Author interview: Louise G White

I take great pleasure introducing one of my favourite authors from 2015, Louise G White, creator of The Calling, Chasing the Demon, and Pledged, all books in her remarkable Gateway series.

If you haven’t already picked up some of her work, she comes highly recommended.

About the Author

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hello K.J, Thanks for having me.

I was born and raised on the west coast of Scotland where it’s fairly cold for most of the year but also very beautiful. I am part of a large, very close family. Rather dysfunctional at times, it just makes for a more interesting life. I’ve learned a lot of skills through the years, in particular during my nursing years and whilst working as a police constable. I put a great deal of what I’ve learned into my writing.

What are your hobbies?

I love to spend time with my family and friends. I’m a fan of holidays, rollercoasters and all things Disney. As a keen swimmer, I’m a member of the local club and I’m there two or three times a week. I also walk a lot and visit/explore the local Islands and mountains.

Which writers inspire you?

Stephen King, Terry Brooks, Stacia Kane and Holly Black. These authors all create believable characters no matter how fantastical the circumstances.

For your own reading, do you prefer e-books or paper/hard back books?

Either works fine for me, K.J. but e-books are much more convenient whilst out and about.

What are you reading at present?

I’ve just finished Rose Montague’s, Jewel, and I loved it.

What is your favourite film/ series and why?

The original Salem’s Lot which was based on the book by Stephen King. It’s a fabulous production which I could easily watch every Halloween.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write every day, even if it’s keeping a diary of your thoughts or ideas to which you can refer later.

If your friends could use one word to describe you what would it be?

I asked them directly, K.J. and after much hilarity, they came up with “Dependable”. Sigh!

About writing

What made you realise your calling as an author?

As a toddler, I remember using chalk on our garden slabs and asking my mum to read the story. No, I wasn’t advanced for my age – It was scribbles! But that’s not the point. I was writing, and the stories were there already in my head. Rather than fight for attention in my busy family, I learned to enjoy the escapism afforded by Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton from an early age. During my school and work life, I always had an active imagination, but never the chance to do much more than compile reports and keep records. I only started writing properly in late 2011 when I was able to reduce my regular working hours to part time.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

About a year, generally.

Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?

I usually work with a flexible outline.

What is the hardest thing about writing?

Editing is the hardest part. I’m very thankful for Clive Johnson from Daisybank editing services.

What is the easiest thing about writing?

Perhaps not the easiest, but the best, most exhilarating part is when I reach the point where the story seems to explode in my head and I just can’t seem to write it down fast enough.

Do you ever get writer’s Block and if so, how do you deal with it?

I always go back to an old piece of work that needs editing and it helps to put me in the right frame of mind.

How many books have you written, which is your favourite?

I’ve written three full length novels and The Calling (Gateway #1) is my favourite. I was able to completely lose myself in Carolyn’s story and create a world which both excited me and gave me chills. Those great vibes have stayed with me throughout the series.

What are you working on at the moment?

At the moment, I’m planning companion novellas for the ‘Gateway’ series.

About the books

What genre are your books?

Urban fantasy/ Paranormal romance

Tell us a little bit about the series

Gateway series books

The ‘Gateway’ series is about a girl who is drawn into a system which coexists with Earth, unbeknown to most humans. From other realms, there are demons/ otherworlders, the worst of which traffic in rather gullible or greedy humans. After her first horrific encounter with a gateway to another realm, Carolyn is changed and becomes the mythical ‘destroyer’. The organisation of the Protectorate recruit her, and together they police the gateways more effectively than before.

In opposition to the Protectorate, the government based Agency seeks to exploit the gateways’ existence-often using methods on a par with the demons.

The books are written from several characters POV and continue to delve more deeply into the workings of the realms and the lives of the characters which The Calling has introduced. There are challenges and surprises to be had from the outset and along the way. There’s lots of action and adventure with the tension mounting throughout the story as the magical journey through the realms continues.

Where can we buy them?

E-books can be found at Amazon, Barnes and Nobel, i-books, Kobo and Smashwords. Paperback versions are available at Amazon, Waterstones and selected retailers.

Who is your favourite character and why? (an unfair question I know)

My favourite character is Notechis, a demon who impacts on a lot of lives during the series. I love his interactions with all the characters, especially with Carolyn and also the tense relationship he has with the team leader, Ethan.

In what formats is your book available?

E-book and paperback.

Book titles and synopsis:

The Calling (UKLA and Costa nominated)

9780993081750 On the run and hiding from ‘the suits’, Carolyn’s life is far from straightforward. After her mother and brother go missing in a most extraordinary way, (through a hole to another world which appears in the kitchen wall!), she is determined to track them down and bring them home. But life is never that easy! Rescued and protected by a group of unusual and likeminded ‘people’, Carolyn hones her magic and fighting skills. Whilst answering a ‘call’ to retrieve a human from another world she’s faced with a quick decision and ends up bringing a demon back with her. Little did she know what effect this demon would have on her. As each day passes her strengths grow and her magic develops to assist her in her quest to track down her family, but there are decisions to make that will affect the rest of her life.

Chasing the Demon

The system has been changing; the Agency flaunts its cruel practices, and the balance of 9780993081743 the realms has been disrupted. Ethan’s enforcers are already stretched to the limits, and things get worse when alliances are forged between the worst of the demon realms. Meanwhile, on Empustat, Carolyn has spent an entire year being “reconditioned” – her memories being wiped and replaced in order to produce a limited and vapid princess. Under the constraints of the Chief, she is no longer the feared and mythical “destroyer” Carolyn’s life of privilege is marred only by the expectations held for her to marry Peter and produce heirs for the realm. Her friend, Mario, in contrast, has suffered hardship and humiliation at the hands of the Lilim guard – and a chance encounter will spur Carolyn’s awakening. The disabled gateway has frustrated the team’s efforts to reach Carolyn, and Ethan and Note can barely tolerate each other, but both mage and demon share the same goals. Hope by way of an unexpected source leads to the team embarking on a plan so daring that their survival hangs in the balance. With old and new friends from the realms, the fight for order continues.

Pledged

9780993081781 The deal was simple: Carolyn and her friends could return home after 21 days. What could happen in 3 short weeks? Rather a lot: Carolyn’s mother is livid about her “rescue” and Edward is being groomed for a chiefdom he doesn’t want. The Agency’s “elixir of life” has been perfected, and O.W.E. permits mean that certain humans have been authorised to work in the demon realms. The destroyer is about to face her greatest fear, and it has nothing to do with killing demons: She must decide what to do about Ethan and Note who risked everything for her and already accomplished the impossible in “Chasing the Demon”.