Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Interview & Giveaway with Dakota Cassidy

Today I am happy to welcome Dakota Cassidy, author of the comically endearing books such as the Accidental series, Hell series and the Ex Trophy Wives series. You can read my review of The Accidental Werewolf here.


1. When did you first start writing, and was there something in particular that inspired you?

I began writing in 2003 and it was after reading a series of e-books I’d received as a reviewer. I couldn’t stop reading them. They were like potato chips :) I read one after the other, and one day I got an idea and I put it in a Word document. Shortly thereafter, it turned into a story that via a friend who encouraged me, I ended up sending to an-epub. So I’ve been writing ever since. It was sort of an accident, and I definitely didn’t think anyone would ever buy it. But look at me now, eh? LOL


2. What first attracted you to the paranormal realm when it comes to writing?

Nina Bangs. She gets all the credit for cranking it up a notch in the genre. I’d read loads of paranormals, and loved them. However, there weren’t very many out at the time that had the sort of over the top ideas I had. Nina Bangs changed that for me when I read her Night Games, which focused on a hero who was a Monday Night Sex player (I know. I LMAO at that concept) and could time travel. A couple of years later, when I began writing that was the kind of paranormal I wanted to write. Where the “what if” factor was so outlandish, you had to laugh. Not to mention, paranormals give me a lot of leeway when it comes to my crazy that a contemporary just doesn’t :)


3. In regards to your own characters, who is your favorite and why?

I can’t choose! They’re like children to me and each character has a specific joy in writing them. Though, I will say Nina’s one of my favorites for dialogue because she can (and does) say whatever she wants, whenever she wants, and however she wants to. It’s a little freeing :)


4. What other genres (besides your own) do you enjoy reading?

I love horror. King, Koontz, used to love Robin Cook and romantic suspense. Love it.


5. If you could not be a writer, what would you be?

Broke-or more broke than I am? LOL! Actually, I don’t know. I didn’t always want to write books, but I did once dream of singing duets with Barry Manilow…

6. As a reader I know how difficult it can be to name a ‘favorite’ book, would you mind listing your top three? (Past or present authors)

The Stand
—Stephen King
Dream a Little Dream-Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Night Games-Nina Bangs


7. What are some must haves when you sit down to write?

I absolutely must have water or coffee, no one else around, and my smokes. Such a dirty-dirty habit, my smokking!


8. If you became trapped as a character in a book or series, which would you choose and why? (Any book, any series, new or old)

For sure, I’d be Nina, because again, she has no censor, she’s not afraid of anything or anyone, and she says whatever she thinks. Oh, and she flies :)








Dakota has generously offered a $10 (USD) Amazon Gift Card! Simply leave her a question or a comment below and she will try to answer them as time permits.

Rules for entry:

- Open to Canada and US only.

- Contest closes Tuesday March 22, 2011 12AM EST.

- Leave your comment or question in the "Comment Love" section on this post and then fill out the form below.







118 comments:

  1. I love the covers for the accidental series. I have these on my TBR shelf and can't wait to read them XD

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  2. Did you help come up with the cover art.Love it.I Have not read your books yet but thay are so on my list to read .
    sasluvbooks(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  3. Barry Manilow? Really? Thanks for a fun interview. I enjoy your books. (Email in profile.)

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  4. I have Accidentally Human, but I am waiting until I get them all before I delve into them. I love your humor on twitter and facebook. You always crack a smile on my face.

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  5. god i love dakota sense of humor, i follow u on facebook an u always make me smile

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  6. I love the humor that is being emitted by these clever covers of the Accidental series And I bet you are dancing a jig watching them climb the charts.

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  7. Your covers are awesome!! I've put them on my wishlist.

    Vivien
    deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

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  8. I love your books you are soooooo funny!! Are you going to sell merchandise for your books? That would be funny to have Accidental earings and bracelets! When they fall off you know it's an accident! Haha cheesy but the point is that you're awesome!

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  9. I totally love the Accidental werewolf! It's so funny!

