Interview with Sara E. Tall Author of Misfit’s Rise
I had a theater teacher in high school that always talked about the power art has to change people’s lives. I modified something he said into my mantra, “To serve Art, and not be served by Art.” The arts—in all of their forms— have saved my life in a lot ways, even if it was just enjoying a fantasy world or a compelling romance. I want to give back to the arts, or use them to serve and help others the way the arts helped me. The same could be said about me as a person. Though my life has not be easy, and there have been difficult and dark moments, it has been full and rewarding as well. I want to help others experience that same fullness, even if it’s as simple as making them laugh or cry or cheer at something I wrote.
Where do your story ideas come from? If they come to you in the middle of the night, do you get up and write them all down?
A good 90% of my stories come from dreams I’ve had. So much so that I actually look forward to sleeping because I’m so excited to dream. As soon as I wake up I grab a notebook and write down everything I can remember. Then I spend the whole day figuring out how my weird and nonsensical dream can actually be a story. Usually there’s a scene or feeling that’s so compelling I can’t get it out of my head, and I build the rest of the story around that. The problem is now I have a like a million story ideas, and only so many years before I’m too old to write.
My current novel, Misfit’s Rise, didn’t come from a dream originally, though I have had dreams about it. I created Misfit’s Rise when I was nanny and the kids were sleeping. Those kids are some of the most creative people I’ve ever met, so I’m sure they inspired the story with more than just their sleeping habits.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
DANCE!!!! No seriously, anyone who knows me will tell you I like to dance at the most inappropriate times: at work, in the grocery store, in the street, etc…. Dancing is my go-to when I’m procrastinating writing. I also love being outdoors. Hiking, canoeing, swimming, skiing. All these experiences are as close to magic as I am going to get. One of these days I’m going to make volunteer work a big part of my life, but I’m not that organized yet.
You’ve got a time machine, a cloak of invisibility, and one hour. Where would you go, and what eavesdropping would you do?
As soon as I saw this question I knew I had to answer it, even though I had no idea what I should say. I debated overhearing supposed conversations my male friends had about me, since I’m super curious about what went down, but I decided I was better living in ignorance. Then I thought about overhearing some super infamous person in history, trying to get insights into why they did the awful things they did. But once again, I decided it was best to just live in ignorance. Eventually I decided on Ancient Greece during the Greco-Persian war, to witness the battle between the Spartans and the Persian “Immortals.” Essentially, the battle that inspired the move 300. It’s always been fascinated with that battle. I’ve actually got an idea for a re-telling of the Greco-Persian war in space, but that is way down the line. I’m not sure how much eavesdropping I would do, but the invisibility cloak would help make sure I didn’t skewered in the process.
“There’s the little fire freak.” My eyes shot open. Standing before me was Tanya with her usual wannabes. She was dressed in her predictable mixture of bad-girl-meets-prep, wearing the pigtails only she could pull off as chic and not goody two-shoes.
“What’s the matter? Nothing to say to me?” She stepped forward. “Not even an apology for blowing up my house?”
“Not really.” People always said if you didn’t let bullies get to you, they’d get bored and move on. It was time to put that to the test.
“When did you become an arsonist, anyway?” she took another step. “Was it to deal with your dad leaving you in that ghetto with all the other freaks?”
“My father didn’t leave,” I snapped before I could stop myself. “He’s dead.”
“Oh, I’m sure that’s what your mom told you.” She was right in front of my face now. “But we all know if your daddy was dead, you would have gotten a nice life insurance check and you wouldn’t be so dirt poor.”
At different time I might have laughed at that. I guess it didn’t occur to Tanya not everyone could afford a life insurance policy.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said as I leapt off the bench and shoved my way past her.
“I’m trying to help you, Billie,” she said from behind me. “You and your friends. I know it can be hard coming from nothing.”
Even though I knew I should just keep walking, I whirled around. “You don’t know a thing about us.”
“You know what the number one profession is for girls from low-income neighborhoods?”
The people around us gasped, though the ones trying to look cool laughed. I was almost impressed with Tanya for being that subtle.
I glanced at her Prada bag, my hand twitching. It would be so easy to just rip that thing open. And it would be a lot better than she deserved. But the Officials had told me not to use magic, and I had a feeling my ability to follow their order would affect whether they sent me to the Academy, or to a containment facility.
