BooksChatter: ℚ Into The Dark- Caroline T. Patti

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Caroline T. Patti to talk about Into The Dark (18 August 2015, Month9Books, LLC., 267 pages) a Young Adult Paranormal Romance novel.

Author Q&A | Synopsis | Teaser | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

Hello Caroline, welcome to BooksChatter.

What was the inspiration for Into The Dark?

"I was at my daughter’s dance studio, bored, and my mind started to wander. Into my head pops this girl with an unusual problem: she’s propelled from her body and she doesn’t know how to get back. Little by little she let me into her world and I was able to tell her story."

Caroline's daughter performing.

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"I always sneak little pieces of myself into my writing, but never in a significant or noticeable way. In this story, there’s a unique way of eating pancakes—it’s the way my dad made them for me."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Into The Dark - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"The cover is spectacular! I love it. It’s creepy and dark and entirely the brain child of the Month9 team."

Why should we read Into The Dark and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"I’m drawn to flawed characters, not necessarily characters who need to be saved, but those who are not always going to make the right decision in their quest. My favorite aspect of this story is that Mercy doesn’t make the right decisions every step of the way. Sometimes she's selfish, sometimes she does what she needs to do even though it’s wrong. I think that’s what sets this story apart from others."

Little Mercy was only four
months old when she died.

Can you tell us something quirky about Into The Dark, its story and characters?

"Oh, my secret shame. The name Mercy came to me after a news story I heard about Kim Kardashian’s cat passing away. The cat’s name was Mercy. As soon as I heard it, I knew it was my character’s name. What can I say? It fits. So Claire became Mercy Clare. "

Who would you recommend Into The Dark to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I would recommend this story to those who enjoy a fast-paced, action-packed paranormal romance. It is a bit violent at times and there is some language, so it may not suitable for the tween crowd. I’d let my twelve year old read it, but I can’t say all parents would agree with me."

If you could / wished to turn Into The Dark into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"I think this works best as a TV series. And I’d love to place it into Joss Whedon’s hands and let him roll with it."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"For now, I strictly write YA. I have a self-pubbed series that is YA Contemporary Romance. Into the Dark is my first foray into Speculative Fiction. I like characters. I want to know their stories, and it doesn’t necessarily matter to me in which genre they would like their story told. As for reading, I read all YA without prejudice."

What is your writing process?

"My introduction is always to a character first. I’ll just be going about my day and then I’ll see a movie in my head. Sometimes it’s a conversation. Sometimes it’s an event. I write that down in a notebook and I keep writing it down until the character has shown me enough so that I can start piecing the story together. Once I’m in full writing mode, I can do it anywhere, my little office, my couch surrounded by my entire family, at my kid’s practice, it doesn’t matter. I have serious tunnel vision once I get going."

What is in store next?

"There is a sequel written for Into the Dark. Fingers crossed!"

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

"Thank you! You have so many choices when selecting a book. I’m honored that you would choose mine."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"My Yorkie’s name is Captain Jack Sparrow. He loves tortilla chips."

Hello Captain Jack Sparrow! Head scratches and belly rubs from us at BooksChatter!
He is such a cutie, I have seen him on your Twitter feed... I believe he took a little persuading to sit for this selfie... ;-) Thank you for persisting and sharing him with us :-)