RABT Book Tours and PR Blog: Tour Kick Off

Paranormal Suspense

Date Published: December 14, 2013

Melissa Solange is presented the chance of a lifetime. Chosen as a member of a new dance company, she works tirelessly perfecting the one element of ballet she's never mastered—the adagio. As she rehearses, a dark force watches. Resurrected by the surprise addition of a classic ballet to the repertoire, the sinister work is thought to be cursed—destroying anyone who attempts to dance it. When the production's lead dancers begin to disappear, the old warning is taken more seriously. A death worshipping cult called The Innocents is blamed, but she is not so sure. They may be the scapegoat for an ultimate evil living in the woods of Holybrook. Desperate for an answer, she searches for what lurks in the shadows of the old trees before she becomes the next victim of the Danse Macabre.

#1 – Do You See Writing as a Career?

Yes, absolutely. While I understand being a full-time professional is a privilege, it’s something I’m passionate about accomplishing despite all the hard work. But there are amazing perks. For example, my muse makes things interesting by entertaining me with fresh ideas—not to mention all those plot twists she throws in. She keeps me on my toes in trying to keep up and I’m constantly surprised. So being kept mentally active is not all bad.

#2 – What was the Hardest Part of Your Writing Process?

Belief in self. It’s been excruciatingly difficult to develop self-worth.

#3 – Did you have any One Person Who Helped You Out with Your Writing Outside of Your Family?

No, I pretty much had major heaps of discouragement poured on me thank you very much. Everyone and their mother told me I couldn’t do it, but a girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do so I persevered and did it, anyway. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have seven self-published works tucked under my belt.

I suppose in my case, the one person who helped me would be collective. By this I mean the one person would really be all the authors I’ve read, loved and admired. They’re the ones who inspired me to start on this journey.

#4 – What is next for your writing?

I’m returning to a project I started a few years ago. Half the battle in being a writer is choosing which ideas to go with. While I didn’t fully understand why I didn’t finish the project when I began it, I do now. It wasn’t ready to be written.

The story is about wolves and is a paean to them. It’s called ONE NIGHT IN THE WOODS and this story was started when the wolves were still under federal protection. The tale is based upon the then unthinkable possibility of that protection being stripped away—which is exactly what has happened.

I am an ardent animal lover. If you have four paws, fur and a tail, just call me momma bear as concerns your needs. And as much as I care about all animals, I feel a special kinship with wolves and always have. When young, I’d play “wolf,” a game I think I invented. I’d pretend to be one and crawl on the furniture when everyone was asleep. I also filled my head with visions of them through pictures and books like Jack London’s WHITE FANG and THE CALL OF THE WILD. It all helped nurture the innate respect I had for the wild and for our brother the wolf since wildness is so much a part of who and what they are.

It brings me to tears when I read of what’s happening now. This may categorize me as a weenie, but I’d rather be called oversensitive than indifferent. Indifference is the real curse. It’s the current climate where federal officials are now participating in shooting these magnificent creatures from helicopters that is driving me to finish this story.

ONE NIGHT IN THE WOODS will be written from their viewpoint and I hope I’m up to capturing it. I want to be their voice although none can be as eloquent as wolves singing their own sweet song. I pray it goes on forever, and with everyone’s help, it will.

#5 – Do you have an addiction to reading as well as writing? If so, what are you currently reading?

My, yes! I believe most writers were/are ardent readers. There may be an exception to that rule, but I don’t see how you can slavishly devote yourself to such a profession without loving books and the people that write them.

When younger, I’d read a book a day and even with that prodigious amount, I still couldn’t keep up with my booklust. While that fervor has slowed, it hasn’t diminished. I’ve always admired the authors who’ve given me so much pleasure. Journeying into the worlds they create and being extended the honor of meeting their fantastic characters is something that’s beyond compare. Getting to know these figments of someone’s imagination is truly like meeting a best friend.

Presenting reading: ENCOUNTER by Douglas Wickard

DESCRIBE Your Book in 1 Tweet:

BLACK ADAGIO
"Creepy story, beautifully written prose"
"found myself hooked by this dark supernatural tale"
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This or That?

#1 - iPd or Mp3? iPd

#2 – Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate

#3 – Mashed Potatoes or French Fries? French Fries

#4 – Comedy or Drama? Comedy

#5 – Danielle Steel or Nicholas Sparks? Danielle Steel

#6 – Fantasy or Reality? Fantasy

#7 – Call or Text? Call

#8 – Public School or Home School? Public