Jen McConnel's Blog, page 53
October 31, 2012
Writers on Wednesday: Patrice Caldwell, up and coming author
I connected with Patrice this summer through the internet, and she has been a delightful friend. Her ideas are fresh, and today she joins us to talk about her journey towards publication.
[image error]Hi, I’m Patrice. I’m a college student in Boston (originally from Texas), and I’m a book & social media lover as well as a writer & fashionista.
1. When did you start writing?
When I was a wee one…lol. I suppose that’s when almost every writer started writing but it’s true. Some of my earliest memories are of me sitting in my bed writing, I used to write everything: angry letters to my parents (only sent two of those…bad idea), freewrites and diary entries to help myself cope with life, my parents divorce etc.. Oh and I used to write stories than were inspired by books I had read that i thought weren’t adequate enough. It was actually just this summer that I finally wrote a full manuscript and what I would call an original piece.
2. Are you a pantser or a planner?
Haha, love this! So technically I’m a pantser. I believe in 100% organic writing, my writer’s blocks come from me thinking too much. Writing has always been a very natural thing for me so i don’t like to complicate it with charts etc… The way I see it is that I began writing by just writing no one told me I had to chart things out, (I’m sure you can only imagine how much my English teachers loved me 
) so why now that I’m a “real writer” should I do those things. Well, organic writing only goes so far. Organic writing or being a pantser can take me through a whole novel if I let it however when it comes to the revision process I have to plan things out so that I know where I want to go with it.
3. Can you give us an idea of your writing process?
So like I said previously I’m technically or about 90% pantser. I begin with an idea or a memory, for example and Jen can partially attest to this, my current WIP CONFESSIONS OF A PRE-TEEN WITCH, started with me nearly walking into the men’s bathroom. After it happened I recalled that the last time it happened was in third grade so I tweeted about it (cause I thought it was funny) and Jen responded saying to use it as a story idea. Then I was driving home and the idea hit me and I came to a full stop at a red light (yes it was exhilarating). I imagined what would happen if the whole third grade had seen me walking into the boys bathroom and if you know how elementary kids are, that would have led to me being the laughing stock of the grade…forever. And so a story was born.
After the initial idea or memory I begin to write, I write until I cannot write anymore then I stop and evaluate. I ask myself do I like the story, is the character lovable, what’s its intrinsic value (to me) and after I have a rough idea of the answers to those questions I come up with a title. I have to have a title, with another one of my WIPs, THE OTHERWORLDLY CHRONICLES, I wrote the beginning and after that I was struck for weeks until I came up with a title, so yes…it’s very necessary. Other than that I just write, and I try not to think too much (or at all) while I’m writing. When I’m finished I read through it, if it needs more I outline what I’m about to add so that I make sure it makes sense with the rest of the book.
Currently I’m trying my hand at the one-step revision process, and I’m loving it…it’s really helping me to get to the heart of my manuscript’s needed revisions and edits.
Also I don’t write with music, which is something that I’ve heard a lot of writer’s say they need. I like and I need 100% silence, sure I can write well without it but to really be in my zone I need to hear the echoing of my laptops keys across the room.
4. Which authors have influenced your work?
To be honest I really can’t say for sure. I’m a really big fan of “the classics” and I love tearing apart novels (figuratively) and finding rhetorical devices especially figurative language. I suppose I’ve grown to love Hemingway and Fitzgerald’s writing as well as Homer’s so there’s definitely allusions, figurative language and such in my writing. I also am a huge fan of Rick Riordan and J.K. Rowling, but especially Rick Riordan, the way he weaves stories is amazing. And lastly I did theater throughout middle and high school and still love it now so when I write I imagine everything as a huge scene, one big story. Showing and not telling is something I really try to work on in my revisions because in theater you want to show how you feel instead of just telling it and it’s the same way with writing.
5. What are you plans/future projects/new releases that we should be aware of?
Visit my writer’s site patricecaldwell.com. On it I will have summaries of all my manuscripts as well as excerpts ad characterization exercises from them. (**Sidenote: If you’re really interested in keeping up to date with my work check back every couple days because I often change things in the excerpts or summaries of my manuscripts as I’m writing, editing & revising.**) My big project, my baby BLOOD OF ISIS is in its final revision and editing process so I’m getting ready to send it off to the world of slush piles. This moment, querying, is really important so I don’t want to rush it but at the same time, I need to let it go into the world, only then will I truly know if it’s ready.
