Bewitching Book Tour - Seal of Destiny by Traci Douglass

Welcome to Immortality and Beyond. May I offer you a drink?

Thanks so much for having me here at IAB today! And yes, thank you. I’d love a Witches Brew… 

BK: Wonderful choice, enjoy it. I know my readers are excited to learn more, so let's chat, shall we? *Smiles* When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Being an only child, I’ve always concocted stories in my head for my own amusement. It never occurred to me to write them down, however, until November 2011. I had a dream and couldn’t get the story out of my head. That dream became Seal Of Destiny.

BK: Please tell us a little bit about your current release...

Seal Of Destiny is about the human-bound Seven Seals of the Apocalypse and the elite team of immortal warriors who protect them.

BK: What inspired this particular novel/book?

A dream and an overactive imagination.

BK: How do you keep your writing different from all the others that write in this particular genre?

Voice is the elusive element that sets one writer apart from another. I try to tell stories I would enjoy reading. If I succeed, I’m doing well.

BK: What was the hardest thing about writing this story?

The fact the entire process was new. Seal Of Destiny is my first book, so learning all the facets that make for a good story, not to mention all the craft elements, was a huge investment of time and energy, but such a worthy cause. Plus, each of my Scion warriors has a different ethnic background, so researching those aspects took some time as well, but the rewards were great.

BK: Which character was your favorite to write for in this story? Why?

Oh, Argus, my antagonist. Hands down. He’s so uninhibited and says stuff we all wish we could. His tirades always crack me up!

BK: Tell us about the one scene you had the most fun writing…

Hmmm. I enjoyed writing the scenes between Divinity and Lucifer. I’ve always wondered how those two would interact together.

BK: Will this become a series? If so, what inspired it to be a series? OR If it is a series, what inspired it to become a series?

Yes. I’ve always planned to write a book for each Seal and their Scion warrior protector. Each book can stand alone, but there is an overall series arc to the stories and the characters reappear from book to book.

BK: Now for a little fun, and into your everyday life, What is a day in your life like?

Each day starts with coffee and checking my e-mail and Internet accounts, then between 6 and 8 hours of writing/writing-related activities (with a break for the bathroom and lunch), then dinner and doggy time. Not very exciting, but it keeps me plenty busy! 

BK: What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Reading, listening to music. Eating anything chocolate. Watching movies. Sometimes all together.  I’m also a Project Runway junkie and LOVE the Wednesday line-up on ABC.

BK: What is one thing your readers would be most surprised to learn about you?

I taught ballroom dancing for seven years and competed professionally for a time.

BK: What do you like to read? Who is your favorite author?

I read mainly paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and historical romances. My favorite modern authors right now are Stacia Kane for urban fantasy (her Downside series ROCKS), Jennifer Ashley for historicals, and Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter for paranormal romance. I’m also studying the classics of romance right now for my MFA degree at Seton Hill University. I just finished re-reading Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice and will be staring Bronte’s Jane Eyre soon.

BK: What is one piece of advice you can give to aspiring writers/authors?

Besides WRITE? Read. Often. In more than just your own genre. Good writing is good writing, no matter the subject. You never know where the next inspiration will come from. And find a great critique group. Nothing will help your writing reach the next level more than an awesome critique group. Oopps. That’s more than one. Sorry.

BK: What are you currently working on?

The second book in the Seven Seals series has been contracted by Crimson Romance and is due for a May 2013 release, so I’ll be going through the edit process on the book soon with them. The third book in the series is sitting on my hard drive awaiting edits for submission. Plus, I’m starting work on a brand new, totally unrelated, series for my MFA thesis—a paranormal romantic suspense detective series with tinges of thriller and horror. Think Remington Steele meets Joss Whedon.

BK: Where can readers connect with you?

I LOVE to connect with readers. Please stop by and say Hello! My links are below:

Website and blog: http://www.tracidouglass.net

FB Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/TraciDouglassAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Traci_Douglass

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8112113-traci-douglass

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/tracidouglass

About the Author:

Traci is the author of paranormal/urban fantasy and contemporary romances featuring a sly, urban edge, including her current Seven Seals series. Her stories feature sizzling alpha-male heroes full of dark humor, quick wits and major attitudes; smart, independent heroines who always give as good as they get; and scrumptiously evil villains who are—more often than not—bent on world destruction. She enjoys weaving ancient curses and mythology, modern science and old religion, and great dialogue together to build red-hot, sizzling chemistry between her main characters.

A storyteller since childhood, she began putting her tales down on paper in November 2011 after the idea for the Seven Seals Series occurred to her in a dream. She finished the first draft of what was to become Seal of Destiny in one month and decided to pursue a full-time writing career in January of 2012. Life has now been a rollercoaster, crash course in pursuing your dreams.

