Posts Tagged ‘vampires’
I’m really pleased to have Daniel DeLorne back to guest here today. After working with Dan on the RWA committee (he is my VP and one of our Hearts Talk Editors) I have come to call him SuperDan. He can pretty much do anything I throw at him and do it better than I expected. I’m not quite certain why I keep being surprised – maybe I just like to be surprised.
Anyway, Dan is here to talk to us today about his new novel, Burning Blood, the sequel to his dark and tortured (and amazing) first novel, Beckoning Blood. Take it away Dan.
Burning Blood, Sisters and Sequels.
Thanks for having me as a guest again, Leisl.
For those of you who haven’t read the first book in the series, Beckoning Blood is a gruesome romantic horror that focuses on the lives of gay twin vampires, Olivier and Thierry, as they slash and burn their way through the centuries.
The sequel, however, was my chance to explore the other side of the d’Arjou family. After people read Beckoning Blood, I heard them say they wanted to know about Aurelia as she played an important part in the plot of the first book, without getting much air-time.
I always knew she’d have a big role in the overall story arc but when I began writing Burning Blood, 
I didn’t realise how much was going on with her.
Initially I was trying to wrap everything up in the second book but as my first and second attempt at this story broke beneath the enormity of what I was trying to do (this is a good advertisement for plotting over pantsing), I realised I had to give her the space to tell her story. And that’s what Burning Blood is.
The book goes through the same three timeframes that Olivier and Thierry went through in the first book, that is, Carcassonne in the Middle Ages, Saxony in the late 1700s, and the present day. While the brothers make brief appearances, this isn’t their book. This might be a relief for some readers who want a break from the blood and violence of Beckoning Blood.
We watch Aurelia’s struggle through the centuries, her battle with Henri, the head of the d’Arjou family. We see her trauma and experience her attempt to find some happiness while under extreme pressure. Thankfully, she has a friend in Hame, a red-haired oracle who helps relieve some of the burdens she has to bear…until Carn enters the scene.
I don’t want to give too much a way but readers can expect an epic story where what we want and what we get aren’t always the same thing, and how family traumas leave deep scars. But as always, there’s hope for a better life.
To celebrate the launch of Burning Blood, I’m running a giveaway where you can win a Wild Wood Tarot Deck and both of my books. Just visit my website to enter.
Burning Blood (Bonds of Blood: Book 2)
No one gets to choose who they spend eternity with.
Aurelia d’Arjou has vampires for brothers, but it is as a witch that she comes into her own power, keeping balance and control, using her strength to mitigate the death and pain that her brothers bring. When she is forced to take on the centuries long task of keeping the world safe from the brutal demon that wore her father’s skin, duty dominates her life. But rare happiness comes in the form of a beguiling, flame-haired oracle who makes the perfect companion…but for one thing.
Hame doesn’t want to be an oracle, but when a demon destroys the closest thing to a father he has, he has little choice but to aid Aurelia with his visions. Unable to love her as she would wish, their centuries-old friendship comes under attack when a handsome Welsh witch enters his life – and his heart.
As treachery and betrayal push Hame to choose between his closest friend and his lover, it becomes clear that when it comes to war, love doesn’t always conquer all, and happy endings are never guaranteed.
Read an excerpt or order now from Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | Nook | GooglePlay.
Daniel de Lorne writes dark tales of ruin, romance and redemption. His debut novel, Beckoning Blood, came out in May 2014. You can find out more about him on his website (you can also get a free short story), Facebook and Twitter.
I’m excited to have Daniel De Lorne on my blog today. I’ve recently got to know Daniel (we’re on the Romance Writers of Australia committee together) and I can tell you, this is one lovely guy. So when I found out he was releasing his first book, I jumped at the chance to feature him and his novel, ‘Beckoning Blood’ on my site. Daniel agreed to be put in the hot seat and answer my questions about himself and his novel.
Hi Daniel. Thanks for being a guest on my blog. I’ll start off with the always expected question – tell us a little bit about ‘Beckoning Blood.’
