Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy author Mary Abshire is joining me today on Romancing the Darkside! Mary's here to chat about the not always loved, but often times lusted after supernatural creatures in paranormal romance, demons (which I personally can't get enough of!). So enough talking from me...here's Mary and don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end!
"Why Are Demons Hot?"
by Mary Abshire
About the Author:
I am a Pro Member of the RWA, a member of ESPAN (Electronic Small Press Authors’ Network), Savvy, and the Paranormal Romance Guild. I enjoy reading, writing, and chatting with others who have similar passions. Drop me a line and I will respond.
Besides the obvious. Why are demons "in"?
In 2010 when I started writing my Soul Catcher series, I wanted a character who was different, but not necessarily bad. My favorite supernatural creatures have always been vampires, yet I didn't want to write a vampire story. It took me several days, but I decided to have a half-demon as my protagonist. She could be bad, or good. I chose good, but that demon blood can be tricky. It gives her spunk, and adds conflict to her already difficult life.
As I wrote the first book, I introduced my vampire and another character… a demon. I had to. Why? Because demons are bad, troublesome, tempting, yet mysterious and intriguing. I can't tell you how many people have told me they really like him. Quite honestly, I do too.
So what's the appeal? The bad boy status? The mystery? The bluntness? They are what they are, right? All of the above works for me.
I've noticed more books on the market with demons. Maybe people aren't afraid of demons anymore. They're not all evil with horns, red bodies, flames shooting out everywhere, or ugly. Why do they have to be evil anyway? We write fiction. Why not make them different demons? They can still be bad, but have purpose, have a longing for a woman, and have attitude that makes us laugh. Sounds good, right?
So, do you like books with demons? If so, why?
By day, I am a government employee. At night, I am a Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy Author. I live in Indianapolis with my loving husband, witty daughter, and ridiculous cat.
My interest in dark, mysterious, and dangerous creatures started in my youth. Sci-fi and horror shows were my favorite. During my teenage years, I read every Anne Rice book available, had a plethora of pen-pals I wrote to, and enjoyed 80’s new wave music. In my early twenties, I dabbled with writing, but never pursued it as a career. Fifteen years later, I decided to write again. After writing a few full length novels, I came to the realization that I couldn’t stop. What started as an interest grew into love and is now an addiction. (At least my addiction is healthy and legal.)
I am a Pro Member of the RWA, a member of ESPAN (Electronic Small Press Authors’ Network), Savvy, and the Paranormal Romance Guild. I enjoy reading, writing, and chatting with others who have similar passions. Drop me a line and I will respond.
For more information on Mary, visit her here:
Books by Mary Abshire:
The Soul Catchers Series
Claiming the Evil Dead
Catching an Evil Tail
Fighting Evil
Love Conquers All Evil
The Awakening (an urban fantasy novel) – set for release Jan. 2012 from Lyrical Press.
The Soul Catchers Series
Claiming the Evil Dead
Catching an Evil Tail
Fighting Evil
Love Conquers All Evil
The Awakening (an urban fantasy novel) – set for release Jan. 2012 from Lyrical Press.
One lucky reader will win their choice of any ebook in the Soul Catchers series!
Giveaway Details:
You must be 18 years or older to enter.
Giveaway ends September 19, 2011, 11:59 pm EST.
Open Internationally.
To Enter:
Leave a comment answering Mary's question and an email address to contact you if you win.
{You must do both to be entered.}
{You must do both to be entered.}
This is one of my favorite series. I love Jessie and Drake ( but Jeremy is nothing to sneeze at). I have been a fan of Demon themed books since Jacquelyn Frank's Nightwalker series began. There is just so much possibility inherent in the breed. Thanks for the great interview. I'm a stalker.
ReplyDeletedukediva32@yahoo.com
I have never read this series but I would like to. It sounds very good. I like reading books with demons in them. I think it makes the books really good. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI love books about any type of demon. I think its alot to do with that thought that you can convert the bad boy, but not to the point that the thing you like about him is lost.
ReplyDeleteMy fav demon series just now is the demonica series by Larrisa Ione, though this series looks intresting too!
i do not think i have read any of the books if i do and did it blog on them a lot i am a reader that reads at least 3 week or more
ReplyDeletedesitheblonde@msn.com
I like books with all things supernatural and demons would be included :) I like that a lot of the stories I have read give a new twist to the "demon" and I want there to be some humor involved with the good story. Thank you for sharing with us today and for the lovely giveaway opportunity.
ReplyDeletedz59001[at]gmail[dot]com
I love books with demons in them because there's usually something different about them in each book you read. In other words, no two authors write demons the same way, some even write about "good" demons! I'm really excited to read this series - it sounds like a great one, and definitely one that I would like!
