Guest Post: D.J. Cappella (Author of Witches, Demons, & Deals)

________________

D.J. Cappella lives and works in the suburbs of Chicago, IL. D.J. has spent the last 10 years of his professional career working around parks and recreation/entertainment facilities where he has focused on facility management with a specialization in aquatics, food service, and family entertainment. D.J. found his love for stories at an early age when he would sit intently for hours listening to his aunt tell him stories of the family or reading one of his favorite books aloud to him and his cousins. While D.J. began his story telling by reimagining stories for his favorite comic book characters, he grew a passion for urban and teen fantasy stories where not everything always works out and the fantastic finds it way into the ordinary. When not working or writing D.J. can be found around Chicagoland reading at the local book store, having dinner and drinks with friends, or curled up introducing his young niece to many of his favorite childhood stories.

For more info on D.J. visit his sites:

-Blog

-Facebook

-GoodReads

________________

Witches, Demons, & Deals by D.J. Cappella

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: Available Now Online

Publisher: Gilbert Press

Pages: 97

Summary: They have a secret. We all have wished upon a star, had a dream, or secret desire, but beware demons lurk in our mist willing to grant them for a price. As these young witches come into their powers the demons are looking to take their souls. Beware who you express your hidden desires to; you never know what might go wrong with the phrase “I Wish.” These witches are hiding in plain sight as our neighbors, friends, and family. These tales show young witches as they learn the secrets and dangers in their world while learning to control the magic that flows in their veins. Loves will be lost, deals will be made, and family members will have accidents because they did not heed the warnings. You never know which one of them has made a deal and are willing to make you the next course for the local demon. Will these young witches be next?

Available for Purchase here: Amazon / Kindle / B&N Nook

________________

Guest Post:

1) Thank you D.J. for giving me the chance to feature you. What inspired you to write Witches, Demons, & Deals?

D.J.: The inspiration was a three fold item. First was that I have always been interested in how witches where decribed and used in pop culture, but I always felt like they were missing something; that something about them was not right. Second was back about 8 years ago a role playing company asked for new ideas and submissions, so I thought witches were so under used that they would be perfect. I fell in love with my world so quickly that they never got the proposal. Then final is that I wrote the first book in a series I am working on called the Chronicles of Illumination. While having people read it and ask question about the characters and the world I had so many origin inspirations that they formed my first book, a prelude.

2) What kind of research did you do for Witches, Demons, & Deals?

D.J.: I am a big fan of mythology, so I have always enjoyed reading about that. Then with my exposure to role playing games I say how systems where created the not only enhanced the characters, but limited their power. Finally, I looked alot at pop culture. I read a lot of urban and teen fantasy, watched shows with a supernatural twist, and read about urban legends to get the basis of my world. I wanted these items to make sense in relation to my world, but not be the what defined the magic of my world.

3) Which character is your favorite creation?

D.J.: Wow that is a hard one. From Witches, Demons, & Deals it has to be the Vladimirs. They are your average family with a supernatural twist. To me the represent what could go wrong and right in a family especially when magic is flying all around the house. They quickly became so much fun to writer that I always have a story or plot point for them running around in my head.

4) If you could work with any author who would it be?

D.J.: There are three I would love to work with, Joss Whedon, Charliane Harris, and Holly Black. The worlds they create are so dynamic that I would love to learn from them first hand.

5) What's your writing process like?

D.J.: A mess. It starts out with an idea which is usually a character or an event. Then I spend months thinking about it, playing with it, to see what about happen. Then I sit at my computer and I start to write. I have tried outlining - it doesnt work for me. I just write and let the characters and events tell me what is going to happen. I tend to be surprised at where the story goes. I think that is gives it a more natural flow. Finally, like everyone else I read, edit, revise, and have others read it, so I can get the best possible work done.

6) What genre of books do you like to read?

D.J.: Right now it is Teen Fantasy books. I read everything from Paranormal Romance to Action Adventure stories. I am so proud with how far these stories have come in the last 10 years. I think the authors in that genre will be those that shape the publishing industry over the next 10 - 20 years.

7) Describe yourself in three words.

D.J.: Eccentric, adventrous, and fun

8) Do you have any other projects you are currently working on?

D.J.: You could say that. I am working on a series called the Chronicles of Illumination. The first book is currently being revised right now. Also I am working on two follow ups to Witches, Demons, & Deals. One is being revised called Pandora's Last Breath, and the other is currently being written called the Merchant of Death. Also, I am working to put together an Anthology of Independent Authors called Extreme Supernatural Makeover. It is looking really fun so far. I can't wait to finish getting in submissions so I can make some decisions.

Thank you D.J. for this informative post on your book!