Today we bring you another very special author spotlight on The Book Smugglers – this time with the delightful paranormal/sexy/urban fantasy author Stacia Kane!
Stacia is the author of the Megan Chase books, which follows radio call show host and psychologist Megan Crew as she promises to slay callers’ personal demons. This series encompasses three titles, Personal Demons, Demon Inside, and the newest novel, Demon Possessed. Check out her books:
Megan promises listeners to her new radio call-in show that she’ll “slay their personal demons,” and they believe her. So do the personal demons… although she doesn’t know it, Megan is the only human without a demon on her shoulder! Megan and her allies – a demon lover who both protects and seduces her with devilish intensity, a witch with poor social skills, and three cockney guard demons – have to deal not only with the personal demons, but a soul-sucker, ghosts of Megan’s past, and a reporter who threatens to destroy Megan’s career!
Hanging out with demons can be hell….It’s been three months since psychologist Megan Chase made the stunning discovery that the world is filled with demons, and once more the situation is too hot to handle. Ironically, Megan — the only person in the world without a little personal demon sitting on her shoulder — has become the leader of a demon “family,” but now some unknown arcane power is offing her demons in a particularly unpleasant fashion. And while her demon lover Greyson Dante is still driving her wild with desire, he’s also acting strangely evasive. Then there’s the truth about Megan’s past — the truth she’s never known. Caught between personal problems and personal demons, Megan is having one hell of a hard time. Will the help of her Cockney guard demons and her witch friend Tera be enough so that Megan can finally resolve the past, survive the present, and face the future?
Excerpt online HERE.
Psychologist and psychic Megan Chase has grown remarkably comfortable hanging out with demons. The demon “family” she leads is happy, her solo practice is stabilizing, and she and her steamy demon lover, Greyson Dante, are closer than ever. But when the couple books a week at a luxury hotel to attend a meeting of demon leaders, some unanticipated problems appear. An FBI agent with an unhealthy interest in less-than-legitimate demon business practices shows up; the demon community is urging Megan to undergo the rite that will make her a real demon; and a slightly shady minister is holding one of his wildly popular “weekend exorcisms” just down the road. And oh, yes, someone with scary magical abilities is attempting to kill her. Then, just when it seems as if things couldn’t possibly get any worse, a secret comes to light that could jeopardize Megan and Greyson’s future — if Megan manages to live that long. With things heating up, it’s becoming difficult for her to keep a cool head…
Excerpt online HERE.
To celebrate the release of Demon Possessed, we are having the lovely Stacia Kane over for an interactive Q&A and a chance to win her books! We have TWO sets of Megan Chase books (Personal Demons, Demon Inside, and Demon Possessed) up for grabs. Entry is easy and simple, per usual – just leave a comment here asking Stacia a question (about her series, her writing process, her favorite demons, etc). The contest is open to all, and will run until Saturday, March 6th at 11:59PM (PST). Good luck, and let the questions begin.
Please and give it up for Stacia Kane!
Thanks so much for having me as a guest here at The Book Smugglers! Hanging out with readers is one of the best things about writing. I write the Megan Chase “Demons” series for Juno/Pocket books, and the upcoming Downside series as well. I’m happy to talk about both of them, or about anything else you can possibly imagine, so please ask as many questions as you like! (Just give me a little extra time if you want to talk about math, because that’s not my best subject.) Fire away!
Stacia Kane has been a phone psychic, a customer service representative, a bartender, and a movie theatre usher. Writing is more fun than all of them combined. She wears a lot of black, still makes great cocktails, likes to play music loud in the car, and thinks Die Hard is one of the greatest movies ever made. She believes in dragons and the divine right of kings, and is a fervent Ricardian. She lives outside Atlanta with her husband and their two little girls.
You can read more about Stacia online at her website HERE, her blog HERE, and on occasion over at The League of Reluctant Adults.
