AN INTERVIEW WITH MAXIE GWENOCH KANDESKY FROM AUTHOR MICHELE DRIER'S SNAP: THE KANDESKY VAMPIRE CHRONICLES SERIES

We don’t often interview vampires at Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers, but today we sit down for a chat with Maxie Gwenoch Kandesky from author Michele Drier’s vampire romantic suspense series SNAP: The Kandesky Vampire Chronicles.

What was your life like before your author started pulling your strings?

Ahhh, it’s been a while. I always thought I had a fulfilling life—a career I loved, loads of friends and acquaintances in Los Angeles and the fringes of celebrity events. I was successful and had worked my way to the top of the gossip magazine world when I was hired as the Managing Editor of SNAP, the world’s largest and most well-known celebrity news organization. Then Ms. Drier found me and…

 

What’s the one trait you like most about yourself?

Probably my take-charge attitude. I’d always had a clear idea of what was needed to make SNAP a stand-out in a packed magazine and communication field and I pushed my staff to be the best. We worked closely with the broadcast version of SNAP, a daily evening half-hour of celeb dos, don’ts, and changing couples, and did it with taste and a sure hand. We were always careful to steer clear of any misinformation and fact-checked every one of our stories. Even though I’m not in a day-to-day role anymore, every story is checked and cross-checked for accuracy and honesty.

 

What do you like least about yourself?

My initial fears of being left out of my husband’s life. 

 

What is the strangest thing your author has had you do or had happen to you?

It was my own doing, but I pestered my husband, Jean-Louis, to take me with him on a raid on the Huzars compound. The Kandeskys and the Huzars were centuries-old enemy vampire clans and Jean-Louis wanted to wipe the Huzars out absolutely. I bugged him until he gave in and let me go along on the raid, but I was captured by the head of the Huzars and subjected to rape and torture.

 

Do you argue with your author? If so, what do you argue about?

Not actually argue, but I do wonder how and why she puts me in some positions. Now that I‘m a vampire (yes, I let Jean-Louis change me), I’d like to use my strengths, but she keeps me in Jean-Louis’ shadow. I’m capable of action on my own, but she takes Jean-Louis’ side as he needs to feel he’s in charge.

 

What is your greatest fear? 

Losing Jean-Louis and the Kandeskys. Jean-Louis seems to have no fear and gets into physical situations where I feel he’ll be killed. Then the old vampire blood takes over and he heals, almost overnight. But I’m afraid that one day he’s going to run into someone using silver ammunition.

 

What makes you happy?

Working with Jean-Louis on schemes to strengthen and expand the Kandesky’s hold on the business reach of Kandesky Enterprises. SNAP is the flagship entity, but they also own munitions factories in the Czech Republic, vast cattle ranches in Argentina, textile design and production companies in Eastern Europe. The former USSR is a huge untapped market for SNAP and the Kandesky Enterprises businesses.

 

If you could rewrite a part of your story, what would it be? Why?

I’d say “yes” to Jean-Louis faster. I was afraid of marrying and changing into a vampire. Giving up Southern California and the sunshine? Giving up food I loved? Going to live in Ukraine? When Jean-Louis told me he’d marry me even if I didn’t change, I knew he was a forever choice. And of course, if I didn’t change, I’d age and he wouldn’t. After all, he’s more than 500 years old already. Turns out my fears were groundless, becoming a vampire only added to my joy in life.

 

Of the other characters in your book, which one bugs you the most? Why?

I do get irritated at some of the demons. These are otherworld entities who are a mixture of paranormal shape-shifters and human genes. They’ve been with and served the Kandeskys for centuries and sometimes forget that I’m now a senior Kandesky. When I give them an order, occasionally they say, “Let me check with Jean-Louis,” and that frosts me but we’re working it out. Sandor, the head of the demons, has looked after Jean-Louis for almost 500 years and he’s now beginning to accept me as a Kandesky.

 

Of the other characters in your book, which one would you love to trade places with? Why?

I don’t know about trading places, but I’d love to take on some of Pen Kandesky, the Baroness’, traits. She let Stefan, a minor trader in Hungary, change her almost 450 years ago and is now so safe and so serene in her role that she allowed him to take on her father’s title. She exudes calmness and grace and makes everything around her seem effortless.

