Meet my Character Blog Tour: Interview with Cedric MacKinnon

Welcome to Immortyl Revolution!  

I’d like to thank Laurel Anne Hill for inviting me to take part in this MEET MY CHARACTER BLOG TOUR.  Please visit Laurel’s blog and read an interview with her character Juanita and learn about her books.

I've recently signed with a new publisher, Crazy Duck Press, and we’re about to bring out a revised edition of my urban fantasy novel, My Fearful Symmetry, the story of a rather unconventional Scottish vampire named Cedric MacKinnon. 

My Fearful Symmetry is part of the Immortyl Revolution series, which can be read as a stand-alone novel. The rest of the books in the series will be issued within the next year. 

Since Cedric is running a little late (he loves to make a dramatic entrance), I’ll set the stage for him.

Imagine a remote palace in India, where life in the present day continues much as it did thousands of years in the past.  Here, the Chief Elder of the Immortyls holds the power of life and death over his subjects.

In a secluded section of the palace, we find a spiritual retreat, an ashram, where devidasi, servants of the goddess Kali perform their devotions.  At the center is a courtyard, surrounded by lush gardens, where a sacred spring bubbles. Over this stands the many-armed image of Kali Ma. 

A tall young male Immortyl enters the courtyard.  With his milky skin, long auburn hair and green eyes, he’s an unlikely inhabitant of this exotic location. A wicked grin inches up the left side of his face. His saunter suggests a tiger’s deadly grace.

CEDRIC: My dear authoress, what brings you here at this hour?

DENISE: Some people would like to meet you.

CEDRIC: (Executes a flawless bow) Always a pleasure.

 

DENISE: So Cedric, I’d like you to tell the readers a little about yourself—and do try to behave. If you’re a good boy, I'll write some new adventures for you.

CEDRIC: (He sinks into the Lotus Position) Promise? I'd like that.

DENISE: First off, they’re probably wondering how a boy from Scotland ended up a vampire in India?

CEDRIC: My dear authoress, you know we don’t care for the V word. We are Immortyls, semi-divine children of Mother Kali.

DENISE: You don’t believe that.

CEDRIC: I’m not as skeptical as I once was.

DENISE: Why is that?

CEDRIC:  (Nods toward the statue) It seems Kali Ma has plans for me.  Why would this ginger-haired Scot end up in the Chief Elder’s court at the moment revolution threatened to tear it all down?

Look where I came from; I was nobody. 

My parents died when I was little. I grew up in a children’s home and ran away to London when I was fifteen with dreams of becoming a rock star—needless to say, not a great idea. I ended up on the streets and made my living selling the only thing I could. 

To make a long story short, rent boys in London have a 33% HIV infection rate, and I became a statistic. I turned to playing my guitar in the underground to supplement what I got from the government. One night I encountered this lovely Indian man—or so I thought. Rakesh made me the man I am today, that is to say, an Immortyl.  

DENISE: You have an unusual occupation.  Elaborate on that.

CEDRIC: I’m an adept of the ancient arts, an Immortyl temple artist in service to Kali Ma.  We dance and sing to her glory.

DENISE: But there’s a bit more to it, isn’t there?

CEDRIC: (His eyebrow rises) Indeed. Adepts are employed as courtesans in political intrigues by the Chief Elder of the Immortyls.  The Chief needed me to smooth things over with elders of the Grand Council, to curry favor, so to speak.

DENISE: Any elder in particular?

CEDRIC: (Satisfied smile) Lord Liu. Of all of them, he knows how to treat a lad right. Liu Li Cheng is a true gentleman.  As for the rest of that lot, I’d cheerfully cut their throats, given the chance.

The job is a total drag—except for the singing and dancing bit. No one does a blues riff on a sitar like me. Music is my true passion. I play the guitar as well as Indian instruments. My prized possession is a vintage Stratocaster. I love all kinds of rock music, especially that of David Bowie.

DENISE: You do love the flamboyant.

