AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Gena D. Lutz

1. When/why did you decide to become a writer?

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to read a good book or write my own stories.

2. What authors inspired you when you were younger? What books do you enjoy reading today?

The first full-length novel I read was a part of a historical romance series by Constance O'Banyon, titled the Savage Summer. I was really into true crime novels when I was in my twenties. But throughout my life I’ve always loved paranormal romance and urban fantasy. The authors that inspire me the most are Laurell K. Hamilton, J.R Ward, Kelley Armstrong, Stephen King, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and Anne Rice.    

3. What was the inspiration behind your novel Created Darkly?

The inspiration for Created Darkly started with a name. I told my cousin Christina that I was going to create a character just for her. Chris is short for Christina of course, so I just messed with the spelling a little bit and BAM, Kris Chase was born. The story itself took on a life of its own as soon as I started writing it.  

4. Will we ever see those characters again?

Yes you will! Devil’s Playground, book 2 in the Kris Chase series, will be released early 2015.

5. How did you choose which paranormal creatures to put into the book?

The only thing I was sure of when I started writing Created Darkly was that I wanted it to be about a kick-ass heroine who also happened to be a very powerful necromancer. Her specific abilities came out on the page as I wrote more about her. I was just as surprised as any of my readers that she could actually create vampires.

6. Were any of the characters personalities or emotions taken from real life?

I think in each heroine I write there is always a little bit of myself in the character-- a part of me who wishes that I could be out there in the trenches slaying my own monsters.

7. What other genres would you like to try your hand at?

To be honest, I only ever see myself writing paranormal romance and urban fantasy.

8. What would you do if you were in Kristina's position?

Oh that’s tough. Kris is stubborn, has an overwhelming thirst for vengeance, and can kick some major ass. I would like to see her take a break. So if I was in her position I would talk Rush into taking me to the Bahamas.  

9. Would you like to be able to see ghosts?

Nope, not at all. While ghosts do fascinate me, I like them best when they are kept inside of the pages.

10. Would you like to see Created Darkly or any of your other works as a film or TV show? If yes, who do you want to see play your characters?

I would jump at the chance! As for who would play them? I have no clue…but they’d have to be super sexy!  

11. Where do you see yourself and your career in the next ten years?

Oh my, I really don’t think that far ahead in regards to my writing. Writing is something I do for myself, so the only real goal in regards to it is to get as many of the stories floating around in my head down on paper before God pulls my plug.

12. What would you be doing if you weren't writing?

I would probably be miserable! Writing is my own personal mood stabilizer. I need it to release stress and to stay sane.

13. Can you tell KSR what you're working on next?

My current WIP is Devil’s Playground, book 2 in the Kris Chase series. But I also have a pretty big project in the works with some amazingly talented authors. There will be more info to come about that soon. (I’m also in the process of re-writing my first published book, Ember’s Curse.)

14. What authors, dead or alive, would you like to collaborate with?

That’s easy. Stephen King. The man is so talented and one of the most creative writers I’ve ever read. I could learn so much from him.

15. Thank you for participating in the interview. Can you please leave the readers with three things that may surprise them about you?

1: I am obsessed with vintage My Little Ponies.
2: I can never eat the ‘first’ thing cooked in a pan. I have to have the second or third grilled cheese, pancake, burger, etc. I just think it tastes better that way.
3: By the age of 24, I owned and operated my own business. It was a sports bar that featured country music and dancing on the weekends. Up until recently, I’d been in the bar business as a hostess, waitress, bartender, and then owner, for most of my adult life. If I had a nickel for every time I yelled “Last call!” at closing time, I’d be rich!

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