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76 Responses to Interactive Q&A and Giveaway with Stacia Kane
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[...] Book Smugglers are giving away TWO sets of Megan Chase books (Personal Demons, Demon Inside, and Demon Possessed). Contest ends [...]
Hi Mariska! Oh, gosh, my favorite scene in DEMON POSSESSED? Hmm. I have a few. There’s a sex scene I’m quite pleased with, lol, and there’s an argument in an elevator that I like; I think one of the characters’ vulnerabilities comes through nicely in it so I’m proud of it. Actually, there are a couple of argument-y scenes and I like all of them. And the final scene, although in rereading there are always bits we would change a little here and there.
I have collaborated, yes. My critique partner Anna J. Evans and I wrote two erotic romances for Ellora’s Cave (I was writing as December Quinn at the time): AS THE LADY WISHES and DEMON’S TRIAD. Both are m/m/f menages, and DT earned an X rating under EC’s old ratings system; it’s quite a dark little book. We’ve been talking about writing together again but our schedules are just so full these days it’s hard to find the time; Caitlin Kittredge and I have talked about doing something together one day, as have Ann Aguirre and me, but again, time is hard to come by. We all still have hopes that one day it’ll work out, though!
Hi Heatwave16! Well, she became a psychologist because I thought that would add another really interesting layer of conflict to the whole concept of the personal demons, and the psychic part was to give her some extra ability to see them, lol. No, actually, it was that in part but it was also to give her an additional vulnerability; being someone who was so used to being able to “read” people to determine their trustworthiness would make it harder for her when dealing with demons she couldn’t read. It also gave me a good way to make her a threat to the personal demons and explain her history. So it all just seemed to fit together, and that made me happy.
Abigail, I am working on a YA project at the moment, but slowly in between all of my other projects. And of course there’s no guarantee it will sell, either.
So hopefully in the future!
Thanks for commenting, van p! Good luck!
Spav, I think my favorite books of 2009 were Caitlin Kittredge’s STREET MAGIC, Richard Kadrey’s SANDMAN SLIM, THE LIKENESS by Tana French, and SUCCUBUS HEAT by Richelle Mead.
I don’t necessarily have a favorite genre, no. I mean, obviously I love fantasy and urban fantasy, and read a lot of both.
But I also love mysteries and thrillers, especially noir thrillers. Romance, of course. I enjoy literary fiction and women’s fiction, as well as lots of non-fiction–mostly on history or unusual subjects. I think the only thing I really don’t read are self-help books or books on business strategy and stuff like that. Or, no, I don’t read Christian fiction either. So that’s two or three genres I don’t read. Everything else is pretty much fair game!
Hi Tiffany! Hmm. I don’t really know, honestly, as far as what other series the Demons books are most like. There are so many great authors and books out there that I admire, and I don’t think I could compare myself to them. The Demons books are kind of dark but written in a light-hearted tone, and are fairly sexy but not really erotic; there are one or two full sex scenes in each. There’s one romance subplot and the conflict is all from the characters; they get together in the first book and the relationship unfolds from there, so there’s really not a love triangle or a lot of different love interests.
Whereas the Downside books are much darker and grittier, and there is a sort of love triangle, but less sex in general.
I think both belong in fantasy, but the Demons books definitely have a stronger romance thread throughout and focus more on it; I think they kind of straddle the line between UF and para romance. The Downside books are straight UF; there is a romance subplot but it’s not so much of a focus as in the Demons books.
Does that help?
Megan’s name was always spelled that way, yeah, and one of the reasons I picked it (and immediately after I decided on “Megan,” “Chase” popped up as her last name, it wasn’t something I had to think about, really) was as an homage to Barbara Michaels. She has a lot of heroines named Meg or some variation thereof, and so I thought it would be really fun to write my own Meg.
