Dissension
A Deliverance Novel #2
by Kristy Centeno
Genre: New Adult Paranormal
In an age where humans dominate the world…
And supernatural creatures exist in the cover of darkness…
He must find a place among his rivals or risk losing it all.Hayden has had his hands tied coping with life outside of the Institutes. He’s come far despite all the bumps along the way.
He’s allowed himself to believe he could live a normal life…until a new threat makes its presence known.
In an instant, his entire life is flipped upside down once more. Those he cares for are not safe with or without him. There’s no escaping his past. Or permanent solution to his problems. One way or another he’ll become the target for all those looking to destroy the hybrid who endangers their way of life and challenges everything they’ve ever known.
Now he must decide between kill or be killed, and risk becoming the very monster he’s fought so hard to prove he’s not.
Freedom has come with a price, but is he willing to pay the cost?
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And supernatural creatures exist in the cover of darkness…
He must find a place among his rivals or risk losing it all.Hayden has had his hands tied coping with life outside of the Institutes. He’s come far despite all the bumps along the way.
He’s allowed himself to believe he could live a normal life…until a new threat makes its presence known.
In an instant, his entire life is flipped upside down once more. Those he cares for are not safe with or without him. There’s no escaping his past. Or permanent solution to his problems. One way or another he’ll become the target for all those looking to destroy the hybrid who endangers their way of life and challenges everything they’ve ever known.
Now he must decide between kill or be killed, and risk becoming the very monster he’s fought so hard to prove he’s not.
Freedom has come with a price, but is he willing to pay the cost?
Add to Goodreads
Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo
“Where is Kristina?” Rose elbows her way to the front of the procession, ignoring the quick glares Bray’s werewolves direct at her.
Kristina.
I scan the crowd, accounting for everyone except her. A knot forms in the pit of my stomach. She was here a moment ago. Where did she disappear to? A frightening realization assails me and I do a quick body count of Jovian’s men. Two are missing. Neither here nor among those I mangled in the fight.
Fixated on the spot where I last saw her standing, I dash toward it. My nostrils flair as I breathe in, detecting three distinct scents. One of which belongs to her.
The woods. They took her.
Without a second thought, I race into the woodlands, following the vampires’ scent. My feet heavy, as if they’re made of lead. I fly between trees, moving at record speeds, but even so it’s like I’m not making any progress. As if the world is at a standstill. The more distance I cover the farther away she feels.
She’s gone.
Dismay settles in, filling me with trepidation and lack of confidence. I’ve lost her trail. I read the signs left on the earth. Two sets of footprints now instead of three. She must have not been walking from this point on. Where were they taking her?
Afraid of what I will find at the end of the trail left by the pair who carried her away, I use my preternatural senses to put together a possible scenario. I don’t detect either the vampires or Kristina. No unusual sounds anywhere that can point me to where she is.
Still, I push on. Despite my conscious stating repeatedly that she’s no longer within the vicinity, I trudge on. Injured and weak, I begin to feel the results of the multiple encounters with Jovian and his men. But I don’t care. My body will heal. Kristina, however, will not. If they harm her…
Kristina.
I scan the crowd, accounting for everyone except her. A knot forms in the pit of my stomach. She was here a moment ago. Where did she disappear to? A frightening realization assails me and I do a quick body count of Jovian’s men. Two are missing. Neither here nor among those I mangled in the fight.
Fixated on the spot where I last saw her standing, I dash toward it. My nostrils flair as I breathe in, detecting three distinct scents. One of which belongs to her.
The woods. They took her.
Without a second thought, I race into the woodlands, following the vampires’ scent. My feet heavy, as if they’re made of lead. I fly between trees, moving at record speeds, but even so it’s like I’m not making any progress. As if the world is at a standstill. The more distance I cover the farther away she feels.
She’s gone.
Dismay settles in, filling me with trepidation and lack of confidence. I’ve lost her trail. I read the signs left on the earth. Two sets of footprints now instead of three. She must have not been walking from this point on. Where were they taking her?
Afraid of what I will find at the end of the trail left by the pair who carried her away, I use my preternatural senses to put together a possible scenario. I don’t detect either the vampires or Kristina. No unusual sounds anywhere that can point me to where she is.
