Can you tell readers a little bit about
yourself and what inspired to write in this particular genre?
I’m 21 and my favorite color
is pink and blue, I’m currently a junior in college. I love eating lemon sugar
cookies, and watching TV. My mother played a pivotal role in my writing because I would sit and
watch shows that ranged from Vampires, wolves, angels, elves, etc. I decided to
make up my own story and my writing begins.
What is it about the paranormal that fascinates you so much?
I believe it’s the romance,
and the quest for good despite the evil forces that tries to deter you from
your true destiny.
What inspired you to write this
book?
I’m in love with the angel
era at the moment, and I like X-men. So I thought why not combine the two and
The Talented was born.
Please tell us about your latest
release.
My latest release is title
The Talented, here’s the synopsis: At age 17, Carmel founds herself in a
mental institution thanks to an ice dagger, and a woman who apparently isn't
human. After being rescued and arriving
at the H.O.T, House of Talents, where no ONE is entirely human in the house.
She learns that she's Talented and has the ability to control Water and Ice.
At the H.O.T, Carmel
learns to control her Talent, makes new friends, a few enemies, and begins to
fall head over heels for a handsome guy. Who has a few secrets of his own?
Carmel begins to realize that many people want her dead because of who she
is. However, he has no idea why. Can she
figure it out or will she die. Look inside to find out.
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 tend to use common names such as Ricky, or
Devon. At other times, I create my own names like Carmel, or Roszin. It truly
depends on what I am writing about on that particular day. For example, the characters in The Talented
appears to have common names; whereas the next book is a little edgy and have
names yet to be foreseen or even heard of.
Was one of your characters more
challenging to write than another?
Yes, my main characters were
the hardest to write. I wanted to make Carmel strong, shy and timid at the same
time. I didn’t want to overshadow her with the other characters nor take away
from Flora and Devon.
Is there a character that you
enjoyed writing more than any of the others?
Yes! Flora tends to tell it like it is without
holding her tongue.
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?
Usually I have my characters develop before I start writing.
I know their attributes from the beginning to the end that entails their
strengths and weaknesses.
What is your favorite scene from the
book? Could you share a little bit of it, without spoilers of course?
My favorite scene is when
Carmel finds out the BIG secret that Devon’s been keeping from her. It’s funny because Ricky is present an he has
to pretend he doesn’t hear what’s going on without interfering.
Did you find anything really
interesting while researching this or another book?
Yes, while writing The
Talented, I had the pleasure of researching various herbs that play an important
role in our health. In fact, Flora aides
Carmel with tea that has a herb in it.
What is the most interesting thing
you have physically done for book related research purposes?
At this moment, I would have
to say nothing. It just came to me naturally.
Can you tell readers a little bit
about the world building in the book/series? How does this world differ from
our normal world?
I believe the Talented occurs in our time period.
As the series develops, my readers will see more interaction between other
Talents and humans. Readers will have
the opportunity to visualize destruction that some of The Talented cause in the
real world and how the humans deal with it.
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?
I think readers can read the
first book and stop if curiosity doesn’t come for them. They will be wondering about the outcome
and the final blows. However, I strongly discourage reading the second or third
book because they will definitely be lost and confused. They wouldn’t understand the characters.
Do any of your characters have
similar characteristics of yourself in them and what are they?
Yes, Carmel characteristics
display my passive nature and my addictions to sweets.
Do you ever suffer from writer’s
block? How do you deal with it?
I certainly experience writers
block and I refocus by walking away from the computer and help myself to some delicious
cookies and cupcakes and wait for the inspiration and thoughts to hit me again.
Do you have any weird writing quirks
or rituals?
I think the only weird
writing quirk I have is that my stories pops in my mind when I am watching my
favorite shows and it forces me to stop engaging and to jolt the ideas down
because if I don’t it will constantly replay in my head like a broken record.
Do you write in different genres?
No, although my first book
was just a romance. I prefer to write fantasies romances.
Do you find it difficult to write in
multiple genres?
I think it depends on the
genre your writing, I think it would be more difficult to write hardcore sci-fi
or mystery due to the fact I only write fantasy romance.
When did you consider yourself a
writer?
After I wrote my first book,
Hello My Name is Floebe
What are your guilty pleasures in
life?
I’m a TV junkie; I’m always
watching Girlfriends, Scandal, Supernatural, Vampire Diaries, The Originals and
much more. I love to read as much as I do writing. I have to refrain myself
from reading because no writing will get done. Not to mention, my love for old
fashion lemon cookies and this incredible popcorn called poppycock that I’m
obsessed with.
