BooksChatter: ℚ♫ Ravens Cove: Alaska Iconoclast Mysteries [1]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Mary Ann Poll to talk about Ravens Cove (first published 1 February 2010; this edition 17 December 2015, Publication Consultants, 151 pages), a Supernatural Thriller, book one in the Alaska Iconoclast Mysteries series.

“Ravens Cove set the tone for her series. If / when you want a chill late at night, here is the book for you, but... It's way more than that. Raven's Cove takes you deep into what spiritual warfare is all about. It isn't a game. It isn't a passing fad. It's real and it wants to destroy your witness for Christ.” —Author Terry Palmer

“I really enjoyed this story! Poll has the ability to build real suspense and walk you through danger as if you are right there. Can't wait to get started on her next book!” —Marsha Dudik, Verified Amazon Purchase

“Excellent supernatural story with a religious twist. Been looking for something like this for a while and stumbled onto it by chance. Looking forward to reading more.” —Supernatural Reader, Verified Amazon Purchase

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

A very warm welcome to Mary Ann Poll; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

Here at BooksChatter we love music; do you have a music playlist that you used in Ravens Cove, or which inspired you whilst you were writing it?

"I created a Playlist from several of my favorite artists. Since there are 103 different pieces on it, here are a ten of them"

What was the inspiration for Ravens Cove?

"This is the second edition of Ravens Cove. When I wrote the original edition, I was a new author. Since its publishing in 2010, I have matured as an author. I wanted this first book, my first ‘baby’, to be the best it can.

I believe the second edition reflects my growth as a writer. It is the same story loved by so many who have read it; yet the storytelling is better with new scenes, new characters and tighter writing."

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

"This question made me stop and think. A bit of me is in each book.

My working career, before I became an author, started as a secretary. So, Kat, the protagonist, is a part-time secretary – among other things.

My love for animals comes through with her character and through several of the people in the books. Kat loves her cantankerous feline companion, BC.

My tenacity and some of my life outlook come through in Grandma Bricken.

There is some dry humor and bantering in the books. I love a good giggle – although it is a challenge to balance such darkness and laughter."

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

"When we developed the book cover for Ravens Cove, I hoped to capture the readers’ curiosity and interest, in addition to instilling a sense of foreboding and/or danger. After all, it is a supernatural thriller, and it is creepy. Haha. I wanted a cover that said, “Come on in, if you dare!”

The cover needs to project a visual picture of the story. In order to meet the criteria, I was faced with writing a short paragraph for my publisher’s graphic art company, Swanky Designs. At first, I was overwhelmed. I didn’t know if I could explain what was in my head well enough for it to be put in picture format. After the initial self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy, I pretended I was looking at a piece of artwork and wrote what I saw.

Most of this description was used by Swanky Designs. The rock, the pathway, and their rendition of the tree are all on the cover.

The artist and my publisher made a critical addition—the raven sitting in the tree above the pathway. It tied the book art to the title, and the addition of the raven tells a reader, consciously or subconsciously, this is an ominous place."

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

"Ravens Cove, in fact the entire Iconoclast series can be classed as Christian Horror. The genre alone is unique.

This series strives to shine light on the invisible battle going on around us. Christian or not, people who enjoy the supernatural and/or horror will enjoy seeing the battle for human souls unfold in these books."

Can you tell us something quirky about Ravens Cove, its story and characters?

"My antagonist, and all but one of his minions are named in archaic language which describes what and who they are: Iconoclast is named such because the definition is, “Destroyer of religious beliefs and symbols.” Atramentous, his second in command, is named such because Atramentous means dark, or black.

It is the same with the others in this evil army. The readers may enjoy Googling the different names to see the definition. Some of them are hard to find. But they are out there."

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

"I recommend this book to anyone from mid-teens to adults. There is no foul language, there is no erotica. There is, however, quite a bit of gore and it is disturbing to see the invisible battle for human souls become visible. I recommend this book for anyone in the appropriate age group."

If you could / wished to turn Ravens Cove and the Alaska Iconoclast Mysteries series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"Steven Spielberg would be a great director. Robert Vaughn for the lead male, Kathleen Turner for Kat (the protagonist), Katharine Hepburn for Grandma Bricken and Michael Douglas for Bart, the Sheriff.

I’d set the book exactly where it is written. On the Cook Inlet in Southcentral Alaska."

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

"I love to write about anything supernatural. It is my passion and curiosity. I stick to my genre.

Yes, this is the genre I really love reading. But, I am eclectic in my reading: I love supernatural stories, mysteries and thrillers. I’m not big on spy stories or romantic fiction. My favorite reads are action-packed books with a supernatural element."

What is your writing process?

"I am a seat-of-the-pants writer, as they say. Before I sit down to write, I do a rough, one page story. Then, I start researching. When I begin writing a book, I write every day. I write between 2,000 to 4,000 words a day. The first draft is usually finished within three weeks."

What is in store next?

"Dullahan, The Haunting at Bordman’s Crossing, finished the Iconoclast series. I am now onto a new book. I’m not sure if it will become a series. I do know it is set in an abandoned theme park with new characters, and a few of the Iconoclast characters join the new cast."

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?

"We have four fur babies: two Shelties (Angel and Cade) and two cats (Tessa and Trinity). Unfortunately, I don’t have a pic of me with my fur babies. I guess I’m a bit camera shy 😊. Here is a picture of our sweet girls. A happy family. Of course, one of our kitties had to photobomb the dogs’ photo. Haha."

Hello Angel, Cade, Tessa and Trinity, lots of head-scratches and belly-rubs to all of you!

Mary, thank you so much for sharing your beautiful fur-babies with us! We hope you are having a great tour!