Guest Author Interview: Mari Miniatt

Please welcome today's guest author Mari Miniatt.  Mari is the author of Fledgling.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?
 
Mari:  I have always wrote. I had a middle school teacher that had us write short stories every week. I would be disappointed if I missed that class. But for the longest time I considered writing a hobby, not a profession. It wasn't until about two years ago, I started to look at my work and realize it wasn't bad, it was rough. Since then I have been working on improving my skills.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?
 
Mari:  I grew up in an old house. You would hear noises at night, that you knew were not from any animals or the house settling. For that reason ghosts interested me at a young age. I would read any good horror stories. I loved hearing people talk about the strange things that happened to them. Not only for the fright, but I was also curious about how things like ghosts, vampires, and the like could exist.
I don't consider what I write horror. It doesn't frighten me. Others might not think that. I like the term paranormal, because you don't have to rely on fear to tell the story. Not that a good fright isn't worth it.

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?
 
Mari:  Shape shift. There is something primal about being able to touch the animal side of your nature, in the positive way. It would be handy sometimes to sneak around the city as a cat. Or if you needed a little more strength, perhaps a gorilla?

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.
 
Mari:  It's character driven and fast moving. The story centers around a young woman who has a lot of issues, the latest one was finding out that her brother works for a vampire. Until she found out he was a vampire, he was just a nice guy to her.  And it is not like the other vampire novels coming out lately. The vampires are closer to "traditional" vampires, yet are each different. You will want to find out more about the vampires and what they are doing in the city. 

EJ:  If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?
 
Mari:  I answered this in my blog already :) here.

The hardest part in the casting was for Steopa. He is the giant vampire. Physically he would be hard to cast. I chose Tyler Mane, because he is already close to the height and he can give a good physical performance. Steopa is the more physical vampire of the series.

Joy Nash for Beka. Beka is a large woman. I didn't want a skinny actress cast in her role. Joy Nash is about the right age, and her fat rant videos are wonderful.

Vincent was hard. I had to find the right smile. Jude Law was the only one that came to mind. Vincent always smiles and laughs. He can be a bit unnerving, but he is the charmer.

Only one choice for Ogden. Jason Isaacs. I could not see anyone else playing that role. He can be menacing and charming at the same time. Perfect.

Fledgling (Coiree Guardians, book 1) by Mari Miniatt.

"She didn't scream. She should have, but the scream never formed." Rebecka "Beka" Saberhagen had a shock of her life when she found out her brother worked for a vampire. Just as she was able to understand that Vincent was a vampire, multiple murders began to happen close to her home. Then she was attacked by another vampire. A giant by the name of Steopa. With the help of Steopa and Vincent. Beka begins to accept the changes. Her old fears are gone, but new ones are becoming apparent. Strange creatures and other beings, things she would never had seen as a human are suddenly real for her. The night has become a new playground for her and sometimes a nightmare. But, her brother and friends are being targeted; by someone with an old grudge. A grudge, she has nothing to do with. But it has ties to both Vincent and Steopa. As she discovers the past, she realizes she will have to fight. Will Beka find the strength to fight for the people she loves? Is she powerful enough? Will she survive?

Thank you Mari for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Mari Miniatt and her books please visit her website and her blog.