Be Chilled by Some "Desert Magick: Day of the Dead" (Book 3) From Paranormal, Fantasy and Science Fiction Author Dana Davis

Dana Davis is an author of paranormal, fantasy, and science fiction.  Her newest work Desert Magick: Day of the Dead (Book 3) is available from SynergEbooks Publishing. 

What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?


Hi, Clare. Thank you for having me back. My latest book is Desert Magick: Day of the Dead (Book 3). The title of the series is Desert Magick because the books take place in the Arizona desert. The subtitle Day of the Dead refers to the Mexican holiday, as well as the plot of this particular book. 


What is this book about?  And what genre is this book in?


Day of the Dead is the third book in a bestselling paranormal/urban fantasy series. But there are a lot of mystery and suspense elements in it, too. The series takes place in the modern Metro-Phoenix area of Arizona and incorporates Irish, Celtic, Greek, and Native mythologies. When you mention paranormal, a lot of readers immediately think of werewolves and vampires. While I’m a fan of those types of characters, this series focuses on witches, magick, ghosts, mediums, telepaths, and the like. I like the intangible and readers will see that in this series.


How long have you been writing in this genre?


I’ve been making up fantasy stories since I was a kid, even before I could write. I worked in the entertainment business for many years so my writing was focused on stage adaptations and scripts. Even then, I gravitated toward children’s fairytales. When I first started writing for publication, I began with fantasy and science fiction stories, because those are my favorite genres. But I also love ghost stories and various types of mythology. 


So, about 4 years ago, I decided to try my hand at paranormal fantasy, which combines genres. I absolutely love it! I’m also a paranormal investigator and the family genealogist, so I tend to use real-life incidents, family lore, and stories that others have told me. I change them up, of course. This is fantasy after all. But most of the ghostly aspects in the books were sparked to life in some way from my personal experiences.


Who is/are the main characters?  And why did you choose them?


Characters choose me, not the other way around. No matter how hard I try, if a character wants to be in the story, I have to accommodate. Otherwise, it just doesn’t work. Daisy Hammel-Kavanaugh and Bridgette McDougal both chose me. In fact, Bridgette demanded I put her in the book to help her cousin. <grin>


Daisy is the main character throughout the Desert Magick series. Bridgette, a prominent figure in the books, gets part of her story told in Day of the Dead. Noah Kavanaugh, Daisy’s husband, is an increasingly important character. As well as Scarlet Mendoza, a medium and cousin by marriage to Daisy and Bridgette. 


In the second book, Dream Catcher, I focused on Zoey Vega, a younger cousin to Daisy and Bridgette. Zoey plays a vital part in both the paranormal and mortal worlds and makes appearances throughout the rest of the series. Not to sound morbid, but the dead play important roles, too. 


Where did the idea for your book come from?


Once I decided to try my hand at paranormal fantasy, I pondered where to begin, but I knew I didn’t want to go the vampire and werewolf route. One day, as I was sitting at my computer working on another book, Daisy popped up. She announced that she was a witch living in Arizona, where I live now, and that she was having problems with what she suspected was an evil ghost. Her story developed from there.


In your opinion, what makes a good story?


For me personally, I like character driven stories with suspense and humor. I tend to gravitate toward stories with strong female characters. As a sci-fi/fantasy fan, I read the old stuff from the 1930s through the 1960s, but a lot of those seemed to be plot-driven. I love the science and the ideas they present but sometimes the characters are secondary or just don’t appeal to me. Not to mention women are pretty much nonexistent in those books, since the majority of writers back then were male.


Can you give us a quick taste of what’s inside?  


After struggling with ghostly visits and several paranormal nasties the past few months, Daisy Hammel-Kavanaugh wants nothing more than a normal life with her husband, Noah. But the Day of the Dead is more than just a holiday for this Arizona witch. Disturbing things are going on in the afterlife and Daisy is the focus.


As she helps her cousin hunt for a mysterious person who can control the dead, Bridgette grapples with guilt over a secret that’s haunted her for twenty-two years. A secret that could be related to Daisy’s current problem. But Daisy has a secret of her own. One that just might send her to an early grave.


