Guest Author Interview: Maggie James

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Maggie James!  Maggie is the author of Love Bleeds.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Maggie:  I actually started writing when I was in grade school.  It started with poems, short stories for and about my family; ya know, the corny stuff that every parent loves to hang up on the fridge?  But by the time I reached high school, the poems somehow transitioned from corny to whimsical and romantic…teen angst and first crushes are to blame, I guess.  For years after that I would write poems for my then-boyfriend, now-husband and sometimes even jot down the occasional romantic/erotic tale just for fun.  After we got married and started having kids, my writing took the backseat until I one day, I got the urge to write again, thanks to a dear friend’s encouragement and quite unusual dreams…lol (Don’t ask—long story!)

Soon after that, around 2004, I stared writing romance novels in between my “mommy” duties and late into the night after the kids went to bed and before I knew it, I had written nearly 6 books!  Publication hadn’t even occurred to me until I started posting on internet websites and discussion boards for aspiring writers and received awesome feedback for my stories.  But again, the timing wasn’t right.  My youngest was diagnosed with autism and taking care of him and arranging a suitable education became my first and only priority.

So…to make this already long story short, I feel as though deep down inside I always wanted to be a writer.  I knew I had a knack for it, but never really believed I could do it.  Then one day, through much encouragement from my peers and my amazing friends & family, I finally jumped in with both feet and have never looked back.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Maggie:  I have always loved a good romance novel but I have also been a huge fan of vampire movies/films for years.  Their dark, eerie mystique and sensuality has always attracted me. I actually started writing paranormal romance before I started reading it based on my love of a hot, steamy romance and those alluring vampires.  When I started wrting romance, the paranormal element was just naturally incorported into my style and easy for me to relate to; being such a huge fan.

So I guess to sum it up I’ll just say this:  I write what I love to read. Tantalizing, romantic novels starring the mysterious, dangerously handsome alpha male and the strong willed heroine who, despite her better judgement, can't resist him. Their passion—unsatiable… and when their worlds collide, you can't help from being swept away into their irresistable world of seduction and chivlary; heartbreak and reconciliation.  

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?

Maggie:  I think that would have to be the healing power of a vampire’s blood.  I know there are so many supernatural talents to choose from but I don’t think I’d like to be able to fly (I’m afraid of heights…lol), read or control minds, bend people’s wills, have keener sense of smell or hearing, superhuman strength, etc…

I think I’m gonna go with the healing power.  This way I could  possibly save lives or cure the sick; especially when it and if it even came down to the ones I love. That might sound corny, but I’ve lost so many people I’ve loved and it would have meant the world to me if I could have saved them.

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

Maggie:  If you’re a fan of the paranormal, hot, sexy romance and/or rock music, then you definitely won’t want to miss it.  I feel that Love Bleeds is an intriguing, tantalizing blend of forbidden desire and insatiable passion; splattered with a dash of sex, blood and rock’n’roll.  I’ve created an immortal world in the midst of modern day society where nothing is what it seems and only the pure of heart survive.

Love Bleeds puts a fresh, seductive new twist on the paranormal romance genre.  The concept of my vampires being overtly masculine, sexy and talented rock stars, in itself, makes it pretty alluring.  But a guitar wielding, testosterone fueled  alpha-male, who also happens to be a seductively handsome, mysterious & dangerous creature of the night?  How could any woman resist?  The ultimate “bad boy”—every woman’s fantasy and nightmare all rolled up into one hot, irresistable, leather clad package!!

EJ:  If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?

Maggie:  Wow…believe it or not, this is a really tough question.  I have pictured the lead characters in my mind for years and their images are clear as day.  But picking actors/actresses to portray them in a movie…and more importantly, being able to pull it off.  Hmmm, lemme think…

I suppose, the role of Joseph, would have to go to Alexander Skarsgard. I know, I know, he already plays Eric Northman to perfection but he’s the first one who came to mind.  He has the right height, build, hair color and we already know how great he looks with fangs…but he’d have to grow out his hair again like in Season One.  He’s also arrogant, self-assured and definitely has a way with the ladies.

Phillip is a tough one. Since we can’t go back in time, I guess a young, shaggy haired Keifer Sutherland is out of the question, soooooo…  The only actor I can come up with is Orlando Bloom.  He possesses that boyish charm, innocent/youthful face and could pull off the role of a tortured soul, talented lead guitarist like Phillip.  He’d have to dye his hair blonde, though—which he has before and looked pretty damn good.

For Nina, I suppose I would have to cast Megan Fox.  She’s young, beautiful, has killer eyes (one of Nina’s best features) and she could pull of the role very well.  It would probably be a softer, more subdued character than she’s used to portraying, but I think she could definitely handle it.

For Kat, I think Kate Beckinsale would do very nicely.  She is one of my favorite actresses and I believe she has the ability to be tough when she needs to and then turn the tables and be a bit vulnerable as well.  Longer hair though Kate, not quite the VanHelsing look (too much hair…lol) but definitely long and soft.  And no thick, heavy accents please!

Last but not least, Erick Slade.  He was overall the easiest to cast.  Without a doubt, I would choose Colin Farrell.  He’s got the basic overall look of Erick and the attitude.  Aside from having to grow his dark hair out a bit, he’s perfect!  Already got the nasty, bad boy reputation so what more could you ask for?

 Love Bleeds (Only After Dark, #1) by Maggie James

There’s no such thing as vampires…
Straight-laced Katarina Renót is well educated, logical and doesn’t believe vampires truly exist. But when a well deserved holiday in Europe turns into a torrid game of cat and mouse with a handsome stranger and her best friend is exhibiting signs of being allergic to daylight-Kat doesn’t think her life can get any stranger.
Every man has a weakness…Even an immortal…
Joseph Markus is an arrogant, wealthy entrepreneur who spends his free time as the raspy lead singer for the rock band “Slang” and seducing beautiful women. After decades of mourning the tragic death of the only woman he ever loved, vying to save his best friend from an unrelenting death wish- now he is accused of being a murderer.
An undeniable twist of fate…
Kat learns her Prince Charming is actually the “Prince of Darkness” and though she can’t resist falling for this sultry vampire, she still lives in denial. But when the lines are drawn, and Kat finds herself caught in the middle of a deadly plot for revenge she has only one choice--trust the seductive vampire who has captured her heart.
Despite his own arrogance, Joe finds himself inexplicably drawn to Kat. Her stubborn will to resist his seductive charms coupled with her endearing naiveté prove to be more than he bargained for and Joe soon realizes he is in way over his head.
But will love be enough to save their immortal souls from the grips of a twisted obsession?


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

To learn more about Maggie James and her books, please visit her website.