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  10. Hey Dakota,

    It's doesn't look like my comment was posted! Rats! I must've done something wrong! Go figure, the story of my life.
    Well, I was going to ask you is there any other kind of books you enjoy reading, besides the paranormal & scary books, like Koontz & King? Also, if you could be a character, in someone else's book, who would that be & why? Mind you, you can't choose one of your books! ;) Have you ever had a real paranormal experience? Well, I guess that's more than one question. LOL! Sorry about that.
    Ciao For Now,
    QuetziLibros

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  11. Hi Dakota,
    I've yet to read your books but believe me they are on my TRL. Love your sense of humor and it definitely is in your books from everything I've read about them.Please count me in.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750@aol.com

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  12. I love the crown! You write awesome books!

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  13. love the books....keep them comming!

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  14. I chuckle whenever I see Ms. Cassidy's author photo, and I think I'd like her books - the little I've read on the Amazon preview pages look great.

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  15. I've heard great things about Dakota's books, but have not had the pleasure of reading one. I recently got my hands on a copy of You Dropped a Blonde on Me, and can't wait to read it.

    I love to read new-to-me authors - it's a whole new reading world, just waiting for me to explore!

    Thanks bunches! :)

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  16. I love the Accidental series, great humor.

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  17. Hi Dakota. Great interview. What is the weirdest or funniest comment you have received from a fan?

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  18. WHAT A GREAT TAKE ON THE PARANORMAL WORLD!

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  19. The covers are really funny (good funny) and I think they capture the mood of the stories well :)

    angeldream3[at]gmail[dot]com

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  20. I've loved reading the accidently series and I'm wondering what is next?

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  21. Love the Accidentals!!!!!! I haven't bought this one yet because the ebook price was more then the print version and I've been waiting and hoping. *squeal* I notice today it's slightly less. GOOD ENOUGH. *vbg*

    Peg
    mcchep2003@yahoo.ca

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  22. Love a great fun read! Thanks for the post and giveaway!

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  23. Hello :-) I absolutely love all three of your series. Where do you get the inspiration for your characters? Thanks again for writing such amazing books!! :-)

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  24. Thank you for answering all the questions.

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  25. I'm reading Accidentally Catty right now. And as always, it is choc-a-block full of awesomeness!
    I will never be ceased to amazed at the words that you and the characters come up with.

    Oh and who doesn't love Barry Manilow?! Anybody who says they don't, I bet you they know more of his songs than they think.

    Thanks and keep writing!
    rachaelgwen(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  26. I love the sketch covers of your books. Are they all done by the same artist?
    It's cool that you'd dream of singing w/Barry. That man is so talented. He's been around forever has written so many jingles as well as hit songs. Do you recall what song the two of you were singing?
    Thanks for the fun interview and contest.

    vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com

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  27. I love the author photo, I haven't had a chance to read any of the books yet but they are on my TBR pile.

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  28. Can we be a trio with Barry? I love him! Thanks for the great interview.

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  29. Your books sounds very good and I love humor in books as well as a good plot..we all need to laugh each day.I recently was in the hospital and when I was discharged one thing for me to do was to read some books with humor and just plain fun books. This was a odd request or so I thought but I am finding I feel better each day and laughter is a good medicine. I was not in for any depression..I was in due to respiratory failure and heart damage caused by three blood clots..two in my lungs and one in my leg. The humor in books relaxes the body and it is working to cause me a good hardy laugh which is always good for your heart. Next time you write a book..remember it could be used as a recovery for some one like me. susan Leech

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  30. Hilariously funny and as always totally entertaining Dakota!! Thanks for the great interview.

    DragonStar1974 )AT( aol.com

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  31. Great interview. I just love the titles of your books. Very catchy.

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

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  32. It sounds like you have lots of fun when you write! What a great job to have!

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  33. I'm gonna go out right now and get The Accidental Werewolf! It sounds great...:D

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  34. Hey Chic you've been rockin my reading world for a long time now back to the Who bride days. Haha keep up the good work and keep the Accidents happening with the hotties. Love Ya. Stacy

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  35. Loved the interview and your wacky sense of humor. It always shows in your stories. And love the same authors you do lol.

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  36. Great interview, and thanks for the giveaway! I'd like to know which of your characters, after Nina, is your favourite?

    cwilliams127 at gmail dot com

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  37. Hey Dakota!
    Thanks for the great interview!! I love your books and the covers are great!!
    I was just wondering have you ever based a character on yourself?
    Thanks again for the great interview and the contest!
    Ashley A
    ash_app@hotmail.com

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  38. Not to sound repetitious - but love the Accidental series!

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  39. Are any of your characters based on you or family/friends?

