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Why I love Urban Fantasy/Paranormal – by Leisl Leighton

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Dark MoonI wrote a blog a little while ago about my love of paranormal etc and I thought I’d share it here, given the theme today. I hope you enjoy it.

I love paranormal, sci fi and fantasy. I guess that’s not such a secret given I’ve written a novel called Dark Moon that includes magic, Witches, Warlocks, Werewolves, shape shifters a horrifying curse and an ancient evil. But why do I love this kind of thing so much?

I expect it goes back to when I was a baby. My mum used to breast feed me and my brother while she was watching Star Trek, Doctor Who, The Twilight Zone and the like. I think it must have seeped into my psyche, because as soon as I was old enough to decide what I wanted to watch and read, it was these kinds of programs and novels that I mostly gravitated toward. It wasn’t that I didn’t find some of these things scary ““ sometimes they are ““ but the whole idea of things we don’t understand simply fascinates me.

THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE. These words, flashed on the screen during that twangy, yet eerie and simple theme to the X-Files, always sent a shiver of excitement through me, not because like Mulder I wanted proof, or like Scully, scientific reasons, but because the thought of what could be out there filled my mind with an eternity of wonder.

I believe.

Our universe is so vast, there has to be intelligent life out there somewhere else. I have seen and experienced some paranormal phenomenon that makes it impossible for me to deny what I have felt and seen is real. Some people would say it is just wishful thinking ““ but when twenty other people have experienced the same ghostly apparition and have had separate discussions about it, I find that verges on “proof’ rather than wish fulfilment. I firmly believe in reincarnation and that there are ghosts and presences all around. I can read people’s auras, and I can see something different in those who feel like they have an old soul. I believe in good and evil as forces that influence us and the universe, not only in our intent and ideology, but in the essence of who we are as people.

I know many scholars say that much of mythology came about because of human being’s fear of things they didn’t understand and their need to explain those things to comfort them at night or as death took those they loved. They blamed these things on mysterious forces, evil enchantresses, blood sucking fiends or just quite simply, The Gods doing what Gods do. Whatever could help the desperately afraid feel better about the harshness of life and their place in this world. But I would say that argument as much proves the possibility of all those unknowns. If the human brain is so powerful as to come up with ideas and stories like that that endure through the ages, and be so lush in description and lifelike in the fear or awe they engender, then why can’t it be powerful enough to do so much else? There is so much about the brain we don’t understand ““ just as there is so much about our world and the universe we don’t know or understand ““ and so much of it we don’t actively use.

I feel like when I write, I might be using a different part of my brain. I often look at the words that have spilled out on the page and don’t recognise them. There is only a vague conscious recognition, as if someone else wrote those words. It feels very much like I am channelling something or someone else ““ my characters? My Muse? Some story-telling spirit? I don’t know. It might be some scientific concentration of chemicals sparking in my brain or it might be something else entirely. And at the end of the day, I really don’t care. All that matters is that I love what I do and I am free in my mind to let whatever process that makes this work for me take control.

Whatever reason, or whatever form it takes – sci-fi or paranormal or fantasy ““ I love that it lets me do this and I believe in it. And if some of this love and belief spills into my work, all the better, because I know there are others out there who have the same belief in and love of a world that is unknowable and mysteriously possible simply because of the power of imagination. I particularly love the idea of these things happening in the modern day, mixing it up with ancient mythologies and legends to create something new and wonderful and relevant for the modern audience. And this is why, I mostly write urban fantasy/paranormal. I can’t seem to help myself, but I don’t care. It’s what I love and I know plenty of people out there love it too.

Dark MoonDark Moon Blurb:

Lately, Skye Collins has been unable to shake the feeling that she’s being watched. After a lifetime spent hiding her true nature, she knows that any unusual attention is something to be wary of.  And the only attention she’s been receiving lately is from the intense and attractive Jason McVale.

Jason claims to know things about Skye that can’t be true, and it’s obvious he’s hiding secrets of his own. Yet despite herself, Skye can’t resist the attraction between them, and her surrender will set in motion a chain of events that will have consequences for everyone she holds dear.

Gradually, Jason convinces Skye that she has to trust him if she is to solve the riddle of her past and learn the truth about her power.  But believing Jason means that her entire life has been based on a lie.

As her enemies gather strength and the danger increases, Skye is forced to accept who she really is. Will she risk everything and fight for those she loves? Or save herself and let them be destroyed by the forces of darkness?

Leisl Headshot tweetAbout the Author.

Leisl is a tall red head with an overly large imagination. As a child, she identified strongly with Anne of Green Gables. A voracious reader and a born performer, it came as no surprise to anyone when she did a double major in English Literature and Drama for her BA, then went on to a career as an actor, singer and dancer, as well as script writer, stage manager and musical director for cabaret and theatre restaurants (one of which she co-owned and ran for six years).

After starting a family Leisl stopped performing and instead, began writing the stories that had been plaguing her dreams. Leisl’s stories have won and placed in many competitions in Australia and the US, including the STALI, Golden Opportunities, Heart of the West, Linda Howard Award of Excellence, Touch of Magic and many others.

Leisl lives in the leafy suburbs of Melbourne with her two beautiful boys, lovely hubby, overly spunky dog, Buffy, and likes to spend time with family and friends. She sometimes sings in a choir and works as a swim teacher in her day-to-day job.

Leisl writes paranormal fantasy and romantic suspense.

You can buy Dark Moon here:

Amazon

Kobo

Destiny Romance

iBooks

Google Play

Killing Me Softly Cover2Her romantic suspense, Killing Me Softly is out now:

Amazon

Kobo

iBooks

Destiny Romance

Google Play

You can follow Leisl and find out more about her and her books on her website: www.leislleighton.com

Facebook

Goodreads

Follow her on Twitter @LeislLeighton

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Aether Psychics: Book 1

After enduring heartbreak at the hands of a dishonest woman, Edward Bailey lives according to scientific principles of structure and predictability. Just the thought of stepping outside his strict routine raises his anxiety.

Adding to his discomfort is Iris McTavish, who appears at his school’s faculty meeting in place of her world-famous archeologist father. Worse, the two of them are to pose as Grand Tourists while they search for an element that will help harness the power of aether.

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Quite unexpectedly, Edward and Iris discover a growing attraction as their journey takes them to Paris and Rome, where betrayal, blackmail and outright theft threaten to destroy what could be a revolutionary discovery—and break their hearts.

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Amazon  | Barnes & Noble https://bit.ly/3Mt0bBL August 25, 2015 Aether Psychics: Book 1 After enduring heartbreak at the hands of a dishonest woman, Edward Bailey lives according to scientific principles of structure...

Eros Element by Cecilia Dominic August 25, 2015

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After enduring heartbreak at the hands of a dishonest woman, Edward Bailey lives according to scientific principles of structure and predictability. Just the thought of stepping outside his strict routine raises his anxiety.

Adding to his discomfort is Iris McTavish, who appears at his school’s faculty meeting in place of her world-famous archeologist father. Worse, the two of them are to pose as Grand Tourists while they search for an element that will help harness the power of aether.

Iris jumps at the opportunity to prove her worth as a scholar—and avoid an unwanted marriage proposal—while hiding the truth of her father’s whereabouts. If her secret gets out, the house of McTavish will fall into ruin.

Quite unexpectedly, Edward and Iris discover a growing attraction as their journey takes them to Paris and Rome, where betrayal, blackmail and outright theft threaten to destroy what could be a revolutionary discovery—and break their hearts.

Warning: Allergen alert! This book was produced in a facility that handles copious amounts of wine, tea and baked goods. May contain one or more of the following: a spirited heroine, a quirky hero, clever banter, interesting facts both made-up and historical, and lots of secrets. It is, however, gluten free.
Amazon  | Barnes & Noble https://bit.ly/3Mt0bBL August 25, 2015 Aether Psychics: Book 1 After enduring heartbreak at the hands of a dishonest woman, Edward Bailey lives according to scientific principles of structure...
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Archipelago Books - New Website News

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Interview with Shiela Stewart 
Welcome, today we are talking with Shiela Stewart! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let's delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I’m a sucker for animals. If I could take in every stray I would. I hate to see animals being abused, neglected and starved. If I see a cat or dog wandering around my neighbors, I’ll put food out for it. Going to the zoo breaks my heart. They should be set free.

I also love playing pranks and scaring people. I’m not mean about it though.

How long have you been writing?

Since my teen years. At that time, I used to write everything on paper. Some of my stories back then were 70,00 to 126,000 words. My hands were very sore. LOL

What have you found most challenging about it?

Promoting. I can sit and create a story from looking at a cracker, but promoting it is hell.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

A lot of the time it’s a release. If I’m stressed about stuff I’ll sit and put it to words in my books. It’s also fun. I add a lot of humor to my stories mainly because I tend to write dark stories.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

Definity in the mood. I try not writing when I’m in a sad or bad mood. I don’t have a routine. Whenever I get the chance to sit and write is do it.

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

Honestly, when I fist starting writing it was for fun, a hobby. But when my first book was published I thought it would be a job.

What inspires you?

Everything. As I said before about seeing a cracker is true. I can look at a sunset and build a story around it.

Let's move on and give readers some insight into your personal life. What are your pet peeves?

Right now. People wearing sock...

