Sunsets & Other Dangerous Things
by Dani Frank
Released: Sep 19, 2024
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Why this book and why now?
This was my “learn how to write and publish a romance through doing the thing” book. So, of course, I picked the most indulgent thing I could think to write: a campy vampire romance with all of the classic contemporary romance tropes. But it turned into something much closer to my heart than I could have imaged as I explored sexuality, religious trauma, and the many expectations that come with growing up.
Do your character names have special significance or meaning?
Ashley was the easiest to name. Her character’s initial sketch was main character in a 2000s cheerleader comedy. So I just picked one of the most popular, popular girl names from the 2000s. Esther was a little trickier. I wanted a very Catholic name but nothing too off-mainstream like Dorcas. There are a few tertiary characters with names of friends, former classmates, coworkers, and teachers. But I would like it known that the characters do not match the actual people. It’s just my little way of memorializing people from my life.
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
I went back and forth on this one, because Ashley missed the airing of Vampire Diaries and I think she would love it. But I think together, Ashley and Esther would have the most fun watching Buffy. The clothing was iconic and people don’t talk enough about the touchstone music, not to mention queer romance in the 2000s. Yes, please! Ashley would have a celebrity crush on Faith and Esther would feel extremely protective of Tara.
What’s your main character(s)’s favorite book and why?
This is actually a conversation in the book, so spoilers if you haven’t read yet. When asked what her favorite book is from the small collection she keeps at her uncle’s house, Esther pulls out the Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe, which is a bit of a cop out really. Ashley has fallen behind on reading for a few years, focusing instead on establishing herself in her new vampire life. But it’s pretty clear she’s a Twihard and even mentions Twilight sparking her first interest in becoming a vampire (didn’t it inspire us all though???)
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
The song Inches and Falling by The Format was a big influence on Ashley’s character. It’s a little dated (but hey, she’s dated too). But I love the juxtaposition of the lyrics about a bad breakup mixed with a poppy beat and chorus about how they still love love, no matter how love had treated them. And I think it really matches Ashley’s poppy personality and “this is fine”/silver lining approach to everything around her burning down.
