Hello Denise, please
tell us about you, as a writer.
My background is in the theatre. I
wrote humor pieces and sketches in school, and I’d even tried my hand at a
children’s play. I didn’t really start
writing seriously until I was in my thirties.
My son was around two years old then and my husband in graduate
school. Because of my husband’s school
and work schedule, it didn’t allow me to pursue roles in the theatre. My muse was calling to me to do something
creative. I began writing plays at that
time, but I was also reading a lot of vampire fiction, Anne Rice, Fred
Saberhagen, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro and some of the older tales. The thought struck me that no one had really
tackled the female perspective of the modern vampire. I actually had a dream about a young female
vampire that inspired Mia, the heroine of the first two novels in my
series. My husband urged me to pursue
this idea and confront the fact that my protagonist was a woman and the
obstacles she faced as a vampire. Mia
lives in a man’s world—an ancient man’s
world at that.
Immortyl Revolution has a sci fi component. The series plot deals with rival groups of
vampires trying to capture the secrets of immortality. My vampires are essentially human with a
biological mutation. Some of them are
better representatives of the species, but most are not. A lot
of the human beings in the stories aren’t much better than most vampires. Nobody sparkles in other words.
Your book My Fearful Symmetry is an urban fantasy
vampire novel; perhaps you’d you
give us some insight into it in a
few sentences.
A boy becomes a vampire and fights to become a man. It’s basically a coming of age story, about a
young man from the most desperate of circumstances, plunged into the middle of
an even bigger nightmare. In spite of
all this, he struggles for freedom. It’s
a tale of lust, intrigue and betrayal.
That sounds sexier.
How did you come to
write this particular book?
When one is writing a series that involves rival political factions, it’s
difficult to pull off in a first person POV.
I like the first person POV because of the sense of intimacy it creates
between the reader and the hero or heroine.
However, there are a lot of events that happen within the Immortyl
ruling class that effect Mia and Kurt, the heroine and hero of the first two
books, that would have to happen offstage, so to speak. I needed a POV character that could move
within the Immortyl ruling class as a close observer, yet is somewhat
sympathetic to the aims of the revolution.
I’d created Cedric, the hero of this book, a while ago, intending him as
a love interest to a character to come later in the series, but he was just one
of those characters who demanded to be heard.
I’d imagined the Indian origin for my vampire culture early on. As I did more research, my world building
expanded. I now had created a religion
for my Immortyls, a form of Tantra, and a class of sacred courtesans, called
the adepts of the ancients arts.
Why a male courtesan hero? Well,
my Immortyls are somewhat omnivorous when it comes to sexuality. I’ve always enjoyed Mary Renault’s books
about Alexander the Great. The
Persian Boy, the novel she wrote about Alexander’s companion, Bagoas, is
one of my favourites. I thought it might
be fun to write about a male courtesan who dreams of becoming a warrior.
Do you have a
favourite character from the book? If so, who and why this particular one?
Well, it would have to be Cedric.
He’s so irrepressible, even after all the hell I put him through. But if I had a second favourite, it would be
Lord Liu. He’s an elder that Cedric is
assigned to entertain for political reasons.
Lord Liu is one of the oldest living Immortyls, very deep, very wise,
very powerful. The two of them develop
an interesting relationship.
Where can people buy
your books?
They are available from Amazon and other online
retailers in paperback and multi-format ebook.
Links to buy:
What qualities does a
writer need to be successful?
Perseverance is very important. It
takes time to develop the skills. A lot
of writers I know never finish anything.
One has to get that first novel down and prepare for rejection. It’s important to be able to accept
constructive criticism. I belong to two
critique groups, and they’ve helped me immensely.
What’s your working
method?
I tend to write dialogue first. My
background as a playwright has a lot of influence on my novels. I see everything like a movie in my
head. Once the dialogue is sketched out,
I fill in the details and revise.
Sometimes, what starts out as dialogue is left unsaid and replaced by
meaningful action on the part of the character.
Actors learn that much is said in silence.
What’s the single
biggest mistake made by beginner writers?
The impulse to do too much. Too
much telling, descriptive language, dialogue tags and long, clunky
sentences. Less is more. Simplicity is best.
To what extent are
grammar and spelling important in writing?
Ugh, you’ve found my kryptonite.
