Category: Paranormal

Character interview - Jack

8/15/2015

My character interviews continue here on my blog. This month, I’m interviewing characters from the book Hitchhiker. Today Jack Conway is here with us. Thanks for being here, Jack!

My pleasure, pretty lady. What can I do for you?

So, you’re a charmer.

It’s what I do.

What do you do, for the FBI, I mean?

Oh, I do a little consulting for them.

So, you’re an expert of some kind? What type of consulting advice do you provide for them?

Let’s just say I know a thing or two about the criminal mind.

Don’t they have an entire department of experts in criminal behavior?

Sure, sure. But why consult with some stiff in a suit when they can work with a handsome devil like me?

Because they might rather work with professionals than a criminal. You do have a criminal record, don’t you?

Oh, I’ve had some run-ins with the law. Misunderstandings with some ex-girlfriends. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

Getting swindled out of thousands of dollars would make anyone furious, Mr. Conway.

Just misunderstandings about some investments, that’s all. Now I have a question for you. Are your legs tired? Because you’ve been running through my mind this whole time.

Ugh. I think that’s all I can stand for today. I hope you’ll check out my book, Hitchhiker, and get to know the rest of the FBI freak squad.

Hitchhiker is available at Champagne Book Group, Amazon, iTunes, iBookstore, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.

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Character interview - Dove

8/8/2015

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My character interviews continue this month with the crazy crew from my novel, Hitchhiker. Today’s interview will be with Dylan Miller, the Department of Interagency Investigations’ brilliant analyst.

Thanks for being here today, Dylan. Or should I call you Dove? That’s your nickname, right?

Who are you and how do you know my names? Did Clark send you?

I’m the author. Who’s Clark?

Clark is a voice I hear, mostly. What do you mean, ‘the author?’

I’m writing your story, Dove. So you hear voices?

I usually just hear Clark’s voice, but now I’m hearing your voice. I’m guessing you’re just another hallucination caused by my schizophrenia, because I never asked anyone to write my story.

How do you manage to keep a job with the FBI with a mental illness?

Many people with mental illnesses carry on perfectly normal lives. I take medication, and having an IQ of 180 helps. Seriously, who sent you?

How do you feel about your new co-worker?

What, you mean Ainsley? Ainsley’s good. Just as long as she doesn’t touch me or sneeze on me or anything. I mean, I wish I could touch her, but she’s got those burrowing epithelials. I can’t have her thinking my thoughts. Clark put you up to this, didn’t he?

Okay, I think that’s about it for now. Join me next week when I interview the DII’s very own conman, Jack Conway. In the meantime, check out the novel, available as an ebook at Champagne Book Group, Amazon, iTunes, iBookstore, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.

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Character interview - Ainsley

8/1/2015

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This month on my blog, I will be interviewing characters from my second novel, Hitchhiker. Today I have invited Ainsley Benton, a former army brat who has recently been recruited by the FBI’s Department of Interagency Investigations. Thanks for joining us, Ainsley!

You do know you’re talking to yourself, right?

No, I’m speaking to a fictional character and all those who follow this blog.

If you say so.

I do. So, Ainsley, tell us about your new job.

I am a records clerk for the old files the FBI hasn’t had time to put into the computer yet. I also substitute teach for their Juvenile Training Department, otherwise known as the brood of vipers. Really they’re just smart kids who like to torture their teachers. Oh, and I am a sketch artist for their Department of Interagency Investigations.

Yes, tell us about the DII.

I don’t think the public is really supposed to know about us.

Right, and that might be a problem if you weren’t a work of fiction.

Touché. So we’re like the backward X-Files. Instead of regular people solving bizarre cases, we’re bizarre people solving normal cases. And the only sketches I am capable of are stick figures. My DNA hitches a ride on other people’s central nervous systems, which makes me a human surveillance device. That’s my real job with the FBI.

I see, and how’s that working out for you?

Well, it’s not boring.

Do you see yourself sticking it out with the FBI then?

I can’t even commit to a cell phone plan. And are you sure ‘sticking it out’ is a good choice of words? Sounds kinda dirty.

