“Rachel, I’m not turning this car around just because you forgot something. What could possibly be so important?” My mother’s clipped, irritable tone would normally make me back down instantly, but I couldn’t afford to lose this particular argument.
“I need to…” I trailed off as I watched the figure draw closer to our car. I could feel his eyes on me and the pull at my magic as it came closer. My heart beat wildly and sweat began to gather on my upper lip. The Alexanders warned me about Hunters, but I’d never really believed them—not until now.
“If you need something, you’ll buy it here, or you won’t have it. Understood?” She opened the car door and grabbed her purse. I wondered if a Hunter would dare attack me in the crowded Wal-Mart parking lot. Prickles of fear shot up my spine, and I decided I didn’t want to find out how persistent a Hunter could be.
“Wait!” I shouted, grabbing the strap of her purse and nearly causing it to break. “I…” The Hunter was so close now; I could make out the ragged outline of his tattered clothing. He slipped in between parked cars and crept closer. I cursed myself for having left my necklace at home. I knew my request to drive twenty miles back home seemed absurd to my mother, but I couldn’t afford to travel all the way to Atlanta without it. If the Hunters could find me here, they could find me anywhere.
My mother’s furious gaze settled on me, and in times past, I would have stammered an apology. Opening and closing my mouth in helpless desperation, I glanced behind me; the creature was so close, I could see his glowing red eyes. Clutching at my mother’s arm, I vowed that if I escaped my present danger unscathed, I would never doubt Jerica’s warnings again. Panic emboldened me, and I met my mother’s angry stare.
I delved into her mind, felt our connection click into place, and overrode her will with minimal effort. “We must return home. You left the iron on,” I lied. Her eyes widened as the implanted notion took root.
She gasped. “Oh, my goodness! Rachel, I think I left the iron on. We’ll have to go back home. Call your brother and tell him we’ll be a little later than we expected,” she urged as she slammed the car door shut. Another mental nudge from my mind had her peeling out of the parking spot, nearly hitting the Hunter as we passed him.
I trembled from head to toe during our drive back home, and my shallow breathing made me feel light-headed. Scanning my surroundings, I flew into the house, grabbed my necklace, and fumbled with the clasp as I placed it around my neck. In an instant, my panic subsided, and I took a deep breath.
“Was I right? Did I leave the iron on?” Mama asked as I climbed into the passenger seat.
“Yes. It’s a good thing you remembered,” I said.
“It certainly was a blessing we decided to stop off at Wal-Mart, wasn’t it?” she asked. I nodded in agreement. It was a blessing. Had we made it to Atlanta without my necklace, I’d have been a Hunter magnet for a week. And, had one caught up with me, I never would have made it back to Oaktree. At least not alive.
The Claiming Words is available in paperback, and Kindle and Nook soon, at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online stores.
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I’d like to thank Natalie Star for tagging me in The Next Big Thing blog hop. The usual way this blog hop works is for each tagged author to answer the questions about their most current book. But since I’ve been tagged for this Wednesday, and this week is TriciaPalooza week, Tricia and I are going to bend the rules a bit. This week, Tricia will answer the questions here, and next week I’ll answer them on her blog.
And now…The Next Big Thing…
What is the working title of your book?
The title of my book is The Claiming Words.
Where did the idea come from for the book?
For me, the characters come first. Three of my main characters started chattering in my head. Well, actually, they were arguing. I felt compelled to put it down on paper, and from there, The Claiming Words eventually emerged.
What genre does your book fall under?
My book is romantic fantasy for Young Adults. I could probably call it paranormal romance, but I don’t have any vampires or werewolves which is what most readers expect to find within the pages of a book in that genre.
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Okay, this is probably the hardest question for me to answer. I don’t really watch a lot of television and I rarely go to the movies. I’m probably the worst when it comes to coming up with the names of actors and actresses. I’d like to say Emma Watson could play Alisa. I think of China Ann McClain when I think of 
Rachel, though China is a bit young. But, she’s adorable and very talented.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? When danger and magic come to the small town of Oaktree, can Rachel and Alisa put aside their differences over their love for the same guy in order to defeat the evil that stalks them?
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
My book has been published by Iconic Publishing.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
It took less than three months to write the first draft. Edits and rewrites are a whole different story.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I think people bring up Twilight any time there’s a YA book with paranormal or romantic themes. I’d compare it to The Timeless Series Novels by Lisa Wiedmeier or Chrysalis by Michel Prince.
