Can
you tell readers a little bit about yourself and what inspired to write in this
particular genre?
Well, it was a
funny thing. When I started this series, I thought it could be either a
paranormal or urban fantasy romance. So, I did a little digging and found that,
because my background story with the Variants could be a story on its own, the
book would be considered an urban fantasy. When I was done with it in October
2013, I went to a local writer’s conference and pitched it to some editors and
agents. Imagine my surprise when I was told it was considered by two of the
three to be a Science Fiction book. Mainly because my male character is from
another planet. Well, that definitely took the air out of my sails. I hadn’t
read science fiction in years. So, how was I going to market this? How was I going
to sell it? After considering my options, I decided I’d self-publish, because I
knew it was going to be difficult to sell this book into a particular genre.
Why not cover them all? So, I, myself, consider Variants to be an Urban
Fantasy/Paranormal/Sci-Fi Romance. How ‘bout those beans?
What
is it about the paranormal, in particular vampires, that fascinates you so
much?
I love the
paranormal world because there’s so much I can do there. It’s like giving me a
huge wall sized whiteboard and a thousand different markers and telling me to
have at it. Oh, the possibilities!
Anathergians (and
the Variants) have fangs. The Anathergians use them sparingly: as part of their
transition into becoming a full-fledged Anathergian and immortal, to exchange
blood (using a certain method) to become Lifemates with someone (and they
continue to exchange blood during sex), and, as a last resort, they will use
their fangs to fight.
The Variants use
their fangs to brutally kill someone, though they don’t use them to exchange blood.
The use of fangs
in exchange of blood (and not for food) has always fascinated me. To me, this
is a being essentially taking in the essence of another being. Part of their
soul, if you will. I’ve always found this so fascinating. How much more intimate
can you become with another person?
Please
tell us about your latest release.
Variants
introduces us to Auden and Leah.
Auden is a very
powerful king who came to Earth over five-thousand years ago. His planet was
destroyed and he and his people took refuge on our planet. They look and act
like humans, but they’re extremely powerful. The more royal a person is, the
stronger they are. Because Auden has lived so long, he’s having a hard time
keeping control of his thoughts and his powers. This can be very dangerous,
since he’s the most powerful of all the Anathergians. A Lifemate anchors
Anathergians. The two become a cohesive unit and meld together, making them
even stronger.
It’s Leah’s
sixteenth birthday when the story begins. It was a curious day for her because
she noticed an old woman staring at her through the school window. She lives
with her foster family, who she abhors, except her foster brother, Ceadan,
who’s six years younger than her. The sun rises and shines over her brother.
She’s extremely smart and has a photographic memory. On the night of her
birthday, her step-dad decides to get a bit rough with her. When he threatens
Ceadan, Leah fights back and does something to the man she doesn’t understand.
She runs away and is soon surrounded by women who claim Leah is a witch. They
want to take her away so she can learn how to use her powers. Of course, Leah
thinks it’s a bunch of B.S. And there was no way she was going to leave Ceadan.
After wrangling some promises out of the women to protect Ceadan (Leah can be
very persuasive when she wants to be), and realizing she could never return to
her home, she decides to go with them. Four years later, just after her 20th
birthday, Leah is excelling at her magical powers. But, she has an incident
that her head teacher realizes isn’t normal for a witch. Leah uses powers that
witches don’t have. And her eyes glow when she uses them. This is something
only Anathergians can do. So, the teacher contacts Auden to ask for his assistance.
The Variants are
humans who have gone through a transfusion in an attempt to turn them into
Anathergians. The process doesn’t have a very good success rate and, most
times, causes the person to go crazy and, eventually, die.
When Auden and his
men discover these Variants, and what’s happening to them, it’s quite
abhorrent. You see, the Anathergians have sworn to protect the human race. It’s
what they do. They’re the ones that can go after the terrorists that the U.S.
military can’t get to. They’re the ones that get the things that go bump in the
night. When Auden believes that one of his men is providing DNA to make these
transfusions, he’s angry and disgusted.
When Auden meets
Leah, he’s extremely intrigued. Since the Anathergians have so few children, he
and his group keep close track of any of their people—Anathergians or humans—that
become pregnant. Leah came out of the blue. Plus, she’s extremely powerful for
her age. Of course, that’s not the only reason he’s so interested in her.
Unexpectedly, Leah
goes through her Anathergian transition. The transition causes the person to
become violent and extremely sexually active. They also need a blood exchange
to survive. However, this can be tricky, because if the blood exchange happens
a certain way, the couple could accidently become Lifemates. And when Auden
believes he’s the only person who can help her with the transition, he finds
this out… the hard way.
It’s soon
discovered that the DNA being provided for the Variant transfusions isn’t
coming from one of Auden’s men. It’s coming from an Anathergian—and extremely
powerful Anathergian—that Auden or his men had never known before.
That’s all I say
about Variants for now. If you want to
know the rest of this luscious story, you’re going to have to get the book. ;)
Do
you have a special formula for creating characters' names? Do you try to match
a name with a certain meaning to attributes of the character or do you search
for names popular in certain time periods or regions?
