GtPGKogPYT4p61R1biicqBXsUzo" /> Google+ PNR Author Shiela Steward: How to Create a Demon with Music + giveaway | I Smell Sheep

Saturday, January 11, 2020

PNR Author Shiela Steward: How to Create a Demon with Music + giveaway

How to Create a Demon with Music

Once and a while a song comes along that just captivates you. It can have a pull on you that is so strong that you can’t get it out of your head. You’ll hum it to yourself, tap the tune on your fingers, and curse it when it won’t stop playing in your mind. Music plays a big part in movies, television and in books. A complete story can be written from one simple line in a song. Or, the tune of a song can play a major part in creating a story.

What would a movie be like without music? Would Grease have been as successful without the music? Take the music out of Footloose and what do you have? A story about a rebel in a small town. Kevin Bacon wouldn’t encourage the kids to rebel against the law that states no rock music. He wouldn’t have the famous scene where he dances his frustrations away in the warehouse. Dirty Dancing is another one. Without the music, it's nothing. Anyone who watches Glee watches it, not just for the story and humor but the music. If that music wasn’t there it would be…well less entertaining. Even non-musicals have killer music. Iron Man the movie has an Ozzy Osborne song, Iron Man in it. I could go on forever, but you get the point. Music plays a big part in our lives.

Music has a big part in my creative process. I can’t have silence when I’m writing. I need music and mostly rocking dance style music. It has to have a good pumping beat to get me in the mood. That being said there was one book, or series rather, where music helped with the creation of my demons. I went through all of my music looking for something to listen to while I wrote Awaken the Demon and nothing really caught my attention. I played a few and ended up giving up. During a shopping trip, I decided to pop into the music area and as I glanced through the Dance section, an album caught my eye. I picked it up and began reading the titles. None of the songs jumped out at me as being familiar yet something pulled at me to buy it. I took it home, popped it in the CD player(The original story was written before on-line music) and sat down to write. From the very moment the music started, I was enthralled. And my characters came to life. That album is M.C. Mario Mixdown 2002.

One particular song popped and before I knew it, the song became the Heroes them. O Fortuna By Nick Skitz. The origins of the song comes from a medieval Latin Golairdic poem written in the thirteenth century and is part of the collection known as the Carmina Burana. It is a complaint about Fate, and Fortuna, a Goddess in Roman Mythology and a personification of luck. The poem was used in 1935/36 by German composer Carl Orff and set to music. Orff’s music became immensely popular and can be heard in several movies and television commercials and has become a staple in popular culture, setting the mood for dramatic or cataclysmic situations. Nick Spitz has taken this classic and blended it with a dance theme which has become very popular in the clubs across the world. Of course, when I first picked out the album and listened to it for the first time I had no idea of its origins. But because of how captivating it was for me, I felt compelled to research the song. The things we learn. J

M.C. Mario’s Mixdown 2002 has become a staple for me when sitting to create the demon series. I listened to it while writing all three books, Awaken the Demon, Offer the Demon and Conquer the Demon. It fuelled my creativity and even now, whenever I hear the music on the radio or on any digital music channel I instantly think of my Demon series.


Awaken the Demon (The Demon Series Book 1)
by Shiela Stewart
May 18, 2011
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Decadent Publishing Company, LLC
Abused for years by a sadistic fiancé, Missy Green has finally had enough. Running away is her only recourse. Wanting a new life, she takes refuge with a group known as the Stargazers. Taken in by the illustrious Draco Starr, Missy is elated to finally find peace. Yet, something doesn’t seem right about her host.

Born in the pits of hell, Draco Starr was once a fearsome Demon. For centuries, he collected souls for Satan. Having done his time, Draco sets out to start a new life. Even with more wealth and prestige than anyone could ever want, something is missing in his life.

Love.

Missy is about to have her world turned upside down. Discovering Draco is a demon is terrifying enough, but finding out she too is a demon is more than she can handle.

Can Missy deal with her new life, and the affection she is beginning to feel for Draco, or will her past come back to haunt her?


Awaken the Demon
Excerpt
What was so great about being a demon? Sure, she could have anything she wanted, but so what? She didn’t want to be an animal like Draco.

Downing the contents of the glass, she coughed and gasped for air as her body shook. That was the most disgusting liquid she’d ever tasted.

She envisioned her room filled with balloons in various shapes and sizes, hoping it would cheer her up. It didn’t. Missy felt miserable. Instead of admiring them, enjoying them, she decided to pop them, one by one, with only a thought.

Here’s to life.

Pop!

Here’s to having powers.

Pop!

Here’s to wishing a lifetime of pain and misery on Ronald and Draco.

Pop, pop, pop, pop!

“Amusing yourself, I see.” Draco appeared before her, startling her.

She caught her breath and replied calmly. “I’ve pictured your face on every one of them— no—that’s not true. That one is Ronald.” Lifting a finger, she popped the deep green balloon. She still felt miserable.

“Very amusing.” He pushed through the many balloons to get to her.

“I think so.” Pop, another one down. “So, Draco, to what do I owe the discomfort of your visit this time?” Pop, another one down.

“Aren’t we in a foul mood?”

“I am. I don’t know about you. Why are you here?” In the blink of an eye, all of the balloons disappeared. “Party pooper.”

“I wanted to ask you a few questions.”

She turned her head to face him and the room began to swim before her. “Questions, always questions with you. Let me ask you one for a change. Why are you looking for a mate?”

“To share my life with, of course.”

“Why me?” Now her vision was beginning to blur. Was this what being drunk was like? She’d never been before.

He blinked several times before responding. “You’re the only one of your kind.”

“And that’s it? You want me because I’m rare?”

“I did. Before I knew you. Where is this going, Missy?”

