E.J. Stevens's Blog, page 77

Paranormal Guest Author: Mary Abshire

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Mary Abshire!  Mary is the author of Claiming the Evil Dead, Catching an Evil Tail, and Fighting Evil.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Mary:  I wrote a little in my early twenties, but didn't pursue a writing career. About three years ago, I started writing full length novels and I haven't stopped.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Mary:  I have always had an interest in the paranormal. I grew up watching sci-fi and horror shows when I was a kid. The dark and mysterious creatures captured me, especially those blood sucking vampires. Ghost stories, alien abductions, and other unusual stories intrigued me too. I didn't take an interest in reading until my teens. A friend loaned me books by Anne Rice and I fell in love with reading. What started out as an interest in my youth grew into love and is now an addiction. Writing in the paranormal genre felt right to me.

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?

Mary:  Oh, so many choices . . . for my supernatural talent I'd like the ability to become invisible whenever I wanted, or I'd want the gift of immortality. I love history and I'd like to see all the changes in the world, good and bad. Sure, I would be sad to see loved ones come and go, but that is part of life now.

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

Mary:  My latest release from my Soul Catcher series is Fighting Evil. It's full of action and suspense. Jeremy, the hot demon, and Drake, the noble vampire, travel to a remote island with Jessie, my half-demon soul catcher, to meet the VETOV (Vampires for the Ethical Treatment of Other Vampires). Nothing is ever easy for Jessie. Near the end, will she leave with Jeremy, or Drake? Hmm . . .

EJ:  If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?

Mary:  I think Megan Fox would make a good Jessie. As for Jeremy, maybe someone like Brad Pitt, but he'd have to be more aggressive, more bold and in your face. And for my noble vamp, Drake? That one is difficult to answer. He's a cross between Bill and Eric from the TrueBlood series on HBO. I'd love the man playing Eric to portray Drake. YUM!























Fighting Evil (Soul Catcher, #3) by Mary Abshire.

Half-demon Jessie Garrett's battles seem endless. While Jeremy, the demon out to win her heart, teaches her how to fight, Jessie's relationship with her vampire lover, Drake, reaches a breaking point. Adding to her struggles, she must defend her life against a group of vampires who consider her a threat to their existence. Held captive on a remote island with both Drake and Jeremy protecting her, she is tested in ways she's never imagined. Jessie fights back; only her actions do more harm than good. The group offers her a choice, but no matter what she decides, her life will change forever.


Thank you Mary for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Mary Abshire and her books, please visit her website.

Paranormal Guest Author: Charlotte Blackwell

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Charlotte Blackwell!  Charlotte is the author of Immortal Embrace, Forbidden Embrace, and Mystic Embrace.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Charlotte:  I have always been the girl who writes down her feels and even when I had trouble confronting others about my feelings, I would write them a letter (although I rarely sent them. Expressing myself in writing has always come naturally to me. I never thought that I could actually do it professionally until winter of 2009. I started working on Immortal Embrace as well as a few other stories. Realizing how much I loved it, I wanted to learn more and began to write articles and low and behold, I actually got paid for writing.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Charlotte:  I have always been interested in the paranormal, Vampires, Witches, Shape shifters, Demons anything to do with the supernatural interested me. It was only natural that I write about it, and through my research I have learned so much and am even more passionate about it now. When I was younger, my friends and I played games that involved us being supernatural beings. I have a few fun stories about those days, but I guess by writing paranormal, I am kinda relieving my youth.

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?

Charlotte:  I would be a magickal Witch, because I think Witches have a bad rep. So many believe they are evil. The Witches in my novels are powerful protectors, I believe that in society today practicing Witches are misunderstood and I would love to prove those who speak poorly of them strait. As for a talent, I think I would like the talent/ability to absorb or borrow the powers of others, then I would always have something different.