It’s about twin brothers, Olivier and Thierry, who get made into vampires. Thierry is in love with Etienne but Olivier can’t bear it. He’s obsessed with his brother and orchestrates Etienne’s death and Thierry’s becoming an immortal. Though Thierry really can’t stand his brother, he stays with him through the centuries…until Etienne’s soul returns. Then all hell breaks loose.
It’s a bloodier and grittier m/m paranormal than most readers are probably used to. Lots of blood, a bit gruesome and violent. All the good stuff. 🙂
Beckoning Blood is your first published novel – congratulations. Can you tell us a little bit about your ‘call’ story?
Thanks 🙂 Beckoning Blood was the first full length novel I wrote. I completed the first draft in 2009, got some interest from the first few chapters after attending the Romance Writers of Australia conference in 2010 but unfortunately it didn’t eventuate into a deal. I rewrote and edited parts of the book over the next couple of years and then submitted it to Escape Publishing in 2012. Initially it was a no but Kate Cuthbert, the managing editor, gave some great feedback and said she’d be happy to see it again. I went away, rewrote the opening, submitted it and it got accepted in the second half of 2013. I was over the moon about it, as I was starting to think it would never find a home.
Beckoning Blood is a dark and bloody visit into history and mythology with a male on male romance. M/M romance is a genre primarily written by females for females. What do you think it is about this genre that particularly appeals to women? As a man writing the genre, did you have to change the way you viewed things knowing your audience was mostly women, or did you just write what seemed real for you? (personally, I write what I like and just hope that others do too, but I know not everyone does that.)
I’ve read female readers’ and writers’ thoughts on why m/m appeals to them and some have to do with the exotic nature of the romance, or maybe the added…vulnerability…of men who love men. Of course, it could have a lot to do with the hotness of two guys getting it on. I’m not really certain of the attraction for them but I’m glad there is such a large readership.
I can’t say I changed much to what I thought female readers would like because, like you, I’d rather write what I like and hope others do too. I think the audience is broad enough now to accept something different.
I love paranormal books and have bookshelves full of them. What inspires you to write paranormal? What’s their appeal to you? Where do your ideas come from?
The wonder and the impossibility of paranormal and fantasy stories wormed its way into my brain when I was little and the fascination has stuck with me ever since. I like stories where the impossible becomes possible, where the different is part of the norm. That’s not to say that the real world doesn’t hold wonder for me, because it does, but writing about the paranormal just has a stronger allure.
My ideas come from all over the place. Often it’s from a song or a particularly beautiful piece of music, combined with whatever I’m feeling or looking at at the time. Then presto! An idea is born. I’ll often have a scene in my head with an intense emotion attached to it and I’ll work from there.
You’re and ex-pat Aussie living over in Canada. What do you do when you’re not being a writer?
Well, there’s the cooking, and the cleaning, and the shopping…just kidding. I don’t clean and I hate shopping. I’m a freelance writer and editor, so that helps bring in some money, which we need as my partner and I have been doing a lot of travelling. So, I spend time planning trips (next we’re off to Salzburg for a week), but otherwise it’s the usual house stuff. Now that the weather is warmer in Toronto, I’m heading out more often to explore the city. I love to explore and perhaps that’s why I like creating imaginary worlds in my books.
Writers are always being given advice to diversify and write in different genres – although this doesn’t work for everyone. Aside from dark paranormal, do you write or have aspirations to write any other genres?
I’ve recently written a book that leans more towards fantasy. It’s not that far from dark paranormal but it’s definitely got a different feel to it. I’ve also got a few ideas for contemporary books, not necessarily romance but there’d be a romantic storyline in it at the least. Really, it comes down to what the idea is about and I worry about the genre later.
You have recently joined the Romance Writers of Australia committee, an organisation primarily run by women for women, mostly because most romance writers are women). Although, we have seen more and more men joining RWA and writing romance in the last few years. What is your experience being a man in a primarily female oriented organisation? Do you think people’s ideas about romance are changing, making joining organisations such as RWA more appealing for more writers? What have the benefits been for you?
