We’re 5 days away from the release of Undead Chaos AND we’re getting into the heart of these character interviews. That said, please help we welcome today’s guest, acclaimed Huntress and mother of Marcus, Angela Shifter!
Welcome to the blog, Mrs. Shifter.
Thank you. And please, call me Angela.
Angela it is. So, your biography lists that you were a Huntress before retiring to raise Marcus full-time. What can you tell us about your previous career?
It was the usual stuff. Tracking paranormal criminals, battling creatures brought to our realm against the will of Nature, defending humanity against waves of darkness. Etc.
Sounds pretty active.
Oh certainly.
What was your most exciting hunt?
I don’t really like to talk about my past. Not that there’s anything embarrassing, but I retired years ago. That chapter of my life is closed.
Can you talk about the Shifter family history?
Absolutely.
*relieved sigh* Thank goodness.
What?
Nothing. So, the Shifters. What can you tell me about them?
Well, long before the creation of the Delwinn Council–
The what?
The Delwinn Council. It’s the governing body for the Skilled. 13 Elders and around 100 Councilmembers. My husband, Christopher, is one of the latter.
Ah, gotcha. Sorry to interrupt. Please continue.
In the millenia before the Delwinn Council, the Skilled were divided into sects based on the power and influence of the various families. The Shifters were on the upper end of that scale, so when the great purges happened in the aftermath of the Black Plage, we survive. Since the formation of the Delwinn Council, Shifters have served in various capacities. Christopher was voted in a few years before the Reformation.
Black Plague? Purges? What’s that all about?
It’s a…long story. Maybe another day.
Fair enough. Getting back to the Council, you’re saying a Shifter has always served on it?
So far, yes.
Does that mean Marcus is next in line?
*laughter. lots of it*
Sorry, did I say something funny?
*wipes eyes* It’s just…Marcus has no desire to work for the Council. He’s pleased as punch with his freelancer career.
Did something happen?
Directly, no. Indirectly, somewhat. The Skilled have always been steeped in tradition, so when Marcus walked away from his training, our community turned its back on him. Many, including a large percentage of the Council, felt he betrayed the traditions of our people. Those feelings lingered even after he returned and threw himself into his studies. He never said it, but Marcus felt betrayed as well, especially after working overtime to catch up to his peers. It doesn’t help that the Council is a large, bureaucratic entity, something that Marcus hates as a general rule.
Why’d he leave?
You’ll have to ask him about that.
I will. So he’ll never work for the Council, eh?
*winks* Never say never.
Never.
Very funny, Mr. Smartypants.
I’m curious about something you mentioned earlier. About the Reformation?
That’s the formal peace treaty the Skilled signed with the Normals twenty years ago.
Peace treaty? Were you all at war or something?
A long time ago. That said, modern Normal society had been aware of us for generations, but turned a blind eye. The 20th Century, however, saw a lot more acceptance of our kind. Both sides finally decided enough was enough and we signed the treaty which allowed the Skilled to officially come out of hiding.
This is the first I’m hearing of it.
Really? Aren’t you the author of this story?
Shhhhh!
Sorry. I mean, um, that it is also a long story and someone should probably read the book to get a better understanding of what happened.
*leans in and whispers* Did I get it right?
*sigh of resignation* Nailed it.
*beaming* What else can I help with?
Actually, I think that’s about all the time we have for today. Thank you for joining me, Angela.
Thanks for having me. This was so much fun!
Tune in tomorrow when I welcome the semi-famous Oracle, Forlorn Jones. And make sure to check back every day this week for even more interviews, culminating with our Main Character on Sunday!
And remember, folks, Undead Chaos can be pre-orded from the online retailers below or your favorite e-book distributor. Order now and it’ll show up on your e-reader on October 28th. Just like magic!
Hey, is that Marcus on the cover?
Oh, I thought you left. Uh, yes. It is.
He looks handsome! But what’s with the gun?
It’s part of the plot.
And is that blood?
Um…
What in the world did you do to my son?!
We really have to sign off, Angela.
Fine, but you and me are going to have a looooong discussion about this author career of yours. ESPECIALLY if you intend to keep writing books about Marcus!
Crap.
What was that?
I mean, yes ma’am.