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I’ve been asked several times how much research I do when I write and I have this terrible knee-jerk response each time of saying, “None. I make up worlds.” Groan. That’s so not true. I do research, it’s just that it’s fun and I guess I don’t think of it as tedious or a task.
In Hidden, I poured over castles in Ireland, looking for the perfect setting for Trynd Castle, Aiesa and Xavior’s home where they raised Jade and her sisters. I found Klyemore Abby that depicted the style I’d already imagined in my head. I also had to figure out the type of stone typically used in the castle’s structure. That’s a tiny bit of detail, but it all matters in the description to make the world come to life.
Even though my novel is a paranormal romance, there are details within that I had to research, adding depth to the world building for sensory detail and creditability. If they’re in the human realm and I haven’t been to that location, I have to find out the climate, plant life, and even some of the animals. Regardless if everything was included, it gave me enough information so I could build a picture to create a sense of being there.
The next book in the series I researched blacksmiths, something I knew nothing about. Pouring over pictures of weaponry from medieval times and how they were made was fascinating. Imagining her home led me to scour pictures of canopy beds, chairs, and different designs for the stone archways or doors. I’d end up captivated until I realized just how much time I’d spent on it. And the landscape? I want to travel ten times more now than I already had. Someday, I’m hoping to be able to add traveling into my research. For now, I use the Internet, books, or talk to people I know who have been to places or done things I need to learn about.
So yes, I do research and tend to get a little too involved in some of it at times. It’s definitely worthwhile to add depth and make the story come alive.
About Hidden
Cursed since birth, hunted by gods, and desperate for love—Jade never stood a chance.
Half-demon, half-goddess, Jade’s fate makes her a pawn in an epic battle among the gods. Hidden on Earth with her sisters, she successfully avoids the Oneiroi—the dream gods—bent on her destruction until the prophecy, long dormant, awakens a dark shadow within her.
Roen, a reclusive Worr demon known for his battles against the Oneiroi, is called to protect Jade. Together they must unlock their mysterious connection and find a way to beat back destiny. Can she outsmart the prophecy, change her fate, and find love—even when she learns who is connected to her destruction?
Excerpt
Hades kissed his wife, Persephone, one last time before reluctantly relinquishing her above ground, where her mother impatiently waited.
“Behave while I’m gone, Hades.” Persephone traced a pink-kissed nail along her husband’s dark jawline.
He was loathe to shave too often as the rough stubble against her skin excited her. “Six months is ridiculously long,” he murmured against her lush lips. “Find a way to meet me at the meadow.”
Mischief danced in her eyes as she stepped onto the boat which would ferry her along the River Styx, leading her out of the Underworld. “It’s a date,” she purred, blowing her husband a sultry kiss.
That woman slays me. He watched until she was out of sight. Once his bride was gone, his attention returned to his beloved Underworld and the current state it was in.
Hades leapt onto his chariot. A resounding crack split the air as he commanded his four black horses to lead him past boiling lava pits and stalagmites to the deepest, fiery pits of the abyss—Tartarus.
Creatures scampered out of his way. Fallen angels and demons went about their business—lest they draw his anger—as he thundered past. Tormented screams echoed off cavernous walls and pools of fiery despair. His pulse roared in his veins. He reveled at what he was about to see…
The Fates’ curse had begun.
Reining his steeds to a halt, he dismounted, his black boots crunching on a mixture of bones and jagged pieces of rock. Amidst the prisons, the things of nightmares tortured imprisoned souls.
A laugh rumbled up from his gut and rolled out. He threw back his head then ran his hands through his black hair, freeing it from its tie. Pers wasn’t here right now, due to his brother, Zeus’s, acquiescence to Demeter.
Hades ignored the slow burn in his chest at the thought of his wife being gone for six long months and focused on the game of persecuting his brother instead, for he knew a thing or two about Aiesa’s offspring that Zeus did not.
An ear-splitting scream rent the air, snapping Hades out of his thoughts. New souls.
He knew who sent them. Although he benefitted from so many entering his domain, his brother would not be happy.
What a perfect time to pay Zeus a visit.
About the Author
Amy McKinley is a freelance writer and author. She lives in Illinois with her husband, their four talented teenagers, and three mischievous cats. Her debut novel, Hidden, is the first in the Five Fates Series.
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Love this =) Can´t wait for my chance to read!
Thanks for the giveaway & Happy Friday!
//Linda
Thank you, Linda! I’m so glad you like it and hope you enjoy Jade’s story as much as I did writing it. Happy Friday to you as well and good luck in the drawing 🙂
Good post and excerpt.
Thanks, Catherine 🙂 I appreciate you stopping by and good luck with the giveaway!
Thanks for hosting!
Thank you so much for hosting me Susana! I’m happy to answer any questions and good luck on the drawing!
My pleasure, Amy!
What is your favorite physical attribute about yourself?
Mai, lol… I’m having a hard time with that one right now as I need to exercise! Mirrors are just not my friend 😉 I’d have to go with eyes.
It sounds like a great beautiful world to explore!
Thank you, MB. I love creating their worlds. It’s so much fun to dream them up. Good luck in with the giveaway!
I guess it is a form of world-building!
🙂 Good luck with the drawing, Trix and thank you for stopping by!
Sounds so good. I am glad there is a second book.
Thanks, momjane! There will be five total in this series. I hope you like Jade’s story (Hidden) and Layla’s which is the next one out. I appreciate you stopping by and good luck in the drawing 🙂
Great cover and awesome excerpt – thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thanks, Victoria. I love the cover too 🙂 The artist, Trisha Fitzgerald, did an incredible job. I’m glad you like the excerpt and hope you like Jade’s story as well! Good luck in the drawing.
Loved the excerpt and thanks for the chance to win.
Thanks for the chance to win and for the excerpt. 🙂
Thank you, Sherri! Good luck in the drawing 🙂
Sounds like a great read, thanks for sharing!
Thank you exjdub and Eva! I appreciate you stopping by and hope you enjoy Jade’s story. Good luck on the drawing 🙂
Sounds like a very interesting book. Thanks for the chance to win.
Thanks, Michele! I hope you enjoy Jade’s story and good luck in the drawing 🙂
interesting research
LOL, bn100 🙂 I always think I don’t do any because it’s so much fun writing (well, most of the time–when I’m not pulling the words painfully out). I can get lost in research. I get to go to go on a field trip soon for some and I’m so excited (for the book I’m currently writing) keeping it a secret for now 😉 Good luck in the giveaway!
It’s interesting to hear about your process for researching your book. I always wondered how authors went about doing that. Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Kristin! Well, if I had the funds (I can dream, right?) 🙂 I’d travel to research too — like to Ireland for one of my books. But, the internet is awesome and I have a sister-in-law who has been giving me books lately for research. Loving that 🙂 Good luck in the drawing!
Enjoyed reading your guest post today. I guess this proves why you are the writer and I’m not! Research would bore me to tears. I can feel my eyes glazing over now.
🙂 I definitely get what you mean, Karen. I think when it has to do with a subject that’s interesting at that time, or has always been, then it no longer feels like research. That’s when I get lost.
Sounds like an interesting story, Ann. Good luck and many sales.
Thank you, rcbonitz! Good luck to you in the drawing 🙂