Elizabeth Dunlap is the author of a recently released novel titled Knight of the Hunted. Here is a synopsis: Lisbeth is 400 years old, born a vampire and lives in a castle. She is bound to keep the laws of her kind, but comes upon a young Lycan. Instead of killing it, as her laws demand, she sets it free. When a Hunter discovers her treachery she is immediately under severe threat and leaves her home. Traveling with another Lycan, they find a town with vampires and humans living together in peace. But soon, troubles begin for Lisbeth here, too. She knows she should leave, but that Hunter is still searching for her. Which bad option should she take? 

Well, I talked a bit with the Author of Knight of the Hunted, and here is what we talked about:

>Would you please start by introducing yourself and telling us a bit about you?

My name is Lizzie. Geek, writer, and mom!

>When did you start writing?

I started writing when I was 13. I’d always been making up stories before then, and I decided that I wanted to be a writer. I had to teach myself how to get better at it!

>Why do you write?

I like to imagine that when an artist sees something beautiful, they HAVE to paint it. A photographer HAS to take a picture when they see the perfect moment. Writing is the same way. A story comes into your head and you HAVE to write it down. I could never change careers even if I wanted to. I’m hardwired for writing.

>What inspires you?

Every story is inspired by different things, so what inspires me varies. A really good song, or a tv show, even other books. Inspiration hits you at the most random moments, like morning sickness.

>What is it about this story of Lisbeth that made you want to share it?

I wanted to show readers what a real vampire can be like. Not the scary Dracula, or the sparkly Cullen, something new and interesting. I wanted to take the vampire genre to a new place, with characters I think people will respond to.

>Do you feel it is hard to be a woman writer? Have you ever felt obstacles arise because of your gender?

Being a writer is difficult enough because hardly anyone takes you seriously if you’re not published. “I’m writing a novel” is something normal people say quite often, so when that’s all you say, it’s not viewed as genuine. The obstacle I try to overcome as a woman writer is writing books that appeal to both genders. Men and women write differently. I rarely read male writing because they write with less feeling and more information than women. Women write with more feeling, descriptions, and less intricacy than men. And that’s perfectly fine, but it means men and women look for different things when they read. So, if I can write books that appeal to everyone, I’m doing a good job!

>What makes you “geek out”?

The list, I fear, is very lengthy, as I’m geeky about many things! I’d have to say my most high pitched geeky noises are usually associated with Jessica Jones and Warehouse 13.

>Who are your favorite authors?

Gena Showalter, Rachel Caine, Cassandra Clare. Love their books so much!

>What kind of music do your listen to when you’re writing?

I try to pick songs for each story that inspire me. They all have their own playlist! But if I’m not listening to that, I listen to classical music when I write, like Beethoven or Vaughn Williams.

>What kind of advice would you give to an amateur artist wanting to get their work out into the world?

The strength of your determination is the cornerstone to getting your work out there. Know what you want, and don’t give up until it happens.

>Are you working on anything right now? Can you give us a sneak peek?

I have many novels in progress right now (I can’t say no when inspiration hits!) but I have a finished novel that I’m submitting to book agents! It’s about a grumpy fairy :D

>What do you wish there was more of in the world?

Generosity, instead of gain

>Where can one get “Knight of the Hunted”?

Knight of the Hunted is on Amazon!! Just search for it, and it’ll show up in the book section! It’s available for kindle, or paperback! 

>How can readers follow you?

You can find me on Facebook and Instagram @elizabethdunlapnifty. Or twitter @edunlapnifty!