Welcome to my blog!

I'm so excited that my lifelong dream of becoming a published author has come true. If you'd like to go straight to excerpts, descriptions, and buy links for my books, click on the covers below on the right.

I love to hear from my readers! If you have a comment for me or if you'd like to submit a character for published character interview or unpublished character analysis, please use the form below or email me at cecilia (at) ceciliadominic (dot) com.

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Thursday, March 26, 2015

Published Character on the Couch: Tara from Brighid's Flame

Just a quick note about an upcoming appearance... I'll be signing books and chatting with fans this coming Saturday, March 28, from 2:00 to 4:00 at Hermit Woods Winery in Meredith, New Hampshire. I'll try to bring up some of this lovely Southern weather for y'all!

Today I'm happy to welcome Cate Morgan, who is a fellow Samhain author and who shares the same wonderful editor Holly Atkinson, and her character Tara from her just-released novel Brighid's Flame.

Learn it easy, or learn it hard. You don’t mess with New York City.

Keepers of the Flame, Book 3

Tara Fitzpatrick is amazed how far she’s come since the Seven-Year War, when she and her best friend Stephen eked out a bare-bones existence in the Central Park Shanties. Now she has it all: Stephen at her side, rewarding work for the powerful Vincent Dante’s foundation, and a budding romance with Julien, Vincent’s heir.

If only the Underground movement would stop inciting civil unrest against Vincent’s efforts to rebuild the Big Apple, Tara’s life would be perfect.

Then Julien is shot before her eyes, shattering Tara’s world. Her pursuit of the shooter leads her down a rabbit hole dug by betrayal, misconceptions, and inescapable truth.

Suddenly the fate of an entire city rests on her shoulders. The man she was trained to protect is the man she is now forced to destroy. And the acceptance of her true destiny as a Keeper of the Flame comes at a terrible price—if she even survives the fight.

But if she’s lucky, perhaps the fight alone will be enough to save the city she loves.

Warning: Contains powerful alpha men, kick-ass women, dark secrets, and cat-and-mouse games. Also, explosions—because explosions are fun.

1. If your character were to go to a psychologist – willingly or unwillingly – what would bring them in? 

Yes, a court order is a valid answer. If Tara were to see a psychologist, it would be because she was ordered to by her superiors. Being in private security in an apocalyptic New York, she is essentially military during a shattering era of human history. That's a lot of pressure for a girl from the Central Park Shanties! 
 
2. Is the presenting problem one of the main internal or external conflicts in your book? If so, how does it present itself? 

Tara's issues are combination of both, but mainly internal. She was with her mother when she died in the first attacks of the Seven-Year War, and she a majority of the war either in the system in a series of horrible homes, being very angry and restless and unable to control any part of her life. She was a fighter, that's for sure! When she was rescued from the Shanties--a whole Lord of the Flies situation--she was safe for the first time years. Then her world is turned upside down when she learns those she loves and admires have been keeping some pretty dark secrets from her, and she feels betrayed. And--here's the kicker--she discovers that she's not entirely human. And yet she has humanity's fate quivering in the palm of her hand.
 
3. It's always interesting to see how people act when they first enter my office. Do they immediately go for my chair, hesitate before sitting anywhere, flop on the couch, etc.? What would your character do? 

Tara stands to attention and looks straight ahead until asked (or ordered) to sit. When she sits, she does so bolt upright, on the edge of her seat, ready for action at a moment's notice.
 
4. Does your character talk to the therapist? How open/revealing will your character be? 

She has trust issues, so she doesn't say much. She'll answer direct questions because she must, but she won't give away a whole lot. not even in body language. She may admit to being weary, however, because there hasn't been a single day of her life since the War started that she hasn't been fighting.
 
5. Your character walks into the bar down the street after his/her first therapy session. What does he/she order? What happens next? 

Tara doesn't really drink, and she doesn't have any other vices other than really bad coffee, because she doesn't like to be out of control. If she's in a bar, it's to meet someone--her best friend Stephen, a contact. She'll order coffee, and get right back to business, or talk to Stephen about the session.
 
6. When you're building characters, do you have any tricks you use to really get into their psyches, like a character interview or personality system (e.g., Myers-Briggs types)? 

It's pretty rare when a character more or less downloads themselves into my brain to tell me their story. (In fact, it's a little disorienting when they do.) And every book is more or less different as far as my prep work and drafting process is concerned. But, generally, I have four things that go into a character's profile, all sourced from theatre techniques:
 
1) Character Sketch--not just physical appearance, but notes on their body language, where they live, any objects that are close to them. Their wants and desires.
 
2) Back Story--birth, background, childhoods, first kiss, relationships and friendships, all the way up to the point where the story starts.
 
3) Dream--this is fast-drafted, an almost stream of conscious depiction of one of my character's dreams. It usually runs a page or two at most, and I highlight all the repeated images and symbols to help me tap into that character's psyche.
 
4) Wardrobe--what would the character for certain occasions? What rituals do they perform in their dressing or grooming that stand out? Why? Is their closet messy, or perfectly organized? I'll refine this as I get plot points down and a scene list. But they all have that one object or wardrobe piece that defines their character. For Tara, it's her uniform.

Cecilia says: Tara sounds like a fascinating character, and your book sounds really interesting! Thanks so much for stopping by.

You can find Cate at her website, which includes buy links.

If you're a published author and would like to have a character come by or if you're unpublished and would like some help with one, please email me at cecilia (at) ceciliadominic (dot) com.


Thursday, March 19, 2015

Published Character on the Couch Interview: J.C. Stockli's Lucca and Evie

Quick update: I got my new laptop, installed everything, and figured out after a couple of days that it had a problem with its fan. Back it went, and now I have a replacement that - fingers crossed! - will work out and will last as long as its grand-predecessor (5.5 years).