Still, I push on. Despite my conscious stating repeatedly that she’s no longer within the vicinity, I trudge on. Injured and weak, I begin to feel the results of the multiple encounters with Jovian and his men. But I don’t care. My body will heal. Kristina, however, will not. If they harm her…
Deliverance
A Deliverance Novel #1
He’s been locked away his entire life.
He dreams of freedom.
The only way he can accomplish his goals is by breaking free of the chains tying him to a dark past and gloomy existence. But there’s one catch. He’s not human.
And he’s never set foot outside his jail.
Devoted to saving his peers as well as his own life, he sets out to find the one person that can help him achieve his objectives. He knows where she will be and what she will look like, but what he doesn’t anticipate is the fact he finds himself caring for the girl whose life he’s put at risk, more and more each day.
He has no name.
He has only known hatred and violence before her.
However, she will teach him to have faith in humanity, even if she can’t trust him.
Together they will embark on a journey to bring down a corrupt system responsible for the loss of many innocent lives. But when he finds his feelings compromised, can he still move on knowing that doing so will put an end to the life she once knew? How far is he willing to go to be free?
Add to Goodreads
Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo
He dreams of freedom.
The only way he can accomplish his goals is by breaking free of the chains tying him to a dark past and gloomy existence. But there’s one catch. He’s not human.
And he’s never set foot outside his jail.
Devoted to saving his peers as well as his own life, he sets out to find the one person that can help him achieve his objectives. He knows where she will be and what she will look like, but what he doesn’t anticipate is the fact he finds himself caring for the girl whose life he’s put at risk, more and more each day.
He has no name.
He has only known hatred and violence before her.
However, she will teach him to have faith in humanity, even if she can’t trust him.
Together they will embark on a journey to bring down a corrupt system responsible for the loss of many innocent lives. But when he finds his feelings compromised, can he still move on knowing that doing so will put an end to the life she once knew? How far is he willing to go to be free?
Add to Goodreads
Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo
The guards run from room to room in an attempt to place the breach in security. They use their radios to contact every floor and ask where the break has occurred. They receive a reply within moments, confirming nothing is amiss. They will not find a breach because there is none. It was set off as a means of distraction. Samuel approaches and lands a hand on my right shoulder. He calls to me, but I ignore him. He pulls on my shoulder. I resist.
Now, Tiger!
I open my eyes, turn slightly to my right, and slam my elbow into his face. Samuel falls on his knees, clutching his bleeding nose. I bolt. Using what little strength my body has managed to retain, I run toward the glass window at the end of the hall. The pain is all but forgotten as adrenaline kicks in.
Bullets whizz past me, hitting the walls, light fixtures, doors, and the tiled floor. Most fly over my head. One grazes my left arm, but I use the momentum I’ve gained to propel my body onward.
Gerard yells to the men to stop me, but it’s too late. I pick up speed, pushing my injured body beyond its current capabilities. My target is in sight. I lock my keen eyesight on the window, and crash into it a few heartbeats later. The glass panel breaks apart instantly. I freefall for about a second before maneuvering my body so I’ll land on my feet. Shards of glass accompany me on my way down.
Now, Tiger!
I open my eyes, turn slightly to my right, and slam my elbow into his face. Samuel falls on his knees, clutching his bleeding nose. I bolt. Using what little strength my body has managed to retain, I run toward the glass window at the end of the hall. The pain is all but forgotten as adrenaline kicks in.
Bullets whizz past me, hitting the walls, light fixtures, doors, and the tiled floor. Most fly over my head. One grazes my left arm, but I use the momentum I’ve gained to propel my body onward.
Gerard yells to the men to stop me, but it’s too late. I pick up speed, pushing my injured body beyond its current capabilities. My target is in sight. I lock my keen eyesight on the window, and crash into it a few heartbeats later. The glass panel breaks apart instantly. I freefall for about a second before maneuvering my body so I’ll land on my feet. Shards of glass accompany me on my way down.
Kristy Centeno loves to spin tales of creatures that go bump in the night, with a sprinkle of romance to top them off. Her passion for writing stems from a lifelong enjoyment of reading and the pleasure derived from the magical worlds created by authors like her. She prefers her female leads strong, independent, and stubborn who will stop at nothing to save their loved ones and protect those they care for.
Kristy currently resides in Pennsylvania with her five kids and a pair of noisy parakeets. When she’s not working or writing, she juggles her free time between raising a handful of minions and pursuing other career goals.
Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest *Google+ * Amazon * Goodreads
Kristy currently resides in Pennsylvania with her five kids and a pair of noisy parakeets. When she’s not working or writing, she juggles her free time between raising a handful of minions and pursuing other career goals.
Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest *Google+ * Amazon * Goodreads
What is something unique/quirky about you?
I’m an introvert with social anxiety who’s always pushing myself to do things I’m not comfortable with. If it bothers me, I’ll find a way to accomplish it just to see how far I can go.
Tell us something really interesting that's happened to you!
I’ve been confused with a middle school student more than once.
What are some of your pet peeves?
People who talk to me while I’m reading. People who use the streets as their personal trash bins. Getting my soaks wet. Noisy neighbors when I’m trying to sleep.
Where were you born/grew up at?
I was born in Puerto Rico but was raised in New Jersey. I’ve lived in the island for a few years but moved back to the states when I was 14 and never left.
If you knew you'd die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
I’d spend my day surrounded by those I love the most. I’d go out and check as many things on my bucket list as I could before the end of the day.
Who is your hero and why?
I don’t admire just one person. I tend to look up to people who persevere despite all the odds. Something about each of these people inspire me to keep going and never give up.
What kind of world ruler would you be?
Kind. Compassionate. Fair.
What are you passionate about these days?
I’m passionate about many things. Those include doing things I’ve put off for so long. I have many goals in mind and I feel like it’s the right time to accomplish as many of them as I can.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
When I want to unwind after a particularly long day at work or an overall stressful day, I enjoy taking a bubble bath and reading in the tub. Or laying in bed while reading. Sometimes I go for long walks.
How to find time to write as a parent?
I get asked this a lot and I’ll be honest, it isn’t easy. As a working mom, finding time to write is one of my greatest challenges. Most days, I wait until the kids go to bed for the night to take refuge in the writing cave. When the time permits, I try to sneak in an hour or two of writing during the weekends. It all depends on how pact my schedule is and what plans I have for the day.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Introvert. Bookwork. Smart. Shy. Quiet.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I believe the moment I felt like a true writer was when my first book was published. It wasn’t official to me or even real until that moment.
Do you have a favorite movie?
One of my favorite movies is 50 First Dates. Everyone looks at me weird when I say that, but there’s something so romantic about a man who goes well out of his way to make the woman he’s head over heels for, fall in love with him every day. It’s my kind of fairy tale.
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
I’d love to see Deliverance turned into a movie.
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
The Tiger.
What inspired you to write this book?
Deliverance was born out of a dream I had a little over five years ago. I saw bits and pieces of images and people that I put together in a notebook the morning after. Once all the details were recorded, I began to piece together a much larger puzzle that took me over a year to complete.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I’m currently working on several sequels to other books of mine that have already been published.
Do you have any “side stories” about the characters?
There are a few side stories that might come to light in upcoming books. In book 3, readers will find out more about Kristina and her family.
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Deliverance?
Our male lead is a man who has been imprisoned his entire life and utilized as an assassin for the corporation he’s imprisoned by. He was born in the Institute where he has been kept and doesn’t trust people for reasons that are made obvious right off the bat when you begin reading the book. But he’s hiding many layers of secrets.
Kristina is an independent, family oriented young woman who trusts what she knows and what she’s comfortable with. When she meets Tiger, she’s forced to do things that are far from her comfort zone. When these two clash, they’ll have to learn to look past their differences if they want to survive.
How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book?
Once I had all the details of the dream sorted out, I began plotting key points of the story that would form a steady pyramid at the end. It wasn’t easy. I wrestled with one concept then found that I wasn’t satisfied with it, so I went back to the drawing board. It took some deep analyzing to finally take the book in the direction I wanted all along.
I knew all along that Tiger wouldn’t be human. At least, not entirely. But it took some weeks of back and forth to finally decide who and what he was to make the story fall into place. The rest came to me naturally once I had the main plot points figured out.
Where did you come up with the names in the story?
