The Literary Vixen presents…
Joining us today is Poppy Minnix! Her debut book, My Song’s Curse (Duet of the Gods Book 1) released on August 31st 2020.
What inspired you to start writing?
I had a scene that had spun around in my mind for years until it bugged me so much, I had to write it down. That little bit, a fight between two vastly different characters trying to figure each other out, turned into a chapter, a backstory, a novel, then a series.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
I cannot keep the emotions of what I’m writing off my face. I scowl, grin in utter giddiness, and will write scenes with tears streaking my cheeks. People who see me working at my laptop often ask what the heck I’m looking at.
How do you deal with the emotional impact of a book (on yourself) as you are writing the story?
Sometimes writing really kicks you in the bad place, but for me, that’s usually helpful. If I’m being bold and not reining myself in through a tough scene, that emotion is going to land. But if things get overly dark, which happens, I’ll go to the happy land of romcom. Same with deliciously zany happiness novels. That can be trying in a different way and needs some drama to counter-balance. I also listen to a lot of music and have vast playlists for each novel to harness tone and get into an emotional state that the writing deserves.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I’ve written eleven rough drafts and edited three novels to completion. My favorite book is my first one, though it’s not complete. I’ve been planning the series it belongs to and am looking forward to hopping into edits soon. First works tend to be dumpster fires, and mine is no exception. Years of studying and writing later, I think I can do the story justice.
What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I have the most incredible group of author friends I chat with daily. We encourage each other with brainstorming, beta reads, and talk about writing non-stop so they are the most inspirational, influencing writers and authors for my work. Other than that, my influence comes with new reading. This year, S. A. Chakraborty’s Daevabad series has me drooling over world building and vibrant description. Catherynne Valente’s prose is a pure delight and Imogen Keeper has the boldest, perfect voice for romance.
Do you hear from your readers much? What do they say?
I have a handful of dedicated readers that I adore hearing from. They poke me about the next book, ask questions regarding the future of characters and if certain sidekicks will have their own books. I cheer every time a beta reader curses me for making them cry or tells me they laughed out loud through a chapter.
What book is currently on your bedside table?
I have two. Hex, Love, and Rock & Roll by Kat Turner and The Empire of Gold, by S. A. Chakraborty.
Do you have any new series planned?
I do! I have plotted out a contemporary romcom trilogy following three women when their truffle shop moves into a casino and have been firming up my next paranormal romance series involving reinstating the Olympian muses.
If your book was to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?
Oh geez, so many amazing actors and actresses to choose from for My Song’s Curse. Dove Cameron would make an enticing siren if she took the role as Lula. I’d cast Luke Bracey as demigod, Alex. Brandon P. Bell would bring life to Comus and Thomas Doherty could be a phenomenal Rath.
What advice would you give to other authors?
No book is perfect to everyone because art is subjective. No matter how beautiful your prose is, how real your characters are, or how flawless your plot, someone will dislike your work. It’s the joy of differences in humans. But if you write something that you love, put your heart into it and be brave when you bring it to the world, others will love it too.
What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?
I’m an optimist but also a realist and that travels to my writing. No matter how horrid the world, or dangerous the situations, good will always prevail and a happy ever after will happen. The road won’t be perfect though. My characters are flawed, but fit each other as they figure out that life can be painfully difficult. The way those moments play out as they either trudge through grasping at hope or they break completely, is what makes happy endings so fulfilling.
Thank you Poppy Minnix for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her debut release, My Song’s Curse today!
~Synopsis~
Ultimate control has its downside, especially when it comes to romance. But will it be enough to keep them together?
As a siren Lula Aglaope can bend anyone to her will with the smallest whisper, but she’d give up her power for one meaningful, honest conversation.
She wants a normal life, like the open, true connections the humans seem to pull off with such little effort.
When she meets Alexiares, God of Warding off Wars, all thoughts of normalcy fly out the window. The beautiful demigod cannot be controlled! He’s frustrating, irresistible…and utterly off-limits.
Alex has watched Olympus slowly fall apart. The old gods continue their archaic control of the Universe, denying the progress of humans and other deities. But Alex has plans to repair the damage, and Lula is a major player.
She just doesn’t know it yet.
Falling for her is the worst idea. And just when things move in the right direction, danger arises that no one expects, plunging the sirens into the deadly Olympian spotlight.
With Lula’s sisters missing, and a pile of broken laws surrounding them, will Alex and Lula change the Universe for the better or destroy it?
If you like Kevin Hearne, Molly Harper, and Shannon Mayer, you’ll love this fun paranormal romance steeped in mythology!
Poppy Minnix is an award-winning paranormal and contemporary romance novelist. She has a penchant for writing strong men and women who are already awesome but find that together they can conquer their inner demons, or actual demons. Before her fall into an utter obsession with writing, she was a conference manager and also dabbled in veterinary science, corporate sales, waitressing, and was captain of a roller derby team.
When she’s not frantically tapping the keys, chasing after two young kids, or playing board games with her hubs, she’s plotting and possibly scheming about her next writing project.
You can find her in Maryland coffee shops that serve cinnamon rolls and also on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
The Literary Vixen 