Q+A with Morgan Sylvia (Abode)

Please welcome today's guest, Morgan Sylvia! Morgan is the author of upcoming horror novel ABODE.

Q+A with Morgan Sylvia

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Morgan:  I am not sure, exactly, but I was pretty young. My mother was a librarian, and I was an only child in a fairly remote area, so, needless to say, I started devouring books at a very young age. I was also very much into horseback riding at the time, so I think my earliest works were probably horse stories. I was actually published in second grade, when one of my unicorn stories was selected for a Young Maine Authors Compilation. By the time I was in high school, I was writing short stories and some not-so-short stories. I still have notebooks full of my writing from those days. So, yes, I literally do have a trunk of old stories. Some of it makes me cringe, some makes me laugh, and some is in a pile to be revisited.

EJ:  What brought you to the horror genre?

Morgan:  I think it was just a combination of having a love of books and literature and a fascination for dark, spooky things. Fear is a very powerful emotion—in fact, it’s one of the strongest emotion a human can feel. When a story can really tap into that, it’s very powerful. I didn’t start out writing horror: my earliest work was fantasy and fanfic-type stuff. I can’t put my finger on any one book or movie that made me cross over to the dark side. It was just a steady progression as my tastes got darker.

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

Morgan:  BS detection. I’m pretty good at spotting it, but I try to look for the positive in people, and that occasionally bites me in the ass. If I could be a paranormal creature, I’d probably go for being a werewolf.

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

Morgan:  Writing it gave me nightmares, so I hope that others will find it scary as well. People keep telling me that my poetic side is very clear in the story, though I don’t think I would consider it literary horror. I think there are elements that may appeal to people—for instance, some of it is quite nostalgic, at least for those of us that grew up in the 70’s and 80’s. I also wrote huge chunks of it in second person. One person described it as being in both 2nd and 1st person. But then, every story is different, and people love books for all sorts of reasons. I hope people like it for unexpected reasons that haven’t even occurred to me, at least on a conscious level.

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

Morgan:  Oddly, for a lot of things I write, I would have a name right off the bat, but for Abode I think I’d rather go for an unknown actor that just fits the role. I can’t think of anyone specific that *is* that character to me.

Abode by Morgan Sylvia

A TERRIFYING HAUNTING

This is the place where the harrowed ghosts of a dozen generations whisper in the shadows of their ancestral home, where one family’s dreams of a new beginning turned into a nightmare that ended in tragedy.

A CURSED BLOODLINE

This is the place where a line of witches bound themselves—in blood—to a primeval entity. Here, nightmare and reality meet beneath frozen skies, and even time and space fall under the power of the demonic being that rules this remote northern wood.

A CHANCE ENCOUNTER

This is the place where the path of a tormented survivor meets that of an unknowing innocent. Past and present collide, and secrets long buried crawl back into the pallid light of day as the shadow of the Beast falls over them both. But even the bloodiest dreams of that demonic being may pale in comparison to what lies buried within the human heart.
This is the place where evil dwells …

ABODE

Release Date: July 15, 2017

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Q+A with Sascha Illyvich + Slow Burn Giveaway

Please welcome today's guest author Sascha Illyvich!  Sascha is the author of the paranormal romance spy thriller SLOW BURN.

Keep reading for a chance to win Slow Burn by Sascha Illyvich.

Q+A with Sascha Illyvich

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Sascha:  I've been writing since the 2nd grade, but professionally, since I was 21 years old.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Sascha:  My love of the spooky, the decadence often associated with the genre, werewolves...did I say werewolves?

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

Sascha:  I think the ability to fly would be a tremendous time saver...

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

Sascha:  Good question.  I don't know much about Hollywood to be honest, yet I can tell you that Sonja would have to be played by a ravishing, full figured beauty with dark hair, and if I had to guess, Derrick would be played by maybe someone with a little more build and muscle than Bruce Campbell?  Even though Derrick is younger than the talented actor, I'm sure Campbell could rock it.  Chuck Finley is forever.

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

Slow Burn by Sascha Illyvich

Tempting secrets of an angel. Seductive mysteries of the beast.

Derrick, a former spy, has been asked to protect the sultry Sonja, a death metal singer whose magical voice grabs him and won’t let go.


Release Date: September 2015
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance, Spy Thriller
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Slow Burn Giveaway

We are giving away one ebook copy of Slow Burn by Sascha Illyvich.

To enter, leave a comment below and include your email address so we may contact you if you win.  This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.  Giveaway ends March 23, 2016 midnight EST.

To learn more about Sascha Illyvich and his books, please visit his website.

Book Giveaway: Grudging by Michelle Hauck

Today we have a special book giveaway for our readers.  We are giving away a signed copy of GRUDGING by Michelle Hauck!

Grudging (Birth of Saints #1) by Michelle Hauck.

A world of chivalry and witchcraft…and the invaders who would destroy everything.

The North has invaded, bringing a cruel religion and no mercy. The ciudades-estados who have stood in their way have been razed to nothing, and now the horde is before the gates of Colina Hermosa…demanding blood.

On a mission of desperation, a small group escapes the besieged city in search of the one thing that might stem the tide of Northerners: the witches of the southern swamps.

The Women of the Song.

But when tragedy strikes their negotiations, all that is left is a single untried knight and a witch who has never given voice to her power. And time is running out.

A lyrical tale of honor and magic, Grudging is the opening salvo in the Book of Saints trilogy.

Release Date: November 17, 2015
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Grudging Book Giveaway

Win a signed mass market paperback copy of Grudging by Michelle Hauck.

To enter, leave a comment on this post.  Please include your email address so we may contact you if you win.  This giveaway is open to mailing addresses in the US and Canada.  Giveaway ends March 2, 2016 midnight EST.

Q+A with Tina Connolly (Seriously Wicked)

Please welcome today's guest author Tina Connolly!  Tina is the author of SERIOUSLY WICKED.

Q+A with Tina Connolly

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Tina:  I didn't really start writing till after college. I ended up on night shift in a call center which meant that A) I couldn't do theatre, and B) there was a lot of downtime. I joined forces with a couple other folks in the call center and we started a critique group. Which meant I had to write stories for the critique group to crit. I remember it being hugely hard for a long time. As an inveterate bookworm, I had a lot of knowledge about what a good story/book looked like, and zero knowledge of how to make one. So there was a big disconnect as I struggled to write something as good as the things I loved reading.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Tina:  You know, a lot of Seriously Wicked probably came out of my love for funny YA stories (Ellen Conford was one of my big author crushes growing up.) But of course one of my big loves is fantasy, so even the funny YA story had to have some witches in it. ;)

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

Tina:  It would definitely be some sort of teleportation or flying. I loathe driving and am not terribly fond of airports either, but I have family and friends all around the world I wish I could see more often. If only I could pop in and out for tea (or cocktails!)

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

Tina:  Well! It's a lighthearted book about a girl who's stuck living with a wicked witch. It's a fast, fun read, full of dragons in garages and demon-infested boy-band boys, so in my quite humble opinion it would be perfectly delightful for whiling away any time you need whiled away.

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

Tina:  Oh, you know what, I coincidentally actually just answered this over at My Book, The Movie.  I came up with Kiernan Shipka as our plucky heroine Cam, and Rila Fukushima as head girl Sparkle, among others.

Also, I totally imagine witch Sarmine as Meryl Streep from The Devil Wears Prada, right down to that fabulously perfect haircut.

I'm a little stuck on the perfect boy-band boy though – if it were ten years ago I'd go with Zac Efron for the acting/singing/comedy chops, but I'm not sure whom to cast now. He needs to be able to switch between sweet boy-band boy and cold-hearted (but Elvis-imitating) demon on a dime. Suggestions...? :D

Thank you Tina for joining us today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Tina Connolly and her books, please visit her website and you can learn more about Seriously Wicked below.

Seriously Wicked by Tina Connolly

The only thing worse than being a witch is living with one.

Camellia’s adopted mother wants Cam to grow up to be just like her. Problem is, Mom’s a seriously wicked witch.

Cam’s used to stopping the witch’s crazy schemes for world domination. But when the witch summons a demon, he gets loose—and into Devon, the cute new boy at school.

Now Cam’s suddenly got bigger problems than passing Algebra. Her friends are getting zombiefied. Their dragon is tired of hiding in the RV garage. For being a shy boy-band boy, Devon is sure kissing a bunch of girls. And a phoenix hidden in the school is going to explode on the night of the Halloween Dance.

To stop the demon before he destroys Devon’s soul, Cam might have to try a spell of her own. But if she’s willing to work spells like the witch...will that mean she’s wicked too?

Release Date: May 5, 2015
Genre: Paranormal, Young Adult
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Do you have a question for Tina Connolly?  Ask away in the comments section. We love comments!

Q+A with Madeline Freeman + Crystal Magic Book Giveaway

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author, Madeline Freeman!  Madeline is the author of CRYSTAL MAGIC.

Keep reading for a chance to win a signed copy of Crystal Magic by Madeline Freeman!

Q+A with Madeline Freeman

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Madeline:  I wrote my first story for pleasure when I was in the fifth grade—maybe ten or eleven years old. After that, it was like I opened a floodgate. All through middle school, I wrote stories in notebooks, passing them around to my friends. When I was in the eighth and ninth grade, I wrote the first draft of what eventually became Crystal Magic. There are few similarities between the original and the published version, though.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Madeline:  The real world is boring. Who doesn’t want to teleport or read minds? I always find myself drawn to movies and shows with a fantastic element. I love living inside magical worlds.

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

Madeline:  OMG, I would be the master of time and space—like Hiro Nakamura in the show Heroes. I’d be able to freeze time and teleport at will. Why? Because it would be awesome! Hm, looks like it’ll be rainy this weekend, but I had my heart set on going to the beach. BOOM! Hawaii, here I am! Or even just day-to-day stuff. I’m at work and I realize I left something at home? BOOM! Back home, nab the thing, back to work! As for freezing time, who couldn’t use more sleep or more time to relax?

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

Madeline:  People will enjoy Crystal Magic because it has elements of mystery and love. It’s a story of a girl claiming her place in the world. Also, magic.

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

Madeline:  Kristyl Barnette would be played by someone like Georgina Haig. I loved her in Fringe and am excited to see her in season four of Once Upon a Time as Elsa. She can play innocent and badass. I think Kristyl needs something like that.

When I imagine Bridget Burke, she looks a lot like Francia Raisa, from The Secret Life of the American Teenager.

Some of the other characters are harder, because, in my mind, they tend to be younger versions of actors I grew up with. Owen Marsh, for example, looks like an actor named Jonathan Brandis, who I had the biggest crush on back in middle- and high school (you know, forever ago). (If you’ve got Netflix, I highly recommend searching for the show seaQuest. It’s from the early 1990s and super cheesy, but I love it.) And Fox Holloway is a young David Duchovny (because, well, Fox).

But if I had to choose actors who are, you know, currently kind of young, my cast list might look more like this:

Owen Marsh: Connor Jessup—I like how he can be both sweet and tortured.

Crystal Jamison: Shelley Hennig—I liked her in The Secret Circle. She can play a leader.

For Lexie Taylor and Fox Holloway, I might go with Holland Roden and Tyler Posey (both from Teen Wolf), although, to be honest, I’ve never seen either of them act. They just have the right vibe for the characters.

Have a question for Madeline? Let us know in the comments.

Crystal Magic (Clearwater Witches #1) by Madeline Freeman.

Nothing is safe around Kristyl Barnette. Windows break. Books rocket across the room. Lights flicker. Strange occurrences follow the sixteen-year-old everywhere.

When tragedy forces her to move to the small town of Clearwater, Michigan, with her estranged aunt Jodi, Kristyl tries to leave her past behind. But Clearwater has secrets of its own—a mystical history that intersects with Kristyl’s life and might shed light on the inexplicable events that plague her.

When a mysterious illness threatens her aunt’s life, Kristyl will do anything to cure her. Enlisting the help of witches could save Jodi, but is dealing in magic worth the consequences?

Release Date:  March 30, 2014
Genre:  Paranormal Romance, Young Adult
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Crystal Magic Book Giveaway

The author is giving away a signed copy of Crystal Magic by Madeline Freeman to one lucky winner!

To enter, please use the easy peasy Rafflecopter form below.  This giveaway is open to US and Canada.  This is a tour giveaway and the winner will be randomly selected by the author or publisher.  Giveaway ends August 26, 2014.

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Good luck!

The History Behind The Skinwalker's Apprentice + Giveaway

Today we are celebrating the release of The Skinwalker's Apprentice by Claribel Ortega with a guest post by author Claribel Ortega and a fab giveaway!

This History Behind
The Skinwalker’s Apprentice

     The Skinwalker’s Apprentice is a book about two witches and the events in their lives leading up to a treacherous race against time that holds the fate of the magical world in the balance. But behind the spells and witchcraft, The Skinwalker’s Apprentice – which is part of the Empire Witch Series – is inspired by real life events and residents of NYC.
     In TSWA, we meet Goody Garlick, a nurse maid who aids one of the story’s heroines Margo Pennyfeather. Goody Garlick was an actual resident of what was then known as Easthampton, Long Island (now East Hampton) and she was accused of witchcraft thirty five years before the Salem witch trials began. This little known story is also shrouded in mystery, as Garlick lived on the island until her death, but no records of her death or burial site has ever been found.
     Aside from Garlick, Lion Gardner, the settlement’s founder is also talked about briefly in TSWA, and one of his direct descendants, Live Pirrotti, contributed artwork to the book.
     For the next book in the series, Emerald Kipp and The Riddle of The Timekeeper, the character of The Timekeeper is inspired by real life New York resident, the late John Votta. Votta was nicknamed The Timekeeper for his daily hobby of shouting the time to NYU students, and helping them stay on time for class. He was a small man of less than five feet tall and was a cherished part of the NYU community.
     Votta passed away in 2012 but through Riddle of The Timekeeper, his spirit lives on in an alternate magical NYC.
     In a New York Times article from 1879, NYC resident Henrietta Snowden was nicknamed “The Witch of East Broadway.” Snowden plays a pivotal role in Riddle of The Timekeeper, and her character is described much like the actual person she was based on – unusually tall, with a penchant for trouble and an array of cats and dogs living in her apartment, all with small silver coins tied around their necks.
     There are many more characters inspired by little known NYC residents weaved throughout the story, with more to come as the series progresses. Author Claribel Ortega also plans to include obscure but magical places in the upcoming books, such as the inspiration behind the iconic yellow brick road from The Wizard of Oz, which is located in Peekskill, New York.

The Skinwalker's Apprentice by Claribel Ortega

New York City 1984: It’s Emerald Kipp’s sixteenth birthday, and nothing has changed. She’s still the biggest loser in school, she’s still trying to find a place for herself and yeah, she’s still a witch. Her last year of high school is turning out to be the worst yet, and Emerald thinks it can’t possibly get any worse. Unfortunately for her, she’s dead wrong.

East Hampton, NY 1658: The Pennyfeathers are the black sheep of their small English settlement. As hard as they try to keep the family secrets just that, the magical bunch just can’t seem to fit in. But when a High Priestess witch chooses 16-year-old Margo Pennyfeather as an apprentice, Margo’s luck finally begins to change. What she doesn’t know, is there’s a lot more to her apprenticeship, and to being a witch, than she could ever imagine

Discover the mysterious beginnings of The Empire Witch Series in The Skinwalker's Apprentice: An Emerald Kipp Novella.

***The Skinwalker's Apprentice Giveaway***

The author is giving away a signed paperback copy of The Skinwalker's Apprentice and a Forever 21 Prize Pack including: posh stackable rings, cameo bow necklace, and shopper tote (design may vary).

To enter, use the easy peasy Rafflecopter form below.
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This giveaway is a tour giveaway and winner's will be drawn by the author, agent, or publisher.  Book tour organized by YA Bound Book Tour.

Q+A with Teri Harman (Blood Moon)

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Teri Harman.  Teri is the author of Blood Moon, the first novel in the Moonlight trilogy.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Teri:  I have been writing stories all my life. The first one I can remember was a few sentences about a cow dictated to my mom who typed it for me on her electric typewriter (wow - that sounds really old). I was three or four.
But I seriously began to pursue a career as an author six years ago when I wrote my first book.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Teri:  Since I was young, I've been fascinated by all things wondrous and haunting. All my favorite books, movies, TV shows include magic of some kind. They say to 'write what you know' and I definitely know paranormal.

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

Teri:  A witch, of course. :) Witches have always been my favorite, which is why I wrote BLOOD MOON. I designed the Moonlight witches after the kind of witch I always pictured in my head, the kind I always wanted to be, but never came across in literature or film.
For me, a witch's power is tied to nature and the earth. In BLOOD MOON there are six different kinds of magical gifts, known as The Six Gifts. Each witch is born with one dominate strength or Gift. If I could pick one, it would be the Gift of Dreams - seeing the past, present and future in dreams and seeing ghosts. One of my main characters, Willa, has this gift.

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

Teri:  BLOOD MOON is a reinvention and revitalization of witchcraft. Drawing on the history, lore, and techniques of Wicca and Natural Magic, I created a new breed of supernatural creatures that command the elements and fight for control of the greatest magic, the Powers of the Earth. The story is fast-paced and packed with romance, action and emotion. I hope readers find a lot of what they've loved about witches in the past, but also many new things to get excited about.

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

Teri:  I’d love to see Jonathon Rhys Meyer play the Dark witch, the bad guy, Archard. When I saw a picture of him in The Tudors, with his slicked back hair and goatee, I almost fell off my chair – so, so Archard. Plus, Jonathon has the talent to portray the witch's complex anger and passion.

For Simon and Willa – that’s harder. I think Ashley Benson looks a lot like Willa in the face and eyes, but Willa has dark brown, chestnut colored hair. And I’ve yet to come across an actor who reminds me of Simon - at least one the right age. Jensen Ackles reminds me of Simon, but is too old (Simon is 19). Hopefully, after readers get their hands on the book they can help me find one. :)

Blood Moon (Moonlight Trilogy #1) by Teri Harman.

Willa dreams of true events and her best friend is a ghost. Simon can heal any wound with a touch and senses others’ emotions, intentions. All their lives they’ve felt alone in their bizarre abilities, hiding behind a facade of normalcy, wondering why and how. The night Simon walks into the Twelve Acres Diner and meets Willa face to face, in a swirl of electric heat, they are bound to one another and glimpse the magic of who they are.

Across town a witch is held prisoner in the derelict basement of an old Victorian house. One night as it rains, she dares to reach her filthy, scarred hand out the window. Willa, walking home from work, recognizes the pathetic hand from a recent, terrible dream.

After a daring rescue of the witch, Willa and Simon are catapulted into the alluring but dangerous world of witchcraft and the magic of The Six Gifts. Answers to all their questions are within reach, but they’ve stepped into the middle of a deadly fight for the Powers of the Earth. Do they stay, risk their lives on the promise of power, or walk away?

Teri Harman's groundbreaking debut novel, the first installment in The Moonlight Trilogy, completely reinvents the modern concept of witches and magic. With its authentic translation of the history of witches into a fresh and entertaining package with unprecedented characterization, Blood Moon is sure to capture readers from the first page.

Release Date: June 22, 2013

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

To learn more about Teri Harman and her books, please visit her website.

Q+A with Ruth Warburton (A Witch in Winter)

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Ruth Warburton.  Ruth is author of A Witch in Winter.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Ruth:   I think I started writing stories pretty much as soon as I could write - the first proper story with a beginning, middle and end that I can remember was written when I was about seven. But even when I wasn't writing, I was telling stories. My sister and I had a long-running saga about a girls' school which we used to relate to each other on boring car journeys. It went on for years.

My written stories started off as a couple of paragraphs in my school books or bashed out finger by finger on my mum's typewriter. They just got longer and longer, and one day I found I was writing proper book-length manuscripts.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Ruth:   I've always really loved stories about magic and witchcraft - two of my favourite writers, growing up, were Diana Wynne Jones and Ursula K Le Guin who both write beautifully about witches and wizards. They definitely influenced the magic in this book. I also loved Alice Hoffman's novels, in particular Practical Magic. The idea of combining heady magical powers with everyday problems is fascinating.

But somehow I never wrote about it myself - my stories were always realistic. Then the kernel of this story popped into my head pretty much fully formed - a girl who casts a spell on a boy she fancies, and then can't take it off. It kind of wrote itself from there.

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

Ruth:   It would be incredibly convenient to be able to fly. Just think of all the possibilities - not to mention the saving in commuting time! But I think in reality huge powers would bring more problems than they'd solve, so perhaps my life is complicated enough already.

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

Ruth:  Well it's got magic, gorgeous boys, a feisty "solve-my-own-problems" heroine, and lots of heart-ache. Is that enough?

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

Ruth:   Blimey, this is TOUGH. Um... well, Anna, in my head, looks a little bit like a younger Zooey Deschanel. Only Anna is 17 of course, and Zooey is a bit older. But I think she manages to look a portray characters who are a bit vulnerable and a bit kick-ass at the same time, which is Anna to a tee.

Seth is really hard. Maybe something like a younger, scruffier Tom Welling or Ashton Kutcher? He's an essentially good person who can snap and lose it if he's pushed too far, and I think they could both portray that.

A Witch in Winter (Winter Trilogy #1) by Ruth Warburton.

Anna Winterson doesn't know she's a witch and would probably mock you for believing in magic, but after moving to the small town of Winter with her father, she learns more than she ever wanted to about power. When Anna meets Seth, she is smitten, but when she enchants him to love her, she unwittingly amplifies a deadly conflict between two witch clans and splits her own heart in two. She wants to love Seth, to let him love her – but if it is her magic that's controlling his passion, then she is as monstrous as the witch clan who are trying to use her amazing powers for their own gain.

Although a perfect fit for the paranormal romance genre, A WITCH IN WINTER avoids fangs, excessive body hair and submissive female leads, and tells the heart-wrenching story of a couple meant to be together, but being forced apart. Seth is utterly irresistible and Anna is an empowered, proactive young woman with unimaginable magic inside her. This is fast-paced, sensuous writing with believable incantations inspired by Warburton's research into witchcraft legend and old English.


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

To learn more about Ruth Warburton and her books, please visit her website.

Q+A with Juliet Dark (The Demon Lover)

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Juliet Dark!  Juliet is the author of The Demon Lover.

EJ:  When did you begin writing? 

Juliet:  When I was nine years old.  I wrote a 90 page, crayon illustrated epic entitled "The Adventures of the Magical Herd."

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Juliet:  I've liked the paranormal since watching Dark Shadows in my childhood.  In my "realistic" books there are often references to fairy tales and myths.  It seemed natural that the next step was to write about a world in which the fairy tales and myths are real.

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

Juliet:  A witch.  I would choose the ability to heal.

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

Juliet:  Well, I certainly enjoyed writing it!  When I started THE DEMON LOVER I'd been looking for paranormal books that were intelligent, sexy, and written for adults.  I found a few (the Sookie Stackhouse books, the Dresden files) but not as many as I would have liked, so I thought there might be room for another.  I hope that THE DEMON LOVER appeals to an adult audience who like well written, bookish, sexy, magical books.

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

Juliet:  Deborah Ann Woll (Jessica on True Blood) would be amazing as Callie McFay. My stepdaughter (and Demon Lovah advisor) suggests Peter Mooney from Camelot  for Liam and Sean Bean for Frank.  And I was thinking Archie Panjabi for Soheila.

The Demon Lover (Fairwick Chronicles #1) by Juliet Dark

Since accepting a teaching position at remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom, then takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are the result of writing her bestselling book, The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers. After all, Callie’s lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales and Gothic literature—which is why she finds herself at Fairwick’s renowned folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first sight, seemed to call her name.

But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover—an incubus—and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: He’s not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the incubus, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult—banishing this demon lover from her heart.


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

To learn more about Juliet Dark and her books, please visit her website.

Paranormal Guest Author: Suzy Turner + December Moon Giveaway

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Suzy Turner!  Suzy, author of Raven and December Moon, has prepared a special guest post for our readers.

By the Light of the Silvery Moon

Howling deep into the night by the light of a bright, white, full moon. You can almost see him sitting there, his head tilted back as he makes that high pitched sound that sends shivers down your spine. Yes, I'm talking about the elusive werewolf.

If they all looked as gorgeous as Jacob Black, then we wouldn't be at all afraid would we? I know, I know, I'm far too old to be attracted to Jacob (at 35, I'm almost old enough to be his mother!) but it's impossible not to be. He is a fine figure of a man (or a wolf, rather) though, isn't he?! I'll stop talking about Jacob now, this is a post about werewolves after all.

I think I was first introduced to the idea of werewolves back in the 80s when I saw a really silly film with Michael J Fox called Teen Wolf. It obviously planted a seed in my mind because since then I've rather enjoyed reading about them in books or watching werewolf stories on screen. An American Werewolf in London is another, albeit, rather more gory version that I enjoyed as a child (admittedly, I have seen it since and found it disappointing). So, come back to present day and what kind of werewolf flicks / books, are all the rage? Twilight obviously comes up trumps but have you seen The Lost Girl? There is a rather gorgeous character called Dyson (played by Kristen Holden-Ried) who plays the smouldering werewolf to fabulous effect. Being Human is another featuring a werewolf, a ghost and a vampire all living under the same roof.

A few months ago I read my first book centered entirely around werewolves. It was called Blood and Chocolate and I have to say, it left me a little disappointed. Although the story was excellent, I found the main character irritating, especially the way she kept referring to people as boy or girl. She was supposed to be 16 yet came across as much older than her years. But the werewolf aspect was fantastic.

In December Moon, as in Raven, there is one main werewolf. His name is Zoltan and he is your stereotypical wolf man. He's a tough guy who wants nothing more than a good fight. Having said that, Zoltan is a big softy at heart, especially when it comes to his girlfriend, Tabitha, who just happens to be a changeling... with the ability to change into a mountain lion.

If I've tempted your taste-buds, why not check out December Moon. I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

December Moon (The Raven Saga #3) by Suzy Turner

On her 15th birthday, December Moon discovers she is the descendant of a family of witches, kept in the dark her entire life in an effort to protect her. But when Lilly, her best friend, finds herself in danger from one of the world's most evil vampires, December will do everything in her power to stop him. December Moon is a fantasy novel for children and young adults set in BC, Canada.


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

To learn more about Suzy Turner and her books, please visit her website or check out E.J.'s interview of Suzy here at From the Shadows.

**December Moon International Giveaway**

We are giving away two copies, one paperback and one ebook, of December Moon (The Raven Saga #2) by Suzy Turner.

To enter, please leave a message 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 October 1st midnight EST.

Paranormal Guest Author: Shayne Leighton (Of Light and Darkness)

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Shayne Leighton!  Shayne is the author of Of Light and Darkness.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Shayne:  I've always loved to write, and actually began writing short stories back in grade school. I remember this one short story in particular that I wrote in the fourth grade about what it would be like to live inside a bubble! That's still one of my favorites. (LOL) But I only began seriously writing pretty recently. "Of Light and Darkness" is my debut novel, and the first full length novel I've ever written. I began writing that one in high school when I was sixteen. It took about four years to get it completed and published and I'm really excited to share this story with everyone!

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Shayne:  Again, I've always loved magic and fantasy for as far back as I can remember. Fairy tales were always my favorite. My favorite Disney movie was a film called "Hocus Pocus" starring Bette Midler, about three witches. Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. So I was automatically attracted to the paranormal genre! And you can never go wrong with vampires...they are always sexy! ;) The first vampire I ever fell in love with was Lestat from Anne Rice's "Interview with the Vampire". Great movie and a fantastic book!

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

Shayne:  This was an awesome question! It really got me thinking. My initial reaction was...Vampire! Definitely a vampire because they are just too deliciously bad. But after thinking about it more, I wanted to come up with a more interesting answer. I think I'd love to be a siren. I get to seduce sailors all day, I get to have a beautiful singing voice, and most importantly...I get fins! Sounds fun to me!