Okay, that’s all for now, folks. Join me next week for an interview with the DII’s analyst, Dylan Miller. In the meantime, the ebook is available at Champagne Book Group, Amazon, iTunes, iBookstore, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.

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A visit from Susan Stec's Granny... with GIVEAWAY!

10/19/2014

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Toni's grandmother is a psychopath.
Her sister is a ghost.
Her boyfriend is possessed.
And she has no idea who she is.

Summer vacation is ruined when Toni's twin sister, Sara, dies. Instead of walking into the light, Sara stomps directly away from it, totally pissed she didn't die in her skinny jeans. That's when Sara finds out their grandmother has a gift for talking to dead people, and two spritely spirits and a nasty soothsayer named Bartholomew are all working their angle with Toni's future caught in between.

Dear old Granny's determined not to be the last necromancer in the family, but with the death of her promiscuous granddaughter, her only option is Toni, who must remain a virgin until her eighteenth birthday without any ghostly interference from Sara.

Sara's not having any of it; especially since the guy Granny's conspiring with is the same guy that assisted in Sara's demise. Toni needs help! But protecting her sister is complicating all the ghostly fun on the other side!

Can death stop a twin? Maybe not, but Granny knows Dead Girls Never Shut Up.

Let the evil cackling commence!

Today Antoinette Maestro (Granny), the villain of Susan Stec’s novel,

is my guest.

1. What is your ultimate goal?

I'm a necromancer and my ultimate goal has always had the best interest of my granddaughters--front and center--to carry on the family gift of talking to the dead. Unfortunately, my younger grandchild was a casualty early on, so my only option was Toni, my daughter's oldest twin.

2. What makes you so driven to accomplish this goal?

Well, that's a simple question. When I die it will the end the family's legacy if Toni does not accept the gift of necromancy.

3. If you could choose anyone from the literary world as your partner in crime, who would you choose and why?

Why, Edgar Allen Poe, of course. The man knew the underworld, the value of my gift, and with his knowledge and assistance I could have stayed at my condo in Florida, and sipped sherry and watching the sun set on the Atlantic. Then again, with my ability to conjure ghosts, we would have made quite a team; Poe and I.

4. Describe yourself in three words or less.

Focused. Capable. Determined. (I really should add OLD)

http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Girls-Never-Shut-Up-ebook/dp/B00BFXZ1LO/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1411402343&sr=1-4&keywords=susan+stec

From USA Today Bestselling Author Susan Stec,

I love laughing with my daughters, class B scary movies, fine cuisine and hamburgers from Wendy's. I'm addicted to electronics, dark chocolate, vintage eyeglass frames, warm socks, and would kill for a really good cup of cappuccino. I'm a wannabee gamer--Zelda is my fave, but I'll play Nintendo with my grandson for hours.
My favorite all-time television series are Twin Peaks and Dark Shadows. Best movies ever, 1943 A Christmas Carol and Soylent Green.
There isn't just one thing I'm passionate about. I'm married to a wonderful man, have two adult daughters, three grandsons, and three dogs. I live on fifty acres and hunt and fish. I will get up in the middle of the night to listen to the coyote sing, sit under a tin roof in the middle of a rain storm, stare at barren trees and revel in the white show surrounding them. I sew, do stained glass, paint watercolors, make jewelry, but most of all, I write. I write because I have to, and because it amuses me to live vicariously through my characters.

One's real life is so often the life that one does not lead~~Oscar Wilde

Meet the characters--view the trailers:
http://thegratefulundead.blogspot.com/

Connect with Susan Stec on:
Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest, Google and @Suesan0814 on Twitter

Find all of Susan's books on Amazon.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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A visit from Celia Breslin's Dixon...

10/15/2014

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Something wicked this way comes! It’s villain month here on my blog. I’ll be interviewing two antagonists each week. Today Dixon, the villain of Celia Breslin’s novel DESTINY, is my guest.

Thanks for joining us, Dixon. Tell us…

What is your ultimate goal?