Hi Cybercliper! Well, I always wanted to be a writer, so it was something I’ve always worked/hoped for. I don’t really read for myself, so I’d never specifically asked if I was going to be a writer or anything like that, but I did once have a Tarot reading where the reader told me I’d be doing something with my hands, that there was talent in my hands (I’m just quoting there, lol, I’m not claiming any special talent or anything). At the time I was kind of too afraid to believe she was talking about writing–didn’t want to get my hopes up or anything–and kind of put it out of my mind, but I look back now and wish I’d gone ahead and gotten started then.
And I admit that while UNHOLY GHOSTS was on submission I did pull a card a couple of times, and kept getting the seven of Wands, which is known as “the writer’s card,” so that made me feel pretty optimistic and good.
Stacia,
I’ve heard your writing packs quite a punch. How would you describe it to make it stand out from all the other authors out there?
Also, you mentioned music. Do you write with music? If so, what kind? Somehow I’m picturing you as a rock and roll girl? Am I close?
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer all our questions and congrats on the success!
Hi Stacia! I read the first Megan Chase book and am looking forward to finally reading the rest!
What’s the biggest difference between Megan and Chess as main characters?
Hi Stacia. Your books sound great. Do you have a certain time of day/night that you like to write? What is the weirdest/funniest comment you have received from a fan?
Thanks for the reply, Stacia!
Hi Lisa B.! Wow, um, where did you hear that?
That’s really flattering! I think I would definitely say that the Downside books have a much grittier feel and that the writing in it reflects that; I think if I had to describe it I would say it’s sort of like if Andrew Vachss wrote urban fantasy? That’s more the feel I was going for. The books are about drug addicts and dealers and thugs in this sort of punk-rock ghetto, so it’s a different sort of world.
Lol, yes, you are right about that.
I don’t generally write with music on but I do mention music in the books, and in the next few months I’m hoping to set up an internet radio station on my site to play the music mentioned in them (and stuff that hasn’t been mentioned yet) as well as setting up playlists on itunes and stuff.
Thanks so much!
Hi Kuri, thanks! Um, the biggest difference? Hmm. They’re really such different characters in a lot of ways (but they have some similarities as well). Chess is a drug addict, a former abused foster child. So she really doesn’t trust people and doesn’t really want them around, whereas Megan wanted to have people in her life but never seemed to find the right people. Both have a lot of insecurities and troubles from their past that still haunt them, but Megan does a job where she helps people deal with those same problems whereas Chess has a job that enables her to prove to herself again and again that people lie and cheat and hide things. Megan was happy to have love in her life but Chess freaks out and tries to run away from it.
But both have a lot of strength as well, and a determination to survive.
Hi CrystalGB! Oh, I prefer to write at night, absolutely, after my husband and children have gone to bed. But when I’m on a deadline or the words are really flowing I’ll write all day, as much as I can.
And hmmm…actually, I can’t say I’ve really gotten any weird comments from fans. The people who email me tend to be really smart, funny people, and it’s a delight to hear from them. I did once see someone complaining about the sex scene in PERSONAL DEMONS, though, because although Greyson…um…(I’m not sure what the adult-content rating is here) “performs an act of oral gratification,” is what I’ll say, on Megan she doesn’t reciprocate in that scene. And of course, that person is entitled to whatever complaints they want to make, but it just seemed to me that a sex scene doesn’t have to be paint-by-numbers and everyone gets a turn like in preschool; especially since I’d already written a scene in the second book where Megan seduces Greyson by doing exactly that. It wasn’t that she wouldn’t do it, she just didn’t do it then; the opportunity didn’t come up, you know?
So it kind of puzzled me, because I didn’t think I was making any sort of statement about that particular act by not including it in that one scene, but it wasn’t a big deal either.
Thanks for the question, Saffie!
Hey Stacia What Are One Or Two Things We Wouldn’t Normally Know About You?
And
What Inspired You To Write The Megan Chase Series?
Your Books Sound Really Good. I Must Admit I Have Not Had The Pleasure Of Reading Any Of Them Yet But I Am Hopeful I Will Be Able To Soon. They Are Definitely Going On The To Of My To Be Read Pile.