I love it. I’m certainly a point of difference within the organisation. I hope attitudes are changing, however, I’ve still come across plenty of people (writers included) who sneer at the romance genre. What I think does help is RWA having a bigger presence and reaching those writers who still feel ashamed about writing romance. What I love most about RWA is its sense of community. Hearing stories of writers who’ve joined and then brought to tears because they’ve finally found their home always make me smile. And for the sneerers? Well, jealousy’s a curse.
What’s Daniel De Lorne’s pet peeve? What’s your favourite thing?
In the writing world, my pet peeve is the snobbishness from writers who don’t write in the romance genre and readers who don’t read in the romance genre. I was in a short story workshop once and the romance genre bashing was pretty free and easy. THAT made my blood boil. Next time it happens, I’m going to say something.
Favourite thing: that sense of discovery when writing a new story. I don’t plot much so every chapter is a surprise. Even more surprising is when it all comes together with some beautiful (and unconscious) imagery or plot turns.
What’s been the most surprising aspect of your writing career so far? What have you had the most difficulties with? What have you learned the most from?
The most surprising thing is that people like the book. I’ve got a few really good early reviews and that’s quite validating. Similarly, the most difficult thing is the not-so-good reviews. But you get that and just have to deal with it.
What’s up next for you? Any projects on the boil that you’re particularly excited about?
Next I’m working on the sequel to Beckoning Blood. I’ve written one draft but it needs a lot of work to get it to publishable standard. Then there are a couple of others I need to edit. Maybe amongst all that I’ll be able to work on something new. A few characters and scenes have taken root inside my head so I’m keen to get to them.
Thank you so much for being a guest on my blog today, Daniel. It was fun finding out a little bit more about you and your writing. Congratulations once again and good luck with the book.
You can buy Daniel’s novel, Beckoning Blood, from:
Author bio:
Daniel de Lorne writes mostly about the loves and trials of hot and sexy paranormal men – and creatures. He grew up in Perth, Western Australia, and developed a fascination for the mythical and magical early on. Daniel wrote stories from a young age but it was high school biology class he remembers fondly as providing an excellent cover for writing stories that were filled with teen angst and fantastical creatures. He now lives in Canada with his partner. It was while in this great northern frontier that Escape Publishing accepted his first book, Beckoning Blood, for publication.
For a free read, introducing you to the “heroes” of Daniel’s book, head to his website at www.danieldelorne.com/the-boys.
RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY:
<a id=”rc-64a0130″ href=”http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/64a0130/” rel=”nofollow”>a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src=”//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js“></script>
Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NjRhMDEzODM4NDNhMzRlMjRiMzQ1YjZjNzM4ZWVjOjA=/
After his terrifying experience in the Luna Park Hollywood Horrors attraction (yes, a bad parenting decision – thanks for rubbing it in!), I really thought my youngest one wouldn’t want to go the horror themed dress up this year for Halloween. In fact, I wasn’t even certain he’d want to do Halloween for fear of seeing someone dressed up scary while we were out and about at twilight. He even shied away from wanting to watch some of the ‘scary’ bits in Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull (a movie both my boys love but that always leaves me with a sour taste in my mouth as to what horrors can be done to a beloved franchise when producers don’t spend the time really making sure the reasons for adding to that franchise are solid – like a good script, directing, CGI, an actual story that makes sense within the world that has already been built… Don’t even get me started on the Star Wars prequels!! The horror….the horror…)
Anyway, I digress…
Zombie Skeleton and Glow in the Dark Skeleton
My boys embraced Halloween a few years ago when they were invited over to join friends of the family in their Trick or Treating and in the years since, the theme for Hallowween has always been horror.
Well, perhaps not always – both my monsters are boys after all and in the spirit of all boys, zombies, zombie skeletons, vampires and Star Wars characters are usually all the rage for Halloween.
Darth and Chewie
Just like fart jokes are all the rage for humorous gags and Minecraft is the computer game of choice.
Anyway, mostly horror has always been my boys’ Halloween go-to of choice.