Also I have this goal or rather pledge where I have to complete a new novel every three months (like I said I’m 90% pantser)…so I just started CONFESSIONS… this month which means it will be done by November (just in time for NaNoWriMo!!!). So at the very least if you’re interested in my work check back every three months for new stuff 
6. Any tips for new writers?
Just Write…THE END. And honestly I’m not joking and I mean it in the nicest most loving way possible. I have all kinds of posts about the importance of accepting your role/claiming the title of writer and just writing that you can view at my blog, whimsicallyours.com (I also review books and interview authors on here). But it is so important for new writers to write, trust me when I say I know how tempting it is to research the industry, follow the trends…however it took me a while to realize this but you have nothing to offer if you don’t have a completed manuscript or short story or whatever. What kind of writer doesn’t write…yeah, exactly. And this is not just the pantser in me talking it’s the planner too. Because once you start writing (everyday) you will soon (and by soon I mean quickly) realize whether or not you’re cut out for it. Being a writer isn’t easy, you have to have deadlines it’s crazy. I might not be a published writer but I write for my college’s newspaper regularly, and I know all about writing deadlines. So take being a writer as a career (even if you’re not sure you want it to be) and just write, you never know where it might take you
7. Any questions for old writers?
What’s your writing process like and how have you seen it change?
If you wish to connect (aside from my blogs) I’m on Facebook (blog page), Tumblr, Pinterest (you can find my character boards here), and Twitter.
Patrice
Thanks so much for having me Jen, this was great!
Patrice Caldwell (My Website)
Whimsically Yours (My Blog)
Free for Two Days: THE BURNING OF ISOBEL KEY
Boo! Happy Halloween! This is my hands-down favorite holiday, so to celebrate, I’m giving you a gift. No, it’s not candy. It’s better!
I’ve decided to offer The Burning of Isobel Key for FREE on Kindle for two days, 10/31-11/1. So what are you waiting for? Download it today and start reading!
Spread the word!
Oh, and Happy Halloween! (Pictures of my crazy witch costume still to come…)
October 30, 2012
Trick or Tweet!
It’s time to Trick-or-Tweet! Enter to win one of 40 prizes donated by ten awesome authors! Trick-or-Tweet your way to a signed print book or e-book! Some mail-out prizes even include candy and swag! Winners are chosen on Halloween with the announcement made at noon on Kayla Curry’s blog Paranormal Lounge. E-mails will be sent to the winners and prizes will be given on a first come-first-serve basis. Remember to tweet every day to up your chances of winning! In the meantime, go door-to-door and ring the bells on these blogs to read fun Halloween posts.
S. M. Boyce
Wynne Channing
Kayla Curry
Riley J. Ford
Rebecca Hamilton
Nikki Jefford
Rachel McClellan
Jen McConnel
Christie Rich
A. D. Trosper
Thomas Winship
Enter a Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win one of 40 amazing prizes!
Now…it’s time to unveil my Halloween memory.
My grandfather made it his life goal to terrify me each Halloween, and each year I both anticipated and dreaded seeing what he would do. It never failed: no matter how prepared I was, he managed to scare me right out of my costume. (I wonder if he was keeping his skills sharp in case the opportunity to steal candy from the little kids ever came up, as I’m sure it must have in his own youth.)
The year I turned twelve, I was trick-or-treating with two of my BFFs, and we resolved that together, we would finally best my grandfather. We made my mom park the car far away from their country house, so he wouldn’t be alerted by the sound of the engine. (The walk through the dark to my grandparents’ house probably had us on edge, but at the time, it seemed sensible.)
Arm in arm, we strode up the driveway. Well, I tried to stride, but our human centipede insisted on moving slow. With Gina clutching my left arm and Colleen holding my right, I finally felt like Grandpa wouldn’t be able to scare me.
It was a perfect Halloween night, which in Michigan means it wasn’t snowing. The moon was out, shrouded with fog, and the air was cold enough to make you shiver. Halfway up the long, gravel drive, I spotted something moving inside the house.
