Psychotherapist Lynda Hilburn writes paranormal fiction, urban fantasy and dark fantasy novels. She lives in Boulder, Colorado in the USA and is still waiting for a real vampire to show up in her waiting room.
What first attracted you to the genre?
After reading Bram Stoker’s Dracula as a child, I was hooked on tales of the fanged undead. I was a rabid reader of all things bloodsucker, but didn’t think of writing fiction myself until I discovered the new wave of books categorised as paranormal romance years ago. Prior to that, I’d written nonfiction. The idea of humans having relationships with such dangerous creatures captured my imagination.
What is your most notable work?
The first book in my Kismet Knight, Vampire Psychologist series – The Vampire Shrink – was published originally by a small press in 2007. After parting ways with that publisher, I put the eBook version up myself on Amazon, etc. and it became a best-seller. That led to my getting a three-book deal with Quercus/Jo Fletcher Books. The rewritten and expanded version of The Vampire Shrink now has new British, American and German editions.
What are you working on now?
The second book in the series, Blood Therapy, was just released in the UK in September, 2012 and will be available in a USA print version in February, 2013. I’m currently working on the third book, Crimson Psyche, which doesn’t have a release date yet.
Who do you admire in the horror world?
Anne Rice, Stephen King, Bram Stoker, P.N. Elrod, and Chelsea Quinn, to name a few.
Do you prefer all-out gore or psychological chills?
Since my main character is a psychologist, the main vibe of my books is psychological. But there’s a fair amount of blood, staking, beheading and savage attacks going on. I’m one of those movie-goers who covers her eyes during the slasher scenes. I prefer twisted psychological tales. For some reason, I’m drawn to serial killers.
Why should people read your work?
The idea of a human psychologist working with vampires – and sharing her innermost thoughts with readers – hopefully brings a new outlook to vampire novels. The blending of humour, horror, mystery, romance, and other aspects, creates a little something for everyone.
Recommend a book.
All vampire fans should have Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot, Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles on her/his bookshelf.
MICHAEL WILSON
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