[...] Stacia Kane, author of Demon Possessed, by The Book Smugglers [...]
Thanks for hosting a great giveaway! I’d love to ask… Do you have a writing ritual? Like… everything around has to be “just so” for you to write?
Thanks!
Seems like a great series!
What is your favourite demon or paranormal movie?
hi Stacia!
I’m new to your books and definitely adding them to my tbr list.What’s the hardest part of writing as full-time career? Was it hard transitioning from “regular” jobs like customer service rep and bartender to writing? Also, what’s a Ricardian?
ps, I <3 Die Hard too
Hi Stacie!
I would like to know how do you write? I’m curious about your writing process: once an idea strikes you and you get enough to start writing the story, do you start by writing the beginning or do you come back later and write the first few chapters when you already know where you want to take the story and give it a perfect introduction?
Thank you,
Stella
Hi Raquel! Oh, gosh, two things people don’t already know about me. I can’t think of any, lol. I’m pretty open about things, I think. Um…okay. I have this weird thing about my Achilles tendons and hate having anyone or anything touch them. And I do almost all of my “beauty” treatments at home; I wax my own eyebrows, cut and dye my own hair, do my own nails. Sorry, lol, I know those are kind of lame!
And what inspired me to write the Megan books? Well, I’d been writing romance and erotic romance and wanted to try something different; I was beginning to feel like my voice wasn’t really “right” for romance, and I wanted to write something where I didn’t have to give the characters a HEA ending. I wanted to move more slowly. So I really wanted to try moving into urban fantasy, and when I got the idea for PD it seemed like the perfect way to transition. Still plenty of romance in that series, but without the structures of genre romance (which I still love, but I do think I’m better suited to fantasy.) The Downside series has less romance and focus on the relationships, even, but of course it’s still there.
Hi Heather! Ha, not really, no. It’s very hard to have a set ritual like that when you have two children and a husband; if I waited for everything to be “right” I’d never get anything done! But I do generally go outside for a cigarette before I start working, and I like to keep a notepad and pen next to me as I work just in case I need to make any notes as I go. Oh, and I usually have the TV on in the background. Kiddie shows if the girls are around, but anything else if they aren’t. I don’t really pay attention to the TV but it’s nice to look up and see something on it.
Hi Diana! Oooh, good question!! My favorite para movie of all time is probably The Changeling, a super-scary ghost story with George C. Scott. I absolutely love the Hellboy movie. Does The Thing count?
Oh, and Poltergeist, and of course Ghostbusters!
I have heard great things about these but haven’t gotten around to order them yet
So my question is: Are you a fan of your own characters?? And I mean giggly fan girl type lol
Thanks! I love knowing more about writers
So do you write long hand on paper or on the computer? And do you need quiet or do you use music to inspire you? Do you have a specific place you have to be in order to write or can you pick up anywhere as long the the muse strikes you? And how do you keep the notes and ideas straight? I have heard some people have post it walls, or white boards or use a computer program.
Was there a particular author or book that inspired you to become a writer?
Hi, Stacia. I was wondering if you based any of Greyson’s personality traits on anyone that you know? Are any of your characters based on ‘real’ people?
Thank you.
Hi Stacia,
you books sound great! Sparked my interest!
My question
Which was the hardest book to write and why?
Thanks for Q/A & contest!
Hi Stacia! Love your books and looking forward to more. Is it ever difficult to separate your two series in your head / when your writing?
Hi Bella! Die Hard is frigging awesome, isn’t it? And it’s not just that it’s so good, it’s such a perfect example of storytelling. Nothing is wasted. Nothing is insignificant. It’s just perfection.
I actually was a stay-home mom when I really started writing; I gave up tending bar when I was a few months pregnant with my first. So it really wasn’t too much of a change, although I think once I started selling and having deadlines and everything it was a bit of a transition for my family. They didn’t have access to me all the time anymore, and sometimes I’d be busy and they’d have to wait. I mean, they did before I started writing as well, but it took on a new meaning once I started writing.