“He’s waiting inside.” I announced with confidence. We all relaxed, starting to chatter with anticipation of how we would try scaring him. We never saw the figure that moved behind the pine tree and sprang out at us with an inhuman scream.
We all shrieked in response, terrified. If our arms hadn’t been linked, I think Gina might have tried to run down the driveway and escape into the night, but as it was, we were frozen with fear, pulling on each other while my grandfather busted a gut in front of us.
Oh, I was so mad at him! I loved being scared each year, but we’d worked so hard NOT to be surprised.
That may have been the last year he and I played our annual game of Halloween chicken, and over the years that have passed, that’s the thing I miss most about my childhood Halloweens. I still love to be scared, but I want to feel remotely safe in the midst of my fear: Grandpa always understood that.
Either that, or he just loved messing with his oldest grandchild.
Trick or Tweet!
October 28, 2012
Scottish Sundays: Loch Ness
Welcome back! This week, I’ve decided to share a deleted scene from The Burning of Isobel Key. Towards the end of their Highland tour, Lou and Tammy visited Loch Ness. I hope you’ll enjoy this never-before seen deleted scene!
The Loch Ness monster was one of the oldest scary stories she remembered from her childhood, and she had always been fascinated with the different people who claimed to have seen the creature. Lou had checked out every book her school library had on the subject, and her practical parents had laughed at her gently, reminding her that almost all of the modern sightings had been disproved as hoaxes. Lou heard their words, but a piece of her heart continued to believe in the magic and mystery of such stories, and now, standing on the banks of the most famous lake on earth, she felt her childhood beliefs being strengthened by the eerie atmosphere.
Tammy stood beside her, looking out over the strange water, and for once, Lou was the one providing the facts.
“Did you know that the first sighting of the monster was in the 6th century by an Irish Monk?” Tammy looked at Lou and shook her head. “Saint Columba not only saw the monster, but he supposedly said a blessing over it and saved a man from being eaten!” Both girls laughed, and Tammy turned toward Lou.
“I didn’t know you were going to be the walking guidebook today!” She teased.
Lou blushed, but chuckled. “You know me, always interested in the paranormal stuff. Remember how fascinated I was with the Bermuda Triangle in middle school?”
Tammy laughed at the memory. “You tried to convince the social studies teacher that the students should be able to raise money for a trip there to see if all the stories were real or not.” Lou giggled and nodded.
Tammy gestured at the dark loch before them. “Well, if you want a little mystery and a little magic with a creepy tale or two thrown in for good measure, I think we’ve come to the right place.” Looking out over the loch, its surface rippling in isolated spots from some unseen underwater disturbance, Lou thought that Tammy couldn’t be more right. There was something about this place, not just Loch Ness, but all of Scotland that seemed to make all the stories and fears of childhood seem viable and within reach. There was a tangible sense of enchantment here that she had not noticed while fixated on the rain. Now, waves of emotion swept over her as she fell under the spell of the ancient land: it was as if something of great strength and danger lurked over the next hill, just out of sight.
Make sure you drop around next week. I’ll be introducing you to Hamish, a living tourist attraction.
What urban legends make your skin crawl? Do you believe in the Loch Ness Monster?
October 27, 2012
TREASON release!
Exciting news! Today, Treason (Grimoire Trilogy #2) releases. Treason, the sequel to Lichgates, is part of the Grimoire Trilogy by S. M. Boyce. The series is a paranormal fantasy with a bit of romance and a lot of action, all of which takes place in Ourea: a beautiful world full of terrifying things. Check out Lichgates today and get hooked on this trilogy.
Boyce is also starting a blog tour today. She’s kicking it off with a day-long tweetchat party, so head over there if you want some freebies and want to meet the author. You can also check out her blog tour calendar to join in the fun (it lasts until Dec 31—can you believe that?), as well as the grand prize giveaway. You can enter the giveaway daily, so make sure you bookmark it to get extra entries.
Here’s a bit more about Boyce and her series. Enjoy!
Lichgates
Grimoire Trilogy #1
The Grimoire turns its own pages and can answer any question asked of it…and Kara Magari is its next target.
Kara has no idea what she’s getting herself into when she stumbles across the old book while hiking along a hidden trail. Once she opens it, she’s thrown into Ourea: a beautiful world full of terrifying beings that all want the Grimoire’s secrets. Everyone in this new world is trying to find her, but most just want to control the new-found power the Grimoire bestows upon her.