Scary Vampires
But back to my story…
After the disaster of the Hollywood Horrors, I thought last year’s wonderful make up effort, (the youngest one allowed me to go all make-up artist on him and turn him into my version of a scary blood-sucker) would not be repeated this year.
Imagine my pride that he truly looks like he would suck your blood!
Which made me very sad. Turning him into one of the living dead was huge fun for me and dusted off my make-up skills that I’ve not really used since I gave up the theatre before the older one was born. The youngest one was always enthusiastic about being made to look like something horrific (and given my penchance for the paranormal, I was happy to play along with this, especially as the older one wouldn’t even let me near him with makeup in hand.) I was all resigned this year to the younger one wanting to go as Harry Potter (he dressed up as Harry for a fancy dress day at school) and have nothing but a lightning bolt to draw on his forehead. Not that I have anything against Harry – love the books, love the movies – and he really did make a very cute Harry, but it would mean all my fabulous theatre make-up would continue to sit in the make-up bag feeling incredibly sad about being alone and unused and unapreciated (of course, that was the make-up feeling that way. Not me at all.)
I could not have been more wrong.
Red-eyed devil
The older one (who won’t even watch Doctor Who because he finds it too scary) made his usual dress up choice, which involved putting a demon mask on and not letting me anywhere near him with my make-up skills. He wouldn’t even let me ‘demonise’ his hands with some effective blood splatter 🙁 or wear all black – yes, that is a camel on his chest. Very demonic.
However, the younger one surprised the pants off me when he decided he wanted to go dressed as Freddy Kruger.
‘Why Freddy Kruger?’ asked me, a little shell shocked and trying not to bring up the bad experience of the Hollywood Horrors again. ‘Isn’t he a little scary? I mean, do you even know who he is?’
‘He’s the baddy from ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street,’ says the youngest one who has never seen a horror movie in his life, nor has his brother, but they both seem to have an extensive awareness of them, or more to the point, the scary masks that the killers like to wear in horror movies.
‘Well, you know that’s a horror movie,’ says me carefully.
‘Oh, yeah.’
‘Then are you sure you want to dress up as him?’
‘Yeah. He’s scary and cool.’
‘Really?’ says me, incredibly surprised.
‘Oh, yeah. He was the nice man who took a photo with us at Hollywood Horrors. I like him.’
‘But I thought that scared you.’
‘It did, but not him. He was there before the scary bit. Although he is scary and I want to be scary. It is Halloween after all, Mum. You’re meant to dress up scary.’
‘Oh, right. Well… okay then.’
I thought in the weeks leading up to Halloween he would change his mind (he usually does change it about twenty times) but he didn’t. he stuck to this idea of wanting to be truly scary. We couldn’t find a mask for him – they are all adult sized – and the children sized Freddy Kruger costumes only come with a hat, striped top and glove with ‘claws’. The kid on the front of the costume we bought had some make-up on and the youngest one looked up at me and said, ‘You can do better make-up than that, Mum. Remember, I want to be truly scary.’
Freddy Kruger
So, even though I was still a bit bewildered by his attitude to this whole thing, I decided to give it a good go. I bought some great prosthetic pieces to help enhance the awful visage of Mr Kruger and brought some new make up colours and went to town on my version of the nightmare villain. And this is what I came up with…
I was pretty happy with the end results (he is pretty amazing about having it put on – he sits so still and allows me to do his neck and hands as well to create the entire feel.) And he was really thrilled with how he looked – go figure!
Then, when we were out and about with my sister and nephew, I suddenly realised why he wanted to be made to look truly scary. When you have a really well executed scary costume, people respond to it in a really exagerated way (Holy crap, you’re Freddy Kruger!’ ‘Wow, that’s scary!’ ‘Oh my god, that looks real!’) and you get more lollies. In fact, he got the all time best comment, ‘That’s the best, most scary costume of the year, for me – here, have a handful more of these.’ Every young monsters dream!
I have a smart cookie on my hands. One who knows a good scare is worth a tonne of sugar!
My Little Monsters
Both boys (otherwise known on the night as ‘my little monsters’ brought in a really good haul of lollies – more than I imagined they could, with little FK coming in ahead of the rest by about a dozen lollies.