Is this book a part of a series?  And if so what can we look for in the future?


Yes, Day of the Dead is the third book in the Desert Magick series. Right now, I’m under contract for five books. I’m working on the fourth now. Readers can look forward to more magickal and ghostly adventures in the Arizona desert.


Do you have anything specific you would like to say to your readers?


For me, reading fiction means escapism and entertainment. So, I write what I like to read. I hope you all enjoy reading the adventures as much as I enjoy creating them. And right now, in honor of spring and my birthday month, my publisher is offering all of my eBooks for just $2.99 throughout the month of April, when purchased through their site. http://www.synergebooks.com/index.html


Where can we find you on the web?


Website: http://www.danadaviswriting.com 


Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/danadaviswriting 


Blog: http://danadaviswriting.blogspot.com


YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/AZnovelist?feature=mhum


Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/DanaDavis


Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/danadaviswriting 


Where to buy Dana’s books: 


SynergEbooks Publishing: 


http://www.synergebooks.com/ebook_dayofthedead.html


Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0033HDLVC


Barnes and Noble: 


http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?store=EBOOK&WRD=dana+davis&page=index&prod=univ&choice=ebooks&query=dana+davis&flag=False&ugrp=2 

Interview with Dana Davis, Author of Desert Magick: Dream Catcher

Dana Davis is an author of fantasy, paranormal, and science fiction novels.  Her newest work Desert Magick: Dream Catcher is available from SynergEbooks Publishing. 

What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?


Desert Magick: Dream Catcher is the second book in my Desert Magick series. This series features witches, ghosts, shape-shifters and other paranormal characters and takes place in the Phoenix-area of Arizona, which is how the title came about. Each subtitle reflects something that happens in that particular novel and usually has multiple meanings.


What is this book about?  And what genre is this book in?


Dream Catcher is a paranormal fantasy. Daisy Hammel-Kavanaugh, a witch living in Arizona, is the main character throughout the series. In the previous book, she managed to survive a mortal enemy. But just when Daisy thinks she’s getting her life under control again, her college-age cousin Zoey reveals a disturbing family secret. Even with Daisy’s assistance, Zoey might not overcome what awaits her. And if they fail, humankind will suffer a most terrible fate.




Who is/are the main characters?  And why did you choose them?


Well, sometimes I don’t choose my characters, they choose me. The character of Daisy came to me almost immediately as I began having ideas for the Desert Magick series. This might sound odd to those who don’t write, but characters often pop in and out letting me know when and where to put them. Or just demanding that I tell their story. And they will hound and hound until I write about them. This happened with Daisy’s cousin, Bridgette.


I was working on a scene with Daisy and Noah, when Bridgette popped into the room and demanded to be put into the novel. She told me who she was, where she’d been, and that if anyone was going to help Daisy, she would be the one doing the helping. I tried to ignore her for the moment and just get on with the scene I was writing, but she wouldn’t let me. Basically she bullied me into putting her into the novel right then and there, and she’s become one of my favorite characters to write.

What is the coolest or best part about your book?  (Any Favorite scenes, the world-building etc…)


I have to say writing about ghosts is probably the coolest thing about this series. I’m a ghost buster in real life. Meaning, I’m a member of a paranormal investigative team so ghosts have become part of my real life in a large way. I write fantasy, so I take a lot of liberties with certain aspects, but some scenes come from my real-life ghost experiences or stories I’ve been told by others.


Do you have a favorite character in the book?  If so, why?


Well, like a mom with her children, I don’t have favorites. Really. Okay, so maybe I do. I always like writing Daisy. She’s a bit quirky at times, which is fun, but things get really interesting when this normal witch trying to live a normal life gets thrown into some very dangerous situations she would prefer to avoid. And Bridgette is always a favorite. This redhead is not shy about voicing her opinions and she’s not shy with men. Bridgette and Daisy do things I would never do or couldn’t do in real life, which is kind of a guilty pleasure for me as a writer.


Is this book part of a series?  If so? What can we expect in future books?
  
Oh, yes. The next book in the Desert Magick series will be released in 2011. I don’t have an exact date yet but my publisher is pushing for March. After that, I’m under contract for two more novels in the series. 