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

Charlotte:  Immortal Embrace wraps the paranormal with every day challenges that young adults and even adults face through out their lives. Sophia, the protagonist struggles with heartache, sibling rivalry, acceptance, self esteem, love, and fear. These are things we all can relate too. Combining a fantasy world of supernatural beings with everyday life can help readers to relate to the characters and even feel as if they are part of the story. Plus Vampires rock :)

EJ:  If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?

Charlotte:  Well for Sophia (a teenage Vampire) I would love my daughter Jorden to be cast, she is very talented and when writing Sophia Jorden was a huge inspiration for her (although she is a few years to young).
Nathanial (the Mortal), I picture someone like Zac Effron but maybe a little younger. I think he is a talented actor. I thought he did an amazing job in 17 again.
Ebony (The young Witch)I'm really not sure a teen version of Jada Pinket Smith or Zoe Saldena, they both have just the right amount of I don't care what you think of me attitude.
I would love Alyssa Milano to play Constance (the Vampire aunt), I just love her, and think she would suit the role perfectly.
Elijah (The Vampire, head of house/father figure) This is easy Johnny Depp, because he is Johnny Depp.
I have to admit this question was more difficult than I thought, casting for the characters I created isn't really some I have thought of. I really just consider my characters, who they are, who I created and finding someone who matches what is in my head is harder than I expected.























Immortal Embrace (Embrace, #1) by Charlotte Blackwell.

Ebony Triggs and her sister have accepted their birthright to be the magnificent ones, protectors of the innocent. They have been working on improving their magickal powers with the help of close friends the Pierce family. Ebony and Eliza have been working hard, with one common goal in mind, destroying the demon that killed their parents sixteen years ago. Will they ever find him and succeed at destroying him or will fighting evil become a daily occurrence for the sisters?

Entering her senior year of high school, Ebony already has more than most teens on her plate, but when things continue to change in her life she must rely on her immortal friends, the Pierce's to help get her through. Ebony and her boyfriend Matt like most teens are looking at the future and what will happen after life in high school. But when plans change will they be faced with even bigger issues?

Ebony soon realizes that the Pierce's and her close friends will need her as much as she needs them. She thought learning of her mystical powers was the greatest test of her life, but it was only just the beginning.


Thank you Charlotte for joining us here today at From the Shadows !

To learn more about Charlotte Blackwell and her books, please visit her website.

Paranormal Guest Author: P.J. Hoover

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author P.J. Hoover!  P.J. is the author of The Forgotten Worlds series (The Emerald Tablet, The Navel of the World, The Necropolis) and the paranormal novel Solstice.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

PJ:  I started writing after my second child was born back in 2004. I gave up watching TV about the same time, and she was a great sleeper (so unlike my first kid). Combine those two things together, and I wound up with a lot of extra time on my hands. So I figured I may as well give writing a shot. It was that or giant jigsaw puzzles. Writing works for me because I'm a pretty schedule-oriented person and can write every day as a habit.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

PJ:  My love for all things sci-fi and fantasy came from a childhood of watching Star Trek and reading Choose Your Own Adventure books, so writing something else besides science fiction and fantasy was never even discussed between the voices in my head. I couldn't be happier with all the amazing young adult paranormal stories available, and I'm thrilled to contribute to that market.

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?

PJ:  Growing up, I always wanted to have special powers like a Jedi. Combine that with my love of the 1980s show The Powers of Matthew Star, and I have to go with telekinesis. The struggle, I think, would be in making sure I still actually got up to do things, rather than just doing them with my mind, but it sure would be handy when it came time to turn out the lights at night.

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

PJ:  The number one hook for SOLSTICE is how the popular genres of dystopian stories and mythology are combined. I adore the twist I put on the whole world, and I think readers will, too. And with these combined genres, the world has so much potential. SOLSTICE is where dystopia and mythology meet, and is aimed at people who love mythology and seeing it spun into a modern (or futuristic) setting.
Here's the short blurb: SOLSTICE, a debut young adult novel by P. J. Hoover, is an intensely romantic story set in a disturbing future of uncontrolled climate change, where, after 18 years of endless summer, the earth is dying a slow, hot death, and is about a young woman named Piper who opens a Pandora's box of sorts which catapults her into a modern mythological world. SOLSTICE is the first front-list title to be independently published by an Andrea Brown Literary Agency author, and is agented by Laura Rennert.

