What inspired you to become an author?
I always loved to read and write as a kid, and
creative writing was a favourite subject. While I was at university, my friends
would often pay me in wine to edit or write their essays…pretty good deal if
you ask me! Anyway, I started to think that I could maybe try writing books
myself, seeing as I’ve always had all sorts of ideas floating around in my
head. Then one night I suddenly thought up the idea for the S Files series, and
I had to start writing it straight away!
Do you write in different genres?
I’ve dabbled in writing
horror before, but only short stories. I’ve always been a massive horror fan,
but unfortunately it is hard for me to actually write it because I often end up
freaking myself out. One particular scene in the second S Files book creeped me
out so much that while I was writing it, I swear I almost had a heart attack
when there was a knock at the door. I assumed it was a crazy serial killer
coming to get me… but of course it was just the mail delivery guy wanting me to
sign for a parcel.
If yes which is your favorite genre to write?
I’ve definitely enjoyed
writing these paranormal romance novels more than anything else. However,
because they are paranormal, there are often scary elements involved, so it’s
good to occasionally be able to throw some thriller/horror stuff in.
How did you come up with the title for your latest
book?
My latest is called
Shifter’s Point, and it’s named after the town where all the action occurs – a
place called Schiller’s Point. In the book, the town is known for its high
shifter population, so it has earned the nickname Shifter’s Point. I figured
‘Hey, why not name the book after that?’
Is the book, characters, or any scenes based on a
true life experience, someone you know, or events in your own life?
As much as I wish I
knew sexy shifter FBI agents, unfortunately I don’t, so I can’t say they are
based on any of my own experiences. However, some of the events are inspired by
real-life events that have occurred in the world. For example, in the second
book in the S Files series, there is a serial killer who the two main
characters are trying to catch, and that killer is very loosely based on the Jack the Ripper murders in nineteenth-century
England. History is always a great place to look for inspiration!
What books/authors have influenced your life?
When I was younger, I
loved all the crime books by Kathy Reichs and Patricia Cornwell. I suppose they
have influenced me in a way, because I love to have crime/mystery elements in
my books. I also love J.K. Rowling (who doesn’t?).
If you had to choose, which writer would you
consider a mentor?
Hmm…I suppose I’d have
to pick J.K. Rowling. From what I’ve read, she was quite broke and a single
mother when she started to write the Harry Potter series, and she managed to
change her life so much by writing such an amazing book series that appealed to
children and adults alike. Some people might have given up, but she never did.
What book are you reading now?
Right now I am
re-reading my all-time favourite book – Foucault’s Pendulum by Umberto Eco.
Basically, it’s about three men who invent a wild conspiracy theory, and slowly
their lives unravel as they start to believe their own conspiracy.
What books are in your to read pile?
One of my favourite
paranormal romance authors (Milly Taiden) has a few new stories out that I’d
love to check out when I have the time. She is great at writing the sexiest
shifter stories!
What is your current “work in progress” or upcoming projects?
Right now, I am taking
a short break after having just released the third S Files book, but I am
plotting out the fourth one a bit. It’s going to be called ‘Twice the Alpha’,
and instead of featuring just one main male lead, there’s going to be two. That
should spice things up a bit…
Once An Alpha
The S Files
Paranormal Investigation Agency
Book 1
Callie McKenna
Genre: BBW Paranormal romance
Date of Publication: 16th January 2015
ASIN: B00SDFDRJU
Number of pages: 138
Word Count: 42000
Cover Artist: L. Armstrong
Book Description:
Mystery. Intrigue. Lust. The sexiest shifters. This book has it all...
Curvy FBI agent Myla Peyton has always believed in logic and science. But when she is assigned to the paranormal S Files investigation agency, everything she believes in is challenged.
And what’s worse is her partner, David Lyndon. Sexy as hell and arrogant to boot, Myla can’t stand him after encountering him during her time at the FBI academy. There’s something different about him that she can’t put her finger on. Why does he sniff the air like a dog, and why do his eyes sometimes seem to glow?
The two are sent to the sleepy mountain town of Bakewell Springs, Colorado, to investigate multiple disappearances of hikers over the years. Someone…or something…is snatching them up in the night, and it’s up to the two agents to figure out what’s really going on.
Can Myla resist David's mysterious charms while solving the case? And can David resist the urge to claim his curvy mate?
Warning: This book contains lots of HOT sex, adult language and violence. If this is not the kind of stuff you like to read, skip this book. However, if you like dirty, raunchy sex with a strong, sassy and smart BBW heroine, then this is right up your alley. Enjoy!
Available at Amazon
Excerpt:
“Anyway, I’d tell you what the position is right now, but we’re still waiting on a third party,” Director Armstrong said, leaning back slightly. “You are one of two agents we want on this task force, and unfortunately he is quite late.”
