Q&A with
Author Candace C. Bowen
What is the working title of your next book?
My current work in progress is entitled, Voodoo Fire.
Where did the idea come from for the book?
My maternal grandfather was born in Garyville, Louisiana. I have always found the city of New Orleans and its culture absolutely fascinating. With its above ground cemeteries and multi-cultured history, the story of a séance going wrong at the tomb of the infamous voodoo queen, Marie Laveau, just played out in my head.
What genre does your book fall under?
I would call it classic horror with a romantic element. I don’t think I will ever escape from romance when it comes to my writing. After making a few bad personal life decisions the happily-ever-after element of romance appeals to me very much.
What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
I could definitely see actress Amanda Siegfried in the role of the lead character Willow. Amanda has a wide-eyed innocence that would be perfect for a possessed mid-western college girl. The hero would be somewhat harder for me to cast as I based him on someone special to me. I would have to give that choice a lot of thought.
What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
Queen Marie is back and she’s not happy…
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
Voodoo Fire is currently scheduled for a fall release through Seven Realms Publishing.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
I am currently still working on it. My writing goal is no less than a thousand words a day. I usually surpass this mark, but I like to set a reasonable goal since I have a life outside of writing.
What other books would you compare this to within your genre?
I try to make each of my stories totally unique so I have never read or heard of anything similar.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
I tend to have a moral to all of the stories I write and this one is no different. In the midst of a major life change, I was forced to endure the petty vindictiveness of a few people. Voodoo Fire is a tale of what happens when a person takes a negative path as opposed to a positive one. On a more personal note, it’s also about what can happen when you push a good person too far.
What else about the book might pique the reader’s interest?
I think Voodoo Fire has a little of something for everyone. There’s non-explicit horror, suspense and a hint of romance. Since the romance takes a backseat in the story, I also think it’s the first novel in my catalog that will appeal to both women and men.
If you have any questions for Candace, feel free to contact her. She will respond in the next Q&A post.
