Can you tell us a little bit about "Witches, Demons, & Deals?"
Well, Witches, Demons, & Deals is a collection of short stories that is part of a prequel to an upcoming series called the Chronicles of Illumination. This collection is actually just part one of four parts that will be supporting the series over the next three years. I am actually very excited about it. In the collection you see all of the main characters from the upcoming series as well as introductions to my world of Illumination.
What's your background with writing?
My writing background is varied. I have been doing marketing research and writing for the parks and recreation industry in IL for the last 10 years while running programs, facilities, and working towards my english degree. This collection is my first fiction publication, but not my first professional publication. I have been writing how to articles on concessions and teaching seminars as well in recreation facilities.
Who are your inspirations/influences?
Wow, that is a bit of a loaded question for me. The influence for this series is actually White Wolf role playing games. About five years ago they did a revamp of their role playing games and asked for writers to put together submissions for new projects. I always thought witches, gypsies, and humans were really under represented. While compiling all this information and creating a world to submit I found that I had all these great characters and stories that I wanted to share. So, a fellow author and friend, Katrina Rue, suggested I turn my work into a novel. That is what inspired me to start my series. It has just been snow-balling since. When it comes to writers I love, you can find me curled up reading everything from Charliane Harris, J.K. Rowling, Joseph Delaney, Cinda Williams Chima, and especially Joss Whedon.
What was it like working with Amazon.com and BN.com?
It has been a great experience. They have a lot of support for new authors trying to get their work out there. I would recommend them to anyone.
Who was responsible for the cover/book design?
I actually did it all myself. It took me a while to get it to look the way I wanted to. I know for the future books I am going to have to hire a cover artist since I don't have the technical skill to do it myself.
What are you doing in terms of marketing/publicity?
Well, since the book just came out in January, I have been working to set-up a virtual tour. You are actually my first interview, but I have several others scheduled but no firm dates yet on releases. Also, I have been using the Amazon message boards, Facebook, and my personal blog to help promote my work.
Do you have any stories from book signings/radio interviews/etc.?
Not at this time. I have yet to make any public appearances, because I am knee deep in working on my next two projects.
What is the name of your blog and what can readers expect to find there?
My blog is One Goat and a Cauldron. The name is actually inspired by my character of Raisa Vladimir and her crazy family. On my blog readers can expect to here my thoughts on new projects, whats happening in my personal world, and anticdotes on life in and around Chicago. I love getting the chance to give my persepective on what is happening in the world in and out of publishing. On the earlier posts, you can see all about Mrs. Vladimir and her family.
What projects do you have planned for the future?
Currently, I am in the processes of editing a second prelude novel with my editor on Pandora's Box called Pandora's Last Breath which should be coming out this summer, and I am in the process of completing edits on the first novel in the Chronicles of Illumination called Hunted. Raisa and Damian from my current book are major characters in the novel. Also, I am putting together an anthology for independent authors called Extreme Supernatural Makeover which is also due out this summer. None, of this includes the projects I am writing right now which is book two in the Illumination Chronicles and another Prelude Book called Death's Merchant, but those wont be available until some time next year. Looking at this it sounds like I have a really full plate right now!
Is there anything else about you we should know?
Well, I am in the process of setting up a virtual tour for my book Witches, Demons, & Deals as well as for my anthology, so I am looking for individuals and blogs interested in doing reviews and interviews for the coming months. I am trying to pack my schedule since the busier I am the more I seem to accomplish in my writing. I tend to be a huge procrastinator. Anyone who wants to contact me can get ahold of me via my blog or email. You can also find me on facebook here!
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