Dark Salvation - Behind the Characters

Before I began to pen the latest release in the Immortalis Series, Dark Salvation, I ran a contest here on the blog. Become a Character! It was a smashing success with tons of entrants. Sadly, only one could be chosen. Today I have here here with me, Catrina Barton, the muse behind the character of Kitara Vanders.



KS: Catrina, first I want to thank you for participating in the Become A Character contest. It was a great success and you, of course, got the grand prize. How excited were you to win the contest? 


Catrina: Extremely. You're my fave UF author, and I adore the Immortallis series.

KS: You’ve read the other books in the Immortalis series so you are well versed in the characters. Was Nicholas your first choice for your character’s “mate?” 

Catrina: Yes. I have enjoyed his character from the beginning. 

KS: You inspired the character Kitara Vanders. What traits were you most interested in seeing brought out into this character? 

Catrina: Her spukiness, independence, and love of nature. Aslo her understanding animals.

KS: The name Kitara is quite an interesting one. 

Catrina: Thank you. 

K.S: How did you select that for the name? 

Catrina: I wanted something that sounded rather unique. 

K.S: Does it hold some importance to you? 

Catrina: Not really. I looked for a name that wasn't overused, and tried to put a fresh spin on it. 

K.S: Is there any background on the meaning or heritage of this name? 

Catrina: Nope, it's completely made up.

KS: You gave me a list of specifics on the character, things like: family, personality, attitude, etc… Do you feel the character created stuck closely to your original vision? 

Catrina: Absolutely. You nailed the character as if you'd actually crawled inside my mind.

KS: You’ve had a chance to read the story. How did you feel about Kitara and Nicholas’s interactions? 
Catrina: They are perfect. I adore how they play off each other and keep each other on their toes.

KS: No spoilers… Just feeling only. Were you satisfied with the way the story ended? 

Catrina: I was shocked, but yes. I adored the ending.

KS: If there was anything you could change about the character, what would it be? 

Catrina: The scent of orange. I'd have changed that to lavender and vanilla, or cinnamon.


KS: Catrina, it has been a pleasure working with you on this book. 

Catrina: Thank you. It's one I will treasure always. 

K.S: I do hope you are happy with the way Kitara turned out. 

Catrina: Absolutely. 

K.S: Is there anything else you want to add before we get on to some teasers for our readers? 

Catrina: Thank you for such a wonderful opportunity. It's an amazing experience.

Let's all give Catrina a round of applause!! She was a wonderful muse and has been a dedicated reader of the Immortalis series since the very beginning! 

Now... On to some fun. How about a little tease, shall we?


Dark Salvation
Excerpt

He looked at his arm. The wound was still there, but it had begun to scab over. Her blood was already working magic. “You took a dangerous risk.”
“I was armed.” She held the blade, a 10-inch chef’s knife up ready to strike.
Without warning, Nicholas lunged forward and grabbed Kitara’s wrist in a crushing grip. He pushed her backwards, pinning her to the wall with his body. She tried to struggle, but was no match for Nicholas. He took her free hand and held it firm against the wall.
Kitara’s heartbeat raced, vibrating through her chest into Nicholas’s body. The tantalizing thump-thump sent all of his blood rushing south. A new need arose within Nicholas. One he had not satisfied in a long while. Kitara’s breath shuddered. Nicholas felt the contracting of her muscles as she tried to fight his grip and bring the knife down upon him. Her human strength was nothing. Even in his weakened state he held her firm, but he admired her spirit. The smell of her fear, and her sweet orange and vanilla scent, called out to him. He bent his head low to take a better whiff. His nose grazed the soft skin at the base of her neck. She was a delicious temptation. He’d already sampled her blood once; he knew how rich and sweet she tasted, and he longed for more. He bent lower, drawing out the moment, savoring the anticipation, reveling in the frantic thump-thump of her calling heart, the pulsing artery in her neck practically begging for him to open up and devour all she had to give. Nicholas let out a slow breath and reined in his hunger. He gently pressed his lips against the soft warmth of her skin. Just a simple kiss, but that alone had its own satisfying effect.
Kitara’s body spasmed under his grip. She let out a strangled squeal, then went slack in his arms.
Nicholas held her firm, wrapping one arm around her waist, taking on her weight and keeping her upright. “Have I made my point?” Husky need filled his voice. Oh, how he wanted to slake his desire for her blood and her body! But that could not happen.
“Yes.” Her words came out in a whisper. The heat from her breath blew against his ear and her body pressed so close to his. Her warmth. Her scent. He was the one supposed to be in control, yet everything about her made him want to sit up and beg like a dog. All of his remaining blood had traveled down south, and suddenly his pants became unbearably tight.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this chance Katie. It's so awesome. :)
bidelia78@yahoo.com

Melissa Keir said...

What a fun way to include your readers into your story! I love the idea!

Anonymous said...

Thanks Melissa,
it was an incredible experience. :)
bidelia78@yahoo.com

About The Author

Katie Salidas is a USA Today bestselling author and RONE award winner known for her unique genre-blending style.

Since 2010 she's penned five bestselling book series: the Immortalis, Olde Town Pack, Little Werewolf, Chronicles of the Uprising, and the all-new Agents of A.S.S.E.T. series. As her not-so-secret alter ego, Rozlyn Sparks, she is a USA Today bestselling author of romance with a naughty side.

In her spare time Katie also produces and hosts a YouTube talk show; Spilling Ink. She also has a regular column on First Comics News where she explores writing from a nerdy perspective.