Name: Darlene Kuncytes
Age: Do I really need to say? Lol 50
What’s your star sign? Libra
Where are you from? Willowick Ohio
A little about yourself `ie your education Family life etc I took a few college courses. I am lucky enough to be blessed with an amazing family! I am single and love it!! LOL
Lilian: Tell us your latest news? I am almost finished with a Suspense/Romance that I am so excited about. It is not paranormal – but sexy and filled with suspense! I am hoping for a very early May release!!
Are you a heels lady or boots? Both!!! I love em all!!!
Lilian: When and why did you begin writing? I think I was born writing!! LOL I have always loved books and telling stories. To me, there is nothing better than to lose yourself in another world for a while.
Lilian: When did you first consider yourself a writer? OMG! I STILL don’t think I actually do!! LOL. This all has been a dream of mine since I can remember, and it all is just so surreal to me. I will say-it does hit me at times when a reader will contact me to tell me how much they loved my books. I have that moment when I kind of sit back and go…Holy Hell…they are talking about me! It is a moment of wonder, and excitement like nothing I have ever experienced before. To know that someone loves what I have created! WOW! The whole writer part is sinking in little by little!!!
Lilian: How did you come up with the title? It was really strange. The first book just kind of hit me, so then I wanted to stay with the whole Embrace theme. It was pretty easy after that.
Lilian: What inspired you to write your first book? You know, it just kind of came to me. I was daydreaming and was sitting out on my deck and just started to write. There was no stopping it after that! LOL
Lilian: Do you have a specific writing style? I like the third person. I love the all-knowing point of view. I hope my writing comes across as romantic and real. I want people to read my books and feel like they are right there with my characters. That they can actually identify with them. The way they speak, react ect.
Age: Do I really need to say? Lol 50
What’s your star sign? Libra
Where are you from? Willowick Ohio
A little about yourself `ie your education Family life etc I took a few college courses. I am lucky enough to be blessed with an amazing family! I am single and love it!! LOL
Lilian: Tell us your latest news? I am almost finished with a Suspense/Romance that I am so excited about. It is not paranormal – but sexy and filled with suspense! I am hoping for a very early May release!!
Are you a heels lady or boots? Both!!! I love em all!!!
Lilian: When and why did you begin writing? I think I was born writing!! LOL I have always loved books and telling stories. To me, there is nothing better than to lose yourself in another world for a while.
Lilian: When did you first consider yourself a writer? OMG! I STILL don’t think I actually do!! LOL. This all has been a dream of mine since I can remember, and it all is just so surreal to me. I will say-it does hit me at times when a reader will contact me to tell me how much they loved my books. I have that moment when I kind of sit back and go…Holy Hell…they are talking about me! It is a moment of wonder, and excitement like nothing I have ever experienced before. To know that someone loves what I have created! WOW! The whole writer part is sinking in little by little!!!
Lilian: How did you come up with the title? It was really strange. The first book just kind of hit me, so then I wanted to stay with the whole Embrace theme. It was pretty easy after that.
Lilian: What inspired you to write your first book? You know, it just kind of came to me. I was daydreaming and was sitting out on my deck and just started to write. There was no stopping it after that! LOL
Lilian: Do you have a specific writing style? I like the third person. I love the all-knowing point of view. I hope my writing comes across as romantic and real. I want people to read my books and feel like they are right there with my characters. That they can actually identify with them. The way they speak, react ect.
Lilian: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? Yes, that love happens – and that you can find that strength within yourself that you never knew you had.
Lilian: How much of the book is realistic? Well, since it’s paranormal…not a whole lot!! LOL But, expressions, feelings, reactions to things…I think there is some reality to that.
Lilian: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life? Some parts are, I think. That feeling when you have found someone you care for deeply, definitely.
Lilian: What books have most influenced your life most? I love Stephen King! Yeah, I know!!! It’s funny how a romance writer LOVES horror, huh? My thing with King’s writing is that he knows how to write people. We all have known someone from his books who was exactly like that. Who talked like that ect. I love that. I have read books that were so proper that I found myself getting bored. Not many people speak that way. lol
Lilian: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? So, so many! OMG! I have discovered so many wonderful Indie authors during this whole amazing journey! Too many to even begin to name. There are so many talented people out there! I love it. I have so many books on my Kindle it isn’t even funny! The only thing that sucks is that I try not to read while I’m in the middle of writing.