The names for the main characters of Deliverance I heard in the dream. Initially, I knew that Tiger wouldn’t stay Tiger for the entire first book, but it was the nickname I heard used in my dream, so I went with it. I knew I could give him another name later, so it didn’t matter all that much.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
Bringing the story to life. Giving realism to Tiger specifically, as he was the most complicated character to write about due to his complex background and upbringing. I knew from the start that getting readers to sympathize with a man who was raised as a killer wasn’t going to be an easy feat. But that was part of the challenge I took on from the start, and I highly enjoyed bringing a side of him to light that not many were expecting.
It was fun. And as his character continues to evolve, I find myself immersing myself in his development even more than I did in the beginning.
Tell us about your main characters. What makes them tick?
Tiger hates injustice.
Kristina has a hard time going past her comfort zone.
Who designed your book covers?
The wonderful Najla Qamber at http://www.najlaqamberdesigns.com/
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I’m happy and very satisfied with the way Deliverance and Dissension turned out. I wouldn’t change a thing about either book.
Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?
Yes, there’s no such thing as too much research. Facts are very important when using real locations or historical.
How did you come up with name of this book?
I wanted a title that would convey what the story was about and had a special meaning without giving too much away. Deliverance fit perfectly.
If you could spend time with a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day?
Tiger. I’d love to spend a day and teach him things he’d never seen or heard before and see the look of amazement on his face as he gobbles up new information.
Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
These particular characters are entirely a product of my imagination. It isn’t rare for me to base some characters on real people, but those in Deliverance were not.
Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?
Sometimes my characters hijack the story and lead it in a different path than what I intended. The Giver of Life is a prime example of that. However, with Deliverance, I was in control. Most of the time. There were some scenes where either Kristina or Tiger took over, but it was never for long.
Have you written any other books that are not published?
Yes, I do, and I honestly don’t know if they will ever be published. Some books I wrote were back when I first started writing and wasn’t very good at it. I’ve improved quite a bit since then, but still have so much to learn. Perhaps when I get to a point where I feel like I’m an amazing writer—if that day ever comes—then I’ll give them another go and rewrite them before seeing about getting them published. For now, they just sit in my USB, waiting to get a home.
What did you edit out of this book?
Originally, I entertained the idea of making Deliverance the first book in a saga or a series. But as I made progress with the story, I realized that I preferred to leave readers with the option as to whether they wanted to continue reading more of Tiger and Kristina or not. So, I rewrote the ending so that it didn’t end in a cliffhanger. For those who enjoy the book and want to stop there, they most certainly can. But if they want to know what happens next, they can pick up Dissension and the following installments.
How long have you been writing?
Going on six years now.
Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?
Some I come up with ahead of starting the book. Others come as I’m already invested in the story. I guess it really depends on how much I’ve outlined or plotted to begin with and what direction the book goes once it’s started.
Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?
I do read. I try to read at least 3-4 books per month depending on how much free time I have. However, it doesn’t always work out that way. But my favorite genres to read are paranormal, thrillers, horror, romance, historical romance, some fantasy, and dystopian.
What are you currently reading?
Beyond Night by Eric S. Brown.
Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?
I always have music on when I’m writing. I can’t concentrate as well when it’s quiet as opposed when music is blasting via my headphones.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
Originality is what I strive for. I’m not entirely sure if I always accomplish this goal, but I try. Lately, I ask myself often if I should write what readers expect of me or go deeper into what I want the story to be. I had this issue with the Giver of Life trilogy and it almost made me scratch book 2 and 3 altogether and forget about them. I wanted to write books that didn’t fall into the norm, so to speak. Where if there was more than one love interest, it didn’t end how readers anticipated it would, but rather take some different twists and turns instead. Because life is full of twists and turns. Nothing is ever as you expect them to be and with that series, I hoped to convey that message clearly. Book 2 has gotten mixed reviews so I’m unsure if I delivered the message correctly or not. I’ll just have to have and see what readers will think of book 3 when it comes out in January.
If you could tell your younger writing self-anything, what would it be?
Write as much as you can. Read. Read. And read some more. Do your research thoroughly. Keep going. Don’t stop. Try your hardest. Inform yourself.
What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?
Getting into the right mindset. As a woman, it’s easy to come up with how a woman might think depending on her personality and beliefs, but it’s harder to do for a man. At least, for me it is. I try to separate the woman in me from the male I come up with in a book.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
It depends on how complicated the story is and how much free time I have on my hands. Deliverance and Dissension took me about a year to write on and off. The Giver of Life trilogy took me several months per book.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
Absolutely. When I’m stressed, overworked, or too tired I can’t come up with anything new. It makes it difficult for me to focus on writing and feels more like a chore when there’s nothing blooming. I try to counterattack writer’s block sometimes by concentrating on other tasks, unwinding, or going on for long walks. On occasions, it works. Others, it doesn’t.
