Authorpalooza Day Guest Author: Erin Kellison

Strictly Reviews blog entry
Erin Kellison, March 31, 2010


Thank you so much to Veronica for inviting me Strictly Review’s Authorpalooza.

I’m Erin Kellison and I write dark fantasy romance.

My first two books, Shadow Bound and Shadow Fall, come out this summer.
Here’s the back cover blurb of Shadow Bound:


Death
Some people will do anything to avoid it. Even trade their immortal souls for endless existence.


Wraiths
Secretly, inexorably, they are infiltrating our world, sucking the essence out of unsuspecting victims with their hideous parody of a kiss.


Segue
Adam Thorne founded the Institute to study and destroy his monster of a brother, but the key to its success is held in the pale, slender hand of a woman on the run. There is something hauntingly different about Talia O’Brien, her unknowing sensuality, her uncanny way of slipping into Shadow.


Twilight
This is the place between life and what comes after - a dark forest of fantasy, filled with beauty, peril, mystery. And Talia is about to open the door.

I am super excited because they are both Publisher’s Pledge titles, which means Dorchester, my publisher, is offering a money back guarantee if a reader doesn’t like the story. For more information, check out www.erinkellison.com.


1. How long have you been writing?


Long time. I started trying to write stories in elementary school. All of them had some sort of dark paranormal/fantasy elements, probably because I’ve always been afraid of the dark. Still am. Looking back, I think my best stuff came in nightmares, except the things that scare me now, seem kinda cool, too. The first nightmare I can remember was me running through the wet, nighttime streets of New York City, a giant shark fin following close behind. Yes, in the concrete. I ran into an alley, only to come to a dead end. The shark leaped out of the pavement, mouth gaping, razor-sharp teeth bared. Okay, that one probably won’t make it into any books.

2. What were your reactions when you heard your first book was going to be published?


Total shock. I was still in my pjs. My husband was just about to take my eldest to school when a 212 number called my phone. I let it go to voice mail because my littlest was being a monkey (probably literally). I picked up the message, listened, saved it carefully, then ran out into the street like a crazy woman to stop my husband from driving away. He wrangled the kids while I called my editor-to-be back. I can’t exactly remember what she said, but the impression I have is good. I still have her original call saved on my voice mail.

3. What's one day in the life of Erin Kellison like?


Which day? They are all different. My best writing days are spent with me in a chair and not getting up until I hit my word count. Snacks help. Email is dangerous. The Internet is worse. And don’t even get me started on Twitter. I usually write in the morning and then once the word count is reached, the rest of the day is spent with my family.


4. Do you have a current project you’re working on or something you plan to begin soon?


Yes, I am currently working on the third book in my Shadow series, called Shadowman, which returns to the inciting characters of Shadow Bound. It’s a tricky story, but I see glimmers of possibility here and there. I hate to say it, but of all the characters, lately I’m digging my bad guy the most. I think that’s a good sign.

5. In your opinion, what is the most difficult part of being a published author?


Time. I am always fighting for more time. It was a juggling act before. Now I’m the poor circus clown who spins all those plates. It’s worth it though.

6. What’s the most rewarding?


The ping. I hear it in my head when I get a scene right. Otherwise I have to keep writing and reworking. If I go beyond a scene or chapter without the ping, inevitably I have to go back and rework. The ping is paramount. And it feels so good.

7. If you could co-author a book with any of your fellow authors or anyone from anywhere, who would you choose and why?


My sister. I’ve actually already written a book with her, and I had so much fun doing it.

8. Describe your writing process.


I start with a character and find a quintessential fairy tale that speaks to his or her situation. I take the fairy tale to a dark but modern place. Then I torture him and tempt him and hurt him bad. Then beat him up until all he has left is guts and passion. I don’t spare my heroines either. And then I let them have a near happily ever after, near because there is always more to do. Before I begin, I also have big moments planned. I can often see those scenes clearly, even way back at the beginning. The rest I work out as I go along.

9. What is the most interesting place you’ve ever visited?


Tintagel Castle in Cornwall. A ruin of a castle at the top of a cliff overlooking the ocean. The stone stairs to the top are terrifyingly deadly. The super cool thing is that they don’t have safety rails. Parents beware. But I found it so beyond cool to walk to the edge of the cliff, among the ruins of the castle, breathing in the remnants of legend, like I was at the edge of the world.
 
10. What can we expect to see from you in the near future?


My first novel, Shadow Bound, will be released in July, with the sequel Shadow Fall out in August. I’ll also be launching some companion websites for the books in the coming months with some fun interactive content. In the meantime, everyone can check my main website, ErinKellison.com, for updates, blog posts, and contests.


So what’s your favorite nightmare? One lucky commenter will win a free copy of Shadow Bound. Good luck!

Everyone is eligible to enter including those living outside the U.S. 



Thank you, Erin. I hope you all stop by and show some love by leaving your questions and comments below. I for one am jealous that one of you lucky commenters will get the chance to win Shadow Bound.

For extra chances to win Shadow Bound by Erin Kellison, just tweet:

Come by Strictly Reviews #Authorpalooza2010 featuring Erin Kellison to win a copy of Shadow Bound today! http://bit.ly/bZsmec

And don't forget to check back and comment everyday until May 1st for you chance to won lots of books from authors like Joss Ware, Tracey O'Hara, Patricia Briggs and more!


Veronica