Lilian: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? Again, I’d have to say Stephen King. I also love John Saul, Dean Koontz. There have been so many indie writers who I have been so blessed to be able to call my friends now who have helped me along the way. I was so clueless when I started this all. Lol (I’m still pretty much clueless, but I’m learning!!)
Lilian: What book are you reading now? Unfortunately; nothing at the moment, I’m afraid. I really need to focus on finishing up. Then I may take a break and get some reading done! I hope!!!
Lilian: What are your current projects? I am finishing up I’ll be seeing you. I am really excited about this story. It is romantic…of course, and suspenseful! I am also working on another short story for another paranormal anthology with the Box Set Babes. Summer fun!!! YAY!
Lilian: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members. OMG! Where do I even start! My fans…other authors who have been so unbelievably helpful and caring. My street team! I swear, my girls are the best girls on the planet! They are amazing. I have not only made lifelong friends through all of this…I have made family.
Lilian: Do you see writing as a career? I am hoping so. That is my dream. To be able to do this full time would be the most amazing thing.
Lilian: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? I am sure I could find some thing here or there. lol. But as a whole…no. The stories come as they need to be told. I let them tell me where we are going, and I am usually happy with the end result. I mean, yes; I can be overly critical, and I worry that I didn’t do it right, but then when someone comes to me and tells me that they loved it, I know I did okay.
Lilian: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? Yes. Endings!! LOL I hate good-byes, and I always feel that tiniest bit of sadness when I write The End.
Lilian: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? Well, my father was an avid reader. But, my mom and I would make books on rainy days. She would have me tell the story, then we would draw pictures together and she would bind them up into a book. I think that’s what really gave me the bug.
Lilian: Can you share a little of your current work with us? Sure!! Here’s just a little taste for you all:
He kissed her hard, hungrily-his body pressing itself up against hers as his erection pressed painfully against the front of his jeans. Just seeing her standing there had him as hard as granite, and now that she was in his arms, it was to the point of pain. His hand clutched at her backside, pulling her against him and grinding, his need for her overwhelming him.
This woman was so far under his skin that he didn’t think that he’d ever be the same – and a small part of him wondered if that was such a bad thing. Until she had walked into his life, he hadn’t been living. Not really.
“Cole,” she murmured against his lips, but he only shook his head slightly and deepened their kiss, his tongue thrusting against hers and staking claim; and she was unable to fight it. The heat that this man brought with him coursed through her veins like hot molten lava, and she had no choice but to respond to him with a low, throaty moan as she wrapped herself around him.
That sound coming from her was all the encouragement that Cole needed. He hooked his thumbs into the waistband of her shorts and pushed them down, running his hands across her silken flesh as he did, searing her skin with his very touch…branding it as his.
Lilian: How much of the book is realistic? Well, since it’s paranormal…not a whole lot!! LOL But, expressions, feelings, reactions to things…I think there is some reality to that.
Lilian: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life? Some parts are, I think. That feeling when you have found someone you care for deeply, definitely.
Lilian: What books have most influenced your life most? I love Stephen King! Yeah, I know!!! It’s funny how a romance writer LOVES horror, huh? My thing with King’s writing is that he knows how to write people. We all have known someone from his books who was exactly like that. Who talked like that ect. I love that. I have read books that were so proper that I found myself getting bored. Not many people speak that way. lol
Lilian: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? So, so many! OMG! I have discovered so many wonderful Indie authors during this whole amazing journey! Too many to even begin to name. There are so many talented people out there! I love it. I have so many books on my Kindle it isn’t even funny! The only thing that sucks is that I try not to read while I’m in the middle of writing.
Lilian: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? Again, I’d have to say Stephen King. I also love John Saul, Dean Koontz. There have been so many indie writers who I have been so blessed to be able to call my friends now who have helped me along the way. I was so clueless when I started this all. Lol (I’m still pretty much clueless, but I’m learning!!)
Lilian: What book are you reading now? Unfortunately; nothing at the moment, I’m afraid. I really need to focus on finishing up. Then I may take a break and get some reading done! I hope!!!
