E.J. Stevens's Blog, page 78

Guest Author Interview: Maggie James

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Maggie James!  Maggie is the author of Love Bleeds.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Maggie:  I actually started writing when I was in grade school.  It started with poems, short stories for and about my family; ya know, the corny stuff that every parent loves to hang up on the fridge?  But by the time I reached high school, the poems somehow transitioned from corny to whimsical and romantic…teen angst and first crushes are to blame, I guess.  For years after that I would write poems for my then-boyfriend, now-husband and sometimes even jot down the occasional romantic/erotic tale just for fun.  After we got married and started having kids, my writing took the backseat until I one day, I got the urge to write again, thanks to a dear friend's encouragement and quite unusual dreams…lol (Don't ask—long story!)

Soon after that, around 2004, I stared writing romance novels in between my "mommy" duties and late into the night after the kids went to bed and before I knew it, I had written nearly 6 books!  Publication hadn't even occurred to me until I started posting on internet websites and discussion boards for aspiring writers and received awesome feedback for my stories.  But again, the timing wasn't right.  My youngest was diagnosed with autism and taking care of him and arranging a suitable education became my first and only priority.

So…to make this already long story short, I feel as though deep down inside I always wanted to be a writer.  I knew I had a knack for it, but never really believed I could do it.  Then one day, through much encouragement from my peers and my amazing friends & family, I finally jumped in with both feet and have never looked back.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Maggie:  I have always loved a good romance novel but I have also been a huge fan of vampire movies/films for years.  Their dark, eerie mystique and sensuality has always attracted me. I actually started writing paranormal romance before I started reading it based on my love of a hot, steamy romance and those alluring vampires.  When I started wrting romance, the paranormal element was just naturally incorported into my style and easy for me to relate to; being such a huge fan.

So I guess to sum it up I'll just say this:  I write what I love to read. Tantalizing, romantic novels starring the mysterious, dangerously handsome alpha male and the strong willed heroine who, despite her better judgement, can't resist him. Their passion—unsatiable… and when their worlds collide, you can't help from being swept away into their irresistable world of seduction and chivlary; heartbreak and reconciliation.  

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

Maggie:  I think that would have to be the healing power of a vampire's blood.  I know there are so many supernatural talents to choose from but I don't think I'd like to be able to fly (I'm afraid of heights…lol), read or control minds, bend people's wills, have keener sense of smell or hearing, superhuman strength, etc…

I think I'm gonna go with the healing power.  This way I could  possibly save lives or cure the sick; especially when it and if it even came down to the ones I love. That might sound corny, but I've lost so many people I've loved and it would have meant the world to me if I could have saved them.

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

Maggie:  If you're a fan of the paranormal, hot, sexy romance and/or rock music, then you definitely won't want to miss it.  I feel that Love Bleeds is an intriguing, tantalizing blend of forbidden desire and insatiable passion; splattered with a dash of sex, blood and rock'n'roll.  I've created an immortal world in the midst of modern day society where nothing is what it seems and only the pure of heart survive.

Love Bleeds puts a fresh, seductive new twist on the paranormal romance genre.  The concept of my vampires being overtly masculine, sexy and talented rock stars, in itself, makes it pretty alluring.  But a guitar wielding, testosterone fueled  alpha-male, who also happens to be a seductively handsome, mysterious & dangerous creature of the night?  How could any woman resist?  The ultimate "bad boy"—every woman's fantasy and nightmare all rolled up into one hot, irresistable, leather clad package!!

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

Maggie:  Wow…believe it or not, this is a really tough question.  I have pictured the lead characters in my mind for years and their images are clear as day.  But picking actors/actresses to portray them in a movie…and more importantly, being able to pull it off.  Hmmm, lemme think…

I suppose, the role of Joseph, would have to go to Alexander Skarsgard. I know, I know, he already plays Eric Northman to perfection but he's the first one who came to mind.  He has the right height, build, hair color and we already know how great he looks with fangs…but he'd have to grow out his hair again like in Season One.  He's also arrogant, self-assured and definitely has a way with the ladies.

