Hacienda Moon
by KaSonndra Leigh
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GENRE: Paranormal Gothic Romance
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Author Interview
1. How did you choose your genre? What made you write this book?
My love of ghost stories drew me to my genre choice. Growing up in North Carolina, I heard many tales of haunted plantation homes that were based on true events. These stories captivated me and made me want to delve deeper into this genre.
In “Hacienda Moon,” I explore the supernatural events and mysterious circumstances surrounding the Spanish warship known as the Fortuna. The Fortuna was lost to the sea in September 1748 off the coast of Brunswick town, North Carolina, inspiring the haunted story behind the book.
2. Writers write what they know, and must observe the world. Are you a first born, middle or last child and how does this shape your view of the world?
As a middle child, I’ve learned the importance of being diplomatic and understanding. Growing up between two siblings has taught me to be patient and open-minded when it comes to differing opinions, while balance and compromise are key to finding a successful resolution.
Being a middle child has shaped my view of the world to be both empathetic and independent. It has provided me with a valuable perspective on life, teaching me the importance of communication and compromise.
3. Where is your favorite place to write?
I love writing at my glass desk as it provides me with a serene and inspiring atmosphere. The clear blue glass of the desk creates a calming energy that helps me to stay focused and dedicated to my craft. I like having a quiet and dedicated space away from any distractions, where I can get lost in the creative process.
4. How do you feel about killing your darlings, and what do you do with the remains?
Killing off a character is always a difficult decision, but an important part of the writing process. I think about the themes I’m exploring and how the death or removal of a character serves the story as a whole. Afterward, I honor their memory and the impact they’ve had on the narrative by writing a tribute or memorializing them in some way.
5. You are introduced to your favorite author. Who is it, and what is that one burning question you must ask them?
If I could meet any author, it would be Stephen King. The one burning question I would ask him would be, “What inspired you to write your horror classics and what advice can you give aspiring authors in this genre?” I would also be curious to know how Stephen King has stayed so prolific throughout his career and what techniques and habits have helped him become so successful. Additionally, I’d ask for his advice on staying creative and motivated when writing, as well as his thoughts on the best approach to marketing a novel for a greater chance of success. He’s one of the greats for a reason. Therefore, his advice would be invaluable.
6. Inquiring minds want to know…tell readers something about you that no one knows.
Something not many people know about me is that I am a big astronomy enthusiast. I love learning about the mysteries and beauty of the universe and have spent many nights stargazing and marveling at the night sky.
7. You are stranded on a deserted island with only a backpack for company. What three items are in your survival pack?
If I were stranded on a deserted island with only a backpack, I would include a knife, a waterproof tarp, and a flint stone for starting fires. These three items are essential for survival in such a situation, and I trust them to keep me safe and warm.
8. If you could have one superpower in your existence, what would it be?
If I could have one superpower, it would be the ability to teleport. Having the ability to instantly travel anywhere in the world would allow me to explore new places and cultures and even help me save time and energy.
9. Favorite snack? Oats N’ Honey Granola Bars! So yummy!
10. Indy 500 – Do you know how to get where you’re going or do you drive the speed limit?
Sure, I understand the importance of driving safely and following the speed limit. But, I also know when and how to get where I’m going as quickly as possible.
Thanks so much for hosting me at your gorgeous blog today!
BLURB:
Tandie Harrison is a police medium struggling to pick up the pieces of her life after a devastating divorce that left her without her precious daughter and her psychic visions. With a heavy heart, she escapes the hustle and bustle of New York City and moves into the alluring plantation house, Chelby Rose. Here, she meets Eric, the home’s charismatic caretaker. Despite the ghostly warnings, Tandie finds herself drawn to him, and as their affair intensifies, so does the centuries-old curse haunting them both.
Suddenly, Tandie finds herself at the center of a dark and dangerous web full of deceit and intrigue. As fear begins to consume her, she must find the courage to face the demons of her past if she is to have any chance at a future. Hacienda Moon is a captivating story full of suspense and romance that will ensnare you from start to finish.
