Every time this girl kissed her boyfriend, she absorbed some of his life energy, which in turn weakened him. I had never heard of a succubus, but I loved the idea of a teenage girl who was in love, but couldn’t so much as kiss her boyfriend without harming him.

Angela V. Cook – 29 May 2015

The Back Flap

Allison McKready is a succubus. So is her twin sister. But while Allison spends her summer break hiding in the library behind her Goth makeup, Jade fools around as often as she can. Allison can’t believe Jade would ignore their mother’s fatal example so recklessly, but concealing a cursed bloodline and its dangerous effects is far from Allison’s only problem. Mean girl Julie’s snob mob is determined to ruin her summer, and Aunt Sarah’s Bible thumping is getting louder. Only her new friend, Ren Fisher, offers safe haven from the chaos of her life.

When one of Jade’s risky dates leads to humiliation and sudden tragedy, Allison reels, and Ren catches her. But as her feelings for him grow, so does her fear that she’ll hurt him—or worse—in an unguarded moment. The choice is coming—love him or save him—but Allison might not live to make it. One way or another, the curse will have its due.

About the book

What is the book about?

It’s about a teenage succubus named Allison, who’s trying to keep herself and her sister from going down the same murderous path as their mother.

When did you start writing the book?

I started this book in February of 2011.

How long did it take you to write it?

I think it took about three months for me to write the first draft.

Where did you get the idea from?

During the summer of 2010, there was a short-lived TV show called The Gates. It was about a gated community where the residents were of the supernatural persuasion (werewolves, vampires, witches, etc.).  One of the residents was a teenage succubus. Every time this girl kissed her boyfriend, she absorbed some of his life energy, which in turn weakened him. I had never heard of a succubus, but I loved the idea of a teenage girl who was in love, but couldn’t so much as kiss her boyfriend without harming him. It was then the wheels of creativity started turning.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

There were definitely parts of the book where I struggled. For me, the plot was easy. I knew what I wanted to accomplish with the story, but I had a hard time describing the emotional struggles my main character (Allison) goes through. I don’t want to give anything away, but Allison experiences some pretty intense situations, and describing her emotional state was sometimes difficult, because those situations were something I’d never experienced. I really had to put myself in her shoes and try to imagine what it would be like to go through those events and what impact they would have on me.

What came easily?

Like I mentioned above, I think the plot itself was the easy part. It took a few weeks of brainstorming and jotting down notes, but after I had a rough outline, I was able to sit down and start writing. I knew exactly where I wanted to take the story.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

I think all of my characters have personalities that include little pieces of people I’ve encountered in the real world, but on a whole, they are completely fictitious.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I believe all writers have their own unique style and voice, but I think reading Stephanie Perkins’ (YA contemporary romance writer) books really inspired me to embrace my own style/voice. She’s probably my favorite YA writer of all time (if you enjoy YA contemporary, you HAVE to read her). When you read one of her books, you get the feeling that you’re reading a narrative written by a seventeen-year-old girl, not something written by a thirty something year old trying to write like a teenager. Love her!

 Do you have a target reader?

I’d say Into a Million Pieces is geared toward the mature, young adult reader. My books are not rainbows and sunshine. In everything I write, there is always some swearing, some violence, and a wee bit of… steaminess (okay, maybe more than a “wee bit”). Though I do try and keep things PG13.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

When I’m drafting, I try to write at least two pages per night, five days a week. I used to write more, but since going back to work two years ago, time is a limited commodity these days. Though, if I’m not busy with my kids’ soccer games or other mom stuff, I’ll try to get some wordage in on the weekends.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I’m usually a pantser—up until a certain point. Often once I get a third of the book written, I stop and do a rough chapter outline. I’ll get my notebook out, write “Chapter ___” at the top and then jot down a couple of things I want to happen in that chapter. The funny thing is, I rarely refer to it after that; I think it just helps straighten things out in my head.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I’ll usually read over what I wrote during my previous writing session just to get my head back in the scene, and sometimes I’ll add things, but my brain isn’t really in “edit mode” when I do that.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I always listen to classical when I’m drafting. I’m too easily distracted to listen to songs with lyrics. That being said, I have playlists for every book, which include songs (alternative, pop, EDM, rap, etc.) that have either inspired certain scenes or maybe they just fit the mood of the book. I’ll often listen to those songs if I’m in need of some inspiration.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Yes. Into a Million Pieces was actually previously represented and was subbed to about a dozen publishers. However, I left my agent when he was ready to give up on my manuscript, and I wasn’t. For me, it was never about the money. It was just about finding a good home for my story.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

It was definitely a gradual process. I wanted my book out there. I loved the story and wanted to share it with everyone, so when things didn’t work out the “traditional way,” I sought out other options.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did it you do it yourself?

Red Adept Publishing contracts with Streetlight Graphics for their covers, so yes, it was professionally done, but I did get to have a ton of input on it (small press perk!).

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

Yes, I had a plan. I hired a book promoter to put together a book blitz (well worth the money I paid, but I recommend shopping around, because they can be pricey). I also organized a big giveaway (donated signed books/swag from author friends), and a smaller Facebook giveaway to help get the word out. And of course, my publisher put together a blog tour.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Be realistic about what you want. Being a debut author, you will not sell hundreds of copies on your release day. People will say, “Oh, I can’t wait to read your book!” but that rarely transpires into actual sales. Just be prepared. I think that was the biggest shock for me. I had a lot of writer friends, and I’d done a lot to get the word out about my book, but still, the sales were nowhere where I thought they’d be. Convincing strangers to buy a book written by an unknown from a small press is HARD!!

About You

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Cleveland and lived there for several years. After that, we moved to the suburbs of Detroit.

Where do you live now?

I live just outside of Detroit.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I love to laugh, but more than that, I love to make people laugh. My books might be on the dark and edgy side, but they’ll always have snippets of humor in them. Laughter is one of the greatest things in the world 🙂

What are you working on now?

I have two other manuscripts that I wrote after Into a Million Pieces, but those are on hold right now, because I’m writing a sequel to IAMP that I’m really, really, REALLY excited about. A sequel wasn’t necessary, and I even debated whether or not to write one (the book could stand alone as is), but I just don’t feel like Allison’s story is over. I have questions I want answered, and to be honest, writing about a teenage succubus is fun and exciting! I really enjoyed writing IAMP, and I feel that same excitement as I continue Allison’s story.

Great questions! Thanks so much for having me!

End of Interview:

Get your copy of Into a Million Pieces from Amazon US (paper or ebook), Amazon UK (paper or ebook), or Barnes & Noble.

For more from Angela, visit her website.

 
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