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

Shayne:  I am definitely aware that bookshelves are absolutely saturated right now with vampire stories. But one thing I must emphasize, is this story is much different than the others. There are so many other fantastic creatures and characters woven in, and if I do say so myself, "Of Light and Darkness" is much darker and more dangerous. I think fans of other paranormal series will really find something they love within this book, but also discover something brand new as well. Plus, it takes place in Prague - which is a city you don't normally hear about much! :-)

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

Shayne:  It's interesting you should ask this, because currently "Of Light and Darkness" is in development to be made into a film. My background is primarily in screenplay writing and filmmaking, so this just seemed like a natural next step to take with it. Currently we have Michael Welch from "The Twilight Saga" cast for the role of Aiden in the film and Cassie Scerbo from ABC Family's "Make It Or Break It" is slated for the role of Sarah. If you want to keep up with more casting announcements, check our facebook fan page! :-)

Of Light and Darkness: The Vampire's Daughter (Of Light and Darkness #1) by Shayne Leighton

When one human stands before an army of impossible obstacles, the likelihood of overcoming them in this coming-of-age modern fairytale may result in war between light and darkness.

Abandoned as an infant in Prague, naive and strong-willed Charlotte Ruzikova was raised by one of the last Vampires left alive. As a human, she knows no other home than the one nestled deep in the woods of Eastern Europe, where Witches drew spells of enchantment, Phasers threw tea parties, and Elves are the closest in kin. Charlotte has lived her life in the dark with her Guardian, content to having him to herself and reveling in his attention, until she's realizes she wants more...

Resident medical doctor and Vampire, Valek Ruzik fears the day his ward would come of age and blossom into a fine woman, and he is forced to confront his own motives as time is of the essence once his past catches up to him, and their lives become endangered...

As genocide and war threatens their secret society, the dictator in power is ready to wipe out Valek's race, but Charlotte will not allow that to happen. Fighting for the only one she's ever loved and truly believed in, she will do whatever it takes to save their love...before the sun comes up and light takes over.


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

To learn more about Shayne Leighton and her books, please visit her website.

Paranormal Guest Author: Charlotte Blackwell

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

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

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

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sophia Pierce has suffered since her brother left, and is unsure if she will ever get over it. That is until her family decided to move to Wenham, Massachusetts. Her and her siblings have been ordered to protect their little sister, and must return to High school. This is where Sophia finds her soul mate Nathanial and life as she knows it is about to change.

As a vampire, Sophia has always kept to herself, but as a high school student will she learn to step out of her comfort zone a little? Sophia has found a best friend in a powerful witch and a love to call her own. That is until something tragic happens and blood is spilled. Will Sophia be able to resist the sweet scent of her beloved's blood?

This is Sophia's story, a story of a girl who finds herself, love and everlasting friendship. The excitement of this story wraps mortals, vampires, witches, and shape shifters all into a romantic tale of young love, friendship, the meaning of family. The story of a girl who tries to finds herself when she thought it was all lost.


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

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

Book Review: Vacations from Hell

Vacations from Hell by Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, Claudia Gray, Maureen Johnson, and Sarah Mlynowski.

Life's a beach . . . and then you're undead?

In this must-have collection, five of today's hottest writers—Libba Bray (A Great and Terrible Beauty), Cassandra Clare (City of Bones), Claudia Gray (Evernight), Maureen Johnson (13 Little Blue Envelopes), and Sarah Mlynowski (Bras & Broomsticks)—tell supernatural tales of vacations gone awry. Lost luggage is only mildly unpleasant compared to bunking with a witch who holds a grudge. And a sunburn might be embarrassing and painful, but it doesn't last as long as a curse. Of course, even in the most hellish of situations, love can thrive. . . .  From light and funny to dark and creepy, these stories have something for everyone. You definitely won't want to leave this collection at home!

Paranormal vacation stories that range from amusing to terrifying.  Vacations from Hell is bound to leave you giggling one minute and give you goosebumps the next.  Vacations from Hell is a collection of short stories by five talented paranormal authors.  Whether you are in the mood for a cute YA vampire tale, tropical terror, or a chilling tale of blood and curses Vacations from Hell will satisfy your hunger for the paranormal... in bite size pieces.  A perfect companion for your Summer vacation!

I recommend Vacations from Hell to readers of paranormal, young adult, fantasy, urban fantasy and especially to fans of paranormal short stories.

Source: This book was purchased by me for review.


Vacations from Hell on Amazon.
Vacations from Hell on Goodreads.