A Magic Redemption by Tena Stetler - A Character Interview

I'm thrilled to have fellow Wild Rose Press author, Tena Stetler here today - and she's brought along  Gavin Shaughnessy - we couldn't resist the chance for an interview!

Character Interview:  Gavin Shaughnessy – Hero in A Magic Redemption

Where are you from? 
Ireland  

Did you have a happy childhood? 
Aye. Sure did.  ‘Twas three of us kids,

Hannah, Brandy and me. Ma and Da owned and operated Shaughnessy’s Pub in Ballycotton, County of Cork, Ireland.  We helped out in the pub from the time we were teens it provided spending money and looking back now, taught us responsibility.  My two sisters were like oil and water, eventually, Ma and Da built a larger house, so each had their own bedroom on opposite sides of the house.  Now, they are thick as thieves and I own the old family home.

Where do you live now and what do you do for a living? 

I still live in Ballycotton (Baile Choitin). I purchased my family home from my Da and Ma after they build a new one. I am the publican (manger) at Shaughnessy’s Pub 

Is there something you'd rather be doing? 
Nope! Love the job, the customers and my family.

What's going on in your life right now? 
Ah...well…It’s kind of a mess. I knew Synn was the one for me the minute I laid eyes on her even though we met because her mission was to terminate my sister Brandy and her boyfriend.  The mission failed, Synn was severely punished. She escaped (She’d been kidnapped as a child for her magic abilities and her family slaughtered. Her captors forced her to become a warrior assassin. They controlled her every movement and thought.)  Then she sought refuge from Bruce the Demon Overlord of the Western Hemisphere in return for valuable information she had. He provided protection and gave her freedom in exchange.

With her new found freedom, she has to discover who she is, make a life for herself before she can re-commit to a relationship—our relationship. That situation is complicated because she believes that her former captor, Baltizar, is still seeking revenge with the help of his minions in the mortal world.  You see, he was punished for his part in trying to destroy mankind (A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance) and exiled to the seventh level of Hell, where supposedly he couldn’t escape. But… as it turns out apparently where there is a will there’s a way.

Our family is also helping with my sister, Brandy’s wedding plans. She’s marrying a vampire, you know. Again, the situation with Baltizar is creating havoc. Can’t celebrate a happy occasion like that with the possibility of annihilation hanging over your head.

Is there someone special in your life? 

Yes. Synn. She is the love of my life, but extenuating circumstances have caused us to take a break. She needs to find herself, and place in the world after some pretty terrifying events in her life. 

How did you meet? At my family’s pub. She was with the Overlord and his wife and a few other magical creatures. My sister Brandy was very displeased.

What's his/her family like? 

Her family was murdered when she kidnapped as a child.

What's keeping you two apart? 

A number of things. But first and foremost like I told you earlier her fear of retaliation by her former captor.

What one thing could you do that would make you feel like the relationship will work out? 

Destroy Baltizar once and for all. He should have been terminated rather than being exiled. Big Mistake. Though you didn’t hear that from me.  Not sure Bruce would appreciate my saying that out loud, though he most likely would agree after the recent events.


Thank you so much Gavin, that was a fascinating insight!

Tena, just a couple questions for you.  Tell us a little about writing this story.  Was it fun or difficult?  

Fun!  Synn was much more of a spit-fire than I imagined. Not having given her or Gavin much thought until my editor, Lill, asked me what happened to them at the end of A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance. It gave me pause, until Synn danced through my mind, tapping her tiny foot and demanding that I write her story. Now! Gavin took flight right behind her in support of her demands. What choice did I have? A Magic Redemption was born. I hope the readers have as much fun reading her story as I did writing it.

Do your characters always act as you expect? 

Never.

LOL, mine don't either, but that's what makes writing so much fun, isn't it!
Are you a plotter, or fly (write) by the seat of your pants? 

Oh I very much write by the seat of my pants.

As do I, so we have that in common as well, Tena. 