Lilian: What are your current projects? I am finishing up I’ll be seeing you. I am really excited about this story. It is romantic…of course, and suspenseful! I am also working on another short story for another paranormal anthology with the Box Set Babes. Summer fun!!! YAY!
Lilian: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members. OMG! Where do I even start! My fans…other authors who have been so unbelievably helpful and caring. My street team! I swear, my girls are the best girls on the planet! They are amazing. I have not only made lifelong friends through all of this…I have made family.
Lilian: Do you see writing as a career? I am hoping so. That is my dream. To be able to do this full time would be the most amazing thing.
Lilian: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? I am sure I could find some thing here or there. lol. But as a whole…no. The stories come as they need to be told. I let them tell me where we are going, and I am usually happy with the end result. I mean, yes; I can be overly critical, and I worry that I didn’t do it right, but then when someone comes to me and tells me that they loved it, I know I did okay.
Lilian: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? Yes. Endings!! LOL I hate good-byes, and I always feel that tiniest bit of sadness when I write The End.
Lilian: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? Well, my father was an avid reader. But, my mom and I would make books on rainy days. She would have me tell the story, then we would draw pictures together and she would bind them up into a book. I think that’s what really gave me the bug.
Lilian: Can you share a little of your current work with us? Sure!! Here’s just a little taste for you all:
He kissed her hard, hungrily-his body pressing itself up against hers as his erection pressed painfully against the front of his jeans. Just seeing her standing there had him as hard as granite, and now that she was in his arms, it was to the point of pain. His hand clutched at her backside, pulling her against him and grinding, his need for her overwhelming him.
This woman was so far under his skin that he didn’t think that he’d ever be the same – and a small part of him wondered if that was such a bad thing. Until she had walked into his life, he hadn’t been living. Not really.
“Cole,” she murmured against his lips, but he only shook his head slightly and deepened their kiss, his tongue thrusting against hers and staking claim; and she was unable to fight it. The heat that this man brought with him coursed through her veins like hot molten lava, and she had no choice but to respond to him with a low, throaty moan as she wrapped herself around him.
That sound coming from her was all the encouragement that Cole needed. He hooked his thumbs into the waistband of her shorts and pushed them down, running his hands across her silken flesh as he did, searing her skin with his very touch…branding it as his.
Lilian: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? There are actually too many to even think about picking a favorite!! Seriously. lol
Lilian: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)? I went to NOLA last August and will be going there again at the end of July for another Readers/Writers convention. I will also be going to Toledo in October for an event. I don’t travel as much as I’d like, but I am still working full time, so it makes it hard. I have done some awesome book signings and am hoping to do a lot more. I LOVE meeting people!
Lilian: Who designed the covers? Linda Boulanger from Tell-tale covers. She is amazing! I can’t say enough about her. OMG! I swear that woman is physic! She knows exactly what I want. I mean, there is never any…oh, can you do this or change that. It’s like BAM! Yep, that’s it!! LOL I adore her.
Lilian: What was the hardest part of writing your book? When a get stuck. Lol. It’s like I know what I want to say, but my fingers just aren’t cooperating with me! I usually just walk away for a bit and let it come. I won’t force it, because I think it shows if you do.
Lilian: Do you remember the first book you read? Yes! Lady and the Tramp! My little Golden book! Oh, I loved that book!
Lilian: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it? That you really have to let your characters speak to you. Don’t try and make them. They will when they’re ready. And listen!!!
Lilian: Do you have any advice for other writers? Never give up! Write like you are only writing for yourself! And LOVE what you write! Don’t ever think that you aren’t good enough. EVER!
Lilian: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? Yes. Thank you! Thank you all so much for the love, the support, and the giggles. Without you all I wouldn’t be living a dream that I have had my entire life. I know that from the recesses of my heart. You all are what make’s doing what I do so flipping amazing!! And I adore you all so very much! You guys mean the world to me.
Lilian: Other than writing do you have any hobbies? I love to swim. I foster puppy-mill survivors. (There is nothing better than seeing those fur-babies find their forever, loving homes!) I wish I could say I was crafty-but I am soooooo not! LMAO
Lilian: What makes you laugh/cry? Life. I will laugh at the stupidest things sometimes. I try to find the fun in everything! Cry? Oh, Lord. Here’s the short list - When I see someone harming an animal or a child. When I see someone being bullied for being different. When I see someone giving up on themselves.
Lilian: Is there one person pass or present you would meet and why? Hmmm, that is a tough one. Would LOVE to meet Ian Somerhalder. That man sizzles!! LOL
Lilian: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music? Seafood. In any way, shape or form! Snort! Black, purple…sea blue. There really isn’t any music that I don’t like. Not a big country fan though. My ex was in a country band and I think I got REALLLLLY burned out!! LOL
Lilian: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching? Love Criminal Minds, and okay-I have to say it…Naked and Afraid!! LMAO I admit it! I love a good scary movie. Not gore-just scary!
Lilian: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done? Wow, probably just working wherever, wishing I was a writer. Lol I have wanted to do this my entire life. I did also want to be a vet. I even took a few pre-college courses, but I couldn’t deal with people wanting their animals put to sleep because they had become a burden. I knew that I would become a pet hoarder/vet if I did.
Lilian: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it? I am working on getting a website. I am just sooo not good on the computer!! LOL But, I do have a fan page on Face Book!!
I would just like to say thank you very much Darlene for taking the time out to be interviewed here on my blog. - Lilian
Lilian: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)? I went to NOLA last August and will be going there again at the end of July for another Readers/Writers convention. I will also be going to Toledo in October for an event. I don’t travel as much as I’d like, but I am still working full time, so it makes it hard. I have done some awesome book signings and am hoping to do a lot more. I LOVE meeting people!
Lilian: Who designed the covers? Linda Boulanger from Tell-tale covers. She is amazing! I can’t say enough about her. OMG! I swear that woman is physic! She knows exactly what I want. I mean, there is never any…oh, can you do this or change that. It’s like BAM! Yep, that’s it!! LOL I adore her.
Lilian: What was the hardest part of writing your book? When a get stuck. Lol. It’s like I know what I want to say, but my fingers just aren’t cooperating with me! I usually just walk away for a bit and let it come. I won’t force it, because I think it shows if you do.
Lilian: Do you remember the first book you read? Yes! Lady and the Tramp! My little Golden book! Oh, I loved that book!
Lilian: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it? That you really have to let your characters speak to you. Don’t try and make them. They will when they’re ready. And listen!!!
Lilian: Do you have any advice for other writers? Never give up! Write like you are only writing for yourself! And LOVE what you write! Don’t ever think that you aren’t good enough. EVER!
Lilian: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? Yes. Thank you! Thank you all so much for the love, the support, and the giggles. Without you all I wouldn’t be living a dream that I have had my entire life. I know that from the recesses of my heart. You all are what make’s doing what I do so flipping amazing!! And I adore you all so very much! You guys mean the world to me.
Lilian: Other than writing do you have any hobbies? I love to swim. I foster puppy-mill survivors. (There is nothing better than seeing those fur-babies find their forever, loving homes!) I wish I could say I was crafty-but I am soooooo not! LMAO
Lilian: What makes you laugh/cry? Life. I will laugh at the stupidest things sometimes. I try to find the fun in everything! Cry? Oh, Lord. Here’s the short list - When I see someone harming an animal or a child. When I see someone being bullied for being different. When I see someone giving up on themselves.
Lilian: Is there one person pass or present you would meet and why? Hmmm, that is a tough one. Would LOVE to meet Ian Somerhalder. That man sizzles!! LOL
Lilian: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music? Seafood. In any way, shape or form! Snort! Black, purple…sea blue. There really isn’t any music that I don’t like. Not a big country fan though. My ex was in a country band and I think I got REALLLLLY burned out!! LOL
Lilian: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching? Love Criminal Minds, and okay-I have to say it…Naked and Afraid!! LMAO I admit it! I love a good scary movie. Not gore-just scary!
Lilian: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done? Wow, probably just working wherever, wishing I was a writer. Lol I have wanted to do this my entire life. I did also want to be a vet. I even took a few pre-college courses, but I couldn’t deal with people wanting their animals put to sleep because they had become a burden. I knew that I would become a pet hoarder/vet if I did.
Lilian: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it? I am working on getting a website. I am just sooo not good on the computer!! LOL But, I do have a fan page on Face Book!!
I would just like to say thank you very much Darlene for taking the time out to be interviewed here on my blog. - Lilian