Oh, and a Ricardian is someone who believes Richard III was innocent of the murders of the Princes in the Tower and was actually a good King, a victim of slander and propaganda spread by the Tudor usurpers.
A good place to start if you’re at all interested is by reading Josephine Tey’s THE DAUGHTER OF TIME. It’s fiction, but it provides a decent overview of the facts.
Thanks Stella! Oh, I’m definitely a linear writer; I start at the beginning and don’t stop until I’m done. I do end up going back and rewriting those first chapters or adding completely new first chapters, but in general I have a decent enough idea of where the story is going (even though I don’t know how it ends, really) that I can just keep moving. The only time I ever left a blank spot in a book was when writing PERSONAL DEMONS. After the scene in the park I just had no idea what to do next; I sat on it for a few weeks and finally just decided to skip it and fill it in later, and started writing with the next scene I had in my head, which was the charity ball. So everything in between there was written after the book had an ending. But that’s the only time I’ve ever done that. It felt weird!
Lol, Sharli, that’s a great question! I admit I have a real weakness for my heroes. They do make me kind of melty and full of sighs.
I figure if they didn’t they wouldn’t be very good heroes, though, so I don’t get too embarrassed about it (just a little bit embarrassed)!
Hi Mona! I’m definitely a computer girl. Sometimes I make notes in longhand, or will use pen & paper to sketch out some ideas, but in general I don’t write longhand at all. I like to have a bit of background noise when I work, and I can work anywhere, really, although I like to be on the couch in the living room–I like to have everything I need close by, and I like to at least feel like I’m sitting with my family even though they’re watching TV or whatever and I’m in my own little world.
I keep everything in my head. On very rare occasions I might write something down so I’ll remember it later, but in general it’s all up there; plots, characters, story lines, clues, everything. I keep thinking that one of these days I’ll need to put together some sort of worldbuilding bible, but I never seem to have the time for a project like that and it just seems like such a slog. I’m too lazy!
Oh, gosh, Raelena, all of them! I don’t think I could point to any one specific author or title; it was just something I always wanted to do. I’ve always been a huge reader, and somewhere in there at a very young age I decided that was what I wanted to do for a living. I didn’t get serious about it until my first daughter was almost a year old, but really, every book I ever read, good or bad, inspired me.
Ha ha, Qwill, I wish! If I knew a guy like Greyson I probably wouldn’t be writing, I’d be spending all my time following him around.
No, I don’t base characters on real people; if there’s any person who seems to influence my characters it’s me, really. Like Megan has some of my tastes in food and she’s allergic to peppers just like me. Chess listens to the same music I listen to and, actually, is probably the character who’s the most like me in a lot of ways.
But generally, rather than writing about people I know…I write about people I’d like to know.
My question is:
When you are inspired to write another novel in your series, what do you do to keep readers wanting more?
Hi Sharon! Oh, wow, that’s a heck of a question. I think it’s probably DEMON POSSESSED. I had a lot going on in my life at the time, some really difficult stuff, and I knew it was probably the last one, and that was hard too; I had to make sure I gave everyone a good send-off and accomplished the things I’d hoped/planned to accomplish, but in less time than I’d originally planned, so…yeah, it was difficult. But hopefully the book is still good and will make people happy!
Thanks jmspettoli! Hmm. Not really, no, because the characters are so different, but there have been a few times where a line of dialogue or exposition has snuck in and when I reread I’m like, “Hey! That’s not something Chess would say, that’s a Megan line!” or vice versa. But it gets easier as time goes on.
Hi Josette! I try to leave some unanswered questions, really, and I try to make the characters’ lives complex and interesting and real enough that readers will care about what happens to them, and be waiting to see. I think the best books are ones where the characters become almost like friends to the reader, if you know what I mean, and that can’t happen if the characters don’t feel like real people. So that’s what I really strive for, I think. Whether or not I succeed isn’t really up to me, though.
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