He’s pretty good about sharing though, so there weren’t any fights and everyone had a lovely night – it was beautiful and mild here in Australia at the moment with the spring roses out and scenting the air. My sister and I had a great time strolling, chatting and enjoying the boys’ excitement and rolling our eyes over the inevitable sugar overdose and trouble getting them to bed.
I know we don’t ‘celebrate’ Halloween here in Australia like it is celebrate elsewhere, but when you do it, it is really quite a fun, lovely thing to do with lots of generous people who are happy to open their doors, exclaim over the costumes and hand out lollies to the horrifying monsters, devlish devils, bloodsucking vampires, fairies, witches and movie heroes and villains that come to their door. it is more about the ‘treats’ with no sign of the ‘tricks’ that you often hear about happening on the night in the US when people go overboard. In the years we’ve done it with friends or family, goodwill flows and it is a lovely thing to see.
Today I have a guest post on Charissa Stastny’s blog, Joy in the Moments. Check it out here if you’ve got a moment.
http://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/2013/10/22/leisl-leightons-book-launch
Charissa is a lovely author I met through another website. She lives all the way over the other side of the world (Las Vegas, Nevada), and has never pulled a slot machine in her life, just like me (although the temptation for her is far greater living in what could be known as the gambling capital of the world). Charissa believes that life should be lived for joy and I have to say I agree – otherwise what is the point?
This is why I follow my dreams of writing and even though I was lucky enough to be published with my romantic suspense novel, Killing Me Softly, and have just contracted for my new paranormal, Dark Moon, my dream isn’t fulfilled. It just grows longer and more interesting, filled with all sorts of weird and wonderful creatures and characters, good vs evil, moments of discovery and the never ending journey, not only for my characters, but for myself. Because, without this journey, how are we supposed to ever figure out who we are meant to be?
It is also wonderful that as part of this journey, I get to meet other people making their journeys through their world. They might not be turning dreams into romantic suspense and paranormal fantasy like me, but, like Charissa, they are finding their own joy.
Yay to the dreamers in us all.
In the spirit of this, I want to share with you a song I think expresses this really well. Megan Hilty from Smash singing Carrie Underwoods, ‘Crazy Dreams’. Enjoy.
I happened to stumble across a program on ABC last night with the inimitable Stephen Fry.
That fascinating man was looking at languages, most particularly the 6000 plus languages in the world that are ‘threatened with linguicide’. I never even knew there was a word such as ‘linguicide’, but what a fascinating word that is. And how sad to think that some people’s identity and culture are being lost to homogenisation.
An incredibly interesting series.I’ll be tuning in again. Especially as it made me think about what I love to do in a different light.
I love language and people and cultures and differences – it’s one of the reasons I write and explore these subjects in my novels. Creating new worlds, or just re-workings of our world by tapping into history and a mixture of mythologies and mythological creatures (witches, warlocks, magic, mother nature, vampires, gods and goddesses, muses, elves, dragons and so on) is my little way of carrying forward thoughts and ideas as old as time. But this series by Stephen Fry has made me think even more deeply about how language roots us in all these things. Now my brain is flying with ideas. It’s all very exciting for me (and hopefully for my readers in the future).
Even if you are not a writer or don’t think about language and its effect on our individual and social psyche, I still suggest you watch this show – it was incredibly fascinating.
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/programs/frys-planet-word/#episode/ZX6558A002S00
You wont’ be sorry if you do.
I have the pleasure of hosting the talented Peta Crake on my blog tonight to talk about her new book, Revelry and all things paranormal – a special love of mine. Welcome Peta. Thanks for being a guest. It’s really exciting to have you here.
PC: Thanks, Leisl. It is always nice to chat with another paranormal fan and author.
LL: I really loved your debut novel, Harbinger – for me it was a mix of Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark Hunter series with a touch of the quirky yet butt kicking heroine, a la Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse. Your new novel, Revelry, is set in a different ‘world’ of shifters. Tell us a little bit about it and your new kick-arse heroine, Revelry Bell.