Thanks for sharing a bit of yourself with us Tena - now let's find out a bit more about A Magic Redemption.

A little about A Magic Redemption (5^th in A Demon’s Witch Series):

Synn, a demon, carries extraordinary magic and power, but there is more within her than she dreams. Kidnapped as a child, her captors murdered her family and forced her into training as a warrior assassin. When an assignment goes horribly wrong, she finds herself at the mercy of the friends and family of her intended target.  Offering valuable information in exchange for protection, she gains her freedom, but it is not without its challenges.

Gavin Shaughnessy is the publican at his family’s Irish pub.  He is certain Synn is meant to be his and isn’t bothered by her past.  He must find a way to convince her, their future together is stronger than the dark memories that haunt her dreams.

When her past comes calling for revenge, will their love survive the raging inferno she brings down upon them? Or will the searing path of destruction destroy all they hold dear?  

A sneak peek between the pages of A Magic Redemption.

He showered, pulled on sweats, and stretched out on his empty king-sized bed. After his long flight, a peaceful sleep came quickly until Synn’s nightmare invaded his dream world. Gut wrenching terror tore through him until he was able to disengage himself from the nightmare. There’d be no phone call this time. For a moment he considered shifting, but he might need a vehicle after arriving at her home. He yanked off his sweats and pulled on jeans, a sweater, donned a coat, and grabbed his keys.

He found her sitting cross-legged on the bedroom floor. Storm curled in her lap. The usually active pup was lying still just peering up at her. When Gavin approached, Storm moved one ear forward and turned her head to look at him. 

“It’ll be okay, girl.” He knelt in front of Synn, brushed the hair away from her face. A vacant stare met his gaze into her eyes like she was in a trance. This couldn’t be good.

He’d seen her nightmare. Something was trying to control her. He wouldn’t let it happen. Releasing a breath, he took hold of her shoulders. She’d been like this once before. When she came out of it anyone within arm’s reach could be in danger. Though her magic was tempered these days, it wouldn’t be for long… Changing strategy, he repositioned himself behind her, caught her up in a bear hug, and pushed the pup out of her lap. Storm yelped and went grudgingly but refused to leave her side.

“Synn, it’s me Gavin; you’re safe.” He gave her a little shake. Arms and legs began flailing. She let out a blood curdling scream and kept screaming until he thought the neighbors a few miles away would hear and call the police. He held her tightly, sat down on the floor, and pulled her into his lap. “Synn. Synn. You’re all right. We’re at the cottage.” The screams turned to sobs. She leaned her head back and blinked.

Panic seized her. “Gavin, you’ve got to get out of here. He’s coming for me and will kill everyone associated with me, including Storm.” She reached for the pup cuddling her close to her chest. “I’m so sorry. I knew this would never work. I don’t deserve a normal life.”

“That’s enough. It was a nightmare. That’s all.”

She turned her large aqua eyes on him and raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

Book trailer for A Demon’s Witch Series

A Magic Redemption released December 5^th. Available from Amazon,   Amazon UK, Amazon AU, Amazon CA,   itunes, The Wild Rose Press, Barnes and Nobel  Wal-mart.com

About the Author:

Tena Stetler is a best-selling author of award winning paranormal romance. She has an over-active imagination, which led to writing her first vampire romance as a tween to the chagrin of her mother and delight of her friends. After many years as a paralegal, then an IT Manager, she decided to live out her dream of pursuing a publishing career.

With the Rocky Mountains outside her window, she sits at her computer surrounded by a wide array of witches, shapeshifters, demons, faeries, and gryphons, with a Navy SEAL or two mixed in telling their tales. Her books tell stories of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.

Colorado is home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-five-year-old box turtle. When she’s not writing, her time is spent kayaking, camping, hiking, biking  or just relaxing in the great Colorado outdoors. During the winter you can find her curled up in front of a crackling fire with a good book, a mug of hot chocolate and a big bowl of popcorn.