Slowly, I turned around again. “I’m not listening to you.”
“You and tall-chick might be able to make it, but the chubby one? What guy would pay for a night with that?”
There was more laughter, but I barely heard it as I whirled around and screamed, “Shut up!”
Everything happened too fast. All I knew was that one moment I was glaring at Tanya, breathing hard while she folded her arms and smirked; and the next second the tall, marble centerpiece from the fountain was hurtling toward Tanya’s head.
She screamed and ducked, and the marble spiral crashed down just behind her shoulder. Even though it missed her, it still drenched her and her bag with a splash of murky, icy water.
For a second nobody moved, as everyone’s eyes moved from Tanya, to the wrecked fountain, to me.
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Misfit’s Rise!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Alpha book 1, Fae, magic, Misfits Rise, Sara E. Tall, YA Fantasy by Tena Stetler with 4 comments.
A DEMON’S WITCH, The Book that Started It All!
Good morning! Beginning today, Friday, and thereafter for the next few Sundays, I will be showcasing my published books beginning with my debut novel published in 2015, A DEMON’S WITCH, (e-book is on sale for 99 cents – limited time) through the last one, A MAGIC REDEMPTION, released Dec. 2019. Then maybe a sneak peek into the first book to be published in 2019! What inspired A DEMON’S WITCH you ask and what made it different from most paranormal romance you read?
A Demon’s Witch, was born in a hair salon from a song. I was talking with my hairdresser, Jen, one Saturday about the things she sees and hears in her line of work and my imagination took off. She laughed as I bounced ideas off her. I remembered a 1960’s era song about a hairdresser named Bruce. A little more brainstorming with Jen and my hubby then A Demon’s Witch was born. After that the what if’s began.
What if the hairdresser is really a ruggedly handsome demon overlord. Now tell me if that isn’t different. LOL
What if a powerful witch breezed into his salon and the attraction was undeniable?
What if the witch’s brother just happens to be the demons overlord’s hired enforcer? Will they survive discovery and make a life together?
What if the salon is multi-species catering to mortals and paranormal creatures alike is located in Washington DC? Flaming manicure bowls, Fried hairdryers, a magic portal in the basement make it a bit different.
Adds a new dimension to our concept of DC, doesn’t it? Or maybe you just thought DC was full of demon’s and creatures that go bump in the night to begin with. LOL
Click on the cover to read more or purchase.
What’s A Demon’s Witch about: Well…I’ll tell you.
It’s about family, blood or otherwise. Its about doing the right thing for maybe the wrong reasons. Keeping secrets is not always the best action, especially when preternatural powers are involved. A Demon’s Witch takes you into the realm of magic & paranormal, with surprising & suspenseful twists & turns.
What did the 5-star reviews have to say about A Demon’s Witch?
“I thoroughly enjoyed this sexy paranormal story with excellent world building and well developed characters. The author has created a clever setting by making the headquarters of the demon a trendy hair salon in Washington DC. It makes for some entertaining situations. Enter a feisty witch who knocks the demon off his feet and turns his carefully ordered world upside down.” L. Williams – 5 Stars
“This debut novel by Tena Stetler is phenomenal! She created a unique paranormal world filled with witches, wizards, demons, fairies, and a few other surprises. Absolutely loved the chemistry between Bruce and Angelique! I was swooning the moment Bruce entered the scene. ”
‘A Demon’s Witch spicy romance has it all intrigue, humor, thrills, danger and a splash of magic to keep you on the edge of your seat.”
A peek between the pages of A Demon’s Witch!
A feeling of dark foreboding, like storm clouds forming on the horizon before a violent storm, washed over Bruce as he maneuvered the SUV into the parking lot behind The Krystal Unicorn.
Tristian was already there and it wasn’t to give his report. Bruce could feel the fury in Tristian’s magic signature hanging in the air. A silver tipped arrow penetrated the windshield, split the arm securing the rearview mirror, and stuck in the headrest a quarter inch from Bruce’s neck. Blue liquid oozed from the tip and a stream of red mist escaped from the other end of the arrow.
“Hold your breath and don’t open the door or windows. The influx of fresh air will spread the poison.” He hissed though his teeth not daring to take a breath.
