The 13th Floor Series - The Marquis: Blog Tour Questions and Answers

Today I'm here for my stop on the blog tour for the first book in Christine Rains' The 13th Floor Series – The Marquis. 

I had the pleasure of beta reading The Marquis (thank you Christine), and today Christine has kindly agreed to answer some of my questions about the book, and posed a couple for me too.

Questions for Christine from Clare

1. I love the idea of a hidden floor on an apartment complex, where paranormal beings live, I think it's fascinating and very original. What was your inspiration for the series?

I came up with the idea of the mysterious 13th floor first before anything else. As with legends and myths, I like to play with superstitions in my writing. Why do some buildings not put in or mark a 13th floor? What happens to that space? Maybe there's a reason for those superstitions, or perhaps the belief in something magical created the hidden floor. I like for my readers to wonder and spark their imaginations.

2. Marc and Mae are older than your average paranormal romance couple, why did you decide to make them a mature couple? Which, I thought was a brilliant move, by the way, again very original.

Thank you. I originally came up with Marc's character. Older, kind of a grouchy old man type. It wouldn't have seemed right to pair him with a young woman. He needed a woman who has experienced much and knows who she is. Mae's an individual with a great lot of wisdom and compassion. She had to be older.

3. You can tell from the mythology of the story - Marc's former position as the demon The Marquis - that you're well versed in the paranormal and supernatural. Was the mythology based on any real world mythology or all your own invention?

Some of the demon mythology is based on Christian theology. Demons in this world are fallen angels serving Lucifer. The idea of Marc grew from a demon named The Grand Marquis who served Hell with the hope of absolution and did not receive it. Other bits, like the construct made from imps, are of my own creation.

4. Will we see more of Mae and Marc in the future books in the series. I'd love to know what happens to them after the storyline in the Marquis. Without giving away any spoilers, can you give us a little tidbit?

There will be a little bit more of Marc and Mae. Marc will be in Kiral's story at least! The last two books of the series will have the most about all of the tenants and the 13th floor.

Questions for Clare from Christine. 

1. You were so wonderful to say yes when I asked you to beta read for me. So brave! Tell us a bit what a beta reader does and what you do when reading for someone.

Oh, thank you. It was my pleasure. I haven't really beta read before, I've only critiqued, (and I also don't understand the difference between CPs and Betas), so I basically just did that. I looked at all the elements of the story - checked for spelling and grammatical errors other CPs might have missed, looked at the characterization, the plot, pacing. Watched out for inconsistencies or plot holes. Made sure the characters were likeable, while still humanly flawed, and that their actions were believable within the perimeters of the story. I just made note of anything that would have turned me off as a reader, and the pointed out the parts I especially enjoyed.

2. What was your initial impression of The Marquis?

I loved it. I thought the concept, of a retired demon having to choose between saving the woman he loves or reverting to his old demonic ways, was an excellent one. And the execution lived up to expectations - the romance was spot on, the characterization just right for the story. It was perfectly balanced in terms of romance and action. And the mythology included, expanded on and created, as facinating. All in all, it was a fantastic paranormal romance, and much more dynamic that some bland, two-dimensional paranormal romances I've read.

3. From (your) question #2, do you think that having a mature couple might put off some readers?

I really hope not, because the story is so excellent that it would be a shame for someone to miss out on it just because of the age of the characters. Actually, Marc and Mae being a mature couple made me more interested in the story. Their reactions/ actions would be different than someone in their twenties. Plus, as they're older, this might be their last chance at love, meaning there's more at stake for both of them. I don't think the story would have worked nearly as well if either Marc or Mae, or both, were younger.

Title: 1301 – The Marquis

Author: Christine Rains

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Release date: December 13th, 2012

Buy The Marquis: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Smashwords | Kobo | Barnes and Noble

Blurb:

Life after Hell isn't more exciting than watching football and fixing a busted pipe. Once a powerful demon, Marc enjoys his quiet existence and a good cup of coffee. With big ambitions to gain his master's favor, a trickster demon named Vetis shatters Marc's peace and vows to deliver Marc's head to the fires of Hell. Not before he destroys everything Marc cares about, of course.

Marc's power has diminished over the years. Heaven will never grant him absolution, and he refuses to return to Hell. Running isn't an option. The city of Carmine is his territory. It's also home to his favorite cafe owner, Mae Hopkins. The dame has a lovely smile, but it's her heart and soul that shine bright.

While his city burns and his love is captured, Marc must decide to surrender or let hate and anger fuel him to become the fearsome beast he so loathes: The Marquis. If the Marquis rises, Vetis can be defeated and Mae saved, but Marc would be lost to his demon forever.

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 Author Bio:Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. She has four degrees which help nothing with motherhood, but make her a great Jeopardy player. When she's not writing or reading, she having adventures with her son or watching cheesy movies on Syfy Channel. She's a member of S.C.I.F.I. The 13th Floor series is her first self-published series. She also has two novellas and sixteen short stories published.

Find Christine in the following places:
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads