Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Guest Blog and Blood Lust Rising Giveaway with Fayth Devlin


World building - Mixing Fact with Fiction
By Fayth Devlin

For me one of the key ingredients to writing a paranormal romance story (aside from the actual romance and the sexy naked time) is world building. You want to write about vampires, shape shifters, fairies... well how in the hell do you explain them into existence? Furthermore, how does the outside world react to these (often sexy as sin) non-human men and woman walking amongst them?

Having your supernatural characters make sense in whatever setting you've chosen is probably my least favorite aspect of writing!! LOL. But, it is a necessary evil.

When writing Blood Lust Rising, my paranormal romance vampire novel, I found myself scrolling through Wikipedia on the hunt for some simple historical data I could weave into my fiction to create something believable for my readers. I needed a foundation. Who better than the original vampire himself? I'm not the first person, nor will I be the last, to use Vlad Tepes, also known as Dracula, as my go to guy.

There are tons and tons of research material out there on Vlad the Impaler, and all of it was wonderful, but, none of fit for my book. So, what's a girl to do? Weave in some fiction to make it work for my budding universe where vampires with electric blue eyes prey on the innocent.

Lizbeth Tepes, imaginary daughter of Vlad Tepes (in my world he was able to have a child), was born in my mind and became the first, and only, living, breathing vampire. (All important details to make my book work!) Not only did Lizbeth become the Vampire Queen, she also became my villain, the woman Ella Gray needed to defeat in order to survive.

As the book progressed, I found more and more details dependant on Ms. Tepes. The council of seven she sired, which then later inspired the "good guys" to create their own agency to protect humanity. Without Lizbeth, Julian, a sexy vampire whose greed and tenacity to become King knows no bounds, would have never been created. One step at a time, I created my world based on something simple, something from history.

After I nailed down my foundation, things fell into place and my novel, much like Lizbeth Tepes, was born.
In closing, I have a questions for both authors and readers.

Authors, can you share on how you create your mythological worlds? Do you weave in history or do you fly by the seat of your pants?

Readers, do you find comfort in seeing small historical details in novels? Does it make the story more believable to you?

Today I'll be giving away an electronic copy of 

my debut novel, Blood Lust Rising - Book One 

in the Vampire Queen Trilogy, to one lucky 

commenter. So, let the discussion begin!!



Book Details

Title: Blood Lust Rising - The Vampire Queen Trilogy Book One

Blurb: Vampire Queen and Demon son – Together they will wreak havoc and total destruction. Or at least, that’s what the prophecy says. When a sex-seething succubus focuses in on Ella Grey, a half-breed vampire and her Shadow Hunting partner, Micah McGregor, a power is released neither can control or comprehend.

A chain of events is triggered, forcing Ella and Micah down a shadowed path riddled with unrestrained passion, violence and betrayal. The truth of Micah’s demonic origins will reveal a heart-breaking conspiracy within the Shadow Agency that once swore to protect humanity from vampires and demons. Ella and Micah are proof that nothing is as it appears.

Buy Links
AmazonB&NAre 


Author Bio - Fayth Devlin

Fayth Devlin wrote her first horror story when she was ten, penned with neon pink ink in a loose-leafed binder. Captivated by romantic literature, yet intrigued by the paranormal, she continues to develop her own voice, writing the kind of stories that inspired her as a teen.

Her current novel, Blood Lust Rising, exemplifies what Fayth most enjoys about the Paranormal Romance genre, a reading experience that both quickens the heart and tingles the spine.

Fayth Devlin was born and raised in Southern California, where she presently resides with her husband and three sons. She is currently working on the final book in her Vampire Queen Trilogy and the first novel in a brand new series.

Contact



23 comments:

Paula said...

There haven't been many books where Vlad has children, and usually they are sons. I can't remember a Vlad daughter before - great idea! I can't wait to read this.

Paula (aka Coretta)

Anonymous said...

Thank you Paula! And yes, its very difficult to take an idea that has been beaten to death and breath a little life into it! But, one nice thing about fiction is that you get to go outside of the box!!!

Roxanne Rhoads said...

I love reading books that weave a little bit of history, well known characters, or mythology into them.

It's an instant connection when you see something that you know. Plus I love to see how worlds evolve and the fictionalization of the characters is usually so fun.