Other than writing, what are some of
your interests, hobbies or passions in life?
Believe it or Not, I would
love to be a CHEF! I am always finding
new receipts to try from desserts to fish, pasta and many more. I enjoy working out in the gym because it
helps me to keep my figure down from all my extra indulgences with food.
What was the last amazing book you
read?
Chosen Thief by Scarlett Dawn
Where is your favorite place to
read? Do you have a cozy corner or special reading spot?
I really don’t have a
favorite place to read. I read wherever and whenever I can, this includes in
class, at the dinner table, at family functions. I tune everyone out when I’m
reading.
What can readers expect next from
you?
Talented 2 Past Lives
revealed and my new series Supernatural Residence Advisor.
Would you like to leave readers with
a little teaser or excerpt from the book?
And ruin the fun... No way, How about a quiz instead- and readers who follow me will be in for a TREAT!
Quiz 1- How well do you know The Talented?
1. What does H.O.T mean?
a. Heaven on Top
b. It doesn’t mean anything
c. Helium over Titanium
d. House of Talents
2. Devon’s Talent is?
a. Water
b. Air
c. Water, Air, Earth, and Fire
d. Fire
3. What is an Equal?
a. Same size and quantity
b. Your best friend
c. Your other half
d. Your enemy
4. Ms. Viola is?
a. The W.E.A.F Teacher
b. A student
c. The principle
d. She’s not in this story
5. What is a Tike?
a. Do you mean type?
b. A person who is small in size
c. A toddler
d. When a W.E.A.F talent sleeps with another Talent or Human
6. Who is Christopher?
a. No one special
b. The guy who captured Carmel
c. The human boy who possess a Fire Talent
d. A baby
7. What are The Talented really?
a. Humans and Angels
b. Witches
c. Demons
d. Birds
8. Who is Queen Ice?
a. Flora in disguise
b. Rose
c. No one important
d. Carmel’s Past Life
9. What is a Nephilim?
a. A snake
b. A angel
c. Half angel, half human
d. Demon
10. In the H.O.T what characters may be Nephilim
a. Ms. Rose
b. Ms. Lily
c. Nurse Tye
d. All of the Above
Answers can be found on the Bewitching Tour Page
The Talented
Desy Smith
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Romance Fiction
Publisher: Floebe Publishing
Date of Publication: January 30, 2015
ISBN: 9781507799291
ASIN: B00SXOLV80
Number of pages: 197
Word Count: 46,170
Book Description:
At age 17, Carmel founds herself in a mental institution thanks to an ice dagger, and a woman who apparently isn't human. After being rescued and arriving at the H.o.T, House of Talents. A house where no one is entirely human. She learns that she's Talented and has the ability to control Water and Ice.
At the H.o.T, Carmel learns to control her Talent, makes new friends, a few enemies, and begins to fall head over heels for a handsome guy. Who has a few secrets of his own. Carmel begins to realize that many people want her dead because of who she is. However she has no idea why. Can she figure it out or will she die. Look inside to find out.
Excerpt:
She led me to the other side of the
cafeteria where a wall separated us from everyone else. We made our way towards
two separate tables. Ricky was sitting at a table by himself, and there were four other people sitting at the other
table. I was getting ready to walk in when Flora stopped me.
“You see them four at that table.”
She pointed to all of them.
“Yes.”
“That’s Montigo.” She pointed to a guy with skin the color of melted chocolate,
and brown eyes. He was tall like Ricky and had black dreads in his hair. “His
girlfriend is Tess.” She pointed to a white chick that had red hair, green eyes
and freckled skin. “She’s a hot head. That’s Lanisha over there.” She rolled her eyes at her. She pointed
to this light skin black chick with crazy brownish green eyes and brown hair.
“Last but not least, there’s Simon, who
is the nicest of the group, if you ask me.” She pointed to this white guy. He had pretty blue eyes and blond
hair.
“What are their talents?” She was
about to walk in, but I stopped her.
“Montigo is water, Tess is fire,
Lanisha is air, and Simon is earth.” We
walked in the room, and Flora greeted everyone at the table before we sat down.
“Why are you guys pointing at people?”
“I was filling her in on whose who.”
“Oh.” Ricky eyed my plate.
“Are you going to eat all that?”
Ricky asked me.
“No, if you want something, you can
have it.” His hand went directly to the chocolate chip cookies. I stopped him.
“Yeah, anything, but those.” Then his hand went for the peach pie. I had to
stop him once again. Flora started laughing.
