30 Days of Vampires Schedule
Author of: Happy Hour at Casa Dracula, Midnight Brunch, The Bride of Casa Dracula
Favorite Candy: Idaho Spud, because what is better than a candy that looks like a potato?
Favorite Cartoon Character: Stewie of “Family Guy.”
Super Power Most Covets: Power to fly since traveling on planes is expensive and annoying.
Favorite Vampire: Spike of “Buffy” because he’s snarky and snarling.
Q.) First can you tell us about your Casa Dracula series?
M.A.) My novels follow the adventures of Milagro de Los Santos, a funny, sexy, smart, yet impetuous young woman who gets caught up with a pack of rich, snobby vampires. She prefers to think the best of people (and other creatures) which is why she’s sometimes duped, but she has the courage and cleverness to overcome obstacles. She always manages to find good parties and attractive men while doing so.
Q.) What about your take on vampires, do you stick with tradition or tweak it a bit?
M.A.) I’ve never understood the appeal of ancient corpses, so my vamps are humans who have a genetic anomaly that makes them crave red things (like blood), heal faster, and also makes them sensitive to sunlight. They dislike the superstitions about them (why wouldn’t they be visible in a mirror?), and they’re a secretive bunch so Milagro is never sure if they’re being completely honest.
Q.) If you were given the option, would you be turned?
M.A.) To quote Milagro, ha, ha, and ha.
Q.) What would you do if you met a “real” vampire? Would you be a vamp groupie or would you dash for the nearest stake?
M.A.) What does he look like? If we’re talking Gary Oldman with that crazy-ass wig in “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” I’d have to stake him for his high-crimes-against-fashion. If he looks like Gerard Butler with that rock star wig in the deliciously bad “Dracula 2000” I’d offer him a Bloody Mary and we’d discuss the options.
Q.) Who makes the best hero–slayer or vamp? Why?
M.A.) A normal human makes the best hero because vamps and slayers have unfair advantages of strength and fearlessness. I prefer regular Joes (or Josephines) who fight the good fight. I adored Buffy, but I admired Xander.
Q.) Matchmaker dilemma, you have a choice of a vampire, a werewolf or a witch/wizard as a date to your sister’s wedding, who do you pick and why?
M.A.) Vampires are high maintenance. It’s all about them. “The coat check girl lost my cape. The salmon was overcooked. I drained the blood out of the ring bearer.” Witch/wizards are notoriously bad dancers. You know, the kind that wave their arms around and do lame Isadora Duncan moves as they get in touch with their inner wood nymph.
Werewolves are the original party animals. As pack critters, they have mad social skills. They may not be the best dancers, but they get down and get funky with during party perennials like “Y.M.C.A.” and “Full Moon Rising.” They wouldn’t whine about the food, they’d be fun to pet, and think of how great the wedding photos would be!
Q.) Are you a plotter or a panster? Character-driven or plot driven? Ever try to be the opposite? Do you have a set method you use when starting a book?
M.A.) I used to be a pantser. However, my editor objected to the meandering nature of my work. Now I’m a dedicated plotter. I think most writers begin as pantsers, because, well, it’s easier. But it’s like building a bedroom and then trying to construct a house around it. Much better to frame out the house and complete the construction of the individual rooms. You can still change things if you need to.
Q.) What is the smartest thing you’ve done so far as advancing either your writing or your writing career? What is something you wish you had done differently?
M.A.) Contributing columns and articles to newspapers helped me learn to meet deadlines and work with editors. It also gave me professional writing cred when I pitched myself to agents. I wish I had done it years before.
Q.) Can you describe three things in your writing area that tell us something about you?
M.A.) My writing area is a disaster, because I hate filing. I have a bulletin board with lots of photos of my son and family, a pencil holder made from a pretty tin that belonged to my grandmother, and a Slinky that I constantly fidget with.
Q.) Any new projects on the horizon? What would you like to try next?
M.A.) I just handed in the first draft of my next novel, a romantic comedy tentatively titled Nancy’s Theory of Style, which will be published by Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books in 2009. After that I’m writing another Casa Dracula novel. My agent is sending out a young adult gothic that I’ve written and I hope that will be snatched up by a publisher soon.
Thanks, Lori, for having me here! I’m always happy to hear from readers and they can visit my website. Fans of vamp and paranormal entertainment can keep up with all the latest news at my Vampire Wire blog.
Order Marta’s books:
Happy Hour at Casa Dracula
Midnight Brunch
The Bride of Casa Dracula
I’m looking forward to that romantic comedy, Marta, as well as any new Casa Dracula books.
I love Spike too! Isn’t he just adorable? You know, in a totally vampy sort of way. LOL
Deidre
by Deidre November 25th, 2008 at 7:39 amI love Marta Acosta!! I’ve been lucky enough to read all the casa dracula books! I am sooo ready for the next one! GO TEAM IAN :)
by crystal adkins November 25th, 2008 at 7:46 amSpike! Oh, indeed yes. :)
by Maria Lima November 25th, 2008 at 11:12 amI love Marta’s wit, adore the Casa Dracula series and I’m looking forward to reading anything else she writes!!
