Author Interview with Kelly Hashway, author of TOUCH OF DEATH

By: Meradeth Houston on 7:00 AM

I'm so happy to bring you Kelly Hashway today, and her awesome books! (Honestly, isn't this cover fabulous?!) First, a little bit about TOUCH OF DEATH:

Jodi Marshall isn’t sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she’s in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she’s being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.

After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he’s not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she’s part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendents of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.

Jodi’s deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn’t difficult enough, Jodi discovers she’s the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can’t figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct. (from Goodreads)

(Q) Thanks for stopping by my blog! Let’s start with the basics: where are you from? Is there any place online you’d like to direct us to learn more about you?

I’m originally from northern New Jersey, but I’ve been living in northeastern Pennsylvania since 2001.

I blog every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at http://kellyhashway.blogspot.com and you can find me on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/kellyhashway

(Q) I always love hearing about how the idea for a particular book came about. Please fill us in on how you got the idea for Touch of Death.

I was researching for another book at the time, and I came across a lesser-known myth about Medusa and the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. According to the myth, Ophiuchus was given two vials of the Gorgon Medusa’s blood and he used the blood from the right side of her body to bring the dead back to life. It made me wonder what would have happened if he also used the vial of blood from the left side of her body, which was poisonous. I decided I needed to create a cast of characters who had both the ability to restore life and the ability to kill with their very own blood. Touch of Death was born from there.

(Q) Which authors have most influenced your own writing?

Rick Riordan is pretty much my idol. I love his writing style, and he’s great with action scenes. I also love Becca Fitzpatrick. The dynamic between Patch and Nora in Hush, Hush was very inspiring.

(Q) What do you do for fun other than writing?

My favorite thing to do is play with my daughter. We sing and dance together a lot. I’m also a runner and an avid reader.

(Q) If you could describe your ideal writing spot, where would it be? What music would you listen to (if at all)? What treats would you have on hand?

My ideal spot would be Palm Beach in Aruba. I’d be listening to steel drums with a frozen drink in one hand and a good book in the other.

(Q) Plotter or pantser? Both? Neither?

I guess both. I definitely plot first, but I’ve been known to toss my notes and let the characters just take over. I actually prefer it that way, but I always go through the process of planning first anyway because it lets me get to know my characters.

(Q) Do you have any new projects that you are working on? Care to share? 

I’m working on a series called Birth of the Phoenix. The first book, Into the Fire, releases in 2014 through Month9Books. Yes, the characters are Phoenixes (in human form). J I’m also working on a new YA contemporary romance that my agent is currently editing for me.

(Q) What kinds of marketing do you think are the most successful in terms of getting your name/book out there? (Curious minds are taking notes!)

The best marketing I’ve found is actually stumbling across book bloggers who love the book. They are amazing at spreading the word. They do a much better job than I ever could, which is why I love them so much.

(Q) If you'd like to add anything, please do so. 

To celebrate the release of Touch of Death, I’ll be giving away a signed copy along with a SWAG basket, filled with goodies I haven’t even shown anyone yet. The giveaway will run from January 14-January 31.

(Q) How about an excerpt to tantalize the readers? 

            In my mind, I heard shrieks and screams. I saw the soul soaring through the air and into the ground where it came to rest in its body. The soul fought against my blood, not wanting to be back, but the power of my blood was too strong. With the soul in place, flesh began to reform over the bones. My cheeks felt wet and warm against the slight breeze in the air. Tears were the only outward sign of the agony I felt inside. I was torturing this soul. It was angry and in pain. The body moved slightly, and then its fists started pounding on the coffin. I didn’t want to see anymore. I couldn’t take it.

            “No!” I dropped to my knees and started to claw at the ground, ripping handfuls of grass and dirt.

            “Jodi!” Alex wrapped his arms around my waist and lifted me up. He stepped back, away from the grave. “Stop! Calm down. Tell me what’s wrong.”

            I doubled over, hysterical. “I saw everything. That poor soul was ripped out of the afterlife. It was crying out in pain, and it was terrified when it realized it was back in its body. Back in its grave.” I squeezed his arms for comfort. “Oh, God, Alex, it’s punching its way through the casket. I can see it all.”

Thanks for having me! J

Okay, you know you're intrigued! I know I am :) Want to learn more about TOUCH OF DEATH? Check it out on Amazon!