If not?  Are you considering expanding it?


If this series is popular, then we might consider even more novels than the planned five. Otherwise, I have another series I would like to begin working on once this one is complete.


If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?


Since it’s a series, I can adjust some things with each new novel, or add new characters and situations I need them, as long as I’m consistent with what I’ve written in the previous books. At this point, I’d have to say no, I wouldn’t change anything.


Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?


I learn things from every novel I write. As a writer, I would be disappointed if I didn’t. From Desert Magick I’ve learned to meld fantasy with a mundane, real life setting. My previous books take place on other worlds or in other times so creating fantasy in a real place and current time was a new venture for me. I was nervous when I began working on this series but excited to challenge myself. I’m really enjoying it.


Do you have a publisher?  And if so, why did you choose them? 


I have a wonderful publisher with SynergEbooks. I’m trying to leave a small footprint on this world, but I’m also a geek so I love technology. I found myself getting frustrated with publishing houses that requested printed material only, which is not only wasteful, but costly, and you have long postal turnarounds. So I began to focus on electronic books. I had researched quite a few publishers and was impressed with SynergEbooks and the personal attention they give to their authors, as well as the “green” aspect of electronic publishing. When SynergE chooses a book for paperback format, they use print-on-demand technology, so the hard copies are only printed once they’re ordered and don’t sit around in a warehouse or get tossed in the trash when they don’t sell. 


If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?


Oh, gosh, I have so many writers that I admire, like Anne Rice, Mary Gentle, and David Eddings. But I would have to say Sheila Finch was probably one of the most influential in my life. She’s a Nebula Award winner who taught at the college where I attended school, so I got personal instruction from her. She also shared ups and downs of the career with her students, as well as giving us the chance to branch out into whatever genre we felt comfortable writing. Her critique workshops were a great learning experience, as well. Sheila and I stay in touch through social websites. Did I mention that I love technology?


What books are you reading now?  


I’m a bit ADD when it comes to reading and I tend to read several books at once, shifting from one to another depending on my mood at the time. Right now, I’m reading electronic versions of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and a book about the Bodicca on the Nook, and the Legend of the Seeker series in paperback. I also pick up City of Saints and Madmen now and then and read a story from it. I just downloaded Kim Harrison’s latest Nook novel and am looking forward to starting it.


What are the current writing projects that you are working on?


Since I’m under contract, the Desert Magick series takes priority. But I have two other novels I’m in the process of editing for submission, and another paranormal series I’m looking forward to starting on, so I’m making notes for it. I have a long list of novels I plan to write. I just hope I live long enough to finish them all.


Do you write full time?  If not, do you hope to do so one day?


Yes, I’m very fortunate to write full-time. I have a wonderful, supportive husband who helps make that possible. I like to sit at long stretches and write without interruption. I admire those who work other jobs and also finish their writing projects. That would be difficult for me.


Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?


Writing has always been a part of my life in one form or another. When I was a very young child, I created stories in my head. Once I was in school, I got in trouble on several occasions for daydreaming. I worked mainly in the entertainment industry as a performer or behind the scenes but I was always writing for myself on the side. I also wrote and adapted scripts for children’s productions but after years in the entertainment industry, I decided I wanted to delve into novels. While a degree isn’t necessary to become a successful writer, I wanted and needed that focus, so I went back to school. After graduation is when I began seriously writing as a career and sending work out for publication. That was twelve years ago.


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?


Blogging is a challenge for me. You might laugh at that, but it’s true. Blogging is a big part of connecting with readers today and they expect to read about your real life, not fictional stories. Non-fiction is not within my comfort zone so it’s always a challenge for me to write without bringing fantasy or science fiction into it. 


Do you have any advice for other writers seeking to get published for the first time?


Be patient, be persistent, put your best work out there. Once you’ve sent out that latest work, start another project right away. Always have something else to work on, get excited about it, and never ever think you’ve learned it all. There’s a saying in the entertainment industry that goes, “If you’re not nervous, you’re not any good.” I try to take that philosophy into my writing and hope for a very long career in this business. Like wine, writers tend to get better with age. It’s one of the few careers you can continue growing with into your 60s and beyond. I’m looking forward to what my writing self will come up with in ten years or twenty years or thirty years from now. And I hope to keep learning with each new project.


