Book: The Darkest Gift
Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hello readers! I’m Len Handeland. I am a new author who specializes in fiction books, specifically horror (vampire and paranormal) and murder, crime, dramas. I’ve always enjoyed writing and am drawn to being creative—as far back as I can remember. Back in middle school, when my classmates and I were assigned a book report, and the others groaned, I cheered—not only being given an exciting novel to read but also the opportunity to compose the essay assignment as well. Everything had to be perfect, the spelling, grammar, and accuracy regarding the subject matter. Later on—in my late teens, I attended FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) in Manhattan studying fashion illustration; years later, I decided to pursue a career in the hair industry using my artistic training and creativity to excel in hair. I decided to pursue writing after reading many of Anne Rice’s work (having read all of her Vampire chronicle books) and after having attended many creative writing classes and attending the San Francisco International writers’ conference—decided it was time for me to write a Vampire story of my own; in my words, given my affinity for vampires. A different story—where love and companionship is the only thing that matters. When I’m not writing, I enjoy reading and enjoy vegetarian cooking. Some of my other hobbies include hiking, biking, and billiards. I enjoy the performing arts and I have trained in Martial Arts for over 25 years. I call Palm Springs home which I share with my husband, Byron, and our two adorable tuxedo cats, Felix & Felicia (who are brother and sister)
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Darkest Gift’ book?
I wrote “The Darkest Gift” as I felt no other author had written an enthralling vampire romance novel since Anne Rice, which was a breakthrough in featuring two vampires of the same gender as a couple. Being a life-long fan of vampires starting when I was a small child and into my adult years, I wanted to write a compelling and enthralling book where the characters are complicated (both humans and vampires) and that the same-sex couples are far less ambiguous about their sexual orientation than in vampire books of the last century. Where the emphasis is on love, whether human and vampire or two vampires (of the same gender), it was vital for me to avoid anything graphically sexual, so that I would describe was my biggest challenge in writing my book. I wanted the focus instead to be on the sensual aspect of two men together. Also noteworthy was addressing stereotypes regarding vampires and some of the gay men in my book. That all vampires are evil and unfeeling creatures, that all gay men are effeminate, couldn’t be further from the truth. I utilized the classic tale of good versus evil (in this case, vampire against vampire) and how one of the human characters, Jack, despite his struggles with sexual orientation, finally learns to accept and embrace who he truly is. The message I’m trying to deliver is: do what is right and be true to yourself. In my novel, that applies not only to humans but vampires alike.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
My favorite genre is fiction, specifically horror. I have many authors who I not only admire but also have read their books extensively throughout the years. They include Stephen King, Clive Barker, and Anne Rice. I consider Anne Rice who wrote all of her brilliant vampire books so eloquently (“Interview with the vampire”, “The vampire LeStat”, and “Queen of the Damned”) to be my main inspiration. In fact, some readers have commented that my book, “The Darkest Gift” reminds them of her writing style.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
My favorite place to visit in my country (the US) is New York City. I lived in Manhattan in the early 1980s and that is where I met my husband as well. The city is rich in history, diversity and as they say, “it’s the city that never sleeps” as it has never-ending energy.
Q5. Are there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
Every author has their own technique. For me, I like to have an outline of my story before I sit down to write it. It needs to have a flow, it needs to have structure as well as an interesting plot, and characters that are more than one-dimensional. Character development is extremely important so that your readers will identify with, and become enthralled with the entire story.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Darkest Gift’ book?
I was in another profession altogether so I was not able to devote my time to writing full-time. I was a very busy hairstylist and hair salon owner. My first book “The Darkest gift” took 5 ½ years to write. I have since retired from doing hair and now can devote most of my time to writing. In fact, I started writing my second novel “Requiem for Miriam” two and a half months ago. It is a murder, crime, drama, with paranormal activity set in Manhattan, Westchester County, and Mexico in the 1980s. I am currently on Chapter 13 and should have it released by late January or the beginning of February (2022)
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Darkest Gift’ book to buy?
My book is available on Amazon (in paperback, hardcover, and EBook for Kindle) as well as Barnes & Noble, Lulu.com, Target.com, and “Notion Press” (in India)
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Darkest Gift’ ?
I got my book idea title from vampire mythology. The Dark Gift is a term for vampiric power. When a vampire maker bestows the power to become immortal that is transmitted through the Blood on a fledgling, that maker is offering the Dark Gift. According to the rules of Santino’s coven, the Dark Gift was to be given only to beautiful mortals, as an insult to God. As far as the book cover, I wanted each of the male characters (vampire and human) to appear together as if they were all locked in battle. This way the reader can picture each character in their mind as well.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I like to keep things “fresh” in my book by always having the reader guess where the story is headed. So that a reader not only becomes interested but also the reader becomes enthralled, almost addicted so the book is thought of as a page-turner.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your Readers?
As with many books, my story has a lot of twists and turns. There is a surprise ending that no one could have predicted, that’s what makes a great ending!
Book Is Available On Amazon
Sassy Reviews 