Stephanie Hudson - If Twilight had a Bigger, Darker Brother

Stephanie Hudson had dreamed of being a writer ever since her obsession with reading books at an early age. What first became a quest to overcome the boundaries set against her in the form of dyslexia, has turned into a life's dream. She first started writing in the form of poetry and soon found a taste for horror and romance. Afterlife is the first book in the series of 12 books, with the story of Keira and Draven becoming ever more complicated in a world that sets them miles apart. As our Author of the Day, Hudson tells us all about her book, Afterlife.

Please give us a short introduction to what Afterlife is about.

Afterlife is an opulent Gothic nightclub that belongs in a big city, not in the small town of Evergreen Falls…Just like its forbidding owner does, Dominic Draven.

Keira is a shy girl running from a horrific past, a girl who belongs in the shadows of a small town, a place where she can start a new life. However, this new life she craves so badly isn’t the one she is expecting. Not after Draven gets one look at her and quickly decides her fate.

But which fate will Keira choose, a willing slave to the darkness inside him or a prisoner in his arms for all eternity?

After all, Dominic Draven, isn’t what he seems and Afterlife isn’t just a nightclub…No, for Draven, it’s a castle he rules from.

What inspired you to write about an opulent Gothic nightclub?

To be honest it just seemed like a natural fit with the characters i had in mind when coming up with the storyline.

Why did you pick the small town of Evergreen Falls as the backdrop for your story?

It is a made-up place and felt it added intrigue to the story for it to be set in such a small remote town. The location doesn't necessarily fit in with the power the Draven family have and you may expect them to be based in a big city rather than a place like Evergreen Falls.

Tell us more about Keira. What makes her tick?

Keira is one of those characters that start off shy and sometimes withdrawn due to her past but grows throughout the story. She had to be someone who gains self-confidence through the journey she finds herself on after meeting Domonic Draven. Draven is what makes her tick, he is what drives her to face what she does. She is also fiercely loyal to family and friends.

What do you think is the most important part of creating seductive heroes (like Draven) that readers can't get enough of?

I guess my forte is writing dominant males who are the kings of their world and when you can have a character that has been built up that strong and then you realize his weakness is the love for a woman, it makes a more powerful statement.

Readers say that the story contains a lot of mystery and keeps you in the dark throughout the book. Why did you take this approach?

It was always going to be a series of books and I like to keep readers on their toes, questioning the characters and the way the story is going. I want the readers to invest their time in the stories and the characters and it was always the case that they would not be getting all the answers by the end of this first book. I always intended for this to be an epic story and it was never meant to be a quick read. That is my preference as a reader as well.

Besides writing, what other secret skills do you have?

I enjoy crafting, making and updating things like shoes and hats. I love the steampunk style so that is often my inspiration.

This is the first book in the Afterlife Saga. Can it be read as a standalone? How do the other books in the series tie in with this one?

Afterlife is the first book in a 12 book saga with spin-off books and other linked series following. Like I say, it was always meant to be an epic read!!!

Do you have a favorite line from the book, and can you explain what that line means to you?

My favorite quote from the whole saga is actually from book 2. It is very personal to me due a skin condition I have that has left scarring in my skin...

These scars you hold are only skin deep, they do not connect to your heart or your soul. These scars do not define you, you define them. They do not represent death and destruction like you think, they represent life, the life you chose to want to live...So... make it worth it"

Does writing about surreal worlds and enigmatic scenes present any particular problems?

No not really, it comes naturally to me. I have always had a vivid imagination and I find writing this type of fantasy world easier than everyday life.

When working on a new book, what’s the first thing you do?

I start on chapter 1 and work my way through until I finish. I do have a chapter by chapter guideline that I use to keep on track but apart from that I just start until I finish doing research as I go along!!

Talk to us about your writing routine; what’s a typical writing day for you?

I am not typical in my writing style. I work nights as having three young children at home it is easier for me to concentrate without disturbances and distractions. My husband looks after the kids and the home during the day whilst I sleep and I am often then up writing until 4 or 5 am!!

What are you working on right now?

I am currently working on a personal challenge I set myself at the beginning of the year of writing and bringing out a book each month. Book 6 in the Transfusion Saga is released this weekend so I am working on final edits and adjustments ready for that!! Then it will be straight into Book 7.

Where can our readers discover more of your work or interact with you?

My books can be found on Amazon, iBooks and Kobo. I am always active in our Facebook groups and love interacting with my fans in the official group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1595809990658999/?epa=SEARCH_BOX, We are about to revamp the website https://www.afterlifesaga.com/ or you can find me on

Twitter

Facebook Fan page

Amazon Author Page