Interview with Shiela Stewart
Welcome, today we are talking with Shiela Stewart! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let`s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I’m a sucker for animals. If I could take in every stray I would. I hate to see animals being abused, neglected and starved. If I see a cat or dog wandering around my neighbors, I’ll put food out for it. Going to the zoo breaks my heart. They should be set free.

I also love playing pranks and scaring people. I’m not mean about it though.

How long have you been writing?

Since my teen years. At that time, I used to write everything on paper. Some of my stories back then were 70,00 to 126,000 words. My hands were very sore. LOL

What have you found most challenging about it?

Promoting. I can sit and create a story from looking at a cracker, but promoting it is hell.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

A lot of the time it’s a release. If I’m stressed about stuff I’ll sit and put it to words in my books. It’s also fun. I add a lot of humor to my stories mainly because I tend to write dark stories.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

Definity in the mood. I try not writing when I’m in a sad or bad mood. I don’t have a routine. Whenever I get the chance to sit and write is do it.

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

Honestly, when I fist starting writing it was for fun, a hobby. But when my first book was published I thought it would be a job.

What inspires you?

Everything. As I said before about seeing a cracker is true. I can look at a sunset and build a story around it.

Let`s move on and give readers some insight into your personal life. What are your pet peeves?

Right now. People wearing sock...
...

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Interview with Joan Havelage 
Welcome, today we are talking with Joan Havelange! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let’s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I’m an avid golfer, not a good golfer, but an avid one. I go out in the morning every weekday.But I take weekends off and let the real golfers golf.

How long have you been writing?

I wrote a children’s story when my children were young. But I never tried to have it publish. Then in my 20s or maybe my 30s, I tried to write a romance. Again, I never tried to get it published. But by then, I decided I’d rather kill them than kiss them. So, I turned to mysteries. And in 2019, my first mystery, ‘Wayward Shot,’ was published.

What have you found most challenging about it?

Writing a murder mystery is not a problem for me. That comes easy. My biggest challenge in writing was my second book, ‘Death and Denial.’ I took my protagonist to Egypt. A country I had visited. I wanted to show my readers the sights and the feel of that country without making it a travel log. The mystery is foremost. I had the same challenge with ‘The Suspects. I took my protagonist on a bus tour through Northern Europe. I have had excellent reviews from my readers, so I have accomplished my goal of entertaining with the mysteries and showcasing the scenic and historic sights.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing a story for me is like reading a good book. I know that sounds a bit odd. But I write what I would like to read. It’s fun but maybe I do get a bit emotional. I almost killed a protagonist in ‘Moving is Murder.’ Spoiler alert. In the end, I just couldn’t.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

In the summer it is hard for me to write. I live in Canada;...

Interview with Joan Havelage
Welcome, today we are talking with Joan Havelange! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let’s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I’m an avid golfer, not a good golfer, but an avid one. I go out in the morning every weekday.But I take weekends off and let the real golfers golf.

How long have you been writing?

I wrote a children’s story when my children were young. But I never tried to have it publish. Then in my 20s or maybe my 30s, I tried to write a romance. Again, I never tried to get it published. But by then, I decided I’d rather kill them than kiss them. So, I turned to mysteries. And in 2019, my first mystery, ‘Wayward Shot,’ was published.

What have you found most challenging about it?

Writing a murder mystery is not a problem for me. That comes easy. My biggest challenge in writing was my second book, ‘Death and Denial.’ I took my protagonist to Egypt. A country I had visited. I wanted to show my readers the sights and the feel of that country without making it a travel log. The mystery is foremost. I had the same challenge with ‘The Suspects. I took my protagonist on a bus tour through Northern Europe. I have had excellent reviews from my readers, so I have accomplished my goal of entertaining with the mysteries and showcasing the scenic and historic sights.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing a story for me is like reading a good book. I know that sounds a bit odd. But I write what I would like to read. It’s fun but maybe I do get a bit emotional. I almost killed a protagonist in ‘Moving is Murder.’ Spoiler alert. In the end, I just couldn’t.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

In the summer it is hard for me to write. I live in Canada;...
...

2 0
Interview with Rachelle Paige Campbell 
Welcome, today we are talking with Rachelle Paige Campbell! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let's delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Rachelle Paige Campbell that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

How long have you been writing?

I started publishing in 2015 and can’t believe it’s been nine years already. Truly, the time just flies.

What have you found most challenging about it?

Pursuing anything creative means making yourself vulnerable. You’re sharing a piece of yourself with the world.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing is all of those things and more. The start of a project is fun. Editing is cathartic, to take a rough draft and polish it to perfection. Hearing from readers is emotional. I process so much of my own life through writing (not that anything is autobiographical), it helps me make sense of the world.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

I love a schedule but as a mom I have to be flexible. My ideal schedule, aka during the school year, is writing from 8:30-10am, exercising, writing/marketing/editing from 12pm-2:30pm on weekdays. I try to take weekends off, and I try to stick to working only during these hours so I have a balance between work and life.