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  40. I love your sense of humor! Laughter is a great stress-reducer, so thanks for easing mine!

    castings at mindspring dot com

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  41. Hi, Dakota!!
    I just wanted to say that I love your books!! I think the titles are clever, and I love the artwork on the covers!! They seem to get better with every book!! You never fail to put a smile on my face. You've earned that tiara!!

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  42. Hey, everyone!

    I'll be in and out today due to a podiatrist appt. If you've hooked up with me on FB, you'll know I spent a lot of time moaning about my toe surgeries over there. LOL

    Anyway, thank you all for dropping in! I'll get to your questions ASAP!

    DC :)

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  43. Dakota, you're fabulous! I love your rants on FB about dressing your sons up for pageants, lol. And your love of glittah & eye shadows is greatly appreciated!

    Oh and your books are awesome too :)

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  44. Okay, first, no. The cover art is totally the amazing imagination of Katie Wood, whom I dedicated and made a heroine in Accidentally Catty. She's so much awesome, it makes me want to cry! She also did her rendition of me in "accidental" style and it's on my website. I never have to say anything, she just gets it and knows what it should look like. And she has from book one. Adore her!

    Averi--I probably won't sell merchandise, but that'd be fun, huh? Some fangs--or maybe a T-shirt that says, "Yellow is the Color of Hell?" LOLLOL!

    Quetzi--I like medical thrillers a lot, and no paranormal experiences here. Not yet... :)

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  45. I have read all of the accidentally series and have loved the laugh out loud fun! Now I get to wait for the next one :(

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  46. Dakota, love the covers as well as your books! Can you possibly write faster so I can get my 'fix' more often?

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  47. i haven't read this series yet, but i want to!! they look so fun to read!

    mysandycat@aol.com

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  48. Dakota... what does a girl gotta DO to win your books? Come on... just say it... I can handle it. Are you gonna make me put rabbit ears on and Peeps in my nose and take a picture?? Easter.
    A bathing suit shot in a dressing room... from the rear???? Summer or Spring break.
    C-section or stretch mark scars for Mothers Day??
    Come on Woman... Tell me what I have to do!!

    Good luck with the Podiatrist. I've had my share of foot surgery and draining's (ew). Not fun but worth the relief!

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  49. I love ALL of your work, Dakota. Your characters wit and saucy attitudes remind me of me!! LOL!! I look forward to devouring each and every book you write. They are fabulous entertainment and they make me laugh out loud. LOVE YOU!!! <3 <3 <3
    Misty McCool

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  50. I recently read and enjoyed ACCIDENTAL VAMPIRE. Haven't read the rest of your books, but certainly intend to. That said, any plans for a new series?


    Rebekah Crain
    littleminx at cox dot net

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  51. Books and Bane--well, you could send me a pair of Pradas. But that's bribery, yes? LOLLOL!

    Misty and taking it on bok at a time and everyone else--muwah, girls!

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  52. I just wanted to say your books are always my comedic relief when I need a break. They never fail to make me laugh. Thanks for creating characters with personalities I can relate too!!!

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  53. Cannot wait to start your books Dakota! Should they be read in order?

    robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com

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  54. Love your Accidental series and can't wait to start reading your contemporary one!

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  55. Hi Dakota! Love the Accidentals series and I love your sense of humor. Thanks for stopping by today. bpatrick64113@sbcglobal.net

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  56. Great interviews. I love the paranormals Nina Bangs writes. She has some truly fabulous and over the top characters.

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  57. Really enjoyed the interview! Looking forward to more great reading ahead!

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  58. I just want to start by saying I just love Dakota and her work, she is an amazing writer but if you could maybe write a book with a red head in it and if you need a cover model I have the look and the attitude for your books and I have the cutiest little dogs you could ever want. I would love a book signed by you what do I have to do, dress up as a bananna the color from Hell or what?

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  59. How ya doin Dakota? *pinkie waves* "Stalker Girl" here! How's your big toe? Will you ever write about a dragon shifter? I think that would be soo coool. You know sneeze at smoke and scales ruffle your arm...*hint, hint*....LOL

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  60. Hello
    Love your books, have read them all.

