I'm happy to have Wayne Zurl, author of the Sam Jenkins mystery series, here today to talk with us about his newest novel, Heroes & Lovers. This is Wayne's third full novel, although he's written many novelettes. Wayne writes mysteries with humor and great characters. Best of all, his town of Prospect, Tennessee isn't far from Goose Pimple Junction.
About Heroes & Lovers (A Sam Jenkins Mystery)
Sam Jenkins might say, “Falling in love is like catching a cold. It’s infectious and involuntary. Just don’t sneeze on any innocent people.”
Getting kidnapped and becoming infatuated with a married policeman never made TV reporter Rachel Williamson’s list of things to do before Christmas. But helping her friend, Sam Jenkins with a fraud investigation would be fun and get her an exclusive story.
Sam’s investigation put Rachel in the wrong place at the wrong time and her abduction by a mentally disturbed fan, ruined several days of her life.
When Jenkins learns Rachel has gone missing, he cancels holiday leaves, mobilizes the personnel at Prospect PD, and enlists his friends from the FBI to help find her.
During the early stages of the investigation, Sam develops several promising leads, but as they begin to fizzle, his prime suspect drops off the planet and all the resources of the FBI aren’t helping.
After a lucky break and a little old-fashioned pressure on an informant produce an important clue, the chief leads his team deep into the Smoky Mountains to rescue his friend. But after Rachel is once again safe at home, he finds their problems are far from over.
Howdy, Wayne. You've written a lot of Sam Jenkins mysteries. What is the best part of writing for you?
All
my adult jobs have involved writing in one way or another. Long before I
began dabbling in anything creative, I wrote reports in the Army and
police department. I got a kick out of hearing a senior officer say that
I’d submitted something well written. And, on occasion, someone in
upper management would read my report before they ever met me. So, I
made sure what I turned in would be good enough for them to remember the
guy who wrote it. All this is pressing ahead to how I enjoy hearing
people pump my ego with praise of what I write.
After
I retired, I took a volunteer job at a state park where among other
things, I wrote publicity for their living history program. Those pieces
led to twenty-six non-fiction magazine articles. Occasionally, I’d meet
readers who liked what I wrote—more opportunity for ego building. But I
also got paid for my efforts and thought that was cool.
In
2006, I decided to try writing fiction. I figured I could base (loosely
or otherwise) my stories on old cases I investigated or supervised.
That looked like the fun part of the chore. I enjoyed that aspect most
and still do. That’s the best part of writing.
What is the worst?
Post-publication
marketing and promotions. I’d love to be operating back in the old days
where a publisher’s PR department did all the work and writers only
attended book signings and radio and TV interviews. Realistically, I’ll
never see that scenario.
I would totally agree with you on that. How would you describe your book in a tweet? (140 characters or less.)
A
simple arrest ends in tragedy. Sam Jenkins does some serious ass
kickin’ to save a friend in HEROES & LOVERS, a #police #thriller.
That one weighed in at 132, sir. Lookin’ good. How did you create the plot for this book?
In
the first two novels and all fifteen novelettes, Sam Jenkins has been
developing an emotional involvement with TV reporter, Rachel Williamson.
Both characters are married (to other people,) and so far things are
professional and platonic. But I wanted something to make readers grit
their teeth, and I didn’t want the tired old tension-getter, common to
so many cop stories, where the hero goes into a situation without backup
and finds himself in jeopardy.
I’ve
seen several very successful TV shows go on for years with a premise of
sexual tension between two main characters who aren’t involved in a
conventional way. I liked the idea and needed a reason to get Sam and
Rachel a little closer. I wanted readers (and especially females who buy
more books) to question my sanity. I want them to say, “Hey, he’s
married. What is he doing?”
Those interested should stay tuned
and find out if Sam and Rachel have an affair. Does it last? Does Sam
leave Kate? Real soap opera, huh?
To keep this a cop opera, and
not steamy Harlequin romance material, I needed legitimate police work
to lead them into a story-worthy problem. The initial “scheme to
defraud” investigation gets Sam and Rachel working together closely.
Later, circumstances throw them into a relationship neither turns away
from.
As Rachel wraps up her news coverage of the fraud scam,
she’s kidnapped in Sam’s jurisdiction, and everything becomes
super-personal for the chief, and the reader sees a darker side of our
normally genial, wise-cracking ex-detective.
