BooksChatter: ℚ Death Chant

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Vella Munn to talk about Death Chant (20 September 2016, Totally Bound Publishing, 287 pages), a Romantic Suspense.

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

A very warm welcome to Vella Munn; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for Death Chant?

"I’m not sure when it happened. All I know is that a young Native American woman named Winter Barstow took up residence in my mind and refused to leave, compelling me to write Death Chant.

As a small child, she was found in Barstow, California in the Winter. She was raised in various foster homes, mostly dismissing her Native American features because she couldn’t connect them to anything. She had no roots, no identity, no heritage. What she did have was a writer who agreed to give her the opportunity to find herself. (Like I had a chance) I’ve written over 60 books but Winter will always stand out."

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

"I’ve written a good dozen books, both historical and contemporary, with Native American characters and have spent endless hours happily researching their cultures. I’d call that professional expertise via the seat of my pants. From the first moment I entered Olympic National Forest in Washington state, USA, I felt compelled to write about that awe-inspiring and spooky place. As for reflecting my personality, my father walked out of my life when I was a little girl so in some respects Winter and I share the same journey."

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

"The cover for Death Chant was created by an artist who works for my publisher Totally Bound. I asked for and got a Native American model. It’s hard to see but that’s a wolf head imbedded in the title and my name which pleases me because a wolf features heavily in the story."

Why should we read Death Chant and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"Oh, that’s a hard and fun question! IMO Death Chant stands out in part because the setting is so evocative. The massive rain forest in a cool climate is almost a character in the story. The hero Jay Raven is a Hoh Indian. I went to great lengths to make his heritage as accurate as possible. Hopefully his need to remain a man of today and his desire to embrace his nationality makes for a compelling journey. Death Chant is much more than a contemporary romantic suspense. It incorporates mystical elements including a wolf that might or might not be real."

Can you tell us something quirky about Death Chant, its story and characters?

"I already explained the story behind Winter’s name. There is, I believe, one truly quirky character—Jay’s uncle Talio. The elderly Hoh Indian has a way of showing up at the most unexpected times. He knows more about Winter than she does and pushes her to make sense of the hints he gives her."

Who would you recommend Death Chant to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"No adult only warnings are necessary for Death Chant. Yes, there is a love scene, but sex doesn’t dominate the story. I think anyone who likes a mystery in a mysterious setting would enjoy it. It isn’t particularly violent but there are what I call wo-wo elements."

If you could / wished to turn Death Chant into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"Oh boy, I’m the wrong one to ask that. I only rarely watch movies. However, I have a friend who is in the movie/TV industry so I’d trust her judgment."

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

"Good question. With more than 60 (or is it 70) titles under my belt, I’ve played around with a number of genres. There’s nothing more fun to write than suspense and I get a kick out of sprinkling in some science fiction. All of my books come under the romance umbrella because IMO there’s no better way to explore the human psyche in all its complexity. "

What is your writing process?

"Writing is my career but every day is different. With most books, I plow ahead in draft mode until I get to the last chapter or two where everything has to be wrapped up. Then I dive into edits, making notes about various loose ends needing tying. When I can no longer stall, I finish the sucker."

What is in store next?

"I’ve recently written several series and have another growing at a rapid rate in my mind. Death Chant is an orphan which is why I felt the need to promote it. As for the afore-mentioned series, Montana Lakeside consists of five books that all take place at a fictional lake in Montana. (obviously). Punish, the first book in my three book romantic suspense series Feral Justice just released with two more to come. Because I guess I wanted to see if I could drive myself crazy keeping track of everything, I’m also in the process of re-releasing my eight book Native American historicals. Finally, Totally Bound Publishing and I are working on a three book erotic romance series under a pen name. I’m trying to schedule my mental breakdown but can’t find the time. :-)"

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?

"I’m owned by two rescue dogs that mean everything to me, but as for something special, the family cabin deep in the southern Oregon mountains is my heart’s place. I’m convinced I have mountains and the wilderness in my DNA. I’ll never fit in a city. Guess that’s what happens when a girl is raised in a logging camp."