Christine Feehan

Christine Feehan is an American author of paranormal romance, paranormal military thrillers, and fantasy. She is the International bestselling author of seven series; Carpathian (aka Dark Series), GhostWalker Series, Drake Sisters, Sister of the Heart (Sea Haven) Series, Shadow Riders Series, Leopard Series and Torpedo Ink Series. Six of the seven series have made it to No.1 on the New York Times bestseller list.

Christine's latest book Dark Whisper was published in the UK in October by Piatkus. You can find Dark Whisper and Christine's other titles on our catalogue.

Who were your heroes as you were growing up?

To me, heroes are people who, when they get knocked down, get back up every time. They are people who take personal responsibility for their actions. They understand that everyone has value and can be selfless.

My mother was definitely a hero to me growing up. The way she conducted herself with such dignity, compassion and respectability. My father was a hero with his incredible integrity in business. His sense of fairness and honor. My Uncle Phil who lived his life in a wheelchair was a hero with his courage, ability to overcome challenges, his strength of character.

As for authors, growing up I didn’t really follow authors. I just knew that I loved their stories. I was in awe of the way they could put words into sentences and sentences into paragraphs all the while making me feel emotions.

Two that stand out for me are Louisa May Alcott. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read Little Women or gifted the book to friends and family. Gene Stratton-Porter’s stories really stuck with me and I love them to this day.

In 1999 Dark Prince was published. How did that change your life?

At the time I didn’t even own a computer, so I didn’t realize what a success it was for quite a long while. I was focused on providing for my children. Once I began attending events my publishing house asked me to go to I realized I was regarded as a successful author.

That inspired me to continue writing as a career. I was always going to write. But, I wasn’t sure I’d always get published. Knowing I could write and be able to take care of my children helped me decide to do this for a living.

I was amazed to read that you wrote your books around bringing up eleven children. How is that even possible?

When you have that many children you really learn to multi-task. LOL

All of my children had after-school programs they liked to participate in. When I’d take them to a practice, I would stay and write. Back then it was long-hand with a pencil or pen and paper.

While they worked on homework I’d be there with them so I could help and until they needed me I would be writing stories. At night they’d get an hour of television time and I’d write then and of course, after they went to bed I was writing or reading.

Where did the idea for the Carpathian stories come from? Was it a rush to get it all down when the ideas started flowing?

I always told stories to my children and I was very intrigued with vampires and often told stories centered around them. I wanted to know, if they did exist, what would make them give up their souls.

I lost a child years ago in a car accident. It was a very dark time in my life. He was my oldest son and we'd gone through a lot together. He’d always loved my stories.

I wasn't certain how I would survive his loss. So eventually I turned to my writing. At the time, I felt cut off emotionally and felt as if I was seeing everything without color in my world. Of course that wasn't so, but it FELT like it. I went through my life numb, so I wrote my males that way. They have to find their way back through love of another. So really, when I write a dark book, for me, this world is a tribute to my son.

Your latest book here in the UK is Dark Whisper. Can you tell us a little about it and what it was like to write?

It was exciting to write this book because it was such a big adventure. I wasn’t sure where the journey would take me so I was surprised by some of it just as I feel readers will be.

My heroine, Vasilisa, was courageous and willing to sacrifice for her people and those she loved. My hero, Siv, was much the same. They were really great together.

I enjoyed revisiting characters from past stories, especially Skyler and Dimitri. And it was fun to create the tarot cards that go with Dark Whisper. You’ll see examples of those in the book. We created an entire deck!

Is there anything you can share with us about your latest project?

I just finished Ghostly Game, which is Gedeon’s book from Team 3. Much like Dark Whisper, we get to see old favorites from previous stories.

This GhostWalker story is very different from the previous ones in a lot of ways. I’ve been writing more international intrigue and this story is local. It takes place in San Francisco.

And the challenges the hero and heroine face are also very different. Expect a bit more mystery!

At this time I am writing Shadow Dance, from my Shadow Riders series. This is Geno Ferraro’s story. He is head of the Shadow Riders in New York. There will be some revelations in this one that I think readers will find exciting. And we will see Stefano and some of the other Ferraros from Chicago as well.

You have a group of trusted readers who give you feedback on your books as they progress. Can you tell us how this system works? Do you always agree with their views?

I actually don’t share during the writing process. They won’t see it until it’s done because I may change a part of the storyline in later chapters and then go back to change everything once I finish.

I do, however, have a group that I brainstorm with. We all help one another. We discuss a multitude of things including character development, motivation, research. Plus, there’s a lot of tea drinking, laughter and chocolate (or biscotti) during these sessions so we try to get together as often as we can. LOL

One of your past jobs was working in a library. If life had turned out differently might you have had a career in libraries?

Good question! I love libraries. I always have and still do today. I often recommend readers utilize their local libraries especially in this economy where they simply don’t have enough in their budget for books. However, they get them and whatever they read, I love to see books in the hands of readers.

That said, my career prior to writing fulltime was that of a martial arts instructor. I loved that career and did that for decades. I feel that I would always have chosen that path. I did a lot of work with women who’d been the victims of violence and I felt called to help them find their way and their courage to reclaim their lives.

What is the funniest or strangest thing any of your readers have told you?

I remember this reader showing me pictures and telling me about her large, personal library at home. When she would take out one of my books her dog would eat it! She said the dog never chewed up any other author’s books. Just mine. Who knew my stories were also a tasty dog treat? LOL

Can you tell us one thing about yourself that your readers may not know?

I was raised in a small country town. My main form of entertainment was reading. I have attended many book conventions and events. I have given talks and been on panels. What people may not know is that I am shy person. Public speaking terrifies me. Even now, when I know I’m going to speak to a room full of people I get a little sick to my stomach. LOL I love meeting readers, I just don’t love public speaking.