“I’m just curious if love played any part in this search for a mate. See, when I accepted Ronald’s proposal, I believed I was in love. I figured we would have a long, happy life together, have a few children, grow old and die together.” She looked over at Draco. “Well, that didn’t exactly work out, so I was just curious what your idea of happily-ever-after is?”

“I’ve never really given it any thought.”

“Well, I would think that would be something to think about when choosing a mate. However, I really don’t know what you feel, being a direct descendent of Satan and all. Can you feel?” she slurred.

“How did you find that out?”

“I have my ways,” she responded slyly. “Can you?”

“I didn’t come here to be grilled by you.”

“I wasn’t grilling you. I was just asking questions. What’s the matter, Draco? You don’t like being questioned?”

He got to his feet. “I think I’ll come back when you’re in a better mood.”

“Oh, don't go. I’m in a perfectly fine mood now, Draco.” She swaggered toward him.

“You’re drunk.”

“Yep, yep I am. Why is it I get the strangest urge to rip those clothes from your body and see what's hidden beneath all that black?” She ran a finger along his lapel. “Yet at the same time, I want to vomit at your feet.”

“What sort of response were you expecting from that question? Or was it a rhetorical one?”

“Yeah, the last one,” she slurred.

“This is all new to you. It will take time for you to adjust.”

“Oh, I’ve grasped it all. I’m now a demon who craves flesh and blood and my future is filled with uncertainty, but one thing remains.” The tears came up and flooded her eyes despite her fight to withhold them. “I can never go home again.”

“Missy.”

“No.” She waved him off. “Leave me be. I need some time alone.”

“You keep pushing me away, yet it’s me you need.”

“I don’t need you.” She stepped away and was shocked when he yanked her back toward him. Before she knew it, his mouth was covering hers. She felt the heat scorch her from the middle of her belly and down. Something inside of her beckoned her to surrender.

“I have never wanted a woman’s lips before.” He ran his thumb over her lips. “Yours tempt me beyond reason.” With that said, he vanished.

She slumped to the floor, her eyes flooded with tears.

Now why did he have to do that?

Offer the Demon (The Demon Series Book 2)
by Shiela Steward
December 27, 2011

Twenty-one years ago a bargain was made for her existence. Twenty-one years ago was the beginning of the end.

Born to serve Satan, Aurora Starr wishes she could lead a normal life. Being a demon, that’s not so easy to do. By night she takes the lives of those Satan chooses. Despite her hatred for her job, she knows she must continue, but all she wants is to live like a normal human.

Enter Scott Monroe.

Tall, blond, and gorgeous, he is more than Aurora can resist. Although mating with a human is taboo, Aurora throws caution to the wind and begins seeing Scott. But when Satan makes her choose between her family or the man she loves, Aurora has had enough.
Will love win in the end, or will Satan damn them all?


Conquer the Demon (The Demon Series Book 3) 
by Shiela Steward
November 24, 2017
Bad boy rock star, Mick Monroe has never had to work for anything. One of the benefits of Satan giving him a phenomenal singing voice. So when he has a chance encounter with a sexy female officer, Mick is determined to make her his. She, on the other hand, refuses to give in.

Rookie Office, Laci Harris is a single mother with a strong determination to do it all herself. Being scorned by an ex-lover, the father of her son, she’s very jaded when dealing with men. Especially bossy, arrogant men. Despite being a fan of Mick Monroe’s band, she refuses to give in to his advances. Even if he is incredible with her son.

Mick never thought he would fall in love, not just with Laci, but her adorable son as well. But how was he going to explain to them that he’s part demon? When he learns of Satan’s plan to gather souls, using his music, he refuses to give in. But Satan doesn’t take no for an answer and threatens his loved ones. Torn between saving the world and saving his family, Mick puts a plan in motion.

Even if it costs him his life.

About the Author:
Shiela Stewart is a paranormal suspense author with a writing history that stems back to her youth. Always a dreamer, wondering if her stories would ever reach an audience, she was finally published in 2006 and hasn't stopped since. It is rare to find a stand-alone book as she prefers series stories. Her longest running series to date is her Darkness series which is a vampire romance.

Her joy for scary suspense is evident in each of her books. She has had several accomplishments including fighting for the top spot in rankings with author Stephany Myers, receiving glowing reviews as well as interviews on television.

When not writing, Shiela spends her time with the love of her life, William, and their children and grandchildren. She enjoys getting her hands dirty, working in her gardens and planting flowers. Her strong affection for animals is evident in the many cats, fish and birds she cares for.

Her favorite time of day is at sunset. 

GIVEAWAY
Choice of any two of my published books plus a $25 Amazon gift card 

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15 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you Nancy. Love the name. It happens to be one of my sisters name. :)

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  2. Conquer the Demon is my favorite cover.

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    Replies
    1. It's my favorite too. What is it about the cover you like?

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    2. I really like the moon in the background. He's abs don't hurt either ;).

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  3. This book sounds really good. I have played a musical instrument and love to listen to music.
    Am anxious to see how the author weaves music into her story.
    jwisley(at)aol(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. The music isn't actually in the book. It's the song I listened to as I was writing it. What instrument did play?

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  4. Thank you for having me. Just one thing. My last name is spelled wrong. It's Stewart. ;)

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  5. Conquer the Demon is my favorite because I like the colors.

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  6. Well, going from a sadistic fiance to a demon just sounds like bad to worse.

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  7. Great covers. Wow, the books sound interesting.

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  8. I totally understand, I can't even imagine my life without music. I can say that I manage to find many great playlists on YouTube that help me relax, focus, study, and all. I download them with Tubidy, and I believe that I can listen to such mixes all day long. And I believe that I get a productivity boost every time I listen to something energizing, so the music has a great positive effect on me.

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