Interview with Lexa Cain & Chance to Win a Copy of YA novel SOUL CUTTER

WINNER OR THE SOUL CUTTER GIVEAWAY IS ALEX CAVANAUGH! CONGRATULATIONS!

Welcome Lexa!  I’m thrilled that you agreed to let me interview you--and congratulations on the publication of your YA horror novel SOUL CUTTER. It sounds like a fantastic read.

First can you tell us what SOUL CUTTER is about and what inspired you to write it?

Soul Cutter is sort of about being a fish out of water, and you can’t get more out of water than being stranded in a desert. My heroine, Élan, goes to Egypt to search for her mother but finds the supernatural, a killer, and an unexpected romance. And a sewer -- which she ends up in. They didn’t include any of that in the travel brochures! The idea for the novel came to me after reading stories about haunted hotels in the US. Procrastination and web-surfing sometimes pay off!

Many people who write stories that are set in Egypt have very little or no direct knowledge of the setting. This is not true in your case.  Can you tell us a little about your personal knowledge of Egypt?

I came to Egypt twenty years ago and worked as a singer/dancer in resorts in every major city. I’ve visited amazing sites like the Valley of the Kings and the pyramids and learned a lot about Egypt and Egyptians. I’ve also met tourists from all over the world. I couldn’t help but notice each nationality has their own quirks, like how they hold their liquor. For instance, the more the Dutch drink, the happier they get -- and they’re very happy a lot of the time. Koreans only like tea and will profusely thank anyone who passes in their vicinity, whether it’s a waiter or not. Egyptians don’t drink (it’s against their religion), but there are some Christian Egyptians who partake occasionally. Being unused to drinking, they end up on their faces so fast you’d think the floor was greased.

What sort of research did you do to prepare to write SOUL CUTTER?

Haha! I have the best research help there is -- I’m married to an Egyptian!

Your website is not only a great source for information on Egyptian wildlife and mythology, but you also have writing tips.  What do you think are the most important keys to writing a successful horror novel?

Writing a horror novel isn’t much different from writing any speculative fiction novel. It’s important to keep the setting and the characters’ reactions realistic and logical. If everything makes sense to the reader, they’ll believe in the story you’re telling. Then when you insert supernatural elements or big plot twists later on, they’re invested enough to accept them. Also, it’s imperative for a writer to get quality feedback, whether from an editor, agent, or CPs. We can get too close to our own work to see it properly and need fresh perspectives from those we trust.

It sounds like there is a romantic element to your novel.  If they could go anywhere in the world, where would each of your main characters take someone on a date?

I think Ramsey (the hero) would like to take Élan (the heroine) on a ski vacation in the mountains of his homeland, Lebanon. Knowing her, she’d be determined to conquer every slope and bravely follow him off ski jumps even if she landed on her face. Knowing him, he’d help her up while trying desperately not to laugh. And who wouldn’t enjoy snuggling in front of the lodge’s fireplace at the end of the day?

Can you tell us a little about your publisher MuseItUp and about where people can order SOUL CUTTER?

I’m so lucky to have published with MuseItUp. Everyone there has been kind, supportive, and  always willing to answer questions. The content and copy editors helped me a lot in making Soul Cutter the best book possible. It’s been such a wonderful experience, and I’d encourage anyone to consider publishing with a small press or e-book publisher -- the personal attention you get is well worth it.

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Soul-Cutter-Lexa-Cain-

MuseItUp Publishing: https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/coming-soon/december-2013/soul-cutter-detail

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/soul-cutter-lexa-cain/1117299045?ean=2940045359245

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/372641

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/soul-cutter

Thank you so much, Lexa. I’m looking forward to reading SOUL CUTTER and so excited that you were willing to stop by and answer a few questions for us.

Leave a comment below and be entered to win a copy of SOUL CUTTER.  The drawing will end next Thursday Dec 19^th.  Every time you share this post on Twitter, Facebook or other media will count as an additional entry. Be sure to mention where you shared and leave your email in your comment.

#

Official Bio:

Lexa Cain can be found lounging beneath a palm tree, sipping mango juice, and gazing at the glorious turquoise waters of the Red Sea… Ha! In reality, she’s glued to her computer, typing away on new projects, including a sequel to Soul Cutter. Once a week, she does manage to pry butt from chair long enough to go out for pizza and to watch delighted tourists ride camels (which are way bigger up close than you’d imagine).

Feel free to stalk her here:

Lexa's Blog

Facebook

Facebook Author Page

Goodread Profile

Goodread Soul Cutter