EJ:  If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?

PJ:  I mentioned above that I stopped watching TV, but just a couple weeks ago, I started up again thanks to Game of Thrones (HBO). So, for the character of Shayne in SOLSTICE, I'll go with Jon Snow (Kit Harington) from Game of Thrones since Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) is getting a bit older now. He's the only character I have cast at this point, but hopefully I'll figure more out in the future!























Solstice by P.J. Hoover.

Where Mythology and Dystopia meet...

Piper's world is dying. Global warming kills every living thing on Earth, and each day brings hotter temperatures and heat bubbles which threaten to destroy humanity. Amid this Global Heating Crisis, Piper lives with her mother who suffocates her more than the chaotic climate. When her mother is called away to meet the father Piper has been running from her entire life, Piper seizes an opportunity for freedom.

But when Piper discovers a world of mythology she never knew existed, she realizes her world is not the only one in crisis. While Gods battle for control of the Underworld, Piper's life spirals into turmoil, and she struggles to find answers to secrets kept from her since birth. And though she's drawn to her classmate Shayne, he may be more than he claims. Piper has to choose whom she can trust and how she can save the people she loves even if it means the end of everything she's ever known.


Thank you P.J. for joining us here today at From the Shadows !

To learn more about P.J. Hoover and her books, please visit her website.

Cross-Novel Character Interview: Silas A Supernatural Thriller Meets Blood of Requiem

And now for something completely different...

Today we are trying something new.  We have two fabulous authors, Daniel Arenson and Robert J. Duperre, participating in a cross-novel character interview where worlds, and personalities, collide!

There has been a temporal rift in imagination's space-time continuum.  This causes Ken Lowery and his dog, Silas, from Robert J. Duperre's novel Silas: A Supernatural Thriller, to have a chance encounter with Gloriae, ill-tempered daughter of Dies Irae, the evil villain from Blood of Requiem, the first book of Daniel Arenson's Song of Dragons series.  See what happens when three characters from two completely different universes meet…

Gloriae:  So... Ken.  That is what the commoners call you, yes?  Let me understand this.  You are not a warrior.  Not a king nor conqueror nor hero.  Your companion is no griffin, no dragon, not even a mighty steed.  It is but a lowly dog, a creature that begs under tables for scraps.  Why has anyone written a book about you and this flea-infested creature?  Who would want to read about two miserable, lowly beings?

Ken: Um...huh?  Someone wrote a book about me and Silas?  I thought this was an interview about me commissioning a screenplay for Dan Arenson's Blood of Requiem.  And why the hell are you talking to me like that?  Lowly, miserable?  I'm a freaking screenwriter, I'm not some "lowly being."  And why the hell are you wearing armor in the middle of summer?  Aren't you a little, er, hot?  Doesn't she look hot, Si?

Silas: Woof!

Gloriae:  Get that CREATURE off me.  Down, vermin, down!  Now. Ken Lowly, that was your name, correct?  Listen, Lowly.  I wear armor because I fight Requiem's weredragons, an ancient, shape-shifting evil.  A "screen play" for the blood of Requiem?  I do not "play" with weredragons.  Shedding the blood of Requiem is no game, Lowly.  It is a war.  A war that I and my father lead.  That is why I wear armor. This armor of steel, gold, and jewels costs more than anything you'll ever own, so tell this Silas of yours to stop drooling on it, lest I "pat" him with my sword.

Ken: Hey, enough with the attitude, huh?  Let's try to be civil here. And it's Lowery, Ken Lowery, not Lowly.  Oh, and please get that thing away from my dog.  I'm a little wary when he's around sharp objects, what with him only having one eye left and all.

