Lovers of Paranormal discussion

Greetings Lovers of Paranormal!

I hope most of you have been getting your delicious monster-hunting fix with this months' group read, Alex Finch: Monster Hunter, (and if you haven't, hop on over to the discussion thread because it's *FREE*). And now we've landed an interview with the slayer-behind-the-story, Cate Dean, author of the Monster Files, as well as the Claire Wiche Chronicles, Love in Time Series, Shattered Throne Series, and, oh, gosh! She's got like 40 books out.



So without further ado, here is the scoop behind Alex Finch and her creator, Cate Dean.

Be epic!

Anna Erishkigal
LoP BOTM / R2R mod

P.S. - be sure to grab Alex Finch: Monster Hunter and read along with us HERE:


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1. What books have most influenced your life?

The first book that had the most influence was A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle. I’ve been an avid reader since I learned how to read, but this book sparked my vast and deep love of fantasy and sci fi.


2. How do you develop your plots and characters?

I have been making up stories in my head since I was seven. Most characters show up pretty much fully formed, and I learn more about them as I write the story.


3. Tell us about your Lovers of Paranormal book?

Alex Finch: Monster Hunter is about an ordinary girl, who discovers monsters are real. It changes everything she believes, and in the course of the story, she changes her perception of what a monster really is. I love her relationship with her parents, and her surprising friendships.


4. We all need a hero! Tell us about your protagonist(s)? Was there a real-life inspiration behind him or her?

Alex has a great deal of my personality.  Other than that, she is definitely her own person – one who grew and changed as I wrote her story.


5. A good villain is hard to write. How did you get in touch with your inner villain? Was there a real-life inspiration for him/her/it?

Too much information will give things away – let me just say I love my villains as much as my heroes, and I always give them a valid reason for what they do. At least, it’s valid to them. 


6. What real-life inspirations did you draw from for the world building within your book?

Emmettsville is a fictional version of a real beach town in Southern California, where I grew up. I did add geography as needed, but basing it on a real place gave me a great starting point.


7. What real-life science, pseudo-science, history, religion, or mythologies did you research for the paranormal aspect of your book?

I pulled from folklore and urban legend for some of the monsters – especially those that show up later in the series. Algiz, the protection rune for the haven is an actual rune, and it is a rune of protection and sanctuary.


8. What was the hardest part of writing this book?

It was the first time I’ve written in first person, and it was so fun, but also quite challenging.


9. What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

When Alex finally faces the villain. I wanted the confrontation to be unique, and force Alex to use talents only she would have. I love the way it turned out.


10. Did you learn anything from writing this book and what was it?

I learned just how much I enjoy writing YA. I’ve always loved reading it, so creating stories has been a joy.


11. Is there a message in your novel that you hope readers will grasp?

That people aren’t always what they seem. That courage can find you, even in your darkest moments. That love truly can conquer all.


12. What are your future project(s)?

Since I write in several genres, I have quite a bit planned for this year. I just released the first book in a new time travel romance series, and I’m also working on the first book of a cozy mystery series, involving an antique dealer and a handsome British archaeologist, who solve murder mysteries involving artifacts and antiquities. It’s been fun – especially the research trip to England and Ireland!


13. If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?

I would run a bookstore/café. The cool local bookstore/café. 


14. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to the Lovers of Paranormal community members?

Enjoy Alex’s adventure! I loved writing about her, and Sam, and Misty. And thank you for taking the time to read their story – it’s been a pleasure sharing Alex Finch: Monster Hunter with you. 

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Thank you Cate! And if you enjoyed Alex Finch: Monster Hunter, be sure to check out the other books in the series, Truth and Consequences, Welcome to The Haven and A Monster Files Wedding.



SOCIAL MEDIA STALK:

Newsletter: http://catedeanwrites.com/join-my-list/
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Cate-Dean/e/B00...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cates...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/catedeanwrites

LoP Interview granted 2016.03.16

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Join the Book of the Month Club discussion about Alex Finch: Monster Hunter

HERE: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

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