Braeden Drakonin grew up in Ourea, and all he’s ever known in life is lying. The Grimoire is his one chance at redemption, and it lands in his lap when Kara Magari comes into his life. He has one question to ask the book—one question that can fix everything in his broken world—and he’s not letting Kara out of his sight until he gets an answer.
There’s no escaping Ourea.
Grab Your Copy:
Amazon: USA | UK | Germany | France | Spain | Italy
Buy the Paperback
Bonus Features
Goodreads | Book Trailer | VIP List
Win a guest appearance in Heritage (The Grimoire Trilogy #3)
The Grimoire Store
Real Grimoire Pendant | Blank Grimoire Journals
Treason
Grimoire Trilogy #2
Ourea has always been a deadly place. The lichgates tying the hidden world to Earth keep its creatures at bay—for now.
Kara Magari ignited a war when she stumbled into Ourea and found the Grimoire: a powerful artifact filled with secrets. To protect the one person she has left, she strikes a deal that goes against everything she believes in. But things don’t go as planned.
Braeden Drakonin can no longer run from who—and what—he is. He has to face the facts. He’s a prince. He’s a murderer. He’s a wanted man. And after a betrayal that leaves him heartbroken, he’s out for blood.
To survive, both Kara and Braeden must become the evil each has grown to hate.
Grab Your Copy:
Amazon: USA | UK | Germany | France | Spain | Italy
Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Buy the Paperback
Bonus Features
Goodreads | VIP List
Win a guest appearance in Heritage (The Grimoire Trilogy #3)
The Grimoire Store
Real Grimoire Pendant | Blank Grimoire Journals
About S. M. BoyceBoyce writes fantasy and paranormal fiction with a splash of humor. She’s a sarcastic twit, but she still has friends because some people seem to like that. Her B.A. in Creative Writing qualifies her to serve you french fries. Feel free to connect with her online or check out more about writing on her blog.
Connect with Boyce
Website | Blog | Advice for Writers
Facebook | Twitter | Google + | Pinterest | Youtube
October 25, 2012
Trick or Tweet: Giveaway and a Halloween Story
It’s time to Trick-or-Tweet! Enter to win one of 40 prizes donated by ten awesome authors! Trick-or-Tweet your way to a signed print book or e-book! Some mail-out prizes even include candy and swag! Winners are chosen on Halloween with the announcement made at noon on Kayla Curry’s blog Paranormal Lounge. E-mails will be sent to the winners and prizes will be given on a first come-first-serve basis. Remember to tweet every day to up your chances of winning! In the meantime, go door-to-door and ring the bells on these blogs to read fun Halloween posts.
S. M. Boyce
Wynne Channing
Kayla Curry
Riley J. Ford
Rebecca Hamilton
Nikki Jefford
Rachel McClellan
Jen McConnel
Christie Rich
A. D. Trosper
Thomas Winship
Enter a Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win one of 40 amazing prizes!
Now…it’s time to unveil my Halloween memory.
My grandfather made it his life goal to terrify me each Halloween, and each year I both anticipated and dreaded seeing what he would do. It never failed: no matter how prepared I was, he managed to scare me right out of my costume. (I wonder if he was keeping his skills sharp in case the opportunity to steal candy from the little kids ever came up, as I’m sure it must have in his own youth.)
The year I turned twelve, I was trick-or-treating with two of my BFFs, and we resolved that together, we would finally best my grandfather. We made my mom park the car far away from their country house, so he wouldn’t be alerted by the sound of the engine. (The walk through the dark to my grandparents’ house probably had us on edge, but at the time, it seemed sensible.)
Arm in arm, we strode up the driveway. Well, I tried to stride, but our human centipede insisted on moving slow. With Gina clutching my left arm and Colleen holding my right, I finally felt like Grandpa wouldn’t be able to scare me.
It was a perfect Halloween night, which in Michigan means it wasn’t snowing. The moon was out, shrouded with fog, and the air was cold enough to make you shiver. Halfway up the long, gravel drive, I spotted something moving inside the house.
“He’s waiting inside.” I announced with confidence. We all relaxed, starting to chatter with anticipation of how we would try scaring him. We never saw the figure that moved behind the pine tree and sprang out at us with an inhuman scream.
