Meet urban fantasy author Melissa Sercia! With the first three books in her Blood & Darkness series out (and FREE this week on Kindle in a Box Set! See the bottom of this interview for the link), and a spinoff series in the works, Melissa is on the rise in the world of urban fantasy!
Hello
readers! I’m Melissa Sercia, an Urban Fantasy author with City Owl Press. I
wrote the Blood and Darkness series, which consists of three adventure filled
books in a world full of darkness, magic, and bloodlust. My main character,
Gray, is on a quest for revenge and redemption as she battles demons,
ex-lovers, and even her own family. While trying to save the world, she just
might save her self in the process.
 |
| Cover of Blood and Magic, Book 1 in the Blood and Darkness series |
I
currently write Urban Fantasy, but I’d love to explore other sub-genres of
fantasy in the future. I also have ideas and outlines for stories in the Sci-fi
and Steampunk genres. One of my favorite things about fantasy is the limitless
and endless possibilities.
3. What attracted you to City Owl Press and what has your experience been like working with City Owl Press?
I
was attracted to City Owl Press firstly because of the titles they published.
The covers and blurbs of their books were similar to what I had written and I
felt that they would be the perfect fit for me and Blood and Darkness. After
corresponding with them in the query process, I really got excited about all
the great things they were doing and just how warm and welcoming they were. When
I got the email on Christmas night, offering me publication, I was ecstatic!
City Owl Press was my first choice and I am still so excited that I get to be a
part of their team!
The
entire process of working with City Owl Press has been like a dream. I couldn’t
have asked for a more supportive and encouraging publishing team. Through each
step of editing, cover selection, marketing, and post launch support, they have
been amazing. I’m so happy and proud to have my series published by City Owl
Press.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
I
envision myself in five years with many more books/series under my belt. I love
to write and have hundreds of story ideas. I hope to attract new readers with
each one. It’s all about the storytelling for me. If I can transport readers
into fantastic and magical worlds, then I am happy. Writing is like breathing
for me. I hope to continue doing it forever.
5. Tell our readers why they should pick up your book.
Blood
and Darkness is a haunting and twisted tale that will keep you on the edge of
your seat. It is a fast paced adventure series that takes old vampire tropes
and makes them new again. With a fresh spin on magic, and an origin story
rooted in Greek mythology, the entire Blood and Darkness series will challenge
everything you’ve ever thought about witchcraft and bloodlust.
6. Who/what were and are our inspirations?
My
biggest writing inspiration growing up was Anne Rice. Her books awakened the
darker parts of my imagination and instilled in me a love for the supernatural.
I’ve also been inspired by Stephen King, V.C. Andrews, Dan Brown, and Charles
de Lint. There are many film and television shows that have inspired me as
well. From Resident Evil to Underworld, to The Vampire Diaries, and The
Originals. The genres and stories told within each one are so inspiring and for
me, these stories never get old.
7. What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
My
best advice I can give to aspiring authors is to never give up. It sounds
cliché but it’s true. The more you write, the better a writer you will become.
The more you read, the more understanding you will have for story structure and
plot. When I first started this journey, I read every writing article and blog
post I could get my hands on. I read other books in my genre. I joined writer’s
groups on social media, found free writing workshops, and just studied every
aspect of the craft. And it’s important to reiterate that every writer’s path
is different. What works for me, may not work for you. If you practice your
craft and persist with determination and passion, you will find your voice and
you will find readers who will resonate with it.
THIS WEEK ONLY, BLOOD AND DARKNESS BOX SET IS FREE ON AMAZON!
March 26 - 29
From urban fantasy author, Melissa Sercia, comes the Blood and
Darkness Box Set. The collection contains books 1 – 3 and a sneak peek
of the spinoff series, including Blood and Magic, Flesh and Bone, and
Gods and Demons. Join Gray and enter the paranormal Underworld!