 

Tell us a little something about your author. Where can readers find her website/blog?

She was born in Santa Cruz and is a fifth generation Californian. During her career in journalism—as a reporter and editor at daily newspapers—she won awards for producing investigative series. She is the past president of Capitol Crimes, the Sacramento chapter of Sisters in Crime; currently serves as president of the NorCal chapter, and co-chaired Bouchercon 2020 the world’s oldest and largest convention for mystery writers and fans.

 

Her seventeen published books include the Amy Hobbes Newspaper Mysteries, her eleven-volume paranormal romance series SNAP: The Kandesky Vampire Chronicles, and her Stained Glass Mysteries. Readers can learn more about her and her books at her website.

 

What's next for you?

The Kandeskys have moved into geopolitical waters after Russia attacked Ukraine and they’ve decided that a move to Los Angeles will allow them to shift the focus of SNAP more on political issues and understanding how false information can shift the balances of power in the world. Besides, I miss SoCal, there’s a brashness and immediacy, and change is always just around the corner.

 

SNAP: Pandemic Games

A Kandesky Vampire Chronicle, Book 11

Tension mounts around the world as the Covid pandemic takes hold, pitting nations against each other for vaccines and lockdowns. And against a misinformation campaign designed by Jazz, the Kandeskys begin to take on Russia, not realizing that Putin has plans of his own. Maxie and Jean-Louis do shuttle diplomacy between NATO and the EU, Brussels and Kyiv, working to stalemate any Russian incursions into Ukraine and bolstering the West’s stance against Putin’s dreams of empire.

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DEBUT AUTHOR HOLLIE SMURTHWAITE ON THE GENESIS OF HER PARANORMAL ROMANTIC SUSPENSE NOVEL

Award-winning debut author Hollie Smurthwaite writes paranormal romantic suspense. In past lives she’s been a massage therapist, belly dancer, and office manager. She lives in Chicago with her husband, son, and too few pets. Learn more about Hollie and her books at her website. 

The Genesis of The Color of Trauma

When I first started writing, I blithely wrote into the sunset with no care to the direction or destination. Publishing and marketing never entered my thoughts—only the story I wanted to write. I love books with magic and the paranormal, so I infused the story with the supernatural. Romance played a small role, then began to take over the novel. At one point, I submitted a thirty-page sex scene to my critique group. Oops. I edited it back, but clearly, the relationship took priority. I finally had to admit that it was a full-on romance. With elements of a thriller. And the paranormal. And a smidge of police procedural. Yep, I’d written me a hybrid genre novel.

 

The Color of Trauma is a paranormal romantic suspense novel. The seed of the story came to me as a premise: what if some people could experience other people’s memories? As a novelist, it’s my job to raise the stakes. So, I took that concept and blew it up into a world where my protagonist not only experiences others’ memories, but has the power to remove them. The caveat is that memory surgeons have to hold those memories inside themselves. 

 

From that concept, I thought about trauma and if a person might recover if they forgot what had happened. More importantly, what would happen, psychologically, to the person holding all those terrible memories? From there, I conjured my first main character, Kiera Brayleigh, who, as a teenager, was coerced into the business of memory surgeries. She is a hot mess. I love the complexity of a character who is both giving and bitter at the same time. Kiera helps a lot of women, but she’s not happy about anything. She’s seen the worst of humanity.

 

Since a romance needs two people, I had to find her foil. Dean is someone who has also seen the worst of humanity but as a homicide detective for the Chicago Police Department. Where Kiera’s empathy is focused on victims, Dean spends his time in the heads of the criminals he pursues. 

 

The lives of these two main characters intersect when Dean catches the lead detective role on a serial killer case with only one living victim. Unfortunately, she’s in a coma. If only there were some way to access her memories . . .

 

That was the genesis for the story. I worked out the details as I wrote. My goal was to delve deep into the minds of the victims, to give them a voice and to see how trauma affects far more than just the victim. Friends, family, and society are all changed by violent acts. I also wanted to show that people can come back from even the most horrible experiences. And everyone, no matter how broken, is worthy and able to love. Of course, it takes a good deal of work to get there, but that’s the fun of reading a novel: hitching a ride on the character’s journeys. 

 

I hope the book ends up appealing to those who like all the different parts: paranormal, romance, suspense, and police procedural. Regardless, I loved the freedom and adventure of writing the story I really wanted to tell. 

