From Goodreads: "Raven Grace was a college senior with ambitions of a career in law enforcement when she met the demon Aega, whose bite turned her from mortal to Shapeshifter. Now a member of the Recovery Organization, Raven keeps the peace between humans and errant Hellhounds, trolls, wizards and the like while trying to track down Aega and bring him to justice. After a particularly dicey encounter one night with a Hellhound, she goes to the aid of a girl who’s been attacked and near death—and is amazed to find Aega’s bite mark on the girl’s arm. Determined to get to the bottom of this, she revisits the victim’s apartment and there discovers her closet is a portal to a parallel universe, where people she knows lead vastly different lives. She also gets a glimpse of the Recovery Captain there—a six foot, redheaded Scotsman named Finn McPhee, whose sexy accent and even sexier bod sets her senses aflame. Seeking answers, Finn takes Raven to the magickal underworld, where an ancient fae informs them the demon’s quest is rooted in Scottish mythology and magick. As they delve deeper into legend, the truth comes to light—Aega is only a pawn, subservient to another, darker demon…a being who knows the truth about Raven’s heritage, and who orchestrated her return to this parallel universe for the ultimate showdown. Now, Finn and Raven find their passion for one another must take a backseat to Raven’s battle with a dark force who won’t be satisfied until he’s claimed her soul for his very own…" Where did your inspiration from "Raven's Kiss" come from?
Oh gosh, I wanted to write a book that was different from my usual vampire/ werewolf sagas and I've always been fascinated with the concept of parallel time, ever since Dark Shadows did it years ago. Shifters seemed to be popular, so I just sat down one day and created Raven, Finn, and the concept of Raven being able to travel to a world so much like her own, yet vastly different in many ways.
Why did you decide to incorporate a plethora of different paranormal races into your books? (side note: I totally love when authors do this- I figure the more the merrier!)
Actually, that's my philosophy too... Most of my books, published and unpublished, have a wide variety of characters. It gives the readers something to choose from (and also makes for great spinoff series... :) )
Out of all of the books that you have written does one stick out as the one that you are most proud to have written? Yes, and it's one that is as yet not published- the story of a mortal girl who works on a gothic drama with a bunch of Others, and gets involved in solving mysteries. The title back then was SOAPSUDS SEX AND SILVER BULLETS. NAL almost bought it years ago, but their editorial board shot it down- so I'm retweaking it in the hopes of making a sale. If not, that one will be self published as well. If I had to pick one out of the ones that have been published, I'd choose WITCH'S PAWN- because I wrote the original draft when I was 16, and it's the first full length novel I ever wrote.
How would you classify "Raven's Kiss"?
Well, I'd like to say paranormal romance but I suppose there's not enough sex in it for that, ;) So I guess because of the wide range of characters I's probably have to say UF- there is romance in the book, it's just not in your face, more like implied.
Cliff hanger endings- love 'em or hate 'em (both in your writing and in others writing)?
I love 'em anywhere- especially on TV :) Have you seen Castle or Grey's Anatomy? Honestly, what better way to get people aching for more?
What are you reading now? UNDEAD AND UNWED by Mary Janice Davidson. Oddly enough, I just discovered her books!
Since 2010 you have been publishing your books yourself, what is the most important lesson you have learned from doing so?
That just because agents and publishers turn down your book does not mean it's not good, or that you can't find an audience for it- you just have to do a little more legwork.
Any words of wisdom for aspiring authors?
Write. Relax. Write again. Repeat. And have an infinite amount of patience. Whether you are seeking an agent, to become traditionally published, or want to self publish, this truly is a business of "hurry up and wait". Something will happen, exactly how and when it's supposed to :)
Thanks so much Toni for stopping by!
I love her advice to just do a little more legwork. It's hard not to get defeated, but that's great advice :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting concept for a book, the idea of parallel universes. I always imagine that my other self is doing much better than I, then I imagine one who is worse off. Eke.
ReplyDeleteFantastic interview. I've read a lot off PNR books that have the romance aspect a bit toned down. They are still exciting, interesting reads.