Air pressure inside the vehicle changed, Angie’s head felt like it was going to explode. Bruce. She whispered into his mind, a benefit of being mated.
I know, just a few seconds more, I’ve got it handled. His deep smooth voice floated reassuringly in her mind, as he reached over caressing her shoulder.
The pressure eased and the red mist sucked in on itself disappearing along with the oozing liquid. He pulled the arrow from the headrest, fingering the hole in the upholstery.
Through gritted teeth, Bruce growled. “His first mistake was that he missed me. His second deadly mistake was he risked your life. That is unforgivable.” Those two things also told Bruce that Tristian wasn’t thinking clearly, fury was coloring his judgment. That gave Bruce an edge, though the attack caught him off guard. He hadn’t expected Tristian’s attack to put his sister at risk.
The console between them lowered to seat level. He hoped to add fuel to the fury burning inside Tristian. Bruce put his arm around Angie’s waist and pulled her against him, his lips pressed against hers then gently covered her mouth as his tongue traced the soft fullness of her lips. He drew back, touched his lips to hers again trailing them down to the pulsing hollow of her neck and whispered, “You’re going into the shop now, Willow is waiting just on the other side of the door. Please stay there, you’ll be able to remain in my mind just don’t interfere. I need your presence there as a calming one. Willow can help you.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I know. There wasn’t time to explain how everything works and I’m not exactly sure myself. Only that I can feel you in my mind and I assume you can feel me in yours.”
“Yes, it’s a weird sensation,” Angie said a tremor in her voice.
“We’ll learn together to use it to our benefit, now is as good a time as any to practice.”
She snorted, “Sure, our lives are on the line. No big deal.” She threw up her hands.
“That’s the spirit.” He grinned raising his head and cupping her trembling chin in his steady hand, not taking his eyes off hers. “Believe me when I tell you, I won’t kill your brother. Although he is making it damn difficult. Nor do I believe he will kill me. Though that is his intention, right now. So put those thoughts out of your mind, they won’t help either of us.”
Available at:
Amazon.com, Amazon UK Amazon AU Amazon CA Kobo, The Wild Rose Press. Walmart.com and Barnes & Noble.
I love to meet new readers and chat with them or other authors. So please check out my social media links below. Talk with you soon!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, Tena Stetler, Vampire, Washington, Washington DC, Witches by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
The Good, Bad and Ugly – Reflections of 2018
This time of year, I always look back to see what my successes were and what I could have done better. 2018 was my least favorite year of all time. Beaten only by the year my mother passed away twenty years ago. Now there were some shining moments too; which I clung to tight just to get me through this year.
Let’s start with the good:
I met all my goals for 2018. Yeah! <Fist pump>
Book four, AN ANGEL’S UNINTENTIONAL ENTANGLEMENT, and five, A MAGIC REDEMPTION, in A DEMON’S WITCH SERIES were published in August and December. Exciting times but promo was crazy.
My third book, A Witch’s Journey became Amazon’s #2 best seller in the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Yep I was stoked. What happened to the United States ranking, I’ve no idea.
I was featured twice August and December in HEA column of USA Today the latest being an exclusive excerpt from A MAGIC REDEMPTION in December. As a writer, that is a dream come true.
Hubby and I enjoyed a few fantastic camping trips over the summer and early fall. During the next to last camping trip we learned the company my husband worked for had been sold and he would have to find another job. Yeah it kinda ruined the trip to our favorite spot Rocky Mountain National Park. But there’s always next year. However, same day he was offered a job with another company but dealing with the six month non-compete sucks. Which leads me to…
The bad:
My father-in-law passed away in January 2018 after a long battle with cancer. Settling the estate long distance was difficult to begin with, not to mention the interference from relatives.
Due to Alzheimer’s, my mother-in-law is in a nice memory care facility but it’s located 2500 miles from our home. Because of her deteriorating condition, she can’t be moved.
A favorite aunt passed away mid-December.
Though my books usually get stellar reviews, there were a couple reviews that were not and those bother me even though I read them only once. Yes I know publishing is a tough industry and writing is subjective… but still…
The Ugly:
Right now the world around us is scary and very dark. Kindness is in short supply, negativity is everywhere, and it’s always someone else’s fault. I can remember when you owned your mistakes and stepped up to correct them. I’m hopeful 2019 will bring about changes that will put our country and world on a better path.