I dug into my bag
of war stories and used an actual incident of an assault / attempted
rape of one of the secretaries from where I worked. That wasn’t my case,
but for me and every other person around me, it became a top priority
and many people worked their off-duty time to find the guilty party.
How do you develop your characters?
Most
of the characters I invent are based on people I knew—or they’re
composites of more than one person. This helps me determine how those
personalities will react to a certain situation and what they’ll say and
how they’ll speak. That’s extremely helpful in writing dialogue and
giving these people unique voices. If I can hear how a real person
spoke, I can perpetuate their fictional voices.
Reviews are a necessary evil for authors. How do you handle criticism of your work?
Like
everyone else, I enjoy positive criticism. I feel the “warm fuzzies”
and they improve my day. Occasionally, someone tosses a few “cold
pricklies” at me and, by necessity, I dissect the negative information.
First,
I try to identify where the critic is coming from. Are they just
speaking about a personal dislike? Intellectually, I know I’ll never
please all of the people all of the time, and while nasty remarks hurt, I
have no choice but to let them go. Readers are entitled to their
opinions . . . Until I hunt them down and meet them in a dark alley
and then—just kidding.
If I can determine that the critic is
more professionally capable of analyzing my story technically, I’ll
still feel bad over the [possibly] nasty comment, but I’ll look for
important constructive criticism that may make future work better.
When
I belonged to an on-line writer’s workshop, occasionally I’d run into a
reviewer who lacked all bedside manner and never tried to soften the
negative comments they felt compelled to make. Fortunately, most of
those fellow writers were part of a minority and nothing but toads who
thought they knew it all. But among those assorted ineffectual readers,
I’d find a few intelligent but obnoxious authors who, in a most
unfriendly way, offered gems of wisdom. Only a fool would disregard good
information that could make a finished product better.
I’d always file away this good advice, but still look forward to that dark, back alley.
I’m a collector of quotes. What’s one of your favorites?
Back
in the 18th century, Edward Gibbon said, “I never make the mistake of
arguing with people for whose opinions I have no respect.” Good advice
that can save you a lot of aggravation.
That
reminds me of one of my favorite southern proverbs: Never argue with a
pig. It just frustrates you and irritates the pig." Anyway…you live in
beautiful Tennessee, but if you could live anywhere in the world, where
would it be?
After
an extremely warm and dry summer, I’ve rekindled my interest in
Scotland. Years ago, when the exchange rate was $1.03 to the pound, we
considered buying a stone cottage in the Highlands and retiring there.
But Reaganomics decided American tourists should spend their travel
dollars in the US and miraculously, a pound sterling ended up costing
$1.75 almost overnight. In effect, my pension dollar had been cut almost
in half and the idea of moving to Scotland took a back seat to the
mountains of East Tennessee. I’ve been to Scotland thirteen times. I’d
go back in a heartbeat. It’s a great place.
Discounting
Scotland, if you could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would
you go? Don’t worry about the money. Your publisher is paying.
I’m
getting in the mood for another trip to Alaska. And since money is no
object, I’d book the best cabin on a small cruise boat and go from
Ketchikan to Juneau along the Inside Passage. From there, we’d fly to
Anchorage and spend a couple of days in the Captain Cook Hotel. Then,
rent a cabin in Homer for a week of fishing for halibut and salmon and a
flight to the Katmai Peninsula to photograph the brown bear and watch
them catch a few salmon.
You have written a gazillion things and have had three books published this year. What are you working on now?
I’m
about ready to finalize the second pass of edits and revisions to a
novel I call PIGEON RIVER BLUES. It’s Sam Jenkins’ first venture into
the world of country and western music. Here’s the jacket summary I’ve
come up with:
Winter in the Smokies can be a tranquil time of year—unless Sam Jenkins sticks his thumb into the sweet potato pie.
The
ex-New York detective turned Tennessee police chief is minding his own
business one quiet day in February when Mayor Ronnie Shields asks him to
act as a bodyguard for a famous country and western star.
C.J.
Profitt’s return to her hometown of Prospect receives lots of publicity .
. . and threats from a rightwing group calling themselves The Coalition
for American Family Values.
The beautiful, publicity seeking
Ms. Proffit never fails to capitalize on her abrasive personality by
flaunting her alternative lifestyle—a way of living the Coalition hates.