I’m an introvert with social anxiety who’s always pushing myself to do things I’m not comfortable with. If it bothers me, I’ll find a way to accomplish it just to see how far I can go.
Tell us something really interesting that's happened to you!
I’ve been confused with a middle school student more than once.
What are some of your pet peeves?
People who talk to me while I’m reading. People who use the streets as their personal trash bins. Getting my soaks wet. Noisy neighbors when I’m trying to sleep.
Where were you born/grew up at?
I was born in Puerto Rico but was raised in New Jersey. I’ve lived in the island for a few years but moved back to the states when I was 14 and never left.
If you knew you'd die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
I’d spend my day surrounded by those I love the most. I’d go out and check as many things on my bucket list as I could before the end of the day.
Who is your hero and why?
I don’t admire just one person. I tend to look up to people who persevere despite all the odds. Something about each of these people inspire me to keep going and never give up.
What kind of world ruler would you be?
Kind. Compassionate. Fair.
What are you passionate about these days?
I’m passionate about many things. Those include doing things I’ve put off for so long. I have many goals in mind and I feel like it’s the right time to accomplish as many of them as I can.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
When I want to unwind after a particularly long day at work or an overall stressful day, I enjoy taking a bubble bath and reading in the tub. Or laying in bed while reading. Sometimes I go for long walks.
How to find time to write as a parent?
I get asked this a lot and I’ll be honest, it isn’t easy. As a working mom, finding time to write is one of my greatest challenges. Most days, I wait until the kids go to bed for the night to take refuge in the writing cave. When the time permits, I try to sneak in an hour or two of writing during the weekends. It all depends on how pact my schedule is and what plans I have for the day.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Introvert. Bookwork. Smart. Shy. Quiet.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I believe the moment I felt like a true writer was when my first book was published. It wasn’t official to me or even real until that moment.
Do you have a favorite movie?
One of my favorite movies is 50 First Dates. Everyone looks at me weird when I say that, but there’s something so romantic about a man who goes well out of his way to make the woman he’s head over heels for, fall in love with him every day. It’s my kind of fairy tale.
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
I’d love to see Deliverance turned into a movie.
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
The Tiger.
What inspired you to write this book?
Deliverance was born out of a dream I had a little over five years ago. I saw bits and pieces of images and people that I put together in a notebook the morning after. Once all the details were recorded, I began to piece together a much larger puzzle that took me over a year to complete.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I’m currently working on several sequels to other books of mine that have already been published.
Do you have any “side stories” about the characters?
There are a few side stories that might come to light in upcoming books. In book 3, readers will find out more about Kristina and her family.
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Deliverance?
Our male lead is a man who has been imprisoned his entire life and utilized as an assassin for the corporation he’s imprisoned by. He was born in the Institute where he has been kept and doesn’t trust people for reasons that are made obvious right off the bat when you begin reading the book. But he’s hiding many layers of secrets.
Kristina is an independent, family oriented young woman who trusts what she knows and what she’s comfortable with. When she meets Tiger, she’s forced to do things that are far from her comfort zone. When these two clash, they’ll have to learn to look past their differences if they want to survive.
How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book?
Once I had all the details of the dream sorted out, I began plotting key points of the story that would form a steady pyramid at the end. It wasn’t easy. I wrestled with one concept then found that I wasn’t satisfied with it, so I went back to the drawing board. It took some deep analyzing to finally take the book in the direction I wanted all along.
I knew all along that Tiger wouldn’t be human. At least, not entirely. But it took some weeks of back and forth to finally decide who and what he was to make the story fall into place. The rest came to me naturally once I had the main plot points figured out.
Where did you come up with the names in the story?
The names for the main characters of Deliverance I heard in the dream. Initially, I knew that Tiger wouldn’t stay Tiger for the entire first book, but it was the nickname I heard used in my dream, so I went with it. I knew I could give him another name later, so it didn’t matter all that much.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
Bringing the story to life. Giving realism to Tiger specifically, as he was the most complicated character to write about due to his complex background and upbringing. I knew from the start that getting readers to sympathize with a man who was raised as a killer wasn’t going to be an easy feat. But that was part of the challenge I took on from the start, and I highly enjoyed bringing a side of him to light that not many were expecting.
