Author: A.K. Michaels
Title: Defender’s Blood Alex’s Destiny
Published On: Nov 2013
Publisher: Self Published Genres: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
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SYNOPSIS
Alex has no idea her life is about to change beyond her wildest imaginings. She is the last in a long line of very special females born for a dangerous task, and she isn't sure she is up to it. Zach, her vampire protector, is just as sure she is.
Demon attacks, angels and even the ultimate, divine intervention, shake Alex to her very core. Can she do this? Can Zach keep her safe? The alternative is unthinkable: demons once more ruling the earth.
Zach has to ensure that Alex puts a stop to this - and quickly!
PLEASE BE AWARE THERE ARE EXPLICIT SEX SCENES IN THIS BOOK - NOT SUITABLE FOR UNDER 18!
Alex picked up on something he had just said “This time? You said you’ve only been here a few days this time? So you’ve visited Scotland before?”
Zach confirmed that he had. “Yes I was here before but a very, very long time ago.”
She was looking at his profile and questioned him. “When?”
Zach’s face looked thoughtful as he answered. “Well, let me think, it was during the late 1800s I think, 1898 or thereabouts. It was a very different place then.”
Alex could only stare at him. 1898 oh my God, that can’t be right, she thought. “Sorry but did you mean 1998?” she whispered and Zach’s head shook as he answered.
“No, 1898 give or take a year – yes Alexina, I am very, very old.”
1. Why did you decide to become a writer?
I came to writing a little later in life than most, having worked in the banking industry for a number of years and then moving abroad where I worked in finance also. When we came back to the UK I decided to sit down and try. I’d had words and scenarios running through my head for years but never had the courage to do anything about it. I had actually written the first three books in the Defender’s series before anyone in the family even cottoned on to what I was up to! However, once I started I just couldn’t stop, the words just kept coming and every time I finished something I already had at least one sometimes two or three other books in my head. I guess if I hadn’t got all that out of my head it may just have exploded – probably would’ve made a mess and I hate cleaning!
I very soon realised how much I loved doing it too and now couldn’t give it up if I tried. I’ve got so many things in my head right now it’s downright scary! I’m sure if there was the capability to look inside I’d be locked up as being more than a little nuts.
2. Who/what are your writing inspirations?
I don’ t have a who and the what is the rush I get from unleashing the imagination I always tried to stifle. For years I would push the ideas aside and tell myself not to be silly, I had to work, writing wasn’t something I had time for, so that when I finally gave my imagination a free reign it went crazy! Totally and utterly unstoppable. I get inspiration from many things, from a picture, an idea, comments from readers, once it’s in my head it gets a life of it’s own and just kinda snowballs. My husband was more than a little shocked when he first of all realised what I was doing and then what I was writing – Vampires, Angels, Demons, Werewolves – he has asked more than once where I get it from and I have no clear answer – only that it’s in my head.
3. What are your favorite genres to read?
I read a whole host of different genres, from sci fi to crime. I really like J D Robb’s In Death series and have read them all apart from the latest – I’m keeping that for an emergency (in case I need a dose of Roarke) or until another is released. I don’t want to read the last and have to wait for ages on another one!
I also love Robert B Parker’s Spenser novels – I particularly like Hawk in those books, tho Sixkill didn’t have him in it which was a little disappointing! I needed a fix of Hawk and I didn’t get it lol.
I also love Stephen King and Dean Koontz some of their work is so amazing it’s hard to even describe how good they are.
4. What do you hope readers take away most from your writing?
I am a complete and utter romantic so the love part of my stories is always important to me and I hope to those that read it too. As well as the battles, fights and scrapes they all get into. I also try to leave them hanging and wanting to know exactly what is going to happen next. One of my lovely ladies, Colette, had a copy of a new book that’s not released yet – I like to get her input as she ‘gets’ my books so well – anyway she replied with ‘WOW’ so I think she liked it!
5. Who’s the favorite character of yours that you’ve written and why?
Oh jeez, that’s a really tough one for me. I have a soft spot for Alexina from Defender’s series as it all started with her – I had her story in my head and everything else came around her. A human thrust into the world full of Supers which she had no contact with and an ancient Vampire sent to keep her safe after a Witch has a vision about her. She deals with everything so much better than I ever would – I would be a pooling mess of goo on the floor! She’s made of much stronger stuff tho, thank goodness.
However, I also love Peri in The Witch, The Wolf and The Vampire, she’s a survivor and has a really soft and almost childlike side to her which really appeals to me. She is so much stronger than she thinks she is and that comes out as the books progress – plus she has two super hot mates – Josef and Gabe! How could anyone not want that!
6. What is your writing style? Outliner/Planner or Seat of the Pantser?
Definitely a Seat of the Panster. I never outline or plan – everything is in my head, it swirls about in there for a while and then I sit down and start typing. Sometimes the story takes a route that I hadn’t originally thought of and I don’t know that ’til I see the words on the screen in front of me. It’s quite scary at times but I just go with the flow and then if anything is really not quite right I’ll change it.
Sometimes my head starts to switch from story to story and on those occasions I’ve started writing two at the same time. It’s easier than trying to force my mind to go in one direction only – that only gives me headaches.
7. If someone wanted to become a writer, what tips would you give to them?
The main one is believe in yourself that you can do it. I didn’t for many years and I regret putting it off for so long. Then make sure you get an editor – I know it’s an expense most balk at – I did too to begin with but soon realised it is an absolute must and I now work with two great folks on that side of things. I would also say that unless you are very talented in regards to making covers – get someone who knows what they’re doing. If you really look around you will find some very reasonable ones out there. My guy, Nik, from bookbeaver.co.uk is fab and we’ve worked together from the very beginning. Sometimes I’ve not had any idea what I wanted – and he comes up with something that I love!
Join some author forums, you’ll get lots of great advice on the good ones. Check out Facebook pages too – there’s plenty for authors there that will give invaluable advice and input. Most of all just do – don’t think – thinking can have you doubting yourself too much. Just let your imagination free.
8. Have you ever purchased something from a late-night infomercial? If so, what?
Hmm nope, sorry, I don’t stay up late lol. I get up really early in the morning so by ten pm I’m usually out for the count. I’ve tried staying up later to see if it will make me sleep longer in the mornings but doesn’t work and only made me tired and very grumpy – my OH can testify to that! So gave up and unless we’re out or on holiday or something I’m in bed early. Boring I know, sorry guys.
