Urban fantasy author Lisa Shearin discusses her latest book with Features Editor
Pasha Carlisle in another Fresh
Interview!
Pasha: Welcome, Lisa! Thanks for joining us today. Your urban
fantasy series is centered around the Supernatural Protection &
Investigations agency, also known as SPI. The debut novel in the series, THE GRENDEL
AFFAIR, was described as Men In Black meets Janet Evanovich. What
fantastical thrills can we expect in the second installment of the series, THE DRAGON
CONSPIRACY?
Lisa: Seven cursed diamonds—collectively known as the Dragon
Eggs—are stolen from a gala opening night exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of
Art by three harpies that, moments before the robbery, were just another statue
in the exhibit. In the hands of the right gem mage, the diamonds have the power
to “cure” the supernaturals of the tristate area—but for many older vampires and
werewolves, that means turning into dust. Mac and her fellow agents have only 24
hours to find the diamonds and prevent a massacre and save New York’s
supernatural community.
Pasha: This series takes place in a magic-infested Manhattan,
giving it a distinct flair of urban fantasy. What first attracted you to writing
this genre?
Lisa: I’ve always loved the idea of mages, magic, and
fantastical creatures existing alongside the world we know and live in. There’s
just so much potential for fun and adventure-filled stories.
Pasha: We love the concept of SPI. What were some of your
inspirations while creating this agency?
Lisa: I mainly read paranormal thrillers or thrillers with an
unknown element that could be supernatural. I absolutely adore James Rollins,
David Golemon, Greig Beck, and Jeremy Robinson. And I’m a huge fan of Douglas
Preston and Lincoln Child’s Agent Pendergast series. And I love the idea of a
secret organization that knows that supernatural beings exist, and their job is
to protect us from them—and them from us.
Pasha: When you aren’t writing about cursed Dragon Eggs and the
battle for supernatural safety, what do you enjoy doing?
Lisa: I’ll be writing three books this year: THE BRIMSTONE DECEPTION
(SPI Files #3), a new Raine Benares novel (Raine & Mychael’s
wedding is in this one—and the expected chaos that will go along with it), and
the first book in a Tamnais Nathrach series. This will be the first time I’ve
written from a male POV. So . . . it’s not like I have a lot—or really any—free
time. Thankfully, I love what I do. Being a writer is the best job in the world.
Period. That being said, my husband Derek and I do enjoy antiquing. He’s into
mid-century modern, and I collect (and use) vintage fountain pens, tea pots, and
tea cups/saucers. And as a writer, I’m also a stay-at-home mom to three retired
racing greyhounds ranging in age from 3 to 13. That keeps me more than busy.
Pasha: Thank you for joining us today, and we look forward to
reading the new stories you have in store for us! We have one last question.
Fresh Fiction Readers want to know: What’s on your to-read list?
Lisa: James Rollins has the third book in his Order of the
Sanguines series, Blood Infernal, coming out. And David Golemon has the
latest Event Group thriller, The Mountain, in August. But right now, in
preparation for writing new books in my Raine Benares series, I’m re-reading all
six of my Raine books. Since I haven’t read any of them since I wrote them, I’m
able to enjoy them from a fresh viewpoint.
I’m also starting a monthly newsletter to keep readers up-to-date with
publication dates, writing progress, contests, and more. Anyone who would like
to be added to the distribution list, just send me an email at
[email protected] with your name and email address, and I’ll sign you up.
Thanks again to Lisa for being our guest! Readers, dare to investigate
beyond the natural: Buy your copy of THE DRAGON
CONSPIRACY today!
About THE DRAGON CONSPIRACY
We’re Supernatural Protection & Investigations, known as SPI. We battle
the real monsters of myth and legend, but this Halloween, we’re searching for
diamonds.
A gala opening at the Metropolitan Museum of Art has attracted the upper crust
of Manhattan—and thieves. A trio of vile harpies attacks the crowd and steals
the stars of the exhibition: a colorful cluster of seven cursed diamonds known
as the Dragon Eggs.
In the right mage’s hands, each stone can pack a magical wallop. Together they
have the power to “cure” the supernaturals of the tristate area—but for many of
those vampires and werewolves, that means turning into dust.
I’m Makenna Fraser, a seer for SPI. With the help of my partner, Ian, and the
other agents, I have twenty-four hours to prevent total global panic, find the
diamonds, and save the supernatural community. No biggie...
2 comments posted.
I just recently read the short story in NIGHT SHIFT and have added a couple of your other books in my TBR pile as a result.
(Debbie Wiley 12:55pm February 7, 2015)