It was fun. And as his character continues to evolve, I find myself immersing myself in his development even more than I did in the beginning.
Tell us about your main characters. What makes them tick?
Tiger hates injustice.
Kristina has a hard time going past her comfort zone.
Who designed your book covers?
The wonderful Najla Qamber at http://www.najlaqamberdesigns.com/
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I’m happy and very satisfied with the way Deliverance and Dissension turned out. I wouldn’t change a thing about either book.
Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?
Yes, there’s no such thing as too much research. Facts are very important when using real locations or historical.
How did you come up with name of this book?
I wanted a title that would convey what the story was about and had a special meaning without giving too much away. Deliverance fit perfectly.
If you could spend time with a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day?
Tiger. I’d love to spend a day and teach him things he’d never seen or heard before and see the look of amazement on his face as he gobbles up new information.
Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
These particular characters are entirely a product of my imagination. It isn’t rare for me to base some characters on real people, but those in Deliverance were not.
Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?
Sometimes my characters hijack the story and lead it in a different path than what I intended. The Giver of Life is a prime example of that. However, with Deliverance, I was in control. Most of the time. There were some scenes where either Kristina or Tiger took over, but it was never for long.
Have you written any other books that are not published?
Yes, I do, and I honestly don’t know if they will ever be published. Some books I wrote were back when I first started writing and wasn’t very good at it. I’ve improved quite a bit since then, but still have so much to learn. Perhaps when I get to a point where I feel like I’m an amazing writer—if that day ever comes—then I’ll give them another go and rewrite them before seeing about getting them published. For now, they just sit in my USB, waiting to get a home.
What did you edit out of this book?
Originally, I entertained the idea of making Deliverance the first book in a saga or a series. But as I made progress with the story, I realized that I preferred to leave readers with the option as to whether they wanted to continue reading more of Tiger and Kristina or not. So, I rewrote the ending so that it didn’t end in a cliffhanger. For those who enjoy the book and want to stop there, they most certainly can. But if they want to know what happens next, they can pick up Dissension and the following installments.
How long have you been writing?
Going on six years now.
Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?
Some I come up with ahead of starting the book. Others come as I’m already invested in the story. I guess it really depends on how much I’ve outlined or plotted to begin with and what direction the book goes once it’s started.
Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?
I do read. I try to read at least 3-4 books per month depending on how much free time I have. However, it doesn’t always work out that way. But my favorite genres to read are paranormal, thrillers, horror, romance, historical romance, some fantasy, and dystopian.
What are you currently reading?
Beyond Night by Eric S. Brown.
Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?
I always have music on when I’m writing. I can’t concentrate as well when it’s quiet as opposed when music is blasting via my headphones.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
Originality is what I strive for. I’m not entirely sure if I always accomplish this goal, but I try. Lately, I ask myself often if I should write what readers expect of me or go deeper into what I want the story to be. I had this issue with the Giver of Life trilogy and it almost made me scratch book 2 and 3 altogether and forget about them. I wanted to write books that didn’t fall into the norm, so to speak. Where if there was more than one love interest, it didn’t end how readers anticipated it would, but rather take some different twists and turns instead. Because life is full of twists and turns. Nothing is ever as you expect them to be and with that series, I hoped to convey that message clearly. Book 2 has gotten mixed reviews so I’m unsure if I delivered the message correctly or not. I’ll just have to have and see what readers will think of book 3 when it comes out in January.
If you could tell your younger writing self-anything, what would it be?
Write as much as you can. Read. Read. And read some more. Do your research thoroughly. Keep going. Don’t stop. Try your hardest. Inform yourself.
What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?
Getting into the right mindset. As a woman, it’s easy to come up with how a woman might think depending on her personality and beliefs, but it’s harder to do for a man. At least, for me it is. I try to separate the woman in me from the male I come up with in a book.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
It depends on how complicated the story is and how much free time I have on my hands. Deliverance and Dissension took me about a year to write on and off. The Giver of Life trilogy took me several months per book.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
Absolutely. When I’m stressed, overworked, or too tired I can’t come up with anything new. It makes it difficult for me to focus on writing and feels more like a chore when there’s nothing blooming. I try to counterattack writer’s block sometimes by concentrating on other tasks, unwinding, or going on for long walks. On occasions, it works. Others, it doesn’t.
Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!
Aug 6
kickoff at Silver Dagger Book Tours
AC Squared Book Blog
Mythical Books
Aug 7
Sweet Southern $avings
Java John Z's
Aug 8
Laurie's Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews
Inside the Insanity – GUEST POST
Aug 9
Readeropolis – GUEST POST
Midnight Book Reader
Aug 10
Deal Sharing Aunt
A Modern Day Fairy Tale
Aug 11
Girl with Pen
Aug 12
Kerrific Online
Aug 13
A Mama's Corner of the World
Bedazzled By Books
Aug 14
2 chicks and a book
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too!
Aug 15
A Pinch of Bookdust
Bookish Reviews
Aug 16
Book-Lover
Books all things paranormal and romance
Aug 17
books are love
Sapphyria's Book Reviews
Aug 18
Books a Plenty Book Reviews
Aug 19
Book Crazy – GUEST POST
Anna del C. Dye official page
Aug 20
Books,Dreams,Life
C Exley Books
Aug 21
Bound 2 Escape
James Quinlan Meservy - Author
Aug 22
Chapters through life
Luv Saving Money
Aug 23
All the Ups and Downs – GUEST POST
Laurisa White Reyes, Author
Aug 24
Maiden of the Pages
Scrupulous Dreams
Aug 25
Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
Aug 26
My Chaotic Ramblings
Aug 27
Paranormal Palace of Pleasures
Speculative Fiction Spot
Aug 28
Rabid Readers Book Blog
Stacking My Book Shelves!
Aug 29
Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer
Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin'
Aug 30
SJ's book blog
Sylv.net
Aug 31
Authors & Readers Book Corner
T's Stuff
Sep 1
United Indie Book Blog
Twisted Book Ramblings
Sep 2
Teatime and Books
Sep 3
Aconite Cafe
The Book Dragon
Sep 4
Smada's Book Smack – REVIEW
eBook Addicts
Sep 5
Triple A
Declarations of a Fangirl
Sep 6
Jazzy Book Reviews – REVIEW
Paulette's Papers
Aug 6
kickoff at Silver Dagger Book Tours
AC Squared Book Blog
Mythical Books
Aug 7
Sweet Southern $avings
Java John Z's
Aug 8
Laurie's Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews
Inside the Insanity – GUEST POST
Aug 9
Readeropolis – GUEST POST
Midnight Book Reader
Aug 10
Deal Sharing Aunt
A Modern Day Fairy Tale
Aug 11
Girl with Pen
Aug 12
Kerrific Online
Aug 13
A Mama's Corner of the World
Bedazzled By Books
Aug 14
2 chicks and a book
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too!
Aug 15
A Pinch of Bookdust
Bookish Reviews
Aug 16
Book-Lover
Books all things paranormal and romance
Aug 17
books are love
Sapphyria's Book Reviews
Aug 18
Books a Plenty Book Reviews
Aug 19
Book Crazy – GUEST POST
Anna del C. Dye official page
Aug 20
Books,Dreams,Life
C Exley Books
Aug 21
Bound 2 Escape
James Quinlan Meservy - Author
Aug 22
Chapters through life
Luv Saving Money
Aug 23
All the Ups and Downs – GUEST POST
Laurisa White Reyes, Author
Aug 24
Maiden of the Pages
Scrupulous Dreams
Aug 25
Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
Aug 26
My Chaotic Ramblings
Aug 27
Paranormal Palace of Pleasures
Speculative Fiction Spot
Aug 28
Rabid Readers Book Blog
Stacking My Book Shelves!
Aug 29
Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer
Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin'
Aug 30
SJ's book blog
Sylv.net
Aug 31
Authors & Readers Book Corner
T's Stuff
Sep 1
United Indie Book Blog
Twisted Book Ramblings
Sep 2
Teatime and Books
Sep 3
Aconite Cafe
The Book Dragon
Sep 4
Smada's Book Smack – REVIEW
eBook Addicts
Sep 5
Triple A
Declarations of a Fangirl
Sep 6
Jazzy Book Reviews – REVIEW
Paulette's Papers
