Tena StetlerAuthor of Paranormal Romance/Suspense & Cozy Mysteries With Magic Spark!

There was a number of contributing factors. I have always been into reading and watching the paranormal creatures that peek our interests. I love mythology and superstition so to bring them to light in a different way from what others have done makes it so appealing. For instance. The concept of werewolves has been present in our mythologies and literatures for centuries. Our society often depicts them as evil or raging beasts who have no qualms about killing.  I wanted to do something different to the degree that what if they aren’t necessarily evil. What if it’s a matter of circumstance or choice not a curse? Many things I have read and watched via movies or TV helped to mold my stories and Albion Moon was no exception. Then of course there is the question of immortality. I was looking at my dog one day and was thinking about dog years verses human years and how they age differently.  Additionally, pulling in religious views, would being immortal defy God? This is why many times, werewolves are seen as evil. I put a twist on that in that my werewolves aren’t immortal but they do age differently than humans. For instance, they don’t even know the exact math but someone who was turned 300 years ago may only age three or four years during that time. It was basically reverse dog years to human years.  I felt this would give my characters an end, just not for a long time.

Do you see yourself in your characters?

I see a little bit of myself in Evaline, my protagonist.  She also represents a little of what I wish I was. She is quite fearless and will do what it takes to find the truth or to protect someone dear. I would do this as well but in our world, many of us, myself included, are sometimes afraid of consequences. Evaline is not necessarily focused on those concerns when she is confronted with something or facing a dilemma. She will dive first then deal with what is there when she lands. I believe this is what makes her appealing to my readers.

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?

As I eluded to above, my inspirations come from a long list of sources; books, movies, TV series, gaming ideas, etc. I also have a MA in History so most of my stories have a historical flare.  I love to take ideas that I have from my inspirations and tie them into History. One of my favorite parts of Albion Moon is the back story. As Evaline and our heroes are trying to find answers, they begin to find out information about their past. A past that spans several centuries. As history tells us, the MacGregor Clan in the 15th century Scottish Highlands was quite a formidable force. In loving to research and dabble in my own bloodline, I decided to take that factual incite and add a paranormal element to it.

Why do you write what you write?  Contemporary, paranormal,  suspense, etc.

When I write something, I am not thinking of a genre. I’m telling the story the way I want to tell it and I’ll let the professionals figure out what it is.  When I first began to send Albion Moon for representation, I quickly found out, whether they were an agent or publisher, they needed to know what genre it is plus that’s how you know who to send your materials to. If they aren’t looking for your genre, they won’t look at your materials. After speaking with a few agents and readers, I decided to query Albion Moon as one genre but it had elements of all. This became very difficult to sell but luckily, one publisher and agent saw right through that!  I believe I changed it a few times before finally landing on Paranormal Thriller.  As I mentioned, I am not locked into one specific genre nor do I want to be.  For instance, I have a High Fantasy I’m working on as well as a non-fiction MS I’m still researching. So to define me as a writer for one specific genre is just nonsense J

A sneak peek between the pages of  Albion Moon

Over the next couple days, I picked up applications from the couple of banks and other places in town as well as in Shasta, the next town over. On Thursday, Kristy, Lizzy, and I hung out and went for ice cream downtown. We hit a couple of stores as Kristy wanted to get some clothes. I loathed clothes shopping. I peeked at the racks while Kristy tried stuff on and Lizzy weighed in. She got a text. One of the other servers had called off, and Mason needed her to come in.

“I have to get to work. Sorry, Kristy,” Lizzy said.

“That’s fine,” Kristy said. “Can we get some lunch there when we take you in?”

I shook my head slightly at her scheming.

“Absolutely,” Lizzy said, looking at me. “Let’s go.”

We piled into my car and headed out onto Old River Road. It was a great day for a convertible ride. The late summer sun beamed on us as we drove down the road. I had AC/DC blaring, and as we rounded a curve, I heard a siren. Peering into my rearview mirror, I eyed the red flashing police lights atop one of the town’s two SUV police units.

Kristy glanced back. “What the fuck? You weren’t speeding.”

I looked down. I was just below the speed limit. After I pulled over, I got out my registration and insurance. The cop approached my door, and what I saw caused a huge lump to form in my throat.

Campbell had a smug look on his face as he spoke. “License, registration, and proof of insurance please.”

I handed them over without making eye contact.

He examined my license, which still had my Sacramento address on it. “A little way from Sacramento, Miss Bennett, aren’t we?”

“Yeah, I guess I am.”

“Where are you headed right now?” His tone turned from mocking to icy.

“I need to get her to work,” I said, indicating Lizzy.

He eyed Lizzy, who appeared annoyed by his questions. “Oh, a Cowan sister. How fitting. Tell your brother I got a nice cell waiting for him.” She didn’t say anything as his attention moved back to me. “So, are you here on vacation?”

My blood boiled as the dream I had with Jimmy came back to me. I glared at Campbell. “I’m visiting family for a while.”

“So, what is the address you’re staying at in town?”

“What does that matter?” Kristy interrupted any response I was about to make. “What the f—?”

“Smart ass like your brother,” he said, cutting her off. “He’s a great bunk mate for Jonas.”

Now speechless, she sat there.

After opening my door, he indicated for me to move. “Please step out of the vehicle.”

Not wishing to cause a scene, I complied and stood by my car.

He turned me around. “Face your car, hands on the hood.”

Kristy found her voice again. “Are you fucking kidding me? We weren’t doing anything!”

Campbell flashed her a look. “Shut up and don’t move.” He then patted me down. “Do you have any weapons or drug paraphernalia I need to be aware of?” He spun me back to him.

Looking at him dead in the eye, I answered, “No.”

Holding my elbow, he walked me toward his vehicle as he eyed Kristy and Lizzy, who were clearly uncomfortable with what was happening. Despite my apprehension, I followed him. He took me behind his patrol truck and returned my license.

“I suggest you watch yourself, Miss Bennett. These back roads are dangerous, and if something were to happen, it could be quite a while until you’d be found.” My stomach churned as he leaned into me and whispered, “A woman like yourself, all alone, might entice trouble.” He reached for my breast, and I reacted quickly.

Shoving the bottom of my palm up into his lip, I knocked him back but didn’t wait to see his reaction. I returned to my car, got in, then took off. I was sure he was going to follow, but he didn’t.

Kristy turned to me. “We need to report him, Evaline. That was wrong in so many ways.”

Shaking my head, I said, “It will make things worse, trust me. Just forget it, okay?”

She gave Lizzy a concerned look, who then asked, “Why did he take you back there?”

I didn’t say anything as we drove into the parking lot, parked, then got out.

Kristy was still fired up. “This is such bullshit. He made a move on you, didn’t he?”

“Just drop it, Kristy, okay? It’s over. I wanna forget it.”

The dust kicked up in the parking lot as we made our way through the front doors. A few patrons were seated at the bar, and several booths and tables were occupied. We headed to an open booth as Lizzy returned to the back.

While still a bit shaken from the encounter, I pondered what had just happened. A knot was in the pit of my stomach as thoughts raced through my mind.

Does he know I know what he is? Will he try to hurt what family I have left? Will he hurt me to find out what I know? I thought of my dream again—Jimmy had warned me. Or will he kill me?