Note to readers and bookclubs:
This is the expanded and revamped edition of the Hacienda Moon that was originally published in 2012. Please be sure to add this version to your to-read list as this edition contains more gothic suspense, intrigue, and of course romance.
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Excerpt:
The results of Eric’s handyman skills were beautiful. The final perk was the light rose-colored exterior paint, a shade considered original to the house. Eric didn’t say a word about my upgraded paintbrushes. He was too busy making sure I didn’t catch him watching me as I bent over to paint the lowest boards on the house. However, I turned around at the perfect moment on paint day and caught him staring. His face flushed so badly, I couldn’t resist doing something to celebrate my small victory.
“Wow, it’s so hot out here today.” I stretched my arms, lifting my tee-shirt up until my belly button was exposed, basking in the warmth of the late summer sun. Eric’s mouth fell open. Success! That move totally stole Mr. Intense’s attention. Tucking my lips, I made a move toward an even more creative tease, bending over to pick up one of the three paint brushes I’d dropped.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“What does it look like? I dropped my paintbrushes.” I shrugged and waved the brush between us. “Did I not use the proper technique for bending over and picking it up?”
He gave me a dimpled grin and moved closer to where I stood beside the house. Glancing down at the brushes beside my feet, he said, “They do look somewhat dirty. You sure you can handle that task? You strike me as somewhat of a nice girl. With that much paint and dirt all in the heads, you have to get a little rough with cleaning them.” His gaze bore into mine, smoldering me under a hazel brown sugary-colored look this time.
I held his gaze. “Oh, believe me. I have plenty of ways to clean dirty things.”
There was about a foot of space between us now. “Is that right?”
“Oh yeah,” I answered, hoping that the pulse line on my neck didn’t show the way my heart thumped inside my chest.
His gaze drifted from my eyes down to my lips and finally ended at my left shoulder. “Then why don’t you start by cleaning that big red spider off your shoulder?” An amused smile spread across his lips, but a scream shrilled out of mine.
Eric slammed his hands over his ears. “Damn it, Tandie.”
Adrenaline spiked through me. He might as well have said my breasts were hanging out. He would’ve gotten less of a response than he did with the spider statement. “Get it off me! Do you see it? Is it still there? Get it!” I shrieked, jumping around and spinning in half circles.
“I won’t help you until you stop trying to burst my eardrums,” he said, still half-way smiling. He came over and put his arms around me, pulling me into his embrace. “Calm down, Tandie. It’s gone, all right?”
Vowing to never tease Eric ever again, I waited for my breathing to normalize and for my trembling limbs to steady as I was pressed against Eric’s chest.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Meet your word sculptress…
Author of the #1 Amazon International bestselling novels, the Prelude and the Lost Immortals Saga, KaSonndra is also a mother, designer, reader, gardener, home renovator, and a slayer of undead Egyptian mummies in Tomb Raider. She believes in karma, coffee, and seriously wishes that the producers of Xena would bring her favorite show back.
KaSonndra was born in the race-car city of Charlotte, NC, and now lives in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, NC, when she’s not hanging out in Bardonia (Lost Immortals Saga setting). Most of her characters are based on people that she has met throughout her travels and adventures.
People tend to stop and start conversations with KaSonndra as if she has known them her entire life. Does this freak her out? Not really. Her mom says that one day she’ll get kidnapped by one of these folks. KaSonndra’s response? She told her mom that if it weren’t for these lovely people, then she wouldn’t be able to create such fabulously romantic stories!
Visit KaSonndra’s at one of her online homes:
Main Author Webpage: https://kasonndraleigh.com
Facebook Fan Page: http://facebook.com/kasonndraleighbookspage
Twitter: @kasonndraleigh
Instagram: @kasonndraleighbooks
Online Blogazine: http://livewellbefabulous.com
Amazon author’s link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/KaSonndra-Leigh/author/B0066W7GY4?ref
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