For some reason, I thought this was going to be a chick-flick or, at least, something funny. I learned to ignore my mind when it forms its ideas based on absolutely nothing, like it did in this case. And I was right because this is a very not funny, very good sequel to a very good story. I also have the Author here with me for a chit-chat but first things first.

The book is Exit Stage Left by Catherine Russell, a Dark Fantasy/Paranormal Romance.

Synopsys

Megan O’Day seems to be navigating the unpredictable relationship with Geoffrey Drake, her centuries-old vampire guardian angel, rather well. But then his past suddenly rips him from her, forcing her to face the unknown future alone in the gripping sequel to The Stage.

Still bound to Geoffrey through the power of the Link despite his unexplained absence, Megan’s mind is flooded with his haunted memories. While she relives the darkest moments of his previous life, she discovers his attachment to a woman who bears a striking resemblance to her.

As she questions Geoffrey’s love for her, she strikes up a dangerous alliance with Geoffrey’s brother, Alexander, who is also a vampire. She hopes that he will help her find a way to rescue Geoffrey: instead, he seems to be awakening new emotions and desires within her.

As the past and present collide, Megan struggles to fend off Alexander’s dark seduction. Is Geoffrey truly beyond the reach of her love forever? If not, what must be sacrificed to bring them back together again?

The book is on sale for $0.99 during the tour only.

The Stage Chronicles site http://www.thestagechronicles.com/

Barking Rain Press site https://barkingrainpress.org/exit-stage-left/

Amazon link for The Stage Chronicles Book 2 Exit Stage Left https://www.amazon.com/Exit-Stage-Left-Chronicles/dp/1935460889/ref=sr_1_2

Amazon link for The Stage Chronicles Book 1 The Stage  https://www.amazon.com/Exit-Stage-Left-Chronicles/dp/1935460889/ref=sr_1_2

Twitter for The Stage Chronicles https://twitter.com/CathyMRussell

Facebook for The Stage Chronicles https://www.facebook.com/thestagechronicles/

Instagram for The Stage Chronicles https://www.instagram.com/thestagechronicles_/

THE AUTHOR

Catherine Russell was born in Tacoma, Washington and raised in a small town just south, South Hill, Puyallup. At the time South Hill was a heavily wooded area and far off the beaten path. Growing up she had the forests as her fantasy world along with the wild animals. She lived with her parents and an older sister. There are a few similarities from her own childhood that have carried over into her first novel, “The Stage”. As a child, she did have a small dog named Toto, whom she would quite frequently roam the woods with. Her childhood home still stands, and is still nestled in the woods even though South Hill has undergone an extreme makeover since she lived there. She enjoyed hours of day dreaming and playing in the woods, which in turn fed her fantasy world of make believe.

Hi Catherine, and thank you for being here. To start off easily, any weird things you do when you’re alone?

Depends on what your definition of weird is I guess. Sometimes I just enjoy the silence of a house that is empty from the ongoing onslaught of noise when my teenage son is around…gaming on his Xbox. Other times…I open all my windows & blast my stereo system with Joan Jett, AC/DC, Van Halen, Bon Jovi…or Maroon 5! Sometimes…late at night…if there’s a thunder & lightning storm rolling through the Pacific Northwest area, I’ll get up and watch it from the couch in the front room, in the dark…which I love. 

What is your favorite quote and why?

I have 2 actually. The first one…I don’t recall where I learned it from but I know I quote it a lot…because I know it’s true. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Whenever something drags me down or gets me upset because plans get messed up or just God’s way of putting a speed bump in my life…I say “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” And somehow we get through whatever it is. The second saying is for the love of my family. “I love you, always and forever” because again…it’s true, not matter what life is through at us…it’s steadfast and true to the core of our family. 

Who is your favorite author and why?

Ug…the dreaded “who’s your favorite” question. And once again I have to say there’s 2. The first one cemented my obsession…yes I said obsession because it truly is…with Vampires. Anne Rice. As a teenager at home, I reverently remember watching Frank Langella in a little 1979 movie titled Dracula…I was instantly hooked! Then when I was a few years older I discovered The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice and my fate was sealed! I devoured everything she created, often more than once because I would read it so fast…that I would need to literally slow down to absorb it all. Then fast forward to 2005, after many years languishing on the wayside without any truly fan-obsessed reads available or even movies for that fact, though Lost Boys is a favorite, along came an unknown female writer who began her writing adventure…because of a dream she had…and once again my obsession had a new series to sink my teeth into, literally. I became what is known as a Twihard…the series in question is The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer. After devouring every book she has ever written and enjoying her TV interviews, where at one point she was asked how she started. Her answer was she just picked up a pen and started. Mind you she has a college degree and training…I have neither. However I didn’t let that stop me. So I picked up one of me elementary sons’ pencils, grabbed a blank 5 subject three ring note book and put the pencil to the paper…and the rest is, as they say, history. Ms. Meyer and Ms. Rice inspired me to follow a passion I didn’t know I had until I discovered both of them…and my wings took flight from there, 

What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

This is a loaded answer as all the elements are necessary to make a good story, to engage the reader and keep them on the edge of their seats. However, I would say creating and maintaining strong characters, staying true to who they are and staying consistent. I’ve found myself from time to time, forgetting what I had just done a few chapters back only to be reminded by my editors and having to go “Oh…opps, got a little carried away on that one.” Plus also making sure the story flows smoothly, not to convoluted or confusing that at times is a challenge because my characters tend to want to grab the spotlight and I have to rein them back in and back into line for the story to make sense. 

Where did you get the idea for this book?

I previously described that Megan O’Day was the stage name I once used for performing on stage…that is where she was born, a different persona of my own. I combined her and my love of all-things-vampires and came up with this mission statement of sorts: “All of life is a stage. Reality is just an illusion. Make your own reality.” So I did by creating my world of The Stage Chronicles. Besides…reality is just an illusion…right? 

You can find out more about Catherine by following the entire Tour here:

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2018/08/vbt-exit-stage-left-by-catherine-russell.html

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GIVEAWAY 

One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f2773

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