Reluctantly, Jenkins accepts the assignment of keeping C.J.
safe while she performs at a charity benefit. But his job becomes more
difficult when the object of his protection refuses to cooperate.
During
this misadventure, Sam hires a down-on-his-luck ex-New York detective
and finds himself thrown back in time with old Army acquaintances who
factor into a complicated plot of attempted murder, the destruction of a
Dollywood music hall, and other general insurrection on Sam’s “peaceful
side of the Smokies.”
When I finish my work, I’ll see how my publisher / editor likes the idea.
I’m sure he will like it just fine. I hope you’ll come back when it’s ready to be published. Thanks for stopping by, Wayne.
Thanks, Amy, for inviting me to your blog and introducing me to your fans and followers.
About the author:
>
Wayne Zurl grew up on Long Island and retired after twenty years with the Suffolk County Police Department, one of the largest municipal law enforcement agencies in New York and the nation. For thirteen of those years he served as a section commander supervising investigators. He is a graduate of SUNY, Empire State College and served on active duty in the US Army during the Vietnam War and later in the reserves. Zurl left New York to live in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with his wife, Barbara.
Fifteen (15) of his Sam Jenkins mysteries have been produced as audio books and simultaneously published as eBooks. Ten (10) of these novelettes are now available in print under the titles of A MURDER IN KNOXVILLE and Other Smoky Mountain Mysteries and REENACTING A MURDER and Other Smoky Mountain Mysteries. Zurl’s first full-length novel, A NEW PROSPECT, was named best mystery at the 2011 Indie Book Awards, chosen as 1st Runner-Up from all Commercial Fiction at the 2012 Eric Hoffer Book Awards, and was nominated for a Montaigne Medal and First Horizon Book Award. His second novel, A LEPRECHAUN’S LAMENT, is available in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle. A third full-length novel, HEROES & LOVERS, is scheduled for release on Sept 29, 2012.
For more information on Wayne’s Sam Jenkins mystery series see www.waynezurlbooks.net. You can read excerpts, reviews and endorsements, interviews, coming events, and see photos of the area where the stories take place.
Look for Wayne at these places:
Facebook page
Goodreads author page
Twitter
Amazon author page
Amazon: Heroes & Lovers
Barnes & Noble: Heroes & Lovers
Today we’re talking with Henry, Kyra Gregory’s young protagonist from Secrets Clad in Light. With little education, he spent most of his life working for the upper-class where Seth, the black sheep of the family, was in his care. Headstrong about his desires, he always prepared himself for the consequences of his actions, even those of loving another man. Although not very trusting by nature, he is known to be very caring and protective of those around him. And now, a chat with Henry:
Hello, Henry. Tell us about your favorite scene in the book.
I felt so many things in the moment I realized Seth was still breathing. The way those breaths felt, the way they sounded... It was all so terrifying. A part of me felt a sense of relief though, a part of me was happy that for at least one moment longer he was still here with me.
What’s the best trait Kyra has given you?
Perhaps my best would be my caring personality. Although it is a trait that gets me into plenty of trouble, I don't regret it.
What’s the worst trait?
Certainly my indecisiveness. Had it not been for other's influences I don't think I could have ever made certain decisions. When things progress, when I feel satisfied, a feeling of dread washes over me and I think back, wondering if had I not been assisted would I have made the same choices that I did. Of course, while the path one didn't choose always appears more dazzling than the one they did, perhaps I take worrying about that to an extreme.
Do you have any secret aspirations that your author doesn't know about?
I don't want to appear...ungrateful. I'm aware that things have improved considerably, but I do have my sights set on a better place to live. I'm prepared for the difficulties that come with trying to get that.
If you had a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?
A day with no responsibilities eh? Perhaps I would spend the entire day worrying about having no responsibilities... I think that by the time I stop worrying, at the very least, half my free day would have disappeared... Being burdened, showing others you're burdened...it's troublesome, don't you think? I try not to appear burdened by responsibility for a little time each day; I don't want others to worry. I like to spend that time cherishing the one closest to me; I'd like to make more happy memories.
What's the worst thing that's happened in your life?
It had to be the moment I lost Seth. For however long it was, it was a terrifying experience.
What did you learn from it?
I think so much happened in that moment, and everything thereafter that I'm not too sure what I learnt. I suppose you could say that I learnt how quickly things can change. Maybe that was also the moment I realised that my indecisiveness is more of a problem than I ever thought. I'm not sure if that is a good thing. After all, learning about something you can't really control only makes you feel more helpless.