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
Writing is something I’ve always wanted to do. I think my love of reading is what inspired me. I’m in awe of anyone who can weave a good tale, so I think it would be safe to say I was inspired by every author I’ve ever read.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
For a paranormal novel, The Claiming Words isn’t particularly dark. You’d think that a book with Witches and Demons would be gothic and moody, but it really isn’t. It’s actually quite funny in spots. 
Thanks, Tricia. I truly hope your book is the next big thing. I have tagged the following authors. Visit their blogs next week to read about their latest WIP or book release.
Tricia Drammeh
Greg Hart
Jade Kerrion
Liliana Soare
Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win an eBook copy of The Claiming Words.
About Alisa Cole:
At sixteen years old, Alisa Cole, main character of The Claiming Words, is a junior in high school. She is bullied by the other kids in school, picked on by her own cousin, and has never been kissed. When Jace Alexander moves to town, everything changes.
Hello, Alisa. I’ve read the novel you’re in and am so excited you’re here today. Did you ever think that your life would end up being in a book?
Are you kidding me? I have the most boring life ever, or at least I used to. Until I met my writer, I thought I was destined for a life of endless nothingness. Of course, there are times I crave the consistency of days past. Sometimes there’s a high price to pay for excitement.
Tell us about your favorite scene in the book.
*blushes* My first kiss. It was everything I’d ever hoped it would be and more. *sighs*
Oh yeah, that was a good scene. If you could rewrite anything in your book, what would it be?
Hmm. If you’d asked me that question last November, I would have had an entirely different answer. At the time, I begged my writer to write things differently, but now I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m currently in negotiations with my writer about a few situations she’s written me into in the next book. I can’t decide whether or not she’s cruel, or if she just likes to mess with me.
Probably just likes to mess with you. I know Tricia, and she can be full of mischief, but she’s really a very nice person. What impression do you make on people when they first meet you?
People think I’m a total geek when they meet me. I’m shy and awkward around people, so they usually write me off.
Been there, been that, sister. How about after people have known you for a while?
Once I get to know someone, I can be funny. I’m a very loyal friend, so for those few people who take the time to get to know me, I will fight to the death to defend them.
A good trait to have. Tell us about your best friend.
I have two best friends. My first best friend was a former crush. My second best friend is his girlfriend. Sound weird? Yeah, it sort of is, but my friends are the best. I’d trust them with my life.
What are you most afraid of?
Public speaking. No, really. I don’t mean to trivialize everything else I’ve been through, but public speaking is the absolute worst. Give me Hunters and Demons any day, but ask me to get up in front of my class and read something? Nope.
You and I are very alike, Alisa. Except you're the athletic type and I'm not. What’s the best trait your author has given you?
My author made me very perceptive.
What’s the worst?
Unfortunately, she also made me ridiculously self-conscious, so I’m always doubting myself.
How do you feel about your life right now?
My life is probably the best it’s ever been. That being said, everything is up in the air. I’m so afraid it’s all going to fall apart,like I don’t deserve the happiness I’ve been given. I’m surrounded by people who are special in every way, and I’m pretty ordinary. Sometimes I’m scared they’ll begin to wonder what they’re doing hanging around with someone so ordinary. Don’t tell Jace or Rachel I said that.
My lips are zipped. What, if anything, would you like to change about your life?
Nothing. And everything. It’s hard to explain without giving away all the Alexanders’ secrets.
Very intriguing. And since I’ve read The Claiming Words, I know some of the Alexanders’ secrets. And boy, are they some doozy secrets! It was good talking with you, Alisa. Come back when your next book comes out, okay? And keep Tricia on her toes.
You can find Alisa in The Claiming Words, and you can find The Claiming Words in paperback now, and Kindle and Nook soon, at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online stores.
You can find Alisa's author,Tricia Drammeh, at:
Leave a comment below for a chance to win The Claiming Words in eBook.
This week we're celebrating the launch of Tricia Drammeh's new YA novel, The Claiming Words, a paranormal romance. Yesterday we talked with the author about her book. Today we have an excerpt from the book.
The main characters are high school students, and Tricia has given them personalities we all know and love...and some we hate. In this excerpt, Alisa, the shy, quiet, unpopular type, is befriended by the new guy--a very handsome and very popular new guy named Jace...