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

I started writing as a hobby, but once I started publishing I began to think of my work as a job.

What inspires you?

I find inspiration everywhere. From funny things my kids say, articles in newspapers, hobbies I pursue, the list goes on and on.

Let's move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.

 What are your pet peeves?

When someone talks AT me. I call myself an extroverted introvert. I am outgoing and a people person. But I ...

Interview with Rachelle Paige Campbell
Welcome, today we are talking with Rachelle Paige Campbell! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let`s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Rachelle Paige Campbell that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

How long have you been writing?

I started publishing in 2015 and can’t believe it’s been nine years already. Truly, the time just flies.

What have you found most challenging about it?

Pursuing anything creative means making yourself vulnerable. You’re sharing a piece of yourself with the world.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing is all of those things and more. The start of a project is fun. Editing is cathartic, to take a rough draft and polish it to perfection. Hearing from readers is emotional. I process so much of my own life through writing (not that anything is autobiographical), it helps me make sense of the world.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

I love a schedule but as a mom I have to be flexible. My ideal schedule, aka during the school year, is writing from 8:30-10am, exercising, writing/marketing/editing from 12pm-2:30pm on weekdays. I try to take weekends off, and I try to stick to working only during these hours so I have a balance between work and life.

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

I started writing as a hobby, but once I started publishing I began to think of my work as a job.

What inspires you?

I find inspiration everywhere. From funny things my kids say, articles in newspapers, hobbies I pursue, the list goes on and on.

Let`s move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.

 What are your pet peeves?

When someone talks AT me. I call myself an extroverted introvert. I am outgoing and a people person. But I ...
...

4 1
Interview with Bobbie Grover 
Welcome, today we are talking with Bobbi Groover! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let's delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Bobbi Groover that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

The biggest surprise might be that my first published novel was a coming-of-age story. It received many 5-star reviews and was used in several school districts. The most fun was being asked to be ‘visiting author’ and introduce the students to the joy and excitement of writing. They wanted me to write a sequel but my writing journey took an unexpected tangent. You see, I’m the quintessential insomniac, so I read a lot of romance paperbacks from the library to fill the long nights. As I finished each one I told my husband, “I could have written this.”  Finally he retorted, “Prove it. Sit down and write one.”  My husband’s dare was the impetus I needed to take the plunge. I have three published romances, all of which earned 5-star reviews and several first place and runner-up awards. 

 How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing as long as I can remember.  I have a vivid memory of sitting in an empty stall of the stable on my Grandmother’s estate as a precocious five-year-old. I traced the outline of a horseshoe in the dust of the floor and imagined it was my pony in that stall.  I stood and pretended to nuzzle the equine.  On the wall I spied the empty water bucket and glanced inside.  A ferocious giant spider (remember, I was only five) seemed to glare at me amidst the silk of the web.  I went back to the house and drew pictures that told the story of the unlikely friendship between the equine and arachnid, although I believe I used ‘pony’ and ‘spider.’ My mother once told me my story was quite detailed and imaginative. From then on I was off and running, filling drawers with stories.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you discipl...

Interview with Bobbie Grover
Welcome, today we are talking with Bobbi Groover! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let`s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Bobbi Groover that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

The biggest surprise might be that my first published novel was a coming-of-age story. It received many 5-star reviews and was used in several school districts. The most fun was being asked to be ‘visiting author’ and introduce the students to the joy and excitement of writing. They wanted me to write a sequel but my writing journey took an unexpected tangent. You see, I’m the quintessential insomniac, so I read a lot of romance paperbacks from the library to fill the long nights. As I finished each one I told my husband, “I could have written this.”  Finally he retorted, “Prove it. Sit down and write one.”  My husband’s dare was the impetus I needed to take the plunge. I have three published romances, all of which earned 5-star reviews and several first place and runner-up awards. 

 How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing as long as I can remember.  I have a vivid memory of sitting in an empty stall of the stable on my Grandmother’s estate as a precocious five-year-old. I traced the outline of a horseshoe in the dust of the floor and imagined it was my pony in that stall.  I stood and pretended to nuzzle the equine.  On the wall I spied the empty water bucket and glanced inside.  A ferocious giant spider (remember, I was only five) seemed to glare at me amidst the silk of the web.  I went back to the house and drew pictures that told the story of the unlikely friendship between the equine and arachnid, although I believe I used ‘pony’ and ‘spider.’ My mother once told me my story was quite detailed and imaginative. From then on I was off and running, filling drawers with stories.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you discipl...
...

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