::Dixon grins, flashing fangs:: Well luv, if I told you that, I’d have to… kidding! Nothing gives me greater pleasure than tormenting The Warden, also known as Carina’s uncle Thomas. And what better way to annoy the wanker than to take away what he loves most in this world. That would be Carina, of course. ::leans forward, silver eyes glowing:: I came close to owning her months ago. You know what they say: if at first you don’t succeed...

What makes you so driven to accomplish this goal?

::Dixon’s expression darkens and he growls:: Ancient, bloody history. The Warden will pay dearly for his crimes against my family.

If you could choose anyone from the literary world as your partner in crime, who would you choose and why?

I quite admire the vampire Lothaire’s handiwork. He generates such carnage with style and flair. ::Dixon nods:: Yes, his power rivals my own. It would prove a good match.

Describe yourself in three words or less.

Clever, powerful, driven.

Here’s more information about Dixon and the urban fantasy romance novel, Destiny:

In HAVEN, San Francisco nightclub owner Carina Tranquilli survives a vicious attack by her vampire family’s longtime archenemies. Several weeks later, as she struggles with PTSD and survivor’s guilt, supervillain Dixon resurfaces and kidnaps two of her best friends. To save them, Carina must comply with the evil bastard’s unusual demands. The kicker? She must tell no one what she is up to.

Meanwhile, she has a new dance club to open for the preternatural community, a fated soul mate acting secretive and distant, and a sexy, new, undead friend who’d love to take Alexander’s place in her heart and bed.

Blackmailed, betrayed, tempted…sometimes destiny has a wicked sense of humor.

Buy Links:

Available for pre-order at All Romance and Amazon:

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-destiny-1641324-143.html

http://www.amazon.com/Destiny-Tranquilli-Bloodline-Book-2-ebook/dp/B00O6A77FG/

To learn more about Celia and her projects:

http://www.celiabreslin.com/

http://www.twitter.com/CeliaBreslin

https://www.facebook.com/CeliaBreslinAuthor

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Interview with Susan Stec #2

10/27/2013

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Halloween is almost here and so my interviews with authors of paranormal fiction are drawing to a close. My last guest is Susan Stec, author of THE GRATEFUL UNDEAD SERIES. Don't forget to enter her giveaway at the end of the interview. Thanks for joining me again, Susan!

What is the most ridiculous Halloween costume you’ve ever worn?

A fanged vampire; black-cloak, red silk dress and stilettos, of course—kind of ironic, since I ended up writing
about bumbling, zany, day-walking, controlling, bitchy immortals with totally no respect for vampire legend.

If your protagonist had to wear a Halloween costume, what would she choose to where and
why?

She'd probably pick something that would totally piss off Dorius, her boss, the bastard.

How closely did you follow traditional vampire legends when setting up the vampire world in your
books?

Not closely. I totally butchered myth and legend, peppering my dark side with a fair share of humor. Not that I don't know the legend behind the immortal ones, I've been wrapped up in vampires, werewolves, fae, demons, and anything fantasy for like forever. But with The Grateful Undead I wanted to appeal to new adults and older adults with
stupidity, kickass humor, and crazy romance instead of all the cloak and fang stuff.

Tell us about your latest book in the series in 25 words or less.

Sh-yeah, right. You know I'M A WORDY WITCH! Besides, I'd have to give you a short blurb from each book to help you understand the humor in book four. Soooorrrry....

In book one, THEY'RE SO VEIN, the women in the Stech family went from dentures to fangs, Depends
to thongs, Dr. Scholl's® to stilettos, and bumbled their way into an undead
lifetime of Critter Control when one of them inadvertently turned a raccoon into
a vampoon.

GATOR BAITIN' begins with the team being dispatched to destroy a vamp-gator wreaking havoc at

Gatorland in Orlando, only to get sidetracked by a serial killer investigation, a vamp-bull at a rodeo in Kissimmee, and a colorful demon named Rafael. Between bronco busting, dragon riding, Jesus-freak
chasing, gator hunting, demon summoning and dead bodies popping up everywhere, Susan's finding it hard to fit in a little romp time.

