Kathryn Smith, author of Taken by the Night (releases today), answers a few of Sybil’s questions for TGTBTU readers…

Sybil: My first love as I often say are historicals. And the first books I read of yours were your Avon historicals. So we will just get this out of the way quickly… when are you writing me another historical novel?

Kathryn Smith: Well, thank you! I love writing historicals — that’s why my paranormal series is historical as well. I might write a straight historical in the future, but for now I think the darker, paranormal setting suits my ‘voice.’

S: Why vampires? Did you decide to get in on the hot paranormal trend or was it ‘suggested’ to you? And whatever that answer is, why vamps?

KS: Before the paranormal craze swept the market, my editor at Avon (then Kelly Harms) and I were looking for ways to boost my career. She told me that she thought I could write a really good vampire romance, given my penchant for wounded heroes. Being a vamp-hag from waaaay back, I jumped at the chance. Next thing you know, vamps are all over the place — the story of my life! Don’t get me wrong, I love vampires and I’ve had a lot of fun with the Brotherhood, but once this series is done, I’m taking a break from blood suckers.

S: I keep hearing you talking about your “Nightmare” books. What the heck are those and how do you turn nightmares into romance, or should I say one that ends in HEA?

KS: The Nightmare Chronicles centers around Dawn, whose mother is mortal and whose father is Morpheus, god of dreams. She shouldn’t exist in our world, but she does. In fact, Dawn can travel between the mortal world and the dream realm with little difficulty. She can also interact between the two worlds, which makes people on both sides nervous. In the first book she finds herself the target of a Night Terror (think creepy, sexy bad dude), embroiled in Dream Realm politics, and romantically involved with a patient, who is also a lucid dreamer. While there is something of an HEA, the relationship will be ongoing throughout each book, growing and changing just like these things do in ‘real’ life. I like to think of this series as romantic urban fantasy.

S: What is your favorite historical novel that you have written?

KS: Hmmm. Honestly, I love LET THE NIGHT BEGIN, which is out next year [ed.: 24 Jun 08]. I just finished it a few months ago and it turned out really tight. Plus, I love both the hero and the heroine. Outside of the vamps, I think my favorite was FOR THE FIRST TIME. I loved Blythe and I could still just eat Devlin alive. lol.

S: Out of any book written right now that isn’t yours, what do you wish you had written?

KS: Hmmm. I wish I had written GUILTY PLEASURES, the first Anita Blake book by Laurell K Hamilton. Or maybe the first Harry Potter ? 😉

S: Bonus question, Just how exciting was it that you got to meet me in Dallas?!?! And how come you were already drunk when I ran into you later but didn’t offer to buy ME a drink?

KS: I was thrilled to the very core of my being, of course! And darling, I’m never drunk. Wherever did you get that idea? 😉 I’ll buy you a drink next time.