Interview with Pru Warren, Author of Dash & the Moonglow Mystic

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Dash & the Moonglow Mystic?

I wrote my romcom Dash & the Moonglow Mystic because Dash was a secondary character in Cyn & The Peanut Butter Cup and I fell in love with him—so I wasn’t ready for him to be out of my brain! (I did the same two more times; I fell in love with a character in Dash who became the lead in Ellyn & the Moonglow Mystic, and then another secondary figure in Ellyn got her own story in Farrah & The Court-Appointed Boss. I can’t seem to let go of some characters!)

Dash is an uber-competent FBI agent, so I needed to figure out a way to get him off-balance. I put this capable urban guy in the most jarring environment I could come up with: confronting people who insisted they were psychics, and at a dude ranch deep in the wilds of Wyoming. Comedy gold! (I spent two summers in high school working at a Wyoming dude ranch, where I was hopelessly out of place and actual cowboys laughed when I showed up in what I proudly referred to as “cowboy boots.” I did not cover myself in glory, but I sure had a good time!) 

What’s your favorite scene from your new release, Dash & the Moonglow Mystic?

I snigger every time (is it self-aggrandizing to admit it?!) that I read the scene where people repel the threat of (not real) zombies by loudly singing “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It’s so ridiculous; it just delights me! I also love the post-sex pillow talk between Dash and Eve.  

If you had to write a blurb for the last book you read, what would it say?

Oh, I can’t read books while I’m writing. Someone else’s authorial style would bleed over into mine, like a “Great British Baking Show” disaster involving the dreaded soggy bottom.

What romantic couple from literature makes you swoon? Which one is over-hyped?

I’m going outside my genre for this one, into steamy young adult: Kresley Cole’s supernatural “Arcana Chronicles” has a romantic triangle going between sexy Cajun Jack, powerful Latvian Aric, and the poison princess herself. Mrwaow; yum! One more book is promised. I know how I’d end it; can’t wait to see if I’m right!

As for overhyped, here’s an ancient burn for you: Cathy and Heathcliff in “Wuthering Heights.” Petulant, childish, hugely annoying. I should like to shake them both. Emily Bronte smack-down!

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love romcoms. I’m distressed by how many books are marketed as romcoms (to take advantage of the world longing for something fun and light to read amid all this crazy) that aren’t at all laughable…but when I find one? Oh joy! And yes, that’s the same genre I love to write. Life’s too short to be serious. I run from most book club selections!  

Do you have any quirky writing habits? Where did you write Dash & the Moonglow Mystic? 

I need to come up with a good lie about my quirks. The truth is so dull: sitting at my desk in my office, chuckling to myself and muttering “yeah—that’s funny!” Hang on; lemme think of a good falsehood. Umm…I can only write in the stateroom of a yacht on the St. Lawrence Seaway. (That sounds a bit more entertaining, doesn’t it?!)  

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Short form: Don’t take yourself too seriously.

Actual, long-winded answer: Find the smartest person you can who disagrees with you; debate a point with them. If you can’t argue your side effectively, then maybe it’s time to rethink your position. Don’t be afraid to admit you might have been wrong. (Thanks, Dad!)  

Pru Warren is the author of the new book Dash & the Moonglow Mystic

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