We all shrieked in response, terrified. If our arms hadn’t been linked, I think Gina might have tried to run down the driveway and escape into the night, but as it was, we were frozen with fear, pulling on each other while my grandfather busted a gut in front of us.
Oh, I was so mad at him! I loved being scared each year, but we’d worked so hard NOT to be surprised.
That may have been the last year he and I played our annual game of Halloween chicken, and over the years that have passed, that’s the thing I miss most about my childhood Halloweens. I still love to be scared, but I want to feel remotely safe in the midst of my fear: Grandpa always understood that.
Either that, or he just loved messing with his oldest grandchild.
Trick or Tweet!
October 24, 2012
Writers on Wednesday: Jessica Fortunato, author of THE SIN COLLECTOR
This week, I’m thrilled to present an interview with Jessica Fortunato, author of The Sin Collector books. She’s here to talk about her writing process and where she draws inspiration.
1. When did you start writing?
I have always been writing. When I was little I wrote primarily for my Grandma whose one true love was the written word. She was my first reader, first editor, and biggest cheerleader. When I was in college I wrote for my school newspaper, but otherwise I mostly wrote for myself in the dark. It has only been recently that I put on my big girl boots and put my work out there for criticism and review.
2. Are you a pantser or a planner?
I’m not really sure what a pantser is, however I am DEFINITELY not a planner. If I try to create a writing schedule, or force myself to sit and write nothing good happens. I work when I suddenly have a story or scene in my head and it’s on repeat until I type it out.
3. Can you give us an idea of your writing process?
I wouldn’t say I have much of a process. I write when inspiration strikes. I can go for two weeks without writing a word and then sit down and slap down 8,000 words in one day. If I’ve learned one thing it is that I can’t force my writing. All I can do is get my other life stuff done so that when inspiration hits I have the ability to slip into the zone without worry or interruption.
4. Which authors have influenced your work?
I love Oscar Wilde’s wit and word play. I often try to emulate the whimsy and sincerity found in Alice Hoffman and Mitch Albom’s work. I strive to always have twists and turns like many gothic/horror novelists. I would say that everything I’ve ever read influences me. Even if by influenced I mean “tells me what I do NOT want to do”
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5. What are you plans/future projects/new releases that we should be aware of?
The Sin Collector:Thomas is a short story following Book One of the trilogy. I chronicles the life of one of the favorite characters from my first Book. I gave my readers a chance to vote for whose story they would like to hear and Thomas won and his story was released on July 20th, 2012. You can find it here:
Other than that I recently finished a short story for an anthology due out later this year, it is not Sin Collector related.
I am also continuing to work on The Sin Collector: Sacrifice, Book Two in the trilogy, due out next year.
6. Any tips for new writers?
Just do it. Write your story to the best of your ability and put it out there. You might be the next big thing, or you might not be. You will, however, be unknown if you continue to save your talent in a folder on your desktop because of fear of failure.
7. Any tips for old writers?
Yes, remember how hard it was to be a new writer? Be nice, be fair, give people a break. Mentor, don’t bully. Don’t forget you started out as a nobody too, so always be willing to help a new writer.
Thank you for having me!
LINKS:
Official Sin Collector Website:
Buy The Sin Collector: Thomas:
Like The Sin Collector on Facebook:
October 23, 2012
Spooktacular Giveaway Hop: win a signed copy of Isobel Key
I love blog hops, an
d I’m pleased to bring you ANOTHER great prize hop. When last seen, over 400 bloggers had signed up for this one, so you’ve got over 400 opportunities to win awesome prizes. Check out the rest of the hop here!
In the spooktacular spirit, I’m giving away a signed copy of The Burning of Isobel Key, plus some swag. This is a great read for a cold autumn night; it’s got mystery, murder, and witchcraft.
You can enter the giveaway by leaving a comment on my blog, tweeting, and following me on twitter. Contest runs from 10/24/12 at 12:01 am to 10/31/12 at 12:01 am (EST). Good luck!
Enter a Rafflecopter giveaway for The Burning of Isobel Key, and make sure you check out the other sites participating: everyone has a different giveaway! Happy hopping.
