Hi, I'm Stephanie Burkhart. I write paranormal, steampunk, fantasy, and contemporary romance as well as children's stories. I love coffee, chocolate, and lilacs. I'm very excited to be here on the blog today. ☺After all, it's October and October is full of paranormal stories with vampires, werewolves, witches, & other goulie things so I thought I'd share a little a little about me and some of my paranormal tales.
I grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire, and got my start writing comic books as a 6 year old. When I turned 18, I joined the U.S. Army wanting a great adventure. I became an MP (Military Police) and went off to Germany. I spent 7 years in Europe between 1986-1997. I've visited Berlin (before and after the fall of the wall), The Netherlands, Belgium, Paris, Venice, Salzburg, Poland, and Hungary. Two counties I wish I could have visited and hope to get there soon: Great Britain and Canada.
Did I mention I was married in Denmark? 20 years on 14 November!
When I got out of the Army, I settled in Castaic, CA which is north of Los Angeles. I became a 911 Dispatcher for LAPD in 2000. My sons are 9 and 5. Finding balance between working, writing, and being a mommy can be a challenge, but it's a rewarding one. When I go to sleep, I sleep pretty heavy, so most of my story ideas don't come from dreams, but from germs of ideas.
I love writing paranormal, steampunk, fantasy and contemporary romance. I also "kind of fell" into children's writing as well. As a reader, I love historicals of all kinds and settings, including Diana Crosby's Scottish historicals and Tami Dee's Vikings. I'm picky about reading paranormals, however. I like the focus to be on the man and how his humanity is challenged by the paranormal creature he is. Barbara Edward's "Ancient Blood" was a very enjoyable story for me because it was written in this vein. Cole is a werewolf who must learn to balance his life as he falls in love with Lily.
I enjoy Karen Michelle Nutt's steampunk stories as well as the "Steampunk'd" Anthlogy. For fantasy, I'm really into George R.R. Martin's "Game of Thrones." For contemporary stories, I liked Mona Risk's international novels, "To Love a Hero," and "French Peril," as well as romantic suspense by Maggie Toussaint and Melanie Atkins.
The bulk of my work is available as ebooks. My titles include:
The Hungarian, paranormal
The Count's Lair, paranormal
The Wolf's Torment, paranormal
Victorian Scoundrel, steampunk
Destination: Berlin, sweet contemporary (pen name: SG Cardin)
Anthologies:
Be Mused, story: Matchmaking Amusement, (fantasty/paranormal)
Borealis II, story: Shadows and Light (sci-fi)
Victory Tales Press, Stimulating Anthology, story: Christmas in Bayeux
Victory Tales Press, Spring/Easter Anthology, story: A Polish Heart
I'd love to hear from you. Do you have an ebook reader? How much are you willing to pay for an ebook?
Giveaway: Leave a comment and I'll pick one winner to receive a PDF ARC of one of my novels.
FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com
TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Burkhart-Author/149938795021166
GOOD READS:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart
18 comments:
Hi Stephanie, Yes, I have an e-reader and I love it. I also love an actual book, thogh, too. I am a kindle freebie junkie so I haven't paid much for all the books on there that I do have, but I would pay for a book that I really, really wanted.
I haven't read any of your books but they sound really good. Would like to check them out.
countrysunset40 (at) aol dot com
Tracy,
Nice to meet you! My husband takes advantage of the Kindle freebees as well, and while I'm an avid reader, I tend to pick up books that interest me. Generally though, I try not to pay more than $5.99 for a book, unless it really, really appeals to me.
Thanks for popping in.
Smiles
Steph
Hey Stephanie!
Your life sounds interesting. We kinda have something in common. I traveled all over (never in the military) and my stepdad is from East Berlin.
Anywho, I don't have an ereader, or Kindle, or nook for tha matter. I'm afraid I'm one of those techophobes. LOL! and I admit, I still love holding a book.
I'm just getting into reading steampunk. I find that genre so cool, and I've writen a "light" paranormal for October too.
Looking forward to reading yours! Will be adding to my TBR pile.:)
Good morning, Steph--this is the first time I've seen this site--I knew about it--we see it all the time. But for some reason, I'd never clicked on. So, it took you and your post to get me here.
You're doing great with your promotions. I think you're more organized with it than I am. Some day, I'm going to make a real solid plan and stick to it.
Maybe.
Good luck!!!! Celia
Good morning, Stehp! This is my first visit to this blog also. I have read most of your books, and each time I think, 'this is the best book ever' then I read another of your books, and I think the same thing! You are so talented, and to do all that you do, at work and at home with two young sons, well, my hat goes off to you. Thanks for taking the time to entertain us with your books, great job!