Traci is an active member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), Indiana Romance Writers of America (IRWA) and Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Writers (FF&P) and is pursing a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Writing Popular Fiction through Seton Hill University. Her stories have made the final rounds in several RWA chapter contests, including the 2012 Duel on the Delta, the 2012 Molly Awards, and the 2012 Catherine Awards. An earlier draft of Seal of Destiny won the paranormal category of the 2012 Marlene Awards sponsored by the Washington Romance Writers.

Other current projects include upcoming books in the Seven Seals series and a new futuristic detective series with hints of the paranormal and plenty of romance.

Website: http://www.tracidouglass.net

FB Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/TraciDouglassAuthor

Twitter: @Traci_Douglass

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8112113-traci-douglass

Publisher: www.crimsonromance.com

Seal Of Destiny

Seven Seals Series Book One
Traci Douglass

Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Crimson Romance

Number of pages: 263

Word Count: 70,000

Book Description:

Love conquers all… but can it stop the Apocalypse?

Mira Herald is having the worst life ever. Not only is she plagued by horrific nightmares starring the Devil himself, she’s now the target of a power-hungry, rogue minion, freshly sprung from Hell and bent on her destruction. To complicate matters further, she’s acquired a stalker. One who insists he’s a divine warrior sent for her protection because she houses an ancient relic with the power to unleash Armageddon. Last time Mira checked, she wasn’t insane. Still, all this celestial mayhem is enough to drive a girl crazy.

Kagan is a member of the Scion, an elite team of immortal warriors selected by Divinity to aid mankind and save the world. After a century alone, Kagan is summoned for a new mission. He’s eager to begin. Eager until he’s informed his mission consists of protecting a woman with no clue to the power she wields. Plus, his briefing fails to prepare him for his new target’s cosmic-sized attitude problem. As Divinity’s sworn servant, he’s required to fulfill his duty. His oath, however, does not require him to be enthusiastic about his new assignment or warm-and-fuzzy toward his new compatriot. He plans a wham-bam rescue and a quick return to solitude.

The rogue minion attacks—with the backing of a mysterious organization—and all Hades erupts, putting a fast end to any whirlwind escapes. Accustomed to staunch independence, Mira’s survival now requires full cooperation and an unwavering belief in Kagan. The battle-hardened warrior is also forced to chose: between duty and desire. Amidst the turmoil, Kagan and Mira’s undeniable passion draws them closer to each other and down a path neither expected but both yearn for, more than they ever knew.

Will love save the day? The world’s fate depends on the answer.

Exclusive Excerpt Seal Of Destiny

“Basta!” Kagan grabbed her by the arm and twisted slightly, not enough to hurt, but enough to let her know he meant business as he directed her to a corner booth. He ignored the half-full beverages and coats scattered on the seats and shoved Mira into the confined space. When the booth’s original owners took issue with his hostile takeover, Kagan dispatched them with a lethal glare. He wasn’t sure where the girl had gotten the idea his mind was damaged, but he was damn sure he didn’t like it. He moved in behind her to block her escape.

“Oh, hell, no!” After several unsuccessful strikes to his muscled physique, Mira tried to slide out beneath the table. The angle proved too awkward. Defeated, she shoved as far away as she could into the corner and propped those killer boots on the seat in front of her in warning. “You better let me out of here, asshole, before I call the cops! I caught you stalking me, pervert!”

Kagan took a deep breath. He never lost his cool in battle, and he wasn’t about to start now. “Pervert? You’re of age, si?”

Mira glared. Kagan ticked through their earlier interactions, searching for a reason behind her intense hostility. His preternatural instincts sensed her intention before her hand reached his carotid. He blocked her quickly, locking her small hand within his and forcing it to the table beneath his own. Her pulse raced against his palm. He took another swig of beer then flashed his most endearing grin. “Let’s start over.” He released his bottle and extended his hand. “I’m Kagan.”

She refused to acquiesce. Kagan spoke in quiet tones meant to calm, to reassure. “I know I’m a stranger, but we have things to discuss.” He glanced around the crowded club, at the bodies packed tight. “We can’t do it here, though—no privacy. My apartment is close. Why don’t we go there and talk?”

Mira kicked him hard in the thigh.

“Merda!” Kagan grabbed his throbbing leg. “What’s in those damn boots? Marble?”

“Let me out of here, jackass, before I sideline your baby-maker!” Mira struggled within the tight confines of the booth. As she squirmed, the spicy scent of her shampoo wafted, and he was overcome with the strangest urge to plunge his hands into the riotous mass of her hair, to feel it curl around his fingers. She tugged on the hand pinned beneath his, and his thumb traced over her thudding veins. His heart pounding along with hers. The odd tingle sped through his torso, and his mouth turned to cotton. Her gaze blazed up at him, a swirling mix of green and golden brown. He noted the dark smudges below and wondered what kept her from slumber.

Dolce Cristo! Kagan looked away, fought for control. This was getting way out of hand. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d bedded a woman, but apparently it had been far too long.