I'm posting this a little late but better late than never. I have the wonderful Author Jean Murray to my blog today.
Soul
Awakened
Key to the Cursed Series Book Two
Key to the Cursed Series Book Two
Genre: Dark Paranormal
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
Date of Publication: January 15, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-937254-97-1
ASIN: 978-1-937254-98-8
Number of pages: 292
Word Count: 92,000
Cover Artist: Taria A. Reed
Book Description:
LOVE FOR BLOOD OR HONOR
Kendra, an Egyptologist and demi-god in
waiting, is the key to unlocking Bakari, the Egyptian God of Death, from his
cursed slumber. Desperate to free him, she inadvertently binds herself to the
god with a spell that only death will undo. To save Bakari from himself, she
may have to sacrifice her innocence, and possibly her soul, before he becomes
his family’s worst enemy.
HAUNTED BY SINS OF THE PAST
Bakari awakens to a world at war
and a beautiful woman who has tethered his soul to hers. In the wake of his
self-destruction Kendra is his only hope of salvation, but another has vowed to
keep Bakari from the one thing he craves most-- his Parvana. His butterfly.
About
the Author:
In her pursuit of a nursing degree, Jean Murray
aspired to see the world and joined the Navy. At the end of 2011 she said a
heart-breaking goodbye to her Navy family and retired after twenty years of
military service. Although her dreams of writing full time have yet to come
true, she continues her writing journey and draws inspiration from her travels
abroad. She enjoys spending time with her family and of course, writing about
the “Carrigan sisters and their mates, Gods of the Underworld,” to bring you
the next installment of the Key to the Cursed series.
Twitter: http://twitter.com/wickedromance
Goodreads:
What is your name? Do you use a pen name (if so, why?)?
I don’t use a pen name at this time. I currently write under my given name, Jean Murray.
Tell me a bit about yourself:
I recently retired from the Navy after 20 years of service. Loved it. I’ve never lived in one place more than 3-4 years. I was able travel and experience other cultures along the way. Those experiences influence my writing today. It was hard to say goodbye, but it was time to settle down in one place. We have three boys, ages 3, 6, and 7 ½. To say the least my husband and I are very busy, but we wouldn’t want it any other way.
Writing is my hobby and my escape from reality -- therapy for the soul.
What type of genre do you write?
I write paranormal romance and urban fantasy, mostly. I like to blend the two genres together. The Key to the Cursed series is a mix of the two, just the right amount of action and romance.
What genre to you personally read?
I read much of what I write, although I do break off and explore at times. I’ve started to read quite a few YA and historical novels, but I always end up coming back to paranormal romance.
I laugh, because I was a huge Tom Clancy fan. I didn’t start reading romance until 2008. Can’t say I’ve picked up a military suspense since J
Tell me about your latest?
Soul Awakened just released in January and this book was a labour of love. It was such an emotional book to write. Bakari has been imprisoned in a wooden sarcophagus. The spell cast upon him relegates him to a death-like sleep, but sleep it is not. He is fully aware, but unable to wake from his nightmare. Imagine what that would do to a person? Kendra feels his suffering and does everything in her power to take his pain away, but ultimately Bakari has to heal his own soul from within. Grab onto his hope and never let it go.
What sparked your passion for books and the art of a good story?
I have always enjoyed reading. It is so relaxing to sit with a cup of coffee and just waste away the day. (That was before having children - ;-) Writing a story is even better. I think my favorite part is seeing the storylines and plot threads come together beautifully. Writing is not that dissimilar to an artist’s painting. Each stroke whether by brush or by keyboard adds to the overall picture and story. I love when things are unexpected or the suspense is nail biting. A good story is truly an art.
Is there a particular book that changed or affected your life in a big way?
I mentioned earlier I was a big suspense fan. If you would have known me seven years ago you wouldn’t have found a romance book on my shelf.
Until one fateful day….
I love telling this story, because it changed my life. I had just watched the movie, Underworld, and absolutely loved it. There was something about that movie that clicked with me. The mix of action, vampires and romance. I decided I was going to read a vampire novel. I picked one up off the shelf at a store and hated it. I decided to give it another try-- certainly there was a book out there like Underworld. I picked up this novel titled “Daemon” by Jacquelyn Frank. Then came - Noah, Jacob, Elijah and Gideon. I read them completely out of order, but I was totally blown away by the world she had created. Needless to say, I finished off the series and haven’t looked back. Sorry, Tom.