Great interview…
by Tanya November 25th, 2008 at 12:21 pm[...] Marta Acosta is over at Lori Devoti’s 30 Days of Vampires. [...]
by Show the Love | Literary Escapism November 25th, 2008 at 12:42 pmThanks for your comments, and thanks to Lori for having me here! If I could, I would wish that each of you get your very own Idaho Spud for Christmas…because nothing says “I am thinking about you,” like a potato-shaped confection.
by Marta Acosta November 25th, 2008 at 12:46 pmOh My GOSH! What a coincidence! I just added Marta’s Casa Dracula Series to my wishlist a few days ago…
by Danielle November 25th, 2008 at 1:19 pmGreat interview. I love the Casa Dracula books, I just got the 3rd one. Looking forward to the new romantic comedy.
by Donna November 25th, 2008 at 1:58 pmGreat interview! I loved your answer to the wedding date question. A werewolf would probably be a lot of fun. I also liked that you think a regular human is a better hero/heroine because they have to work with what they’ve got instead of relying on superior abilities or gifts.
by Karin November 25th, 2008 at 2:07 pmGreat interview… Thanks for a great intro to an unknown author…
by Colleen November 25th, 2008 at 2:39 pmIdaho Spud Candy? I’ll have to google this, I’m not sure I’ve heard of it before!
Great interview!
by Brooke November 25th, 2008 at 2:55 pmMarta Acosta’s books rock and so does her vampire wire blog, I just about live there when i’m online.
by Carmen R November 25th, 2008 at 2:55 pmi loveeeee all of your books marta! you totally are so nice and make good storys
by blackroze37 November 25th, 2008 at 5:08 pmThanks all! Danielle, you can also check out my blog, Vampire Wire, because sometimes I have contests for my books.
Colleen, if you’d like to read chapters of my books, they’re on my website and also at the Simon & Schuster website, Simon Says.
Carmen and Black Roze, thanks for the lurve.
Brooke, to know a Spud is to love a Spud.
Donna, hope you like The Bride! Don’t worry — there’s another book to follow. (People kinda freak out if they think The Bride is the end of the series.)
by Marta Acosta November 25th, 2008 at 6:04 pmThese are great. I have added another book. It sounds wonderful
by Debby November 25th, 2008 at 7:05 pmWonderful interview! I’ll have to check out your vampire wire blog!
by Pan Zareta November 25th, 2008 at 7:24 pmTerrific interview! And here I thought a witch would be the best wedding guest, because there would be no dietary issues. But now you’ve convinced me; next wedding I attend, I’m bringing a werewolf!
by Kimberly B. November 25th, 2008 at 8:11 pmYour Casa Dracula series ROCKS!!!
by annalisa November 25th, 2008 at 11:33 pmGreat interview, Marta, your vamps sound like fun. Now I have to go google Idaho Spud candy and see just what it looks like.
by Pam P November 25th, 2008 at 11:41 pmGlad you liked the interview — it was easy when Lori asked great questions.
Kim B, I hadn’t considered a witch as a party guest…or an elf, or a succubus. I think it would depend on whether the witch was a good witch or one who turned the bride into a wolverine.
Pam P, please understand that the Idaho Spud is a great candy more in concept than actual taste. It’s more art than snack, so you may want to have one to admire, like a fine sculpture, rather than to eat, which might be disappointing to those accustomed to finer, boutique chocolates, such as the Snickers Bar.
by Marta Acosta November 26th, 2008 at 11:01 amThanks for the heads up. :)
by Donna November 27th, 2008 at 1:12 amI’m looking forward to reading the Casa Dracula series! Great interview!
by Margie November 27th, 2008 at 5:55 pmLoved the interview! Thanks so much!
by Debbie November 28th, 2008 at 8:41 pmGreat interview!
Your young adult book sounds very interesting and I hope it works out.
by Lori T December 6th, 2008 at 8:01 pmI am adding you to my ever growing wish list
by Bertena December 6th, 2008 at 9:04 pmReally enjoyed the interview Marta!
by Chris J. December 7th, 2008 at 4:19 pmIs there really a Idaho Spuds Candy? I am so a potato girl! lol
Hi, everyone! Margie and Bertena, I hope you enjoy my series.
Chris J., I wouldn’t lie about something important as a potato-inspired candy. They’re not easy to find, but the very finest retailers offer them online with other sugary delicacies, like Necco Wafers and Boston Baked Beans.
by Marta Acosta December 7th, 2008 at 7:09 pmI didn’t comment on this one earlier? I know I read it – I still remember how funny the interview was.
I love Marta Acosta because of VampireWire.
by Liviania December 11th, 2008 at 10:59 pm