“Let me clarify. You can have
anything but the sweets.”
“Looks like someone has a sweet
tooth,” Flora said.
“So where’s Devon at?” Flora asked Ricky.
“I don’t know. What do I look like
his keeper?”
“Don’t start, I just asked a simple
question, that’s it.” They got into an argument. I ate my nachos and realized
something was missing. Where was my hot sauce?
I looked around and saw it was sitting on
the farthest table against the wall with the rest of the condiments.
As I grabbed the bottle, I heard
someone whistling. I ignored it until I realized they were whistling at me and
not that, ‘Oh you’re fine whistle’, it was that come here, whistle. I turned
and saw who it was, Montigo. I rolled my eyes. If he wanted to talk to me, he
would have to use his words. All of a sudden, I felt something wet hit me on my
but almost like a belt. I jumped and dropped the hot sauce on the floor. I
turned around to touch my pants to make sure I didn’t feel anything, and sure enough there was a wet spot
there. I looked at Montigo, as he sung a
water lasso around his head.
“Keep your hands and other objects
to yourself.”
“This is what happens when you
ignore me hon, so tell me what are you going to do about it.” I remained quiet.
“Nothing, just like I thought.” He threw the water lasso at my arm, and it left
a wet whelp there.
“I already told you to stop,” I
said.
“Or what?” I noticed Flora and Ricky
looking at us now.
“Montigo stop, it’s not funny,”
Flora said.
“Mind your business Flora.” She gave
him the finger. Montigo looked at me again and once again threw the water
lasso. This time I caught it and slowed down my breathing,
and it froze. When I let go of it, icicles formed going everywhere in the
cafeteria. One almost hit him in his face, but his girlfriend Tess, held up her hand just in time. She
created a fire wall melting the ice dagger.
Tess rose
up, but Montigo raised his hand, and she
sat back down. Instead, he got up.
“Finally your group is complete.” He
said eyeing me up and down. “So you think you’re big and bad, just because you
can make a few icicles?” He laughed not waiting for me to answer. “I think you
need to be taught a lesson.” I noticed everyone’s cups beginning to shake. He
raised both of his hands, now had two
water lassos. He threw one at me, and I
mentally prepared myself to grab it, but at the last second, someone stepped in
front of me. I realized it was Devon. The
water was melting off his body.
“Still picking on people smaller
than you?” Devon said.
“Yeah and you’re still poking your nose in other people’s business.”
“If you stop starting shit, then I
wouldn’t have too.”
“What makes you think I started it?”
“Who else would it be?” Montigo
stepped closer to Devon.
“Again what does this have to do
with you?”
Suddenly
a line of fire appeared separating Montigo from Devon. Tess slowly, but
gracefully got up.
“That’s enough for tonight boys.”
Her voice sounded like she was older than what she appeared to be. “Wouldn’t
want Devon killing you over his little equal.”
She looked at me. “Word of advice, next time he speaks
to you, just answer him.” I smiled at her.
“The last time I checked, he isn’t
anyone of importance, and I’ll speak when I want to. Not a moment sooner than
that.” Then I mimicked her. “Word of
advice, whistling at someone isn’t the right way to get their attention. I’m
not a dog.” She looked at me and twirled her hair around her finger. I bent
down to wipe the hot sauce I spilled. I felt something hot on my back, and I turned around to see the fireball coming at me. I rose my hand, slowed
my breathing, and it froze, it was now a big ball of ice. It fell on the floor
not shattering. I looked at Tess, who was
now smirking at me. I noticed Devon looking at us, probably wondering if he
needed to intervene. He didn’t, I could handle it on my own.
“I don’t know what’s more pathetic,
you trying to attack me when my back is turned or you attacking me and me
defending myself, when I just find out today that I had a talent.”
About the Author:
Desy Smith was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. She wrote her first book when she was thirteen years old, because she ran out of books to read inside her home. She loves reading books as much as she loves writing her own. Desiree also loves food and sweets, if she’s not reading, she’s probably eating a cupcake or two.
She published her first book The Talented under a publishing company she started Floebe Publishing. Desy writes to provide an escape for anyone who wants to live in a fantasy world, and not worry about the trouble of everyday life. She also writes to inspire. This is Desy’s first novel, and she plans to release the second part of The Talented series during late summer.
The Talented will be a five part series. Currently she is working on another story, which she hopes to release in the fall.
Website: http://desysmith.wix.com/desysmith
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authordesysmith
Instagram: Author_Desydiva23
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