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Welcome to It's Raining Books. Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?
I write paranormal romance because it combines two of my favorite genres: fantasy and romance. I've always loved exploring the supernatural and the mystical in my writing, and combining that with the emotional depth and complexity of a love story creates a unique and fascinating blend. There's something captivating about the unbridled passion and intensity of a paranormal romance, as well as the rich world-building and mythology that comes with it. As a writer, I feel that paranormal romance gives me the freedom to explore the fantastical and the emotional in equal measure, allowing me to create stories that are both magical and deeply resonant.
What research or world-building is required?
Writing paranormal romance requires a combination of research and world-building to create a believable and captivating story. Depending on the specific elements of the paranormal world you're writing about, research might include topics like mythology, folklore, and cultural traditions. Building out the world itself might involve creating unique creatures or magical systems, as well as the societal norms and cultural traditions of the paranormal species in question.
Overall, paranormal romance requires extensive research and world-building to create a rich and immersive world that feels grounded in reality, even as it explores supernatural elements and the depths of human emotion.
Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.
From Tandie I learned the power of hope after severe loss. As you know she's a psychic medium, who lost her daughter. Imagine the inner turmoil that comes from knowing you might've had the power to prevent something like that from happening and then finding the courage to continue on and find love after doing so. It’s what I hope readers find in the story as well… hope lighting up the dark tunnel of life.
Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?
I have a few writing quirks and habits that others might find odd or interesting. For example, I always have to have a cup of coffee or tea at my side when I'm writing - it's become a comforting ritual that helps me get into the right mindset. Additionally, I often find myself acting out scenes or dialogue as I'm writing, mouthing the words or making the appropriate facial expressions. While this might seem strange to an outside observer, it helps me get into the headspace of my characters and bring their emotions and reactions to life on the page. Ultimately, these quirks and habits are just a part of my writing process, and I embrace them as necessary tools for creating the best possible work.
Are you a plotter or pantser?
I consider myself to be a hybrid between a plotter and a pantser. While I do enjoy the freedom and spontaneity of pantser-style writing, I feel most comfortable when I've mapped out a general outline and structure for my story. This allows me to feel confident in where the story is heading, while still leaving room for creative improvisation and exploration within each scene or chapter. By blending both styles, I'm able to maintain a balance between structure and freedom, and feel confident in my ability to craft a compelling and cohesive story.
Look to your right – what’s sitting there?
Ha! My fearless writing companion and feline soulmate known as Apollo, my Devon Rex/domestic shorthair mix kitty. For more info, see the IG profile. :D
Anything new coming up from you? What?
Yep, I’ve several releases coming over the next couple of years. There’s book 2 of this Pathseeker series, the Emerald Isle due to be released in July, 2023. I’m super excited for fans of Hacienda Moon to finally get to experience this story. Later this year, I’ll be releasing a standalone story that gives Saul some closure to his exciting history and background.
Do you have a question for our readers?
"What is your favorite trope in paranormal romance?"
Tandie Harrison is a police medium struggling to pick up the pieces of her life after a devastating divorce that left her without her precious daughter and her psychic visions. With a heavy heart, she escapes the hustle and bustle of New York City and moves into the alluring plantation house, Chelby Rose. Here, she meets Eric, the home’s charismatic caretaker. Despite the ghostly warnings, Tandie finds herself drawn to him, and as their affair intensifies, so does the centuries-old curse haunting them both.
Suddenly, Tandie finds herself at the center of a dark and dangerous web full of deceit and intrigue. As fear begins to consume her, she must find the courage to face the demons of her past if she is to have any chance at a future. Hacienda Moon is a captivating story full of suspense and romance that will ensnare you from start to finish.
Note to readers and bookclubs:
This is the expanded and revamped edition of the Hacienda Moon that was originally published in 2012. Please be sure to add this version to your to-read list as this edition contains more gothic suspense, intrigue, and of course romance.
Read an Excerpt
Saul Chelby strolled through the doors behind us as if he were a king. Dressed in a charcoal-colored suit with a white shirt underneath the jacket, he could easily pass as one.
Wearing four-inch red heels, the woman beside him stood at a level equal to Saul’s height. Her streaked blonde hair was pulled back in a tight bun. The whole package screamed leggy fashion model all over the place.
Right away his gaze found me and Frieda standing off to the side. He motioned for his date to follow as he headed in our direction.
“How nice. The king and queen have arrived,” Frieda said, raking a sarcastic gaze over the couple.
“You’ve got to be kidding me. The nerve of some people,” I said, letting out a long sigh.
