Welcome special guest: author Shiela Stewart ( #FF @ShielaSue @DecadentPub #SO )

Today we have author Shiela Stewart visiting. Raised on a rural farm in Saskatchewan, Shiela Stewart relied on her vivid imagination to fill her days. Never did she realize that her need to tell a story would someday lead to becoming a published romance author. In the fall of two thousand and six, Shiela published her very first book and hasn’t stopped since.
   When not writing, Shiela spends time with the love of her life, William and their three children. She has a strong affection for animals which is evident in the five cats, one dog, three turtles and ten fish she owns. Some of her passions aside from writing are drawing and painting and proudly displays her artwork in murals in her home.
   Her favorite time of day is sunset and she loves to stargaze.

So, Shiela, what inspired you to become a writer?
I really don’t know that anything in particular inspired me. I’ve always loved to tell stories, even in my youth. I remember being 8 and telling a fascinating story of a scarecrow to my cousins. I guess it’s just in my blood.

When did you attempt your first story? What length was it? What's become of it?
I was 14 when I wrote my first full story. It was a tale of a teenage girl who delves into the black magic with dire consequences. It’s still sitting in my manuscript box of possible stories to fix up.

How many stories did you complete before you sold your first?
Thirty-Five. I have a wild imagination. LOL

What genre(s) do you write in? What drew you to write in it/them? What’s your favorite genre of all to write in?
My preference is Paranormal romance. My second would be suspense. The first scary movie I saw was a movie called Straight Jacket. I was nine or ten. I snuck down the stairs and watched in the shadows. My parents had no idea. As terrified as I was, it also gave me a rush. Since then I’ve watched more paranormal and scary movies than I have romance or comedy. Oh, and it’s awoken the inner prankster in me. I love jumping out of the shadows to scare people.
   One of my favorite memories is being 14 and standing in the bathroom which was on the second floor, window open and making cow noises whenever someone walked by. I would do it at night. Watching their baffled faces was priceless. Now I add that into my books. Yep, I’m a sick person. And loving it. LOL

What are the best and worst pieces of writing advice you ever received?
I don’t think I ever got a bad piece of advice. Best advice: Never give up and always refine your work.

How do you celebrate/deal with acceptance/rejection letters?
When I first received a rejection letter I was disappointed. When I received the second, third and so on, I was devastated and ready to give up. Thanks to my hubby who pushed me to continue I was finally accepted.
   Learning that one of my stories was accepted was incredible. I began screaming, “I did it!” My hubby and I went out for dinner to celebrate.

In regard to the book you’re promoting, which actor and actress do you envision playing the roles of your hero and heroine? If there’s a villain or other characters who are pertinent to the story, who would play those parts?
From the moment I started writing Awaken the Demon I envisioned Robert Downey Jr as Draco. He’s got that sexiness about him yet on the other side he’s dangerous. And I think Ellen Page would be a perfect Missy Green. She has that sweet quality and on the other side she’s a tough cookie. In the second book,

Offer the Demon, Mila Kunis would be a perfect Aurora. She has that sweet face but packs a hell of a punch. And Scott, Chris Pine or Jenson Ackles would be great. As for the villain. Satan. All you’d need is some black smoke that growled when it spoke.

The book you’re promoting, is it a stand-alone story or part of a series? If it’s part of a series, please list the order the books need to be read in for maximum reading enjoyment.
Awaken the Demon is book one in the Demon series. Offer the Demon is the second book and the third is Claiming the Demon (Title to change). Awaken the Demon came from a dream, or nightmare for some, of a young woman running from demons only to find out she is one.

*** Now for some fun info… ***
What’s your favorite color?
Blue

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Chocolate

Are you a cat, dog or both kind of person?
More of a cat person but I do love dogs as well.

Would you/have you own(ed) a snake or some other exotic pet?
Dear God no! Can’t stand slithery creatures.

Which do you prefer: rain or sun & warm weather or cold weather?
I love a soft misty rain on a cloudy day.

Are you a morning person or night owl?
Neither. I’m at my best in the afternoon.

What’s your favorite day of the week?
Saturday. I can spend all day with my hubby.

What’s your favorite number?
2

If you could live anywhere in the universe, where would it be and why?
Right where I am. I’m a Canadian and proud of it. I would however love to visit Scotland.

If you were stranded on a desert island and were only allowed to have five modern conveniences with you, what would they be?
My Laptop. A never ending slurpee machine. Cell phone. Microwave. Coffee machine.

*** About Shiela’s book… ***

Awaken the Demon was originally written in 2000. It was one of those stories that stuck with me, one I couldn’t let go. I entered it into a contest in 2005 and came in second. The only reason I didn’t win was because at the time it didn’t have a happy ever after ending. I revised it and again it sat waiting to find a new home. I submitted it to Decadent Publishing in 2011 and to my joy it was accepted.
Blurb: Running from an abusive Fiancé, changing her name, Missy Green is looking for a new life. Taking temporary refuge in a group called The StarrGazers, she does her best to blend in. Problem is, the owner, Draco Starr has put his sights on her.
   Born and raised in the pits of hell, Draco was sent to earth to collect souls for Satan. Having served his time he starts his own business. When word gets out that a child born from demon and human is alive, he is determined to find her and make her his own.
   Discovering who Draco really is terrifies Missy, but it’s nothing compared to finding out she too is a demon. Coming to terms with who she is, dealing with her attraction to Draco, Missy begins to embrace her new life. Until her fiancé enters the picture and changes her life forever.
Purchase at Decadent Publishing:www.decadentpublishing.com

***Find Shiela here***
Readers can find me on my website at www.shielasbooks.ca
My Blog: That’s What She Said: http://shielassays.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shiela.stewart
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/ShielaSue
LinkIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/shielastewart

Thank you for joining us here today, Shiela! It was a pleasure getting to know you and your work.

Comment to this post by telling Shiela the name of any movie or book involving a Satanic aspect. The prize is an ecopy of Awaken the Demon. Please leave your name and email so if Shiela draws your comment she can contact you about the win.