Good morning! Please welcome guest author N.N. Light. Though I will be away for most of the day, please feel free to leave comments for N.N. and I will post them as soon as I return. Thank you!
~Kate
What is one of your favorite things about writing?
I love creating characters and telling their story. If I didn’t write them down, they’d take over my brain.
When you’re brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?
The characters are the ones who always pop into my head first. They have a story to tell and I’m the instrument they use. When I first came up with the idea for Princess of the Light, the character of Mary came to me first. I knew she was a strong woman warrior yet she was soft and at times, unsure of her own ability. I started with her and the plot just fell into place.
When you’re writing, who is more in control, you or your characters?
Oh, definitely my characters are the ones in control. They scream in my head for attention and to be heard. So when I step up to the keyboard, they take over. It’s their emotion, their conflict, their story and I’m the scribe.
What do you like about writing series books?
I didn’t start out writing a series. The closer I got to finishing my first draft of Princess of the Light, I realized I had more stories to share. Thus, my series was born. I love writing a series because I can pick up where my heroine left off. There’s so much I can do with her and I love injecting new characters to the world I have created.
What is one of your favorite ways to learn about your characters?
I sit down with them and conduct an interview. Without doing that, I don’t know what drives them and what their purpose is. I sit down with them and ask them a series of questions. It is really effective and I am constantly amazed by what is revealed.
Do you find it harder to write novels or short stories?
I actually find it more difficult to write short stories. I have always been a storyteller and love to use words to evoke emotion. That being said, I find it extremely difficult to tell a story in a condensed format. I give props to the authors who do.
Would you tell us about your latest release?
Gabriel, the Archangel and Messenger of God – yeah that Gabriel, visited Mary Miller. He told her, as the key she is destined to spread the Light and vanquish the Darkness. Her first assignment is to restore the soul of the Walking Man. Sounds simple enough until she’s thrown in the face of evil, and then Joe Deacons enters her heart. This battle just got a lot more complicated. She must complete her mission without losing all she loves.
Title: Princess of the Light
Author: N. N. Light
Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance
Buy Links:
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/469480
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/princess-of-the-light-nn-light/1120170709?ean=9781502438454
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Light-N/dp/1502438453
Amazon Canada: http://www.amazon.ca/Princess-Light-N-ebook/dp/B00N19FDKO
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Princess-Light-N-ebook/dp/B00N19FDKO
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/princess-of-the-light-1
iTunes/ iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/princess-of-the-light/id913013798?mt=11
Do you have an excerpt from your latest release you would like to share?
“I told you to leave him be,” He continued while I had his attention. “I made myself perfectly clear that you are to stay away.”
I mockingly raised an eyebrow in return and smiled to myself. He seemed perturbed that his glaring wasn’t working on me. I would use that to my advantage while I still had my wits about me.
“Do you make it a habit of pushing little girls around?” I sarcastically emphasized the disrespectful word choice. I wanted to egg him on and get him to reveal his true purpose.
It worked.
His brow furrowed as if he was trying to decide what to say or do next. “I push a lot of people around. I’m a demon, little girl.” He leered at me. No joke. As soon as the words were out of his mouth, I realized I had known that somewhere deep down from the first moment I noticed him.
“What’s your point? That you are a meaner, uglier class of bully?” I liked where this was going. If I used my senses, I could know his move before he made it. I guess my mother was right about the years of experience I had gotten from the debate club—I really could banter with the best of them.
“Now, listen here, we’re getting off-track.” He took a step closer. “Stay away from my mark! You don’t understand a thing. You think you’re the Princess… whatever that means.” He curled his lip and snarled.
“Who is your mark, that nice homeless man?” I pointed to in the direction of the trees and took a step closer. “Be very careful, demon. It’s not my name you should fear, but that of who gives me strength.” My voice was suddenly powerful and he took a step back.
“Yes. That Walking Man belongs to me and you’re interfering.”
I thought back to how the Light and darkness seemed to ebb and surge within André earlier. I still had a lot to learn, but I knew instinctively that a person’s soul was the true battleground of good and evil.
This man—the creature—in front of me was evil. Just as sure as I was of that, I was sure that I was, in fact, the Princess of the Light.
Light versus darkness… and André’s soul was the one at stake, not just mine.
“I am where I’m supposed to be, according to the Light.” I stared him down. “He does not belong to you or me. This is the true battle.” I paused. “So, do you feel lucky?” I silently chuckled at the iconic Hollywood line. He didn’t seem to make the connection.
He shook his head and smirked. “Mary, I don’t want to fight you. I’m just trying to help you understand.” His silky voice tickled my ears but I wasn’t fooled by his attempt.
Maybe if I play along, he would reveal more, I reasoned and nodded for him to continue.
“There are things that you don’t know about your power and what is in store.” He coyly looked at me like he was sharing a secret. “We’re actually on the same team. I’m just trying to help him see his error of the path he has chosen and to correct him.”
I saw right through his seduction and saw that he wanted to deceive me. “So, let me get this straight… you’re not fighting me but you are part of the Light? Is that it?”
