Fresh Fiction Blog | Ashlyn Chase | Me and My Characters

Somebody once asked me which of my characters I’d most like to trade places with. In THE VAMPIRE NEXT DOOR the answer is...none of them!

Sly is a vampire whose maker Vorigan Malvant is after him. Morgaine is Sly’s honey who Vorigan kidnaps as bait to lure Sly. Roz and Konrad moved to a private school in Newton, run by werewolves. Merry is pregnant and Jason’s father had another heart attack, taking him away to Minnesota in the dead of winter. Gwyneth is fighting with Morgaine and Nathan is well...Nathan.

Everyone’s favorite character seems to be Chad, the ghost. I love him too, and the idea of being the proverbial fly on the proverbial wall has its appeal, but to be so limited by the lack of a corporeal form would be frustrating. No wonder he’s snarky!

Sly and Morgaine have been friends for years and already know each other’s paranormal secrets, so that bit is out of the way. Morgaine didn’t have to freak out over Sly’s vampirism the way Merry and Roz did when they discovered the men they loved were shapeshifters.

But no two characters were more flawed than Morgaine and Sly when they first considered (and almost rejected) the idea of a relationship. Sly was still grieving the loss of his wife, killed by vampire Vorigan who turned him twenty-six years earlier. Morgaine suffered from phobias as crippling as Sly’s sun sensitivity and blood lust. Both were doing the best they could with what life had dealt them, but each experienced a void.

So take one vampire who can’t go out in the sun, plus one witch with Agoraphobia who can’t go out at all, and by the way, she had Nyctophobia too and was deathly afraid of the dark...and how do you get them together?

It’s waaaay more complex than I can relate in a blog article. Let me just say with a little help from friends and apparitions, they manage to overcome their roadblocks to happiness. I’m happy to say Morgaine doesn’t wind up playing "the damsel in distress" and Sly doesn’t remain damaged and brooding.

In fact, I’m rather proud of the way I tied up each character’s story with some stellar inner growth that leads to a happy ending. And this doesn’t just apply to Sly and Morgaine. I made sure all the residents found happiness.

Now, let me give you a short excerpt of a conversation between Morgaine the witch and Chad the ghost to entice you further.

"Morgaine, why don’t you just tell her how you feel?" Chad, the ghost, said.
Morgaine snorted, continued labeling her dried herbs, and tried to ignore the apparition that was making too much sense. "Oh, get a grave."
"Seriously. I know Gwyneth pretty well, considering we’re roommates. She’ll understand if you just give her a chance."
"You forget I lived with her for a long time before you did. She has to be the belle of every ball. You even called her that, remember?"
"So, what? Are you just going to step back and let her take over?"
"Look, I already got a makeover. What else are you telling me to do? Change my personality?"
"I think you’re being oversensitive."
"About what?" Morgaine realized she had snapped at him, but he should mind his own damn business. Sure, he was probably bored out of his mind, but he could find other ways to amuse himself besides butting into her private life... like insulting people who couldn’t hear him or listening in on the phone-sex line like he used to do.
"About your more extroverted cousin getting the attention you crave but refuse to risk rejection for."
She grabbed her mortar and pestle and another handful of herbs. "Oh, great," she muttered. "Now our spook thinks he has a degree in psychology." She took out some of her aggression and ground the sage forcefully. It didn’t need to be turned into powder as if she wanted to cook with it. Courser herbs would do quite nicely for a spell, and she didn’t plan to cook a turkey for another month.
Unfortunately, she couldn’t think of a way to win the heart of a man with her cute, vivacious cousin around—unless she broke the Witches’ Rede and resorted to manipulation. The rules made it quite clear that forcing the feelings and behavior of others would backfire on a witch big time. And would a night of false passion be worth it?
"I know what you’re thinking."
"No, you don’t."
"Oh, yeah? I’ll bet you believe all men think with their little heads and you’re not attractive enough to turn on a certain vampire."
The air rushed out of Morgaine’s emotional balloon, and she sagged against the counter. "Okay, I guess you do know what I’m thinking."
"So, what are you gonna do about it?"
"What can I do? I can’t turn my cousin into an ugly hag. I can’t make Sly fall madly in love with me. Well, I could do those things, but that would be cheating."
"At the risk of sounding clichéd, all you need to do is be yourself."
"Thanks, Mom."