I try to toss in some facts (or known lore) when I write too. I've done a lot of research on local legends, haunts, and ghost stories for a few of my upcoming books.

Several series I read use Vlad I'm looking forward to reading your version- and learning about his daughter that you created. Sounds like an awesome book.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Roxanne (for having me here today) and for sharing how you incorporate mythology into your books. I agree that it's comforting to see something you recognize!

Unknown said...

Love the concept of history, mythology, and a new twist. Sounds like a great 1st book.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Tasha! And yes, I too love history and mythology! It's something I'd like to study more :)

laura thomas said...

Vlad has a daughter. I love it. Vlad Dracul is my favorite vampire story. Your book sounds amazing, familiar characters and a whole new twist. I do so love my horror!

Anonymous said...

Hi Laura! I'm really glad the idea intrigues you! I was hoping to put a slight twist on the norm! And, I adore horror too!! One day I'll write a horror novel *grins*

cynthia said...

Personally, if the story-line is good and the book keeps my interest, I don't really care if there is no real connection to historical facts. It can be an entire made-up world and I wouldn't mind. As long as the book captures my imagination and has me absorbed..

Anonymous said...

Very true Cynthia! I absolutely loved the Harry Potter books and all of its fantastical magic. :)

Debby said...

What a great idea. I would love to read this book.
debby236 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Thank you Debby!! I hope you get a chance to read it :)

Unknown said...

I would love to read these books. They sound very interesting. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Entered Tore! I'm glad my books interest you!

April Alvey said...

Wow What A Book I Would Really Love To Read More Books Like This. There Are Not Many Like It.

April Alvey
butterfli262002@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Hi April! Thank you for your comment! When I wrote the book I knew I was just adding another log onto the "vampire romance" pile, so hopefully I succeeded into standing out! I appreciate your interest!

Vamp Writer said...

The book sounds very interesting and having "Liz" being Vlad's daughter is a cool aspect! My book has Vlad as a patron of a group of "guardian vampires" who defend innocent humans from those who wish to harm them (evil vampires and criminal elements as well). So it sounds like we both have some new takes on the immortal vamps!

Anonymous said...

I love it "vamp writer." What a great spin you put on the idea! I'll have to check it out :) thank you for commenting and showing your support!! And, best of luck with your own books!

wanda f said...

Sounds like an amazing read cant waitto sink my fangs into this its a must read for me.When it comes to historical details in a story I so like seeing a few small historical details but I also a enjoy one where the author creates a whole new world and all new rules .Ive never met a book I didnt love.Have a fantastic week.
flanagan@mebtel.net

ParanormalRomanceFan said...

Hello Fayth,

I have always Loved Vlad & grabbed Books written about him or with him in them, but I really Love the new twist in your Debut Release "Blood Lust Rising", I can't wait to read this Book!!! It LQQKs GREAT!!!

I would very much appreciate the opportunity to enter this giveaway. Thank You.

Take care,
PaParanormalFan (Renee’ S.)
paranormalromancefan at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

@Wanda - Thank you for your comment! And yes, I too enjoy a book I can "sink my fangs" into!! LOL.

@Rene - Vlad is such an interesting man!!! One series I really liked was the Cassie Palmer series (I cant recall the authors name at the moment). But she brought in Mercia (probably spelled wrong). But, he was rumored to be Vlad's brother. I liked it!! I appreciate your comment!!

Anonymous said...

Thank you EVERYONE who commented on my guest post, and thank you Roxanne for hosting me! I had a great time.

This morning I put everyone's name in a hat and the winner of Blood Lust Rising is Tasha!!! (I've tagged you on FB!)

Congratulations!!

((Hugs))

Fayth

Vamp Writer said...

My "Immortal Relations" series books are $.99 & FREE in the next few weeks:
My 3rd, "Immortal Relations Coming Out" is $.99 15-21 April at http://amzn.com/B00G5BQS18 my 2nd is $.99 28 April - 4 May at http://amzn.com/B00A4IEHL6 and my 1st book is FREE on 1-5 May at http://amzn.com/B006ZCBT6G These are unique stories about guardian vampires protecting humans from evil, be it other vampires/human criminals/or dictatorial politicians. Look at the "What's Inside" above the pictures of the covers for more information.

 
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