Guest Post and Giveaway: Stephanie Julian

Please join me in welcoming Stephanie Julian to Debbie's Book Bag today. Stephanie is here celebrating the release of her latest novel, How to Worship a Goddess. The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Stephanie's book, see details at the end of the post.

Plot or character? Which comes first?

For me, it’s almost always character.

I’m much more of a pantser than a plotter when it comes to writing. I do write a bare-bones synopsis (because I have to in order to sell on proposal) but only after I get the first scene written. When I get a new idea for a book, I usually see that scene in my head. Sometimes it’s the hero and heroine. Sometimes it’s more of a snapshot, a single picture that shows me something about the character.

After I have that starting point, then I start to put together the characters. Part of my routine includes writing character sketches, getting to know the distinct people who will be in my book. Because so much of the plot is dictated by their reactions to what happens to them, I need to know the characters inside and out.

When I started the Forgotten Goddesses series with WHAT A GODDESS WANTS, I had two very distinct characters in mind. I knew Tessa, aka Thesan, Etruscan Goddess of the Dawn, is a bright, sunny sweetheart. Everyone who meets her, loves her. She’s not only the Goddess of the Dawn but she’s also a goddess of childbirth. Laboring mothers called on her to ease their suffering. I also knew her hero, Caligo, was her complete opposite…dark, brooding and sarcastic. Of course, they were made for each other.

For the second book, HOW TO WORSHIP A GODDESS, I chose to tell Lucy’s story. Lucy is the opposite side of Tessa’s coin. She’s the Goddess of the Moon, cool and mysterious with a dark side that draws men like flies. But, like her sister goddesses, she's become obsolete. The deities have fewer worshippers every year and their power has been waning for centuries.

Lucy needs a man strong enough to stand up to her personality and one who can stand by her side when demons sent by Charun, the God of the Underworld target the Forgotten Goddesses for their remaining powers. Hockey player Brandon is the perfect match for her. He’s strong, grounded, sexy as hell and not afraid to throw down in a fight.

When these characters come together, it’s their characters that decide where the plot goes. I’m just happy to follow along.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of How to Worship a Goddess by Stephanie Julian.

~ You must be a GFC of E-mail follower to participate.
~ US and Canadian addresses only (Publisher Request) 
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST December 30th.

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