New Release! Væmpires: Zombie Rising
Blurb
The tale of the Evolutionary War resumes in Væmpires: Zombie Rising.
Væmpires have taken control of twelve major cities. Their leader, Vielyn, seeks the atomic weapons that will bring the rest of the world to its knees.
Vampire forces are reeling. As Linq and Ray race to the royal estate to rendezvous with Cassandra and Daniel, the princess is captured and Daniel falls.
With the fate of world shifting to their teenage shoulders, Linq and Ray must deal with tremendous losses while battling a most unexpected—and undeadly—new foe.
Excerpt
Ray battled a bruiser whose arms sported a multitude of colorful tattoos, as Linq squared off against the sandy-haired businessman, whose neck perforations had long since healed.
They circled each other, seeking an opening. Linq waved his claws. “Are you sure you want to test your luck again?”
The businessman scowled. “You and your friend might’ve taken down the lot of us, but it’s nothing compared to how many of you we put down.” He spit on the ground at Linq’s feet. “Or how many more we’ll put down.”
The væmpire’s words struck home. Images and feelings crowded at the edge of Linq’s perceptions, a tsunami of them—all of them related to the horrific events of the last twenty-four hours, all of them clamoring and vying for attention. He held them at bay, because distraction meant death, but their intrusion caused his body to relax and his claws to retract.
Sensing an opening, the væmpire attacked, coming straight at Linq in a full-frontal assault.
Standing his ground, Linq swept the væmpire’s claws to the side with his left hand. With his right, he clubbed the vaempire on the side of the head, a thunderous shot that drove the businessman back three steps.
Linq moved in to follow it up with a decisive blow, his senses already searching for new threats. Claws stained black from spilling so much blood extended on impulse and flashed toward the væmpire’s neck.
They slashed nothing but air as the sandy-haired man dropped into a forward roll.
Linq let him roll by, and turned with a sigh. It was almost too easy. The man had obviously received no instruction in hand-to-hand fighting, or else he’d know that you never turn your back on an opponent.
The væmpire came out of his roll and jumped to his feet. He realized his mistake—he had rolled past Linq, but was facing the wrong direction—in time to flinch as Linq’s claws separated his head from his neck.
Crimson blood spurted as the body and head fell in opposite directions. Hot væmpire blood that smelled like rancid meat hit the sidewalk in uneven splatters, reminding Linq of a drunken man urinating in a back alley.
Then two things happened at once: he sensed a væmpire—yet another new arrival—drop in, while Ray yelled, “Watch out!”
Before he could react, Linq was grabbed from behind. Strong arms encircled him—hot, sweaty væmpire arms that felt like steel pincers. Linq’s own arms were pinned to his sides as his adversary squeezed him like a vise.
The pressure was tremendous and Linq panicked, throwing his head back in an attempt to crush the væmpire’s nose. He knew it was a mistake as he did it, but his reaction was quicker than his thoughts.
The væmpire dodged the blow, and then did the unthinkable: his head flashed forward and he sunk his fangs into Linq’s exposed neck.
Every cell in Linq’s body erupted in unmitigated pain. Nothing in his training, nothing in his imagination—in his nightmares, perhaps, but not his imagination—nothing in his experience or education had prepared him for such pain.
His eyes rolled back in his head and his jaw snapped shut, his fangs slicing deep into his tongue. He didn’t even notice.
Then the væmpire drank.
About the Author
Thomas Winship lives in New York. He holds an MBA in Management from St. Thomas Aquinas College, where he serves as MBA Director and adjunct professor of courses in English Composition, Communications, and Business. He also spent fifteen years working for a global pharmaceutical company, specializing in organizational development, talent management, and training.
Tom writes in his spare time. His first novel, Temporary Insanity, was a 2008 finalist in a national contest but failed to garner industry attention. Væmpires: Revolution, his second novel (first in the Væmpires series) was published in October and Væmpires: White Christmas followed in December.
He is an avid collector of books, comic books, music, and movies. His interests are diverse: on any given day, Tom is likely to be found watching a horror movie, attending a hard rock concert, or enjoying a Broadway show.
He is currently working on the next installment of the Væmpires series, which is scheduled for a 2013 release.
Links
Website I Facebook I Twitter I Pinterest I YouTube
Goodreads I Shelfari I Amazon Author Page
October 22, 2012
Bewitching Book Tour: Guest post from PM Richter, author of THE NECROMANCER
Thanks to Jen McConnel and Weaving Words for featuring The Necromancer and a guest blog. –PM Richter
The Writing process leading to The Necromancer
Of all my novels, The Necromancer probably was the most complicated to write, and it took quite a while. I love reading paranormals and was intrigued by the word Necromancer. Learning the meaning–one who converses with dead spirits–made me think this type of individual could be an amazing evil character. I had lived in Hawaii for several years, which is quite the magical place, so I used it as the location for the novel. I added witches, an animal familiar named Lucifer, (after the orange striped cat in Alice in Wonderland) a professor of the occult, and of course a woman in jeopardy, Michelle, and her best friend Heather. The Necromancer is Omar, who stalks Michelle, and then there’s our hero, Rob Nakamura. A classic clash between good and evil; it’s for mature audiences. There’s a semi-graphic rape scene, which is a flashback, so we know Michelle has survived, but it is necessary for the plot.
I did quite a lot of research for the book. Omar, our protagonist, is the leader of witch covens. I read about spells, charms, the magic circle, the history of witchcraft and the Wiccan religion. And then there was a lot of research about
Hawaii. I lived there, but wanted to add interesting tidbits about the traditional culture, food and the other Hawaiian islands, like Kauai.
I’m a slow writer and edit as I go along. I have to admit that it took more than a year. Writing is like doing a jigsaw puzzle. All the loose pieces have to come together and the end of the book. You can’t leave dangling threads. Sometimes a character will take off and almost take over. I thought Heather was doing this, but it all worked out in the end because the book became big enough to allow her to do her thing, her way. All authors know that once a character is created, he or she comes to life and forces the author to write what that character wants. We’re pretty much at their mercy. Of all my novels The Necromancer is my favorite.
This is Lucifer, one of the characters in The Necromancer. He looks cute and fuzzy, but he’s a ferocious warrior. Just ask Rod Nakamura, who is the recipient of an attack.
The funny thing is, I’m quite surprised by what I write sometimes, as though someone else had taken over and written the novel. They call it ‘‘Being in the Zone.’’ You get so involved that time flies, and you look around, astonished. How did the house get so messy?–Where did the day go?–I’m starving. In one scene, I turned Michelle into a hero as she fights off some evil witches in the surf who are trying to hurt her friend Heather. I looked at the writing the next day and thought, this is quite startling.
Writing is so much fun and I hope the readers will enjoy the novel as much as I loved writing it.
The Necromancer
P.M. Richter
Genre: Paranormal
ISBN-13: 978-1478349501
ISBN-10: 1478349506
ASIN: B004AYDGVM
Number of pages: 346
Word Count: 121,705
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Book Description:
She picked the worst guy to have an affair with! – Evil stalks in Hawaii
Michelle was brutally attacked in her locked hotel room in Las Vegas. The police didn’t believe her and thought she must have lured a man up to her hotel room for a little sexual adventure, which went dangerously out of control.
Michelle sustained visible scars from the terrifying and almost lethal attack, but pure fear motivated the move from her home in California to Hawaii. She’s scared her attacker will come back. She’s sure the next time he’ll kill her. Now she has a successful career and she figures abstinence is an acceptable, if lonely, way to live.
Michelle decides that an affair with a wickedly handsome man who moves into her building might cure her of the humiliating, embarrassing, and uncontrollable anxiety attacks which plague her whenever she finds herself alone with a man.
How could she know she made the worst possible choice?
Omar Satinov, the man Michelle has chosen, is a secret, whispered legend across several continents. His lure is a mystical religion based upon Witchcraft; his hook, the addictive herbal products he sells his followers. But does he really have supernatural powers, as many of his disciples believe?
About the Author
PM Richter is an author living in West Hollywood California. She has a degree in Psychology, from Northridge State University. She has worked as a property manager for Nansay, Corp. a multi-national corporation, been a dance teacher for Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire Dance Studios. She has five novels available on Amazon Kindle.
The Living Image
The Necromancer
Midnight Reflections
Trifecta
Deadly Memories
Website: http://anauthorsplace.weebly.com/index.html
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pam.richter.391
Twitter: @pmraven
