Interview with Caitlyn McKenna

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your new novel "Echoes of Angels"?

A: Though set in two worlds, that of mortal earth and the surrounding dimensional realm of Sclyd, Echoes of Angels is a novel about redemption. Slightly reworking the theme of Armageddon, I've used the two worlds to illustrate, in a highly fictional way, what might happen if beings wielding the powers of a supernatural dimension were to need the resources of earth's planet and people to restore their own dying world. And what if there were a leader_ a Keeper of Eternity's Gates_ who could stave off this demonic invasion, but didn't want to? How could he be persuaded he should fight again and, moreover, why would he want to?

Ok, that's a big theme for something that's supposed to look like a simple paranormal romance (or fantasy, as some would call it), but that's exactly what I used to create the series. One thing reader will find about my books is that I don't sugarcoat (well, not much) the characters. They have failings, weaknesses and inner demons to battle (as well as a few outside ones, LOL).

My publisher, Zumaya Publications, gave me a lot of leeway in writing what I wanted to. Though they edited, they changed very little. That pleased me immensely, as I was determined no one was going to come along and tell me to restructure Morgan's psyche. That was one thing that made NYC pubs shy away from the series, I think. The main male character is not wearing any shining armor! Though one reviewer praised the book, she said in an aside that Morgan Saint-Evanston disturbed her because he was a suicidal alcoholic and treated women badly. I consider that a great compliment, because that is exactly how I meant the character to come across in the debut book. No, he's not nice. He can be a real bastard. He's supposed to be. He's hovering on the brink of mental instability (as the inheritor of a legacy that's made him an immortal.) Yes, Morgan will find his redemption, yes he will become less abrasive, but not before he's put through the trials that come of love and loss--and of the realization that one can not escape destiny.

Hokey? Maybe. Stretching the bounds of disbelief? Probably. Fun? Definitely. Will it appeal to all readers? No, it won't. But if we all liked the same books, it would be a boring library to browse in, don't you think?

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your future plans?

A: At this time, I am working on the first sequel to Echoes, titled Descent of Demons. Another book, Genesis Awry, is also finished, but needs a good polish before it goes to the publisher. There is a 4th book in the idea stage, Legion, which will probably finish the series, but I don't know if it'll ever get past the thinking stage. I've still got these other two in front of it.

After that, I want to work on what I call my Pulitzer, a literary novel about... hmm, should I say? Better not. Don't want to spread the idea around. Needless to say, this one will be semi-fictional, and the names shall be changed to protect the guilty. This is going to be a purely mainstream work.