Today, I have the pleasure of talking with Rachel Deagan. Caged Moon is her first novel and it has everybody talking and buying!
- Tell us all about Rachel and what makes her tick and what do you like doing when you aren’t writing!
Well, I’m a pretty laid back, quiet person. I’m the type that would rather be reading or hanging at home with a few close friends. When I’m not writing, I’m usually either spending time with my two little boys, reading, or catching a good show or movie. My favorite, of course, is anything paranormal. I also can be a bit of a RPG and Xbox geek. Singing is also a favorite of mine.
- When did you start writing?
I wrote my first ‘book’ in fourth grade. It wasn’t anything near publishable, but that was my first real spark in the realm of writing. Over the years I would write just for fun, sometimes during classes in high school and study hall instead of paying attention. I was always lost in some fantastical world in my mind. Later, after college, I wrote another book that I deemed as practice, but that book was what truly kicked me off on taking my writing seriously. Caged Moon was the novel I started after that.
- Tell us about your book?
Caged Moon is a paranormal romance built around a fast paced mystery/thriller type of situation. Charlotte, the main protagonist, is haunted by an animal attack from childhood. She feels she is being followed. When she runs into, Liam, a mysterious boy while camping, her fears start to become a reality. He doesn’t seem human, and even his scent is too familiar, reminding her of the attack. Of course he’s totally into her and she can’t seem to stay away from him. But Liam holds a lot of secrets, and the closer she gets to him, the more in danger her life becomes. In fact, HE may even be a killer.
- Where did you come up with the idea for your story?
I’ve always had a fascination with werewolves and the paranormal. My own father was a huge inspiration for the beginning of the novel, and I instantly pictured being out in the woods with him and his ‘birds’ when running into this strange boy who really was a werewolf. That’s where the idea started. From there, I let the characters do a lot of the leading and fleshed things out as I went. Caged Moon was not fully outlined. Parts were, certain scenes that I could see in my head were, but not the novel on the whole.
- What are you currently working on?
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 too. I love the character chemistry in this book. Despite the face paced, supernatural thriller storyline, the characterization is what I feel, carries it most. So, stay tuned.
- What is your favorite thing about writing?
The ability to leave the real world and delve into a universe where anything my mind dreams up can happen. I also love the feeling of getting to know your characters as if they become real people within themselves as a story grows. It’s an amazing feeling.
- What is your biggest pet peeve about writing?
Probably just getting settled down to actually do it. I have a hard time getting my mind into writer focus mode for probably a good half hour to 45 minutes before I start writing. I tend to get up and get a drink first, flick through music, check my email. It’s bad. Once that’s finally done though, I actually forget I’m sitting in my computer chair typing – I’m that immersed.
- Do you have a favorite author?
It changes with mood and time, but at the moment one of my favorites is Cassandra Claire. I am in love with her Mortal Instruments Series. It’s not even the plot line that does it, it’s her characters and the chemistry between them. Characterization is very important to me.
- What is your favorite TV show and why?
I don’t watch a lot of TV, but one show I do like a lot and have been following is, “The Secret Circle.” I’m a softy for teen paranormal drama, probably why I write in that genre. I also like “Teen Wolf,” and “The Vampire Diaries”.
- Where can people find you? (give all your links)
My blog – http://moonlightprose.blogspot.com
Twitter – racheldeagan
- Most important – where can we buy your story?
To Buy CAGED MOON:
Amazon (paperback and kindle versions): http://www.amazon.com/Caged-Moon-Rachel-Deagan/dp/1468194992/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327730154&sr=8-1
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/124576
Book Blurb:
Haunted by an animal attack, seventeen year old CHARLOTTE
When someone destroys her bedroom, leaving claw marks across her furniture, LIAM claims she can control the shifts of other wolves, and that someone wants her dead because of that power. Torn between love and fear, Charlotte
Small excerpt:
“Charlotte
He sounded closer. What a surprise. Stalker. I quickened my pace, when he stepped in front of me, making me jump.
“What are you doing, Liam?” I tried to catch my breath. “How did you? You know what? I don’t care.” I started to walk around him, but he moved in front of me. “Move out of my way, Liam.”
“Charlotte
“We did that already. I know where that led me. You made yourself pretty clear.”
Liam ran his hand roughly through his ashen hair. “I’m sorry about what happened. It’s not what you think.”
“How do you know what I think? You didn’t stick around long enough to find out.”
I saw my words sting him, but I didn’t care. I couldn’t. He had his chance.
“I shouldn’t have left like that, Charlotte
I turned and started past him.
“Please give me another chance. I’m sorry.”
I spun around on my heels, and my words whipped off my tongue. “Why did you leave?”
Two students walked by, staring, and Liam fidgeted. “Can I give you a ride? We can talk in the car. Please? This is kind of private.” The classmates whispered to each other, giggling as they continued on their way.
“I like taking the bus.”
Liam arched an eyebrow. “Have you been eating the school food?”
“Not funny, Liam.”
He smirked tightly at his failed joke. “All right, all right. But come on, Charlotte
“How am I supposed to trust you?” I whispered, but for whose benefit I didn’t know. “You don’t tell me anything. Everything with you is a secret. Now you want me to get in your car? Put yourself in my shoes, Liam.”
“All right. I know.” He groaned and rubbed his forehead. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for putting you in this situation, but I don’t know what to do. I’m crazy about you, Charlotte. My leaving had nothing to do with that. You have to believe me.”
“Then tell me why you did it.”
“Charlotte, I…I can’t. You don’t understand.”
It hurt. I wanted so much for it not to, but it did.
“Then I’m not getting in your car.”
“Charlotte
“Goodbye, Liam.” My lip trembled and I bit it as I started to walk away.
Pg. 68-69, Caged Moon
Penny, thank you so much for having me!! It was a blast! :)
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