Also, I will be appearing as a guest this weekend at MidSouthCon in Memphis. It's like DragonCon but older and more sane crowd-wise. I'll be on five panels on various aspects of writing and the genres I write in, and I will have my first two books for sale and signing on Pro Row on Saturday at 1:00. Please come say hi!

Now for the real purpose of this post. I'm super excited to welcome J.C. Stockli, an indie-pubbed author, and two of her characters to my couch. I haven't read her book yet, but I'm definitely going to now that I've met her characters because it will be entertaining for both my urban fantasy author and psychologist sides. Oh, and check out this gorgeous cover!



The Nothingness:  Addictions of the Eternal, Book One

A dispirited addict learns that history repeats itself deep within hidden worlds. Evie Westvale is lost in the lifeless existence of her drug-laden fishing town. She finds much more than fellow addicts lurking beneath the docks. Craving escape from her inebriated reality, she discovers the presence of a dark stranger who haunts her dreams in the most delicious ways. Lucca has come to prey on the dregs of Fallhaven. He has not arrived by accident, and he is not alone. Riding waves of blood and lust, Evie is forced to confront her dark past and an irresistible future, but can she survive the tempest brewing inside?

The Nothingness is the first installment of the Addictions Of The Eternal, a series inspired by the New England coastline that depicts the struggles with addiction and stages of recovery through the lens of dark/paranormal fantasy.

The Saving (Addictions Of The Eternal: Book Two) - Coming Soon in Summer 2015

1. If your character were to go to a psychologist – willingly or unwillingly – what would bring them in? Yes, a court order is a valid answer.

Blythe has been nagging Evie for years to get help, but Evie refuses to admit that she has a drinking problem. Who doesn't need a drink after a bad day... or just in general? That's not addict behavior, regardless as to the severity of self-destructive behavior. Right? A psychologist would just be one more person to pass judgement on her, and Evie faces enough chastisement when she looks in the mirror. She doesn't need that outside of herself. (shakes head with vehemence) No, no psychologists please. (CD: Awww...)

Lucca on the other hand... he stirs something in Evie; she's terrified of it. She may be convinced to get help if it means learning more about what draws her to him. He'll go for the hell of it, to indulge in the process, but does not expect any revelations. He's spent enough time in his own skin to be completely comfortable with his vices... and lack of virtues.

2. Is the presenting problem one of the main internal or external conflicts in your book? If so, how does it present itself?

Absolutely. Evie's strife (obsession/addiction) is personified by Lucca and his world, but ultimately involves her internal struggle with realising her self-worth. Her story is one of acceptance and healing. This is the theme of the series and presents itself in many forms, from actual substance abuse to agoraphobia, hearing voices, up to the fantasy-design with another being.

3. It's always interesting to see how people act when they first enter my office. Do they immediately go for my chair, hesitate before sitting anywhere, flop on the couch, etc.? What would your character do?

Evie pauses at the door. Shaky fingertips fidget with the strap of her bag. Not until she is asked to sit down, will she move. Rather, she scans the room for a calming focal point, something to make her feel more at home. Absent any such idol, her taste buds scream, and her stomach is in knots. Evie eventually makes her way to the couch and settles at the end, cradled in the crook of the arm. Her hands remain tucked between her knees, and she continues to scan the room for an anchor point.

If Lucca were to follow Evie, he stalks the perimeter of the room, inspecting knick - knacks and decor. He keeps an ever watchful eye on you and likely snickers at your discomfort under his gaze. The playful tip of his tongue remains hidden behind his crooked smirk.

4. Does your character talk to the therapist? How open/revealing will your character be?

Neither Evie nor Lucca will speak until spoken to.

Evie will be more apt to open up if she feels comfortable around you, but that means you offer her a drink or a some pot. Then she'll let you in. (CD: I've often thought about having a secret wine stash at the office. I doubt the Ethics Board would approve me sharing, though.)

Lucca will likely only offer obscure answers that raise more questions.

5. Your character walks into the bar down the street after his/her first therapy session. What does he/she order? What happens next?

Evie goes straight to the bar and orders a double shot of Jim Beach chased by a dark stout  (any label will do).  She's breathing heavy and mumbling for her inner voice to shut the hell up.

Lucca's still amused by how uncomfortable he made you during the appointment. He settles into a dark corner and monitors those around him with his ever present Cheshire grin. He doesn't order anything unless he has to because he doesn't drink alcohol.

6. When you're building characters, do you have any tricks you use to really get into their psyches, like a character interview or personality system (e.g., Myers-Briggs types)?

I build play lists on Spotify. Certain characters listen to different music. That music evokes a different set of emotions, which help to build that character. I'll listen to the same music for months (or longer) while I connect to that character.

Nice! I did playlists for characters in one of my contemporary books and found it to be helpful, too. Thanks so much for stopping by, and I can't wait to read the book so maybe Lucca will speak to me after that. :-)

In addition to her website, you can find J.C. on Facebook and Twitter.

Do you have published characters that would like to stop by for a visit or unpublished ones that need a little psychological help like this one? Please email me at cecilia (at) ceciliadominic (dot) com

Monday, March 9, 2015

Brief announcement - I heart technology

Greetings, all! Thanks to everyone who has sent me characters for my couch. I got some good momentum going, and then this happened:


Okay, my computer didn't let me know with a Clippy image, which would have been quite hilarious and tragic at the same time, but it let me know in no uncertain terms that:


So now I have my new computer and am transferring files, and I promise I'll post character profiles when I get the chance. Thanks for your patience!

-C.D.

P.S. I did unexpectedly have to buy a new laptop, so if you haven't read my books yet and want to give them a try, now would be a great time. And if you get them from Samhain through the links to the right, I might even get paid before this credit card bill is due!