DelSheree Gladden is the author of the new YA Urban Fantasy series, SomeOne Wicked This Way Comes. The first book in the series, Wicked Hunger is available now, and I spoke with DelSheree about the book, being a writer, and a few other random things. Come back tomorrow for my review of Wicked Hunger.
In Wicked Hunger, we get a very dark YA tale – what was your inspiration for Zander and Van’s family secret?
One of my favorite writers is Jim Butcher, and I was reading one of the Dresden Files books, and he used the term godling hunger to describe how one of the characters feeds on of those around him. It sparked an idea in me and made me wonder how a character would cope with having an uncontrollable hunger they didn’t know the source of. How would the they survive trying to suppress such a basic part of themselves? The idea for the story of Vanessa and Zander Roth’s struggle to control their hunger and find out where it came from developed from two words that caught my eye.
We want to know about Book 2! What can we expect in from the next chapter of the SomeOne Wicked This Way Comes series?
Right now it’s tentatively planned for release in January. The second book will be titled, Wicked Power. The final book, Wicked Glory, will hopefully be ready by the end of 2014, but I’ll do my best to keep readers updated on any changes.
You have several series published – what is it about series that you love writing?
I’ve never been very good at the shorter forms of writing like poetry or short stories. I guess ideas just take a while for me to put together! I really enjoy reading series, also, so I think that plays a big part in how I like to write as well. If I find an author I like, I don’t want the story to end. Hopefully some of my readers feel that way about my books!
Are you self-published or trade-published? Why did you go that route?
I’ve done both. Escaping Fate and the Twin Souls Saga were self published. I was frustrated with how few publishers and agents were willing to work with new authors at the time, and after I spent some time researching the process I decided that it was the best option for me. I went with traditional publishing with Inquest, but the experience was incredibly frustrating and I ended up going back to self-publishing for the rest of the series. With Wicked Hunger, I had planned to self-publish again, but ended up crossing paths with Kitty Bullard with GMTA and decided to try traditional once again when she offered me a contract for the series, and I’ve had a much better experience! Either option can be a great path.
I talk a lot on my blog about “Becoming a Real Writer.” When did you feel like a real writer?
I think it was probably when I got my first piece of fan mail. I was so excited that a reader enjoyed my book enough to send me an email and tell me how much she liked Twin Souls. It really made me feel like I was doing something worth while.
What advice would you give aspiring writers?
Connect with other writers. You can learn so much from other writers about not only writing, but every aspect of the book market. Even more, the support of other authors can help a struggling writer push through a tough piece of writing or deal with rejection, even celebrate with you when you sign a contract. I think that’s something every writer needs.
Tell us something completely random about yourself that has nothing to do with writing or Wicked Hunger.
One of my favorite painters is JW Waterhouse. I did several master study paintings of his works in college. I don’t have much time for painting lately, but it’s one of my favorite hobbies.
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Thank you, DelSheree for stopping by! Now everyone go and read her book!
Purchase Wicked Hunger on Amazon:
About the Author:
DelSheree Gladden lives in New Mexico with her husband and two children. The Southwest is a big influence in her writing because of its culture, beauty, and mythology. Local folk lore is strongly rooted in her writing, particularly ideas of prophecy, destiny, and talents born from natural abilities. When she is not writing, DelSheree is usually teaching yoga, coaching gymnastics, reading, painting, sewing, or working as a Dental Hygienist. Her works include Escaping Fate, Twin Souls Saga, and The Destroyer Trilogy. DelSheree’s newest series, The SomeOne Wicked This Way Come series, follows Vanessa and Zander Roth, siblings with an uncontrollable hunger for pain and suffering that will either gain them limitless power or lead them to their deaths.
I Picked Up a Pen One Day... 
Thank you for having me on your blog, Rachel! I really enjoyed answering your questions. Nobody has ever asked me why I like to write series before 🙂 Thanks so much!
Sheree, Thank you! I tried to come up with some questions you haven’t answered a million times, so I’m glad to see at least one of them wasn’t!