Don't miss her contest too!

Dana's eBook Contest:

For a chance to win a free PDF copy of Dana's Desert Magick: Superstitions eBook, please send an email to danadavis@danadaviswriting.com with

"I want in!" in the subject line.

The winner will be chosen at random and must have a valid email address that accepts attachments in order to receive the prize.  Contest ends December 31, 2010 at 9pm MST.

　

Hurry and good luck!

Thank you Dana for dropping by!


You can visit Dana on the web at:

My website: http://www.danadaviswriting.com/
My facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Dana-Davis/591073862
My publisher: http://www.synergebooks.com/
My blog: http://danadaviswriting.blogspot.com/ 

Interview with Dana Davis, Author of Desert Magick: Dream Catcher

Dana Davis is an author of fantasy, paranormal, and science fiction novels.  Her newest work Desert Magick: Dream Catcher is available from SynergEbooks Publishing. 





What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?


Desert Magick: Dream Catcher is the second book in my Desert Magick series. This series features witches, ghosts, shape-shifters and other paranormal characters and takes place in the Phoenix-area of Arizona, which is how the title came about. Each subtitle reflects something that happens in that particular novel and usually has multiple meanings.


What is this book about?  And what genre is this book in?


Dream Catcher is a paranormal fantasy. Daisy Hammel-Kavanaugh, a witch living in Arizona, is the main character throughout the series. In the previous book, she managed to survive a mortal enemy. But just when Daisy thinks she’s getting her life under control again, her college-age cousin Zoey reveals a disturbing family secret. Even with Daisy’s assistance, Zoey might not overcome what awaits her. And if they fail, humankind will suffer a most terrible fate.




Who is/are the main characters?  And why did you choose them?


Well, sometimes I don’t choose my characters, they choose me. The character of Daisy came to me almost immediately as I began having ideas for the Desert Magick series. This might sound odd to those who don’t write, but characters often pop in and out letting me know when and where to put them. Or just demanding that I tell their story. And they will hound and hound until I write about them. This happened with Daisy’s cousin, Bridgette.


I was working on a scene with Daisy and Noah, when Bridgette popped into the room and demanded to be put into the novel. She told me who she was, where she’d been, and that if anyone was going to help Daisy, she would be the one doing the helping. I tried to ignore her for the moment and just get on with the scene I was writing, but she wouldn’t let me. Basically she bullied me into putting her into the novel right then and there, and she’s become one of my favorite characters to write.




What is the coolest or best part about your book?  (Any Favorite scenes, the world-building etc…)


I have to say writing about ghosts is probably the coolest thing about this series. I’m a ghost buster in real life. Meaning, I’m a member of a paranormal investigative team so ghosts have become part of my real life in a large way. I write fantasy, so I take a lot of liberties with certain aspects, but some scenes come from my real-life ghost experiences or stories I’ve been told by others.


Do you have a favorite character in the book?  If so, why?


Well, like a mom with her children, I don’t have favorites. Really. Okay, so maybe I do. I always like writing Daisy. She’s a bit quirky at times, which is fun, but things get really interesting when this normal witch trying to live a normal life gets thrown into some very dangerous situations she would prefer to avoid. And Bridgette is always a favorite. This redhead is not shy about voicing her opinions and she’s not shy with men. Bridgette and Daisy do things I would never do or couldn’t do in real life, which is kind of a guilty pleasure for me as a writer.


Is this book part of a series?  If so? What can we expect in future books?  


Oh, yes. The next book in the Desert Magick series will be released in 2011. I don’t have an exact date yet but my publisher is pushing for March. After that, I’m under contract for two more novels in the series. 


If not?  Are you considering expanding it?


If this series is popular, then we might consider even more novels than the planned five. Otherwise, I have another series I would like to begin working on once this one is complete.


If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?


Since it’s a series, I can adjust some things with each new novel, or add new characters and situations I need them, as long as I’m consistent with what I’ve written in the previous books. At this point, I’d have to say no, I wouldn’t change anything.


Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?


