About The Story
- What do you find interesting about your main characters?
So many things! Charon is a half-dragon shifter which, strangely, just scratches the surface of her character. Her subspecies is water dragon. In this universe, water dragons can produce a variety of chemicals from their body. Charon has adapted that into her assassin profession by becoming an expert poisoner. Instead of flashy assassinations, she goes for low profile, no violence. Not that she can’t take care of herself in a fight, of course. =]
Personality-wise, she’s an outcast, so despite her higher-than-average age, she’s reclusive and socially awkward. This proves a challenge when bigger-than-life Adan comes into the picture and forces her to flex muscles she’s never had to before.
- Where does the story take place and why did you choose this setting?
There are three primary locations, but I’ll only cover the first two to avoid spoilers. ;-)
The first is Los Angeles. LA is great because it has a variety of activities, interesting people, glorious beaches (perfect for a water dragon), and a Hollywood culture that pleasantly contrasts with the protagonist’s awkward personality.
The second is Vienna. I wanted someplace different but classy. I had the good fortune to spend a few days in Vienna with some friends on our way to Armenia (which is a whole different experience). I remember being struck by the ancient beauty of the place, and how wonderful it was to just walk around the city and get lost in all the history. And, of course, the terrific food. I wanted to bring some of that to my readers. Thankfully, the location happened to fit the story. Win-win!
- Share a little about the story behind the story.
A story about a dragon assassin who falls in love with another assassin is an idea I’ve been kicking around for years. I loved the idea of a cocky young guy thinking he’s the bee's knees, getting his butt saved repeatedly by a shy yet highly experienced creature of legend. When the Born of Shadows and Magic box set came along with a hybrid / PNR theme, I knew it was finally time to bring this one to life. I also wanted to try my hand at something steamier than I’ve written in the past. This box set was the perfect excuse. Not sure if I’ll ever write something as steamy as Dragon Assassin again, but it was a great experience.
- What is the theme or takeaway you want readers to think about?
Humans are strange and varied beasts. We’re all the same species, yet what we experience within our individual shells can be vastly different. It’s easy to forget that the person sitting next to you, who may be acting odd, might not see things or experience the world anywhere close to how you do. Charon and Adan’s tale takes this to an extreme, but I hope it serves as a reinforcement for readers to think twice before judging and try to approach everyone from a stance of empathy. The world would be a much kinder place if we all did.
About The Author
- When did you know you wanted to be an author?
About three-quarters the way through writing my first book, Angels in the Mist. I was reading a (particularly badly written) urban fantasy novel one day and suddenly thought, “Hey, I think I can do this.” It was very slow going at first; completing a single chapter took months. But by the end of the book, I had really found my groove and was really enjoying it.
It would take another five years, dozens of edits, and several more books to become even passably good, but it was during that first book that the writing bug sanks its fangs into my neck and turned me into its helpless thrall.
- Favorite animal?
Tiger. Always had a weakness for tigers. Such powerful, beautiful creatures.
- If you could travel to any spot in the world, where would it be?
As part of my day job, I’ve traveled many times to Armenia, and I feel like my second family is there. I would love to visit there again. Wonderful people, food, history, and culture. Hopefully soon.
- What’s next in your writing?
Two big things! I’m working to finish The Z-Tech Chronicles science fiction / urban fantasy series. Book 4, Angels Found, will be coming out in the first half of this year (2022). It will be a six-book series. The good news is that the rest are already written; they’re just waiting in line for edits at the publisher.
Second is a new science fiction / dystopian series called the Timeless Keeper Saga. Book 1, Holtondome, will be coming out hot on the heels of Z-Tech Book 4, and I’m already halfway done with Book 2. Good stuff a-coming!
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