Author Social Media links.

Website: http://www.tenastetler.com

Authors’ Secret’s Blog - http://www.tenastetler.com/category/authors-secrets-blog/

My Say What Blog - http://www.tenastetler.com/category/my-say-what-blog/

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/tenastetler.author

Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/TenaStetler     

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14187532.Tena_Stetler

The Wild Rose Press: http://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/1264_tena-stetler

Amazon:  www.amazon.com/author/tenastetler

Newsletter: http://www.tenastetler.com/newsletter-signup/

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/tenastetler

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BookGorilla - https://www.bookgorilla.com/author/B014E0PEPM/tena-stetler

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A Late St Patrick's celebration and Giveaway on the Roast today!

We have SHARON BLACK as our guest today, celebrating her contemporary romance ' 'Going Against Type'

Come on over and leave a comment for your chance to win a copy of her book

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE PARTY

Interview and Giveaway with Mary Morgan - Author of Dragon Knight's Sword

I'm thrilled to have fellow Wild Rose Press author Mary Morgan on the Flight Deck today. She has very kindly offered a copy of 'Dragon Knight's Sword to one lucky reader of this post.  So don't forget to leave a comment with your email address when you've read her fascinating interview answers.

 Good morning Mary.  Let's sip a glass of something sparkling, make ourselves comfortable and find out more about your new release: Dragon Knight's Swords, first in series of the Order of the Dragon Knights

PURCHASE LINK
                             

Duncan Mackay will do anything to lift the curse from his family — even forfeit his own life. But his plans change when he encounters the woman from his dreams, literally. She is from the future, somehow has his lost sword, and can talk to the Dragon that is able to lift his family’s curse.

Brigid O'Neill has spent her life listening to the mythological legends from Ireland and Scotland. So, when an ancient sword lands at her doorstep and she starts dreaming of a rugged Highlander, she drops everything and takes on a quest that will alter everything she believes.
Before their journey ends, not only will Duncan and Brigid battle an ancient curse, they must also find the courage to believe in the destiny that brought them together.

Time Travel
Rating: Spicy (PG13)
Page Count: 380
Word Count: 91636
978-1-62830-397-1 Paperback
978-1-62830-398-8 Digital


Excerpt:

He stood next to the waterfall. Beads of water glistened from his dark locks.

Brigid watched as they trailed down his chiseled torso, traveling down to where his tartan was wrapped low on his waist. The wind whipped at the folds of his plaid, the power coiling within and around him, as mystical as the land he stood on.

“Ancient warrior,” she uttered softly.

When she looked up into his eyes, they smoldered with desire, and it startled her. A sensual shiver ran through her, wanting to be crushed within his embrace. The raw desire to be in this man’s arms, touching and tasting him, was so potent, she could feel her heart hammering inside her chest.

He tilted his head to the side, as if studying his prey.

Brigid didn’t know if she should run or step into his massive arms.

He took a step toward her, and her pulse quickened. The very air around her seemed electrified. He then took another...and another, until he stood merely inches in front of her.

Her breathing became labored, as he bent his head leaning close to her ear. She was engulfed in a sensual haze wanting his lips to touch her anywhere and put an end to her torture. His mouth was so close, she could feel a dark lock of his hair against her cheek, and she shuddered.

“Bring me back my sword,” he growled into her ear.

Brigid’s eyes flew open, clutching the sheets as the last fragments of her dream faded.

Oh this sounds like a wonderful read Mary, I need to get this book!  Tell us a bit more about it, and what was your favourite part of writing the book/series?

MM: Dragon Knight’s Sword, which was just released, is the first in The Order of the Dragon Knights. I always thought I was telling the story, but the characters would often lead me down different paths. I had the ending plotted out for a year, but in the end, the hero took over surprising me with his vision.

LOL - the heroine of my first book did that to me, too!  So what comes first in your stories: the plot or the characters?

MM: Definitely the plot. I always have these scenarios running through my mind, and then all of a sudden the characters start to enter the scene.

