I’m thrilled to introduce today’s guest blogger since I’ve known her “back when.” I had to laugh during her post because I can so see Alexia doing what she describes, and yes, she’s filled with random interesting facts. Please help me welcome today’s guest…Alexia Reed.
As a paranormal writer, I am always trying to come up with new and interesting psychic abilities to give my characters. Now, you’d think it’d be easy. I mean, it’s paranormal! Anything can happen right? True and while it’s easy on some days, on others, there’s nothing left in that creative well.
Case in point, this weekend I was stuck on a new character. I had some limitations I wanted on this new ability but I couldn’t think of something that is interesting and yet, disposable. Now, I’m a slightly odd person. Sometimes a walk may help me get through a block, but it doesn’t always. What does help (and here is where the weird comes in) is doing rolling hand gestures and pretending I’m doing martial art moves. And trust me, I’m no master. I butcher moves horribly. lol. If you know me, I’m an awkward, small person with no coordination. I’m very clumsy. I walk into walls all the time.
So me pretending to do all these fancy moves…yeah, I’m sure you’d be laughing if you saw me. The thing is that if I can somewhat visualize the action behind the ability then I can figure out something. I have a character who always hangs his hand down to the ground and wiggles his fingers. He does this to twist and draw psychic energy toward him so that he ball up the energy in his hand. I came up with this because one day I just started doing finger motions as I was walking down the hall.
So yeah, this weekend I was trying to figure out some moves…anything that’d give me a hint of a thread of thought. What’d I end up with? The character, by throwing his hands out in front of him (almost like jazz hands but no moving fingers) can create a barrier that wraps around someone and decompress them. Like if you were to somehow end up in space without your protection suit.
Random research fact while trying to explain this ability: Did you know that if you happen to be in this situation you shouldn’t hold your breath? Your lungs may explode apparently. Sounds incredibly painful.
When you’re stuck on a problem, no matter what it is, do you do something “different” to try and figure out a solution? If so, what?
Thanks Leah for having me on your site!
**Alexia is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Certificate to a commenter. Contest will be open until Friday May 11th at 8 a.m. and the winner will be chosen by random.org and announced later that day.** Contest is now closed.
Hunting the Shadows
by Alexia Reed
Amy has spent her life in isolation. Locked away in the Centre, a secret government facility where children with extraordinary abilities are raised as highly skilled fighters, she longs for a normal life. A life where being around people doesn’t overload her sensitive telepathic mind. A life where she can’t see through the eyes of a murderer as he hunts down his next victim…
J.C. Nikolaiev was a top researcher, but when his conscience got the better of him, he tried to destroy his work and free his subjects—and was imprisoned as a traitor. To save himself and prevent more people from dying, J.C. must catch the serial killer stalking the halls of the facility. But his only leads come from a woman whose thoughts have invaded his mind…
Finally out of the psych ward, Amy joins forces with J.C. to find the killer before he closes in on them. Can their growing attraction withstand the truths they uncover?
You can purchase Hunting the Shadows through the Carina Press, Amazon, Kobo or Barnes and Noble.
Alexia Reed is a dark paranormal romantic suspense author. You can find her on Goodreads, Twitter, and Facebook.
