Friday, December 13, 2013

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:


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 19th.  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.

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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:




27 comments:

  1. Happy to see the book is out in the world since I remember the query from WriteOnCon 2012. Good luck, Lisa! I can only imagine that tourists on camels make for great entertainment.

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  2. Thanks for stopping by, Rhiann. WriteOnCon really has helped writers move to the next level.

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  3. Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Pat! I really enjoyed the interview. :-)

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  4. I love how you've really written from what you know--I'm sure in the book but also in your interview. And you share such great details about your story that I'm looking it up right now. Thanks for tantalizing :).

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    1. Lexa really is uniquely qualified to write this story. And you're right, it's tantalizing.

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    2. Thanks, Elm! I love writing about Egypt. The country and history are so unique. :-)

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  5. I haven't gotten to meet Ramsey yet, but by his description of 'trying desperately not to laugh' I'm pretty sure I'm going to love him! And please don't enter me in the drawing, Pat, I've already got my copy. =) Great interview!

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    1. I loved the idea of Ramsey wanting to go on a ski vacation. So unexpected.

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    2. Thank you so much for commenting, Leandra! I think you'll love Ramsey - he's such great hero. :-)

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  6. Great interview! I love the fact that this book has an Egyptian setting. So refreshing in comparison to so many others in the same genre!

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  7. Married to an Egyptian - that's cheating! Just kidding.
    If the story is well grounded, readers will believe the unbelievable.

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    1. Yeah, that takes write what you know to a new level :)

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  8. Congratulations on the release, Lexa!

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  9. Loved your line about having the best research -- an Egyptian husband! It was great learning more about Soul Cutter Lexa! Great interview Pat and Lexa!

    Julie

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  10. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I thought Lexa had some great answers.

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  11. What a fun interview! I always enjoy stopping by Lexa's blog and catching up with her. I had no idea what brought her to Egypt in the first place! Obviously, she takes her research VERY seriously! :) I can't wait to read Soul Cutter- it sounds so good. Wishing Lexa the best of luck!
    ~Jess

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  12. I'm posting this for Denise Covey. She left the comment on Lexa's blog because she was having trouble with "Word Captca" and wanted to enter.


    Hi Lexa. I'm a sucker for authentic settings so yours should be right on. I've always loved reading novels set in Egypt, usually about tomb raiders or romance amongst the Pyramids, probably written by authors who have never visited, but they were still great. :D

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  13. Always enjoy interviews with Lexa! It was interesting to learn how you came to be in Egypt, Lexa. I didn't know you were a singer and dancer! I can only imagine all the fascinating experiences you've had and people you've met.

    Thanks for sharing this, Pat. It's great to meet you!

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  14. Great to meet you as well, Julie. Thank you for stopping by. And the giveaway is until tomorrow, so you're entered.

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  15. Huge congrats Lexa... Can't recommend Soul Cutter enough. Loved it.

    I think Elan would love the ski slopes...:)

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  16. Great tips. There's nothing I hate more than unbelievable characters. Even the best plot cannot make up for them. Can't wait to read your book! Sqee.

    Have a great Christmas everyone. X

    shahwharton.com

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  17. I'm with you about unbelievable characters. That definitely makes me put a book down.

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