Author Interview and Giveaway with Claude Dancourt

Welcome everyone. I would like to introduce Claude Dancourt, author of Second Chances. Claude is here today to answer a few questions and give away two e-book copies of her book, Second Chances, a contemporary romance. All you have to do to enter the drawing is leave a comment. Winners will be drawn on December 11th and we will forward each winner a copy of Second Chances in whatever format you require for your e-readers. Remember to enter a comment to participate and your email address so we may contact you as a winner!

Thank you, Claude, for participating in this interview and giveaway! I'm sure your fans would love to hear more about you!

Claude, tell us your latest news.

I bought a cat. His name is Nimh, also known as Nemo or Geronimo; the little monster definitely has suicidal tendencies. I also finally manage to arrange my home-office so books are stored in there (instead of the whole house). Apparently, I need more book-shelves.

When and why did you begin writing?

The down-memory lane question. I completed my first complete novella when I was about 13 or 14. I wrote a lot during my teens, then life took over; I started writing again seriously about 3 years ago. I write because I need to escape into another world or because I have those lines swirling around in my head which refuse to leave me alone until I put them on paper. Sounds funny/crazy, but that’s how it works for me.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Hum… I work (I am not a full time writer at the moment), I go to the gym or the movies, I watch TV, I read, I check my emails, just like any normal person I guess.

What inspired you to write your first book?

My first works were inspired by mythology and legends. The Arthurian Chronicles, Atlantis, those kind of things. My first published novel was in fact inspired by a song, “the right place” by Bryan Adams. The song talks about finding a home with someone else. So does Second Chances.

What do you think makes a good story?

I am not sure I can answer that. It really depends upon the reader. The general wording, the dialogues, the plot, the characters’ portrait, the mood the reader is in when he reads, really too many things, and only one can make the trick. I can take the same book four times, and find four reasons to love it, each time a different one. I really can’t tell.

How do you want readers to feel after they read your stories?

Then again, it depends. If the story is sweet, I want them to smile and feel peaceful; if it’s drama, I would like them to feel sad or uncomfortable. If it’s a funny peace, happy. I’ll say I want them to feel they had forgotten their lives for a few moments, and were glad for the entertainment.

What is your favorite character out of all the books you have written?

Surprisingly enough I don’t like all my characters. Some of them are necessary for the story, but I dislike them, the way they are and act. But my favorite is the hero of a fanfiction I wrote last year. And Arthur (from Second Chances).

What influences your creativity of your characters?

The story itself! The books I read, the TV shows I watch; the people around me; my mood when I start a new story. Their names. A lot of things, really. It’s hard to point out only one thing.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

My current WIP is a fantasy with strong romantic elements, inspired by the Arthurian Legend. The hero is a descendant from the High King, who goes on a quest to help his friends, and will finally find his heritage. It’s the longest book I’ve ever written. It has knights, magic, love… Can’t wait to finish it and share J

What are some of the goals and future plans with your writing?

I don’t really have any goal or future plan. There are more stories I want to write, and I just hope I’ll be able to entertain as many people as possible.

Thank you, Claude, for the great interview! Remember to leave a comment to enter and be sure to leave your email address so that we may contact you if you’ve won!

Congratulations to our winnners Tarrant_Hightopp and DeeLuLu!