I learn things from every novel I write. As a writer, I would be disappointed if I didn’t. From Desert Magick I’ve learned to meld fantasy with a mundane, real life setting. My previous books take place on other worlds or in other times so creating fantasy in a real place and current time was a new venture for me. I was nervous when I began working on this series but excited to challenge myself. I’m really enjoying it.


Do you have a publisher?  And if so, why did you choose them? 


I have a wonderful publisher with SynergEbooks. I’m trying to leave a small footprint on this world, but I’m also a geek so I love technology. I found myself getting frustrated with publishing houses that requested printed material only, which is not only wasteful, but costly, and you have long postal turnarounds. So I began to focus on electronic books. I had researched quite a few publishers and was impressed with SynergEbooks and the personal attention they give to their authors, as well as the “green” aspect of electronic publishing. When SynergE chooses a book for paperback format, they use print-on-demand technology, so the hard copies are only printed once they’re ordered and don’t sit around in a warehouse or get tossed in the trash when they don’t sell. 


If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?


Oh, gosh, I have so many writers that I admire, like Anne Rice, Mary Gentle, and David Eddings. But I would have to say Sheila Finch was probably one of the most influential in my life. She’s a Nebula Award winner who taught at the college where I attended school, so I got personal instruction from her. She also shared ups and downs of the career with her students, as well as giving us the chance to branch out into whatever genre we felt comfortable writing. Her critique workshops were a great learning experience, as well. Sheila and I stay in touch through social websites. Did I mention that I love technology?


What books are you reading now?  


I’m a bit ADD when it comes to reading and I tend to read several books at once, shifting from one to another depending on my mood at the time. Right now, I’m reading electronic versions of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and a book about the Bodicca on the Nook, and the Legend of the Seeker series in paperback. I also pick up City of Saints and Madmen now and then and read a story from it. I just downloaded Kim Harrison’s latest Nook novel and am looking forward to starting it.


What are the current writing projects that you are working on?


Since I’m under contract, the Desert Magick series takes priority. But I have two other novels I’m in the process of editing for submission, and another paranormal series I’m looking forward to starting on, so I’m making notes for it. I have a long list of novels I plan to write. I just hope I live long enough to finish them all.


Do you write full time?  If not, do you hope to do so one day?


Yes, I’m very fortunate to write full-time. I have a wonderful, supportive husband who helps make that possible. I like to sit at long stretches and write without interruption. I admire those who work other jobs and also finish their writing projects. That would be difficult for me.


Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?


Writing has always been a part of my life in one form or another. When I was a very young child, I created stories in my head. Once I was in school, I got in trouble on several occasions for daydreaming. I worked mainly in the entertainment industry as a performer or behind the scenes but I was always writing for myself on the side. I also wrote and adapted scripts for children’s productions but after years in the entertainment industry, I decided I wanted to delve into novels. While a degree isn’t necessary to become a successful writer, I wanted and needed that focus, so I went back to school. After graduation is when I began seriously writing as a career and sending work out for publication. That was twelve years ago.


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?


Blogging is a challenge for me. You might laugh at that, but it’s true. Blogging is a big part of connecting with readers today and they expect to read about your real life, not fictional stories. Non-fiction is not within my comfort zone so it’s always a challenge for me to write without bringing fantasy or science fiction into it. 


Do you have any advice for other writers seeking to get published for the first time?


Be patient, be persistent, put your best work out there. Once you’ve sent out that latest work, start another project right away. Always have something else to work on, get excited about it, and never ever think you’ve learned it all. There’s a saying in the entertainment industry that goes, “If you’re not nervous, you’re not any good.” I try to take that philosophy into my writing and hope for a very long career in this business. Like wine, writers tend to get better with age. It’s one of the few careers you can continue growing with into your 60s and beyond. I’m looking forward to what my writing self will come up with in ten years or twenty years or thirty years from now. And I hope to keep learning with each new project.



Thank you Dana for dropping by!


You can visit Dana on the web:  

My website: http://www.danadaviswriting.com/
My facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Dana-Davis/591073862
My publisher: http://www.synergebooks.com/
My blog: http://blog.myspace.com/danadaviswriting