Tell us about your best friend.
Seth is my best friend. I don't think I could ever imagine anyone else in that role. A best friend knows who you are, more than who you are on the surface; they know the 'you' that is deeper than what anyone else can see. Even while knowing that, they accept you and your differences. I don't think he and I could be any more different, and yet I never feel more accepted than when I'm with him.
What do you like best about Seth? What about the least?
It's two sides of the same coin I believe. His resilience to things is admirable; I think faced with many difficult situations he still tries his utmost to persevere. Of course, as someone who tries so hard to care for him, that type of resilience is easily seen as stubbornness through my eyes.
How do you feel about your life right now? What, if anything, would you like to change?
Things could certainly be better, but I'm not foolish enough not to be aware that things could also be far worse. I'm accepting the moment as it is; I won't ask for more than what I already have.
You sound like a very intriguing character. If you want to know more about Henry, you should read Secrets Clad In Light, available in Kindle at Amazon.
For more about Henry’s author, Kyra Gregory, you can find her at:
Website/Blog
Goodreads
Twitter
Amazon
London, 1888. Henry decides to abandon all social conventions and rescue his lover, Seth, from an abusive household. He has replayed the moment in his head and has always known it wouldn't be easy. He has never thought that it would be Seth who would cut his time too short. With Seth barely breathing, Henry must make the hardest decision of his life: try to save Seth, possibly condemning him to a life of suffering, or let him pass on in peace. But the arrival of a young stranger forces Henry's hand, doing little to ease his qualms of uncertainty as everything he thought he knew changes.
Caught between self-doubt and his own selfish desires, Henry learns to fight it all, using this stranger as a light to shine on what he hopes is the right path... All the while aware that there is still so much he doesn't yet know... 
Author Bio:
Kyra Gregory is a young author from the tiny island of Malta. In those rare moments when she isn't writing or even thinking about writing she's furthering her education. Writing novels from a very young age, she began self-publishing in June 2011.
It's here! It's launch day for Tricia Drammeh's The Claiming Words. We've had a fun week leading up to today, and I'm thrilled to be in St. Charles for the launch. But before we send Tricia's book out into the world, there's one last piece of business: the review. So without further ado...
The Claiming Words: A heart racing and heart swelling fantasy novel
The Alexanders have a secret. Jace’s family is not exactly your normal, everyday, run of the mill family. They have certain supernatural gifts that make them very special. Jace’s girlfriend soon learns she has something in common with the Alexanders, and Jace’s best friend is taken into their confidences when she saves Jace from an attack from a Hunter.
As if keeping a secret of who they really are from the rest of the world, and trying to stay alive and out of the clutches of evil isn’t enough stress for a high schooler, Jace has to juggle the feelings of his friends. Life is tough when you have two girls who are in love with you. But one of them soon has another secret, and you’ll be as surprised as Jace when you find out what it is.
With The Claiming Words, Tricia Drammeh proves J.K. Rowling isn’t the only author who writes young adult novels that adults will enjoy. Tricia’s characters come across as real people—people we’ve all known and loved, and some we’ve hated. High school is like that, and Tricia nails the feelings associated with high school. Popularity, romance, bullies, friends, juggling sports and schoolwork…we all can relate to these characters. The Claiming Words is a young adult fantasy novel with three high school kids as the main characters. It can also fit under the romance genre, and even falls under the paranormal category, although you won’t see any vampires in this book. 
The three teens have some pretty heavy issues to deal with, but Tricia’s writing style keeps it from being depressing and gloomy. Amidst the drama, danger, and action, the book is sprinkled with humor, light-hearted moments, and romance. I have to say I really enjoyed the anticipation of the characters--I won't spoil it and say who--falling in love. I also loved the special gift Jace and his girlfriend share—they can carry on conversations in their minds without saying a word out loud, whether they’re great distances apart or in the same room. How cool is that? And she has the power to enter another person’s mind and find out what they’re thinking—or hiding. If I had a choice of a supernatural power, that would be high on my list.
I loved the sense of family in this book. Jace’s parents are so likeable. They’re friendly, warm, understanding, loving, and knowledgeable about the supernatural problems that pop up, making them the go-to people in time of trouble. It’s nice to see kids and parents interact in such a healthy way. They enjoy each other, and they help and support one another too.
