With the advent of Audible.com and devices like the iPod, the audiobook has become an increasingly popular format to experience the written word. What are your thoughts on listening to books as opposed to reading them?

I receive hundreds of letters from people who really enjoy this format.  My son is often on the road and listens to hundreds of books this way.  My mother also is a huge fan of audio books as well as many truck drivers.  I think it's a great way for people who travel or are have medical problems to still enjoy books.  It's also a bit of a thrill to listen to a story, much like sitting around a campfire at night.

Do you listen to audiobooks?

I like to listen to audiobooks while I'm walking on the treadmill.  I absolutely love books and audio provides me with one more way to enjoy them during times I might not be able to read.  Time is extremely valuable so listening to a book while working out provides a perfect solution for me.

What do you like best about the spoken word format?

When my children were much younger instead of watching television I wanted to interact with them so we would sit in the evening together and either read a book out loud taking turns or tell stories.  Audio books can provide that same interaction far better than a television show.  And of course the best is frankly it's a time saver.  I can listen anywhere, anytime. 

Dark Guardian is the first of your books to be converted to audio format. Are you apprehensive at all about hearing someone else bring your characters to life?

Very much so.  I made my son listen first.  He loves audio books and he would call me periodically from the road to tell me what he thought.  I'm listening to it now and it's just as exciting as seeing my book on the shelf of a bookstore!

Which of your Carpathian novels are you most looking forward to seeing in audio format? Why?

I get the most requests for Dark Prince because readers always want to start at the beginning, but I particularly enjoyed Dark Fire so probably if I had to choose, I'd definitely want to hear that book read out loud!

What character from your Carpathian novels do you think would be the most difficult to give voice to?

Without a doubt I think it will be difficult to give Gregori a voice.  He's so charismatic and dark.

What types of books/audiobooks do you like to read for your own pleasure?

I read just about everything, I've a voracious appetite when it comes to books, but action/thrillers and fantasy are probably my favorite if they have a romance. 

Are there any authors that you’re particularly excited about?

I found Marjorie Liu recently and I can't get enough of her writing.  She has an incredible imagination and a wonderful, fresh voice.  Her first book Tiger Eye, was wonderful.  I read A Taste of Crimson just recently and couldn't put it down.  I'm looking forward to her February release, Shadow Touch.

Now that you’ve taken on the audiobook world, what’s next on your agenda? Nonfiction? A movie adaptation?

I love writing and books and think this is where I'm going to stay!