I do, actually. I
have a very specific website I use for names and, often, I do try to match them
up with what I believe fits their character. But, I’ve used this formula for
mainly secondary characters. Auden’s name has a very special meaning and I’m
still waiting for someone to figure it out. Leah was just the name that came to
me. It had always been her name. Ceadan was a name provided to me by a very
good friend, and I felt it fit perfect, since his eyes are the color of a
turbulent green sea.
Is
there a character that you enjoyed writing more than any of the others?
I do love writing
about Ceadan. I have all kinds of plans for him (along with many of the other
very Alpha males in the book).
Do you have a formula for developing
characters? Like do you create a character sketch or list of attributes before
you start writing or do you just let the character develop as you write?
I don’t really have a formula for them. I try to let the
character flesh themselves out. I have
an image of what they look like in my head. And, unlike many authors, I don’t
go looking for photos. I just let it come to me. I will tell you, I nearly choked on my
popcorn when I saw the last scene at the end of Captain America: The Winter Soldier—the one where Bucky Barnes is
at the Smithsonian. That was Gunner. I could NOT believe it. It’s been
difficult to find images close to Auden. I’ve found a few. Ceadan, because he’s
fourteen in most of the book, has been difficult, too.
What
is your favorite scene from the book? Could you share a little bit of it,
without spoilers of course?
I do love Auden’s
reaction when he first sees Leah. He’s quite dumbfounded, which is saying
something for someone who’s so very powerful and so in control of himself.
Did
you find anything really interesting while researching this or another book?
Some of the
background research I did on Auden was really interesting. Not really
mentioning what it was. Someone will probably eventually figure it out.
Can
you tell readers a little bit about the world building in the book/series? How
does this world differ from our normal world?
In the Anathergian
world, normal humans are unaware of them. And they like it that way. They don’t
want to be known. They want to live in their underground and just excel at what
they do: getting the bad guys or the supernatural things that normal humans are
afraid of. They’re not afraid of anything… usually.
With
the book being part of a series, are there any character or story arcs, that
readers jumping in somewhere other than the first book, need to be aware of?
Can these books be read as stand alones?
Variants is the
first book in a trilogy. So, I think so far I’ve done a good job with giving a
bit of background for the second book, but it’s probably best to start with
book one for the trilogy. The rest of
the books after the trilogy (and I’m planning some lovely novellas as well),
should be okay to start wherever they like.
Do
you have any weird writing quirks or rituals?
I like to write in
coffee shops because the background noise is kind of like a hum and not so
distracting. When I’m at home, I’ll often put on brown noise to help me
concentrate.
Do
you write in different genres?
My first book was
a straight out time travel romance. I never finished it, but I hope to one day.
So far, I haven’t published in any other genres, but I have many planned. Since
I’m a former Hospital Corpsman in the U.S. Navy, I’d like to write some SEAL
books.
When
did you consider yourself a writer?
I’m not really
sure. I was a technical writer/editor/instructional developer for years, but
even then I didn’t really consider myself a writer. I guess when I opened the
box to my first proof of Variants and saw my name on the cover did it don on me
that I achieved my goal of being published and being a real writer.
What
are your guilty pleasures in life?
I allow myself to
purge on donuts about one every six months. They’re my weakness.
Other
than writing, what are some of your interests, hobbies or passions in life?
I’ve done web
development for many years. I work two jobs, and both of them are heavily
involved with being in front of a computer. So, that’s where I’m often found. I
love going to the movies—action, superheroes, and sci-fi are some of my
favorites. But I also love a good romance, too. I’m passionate about my kids,
my two cats, and my dog. I’m also passionate about soccer. I coached and
managed teams for many years, so I love the game.
What
was the last amazing book you read?
I like to read all
kinds of different genres. I love the Robert Ludlum original Bourne trilogy. I
also love Karen Marie Moning’s Fever Series and Highlander books. I love all of
the Harry Potter books. But, the latest book I fell in love with was Howard E.
Wasdin’s non-fiction book SEAL Team Six:
Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper. It was real and deep. It really got
to me to think what our service members do for us on a daily basis and we’re
never even aware of it.
Where
is your favorite place to read? Do you have a cozy corner or special reading
spot?
In bed. Period. :)
I love snuggling under the covers and reading.
What
can readers expect next from you?
I’m working very
hard on WITCHES, book two in the Anathergians Trilogy. I’m hoping to have it
online no later than October. I’m also looking at doing a quick 20k word
novella involving one of the more luscious Anathergian warriors.
Where
can readers find you on the web?
All over the
place, but mainly at:
@MichelleCReilly
Would
you like to leave readers with a little teaser or excerpt from the book?
Sure! I’ll give you a bit of background first. Auden’s been
pushing Leah away, and Leah’s been pretty confused. They’ve gone to a large
battle together (Leah’s first real battle) and Auden is starting to realize
that he has some feelings for her. I’m not giving the entire scene… just some
bits and pieces.
Auden clasped her hand. “Come with me.”