 

The Color of Trauma

The Psychic Color Series, Book 1

 

Experiencing another's past could end her future . . .

 

Kiera is a memory surgeon. With her gift of removing and holding other’s traumatic memories, she’s helped dozens of women but hasn’t helped herself. Now Dean, a Chicago homicide detective, is asking for even more: for her to look into the memories of a coma victim to help him catch a serial killer. 

 

Clues and romance unfurl, but as Dean and Kiera get closer to each other, the killer gets closer to Kiera. 

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BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--INTERVIEW WITH MICHELE DRIER'S SOON-TO-BE #VAMPIRE JAZZ FALL

Today we sit down for a chat with Jasmine “Jazz” Fall from Michele Drier’s series

SNAP, The Kandesky Vampire Chronicles.

What was your life like before your author started pulling your strings?

Calm. Full. Crazy. I’d worked hard to get my job with SNAP, the famous celebrity gossip magazine and TV show headquartered in Los Angeles. It was a crazy place to work, always on deadline, meeting famous people, always something new. As an AA, I was kinda on the fringe, but still, even getting coffee for Hollywood stars, being able to drop names like “Amy Adams said to me…” was so cool. I worked hard, hoping I’d work my way up to be an editor or project manager.

What’s the one trait you like most about yourself?

My work ethic. It sounds a little corny, but I figured if I always said “yes”, I’d make a good impression and work my way up with the company. As I learned more, I wasn’t afraid to tackle any project, and people thought of me as a go-to person.

What do you like least about yourself?

It may sound odd, but deep underneath I have fear. Maybe fear of failure, maybe fear of change. Maybe fear of commitment. I was married once, and it didn’t end well. It made me question my motives and choices, so now, even though on the outside I look and act as someone who’s confident, secure, knows her way around her world, underneath I question. I’ve stopped myself from second-guessing but I still can over-think things.

What is the strangest thing your author has had you do or had happen to you?

Introduce me to my fiance. Because I met Nik, and fell head-over-heels immediately, I’m now on the cusp of marrying him and becoming a vampire! OMG, how did this happen? I’m a SoCal gal, love the sun, worship the beach, live for convertibles, hang out with the rich, hip, now people. My author had me fall for this 500-year-old vampire and I’m about to end up immortal, living in an estate in Kiev, surrounded with servants, luxury and staid people who’ve been aristocratic billionaires for centuries. Is this what I really want?

Do you argue with your author? If so, what do you argue about?

I don’t argue with her, but I’ve refused to go willingly. This change that’s coming is so out of my usual comfort zone that I’m resisting, but she tells me that everything “will be OK.” I want to be sure of it, because this change can’t ever be undone.

What is your greatest fear?

Taking this step to change who I am. If I become a vampire and marry Nik, does this mean that “Jazz” will be gone forever? Will I lose all the freedom and independence I’ve worked so hard for? Nik and his manners—and his treatment of women—is from maybe seventeenth century Europe, when women behaved, didn’t interfere in men’s doings. Do I have to lose myself?  

What makes you happy?

Nik. He challenges me, infuriates me, makes my breath stop when I look at him. Maybe it’s the “other”, the differences in our lives and experiences that’s part of the attraction, but I can’t, won’t live without him.

If you could rewrite a part of your story, what would it be? Why?

My first marriage. Even though it ended as amiably as it could, I feel that maybe I could have done better. I have this sinking feeling I’m not as loveable or as smart or as capable as other women who seem to have it all.

Of the other characters in your book, which one bugs you the most? Why?

Pen, the Baroness Penelope Kandesky. She’s so perfect, so reserved, so old-world that I feel she’s always judging me. And if I can’t live up to her standards, will Nik dump me? Being around her is like walking on glass.

Of the other characters in your book, which one would you love to trade places with? Why?

Maxie Gwenoch. She’s still my boss, but she agreed to marry Jean-Louis and be turned, so now, not only is she the VP for International Development for SNAP, she’s this sleek, aristo-looking European. She gained a different perspective on life when she became a vampire…I guess that’s because she has eternal life now!

Tell us a little something about your author. Where can readers find her website/blog?

