friends, and to take all that information and put it in a few paragraphs is quite a challenge for me.

THK: I tend to avoid books that are too similar to what I write, but I love some good horror. What do you read for fun when you’re not writing? 

DE: I have authors that are my favorite, but I try to read new writers. There are so many gems that just need to be recognized. I tend towards reading paranormal, thrillers, horror, and sci-fi.

THK: Any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

DE: Don’t give up and never let anyone discourage you. Hire a great editor. Your first few books may not sell many, but keep at it. Also, it may take you awhile to find your own voice but when you do the experience is exhilarating.

THK: Werewolves or vampires?

DE: I’d have to say vampires, because they are just so sensual and mysterious. I remember as a kid watching Dark Shadows and despite him being a very scary vampire, he appealed to me.

THK: If you could get away with anything (criminal or just plain silly) what would you do?

DE: Oh my, this does get my naughty side thinking. I’d like to have a costume designed with a sculptured face, something a bit racy, and go to comicon and let my personality run wild!

THK: Got any favorite recipes you’d like to share? I know lots of my readers (and myself) love to cook.

DE: Oh yes, one of my hobbies is cooking. I have a to die for Cheese Cake.

My Cheesecake

4                                Eggs

2        Tbsp               Flour

1        15-oz              Ricotta Cheese

3        8-oz                Cream Cheese

1         Pint                Sour Cream

1 1/2   Cup               Sugar

1 1/2   Teaspoon    Lemon Juice

2         Tbsp             Vanilla

3         Tbsp             Cornstarch

1         Stick             Butter Melted

1. Mix Flour and Eggs on Hi Speed - Slowly add Ricotta

2. Cream then whip Cream Cheese. Add Egg stuff to Cream Cheese and mix well

until smooth

3. Add all remaining ingredients mixing well

4. Pre-Heat oven at 325°

5. Grease Spring Form Pan (It's not really necessary)

6. Bake 1 hour at 325° or until toothpick comes out fairly dry in center.

Thanks for being my guest today, Delena. :)

Here’s where you can find Delena online.

Delenaepstein@delenaepstein.com

http://www.delenaepstein.com

Goodreads blog under Delena Epstein

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Delena-Epstein/336532579800916?ref=hl