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.
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!
Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteSounds like my kind of book!
ReplyDeleteDo you have more than 2 books planned for this series?
ReplyDeletekareninnc at gmail dot com
Thanks for hosting me!
ReplyDeleteKaren - 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!
ReplyDeleteCollenga - glad you liked the description & excerpt!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rita! Glad you liked it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the great interview and the giveaway. Sounds like a really good book. evamillien at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteThanks, Eva! I love having the opportunity to talk about my book! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win - looking forward to reading your book.
ReplyDeletejfite2@hotmail.com
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!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Juliee! I hope you enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteCatherine, Yes, it is satisfying. I very feel fortunate!
ReplyDeleteI congratulate you on achieving your dreams!
ReplyDeleteilookfamous@yahoo.com