Interview with Donna Grant

Hi everyone! I had the honor of interviewing Donna Grant for the blog. Find all of her info down below.

first a little about her:

Donna Grant is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author known for her captivating blend of romance, fantasy, and suspense. With over a hundred novels to her name, she has enchanted readers around the world with richly woven stories, unforgettable characters, and heart-pounding adventure. Best known for her Dark King and Reaper series, Donna continues to deliver emotionally charged tales that explore the power of love, destiny, and redemption.

website:

https://donnagrant.com

follow her on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/dgauthor?igsh=d3B1MzUxd3Fxd3dk

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/share/19Lb9e3Pwu/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Enjoy the interview!

❤️Carrie

For readers who might be new to your work, how would you describe your books in one sentence?

Sexy romances steeped in love where good overcomes evil with a dash of adventure and heaping spoonful of suspense.

What originally drew you to the paranormal romance genre, and what continues to inspire your stories today?

Everything inspires my stories. :) I have no idea what drew me to paranormal. Could be my early years watching Legend, Clash of the Titans (the original), Never Ending Story, and the like. 

The Dark Kings series has become a fan favorite. What sparked the idea for that world of dragon shifters and ancient magic?

I had been wanting to write dragons forever. I had several different ideas I pitched to my editor who kept saying no. Then, she came to me wanting a spin-off of the Dark Sword/Dark Warriors, and I said dragons. She laughed, and agreed. It was born from that.

How do you approach writing such strong, emotionally complex characters—especially the alpha males and fierce heroines your readers love?

I wish I had a pithy answer, but the truth is, I have no idea. I don't plot my books. I have an overall idea of what's going to happen, and I know the ending (HEA and all that, lol), but I wing it each time I sit at the computer. Over 150 books in, and I'm still amazed it all comes together in the end.

Your stories are full of mythology and magic. Do you draw inspiration from any particular cultures or legends?

Oh, yes, of course. I have a love of all things Scotland and the Gaelic culture there, and you'll find that in most of my books. I've pulled in Norse mythology for my Kindred series and the spin-off Kindred: The Fated trilogy, as well. I'm always looking, always open to see what might spark an idea or pull my interest, and then I wait to find a character or story to match it too.

Can you share a behind-the-scenes moment—maybe a character who surprised you or a plot twist that wasn’t planned?

Well, by not plotting, all of the plot twists are surprising to me. I don't plan any of those out. It happens while I'm writing. If you're shocked reading it, imagine me at the computer as the words type out. A few times I've had to pause and just let it all sink in, it's been so shocking.

What does a typical writing day look like for you? Any rituals, playlists, or must-have snacks?

I'm all about routine in every aspect of my life. A typical day starts with being woken at 6:30 by two of the cats who walking over me continually until I finally get up at 7. I take the dog out, and then come back in and feed everyone. From there, I meditate, get in some yoga, have a shower, and get ready for the day. There's breakfast where I'm checking emails to make sure nothing urgent needs to be addressed immediately. Then I drink some tea to get in a quick social media drop in, and then I'm writing by 9:30. 

I get in a chapter (2000 words approx.) before lunch. After lunch, I get in the next chapter. There's usually a few more emails I need to take care of, I check in with members of my team, and by 3:30 I leave my office to take the dog for a walk, check the mail, chat with some neighbors, and decompress.

With so many books under your belt, how do you keep your stories fresh and exciting—for both you and your readers?

Oh, good question. I'm glad to hear that I do. lol. It is a concern for anyone who has so many books. You worry that you might have already written an idea, because after a while, characters and stories all run together. I read a lot, and I evolve and grow as a writer with each book, which (hopefully) means it shows in my books.

What has been one of the most rewarding moments in your career so far?

Learning that my books have helped someone through a rough time. I love having that kind of a connection.

And finally, what can we look forward to next? Any upcoming releases or new series in the works?

Always so much in the works. :) Up next is the next Dragon Kings book, Dragon Marked (April 15). The 3rd Elven Kingdoms book, Storm Wood, will be out in May, and then another Dragon King book in July, Dragon Forged. There's also my special edition book (and box) for The Bastard King that's underway right now, and August I'll launch my first Kickstarter for the Dragon Kings books in special editions.