PC: Awww thank you. I love Sherrilyn Kenyon and Charlaine Harris’s work. You’ve made my day.
In Revelry’s world, shifters and other paranormal beings are known to exist but are not openly acknowledged. They are policed by the Preternatural Council and its Enforcers.
Revelry Bell, a wolf shifter, is on the run from her pack which has treated her so badly she would rather die than return to it. She takes refuge in a small town which coincidentally happens to also be the home to a lot of shifters. She only intends to stay for a few months, long enough to earn some money to top up her empty coffers, then move on.
Unfortunately, trouble seems to follow her around as she immediately attracts the attention of the local Enforcer who has the power to arrest her and send her back to her pack or sentence her to death.
LL: Ooh, that sounds amazing. Now I’m struggling to finish this interview and not go and pick up my copy (it’s next in my TBR pile). But, I’ll control myself and get on with the questions. What inspires you to write paranormal romance? Where do your ideas come from?
PC: I love the world and character building of paranormal romance. I love being able to create worlds that could co-exist with our own. Worlds that create that whole “are they real or aren’t they?” mystique. It is like when I was a child, I loved the idea that fairies might be real, that they could be living in my garden. Or all those urban myths like alligators living in the drains below New York or a black panther living in the south west of Australia. It appeals to the side of me that loves mythology and folklore. As for the romance part, even when I start out writing a story with no intention of it being a romance, my characters often have other ideas.
I get my ideas from all over the place – documentaries, news stories, scenery, and people walking down the street. But I would have to say my biggest inspiration comes from music. Sometimes a song I have heard hundreds of times will all of a sudden trigger an idea or a character in my head. One of the scenes in Revelry (and her name) was inspired by the Kings Of Leon song, Revelry. I have a whole tragic scene mapped out for another story set to Ed Sheeran’s The A Team.
LL: That sounds fascinating. Can’t wait to see what comes of that. I love stories about Weres and shifters – they are so raw and passionate and ruled by their senses. What do you think is their appeal to lovers of paranormal romance? What’s their appeal to you?
PC: I think the biggest appeal for me is the added element characters have to deal with giving them both internal (fighting natural instincts that may not be appropriate at the time) and external (having expectations placed on you for what you are rather than who you are) issues. There is also the whole dilemma of when a character’s animal side is attracted to one person but their human side is attracted to another. Part of me also loves the idea of being able to change into another creature so I could fly, run really fast or swim underwater for a long time.
LL: I’m with you there, Peta. I also love that added dimension to the conflicts of a shifter character. You have mentioned that you lived in Japan for some time and your love of the paranormal was fed by their wonderful mythology. Why do you think these mythologies are so enduring and speak to so many people on so many different levels? Why do they speak to you?
PC: I think the thing I loved most about the mythology in Japan is how alive it still is. It is an active part of their culture. For example, there are manekineko (good luck cats) in many shops, and statues of Tanuki (shape changing racoon dogs) are often seen in front of shrines. Not to mention, practices such as Setsubun, a custom where, at the beginning of February, people walk about their houses throwing roasted soybeans and calling for good fortune to enter and evil spirits to leave. I enjoy mythology from around the world as it helps me understand the people who created the mythology in the first place. I love seeing how the environment and natural forces played a part in people’s beliefs. Mythology teaches us life lessons through example rather than telling us what we should or shouldn’t do.
LL: That is so true. I’ve always been drawn to mythologies for that reason. They are endlessly fascinating. So, aside from being a writer drawn to mythologies, who is Peta Crake? What do you do? What hobbies do you have? What gets you up in the morning and going every day?
PC: Other than being a writer I am also a mum to a tween and a teen and I work part time in retail. I also dabble in polymer clay creations and art clay silver. Although I haven’t practiced for a while I also like Japanese flower arranging (ikebana) which I studied when I was in Japan and officially reached the basic level necessary to teach it. What gets me up in the morning? Usually a cat demanding food.