CEDRIC: (Chuckles) Despite my vows, flashy clothes, fast cars and the latest electronic gadgets are my weakness—and beautiful lovers, male and female.

DENISE: Ah, you mentioned Lord Liu, but is there also a special woman?

CEDRIC: My guru, Sandhya. She’s the senior adept.  Until I knew her, I was a selfish, little tart. She showed me that I’m more than just a pretty face and taught me so many things…

DENISE: Any last secrets to reveal?

CEDRIC: (Shakes his head.) They will just have to read my tale when it comes out and learn all.

If the nice boys and girls leave me a saucy comment and a contact email, the authoress will draw a name for a free ebook of Annals of the Immorytls. There’s a short in there, featuring yours truly. You can read another of my adventures in Vampire News. And don’t forget to check out my blog, darlings. You can also chat with me @cedricmackinnon on Twitter or at my Facebook page. 

DENISE: Yes, I did indeed create a monster. 


Thanks for stopping by! Next week, 9/8/14, the tour continues with Anne Marie Lutz, Brian McKinley and Danielle DeVor. 

Anne Marie's Blog

Danielle's Blog
Danielle's Facebook Page

twitter @sammyig


Brian on Facebook

Brian's Blog

Please give them a look and learn more about their books. 

Sexy Cedric Interviews Fallon from Moonlight/Halloween Ebook Giveaway

Welcome back guys and ghouls!  Your Sexy Cedric has another yummy guest for you to sample today.

We're just about halfway to Halloween, and we have lots of giveaways still active until the end of the month.  Make sure you scroll down through the posts to enter them!  You can win ebooks and paperbacks, as well as a Halloween Gift Basket!

Giveaway:  Leave a comment to be entered to win an ebook of Moonlight by Katie Salidas.  Contest ends at 11 p.m. EST on 10/31/12.  Winners will be announced on 11/1/12.  Please leave a contact email.  You are also invited to enter any of the active giveaways on this blog.  

Today, my guest is Fallon, the heroine of Moonlight by Katie Salidas.

Welcome to Sexy Saturday with Cedric, Fallon!  I do hope you’ll share a few spicy tidbits, my darling.  Settle into my hot seat of love.  Don’t worry--I never bite unless invited. 

Please introduce yourself and your friends to the readers.

Hey Cedric, thanks for having me here today. I’m honored, really, but you can put those fangs away. I’m not into biting.

I know what you’re thinking, best friend is a vampire and yet I am still creeped out by fangs. I don’t think I’ll really ever get over it. But, as long as you don’t try to steal a pint of the old 0-negative, we’re good.

Fallon, I must say, I’m not usually into humans—unless they are David Bowie, but you, my dear, are quite the delicious little tidbit.  Why don’t you share a little about your vital statistics?  What makes you such a mouth-watering object of desire? 

You really are a flirt, aren’t you? Alyssa warned me about your sweet talking. I guess I should have listened. Well, I wouldn’t go as far as saying I’m an object of desire for all men. I like to think of what I have as Nerd Chic! Brainy sex appeal. The only thing I’m missing is glasses and I’d have the complete package. In fact, that’s what Aiden (He’s my sexy wolfman) fell for first. He just loves that I know my way around a PC.

Tell me a little about yourself—don’t spare any juicy details.

Well, I’m originally from Vegas, but recently transplanted to Boston because of the whole Pandora’s Box fiasco. Hey, no one told me that box was cursed, and as a human I had no choice but to open it. That’s all in the past though. My family is all back home in Vegas, I’ve got a mother and brother back there. Dad died when I was young. Hmm, what else? Oh, I graduated from UNLV with my Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems. I wanted to go back and finish my masters, but, well, life happened. Or really, should I call that un-death? I’m not sure how vamps really “see” that whole immortality thing. Anyway, I’m getting off topic here.

Once we (Alyssa and the rest of the Peregrinus clan) hit Boston, I met my wolfman and we’ve been inseparable ever since.

Share a little of your fascinating world.  What is it like to “run with the pack”, so to speak?