His smile faltered, but he nodded anyway. “We are on the same team, trying to help this poor man.”
“Well, then I think it’s time we prayed for him. Don’t you think?” I grinned as the hooded man paled. I sensed his fear and felt certain that the one thing demons could not do was pray. Praying would mean either giving in to the Light or, at the very least, having to face it. Since, they fear the Light most of all, I couldn’t see how that would be a viable option if he wasn’t telling the truth about his intentions.
Just as I expected, his smile disappeared as he realized I saw through him. His black eyes flashed with anger. “You think you have bested me little girl. Not quite.”
He raised his arm with his palm aimed at me and spoke in what could only have been ancient language—Aramaic?
My eyes widened as a whirlwind of black smoke or dust flew out of his palm. So enamored with the sight, I almost didn’t realize it was headed straight for me. Without thinking, I lifted my palm to block the swirling vortex. Purple arrows flew out of my palm and destroyed the tornado.
Cool, I thought. I had destroyed whatever it was and glared at the hooded man. He was frozen as his—whatever it was—disappeared.
“Is that the best you’ve got for me, little evil boy?” I said, playing on his own mocking word choice. Then, I raised both of my palms in a defensive stance.
“You will regret this day, girl!” He lifted both arms up and began chanting again.
I took the opportunity to see if I could best him. The Light didn’t need incantations—its power was in its own source. I lifted my head and commanded, “Light, teach this evil little boy who I am!” Bolts of purple light immediately flew out of my palms and shot through the hooded man like swords of Light.
The hooded man screamed in pure agony and dropped his arms. He clutched at his stomach and tried to pull out the bolts of Light. As his hands touched the Light, they disintegrated into black dust. He screamed louder and louder until he was nothing but dust himself.
What three words would the hero of your story use to describe his love interest?
My Beautiful Angel
What three words would the heroine of your story use to describe her love interest?
My Strong Protector
If the main characters in your latest release were invited to a masquerade party, what costumes would they wear?
Mary and Joseph from the Bible. When they meet people and are introduced, the first thing that usually comes out is, “Really? Like from the Bible? How cute!”
Would you share one of the sexiest or most romantic lines from one of your books?
I nodded and whispered, “I would die if I lost you. Than will use you to try to get to me. You are my love, my everything.” My voice cracked. “I would die if I lost you,” I repeated.
Joe shook my shoulders a little and looked deep into my eyes. “Listen to me, Mary, you will never lose me! Do you hear me? I am by your side now and forever.”
Would you share a favorite quote from your latest hero, heroine or villain?
Than shielded his eyes from Gabriel’s Light. He growled and said, “You always ruin my fun.”
Would you tell us about yourself?
N. N. Light was born in Minnesota, lived in Southern California only to move to chilly Ontario, Canada to marry her beloved husband MR N. She is blissfully happy and loves all things chocolate, books, music, movies, art, sports and baking. Most of the time you can find her on Twitter or getting new ideas on how to spread the Light on Pinterest.
100% of the proceeds of Princess of the Light will go directly to food banks in December in order to feed the hungry and help those in need. With only 7,500 books sold, N. N. Light will be able to set up a monthly endowment for the local food bank.
What are your favorite genres to read and write?
I have always loved Paranormal and Urban Fantasy so it’s natural for me to write in those genres. As for reading, I love to read any genre as long as it is a fabulous story. It’s all about the characters for me and I love to be taken on a journey.
Where can we visit you online?
Website: http://princessofthelight.com
Blog: http://princessofthelight.wordpress.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/nnlight
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/NNP_W_Light
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/nnlight
Email: nnlight@outlook.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PrincessOTLight
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/n-n-light/90/1a7/902
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/118060034268079734144/posts
Triberr: http://www.triberr.com/nnlight
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/nnlight
Independent Author Network: http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/n-n-light.html
iAuthor: http://www.iauthor.uk.com/princess-of-the-light:10294
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23009005-princess-of-the-light
Newsletter:
Sign up for my Princess of the Light newsletter to get exclusive content on all things book and writing related: http://ymlp.com/xghjsueygmgh
When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?
I love to listen to music, bake up goodies and watch television. We just got satellite tv with new channels for me to discover. Oh and I am a huge MLB, NBA and NFL fan! Mostly, I love to spend time with MR N relaxing and enjoying each other’s company.
Name three fictional characters (not your own) that you find hot. They can be from books, movies, or TV.
Angel from Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice
Max Evans from Roswell (swoon)
What is your favorite season?
Autumn
What book are you currently reading?
A Christmas Carol and Other Stories by Charles Dickens. It’s a classic and I read it every Christmas.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Chocolate. It’s my weakness and I love anything with chocolate. Well, maybe not tacos or pizza. He he he. Chocolate and savory don’t mix well on my palate.
Thank you, Kate, for having me on your blog today. You are so gracious and I really appreciate it.
MRS N aka N. N. Light
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Thank you, Kate, for having me on your blog today! 🙂 MRS N