Hi, thanks so much for having me today!
What genre(s) do you write in and why?
I write within the paranormal, urban fantasy, and contemporary romance genres. Paranormal romance is one of my favorites to both read and write in because it allows me to explore the unknown, and make the impossible, possible. I love world building and taking readers on a journey that is magical and spellbinding.
Tell us about your current series.
The Royal Protector Academy Trilogy is a spin-off of my best selling Revelation Series. It follows Serena St. Michael and Tristan Gallagher on their journey of epic love and follow’s their story as they struggle to try find their own place and step out of their parent’s shadows.
What inspired your latest book?
Vernal is the first book within the trilogy to release and really, the readers inspired this book series. I was receiving a lot of requests to continue with The Revelation Series and after five books, I just felt like that part of the story had ended the way it was meant to. RPA evolved from the readers asking for more and allowed me to write something new and fresh.
What is your next project and when will it be released?
I’m currently working on the Dark Soul Series, which is about an ancient demon legend. It follows Prince Stolas (the Prince of Hell), a.k.a. Stone and Hope (an oracle). It’s a demon-focused paranormal romance trilogy so we tend to refer to it as the Demon’s Den. It will be releasing late Fall 2016/Early Winter.
What is your typical day like?
I don’t have one (laughs). Without doubt, it always starts with coffee and ends with a glass of wine!
What advice do you have for other authors wanting to self-publish?
Wow, this is tough. My advice is to write what you’d love to read. If you love it, then that will show in your words and story. It’s not an easy journey, but it’s worth taking.
What is your favorite dessert/food?
My favorite food is nachos. Is that a food? I guess it’s technically an appetizer, but if done correctly, can be a well-balanced meal.
What genres are you drawn to as a reader?
I love anything that is contemporary romance and/or paranormal romance.
Do you prefer to read in the same genres you write in or do you avoid reading that genre? Why?
I try not to read in the same genre I write in. It’s a conscience decision so that I don’t ever accidentally pick-up a storyline or plot point. When I write paranormal, I’ll only read contemporary and vice versa. I think it also helps keep my head clear to explore my world building and by avoiding my writing genre, it doesn’t muddy the brain waves.
Thanks so much for having me today!
EXCERPT
PROLOGUE
SERENA
With the spring come new beginnings.
Twenty years ago, amid the serenity of a winter snowfall, I was born into the London clan—a royal family of gargoyle protectors that for centuries has devotedly safeguarded mankind against evil.
There are many who would say it is a great honor and privilege to be Serena Elizabeth Vivian St. Michael, daughter of Abigail and Callan, princess and sole heir to the crown of the revered gargoyle protector race. My clan has fought darkness, overcome betrayals, restored balance, prevented a war, and solidified an honored place among the supernatural and divine worlds—all because the London clan of gargoyles carries a highly sought-after protector lineage: the dragon spirit.
Before my birth, my uncle, Asher St. Michael, the king of our race, was assigned to protect a human named Eve Collins. She was created as a divine secret. The only one of her kind, Eve was born of a non-fallen angel and human. To ensure her safety, the archangel Michael, her father, promised the Angelic Council that her continued existence would guarantee Heaven’s gates were safe from Hell’s dark army.
As a precaution, Michael designed the divination of redemption, preordaining the souls of the daughter of light and prince of dark to join together; their sacrifice—love. In the end, their love conquered all, preventing another war between Heaven and Hell, and solidifying the connection between the dragon and the divine spirit for centuries to come, thus guaranteeing our race’s existence.
As romantic as my aunt and uncle’s tale may seem, growing up in the shadow of their epic fairy tale was never easy, and as the only child produced from any of the London clan’s three couples, I have been bestowed the great honor of being next in line to the throne—an obligation I’m not interested in fulfilling. Alas, my oaths of duty, honor, and protection bind me to heed my vocation. As a protector, free will doesn’t exist. Our lives are not our own. We were created only to protect.
My world is not filled with happily ever after. It’s full of realism, treachery, and falsehoods.
The expectations that come with being a gargoyle born into the royal St. Michael family, and the London clan, are a heavy burden to carry. Those expectations chain me to vows, which are impossible to ignore.
But I am not them.
Their legend is not my ending.
This is my story. My beginning.
I am the next chapter of the London clan protector legacy.
My future was etched in stone until the day Tristan Gallagher swooped in, with his dark past and guarded secrets. The moment we met, I fell under his spell. It was a fatal mistake forcing us to choose between our hearts and bloodlines, trying to pull us apart with oaths and obligations.
Our love will ignite an ancient war.
Our pasts will collide with the present.
And one lie will destroy it all.
Welcome to the Royal Protector Academy.
URL:
Buy Links:
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vernal-randi-cooley-wilson/1123441022?ean=2940152864090
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/vernal-royal-protector-academy/id1085522068?mt=11
Brief Story Synopsis: Vernal, A Royal Protector Academy Novel by Randi Cooley Wilson
Serena has a bright future etched in stone.
Tristan has a dark past that haunts him.
Together, they have a love that can never be.
Sheltered, and unable to escape her bloodline, Serena St. Michael has spent the last two years training at the Royal Protector Academy. Struggling with a dark past, Tristan Gallagher’s current assignment is to protect a lifetime of secrets. One chance encounter will change everything. Serena must decide if she will follow her heart, forsaking all she’s ever known and risking a future worse than non-existence. Tristan will break every rule to save Serena, even if he can’t keep her. In their world of darkness, one love will ignite an ancient war. When pasts collide with the present, and secrets are revealed, will love be enough? Or will one lie destroy it all?
When you’ve hidden behind a mask for so long, would you reveal yourself for love? Vernal, the first novel in The Royal Protector Academy series is a dangerously exciting and darkly romantic tale that will take your breath away.
Author Bio:
Randi Cooley Wilson is a bestselling author of paranormal, urban fantasy, and contemporary romance books. Randi was born and raised in Massachusetts where she attended Bridgewater State University and graduated with a degree in Communication Studies. After graduation she moved to California where she lived happily bathed in sunshine and warm weather for fifteen years. Randi makes stuff up, devours romance books, drinks lots of wine and coffee, and has a slight addiction to bracelets. She currently resides in Massachusetts with her daughter and husband. Randi loves to hear from readers, you can reach out to her via social media:
Twitter: R_CooleyWilson
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorrandicooleywilson
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/RCooleyWilson
Rafflcopter Giveaway – GP $25 Amazon GC & Vernal ebook- 2 first place Verbal ebook