Soon to follow was JR Ward, Lara Adrian, Kresley Cole….
Paranormal romance opened my eyes to a whole new world – one that I wanted to write about. It was shortly after that I began my writing journey.
Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?
There is a message in every book. Soul Reborn is about acceptance, forgiveness and second chances at love. Soul Awakened touches upon some very deep emotional pain. The story is truly about hope and redemption, without one you can’t have the other.
What challenges have you faced in your writing career?
I think the biggest challenge is finding the time to write. With a full time job, and a young growing family, it leaves little time to write except late at night. Writing is an outlet for me, so whatever I do get a moment I am grateful. I’ve been known to sit with my computer in my lap while my hair is in foils at the hair salon J
What has been your best moment as a writer?
Oh, boy. That would be getting my first publishing contract. Hands down. The thrill is there with each book, but there will be only one “first.”
Who is your author idol?
I’m going to surprise you by saying Linda Howard. What a multi-talented lady! I stood in line to get her autograph at one of the RWA conferences. Despite the line, she had a ten minute conversation with me, and no doubt with those behind me. I walked away with a signed copy of her book, Death Angel, a picture with her, and the impression – being friendly and courteous is just as important as a good book from a big author. I want to be just like her J
Do you see yourself in any of your characters?
Kendra from my most recent release, Soul Awakened, is very much like me. She really sees the world through naïve eyes not unlike how I was at a younger age. As we mature, so does our view of the world and our place in it. Kendra’s journey is hard, but she pushes away her fears in favour of standing up for herself.
Do you feel like your dream has come true or is there much more to do?
I definitely think there is much more to be had. I think once you achieve your dream, you need to set another goal and work towards it.
What does your workspace look like?
Ha! Depends on where my boys are. Mostly, sitting on the floor with computer in lap and toys strewn around me. Or the kitchen table. Or couch. LOL
Have you ever had a day when you just wanted to quit?
No, never. I will always write that I have no doubt.
But, I can understand why one might quit. Stories are a personal journey for a writer. There is emotion and personal investment that goes into the art of story making. So when rejection occurs or a bad review it can take a bite out of you. This is just part of the business, just like sales. I write because it’s my passion, but the success of the series is driven by sales. It would be great to have both together, but sometimes it doesn’t work out that way.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
I wish I had something exciting to say, like backpacking through Europe or visiting the Pyramids. But alas, I’m working full time, being a mom, doing the laundry, and enjoying those precious minutes with my sons and husband.
What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?
Coffee. After staying up writing, I need some serious coffee in the morning. LOL.
If I had to list the top five attributes they would be the following:
- Write a story you feel passionate about. It will show in your writing. Follow your heart.
- Find what method works for you. When I first started out I was told through several workshops if I was going to do this right, I needed to outline my stories, create a bible, character profiles, the lists went on. I felt like I was submitting a term paper. Now, I’m not knocking outlines because it works very well with some people. Notice I said –SOME. Find out what feels comfortable to you.
- Hit send. Yes, you might get rejected, but you will never know unless you try. Use the feedback you receive as a guide, but don’t give up.
- Don’t take it personally. Treat every bad review or rejection letter as an opportunity to learn. Use the information and keep an open mind.
- Ban yourself from Amazon’s Author Central Page. Check only once per week. Man, I don’t know what it is with this author rank and sales rank, but it becomes an obsession. The refresh button is a curse. It’s like watching water boil. You can stare all day at that line and how many points it goes up or down. Worry less about the sales and have fun promoting and meeting new people. Reward yourself at the end of the week and take a peak. Note the number and move on…
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Join a writing group that has mutual interests. If it wasn’t for my friends at the Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal RWA chapter, I wouldn’t have known all there was to the industry. A collective group brings varied experiences together and provides opportunities that may not have been available to a single individual. Find a community that is the right fit for you. Shop around until you feel comfortable. It could be right in your community, library, or arts center.
After this book, what is next?
I’m working on the third book in the Key to the Cursed Series, Soul Unbound. Bomani will finally get his own story. I owe him after denying him in Soul Awakened. An enemy will resurface, one that we haven’t seen since Soul Reborn. We will finally see how Bomani was created and why Menthu wants to overthrow the Pantheon. And, more importantly, the goddess Siya, who is the perfect match for the former Legion Commander. Get ready for some serious action in this one.