So listen, if we're being civil now, what's up with this "weredragon" stuff?  Sounds pretty interesting if you ask me, even if it's a little out of this world - but believe you me, I GET out of this world. Also, I'm curious why someone as young as you would be so...mean-spirited.  Heck, you can't be more than sixteen years old! My daughter's that age, and all she can think about is texting the cute guy who sits next to her in class.  What the hell happened to you to make you so damn contemptuous?

Gloriae:  I'm eighteen.  And I envy your daughter.  I wish I could think about cute guys and be a normal girl.  But I was raised in war. The weredragons killed my mother, and many of my people, and I've been fighting them since.  They are creatures from a land called Requiem, shape shifters.  They can become dragons at will.  In the old days, they'd burn crops, and topple towers, and terrorize the empire of Osanna.  I was only a little girl in those days.  My father hunted them to near extinction, and I'm determined to find the last survivors, and to bring them to justice.  If I'm mean, and contemptuous, and cold, it is because the weredragons put hatred in my heart.  What happened to your dog's eye, Ken?  Did he lose it in battle?

Ken: Did he lose it in battle?  Well, sort of.  He was actually protecting me from a...ah, hell, it's a long story.  Let's just say that when you say "were"-something or other, I completely get what you mean.

In that vain, damn, those dragons sound like bastards.  Which is weird, because in most of the fiction I've read, dragons are honorable beings, and you calling them weredragons implies they're part human, too.  And your dad...well, let's just say that hunting ANYONE to near-extinction doesn't sound all that kosher, even if they've done some bad stuff.  You sure your daddy doesn't just have some sort of Napoleon complex?  Do you even know who Napoleon is?

Gloriae: Oh, the weredragons claim to be noble.  They call themselves Vir Requis, a horrible name that makes me shudder.  They sometimes walk around in human forms, and sometimes grow wings and scales and fly as dragons.  How can such freaks be noble?  I mean, what would you do, if you learned your dog could also take human form?  The weredragons call me a villain.  They say I'm evil for killing them off.  But I know that I'm a warrior of light, fighting to rid the world of their darkness.

Ken: If Silas could be human?  When that hap...I mean, if that happened, I'd probably love him just as much.  He's my bud, no matter what he looks like.  I'm surprised you wouldn't get something like that.  Kinda narrow minded, if you ask me.  Oh wait, that's right...you're some crazy chick wearing armor in ninety degree weather who's evading questions about her father.  Like I should expect anything more.  Right, Si?

Silas: Woof woof!

Gloriae: My father?  My father is a great emperor.  A lord of light. He taught me everything I know -- how to hate dragons, how to fight, how to kill.  Everything that I am, he made me.  I-- Oh!  Silas!  Stop licking my face.  Down, boy!  Oh dear.  His fur is soft, isn't it? All right, I'll just pat you a little... there.  You like that, mutt? I think you do.

Ken: Oh, wow.  Look at your face!  I didn't know your features could soften so much.  You almost look...feminine.  You know, you look a little like my old neighbor, Jacqueline...only if she was tall and blonde and a little scary.  I guess Silas just has that effect on people.

You know what?  Forget about the questions.  I'm not even gonna reply to your stuff about your father.  Hell, we all got Daddy issues.  I know I sure as hell do.  But I like you.  You're interesting.  Frightening...but interesting.  You'd make a fantastic character study.  Maybe, if you met the right guy, you'd even open up to the softer side of Sears, you know?  Looks like Silas sure thinks so.  I mean, my wife's the only person he nuzzles into like that...

Gloriae:  Ken, would you mind if... I took Silas for a walk?  I think he'd like to go to the park.  Ready, boy?  Come on, let's go!

Ken:  I'm not sure if that's such a great...wait a minute, where you going!  Silas, come!  Glor, where the hell you going?  Why're you walking toward that swirling blue portal?  Oh no, not again.  Silas, listen to me!

