Today’s Author Spotlight Interview is with new adult paranormal fantasy author CC Solomon. In her other life, CC works in Equal Employment and Civil Rights for the Federal Government. Before becoming a public servant, CC briefly practiced law after graduating from the University of Maryland School of Law. We were honored to chat with CC about her novels and how she is bringing more of a multicultural voice to the world of fantasy.

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HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet?

CC: I’m a writer who loves action and romance so whatever I do it’ll have both those elements of that. I’m a huge fan of horror, anime and super hero movies so you’ll see elements of that in my writing.

HG: That’s awesome. How exciting! I understand you’ve been actively writing fiction since you were 11, what did your road to becoming a published author look like?

CC: It was off and on. I wrote as a kid but mostly for me. Then I paused for a long time as I went through college then law school and working. Then I picked it up and again and tried to go through the traditional publishing route but that is a tricky and lengthy process. Then about six years ago I decided to go indie. That is a learning process on its own!

HG: That’s inspiring and I appreciate that you mention it’s not a clear cut path! Where do you find inspiration for your characters and stories?

CC: Anime, I love the unique perspectives in the storylines and characters. I also love team interactions so some of my favorite movies are superhero movies or ones with ensemble casts. The dialogue and flow is always fun. I also get inspired by reality and am a huge day dreamer. Something mundane can become a whole world in my mind.

HG: I love that! Let’s talk a little bit about The Paranormal World series which includes Mystic Bonds, Mystic Journeys, Mystic Realms, Mystic Awakenings and Mystic Memories. The covers are phenomenal – as an indie author, how involved are you in the design or vision for your covers?

CC: I’m very involved. I work with the same design company and have to fill out a pretty detailed form and provide color ideas, design elements, photos, the type of audience… They are usually spot on in the first draft. It’s kind of fun! And I have my sister and best friend look it over from their artist eyes.

HG: That’s fantastic! I imagine it’s super exciting to get those first drafts and see the vision come to life. Now what is your actual writing process like? Do you have a dedicated writing space?  Listen to music while you’re writing? A pet snuggled up at your feet?

CC: All of that! I have a schedule that I try to stick to and get a certain amount of pages done per week. I write mostly on my bed. Sometimes I write in silence but when I’m writing a love scene or fight scene I need appropriate music to get me in the head space. And my cat is usually at my feet because she’s pretty much my shadow, lol.

HG: Hah! I have a dog sitting on my lap as I type right now, so I totally get it. That makes total sense about music getting you in the right headspace.

What can you tell us about your newest project, Eternal Bite, which releases on October 20th?

CC: Well it’s a vampire anthology that I’m doing with eight other amazing authors. If a reader loves vampires this will have something for everyone. Action, romance, mystery. If you like YA and academy books, it’s in there. Into more new adult? Got it. I’m really excited. My story is more YA/new adult and it’s in the same universe as my Paranormal World Series, only in a new location with all new characters. It’s also more paranormal romance than just urban fantasy.

Oh, and I forgot to add that there is a strong element of diversity and inclusion in the anthology. We have writers of all backgrounds and you’ll see it in the collection which as a civil rights practitioner (my day job) I’m very proud of.

HG: That’s fantastic. Truly something to celebrate. It sounds like the perfect escape. And each book is a full-length novel? Wow!

CC: Yes, each one is full length! Thanks!

HG: CC, thanks so much for taking the time to sit down and chat with us today! For readers that want to find out more about your stories and future projects, where should they go to connect or learn more?

CC: Well they can go to two places. My website, and if they click on the picture of Mystic Bonds, my first novel, they can subscribe to my newsletter and get a free copy of that book (which is being re-released this fall with revisions and new scenes). They can also check out my blog and also subscribe for a free copy of Mystic Bonds. I usually include inside information about my characters, snippets, contests and sales in my monthly newsletter.

HG: That’s great! We can’t wait for more readers to get to know you and your writing.

CC: Thanks so much for interviewing me. I really appreciate it. Be safe out there!

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If you want to read more from CC Solomon, go and check out the links sprinkled throughout the interview! The pre-order price for Eternal Bite: A Limited Edition Collection of Vampire Stories is only 0.99 and includes brand-new full-length novels from Avery Song, Stasia Black, A.S. Green, Brittni Chenelle, CC Solomon, Stella Williams, Charlee Garden, Kat Stiles and Heather MacKinnon so please go and order your copy today. And if you want free copies of the latest books from a diverse group of authors that write in over 15 different genres, sign up to Hidden Gems today.

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