I’m still struggling with the art of the comma. The English language is a peculiar
animal. I’m always looking up
rules. Poor grammar and spelling will
trip up a writer seeking publication.
Always have several people look over your work for errors.
How much do you revise
your MS before sending it off?
I do a lot in the initial creative process. After my first draft is done,
I put the book to critique with my writing groups. Then I revise again and try to have others
look at the book again before I send it out.
I’m revising up until the final proof.
As a writer of urban
fantasy, to what extent do you think genre is useful in the publishing world?
Well, it helped me. Although my books are nothing like Twilight,
that series made vampires very commercial.
I did a search for small publishers seeking vampire series. However, my genre is overrun with vampires at
present and publishers are looking for other creatures in urban fantasy. Genre fiction has loyal followers. Romance is the most published genre. I wish I could write one, but
happily-ever-after endings seem to elude me.
Many authors see
marketing as a bind. What's your opinion on this, and how do you deal with it?
Marketing is a constant concern for any author, but doubly so for the
small press author. I’m usually
promoting somewhere online on a weekly basis, and most months I have two or
three public appearances. At the moment,
with the release of the new book, I’m a bit overwhelmed, yet I still try to
limit my online time to an hour a day.
What sort of
displacement activities keep you from writing?
Working for a living always seems to get in the way. This is the reality for most writers. I know Bram Stoker winners who work full-time
jobs. Very few make their living
entirely from writing.
It’s important to take time for oneself.
When I’m immersed in a project, I get a little crazy and don’t want to
be disturbed by things like eating and sleeping. I’d live on nothing but coffee and toast if
left to my own devices. I try to go out
and walk in the park as often as possible.
Time with family and friends is vital to maintaining sanity. My husband, son and I love to ride roller
coasters.
What support, if any,
do you receive from family and friends, or a writing group?
My family is amazing. My husband
and son are both creative people, and we support one another in our
endeavours. My son even hands out my
business cards and promotes my books to other musicians on the blogs he
frequents. I couldn’t format my manuscripts
to save my life. My husband does this
for me and helps with keeping accounts etc.
One of my nieces did my video trailer and helps me when I’m flummoxed
with my website or designing marketing materials. She and another niece, along with one of
their friends, are with me at some of the sci fi/fantasy conventions. They cheer me on and point me toward
food. I couldn’t do without my critique
groups. I dedicated this book to them.
Is presentation of the
MS as important as agents and publishers suggest?
It’s always best to be as professional as possible. My niece interned for a New York agent this
past spring, reading queries. A lot of
the queries she received were badly presented.
It’s important to always carefully read the publisher or agent
guidelines before submitting your work.
How long does it take
you to write a novel?
Cara Mia took fourteen years because I was learning along the way,
but now it’s about a year and a half.
Who or what inspires
your writing?
I gain inspiration from reading
and the world around me. Politics always
give me something to ponder. You never
know where the next idea will come from.
Sometimes it’s simply the roguish grin of a good-looking young man. That’s my favourite source.
If there’s a single
aspect of writing you find frustrating, what is it?
Editing and proofing. Very few
people can proof or edit their own work.
I’ve learned it’s okay to seek help and ask a lot of questions.
Is there a particular
feature of writing that you really enjoy?
Creating characters and world building.
This is the time when the imagination runs wild.
Do you believe
creative writing is a natural gift or an acquired skill?
A bit of both. Sensitivity and an
artist’s view of the world are part of a person’s character, but writing is a
craft as well as an art. The techniques
can be acquired through practice.
Imagination, however, is a gift.
What are you writing
now?
The fourth Immortyl Revolution book and another urban fantasy that is
more magic based. I’m also playing
around with a historical fantasy.
Do you have a website or
blog where readers can visit?
Facebook:
Given unlimited
resources, where would you do your writing?
Maybe the Amalfi coast? I’d settle
for Cape May, NJ in the summer.
Where do you actually
write?
Sitting
on the sofa in my apartment in suburban Ohio, surrounded by my six pet parrots
and cuddled up with my Lord of the Rings blanket. Usually, I’m listening to Queen or David
Bowie.
PRESS RELEASE:
On June 11th, 2011,
L&L Dreamspell Publishing of Spring,
Texas released,
My Fearful Symmetry,
Book Three of the Immortyl Revolution, the second novel of the urban fantasy vampire
series written by Denise Verrico.