 Oh, the pack… they’re great… now. They took a lot of convincing though to accept me. They have rules and ceremonies for everything. I’m still learning the ropes there. Being the “mate” of the Alpha, means not only knowing the rules, but living them and setting an example. It’s been a hard transition, but I do enjoy the monthly moonlight revelries. Those parties are awesome. You should come sometime. We’re a very vampire friendly pack. Just one rule, no drinking blood on our lands. If you need to feed, take it somewhere else.  There are many human relatives among the pack and we have to ensure their safety. 

What are some of the unique challenges that face you and your furry friends? 

Being a mixed pack, we are very supernatural friendly in the Olde Town, we have a lot of “community” issues. If the vampires have trouble, it’s our trouble too. If the local witches have trouble… you get the idea. Some packs are very exclusive and don’t bother with the other supernaturals out there. Ours believes that we are all in the minority and need to use our collective special abilities to help each other out. While it sounds noble, and it is, it can be very troubling. Keeping so many supernaturals under the radar from the Acta Sanctorum is no easy feat.

Alright, the burning question--how do you feel about vampires?

I’m totally cool with vamps. I mean, my best friend is one, I’ve been living in a house full of vamps for moths, and my pack is allied with a vampire clan. I don’t have issues with you all as a species. I just get freaked out by the whole blood drinking thing. I mean, you have no choice, right? So I can’t really fault you for it. But it does give me the heebie jeebies.

What do you look for in your ideal partner?  Is the fur coat optional or does a smooth-as-marble Scottish vampire lad have a chance?

There you go with that flirting again. You’re hot, don’t get me wrong, but I just can’t deal with the fangs. Sorry.

I really had never even entertained the idea of going supernatural. Until I met Aiden, I was content with ordinary men. I guess, the universe had other ideas for me. Though I have to say it… Once you go wolf, you can never, ever go back!

I’ve had my share of tumultuous relationships, but I must admit, I prefer those that present a challenge, like my darling Mia, or Lord Liu.  Do you like someone who lets you take the lead, or do you like strong-minded lovers? 

Being mated to the Alpha of the Olde Town pack should say it all. He’s a born leader and that is such a sexy quality. A leader isn’t just someone who rules with an iron paw. He does that well enough, but it’s the caring and compassion he brings to the title that really amps up the attractiveness. He’s fair and just and kind all wrapped up in a warm fur coat.

That said, he also knows when to roll over and let me take the lead when I’m feeling like exerting a little dominance… if you know what I mean.

What is your idea of the perfect evening?  All great lovers have their trade secrets.  How you create the perfect romantic atmosphere?

The perfect evening? Is there such a thing. We carve out any alone time we can and make that special. The alpha’s work is never done, so we are usually pretty busy tending to pack business and the daily running and maintenance of the Wolf Preserve. For us, romance has been replaced by quickies… lots of them… what can I say, wolves are frisky, and I’m not complaining.

There was one night where we stepped out for a moonlight run. Aiden knows the forest like the back of his paw. He found us this nice little spot near the water. Just us and the crickets. The peacefulness of it was divine.

Well, who is that lurking in the background?  Mmm…I like the looks of him.  Any friend of yours is a friend of mine.  So, are you and that strapping bloke with the growl up for a threesome?  I mean the good kind—him, you and me?

Even if Aiden were willing, I don’t share. Never learned that skill in Kindergarten. But, seeing as he’s here, that must mean it’s time for me to head out. Like I said, the Alpha’s job is never done!

Too Bad, it would have been divine.

Thanks so much for having me here today. Be sure to read our story, Moonlight. 

My authoress, Ms. Verrico, wrote a review of Moonlight.  Be sure to read it and grab a copy of this steamy and exciting book!

Moonlight

Good girls don’t wear fur, or fight over men, and they certainly don’t run around naked, howling at the moon.

But then, no-one ever called Fallon a good girl.

As a human unofficially mated to an Alpha werewolf, Fallon is being pressured to “become”...or be gone.

