An Interview and Giveaway With Author and Editor Mistress Rae aka Ms. Cinsearae Santiago

Today we have an interview with the multi-talented Mistress Rae. She is an author, artist, photographer and Editor/Publisher of Dark Gothic Resurrected Magazine and the Cover Artist for Jaded Silence Press & Other Individual Clients. If you get a chance visit her website to check out her awesome artwork and photos. So very fang-tastic.

Hello Mistress Rae, it's great to have you here. Let's get started on the interview.

Have you always wanted to be a writer or is it something you discovered along the path of life?

Actually, I knew I wanted to be a writer at the early age of eight, lol. I got lost in my own little world when I'd write. It helped a lot, especially since the average kid couldn't really connect with me, lol.

How has your writing path evolved? Where did you start?

My writing took a more darker turn sometime in my junior high days, probably around 7th or 8th grade. Not exactly paranormal or Gothic, just more sadder. My childhood, family life, and past relationships weren't exactly the greatest, and it was constantly reflected in my writing. Some of it might be coined as the typical 'angst' stuff, but writing was my therapy. It kept me from strangling a lot of people, lol. Although still regular, contemporary writing, I didn't really get into the paranormal/Gothic/horror writing until 10th grade, and I never stopped since!

Do you commit to a daily writing goal? Like so many words or chapters?

Me? Commit to a daily writing goal? ACK! Lol. Seriously, my writing moods fluctuate. I can write every single night for a week for three of four hours straight, then the following week, I'm writing zip! That doesn't really bother me though, it's like my muse flows with the moon's phases almost, lol, and it's been like that forever.

If you could give a new writer one piece of advice, what would it be?

NETWORK! Make friends with those who share your interests! You need some kind of lifeline these days. It's a huge sea of writers out there, and a guppy writer can be overlooked in a flash. Start out with author and writers groups and make yourselves known. I have my own writer's group dedicated to Gothic, vampiric, and paranormal writing, and we publish an anthology twice a year. I always welcome newbie writers! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gratista_Vampires. I also have a magazine that newbie writers of the same genres are more than welcome to submit their darkest works to! http://BloodTouch.webs.com/darkgothicmagazine.htm.

Are you a long time paranormal fan or new to the “Other” world?

Oh definitely a long-time fan. The mundane world is just that---too mundane! I loved anything out of the ordinary since I was 10, although I was partial to dressing up as a monster for Halloween instead of something pretty way before then, lol. But I have to say I overdid it with my love for horror when I watched "The Exorcist"--I COULD NOT sleep without a light on for nearly a month!

How did the idea for your newest book/series come about?

When I first read a Call For Submissions/Contest from an e-book publisher a year ago, I wanted to try my hand at a short paranormal romance story. Where the story itself came from, I have no clue, so I say 'my muse handed it to me', lol. Although the story wasn't picked, I kept on writing this series, which has garnered some really interesting and favorable reviews, lol.

Tell us a little about your newest book.

"The Abraxas Series: Books 1-3" (http://bloodtouch.webs.com/abraxas.htm) tells the story of a young woman who gets taken by a vampire and changes over into a vamp with extraordinary powers. Her first few days in dealing with her abilities is quite chaotic, but soon she's brought to her new 'family' and her Lord, a stunning gentleman who shares the same abilities as her, but surprisingly is twice her age. A very steamy romance blooms, but not without some apprehension on her side at first. The series is filled with all types of creeps, from psychotic necromancers, zombies, demons, enemies within their clan, and more. Part four to the series is coming out this summer, and I'm currently working on part five. There's also a special "Halloween" short story being released this fall--a special spinoff from the series, and more of a darkly humorous story centering around one of the Abraxas Clan members. I have lots of free chapter downloads available on it webpage above--along with trailers!

What books are currently on your to-read list?

Well, I can say I'm patiently waiting for Mary Janice's next book in her "Undead" series, lol. I read a lot of non-fiction, actually. However, I do have some books that I'm reviewing for the fall issue of my magazine--works by Christy Poff, Margaret Marr, and Joseph D'lacey to name a few!

Who are some of your favorite authors?

King for one, lol. I've read some of Rice's works, and Koontz as well. I've read some of Laurel K. Hamilton's works too.

If you could entertain a character from a book, who would it be and what would the evening be like?

From my own, or someone else's? Lol. If it were someone from my own, it would have to be "Jonathan", the gothy kid in the Abraxas clan. We have a lot in common! We'd probably hang out a Goth club! http://kieraandjonathan.webs.com/

What is your strangest habit?

Singing showtunes while I cook, mainly songs from "Sweeney Todd", lol.

If you weren’t a writer what would your career be?

Oh...dear God....I have NO idea. Seriously. I can't even begin to imagine....ugh....! *shudders*

When you are not writing, what can you usually be found doing?

I like trekking through state parks or cemeteries--I LOVE photographing such places. I've got an extensive gallery of B&W images! http://bloodtouch.webs.com/apps/photos/ Other than that, I might check out a movie now and again, or go to a Gothic event in my area.

Thanks!

Now time for an awesome giveaway!

Mistress Rae is offering an "Abraxas" prize pack, which will include an e-copy of "The Abraxas Series: Books 1-3" on CD, a signed mini poster, bookmark, keychain, button, and a piece of handmade jewelry 'inspired' by the series.

To enter leave a comment with email contact info.

Good Luck and All the Best,
Ms. Cinsearae S.

Want to know more about Cinsarae and her work?

Visit her author website at Http://BLOODTOUCH.WEBS.COM
or

Join the Gratista Vampire Clan http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gratista_Vampires