LL: LOL. Both my cat and dog do that – and they know they don’t get fed then. Bottomless stomach, both of them. And wow, art clay silver and Japanese flower arranging – you are one talented lady. But enough gushing and on to the interview. I know many authors of paranormal fiction do a fair amount of research into various mythologies, while others pretty much make everything up. What camp do you lie in? Do you research current mythologies and use the gods, creatures, spirits etc. that are already known, or do you prefer to go with something fresh and new and just out of your mind?
PC: I do a bit of both. For example, Harbinger features gods from Greek, Norse, Egyptian and Celtic mythology as well as a few of my own creations. Sometimes I do not have a clear idea of the mythological creature/god I am after, rather, I know what the character represents or can and cannot do, then it is just a matter of a lot of research to find the creature or god who fits those characteristics the best.
LL: What’s Peta Crake’s pet peeve? What’s your favourite thing?
PC: My pet peeve would have to be the amount people are disrespectful towards others. I am very much of the “treat people how you wish to be treated” camp.
LL: Me too. I’m always saying that to my boys. And your favourite thing?
PC: My favourite thing? I am not sure I have one favourite thing and if I do I think it changes all the time depending on my mood.
LL: I love hearing other author’s call stories, so, tell us about when you got ‘The Call’ for your debut novel, Harbinger.
PC: I pitched Harbinger to Penguin at the Melbourne RWA conference in 2011. They requested a partial, then the full then sent back a very thorough “revise and resubmit” letter. I stewed over the changes I needed to make for a few months. I had just finished the final edits of Harbinger and sent it off for the second round of the Emerald awards when I got an e-mail from Penguin asking if I had made the revisions and would I like to resubmit the manuscript to them. I sent it off. Not long after I received a lovely phone call from Sarah Fairhall saying they were setting up a new imprint, Destiny Romance, and would love Harbinger to be one of the launch books. *cue running around house madly giggling and shrieking*. So within a year of attending my first conference and pitching for the first time I became a published author.
LL: What a great story. After all that happened, what’s been the most surprising aspect of getting that call and being a published author?
PC: I think the steep learning curve. I thought I had done a good job of editing Harbinger before I submitted it but there was so much more to do before it could be published. I learned so much during the editing process that I think my writing has slowed down a little as I now think differently than I did before. I am constantly asking myself about character motivation and consistency.
LL: What’s up next for you? Any projects on the boil? I’m hoping for a follow up to Harbinger – there’s a tease for that on your website – any news there?
PC: I have just finished a story which features a mixture of Asian mythological creatures, fairies, vampires and were-cats which I need to find a home for. I am also working on a sequel to Harbinger as well as another project which I am unsure how to categorize just yet, maybe a gothic paranormal romance.
LL: Sounds fascinating. Well, thank you so much for being a guest on my blog today, Peta. It was fun finding out a little bit more about you and your writing.
PC: My pleasure. I’d also like to give away an Kindle copy of Revelry to those who comment and answer the following question:
In a paranormal world, what kind of shifter would you be?
LL: Great question. I think I’d like to be some kind of predatory cat – a tiger maybe. They’re beautiful and you know what they say about cats – they have nine lives. Also, they’re graceful. I’d like to be more graceful. Thanks once again, Peta. You can buy Peta’s new novel, Revelry, from:
Destiny Romance: http://www.destinyromance.com
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00DW1MICC
Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/k3fucm2
Apple: http://tinyurl.com/k5psyvq
Google Play: http://tinyurl.com/mkzm895
Author bio:
Peta Crake grew up in a small town on the south coast of Western Australia, where the idea of fairies and monsters residing in the thick forests was perfectly believable. After spending nearly a decade living in Japan and revelling in its culture, she turned her hand to writing. Now living back in Australia with a husband, two kids, a cuddle-addicted cat, and a thoroughly confused dog, she writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance full of strong sassy heroines, surprising heroes and disturbed side-kicks.
You can find out more about Peta at:
Website: www.petacrake.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/PetaCrake
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Peta-Crake/134686450045477
Dark Side Down Under: www.darksidedownunder.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6518162.Peta_Crake
