Hi Chris and thank you for speaking with us today. The readers would love to hear something about Chris Marie Green.

Chris I read Midnight Reign and really enjoyed it. Dawn is an interesting character and I like the way she is a strong woman. Matt is a PI that I would love to live nearby. Why not tell the readers how you came up with the storyline and the characters? I believe this is Book 2 of the Vampire Babylon Trilogy. I am anxious to know what will happen next. Was there something special that inspired you to write these stories?

Thank you! Since this Vampire Babylon trilogy is so tightly knit together as far as mythology and character arcs go, I’ll tell you how I came up with the storyline for NIGHT RISING, Book One, first….

I’d just finished writing my first vampire book, THE HUNTRESS, so vampires were on my mind. Then I was watching one of those entertainment shows where they were calling one actor or another “the new James Dean.” Then I thought, “What if the new James Dean were actually the old James Dean…?” and I went from there. Every VB book starts with a central mystery that will be solved by the book’s end, so for MIDNIGHT REIGN I wanted a serial killer to take up where one of the Underground Servants left off, and that would lead the hunters that much closer to the vampires. Now, just a word about how this series is structured: I use trilogy arcs that complete one bigger story, so the three books are very much connected. I liken it to the way JK Rowling told Harry Potter’s story, except she used seven books—six of which didn’t solve every plot thread by the last chapter. While each individual novel in Vampire Babylon focuses on a central mystery that’s solved by the end, the three books together build character and mythology arcs/mysteries until everything culminates in the third book. As you all will see when the second VB trilogy comes out in April, 2009, each trilogy repeats this pattern. Book three of this first trilogy, BREAK OF DAWN (September, 2008) completes the first big story, and the second trilogy will dive into a second one.

As for the characters, I really wanted to write about a “bombshell,” and Dawn fit that bill. I thought making her a stuntwoman would emphasize her “outsider” status in life and in Hollywood itself, plus it allowed her to jump right in and fight. I wanted Kiko to be another outsider of sorts. Same with Breisi, so they all fit together. And I wanted to do a Phantom of the Opera/Charlie’s Angels type thing with The Voice, and Matt Lonigan would compete with him for Dawn’s affections—one totally warped kind of yearning versus something more normal for her.

What is your day like once you wake and get motivated?

Normally, I dive right into writing, unless I have to take care of something urgent in the business department. I grab a quick breakfast while checking emails, then hop on the laptop. I write a chapter then either go to the gym for a workout and yoga or take a walk, which always helps clear my mind. Afterward, I do PR. Exciting stuff, huh?

I noticed that you used to teach eighth grade, do you have any fond memories about your students that still have a special memory in your heart?

Definitely. People can’t believe I enjoyed teaching that age group, but most of the students were always so enthusiastic about the drama in their lives and the possibilities of the future. I shared my pursuit of a writing career with them, hoping they could see that dreams could come true with hard work, and I told them that if I ever sold three books in a year, I’d follow that dream. When I actually did sell those three books, they supported me just as I hope I supported them. They kept throwing me going-away parties but that was probably just because it was fun, LOL.

Your bio says you enjoy hiking, what is your best place that you ever hiked, and can you describe the beauty you saw within your hiking adventure?

Just last year a friend and I saved up to go to Red Mountain Spa in southern Utah. It was an “adventure spa,” and I highly recommend it to everyone! We got up at 5:30 every morning and took a major hike in the desert and woodlands. I think my favorite was the woodlands—about three hours of pushing myself and enjoying this amazing beauty around me. At one point, we stopped to take in the view of a canyon, and when you see every detail on the face of the land, it makes you realize that life has always gone on and it always will.

Do you have any special rituals to help you get in the mood to write?

Nope. I just do it, otherwise I’ll procrastinate.

Which time of the day is more productive for you, morning or night?

Morning, no doubts about that at all. Once I’m out of bed, I want to get everything done so I can have some fun at the end of the day.

What is the hardest part of creating a book? Surviving the editor? Promoting? The last chapter?

For me, it’s promoting. I’m basically a shy person, like many writers. : )

If you could change anything in the world, what change would you make?

Sooooo many choices here, but I’ll play it safe! I wish people would be compensated monetarily for what they contribute to society. I’m talking as an ex-teacher here, but it astounds me that the police, firefighters, etc., don’t make as much as movie stars.

For a person who doesn’t share time in reading, I believe they are missing a great deal. What would you say to them?

There are such amazing worlds to explore out there. Other planets, other societies, other ideas. Reading is fun, and personally, I feel better when I’m able to read. It makes a difference in my mental attitude.

For your next works in progress, you are asked to rough it and live in a tent, would you do as your editor asked? And where would you set up your tent?

Yes! Now, I’m pretty high maintenance, but I’d do it if I could stay clean, LOL. I’d pitch a tent in Big Sur next to a rushing stream. With Eric Bana.

For Fun: What is your favorite pizza?

Oh, I’m such a sucker for Pizza Hut’s stuffed crust with vegetables on top. YUM!

For Fun: You are at a picnic and a contest is in effect for the perfect hot dog and perfect hamburger. Now it is your time to build the perfect hot dog and burger, what all would you slather on each one?

Okay, I don’t eat meat because I read FAST FOOD NATION and things have never been the same, LOL. However, if I did eat meat, my hot dog and hamburger would be fairly simple.

Hot dog: Polish sausage with sauerkraut and mustard. (I know…boring! But that would suit me fine.)

Hamburger: Must be Kobe beef, and anything beyond that is optional, but I’d love a McDonald’s bun because they put something in there that addicts me. And some cheese, lettuce, and tomato would do the trick!

Is this the only website you have, http://crystal-green.com/, or do you have another that you would like to share with your readers, such as a Myspace or a Blog?

www.vampirebabylon.com
www.myspace.com/vampirebabylon

Thank you so much for sharing time with us, Chris. It has been a pleasure and I wish you success with your writing.

Thank you, Linda! Great questions, and I really appreciate your time and effort! Best of luck to you and everyone who reads this, too. : )

Interviewed by: Linda L.