EJ: When did you begin writing?
Gina: Back in high school, I mostly received A’s on essays with positive notes scribbled in the margins from the teachers, so I felt I had potential. Throughout my teenage years, I wrote nearly 50 poems. I realized I had an interest in writing a book about 20+ years ago (oops-showing my age!) and toyed with the concept at that time. Nothing came of it. Several false starts. In 2009, I vowed to myself that I would write a full-fledged novel. I was frustrated with life and wanted to sell my small-town beauty salon (I was the sole owner and operator) but needed another job or career. I thought, what the heck? I finished my first novel, Unknown Touch-Werewolf Series-Book 1, in 2 1/2 months and was published in October 2009. Rocked-A Chelsie Valdar Saga 1 is my third novel.
EJ: What brought you to the paranormal genre?
Gina: I have always loved paranormal, supernatural, scifi, and fantasy movies, TV shows and books. I vividly recall reading The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy as a teenager. I can never get enough of werewolves, vampires, witches, werecats, Bigfoot, demons, psychic stuff, aliens, and ghosts. Authors who've inspired me: Anne Rice, Amanda Hocking, Stephenie Meyer, Christine Feehan, Jacquelyn Frank, Suzanne Collins, Karen Marie Moning and many more. There are too many shows and movies to list that influence my writing...but what just popped into my mind first are the Underworld series and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV show).
EJ: If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?
Gina: It would be nice to heal people with my touch. So many of my friends and family have died or are fighting life-threatening diseases and illnesses. Especially cancer.
EJ: Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.
Gina: I'm like a mixture of Amanda Hocking and Stephenie Meyer - I write young adult thrillers mixed with supernatural creatures. Rocked focuses on Chelsie Valdar, a modern-day Viking warrior teenager. Throw in Bigfoot who shape shift into humans, an abandoned werecat, the search for a weapon, a stalker, and the clock ticking down to the impending Apocalypse-in one week. Whew! Of course, I left out what kind of Apocalypse...kind of makes you wonder, huh?
EJ: If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?
Gina: That is a tough question. I have Chelsie as the main character (written in first person, present tense) and several important characters involved with her. Hmm... Kristen Hager (plays Nora on Being Human - Syfy) would be the character Chelsie Valdar because when I look at her, I actually "see" Chelsie. She's tough but has a soft side and physically looks the part. Next, Ksenia Solo (plays Kenzi on Lost Girl -Syfy) would be the character Jessie in my book. The actress probably wants to avoid being another sidekick, but she is so quirky, cute, petite, and the darker hair are the reasons I'd pick her. Jared Padalecki (plays Sam on Supernatural - CW) would be the character Bo because he physically looks the part and his personality fits. Ian Somerhalder (plays Damon on The Vampire Diaries - CW) completely looks like my character Lucas...but could be taller! His expressions, mesmerizing gaze, cocky attitude fit the part. And Dylan O'Brien (plays Stiles on Teen Wolf - MTV) would be the character Alex because he's able to pull off being funny, cocky and I could see him flip to deranged in a heart beat, becoming totally unstable. His facial expressions, realistic acting and timing are perfect.
Rocked (Chelsie Valdar Saga #1) by Gina Marie Long.
The Apocalypse is coming...in one week. Chelsie Valdar and her brother are modern-day Viking warrior teenagers. They must find a mystical sword belonging to their ancient ancestor and flee to safety at a secret shelter, if they hope to survive. As the clock ticks, several Bigfoot and an outcast werecat become invaluable friends helping with the search for the sword and offering supernatural protection. Misfortune haunts their every move. Conflicts delay their progress. Especially when a devious and deranged enemy is infatuated with Chelsie and hungers for the sword, desperate to escape to the shelter with Chelsie by his side. Time is running out.
Thank you Gina for joining us here today at From the Shadows!
To learn more about Gina Marie Long and her books, please visit her website.
Popping in to say HI to everybody! Loved answering these questions. I'm offering a giveaway on my site for "Rocked", so be sure to enter! I'll keep checking back here in case anyone wants to grill me with more questions :)~ Thanks for reading!
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