“Who is he?” I asked, but I didn’t need to. Only a second after I spoke, the door opened, and I had to suppress the urge to roll my eyes as David Lyndon sauntered in.
Seeing him always sent my body into a tailspin of confusion. I couldn’t stand the guy, but there was no denying what he did to me and probably every other woman he came within ten feet of. The man was gorgeous. With a lot more than a capital G. Seriously, even thinking of him made my heart jump in my chest and fireworks go off in my stomach.
He had golden-tanned skin with dark hair, flawless chiseled features and piercing green eyes, and also enough muscles to share with at least five other men. But like I said, I couldn’t stand him. Not after spending all that time down in Quantico with him at the academy, and certainly not after that night. He was a smooth-talking asshole, a womanizer and arrogant to boot. I suppose he couldn’t help it, what with women melting in his presence and practically throwing their panties at him.
“Myla,” he said, nodding in my direction and flashing that panty-dropping grin at me. Not today, Lyndon. You wish. I seethed at the idea of having to be paired with him, and I gave him a stiff nod in return. The last time I’d seen him was at some agency function in the city a year ago, where I’d taken pains to avoid him and then given him the cold shoulder when he’d caught me off guard and tried to start a conversation with me.
“Okay, let’s get down to it,” Director Armstrong said, motioning for Lyndon to sit. “I’ve asked you here today because we want you both working in this little department that’s been around for a while, but…err… well, most agents have never heard of it. And for good reason too. It’s a little… unorthodox.”
“Unorthodox how?” I asked sharply.
“It’s called the S Files,” he replied, looking at Lyndon and me to gauge our responses. I’d never heard of it, and I raised an eyebrow, but Lyndon clearly had because he simply smiled and nodded.
“This department investigates strange events around the country that regular police departments have classified as unsolved due to… how can I put this… due to extenuating circumstances.”
I raised my other eyebrow this time as well.
“What sort of extenuating circumstances?” I asked.
Director Armstrong looked slightly flustered, and it was clear he thought he was going to have a hard time getting me on board. “Paranormal events. Unexplained phenomena. Those sorts of shenanigans.”
This time I could barely contain my surprise. I’d heard of departments like this existing, but I’d always assumed it was part of the agency lore. Not real in any way. But here I was being asked to join the S Files, with David Lyndon of all people.
“Um. Okay then…. and why exactly is he here? Couldn’t find any other decent agents?” I jerked my head in Lyndon’s direction, plastering a big old fake saccharin-sweet smile on my face. I knew I was being unprofessional, but I just couldn’t help myself when it came to him.
Director Armstrong pursed his lips into a thin smile. “Now, now. I’m aware of the fact that you two didn’t exactly get along back in the day, but we need you both on this. Agent Lyndon has experience with certain matters that may come in handy.”
Lyndon smirked at me and I rolled my eyes. Experience, huh? As far as I knew, the only thing he was experienced at was talking women out of their panties…and out of their minds, I presumed. You’d have to be insane to actually fall for his so-called charms.
“Why is it called the S Files?” I asked. “What does the S stand for?”
Director Armstrong coughed and crossed his arms. “The S stands for Shifter. We have compelling reason to believe that many unexplained events that go on in this world can be explained by the existence of shapeshifters.”
I snorted back laughter. “This has got to be a joke. Shapeshifters?”
Lyndon narrowed his eyes at me, and Director Armstrong smiled. “Keep an open mind, Agent Peyton. Not everything can be explained with the logic of science. But that’s where you come in, to try and prove us wrong. To sort out the paranormal from the regular old things that can be explained rationally.”
This time I didn’t suppress the urge to roll my eyes. “Right. So when would we start?”
“Right away,” Armstrong replied. “You’ve both already been relieved of your current postings.”
Great. So apparently I didn’t even get a choice in the matter. Whether I liked it or not, I had been removed from my geeky position with the computer scientists and forced into the S Files, with Lyndon foisted upon me as well. Double whammy.
The S Files. What a ridiculous name. And the FBI believing in shifters? I’ll be damned. I was willing to bet that whatever allegedly paranormal events we looked into, there would be a rational explanation for all of them. Or else I’d eat my shirt.
Armstrong continued. “We’ll need you both to take a plane to Denver tomorrow morning. Your first case awaits…”
About the Author:
Author Callie McKenna loves to write hot and sexy stories. How hot? So hot that they might very well scorch your e-reader! Usually paranormal, her stories are a great way to satisfy your cravings for smart, sassy heroines with curves and sexy alpha shifters.
Callie was born in the US but raised in South Africa before moving to Australia upon meeting her husband. They live together with their two gorgeous cats and (hopefully) they can add a baby to that mix soon. She is addicted to coffee, marshmallows and Indian food, but thankfully not all at the same time...
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