An Interview with YA Paranormal Author,
Rachel Deagan
ƒ
1. Did you always want to be a writer?
No. I wanted to be an actress and an Olympic Equestrian Rider first. Funny thing is, in fourth grade I wrote my first ‘book’. It was about horses. Although, the equestrian dream has fizzled over the years, I do think my love of acting helps greatly in developing and feeling out the characters I write.
2. What inspired you to write Caged Moon?
I always wanted to write a book about werewolves. Werewolves, lycanthropy, shifters, have all intrigued me since I was pretty young. Even as a kid, I remember daydreaming about running into some mysterious guy who actually was a werewolf. Yes, I was a strange kid. (laughs)
The premise of the book was inevitable, but I wouldn’t have written the book if I hadn’t met a wonderful friend of mine. She was my true inspiration to follow through with my dream to write.
3. What kind of advice or inspiration would you offer to those wishing to write?
Just do it. I always say, the hardest thing about writing a book, is just making yourself write it. I know so many people who are awesome writers and write all the time in various writing role playing games who tinker with the idea, but never do it. It’s amazing to think how many books they could have written with the amount of wonderful writing they just ‘play’ with. Just do it. Go for it. The only way you can fail, is not to try.
4. What kinds of books are on your bookshelf? What are you reading now?
My bookshelf is pretty vast, mostly YA Paranormal Fiction. To name several: The Mortal Instruments Series, The Wicked Lovely Series, Shiver Trilogy, Twilight Series, Fallen Series, Hush Hush Series, and the Hunger Games Trilogy. I guess I like series. (laughs) Right now, I am in the middle of reading, “The Iron King,” by Julie Kagawa. Great read. J
5. Are you working on anything now?
Yes! I have another YA novel in the works under the working title, “The Star Children.” This one has a hint of Sci-Fi in it, although mostly falls into the category of urban paranormal. It revolves around three teenagers who discover they bear unusual ‘gifts’ while staying in a psychiatric hospital. Unfortunately, they aren’t the only ones who discover this, and soon learn that not only is the government after them, but something much darker and greater is too. I love the character chemistry in this book. Despite the fast paced, supernatural thriller storyline, the characterization is what carries it most. So, stay tuned. J