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for sharing a bit about yourself as well as for your service to our country. Holy cow, you like coffee, chocolate, and lilacs? Incredible, I love all three as well. And I agree, Western Europe is fascinating. I had the pleasure of living in Spain for four years, and I visited Western Europe. Loved it!
I'm so thrilled for you on your release of, "The Hungarian," and I wish you every success! *Hugs*
Diana Cosby, RomVet
www.dianacosby.com
Hi Stephanie, Congratulations on your upcoming 20th Anniversary!
I do have an eReader..actually two, I have both a Nook and a Kindle. I have fully embraced ebooks- so much easier to store than paperbacks. Congratulations on your upcoming release of "The Hungarian".
junegirl63(at)gmail(dot)com
I have a Sony reader and also the Kindle app on my Macbook. Thinking of getting an iPad2 so I can put the Kindle app on there, should be easier to read.
So you want to do go the UK and Canada, what about New Zealand? We'd love to see you down here.
Hi, Steph! No prizes needed, but I wanted to say hello. I'm afraid I'll be considered less than a true romance writer for confessing this, but...I don't like chocolate. Coffee and lilacs, oh, yes! Good luck with your beautiful books and busy life.
Have had my Kindle since last Janurary, and I LOVE it!!! I almost feel like it's become an extension of my body. I rarely watch TV anymore, just love to read. I've spent alot of money on ebooks, however most of them are under $5, refuse to pay over $7 for any ebook, I don't care who the author is. You can usually get the paperback cheaper at Target than what some of these publishers are charging. Although I don't prefer reading paperbacks anymore. I've also gotten many free books through Amazon, Smashwords and other sites. I've actually found some of my favorite authors this way. I've got over 250 books I've finished in the last 9 months! Holy crud!! I am a Kindle junkie!!!
mnjcarter@charter.net
hi i love the book cover i can say i love to read and then i do it all the time i was gone over the weekend read 5 book and then got to get them blogged
can i make a suggestion have you ever heard of the Franklyn mansion in Cleveland Ohio i think you make good story of the ghost it has and the story desitheblonde@msn.com
Hi Steph, I'm one for three on your fav list of chocolate (I like!), coffee and lilacs, but I'm in complete agreement about Game of Thrones. The story is very engrossing. I think your take on steampunk is pretty fascinating as well. Wishing you all the best with "Scoundrel." Maggie
Steph, thanks for mentioning my international romances.
I read your steampunk and your vampires stories and love them all. Can't recommend them enough. You have a vivid imagination and bring great characters to life.
I am waiting for more of your books.
I do have an ereader, it is a nook and I love it. I have almost 600 books on it. I promote it all the time, I sometimes think I should go get a job at barnes & noble. I look for free or cheap from B&N and they have a lot of those. You are a new author for me and would love to win and read your book.
Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win.
christinebails@yahoo.com
I couldn't miss visiting here, Steph! You're one of my favorite authors plus when you first signed with DBP, you right away visited me on my fun Goddess Fish Blog Tour I did for my title, WHITNEY IN CHARGE! You are a talented writer and a wonderful, supportive friend. Love ya.
Everyone, if you haven't read any of Steph's books, you must. I enjoyed THE HUNGARIAN, her shorts, and her steampunk book, Windsor Diaries Book One: Victorian Scoundrel.
Have a blast doing this tour!
I forgot to answer your question about how much I'd pay for an ebook. Last week I did pay $9.99 for a romance in a series I really wanted to read but probably won't again. I think that is way too high for an ebook. I probably usually pay on the average around $3 to $5 for an ebook. I also get some freebies and a few for 99 cents each.
Diane, thanks so much for your kind words. I enjoy your writing, too, Sweetie. ((hugs))
Thanks to everyone who popped in, especially Diana - I loved "His Conquest" and I'm looking forward to reading more in that series. :)
Thanks so much for your thoughts on ebook readers and buying ebooks. I have a kindle myself and I love it - especially text to speech.
Congrats to Chris Bails! I pulled her name out of the hat to win a PDF ARC of one of my books.
Thanks to everyone who supported my visit here on the Goddess Fish Forum.
Smiles
Steph
Hi Steph, great interview! I am always amazed at your energy and versatility. You are such a wonderful writer and all-round great person and friend.
I love all your books, but the one that really blew me away was your steampunk - so original! Be sure and check it out, everybody - Windsor Diaries Book One: Victorian Scoundrel.
Wishing you oodles of success and joy!
Hugs,
Regina
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