Michele Drier was born in Santa Cruz and is a fifth generation Californian. During her career in journalism—as a reporter and editor at daily newspapers—she won awards for producing investigative series. She is the past president of Capitol Crimes, the Sacramento chapter of Sisters in Crime and co-chair for Bouchercon 2020 the world’s oldest and largest convention for mystery writers and fans. Along with writing my series, she also writes the Amy Hobbes Newspaper Mysteries, and the first book in her mystery Stained Glass Saga will be available this spring. Her website is currently under construction, but you can find out more about her at her and her books at her Amazon author page.

What's next for you?

Nik and Jean-Louis Kandesky are all enraged about the Russians. They manipulated the election to take the Crimea away from Ukraine, they’re making inroads into Ukraine itself, they’re trying to dismantle NATO and the EU. All this political instability is bad for business and I think the Kandeskys will have to act. How, I don’t know, but I’m terrified I’ll lose Nik. I have to stop dithering and figure out how I can help, a new order for an LA gossip and celebrity seeker!

SNAP: Red Bear Rising

The Kandesky Vampire Chronicles, Book 10

Nik Kandesky and Jazz Fall are engaged, meaning Jazz agrees to be changed into a vampire, a dicey situation. Set against the continuing Russian incursions into Crimea and Ukraine, Jazz must dig deep into her core to find her courage and become a member of the high echelon Kandeskys, who have guided and led the family for half a millennium. Born and bred a SoCal woman, she has to swallow her fears as Nik takes on challenges that leave him inured and close to death.

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BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--GUEST AUTHOR JORDYN MERYL

Jordyn Meryl calls herself a genre-jumper because she writes romance, futuristic romance, paranormal romantic suspense, historical romance, and non-romance novels that contain strong romantic elements. Today she sits down for an interview with us. Learn more about Jordyn and her books at her website and blog.

When did you realize you wanted to write novels?

When I was in High School, many, many years ago. But I married young, raised my family and at age 60 decided “It’s time!”.

How long did it take you to realize your dream of publication?

Once I started writing, just a couple of years. I indie published because I wanted in the game-go to book signings, see my stories in print.

Are you traditionally published, indie published, or a hybrid author?

I had a small press publish one of my books, but they folded. So right now all my books are indie published.

Where do you write?

In my family room on my laptop with music blasting. I have a room that we call the writing room that is very nice and organized with a desk top computer and all my “stuff”. But my space is where I have many windows, lots of light and can watch outside.

Is silence golden, or do you need music to write by? What kind?

I need music to get my juices going. I listen to the hit lists on my TV. I did watch VH1 videos, but they removed them. So now I listen to Pandora. I admire songwriters. They can tell a story in a few hundred words that take me several thousand.

How much of your plots and characters are drawn from real life? From your life in particular?

Very few. I have one book set in the city I live in, but the rest are different places I that my characters pick. I would like to say my stories are plot driven, but I think my characters would disagree. My characters create their own personalities, but they are usually traits from people I admire and some I don’t.

Describe your process for naming your character?

I look up baby names online. Sometimes I need nationality names like the stories I wrote with Italy as the setting.

Real settings or fictional towns?

I try to stay fictional, but drawn on the characteristic of real places.

What’s the quirkiest quirk one of your characters has?

Probably Katie in Katie’s Wind. She wanted to be seen as a proper librarian, put deep inside she had some powerful passions. Some of her is me, but most is how I want to be.

What’s your quirkiest quirk?

I use essential oils, strong words of power that inspire me, jewelry and positive thoughts to keep me focused and grounded.

If you could have written any book (one that someone else has already written,) which one would it be? Why?

The Great Gatsby--a tragic love story.

Everyone at some point wishes for a do-over. What’s yours?

I married an Iowa boy in California. I wish we had bought a house on the beach, but instead we ended up land-locked in the Midwest.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

Things that don’t work when you need them the most-computers, printers, appliances, cars.

You’re stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?

A laptop, coffee and chocolate.

What was the worst job you’ve ever held?

A temp job as a telemarketer. I lasted one day.

What’s the best book you’ve ever read?

Wow that is hard--The Picture of Dorian Gray. What a lesson in vanity.

Ocean or mountains?

Ocean, I miss it so much. The room I write in is my lighthouse room.

City girl/guy or country girl/guy?

City girl-I tried living in the country, didn’t like not have my creature comforts, like pizza delivery.