THE VAMPIRE NEXT DOOR BY ASHLYN CHASE – IN STORES AUGUST 2011

Room for Rent: Normal need not apply

This old Boston brownstone is not known for quiet living... first the shapeshifter meets his nurse, then the werewolf falls for his sassy lawyer, but now the vampire is looking for love with a witch who’s afraid of the dark... and you thought your neighbors had issues!

Undead Sly is content playing vigilante vampire, keeping the neighborhood safe from human criminals, until Morgaine moves in upstairs. Suddenly he finds himself weak with desire, which isn’t a good place for a vampire to be. And Morgaine isn’t exactly without her own issues—will the two of them be able to get past their deepest fears before their chance at "normal" slips away?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Multi-published author Ashlyn Chase specializes in characters who reinvent themselves, having reinvented herself numerous times. She has worked as a psychiatric nurse, for the Red Cross, and has a degree in behavioral sciences. The first two books in the Strange Neighbors series are STRANGE NEIGHBORS and THE WEREWOLF UPSTAIRS, which are both available now! She lives with her true-life hero husband in beautiful New Hampshire. For more information, please visit www.ashlynchase.com

Strange Neighbors

STRANGE NEIGHBORS
6/2010

THE WEREWOLF UPSTAIRS
2/2011

THE VAMPIRE NEXT DOOR
8/2011

Comments

I love the fact that the so called "Misfits" can find love in the story. There is Hope for everyone...I hope!
(Elizabeth Rodriguez 12:11pm August 15, 2011)

Your books sound wonderful! And a happy ending is a must in the books I read. I read to escape my real life....
(MaryAnne Banks 12:18pm August 15, 2011)

wow would love to win this sounds hot :)
(Rachael Kennedy 1:11am August 15, 2011)

I love the banter and the way you describe your characters, they seem
quirky, fun, and a must read. Very unique.
(Carla Carlson 1:28am August 15, 2011)

Sounds like a great book! I don't want to be them, however.
Blessing,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 6:38am August 15, 2011)

I'm intrigued to read this book!! Luv the cover!! Thanks for the awesome
giveaway!!! :-)
(Tonya Fortier 6:41am August 15, 2011)

I think I'd be snarky if I was a ghost too! This series sounds right up my alley and it's going on my TBR list!
(Jessica Badeaux 6:50am August 15, 2011)

I appreciate all the kind words already! Wow! It's only 6:53 a.m. here. LOL
(Ashlyn Chase 6:54am August 15, 2011)

Hi Ashlyn,

you are a new author for me, but the books sound like fun. I love paranormal stories. Can't wait to read them
(Danny Brüggemann 7:02am August 15, 2011)

Strange Neighbors was such a fun read! I'd love to catch up with the characters in this new one. Sounds great!
(Karen Gervasi 8:01am August 15, 2011)

Congrats on your latest releasae, Ashlyn.

I'm thrilled there is a book 3 to this series. And these characters really stuck with me; they are quirky and fun.
(Tracey Dent 8:08am August 15, 2011)

I can't wait to read your series. I have all 3 books now so I just need more time in my days. But I love your other books so I'm sure I'll love these too. Congrats on such an awesome series!!
(Christine Hirth 8:17am August 15, 2011)

Convoluted plots, complex and quirky characters, multiple resolutions--That's
for me!!!! How do you keep so many balls up in the air??
(Sandra Spilecki 8:22am August 15, 2011)

Thanks you, Karen, Tracey, and Christine. Sandra--how do I keep so many balls in the air? LOL. It's the length that dictates how involved the story can become. When learning how to write novellas and short stories, the first thing they'll tell you is to cut the subplots and secondary characters. This long novel allowed for all kinds of fun!
(Ashlyn Chase 8:58am August 15, 2011)

Would love to read this book :) I love Vampire stories.
(Aimee Robison 9:01am August 15, 2011)

I enjoy paranormal romance. Your new book sounds like my cup of tea.
(Pam Scott 9:01am August 15, 2011)

I love characters with odd personalities. Your books sound very interesting. Not the same old story with different names. Would love to read them and winning a book is always a bonus.
(Patti Paonessa 9:29am August 15, 2011)

I have added you to my list of author's to read. This book sounds like a lot of fun. Can't wait to start from the 1st book.
(Beverly Beltz 9:38am August 15, 2011)

I'd love to read "THE VAMPIRE NEXT DOOR". Thanks for the opportunity to win it!
(Jack Davis 9:46am August 15, 2011)

