Witches and Vampires and Mythical Creatures, Oh my! "Spell Checked" a Paranormal Romance by C. G. Powell, VBT PIT Stop Mar 2

Broken relationships were a constant in Mae’s life, causing her to swear off men forever. Unwittingly lured to Ireland, Mae finds herself knee-deep in a hidden world she never knew existed and head over heels for the very man that tricked her to coming there. His deception is complicated by his own feelings for the one person that holds the key to merging the ancient races that once ruled the ancient word.

Mae finds herself in an underground world of witches, and vampires, which are half-breeds of aliens long gone. She learns about her own unique parentage and powers, which she must study in order to control, before they consume her.

Beck and Helen’s love for one another spans across a millennium, her human soul reincarnated to match Beck’s own immortality. This time however the body she occupies is of a being that cannot be eclipsed by her return. After waiting two hundred years, Beck finds himself tormented by Helen’s inability to return and his growing love for her new host.

Some of the underworld creatures welcome her with open arms as a savior, while others seek to destroy the abomination they believe her to be. Will the knowledge of her existence cause a race war when the true power of her blood is discovered? Or will love become her ultimate downfall?

As a teen C.G. Powell was selected as a member of her school's newspaper staff. After her first article the editor decided the darkroom was a more suitable place for her skills…or lack of. Since then, she has traveled everywhere—thanks to her innate curiosity about the world and the Navy. In her life time, she has learned: aviation electronics, CCNA networking, Gemology and how to get bloodstains out of the carpet (you never know when you might need that). But her latest, all-consuming, endeavor is storytelling. When asked why, her response was "I live to challenge myself; I like to be pushed outside of my comfort zone and writing is one of those things that pushes my boundaries. Besides it was the only way to share all of the crap bouncing around in my head!" C.G. Powell lives in Virginia with her husband and children. When she is not writing, you might find her watching hot guys jog past her front window, ordering the cabana boy to fix her another drink or abusing the local authorities…but that’s just hearsay. 

Join us as we welcome C. G. Powell to our blog today! Spell Checked has received rave reviews which you can read below the interview. There's a giveaway - details at the bottom!

Brenda & Steve: CG, welcome to our blog! We’re so excited you could join us for a chat. When did you first decide to submit your work to be published? Tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step.

C.G.:  When I began writing, it was always with the intent of self-publishing.  I consider publishing part of the process of writing, so there was no encouragement required.

Brenda & Steve: Please tell us about the hot guys jogging by your window. LOL Oops I meant your new release Spell Checked without giving too much of a spoiler away.

C.G.:  Spell Checked starts off with a trip to Ireland.  The first part of the story gives you a tour integrated with the story.  There is also some Greek Mythology mixed in there, hot guys, vampires, witches, and even an alien or two.  But, for the most part the story is about Mae, who finds out she is a witch and Beck, a vampire, who cons Mae to Ireland because she is the host body of his eternal love...Helen of Troy. 

Brenda & Steve: Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write?

C.G.: Yes...I do both.  Even when you plan characters, they begin to take on a life of their own, and change your plans for them.

Brenda & Steve: How much research do you do for your books? Have you found any cool tidbits in your research?

C.G.:  I did a lot of research on Ireland, the Trojan War, Greek Mythology, ancient aliens, and the evolution of man...I know it seems like an odd combo, but I like for things to be as accurate as possible.

One of the more interesting tidbits was the story of Paris and Helen, but from the Greek Mythology point of view.  After Paris dies, she goes back to her husband...or not, things get vague at this point. 

Brenda & Steve: We have always enjoyed Greek mythology - very intriguing and such romantic stories. What is your writing process? Do you outline, write by the seat of your pants (Pantser) or a combination of both?

C.G.: I do both, I keep a notebook for each book that way I have a place to list characters as I come up with them and notes for some of the chapters, if I get an idea for something that comes later in the book.  That way I don’t forget.  I don’t spend too much time on this.  It just helps me to stay consistent with names and places throughout the book.

Brenda & Steve: Do you write full time? What did you do before you became a writer or still do?

C.G.:  I was in the Navy for 16 years.  I didn’t start writing until after I became an at home mom, so I do get to write full time.