Phillip is a tough one. Since we can't go back in time, I guess a young, shaggy haired Keifer Sutherland is out of the question, soooooo…  The only actor I can come up with is Orlando Bloom.  He possesses that boyish charm, innocent/youthful face and could pull off the role of a tortured soul, talented lead guitarist like Phillip.  He'd have to dye his hair blonde, though—which he has before and looked pretty damn good.

For Nina, I suppose I would have to cast Megan Fox.  She's young, beautiful, has killer eyes (one of Nina's best features) and she could pull of the role very well.  It would probably be a softer, more subdued character than she's used to portraying, but I think she could definitely handle it.

For Kat, I think Kate Beckinsale would do very nicely.  She is one of my favorite actresses and I believe she has the ability to be tough when she needs to and then turn the tables and be a bit vulnerable as well.  Longer hair though Kate, not quite the VanHelsing look (too much hair…lol) but definitely long and soft.  And no thick, heavy accents please!

Last but not least, Erick Slade.  He was overall the easiest to cast.  Without a doubt, I would choose Colin Farrell.  He's got the basic overall look of Erick and the attitude.  Aside from having to grow his dark hair out a bit, he's perfect!  Already got the nasty, bad boy reputation so what more could you ask for?























 Love Bleeds (Only After Dark, #1) by Maggie James

There's no such thing as vampires…
Straight-laced Katarina Renót is well educated, logical and doesn't believe vampires truly exist. But when a well deserved holiday in Europe turns into a torrid game of cat and mouse with a handsome stranger and her best friend is exhibiting signs of being allergic to daylight-Kat doesn't think her life can get any stranger.
Every man has a weakness…Even an immortal…
Joseph Markus is an arrogant, wealthy entrepreneur who spends his free time as the raspy lead singer for the rock band "Slang" and seducing beautiful women. After decades of mourning the tragic death of the only woman he ever loved, vying to save his best friend from an unrelenting death wish- now he is accused of being a murderer.
An undeniable twist of fate…
Kat learns her Prince Charming is actually the "Prince of Darkness" and though she can't resist falling for this sultry vampire, she still lives in denial. But when the lines are drawn, and Kat finds herself caught in the middle of a deadly plot for revenge she has only one choice--trust the seductive vampire who has captured her heart.
Despite his own arrogance, Joe finds himself inexplicably drawn to Kat. Her stubborn will to resist his seductive charms coupled with her endearing naiveté prove to be more than he bargained for and Joe soon realizes he is in way over his head.
But will love be enough to save their immortal souls from the grips of a twisted obsession?


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

To learn more about Maggie James and her books, please visit her website.

Guest Author Interview: Courtney King Walker

Please welcome today's guest author Courtney King Walker!  Courtney is author of On The Fringe.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Courtney:  In third grade. My first book was called "The Strange But Exciting Adventure," with hand-drawn color illustrations and everything. It was a fantasy story about a bunch of friends who found a secret cave that took them to another world.  All the characters were my siblings and neighbors. When I got bored with that, I moved on to animal adventures, and then to movie scripts and commercials. I guess there's something to be said for no TV, video games or money.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Courtney:  I think my imagination has always gotten the best of me, for better or worse. When I was little I woke up all the time with nightmares, almost all of them involving some sort of paranormal creature. That must have carried on with me as I started writing because I always seem to be looking for that paranormal twist.

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

Courtney:  Cool question. I would love to teleport. Go anywhere in a second. I'm a wuss when it comes to being in strange places. Last year in Mexico when the taxi driver took a detour on the way to the airport, I was convinced we were being kidnapped. I'd love to see all those beautiful, dangerous places like the Middle East and South America and Africa in the blink of an eye without the worry of getting killed. That includes eating at awesome restaurants in really shady parts of San Francisco. Let's just say I'm not as adventurous as I'd like to be.

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

Courtney:  Tough question.  On the Fringe is a story about devotion and friendship, and how we are all connected to each other in some way. When I started out with this idea in my head I just wanted to write a fun ghost story with a little romance on the side. But then it evolved into something deeper…I wanted to write a romance that didn't begin with love at first sight. I feel like that's how it usually happens, where you know someone for a while before you realize you have feelings for them. That's what I wanted to explore…and then I wondered what happens when you finally realize you love someone, but you lose them before you ever get to tell them? Of course there had to be an antagonist (or two), which completes the rest of the story—how revenge can follow you through the grave to the other side. Hopefully readers will get a good feel for the book's mood and sense a real connection to the characters and the story.

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

Courtney:  Right off the bat that's an easy question for one character. I love a show on Fox called, "So You Think You Can Dance" (maybe because I'm a lousy dancer), and I was totally drawn to Mark Kanemura from season 4 when I was writing "On the Fringe." HE was Aden, especially in the dance called "The Garden." It's a crazy creepy dance – you can still look it up on YouTube. It's a must-see!  Daniel: Travis Caldwell – Not only is he a really cute, but there is something about him that seems genuine and easy to love. Claire: Skyler Samuels – She is uniquely beautiful with a sweet innocence about her.























On The Fringe by Courtney King Walker

Claire is struggling to overcome the murder of her childhood friend and secret crush, Daniel. Everyone else seems to be moving on with their lives, but she's still trying to cope. The fact that she finds herself alone and drowning on her 16th birthday isn't helping.  Neither is thinking she sees Daniel's face in murky water as she mysteriously resurfaces. But something happened during those four and a half minutes that will make her realize it was not just her imagination.  As Claire and Daniel try to grasp a possible reconnection, other grudge-holding beings have plans of their own. Now, the two of them have to decide if their fleeting relationship is worth the possibility of Claire being trapped on the fringe forever.

Beautifully told, On the Fringe intertwines fresh ideas about devotion, revenge, and the consequences that come with life and death.


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

To learn more about Courtney King Walker and her books, please visit her website.

T. Lynne Tolles Books + Swag Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Marjie Pride of A Reelfoot Hoodrat's Thoughts our T. Lynne Tolles Books and Swag Giveaway winner!

Marjie will receive *signed* copies of Blood of a Werewolf and Blood Moon by T. Lynne Tolles, a set of six trading cards featuring cover art from Blood of a Werewolf, Blood Moon, Blood Lust, Bloodstone Heart, Deadman's Blood, and Somber Island, and six fabulous bookmarks.

Thank you to all who entered!

Don't miss our current giveaways at From the Shadows:

Enter the YA Paranormal Book Giveaway to win Spirit Storm by E.J. Stevens, The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa, and Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins (ends 6/21). US only. Ending soon!
Enter The Brookehaven Vampires Bookmark Giveaway for a chance to win one of 3 bookmarks (ends 6/24). US + Canada.
Enter the Kiss of a Silver Wolf Ebook Giveaway to win an ebook copy of Kiss of a Silver Wolf by Sharon Buchbinder (ends/ 6/30). International.
More giveaways coming soon!
**All giveaway winners selected using Random.org**

Guest Author Interview: Sharon Buchbinder

Please welcome today's guest author Sharon Buchbinder!  Sharon is the author of many novels including Kiss of the Silver Wolf.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Sharon:  I have always been a story-teller. As a child, I got into a lot of trouble for "making things up." Now, I get rewarded for making things up. I love being able create heroes and heroines that people can relate to--even crazy cat ladies, as I did with CATASTROPHE, my first publication with The Wild Rose Press (WRP). I've been writing fiction since I was in middle school and have the rejection slips to prove it. In high school, I even submitted a script to "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." on yellow-lined paper in pencil. Not surprisingly, that was rejected, too. (David McCallum, now playing "Ducky" on NCIS, used to play Illya Kuryakin on the "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." I had a major crush on him, part of the reason I wrote the script. LOL!)

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Sharon:  I cannot recall a time when paranormal events have not played a role in my life. I have always accepted this alternate reality that many others do not experience or recognize. Their disbelief doesn't dismiss my psychic experiences: dreams that come true, that I think of someone–and that person calls, and that I knew my sister was pregnant before she did. In the 1970's while a psychology major at the University of Connecticut, I participated in telepathy experiments using the now famous J.B. Rhine Zener cards and other images. My "hit rate" as a receiver was statistically greater than chance occurrence. I lived in a haunted house during my undergraduate years and heard the ghost who lived there. She would mimic my roommates' voices and move things around to get our attention. It worked. I've heard/felt other ghosts/entities. Curiosity and pragmatism took me down the paths of psychology (BA), neuroscience (MA in Psychology), Nursing (AAS) and finally, public health (PhD). So, it's really not surprising that I've gravitated to paranormal romance as one of my favorite sub-genres to read and to write.