I also like the way Tricia wrote romance into this story but left sex out of the equation. The romances were fun to watch, and once the characters did get together, the romance was more about them falling in love with each other rather than falling in lust. This is a great book for any age--even pre-teens, because the romances are chaste and wholesome. 
There is some evil at work in this book, and Tricia writes bad guys as well as she writes good ones. You will loathe and fear the bad guys as much as you root for and love the good guys.
The Claiming Words is a great book with action, adventure, mystery, love, and a bit of the supernatural. To be perfectly honest, I have to give a disclaimer: Tricia Drammeh and I are both published by Iconic Publishing. I know Tricia. I love Tricia. But I truly do love this book too. I have to give it five stars, because it deserves it.
The Claiming Words is available in paperback and in Kindle format. You can find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or other online stores.
About the author:
Tricia Drammeh is a wife and a mother of four children. Although she currently lives in Missouri, she has called many places home, including Georgia, Ohio, and California. She’s worked in retail, customer service, sales, and accounting, but writing has always been her dream career. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, drinking vast amounts of coffee, and spending time with her family and the multitude of animals who have taken over her home. Tricia is currently working on her sixth novel.
You can find Tricia at:
Her website
Her blog
Facebook
Goodreads
Twitter
“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.
Connect with Tricia:
Website
Blog
Facebook page
Goodreads author page
Twitter
Welcome back, we're now on day 5 of TriciaPalooza. This week we’re featuring Tricia Drammeh in celebration of her book release, The Claiming Words, on October 6. Today, Tricia sent over main character Rachel Stevens to talk to us.
Welcome, Rachel, I’ve read all about you and feel like I know you. Did you ever think that your life would end up being in a book?
Yes, but not for the reasons you think. I thought I’d end up in the Who’s Who of Atlanta. Or, at the very least, within the pages of Forbes. I planned to be a lawyer or a corporate executive—something to make my mother proud. Now my main goal seems to be hiding the truth from my mother—and from almost everyone else.
You have so many great scenes in the book. Tell us about your favorite one.
My favorite scene…that’s a tough one. The Homecoming Dance is definitely a favorite, especially my dance with Jace. Well, that scene is sort of bittersweet. How about the scene where Jace texted me? Yes. I think that one is my favorite.
What do you like to do when you are not being actively read somewhere?
I like to run, and I like to play softball. My church is an important part of my life, and I spend a lot of time with my family.
If you could rewrite anything in your book, what would it be?
I’d rewrite every lie I had to tell my mother. I don’t know how I could possibly tell her the truth, but every lie I told her broke my heart just a little more. One day I’ll have to have a long talk with her, but not yet. *shudders*
Sometimes Tricia likes to mess with her characters. What is your least favorite characteristic your writer has given you?
My writer made me different from everyone else. Sometimes it’s good to be different, but not always. In my case, it’s a burden.
If you had a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?
Free day? What’s that? *chuckles* I don’t know what I’d do. I’m always busy with cheerleading, softball, chores, or church. I’d probably curl up with a good book. No matter what else is going on in my life, I always find time to read. I love a good romance novel. Or a mystery. Have you read Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction? It’s got a little romance and a lot of mystery. I’d recommend it.
As a matter of fact I have heard of that book. Did you know if you go to goodreads.com you can enter your name for a chance to win a copy of the book? We’re also giving away an eBook of The Claiming Words here on this blog. But I digress. Back to you…what's the worst thing that's happened in your life?
The worst thing that ever happened was when my father died.
What did you learn from it?
I was eleven, so I don’t know how much I learned then, but I sure am learning a lot now. I better not say anything else about that. I wouldn’t want my mother to find out.
What are you most afraid of?
This is going to sound crazy, especially in light of everything else going on, but I’m afraid of myself. I’m afraid of what I’ll find out. And I’m afraid of the person I really am deep inside. Yeah, I still fear all those things that go bump in the night, because some of those things are lurking at the periphery of my dreams, but I’m more afraid of why they’re after me.
After having read your book, I’d say you have a right to be afraid. But I’m sure Jace will always be there to take care of you and vice versa. You all are so good together.
Well, that’s it, Rachel. Thanks again for stopping by and talking with us.
Readers, don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win an eBook of The Claiming Words.
For information about Tricia Drammeh, check out her website.
To read about Rachel and her friends in Tricia's book, The Claiming Words, go to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or other online stores.
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.
