Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Interview with urban fantasy author Deborah A. Bailey

Today’s featured focus is on the novel Hathor Legacy: Outcast. It’s an urban fantasy, paranormal romantic suspense novel by Deborah A. Bailey.

During her tour (running every Wednesday from Jan 1 to Feb 19) Deborah will be awarding two print copies (US ONLY) of Hathor Legacy: Outcast to two randomly drawn commenters. Also, a Grand Prize of a $25 Amazon gift card will be awarded to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit other tour stops and enter there, too.

Bio:
As a little girl when Deborah A. Bailey was watching Star Trek and Twilight Zone, she was writing and drawing her own superheroine comics. When she grew up, she continued to write and followed her love of technology into a career as a computer programmer and developer. But writing was never far away from her heart, so over the years she wrote and published stories set on other worlds and in Earth's future. Ultimately she fulfilled a lifelong dream and completed her first novel.

Her short stories have won awards from the Philadelphia Writers’ Conference and her work has been published in US1 Magazine and the Sun. And she recently published a short story collection, Electric Dreams: Seven Futuristic Tales. In her "other" life, she's a freelance writer who's published two non-fiction books and countless articles that have appeared in print and online. Visit her blog for writing tips, interviews, and updates. 

Welcome, Deborah. Please tell us about your release, Hathor Legacy: Outcast.
It's a futuristic romantic suspense set on the planet, Hathor. A powerful group called the Guardians serves as the security force for Novacorp, the corporation that runs Hathor with its ruthless monopoly. Nadira, as one of the most powerful Guardians, is expected to use her intuition and telekinetic powers to keep the capital city safe from thieves and intruders.

Jonathan Keel, son of a mine CEO on the nearby planet, Astarte, is wealthy, privileged and used to getting what he wants. When his father goes missing after a robbery and explosion at the mine, he defies the authorities and heads to Hathor to search for him and for the robbers.

Security is on high alert and Nadira is charged with protecting Jon. She rescues him from a vicious attack and discovers that the Guardians have another agenda that has nothing to do with solving the crime.

Jonathan finds evidence of his father's possible involvement, while his attraction to Nadira forces her to confront all she has known about being a Guardian, especially the rule to put duty before her personal feelings.

Struggling with their growing desires, and chased by company security, Jon and Nadira flee the city. But solving the crime leads them to endure betrayals from the people closest to them, as secrets are revealed that not only link their pasts but also threaten to destroy Jon's family and separate him from Nadira forever.

What inspired you to write this book?
I've always been drawn to science fiction and futuristic themes. I'm a long-time fan of the Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits, and I love to ask, "what if?" So, I wondered what would happen if people developed psychic powers, like telekinesis and the ability to read minds. I combined that idea with the setting on a faraway planet run by a gigantic corporation. The corporation came to mind based on my experiences as a corporate employee--so that part was easy to create! I love romantic suspense, which is why it's a big part of the story. 


Excerpt:
Nadira opened her eyes. Above her, the cream-colored ceiling swam into view. Shifting herself, she braced her hands against a nearby table and lifted her head. Bad idea. She leaned her face against the cool, glass surface of the table, and hung on, waiting for the dizziness to pass.

It was a violation for Guardians to use their powers against each other. The charge was serious enough to incur banishment--something that hadn't happened in recent memory.

Ilana couldn't have the same abilities as a Guardian. There had to be another explanation.

"Are you all right?" With a groan, Jon dragged himself over and crouched beside her. "How the hell did she do that?"

Nadira eased herself into a sitting position, resting her back against the edge of the table. "She must've used some kind of weapon or had a chemical enhancement." She'd have to wait until her head was clear before she could sort it all out.

"She didn't use a weapon," he said, his grey eyes searching hers. "It came from her--the same way you blasted those attackers."

"Her abilities aren't as strong as mine…and she hasn't been properly trained, so she's reckless. She uses all her power in her blasts." Nadira rubbed her forehead. "I tried to read her, but I couldn't get through her shields."

"If she's weaker, how could she blast you?"

"She used my abilities against me. People who are weaker can undermine someone who has stronger energy."

Jonathan helped her to her feet. Her legs were wobbly, but after a moment she was able to stand on her own.

"We have to get out of here now. They're calling security," he said.

Supported by Jon's firm arm around her shoulders, she walked out into the corridor.



What exciting story are you working on next?
I'm working on a sequel to this book, called Hathor Legacy: Burn. It'll include Nadira and Jonathan, the main characters from the first book. I've already completed the first draft, and I can say it'll have even more suspense and answer a few questions about the origins of the Guardians.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I've always considered myself a writer. As a child I was always dreaming up stories. It's something I really enjoy doing. There are things that you feel are your life purpose, and for me, it's being a writer.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I'm also a freelance writer, so I'm always writing something. My career path started in fashion merchandising, after that I became a copywriter. Then I took a detour into computer programming, so I didn't write for a long time. Now I'm back to writing full-time.

My workday usually consists of exercise in the morning--when I manage not to talk myself out of it! Then I start working around 10:00 am. I'm a night person, so it's not unlikely for me to still be writing at 10:00 pm. But I make sure to take breaks during the day.

When it's nice out, I go for walks and exercise outdoors. That really helps me to get ideas and keeps my energy flowing. Right now I'm working from home, and that helps me to manage my schedule so that I can work on my book. But if I have to work on a project at an office, it can be tough. Once you add in commuting, it leaves much less time to get personal things done.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I write best when I have music on. My iPod has several playlists that I use depending on the mood. If it's action, I listen to music I can dance to. If it's romantic, I listen to something slower. My music has to line up with what's going on in the story. The catch is that sometimes if the beat is fast, I'm tempted to do a little dancing in between chapters!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I have a feeling that you already know the answer! I've wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember. There's something about storytelling that's really exciting. It's fun to create worlds and characters.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Thanks so much for inviting me to stop by your blog and share my book with your readers!

Links:

Thanks, Deborah!

14 comments:

Goddess Fish Promotions said...

Thanks for hosting!

collenga said...

Sounds like my kind of book!

Karen H said...

Do you have more than 2 books planned for this series?

kareninnc at gmail dot com

Deborah A Bailey said...

Thanks for hosting me!

Deborah A Bailey said...

Karen - it's possible that I'll continue with the series after book 2. There are a lot of ideas that probably won't all fit into the next book. So that will be a great reason to continue!

Deborah A Bailey said...

Collenga - glad you liked the description & excerpt!

Deborah A Bailey said...

Thanks, Rita! Glad you liked it.

Stormy Vixen said...

Thanks for sharing the great interview and the giveaway. Sounds like a really good book. evamillien at gmail dot com

Deborah A Bailey said...

Thanks, Eva! I love having the opportunity to talk about my book! :)

Juliee said...

Thanks for the chance to win - looking forward to reading your book.
jfite2@hotmail.com

Catherine Lee said...

There must be a great satisfaction of being able to work at what you've always known you wanted to do--write. Most people aren't so lucky!

Deborah A Bailey said...

You're welcome, Juliee! I hope you enjoy it!

Deborah A Bailey said...

Catherine, Yes, it is satisfying. I very feel fortunate!

ilookfamous said...

I congratulate you on achieving your dreams!
ilookfamous@yahoo.com