Nadene: Today I am hosting Dariel Raye on Totally Addicted to Reading. Dariel, tell us a bit about yourself, and what you like to do when you aren’t writing?
Dariel: I love animals, especially dogs, cats, and horses, so I’m an active voice for their rights. I also enjoy playing with them and caring for them. I’m a Counseling Psychologist and classically trained musician, and I tutor Algebra and Statistics. You can catch up with Dariel at http://www.pendarielraye.blogspot.com/
Nadene: Please tell us about your new book and how you came up with the title?
Dariel: “Calm Assurance” is
the first book in my “Orlosian Warriors” series. The series is about the
descendants of Nephilim, a race of vampire-like warriors who look like angels.
Book two, “Destiny’s Favor,” will be released in February 2016. The title,
“Calm Assurance,” originated with the original flash fiction piece. The hero,
Asriel, carries himself with unusual calm and grace (that is until someone
makes him angry – then all hell breaks loose).
the first book in my “Orlosian Warriors” series. The series is about the
descendants of Nephilim, a race of vampire-like warriors who look like angels.
Book two, “Destiny’s Favor,” will be released in February 2016. The title,
“Calm Assurance,” originated with the original flash fiction piece. The hero,
Asriel, carries himself with unusual calm and grace (that is until someone
makes him angry – then all hell breaks loose).
Excerpt from Calm Assurance
Present Day
Asriel stood on the platform and lifted his wings for takeoff as the rest of his team passed through the Orlos/Earth dimensional wall. He waited, watching Uziel’s approach, his clasped hands evidence of bad news. So…the rumors must be true.
“Apologies, brother, but as one of our most trusted warriors, you have been reassigned.” He handed Asriel the etched stone.
“So let me get this straight.” Asriel wasted no time inspecting the stone before rounding on Uziel. Untempered fury fired his next words. “Because you have failed, my trustworthiness as a warrior is being rewarded by me being made to suffer the consequences of your ineptitude?”
“There was no failure on my part! He would not listen, and you know their ways even better than I. You know everything about them. They are…difficult.” Uziel bowed his head, sorrow evident in his voice.
Asriel sighed, took a step toward his friend, and folded his arms across his chest. “You are right about one thing. I do know their ways, and I anticipate their actions accordingly. Humans never listen. This ‘charge,’ as you call him, needs constant supervision, and I have not been called to guard one of them in a very long time. You are the guard, not I. Warriors do not guard. We kill. I will not be remanded to that wretched place again. The last time I remained there more than seven days, I—”
“We all know what happened the last time, Asriel. How could we forget? That particular event caused a panic among the humans as well as the elders, and you were nearly cast down because of it.
Nadene: Have you written any other books that we should read next?
Dariel: As I mentioned above, book
two in the series will be released in February.
two in the series will be released in February.
Meanwhile, if you enjoy
shifter romances, I suggest that you read my “Dark Sentinels” series. There are
three books in the series so far: “Dark Sentinels Book One: Sable,” “Dark
Sentinels Book Two: Torin,” and the “Dark Sentinels Prequel.” Book three will
be released in 2016.
shifter romances, I suggest that you read my “Dark Sentinels” series. There are
three books in the series so far: “Dark Sentinels Book One: Sable,” “Dark
Sentinels Book Two: Torin,” and the “Dark Sentinels Prequel.” Book three will
be released in 2016.
Nadene: What are your current projects?
Dariel: My
next release will be book two in the “Orlosian Warriors” series. In addition to
that, I’m working on several more series right now, one of which is “Dark
Sentinels.” Other series include “Lifegivers” (book one is in the “Mystical
Magical Love” boxed-set), and the “Gateway” trilogy (book one is in the
“Santa’s Naughty List” boxed-set).
next release will be book two in the “Orlosian Warriors” series. In addition to
that, I’m working on several more series right now, one of which is “Dark
Sentinels.” Other series include “Lifegivers” (book one is in the “Mystical
Magical Love” boxed-set), and the “Gateway” trilogy (book one is in the
“Santa’s Naughty List” boxed-set).
Nadene: When and why did you begin writing?
Dariel: I’ve been an avid reader my entire life. I started writing stories as a child and decided to write professionally following a divorce (the first time I actually had the opportunity to focus on starting and completing a story).
Nadene: How easily do new storylines come to you?
Dariel: New storylines present themselves to me in dreams for the most part, so they come easily. What does NOT come easily is time to write them J
Nadene: Did you learn anything from writing your book?
Dariel: I learned so many things I can’t possibly list them all, but more than anything, I realized how much work and time go into completing one manuscript and getting it published.
Nadene: What kind of readers are you appealing to?
Dariel: Readers who enjoy paranormal, interracial romance between a man and woman born to be together. My stories combine hot romance, suspense, and action with the supernatural.
Nadene: Do you have any advice for new and prospective writers?
Dariel: Read everything you can get your hands on in terms of writing as a profession, and as many books as you can in the genre or sub-genre you plan to publish. Also, support other indie authors. Despite stereotypes, writing is no longer a “lone-wolf” profession. Support groups are life-lines.
Nadene's addiction to reading began at an early age, when a family friend gifted her a copy of Wuthering Heights. From that moment she was never without a book.She will read anything as long the material is compelling enough to hold her attention. She gained many experiences through the pages of the books she had the opportunity to read.She created this blog to share her love of books with like minded individuals hopes that in sharing reviews of the books read visitors to the blog will discover their next addictive read. When not reading, Nadene enjoys cooking, listening to music and watching television.
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Thank you for hosting me, Nadene 🙂 Your support means a great deal to me. Hope your 2016 has started off wi great promise!
You are welcome, Dariel. Thank you for the privilege of hosting you.