So I’m going to put aside the bad and ugly and start 2019 with a renewed enthusiasm for accomplishing my New Year’s goals.
- Hopefully receive a couple new book contracts.
- Meet my writing goal of 5,000 words written each week.
- Set aside more quality time with friends, family, and my dog, parrot and turtle.
- Relax and enjoy many camping trips.
- Exercise regularly. This is always a tough one for me. I tend to let deadlines and obligations control my schedule.
- Take control of my schedule and stick to it, barring emergencies.
How about sharing some of your New Year’s goals? Did you make your 2018 goals? Wishing you and yours Love, Laughter and Happy New Year! See you next year. I love saying that. LOL
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged 2018, 2019, A Magic Redemption, An Angel's Unintentional Entanglement, New Year, Paranormal Romance, Reflections of 2018, Rocky Mountain National Park, Tena Stetler, USA Today, writing by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Sharon Ashwood Author of Gifted-Dark Forgotten Series
Have a seat and grab an insulated mug. I’ve got hot chocolate, hot cider and coffee. Choose your pot, they’re labeled. Pick your choice of a Snicker-doodle, Chocolate Chip or Peanut butter cookie from the plate. Yep, I baked them myself. Lets see what Gifted – fifth book in the Dark Forgotten Series. and supernatural holiday carols is all about. Thanks for joining us! Psst… don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter for giveaways.
Supernatural Holiday Carols!
holiday favorites? Whether you’re
rocking around the Yuletide tree or mixing punch in your festive cauldron, no
party is complete without a soundtrack of traditional and contemporary tunes.
We consulted with the good folks over at CSUP—the station that puts super in
supernatural—to get their most-requested numbers for the season.
Woods)
sing-a-long this season, drop by the station for song sheets and a hot drink
between now and New Year’s Day. Our
doors are always open! As for whether you ever leave again, your mileage may
vary.
to go see Santa Claws?” Errata Jones
asked in her husky, teasing voice.
Baker replied, still grumpy at the prospect of crowds and gift-giving
decisions. Plus, it was cold, gray, and rainy—a typical December day in the
Pacific Northwest.
boundless holiday spirit?” She turned into the parking lot outside the Fairview
Sports and Recreation Center. It was the final day of the Yuletide Holiday
Market, an arts and crafts event by and for the local supernatural community.
“Counting today, there’s only three shopping days till Christmas.”
you’re not going to make me sit on Santa’s knee.”
so, darling. That would be weird, even for us.”
Jaguar coupe into the last parking space, beating out a massive pickup by a
whisker. The truck made a sound like a startled dinosaur as it lurched to a
stop on the frosty pavement. Turning off the Jaguar’s ignition, Errata smoothed
her chin-length, jet-black hair, then glanced in the rear-view mirror, looking
pleased with herself. Perry twisted in his seat to see the pickup driver turn a
Christmassy scarlet and lurch off.
heart to resume its normal rhythm.
Errata was a werecougar, and there were reasons cats shouldn’t drive.
Werewolves like him were another matter. Wolves appreciated order, including
stop signs. Cats did things because they could—like pester him into going to
this stupid craft fair.
got for befriending a feline. He cast her a sidelong look, taking in her high
cheekbones and smooth, golden skin. It was all he could do not to reach over
and stroke her hair, but that would be crossing a boundary. She’d made it clear
from the start that cats walked alone.
preening and gave him an arch look. “Shouldn’t you be shopping for your human,
what’s-her-name?”
his seatbelt. “Her name is Tiffani. With an i.”
course it is.” Errata patted his cheek with a pitying look. “Come on. First
fifty guests get a goodie bag.”
Perry said, sounding defensive even to himself.
generally are,” she said agreeably. “You should buy her something really nice.”
before December 23rd,” he protested as he got out of the car.
let friends give their sweethearts, even ones named Tiffani with an i, gift
cards.”
make sense.”
end of her scarf over her shoulder with a flick of one gloved hand. “Be
grateful you have me to watch over you.” She clicked the locks and swept toward
the entrance of the building, leaving Perry to catch up.
grumbled. “What do you want for Yule?”
card.”
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Gifted!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Gifted, Paranormal Romance, Sharon Ashwood, The Dark Forgottne Series, Urban Fantacy by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