Silas: Woof!


Thank you Daniel, Robert, Gloriae, Ken, and Silas for joining us here today at From the Shadows !

To learn more about Daniel Arenson and his books, please visit his website and don't miss our past interviews with Daniel and his amazing characters:
Author interview with Daniel Arenson.
Character interview with Eliven (The Gods of Dream).
Character interview with Neev and Romy (Eye of the Wizard).
Character interview with Kyrie (Blood of Requiem).
E.J.'s review of Flaming Dove.

To learn more about Robert J. Duperre and his books, please visit his website and don't miss his fabulous past author interview.
Author interview with Robert J. Duperre.
E.J.'s review of The Fall.

Kiss of the Silver Wolf Giveaway Winner!

Congrats A.J. Nuest winner of our Kiss of the Silver Wolf Ebook Giveaway at From the Shadows!  A.J. will receive an ebook copy of Kiss of the Silver Wolf by Sharon Buchbinder.

Thank you to all who entered!

Don't miss our Spirit Guide Series Spooky Summer Giveaway ending July 26!

**All giveaway winners selected using Random.org**

Paranormal Guest Author: Shalini Boland

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Shalini Boland!  Shalini is the author of Hidden (Marchwood Vampire series #1) and the upcoming post-apocalyptic young adult novel Outside.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Shalini:  I've always loved to write, but I had my first idea for a novel in 2006. I came up with the ending first and worked the rest of the story around it.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Shalini:  When I pick up a novel, I always prefer to read something that will transport me far away from everyday reality. I want to escape into someone else's imagination. So I write the same type of stories I like to read. Also, it's fun to invent new realities - it gives me more freedom as a writer.

There's a special kind of glamour and romance to the paranormal genre. You can visit impossibly dark and sinister places, or you can paint images of exquisite otherworldly beauty. It's pure escapism. Also, you can have great fun with it!

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?

Shalini:  The power to heal myself and others would be the ultimate supernatural talent.

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

Shalini:  Hidden follows the lives of Madison and Alexandre, appealing to both a male and female audience. The story begins in gritty reality but slowly descends into horror, romance and adventure.

I try to back my characters into impossible situations or give them difficult dilemmas to deal with, making the story more unpredictable. Hopefully I've achieved this as current reviews say the story is gripping and takes surprising twists and turns.

EJ:  If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?

Shalini:  I'd like to cast complete unknowns into the leading roles. An eighteen-year-old version of Ben Barnes (Prince Caspian/Dorian Gray) would make a great Alexandre. And Madison would be played by someone raw and feisty, like a young Emily Lloyd (Wish You Were Here).  I can't think of any well-known actor or actress out there at the moment who fits the bill.























Hidden (Marchwood Vampire, #1) by Shalini Boland.

Madison Greene is in foster care until one day she inherits a fortune, she inherits a house, she inherits a cellar full of danger.

Alexandre Chevalier lives in 19th century Paris. On an archaeological expedition, he discovers a lost underground city where his life changes forever.

Their lives entwine, but this is only the beginning...


Thank you Shalini for joining us here today at From the Shadows !

To learn more about Shalini Boland and her books, please visit her website.

Spirit Guide Series Spooky Summer Giveaway

Take your favorite quirky Spirit Guide series characters to the beach this summer with this super cute tote bag filled with fab books and swag!

** Spirit Guide Series Spooky Summer Giveaway **
We are giving away one Spirit Guide Series tote bag filled with signed copies of She Smells the Dead and Spirit Storm, bookmarks, two sets of romance trading cards, signed She Smells the Dead, Spirit Storm, and Legend of Witchtrot Road postcards, and one XL "I Smell Dead People" t-shirt.  Everything you need to make a spooky splash poolside or at the beach!