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

Sharon:  What a great question! When I was little, I wanted to be Carol Ferris, owner of Ferris Aerospace and girlfriend of Hal Jordan (aka Green Lantern) and Queen of the Star Sapphires (DC Comics). She wore purple (my favorite color), was as tough as Green Lantern---and was powered by love. She could fly, kick ass and had free will. That my friend is what an empowered supernatural woman can do! I even dressed up as her one Halloween. Sadly, no one knew who I was supposed to be, so I missed my mark. LOL.

With respect to spookier, non-comic book powers, I have to say that I would love to have telekinetic powers. Because I hate to have to go across the room to get something once I'm settled in at my computer. It would also be helpful if you were being mugged or trying to protect someone else. A definite all around great talent--with good control, of course. There might be a temptation to be a show off. Like, "Hey, you need some help changing that tire?" That might get old. And tiring.

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

Sharon:  If Kiss of the Silver Wolf were made into a movie, I would love to have Kate Hudson star as Charlene, who is smart, tough, and loyal to her brother. Kate has played a lot of comedic roles and I think she could play a serious role, with touches of humor thrown in. The guy would have to be Leonardo DiCaprio. He'd make a perfect werewolf. LOL!
























Kiss of the Silver Wolf  by Sharon Buchbinder

When Charlene Johnson's parents die in a single-car accident, she's left behind as guardian for her severely disabled older brother. When her father's death is ruled a suicide she is forced to move to the sleepy rural town of Eden, Kentucky, the very place her mother always warned her about. 

From the moment Zack Abingdon sees Charlene, he knows she's the one. Despite the electrifying bond between them Charlene senses things are not all what they seem. Secrets within secrets unfold, and ultimately Charlene has to make a life and death decision between rejecting her true nature and accepting her place within the wolf pack.


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

To learn more about Sharon Buchbinder and her books, please visit her website.






















**Kiss of the Silver Wolf Ebook Giveaway**

We are giving away a PDF ebook copy of Kiss of the Silver Wolf by Sharon Buchbinder to one lucky winner!

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!).  This giveaway is international.  Giveaway ends June 30th midnight EST.

Guest Author Interview: Clarrissa Lee Moon

Please welcome today's guest author Clarrissa Lee Moon!  Clarrissa is author of the Celeste Nites series (Claiming Celeste, Hunting Celeste, Sharing Celeste) and The Nightwolves (Nightwolves Coalition, Nightwolves on the Prowl, Nightwolves Siren's Song).

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Clarrissa:  I have been writing since I was seven. I got serious about my writing after college and now it's an addiction most times:-)

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Clarrissa:  The uniqueness. I like the dark seduction of the paranormal creature and the allure of the limitless possibilties the genre represents.

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

Clarrissa:  Oh, tricky question!. I do already consider myself a paranormal type of person and talents, I have learned, seem to feel more like a curse then a 'talent' or a 'gift'.

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

Clarrissa:  It is an unusual tale in and of itself. The writing style is also unique and varied in each book. I made The Nightwolves Series multi-layered so many kinds of different readers can enjoy my series. Celeste Nites I wrote just for the pure fun and seduction of it.

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

Clarrissa:  Wow, since I am not too thrilled with the so-called hotties they have in the movies lately, we'll have to step back when I was younger and some of these guys are STILL hotties. Roy Dupuis, can get so cold and still pull off sexy. Sylvester Stallone...Ok my penchant for Italians is showing here. LOL Eric Roberts...he was so hot in Best of the Best and he is very talented. Adrain Paul....The Highlander...need I say more? Bruce Willis, oh he does the bad ass soooo well baby! OK, I need a fan now just thinking about it! Sandra Bullock...or Marissa Tormia. Both are very talented.