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  61. I just gotta say that I love the Accidentals and thus far Nina is my faaaavorite. Gotta love a vampire who says what's on her mind and doesn't bat an eyelash at getting scrappy with a werewolf. I hope my character will be similar to Nina! ;)

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  62. Hey Dakota! Just wanted to say hi :0)

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  63. I just to tell you how much I love your picture!! Great. Can't wait to read the new one.

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  64. If you could date a hero in any book, who would you choose and why?

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  65. A friend of mine has highly recommended the accidental series and I can't wait myself to read these.

    Hi Dakota! if you could choose a cast for your book's for a movie who would you choose?

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  66. Girl, I've been following you for years but it's actually a sin that its been so long since I've read one of your books. Can't win one to save my ass. So, it boils down to me rectifying the situation with my new Nook;)

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  67. Wait, wait, wait...Dakota writes books?? You mean ACTUAL literature?? Novels and stuff? And all this time she's been telling me that she writes those warning labels on stuff. Like the "Do not use in the shower" label on a hairdryer! She told that, up till now, her claim to fame was writing the label attached to an iron that says "Warning, never iron clothes on the body".
    Ohh that would explain some things, like the chronic eye bleeding.

    No gift card needed. I do this for the fun :)

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  68. I still have the Accidental series on my wish list, but haven't had a chance to read any of the books yet. I think you're hilarious on Twitter and on the blog posts I've seen Dakota, so I know I'll love the books.

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  69. Currently I own all the "Accidental" series (Except Catty - they closed my book store so have to haul tushie to another one!) and the first in the "Blonde/Princess" series. JUst love all the books!

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  70. Love your books Dakota! My question for you is :Does anyone else in your family write?

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  71. I love the covers of the Accidently series. Do you have any say on what they look like and do you have a favorite?

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  72. Hi Dakota, I love your sense of humor and it makes reading your books so much fun. Looking forward to even more. :-)

    Larena

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  73. Great little interview. Now I feel like I need to read Night Games!

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  74. All I can say is that I love all of the books that you have written so far. Keep'em comin', Dakota! Looking forward to the next Accidental Book! :) Talk to you soon! :)

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  75. I enjoyed reading your interview and, oh, I wish I were a Nina!! I love your picture and the tiara; my daughter tends to think she is a Princess, too. Wishing you continued success!

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  76. I received from a friend of mine a copy of "You Dropped a Blonde on Me" for my birthday and I'm looking forward to reading it since I've enjoyed your other books.

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  77. Hey Dakota, great interview. I love talking to you on Twitter about The Real Housewives Of New Jersey. I was wondering if you have a bucket list and if so what are a few of the things you would like to cross off on it?

    I tweeted about this giveaway on Twitter (@skyla11377).
    http://twitter.com/skyla11377/status/47807948457648128

    skyla11377(At)AOL(Dot)Com

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  78. Love all your books. Been following you on facebook. Your comments and posts always make me smile. Keep writing those great books =)

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  79. Love the picture!
    iloveegypt602 at yahoo dot com

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  80. I said I didn't spread the word in the form, but since you have the create link thing down here making it easy for me to post a link on my blog I will. DanceAlertReads.blogspot.com


    My niece's name is Dakota!
    My question - I love time travel stories, have you ever written any or do you plan to??

    dancealert@aol.com

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  81. hey Dakota!

    Congratulations on your new release & continued success! (I've been in love with your words since the beginning ;o)

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  82. Wow, I loved this interview! And I saw Barry in concert and it was awesome! Plus I love Mr. King as well as Mr.Cook! PLUS your a smoker like me...its nice to know there are still some of us out there. Im hardcore though. Thanks for a great interview!!
    jbdownie5@yahoo.com

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  83. Hi Dakota, love your name and your refreshing sense of humor. Reading your interview has made me want to try working on my novel again.
    I also am a bog fan of King and Koontz. Looking forward to becoming a big fan of yours. Carol at
    crystalwolfsings@yahoo.com

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  84. Hi, Dakota! Your books sound like buckets of fun!! :-)

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  85. Thank you for the Princess. I should print out a big wall-size copy. You always make me smile whenever I see it, not matter how bad my day might have been. Then I get in bed with a good book, a good Dakota Cassidy book! Thank you!

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  86. I haven't read your books yet but they look fun. What do you recommend as a starting point?

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  87. Hey, guys! Sorry I was gone a good portion of the day, but it was a little crazy w/the podiatrist and then we had a wee family emergency.

