Kalayna Price has always been an avid reader and dreamer. At ten she raided her father's fantasy fiction bookcase and her already active imagination went into hyperdrive. Her first love was for the epic adventures and mythical races and creatures of high fantasy, but she has always been drawn to things that go bump in the night. It is that darker side of fantasy where she currently devotes her words.

Kalayna is the author of two Dark/Urban Fantasy series. The Haven Novels, consisting of ONCE BITTEN (January 2009), TWICE DEAD (February 2010), and THIRD BLOOD (2011), follow the story of Kita Nekai, a kitten shapeshifter on the run from her clan and responsibilities, who is turned into a vampire and entangled in the supernatural underworld. Kalayna also has a new series, which will be released by ROC and will be hitting shelves in October 2010. GRAVE WITCH, the first Alex Craft Novel, is about series title character, Alex Craft. Alex is a broke magic-eye for hire, but a case with a sexy reaper, a dark cop, and a ghost-silencing killer has more than her rent on the line—it may cost her soul.

Kalayna draws her ideas from the world around her, her studies into ancient mythologies, and her readings of classic folklore. Her stories contain not only the mystical elements of fantasy, but also a dash of romance, a bit of gritty horror, some humor, and a large serving of mystery.

When not writing, she can be found reading for both pleasure and research, locked in her studio with a paintbrush, out in nature with her camera, or just about anywhere with a hula-hoop. Yeah, you read that correctly. Kalayna thinks hoop dance is about the most entertaining form of exercise on the planet, and has been known to hoop with fire.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the origin of your name? How do you pronounce it?
Kalayna (pronounced Kuh-LAY-nuh) has no particular origin, to my knowledge. Over the years, people have told me about many similar names/words in other languages. My favorite is a Russian berry which has to freeze before it is sweet enough to eat.

Where do you get your ideas?
This is the question I get the most, and unfortunately, it is the hardest to answer. I've blogged on ideas several times. You can check out those posts out HERE and HERE.

I saw the Haven Series reviewed on a YA blog. Is it a YA series?
The Haven Series is an adult urban fantasy. That said, I was only 23 when I wrote the first book, ONCE BITTEN, and Kita is a rather young character, so it is not surprising that there is crossover to the YA market. I'm thrilled that it appeals to younger readers, but as a disclaimer, I would like to reiterated that I am writing for an adult audience and the books do get darker and sexier as the series progresses.

Did/do you design your own covers?
Nope! The very talented ladies over at Bell Bridge Books designed the covers for my Haven Series, and I have been absolutely thrilled with their work. At the time of writing this FAQ, I have not yet seen the cover for GRAVE WITCH, but my editor recently asked me for a detailed description of the main character, Alex, which was a first for me, so I am waiting excitedly.

How many books will be in the Haven Series?
Currently I have a plan for a total of six books following Kita's story.

Do you really hoop dance with fire?
I do. You can check out my very first 'burn' HERE.

 

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