 



















Nightwolves Siren's Song (The Nightwolves, #3) by Clarrissa Lee Moon

The Chess game of life is on between The Nightwolves and General Robertson's Dark Coven. Challenge has been issued and accepted between the two. Both now move their pieces into place that will lead to a either end game or a stand off. While the moves are crossing the board, Cat's children find their own games to play that could turn deadly for all of them.


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

To learn more about Clarrissa Lee Moon and her books, please visit her website.

Guest Author Interview: Joann I. Martin Sowles + Vampire Bookmark Giveaway

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Joann I. Martin Sowles.  Joann is the author of Laney: The Brookehaven Vampires.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Joann:  I began writing about eight years ago. I was really just playing around with the idea. I didn't believe I could actually write a book. Once Laney planted herself in my head and wanted out I had a moment where I thought to myself, "Would I rather look back at my life and regret that I never tried or be thankful I gave it a chance." The answer to that is obvious and I'm pretty happy I pushed myself to try. BTW, That original story I began eight years ago has yet to be finished, but it will be. :)

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre? 

Joann:  It's the genre I've always read and I've always been fascinated by vampires and all mythical creatures.  

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

Joann:  I would love to be one of my vampires or have magical powers like in the Harry Potter series. Could you imagine having all that magic? I'd use it to clean my house like Mrs. Weasley does. :)

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

Joann:  I think readers will enjoy Laney's story because of the of the love story that is involved between her and Oliver. I also think they will enjoy finding their way through the Brookehaven world through Laney's eyes.

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

Joann:  I could see Hayden Christensen as Oliver – It's that smile and his hair. I have no idea for Laney. My daughter, who is 9, says she's going to play Laney if it's ever made into a film/TV show.  Not sure how I feel about that… I could see Bradley James as Carter and Jaime Ray Newman as Professor Amber. I would have to put a lot of thought and research into the rest. I imagine, as time goes by, I'll discover others I think should fill those spots.























Laney (Brookehaven Vampires, book #1) by Joann I. Martin Sowles

In a small college town in Northern California, Laney Alexander leads a regular, uneventful life–that is, until the charming and alluring Oliver Knight enters her world. Who is this gorgeous and mysterious stranger? Or, rather, what is he?

As Laney's sophomore year of college begins, so does an unbelievable adventure–including a love she didn't know she longed for. She soon learns that Oliver is not ordinary, nor is the rest of his family, including a sister who openly hates her and a brother who will stop at nothing for revenge. As she fights for her life, and Oliver's love, Laney discovers that the fictional world of vampires isn't so fictional after all. Nobody is safe, especially Laney, Oliver's most important priority, and he will stop at nothing to protect her. With her mortality at risk, and a commitment revealed that she, without a doubt, knows she wants, Laney's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn…


Don't miss E.J.'s review of Laney: The Brookehaven Vampires here.

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

To learn more about Joann I. Martin Sowles and her books, please visit her website.























**Brookehaven Vampires Bookmark Giveaway**

We are giving away gorgeous The Brookehaven Vampires bookmarks to three lucky winners!

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).  This giveaway is open to US and Canadian mailing addresses only.  Giveaway ends June 24th midnight EST.

Cover Reveal: Legend of Witchtrot Road (Spirit Guide #3)

It's official.  We have a finalized book cover for Legend of Witchtrot Road, the third book in the Spirit Guide series.  Isn't it spookalicious?? 






















Surviving agitated ghosts, irritated witches, angry werewolves, and the horrors of high school has never been so hard.

The night of Samhain may be behind them, but Yuki and her friends have only begun to face the challenges of their paranormal gifts. Tensions are rising--in the pack, at school, and within their tightly knit group of friends.

The tragic death of Wakefield High student Dylan Jacobs has emotions boiling over. The J-Team, Yuki's arch nemesis, have turned the entire football team against her. They claim that Yuki is a witch and blame her for the death of their fellow teammate. Will Yuki be able to solve the mystery of Dylan's death, and the legend of Witchtrot Road, before tempers flare and things turn violent?

Emma is the friend that Yuki turns to when things get tough, but she's been behaving strangely. Emma has been acting distant and seems to be coming down with a mysterious illness. What will Yuki and her friends do if their healer is truly sick?