ReplyDeletejwitt33 at live dot com
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I wasn't aware Larissa Ione had a series with demons. I must check into them.
ReplyDeleteI think it is nice that there are more books with demons and they all seem so different. Variety is good. In my urban fantasy series that comes out next year, my demons are bad and have unusual qualities. For example, they mist and have red rings in their eyes. They also stink, literally. :o)
Good luck everyone!
I like books with demons ever since I read Larissa Ione's Demonica series where the heroes or heroines are demons. It was something different but good because demons are just like other supernatural elements in books where it's really up to the author's creativity.
ReplyDeletechibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com
Mary you must read Larissa Ione's series it's original, sexy and fantastic! Thanks to Mary and everyone who stopped by to comment today! <3
ReplyDeleteI love books with demons. I think that demons are more fun and I think that they are the closest thing to reality that we will ever get in the paranormal world.
ReplyDeletealiciahall0605(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
I enjoy books with demons because they are inherently evil. Mwah ha ha ha!!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I like the variety. There are lots of vampire and shifter books, but demons are a little bit different - a nice change of pace!
Thanks for the giveaway!
darlenesbooknook at gmail dot com
Hi Mary
ReplyDeleteMy favorite paranormal creatures are vamps, but I also like books with "good" demons... and it's all about overcoming the darkness inside, right?
Thanks for the giveaway.
Daniela
dany7578 at hotmail dot com
I like books with demons because the demons in paranormal romance tend to be really alpha and sexy. I like their "bad boy" image and the good hearts that love the heroines.
ReplyDeleteangeldream3[AT]gmail[DOT]com
I definitely love demons. Right now I am finishing Larissa Ione's books (just found her this year) and I LOVE them. I am already eager for the new one IMMORTAL RIDER due for release in November. Anyone who has not read these, you really should.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win a copy of one of your books to try. Always looking for new authors to stalk...I mean follow.
June M.
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
Hi Mary!
ReplyDeleteI have quite a few of your Soul Catcher books (and I love them) - your characters Rock!!
If Demons are like your Jessie - I want to read about them. Like any paranormal, they usually have super abilities and strength and are badasses (can I say that?)
I'd love a chance to win your last in the series - kaydeeroyal at msn dot com
I'm so glad you've continued writing this series.
I like books with demons because they can be the ultimate bad boy. They also make great villains.
ReplyDeleteacm05atjuno.com
Great Blog Mary! Demons....what's not to like??!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats and I've got you on my TBR soon list!!!
hugs, billi jean
Mary,
ReplyDeleteI've just started reading books with demons in them. I think I like them so much because we've been told demons are inherently bad, but we've also been told everything isn't bad or good. They're both. So, sure, a bad boy with the incentive to make good choices...while being totally hot and scrumptious while making said choices...is oh so appealing.
I can't wait to read your Soul Catcher series!
ReneeRearden(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteI started Demon Possession by Kiersten Fay (waiting for the next book in the series)& I have been in love with Demons since. So in love that I've been searching for books with Demon themes. Came acroos Larissa Iones Demonica series & read them all. so I'm on the hunt again & after reading about your demons, I will be stalking you as well, but in a good way...lol!
Good luck to everyone, and thanks for your comments. Looks like demons really are "in". It's nice to know I'm not alone in liking them.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lori for letting me be a guest and hosting my giveaway!
I do like books with demons. I usually just see them as an additional flavor to many stories with otherworldly characters.
ReplyDeletenayjf@yahoo.com
I love books with demons a lot more than books with for example vampires. Demons should be dark, bad, sexy, mysterious but still devilish :) and I think they should make more movies with demons, not only about vampires and werewolves, so keep writing about demons!
ReplyDeletethanks for the giveaway!
zoey42(DOT)42(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I have a couple of books featuring demons but haven't read them, yet. I bought them because I wanted to read a paranormal novel featuring a different type of alpha hero (or villian), than what I ususally read...vampires and shapeshifters.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
Thanks for the giveaway! Why do I like books about demons? Who doesn't love a bad boy!!! I think it has something to do with the fact that on the outside he appears to be a bad ass but on the inside he's a vulnerable individual with a tortured soul. I haven't read this series yet but I'm wondering why!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteBornajhawkATaolDOTcom
I guess it depends on what type of demon. I love Kresley Cole's IAD series.
ReplyDeleterootml1 AT hotmail DOT com
i have to confess i never read a book about demons before, but i really want to ;)
ReplyDeletei guess the fascination with demons lies in their nature of being "dark" but not entirely evil. perhaps it also lies in the way a "dark" figure can change to be (semi)good (nobody is entirely good :) )
witchvela@web.de