What’s on the horizon for you?

I retired as a middle school librarian 4 years ago to write. That’s what I want to do, so I will be a 100-year-old romance writer.

Anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself and/or your books?

I have just finished my tenth book, a historical romance set in 1845 New Orleans. The cover model, Eric J Steffee, is a good friend and brought my character August Decoudreau to life. I am very proud of this book. It will be published the week of August 29^th and will be available as an ebook on all formats for $.99 until Oct 1^st (My birthday!) Please read it and give me an honest review.

Son of a Gambling Man

1800 New Orleans was a time of change for the city on the Mississippi River. August Decoudreau and Isabella Greenwood grew up in the shadow of the very prestige and legal prostitute establishment of The House of the Crescent Moon.

Isabelle’s mother, Stella, was one of the girls of the house. The Madame of the House treated her girls well and protected them. But it only took one despicable customer and a bad judgement call to turn the lives of everyone in a different direction.

Isabelle is sent off to an all girl’s school and August joins his father, a gambler, to travel on the riverboats of the Mississippi River.

Will the two lovers find a way back to each other or be forever separated?

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#COOKING WITH CLORIS--GUEST AUTHOR KIMBRA KASCH AND CIOPINNO

Kimbra Kasch stops by today to give a Killer Cooking Class on Ciopinno. Learn more about Kimbra and her writing at her website. 

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

That’s what little girls are made of.

QUESTION: But what are ladies made of?

ANSWER: It’s a complete mystery. Just like deciding what makes a dynamite dinner or delicious dessert. It’s hard to say.

One person likes chocolate; another wants the tart taste of lemon meringue. So, how do we decide between sweet and savory?

Sometimes the best answer is not to decide at all but instead to have a little bit of both. We do this exact thing when we serve dinner with dessert. If you want to see what I’m talking about, simply follow along on this Killer Cooking Class and learn how to make homemade Ciopinno.

First you might ask: just what is Ciopinno?

Italian fishermen came up with Ciopinno (or Seafood Stew) back in the mid 1800's. It was probably the first potluck. The Fishermen would come home from sea hungry after a hard day on the water, and someone would called out, “Chip in” or “Ciopinno.” Everyone threw a little something they’d caught into the pot, and it became a beautiful blend of seafood.

I begin with a little homemade fettuccine:

Ingredients:

5 eggs

3 cups flour

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon water

Pile the flour up in a circle, crack the eggs in the center of the flour, and slowly incorporate the flour into the eggs with a fork. After you have the dough formed into a ball, add the water, olive oil and salt. Blend until smooth being careful not to overwork or the dough will become rubbery.

Roll out the dough. Using a pasta machine, work the dough through the rollers until it’s thin. Then run the dough through the cutters to prepare your fettuccine. If you don’t have a pasta machine simply roll the dough up, like you would for a Christmas yule log, and slice the ribbons by hand.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook pasta for 3-5 minutes at a full boil. Strain pasta and cover to keep warm while you make the stew.

Ingredients:

2 pounds of clams, mussels, scallops and shrimp

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, diced

1 package of mushrooms

2 jalapeno chile, finely chopped

1-1/2 cups dry white wine (Chardonney)

Zest and juice of 2 large or 3 small limes

1 cup chopped parsley

Using a small saucepan, sauté onion until clear.

Using a large saucepan, heat olive oil then add garlic, then onions, mushrooms and chile.

Pour in wine. Add zest and juice. Add clams, mussels scallops, and shrimp. Heat 5 minutes, then turn off and cover.

Place a helping of pasta in bowl and pour some of the Cioppini over the top and serve with a side salad.

For dessert serve a store-bought sweet. This is the simple part of the dinner…the dessert. The sexy part is the Cioppini.

Having a dinner that’s sweet and spicy is like reading a story that’s sweet but with a romance woven into the middle, just like The Cats of Cullaby Creek. There’s plenty of mystery stirred into the story because when Savannah meets Kyle, its love at first sight. And why wouldn't it be? He's perfect, as far as she can tell. But Kyle appears whenever things go wrong. Maybe he isn't everything she thought he was. This is another complete mystery until she discovers the water in Cullaby Creek is being bottled and sold as vitamin “infused” water. Mistic Water promises the impossible. And then, like a magical elixir, it delivers. People who drink it feel younger, smarter, faster...healthier. But it doesn’t take long before side effects hit. Literally. The secret has to be in the water…or is it something more? To find out, you’ll want to read the entire delicious story. And, if you do, I’ll want to hear what you think of it. Was it savory enough for you?

The Cats of Cullaby Creek

Savannah meets Kyle and quickly starts to fall for him. And why wouldn't she? He's per-fect, as far as she knows. But when she starts finding dead animals in her yard and hears something scratching at her window, after the sun goes down, she starts to worry. Maybe Kyle isn't everything she thought he was - maybe he's something more.

It's a complete mystery until she discovers something about the water in Cullaby Creek, which is being bottled and sold as Mistical Water. And there’s definitely something mystical about that water, everyone who drinks it begins to change. They are “morphing” or mutating into animals. The secret to the animal they morph into is in the water.

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Want a chance to win a free copy? Kimbra is giving one away. Post a comment to enter the drawing she'll be holding.

DECORATING WITH JEANIE--FLOWER DRYING WITH GUEST AUTHOR MJ FLOURNOY

MJ Flournoy writes romantic suspense with paranormal elements. Learn more about her and her books at her website. Today she joins us with a decorating tip.

Since I’m visiting on Wednesday, I’ll share a decorating tip. Flowers and flower arrangements are expensive, so I like to make the most of them. When you have fresh flowers, before they begin to wilt and drop their petals, take them out of the water and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place. Allow them to air dry, then gently take them down and create a flower arrangement such as this one made from flowers left from my daughter’s wedding.

The drying can take weeks or months, so be sure to hang them out of the way. I use thread strung from the ceiling of my mudroom and hang them up high so that no one will bump into them accidentally. Hanging them upside down helps the flower heads retain their shape. Be sure the flowers are not crowding each other because that will damage their shape as well. Don’t lay them on a flat surface to dry. That will cause them to have flat sides.

This arrangement was made using a small vase, glass marbles and flowers dried for several months. The roses were originally white. Now they’re an ivory or beige but made a lovely arrangement that will last for a long time. The flash makes them look darker than they really are, but the arrangement is lovely. So the next time you have flowers and want to enjoy them longer, try drying.

A Matter of Trust

Her paranormal abilities had always caused her grief. But can they save the life of a child who has been spirited away fro her parents and the life of the man she loves?

Jolie Wyngate is a middle school teacher with an extraordinary gift—or is it a curse? Throughout her life, she's never been sure. Now, when she is implicated in the disappearance of a child, the ultimate value of her powers will be put to the test.

Mac Carlson, former Navy SEAL and security expert, is tasked with rescuing the girl, Rachael Anne. From the moment he meets Jolie, his suspicious and protective nature sets its sights on her as a prime suspect. Can Jolie clear her name and gain this man's hard-won trust?

More importantly, can she save the girl before time runs out? She won't be able to do it without her psychic abilities—but Mac has a hard enough time trusting Jolie as it is, let alone trusting her powers to lead them to Rachael Anne.

As Mac and Jolie realize they have no choice but to work as a team—and as they slowly warm to each other in the process—they realize they have a new problem: the man they are after has set his sights on Jolie. Now Jolie will need all of her abilities, and all of Mac's strength and skill, to stay out of the fiend's hands and bring Rachael Anne back home.

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BOOK CLUB FRIDAY -- GUEST AUTHOR BARBARA MONAJEM

Barbara Monajem started writing at eight years old. She has wandered from children’s fantasy to paranormal and historical romance, with mystery thrown in whenever she can make it fit. Learn more about Barbara and her books at her website. – AP

Why a Native American hero?

The reason goes back all the way to my childhood. I grew up on the west coast of Canada in a land of cedar trees and totem poles, and the First Nations art of that region has always had a powerful effect on me—it grips my solar plexus and won’t let go.

Much later, after moving to the American South, I spent a lot of time visiting prehistoric sites—mostly what are called Indian Mounds—in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Missouri. I relish the sense of the sacred one gets while visiting these mounds. I found them inspiring, and ages ago I started a mystery which began with a girl who had been drugged and left on the top of one of these mounds.

Later still, for several years running, my family spent several Christmas vacations in Arizona, visiting a friend who taught school on the Navajo Reservation. I had read several of Tony Hillerman’s fabulous mysteries about that area, which made visiting there doubly interesting. I read up on Navajo culture. We went on long walks and visited Anasazi ruins. We ate fry bread and Navajo tacos.

Put all this together, and somehow I ended up with a story about Constantine Dufray, a telepathic half-Navajo who was born out west but moved to New Orleans when he was eight years old, and grew up to become both a rock star—because New Orleans is the home of such great music—and a vigilante in the kinky little city of Bayou Gavotte. He came into being over the course of several versions of the story which began on the Indian mound. He was a secondary character (who almost took over) in the first two books of the Bayou Gavotte series. Eventually I knew more or less who he was, what had happened to shape him, and also what sort of woman could handle him. Finally, I got to write his story—Heart of Constantine.

Heart of Constantine

Vigilante Native American rock star Constantine Dufray has hit rock bottom. His telepathic abilities have spun out of control, and destructive rumors about him run rampant. Some are true—he caused a violent cop’s suicide, and telepathy destroyed his marriage—but he didn’t poison his wife, and he couldn’t have caused riots at his concerts, killing his fans…or could he? Now an unknown enemy is trying to frame him for rape and murder. 

Aura reader Marguerite McHugh finally gets a close encounter with the mysterious star, but it’s nothing like she expected. When Constantine finds her after she’s been drugged at one of his shows, she’s pulled into his quest for the truth. As dangers mount and murders pile up, Constantine and Marguerite are forced into an ever more intimate relationship. Only by facing their fears and working together can they unmask the killer before more innocent people die. 

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BOOK CLUB FRIDAY -- GUEST AUTHOR CARIDAD PINEIRO

Back to join us today is award-winning author Caridad Pineiro, who also happens to be one of author Lois Winston’s favorite people, to talk about all she wants for Christmas this year. Read more about Caridad at her website.-- AP 

Every year my husband and I go through the same little dance at Christmas time.  He asks me what I want and I tell him nothing.  It’s a truthful answer and yet it never seems to satisfy him and so we begin the dance again.

Honestly, my hubby can’t really give me the one thing I truly want year after year.  What is that you might wonder?

Time.  Not like immortal time like my vampires in THE CALLING/REBORN series have.

More like time to just be free of work and responsibilities.

You see, in addition to the writing gig, which I truly love despite all the hard work, I still have my demanding day job.  That means long hours on a regular basis with very little free time and that “free time” is generally taken up by household chores and an assortment of other tasks.

I know I’m not alone in feeling this way.  Many people I know are in the same boat.

But this year I am going to give myself and hubby that free time.  I am going to take a much deserved break from work this Christmas season!

Being that it is so precious, what would I do in that free time?  In a perfect world, I’d travel.  I’d love to visit so many different places and one of the nice things about being a writer is that I can vicariously travel to a great many locations and take you there as well.

For example, in my latest release, AMAZON AWAKENING, I take a trip to the Amazon rainforest and explore a very unusual “sacred space” which some believe may be the Garden of Eden.

To write the novella I did lots of research on the Amazon, which is truly a remarkable place.  Besides being immense (did you know it touches 9 countries in South America?), the rainforest is one of our most important ecosystems.  It contains over 50% of the world’s species of animals, insects and plants and is also one of the biggest producers of oxygen.

Truly amazing and I can just picture myself one day taking a boat trip down the Amazon, although I’d refrain from taking a dip.  I’ve watched one too many RIVER MONSTERS television shows about the many dangerous things in those Amazon waters.

Where else would I like to go?  Well, I’ve been lucky enough to climb up a Mexican pyramid despite my fear of heights.  That helped inspire AZTEC GOLD and THE FIFTH KINGDOM.

I love the Jersey Shore and have taken you to some of my favorite places there in THE LOST and the books in the SINS series.

But I still have to visit soooo many locations, like Ireland, Scotland, Tuscany, Machu Picchu, the Great Wall of China, and the Pyramids in Egypt just to name a few.

In retrospect, as I consider the gift of time and all that I’d do with it, something occurred to me.  It’s one of those sayings you see here and again on little plaques and stuff and possibly corny, but I’ll leave you with this thought anyway, especially given the shopping frenzy we sometimes get caught up in during the Christmas season.

So here goes…

The important things in life are not things.

Have a wonderful and very happy holiday season!