Susan's sister is in one hell of a mess (literally); confined to servitude with the demon, Rafael. When Rafael gifts JoAnn with an Earth-to-Abyss cellphone so she can communicate with her sister, Susan soon finds out that JoAnn has gone from servitude to concubine, and no longer wishes to come home. Only problem is that JoAnn really loves her new cell phone and the frequent calls--time really moves
like Hell in the Abyss--are driving Marcus and Susan batty! In their attempt to retrieve JoAnn, THE GRATEFUL UNDEAD team ultimately finds themselves knee-deep in vamp critters, demons,
rogues, and a host of new and colorful characters, when the mission takes them from their home in Florida to the streets of New Orleans.

COFFIN FIT (book four) The Demon Rafael has cursed every immortal woman in the family; they're aging and their immortal powers are fading. JoAnn is absolutely sure it is not her ex, and sets out to prove it. Did I mention that
Jeni and Paul are finally going to get together in this book? You know Susan is gonna be pissed. Oh, yeah, and one of JoAnn's little fanged-critter-mistakes makes its way to Italy. Dorius is hell-bent on fixing that, I tell you.

THIS or THAT

Twilight or True Blood?

Definitely True Blood

Vampires or werewolves?

Ohhh, hard one. I so love them both. Man...
Werewolves, I guess.

Garlic or crucifix?

Crucifix

Black cat or flying bat?

Black cat – BIG black cat.

Where can we find out more about your books?

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=susan+stec&x=14&y=23
http://thegratefulundead.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/GratefulUndead
https://twitter.com/Suesan0814
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4556170.Susan_Stec

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Interview with January Bain

10/24/2013

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My interviews with authors of paranormal fiction continue here on my blog. Today I’ve asked January Bain, author of the Forever Series of books to be my guest. Thanks for being here, January!

Do you have any fun Halloween traditions in your family?

Sure! Growing up I was the oldest of five (only girl) and got to take around my younger brothers. I remember the earthy odor of the fall planting just out of the ground and the delicious carpet of fall leaves crunching beneath our feet as we hugged our pillow cases to our chests as we made our rounds. Safety was never a talked about factor in whatever town we lived in at the time. I got the pleasure and the heartbreak of being moved around lots as a child.

How would your main character celebrate Halloween?

My newest character, Trixie Lee Bútton loves Halloween! She’s a half-angel, all-minx southern woman and has recently fallen for a full-blooded werewolf. This dynamo is an eclectic mix of southern charm and spunk and follows her heart with tremendous passion. She’d want to put on the party, though being mainly ostracized for her unusual gifts because they spook the neighbors, she’d be worried about anyone showing up. Her new family of Weres will certainly show up though and be the life of the party.

What type of research did you do for your latest novel?

I love love love research! Life is all about the learning. I tell students that all the time and I really do walk the talk.

Tell us about your latest book in 25 words or less.

Forever Angel is about finding your true self and your true love when you are physically turning into an angel!

THIS or THAT

Both!

Wooden Stake or Silver Bullet?

Silver Bullet just sounds way classier.

Mortal or Immortal?

Immortal, hands down.

Dr. Jekyl or Mr. Hyde?

Dr. Jekyl

Poltergeists or Apparitions?

Poltergeist, I can wreak more havoc that way!

Where can we find out more about your books?

www.ChampagneBooks.com and www.JanuaryBain.ca

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Interview & giveaway with J.A. Garland

10/16/2013

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With Halloween on the way, I’ve been interviewing authors of paranormal fiction here on my blog. Today, J.A. Garland, urban fantasy author of Instinct, Dysus Dreamer and The Mutatio Project, is my guest star. She is giving away a copy of her book, Dysus Dreamer to one lucky commenter - so be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win! Thanks for being here, J.A.!

What types of stories give you goose bumps?

Anything Stephen King writes. That man is a genius when it comes to spooking or downright horrifying readers.

Tell us about one of your spookiest (or most intense scenes) from your latest book. From where did you draw inspiration to write it?

