This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by
Goddess Fish Promotions. PD Alleva will be awarding a $75 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Welcome to It's Raining Books. Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?
I’m a multi genre writer, blending dark fiction, romance, inspiration, sci fi and psychological thrillers. I’m also a hypnotist and psychotherapist so the depths of the human mind and behavior have always been of personal interest. Fiction offers a realm of understanding to push the limits of the human psyche. Anything can happen in a book because there’s no boundary in the mind to the impossible. What we read is different than what we see; our mind makes sense out of the written word because we accept what is written compared to a movie. What we see on screen is often perceived as ridiculous compared to what we’ve read. Our mind connects the dots and we build our own picture with what we’re reading. Also, I enjoy the sensations these genres impose on the reading experience; despite what’s happening in the plot a good story becomes real to the reader.
What research or world-building is required?
Reading, reading, reading. Writer’s gain an understanding of the complexities involved in tall tales by reading what’s already out there and how other authors developed particular scenes and characters. We become better writers through reading. Also, there is a basis of realism authors bring to their stories to make the plot more pliable to the reader. Creating a distant planet or alien race requires research into 1. What’s already been done and 2. What is known in the scientific community? What information or theories exist that we can pluck apart and add to the plot? For instance, I’m currently writing a dystopian sci-fi that features a few different alien species. Besides watching a lot of Ancient Aliens I’ll research anything related to alien names and alien species that have already been theorized.
Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.
Better communication with my wife and, no matter how grim the present seems, there’s always something better waiting around the corner. We just have to go through the darkness to capture the light.
Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?
I always need to ‘Get into Character,’ as I call it, which consists primarily with me standing outside, headphones on and music blaring as I think about and develop the next scene I’m about to delve into. Air guitar solos and exercising my powerful singing voice is always included. The neighborhood cats love it.
Are you a plotter or pantser?
Both. I always have the plot in the back of my mind; however, it never goes the way I had planned. The plot is more or less a guide to begin the writing process but the characters have their own conception on where they’re going so it always changes. Usually I just hold on tight and go along for the ride.
Look to your right – what’s sitting there?
A framed copy of LIFE magazine that features Ernest Hemingway’s
The Old Man and the Sea, a picture of my four kids, a stack of books and notepad and my writing fedora. I purchased the magazine about twenty years ago.
The Old Man and the Sea was originally published in LIFE magazine. At the time of its publication Hemingway’s career was thought by some to be on a downward spiral after his last few books did not sell well. His publisher chose to publish his classic tale in LIFE magazine to garner a large following for the story.
Anything new coming up from you? What?
I’m currently writng book four in the series,
The Rose. It’s a dystopian sci-fi set at the tale end of World War III. The rose is a meditation used by alchemists. Alchemy is the ability to transform chemical structures. Also a useful tool when battling alien vampires.
The Rose is a prelude to a trilogy titled
The Indigo Trials which will be released next year. After
The Rose, I’ll be writing book four in this series, about a 1940’s New York socialite whose sculpture comes to life after a break up with the love of her life. Think Frankenstein meets My Fair Lady. Title is
Golem, a psychologial supernatural thriller. I have nine books planned in the
Beyond the Chamber Door series.
Do you have a question for our readers?
Sure do. What makes for a great book? What’s the formula? What does a great book require?
The Denemers had it all: Fame, fortune, family, and the American Dream. But tough times have landed on their doorstep— Gerri's acting career is mired in controversy, financial decline is strangling the family bond, and his marriage to Kelli Anne is on the rocks. He'd rather die than face another catastrophe, something the Devil is more than eager to assist. On the night Gerri attempts to end his suffering, his plan is thwarted by a voice in his smart TV, pulling him into a dimension where past, present, and future collide, and the fate of the human race hangs in the balance. But Gerri is not alone. The Devil's minions are nipping at his heels and Kelli is right behind them, determined to save her family and put right what has gone wrong. Will they be successful? Is the bond between husband and wife strong enough to defeat evil? Will they prevent World War III or will evil's plan triumph? Presenting the Marriage of Kelli Anne and Gerri Denemer: A Horror Story, is a tour de force thriller of dark fiction, romance, and horror in an epic battle between good and evil.
Read an excerpt:
He ran to the house, struggling through the wind that sought to push him over, to deter him from entering that house.
“No, Gerri,” the chaperone hollered. “Do NOT go in there!”
But Gerri quickened his pace.
The chaperone was in front of him.
He turned to go around him.
The chaperone was in front of him.
He jerked to the left, running at max speed.
The chaperone was in front of him, pushed Gerri to the ground. Picked him up and clasped Gerri’s shoulders with an iron hand.
“It’s not allowed, Gerri.”
“What’re you talking about? I just want to go home.”
The chaperone laughed. He started pacing, circling Gerri with his hand on Gerri’s shoulder.
“What do you think, Gerri, hang yourself and you get to go back home? No, no, no, Gerri. Look around you. You’re not even close to home!”
“What? That can’t be!”
“Between worlds, Gerri! That’s where you are. What’s in that house is nothing. Nothing more than the slither of energy you left, the portal of death with the stink of fear. You’re not welcome there. Not welcome at all.” He slipped his hand off Geri’s shoulder. Stepped an arm’s length away from him.
“No, no, no, this can’t be! This can’t be.”
“Oh, yes, Gerri, it can, and it is.”
The chaperone paused.
“It’s best that you come with me Gerri.”
Gerri screamed, “Where did I go wrong?”
The chaperone stiffened.
He turned to the house and paused.
About the Author: P.D. Alleva is an author, psychotherapist and hypnotherapist specializing in trauma, addiction and mental health. He is the author of several books, including fiction novels, Indifference and A Billion Tiny Moments In Time…, Seriously Twisted; These Gods of Darkness (Poetry), Let Your Soul Evolve (1st and 2nd ed), and Spiritual Growth Therapy: Philosophy, Practices and Mindfulness Workbook (non-fiction). He has developed behavioral protocols for addiction and mental health and teaches mindfulness, Buddhist meditations and manifestation techniques to his patients as a means and alternative to using pharmaceuticals. He is currently in private practice with his wife, Lisa. He lives with his wife and children in Boca Raton, Florida.
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Purchase Link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HFJGJQR/
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