My Writing Influences by Stephanie Burkhart

VC Andrews, Flowers In The Attic

Aside from writing, I'm also an avid reader. I've been reading since I was a little girl and some of my early reading included: Judy Blume, The Hardy Boys, and anything about dinosaurs and space.

As a teenager in the 1980's, I discovered several writers: Anne Rice, Victoria Holt, and VC Andrews. Rice can tell a stirring story with the paranormal creatures I grew up watching in the 1970's. My favorite Rice novels are: "The Witching Hour" and "Interview with the Vampire."

When it came to VC Andrews, I was enthralled by the gothic creepiness of the Dollanganger Series. Victoria Holt, though, sold me on the power of love and romance. I also adore her writings as Jean Plaidy and her novels about the Kings and Queens of England. She brought those stories to life by showing the humanity of the characters – both the good and bad choices.

After getting out of the Army in 1997, I gravitated toward reading romances because I liked the hopeful message that love brings. Some of my favorite romance writers are: Jillian Hunter, Judith McNaught, and Lisa Kleypas. Each of these writers captures a unique voice that appeals to me as a reader. They also write historical romance and I love the idea of escaping to another time and place.

Who are some of your favorite writers? Leave a comment with your email and I'll pick two people to receive a copy of my free read, "Moonlight Sonata," the prequel to "The Count's Lair."

EXCERPT FROM MOONLIGHT SONATA:


The door opened and Anton walked in exuding a dark, animal-like grace. His hair was wind-blown and his usually starched shirt was wrinkled, as if he'd slept in it. He had on calf-high boots with his pants tucked into them, but they were dull, as if he hadn't polished them in a day or two.

He simply didn't look like himself. Her eyes sought out his. The gold ring around his deep blue sapphire irises burned with desire. His lips curved into a cocky smile.

"Hello, Amelia."

She bit the inside of her lip. The rich scent of mulberries and spice hung around him, fueling a growing agitation in the pit of her stomach. He looked like a magnificent beast – ready to tempt her to sin. "Hello, Anton."

"I'm sorry I didn't call, but I wanted to see you."

She stood rooted in the spot next to the coffee table. Anton walked toward her slowly, his feral gait even, his expression full of confidence. He passed in back of her, pausing. She felt the heat of his breath on her neck. She didn't know what to say. She'd enjoyed his friendship and she had wanted to call him later this evening, but he seemed bolder, determined. He had the look of a man who knew what he wanted. Her hand went to her breast, trying to stop the nervous fluttering of her heart.

"I was looking forward to seeing you as well," she finally said.

He rounded the coffee table and stopped in back of the couch, putting his hands on the couch's backrest and looking directly at her.

Amelia swallowed. The look in his eyes was unmistakable. They danced with the flames of desire. For her?

"I've been giving what you said a lot of thought—" he began.

"What did I say?"

"You challenged me to be a better man."

"I did."

"Well, that's what I want to do."

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GOOD READS:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart