What can you tell us about the inspiration behind The Forever Girl?
At the time, I was on a huge vampire book kick, but they all felt the same for me. I felt like I was chasing the proverbial high, trying to find that one story that I loved as much as some of my old favorites. Then one day, I thought, “Maybe I should write a book.” It had been something I’d always wanted to do. And so, I started writing. I had a few scenes in mine when I began, though most of those didn’t make the final cut of the story anyway. But I was definitely inspired by the Wiccan religion, by the misconceptions surrounding the religion and the truth behind it as well. It helped create a complex an atmospheric read while at the same time supporting the theme of the story: acceptance.
One of the things I love about this book is the attention to detail in the Wiccan/Pagan themes. Did you consciously try to maintain such a high level of accuracy? What can you tell us about how you did such a great job?
When people tell me how well I did with the accuracy of Wiccan elements of the story, I’m tickled. I put a lot of heart into researching and bringing those aspects to the story without drowning the story with religious details. I had Wiccan friends and editors read my story as well to confirm accuracy. I’m often asked, because of how accurate these details are, if I myself am Wiccan. I’m not. I’m just a huge advocate of freedom of religion and of people not being judged. I also happen to think that the Pagan religions are beautiful; Wiccan and Pagans are some of the kindest-hearted people I know. At the same time, I believe a religion doesn’t make a person. There are good and bad intentioned people in all walks of like, and this is the reason I try to bring balance to the story with characters of differing religions representing the light and dark of each.
The Forever Girl has a fantastic romance story arc. Were there any specific stories (whether they be book, movies, or real life) that inspired the romance between Sophia and Charles?
I find most romantic inspiration from life—from my experiences, from hearing the experiences of others, and from watching people all around me. But people who read paranormal romances do like a little bit of fantasy—a little bit of romance that is larger than life. The most inspiring romantic movie of all time (to me) is Becoming Jane. Whenever I was inspiration to add a little romantic flare to my stories, I watch that movie again. It’s impossible to watch that movie too much :)
What was the hardest thing about writing this book?
Rewriting it . . . over and over and over again. ;)
What do you love the most about being an author?
The people I meet! Most people are surprised to learn how much I completely suck at being social in real life. I do eventually come out of my shell, but only online am I so social “off the bat”. And through my writing, I meet a ton of people online. Many AMAZING people, and even people who inspire me (in a good way) to write new characters in new books. Heros and Heroines. Because there’s a lot of good people in this world—ALL over the world—and I’m lucky to have met them because of my books.
What’s your favorite movie, TV show, and book?
Movie: Becoming Jane hehe
TV Show: Dexter
Book: The Virgin of Small Plains by Nancy Pickard
Is there anything special or exciting that you have planned and would like to share with us?
Yes. But I’m not allowed. So I’ll tell you the slightly less special but still exciting news: Book 2 of The Forever Girl Series is due to be released later this year, along with a co-written comedic horror novel that I’ve been working on with bestselling author Riley J. Ford. Follow me on Twitter @InkMuse for the latest news and updates!
Thanks for having me!
The Forever Girl (Forever Girl Series #1)
HarperCollins: "It’s rare to see such natural flow and tempo from a debut author."
Sophia's family has skeletons, but they aren't in their graves.
At twenty-two, practicing Wiccan Sophia Parsons is scratching out a living waiting tables in her Rocky Mountain hometown, a pariah after a string of unsolved murders with only one thing in common: her.
Sophia can imagine lots of ways to improve her life, but she'd settle for just getting rid of the buzzing noise in her head. When the spell she casts goes wrong, the static turns into voices. Her personal demons get company, and the newcomers are dangerous.
One of them is a man named Charles, who Sophia falls for despite her better judgment. He has connections that might help her unveil the mystery surrounding her ancestor's hanging, but she gets more than she bargains for when she finally decides to trust him.
Survival in his world, she learns, means not asking questions and staying out of the immortal council's way. It's a line she crossed long ago. If Sophia wants to survive the council and save the people she loves, she must accept who she is, perform dark magic, and fight to the death for her freedom.
The Forever Girl is a full-length Paranormal Fantasy novel that will appeal to lovers of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, witches, vampire fiction, ghost stories, paranormal mystery, and paranormal horror.
Her Sweetest Downfall (A Forever Girl Journal)Ophelia's been successful at hiding her true identity, until the mark of the serpent appears on her neck--a death sentence, should it be seen by anyone in her town. Hiding the mark might save her from falling victim to the witch hunts of her era, but the scorching sensation it carries can't be ignored.
When the mysterious Ethan is sent to collect her for a life of something more, she learns concealing the mark is the least of her worries. She's destined to don a new mask--to join a dark, supernatural world and protect the future of people she may never meet.
What she doesn't know--what she learns too late--is that her initiation won't be complete until she kills the man she loves.
Set in an alternate Regency England, "Her Sweetest Downfall" is a standalone novella in the "Forever Girl" series, written as a gift to fans of the Forever Girl series.
HER SWEETEST DOWNFALL will appeal to lovers of paranormal romance, fantasy, and vampire fiction.
Awesome interview! I've had this book on my "to-read" list for awhile. I better get to it! :)
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