I was asked recently what inspired me to write The Succubus Gift, and by extension the Telepathic Clans series, since the second book, Succubus Unleashed, will soon be published. It’s a rather complicated answer.
I’ve long had a problem with the morality in our country and in Western European history. A patriarchal society with women as chattels absolutely repulses me. It’s very evident that women have the same intelligence as men. Women are senators, astronauts, and leaders of countries (though not in the U.S., which is one of the few countries which has never had a female head of state).
But until recently, women were considered property – either of their fathers or of their husbands. An unmarried woman is looked on with pity, as though she was defective. An assertive, ambitious woman is called a lot of things, but few of them are complimentary.
I think that’s a large part of what drew me initially to urban fantasy books. The genre is full of assertive, strong, kick-ass women who stood on their own and didn’t apologize for being who they are.
Another thing I found in urban fantasy was sexual women. Historically, women in literature are either wives, old maids, or harlots. Sometimes they were sorceresses or queens, but again they fit into the old pigeon holes. Richelle Mead’s Georgina Kincaid breaks that mold, as do some other characters, but it still bothered me that for a woman to be blatantly sexual, she had to be working for the devil.
Men in literature can be studs and leave a trail of broken hearts in their wake, and as long as they eventually settle down, it’s fine. A woman gets raped once and her reputation is besmirched forever.
I’ve been a science fiction and fantasy fan since a teacher gave me one of Andre Norton’s books in 7th grade. I’ve always thought the idea of telepathy was the neatest thing I could imagine. So when I started thinking about what kind of character could be strong, kick-ass, and blatantly sexual while still being one of the good guys, I thought about the idea of a telepath who could drain a man’s life energy, but wasn’t aligned with the devil, and didn’t do him permanent harm.
From there the idea started to grow. I envisioned a matriarchal society, worshipping a Goddess, with Telepathic Gifts where the women are as strong as the men -- a society of equals. And in an equal society, women and men are free to express their sexual identities.
But I didn’t want to write erotica. I wanted fantasy stories like the ones I like to read. The Succubus Gift has been well received and the reviews have been far better than I dared to hope. My beta readers tell me Succubus Unleashed is even better, which is nice to hear. The third book in the series, tentatively titled In Succubus we Trust, is finished and needs editing and revision.
After that, I plan on two paranormal mysteries set in the same world but with mostly different characters. I’ve written the first six chapters of the first of those and hope to have it finished before Christmas.
I also have an idea for a paranormal romance set in a completely different world. That one would be sort of between YA and adult, but suitable for younger readers. The main character is a 19-year-old college sophomore who is a virgin and plans to stay that way. After all, sexual freedom includes the choice to not have sex.
Locations to buy the book:
Thanks for coming on the blog. I think I feel the same way as you do about women in society. I think that is why a lot of women love a kick @ss woman who does not apologize for her sexuality. Plus judging by AimeeKay's review... I think you achieved it! (side note: AimeeKay's review of the second book will appear on the blog at a later date!)
Giveaway!
One winner will receive 2 ebooks (any format):
The Succubus Gift
The history of the Clans, called the Sidhe by the Irish, stretches back to antiquity. The Goddess blesses Her people with 25 Telepathic Gifts. In addition to Telepathy, the Gifts include command over Air and Fire, Telekinesis and Teleportation. In over 2,500 years, She has never bestowed more than 15 Gifts on a single person.
Brenna Morgan was orphaned at eight when her parents were killed in a plane crash. Through one foster home after another, she carried the ornate, carved wooden box her mother had left with her, keeping it always a secret. Then one night she stumbles over a man who claims her as family.
Brenna’s life isn’t the same after she discovers her unusual and mysterious heritage. In addition to being a telepath, Brenna learns she has the Succubus Gift.
That’s just the beginning of her problems. Someone is stalking her. Then there’s the tall, dangerous woman who shadows her and hints a Goddess has linked them. And what is she going to do with a handsome, charismatic, womanizing man she knows she should avoid?
Some days a girl just wants to pull the covers over her head and stay in bed -- with a willing young man of course.
And...
Succubus Unleashed
It's not easy being a succubus.
Brenna O'Donnell and Rebecca Healy continue their integration into the Clan. Learning more about their Gifts and always seeking someone who will love them. After a crash course in learning about her genetic heritage, Brenna O'Donnell has discovered what it really means to be a succubus and has learned to embrace her strange Gift. Her major concern is whether Collin will accept her for what she is. As she adjusts to telepathic society, others in the Clan have plans that will strip the last of her freedom.
The social season is around the corner, including events that Brenna never imagined in her wildest dreams. The succubi, representatives of the Goddess on earth, are at the center of an ancient worship. And if a girl is going to be the center of attention, then obviously she needs a new dress.
Between the romance and glistening balls of the Clan's social events, Brenna and Rebecca discover life is not secure. Telepaths from other Clans are kidnapping young girls and selling them into slavery.
How to enter? Just fill out the rafflecopter form below:
