It's All About Dariel Raye
I am thrilled to have as my esteemed guest a fellow author, unselfish and dedicated author promoter, writer/author reference collector/trainer and animal rights activist and all around dear friend.
The remarkable thing about Dariel Raye is her heart. Her mind is brilliant but her heart is wide and vast, warm and loving. She is willing to do anything for anyone, at any time, if it is at all within her power. In that regard, she is divine. As an author, she is a clever
"So awesome and amazing...a must read!"
~ Jacklynn Sizemore
First, let me begin by welcoming you and putting you on the spot with what I know of your background and some some quotes about your work. Dariel's love for books, as well as her fascination with
animals and all things paranormal, prompted the beginning of her writing
journey at the tender age of eight. The paranormal romance, "Raven's
Shelter," one of five stories in Taming of the Wolf, was her second
publication, and her first with The Wild Rose Press as a result of placing
second in their "Got Wolf" competition - prompted the new "Dark
Sentinels" series. Also a paranormal romance, "Vashti's Star,"
"One of my favorite series by this talented
author" `~ Catrina Barton
A classically trained pianist and vocalist with a degree in piano and vocal
performance, Dariel plays more than 10 instruments, and worked as a band and
choral director. With a master's in counseling psychology, she worked in mental
health therapy, substance abuse counseling, and school/career counseling for
more years than she wishes to reveal. She has presently completed studies for a
Ph.D. with the exception of her dissertation, but a more recent battle with
kidney failure changed her perspective and renewed a focus on her first loves,
writing and music. Dariel is a native Mobilian and minister of music. In
addition to her novels and articles, she has written and directed three
musicals and composed more than 30 scripturally based compositions. She lives with
a variety of pets, where she is working on three paranormal romance series,
composing music, and making plans to record soon.
"Each story has vibrant, memorable
characters, a rich plot, and totally captures the readers." ~ Catrina
Barton
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| Dai’s Dark Valentine by Dariel Raye (@Pendarielraye) Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes and Noble | Kobo |
So, welcome to my table, Dariel. Let's get right to it...What genre do you enjoy writing the most?
Paranormal and Urban Fantasy romance, some contemporary,
but there’s always something dark and dangerous about them.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in
creating your story?
My characters, especially the hero, were very bossy.
About mid-way, they took the story and ran with it. I struggled to keep up.
Readers do not often understand how a story and the characters, that are born out of the well-spring that is our writer minds, can over take the author and we, essentially, report/record on what happens. Perhaps a short introduction to the story will help...
Readers do not often understand how a story and the characters, that are born out of the well-spring that is our writer minds, can over take the author and we, essentially, report/record on what happens. Perhaps a short introduction to the story will help...
What happens when a sheltered cat-shifter and a dark fey
come together?
Three-hundred years is a long time, but left to its own
devices, what began as the vendetta of one man can grow to encompass even more
formidable hatred.
Daitre Salons is a beautiful but naïve heiress whose true
heritage has been kept secret even from her. Now, her abilities are emerging
and her father’s enemies want her dead, but what bothers her most is that her
new husband “in name only” insists on treating her like a child.
Joban Beaucoup, professional guard to the Salons family,
and dark fey (alternate spelling from Vodouin origin), has chosen to leave the
quaint yet suffocating French town of his orphan-childhood and venture to the
Americas, but he needs one thing he cannot concoct, despite his magical
abilities – a wife.
When Joban agrees to marry Daitre and take her to the
Americas with him, he carries her three-thousand miles away, then whisks her
three-hundred years into the future to assure her safety, but while Daitre
struggles to adjust to this strange new world, manage her newfound powers, and
make peace with her feelings for Joban, Joban learns that even here, their
enemies have followed them, now more deadly than ever.
"I freaking LOVED it!" ~ Donna Reynolds
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Edmond Dantes from Alexander Dumas’ “The Count of Monte
Cristo.”
What is your most treasured possession?
What is your most treasured possession?
Referring to inanimate objects, my black baby grand
Baldwin piano.
What is your greatest fear?
Displeasing God by not fulfilling my calling.
What is your greatest regret?
Leaving the perfect job so I could make more money by
accepting an overly stressful, political job.
What is your favorite journey?
Pursuing a dream.
You are a huge animal rights advocate, so...Dogs or Cats? Which do you prefer and why?
You are a huge animal rights advocate, so...Dogs or Cats? Which do you prefer and why?
Love them both, but I’d have to say dogs. They’re more
loyal and protective.
What do you most value in a friend?
Loyalty
What quality do you most admire in a woman/man/spouse?
Genuine support of my dreams.
Besides writing, what other interests do you have?
Animals and animal rights, music, math.
Which are your three favorite books?
Which are your three favorite books?
Hard to limit this to 3, but “The Count of Monte Cristo”
by Alexander Dumas, “My Soul to Keep” by Tananarive Due, and Jacqueline Carey’s
“Kushiel’s Legacy” series.
Where do you get your greatest ideas for writing?
Most of my ideas come from dreams, but lately I’ve also
been inspired by pics and flashes in our Flasher Fridays group.
How do you like to work...Silence/Music/TV for background?
How do you like to work...Silence/Music/TV for background?
Paranormal or fantasy TV series for background – Love
“Supernatural, Merlin, and Grimm, just to mention a few.
How can readers connect with and follow you online?
Face Book: http://www.facebook.com/authordarielraye
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Pendarielraye
Home page:
What are your Top (10?) Writing Tips? Writing Advice?
