Taylor Dean the author of Lancastor House is here today to discuss how she came up with the interesting concept of her paranormal romance! Check out the interivew.
1- Give me a short summary of the book.
Taylor:
Zoe Grayson needs a change. So, she moves to another state, purchases an old, dilapidated 1920s Victorian Mansion, and sets out to restore it to its former glory. As she begins the restoration, she finds herself falling in love with the old house . . . not to mention its illustrious builder, Mr. Lancaster. Zoe becomes obsessed with the house as she discovers its secrets; hidden rooms, secret passageways . . . and a mysterious man who seems to think the house is his. Who is he? More importantly, how does he live in her home unseen and unheard?
The unexpected answers leave her reeling—and questioning everything she’s ever known. To her dismay, Zoe’s actions land her in the local psychiatric hospital, scheming for ways to return to Lancaster House . . . and the love of her life.
Zoe Grayson needs a change. So, she moves to another state, purchases an old, dilapidated 1920s Victorian Mansion, and sets out to restore it to its former glory. As she begins the restoration, she finds herself falling in love with the old house . . . not to mention its illustrious builder, Mr. Lancaster. Zoe becomes obsessed with the house as she discovers its secrets; hidden rooms, secret passageways . . . and a mysterious man who seems to think the house is his. Who is he? More importantly, how does he live in her home unseen and unheard?
The unexpected answers leave her reeling—and questioning everything she’s ever known. To her dismay, Zoe’s actions land her in the local psychiatric hospital, scheming for ways to return to Lancaster House . . . and the love of her life.
Note: While Lancaster House includes a heartfelt romance, the scenes that propel the story forward are the conversations between Zoe and her psychiatrist, Doctor Channing. Throughout the novel, the reader wonders, “Is Zoe crazy or isn’t she?”
You be the judge!! Of course, everything will be answered in the sequel.
2- How did you come up with this unique concept?
Taylor:
I hate to admit this, but I don’t read paranormal. (except Twilight) Perhaps this is why it seems unique; I didn’t have any preconceived notions as to what a paranormal story should include. I didn’t realize it was all that unique till readers began to tell me it was different from anything they’d ever read.
I hate to admit this, but I don’t read paranormal. (except Twilight) Perhaps this is why it seems unique; I didn’t have any preconceived notions as to what a paranormal story should include. I didn’t realize it was all that unique till readers began to tell me it was different from anything they’d ever read.
That being said, the thing that inspired my creative juices was an American Idol performance. It was the season 8 finale when Adam Lambert sang his rendition of Mad World, dressed in vampire-like garb on a fog-shrouded stage. This visual made the Lancaster House story come to life in my overactive imagination. That was all it took. One amazing performance and the story was there in my mind! I watched the video umpteen times as I wrote the story. I also found myself looking over my shoulder more times than I care to admit—I scared myself!
3- Working on an old Victorian mansion sounds like a whole lot of fun. Have you ever restored a house?
Taylor:
I have never restored a house. (I’m just a huge HGTV fan!) However, I have toured the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California several times. (I grew up in San Jose) And I also had the huge privilege of touring the dilapidated Hayes Mansion in San Jose, long before it was ever restored. (it’s now a hotel and conference center and is beautiful) As a matter of fact, my parents were at one time considering becoming the caretakers. My siblings and I even had our rooms picked out! Glad we didn’t do it. I never would’ve slept a wink. It was creepy as heck in there!
I have never restored a house. (I’m just a huge HGTV fan!) However, I have toured the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California several times. (I grew up in San Jose) And I also had the huge privilege of touring the dilapidated Hayes Mansion in San Jose, long before it was ever restored. (it’s now a hotel and conference center and is beautiful) As a matter of fact, my parents were at one time considering becoming the caretakers. My siblings and I even had our rooms picked out! Glad we didn’t do it. I never would’ve slept a wink. It was creepy as heck in there!
Lancaster House contains many things I remember from exploring the nooks and crannies in these amazing houses.
4- What makes your hero and heroine unique?
Taylor:
My hero is unique because he’s not some scary, totally un-relatable paranormal creature. He is a paranormal being, but in the end, he’s very, very human—therefore easy to connect with emotionally.
My hero is unique because he’s not some scary, totally un-relatable paranormal creature. He is a paranormal being, but in the end, he’s very, very human—therefore easy to connect with emotionally.
As for my heroine—it’s her journey and how she responds to the events in her life that make her interesting. Frankly, I would’ve left Lancaster House screaming for dear life. Her courage and bravery make her unique. I enjoyed writing her because I never could’ve done what she did!
5- What is your favorite genre and author?
Taylor:
I love ROMANCE. My favorite authors are Nicholas Sparks, Danielle Steel, and Victoria Holt.
I love ROMANCE. My favorite authors are Nicholas Sparks, Danielle Steel, and Victoria Holt.
6- What inspired you to write this story?
Taylor:
My daughter! She loves paranormal, it’s her favorite genre. She called me one day and begged me to write a paranormal story. I didn’t want to write anything paranormal, yet I found myself promising to think about it.
My daughter! She loves paranormal, it’s her favorite genre. She called me one day and begged me to write a paranormal story. I didn’t want to write anything paranormal, yet I found myself promising to think about it.
“I’m sorry,” I told my daughter, “My mind just doesn’t think that way.”
Evidently, it does.
7- Do you have any future projects?
Taylor:
Sure do! I have six completed novels that I am slowly releasing over the next year and a half, to include the sequel to Lancaster House, entitled, The Middle Aisle.
Sure do! I have six completed novels that I am slowly releasing over the next year and a half, to include the sequel to Lancaster House, entitled, The Middle Aisle.
Lancaster House June 2012
Sierra June 2012
I Have People Sept. 2012
The Middle Aisle Dec. 2012
Joshua’s Folly March 2013
For Nick June 2013
Sierra June 2012
I Have People Sept. 2012
The Middle Aisle Dec. 2012
Joshua’s Folly March 2013
For Nick June 2013
Perhaps you are wondering why I released two books to begin with. Good question. I write ROMANCE in all of its many sub-genres. I didn’t want to be labeled as a paranormal author. Hence, I released a romantic suspense, Sierra, at the same time as Lancaster House. This way, the reading public gets a taste of what they will get from me! I plan to write a military romance and a futuristic romance next.
Thanks Taylor for coming on the Fantasy Floozies blog!
Thank you so much for having me on your blog today! I enjoyed the interview questions. They were fun to answer. Thanks again for letting me make an appearance on your blog and share my thoughts about Lancaster House!
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