Q: What genre do you write in and why?
A: Up until this week I would say I write historical fiction and historical romance. History has always been my passion. I majored in history in college specializing in the Civil War. I figure it is the most painless way to teach people about the past. My latest release Alpha’s Voodoo is a historical paranormal romance and is the start of a series. So I guess I’m also a paranormal romance author now. I wanted to stretch myself and write something a bit different. I enjoyed the freedom adding paranormal elements gave me. I hope people don’t mind a little magic with their history.
Q: Do you do an outline or just start writing?
A: After taking classes from Larry Brooks I became a staunch outline writer, however, more recently I have eased up on that. I just start writing and after I have established my characters and a general direction of the story I will outline the major plot points.
Q: So, what is your new book about?
A: Here is my book blurb:
Are curses real or merely imagined?
Violet Creed is a colored New Orleans debutante. She was brought up with servants and a strict set of rules regarding propriety, and her papa never approved of her interest in Voodoo. One night she sneaks out of the house and attends one of Marie Laveau’s gatherings—where she loses her virginity and her reputation. Turned out by her papa, Violet is destined for a life on the streets until Madam Dawn saves her.
Cursed to live as a wolf shifter, Mark Afton is a wealthy lawyer and heir to the Bayou Pack. Unfortunately, he can’t take over leadership from his uncle without a mate. Wanting to escape his mother’s endless matchmaking attempts, he accepts Madam Dawn’s invitation to sail on the maiden voyage of the Southern Rose and enjoy the pleasurable company of her ladies.
One of Madam Dawn’s recent hires catches his attention. He is drawn to Violet immediately. Could she be his mate or is their attraction merely Voodoo?
Q: Can you share an interesting behind the scenes tidbit about your latest story?
A: The Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau plays an important role in my story so I did a lot of research on her. Fact and fiction blurred a lot as little is known about her. I got really confused when I found out she had a daughter by the same name who also became famous as a Voodoo practitioner. To make less editing work for myself her daughter also makes an appearance in my story.
Q: Where is it set? Fictional or real?
A: While the book is set in New Orleans it mostly takes place on the fictional setting of the steamer Southern Rose.
Q: Who are your main characters and what are they like? Who is your favorite?
A: Mark Afton is my hero. He is a successful lawyer who caters to the rich in New Orleans. He carefully guards the fact he is a wolf shifter. Violet Creed is my heroine. A true colored southern belle she was raised wealthy and spoiled. Violet has been sheltered and is pretty innocent. Mark is a caring alpha who is not used to showing his vulnerable side.
I don’t like to pick favorites, but I have a soft spot for Mark.
Q: What is your favorite part of the story writing process?
A: That is a hard question to answer. I guess it would be working on the second draft. All my ideas are already on the page and I’m in dig deeper mode. I like the big picture editing. I’m learning more about my characters, expanding the plot etc.
Q: Please tell us where we can find out more about you and where we can buy your books.
A: Where to Find More about Me
Website: http://HaleyWhitehall.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LightonHistory
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HaleyWhitehall (@HaleyWhitehall)
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5752677.Haley_Whitehall
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/haleywhitehall/
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Haley-Whitehall/e/B0078EO6CE/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Buy Links for Alpha’s Voodoo:
Q: Now for the S.A.T. portion of the interview:
A: Fill in the blank – If I were a villain, I would have _cats_ for minions to deliver my wrath because people think they are cute and innocent but they are cunning and have claws.
Q: What is your current work in progress?
A: I’m working on another paranormal romance, but it isn’t book in the Bayou Pack series as you would expect. A friend challenged me to write a ghost story so it turned into a ghost romance set in a haunted hotel. I’m almost done with the first draft.
Vicky Burkholder 