Not daring to question him when he was so on the brink, she
followed. He nearly dragged her through the curved hallways until they came to
his door. Staring at it for a moment, he squared his shoulders and pressed his
hand to the panel.
When they entered, the low lighting caste an amber glow on
the furniture. She glanced to the left toward his office, but he pulled her to
the right to a pair of double doors. Her heart skipped like it was playing a
round of hopscotch when she realized where they were headed.
He released her hand, opened both doors wide, and stepped
in. She hesitated and then followed him. Leah gaped at the size of the room.
Against the left wall was a sitting area with a bar and floor to ceiling bookshelves
packed tight with all manner of books. To the right was a bathroom.
The centerpiece drawing most of her attention was the huge
bed dominating the room. The four poster bed was covered in brown ermine and
opaque gold material draped across and down the intricately carved posts.
Auden stepped in front of her, the corners of his sensual
mouth tugging downward as he regarded her. He reached out a hand, and ran his
finger along her hairline, down her jaw, and then her neck.
His fingers continued their trek down her shirt, over the
swell of her breast, her nipple, down her stomach, and to the hem of her shirt.
Heart pounding, her breaths increased as she watched the sensual path of his exploration.
He stopped and brought both hands under her shirt, up the
sides of her rib cage, and continued upward until the top came free.
With it also came the hair band holding back her hair, and
the strands landed in her face. She lifted her hands to push the hair out of
the way, the movement causing her breasts to rise.
His gaze drifted to her red bra and then back to her face.
The heat within their dark depths caused a dampness to suffuse her, making her
crave him. She stood on her toes to take his mouth. Her hands went around the
back of his neck as she sucked and then nibbled his bottom lip. He was warm and
tasted of a blend all his own. She took a deep breath, and his moist exhalation
filled her. The need to have his skin against hers overcame her and her hands glided
down his hard chest and abdomen, and she lifted his shirt. He helped her pull
it off, and she thrilled to feel his hot skin against hers.
Auden bent down, brought his arm beneath her knees, and carried
her to his bed. He reached behind her, unfastened her bra, and dropped it on
the floor.
Embarrassed, she wanted to cover herself. Though they had
already been together, that night she had been completely uninhibited, which
wasn’t like her. But when she noticed the awe in his gaze, she stopped,
enjoying his admiring look as it feasted on her breasts. A low moan slipped
past her lips.
He kneeled and removed her boots and socks, tossing them
across the floor…
“Turn over,” he said.
Her eyes widened a fraction, but she did as he asked, and rolled
onto her stomach. He scooted her forward, the ermine fur rubbing against her
sensitive nipples. His hands grasped her hips and raised them so she rested on
her knees. He placed his own knees on either side of her legs and leaned over
her.
“Do you have any idea how afraid I was tonight?” he asked,
his voice guttural and his breath tickling her ear.
She considered him through the strands of hair covering her
face. “I felt your fear.”
He brought his hand up and swiped her hair out of her face
and nipped at her earlobe. “And do you know why I was afraid?”
“Because you lost some of your brethren?”
“No,” he said, his breaths coming harder. “I was afraid I would
lose you,” he admitted and slammed into her.
Variants
The Anathergians Trilogy
Book One
Michelle C. Reilly
Genre: Sci-Fi Fantasy with Romance
ISBN: 978-1500364489
ASIN: B00LE1B9DQ
Number of pages: 270 print
325 Kindle
Word Count: 92k
Available at Amazon and CreateSpace
Book Description:
Sworn to Protect the Very People Bent on Destroying Them
POWERFUL
Auden, the king of the immortal Anathergian race, came to Earth five thousand years ago when he and his people escaped from their destroyed planet. His power is immense, but is threatened because he has yet to take a Lifemate.
WITCH
With the blood of an Anathergian and a witch running through her veins, Leah is a force to be reckoned with. After leaving her foster family to learn how to master her new-found powers, Auden finds her. With him, she discovers her heritage, her strength, and her love.
VARIANTS
An Anathergian is using variant strains of his DNA to turn humans into Anathergians. This enemy’s goal: use the Variants to take over the world and take Auden’s place as king. Auden and Leah’s goal: Stop the enemies and discover what connections Leah has with them.
About the Author:
Michelle C. Reilly is a single mom of two wonderful boys. She spent ten years in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman Preventive Medicine Technician, which meant she was actually attached to or stationed with the U.S. Marine Corps. She has a Masters in Science in Public Health, but she is generally an IT geek and a geek of many other things as well. She currently resides in Las Vegas, NV, with her two cats, Meowdy and Moose, and her dog, Katie aka “The Old Lady.”
Make sure to visit her website www.michellecreilly.com for more information about her and her upcoming books.
Feel free to visit, ask her questions, and hang out with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/michellecorareilly
And if you’re a tweet-a-holic (or even if you’re not), follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MichelleCReilly
Website: www.michellecreilly.com
Twitter: @MichelleCReilly
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/michellecreilly
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Thank you so much for the post! ~Michelle C. Reilly
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