Set in
2001, India, Verrico’s story introduces a new vampire hero, Cedric MacKinnon, a
temple dancer in service to the Goddess Kali, who learns his beauty and speed
render him a lethal weapon.
As in the
previous novels,
My Fearful Symmetry
maintains a science fiction twist on the genre, action-packed thrills and a
touch of romance.
This installment
follows up her debut novel,
Cara Mia, which introduces the characters
and world of Immortyl Revolution and its sequel,
Twilight of the Gods.
For
more information visit the author’s website:
www.deniseverricowriter.webs.com.
Cara Mia, Book One of the Immortyl
Revolution
Mia Disantini is a vampire who wants to walk again in the
sun. Enslaved and plunged into the
unenlightened Immortyl culture, fiercely independent Mia struggles for
freedom. Trained as her master Ethan’s
“Bird of Prey”, she becomes the pawn of their enigmatic elder, Brovik, in his
intrigues concerning the forbidden science. Cast out into the streets of Manhattan by
Ethan, Mia finds the kind of love and compassion she hungers for in Kurt Eisen,
who shares her slave status and discontent.
Together the lovers steal their masters’ secrets and deliver them to
Genpath Laboratories. Duped and
imprisoned by CEO, Lee Brooks, Mia calls upon the aid of neuroscientist, Dr.
Joe Ansari. But Mia and Kurt are hunted
for their crime, and time is running out.
Twilight of
the Gods, Book Two of the Immortyl Revolution
Narrowly escaping the implosion of Genpath laboratories,
vampires Mia Disantini and Kurt Eisen are on the run from Gaius Lupus, their
rival in the Forbidden Science.
When Kurt is captured by their enemy and rescued with the aid of feral
vampire kids known as sewer rats, Mia witnesses first hand the charismatic
spell her lover casts over these would-be revolutionaries. Setting up base in Manhattan, Kurt builds his
forces to face off with Gaius, while independent-minded Mia navigates the
minefield of sewer rat politics, which she finds very much a man’s world. The lovers’ deep bond is put to the test by
both the beautiful Arturo and Kurt’s followers, who see Mia as standing between
them and their beloved “Loki.” Matters are further complicated when the chief
elder, Kalidasa, arrives from India to investigate rumors of heresy and
revolution. With the threat of war with Gaius
drawing ever closer, Mia ands Kurt prepare to meet the biggest challenge of
their lives.
Excerpt from Twilight of the Gods
Virginia
2001
“Mee-ya? Darling, it’s past nine.”
The kerosene lamp beside the old four-poster bed
sputtered. My eyes opened on Kurt’s in
the flickering light. Paul Newman in his prime on a really good day couldn’t
compete with those big blues. “Hello, gorgeous.”
He chuckled and eased his slender body over mine, lips
searching my throat for the landmarks, while something warm, hard and smooth
begged for entrance below.
“I dreamed about Ethan.”
He paused in his delicious pursuit to scowl. “Again?”
“I still chose you.”
A smile fluttered over his alarmingly pale mouth. “I must
go out tonight to meet Carol.” He gestured to a plastic bag filled with red
liquid sitting in a bath of warm water. “Only a pint left.”
“You take it. I had two last night.” I stroked the warmth
poised to enter me. “Amazed you still manage. Better wait.” His lower lip
pouted. “I’m not going anywhere.”
He pulled away sighing and sat up, stretching and running
his fingers through tangled golden curls, a marble angel with a single blemish,
inky and obscene on his left forearm, a vestige of his captivity long ago in
Dachau. He lifted the plastic bag out of the basin and inserted a straw,
drinking it down. The white linen napkin he used to wipe his mouth came away
smeared with red. “I’ll take the bike.”
“I’d feel better if you took the car.”
Brushing damp hair back from my eyes, he kissed me. “The
wind feels like freedom.” He pulled on a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved
shirt. Despite the late August temperatures of Northern Virginia, it was
necessary for him to conceal the tattoo. People might not take too kindly to
what looked to be a boy in his late teens making an apparent mockery of others’
misery. Unfortunately for Kurt the misery was all too real and personal. I rolled over on the huge bed, sheets sticking
to my skin. “We really need an air-conditioner.”
Kurt frowned as he buttoned his shirt. “We been through
this—no electricity—no noise.”
“I’m tired of tepid baths. I’m dying for a hot shower.
Jesus, even Ethan believed in hot running water.”