To enter, please leave a comment on this post including your email address (so we may contact you if you win).  You do not have to be a follower to enter (though I always appreciate a follow!).  US mailing addresses only.  Giveaway ends July 26 midnight EST.

Brookehaven Vampires Bookmark Giveaway Winners!

Congratulations to Laurie, Tanya, and hernameisavril our Brookehaven Vampires Bookmark Giveaway winners!  Each winner will receive two Brookehaven Vampires bookmarks and a few signed postcards from E.J. (just for fun!).

Thank you to all who entered!

**All giveaway winners are selected using Random.org**

Guest Author Interview: Constance Sharper

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Constance Sharper!  Constance is the author of Airborne.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Constance:  Well, I've liked to tell a good story my entire life. This came from years of daydreaming my way through the slow hours of class and work (although don't tell my boss that). I'd also like to say I was passionate about writing all my life, but I probably only began writing when I realized that I couldn't do anything else to convey these stories I liked to tell. I'm not one to paint, to draw, or act. I found words as the best way for me to weave stories into the real world and bring the fantastic to life. So it really began when I was a child and has blossomed ever since.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Constance:  There is something absolutely empowering and limitless in the paranormal genre. We're taken into a new and refreshing world when picking up a paranormal book, and this gives us a break from the same old same old of everyday life. And lets face it: which one of us isn't holding out for a cute paranormal boy showing up on our doorstep?

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?

Constance:  Witch, definitely. I'm thinking about the witch from Kim Harrison's series and this would be awesome. Brewing spells and concoctions for anything I wanted. This could probably break my dependence on chocolate and Starbucks coffee. The spells that witches can perform seem to be endless and that would keep life interesting.  Also, I think I'd rock the black pointy hat quite well.

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

Constance:  Airborne is a refreshing spin on a very popular genre. It introduces a new supernatural creature, a harpie, into the paranormal novel world. The harpies in Airborne are tall, human looking creatures with massive wings and massive attitudes to match. One of these harpies, Mason, finds himself crossing paths with our heroine, high school student Avery. Needless to say, their worlds become tied together and they are thrown into adventures while knocking heads every step of the way.

Airborne is designed to be quick paced and absolutely action packed with a little bit of paranormal boy drama thrown in the mix. It's designed to keep those of us with short attention spans glued, and those who study books able to walk away with a lot to muse.

EJ:  If your book was being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?

Constance:  I'm caught between actors, really, because after working up Avery and Mason from scratch, I find it difficult to think of them as anything but unknowns.

If I had to choose I would cast Mason, the leading man and harpie, as Taylor Kitsch. I can see the looks and the personality necessary to suit Mason's ego and attitude. Also, Taylor Kitsch is someone to drool at.

Avery, the lead girl, wasn't so easy to cast. For attitude wise, I think Emma Stone could play Avery. They both share the kick-ass temperament when necessary but don't lay it on too thick. But looks wise I always picture Minka Kelly when her hair is black.























Airborne (The Airborne Saga, #1) by Constance Sharper.

Avery knew she had a knack for attracting trouble, but even she is shocked when a six-foot-something harpie shows up on her doorstep. Coping with the existence of a mythological race? Okay. Unwittingly finding herself in the middle of a vicious harpie conflict? A little less okay. Having to rely on an arrogant harpie boy who gets under her skin? Now that is something Avery isn't sure she can handle.

Thank you Constance for joining us here today at From the Shadows !

To learn more about Constance Sharper and her books, please visit her website.

YA Paranormal Book Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations Paranormal Opinion winner of our YA Paranormal Book Giveaway at From the Shadows!  Paranormal Opinion will receive print copies of Spirit Storm (Spirit Guide #2) by E.J. Stevens, The Iron Queen (The Iron Fey #3) by Julie Kagawa, and Demonglass (Hex Hall #2) by Rachel Hawkins.

Thank you to all who entered!

Don't miss our other fab giveaways here at From the Shadows!

**All giveaway winners selected using Random.org**