Have I Invited Demons Into My House?

While writing She Who Hunts I had an idea in my head, one of those 'what if' moments. I remember watching the news and after a murder had happened the news anchor interviewed a neighbor of the suspect. "He was such a nice guy," the neighbor said. It always seems that after someone commits some heinous crime there is someone in their lives who declare this person was such a wonderful person, the kind of person who would do anything for anyone. But, how the hell did the person just snap and become a serial killer? My first thought-maybe they became possessed.

Now, as I'm working on the second book, I've become almost obsessed with the idea of demon possessions, and evil walking among us. I have to admit there are times when it feels like someone is in the room with me, and not just the characters who are busily chatting it up in my head. Sometimes, when the house is really quiet, and I'm really into a scene, it seriously feels like there's someone standing behind me. I whip around, ready to yell at whatever kid snuck in and was now reading over my shoulder to find an empty room.

Have I possibly brought the demons from She Who Hunts into my own life? Or has the story just become so alive to me that I keep waiting for those things which go bump in the night to tap me on the shoulder? How about you? Ever get so creeped out by something you wrote or read that you checked under your bed before climbing in?

Interview with Genevieve Scholl

Joining us today is Genevieve Scholl. Thanks for the taking the time to answer some questions for those of us still struggling to be more disciplined with our writing.

When/why did you start writing? Did someone or something influence your decision?

   GS - I started writing when I was a Junior in High School, because I was being bullied. It was a way for me to escape the world and the people that were making my life hell. I would write all of my feelings and eventually the feelings would turn into stories of revenge and more. Now, I just love to write. I’m not really sure where my inspiration comes from, but I’m glad for it every day, because if I didn’t write I think I would go insane.

What do you write?

  GS -  I write mostly Romance, but I am venturing out in other genres as well. I am mostly known for my Naughty North Pole Novels.

Was writing something you always dreamed of, or did a story just come to you one day? If you weren’t writing, what would you be doing?

  GS - Writing just sort of snuck up on me. I’d be a full time photographer if I could.

On to the fun questions – Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

  GS - I don’t think I have a typical writing day. I write when the mood strikes, I get inspiration, etc. I usually have to have my coffee and my rings on (why I have no clue), but everything else changes depending on the day.

How many hours a day do you write? How many days a week?

  GS - It varies. Ideally, I’d like to write every day, but it never happens that way; even if I have the time.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

  GS - I start out as a plotter, but things usually turn out way different than expected.

How do you handle distractions during your writing time?

  GS - Just take it one moment at a time. I usually always have paper of some kind on me, and if I don’t  I find the nearest thing that can be written on; which happens to usually be my hand or a wrapper lol

Self-publishing – What made you decide to self-publish?

  GS - I can’t really remember to be honest. I hadn’t even heard of self-publishing before I published Love Claus. It’s strange that I don’t remember, but I don’t regret it one single day.

Have you ever thought about being a hybrid author, the kind of author who traditionally publishes and self-publishes?

  GS - No. The community alone is enough to keep me as an Indie.

How long did it take before you were making a “real” income from your writing?

  GS - I haven’t really. I mean, I’ve done okay on some of the books, but I’ve never been able to live on it. I have a feeling I never will be able to, and that’s ok, because I have enough of everything else to occupy me and bring in an income. Besides, I'm not in for the money.

Finally, do you have any advice for those who want to turn their passion into a true career?

  GS - Write!!!!!!!! Don’t second guess, don’t worry, don’t edit… Just write. Like my favorite image on Facebook says: “Write drunk, edit sober.”

Thank you so much for taking time out of your day!

You can find Genevieve on Facebook. She's always full of great tips, and a lot of fun!

You can find her books, like the infamous Naughty North Pole Novels, on Amazon.

 

Note: Portions of the proceeds from ALL of Genevieve's books and short stories are donated to charities. Currently, those charities include The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Toys for Tots, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Breast Cancer. More will be added soon.

 

demon
noun ; 1. an evil spirit or devil, esp. one thought to possess a person or act as a tormenter of Hell.
          2. a cruel, evil, or destructive person or thing.

That is the official definition of a demon. Now, what would you do if someone you loved was possessed by a demon? I'm sure most of you said perform an exorcism. What if I told you there was no such thing? What if I told you the only way to release someone's soul from a demon was to kill them? Could you do it? Could you kill the person you loved most to release them from a demon's grasp?

She Who Hunts

Coming March 3, 2014

"Tenna Massey's past is about to catch up with her. For eighteen years she’s carefully crafted a normal life. When an assassination attempt shatters that illusion, she’s forced to accept her true identity. As the prophesied demon huntress, she may be the only one powerful enough to stop a recent string of murders.

Tenna has two choices--kill or be killed. She must conjure the courage to kill someone she’s loved for so long to save thousands of innocent humans.

Will Tenna choose to embrace her fate as The Huntress or condemn humanity to an eternity of Hell on Earth?"

Writing Tip by Rhonda Grace

I seriously wish I could take credit for this brilliance, but I can not. If you're not familiar with Rhonda Grace, now is the time to check out the talent of this incredible woman.

Writing Tip Courtesy of Rhonda Grace:

Writing Tip:

Sit in a cafe or bar and observe people. Turn off your phone or other distractions. As you look at the faces around you, imagine what they might be feeling or thinking. What might their lives be like? What have they experienced in the past? Let your imagination run free.

Think about that - every single person who crosses your path has a story, a history, a secret. As an paranormal author, my mind always wanders to the extreme, so for me anyone of these faces could belong to a hungry Shifter, or maybe a demon possessed human. The possibilities are endless!

Have a great weekend, y'all!

Interview with Author Sandra Love

Joining us today is Sandra Love. Thanks for the taking the time to answer some questions for those of us still struggling to be more disciplined with our writing.

When did you start writing? Did someone or something influence your decision?

SL - I started to write this past year! I was reading Bitter Fruits by Sarah Daltry and was like, hey I want to do this. Many authors had inspired me to write. Genevieve Scholl was one of the authors who would talk me through it every day!! She is also my editor, publisher and cover designer.

What do you write?

SL - Right now I write YA Supernatural. I do want to write a Romance novel one day! I have started one, but right now I want to work on my Broken Wings series.

Was writing something you always dreamed of, or did a story just come to you one day? If you weren’t writing, what would you be doing?

SL - The story just came to me one day! I wanted to bring it to life on paper. I really want to work with special needs children.

On to the fun questions – Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

SL - I wake up, have some coffee, and start to write. My cats decide that’s the time to start playing.

How many hours a day do you write? How many days a week?

SL - Well with the new year I plan on writing for 2 or 3 hours a day, and 5 days a week. I do have book two coming out April 18^th. So excited about that!

Are you a plotter or pantser?

SL - A plotter.

How do you handle distractions during your writing time?

SL - I am good at shutting things out. I usually put my phone on silent and unplug the internet. *laughs* so I don’t get tempted.

What made you decide to self-publish?

SL - For the time being I think self-publish will be great for me, so I don’t have to have that added stress.

Have you ever thought about being a hybrid author, the kind of author who traditionally publishes and self-publishes?

SL - I think right now I just want to self-publish. I want to wait and see how people react to my first book.

How long did it take before you were making a “real” income from your writing?

SL - Well my first book was just released on December 22^nd 2013, so I haven’t had any income yet. I’ve sold plenty of books but amazon hasn’t paid me *laughs*.

Finally, do you have any advice for those who want to turn their passion into a true career?

SL - Just follow your heart and never give up. J

Thank you so much for taking time out of your day!

You can find Sandra Love's books on Amazon here and here.

Or follow Ms. Love on Facebook, Goodreads, or Twitter.

 

 

Want to know a little more? Here's a blurb to Broken:

Broken by Sandra Love

Cordelia Rose has a horrible life. She gets bullied by students at school, beaten by her father, practically abandoned by her mother, and wants to end her life and suffering. But when some strange things start to happen, she questions whether or not she has a purpose in this life.

Then she meets a brother and sister that means more to her than she realizes. They are her protectors, and her kindred spirits. Just like her, they are bruised and broken, though for different reasons.

When she finally discovers the truth of her existence, her mind is jumbled with everything She has to take in; not to mention the battle she has to fight inside and out.

A little about Sandra Love

 

          My name is Sandra Love, I live in Olivet Michigan and I am 33 years old. I live with my boyfriend Brad and my son Charlie. Charlie is 11 years old and he battles with Autism and ADHD. He is my world. I did attend college, where I studied Accounting and Ancient History. I am very fascinated with Mythology. Norse Mythology is my all-time favorite. I love learning about the Gods and Goddesses.

         I am a big time cat lover, I swear I will end up being the crazy cat lady. I have 3 cats Stubby, Odin and Thor. I do take care of a stray as well his name is Louie. I want to save all the cats in the world.  J

          In my spear time, I love to read. My favorite genre of books are YA Supernatural, but I read anywhere from Erotica to Fantasy to Romance. I love to read and review for authors. I am a BIG supporter of ALL authors. They have inspired me to write.
          Speaking of writing my first book is YA Supernatural. It is book 1 of 3, with a Prequel. I really enjoy writing, it allows me to escape reality for a while. I hope you all enjoy my first book.
          I am really a boring person; I rather stay in and hang out with my cats and my family then to go out.

 

 

 

Writing Music and Moods

I know some of you can only write in pure silence. I am not one of those people. I need noise of some sort, but preferably music. I'm not into having a play list specifically for each book, rather play lists of certain moods. After all, our entire book isn't non stop violence, non stop sensuality, or non stop adventure. Therefore, shouldn't our play list be just as varied.

Now that I've said that here's where a problem comes in, at least a problem for me. I've always been told we creative types tend to be more emotional and more susceptible to others' energies and moods. I can be plugging along on a storyline and a song comes on and totally changes my mode of thinking. Here's an example:

If I'm in the middle of, say, a fight scene and this song comes on my brain suddenly switches into romance mode. Oh, and not just romance mode, but heart broken, want to cry mode. I can picture my character in emotional pain, suffering the loss of an unrequited love, or maybe a terrible break up with the love of their life!

 

Now on the opposite end of the spectrum, I can not write anything but violence when this song pops on. There's just something so dark and mean about it that a fight must ensue on the screen the second he starts counting down.

Even as I've been writing this blog I've had to repeatedly change the music selection. I just can't focus on anything real when I've got Rumpshaker, Boys II Men 'I'll Make Love to You', or Doris Day's Que Sera, Sera playing in my ear.

Perhaps it's time to find a specific play list for each book, but I honestly don't think it'll help. As the song changes, so will my mood.