    So questions--If I could date one of my heroes it would be Campbell from Blonde or Heath from The Accidental Human. Both were based on my man :)

    No plans for any time travel stories any time soon, but you never know.

    Dan--yer a smart alec--and it slays me!

    Everyone else, thank you for dropping in and commenting and the kind words about my books and my picture (snort)! Appreciate you all much!

    Dakota :)

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  88. I subscribe to your emails and love to get the latest scoop on your new books.
    Thanks for the contest!
    ~~~~~Colleen :)

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  89. Dakota, I have read a ton of your interviews, but did not know that was how you got stared writing. I am not sure why this surprizes me, I guess it is because your writing seems like you have been writing forever. Your write like your seasoned darling. Tierras forever.

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  90. Love your books, Dakota! When I need a pick me up all I need to do is read one of your books and I know my spirits will be lifted. Keep them coming!

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  91. Hi Dakota!!!!
    I have to let you know that a friend of mine, who DOES NOT READ "ROMANCE" novels (her words), took your Accidentally Dead book off my table, took it home & now is asking for all the others. Your evil plan of world domination is working!!!!
    Love your books & hope to see you at RT 2012,

    Joleen
    2010 RT Snow Queen costume.

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  92. These books look great, Dakota! I'll check them out as soon as I can!

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  93. Ok, now I have a terrific mental picture of you in a tiara and heels, singing your heart out in a bathhouse with Barry, and fighting off all the queens who want to steal your glitter makeup!

    What a fun interview!

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  94. Great interview, Dakota! Keep those books coming!

    Dottie :)

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  95. I was wondering if you are a disciplined writer, setting aside a particular time each day for writing or if you just write when the mood strikes?

    Thanks!

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  96. I'm very disciplined, Small Footprints. I write for a living, so I have to be. I treat it like any other job and workaholic would. LOL. I write from 7 at night until sometimes 5 or 6 in the morning on weekends because my hubby works weekends, too. And during the week, I do 10 at night until 4 or 5 in the mornings :)

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  97. Great interview!
    chaarmedone1512@aol.com

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  98. Anytime I get a chance to visit with DC or read an interview or book, I do. I love her raw sense of humor and no hold responses. That we could all be awesome as this kick ass author!


    (\___/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

    alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
    http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

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  99. I cannot wait to read all your books ! They seem very intriguing

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  100. I love the covers and names of your books. They stand out in an industry where couples in that intimate embrace or the man alone seem to decorate the covers. Every time I see the see that little chihuahua on the cover I have to remind myself not to grab it because I already own it. It's just cute and the titles are funny. I can count on you for a good laugh.

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  101. Love the tiara. It suits you, somehow...

    Are you going to be at RWWA Nationals in NYC this year?

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  102. Is there any style that you haven't written yet, but would love to try?

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  103. I loved the comment about being even more broke if you couldn't be a writer! I appreciate your humor on FB as well. The more the better. Thanks!

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  104. I love Dakota's princess picture. Never has there been such a great photo of a writer with a cigarette since Hunter Thompson.

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  105. Dakota,

    Your books are my nighttime addiction. I think my husband is getting jealous. Keep up the great work!

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  106. Hi Dakota, *waving*

    I have only read one of your accidental books and I thought it was hilarious. I have put a ton more of you books on my TBR list and my TBB list. Thanks for the contest opporunity!!!

    (((HUGS)))
    Leagh C.
    leaghchristensen@yahoo.com

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  107. Your books are on my list of to get and to read, they sounds like lots of fun.

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  108. I Love the accidental series but I am very new to the whole Dakota Cassidy fan club but what I have read is really amazing and the books keep me entertained and happy (and that is a hard thing to do). I love her books sooooooo!

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  109. I've never read any Dakota Cassidy books but Accidentally Catty looks like something I'd love so I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the interview.

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  110. I've not read any of Dakota's books but am anxious to!

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  111. Awesome interview. I love her books. Seriously one of my favorite fun authors.

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  112. I have read any of her books yet but I've heard so much about her and them that she is already on my radar and I can't wait to get ahold of her work! :)

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  113. Nina sounds like a character I would love!! thank you for the contest!!

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  114. All of Dakota's books ROCK! They always put me in a good mood. Really love the covers, especially the one for Accidentally Catty. It's so shiny and pretty! :)

    TOPSAIL246(at)aol(dot)com

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