The Claiming Words
By the time school rolled around the next day, I’d nearly convinced myself I’d dreamt everything from the walk home until I woke up in the morning. When I arrived in first period, I staked out my usual spot in the back of the classroom and tried to finish my homework.
Jace entered the classroom alone and took a seat beside me. “How are you today? Are you alright?”
“I’m fine. How are you, though?” I asked softly.
“Great. I’m looking forward to dinner tonight. You’re still coming, right?” He smiled at me, and I fell even more deeply in love with him.
“Absolutely,” I said, returning his smile.
“You should give me your phone number,” he said. I scribbled my number on a sheet of notebook paper. He hadn’t accepted Becky’s number when she offered; I wondered why.
Jace spoke to me for a couple of minutes and I struggled to think of witty, semi-coherent replies. I wasn’t a very skilled conversationalist, so I was somewhat relieved when he moved to his seat at the front of the room. He probably felt obligated to talk to me, I thought. I decided I wouldn’t embarrass myself by trailing after him like a lovesick puppy.
I expected our early morning conversation to be the extent of our interaction at school, but I was wrong. I sat alone at the back of the lunchroom and picked at the unrecognizable food on my lunch tray. A sudden wind lifted the wisps of hair at the nape of my neck, and in an instant, the hottest guy in our school pulled up a chair to sit next to me.
“What are you doing here?” I blurted, gaping at Jace.
“Do you mind if I sit next to you?” he asked, gesturing at the four empty chairs grouped around the table where we sat.
“You don’t have to,” I said. “That’s good to know. What is this crap?” The fact that he couldn’t identify the food before him didn’t seem to dampen his appetite. He shoved forkfuls into his mouth, and I cringed as he devoured the mystery meat. Jace chatted in between bites as if it were perfectly normal to be sitting there with me. I felt like I should tell him he was off the hook—that he didn’t have to pretend to like me just because he thought I’d saved his life.
“Hey, aren’t you eating?” he asked. I shook my head, and he attacked my food with gusto. “My brother and I will pick you up for dinner tonight.”
I shivered as I recalled Bryce’s penetrating, cold stare. “I can walk. I like walking.”
“Yeah, but still. It may not be safe,” he insisted, glancing around the cafeteria to make sure no one was watching. They were. Everyone was staring. Jace leaned in closer, and I shivered. “You need protection.”
“Your brother said I’m not the one they’re looking for. What does that mean?” I asked, shocking myself. Ordinarily, I let others ask the questions, but my curiosity couldn’t be contained.
“Shhh. We’ll talk about it later. So, do you want to come over right after school?”
“I don’t know if I can. I mean, I didn’t ask…” I stammered. “My mom’s picking me up today…” 
“Just make sure she lets you come over tonight.” His smile stole my breath away and I nodded in agreement. “Let me know if you need help convincing her, because I can be very persuasive,” he claimed. I blushed and glanced away. I imagined he could persuade me to do nearly anything.
Jace continued eating and talking to me as if it were the most natural thing in the world. He didn’t act martyred or uncomfortable. I briefly entertained the idea that perhaps Jace actually saw me as a real person. I’d barely said a word to him, and yet he continued an almost one-sided conversation until the bell rang.
As I scurried nervously from the lunchroom, Jace finished up the last couple of morsels of food on my tray. “Hey, Alisa,” Jace practically shouted across the still full lunchroom. “I’ll see you tonight.”
I nodded to indicate I’d heard him, and then made my hasty retreat. I was painfully aware that half the school was watching me as I rushed to my next class. If he continued to associate with me, he’d better be prepared to join me in the cesspool of Cooper High gossip. I hoped he wouldn’t choose his budding popularity over our newly established friendship. I was tired of being alone.
About the author:
The Claiming Words is Tricia Drammeh's debut novel, the first in a series. She is a mom, reader, blogger, writer, and coffee drinker living in St. Charles, Missouri with her husband and children. She can be reached at:
“I need to…” I trailed off as I watched the figure draw closer to our car. I could feel his eyes on me and the pull at my magic as it came closer. My heart beat wildly and sweat began to gather on my upper lip. The Alexanders warned me about Hunters, but I’d never really believed them—not until now. 
I delved into her mind, felt our connection click into place, and overrode her will with minimal effort. “We must return home. You left the iron on,” I lied. Her eyes widened as the implanted notion took root. 
Connect with Tricia:
