Interview and Giveaway with Isis Sousa

Can you tell readers a little bit about yourself and what inspired to write in this particular genre?Hi everybody at Fangtastic Books! I am an illustrator and storyteller venturing in the path of writing Dark Fiction. I am Brazilian, but been living in Norway with my best-half since 2009. I have been a fan of Fantasy and Dark Fantasy since childhood and have always had love for books. I think my very artist nature has been the biggest kicker for me to write in the Dark genre, but also names such as Bram Stoker, Poe, Mary Shelley and Ann Rice were much of an inspiration


What is it about the paranormal, in particular vampires, that fascinates you so much?I always nurtured a fascination for the darkest aspects of life and what we do not know. Paranormal is perhaps “normal”, just that it is such a taboo to accept it that way. Regarding vampires, I prefer the classic type. I think vampires are mysterious, ominous, and romantic by nature. I also think they represent knowledge, as they have been around longer than us, mere mortals. I also like the “undead/dead” aspect of this particular archetype, for me, it adds beauty to the aesthetics.What inspired you to write this book?A dream. A weir dream I had over a decade ago, which revealed to me something terrible was about to happen – and it happened. I was in this place, which I call “Duskland” in the book. As I have experienced the atmosphere and the moods of that place, it was easy to put it in the world-building of “The Night of Elisa”. Another factor which compelled me to write the book was the dream of having my own illustrated fiction book published.
Do you have a special formula for creating characters' names? Do you try to match a name with a certain meaning to attributes of the character or do you search for names popular in certain time periods or regions?I do all of the above and some more. It will of course work differently for each character and each story. One key thing and very particular is that I go very much for the sonority of the name, as I am interested and phonetics and languages.Is there a character that you enjoyed writing more than any of the others?This was a tough one! *grins* I think my two favorites are the protagonists Elisa and Leonhard, because I relate a lot to their personalities and traits, and also their flaws.


What is your favorite scene from the book? Could you share a little bit of it, without spoilers of course?

It may sound strange (!) but I have two favorite scenes. The strangeness comes to where they are located in the book. The first one is in the very beginning – when Leonhard brings Elisa to his mansion and watcher her asleep. The second is in the end, the last paragraph! ^.^What is the most interesting thing you have physically done for book related research purposes?I have done some ‘acting’ if I can call it like that! I have mimicked the mannerisms of the characters, expressions, their accents, the way they move or walk… Such things. Of course, only when I am alone and no one can see me ^.^Can you tell readers a little bit about the world building in the book? How does this world differ from our normal world?The world building is mainly separated in two parts: Duskland, in the “astral” and Saint Edwidges’ Hills in our physical world. Duskland is a very beautiful, cozy and charming place; however, it is very melancholic, sad and overwhelming. Saint Edwidges’ Hills is a welfare society, a small town with the development of a big city. Both will be more explored in a prequel and sequel - which will be standalone pieces, as The Night of Elisa is not a series or trilogy.

Do any of your characters have similar characteristics of yourself in them and what are they?Yes, all my protagonists have some of my own traits and flaws, even though we differ so much. For example, Leonhard is an artist and – highly social – when he is the mood. Elisa has a sense of concern for others around her and she is a dreamer, and go after her dreams in a simple, quiet and “undetected” way.What are your guilty pleasures in life?Paint and paint more… And food! I am a sucker for cakes, ice-cream, desserts, and chocolate – anything-chocolate! I also love hot beverages and juices…
Where is your favorite place to read? Do you have a cozy corner or special reading spot?I love reading in my bed ^.^ Never when I wake up, but always when I am going to sleep! I also love reading in the living-room sofa while listening to music! ^.^What can readers expect next from you?They can expect something different, that’s for sure. I have a bit unusual way of storytelling (writing- putting a book together). They can also expect genuine stories and artsy book layouts and interiors!Would you like to leave readers with a little teaser or excerpt from the book?Yes, this is great!  I’d like to leave you with the first book trailer (a new one is on the way!), t doesn’t have sound, but images speak for themselves… Also 3 mini excerpts, which readers can enjoy and share if they feel like! :) Thanks immensely for this great opportunity Roxanne, and thank you reader, for taking the time!Here you can watch the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbPkkTUhMM4  
Where to find Isis Sousa: GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6573685.Isis_Sousa
The Night of Elisa Official Blog: http://thenightofelisa.blogspot.com
The Night of Elisa Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/thenightofelisa Where to BUY “The Night of Elisa”:LULU (Illustrated Paperback – 186 pages):
http://www.lulu.com/shop/isis-sousa/the-night-of-elisa/paperback/product-21628483.htmlAmazon (Non-illustrated Kindle edition):
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K3AZHUK

Smashwords (Non-illustrated Multiple e-book formats):
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/434431





1 winner will receive a prize pack containing:
1 - The Night of Elisa E-Book (Non-Illustrated)
1 - Original art (drawing) from the book, transformed into a bookmarker - signed by artist/author
1 - An A5 textured cotton paper block with 20 sheets
1 - Drawing/Sketching set with 7 pieces
5 winners will receive an ebook copy of The Night of Elisa
a Rafflecopter giveaway