“Darling, no one must know we’re camping out here. I don’t
like it, either. Hopefully, it won’t be much longer. Carol says she has a
meeting with the Justice Department next week about a safe house.”
“Yeah, real safe—level four maximum security.”
“We simply won’t agree to it. We’ll figure out something.”
He lifted my chin to kiss me. His lips were chilly. He needed lots more than
the pint he’d just consumed. “Back in half an hour.”
“Be careful. Take a gun.” He patted a slight bulge under
his shirt in the vicinity of his hip. “Don’t worry.”
Kurt left the room. Moments later, gravel crunched as he
walked Ethan’s motorcycle down the long drive and through the gate to the road.
The bike growled and then buzzed into the distance. I worried about Kurt out there where our
enemies might be lying in wait. Where did he get off becoming so annoyingly
male and protective on me? He wasn’t trained to fight. He was small and slight
and against a bigger, stronger vampire he was no match. I was a better shot than he, and I’d already
saved his life once.
My Fearful
Symmetry, Book Three
of The Immortyl Revolution
A boy becomes a vampire and fights to become a man.
Only the most gifted and beautiful Immortyls are chosen to
serve Mother Kali as adepts of the ancient arts…
For nineteen-year-old Cedric MacKinnon, the promise of
eternal youth and celebrity sounds like a dream come true. It becomes a nightmare
when a master vampire plucks the boy from the London streets and spirits him
away to India. In the fabled ashram of the adepts of the ancient arts, Cedric
undergoes the grueling process of training as a temple dancer and courtesan.
With the threat of revolution hanging over court, the chief elder employs the
boy he names Shardul in dangerous games of seduction and intrigue. Hated by the
chief’s mistress and abused by those he entertains, Cedric struggles with
visions of a violent destiny that seem to come from Kali herself. The stakes
are heightened when the rebel leader, Loki, is brought to India for trial and
Cedric is forced to choose between the protection and patronage of a powerful
elder and his love for a female adept.
Excerpt from
My Fearful Symmetry
I reached for the golden door to
the ashram, only to crumple to my knees again swooning and dizzy. With the last of my strength, I inched my way
on my belly across the open courtyard to my room. The sky above turned from black to purple to
lavender. In another thirty minutes, the
rays of the sun would cook my tattered flesh into Bolognese. It seemed like a good idea. I collapsed against the paving stones. Deep inside of me a voice called my name—only
it wasn’t my name.
Shardul!
I lifted my aching head. The sacred spring lay between my room and
me. The Goddess stood sentinel above the
pool. Hers arms beckoned. The waters hastened healing. I pulled myself over and eased in, letting
the water bathe my broken skin. It stung
and burned, but at least I knew that I was still alive.
Kali’s black face looked
down. Her long tongue stuck out as if to
taunt me.
I clung with what strength
remained to the pool’s stone edge. “Is
this what you mean about the tyranny of the flesh?” But she didn’t answer. She remained silent and oblivious as
death. “Bitch…” I lost my grasp on the
lip of the pool and slipped below the surface, still gazing into her unseeing
eyes.
I thrashed, but couldn’t pull
myself to the surface. My body sank like
a stone. Water filled my throat and
nostrils. Consciousness dissipated into
an explosion of dots, like colored pixels.
My Mum’s voice floated in my head.
Hush a bye, don’t
you cry
Go to sleep my little baby
When you wake, you shall have
All the pretty little horses…
The wavering image above me
dissolved into golden skin and waves of dark hair. The Mother reached out two arms and pulled me
from the water. The avatar’s supple,
golden form suggested Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva. An aura of pulsating color surrounded her. I sputtered and coughed the liquid out of my
lungs, collapsing into my benefactor’s arms.
My head rested against a bosom soft and rounded, not hard and bony.
She lifted me as if I were a
child, bearing me away to my room, and rolled me belly-down onto my bed. My head lay on its side. The hand stroking the wet hair away from my
face felt warm. Lips full and red with
blood kissed mine. Was this real, or was
I hallucinating?
The Goddess anointed and bandaged
my wounds. She pressed her own wrist to
my lips restore me. Blood never tasted
so sweet. Warm tears bathed my face as
she kissed my mouth again, a sweep of silken hair brushing over my arm. As she drew back, my eyes focused and her
image became clear.
A pained hiss passed my cracked
lips. “Sandhya?”
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