A TOUCH OF DEATH Stars ~ Jodi & Alex

GRAFFITI PROMOTIONS is a regular feature on Writer's Alley, where authors and aspiring writers, editors, publishers, and anyone from the publishing world share their journeys, valuable wisdom, and promote their work along a road of humor, encouragement, and inspiration. Features include Author Interviews, Book Promos, and Character Introductions.

A touch of Greek mythology, astrology, and romance. Oh, and death.

A TOUCH OF DEATH (#1) by Kelly Hashway

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Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

Released: January 15, 2013

Pages: 235

Description: Jodi Marshall isn’t sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she’s in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she’s being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.

After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he’s not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she’s part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendents of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.

Jodi’s deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn’t difficult enough, Jodi discovers she’s the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can’t figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct.

Probing into the brains of novel stars is always fun; even better when there are two of them. I'd like to introduce you all to Jodi & Alex. Guys, let's here your voices.

Well, my name is Jodi Marshall and I'm a necromancer. Not just any necromancer, though. I'm a descendent of Medusa and I was born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, which makes me an Ophi. That basically means I can raise the dead, but I'm also poisonous to humans. So I can take life too, not that I want to.

Ooh...cool.

Hey.

Sorry, Alex.

I'm Alex Montgomery. I'm an Ophi, too, but I grew up into this life so I'm pretty used to my abilities.

Hmmm...cool, but not as cool as Jodi's answer. *wink* JK. Really, what's your biggest quirk?

Jodi: I'd say having a kiss that kills humans. That's pretty quirky... and deadly.

Alex: I've been told I'm a little awkward around humans. Jodi thought I was a stalker at first.

Jodi: Because he totally was!

Although the world see you one way, how do you see yourselves and your world?

Jodi: Hmm, let's see, we have all these powers that we have to try to use for good because Hades—yeah, THAT Hades—hates us and wants us all dead.

Alex: Yeah, that pretty much says it all, except Jodi forgets that being an Ophi isn't all bad. We're really powerful and that part is awesome.

What do you really think of each other? 

Jodi: Alex isn't like anyone I've ever met before. He's totally sexy—

Alex: Very true.

Jodi: Anyway, he's protective and powerful, too, but he has this way of turning off his emotions at times, and it's a little scary.

Alex: It's called being focused.

Jodi: Fine. Scary focused. Now what do you think of me?

Alex: Jodi is hot—really hot. And she's wicked powerful. Oh, and did I mention hot?

You two are funny. So tell me, what is your creator really like? Be careful, I've heard she's not done with you yet. :)

Jodi: Oh, Kelly didn't create us. 

Really?

We came to her with our story. Luckily she types quickly because she said we wouldn't leave her alone and we talked really fast.

Now that I can see. Alex...

Alex: I think I may have made her blush a few times. She wants to know if I have any more long-sleeve t-shirts lying around, but I gave my last one to Jodi to sleep in so Kelly's out of luck.

Jodi: I think she might have a thing for Hades, too, because as much as that god tortures us, she loves to hear about him.

I'm thinking I should look into Hades. Fun fact, because I'm weird like that. Favorite ice cream?

Jodi: Cookie dough! It's ice cream and raw cookie dough. It doesn't get much better than that. Unless you add rainbow sprinkles. Sprinkles make everything better.

Alex: I'm going to agree with Jodi on this one.

Beverage or food? 

Jodi: I drink hot tea in one or two gulps. It's just not as good when it gets cold.

Alex: I eat mac and cheese at every meal. I'd rather not get into why, though.

So you're just going to leave us hanging, Alex. *waits but receives no response* Fine. Guess we'll all just have to read the book, then. Thank you both for being here. You two are a riot!

Kelly Hashway writes books and short stories for children through young adults. Her full-length middle grade and young adult fiction is represented by Lauren Hammond of ADA Management. Her upcoming YA novels include STALKED BY DEATH (Spencer Hill Press, 7/23/13), THE MONSTER WITHIN (Spencer Hill Press, April 2014), THE DARKNESS WITHIN (Spencer Hill Press, TBA), and INTO THE FIRE (Month9Books, spring 2014). Her YA novella series GAME. SET. MATCH. HEARTBREAK includes, LOVE ALL (Swoon Romance 1/22/13), SERVING UP HEARTBREAK (Swoon Romance, 5/7/13), and PERFECT MATCH (Swoon Romance, 10/15/13). Her debut MG series, CURSE OF THE GRANVILLE FORTUNE releases in 2016 through Month9Books. She is also the author of the picture books, MAY THE BEST DOG WIN, THE PURRFECT PUPPY, and SANTA BUNNY. For more about Kelly visit her Website, Blog, Facebook, & Twitter - @kellyhashway.

Got a question for Jodi, Alex, or Kelly? Ask away!