The Literary Vixen presents…
Joining us today is Melissa Sercia! Her upcoming release, .
What inspired you to start writing?
I started writing poetry and short stories when I was about nine years old. I loved reading and had a very vivid imagination. As I got older, I got into screenplays and songwriting too. It was around my 35th birthday that the idea for Blood and Magic came to me and I really felt ready to write a full length novel. I played around with it for a couple years then made the decision to become a full time author in 2016. In 2017 I signed with City Owl Press and the rest is history!
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
I don’t know if it’s a quirk, but before I can start writing a new novel, I have to create a music playlist for it. Music helps me get into the tone and mood of the story.
How do you deal with emotional impact of a book (on yourself) as you are writing the story?
A lot of times I have to dig really deep when I put myself in the character’s head. It can be emotionally draining but as soon as I’m done writing the scene, I shake it off. I actually cried when I wrote the ending to Gods and Demons (Blood and Darkness Book 3). It was very bittersweet.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have written six books so far. Four are published, and two are with my editors awaiting publication. It’s hard to pick favorites because each book has such a special place in my heart. But I will say that Flesh and Bone (Blood and Darkness Book 2) was my favorite to write. It flowed out of me so easily in just two months. It also allowed me to explore a darker side to my main character, Gray. I had a lot of fun with that book.
What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
The first book I ever read that impacted me emotionally was Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Even though there weren’t any paranormal elements in it, it still had some very dark themes and tortured characters. That has definitely influenced my writing.
The biggest influences have also been the entire Vampire Chronicles series by Anne Rice, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, V.C. Andrews, and Stephen King.
Currently, I have been inspired by Sarah J Maas, Erin Morgenstern, Marissa Meyer, and Patricia Briggs.
Do you hear from your readers much? What do they say?
I do! I will usually get comments on my Instagram or facebook page when someone has found my books and enjoyed them. I also get emails from time to time commenting on my newsletter or inviting me to speak at a workshop or online library events.
What book is currently on your bedside table?
On my bedside table right now is a fabulous YA book called Slay by Brittney Morris
Do you have any new series planned?
I do! I am working on a new series called Immortal Billionaires. It’s a steamy paranormal romance series consisting of three (there may be a fourth) standalone novels that are connected by the same world. Book 1 in that series will be releasing at the end of October.
After that, I will be finishing up my Beautiful Dark Beasts series: Spark and Ember releases in February, then Starlight and Dust will be the conclusion of Arya’s journey and will most likely be releasing toward the end of 2021. Then I’m working on two new urban fantasy series, a Southern Gothic stand alone, and a prequel to Blood and Magic.
If your book was to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?
If Blood and Magic were made into a movie I definitely would want Katie McGrath to play Gray, Charlie Hunnam to play Aldric, Jason Momoa to play Seven, and Alexander Dreymon to play Dragos.
What advice would you give to other authors?
Learn your craft and establish a routine. I read a ton of craft books and attend online writing workshops all the time. No matter how many books you write, there are still things to learn and grow from. And establishing a regular writing routine will help you stay focused. Even if you can only spend an hour a day. Make sure you protect that writing time. As far as publishing goes, don’t give up. There are several paths to publishing and all of them are valid and rewarding. I’m with a small press, but I will also be self publishing a series this year, and next year I will be looking for an agent with another series. Find out which path is right for you and don’t let anything discourage you from your goals.
What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?
In a nutshell, I’m a storyteller. I know that life and reality can be difficult and stressful so I enjoy creating fantasy worlds for my readers to escape to. I care passionately about my readers and hope that they love reading my books as much as I love writing them. My books are dark but also hopeful and I’m obsessed with history and mythology so you will definitely see those influences in my stories. In the future, I would like to expand upon my Blood and Darkness/Beautiful Dark Beasts universe with more spinoffs, prequels, and side stories. And possibly even a graphic novel! Lots of exciting things to come!
Thank you Melissa Sercia for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her upcoming release, After I Fall today!
~Synopsis~
A darkness is coming for her heart, but it might be the only thing that can set her free…
Raven
I have nothing left. The man I thought I’d spend forever with is gone and I’m alone…until I meet him. Ozi. My new boss. He’s sexy, mysterious, and owns me with just one look. But he’s used to getting what he wants. And that makes him dangerous.
Ozi
I’m rich, immortal, and alone. And I like it that way. Until I meet her. I should stay away from Raven. But I can’t. Every time she’s near, I want to taste her blood in my veins and feel her body in my bed. I want to own her and destroy her. To break her and then put her back together with my bare hands. But I know I will be the one broken in the end.
Raven and Ozi have sworn off love, but when their paths cross, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Drawn to each other’s dark sides, they can’t seem to stay away. But when Ozi’s ex comes back into town to settle an old score, the odds shift and the danger becomes real, pitting Raven in the middle. Now Ozi must decide what he’s willing to risk to protect Raven from the threat of his past coming back to haunt him. Her safety or his heart.
When lust turns into obsession, can it ever become love?
This is a standalone book in the Immortal Billionaires series.
WARNING: This book contains graphic content and is meant for 18+ readers only
Melissa Sercia is an award winning Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance author with a passion for philosophy, mythology, and all things supernatural. She is the author of the Blood and Darkness series, Beautiful Dark Beasts series, and Immortal Billionaires series. Melissa lives in California with her man and her cat. When she’s not building dark fantasy worlds and slaying demons, you can find her in the kitchen cooking with a glass of wine in her hand.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissasercia11
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissaserciawrites
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/fluidghost
Website: https://melissasercia.com
The Literary Vixen 