1. Read as many books in your genre as possible
2. Read books in related genres, i.e., mysteries, thrillers, etc.
3. Figure out what works for you and develop a writing routine – time, location, inspirational aids
4. Eke out time for online presence development and maintenance. You’ll be glad you did this when you release your books Also helps you keep up with new trends in this ever-changing industry.
5. Develop a marketing plan. Don’t just wait until you have a new release. Promote your backlist books, website, newsletter, and anything that will keep your name visible
6. Always continue to develop your craft. Use online resources and classes for continuous education
7. Develop and maintain genuine relationships with other writers and loyal readers. The support is priceless.
8. Always seek the advice of beta readers 9. Indie life has its perks, but balance is best.
9. Submit to online and traditional publishers, too. Once you’ve been published by someone other than yourself, it adds a level of credibility to your writing and your books. 10. Surround yourself with people who encourage and support you, but don’t expect them all to read your books ;-)
2. Read books in related genres, i.e., mysteries, thrillers, etc.
3. Figure out what works for you and develop a writing routine – time, location, inspirational aids
4. Eke out time for online presence development and maintenance. You’ll be glad you did this when you release your books Also helps you keep up with new trends in this ever-changing industry.
5. Develop a marketing plan. Don’t just wait until you have a new release. Promote your backlist books, website, newsletter, and anything that will keep your name visible
6. Always continue to develop your craft. Use online resources and classes for continuous education
7. Develop and maintain genuine relationships with other writers and loyal readers. The support is priceless.
8. Always seek the advice of beta readers 9. Indie life has its perks, but balance is best.
9. Submit to online and traditional publishers, too. Once you’ve been published by someone other than yourself, it adds a level of credibility to your writing and your books. 10. Surround yourself with people who encourage and support you, but don’t expect them all to read your books ;-)
Can you tell us what is coming up next for you?
After “Dai’s Dark Valentine” is released on Valentine’s
Day, I’ll take a week or so off, then continue working on “Dark Sentinels Book
Three: Parrish.” It’s scheduled for release this summer, probably July. I also
have a Christmas book I’m working on this year. It’s the first in a new series
called “Orlosian Warriors.” These warriors are the descendants of Nephilim.
Daitre stepped into the bedroom bath and dashed cold
water on her face to keep from crying, Auriel’s words running through her mind.
The fear of being captured, poked and prodded by her father’s enemies haunted
her.
She hit the light switch, stepping out of the bathroom
with every intention of going straight to her bed for a much needed nap, but as
she passed his make-shift bed, she couldn’t help stopping. Daitre sat,
tentative at first, but the deafening silence in the room urged her on.
She lifted his pillow to her face and rested her cheek
against it, his cinnamon and woods scent prompting her to inhale deeply, eyes
closed. The mere scent of him triggered a reaction in her body, causing her to
stretch, savoring the pleasant tingle zinging straight to her clit and flashing
outward again, a delicious warmth infusing her body - arousal.
She dropped the pillow and jumped up, eyes wide. Joban
stood in the doorway, his expression unreadable until his mouth covered
hers. She knew he’d used his
time-bending ability because she hadn’t seen him move. One moment he watched her
embarrassing display from the doorway, the next he was on her, his huge arms
wrapped around her waist, lips claiming hers.
Her mind raced but her body responded on instinct,
clinging to him, writhing to be free of every and anything separating her from
him. As if he heard her plea, Joban released her long enough to respond in his
usual dictatorial manner.
“Take these off.” He used his eyes to stress his meaning,
stoking her fire with a head to toe gaze, stormy gray depths offering a glimpse
of yet another side of him she longed to explore further.
"It is always a treat to read Dariel Raye's creations.
Dai's Dark Valentine was even more of a treat. I loved Daitre and Joban's
story. There is a family curse, dark revenge, treachery, time-bending,
time-traveling, self-discovery and love. This was a very enchanting read for me
and I look forward to more from Dariel Raye." ~ Deb Thomas
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"Truly impressed with the whimsical, successful way Dariel Raye has a way of captivating an audience and keeping one hooked!" ~ Alma Gonzalez
"If you are looking for the spark of meeting, the adventure of finding out dark secrets, the heat of first times, and a sweet ending, this one is for you!"
~ Natalie Gibson
~ Natalie Gibson
"There was really nothing I didn't like about this book. Five Stars!" ~ L. Vannae
"Brilliant, Sexy, Strong! I welcome this brilliant writer who knows and shows that inside out, people are just people and we are certainly all alike, dealing with very important common issues of pain, good and evil. This is a brilliant cultural transition book hidden in the mode of a light, popular young paranormal genre." ~ Student Writer
Dariel Raye writes powerful IR/MC
(Interracial/Multi-cultural) paranormal romance and dark urban fantasy with
alpha male heroes to die for, and strong heroines with hearts worth winning.
Her stories tell of shifters, vamps, angels, demons, and fey (the Vodouin variety).
release newsletter and
daily newspaper. You
can contact her on Twitter,
Stay with us for the entire launch tour. Click the link
below to join the Facebook party and view the tour calendar!
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Thank you SO much for hosting "Dai's Dark Valentine," Muffy. You are a Godsend. I am grateful to call you friend, and humbled by your continuous encouragement and support. You give "vast heart" new meaning <3 xo
ReplyDeleteOnce again, Congratulations Dariel. I love your short and direct answers to the interview questions. Like you, my greatest fear is in not fulfilling my God-given role.
ReplyDeleteBack to the excerpt, I thought Joban and Daitre were married in name only. Hmm...there seems to be sparks igniting between the sheets. Lovely excerpt.
As promised, Muffy, I stopped by your blog. It looks very sexy in black and pink. Here is mine; http://flirtyandfeistyromance.blogspot.co.uk
Please stop by when you get a chance.