Shelli Stevens, Interview by Michelle M. Pillow (Originally published in Paranormal Underground Magazine)

Shelli Stevens, Interview
By Michelle M. Pillow, www.michellepillow.com

Multi-genre author Shelli Stevens might not have been abducted by aliens or raised by a shifter clan, but that doesn’t stop her from creating imaginative paranormal worlds. I had the opportunity to talk with Shelli about her latest erotic paranormal offering, Sexy Beast VII where she delves into a world of were-jaguars to discover what it is that inspires her.

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Q: In your book, His to Reclaim from Sexy Beast VII, you delve into the world of shifters. What inspired you to write about this?

Shelli:Well all stories in the Sexy Beast books need to be paranormal. Kate Douglas is in each book in the series with her popular Chanku stories. I was thrilled to be invited to write a story for the Sexy Beast anthology, and it was a great experience for me to plot out this fun capture and reclaiming story, and delve into the world of shifters.

Q: When world building, did you base your story off of known myths throughout history?

Shelli:I really don’t base my shifters on legends or other ‘rules’ from other shifter books, those just make me feel boxed in. I try and just have fun and make up my own world and my own rules.

Q: Why do you think readers, and society in general, are fascinated by the paranormal?

Shelli:I think because it’s the unknown and the fantasy aspect. Authors/Movies humanize these paranormal characters and make us care and become even more drawn to them.

Q: What are your favorite paranormal shows, movies and books?

Shelli:I love A Haunting on the Discovery channel, and have to confess I do like the Twilight series *wince* Well, until the last couple books. She lost me there.

Q: Do you believe in the supernatural?

Shelli: I do believe. Definitely with the paranormal ghost/haunting aspects. Other stuff…not so much. But it’s fascinating to imagine. Hence the escapism of reading it in a book or seeing it in a movie.

Q: Have you ever had a paranormal experience?

Shelli:Possibly. On the haunted tour in D.C. last summer, our group was at the last house that was not occupied. Totally creepy, fantastic house with so much history. And as the guide was talking about it, the lights inside flickered. Even he was surprised.

Q: How would you react if you came face to face with a paranormal creature?

Shelli:I’d probably freak out for a few minutes, then interview the heck out of it.

Q: Have you ever been abducted by aliens?

Shelli:Sigh. No. How boring am I?

Thanks for joining us, Shelli!

You can learn more about Shelli and her books at her website, www.shellistevens.com. Sexy Beast VII is currently at all major bookstores.Interview by Michelle M. Pillow, www.michellepillow.com