“Welcome. So glad you could make it, Mr. Chelby and his date.” I beamed through a tight grin.
“Evening, ladies,” Saul said, smiling in a way that lit up the room. “The date’s name is Sasha. This is Frieda Tyson. Without her and Shania McKinnon’s talents tonight this gala would never have happened.
“We’re thankful for you both then,” Sasha purred.
“And this is the lovely and gifted Ms. Harrison,” Saul said, holding my gaze only a touch longer than what would be considered inappropriate. Sasha, who was all smiles and giggles a moment ago, suddenly looked as if someone stole her hair pieces. Her green-eyed gaze bore mental holes in my head, and her posture stiffened. Her eyes came close to bulging out and her mouth hung slightly open. “This is the Tandie Harrison I’ve heard so much about? Interesting indeed.”
No way. Saul discusses me with his dates?
How insane is that?
It was Frieda to the rescue. “Shania reserved a seat for you both at a good table. We don’t want you to lose your spots. So, I’ll say thanks for everything, Mr. Chelby. Tandie and I will scoot along on our way, now.” She attempted to pull me away, but Saul interrupted.
“I’d like a moment with Ms. Harrison if the two of you don’t mind,” Saul said without moving his eyes away from my face.
“I mind,” I said right away. A look passed between Frieda and Sasha.
“We’ll only be a moment,” Saul said to his date who was handling his inconsiderate behavior better than I could ever have done.
“Come along, Miss Sasha. I’ll show you the way to your table,” Frieda said and stretched her eyes at me just before she walked away. I turned to Saul. The grin on his face brought the devil out of me.
“The times when a man should remember his comrades become most significant in all matters of race relations whether it be an issue of war, peace, or prosperity. Let this statue sit forever in our midst as a reminder of the ones who fell for our country.” They were the words to the dedication I wrote, and Saul had memorized every single one. “Stunning tribute, Ms. Harrison.”
“It’s mighty good to see you again, Tandie,” Saul said, studying my eyes, his narrowing the slightest bit. “You’ve been crying.”
“I have not.” I scratched the back of my neck, a tension relief tactic.
“The contractor I hired has done astoundingly beautiful things for Chelby Rose. Why did you flinch when I mentioned the contractor?”
Damn him. He doesn’t miss a thing. “I didn’t flinch, okay?
“I knew this would happen. No Fontalvo has ever been able to keep his hands to himself.” He shook his head and made a scoffing laugh.
I challenged his gaze. “Really? So you set us up then?” I demanded, the blood surging through my body.
His face turned serious. “I hired a man to fix the plumbing in my house. I didn’t however give him permission to grope my tenants.”
“You know, Saul Chelby, you must have the biggest balls ever,” I blurted before I could stop myself. Saul was probably about to receive some of my frustrations about Eric too. “You disappear for weeks. The damn house could’ve floated away with me in it by now. I put my sweat, tears, and money into fixing the place up without a word of thanks. You show up at a charity function with Barbie-Bad-Ass on your arm, something my good friends organized let me add. Then you have the nerve to question me about my sex life?”
“I only mentioned the contractor. You’re the one who brought up your sex life,” he said, a smile easing across his lips. “But if you’d like to make a test run of that first thing you accused me of then I’m ready when you are.”
About the Author:
Meet your word sculptress...
Author of the #1 Amazon International bestselling novels, the Prelude and the Lost Immortals Saga, KaSonndra is also a mother, designer, reader, gardener, home renovator, and a slayer of undead Egyptian mummies in Tomb Raider. She believes in karma, coffee, and seriously wishes that the producers of Xena would bring her favorite show back.
KaSonndra was born in the race-car city of Charlotte, NC, and now lives in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, NC, when she's not hanging out in Bardonia (Lost Immortals Saga setting). Most of her characters are based on people that she has met throughout her travels and adventures.
People tend to stop and start conversations with KaSonndra as if she has known them her entire life. Does this freak her out? Not really. Her mom says that one day she’ll get kidnapped by one of these folks. KaSonndra's response? She told her mom that if it weren’t for these lovely people, then she wouldn’t be able to create such fabulously romantic stories!
Visit KaSonndra's at one of her online homes:
Main Author Webpage:
https://kasonndraleigh.com
Facebook Fan Page:
http://facebook.com/kasonndraleighbookspage
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/kasonndraleigh
Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/kasonndraleighbooks
Online Blogazine:
http://livewellbefabulous.com
Amazon author's link:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/KaSonndra-Leigh/author/B0066W7GY4?ref
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