Paranormal Perceptions ~ The Dark Twisted Path
The Paranormal Perceptions series was created to gather some of the most interesting authors that are using paranormal elements in their stories. Every author has their own perceptions and provides their own insight on all things paranormal, ranging from urban legends and paranormal research, to myths and inspirations. This week on the guest series is author of Little Red Riding Wolf, author Jessica Aspen (@JessicaAspen).
Authors, paranormal authors in particular, have a wide variety of choices open to them when they start to imagine their next book. In fact, it can be so wide open that it’s difficult to choose. Shapeshifters, ghosts, vampires. Which do you choose to write about? And do you have to choose just one supernatural phenomenon?
When I first started writing paranormal the choices were bewildering. Too many ideas and formats raced through my mind, but finally one continued to keep surfacing. Fairytales. Fairytales were my first introduction to the supernatural. As a child I read them all, ate them up at a rate that amazed the school librarian. Magic spells, transformations, heroes and heroines, they all caught my attention. And they still do because there are no limits to the amount and ways they can be twisted.
Once Upon a BlogTo wander down the dark twisted path of the adult fairy tale is not for everyone, only the brave dare to enter the dark forest. The lure is strong. How can one not choose to go into the woods? All the characters are there, one only has to reach out and you can touch witches and princes and thieves. And behind the child’s tales are the adult’s tales. A little girl lost becomes a woman grown looking for forbidden adventure. A big bad wolf is the villain… or is he? What if the wolf is the woman? And what if what she desires comes back to bite her?
Fairytales are ultimately tales of true love conquering all, conquering the things we dread most; trolls, evil stepmothers, and even our own inner selves. In my fairytales the heroines must grow up in order to face the villain and when they do they must not only losing all but also face what love truly does to your soul.
In my first story Little Red Riding Wolf, I chose to twist Red Riding Hood into a tale of a young female werewolf and her forbidden love for a human. Not only does Red transform into a wolf, but she transforms into an adult defying convention and her domineering older brother for love. The fairy tale themes of true love and transformation run throughout, despite the modern Colorado setting and the shapeshifter heroine. I went deeper into the woods for my second book, Snow and the Seventh Wolf, and dealt with a dark hero and an even darker past for my heroine. But it all works, why? Because they’re fairy tales.
What do you love about fairy tales? Do you enjoy the dark side? The twisted side? Do you dare to venture into the woods with the wolves or do you stay in the shadow of the castles? What story would you like to see twisted?
Jessica Aspen writes paranormal romance near the foothills of the Colorado Rockies. Her books are full of elves, were-wolves and sexy men who walk on the dark side of the knife. She loves dark chocolate, walking the dog, hiking and is obsessed with new electronic writing devices. Jessica is also obsessed with writing, and learning about writing. She is a member of RWA, CRW, FF&P and PRO. You can find Jessica most days during the week athttp://jessicaaspen.com
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5759763.Jessica_Aspen
https://twitter.com/JessicaAspen
https://www.facebook.com/jessica.aspen
Giveaway
Jessica is giving away a copy of Little Red Riding Wolf at each stop to one lucky commenter. So, make sure to give some feedback!