WHEN LOVE AND HONOR IS LOST
Bomani escapes his Underworld home under a cloud of loss and shame into the realm of the living, a place he doesn't belong. Desperate to stay hidden from his family, Bomani agrees to track an exiler with strict orders to look but not touch. The moment he encounters his mark, the Goddess of War, he knows he is damned to break the one order that is keeping him from facing his shame.
NOT ALL IS FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR
Exiled to the human realm over four thousand years ago with a stay of execution, Siya struggles to ensure that the good of humanity prospers despite the evil invading its core. Memories of a forbidden love affair resurface when she is haunted by a dark warrior lurking in the shadows. Fate has told her there are no second chances at love, especially when the next day may be her last.
Web Address: www.jean-murray.com ; www.keytothecursed.com
Blog Address: www.wickedromance.wordpress.
Twitter: http://twitter.com/
Book Trailers:
Soul Awakened: http://youtu.be/S3IlOKhBZoY
Where can your book be found?
Soul Reborn and Soul Awakened, both ebook and print, are on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and BooksAMillion.
US AMAZON Soul Awakened: http://www.amazon.com/gp/
UK Amazon Soul Awakened: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Soul-
US AMAZON Soul Reborn:
UK Amazon Soul Reborn:
Here is my review for Soul Awakened:
Kendra Carrigan, an Archeologist, Egyptologist and demi-god
in her own right, ventures into Thebes, Egypt to deal with her father’s body
that had been brought back to the Underworld my her sister Lily when she had to
shove her sword into his chest when he was a zombie. Her husband, Asur wants
his son Bakari’s tomb opened so he can move on in the Underworld. With Bomani,
the Underworld Legion Commander by her side, Kendra jumps head first into the
events that unfold around her. Though Bomani lusts after Kendra, dare he say
anything especially after Bakari marks her? She ventures into the lair of
Bakari to open the tomb. He had been taken hostage by Kepi, fed her blood and
had his powers muted by using scorpions. She then placed a curse on him and put
him into his ‘tomb’ after torturing him for four years. Kendra realized there
is a curse that kept the sarcophagus shut for her normal methods of opening sarcophagus
did not work. She studied and studied to find that curse. After strange things
start happening to her, will she give of herself to save Bakari? Will she find
the key to the curse? Will she survive to see it? All will be told in the end.
Author, Jean Murray’s use of words depict vivid pictures for
the reader. As a reader, I use my own imagination but she writes in such a
manner that she creates it all for you. She wrote a spellbinding, twisting and
turning story that draws in the reader from the beginning and keep you guess
throughout. The main character is so likable and you find yourself rooting for
her throughout her journey despite her setbacks. This story also produces an
amazing amount of Egyptology mixed in the story and it adds to the realizism of
the story. This is a must read, along with her first book, Soul Reborn, Key to
the Cursed, Book 1.
Let's all thank Jean for joining us today. Please check out her websites and books. I really enjoyed them and highly recommend them to everyone. Thanks!
Keep Writing!
Jodie Pierce
Ah, Linda Howard! I've only read one of her books--Now You See Her--but I absolutely loved it. I would love to meet her some day.
ReplyDeleteI loved hearing your story about what first inspired you. Ever since I was a little girl, I always knew what I wanted to be. I just didn't understand what it was like for other people who discovered their passions later in life. Then I rediscovered writing and it was a complete upheaval. How could this little book create such a massive, overwhelming change in my life? So when I hear your story, I can finally say I understand.
And your advice. Such great advice! Everyone swears by outlines, but I have more of a tree system. If I come up with an idea, it goes on a tree. Tidbits are smaller branches, and main plot ideas are larger branches. (The tree is figurative, btw. It's not an actual tree, lol) If something doesn't work, I cross it off. If someone else were to look at my tree, it would look like chaos, but it makes complete sense to me.
And I don't know if I've said this yet, but I'm really glad to have met you, too, Jean. It's been amazing reading about you and your characters and getting to know you a bit.
Hi Dorothy.
DeleteFunny you should mention the tree. If I do any plotting, it's graphical. A line here, time marks, comment bubbles. The rest is done in my head. My mind works overtime, any quiet moments its churning with ideas.
I love our conversations. So many similarities. So when do we get to hear your story :-)
Jean
My story? Well, I LOVED writing as a kid. I made up stories all the time, all kinds. One time, I killed off my main character, then and my parents sent me to a shrink. No more writing for me, lol.
