Hunting
for Witches
The
Ludus
Book
One
Lana
Pecherczyk
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Creative Cartel
Publishing
Date of Publication: April 25th 2015
ISBN: 978-0994313911
ASIN: B00V2IBYYA
Number of pages: 424
Word Count: 106,124
Cover Artist: Lana Pecherczyk
Book Description:
Witches have been obliterated -
or so the world hopes. At 24, Roo struggles to keep her DNA-changing abilities
secret. She doesn't feel like a witch, but if she isn't, how can she manipulate
the physical world? Why does she feel the energy of all living things?
On tenuous ground, Roo keeps her
skills hidden with the help of her sexy songstress BFF and her barmaid job at
The Cauldron. Hiding in plain sight seems to be working until a mysterious
witch hunter comes to town. Roo's powers are growing and, when a witch
possesses the body of her sister, she defends her using any means possible.
Roo is exposed and attacked from
all sides. She must learn to trust others while she discovers her identity and
masters her powers to save the lives of her loved ones. She needs to convince
herself and her town that she's more than a witch.
Inspired by mythology, science
and fantasy, this fascinating debut novel is set in a brilliantly envisioned
world where life is a secret game played by gods and witches until death ...
Available at Amazon
About
the Author:
As an author, marketer, and
artist, Lana is a triple threat! She also makes a mean chocolate cake, and has
Level 46 Creative Mojo. A fan of ‘pro-caffeinating’, Lana loves writing
mash-ups of the fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and horror genres.
An author in her own right, with
her urban fantasy novel Hunting for Witches recently released, Lana creates all
of her own cover work and illustrations, and infuses websites with her unique
stylistic talent and quirky graphic design.
She loves Sailor Moon. No
judgement.
Interview
Where are you from?
Perth, Western Australia.
I’ve been an artist and marketer most of my
life with a secret passion for telling stories. Recently, I took the plunge and
put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) to write my debut, Hunting for
Witches. I’m a huge fan of the Urban Fantasy genre and read as much as I can. I
have two little balls of energy (a.k.a boys) and illustrate and design all of
the artwork you see on my books and websites.
I’m also a massive Sailor Moon fan. No judgement.
Tell us your latest news?
Hunting for Witches is my debut novel and I'm half way through the
second in the series. I self published my book, did my own artwork and web
design and have just started a business with a fellow writer which is a huge
achievement. We offer our services to other writers wanting to self-publish.
It’s called Creative Cartel Publishing.
When and why did you begin writing?
I've written in secret for many years but had focused mainly on art and
marketing. Finally about two years ago I couldn't stand the story running circles
in my head, so decided that I needed to give it a go. Writing the novel was
hard and at times very daunting, but I was determined and even woke up before
the sun on many occasions to fit writing in to my day. I'm so glad I did,
because now I can't stop. Writing (and coffee) has become my life.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I think there's always a part of me that feels like an artist first,
writer second – when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like a proper job. The
first time I got a message from a reader from the other side of the world
saying she loved my book was a great feeling.
What inspired you to write your first book?
I have an overactive imagination. So when I heard the song 'Hunting for
Witches' by Bloc Party, (a song really about the London Bombings), I imagined
real witches 'taking our women and taking our jobs'. This concept quickly
mutated with a life of its own and before I knew it, I had a story like no
other. I’ve created a music playlist on Spotify which I play whenever I just
have to do the housework and let my imagination run free.
Follow the creative writing playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/user/1264202704/playlist/2dyvKss24g9Q2LtJVYlCGw
Do you have a specific writing style?
I think the only writing style you can have is to write from the heart
and on instinct. I often read my words aloud and minimise editing in the first
draft that way my style will be stronger and more unique.
How did you come up with the title?
'Hunting for Witches' has two meanings: the literal witch hunt, and the
figurative one. Roo, the main character, not only has to fight a real evil
witch, but to prove her innocence to a bunch of pitchfork waving town locals
who want to pin the latest disturbance on her.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
There comes a
point in everyone’s life when they have to stop running away from their
problems and start facing them head on. That’s basically what Roo struggles
with the entire book. Her best friend, Kitty, states it clearly
when she says: ‘Babe, just
because you love eighties music doesn’t mean you should hold out for a hero. Be your own hero, and just enjoy it!’
How much of the book is realistic?
It's set in the beautiful, coastal town of Margaret River and I scouted
real beaches, forests and vineyards for the scenes. All characters and plot are
completely fictional but I like to add an element of science in there to help
bridge the fantasy to the real world. I made my particular brand of magic, less
hocus pocus and more spiritual. More in the vein of, ‘What if ghosts were real
and they knew how to use our bodies better than us?’
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own
life?
I took a lesson in how to ride a dirt bike so I could understand how Roo
rides. I frequently visit the town the book is set in, and have even been to
the real Gourmet Food Festival that features in my book, but apart from me
seeking inspiration for Roo's Prince
obsession from my sister, it's all made up.
What books have most influenced your life most?
Interview with the Vampire by Anne
Rice was my first ever paranormal book, and that sparked it all off for me. After
that I was hooked on vampires, witches and anything else that goes bump in the
night.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Anne Rice is one of my all time favourites, but what Urban Fantasy lover
could go past the magical team that is Ilona Andrews? Both have been pioneers
in their genre and a joy to read. I’d also love to connect with Shannon Mayer
because she’s a self-published author in my genre, I love her humour, and she
is making a killing!
What book are you reading now?
I just met one of my all
time favourite Young Adult authors: Isobelle Carmody. She was so lovely to talk
to, and her famous series ‘The Obernewton Chronicles’ is almost finished, with
‘Red Queen’ coming out at the end of the year. To celebrate, I’ve just started
to re-read the series again. Currently on book number one: Obernewton.
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
To be honest, I’m a bit out
of the new author loop. I’ve had my head tucked down while I wrote my book,
with the only new author I’ve read as Louisa Loder, who writes awesome high
fantasy. She’s got a knack for character driven stories and fantastic dialogue
that always leaves me smiling. If anyone knows of any great new Urban Fantasy
authors, I’d love to hear about them.
What are your current projects?
The Ludus 1.5 which is called 'The Devil is in The Darkness'. It's a
novella told from the point of view of two male characters in HFW. If anyone
wants to be an advanced reader, sign up to my newsletter at www.ludusbooks.com and I’ll send out the call
closer to the date.
What would you like my readers to know?
I love connecting with readers and am active on all sorts of social
media including Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and I blog about writing and
self-publishing at Author Zoo. Please come on down and say hi!
Book Series Website: http://www.ludusbooks.com
Author Blog: http://www.authorzoo.com.au
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lansi26
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorzoo
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Lansi
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lansi26/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/lansi
Newsletter: http://goo.gl/kJLfel
Tour
giveaway
5 print copies of Hunting for
Witches
Thanks for hosting me! Lovely to be here
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