Calvin has become Alpha and wants the best for his pack. He is a dedicated and compassionate leader willing to do anything for the good of his people, but will Cal be able to hold the pack together when a fiery, young werewolf comes seeking revenge?

Simon may still be a roguish playboy, but he is taking his role as Calvin's second in command deadly serious. Will Simon be able to focus on his pack duties when he is forced to face his dark, emotional past?

Legend of Witchtrot Road (Spirit Guide, #3) by E.J. Stevens releasing Fall 2011.

Be sure to join E.J.'s mailing list (using this form here) for upcoming mailings including personalized postcards featuring the Legend of Witchtrot Road cover art signed by the author. ;)  More details on these gorgeous postcards coming soon!

For insider information about the Spirit Guide series (news, reviews, giveaways, E.J.'s playlist, romance trading cards...), please visit the official Spirit Guide series website here.  You can also add Legend of Witchtrot Road to your Goodreads "to read" list here.

p.s. Did anyone see the "Easter Egg" worked into this cover?  Look for the hidden toad.  Can you find the him?  He is very good at hiding!

Guest Author Interview: Kevin R. Maze

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Kevin R. Maze!  Kevin is the author of Wisp: A Small Town Nightmare.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Kevin:  I've been writing as long as I can remember! When I was about four or five, I compiled a collection of space photos from newspapers and wrote descriptions or stories with them, stapled them together in a manila envelope I colored red, and called it "My Space Book." I also wrote for my high school newspaper as well as short stories on the side.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Kevin:  When I was a child my dad and I watched the Twilight Zone, and a few years later I began reading Stephen King. As much as I enjoyed war stories, westerns, space sagas—little boy favorites—something inside me quickened with these stories that did not have easy answers or did not end they way you thought they would. I liked the way Twilight Zone brought a different scenario and situation to different groups of people, but then there was the human element of how it affected them, not just weirdness for weirdness sake. I realized anything was possible, and in fiction, that is definitely a good thing.

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

Kevin:  I think it would be great to be telekinetic because you could move just about anything: a person, yourself (flying?), stop catastrophes or attackers. In the third X-Men movie, it was the previously quiet character whose telekinesis grew that became the major threat. Of course, I would want to use the talent for good. But then again, so did she at first…

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

Kevin:  It combines a traditional murder-mystery with the paranormal, which is a strange combination because in order to figure out who-done-it, the protagonists are going to have to use unconventional methods, which upsets the status quo of the small-town, whose citizens are resistant to any sort of change. "Wisp" has mystery, intrigue, some humor, a hint of romance, and the unknown, all of which I think will appeal to all readers.

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

Kevin:  I picture protagonist Sheriff Stan Murphy played by Joe Don Baker because 1) I always like Joe Don because he always brings something likeable to movies he is in; and, 2) he would be an unlikely lead for a paranormal murder-mystery, which is exactly what Murphy is: unlikely. He's not a superhero; he's just a guy who finds himself in a situation that he must see through to the end.

Steven Williams ("21 Jump Street," "The X-Files") is who I picture as Deputy Nathan Williams. In fact, if "Wisp" did get filmed, I would have to insist strongly on him because he has a presence that exudes authority and firmness, but fairness, with controlled charisma.

Medical Examiner Clarissa Amason I see portrayed by "Diagnosis: Murder's" Victoria Rowell, Zoe Saldana, or Thandie Newton. All of them are beautiful women who exude intelligence and strength, but retain their femininity.

Those are the main three I see, so I really have nothing for Murphy's nephew and co-protagonist Alex Fiedler. He would have to be someone who had charm, humor, and a sense of determination. I'll leave that the reader's imagination ;)























Wisp: A Small Town Nightmare by Kevin R. Maze

Ellerton, Alabama is a small town with practically no crime, and no homicides in five years. So Sheriff Stan Murphy is surprised when he is called out to investigate a death at Bowers Field, a popular hunting spot. Instead of finding an accidental shooting, he finds the mangled body of prominent business man Edwin Price. The 47-year-old real estate broker does not appear to be the victim of any known wildlife; in fact, there's very little physical evidence except the presence of misshapen footprints that disappear just a few feet away from the body. Alex Fiedler is a reporter for The International Paranormal Reader and also Murphy's nephew, who is in town to interview an alleged UFO abductee. The two men begin a quest for the elusive killer the papers refer to as "the Shadow Man." A search that offers more questions than answers. A search for a figure of unspeakable horror that just may not be human… 

Over the course of the next week, the people of this quiet town face its worse nightmares, transforming this restful hamlet into a community of fear. Because what begins as a routine assignment soon becomes anything but routine.


