Happy Valentine’s Day! I have a real treat here on the blog in celebration–I’m hosting Isis Rushdan, a debut author who writes wonderful paranormal romance. She’s also a very cool lady, as you’ll find out when we speak to her and find out about her brand new book, Kindred of the Fallen, out from Samhain Publishing.
Kindred of the Fallen is the first book in your Kindred Chronicles, and also your debut book. How did the idea for this book and the series evolve?
This might sound crazy, but I promise I’m sane. The characters started talking to me one day while I was in the shower. They’d reached a major turning point in their lives and demanded I listen to their problems. I asked if it could wait until I was dressed, but they’re pretty strong-willed. LOL!
The series developed naturally. The overall story arc simply wasn’t finished after the first book. My main characters, Serenity and Cyrus, are on a journey. The ultimate goal of redemption for all Kindred isn’t supposed to be an easy feat that can be accomplished in 350 pages.
I love that your heroine is a soul-reading tattoo artist named Serenity. What is it about Serenity that you love? Was she an easy or difficult character to write?
I love the way Serenity evolves as a character, not only in the first book, but through the series as well. She’s a beautiful, extraordinary individual who has the potential to be one of the deadliest Kindred to have ever lived.
Writing her was tough because she’s also flawed. I didn’t want readers to be turned off by her short-comings such as selfishness. There had to be the right balance so that readers would want Serenity to get her happily ever after.
You’re an officer in the Air Force Reserves, and you’re also a wife and mother. How do you juggle all the different responsibilities in your life with your writing career?
Yes, I’m a Major in the Air Force Reserves. Juggling everything since my son arrived last June has been nearly impossible. I had to drop a few balls to keep the most important ones up in the air, especially since my husband is deployed. I’m no longer doing full time military orders and I’ve pulled back on my participation in writing groups. Right now my priorities are—son, husband, and writing— in that order.
What’s up next in your writing life?
Book 2 of Kindred is finished and I’m waiting for the contract. Now I need to get the third book finished. It’s completely outlined. I just need to write it and revise, which as you know is the hard part.
Looking forward to reading both books, Isis!
For my readers today, Isis is graciously giving away a $10 gift card to either Amazon or B & N. And to celebrate Valentine’s Day, I’ll also give away a copy of one of my VK Sykes contemporary romances, reader’s choice. Just tell me if you have anything planned for Valentine’s Day (I don’t!) for a chance to win the gift card and my book!