Looks like I have another author on my list,,,these books sound awesome!!!..Thank you!!!
(Leisa Prater 9:50am August 15, 2011)

I would also not want to ever change my life with anybody. The whole part of living in this life is to be you and nobody else. That's what makes us all our own individual self.
(Cheryl English 10:28am August 15, 2011)

Your books sound very interesting and alot of fun...Thanks for sharing!!
(Dawn Staniszeski 10:41am August 15, 2011)

I not only absolutely am in love with the covers of your books, but I am so glad that you came here today to give us a sneak peek of your latest book -- otherwise I wouldn't have had the chance to meet you or be familiar with your books!! You have me absolutely hooked, and I am going to run out today to seek out the first book in the series!! Of course, I DO want to read this book as well, because it sounds absolutely divine!! This is totally out of my genre, because anything that has to do with vampires normally has me running in the other direction!! You add that bit of quirkiness that I admire, and I'm sure I'll enjoy your books immensely!! Congratulations on your latest book!!
(Peggy Roberson 10:51am August 15, 2011)

Sounds like a terrific book. :) Would love to read it.
(May Pau 11:03am August 15, 2011)

Wow! I wish I had checked the comments sooner. The writing was flowing and sometimes you have to ride the wave while you've got it.

I'll have to catch up later. I'm on my way out to see my acupuncturist. Weill check back and answer any questions when I get home later this afternoon.
(Ashlyn Chase 11:30am August 15, 2011)

I am so excited to start this series!!! I just bought the first 2 this weekend and I am SO ready to read them. Winning the 3rd book would make me SO happy!!!
(Stef Garton 12:20pm August 15, 2011)

This trilogy is next on my list. Sounds like it would be a hoot
and as the last trilogy had me in tears half the time, exactly
what I need.
(Lisa Richards 1:34pm August 15, 2011)

I have the first book in this series... have to get the rest! Sounds terrific!
(Colleen Conklin 1:36pm August 15, 2011)

sounds like a great book. i can't wait to read it
(Tammy Ramey 2:54pm August 15, 2011)

I'm back and I feel maaahhhvelous.

Peggy, you'll like Sly. He's not a typical vampire at all. And thanks bunches to all those who have bought the other books in the series!

Big hugs!
(Ashlyn Chase 4:03pm August 15, 2011)

The Vampire Next Door is definitely a must read and I love happy endings.
(Shirley Younger 5:18pm August 15, 2011)

Oh, hugs and smooches Shirley!

I really, really appreciate recommendations.
(Ashlyn Chase 5:49pm August 15, 2011)

These books sound fun and interesting and the covers are cute! I can't wait to read them and hope to win. Keeping my fingers crossed! I'm sure I'll enjoy them. I love books!
(Linda Luinstra 7:10pm August 15, 2011)

Lots of you have commented on the covers. Strange Neighbors won first place in teh Judge A Book by it's Cover Contest!

I adore my covers. They couldn't have done a better job.
(Ashlyn Chase 7:35pm August 15, 2011)

I love your books and i can't wait to read this one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Jennifer Beck 9:39pm August 15, 2011)

Sounds like a very fun read and loveable character!
Good luck and happy writing!
(Tracie Travis 10:15pm August 15, 2011)

LOVE LOVE LOVE Strange Neighbors and Werewolf Upstairs!!! Would love a chance to win The Vampire Next Door but either way it is definitely on my TBR list!!
(Holly Collins 10:17pm August 15, 2011)

i like the colors of the book and would love to read them all
thye look great
(Desiree Reilly 10:21pm August 15, 2011)

This sounds like a fun read! Thanks for the contest!
(Teresa Ward 10:38pm August 15, 2011)

Paranormal beings with issues, who would think it? Sounds fun. Thank you for the contest.
(Lisa Kendall 11:27pm August 15, 2011)

I enjoyed the dialogue in the excerpt and it sounds like a wonderful world to get lost in!!
(Jeanne Sheats 12:26pm August 16, 2011)

I've already read the other 2 and am happy to hear the next book is out! You've got a "cozy" paranormal thing going that's really enjoyable.
(Lisa Elwood 12:51pm August 16, 2011)

I would like to "live" in this neighborhood....where is it?
(Doris Stewart 1:34pm August 16, 2011)

Like the review. Sounds really interest. Great book to loose ones self in.
(Diane Castiglione 2:28pm August 16, 2011)

I read the first two books in this series and enjoyed them.
(Sandy Giden 3:16pm August 16, 2011)

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