I want to introduce you to award winning, paranormal action romance author Patti O'shea. After reading her In the Darkest Night, I just had to ask Patti for an interview, so you can have a better look at Patti and her books. Patti has her bio on her website please if you have a chance read it.
BbPNR-Can you tell those of us who aren't familiar with your Light Warriors, a little about the series?
Patti-The Light Warriors series is about a society of magic users (the Gineal) who live among humans and protect them (and others) from magical threats. Sometimes it's a demon, sometimes it's magic users from other dimensions, and sometimes it's their own people who embrace the dark forces and turn evil. Each book follows a different couple and a different villain (or villains).
BbPNR-How much research do you have to do when writing your magical series, Light Warriors?
Patti-It's depended on the book. All of them required research, but some more than others. For example, EDGE OF DAWN has a heroine who's a glass artist and a hero who restores classic cars--two subjects about which I knew nothing. The hero was also into hiking in the mountains--more research--and I needed to learn about dragons, too. IN THE DARKEST NIGHT on the other hand primarily needed minor points verified, although I did have to read up on PTSD for Kel.
BbPNR-How hard it is to keep the action going with all the magic in this series?
Patti-This is another interesting balancing act. The thing that intrigues me most in a story is the interaction between the hero and heroine and I can lose sight of everything else. To help keep me on track and keep the action and suspense going, I sit down at the end of each chapter and make a list of goals for the next one. If my previous goals were all relationship related, I'll make sure some plot goals get listed for the upcoming scene or vice versa.
BbPNR-Who was the hardest character to write in this series?
Patti-I think the hardest to write was Creed Blackwood from IN TWILIGHT'S SHADOW. Not only did I have to deal with his attitude, but I also had to balance what he believed was happening to him, what others thought was happening, and what was really going on with him. There was a lot to keep track of since I had three point of view characters in the book and each believed/knew something different at various points throughout the story.
BbPNR-Out of all of your books do you have a favorite character?
Patti-This is tough because I love all my heroes and heroines; I couldn't spend months writing them if I didn't. J My favorite characters, though, are generally from the last book I've finished because enough time has passed that I've forgotten how much grief they've given me. Right now, Kel Andrews from IN THE DARKEST NIGHT would be my choice. From the moment he first appeared in his brother's story, he grabbed me and wouldn't let go. He suffered so much, went through so much, and he still wanted to take care of others even though he felt he could barely take care of himself.
BbPNR-Do you already know how many books you have planned for this series?
Patti-When I originally proposed the series, it was only going to be two books, but after IN THE MIDNIGHT HOUR and IN TWILIGHT'S SHADOW, new characters showed up. I'd barely started EDGE OF DAWN when Kel made an appearance to help his brother and I knew he had a story as well. That's how IN THE DARKEST NIGHT came to be. So the series is open ended at this point, but I'm working on other projects right now to give my imagination something new to do.
BbPNR-Do you have anything else new coming out this year?
Patti-I have a short story from Nocturne Bites called DEMON KISSED coming out May 1st. The heroine is a demon slayer who's had a price put on her head after being convicted of murder by the demons. The hero shows up to help her, and together, they work to keep her alive. Not easy when she has an executioner as well as demon bounty hunters after her. Short stories are a lot of fun to write and I particularly enjoyed this one, maybe because Bree is casually tough and Andras appreciated that about her.
BbPNR-Is there a reason you chose to write paranormal action romance?
Patti-I generally get my ideas by who the characters are that show up in my head and so far the vast majority of them have been part of something paranormal. Also, I've always loved to read paranormal and futuristic romance and sought it out even when it was really hard to find, so I guess it's not too surprising that these are the kinds of stories that pop into my head.
The action part is pretty natural for me, too. I love movies like SPEED and THE TERMINATOR, and when I choose a film to watch, my first choice is almost always in this genre. Plus, those characters who show up and talk to me always seem to be in some kind of trouble. I never get people falling in love via a nice, normal relationship. J No, mine are being hunted by demons, chased by unknown magical beings, or trying to stop someone who's fallen into dark magic.
BbPNR-What do you enjoy most in writing paranormal?
Patti-I think my favorite part about paranormal is that I can create a society or a world that shapes my heroes and heroines in ways that the real world can't. I can also put them into situations that test aspects of their personalities in ways non-paranormal stories can't. Torturing the characters is one of the best parts of writing and this gives me incredible options. There's more stress being on the run from a magical being who can appear anywhere, any time and catch the hero and heroine unaware than from a human killer who can be defeated by human methods.
BbPNR-Can you tell us a little about what you are working on next?
Patti-I have a proposal out now that has a lighter paranormal element than what I usually write. It's basically two normal people who are stuck in an unusual situation by a magic spell done by someone else (neither of them can do magic), and at the same time, a human threat is complicating everything for the hero and heroine.
Also on the To Write List are a couple of darker paranormals with a lot more world building and I'd like to do more short stories set in the same world as DEMON KISSED. I have notes everywhere right now. J I've started color-coding with Post-it flags to keep it all straight.
BbPNR-Can you tell us what is in your TBR pile?
Patti-My TBR pile is a scary place because I don't have much reading time since I started writing. This doesn't stop me from picking up more, of course. J The books waiting for me include paranormal romance, urban fantasy, contemporary romance, futuristic romance, and romantic suspense. I also have non-fiction and writing books to get to as well, and some research books for an idea I'd like to work on soon.
Thank you so much Patti!
Here is
Patti's website check it out.
Now for the giveaway. Patti has generously agreed to giveaway, In The Midnight Hour. This is the first book in her Light Warriors series. I will leave the giveaway up until April 29. so make sure you comment below with your email.
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