DeleteWhen I read Harry Potter for the first time, I got this idea for a book about a witch and tried to fit it into a fan fiction. It didn't work. Every supernatural book I read, I tried to somehow morph my idea into that world, but it never turned out. That's when I realized: It wasn't meant to be fan fiction.
I use fanfic now to help me hone my writing again after having abandoned it so long ago, and it's been like opening the flood gates. Ideas keep pecking at me and I can't stop thinking about them until I get them down on paper. I could never keep them all in my head like you do, haha. I would go absolutely mad!
And if by my story you meant the ones I make up... well, whenever I get my butt in gear and actually finish one! Lol. There's one I'm working on religiously right now that I hope to have finished within the year. I'm excited to put myself out there and see if I have what it takes.
I love your story. I agree with your statement about trying to "fit" something in where it doesn't belong. You'll find that as you write, even within a story. A scene that doesn't sit well or character just doesn't act how you want them to. Nine times out of ten is because it just doesn't belong there. Maybe somewhere else but not there.
DeleteKeep it up. It's nice to know we are not alone in having stories torture us through the day. For me I can only write one novel at a time. I lose my focus otherwise. Doesn't mean those stories go away, they just have to wait their turn :-)
Jean
One of the hardest things for me at first was learning to let go. It's so hard when you have your heart set on something to realize that it just does not work. I still struggle with that, and I probably always will in some way, haha.
DeleteI don't know what it is that I just can't write one story at a time. Sometimes it feels as though I'm on a shopping spree and the game show host is telling me I have thirty seconds to get everything I want or it will be gone forever. If I don't write something down right away, it's as if it slips away, a little piece of me gone forever. And now I'm going to watch Ellen and stop being so dramatic, lol.
I love all things Egypt related and this book looks really interesting!
ReplyDeleteHi Leti.
DeleteGlad you joined us. I want to share with the group, that I'm giving away a Kindle Fire HD + both series ebooks. http://wickedromance.wordpress.com/2013/02/03/reminder-soul-awakened-bewitching-book-tour-giveaways-at-each-stop-kindle-fire-hd/
Hope you can join us :-)
Jean
I enjoyed the interview.
ReplyDeletebn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
Hi bn100.
DeleteI always look forward to seeing your call sign. Thanks for stopping by.
Jean
I am picturing this large house plant in Dorothy's office with sticky notes all over it.
ReplyDeleteI am going to comment on Jean's idol. I have seen a lot of chatter lately about authors and the best way to promote their books. For me, the personalization and the authors interacting with their fans is what I enjoy. It makes me feel like I'm meeting a celebrity and actually getting to talk to her/him. For example, I just followed a book tour recently (not this one), and the author never took the time to talk to the loyal people following the tour and making all the stops at each of the blogs. I did purchase the book from that tour and I liked the book, but I am not super inclined to follow that author because of her lack of personalizing her tour and interacting with the fans.
Now on the other hand I have watched Jean interact with the fans and I will purchase everything she writes in the future because a part of me feels that I've gotten to know her more,
Another book tour, the author was amazing at talking to the fans and I read the book and honestly didn't like it, but I will keep trying her books because she was so personable with the fans. This is all just my humble opinion.
sbereza22(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Shannon.
DeleteI'm loving that picture you just put in my head of the houseplant. Not a bad idea. LOL.
Thank you for your very kind words. Honestly, this is my favorite part of being an author. I never knew how close the reader community was until I released my first book. I still keep in touch with the bloggers who helped me release Soul Reborn. It's so much fun to run into them time after time and catch up.
The other thing I learned about being an author it's not all about you. It's just as important to promote other authors, bloggers etc... I host an open Mic every Monday to do this very thing.
For me the personal touch is important. I went all fan girl, when Lara Adrian sent me a direct twitter message. Loved it!!
Jean :-)
*giggle/snort* Now I actually want to have a tree with post-its all over! It would probably save me having to remember which notebook I put which idea, haha.
DeleteYes, I came up with an inspiring idea for an author. How awesome is that? Lol
DeleteI'd say that is pretty awesome :-)
DeleteJean
Jodie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a lovely interview and for reviewing Soul Reborn and Soul Awakened. I saw your post on Amazon - huge thanks.
Jean Murray
www.jean-murray.com
Great interview! It's always interesting to learn about an author and her inspiration.
ReplyDeletebhometchko(at)hotmail(dot)com