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

To learn more about Kevin R. Maze and his writing, please visit his website.

T.Lynne Tolles Books + Swag Giveaway

We are having a HUGE T. Lynne Tolles Books and Swag Giveaway here at From the Shadows !






















Prize pack includes *signed* copies of Blood of a Werewolf and Blood Moon by T. Lynne Tolles, a set of six trading cards featuring cover art from Blood of a Werewolf, Blood Moon, Blood Lust, Bloodstone Heart, Deadman's Blood, and Somber Island, and six fabulous bookmarks!

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!).  This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL!  Giveaway ends June 18th midnight EST.

Interview with T. Lynne Tolles here .

Guest Author Interview: S.M. Reine

Please welcome today's guest author S.M. Reine!  S.M. is the author of Six Moon Summer and The 19 Dragons.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

SM:  The first thing I ever wrote was a story called "BATS!!!!!" (with a few more exclamation marks) on an Apple IIc+.  I was so young that I couldn't actually read, so I think I forced my poor, suffering mother to transcribe it for me.  It wasn't that bad as far as stories by sugar-spazzed children go.  It had a dilemma (she got a bat for her birthday and it escaped!) and there was drama (it flew around and got stuck in her hair!) but no real conclusion.  That was my real peak as a writer.  It doesn't get any better than bats.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

SM:  An early love of science fiction and fantasy like Star Trek, Quantum Leap, and too many comic books.  It never occurred to me there might be stories to tell about real life.  Boring!  I started writing plays about mutants in kindergarten, dragons in elementary school, vampires and demons in middle school, and never made my way into reality after that.

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

SM:  I would be invulnerable.  Immortality is overrated -- who wants to outlive their family? -- but invulnerability would give me the freedom to live my limited years without fear.  Think of what you could do if you knew nothing would harm you!  Of course, I would probably still spend all my time writing, but  I would be liberated from the terror of paper cuts.

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

SM:  Six Moon Summer is a unique look at werewolves that brings the element of horror back into the genre.  The hero is also super cute, which never hurts!  But the romance is really a minor subplot, and everyone seems to be enjoying it so far.  There's something for everyone: mystery, violence, romance, action, you name it.

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

SM:  That's a really good question!  I haven't thought about it before.  My first reaction is to say that Evanna Lynch would make a fantastic Rylie and that Cam Gigandet could be Jericho, but casting Seth is much too hard.























Six Moon Summer (Seasons of the Moon, #1) by S.M. Reine.

Rylie's been bitten.  She's changing.  And now she has three months to find a cure before becoming a werewolf... forever.

Rylie's parents force her to attend summer camp, but she's just as miserable at the girls' camp as she was at home-- there's nothing vegetarian for her to eat at the mess hall, she hates hiking and archery, and the other campers taunt Rylie mercilessly. One night, the bullying goes too far, and Rylie runs away. She doesn't get far. It's a full moon, and she isn't alone in the forest.  She wakes up unharmed in her cabin the next morning with no memory of what happened. The only sign something has changed are the healed scars on her chest, her increasingly keen senses, and her sudden craving for raw, bloody meat.  A boy from the other camp seems to know what's happening to her, but Rylie isn't sure if she can trust herself with Seth. He's way too cute and he knows way too much.

Rylie soon learns that she only has until the end of summer before she becomes just like the monster that attacked her: a man-eating werewolf hungry for human flesh. Unless she can find a cure, she's going to transforming at the end of the summer and lose her life to the hunger.


Don't miss E.J.'s review of Six Moon Summer here.

Thank you S.M. for joining us here today at From the Shadows !

To learn more about S.M. Reine and her books, please visit her website.