If someone were to play one of your characters in a movie, which character and actor would it be and why?

MM: Ahh…Richard Armitage. He has this intense look, as if he can see right through you. Yet, there is also a softer, gentler side to him, too. I love the contrast, which is exactly how I envision Duncan. Besides, Richard and Duncan are both very sexy alpha males.

*Squeal* Ooh sorry, it's just that he's one of my favourites too - I couldn't agree more about his intense look - and the softer side. I was crazy about him in the
 Robin Hood series, and although he was even darker in 'Spooks' I loved him in that too.  *Sigh* If he's a model for Duncan I've definitately got to read the book now!

Andy Android - another cool drink please, and lower the atmosphere a notch, Mary and I suddenly feel very warm! :)  Phew let's get back to the interview again. What’s your writing process Mary? Has it changed since writing your first book?

MM: Absolutely! In the beginning, all I had to focus on was the writing. Now, I have to find the balance between the business of promoting and the writing. I find that it’s easier to take care of the business side in the early mornings and focus on the writing in the early to late evening. Of course, I have to find time for my husband, too – chuckling here. 

Ooh, the dreaded promotion - it can be a real time suck! Do you listen to music when you write and if so, what kind of music – or do you find it distracts you?

MM: I definitely listen to music when writing. It’s a huge part of my inspiration and contributes immensely to my writing. I listen to a lot of Celtic instrumental, since my books are steeped in Celtic mythology. With Dragon Knight’s Sword, I listened to Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance. No matter how often I hear this piece, it helps to open up the well of creativity.

A lady after my own heart. I love Celtic instrumentals too, and of course being a Celt myself, I love Celtic mythology.What sort of research do you do for your books and what’s your favourite source of information?

MM: I love delving into the research for a book. It’s positively fascinating finding out information to add or support to my writing. I tend to have many resources for research – from books, magazines to historical sites on the internet. At the moment, my favorite is Google Earth! I love whisking myself over to the ruins at Urquhart. I can almost touch the stones.

Yes, Google Earth is amazing isn't it.  And I've been to Urquhart myself, a beautiful part of Scotland! What is your personal definition of success?

MM: If you can feel my story, then I have accomplished what I set out to do – tell a great story. I have been successful in the “telling of the tale.”

Absolutely! Is there any advice, as a new writer, that you were either given, or wish you had been given.

MM: If you want to write, then write every day. It doesn’t matter if it’s 100 words, or 1,000, just write. It helps to keep the creativity flowing.

Great Advice Mary, and finally, before you board the shuttle back to Earth,  if you were an animal, which one do you think you would be, and why?

MM:I would want to be a falcon. I could watch them all day, jealous of their capacity to fly. It would be so freeing to soar to any destination. Perhaps, that is why I love to travel in planes. I probably was a falcon in my past life. 

LOL wouldn't it be just wonderful to fly like a bird of prey!  Well thank you so much for being my guest, Mary, and for your fascinating answers to my questions.  I  can't wait to read your book myself.  Before you leave, can you tell us where we can buy 'Dragon Knight's Sword'?

You can purchase it from

TheWild Rose Press

Amazon

Barnes&Noble

Thanks again Mary - and wishing you much success.

AUTHOR BIO

I am a constant daydreamer and have been told quite often to remove my head from the clouds. Yet, this is where I find the magic to write my stories. Not only do I love to weave a good tale, but I have a voracious appetite for reading. I worked for Borders Books for almost fourteen years. Imagine my delight to be surrounded by so many books, talking to others about them, and getting paid.

Pure bliss!

I have traveled to England, Scotland, Ireland, and France. There are those who know me well when I say, "My heart is in the Highlands." I believe I have left it there, or maybe in Ireland.

When not writing, I enjoy playing in my garden-another place where magic grows. Of course, there is time spent with my family. They are the ones that keep me grounded.

You can visit my website: http://www.marymorganromancewriter.com