Her mate Aiden, the interim leader of the Olde Town Pack, is in a position that demands he either choose a wolf mate...or leave the pack forever. No matter how hot the sex with Fallon is, he can’t ignore centuries of tradition.

Become a wolf or not. If only the choice were that simple. Fallon’s options are further clouded by the overt presence of other females desperate to be the Alpha’s mate. And when these bitches get serious, it’s not just claws that come out. If Fallon wants to keep her man and take the title she’ll have to exert a little dominance of her own.

Buy Links:

Kindle USA 

Kindle UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Moonlight-ebook/dp/B0098KSARS

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moonlight-katie-salidas/1112816866?ean=2940015468359

Excerpt  from Moonlight

Copyright © 2012 by Katie Salidas 

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book. 

Someone knocked on the door, a soft almost tapping sound. It was my turn to growl, only this time it was out of frustration. I wasn’t ready to end our moment.

“I’m busy.” Aiden shouted to the door.

“Sorry, boss.” Diana said. “Micah is here and the rest of the council are meeting in the conference room.”

“Bad timing,” I grumbled.

“We’ll have to continue this later.” Aiden’s shoulders sagged.

 “Do you want me to join you in council?”

“No. I need to give them the good news though. That should get them off my back. For now, you get that sexy ass into a shower and be ready for me to ravage you again later.” He stood and retrieved his boxers and pants.

“Is that all I am to you?” I joked as I sat up on the desk.  “Your little play thing.”

“No, that’s just one of the perks.” He stole one last kiss and headed for the door. “I won’t be long. I promise.”

“You better not.”

He walked out, passed Diana and headed down the hallway. She stood in the doorway and once Aiden had walked out of sight turned to me and sneered. I sat proudly on top of Aiden’s desk, naked from the waist down, and crossed my legs.

“You think you’re untouchable, don’t you?” Diana spat at me.

“You’re treading a very thin line, lady.”

“Tough words for a human. I could shred you right here.”

“So do it. What are you waiting for? Oh, right… Aiden would have your head for that.”

“Accidents happen.” An evil glint shone in her eye and a smile spread across her face.

I wasn’t going to let her scare me. I glared back at her.  “They do, don’t they? I’d feel terrible if my fist just accidentally found your face. Cut the crap. You don’t want me for an enemy.” As soon as I became Female Alpha, I planned to make her life hell.

“Why, because your fucking the boss?” She rolled her eyes. “Oh yes, I heard. Half the pack heard you. You’re quite the little slut, aren’t you? Just walking into the boss’s office and screwing him as loud as you can for all to hear. Bet you feel like you’re something hot, don’t you?”

I folded my arms in front of me.

“Lemme tell you a little secret. No one wants a human mating with the Alpha. The council won’t allow it, and I won’t stand for it.”

I smiled. “Well that’s just fine by me. I won’t remain a human for long.”

She scoffed. “Not everyone survives the transition. There are ways to swing the odds either way.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“Why? Are you scared?” She sashayed toward me. Her smug expression sent my blood boiling.

I gritted my teeth to stop me from saying anything else. I knew what she was doing, trying to get me to snap and she was dangerously close. I was no match for her yet, so I couldn’t challenge her to a fight, but once I transitioned, she would slowly and painfully eat every last word.

“I’m going to tell you one last time.” Her voice went deadly quiet.  “Leave Aiden and this pack… for your own safety.”

I couldn’t help the shiver of fear that threatened to reveal itself. I turned away hoping to keep it hidden and give off the vibe that she was not worth my attention. “Get it through your head. Aiden and I are already mates,” I said with as much conviction as I could muster.

“You’ll never be his true mate.”

Something slammed hard into the back of my head. Before I could register the pain the world went dark and I felt myself freefalling into nothingness.

A very big thanks to Fallon for joining me today!  You can follow her authoress, Katie Salidas at these links:
Facebook
http://www.katiesalidas.com/

Remember, leave a comment for Fallon to be entered to win her story!  Don't forget to stop back on Monday, when Bertena Varney, Vampire Professor will Ms. Verrico's guest.

