Pacific NW Blog Hop

I would pretend that I don't like these chain blog posts, but it would be a total lie. Someone is spoon feeding me content. It's like wine tasting without the dizzies! This week's blog post is brought to you by the talented Michael G. Munz, a fellow Booktrope author of Zeus is Dead.

1) What am I working on?

This question has been going through my head a lot lately because it's hard for me to focus on just one project. I have a New Adult Urban Fantasy series that just needs a few tweaks, but my focus has been on book 2 of The Hunted series (All the Pretty Bones was book 1) and my horror novel, Charlie's Shadow. I don't want to say much about book 2 because there are too many potential spoilers for book 1.

Charlie's Shadow is about a struggling couple who finds a dog under their front porch. When they invite Charlie into the house, they get more than they bargained for. Things begin to go bump in the night and a dark secret about their house is discovered.

My adorable inspiration for Charlie's Shadow

2) How does it differ from others in its genre?

The Hunted series is in the Paranormal Thriller genre, but the focus is on the very human struggles the characters face. Olivia is tormented by a stalker and facing terminal illness. Sean Howard struggles with his need to save his ex and what the emotions being drudged up are doing to his marriage. Lucian has to decide whether risking his life is worth saving a woman who makes him feel alive. The mythology is important but it isn't the main focus.

Charlie's Shadow is a horror novel, but it doesn't shy away from some difficult topics. Infertility and infidelity play major parts. Horror is often viewed as a "male" genre, but I believe Gillian Flynn has paved the way for a new twist with a heavy emphasis on contemporary issues.

3) Why do I write what I do?

I get ideas in my head that nag until I finally just have to write them down. My mom has asked me why I write things that are so dark. She has always wanted me to pen a nice, cheery romance that takes place in Provence (I think a little bit of this desire stems from wanting an excuse to expense a "research" trip to France). I'm not sure why things get dark and twisty, but it seems to work for me. 

4) How does my writing process work?

It used to be that an idea would hit me and I would just sit down and write. The first time I sat down to write, I cranked out 70,000 words in a week. That sounds like bragging, but if people were allowed to read those words, they would see that they were terrible. Which is why no one is going to read them. Ever. Except my good friend, but she's been sworn to secrecy. Despite the horribleness of the words, it was a beginning! Now I let an idea tickle at my brain and I write down some ideas for major plot points. Then I move on to sketching out characters. By the time I sit down to write the first few chapters, I know how I want the book to end. That doesn't mean it always ends how I first envisioned it, but it seems to work better than locking myself in a room and free flowing.

Now it's time to meet the next blog hop participants.

Jennifer Hotes

Encouraged by her mother-in-law, Elizabeth A. Hotes, who told her to create something and share it with others, Jennifer writes and illustrates to keep her memory alive.

To date, Jennifer’s favorite medium is pen and ink, but she also loves to paint a wall or canvas.

Her works have been featured at benefit art auctions, adorned the walls of public spaces, graced  homes and enhanced books with vibrant covers and internal illustrations.

Four Rubbings is Jennifer’s first novel, though she’s busy writing the second book in the stone witch series presently. Four Rubbings is great for readers that enjoyed the Harry Potter series, and has been a fun book club pick across the country. The author loves Skyping into book clubs, so email her and ask – she may just surprise you with a cyber visit!

Jennifer Hotes'.......... Website | Twitter 

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Patricia D. Eddy

Patricia D. Eddy can't stop writing. Not that she's tried. Her characters won't let her.

She fuels her writing with copious amounts of caffeine-she lives in Seattle, after all-and rewards herself with good Scotch and red wine.

In between writing, editing, and mentoring other authors, she runs around lakes, reads late into the night, and is terribly addicted to Doctor Who and Sherlock. She has a thing for quirky British men and isn't ashamed to admit it.

Her quirky-but-not-British husband never gives her grief for working long hours or occasionally talking to herself when she has disagreements with her characters, for which she is very thankful.

Patricia D. Eddy's...... Website | Twitter | Facebook

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