Shattered
Charlene Johnson
Synopsis:
Shattered is an erotic paranormal thriller that weaves an intricate web of events involving a playboy pop singer, a romance writer, and an unrelenting vampire. It features an unquenchable thirst for blood, an obsession that spans two decades and love beyond measure. Drake Devereaux, haunted by a tragedy in his past has avoided the trappings of love most of his life. Ebony Jordan is a romance writer who wants to find the kind of love she writes about in her books – the love story her parents never had. Solomon Blackwell, a Rogue vampire sees Ebony one night and is reminded of the lover he lost and vows to make her his own. Drake and Ebony meet by chance and forge an unforgettable connection. As Drake and Ebony’s relationship heats up, Drake realizes he’s falling in love. Instead of embracing it, he allows his fear to drive him away from the one woman who can heal him. After months of being apart, Ebony’s attempt to reach out to Drake ends with a heartbreaking discovery and an unexpected accident that nearly ends her life. Faced with another tragedy, Drake finds out what is truly important. As Drake and Ebony plan a life together, Solomon plots to possess her and shatter their love forever.
Quote:
Drake was finally complete, the shattered pieces of his heart fit so perfectly, mended back together by the enduring power of love. He never thought he would find someone like Ebony, someone who entered his life by chance and stayed to change it forever.
Publisher: Kingston Publishing Company
Release Date: June 28th, 2018
About the Author:
Charlene lives in Sacramento, California. Books have always been her passion. She started reading at an early age and progressed to full-length books by age nine. The first supernatural book series she read was Dark Shadows and it sparked her interest in all things paranormal, with a spicy touch of romance mixed in for good measure. Being an avid reader, the consummate daydreamer and an incurable romantic with a Cinderella complex, she started creating her own characters and storylines because she realized she had her own stories to tell. She’s traveled the world, crossed galaxies, traveled through time and explored history on the pages of books.
Social Media Links:
https://www.facebook.com/redscorpionfans/
https://www.instagram.com/charlene.johnson57
https://twitter.com/shadowmoonplace
https://www.circleoftheredscorpion.com/newsletter-archive
http://www.circleoftheredscorpion.com
https://www.facebook.com/redscorpionfans
https://www.facebook.com/groups/338584589887498/
Author Interview:
Hello and welcome to our blog, Charlene.
Let's get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name.
Charlene Johnson
Where are you from?
I grew up in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania but live in Sacramento, California.
A little about yourself (ie, your education, family life, etc.).
I’m married and have a son, a daughter and four beautiful grandchildren. I went to Waynesburg College and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Tell us your latest publishing news.
I recently signed a contract with Kingston Publishing Company, and I’m very excited to be working with Michelle and CK. We are doing a new release of my first book Shattered, and I will be submitting book 2, Avenged for publication very soon. I’m currently working on book 3, Returned. The books are part of my Circle of the Red Scorpion erotic paranormal romance series.
When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing poetry when I was in junior high school and continue to do that today. My venture into writing a book started about fifteen years ago, but life, family, and a demanding job got in the way. I got serious about it again about five years. I had a lot of ideas for stories rolling around in my head and started writing them down. I’m a big fan of book series. I wanted to create my own.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I finished the book, and my sister read it. She’s a tough critic. She loved the book and told me to go for it.
What inspired you to write your first book?
I’ve been an avid reader since age 9. I love books, and I love all things paranormal, especially vampires. I watched the Dark Shadows soap opera every day with my grandma. Dark Shadow was the first book series I read during that time. Over the years, I’ve read countless gothic and paranormal romance books and book series and wanted to try my hand at writing my own.
How did you come up with the title for your latest novel?
I wanted the title to be simple and reflect the main theme of the book. When I originally wrote the book, it was called Shattered Dreams and was meant to be standalone, but that changed when I decided to write the series. Shattered Dreams was almost 200,000 words,and I thought it would be difficult to get it published as a new author, so I broke into two books – Shattered, Book 1 and Avenged, Book 2.
Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?
I like to write from multiple points of view. I like to know what the main and supporting characters are thinking and feeling. For me, it makes the story well-rounded. One challenge for me in writing a series is making sure any carryover plots/actions from a previous book flow cohesively and consistently into the current book and future books. In some cases, plots/actions are connected in some fashion. The other challenge in the paranormal romance genre is trying to make sure your stories are fresh and different from other authors.
How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
There are some elements of my childhood experiences and people I’ve encountered appear in the book, but for the most part, Shattered is part of a world I created.
Of all your characters, which one is your favorite? Why?
Drake Devereaux. His character faces everyday issues as many of us do – loss, fear, regret, and love. People handle those feelings in different ways. Drake is no different.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Favorite book of all time is hard to identify. There are a lot of books that I consider my favorites in the paranormal romance genre, but two immediately came to mind. I can’t read one without reading the other - Acheron and Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon. Both books are gripping, heartbreaking and a rollercoaster of emotions. I’ve read them several times and will read them again.
To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?
I’ve done some traveling, and my experiences have helped in my writing. But since some scenes happen in different time periods or countries, I rely on research as a writing aid. Some travel/research is done before and some during depending on what I’m working on. I want the scenes and the details to be believable and accurate.
Who designed the covers?
My daughter designed the first cover for Shattered which I loved but since we are doing a new release, my publishing company designed the new cover, and I love it as well. I do have ideas for the future covers in the series, but it will be a collaborative effort between my publisher and myself.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
The message is not to fear life or love and don’t let the past ruin your chance to find happiness.
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?
I haven’t had the chance to read as much as I would like but would like to explore a few authors. As for my favorite author, that’s a hard one. My top three are J.R. Ward, Christine Feehan, and Sherrilyn Kenyon. These talented authors can weave a story and draw me into their worlds. I love the characters and look forward to them appearing throughout the book series. I always hate to leave their worlds when the books end.
Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.
Besides I have a few friends who also have supported me, interacting with other authors on social media and the writing workshop and RWA club I belong to have influenced and inspired me. I’ve also tried to educate myself on the mechanics of writing via the internet. Knowledge of one’s craft is a powerful tool. Most importantly, I had to get to a place where I believed I could be published and commit myself to achieve that goal.
Any advice for other writers?
Don’t let fear hold you back from achieving your dream of being a published author. I did that for many years. It’s daunting and scary, but perseverance and commitment is the key. Keep your eye on the goal. Get involved in some of the Facebook Groups. The groups offer awealth of knowledge and good advice. Being around like-minded people will inspire and motivate you. Lastly, believe in yourself.
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