Until next time,

Love and Dark Kisses,

Cedric MacKinnon

Your Host with the Most: Cedric MacKinnon

Blog Ring of Power Interviews

Starting tomorrow, I'll be featured in a series of interviews on my Servant of the Goddess tour, hosted by the Blog Ring of Power:



Part 1 @ www.terribruce.net - Wednesday, July 25th
Part 2 @ http://twfendley.com/ - Thursday, July 26th
Part 3 @ http://emlabonte.blogspot.com - Friday, July 27th
Part 4 @ http://ulbrichalmazan.blogspot.com - Monday, July 30th
Part 5 @ http://deanswritingtime.blogspot.com - Tuesday, July 31st


Please join us!

Sexy Cedric’s Tips for a Memorable Valentine’s Day

For some time, Cedric has been clamoring to take over the blog.  You can't keep the boy down, I guess.  Seeing that Valentine's Day is coming, I decided to let him "have a go", as he would say.  This is the first of his posts.  They will continue through Tuesday the 14th.  Then, he'll be blogging every Saturday. 

I’m often asked, Cedric, what is the secret to your success as a lover? Well, I’m not permitted to divulge all of the tantric secrets of an adept of the ancient arts (Immortyl courtesan), but I can share a few tidbits that will make your Valentine’s Day an erotic adventure.

1. Look and smell your very best! Now, I understand, that not everyone is gifted with my degree of fabulousness, but it never hurts to take a few extra moments to make yourself as attractive as possible and become a feast for the senses.  Personal hygiene should go without saying, but you’d be surprised how many ignore this fact. Everyone wants to shag a dirty boy, but no one wants a smelly one. This goes for the ladies as well. After a good shower, (showering together is always fun) use a nice moisturizing preparation to make the skin irresistible to touch. Depending on your lover’s preferences, deal with unwanted hair. You’d be surprised how shaving or waxing certain areas will win an enthusiastic response. Yes, gentlemen, I’m speaking to you as well. Less is more to a lot of us. That perfume or cologne that hasn’t been used since the first date might be once more utilized. Make sure you hair is just a little short of coiffed and isn’t stiff with product. It looks and feels more inviting to muss that way. Once both partners are nice and relaxed, they should don their most enticing attire. Ladies, you know what I mean, but a lot of your gentlemen don’t get it. A little fashion sense goes a long way.  Don’t forget that what goes underneath is especially important. If your partner still doesn’t comprehend, go shopping.  Surprise him with a gift of new duds, if you must.

2. Going out is fun, but I suggest staying in and having an intimate meal together. (The authoress will share her menu on Monday.) Of course, this boy prefers making reservations, but if one isn’t talented in the culinary sphere, there are take away options beyond MacDonald’s and pizza. Choose something light and exotic. No one feels sexy when stuffed like a Christmas turkey. Yet, do have a decadent dessert. I’ve a weakness for mousse au chocolat with whipped cream. You can do all sorts of fun things with it. Libations are important. Now, we vampires prefer ours mixed with warmed blood, (adepts of the ancient arts like me also use special herbs to enhance the experience) but mortals are less adventurous, so perhaps some good champagne or a special wine. It loosens the inhibitions and makes all parties more playful. If you don’t imbibe, have some lovely virgin cocktails. No comments about lovely virgins, please. Light the candles and use the best china and crystal. Set a little soft music to play. If you are musically talented, like yours truly, you can serenade your lover. Now is not the time for “All Along the Watchtower”, but a soothing love ballad. Not Barry Manilow if you can help it. Indulge in some stimulating conversation.  Concentrate on you lover's interests.  Playful banter is encouraged, not heavy-duty debate.  Gifts may be exchanged. Depending on the finances, these can range from a single rose to a diamond bracelet or sports car. Don’t call me unless it’s the latter.

