Interview with author Stephanie Burkhart, author of "The Hungarian"

Desert Breeze author, Stephanie Burkhart has an upcoming release 1 MAY, "The Hungarian." She's here today to talk about it.

Q: Tell us about your upcoming release, "The Hungarian"

Steph: It's set in 1901. Hungarian Count Matthias Duma harbors a dark secret. He's a werewolf. When he meets a young British noblewoman, Katherine Archibald, he risks everything, including his secret, for her love.

Q: Why a werewolf?

Steph: I love the paranormal, especially werewolves. What I enjoy about werewolves is that they're alive, breathing, and oh so human. If you subscribe to classic myths, than a werewolf is a man 26 days out of a 28 day lunar cycle, and it's the struggle of the man and how he deals with his condition that is fascinating to me. Does he carry himself with quiet nobility? Is he moody? Intense? Selfish? That's what I want to explore.



Q: Where is the novel set?

Steph: The first half of the book takes place in England, where Matthias meets Katherine. He's a widower and he's gone back to England so his young daughter, Emily, can meet her mother's parents. The second half of the novel takes place in Budapest. Matthias takes Katherine back to his country.

Q: What was life like in 1901?

Steph: On the cusp of remarkable change. Automobiles mingled on the street with horse drawn carriages. The telephone had been invented and was in use. Trains allowed for faster transportation, but airplanes were not around. Photographs were in use. There was electric light and heating. Medicine was improving as was dentistry. Old ways clashed with new inventions. Imperialism had embraced Europe. It was the last glory days of monarchy.

Q: Do you cast your characters?

Steph: Sure. I cast Jonathan Rhys-Meyers as Count Matthias and Justine Cotsonas as Katherine.

Q: Do you have a book trailer you'd like to share:

Steph: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZwaF8hAdow

Q: What's the landmark on the cover of "The Hungarian?"

Steph: The Széchenyi Bridge. It was one of the first suspension bridges built in 1840's. It spans the Danube River and connects "Pest" and "Buda" the two cities that make up Budapest. It had to rebuilt after World War II, but it represents the heart and soul of Hungary. At least, to me, it does.

Q: Have you been to Budapest?

Steph: Yes, in 1997 while I was stationed in the Army. I was deployed to Taszur, Hungary and I went to Budapest on an USO sponsored Rec Trip. It's a trip that resonates with me today.

Q: Do you have any hobbies outside of writing?

Steph: I'm always looking for a racquetball partner. *grin* I love reading.

Q: What was the latest movie you saw?

Steph: "New Moon." It's not easy for me to go see a movie. My husband and I usually go in shifts since we have a 3 year old and it's hard to find a babysitter. I really want to see "Young Victoria" with Emily Blount. I think it's just come out on Netflix.

Q: Thanks for popping in today, Steph.

Steph: Thanks for having me. "The Hungarian" releases 1 May with Desert Breeze. If you get a chance, join me on my blog tour in support of the novel. It starts tomorrow. You can the schedule at my blog, "Romance Under The Moonlight" http://sgcardin.blogspot.com

Excerpt:

The door squeaked open and Katherine peeked over the top of her book. A tall, muscular man walked in wearing a white button-down shirt and holding his blazer. He paused, as if surprised to find her, and then walked toward the window, his stride easy. He moved with wolf-like prowess, his long legs taking cool, calculated steps as his unusual eyes surveyed her. Katherine bit the inside of her lip, returning his measured perusal with one of her own. His silence was unnerving, yet intriguing.

His eyes drew her to him -- malachite green with a gold ring around the iris. Dynamic. Expressive. Even now, as he looked at her, they softened and grew translucent. He stopped in front of the window and casually threw his blazer onto a nearby chair as if he owned the room.

"Hello," he said.

"Hello."

"You're staring."

"I am? I thought you were staring at me."

He chuckled. "Perhaps I was admiring you."

"Me?"

"Who else is here?"

Katherine pursed her lips as her insides warmed from the deep silkiness of his voice. He smiled and walked to her chair, slowly gliding around it, tracing his finger over the leather headrest, skirting her curly hair.

"What's your name?" he asked.

"And who is inquiring?" She tried to sound cool and composed, but she had to fight the nervous temptation to play with her hands.

"Romeo, perhaps?"

"Then my name is Juliet."

A teasing smile graced his lips as he walked out from behind her chair and glanced at a bookshelf before turning to look at her again.

"Would you fall for Tristan?"

"Only if my name were Isolde."

He walked over to a wooden table near the window and ran his long finger over a clay mock-up of Excalibur lodged in a stone. "What do you think of Arthur? Do you think it suits me?"

"Only Guinevere would believe your name was Arthur."

He crossed his arms, his eyes sparkling in the sunlight. "Would you believe my name was Matthias?"

"I might, if--"

"If what?"

"If I knew more about you."

Book Link: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-87/%3Ci%3EBudapest-Moon-Book-One%3C-fdsh-i%3E-cln-/Detail.bok