Brenda & Steve: Do you have a ritual when it comes to writing? Example….get coffee, blanket, paper, pen, laptop and a comfy place.

C.G.: I don’t really have a ritual, just a computer in my kitchen.

Brenda & Steve: Describe a typical writing day for you.

C.G.: I start my day by checking emails and Facebook.  Then I pry myself away from the internet long enough to write.  When my stomach reminds me that I didn’t bother with breakfast, I get up and make myself some coffee and check Facebook again.  This goes on until lunch...I don’t get to write much after the kids get home from school.

Brenda & Steve: Yup, marketing takes up a lot of time and Facebook is addicting! Please give us a sneak peek at your future books. What’s on the horizon?

C.G.: I just finished Immortal Voyage and just got it back from the editor.  This story is in the Terra Stellar world and is about Atlantis during the Neolithic time period.  I hope to have this published by the end of next month.  I’m currently writing a short story about a siren named Sarina which is part of an anthology called Cupid Painted Blind and should be out by the end of this month.  I’m also writing book 2 of the No Uncertain Logic series, called Exile Bytes and will have the gang traveling to Tenerife and the Mongolian desert.  

Brenda & Steve: What is your favorite genre to read and who is your favorite author?

C.G.: I read Sci-fi/Fantasy and romance.  My all-time favorite author is Marion Zimmer Bradley, I love her Darkover series.  My favorite all time book is Master of Desire by Kinley MacGregor. 

Brenda & Steve: Is there anything else you would like to tell the readers we have not touched on?

C.G.:   One of my favorite places to write is on my iPad in the car at the piano teacher’s house...I know lessons are only a half an hour long, but I get a lot of writing done there because I don’t have an internet connection to distract me...LOL

Brenda & Steve: Where can the readers learn more about you and find your books on the web?

C.G.:

C.G. Powell

Author of Spell Checked: Book One of The No Uncertain Logic Series

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Buy my book

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Brenda & Steve: CG, thank you again for visiting with us!

Readers, there's a giveaway in eBook format, winner's choice, from Smashwords to 10 commenters!! Yes, you read that right! So ask CG questions, let her know you stopped by and please leave your email in your comment so we can easily contact the winners. Good luck!

Current Reviews:

Beth Wright rated it 5 Stars

I am still dying here from laughter, love the chia pet part of the story. I must add the running through the castle halls butt naked was a laughing treat as well :D This story is packed with hiding secrets, unknown events and much more. If your into hot vampires and warlocks this is your kind of story. They have so a wonderful sense of humor and enjoy using it every chance they get. Some parts may make you tear up :( I know I did, but the story is so wonderfully put together. Get ready for unexpected events, amazing action and wild romance. Grab this one now because I can promise you there is going to be a part 2, and hun I sure hope to be one of your reviewers for that :D woot haha chia pet, haha naked and getting his ass handed to him by his sexy mate lmao. Ok, ok I'm done now, no I'm not, lmao, lmfao, omg so love it. :)

Nichole Chase rated it 4 Stars

I enjoyed the new take on some of the mythological creatures I find in books so often. It is quite clear that Ms. Powell has an analytical mind and it was easy to see from the get go that she had every little bit of the supernatural completely planned out and understood. She wove the mythical history that we study nowadays with her own interpretation, and created an interesting new world.

I was a little put off with Mae at times. She was hard to relate to, because I never got a good feel of her character. The supporting cast really made this book interesting, and I am hoping Mae will step up a little more once she understands herself better. I do look forward to finding out what happens in the next installment. I think it is going to be even more interesting.

Rhonda rated it 4 Stars

Spell Checked is one of the most original Paranormal Romances that I’ve read in a long time. Forget what you ever thought about the stereotypical Immortals, this book has you seeing Vampires and Witches in a whole new light. Truly spell binding, funny and romantic. CG Powell’s characters are likable and sexy, they will leave you wanting more. It’s hard to believe this is CG’s first book, I’m anxiously awaiting book 2 to see what she has in store for us next.

Available  at :  AMAZON | Smashwords | BARNES & NOBLE

Woot Cabana Boy!!