Ouch, that’s a hard one to answer without giving away some of the twists… Let’s just say there was a particular scene, toward the end of Dysus Dreamer, where a certain person receives his comeuppance. I drew my inspiration for this intense exchange from every heated argument or fight (yeah, I was a bit of a tomboy); I’ve ever been involved in.

When you write, are you more of a planner or a pantser?

My first chapter is all pantser, after that, I’m a fairly dedicated plotter. Sometimes my characters like to shake things up a bit and fall for the wrong character, but mostly, they march when I say march.

Tell us about your latest book in 25 words or less.

"A powerful half-demon is kidnapped, bloodthirsty werewolves are on the rise, and a planet is dying. A demon warrior and Dark elf joining forces are the least of their worries."

THIS or THAT

Fangs or Claws?

Both (think werewolves)

Monsters or mummies?

Monsters

Twilight or True Blood?

True Blood

American Werewolf in London or Teen Wolf?

Teen Wolf (Must admit, I’m addicted to that series!)

Where can we learn more about your books?

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dysus-Dreamer-ebook/dp/B00DQH0F0O
Burst Books: http://burstbooks.ca/product.php?id_product=103
OmniLit: https://www.omnilit.com/product-dysusdreamer-1225458-234.html

Contact Links:
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6535314.J_A_Garland
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jagarlandurbanfantasyauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/J_A_Garland
Website: http://jagarland.blogspot.com
Tumblr: http://jagarland.tumblr.com
YouTube Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/user/JAGARLAND1/videos
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/garland2248/boards/

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Interview with Linda Rettstatt

10/13/2013

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Halloween is just around the corner, and to help get us in the mood I’m interviewing authors of paranormal fiction here on my blog. Today Linda Rettstatt, author of seventeen Women's   Fiction, Contemporary Romance and Paranormal novels and novellas, is my guest star.

Do you have any interesting Halloween memories to share with us?

Oh, yes. Of course, this was as an adult. My friends and I hosted a Halloween party in our A-frame cabin in the woods in Pennsylvania. The theme was The Hobbit. One of my friends dressed as Gandalf the Wizard, making his costume from a bed sheet and wearing a long, flowing white wig. Part of the plan for the evening was a candle light walk down through the woods to the small lake where we would tell stories. Unfortunately, one of the neighbors glimpsed a group of people led by a man in a white sheet and carrying flames and, well, interpreted the situation entirely the wrong way. A police car was dispatched because of reports that the KKK were rallying in this small, private mountain community. Even the police officer laughed when he saw us all in costume led by Gandalf in his sheet. He advised that my friend remove the sheet for the climb back up the hill to the cabin. Thank heavens we had decided against going door-to-door trick or treating!

Which of your characters is your favorite, and why?

Oh, I have so many characters that I've just fallen in love with. Rylee Morgan from Shooting Into the Sun is probably my very favorite, maybe because we share some qualities and quirks. But in my upcoming paranormal (a first for me), In The Spirit, my favorite character is Andrew McCabe--the ghost. Andrew is not your typical ghost. He's
a man on a mission and a man in love. Andrew is funny, sensitive, intelligent--and very dead.

Tell us about your latest book in 25 words or less.

Jessica Windsor escapes to a mountain cabin to cure writer's block. But a ghost enlists her help to gain vengeance and find his lost love.

THIS or THAT?

Sparkly vampires or scary vampires?

Sparkly vampires. If I have to be around vampires, they might as well be fabulous.

Ghosts or zombies?

Ghosts. They're more likely to be friendly.

Broomsticks or batwings?

Broomsticks. They make a  much easier get-away.

Wooden stakes or silver bullets?

Silver bullets (I wanted to be the Lone Ranger when I was a kid.)

Where can we find out more about your books?

My website: www.lindarettstatt.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Linda-Rettstatt-Writing-for-Women/142119167526

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Interview with D.L. Tabor

10/10/2013

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My interviews with authors of all things paranormal continue on my blog this month. Today D.L. Tabor, author of God of Burden: Epic’s Story and the soon to be released Amnesty Day, is my guest star. Thanks for being here, D.L.!

Did you ever tell ghost stories around the campfire growing up? Which scary story gave you the worst nightmares?

