What can you tell my readers about yourself that they might not know from looking on your bio or reading in another interview?
I am a huge nerd. No, really. I love rocks, the Oxford comma, and properly used hyphens. Oh, and I am what most would consider a cowgirl—all the way down to my favorite pair of red cowboy boots.
What do you enjoy doing on your down time?
To be completely honest, I don’t have a great deal of downtime. It seems like I’m always going. (I’m a mom, can you tell?) However, I love to hike and be outside. There is nothing quite like the feel of sunshine on your skin and the wind through your hair.
What is your Favorite part of writing?
I love the actual process of writing, though perhaps not the actual act of sitting still. What I love is the moment that you hit on a great line or get to make the twist that leave readers thinking about the story long after the book is closed.
Do you have any certain routines you must follow as you write?
Though I have an office, and a designated writing space, I find that I am often writing on the fly thanks to life with kids. My world is loud, crazy, and full of activity. When it’s quiet (which rarely happens), my mind starts moving in circles and I find that I need to go to a public sphere where I can be surrounded by noise. Right now, I’m writing in a very busy coffee shop. (They serve wine and coffee—does life get any better than that?)
What are some of your Favorite books or Authors in the Urban Fantasy/ Paranormal Genres?
I love just about anything written by J.R. Ward, Charlaine Harris, or Rebecca Zanetti. Need I say more? ☺
How would you pitch Once a Gypsy to someone who has not heard of it before?
This book, like most of my others, is what I like to call a soft paranormal. That means that the paranormal elements of the book seem so realistic that it could almost take place in real life. I love everyday magic and like to think that even in the era of science that magic is still possible.
I am also proud to say that this series was written after a ton of research. I spent almost two years corresponding with Irish Travellers in and around Ireland. It was definitely a project that was more of a labor of love than anything else. I just knew this was a book that I had to write.
Can you tell us a little bit about the world that Once a Gypsy is set in?
Helena O’Driscoll is a member or the Pavee, a cultural group under the general description of Irish Traveller. In the book, she must step outside her world and into the world of country folk (or non-gypsies) at the Adare Manor. Adare is one of the most distinguished and well-known landmarks in Co. Limerick, Ireland. It is truly a beautiful place with an elegant staff (who was happy to help in my research as well).
Do you have a favorite scene in Once a Gypsy?
There is a point in the book in which Helena must harness her powers and help her brother. I have a huge soft spot when it comes to Gavin, and this scene always touches my heart.
Which one character out of all your books was your favorite to write about? What about the hardest to write about?
This may come as a surprise, but my favorite character was probably Ayre. She is an eclectic mix of characteristics, and you just never know what she has up her sleeves (or in her hair). She’s been fun to explore and round out.
The hardest character for me to write (in every book), is the main heroine, Helena. I always find it hard, as you must delve so deep into their point of view that you almost start to become them. Sometimes I joke around and say that I’m a method writer. In order to fully understand a character and what they are going through, you must always put themselves as much into their shoes as possible.
What Other Projects can we look forward to reading from you?
I have a busy publishing schedule. I’m super thrilled to say that I also write for Harlequin Intrigue. I have a romantic suspense coming out September 20, 2016 with them called Dust Up with the Detective. I also have another romantic suspense novel, Wild Montana, being released by them in February. Then book two of the Irish Traveller Series, Always a Gypsy, should be coming out next spring and book three, Forever a Gypsy, will be close on its heels!
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When she’s not working, she can be found in the wilds of Montana testing her patience while she tries to understand the allure of various crafts (quilting, pottery, and painting are not her thing). She always believes the cup is neither half full nor half empty, but it better be filled with wine.
Danica Winters is represented by Lane Heymont of the Tobias Literary Agency.
Find Danica and her books
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Once a GypsyIrish Traveller #1
Amazon / iBooks / B&N / Google Play /Kobo /IndieBound
Even for a clairvoyant, the future is never a sure thing."A haunting and fresh voice in paranormal romance. Be prepared for Danica Winters to ensnare you in her dark and seductive world."
Helena has always struggled to fit in with her Irish Traveller family. It’s not just her opposition to getting married or her determination to attend university; Helena also has one talent that sets her apart from the rest of her clan―the gift of the Forshaw, the ability to see the future.
Graham is the groundskeeper at a manor in Adare, Ireland. Though the estate appears idyllic, it holds dark secrets, and despite his own supernatural gifts, Graham can’t solve Adare Manor’s problems by himself. Desperate for help, Graham seeks out a last resort: Helena, whose skills are far greater than even she knows.
When he promises to teach her to control her powers, Helena resists, afraid both of the damage her abilities might do and her increasing attraction to the handsome groundskeeper. Her entire way of life is at risk: Any involvement, especially romantic, with non-Travellers like Graham is forbidden. But Helena’s future is anything but certain, and fate has other plans for her family, her powers, and her relationship with Graham.
—Cecy Robson, 2016 Double-Nominated RITA Finalist and Author of The Weird Girl
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