Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Denysé Bridger. Come in and ‘enter a world of romance and fantasy’ with Denysé.

Denysé, why not tell us about Silent Death? Your readers are eager to learn more about this story.

RETRIBUTION: Silent Death is a pretty much completely revised and expanded version of a story I had with NCP a few years ago. It was a short story then, now it’s a novella, and with the expanded action and the deeper attention to the relationships that drive the narrative, I think it’s pretty much a whole new book. The people at Noble Romance are wonderful to work with, and this story has benefited greatly from their excellent editorial work. And what about that cover – wow!

For me, this story was an exploration in the core emotion of vengeance. We all want to strike back if someone’s hurt a person we love – it’s an instinctive response, protect. If that person is actually killed, I can only imagine the desire for retribution is that much more intense. I’ve long been fascinated with the premise of under cover operatives and spies, etc., so it seemed a natural marriage to put that kind of an action/thriller at the core of a story that is pretty straight-forward, then toss in some unexpectedly things – in this case the operative in question is also a ninja, trained in Japan in the ancient arts of the death warrior. He trusts one person to cover him and not question him, and before long he understands that trust is part of a very real love – so their first encounter is HOT.

If you want a story that sizzles, moves quickly, and gives your heart a rush with the action... this one delivers it all!!

When Denysé finishes a book how much of herself does she leave with the characters?

As a rule, one character in every story has one small trait that is me – it can as simple as the color of the eyes or hair, or a personality quirk. But once I inject that tiny element of me into someone – the whole story becomes real and grounded. I can identify and empathize with everyone and know them better. I call this my way of anchoring a story and making it real while I tell it. Once it’s done, I don’t really dwell or linger. I never read my own work, never have, so I can’t honestly tell you how much of me is in any of these stories once I’m done with them.

Of all your works, which do you consider your greatest joy?

That’s a tricky one, really. My greatest achievement so far I think is the release of my fantasy novel, AS FATE DECREES. It’s available in bookstores all over the world, and it was my first big release complete with launch party and all the extras!!

My greatest achievement is the book I’m finishing right now, a romance called “The Light Within My Soul” and it’s probably the best piece of work I’ve done in years. It is romance, passion, and the kind of story that allows your heart to escape to a place where dreams come true, and handsome heroes are real. The hero in this one is actually based on my personal friend Riccardo Foresi, who is an Italian singer, and about to launch his debut CD – he’s amazing, so I know it’s great!! And, Ric has been with me from the start with this book, patiently allowing me to drive him crazy with questions.

Who do you think are your greatest and strongest characters?

One of my strongest characters is the one from my Victorian mystery set – Inspector Michael Devane. He’s an opium addict/clairvoyant man with a brilliant mind, but a broken heart when we meet him. He worked on the Ripper murders, and it’s haunted him. He’s something of a mystery himself, complicated, flawed, but deeply passionate and fair.

The other character that springs to mind as very strong is the heroine of As Fate Decrees – she’s a warrior chosen and trained by Ares, the god of war, and she moves through time, always in defense of the Greek Gods.

What does the future hold for Denysé in upcoming works? I believe Games of Seduction is due out any day. Can you give us a peek into this upcoming story?

This one is due on May 25th, my first book with new publisher Moongypsy Press. It is the first of a set of three, and like others recently, it finds its inspiration and roots in reality. The dedication says it all... and you can find that on my website with the excerpt, but in short, here’s how it came about...

Sometimes, without really being aware of it, you create something that is very special. For me, this story is one of those things... Chatting with someone that I feel is one of the best men I have ever known, a day after Christmas - he was studying in Italy, and I was working in Canada, and we chatted via email while we did our work... I proposed a game, one where I would seduce him with words.... and so this story was born and it became my Christmas gift to him. There are two more pieces to be written to finish it... and who knows; maybe the game will have a happy ending for read one day???

Do you have any encouraging words for up and coming artists?

I say the same thing every time I’m asked a question like this, because I believe it’s simply the truth: write the best book you can write, do not accept the opinions of your friends and families as whole truth – they don’t want to hurt you so their honesty is always tempered with love – give the work to an impartial editor, and then listen to what they say to you – they’re not going to give your false hope or deliberately destroy your dreams. It’s all subjective, so you have to be aware that constructive advice is to help you improve, not kill your dreams. And, always remember – there is no such thing as a perfect book. Once you are done, let it be done – take what you’ve learned and bring it to the next book to make it better. If you continue to rewrite one story until its “perfect” you will never get past it.

Perseverance will get you places in this business, and it’s more important than talent in some ways. So, if you believe you have a story that needs telling and people should see, then make it happen. Your personal determination can take you far!!

How do you know what to name your books or the characters; is it something that comes easy for you or difficult?

The character names usually come easy, and often times the title is with me long before the story. I get a lot of ideas from songs I listen to, and occasionally a particular line can be the beginning of a whole new book – and I usually incorporate it into the title. I always had the final title before the end of the first 5 pages is written. Character names just seems to appear in my mind and that’s it, even if I change them for some reason later, in my mind, they retain the original name – get’s confusing sometimes because I’ve done so many stories I often forget which book is associated with certain names...

Do you find it hard in locating a publisher for your works?

I know this will make a few people want to kill me, but over the past year, I’ve had more come to me than the other way around. So, really, no – not hard at all. Sometimes you have to look around and see what is going to be a good fit for your style, but I think the market has enough diversity that all good stories find a home eventually.

What's important to you? Characters, plot, intimacy?

All three, because they don’t much work alone. A strong and solid plot requires good characters, and an intimacy that doesn’t have to be sexual in nature, but has to make the reader feel like they are sharing the action, whatever it is. So, you have to keep it focused and reachable, something that the reader can relate to and be part of – otherwise it’s all just a bunch of words.

Do you ever make New Years Resolutions or just brush that thought aside?

I never make New Year’s Resolutions.  Why set myself up for failure as the clock chimes in a year of new opportunities??

Do you have a favorite pair of shoes that you cannot do without?

Several, actually. I love Italian heels, strappy and sexy. And I have a couple of gorgeous pairs of walking shoes that are still really eye-catching and look fabulous with the flowing, long skirts I like to wear all the time.

Which do you think is more romantic, a walk in the country or along the beach?

I think that depends largely on where the beach is, and who the company is... same with the country... the romance is in the company, not the location.

Do you have something in your house or closet that you know you will never throw out?

Far too many things... I keep promising myself I’m going to do a major clean-out, then I just repack it all... LOL

You have been chosen to appear on the Food Network Show to compete against any chef of your choice. Which cooking chef do you choose to cook against and what is your specialty?

I never watch TV, and have no idea who’s doing cooking shows these days!! Seriously. Not a clue... my specialty is baking – cakes, pies, cookies, you name it...

Can you please give the readers your website, Facebook, myspace, or blog?

WEBSITE: http://www.denysebridger.com
BLOG: http://fantasy-pages.blogspot.com
Romantic Moments (Free Reads): http://www.romanticmoments.webs.com
Sensual Treats Magazine: http://www.sensualtreats.webs.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/denysebridger
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/denysebridger
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/denyse.bridger
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Romance-and-Fantasy/458701180391

Thank you so much for sharing time with us today, Denysé. I look forward to reading your delightful stories.

Thanks so much to you, Linda – as always, it has been a pleasure chatting with the readers here at FAR!! Blessings and hugs to all....

Interviewed by: Linda L.