Recently I got the chance to sit down with vampire writer Rebeka Harrington.  She was kind enough to answer a few questions about her experience in the self-publishing world.

Q. – Your debut novel *Vampires Revealed* was just released.  Can you tell us a little about the book?

Vampires Revealed is about answering all the questions a lot of people have about vampires but have never really been answered before.  For example; who was the first vampire? How did it happen? What's their lifestyle like? Do they have laws? What makes vampires tick? That sort of thing and heaps more.

Q.  Okay, tell me the truth…  Do you really believe in vampires?

Honestly, I think there is way too much we don't know to automatically dismiss the possibility.

Q.  What made you start writing about vampires?

I've always been fascinated with history and vampires are a great way to explore history while keeping it fun. Vampires open the door to so many creative possibilities. I mean there's nothing you can't do with a vampire character. Throw away social conventions and bring on the mayhem.

Q.  Does the way you personally look at life reflect in your writing style?

At times, definitely. There is a lot of me in Bektamun. But as a writer I try to remain faithful to my characters. A couple of them are very strong-willed, they say and do exactly what they want. Am sure if the neighbors could hear me "talking" to my characters they'd think I am a crazy person.

Q.  You're a fellow indie author.  Can you tell us more about your decision to self-publish?  What has been your experience so far?

At first I wasn't even sure if I would publish Vampires Revealed. For the usual reasons of insecurity and self-doubt .  Then I got chatting with a couple of long-established authors, in particular Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc. After talking to her I investigated all my options for publishing.  When I weighed up the pros and cons for both self-pub and traditional publishing, self-pub won with no contest.

Ultimately it came down to this: whether self-pub or traditional the onus is on the author for marketing and promotion. So either way, there was going to be a lot of hard work involved. Traditional publishing had nothing to offer besides taking huge commissions on royalties and losing control over my content and image.

Up until now I've found the experience gratifying.  It's great to see your hard work come to fruition. I would encourage any writer who is serious about their career to give self-publishing serious consideration.

Q.  Do your friends and family read your work?  What do they think, and are they supportive?

A few of my friends read what I write and they've loved it, which is always nice. Most of my friends are heathens though, who rarely read anything. My Mum can't quite get past the fact I write about vampires. But I'm really lucky, everyone around me is incredibly supportive and they don't mince words when giving me feedback.

Q.  What kind of reaction have you gotten from your readers?

The reaction has been overwhelming and extremely humbling.  I can't believe how much people have enjoyed it.  There are more than a couple of readers pestering me to finish and release the follow-up book. I'm just pleased people have as much fun reading as I do writing.

Q.  Who are your favorite authors, favorite books?

This is an easy one, absolutely anything by Alexandre Dumas. And as far as I know he never wrote about vampires. I love the way he portrays his characters. He makes you feel like you'd recognize them walking down the street.

Q.  Real books or e-reader?

Can I be diplomatic and say both?

Q.  Okay, now give me the deets on the real Rebeka Harrington…  Do you have day job?

I balance writing with managing my own business. It's a small entertainment agency.

Q.  Where do you live?

Australia, the land of endless beaches and infamous creepy-crawlies.

Q.  Tell me something random that no one knows about you.

I have deep and meaningful discussions with my cat.

Q.  Favorite vampire movie?

Underworld I, purely because Kate Beckinsale looked so hot in the black leather.

Q.  Sun bathing or sky diving?

Neither. Keep me out of the sunlight please.

Q.  Are you a social butterfly or wall flower?

Bit of both really. I can stand up and deliver a speech in front of dozens of people, but I don't like parties. For socializing I prefer small groups or one-on-one.

Q.  Most reckless thing you've ever done?

Sold everything I owned to fund a trip overseas.

Q.  What three things would always be found in your purse (keys, wallet and cell phone don't count)?

Cigarettes (don't judge me, everyone has a vice), business cards, lip gloss.

Q.  Where and when do you write?  Is it hard to find time to write?  Your preference – music blaring, or absolute quiet?

Always write in my home office.  Generally I prefer quiet, is hard enough to concentrate with characters yelling at each other inside my head. But sometimes I'll put on some music to help me set a mood or tone and get inspired.

Q.  Pen and paper or keyboard?

Keyboard mostly, though I do make quite a few notes on paper. I have an astounding collection of post-it notes stuck around my computer.

Q.  Do you create your own cover art?

No, I use a cover designer.

Q.  At what age did you start writing?  Did you always want to be a writer?

I think it was probably during my early years at high school, my teachers encouraged me to study and participate in advanced English and writing courses.

Originally I wanted to be a journalist and I did work as one for awhile. But I can't honestly say I grew up wanting to be a writer. I've always had a spark of creativity, it's only now I have the time to devote to writing.

Q.  Do you have any advice for writers, young and old alike?

Writing is a craft, words are your tools…learn how to use them.

Q.  What can we expect next from Rebeka Harrington?

I'm currently working on Desires Revealed, which is the follow-up to Vampires Revealed. We rejoin Bektamun in the 16th century and discover the whole story behind her relationship with Nicole. Readers will also discover exactly how evil the Eleiveb vampires can be.

Thanks Rebeka for stopping by!  For more information on Rebeka, visit her blog or her book website.  Her books can be purchased at Amazon and Smashwords.