Today we have Monique O'Connor James over for a visit! Her novel, The Keepers, is a lovely bittersweet story of fallen angels and a grieving young woman. Thanks to Monique and The Bookish Snob Promotions, I was lucky enough to get to read it and ask her a few questions! She is also generously giving away an e-copy of her book to a commenter. :)
When did you decide to write a novel about angels?
As soon as I started writing the story, I knew I wanted the character to be paranormal. I didn’t want a vampire because there were so many other stories about vampires. Ironically, before my mom died 13 years ago she had been writing a story about angels, and so I guess the choice was fate. :)
Why did you make your hero despise humans?
My idea was that angels or at least this one was a little jealous of humans. Angels serve God and Humans have the opportunity to do whatever they please. I wanted Justin to be as flawed as Jess but in a different way, and then I wanted him to meet her and see that his way of thinking wasn’t necessarily correct.
What were the hardest and easiest scenes to write in The Keepers?
The easiest scenes for me to write were the ones where Jess and Justin bicker. People think they were mad at each other, but they weren’t, they just liked to challenge each other’s thoughts because they were so different. The hardest scene was the one where Rory takes Jess back to see her mother in Heaven. For me that was a fantasy that had played out in my mind many times.
Who is your favorite character?
Honestly, I love them all, but there is something about Rory’s honesty and genuine nature that makes me adore him. I hope to give him his own book someday.
Are you writing anything new?
My latest novel, Jamais Vu will be coming out in a couple of weeks!!! I’m working on another project too from a story I wrote a couple of years ago!
Do you plot things out before writing them or make it up as you go along?
Ha! Well, originally I totally flew by the seat of my pants. However, of late, I’ve been at least doing a rough outline of what I’d like to see happen. I find it helps me stay focused and keep the plot in line. I don’t think I’ll ever be a hard-core plotter, though.
Is there any music that inspires you while you write? Or songs that come to mind when you think of a specific character?
The song Breath by Breaking Benjamin reminds me of The Fallen. I listen to a lot of alternative rock and it really fits the mood of the story line. I’d love to know what music or songs readers think fit the story!
Thank you so much for visiting! I really enjoyed reading your book and having you here, I hope you stop by again. :)
Jess denies God. In his infinite wisdom, he’s taken everyone she’s ever loved. Moving to the French Quarter was a ploy to erase the guilt she felt for rebuking her faith. Perhaps, if she hadn’t met Justin, an angel preoccupied with getting back into God’s good graces, and drowning in his hatred for humanity, her plan would have worked. Justin’s general disdain for the human race makes him difficult to like, but some higher power has appointed him her keeper. Justin’s convinced he can mend her broken relationship with her maker, but in the process he learns a thing or two about his own humanity. Never mind falling in love, that’s not supposed to happen. In fact, it may even be forbidden. Jess just wants Justin to understand her plight, and he wants to protect her from a world she doesn’t know. If neither are equipped to save the other, then whose soul will live and whose will perish?
Follow the tour for more interviews, guest posts and giveaways! On the final stop, you can enter to win a signed copy of The Keepers from the author!
The next stop in the tour is tomorrow, Sept. 7th at Paranormal Opinion
Even if you don't win, you can find this book at Amazon and Goodreads. :)
Good luck!
Lieder Madchen
Thank you so much for having me!!!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very interesting book! Count me in!
ReplyDeleteMargaret
singitm@hotmail.com
Great interview :)
ReplyDeleteMorganlafey86(at)aol(dot)com
I maybe a bit late for the giveaway, but I just wanted to say that I am now intrigued about this book! Thanks for the post and interview!
ReplyDeletechibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com