How has being Cherokee influenced your writing?
Being Cherokee, I am immersed in the culture and the stories, the Trail of Tears drama play is performed minutes from my home every summer and I brave the warm summer nights and go quite often. The lessons and morals that are woven into the legends of the Cherokee definitely influence my daily life and that becomes part of my writing. For me, my stories have a purpose, there is a meaning, life lessons that relate to the same life lessons from Cherokee legends. Story telling for the Cherokee is more than a fun past time or teaching the children, it is vital to the existence of a tribe, people, culture or life itself.
Do you incorporate any legends into your books?
For Crescent Bound the only thing that relates directly is the very beginning with one man helping another being and in return it gives balance to his life and sets the stage to maintain that balance far into the future.
What inspired you to write about witches?
I had a vision or dream that brought my protagonist to me. In that dream she was a witch with the elemental power of fire. Coming from my dreams, it made me start researching, seeking more knowledge about the witches and their ancient origins and teachings along with their creed, practices, and even holidays. Basically one thing lead to another and like a giant puzzle things just started falling into place.
Do you use research or actual spells in your novels?
It was the research that led me to the ideas behind the spells in the book although they are all created to fit the story. I have not tried any out, but have thought about the "mind sweep" spell for several people, I'm only kidding. LOL
Who do you like to read?
Stephen King, he is my number one author. If I were a castaway on a tropical island with a hammock, drinks with umbrellas, steak and shrimp served daily with a side salad and ice tea delivered in a tall glass. An endless supply of Stephen King books would allow me to survive such harsh and cruel conditions. Me too!
What authors can you compare your writing with?
To be perfectly honest I don't think I write like anyone. The closest author I have found a similarity to with the same writing technique is Suzanne Collins. She and I write in present tense and first person. I was told once that my writing reminded them of Annie Rice. I just write, it is my style and really could not change it if I tried.
If Crescent Bound became a movie, who would you like to see play the leads?
For my leads I would have Jessica Lowndes as Alyssa and Marc would be Justin Hartley. Not sure I would be able to get Megan Fox to play Megan, but I would sure try. She may have fun playing a look alike of herself.
What would the theme song of the movie be?
Circles by Emma Hewitt & 16 Bit Lolitas - This song just speaks to me about the entire series. The lyrics capture much of what I want to convey with my books. And I envision this song playing with the ending credits.
Favorite typo/grammar error is:
I truly despise any and all grammar errors and typos but I sometimes sliver and silver away a bit. I am definitely human, and typos are a part of writing that we all wish would go away. Maybe that is a spell I need to work on. Good ones! I tend to off/of a lot!
How does your family feel about your writing?
For the most part I have two teenage sons that I don't think, between their Xbox and Cell phones, are even aware I write at all. My autistic son, who is nine, is a great supporter by allowing me the time to write and randomly kisses me when I need it most. And then there is my husband, he's my rock and number one fan.
Have they read your books?
My husband has and more than he probably wanted to. Honestly, he is the first at my door asking if I have anything new that he can read.
Are they too steamy for kids?
Absolutely, I would recommend these books for 18 years old and up. It has adult related content in several ways.
Can you give an excerpt?
Here you go, this is a scene with Alyssa, Lisa and Megan as they try to keep Megan's latest human boyfriend from realizing she is a witch. They take away his memory of Megan and now all they have to do is get the sleeping man home, safely.
“Megan, you are going to use your telekinesis, I want you to concentrate, just visualize moving his arm at first, ok?”
She nods slowly and turns towards Alberto, nothing at first, but I remain patient. Lisa appears next to me and I raise a finger to my lips signaling for her to be quiet. Then suddenly Alberto’s right arm rises up and hovers in midair.
Megan looks over at us and smiles proudly. “I think we can do it, this will be so kick ass!” Megan is bubbling with excitement that she’s able to move something larger than a pencil.
“Five cheers for Megan,” I say. “But I’m not ready to bring out my pom-poms yet.” Lisa looks thrilled too as she leans over to me.
“This is fun.” I roll my eyes at them and think we haven’t even moved him off the couch let alone out of the room.
Taking in a deep breath I say, “Come on ladies; let’s get this show on the road.” Megan turns back to Alberto and focuses once again. This time I am impressed, she actually has his entire body off the couch and just slightly dragging the floor. He’s almost to the doorway when he suddenly drops to the ground with a loud thump. Megan puts a hand over her mouth and looks at me.
“Oops!” I motion my hand in a manner to keep going.
I walk by Lisa and whisper. “Better go grab some pillows for Alberto, I may not be psychic, but I get this uncanny feeling he’s going feel some pain tomorrow.” Lisa shifts out of the room and I can hear her laughing as she leaves.
By the time we have Alberto by the front door Megan is leaning heavily against the wall.
“I don’t see how David makes it look so easy, why didn’t we just do the mind sweep on him here in the foyer?” I open up the door.
“David has been doing this for a long time now, and if you wouldn’t find human men so enticing maybe we wouldn't be doing this at all.” I sigh and look at her, “Come on Meg, just a little further, shape your energy, pull it together and gently float him down the steps.” I tried using a calm voice as I watch her focus. His body ever so slowly ascends and hovers out the door and just above the steps. I’m thinking yes, you’ve got it and then he falls. We both watch his unconscious body roll and bounce down the steps. I look back at her and say, “When you said “This was going to be kick-ass” were you referring to his ass per se?” Megan rolls her eyes at me.
With a tired expression on her face Megan says, “Are we close enough to Lisa’s car now?”
I can tell her energy is drained and since he did roll down, he really is just a few feet away from the car. Megan and I grab an arm each and haul him to the passenger door. Lisa uses her air element in helping us lift his body up into the seat. I reach over and buckle him in, checking for any cuts or bruises. I see a few on his arm, so I place my hands tenderly on him and focus my healing energy into his wounds. He will definitely feel sore tomorrow, poor bloke for falling in love with a witch.
Thank you Dina so much for this opportunity, I loved doing this and hope I can come back sometime.
Karli
Thank you so much for being my guest!
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