Featured Interview With Clarissa Johal
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Clarissa Johal is the author of paranormal novels, THE ISLAND, VOICES, STRUCK, and BETWEEN. When she’s not listening to the ghosts in her head, she’s swinging from a trapeze, or taking pictures of gargoyles. She shares her life with her husband, two daughters, and every stray animal that darkens their doorstep.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Writing has been a journey! Ever since I was old enough to hold a pencil, I’ve always loved reading and writing stories. In high school, I studied acting and dance, and won a scholarship for a play I wrote, directed and acted in. With that scholarship, I pursued a degree in English Literature with no plans how to utilize it. I took so many classes in anthropology “for fun” I ended up with a minor in anthropology! With the anthropology minor, I took on a job working in the kennels of a veterinary hospital. That turned into veterinary assistant job, and eventually, into a career as a veterinary technician and volunteer zookeeper aide. Once my daughter was born, I quit the veterinary hospital, and started writing full-time. I guess you could say everything came full-circle! My writing career took off and I couldn’t be happier.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I really like Neil Gaiman, Robert Holdstock, Gerald Brom, Graham Joyce, Amanda Stevens, Simone St. James, Keith Donohue, and Melissa Marr.
In addition to these authors, I read a LOT of world mythology and folktales. They offer quite a bit of inspiration!
Tell us a little about your latest book?
A book will generally take me about a year to write. My latest release THE ISLAND is #1 Best Seller in supernatural horror on Amazon UK and Amazon Canada, which is really exciting! I’ll leave you with the blurb for that one, and a sneak peek at my upcoming re-release (STRUCK) and spin-off book (POPPY). Enjoy!
THE ISLAND
Exploring a remote island can get you into trouble.
Especially when you stumble upon a cave and awaken two demons.
Rumors and superstition.
That’s what Emma thinks about local gossip concerning her grandmother’s “cursed” private island. Emma journeys to the island to ready it for sale. While out exploring, she unearths a hidden cave–a cave which holds answers to the island’s dark past.
There may be more to the rumors than she thought.
STRUCK
Struck by lightning…claimed by shadows.
Caught in a terrible storm, Gwynneth is struck by lightning. She wakes in the hospital with a vague memory of a mysterious stranger. Following her release, the stranger visits her at will and offers Gwynneth a gift—one that will stay the hands of death. Gwynneth is uncertain whether Julian is a savior or something sinister… for as he shares more and more of this gift, his price becomes more and more deadly.
POPPY
A red-headed, pink-loving mortician who speaks to the dead.
A socially awkward funeral director.
Poppy and Dante from STRUCK are back.
Something is lingering around Skyview Funeral Home–and it’s stealing souls of the departed. With Dante in tow, Poppy is determined to put a stop to it. Will she be able to protect those who are trying to cross over? Or will her soul be next?
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