My father, without knowing, taught me the art of delivering a scary tale:
pausing at just the right spot; increasing the volume of the voice in just the right part; and making the listener feel just comfortable enough right before driving them to the brink of insanity.

The story that gave me the worst nightmares and made the hair on my neck stand up like the quills on a porcupine was Thump, Drag. Even though I have seen and heard multiple variations of the story, I have always felt that the version told to me, and the version I now tell my kids, has always been the most frightening.

The story begins with a group of boys scouts camping in the remote wilderness (I enjoy the isolation factor). The scout master mentions that he heard on the radio that the area, in which they are currently camping, was the site of the disappearance of a child not too long before they had arrived. Everyone that night sleeps lightly, sensitive to every sound pushing its way through the lining of the tents. A few hours after the boys had settled down and fallen asleep, several awaken to the slow and sluggish sound—thump…drag, thump…drag. The horrible noise makes its way around the tent and then gradually back into the woods. The next day they discover their scout master missing from his tent. The same horrible sound occurs for the next two nights in a row and two more scouts come up missing from their tents. The remaining boys decide the following day to form a search party, and they find an abandoned saw mill filled with numerous chopped up corpses. They hear the distinct sound of thump…drag, thump…drag and scream in horror to discover that it is the long lost child from the news: he has only one arm and has to drag himself to move forward. The boys run out of the saw mill and pick their way through the forest to the nearest town in order to alert the authorities. When arriving at
the saw mill, the police find a Nazi scientist who was completing his unfinished experiments from WWII. He admitted that he would let loose the one-armed boy at night around the campgrounds in order to distract the frightened campers and allow him to drug and kidnap another victim for his experiments.

Anyway, that is the summarized story and it always scared the living hell out of me and made it a little bit harder to sleep while camping.

How do you get inspired to write those intense, scary scenes?

I am truly inspired by the thought of someone’s reaction to a scary scene. I know it is unrealistic to expect someone to scream out loud while reading one of the scary short stories that I have written, but all I desire is that when they
place their book down on their dresser and shut the light off, they at least have to open their eyes once when they hear a noise and their heart beats just a little bit faster than normal. That, my fellow book enthusiasts, is inspiration
enough and would give me the greatest joy.

What type of parameters did you set for the magic elements in your book?

I normally don’t set any parameters, but sometimes I want the reader to have the thought that the magic they are reading about could possibly happen in real life. I really try to strive for a type of blurred lines between fiction and
nonfiction. An example of this in movies would be Phenomenon starring John Travolta. Throughout the movie he can move and control things with his mind. The dim-witted townsfolk are scared by him and believe that he had been
abducted by aliens. Eventually it is discovered that he has a tumor on his brain that makes him ultra-focused. I left that movie questioning the reality of it. It made me think that maybe that could happen in real life. And, that is what I try to achieve in my own writing.

Tell us about your book in 25 words or less.

Title: Amnesty Day (Coming Soon)

The year is 2022. United States population has reached one billion. Desperate for solutions, the Government legalizes murder during a one day period: Amnesty Day.

THIS or THAT

Angels or demons?

Demons

Historical setting or Modern setting?

Historical can really enhance a scary setting.

Tricks or treats?

Tricks

Bram Stoker or Stephanie Meyer?

Of course, Bram Stoker

Where can we find out more about your books?

You can visit our website at www.shedead.com
Come join me on Twitter @shedeadpress
God of Burden: Epic’s Story
http://www.amazon.com/God-Burden-Epics-Story-ebook/dp/B00CHQPJEM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380044553&sr=8-1&keywords=god+of+burden

Amnesty Day coming soon

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Character interview - Jack

Character interview - Dove

Character interview - Ainsley

A visit from Susan Stec's Granny... with GIVEAWAY!

Let the evil cackling commence!

Today Antoinette Maestro (Granny), the villain of Susan Stec’s novel,

is my guest.

A visit from Celia Breslin's Dixon...

Interview with Susan Stec #2

Interview with January Bain

Interview & giveaway with J.A. Garland

Interview with Linda Rettstatt

Interview with D.L. Tabor

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