Hi all! I interrupt this regularly scheduled Mental Health Monday post to feature an interview with Beka, from WASTELAND by Lynn Rush, and Justin, the main character in my YA Dystopian ENDURE.
Take it away, Justin and Beka!
Hi Beka, I’m Justin. Sorry we had to meet in the underground, but since dusk is coming, I thought it best we go into hiding so we don’t get interrupted by the Vie, the immortal overlords. I hope the flashlight is enough for you to see. Er, not that there’s much to see here. We have a few supplies and stuff, but we keep on the move and travel light most of the time to avoid detection.
Laura tells me you’ve dealt with a lot of demons since you’re a Guardian. That’s awesome because I need some tips from you. You see, I have to find a way to get my sister back and the Vie are so strong that I can’t possibly do it without a plan.
First of all, what kind of special powers do you have, if any?
Well, I have this internal demon meter. I get this little feeling when a demon is near. It’s a subtle hum in my ears, raised hairs on my neck. It’s constant if I’m near a demon. The closer I get I can zero in on exactly who is the demon.
Another is that I hear the Archangel, Michael’s, whispers. That’s how I know whom I’m supposed to guard. We call them our Charges.
The third is, I’m immortal. I’ve been around a long, long time. And I’m difficult to kill. The only way I’ll cease to exist is if they take my head.
Wow. I can’t do any of those things. I just have weird blood that makes the Vie age. So, what’s your favorite strategy for fighting demons? Do you ambush them or do you think “offense is the best defense?”
It really depends on the situation. For example, if a demon comes into a crowded place, I’ll be more strategic. Follow him or her to a more remote location. Then I’ll attack. I can’t risk injuring any humans, and I must keep our supernatural abilities hidden. Humans just aren’t ready to grasp the fact that there are serious supernatural beings interacting with them on a daily basis.
Your world sounds cool, like there’s more humans than demons. We have a lot of Vie here…they’re pretty much like demons, I guess. Hey, do the demons you encounter have trancing abilities? I mean, can they control you with their thoughts or voice or anything?
I haven’t come across one who could do any such thing—so far. Evil runs deep and long as does it’s wicked magic, though, so I would not put it past them to learn how to do that, or evolve into that ability.
[A crash sounds in the corner near the door. Justin scans room with flashlight.]
Sorry, must be a rat. What happens if you, I don’t know, are weaponless or something?
A good Guardian always carries a blade. A sword is better, but with all the security and trying to be discreet, a blade—or three—tucked in various spots is a must.
But, if I am caught without a weapon, I can still hold my own. Always look at your surroundings to see what you can use as a weapon. Anything that will enable me to take their head, I will use. And as long as I “keep my head,” I’ll survive the encounter.
I like tasers. They work pretty good against the human slave-goons that the Vie use to police the rest of us.
[Justin sighs and scratches his head.]
Um, have you ever had to work with a demon to kill another demon? I’m kind of facing that right now and I don’t know whether or not to believe him.
Funny you should ask that. I’m having to entertain that concept right now, too. I’m torn. Protecting humans and vanquishing demons is why I was created. But I’m learning there are different types of demons out there. Ones thrown into the life not because they chose it. I won’t rule it out, just yet. But you must be cautious. Always cautious.
[A siren sounds in the distance. Justin stiffens.]
Must be another raid. Don’t worry. They don’t check the underground…much. Do you have anybody helping you?
[Beka slides a blade out from her ankle holster]
Don’t worry. I’m ready if there’s trouble.
I do have help. My brother, Russell. At least we let everyone around us think we’re related. We are in a sense, considering we’re both Guardians, but I trust him like a brother, so it fits. He’s strong and noble. Also keeps me in check sometimes when my mind—or heart—wanders to places it shouldn’t.
Man, I wish we had Guardians here. One last question, then I think we should go. Anybody trying to take advantage of you? Like, do people think you have more powers than you really do and they want to use you for their own greedy plans? I’m dealing with that too, so any tips would be great.
Actually, very few people know we exist. Some select people, those who serve the Light, help us blend in, assimilate. They are very special people we call Familiars. But no, none of them have ever tried to take advantage of me. It’s just not in their nature.
Beka, you’re awesome. I totally learned a lot—I owe you. I hope we meet again…preferably after all the demons are dead and after I rescue my sister. Follow this tunnel and you’ll end up near the bridge. Good luck.
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Thanks, Justin. You certainly run a great interview! Thanks, Beka, for stopping by, despite the dark and dank underground setting. Glad you’re safe and the Vie didn’t interrupt you guys.
Lynn’s awesome enough to give away a signed copy of WASTELAND to one of you guys! It’s totally worth it. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down!
All you have to do is comment here. You’ll earn extra entries if you Tweet or Facebook. Just let me know what you do when you leave a comment.
You have until Monday, September 26, 2011 MIDNIGHT EST to enter, then I’ll announce a winner on Wednesday, September 28!
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Bio:
Lynn Rush began her writing career in 2008. She has both an undergraduate and graduate degree in the mental health field and has enjoyed applying that unique knowledge to developing unique characters.
A former inline speed skater and mountain biker, Lynn has been known to test the limits of her athletic endurance. So, when she’s not writing, she spends time enjoying the Arizona sunshine by road biking nearly 100 miles per week with her husband of fifteen years and going on jogs with her loveable Shetland Sheep dogs.
Catch the Rush: www.lynnrush.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LynnRushWrites
Twitter: www.twitter.com/LynnRush
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/k6NAZa
Amazon: http://amzn.to/pavzwE
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/pbigOg
All Romance Ebooks: http://bit.ly/nujjjp
You Tube Trailer: http://youtu.be/k-KRE1yMiNk
Book Blurb:
Bound by the blood contract his human mother signed four centuries ago, half-demon, David Sadler, must obey his demonic Master’s order to capture fifteen-year-old Jessica Hanks. But as he learns more about her, he realizes she may be the key to freedom from his demonic enslavement.
The only obstacle—Jessica’s distractingly beautiful Guardian, Rebeka Abbott. He must not give in to their steamy chemistry, or he will lose his humanity. But fresh off a quarter millennia of sensory deprivation as punishment for not retrieving his last target, he may not be able to resist temptation long enough to save what’s left of his human soul.
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