Changeling Press has started their Christmas celebrations with the release of the multi-author Santa’s Helpers series and the chance for reader to get on the Naughty List to win free ebooks for a year.
Learn about the books of the Santa’s Helpers series and their authors in the Naughty List Blog Hop.
Previous Stop: Wolf Run by B.J. McCall at Ayla Ruse’s Blog
Next Stop: Mistletoe Mistakes by Jocelyn Michel at Changeling Press’ Blog with B.J. McCall hosting
Today’s post is about Ayla Ruse and her very interesting take on Christmas deliveries to Hell. Yup, you read that right. Someone in Hell made Santa’s Nice List. I’m not sure who, but I know it couldn’t have been Zarakion. *eg* So I asked Ayla.
Me:
I’m curious who in Hell would be getting presents? Or is that a secret for another time?
Ayla:
That is an excellent question, and the answer is one I’m holding close right now. I have a few ideas for future revelations regarding what kinds of things the creatures in Hell could possibly want.
Me:
You tease! Fine. I respect that. How did you come up with this plot?
Ayla:
When Changeling announced it was gathering proposals for this year’s Christmas stories, I jumped. I’d never written demons before. I think at the time there was a bit of talk about demons on the loops, so demons were at the forefront of my mind. The only problem then became, how would I incorporate a demon with Christmas in a fun and loving way? With the theme being Santa’s Helpers, a delivery service popped up next. From there, I created the scenario of a substitute receiving demon and a newbie delivery elf. They each don’t know the “rules,” so everything’s fair game for them.
Me:
This sounds like the process I used last year for my White Hot Christmas title. In other words, the Changeling Press plot bunnies at work, as usual. Will you be revisiting this world and these characters? (the answer better be yes, or else)
Ayla:
Hahaha. I’ve let the idea tumble around, and it’s come to my attention that delivery services often operate throughout the year. Nothing concrete yet, but yes, there will be something more from Taryn and Zarakion in the future. As for revisiting this world, that’s a definite yes. I’m writing a story now for the upcoming Soul Debt series with Changeling, and a portion of the tale takes place through one of the Gates of Hell.
Me:
Ohhhh. I’m going to enjoy reading that one. I will definitely keep an eye out for that. So, what do Taryn and Zarakion do in the off season… besides each other?
Ayla:
Is there anything better to do? *g* Seriously, they develop their relationship just like any other. They talk, hang out, and I’ve recently discovered that Taryn is a great cook and loves to sneak treats to Zarakion.
Me:
I love when characters reveal more about themselves to the author so she can share with the rest of the class, as it were. I look forward to seeing more of those two. They were great together. What can readers expect from you next and when?
Ayla:
I’ll have a story for the Soul Debt series out in spring of 2013. After that will be a Contemporary Menage with Total-e-Bound. My plate is lining up from there. It’s just a matter of what story screams the loudest to be written first. I will admit, with the flash fictions Changeling does every Friday, my cup of story lines runneth over.
Me:
I completely sympathize. Changeling’s Flash Fiction challenges have spawned enough plot bunnies that I’m planning for 2014 already. Great interview, Ayla, and thanks for sharing insight into the story and the below excerpt. For those who want to experience a non-traditional Christmas, HOT as… well Hell Erotic Romance, check out Zarakion’s Tip.
Zarakion’s Tip
Santa’s Helpers (multi-author series)
by Ayla Ruse
Genre: Erotic Dark Fantasy Demon Elf Christmas Romance (MF)
Publisher: Changeling Press
Out Now!
Buy Link: https://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1950
The SPDS — Santa’s Package Delivery System — is in full swing this Christmas. This special co-op of the North Pole delivers packages to the Otherworlders, including demons.
Taryn is a new delivery elf this year, and she draws the short straw — having to deliver packages to Hell.
Zarakion, a Cha’horz demon — the guardians of the dividing line between Earth and Hell — has to work the unstable drop point. He has to play at receiving; not his favorite job.
When Taryn steps through the Gate, she’s intimidated at first by the huge demon, but Zarakion gives her a delivery tip that’ll have her scrambling to return to the drop point again and again.
Read the first full chapter online:
http://www.drb1stchp.com/2012/12/zarakions-tip-by-ayla-ruse.html
Enjoy this Steamy Excerpt…
Buy Link: https://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1950
Great post! Loved reading this. 🙂 Can't wait to nab my copy.
Thanks Zenobia ~ I had so much fun with both the story and your interview!