3. The boudoir should be uncluttered and inviting. Fresh sheets are a must. We adepts of the ancient arts perfume the sheets, but that isn’t necessary. A lightly scented candle does as nicely, not the heavily perfumed variety sold at many shops. Those just make one gag, and this is not the night for gagging, if you get my drift. Undressing is a ritual that has great significance in my profession. You can strip for your partner, or let him or her do the honors. Just take it slow and make it an event. It’s time to show that lingerie or the fruits of those weeks you’ve spent in the gym. Have massage oils and lubricants at hand. Use them with abandon. Maybe share a juicy fantasy or read an erotic tale together.  Exotic dance can set the pulse higher, but do practice first. The aim is not to look like a reject from Dancing with the Stars. It’s time to play now. Hopefully, all participants are relaxed and uninhibited by this point. Too many lovers never bother to ask his or her partner about fantasies and preferences. It’s amazing how simply talking about these things can really light a fire. But be cautious, approach this with respect and taste. Don’t gross out or frighten your partner. This topic can be discussed in advance. As a courtesan, it was my business to find out as much as I could about the lover I’d be entertaining.  I'd approach his servants or question other courtesans prior to the encounter. With advance knowledge, one can plan enticements and obtain props if necessary. Think of lovemaking as mutual exploration and adult playtime. If all parties are comfortable, push the boundaries a little. This is a special night. I’m not going to write a sex manual here. There are many informative texts on the subject from the spiritual to the scientific. Educate yourself and your lover(s). You’ll be pleased with the results.

Here are some interesting links:
Text of The Kama Sutra
Tantric Sex
http://www.indiavacationpackages.com/erotic-sculptures/


My post schedule:
Sunday: Love Gods and Goddesses
Monday:  Courtesans
Tuesday: Prize giveaway of My Fearful Symmetry ebook, My Top Ten Most Shag-able Sci fi and Fantasy Characters, and an excerpt from my latest adventure, Servant of the Goddess!
Follow me on Facebook

Until next time!

Your Naughty Boy,

Cedric MacKinnon

I Talk vampire Tantra today with the Tart.

Whew!  Exhausting alliteration.  Stop by to read my interview by Hart the Tart at her blog Confessions of a Watery Tart.  I talk a lot about the research and world building I did for this book.

Cedric Speaks Week Two-Male Vampire Courtesan. You heard it here first.

Cedric speaks:

Potential flowed through my veins, and I liked it. 

My body wanted to test it out, to go outside, run as

fast as possible and climb up the sides of buildings like Spiderman.  This was absolutely mind-blowing.  Could Immortyls bend metal and leap tall buildings in a single bound and all that?  Cedric the super boy, I liked the sound of it.

Welcome to the irreverent mind of Cedric MacKinnon, hero of My Fearful Symmetry, Book Three of the Immortyl Revolution.  Having spent the better part of two years with the lad, I feel a know him a little.  Cedric was just one of those characters who demanded to be heard.  Not content to remain the love interest planned for a future novel, he spawned his own book, a religious order and an Immortyl art form.  He's quite naughty and more than a little vain.  Standing at a lean six three, with a mane of long auburn hair and jade green eyes, he looks good, he's talented and he has a wicked wit. 

The trouble is, the boy doesn't always make the best decisions.  

Cedric wants more than anything to be a rock star.  With that (and little else) on his mind, he leaves school at fifteen and runs away to London.  Needless to say, by age nineteen, he's living on the streets and finds that his dreams haven't quite come true in the way he wishes.  This is the point where his tale begins.  What a journey it is, from the streets of London to the chief elder's court in India.  It's a tale of intrigue, lust and betrayal.  This boy has certainly taken me on a wild ride, but as Cedric says, "It's what I do best."  So, I hope you'll join me in these next weeks as I count down to the June launch.  I'll have many more tidbits to share about my naughty vampire boy.

Please leave a comment to be entered in a drawing to win a Cara Mia t-shirt!  I'll be running a month-long contest in June for more prizes.  Keep checking back for details.

Love and dark kisses,

Denise